A thirst for blood from the realms of gods.

Overcast days were awfully underrated, no? There was a certain charm to be had when the glaring flare of the sun was blocked away by the wall of grey skies in the heavens. After all, sunny days were a common commodity, while these precious gems of clouded days were not. This scarcity was much like the rarity of strength that the likes of The Demon Queen possessed. Out of the tens of billions of demos that existed throughout the multi-verse? The Lone Asthavon stood at the top as the strongest and most influential. With a single wave of her hand The Fair Lady could commence the end of cities, or the beginning of new empires. That was just how far of a reach The Demoness had.

So, upon this throne, there were not many who posed an absolute threat to The Queen. Therefore, what reason was there to worry about her Palace's defenses? While there were still radicals whom opposed her rule, the majority were content with what she had established for them. The initial takeovers were gruff, sure, but the long-term benefits more than outweighed the short-term destruction.

After all, who couldn't be bought and sold with the payment of living like a god? The wealth within most European countries Shadow Fall had influenced were through the rough. They skyrocketed and reached the point of being in a class above First-World status. People were free to live their lives as they chose; so long as it did not impede the rule of The Queen. She brought power, riches and wonders that made most under her rule well taken care of.

And even for those who didn't agree with how she set things up? Well, they were given their own special zones to live in. There were districts where people could live in their own fantasized bubbles, while other habitable zones were tethered more to reality. One could say that Mana's Regime had a little bit of something for everyone to chew off of, enjoy and the favors were being tossed around all parties. Mana attained her power, the nations under her rule gained otherworldly status and everyone was thrilled.

What could wrong, right?

Not much COULD go wrong in The Queen's mind.

So, it all brings us to the point of The Solo-Arrancar's entrance to The Royal Asthavon's Lair. There was no massive security check, no sign of a colossal army or any sort of detection that their defenses were being put into motion. It was already established that if things went south, the powers of The Demoness would see to it that the threat was neutralized. Thus, while The Mad Scientist power was great, she was in the Den of Lion's and at their mercy in a sense.

Alas, though, there was no need for such worrisome thoughts, either. After all, so long as the sweet little ball of fluff wasn't here to pick a fight, The Queen of Queen's was more than ready to put on a show, give an act and entertain her. It had been awhile since anyone struck up the nerve to show their face at this compound, so things were sure to be amusing for both parties on this fair day!

When The Ex-Espada placed her hand on the door and called out for The Queen -- something magical happened. You see, one could say that this entire compound was under the beck and call of The Empress. Therefore, on her will's request, the depths of Castle started to suck in The Arrancar. A non-malicious force of wind forged itself around the Hollow's body and sought to push her into the door. Should this action go through as completed? This event would lead to Suzu being hurled into a black void.

Through the shadows calming hold, it would feel as if she was flung throughout the vast nothingness of space. Everything was silent, weightless and empty. At least for the first few seconds, anyway. Then, like an accelerating ramp, The Lone Researcher would find herself reaching an emerald green light.

Closer and closer, this radiating glow grew nearer until Suzu was consumed by it! Like a blinding flash of lightning, the blackness of the night cleared and she was now within the depths of The Queen's private manor. A look to the ceiling unveiled a white mist; although shackles of chains hung from out of the foggy abyss. While a glance to the floor showcased nothing a dull green and white tile all throughout the room that seemed to expand endlessly. All throughout the walls of the private room were stained glass windows; the likes of which could be comparable to those seen in a church, but with green, black and white colors.

These features of the royal place all spiraled onward until it would lead to a gathering towards the center of the space. In this middle-point? The Queen hovered over a pit of raven hued liquid while sitting in the lotus position. This bizarre fluid oozed over a murky-mist that was chalk-full of maddening energy, but not quite as potent as the green miasma generating from The Reagle Demon's own body.

Focusing in closer to The Royal's body would uncover that she was indeed in quite the casual setting. The Empress of Demon Kind only wore a simple, but tattered black dress that was sleeveless in nature and flowed down to her knees. Across her neck? A single, battered onyx shaded scarf covered her collar. On both of the Hell Maiden's wrist? Two black rings encompassed them and emanated a wicked nasty energy. And much of the same type of power could be felt pulsating across a crimson red amulet seen hanging across The Queen's chest.

Although, if it wasn't already cemented by this point, many abnormal signatures of energy could be sensed within and around The Demoness.. So perhaps, it was special, maybe it wasn't. As one ventured further down her body, they'd find the final piece of her attire would be a pair of open-toed boots that had three inch heels with two white straps on the sides. The likes of which exposed the Queen's shadow colored toenails.


And much like the darkness of her nails, the overflowing hair that The Empress had was just as black. While the protruding horns that stood out of her skull were just as blackened. Making the pale white skin of the Demoness quite the contrast to be had. As she opened her eyes and turned around to The Arrancar, the gem green eyes of the relaxed ruler placed their stare upon Suzu's very soul.

It had been quite some time since these two met face to face. The last bits of memories The Demoness recalled of her was around the time she resigned from being the former Trecea Espada of Shadow Fall. So, a slight smirk crept across the wicked demon's face as she observed The Hollow within her lair.

"My, my. It's been quite some time since we've spoken, no?"

Speaking ever-so softly, Mana's voice echoed across the four walls of this compound and it seemed as mischievous as ever. Although, it was all in good fun on her end, anyway.

"You've got my entertainment, babe. Now, pitch to me why ya' are here."

With a bit of Texan tang intermixed into her tone, The Queen snapped her fingers and put her wicked magic to use. In a matter of seconds, a banquet of food assorted itself across a white table. It seemed to stretch for as long as a city block, had a black cloth on it and plates filled with some of the finest human meat the prisons of Guantanamo Bay could offer.

"Oh, and have a treat on the house. Get comfortable, make yourself at home and welcome to my humble little home, S'ugah."

Well, wasn't she just a pretty little doll?

That was the first line of thought which entered into the mind of Mana as she observed the curtsy that Suzu gave her. It was a rather "cute" gesture, and one which would be rewarded with a cusp her chin, a smile back from the Demon Queen and a gentle pat bestowed upon her head. And, in giving that gentle tap, she would be so "blessed" by the Queen and a small emerald hue of energy would radiate from Suzu because of this marking.

"Time is a lucid mistress, isn't it dear? If I wasn't busy keeping track of time, I'd almost think it wasn't only yesterday since we last spoke with one another."

Which, ultimately, was a true statement from The Demoness. The older she grew, the less her grip on time became. Perhaps it was the vortex of madness within herself that was rotting her mind, but days seemed to blend into one another until the years themselves were going by in blurs. It was a wonder she hadn't entirely cracked, but she wasn't one to be broke by her powers. That's apart of the reason why she was the Queen of Demons, after all.

And, as a Queen, she did hold the power to pardon the mishaps of others, did she not? Of course she did, silly. So, as Suzu seemed distraught about her sudden appearance, Mana shook her hand and waved away the crimes with but a simple whim.

"Come now, darlin'. Don't worry your sweet little head about such trivial matters. I'll give ya pardon, s'ugah."

There would almost be a sickening cackle given as her foul aura began to exude and twist shadows from about her being and around the room the two occupied. The wickedness of her energy was bleeding out to the world and she almost couldn't control it. It was a wonder why she was in such a meditative state prior to this adorable little Arrancar venturing forth into her lair. With her being the epitome of demonic incarnation, it took a fair bit of might to keep a grip on such an abstract, loose and mighty power.

So, to further take her eyes away from that daunting task, The Demoness would set her emerald gaze upon the hole in Suzu's hand and listen in about the research the Arrancar underwent. From what she was able to divulge, there was an opportunity to perhaps attain something decent for Shadow Fall to further their own resources. Thus, when her story was finished, The Queen became quite interested in it and wanted to fund that little project.

Apparently, the little munchkin wanted a bite of vampire blood, and it appeared that ol' Mana was the only one with the keys to that dream. Thus, the role as negotiator was held in the hands of The Queen and she'd certainly take such sweet advantage of it.

Of course, this ol' Asthavon had no desire to harm someone whom was so loyal to her, but she certainly was a greedy one and was always thriving off of opportunities wherever they presented themselves. It's why she was such a powerful force to be trifled with. And this would just be another chance to further that grip.

"My oh my~ You are in quite the pickle, aren't ya, Hun? Well, worry not. I've got the remedy to ya' problem right here."

There was a pulsation of desire which bled from the mind of the Asthavon. This mental command pulled on the chains of summoning within the heart of Demon World. And, from this pull, an object was cast and brought to life before them. As, deep within her vault of royal treasures, there was indeed a bottle of vampiric blood which was most certainly preserved by Demonic Kings and Queens of years past.

And, while this vessel was filled with blackened glass, the essence of this vampire blood glowed and shined with a brilliant shade of crimson that made it visible; even despite the shaded hues of the container it was held in. So, as it hovered into the palm of Mana, The Asthavon could only give a sly smirk, exit out a chuckle and ask this question:

"But, what can you offer me, Sweetie? This is quite the rare stuff, and I'd certainly like to attain something in exchange for our loving trade."

With a wink of the eye, Mana would then cusp the chin of Suzu and observe her:

"Perhaps you could be an unspoken ally? I could always use a helping hand within our lovely little organization."

Then, with her other hand, Mana would rub the cheek of the Arrancar and chuckle once more:

"What do ya say? What do ya want to do? I'm all ears to suggestions and deals, s'ugah~"

Tender, tender skin. That was one of the initial reactions that The Queen of Demon's had when her pale hand caressed the soft touch of Suzu's skin. Most Arrancar were known for their rigid and stiff Hierro flesh, but it served to prove just how much of a rarity and value that the scientist was even in the slightest of actions and interactions. How wondrous~! The Wicked Witch simply HAD to comment on it as she echoed out an entertained chuckle.

"My, oh, my~ S'ugah, ya' skin is as soft as silk. I can do this all day and never get tired."

With another fondling of the face, the Queen of Demon's sought to back up her words that groping reaction. Though, as great as it was to indulge in a bit of frisky petting, it was more urgent to her to listen in and hear the single phrase needed: "loyalty". Of course Suzu didn't exactly utter it out as that, but The Demoness could see through it quite well and gave a breezy smile once that element of trust was forged upon their deal.

"Darlin', there is nothing you need to give me but your devotion to our alliance. All I seek is to make "friends", hahaha, and have you among one of our allies. So you can keep your land, but be a dear and take this~"

With but a roll of the wrist, a scroll forged in shadows came from the darkness around them and hovered to the side of The Arrancar. After a few moments, a fluffy little green pen rested on Suzu's shoulder and she was intended to take this tool to write up a contract of sorts.

"All ya' need to do is sign on the dotted line and I'll have ya work alongside our research department. This can be under-the-table, or I can make ya' shine like a star and let the whole world know. Choice is yours, s'ugah~"

Once Mana was finished with her jive little speech, The Demoness would then snap her fingers and have the page come to light with green text. It would instruct Zetsurin of the position available in the Third Circle of Shadow Fall, what the duties were described as and if she wanted to remain anonymous or have her identify fully disclosed upon joining. In exchange, The Arrancar could have all the vampiric DNA she could ever desire. For, in her vault of treasures, there were more secrets to this long dead race than just a wee bit of blood.

(As an OOC note, here is the listings of Shadow Fall. It should describe what the third circle of Shadow Fall does and it's open positions:

https://www.platinumhearts.net/t7660-shadow-fall-the-unholy-union-rebirth-demon-arrancar-espada )

The only thing holding Suzu back from that was her own willingness to work with The Demon Queen. So, the question was: could The Arrancar go through and make this lovely demonic contract? Or, would she opt out of it and decline the offer? There was nothing but riches to gain in the former, but absolutely nothing to gain in the alternative. So only a fool would reject such a generous offer such as this for just little bit of loyalty in return.