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."