Another chapter! I hope you're all enjoying it because it's slowly widing down to the end! Only three more chapters to go and no more War Torn T^T I'm sad. Good thing I have all those others, huh?
Part 19- Shinigami Head
Yamamoto glowers at Byakuya, the noble calmly walking to stand before him. Though his face betrays none of his fury, his cobalt orbs belie his control. They're steely and cold, hard as diamond as he stares down the ancient gargoyle. This fight will be difficult, but Byakuya has one thing on his side… if it's to the death, it won't be his.
"Step down, Byakuya," Yamamoto growls. "You will not win this fight."
"I have to win this fight, for the sake of not only Ichigo… but all the Shinigami. A leader that puts himself and his wants before his clan, is no leader."
"Come on, nii-sama!" Rukia cheers. "Show him who's boss!"
A small smirk of amusement flits passed the noble's lips, though his eyes never leave his opponent. Kisuke and the Visoreds push everyone back, making a wide circle for them to fight in. Grimmjow gathers Ichigo into his arms as they stay near the Manhattan clan, the blonde shopkeeper joining them before Nelliel steps between the two opponents.
"Here're the rules…"
"There are no rules, stupid Espada," Yamamoto growls. "The last one standing wins, that's how it's always been!"
"Yes, but those other fights weren't in my front yard!" she screams. "So you'll be fighting by my fucking rules! Do you have a problem with that, old man!"
"… Please continue," Byakuya murmurs in the face of her wrath.
"The rules are… if you destroy my flowers, I'll injure you. If you damage my house, I'll severely maim you. If you so much as think about cheating, you'll wish you were dead. And, lastly, if any of my family… meaning Grimmjow and now Ichigo… get caught in the crossfire… I will kill you slowly and painfully."
Her tone is dark, threatening, and laced with a sweet purr that promises pain in the future. The two shiver, nodding their consent quickly as they step away from the female gargoyle. Demona gives a sharp nod of approval, always believing the females were the most dangerous. Once they're aware of the consequences set forth by a vengeful Nelliel, the sea green haired female rejoins her precious hatchling to watch.
"You didn't have to scare the shit out of them," Grimmjow murmurs.
"I know, but it's fun," she grins. "How's Ichigo holding up?"
"… Not good. He's devastated about the egg," he sighs. "I'll have to take some extra time with him after this mess is over, he really needs pampered."
"Losing an egg is difficult, Grimmjow, but the first one is always the worst," she replies. "I remember the first egg I laid, just before I took you in. I was so happy, the hope that it would be 'that' egg that finally made it… it was so strong. All females feel that way, even though they know it won't happen."
"But Ichigo knows his would've. I think that makes it harder for him."
She nods, watching the orangette cling to his mate for all he's worth. Grimmjow never minded cuddling, as she would cuddle with him all the time when he was little, so she's not surprised he's taking all this extra attention in stride… she was always a very attentive parent. They watch on as the fight begins, Byakuya and Yamamoto glaring venomously at one another before the old man makes the first move impatiently. He leaps forward, the noble not bothering to move. A stream of petals erupts around him, twisting and curving as his figures change. His canines lengthen and his nails grow sharper, as happens to them all, but the petals form a long sleek tail with a few spikes on the tip and short horns barely noticeable upon his brow. Yamamoto is hindered by the petals, the mass flitting by him in a frenzied gust and slicing into his thick red skin. With a howl of rage, he unfurls the wings he so long ago refused to use. The bones crack and creak with the disuse, the membrane beating against the petals in attempts to get them away. Once he backs away from Byakuya, the petals fall into a listless dance as the circle the noble on an unseen wind.
"Sticking to your ridiculous tricks?" the old man growls.
"This is my ability," Byakuya frowns. "You know that. Some of them control fire or water or earth, but I control plants. Though I stick to a certain type, don't be foolish enough to assume this is all my ability can do."
"It won't save you!"
"Then you're free to attempt to stop me."
Yamamoto cries out and lunges, surprised when the petals erupt against him once more. He forces his way through, taking the cuts in stride as he brings his sword forward to slice at the raven haired Kuchiki. A root of a nearby tree shoots out of the ground to intercept the thrust, Byakuya never moving a muscle. The old gargoyle tugs at the blade, but the tree root wraps around it tightly. With a single jerk, the hilt of the sword is snatched from Yamamoto's grip and the tree root draws it beneath the earth.
"Are you going to give up?" Byakuya wonders.
"Never! The rule of the Shinigami is mine!"
"You spent so much time and effort making us the most powerful type of new gargoyles," Byakuya sighs. "Why are you so determined to keep rule over something that isn't your kind?"
"If it weren't for me, you'd be nothing!"
"That does not mean we deserve to be your slaves."
The old man throws a punch, but the noble is too fast. When he decides to move, it's with a grace that few have ever seen in a male. The Kuchiki heir practically dancing through the blows attempted by the ancient gargoyle. The petals still stir upon the air, drawing more exhaustion from the enraged Yamamoto. Byakuya, however, expends as little energy as possible in his movements. The raven haired male hasn't even drawn his blade yet, the old man getting less and less confident in his own abilities.
"You can still give up."
"You'll have to kill me!" the older gargoyle hisses.
"… A pity. I would've like this to have ended without bloodshed," Byakuya sighs. "But if you insist."
He leaps forward in a burst of speed, his blade singing as it's drawn from its sheath. The movements are almost missed as he darts past Yamamoto, the old man gasping as his blood sprays upon the air. He falls, Byakuya standing tall just behind him as he flicks the blood from his blade. With one last look at the old gargoyle that now crumbles to dust upon the ground, Byakuya turns his gaze upon the Shinigami present.
"I have defeated the head of the Shinigami," he says loud and clear. "If any should challenge me, I suggest you step forward now and get it over with."
No one steps forward, all pleased with the change of events. Grimmjow holds Ichigo tightly to him, his eyes uncertain and hesitant. He needs to defeat Aizen, but he doesn't want control of a whole clan.
"I can't take care of a whole clan," he states a bit stressed.
"It's okay, Grimm," Ichigo murmurs. "I'll always be here to help you, I promise."
Awe, poor Grimm-kitty! At least Ichi is on his side, together... they will RULE THE WORLD *manic laughter*
Grimm and Ichi: *WTF faces*
Shiro: That's my girl! =D