King oh King [Closed-Obsession]

Reiatsu: 100

Strength: 20
Defence: 30
Speed: 10
Spirit: 40

It would seem that there was a limit to how much the inhibitor could suppress, try as he might Erasmus just couldn't seem to close the valve any further, and in an odd way that annoyed him. He wasn't expecting to be able to snuff out his power entirely, there was no telling what kind of complications that would cause, but it would have been nice to be able to push it down far enough to blend in with the regular rank-and-file. As it was the best (worst?) he could manage was the power level of a particularly bright Numeros. Still, his tests with Robert had helped him learn how to manipulate the inhibitor so he supposed he should be thankful that he wouldn't be stuck a weakling when it really mattered, and at least he still had access to his full arsenal of weaponry so there was a low chance of somebody pulling a fast one on him while the inhibitor was active.

A light breeze drifted in from the gargantuan window behind the throne and Erasmus took a moment to appreciate what it's presence meant before planting his hands firmly on his knees and creaking his bones until he stood. It was a terrible thing, being old. By human standards he was just reaching the end of his life as a middle-aged man and was well on his way to seniority, with a slightly crooked posture, wrinkles and condescending manner of speech to match. It was a useful disguise for putting his enemies at ease, and the inhibitor added that extra layer of fabrication. He looked old and weak and he felt old and weak, making him a prime target for predators. Behind the bent back and petty reiatsu however was quite literally power fit for a king.

Clasping his hands firmly behind his back the King of Las Noches approached the glassless opening in the wall and peered out at the rolling dunes of sand that comprised infinite miles of a world called Hueco Mundo. Just as they did every other time he glanced out of that same window Erasmus' green eyes locked with that of the world he ruled over, that great crescent moon. Almost defiantly he met it's stare.

Another, warmer, gust of air took his gaze down towards the sands once more.

There was no wind in Hueco Mundo, so there could be no breeze. Instead the flow of air was created by the countless battles for supremacy taking place all throughout the white wasteland. Every visceral blow landed, every cero fired, created a torrent of energy that flew across the sands and judging by the vigorous energy with which Erasmus' jacket was flowing the battle creating the winds he felt was nearby.

Sure enough he could sense several individuals, one much more powerful than the rest, but they were hidden behind a mountain of white grains. 

Closing his eyes Erasmus focused on the sounds of the battle. The meaty impact of flesh against flesh and colossal crash of mask being smashed against mask. Roars. Growls. Cries of primal agony. And a picture of sound was built before him, each noise adding more detail to the image. What other term could he use for the largest of the beast but "Minotaur."  Horns wide and imposing with a body built to withstand everything short of a Gran Rey, every bit the slathering beast that Erasmus expected from a Hollow.

And yet it's behavior was curious. It fought with single-minded tenacity, yes, but just before every kill there was a moment of hesitation, as if the monster was searching for something. In one way or another it was aware of more than just food and fighting. The first to fall was passed over with relative ease, the second even quicker. But the third animal to fall victim to the bull's horns had commanded enough consideration to allow a fourth to slam it's hoof into it's adversary's chest. What exactly was it looking for that was so important to it that it would leave itself open? What powerful desire was strong enough to override the natural instinct of consume of be consumed?

A bala made short work of the last of the beasts opponents and Erasmus stepped over the lip of the window just in time to see the minotaur come charging over the dune that had blocked his sight. No longer needing the vibrations to see his target Erasmus opened his eyes and bore witness to the full majesty of the beast that had caught his attention. Flaring nostrils fuming with the steam of fatigue, a great shaggy head of black and grey fur matted with it's own blood, the milky whites of it's uncivilized blood-crazed eyes. 

And something else. Something beyond vision, beyond vibrations, something lodged within the core of the minotaur.

Sinking his feet one step at a time into the sands Erasmus stepped forwards to meet the beasts charge. He had some time before the next hearing, might as well use it to sate his curiosity.

"Ho there, big guy!" The monarch called out, watching the Hollow three-times his size barreling with reckless abandon down the hill. "Las Noches isn't a maze you want to guard unprepared, you can relax, Theseus won't be coming for you any time soon!" 

[Words: 886][GP: 17][Total GP: 17]