A.N: Got this done a lot quicker than I had expected. Everything just seemed to click for a brief moment. However, I may not be able to update as quickly next time. I've got a short story project for a creative writing that needs working on, so I've got to get that done (for the record, the only reason I took that class is to compare myself with others, it's a way to see where I stand at the moment, but I digress). Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the conclusion of Komamura vs. Cortez.
Chapter 13: The Broken Shield
Cortez Orgulloso looked at Sajin Komamura's heavily-breathing form. He then saw Komamura start to move a bit. He sighed at the sight. "I commend you for your spirit, Captain," he began, "but it's over."
Komamura continued to struggle. "Those wounds are fatal," Cortez continued, "unless they are treated, you'll bleed out and die. And the I'm standing between you and the only medics you have."
Komamura was now on his hands and knees, struggling to get to his feet. "Just accept your fate," said Cortez, "you put up a good fight, but in the end you were hopelessly overmatched."
Komamura got on one foot and one knee. He glared at Cortez. "We Soul Reapers don't believe in fate." Said Komamura.
This surprised Cortez. "Perhaps it's because of the great power we have," Komamura continued, "but it's the truth, we don't. We believe in controlling out own destinies."
Cortez sighed again. "Such a naive view," Cortez muttered, "do you know why man became the dominant species on Earth? Why they evolved into better beings than the faster gazelle or stronger than the bear?"
Komamura didn't respond. "It was fate that man became the rulers," Cortez told him, "just as it is fated that our species become the rulers."
"While it is true that there are certain things we can control," Cortez continued, "there are certain things we cannot. No species can control wether they shall be dominant over every other species. No child can control who he is fated to be born to, or what country he is born in. That is fate, Captain. Just as it was fate that I met the king and became his shield. Just as it is fate right now that you fought me, an enemy that you had no chance of defeating."
"I told you, we control our destinies," said Komamura, "It is true, we cannot change how we began. I cannot change how I looked when I came to the Soul Society, nor can I change the pathetic attempt I made to defeat you."
"But what I can change," continued Komamura, "is what happens down the road. And if I fail to change what happens down the road, that just means I didn't work hard enough to do so."
"What's your point?"
"My point, General, is that this fight is not over." Komamura got to both feet. "It's just getting started!"
"I commend you for being able to stand," Cortez told him genuinely, "but I still think you are being foolish."
"Than I'll be a fool," said Komamura, "but it's better than being a spineless coward who simply rolls over and dies because it's his fate to do so."
"I don't care if it's my fate or not," Komamura continued, "it was also supposed to be my fate to remain hidden in darkness forever. I've defied fate before and I'll do it again!"
Komamura's spiritual pressure started to rise. "You say it's my fate to die? What makes you think I'm going to accept a fate like that? I'm changing my fate, I'm not dying today because I don't want to!"
"Now, Bankai!"
Cortez watched as an armored giant arose from underground. He looked up to see it tower over him, but barely reach half of La Torre. "Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō!"
Cortez looked up at the giant. "I'm amazed you are able to actually maintain a Bankai in your current state, let alone summon it."
"I've had enough of you talking!" Komamura screamed.
The giant Bankai swung its giant blade downwards, straight towards Cortez. The impact created a fog of dust that remained for several minutes. When it cleared, the giant blade was on Cortez' shoulder. It had been stopped by his armor.
"I already told you, it's useless," Cortez reminded him, "there is nothing that can penetrate my armor."
The giant pulled back its blade. "There is a reason my defense is known as Los Retazos' Ultimate Defense. It simply cannot be beaten." Cortez continued.
"There is no defense that can't be penetrated." Said Komamura.
"More naive ideals." Cortez said, starting to get annoyed.
"You didn't let me finish," said Komamura, "it's true that at the moment I can't penetrate your armor. But beating it is a lot easier than you may realize."
Cortez was confused. "In the end," Komamura continued, "it's just a matter of making your attack strong enough to break through."
"Oh, and how do you intend to do that?" Cortez asked.
Komamura smirked. "You were foolish not to dodge that attack, not because it would've been lethal, but it has now given me a good gauge as to how much power is going to be needed to take you down."
"What, impossible!" Cortez shouted. "That was your full power, I know it!"
"Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō and I are connected," Komamura explained, "while it's true that was my full power. I can still give him more."
"And because you didn't have the foresight to dodge, I now know exactly how much it's going to take to defeat you."
What is he talking about? Cortez thought.
"Now, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, Seikatsu Tensō!"
Komamura and the giant started glowing red. Komamura's body shook a bit from the strain this technique was placing on his body. Cortez, although outwardly he couldn't show it, was shocked.
"What the hell is happening to you?" Cortez asked.
Komamura stopped glowing. The giant remained glowing red "The transfer is complete." Komamura said, panting slightly.
"What transfer?"
"A life transfer, I've just given my Bankai enough power to defeat you."
"I don't understand."
"I don't expect you to, allow me to explain," said Komamura, "the power we usually exert comes from our spirit energy. Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō is rather unique because we share everything, our spirit energy, our spiritual pressure, we even take the same wounds."
"Get to the point."
"This technique took me awhile to develop, I only recently finished it after Ichigo Kurosaki was named Captain of Squad 9," Komamura continued, "Seikatsu Tensō acts as a bargain of sorts between myself and Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō. In exchange for some of my life force, he gains even more power than before."
Cortez was shocked once more, even though his body didn't show it. "I have just lost fifty years of my life to this technique." Komamura finished grimly.
"You gave up fifty years of your life just for a chance to defeat me? Noble, but foolish. You are going to die anyway." Said Cortez.
Cortez readied himself to fight once more. "It won't change anything, you still cannot penetrate my armor."
"I told you, it's just a matter of making your offense strong enough to break the defense. Let me show you!" Komamura prepared to attack.
Cortez charged Komamura, prepared to end this fight permanently. Komamura swung his sword, the giant did as well. Cortez looked to the side to see the blade coming at him horizontally. Pivoting on his foot, Cortez swung his giant longsword to match the blade and stop its momentum.
When the two blades collided, however, something happened that shocked Cortez. The impact sent him flying backwards. Komamura watched as Cortez hit the sand, hard. The general groaned as he struggled to his feet. "Unbelievable," he muttered, "what raw power. That was definitely stronger than before."
Cortez than saw something that made his eyes widen in fear. His giant longsword had cracked from where the blades had collided. It can't be! Cortez thought. My blade could not have cracked from the impact! That's not possible!
Cortez steeled himself as he prepared to strike back. I will not falter, he thought. I am the king's shield. I will not falter, I will not break, I will not fail!
The giant and Cortez started clashing with one another once again. Cortez screamed in fury as he tried to match or outmatch the giant blow for blow. This man is not stronger than me! Cortez reassured himself. I am the Ultimate Defense of Los Retazos! I cannot be defeated!
Unbeknownst to Cortez, his longsword continued to crack from the force generated by each impact. Then, with one final clash of steel, the longsword shattered into pieces. Komamura expected to see a look of surprise on Cortez' face while he readied himself for the final blow. Instead, he watched as Cortez raised his free hand and pointed it at the giant. "Gran Rey Cero!"
An enormous blast of white spirit energy shot towards the glowing giant. The impact created a large explosion and a cloud of smoke that was nearly the size of La Torre. No matter how strong he's become, his life is still tethered to that giant, making him quite vulnerable to my Gran Rey Cero, Cortez thought.
Cortez inwardly smiled in victory. It's all over, I have completed my duty as a shield.
The smoke cloud suddenly parted in half. Cortez' eyes than went wide in shock as a giant blade came down on him, cutting through his armor and his entire body. Cortez gasped as everything from his left shoulder to his left leg was separated from his body. His remaining body collapsed and he fell onto his back.
He simply could not believe what had just happened to him. Have I really just been defeated? He thought.
Flashback: Several Years Ago
Cortez Orgulloso, as a knight-like Vasto Lorde, had a very simple routine back than. Wonder around the desert, and search for a purpose. However, on this particular day he was going to find his purpose.
Things started to change when he saw a figure walking towards him from the distance. He watched, curiously, as the silhouette of this Arrancar seemed more…human than the other creatures he had met in the vast deserts of Hueco Mundo. When the figure came into clearer view, Cortez saw that it was an Arrancar, not a Menos like himself.
The Arrancar seemed to have his gaze fixated on Cortez. This made Cortez very wary of his presence. Cortez showed how wary he was of this Arrancar by drawing his longsword and brandishing it.
"I don't want to fight," he told the Arrancar, "but I will if I must!"
The Arrancar seemed surprised by Cortez' statement. Cortez awaited his response. However, the Arrancar responded in a way that surprised Cortez. He chuckled and then he smirked.
"You're troubled," the Arrancar told him, "afraid even."
Cortez was stunned by the Arrancar's words. He was afraid? Troubled, yes, but afraid? "How do you know how I feel?" Cortez carefully asked.
"I can sense it," the Arrancar replied, "I can sense that you are troubled. And I sense that due to being troubled, you are afraid."
Cortez did not know what to think of this man standing before him. So he responded with the first thing that came to mind. "Okay, for arguments sake, lets say I am afraid of something. What am I afraid of?" He asked.
The Arrancar was quick to respond. "Your eyes tell me everything. You have the look of a man who's had his soul drained from his very being. You lack a purpose, and that's why you feel drained."
Cortez could not believe what he was hearing. It was certainly true. In spite of his great power he never found a use for it. He had no purpose. He simply could not believe that this mysterious man had guessed it right on the money.
The Arrancar continued speaking. "I had at first approached you because I was impressed by the power I feel from you," he said, "however, now that I see that you fear living without a purpose, and also fear dying without ever finding one, it seems that I have all the more reason to recruit you."
"Recruit me? Who are you?" Cortez inquired.
"I am Benito Muerta, leader of Los Retazos." Benito introduced himself.
"Los Retazos? Never heard of it."
Benito chuckled. "We prefer operating in the shadows at the moment. It's understandable that you've never heard of us."
"What are the goals of your organization?" Cortez asked curiously.
Benito smiled evilly. "Peace," he replied, "something that can only be achieved with the complete destruction of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads."
Cortez was surprised. He then started laughing. "You dream big, don't you?"
"It is not a dream, for I shall make it a reality." Benito insisted.
It was hear Benito made his move. "Just like I shall make your dream of having a purpose in life a reality."
Cortez was now interested in whatever Benito was about to offer. Benito walked closer to Cortez. "But first," he said, "allow me to grant you the capacity to fulfill a great purpose."
"That is," Benito continued as he drew his sword, "if you'll trust me."
A part of Cortez felt that this was a bad idea. But most of his conscience decided to trust Benito. He remained at ease as Benito placed the tip of his sword at his head. "It is time for you to be reborn, my friend."
With that, spirit energy started to flow into Cortez' body. Cortez gasped at the raw power that was held within the spirit energy. How strong is this man? Cortez wondered.
Cortez' Vasto Lorde form suddenly shattered. In its place was Cortez in his more human-like Arrancar form. Cortez looked at his new body in awe. "It pains me to see a man with such great potential wonder this hell purposeless," said Benito, "and that is why I'm giving you a purpose."
"I can see now that you never found your purpose because you never found someone worthy of using your great power for." Benito continued. "Unlike most Hollows, you don't have an interest in personal gain that comes from your power. Otherwise, you would've found your purpose in life a long time ago."
Cortez looked at Benito. "I…think I understand what your words mean." He told him.
Benito waited for Cortez' explanation. "It is true, I've never once been interested in personal gain. And for a long time I thought that lack of interest kept me from finding my purpose."
"But I see now, that my purpose is to serve someone who is worthy enough of my power," Cortez continued, "my armor is an impenetrable defense. I see now that I must use that defense to act as a shield, your shield. That is my purpose."
Cortez got on one knee and bowed in respect for his new leader. "Let me serve my purpose, Lord Muerta, let me become your shield."
Benito smiled. "Very well, come with me," he said, "the others will be happy to welcome a new comrade as powerful and as loyal as you."
End Flashback
When I met His Majesty I saw a man who had all the answers, Cortez reflected as he continued to bleed out, He showed me that there are men who live for personal gain, and there are men who live to help others achieve their goals. I was the latter. I was meant to act as a shield for His Majesty. That was the purpose I had been looking for. The purpose he had showed me.
Cortez reverted back to his original form. And now…I've failed in my purpose.
The smoke finally cleared. Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō had vanished. In its place was an exhausted Sajin Komamura, who was walking towards his defeated opponent. Cortez looked at Komamura. "You won." He said weakly.
Komamura looked grim. "On other days I would've lost," he admitted, "you…you are the strongest opponent I have ever fought against."
"What's more," Komamura continued, "is that it genuinely saddens me to see someone with ideals similar to mine die. It's like watching myself die almost."
"Indeed," Cortez weakly nodded, "you with your loyalty to the Head Captain, and me with my loyalty to His Majesty."
"Still," Cortez continued, "how did you survive my Gran Rey Cero? That should've killed you."
"The aura from the life force I had given to Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō," Komamura revealed, "Not only is it for offense, but it can act as a shield of sorts."
It's actually sort of like the barrier Captain Zaraki puts up around his body with his immense power. Komamura thought.
Cortez chuckled slightly. "So…in the end I was outdone by a power that could also serve as a defense. Ironic…very ironic."
Cortez started coughing up blood. His vision was starting to blur. The end was near for the general. "Well," he said, "you've won, and for that I congratulate you. But, I'm afraid that's as for as you will go. You may have won the battle, but you'll lose the war. His Majesty…you'll never defeat His Majesty."
And with that, the shield of Los Retazos shattered beyond repair. Cortez Orgulloso was dead.
A.N: Here's the thing with Sajin Komamura, when you really compare him with the other captains, he's weak. At the same time, Komamura's power has a lot of potential to be expanded on and made stronger (as his battle with Bambietta Basterbine in the manga proves). When I realized this, I created Seikatsu Tensō, which translates to life transfer. Komamura's Bankai is more of an extension of him than every other Soul Reaper's Zanpakutō is because Komamura feels the pain his Bankai feels. Therefore, it stands to reason, if his Bankai can give him something, Komamura can as well.
Well, with that, the second general falls in battle. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Stay tuned, I'm gonna try to get back to this as quick as I can after I finish up my short story project. ND2014, signing off.