Finally got this silly thing finished.
Go for it!
Ch 29
Sparring Partner
Rukia loved her passionate night with Ichigo. She really did. She wished that night could have lasted forever. But sadly she had other matters to attend to. She needed to switch modes from being a girl that was in love to a girl that relished fighting. She had a career to focus on, training to do, and fights she had to win.
Rukia walked in to the gym wearing her black sweat pants, jacket and a pair of old white running shoes. She held her bag tightly over her shoulder as she walked past a few fighters that were sparring. Some had instantly recognized her and congratulated her for her last fight that she won by knockout.
It was a weird feeling being complimented by people she had seen in the gym many times before, but never spoke to them personally. I guess she really was becoming more popular by the day. It was even funnier when guys who were ten times Rukia's size walked up to her and showed their appreciation and enthusiasm about seeing her fight. It was flattering to say the least.
But everyone went back to work the moment Yoruichi walked up wearing her skin tight black pants, and her bright orange hooded sweat shirt. It was obvious that everyone at the gym was scared when Yoruichi came walking around.
"Rukia," she said. "Good to see you."
Rukia held up her hand. "What's up coach? How are ya?"
"Better now that I got you a sparring partner." She turned around and started walking with Rukia. "Are you ready?"
"Of course," said Rukia. "I even looked up some info on her."
"That's good." Yoruichi nodded. "Did you watch her fights online?"
"No I did not. I decided I rather find out in the ring for myself."
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow at her student. "You have seen her record have you not?"
"Her record 8 wins, 6 knockouts," said Rukia without looking at her coach. "She is currently undefeated. She has had over 80 amateur bouts. I'll be keeping my eyes on her."
Yoruichi frowned. "That's right… What else do you know?"
Rukia scratched the back of her head. "Well I hear she's also pretty popular. She's been getting interviews and stuff." Rukia then lookd at her coach. "Least that's what I read."
Yoruichi closed her eyes. "You know nothing of her fighting style?"
Rukia shook her head. "Nope. As I said before I'll see for myself when I spar with her. I think it be better practice for me if I deal with someone new. Someone's fighting style I know nothing about. I believe it will give me better adapting skills. In case I run into an opponent who I know nothing about."
Yoruichi looked at with her usual cold gaze with her gold colored eyes. "Very well," she said before walking away. "Just get ready she should be here soon."
Else where in the gym. Ikkaku stood with Renji and Izuru. Ikkaku flexed his right arm to show his bulging muscles.
"Look at that….look at that shit." He then started flexing both of his arms to show the impressive amount of muscles showing on his naked upper body. "I've never been so ripped before in my life."
Renji and Izuru looked at him with bored glances.
Renjis shrugged. "Soooo what? Are we suppose to be turned on or something?"
Ikkaku's jaw dropped. "What! Ewww NO! I was just showing the result of my training."
Renji titled his head. "Yes we know Ikkaku. We get it. Hell even Izuru here has a six pac."
Izuru wrapped his arms around his waist to hide his stomach. Even though he was wearing a white t-shirt. "Can we please talk about something else," he said while blushing.
The three of them then looked in the air in though.
"Anyone watch the show Breaking Bad," asked Renji.
"Oh my god," said Ikkaku. "FUCKING great show."
"I watched Frozen last night," said Izuru.
Renji and Ikkaku then raised their eyebrows at their friend Izuru. They looked at him as if he was a fucking idiot.
"You know I would make fun of you," said Ikkkau. "If I didn't see that movie…..and fell in love with it."
Ikkaku and Izuru then turned towards Renji. "Well what about you," they both said.
"Be honest man," said Ikkaku.
Renji's eyes shot back and forth to his friends. He then sighed. "Fine….It was amazing. I still have all the songs stuck in my head."
"Heheh oooooh LET IT GO Renji," said Izuru.
All three of them started to laugh.
Ikkaku eyes shot open. "Holy shit," yelled a shocked Ikkaku. "Is that who I think it is!?"
"Who," said Renji as he looked in the area Ikkaku was facing.
Renji saw a giant tall man walking in. His face was old and wrinkle. His skin was a light dark tone. He had a big bushy white mustache. He had a giant scar on his right eye that was covered with a black eye-patch that made him look like a pirate. But his left eye looked cold, evil, and mean. His white hair stood up straight and spiky. His body was heavy, but muscular. In a way he looked like the Incredible Hulk only old not green. He had on black pants and a black leather jacket with the sleeves ripped off. On the back of his jacket was the picture of a skull with a king's crown on top of it.
"Holy shit," said Renji. "It's Barragan The Skull King."
"Holy shit," repeated Ikkaku. "It's Barragan The Skull King."
"Barragan The Skull King….I have no idea who that is." Shrugged Izuru.
"You're kidding," said Renji who looked at him as if he was crazy.
"Barragan AKA The Skull King is only the best Heavy Weight kickboxer in the world."
"He retired with a record of 65 wins, 4 losses, 3 draws, and 47 knockouts."
Izuru's jaw dropped. "No way! That's a lot!"
"Believe it," said Renji. "The guy was a beast."
"Are you kidding dude," said Ikkaku. "Look at him. He's still a beast. I still wouldn't want to fight the man. His arm is bigger than my head."
Renji crossed his arms. "He was a monster in the ring. His fights were always bloody. But they were epic and entertaining as hell to watch."
Ikkaku nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah he is indeed one of the legendary fighters of the world."
Izuru's eyes opened wider and he pointed. "Who's the beauty standing next to him? Is that his wife?"
Ikkaku squinted to get a better look at her. "No it's not." He crossed his arms. "I believe that's his daughter. But what are they here for?"
Rukia sat alone on the women's side of the locker room. She rang her fingers through her spiky bangs and sighed before she began wrapping her last hand for the sparring match. As soon as she was done she started to punch her fist repeatedly into her palm to see how it felt.
"Yeah," she said softly. "That feels right." Just then she heard the door open and sounds of footsteps quickly getting louder as they were getting closer to her. Without looking she continued to test her hand wrappings. "Hold on coach I'm almost done." She then smacked her fist into her palm again. "Just making sure it feels comfortable."
"That's funny," said an unfamiliar female voice. "I do the same thing when I wrap up my hands."
Rukia's violet eyes rose in surprise. She didn't recognize that voice at all. It wasn't Yoruichi, Rangiku, or Momo. She looked up to see strikingly beautiful girl standing in front of her. She had long bright golden hair and her dark light skin looked smooth and practically flawless. Rukia could almost see herself reflecting in this woman's sea green colored eyes.
Rukia then broke into a smile as she looked up at this beauty. "You must be Halibel Tier." Rukia then got up on her feet and extended her hand. "Pleasure to finally meet you." She looked at Halibel with determined eyes.
Though Halibel was striking looking. She held an emotionless stare that would of made anyone a little nervous. It looked as if she was either bored or angry. That was until she cracked a smile and extended her hand out while still holding her emotionless glare at the same time. It was sort of like there was no life in Halibel at all. "Not at all Ms. Kuchiki," she said as she shook Rukia's hand. "The Pleasure is mine."
"Just call me Rukia please. I don't really give a shit about formalities."
"Is that so?" Halibel then nodded her head in agreement. "Fair enough. Then please refer to me as Halibel then. Or Hal. My friends call me Hal at least. I don't know how that came to be."
"Hal huh?" Rukia then put her finger underneath her chin. "Heh that's cute. Only I don't think a sparring partner counts as a friend in our case."
Halibel's jaw dropped slightly and she looked down with a little bit of red showing on her cheek like she was embarassed. "You may be right."
Rukia raised an eyebrow when she saw Halibel's sudden mood change. Was she really that nervous or something? She started to feel kind of bad for Hal. She then turned and pointed. "The bathroom is that way and your more than welcome to change in here if you want. This is the girls side after all." Rukia then turned back towards Halibel and crossed her arms. "Heh unless you prefer to fight in that," she said as she pointed at Halibel's outfit.
Halibel looked down at her clothes. She was dressed in all white with a business suit, blouse, a tight skirt that was cut above her knees and white high heels that had diamonds positioned on the side. "No of course not," Halibel said softly. "Don't be ridiculous."
Rukia held both of her hands up and smiled. "Hey I won't judge you. Everyone else might, but I won't." Rukia then tilted her head as she looked at her shoes. "I do like the shoes though."
"Oh….thank you," said Halibel as she looked at her shoes. "They were a gift from my father. But I probably should get ready."
"Yeah your right," said Rukia. "I need to finish changing to."
Halibel was trying to play it cool, but she was nervous being around Rukia. Not because it was Rukia's fault, but because Halibel was just a shy person in general. Though she was good at hiding it behind her cold emotionless look. She hated meeting new people to be honest. To make matters worse she had to change in front of a stranger. It made her feel uneasy. Even if Rukia was a girl to.
Halibel walked over a little ways away from Rukia and sat down on the bench. She sat her bag down and started to slowly undress. As Halibel was busy slowly taking her stockings off. Her sea green eyes looked towards Rukia who was looking for something in her bag."Rukia Kuchiki," thought Halibel. "She's a lot friendlier and social than I thought she'd be. When I saw her fighting her eyes looked cold, furious, and blood thirsty. She has the look and fights with a certain ferocity when she's in the ring. That and she's pretty quick on her toes to. Even though I'm nervous. I'am very interested to test my skill against hers."
Halibel's expression then turned darker and more serious as she gazed at Rukia. "A fighter from the World Famous Kuchuiki Family. I wonder if she'll be able to keep up with me?" Halibel then looked down and noticed she had only took her shoes and stockings off. "Ah! Hmmmm what is wrong with me," thought Halibel. "It's not like me to space out like this. I guess it's probably cause I'm a little nervous and excited about this. I can't really think straight." Halibel looked over at Rukia again and her eyes shot wide and her jaw dropped when she saw Rukia looking through her bag only wearing her black training trunks and her breasts were completely exposed. Halibel's cheeks turned completely red and her eyes shot wide open as if she saw a ghost. "AH! Miss Kuchiki what are you doing!?"
"Looking for my stupid sports bra! I thought it was in here and I thought..." Rukia then turned towards Halibel giving her a full few of her naked upper body. "Hey I said don't call me by my last name?"
Halibel then turned away with her eyes closed. "Do you have to do that naked!?"
"Huh?" Rukia looked down at herself and then at Halibel who was still looking away from her. She looked down at herself and then at Halibel. "What's the big deal? Were both women here... What? You never changed in a girl's locker room before?" Rukia then smiled as she continued to search for her sports top. "I mean you're not embarrassed are you?"
Halibel then turned with anger in her eyes,her teeth clenched together, and her face glowing beat red. "Of course not!" Halibel grabbed her shoes, stockings, and her bag. "I at least have the decency to cover up!" She then walked off and vanished into another area where she couldn't see Rukia.
Rukia watched as Halibel stormed off. It was obvious she was embarrassed hell really embarassed. Rukia couldn't help but have a giant smile on her face. "Who would of have thought that the daughter of the Skull King would get embarrassed so easily," she thought. "Sorry I made you uncomfertable! I'll give you a heads up next time," Rukia called out.
"I appreciate that. But it won't be necessary," Halibel yelled out.
Rukia then finally found and put on her sports bra. She nodded her head in approval. She then turned towards the direction Halibel was changing. "You know technically I wasn't naked I was wearing shorts."
Halibel was then heard sighing in the distance. "Will you please be quiet!"
Rukia put her hand over her mouth and did her best to hold in her laughter. Rukia was nervous to meet Halibel who could be her permanent sparring partner. But even though Halibel looked like an emotionless pissed of girl. She was actually really shy. It reminded her of Ichigo.
"Mr. Tier," Yoruichi called out.
The large man Barrigan turned around with his cold mean stare to see a purple haired women with gold eyes walking up to him.
"It's an honor to finally meet you in person," said Yoruichi.
"You must be Miss Yoruichi," he said as he extended his hand out and shook her hand.
Yoruichi for once broke a genuine smile as she looked up at the older, taller, and bulkier man. "To be honest I'm a little star struck." Yoruichi crossed her arms. "I never thought I'd get the chance to meet a legend. I must say I've always been a fan of yours."
To everyone's amazement Barrigan smiled back. "I appreciate the praise Miss Yoruichi, but you're quite the legend yourself. Four time boxing champion and two time champion in kickboxing. An astounding career."
Yoruichi closed her eyes and smiled. "I'm honored to hear you say that."
"I appreciate you agreeing for your student to spar with my daughter."
"I believe it will be a good learning experience for both of of them."
"Before we continue there is something I should say first." Barrigan's expression and tone then turned a little darker.
Yoruichi eyes then narrowed. "Alright," she said as she crossed her arms. "Shoot."
"Halibel has already gone through five sparring partners already. And none of them could keep up with her speed and power." Barrigan's eyes narrowed as he moved closer to Yoruichi. "If I'm not happy with Rukia's performance or if think she's struggling to keep up. Then we will have to move on." Barrigan then looked up at the locker room were the two fighters were changing. "I have my doubts since I saw Rukia's loss to Tesa Hawk a while back. And I promise you that my daughter beat Tesa."
"Halibel beat Tesa," she asked herself in her mind. Yoruichi looked at Barrigan with an unsettling stare. It looked as if she was trying to burn a hole through him. "I understand your thoughts," she said in her usual business like tone. "Your daughter has exceptional skill if she beat Tesa. But the fighters that she has faced have been clearly unprepared. I assure you Rukia is not a push over," she said calmly.
Barrigan's eyes shot to Yoruichi with a cold gaze. It was obvious he wasn't too happy with the criticism towards his daughter. But it was clear to him that Yoruichi wasn't too happy with his thoughts towards Rukia either. Barrigan then cracked a smile. "Heh heh heh heh. I can see why you were so good in the past. I like you Yoruichi. You take no bullshit."
Yoruichi then showed a faint smile as she titled her head slightly. "Well I did get some of it by watching you."
Rukia walked out first wearing a black sports bra and black shorts. She walked over to the side of the ring where two guys were already sparring. As she sat down she started to put on her red colored kickboxing shin pads that would cover and protect her feet and shins. After they were both strapped on Rukia looked at her toes that were exposed and curled them to make sure she felt comfortable with them.
Halibel then walked out wearing her training attire an aqua blue colored tank top and dark green shorts. Her blue colored kickboxing shin pads were secured on her legs and her hands were wrapped perfectly around her hands to throw punches.
After they finished equipping themselves with the rest of the sparring equipment the two women fighters stood in their own corners.
Izuru stood at the base of the ring holding a stop watch. "Okay ladies you know the sparring rules. Two minute 10 rounds. There's no countdown if your knocked down."
Ikkaku and Renji along with a few other trainees stood at ring side to watch the spar go on between the two pro's.
"Ikkaku be honest," said Renji. "Who do you think will dominate more?"
Ikkaku blinked a few times. "Well it's a sparring match. The point is to work on your fighting style, your hands, and foot work. It's not about all out attacking your opponent until he can't get back up. Sparring is a learning experience. Depending on your partner it can drastically improve your fighting performance. Halibel and Rukia are both still technically rookies and in a lot of ways their similar fighters. Their height and reach are pretty much the same. Plus their fight records are similar to." Ikkaku then started to scratch his head as he looked in the ring. "On the other hand Halibel is the daughter of the great Skull King and has fought and won in a lot more amateur bouts than Rukia. So she does have Rukia beat in the experience department. But regardless this should be a great learning experience for both of them."
"I see," said Renji as he looked in the ring. "This should be fun to watch then."
"Rukia works hard and you can see it on her body." Ikkaku looked at Rukia's fit body that moderately showed muscles on her arms and abdomen." Ikkaku then turned to look at Halibel who was hopping lightly on her bare feet in her corner. "Halibel has a pretty rocking body though. You can tell she trains hard." Even though Halibel was covered up more. Ikkaku couldn't help, but admire Halibel's appearance. Halibel's light dark skinned body showed off more of an impressive display of muscle on her arms. Halibel looked like she was one mean looking fighter who could take a lot of punishment.
Rukia stood in her corner shifting her head side to side. "I hate the fucking headgear," thought Rukia. "It makes me feel claustrophobic. I don't feel like I can fight freely."
Halibel shifted her yellow colored mouth guard around in her mouth as she was rotating her strong broad shoulders around and she tried to adjusted her blue colored headgear with her gloves. Her eyes traveled over and saw that most of the men were watching them. Halibel sighed and her eyes narrowed when she saw all the shirtless men. "Tch! Why do they have to be here," thought Halibel as she looked at them as if they were all a disease.
Izuru then held up his stopwatch. "Okay ladies ready!?"
Rukia raised her right red glove up and Halibel nodded her head as both of her blue gloves were covering her mouth.
"Alright GO!" Izuru then pressed the button starting round 1.
Rukia extended her right glove out while Halibel was hesitant at first, but she lightly tapped her glove against Rukia's for respect.
Both fighters then took a couple steps back with their gloves raised ready to strike.
"Now let's see what the daughter of the famous Skull King can do," thought Rukia.
Rukia clenched her gloves tightly and fired off first with a right jab and then a left hook. Halibel reacted and easily blocked the jab and used her arm to stop the hook from hitting her head. Rukia fired off again with a right jab, left jab, and then finished with a harder right jab. Halibel held her gloves up and managed to hold off all of Rukia's attacks with her defense. Even though she held off numerous shots Halibel didn't lose any ground.
Rukia then narrowed her violet eyes and went for a right hook that solidly smacked against Halibel's blue gloves that were defending her head from harm, but Rukia ducked slightly with her gloves up and attacked again to land a solid body shot against Halibel's solid mid-section. Halibel grunted in response, but she didn't lower her guard. To Rukia it felt like she was hitting a solid rock with her fist. Halibel's midsection must of had a six pac on her. After landing the body punch Rukia instantly followed up with a right mid kick that also landed on the other side of Halibel's gut. The force of the hits wasn't too hard, but it was enough to make Halibel grunt out loud.
Halibel's green eyes narrowed as she shook off the shots that Rukia landed. The blonde beauty saw Rukia swinging a right hook at her body. Halibel reacted and blocked the attack with her elbow and counter attacked with a fast right uppercut that landed solidly on her sparring partner's jaw. Rukia's eyes grew wide, and her lips parted showing her white mouthpiece off during the impact while her head whipped to the side. The hit was hard and Rukia was forced to take a step back with her gloves raised that would stop anymore incoming punches from landing. But pain erupted from her stomach as Halibel foot landed against her abdomen. Even though Halibel's feet were padded and not causing 100% damage they still hurt. Halibel moved again with blinding speed. Now that Rukia's guard was lowered she swung a higher right kick that smacked Rukia across the cheek. Even with the protection of the headgear Rukia could still feel the force of kick that distorted her face and caused her head to shoot over her shoulder. Again the attack forced Rukia back two more steps while Halibel took two steps forward. Rukia held her gloves up to guard, but her eyes raised when she saw Halibel go low with her blue gloves ready to fire. Without warning Halibel landed four good body shots that all sank into Rukia's abdomen. "Uuhh, uuhhh, uuhh, uhhhh," grunted Rukia as she felt all of Halibel's punches on her mid-section. After landing the fourth body punch. The muscles on Halibel's right arm bulged as she cocked her arm back and unleashed a harder right hook that again crashed into Rukia's abdomen. "Aahhh," screamed Rukia. Her eyes and mouth opened wide as she felt the pain shake through her body. she covered her sore mid-section before the power in her legs was forced out and causing her to fall down on one knee.
"DOWN," yelled Izuru.
Halibel held her serious cold stare as she looked down at her opponent. She lowered her blue gloves and stood in a neutral corner as she looked at Rukia. The short raven haired women looked down at the mat breathing heavily and groaning slightly in pain from the heavy body shots she sustained.
"Predictable Rukia," thought Halibel as she leaned her head back. "First round and your already down. Maybe I was expecting too much."
Rukia then quickly got up on both feet. "Gaaaaah," groaned Rukia. "Okay I'll admit that was a good shot," she said as she looked at Halibel.
Halibel's eyes rose slightly when she saw Rukia blow off her assault. Even though she wasn't going all out. Halibel's other sparring partners took at least a while to get back up before they could spar again. But Rukia got up like it was no big deal. "Hmph. You can take your time if you want."
"No thanks," replied Rukia. "That was a six count," said Rukia. She then narrowed her eyes meanly and exhaled. "Let's try that again." Rukia brought her gloves up in her normal fighting stance. "Fuck she really did nailed me good there. Her movements are fast...really fast. I'll be ready next time though," thought Rukia."
Halibel frowned and she raised her gloves back up in front of her face as she met Rukia in the middle of the ring. "I know your acting tough, but I know you're already weakened from those body hits." Halibel said in her mind as she looked at Rukia's intense glare. "Still that's a nice look your giving me." Halibel could feel a little chill traveling through her body.
In a flash Rukia attacked first with a left mid-kick. Halibel lowered her guard instantly to meet it, but instead saw a red comet flying across her vision before she could think Halibel's cheek erupted in pain and was deformed from Rukia's glove colliding with it. Halibel's lips parted, and her head swayed to the side as she felt the hard right hook smashing her cheek. "Uuuhhh," groaned Halibel with her eyes wide open from shock. "A fake!?" Halibel took a few steps back feeling a little stunned from that heavy hit. But Rukia didn't give her any time to recover and in a flash nailed Halibel in the jaw with left uppercut which made a loud thunderous smack noise of leather hitting leather. "Uuuhhh," screamed Halibel. The darker skinned fighter stumbled back, the world felt unbalanced to her, and she fell down on one knee while catching herself by wrapping her right arm around the ropes.
All the spectators including Yoruichi and Barrigan gasped when they saw the fast surprise second knockdown happen so quickly.
A dumbstruck Halibel took a few deep breaths. "What?… What happened," Halibel thought as she looked up in disbelief. "Was….was I knocked down? That….that can't be." Halibel then looked up and saw Rukia leaning back against a neutral corner.
"It's cool," said Rukia lightly waving her glove at her downed sparring partner. "Take all the time you need," she said with a little bit of a smile on her face as she looked down at Halibel from across the ring.
Halibel's jaw dropped slightly and she felt her heart sink in the pit of her stomach. "This girl," Halibel's voice echoed in her head. She then got a strong urge to get back up and pound Rukia across the face even harder. Halibel then smirked. She then got up on her feet and then rotated her right shoulder as she walked to the center. She then got into her fighting stance while giving Rukia her own intense blood thirsty glare. "Come on bring it," she said seriously.
Rukia's smirk grew and she held up her gloves and gave Halibel her own murderous warrior gaze. Both extended their right arms back ready to throw a right punch until Izuru yelled, "TIME!"
Rukia and Halibel's eyes grew. Was the round already over? It was just about to get good.
Both women exhaled and went back to their corners.
"She's a hard hitter," thought Rukia as she stood leaning forward in her corner with both arms hanging above the top rope. "If it wasn't for the headgear my head would be hurting a hundred times more."
Halibel stood in her corner with her eyes closed and her head facing up at the ceiling. She took a few deep breaths through her mouth guard as she reminisced the first round in her mind. "She actually got me," she thought to herself. "I thought it would take her time to recover from those body blows I landed. I guess I was too careless. I'll be sure to remember that." She then opened her sea green eyes.
After a few more seconds had passed Izuru gave the signal to start again.
In a matter of moments both fighters were in center ring with gloves raised. Without wasting any time they went to work on attacking. Rukia and Halibel traveled back and forth in the ring throwing punches and kicks. However neither fighter landed any serious blows. After exchanging a few more jabs they went back to their corners again after the round ended.
After a minute of rest both Rukia and Halibel met in the center of the ring again firing back and forth with punches and kicks. As the rounds passed Rukia and Halibel found a good pace as they kept sparring for five more rounds. After the end of the sixth round both Rukia and Halibel retreated back to their corners. With Rukia in the red corner and Halibel in the blue corner.
"Man they've been going at it for six rounds straight," said Renji. "There not even letting up."
"Yeah, but look at Rukia," said Ikkaku.
Renji looked over and saw Rukia leaning forward against the ropes breathing heavily with sweat dripping heavily off her face. Her eyes were half closed and her mouth was gaped open with her white mouthpiece stuck to the roof of her mouth.
"Yeah I see it," replied Renji. "Rukia is starting to hit her limit it looks like."
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes as she saw Rukia struggling.
"You looked worried Yoruichi," said Barrigan who was standing next to Yoruichi.
Yoruichi looked at Barrigan and then back at her fighter. "A little," she said not sounding too concerned. "Rukia's limit is usually six rounds. And since she's been fighting so hard for six straight. She's really surpassing her limit. There havn't been that many fighters that have pushed her like Halibel has." Yoruichi then looked over and saw Halibel standing in her corner with her head down and her blue colored headgear concealing her face. "Your daughter on the other hand seems to be handling herself better."
Barrigan's expression then grew dim. "No," he said. "She's just better at hiding it."
Yoruichi narrowed her gold eyes at Barrigan and she took a closer look at Halibel. She could see sweat rolling down Halibel's face. And her chest rose and descended heavily as she was breathing in her corner. Her blue tank top also had a big wet spot on her chest from sweat she was working up. Halibel's eyes looked worn out as well as she was trying to slow down her breathing.
"Your right," said Yoruichi.
"Rukia is really giving Halibel a good work out. All of the other sparring partners could only last 4 rounds against my daughter. Rukia is really holding her own."
"I don't know how much more of this I can take," thought Rukia as she felt sweat dripping down her face and down her whole body. "I'm so hot cause of this fucking headgear. I can barley concentrate. I want to take it off. I feel like I'm gonna pass out from the heat." Rukia then looked over at Halibel who also looked like she was having a hard time. "Hey….Hal," yelled Rukia.
Halibel raised her head slightly at Rukia in response.
"Any….objection…finishing this…..without headgears," Rukia said in between breaths.
Halibel took a few deep breaths and shook her head. "No."
With help from the other trainees Rukia and Halibel felt the sweet relief of cool air on their sweaty red hot faces after their headgear was removed. Rukia's short black hair was soaking wet and drops of sweat were dripping off her spiky front bangs. Halibel looked the same. The back of her long golden hair was tied back in a ponytail while her front spiky bangs dripped with her sweat as well.
After a moment of relief round seven started with both fighters wearing no head protection for the first time. Both were breathing heavily and with their gloves positioned in front of their jaws. They both exchanged right hooks and left jabs that were then followed by mid kicks.
As the sparring match went on their bodies felt heavier and their movements felt slower. As both Rukia and Halibel tested and pushed each other to their breaking point.
"As I suspected," said Ikkaku.
"What," asked Renji.
"Their compatible."
"Huh?"
"There fighting styles are almost the same. The only difference is Halibel defends attacks more while Rukia dodges attacks. Rukia wastes more energy by moving her body to avoid incoming punches and hence she gets tired faster. Whereas Halibel defends more. Only problem with that is it strains and weakens your body after enduring so many hits even if you do block them. A wall can only take so much punishment before cracks start to form." Ikkaku's eyes narrowed. "Now it's all about who can push themselves the farthest. This is when you really see what a fighter is made of."
In the 10th and final round of the sparring match. Both fighters skin were shinnying and glistening with sweat as the lights shined on them. Their bodies showed spots of light bruising, their cheeks were red, and even some light purple bruises were showing on their foreheads. Both combatants were tired and they look like they wanted to drop at any moment.
Even though it was the last round of the sparring match both fighters kept attacking, blocking, and dodging. Rukia sometimes landed a minor punch here and there, but Halibel would also land a few good hits of her own. But no matter how much punishment they took they stood and kept on going at their best.
"TIME," yelled Izuru.
Rukia and Halibel then dropped their guard. They smiled through the moughguards and hugged each other while the other trainees clapped in response from their hard work.
"Well what do you think Mr. Tier," asked Yoruichi. "Is Rukia still not good enough?"
"Yoruichi I'am impressed. You definitely got a fighter there. She went the distance and managed to put my Halibel in such a condition. I haven't seen her work up such a sweat before."
Yoruichi nodded her head. "I'm honored by your words and I know Rukia would be as well."
After a few minutes of well deserved rest. Rukia stood in the gym shower relishing the water hitting her tired body. Taking a shower after a good hard work out was always the best feeling.
"This feels really good."
Rukia looked over and saw Halibel in the shower stall next to her. Halibel looked up with her eyes closed as the water was hitting her face. Rukia eyes grew. She couldn't help, but admire how sexy Halibel's body looked. Her wet skin showed off a lot more detail of muscles on her arms and shoulders. As much as she hated to admit it. It sort of made Rukia feel a little insecure on how fit her body looked. Rukia could only see Halibel's face, shoulders, and arms. But she was sort of curious to see Halibel's whole naked body. I mean it looked like Halibel had bigger breasts. In fact Rukia thought women with big breasts couldn't fight at all. With Rangiku being an exception. However considering how fast and how hard of a hitter Halibel was. She decided to rethink that analysis.
Rukia closed her eyes and smiled. "Yeah it's the best isn't it."
"It most certainly is," replied Halibel. She opened one eye at Rukia showering next to her. Even though Halibel would of been normally uncomfertable showering next to another women she barley knows. She honestly didn't care right now. Not after she had such a hard work out."Rukia I should apologize to you."
Rukia then gave her quizzical look. "For what?"
"You're pretty tough."
Rukia gave a quick laugh. "Thanks, but you're pretty fucking strong yourself. I can see why you're undefeated."
Halibel blushed slightly as she looked down. "Thank you. But before to be honest I wasn't too happy about this sparring session. At least...That's what I thought before we actually sparred."
Rukia frowned slightly in response as she looked at Halibel.
"But you really proved me wrong." She looked at Rukia with a serious gaze. "And I'd be honored to have you as a sparring partner." She then extended her hand out to Rukia. Halibel then looked down and blushed slightly. "That is if you still want to."
Rukia's jaw dropped slightly. She smiled and shook Halibel's hand. "Of course," replied Rukia. "I had a lot of fun sparring with you."
Halibel smirked back. "I as well."
Rukia couldn't really wrap her head around Halibel. She was…different. Different than any other women she had ever met before. When Rukia saw pictures and interviews of Halibel. She looked cold, scary, and emotionless. But that wasn't the case when she spoke with her. Halibel was a nervous and shy person. It made her look really cute. I'm sure she must of drove the boys wild with her appearance. But when Rukia sparred against her. Halibel's eyes looked deadly and sinister like she wanted Rukia dead. She looked like she wanted blood and it showed in her fighting. Even though Rukia liked her and had a lot of fun sparring with her. Rukia couldn't help, but wonder who would win if they fought for real. Rukia could picture Halibel and her fighting in the ring surrounded by thousands of screaming people. The thought gave her excitement. It was strange but she wanted to make it happen. Even though Halibel looked like she would be huge competitor. Rukia soul started to burn. She wanted to fight her head on take her down because she was strong. Maybe it will happen someday. She could only hope.
After everyone said their goodbyes Barrigan and Halibel sat next to each other in the back of the car as their driver was taking them home. Barrigan looked at his daughter who was leaning her head back with her eyes closed. He could see some of the light bruising that was showing underneath her eyes and cheeks.
"You have to be careful with that girl," said Barrigan. "She is not to be underestimated."
Halibel then slowly opened her eyes as she kept looking forward. "Indeed father. She's an aggressive fighter. However I was able to drop her easily in the first round. And I wasn't even trying my hardest."
"Hmph is that so," said Barrigan. "But she also knocked you down right after that did she not?"
Halibel then closed her eyes again. The scene of Rukia's intense glare as she looked down at Rukia from across the ring. She remembered perfectly how she felt at that time. She held her hand up in front of her face and she made a tight fist. "That she did." Her fists then started to shake either from excitement or fear. Her lifeless sea green eyes slowly opened as a faint smirk appeared on her lips.
So a little bit of sparring from the new sparring partner.
I didn't realize it until I started to write it, but Halibel is kind of a hard character to write. I watched her fight with Toshiro again to try and get a better idea of her personality. And that honestly made it harder for me to write her.
Cause I don't really count her as a villain in Bleach. Mainly because she fights cause her friends got killed by the General. That and I still didn't get her reason for joining Aizen. I forgot to be honest. So she was going to avenge her friends even if they were bullies. So she had a sense of honor. But her personality was just...well non existent from what I saw. She was just...emotionless. Never showed her if she was happy, sad, or angry.
So it was like I was recreating a blank character. Which I don't know why? But it was kind of confusing for me to write her in this world. But I think I'm being a little hard on myself since this was the first main chapter she actually did stuff in. I got more things that are coming up that will help us explore her more as a character. And will see how she changes as events unfold in this world.
Again sorry for the long wait. School, finals, friends, awesome summer movies being released left and right. It's been crazy.
GODZILLIA WAS AWESOME!
That and having writers block off and on doesn't help me either. (mumbles)
Thank You
Avengers426
(Don't forget to review and have fun.)
