Here is the 4th Chapter guys hope you all enjoy, this will be the last actual fight for a while and the story is now going to start really developing.
Chapter 4- Death of Two
Ichigo and Rukia quickly leapt to the air to avoid a charging Shūen, but it was futile. Immediately Shūen appeared in front of them as soon as they dodged, and before they could react they were crushed into the ground.
Ichigo 's eyes widened in pain as he felt his body crash against the ground violently leaving a large crater where he landed, while recognizing his injuries he watched Rukia try to hold off an assaulting Shūen, and Ichigo knew at this rate Rukia was doomed.
Ichigo slowly stood up, his limbs trembling as he steadied himself and grabbed Zangetsu. "Bankai!" Suddenly a immense reiatsu swirled around Ichigo's body getting Shūen to avert his attention from a severely battered Rukia to him.
Shūen looked over at Ichigo happily. "Oh so you can use Bankai?" Shūen chimed like a child. "Perfect at least this may be slightly entertaining."
Ichigo's eyes widened when Shūen's monstrous tail came rushing towards him with a unbelievable speed. Ichigo's first reaction was to swing Zangetsu to block it, but as he did so Shūen's tail immediately changed direction and quickly dug through the skin on his back, hurdling Ichigo violently across the ground.
Shūen stared down on Ichigo with disdain obvious on his face. "Is this all you have to offer? What a shame and I even heard rumors of some decent fighters were in this town, but you're the only one to greet me? I won't even have to use my Zanpakto."
Ichigo's pride felt damaged and immediately retorted. "We'll see about that, I'll beat you until you have to learn how to use Bankai to fight."
Shūen stared into Ichigo's deep amber eyes and grinned knowingly. He then broke out into a sudden laughter, "You're definitely overconfident and ignorant aren't you? I learned Bankai a dozen centuries ago before I became a captain for the 3rd Squad. A little boy like you shouldn't even begin talking to their seniors about something such as Bankai."
Ichigo's eyes widened in surprise. "Y-You were a captain?" Ichigo's voice wavered, it was obviously he didn't want to believe Shūen's words.
Shūen laughed even more at the idiotic question. "Of course I was a captain idiot, I was a pure Soul Reaper back then, but I wanted power so I left the Gotei 13 and eventually met Emrys. If may also surprise you Emrys is a Soul Reaper as well and was a former captain who rebelled against the Gotei 13 and would of succeeded if Yamamoto wouldn't of sealed his powers, even if only temporally, but it was enough to completely lock Emrys out of Soul Society forever."
Ichigo's eyes widened even further. He was dumbfounded. If the stupid could feel even more stupid, this would be one of those moments as he listened to Shūen spout out this information as if it was common knowledge.
"When did this happen?" Ichigo asked curiously, hoping to get some answers out of Shūen while also having time to think of a strategy.
Shūen slowly looked over Ichigo before responding in a monotonic serious voice, "Emrys joined the Gotei 13 shortly after the original captains broke apart. He has been around as long as Yamamoto, Unohana, Kyoraku, and Ukitake, Yamamoto and Unohana only slightly out-ranking him in age, while he is a senior to both Kyoraku and Ukitake. For a several centuries Emrys served as the captain of the 6th squad, and within the Gotei 13 he was the most feared and was considered even more powerful than Yamamoto. I remember the day he rebelled, I was still in the Soul Academy on that day to be honest, I truly wish I was there to see Emrys put fear into everyone, but alas I was stuck in that horrible academy."
Flashback
"Emrys!" A sudden voice got the attention of a certain captain walking calmly throughout the streets in Seireitei. When the said captain turned to see who it was his eyes slightly widened when he saw who was standing in front of him.
Emrys quickly put on a smile, "Hello Kyoraku, what can I do for you?" Emrys continued smiling, but his eyes still retained the usual indifference Emrys was known for.
Kyoraku frowned slightly thinking to himself, "What could Yamamoto be thinking, I'd never think Emrys would be under suspicion, he has loyally served for centuries, and although his indifference is a bit unsettling he isn't a really bad person... what are you thinking Yamamoto?", Kyoraku quickly snapped himself from his thoughts to avoid suspicion, "Emrys, Captain Commander Yamamoto wished to speak with you in private."
Emrys' smile lowered slightly and Emrys shifted his footing ever so slightly before responding in a monotone voice, "I see, I'll report to the Squad 1 barracks immediately, thank you Kyoraku."
And with that Kyoraku watched as Emrys began walking away in the direction of the Squad 1 barracks, "Surely Emrys isn't the one responsible for the recent uprisings is he? There is just no way.", Thought Kyoraku somewhat sadly.
Emrys slowly walked throughout the streets as he neared his destination. Emrys was being overly cautious, constantly searching for any unwanted reiatsus and luckily he sensed none.
As Emrys entered the Squad 1 barracks he became bathed in an intense killing intent and reflexively tensed his body preparing for something to suddenly attacked when suddenly Yamamoto appeared in front of him, motioning him to follow as he walked outside then flash stepped towards the Sokyouku. Emrys was slightly surprised at this and followed Yamamoto, effortlessly keeping up with him.
As they arrived Yamamoto looked coldly at Emrys, yet Emrys wasn't bothered at all and only appeared nonchalant.
Yamamoto then began speaking, "Emrys you're currently under suspicion that you are responsible for the recent uprisings occurring in Seireitei and Rugkonai, how do you defend yourself?"
Emrys wasn't bothered by this accusation, "I was expecting this, it's pretty pathetic that I could predict something like this so easily.", Emrys thought then began his response, "Captain Commander Yamamoto, I've served the Gotei 13 without wavering loyalty for centuries, and here you are, questioning it? I am not the one responsible for the rebellions, this I promise you."
Yamamoto eyed the captain of the 6th squad suspiciously as he observed how his brown hair rested just above his shoulders and how his brown eyes held an authority that even made Yamamoto question his own.
Yamamoto let out a sigh, "Emrys we have a survivor who was a part of the rebellion and he claims you were the one who rallied the men, we also have reason to believe you went through the forbidden process of fusing with you Zanpakto."
Emrys' eyes widened slightly in shock from the revelations but rebounded immediately, "The man who said such words is lying to you, the leader of them probably put him under some kind of influence, as for the accusations of fusing with my Zanpakto, I won't hide it, I desired power and that is what I got."
Suddenly Yamamoto's eyes widened in anger, "Emrys! Are you a fool!? Fusing with your Zanpakto is strictly forbidden because the chances of being able to handle the power of the Zanpakto's spirit is almost literally nonexistent and if the fusing fails, a massive explosion will occur killing thousands, along with the one who attempted the fusing. As for those who succeed are immediately labeled as a threat because of the fact their power would be so vast it wouldn't be controllable, not even I am able to fuse with my Zanpakto! Do you understand what you did Emrys!? We have to kill you! Soul Society has no place for law breakers!"
Suddenly Emrys was surrounded by several captains, those of which included Unohana and a obviously upset Kyoraku. Emrys slowly gazed over each captain as he calmly assessed the situation. "So I'm up against the captains of the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 11th Squads and the Captain Commander? Interesting this should be an interesting fight. Maybe I'll even be forced to use my fused Bankai... who knows?"
All the captains watched Emrys closely and was immediately shocked when he immediately grabbed his Zanpakto and immediately entered Shikai.
"Curse all who stand before us, Tsumi no ken, Oshoku." Suddenly Emrys' reiatsu vanished, it reached such a high level it was no longer in a dimension from where it could be sensed and this shocked all the surrounding captains. They were shocked at his vanished reiatsu and the fact the were seeing Emrys' Shikai for the first time. They were stunned by the form it took. It was a doubled ended staff, one side retaining the appearance of a sword, while the other end formed a gruesome scythe. The weapon itself was a sleek black with a red trim, same with the blades, it also had a long red ribbon flow graciously in the wind, attached to both ends of the staff section of the weapon. Honestly the weapon seemed more for show than actual fight, simply because of the elegance it exuded, yet they could tell this was dangerous, in the several centuries Emrys was a captain he was never in a situation to where he had to even activate his Shikai, so they knew nothing of it capabilities, making it all the more dangerous.
Emrys casually spun Oshoku in his hand while watching the captains with interest, "Just so you guys know, you all may want to enter Bankai, or you'll die quickly."
Suddenly all the captains hesitated, never had they been in a situation like this, how should they respond. If they all activated their Bankai they'd be able to fight Emrys equally while he uses his Shikai, but he still had Bankai, Fused Shikai, and the Fused Bankai.
Emrys laughed inwardly at their indecisiveness, to be honest Emrys didn't want to fight, he wanted to solve the issue peacefully and wanted to explain, but the old man was to stupid to listen to his story, and Emrys had no intention of dying.
Suddenly Emrys spoke, "Listen I do not desire a fight, I'll disengage my Shikai if you all leave, I won't attack, and I expect you all to do the same, if you stay, I guarantee people are going to die."
Yamamoto became agitated and immediately ordered all captains to activate their Bankai, "Everyone don't let Emrys escape, he dare have the gall to challenge the Gotei 13, death is the only suitable punishment!"
The captains stared at Yamamoto questioningly, but nonetheless the did as told, "Bankai!", they all yelled weakly. Suddenly Emyrs found himself surrounded by varying Bankai, and loved the feeling of being surrounded by several intense reiatsu sources, after all while he wasn't a battle freak who'd go searching for fights, he did love the thrill of a fight and would always feel a surge of excitement during life or death situations.
"Excellent, you all have some really nice reiatsu, it's a shame though," Emrys then glanced over at Yamamoto who was the only one not using his Bankai, "Yamamoto why don't you use your Bankai? I certainly hope you aren't underestimating me... or are you overestimating your own abilities?" Emrys spoke calmly while he slightly intimidated the other captains with his words.
Yamamoto had an obvious glint of anger in his eyes as he listened to Emrys talk arrogantly, where was this side of Emrys coming from, he couldn't figure it out, "Emrys you aren't worthy of dying by my Bankai, your sins are demeaning and depraved, your only option of redemption is to die by our hands."
Emrys laughed at Yamamoto and suddenly attacked the captains.
End of flashback
Ichigo watched Shūen as he told the story of how Emrys went against the Gotei 13, having trouble believing any of it, how can one person be so strong, even stronger than Aizen.
"H-How is that possible, that much power, how does he have that much?" Ichigo asked, confusion obvious in his voice.
Shūen smirked at the confusion in Ichigo and spoke, "Emrys-sama was the 1st Soul Reaper to ever fuse with their Zanpakto through the Fujō yūgō no kindan gishiki technique. There have been 6 other Soul Reapers who have successfully fused with their Zanpakto, all of which are allies of Emrys-sama. Also Emrys-sama belongs to the group known as the Pāfekuto Shinigami, which he is the leader of. The other 6 Soul Reapers who fused with their Zanpakto are also a part of this group, and once joined they are ranked and given a Welsh name. The members of this group in order of power are Emrys-sama, Pwerus-sama, Aderyn-sama, Hollalluog-sama, Dwyll-sama, Betrys-sama, and Angof-sama. They are the members of the Pāfekuto Shinigami, my power can't even compare to theirs. They are the leaders, they control both the Chūkū Shinigami and the Yūgō Shinigami. Their power and authority is absolute no one openly defies them, if they do they'll be crushed immediately... that is the reality of our organization... the reality of Shizukesa, the ideals of Shizukesa will come to light, and our ambitions will come to fruition, no one can defend against our power."
Ichigo was completely shocked by the revelations, he didn't understand anything about the Pāfekuto Shinigami, Chūkū Shinigami, Yūgō Shinigami, or Shizukesa, all he knew was he was apparently going to have to fight several strong opponents.
Suddenly he heard Shūen continue rambling, "As I told you the actual leader is Emrys-sama and his fellow Pāfekuto Shinigami, but each different branch has a separate leader, but he still won't have authority over Emrys. The leader of the Chūkū Shinigami is known as Kyomu-sama, and the leaders of the Yūgō Shinigami are Mugen-sama and Owari-sama."
Ichigo finally let out a sigh of relief as Shūen finished his lengthy explanation. "Seriously, couldn't he have explained all of that quicker." Ichigo weirdly was somewhat relieved when he did indeed see Shūen was done talking as he attacked. Ichigo barely was able to block the strike and was pushed into the ground as he continually endured swing after swing.
Suddenly Ichigo felt a sharp pain in his stomach and when he looked down he saw a gaping hole in his stomach, coming none other than from the monstrous tail of Shūen. Ichigo could feel his movements slow and his body getting heavier and as he collapsed onto his knees Rukia became conscious again after the beating she received.
"I-Ichigo! I'm co-," Rukia was immediately cut off by Shūen as he kicked her in the chest causing her to fly back several feet. Rukia felt intense pain in her chest and was covered in cuts and bruises but managed to once again stand up, albeit unsteadily.
Shūen frowned in disapproval as Rukia hoisted Sode no Shirayuki off the ground and swung at his chest. Effortlessly Shūen caught the blade and used his wings to create intense pressure while his tail skidded across the ground coming up and sending Rukia flying into the air, all the while Ichigo laid on the ground weakly, trying desperately to stand.
Rukia wasn't able to withstand the onslaught and was immediately crushed to the ground as Shūen stood over her. She felt slight fear as she stared into his empty and unfeeling eyes and for a second she really thought she was going to die as he started charging a Cero with a finger.
Shūen spoke quietly, "Good bye Soul Reaper, may your death empower me." Quickly his Cero grew in size to the point he couldn't see Rukia in front of him and in that second a massive explosion ripped through the surroundings as his cero contacted the ground leaving massive lacerations on the surface. He then turned around but was frozen when he saw there standing Ichigo donning his hollow mask holding a unconscious Rukia in his arms, he could hear the warped breathing coming from Ichigo and he could feel the intense gaze Ichigo had on him.
Ichigo slowly put Rukia down and grabbed Zangetsu before vanishing behind Shūen immediately slashing across his back. Shūen felt the pain as Zangetsu slashed through the hardened skin of his back and immediately brought his hand up, connecting with Ichigo's face sending him back several yards and effectively cracking his mask.
Shūen glared at Ichigo coldly. He was honestly surprised that Ichigo had managed to injure him and was a little pissed. "Hmm is that the best you can do with your Bankai and hollow mask, if so it's slightly disappointing... oh well I'll just kill you before someone arrives to drag me back.", with those words Shūen immediately grabbed his Zanpakto and swung at Ichigo.
Ichigo quickly blocked it but was pushed harshly into the ground leaving a crater around his feet while Shūen smirked maniacally. In terms of swordsmanship they were equal, but in terms of power Shūen was better and was slowly pushing Ichigo back.
Shūen managed to break through Ichigo's defenses and immediately buried his Zanpakto in Ichigo's stomach. "It looks like your story ends here Boy, when you're reborn as a Soul come find me so we can fight again.", Shūen then took his Zanpakto out of his stomach and sheathed it as he began walking away while Rukia watched in horror as she saw the life in Ichigo's eyes fade as he collapsed onto the ground lifelessly.
"Ichigo!", Rukia let out a bloodcurdling scream as she saw Ichigo lay in a puddle of blood as Shūen slowly approached her. Rukia had a look of hate and contempt in her eyes as she glared at the man who cut down Ichigo. "You bastard I'll kill you!"
Shūen smirked, "A weakling such as yourself has no place to say something which requires power.", He then lifted Rukia by the head and threw her effortlessly into a wall and smiled as he heard several of her bones crack at the impact. Shūen approached her and has he raised his Zanpakto she closed her eyes in apprehension and then she heard the wind as the blade came swinging down speedily and in an instant her entire life flashed between her closed eyes. She remember Rugkonai, Renji and the kids, the Academy, Byakuya and other Kuchikis, Kaien and Ukitake-taicho, and then it came to Ichigo. She didn't want to die, she needed to live to find a way to save Ichigo. Yet she was surprised when no pain came slashing through her and when she opened her eyes she was shocked. A man she didn't know caught the blade preventing it from killing her.
Shūen's eyes were wide at the appearance of the man in front of him. In front of him stood the Dai Pāfeku Dwyll-sama effortlessly holding back his blade.
Rukia was shocked all she saw was long overflowing black hair in front of her as apparently a man stopped the blade from killing her.
"D-Dwyll-sama what are you doing here?!" Shūen was shocked, never did a Pāfeku get sent to handle things like bringing someone back but here stood the Dai Pāfeku right in front of him.
Dwyll smiled suspiciously and spoke, "I'm here to retrieve the Chūkū Shinigami going by the name Shūen on orders from Emrys."
Shūen couldn't believe it Emrys never sent a Pāfeku,he'd either send the leader of the branch the individual belonged to or would come in person, but never had he bothered his fellow Pāfeku about it.
Dwyll still smiling then motioned for Shūen to come to him and as soon as he did Dwyll grabbed him and immediately he fell unconscious as his reiatsu was drained from his body.
Dwyll then glanced over at a shocked Rukia and a barely alive Ichigo and smirked before opening a portal and left leaving both Ichigo and Rukia there alone.
After breathing for a few seconds Rukia realized she was saved by that man known as Dwyll even though she had no idea who he was, but she didn't care either, all that mattered was Ichigo... she had to save him.
As she tried crawling to him she felt excruciating pain all over her body but she still continued to near him, but it seemed like a lost cause as her eyes slowly began to fade and close. The last thing she remembered before fainting was the bloodied body of Ichigo and a feeling someone was watching them. Rukia paid no mind though as she felt her mind slowly slip into the confining clutches of unconsciousness.
Well that's that everyone hope you enjoyed and be sure to review and just to do some translations for you. If you have any questions feel free to ask I'll answer them all.
Emrys- Immortal
Tsumi no ken, Oshoku- Sword of Sin-Corruption
Pāfekuto Shinigami- Perfect Death Gods
Pwerus- Powerful
Aderyn- Bird
Hollalluog- Almighty
Dwyll- Deceit
Betrys- Voyager
Angof- Forgotten
Yūgō Shinigami- Fused Death Gods
Shizukesa- Tranquility
Kyomu- Nothingness
Mugen- Infinite
Owari- End