As always:
I do not own the chars. of Bleach, Though that sure would be great, for me and Rukia are much alike, we both draw like we're eight!
Rukia Hide
Rukia obliged immediately. Kenai looked to Ichigo. "You, too." she ordered. The fiery teen began
to protest, but Kenai was already gone. So, grumbling, he joined Rukia in hiding.
Kuchiki Byakuya stood at the entrance of what seemed at first glance to be no more than a rocky
wasteland. But there was something here... he felt it in his bones. The man stepped cautiously into
the large clearing, alert for any movement. Despite his heightened senses, he completely overlooked
a certain small presence until it was nearly on top of him. Looking down for its source, he was
surprised with what he saw. Before him stood a child of no more than 9 years of age. She was
scrawny looking, that was for sure. But Byakuya could see wiry muscles beneath the girl's
weathered tan skin. Her soft brown hair was pulled back into a long braid that reached halfway
down her back. But the most striking thing about the child's appearance, as far as he was concerned,
was the air of dignity and sureness that she held herself with. It almost warranted his respect.
Almost.
In her hands Kenai bore a staff made of a soft colored wood, lighter than the color of her hair. It
was a head taller than herself, straight with praying mantis' carved into the wood. It was a fighting
staff, and she bore it, ready to defend if need be.
Kenai regarded the man, green-gold eyes sharp and questioning.
"Out of the way child." Byakuya's voice was cold and sharp.
If Kenai heard him, she gave no acknowledgment to such. "What business have you here, where you
obviously do not belong?" For a moment, the eldest Kuchiki brother glanced around for the source
of the voice. Surely such a clam and wise voice could not come from such a small child.
Seeing that the stranger had not absorbed her words, Kenai repeated the idea behind them. "Why are
you here? It is obvious that you do not belong."
Byakuya shook himself from his momentary stupor, frowning. What an impudent little girl! "You
need to learn to address your betters with respect." As always, the man's own voice was even, calm,
almost emotionless. With lightning speed and without his body betraying his intentions
prematurely, he reached out to slap the child before him. His hand met with a wooden obstacle.
Blinking in mild surprise, Byakuya found that Kenai had blocked his blow with her staff. "Who are
you?" he asked. "I am called Mantis. But my identity is of little importance, for I belong here. As
such, my identity is fused with that of this area. You, however, are out of place here. A stranger...
So I will ask you once more... Who are you and what has brought you to a place where you do not
belong?" Byakuya almost felt himself compelled to look shamed. Frowning, he nodded softly. "I
seek someone. I have a feeling she is here."
