Masking identical objects

i'm missing important point because i've been stumped 2 days on this. i'm trying make circular arrows overlap. last arrow needs have arrow on top of tail of other arrow. i've tried using mask, don't know how select object, copy in place, , able select both object create mask without getting error screen indicating have selected 1 object.       

wabbit,

 

you may:

 

1) create copy of white arrow @ bottom , move top, using ctrl/cmd+c+fx+f, lock original;

2) object>path>outline stroke, clickdrag on copy set , pathfinder>unite;

3) clickdrag on set , red arrow , in transparency palette flyout click make opacity mask both clip , invert mask unticked;

4) unlock original white arrow.

 

this should hide unwanted end of red arrow.

 

you may cutting 1 of arrows , moving 1 part or down in stacking order, way requires splitting arrow in 2 paths avoid stroke across middle of arrow.

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