New Chapter! I loved writing this one since it A) has a battle scene B) reveals Mitsuki's Zanpaku-to's form, and C) has a VERY surprised Toshiro as well :D
Im going to see if I can post another chapter after this today, since I don't have enough time during the weekdays, due to school and all...
Disclaimer: Must I keep repeating myself? I don't own Bleach.
Mitsuki yawned. Dragging herself out of bed, she dressed and strapped Hogosha Chuusin across her back. It was six in the morning, and she had been fore-warned to get to the dining hall early if she wanted breakfast. Brushing her hair and re-braiding it, she shuffled down the hall. She knew it would take some getting used to being up this early, and she wasn't sure if she should eat. Usually, she got sick if she ate this early…
She found herself in front of the dining room, already filled with shinigamis eating and talking. Looking at the ground, she went over to the buffet table and grabbed a banana and some milk. Turning back around, she looked around for a place to sit, and slid into a spot at the end of one the tables. Peeling the banana, she looked around the room, wondering who everyone was. Some gave her smiles, and a couple sat next to her, not really talking but offering her company. For that, at least, she was grateful, since she probably would have died of embarrassment if they had started talking to her. So she ate her banana in silence and went to the Training Grounds a half hour early. Captain Hitsugaya was already there, arguing with Matsumoto.
"It's your duty to train the rookies, Matsumoto. Why be stubborn now? You usually like this part of your job!"
Matsumoto pouted. "I don't want to train them today. Why don't you do it? I'm pretty sure they'll learn more from you in a day than they will in a week with me- you are a Captain!"
Startled, and not for sure if she should interfere, Mitsuki stared at them, anxiously hovering at the edge of the field. A few other Soul Reapers were there as well, completely ignoring the yelling Captain and Lieutenant. Apparently, this must happen a lot, she figured.
Finally, Captain Hitsugaya won, and a pouting Matsumoto began the lesson. She started with the warm-up, then went on to drills, stances, and finally, sparring. Mitsuki was paired up with a man twice her height who was extremely cocky- she had heard him boasting about winning every duel with his friends earlier. Not in the least bit intimidated, she readied her practice sword, eyeing her opponent. He wasn't very good- he was gripping it way too tight and was extremely stiff. Patiently, Mitsuki waited until Matsumoto gave the signal, and then she instantly whipped her sword around swung at his legs. He blocked it, and aimed for a strike at her head. Ducking down and to the side, she attacked his side and was awarded with a grunt as her sword connected. Angry now, her opponent went to the offense, aiming a succession of strikes at various parts of her body. Defending herself easily, Mitsuki spotted an opening and lunged forward. If it were her real Zanpaku-to he would have been dead- as it was he would have a massive bruise on his chest tomorrow.
Matsumoto blew her whistle, gesturing at Mitsuki's sparring partner. "You just died. Take a seat." He did as he was told, glaring at Mitsuki all the while. Ignoring it, she stood by Matsumoto, watching the other pairs spar. "Nice job out there." Matusmoto said. "If you weren't a girl, I'd say you'd be a nice asset to Squad Eleven."
"That's what a lot of people told me." Mitsuki responded. "But I don't think I could handle being surrounded by people who think of fighting twenty four-seven."
"Neither could I." Matusmoto replied. "I mean, seriously, they are sooo overrated." Looking at each other, they laughed. Mitsuki could see a kindred spirit in Matsumoto, and she knew that she had a friend to turn to.
Some time later training was over and Mitsuki jogged off to the indoor arena. Captain Hitsugaya was already there, warming up with Hyorinmaru. He nodded as she entered, and replaced his sword in its sheath. Mitsuki, in return, drew hers, and waited patiently as her Captain put up a shield with his Kido. When he was done, he turned to Mitsuki. "Do you know how to externalize your Zanpaku-to?" he asked, taking a spot in front of her.
"Yes." She said. At a nod from her Captain, she called out to her inner world, asking Hogosha Chuusin to come out. Her sword's spirit answered immediately, and Mitsuki soon felt the familiar feeling of her power course along her Zanpaku-to as Hogosha Chuusin's true form appeared beside her.
Toshiro was surprised. He had expected her Zanpaku-to to be special, but as he stared at the brilliant white winged unicorn in front of him, he didn't know what to say. Never had he heard of a Zanpaku-to like this, and the spirit energy coursing out of it rivaled even that of Ichigo's, the Soul Reaper who had helped the Soul Society fight against Aizen. He stared into the Unicorn's eyes, mystified. It looked at him as well, blue eyes seeming to delve into his soul.
"So, this is Hogosha Chuusin…." He murmured. Looking back to Mitsuki, he said, "Your Zanpaku-to is extremely rare, did you know that?"
Mitsuki nodded, embarrassed. "I knew she was special. But it wasn't until she showed herself to me that I realized it…"
"What does she control?" He asked, staring at Mitsuki's sword's spirit once more.
The unicorn spoke this time, melodic voice flowing out. "I control the element of the Moon." It said, eyes glinting. "I can also tell if someone is lying, so you better be careful around me, Dragon Heart."
Seeing her Captain's confused look, Mitsuki explained. "The moon, in some cultures, represents truth, so my Zanpaku-to can tell if someone is lying, and in return, I can as well. She can also see into someone's soul, and since your soul is that of a dragon, she calls you Dragon Heart."
"I see." He replied. Drawing out Hyorinmaru, he said, "We might as well get to work. Let's see what you two can do." He raised his sword as the giant water-ice dragon formed, and instantly, Mitsuki's Unicorn took flight. Mitsuki herself took up a fighting position as the water-ice dragon lunged toward her.
oooo cliffy! XD I didnt want this chapter to be extremley long since its about 1000 words, so the battle will continue in the next chapter. Oh, and R&R please. I'll give everyone a cookie who does.
