Stone. This was the best word to describe his reaction to the information discussed between this unexpected visitor and his lovely business partner, while it initially would have seemed that Han arrived at the right time to deliver a worthy display of the advancements made by the merging companies, the statement in itself would have proved to become untrue in its entirety, it would seem that
this visitor had stolen the entry for himself. He spoke ambitiously and rather ambiguous. While he knew there was an endgame to this conversation for Stephania, what were the goals of this gentleman in their presence. Han'ei' glasses were currently recording the entire event with the help of his personal A.I., D.O.M. helming and sorting the information onto a private server utilized by Han and his closest three personal assistants and bodyguards. He didn't have to speak in order for D.O.M. to gather, record and file away any vital information spoken in this meeting. From the minute he stepped through the threshold that housed the Seamstress. After his demonstration of the newly crafted devices, he listened intently on the conversation between the two, and specifically the words spoken from the other
"male" in the room. Taking In all of his mannerisms, way of speaking, especially his temperament; he found his attitude to not resemble most self-involved humans. He remained quiet and allowed the two to speak.
"Señorita Stephania, you and your ilk are like babies before the eyes of such entities, Hollow, Quincy, and Shinigami that is. The Hollows you lot purge are probably three times your age, yet with all that time they have accumulated they are snuffed out by beings who barely have a grasp on their powers. It happens so, so, so often. These bombs and comunicadores are great inventions, but they mean nothing before a great hunter. You toss your masking bomb only for it to be ignored because the being giving chase has superior sensory abilities. You gather information with the other device to properly access the situation and respond properly, yet what you believe to be accurate data is thrown off when the being shows a new level of unrecorded power or ability."
Han quickly became intrigued, but surely had his own questions as to what he
really meant. Converging forces of spiritual energy nearing the building was near instantaneously snuffed out like a dying wick on a candlestick. He needn't turn his head to discover their individual disappearances, he knew whose work this was. And it was as seamless as her moniker implies. The conversation waged on without interruption, it would appear as though Stephania wasn't in the least bit threatened. As a safe measure, he called on his bodyguards silently with a single button press on his cellphone, feigned as checking his messages.
"Given how you are treated with respect by these two individuals and how humans flocked to you out there, I can understand you are a person of importance. Having your own room at the top of this massive tower tells me you are of great prestige, a leader perhaps? If so you must know what power is then, yes?"
An eyebrow raised at the obviously rhetorical statement, posed as a question.
Humans. The way in which it was said, the way he, just, spat the word. Confirmed the suspicions and doubts he had about this
creatures intentions. If he himself didn't share any physiological similarities with them, then the next question of importance was
who or
what he did truly resemble. With this discovery, Han was sure that the answer to that question would soon be answered.
"Quite perceptive, Señor Maximiliano. It's clear that where you're from, the culture is quite... different. I do not take offense if you have not heard of me or my label. But to answer your question, yes, I do. In my world, fame, class, and money are what give you power." She smiles.
"Most people don't obtain the type of comfort the truly powerful live in ever in their short lives."
With that emerging grin, he could only imagine the amount of pistons firing as Stephania's business oriented brain allowed for not only quick conjuring of business plans, but to also further the research and development of the ongoing and current machinations currently in place with the collaboration of both companies. Taking her wandering glance to the others in the room, he included, she gave a brief summary of how her influence extends to the rest of the Living world. A massive following amassed through sheer willpower and vision planning. While also, quite literally, tugging on the right threads to get there.
"Understand Señorita Stephania, I mean no disrespect when I say this, but you only think you know power. But now you know me. A Hollow has lent its ear to you and heard the plight you face here in the living world. Your kind are like distant cousins, birthed from interactions with Hollows and as such your powers are closely related to our kind. Your words have not fallen onto the ears of a mere messenger, no, they have fallen onto the ears of the God of Hollows himself."
It was at the hearing of ‘God of Hollows’ was the point when Han immediately placed himself into battle mode. Instantly regrowing his shield back to its regular proportionate size upon his back, and whisking it off from his torso seamlessly onto the arm straps of his equipment, ready to throw and throw down a fight if necessary, all that was left was to enter a stance of battle, however, the previous actions in themselves were enough to display that should the hollow make any move, no matter how deadly, he would be ready to war. The words he has spoken so far, he had little reason to doubt him or his lineage to the alabaster-faced demons that preyed on the weak souls that littered the streets of Naruki and Karakura alike. Awaiting a subtle signal from Stephania should she feel as though her own life was in danger was all he needed, serving as not only her close business partner, but he also took it upon himself that should he be in her presence, the preservation of her life would have been paramount to even his very own. The lack of movement and signals of that nature were all he needed to know that she did not feel threatened but after eyeing her mannerisms as well as the grin that still existed across her face, he wondered truly what was running through her head.
After the metamorphosis of their new and apparently regal guest, he displayed his true appearance upon finding that he was now seemingly among new allies. Revealing himself in his true form, a body as pale and white as the hollows that served him, with hair as dark as the night that Hansha represents, but covered in a ceremonial like wrapping which he was sure at this point in time, given the strength of this creature and the radiating spiritual energy that seemed to ominously flow along with his supposed transformation. However, aside from the hollows…scandalous style of dress, Han couldn’t help but notice the piercing red eyes that the man bore. Something that never stood out until he saw for himself, a look from the very devil that brought all the bad into this somewhat good world. The proprietor of all the evil, and the one thing that hollows any and everywhere feared the most. Their God. Their King. Intently waiting on the remaining words he had left to speak, he could see Steph grow restless with the newfound news. It was assuredly information that they certainly did not look to be privy to when they woke up this morning to perform their daily activities. No. This was better. And apparently, Maximilliano thought as much too.
"Primos (Cousins) I personally welcome you to make a home in the sands of Hueco Mundo. We can have a home built for you in no time, one that triumphs over this paltry tower you call home. You can be as close or as far from Las Noches as you wish and we shall teach you how to use Descorrer to go to and from Hueco Mundo at your own discretion. Now you need not fear a boxed in death from your foes and as a bonus you have an endless supply of Hollows to lead unsuspecting women to. Ah, I guess I should let the Arrancar and other Hollows know you and your group are off limits from eating and killing haha!"
”Is this man actually serious right now? Just like that, we have access to Huec--” instantly his train of thought was ruined by two things, the first being a vibration from his cell phone, then an adjoining notification pops up on the HUD of his glasses signifying that it originated from one of his three guards. They had arrived at the building much faster than anticipated. But the services that they were called for seemed to not be needed for the time being. The second interruption was Stephania herself who appeared to be getting excited and entering a familiar frenzy, especially with the news of dimensional travel. After catching her initial thoughts, she finally replied.
"H-Ha…”
"HAHA!”
"HAHA HAHA HAHA!!!”
Her face still caught in a sinister but pleased grin, there could be no telling what her thought process was now.
"You cannot be serious! Surely this is a prank or some sort of trap?! I don't mean to offend, as you don't strike me a dishonest man, but this is so sudden and simply too fantastic an offer. And from my own experience, no one gives so generously without expecting something in return. While I'm inclined to accept, me and those who choose to continue by my side, will have to know what exactly it is the ruler of Hueco Mundo asks in return for this bountiful offer."
With a sly glance, she indicated to Han that no matter the request, the cost or the threat, she intended on solidifying this deal with the so-called God. Needless to say, this was the breakthrough that they have been needing for their future plans, and to also expand the business that is constantly growing between the two. Similarly, he had reason to believe that things between the multiple races have been quiet for too long, and as a seasoned war vet there was only one thing that frightened him about the quiet. The one event that could even remotely place any form of fear into this man's heart, was the storm that came after the silence. This
”feeling-out” period between the races was coming to an end, something he could feel coming for the last decade. It would be important to not only their interests but as well as to their very survival as a race of Fullbringers to join forces with their more under-evolved brethren, looking to learn from one another and hopefully, fight alongside one another in order to survive the wars that are sure to come. It was all about a matter of remaining ready and able to fight.
With the knowing glance exchanged between the two, as the God-King and the Seamstress continued their conversation, he signaled for his three men to join him in the office or outside of it, seeing as how this was well and above their pay grade to begin making preparations to cross over into a world unknown to them.
For now. Within minutes, they would have bypassed the security protocols set by none other than yours truly and been escorted to the elevator that would allow them to come close to the office they all inhabited.
"I accept. I would be an utter fool to pass up this golden opportunity you have presented, Maximiliano. Not to mention, it appears that we already share a common enemy through no fault of our own." a response that came no surprise to Han, as he texted away on his phone to his top researchers and board members who were privy to his spiritual world dealings and delegations. Soon, the God-King chimed in once more.
“Indeed, the Shinigami are a common enemy, but so are the Quincy. A brief history lesson for you, the Quincy once enslaved Arrancar and forced them to forsake their identities, forcing them to give up everything they are, even their race. In the end Arrancar were calling themselves Quincy just to avoid being killed, but, in the end, they killed them anyway. Culled our numbers so harshly that the balance of souls was tipped. I’m not sure if you humans have experienced anything like that but it is a history that angers me and I will set things right.” a piece of history he can identify with, given his difference in skin tone. Han could sympathize with the things that he spoke of in this moment, to be brandished and culled from existence for merely being different in such a minor way. The issue was more macro for the hollows but the empathy still remained for them. Although, for the time being, his stance on hollows still remained the same. "
I don't know who this is, nor what his goals are, but as you and I both witnessed earlier today, he is clearly a threat. I can say with high certainty that he is a fullbringer. This display of power is synonymous with a clad type. As it can't possibly be a zanpakuto ability, nor can it be a quincy ability." after pausing to quench her parched throat with the lukewarm cup of coffee that sat on her desk, she turned her attention to her left-hand, offering words of advice as to how to further solidify their advancements and to mitigate any interference for the time being. At that same moment, the men from downstairs were escorted in by the assistant of the brand, saying nothing to no one and directing their attention all on their CEO. Dressed the same as before, expensive suits varying in different shades of gray and black, but one bore a suitcase, the purpose of which Han only was privy to.
"Han, I believe you will have the best chance at getting through to him. To help with our operations in Naruki, or even out in Karakura. I strongly advise against informing him of our newest alliance, due to him seeming more preoccupied with helping civilians. There's no telling how he will react to our future dealings.". He simply nodded as his lead assistant leaned into him and whispered something in his ear, brief but held boundless information, he turned to Stephania and gave his opinion on the current task at hand.
”Understood. However, given that we have found a new, benefactor, I don't think that man in white will be an issue any longer. I have word that he is currently in a standoff with the Shinigami in the area responding to the sudden appearance of the hollows. My men have been combating them for the past bit of the afternoon and came across them on their way here. I have no intentions of alerting this man about any plans we have going forward. I think it would be best to leave him at the mercy of the governing body of the Soul Society for now as we advance our operations towards Hueco Mundo, and learn this ability called, excuse me, my spanish is a little rusty. Descorrer? If it would be too much to ask, Steph. Shall I go alone to Hueco Mundo to scope out the area and spearhead the task of establishing a base of operations there? I'd also like to determine the level of safety we’ll have from our guests…’subjects’.” turning to the God-King now, looking him in those same red eyes that gave him displeasure, he surely felt different about what they represent now, but it had yet to remain if they represented salvation, or devastation.
“I think we’d rest easier knowing that this was as safe a place as you claim, and I’d like to be the first emissary to seek out the truth behind that myself. If you would allow me passage to Hueco Mundo as a gesture of good faith in our newfound partnership, then Im’m sure we’d be more than willing to co-operate further as this new relationship begins. Wouldn’t you say so, King of the Hollows? After all, if there isn’t any trust, we will have nothing at all for when the fight really comes to our doorstep.”
Allowing for his business acumen to flourish alongside his thirteen years of combat and security experience. He wanted to assure not only himself, but the people who depended on him to make sure that there would always be work to go to. While he sees the opportunity for this venture to succeed beyond any form of expectation, he can also envision it to go as sourly as it could possibly get should both sides not remain on the same page. He only meant to turn the page when he felt that he’d be turning to a new chapter, and not the ending of the entire book.
