In the Nick of Time [Mizu, Arianda]

If Mizu was honestly quite uncomfortable not using honorifics, Arianda didn't mind if she wanted to use them. However, Arianda was much less informal in comparison to Mizu, especially given how the demon wasn't Japanese born and raised unlike a few people the demon knew. Regardless, Arianda was glad to know that Mizu was okay with receiving a piggy-back ride from the demon. No matter how much experience Mizu did not have with demons, it wouldn't stop the fact that Arianda was likely nothing like the oodles of reports and rumors she had certainly read and heard. After the demon had knelt down for Mizu to climb on, and Arianda had a frim grasp on Mizu's legs, the demon straightened up and hummed pleasantly; moving her shoulders somewhat.

"Hang on, Mizu~ And we may get to a point where you can just sit on my lower back, okay?"

Arianda grinned a tiny bit as she made sure that Mizu was hanging on, even if part of what she said would be confusing, while the demon's back started to shift in ways that would feel quite weird to Mizu; who was in very close contact with Ari's back. Before they could be questioned, however, a pair of draconic wings burst from the demon's back, parallel to the demon's back, and then a small draconic tail emerged under Mizu; essentially to where Mizu was only honestly aware of the wings before her. Before Mizu could question it too much, Arianda jumped upwards and took the two women up into the air swiftly; her wings flapping rapidly, and carefully, to help their ascension. After a certain period of time, in which Arianda's wings started to flap less, the demon started to even out, allowing for Mizu to essentially sit on the woman's back in safety.

"If you want to try and sit up, you should be fine. Shit, you could even take a nap if you wanted. Just enjoy the sighs and don't worry about falling off, kay~?"

After a bit of conversation, and likely similar responses as to earlier, Arianda flew them to a restaurant around where she used to live, once upon a time, over in France; taking her time with the flight so that Mizu could enjoy the sights, or nap. Either way, the demon would eventually warn, or wake Mizu to warn her, of their arrival. She would start to slow down as well, allowing Mizu the time she needed to prepare.

"We'll be there soon, you need to hang on tight again; I don't want you falling off. I hope you'll like this place. It's a bit of a fusion restaurant. Specialized chefs and everything for the specific dishes here and there, otherwise, it's just a really nice place. I think they may even have some dishes that might be familiar to you. Otherwise, there's always more to try~"

After making sure Mizu was well enough ready, the demon would start their descent towards the ground, landing much lighter than Mizu likely expected; and especially making sure the woman had a safe dismount. After landing, Arianda knelt down, letting Mizu clamber off her back. Afterwards, Arianda briefly let her wings linger, as if she was forgetting about them, giving Mizu a warm smile. However, she would let them shrink back into her back before approaching the restaurant.

"Welp, welcome to France, Mizu. Used to live nearby here. Ish. It's been a long time since then though, I just hope the restaurant is as good then; if not better. Shall we, Mizu~?"

Perhaps Arianda should have conveyed them here in a different manner... Even if France is nice, and flying through the air is extremely freeing, not everyone is up for the sensation. So, Arianda knelt next to Mizu, patting the woman on the back gently, her silver eyes filled with honest concern. Frankly speaking, Arianda shoulda guessed that Mizu was less than prepared to be flying suddenly. However, Arianda had a feeling it wouldn't have been much better if Arianda had run across the ground instead. So, the demon decided to take everything else much more relaxed for the future of their interaction. Arianda gave Mizu a small smile after the woman returned to her feet, the demon standing up with her.

"No... No I should be apologizing, Mizu. I got overexcited and wanted to fly us here. I suppose getting overexcited is a bit of a habit I need to try and curb... Ah well, cmon~"

Arianda gave Mizu a warm smile, once more destroying whatever image she had of demons, and then turned around. The demon did briefly offer her arm or hand for Mizu to take if she wished to be guided while taking a look at the sights. Because evening was rolling around, there definitely would be a lot to look at; heck, they may even be able to see the lights on the Eiffel tower. After arriving at the restaurant, which did look quite like it was a pleasant mix of cultures, Arianda and Mizu were seated quickly; upon which Arianda had simply ordered water and an odd alcoholic beverage that apparently was made to taste like chocolate. Afterwards, Arianda let Mizu choose her own beverages, and then let Mizu choose her food at her leisure. There was no rush. Instead, they could enjoy a nice night in France.

"I think this restaurant should have something that might strike you as tasty. It's a bit of a mix, specializing in mainly the popular forms of cuisine, like Asian, some American, and bit of everything. Try whatever you like, it's on me, okay? After nearly getting buried by a hollow, it's best to enjoy yourself, ya know~?"

Arianda cared not for those who stared at them. Honestly, she was used to it. Whether it was because those who were properly aware recognized her for what she was, like Mizu, or because of her clothing. Frankly speaking, it wasn't like Arianda was trying to blend in or anything. The demon simply ignored them and kept her attention trained on herself, her food, the waiter when they stopped by, and Mizu of course. Even if Mizu could not properly enjoy her night, she could at least enjoy a bit of a calmer night than she was having before; and hopefully enjoy a bit of rest. Regardless, Arianda would make sure the woman was able to rest properly after tonight.

"It's not troublesome at all, Mizu... Albeit, I daresay you may know some bits and pieces from rumors and hearsay."

After a span of time in which Arianda drank half of the alcoholic drink she had ordered, which seemed to not effect Arianda in the slightest, and also drink a bit of water for safety's sake, she finally interlaced her fingers together, rested her elbows on the table, and then seemed to rest her chin on her interlaced thumbs. As she did so, she studied Mizu quietly. Her silver eyes may be oddly piercing, but a strange melancholy seemed to shine in her silver eyes; but not about Mizu. Frankly speaking, Arianda felt that Mizu, while possibly ungifted, had talent she had yet to truly discover. After all, even those who have to work the hardest for what they desire end up talented in some way; they just didn't start out with it. Shit, Arianda didn't. The demon simply gave Mizu a warm smile after a small bit, lowering her hands to rest on the table; her voice finally breaking the long silence.

"I hazard a guess you know a bit of something about demons. How we are ruthless, cold, and bloodthirsty? Well, that's half true. The problem is that a faction of demons know as Shadow Fall, I'm sure you heard about them, reigned over Earth and caused great trouble for many of the races of Earth and otherwise. The fact is that we demons, well, we do fight quite a bit... and this desire to fight bled over into the world of the living; where my race conquered and took what was not theirs to take... Needless to say, it gave those demons who were not bad, who were simply given an immediate bad treatment because of existing prejudice; prejudice that was quite fair given what they had done... Sad, really."

Arianda considered Mizu for a bit longer before she nodded gently, not as if she was answering a question, but it was a simple assurance; and a random one at that.

"To put it simply, the efforts and shortcomings of one faction of demons painted it quite badly for the rest of us; even if some of it did show our poorly controlled primal urges at the time. Here's where I come in. Frankly speaking, you could call me a rather unlucky being. Some demons are quite ruthless, and will turn to any end in order to win; even kidnapping and mind-breaking. To make a long and, frankly, extremely saddening story much shorter, I became unlike how I am now, how I was when I was a much younger demon; and I fell in with the wrong crowd due to my broken nature."

Arianda's hands soon shrunk down beneath the table as the demon quietly played with her skirt; pulling and pinching at the hem of the clothing. Even if Mizu could not see what her hands were doing, the way her body seemed to move was quite... shameful in an odd way.

"Suffice to say I made some bad decisions, mistakes, and it put me in a very bad situation; one that nearly ended my life at many a turn. Not to mention, I have done things I am not proud of, and never will be... And let's leave it at that. However, I've been trying to do what I can for the world that is my home. Because, despite the fact that I am a demon, and my ancestral home is demon world; I was born on Earth. It has been my home since I was a child, as much as demons can be children, and it will continue to remain so. It's why I'm in Europe in the first place. Which has led me to meeting you~ My best stroke of luck yet, I think."

Arianda leaned backwards in her chair, taking the alcoholic drink and downing the rest of its contents in a rather amazing show. It wasn't a dramatic display. It was simply amazing because of how the drunk just flooded into the demon's mouth and was downed before it had the chance to even splash. She let out a soft sigh of relief, setting the glass aside. She decided it was best to stick with water from now on. Even if she could well resist becoming drunk, she need not test it now.

"I'd prefer not to go into greater detail, because I'm afraid I would scare you; and I don't wish to do that. But, know that, as before, I mean you positively no harm; nor do I mean Earth any harm. I just want to live... find my parents if I'm able, and especially protect Earth and my friends and family..."

The next pause was almost as long as the second one, in which Arianda likely let Mizu ask any more questions. After all, Arianda was likely one of the last friendly demons on Earth; aside from her very own parents. However, Arianda still did not remember where they lived. Regardless, the demon simply radiated a kind warmth that was a far cry from what Mizu likely understood as stereotypical demon rumors. She simply let the woman question and ask as she wished, letting Mizu ask and ask until her curiosity was sated. After all, Arianda didn't mind. The talking would probably distract Mizu from the events of the night.

It was a bit difficult, but Arianda gave Mizu a tiny smile. Frankly speaking, the demon wasn't alone, far from it as she had recently been made aware to. However, getting help from the factions that weren't the Gotei United or Vandenreich seemed quite out of reach for the demon. Frankly speaking, she was more likely to receive help from her few friends in her endeavors than from any org on Earth. In this, Arianda knew she was truly alone in her endeavors to attempt to redeem herself. After all, only her own efforts could help her in the long run. Frankly, she was quite ready to stay alone in her efforts for most of the time she existed on Earth. After all, what org would want to take in an ex-shadow fall archduchess? She simply gave Mizu one more warm, but small, smile before their meal had finally arrived; with Arianda being supplied with her alcoholic drink and her meal of Oyakodon at the same time. Of course, their drinks had long since been there. A swift thanks to their waiter, and making sure she got the bill at the end of the night, the demon gave Mizu a much warmer smile.

"Go right ahead, all on me, okay~? I know you can't exactly relax, but... good food should at least help a bit."

The demon smiled once again before she started eating her own food at leisure, allowing Mizu time to ask more questions and wonder. After all, Arianda was glad to know that Mizu felt Ari truly meant no harm to her. After a bit of time, Arianda put down her chopsticks and gazed at Mizu thoughtfully, her mouth finally being put to more use than just for eating food.

"Frankly speaking, Mizu, I am both alone and not... I have my own small circle of friends, and they help how they can; even if they are limited. But, sadly, orgs likely will not desire me. The sad truth of things, really... and, Mizu, I am fully and honestly dedicated to protecting my friends and my home... On that you can trust, young Shinigami."