Do Insects Dream of Fiery Sheep? [R, Damage Permanent]

[Deleted]

Thread Title: Do Insects Dream of Fiery Sheep?
Participants: Orobas vs. Arcadus
World: Hueco Mundo
Death Setting: Permanent Injuries Enabled
Rating: R
Location: The desert sands of Hueco Mundo, far from the canopy of Las Noches.
Special Conditions: N/A.
Circumstances: After having heard stories from their close friend Ailene, Orobas has decided to declare a formal challenge against Arcadus. Not necessarily for rank, but to see just what the famed Espada is capable of in a fight to the near-death.

[Deleted]

Humming a rather chipper tune to themselves, a certain Akki began to make their way toward Las Noches on the backs? Heads? of a swarm of butterflies. Seeming to surf through the air, Orobas held their arms out to their sides, feigning a need for balance as they continued to soar through the arid air of the desert below. With the citadel of white approaching in their sight rather quickly, they began to run through how they'd hoped this little excursion to go. After a previous chat with Ailene, Orobas had decided to reach out and make contact with a rather specific individual; that individual being the Tercera Espada, Arcadus.

As they quickly closed in on the city-sized castle, Orobas did what they could to slow down, gently allowing themselves to land as these butterflies began to disperse, most of which flying back behind the Akki in order to form a petticoat for their crimson suit. Gently patting themselves down from any sand or hell forbid hollow remains that might've gotten on their clothes, Orobas let out a quick exhale, keeping that same excited smile smeared across their face. Knowing relatively well where they were within the walls from their time spent as an Envainar, the akki began to stroll toward the nearest staircase from where they'd landed, looking to make their way up to the Espada's corridors.

Naturally, all of this was under the assumption that Arcadus was going to be where Orobas had expected him to be; somewhere in, on, or around the floors that he had to himself within Las Noches. If this weren't the case, they'd take precautions, but for now, it didn't hurt to search about. Slowly making their way up through the floors and checking about, they'd eventually made it up to the 800's level. If they'd remembered correctly, this was where Arcadus' own floors were supposed to be, unless Kouhai made like Kouhai and did something to change that around yet again. That man was horribly indecisive, and it tended to drive them up a wall.

Nonetheless, Arcadus was their priority; not Kouhai. Should he have been there, Orobas was ready to speak to them about a challenge, of sorts. Hearing from Ailene (and if they'd remembered, even Alastor had said something about him?) about Arcadus, to say that the Akki was intrigued was a horrendous understatement. They wanted- no, needed to fight Arcadus. To see if he had what they were looking for when it came to this rather nefarious plan that they were scheming out. They'd hoped that he'd be exactly what they were looking for; a force to be reckoned with. Alas, they'd need to wait and see just where the Arrancar had been.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Orobas' Stats & Skills}
Type: Prodigy, Version 2

Strength: 100 [34]
Speed: 400 [400]

Reiatsu Strength: 50 [50]
Spiritual Pressure: 500 [1,750]

Instinct: 300 [102]
Senses: 100 [100]
Energy Sensory: 100 [34]

Healing Expertise: 0

Light Aura: 0
Dark Aura: 100

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Pain Tolerance - 3
War Strategy - 3
Charisma - 3
Battle Analysis - 3
Analyzing - 3

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool & Swarm Information}
Natural Reiatsu: 17,500/17,500
Insectile Reiatsu: 0/8,750

---------------------------

Currently-Breeding Swarm: N/A.

Currently Active Swarms: N/A.

Exoskeleton Durability: N/A.

[Arcadus]

Arcadus had finished his afternoon routine, finishing up in the lab, showering, going for a swim, the three course lunch, notably a soup made primarily of bone broth and vegtables stewed in blood, as well as quincy haggis, which, despite Anvus's flourishing, was exactly how it sounded. Moving into a black and grey jeans and jacket, Arcadus didn't really have many plans for the rest of the day. The cult, or rather, experiment were far off, nearly a fortnite's time. He'd finished up the speed loader a week ago, and Blood's edge was not coming along well, despite Valeron's contributions. In any case, nothing interesting was happening in los noches at the minute, though he did have to go hook up that internet tower eventually. Some other time perhaps, there was no real demand for it, it was mainly for personal use. Oh , and that testing ground out in the desert. 

As thoughts of the future swirled beneath his golden mane, Arcadus did sense something. A powerful reishi approaching, slowly, as if it was navigating the treachery of Los Noches design. It smelled demonic, and certianly wasn't Kitai, or Alastor. No, he recognized it, that friend of Ailene's. They were making their way to him, though there were few other options of interest in his direction. Moving towards his balcony looking out over the large swath of buildings, Arcadus couldn't see them, but he could sense them. Dark, swirling, like a mass of rotting guts. Practically bloated with reiatsu. Grabbing his red-gold glove and Zanpakkuto, he leaned out over the edge, scanning.

There, the figure, finally moving out into the open yard in front of Arcadus's multistoried palace, though hard distinguish as it was from the rest of the city fortress. Leaping off of the railling, leaving it bent and twisted in the process, Arcadus flew up into the air, descending with a gathering wind. As he descended the near 300 foot drop, made much higher by his leap, decided to enter with a mote of grace, and began tucking in for a  spin, gathering rotational speed before ax kicking out a shock wave, cushioning his fall and setting him down in front of Orabas. 

Standing up to his 7 foot height, allowing his blue eyes to pierce out from his blonde mane staring down at this new form Orobas had taken, face blank, but a stone blank. "To what do I owe the pleasure and privilege, to host you, especially so far from your home?" Glancing at the new form they had decided to take, it was certainly a sexualized look, though Arcadus had no idea if Orabas had an understanding or desire for sex, or even romantic/aesthetic attraction. 

If this was about what Alastor had mentioned, perhaps this was the first steps of beginning the plans. In which case he'd need to prepare some food, and move Anvus away from the Akki prosciutto. Though, considering this wasn't a message, it had to be something that only Orabas could bring himself, which could be a very short list of things. Some ability of his, his given word, or his power. Arcadus did not like the second one, though Oren snickered at his lack of internal bravado. 

[Deleted]

"To what do I owe the pleasure and privilege, to host you, especially so far from your home?" The Akki couldn't help but chuckle, especially after that little stunt that Arcadus had ended up pulling just a moment before. Such a flourish was certainly... spectacular, to say the least. Definitely set a standard for how they'd expected this meet to go, that much was for sure. They'd just have to wait and see what else it was that Arcadus had planned, but to say they were excited for that was much of an understatement.

"Well, first I'd like to say that it's very much a wonderful opportunity to have the time to meet face to face with you, without the need to be at someone's throat." A brazen smile taking hold across their face, Orobas began to run through just how today was going to go, yet again in their mind. "For starters, how are you? How have you been? I feel it's been quite some time since we last had the opportunity to share some words with each other, and lord if that's not a shame." Crossing their arms with a huff, Orobas shook their head from side to side. They genuinely did find that fact disappointing; Arcadus seemed like a delightful individual, and a useful one at that.

"Nonetheless, I wanted to stop by to see if you'd be willing to talk shop regarding a rather... interesting plan that's currently in the works. I'm sure that my colleague, Alastor, has made some attempt to contact you, no? There's been some word between the two of us regarding your participation in a spectacle of an attack against Soul Society, and we'd both very much like to see your participation in that fight." Glancing around, Orobas took note of the open area and let out a soft chuckle.

"Whether your participation is appropriate or not, though, is something we can address in a moment. Perhaps you'd like to join me for a drink, Arcadus? I know it might be a bit early in this eternal daylight, but it can't be that bad of an idea. What say you?" With a comment like that, Orobas had simply aimed to be friendly. They'd hoped that much was apparent, but if it wasn't then it wasn't the end of the world. Regardless, they simply held their hands behind their back, that same dumb smile on their face as they awaited a response from the Tercera Espada.

[Arcadus]

"Nonetheless, I wanted to stop by to see if you'd be willing to talk shop regarding a rather... interesting plan that's currently in the works. I'm sure that my colleague, Alastor, has made some attempt to contact you, no? There's been some word between the two of us regarding your participation in a spectacle of an attack against Soul Society, and we'd both very much like to see your participation in that fight." Despite the chuckle and appearance, Arcadus had a moment to mentally sigh. Alastor really had been a pain, despite his earnest attempt to intimidate Arcadus, he really was second rate at his position as a diplomat. As well, getting some information on the blue crystal he currently had set in a glass case would be a good opportunity. 


"Whether your participation is appropriate or not, though, is something we can address in a moment. Perhaps you'd like to join me for a drink, Arcadus? I know it might be a bit early in this eternal daylight, but it can't be that bad of an idea. What say you?" While they were certainly putting on friendly airs, and definitely wanted to talk at least for the minute. From there it was likely to be some kind of test or trial to see if they believed he would measure up, which of course he would, but it wasn't like they were scraping the bottom of the barrel for enemies to the Soul Society. As for what they were looking for, Hellions weren't known for loyalty, and so he could likely agree without needing to actually follow through until the last minute.

"Well, if its a drink you want, theres few places for Hueco Mundo for that" Cocky smile flashing his pearly teeth, Arcadus turned to his right, coyly looking down on Orobas. "Except my palace of course, other Espada feel fit to live in squalor, but it's not my intention to live on the streets. Besides, its not hard to procure things from the mortal world if you  know where to look." Waving his hand over, Arcadus fully turned on his heels to face his home. "Come, I'll have the chefs make something to your liking. As for a drink you really do have your pick of the litter." As he began to talk back towards his palace, snapping his fingers for the bottom floor doors to open. 

Inside, waxed marble floors and crystal chandeliers, along with the plush furniture, Arcadus gestured to a quartet of armchairs, and taking a seat, took a decanter of bourbon from Atlas, the butler of the place. on the table between the chairs sat the  Pouring himself a glass, and setting an opposite glass and the decanter on the table, Arcadus cleared his throat. "Now, you mentioned an attack on the Soul Society. While I am interested, you'll forgive me for not jumping head first without some further details."

[Deleted]

Following the Tercera inside, Orobas took the time to look around, admiring the work done in order to keep his palace, as he put it, in pristine condition. It was certainly admirable; to have gone through that much work in order to make sure his place of residency looked as astonishing as it did? It was quite the impressive feat; a feat that Orobas silently acknowledged, not wanting to interrupt Arcadus from saying something.

As if on queue, alongside his sitting down, he decided to speak up. "Now, you mentioned an attack on the Soul Society. While I am interested, you'll forgive me for not jumping head first without some further details." Follwing in suit and sitting down, Orobas simply nodded and placed their hands on their lap. "Oh believe me," they said, "I don't expect you to agree right away at all. While I won't share my entire hand for what's to come, I've no problem giving you a taste of the information you'll be learning."

Crossing their legs, Orobas leaned in just a bit, a devious smile ever growing across their face. "See, my colleague and I are bolstering forth our forces in order to prepare for a wide-scale attack against the Soul Society; something to permanently cripple them, to wipe them from every map of the Three Worlds we have. Our goal is subjugation, followed by eradication. At the moment, it's just myself and Alastor, but we're steadily building a rapport with those we deem influential enough with enough power backing them in order to help make a stand against the Soul Society. I'd like to think it's no surprise that you're absolutely one of our prime targets, Arcadus.

Slowly holding up their hand, a small butterfly, seemingly appearing from nowhere, landed on Orobas' index finger. If Arcadus had known anything about Soul Society, he'd immediately recognize this as a species very similar to that of a Jigokucho. "You see, Soul Society has long since kept us - the both of us, for that matter - largely under wraps from the Three Worlds. They've kept both us of Hell, and you kind folk of Hueco Mundo suppressed for the last few millennia. Does that not upset you? To not have the option to roam freely about, doing as you wish in even the World of the Living, without those militaristic dogs breathing down your neck?"

Gently casting out their finger, Orobas let the butterfly into the air, slowly making its way over toward Arcadus. Assuming he did nothing to stop the insect from travelling, it'd land on the arm of his chair, almost staring up at him. "Think of it; finally having the option to be free; to not have to hide in some fake body in order to stay out of the eyes of that damned regime; to be able to make your mark on really any of the other two Worlds, and not be condemned to these damned sands for the rest of your life. I'd merely like to open up this opportunity to you, and a select few from Las Noches. I've spent the last decade or so doing what I can in order to establish a friendly relationship with Kouhai, and your fellow Espada. As such, I'm extending this offer to you, and perhaps one or two more that would like to follow in suit in order to finally get things done around here. What say you?"

[Arcadus]

Arcadus held his chin and nodded along. Orobas spoke about their end goal, to destroy Soul Society, to try and bring an end to the stalemate that had been laying like a layer of lead over every action anyone took. Further, they invoked language similar to revolutionaries, of freedom, but then spoke of their subjugating and eradication of their opponent. Clearly not an ideologue. As for the matter of what they wanted, they claimed to need his might, but it was far more likely his influence they were after. 

As for the flattery. He couldn't deny that was true, he was powerful and one of the more influential people, but he wasn't used to hearing that out loud. Generally when that was the case he was being lubed up for something particularly egregious to ask of him. Which, as they had stated along with summoning the butterfly, one that reminded Arcadus of the ones he had seen on the outskirts of the Soul Society, they did. Risking his neck on an all out assault for the freedom to walk around without worry about the Shinigami.

The offer intrigued Arcadus, both from the perspective that Orobas had been planning this for seemingly a long period of time, contacting Kouhai and other members of the Espada before him for nearly a decade. While he was certainly a young Arrancar, the sense of scale this implied sent the alarms ringing. Clearly a lot was not being said, and he'd have to bring that out of Orobas. "You speak about eradicating the Soul Society after subjugating them. So this isn't a simple destruction, wiping that part of the map off. You're expanding."

Sipping from his brandy before continuing, "And if you are expanding and holding this land and access to those souls, surely then you gain far more from this than I would, at least at present. I am not a prisoner to which freedom is an ultimate bargaining chip." Gesturing to the luxurious furniture and the sheer effort of the surrounding room, lavish molding and gold detailed marble. "I am a man of means but it does not mean I am going to march on the SS without reason or belief that I gain from it. This war has been in a stalemate for centuries, and Kouhai has been content to leave it be." 

"While I relish the opportunity to strike a blow against the shinigami, unless Los Noches gains from it, rather than removing a problem of ours, I don't see why we should lend our aid. If your intent is to rule two of the three worlds, we would need your word that we'd see our share of spoils as well as your word that Sanctus wouldn't move against Hueco Mundo in the event of success in this venture. As for the land, that is something you would have to discuss with Kouhai, as I don't feel it is my place to bargain on that without my lord's guidance." 

Arcadus crossed his legs to match Orobas. He was certianly being forward, but he also wanted his interest to be tempered. He needed to see how much Orobas was willing to give in terms of spoils and decision making on this plan. As well, having one of the 3 major factions shut down or heavily diminished would leave Hell in a prime opportunity to invade other aspects of Creation. That could spiral out of control. As well, they hadn't mentioned the noble houses, the real powers behind the Soul Society, which left Arcadus with a niggling query on that topic. But it was best to wait and see what would be challenged. 

[Deleted]

"You speak about eradicating the Soul Society after subjugating them. So this isn't a simple destruction, wiping that part of the map off. You're expanding." With this, the Akki couldn't help but chuckle to themselves. As Arcadus continued, they raised both hands slowly into the air with a smirk smeared across their cheeks, as if to say "you've caught me". "And if you are expanding and holding this land and access to those souls, surely then you gain far more from this than I would, at least at present. I am not a prisoner to which freedom is an ultimate bargaining chip. I am a man of means but it does not mean I am going to march on the SS without reason or belief that I gain from it. This war has been in a stalemate for centuries, and Kouhai has been content to leave it be."

Slowly crossing their legs over their lap once more, and placing their hands back down, Orobas decided it was their time to speak. "While you're not wrong there, Arcadus," they said, "I do think you've much to gain from a venture such as this. For one, you'd be forming yourself quite a powerful ally amongst the forces of the damned. I won't sing my own praise, but I'm sure you know of Hell, and can reasonably assume the goings-on down there. When I speak of legions upon legions of soldiers that answer to my beck and call, I do mean it. With a backing like that, there are few who'll dare to oppose the might of Las Noches... Including Las Noches itself, if you understand what I'm trying to say."

"You speak of spoils of war, and gained ventures amongst Hueco Mundo, but surely you know that there isn't much that a hellion of all folk is going to use as a bargaining chip. Especially not when, statistically, we vastly outnumber and outclass the military might that Las Noches has to offer. I hadn't made my way here in order to offer you materialistic values for your help, but instead a place in this new world; Arcadus, you're a being of strength. Someone who has gone through tremendous effort in order to amass quite an amount of power, and influence over your time. I've come here today in order to offer you that back to you, tenfold.

"Just think, do you know what sorts of praise will be spoken about you, should this operation be a success? The amount of backing you'd get from those that silently cheer your name from the sidelines? Not only, but you've my word that, if you so desire, you'll have a position of your own to rule over; a position that I promise you nobody would dare even think of attesting. You'd have your place in this new world order Alastor and I look to begin. Taking a short pause, Orobas began to devolve into a rather giggly state, leaning in toward Arcadus. With a blink, their eyes almost inverted in color, with sclera turning a pitch black. As they spoke once more, their voice reverberated amongst itself, sounding as though a conglomerate of different voices were vying for control within the same vessel.

W̷h̵e̷t̸h̷e̷r̷ ̸y̶o̶u̸ ̶p̸a̵r̸t̶i̵c̷i̵p̷a̸t̴e̶ ̷o̵r̷ ̵n̵o̷t̸,̶ ̴I̶ ̸p̶r̸o̶m̸i̷s̴e̷ ̷y̵o̴u̶ ̵H̵u̸e̸c̴o̷ ̴M̴u̶n̸d̴o̶ ̶w̷i̷l̸l̴ ̷s̷u̶f̸f̴e̵r̸ ̴r̸e̵p̷e̶r̵c̴u̵s̶s̴i̸o̸n̴s̶.̸ ̸I̷t̴'̸s̶ ̴u̴p̸ ̴t̷o̴ ̸y̷o̴u̴ ̴w̸h̵e̸t̷h̶e̶r̵ ̷t̴h̶o̶s̶e̴ ̵a̵r̸e̶ ̵f̷o̷r̶ ̷b̷e̴t̶t̴e̴r̸ ̵o̷r̷ ̶w̴o̷r̸s̴e̸.̷

[Arcadus]

Listening to the response Orobas has concocted, their expression and posture signifying a sense of calm surprise, like opening a prank item you planted or laughing at a joke you wrote. As for Arcadus, the qhorus'd voice certainly startled him, even if it was clear that that was the case. But more than anything, Arcadus listened to Orobas's promises of a paradigm shift, of power and status all to his own. But they would be all his. They'd be backed by whatever legions of hellions backed that rule.  

But besides that. He felt no loyalty to Hueco Mundo itself, though he was partial to his position here. Orobas wasn't here to negotiate, they were here to make demands, and offer a courtesy. Arcadus did not like that. He hated being told to fall in line, and he didn't see much opportunity to act as he pleased under hell's dominion. But he didn't have much of a choice. Kouhai was not acting and Arcadus was one man. He couldn't hold the line, or even the basis of his power, as scant as it was, alone. 

And they were right, if he was able to play a pivotal role in changing this stalemate and bringing the serietei to its knees, his praise, his backing to his power, would be ten fold what it was. He'd have advanced on that goal to rise to the top, but he'd be pushing up an entire dimension, and people who weren't likely to keep him around once he had outlived his use to them. This wasn't a demand even, this was an order from someone who WAS going to impose their will, and as much as Los Noches was a fortress, it was, at least at the minute, not capable of fending off the infinite horde of demons, regardless of their strength. 

And, to an extent, he wanted to preserve this place, its creatures, Akando had sparked some kind of companionship in him. That he couldn't deny, and he certianly wasn't going to throw the years he had spend clawing his way to the top of los noches on opposing someone who was offering peace and power, even if it was under a new ruler. In the worst case, Kouhai was toppled and he'd have to break free of this himself, and best case, both kouhai and this league of hellions killed each other. 

What he needed though, was to stand up and take this offer, show that he wasn't going to be intimidated into this and this was a choice. Smiling, returning Orobas's  energy, Arcadus pulled a small trick. Using his aura to paint the room red, light and all, letting his full force of his aura and charisma to pour, Arcadus leaned in as well, their noses practically touching. "I can do that too" And with the "too", the pressure and light faded, the room returning to its calm, serene opalescence, the only not of it being the chandelier's slight swaying causing it to chime. 

Leaning in his chair, leather squeaking, as Arcadus laced his binger s back to gether over his knee.  "Now, with that out of the way, I do accept, but I feel like I'm missing some details, who else have you extended such an offer to, what plans or ins to we have into Soul Society? But I think we can discuss that over some dinner. Is it fair to assume you consume meat? If not I'm sure it won't break Anvus's heart." Ringing a bell, the *tap tap tap* of Atlas's shoes on the marble from around the corner rang out, as Atlas himself, came over and at a waving gesture from Arcadus, leaned over, and with whispered words nodded and walked back out of the room, shoes tapping towards the kitchen. 

[Deleted]

Watching the Arrancar lean in closer, Orobas simply held their position, making quick notice of the fact that the room around them quickly began to shift to shades of crimson while keeping their eyes glued to Arcadus. To break eye contact here was a sign of personal weakness; something that Orobas wasn't going to show. As Arcadus spoke, and the room quickly shifted back to normal, Orobas followed in suit and sat back once more with a simple chuckle. If they hadn't been amused before, they most certainly were now.

"Now, with that out of the way, I do accept, but I feel like I'm missing some details, who else have you extended such an offer to, what plans or ins to we have into Soul Society? But I think we can discuss that over some dinner. Is it fair to assume you consume meat? If not I'm sure it won't break Anvus' heart." Nodding in response to Arcadus, Orobas tapped their chin gently. "Oh, getting into Soul Society isn't exactly the hardest venture; we've plenty of ways of getting in. For one..." As they finished speaking, bits of flesh and sinew across their body quickly began to shift and contort, spinning around and forcing itself back inside of their body with ease. Facial features changed to be a bit more soft, as their hair shifted to a deep green, and grew out exponentially quickly.

By the time they were finished, Orobas was not only in a completely different form, but in a different outfit as well; that of a Shinigami's shihakusho. "I'm able to shift my appearance and reiatsu signature at-will. There are very few people that will be able to figure out much of anything. Naturally, I'm not the only one of my kind able to do this; Alastor is able to do so as well, to a lesser extent. For you, we'll get you a guise going in order to get you into Soul Society with relative ease. We should be fairly well-off in terms of entering, that much I'm sure of." Shifting back to their original appearance through the same body-warping shenanigans, Orobas dusted off their suit and re-crossed their legs.

"As far as whom the offer has been extended to up to this point, right now it's just you, Arcadus. We're currently planning on getting a specific Saika in on the invasion, given his previous attacks against Soul Society, as well as possibly one or two more Las Noches-affiliates that'd like to see Soul Society torn to shreds. On that note, though, I'm definitely a fan of meat; I'm excited to see what that chef of yours is willing to cook up~!" A serene smile splashed across Orobas' face; a smile that, if nothing was known about them, could've been a show of innocence.

Stretching their arms, Orobas let out a soft huff. "Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea for us to go work up an appetite, however? I think it's fair to say that knowing the capabilities of those you're going to be fighting alongside in a life-or-death situation is a bit of a necessity, wouldn't you agree? I'm most certainly interested in seeing just how this is going to go between us."

[Arcadus]

Arcadus had taken note of Orobas's body language, thie rcrouch, the way they were straining to not flick thier gaze away as the red light flashed in and faded out. It told him a lot, that they were of a person of considerable mental and charismatic fortitude, as well that this deal was very, very important to them. The tension, and that they didn't ignore it, told him that there was a lot of gain he could make here, despite the threats of this Akki.



Sensing out the soul infront of him, Arcadus could sense a familar notion, to dominate and control everything. A powerful fuel to one's flame, as Arcadus could well attest. But in Orobas's soul, there was a grace not present in Alastor's. A calm, even if under tension and pressure. Like a twisted steel cable holding an enourmous weight. There was a blackness to Orobas that suppased the dark of a sinners soul, a layered malice. Like multiple coats of paint covering a canvas. 

In terms of actually fighting Orobas, Arcadus could sense that where as he was balanced on spiritual and physical strength, but lacking spiritual stamina, Orobas was all spiritual, holding incredible strength in spiritual prowess and stamina, but a comically weak body. Something Arcadus would make sure to press the advantage on. Though, he was unsure of how Akki avoided attacks, if it was through short bursts of speed, or through some other matter. In either case, Orobas likely had some set of trump cards, and if they were challending him so readily to a death match so far from home, he likely had some impressive durability or a way of traversing worlds while incredibly injured. 

"Well, I don't think we should work up an appetite just yet. I think some more details on the table are in order. What plans already exist, do we have a plan of attack, is there some kind of staging ground involved, or some kind of headquarters to move from?" In his mind, Arcadus conferred with Oren, taking note of anything that Oren could feed him on pervious campaigns that Oren served as a commander in. If that was going to be his role, he'd attempt to transfer any and all skills to this life and death endeavor. The normal tension between them had lessened, the hunting trips with Akando had served to closen the two spirits.



"I understand your desire to move this into the test of my abilities first, but I think far more important would be a test of my abilities as a leader, would it not? Especially if your expecting me to take on the form of some kind of vassal in our conquest." Arcadus needed to ascertain, either through reveal or through admition, the actual intentions of these demons employing him, if he was to be rewarded with land, surely a test of statesmanship and strategy would work.



But if he was simply being tested in the capacity of his might, then there was a potential that he was being employed as a disposable mercenary, someone to be thrown away. Inside his mind, Oren warned him "Its happened through out time, warriors take up a banner only to be slaughtered or poisoned in peace time, as their use to a lord wanes. Loyalty to your immediate captain, sergeant, etc, would see you surviving into peace time."



Moving out into the physical world, Arcadus gets up from his leather chair, the chairs leather stretching and squeaking to its original form accompannied by the swoosh of Arcadus's robe as he stepped into the center of the room, under the chandelier, white robe contrasting on the black marble, gold trim on both seemingly melding under the twinkling light. "I think, you are so sure of your success, then you should test me on the aptitudes I would be fulfilling for a longer time than a simple invasion. I'm more than willing to fight whatever champion you have, but I would have thought a more forward thinking test would be in order?"

As much as Arcadus wanted to be honest and simply ask this role, he had to be silent on that front. Silence didn't come easy to him, he hated lying, it was always so inconvenient, better to just sway people to a cause through honest agreement, at least then there was no worry over desertion and  backstabbing. "Or, as you've shown with this little transformation sequence, this has the potential to at least start out as an infiltration rather than an out and out assault, then wouldn't testing someones abilties in the capacities this operation would call for be intelligent, instead of hopping right to a death match?"

[Deleted]

"Well, I don't think we should work up an appetite just yet." Gods. "I think some more details on the table are in order. What plans already exist, do we have a plan of attack, is there some kind of staging ground involved, or some kind of headquarters to move from?" With a soft sigh, Orobas conceded for the time being. "Plans are already in motion, yes. This much should hopefully be evident. As far as what I'm willing to share with you before getting an example of your power, however, is going to be relatively limited. Simply put, we plan on arriving inside of Seireitei, and simply tearing through any soul that seems to have a problem with us placing our own flag down. For the time being, given the majority of our attacking forces are Hell-aligned, that would be where our base of operations currently resides. Though, should we get assistance from outsiders such as yourself, we're not above moving to somewhere more... accessible."

Listening close while Arcadus continued to speak once more, Orobas made no effort to hide their increasingly frustrated appearance. Their brow began to furrow ever so slightly, their shit-eating grin slowly began to descent into a mere smirk, and eventually ended in a resting position. Still, though, they waited until the Arrancar was finished with his thoughts entirely, allowing him to speak his peace before Orobas decided to once again throw their words into the mix. Closing their eyes, and taking a deep breath, Orobas did what they could to calm themselves before speaking once more.

"Arcadus, we both know that you're a rather intelligent individual yourself. This much, I'd like to think is a relatively well-known fact. The fact of the matter is, very few individuals have seemed to be able to document your prowess. Sure, everyone knows you're powerful, given your stature and rank, but very few souls actually comprehend what you're capable of doing. I simply ask to be one of those few. I'd like to think I'm not asking for much, so I'm not going to change my stance on that matter. While sure, you would provide as a nice addition to the scheming going on behind Soul Society's back... we don't consider you a necessity."

Slowly standing up, and allowing themselves to walk around Arcadus' own room, the Akki continued to speak, occasionally touching around and fiddling with various belongings of his. "I'm sure even you must've known that much deep down, no? We're merely making this offer your your benefit. Additional hands certainly aid us in accomplishing our goals, but losing one ally isn't something that's going to leave us out to dry. We will conquer Seireitei, with or without your assistance, Tercera. Spitting out his rank with venom beneath their words, Orobas eventually found their way back to their seat, legs crossed and hands placed neatly on their top knee.

"Truthfully, though, yes; you will be dearly compensated for the time and effort you put in to aiding Hell's forces in conquering. You will be justly awarded land and your own small battalion of hellions to do with what you so choose. Though, you must think me daft to simply give you the opportunity to command without first seeing what you're capable of. Why on earth would I award someone incapable of pulling their own weight? Surely you mustn't think of me to be that generous, Arcadus. I've got armies to command; nobody is getting a free pass like that."

Standing up once more, Orobas turned to face away from the Arrancar. Holding their hand out, and allowing a singular butterfly to land on their index finger, Orobas chuckled to themselves. With a slight motion of their hand outward, they let the butterfly go, flying off into the sands of Hueco Mundo. "If you'd like to talk shop on your capabilities as a leader, prove to me you have what it takes to take your place as a leader, Arcadus. Nobody is going to give you a hand-out. If you'd like your place in the New World, then earn it."

[Arcadus]

Arcadus  watched Orobas walk abour his house, attempting to assert themselves by fiddling with his things, acting like they owned the place. It wasn;t going to work, especially when Arcadus had placed the furniture, the stones, the lights and the wiring with those.  However, he did smirk to himself, Orobas did reveal a bit of information. He was not some important piece, not a rook or bishop, but more of a knight. A useful peice, but not neccessary to victory. That would have to change. If this was going to work in his favor, he'd have to make himself as valuable as he could.

Stepping closer to Orobas, Arcadus tilted his head, his normally coy smile replaced with a dull judging look. "I am not afraid to fight you, and you show an awful a lot of hesitance asking for a fight, and persisting in asking for a fight after I open my hospitality to you, but not attacking me. Should I set up a ring for you and have Atlas ring us a bell? Or are you interested in my prowess in battle, and in war, not in sport and competition. If its the former, then accept my hospitality, let us have something to eat and drink, then, at your leisure, attack me, or ask that we go somewhere you are more comfortable fighting at."

"Battle is messy and uncertain. You shouldn't test your warriors and soldiers by their ability in a match with rules and timers. It should be two forces attacking as they please, with whatever moves and strategy they have to hand, barring of course, soldiers killing each other in training. So let us commence when we please. I afford my Espada the courtesy of taking battles out into the sands to keep our fortress from crumbling under constant attacks and Cero, but most Arrancar are not so forward thinking. In the mean time, I ask you to come enjoy a roast that has been simmering for the last 8 hours. The initiative is yours."

Arcadus knew he was dancing close to the flame. But given Orobas hadn't flinched at the test earlier, judgment said that they wouldn't falter and attack him outright with that offer. It was entirely possible they would be liable to attack him in the middle of a meal, but that was a problem for the next few minutes. And in that time, it was possible for him to further improve his position, but it was clear he couldn't stall in this position any longer, and he had to force change, and try and manipulate that change in his benefit. 

Snapping his fingers in a rattling "CLACK" Arcadus summoned Atlas, a tall, think, and white haired arrancar to his side, dressed in a butlers uniform. "Atlas, have both chefs bring out the roast, and something for the Akki here, I'm sure Anvus has something in mind." Turning to walk towards the dining room, Arcadus swished his white and gold robe as he did, black marble outlining him prominently as he did so. "At your leisure Orobas, and I do recommend staying for the food, its worth killing for." Arcadus kept his energy sensory trained on Orobas, making sure to note any movement of rieatsu in them towards their extremities. 

With his ethereal senses straining, Arcadus picked up a new signature, over the haze and static of thousands of Arrancar in Los Noches, a Saika stood out, beeming like a star. Arcadus hid his concern, but it was clear to is second sight. Kitai was in Los Noches, and had no interest in hiding his presence. That did not bode well, but as it wasn't an issue at this second, Arcadus would focus on the task at hand. Keeping Orobas in check and hopefully, taking them out to the sands to stomp their frail body, but that was a bit of a reach. 

[Deleted]

Grumbling to themselves, Orobas listened to what Arcadus had to say. Truthfully, he was right about the situation at hand; a fight at the moment likely wasn't their best option. No, instead maybe something to build a bit of rapport? It didn't have to be anything significant, but something could've helped the two of them at least build some kind of business partnership. After all, the Akki was no stranger to making Human World money. It seemed that just about everything ran on the stuff, spiritual or not.

"Perhaps you're right," they said, "A fight at the moment may not be our... best approach to things." Walking back over to the Arrancar, Orobas sat back down, and crossed their legs. "I'd be delighted to share a meal with you, if that's what you're looking for at current. Perhaps instead of... violent situations between the two of us, we could discuss something a bit more, I don't know, mutually beneficial?" As they smiled toward Arcadus, they awaited a response before continuing.

Reaching into a coat pocket and pulling out a small slip of paper, Orobas wrote down a few words on the sheet with a small 'pencil' created entirely from their own reiatsu, and held it into the air. Almost instantaneously, that sheet of paper split off into numerous insects, each and every one finding themselves leaving the room the two were in. "Arcadus, you've some way to watch human broadcasts, correct? Particularly those on television. I'd like to offer you a bit of... a show of favor."

"I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but there's a world-class Poker tournament currently being held in the Human World; quite a number of different people are putting rather high stakes into it. Some of which are even holding bets of their own, as to see just who ends up on top. Well, what if I told you I have a way of getting us a rather large sum of money from that tournament?" With a soft chuckle, Orobas looked down at the food that had just been brought out. To say they weren't immediately entranced by it would be an understatement.

"So, Arcadus," the continued in between bites, "how much would you like? More importantly, if you're not looking to participate, how much Ryo would you want in order to prevent your arrival in Seireitei? I'm nothing if not a friendly Akki, I'd like to think; perhaps you have a price? Even if not, I'm willing to reach out to aid you if I've the opportunity to do so. Establish a good relation with you, per se. Possibly future endeavors between you and me, or even Hell and Las Noches? The choice is yours."

[Arcadus]

Looking at the Akki, Arcadus pondered his situation. Being pressed and antagonized to fight this Akki, who threatened him and his home, his people, and him, immediately fold when faced with an actual confrontation, or the threat of one being immienent. In truth, it made him question whether Orobas had it in him to actually invade the soul society, or if they were just weaseling out of it for the sake of thier own skin at this minute. 

And now, they were suggesting a financial venture together to cheat and beat out a world class poker championship. Well, Arcadus was always down to cheat, and always down to make money, so there wasn't much of an objection. Making money wouldn't be the hard part, bets and winnings were easy to secure. The difficult part would be rigging it in his favor, but he had an idea to make it work. He'd need proxies, and he had just the people to do it. 

Those youths from the congregation would work, but he'd need time to work them into a position they could contact the card dealer, and more than that, an effective method of concealing thier identities. Or he could just do without, considering they wouldn't be able to make waves if the law couldn't reach them at the compound, which it couldn't. As for a promise to that dealer, if they were wpiritual he could just offer them power, but if not, they would jus be promised a cut of money, and be found in a ditch later. 

"Well Orobas, I think that is a fine option, it would pass the time and let me work on expanding a little project of mine, a small cult down in the American south, Georgia. I've cultivated a bit of a following masquerading as the Arch Angel Gabriel, and its come together interestingly. It was originally part of an experiment in faith and its effects on material realigy, but I think it would honestly serve me better as a kind of recruitment opportunity. "

"You see, i've considered that it would be interesting to look into the interactions and abilities of humans, and how best to steal, or copy them, onto Arrancar, but I've seen its practically impossible. The unity of a human soul allows it to push its form and spirit to greater heights, but Arrancar have too much discord. They are a personality laid over so many souls, that its impossible to drag them to those heights, for longer an a second, hence the more powerful Cero like Obscuras. "

"But, I think we will be just fine, a few of my trusted agents in that cult will be tasked with making this happen, and we can reap the benefits. So, with that settled lets move on with dinner, and afterwards, I'll settle in and set that in motion. As for you, I'll entertain any questions you have about the invasion or my participation, and to give you an answer on that number, I'd say in the realm of twenty to thirty thousand Ryo."

===================================================================================================================================

Later, Arcadus settled down in his chair in the compound, having called Natalia and Andrew to him, and explain the plan. He'd located a crooked card dealer for the occasion, but needed to convince him to switch the rigging to favor more profitable odds.  "Wonderful, I'm glad you two have made it. Blessings upon you both, as you are about to make a very large stride for the congregation. We are in need of funds, as mortal money is needed if we are not to take things by force, and to expand we will require it."

"However, through the Lord, I have been given a vision, of a sinner we can bring to the light, a man by the name of two apostles, and someone who can aid us, given the right encouragement and words." Looking at his two disciples, Arcadus probed their minds, and satisfied with the contents gestured them to speak. Andrew cleared his throat, piping up. "Who and where are we to go to? And what encouragements or desire would we need to have him join us?" Natalia nodded in agreement. 

"He is a man the Lord sees as being able to be saved with a distinct approach different from our own, and that the gain would allow the congregation to expand those saved by rapture. It would serve both as an important lesson, that anyone can be saved, and that all who wish to reform are safe here." Natalia spoke this time, "I think that would be a good motion, the Lord has done so in the past with such sinners, but so many are so forgetful."

Nodding in agreement, Arcadus handed them a folder, in which the details and directives to convert one Jon Utzbeki to the cause. A cards dealer, infamous in certian circles for being a leading man in the realm of fixing card games. He'd been known to be able to match speeds with karated 10th dans, and had competed in speed game competitions for years before picking up card dealing and making millions in rigging card games, and now was under a new alias working at the world championship of poker. 

Natalia and Andrew were both leaning on opposite walls outside the apartment, staring at each other. They'd been flustered at each other ever since picking up the guns from the drop, barely able to sit in the car without blushing. They knew they both wanted to marry, but couldn't work up the courage to fit the wordson their tongues, much less actually have them leave their minds and float out on open air. Seeing the door open, both hopped off, suitcases in hand. 

"Mr. Utzbeki, we're here to make a generous offer. We know you're under the alias "Senor Alfraz" but we'd prefer to use real names for this." Natalia opened her case, a laptop screen. It displayed a repeating gif of the atomization of the preacher. Looking into the tan man's eyes, Andrew opened the other case. Stacks of cash, banded, lined up in the case. "We want you to rig the upcoming championship in the underdog's favor, and in exchange, come live on our compound in Georgia."

"You'd have free room and board, and be a lauded member, adored and respected for your turnaround to God." As well, jiggling the cash in the case, "You'd make quite the fortune, since this is just the prelimary payment, for the cut of winnings you'd be recieve is very generous, so if you decided to leave you'd be able to live comfortably for a very long time." Jon looked at the two wack jobs, but he had heard about that thing, and he had also seen something other people hadn't in that vid.

The red beams, coming out of the angel's eyes. No one else seemed to see them. Maybe it was connected to his ability to see ghosts sometimes? In either case, he could tell that if it wasn't the real deal, he wouldn't be comfortable not knowing, and that payday, ho honey baby, he'd be living it up with strippers and blow on the Bahamas for longer than he'd live, so what did he have to lose? Reaching for the case, "Your on, but how badly do you want it rigged?"

Looking out on the table, Jon couldn't be happier with his work. Possibly one of the closest matches in the tournament's history, and there was no way there was a chance of failure. Right now the reigning champ had a sizable lead, that he had fought very hard for, despite the poor card's he'd gotten. But right now, with two aces in the underdog's hand, and 2 unflipped on the table, there was no way this could go anyo ther way. 

Call came, and a 4 of a kind, one of the larger upsets in recent years, came out, with a pot  of 2 million going to the underdog, and betting odds of 5:1 going to his employer. He was getting a huge payday, so were they, and he'd get to learn all about this whole congregatation these two were yammering about for the past night. Taking a swig of beer, Jon looked at the judges. Nothing seemed to be off at this minute, but he figured he should skedaddle before he was caught.