Shadows on the Horizon

Darkness filled the halls of an elaborate palace. What dimension, nation, or realm, this palace was located in, could not be comprehended. The sky was forever blackened — frozen rain locked forever in a drizzle, raining from its hellish skies. On an elaborate balcony, on the topmost portion of this place, a large man sat upon his throne.

"What is the status of the project?" the monarch's thundering voice struck out in the darkness.

"It is nearly ready, your Majesty." a reply, from a much softer voice, echoed out in response.

"Soon then, our ancient enemies will finally become our greatest weapon." the monarch replied.

"It was so good of Akujin to bring his Majesty back." the weaker voice replied, its slim figure slipping from the shadows to stand behind its ruler's throne.

"Yes. To give me... no... to give us a final chance. We shall not make the same mistakes as last time. It is time for Soul Society's despair... to begin..." the monarch replied, his voice distant as his mind.

"Simply say the word, your Majesty, and your will shall be carried out." the weaker voice replied in agreement.

"Sterben..." the monarch replied, a foreign tongue on his lips.

"It shall be done." the slender man bowed, shrinking back into the shadows to accomplish his master's will.

As silence once more reigned through the throne room, and eerie flash of lighting, followed by the low roll of thunder, flashed across the open balcony, revealing a battle-hardened man, dressed in a long, tattered cloak, and white military garments; his face lined with thick, black, facial hair, and a long flowing mane of head-hair. A grin, ever so mischievous and devious, snaked its way across his face, before darkness again concealed him from the world.