Chapter Seventeen: The Overfalls*

"How long will it take us to reach the mainland?" Rukia asked Hitsugaya, as the three of them reached the bottom of the ropes used to descend to the entrance of the tunnel. Looking up, she could barely see the sunlight at the top of the deep shaft.

"Less than a day," Hitsugaya replied, "if we don't run into any trouble."

"Trouble? What kind of trouble do you expect?" asked Ichigo, coiling one of the ropes over his elbow and trying to avoid catching Rukia's eye.

"This tunnel was created by our people to allow access to the Talisman," Hitsugaya explained, "but they didn't want to make it too easy for anyone to find the stone. There will be booby traps and other obstacles."

"Will be? Don't you know what's down here?" Despite Zangetsu's revelations, Ichigo was still angry with the white-haired pirate, and he did not try to hide it.

"No," Hitsugaya answered. "I am only the Talisman's guardian – it would not do for me to have easy access to it."

"In case you were captured," added Rukia, beginning to understand.

"Aye," replied Hitsugaya, pointing them towards one of the two tunnels that led from the bottom of the shaft.

They walked into the tunnel and immediately came face to face with their first obstacle – a solid piece of rock large enough to block anything but the smallest lizard or crab. There was no doubt that the rock had been placed here to keep anyone but a Druid away, and Ichigo was not particularly surprised when Hitsugaya placed his hand against the boulder and it appeared to vanish under his fingertips.

Guessing at Ichigo's thoughts, Hitsugaya said, darkly, "The remaining obstacles will hardly be that simple to surmount."

The cavern into which they walked was dark and dank; water oozed slowly from the walls onto the ground beneath their feet. Rukia shivered slightly as the breeze from the opening met the damp air.

"From here, we descend about three-hundred feet deeper," said Hitsugaya, pointing towards a single tunnel that lead from the larger cave in which they stood.

The going was slippery, and from time to time, they had to cross larger areas filled with water, sometimes reaching up to Rukia's chest. In spite of himself, Ichigo found himself offering to carry her on several occasions. Each time however, she pointedly refused, unwilling to place herself in a position of weakness with him once again. She was perfectly capable of swimming, if necessary, rather than rely upon him or risk a confrontation at some later time. He had every right to be angry with her, she told herself, but she was not the type of woman that would hang her head and sigh over a man. She would not show him any weakness.

It was after they had walked for more than an hour that Ichigo began to sense something strange. From time to time, he would pause and listen, convinced he had heard something. But when he stopped, all he could here were their footsteps on the rocks and the sound of water dripping in from the sides of the tunnel.

"Something wrong?" asked Hitsugaya, after the third time Ichigo had done the same thing.

"I'm not sure," he said, his brow creased. "I thought I heard something up ahead. It was probably just the echo from our feet."

Hitsugaya looked slightly concerned, but said nothing.

"You know something," said Ichigo, studying the man with the boy's face. "Tell me. It'll do none of us any good if you continue to keep things from me." Rukia looked over at Hitsugaya, pressing him silently to respond.

"I was here when these tunnels and caverns were constructed," Hitsugaya said, turning and looking at Ichigo, "but I was not told of the pitfalls we might find inside."

"Who constructed them?" Rukia asked, curious.

"Other Druids, of course," replied Hitsugaya. "The job of protecting the passage to the Talisman was assigned to many different groups of Druids, each group working independently to create obstacles to reaching the stone. None of the groups knew what the others were doing."

"What kinds of obstacles are we talking about?" asked Ichigo, frowning. The feeling that there was someone or something else down in the tunnels along with them had grown exponentially stronger as they continued to descend.

"I could be anything, really," Hitsugaya answered. "The Druids are known for their ability to manipulate solid objects, of course, but some of the more powerful of our people have the ability to alter reality itself."

"Alter reality? How?" Ichigo asked.

"There are many ways to alter what people perceive," Hitsugaya explained. "The rock at the head of the tunnel – it seemed real to you, did it not?" Ichigo nodded. "But it disappeared at my touch. Was it real? Perhaps to a human, but not to me. Or, I should say, it wasn't real to me."

"The people of Thyilea have survived centuries by hiding their town," Rukia added. "You might think it would be easy for someone on the other half of the island to stumble upon the town, but it is not."

"Barriers of the mind?" Ichigo ventured.

"Yes, in a sense," Rukia replied. "A Druid's mind is different than that of an ordinary human being. We can see and touch things they cannot, and we can create objects that are beyond their perception."

"We can also create barriers by tricking the mind into seeing and feeling things that are not actually there," Hitsugaya added. "Most of the islanders who live near Thyilea believe the mountains that divide the island and shelter our town are particularly treacherous. In reality, they are not so dangerous, but the sense of danger permeates every rock, bush or tree there."

"So if we're Druids, why are any of the barriers here a problem for us?" Ichigo asked.

"The barriers were created to keep those of our own kind away from the Talisman, as well," Hitsugaya answered.

"I overheard you say that there was a fight amongst the Druids over the stone," Ichigo said, his face unreadable.

"It was far more like a civil war than a fight. That is why this passage is so dangerous, Captain Kurosaki," Hitsugaya replied. "The Talisman was only meant to be retrieved by those who had the best interests of our people at heart. It was to be recovered from this place only when our people were unified enough to deserve to wield it once more."

Ichigo turned his head quickly in front of them. "I heard it again," he said, his sword now materializing in his hand. The hilt vibrated slightly in his hand. A sign, perhaps?

Hitsugaya nodded to Rukia and she and Hitsugaya also drew their weapons. "I'll go first," said Hitsugaya, the blade of his weapon glowing blue-white in the semi-darkness. The narrow passage began to grow wider now, opening up onto a large cavern, not quite as big as the one which housed the pirates' underground city, but nearly as high. The air in the cave was markedly warmer, and steam rose about the walls. Most of the cave was filled with water – an underground lake that appeared to bubble with heat from much deeper below them.

"That is the true opening to the tunnel under the water," said Hitsugaya, pointing across the cavern to a darkened passageway. "These are volcanic islands," he explained. "These hot pools were already here when the passage was created."

As Hitsugaya walked, his sword glowed even brighter, and they could see soft ripples on the top of the enormous pool. The going was difficult and the stones beneath their feet were slippery from the water. The smell of sulphur permeated the air, growing more noxious as they walked. Rukia put her sleeve to her nose, feeling slightly dizzy as the smell became stronger.

"Are you alright?" Ichigo asked, noticing her slip several times in front of him.

"I'm fine," she replied, dismissively. He raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, resolving to keep a closer eye on her.

They reached the halfway point between openings, and Ichigo could more clearly see the entrance Hitsugaya had spoken of. The path between the slick walls of the cavern and the pool began to narrow still more, and Ichigo felt his right boot fill with warm water. He leaned down to see if he could empty his boot, and he heard something; it was coming from the water.

"Wait," he said to the others. His voice echoed about the cave. Hitsugaya and Rukia stopped. The water appeared still. They waited a minute or so, and Ichigo shook his head. "I don't hear it anymore," he said. "I must have imagined it."

Hitsugaya looked momentarily at Ichigo, concerned. Then, after reassuring himself that there did not appear to be anyone following them, he motioned them forward again towards the tunnel.

"Am I missing something?" Ichigo wondered, absentmindedly. The hilt of Zangetsu warmed slightly in his hand.

"I cannot see the way in this cave," the sword replied, nearly making Ichigo jump. He had completely forgotten about the sword spirit. "The passage was created to keep its secrets hidden to all."

Ichigo took a deep breath, watching Rukia continue to move ahead of him. She stumbled again and he bit his tongue, not wanting to anger her or to appear overly concerned for her welfare. "Neither of us need distractions," he told himself as he followed.

They were only about thirty yards from the tunnel entrance when Ichigo saw Rukia slip once again. She was too far in front for him to grab her before she fell. In an instant, and with a splash, she had ended up in the pool. He hurried over to her, but she waived him off. The water was barely up to her knees.

"I'm fine, Captain," she said, glaring at him. "Just a little wet." She planted her sword in the water, using it as a makeshift walking stick to ensure her balance on the slippery bottom of the pool.

"Give me your hand," Hitsugaya said, having walked back to where Rukia stood.

"I'm fine, really," she said, irritated at the men's overly concerned attitudes. "I'll be out of here in just a…" There was an enormous splash of water from behind her, and she vanished into the pool before their eyes.

"Rukia!" Ichigo shouted.

"Kurosaki, don't!" shouted Hitsugaya, but Ichigo had already jumped into the water himself.

The water was nearly opaque – Ichigo could barely see his hands in front of him.

"Ichigo," he heard Zangetsu say. "Let me guide your way."

The sword glowed almost white, illuminating the water, which was thick with bits of sand and plants. Rukia was nowhere in sight, but Ichigo could feel vibrations through the water; movement, but from something far larger than just a tiny woman.

"Where is she?" he asked the sword, which he still held in his right hand.

"Deeper," Zangetsu replied. "You will need more air."

Ichigo pushed himself back to the surface of the water, ignoring Hitsugaya's shouts from the shore. He filled his lungs to the point of pain and submerged himself in the warm water, struggling to see her in the murky haze. He headed towards the center of the pool; he had felt the slope of the bottom and he knew that it would be deeper there.

"Rukia," he thought, desperately as he swam deeper into the darkness.

"She is alive," Zangetsu said, in his mind, "but unconscious."

"Show me," commanded Ichigo. The weight of his heavy clothing made it more difficult to swim and the muscles in his thighs began to burn with the effort.

"She is not alone," warned the sword spirit, and Ichigo saw the distorted image of an enormous eye flash through his mind.

"There's no such thing as a sea-monster," he thought, as he continued to swim.

"Just a bit further," urged Zangetsu, pointing him deeper still. Ichigo redoubled his grip on his sword.

Through the darkness ahead, he could now see movement - a flash of white – Rukia's shirt, a bare foot and dark hair. He kicked with all his strength until he was next to her. She was floating, her eyes closed and her face deathly white. Ichigo grabbed her shirt and then her arm, turning to head back towards the surface.

"Thank God," he thought, gratefully.

That's when he saw it - a flash of light and movement, less than a yard away. His lungs had begun to hurt – he had used up nearly all the air in his lungs with the effort of swimming to her. He pulled Rukia against his chest with his left arm, pointing Zangetsu with his right towards the movement.

"Just keep moving," he told himself, kicking as hard as he could.

Another flash of light and something reddish-orange reached out towards him in the darkness. He felt a ropelike pressure around his sword-arm and looked down to see a long tentacle, wrapped about his elbow. He tried to swing his weapon, but the blade would not reach the thing that held him captive. He pulled hard and tried to free himself from the grip of the still-invisible creature, but to no avail. There was no time, he knew. Rukia had been without air too long already, he could not afford to delay any longer.

"Zangetsu," he thought, desperately, "can you return her to the surface without me?"

"Yes," replied the sword, "but you will be without a weapon."

"Do it," Ichigo commanded. He'd figure out how to break free once he knew she would be safe.

The sword glowed slightly blue, then vanished from his hand. Instinctively, Ichigo released Rukia to his sword, and saw her begin to float away. Almost immediately, a blue light surrounded her and he saw her rise towards the surface.

Turning back towards the creature, he grabbed at the tentacle holding onto him with his free arm, pulling as hard as he could. Something large now swam towards him, and he saw an enormous eye and reddish-orange skin. He was now only feet away from the creature. He kicked at the tentacle, and felt yet another of the creature's arms encircle his leg.

"Damn," he thought, feeling himself growing weaker. He reached out with his free hand, pointing it in the direction of the beast. Blue light flew from his fingertips towards the creature and striking it, causing it to recoil slightly. Ichigo felt the grip on his arm release, but his leg was still held tightly. This time, he pointed both hands at the creature and again he felt the creature shudder with the impact of the attack.

His vision had begun to blur now from lack of oxygen, and he summoned every last bit of concentration and aimed his hands at the long tentacle that held his leg. He saw the creature shake again as the attack met its mark, and felt the tentacle release him. He kicked hard, moving as quickly as he could, aiming for the surface. As he swam, he began to see light above the water.

"Just a bit farther," he told himself, struggling to stay alert. He was almost there, he knew.

"Ichigo." Zangetsu's voice.

"I'm not sure I can do this," he replied, feeling himself begin to fade, his eyes begin to close.

"Follow me, Ichigo," the sword spirit replied, and Ichigo felt something solid again in his hand. "She is safe. I can help you now."

He was dying, he was sure of it. The blackness began to fade into bright white.

"Ichigo."

He opened his eyes again; he wasn't sure how he had managed it.

"You're almost there, Ichigo," came the spirit's voice.

He could see the surface now. Just a bit further and he would be able to breathe again…

"Keep swimming, Ichigo."

Something wound about his right leg, yanking him back down. He couldn't move; he had no more energy. He couldn't fight the creature again; he would die in this place.

"Ichigo!"

Silence, then a soft humming sound. He could see nothing but white all around him. In the distance he began to make out the blurry outline of a man, walking towards him. He stared at the man, trying to focus on his features. He couldn't make out his face.

"Ichigo," said the man, his voice familiar.

"Zangetsu," he croaked.

"Let me help you."

The man reached out and put his hand over Ichigo's, tightening around the metal hilt of his sword, raising it up from his side, supporting Ichigo's arm...

Ichigo opened his eyes just in time to see his sword plunge of its own accord into an enormous black eye which floated only feet away from him. The animal twitched and writhed as Ichigo withdrew the blade. Blood streaked the water as Ichigo broke through to the surface, gasping for air. Tentacles flew above the sulphur pool in a grotesque death dance; the water turned red and bubbled furiously. Ichigo felt himself begin to slip beneath the surface again, too weak to stay afloat, but a strong arm grabbed Ichigo's shoulder and pulled him onto shore – Hitsugaya, his face set, focused.

Ichigo coughed and spluttered, spitting water out of his mouth. His lungs filled with air and he coughed again, trying not to faint. He closed his eyes briefly and felt Zangetsu's strength fill him from within. The dizziness began to subside.

"Rukia. How is Rukia?" he gasped, his voice hoarse, barely audible.

"I'm fine," came a voice from behind him. She was soaked to the bone and still pale, but alive and breathing. "Thanks to you."

He was so happy to see her that he grabbed her and held her tightly against his chest. The suddenness of his apparent change of heart stunned her, and she looked slightly bewildered.

"Rukia," he said, reassured to feel her solid, alive in his arms. Then, realizing what he had just done, he released her quickly and turned away so she couldn't see the look of relief on his face. For an instant, he hesitated, unsure of what to say or do.

"I'm glad you're alright," was all he said. As usual, his words did not mirror what was in his heart.

*Overfalls: Dangerously steep and breaking seas due to opposing currents and wind in a shallow area, or strong currents over a shallow rocky bottom.

Author's Note: No "real" sea monsters in this fic, lol! I've described a giant squid – a real life sea monster, I guess. Wiki says this about these incredible animals: The giant squid (genus: Architeuthis) is a deep-ocean dwelling squid in the family Architeuthidae, represented by as many as eight species. Giant squid can grow to a tremendous size: recent estimates put the maximum size at 43 feet for females and 33 feet for males from caudal fin to the tip of the two long tentacles (second only to the colossal squid at an estimated 46 feet, one of the largest living organisms).