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Now You Feel Like Number None [Bleach Arrancar Quest]

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Sitting atop her pillar Cirucci observed her little underling scamper across the floor, warily twitching this way and that trying to remain unseen as she tried to get back to her room, where it was stated that she was safe from further attacks for now.

She was an interesting little Numero, whilst on first glance she was quite forgettable, she would be overlooked unless one took the time to truly observe her.

There was something just different about her. It was small and could be passed over with a cursory glance but it was there certainly.

In her missions she went the extra distance with her orders as shown by all the new styles that Alphonse had been able to create and the dress that now adorned her form. From discreet enquiries, she had not heard yet of any bad reports regarding her little underling.

Nemo wasn't overly aggressive by any means, which stood as a rarity for her power level. She certainly had the pride if her choosing to fight back against Findor or, take time for herself during the venture was an indication, but it was not an extravagant pride, it was different.

Simple and Cute. Her choice of style did not grate and with some lots of training she could be a tolerable minion to have that would not get underfoot. Her dullness actually helped to enhance Cirucci.

'An interesting thought to be looked into further on a later date.'

Below her Nemo flitted between pillars, tapping at them, glancing around then proceeding to the next.

Watching her and puzzling out her actions Cirucci suppressed a giggle, her pillar room was designed to be confusing to intruders and little Nemo was obviously lost trying to find her room again.

Tapping her cheek Circucci continued to watch, opting to let Nemo learn on her own for now, secretly enjoying her continued struggles to find her room since this morning.

Nemo's choice to keep her regeneration ability would stand in future as a regret for its weakness or could it be turned to something more?

Her growth in ability whilst not prodigious was certainly noteworthy having occurred so late into her ascension from an Adjuchas, it also did not seem to have any signs of stopping.

From what she conveyed, Nemo had actual untapped potential that she was growing into. Was this the case for herself as well? Maybe it as something all Numeros and above had but had not realised.

Truly she was hoping to learn and leverage Nemo's ability for herself to return to her proper rank as a noble.

She knew that some of the new blood deserved their places like Tier and Ulquiorra, some of the other choices however......

She sighed and turned her gaze in the direction of Hueco Mundo proper, to be a fallen noble rubbed her the wrong way, how could she not seek to return to her vaunted position.

She narrowed her eyes, and nodded to herself, she WOULD be a noble in truth with a position greater than before, so that others could not drag her from it again.

Resolve reaffirmed, she stood and brushed out her clothes, checking that they were still as pristine as they had been delivered but a day ago.

She Sonido'd to the pillar and spiked her reiatsu to gain her agent's attention.

Doe like brown eyes whipped to the top of the pillar and locked on her form, Cirucci waited,

and waited,

and waited.

She lifted an eyebrow and dipped her eyes, little Nemo caught on and performed a passable curtsy, before rising and shifting in place. Cirucci noted that she would have to train that out of her in future.

Her underling should not shift in place like she did not belong.

If she was to represent Cirucci she would have to be straightened out.

"Fetch me my tea service.".


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AN. You know what happens next.

Nothing new but small flesh out with Nemo in the background learning to navigate the pillar room. Whole reason is more understated to draw a line in the sand between Cirucci and Findor as a noble willing to work for her rank and recognising that others are powerful.

Nemo is only an agent through which Cirucci can act subtly, not anything more yet, the closest she gets to thinking of Nemo as more than a tool is when she is using her to complement her own style.

Another line as the relationship is still growing and should not be rushed into I imagine there will be tests to overcome. Nemo and Cirucci did not gather power together like other espada and fraccion. There is no established trust, They are watching each other even if Nemo is more jumpy about it.

Good job minion is all that is available for now.....
 
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I wonder if our unofficial title of Kingslayer will become... more.

Crownbreaker Nemo. I like it. Has a ring to it. A King, then a Princess, then a God?
 
WARNING much like there is no point closing the gate when the bull is out , once this has been read this can't be unread.

In a hidden part of Hueco Mundo the beauties of Las Noches gathered together to talk about important issues and how to resolve them.

"You think salmon is a good colour for a room!! Get yourself checked you blind fool Appachi, this season is all about wintery looks, subtle greys and sea green"

"And I told you going against the trend is what sets us apart in fashion"

Truly important issues.

Gathered into room full of lounges, recliners, cushions, tables and most importantly of all sweets and tea, the female Arrancar had met together in a peaceful setting.

Whilst Mila-Rose and Appachi snapped away at each other, Tia and Sung Reclined on nearby couvhes enjoying there tea. On other couches, Loly and Menoly, snacked on biscuits and mimed the bickering pair as a few unnamed Arrancar watched on and tittered behind closed hands.
On the opposite side of the room to Tia, Cirucci signalled to Nemo to refill her tea set. Once finished, Nemo returned to slurping away at her sundae ice cream. Sitting close but just behind them Esmeralda shot envious looks at Nemo's confectionery but still enjoyed her own treats.

A stern cough silenced the bickering pair of fraccion, as Mila Rose and Appachi turned from snarling at each other to the interloper they were temporarily blinded by the radiance given off by their founder and leader of this meeting.

Yes, truly in a garden of gathered beauties Charlotte Churlhorurne, lounging relaxed on a divan with delicate tea set in front of her, seemed to sparkle and glitter femininity.

No, she literally glittered.

As she raised a delicate plucked eyebrow at the bickering girls, she took a delicate sip of her tea, before sighing out.

"Now, now girls, let's not fight and simply enjoy the time, for now let's shelve the talk of coordinated room colouration and talk about Cirucci's new fashion statements".

"Hang on why are you in charge it should be ..." " I have no complaints".

Tia was very quick to head off her Fraccion's complaint before it could get underway.

'She did not need or want to be in charge at this moment as long as more fine tea and treats were produced for her benefit she had no complaints.'

Momentarily stumped, Appachi glanced to her fellow before rallying from being cut off by her own espada , she tried another angle of attack.

"Well I mean why are you in charge?"

Charlotte let loose a coy giggle and flicked her hair around so that it caught the light just so, she then took another delicate sip of tea with her pinkie finger sticking out.
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"THAT IS NOT AN ANSWER!!!!!"


AN. I make no apologies, if anyone else wants to share a laugh over something that would not really ever happen, but funny please contribute to the Shinigami's Women Associate Princess Charlotte's garden of Beauty tales further.

Hoping for a cheeky 50 xp
 
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Canon Omake: Esmeralda's Side
  • Threadmarks
    • ESMERALDA'S SIDE

    As soon as you round the corner, concealing yourself from her sight, you break into a run, the clapping sound of your feet hitting the stone floor of Las Noches resounding through the empty halls. She can probably tell that you're running but you are beyond caring. How could you have been so stupid?

    The featureless blue stone of the corridor walls fly past you in your headlong rush to be somewhere, anywhere else. Your heart beats an accompaniment to your flight, not stopping even as you gradually slow your pace, coming to a halt in the middle of the hallway, head bent over, hands on your knees, panting for breath. You'll have to get back to the clinic eventually, but for now…you just need a moment.

    Haa, to think you'd thought you'd found yourself an equal! The crippled errand girl, having a friend? Ha! You still remember the time after Lord Aizen assisted you in removing your mask, stripping your reikaku and forming it into a spiritual carapace protecting your body. Those first moments…some would say there are none so blind as those who will not see. Those people have never experienced such absolute deprivation. An intricate and beautiful pattern of lights, always in the back of your mind, was suddenly torn from you. All that remained was a gaping abyss – no, not even that, just...nothing.

    Never again will you be able to perceive the world with anything other than the most mundane of senses. Never again will you know a world beyond the walls of the Las Noches, the safety of its walls tethering you to it, and never again will you feel the touch of someone's spirit against your own. But, well – the last is what led to this, didn't it? Aa, and now you're getting all melancholy.

    You straighten up abruptly, your joints protesting the sudden action, and start to make your way back towards the infirmary, your boot heels clicking in staccato against the stone floor. You flick your hair back over your shoulders, it having come askew and fallen in front of your face in your…moment of rest. You spit out a few individual strands that had found their way into your mouth. Bleh.

    To think that moth-girl had been an Adjuchas, though! You remember the first time you met her, she was so bashful and apprehensive, peering up at you from the corner of her…well, you suppose it's a nest? You'd been so relieved – you weren't alone in your weakness, and well, without any real means of advancement amongst all these Menos-class Arrancar, the two of you should stick together, right? Friendship was uncommon among Hollows, but you'd thought…you don't know what you'd thought, now. It seems so absurd in retrospect. You quicken your steps, the stale air of Las Noches's vast hallways is more cloying than ever.

    A bitter laugh comes from your lips unbidden. Is this your fate, then? An instrument to be used by your betters until your strings snapped from overuse and lack of maintenance? A cog in the great machine that grinds endlessly on, all in support of Lord Aizen?

    You thought you'd found someone to share your burdens with, when you'd first encountered the older Numeros. Someone who'd understand your position, could sympathise and someone you didn't have to constantly live in fear of, worrying about when they'd deem you surplus to requirement.

    But evidently not. And no doubt the girl would be coming to you to run her errands, soon. It's a pattern you've seen before. Although, a small, traitorous part of you whispers; couldn't it be different than the other times? She wasn't your standard Arrancar, after all.

    You remember lurking in the darkened corner of her nest, lying in wait behind the door for her return from the mission for Lord Barragan. She always got so ruffled when you teased her, it was adorable!

    But…that's not really feasible any more, is it? Not with such a vast gulf separating the two of you. While you'd like to think it was possible…well, you've thought about that before. And you're still here. Alone.

    As the taptaptap of your footsteps echoes through the empty passageway leading to Lord Aizen's infirmary, you consider what errands you have to run later, your hand straying up to the side of your head, twisting a strand of hair around your fingers. Lord Ulquiorra had a job for you to send a Numeros on…you'd originally planned to give that to Nemo, but you'd rather avoid her, for now.

    Ha, you're more frightened of the moth than of interacting with other Numeros, who are likely to kill and eat you merely for having the sheer audacity to speak in their presence! Sometimes you wonder why your priorities are so messed up – but well, the latter is just life as a Hollow, isn't it? Living in fear is normal, emotional pain…less so.

    The scent of antiseptics reaches your nose as you turn a final corner into the clinic that has been designated as 'yours', your shoes clickclack as you walk over to 'your' desk, shuffling things around in an attempt to organise them, the metal of 'your' medicinal tools cold against your fingers as you place them in cupboards and drawers.

    Even all of this just a temporary thing, something only allowed to you as long as no one else deigns to take it. You wish there was something that you could do of your own will…

    While you're at it, you'd like a unicorn and to be crowned God-Empress of Hueco Mundo! You know, if there's someone out there of the inclination to grant wishes.

    A clattering noise from the infirmary entrance reaches your ears and you turn to see who your visitor is. A sneering blond visage greets you, a ring of white bone surrounding his eye…is that Findorr? Why is his mask fragment so different from normal? He glares at you, seeming to take exception to your examination, and stamps across the floor, a whispering noise coming from a piece of black cloth he has held in his hand, dragging along the floor. Wait, that looks familiar…

    He throws himself onto one of the beds with a crash, and sits back, clearly awaiting treatment. You pick up the tools that you'll need – that for cuts, that for abrasions – and bustle over and begin. The metallic smell of blood is thick in the air, this close to him – what could have done this?

    Without meaning to, your eyes are drawn to that fabric clenched in his fist, his grip seemingly attempting to wring the life out of it…isn't that one of the curtains from Nemo's nest? You can't help but freeze up momentarily, before a guttural snarl forces you to continue your labour.

    Did…did Findorr kill her? He doesn't seem happy, maybe she escaped? It's not like you can ask – he doesn't even treat you as worthy of words normally, it's not like he'll do anything other than hit you if you dare speak up, let alone question him.

    All that worrying over someone you thought might have been a friend…and she's taken from you. Because even if she did survive this encounter, Findorr will surely see her dead for this…you guess you weren't so different, in the end. A morose sigh escapes you before you can stop it, but fortunately Lord Barragan's Fraccion either doesn't notice or doesn't care.

    Even if there's nothing you can do to help directly…there is something you can do, here. Some of Findorr's bones are broken, and you do have the supplies to fix them…but it's a limited supply - Lord Aizen would not begrudge you conserving them for a time of greater need. He can heal naturally. Asshole.

    While this meagre victory cheers you for a moment, you know that it's ultimately futile. At best, you have delayed Nemo's demise by a matter of days…and that's if she's even still alive.

    So be it. You've done what you can.



    Much thanks to @Tempera for the help in making this not-terrible!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Plan Controlled Moth
    - 500 XP to Reiatsu Control

    [X] Lamenting Cero

    [X] There are ruins in Hueco Mundo, of civilizations gone before. Cirucci was once a princess in her tower. She can't go back there without being accused of desertion, but she can send you. Go back to where she once lived and find souvenirs for her, and perhaps more.
     
    Okay people, hear me out. Diplomatic build. Style to know what to say, Reiatsu Perception to know what others think and feel, Sonido to run when things go wrong. It's a good idea, honestly.
     
    Lortee said:
    Okay people, hear me out. Diplomatic build. Style to know what to say, Reiatsu Perception to know what others think and feel, Sonido to run when things go wrong. It's a good idea, honestly.
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    There's no one to talk to, by now Aizen rules everyone and the other people would rather kill us then talk to us. besides Diplomacy for hollows involves eating anyone who doesn't do what you say.
     
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    [X] Plan Controlled Moth
    - 500 XP to Reiatsu Control
    [X]Lamenting Cero.
    [X]Cirucci wants you to gather useful information on one of the lower-ranked Espada.
    -[X]Yammy should be the weakest Espada and challenged by others for the spot, yet he seems to be coddled too much, to be far too "safe." Observe him and find out what his deal is.
     
    More Water Color Paintings!

    The First is in a Minimalist style.

    It simply represents Nemo, and I used a Emperor Moth as a reference.

    The next one is a simple water color painting.

    The Left side represents Nemo, her humanity, and my lack of white paint! The Right side also represents Nemo, but more importantly it represents the part of her that is a creature that devours souls.

    Zilla said:
    I did a side portrait of Nemo.
    Nemo will forever be Solid Moth as long as she remains sneaking.
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    Zilla said:
    So people have been throwing around "No Weaknesses" so I did Water Color Art
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    @Omicron
    If any of these are worth XP Descorrer please, if not I hope you enjoy them.
     
    Question. Style training had a lot of dodge training and Cirucci said we are supposed to do a lot of stuff, while being under attack. So can we load Devouring Cero while under attack while gracefully dodging, when we get high level style, even if it's just at legendary?
     
    Painfulldarksoul said:
    Question. Style training had a lot of dodge training and Cirucci said we are supposed to do a lot of stuff, while being under attack. So can we load Devouring Cero while under attack while gracefully dodging, when we get high level style, even if it's just at legendary?
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    Style isn't about dodging things, it's about looking good doing it :V
     
    Painfulldarksoul said:
    But she does make us dodge a lot, while training for it. So we would get a bit experienced with it, wouldn't we? I mean, if it was just the looking good part, but she does force us into harder and harder dodges. Abridged Piccolo would aprove.
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    The style training also serves to explain any Experience we put into Sonido or other stats, yes, but I don't imagine that it gives us much on our own.
     
    Painfulldarksoul said:
    But she does make us dodge a lot, while training for it. So we would get a bit experienced with it, wouldn't we? I mean, if it was just the looking good part, but she does force us into harder and harder dodges. Abridged Piccolo would aprove.
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    You are learning better dodging under Cirucci's training, but that's represented as "howevermuch xp you're putting in Sonido/Combat Arts." Style is an aesthetic skill. Its benefit in battle, if it gets high enough to have any, is not about increased defense but about making everyone else think you're doing things with such casual ease that you are clearly a better fighter than you actually are.
     
    Painfulldarksoul said:
    But she does make us dodge a lot, while training for it. So we would get a bit experienced with it, wouldn't we? I mean, if it was just the looking good part, but she does force us into harder and harder dodges. Abridged Piccolo would aprove.
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    In terms of actual combat ability, Style makes what we do have look better. Nothing else.
    Adhoc vote count started by Revlid on Apr 22, 2017 at 1:27 PM, finished with 207 posts and 101 votes.
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    The other possible benefit is that we probably won't trip while sneaking. Hopefully
    Adhoc vote count started by Storyteller on Apr 22, 2017 at 1:52 PM, finished with 208 posts and 101 votes.
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    Adhoc vote count started by Storyteller on Apr 22, 2017 at 2:00 PM, finished with 211 posts and 101 votes.
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    Adhoc vote count started by Storyteller on Apr 22, 2017 at 2:02 PM, finished with 211 posts and 101 votes.
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    So the illusion mist upgrade won. And it's a mist that scatters our energy, which will shield us even from the reiatsu perception types, once our control is high enough. I hope we get an ability to make the mist fluctuate with our control. Could be an attack from us... could be a random fluctuation.

    I also wonder if we can give the mist some malign effects later on.
     
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