Ambition vs. Pride [JT w/ Arcadus]

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

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Arrrrghhh~! All these blasted hallways look the same! Where is he- I need to find him. It was not moments ago I could sense his presence, so he must be nearby; that blonde one, with the funny hair. I bet he's hiding from me, hmph! I'll teach him a thing or two about just how terrifying I can be, yes - once I find him - I can see it now; his face! His stupid - albeit admittedly somewhat handsome - face!

Here I was, about to proclaim myself to everyone, and rightfully so, that I - Shio Kyrou - was in fact the strongest there is within the Espada! They were all ears, those low-ranking arrancar, I could see the disbelief in their eyes. It is only natural they would think so, because I am still recuperating after 'that incident'. I was ready to post these beautifully decorated flyers all around Las Noches, these informatically correct leaflets - look here, here I am, my face is at the very top of this pyramid! So easy to understand, right~? But don't be so impressed yet, not until you see on the back; the top ten reasons in poll why Shio Kyrou is the strongest hollow!

Heh~ I really outdid myself.

But then that meek little arrancar, mask looking like some kind of broken tusk - fitting. Has the nerve to tell me, the strongest, that there was in fact another within Las Noches who claims to be 'the strongest Espada'.

He was like 'Uh, achtukuallyy' - well he's wrong! And I'm going to prove it.

I've spent so long trying to escape this prison, let me tell you. Yes, I'm of course refering to these rooms, they're enormous! They're much bigger on the inside, I don't even know how it's accomplished, why would they need all that space anyway when they have the whole freakin' desert?! - but anyway, back off tangent.

Those leaflets I made in the spare time I was locked up within Ailene's room. Yeah, I was planning to serve my time after what happened, but I couldn't just sit back and wait whilst somebody else was stomping around these halls claiming that title when it wasn't me - it wasn't even Ailene! Yes, that man who looks as though he works out a bodybuilding training regimine at least twice a day, and spends at least an hour each morning to curl his eyelashes into that pristine condition. I'm of course refering to the one those low-rankers called 'Arcadus'.

Ailene's room is like a maze! It's so full of books, collectables and other works of art. Imagine, a small albeit monsterously powerful individual as myself, lost amidst that pile of centuries old archetechture, culture and various other dusty old things... some of them were quite good reads though.

Still, I was lost in there for days! And it definitely was not of my own volition!

But now, hehe, now I am free. I stepped out of that door, and here I am, in front of the room belonging to that one whose known as the strongest P-O-S-E-R. I suppose I'd better announce my presence and get this over with.

So I fold my arms, inhale, and yell at the absolute tippy-toppity of my voice in order to get his attention. Surely one could hear my thunderous might echo throughout all the halls of Las Noches, and summon him to come fight me, proving once and for all my superiority!

"ARCADUS YOU MASSIVE CLOWN!!! I'VE COME TO CHALLENGE YOU, SHOW YOURSELF~!!!"
hhh~ my lungs.

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NOTES: ---

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[Arcadus]

Shio would be standing at the door for less than an minute before it opened, to reveal not the chisled blond they had come for, but a white haired well built man, beard and hair trimmed in close to give the appearance of a much thicker beard. He was clad in a black suit, with a small silver chain extending from his pocket to his tie, with matching black leather shoes. Looking down on the door step, in a deep voice like slapping a barrel full of water, the Arrancar addressed the small plush creature. "May I ask why you are disturbing my master at his home, sir or maam?"  

"I am Atlas, Ser Arcadus's butler, doorman and aide. If you've come to stir up trouble I'm sorry to say that I will be your first opponent, and it wouldn't be prudent to bet against myself. But if you are here to see my lord I am more than willing to show you to him, though, it may be a fair walk, given how much trouble the steps may be for you." Atlas looked down on the small creature. wondering what exactly it was though their curiosity remained behind his bushy eyebrows.  

Turning to close the door, half expecting the plush to transform, or explode, or something, Atlas waited a moment. Opening the door again to see the creature still there, he took a bit of initiative, delicately pickig up the creature by the back of the neck before placing it on a silver tray, which itself was on a trolley. as they approached the stairs, Atlas mentioned, "I'm taking you to see my master. He's up these stairs, and I won't be keeping him waiting. " Lifting the cart so it wouldn't catch on the steps without breaking a sweat, carrying it up the two flight of stairs silently. 

The interior of the first floor,  while spacious, and leading out into different areas including a pool and dining room, as well as the marble foyer that the stair case began its ascent itn, the second floor that held a white common room that split off into two different rooms, black and red respectively. Going up the stairs, the faintest reflection in the black and gold stones followed the pair as they ascended to the third floor. Stopping short of the top, and placing Shio on the top step, Atlas continued to the last step of the stairs, and clearing his throat, addressed the lounging figure on the other side of the room, shrouded in dark, illuminated by candle light. 

"Ser Arcadus, a challenger has wished to formally challenge you for your position. I wil leave you two to handle this, it is not my place to intervene." Walking back down the stairs, Atlas winked at Shio, and made his way back down the stairs. Arcadus, sprawled out on a couch, closed the tome he was reading  and turned to look at who the "challenger" could be. Looking at normal height level, Arcadus tossed the book onto the trolley behind the couch, said trolley sliding out from behind. 

"Atlas isn't the kind to play pranks, so where exactly are... " looking down, basically at the steps, Arcadus saw a very animated little plush. Swinging his legs onto the ground, Arcadus began to strut across the floor, navy blue robe swishing as his black leather slippers clapped against the stone floor. "So, little creature, you're my challenger? Well then, I hope you know what you're getting into. I accept your challenge, though I don't have your name. What would you like to be called?"  

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

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Tch, is anyone even home? I've been very patiently tapping my boot against this pristine white floor for... about thirty seconds now. Maybe I should just bust down the door? That would be the fastest method of getting inside, although I wonder what happens to one of these rooms - that look much bigger on the inside than they do out - has their portal blasted wide open. Ehh-... I wouldn't want to unleash my true power here anyway, not so close to risk Ailene's quarters being damaged.

Tap. Tap. Tap... Clack-

Ah, it's finally opened! About time you answered my call to challenge, Arcadus; I hope you're as ready to fight as I am! Wait a second, who is this?!

Shio looks up and gazes upon the well-dressed butler with eyes reflecting both a mix of shock, turning to disappointment, then outright stubborn anger as well as impatience.

"May I ask why you are disturbing my master at his home, sir or maam?"
Ahh, I really don't like this one already!!
"Maam! That is certainly a 'maam' to you, MISTER!"

The nerve, ghrrr~! Not only is this one not the master but clearly only his servant, is he out of home or something? There's no way that he wouldn't have the nerve to not come to his door personally for one, as grand as I am, the great Shio Kyrou! Surely this has to be some kind of mistake.

Oh well, one as generous as I am shouldn't get worked up over an insigificant detail such as this.
"So who are you anyway? Where's Arcadus?"

"I am Atlas, Ser Arcadus's butler, doorman and aide. If you've come to stir up trouble I'm sorry to say that I will be your first opponent, and it wouldn't be prudent to bet against myself. But if you are here to see my lord I am more than willing to show you to him, though, it may be a fair walk, given how much trouble the steps may be for you."

Something akin to the sound of a twig snapping enters Shio's mind upon the last remark.

Ah- uh, sorry my excellent ears must not be in peak condition today.
No, who am I kidding, WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?!

Shio frantically begins stomping upon the white marble floor of the corridor, fuming. As though she had lost her ability to speak from the pure shock and frustration, making infrequent and crackling noises where her words should be, raising her fist up into the air; ready to give the butler a piece of her mind.

"Y-y-you're just some-!"
The door is shut in her face.

...

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~!!!

Her internal anguish represented only by a look of pure, comical rage upon her petite features.

I'm going to kill him! I'm absolutely going to end his life! Just who does that man-servant think he is?! Hhh, who does he think he is, when I'm here to fight his master - he has the nerve of actually proposing I fight him first! And then - and then, slam the door right in my face~!!! Uhhgg, I think if I were in a proper body I would have busted a blood vessel or perhaps a few by now. That's it! I'm busting down this door, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind.

Just when Shio was about to approach the door, it swings open again and hits her on the face.

Ghhh-uhhh, ow ow ow~!!
And then she feels her body lift up off the ground.
"Huuh?! Wait, wait, GAHHH! Unhand me at once you, you-...!"

"I'm taking you to see my master. He's up these stairs, and I won't be keeping him waiting."
Oooh so he does understand, that's great, and- WAIT. I'm not done with you!

Eh, whatever. I'll deal with him afterwards, it's only natural this guy has got to have at least a dozen or so minions just like him. Once I'm done with their master, I'll gather them all up under my thumb, and have this one in particular grovel for my forgiveness. Yes! I hope you do understand, I'm only sparing you for now you fancy... somewhat intellectual-looking lapdog!

Now that I get a good look at him... he does look quite suave.

On that note, Shio is given somewhat of an improvised tour of Arcadus' quarters. Without really realizing it herself, she is quite captivated by the grandeur of it all, almost forgetting entirely the reason she had came here in the first place amidst her gazing.

"Ah!" Before she knows it, she is picked up by the collar once again, and placed down upon the ground. In front of her, a shadowy figure whomst seems to command the utmost respect from the butler.

"Ser Arcadus, a challenger has wished to formally challenge you for your position. I wil leave you two to handle this, it is not my place to intervene."

Heh, so this is the guy then~?
Shio only pays Atlas a modicrum of attention as he passes by, winking at her, she slides in a 'Blep' in retaliation of her own. Then folds her arms, puffs out her chest, attempting to make herself as big as possible - likely unconsciously.

Yes, it's definitely him. I can sense his spiritual energy, what power. It's a shame though, since I am his opponent, he most likely wont have the chance to use much of it before this fight is over. That's right, I'll defeat him swiftly, and assert my place exactly where he is sitting!

"So, little creature, you're my challenger? Well then, I hope you know what you're getting into. I accept your challenge, though I don't have your name. What would you like to be called?"  

Ahh, finally. This one has manners, perhaps it is simply because he can sense the great distance between us - but nonetheless! I will allow that 'little' remark to slip out of my mind. Ooh! He's standing up, walking towards me? Perfect, let's get right to business shall we?

"Shio Kyrou. You would do well to remember it."

As the slippers of Arcadus clap against the floor, in rhythm, Shio also looms in closer. Her own footsteps akin to a small 'pomf' in each step, very quiet. Each step echoes in rhythm with one another; until reaching a sudden halt.

Just one meter from Arcadus, Shio sizes him up with the same 'seriousness'.

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[Arcadus]

Blinking on his couch, Arcadus could hear Atlas's steps coming up thte stairs, from the sound of it holding something. As for what, He could guess some kind of live creature, though it would be difficult to pick out a description from its shuffling. Looking at it as Atlas, and seeing the creature that had come up the stairs to him on a a platter, there wasn't much guessing. A challenger, as Atlas had restated, and one that seemed intent on actually fighting him, despite all accounts pointing to this thing being some kind of stuffed animal brought to life. 

Shio Kyrou, a name that was very prominent to be comeing from someone who Arcadus figured he'd at least hear out. It stuck in his mind and had a nice ring to it. Standing a yard away from the doll, Arcadus noticed they seemed to be sizing him up. "I had heard miss, that you wanted to challenge me, for my title of Trecera Espada. I hope you know what you're asking for." If it was a fight this thing wanted, he wasn't going to take a challenge with anything less than a serious fight. 

But there's a worth to seeing the why people veiwed him as worth challenging? Was it an unrest with his rule? A question to his strength as Espada? Arcadus couldn't help himself before asking "So why, exactly have you come to speak with me and challenge me? Do you champion any cause, invoke any right? Or are you too here to take things by strength of arms and the might of your magic? Forgive me, but I don't sense much of either upon you, nor do you seem to have the killer instinct it takes to kill me, nor anyone else."

"You answering with your name, to someone you claim to intend to kill, tells me you don't have what it takes to be Espada. Come back when you've grown and when your foolishness has blossomed into a razor heart." Looking down, Arcadus's smile had twisted in to a sickly grin, the kind of smile of a child torturing an insect, callous, malicious, and joyful. He barely even knew the words he was speaking, but the gall of this, thing, it bothered him. He wanted to provoke it, to see what it would do.

"So Challenger, Shio Kyrou, do your worst, your very best shot, your ultimate attack. I'm curious what passes for strength on the streets and corners of Los Noches these days, and if there's truth to you intent to fight me." If anything else, this should be fun, given there was so much Arcadus didn't know about the lower folks, the creatures rarely studied, and the quirks of souls, he wanted to see if this thing, so small in physical senses and spiritual aura, could unveil some grand ability. 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

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I take back what I thought earlier, this man is another snake. I can feel it even before he's finished speaking his words, his aura, the way he acts. It's all very deliberately done to coax out something he wants from me; what he wants from anyone, he pretends with, most likely. Ghrrr! I hate non-straightforward people. Even though I can tell he is trying to provoke me, it still pisses me off regardless!

"Tercera? Never heard of it. What's that supposed to mean anyway, 'three', tch. So you aren't claiming to be the strongest, then."

Must have received some bad intel from those arrancar. When I get back there, soon as I'm finished with this guy, I'll break the rest of his dopey-looking tusk off too! With these bare cloth hands of mine, filled with stuffing no less. It. Will. Be. Easy!... I'd settle for a 'sorry' also.

"I have no interest in your title, who'd settle for third best - anyway. I've lost interest, cya."

On that decisive note, Shio genuinely resigns herself for a brief moment. Turns around, begins to walk back the way she arrived from. It is only until she is a few yards further from where she started, that she stops herself very deliberately. Furthermore, one might see her tremble ever so slightly.

Not of fear or anxiety, but anger.

Anger that she had initially bottled up inside herself, to attempt her best to make a judgement she deemed 'rational'. There was no longer any merit in fighting this man; he was absolutely attempting to provoke her, had a mean look of sadistic expression written over his features. This was likely done on purpose to make her blood boil further, and she knew this. Absolutely, without a doubt, she knew what he was trying to get her to do.

Even still, she just couldn't stand leaving with that condescending smirk on his face.

"Your handsome features are such a waste when you grin that ugly."
Genuinely, attempting to calm herself, to regain control, to 'breath'.

Even so, she cannot stand to even look back at this man. It was a disgusting combination of her own pride, and lack of self-control. Deep down, she knew if she were to look back, she'd see herself walking away from someone who saw themselves as 'superior' to herself- he'd get exactly what he wanted.

"I hate people like you the most."
That was the truth, solemnly spoken.

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[Arcadus]

This thing. It annoyed him. Third best? Stupid doll, couldn't, or didn't know there were not primera and secunda. Watching it turn away from him and walk away, Arcadus could hear his blood rushing in his ears and brain. It didn't matter even if he could hear the rest of the creature's words. Things were going to be rectified. His mask began to itch, and, taking steps forward he barely registered, Arcadus flicked his foot out like a jack knife, tearing out of the shoe holding, it, and launching the plush doll into the far wall, above the stair well. 

Before the doll could even fall, he launched himself at the doll, digging his off hand's fingers into the granite for support, before slamming  his fist against the doll and granite, driving the doll into and through the granite. Dust fell from the dent where the creature was pinned, and something interesting happened. Arcadus noticed, hitting the creature, that firstly, there was something hard inside the doll. Somekind of core maybe? And second, Arcadus noticed that this plush body didn't crumple like flesh.

This plush and stitching compressed, and being as light as a feather, didn't take damage like flesh. Arcadus made note to look into something like that for his clones. Still holding himself up by his finger grip in the granite, Arcadus heldexcite in the crater. "Looks like we both piss each other off, and I'll tell you two things. I am the strongest Espada. But I am not the strongest person in Los Noches. And second, physicallity is not my strong suit." Digging his fingers into the plush, Arcadust seperated his fingersrs, spreading and tearing the plush till this core, a small black sphere fell out. 

Collectinging the cotton filled husk, Arcadus went down to Maximillian. The tailor would at least be able to repair the body, and hopefully, the creature. Taking it to Maxi, who in minutes had fixed the plush and restuffed it, inserted the core. Watching the plush shift back to life, Maxamillian clapped and did a small, but heavily flourished bow. "Bravo, Bravo Shio Kyrou. I am Maxamillian, Ser Arcadus's tailor and if I do say so myself, tireless companion, no matter HOW MANY SUITS HE TEARS" Pounding on the door, Maximillian turned back to focus on Shio. 

"Well little one, are you ok? Are you hurt? I took the liberty of restitching and stuffing you with a bit more fluff, so you might be a bit stiff right now, but it should help you retain some form over the years. Now Darling, do you eat,?" Bringing over a plate of waffers and some milk in appropriately sized cups for the two of them, Maxamillian sat across from the mod soul. "I hope you can excuse my master's lack of manners. Challenges are something he takes very seriously, and he felt you were, disrespecting, the Espada by backing down from a challenge so suddenly." Maxamillian's eyes wandered as he looked for the words. "If you go up to his room now, he should have cooled off enough to talk to you normally. He was very interested in learning about you, and wanted to explain why he acted that way."

Standing up, Maximillian turned, nodded to Shio, and unlocked the door, waiting as if he was expecting some kind of response. 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

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Before I really knew what had happened, I first felt the sensation of my entire body being lifted. Fraction of a second for some, a moment where everything seemed to slow down for me. I wouldn't, couldn't, or did not comprehend the gap between when I had been launched from the ground; when it had shattered the granite beside where I was standing, neither when I was flung into the far wall. It all seemed to happen in an instant.

Within that very same instant, I felt the whiplash - and the wind knocked out of me.
"Gh-hah-!"

Exasperation was all I could feel before my stuffed cotton features were further imbedded into the granite wall. Shoving my face deeper into the crater it had created. I must have looked so hostile - so desperate, as I attempted to piece together what I was going to do. Arms gripping urgently, albeit hard as they might, against the palm holding my face up. Legs, flailing around and even attempting to kick back at my oppressor.

"Looks like we both piss each other off, and I'll tell you two things. I am the strongest Espada. But I am not the strongest person in Los Noches. And second, physicallity is not my strong suit."

I couldn't speak back a word; not just for the suddenness of what had just transpired, but also the palm deeply pressed into my face. All I could do, was gaze upon Arcadus with one hateful eye. I should have felt afraid, perhaps if I had not triggered my fight-or-flight reflexes, I might have.

Not in that moment though. In that moment, all I could feel was unfiltered, burning, loathing.
How dare he. How could I? I'm not finished.

Until, just as suddenly as his words had ended - the tearing had begun.

Shio had ceased to think at all. Perhaps for the first time in forever, whitenoise filled both her thoughts and ears. Soon, accompanied by an indescribable emotion. Mod Souls, whilst perhaps having fake bodies, easy to disregard most injuries, do still feel pain. This is due to the fact that their souls need to be attatched to their bodies to some degree. Which meant, she felt each sensation of it. Fingers writhing into her skull, stuffing pouring out, outer layer of skin - crumpling as though it were simply made of paper, where each tear shreds a nerve.

If it were not her mouth to be torn asunder first, then she may have screamed. Not even allowed such an outlet; it was, the very definition of, excruciating - agonizing. All in the absence of remorse or clemency, simply brutality.

Several violent seconds of this, what seemed like an eternity for her, until finally; her body functions begun to cease, and her whole once animated body fell limp, pouring with cotton and tatters of her once horrified expression. Contorted for a few moments, returning to neutrality as the life fades from the doll swiftly.

As her soul was absorbed back into her pill, it flared up inside Arcadus' hand. It was a small, translucent orb, like a snowglobe - only burning with intense ethereal azure flame in the absence of snowflakes. It grows dimmer, and even dimmer still, until eventually all that remains is naught but a smoldering flame.

Unresponsively silent, yet still glowing, faint and delicate ember.

Even though I had the capacity to think, after everything; I simply fell back into the expanse of my soul pill. I kept floating within that flow of reiatsu, and even after the pain had subsided, I remained floating - motionless.

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Not even minutes later, I felt myself laid flat against some surface or another. I didn't move. There was a light, it was too bright. It was perhaps the only thing which truly managed to invoke a reaction out of me; as I winced one eye in response to its glare.

"Bravo, Bravo Shio Kyrou. I am Maxamillian, Ser Arcadus's tailor and if I do say so myself, tireless companion, no matter HOW MANY SUITS HE TEARS"

...Is this some kind of joke.

Whatever it was, it wasn't funny. Even as I was being explained to, offered some form of refreshments; the whole nine yards.
I forgot to laugh.

The rest of what Maxamillian had to explain to me, felt insignificant. I could not even comprehend a word of it. Mustered what strength I could, rolled one cotton arm, as I sat up expresionless. All I managed to catch was that Arcadus wanted to speak with me again. I felt stiff, didn't want to stand.

Yeah... hearing that name again.
It still pisses me off.

"Huh... so he wants to chat does he?"
Let alone chat, as I stood up to my feet, it was the very last thing on my mind.

"He can save his explanation. And if he's honestly that curious about me, tell the clown to go ask Ailene; she might be more willing to discuss."
Shio stood, walked forward, and if uninterrupted - left through the door.

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[Kitai Yoru]

Because of the formatting, as well as the size of the paragraphs, I will be grouping lines together. I count 30 paragraphs for Kyrou, 16 paragraphs for Arcadus.

46 paragraphs total, 230 TP awarded