Katalina had become accustomed to life in Las Noches and, through her training with Harribel and her fracciones, had become a fearsome warrior in her own right; not Espada level, but certainly stronger than most and tenacious to boot. The wavy-haired woman skipped through the halls of the grand palace, the same smile she had put on since the day she had awoken never faltering. As far as any of the other residents knew, it never left her face and with her eyes never changing, with the exception of the way the pupils changed in different lighting, no one ever knew what was going through her head. Coupled with her cheerful tone, it left other Arrancars ill at ease, wondering what would happen should that smile leave her face. She did not speak often, but when she did, it was usually to idly toss out an insult as she passed by or to ask someone to "kindly excuse her" when they were in her way. She could not say she had made any friends, but every now and again, she would silently stand on top of a tower with Ulquiorra Cifer; since they were both creatures of the sky, it was only natural they would be drawn to heights.
As of now, she was out and about because she had been summoned. Something about Aizen wanting to check on her progress, which she was pretty sure he already knew, considering the one who trained her was one of his "dear Espadas." She rolled her eyes at that term of endearment, knowing that it was purely for show, but there was no way she was going to challenge him on that; after watching what happened to those who thought it wise to openly question him, she knew better.
She at last made it to the designated place and, taking a breath, she pushed the large door open and took a step inside. The first thing she did was tip over at her waist in a simple bow. "You wanted to see me, Lord Aizen?" she greeted him, lifting her head to regard the rest of the people in the room.
The entirety of the Espadas were there, sitting at a long table with Aizen at the head, Gin and Tousen sitting on either side of the brown-haired Shinigami. Other than the Tres and the Cuarta, she had never personally interacted with any of Aizen's heavy hitters, but she could at least put numbers to faces. Each of them had a different reaction to her presence, ranging from a leering stare to curiosity to complete indifference and everything in between. In response, she simply tucked her hands behind her back and turned her smile to Aizen, waiting for him to break the silence instead of letting her stew beneath their scrutiny, which is unfortunately what he seemed determined to make her do. His attire had changed once again, following the nearly all white dress code that seemed to be prominent in Las Noches. His shikakusho and hakama were white now and there was a purple sash tied around his hips, the long white coat pulling it all together. "Indeed, I did." He finally spoke, staring her down. "Harribel has told me that you have been excelling in your training."
She shook her head. "She's far too kind!" she chirped casually, "I still have quite a few things to learn."
A low chuckle came from Aizen. "Flattery or not, she claims that you can successfully spar with her Tres Bestias." He clasped his hands in front of him on the table. "That in mind, I believe it's time that you were assigned."
"Assigned?" She raised an eyebrow, moving her hands to her hips. "As in, becoming someone's fracción?"
"Indeed." One corner of his mouth tilted with a smirk. "I believe there is at least one here who could use you, but do you have a preference?"
"Pass."
A hush went over the room at how easily her decline tumbled out. Gin's shoulders shook as he tried not to laugh. Tousen's hand tightened on the hilt of his zanpakuto. Ulquiorra was emotionless, only scrolling his eyes over to her in silent question. The one with the pink hair chuckled and the one with the electric blue hair sucked his teeth. Harribel narrowed her eyes at Katalina's rudeness. In the course of training her, the only thing the Tres was not able to get under control was her mouth. "Do not forget your place, Katalina," she scolded her, her voice a notch above her usual talking volume.
The dark haired Arrancar in question glanced at the blonde, shaking her head. "I haven't," she assured her, "But keep in mind that he did just ask me if I had any preference." She turned her attention back to Aizen, dipping her head briefly. "Forgive me, but just because I am an Arrancar now, does not mean that my basic instincts have left me. I still prefer to be alone. And to put it quite bluntly… I hate everyone in this room equally."
At that, Gin could not help the snort of laughter that burst past his lips. Tousen let out a little sigh. "At least she is honest." He could admit that much.
She lifted a hand to make a gesture over the entire table, her voice taking on a more arrogant tone. If she had seen the warning glance from Harribel, she would have kept her mouth shut. "On the off chance I even feel like aligning myself with any of them, I will go with whoever I want when I myself—"
The smile dropped from Katalina's face and she went silent as she suddenly found herself crumbling under the weight of an immense spiritual pressure. Hands tightened into fists at her side as she tried to hold her ground, but despite her determination, her body betrayed her and her legs buckled beneath her. Her knees crashed into the floor and she clenched her teeth, a sweat breaking out over her skin as she tried to prevent her body from folding over on itself. In her slightly hunched posture, she lifted her head just enough to be able to glance at Aizen, she saw that he was on his feet now, staring down at her. His face had not changed, but those cold brown eyes…they promised the absolute worst.
"We mustn't be so hasty with our words, my dear." He chided her, his gentle voice carrying a bone-chilling edge in it. "I was merely asking to show you some semblance of courtesy, which is clearly more than you deserve since I can see that such respect is not mutual. With your… concerns in mind, I am sure we can reach something of a compromise." He increased the density of his spiritual pressure to the point where Katalina had to catch herself with her hands to keep her body from being completely flat on the floor. "You will not be officially assigned to anyone, which will allow you to keep that independence of yours. However, if I should wish it, you will be assigned to work with any Espada of my choosing until you have fulfilled your task. Once your assignment is over, you are free to act as you see fit."
Just as abruptly as it had swollen, Aizen's spiritual pressure ebbed away and took Katalina's strength with it, her body collapsing on the floor and shallow breaths leaving her as she tried to make up for all of the oxygen she had lost. Aizen lowered himself into his chair again, his gaze sweeping over the table to regard his Espada with a dangerous smile. "Is this going to be a problem?" He asked them, raising an eyebrow. They were all silent in response, as he had made it perfectly clear he did not want to be questioned today. "Good." He looked at Katalina, who was trying to get to her feet again. "Katalina?"
Her whole body quaked as she slowly pushed herself up, that pins and needles feeling of reawakening nerves crawling all over her. The wavy haired Arrancar kept her eyes on the floor and made sure her bangs kept her face from view, putting her effort into regulating her breathing and preventing her trembling showing. She took as deep a breath as she could and let it out slowly, lifting her head to show that her smile had returned to her face. "Thank you, Lord Aizen," she said, forcing cheerfulness into her voice again as she tucked her hands behind her back, "I am honored."
He dismissed her with a wave of his hand and she bowed quickly in response, gliding from the room. She walked a little way down the hallway and then slipped into a shadowy alcove, allowing herself to slump against it and then slide to the ground. The tremors she had hidden from the Espadas came out with full force and she used a shaking hand to wipe the sweat from her brow. She had lived in the desert under endless moonlight for years, but she had never felt so cold until now. This man she had pledged herself to was far beyond frightening, but she could not go back now. It was too late to turn back, but not too early for regret.
On the plus side, at least she didn't have to be permanently aligned with an Espada; she wouldn't know what to do if she ended up being with the Quinta and his creepier-than-Gin smile.
"…Ugh." The thought itself was enough to make her stiffen in revulsion.
