Pride's inevitable downfall (Social Brutus & Arcadus)

[Brutus]

Hmm. . . This one is certainly powerful enough. . . but are they willing to go against one of Kouhai's chosen? Brutus thought to himself, as he maintained his focus on Arcadus's potent energy. Certainly there are others. . . the pestilence arrancar has the power but not the will. The book worm has long since lost themselves into their collections of paper. The dog of Hell certainly could be asked but he's without a master and thus uncontrollable. The newest and highest member of these "Espada" has too many eyes on her. The risk is too great. That leaves only one left, Arcadus. Brutus frowned some as he thought on the arrancar's name. If his energy was anything to go by Brutus was quite literally playing with fire.



His first instinct was to let sleeping dogs lie. Especially wolves who were masquerading as dogs. This was nothing new to Brutus as Hell was rarely ever forward about its intentions or desires. Yet unlike most Brutus dealt with, he was not capable of outright beating Arcadus in any sort of confrontation. Arcadus's reiatsu was far more intense than his own by a significant margin. Granted the goal he had in mind was to speak and attempt to acquire aid in his "problem child". However, arrancar, in his brief viewings, had predominantly been more willing to talk with their cero's, fists, or any other form of power available to them. Thus making Arcadus all the more dangerous and possibly caustic to the goal Brutus had in mind. He needed to tread carefully and really consider if calling for his aid would truly help him. . . or if it would backfire explosively.



Several minutes went by as he continued to remain hidden within the depths of Las Noches. Thought after thought went through his head, each clashing and trying to assert their position as better. The split was even between "Look for another" and "Commit to a conversation with Arcadus." The tie breaker came in at the end with a simple question. "Who else, that Brutus was aware of, could beat Guujin?" The answer was simple. No one. He was powerful enough and the impression of his energy gave told Brutus that he had others he would consume in due time. Perhaps Brutus would find himself on that list but ultimately if he didn't make an attempt, Brutus would forever be bound to Guujin. And that thought angered him more than anything else could.



Enough. I've been slothful enough about Guujin. Waiting, assuming he would be beaten by another. None have come close and it's clear if I intend to be free of him I will need to act. Let us see if a deal cannot be brokered. Brutus took a deep breath and steadied himself. Anger and frustration were not the keys to success in this endeavor. To broker a deal, especially one that would not cause unwanted repercussions, needed to be done while an individuals mind was calm. Thus Brutus took several more minutes to regain his composure. His life quite literally depended on it. Once he was ready and his frustrations were dealt with he created a door before him. Upon opening it Arcadus's entrance was before him. There could be no turning back now, as it would only lead to unwanted questions.



Brutus walked through his door and directly up to Arcadus's palace entrance. Without a moment's delay he proceeded to knock upon it. He could tell there was someone nearby who would be capable of hearing the knocking so he need only wait until they opened the door and greeted him. Soon enough the door opened and whoever opened it would find him standing before it. Form hunched somewhat and his base form apparent, very clearly marking him as a non-hollow creature. He'd wait a moment before speaking to ensure if the one who'd answer had something to say that it was heard and uninterrupted. If the moment was made available immediately, or a greeting was given and he was allowed, he'd speak. "Greetings, my name is Brutus and I would like to speak with Arcadus, if he's willing and available. Should he be unavailable I would like to request a time that would be available to speak."

[Arcadus]

Brutus would see the door to the palace Arcadus called home wing open, a white bearded and black suited Arrancar of exceptional grooming stepping into the doorway, gloved hand placed over his chest, in a small bow. "Ser Tercera is in at the moment, and I shall alert them as to your intentions. Feel free to make yourself comfortable. One moment." Turning back with a swish, the butler's heels clacked on the marble floor. A set of couches had been arrayed in the foyer, flanking a central table. 

The black marble was lined with golden leaf in the grout, pillars lining the walls gave the feeling of a hellenic temple. Above, a crystal chandelier glistened and glittered a rainbow of colors down. The glass stairway Atlas had proceeded to seemed to chime with the man's footsteps, across an otherwise eerie silence. This silence was broken as a large door, far above could be heard to be opening, and the sound of machinery and sparking wires could be heard. A murmur of words, and a whirling of cloth and a small burning smell could be detected, as a second set of chimes came down the stairs. 

Arcadus, evidently interupted from some kind of mechanical endavor as he wiped a swear of grease from his cheek, never the less strutted down his stair case in a silken suit, black with red layers, blond hair slicked back to frame his face like a lions mane. As for his expression, Arcadus wore a stern gaze of passive superiority, meant to dry and render whatever was in its dull heat. Atlas had seemed to disappear, and Arcadus, suit framing him like a suit of armor, paced to the couch, lounging back and gesturing for the gargoyle to take a seat opposite him. 

"I hope this is of importance Hellion, I trust noone would waste my time, especially in these uncertian times. So, if you please, what exactly is it that you want?" The huge Arrancar had made a poing of leaning back to lengthen his gaze, almost peeping out from across the relative distance between the two souls. He wasn't sure what a demon was doing here, and he certianly expected something akin to retribution for trying to play both sides in the invasion, but this wasn't quite what he expected. 

As for what to deal and offer, there was a lot, but his soul was, as always, off the table. If there was some kind of legitimate business deal on the table, then he might consider it, but he should be ready for some kind of retaliation from this creature, it certainly felt like the kind of thing Akki would send to do their wet work. As for how to, he planned on either absorbing the attack or kicking the table at them to throw off their aim. 

[Brutus]

"Thank you." Brutus admittedly was a bit relieved to not immediately have to deal with Arcadus. Still, it was only a matter of time as Atlus had almost immediately walked off towards wherever Arcadus was residing. He took another deep breath before walking towards the table and couches in the foyer. Worst case the butler would return and inform him of where to go for his meeting. In the meantime, Brutus allowed himself to glance around and take in Arcadus's palace. The place was not to his taste, but it was definitely upper echelon and screamed of wealth most didn't have. Thankfully he didn't have much time to continue looking around and pondering as Arcadus made himself known.

A quiet nod was given at his gesture as he made his way to the couch. He sat quietly, half on and half off the couch, eyes ever on Arcadus's who was literally staring him down. Still when one was double your size there was no way around that. For Brutus it simply made him chuckle mentally as he hadn't realized the difference in their physical size. This really felt like a game of cat and mouse, and sadly Brutus was not the cat this time around. Still the setting started to feel familiar and thus he relaxed somewhat while listening to Arcadus. Once the floor was his Brutus gave a small nod before speaking. "It is important enough. I've come to you today to ask for your aid. I would ask you to kill Guujin for me. The reason I need your assistance is due to a ritual Guujin completed in the past. This ritual summoned me and bound me to him, thus I am unable to directly confront him."

"I do not however, ask for your aid without knowing full well you would require something in return. With that said, I would ask what it is you would like in return? If you are willing to aid me. I have several things I can offer such as services, items of note, or even information if you desire. I should note however, if there is any concern that I am working with or for the akki filth that walked through your halls be at ease. The Sanctus has no reigns on me, I choose to speak with you of my own volition." This is where things got concerning for Brutus. He knew Orobas had been present. He could only hope that whatever their reasons for being here were, that they would not negatively influence his request for aid. The last thing he wanted was to get dragged into a mess that others made simply for being a hellion.

Thus brought the most dangerous part of this discussion. He knew what Brutus wanted, while Brutus wasn't aware of any specific the other side desired. To make matters worse, Arcadus could simply tell him to leave and inform Guujin of his attempt. Needless to say, that would put Brutus in a difficult position due to the newfound scrutiny. Making Guujin even harder to kill. Still there wasn't much he could do until Arcadus considered his request and told him one way or the other. So, for the meantime Brutus simply pulled up right leg and set it over his left. Eyes never leaving Arcadus's gaze in the meantime. He may have had his concerns but that didn't mean he was backing down if push came to shove. He was not able to remain out of the Sanctus grasp for no reason afterall.

[Arcadus]

Arcadus stared at the demon, who, now folded and seated, seemed so similar to that image he'd seen so often, the seated Baphomet. In either case, He shfited his posture, leaning forward for a moment to illustrate his seriousness, his gaze heating up from the dull heat it was originally, to a searing red hot iron. "I am aware that Guujin has upset a lot of people, but what do you gain from me killing him? I have my own reasons for wanting to kill him, but how do I know your information will be any good? What leverage or knowledge do you have on him? As for weapons and items, I'm unsure of what you could offer to me."

Arcadus mused to himself, there wasn't much he could do on such an offer with out prying. Making an effort to get Brutus to spill what he knows would be the wisest decision. Guujins name burned in his mind. He hated him, for a number of reasons. Someone to stand over him, someone who killed someone who might have been a strong ally, someone who worked and did the whims of Kouhai. A sophic moron so wrapped up in his own power, and the authority of his position he could barely stand him, not to mention the blow Cami's death had dealth him. 

"I am more than willing to help you kill Guujin, but I'm curious as to your motivations, so I shall tell you mine. Firstly, he represents and exerts the power of the King, someone who I would prefer to operate with as little oversight from as possible. Second, he's disgusting to me on a personal level. And lastly, he had killed someone who I personally held a lot of stock in, and had hoped to train and bring over to my side from the bastards who serve the nobles."

"I want to see change, and Guujin stands in the path of that. But I need a plan, I need weapons fashioned that would prosper against him, and I need to understand the core of his powers. I do not wish to die in battle against him, nor do I wish to slink back and try again another time. Victory must be decisive and surefire. If I want to avoid Kouhai coming down on me for this, it should align with the principles he had set out for the Espada to follow, that strength will rule more than any other factor."

Revealing his reasons for doing so might coax the demon to show thier own hand. As for what and why, Arcadus could only guess. Maybe some artifact or sorrid detail of Guujin's possession had hold over him? Maybe he owed him a debt of some kind? It was impossible to tell, but to come to him for this, Arcadus figured that he seemed the most amicable of the Espada capable of challenging the right hand, and that would be the reason Brutus had contacted him about this.

[Brutus]

Brutus listened intently to Arcadus taking note of the subtle details, most of which he gleaned namely from the arrancar's reiatsu. It seemed his request struck home some if the gaze Arcadus had now was anything to say. Still, it was curtailed some, Arcadus had a desire for Guujin to get killed or suffer at least but knew better than to dive headfirst into this endeavor. Smart. Not that it wasn't obvious that a gameplan was needed to tackle him but from Brutus's perspective that was namely due to Guujin's powers. Not so much from an organizational standpoint however Arcadus wasn't wrong to be concerned with the implications on that front either. As Brutus continued to read the others reiatsu he decided to delve a bit deeper and see if he could decipher just what was Arcadus's motivations.

Sure, he could simply listen but words from the mouth weren't always true as he well knew. The soul, however? That was hardly ever wrong barring the greatest liars in Hell. And those were far and few between in Hell, let alone in other worlds. While he wasn't reading so deeply as to get images the word "Camilla" came up so many times it was surprising. If Brutus wasn't mistaken, that was the shinigami that held onto. . . Albin. The hollow he saved from damnation. So, it seems he had ties with her huh? Perhaps that's something he wants to know about. However, he clearly understands that she's dead so what he could care to learn would be of limited value. Still. . . his concerns regarding Guujin's powers are understandable. Knowledge on another is more important for this task than raw power.

For the remainder of Arcadus speaking Brutus simply listened. No delving deeper as he didn't want to worsen their conversation given the other did openly admit they wanted Guujin's death. Once he was finished speaking Brutus took a moment to consider how to answer Arcadus. He wanted to know his motivations or at least more details on the motivations. His capabilities and weapons that are at his disposal and possible ways to defeat him without fail on their initial endeavor. All of which was fair, however what was more concerning to Brutus was Arcadus having not made a request for what he desired. Brutus was hesitant to share any and all information and not have a deal in hand. However, this conversation let alone this deal to be made was not typical in any fashion and thus consideration on his part must be made to ensure that it did not fall through.

Brutus cleared his throat before speaking. "My motivation is simply to have my freedom back. So long as Guujin lives I am bound to him. He will be capable of summoning me when he desires and have me do whatever tasks he desires. As he has done many times in the past. And while I hold the means to interpret his orders when dubious, I ultimately still have to complete the tasks set before me. This has gone on for long enough and I desire to return to a free life, as free as a hellion can be. Since Guujin is the only person between me and the life I desire he must be removed. However, as mentioned I cannot directly act against him thus, I must seek out the aid of another. This is why I come to you as you are one who I believe has the power to kill him. And if I can assist prior to this fight, I have no doubt you will guarantee his death."

"As for your concerns with my information it depends on what you're looking for. I know about his powers because his soul has told me of them. The same way your soul is willing to reveal your powers. I know of all his weapons and even hold onto a couple spares that he has given to me. If you're willing, I can draw forth the spares that he has given to show you. I will however have to utilize my powers for that, and it does induce a physical change in my person. If none of these satisfy, then I am capable of showing you what you'd like to know about Guujin from my memories. Including the specifics on how Camilla was killed and where her zanpakuto remains. I believe that is who you referred to as "someone you had stock in"."

"However, with all this said I would like to know what you would desire in return for killing Guujin. As this is a difficult request, I expect you will desire something equal in value. And depending on your desire it may take time for me to acquire it should it be of monetary value. Or in the case of information, I may need to track down those who would know what you seek to learn. Regardless once we've settled on terms, I will share the knowledge I have on Guujin as well as his assets. Is this agreeable?"

[Arcadus]

Arcadus, in the silence, could feel someting, someone, poking around his soul. Clearly Brutus had a strong spiritual sense, and was poking around his soul and mind. As much as he hated the feeling, sharing information was something they were both in doing, so he would let that slide, as much as it made him want to rip the little imp's horns off and make them into pens and write a play about folly and hubris in its blood. Knowing demons however, it wouldn't have too much issue if they were able to show up this easily. 

Listening now to the demons words, Arcadus couldn't helped be somewhat moved. Bound to ever whim and wish of anyone would be hell, pun intended, but to someone like Guujin that seemed especially unbearable, a vain and petty master who delighted in his position, won through means of favoritism and a weak opposition initially, and later a prevailing protection of their master. Arcadus sneered as he thought of the man. 

"I appreciate you being entirely forthright with me on these matters. I'm glad were are in alignment. And I must say, I am sorry to hear of your servitude. You have my sympathy. As well, these spare weapons do interest me, and I've seen plenty of horrific changes of form from demons, including Alastor's King motif. You don't have to ask me, as I'm sure you are aware. As for Guujins powers, I would love to know every sorrid detail of them, as that would be immensly beneficial to me. Any resources, weapons, armor, ryo, magic sigils or potions you have as well that you would surrender, I would also have them."

Leaning forward, the heat from Arcadus's gaze was gone, only the dull, cold weight of the situation weighing in now, like a mountain cave, it sat just above, but always pressing down. The room's aura had stopped the pressure of both men's aura's competing for dominance, both now mixing to an extent. Arcadus's expression was a somber one, filled with thought and serious anticipation. Tapping his fingers on the table, Arcadus rolled back onto the couch before continuing. 

"As for seeing the scene of Carmilla's death, I am not ready for that I don't think. As helpful as it would be, I would prefer to see these weapons and hear these powers first. As well, if you are bound to his will, how do I know that he will not command you to attack me? What could you even do if you are not just left on the sidelines, and as well, how do I know that he will not ask of my powers from you? Its a predicament. As for compensation, I will think on it. If I could ask for the magic's of hell, I would, but I'm sure that isn't something that can just be given freely. I will think on it."

[Brutus]

Thing seemed to be progressing well enough. Both were on the same front that Guujin needed to die, and both seemed willing to help one another do such. Even if the actual act of killing Guujin was more on Arcadus than Brutus himself, given the circumstance. Brutus had even figured out a possible means of payment in the form of Hell magic. This was a curious ask, given Brutus knew of Sigil magics that his fellow kin were noteworthy for and the whisperings of magic that Hell had stored away, namely for akki though other races were likely had their own secrets. This would without a doubt need some time on his part as searching for magic in general was a bit of a time-consuming act. Still even if he changed his mind, the mere learning of magic that Hell had within its grasp was worth learning. Namely for himself as to avoid the worst of its effects.


If he could get Arcadus a piece of it though that would be well worth the act of removing Guujin's head from his body. With a solemn nod Brutus got off the couch and walked to a bit more open space on the side of the table. "I'll need a moment to change my form however I will grab a couple of the items given to me. However, I would like to make note of your possible request for magic of Hell. There is what my kin practice that is known as Sigilcraft, which includes glyphs, runes, sigils, and many other symbol based magics. I've also heard of other magic that has been whispered to be collected by Akki and the Sanctus as a whole. Should that be your request I will see what magic I could get information on this way you can use it as you see fit. Though there will likely be amendments to it as most of Hell's magic is based on the principle of using corrupted reiatsu or the ambient energy of Hell. Regardless, I'll see what I can't find out that would be usable to you as well."


With his piece said Brutus then took a moment to pulse his reiatsu across his body. Within seconds his entire body went from grey to pure white with the muscle mass drastically thinning as his overall body started to grow two and a half feet taller. His tail changed to that of skin and bones with the vertebrae being readily shown and his tail tip turning into a sizeable stinger that seemed to double as a short sword. From there his back erupted in three sets of insectile wings. The first were the largest and nearest to his shoulder blade, with his second set being a bit torn and more towards the center of his back, while the last set was just a bit further down and were half the size of his initial set of wings. The remainder of his body quickly produced more and more spikes with his entire outline shifting from pure white to blood red. This did not look entirely painless as joints were locking and then snapping into new positions, rapid body growth, and the violent manner by which his wings brought themselves into existence. Still Brutus was quiet through most of it aside from a few huffs and grunts.


Once his transformation was completed, he walked back towards the table but ended up sitting on the ground as opposed to the couch. He spoke up as he sat himself down onto the ground. "I assume you would prefer to keep your furniture intact. So, for the time being I'll remain on the floor. However here are a few of the weapons placed under my care." Brutus made a small door, about the size of his hand that appeared like a small cabinet drawer. Upon reaching inside his hand disappeared for a moment only to reveal a couple of grenades and a small vial with bright cyan blue liquid within. Brutus would then point to each as he described them.


" The first item here is an incendiary grenade. As expected, it produces an intense flame and explosion. The second is a Flashbang grenade. Intended to render one's sight null and void for a short duration. The more honed one senses are however, the longer the blindness is. And the last here was a. . . "specialty" purchase of Guujin. One which he has a few on his person for. This is Seki Seki. This is a liquid concoction of what the walls around the Seireitei are made of. And if you know what those do you know what this does. It will nullify the reiatsu of someone who ingests it or has it forcibly applied to their internals. I would imagine this is what interests you the most as it would render Guujins power as well as many of his abilities null and void."


Brutus would then proceed to replace the items he brought out into the pocket dimension drawer again. Their purpose fulfilled for the time being. The drawer would then vanish and from there Brutus would then stand up and pulse his body with reiatsu yet again. This time his form shrank and became more humanoid, however this form was only smaller by a few inches. The most noteworthy mention of his current form was that the spikes for the most part were trimmed away as he returned to a fairly standard humanoid form. The lower portion of his torso, legs included were covered in thick fur akin to a satyr as the fur stopped at just above his waist.


The remainder of his body had a few more inhuman exceptions. a few exceptions of course. His fingers were still unnaturally long, and his claws were half the length of his claws. He grew a ragged cape that went about halfway down his back. His chains were actually noticeable now as they were on clamped onto his wrists with a few chains dangling down from them. His face however was the most noticeable change as he had no eyes to speak of given horns grew out of his eye sockets. He had no lips as his teeth, more akin to a series of canines were merged to his jaw. And he had no ears as instead the bones of his skull made a series of spikes akin to fins where his ears would be. More human thing about his face was that he had a black curly beard.


Once his transformation was done, he'd open another door, this one more akin to a standard houses entrance, except tall enough for Arcadus to not have to dip his head under if he were to walk through it. Brutus would then stand up and open the door revealing the inside to be a theater room, albeit a smaller private theater room. "If you are willing to join me, I will show you what Guujin can do on the screen. This way you have a complete visual picture of just what his power does as well as my description that his soul has told to me. In case you are wondering what this place is, it is a pocket dimension that allows one to replay memories as long as you sit next to the projector. As for the remainder of your questions I will answer them after we speak on Guujin's inherent power."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reference images to his form changes}Infernus Form:



Supremus Form:

[Zeich Yajuu]

As a grading has been requested for this, and it just makes the mark for qualifying as enough character development and relationship building, I'll grade this as a JT as requested.

38 Paragraphs = 190 TP for Arcadus, and 190 TP for Ryou's choice of character