Sorry for the late post...here's the next chapter
Back in the Western Lands, the two week shift of their stay with Yuu was over. Yoruichi and Sui-Feng were making necessary preparations to transition to the Shoten. Yoruichi had borrowed some books from the library to continue to study the world she was to become part of. She had not talked to Yuu since yesterday after their 'bathing' encounter. Yoruichi was still stung from being found out and her pride wouldn't allow for her to admit that Yuu was right. She hadn't seen Sui-Feng either. She could feel her from time to time but other than that she wouldn't have known Sui was around.
When Yoruichi finally did see the two, it was at breakfast the morning they were to transition through the portal. She wasn't sure about the other two but the tension in the room was thick like fog. Sui hadn't acknowledged her arrival into the room as the captain continued to eat her breakfast. Yuu had nodded at her with a small smile before turning his attention back to his food.
'Great.' Yoruichi thought as she sat down and grabbed an orange to peel it. It was so quiet she could hear the peel give way as her nubile fingers revealed the hidden fruit. She almost jumped when Yuu broke the silence.
"I will be accompanying you today. Kenji will stay with you until you return here," Yuu's voice disturbed the quiet room. Yoruichi noticed that his attention was not on her when he spoke. Rather, it seemed he was looking at Sui-Feng for a reaction of some kind. Sui-Feng just kept chewing mechanically as if in a trance before her arm raised again for another bite of rice. There was a far off look to her eyes as if she wasn't even in the room. Yuu must have noticed because the faint low rumble of a growl could be heard.
"Don't-" Yoruichi snapped, "-growl at her."
"Interesting." Both parties looked to see Sui with the same far off look in her eye. Slowly placing the empty rice bowl on the table she turned her head to where Yoruichi sat before the glazed look came to focus on her.
"Sui?" Yoruichi breathed.
"You defending me, it's interesting. Lord Yuu," Sui-Feng looked at him, "I was aware of everything going on in this room. I didn't respond to you because it was a statement. Not a question. You've made it quite clear that my opinion is of no interest to you. I won't waste my breath with exercises in futility."
"Your attitude is most unbecoming, bodyguard." Yuu baited.
"Then I guess it's a good thing that I'm neither of yours," Sui smirked back.
"Then you won't be joining us then?" Yuu asked with fake concern in his voice.
"I guess you could say that I'm a free to do as I please. Now if you'll excuse me I have meeting to get to." Sui-Feng said before heading toward the grounds to the portal.
"You dismissed her service?" Yuu looked at Yorucihi. The orange in her hands was forgotten as she stared at the place where Sui had been. "Ahh I see."
"You said something you didn't mean to?" Yuu prodded. When Yoruichi remained silent he gave a heavy sigh and stood up. "We might as well get a move on. There are some clothes for you in your quarters. Meet me at the portal in 10 minutes."
Yoruichi snapped out of her stupor as Yuu left to change. Yoruichi went to her room to find her familiar black leotard and orange jacket. 'I wonder if Kisuke had anything to do with this.' She thought before quickly dressing.
When she met Yuu outside, she could make out the edges of Sui's uniform as she went through the portal. The black shoji doors shut and disappeared.
"She isn't coming with us?" She said aloud and Yuu seemed to be thinking the same thing. Neither of them knew what had just happened, but regardless it seemed that Sui wasn't expecting to walk through with them. The black shoji door appeared and Kenji walked through to meet them.
"Everything is ready." Kenji said with a bow before stepping aside.
"Shall we?" Yuu said extending a hand before they walked through.
Sui-Feng tugged on a pair of form fitting black jeans and Uryuu rifled through his closet for a shirt and shoes for the petite captain to wear. His mumbles could be heard as he threw clothes that didn't suit the captain away from him.
"I wish Ichigo could have given me a better warning than a day to prepare for you. I would have made you something more appropriate," He grumbled as he tossed a grey ribbed a-shirt at the captain. She put it on over her bindings and while waiting for Uryuu to finish looking for clothes she began taking down her braids to let her hair hang loose.
"Ah! This should be suitable," Uryuu said holding up a grey and black button down that had black skulls embroidered in black thread along the sleeves. On the back the words reaper sat across the shoulder blade area. Not caring what she wore Sui pulled on the button down and left the top 3 undone. She borrowed a comb and combed her hair before putting it all in one loose braid. When she was done she noticed Uryuu looking at her in the mirror.
"Problem?" She asked.
"Hmm." Uryuu hummed softyly before shrugging his shoulders. "You look a lot like a guy dressed like that.
"And?" Sui asked with a frown.
"Just and observation. Here." Uryuu handed over a one strap book bag. "It's got a couple changes of clothes. You should blend in fine."
"Thanks." Sui replied before taking the bag and storing her neatly folded shinigami uniform into it. She bid Uryuu farewell and took off to find Yoruichi.
"This could be a good time to practice using your honing drone." Suzumebachi said in Sui's psyche.
"True enough. So I should be able to find her?"
"Easily enough I'd think but I'd have to see you do it first. While I do have faith in your abilities, I can only trust that you're capable once you've performed." The zanpaktou replied.
"Of course." Sui replied sarcastically before looking around for her highest view point and flash stepping to it. Standing perfectly still she closed her eyes and slowed her heart down before releasing a steady flow of low level reiatsu. The spirit energy pulsed once before the energy moved as if possessed and began to hum and flutter through the streets of Karakura. Though invisible to the human eye, each person the energy passed by felt a warm breeze pass by.
It didn't take long for the energy source to find its intended target. Yoruichi and Yuu had been to a small store to look at an interesting glass statue that had caught Yoruichi's eye. It was a proud panther its head held high as a small cub curled itself around the front paw. She couldn't help but smile at it since it reminded her of her father. She missed her dad and was still lamenting over the last real conversation they had. She intended to make up for it when she returned.
Yuu had purchased the little statue for her and as they left the store Yuu felt something coming toward them. He sniffed the air and Kenji let a small growl start in his chest. "Stop growling boy." Yuu said calmly. "Remember where we are."
This stopped Kenji as he looked to see humans sending him curious glances. If it weren't for the charmed necklace his lord had given them before they left to hide his demon traits, he would have tucked his tail in shame.
"This is an odd energy I'm sensing." Yuu said softly before shrugging. "Well it seems harmless enough. Is there someplace you'd like to go next?"
Yoruichi shook her head. She understood that Yuu wanted to spend time with her but she still felt a bit of shame in being around him. He acted like their conversation had never happened. She really just wanted to go see her friends.
"No...how about we head to the Shoten. I'm feeling a bit tired."
"As you wish." Yuu said before placing an arm around her shoulders and walking in the direction of Kisuke's shop. They were halfway there when Yoruichi was engulfed in a small cloud of energy. She hadn't seen anything like it before or felt it for that matter. It felt like she was sunbathing on a warm summer day as the energy caressed her. She felt a gentle caress across her lips that made her sigh contently before the energy left the area to head back to its source. It seemed familiar but she couldn't pin point where she knew it from.
Sui was unmoving at her viewpoint when the swarm of energy found her and was absorbed.
"Mission accomplished but was that really necessary?" Suzumebachi asked with a huff.
"Whatever do you mean?" Sui asked acting unaware.
"Copping a feel of the princess. I call that abusing your power."
"I barely touched her. Besides if you hadn't wanted it to happen you could have stopped it." Sui replied and she prepared to pulse step to the princess.
"Stopping you only encourages more rebellion from you. I don't have the energy or the patience to stand between you and that woman."
"I think there's enough in the way as is." Sui replied. Closing her eyes she concentrated on where she wanted to go. When she opened them again she could see Yoruichi walking along the streets underneath her. She noticed that Yuu was holding her hand and while she felt a twitch of annoyance she quickly let it pass.
"It seems you are making excellent progress. I think you'll be ready to face him soon."Suzumebachi stated sounding quite pleased that Sui seemed to be accepting her fate.
"Don't sound so pleased." Sui answered back and she noticed where Yoruichi was heading as the streets that led to the Shoten became familiar. When they were a block away Sui felt a high level of energy that took her breath away. When she tried to determine where it was coming for sure she hoped she was wrong.
"Why is that amazing energy coming from the Shoten?" She asked aloud. She looked down at the Yoruichi, Yuu, and Kenji and noticed that no one in the party had noticed the ridiculously high reiatsu. Cursing under her breath, Sui went ahead to investigate and found that the energy was even more overwhelming.
"Don't be alarmed." Suzumebachi said calmly. As soon as she did Kukaku came out to meet Sui. However the pyromaniac noticed the troubled look on the girls face.
"The fuck is wrong with you?" She asked.
"Is he experimenting again?" Sui almost growled as she had hoped that Urahara had learned his lesson after the incident with Aizen.
"No...why are you asking me that?" Kukaku asked, extremely annoyed at this point by Sui's behavior.
"You don't feel that?" Sui asked in disbelief. It was higher than Aizen's energy had been before she could no longer feel it. By that time only Ichigo could feel the traitor reiatsu because the Hogyoku had empowered the man so.
"I can feel Kisuke but..." Kukaku paused for a few seconds. "I don't feel shit."
"That's because our level of power is so high that only Sui-Feng can sense our reiatsu." A boisterous womanly voice rang through the small courtyard before Sui-Feng felt herself snatched up by a rather voluptuous and hefty woman with purple hair. "Little Sui-Feng it's been too long!"
"Choking!...not-breathing!" Sui struggled to get out as the heavy set woman proved to have quite a strong grip. When the woman finally released Sui the young woman fell to her knees gasping for breath.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I got carried away. You must be the Shiba girl. Well I guess I can't call you a girl anymore. You're a full grown woman now and I'm sure you've become a real heartbreaker."
"And I fucking know you from where? No scratch that. First off who the fuck are you?" Kukaku demanded pointing a finger.
However before the woman could introduce herself it seemed someone else beat her to it.
"Hikifune-taichou? Hikifune Kirio?" Yoruichi asked the plump woman whose back was turned to her. The woman turned around with a bright smile to confirm her suspicion.
"Shihouin Yoruichi! It's been almost 150 years since I last saw you." Kirio replied as she walked over to give the Shihouin a warm hug.
"It has been a while. I only remember hearing that you got promoted. You didn't say goodbye to anyone." Leaning in Yoruichi whispered, "Between you and I, I think you broke Ukitake's heart."
"Really? How is he?" Kirio asked.
"He's been getting worse. He would have become Sou-taicho but his condition leaves too much to chance and as you know Soul Society doesn't take well to numerous shifts of power in short spans." Yoruichi answered. Yuu sat back and observed the woman and noticed something seemed off about her. Kirio noticed and called him out on it.
"I know that I'm very beautiful but weren't you taught that it's rude to stare?" She asked the demon lord.
"I'm sorry, forgive me rudeness but, are you a shape shifter of some sort?" Yuu asked with a small bow.
"Oh heaven's no. However, if you can tell that this isn't my usual form you are quite skilled indeed." Kirio complimented. "I'm sure you'll see my true form soon enough as I was sent to attend to this one." She gave a pointed look at Sui-Feng who was struggling to keep up with the conversation as now she had two gigantic spiritual pressures pressing against her senses. It was beginning to make her sweat.
Seeing the captain's plight, she helped Sui-Feng to her feet. "Don't worry this is perfectly normal. Just the fact that you can feel us lets me know that we're right about you. Shiba-san do you mind if I borrow Tessai and your kitchen?"
Kukaku shrugged, "Whatever."
With that Kirio pulled Sui-Feng by the arm into the shoten, speaking excitedly about the meal she had in mind.
"This day can't get any more fucked up." Kukaku said shaking her head with a sigh. Looking at Yoruichi she noticed the two demons standing on either side of her. "So who the fuck are these dick weasels?"
"Umm this..." Yoruichi wasn't sure if she should introduce him as her fiancé yet but she was beaten to it as Yuu intoduced himself.
"I'm her fiancé, Inutaisho Yuu, Lord of the Western Lands." He said with a bow. "This is my right hand, Kenji. He'll be accompanying Yoruichi until she returns to me."
Kukaku looked at Yuu with a frown. "Fiancé? Who the shit gave you that goddamn idea?"
"Um Kukaku why don't we go inside and talk?" Yoruichi said quickly not liking where this was going.
"Negative. We're going out bitch. I don't know what the shit is going on and I need to get the fuck out of here before I blow them to the goddamn stars. Besides, you need to explain this fiancé bullshit," Kukaku jabbed a finger in Yoruichi's direction as if to emphasize her point.
Yoruichi was about to follow her friend when she felt Yuu grab her arm and pull her to him.
"Remember, if you have any questions ask Kenji. Be careful and remember what I said." Yuu said softly before placing a kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry about the other day. I meant what I said when I promised to help you. Trust me?"
Yoruichi nodded and Yuu let her go. Turning he gave a nod to Kenji before heading back to the portal to return home.
Inside Sui was sitting in a corner that she had been thrown into and shared a wide eyed look with Tessai who watching Kirio fly around the kitchen cooking. With each dish she prepared it seemed as if she was losing more and more weight. It took Sui a while to notice but each dish had been infused with reiatsu, a phenomenon Sui had never seen before. Tessai was overwhelmed as he was fetching everything the purple haired woman needed.
When she was halfway done she looked at Sui-Feng. "Would you be a dear and fetch Urahara for me? He should be somewhere below us."
Nodding Sui-Feng descended into the basement to find Kisuke looking worse for wear as his clothes had been ripped, he was dirty from his numerous impacts with the ground and alas his favorite hat was seen ripped and torn a few feet away. Currently on one knee Kisuke looked up to see Sui looking at him and sent a tired but carefree smile her way.
"Hello Sui-chan!" He sang causing a tick mark of annoyance to break out on her forehead. She hated how he said her name. Before she had a chance to voice her disdain she felt danger approaching them both and quickly snatched Kisuke out of harm's way as the ground exploded where he had just been.
"Damn it! Who's there interfering?!" Osho yelled angrily. "You!"
"Yes me, who are you?" Sui demanded.
"Come and find out kiddo. I've meaning to take a crack at you for a while now." Osho challenged as he took a swig from his gourd.
"Good I'll just cheer from here." Kisuke said as he attempted to crawl away on all fours. Unfortunately for him he was stopped, when he bumped into someone's leg. Looking up he saw a very annoyed Sui-Feng looking down at him.
"You're staying." She growled.
Kisuke looked back at Osho and noticed the Sui-Feng he had crawled away from hadn't moved an inch. "How-?"
"Utsetsumi. I've perfected it. I can now split myself into numerous beings," Sui explained as she kept her eye on Osho.
"Interesting. Shutara was right. You show great promise," Osho complimented before charging at Sui-Feng with a barrage of strikes. Sui-Feng dodged them all before countering with a spinning back kick that Osho quickly avoided. Taking another swig Osho held the liquid in his mouth as he infused with reiatsu and spat it back in Sui's direction. The liquid was like molten lava as it sped at Sui-Feng. Moving quickly, Sui summoned reiatsu to her hands and slammed both palms on the ground raising them up to show a barrier of what proved to be honey comb. The liquid hit the barrier and was absorbed. The barrier glowed and was absorbed by Sui-Feng.
"So you can absorb reiatsu now. She teach you that?" Osho asked as he went on the attack again.
"My zanpaktou did," Sui answered as she nimbly dodged each strike the monk sent her way. A flash of silver caused Sui to mentally will her shikai to plate her arm as Osho's sword was deflected by the gold and black metal.
Osho jumped back to observe the girl's shikai. It was as formidable as Shutara had said. While he had hoped that Shutara had exaggerated some of her reports he found that this young captain lived up to every inch of her reputation.
The gauntlet now covered her entire arm up to her shoulder blade. The plate that covered her elbow stood out sharp as the stinger on her middle finger. The plate on shoulder blade had the seal of her homonka on it and what looked like the hexagonal pattern of the Shihouin crest. Kisuke watched in awe as this was clearly not the same captain he had seen a month ago.
"Osho you idiot!" An outraged yell rang throughout the area.
"They need to eat! I didn't come all this way for my food to get cold because you want to be stupid," Kirio yelled as she gave a flying side kick to Osho's head that sent him flying.
The now thin, but still voluptuous, Kirio turned to look at Sui who had absorbed her clone and Kisuke who was looking to be deep in thought.
"You two hurry up stairs and wash up before you sit at the table," Kirio then followed them upstairs leaving a very in-pain Osho down in the basement to fend for himself.
When both Soul Reapers met the woman at the table she handed them dishes to eat explaining what they were for.
"This is for you Kisuke as we've noticed that your Reiatsu doesn't flow as fast as it should. Whatever's blocking it should be removed after you eat this," Pushing a rather large noodle dish at Kisuke he noted all the meats and vegetables that had been added before digging in.
"Sui-Feng, you're not nearly as tall as you should be. I have no idea what stunted your growth but this should balance everything out so that your development reaches its aptitude," Kirio then handed her a broiled fish that was almost as large as she was. Sui looked at the plate with a frown.
"Something wrong?" Kirio asked as a dangerous fire burned in her eyes.
"Nothing! I'm just not sure I can eat all of this," Sui replied noting that even if the food didn't taste good that she'd better not say anything. Kirio looked to be a dangerous woman.
"Oh you'll be able to. You'll have room for more by the time you're done. Trust me," The woman replied as she turned to see Kisuke halfway done with his bowl.
Sui-Feng began to eat noting that this was the best fish she had ever tasted. Both began to eat with gusto, giving Kirio the thumbs up when she asked how the food tasted.
When they had finished, both had satisfied looks on their faces. Kirio then gave them another dish to consume. Kisuke's was a dish of dango that was supposed to ensure that there were no traces of dark kido left over in his system by Osamu. When the explanation was given, Sui sent Kisuke a questioning look. She was stopped by Kirio before she could ask, being told, "It's his burden to bear not yours."
Sui's next dish was to fully release her full potential of reiatsu. "After you consume this you should be almost on the same level of power as Osho and I," was the reasoning provided to her.
Once again both quickly consumed the dishes, both feeling rather full at this point, patted satisfied bellies. Their quiet digestion was interrupted as agonizing pain shot through both of them causing them writhe on the floor. Sui-Feng felt like she was being pulled apart from the inside out as her body responded to the pain. Clawing at the wood floor beneath her, she looked up at Kirio to see the woman still smiling down on both of them. Sui would have stabbed the woman with her sword but the pain proved too much.
Kisuke wasn't doing much better as his stomach turned sour before his chest began to pop with each organ that moved in it. His heart seemed to be in the grips of death itself as it squeezed the life out of him. He cried out in pain and pushed the table over as he struggled to crawl away. Sweat poured from both Shinigami as their screams combined.
At this point Yoruichi and Kukaku came rushing in to see why the two were screaming. Seeing the two on the floor both made to get to their respective lovers, but were stopped by a barrier that Kirio had quickly erected to keep them both away.
"Take this fucking thing down right now!" Kukaku roared outraged, as she watched Kisuke rip the shirt from his chest in pain.
"Leave Shiba. Take Yoruichi with you. They are fine and are just going through some changes. I swear to you that no harm will come to them," Kirio spoke softly.
"Are you fucking shitting me?! Those goddamn screams of agony waking the dead say otherwise!" Kukaku snapped.
"What are you doing to them?" Yoruichi asked.
"Helping them," Kirio answered. "Leave. Please, they won't be able to continue until you do."
"Come on Kukaku," Yoruichi grabbed the Shiba's arm and dragged her out of the Shoten while being cussed out every step of the way.
When the two were gone, Kirio dropped the barrier and noticed Kisuke was on his stomach gagging before a black crystal in the shape of a ball fell out of his mouth. The string of saliva leading from his mouth to the small crystal ball was wiped away as he gagged again until a clear crystal fell to the wooden floor before the man finally passed out.
Sui had passed out the second Yoruichi and Kukaku had left. Kirio knew that their first phase of change was over and both of their bodies began to glow a bright white before the light engulfed them.
"I see things are moving according to plan," Osho said as he finished his ascent out of the basement.
"Not completely. You might want to see this," Kirio said and Osho moved from behind her to notice the two small crystals on the ground beside Kisuke.
"Is that?" He asked low and quiet.
"Yes, I'm afraid it is. The Hogyoku. However, I feel that the Yang has emerged to counter this Yin," Kirio responded.
"I hope that's what the white one is. We should probably have Tenjiro come get these," Osho said with a sigh, "Any word from Shutara?"
"She should be here when they wake up. That means you should be quick in fetching Tenjiro as you need to be here when Kisuke wakes up," Kirio looked at him and then back to the sleeping Soul reapers. She could already see that Sui-Feng was growing as the clothes she was wearing before no longer fit.
Both of their reiatsu sky rocketed quickly before leveling off. Kirio smiled as she knew everything was going to be fine. Looking at Tessai who seemed to have a hard time breathing and was sweating heavily she gave a comforting smile.
"Tessai-san, I'm sure that you taking the day off will be fine," She said.
Nodding, Tessai stood to his feet and gave a shaky bow before leaving.
"Now then, I hope you two are ready because the second you regain consciousness your training intensifies."
Yoruichi was rubbing her cheek where Kukaku had slugged her while looking at her friend balefully. "I saved your ass you know," She grumbled.
"I don't give two flying fucks who that bitch was. She was hurting him, not goddamn helping him," Kukaku spat back. "Why the hell aren't you worried? Sui was in as much pain as Kisuke."
Yoruichi let out a soft sigh and shook her head slowly. "Sui-Feng's not my concern anymore."
"Are you asking to get fucking punched again because I will gladly make that fucking happen," Kukaku said. "What the shit do you mean 'not my concern anymore?"
"I don't want to talk about it," The princess answered.
"Bitch my question didn't have the option to not answer. You know what, I know exactly how to loosen your little lips," Kukaku said before dragging Yoruichi into the nearest bar. They got a private booth and quickly ordered some bottles of warm sake. When Yoruichi reached for the small ceramic cup to pour herself a drink, Kukaku snatched it away and handed her an entire bottle.
"Cups are for people that cooperate. Drink from the bottle and you better finish that fucker," Kukaku said as she did the same with a second bottle.
The two began to drink and talk about everything that wasn't bothering them like Kukaku dealing with Jinta and Ururu's incessant pranks. Yoruichi talked about some of the pranks she and Yuu had pulled on some of the guards at his castle and of course Yuu's name brought forth a whole new line of questioning.
"He aint ugly, but he aint your type neither," Kukaku slurred.
"He's actually good fer me," Yoruichi said taking another drink.
"Because he has a dick?" Kukaku deadpanned.
This caused Yoruichi to sober a little at the question. Taking another drink she finished off the bottle and signaled for the barkeep to bring another.
"Well, is that why?" Kukaku asked gruffly.
"He's just better," Yoruichi said with a nod as if to assure herself that she was telling the truth. Kukaku quickly called her on it.
"Bull fucking shit he is! Ask me how I know this," Kukaku said taking another swig.
"I don't-" Yoruichi began.
"Bitch, you're fucking gay. That's why. I've known it for years. Hell for you to deny my guy what he wanted for a 100 goddamn years let me know right away. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you love rug munchin," Kukaku gave a wry smile at her vulgar words.
"I don't even think it's that Kukaku. Kisuke and I would just be wrong. He's like a brother and I don't think it'd be right if we ended up together," Yoruichi stated.
"Bullshit again!" Kukaku slammed her fist on the table. "You kissed a dude before?"
"Yeah?" Yoruichi said with a frown not sure where this was going.
"He slip you tongue?" She prodded further.
"What-"
"Just answer the damn question," The Shiba growled.
"Yes."
"Did you like it?" Kukaku asked.
"Yeah I guess so," Yoruichi answered sounding unsure.
"Ok let me fucking clarify that, did you get wet?" Kukaku said a little too loud for Yoruichi's liking and a few patrons turned to regard the two, some hoping to hear the Shihouin's answer. Kukaku noticed and snapped at the nosy customers.
"Hey was I talking to you? Mind your own goddamn business ya baby dick fucks!" Kuakau slammed a fist on the table making the ceramic bottles and cups rattle. "You, answer my fucking question."
"I forgot what it was," Yoruichi huffed.
"Oh really? Should I repeat it louder so those little furball ears of yours can hear me better?" Kukaku answered getting louder and louder with each syllable once again attracting attention.
"Ok! Ok! Just shut up!" Yoruichi shushed her, "A little."
"Ok. Now we're getting somewhere. How about when girl Sui laid one on ya? I know you at least slipped her some tongue." Kukaku gave a devilish grin at Yoruichi's blush.
"You musta been dripping." Kukaku enunciated the last word making the princess blush even harder.
"Yup. You're a damn muff lover," Kukaku finished with another drink of sake. "So here's the real question. How is she in bed?"
"I don't know," Yoruichi answered quietly but the answer may as well have been shouted for Kukaku as spluttered into her drink.
"The fuck you say?"
"She won't...I won't...ugh!" Yoruichi ran a frustrated hand through her hair. Kukaku noticed the woeful look on the woman's face and decided to let up.
"What happened?" The Shiba asked softly.
"She doesn't love me," Yoruichi answered.
"You're a damn idiot if you believe that bullshit. The way that girl looks at you screams love," Kukaku remarked.
"No she doesn't! I told her that I loved her and she threw it back in my face," Yoruichi threw her hands up feeling rather pissed just thinking about it.
"What exactly did the kid say?" Kukaku asked now genuinely curious.
"She said that the only reason she took my advances was because she'd be a fool not to if I was so eager to open my legs for her," Yoruichi paraphrased but still repeating it stung.
"Ok. One, that ain't fucking true. And two, how many times did you actually give her the chance and she didn't take it?" Kukaku picked up a bottle to drink from before noticing it was empty, frowning she grabbed Yoruichi's half full one.
"Twice...maybe three times," Yoruichi answered.
"And she still didn't do it? Anybody else would've screwed you stupid by now, but not her because she cares and shit," Kukaku stated matter of factly.
"And you know this how?" Yoruichi asked.
"You dumbass. She obviously wants your first time to be with someone she deems worthy of you. It's your virginity we're talking about and to her it may as well be the damn King's Key. Haven't you noticed yet the kid will sacrifice anything and everything to make sure your life is easier? She probably did it just to make you hate her so that you would stay away from her. You're her oh-so-precious Yoruichi-sama afterall," Kukaku finished by draining the bottle she was holding and felt an inebriated smile grace her face as she felt the warm liquid slide down her throat.
Yoruichi had a dumbfounded look on her face as if Kukaku had suddenly given her all the answers. "I should go." Yoruichi moved to get up before Kukaku roughly pulled her to sit back down.
"The fuck you going?" Kukaku slurred.
"I need to talk to Sui."
"Nope! Fuck that," Kukaku jabbed a finger in Yoruichi's chest. "Knowing why she did some bullshit isn't an excuse for doing said bullshit."
"Well if you're telling me to be a bitch to her that's already been done," Yoruichi responded with a roll of her eyes.
"Shut it and listen skank face!" Kukaku said flicking the princess in the forehead. "If she didn't wanna take you before, then that means you have to break her down, until the only thing she can think about is jumping your bones like a cracked out kangaroo and when she does...you deny her the good stuff."
"What?!"
"Oh yeah...works every fucking time. You seduce her, get her all types of hot and bothered until she can't help herself. When she does finally let go, you lead her on like you plan to go all the way and then leave her," Kukaku let out an evil laugh as the look on Yoruichi's face showed that she liked the idea.
"Please don't tell me you need my brilliance to plan that too?" Kukaku shot a look at Yoruichi.
"No, but you are going shopping with me," Yoruichi said dragging Kukaku out of the booth to do just that.
"Oh master, my master...why do you slumber? Warrior why do you not wield this blade. I rust in my sheath while your potential still lies beneath these layers of sorrow. Awaken fighter...WAKE UP!"
Sui-Feng's eyes snapped open to find herself back in the vast basement of Urahahra's Shoten. Closing her eyes, she let her head fall into her hands as she tried to recall how she ended up in such a place. Then she remembered meeting Hikifune Kirio and eating...then excruciating pain. Looking down at her hands she noticed that her shirt and pants felt way too tight.
"I grew?" She said aloud to herself.
"Physically." A voice answered that rumbled and rolled throughout Sui's psyche.
"Who's there?" She asked standing to her feet and looking around.
"We are."
"Who's we?"
"You and I, warrior."
"Does this speaker have a name?" Sui deadpanned as she was sick of the riddles.
"One you are ashamed of as you speak so dreadfully of me."
Sui-Feng's eyes opened wide as she began to recognize who this voice belonged to and swallowed hard. Suzumebachi told her to be wary for this being was very sore at past treatment. "Jakuho Raikhoben."
"Aaaaah yeeeessss. Such power drips from your lips when you utter my name. So why? Why are you ashamed of me?"
"Because I was ignorant," Sui answered knowing that she should try to pacify the impending anger as best she could.
"I only did as you asked Master! You asked for me to rid your enemies from your path and I did. I destroyed everything as you bid me too."
"I was unaware I affected you in such a negative way. I humbly apologize for my mistreatment of you," Sui-Feng bowed to no one but hoped the zanpaktou could feel her sincerity.
"Your apologies are 100 years too late. I want to be repaid in blood, bone, and steel."
Sui-Feng didn't know when or how but the ground all of a sudden felt extremely hot. The hair on the back of her neck rose as her body instinctually sensed danger and she pulse stepped to a different spot just as the place she had been standing exploded.
"This is what you wanted! This is what you asked for! You treat me with such indignation and now I will be repaid!"
Sui-Feng went to pull her zanpaktou from the sheath when she noticed that it was gone. Gritting her teeth she tried to call on Suzumebachi for guidance on what to do when she was rebuked loudly.
"She cannot help you! Do not run from me warrior! Face me head on! If you want to be my lord and master you must prove to me that I should submit to you!"Jakhuho growled out as a barrage of explosions began to surround the area causing Sui-Feng's footing to slip.
Moving quickly to avoid being blown to pieces Sui-Feng noticed how quick the succession of the blast were and that they were just as powerful if not more than when she fought Barragan. The sand from the blast threatened to blind her if she was not careful. Just then she felt a prick in her chest and noticed a hornet had just stung her. It began to dissipate into thin air leaving behind a small homonka symbol on her chest.
"Oh warrior...you may want to run."Jakhuho mocked as Sui-Feng took the advice and began to run and duck and dodge. She hadn't been able to see it before but small cylindrical tubes about as long as Suzumebachi's stinger were flying through the air at incredible speeds at her. Sui began to use her Pulse to see the small projectiles and move away from them before they detonated.
"You have mastered such speed, but can you keep it up?"
Sui didn't have a choice as volley after volley of missiles sought to end her life. She still had no idea where Jakhuho was or how to subdue his rage. "What will it take for you to forgive me?"
"We are assassins .The only forgiveness is death. You should know that warrior for that is what we are. We were born assassins we will die assassins as is our fate in this world. You killed me inside, never using me, ashamed to utter my name."
Another shower of blast were avoided and for some reason it seemed the more Jakhuho talked and the angrier he got the faster the missiles flew and the stronger the blast were. Sui knew she needed to end this quick as this side of her zanpaktou was proving to be 100 times more dangerous than Suzumebachi. Truth be told Sui was getting sick of running. She wanted to face Jakhuho, to know what he looked like. "Face me."
"Oh? Face you...would you like a mirror? I am you!" Jakhuho snarled and before Sui could react, she was surrounded by danger that was closing in fast. With missiles on each side she jumped high into the air to try and find some type of vantage point what her attacker may be hiding from but found none as the area all around her had all been leveled beyond recognition. Then something dawned on her.
"You are me? Fair enough," Sui answered with a smirk. She landed back on the ground and took no notice of the missiles closing in on her or the fact that the ground beneath her was prone to explode at any minute. "You wanted blood and bone. Come get it. If it will satisfy you,"
The missiles hit Sui-Feng and exploded. The place was eerily quiet as the smoke clouded the area. Minutes passed and there was no sound, no movement, and no indication of life. A strong wind blew pushing the dust cloud away from the smoking area Sui had been standing. A crater was all that remained.
"A warrior without fear...of death...is one that has no limits or shame. You never used me because you feared ridicule and backlash. You even feared the power that you asked for from me. Now you throw yourself in the way unafraid of the consequence so that I can that you are worthy."
A light flickered and snapped in the empty crater where Sui-Feng had stood. A loud crack resounded throughout the area.
"Fearless warrior, born not made, come wield me as your blade. Restrain my rage, preserve our laws but make our enemies pay. From beneath the deep spirits rise with rattling bones and sightless eyes. We'll lay them back to sleep for I refuse to rust in your sheath."
Another crack was heard as lightning materialized and struck a single point simultaneously. The dust on the ground swirled and swept away to reveal a black haori with gold accents snapping in the wind and a figure with long black hair and sharp silver eyes. Sui-Feng felt born anew as her spirit had once again become one with her zanpaktou. She accepted them and they her. Sui looked in her hand and noticed her mother's bracelets. Somehow, when her transformation occurred her hair had grown longer, wilder, and her previous style was now nonexistent.
"What happened?"
"We are finally ONE." The last word echoed and rolled until it faded.
"You have accepted by your zanpaktou and have unlocked all your potential. Now you just to have to master it."
Sui looked to see Shutara walking toward her.
"Have you been there the entire time?" Sui asked a bit annoyed.
"I saw you get vaporized," Shutara answered cheekily. "Come your partner has subdued his zanpaktou."
"So why am I not dead?" Sui asked as she followed Shutara through a barrier that had been set up to keep her battle and Kisuke's separate.
"Because your will to prove your worth was stronger than Jakhuho's will to kill you. Now that he has submitted all the power he possesses is yours. Personally I'm curious as to the extent of your abilities. I couldn't even see what was attacking you," Shutara explained.
"He never showed himself. I never found where he was striking from," Sui answered and that caused Shutara to stop in her tracks.
"You couldn't find him?" She asked wide eyed. Sui shook her head no in answer.
"Then you truly are the most formidable shinigami of your time. I've never heard of a Soul Reaper's bankai being drawn out by Oetsu's Asauchi and never being seen," Shutara explained before continuing on.
"Who?" Sui asked with a frown.
"Oetsu is the creator of all zanpaktou and Asauchi is the template that allows him to do so. He's the one that has called out your Bankai to face you," The woman answered.
"You mean kill me." Sui gave Shutara a look which was returned by a sly smile.
"If you want to call it that. You were never in any danger of dying, just merely forever having your bankai locked away," Shutara answered.
"Sui-chan! Glad to see you made it." Urahara said joyously as Sui quickly jumped to kick him in the head.
"I hate it when you call me that you idiot!" Sui growled.
"And what would you rather I call you?" Kisuke grumbled as he rubbed the tender spot on his head.
"Sui-Feng and that's it. I'm not a little kid anymore," The young captain replied with a sharp tone to match her eyes.
"Fair enough Sui-Feng." Kisuke replied and Sui extended a hand to help him up.
"Aww now aint that just peachy. Well if you all excuse me I have to go analyze the crap that sweetheart coughed up. I'll be back for the girl later. Don't tell her I'm coming," A rather tall and lanky man with a pompadour spoke around a rather long senbon that he had been chewing on before disappearing in a flash of light.
"Who was that? He seems nice though I'd rather not be called sweetheart." Kisuke said as he scratched the back of his head.
"Tenjiro, but he's not important right now. You two should rest up because tomorrow we are going on a little trip.
"Where?" Kisuke and Sui-Feng asked simultaneously giving each other a weird look at speaking in unison was creepy.
Osho stepped forward with his arms crossed as his authoritative voice boomed their answer, "To see the Soul King."