A/N: This is a short one-shot I wrote while in class today. I was intrigued myself when it was done. I felt it was like a scene Tite Kubo would've drawn out if given the idea. Please review and tell me how I did!
Bleach
The Deadly Dance
Conceived and Written by
The Bleach Guy
Encounter 1
It was strange. A world that defied all the known laws of physics, yet still existed, somehow… It was strange. So very strange.
That was the last thing on Ichigo Kurosaki's mind, though.
This monster was.
This… aberration of nature.
This… beast.
Ogichi Ikasoruk.
Ichigo Kurosaki.
Two completely opposite beings, yet one and the same. A monster. A Human. A defilement of nature. A Hero of the world.
The Horse.
The King.
The two beings stood about one hundred yards from each other, neither said a word. The white-faced one had on his trademark wicked grin, which stretched from one cheekbone to the other. His eyes were jet black, with yellow irises that gleamed with a wicked mischievousness. His robe was stark white, with black trim and tattered on the hem. There was no wind, and yet, somehow, in some strange, ethereal way, it billowed. The Sun, on its sideways axis, gleamed off the Hollow's shihakushô. Yet, neither cast a shadow. Ichigo had come to accept the insanity of his Inner World long ago. Neither moved, not a step forward, not a step in retreat. Neither spoke a word. They only stared.
And waited.
For what, though?
That was something neither person had an answer to. The wind blew some more, and ruffled both party's hair in its cool caress. There was a quiet poof and Ichigo allowed his line of sight to trail ever so slightly to his far right. Tensa Zangetsu had joined the silent match, standing statue still on his iron pole. His black robes, tattered as well, billowed gently in the breeze. His long hair swept over his lined face, giving off an air of mystery. And still the silent match continued.
Ogichi's grin twitched just slightly.
Suddenly, he was not there anymore. His after image vanished as quickly as he had. Ichigo raised his Zanpak-to just in time to stave off his Hollow's ferocious attack. And yet, neither said a word still. They clashed and parried, attacked and retreated, all the while, remaining silent. It was a graceful, deadly dance. Parry, attack, swivel, defend, and attack again. It was more like a wondrously choreographed ballet than a fight to survive. A ballet both were eager to see danced to the end. The only question was, who would receive the ovation?
All the while, Tensa had not moved from his perch. He allowed only his eyes to move, following the deadly dance. Ogichi attacked, feigning left, then swiveling to attack Ichigo from his rear. Ichigo, knowing this, quickly spun on his heels and successfully blocked the psychopathic Hollow's attack, who proceeded to thrust. The Soul Reaper, recognizing his intent, forced his sword up, and received only a slash on his shoulder. Suddenly it was all over. Both dancers stood still. Tensa stood still. The wind blew, and the Sun glared. The buildings remained strangely sideways, yet structurally sound.
Who had won? Tensa wondered. Ichigo had his back to the sword, so he could not see. Then…
Ogichi fell to his knees, defeated. His white Zanpak-to fell to the ground beside him with a clatter. Ichigo turned and raised his Zanpak-to high in the air, and stared straight into Tensa's eyes.
"I remain the King."
Tensa raised his chin, agreeing in silent repose. The wind blew, and the Sun glared. The buildings remained strangely sideways, yet structurally sound. It was strange. A world that defied all the known laws of physics, yet still existed, somehow… It was strange. So very strange.
Yet, so very normal.
