Post by Crow on Dec 17, 2012 16:14:11 GMT -5
Name: Armond Nicholai La'crow Crow
Title: The Mask
**Crow is the name that he goes by. Armond is not a name that people know. If you think you would know him by Armond, ask BEFORE addressing him as such, otherwise I'll act as if you called him Crow. No. Never will you call him Nikki, Nicholai, Nick, Nicholas, or any other variation. Mainly cause only one person outside his family even knows his middle name...
Age: Appears to be in his early 20s, is actually roughly 500
Gender: Male
Class: Shinigami
Affiliation: Gotei 6
Rank: 3rd Seat 2nd Division
Description: His skin is perfectly tanned. Of course, most people would fail to even notice that due to the fact that he typically wears a mask over his face. When he was in the Academy he did not wear a mask, but upon joining the Second Division, he decided it would be better. Why he decided to has yet to be discovered. His eyes are a lovely shade of green, brilliant by design and almost luminescent, but he also has central heterochromia...So surrounding his pupil there is a light shade of blue that bleeds out into the green of his eyes. Under the white mask his face is still as beautiful as it was in life. Flawlessly smooth, with perfectly formed lips, eyebrows that have been meticulously cared for, his eyelashes have a slight natural curl to them which highlights his eyes.
On almost any given day he can be found wearing his typical Shinigami attire. In his mind, there is no reason to deviate from his assigned dress at this point in time. He doesn't really like the looks of his outfit, but he isn't appalled by it either. So he just silently deals with it, until a time comes where he may add a bit of flare to his dress, with the obvious exception of his mask that he wears at almost all times. The mask is all white, made from the mask of a Hollow, with a simple design on the left side of his face. His hair is rather long as well. He often has it braided unless he has it cut, then it's usually pulled back and held in place by a black silk ribbon.
Faceclaim: Vega Street Fighter.
Personality:
Armond is a man of words. People have often said that he could charm his way into the panties of a nun. A tactic he often calls upon in the heat of battle. He is a many of little information when it comes to himself. Those closest to him and close to him due to a feeling of companionship, but if asked very few could give you any actual information on him. He likes it that way. His paranoia runs deep, and it shows in his unwillingness to share personal history with anyone. Despite his closed nature, he is rather friendly. Willing to speak to fellow Shinigami and even spiritually aware humans. He does, however, have a bit of a darker side. His nickname is not without reason.
His nickname comes from two places. The first place being his Zanpakuto, Khione. The second being his icy nature. There are those who know nothing about Armond, and those who know one thing: Trusting him is like trusting the sight of a blind man. Foolish. Despite his warm and friendly exterior, Armond is a manipulative man, more than happy to abandon friends in combat if it means the survival of himself or his team. He takes all the lessons of the Onmitsukido to heart in this regard. He does not rush into battles without assessing situations, he does not form bonds without assessing how it will help him in the future. He does nothing without purpose, and if he finds purpose in someone, usually that purpose is furthering his own status. It is the same way he got into the 2nd Division to begin with.
His smile is charming, his eyes are inviting, and his words are true. All these things, however, are tools for this little sociopath to use to advance himself. At the end of the day, he only sees himself. When the dust has settled, he doesn't care who is standing with him...as long as he is standing.
History:
Childhood[/u]
Teenage Years[/u]
Adult[/u]
Awakening
"How long have you been seeing things?"
"Ever since I first told you."
From there the Ring Master, who revealed that his name is Desmond, informed Armond of Shinigami and Hollow, of beings called Quincy and of other humans who had extraordinary gifts. When asked about his gift, Desmond smiled and explained that time and space meant nothing to him. He could be anywhere at anytime. He could suspend time, or move through it, it was the only reason they were having this conversation. Armond couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had to though. He had seen such a human and such a beast several years prior. He knew this to be true. Armond slumped in his chair, highly unlike the noble he was brought up to be, and sighed deeply. The man, Desmond, lit a cigarette and smiled. "I had hoped that you seeing that Hollow was a possible fluke...looking at you now though...I can tell that you've been a busy boy. Training your body...working hard...And your reiatsu is much greater now." He took a small drag and blew out some smoke.
Armond could only stare in mild disbelief and interest in this man. "So am I like you then?" The man chuckled. "Who knows. You can just barely see the Hollow. That's a start. It means your spirit is getting stronger. You have a ways to go though..." Armond sat there in silence letting this sink in. Desmond had obviously done this before as he seemed anything but concerned for the nobleman. In fact he seemed almost bored with this situation. Armond sat up straight and looked at him. "Teach me." He said firmly. Desmond stopped and arched a brow at him. "Pardon?" Armond repeated himself, and Desmond chuckled. "M'lord, I'm afraid I cannot do that. Not only is there no room for you here, I'm also a very terrible teacher." He shrugged and Armond frowned. They argued a bit and eventually Desmond sighed. He rubbed his temples, a migraine from stressing his powers so much tonight, and finally agreed. They would stay in town for a week. If within a week, no progress was made, then the training would be called off. That was the deal.
Armond agreed to it happily.
So for the next week, Armond did his tailoring business during the day, and at night he would meet with Desmond and a few members of his crew to train. It was hard. Several times, Armond almost died. As the days went by though he was able to fully see Hollows, and it terrified him. He also saw Shinigami as well, they weren't much better than the Hollow. His time in that week seemed like Purgatory. It wasn't bad by default, but there was just something so empty about being there, doing this, that it scared him. He wasn't entirely sure about the path that he was now walking, but he knew it was too late to turn back now. A fact that he was constantly reminded of by Desmond and his crew.
At a week's end Armond stood before Desmond and his crew. There was a lengthy discussion about his progress. No doubt he had grown more in the past week than he had in the past few years alone. He had even discovered his talent. In that week he had pushed his body to it's limits and even further. He was more than capable of protecting himself on a very basic level, but he could. Desmond stood there with a cigarette between his mouth. Around him were various members of his 'circus'. They were all staring at Armond. He wasn't exactly sure what to do about it, but he shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. "Hypothetically speaking. If we let you in our ah...family...you'd have to leave yours. We cannot stay here forever. Also, you're a threat to your own family. Hollows will sense your power and will target you." Armond had known this for a while now. With a shaky response, he conveyed that he was willing to leave. "Well then...I think we can welcome him...Hm...we'll call you...The Fire Bird!" Desmond clasped Armond on the shoulders. "We leave at once. So get what you can." The members of the circus welcomed him to their fold.
Armond returned home that night and packed a bag. He told his mother and father he was leaving. He looked at his father smugly and told him he would be an act in the circus. The look on his father's face was one of horror and disappointment. His son, his flesh and blood, a simple circus performer. That face...it brought such joy to Armond's life. He hugged his mother and looked at his father one last time. From his lips he said one word:
"Circus."
And then he was gone.
Death[/u]
Off to Soul Society[/u]
A Noble Once More
Shinigami[/u]
Statistics[/u]
Reiatsu Hue: RAINBOW
Reiatsu Flavor: Those who feel his reiatsu, will have a sense of overwhelming peace. They will feel the happiest they have ever felt, and upon looking at Armond will almost feel as if fighting is pointless. Basically the opposite of scaring your enemy into not fighting.
Stats
Reiryoku: 40
Power: 60
Agility: 120
Affinity: 100
Skill Tier:
Hakuda- Tier 1
Hoho - Tier 1
Analyzing - Tier 1
Abilities
Muffle
Shunpo
Shikai
Soul Link 2
Kido
Soul Avenger
Desperation
Title: The Mask
**Crow is the name that he goes by. Armond is not a name that people know. If you think you would know him by Armond, ask BEFORE addressing him as such, otherwise I'll act as if you called him Crow. No. Never will you call him Nikki, Nicholai, Nick, Nicholas, or any other variation. Mainly cause only one person outside his family even knows his middle name...
Age: Appears to be in his early 20s, is actually roughly 500
Gender: Male
Class: Shinigami
Affiliation: Gotei 6
Rank: 3rd Seat 2nd Division
Description: His skin is perfectly tanned. Of course, most people would fail to even notice that due to the fact that he typically wears a mask over his face. When he was in the Academy he did not wear a mask, but upon joining the Second Division, he decided it would be better. Why he decided to has yet to be discovered. His eyes are a lovely shade of green, brilliant by design and almost luminescent, but he also has central heterochromia...So surrounding his pupil there is a light shade of blue that bleeds out into the green of his eyes. Under the white mask his face is still as beautiful as it was in life. Flawlessly smooth, with perfectly formed lips, eyebrows that have been meticulously cared for, his eyelashes have a slight natural curl to them which highlights his eyes.
On almost any given day he can be found wearing his typical Shinigami attire. In his mind, there is no reason to deviate from his assigned dress at this point in time. He doesn't really like the looks of his outfit, but he isn't appalled by it either. So he just silently deals with it, until a time comes where he may add a bit of flare to his dress, with the obvious exception of his mask that he wears at almost all times. The mask is all white, made from the mask of a Hollow, with a simple design on the left side of his face. His hair is rather long as well. He often has it braided unless he has it cut, then it's usually pulled back and held in place by a black silk ribbon.
Faceclaim: Vega Street Fighter.
Personality:
Armond is a man of words. People have often said that he could charm his way into the panties of a nun. A tactic he often calls upon in the heat of battle. He is a many of little information when it comes to himself. Those closest to him and close to him due to a feeling of companionship, but if asked very few could give you any actual information on him. He likes it that way. His paranoia runs deep, and it shows in his unwillingness to share personal history with anyone. Despite his closed nature, he is rather friendly. Willing to speak to fellow Shinigami and even spiritually aware humans. He does, however, have a bit of a darker side. His nickname is not without reason.
His nickname comes from two places. The first place being his Zanpakuto, Khione. The second being his icy nature. There are those who know nothing about Armond, and those who know one thing: Trusting him is like trusting the sight of a blind man. Foolish. Despite his warm and friendly exterior, Armond is a manipulative man, more than happy to abandon friends in combat if it means the survival of himself or his team. He takes all the lessons of the Onmitsukido to heart in this regard. He does not rush into battles without assessing situations, he does not form bonds without assessing how it will help him in the future. He does nothing without purpose, and if he finds purpose in someone, usually that purpose is furthering his own status. It is the same way he got into the 2nd Division to begin with.
His smile is charming, his eyes are inviting, and his words are true. All these things, however, are tools for this little sociopath to use to advance himself. At the end of the day, he only sees himself. When the dust has settled, he doesn't care who is standing with him...as long as he is standing.
History:
Childhood[/u]
In life, Armond was a French nobleman. You'd never know it though. As a child he did nothing but run from place to place, often ignoring his studies for things like fencing or running around town. He, of course, was scolded for the acts on a daily basis, but he couldn't care less. As a child all he cared about was freedom. He often would take a slave or two with him just for fun. He believed everyone should understand what it was like to be free, that all life should, at some point, feel the wind on their face and know that this is what freedom was like. He never got a better sense of that than when he was at the circus.
The La'Crow family was built on the hardwork of men, they were old money but they had earned it. The family Armond grew up with managed several businesses as well as supplied clothing for other nobles. His father wanted Armond to learn his mathematics and writing so that he may one day run the business. Armond did, at this point in his life, take his studies seriously. He had a private tutor, as most nobles did, who taught him his literature, math, science, and a separate tutor for fencing. The first time he disappointed his father was when he began to fall behind in his math studies. His father began to crack down on Armond, going as far as to restrict him leaving their property. This was the beginning of the ill relations between the two.
His mother was of no use during this time period either. She was not the kind of woman to coddle her child, she did not stand up for him, or help him see other humans. She would merely hear her child's pleas for help and say "Your father knows what's best..." While Armond did not agree with his mother's weakness, he understood why she did it. It was not a woman's place to question her husband. So for years she would silently watch and disregard her own personal feelings, and Armond would allow the poison called Hate to seep into his heart, everyday his loathing for his father grew until it birthed fruit.
When he was nine his father decided to treat the family to the circus as it was in town. Armond was allowed to go on the condition that he would buckle down on his studies. Well of course he said he would, what child wouldn't say anything to get outside of the house? So the family went. It was there that Armond saw what he still to this day remembers. The greatest act in the world. The finesse of the tightrope walkers amazed him. How easy it was for them balanced on objects like small pegs and balls. All of it amazed Armond. While he does not remember much of his life, that hour stands out as the greatest moment in his history. It is also what inspires him to break away from his father...
The La'Crow family was built on the hardwork of men, they were old money but they had earned it. The family Armond grew up with managed several businesses as well as supplied clothing for other nobles. His father wanted Armond to learn his mathematics and writing so that he may one day run the business. Armond did, at this point in his life, take his studies seriously. He had a private tutor, as most nobles did, who taught him his literature, math, science, and a separate tutor for fencing. The first time he disappointed his father was when he began to fall behind in his math studies. His father began to crack down on Armond, going as far as to restrict him leaving their property. This was the beginning of the ill relations between the two.
His mother was of no use during this time period either. She was not the kind of woman to coddle her child, she did not stand up for him, or help him see other humans. She would merely hear her child's pleas for help and say "Your father knows what's best..." While Armond did not agree with his mother's weakness, he understood why she did it. It was not a woman's place to question her husband. So for years she would silently watch and disregard her own personal feelings, and Armond would allow the poison called Hate to seep into his heart, everyday his loathing for his father grew until it birthed fruit.
When he was nine his father decided to treat the family to the circus as it was in town. Armond was allowed to go on the condition that he would buckle down on his studies. Well of course he said he would, what child wouldn't say anything to get outside of the house? So the family went. It was there that Armond saw what he still to this day remembers. The greatest act in the world. The finesse of the tightrope walkers amazed him. How easy it was for them balanced on objects like small pegs and balls. All of it amazed Armond. While he does not remember much of his life, that hour stands out as the greatest moment in his history. It is also what inspires him to break away from his father...
Teenage Years[/u]
During his thirteenth birthday, he decided enough was enough. He did not enjoy living with his father but he had no other realistic option. His mother was no help either. He loved her, but despised her too. Her weakness was what enabled his father to squeeze the life out of Armond. By this point in time, Armond was not allowed to have company, he was not allowed outside except for fencing practices which had been limited to twice a week (coming from his daily teachings), he was to spend three hours a day on math and the rest of the day was to be split between other studies, and if he failed to do this then he was denied supper. Truly, it was a lovely time. Armond was not someone that would just sit back like this though. No, his mind could not handle such a pressure. To be contained like a beast was not his forte, but outsmarting his opposition...well that he had a deal of skill in.
Armond spent the next year feeding into his father's demands. He allowed the man to think he was putting more time into studies. He did it so that his father would simply stop hovering over him be it with the eyes of servants or his own two eyes. Armond slaved away to try and better himself at math, with a large amount of success too. In one year's time, his father allowed him to go out twice a week for two hours. With this time he was supposed to get to know the local business owners and see how a business was run. Pfft, yeah right. He, in fact, went out unsupervised and would practice his balancing act. There was an abandoned house with a rather rundown yard. He would go around and find anything he could to balance on.
During that one hour window, he was in heaven. This is what he loved to do. Ever since seeing that circus act, it had been all he could think about. Of course he could only do this, as mentioned, for an hour. Why? Well he did have to visit businesses. It was a small town, he knew his father would be asking around and would want to know where Armond went. His father had raised a smart child. Armond continued to do his studies, but he never excelled. He only did just well enough to keep his father off of his back. He to leave. The circus was coming to town this year, and he would see them. Even if it killed him, Armond would see the very people that inspired him.
Sure enough, when the flyers began going up Armond brought it to his father's attention. Despite denying his son early on, eventually his father gave in. So on one particularly bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, the family went out. Armond had his hair neatly braided and wore his best attire for the event. They took their seats and watched the show begin. By the end of it, Armond was more in love now than he had been before hand. Something strange happened during it though, which perplexed him. He could have sworn he saw one of the ladies who danced with flaming hoops do battle with some...thing. Armond was sure he was just tired as all he could even see was just wavy air. The general shape of it though was anything but human. He put it out of his mind though and just enjoyed the rest of the show.
After the show, that...sight still bothered Armond. He felt compelled to know what he saw. He asked his father if he could speak with the Ring Master, just for a minute. The request was met with resistance, but he eventually caved. Armond was allowed to speak to him for five minutes. He wasted no time going to find the man. He spoke quickly and properly, introducing himself as a noble who enjoyed the show very much. He then asked, a bit too loudly, about the wavy beast that the woman with the fire hoop attacked. The Ring Master looked at Armond for a moment and shook his head. "You've obviously been up for a very long time. Maybe it's time for bed..." And with that he walked away. Armond stood there dumbfounded. How could he just dismiss him, a noble, so easily! That was incredibly rude. It should have angered him but...he just wanted to get closer now. He wanted to know more.
Upon returning home, Armond went to his room claiming he would be studying. In truth, he had been working on balance and flexibility for some time now. He spent most of his nights walking on his hands or doing flips on his bed. He was obsessed with this circus, with what he saw, and in his mind the Ring Master's dismissal of it only confirmed that it was real. He wanted to know what it was, he wanted to know why it was here, and he would not be denied this.
Armond spent the next year feeding into his father's demands. He allowed the man to think he was putting more time into studies. He did it so that his father would simply stop hovering over him be it with the eyes of servants or his own two eyes. Armond slaved away to try and better himself at math, with a large amount of success too. In one year's time, his father allowed him to go out twice a week for two hours. With this time he was supposed to get to know the local business owners and see how a business was run. Pfft, yeah right. He, in fact, went out unsupervised and would practice his balancing act. There was an abandoned house with a rather rundown yard. He would go around and find anything he could to balance on.
During that one hour window, he was in heaven. This is what he loved to do. Ever since seeing that circus act, it had been all he could think about. Of course he could only do this, as mentioned, for an hour. Why? Well he did have to visit businesses. It was a small town, he knew his father would be asking around and would want to know where Armond went. His father had raised a smart child. Armond continued to do his studies, but he never excelled. He only did just well enough to keep his father off of his back. He to leave. The circus was coming to town this year, and he would see them. Even if it killed him, Armond would see the very people that inspired him.
Sure enough, when the flyers began going up Armond brought it to his father's attention. Despite denying his son early on, eventually his father gave in. So on one particularly bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, the family went out. Armond had his hair neatly braided and wore his best attire for the event. They took their seats and watched the show begin. By the end of it, Armond was more in love now than he had been before hand. Something strange happened during it though, which perplexed him. He could have sworn he saw one of the ladies who danced with flaming hoops do battle with some...thing. Armond was sure he was just tired as all he could even see was just wavy air. The general shape of it though was anything but human. He put it out of his mind though and just enjoyed the rest of the show.
After the show, that...sight still bothered Armond. He felt compelled to know what he saw. He asked his father if he could speak with the Ring Master, just for a minute. The request was met with resistance, but he eventually caved. Armond was allowed to speak to him for five minutes. He wasted no time going to find the man. He spoke quickly and properly, introducing himself as a noble who enjoyed the show very much. He then asked, a bit too loudly, about the wavy beast that the woman with the fire hoop attacked. The Ring Master looked at Armond for a moment and shook his head. "You've obviously been up for a very long time. Maybe it's time for bed..." And with that he walked away. Armond stood there dumbfounded. How could he just dismiss him, a noble, so easily! That was incredibly rude. It should have angered him but...he just wanted to get closer now. He wanted to know more.
Upon returning home, Armond went to his room claiming he would be studying. In truth, he had been working on balance and flexibility for some time now. He spent most of his nights walking on his hands or doing flips on his bed. He was obsessed with this circus, with what he saw, and in his mind the Ring Master's dismissal of it only confirmed that it was real. He wanted to know what it was, he wanted to know why it was here, and he would not be denied this.
Adult[/u]
By the time he was nineteen he was well on his way to following in his father's footsteps. Something his father took pride in. Armond had become a tailor, opening his own business in town crafting some of the finest threads for the public. He also supplied fabrics to other stores, soon establishing himself as the "go to" guy when you needed a rare or exotic thread. Armond was also the guy to go to if a lady borrowed another's sash and it got damaged. He could mend almost anything. His mother had taught him well over the years, and those tips and tricks were now paying off. Mixed in with his silver tongue, and his ability to charm his way into almost any business deal (of course a deal in his favor) made him a cutthroat businessman.
Despite this, his love for those people in the circus never faded. Each year he would go and see them. Sometimes he would shake hands with the Ring Master, others he would just leave. Over the years, Armond began to see more and more of those invisible figures. Sometimes he would hear sounds at night, but he kept this to himself. Insanity was not something one admitted to during those times. It was liable to get one either jailed or killed. It came down to how much money your family had really. Typically the circus rolled through town around the Summer, however one year they came during the spring. Something Armond found rather odd. He didn't know why it seemed so odd to him, but it was.
The circus came by in the middle of March, and Armond attended. He wore a suit he made himself. It was a rather lovely thing. Simplistic by design and yet it carried a sense of nobility with it, fitting for him. He watched the circus closely, but he was less focused on the acts and more interested in the air. He looked around for signs of the invisible things, and tried to listen closely for any strange sounds. Everything seemed normal tonight. After the show he made his way to the Ring Master. He stood before him, shook his hand and congratulated him on another good show. He then pulled the man aside to have a private talk with him. He entered the gentleman's private tent. Taking a seat, Armond explained what happened so many years ago. The sight of that woman fighting with an invisible monster. The Ring Master got ready to dismiss Armond again, but this time he was ready. He interrupted the Ring Master and told him that he's been seeing them more and more often. On top of that, when he sees them daily, the circus just happens to show up.
"You know what they are."
The accusation hung in the air for a moment. The Ring Master's face grew still and solid. With a deep sigh Armond suddenly felt the air about him grow uncomfortably still. He looked around and things felt off. There was an ominous presence in the air. He stood up and looked outside, everything was still. He looked back at the Ring Master who sat rather calmly.
"Armond La'Crow...Have a seat. It's time we talked..."
Despite this, his love for those people in the circus never faded. Each year he would go and see them. Sometimes he would shake hands with the Ring Master, others he would just leave. Over the years, Armond began to see more and more of those invisible figures. Sometimes he would hear sounds at night, but he kept this to himself. Insanity was not something one admitted to during those times. It was liable to get one either jailed or killed. It came down to how much money your family had really. Typically the circus rolled through town around the Summer, however one year they came during the spring. Something Armond found rather odd. He didn't know why it seemed so odd to him, but it was.
The circus came by in the middle of March, and Armond attended. He wore a suit he made himself. It was a rather lovely thing. Simplistic by design and yet it carried a sense of nobility with it, fitting for him. He watched the circus closely, but he was less focused on the acts and more interested in the air. He looked around for signs of the invisible things, and tried to listen closely for any strange sounds. Everything seemed normal tonight. After the show he made his way to the Ring Master. He stood before him, shook his hand and congratulated him on another good show. He then pulled the man aside to have a private talk with him. He entered the gentleman's private tent. Taking a seat, Armond explained what happened so many years ago. The sight of that woman fighting with an invisible monster. The Ring Master got ready to dismiss Armond again, but this time he was ready. He interrupted the Ring Master and told him that he's been seeing them more and more often. On top of that, when he sees them daily, the circus just happens to show up.
"You know what they are."
The accusation hung in the air for a moment. The Ring Master's face grew still and solid. With a deep sigh Armond suddenly felt the air about him grow uncomfortably still. He looked around and things felt off. There was an ominous presence in the air. He stood up and looked outside, everything was still. He looked back at the Ring Master who sat rather calmly.
"Armond La'Crow...Have a seat. It's time we talked..."
Awakening
"How long have you been seeing things?"
"Ever since I first told you."
From there the Ring Master, who revealed that his name is Desmond, informed Armond of Shinigami and Hollow, of beings called Quincy and of other humans who had extraordinary gifts. When asked about his gift, Desmond smiled and explained that time and space meant nothing to him. He could be anywhere at anytime. He could suspend time, or move through it, it was the only reason they were having this conversation. Armond couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had to though. He had seen such a human and such a beast several years prior. He knew this to be true. Armond slumped in his chair, highly unlike the noble he was brought up to be, and sighed deeply. The man, Desmond, lit a cigarette and smiled. "I had hoped that you seeing that Hollow was a possible fluke...looking at you now though...I can tell that you've been a busy boy. Training your body...working hard...And your reiatsu is much greater now." He took a small drag and blew out some smoke.
Armond could only stare in mild disbelief and interest in this man. "So am I like you then?" The man chuckled. "Who knows. You can just barely see the Hollow. That's a start. It means your spirit is getting stronger. You have a ways to go though..." Armond sat there in silence letting this sink in. Desmond had obviously done this before as he seemed anything but concerned for the nobleman. In fact he seemed almost bored with this situation. Armond sat up straight and looked at him. "Teach me." He said firmly. Desmond stopped and arched a brow at him. "Pardon?" Armond repeated himself, and Desmond chuckled. "M'lord, I'm afraid I cannot do that. Not only is there no room for you here, I'm also a very terrible teacher." He shrugged and Armond frowned. They argued a bit and eventually Desmond sighed. He rubbed his temples, a migraine from stressing his powers so much tonight, and finally agreed. They would stay in town for a week. If within a week, no progress was made, then the training would be called off. That was the deal.
Armond agreed to it happily.
So for the next week, Armond did his tailoring business during the day, and at night he would meet with Desmond and a few members of his crew to train. It was hard. Several times, Armond almost died. As the days went by though he was able to fully see Hollows, and it terrified him. He also saw Shinigami as well, they weren't much better than the Hollow. His time in that week seemed like Purgatory. It wasn't bad by default, but there was just something so empty about being there, doing this, that it scared him. He wasn't entirely sure about the path that he was now walking, but he knew it was too late to turn back now. A fact that he was constantly reminded of by Desmond and his crew.
At a week's end Armond stood before Desmond and his crew. There was a lengthy discussion about his progress. No doubt he had grown more in the past week than he had in the past few years alone. He had even discovered his talent. In that week he had pushed his body to it's limits and even further. He was more than capable of protecting himself on a very basic level, but he could. Desmond stood there with a cigarette between his mouth. Around him were various members of his 'circus'. They were all staring at Armond. He wasn't exactly sure what to do about it, but he shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. "Hypothetically speaking. If we let you in our ah...family...you'd have to leave yours. We cannot stay here forever. Also, you're a threat to your own family. Hollows will sense your power and will target you." Armond had known this for a while now. With a shaky response, he conveyed that he was willing to leave. "Well then...I think we can welcome him...Hm...we'll call you...The Fire Bird!" Desmond clasped Armond on the shoulders. "We leave at once. So get what you can." The members of the circus welcomed him to their fold.
Armond returned home that night and packed a bag. He told his mother and father he was leaving. He looked at his father smugly and told him he would be an act in the circus. The look on his father's face was one of horror and disappointment. His son, his flesh and blood, a simple circus performer. That face...it brought such joy to Armond's life. He hugged his mother and looked at his father one last time. From his lips he said one word:
"Circus."
And then he was gone.
Death[/u]
For the next two years Armond went on tour with the circus. Of course by this point he understood they weren't there to entertain, but rather were tracking Hollow movement. While in the circus he adapted the name Fire Bird because of his unique ability to set reishi on fire. His act involved him leaping through the air (usually by means of standing on a net held by several men, making something like a trampoline). He would ignite the reishi around him, and everyone would clap, yay. All in all, for that time period, it was an incredible act. One that got him well known. Of course he abandoned his true name, shortening it to just Crow. Even in death, few know of his real name, and those that do often mistake it for an alias.
Life was rough for him. Combating Hollow on a daily basis was hard work, especially because he was the new guy. While Desmond welcomed him, there were some who thought him unworthy of being there. He was, for the most part, liked though...but still, problems existed. Most of the problems went unnoticed, except on the battlefield. There, it seemed he was fair game for just about anyone and everyone; Hollow or teammate's alike. More than once he was the victim of "misfire" or things like that. He heard how some of the crew spoke ill of him. He was the only noble here, the only one who traded his perfectly good life for this...to be a monster hunter. It angered them, and it saddened him that he was such a burden to them without meaning to be. Not to mention that Armond was in the minority here. The majority of the performers here were High Spec'd Humans. This made them something a bit closer to Shinigami. It gave them a bit of an ego. Crow (Armond), was a Fullbringer...he got his powers from a Hollow. This wasn't exactly pleasing news. Crow put it out of his mind though. Their problems were theirs, and though they wanted to make it his, he wouldn't give them that satisfaction.
During a show a Hollow roared outside. They began a trick known as the Hollow Hunter. Something people thought was just a fancy title. It involved a human cannonball, a man who could solidify his blood making him as hard as iron, being shot through the Hollow. The beast would stumble backwards where a woman who was doing tricks with a flaming hula hoop (literally, it was made entirely of fire). When the Human Cannonball was shot she would toss the weapon in the air, the man would go through the hoop and the audience would cheer. The beast, however, now had a hole in it's chest and was being seared by a ring of fire running down it's front or backside. The final act involved a dual attack from The Fire Bird and from another woman called Lady Destiny. She would toss cards in the air, and Crow would point at them. They'd explode and form various names of the people in the audience. Of course, while exploding they are also ripping the Hollow apart. By that point the beast is usually dead. If this routine is unavailable, then Desmond simply stops time, they fight, and then they resume the show. The latter is not a preferred method due to a lack of fun.
After that specific show though, Crow was approached by a member of the audience. She wanted to know their tricks, how he made the words appear and how they knew the audience member's names. He just smiled and said that a good magician never reveals his secret. The woman didn't really like that answer too much. She leaned up close to him and put his hand on her thigh, and kissed his lips. Armond could feel the small knife there. She repeated herself. He simply frowned and looked beyond her. Desmond was standing there with a more than amused look. He wanted to see how Armond would handle this situation. With a roll of his eyes he excused himself and turned to walk away from her. He called her bluff, she was not going to do anything. He lived another day.
No literally, he lived one more day before dying. Funny thing about that woman. Her lips were coated with a tasteless poison. The kiss he got from her was his death sentence. She wasn't put up to the job by any of the performers mind you. She was actually a serial killer. Armond was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. His funeral was not brilliant. It was not something that money was poured into. It was a hole in the forest of France that he was laid to rest in. Desmond said a small prayer for him, and then they moved on. Of course even though he was a spirit now, they all could still see him. So the funeral wasn't sad...saying goodbye was though.
Life was rough for him. Combating Hollow on a daily basis was hard work, especially because he was the new guy. While Desmond welcomed him, there were some who thought him unworthy of being there. He was, for the most part, liked though...but still, problems existed. Most of the problems went unnoticed, except on the battlefield. There, it seemed he was fair game for just about anyone and everyone; Hollow or teammate's alike. More than once he was the victim of "misfire" or things like that. He heard how some of the crew spoke ill of him. He was the only noble here, the only one who traded his perfectly good life for this...to be a monster hunter. It angered them, and it saddened him that he was such a burden to them without meaning to be. Not to mention that Armond was in the minority here. The majority of the performers here were High Spec'd Humans. This made them something a bit closer to Shinigami. It gave them a bit of an ego. Crow (Armond), was a Fullbringer...he got his powers from a Hollow. This wasn't exactly pleasing news. Crow put it out of his mind though. Their problems were theirs, and though they wanted to make it his, he wouldn't give them that satisfaction.
During a show a Hollow roared outside. They began a trick known as the Hollow Hunter. Something people thought was just a fancy title. It involved a human cannonball, a man who could solidify his blood making him as hard as iron, being shot through the Hollow. The beast would stumble backwards where a woman who was doing tricks with a flaming hula hoop (literally, it was made entirely of fire). When the Human Cannonball was shot she would toss the weapon in the air, the man would go through the hoop and the audience would cheer. The beast, however, now had a hole in it's chest and was being seared by a ring of fire running down it's front or backside. The final act involved a dual attack from The Fire Bird and from another woman called Lady Destiny. She would toss cards in the air, and Crow would point at them. They'd explode and form various names of the people in the audience. Of course, while exploding they are also ripping the Hollow apart. By that point the beast is usually dead. If this routine is unavailable, then Desmond simply stops time, they fight, and then they resume the show. The latter is not a preferred method due to a lack of fun.
After that specific show though, Crow was approached by a member of the audience. She wanted to know their tricks, how he made the words appear and how they knew the audience member's names. He just smiled and said that a good magician never reveals his secret. The woman didn't really like that answer too much. She leaned up close to him and put his hand on her thigh, and kissed his lips. Armond could feel the small knife there. She repeated herself. He simply frowned and looked beyond her. Desmond was standing there with a more than amused look. He wanted to see how Armond would handle this situation. With a roll of his eyes he excused himself and turned to walk away from her. He called her bluff, she was not going to do anything. He lived another day.
No literally, he lived one more day before dying. Funny thing about that woman. Her lips were coated with a tasteless poison. The kiss he got from her was his death sentence. She wasn't put up to the job by any of the performers mind you. She was actually a serial killer. Armond was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. His funeral was not brilliant. It was not something that money was poured into. It was a hole in the forest of France that he was laid to rest in. Desmond said a small prayer for him, and then they moved on. Of course even though he was a spirit now, they all could still see him. So the funeral wasn't sad...saying goodbye was though.
Off to Soul Society[/u]
He wandered around for only a few months before a Shinigami found him. In those months all he did was run from Hollow. He was powerless now. He had nothing to protect him, and his reiatsu was a beacon for the Hollow in the area. Of course the Hollow were usually intercepted by a Shinigami, and during that fight he was run away. He had seen some Hollow hunt in packs, and Armond was not taking chances. Being dead was one thing, but getting eaten was not on his list of things that he would accept. His Chain of Fate hurt like hell, of course, while it ate itself. He would often find himself doubling over (if he was lucky enough to be able to stand) and let a few tears out. He refused to scream though. That was not an option. Armond loved pain, he did. Pain felt wonderful to him, but this...this was something different. It wasn't a physical pain, it was like his nerve endings were literally on fire, it felt like someone had taken an red-hot iron rod and shoved it into his eye socket. It was almost unbearable.
When the Shinigami finally found him, not to imply that they were all looking for him, he asked to be sent away. The Shinigami, of course, did so without question and without fail. Armond was taken to the Rukongai. Placed in sector 23, it wasn't terribly bad...but it could have been better. There he lived his life as he had when he was living. He mended clothing, and performed simple acrobatic tricks for pleasure and entertainment. It wasn't long before people began whispering about his skill with a needle and thread. Having done mending, be it serious or just dicking around, for almost all of his life, he did have some skill. He was a modest being though, and refused to claim any sort of professional skill. Everyone else was in disagreement though. The Rukongai wasn't exactly a pretty site. The majority of houses were...well less than stellar, and the clothing of the people, in some cases, was even worse. Armond fixed their shirts, their underwear, their pants. He added style to children's clothing, often going off of whatever damage had been done to the article already. He had a kind heart, and a special gift.
It wasn't long before his reitasu, however, caught up to him. Even in death he still held a power. The Shinigami could feel this. They figured he could be a potential candidate for the Academy. Armond wouldn't hear the offer though. He was not going to leave these people here. The Shinigami wouldn't quit though. Things were bad right now. The Hollows were getting cocky, and they feared the worst. So about twice a month, a rep from the Academy would come out to visit Armond. They even relocated him to a "nicer" house in the 3rd District. He still said no. He only had an interest in helping these people. They needed clothing, and he was going to give it to them.
Fast forward five years. By this point in time, Armond has built up a significant amount of wealth. He didn't charge much for his service, he didn't see why he should. These people had little enough as is. Really he only charged enough to afford fabrics and spools of thread and needles of various sizes. Sometimes people would tip him extra though, and thus began his rise in wealth. Eventually, a Shinigami passed by. Armond, who mind you during this time had been going by Crow, bowed his head respectfully. He could tell by his attire that the man was a Captain. He also could tell he was nobility. His walk, his posture, it was all too prim and proper for just anyone. This was not reason enough for the Spirit to engage him. He did, however, find reason when he noticed a few threads of his haori were loose or missing.
He approached the Shinigami and introduced himself politely. "My name is Crow...I couldn't help but notice your haori is very beautiful...Truly, a work of art. It is, however, slowly falling apart..." He spoke with purpose, and used a finger to point out the areas he was referring to. "If you'd like I can fix that for you. Free of charge, of course." He smiled. To this day, he doesn't know why the man said yes. Maybe it was because going back to the Seireitei was a hassle, maybe because it didn't matter to him that much, but Armond was given the chance to work on the haori of a captain. He took a deep breath before getting to work. The design of this was amazing. Whoever made this was truly a master, but it wasn't anything Armond couldn't fix. The only tricky part was getting things back in proper order without distracting from the look of the rest of it. Mending clothing is not as simple as applying a thread and needle and calling it good. Armond was raised better than that. He needed to fix it, without being able to tell that it WAS fixed. With something as delicate as this, that was easier said than done.
About an hour and a half later, however, he was finished. The Captain looked at his haori and seemed unimpressed by the work. He handed Armond a pouch full of money and invited him back to his manor in the Seireitei. Who was he to deny this man?
When the Shinigami finally found him, not to imply that they were all looking for him, he asked to be sent away. The Shinigami, of course, did so without question and without fail. Armond was taken to the Rukongai. Placed in sector 23, it wasn't terribly bad...but it could have been better. There he lived his life as he had when he was living. He mended clothing, and performed simple acrobatic tricks for pleasure and entertainment. It wasn't long before people began whispering about his skill with a needle and thread. Having done mending, be it serious or just dicking around, for almost all of his life, he did have some skill. He was a modest being though, and refused to claim any sort of professional skill. Everyone else was in disagreement though. The Rukongai wasn't exactly a pretty site. The majority of houses were...well less than stellar, and the clothing of the people, in some cases, was even worse. Armond fixed their shirts, their underwear, their pants. He added style to children's clothing, often going off of whatever damage had been done to the article already. He had a kind heart, and a special gift.
It wasn't long before his reitasu, however, caught up to him. Even in death he still held a power. The Shinigami could feel this. They figured he could be a potential candidate for the Academy. Armond wouldn't hear the offer though. He was not going to leave these people here. The Shinigami wouldn't quit though. Things were bad right now. The Hollows were getting cocky, and they feared the worst. So about twice a month, a rep from the Academy would come out to visit Armond. They even relocated him to a "nicer" house in the 3rd District. He still said no. He only had an interest in helping these people. They needed clothing, and he was going to give it to them.
Fast forward five years. By this point in time, Armond has built up a significant amount of wealth. He didn't charge much for his service, he didn't see why he should. These people had little enough as is. Really he only charged enough to afford fabrics and spools of thread and needles of various sizes. Sometimes people would tip him extra though, and thus began his rise in wealth. Eventually, a Shinigami passed by. Armond, who mind you during this time had been going by Crow, bowed his head respectfully. He could tell by his attire that the man was a Captain. He also could tell he was nobility. His walk, his posture, it was all too prim and proper for just anyone. This was not reason enough for the Spirit to engage him. He did, however, find reason when he noticed a few threads of his haori were loose or missing.
He approached the Shinigami and introduced himself politely. "My name is Crow...I couldn't help but notice your haori is very beautiful...Truly, a work of art. It is, however, slowly falling apart..." He spoke with purpose, and used a finger to point out the areas he was referring to. "If you'd like I can fix that for you. Free of charge, of course." He smiled. To this day, he doesn't know why the man said yes. Maybe it was because going back to the Seireitei was a hassle, maybe because it didn't matter to him that much, but Armond was given the chance to work on the haori of a captain. He took a deep breath before getting to work. The design of this was amazing. Whoever made this was truly a master, but it wasn't anything Armond couldn't fix. The only tricky part was getting things back in proper order without distracting from the look of the rest of it. Mending clothing is not as simple as applying a thread and needle and calling it good. Armond was raised better than that. He needed to fix it, without being able to tell that it WAS fixed. With something as delicate as this, that was easier said than done.
About an hour and a half later, however, he was finished. The Captain looked at his haori and seemed unimpressed by the work. He handed Armond a pouch full of money and invited him back to his manor in the Seireitei. Who was he to deny this man?
A Noble Once More
Armond spent many days at the Kuchiki Manor over the course of ten years. Within those ten years, he was still pestered about joining the Academy. He would always politely refuse. The nobleman in him wouldn't allow for his venomous tongue to speak for him. His time at the manor was often spent doing what he did in the Rukongai. He was hired as their personal tailor after three years of impressive work. They had the coin to afford almost any fabric, no matter how rare, and thread. He adored it. He also learned new skills from some of the clan members, new tips and tricks to work more efficiently. It was not long before he had a name for himself in the Seireitei as well. He spent decades working on the clothing for other noble houses as well, but the Kuchiki took priority over all.
Of course while he was doing this, he had not forgotten his friends and customers in the Rukongai. He still lived there, and had no desire to go anywhere else. He had already lived a life of luxury and this was his chance to start over. Of course when a noble house is paying you, hell when several of them are, you don't exactly live a 'new' life for long. Due to the Kuchiki House paying for his fabrics, he often had more than he needed, which allowed for him to supply the Rukongai with better clothing as well. He would make shirts, pants, under garments, gloves, socks, legwarmers, he could do a wide variety of things. He was making his own name and his own fortune. His father touched his mind only once. He still did not favor the man, but he did give him a word of advice:
"Armond. If ever you should be on your own, and if ever you should have the money. Remember you will have enemies."
And enemies, he had plenty of. The Rukongai, while it was his home and while most of the people like him, was not pleased with Armond. How dare he just waltz in on the scene, amass a fortune, and still choose to live here. Some took it as an insult. An insult which result in his home and workshop being burned down. He had been in the Seireitei when it happened, but news reached him rather quickly. His face twitched with sadness, but he remained impassive for the most part. He was a noble, even in death, and he would not mourn the loss of his house and workplace. He was a La'Crow. He would rebuild...He would form a new home, a new workplace, and he would be a noble.
That is exactly what he did. By the time he was eighty nine, so he's been dead for roughly sixty-six / sixty-seven years, he had become a Lower Noble house. His mother also joined him in the Soul Society as well. His father had yet to be found, but Armond wasn't exactly looking for him either. His mother had aged, but she was still beautiful to Armond. She cried upon meeting him again, and told him how sorry she was for everything. Armond forgave her without hesitation. Together they lived in a rather large house in the Seireitei, and together they mended the clothing of nobles, they supplied them with clothing, and they often mended Shinigami clothes as well. In death, he still kept his noble appearances up. He dressed incredibly well, and kept his long golden hair pulled back into a braid or a ponytail held in place by his favorite black silk ribbon.
Five years later, he was approached by the heads of the Kuchiki Clan and the Shihōin Clan. Armond had met with them several times beforehand, but he could tell that this was no business discussion. They seemed relaxed, friendly, Armond felt at home now finally. He, the head of the La'Crow family, was now recognized by the heads of the two major families. It wasn't long after that, that he was unofficially, and later officially, moved up to be a Major House. La'Crow was now a Major Noble House, and it was built by his own fingers.
Celebrations would have to wait though...
Of course while he was doing this, he had not forgotten his friends and customers in the Rukongai. He still lived there, and had no desire to go anywhere else. He had already lived a life of luxury and this was his chance to start over. Of course when a noble house is paying you, hell when several of them are, you don't exactly live a 'new' life for long. Due to the Kuchiki House paying for his fabrics, he often had more than he needed, which allowed for him to supply the Rukongai with better clothing as well. He would make shirts, pants, under garments, gloves, socks, legwarmers, he could do a wide variety of things. He was making his own name and his own fortune. His father touched his mind only once. He still did not favor the man, but he did give him a word of advice:
"Armond. If ever you should be on your own, and if ever you should have the money. Remember you will have enemies."
And enemies, he had plenty of. The Rukongai, while it was his home and while most of the people like him, was not pleased with Armond. How dare he just waltz in on the scene, amass a fortune, and still choose to live here. Some took it as an insult. An insult which result in his home and workshop being burned down. He had been in the Seireitei when it happened, but news reached him rather quickly. His face twitched with sadness, but he remained impassive for the most part. He was a noble, even in death, and he would not mourn the loss of his house and workplace. He was a La'Crow. He would rebuild...He would form a new home, a new workplace, and he would be a noble.
That is exactly what he did. By the time he was eighty nine, so he's been dead for roughly sixty-six / sixty-seven years, he had become a Lower Noble house. His mother also joined him in the Soul Society as well. His father had yet to be found, but Armond wasn't exactly looking for him either. His mother had aged, but she was still beautiful to Armond. She cried upon meeting him again, and told him how sorry she was for everything. Armond forgave her without hesitation. Together they lived in a rather large house in the Seireitei, and together they mended the clothing of nobles, they supplied them with clothing, and they often mended Shinigami clothes as well. In death, he still kept his noble appearances up. He dressed incredibly well, and kept his long golden hair pulled back into a braid or a ponytail held in place by his favorite black silk ribbon.
Five years later, he was approached by the heads of the Kuchiki Clan and the Shihōin Clan. Armond had met with them several times beforehand, but he could tell that this was no business discussion. They seemed relaxed, friendly, Armond felt at home now finally. He, the head of the La'Crow family, was now recognized by the heads of the two major families. It wasn't long after that, that he was unofficially, and later officially, moved up to be a Major House. La'Crow was now a Major Noble House, and it was built by his own fingers.
Celebrations would have to wait though...
Shinigami[/u]
Since becoming a Noble House, Armond found a few more relatives of his. His aunt and uncle from his mother's side, his grandfather from his father's side. Their house grew, and in time they were a proper noble family once more. His mother even adopted a child or two from the streets of the Rukongai. She was a caring soul, and it pained her to see children without parents. The La'Crow family became known for not only their needlework, but their affection for those less fortunate.
One year, the Rukongai was attacked by Hollow. Out of instinct, Armond went to the site. It was terrible. Low class Hollow dared to invade and attack innocent souls. He could only watch though. The Shinigami mobilized quickly, and he was escorted back home. He sat in his chambers for the rest of the day, thinking about what was going on. He loved doing what he did...Truly, it was wonderful. Seeing the Hollow though, he missed his old life. Not of nobility, but the circus. He missed being able to save lives...make an actual difference. That night at dinner, he told his mother what was on his mind. She chuckled and told him he should go. She knew that she wouldn't have him here forever. Shinigami were constantly coming to the door, trying to get him to join, and he was always denying. It took an actual threat to make him realize how little he is actually doing.
The next morning, he went to the Academy to enlist. Of course by this point they knew him. He had met with just about every adviser, teacher, and rep at least once. He took the entrance exam, and just barely skimmed his way into Class 1. His training began, and it was not easy by any means. That is to say, he understood it wasn't supposed to be easy. While he remembered only flashes of his previous life, his body remembered almost all of it. His training with the sword took off, his flexibility and agility assisted him in his Hakuda studies, Kido was a bit of a sore spot for him because it didn't come as easily, but Hoho studies came naturally. Overall, he seemed pretty well balanced, but even before enlisting he knew where he wanted to go, and he knew just how to get there.
He paced himself in his Zanjutu classes so as not to draw too much attention from an unwanted Division, his Kido class he wasn't worried about, his Hoho and Hakuda classes though were where he shined. He was the first in his class to successfully use Shunpo, and from that moment he did nothing but focus his skills in it. He wanted to be faster, better. In his Hakuda class he was the third to take down the instructor. He loved his time in the Academy. Here he was not nobility, he was not a commoner, he was just a being like everyone else. There was no special treatment. If anything, he was held to a higher standard because of his status. He gave it his all though, and he proved that he could handle anything they threw at him.
He worked hard and was permitted a pass within two years time. During that two years, however, he had already spoken with the leader of the 2nd Division / Onmitsukido. He wanted so badly to join them. He admired their tenacity, their courage, their strength and speed. He was a gifted individual who could have graduated sooner, but he wanted as much time as he could stand in the Academy to train. Observing this, the leader of the Onmitsukido permitted him to often come out on simple runs or training sessions with the squad. Something that worked Armond over real good. It was actually during a training session that he discovered the name of his Zanpakuto. In it's sealed state the blade was a tanto. He held it skillfully, and proved that despite it's small size, it was perfect for his play style. During a sparring session with one of their fourth seats, time seemed to slow to a crawl. He heard a muffled sound calling to him. He recognized it as his Zanpakuto. The muffled sound grew louder and louder until it was a man shouting in his ear. He looked around and saw the cloaked figure standing there. He offered a claw to him. Armond took it and stood up. The conversation they had was silent, literally silent. Though Armond's mouth moved, he could hear no sound come from it. Though he could not see the face of his Spirit he understood what he was being told.
When time resumed, Armond released his Zanpakuto in the training grounds for all of the Second Division to see. The Leader smirked at this site. Not because it was ever so brilliant, or that Armond had done something grand. No. Please. He just learned the name of his Zanpakuto, while that was something to be celebrated, he was smirking because now he'd have one more soldier, one more blade for the war that was to come. A war that he was not happy about, but that he knew was coming.
All the same, upon graduating, he was immediately snatched up by the Second Division. He was placed in the fifth seat of that division and given his duties. Tasks that he performed without deviation. He still, of course, made time to go home and see his mother who worried about him every time he went to fight Hollow. That attacked left her with more worries than she could handle alone. He was glad that his house was full now. There were even a few of his clan members attempting to get into the Academy by this point. Mostly the younger members, as the older ones were helping with the business more often than not, and even a few of the children or young adults were getting into tailoring as well.
Twenty years later, he was almost killed. The Hollow who almost killed him still roams, he left him alive simply to torment him. Armond new this. This single event changed him forever. He was still the kind soul that he was before, but there was now a darkness lurking under that voice. Upon his return he rested for five days with the 4th Divisions medical care. The Hollow had broken multiple bones in his body, he had a few torn tendons, and his left arm was paralyzed. Had he been alone, he would have been dead for sure. After this event, he slew a Hollow and crafted a mask of his own from it's mask. He painted a simple design on it, under the right eye. It has been more than two hundred years since that day. Everyone has forgotten about it, or is dead. It still haunts him though. His face is usually only shown at home now, and thus there is almost nobody who remembers what he looks like under the mask.
Today he is the 3rd Seat of the Second Division. Over the centuries, he has gotten the nickname "Mask", for obvious reasons. Nobody really hates him for it. He's not viewed as weird or different, but he will also not explain why he wears it to most people. To date, only his mother actually knows why he wears his mask.
One year, the Rukongai was attacked by Hollow. Out of instinct, Armond went to the site. It was terrible. Low class Hollow dared to invade and attack innocent souls. He could only watch though. The Shinigami mobilized quickly, and he was escorted back home. He sat in his chambers for the rest of the day, thinking about what was going on. He loved doing what he did...Truly, it was wonderful. Seeing the Hollow though, he missed his old life. Not of nobility, but the circus. He missed being able to save lives...make an actual difference. That night at dinner, he told his mother what was on his mind. She chuckled and told him he should go. She knew that she wouldn't have him here forever. Shinigami were constantly coming to the door, trying to get him to join, and he was always denying. It took an actual threat to make him realize how little he is actually doing.
The next morning, he went to the Academy to enlist. Of course by this point they knew him. He had met with just about every adviser, teacher, and rep at least once. He took the entrance exam, and just barely skimmed his way into Class 1. His training began, and it was not easy by any means. That is to say, he understood it wasn't supposed to be easy. While he remembered only flashes of his previous life, his body remembered almost all of it. His training with the sword took off, his flexibility and agility assisted him in his Hakuda studies, Kido was a bit of a sore spot for him because it didn't come as easily, but Hoho studies came naturally. Overall, he seemed pretty well balanced, but even before enlisting he knew where he wanted to go, and he knew just how to get there.
He paced himself in his Zanjutu classes so as not to draw too much attention from an unwanted Division, his Kido class he wasn't worried about, his Hoho and Hakuda classes though were where he shined. He was the first in his class to successfully use Shunpo, and from that moment he did nothing but focus his skills in it. He wanted to be faster, better. In his Hakuda class he was the third to take down the instructor. He loved his time in the Academy. Here he was not nobility, he was not a commoner, he was just a being like everyone else. There was no special treatment. If anything, he was held to a higher standard because of his status. He gave it his all though, and he proved that he could handle anything they threw at him.
He worked hard and was permitted a pass within two years time. During that two years, however, he had already spoken with the leader of the 2nd Division / Onmitsukido. He wanted so badly to join them. He admired their tenacity, their courage, their strength and speed. He was a gifted individual who could have graduated sooner, but he wanted as much time as he could stand in the Academy to train. Observing this, the leader of the Onmitsukido permitted him to often come out on simple runs or training sessions with the squad. Something that worked Armond over real good. It was actually during a training session that he discovered the name of his Zanpakuto. In it's sealed state the blade was a tanto. He held it skillfully, and proved that despite it's small size, it was perfect for his play style. During a sparring session with one of their fourth seats, time seemed to slow to a crawl. He heard a muffled sound calling to him. He recognized it as his Zanpakuto. The muffled sound grew louder and louder until it was a man shouting in his ear. He looked around and saw the cloaked figure standing there. He offered a claw to him. Armond took it and stood up. The conversation they had was silent, literally silent. Though Armond's mouth moved, he could hear no sound come from it. Though he could not see the face of his Spirit he understood what he was being told.
When time resumed, Armond released his Zanpakuto in the training grounds for all of the Second Division to see. The Leader smirked at this site. Not because it was ever so brilliant, or that Armond had done something grand. No. Please. He just learned the name of his Zanpakuto, while that was something to be celebrated, he was smirking because now he'd have one more soldier, one more blade for the war that was to come. A war that he was not happy about, but that he knew was coming.
All the same, upon graduating, he was immediately snatched up by the Second Division. He was placed in the fifth seat of that division and given his duties. Tasks that he performed without deviation. He still, of course, made time to go home and see his mother who worried about him every time he went to fight Hollow. That attacked left her with more worries than she could handle alone. He was glad that his house was full now. There were even a few of his clan members attempting to get into the Academy by this point. Mostly the younger members, as the older ones were helping with the business more often than not, and even a few of the children or young adults were getting into tailoring as well.
Twenty years later, he was almost killed. The Hollow who almost killed him still roams, he left him alive simply to torment him. Armond new this. This single event changed him forever. He was still the kind soul that he was before, but there was now a darkness lurking under that voice. Upon his return he rested for five days with the 4th Divisions medical care. The Hollow had broken multiple bones in his body, he had a few torn tendons, and his left arm was paralyzed. Had he been alone, he would have been dead for sure. After this event, he slew a Hollow and crafted a mask of his own from it's mask. He painted a simple design on it, under the right eye. It has been more than two hundred years since that day. Everyone has forgotten about it, or is dead. It still haunts him though. His face is usually only shown at home now, and thus there is almost nobody who remembers what he looks like under the mask.
Today he is the 3rd Seat of the Second Division. Over the centuries, he has gotten the nickname "Mask", for obvious reasons. Nobody really hates him for it. He's not viewed as weird or different, but he will also not explain why he wears it to most people. To date, only his mother actually knows why he wears his mask.
Statistics[/u]
Reiatsu Hue: RAINBOW
Reiatsu Flavor: Those who feel his reiatsu, will have a sense of overwhelming peace. They will feel the happiest they have ever felt, and upon looking at Armond will almost feel as if fighting is pointless. Basically the opposite of scaring your enemy into not fighting.
Stats
Reiryoku: 40
Power: 60
Agility: 120
Affinity: 100
Skill Tier:
Hakuda- Tier 1
Hoho - Tier 1
Analyzing - Tier 1
Abilities
Muffle
Shunpo
Shikai
Soul Link 2
Kido
Soul Avenger
Desperation