Line of Fire

[Arcadus]

Arcadus sat in his newly furnished palace, having moved from his old, honestly more comfortable floor to this one as a part of becoming the segunda. While this was a nice recognition of his prowess, and it aligned with that ideology he espoused about the Espada, that they had much to do to fulfill their potential as an organization and to an extent they still did, but filling out the top three was a good start. Marik was a good leader, he had that humility that meant he was aware of his weaknesses, and he'd sensed interesring things from the new Trecera's floor, which hed have to investigate sometime.

He had done his best to move as much as his palace as possible, but alas some things did not travel well and they had to be abandoned. Getting the stairs in as they used to be was a nightmare, and given the chance he would have chosed to just not have them and have brought the chandelier with him, he and most of his guests didnt really need stairs so they were more of aesthetic and room-feel choice. Black halls and chutes were something of what he was going for, he was going to try and lean away from that human ideas of luxury. Arrancar needed their own cultural ideas, not sifting downstream of their human world prey.

Rubbing the void-black ring on his finger, he wondered if it was worth calling them over for this. He was planning on going to collect the bounty on Asmoskon, but he didn't really want to push himself that much. Having another set of hands there would certainly make it easier, and they might even know a thing or two about him. His options were a little limited, but there was one that particularly intrigued him. He'd heard that there was a new hand for Kouhai, and they would be a good choice. He had is reasons, mainly that they'd likely want to prove themselves and the Hands's job was to keep an eye on the espada, so hed be doing a particularly important thing in direct view of Kouhai.

They were staying up on the 974th floor, a little bit higher in Los Noches than him, and he'd likely warp there, but for right now, he would need to actually take up the bounty, and so he’d need to dress for the Black Market. Getting off of the love seat he was lounging in, Arcadus’s sky blue robe swished as he walked to his wardrobe. Something discreet and still imposing was the order for his little jaunts, especially to the Soul Society branch of the underground. Normally he wore a black hooded robe and a set of black rings, but this called for a slightly higher class of dress. Black Tunic and overcoat with silver stud buttons, red cuffs and a triangle and gold-black pen for his signature.

Nodding to Atlas, as he did on his cufflinks, Arcadus turned, his Gargaunta to the Black Market opening, a rippling seam of teeth giving way to the new scene, the general Black Market. Stepping onto the cobble, his polished leather shoes clacked as he made his way to the bounty board and its accompanying booking office. Brushing off those who approached him, he had a reputation as a big spender, something people seemed to want to capitalize on. A glare was enough to send them skittering off.

The booking house was old, about as old as the market itself, being one of the first buildings put up permanently. Its age showed in the decade old timbers and the sunken stones, in years past they were an inch higher. Ducking through the doorway to step into the building, Arcadus looked a the clerk, taking a wanted poster off the board, signing his name on it and, after a moment underlining a blank space for another person to accompany him. As the coal black ink bleed through the cheap paper.

"Mark down, I will be going after the Quincy Asmoskon. I may be bringing along another hunter for this, so I'm asking you to hold off on committing it to the book till I return. Thank you." The clerk, seemingly unbothered, barely registered him, scrawling in the massive tome that comprised the infamous Bingo Book. Shrugging, Arcadus returned his pen to his breast pocket and opened a gargaunta behind him, in the shape and span of the door. 

Arcadus turned on his heel, and stepping through the door, his foot set instead on the... Carpet? Who and why is there carpet out on Los Noches? This is the floor for this Hand, so why does it look like, a carpeted patio that just keeps going. What the hell is going on? Who could possibly have done this kind of remodel for a floor? Why would they carpet an entire floor? Arcadus shook his head and looked around for an occupant to ask some directions from, sensing for someone near by simultaneously. 

His senses found someone, their aura was... Red. A thirsting hungry red, not unlike a Bount's in feel and weight. It was unusual for a Bount, if it was a bount, and certainly tainted with hollow rieatsu, but as he peered deeper into, focusing his attention around it, he noticed. This was a shinigami of some kind, and a variant he had seen before, both in form and in shape. This was a Vizard, and he was sure he knew who it was. Clearing his throat, he shouted out into the floor. "Camilla?"

If this was Cami, he was going to be over joyed. He knew, he KNEW from her own hollow spirit, a fragment of her soul, that she had died. Somehow her return felt real to him, possible even, but why? Was this hope, that weird pathetic thing mortals and shinigami had whinged and cried about during fights and battles? Or was he just.... How did he feel? Why did he feel this way, and where the hell was this person anyway? The Arrancar stood still, trying to process his surroundings, his findings, and his emotions. 

[Camila Adaronde]

Gently wiping herself clean of any blood that might've gotten over her, Camila hummed as she left the Fight Pits. Quite an interesting day so far, no doubt, having squared off against a Vasto Lorde that thought they were tough shit. Thankfully, such was false, as she so vehemently proved. Some chump Hollow was not going to be able to hold their own against her like that.

Though, one thing had caught her off guard. Changed her mood in such a way that provoked quite a response back; The call for her name from someone she knew quite well. Hearing that shout echo through her halls, very evidently on her floor, Camila paused for a moment to process just what the fuck had happened. She needed a second to figure things out, before erupting into a shout of her own. "HAHAAA~!"

As she burst forth through the doors to her floor, quickly ravaging through whatever bit of information her eyes would let her take in, she found herself quickly stumbling upon the sight of a familiar face. An Arrancar that she'd known all too well, and one that she looked back on her skirmish with in fondness. "ARCADUS!!" She shouted, before immediately sprinting over at her top speed, before looking to tackle.

Assuming she was unsuccessful, she'd regain her composure, before standing up straight and clearing her throat. "Ahem! It's an honor to see you again, old friend." Her voice had lowered several pitches, suiting someone of such a position. "How have you been? It's been quite a while since we've last spoke, and much has happened. If you're willing, I'm glad to catch up with you."

As one of her enthralled Shinigami shambled in with a few items, Camila quickly snatched the bottle she was holding, alongside two glasses. "Care for some Moscato?" She asked, pouring herself a glass, and doing so for Arcadus as well if he'd desired. Taking a small sip, she hummed softly to herself. That was some good stuff. "So, what brings you here? Surely you've a reason to have stumbled into my abode, and judging from your reaction, I presume you were looking to meet my predecessor."

[Arcadus]

Lost in thought, Arcadus looked towards the cry as he heard someone's voice reverberating off of the walls and he saw someone, a very specific someone. Camilla, back from the dead. Arcadus, taking the moments between to try and process of it. His name being screamed snapped it out of his stupor as this person bolted towards him, flying towards him in a leaping tackle. Catching her in his arms, he held Cami up as if one would hold a cat by its armpits.



As Cami dangled in his grasp, Arcadus considered whether to embrace her or not. He knew friends hugging after being far away for long periods was normal and expected, and she did tackle him so it wouldn't be unusual to interpret this that way. But for now, Arcadus settled on setting Cami down on the ground and patting her shoulders . “I’m glad to see you as well Camilla, it really has been a while, especially for you I would say.”


Watching her servant shamble forward, Arcadus took note of its appearance. A shinigami, seemingly under some kind of spell or enchantment. He didn't see a tag or anything marking anywhere, so the nature of it was lost on him, but he gladly took the glass handed to him. "I'd love some Moscato, and to catch up. I"m actually here because I wanted to seek some help. I'm going after a free quincy bounty for some ryo, so I figured it would be smart to grab an extra set of hands for it, as they're strong, even for me." 

Arcadus wondered why he was being uncharacteristically humble about his might, though maybe it was because Cami had split his guts open before, and was surely much, much stronger having returned from death. Pouring himself a measure of the liquor, Arcadus raised his glass in a toast before speaking. "I hadn't figured it was you, given Albin had said you were dead, and I'm not as versed on the intricacy's of fractal souls as I perhaps should be. But now, your here, and there is so much more to talk about!" 

Turning his head to find somewhere to sit, "Let's find somewhere to sit, I'm sure we have a lot to talk about. I'm sure you have quite the story to tell, and perhaps we can catch each other up to speed on recent events. Besides, we didn't really get a chance to talk after our fight, and its been so long since then, it feels like years." Arcadus waved Cami on as if he was leading, despite the fact she was the one with directions. Arcadus looked, and felt, actually happy for once, and despite how weird it felt to him, it felt, good. 

[Camila Adaronde]

As she was placed back down from her initial little jump toward the Espada, Camila chuckled to herself. "You're quite right about that; such is a story to share soon." In truth, she was a little nervous about how the whole situation with Hell was going to make the Arrancar feel. From what she'd heard during her little vacation down there, a group of Hellions seemed to get quite popular in Las Noches in a rather short amount of time. Enough to make an uproar from.


As soon as Arcadus had said the words, Camila's servant immediately began to pour the Espada a glass. She smiled, glad that he took up her offer. It wasn't often that she got the opportunity to share drinks with someone, so this was refreshing if nothing else. Smiling softly, she simply took the time to hear the Espada out, finding herself caught off guard quite quickly from his words. "Is that so?" She asked quizzically, "if you don't mind my asking, whom've you taken a bounty out on?"

This was quite the proposal toward her, all things considered. She'd been back for only a couple of months, and already it seemed that she'd been asked for help, sought to scrap against, and all-in-all involve herself in combat rather consistently. Though, it was far from a chore to her; quite the opposite, actually. Even if Arcadus hadn't given a name, her response would've been the same regardless; "I'm sure you know that, if nothing else, I'm not going to turn down the opportunity for bloodshed. I haven't changed that much since I've been gone." Taking another sip, Camila swirled around the contents of her glass.

Chuckling once more, Camila softly nodded her head. "Well, you're not wrong there. It's certainly quite the story." As Arcadus asked for a place to sit, Camila simply nodded her head with a smile. "Drink, Kyūketsuki." As her words finished, and her spiritual capabilities boomed outward, her sword had simply reformed itself around her hands, giving the girl the opportunity to sport a rather menacing pair of gauntlets. With a simple wave of her fingers, Camila began to utilize her powers.

Originating from her hands, streams of blood poured from her hands, quickly taking hold behind both her and Arcadus, providing a pair of chairs; and surprisingly comfortable ones, at that! Almost like waterbeds. "And with that," she spoke, taking her spot, "we've seating." She smiled, crossing her legs. Taking another sip of Moscato, Camila watched toward Arcadus.

"As far as what's been going on over here," she started, swirling her drink once more, "you're correct in your words about my death. That bastard in Kouhai's other side had taken my life... how long ago was it? Almost five years now? I can't quite remember." She chuckled. "Regardless of that, you know well that from there, I had spent quite a bit of time down in Hell. Not a place I think I'd ever want to go back to. Either way, it seemed that while I was down there, Albin was quite diligent in his efforts to bring me back from there. Talked to a certain fellow named Kitai Yoru, and seemed to work quite a bit of magic. From there? Well, the rest is history."

She gave Arcadus the opportunity to respond, ask questions, and speak however he'd like. Assuming there was a lack of comments, or even after addressing some of them, Camila would shoot back a question of her own. "How about you? Like you said, it's been far too long; how have you been in my absence, Arcadus?"

[Arcadus]

Arcadus gratefully took a sip of his wine, swirling it well as he watched Camilla create a set of chairs from seemingly nothing, pretty clearly a new extension of her blood construct powers. Clearly they'd come quite a long ways. Sitting down, Arcadus made himself comfortable in the waterbed like upholstery, he thought about how odd an idea for this was. But he was enjoying himself and so was Cami, so no real reason to upset the atmosphere. 

"The particular bounty I am considering is Asmoskon, a free quincy. Considering Marik's plans, I think some practice against a very powerful free agent would be good practice for fighting the Vandenriech. As well, it would be a good test of my ability to work with another person on the same side against someone who I have to admit is stronger than I.  As well, I think the reward would do us both some good, and I'm glad to hear you aren't too different from before."

For the first time in a long time, Arcadus felt, not nervous, but at peace, an odd feeling when you ride conversations like a wave and you intend to control them to the utmost degree. How long had it been since he had just, casually talked to someone? Years? It had to have been, and a very sudden realization that maybe he wasn't exactly as healthy and great of conversationalist as he would like to think was squashed as quickly as it arose. 

"Guujin, gods what a pain. I had heard from Albin during the Invasion, and he was nice enough, but he let me know you had died. I reacted poorly to the news, and I'm certian the crater I made is still there in front of their walls. I've talked to his lackey, Brutus, about the demon's desire to get rid of him. Thats definitely something we could capitalize on in the future if you want to go after him." Arcadus didn't particularly know much about Guujin besides what Brutus had told him, but it was worth letting Cami know he followed up her death.

Leaning back in his chair and giving his hair a shake, "I've been busy testing the Espada, working on personal projects and commissions, I did take a break after the whole invasion of the Soul Society, but mostly I've been... Oh! I did start a cult in Georgia USA after killing a priest on television. That was fun, I had a gigai with wings. Kitai made a whole different town of fullbringers, it was an experiment in perception and belief but in the end I just ended up with a lot of low power fullbringers."

"I've also been working on things with Kitai, he's actually quite the smith and engineer, mage and anything else he decides to do really. I'm glad Albin had the sense to bring you back, you're definetly the better half. I've been working with him on trying to break off his chains to hell, but we've had no luck on that end." Arcadus took a healthy gulp of his wine, looking somber for a moment before perking up again, his eyes lighting up. 

"For what's been currently happening, I've been out sowing fear and traumatizing recruits of the soul society, Marik is working on some secret project out in Hueco Mundo, and I still need to check up on our new Tercera, but mostly I've been biding time and looking into a suitable way for Los Noches to establish a kind of legitimacy outside of our individual strengths. Organizing numeros might be a good idea if we want an actual military force, though I'm interested in other options." 

[Camila Adaronde]

Thinking to herself, Camila pondered over what the Espada had spoken about. "A Quincy, aye?" The woman's face contorted into a smile. Oh, how she relished the thought of fighting a Quincy. Tearing that fuck limb from limb, grabbing him by the throat and- "I can't say I'm opposed, honestly." Placing her hand on her chin, she continued to listen to the Espada's words. Truthfully, this was quite the interesting situation.

Though, Guujin was brought up. "Fuck that piece of shit," she spoke aloud. unwilling to keep her words tame, "if you think there's an 'in' when it comes to turning that shitstain into paste, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm more than glad to work alongside you if it means killing that asshole. Though, I suppose that's a story for another time, no?"

Listening further, Camila couldn't help but laugh. "You've started a cult? That's... quite surprising to hear, I've got to say. How on earth did something like that happen?" Truth be told, she was quite interested to hear how something like that had went. If it could be recreated, that could make for quite the interesting little trip into the Human World... Perhaps she'd have to give that a chance.

"Kitai's quite the individual," she started, "can't say I'd really be here without 'em if I'm being honest. He's the reason that I'm back to where I am right now, aye?" She smirked. "Even managed to get a neat little trick out of the whole situation that fell shortly thereafter."

Swiping her hand in front of her face, a chitinous mask immediately made itself present upon her face. After a short moment, she reached into the eyeholes, and moved the mask itself away from her face, as to not obscure her expressions. Instead, she let it rest atop her head, just off to the side. Peering toward the Espada, Camila smiled, her eyes more like that of a hollow than a Shinigami.

"Good on you for what you've done with Soul Society, by the way," she spoke, nodding her head, "it's good to hear that someone is willing to continue where I'd left off from. Though, that does remind me I need to get Marik's attention when I get the chance... Lord Kouhai asked of me to check in on what he's been doing recently."

Mask Duration: 1/5

[Arcadus]

"A quincy indeed. We are going to need to move to counter the Vandenreich's offenses if Soul Society is going to fall, they will be emboldened to answer our advances." Truthfully, while that was true, he also wanted the rewards posted. In all honesty he needed to get back to working on figuring out new weapons and options. He liked his swords, but a new gauntlet would be nice to have. 

Pouring himself another hearty glass of Moscato, Arcadus wafted the clear wine up to his nose to enjoy. It was no bloodwine vintage, but he enjoyed it, a pleasant drink with pleasant people. "Speaking of guujin, I've made contacts with the demon of his, Brutus. Apparently his lackey wants him gone even more than you do, and he's very, very willing to give us all the details we need to kill guujin." Smiling in a sort of prospective amusement, "I think we'd both enjoy seeing that kind of scum removed from Los noches royalty."

Looking at her mask, Arcadus remembered the last time they clashed, and the last time he'd seen that mask. He resisted the urge to touch where she'd split him open, he'd not been so grievously wounded since in any battle. "I've worked with kitai on a few things, including looking into trying to free him from his chains. Its an unfortunate fate, and I'm glad he's helped you evade it. Come to think of it, Marik is doing art for his shop, he's made himself quite the friend to the espada."

"And as for what I was doing in Soul Society, let me be transparent with you cami. I was there to effectively keep damage control of the invasion. Secure Los Noches's interests, so to speak." The large Arrancar shifted to lean forward, keeping eye contact with Cami. "The hellions, Sanctus. They were going to keep marching after the Rukongai, and told me they'd try and take Los Noches afterwards, and my participation was securing a place in that."

Arcadus, his sapphire eyes which had turned razor beat hearts to stone, looked away. "I fought effectively to slow the demons to ensure SS was able to repel them, because I knew they were a stop gap against Hell coming to us. And it worked, Soul Society is in ruins, but Hell has lost its most effective leader in the process and hasn't been a problem since. And my other methods support this. Take the number of prospective captains I've traumatized and planted flaws into."

In truth, Arcadus was scared of Sanctus, of how their power was very hard to contain. Cami hadn't accused him of anything, but a guilt about his casualties being only hollows stuck with him. But he wasn't incorrect or out of line to suggest that his actions in that invasion were to Los Noches's benefit. He did not like how they were very much after his soul, and damnation terrified him. But he was smart, he was mighty, and he would prevail. "Soul Society is our enemy, but we benefit when they absorb our enemies forces with their bodies."

[Camila Adaronde]

Camila found herself raising an eyebrow. "The Vandenreich?" She asked, "isn't this Quincy relatively unrelated to the Vandenreich?" She'd heard rumors of Asmoskon throughout the time she spent in the Human World, and she'd even known a few people that had visited the shop he owned. Given he didn't sell to Vandenreich, things weren't exactly adding up. Though, this was Arcadus. There was likely a reason behind that.

"You're telling me," she started on the Guujin comment, "if you've got any clue on how that 'Brutus' individual could help us deal with him, I'm all ears. I don't have jurisdiction to fight him, unfortunately, and I'm not exactly looking to lose my head over vendetta again. I'm here to help where necessary, though."

Truth be told, she was quite upset at that fact. If nothing else, she would've loved to rip that fuck's head off his body. She still felt furious over what had gone down almost six years ago, and wasn't going to let it slide so easily. If there was something she could do in order to orchestrate his downfall? She was more than willing to get that done. He was to die before she moved onto the next life.

As the topic moved onto Kitai, Camila simply nodded her head. She didn't have too much more to add on the topic; if she could meet him again, she wouldn't be opposed, but that wasn't at the forefront of her thoughts.

Though, the Seireitei talk she found incredibly interesting. "Wait," she started, her expression turning sour, "I am going to ask this once, Arcadus; did you go out of your way to assist Soul Society in some capacity? Despite the fact that they are actively seeking your - our - downfall?" That was all she was to ask for the time being. Depending on his response, the conversation might continue.

Letting out a sigh as he continued, and consequentially answered her question, Camila placed her face into her hands. She rubbed a bit, let out a sigh in frustration, and looked back up to the Espada. "We can shelf that conversation until a later date. Expect some kind of fight in the future; Lord Kouhai isn't likely to let something like that go. Regardless; this bounty, aye?"

If nothing else, she was looking to push the conversation forward. It seemed that this was going to prove rather difficult for her to bring up to Kouhai; great. Still, though, that was to be a conversation for a different time. It would have to be. She wanted to spill Quincy blood before spilling Arrancar blood. So, what was she to do otherwise? "How do you propose we deal with him?"

Mask Duration: 2/5

[Arcadus]

Arcadus looked back at Cami. "I operated in a capacity to ensure another one of our enemies remained locked in combat, and that both were weakened, but neither were able to claim serious victory. If Hell had overtaken their targets, they would have come for us next. In the ways that I could, I ensured that Los Noches would not see an invading force march on us. I understand that perhaps the nuance might fall on deaf ears, but if I were to destroy my floor fighting demons or attempt to invade hell, those would have been worse moves than what I did."

Arcadus skulled his glass of Moscato, happy to have a pause from Camilla's gaze. He didn't like that he had done what he did. He had figured Hell's forces would be far greater than they were, hence why he had left when he did, certain that Soul Society would be decimated. They would have the strength to annihilate them at their leisure, but the idea of the Soul Society being weakened but not gone was not something that tracked well with the other espada, hence him never telling any of them. 

"For this Asmoskon, I'd say our best option is to try and finish him quickly. Quincy have the stamina to outlast almost anyone, so we're best off to try and blast them in close quarters, assuming we can't make some kind of attack with the element of surprise. At the end of the day it depends on their distinctive release, and I'm at a lost to what Asmoskon's release is. Quincy do normally shoot arrows of rieatsu which I'll be able to counter at least."

"You likely would be able to blitz him with your mask, but again its something we'd need to adapt to. We don't need to play step tech tag, so potentially aiming attacks so that there is collateral might encourage them to engage in a standup fight. Outside of that, stacking on as many attacks as possible to overwhelm their blut would work as well." Scratching the hilt of his zanpakuto with his thumb, he considered that perhaps this wasn't the best idea. Fighting his instincts, he turned it over to cami.

"What are your suggestions for taking him down? I know he lives in Karakura and runs a ramen shop, but do you have any information on him?" Leaning back in his chair, he looked over at the ghoul, this reanimated shinigami. Were they reanimated or just under control? He really didn't want to know honestly. Despite his dietary desires, apparently there were still some things in Los Noches that could turn his stomach, and that thought didn't sit well with him. 

[Camila Adaronde]

"We can talk on your actions later," she started, "I'll need to have a conversation with Lord Kouhai on the matter. I don't think your actions were unjustified, they just... complicate things a bit. We'll figure it out in the coming days." Truth be told, she was dreading the idea of bringing such information up to Kouhai.

Shifting her attention back toward the topic at hand, Camila took little time to ponder on the situation before the mention of Asmoskon reared its head again. "You're certainly correct there, regarding the Quincy," she spoke, "unfortunately I'm not all too certain myself on what this man is capable of. It's going to be a rather interesting fight, nonetheless." Truth be told? She was excited. It wasn't often she had the opportunity to square off against such a high-priority individual.

Chuckling at the 'step tech tag' comment, Camila nodded her head. "Can't say I've heard it put that way before," she spoke, "quite the interesting choice of words. You're right, though; being a physical fighter myself - as you well know - it's likely in our best interest to keep him as close as we can manage. Not to mention, Quincies do have a natural... weakness, to folks like us."

Leaning back in her chair, and taking another sip of her Moscato, Camila listened to Arcadus finish up his comments, and end with a question. "What do I know?" She reiterated, "unfortunately, not a lot on the man. Only that which is publicly available through the Bingo Books. Though, with him being a Quincy and all, we do have a rather potent opportunity, if we manage to close the distance."

Holding her hand out in front of her, Camila churned a bit of reiatsu into a small sphere, red and black in color. To Arcadus' senses, this would show up as distinctly Hollow, unlike the girl's normally mixed reiatsu signature. "How aware are you of a Quincy's natural weakness? Did you know that they succumb quite quickly when forcibly exposed to hollow reiatsu?" Closing her hand as the reiatsu dispersed, she leaned back once more.

"That, Arcadus, is our 'win condition'. Blast enough Cero in order to poison him; I'll do the same, and aim to grant him a... gift, of sorts. See if I can't enthrall the man, hm?" She couldn't help but smile. If nothing else, she was glad to have such an opportunity to fight the man. Lord, this was going to be fun.

Mask Duration: 3/5

[Arcadus]

Cami said she would have to speak with Kouhai about his actions. He had plans on preserving his reputation with Kouhai, and that mostly consisted in showing up like a cat with the head of captains instead of rats. Nothing he could do, but if she seemed to dread it as much as he did, he was likely in the clear for quite a while. A workable while, a workable while with help. He was helpful once, they stuck him out in the desert. So much for "doing his will", Arcadus needed to get some proper orders from Kouhai.



Unfortunate but not unwinnable to be sure. "I'm glad we have a similar battleplan, its going to make strategizing relatively easy if we both have a similar route. It unfortunate we don't have any intel now, but we can see what we can garner before engaging him. And I agree, it will certianly be an interesting fight." Arcadus leaned back as he sipped some more of his moscato, listening to Camilla explain her mentality and experience with quincy. 


"The few quincy I've met are hard to pin down and difficult to suprise, and they seem quite resistant to Hollow essence, so that likely is the result of some kind of technique shielding them from it. Regardless, I think that it isn't an issue for the two of us to overwhelm." Arcadus again eyed the dying ghoul as if to try and anticipate it. An animated shinigami corpse, just standing there. He was familiar with corpses, being something of a cannibal, but its swaying, its cold dead form, something in his head made him on guard around it. 

"As a win condition, we both seem pretty equiped for lasting in melee while blasting him as much as we can, and I think, that your little friend there-" Arcadus waved his hand at Cami's mask, "Will make it relatively easy. Reward obviously is secondary to the actual experience to fighting him. Hes a kind of practice round, for when we stick it to the Vandenriech, since they're so keen to see both our kinds dead." Arcadus grimaced at the goosesteppers mention, soothing it with another sip of Moscato. 

"As for what Ser Primera is up to, I'd say he's certianly busy, but I'm not entirely sure. He's working with Kitai, along with apparently everyone in the three worlds is, but I've noticed some construction on the outside of the Los Noches, but outside of that I'm not to sure. I haven't been to his floor, but considering the frequency and speed of his  comings and goings, I'd say he's certainly busy. Once this is over, I'll probably look into it, see what exactly speedy gonzales there is doing."

[Camila Adaronde]

Camila simply nodded her head along with Arcadus' words. In truth, she'd still been caught up with what he'd shared about the situation with Soul Society. How was she not supposed to report something like that? She sighed. That was most definitely going to be done when this whole situation had been resolved.

Though, she chuckled about the Vandenreich comment. "You're certainly not wrong there," she nodded, "bastards have had it a long time coming at this point. They took my family from me, all those years ago, 'm gonna do the same in time and put their fucking Emperor's head on a goddamned pike." She was quite passionate about the topic of slaying the Vandenreich, and it showed.

Though, Quincy in general had the girl's ire, for almost definitely the same reason. She couldn't help but feel egregiously angry at the whole situation; the bastards outright destroyed souls. While, she didn't feel that the Soul Cycle had an actual balance to it, she did know wholeheartedly that it existed. Else, she wouldn't be here today. To deny that privilege of reincarnation to someone was not something that sat well with her.

Hearing about Marik, Camila nodded her head. "No worries on that front," she spoke, "I'll be paying him a visit when I need to. Was already told to by the man upstairs. So, that's going to be happening soon. Though, there's one thing that I haven't been able to quite get off my mind, Arcadus."

Taking a deep breath, Camila stood from her seat. "You know as well as I that your... 'transgressions', back in Seireitei aren't something that I can let slide. Kouhai is almost assuredly going to hear about it, provided I get that far with having that meeting. I'm willing to take matters into my own hands, however, if that's something you'd like to get right to. Given I'll likely be assigned to take you down for what happened regardless, perhaps we simply go for that fight in advance?" She held her hand out to shake, making her point as clear as she could.

Mask Duration: 4/5

[Arcadus]

Arcadus worried that she'd have to eventually say something to Kouhai. Preferablly, he'd beable to mitigate that with his silver tongue and wise words. Regardless, an issue for another time. Besides, he'd done what little Kouhai had asked of him, and for all it was worth, he was going to keep doing it. It was a good thing he had going and it wasn't like he was going to stop now. But, ash to ash, dust to dust, he needed to focus again on what was at hand. 

He loved the passion she had for it, the hatred she had for an entire race of people enthralled him. He wasn't keen to feel out Camilla's emotions directly, but her hate fed him like water to plants. He could almost revel in it. "Well, I have a personal vendetta as well, as I would imagine many arrancar do. I'm glad you are so enthusiastic for this, and I hope we can learn a lot from this fight to apply in taking things to the vandenriech."

Quincy hadn't personally harmed him beyond various attacks, but that was normal. He was an Arrancar, and many different people saw him as an apex of the hollow threat. Quincy hadn't yet posed a threat to him, but they did pose a threat to Arrancar and Los Noches. It was important they if they didn't wipe them out, they needed to at least hold determents from them ever engaging Los Noches again. That would be a difficult, but rewarding project. 

"I'm Glad to know Marik wasn't in serious trouble, he seemed like a good fellow. And if Kouhai has taken notice of his actions, then maybe this will mean we can get some support beyond his existence being a deterrent from anyone invading. Regardless, well." Arcadus looked down at his glass of moscato, setting it down before locking eyes with Camilla again. "I understand that you need to adress it in this way, but I think Kouhai over estimates my involvement and perhaps misreads my intentions. Damage control to ensure another enemy doesn't appear on our doorstep is a good ideal, isn't it?"

"Regardless, how many people in the Espada, both of us included, work alongside or at least use the services of Kitai, a person who has invaded Los Noches in the past? Its all about might makes right, then I do accept you offer of an ordeal, or i guess you would call it a trial by combat."  Pre-trial ordeal? Worth as shot at keeping this quiet, and the idea excited him. Camilla was one of few people who were able to stand up to him and force him back into a corner, and he relished the oppurtunity to fight her again. 

[Camila Adaronde]

Camila nodded her head to Arcadus' words, letting out a soft sigh. Seems this was going to prove a little more difficult to address than she originally anticipated. "However Kouhai feels about the matter is ultimately out of my jurisdiction. If that's something that you'd like to talk on, we can, but just know that I'm not responsible for the consequences of such."

She chuckled at her words. Though, the mention of Kitai caused the girl to raise an eyebrow. "Let's not get things confused here, Arcadus," she spoke, "I don't work alongside Kitai. He brought me back to the world of the living, sure, but that does not mean that I'm willing to associate with him. Nor does that mean I will defend those that do associate with him. It's simply not tolerable."

In truth, she did find his words from there to be rather curious. "Oh," she started, "I can't say I'd be opposed to fighting with you in a situation like that. Definitely saves me the conversation to have with Kouhai, in that case." She chuckles. "Just know that I will hold absolutely nothing back against you. You have my word, though; let's get this going, shall we?" She smiled. "I promise you, Arcadus, I will shut. You. Down."

Standing up from her chair, Camila walked over toward the balcony of her floor. Peering out into the sands, she turned back toward the Arrancar. "Let me know when you'd like to get started, and we'll get this done, all right? I request at the very least, a day for us to catch our bearings before we begin this. You've me interested in what's soon to happen though. You may leave."

Mask Duration: 5/5

[Arcadus]

Kouhai's opinion and consequences. He didn't like that Camilla would so fervently disavow Kitai, when he had done little against Los Noches. Kitai was effectively an ally to Los Noches, given his contributions to Arcadus's research. Sure there was his "invasion of Los Noches, but ultimately it amounted to nothing and proved that Los Noches's main defense was its sheer size. The soul society could occupy countries worth of area in Los Noches and only hold one floor. The worm was ultimately a fun distraction.

And, Not tolerable? Both he and Marik associated with him, and Kouhai had not stopped his advance into Los Noches himself. Clearly he was at least evading Kouhai's displeasure, and at best, he was an easy pick as an ally, and at worst a valuable associate. Sure, Hellions were a tricky bunch and either insane or untrustworthy or both, but Kitai was clearly a very productive and effective former. And irregardless, clearly something was needed from him, so why disavow him?

"If you're so certian about enforcing his will that way. It's certianly preferable for me, given that I'd much rather fight you than Kouhai. And, Cami, I'm sorry you think it has to come to this. But if we're going to potentially bring an end to this as we began it, so be it. I'm not going to hold back at all at with you either." Arcadus was normally so excited to fight people, but right now, he was disappointed. Disappointed that such a transgression was so dire as to call for his head.

Worse yet, she was going to try and kill him, a threat he'd faced before with dignity, but never from someone close to him. A twinge of pain stung him, what he had no words for, but those more experienced or simply emotionally aware would recognize as betrayal. He'd misjudged her loyalty, and for his confidances he would be punished with this, forced to fight and maim a friend. Such was the way of the Espada, he mused.

Returning to his palace, Arcadus looked at his home. It lacked the luster it once had, especially his prior home. Black marble, while polished, did not gleam, and the stuffed furniture did not give or feel as luxurious as it once had. Arcadus slumped on his couch, a sour expression painting his face. Dim lights cast shadows across the room as the Espada let it sink in that he may well have to kill his friend. Whether he felt bad about that, or that he felt a pang of shame over his sudden distaste for violence.

The clack clack of fine leather shoes sounded through the room as Atlas, the butler, attendant, and master of the house approached, knocking on the frame of the door before entering. “Lord, would you like to tell me what troubles you?” Arcadus looked over from his splayed out position on the couch eyes tracing over the older Arrancar’s form. “I suppose I could Atlas. I will have to duel Camilla to assert my position and, effectively to prove my loyalty to Kouhai.:

Atlas sat forward. “That the fervor of a lords lackeys is there for a reason, but, knowing Kouhai, he would likely already know of your transgression, and have allowed this to transpire. He’s a wise ruler, and for what I think is best. I would go duel Camilla still, knowing Kouhai hasn’t visited judgement on you despite his knowledge of your actions. It is a test.” Arcadus thought the words over, eyes focusing on something not in this room as he listened.

“Regardless, perhaps this is a point of learning of the discretion of one's dealings, even among one's friends. You are not the entity of endless persuasion you might think you are Arcadus. You have the ability to sway thousands to your side, but like a large stone in a beach, the waves cannot move it, despite the sand it moves. Go, perform for your test, and prove yourself. I think you’ll rather enjoy it, so enjoy yourself, yearn for that battle you've told me about, where nothing you have is held back.”


Arcadus mused over his white haired attendant’s advice. All in all, it wasn’t incorrect. Kouhai did have the reach and influence to annihilate him if need be, it was about whether or not he was going to bother actually disciplining any of his “generals”. He never really did, so what was the point in worrying, besides for whether this fight would end well or poorly. And for that, he certainly had a degree of control over. Control in how he fought, and what he brought.

Gathering his equipment, Arcadus began to collect his personal effects and items. Fastening the scabbard cannon to his hip, Arcadus counted out the swords in it, and satisfied, grabbed for his ring. The black substance the ring was made of gleamed even in the dark, and he wondered again what he had made when he forged it. His doom, he figured, strapping on his gauntlet, flexing his hand to get it snug. What a wonderful opportunity, and what excitement that control gave him.