An Anomalous Adjucha [Open Social]

[Serraph Quarrere]

 They would continue walking until he could feel the pressure from the Left Hand dissipate. he'd glance at the accomonying hollow as if to ensure he was feeling a bit more comfortable. "So many people want to see us whiped out. Shinigami come with their blades and cut us down and the quincies vaporize us from existence. With or without Kouhai, a group like the Espada would form regardless to help protect against all these threats, and there have been.", the Espada sighed and turned a corner reaching one of the many entrances to his palace. He'd draw his cane and slot it into the small hole, using it as a key to open it. "And there still are. Smaller groups, but there are. The weak bind together to form a stronger whole. The strong bind together to become powerful. No group, not even the Espada will last, and another group will surpass us. The Espada understand this as did the warlords of Hueco Mundo's past."

 The pair would enter the palace via the door which would close behind him, the palace's machinery imediately taking effect. The room would rotate slowly until the door was out of sight, the room rising along the giant grooves etched into the walls not unlike an oversized elevator until it'd stop with a slight shake. When it'd stop he'd smile and take off his jacket, draping it over a nearby chair. This was his personal quarters, and here they would continue their conversation. From the door a crimson rug stretched to the other end of the room, straight to his bed. A few bookcases lined the walls filled with ancient tomes and scrolls with some quite precious paintings filling the gaps. A pair of round tables flanked the rug, of which the chair he draped belonged, of which a bust of a rather familiar face was adorned. Facially it looked like himself, but the hair was a bit more cleaner groomed and a deal bit longer and was crowned with a crown of bones. At its base red a plaque "Seris, the Sanguine Queen"

 He'd turn to his guest and stroke his chin. He obviously hadn't thoght about how he'd sit at the table. This is quite the predicement. "How comfortable are you with chairs, friend? Surely we can get you a bit more comfortable. We may be talking for some time.", he'd nod, pulling a chair out and sitting upon it, his cane draped over his lap as he reached for a pitcher of this tea of his. He'd pull a capsule from the dish beside it and drop it within its dark waters. It'd lighten in hue and glow in concentrated spiritual energy. "No matter, a cup of this will satisfy you perhaps for a few hours, at least for me. It may control your urges for a bit longer perhaps."

He'd poor himself a glass then used a much bigger one for the scorpion fellow, reaching down to hand him the conconction. "Don't think of us as whipped dogs. Most of us are here for our own purposes and could likely leave just as easily as we came. You are up and coming, young Hollow, when you eventually superced us, what will you do? The strong seek the strong. The strong require to be surrounded by peers of strength to survive. What say you. young Hollow?"

[Alacrán]

Alacrán mostly listened as they walked, although he seemed rather troubled or at least visibly unhappy by what Serraph was saying so far. He does take in the marvelous architecture of the Espada's palace, still finding it somewhat odd to see something so human in the environment that he's only seen Hollows in. It felt so...foreign to him. He does linger at the bust, peering at it oddly for a moment as he tries to decipher who exactly he was looking at here and what the meaning of the title was.

He turns and rejoins Serraph at the table when he continues speaking, asking about his seating to which Alacrán responds with by shrugging and begins to lower his body down onto the floor, curling his legs underneath him as he does until he is nestled comfortably on the floor. He then glances at the cup and seems to be trying to figure out how he'd hold the cup and drink it without breaking the cup. His tail gingerly moves towards it and he slides the tip of his stinger into the handle. He then slowly and carefully moves it closer to his mouth as he sips from it, appearing to enjoy it way more than he thought as he soon drained it all.

He let's out a refreshed sigh, which sounds more like wind blowing through several service tunnel fans, as he sets the cup back down and seems to contemplate how to answer Serraph's questions, although he doesn't contemplate for long, "Aye can't look at it any o'her way dan as yous all being whipped dogs, ser'ing u'ner dis Shi'igami. Ya says that with o' withou' him, der'd be some kinda group dad'd stan' up fo' us. Whe'er the Espada last o' not, aye believe yer right but aye don' agree in dat deys shou'd be ser'ing someone who don' belong in Hueco Mundo. It jus' don' seem right."

He stares at Serraph for a moment and then shakes his head as he continues, "Ya said yous all are ser'ing him fo' yer own reasons and could leave him whene'er yous wanted but what if dat ain't true? What if he keels alls yall the moment ya try? An' if he did try, are ya even confident dat any one of yuhs could take him down on yer own? Without dying?" As he poses this question, he watches Serraphs expression closely, trying to gauge how exactly the Espada reacted and felt about this, and whether his initial reaction lined up with response.

[Serraph Quarrere]

 Serraph laughed and nodded at the Hollow's skeptic words. They were very well said, that the Espada could say. Who's to say this creature was  all that wrong? Who's to say that Serraph was wrong as well. Serraph thought on the words and took the pitcher, pouring the scorpion fellow another glass. The Sexta was unusually pleased that this hollow enjoyed his tea so much. "Keep questioning, my friend. There is always an underlying reason to everything. Open a door and you will find two. You will have no shortage of answers~", he'd state before walking to the other end of the room, hands brushing over what appeared to be a warped, blasted, and jagged metal plate hanging between two filled bookcases. 

 Serraph's odd eyes glanced at the plague at its base, removing its dust. It read: "King Bismark, The Terror of the Dunes". "Every moment spent in this sand blasted place is a risk. Of the Espada, my flesh is easily the weakest and my body, frail. Many could throw me like one would throw a javelin. However, I have survived not just to my prowess in battle despite the fact, or my skill with conversation." He'd turn with a wide grin, unable to control his laughter once again. "It is Luck, my friend!"  His mind flashed with the memory of when he slew Bismark, hitting that small part of its armor that was weakened. Serraph had not known this until after the battle. Had he missed this spot, the Hollow behemoth would have vaporized him. It was all Luck.

 "It is Luck that saved you today, not me, nor your impressive persistance.", He'd walk back to him and pull up a chair close to him, sipping gently upon his tea and topping off the Hollow's. "Didn't you see the look in his eyes? That man is not afraid to waste his time on weaker foes. You're lucky that he woke me up being a bafoon, or you'd likely be hurting a bit more than you are now. What could you have done about that?" Serraph sighed and caressed the face of Seris's bust. "Just as you are lucky to be here with me, I would be lucky to get away unnoticed, but I do have to say. I am very fast. Not many can match my speed at a long period of time. If push comes to shove, I will remove myself from danger. Pride will only get one killed."

 "As for if we could even oppose Lord Kouhai, It is uncertain. All men can be killed, that is an undeniable fact. Lord Kouhai's powers are unknown to many of us, but his sheer strength alone make even the strongest of hollow kind rethink their decisions. Even now you can feel him sitting on his throne. Such reiatsu is beyond most of Hollowkind. Even worse he is gaurded by two shinigami of considerable strength, both equal to the Espada's top four if not stronger. I might be able to take out the one that threatened you, but i'd be lucky enough to do so. As of right now, he cannot be defeated with the knowledge we have and attempting would be suicide. I'd rather cast my body to the forest of the Menos and let the hordes feed upon my still living body than to be killed by him.", he'd nod and take a sip, palm squeezing his cane's pommel.

[Androxus Sekenomi]

The soft tapping of an Arrancar’s boots kept at a rather calm pace, each advancement providing many around not to notice the restricted nature of his reiatsu and still a visual aid of the elusive Exequias leader. A large pearly overcoat draped across broadish shoulders, concealing a lithe frame of a male whose snow white hair was comparative to the bone sea which resided as Hueco Mundo, clearly on his way to do something or achieve a goal. The Sexta Espada had been a target for sometime regarding a fluid engagement, an individual after his own heart regarding books as the ten floors were almost entirely dedicated to literature of a higher capacity.

As the man finally breached the first layer of the labyrinth of books which had been dedicated to the likes of the Sexta, did Androxus’s presence finally seep out into the surrounding area, a looming presence of energy that acted sort of a beacon for those who’d be seeking him out personally…The truth? Far easier to grab a serf in this way, though a poor soul did move around the corner to see him. “Pardon me, forgive the intrusion I’m looking for Lord Serraph….His labyrinth of parchment is beyond fantastical yet to-” Though cut off by the seemingly removal of stonework? A mechanism perhaps?

“It’d appear I’m recognized…” The serfs rather taken off guard features rested rapidly after coming to a swift realization the policing force was not there for them, offering a simple dip of the head whilst Androxus’s form began to depart with little more verbal recognition to them. A moment of hesitation did occur, inspecting the doorway but came to be inspired by the ingenuity forged by the Sexta. “How…Marvelous…Convenient even…I do ponder…” Softly musing lightly to himself beyond that though he’d move to step into the confines of the elevator, watching the door close rapidly.

It was a rather silent ascension to the Palace of the Sexta, a meander of thoughts keeping within his mental state and due to the heavy amount of distance he’d expect the Sexta to hear of the incoming man. As he’d wait though? A read! Androxus’s right gloved, hand grasped a small leather bound tome which had the inscription of: Delicacy of Delight. Those of a insightful nature about literature would know it’s a rather uncommon tale regarding politics, romance and scandal set in an age far prior to the one they’d call today.

SPOILER: Click to show

{ Androxus's outfit for the thread:}

[Alacrán]

Alacrán would roll his eyes as he set down a cup, letting his annoyance and displeasure be known verbally as his mandibles click together, "Aye don' believe in such uh convenient outlook on da circumstances dat have lead me ta where aye am. It's true dat he coulda keeled me but aye think him not doin' so was less o' luck an' more so dat he was jus' stupid and overconfident. Not sayin' aye coulda keeled him though, but aye'm not going ta say it was luck that led ya ta interfere."

He gives the Arrancar a look as if to question whether he was wrong about the Espada's reasons for stepping in as well as to almost call them in to question without directly doing so. Still he doesn't say anything more on it as he ruminates on the knowledge that even the Espada seem to know so little about the man who supposedly leads them. Still, his mind does work rather quickly on a solution to fix the lack in knowledge on the man's powers and he's certain it's something this Espada must surely have thought of but decided to not do for the very reason that he just brought up.

"So these two Shi'igami are as strong as da top four Espada? Sounds intriguing but den...there's only two o' 'em an' if ya claim ta be da sixth Espada den dats at least six o' yous ta take 'em on. Why not take 'em out ta da deserts an' just jump 'em? Den interrogate 'em after ya got 'em properly beat? Surely dis is somethin' yous all be capable of no?" The Hollow gives Serraph another questioning look as he quietly sips from his cup, waiting for the Arrancar's answer. He quickly adds on as a side note for Serraph to ponder and answer as well, "An' who's ta say dat yous all would have ta be da one ta dethrone him?"

While he hated the idea that these beings who are supposed to be the next stage in Hollow evolution, the peak of Hollow strength, serving someone that wasn't a Hollow, he was genuinely curious as to what their reasons were for bending their knee to this Kouhai fellow. Sure his strength was rather intimidating but then, there was no way that one man could take on all of the Espada's combined might. Right? And if he was, well...he knows the Soul Society doesn't seem to take kindly to traitors or those who align themselves with Hueco Mundo and Las Noches, having heard Camila's story personally.

[Serraph Quarrere]

Serraph nodded in agreement. Twas true that once one looks beneath the surface, luck didn't truly exist. There were always underlying factors. It was true that the Left Hand appeared to be a dumb brute that regularly overstepped the bounds other arrancar often established when interacting with other hollow-like beings. The truth of the matter was that the ex-shinigami wasn't a hollow-like being and possibly held on to the structure taught and drilled in the confines of the Soul Society. "This is rather well said for you. I must admit, there is likely talks of dissention and overthrowing, but as you know, getting Hollows together and unified under a single idea and plan is rather difficult to do, even for Arrancar. I agree that the Kouhai's Hands are definitely beatable if we combine our cumulative strength, but this is something that'd have to be strategized and thought about. It is a good thought experiment, that's for sure"

 The Sexta sipped from his cup and listened intently to the scorpion hollow, laughing particularly with his premise of what the ranks actually meant. "I doubt there's anything about the Left Hand we'd want to know. Even if I could get him to talk, the others would surely execute him before I could do anything. Still, the gap in strength between the lower and upper ranks is fairly high. The gap in power among the lower ranks is not. The Quinta could very well qualify for an upper rank, but he has grown attatched to his position. The ranks below me have little ambition to climb or dont feel as if it is necesary. For the ranks of the Espada to be truly accurate reprepresentation of power among us, we would all have to have that drive to seek the next rank. Such petty quarrals are beyond me. Should I feel my strength is warranting a higher rank, I will pursue it, but it isn't my nature to get involved too much.", he'd sigh, filling his cup yet again and glancing down upon the scorpion with eyes of crimson.

 "My desire is this library, this ever growing collection of knowledge. My rank here has no hold in what'd I do here. As stronger Arrancar come here I will eventually be replaced, but I feel that i'd get along with all of them. As friend and confidant to many, even the most primal of Hollows may sit and have tea and speak with me. You're here after all.", he'd point out, holding out the half full pitcher of soul-tea, offering to fill his cup. His eyes flicked to the hefty wooden door as it shook and creaked open, a new fellow stepping forth into his room. He wasn't an espada, but he must have been important to be shown the way to his personal quarters instead of being notified.

 Curiously he'd motion to an open seat at his table, preparing a cup of soul-tea for the man after he refilled Alacran's. "Welcome to my personal quarters. I am the Sexta Espada, Serraph Quarrere. Who might I have the pleasure of hosting, hm?", he'd inquire, his hands gripping his cane rather tightly, mayhaps out of instinct? Hm, what was with this man?

_ Reatsu

[Androxus Sekenomi]

As the man breached the front door with a soft push, he was greeted by two individuals though it was plain to see which was the Espada. The pair would be greeted with a sight, six foot in height of a male crowned with a tuff of pearly hair that matched the dunes outside that that all had been formed in, a pair of amber hues piercing in their gaze though offered a sense of unfathomable cold to it, like it did not exist behind them. A golden hilted longsword was sheathed, caressing the left outer leg of trousers which matched the consistency of white across his entire form, a well kept and orderly individual it’d seem though below was a difference in color, a black shirt and tie that wrapped around a lithe neck. The pair of gloves raised, right first moving to the left pocket of the gentleman to offer a rather humble dip of the head, shockingly to both in the room? It was difficult to tell entirely but the humility was clear as the moon which breached above.


Soft lips finally parted to reveal a rather soft tone though a sense of pressure came alongside it, confidence that didn’t lace with arrogance. “Pardon for my interruption, I’d hate to have sullied a potential engagement of importance to you, Lord Sexta.” The formality oozing from it all before a soft smile curled up further at the mention of tea. “You’re an Arrancar of culture I see, blessed I’d love to engage with you over some tea…” Gaze glancing at Alacran. “Who might you be if I inquire? Rare to see…Hollows….Engaging in such cordiality with Espada of all creatures.” Taking two steps forward though had entirely forgotten his name, halting for a moment. “Ah…My apologies, my manners… I’m Lord Exequias, Androxus Sekenomi and I haven’t had the formal pleasure of engaging with the…Newer echelon of Espada, though I’d heard of your brains which is only matched by the amount of books you keep….That enticed me to come speak with you first.”


Once pleasantries had finally been exchanged he’d move to remove the overcoat around the shoulders, a large thicker variety of pearly silks being draped over the free chair that had been so graciously offered and each hand moved to delicately remove the gloves which concealed flesh, a soft smile ever present upon the man's features. A simple sitting had then come to pass, matching the gloves upon one another in an orderly fashion before speaking up. “I’d hoped to discuss a matter which I feel could provide benefits for Las Nochels….But….I’m more than happy to be patient, as I imagine you were both in the middle of a topic?”

[Alacrán]

Alacrán was about to respond when they're interrupted by the sudden new arrival. Alacrán was quick to lift himself up and appearing very on guard, he unfortunately ended up spilling his fresh cup of tea. Everything about Alacrán at the moment gave off a very hostile feel towards this newcomer, whom he noticed was also an Arrancar. Yet it seemed that his host had no clue who they were as they asked for them to identify themselves.

When they had introduced themselves as an Exequias, Alacrán seemed puzzled. He had no clue what an Exequias was but it seemed that they held some kind of importance or at least they seemed to think they were important from what he could judge with how he held himself and the manner in which he spoke. Alacrán had yet to introduce himself as he simply waited for the "Lord Exequias" to finish whatever business it was he had with his host as it seemed they weren't an Espada and he had no interest in dealing with anyone that weren't an Espada.

Besides, something told him it wasn't wise to continue topic they'd been discussing with this man present. So he slowly settles himself back down and glances at Serraph giving a small nod, "Aye'm fine with waiting. Aye did come 'ere ta see wuh all da big deal was 'bout dis place 'nyways so maybe hearin' whate'er business this man has with ya cou'd enlighten me."

[Serraph Quarrere]

 "Though he may have approached the banks of Los Noches with a hint of curiosity, he is in my quarters for his own safety, for now", he'd sigh retrieving a tea cup and pouring his own specialized drink within, placing three drops and pure, condensed, soul essence. The dark fluid would begin to glow, then soften, signalling its compoletion. He'd place the cup at the other end of the table and gesture for his guest to have a seat. "The new Left Hand has been a bit overzealous as of lately. Picking fights with the primera, bullying various hollowkind out in the dunes, and this particular instance, gravity pressuring this curious being", he'd motion to Alacran.

 "My guest here is quite the stubborn one! I'd wager he'd die to the left hand's pressure rather than give into whatever his demands were", he'd wink down at the scorpion-like hollow. "I must say, he seemed a bit irritated from me bringing him. For an organization starving of manpower and firepower, I would have thought such hostile action would counterract this effort." It didn't occur to him that this act would sit with the left hand for some time. While to the Left Hand, this action may have steered the course of his history, to Serraph, it was only Teusday.

 "Ser Androxus, this flattery is wholly unnecessary! It is simply impossible for me to have made such an impact that they speak of my brains, of all things, in the streets.", Serraph laughed, his hand squeezing the pommel of his cane. Serraph often didnt pay attention to those onlooking. Perhaps there were eyes where he didn't notice. This wasn't a problem now, but it would be in time. There are simply things here in this tower not all are meant to witness, not yet. "I only seek to create Los Noches's first Library, a collection of knowledge unriveled by most. It is, unfortunately, not ready for the public quite yet. When it is, however, Its trove will enrich the minds of Hollowkind inside the dome of Los Noches. They will become more intelligent, employ better tactics, and overall just be better warriors, soldiers, and subjects. Surely this is a worthy goal!"