For the 72nd District of Rukongai, the sun had finally pierced the clouds that had darkened the skies for days, revealing a much brighter landscape beneath. Slum-like and unclean as it was, the sunlight began to show it in a pleasant way not seen for some time.
"Sun's out," said one of the two Shinigami walking down one of the District s many streets. Reminds you of the old times, doesn t it, Tenchuu? It's been a long time since we were in this district. How many years?"
"You know," Seigi, Replied the other man, placing his hand on the back on his own neck. "Nostalgia will only weaken your guard."
"Oh, right," Seigi replied, bowing his head. "Yeah, sorry. I just thought it would bring back memories is all."
"We've moved on from this dump," explained Tenchuu. His eyes flickered throughout the streets of wary of the various villagers. There was not one smile among them as the Shinigami proceeded. Almost all were in the most pitiable of rags. What seemed to be abandoned sleeping bags littered the streets. "And I'm thankful. I this place looks like it's definitely gone downhill since he left. Half of them look like they're going to jump us at any moment." In response, Seigi gave a shrug and a haughty laugh.
"It's not like they'd be a problem for us even if they did," he told his partner, smiling. "C'mon, we re Shinigami for god's sake." Tenchuu focused his eyebrows, as if in thought. After a few brief moments, he too chuckled.
"You're right," he said, taking his eyes away from the villagers. "But still, keep your eyes peeled for anyone related to the target."
"Wait, what?" Seigi asked, bewildered. "Anyone related? How are we supposed to tell from a glance?"
"Oh, believe me, you'll know them when you see them," Tenchuu reassured him, smiling rather oddly. Seigi guessed from his expression he had made a joke of some kind. Walking on with his partner he figured he'd have to wait for its punchline.
At the heart of the District, a shabby building had been stood for some time. The villagers had often wondered what lie within. It had no obvious trademarks or signs. However two bustling men were always stationed on either side of its only door, so they figured it was important in some manner. Rushing towards this building was a man in rags. His hair was greasy and dirty, a look that his skin repulsively matched. He bolted towards the two guards and muttered a single inaudible word to them before heading inside.
"Kusemono-Sama, Two Shinigami have entered the District. However, we don't yet know their purpose," he reported, bowing his head respectively. He cranked his head upwards to look at his employer.
"I see," came a reply from a portly man sat, sat rather comfortably on an exotic cushion. "Then the Gotei must have finally caught on. Looks like we'll have to move operations again." Rising from his seat and stretching, Kusemono whispered in the ear of one of the servants who had sat beside him. Nodding his head, the servant rushed out of the door. "Meanwhile, you are to gather a few others and see if you can at least distract them while we move." Kusemono reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigar.
"Yes, Kusemono-Sama," agreed the man in rags, and he too ran out of the door.
Some time later, Seigi and Tenchuu were still walking towards the centre of District 72. The villagers here seemed to become increasingly poor, reaching new lows of wretchedness.
"Surely this didn't happen naturally over time," Seigi concluded, now wary of them. "Areas never just deteriorate."
"I agree," said Tenchuu. "It very probably has something to do with the target. Anyway, just remember, Seigi when we get to this building, don't act suspicious, behave like we're on patrol."
"Yes, yes, I remember," Seigi replied, rolling his eyes. "You must have said about five times."
"I know, but this is important," Tenchuu told his friend. "This is our first major assignment. We can't afford to screw it up."
They continued onwards into the centre, trying their best to keep straight faces. Any one of the villagers could be affiliates with the target. Seigi kept looking in the various windows, keeping an eye on the area behind the two.
"You know, I think we're being followed," he said to Tenchuu, attempting to still appear as normal as he could.
"I see. Pull off into the alley on the next left, I have an idea," Tenchuu told him.
Kusemono's servant continued on, following the two Shinigami as they marched down the street. This was a very important job for his Master. To disrupt the mission would be to end his own life.
This is risky. For all we know they could be from Division that specialises in investigation. They might have noticed me following them by now.
However, as time went on, the Soul Reapers did not make any suspicious moves, and the stalker concluded they were unwary of his movements.
Heh. This is a cakewalk. A flash of the knife around an unsuspecting bend and they'll both be mine.
Coincidently, one of the Shinigami began whispering something and they suddenly veered off into an alley on the left, confusing the stalker greatly.
What? Was I discovered? What is he saying?
Beginning to become nervous, the man poked his head around the alley in which the two had just entered. There they were. This was the chance he had been looking for. Excited, the man went into the alleyway and slowly walked towards them. He was certain they could not see behind themselves, and so he was safe from discovery.
Just a little further...
"Bakudou Thirteen, Earthen Maw."
"WHAT?!"
Suddenly, vines of earth shot out from the ground underneath the man, ensnaring his arms and legs in a vice-like grip.
"GARGH! DAMN YOU!" he cried from the pain in his limbs. "HOW?! Without the incantation!" The two Shinigami, now facing the stalker, both chuckled in response.
"Seigi," said one. "Make sure no one comes down this alley, his shouts are sure to attract attention."
"Yeah," agreed the other one, Seigi, and he hurried past the imprisoned would-be killer.
"Let me explain," Tenchuu said to the mysterious assailant. "Did you perhaps see me whispering before we entered the alley? I was already working on the Kidou."
But what I don t get is how come this guy knows Kidou needs an incantation to use? Demon Arts are practically unheard of by regular souls, let alone researched and known back to front.
"And how did you know this was a Kidou? Where did you gain this knowledge?" Tenchuu pressed. The snarls of the assailant could be clearly heard.
"I'm not going to answer that. You have no right to know, lowly Shinigami," he spoke out of spite.
"You're one to talk," Tenchuu retorted, his smile appearing again. "Do you happen to know what Division I'm from, assassin?" There was no reply. "Twelfth. We have the right to erase ANYONE we see fit from existence. Fancy that? Better cooperate, else I'll rip your limbs apart with that Kidou that binds you." Tenchuu reached his hand out at the attacker and began to close his fist, and in doing so ordering the Bakudou to tighten. The screams of the prisoner confirmed it was working.
"Damnit, okay, okay, OKAY! JUST LOOSEN IT UP! STOP IT, STOP IT!" he pleaded, struggling again the bonds. "I'll answer your questions!" Tenchuu placed his hand back at his side, and the grip of the tendrils loosened. Tenchuu cricked his neck before continuing.
"Right," he began. "Do you know who Kusemono is? We hear he s been creating a new drug and releasing the fumes in the village, getting the civilians hooked on it and forcing them to give him their money to feed their addictions for the real thing. We believe this to be the reason why the economy of this District has suddenly slumped." By the shocked expression on the assailant s face, it seemed Tenchuu had struck right on target. It was obvious he had not anticipated the plans of his master to be so easily figured out. Tenchuu's smirk grew wider. "I see. Might I ask your name?"
"No, you may not," rebelled the attacker, seemingly gaining his wits back. Sighing, Tenchuu lifted his hand up again as if to threaten the assailant with more torture. "NO! NO! OKAY! My name is Dorei!"
"Just Dorei? What kind of an alias is that?" Tenchuu commented, placing his hand on the back of his neck. "Honestly... anyway, one last question. What's the address of his headquarters?" At this point, a beeping sound came from Dorei, causing him to smile. Upon closer inspection, Tenchuu determined it to be the man's wristwatch, which he had only just noticed now. It was the only valuable-looking item on him. "Got somewhere to be? Hmm?" Without warning, Dorei broke out into a fit of laughter, unnerving Tenchuu. "What's so funny?"
"That beeping was the signal for all forces to pull out of District 72," explained the detainee with a mocking grin. "Kusemono's already gone, Shinigami, you've failed." Tenchuu's eyes widened suddenly, with a look of much ferocity and hatred. Forsaking his wits, he decided to act out of malice.
"Oh, he is, is he?" he snarled, taking several steps towards the trapped servant. "Oh well, guess that means you're all safe and out of the woods and able to carry on your little operations in secret. DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH, YOU BASTARD!" In rage Tenchuu lifted his hand up and clenched his fist together. The screams of a tortured man instantaneously followed.
"DAMN YOU! GET OFF ME! GET THIS THING OFF ME!" He screeched, writhing in agony in his tight bonds.
"Sure," Tenchuu said with a sadistic smile, clenching his fist together even tighter.
Seigi had heard several screams behind him as he redirected civilians back onto the streets, but the one he heard last sounded like one pushed too far.
"Damnit, Tenchuu! What did you do?" He finally said, turning around the face the scene. "TENCHUU!!!" On the floor lay the dying body of the assailant Dorei, his arms and legs lying beside him. "TENCHUU! WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU THINK YOU RE DOING?!" He blasted, now in a state on anger. This is NOT standard procedure!"
"Screw procedure, this guy pissed me off something bad," answered Tenchuu, cricking his neck again and walking past the body. "He'll be dead in a few minutes, anyway."
"And did you get Kusemono's location out of him?" Seigi asked through gritted teeth, tapping his arm. "Did you?"
"I guess it slipped my mind," remarked Tenchuu, shrugging. "Let s go find someone else."
"Didn't he just say everyone pulled out?!" Seigi argued back, his face going bright red. "DAMNIT, TENCHUU! I thought you were the sensible type! How could you suddenly give in to your anger like that, this isn't like you! Now we have no leads!"
"Shut it, we' re going back to headquarters," Tenchuu explained. "Not a word of this to anyone. Tell them he was assassinated before he gave me the information." Seigi could not believe the words coming from Tenchuu s mouth. He stood in a state of shock.
"You want me to lie?" He replied. "LIE?!"
"Yes, if you want us to still do justice on these guys and get the job done personally," explained Tenchuu. "If we tell them the truth they'll stop giving us jobs for a while, and in that time who knows how many injustices could be committed without our judgment?"
Damnit he' s right we need to do justice on these guys but lie to the Twelfth? Could I?
"Just this once, for you, I will, answered Seigi. "But if you ever do something so rash again, I will report it. Now let s get this body incinerated and get back to HQ."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is based on the Halcyon Days RPG where Tenchuu and Seigi are real characters (played by me). All content here that is NOT from the canon Bleach Universe is from Halcyon Days, either devised by myself or the original creators of the RPG. But please don't let that affect your opinion of the story! Read on, it gets much more interesting!