'Well, that was easy.'

Scott lay there, winded. The blow against the tree had done more than just weaken him, he could feel the grazes along his neck, could feel the blood from those wounds. He couldn't do much more than watch as Wayne adjusted his hold on his sword and strolled over to him. He drew it back, ready to stab Scott through the heart.

In a flash Kayo was standing between them.

'Wayne, don't!'

The older Reaper rolled his eyes and lashed out at Kayo, sword almost grazing her face. She turned with it and crouched beside Scott, keeping herself between the two men.

'You didn't dodge that. I was going easy on you.'

Scott didn't know who this new Reaper was, but he really didn't like his attitude, especially towards Kayo.

'Wayne, why are you here?'

'Come on, you know why.'

Kayo swallowed. She had hoped to have sorted this out before it came to this, but she hadn't bargained on Scott taking all her powers, which had left them both weak. If she thought they had more time Wayne's next words told her otherwise.

'To bring you in and to kill the human you shared your powers with.'

Kayo stared at him, shocked and horrified. Wayne frowned slightly at her, contempt curling his lip.

'That look on your face, that a human look? Your humanity is disgusting to look at! We were both born in Rukon District and adopted by the noble Kyrano Clan. You were groomed and trained to become an elite Soul Reaper! You shouldn't be sitting there looking like a human.'

The look he gave her was pure hatred, but Kayo was made of sterner stuff. Until he continued:

'Don't you agree, Captain Kyrano?'

Kayo spun around and stood up.

'Father!'

Kyrano stood there in his Shihakusho, hand on his sword hilt. His expression was unreadable. Kayo immediately went down onto one knee as Wayne circled around Scott.

Walking a couple of steps further, Kyrano looked upon his only daughter. Steeling himself for what he had been ordered to do, he spoke with as much detachment he could muster.

'You defied our Code.'

'It was either give the human my powers of be eaten by Fishbone. I only meant for him to take some of my powers, not all…'

'You think that excuses it?'

They looked at each other. Scott watched from the floor, still struggling to breath.

'What you've done is a felony. I'm sure you know that. Soul Society will demand your execution. You must take your powers back from him. Only then will you be pardoned from your crime.'

'His pressure is too weak. Right now he would die if I tried taking back my powers.'

'So what if he does? Let him die.'

Kayo looked behind her at Scott.