I gaped at the crazy wolf, "What do you mean another Zanpakuto? One is enough to deal with as it is!" I groaned, shaking my head and stepping away from the group of corpses.
Sukimara just shrugged her wolf shoulders, "I'm only telling you what it looks like from my perspective." She leisurely walked past me, in the direction of a large black mass that levitated in the air. It was round, but the way its shell trembled gave the hint that it had no definite shape. But it was extremely ominous and threatening. Goosebumps rose on my arms every time I peeked a look at it.
I frowned and dragged my feet as I followed her, "Is that the door to Hueco Mundo? It looks so funny."
She looked back at me with her crimson eyes, "What'd you believe it would look like? A giant door with a hollow mask on it? Or a something similar to the gates of hell?"
"Why did I get stuck with the smart-ass wolf for a zanpakuto?" I sighed and shook my head. Sukimara ducked her muzzle for what I assumed was laughter. I narrowed my eyes and jogged up to her, blocking her way.
"Yes?"
"Tell me more about this possible second zanpakuto, how do I get it to appear?"
She tilts her head, eyes gleaming with entertainment, "How did you get me to appear?" she asked with an edge to her voice.
"Rangiku forced me to summon you."
She shook her head sternly, "Rangiku only pushed you. She had nothing to do with you summoning my being. Now answer me again, young Yuki, how did you get me to appear?"
I grimaced, "How am I supposed to know? You just starting talking to me in my head, I didn't really do anything to make you do that."
"Think harder, Yuki, remember. What were you feeling when you first met me?"
I closed my eyes and sighed, taking myself back to that day when Rangiku said I would get my zanpakuto. And I did. But what did I feel right before it. "I was scared, and in pain. I wanted to be stronger so I could prevent Rangiku from hitting me again. But what does that have to do with this other zanpakuto that might not even be inside me?"
She walked around me and started towards the giant sphere again, "It has everything to do with it. It shows what triggers your power, and you need to trigger your power again in order to get that other zanpakuto out."
"Why are you so positive that there's another one inside me?" I followed her, wrapping my arms around myself as the temperature changed from scalding hot to freezing cold. What was up with this place?
"Because you said yourself, water doesn't mingle with fire. So it means either you're more nonhuman than I first thought, or you have another zanpakuto."
"And the only way for us to find out is to get me into a situation where I think I'm about to die? Isn't that a little⦠I don't know, risky?"
"And going on this mission wasn't?" Sukimara retaliated, not looking back at me as we got closer to the opening to Hueco Mundo.
"Are you sure that it's the right way to awaken this new power?" I rubbed my forehead.
"It's not the right way. It's the only way. There is a difference between the two, remember that. And if it's what it takes for you to get whatever revenge you have inside you out then we should take it." The flames over her body flickered lightly against the gusting cold wind.
"What makes you think it's revenge I want?"
"You're two steps from a world controlled by the bad guys. That's not exactly rational thinking, if you look at it clearly."
I sighed in defeat, "Well fine, then how do I get myself into that situation again? It's not like those monsters here are strong enough to beat me."
"They might not be strong, but I'm almost positive he is." She crouched low, in a defensive stance. I groaned and followed her gaze, wondering what enemy we would have to face this time.
"Kaname!" I cheered, smiling. "It's just you!" I walk towards my old friend, who stood his ground and didn't respond. "I thought you were the enemy!"
"Yuki!" Sukimara barked, freezing me in place, "Don't go any closer to him."
I looked back at her, "It's just Kaname! You know he's a good guy." I complained, looking back at Kaname, waiting for him to plead his case as well.
"Think for once, Yuki! Why would he be right outside of Hueco Mundo? Why hasn't he been in touch with the soul society for so long?" A menacing growl erupted from Sukimara's throat, "He is the bad guy, Yuki. He's with Aizen."
"Yuki," Kaname mumbled his soft voice quiet but strong. Talking as if he didn't hear a word Sukimara had said. "I'm here to escort you."
"Escort me where?"
Sukimara moved so she stood in front of me, "He's here to take you to Sosuke."
