Arc 3: Canon Z-1: Whispers of Rebellion

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

Deep blue eyes locked on the swordsman below him, the foe shifted and yet the pale faced reaper still went in. He fell upon him like a falcon swooping down upon prey with its talons extended, yet unlike the falcon his blade extended thusly to rip the mans sword and hand away from the rest of his body. And unlike the feathered predator he wasn’t trying to kill him. No, he didn’t want to kill him, he refused too and thus he had no killing intent as he went in for his attack.

Even so, all of his attention was put on the swordsman before him. To take out the threat and keep his comrades safe was all that was on his mind. The potential outside threat was not, he had completely left himself open to his enemies and because of that he had fallen victim to another of those damn kidou’s. ““Hado 42: Boruto!” Aevus couldn’t react as he heard that very phrase being shouted from the shadows. he saw it but he couldn't release himself from his attack. Shooting up his Zanpakuto he felt his entire left arm go numb and stiff as the electricity shot up into the entirety of his body causing him to drop to the ground in a hard thump.

He would spasm and twitch faintly his fingers moving only from the impulse alone. “'Another Kidou.....but where did it come from?’ He couldn’t move and was wide open for attack, it would be up to his allies now. He coudn’t pinpoint where the attack had come from and he was certainly not in the best position. Having released the beast from the gravitational pressure, he would hear the echo of his footsteps as he made his way to the swordsman. Hopefully the beast didn’t hold any ill will towards Aevus from his earlier action but perhaps that potential anger could be used to his advantage. Maybe he would fight fiercely against the swordsman and make him truly regret attacking them.

[Zahra]

Zahra was able to evade the wires and make her way to the building. She started her quick climb up the side of the building when she felt something attach to her arm. It was something thin and she quickly glanced to see what it was. It turned out to be some kind of wire, similar to what she had seen that was blocking her way down on the ground. She continued to climb, since it wasn't impeding her progress and felt no kind of strength trying to pull her back down. So, she just continued the climb and noticed when the wire was gone.

She just assumed that the shinigami had just given up so she continued, not thinking that the woman would follow her. She was thankful that she was able to make it up to the window. Once she landed on the floor from climbing into the window, she was making a mad dash across the floor and towards the open window. For a second, she actually thought that she would make it. But, she saw wires cover the opening. Now, Zahra didn't have a lot of brains yet, but she was smart enough to know that it would be pretty stupid to just run into the wires.

The woman kept talking to her, but Zahra ignored her. This black and white person was getting really annoying with her talk. Though, when she heard about her fur being taken, she snarled at her. Zahra took in her surroundings, trying to see what she could do and that's when she noticed that more wires were coming into the room. Before she knew it, there were wires everywhere. She assumed that if she hit any of them, she would get wrapped up like she was the first time, which was a bad idea.

She was able to see the black and white person from across the room, so she did have a good line of sight. Since Zahra didn't really know what these wires could do, she was going to take a safer route. She just stood there, glaring at the black and white person. She was going to wait for her to make the first move. That way, she could easily throw one of her knives at her or whatever she would throw at her. She just stood there, growling at her, ready to strike at this crazy black and white person whenever she was ready.

[Zeich Yajuu]

((OOC: For now, Natsumi will be skipped due to being busy IRL. GL with the invisible foe!))

“Gaah!” The sound rent through the air as Zeferoth slammed his victim into the wall, the loud creak of straining bones very audible. The man's arm went limp as the force used to hold his arms at his side dislocated his shoulder when combined with the impact against the wall. His sword clattered to the ground as he was held in place, pinned by a very angry Beast-Clansman who did not appreciate his “ally” pinning him down only moments before. The first blow was enough to shatter the man's ankles, and another pained cry broke through the night as the man's legs slipped out from beneath him. Only the fact that Zeferoth was holding him against the wall kept him from falling to the ground, and the moment support left, he would simply collapse like a puppet with its strings cut.

But they were still at a stand-still; without enough Energy Sensory, none of those gathered had the ability to sense the invisible man. That meant that he could attack from any direction at any time, and catch his victims off-guard. They would have to quickly think of a way to defend themselves, or else they would find themselves on the receiving end of a powerful Hado spell. Given the level of the Boruto spell from earlier that had struck Aevus, the invisible man was at least a mid-tier caster, allowing him access to a wide variety of binding and offensive techniques. They couldn't wait long; either they would have to take their victim captive and flee to question him elsewhere, or they would have to find a way to draw their foe out. They didn't have much time though; every moment wasted was a moment that the man could get into a more beneficial position.

----------------

Zahra was wise not to move too quickly; if she had simply lunged forward without any caution, it was likely she would have found herself strung up in a heartbeat. The wires were spread out so broadly that it would be difficult to pick out a path between them. Indeed, the Shinigami facing the jackal seeemd very confident, her manner suggesting a sort of ease as she waited by the far window. Neither of them approached the other, as if waiting for the other to make a move, and for a few minutes, nothing happened. But it seemed that the woman's patience was somewhat shorter than Zahra's, because in a moment she decided to go on the offensive rather than continuing to play the waiting game.

Reaching one hand into her robe, the woman pulled out three short combat knives, bringing them up between her fingers. As she did, more wires attached to them, tying around the blades, hilts, and guards; in a moment they were released, but they hung in the air, suspended by the wires tied to them. A wave of the woman's hand had the blades crossing the distance between the two combatants, expertly weaving between the strands in order to close the distance. The blades would attempt to stab into Zahra first, all three hitting at chest level if the jackal did not dodge. If she did, she'd find them twisting around slowly, getting back into position, before continuing forward in another stab. Indeed, it would become a dance with death as Zahra was forced to dodge the knives amidst a wall of wires. But it was a dance whose steps she had to learn quickly, lest she be killed.

((OOC: Note that the knives are moving at a speed of 150.))

[Deleted]

Zeferoth felt the large man's body slump against him as Zeferoth held him on the wall. He knew that the large man was no longer a threat when he dropped his metal claw. Zeferoth knew that there was another one some where, but he could not see or smell him. This concerned him. There were animals that could hide in their surroundings he knew that, so he figured that the weaker two legger was using something similar to those.

Reguardless, Zeferoth was not going to stick around and get blasted by the invisible man's magic. He easily leaped on top of a wall motioning for the black two legger to fallow. He would quickly jump down avoiding any kido launched at him. He would then make his way quickly down the streets randomly. He wanted to lose the invisible man, so he ran randomly with the limp man in his arm. He held him tightly in case he did try to struggle.

Once they were in a deserted part of the Rukongai, Zeferoth slammed the man against the ground and the wall leering over him menacingly. He growled almost daring the man to try and resist again. "Speak, where is Jackal girl." He said getting his face close to the man's. He put a claw up to the man's throat, but made sure that the injured man could see Zeferoth's sharp teeth. To intimidate the man, Zeferoth slammed his fist next to the man's head. "WHERE, and where is cross symbol!?"

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

(Blah Post, just wanted to get this moving even though I asked to be skipped lol)

Aevus’s muscles relaxed as he laid against the dirt covered ground. He felt the technique release hold of him and his grip on his Zanpakuto would tighten immediately upon gaining such freedom. Being under such a nasty technique was similar to sleep Paralysis, in a sense that he could not speak or move. At least a walking nightmare wasn’t parading in front of him though the circumstances were more dire than a mere nightmare. Lives were on the line and under such duress he could have been killed if it wasn’t for the beast taking action and coming to his aid.

Getting to his feet, Aevus would at first move forward rather sluggishly still gaining movement from being paralyzed. There was still an enemy around and Aevus wasn’t about to fall for such a technique again, his sapphire eyes now darting every which way. Keeping a look out he would watch the beasts back his blade held in front of his chest in an reverse grip, ready to move upon his toes the moment he heard anything. He couldn’t come to the beasts aid during the interrogation for there was another enemy still lurking about within the shadows.

It was a terrible time to be plagued with the inability to sense the energy of those around him and without the use of long ranged attacked he was at a complete disadvantage of a kido user.“I warned you didn’t I? But no you refused to cooperate and look where you are now. Your comrade has no hopes of saving you from the beast now that you’re within his grasp.” Aevus was desperate at this point and his words were slightly slurred due to the fact he was still gaining function of his limbs and his lips honestly felt numb.

Though he hoped things wouldn’t come to having to kill them, they needed the information and the beast knew that well at least from the tone he made it seem that way. His eyes still narrowly set on every little corner around him as he continued to speak to the pinned man. “Now call off your comrade and cooperate or I can’t promise your safety.” Aevus was being truthful with that but he knew for a fact that he wouldn't allow the beast to kill the man. Releasing his gravitational pressure would be enough to make sure that didn't happen.

[Zahra]

Zahra stared at this black and white woman. She had never truly faced off with one of them before, so this was going to be a new experience for her. She stood there, knowing at least enough to not charge in, especially with all of the stuff in the room now. She thought she remembered that the word used for this stuff was 'wire.' With this much 'wire,' Zahra couldn't risk running through it, since she didn't know how sharp it would be. She kept her nose working and her ears flicking, to catch any kind of stray noise that this woman might give.

When she reached into her robe, Zahra narrowed her eyes towards her, trying to catch what she was doing. She pulled out three knives, like what Zahra had. Zahra knew what she could do with those, so she quickly pulled two of her own knives, holding one in each hand. She saw the wire wrap around the knives and she figured that she was going to use the wires to pull the knives. She saw the two get launched at her. She knew that at full speed, she could easily get herself trapped in all the wire in the room. So, she would use half her speed.

Thankfully for her, the knives were also moving at about half her speed. Right when the knives were released, she watched the knives easily move through the room. Zahra immediately hit the floor to avoid the knives. After they passed by her head, she would pop up quickly. She didn't want to be caught on the ground with those knives around. She saw the woman move the wires, which moved the knives back towards her. Before the knives started towards her again, she quickly sliced at the wires. She wanted to test at how strong they were. No matter what happened, she would keep her knives up, sidestepping the knives.

She would see the knives come at the body part and she would move her body just out of reach, giving enough space between her and the blade to where they couldn't easily hit her. When she did that, she would quickly glance around to make sure that she didn't hit any of the wires. This is when her senses helped her. With her ears flicking and nose going, since the window she used to get in was still open, she could feel the breeze come through the room and filter through the wires, which helped. She also flicked out her tail, using that to help her tell where the wires were behind her.

[Zeich Yajuu]

The swordsman was quickly carried away by Zeferoth, who was in a foul mood from the gravitational pressure still, and quickly the man was pinned against a wall behind a random alleyway. The man was barely conscious, his eyes unfocused as he tried to figure out what was going on. Zeferoth's constant threats and his angered tone had the man shrinking down, unwilling to speak, as if any word could provoke the beast looming over him. Aevus, with his threats, didn't improve matters at all. For a moment, it seemed as though their captive would pass out from a mixture of fear and pain, but he managed to hold on in the face of their questioning, a defiant look on his face despite the terror painted clearly over it.

“I... I'll not tell you... I'll not betray Him... He never betrays, He never betrays!” The man started to babble, his eyes growing wider in his sudden mania. “I will never betray Him! No, never! Betrayal is what caused Him to fall, and forced Him to act! I will not betray!” Suddenly, as he said that, the man went limp, rigid in their arms. His arm glowed brightly, and a glance down would show a cross tattoo, much like those on the arms of the people that Zahra had followed; it was shining with an almost radiant light. It only lasted a moment, however, and when the light began to fade, the man slumped, suddenly silent. It wouldn't take much of an examination to note that he was dead, his pulse nonexistent, his mind simply erased. Whatever that tattoo was, it had ended the man's life, and they were left without answers.

Or were they? “Oh my, you appear to have killed one of our followers.” The voice came from above, and the group would turn to see a man sitting on the rooftop above them, completely casually and without fear. “You all must have roughed him up pretty badly to have made him activate his Sinner's Cross. The disciples are only to use them if they fear betraying Him. A perfect symbol of loyalty, wouldn't you say?” As the clouds parted a bit more, the man above was revealed. Long, silver hair hung to his waist, tied back into a long braid, and crystal-blue eyes stared down at them with an amused expression. The man was dressed simply, yet his clothes were regal in a way; the shirt and pants were silk, and a band of pearls bound his hair behind him. “Oh, where are my manners... I'm Thorn, and I'm one of His many apostles, here to spread the word to my fellow spirits.”

Suddenly, both of them would feel an immense spiritual pressure crush down on them, pinning them to the ground; it was enough to keep them down, but held back enough to avoid crushing Zeferoth. “Now, you two, I'm feeling rather generous... if you wish, I would be more than happy to induct you into His flock... ask any questions you wish, and I will do my best to answer. But be warned... curiosity comes with a price.” Thorn flicked his hand forward, and both Zeferoth and Aevus would feel a burning sensation in their arm. A glance down would show an outline of the same tattoo they had seen before, but it wasn't filled in; was this the price of their questions? “Each question you ask will fill that cross in a bit more. When you've asked three total questions, it will be completely filled, and at that point, you will be one of us. So, ask away; I look forward to greeting more of His disciples.”

–

Zahra's quick motion worked in her favor, and as she ducked beneath the knives, they flew overhead, giving her precious seconds in which to act. The jackal's own knives flashed up, and they easily severed the wires that were guiding the knives, causing them to fall for a moment. But it was only for a moment, and even as they began to fall, the severed wires suddenly lunged out and caught hold of their other half, tying themselves together. They couldn't merge back together, it seemed, but the wires were flexible enough to tie themselves back together; still, Zahra had learned that she could indeed cut through the wires, and if she was careful she might be able to cut her way to her opponent. Of course, with how fast the woman could summon new wires, it might just leave her trapped, but it was a gamble she would have to take.

Of course, escape was another option; if she cut through the wires covering the window and acted quickly enough, Zahra could flee again. The woman was fast, but Zahra was probably faster; in open ground, she might even be able to get away for good! But the decision had to be made quickly, as the knives were flying at her again, and this time they were coming from three different directions; one came from her left, aimed at her head, another from her right, aimed at her legs, and the last stabbing straight for her stomach; there was little time to lose!

[Deleted]

The started rambling saying he wouldn't betray "Him" whoever he was. He kept saying that he would not betray him for all these nonsensical reasons before a sudden light came from his arm. Zeferoth had to look away slightly from the light coming from his arm at first, but he noticed that the cross on his arm was the source of the glowing. When the man went limp in his arms, Zeferoth knew that he was dead, and with an irritated growl tossed the man to the side.

“Oh my, you appear to have killed one of our followers. You all must have roughed him up pretty badly to have made him activate his Sinner's Cross. The disciples are only to use them if they fear betraying Him. A perfect symbol of loyalty, wouldn't you say?” Zeferoth would look up trying to see where the voice was coming from. He would see the owner of the voice on the rooftop. He introduced himself as Thorn. Zeferoth growled low ready to leap up and grab the man when the gravitational pressure suddenly pushed down on him again.

“Now, you two, I'm feeling rather generous... if you wish, I would be more than happy to induct you into His flock... ask any questions you wish, and I will do my best to answer. But be warned... curiosity comes with a price.” After he said that a burning sensation could be felt on his arm. the outline of the same tattoo could be seen even under his fur. So they were only given a limited number of questions before they were forced to join? Zeferoth had no interest in being tamed. 

"Where is your den?" He growled up at the man so he could hear him clearly. Zeferoth would try to push himself up, but feel it impossible to move. He was tired of being pinned to the ground like this. First it was by the black two legger, and now it was by this one. He glanced over at the black two legger tat was with him. He was being forced to the ground as well. That gave a slight idea of how strong the one above them was. 

[Zahra]

Zahra watched while she was hitting the ground the knives zip past her head. At least that part of her plan worked. When she got up and sliced the wires, she was happy to see that the wires were easily sliced apart. Now, she had a few options. She knew that there were two immediate ones. With her be able to cut the wires, she could easily cut through all of the wires in the room. It meant that she could attack this woman head on or she could cut the wire that was in front of the window. Since she was already near the window when the woman attacked, she wouldn't have to go far to get to it.

Because of that alone, she made the quick decision to just get away from this crazy black and white woman. She made this decision quickly enough that she noticed that the wire had already fixed itself. She saw it actually tie itself together. The woman didn't take long to gather them and throw them at her again. She turned around and, using her top speed with her hands only, she put both knives in the middle of the window. She quickly cut a slit, putting her left hand on it to start pushing it open, while using her right hand to continuously cut downwards, so she could push the wires down and get out. Once she started to push, she used her full strength and speed to try to get out.

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

The rambling of a man with his life on the line. He heard the fear spill from him like water as if he was about to die a most gruesome death and perhaps in his mind he was. Yet he still refused to give up the information, such devotion, such selflessness. Aevus was yet again cornered by confusion and even though his calm expression didn’t show it: he was very surprised. He had seen such devotion before, in the mad eyes of a quincy who gladly gave up his life for his god of an Emperor. He even drove his Zanpakuto through his own throat while shouting his diluted rabble to him.

Aevus couldn’t begin to understand it for it sounded like sheer madness to him. To throw your life away and put it on the line to reach someone else’s dream. To set yourself down a path that wasn’t your own yet that is exactly what he was doing. He just didn’t see it for he had also made it his dream to enact the desires of a stealthy teal eyed girl. The Shinigami was just subconsciously keeping the truth at bay. To him these people were hysterical, insane and sad souls without true purpose: he pitied them.

The swordsman was still screaming about his devotion to his said prophet when suddenly he went silent in the arms of the beast, his body literally went limp like a dolls in his very grasp. Aevus at first thought the beast had killed him and was about to act for he didn’t see the cross symbol nor did he understand exactly what just happened to him. Yet as his fingers grasped his Zanpakuto tightly he would be thwarted by the appearance of another, his cold blues flashing to the building above him.

“Oh my, you appear to have killed one of our followers.”

He noted the mans nonchalantness as he spoke and Aevus felt uneasy seeing how this stranger had the high ground. As the man continued Aevus would listen keenly his right hand grasped the handle of his now sheathed artifical Zanpakuto. Crystal blue eyes revealed themselves to the two and Aevus felt them pierce him with such wild ferocity. He was outclassed here and he knew it just from that look alone. Next came a gravitational pressure unlike he had ever felt in his life. Nearly being crippled he would drive him blade into the ground and even than he was forced to a knee.

Wincing Aevus would feel a burning on his arm and this threw the Shinigami through a whirlwind of confusion. He would hang on to ever word the man said as if it all was important. He spoke in a poetic manner and it offset the man even more. But yet he gathered it all, the cross mark on his arm was the very one that had caused the swordsman to die. “What happens to us when we become one of you?” Aevus would ask as his head hung low. His sandaled feet trembled as he attempted to keep himself from falling to the ground. He knew he had asked a question but at least he wanted to know exactly what he was getting into before he dared ask anymore. There was no defeating this man and Aevus knew that yet maybe they didn't have to fight. Maybe there was another way to resolve this situation.

[Zeich Yajuu]

“Where is your den?” Zeferoth was the first to ask a question, and Thorn seemed almost amused at it as he lowered himself down from the rooftop, landing gracefully on his feet and standing over them, an image of royal poise. “Oh, how quaint, it talks. Though you've got a terribly gravelly voice, little one; but it's no matter, as He takes in all who would be willing to join his following.” Thorn leaned down, and he gently stroked one hand down the arm that Zeferoth's tattoo appeared on, as if he were stroking a pet. As he did so, the badger's arm began to glow brightly, and the tatto filled about a third of the way in. Zeferoth would feel a tingling in his arm, and a haze begin to overtake his mind; he felt dizzy and disoriented, as if he couldn't focus. A whisper in his thoughts would ask him if this was really so bad, as Thorn seemed to actually care about him despite his inhuman nature, and surely any following with this man heading it couldn't be a bad thing. It was just a nudge for now, a small voice in the back of his head, but it was still there.

“Our 'den...' hm. Well, where would our 'den' be?” Thorn mulled over the question, as if looking for the best way to answer it. “Well, we have many homes; each and every person in His congregation opens their homes to the others who are in need. We are a family as much as we are a congregation, a group built on trust and dependance on one another, and so our 'dens' are everywhere.” The man smiled, and gently ran his hand through the fur on Zeferoth's head, stroking it gently. “But I'm sure you're asking where our base is, our headquarters. Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you that, not until you are one of us. I'm sure you understand, but...” Suddenly Thorn's hand tightened in a death grip around Zeferoth's head, yanking it up and tugging at the fur, and the Beast-Clansman's gaze would meet a fervent and devilish grin, one that spoke of madness hidden beneath the pristine surface of Thorn's pleasant expression. “We absolutely despise betrayals, you see?” His grip tightened, and the pressure increased to the point that both would feel their breath taken away for a moment, before it relaxed again, Zef's head released as Thorn turned and walked over to Aevus, who had the second question.

“What happens to us if we become one of you?” That was the question Aevus posed, and Thorn's smile grew pleasant again as the man beamed with pleasure, walking over to the Shinigami shoved roughly to the ground by his spiritual presence. Soon the silver-haired man knelt down, going to one knee as he gently stroked Aevus's cheek, brushing the younger individual's hair aside as a mother would for a child. “What happens? Why, you make it sound so dreadful, dear, but it's quite the opposite; serving Him has always been the greatest blessing in my life.” As Thorn spoke, Aevus would feel the tattoo in his arm throb, and his focus began to scatter too, much like Zeferoth's had. The voice in his head told him that such devotion did not come from nowhere; surely there must be someone truly good at the top for Thorn to speak so highly of him, to speak of such blessings. There could be no evil in this faith, only goodness.

“To join His flock is the greatest gift that He has given to us. After all, we live to follow Him, the one who guides us and shelters us, bringing us together and shielding us from the dark blade of betrayal that exists in all mankind. He, too, has experienced that betrayal first-hand, and at the hand of His father too; one can only lament at the pain that such a great person has gone through.” Thorn seemed genuinely moved as a single tear formed at the base of one eye before streaming down his cheek slowly, only to be wiped away a moment later. “Haven't you felt this betrayal too, young Shinigami? When your friends lie to you, when your comrades abandon you. If you're the slightest bit different, then you too, are shunned and left in the cold, betrayed by their unfeeling, uncaring hearts. But He will never abandon you, young one.” Suddenly Thorn leaned forward, wrapping his arms around Aevus's shoulders and drawing him close in an embrace. “He will take in any lost lamb, and bring you into His family; you will have many brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, as we are all one great unified body. And you will never, ever, have to feel the pain of betrayal again. I give you my word, as He would. I can do no less in His name.”

Releasing Aevus from his embrace, Thorn placed his hands on the Shinigami's shoulders and looked into his eyes, that crystal gaze almost hypnotic in its stare. “Already you have taken the first step, showing an interest and feeling the desire for the love that He grants, young Shinigami. Please, I ask you with all of my heart, join us, and know that love, know a family and kinship that you will never find in this world or any other. Join me, like a long-lost brother welcomed back home. I would so love to have you with us... please?” That last word was almost begged, and the voice in Aevus's head would grow more insistent, telling him that this was right, that he needed to go home, that his brother, Thorn, was waiting for him to return. He loved his brother, that voice said, just as Thorn and he loved the one who sheltered and protected them.

Zeferoth had not been made the same offer, at least not as explicitly, though it was obvious that Thorn would be more than happy to invite both of them into his “family.” But his plea had been almost solely towards Aevus, allowing Zeferoth to focus a bit more, his mind clearing a bit. Zeferoth had been treated like a pet, an animal to be brought it and cared for, but never to be seen as an equal, while Aevus had been given respect and love as a human being. As a result, the whispers in the Shinigami's mind were much stronger, much more insistent, and they would tell him of a bright, beautiful future that the darkness of betrayal would never mar.

This was the price of the first question that each asked; if this was only the first question, filling their crosses only partway, what would it be like when they were fully filled? Both had two more questions before they were completely drawn into Thorn's “family,” though he had made it clear that they were welcome to refuse. But if they refused, with someone so powerful pinning them down with his Gravitational Pressure, what would the man do? Would he kill them, or would he let them go? Worse yet, would he simply forcibly convert them? Time was running out, but they still had options... if only they could figure out where to go from there.

–

Zahra's escape was quick and effortless, slicing through the wires that had bound the window and allowing the jackal to flee through the open portal. A curse echoed through the room behind her, but the woman did not pursue as the Beast-Clansman got away, fleeing through the night. She easily left that building behind, and made her way deeper into the district. Zahra didn't have a set direction she was going in, simply doing her best to get away from the woman that had been pursuing, but soon she slowed, knowing that there was no pursuit behind. The jackal would be given time to think of her next plan of action and where she wanted to go from there, and she had plenty of options. But one option would be chosen for her as she paused, feeling a sort of presence nearby.

It was a feeling that pressed down on her, making her want to fall to her knees, yet it was unfocused and indistinct, like she was at the edge of a powerful gravitational field. Looking around, she would spot Zeferoth and Aevus on the ground, pinned by a meticulous field of Gravitational Pressure that was applied carefully so as not to harm the two despite its power, and only because of that careful and guided pressure Zahra was able to keep her feet. Because it was so focused on those two and left dispersed otherwise, the jackal could move in closer, albeit slowly and with the pressure crushing down on her more as she got closer, and she would be able to hear them speak without being spotted, if she was careful. She would arrive as Thorn was speaking to Aevus, able to hear the second part of their exchange, and any questions that followed. How she acted after that, however, was up to her.

((OOC: Turn order is set again; Zef followed by Aevus followed by Zahra.))

[Deleted]

Zegram watched the man come down to stand in front of him. “Oh, how quaint, it talks. Though you've got a terribly gravelly voice, little one; but it's no matter, as He takes in all who would be willing to join his following.” This two legger was mocking him, and he knew it. Zeferoth growled as he knelt down and ran his hand over Zeferoth's arm over the tattoo filling it in part of the way. He felt disoriented and weird. He did not like it. He also heard a voice. It was trying to convince him to join them, but he would not listen.

“Our 'den...' hm. Well, where would our 'den' be? Well, we have many homes; each and every person in His congregation opens their homes to the others who are in need. We are a family as much as we are a congregation, a group built on trust and dependance on one another, and so our 'dens' are everywhere.” If Zeferoth could move her would tear the man apart. What was he talking about? It all sounded like complete nonsense. Zeferoth hated the way the man stroked his fur. It was like he was already this man's pet.

“But I'm sure you're asking where our base is, our headquarters. Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you that, not until you are one of us. I'm sure you understand, but...” Zeferoth was about to call the man out on his lies when all of a sudden the man jerked on his hair and fur painfully. Zeferoth was able to still focus on the man though his growl getting more feral. He showed the man his large sharp teeth which wanted to pierce his weak hairless flesh. “We absolutely despise betrayals, you see?”

He then dropped Zeferoth's head before moving on to the black two legger that was with him. Zeferoth listened to the man seemingly beg the black two legger to join them. This all left a bad taste in Zeferoth's mouth. He didn't know the black two legger, but he shouldn't be turned that easily. There was something else that caught Zeferoth's attention. It was the scent of the Jackle-Girl. She must have escaped or just found them. Either way he needed to focus on this two legger.

"Do not listen to this two legger. He speaks nothing but lies. Only the weak look to others for power. You are strong you stand alone with your own strength." He looked at the other two legger hate filling his eyes. "Release me and fight me with pride. Or are you nothing but a snake? A lowly serpent that can't take down his prey unless he uses dishonor and deception." He growled hissing a bit. He would try to push himself up but to no avail. 

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

The gravitational pressure kept Aevus in place as he watched the strange man parade towards the beast. Petting him and talking to him like he were a mere pet. It seemed as if he was expecting to tame him like he were but a wild dog and yet his poetic charm never ceased to amaze him. It was almost laughable as he watched him speak about his group and that they were jus like a nicely knit family. Yet in a moments notice he found himself feeling an ounce of pity for the beast as the man pulled a scrap of hair from him.

Showing that his kindness could easily become rather cruel and possibly even showing his true colors to the two. The silver haired man had power over the two after all and he wasn't letting them forget that for an instant. As the man known as thorn made his way towards him, Aevus would ready himself. His eyes showed his disgust and defiance as the man brushed his black hairs to the side like he were but a child. As he spoke he felt a throbbing in his arm and he knew it must have been because he had asked a question and yet that wasn't entirely it.

He wasn't able to focus, a feeling foreign, a voice telling him that whoever this man followed couldn't have been all bad. He was someone who Aura possibly would have followed if she were still alive. The man known as Thorn than began to speak of betrayal and that whoever he followed was once betrayed by his father. Aevus had no idea what he was going on about but he would listen keenly as if memorized by each and every word. He noted the tear and the deep emotion reverberating from the silvered haired mans very essence.

Thorn would cast forth a question, if he too had related to his respectful leader. If the knife of betrayal had indeed pierced him. Aevus's sapphire eyes would drift away from the silver haired man and he felt utter surprise as he sheltered him in his embrace. He would go on that he would never have to be betrayed ever again, that he would truly know family and kinship. Aevus was simply dumbfounded as the man pleaded for him to become his brother, to join his flock, to join his loving family.

The voice in his head even heeded this call and it brought the shinigami much confusion and he almost felt himself taking his offer. It seemed he almost would have if it wasn’t for the beast shouting for him to resist. Yet maybe he didn’t want to, maybe he wanted to join this family. Aevus would look to the man who longed to call him brother, a look that no longer sheltered disgust nor defiance. The look of a man that knew not what he really wanted but perhaps was open to such a request. “What if I refuse your proposition, what then?”

[Zahra]

Zahra jumped through the opening that she had created quite easily and once she landed, she immediately started to run. She was able to hear the woman curse, but she didn't look back. She was free and looking back would just hinder the freedom she had just won from that black and white lady. She continued to run, going straight ahead to get away from her. After a few minutes of running, and making sure she had gotten a good distance away from the building, she slowed till she came to a stop. She took a breath and then dared to look behind her.

She flicked her ears around and didn't hear or smell anything. She flicked her tail and eased some of the tension in her body. It seemed like the woman wasn't going to pursue her. She thought to herself that that woman was not a good predator. She should've blocked her in better if she wanted to keep her. Zahra felt pride, knowing that she was a better predator than that woman. The woman didn't know the true ways of a good predator, like Zahra did. She nodded to herself before she started to think of what to do next.

Once she started to do that, she felt something. She cocked her head in the direction she was feeling the weird pressure and flicked her ears that way. She was trying to see if she could pick up anything, but all she had was this weird feeling. She had never felt spiritual pressure being released before, so this was a new one for her. She felt it push down on her, but it was weak enough that it wouldn't effect her that much. She walked closer and saw the two she had run into earlier, the badger and another one of the black and white people. They seemed to be in trouble.

She kept low to the ground, bringing out two of her knives. She kept to the shadows as much as possible, trying her best to go in unseen. She silently padded towards the conversation, moving slower the closer she got. She could feel the pressure pushing down on her more the closer she came. When she could no longer move closer, she stopped and was able to hear what was going on. She was curious as to what was going on, but when he said he was going to refuse, Zahra was at the ready, crouched low with her knives in her hands, ready to throw them if needed, or run in to do something.

[Zeich Yajuu]

Thorn seemed to ignore Zeferoth's comments, particularly the insults about his courage. Or rather, he didn't ignore them, so much as he was unfazed; the man release Aevus, turning towards the badger, and grabbed his head in one hand below the chin to shut his muzzle briefly, pulling the Beast Clansman's head upwards to look him in the eye. “Dear beast-man, I have no intention of fighting either of you. I am a messenger of peace, not war, and I cannot stand unnecessary violence. That is why I have restrained the two of you; I would rather things not come to blows as long as we are still able to talk. Is that more satisfactory, little one?”

Letting Zeferoth go, Thorn returned to Aevus, kneeling down by him again. When Aevus asked his question, what would be done if they refused the offer, the man seemed troubled, and answered quietly. “I wish you wouldn't ask that... it's...” The man sighed, and Aevus would feel a burning in his arm, his tattoo advancing even further. One more question, and the marking would be filled in, converting him completely. “I won't lie, as I find that to be a betrayal, and I, nor the one I follow, condones betrayals. But the truth is... I don't want to let you go. I don't want you to say no, my brother.” Thorn looked into Aevus's eyes, and his expression was sad. “But if you decline, I am to let you go. It is not by force that we convert others to our cause, but kindness and acceptance. We are a family, not a press-ganged force of fanatics. And so, if you choose not to cooperate with us and join us despite our open arms, we will simply release you and be done with it.”

The man looked troubled as he spoke, and Aevus could tell that he was legitimately sad; every word that Thorn had spoken seemed like truth, and with his tattoo growing more powerful, the voices in his head continued to remind him that this was his brother, a part of an ever-growing family, one that he belonged to. In his head, and even in his heart, the Shinigami would feel that this was where he should go, what he should do. All he had to do was say yes, and the voices insisted, his heart tugging at him and demanding that he join them. But it would be his final say; his feelings, his thoughts, all of those were only portions of what made up his decision. In the end, it was still his right to say no for whatever reason he chose.

“Please, my brother, join us. Help us spread the message, help us draw more to our family. There are so many lost lambs out there, so many who have been betrayed and hurt; we want to welcome them, to mend their broken hearts, and bring them to a place where they will be free of betrayal.” Thorn's voice was pleading as he leaned in, gripping Aevus's arms. “Human, Shinigami, Beasts, Quincies; we are a family that accepts all, and doesn't turn anyone away. We are one unified group, and our desire to stand against betrayal and deception is the tie that binds us together. And we want to extend that hand to you, brother. Please, don't ask; just join us. For me?”

Zeferoth and Zahra would be able to listen to Thorn's fervent plea, though the latter was still hidden, and they too would be able to tell that it was sincere. Even without the tattoo influencing Zeferoth's thoughts, the two of them could tell that Thorn believed every word he spoke. That made him dangerous, in a way; if that belief was challenged strongly enough, it could draw a reaction that they might not be able to handle. For now, they would have to figure out the best way to deal with Thorn lest he convert Aevus, giving them another opponent to deal with. But how were they to do it? Zahra was free at the moment, and could act, though she'd have to do so from a distance lest she too be caught in Thorn's gravitational pressure. Zeferoth, on the other hand, was still bound, but he had his words; Beast-Clansmen might not be that smart, but maybe he could figure out a way to break through to Aevus, or throw Thorn off enough to let the Shinigami break the almost hypnotic hold that the man had over him.