"Speech"
'Thought'
"Mindscape/other worldly speech"
Chapter 3: Am I Savage?
Takashi had been walking for what seemed like an eternity, rightfully so, he looked quite impatient. "Where is this damn Shiba?!" he asked no one in particular.
His patience only grew thinner by the second, however, his anger was interrupted. "look around you." a voice said from within the confines of his mind. Doing as the voice said, he looked in all directions. West: a tree line leading into a forested area. North: more of the villages he has seen on his trek. South: The Seireitei could be seen. East: a small shack- at least from the outside -with two large stone arms holding up a banner reading out Shiba Fireworks.
For the first time he looked… stumped maybe even embarrassed. "H-how did I miss that?" He once again asked the air that surrounded his being. He shook his head knocking him out of his stupor, and began to walk towards the shack. "You cannot ignore my presence forever… Takashi." much to the dismay of whatever foreign forces were at play he did just that… ignored it. His approach ceased as two men identical in height, facial features, and also what looked to be weight as well stood in his path.
"Halt, Stranger!" The one residing on the left-hand side spoke, striking a flamboyant pose of some kind… eliciting an arched brow from the first born.
'I-is this some sort of fighting style?' He mentally questioned, having a slight sweat drop at their antics.
The one on the right spoke- same tone, same ridiculous pose… -speaking with the same deep voice. "why have you come to Lady Kukaku's land?" He asked, seems these were guards or gate keepers of some kind…
Takashi shook his head side to side, "I am here to speak with your master with a request, I require their assistance." He responded, keeping his tone respectful.
The men were a little thrown off, not most had such manners in these parts. Usually the people around them got so drunk they wanted to blow things up using Master Kukaku's fireworks. The one on the left-hand side nodded towards his brother, who mimicked his action. Disappearing into the shack.
Lefty chuckled lightly, dropping his facade, "I am surprised by your manners not most are so… cultured." when he did not receive an answer he looked to see Takashi was gone, he looked around then his eyes nearly bulged out of his skull quickly running for the shack.
"Lady Kūkaku, you have a visitor that wishes to speak with you." he said bowing.
A woman with an arrogant smirk plastered on her face looked at righty. "That so?" she asked.
"Yes, I will…" he was interrupted by footsteps coming from behind him.
Kūkaku looked past righty and saw a young man approach them, "You are Kūkaku Shiba, are you not?" He inquired with a neutral tone.
"Depends, who's asking?" she answered him with a question of her own.
He walked past righty and kneeled in front of the busty firework technician. "I am Takashi Farukon, and I require your assistance." He said bowing his head, that damn voice cut in again, "ow… your pride…" no mirth to its voice signifying it truly did not care.
Her usual scowl turned into a bit of surprise, 'quite the manners, handsome too…' she then put her poker face back into effect. "what is it you need help with?" she asked looking at his unusual outfit. 'definitely not from around here or anywhere I know of for that matter… what's that symbol?' she mentally analyzedhim taking notice of a very small tattoo on his shoulder. It was foreign to her, something she hasn't seen anywhere for that matter.
He rose his upper body sitting with his knees under him. "My younger brother, he has been sent to the human world on mistake, through forces I do not understand." He made eye contact with the woman, blushing slightly 'pretty eyes…'
She rose a brow, "is that it?" she asked, it felt like something wasn't being said. "Cuz that ain't a lot to go by." she clarified the reasoning behind her question.
He nodded, "we were searching for our father, when suddenly I looked behind me and my brother was gone." It was a lie, but he sold it well judging by her expression- 'sorrow, a good sign for me…' - he looked back to his knees, "I tried finding him, but there's not a trace here, and it couldn't have been a hollow without me noticing." That last part was true if this in fact did happen nothing with the discretion of a hollow would bamboozle him.
She gained a look of sorrow, "I'm… sorry to hear that, Takashi." She smiled slightly, however, there was an underlying sadness in her eyes that combated the smile from holding any happiness. "I lost my elder brother at a young age, and I have a younger brother as well. I understand your fears." She nodded towards him, then looked at righty. "Koganehiko, take our friend here and get him ready for his journey through the Dangai." She commanded.
Takashi began to stand along with Kūkaku, however, he offered her his hand as he got to his feet first. "Lady Kūkaku." He bellowed from above, his voice as welcoming as his could be.
Kūkaku smiled, "keep up the attitude and we'll get along just fine." she exclaimed taking his hand. "I can get you to the human world, but there will be a price." she informed, "you will owe me a favor, understand?"
Takashi replied with a nod, "whatever it is, I will have it done." Fate showed he would regret saying this…
"I'll be sending you to the location of a friend." she smiled, "they can be trusted."
Takashi gave a firm nod, "anything to know for the trip?" he inquired.
"yeah," she nodded. "you'll be sent through the Dangai to the human world, there you will find Yoruichi, she can help you find your brother." she gestured for him to follow, "let's get you out of here."
He nodded following her.
Entering outside an object at least fifteen feet high with the center carved out rested behind the shack. Kūkaku came beside Takashi, "this is going to take a while, so I suggest finding something to pass the time."
He nodded, then looked at her servants, "you two."
They jumped slightly, Takashi was hard to read one moment he stays quiet then he speaks. "Yes?"
"I imagine you protect this woman, so can you fight?" He asked putting a hand on his hip.
They both nodded, "of course… what are you getting at, Mr. Takashi?"
He widened his stance getting lower to the ground and put his hands out like claws. "I wish to spar. Lady Kūkaku has helped me in my journey. I wish to test those that protect her." he narrowed his eyes, "I want to make sure she'll be here when I return to repay her."
They laughed heartily, assuming their own fighting stances. "Then we shall show you a difficult battle!"
"Or pitiful…"
"it stops here…" Shonichi looked around, an empty field. Looking around he felt that presence all around him. He was about to resume his search when he was interrupted.
"There you are, why did you run off?" Yoruichi had appeared behind him, grabbing his shoulders whirling him around. "I was worried you got hurt."
He shook his head side to side, "no, I was following a presence." he looked around once more, "but it's gone…" He deflated a bit.
"Well, I have some friends who wish to speak with you." before she could begin to bring him back they were interrupted.
"tsk… involving others only makes things more complicated." they whirled around to see a man of extraordinary height, a glowing green blade rested on his back. "I guess I'll get on with it, come with me you won't be harmed and your friend won't have to get involved." He informed the young man.
He was a tanned man with a black and green uniform, the collar raised slightly. He possessed a strong jawline with a greek nose, bright green eyes, messy brown hair, and sunken sockets giving his eyes a slight shadowing.
He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, "I would really like to get this done without the need for violence." He proclaimed in a very subtle voice, yet carried an edge to it.
'Kaseki Yama… Bane of the mountain.' Shonichi looked at Yoruichi then back to the man, "why are you here for me and what laws have I broken. Under section 8: Article 15 you have to tell me…"
"Humph, smart kid…" He said straightening himself, his calm response cold and calculated. "You are not on record; therefore, you are an unknown in the field, and we both know we can't have that." He looked at Yoruichi, "especially making contact with Shinigami." His words interlaced with venom.
Yoruichi stepped up, "I am Yoruichi Shihōin," She informed. "Tell me, how long will this take?" she inquired, "because I need this kid, his energy matches one that was detected in the Soul Society."
The man's eyes widened slightly, but he was quick to regain his composure. "I am Kaseki Yama, Bane of the Mountain." He introduced himself. "I did not know the rogues had reached that far."
Yoruichi rose a brow, "Rogues?! Shonichi?" She asked looking at Shonichi with narrowed eyes. "what else have you fabricated?" She accused.
He quickly raised his hands, "I've done nothing wrong…" he quickly defended. He stepped forward, "Mr. Yama, with all due respect this must be a mistake."
Kaseki's lip twisted in disgust, "do not speak as if you know me…"
Shonichi put his hands up again, "but I do, Kaseki Yama the youngest member of the royal guard." He smiled slightly, "we lived outside of the nations, our father was a rogue, yes, but I am not." He looked back at Yoruichi, "we are independent, we were eager to start an investigation into a creature we sighted." He claimed, "but since we didn't have access to the technology you have. We had to scrounge together what we could to get here, but my brother and I were separated."
Kaseki's form relaxed, releasing the hilt of his blade he narrowed his eyes at the boy. "Hmm… I like to see the good in people, your soul burns bright with a fire for selflessness." he walked forward looking down at Shonichi, "since checking out your story is required, I have no choice." a portion of the air began to distort, walking towards it he stopped turning back to look at Shonichi. "you know as well as I do that I could have taken you, but because I have no record of prior offenses I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Good luck on your journey, cub."
Shonichi smiled, "yes, Mr. Yama!" He yelled bowing at the waist. "Good luck on… your journey."
Kaseki chuckled, "you're a funny one… If luck were on my side, there would be no need for me." He walked forward but turned around one last time, "say, kid, what's your name?"
He smiled, "I am Shonichi." He supplied with a bow at the waist.
"Shonichi… No last name?" He asked raising a brow, but shrugged. "Eh, whatever, you got guts kid I'll remember that name." He said casting a smile and a wave disappearing from the land. "Till, we meet again Shonichi…" On that note he was gone.
Shonichi nearly doubled over looking at Yoruichi, "that was intense…"
She looked to where the man once was, "who was that? He seemed… Strong."
Shonichi nodded, "you got his name, right?" When he saw her nod he continued, "he is a legend in his land, he reached master class at the age of 25." He looked at the ground, "the youngest ever to become royal guard which he did within the same time!"
Yoruichi nodded, "well you coming or what?" When he looked at her she could see a bit of fear in his gaze. "Eh, don't worry they won't hurt you. Place has changed." She said putting her hand out to help him up. "Well? Come on then, Shonichi."
He smiled quickly taking her hand, "Alright, Yoruichi."
"Where are they…?" Toshiro Hitsugaya, captain of squad 10 inquired.
"I found him…" Yoruichi said entering the living space taking a seat quickly followed by Shonichi sitting beside her.
He bowed his head slightly to everyone in the room, "hello, I apologize for whatever trouble I have caused."
Renji spoke up from his spoke lounging on the wall. "Least the kid's got manner…"
Rangiku giggled a bit, "I doubt it was this kid who did it."
Yoruichi rose a brow, "what exactly happened anyway?"
Hitsugaya sat down his tea and looked at Shonichi. "Captain Soi Fon along with the stealth force checked out a reading caught by the R&D division." He took another sip of tea sighing. "On arrival they were caught by the enemy, the stealth force itself was utterly decimated... However, Soi Fon was able to collect combat data on the enemy."
Yoruichi rose a brow, "so Soi Fon took care of it?" She inquired.
He shook his head, "no, they fought to a standstill and she was called back to give a full report." A light shined behind them, "that should be her now."
"Captain Hitsugaya, Lady Yoruichi…" She trailed off looking at the child, "you… look like the one I met…" She said narrowing her eyes.
He fidgeted under her gaze, "I-I am Shonichi Farukon." He bowed shaking like a leaf.
"Down, Soi Fon, he has agreed to cooperate." She looked at Shonichi, "isn't that right, Shonichi?" She asked with a smile.
He nodded, "y-yes."
Soi Fon was in his face in an instant, "who are you and where do you come from?"
"Urm…" His eyes slightly widened
Yoruichi took a sip of her tea, sitting it down she looked at Shonichi with a Cheshire grin. "Don't forget to tell her about the man in the park."
Soi Fon looked at him and narrowed her eyes into a glare. "Who does she speak of?"
Hitsugaya put his arm out stopping Soi Fon, "you're scaring him…" He looked at Shonichi with a neutral expression. "Start with who you are then work your way from there." He commanded in a calm tone.
Shonichi took a big breath through his nose and exhaled. "I am Shonichi Forukon, I am what is known as a Vehurian." He supplied then looked around the room at his guests, "We are a race of people who reside in the vast lands on Valhalla." He informed, "my brother and I are after someone who attacked our home killing… some very close people to us."
Soi Fon snorted, "Aizen… They're after Sōsuke Aizen." When she received a surprised look from Shonichi she continued. "The other one told me the same thing."
He jumped up, "you found my brother?! Where is he?!" He barraged her with question after question.
Yoruichi grabbed the back of his shirt pulling him back, "you get to ask questions later, just answer for now." She scolded nodding towards Hitsugaya.
He sighed at the tension in the room, "so he's your brother?" When Shonichi nodded he mimicked the action, "now onto the man in the park?" He inquired.
"Oh… that." He sighed, "that was Kaseki Yama, or where I'm from we know him as The Bane of the Mountains… He's a warrior of legend, the youngest member of the Royal guard."
"Are they a threat to the Seireitei?" He asked narrowing his eyes.
Shonichi shrugged his shoulder, "well, as long as you're not an enemy of the throne you're fine." He quickly supplied. "The Royal Guard only deal in mission that concern the queen or the council, you'd never see them on the frontlines unless absolutely necessary." He looked at the tea in front of him then back to the small captain. "About 200 years ago a treaty was signed that no Royal Guard could enter the fray of battle, because the casualties of war spiked when they were on the field."
"So, this Kaseki, is he of a large-scale force?" Soi Fon asked finally settling down.
He shook his head, "no, the royal guard consists of four members and only four." He looked at Soi Fon, "they are most relatable to the stealth force, but at a smaller scale." He took a sip of his tea, "the secrets they hold are too fragile to let out…"
"So, having a smaller force makes it easier to get rid of the problem should it ever rise." Soi Fon finished what he was going to say.
Shonichi nodded, "the Royal Guard are deemed the most skillful in their classes and are put through rigorous training in the fields of Torture, Sabotage, and realistic combat training to prepare them." He looked at Soi Fon, "they are not run of the mill fighters, they have their will tested to mold them into warriors." He smiled at Soi Fon, "my brother was gunning for that exam before it happened." He had a sad smile plastered on his face.
Hitsugaya nodded, "well, I suppose we can wait for your brother to arrive before taking you to Captain Commander Yamamoto." He said getting up and getting more tea.
Shonichi looked down, "I won't die, will I?"
Everyone in the room stopped at such a question, "I-I just wanna stop it from happening to anyone else, my father always said that friends and family are to be protected at all costs." He spoke from his heart.
Yoruichi spoke up, "The head captain has a soft spot for children."
Soi Fon's eyes went wide, "L-lady Yoruichi!"
Renji chuckled, "with all due respect she's not wrong, the captain is a good guy at the end of the day." He said smirking at the young man. "If worse comes to worse, I don't think any of us could stand by and let a kid die anyway."
Shonichi chuckled, but then his eyes widened. "W-what, h-he's here!" He yelled standing up he was shaking with excitement, "my brother I feel him, he's here!" He shouted to them.
He put his hand to the ground, "he's underneath us."
Koganehiko and his brother sat in an exhausted pile, "I hope you didn't break them." Taking his eyes off the downed men he saw Kūkaku approaching him.
He nodded towards her, "I assure you I did not break, but bruised them." He looked to where she came from, "is it ready?" He inquired.
She smiled at him nodding, "sure is, I'll open it up when you are ready." She said looking at her servants.
He gestured her to lead, "shall we then?"
She smirked, "thought you'd never ask." She said walking with Takashi close behind.
"Thank you, Lady Kūkaku, your generosity knows no bounds." He expressed his gratitude.
"Oh, give the formalities a break, besides I'd like to say after all this we are friends." She said casting him a friendly smile.
He nodded chuckling slightly, the first smile she's seen from the man. "I suppose so, I will repay you." He stated, when he went to walk forward he was stopped by Kūkaku. "Is something the matter?"
She had grabbed his arm, "Hey… Listen, I don't know why, but I really like your company." She smiled up at him brightly, "promise me you'll see me again so I know you have no choice but to stay alive?" She asked with a smirk dragging its way across her face.
Takashi smirked looking down at her, putting a hand on her shoulder, "I promise, Kūkaku." He said with his smirk still tugging at his face.
She sighed releasing him then looking at the ground beneath her feet, "good…" She chuckled lightly, "and just a piece of good luck…" She grabbed a small sticker then planted it on his cheek. "That's my family's crest," she informed. "Now, don't go dying, and waste that." She said smirking.
Takashi touched his cheek with wide eyes, "I don't plan on dying today, I have more to repay now." He said finally stepping in front of the Senkaimon, he nodded towards Kūkaku.
She walked forward slamming her hands down in front of it. "It's weak so you've gotta go through now!" She yelled.
He nodded jumping for the portal, "goodbye, Schönheit." He said disappearing, his vision being lost to the light. Regaining his vision, he was in a tunnel of… purple almost like a giant organ, running towards the visible light he could see jumped for it once again being blinded.
Opening his eyes, he saw he was in some kind of underground cavern, he began to survey the area until he heard "Takashi!" He looked to the source to see Shonichi with a group of foreigners, but quickly recognized Soi Fon narrowing his eyes he began his trek towards her drawing his scythes. "Do not think I will forgive you for coming for my brother with your colleagues." he stated coldly.
Shonichi stepped in front of Takashi, "they've been protecting me!"
Takashi stopped looking at Yoruichi then at Shonichi he tapped his head closing his eyes.
Shonichi nodded mirroring his actions.
"What are they doing?" Soi Fon asked.
Kiskue cupped his chin, "Seems like a form of communication…?" He theorized.
Inside their mind they were in some sort of bar it seemed… 'What were you thinking contacting her?!' Takashi asked taking a swig from a shot glass.
'I didn't I ran into an orange haired boy named Ichigo.' He defended looking at a cup of orange juice in front of him.
'That's her student you buffoon, you just put us in hot-'
"Hello!" A snap followed.
Takashi opened his eyes to see Yoruichi in his face, "what do you want?" He asked bluntly.
She put her hand to her heart, "I'm hurt… I watch over your little brother and you treat me so coldly?"
Takashi sighed, "apologies, thank you for watching over my brother." He said nodding, looking at Yoruichi he quickly looked away. "I suppose you are the Shiba's contact?"
Yoruichi's eyes widened slightly, "Kūkaku?" Receiving a nod, she chuckled. "Well it seems you got what you wanted." She said looking at Shonichi talking with Soi Fon. "He's a good kid."
Takashi shrugged his shoulders then walked passed her, "whatever." He said lazily.
"Takashi!" Shonichi shouted grabbing his arm.
Looking down to the shorter boy he arched an eyebrow, "what do you want, Shonichi?"
He began to guide him towards the others, "Mr. Ikkaku!"
The Shinigami in question looked at the child, "yeah, what is it?"
He grinned, "you said you wanted to fight right?"
"Yeah…" He confirmed waiting on the boy's reply.
"This is my big brother Takashi, he is former Royal Guard perhaps he would be helpful in gauging their power?" He offered smiling even wider.
All eyes were on Takashi now, "wait just a second, you said he was gunning for the exam before Aizen got there!" Soi Fon shouted, the others nodded as well.
Takashi looked at Shonichi with an arched eyebrow, "why have you informed them of the Royal Guard?" He asked with an edge to his tone.
Shonichi looked at Takashi shrinking a bit at his glare. "W-well you see, The Bane of The Mountains found me…" He informed his older brother twiddling his thumbs.
Takashi visibly stiffened, "W-what?!" He shouted, his eyes widened.
Everyone looked at the two, "what is it?" Soi Fon asked
"They sent the bane of the mountains, that makes no sense." He looked at Shonichi, "what did he say to you?" He quickly asked kneeling down to his brother, "what did he say?" He pushed.
Shonichi shrugged, "nothing worthwhile, but there was one thing…" He cupped his chin, "something along the lines of my soul burned bright with the flames of selflessness."
Takashi's eyes widened, "Shonichi conceal your energy!" He commanded, "you!" He said pointing at Kiskue, "I need a barrier that can hide our power around the parameter!" He said, his tone holding no room for argument.
Hitsugaya stepped in front of Takashi, "I am sorry, but you are required to come with us at this time." He informed with a bored expression staining his features.
Takashi nodded, "actually that's a better idea, the Royal Guard haven't entered the Soul Society in over 400 years…"
All the Shinigami present did a "Eh?!" In unison.
Takashi shook his head, "I'll explain later, we need to get moving now." He said moving beside Hitsugaya.
"Just one second, what is going on?" Yoruichi finally spoke being the voice of reason.
"Just get us through this thing then I will explain!" He shouted, he was nervous sweat trickled his forehead his breathing irregular.
"Shonichi!" They were all pulled from their thoughts by Ichigo entering the underground training grounds, taking a look around he tilted his head. "What's going on?"
Yoruichi shook her head, "no time, you coming with us?" She asked the Substitute Shinigami.
He nodded grabbing his badge pressing it against his chest, "let's go!" He said now in his Shinigami garb.
"So, was the mission a success?" Asked a man lounging in his seat.
"N-no, the boy had a trump card…"
"And that was?" A booming voice spoke
"He made a very convincing lie." He admitted a little embarrassed.
"What?!" The same booming voice spoke, "of course, leave it to the rookie and he screws it all up!"
"Give him a break, Kokuyō. Kaseki's new." The man lounging in his chair said lazily. "I'm sure it'll come to him naturally."
"If I had it my way, you would be killed for such a failure." The voice bit out, "against a child no less and stop calling me that you fool!" The voice shouted.
"That's enough, Kokuyōseki." A man said entering the room, placing a hand on Kaseki's shoulder he smiled. "You did fine, Kaseki, as Rapisu stated it will come naturally." He looked at the man lounging in his chair, "Rapisu, go to the human world and handle the rogue." Seeing Kaseki raise his finger to speak, he stopped. "What is it, Kaseki?"
"There are two of them, one has infiltrated the Soul Society, and the other has made contact with a Shinigami." He said sweating slightly, "and it seems she has taken a protective role around him." He informed.
"Two… Four… A thousand, doesn't make a difference for me." Rapisu said jumping out of his chair. "'Sides, this will be a walk in the park, I just gotta take out a kid and a few Shinigami." He stretched his joints popping, "also, what's the worst that could happen?" He asked yawning.
"Rapisu… I would be extra careful with that child." Kaseki said turning to face the man. "He may be a child, but he's smart, not just that he knows the laws as well."
"Did you get a name at least?" Kokuyōseki quickly asked
Kaseki nodded, "Yeah… Shonichi, honestly feel a little bad for the kid." He said his voice lowering at the last part.
"Captain allow me to handle this!" Kokuyōseki said coming out of the shadows, "if you send that fool he will fail you again, allow me to clean up." He requested.
"Kas, we both know if you send that Jar-head you'll regret it."
"Kaseigan, I have served beside you since day one!" Kokuyōseki supplied, "who could be more trustworthy than I?"
"Kas, last time he was in the human world he scorched a village and still didn't get rid of all the problems that he was sent to take out." Rapisu said lazily, "it'll be easier if we don't attract any attention." He said making his point, "if we get rid of him quietly then we'll avoid war with the Gotei entirely."
Kaseigan looked at Rapisu then at Kokuyōseki, sighing he finally gave his answer. "Rapisu go to the human world and scout the area." He then looked at Kokuyō, "then I want you to act as back up in the case the Shinigami get involved."
Rapisu rose a brow, "you sure about this, Kas?" He said looking at Kokuyō then back to him, "I like a little crazy, but that might just be too much for me even."
Kaseigan chuckled lightly, "Yes I am sure, if the Shinigami are protecting him as unlikely as that may be, we must have all cards we need on the field." He said then grabbed
Kokuyō's arm he guided him outside away from the room, "Kokuyōseki, I want them brought back alive and I know you can preform that." He then looked back to the room they had left, "also I know unlike Rapisu you can handle anything thrown your way."
Kokuyō calmed down his body temperature dropping, "you humble me, brother." His usual calm tone returning. "However, I do not believe this Kaseki Yama is ready."
Kaseigan shrugged, "then it's up to us to get him ready for whatever may come." He said looking at the sea that surrounded them.
Kokuyō nodded then shared a glance with him at the sea, "do you remember when father brought us here?" He asked
Kaseigan chuckled slightly, "yes, and mother was having a panic attack worrying that we would fall over the railing."
He chuckled, "we've come a long way…"
"That we have."
"Anything else I need to be informed of?" He asked Kaseigan
"Yes… this is a clean up operation, but only kill one, keep the child alive." His eyes became cold saying this.
Kokuyō grew a wicked grin, "understood… Commander Forukon…" He left chuckling.
To Be Continued…
