Arc 1: Canon 17: Goodbye to Our Xcution [Complete]

[Jin Yamada]

OOC: Finally! After three days of searching, I found the perfect OST for this post. Listen....and be moved!

IC: Relief. That was the first thing that Jin felt. It was the first emotion he felt as Klaus released Mirielle from his grasp. An involuntary sigh suddenly escaped his lips. Then, just as suddenly as the relief had come, it dissipated to be replaced by something else. Fear. Dying before he was able to save his race brought fear to the Bount Leader, and as Klaus let go of Mirielle, Jin cringed in fear. He was expecting Klaus to come after him now just as Jin had asked for him to. He even went so far as to prepare his body for death, if there was even a way to do such a thing. Mentally, he was accepting his fate just as some cornered animal accepts its fate when it can no longer escape.

Just get it over with...please... All of Jin's preparations were suddenly found to be futile when Klaus let his Vollstandig fade away. Jin knew that Klaus had the power to defeat him without his Vollstandig. He knew this fact even more now that he could no longer summon his doll thanks to Myling. None of the True Bount powers he had in his arsenal would allow him to survive long enough against an enemy as powerful as Klaus, that Jin knew. But Jin sensed no sign of attack. He sensed no hostility from Klaus at that moment, which meant that today wasn't his day to die. He realized why Klaus had stopped now when he felt that dark, chilling aura bearing down upon him once more.

Jin could only hover there as Aria casually made her way to him. His body, immobile from fear, was no longer able to do anything in her presence. He could do nothing but stare as she stood before him. His mind continued to take in all that she had said, but he didn't make any sign that he understood. Jin's eyes, blank and glassy, only stared into the face of the devil called Aria as she continued her little monologue. He didn't even flinch when she slapped his cheek lightly. It wasn't until Aria noted the presence of the two Bount that had appeared that Jin finally come back to reality.

SPOILER: Click to show

They came to help you. The ones you're trying to save....came to help you. Are you still going to abandon them? Are you just going to let things end here? Jin was suddenly pulled from the recesses of his own mind. The Bount Leader looked around. He looked towards Don. Then, from there he looked to each of the Bount he had brought with him on this mission. Otto. Feere. Gatz. Jikashi. Even Padrone who was unconscious. And finally, Mirielle, who was still coming back from her own mind as well. Jin looked to each of them and he smiled within. He looked at the two new Bount that had appeared, and his smile within grew wider.

"You can't just-" "Give in." spoke two familiar voices. "What are you doing, Jin? What happened to the guy whose right-hand I was going to be? Where'd he go?!" spoke another familiar voice. Even then, the voices didn't stop speaking within Jin's mind. "Remember, Jin....the Bount shall live on. If you die, there's no hope for the race....so live!" Jin heard them all. He heard each and every one of those voices speaking from his soul. They cheered him on. They gave him power. The things they said, it was the things he needed to hear. The voices continued speaking, and as they did, faces began appearing with each voice.

"Jin, you're a great leader. You know...I don't just follow anyone!" spoke the voice of Fui. "We had the best meals while working with you, and we were always loyal...even in the end. We aren't just loyal to any Bount, you know?"[/i][/color] Ares and Ises spoke together, giving their words of encouragement. "I didn't serve you for long, but you were a hell of a leader. Remember this, Jin....I don't sacrifice myself for just anyone!" This was the encouragement from Kizashi.

A smile suddenly appeared on the face of the Bount Leader. Even in that dreadful situation. In that situation full of so much despair and doubt, a smile of confidence had crept its way across Jin's face. This was when the devil named Aria questioned whether anyone had anything else to say. Jin's brown eyes, once again full of determination stared into Aria's insidious eyes. Even while staring into those eyes of hers that embodied fear, Jin continued to smile. Even with such a monster standing before him, he chose to speak. He knew she could strike him down at any moment, but he spoke anyway.

"Hey, Quincy...." Jin began, speaking with as much confidence as he could in this moment where he was full of so much despair and doubt. "...it seems our views on leadership differ. But, it makes sense. Your der Kaiser and I fight for different causes. I fight to protect the Bount race, so it wouldn't make much sense to sacrifice along the way....because then I wouldn't have anyone to protect by the time I'm done!" Jin said.

That was his resolve. That was what he fought for, and he would do everything he could to see it through to the end. With his monologue done, all he could do was stand there and stare. Watch and wait. Wait for a response. If she struck him down right then and there, well at least he died without feeling as much regret as he had been feeling a few seconds ago. Of course, he was hoping that she didn't as any sane person would. Hopefully, at the end of it all, his words would inspire all of the Bount present. In the end, he hoped that the new Bount would know his resolve and the lengths he was willing to go to save their race. He wanted them to know the type of Leader which he was.

[Zou ۞]

A large grin came upon Aria's face, and she flashed it at Jin. At that moment she looked only at Jin. She did not say a single thing that he would like to hear. Rather, she did nothing that he would enjoy. No, for she was a monster unlike anyone that Jin had ever before encountered. When she spoke to him, he'd find that she was without a doubt someone that he would not only see again, but someone that he would come to fear, despise, and hate the mention of. Aria's voice was calm when she spoke, and yet it was also mocking. It was spoken as if there was nothing to it except for a lack of any sort of sympathy or empathy for any living being. "Well I'd tell you that that's sweet and all," Aria said to Jin, "But the truth is that I don't really care. You can feel how you'd like, but I'm pretty sure that you're all going to be wiped out one day. If I were you, I'd hide somewhere in the dirt."

She was standing there with Klaus, and the two of them would find all of a sudden that more eyes were appearing from the shadows. Dozens of glowing red eyes. Some were pale when they emerged, others tanned. Some were old, and some were young. Some had black hair, some red. But all had in common very sharp fangs, and all appeared to be quite intent on staring down Aria and Klaus. Dozens had appeared, and were beginning to surround the two members of the Quincy force known as the Vandenreich. They were outmatched in that moment because of this. They were two to many many Bount, possibly over a hundred that had appeared to surround them. To destroy them. It did not matter what Klaus or Aria did. They didn't have the power to negate that many dolls, nor did they have the power to fight off so many Bount, least of all with these unusual, vampiric techniques.

And all of a sudden, a huge white light erased all of the shadows in the area, and the Bount were forced out of their hiding. All of them were exposed, and all were blinded for a second by the bright light. Hovering overhead, there was an enormous white blimp, with a giant light gazing down onto the area. It had no sound, and it was uncertain where it had even come from. But, regardless, it was there. And it looked hostile beyond any other vehicle that could be present. Wires shot out of somewhere on the blimp, and Aria and Klaus each grabbed a hold of a wire. The wires retracted, and with great speed the two Quincy were hoisted up towards the blimp, to their escape. "Well dears it's been fun, but this will have to wait until next time! I'll come back, don't you worry your pretty little heads! I'll come back for all of you."

And that was it. They were gone. The blimp was already flying away at a greater speed than anyone could muster to catch it. And it was going higher and higher, moving upwards into the sky so that no attacks could reach it. That had really happened. The two Quincy had really escaped that way. It was unbelievable. It was inconceivable. And just like that, two members of the Vandenreich were gone. With those final words, they'd left the Bount island. And yet, despite this, Jin and Mirielle and the rest would find themselves surrounded by over a hundred Bount of varying ages, strengths, and identities. They'd find that they were within friendly territory. For the first time in perhaps their entire existences as Bount, Jin and Mirielle would find that everything was going to be okay. They would find that for that moment, there was nothing to worry about.

[Jin Yamada]

OOC: I vote to post bump Mirielle, if that's okay. I know Snazzy said he was helping a family member, so he might still be doing that. If so, I don't think he'll mind if we skip him, especially since Mirielle is kinda mind-raped at the moment.

[Zou ۞]

OOC: Go ahead and skip him.

[Cierro Muerte]

“You...must be quite young,” said the pale bount. Inside Cierro smiled a devious smile. This was an assumption he could use. The espada looked up at the bount with curiosity in “her” eyes. Cierro put on the appearance of trying to stop crying as he looked longingly up at his rescuer. “You can enter the city. The city hall is not difficult to find. They will provide you with free housing. From there, your life is up to you. There are jobs if you need something to do, and there is entertainment otherwise. There are many Bount, and of varying age. You will find allies and enemies, like in any other part of the world. As time passes you will mature and grow stronger. But no matter what, this city guarantees safety against foreign races and powers which would attempt to destroy or hunt us. This includes the Shinigami, who do not even know that this island exists,” he said with something that could be interpreted as helpfulness in his voice. Cierro’s eyes widened as he watched the other bount fade away. “Yes... That’s what my story will be. I am young for a bount. Thank you for helping me out with my persona,” thought Cierro.

The espada spoke urgently in his higher female voice as the older bount faded away into the ground. “Wait, mister! At least tell me your name!” he shouted as the bount faded away. Whether the bount gave him his name or not before he sunk into the ground was left up to him in the end, though it didn’t matter all that much. It merely made his entire charade more believable. Whatever happened, Cierro would be left alone in the middle of the field with nothing but the city before him. Looking as innocent as he could, the espada picked himself up and walked over to the city gates with wonder in his eyes. The gates would open for him and Cierro would walk in, not knowing what to expect. The espada took note of everything he saw, but especially kept an eye out for his destination. He realized that he couldn’t head to it immediately, but it was good to have an idea where one was going.

Once Cierro was inside, he looked for a secluded place to go. He didn’t want to stay out in the open where someone would undoubtedly find “her”, recognize “her” as a newcomer, and put “her” through some sort of examination or try to “heal” him. That would bring a swift end to his plans. He needed to get out of eyesight of the guards and don a new outfit and get rid of all his injuries. He’d pretend that he’d already recovered and been integrated into the city’s system if anyone asked. It wouldn’t be a permanent solution for long-term infiltrations, but this wasn’t supposed to be long term. He needed to get in and out before he was even noticed.

Remaining Reiatsu: 1,025 (-200 when release ends)
Resurreccion: 4/16

[Zou ۞]

OOC: Skip me again. Let's have Jin timeskip himself to getting into the city. I think it's time for the RPCs to be in the same location.

[Jin Yamada]

OOC: I hope the liberties I took were okay. Just wanted to give you something to respond to.

IC: The exit of the one named Aria was relieving. With her absence, the pressure that she oozed was lifted. It felt as though a huge weight was lifted up from the hearts of Jin and those Bount around. The words she had left them with was something that couldn't be ignored. Her words had been quite grim to say the least, and they left a saddening truth hanging in the air. The power Klaus had shown was able to defeat eight Bount fighting together. Without much effort, Klaus's power had defeated them all, and Aria hadn't even had to step in at all. If she was coming back for them herself, it made their doomed fate seem inevitable. But at the moment, in the presence of these Bount who had saved them, Jin couldn't think about that.

He looked around at the Bount that had arrived and he cheered up. Each one he looked towards and flashed that warming, charismatic smile of his. Some smiled back, while others only continued to stare at him without emotion. Others with glares and suspicion. He didn't care about any of that. As he continued to look at them and smile, he felt more and more welcome here. He felt like he belonged, a feeling that he hadn't felt in some time. A very long time, in fact. From being a Catholic as a child to being a Bount now, fitting in was never something he could say he knew. In that moment, it was such a great feeling for him to be amongst those of his kind. He felt welcomed. He felt accepted. It was such a great and wondrous feeling to experience.

He decided that he should probably introduce himself. "I am Jin Yamada, an Executive for our race in an organization called Redemption." he stated in a calm, friendly voice. "I am very grateful for your arrival just now. You saved our lives, and we all thank you." He looked around at those Bount whom he had brought to check on them as he said this. When his eyes fell upon Mirielle, a look of guilt flashed onto his face for a quick second before disappearing. He hadn't meant for her first mission with him to end up like this. Both of her dolls dying at the same time must have hit her hard. The powerful connection he could tell she had with her small doll, Myling, must have affected her the most. Jin began walking towards her after that. When he got to her, he reached down and picked her up, cradling her within his arms. He held her like that within his outstretched arms while her head lay against his chest. "I assume you might be wondering what we're doing here in the first place, since this place is so hidden. If it's okay with you, I can answer any questions you have while we head back to your city." Jin said. "She needs some rest. As do the others." He noted his fellow comrades, who were also heavily injured from the attacks. He also saw Padrone, and nodded to Don and Feere to carry him.

"We know who you are, and we've been waiting for you." one of the Bount standing around spoke very suddenly in reply to Jin. That one stepped forward to reveal himself. He had glistening blond hair that went down to his back, purple eyes, and tanned skin. He was wearing some kind of brown cloak that covered up much of his body, and the hood that was attached to the cloak was currently down. His eyes looked upon Jin with scruitny and cautiousness. His voice was like a monotone each time he spoke and very deep. "You shouldn't be surprised. We've been able to keep up with recent news outside of here." he stated quickly, as though reading Jin's mind. The man turned after that, without much word and began walking away. He was heading in the direction of the Bount City. "I am Anzo. Follow me, Jin Yamada. We have much to discuss with you." he said.

From there, Jin was lead by those Bount towards the city, and after some walking through the vast forests, they made it to the city and were led inside. After getting inside, Padrone and Mirielle were led to a kind of infirmary within the city to rest up and heal. Most Bount could heal injuries normally by using the Immortality Drink technique, but the injuries Mirielle had sustained dealt with the mind. That would take some rest and time to heal. Jin and the other Bount were told to wait and rest up as well. They stayed within that clinic with Mirielle to heal and to watch over their resting comrade. Jin was told that he would get to talk to those who led the city. The Bount there in the small infirmary clinic described it as some kind of council. I wonder how they'll react to my Leadership and to Redemption. Not every Bount was jumping for joy when I first began calling myself the Bount Leader. With his nerves on edge, Jin awaited his summoning in front of the council.

[Zou ۞]

OOC: Skip me. Let's see a timeskip which brings Cierro nearer to the temple, and gives Jin the information on this Bount City. Afterwards, I'll post.

And on my next post, the real fun of this thread begins.

[Cierro Muerte]

Cierro had successfully gotten inside the great bount city and had laid low for a few hours to recover his reiatsu and energy as well as his resurreccion. It didn’t tire the espada to remain in his current form one bit. The form that he claimed as his own the majority of the time wasn’t even his actual appearance, so staying in his current cute form wasn’t hard at all. Cierro had been able to avoid any and all contact with other bount as he made his way to the heart of the city near his destination. The temple was in the arrancar’s sight as he made his way casually through the streets. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Cierro saw a familiar face.

“Jin Yamada?” thought the espada as he caught a glimpse of the supposed leader of the bount, “How long has it been since I’ve seen him?” The espada tried to recall when he’d seen Jin last, but failed to recall. “Oh yeah, that was Kuroi that met him, wasn’t it?” thought the espada, remembering Jin through the memories he’d attained from Kuroi, “Excellent... He won’t recognize me... Then again, he wouldn’t recognize me in this form anyway. He’d be a pain to have to deal with.”

Cierro put his hand over his chest, directly over the pendant that his zanpakutou had taken the form of. He grew uneasy being surrounded by so many people that would be able to feel his true reiatsu instantly if they so much as touched him with their bare skin. On second thought, he should have probably picked an uglier appearance just in case someone happened to be just as perverted as he was and grabbed his butt or something. “I wonder how my little Rue is doing out there in the woods on his own. I would hate for him to sleep through my signal, though he seems like the type to take his mission seriously," he mused. Cierro continued towards the temple, keeping his eyes open for anyone that might be following him.

[Zou ۞]

OOC: So naturally it's Jin's post. THEN it's my post! At last!

[Jin Yamada]

"Jin Yamada," the voice of Anzo called out. Jin lifted his head and turned to look at the man who had led them into the city. Anzo stepped into the clinic where Jin and his fellow Bount were all resting up and then spoke again. "The council will see you now." he said in that monotone voice of his. His eyes gazed down upon Jin with that same scrutiny as before. He gazed upon Jin with the same coldness, the same lack of emotion. As the Bount Leader stood to follow Anzo, Don stood with him and attempted to follow until Anzo raised a hand. "The council requested Jin Yamada only." he stated simply. With that, he stepped out from the room. Jin turned to Don and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry," he said as that confident smile formed on his face. "Everything will be alright. We're among people of our race now." And with that, Jin stepped out of the room behind Anzo and the two departed to meet the council.

On their way there, Jin and Anzo passed through the city. Their walk took them through nice parts of the city. Parts that had bustling small markets and businesses. Bount were seen all over, bustling all about in their various daily activities. Jin looked around at the various shops and markets distributed around the area they walked through. Some were shops that sold special reiatsu items. Others sold steel, wood, and housing materials. There was even a weapons shop! And among those nice looking shops, Jin noticed even the small carts situated outside of some of the markets. Displayed on the carts were various different things the merchants thought might be valuable. Some sold unique looking jewelry. Others sold small weapons like knives and brass knuckles. One of the carts, however, caught Jin's attention. Not because of it being out of place, but because of the items it sold. Jin saw small dead animals hanging from strings tied to the top of the cart, almost like some kind of small meat cart. What intrigued Jin about it was that Bount didn't need to eat meat, or any other food at that. Reiatsu was what they fed on.

"Ah, yes. The way we feed is different from the way you Bount feed." Anzo said, noting Jin's interest in the cart. Anzo lifted a hand from his long robes and pointed towards the east, outside of the city. Jin followed his pointing finger and found that Anzo was pointing at the forest they had just come from. "We no longer rely on the sustenance of reiatsu to nourish our bodies. Those days have long passed..." Anzo said, speaking in a distant tone. Jin turned to the Bount and gazed at him questioningly. He was about to ask what the Bount fed on now, but Anzo answered his question as though he had read his mind. "I know you must be wondering. Rather than reiatsu, we feed on blood. It gives us life, and strengthens us. However, we have found that by feeding on blood, we can no longer remain within the light. That was why, as you saw, those wretched Quincy earlier attempted to use their light to keep us from attacking them." Anzo went on in his monotone voice.

"So the Bount here no longer feed on reiatsu?" Jin asked. "Well, we still do, but it no longer keeps us living like before. Only our dolls benefit from feeding on the reiatsu. Only blood will keep the Bount here living indefinitely." Anzo said. Jin's eyebrows furrowed and he scratched his chin. How had these Bount developed and become so different from the Bount he had met up until now? How had they been able to move in the shadows? Anzo broke into Jin's thoughts just then as he began to speak again. "You're wondering about our powers and about how we became so different? Well, Jin Yamada, you would have known had you arrived sooner now wouldn't you?" Anzo's tone was harsh that time. It was cold, but it hadn't been as devoid of emotion. Jin had felt a tinge of anger in his voice. "I-I apologize for not coming here sooner." Jin stammered apologetically. Were all of the Bount going to be like Anzo around him? Were all of them going to despise him for not coming sooner? "I didn't know about this place until I was told by Kassen Oro, but that isn't an excuse..." Jin hung his head and stared at the ground as they continued forward. After that, the two walked in silence towards the large tower near the center of the city. The Council was there in the tower, according to Anzo.

As the two made their way out of the chain of small stores and bundles of people, Jin heard someone yell out "STOP HIM." He began looking around quickly, in an attempt to stop whoever it is was that was in trouble. He was slammed into from behind all of a sudden and sent hurtling towards the ground. The body that had crashed into him fell ontop of him as he hit the ground. With his instincts kicking in, Jin quickly rolled over so that the weight on him would fall over. Then, from his position on his back, he flipped himself up onto his feet. "Hey," Jin called out, pointing at the body still lying on the ground. "Watch where you're going!" The one lying on the floor got up quickly and got in Jin's face. It was a younger looking Bount, a young man who looked to be in his mid-twenties. His hair was red and messy, and his skin was pale. His eyes, which were blue, had a furious look in them. He was rather bulky compared to Jin; though this bulk wasn't from muscle. "You got in my way!" the young Bount bellowed. Jin stepped back from the young man and dusted himself off. He took his time doing that before finally responding. "You should've been watching where you were going, mate." Jin responded. He then stared into the young man's eyes, which were full of so much fury and gave him an intimidating gaze. His spiritual pressure flared at that moment, and he began glowing with a golden hue.

The man backed off as soon as he felt Jin's power and he began slinking away until he was suddenly grabbed from behind. "You're not getting away so easily, you thief." said the one who had grabbed him. "Give back what you stole!" the voice said. It belonged to a man of an older looking appearance. He had gray hair sitting on top of his head that connected to the graying beard on his chin. His gray eyes stared down the young Bount that had crashed into Jin. Somehow, the young Bount had recovered his previous fervor and was now taking his anger out on the older Bount. "I don't have anything of yours, you stupid fool!" the younger Bount challenged. With that, the older man had reached his boiling point. Instantly, his hand moved to the bracelet coiled around his wrist. In a burst of blue reiatsu, the bracelet almost tripled in size and became a huge blue and purple cobra. It bared its fangs upon the young Bount, who also decided to release his doll as well. His hand reached behind and pulled out a small gravel sphere. Reiatsu burst from the gravel sphere and then it exploded. The pieces of that gravel sphere were then drawn back towards that Bount, coming together to form some kind of tall, humanoid figure made of gravel. The old man's cobra doll lunged forward quickly and wrapped the golem made of gravel before it could even respond. As soon as that happened, it was over. The cobra leaked some kind of blue liquid from its body that froze the golem and then as the cobra squeezed tightly, the golem burst into those small pieces once again and was destroyed. The young Bount, with his doll destroyed, fell to the ground from the pain of losing his doll and fell silent after that.

Meanwhile, Jin could only watch the events that had just transpired before him. He had never seen fighting like this between two Bount. There hadn't been many Bount around to see them fight amongst each other. What was even more surprising was that no one tried to stop the fighting. The two released their dolls as though that kind of open fighting was allowed. "When another Bount feels challenged or disrespected, he may duel the offending Bount in this manner we call Wurde. It is a law that all Bount here follow, Jin Yamada." Anzo explained to him. Jin turned to Anzo and stared at him in disbelief for a few seconds. Then, when he found the right words to say, he spoke again. "I see. There's alot here I'll need to learn about." Anzo only nodded and continued on towards the tower. As he walked, he said in his monotone voice, "The council will fill you in."

[Zou ۞]

SPOILER: Click to show

It was dark. Very dark in that city as the night fell. It would in fact take until the night for Cierro to get to the temple. Despite the fact that it was easy to locate, many underestimated how huge it was, and in fact how huge the city was. Despite the stature of the temple allowing it to be easily found, it did take quite a long walk to reach it. And this was why Cierro would find it took many, many ages to get there. And, when he found it, naturally he'd see that there were guards present there as well. Given that it was a sacred temple and all, of course it would have guards. There were many guards, stationed all around the compound. It was surrounded. And this was where the problem lay. There were too many for him to fight, and too many to outrun or even hide from.

At least sixty Bount must be guarding the thing in total. And, despite the fact that they surrounded it, this was most likely to ensure no one could come by breaking parts of it. In actuality, if he took the necessary hour or so to scan the whole thing all the way around, he'd find the only entrance was the gigantic front door. And that entrance had five Bount stationed in front of it to ensure that no one got in. So then, how would Cierro get into the place? It was a dilemma. Solving it to say the least posed quite a problem to him. So, this was the start point of his troubles. Getting in was going to be rough. Given that it was a spiritual island, did it have air ground? The human world had air ground Cierro could use, if he was able to get footing. But would the island have it? Then again, it was known that many Bount could not use air ground.

However, while he was there, he would hear a miniature discussion if he moved close enough to the doorway. And it might give him reason to panic. "That newcomer to this city...the one that came in earlier today. What do you think?" one of the guards asked. "I believe this person has a lot of hidden secrets, and that it is far too much of a coincidence to have arrived here on this day for nothing to be going on." another voice responded. "And did you sense it? That reiatsu outside of the city?" Were they referring to Cierro as the new Bount, and to Rue's reiatsu? It was entirely possible. But, how did they suspect him already?! While it was not certain that they were talking about him, he had no reason to believe that they weren't. How would he react?

SPOILER: Click to show

Meanwhile, Jin would find himself in a provided room, in a provided bed. Did he need to sleep? No. Was it a luxury to do so? Of course. Needless to say, given that these Bount had become more vampiric than any Bount before them, there was a comfortable, padded coffin with pillows right next to the bed, should Jin decide to experiment with one of those a little bit. The room itself was musky, with wooden floor and walls, and no real decoration. Though it was a wooden room, it was also quite a nice room. It had a luxurious queen size bed with soft silk and velvet, and a view up high, giving a grand overhead look at the city. Likewise, it was quite warm, and it had a desk and a wardrobe. How long Jin would be permitted to stay was unknown, though presumably as long as he wanted, as long as he stayed in the town of started paying or something.

However, all of that was unimportant at the moment. At that time, a shadow peered its way in to Jin's room. Whatever he was doing at that moment, it would be interrupted as blackness opened its way out of his floor, and materialized. The man that greeted him was of a whole other caliber than he would ever have imagined at the time. While indeed, he had encountered numerous powerful Bount, some of which could even rival his strength, none thus far had seemed to equal or potentially surpass it. This of course was because of his status as "True Bount," in that he had techniques which of course they never would. However, despite this, the council had been reluctant to the idea of him leading them in any way.

Why was that? Simple, really. They were a democracy. While indeed they functioned with an executive branch head, they did not much enjoy the idea of some newcomer with no claim to them leading. While they were respectful and helpful, they had been very clear with him. His presence was welcomed, and he was respected, but he knew nothing of their power, traditions, or city. He knew nothing of their people. Likewise, they'd informed him, one other thing held him back, though not as much as the first. The second, lesser thing, was power. He was not strong enough to lead them, they'd informed him at the time. In that case, was there someone who was? That question must have floated around in Jin's mind a lot. And, at last, it was to be answered.

A shadow emerged from the ground, giving birth to a man of darkness that Jin would never forget for as long as he lived. Those eyes could not be forgotten. Eyes that were timeless. Eyes that were of such age that age no longer mattered. All wisdom that could be obtained had been attained. Power was his. Dominance was his. The one who led the "coven." The one who was without a shadow of a doubt the Alpha. The man that led the entirety of the Bount City. And the power that radiated from the man was unbelievable. And it was unquestionable. He wore a black tuxedo, and had skin pale and chalky, as if covered in chalk dust. His eyes were a sunken pink, and he was very gaunt and very thin. He was also very tall, and around Jin's physical age. His hair was black, slick, long, and tied into a straight pony tail.

"Forgive me," he said to Jin, "For not having greeted you sooner, Executive of the human world's Redemption Organization, Jin Yamada, and he who acknowledges himself as leader of our race, and as True Bount passed the torch by Kassen Oro of the old days." He inhaled deeply for a moment, with that timelessness of his filling the room with a dense atmosphere. And then, once again, he spoke. And when he spoke again, it was efficient. It was official in such a way that even Jin would find it hard to not instantly respect this man of great power. "The name which I was given at birth was Edmund Sigel. However, as the Head of this city, the name I have taken, and by which you may address me, is Heydrich."

[Cierro Muerte]

Cierro lurked around the outside of the temple that night. The entire building was huge and very impressive. Cierro’s inner architect was awestruck by the intricate design and unique artwork that decorated its outside. There were guards stationed all around it, at least 60 of them to be precise. It was hardly a challenge for Cierro to move about undetected and he was just about finished analyzing the temple for any weak points to take advantage of when he heard two guards talking to each other. “That newcomer to this city...the one that came in earlier today. What do you think?” said the first one, “I believe this person has a lot of hidden secrets, and that it is far too much of a coincidence to have arrived here on this day for nothing to be going on,” replied the second guard. “Shit... are they talking about me? My arrival wasn’t that big of a deal, was it? I blended in flawlessly as a nobody, or so I tried. No, they have to be talking about someone else,” he thought.

“And did you sense it?” the guard continued, “That reiatsu outside of the city?” Cierro cursed the fact that the guards weren’t being gender specific and instead addressing the subject as “this person.” It all seemed as if they were being vague on purpose. Cierro remained to hear the remainder of the conversation, careful to not give away his presence or get taken by surprise. After the guards changed the subject, Cierro exhaled as he whispered his release command. The espada entered resurreccion without changing his physical appearance or altering the feel of his reiatsu at all. No one except the arrancar would even be aware that he’d released. The espada didn’t bother finding out a way to get past the thick walls when he had something he liked to call “Infiltrado Mode.”

With a smirk, Cierro activated it and walked right through the wall and inside the temple. Cierro peeked through the wall to make sure no one was around before he emerged into the temple. Looking around, Cierro wasn’t sure which way to go. He transformed back into his typical appearance and no longer wore the guise of the green-haired girl. If he was caught in here then he’d be in trouble regardless of how he looked, and if he needed to make a quick escape, he at least wanted an innocent disguise to change into. So Cierro began walking through the temple, careful to avoid any guards that might remain inside.

Resurreccion: 1/16
Reiatsu Remaining: 1,350

[Zou ۞]

Though he slipped past the guards, Cierro would find something scary inside of the temple. A flash from Rue's mind would burn into Cierro's brain the very instant that he entered the temple. Rue had scouted it ahead of time, and of two things Cierro was made aware. Firstly, the Bount had very acute abilities for detection. They had not detected Cierro because even scent was masked. Normally they could easily have smelled him. So, that was one obstacle that Cierro would find gone. The second obstacle was what the Bount had inside of their temple. And this of course was what Cierro should fear more than anything else. What he should fear of course was the guard. There was only one guard inside of the temple. There only needed to be one guard.

The vast temple complex was an enormous dome shaped room with a marble floor, and the most pristine and flawless design. The floor was beautiful and white, smooth all the way across like ice. The walls were decorative with paintings and murals of various scenes in Bount history. All of the paintings were visually stunning. The entire interior was both awing and breathtaking, similar to being inside the Sistine Chapel or another monument of the like. But there was hardly a time to admire. For in Cierro's mind, Rue's scouting would give him prior warning to what lay at the very end of the temple. While indeed an altar was at the very end of the temple, and it held some sort of sphere that was the artifact in question, there was something else.

Cloaked in black, a hooded specter with nothing but void and emptiness and blackness inside of its hood. With black, rotting, skeletal hands, and chains hanging from its wrists, it existed. With a sword at its side, it breathed. Its breaths sounded like more than inhaling. It sounded like a vacuum. Like a rattle. A rattle of death. As if it breathed in more than just air. As if in breathed in life itself, and sucked it out of the world. As if it sucked life dry just by breathing. A monster literally from the darkest pits of Hell itself. An abomination that at one time in history had forced Jin Yamada to fake his death and go into hiding because he was unable to defeat it. The monster known as the Zoushuwwai. It could detect and even attack an intangible enemy like Cierro. And there were no known ways for damaging it. Physical and reiatsu based attacks did not work. It could breath in life force, stamina, and reiatsu by nearing. And with a kiss, it robbed the victim of their soul or existence. There was but one necessary warning from Rue in Cierro's head. The Zoushuwwai was invincible. Fighting it was impossible. He had to find a way to steal the artifact without confronting it. If he encountered it, especially indoors, he could not ever hope to escape. He could not ever hope to defeat it. It was a monstrosity that he had to avoid at all costs.

[Jin Yamada]

We know much about your exploits, Jin Yamada...

Yes, we know of the efforts you have made on behalf of our race, however...

We cannot allow you to lead the Bount here on this island. You are not yet strong enough, Jin Yamada.

We are a democracy here in the Bount City. The council, made up of the leaders of separate Bount groups like your own, lead the Bount in this city. Though, we ourselves are also led by a Head. A Bount more powerful than you or any other Bount in this world.

Jin Yamada, amongst the Bount on this island, you are well respected, and we will permit you to live among us, however, you cannot hold a position within our council until after you have learned our ways.

Jin's mind went over all that he had heard after meeting the council. He hadn't been able to absorb everything they had told him completely. After they had deemed him too weak to lead the race, his pride had been bruised. His mind had instead continued to focus on their comments about his power. As a result, he didn't hear alot of what they said after that. In the recesses of his mind, he knew that it would come down to that. He knew that he wouldn't be accepted as the leader. How could he have expected to be? To them, he was a newcomer to this city. How could he have expected to come and all of a sudden be regarded as Leader?

Jin lay in the bed provided to him within a small comfortable room which had also been provided. He lay there and mulled it all over, going through what he had been able to take in. The council led the Bount in the city, but they themselves were led by another. An alpha Bount was what they called him. A Bount more powerful than Jin, who was of "True Bount" status, and even of those of the council. Just how powerful was this alpha Bount? Was he even stronger than Kassen Oro, the strongest Bount in history?!

SPOILER: Click to show

Jin, whose eyes had been fixated upon the ceiling, instantly saw the shifting shadows that danced just above his head. The shadows danced there on the ceiling while he watched and grew very suddenly, elongating and stretching to the walls. It was then that the Bount Executive realized that he was no longer alone. The cold chill that suddenly sprang down his spine was his body also notifying him of this fact.

Jin sat up quickly and sprang out of the bed he lay in. His eyes were glued to the shadows that were now creeping steadily into his room. And, just as that creeping shadow moved into the center of his room, it began to rise. It rose and gave birth to a man of darkness right before him. Cold sweat dripped down the Bount Executive's forehead and his heart began to beat faster and faster. Louder and louder. His body was frozen stiff as he watched the man form fully before him and he could do nothing but humble himself before a man of such great power. There was no mistaking it. This was him. The alpha Bount.

Jin could only marvel and gawk at the ancient Bount that stood there in his presence. Despite his appearance being that of someone close to Jin's own physical age, he knew well that this man was much older than he looked. The power radiating from him told Jin that this man was ancient and very very experienced. Jin immediately bowed before Heydrich. It felt like something he was obligated to do within the presence of a man with such great power. Jin felt as though his body was being weighed down by the dense atmosphere that filled the room. He felt suffocated in the thickness of the man's aura, and he could barely find the right words to say. He opened his mouth to speak and no words came out. He tried once again, but still nothing. Is this man so powerful that he has such an effect on me?! I can't even move my body or speak!

It wasn't until the third time that he was finally able to get a few words out. "It...is...a pleasure...to meet you, Heydrich." Jin gasped out. What was going on? Why was he having this much trouble speaking and moving? He had never felt like this in the presence of anyone else. Just what was happening to him?! "Forgive...me...for...taking on...that title. I see...that you...are the true...Leader..." he continued, his words still coming out in short gasps. Did everyone else react like this in Heydrich's presence?