How to Read a Book [Social, R, Closed]

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko sluggishly made his way down a long, brightly lit corridor as vaguely shaped Arrancar stared from a distance. It was rare for him to be active during this time. It was well-known to be a time of meditation, but something had lured him from his chambers. Something had Shikitsuhiko rattled, and it had happened long before now. Shikitsuhiko had growing concerns about Las Noches following recent and not so recent events. How could he help Las Noches thrive and change its trajectory?

As Shikitsuhiko stepped into a large, vacant room, he sensed a Serraph on the ground in front of him. The ground was covered by an assortment of dusty, moth-ridden books. Shikitsuhiko approached and grabbed a book from a nearby table, his fingers carving through the thick layer of dust and grime on the cover. "These are in terrible condition." He remarked before opening the book and releasing a swarm of moths. It seemed Serraph was attempting to clean and organize this small collection of books. Each book he would open would allow a swarm of moths to flutter in the space around them. 

Shikitsuhiko clutched another book in his hand, feeling the engraved surface of its cover. "When I hold a book in my hand I am reminded of what I truly lost when I was rendered blind. This is one of the few things I mourn, the ability to read a book." He said softly. He quickly collected himself as placed the book back on the table. "My apologies. I am Shikitsuhiko Isayama, cuarta espada. You were recently promoted to Sexta, if I am not wrong."

[Serraph Quarrere]

"Terrible condition"

 Serraph was so absorbed by his labors of preparing his newest haul for transport to his new palace. Lots of work needed to be done to transform that imposing, crumbling piece of architecture. He hadn't noticed to superior power close in, not that he was really paying much of attention. All of his senses were dedicated to the task at hand. A single line from the deep voiced man snapped his concentration and for the briefest moment, a fire of rage flickered in his eye. Fortunately for his own well being, he quickly felt the presence of this man and was reminded of his place here.

 The new Espada stood and turned on his heel to gaze upon the Cuarta Espada, clutching one of the many badly cared for books. Given by way the others were placed, Serraph deduced that he had gone through a handful of them. Such a thing brought a smile to the librarian's face, even if he knew those particular books could not be read by this blind warrior. "'Promoted' isn't a word I personally would use for such a thing.", He stepped towards him his hand grasping at the book just set down before him. "Nay. By slaying the former sixth, I incurred the wrath of a few of the others. 'Join or Die' was the ultimatum. To think that they'd press me into service, oh dear."

  His thumb slid over the oaken cover of the book and flipped it open. It was in rough condition, but given what it had gone through, Serraph could hard fault it. His fingers danced over the pages, his eyes flipping through each one. "But, it isn't so unfortunate. I gained what remained of the previous Sixth's servants and the palace he dwelled upon. The other Espada have left me be for now and not much is expected of me." He'd laugh and look up from the book to the towering figure. He'd slide his thumb within the pages and closed it slightly as he dropped into a slight bow before his better.

 "My name is Serraph Quarrere, Sixth Espada. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Isayame~"

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Slayed? He thought curiously. "I wasn't aware you had removed your predecessor through violent combat. Despite our reputation, it's a rarity these days. We so seldom hear of an Arrancar usurping power from an established Espada. Then again, I can't exactly say your predecessor was established. They never quite made their presence known. Likely another example of their failure." He said with a smooth sophistication. Shikitsuhiko had a skill for maintaining a sense of neutrality despite his barbarous observations. 

He was curious as to who would have threatened him to join. The Espada aren't exactly the most welcoming group, and it seems unnatural for some of the others to care whether he joins or not. This was an odd revelation and certainly one worth noting for future reference. While Shikitsuhiko wasn't as confrontational as the others, his many experiences had left him mistrustful and suspicious. Just enough so that something uncharacteristic like this would be worthy of bookmarking. 

"Shikitsuhiko is fine." He said while his fingers slide down the spine of a book. "I concur, it is a pleasure to meet a newly appointed Espada. It's because of this that I recommend caution when it concerns some of the other Espada. It is unwise to assume your level of responsibility based off their example. Becoming an Espada is no small feat and certainly not something to be trifled. A great deal of responsibility comes with this position, in fact."

Shikitsuhiko's tone of voice would strongly punctuate this early moment in their relationship. "You seem to be a man in search of knowledge." He noted by drawing attention to the piles of books. "These books undoubtedly contain an abundance of useful information, much of it housed in the narratives of others." Shikitsuhiko lifted a small book and pulled back its cover. "Even the shortest of stories can yield wisdom. If you look closely enough, you will discover that those who discard their responsibilities rarely achieve longevity." Shikitsuhiko smirked as his finger slid between the pages. "There are notable outliers, of course, but they are certainly not the standard." Shikitsuhiko's voice was a delicate mixture of sincere charity and caution. "You already know one story that was cut short for something very similar because you're currently occupying their palace."

While Shikitsuhiko was placing great care into how he communicating his advice, he couldn't altogether dismiss the ominous nature of his warning. He was attempting to curb the lazy and traitorous behavior before it took root. He recalled a conversation he had with a former Espada and how she was no longer here to speak so casually of his treachery. For Shikitsuhiko, Serraph would be wise to heed his advice. 

[Serraph Quarrere]

 The sixth Espada gave a half smile and gripped at his cane, lightly twirling its structure across the rugged old hall of this particular building. "So my predecessor didn't do much to warrant a proper reputation among even his own colleagues? Very interesting". The man mused, stroking curiously at his chin. "For what I have in mind, I have no doubt my mark on this 'City' of ours will lay unnoticed." Of course not. How could it? He had seen first hand the barbarism that years of combat and survival could do to one's mental state. Of course all but the most lucky of hollowfied souls could easily say the same, but how many of them have had their eyes open to such things?

 "I was aware of the chains I allowed to be placed upon myself. I could have easily escaped the grasps of those few Espada there to witness that even I previously described." He laughed again, crimson and white eyes flicking to his right flank where pale hooded figures shuffled in unassuming. "Don't mind them. A librarian of myself finds extra hands lying about quite useful." One by one they each took a book from the pile and carried them off from whence they came, leaving only the one that Serraph himself still carried in his free hand.

"But alas, I do treasure this wisdom you have so graciously given me. In this tough world of ours, such a thing is such a rarity~" He scoffed, referring to the scores of mindless killing machines offing each other by the thousands every day in the dunes. He couldn't bring himself to say, though, that he himself had never stooped to such mindless barbarism. Such a statement would be unfair to himself and his fellow Espada. "You are welcome anytime in my home, should you choose to visit me. The library is still being constructed, but if you wish to peruse my collection so far, feel free. Im sure I have something that you can find use of"

 " That being said, how would you feel about a trade? Fulfill a curiosity of mine and you may dig a little deeper into my history if you wish. Ask whatever you want." He bit his lip  and spun the leather-bound book in his palm. "If not, I do apologize. If there is a fault to my design it is that I can be a bit too curious for my own good.", He'd admit casually. It was what led to his first death after all. Surely it wasn't as grand nor exciting as many others he had met. He hadn't been murdered in some heroic or brutal, sadistic fashion. His hunger for knowledge got the better of him, and his lapse in sanity led him to go where he shouldn't, or rather when he shouldn't have.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko pondered Serraph's words for a moment. He was left with the same gnawing sensation as with previous encounters. Would he be any different or would he fall victim to the same sins of his brothers and sisters? Serraph did manage to pique his curiosity. What oddities were swirling around in that head of his and what had him convinced his contributions would go unnoticed? "You speak as if you have already decided upon your contributions to Las Noches." He remarked with a layer of skepticism. 

"And yet," he said while the tips of his fingers skated across the coarse leather bindings, "you words seem shackled by doubt and reservation." Shikitsuhiko used the table's edge as a guide through what seemed like an endless sea of books, each telling a different story. "A librarian." He said with bated fascination. "Is that your self-appointed title?" Shikitsuhiko had always found the world of books enthralling. He embraced the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out in the world. They nurtured and comforted him when doubt and fatigue plagued him. He had never met another like him. That is a person who shared his love for words and stories, and who likely used them as an escape.

"How is it that you plan to use these texts to make your mark?" He lifted a particularly thick book from a nearby pile, his fingers dragging along the paper. Reading as he once did was no longer an option. The stories he once devoured were nearly out of reach, but perhaps Serraph knew something he didn't. ...a trade? Shikitsuhiko's ears may as well have perked up at the mention. He turned his head in Serraph's direction, as if he were staring directly at him. "A trade, you say? What is it you want? And what use do I have of books I can longer see to read?" He asked with a subtle mixture of curiosity and annoyance.

[Serraph Quarrere]

 Serraph was aware of the fellow Espada's disability, but that only slightly limited the amount of knowledge he could obtain at Serraph's library. The newer Espada grinned and twirled his cane excitedly at his side. "My library offers more than just normal texts. I strive to preserve as much knowledge and experience as I can. As such, visual media is only a part of what I offer." As if prompted by his words, a hooded servant approached the two grasping a small cassette player only a couple decades old. Serraph took it from him and inspected the tape inside before pressing play. With a mild click the speaker began to broadcast out the introduction of the very book Shiki carried. "For those who cannot read, there will be options. My staff and I will stand by for all those curious in what I carry.", he declared, holding the player tightly against his chest as if reciting a vow.

 "Our world is that of madness and barbarism. Although it is largely no fault of our own, the fact we inhabit the very forms we do proves our ability to crawl from such states of existence, but I fear it may not be enough.", he'd explain, stopping the cassette player and depositing it within his servant's grasp. "The Soul Society is in shambles from constant war. The Quincies grow in power in the face of another, curious threat. We are not in their spotlight. Had we a lesser amount of adversaries, I would recommend a strike while they are off guard, but to do so would leave us vulnerable. Too few are those of our level of strength."

 The Espada pondered on his own words and paced to and fro from his position. "We must better our minds and hone our way of life. We must better our knowledge and apply that to our skills. By improving ourselves, we put ourselves that much further than our rivals." he'd stop and turn towards his ally, his hands gripping his cane before him in a stern, resolute manner. "'Build it and they will come'. This is what I strive for. i do have my doubts and reservations. Whatever atrocities have happened in our past has rendered us all un-whole. We are unstable and barely human in thought. What I want, Shikisuhiko, is to know everything and preserve it."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko listened curiously, albeit with a modicum of uncertainty. There was something rather peculiar about the new Sexta. The manner in which he spoke and conducted himself was uncommon, sure, but there was more to the explanation. An Arrancar with a penchant for hoarding and a goal of assembling a vast library of oddities was something else entirely. Truthfully, it was the rarity of such a thing that made so refreshing. Serraph was right. Arrancar and hollow were often violent beasts. They struggled to control for their predatory instincts.  

Shikitsuhiko heard a click and suddenly words escaped the device held between Serraph's hands. "Interesting." He said while setting the book he was holding on a nearby table. "You intend to use the knowledge of these books and devices as a lure. All the time you've spent around these books has made you a more perceptive man." He noted humorously. "And in exchange for this you want know everything." Shikitsuhiko's tone shifted from curious to skeptical. "Admittedly, I don't know everything about this world and its universe. I'd wager I know of it little more than you." 

Shikitsuhiko fell silent for a moment, his mind considering everything Serraph had said. "You wanted a curiosity satisfied, isn't that right? What curiosity is weighing on you? If it is the knowledge of the universe you seek then you are looking in all the wrong places. It certainly doesn't reside with me. I can only share with you the wisdom acquired from my journeys. That seems like a fair trade. That is, of course, unless the wisdom I have acquired is not worth cataloging. I imagine all knowledge is precious...at least for someone of your inclination."

[Serraph Quarrere]

 The Sexta laughed, enjoying every moment of Shiki's low yet favorable voice. It flowed with grace and carried with it the wisdom of one that has survived in this world as long as he did. "I don't disagree. Admittedly we of hollow-kind can never properly scratch that itch we our shoulders are burdened with. In obtaining these human forms I've realized we trade our hunger for flesh and soul for something more... emotional. It is something our beings are attached to, this particular aspect." He'd tap his cane subconsciously against the tile floor, urging the thoughts lining his being to flow. "I will never be satisfied. I recognize that. The end goal is unobtainable, but the journey, ah yes, is the true treasure here."

 "My journey has led me to many places. My service has eventually brought me here. I have to build, adapt, improve. If Los Noches is to prevail against its mountain of enemies, we have to find answers, we have to ask the questions we need to ask and obtain the answers we need to move forward. That, my friend, is the outcome I wish to realize in the pursuit of my dream." It had been so long since he had been able to speak to another on this level. Since his apparent betrayal of the Crimson "Queen" and his vengeance unleashed upon the former Sexta, he had seen only silence or conflict with hollows and arrancar alike, even as an Espada. Beasts will be beasts, no matter what form they take. Shiki was not one of these mindless bafoons. He saw glimpses of it in his eyes, that something that allowed him to become as strong as he was and allowed him to survive this far. It was admirable.

 He wanted to ask him everything. Questions flooded his mind and his thoughts muddled with constant inquisition. He bit his tongue and steeled himself. People could not interact that way. Spend too much time asking, and one would never hear the answers returned. Besides, Shiki was an ally, for now, and a strong one at that. Serraph needed not annoy him, or anger him or that one man would destroy the foundation he was currently building. "That, is a gift.", he'd comment waving the pommel of his cane to signal the servant of his to step forward to give the fellow Espada the player. "As an Espada, my library and I are an open book to you, with nothing required in return, but, I would request your story, how you came to survive all this time. What drives you, friend?"

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Serraph was a different breed of Arrancar. It was a rarity to find another like himself. Someone who was curious of the world around him and interested in exploring people, beliefs, and ideas outside of his own experience. Shikitsuhiko had lost much of that over the centuries. It seemed as the years mounted he became less engaged with the outside world. Serraph's eccentricities may be the cure for his withering flame. Shikitsuhiko could feel the hard, cool plastic touch his skin. This exchange invigorated something within him while his hands eagerly examined the surface of the device.

As his fingers settled on the smooth surface, he need only gently apply pressure. Click. What a wondrous device. The technology wasn't necessarily foreign, but Shikitsuhiko had allowed his mind to place limitations upon him. He knew he could see things many could not but knowing that could not relieve him of the burden of his blindness. "What a pleasant reminder of what this world has to offer. It seems my duty to Las Noches has allowed me to forget many things." He slowly quieted the device with another click. 

He fell silent as his fingers ran across the dials. "My survival is an ongoing story." He said plainly. "I was tenacious and clever as a hollow, allowing me to best those who might prey on me. I eventually found a group to travel with, all of whom worshiped me in vain. I learned quickly to be decisive, but cautious. To be calculating and deliberate. It has served me well, even after my captivity. They could cage, torture, and blind me but they couldn't destroy me." Shikitsuhiko voice deepened, revealing a darker quality as he reflected on his past. "Surely you experienced your share of difficulties. Mine...shaped me in many ways, many of which I despised for a very long time."

[Serraph Quarrere]

 Shiki wasn't what Serraph had anticipated. Living as long, however short compared to other arrancar it was, as he did, he knew only the extremes of the human condition. Subtly wasn't common among those he met prior, which is understandable given how much of his growth was made in recent times. It was relieving, to say the least. He expected a more violent, perhaps cold meeting, but his fellow Espada seemed to give a warm reception to what Serraph had to offer as a comrade. The Sexta could barely keep his wide grin from spreading. Though curiosity wasn't as strong as an aspect in Shiki as it was to Serraph, the superior Espada showed mild signs of it, testing the Sexta's gift.

 It was perfect, this situation was. Serraph would learn snippets of his fellow's condition and gain a potential friend as a result. Such things are valuable in this world and should not be wasted. Hollows knowingly or unknowingly cling to their human past and that shapes their being, their facade. Though they may never be that same person, they cling to that aspect to take them further in their hollowed life. Those who prevail gain strength, and with such strength improves chance of survival. Through survival perhaps one day they may be whole again. Despite recognizing this, Serraph merely laughs at the ideas. One could say that the man just wants to own a bunch of books. Such a statement couldn't be truer and wronger simultaneously.

 "Your experiences made you strong and carried you to where you stand today. Like a hammer, the horrors you faced forged the still hot steel of your life. Though you carry your fair share of scars, I can't imagine you aren't thankful for the ability to keep pushing on, no?", Serraph answered softly, leaning in lazily against his cane. "Curiosity always kills the cat. I don't dispute my own strength, but at the same time I am left to ponder the situations i've managed to slip through. I am fast, but even I cannot outrun my own condition. My allegiance has been betrayed twice already, if not more, yet I still seek the service and security of something, someone stronger. It often makes me think of all that has transpired."

 "'Dreams of the morrow, hath the shattered soul. 
 Pride is lost, wings stripped away, the end is nigh.'"

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko scoffed and as he gripped the device gifted to him. "I suppose some might choose to look upon their journey with gratitude, but I cannot assure you I am one of them. While my experiences shaped me and forced me to persevere, I wouldn't say that has necessarily improved my life. I have longevity where others do not, but that does not guarantee happiness and purpose. That's a mistake many make. They think survival will bring them happiness and fulfillment, but it doesn't. Survival allows you more time to find contentment, it doesn't ensure it." 

Shikitsuhiko had never verbalized his discontentment. He much preferred quiet contemplation and the solitude his mind offered him. He had never seen any benefit in sharing his misgivings about becoming an Arrancar or regrets for how he has chosen to lead his life. Instead he quieted those voices and relegated them to the darkest recesses of his mind. In the deepest shadows resided some of his most haunting thoughts and emotions. The kind that corrupt bravery and certainty with fear and doubt. These whispers from the shadows spoke of unhappiness and stagnation. They left an otherwise steadfast warrior feeling defeated. They would send such a warrior into battle with a dull, ineffective blade. "Allegiance?" He questioned. "The way you phrase that it suggests that you betrayed yourself, not another. Shouldn't you seek inner power before you go searching for something more external?"

[Serraph Quarrere]

"Myself? Hardly, fellow, perhaps.", The Espada would laugh  and twirl his gloved finger among his crimson locks. "We of Hollow kind are inside out. When our broken chain clears and bore through our heart of hearts we shatter and reform, wearing our hearts upon our face, and then to become what we are now we discard our mask to regain the human-like properties we may have once had. It's funny actually. Through doing this we become less human. Can you imagine that? Us less human than that of the menial beasts that wonder aimlessly in the wastes? Fascinating!" He'd bring his cane before him and lean into it, stretching out his back. He often had to keep moving. Stay in one place and his paper flesh may begin to get stiff. Already it's happening. Didn't help that his skin was beginning to dry out. A good time in a nice cool room with a charcoal brush scrubbing would feel wonderful right about time.

 "In order to gain access to Los Noches I was tasked with killing a hollow warlord in the fringes of the wastes. Long story short, sir, is that I became her vassal wholeheartedly. I never expected when the time came that i'd feel anything from doing what must be done. After all, my motivations were strong. I did feel remorse in what I did, and through that remorse I was able to shed my mask and gain the strength to exact a quite surprising vengeance on the one who gave me this task. I never used to have hair as crimson as it is, or an eye as deep as red as one's bleeding wound. I came away from that mission a changed person, literally. "

 Serraph would stop and laugh shaking his head as he grabbed the shaft of his cane with unprecedented gusto. "I've been rambling too much. I'm sure the Cuatro has better things to do today than listen to the new recruit talk on and on on what was, is, and could be. I'll spare you that torment.",  he'd motion for the remaining servants to begin moving away and he'd follow suit