This was why she still turned to face him again - even after he kept knocking her down. Because she wasn't one to just roll over when things got difficult – she would keep going – until she couldn't go anymore.
Meanwhile in Urahara's Secret Underground Training Area That Was Not Really A Secret And Also Possibly Illegal aka Urahara's basement….
Tegan was eyeing Urahara warily.
"Just what is it that you plan to do?" she asked, watching as he held his cane loftily.
"Well, I did say that I would help take care of those pesky voices that are bothering you."
Tegan glared crossly and placed her hands on her hips. "And just how do you plan on achieving that?" she asked, rather suspicious of the grin that he was sporting.
Suddenly, the grin turned malevolent as Urahara spoke lightly.
"I'm going to kill you." He pulled Benihime from her sheath.
~MOve! ~
For once complying with her inner demons, Tegan gathered rietsu and flung herself backwards as Urahara charged.
"Are you crazy?" she shouted as she skidded to a halt several yards away from him. Urahara did not answer but merely disappeared faster than Tegan could track.
~Duck! ~
Again Tegan complied and just in time as Urahara's blade swept over her head. Eyes wide in horror, Tegan attempted to move out of Urahara's path but as soon as he realized that his blade had not made contact, he pulled his leg back and kicked the girl away from him.
Tegan's body flew into the air and sailed backwards before she landed on her back and skidded across the hard ground. Groaning in pain, the girl struggled to get up though she already knew that her human body was not going to be able to do much more.
However, a sandaled foot on her stomach stopped her from doing anything else as it applied pressure. Tegan gritted her teeth, the edge of the clogs were sharp. She flung her head back and glared hatefully up at Urahara, who merely stared down at her before he lifted his sword and impaled her in the heart.
It was a soft breeze that woke Tegan from her slumber. She blinked to clear away the blurring that obstructed her vision and gazed around curiously. She was sitting beneath a large oak tree amongst the roots that cradled her protectively. The tree was one of many and each one seemed to have some unique shape or form. Placing a hand on a root that draped across her chest, Tegan gave it a slight push and the root willingly moved away from the girl. She smiled and stood, her body only relaxing further as the cool breeze ruffled her hair in the need to play. Tegan shook her head softly. Not right now, she told it silently as she began to walk through the tranquil forest.
As she walked, she observed her surroundings subconsciously. It was nearing twilight and lightning bugs were already flittering around the trees. Somewhere ahead, a bird called out its evening song.
It seemed to be a tranquil paradise and Tegan knew she could stay there forever. However, as Tegan continued her path and got further from the center of the forest, a growing feeling of unease began to fill her and she found herself moving faster and faster until she broke into a dead run.
As she ran, the black sleeves of her robes billowed – adding to her new sense of panic – since when had she wore black robes?
Running, Tegan leapt over the upcoming roots and ducked under the limbs that attempted to grab hold of her – deterred only by the fierce wind that blew over her protectively. The sight of the forest's edge gave her the energy and speed needed to continue.
Tegan burst through the last of the trees and skidded to a stop, panting in exhaustion.
The wind – once fierce – now settled around her in whispered concern. It waited until she had caught her breath before urging her forward. Giving the forest one last glance, Tegan started forward.
Only to stop abruptly as she came to the edge of a cliff.
Laughing shakily, Tegan glanced down the drop.
It was a long way down.
She turned her gaze onward and felt her breath hitch.
Beyond the cliff, stood a white city.
Grinning in triumph, the future soul reaper made her way to the city – to the center of her heart.
Tegan stared in amazement at the wall before her. It seemed to stretch on forever and the girl had to wonder in it went all the way around the city she had seen from the cliff. She failed to notice that the bottom of the wall had begun to crumble away as though something had caused it to decay from inside the city. Instead, she focused on the single entranceway – a large gate that was blocked by thick black chains that hung tightly against the wood. Her eyes narrowed at the restraints as the wind brushed by her in irritation. They wanted the restraints gone. The chains were not meant to be there, therefore, they had to go. Such an abomination in her mind – in their mind – was unforgivable.
Tegan lifted her hand and grasped the chain closest to her then pulled. Giving no resistance, the chain followed her hand then began to disappear. When the black iron was completely gone, the gate swung open to welcome her into the city. Tegan advanced warily, for though she knew that, in a way, this place was her home, she could feel the presence of others that set her on edge.
The inside of the city was vastly different from the forest and its surrounding area. There was no wind for a start. That and everything seemed dead. The buildings were lifeless and empty – some of them were decayed to the point of being only rubble. Within those broken buildings were shadows that seemed to crawl. Bars covered windows and doorways, and Tegan could hear the sound of creaking metal somewhere in the distance. She wondered if she should be concerned that this was the image her mind came up with for an inner world. The girl shifted her gaze uneasily around her in apprehension.
It was the sound of laughter that caught her attention next. Immediately, she turned towards the sound but there was nothing there. The sound echoed again to her right but this time it was closely followed by a second set of laughter further away from the first. Licking her chapped lips, Tegan's eyes darted around in an attempt to locate the sources. She knew that whoever they were, they wanted her to jump and turn again and again until she was frightened and disoriented. She wouldn't give them that pleasure. Instead, she clenched her fists tightly to hide her fear and to add some self-control.
A distorted voice carried towards her through the street.
"Aw, look at that." It cooed, causing Tegan to cringe even as she tried to stand resolutely, "The chil's frightened. Isn't tha' the mos' adorable sight?"
An identical voice came from the opposite side of the city's street, "Indeed brother. But one must wonder why. After all, there's nothing here that would harm her."
"Per'aps, she jus' doesn' recognize us. We've nev'r met face ta face before."
Tegan's teeth clenched, she knew who these two were. The voices were the same ones that she had been hearing since she was nine years old on the night her mother died. It was just as Urahara had told her – they were her zanpakto. Now she just had to figure out how to confront them properly. The zanpakto carried on, unaware of their wielder's thoughts.
"Perhaps, you're right brother. But we simply can't come out now. It would ruin our game of hide- an –seek and we all know how much we enjoy that game. Come and find us, dear master. We're waiting for you."
The other 'brother' let out laughter that caused goose bumps to rise on Tegan's arms. It was a chilling, dark laugh - one of sinister amusement and intent. Tegan's mouth went dry and she had to wonder – what had she gotten herself into?
Urahara stared down apathetically at the two forms on the ground. One was merely a body – a vessel that went through much wear and tear to protect something very precious inside. The other was a soul, one that - at that moment - was trapped within its own mind – at the mercy of individuals that reflected its own inner demons and strengths. He had to wonder just what kind of zanpakto Tegan was facing at that moment.
Tegan wanted to kill Urahara. In fact as she ran through the streets, she was already comparing different methods that she could use to get the job done. A black blur appearing by her side cut her from her thoughts as she jumped to avoid the zanpakto's attack. So far, their 'game' had consisted of her running for her life through the city's streets to avoid random attacks from two 'blurs' – one black and one white. It was beginning to irritate her. She did not have unlimited patience – far from it in fact. She was just good at hiding that little detail. Tegan much preferred to be seen as laid back rather than having a quick fuse. This in reality was close to being completely false. These two were pushing her limit. Besides, how the fuck was this considered hide-and-seek? These two are beyond demented, she thought to herself.
She threw herself sideways to avoid yet another attack, this time coming from the white blade. Rolling to her feet, Tegan gritted her teeth. Enough was enough.
"Alright you bastards," she snarled as she stood her ground, "That's enough! Now I'm irritated!"
The black zanpakto dashed by her to settle by what used to be a building's wall. As he stood still, he frowned and asked crossly, "Irritated? We were only playing a game with you. You need to lighten up some."
Tegan stared at him, mouth parted as she took in his features. It was a boy in his late teens and he was taller than her – she only came to his chest. He wasn't just thin, he was lanky and his pale skin contrasted greatly with his black hair that feathered out to his shoulders. Bangs covered one eye while the other eye was pure black with no sclera or any other color at all – no, wait – there was a thin purple ring too. Underneath his eye ran three parallel lines that stretched towards his jaw – the center line was the only one that went all the way down and continued towards his throat. His clothes were black with a white undershirt being the only difference in color. Over the shirt was a jacket, torn and ripped with age, and over his form-fitting black jeans, which were also ripped and worn, he wore black boots. The boy was unnerving. He seemed too calm while standing there, having already stopped being cross. The only hint of emotion was as he frowned curiously at her then, suddenly, he smiled gently and Tegan found herself edging away warily. However, her back smacked into something behind her and, without further warning, arms wrapped around her from behind. Tegan froze then tensed. Laughter, softer this time but still chilling, echoed behind her.
"Ah' do believe ya lost this game, little wielder." The white zanpakto's voice whispered in her ear.
Tegan gritted her teeth; she did not have time for these games.
"Release me." She snarled as she attempted to escape his grasp. The zanpakuto, however, just laughed again and tightened his grip.
"Wha' shall we do with 'er?" he asked his brother gleefully as the future shinigami cursed and flailed about. He smiled over her shoulder in response to her distress which she immediately took advantage of.
She slammed her head into his nose.
Crying in surprise and pain, the zanpakuto released her and covered his nose with both hands. Tegan skittered away then turned to face both of her adversaries. The dark twin was watching his brother in mild amusement as he pressed his hands to his face, orange eyes watering in pain.
Tegan took in his appearance as well. He was complete opposite of his brother. The only things that were the same were their shape and skin color. While tall, lanky, and pale like his counterpart, this zanpakuto had short white hair that stood on end with slit neon orange eyes that seemed to glow. His clothes were completely white save for the black undershirt that showed from under his unbuttoned, long sleeved shirt. Rather than form-fitting jeans, he wore loose cloth pants that were only partially tucked into a pair of boots. He had lowered his hands, so Tegan could see that there were no markings on his face. The zanpakuto growled lowly towards her.
"Uncalled for." He hissed, revealing sharp incisors. His dark twin seemed to become even more amused as Tegan opted for a look of defiance.
"You shouldn't have grabbed me, ya jackass!" she yelled back causing him to recoil in surprise. Then he sniffed haughtily as he crossed his arms and turned his head from her.
"Whatever." He scoffed and suddenly his mood went one-eighty as he turned back towards her with a grin and began to bounce on his heels.
"It's 'bout time ya got here ya know. We've been waitin' ages."
To Tegan's surprise, the darker twin nodded in agreement as his (visible) eye widened in mocking worry.
"Eight years I believe."
Tegan sneered at them both. "Oh yes." She said sarcastically, "I'm sooo sorry to keep you both waiting. Especially since you both made my life a living hell."
The pale zanpakuto pouted. "Well, ya weren't listening." He whined back.
His brother shrugged. "We had to do something to get your attention." He explained.
Again, Tegan's temper snapped, "You got me arrested!"
They both snickered, "That actually was pretty funny."
She glowered at them both then sighed in defeat. Something told her that she wouldn't get anywhere with these two in this subject.
"The reason I was here to begin with…" she began uncertainly but froze as identical looks of malice twisted her zanpakutos' features.
"That man-" they hissed, "-attempted to kill you."
Tegan nodded tiredly. "I know." She said, calmly. "However, we agreed to follow his methods. This was how he felt it was best, I suppose."
"Bullshit." The white zanpakuto snorted.
Tegan looked to him, startled and the pale spirit gave a bitter grin.
"Don' look so surprised, Tegan. We are you after all. Your inner thoughts and bein' are represen'ed through us."
"Therefore," the black spirit continued, "while you may think something but not say it, we're just going to speak our minds. Or" he added, glancing at his twin, "your mind, rather."
Tegan placed a hand over her forehead as though signifying a growing headache. Then again, looking at her zanpakuto, she's probably had the same headache for eight years.
"It's alrigh', Tegan." The white zanpakuto crooned, allowing a small smirk to form, "You'll understand 'ventually."
Tegan merely glared at him. "Not sure I want to understand." She muttered crossly and let her hand drop before asking, "So who are you anyway?"
"We've been over this already, young master." The black zanpakuto amended her gently but his tone still sounded slightly exasperated.
"I know you're my zanpakuto!" she shouted crossly before stating, "I want to know your names."
The white twin's voice, suddenly soft with a hint of warning, came from behind her and would have made her jump had his arms not been wrapped around her torso once again.
"Names are ah powerful thing, chil'. However, you may call me Janaan"
Tegan's breath caught in her throat. When had he managed to get behind her?
Janaan's dark twin disappeared from his post on the wall only to reappear directly in front of her, causing Tegan to start in surprise. He smiled as he leaned down to whisper to her, "And I… am Aatmik."
The twins then spoke together as they held their wielder between them. "Together, we are Gemini."
It was with a deep shuddering gasp that Tegan came back to the real world. Immediately, her hand flew to her heart where she had been stabbed originally but with startling realization, she found no wound. This caused her to relax slightly on the hard ground, her heart hammering in her chest as she attempted to remain calm. This plan was for naught the moment she glanced to her left and found herself staring at her own body. Her breath caught and for a moment Tegan just stared before the truth finally sunk in.
Urahara really had killed her.
There was no chain connecting her to her body and glancing down at herself, she found that she was wearing the dark robes of a soul reaper. A black and white katana rested within its sheath on her hip.
Tegan was officially a shinigami.
A very, very pissed off shinigami.
Jumping to her feet, the irate girl immediately set out to find the blond bastard whom she intended to harm greatly.
It did not take long to find him.
As soon as Tegan had begun her search, the sound of someone's angered shouting had led her straight to her target. … Who was backed onto a large boulder by three individuals. Three angry individuals.
Tegan smiled widely. It appeared that Kita had found out Urahara's actions and was now chewing him out for it while Kon and Ulla kept him prisoner. The shopkeeper was smiling disarmingly and appeared to be trying to calm the three down. Whatever he was saying though, just seemed to make them more upset. Or at least it definitely made Kita shout even more.
Tegan watched for a minute or two before she flash-stepped to Kita's side. She was quicker than before, she noted, then turned to face her friend.
"Kita," she began in amusement as Urahara's smile grew and he attempted to divert Kita's attention to the shinigami next to her. Kita hardly glanced over to Tegan as she continued her shouting before she quickly did a double take.
"Tegan!"
Tegan smiled gently, allowing her eyelids to droop almost lazily. As a friend, this was the moment where she should say something truly comforting to Kita – to reassure her that she was fine and that everything was okay.
"Hola amiga. Wazzup?"
Okay. So Tegan didn't always get the social requirements that were expected of her.
She did understand, though, that when Kita turns to you with a look that promises pain then attempts to punch you, that you did something stupid.
