Through The Trees [Veralia/Stella]

"Oh?"

Veralia appeared in front of Stella in the blink of an eye; her gaze glossed over with a self-satisfied expression. She tucked her hands neatly behind her back before leaning away from the Quincy with a playful yet challenging air.

"Why aren't you avenging every human that is murdered in cold blood every day?"

Her smile grew further as she observed Stella; her tone soaked in curiosity and derision.

"You don't know them. What, are we supposed to be the crusaders for every lost hollow soul? We kill each other by the droves. Why should I risk myself for strangers if there is nothing in it for me?"

The expression of Veralia changed to one of intrigue, her eyebrow-raising as if it was enticing Stella to think a bit deeper into this. Did she sincerely think they were a hivemind? It was a silly conclusion to come to if that was the case.

"It doesn't mean I'm not above killing humans that get in my way or make themselves to be my enemy, but you need some self-preservation and awareness to be an Arrancar. My days of mindless killing are over, so you can say I choose my battles a bit more wisely."

Now, with her gaze locked on Stella, she pondered what even her response would be to all this.

"Is that a problem for you?"

Her question hung in the air, a direct challenge to Stella’s beliefs and values.

Veralia’s smile broadened, a trace of amusement flickering in her eyes as she effortlessly closed the distance between herself and Stella. There was no hostility in her approach, only a curious inclination as she stood on her toes, her gaze intently searching Stella’s.

"Oh? Conflict? Why do you feel it's inevitable with me, Quincy?"

Head tilting to the side, there was a look of intrigue behind her gaze as she held her hands behind her back and observed; waiting for a good answer from the busty girl as she took in her full figure. If it weren't for the fact she felt in control of this situation, Veralia might've been envious of how developed the woman was. However, the control she felt over the situation allowed her to savor the playful mood she was in, rather than dwell on any feelings of envy.

Innocent as ever, Stella answered the question with an earnest and truthful response. Still, Veralia could smell the terror and fear as she picked up on the sweat flowing from her skin, increased heartbeat, and stiffness of her body language.

"Relax, I ain't gonna kill ya."

Veralia's snort was dismissive, almost amused, as she gave Stella a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Sometimes, a simple touch could diffuse the palpable tension of being near a potential predator.

"But who do you think I'm targeting to kill, hmmmm?"

Soon, Veralia's gaze darted around; feigning a search for a potential victim before her stare locked back in on Stella. When that happened, Veralia's head tilted to the right ever so slightly as that smirk of hers grew even wider. In a teasing voice, she continued where she left off speaking:

"Honestly, you need a bit more bite behind you to back up those threats. You seem like a lost puppy. How would you even intend to stop me if that was my desire?"

The response Stella gave was grounded in reality and it resonated with Veralia. It served as a reminder to Veralia that her envy could get the better of her at times and move her away from the facts when emotions grow hot. And letting such sentiments distort your life can lead to its swift end, which is something The Arrancar needed to recall.

As she circled Stella, her aura remained calm, a silent testament to her control. Her blood gaze, thoughtful and assessing, followed the Quincy's movements, searching for an echo of her past trials in Stella's demeanor.

Halting her circling, Veralia faced Stella directly, standing on her tiptoes as a hint of her past surfaced in her voice.

"You are truthful and I respect that."

Veralia's gaze lingered on Stella as her voice flowed with a calm, stillness. She was assessing the situation further but continued speaking ever so poised.

"I suppose I can help with that weakness. In Hueco Mundo, it's a miserable world of kill or be killed and it tends to leave you bitter, loathsome, and devoid of being after so many years of endless, pointless combat. So I understand the exhaustion of clawing for strength."

Taking a few steps back, Veralia gestured invitingly, a challenge in her stance

"You up for a spar? It sucks to be weak and at the mercy of others. I've been there, so let's see if we can work on building you some experience."

Veralia's blood eyes held a steady gaze on Stella, her body poised with a predator's grace, muscles tensed and ready to spring into action. The Arrancar watched, waiting for an opening, and when it presented itself in Stella’s momentary lapse, she seized it.

Pouncing like a rabid animal, the woman broke the distance between them with ease. When she was face to face with Stella, her right hand shot forward with a controlled palm strike. This blow was aimed at Stella's voluptuous chest; a point of slight envy for Veralia. As such, the woman's right eyebrow arched upward as she took in the softness under her palm, a subtle reminder of their contrasted natures.

"Gotta keep your guard up. I suppose that's lesson one."

Snorting with a chuckle, Veralia tried to use her height to her advantage by dropping to her ankles and using her feet to swipe at Stella and trip her to make her fall on the ground. If successful, she would smirk playfully before her palm stopped in her face.

"Are you picking up what I'm putting down?"

Veralia's voice was a blend of jest and challenge, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the spar as she savored the training.