Sins of the Unholy

Chapter 3: Juno Ryuzaki

Juno Ryuzaki paces the compound's meeting hall. She's dressed in an all black kimono with white trim. Her obi is also white. The ties that bind it are all in a dark blue. She runs her hands along her kimono as she tries to calm the storm within her mind. At the back, Yume No Kiseichu (Dream Parasite), echoes a low growl and she tries over and over to calm her breathing.

"M'Lady, shouldn't you be wearing something more appropriate for this meeting?" Comments Tsuki who has taken up residence at the long low table in the middle of the hall. Juno doesn't stop running her hands along her sides before turning an eye on the man. He's young for his age, his blonde hair stands in spots that refuse to lay down. His deep blue yukata stands out against the tatami mates he sits upon.

"My Captain and Lieutenant are coming. But they also bring the Substitute Shinigami. Formalities must play out before either of us can shed our titles." Comments Juno before moving over and laying a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Saki should be meeting them at the pass, greet them at the gate and lead them in. I must speak with Yume No Kiseichu." Her words are strained as she comes to kneel down at the table in front of the deep blue sword resting on the table.

"M'Lady, surely that can wait. He's unpredictable." Tsuki stands to watch Juno. Her hands ball as they rest on her lap and she gives him a sheepish smile.

"I understand that more than anyone Tsuki, but I must have something for when Captain Hitsugaya and company return. If it spikes, he'll be close enough to interfere." She turns back to the sword and slowly lays a hand upon the blade.

The world swirls around her. The fog spreads thicker as she feels the beast within slither around her. Taking a deep breath she fans out her spiritual pressure to clear some of the fog.

"Can we talk without your anger rising?" She asks as she moves to kneel down. The fog climbs higher and domes over her. Growling picks up and comes closer.

"You're acting like a wounded animal." She comments off hand as she picks at the ground.

"I want to feed, now!" It growls out. The fog before her clears a path, walking down it is the blonde again. His kimono is a dark brown on the top with pale white pants. Two swords rest in his belt. His pale white skin makes him glow in the darkness. His blonde hair is pulled back into a braid. His gray eyes glare down at her.

"You'd kill thousands to satiate your hunger?"

"I'd kill you to satiate the thirst." He growls as he reaches out to her. His hands pass the barrier she'd created and she does not move. She lets him slither his hands around her neck and holds tight. Her brown eyes widen only slightly before he pulls away.

"I'd kill them all for you Juno." He speaks out softly to her as he lays his head upon her shoulder. Juno sighs as she lays a gentle hand on his head and watches as the world around them begins to clear. The fog lifts and the world brightens to a muted tan color.

"He will be here soon, Hyorinmaru will help. Just be patient, my fear." She coos to him as if he was a child. In some instances she thinks of him as just that. A lost child looking for power.

"But before that, we will need to delve deeper into our dreams. You saw it too, parasites like you, eating away at the world. Our Captain will want to know more." She takes a deep breath before letting him pull away. His gray eyes look duller now, his hands take hers before he speaks.

"We dream of many things, Juno. We dream of death and slaughter. But most of all we dream of sorrow. When will the world not crumble at our hands, we the keepers of dreams have rules. We can only know as the world deems." His voice tapers off in a growl and she sighs. He runs his fingers over her delicate hands and turns them over and over.

"We have grown soft." He comments before slowly vanishing. She sighs as she looks over her inner world. The landscape comes into view, a meadow tucked away before the mountains. Her home away from the Soul Society, the one place for her and Toshiro to reside.

"We need to feed." Comes his far away growl before slowly she opens her eyes and wakes onto the compound hall.

"Lady Juno?" Someone questions from the hall. Pulling her hand away from her Zanpaktou, Juno stands and moves to the open shoji doors.

"Come in."

"Lady Juno, Captain Hitsugaya, Lieutenant Matsumoto and Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki." Saki moves to stand within the doors as the three walk in. Juno sighs deeply before turning to the three. Her heart flutters as she looks upon her Captain and a small smile graces her lips.

"Captain, Lieutenant." She gives them a small bow before stepping closer to the low table. Hitsugaya and Matsumoto take off their Zanpakutou and lay them along the table before come around and embracing her in turn.

"Oh Juno! I've missed you!" Comments Rangiku as she hugs the woman tighter. Juno giggles at the affection before pulling away and looking at Ichigo.

"Welcome to my home Ichigo Kurosaki. I wish it was under better terms but we will do what we can. Please everyone sit and I shall do my best to explain." She gestures for all to sit but Hitsugaya steps closer. He runs a hand along her back and masks his emotions as he watches her.

"I am fine Captain, please sit. I promise we will have our moment." She lays a gentle hand along his arm and squeezes gently. With a heavy sigh he lets go and moves to sit next to his Lieutenant.

"Again, welcome. My name is Juno Ryuzaki and I am the lady of this compound as well as the third seat to Squad 10. Before we can start," She pauses as she feels Yume no Kiseichu pulse.

"Saki, the limiters please. Kiseichu can feel Ichigo." She waits to sit as Saki comes into the room and holds a tray out to the three. On it lay three gold bands all etched like the one she wears. Matsumoto reaches out to take one and quickly slips it onto her wrist. Ichigo picks one up and looks it over.

"Captain, please take one." Insists Saki as Toshiro makes no movement to take it. Toshiro looks over at Juno, her eyes are now closed and she's taking deep steady breaths. His brows furrow slightly before reaching for his own.

"Please bring my original one later. Ryuzaki, you did not state how bad this was." Chides Toshiro as he slips it on quickly. Letting out one final deep breath she sighs as she looks over her Zanpakuto.

"Since the dream…He has been hungry. He's seen what they can do and wants it." She gives off a full body shake before continuing on.

"We watched Karakura become devoured. We don't think it's just Karakura, we think it could be the world in general. The beast in the dream was large and all encompassing, but it also had minions four that we noticed." She speaks as she looks over at Ichigo.

"Wait, hold on a minute! I don't understand, why are you out here? What are these? And what the hell do you mean a beast?" Ichigo's words are loud and brash as he pulls his Hakama up to show off the bracelet. Juno can't help the chuckle that bubbles up.

"Show some respect Ichigo, you can't bombard her with all those questions at once!" Rangiku reaches over to smack the shinigami.

"It's okay Rangiku, the trip is never pleasant and I alway bring up more questions than answers." Juno squares her shoulders before continuing on.

"My Zanpakuto, Yume No Kiseichu, is Dream Parasite. Not only do we have prophetic dreams but we devour Reitsu. Any and all, no matter if someone can control it or not. With the limiters upon your wrist, I cannot feel you. Neither can Kisechu." She pauses as she runs a gentle hand over the blade before her.

"Over a week ago I dreamed of your home becoming a wasteland. Most cases it happens the next day, but in your case it was prolonged and we were not there to handle that. For that I am sorry, but my powers can only do so much." Juno frowns as she pulls her hand away. Ragiku stands and comes to sit next to her. She places a gentle hand on her arm drawing her attention.

"Can you do anything now?" Asks Ichigo, seeming to have calmed down from the situation at hand. He watches the woman closely before looking at Toshiro. His features have softened and something like worry washes over the captain's features.

"Today no, Tomorrow yes. Kiseichu needs to feed for a bit before any actions can be taken. Our dream will be more present. For now rest, take the afternoon to enjoy the quiet. My home is yours, Rangiku for now show him to his quarters. Saki and Tsuki will be with you if anything is necessary." Juno lets out a small groan as he feels Kiseichu begin to growl within her mind again. She looks at Toshiro and gives a small nod.

Ichigo and Rangiku rise and head out, Rangiku smiles gently as she watches her Captain rise and move to sit with Juno. He reaches out gently cupping her cheek before she closes the doors.