I would like to thank certain people (The Ink Peacock, Fairyprncss5678, Coraz, ANIMEGAL TOMBOY, IchigoGalaxy, Clolot, and Eizariya) for the support they have shown the series (and me). I would also like to thank the readers from places like China, France, Norway, Kuwait, Australia, Japan, Greece, Russia, Germany and so many others … I mean, AHHH! It is such a privilege to have ANY readers, let alone readers half way across the world. I'm sorry my author's notes are such a rambling mess. I just have to convey my gratitude.

I go into a historically accurate torture/execution, which the victim was ALIVE for (until the beheading). Nothing too crazy, but I wouldn't eat and read. I've read and written worse in my life.

Part XXI: Against God and Nature

Uryu Ishida kneeled beside Coyote's corpse, swallowing uncomfortably as he was forced to touch him. He rolled him onto his back, exclaiming in surprise as his eyes met his. "It's dead, idiot. Hurry up, before it wakes up." The Quincy beside him admonished.

Uryu nodded wordlessly, pulling a velvet pouch from his coat pocket. He crossed himself quickly, bowing his head, "Let us pray to our Father in heaven, who has given us these seals for our use."

"Blessed are you, Lord God, king of the universe: you have made all things for your glory. Bless these seals and grant that we may use them in your service and for the good of all your people." Uryu looked around at the other Quincys nervously. "Father, we praise you through Christ our Lord. Amen!"

Uryu pulled out a long strip of metal. It was pointed at the tip, thick like a knitting needle with a cross at the end. He pressed the sharp point against Coyote's skin, pushing it inside. The skin was tough and dense and it resisted. Uryu wiped the sweat from his brow as he pushed a third cross pin inside Coyote's deformed hand.

Copious black liquid oozed from Coyote's wounds, the foul fluid actually steaming where it met the pins. "What is this?" Uryu asked, covering his nose in disgust.

"Blood." The Quincy next to him answered as he pulled Coyote's arm, lifting him off the ground. Another Quincy placed a circular block of wood down on the ground and the man holding Coyote let go. Coyote's body fell onto the wood with a thud, his body remaining motionless. "Finish up, Ishida."

"I'm going as fast as I can," Uryu complained irritably. "There is a proper way to do this. I'm not going to make any careless mistakes." Uryu held the last pin in his mouth as he pressed one through Coyote's hand. "It's not like he's gonna wake up, anyway, relax…" Uryu mumbled around the pin.

"Of course it's gonna wake up," the other man laughed. "The seals just keep it from transforming… and trust me they work… you can't imagine how many people we lost before Yhwach discovered that trick…"

Uryu removed the pin from his mouth, placing it against Coyote's hand. He studied the appendage in silence, moving the pin around, searching for an empty spot to place the final seal. "Are they all like this one?" Uryu asked quietly.

"How do you mean?" the Quincy shrugged. "They don't usually travel together if that's what you mean…" the other man lifted a hammer, piercing a thick iron spike through Coyote's ankle, pinning him to the circular wood base. "It's just like all the others though; it eats human flesh and serves the Devil."

"Disgusting," Uryu agreed, sitting back and replacing the velvet pouch to his coat pocket. "I'm done." Uryu jumped as the hammer struck the second iron spike into Coyote's other ankle.

Coyote's body twitched, a low groan escaping his lips. The hammer struck iron twice more, impaling Coyote through the wrists. Uryu rolled to his feet, taking a few steps back. His stomach clenched painfully and he wrapped his arms around himself uncomfortably.

"This is your first time, eh?" the older man asked with a knowing smile. "It's always hard the first couple of times… if you don't get killed right away…" the Quincys lifted the wooden circle upright and began to roll Coyote uphill. "Hey, Ishida, come help us push!"

Ishida held his hand out unsurely, before pulling it back. He walked along beside them, every so often pressing his hand against the wood to steady it. Another low groan escaped from Coyote's lips and Uryu ran ahead, nervously. "I'm going to clear the path," Uryu explained quickly. "So he doesn't get caught in the vines…"

Coyote's eyelashes fluttered softly. He moved his head from side to side weakly, struggling to wake up. Something wet hit his face and he tried to wipe it off with his hand. His body refused to move and for a few seconds Coyote couldn't remember what had happened.

Coyote opened his eyes and found himself staring up at nothing but trees. Coyote's eyes narrowed in confusion, his brain unable to keep up with what he was seeing. Tree tops, trunk, ground, trunk, tree tops, trunk, ground, trunk… His stomach lurched and everything clicked, his memories overwhelming him like a tidal wave.

Coyote closed his eyes, the breeze cooling his hot skin as he rolled uphill. He swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Now what, genius? Coyote thought. I can't move. I can't escape. I'm going to die. Coyote began to laugh bitterly. Just when I decide I don't want to die… isn't life a joy? Coyote's thoughts froze and he inhaled the scent in the air deeply.

The scent made the hair on his arms and legs stand on end. He opened his eyes and turned his head from side to side, inspecting his restraints. His stomach flipped in disgust as he realized he was staked in place. He cursed his luck and sulked, studying the needle-like spikes in his right hand curiously.

Thick black blood seeped from the gouges, dripping onto Coyote's face. The pain in his arms and legs intensified and he bit down on his lip to keep from crying out. He lapped at the fresh blood in his mouth, focusing on the metallic taste and not the agony.

As Coyote was rolled into the clearing he saw what was left of the cabin, nothing but ash and debris. Coyote twisted his neck uncomfortably, scanning the big tree quickly. His heart sank before he pushed the thoughts of Orihime from his mind. He didn't have the luxury of worrying about anyone else.

"So begins the trial of Coyote Starrk." Yhwach announced. Coyote turned his head to the side, scanning the row of uniformed Quincy until his eyes settled on Yhwach. "You are accused of witchcraft, creating a covenant with the Devil, murder, cannibalism, and sodomy." Coyote exhaled heavily, closing his eyes. "How plead you?"

"Not guilty." Coyote called out firmly, a smirk twisting his lips. "Except for the sodomy part, I won't lie…"

Yhwach's face twitched, his dark eyes narrowing. He was furious, Coyote could tell. Rage and hatred were etched deeply into his features, his entire body rigid and unyielding. "We have enough evidence." Yhwach said simply. "Coyote Starrk, I sentence you to death. First you shall be drowned, and then eviscerated and emasculated, you will be quartered and your head will be severed, finally to be placed upon a spike for the birds to feast on."

"That's a bit severe…" Coyote exclaimed, his voice jagged as he was rolled downhill toward the river. "I'm a noble…" Coyote continued speaking, without any real hope. "Nobles get the guillotine."

"This isn't France." Yhwach countered. "You must pay for your crimes against God and Nature."

Coyote wanted to curse, he wanted to scream, he wanted to struggle until he freed himself. Coyote, however, did none of those things. One look in Yhwach's eyes told Coyote that he yearned for such a reaction. He desired it, the agony, the despair of his prisoner. Coyote smiled, a strange satisfaction spreading through him. I won't let you have it, Coyote vowed.

Coyote's feet were first into the river and the cold water gave him a burst of adrenaline. "Whoo! That's cold!" Coyote yelled before inhaling a big breath, the base turning. A second later his head was underwater. He held his breath, releasing air from his nose. The wooden base was rolled back and Coyote was pulled from the water.

Coyote gasped for air, his long, brown hair sticking to his face. His skin prickled in the cool night air and he let out an exhilarated laugh. He shivered involuntarily before spinning around, his head being forced underwater. Nearly four minutes later, Coyote was rolled right side up.

Coyote coughed, clearing his lungs before shaking his head, his hair sending water flying. "You seem confident." Yhwach noted irritably. "Do you think we don't know how to kill you? We do. But I am not going to release you until you have first gone mad from the pain."

"You seem confidant yourself." Coyote retorted. "I'm not afraid. I'm not going to go mad. I'm not going to beg for you to end me."

"We'll see." Yhwach snarled.

"Fuck you." Coyote said. He jumped in surprise at a sharp pinch in his right hand. He spared a quick glance, inhaling deeply. As Coyote was forced back underwater, he watched his hand slowly ejecting one of the pins. The cross twirled, as if unscrewing, a black seaweed-like strand pushing the foreign object from his body.

Coyote's pointer finger twitched on command and he accidently released a mouthful of air in his excitement. He focused on his finger, ignoring his burning lungs, and after an excruciating minute, the pin was pushed completely from his hand. It sank to the bottom of the river and Coyote smiled, his head whirling as he was rolled upright.

oOo

"I'm Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, this asshole is Ichigo Kurosaki, and the big, stupid monkey is Renji Abarai." The blue haired man spoke gruffly gesturing to the other men impatiently.

"We used to be contract holders." Renji Abarai, the man with the twisting tail explained. "A really long time ago."

"They are like Shunsui and Coyote." Jushiro whispered to Orihime.

"Nah." Grimmjow snapped.

"No, not really." Renji insisted.

"Not so much." Ichigo spoke, all three in unison.

"Lemme talk." Grimmjow waved his hand at Renji in annoyance. "When I first met Shunsui and Coyote, I didn't wish anything terrible on them but at the same time, I wasn't gonna risk my skin for their asses… so I tol' 'em that I'd keep an eye on 'em… do ya understand?"

Jushiro and Orihime nodded wordlessly.

"Good," Grimmjow nodded in approval. "Well all of that has changed now."

"How so?" Jushiro asked, his green eyes wide with anticipation.

"I need them." Grimmjow answered simply. He nodded at Renji and Ichigo and turned to walk away. "Stay alive until I get back. I need you too."

"Why?" Jushiro asked, looking from Grimmjow's retreating figure to Orihime.

"I'm going to help the other shifter," Renji called over his shoulder, running and leaping, his strong arms pulling him up into the trees.

Jushiro and Orihime turned to study the stranger in expectation. He smiled awkwardly, his brown eyes darting around the small clearing. "The two of you should stay by me." The three of them stood in uncomfortable silence until Orihime cleared her throat.

"Are you a monkey too?" Orihime asked.

"No, thank God." Ichigo answered quickly.

"Is that other guy a monkey?" Orihime continued curiously.

"Grimmjow?" Ichigo laughed, folding himself onto the ground agilely. He crossed his legs, bouncing them quickly. "No… he's a panther," Ichigo leaned in closely to Orihime. "He's just a big kitty cat."

"Are you a kitty cat?" Orihime asked, her brown eyes wide.

"No." Ichigo simply smiled.

"Are you a wolf like Shunsui and Coyote?" Orihime continued.

"My God, you are curious!" Ichigo blurted suddenly, running a hand over his short orange hair. "Sheesh. I'm trying to listen to the forest."

"Oh." Orihime made a zipping gesture over her lips. She folded her hands in front of her, swaying back and forth. After a few seconds of silence she looked as if she might burst. "What is the forest saying?"

"I didn't mean it literally," Ichigo groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose firmly.

"Are your friends going to fight the good guys?" Orihime questioned.

"Grimmjow's not my friend." Ichigo replied, shaking his head from side to side. "He's an ass." Ichigo sighed, rubbing his hand over his mouth. "Yeah, they are going to go save your friends."

"Why aren't you fighting?" Jushiro asked suddenly, surprised as Ichigo's brown eyes met his. "Are you human?"

"I'm a shifter." Ichigo answered quickly, his finger stirring the pile of leaves in front of him. "I just can't fight like they can." Orihime and Jushiro nodded and Ichigo realized they misunderstood. "I can fight, I just can't hold back."

"Wow." Orihime breathed, her pale cheeks stained pink. "I bet you turn into something really, really, really, really cool."

Ichigo shrugged, extending his legs out in front of him, "I can't say for sure, but if I could do it all over again, I probably wouldn't sign my name."

oOo

"Stay out of it!" Jugram snapped, throwing his arm out to stop the charging Quincys. "This is my fight." Jugram pressed his hand to his jaw, his fingers tracing the deep cut tentatively. "Live or die, I do it alone."

"Throwing away victory for the sake of manners is a rookie mistake." Shunsui said with a frown. Shunsui sheathed his sword, unbuckling his belt and letting it fall to the ground. He released the ties of his pants, stepping out of them brazenly. He stood there, stark naked for a moment before Jugram realized what he was planning to do.

"Shoot him!" Jugram shouted, the vein in his forehead pulsating. "Take him down! Take him down now! He's going to shift!"

A dozen arrows pierced his neck, chest and stomach, but he didn't even flinch. "Your poisoned arrows earlier have made me a bit numb, forgive me for the disappointing reaction." With a loud crack Shunsui collapsed on the ground, his bones snapping and shifting. He roared, his low voice morphing into a more sinister sound.

Jugram blanched, stringing three arrows onto his bow. He stalked forward, aiming directly at Shunsui's heart. He released the arrows, a cautious smile on his face. Shunsui, or rather the wolf, whined and Jugram lost no time restringing his bow.

He released another arrow, through the throat. He pulled an arrow from his quiver, aiming at the transitioning wolf's hind leg. Jugram reached for another arrow and another, taking aim at the wolf's critical points. "Seal him." Jugram called over his shoulder as he restrung his bow. "If I can't kill him, I'll just keep him kneeling."

"Where is his wolf strap?" One of his subordinates asked nervously. "It's not so obvious."

"If in doubt," Jugram spoke slowly, focused on maintaining the steady stream of arrows. "Two in the eyes, two in the ears, one in the tongue, one in the throat, one in the heart, one in gut, and two in groin."

"Yes, Sir."

"It is absolutely critical to use all ten. It is the only way to completely immobilize the wolf strap." Jugram explained as he snapped his fingers, his quiver being refilled with a fresh round of arrows.

The wolf stood suddenly, shaking itself so vigorously that the arrows smacked against one another noisily. Jugram frowned, taking a wary step backward as he restrung his bow. The wolf seemed to be getting bigger and Jugram muttered his confusion under his breath.

The wolf enlarged to unnatural proportions, its black tail swishing behind agitatedly. The wolf sneezed blood and for a moment the forest was completely silent. Jugram's eyes were locked onto the wolf's, both unwilling to look away first.

"You're bluffing." Jugram said at last, a guarded smile crossing his face. "You barely have the strength to stand."

"Who's faster? You or the wolf?"
Jugram startled at the unknown speaker, dropping the arrow in his hand. He let out his breath and closed his eyes. "Fuck." The wolf was on top of him before the arrow hit the ground, the wolf's enormous hind foot pressing excruciatingly into his stomach. "I guess we both lose." Jugram thrust his dagger into Shunsui's abdomen, arching the tip upward and into his heart. Clumps of hair began to fall from the beast, its body decomposing at an accelerated rate.

Shunsui fell on top of Jugram, his hand snaking between them to pull the blade from his chest. Shunsui groaned as Jugram rolled him off in disgust. "Perhaps I was wrong. Looks like I win."

Shunsui hit the ground, his eyes rolling in their sockets. "Don't be so fucking naïve."

Jugram grimaced, a sudden and intense pain nearly causing him to lose consciousness. He cried out, pushing himself into a sitting position. He looked down in confusion, a bewildered expression on his face. He reached down, his hand touching the red stain marring his uniform.

Jugram pressed his finger to the pink growth trailing down his stomach without understanding. There was a lot of blood, but Jugram was more concerned with the strands of twisting pink tubing. "Oh," Jugram nodded his head slowly in understanding, dropping his entrails from his hand. "You got me."

"I got you." Shunsui said softly before his head dropped back down to the leaf-strewn earth, his breath rattling out of his chest. His eyes stared ahead unfocused, unseeing and with one last sigh everything stopped.

"Seal him." Jugram instructed, his teeth stained pink with blood. "And… tell Yhwach… that…I…" Jugram's jaw slackened, his eyes drooping closed.

Sometime later, Shunsui opened his watering eyes, his head pounding. "Yabbe, yabbe…" he groaned sitting up and looking around himself in confusion. Where the fuck did everyone go?, he thought, too perplexed to be relieved.

"You are so lucky I came along." Long, red hair fell like a curtain in front of Shunsui's face and Shunsui found himself looking at another man's upside down face. Shunsui exclaimed in surprise, his first reaction to fight. His balled fist connected with Renji's jaw and the large man fell on top of him with a grunt. "What the hell, man?!"

"What the hell?! What the hell, you!" Shunsui barked, looking behind himself in bewilderment. "Where did you come from?"

"I saved your ass." Renji said, shrugging his broad shoulders and smiling smugly. "If it weren't for me, you'd be sealed and on your way to Yhwach."

Shunsui wrinkled his nose, an overpowering odor attacking his senses. He leaned forward, sniffing the large redhead curiously. "Is that horrible stench you?"

"Aww, man, really?" Renji frowned, his hands reaching up and rubbing his tattooed temples. "You gotta be like that?"

"Who the fuck are you? What is happening?" Shunsui asked, shaking his head slowly.

"My name is Renji Abarai." Renji offered his hand, squeezing a little harder than necessary. "I'm a shifter."

"What happened to the Quincys?" Shunsui pulled himself to his feet, plucking his pants from the ground where they had been folded neatly. Did that guy really fold my pants? Shunsui wondered.

"I took care of 'em." Renji shrugged, his beady brown eyes moving upward pointedly. "While you slept." Renji arched his brows, or rather what would have been his brows, and smirked.

Shunsui looked up into the trees, bodies strewn like debris through the branches. The bodies were broken, necks and limbs jutting in unnatural directions. Drying blood stemmed from their noses, ears, mouths and empty eye sockets. Shunsui made a face, sparing a glance at the other man, "How did they die?"

"Slowly," Renji whispered, leaning into Shunsui closely. "Now let's move along. The little wolf pup is in trouble."

"Shit…" Shunsui growled. "He's so troublesome."

"Tch." Renji's eyes narrowed mischievously, a white tail coiling behind him agitatedly. "Are you one to talk?"

"Never mind that, is Jushiro okay? He's a human, white hair, green eyes…" Shunsui began to panic. "And a little girl, seven years old, ginger hair, brown eyes…"

"They're fine." Renji said before springing into the air, his large hands gripping the tree branches overhead. He swung upward to the stronger branches before whistling loudly. "Follow me. Quickly, quietly."

oOo

Coyote swallowed the sick rising in his throat, his head falling back against the wooden base roughly. His vision blurred and doubled and he blinked his eyes rapidly in an attempt to focus. Coyote could no longer hold down the contents of his stomach and he spewed, covering his chest and the Quincy standing before him.

The group broke into uproarious laughter as Cang Du flung the sick from his boots. His scarred mouth twitched downward into a frown and his dark, narrow eyes darted to where Yhwach sat watching. "Disgusting…" Cang Du murmured as his hand unfastened the knife from his belt.

He pulled the knife upward, mere inches from his own nose, examining it closely. He nodded his head wordlessly, turning the blade over in his hand. Yhwach leaned forward in his seat, his head dropping in a subtle nod, his stern face creased with a constant frown.

Coyote spit bile from his mouth, his deep blue eyes following Cang Du's motions curiously. "Are you scared?" Cang Du asked softly. He began to remove Coyote's remaining clothing, easily slicing the knife through the thin linen.

"Not at all." Coyote bumped his head against the wooden base loudly. "There's not a lot that scares me…" he wriggled the fingers of his right hand with great effort, another long needle twisting out. It fell into the grass silently and Coyote smiled. "I'm not a fan of pain, though I'm used to it by now."

Cang Du nodded after a moment of consideration, "Fair enough." His hand flew forward, the blade piercing through Coyote's skin with a loud POP! Cang Du dragged the knife upward, using both hands to cut through the thick tissue of Coyote's abdominal wall.

Coyote grunted loudly, his lips spewing forth expletives. Cang Du paled as he continued eviscerating Coyote, warm crimson spilling over his hands. He removed the knife and took a step back, uselessly dabbing at his bloodied hands with a handkerchief. Cang Du's frown deepened as he examined a deep gash in his palm, a result of forcefully wielding the knife.

Coyote blinked slowly, moisture falling from his eyes, streaming down his cheeks and dripping off his chin. His body lurched forward as he struggled to remain conscious and he rolled his head from side to side sluggishly. He relaxed his body, letting his head flop forward. He gaped at the blood pouring from his stomach, staring intently at the bloodied canvas of grass.

Cang Du returned with a peculiarly shaped tool in his hands. The crowd began to grow impatient, screaming and hollering suggestions at the thin Quincy. He ignored them, his gloved hand pressing against Coyote's bare thigh. His hand snaked upward hesitantly and Coyote began to struggle against the stakes holding him into place.

"Go to disembowel him and he doesn't bat an eye…" Yhwach taunted with a wry smile. "But go after his manhood and he mewls like a woman."

"You'd better hurry up and kill me…" Coyote barked, closing his eyes and grimacing as the tool was tightened around his very favorite parts. "If you don't kill me, I will kill you… I will fucking tear you apart. Don't you fucking dare… Don't you fucking dare… You pieces of shit! You fucking pieces of fucking shit!" Coyote panicked, his right hand clenching into a fist. "You had better be fucking dead, Shunsui!"

The Quincy's cheered in grotesque delight, their thunderous calls drowning out Coyote's agonized screams. The overwhelming scent of blood assailed Coyote and his head swam sickeningly. He barely registered his surroundings as Cang Du placed the stolen flesh into the fire. Coyote was still alive, not because of his contract and not because of his piece of the Master, no, this torture was intended to be inflicted on a living person.

Cang Du took the axe that As Nodt extended toward him. Cang Du balanced the weapon in his hands before rushing forward, the axe severing Coyote's left arm from his body. Cang Du pressed his boot into Coyote's body, using him as leverage to pull the embedded axe from the wooden base. "Are you scared now?"

"Not at all…" Coyote whispered, blood spilling from his mouth as his lips parted.

"You are a terrible liar." Cang Du spoke softly, groaning as he freed the axe at last.

"I'm not… lying…" Coyote grunted with great effort. "I'm not… worried… about me…"

"Your friends are going to die along beside you." Cang Du insisted, his brow furrowing in agitation. "I wouldn't dream of separating the three of you."

Coyote intended to reply, but blood filled his throat and lungs and he began to choke. He murmured intelligibly, twisting his body in a weak attempt to free himself. Cruel laughter echoed in Coyote's head, shooting through him like arrows. He growled lowly, his right arm burning to transform.

Cang Du brought the axe down against Coyote's left leg and as Coyote's body jerked from the force causing several of the pins in Coyote's hand to drop to the ground. The axe had not severed his leg completely and it dangled sickly from the remaining tissue and sinew.

"Hurry and end this. We aren't done." Yhwach instructed.

Coyote looked up, the hair all over his body standing on end. He smiled, inhaling a deep breath of familiar scent. His blue eyes locked on Cang Du's and with a whimper he wrenched his right arm free. He growled, baring his teeth as Cang Du dropped the axe to his side, stumbling backward in a panic.

"Kill him, kill him now." Yhwach ordered. Several arrows struck Coyote, but he was bleeding so profusely the poison held no effect. "Fucking kill him!"

Coyote grimaced, using his remaining arm to push himself forward, pulling his right leg from the base weightily. The injured left leg was yanked from his body, remaining behind, pinned to the wooden base. Coyote fell into the grass and could move no more.

"Kill him! Kill him while he is down! Cut off his arm! Cut it off!" Yhwach's deep voice boomed.

"Why didn't they hold?" As Nodt mumbled, reaching down and picking up a long metal pin. He narrowed his eyes and stuck the pin back into Coyote's hand. He scanned the grass, his eyes opening wide as he collected several more of the pins. "Why didn't they work?"

"Nevermind the fucking pins, you fucking worthless sack of shit!" Yhwach growled. "If you're going to be that close, chop off his fucking hand!" As Nodt lifted the axe into his hands and raised it above his head, his mask obscuring his demented smile. "Yes! Good boy! Kill him!"

As Nodt wasted no time, swinging the axe down against Coyote's wrist. The axe bounced and As Nodt narrowed his eyes suspiciously. The axe had, in fact, cut a deep gash into Coyote's arm but the peculiar black substance had held it together, by sheer force of will, keeping the piece connected to Coyote. As Nodt lifted the axe once again, his long black hair twisting in the wind.

A deafening scream startled the group of Quincy and they looked around the clearing in a panic. The noise was definitely not human, a raw, powerful scream belonging to some animal. "Don't get distracted, As Nodt." Yhwach commanded, his dark eyes shifting around his surroundings.

A massive white panther dropped from an overhead branch, his beautiful form slinking across the clearing. With every step his powerful shoulders rolled, his white and powdery blue coat glistening like a fresh blanket of snow.

"Jaegerjaquez…" Yhwach murmured, too drawn in by the beauty of the creature to do much more than stare. After a moment he returned to his senses and lifted his cloak, covering his nose and mouth instantly. "Masks! Cover your face! Attend to Jaegerjaquez. He is our priority!"

The panther's tail swished back and forth agitatedly, his mesmerizing blue eyes locked onto the leader of the Quincy. The panther screamed, baring impressive, white fangs, the toes of his paws spreading as his claws extended.

"What are you doing here?" Yhwach questioned, pulling a sword from his belt. "This isn't like you at all."

Coyote, can you move? Coyote groaned, unable to even shake his head 'no'. Get the silver out of your hand. You will heal faster. You need to get out of here. Now. Hurry. Coyote cursed, spitting grass out of his mouth. He brought his hand toward his mouth, pulling the pins out with his teeth. He closed his eyes, giving into the strong pull of sleep. No. You can't sleep, Coyote. Coyote cursed under his breath. Sometimes he really hated the voice in his head.

Coyote moved slowly, every inch agonizing. He pulled himself onto his side, lifting his head enough to see what was happening. A thick fog rolled throughout the clearing, leaving an intoxicatingly sweet scent in the air. The fog filled Coyote's nostrils and mouth and he sighed, the pain subsiding greatly.

Don't breathe it in, Coyote. It's a trap. Coyote frowned, watching the Quincys curiously. Many had cloths over their faces and they hurried about the clearing, their attention on the white panther circling Yhwach. Even more men stood, completely silent and still, their noses and mouths exposed. They inhaled the saccharine fog as if it were their favorite drink, their eyes growing drowsy and their mouths dropping open with lust.

You need to transform. You'll heal faster. Coyote groaned, the voice inside his head was functioning at a much higher rate. Slow down, Coyote thought. I'm not awake.

You really will die. As Nodt is coming for you. Grimmjow can't protect you for long. Go. Crawl if you have to. Just go!

Coyote nodded, there wasn't much else he could do. He grabbed a handful of grass and pulled. His body moved forward a few inches before he stopped, blades of torn grass in his hand. Try again. Coyote nodded, his blood moistened lips moving slowly, "I don't want to die..."

Coyote inched through the grass, a thick smear of blood trailing behind him. His body had finally begun to repair itself, starting with the stomach. He only had to hold on for a little longer… Coyote moaned as a heavy, black boot crushed down on his fingers.

He turned his head to the side, blowing the wet hair from his face weakly. He stared up at the two Quincys, his face drawn tight and emotionless. The Quincy stepping on him was old and rather plump around the middle, but the other was young and handsome. "Uryu was it?"

"Uryu Ishida." Uryu clarified severely.

"We'll be the ones to kill it." The older Quincy prattled excitedly. "We'll receive the bounty."

"You can't kill me, you're too ugly," Coyote muttered, flashing his pink stained teeth merrily. "I have standards, even at the end." Coyote's blue eyes settled on Uryu and Uryu could have sworn the injured man winked. "I'll let you kill me, Uryu…"

"Kill it, Ishida." The Quincy clapped Uryu on the back roughly before stringing his bow. Uryu nodded, pulling at the knife secured to his belt nervously. He fumbled with the fastenings, his pale cheeks blushing. "Just pull the damn thing out, will ya?!" The older Quincy tugged at the knife forcefully, causing a thin, needle-like strip of metal to fall to the ground.

Uryu's eyes widened in horror as the pin bounced on the ground, the embellished cross sparkling treacherously. "What is that…?" The older Quincy bent down to inspect it when the realization hit him. "You didn't use them all, did you?"

Uryu grunted as the other man's substantial weight fell onto him. The young Quincy nearly folded under the pressure before letting the other man fall to the ground, Uryu's knife sticking out of his chest. Uryu's blue eyes widened even more, his entire body breaking into a cold sweat. "Oh my God…" Uryu looked as if he couldn't decide whether to cry or to scream. "What have I done…? What did I do? What do I do?"

"Run." Coyote instructed. "I won't come after you, I swear."

"I have to kill you!" Uryu shouted, pulling the knife from the dead Quincy's chest and brandishing it at Coyote. "This was an accident! If I kill you, I'll be forgiven…"

"I'm going to transform in the next thirty seconds," Coyote grunted as the bones in his hand began to snap. "If I were you, I would run."