Pseudo Familiarity [Private: Shuten/Lerna]

The Suika had heard a few rumors of a woman who looked like a certain ex-lieutenant of the first division; one who was now retired, and wholly removed and basically broken up with Shuten, up in the zero division. Suffice to say… rumors, even if they were unfounded, even if they may be false… Well, curiosity killed the cat. Even if Shuten was still trying to get over Magnolia’s sudden decision to retire, and her acceptance up to zero division, the Suika still couldn’t help but be curious about a woman who was rumored to look almost exactly like Shuten’s ex.

This led to Shuten visiting the apparent source of said rumors, and ones that were confirmed by a few squad members, the division 7 barracks. Whoever this woman was, Shuten couldn’t help but be curious. Of all things, of all people, it was Magnolia the woman looked like. It was frustrating, but Shuten’s curiosity got the best of her. Which was why Shuten began to wander around the barracks, asking around for a blonde haired woman; so that she may find this apparent look alike swiftly.

After all… Shuten was dying to see Magnolia in some part of her being. Perhaps this would bring her some modicum of closure, or perhaps not. Regardless of the situation with her own feelings, her own troubles, curiosity was at the forefront; and this was likely for the best. Someone who was not Magnolia, who wasn’t Shuten herself, couldn’t give her the closure she needed. No… she needed to find it herself. With time. For now, however, it was time to meet what Shuten knew would be quite the hot blonde; assuming she really was Magnolia's twin.

Perhaps these two women were simply two peas in a pod. It was an interesting prospect, if either figured the issues of the other. However, that was if either did. That didn’t stop Shuten from entering the supposed room of this Magnolia lookalike; which she had learned her name beforehand from a young-looking Shinigami. Lerna… Not even remotely similar to Magnolia in name, but certainly in appearance. As Shuten stepped into the room, quietly shutting whatever door there may be behind herself, the Suika stared at the woman before her; seemingly meditating. She looked… almost exactly like Magnolia. It was eery, and quite uncanny. Even their hair had a very similar look to it… but her energy, that composure, and especially other tells of a person’s presence were wholly different.

In an odd way, to know that this woman only looked like Magnolia was a comfort; but it was also a bit painful to realize. The hurts were still fresh, as were the feelings of deep love; and what they had given up by splitting up when Magnolia left. Suffice to say, Shuten stood in front of the door far longer than was polite. However… it was obvious the woman was trying to commune with her Zanpakuto. Oddly enough, Shuten noticed it was a blade sheathed into a gourd; somewhat similar to the Zanpakuto that was currently on Shuten’s back. As hers was in constant shikai, thanks to how it helped to contain her wild Reiatsu, the gourd attached to the pommel was always obvious. Of course, the gourd she normally had affixed to her hip, being larger and full to the brim of Shuten’s sake, was a bit easier to notice; even if it was currently parked against a wall. Eventually, Shuten cleared her throat gently.

“I’m… sorry to disturb you. My name is Shuten Suika. I believe you are Lerna… correct? I have a few things to ask you… Especially about your appearance. You… You look like someone I know, she retired recently and it’s… been difficult. Could we talk some…? I’d like to know more about you, and… and how you look like Magnolia.”

The information Shuten withheld was the fact that she was once deeply in love with Magnolia, and basically engaged to said woman before her retirement and transferral to the zero division. That was… a bit too personal for a first meeting. Perhaps if they got to know each other more… but for now, a new relationship needed to be properly cultivated; especially if Lerna herself was having issues of her own.

As Lerna started from what was most certainly a very internal discussion with her Zanpakuto, Shuten couldn't help but think about her own times when she was trying to get her Zanpakuto in check; then again, Suidomaru was a bit more... affable than most Zanpakuto. It's easy to get along with someone when you can bond over drinking, fitting for a Suika Zanpakuto spirit. Regardless, Shuten politely waited as Lerna recovered, and spoke to Shuten; nodded in affirmation when the woman asked that she knew Magnolia. The Suika was... quite polite and capable of waiting, despite being so... Well, the only way to describe it was that Shuten was torn about how she felt about Magnolia leaving; and especially finding a woman who looked almost exactly like Magnolia. It was... strange.

Regardless, Shuten listened until Mag-- No, Lerna! Until Lerna, fuck this was confusing, had finished speaking. Her final bit of speech was a question, and one Shuten could understand. The Suika had introduced herself when Lerna was still coming out of her reprieve, so it made sense she had not caught her name.

"My name is Shuten Suika. But to reiterate, yes I did know her... We... We were close. I'm sorry for bothering you over a simple thing like this. If I may... Is everything alright? Aside from a random Suika bothering you, was your meditation going alright? I remember only too well how... difficult it can be to get your Zanpakuto spirit to be co-operative."

Frankly speaking, even if Magnolia and Lerna had absolutely no relation, Shuten would still like to get to know this woman. It wouldn't bring her any closure, nor would she attempt to become anything more than a friend of Lerna's... On the other hand, hopefully Shuten could somehow help Lerna. After all, ones Zanpakuto spirit and themselves don't always immediately see eye to eye.

Lerna was… quite odd. Or perhaps that was simply Shuten’s outlook on the matter. Despite all that she had from Magnolia, and despite her inability to continue her relationship with a woman she couldn’t even contact, it was hard for Shuten to look at Lerna and long… long for Mag. They were as close as identical twins as any two strangers could be. However, the Suika shoved these thoughts away, forcing herself to find them different; and the attitude was enough to help.

She received what was certainly a firm pat, one that would’ve made her stagger if it was any stronger; however, a tiny blush cropped up on her cheeks when she was given a pat on the head. Certainly, they could be considered friends too… However, to be actual friends they needed more time together; time to bond. Shuten soon gave the woman a small nod, and a tiny nervous smile. Listening to her reason, and why she didn’t need help, for meditating, Shuten decided to leave it be. They were basically strangers, with only Magnolia connecting them; it was natural that she would refuse. Soon came a question, however, that caused Shuten to almost immediately look downcast; perhaps even lovesick, oddly enough.

“She uh… she retired, essentially. She was taken up to the Zero Division. I can still see her, just not often… It’s… It’s hard. I may have presents from her, but… the inability to see her regularly is… hard. I think I may be the only person who can visit her up there; then again, I am probably wrong.”

Shuten shrugged slightly, and carefully reconsidered her opinions a bit; especially about what to do about her relationship with Magnolia. No matter how abandoned she felt, no matter how she felt the woman may as well be an ex with their distance and great inability to interact, Shuten had to remind herself to calm down; because that bond shouldn’t be squandered so easily… Even if it was difficult. But, who knows, the future holds great changed and potential; anything could happen.

“Lerna… You told me you just kinda ran into her on Earth, right? Could you tell me about who you two met, please? More in depth, if possible. That is… if there is more to tell.”

"Suika. It's in the last name, Shuten Suika. If it helps you remember, if you know her, my older sister is Ibiki Suika; a previous lead of the Gotei. But... Thank you. Not many will actually compliment my family, it's the way things are."

Afterwards, after correcting Lerna on what her people were, given they were still similar beings to other Shinigami; just a little different. Regardless, Shuten moved on, reflecting on Lerna's reaction to this news. Yes... Shuten felt much the same, perhaps worse, when Magnolia brought the news to her attention that she was to go to the Zero Division. It... It was the best and worst last night they spent together. Perhaps that was for the best... Memories and the reminder that someone never truly leaves you, leaves your heart, were some of the best ways to comfort oneself in the dead of lonely nights.

Regardless, Lerna's thoughts were right. Magnolia carried weight upon her shoulders that not even Shuten could honestly lessen. She helped lighten the load in their time together, but Magnolia was always so careful, so delicate with everything; like the wrong movement could break someone or something she loved with ease. Truth be told... That was likely what Magnolia was afraid of, that her blood sullied hands would remove the things she loved as well. But... they never did, not with Shuten at least. The delicacy she had been treated with... Well, it gave credence to Lerna's thoughts. Magnolia, amazing as she was, had a great power that was also a terrible burden.

As Shuten watched Lerna, as the woman kindly explained how she met the woman, and what they had done together, Shuten nodded and played the part of an active listener, as was polite. However, a part of her being couldn't help but pay attention to how the woman was acting, the way she seemed somewhat... dazed, perhaps? Shuten couldn't blame her, that was much how she felt at the time, and for a long time after. After Lerna concluded her tale, and rather awkwardly, Shuten nodded some, smiling gently.

"Yes... That sounds just like her, and like some of the stories she told me. I'm glad she had you to help her some that day. No matter how powerful one is, it is always good to have backup; someone to fight with."

Shuten smiled some, nodding gently before she looked at Lerna a bit more closely. She was still reeling... Shuten could well understand, far better than Lerna potentially realized. Gently, Shuten moved foward and, after a brief period of consideration, gave Lerna a gentle hug; a warm hug. Shuten really didn't understand why... But, some part of her being knew that Lerna was stuck within her own head, unable to truly come to terms with the news she was greeted with. All things considered, it was a lot for anyone who was close to Mag.

"I'm... I'm sorry to surprise you with that information. I don't know how much help I can be, as we just met, but I would like to help some if I can; I've had... time to come to terms. I don't mind helping you too, Lerna, if you'll allow me."