The Death Day Party (Social)

[Arcadus]

Arcadus sat in his chair at the Espada's Table, tapping his fingers. He'd sent invitations to the various Espada active, as well as Kitai, and Camilla. They were going to be here to witness the start of his rebirth. The return to a lowly menos so that he could exorcise these troubling souls within his soul. It was taking a decent amount of will to maintain his focus and control, as right now, they were all struggling from within to rise to the surface and confront him. 

He could hear them pressing on his mind, mage, warrior, rogue, they all hammered on their respective prisons. He'd been too lackadaisical as of late, seeking advice from these humans, these weaklings who somehow remained. Their only advantage to him was also their greatest weakness. Their humanity, their poisoning compassion that had infected him. He understood what he needed to do to become an Arrancar, a proper one. To ascend to Vasto Lorde and to break his mask. 

He knew the risks, he'd discussed them with Atlas and Maximillian extensively. He could die. He could also be consumed by another hollow and not re-enter the soul cycle, but also he could fight for dominance and take over that hollow. He could be Kenso'd. He could be wiped from existence by a Quincy. But he knew his options and counters to these situations. He could retreat, he could threaten the lives of those they would protect, he had counter measures. 

As for the invited parties, they would have received invitations in the form of black stone tablet, the lettering carved with chisel and laid in with gold leaf. It would read as follows. "Greetings, peers and and fellows. I invite you all to bear witness and speak upon a great becoming. It will not fail to entertain nor will you forget what will happen. Come at your own best judgement." They had been sent with a similar tablet if any of the recipients had intended to send back a response.

Those who entered would see Arcadus sitting at the head of the meeting table, candle lit room marked by black red scribling that those with a keen eye would recognize as a ritual circle extending up onto the walls, arcane symbols twisted by the abrupt ascent into frightening line work. Candles sat at different intervals, their light puppeting the shadows of the room in a dance, as if a cult danced around their idol in celebration and an act of manifestation.  

[Kitai Yoru]

It was a novel experience for Kitai to receive an invitation to... we, anything really, but he and Arcadus were on at least speaking terms, and he'd sent such a unique form of invitation that he couldn't help but accept. That, and his request was something he had only gotten the chance to use once before, so he was more than happy to oblige the Arrancar. He didn't really know the man on a personal level, so he wasn't sure of what to expect, so he brought a few things, just incase things got hairy. Or if he got bored, whichever came first.

So, thanks to his Interdimensional Doorknob, me managed to make his way to the palace of the Segunda Espada. He took a moment to examine the building, before deeming it suitable enough. He wasn't sure whether the man had made it himself or not, but he knew that the espada was more into weapons than he was structures. He knocked on the doors out of politeness, and was let in by a rather large Arrancar, one that struck a rather intimidating figure to most people. Kitai merely grinned up at the man, rather unaffected by his presence.

He allowed the hollow to lead him through the palace, with Kitai's head being on a swivel. It was... every bit as gory and unwelcoming as he had imagined in his head. The scent of iron permeated the air like a miasma, and was pungent enough to nearly choke him at times, especially when it was combined with industrial grade detergent in a vain attempt to wipe away the stench. He wondered if the smell was pleasing to the hollows, or if Arcadus and his servants have just gone nose-blind to it?

Well, he hardly had the right to complain, as the chains around his limbs chose at that moment to start chaffing. He scratched his right arm as the left to go check on something. If nothing else, Arcadus could probably rent this place out to some bigwig in Hollywood for some horror movie. Regardless, after a few more minutes, the hollow returned. Then the hollow told him that Arcadus wasn't here, and that he had misread the invitation. His eye twitched, as he didn't exactly bring the tablet with him. The hollow opened a Garganta, leading him to where Arcadus was, and the thoughts of horror movies doubled, as the room was a cultist's wet dream.

A huge table, lit up by a random assortment of candles, blanketing the room in an eerily light. Alongside that, there was a huge ritual circle along the ground, up the walls, some parts even touching the ceiling, glowing an ominous shade of red. If nothing else, Arcadus was a master of aesthetics, though he refused to call that a good thing at the moment. He was sure his face scrunched up at the sight, if it wasn't already from the smell, and he hesitated to even enter the Garganta.

Still, he was pretty sure Arcadus wasn't trying to kill him, and even if he was, he was confident in his ability to break out even if this was some elaborate trap. He walked in, with the portal closing behind him. "You know, when I read your invite, I was expecting something with more 'pin the tail on the donkey' vibes, and less 'pin the virgin to the pentagram' for your party. I thought my party favors would be enough, but maybe I should have brought some holy water too." He said rather casually, still taking everything in.

[Maria Ashwin]

light snoring would echo from the chair opposite end of the table where arcadus had sat , revealing a sleeping marik his head resting on the table as he slumbered away. He had taken aracdus's words to heart and been taking some time for himself , his demeanor and attitude had returned to what they once where before they became and espada. Far more aloof and uncaring in his mannerism's than he once was , the bags beneath his eyes where long gone now along with any lingering wounds he had from dealing with the agitated high class hollows that lived within the menos forest a tale for another day.



The neon green haired espada would stir as kitai began speaking , he would slowly open one bloodshot eye then the other as he let out a light groan. Picking himself up resting his chin against the palm of his hand as he rested his elbow on the table for support , he would blink a few times as he slowly woke up registering the voices all around him. "you lot could wake the dead with your chatter" he would grumble out as stifled a yawn sitting up straight in his chair.

[Arcadus]

Seated in the middle of his ritual circle, Arcadus watched as Kitai came in, pretty clearly through a gargaunta, chuckled to himself. "Well Kitai, you have any seances happening feel free to let me know, but this isn't exactly that kind of ritual." Arcadus noticed Marik "Oh, Ser Primera, good to see you're getting your rest like I told you to. Sorry this isn't exactly a party, but I feel the meeting is important regardless. It of course, important to Los Noches's function and future."

I would like to say, I am so glad of you all to show up, and please don't step on the circle, or none of this will work, and I'll probably die or be split into a thousand souls." It was unusual for him to be so frank and to accept his death so readily, but that was what he'd been preparing all this for, so that it didn't happen. But he was rushing, the power he was after could wait the few scant minutes he'd need to explain his plan and then activate the ritual. 

Arcadus leaned a bit forward on the chair, looking Kitai in the eyes before looking over to Marik, explaining his plan. "I've come to understand that my enterance into my existence as an Arrancar was imperfect. I understand that my transition from Gillian to Adjuchas was incomplete, as I still struggle against a number of human souls and a hollow spirit that reside within me as powerful personalities." Arcadus twitched as he did this, the whites of his eyes flickering black for a moment. 

"Excuse me. As I was saying, I intend to purge, these souls from my form, as well as any dormant souls and return to becoming a menos, and ascend to Vasto Lorde and break my mask then. At that point, I should be free from having to suppress these other souls and be free to think and act without that restriction taking parts of my attention at all times. As well, it should mean such imperfections cloud my soul, and I should be able to more clearly perceive the spiritual aspects of the world." 

Understanding that this might come across as potentially quite dire, Arcadus sought to soothe any concerns people might have. "I will not be going away for long, a month at most. I should return with that, but till then, I wish to leave a few things with all of you. I understand if someone rises to the Secunda position, I will return to take it back regardless. In either case, I have a few other things to sort out." Arcadus outstreched a hand towards Kitai.  

"Kitai, friend, if you would, that mask. I remember you offered it to me incase I had need of it someday, and that day has come. You can take it back after it's use, the circle should be inert after the ritual has finished. That should be when the circle stops glowing. I appreciate the party favors as well, by the by. But I don't think I'll be in a state to enjoy them." Arcadus felt that sickening feeling again, as the others pressed against his mind, infecting him with their desperation, their fear. 

"Marik, if you would, hold onto the contents under the table there, its the equipment I would like to reclaim when I return. As well,  your commission is inside there, just as you requested. I wouldn't reccomend messing with anything else, most of them are the first model of some of my work, and  still have kinks to workout in them." Arcadus nudged the box with his foot, sending it sliding out from under the table towards Marik. 

[Camila Adaronde]

Looking over the invitation that was sent out to her once more, Camila sighed. Truthfully, she hadn't the damnedest idea of what was going on with all of this. It seemed that he had something rather interesting planned for himself, all things considered. Some sort of ascension. If nothing else, it was curious. Something that seemed to be worth checking out, if nothing else.

Opening Descorrer, and making her way to the meeting room, Camila threw her hands behind her back as she walked into the place in question. At a first glance, she made distinct note of everything that had been prepared for this little venture by the Espada. Fuck is he up to? She thought to herself, what kinda shit did he have planned for himself?

She felt it was still a little early to say, so in turn she opted into speaking nothing during that period of time. As he was in the process of explaining his plans for the evening, Camila placed a hand on her chin. "You were... imperfect?" An eyebrow rose in confusion. How was this man any semblance of imperfect? Sure as fuck didn't seem like that was the case while they were beating each other half to death. Crossing her arms, she took the opportunity to let him finish.

As he did, asking for everything to be done from Kitai and Marik, she leaned up against a wall and watched on. "Seems like you're really serious about this, aye?" She smirked, "good to see you taking charge've something like this. Just come back in once piece, yeah? Prove you're the strongest n' come back as 'you'." She chuckled.

She knew full well how hollows were; she'd seen it for nearly sixty years before departing from Seireitei, and observed for another thirty thereafter. She knew that they tended to wrestle even with themselves in order to vie for control. It wasn't anything new to her, especially while interacting with them on a daily basis. Was he gonna be able to do something like this? Only time would really tell, but she sure as hell was curious to see.

[Serraph Quarrere]

Serraph had chewed through his morning routine rather quickly this morning, proof of his method's efficiency. Every morning he would wake and take into account of every single new addition to his library. Once recorded, he'd task his servants with placing them within their respective locations, ensuring all things were where they needed to be. He preferred his impossibly expansive collection organized, neat, and clean. When his order was given he'd then see to the restoration projects. There were a small portion of his collection that required to be restored to be enjoyed properly. Paintings and old scrolls were among these.

What benefitted these efforts was Serraphs disregard for their monetary value. Most things could be restored, but to humans this would harm what value it held. The Sexta Espada need not for human money, and thus would have these pieces of history restored. He obviously lacked the skill to do it himself, but he was quite resourceful. He knew where to collect the people necessary to see this job to completion, so he'd steal them of course. Sometimes these impromptu servants would survive and go back home, or sometimes Seris would kill them. It mattered not to the Sexta so long the job was complete.

It took him only a few hours today to complete what he had set aside today, leaving the care of his body to his other, one of the last pre-espada Warlords to survive to this day. The two shared the same body, Seris herself never completely integrated into Serraph's form after he devoured her, with the core of her essence crammed into the space where Serraph's existed. This in turn holds back the Sexta from becoming truly powerful. He was fast, but his physical endurance and stamina was quite low for someone of his ranking. The stamina drain puts strain on his core rather than the body.

To get around this, Serraph had devised a method to swap positions with Seris, allowing his soul to rest and allowing his other to stretch her legs. To do this, he had created a ritual centered on the spilling and bathing of blood. Such aspects were core in what made Seris who she was, so bathing in spiritually enriched blood brought her spirit to bear. He had made the method more efficient, preying on Seris's love for wine by creatijng a special bloodwine from his own essence.

Serraph smiled and poured himself a glass of this particular wine, eyes glancing over the stone tablet Arcadus had sent him. It was an invitation to what appeared to be a party or gathering of sorts. Oh how he'd love to have gone himself. The Segunda was quite the charismatic fellow, a blend of traits appealing to the Sexta in many a way. He was intellectual, handsome, and radiated power. What more could a hollow want and admire here in this desolate desert? Alas, he was tired, the weight of his own being pulling him back to sleep. He'd take a sip of his wine and let the glass down, losing conciousness.

When her eyes opened, she'd take in her immediate location. Once satisfied that she was within her own chambers, she'd glance over herself, particularly at her clothes or rather the clothes her other was wearing before the shift. They were quite comfy, but it was only a loose fitting set of crimson robes. The silk feld wonderful against her skin and put her in a great mood. Serraph was always quite thoughtful in leaving her in such a starting state. He certainly was her most thoughtful servant, unlike that barbarous Bismark. She'd scoff and reach for the glass of blood wine, swirling it idly in her glass. "This tower is so extravagant, but it is also so boring", she'd mutter, her eyes glancing down at the dark stone tablet Serraph was undoubtedly reading before.

She'd pick it up and and read it, immediately interested in the mention of a party. "Hollows know how to revel~", she'd comment before setting the tablet down and walking over to her wardrobe. For something this official, she'd opt for a dark suit with a crimson tie to match her eyes. Though she could fit Serraph's clothes decently well and none would be the wiser, she preferred her clothes set to her own specification. He opted for sleek and simple outfits, preferring those that were form-fitting like this particular suit.

She'd adjust her tie and grin at her reflection in the wardrobe's mirror. "You're goin' to do great things, Seris", she'd pump herself up before making the rest of her preparations. For a party of powerful individuals, it wouldn't hurt to break open Serraph's vault of wines. She'd settle with bringing a few bottles of red and white wine, with a few bottles of her favored blood wine made from the life essence of some of the better warriors humanity has to offer these days. It took all she had to not drink them all herself here and now!

She'd make her way to the party, toting a box filled with her selected bottles. When she had arrived she'd be led to the meeting room the others no doubt would be waiting, already chatting amongst one another. She'd brush her pale hair behind her and pressed open the door. "Yooohooo!~ I brought drinks!", she'd call into the room, wide grin sculpted across her face. She'd spot the primera and segunda respectfully, along with another. Oh! and Rizer's replacement was also here. Such an improvement on that bafoon. She had power and brains! Perfect! She'd place the box on the far end of the table and opened it, carefully placing the twelve bottles upon the table. "I've some Reds and some whites and among my *personal* favorite, blood wine~. The latter is among my most intoxicating stock, please enjoy~"

-----/----- Reatsu

[Arcadus]

"Oh, Camilla, how good of you to join us. Should we expect our lord to attend as well? I'm curious just how many will show up, but I can't tally forever. Most of you have a lot of important things to be doing for Los Noches, and I do not wish to waste your, or my, time." Truthfully, they all had all the time in the world. He needed to do this soon. While he had no astrological events this ritual needed to synchronize with, it was uncomfortable, and he would rather not deal with fists pounding in his mind. 

Yes, as painful as it was to admit, but yes. There is potential in him yet unrealized. "Well Camilla, we all have potential in us yet to be seen, but in my case there is a particular road block to overcome concerning my nature as a hollow-creature. Regardless, I understand that its not neccesary, but this is something I'm doing for myself." That wasn't the whole truth, he was doing this because of others, his loss to Hiyori proved to himself that these others were a distraction, a tax on his mind. 

The nature of hollows was to grow and so it would be. He needed to progress, and he had hit a roadblock in that process. In such circumstances, drastic measures needed to be taken. Risk averse as he was, there were neccesary risk in these kind of situations. And treatment for conditions as impairing as his own needed to happen. It was critical to his performance, which had not been so good as of late. Ties stretching into the horizon, and worse yet, losses. 

The doors opened again, and Arcadus shifted his azure tinted gaze away from Cami as Seris enters. Arcadus waved to greet the sexta. "Well Ser Sexta, I think turn down the wine, this whole operation requires a clear mind for it all to work, but the offer is appreciated, and I'm sure our other guests will enjoy it. Now, if I may." Arcadus closed his eyes, furrowing his brow as he concentrated. The candles at the intersections of the sextagram lit, the light in the room seemingly sucked into them, darkness overtaking the invitees.

Arcadus stretched out his hand further towards the invited Saika. "Kitai, I do have to ask for the mask, It is very much neccesary for the ritual to work, so if you could, please, give it to me. I'm sure you will have no problems taking it back from me once the transformation... finishes." Arcadus winced in pain as he could feel his head pounding, he could half-hear the screams of his alters as they fought for their lives. Part of him wondered what kind of form he'd take as a hollow. 

[Kitai Yoru]

Marik was here, that wasn't a surprise. He and Arcadus were, to his knowledge, friends. Not to mention they were actually a part of the same faction. In hindsight, he was surprised Marik didn't go to the blond for commissions instead of himself. Maybe he did, and just went to The Kitai Shop for the absurd things, like the walls, and the radio tower. He wasn't here to as those kinds of questions though. This was one of those 'reborn hollow' type things that he keeps getting invited to. Which, now that he thought about it, it was weird that it happened twice.

Though, speaking of reborn, he spied that weird girl that he had brought back at the behest of that albino Soul Reaper had him bring back to life. Why on the Earths was she here of all places? Did she become a hollow or something? "You know, I was curious about what you might have gotten up to, but it's weird to find you here, I will admit." Kitai said, as he reached into his jacket. He would like to hear how that had happened to her, but probably after the 'ceremony', as Arcadus clearly had taken a great deal of time and effort to set this all up.

He pulled out a plain white mask, Mask On, before tossing it towards Arcadus. He used Soul Command to make sure it landed in his hand. He wasn't about to risk that breaking from him having a piss-poor throwing arm. "I'm getting that back once you're done with it. Man I should start charging use for this thing." He said the second part under his breath. He turned to the other espada who entered, who was offering drinks, and he wasn't about to turn them down.

"I'll take some white wine, thank you." He said, as he poured himself a drink. He downed it as soon as he poured it. He stared at his empty glass, filling it back halfway, before reaching into his jacket again. He pulled out a thermos. Flicking the top off, he poured root beer float into the glass, and started to sip it. He grabbed a seat from the table, spun it around, before plopping down into it. He'd come here for fireworks, and he believed they were about to start.

[Arcadus]

Arcadus caught the mask in his outstretched hand. It was such a simple thing, and such a fragile yet important part. Like a paper lynchpin on a locomotive train. The sound was almost unbearable now, they had forced their way out of their prisons. Arcadus could feel his hand clench, and out of his control, it almost crushed the mask into dust. It slipped, and in his other hand, he caught it. Putting it to his face was a struggle, his body seemingly fighting him every step of the way. 

He could hear them in his mind now, and maybe the others could, as the ritual circle flared to life in a gastly shade of white, like bones half baked by the sun. Arcadus slammed against the back of his chair as he gripped its arms, forcing himself to stay in the seat. The chair cracked and Arcadus's body pushed against the floor as if to try and force himself out of his chair, held down by his upper half. The circle flared a bright white, and a new voice shook the room.

"NO YOU CAN'T ARCADUS, YOU NEED US, WE'VE GOTTEN YOU THIS FAR, DON'T THROW AWAY GUIDANCE AND WISDOM FOR POWER AND PRIDE!" The illusory image of a mage in blue ceremonial robes appeared in the first third of the circle, arms splayed out in desperate pleading. "YOU'VE COME SO FAR, WHY NOW THROW AWAY THE THING'S YOU LEARNED, HOW TO FEEL, HOW TO KNOW COMPANIONS, HOW TO LIVE IN THE WORLD AS ANYTHING OTHER THAN A STRANGER!"

Another voice would sound from the ritual circle, and a man in blood stained armor would appear, slumped over, head barely held over his shoulders. Seemingly defeated, "I've taught you all you know boy, from how to rear hounds to fighting with more than just your arms and magic. You would still be fighting in the darkness of this hell if it weren't for me, so give it up. Take that damn thing off and lets go home. We can talk about this there." 

"Kid, I don't give a God damn about you or this place. But I don't intend on dying. So that means this satanic voodoo mumbo jumbo has got to go." A small man in a grey suit, holding an empty revolver appeared, sitting down in a chair seemingly conjured with him. "Why the hell you're interested in dealing with this crap when you've got the smarts and the brawn to live any life you want and you go after the hardest one you can to prove something."

Arcadus slammed his head again against the chair, the head rest breaking off at the shoulders. The circle flared again, a blinding white light as flames erupted from each one of the candles. As they parted, and the lights dimmed, revealing the circle gone, burned away. Arcadus was gone, his uniform in a heap. Something rustled within, a quadrupedal shape. Out from the neck hole, a feline head emerged, not much bigger than a jaguar, black as coal with a hint of a burning flame within. 

The ghosts of these human souls lingered for a bit, turning around to face the congregated members behind them, each seeming horrified both at what had transpired, and who they were facing. The mage, Valeron, raised is hands up to shield himself, Oren, the warrior, raised an invisible sword, now conjured in his hand as if to defend himself, and the old man, raised is empty revolver, firing it with a dead clack of an empty chamber, laughing as pulled the gun up in an exageration of recoil. 

[Arcadus]

With those present, each of the ghosts faded from this world. Where to they were to go no one, not even Arcadus could say. Arcadus, now a cat, began now looking around his surroundings to see what exactly he was dealing with. Smell of sulphur and of incense, the acrid smell of myrrh wafted from the candles as the figures faded in succession. A single mew escaped the cat as it hopped down from the broken chair, sniffing about the burned out lines of the ritual circle. 

The first to go, Oren. A warrior, a man at arms, and a commander of soldiers. It was alright aht he faded away. He'd already had so much time to spend even as a ghost, far beyond his mortal coil, which was now certainly nothing but dust. Resting his hands on his belt, his and traced to his sword, an old friend he'd drawn comfort from its presence more than he'd used its edged in centuries now. But all the same, it was time to go, he'd long overstayed his welcome. 

Giovanni stepped back as he faded. He'd had a good run, tried to hang on as long as he could, and livin in that kid's head was a pretty good gig. Get bothered maybe once a year and get to basically have the life any man could want. Beautiful partners, money and good meals, it was like livin in a dream land. So, really, he couldn't complain that Arcadus had gotten rid of him. It was way past time to punch it out, and well, he was due for a vacation. Making his way to heaven shouldn't be hard, and as the mobster faded from the world, he put the empty gun to his head, one last joke. 

Last, Valeron, the mage. He clawed at the table, at the circle, his ghostly screams of panic. He had so much to live for, so much to learn and do! There was no way he'd accept this, to go quietly into that good night. There was so much to make, so much of everything! Arcadus had betrayed him, of his trust, of his help, that was unforgivable. His slowly fading voice echoed in the hall of the Espada, as he vanished from this world to who-knows-where.

This white faced black masked cat, about the size of a small tiger, leaped out of the chain onto the table, sniffing around before kicking over the candles. Twisting around to scratch itself and swipe at its own tail, the hollow walked behind the broken remains of the chair, evidently Kumon'ing elsewhere, since it hadn't stepped out from behind it, and anyone looking to find it would come up empty handed. Arcadus now a feline, the Secunda has left the building. 

Arcadus into his palace stepped, the black shag shedding onto mirror polished marble floors as soft pads set down on it. Clearly the creature recognied his surroundings, but seemed, lost. Turning his masked head side to side, Arcadus seemed to be looking for something he'd forgotten, like he had placed his keys somewhere but couldn't find them. Padding back and forth between rooms, Arcadus clearly had forgotten an awful lot, including this place that he wanted to go. 

The Clack-clack clack of heeled shoes sounded out, as Atlas looked down the hall at this new creature wafting its shedding's everywhere. About to give this creature an expedited trip to the rest of the soul cycle, Noticed finally that this was once his master, Arcadus. Picking up the big cat, Atlas remembered the protocol for this, to lead the remains of his boss to the Kennel, where he could feast. That would get him a jumpstart on returning to a form more recognizable.  

[Camila Adaronde]

31 paragraphs counted for Arcadus, meaning 30% bonus with any participants here!
10 paragraphs from Kitai, meaning 10% bonus with any participants here!
10 paragraphs from Serraph, meaning 10% bonus with any participants here!

Unfortunately both Marik and Cami had less than 10, so no bonus for us ;v;