Rukia sat pretentiously in the corner of the room she and Ichigo retreated to upon the request of their guardians. Her eyes moved swiftly from left to right as she watched Ichigo walk back and forth, looking at the vast amount of books that lined the walls of the library. She pressed her knees against her chest and wrapped her small arms against her legs as she glanced down at her cotton stuffed friend who sat on her left side.
"He's weird, right Chappy?" She paused, waiting for a response. Nodding, she continued, "You're right, he's really really weird."
"Who are you talking to?" Ichigo asked as he stopped walking and focused his attention on Rukia, taking notice that they were the only two people in the room.
"I'm talking to Chappy. He said you're weird."
"Who is Chappy?" Ichigo glanced around the room, even going as far as to spin around to make sure that no one was standing behind him.
Rukia rolled her eyes and released her legs. She pressed her palms against the floor and pushed upward, giving herself the momentum to stand on her feet. Dusting herself off, she bent down and retrieved her best friend, holding him up for Ichigo to see.
"This is Chappy."
Ichigo looked from side to side at Rukia and her stuffed animal before laughing, an act that Rukia reciprocated. "It's a stuffed animal."
"His name is Chappy, okay?" Rukia fumed. "He's my best friend."
"That's your best friend? A toy?" Ichigo pointed an index finger at Chappy and laughed once again. "That can't be your best friend."
"Yes it can. He's my best friend. We go everywhere together."
"So? That doesn't make him your best friend. It's just a toy."
"His name-" Rukia inhaled a sharp breath. "-is Chappy!" She exploded with anger as her cheeks began to enlarge, her emotions overflowing with disdain for the orange haired boy across the room.
Putting his hands up defensively, Ichigo waved them back and forth. "Alright, I'm sorry."
Rukia shook her head and held the stuffed toy outward toward Ichigo. "Tell him you're sorry."
Ichigo looked confused but decided to comply with the request, even if he didn't understand why he had to talk to a stuffed toy. "I'm sorry Chappy." He gave Rukia one last look then rubbed the hair on the back of his neck. "So...is that lady in there your mom?"
Hugging Chappy against her chest, Rukia shook her head. "No, that's my Aunt Yoruichi. Is that guy in there your dad?"
A huge smile appeared on Ichigo's face as he nodded.
"Yeah, that's my dad. Where's your mom? What squad is she in?"
"She isn't in a squad," Rukia's voiced trailed off. Truth be told, there wasn't much she could say in regards to her mother. She didn't know anything about her. She began to wonder if her mom was a part of a squad before she passed away. It was all such a mystery to her. "My mom went away a long time ago."
Ichigo looked pained as he watched Rukia become saddened. He couldn't imagine what she was thinking, or better yet, feeling. He, unlike her, had both of his parents so the pain of loss was something he easily avoided.
"I'm sorry...did she go away while fighting one of those nasty hollows? My mom says you have to be careful because those things don't care about us and want to make all of us go away."
Rukia nodded stiffly as she tried to remember the mother she never knew. The only information her father would provide was vague, to say the least. Yet, she couldn't help but remember his ominous words.
"She went away a long time ago. Now, go play, Rukia."
Rukia looked defeated and clearly distracted. She didn't even notice that Ichigo was now standing a few inches in front of her, staring at her with a perplexed look on his face.
"Hey, you're short," he finally said. He smiled sheepishly as he saw the anger build up behind the young girl's eyes. "How old are you?"
"I'm four and I'm not short," Rukia replied emphatically. "How old are you?"
"I'm six and when I get bigger like my dad, I'm going to go and be just like my mom and dad and fight hollows and be in charge and stuff like that," Ichigo replied proudly, the smile on his face growing in size.
Rukia remained silent as she watched the pride radiate off Ichigo's face. He obviously had his dreams and desires mapped out when he got older. The small girl could only wonder if she had any dreams for herself. She didn't know anything about fighting hollows since she didn't know what a hollow was, let alone what they looked like. She tried to imagine a scary creature but found it difficult. Nothing came to mind but her curiosity was beginning to grow from just the mere thought alone.
"Ichigo! Rukia! We have to leave, let's go," Yoruichi shouted from the other room.
Ichigo quickly ran back to his father while Rukia lagged behind. She was slowly becoming fascinated with the ideas that Ichigo talked about. She began to think of her father and his role in making sure the things named hollows didn't hurt anyone that they knew. She wanted to know more, but she let her thoughts linger as she hurried to catch up with everyone in the opposite room.
Byakuya walked along the grounds of the Soul Reaper Academy, his eyes closed and his head slightly lowered. His focus shifted between his meeting with the head captain and the events that were about to transpire.
His brows furrowed at the sound of laughter and straw sandals beating against the ground. Opening his eyes, his jaw clenched at the sight of students engaging in horseplay. He watched in silence as they pushed, climbed over and fought with one another. They were unrefined. A quality he looked down upon.
He didn't bother to gain their attention; instead he closed his eyes and proceeded toward the stairs which led to a small balcony that over looked the field. His resolve didn't falter as the students became aware of his presence. The sudden chatter dissolved, leaving silence in its wake.
"Look, that's Captain Kuchiki!"
"I can't believe he's really here. I thought it was rumor."
"Move over, I can't see the head captain of squad six."
The end of the silk scarf around Byakuya's neck rustled as he slowly took his place on the balcony. Opening his eyes, Byakuya gazed upon the students as they lined up creating five rows across and five rows down. He watched as each student, male and female, lowered to one knee out of respect. He smiled smugly, glad to see order restored to the rambunctious crowd.
Ignoring their newfound attitude, Byakuya took in the atmosphere of the academy. Having never personally attended due to being born into nobility, Byakuya looked over the Kido field. He took note of the small crafted cardboard dummies which he assumed the students practiced with. He noticed the area beside the cardboard was charred, a clear sign that some students lapsed in the category of accuracy. He shook his head disapprovingly and turned away.
The chatter amongst the students returned with a vengeance as their heads slowly rose, taking in the appearance of an approaching individual.
"Look, it's sixth year student Sora. I can't believe he's coming with us!"
"I heard the lieutenant of squad three was coming with us as well."
"Yeah, I heard that too. Wow, we must be the luckiest class ever."
Byakuya glanced to the left to view Sora, who was dressed in the traditional drab issued to all male students in the academy. He wore a blue undershirt, a white shirt over that with blue strips going down each sleeve, and two emblem circles stitched on the outer chest area. Below his waist he wore blue trousers, white socks and sandals.
If not for the Zanpakto held against his back by a single blue cord, Byakuya would have assumed that the sixth year student was preparing for his next class.
Glancing down, the captain looked curiously at the small child that held the hand of the sixth year student. He never made it his business to engage in matters that did not concern him but he couldn't help but wonder why such a small child would look so angry.
"Captain Kuchiki," Sora began as he turned and kneeled respectively, pulling the little girl down beside him. "It is an honor to accompany you on this training session. I hope I don't disappoint you." Byakuya didn't utter a word. "Allow me to introduce my sister, Inoue Orihime, to you."
Byakuya eyed Orihime as she knelt in front of him. She looked nothing like her older brother. While his eyes were brown and his hair was short and brown, her eyes were grey and her hair was long and orange. She wore a small white kimono that looked one size too big, as the sleeves hung precariously over her small hands.
"It's nice to meet you, sir." Orihime spoke softly despite her current temperament.
"Orihime, I told you that you have to address him as Captain," Sora glanced up at Byakuya then quickly lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry Captain Kuchiki, she is upset with me. I bought her a pair of barrettes and she isn't too happy with me. She currently isn't speaking to me."
Byakuya turned away, showing his lack of care to Sora's predicament. It didn't matter to him the situation involving another's family member. Deep down, however, he tried to comprehend how something so simple could cause such distinction between two people who were of the same blood. Immediately he contemplated the gifts he presented Rukia and her expression afterwards. Never once did she become angry with him or refuse to speak to him. He wondered if down the road Rukia's behavior would become sporadic like Sora's little sister.
"Well, it looks like we're the last to arrive," Yoruichi said as she walked with Rukia in hand. Behind her, Byakuya's lieutenant walked beside his wife and three children. "Byakuya, are you ready to go over to the world of the living?"
Byakuya tossed his head upward, not distinguishing an answer. He didn't even acknowledge Rukia as she ran up to him and grabbed onto his hiaori, gazing up at him with a smile on her face.
"I want to go too," she spoke eagerly. "I want to go."
Gently, but firmly, Byakuya released Rukia's hold on his hiaori then lowered his hand at his side.
"You cannot come."
Rukia's lips quivered in disappointed but she quickly recovered, a smile sitting where her frown once was.
"Can you buy me something?"
"Rukia, he's going there for…well…business. He won't be able to stop and get you anything." Yoruichi spoke with concern in her voice, hoping the small girl would understand.
Rukia turned toward her aunt and nodded although her smile had faded away once again. Her attention was suddenly drawn to Ichigo as he held onto the woman Rukia assumed was his mother. She stood beside him with a smile on her face, her light brown hair tied back in a low ponytail and her brown eyes shimmering as she gazed as her eldest child. Unbeknownst to Rukia, she began walking toward the group, trying her best to peer inside the tandem device that stood on four wheels and held the smallest members of the Kurosaki family.
Masaki noticed Rukia and smiled lovingly. "Those are my two daughters, Karin and Yuzu. They are much younger than you and Ichigo."
Rukia watched the small bundles lay perfectly still, their size something she didn't really pay much attention to. She glanced up at Masaki.
"Are they going away too?"
Masaki shook her head. "No, they are staying here with Ichigo and their father."
"That's your mommy?" Rukia questioned as she looked at Ichigo.
"Yeah, and she's going to go and fight all those bad hollows, and when I get older, I'm going to do the same thing."
"Well for now you all are too small to go anywhere, so step aside and let them prepare for their trip," Yoruichi insisted.
Nodding, Rukia ran over to her aunt, waving happily at Byakuya, who did not return the gesture. The small child was not fazed by her father's lack of expression and continued waving happily.
Byakuya didn't give Rukia or anyone else a second glance as he descended the stairs and walked out onto the field, followed by Masaki and Sora.
Stepping through the crowd of students, Masaki swiftly retrieved her Zanpakto and held it upright in front of her face. She widened her stance as a white glow began to emanate over her weapon. She pulled her arm back and thrust the sword forward into what appeared to be open space.
The area around her sword slowly began to grow dark. To the surprise of the students, a pair of double wide doors opened up, revealing pure white space. Maskai returned her sword to its case and stepped aside as a group of Hell Butterflies emerged around the opening.
"Okay, let's go," Maskai spoke softly. She glanced at her family and smiled before stepping into the white light, disappearing from sight.
Sora turned and waved to Orihime, but she did not return his gesture, staring at him with a cold look in her eyes. Lowering his arm, he walked into the Senkaimon without speaking a single word. It pained him to leave his only family behind in such disarray but he had work to do. He concluded that his family matters would just have to wait until he returned.
"Bye!" Rukia shouted as loud as she could while she sat perched on the railing outlining the balcony. She tried to stand up but the force from her aunt's arm, which was wrapped protectively around her waist, stopped her.
Byakuya glanced back toward the balcony but showed no reaction to Rukia's farewell wishes. He walked directly into the white light, fading away as he contemplated what was in store for him and the others in the world of the living.
Emerging through the Senkaimon, Byakuya closed his eyes and exhaled as a light breeze circled him, lifting his scarf from its normal resting place. He ignored the annoying occurrence and walked a few feet away from the opened gateway. He cracked his eyes open momentarily, taking in his surroundings. Night was upon him, the sun slowly setting in the distance. The Senkaimon had released them in a large field surrounded with trees, shrubs and grass. A small path outlined the area where living humans casually strolled about, keeping to their own activities, unaware of the sudden change in the air.
He watched as a few humans ran along the path, running around an elderly couple that, unlike them, wanted to take their time. Byakuya focused on their features. Their gray hair, wrinkled and light pale skin were a clear testament to their age. Although he was nowhere near their age, he had lived twice their lifetime if not more. His appearance would never change but that wasn't what mattered to him. He was alone, depending on the memory of his wife to keep him satisfied. Seeing this couple show their affection for one another made him miss his wife terribly, but he kept his wits about him in the presence of the students who all clamored behind him.
"Okay everyone," Masaki shouted as she tried to grab everyone's attention. "You all were given a slip of paper with different numbers written on them before you met up with us in the field. Get into your groups and we will get started. Those of you holding the number three will go with Sora, those with the number one will go with me and those of you with the number two will go with Captain Kuchiki."
It took a few moments for everyone to regroup based on their number. The students assigned to group two looked more than pleased about the leader assigned to their group. They smugly turned to their counterparts and grinned, proud to be under the trained eye of one of the most noted nobles in all of the soul society.
"Okay, my group, follow me."
Masaki turned and started walking away from the Senkaimon, proceeding toward the east end of the park. Her pupils followed behind her, each one excited to finally begin their training session.
Byakuya remained still as he heard the group following Sora disappear toward the north end of the park. He waited until there was absolute silence surrounding him.
"What do you students know about soul burials and how to perform them?"
A slew of students eagerly raised their hands, each anticipating the captain to call on them to answer his question. Byakuya, however, kept his back to them while awaiting someone to step forward and supply him with an answer.
Looking at the captain, then at his fellow students, a young boy stepped forward, bowing before giving his response.
"Captain Kuchiki, sir. Soul Reapers perform soul burials on souls that are lingering here in the world of the living. There are three different types of souls that remain in the living world and it is our job to find them and send them to the Soul Society."
"And?" Byakuya paused as he waited for the student to continue. Hearing silence, he tilted his chin downward and glanced back at the young man. "What are the different types of souls that remain in the world of the living?"
The student jumped as his cheeks grew warm, sheer embarrassment starting to show due to his lack of continuing his answer in more detail. He bowed again, an apologetic look on his face.
"I apologize, Captain Kuchiki. There are three different types of souls. They are whole spirits, earth-bound spirits, and hollows. Whole spirits are spirits that are lingering in the world of the living. They have a chain protruding from their chest, known as the chain of fate. It binds them to the object or area they were the closest to. Earth-bound spirits are spirits that cannot leave the world of the living because they in turn will be leaving someone or something behind if they do. They refuse to pass on and remain connected to a specific area. Hollows are whole spirits or earth-bound spirits that have lost the chain of fate that once connected them to the world of the living, or were attacked by other hollows thus turning into one of them."
Byakuya nodded and walked forward with the cluster of students clamoring to keep up with the silent captain. They all stopped and peered ahead of Byakuya as he stood directly in front of a large oak tree. Circling the tree was a small girl, happily engaging in her own personal amusement. She looked no older than ten. She had short black hair that lightly kissed the back of her neck, light brown eyes and dimples that emerged every time she laughed and smiled. She continued to spin around the tree, laughing as the ends of her dress moved up and down with each motion she made.
The students pushed and shoved one another to get a closer look at the lost spirit.
"What type of spirit is she?" Byakuya questioned.
The students again raised their hands, each one waiting to answer the captain's question, but just like last time Byakuya remained silent. He waited patiently for someone to emerge from the group and address him. Taking the hint, a young girl stepped forward and bowed. She straightened her body and studied the little girl dancing in front of them.
"Captain Kuchiki, sir, I believe that is a whole spirit or she could be an earth-bound spirit. How can we tell the difference?"
Captain Kuchiki was motionless momentarily as he watched the young girl joyfully enjoy her time alone, completely unaware of the intruders that were invading her space. He couldn't help but watch her, study the smile on her face, and instantly remind himself of the small girl he left behind. She reminded him of Rukia, from the length of her hair to the gleam in her eyes. Byakuya could feel his heart beginning to twinge from the memory. Shaking his head, he bypassed his emotions, pushing them into the back of his mind. Slowly he slid his hand against the tip of his Zanpakto, pushing his thumb against the protruding metal edge, lifting the sword from its sheath.
Withdrawing his sword, he walked slowly toward the young girl as the students continued to shove each other out of the way to watch the captain in action. Byakuya stood a few inches from the young girl, looming over her just like the tree she was parading around. He watched silently as she gasped upon noticing his presence, and ran behind the tree. Her small hands hugged the large oak while she peeked out from behind at the man standing in front of her with a weapon in his hand.
"W-who are you?" she shakily asked, her body riddled in fear.
Byakuya remained quiet and still as he raised his sword to the young girl's eye level. She quivered and took a step back as her eyes centered on the edge of the metal sword. The captain didn't sway away; instead, he turned the edge of the sword toward himself, exposing the end of the hilt to the girl. They child's eyes enlarged as she saw a small light glow begin to form from the bottom of the hilt.
"It's time for you to go to the Soul Society."
The girl prepared to speak but silenced herself, her focus still on the glowing hilt in front of her face. Moving swiftly, Byakuya raised the sword and pressed the end of the hilt against the girl's forehead. He took a step back and watched as the spirit began to glow; slowly breaking into small particles until eventually the child disappeared. Tilting his head back, Byakuya watched as the girl's spirit began floating into the sky, disappearing amongst the moonlit sky.
The group of students cheered as if they were watching a sporting event, as the young girl faded from view. Glancing through the corner of his eye, Byakuya lowered his sword and looked at the students with disdain. The loud tone of their voice was growing more and more annoying.
"What are you students cheering for? This is no time for foolishness."
The students slowly grew silent, each one growing immensely embarrassed by their own personal behavior. Their silence was shattered by the sound of a loud curling scream from the north end of the park. Placing his sword back in its sheath, Byakuya cut through the group of students, who all parted, and ran toward the sound of the scream. He kept his left hand firmly on the end of his sword, ready to release it and cut down anyone who got in his way. He watched as the students originally assigned to the north side began to run toward him, a look of fear etched on their faces.
Bypassing the frightened students, Byakuya stood and watched as the soul of one of the female students was slowly leaving her body. To the left he witnessed Sora, standing by with a look of fear and worry on his face. The scene looked mysterious in nature as no one surrounded the young girl as she released her final scream of agony. The two watched as her body grew limp and fell against the grass. Sora shook slightly as he moved in small steps, reaching out for the young student.
"Don't move," Byakuya spoke with authority.
Sora glanced at the captain, noticing his presence for the first time since the attack began. He pointed a shaky index finger toward the girl.
"W-we were just...we were just trying to perform a soul burial on that little girl over there but she...and then..." he babbled incoherently.
Turning his head to the right, Byakuya watched as a lone little girl looked at the murder that transpired. He narrowed his eyes into slits as he studied the girl and her mannerisms. She resembled the girl he sent into the soul society moments ago but this one was smaller, there was no chain protruding from her chest and her spirit energy was different, darker. This was no ordinary girl.
"Captain Kuchiki!" Maskai shouted as she phased in behind Byakuya. She glanced at the scene in front of her, completely overwhelmed by the sight of it all. "What happened here? I heard screaming and the students are scattered all over the place."
Byakuya didn't address the lieutenant of squad three; his focus remained on the girl with the heavy spiritual pressure surrounding her. His eyes flickered against the moonlight, as he unsheathed his sword.
"Masaki, take Sora and gather the students. Return to the soul society."
"Why Captain Kuchiki?" Masaki blinked and turned in the direction of Byakuya. She studied the area surrounding the child, finally growing weary of the presence that lurked in the shadows. "Let me stay and fight beside you, sir."
"I will say this one more time, Lieutenant Kurosaki. Take Sora and the students and leave."
Masaki prepared to protest once again but the sight of Sora shaking compromised her desired position. She sighed, bowing respectfully to the captain, and proceeded to reach out for Sora. Taking his hand into hers, she rushed off, away from the scene with the shaken student in tow.
Feeling their presence a few feet away, Byakuya focused all of his attention on the little girl who looked at him with a smile on her face.
"They're gone. Come on out."
His waiting was not vain as almost immediately a large figure phased in behind the young girl, a large creature that looked vaguely familiar. Instantly, the young girl faded away as the creature became more visible, exposing itself for who it truly was.
"Why did you send the woman away? I wanted to get to know her a little better." The hallow spoke with lust in his voice. His large tongue slid against his lips while his desires coursed through his thoughts.
"I know who you are," Byakuya sized his opponent up and down. "You're Grand Fisher."
There was no mistaking it as far as Byakuya was concerned. It was the Grand Fisher in his hollow form. The creature, which resembled a large hamster with bird-like hands and feet, towered over some of the shrubs and trees that surrounded the grassy area. On his forehead was a single tentacle limb that Byakuya knew all too well. He reminded himself to stay clear of its powers.
Grand Fisher smiled, before a rough laugh emulated from deep within his throat and echoed through the wooded park.
"You know who I am. I have to say that I am impressed that they've sent a captain to the world of the living. I have to admit in the years I've gotten the best of you bastards, I've never had the opportunity to go up against someone supposedly of great skill."
Byakuya took his stance, withdrawing his Zanpakutó and holding the hilt tightly in his right hand. His eyes bore into the Grand Fisher as the creature loomed over him. He felt his jaw tighten and the spine along his back stiffen as the creature chuckled with delight. The edge of Byakuya's mouth curled upward as he took a step forward toward his adversary. The front of his sandals pressed against the ground in anticipation of his first attack. He stood poised, awaiting the right moment to pounce.
"Captain Kuchiki, sir." Masaki shouted as her feet hit the pavement with a purpose while she ran over to the captain of squad six. Sora was not too far behind.
Byakuya's attention never faltered, his position remained uncompromised as he stared down the overwhelming beast. His smirk transformed, the sides of his mouth turning upside down in haste, given the company he now found himself in.
"Lieutenant Masaki and Sora Innoue, I told you both to leave. Are you hard of hearing?" the captain chastised.
Sora emerged on the right side of Byakuya, his sword drawn in the palm of his right hand. His knees bent in parallel with his arms, his anticipation level rising in conjunction with his breathing. He was ready to attack at a moment's notice.
"Captain Kuchiki, I ask that you please allow me to fight besides you," Sora turned and bowed respectively, his sword remained drawn, pointed directly at the hollow. "It would be my honor to show you my abilities against this vile thing."
Byakuya's grey eyes narrowed as he watched the fingers of the Grand Fisher transform into spikes and spiral toward Sora, increasing in speed as it grew closer. He was quick on his feet, launching himself to the right and shoving Sora to the side. His right arm was pulled in front of his body as three of the spikes impaled his sword, stopping instantly. The fourth spike slid beneath the captain's shield, shredding through his black uniform and cutting into his skin.
"Captain Kuchiki!" Masaki shouted as she withdrew her sword and attempted to charge toward Byakuya, prepared to cut him free from the hollows tentacles.
Her attention swiftly shifted as she jumped to the left, avoiding the spreading tentacles on the Grand Fisher's left hand that loomed toward her, looking to impale her as well.
Twisting his sword in his hand, Byakuya cut through the tentacle that sliced through his body, watching it fall limply to the grass below. He jumped back, creating some distance between himself and the creature. His focus remained steady, his eyes never glancing back at Sora who was slowly climbing to his feet from the captain's quick actions.
Sora's cheeks rose in heat, immense embarrassment covered him like a security blanket. His attempt to showcase his talents to not only a captain but a captain with great nobility had failed, terribly. He felt like nothing more than a problem, especially since he had to be saved from danger. His teeth clenched tightly, all of his training and schooling wasn't worth shit, much to his surprise. In the face of danger he let his own personal yearnings distract him from the only thing that mattered.
"Sora Innoue," Byakuya leaned forward, his feet pressing into the grass below. "Go back to the soul society."
Sora's eyes widened as the captain sped forward, preparing to attack the illusive hollow and hopefully defeat it. The sixth year student's hand quivered as he tried to keep a grip on his sword. His head titled back, allowing him the opportunity to witness the lieutenant of squad three attack the Grand Fisher with precision and expertise. Her nerves didn't weaken, even while staring down a being of immense power and stability. He couldn't help but feel immobilized while witnessing the epic battle.
The Grand Fisher…I've only heard about him in teachings and now I'm standing in front of him face to face and instead of fighting him I'm just watching like a bystander…
He shook his head and tightened his hand around the hilt of his sword. His eyes narrowed as he stared down the Grand Fisher, his nerves diminishing as his courage rose. He could no longer hold himself back in suspense and lunged forward, his sword drawn back, prepared to attack.
Phasing out momentarily, Sora appeared behind the Grand Fisher and swung his weapon forward, aiming for his legs. His eyes moved upward in time to see one of the tentacles sail toward him, the tip turning into a sharp spike. Sora rolled out of the way, keeping his sword clenched close to his hip.
"Sora, are you all right?" Masaki questioned as she phased beside him, pressing the palm of her left hand against his back.
Standing up, Sora exhaled and watched as the hollow continued to attack Byakuya furiously. He took the opportunity to look at the lieutenant who looked worn out.
"Lieutenant Kurosaki, this creature…I've only heard about him in classes. His power is incredible. I can't even get a good read on him."
Masaki nodded. "Yes, the Grand Fisher is a horrible monster who has eluded the members of the soul society for over thirty years. He comes out once in a while when he wants to cause trouble. He prefers to attack women, or so our records have indicated."
Sora didn't hide his surprise as his eyes enlarged and his mouth hung open. "Only women?"
"Yes, it wasn't a coincidence the student that was killed by this hollow was a female. He loves the taste of a female, no matter the age. He conceals his spiritual pressure and waits for the right moment to attack. We should have noticed him sooner."
"If he was concealing his spiritual pressure then you or Captain Kuchiki wouldn't have been able to find him. That first year student's death was inevitable but what are we supposed to do now?"
"We stay and we fight. I put in a call for reinforcements, and they should be arriving shortly."
Sora eyed the lieutenant, taking notice of her hardened expression as she kept her eyes on the hollow. He watched as the captain of squad six continued to fight, cutting through each of the Grand Fisher's attacks.
"Why hasn't the captain used his shikai or his bankai yet?"
Masaki continued to watch the battle intensely. "He will use it when he feels it is time to." She glanced at Sora. "Besides, despite this time of night, there are humans wandering around here. Safety of all humans is our number one priority, regardless of who we are fighting."
Sora took notice of the area. In the distance there were a few people from the living world engaging in their own activities. Sora wondered what their reactions would be if they knew what was happening a few steps away.
"Look out!" Masaki shouted as she grabbed Sora's arm and pulled him aside just as the hollow swung three of his tentacles toward them.
Pushing Sora aside, Masaki held her sword upside down on her right side. "Now, come to life, Shigeko!"
The hilt of the metal casing of the sword split into four while the length of the sword decreased in size. Masaki held her newly transformed sword against her chest. Twisting her head sideways, she glared at Sora.
"Stand between this monster and those humans. Make sure he doesn't attack them."
Sora remained frozen in place as he watched Masaki charge toward the Grand Fisher with her shikai sword held a few inches in front of her body. He felt like it was all a blur. The movements of the lieutenant seemed like a dream happening in the middle of reality. He almost forgot the order he was given. It wasn't until he caught a stern look from Masaki that he rushed toward the open area that separated their battle from the innocent lives interacting on the other side.
Byakuya swung his sword against the base of the Grand Fisher's skull but found it difficult to cut through the creature's thick white hollow mask. Landing on the grass, he held his sword perpendicular to his face.
"Scatter-" Byakuya spoke sternly but stopped the release of his shikai as the tentacle on the Grand Fisher's forehead began to light up. His fingers loosened against the hilt of his sword and his eye enlarged at the sight of his wife standing in front of him.
"Byakuya…"
The captain's sword slowly lowered to his side, his eyes focused on his wife as she hovered between him and the Grand Fisher. His mouth became dry as he took in the full image of his deceased spouse. She stood in her favorite pink kimono that hung loosely against her small body. Her black hair with frazzle bangs hanging in front of her purple eyes confirmed his belief. It was her.
"Byakuya…"
Byakuya cringed. The voice was similar to the voice that called out to him in the yard hours earlier. It all wasn't adding up. How was she standing in front of him? He watched as Hisana smiled at him, the familiar smile he had grown to love. She reached toward him, looking for his affection and care.
"What's wrong, captain? Your wife wants to talk to you. Are you going to ignore her?" the Grand Fisher teased as he continued to manipulate Byakuya with the lore on his forehead, using it to dig deep within the captain's subconscious thoughts.
Byakuya frowned as he watched the image of his wife continue to reach for him, her smile increasing in size.
"Byakuya…I've missed you."
The captain was overwhelmed by the voice of his wife. It had been so long since he heard her speak to him like she used to. He lightly sniffed the air, smelling her familiar scent that had escaped him once she passed on. He wanted to embrace her and hold her close to his body but something was holding him back, something was telling him he had to stay away.
The Grand Fisher smiled as he snaked the tentacles growing from his hand against the ground. He watched as the spikes emerged from the ends of his weapon and flew toward the distracted captain, ready to pierce him from behind.
"Captain Kuchiki!" Sora shouted as he phased behind his superior, his sword drawn as he readied himself to repay the captain for saving his life earlier.
Sora stood firm as two of the spikes crashed into his sword but his wasn't prepared for the second attack that surprised him and those around him. His mouth fell open as he felt one of the sharp tentacles piece through his body from behind, imploding his heart on contact. He gasped as his sword fell from his hand, his vision growing dark as his body fell to the ground.
"Sora!" Masaki shouted as she phased away from the Grand Fisher and rushed to the ailing student's side. She reached him just as his body landed in the grass.
Byakuya remained still, his attention focused on the image of his wife. He could hear Masaki's cries as she held Sora in her arms, as his life force ceased to exist. His hand tightened against his hilt once again as he watched the Grand Fisher smile contently at his actions.
"Foolish soul reaper," he spoke, the smile growing wider on his face.
Byakuya could feel his resolve slipping away as he continued to focus his attention on the only image that mattered, his wife. Her smile increased in size just as the Grand Fisher's did. It was obvious, she wasn't real, yet Byakuya had a hard time convincing his heart of that.
"Captain Kuchiki," Masaki spoke softly as she stood beside Byakuya with her head lowered. "Sora is gone. We should wait for backup to arrive. This monster is far too powerful for us to defeat on our own."
Byakuya's expression remained stiff and unchanging. He watched as the image of his Hisana pulled away, disappearing from view, transforming back into the creature's lore. He could feel the heat in his body increase, the anger beginning to seep through the pores on his skin.
"You see the power of my lore, Captain Kuchiki. When I impaled you I was able to search into your deepest desires and use it against you. Would you really attack me in front of your departed loved one?" the Grand Fisher teased.
Byakuya's spiritual pressure increased, covering his body in a light white glow. He held his sword in front of his face, ready to issue his shikai one final time. His attention was deterred by the tentacles of the Grand Fisher surrounding him, the tips ready to end his life in a moment's notice.
"Captain, we have to get out of here!" Masaki shouted as she took to the air, slicing through each of the tentacles that encased her and Byakuya. She looked to the captain to join her in protecting their lives but he remained rigid in place, staring down the creature that invaded his deepest thoughts.
Byakuya held his sword in front of his face, turning the hilt slightly in the palm of his hand. "Scatter, Senbonzakura"
The blade from his sword began to dissolve into tiny fragments that resembled cherry blossom petals, leaving only the hilt in his hand. He swung his arm, watching as the petals sliced against the hollow's thick skin but failed to do much damage. His eyes narrowed as he held the hilt in his hand sideways, allowing the petals to converge and turn back into his metal sword. A shrill cry made his eyes enlarge as he glanced over his shoulder in time to watch the lieutenant of squad three fall to the ground in a rapid rate with one of the hollow's tentacles emerging through her chest and out her back.
Rushing to her side, Byakuya cut Masaki free and held her in his arms as they sailed to the ground. He ripped the moving tentacle that remained pushed through her chest. He watched in disbelief as Masaki began gasping for air. Her lungs had clearly collapsed from the brazen attack.
"I-I'm sorry Captain Kuchiki. I wasn't paying attention…" she spoke through still breaths.
Byakuya's eyes never left the gaping hole in Masaki's chest. He could see right through the wound. He rose to his feet, his eyes now transfixed on the hollow as it laughed outwardly at his latest kill. The captain's eyes shifted as images fazed around him, his fellow comrades had finally arrived to assist him in deterring the Grand Fisher. The sound of sandals beating against the grass came of no surprise to Byakuya as he could tell who was coming up behind him.
"Masaki!" the lieutenant of squad six and the husband of the fallen member of the thirteenth court guard squad, Isshin, shouted as he rushed to his wife's side.
Byakuya kept to his own devices, refusing to turn around to witness the interaction between his first in command and his wife, but he could only imagine the pain that was flowing through Isshin's veins. He knew all too well the feeling of losing a loved one. However, this was the first time he felt partly responsible for her falling at the hands of the Grand Fisher.
He stood back as the reinforcements charged toward the Grand Fisher to finally subdue him after his years of eluding them. Deep down, however, he knew they didn't stand a chance. The entire night was plagued with distractions and under the bright moonlight, the lives of three soul reapers ceased to exist. There was nothing else that mattered; there was nothing anyone could do...