Warning: Character death


Conrad looked self-satisfied at Scott's response. He'd always admired Scott, ever since Alan had rescued him. He'd liked the youngster and had spent some time gaming with him, and hearing how Scott cared so much for Alan had helped cement an admiration that had only been slightly dented when he found out Scott was a Soul Reaper.

He grinned. But then his eyes went wide as the point of a sword pierced straight through his chest and out the other side. Scott tried to move but couldn't – the fight had taken everything he had.

Wayne's face appeared over the Quincy's shoulder. He was smirking as Scott cried out in horror and Kayo's eyes widened. He spoke to them as he walked around Conrad to face them fully.

'That you could destroy the Grand Fisher, who would have thought?'

They watched as Conrad slid to the ground, reaching out for the tiny Quincy Cross that grew into his bow. Wayne stepped over him and smirked at them. He thrust Zabimaru, his Zanpakuto, at Scott in challenge.

'Time to die, human.'

'No, Wayne!'

'Tanusha.'

Scott and Kayo looked over to where her father stood. Kyrano stood to the side of Wayne but in full view of the square. Scott couldn't help but notice he looked troubled and sad for a moment before the man noticed him looking and wiped all emotion from his face.

'Stop pretending to be a human.'

Kayo said nothing, she just knelt beside Scott and watched as her father walked slowly towards her.

'What's wrong, Tanusha? What happened to the Reaper you strived to be? A Reaper shouldn't get emotionally involved with a human.'

Kyrano's eyes narrowed and, although he didn't want to say it, he knew that he had no choice. If he didn't make sure this ended the right way then he'd have to kill his daughter. The command had come from the highest authority and he couldn't disobey it.

'Go, on, Tanusha. Kill the human.'

Kayo didn't move, although she could feel Scott's focus switch from her father to herself.

'I will not ask you again.'

Still she didn't move, and Kyrano sighed.

'Tanusha…I see. You are past being cured. Wayne, go on. Kill them both.'

Kyrano turned away so that they could not see the tears. He needed to pull himself together – if it got back to his superiors that he shed tears for his daughter and the intriguing human she'd shared her powers with then he would likely be next.

Wayne smiled. The idea of killing Scott was welcome, but he didn't relish killing Tanusha. He would do what he must, though. He moved and took up a stance even as Kayo stood to meet him.

But Scott wasn't having any of this. They had promised that if he killed The Grand Fisher they would accept her back, and now the command to kill Kayo filled him with an anger that gave him strength.

He stood, putting Kayo behind him as he snarled his defiance.

'You should keep your word!'

'Scott! No – '

'Kayo – I'll protect you!'

Scott took his stance and Wayne took a firmer hold of Zabimaru. Kayo grabbed at Scott's arm but he gently shook her off.

'No, Scott! Run!'

'I will not. I am staying right here.'

With that Wayne flew at them, and Scott barely had time to push Kayo behind him and raise Zangetsu to catch Zabimaru.

Wayne was fast! Scott only just managed to defend Kayo and the two men danced around her as the clashing of metal on metal was the only sounds other than the grunts of effort of the Reaper and Scott.

Kayo backed away quickly but as fast as she moved away Wayne seemed to move with her, and Scott with him, continuously pushing Kayo behind him.

Finally one hit was too hard and Scott found himself pushed back, away from Kayo and into a car.

There was a pause as Scott, breathing heavily, lowered Zangetsu to stare defiantly at Wayne. Kayo picked herself up from the floor and watched as Scott taunted the Reaper.

'You're a little slow, aren't you?'

'Oh, you are so dead!'