To unknown reviewer known as SPARTAN 8389 from ch. 13
To quote: 'Ichigo you bastard!'
Ummm… I understand what you mean, but I think you went the wrong way. So no additional comment.
To Kalisticksmaster
I'm glad to have fulfilled some request. It could be a while before you see them again, don't worry it makes sense in context of the story.
To Hitmanforyou
Right, Ichigo does in fact know about the sewer systems but he's never actually gone through them and now really isn't the time for experimentation especially because of their time limit. The next reason is because Ichigo is pretty sure he could win him over given he's (Hanataro) got a hero-worship thing with him and could slip him away in the ensuing chaos. Thirdly Ichigo is aware of the fact they have no medic (but doesn't know about the healing hot springs in the cave) and doesn't know what they've been doing to Rukia IE torture, abuse, ect. While there are some standard procedures, people don't always follow them to the T. Lastly, Ichigo would go the path of least resistance, since that would mean less work for Hanataro and Ganju plus only a squad four member would even bother using the sewers, but can't be cause their topside healing other soldiers.
For Isshin…what's the word? I think it's foreshadowing to him not being what he appears. Case in point back in chapter 15,
Quote '"Glad to see your safe." Ichigo let out in a relieved sigh, throwing his arm past her shoulder and patting the center of her back.
"Who are you?" asked the man as he got up from his chair and eyed the apparition who was apparently holding Senna kind of intimately "How do you know my daughter?"
Turning his head Ichigo saw a man who looked to be in his early thirties with spiked black hair and rugged facial hair line. The man was wearing a gray undershirt with a white over jacket and white pants. He had a single small round light blue earring in his left ear lobe and was wearing black shoes. His dark brown eyes narrowed in intrigue before widening just a fraction as if in realization before returning to a normal state.
Unquote [I also forgot to mention that Tattoo so that's an error on my part.]
Ein (Isshin) stated that he couldn't see spirits, but it contracted his surprise. Then throw in the fact that it's Ichigo, he's seeing (after believing him dead) then wanting to travel to Soul Society (Masaki). It fits. He has been spiritually aware and Ichigo I believe had either sensed him in 'human world' or 'perfect…'. I've occasionally mentioned other character's case in point Yoruichi met Ichigo before Ichigo knew about Yoruichi (in chapter 7, It's mentioned that apparently even a 'cat' could see him.)
Omeada, well he remains elusive for now. But that's technically what the interlude between the SS and Arrancar arc is for, tying up those loose ends.
To Fez
Wish granted.
To bubblescoolin from ch.2
I've read one or two ByaSoi fics. I didn't mind them, but there really isn't a whole lot of character change. If anything it might be more on Byakuya getting over Hisana. For HanaSoi, my favorite for comedy would have to be 'stealth gone wrong', I find it absolutely hilarious, particularly the chapter where Hanataro pretty much forces all of Soul Society in a marathon to avoid the butterfly Zaraki, poor Byakuya's garden and wall get's trashed. He is not a happy camper. For my favorite romance one 'Lethal Hornet, Timid Healer' by exodinethedestroyer. I really like it and it did give some measure of hope that Hanataro can become a better warrior and get the girl, or in this case possibly girls depending on how things play out. The author hasn't updated in over a year, this makes me sad.
To unknown reviewer known as Metalhead1000
Oh really skype? My mom actually has that program on her computer, technologies amazing since you can video conference from half a world away. I will be sure to use my resources wisely as a lot of people pointed out errors, which after looking back, I saw myself leaving me a little displeased with myself. This time around I believe I did a much better and much more through job. Well I hope you continue to rock out to your metal as you read, go crazy big guy.
To unknown reviewer known as Chickenfeet
Hmm, pigs feet (boar), rams feet (ram), rabbits foot (rabbit), dogs feet (dog) and now chicken's feet (bird)…is it just me or do most of the products we name seem to have some correlation with the hand signs of Naruto. Maybe I'm over thinking it. I'm not sure if there's much else planning for Gin and Aizen at least in this stage of the game. It should be relatively straight-forward now.
Now unto the chaotic prefic banter!
[on screen] Soifon:…
[on screen] Ichigo:…
[on screen] Blackout2010:…(awkward)
Senna (off screen): (pant) (pant) so..much running!
[on screen] Soifon:…
Hanataro (off screen): Rukia? Rukia! Where for art thou Rukia! Tis the penance tower to the east! And the execution tower under the sun!
Tosen (off screen): In the name of justice [clenches fist tightly], I shall bring justice [clenches fist tightly again] to this unjust [clenches fist tightly again] world devoid of justice [clenches fist tightly again]. Because it a just [clenches fist tightly] and honorable duty, to bring justice [clenches fist tightly] to those who cannot usher forth justice [clenches fist tightly], unto it's self. Justice [clenches fist tightly] what over me as I deliver justice [clenches fist tightly]!
Mayuri (off screen): What a freak…Kisuke you bastard get back over here, Nemu! Where are you, you worthless bitch! Bring me the lubricant and female orgasm stimuli tools from my trunk, post haste, and don't even think about using it on the Quincy if you find him!
Byakuya (off screen): I would kindly ask that you all quiet yourselves, you are disturbing my peace and tranquility.
[on screen] Blackout2010 (nervous): Soooooo…
Kyoraku (off screen): hey little ladies care to come by my office and have some of my 'special brewed tea'?
Senna/Subaru (off screen): Eeew get away from me you pervert!/I'll pass, I'm happily married, sir.
Kenpachi (off screen): HAHAHAHAHA! THIS IS FUN!
[on screen] Soifon: (glares at blackout2010)
Byakuya (off screen): I reiterate quiet yourselves.
Ganju (off screen): BWAAAAAAAAH! He's gonna eat me!
[on screen] Blackout2010: Hey, I had to say it out loud and kinda act it out too to make sure it worked ya know!
Kyoraku (off screen): hey little kitty, care to play with my 'big dog', he's might hairy like you. But he's big and strong and can make any pussy purr in contentment, once they've gotten acquainted that is.
Kitty? (off screen): mmm ok.
Nanao (off screen): I see. Then I'm not needed here.
Kyoraku (off screen): I take it back my beauteous scholar. Please punish me, I've been a bad boy and need some 're-education'
Kenpachi (off screen): I'm coming for you Ichigo!
[on screen] Ichigo:…(sweat drop)
Shinjiro (off screen): Your going the wrong way! Wait…no. No. I take it back, I was going the wrong way.
Aizen (off screen): You will all kill Ichigo. You will all kill Ichigo. You will all kill Ichigo. You will all kill Ichigo. You will all kill Ichigo and then bring me some tea. You will all kill Ichigo and then bring me some tea…
Gin (off screen): I am totally innocent in this chapter. I have done absolutely nothing to any of the protagonists and major characters, in this chapter. But does anyone believe me? Noooo. Blame the creepy guy who works with you and likes to smile. Bigots.
Toshiro (off screen): IIIICHIIIMARUUU I'M GONNA KILL YOU! MAAAATSUUUUMOOOTOOOOO FINISH THE PAPER WORK!
Momo (off screen): I will avenge captain Aizen or my name isn't Momo Hinamora…I mean Hinamori!
Don Kannoji (off screen) WAHAHAHAHAHA! The Spirits will always be with you!
Byakuya (off screen): You have pushed my patience too far. I shall now remove you all from the equation of life…Bankai. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.
Yamamoto (off screen): Kuchiki-taicho, for you blatant use of Bankai to eradicate mere nuisances for little offense, I sent you to death: for excessively punishing your peers with your Zanpaktou. Turn all of creation to ash, Ryujin jakka! Now, Bankai!
[on screen] Blackout2010 (turns away): I promise to explain in the informative.
[on screen] Soifon:…never have I been more embarrassed…
[on screen] Ichigo: It's not like everyone saw it…
[on screen] Soifon (blush): YES! THEY! DID!
Everyone (off screen): You bet we did!
[on screen] Soifon: I'm going to go hide in a cave and seal the entrance with a boulder (walks off)
[on screen] Blackout2010: Psss…don't worry Ichigo, we can always have ame no uzi call her out like she did for Amaterasu.
Ch. 19 Infil-Traitors: inner and outer desperate struggles!
(Day 2: Morning: Momo)
Turning over in her peaceful slumber the easy going fuka-taicho of squad five wrapped the blankets around her Hakama and body "mmm, Toshiro, Aizen-san," she mumbled in her sleep, dreaming happy thoughts involving her two best friends. As she continued tossing and turning, her foot accidently hit the hilt of her Zanpaktou that laid neatly against the wall, causing it to slide against the wall and knock a picture off the wall, sending it crashing to the ground.
The clattering of the wooden frame snapped the girl from her dream world and back to the world of the Shinigami. Jumping out of bed -which she blushed having remembered that it wasn't her own- and looking around to see what caused the noise, she let out a worried squeak when she saw her Zanpaktou laying against the picture. Gently picking it up, and praying it wasn't broken. She was greatly relieved to see that it was still intact, picking up Tobiume she placed the picture back on the stand, and went through the Shoji door to apologize to her captain for falling asleep like she had and inconvenienced him.
As she walked in she saw that the room looked the same as it had last night, though the candles despite still burning were much shorter than previously seen. "I guess he went on ahead to the office, I better get on patrol to find our attackers." She whispered assessively, remembering bits and pieces of what her commanding officer had discussed with the possibility of attacker appearing, and wanting her to do patrol route 5 before reporting back to his office later that day.
She darted into the bathroom quickly to check the mirror to ensure she was presentable and wasn't forgetting anything should she get attacked, with a smile seeing that she was good. She turned and walked out the door to go about her patrol.
(Ichigo and Ganju)
Having stopped and rested the night, Soul Societies public enemy number one and his Shiba companion snuck into the medical wings of squad four. They arrived very early in the morning since only certain members would be active namely the seated officers, and considering the fact that only yesterday the others should have started making noise there wouldn't be enough casualties for them to be in full alert status yet. A fact that Ichigo counted on. Moving through the building, careful in trying to not awaken the many enemies around them, the men soon came upon their target who was seemingly in a hurry in their direction.
Hanataro having missed the hell butterfly due to him accidentally sleeping in from yesterdays work in scrubbing down the sewers, was in a rush to get to the outside of Seireitei where apparently many Shinigami were injured by some kind of monster in human form. A shiver went down his spine from imagining running into such a monster, but it was his duty as a healer and proud Shinigami to bravely face such things…after all it's what his hero Ichigo would have done.
As the unusually energetic boy came running down the hallway, Ichigo's hand shot out and grabbed the guy by his collar eliciting a yelp that sounded like 'Don't hurt me!' as he was dragged back into the hallway. Quickly being spun around the seventh seat's mouth was immediately covered as he came into the face of a friend who he long though dead having heard a few rumors about him turning traitor.
The squad two fourth seat brought a finger to his mouth and 'shushed' him and motioned with his head for the healer to follow him, which Hanataro nodded his head rapidly since his mouth was covered by Ichigo's other hand. The trio ducked through the hallways avoiding some other Shinigami who were in a rush to other areas having heard of other attacks, exited the barracks and kept running putting some much needed distance.
Once they were well outside the fourth's front gate, Hanataro jumped and hugged Ichigo while he bawled his eyes out "Ichigo-san! I can't believe it's you!" he cried out "I always knew that those stupid rumors weren't true. You're really here and still you!"
Ichigo with a wry smile patted the kid on the shoulder "ahh, sure…why not." He answered with a detectable degree of evasiveness
Detaching himself from his idols side the healer smiled amicably having not really noticed Ganju despite being with him for the past twenty or so minutes "Unohana-Taicho was really worried about you and everything, but now that you're here…" he suddenly stopped having remember what he was supposed to be originally doing.
His smile falter just a bit as he recalled that yesterday a bunch of Shinigami were hurt, and now today Ichigo showed up, with his hair apparently changed black for some reason, and here he was standing in front of him with a person he just now failed to recognize. As the puzzle pieces started to come together, the seventh seat took a step back his eyes widening in terror "You…you really…" he let out a loud yell as he started to run around in a circle streams of water jetting out from his eyes "I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die. I've always been a good person so why poor little me! WHY! WHY! WHY! WHY! WHY! WHAT DID I DO! WAHHHHHAHUUHHH!"
"Shut up Taro!" Ichigo said smacking his fist into the back of the screaming boy's head giving him a good chance to reacquaint himself with the ground. As the healer started to get back up clutching his head wound in pain, Ichigo pointed his finger at him dramatically "Look, I didn't betray anyone. You of all people should know I would never do such a thing. Taro don't you remember back when we were in the human world? Remember, after fighting against that hollow Screamer, I let Giant Devil return home, because I didn't think he deserved to be killed merely for what he was, a hollow."
Ichigo kneeled down to meet Hanataro's eyes, who looked back in them having remembered the event as clear as crystal "Tell me Hanataro if I was as evil as some rumors suggested would I have done such a thing? My mother you remember her don't you?" when the boy nodded his head again Ichigo continued his rant "She would never so much as hurt a fly, unless it was absolutely warranted, and you know what happened, she was murdered by Grand Fisher and when I went back to the human world a second time, I found him and you know what he said?"
"W-what did he say Ichigo-san?" Hanataro asked enraptured by Ichigo's speech so far
"He said that it was under orders by its Shinigami masters who were trying to take over Soul Society!"
"N-no way!" the healer cried out shocked about this kind of information, and despite his best efforts he couldn't for some reason bring himself to disagree, his own experiences weighing down the rumors that were tarnishing his friend's name.
Ichigo broke his eyes away with a solemn look "It's true. All of it. That's why I'm here. I'm here to get the real traitors of Soul Society but…I can't do it alone. I need your help Hanataro. The people who are trying to kill Rukia Kuchiki for treason are actually trying to get some kind of device that will doom us all. That's why we're trying to save her."
"Trying to save her." Yamada repeated as he looked down thoughtfully 'That's just like Ichigo-san. Always thinking about others.' Casting his eyes back up he saw the pleading face of Ichigo, the face of a friend in need "Sure, Ichigo-san. I believe you."
"Thanks Taro." He said with a small smile his hand patting the shoulder of Hanataro appreciatively.
Watching the scene Ganju looked neutral on the outside though he was inwardly approving of what he saw 'He doesn't really want to fight at all. He's just trying to do the right thing…just like big bro. Maybe…not all soul reapers are bad.'
The ex-strawberry hair colored man got up and looked over at Ganju who seemed to be in thought, with a quick gesture of his hand he got his attention as he turned back to Hanataro "Taro, tell me can you take us to the sewer system?"
"Sure, but why Ichigo-san?" he asked wondering why he wanted to go there of all places
"I need to get near the squad two barracks, to get to a certain place so I can get the power to save Rukia, but I can't just waltz in that direction. Most of the Shinigami from there know what my voice sounds like or what Zangetsu looks like. So I'll be surrounded and killed long before reaching a kilometer of the place, that's why I need a good route to get there that a lot people don't really know or at least think of using. I also need you two to see if you can get Rukia out of the penance tower. If you can do that we'll be able to stop the traitors completely if you can get her outside of Seireitei."
"And we can take her back to my sister house." Ganju finished seeing where this plan was going so far.
Ichigo nodded "Right, and with the sudden change in attention the others should be able to piece together what happened and retreat. Kisuke can destroy the Hogyoku and then we take out Aizen and his cohorts."
"Aizen-Taicho?" Hanataro babbled out surprised by that name being thrown out "You mean he's the traitor?" Ichigo did a double take, and after silently cursing himself for using it so carelessly, nodded his head since there was no point in hiding it now.
Seeing the healer look down in worry over who they might have to fight, Ichigo quickly replied "I'll fill you in later once we're in the sewers, right now we don't have time to waste." He said promising to inform him of the who's and what's which would ease up the seventh seat's tension
Hanataro saluted "G-got it Ichigo-san, follow me!"
(Mid Morning: Renji)
As he exited his Taicho's office, fuka-taicho Renji Abarai was feeling very conflicted about his loyalties. He had just finished being interrogated by Rukia's brother Byakuya Kuchiki about his…performance and accountability for his actions. Naturally, he was confused at first since he didn't quite understand. But, when the cold captain informed him of the girl from the human world's survival, and possibility of being an important instrument in these events, it brought no small measure of discontentment. The man even went so far as to imply that should anymore incidence happen he will deal with him personally.
"Fucking prick." The irate Renji cursed, as he stalked in the opposite direction of his room and the Taicho's office, hands in his pockets. His mind drifting back to that purple haired red ribbon wearing girl from the retrieval mission "That girl, she and the other guy, are the reason that Rukia is gonna die." He let out a grumble as he started to mentally curse both those people to hell, in the middle of his swearing he remembered some of the important information that was spoken by his Taicho "Wait a second…" he stopped walking and focused harder on the details "If they attacked then they must be here, which means…if I bring them in and make them confess, that Rukia is completely innocent or that they forced her to do it, then her execution is gonna have to be called off." A giant grin started to spread across his face as he changed direction to leave squad six and find some traitors.
(Shinjiro)
Hurrying around the corner and holding his breath, Shinjiro closed his eyes praying that he wouldn't be found. As the sound multiple feet approached his position, he let out a sigh of relief that one of the men ordered his little group down another way. Peeking around the corner, Shinjiro was pleased but not too pleased, since it went against his personal code of honor and belief in preserving the peace, to see that the group of people ran into the other group of people he had provoked earlier and each side started to attack one another.
Slipping away during the conflict he came across two other individuals who seemed to be standing around on alert. Sheathing his sword, he walked as calmly as he could in their direction "Excuse me, but if you could get some medics there's been a brawl between two forces back that-a-way, and people are really getting hurt." He requested, using his thumb to point over his shoulder and guide them to the general direction of the fighting
The short blonde woman of the group looked over and grabbed the hilt of her Zanpaktou "H-how can we trust you?" she asked having heard from some of the survivors of the attack yesterday that no one was to be trusted
The loud clanging of metal and screams of agony and pain, caused the Samurai to sweat drop as he turned around in the direction before looking back at them with a 'do I really need to go on' look "Something tells me this isn't a joke." The green-haired male companion stated also hearing the less than pleasant noise of battle
Sheathing their weapon they both moved out of the way to go get some hell butterflies back from their team mates who weren't too far off. With the area vacated and his mission mostly done, Shinjiro ran down the road to make some trouble at squad six before heading on to the penance tower.
(Senna and Subaru)
As the last person from the enemy team fell down unconscious. The two girls allowed themselves a small moment to breathe. The staff wielding girl was pleased to see that despite the couple dozen cuts and major bruises from her staff none of them seemed to be dead, which pleased her greatly. Turning around she was feeling a little mixed with seeing some of Subaru's opponents dead their throats slashed or the bodies unconscious in a pool of their own blood. 'I guess it can't be helped.' Senna thought grimly since unlike her weapon, Subaru's really didn't have a knock-out safely style of fighting, it was kill or be killed.
Subaru while busy dapping the blood off her knife was looking at Senna victim's and a little displeased that none of the wounds were even remotely life threatening. She cast a glance at Senna who was looking at her, but kept her opinion to herself for the moment. "Are you ok, Senna?"
"Yeah, I think I should be ok." Senna affirmed no real damage on her persons, after looking at her body. "Ready to move on?"
Subaru's mouth opened, but stopped as her eyes flickered somewhere else for a second "I'm sorry Senna, but I should go check in now. I'll try to meet back up with you as soon as I can."
Senna stayed silent for a second and turned to see where she was looking and didn't see anything "Sure, I'll be fine." She then closed her eyes and smiled "Good luck Subaru-san."
When no response was given, she opened her eyes to see that the spy had already left. "Yeah, you're welcome!" she snarked turning away from this little battle and heading off to the eighth division to cause a little more mayhem.
(Subaru)
Catching up with the figure that was spying on them, she quickly cut off the person's avenue of escape. The person was a large man with an odd hair cut with a parting near the right side. Adorning his outfit was a large necklace full of brown beads at his side his Zanpaktou was partially drawn.
The man's face contorted between anger and disgust from being held up by the girl, though when he spoke it sounded full of haughty pride "Out of my way scum!"
Subaru titled her head and narrowed her eyes "Are you ordering me around? What the hell's wrong with you? Who do you think you are?"
Pulling out his sword which seemed to be a bunch of circular blades attached to one another in a chain-link fashion he responded to the question the -from what he could tell- guy asked "I am the current sixth seat of squad seven, and brother of Jidanbo Ikkanzaka, the impassible south gate guardsman, Jirobo Ikkanzaka!"
"I see." The girl said pulling out Norn from inside her Special Forces uniform "So then you are my enemy, who has seen too much, and must be eliminated." She summarized, brining the dagger to eye level
The person's words only fed the flames of anger that started to build inside the large man, who was determined to report what he saw to his Taicho, that apparently Squad two had traitors within. Bringing his sword to his shoulders he pressed his hand against the blades tip "Flap Away, Tsunzakigarasu (splitting crow)"
Pushing his hand down the edge to his hilt the small chain linked items broke apart and started to flank behind each of the small sharp ended oval blades spinning around his body at high speeds. As the spy pulled down her mask showing her stoic face, Jirobo broke into a smirk "This is my Zanpaktou's special ability which has given me the name Kamaitachi. My sword creates a swarm of miniature blades that no enemy can keep up with! You're dead no matter what you do traitor!"
"I hardly think that creating only thirty or so blades is an impressive feat. I'm sure Kuchiki-Taicho probably called you a two-bit hack, and that's why you are a Sixth seat." The spy dead panned and spun her knife into a reverse grip 'Subaru times two'
"You cocky shit!" he roared as he mentally launched his Zanpaktou at the special forces member, determined to wipe the cynical look off 'his' face and shut 'his' annoying voice permanently. As the razor blades came closer they were from what Jirobo made out knocked down and deflected away, some banging noise were even heard, though his opponent from what he could see hadn't even moved a inch from 'his' spot.
Recalling his blades back to his side he counted only about seven or eight remained. Not willing to take any chances he sheathed his weapon and pulled it out again and created more blades. His confident smile returning "This is also another power just because you knocked down one wave doesn't mean I can't create more. I don't know what it is you did, but it won't happen again." He exclaimed with a joyous laugh as he saw the person's mouth continue to open and close silently
"And 10. I hope you've used your ten seconds to make peace with yourself." stated Subaru who then disappeared and materialized behind the large man and stabbed him near his lower spine, paralyzing and keeping him in place.
Jirobo no longer able to feel his legs from the weapon being driven into his back mentally commanded for his weapon to swarm her. The woman barely cast a glance at it as she disappeared again, making the blade cut into his body due to his girth, and reappeared in front of him her dagger poised at his neck. "Sayonara." She said coldly slitting the man's throat and kicking him in the stomach sending him to the ground.
The dying man clenched his throat to keep the blood from spilling out an action that didn't go unnoticed by the spy who put away her Zanpaktou since Jirobo's blades fell harmlessly out of the sky "Hado 65" she said quietly as four bolts of energy formed above her aiming themselves into the frightened face of Jirobo "Isukumeru hantei"
At the command the four bolts released themselves and crashed into the body to ensure death. As the energy began to dissipate, Subaru glanced around the area and saw that there weren't any witnesses to her actions. As she was about to leave she turned back to the body of the deceased sixth seat "I'm sure once Sosuke is revealed, you will probably be buried as a hero who died protecting Soul Society." She turned her head "Shame really…how the word is wasted on you." And left for home
(Shinjiro)
Approaching the side route through the mountain side near Squad six, the samurai was making careful progress to the penance tower. His cloths had stains of red from some of the other Shinigami he had been attacking and, as he could personally attest, been attacked himself. But he continued on ignoring the light cuts as he came to the stairwell which would put him roughly a half a day away from the penance tower.
His gait came to a sudden halt as his eyes picked up the signs of an opponent approaching from the top of the stairs. Coming down the stair in a foul mood was the fuka-taicho of squad six Renji Abarai, who quickly took notice of Shinjiro as he reached for his sword.
Putting the pieces together in his head Renji turned an angered gaze at the samurai "Seeing that blood on your clothes and your sudden change in posture, I'm gonna say that you're not part of squad six at all." He then reached for his own sword "I'd even go so far as to bet that you probably aren't even with your squad anymore and joined up with the rebels."
"I'm in a hurry, so I'd ask if you would kindly move-"
"Roar, Zabimaru!" Renji declared as he brought his sword around and sent a long swipe towards his enemy. Thanking the distance Taiga ducked underneath the slash and quickly jumped off the stairwell, since given the current terrain Renji had the advantage, to engage him on a flatter surface.
The red haired fuka-taicho quickly gave chase and attacked again, his sword crashing against the blood stained Shinigami's sword and pressing him down a few inches breaking the concrete slabs underneath him. Thrusting his arm back the sharp segmented blades cut into the man's shoulder forcing him to lift his sword up to prevent any further damage.
'This isn't going to be fun.' Shinjiro thought to himself, knowing this was already an uphill fight "Curse those who cross you, Muramasa!" he invoked the murderous half, the steel coating itself a worn dingy grey
Flipping into the air Renji launched his whip-sword a third time which Shinjiro jumped out of the way, as the blade retracted to recover, Shinjiro quickly moved in to striking distance. Swinging his blood thirsty sword it was quickly denied flesh as the sixth's fuka-taicho turned his Zanpaktou to intercept. Using his strength Renji pushed off the man though he noticed that the blade left behind a small gray smear on his sword as it pulled away.
Allowing his gaze to linger for a moment longer, he turned back to his enemy putting whatever that mark was in the back of his mind at to further concentrate on his enemy. Jumping back Renji began to swing his Zanpaktou over his head in a wide circular arc to keep space in between them since so far it seemed that the nameless traitor didn't seem to have a long range attack so far, his theory further proven when he saw the man try to advance only to use his sword to block the incoming sword knocking him back out of the large circle, though he seemed to have a smile on his face for some reason.
As the blade slammed into his again, the samurai was sent skidding back several yards. He too was working on his plan to defeat the fuka-taicho, and had already started to implement it thanks in no small part to Muramasa. As he hardened his stance to give no holes in his defense, he watched the revolving blade, and decide that he was gonna need to be bold. When the sword went by Shinjiro quickly inhaled a breath of air and charged forward.
Seeing the sudden movement Renji quickly whipped his blade around the other way to cut him apart, as the blade grew closer the samurai slid forward allowing the blade to pass over him safely, and leave him to recover quickly enough to quickly advance before the red haired man could bring it back again in a violent whiplash.
"Think yer clever huh!" Renji yelled as he brought the weapon back again this time high enough where it would cut at the waist if he stayed standing or would collide into the side of his head if he tried to duck under it again. Shinjiro with his blade drawn kept running as it approached again jumped up and planted his sword into the ground. As Zabimaru came around it slammed into the planted sword and sending the man spinning in the air and he came back down beside his sword and picked it up before charging forward now back within striking distance.
Seeing that his advantage was used up Abarai tugged his hilt close to him retracting the blade back to he could engage in close range. Not a moment later did the two swords collide with each other letting out a low grit as the steel rubbed against each other.
Shinjiro using the hooked edges of Renji's sword to keep his sword in place adjusted his sword up and slashed the cheek of the fuka-taicho, who barred his teeth to stop himself from howling out in pain. The man moved his face away from the cutting blade twisted his own sword creating a pathway for him to land a hard head butt knocking the man back and allow him to wipe the blood from his cheek, and go after his staggered opponent.
Letting one of his hands fall the third seat quickly grabbed the top of his sheath and in tandem with his body turned violently sending the sheath into the man's side and with his sword hand jab the hilt at the man's face before cutting him across his body. The assault wasn't met with resistance as Renji took his own weapon and cut into Shinjiro's side and let the jagged edges pull out flesh and blood as he wrestled it free from its spot, and delivered a sharp jab into Shinjiro's stomach who countered by cutting the thigh of Renji who didn't notice the grey streak.
As the fighters separated from each other to catch their much needed breath, sensing the approaching spiritual pressures of others, Shinjiro closed his eyes and sheathed his sword so it was parallel to the ground and his chest level. "Don't hate me." He muttered as he started to pour reiatsu into his blade.
Renji raised his guard up to prepare himself for whatever his nameless opponent was about to do. He then sensed some spiritual pressures heading this way and casting an accusing look to Shinjiro he came to the obvious conclusion 'He's calling in allies!' Not wasting a second Renji charged forward Zabimaru raised to cleave his head off, even though he remained almost entirely unmoving, only the man's eyes opened.
As Shinjiro finished opening his eyes, he tightened his grip on Muramasa, his reason for fighting burning within his heart and mind "Yamato Ougi:" He stated firmly
'To bring peace, and protect both Subaru and Shaolin…'
For Renji things almost seemed to slow down and the surrounding background around the man became pure white while the man's face, body and weapon became such a degree of black that he couldn't make out his expression, almost like he was staring into a black hole
'I will eliminate all…'
"Aku-" Shinjiro pulled out his sword from its sheath as a strange cold aura engulfed it, and ducking underneath the swinging blade of Renji, brought his own around to unleash the deadly skill "-metsu! (1)" [Tran: Destroy Evil!]
'Who fight!'
Renji felt the attack slam into him and saw his blood go dangling in the air in front of him, as he continued to look he saw a black streak cover a small portion of his eye sight, after another split second he saw another one cover another small section, but this time his entire body seemed to shake as if he was hit again, soon the dark lines started to streak across faster and faster which struck him again and again until his entire ability to see was invalidated leaving Renji to darkness.
It was only then did hear something tell him, letting him know he was still in soul society despite the consuming void, a single set of commands.
"Live and forgive." Shinjiro said almost apologetically
Renji's sight returned to the bright light of the sun as his entire body exploded in a mess of blood as he was knocked backwards unto the blood stained concrete, in critical condition but still alive. His sword Zabimaru clanked against the ground the pool of blood staining the white and grey metal.
Shinjiro closed his eyes and flicked his blade to his side to remove some of the blood stains before rotating the sword in a circular motion and sheathing it "…always the reek of blood." He lamented as he turned a depressed gaze at his downed enemy.
Letting out a tired wheeze from his spot, Renji spat out a small wad of blood from his mouth "Beaten by a fucking traitor." He groaned
The traitor kneeled down, his knee and hand touching the trail of blood, Shinjiro's brown eyes peered into Renji's taking this brief moment to attempt to understand this enemy. "Perhaps you were beaten by this traitor because you lacked a strong cause to anchor yourself to." He commented having felt no true sense of self in his opponent's weapon despite the hard encounter
"What?"
Turning his gaze at the people who were showing up from the distance, the man turned back to his soon to be rescued adversary, to give a definitive answer. "I'm fighting for something much bigger than myself, so I can't allow myself to die just yet. Like you I was temporarily misguided into believing into something I should have known better on, and it almost cost me my friend and my life. But he let me go and spared me, just as I now spare you."
Renji tried to push himself up but not having the required energy to expend for the task he laid back down "I don't need your pity."
Renji was almost surprised when the still nameless man shook his head from seemingly slight annoyance, as if he was missing a bigger point "I'm not giving my pity to you, Fuka-Taicho. I'm telling you the reason you lost was because your sword felt hollow, like it had nothing to fight for. What I'm asking of you, is to take this rare moment and reflect on your defeat…and maybe, just maybe, you'll find a cause worth believing in, and the place where you can gain true strength."
Renji casted his eyes away, as he started to dwell on the words this person was telling him. The man above him reflexively winced and decided to end it since his body started to feel a very bad strain "May we meet again before Rukia is rescued."
The man suddenly disappeared in a flash step, now alone again Renji tilted his head to see the forms of his comrades coming to save him. 'Nothing worth fighting for huh? Maybe he has a point.' The lacerated fuka-taicho glanced at Zabimaru 'Despite our friendship, I haven't even so much as lifted a finger to help Rukia. Was I so fixated on trying to please and eventually surpass my captain that I failed to consider why I wanted to be a captain in the first place?'
"No…" he whispered out tiredly "That's just shifting the blame. I didn't help Rukia because I was too much of a coward to have the balls necessary to fight to protect her." His anger started to stroke his determination "To be willing to stand up against her brother, like any good friend would have. Well no more, I'm through running away." Using the last of his spiritual power he traced which direction Shinjiro fled to and faced the direction as yelled as if he was still there "Ya hear me, once I'm back on my feet I'll save Rukia, and then I'll beat you, AND her damn brother all by myself! So you and the rest of your friends better watch out; cause, Renji Abarai is gonna show you what a real Shinigami can do!"
As the words left his mouth, he felt his consciousness start to fade and then all went black to the rabidly grinning Renji. As the various Shinigami arrived they started to perform the much needed healing Kido to save his life.
"That's enough." A cold voice stated behind the assembly causing them all to reflexively grab their weapons, incase another enemy decided to finish what the other one started
"S-sir!" one of the men yelled as he straightened himself up having saw Byakuya Kuchiki approaching them a look of disdain on his face
"I am ordering all of you to take Fuka-Taicho Abarai to squad four for healing and interrogation."
"B-but, why sir? He was fighting against that guy, we all saw him!" replied another Shinigami trying to defend the unconscious man from this unfair treatment
"Yes, and that is precisely why I wish to interrogate him. I am already questioning his loyalty, due to his mannerism of late and according to your account you say he fought against an enemy." Byakuya looked away from the man and at Renji "I see something wrong with this picture. Why is Abarai still alive if he was defeated? His opponent would have finished him off since it seems like you all just arrived, so my question is why spare him? I would sooner believe in my Fuka-Taicho's loyalty if he had that other man either dead at my feet or in this pool of blood dying with him." The man turned around to head back his cold gaze boring deep into the group quelling any dissention "We are in a crisis of unparallel danger, no chances can be taken. Get Abarai out of my squad's grounds until we can get some kind of idea as to what went on here."
As the gathered Shinigami reluctantly followed the order Byakuya couldn't help but think that his sister Rukia was seemingly the key to all of this madness, though he couldn't quite put his finger unto to why at the moment. He deducted that it would perhaps come to light soon and whatever actions might be necessary.
(Shinjiro)
Putting some much needed distance between himself and that route, the samurai turned down one of the labyrinth corridors when he felt the dark tug again. Letting out a groan he placed his hand to his head and slumped against the walls, along with the laughter of Muramasa pounding inside of his mind.
'Hahaha! Akumetsu (destroy evil) hahaha!' As the mad laughter continued to fires lit within the samurai's mind. The two flames started to move almost like brush strokes until they made two distinct Kanji's. The red flames then turned black morphing the words into a dark command. 'Akumetsu! (Evil Destroyer/Conqueror) (2)
As the kanji finished morphing Shinjiro's body sprayed a large quantity of blood as he collapsed to the ground in pain from many cut that seemingly came from nowhere. "B-bastard." He cursed the monsterous Muramasa for his blood thirsty nature, as his hand started to shiver from coldness 'N-no, calm down Shin. Center yourself.' He turned himself over and leaned against the pristine wall trying to slowdown his hyperventilation "Way of healing three: Dia." He commanded as he brought a hand to his stomach 'Alleviate the pain, to eventually stop the cutting' he recited what he remembered from the healing class he received from the academy, though he knew at this rate, he might just need a miracle to survive.
(Mid day: Subaru)
Dodging some more potential fights Subaru darted through the hallways of the second division to her destination, the Taicho's office. Slowing her pace down to a halt, she pulled down her face mask and was about to knock on the door when it opened just a crack. Knowing that her sister would never leave the door opened, Subaru quickly pushed the Shoji door aside and entered. Her knife rose to chest level to defend herself from any oncoming projectiles.
Not a moment after crossing the entranceway did a strong blow strike the spies' abdomen, her free arm was twisted behind her back and she was slammed against the desk pinned down by a hand on her cheek, her blade falling out of her hand in the sudden strike from the quick assailant.
"Subaru?" the captain pinning the woman down said startled not expecting her to have barged in as she did. As Subaru glanced back into the face of her surrogate sister she stopped her struggling and nodded her head. Soifon removed her hands from her arm and face and backed up with a scowl to match her mood regarding the third seat. "Where have you been?"
Rotating her wrist the dark haired girl turned to her interrogator to dance through the mine field that lay ahead "I had requested leave, Shin and I went out on a walk the previous day."
"It doesn't take nearly thirty hours to perform a simple 'walk' Subaru."
Subaru turned a pseudo-angered glare at her sister to work over her argument "Yes, I realize this, unfortunately I've been getting ATTACKED by our comrades ever since Shinjiro and I tried to enter the east gate only to be forced to go around to the north gate, and after separating on the INSIDE, I had to eliminate a few Shinigami and incapacitate many more just to even be here for this interrogation, sister dearest. So, would you tell me what's going on, and why people are killing each other!"
"So…you haven't heard?" The older woman muttered with a worried expression, now equally fearing for Shinjiro's safety since he too could have been walking around and ended up getting into a huge fight, especially after what got reported from the 2, 3, 13 coalition. "Well, regardless now is as good a time as any, so take a seat." She commanded as she moved back around the desk to take her own chair "While you were out, Seireitei has fallen under attack by an enemy force."
"This force is…?" asked Subaru even though she already knew the answer
"This force might either be the remnant or main army of the traitors Ichigo and Masaki Kurosaki." Soifon commented as calm as possible not wanting her anger to seep out and show her current emotional instability in front of her subordinate, regardless of personal friendship.
Subaru nodded her head even as she saw the uncertainty in her sister's eyes, but chose to say nothing, since she felt it wasn't entirely her place, it was Ichigo's. 'Please save her Ichigo.' She mentally pleaded to her master, and opened her mouth to change the subject "I understand, I will do my best." She pushed herself from her chair and looked at Soifon "I'm going back out to the field, and recalling our spies, we can't have them be killed while their backs are turned, and we need some reliable information."
"Very well, I leave it to you. I need to go out and search for a certain individual." Soifon stated
"What is this individual you are searching for? Perhaps one of the spies has seen them." Subaru pried to get any information to assist Ichigo's 'rebellion'
"A woman with dark purple hair and a golden staff, the information was obtained from Jidanbo after being pumped for information a second time around."
Subaru quickly bowed her head to prevent Soifon from seeing the sudden panicked expression on her face 'Senna!'
"I understand my orders. I'll be on my way." Returning her face to neutral and flipping her mask back up she approached the door and stopped, turning around she sent an almost forlorn gaze at Soifon which the woman picked up on "Umm, sister dearest, I just wanted to tell you something."
Sensing the unusual tone and seemingly awkward shifting of Subaru's eyes, Soifon answered back in a more welcoming tone to coax her on "Yes, is something the matter Subaru-chan?"
The girl's eye went back to the door as she mentally debated something and spoke in a soft tone "I just wanted to say that Shin-kun and I both love you very, very, much, and will always protect you."
"I do appreciate the sentiment and the gesture, but if you don't mind my asking what brought this on?" the navy blue haired Taicho asked feeling a little more concerned since this wasn't like Subaru, at least not unless she had something on her mind
Subaru however only shook her head dismissively "N-no, I just felt…that I umm…haven't said it enough, and with the way things are with traitorous vermin running loose. This might be both my and Shinjiro's last opportunity to have let you know. I didn't feel like letting it slip by." She turned around and opened the door "Perhaps you shouldn't either sis."
As the spy departed the Taicho could have swore she heard the woman mutter an 'I'm sorry'. Letting out an exhalation, the Taicho resolved to try and talk to her tonight after she went looking for her target, grabbing her Suzumebachi she walked out the door, locking it this time around since there was no need to ambush anyone approaching her office and headed off.
(Senna)
Coming to a large clearing that was in front of the building that she was going to be going through, Senna ran into a small crowd of Shinigami who seemed to be guarding the building. The Shinigami turned to their guest weapons drawn to the outsider that they didn't recognize and weren't going to take a chance at.
"Let's go, Mirokumaru! Take them to the twilight!" she said pulling out her asauchi and changing in into her Shikai form. As it finished transforming Senna brought it about to attack her opposition when a loud battle cry caught all of the people's attention
"WOOOOOOOAH!" screamed a man from the top of the building as he front flipped off it spinning rapidly multiple times, and landed crouched down on the concrete floor breaking the tiles from the impact of his landing. The person was a very big heavily built male with his hakama exposing his left arm that had three tomoe tattoos. The man's black hair had two braids sticking out to the side beside his cheeks and a confident smile on his face.
Senna took a step back bringing Mirokumaru around to defend herself from this fearsome opponent. The man took one step forward and as he did his sandals slipped and he fell to the ground face first.
The female Kurosaki blinked "Huh?" she could only utter as the man quickly got back to his feet his large smile growing wider
"WAHAHAHA! Fear not, my comrades! I shall subdue this enemy, watch closely and take notes." He yelled out to his comrades who were cheering him on despite his mishap earlier
"Huuuuh?" she said again this time completely slack jawed
The man drew his sword as he turned back to Senna "My name is Tatsufusa Enjoji, and you have the honor of falling to my blade Traitor-san!" he drew his sword and took a basic kendo stance and closed his eyes in concentration "Dance Madly, Hozan."
The crowd of lesser Shinigami stared in awe of the third seat's Zanpaktou, which Senna really didn't see much change. When the blade finished transforming the man took a step forward and swung his sword around in a downward cross body stroke, with each step forward he looped it around and started to move it faster and faster.
"Umm…" Senna muttered to herself as she saw the man slowly…very slowly approaching her as he now started to make whooshing and groaning noises as he approached. She nervously turned to the crowd of onlookers and forced herself to hold off a groan, when one of the people said something along the lines of her being 'frozen in terror from the fierce crumbling mountain technique of their hero and third seat Tatsufusa'
Senna sighed as the man came closer at his pace rivaling that of paint drying on the wall
"Wooooahhhaaatatatata!" he kept screaming "woooooohahatatatatateeaaagghh!"
'Senna…' the light side pushed gently to get her mistress's attention on the enemy, who was ruining her meditation, and purification ritual that she would be teaching Senna at a later date.
"Hajaahahauahhh!" the advancing man continued with his incoherent shouting.
'Shut your fucking cake hole, you ugly piece of shit! God, Senna do something before I do something for you!' the dark half threatened, now in the mood to kill for the sake of her ears rather than blood lust
"Don't worry." She said, as she lazily moved her right hand that held her Shakujo in front of her, and started to spin in with her hand in a rapid circular motion. As she picked up the pace a large circular vent of wind blasted out, and smashed into the man, sending him all the way into the building, bringing a part of the wall to fall down on top of him.
When the wisps of dust parted revealing the large man down and out, a large brick crashed against his head eliciting a dull groan, the other enemy Shinigami panicked and scattered not wanting to meet a similar fate. Taking a moment to check her surroundings, Senna put a hand on her hip and let out a displeased sigh "Wow, if the third seat can get beat by a girl with less than a month of training, I'm really worried for the rest of Humanities afterlife." She theorized dryly "Oh well, guess I better get out of here."
"You're not going anywhere Ryoka." A controlled voice calmly commanded as a spiritual pressure fell all over Senna, making the girl whirl around to see who was speaking to her. The person who was approaching from the way she came was a woman with a librarian appearance common place dark hair a stern aura about her persons and a pair of glasses. Her katana which was strapped to her waist seemed to emit the same coolness as it's user who was giving a hard gaze focused squarely on Senna
"Who are you Shinigami-san?" Senna asked as she returned strength back into her grip to engage this new and fast approaching threat
"It is proper etiquette to introduce one's self to a stranger, before requesting said person's name, Ryoka-san." The woman stated matter-of-factly as she stopped her stroll a few yards away from the earthling
Senna paused for a second in thought and did agree with what she said; after all, she might be an invader, but she had no need to act the part of a barbarian.
"My name is Senna Ikasoruk." She half-lied throwing in a small courtesy bow "And you Shinigami-san?"
"Fuka-Taicho of the eighth court guard squad, Ise Nanao." The older woman stated returning the bow with one of her own. "Now I would ask that you surrender quietly. If you cooperate we might just let you face a lesser punishment."
"Sorry but I can't do that." The golden eyed girl declined unwilling to betray her friends
"Then I suppose I have no choice." Nanao said calmly as she drew her Zanpaktou "Keep her in line, Gin no me (Silver eye). (3)"
The woman's Zanpaktou changed from its sword form into a smaller square shape and settled into, from what Senna could see, a sturdy looking tome with a single eye in the center of the book. Not willing to be caught off guard Senna immediately switched her Shakujo into sword mode, ready to block or attack; whatever, that book might be capable of throwing her way.
Nanao smiled to herself as she witnessed the girl's initiative in taking precautionary steps. Not willing to rush in and attack without having a clue as to what she could do, though if she had the red ribbon wearing girl would have had a easier fight, but not 100% willing to let her take the opening move. 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' She thought to herself as she opened the book, the eye in the center opened up and gave Senna a once over with its silver pupil.
Senna watched the eye stare at her though her attention was taken away from the peering optical device, as one of the page lit up in the book, and her opponent seemed to pull out what looked to be a large brown whip with small little needles that ran along the length of the weapon. Certainly not enough to cause any serious lacerations, but definitely not something she'd want to get hit by in the foreseeable future.
With a loud test crack Nanao faced her opponent fully as she put her book away. As she continued to look at Senna a thought immediately occurred to her, having heard the Taicho's report about a female accomplice who might be connected to the enemies leader, Nanao was quickly coming to the conclusion that her squad just hit it big when it came to putting this rebellion down and save other Shinigami…if she could detain her.
'Hey you ain't the only one into whips baby~' Mirokumaru cat called more than awake now that she had a much more enticing opponent to keep her engaged
"Shall we begin?" Nanao asked rhetorically, and then proceeded to launch the whip at Senna who jumped back since she had never really been in a fight against a whip master. The hardened leather smashed the concrete slab into a broken pile as the weapon slithered back to its master's side.
"Mugen Dai: Kyōfū Ken!" Senna commanded releasing her hidden saber and giving her a weapon in both hands to give her the edge despite her inexperience. She quickly grimaced when she saw that her opponent didn't seem the least bit intimidated by her additional weapon.
Strafing to the side, the female Kurosaki kept an eye on her opponent. Taking a chance Senna ran forward keeping both her weapons up to defend herself along the way to close the distance between them. Her effort however proved fruitless as Nanao launched her whip out again. This time it seemed to snake through her guard and lash against her side, dropping Senna to her knees, which was quickly followed up by a few more flicking of her wrist, causing the whip to slap Senna in other parts of her body as it zipped by to go for its next opening.
'This is oww getting me nowhere!' She concluded with a pained wince, as the whip retracted back Senna quickly sheathed her gale saber and twisted back in a circular motion while spinning her Shakujo sending high pressure wind currents around her as she got back up fully.
Seeing that her whip wasn't able to make contact because of the winds the girl was creating Nanao recalled the weapon fully and had it ready to strike.
When the wind currents died down, Nanao moved to strike again but it was foiled as Senna back flipped into the air and used her wind power to propel her well outside of the whips attack radius, allowing her to fully recover and come up with some kind of counter measure.
Using the grey matter in her head she quickly ran through her options. Running away and retreating were quickly thrown out of the equation on the grounds that Senna highly doubted she could out run someone who's had tons of experience using flash step, and if she managed to get away by flying on Mirokumaru she'd run into the problem of being easily spotted up in the sky and unable to land or worse hitting the Seki Seki shield that domed the Seireitei. So she was precluded to fight; though, she was really going uphill since fighting dual, which she wasn't exactly great at, ended up with her getting repelled with a few extra bruises on the side.
Senna turned her body to keep her Shakujo at her side in case the other woman tried something 'I can always go sword, but I'd have to abandon my sheath and that means no wind power, but if I stay staff I'll need to pray I don't run out of power before I defeat her.'
Inside her mind scape the dark priestess let out her words of reprimation 'Don't be so damn finicky, just get in there and beat her ass. Remember your soul is on the line, if you can't face her how do you plan on facing me!'
Senna mentally looked back and nodded to herself 'She's right.' Bringing her weapon back around and holding it so that the end with the rings faced Nanao, a much more confident Senna smirked "I don't have time to lose, brother is counting on me."
Utilizing her new found determination Senna ran towards Nanao who had been cooking up a plan of her own. Once again entering striking distance Nanao sent out the whip to which Senna dodged by flipping over it and spinning her Shakujo to keep her in the air and further close the distance.
Seeing her initial attack falter Nanao twisted her body in a 360 arc re-launching the weapon back up for another shot to take down her airborne foe. The weapon connected and caused the girl to spin in mid-air though as she did she released her sword once again now within striking distance, landing on her feet Senna quickly lashed out with her sword to cripple the woman's arm. The attack however was deflected as the fuka-taicho moved her book into the pathway of the strike.
Senna moved to use her free hand, but something quickly wrapped around her arm, taking a immediate glance to see what was up she was shocked to see the leather whip was winding up her arm. 'There's no way she could have done that this close.'
"It seems you under estimate me." Nanao said speaking for the first time since this battle had begun. Taking a quick step backward and thrusting her arm she launched Senna away from her immediate vicinity and made her slide against the hard tile floor and hit the hard walls of the corridors. Pulling her hand back the weapon slither across the ground to it's mistress, as Senna got back up from the floor looking worse for wear now. "My whip has a mind of its own, in fact I haven't even shown you the true form of this whip. Observe." Quickly raising her arm and snapping it down the whip let out a loud crack and split into nine total extensions all protruding from one rope. "My whip is just a very lengthy cat of nine tails."
Using the wall to catch her breath Senna pulled her Shakujo close "I don't get it how are you so much tougher than Tatsufusa?"
Nanao tilted her head to the side at the question in pondering "Well since you asked, I don't mind enlightening you." She then pointed to her lieutenant badge "I'm higher up in rank and Tatsufusa isn't exactly the strongest third seat around due to his…techniques. My Zanpaktou however has given me an advantage, in the fact that it scans my opponents style of fighting, with it's gaze, before giving me a weapon better suited to fighting you with. You, unfortunately, just happened to be fighting against a weapon; I'm rather proficient at thanks in part to my Taicho." She answered coolly "Now this is the end for you." Throwing her arm back she launched her whips nine brutal tails at Senna who quickly flash stepped a couple of feet away to close in.
No longer attempting to play nice, Senna continued running forward until she could hear the snake like appendages coming back to attack her, screeching to a stop she quickly spun her Shakujo as fast as she could. The gale force winds slammed into Nanao launching her into one of the nearby walls and blasted her through it. As the woman went through the structure, Senna dived to the side as the nine tails went flying past her each one trying to crash into Senna.
Returning her staff to an offensive position, she waited for Nanao to show up as she had a sinking feeling this was far from over. Sure enough out of the dust came a scowling Ise, who cracked her whip fiercely and disappeared into a blur of speed. Her eyes widening in fear Senna quickly wheeled around only to see the oncoming onslaught of whips.
Nanao watched as the physically aware lashes consumed the body of the woman, she let out an exhausted sigh. She knew that she had won now, as there was no way the girl would be able to break free since the weapon would continuously attack her, and prevent her wind power from freeing her until she was no longer conscious. Which was fine by her, as long as she didn't die information could still be gotten.
Inside the horde of hardened leather, Senna's body was getting picked apart. Her blood started to flow much more freely from the various wounds she had been subject to during this fight. The wind seer was hunched on all fours, with her head bowed and one hand trying to pry off one of the leather appendages that was wrapped around her neck strangling her. "Get…cough..of.f" she struggled as she pulled harder to little avail as she started to feel herself beginning to fade under the attack
Sitting in the back of Senna's mind, the dark priestess decided that perhaps now might be a good time to get involved. Since she had no way of knowing just what would happen if the S&M girl outside decided to say the hell with it and kill her one irreplaceable servant. Bringing herself closer to the forefront of the Kurosaki's mind, invisibly placing her beside her Miko, she whispered quietly into Senna's ear as she slowly started to pour energy into her with her hand
"Calm yourself love. Don't you feel it? The warm comfort of battle?"
'Comfort?' Senna replied slowly falling into a trance with the sensual voice of the hollow Mirokumaru
The dark creature let out a devilish smile at seeing it slowly working "Of course. I can feel it just like you can, we are the same after all." She adjusted her eyes away from Senna and pointed to the whips that were still striking her body with their thorn like studs "Can't you feel the pleasure that these little toys provide upon the receptors of your flesh? Dull your senses and focus on me. Good Sen-chan, now do you feel the heat of each strike? Use that let it envelop you heart, let it burn the desire inside you, and spread it all over your body. Can't you feel the pleasure?"
Senna continued to blankly stare as her breath started to return to her though in short but even burst 'Yeah, I feel it.' she claimed as a hungry look filled her eyes and she started to feel a foreign feeling inside her body, make her weak in the knees 'It feels gooood.' The blushing girl replied back with a horny smile, her irises faintly turning gold
"Let it drive you Senna-chan." She urged as she faded back into Senna's mind 'Show me what we are capable of me.'
Gripping the whip that was wrapped around her neck tighter, she yanked it off with force she wasn't aware she actually possessed, though for Senna the realization didn't come until after the euphoric feeling of the small needle-like projections, that roughly pricked against her soft skin, faded away. The girl closed her eyes and bit back a moan from the seemingly intense yet welcoming blows of the whip as she reached for her Shakujo.
The lashing weapon quickly pushed her Shakujo until it was out of arms reach and returned back to striking the different girl. The female Kurosaki while mildly annoyed at first pushed it out of the way since she'd do this her own way, quickly swatting the nine tails away from her body she looked up with a sadistic smile into the shocked face of Nanao.
Faster than Nanao could act she was pinned against the wall being chocked by the girls one hand, while she had a look on near absolute bliss on her face from her current position of power. Senna's dark smile grew wider as she flexed her free hand and curled it into a fist "Send me to paradise with your voice. Satiate me with your unfiltered emotions." She then whispered "Let me see the beauty of your corpse."
As she pulled her arm back and clenched her fist pumping the dark energy into her limb to impale Nanao, Senna suddenly let out a cry of pain as she felt her strength fade from her body causing her to drop Nanao who wasted no time in crawling away to catch her breath from the death grip. The Miko fell against the wall. Loud static and fatigue filling her mind from seemingly nowhere, unable to support herself up, Senna fell down and quickly collapsed under her own weight.
'Damn. It seems at this point she can only channel and sustain my powers for a few seconds.' Dark Mirokumaru cursed as the sun in the world started to fall to evening and eventually night. 'Well it's not a total loss; at least I know I'll have something to look forward to once I'm in charge.' She then giggled perversely 'oooh yes, my servant is very sexy when she's being obedient and sadistic.'
Nanao got back up to her feet and retrieved her whip in order to protect herself. She waited a few moments and when Senna's body remained unmoving she let out a sigh of relief. She walked over to the girl and examined her body, as she started examining she felt a spiritual power quickly approaching, and turned in the direction.
Landing from over the walls a member of the Onimitsukido landed a few yards away from the two women and the KO'd Tatsufusa. The masked person looked around confusedly for a moment until he or she noticed Nanao, and took a step towards her though it was short lived as Nanao cracked her whip "Identify yourself why you are here!" she commanded ready to fight if it was another foe
Subaru pulled down her face mask and bowed "It seems you didn't recognize me, vice-president Nanao."
"Ahh good a recognizable face." The relieved fuka-taicho said lowering her guard down
Subaru nodded her head "Yes, I understand. I heard from Soifon-Taicho what's going on. I happened to be in the area when I felt something powerful over here so I came to investigate." 'And save Senna…if she's still alive'
Ise adjusted her glasses a bit "I see. Well your timing would have been perfect if she hadn't shut down there a moment ago."
"Are you hurt?"
"A few bumps and bruises, but nothing to worry about." Nanao waved off as she turned to more pressing matters "However, this girl here might not be as lucky due to our fight. Subaru I know you are quick as well as reliable, I would ask that you deliver her to the fourth for medical treatment and inform Soifon-taicho so that the two of you might find out what she knows."
Subaru bowed her head "I understand." She then moved to pick up the unconscious girl and slung her over her shoulder and picked up her Shakujo with one of her free hands, with a quick passing of words Subaru raced as quickly and carefully as she could to the fourth to save her comrades life.
Nanao, while still hurt and bruised, didn't bother to go get medically analyzed since Kyoraku would no doubt upon seeing her injured state throw all kinds of healing kidos, ointments and everything else to get back to full strength. Turning back to Tatsufusa with mild annoyance, since she couldn't fault him in that her opponent definitely was no push over, but couldn't believe he was taken out so quickly. Pulling out a roster from out of nowhere she looked up his name "Third Seat Tatsufusa, more training." She wrote down and after clicking her pen proceeded to wake up the large man.
Unbeknownst to the busy woman a black cat came out from the balcony room of the Taicho's office and headed off towards it's next destination.
(Afternoon: Ichigo's team)
Continuing their trek through the sewers, Ichigo and his two companions Hanataro and Ganju came to a fork in the road. "So which way now Taro?"
The token scaredy-cat actually looked at Ichigo worriedly "Actually Ichigo-san, this is where we part ways." He pointed down the left tunnel "The squad two branch way is down their all the way at the end, Ganju and me have to go down this way and follow a few more corridors then we'll be near the Penance tower."
"Oh…" Ichigo muttered as he looked back at his tunnel then looked back at his friends "I got you."
The green clad Ganju spoke up to their leader "Bah, don't worry about things. We'll get Rukia out while you're busy training to beat the pants off the other Shinigami."
"Yeah, you're right." Ichigo said with a lopsided smile "Just make sure you watch out for Hanataro for me Ganju, I'm counting on you."
The man smiled as he flexed his arm and grabbed it with his other hand "No worries, with Ganju Shiba on the job things get done." He then laughed "Hell bring sister into the problem and it gets done twice as fast!"
The men shared a friendly laugh since they knew firsthand what she was like, while Hanataro had heard more than enough stories to have a pretty good mental picture to understand the joke. "Alright Ichigo-san, good luck. Remember I'm still rooting for you." Hanataro gushed before giving him a one armed hug and disappeared down the corridor.
As Hanataro departed Ganju walked up and shook Ichigo's hand "Hey, I just wanted to say sorry."
"For what?"
"It's just I had a wrong idea about you guys, I thought all Soul Reapers were selfish assholes. And while I am still mostly right, you, you're alright in my book Ichigo."
"Glad to hear it Ganju, and you changed my thinking of nobles just a little bit more. So thanks."
Ganju's loud smirk returned in full "Course we ain't like most nobles, were Shiba's and we don't take any kind of crap!"
"Ganju-san, please hurry up!" Hanataro called from his tunnel causing his smile to morph into a sheepish one
"Yeah, yeah. Mr. Muscles is coming so don't get you Hakama in a wreck." He yelled back like a foreman would at a henchman "Heh. Later Ichigo."
As the leader of the now disbanded group watched his team mates leave, Ichigo composed himself and ran off down his pathway to get to the location on his map.
(Elsewhere)
The piercing shriek of Momo Hinamori seemingly echoed across all of Soul Society, her eyes frozen upon the dull lifeless face of her Taicho and friend, Sosuke Aizen, who was hanging atop the building with a blood covered sword penetrating his chest.
The outcry quickly garnered the attention of various individuals in the nearby area, as they all reached the source of the commotion their faces became equally horrified to see that one of their Taicho's was dead, and their body left out as a sign from the perpetrators.
"Well, well would you look at that." Gin said as he came to the scene alongside his blond and seemingly morose fuka-taicho Kira Izuru "I don't think I've ever seen such a wide collection of individuals fussing over such a common thing, I mean it is war after all isn't it?"
The taunting words rang into Momo's ears and caused her traumatized mind to snap on instinct, she drew her sword and charged towards the man to prevent him from further slandering the name of HER Taicho
'Especially…especially…' she couldn't bring herself to finish the thought as she released her Zanpaktou "Snap! Tobiume!" she chanted as the sword took on a more wooden appearance and pronged out gaining a tree like appearance, while Gin stood stock still while his defense team did his work for him.
Moments before the attack was going to land, Izuru flashed his Zanpaktou and called it's release "Raise your head, Wabisuke!" as he intercepted the attack his sword bending at odd angles catching all the prongs of Hinamori's attack. "Momo, calm down and stop this foolishness at once! I don't want to fight you, but I will to protect my Taicho."
Momo bared her teeth as she put more effort to breaking through Kira "Get out of my way Kira! He's guilty! He did it!"
The blond man pushed the woman off him "Your acting irrationally, your committing treason! Calm down now!" he yelled as the woman moved again to strike
The two would have continued had it not been for Taicho's Toshiro Hitsuguaya and Soifon arriving at the scene having felt the vast collection of spiritual pressures. "That's enough all of you stand down." The white haired Taicho commanded as he jumped between the in-fighting fuka-taicho catching the blade with his sword and foot respectively.
"T-Toshiro…" whispered Hinamori confusedly, not expecting him to come between her and Gin, especially after their meeting
Izuru on the other hand let out an exhalation "Taicho."
While the young genius knew of the emotional state his female friend was in, and could understand why she reacted the way she did to Ichimaru's words. She needed to be punished for attacking a fellow officer, but more importantly to prevent her loss of life from the fox faced Taicho who seemed ready to lure the poor girl in, before cutting her down. "Soifon-Taicho, if you could have some of the Special Forces take Fuka-taicho Hinamori to the fourth check for injuries, before sending her to one of the holding cells in the second that would be appreciated."
"I understand." She said coldly as she snapped her fingers calls up a few members who arrested the hysterical woman. While that was being done Toshiro then went to break up the scene, and have the other Shinigami stay on high alert, with the crowd disbursed he walked over and spoke to Gin Ichimaru.
"Gin (4)." The boy genius said informally throwing away any sense of pleasantness
The still smiling man tilted his head "Yes? Is there some way I can assist you, little man?" he answered back with equal rudeness
"Just now, when Momo was coming at you…you were about to kill her if Kira didn't interfere." He accused in a low but menacing tone
If it was possible Gin smile increased an even further degree "Oh? I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't believe I've ever so much as looked at her before now." Gin's eye lids opened just a fraction, showing slight disdain in his eyes "You wouldn't be abusing your power to try and protect her now would you, that's most…uncaptain-like."
Toshiro narrowed his own eyes "Don't patronize me about duty. I just wanted to warn you, that I have my eye on you and that if I ever find out Hinamori is hurt, YOU will be the one I come after first." He turned around quickly but still held the frigidness in his tone "Sleep on that thought for a while, before you look at her again." And started to walk away
Gin's red eyes kept their gaze on the back of the young ice dragon, and a small but audible chuckle escaped his lips "hahaha…I will, just remember to watch your own back. One dead Taicho is more than enough, my friend." He finished as he flash stepped off to where only the spirit king knew.
Toshiro bit back a snarl as he turned his head back around, and saw that Soifon-Taicho had also vacated the area leaving him here alone with the body of Sosuke Aizen. The younger man gazed at the lifeless body of his sempai and said to it "You were on the right track to finding the real traitors Aizen-Taicho, don't worry though, I'll finish your work so you can rest in peace." He then summoned up a hell butterfly and requested a medical team to take the body down and examine it to see what mysteries the body could hold, though in the back of his mind he was slightly afraid to know that out there was something that could kill a Taicho without being felt by everyone around them.
(Soifon)
After having her troops arrest the disgruntled Fuka-Taicho, the ice queen of Seireitei gave a quick glance to the dead body and left. Her mind a mess as to what could have killed someone as strong as him without being sensed.
Sure there was many conflicts occurring everywhere and people were flaring out spiritual power like no tomorrow, making it impossible to track whose who, but a Taicho! That was unexplainable. Not even she an assassin could eliminate someone equally as powerful as her without them raising their power in the slightest, Suzumebachi not being counted though even than it was dependent upon the circumstances. As she ran across the roof tops of Seireitei's corridors jumping at every interval gaps, she gave up the thought as no doubt they'd need more information before making accusation of more traitorous sleeping agents, or blame it on the traitors who had already invaded.
"Impossible." She muttered to herself, at the notion that a Ryoka could have the power to defeat a Taicho on his or her own home turf. Her other thought though replayed the one part of the meeting that affected her the most: what was mentioned about the supposed ring leader
Shinigami with bright orange hair and a black and silver sword as long as his body
She stopped her high speed movement suddenly to shake the thoughts from her head, leaving her atop a building just a couple hundred feet away from the squad two grounds. "I need to stop being so damn optimistic, he's still my enemy." She said to herself, as she frowned whilst surveying the surrounding area.
She was going to move on when she saw someone with dark black hair who obviously wasn't wearing the Onimitsukido Uniform, enter into the forest training ground, but the sight that really made her blood run cold was the enormous blade on the person's back that was wrapped in cloth. 'It couldn't be…' she said to herself as she moved to investigate, since only one person she knew had a sword that looked exactly like the weapon this intruder had, which meant only two things. He was here and was promptly killed and this person took Zangetsu which she highly doubted or he was here on her stomping grounds…for something. Slowing her heart and regaining a better grip on herself she descended down after him.
(Ichigo)
The former stealth force operative so far hadn't had too much trouble entering back into the forests of Squad two, after exiting the sewers system. He did attribute the occurrence to more than likely everyone else out looking for the others, and not expecting one to go practically up to their front door, to meet up with a ex-Taicho for Bankai training. As opposed to his own skill which wasn't too shabby in and of itself. The fourth seat was keeping his energy signature to a minimum, as he continued to follow the old paper map to this hidden training ground, so as not to alert anyone.
His streak of luck was abruptly ended as a person's feet landed upon the large branch of a tree that stretched in an arc above the ground "So you show yourself at last," A feminine voice called in a cold neutral tone from behind him. A voice he knew very, very well. "Ichigo."
His heart rate quickened in pace as the words floated to him. His hands started to feel cold and clammy from nervousness which he counter-balanced by evened out his breathing, "Shaolin." He replied back remaining facing away as he quickly rummaged through his options
From her spot the woman closed her eyes and softly shook her head "You disappoint me, and I had such high expectations of you." She taunted in an unwelcoming tone, almost making Ichigo flinch with the bite it had. As the man turned around he saw the arms crossed Haori wearing woman staring down on him from one of the large over passing branches of one the thick trees around them, her trade mark bands blowing further behind her in the wind. She drew her sword from the sheath that hung around her hips, the blade emitting a harsh ringing sound "I should have known better, but it matters not, prepare yourself!"
The once orange now black haired man face turned into a sour frown "I'm not your guy. I'm not the one doing all this." He replied pulling Zangetsu free from its spot to defend himself, against her of all people.
"Shut up!" she yelled, a burst of her reiatsu flaring out towards him which he countered by raising his own "Make him pay by stinging him to death: Suzumebachi!" she yelled as her Zanpaktou transformed into it's lethal golden stinger, before springing from her perch to kill the man before her.
While she was going extremely fast by any good standard, to Ichigo it seemed she was going almost half heartedly, as his colossal blade blocked her launching thrust he launched her back into the air. 'It's a good thing Kisuke put me through the wringer.' Ichigo noted as he dodged yet another attack from the angry assassin after she landed.
Hand springing backward after she been repelled, Soifon focused her reiatsu to channel around her stinger arm. Using just enough of the technique that she'd been trying her damnest to create against Yoruichi to amp her strength a bit without it possible going too far where she couldn't control the limb.
The swirling winds wrapped around the arm; and as she threw her punch forward, a shockwave of energy shot out. Forcing Ichigo to quickly flash step to another spot, to avoid the strange technique as it blew a small but noticeable hole into the trees.
His reprieve would be short lived as the girl appeared before him her stinger cocked back and springing forth to blow a hole through his head. Flaring his spiritual power he raised Zangetsu as it met the stinger, blowing him backward in a violent explosion of intense spiritual power, Soifon meanwhile was flipping forward through the air, and quickly turning about face launched another strike from behind Ichigo who was still recovering from the attack.
The talon dug into the flesh of Ichigo drawing blood and, as the unnamed technique whipped through the woman's arm, it shot him across the ground a large black welt showing up on his body from the impact site, followed up by a dark Homonka mark. Rolling across the ground on his side in a wild rotation, Ichigo straightened himself after the fourth rotation, as he brought Zangetsu back around, biting back the sheer pain that was coursing through his lower abdominal area as the attack felt like a cannon ball had been shot at him in close range, and seemed to bounce back and forth from his innermost tissue to his top levels of skin
Soifon was going to give chase to attack him, when she shivered and had a nauseating sensation fill her head. She brought a hand to her head to steady herself, as the world around her teetered between vibrant color and dull grey, and swayed back and forth unfocusedly. Canceling the technique she felt a small wave of fatigue run over her, leaving her to finish the job with her Zanpaktou. A dirty job she was happy to do.
The small pause from the cancelation of her technique was all the time Ichigo needed get back within striking range, as he brought Zangetsu around to break off the stinger of Suzumebachi. Her temporary loss in strength forced her down, but she countered by slamming her quipos into Ichigo's stomach making him double over.
With the golden opportunity presented she jumped up and rolled over his body to sting the Homonka mark. Unfortunately for the Taicho, Ichigo grabbed her foot and yanked her off him causing her arm to veer off course, and miss its mark. Ichigo grabbed Zangetsu and back peddled as the girl got back to her feet and faced off with her enemy.
'How is he doing this?' Soifon asked herself frustratedly as Ichigo kept dodging or parrying whatever attacks she threw at him now that she was no longer empowered, she did acknowledge that he was strong and that she didn't get the best results from the technique, but she adamantly refused to believe that they were even remotely close in power, but no matter what she couldn't deny the facts of his continued resistance. 'Less than a year ago, I was kicking the bastard's traitorous ass all around the courtyard, but now, now he can match me! Stop my attacks even, with but Shikai!'
The girl's eyes narrowed to mere slits at the almost insulting audacity the man had, it was if he was mocking her. "Just die!" she yelled as she slammed her leg into the side of Ichigo which sent him skidding across the wilderness dirt, but didn't knock off his feet like she had intended.
As he screeched to a halt, Ichigo tried to plead to her "Listen to me-"
"Just shut up!" She said in a low hateful voice cutting him off immediately, telling Ichigo his words were already starting to fall on deaf ears. "You betrayed me, and I've had enough of your lies. The proof is all around just open you fucking eyes. It's because of you that people are dying." She yelled out as she charged towards him while he slammed Zangetsu into the ground to avoid cutting her on accident, a risk maneuver since it would leave him open to Suzumebachi, but he needed to use extreme measures at this point "it's because of you, that even now I see 'HER' shadow before me." The pair's fists connected with each other before the broke into a lightning fast martial arts tug of war.
Ichigo quickly pushed aside Soifon's gigantic stinger which stung into his forearm as it grazed past while he hit her back in the shoulders ignoring the cold sensation of the Homonka spread across the flesh of his forearm. Soifon catching the outstretched arm used it like a hook to push past and strike the Homonka, but before it could connect Ichigo twisted his body and kicked her in the stomach breaking them apart before the lethal strike made contact.
After the violent separation, the girl back flipped several times and disappeared into a burst of high speed flash steps which were countered by Ichigo's own. All around the forest area where Zangetsu stood vertically, violent clashes raged back and forth through the swaying tree branches to the sturdy roots. Craters in the ground broke open as each person smashed or hit the other in their violent collisions, and when the two finally resurfaced back at the open area several tree branches shook violently dropping their leaves down all around them from the multiple violent mid air battles fought between them.
Neither of them looked much better than the other at this point, Soifon was breathing rather heavily multiple bruises running up and down her arms and legs, with a busted lip located on the corner of her mouth and possibly a broken bone in her lower right arm but the captain couldn't really tell at that point. On the opposite end, Ichigo had seven new Homonka marks on his shoulders, neck and cheek each one pulsating slightly awaiting their queen's gentle touch to unleash their devastating gift. Ichigo spat out some blood that had collected in his mouth from the battle while he rotated his wrist to pop a few bones back in place, most of his hakama was intact save for the Homonka strikes, but the body underneath it had definitely seen better days.
'Why!' the girl mentally questioned herself in a soft monotone, while barring her teeth at her opponent, feeling extreme anger and minute amounts of sadness in her actions 'How? Why do you still haunt me! WHY!'
Ichigo raised his guard up in case she attacked, but inwardly he felt something. It seemed every time their fist clashed, he felt hopelessness from her, like she was just empty and devoid of reason. As if she was already dead, and just hoping someone would destroy the body she manipulated to her bidding. "Why won't you listen to me!" he half-asked half-yelled, searching for some kind of answer, to avoid having to kill her for what Aizen had done. 'There's gotta be a way to reach her, but what?'
"It's because you care about absolute power and nothing else." She accused while she felt her emotions running rampant inside her "It's because of you that I wake up every morning want to be dead than have to deal with all of this!" She wiped her lip with the back of her hand 'To deal with all this pain from thinking…worrying about you.' And dropped her head down while she unconsciously started to shake, evoking grief from Ichigo "It's…it's because…of you…" she said in a shaken tone 'I'm scared…to keep going not knowing what will happen...to me…to us.'
"What would it take to make you happy?" he asked with an almost audible frown to her
'Is he giving me pity?' she thought almost feeling insulted and…relieved, not that he would have known "You want to know what'll make me happy 'Yojimbo'! Just die! The end of your goddamn existence would bring me joy beyond measure!" She snapped as she charged him again, but this time he didn't dodge and the force from her tackle sent the both of them to the ground with Soifon on top with her stinger buried in his stomach, and twisted it with no small measure of hate, wanting to get some response out of him and have him begging for mercy.
"…Alright then," He said simply ignoring the pain of the sting, as he looked at the woman above him with a neutral expression to convey his honesty. He closed his eyes "if my dying will truly make you happy, go ahead." And awaited for the second strike, which perplexed the Taicho into pondering her own thoughts, about this turn of events.
A tense silence passed through the pair as Soifon pulled out her Suzumebachi, the Homonka mark settling into place. "Any final words?" she asked surprisingly soft by her own analysis, which she felt she needed to adjust. She couldn't afford any mistakes she tried to reassure.
Ichigo didn't open his eyes, but did respond to her question "Only two things, one I didn't betray Soul Society. I was set up by Ichimaru whose part of an insane scheme to destroy Soul Society. I wanted to warn you that everyone is in danger. The second thing is…I'm glad to see you at least one more time." He said a small pained smile growing on his face
'I'm glad to see you' she repeated to herself more hopefully in her inner monologue before shaking her head 'No, he's just trying to…to stop me.' She attempted to rationalize to quash the naive thoughts of her heart 'But the other information will be helpful for me in protecting Soul Society.' She clenched her fist as a sense of dread started to swell within her. Her mind reflecting back to the memory of purchasing the Ihai and it's meaning for Ichigo and herself, to what Suzumebachi said about being unable to break the bond between them personally 'No, I can do this. He means nothing to me!' she tried to reassure herself 'I'm better than him! I don't need him!'
"D-die!" she exclaimed as she slammed the Zanpaktou back into Ichigo's body.
Ichigo opened his eyes as he felt the piercing sting of her Zanpaktou penetrate his flesh again. He looked in Shaolin's face for a few seconds though it seemed like hours to him. Her body was shaking and she looked ready to burst into tears. Glancing down where her hand was he saw that while he did get stung a second time, this time around she aimed slightly higher and missed the edge of the mark by several crucial centimeters. He let out a short wheeze as he turned his eyes upwards.
After a few seconds of tense silence the girl pulled out her stinger slouching back in the process, leaving her straddling the ex-fourth seat. Her hand dropped to her side not having any more strength to continue this seemingly pointless struggle.
Life and death…Victory or defeat…There was just nothing worth fighting for in her eyes.
"I don't get it." she said as tears began to fall down her face, her voice barely above a whisper "When I saw you and could physically touch you, I was overjoyed. Yet, at the same time I was troubled." Her voice continued to grow at a steady pace, but was still below her normal volume "Honor…Taicho-ship…The law…Soul Society…Revenge…it's everything to me. It's my personal duty. It's all that I have. It's what I had built my whole life around. I shouldn't have any difficulty in fighting a traitor. That one word that stands in opposition to all that I hold true to myself and yet," she clenched and unclenched her hands as she continued to speak "Why is it that it hurts to hurt you?" she lowered her head to where Ichigo couldn't see her face anymore "Why do you always have to make things so difficult? Why can't I banish you from my mind! WHY IS IT THAT I CAN"T KILL YOU!" She screamed, closing her eyes in attempt to convince herself that the tears weren't coming from her eyes, that this was just a rapidly spiraling out of control nightmare, that she would wake and this would all go away if she desired it "Why Ichigo?" she choked out, opening her eyes and stared at Ichigo with a pleading look on her face, trying and failing to control herself like she knew she could in any scenario she could otherwise picture. "Why don't you just leave me alone…?"
Ichigo remained quiet for a few seconds, his own emotions coursing through his body like a mad zephyr. Bringing his hand up to cup her face, the girl's face fell a bit and knocked the hand down, shaking her head softly in disbelief and misunderstanding of the gesture, her own feelings pained and telling her to run. As Shaolin started to pull herself away from him to seemingly vacate, the male shinigami's instincts kicked in fully and told him to stop her by any means necessary or regret it forever "You want to know why I won't leave you alone." he repeated quickly stopping her in her tracks as he grabbed a firm hold of her arm "It's because…even before now, I had thought I lost you, but now I know that you are still there, still beside me in my heart and yours, and now that I know this. I'm never going to let you go ever again."
"Wha-" she didn't get to finish as his lips crashed unto her own, sending a jolt of shock from the sudden move. But in the blink of an eye she melted into the kiss and started to return it with just as much passion, as the tongue of her lover slowly slide into her own mouth and explored this new frontier of her persons, while her Taicho's Haori slid off her body courtesy of the man.
'No. I…I must make sure. (5)' she resistantly pushed him back to the fullest extent of her arms, her breathing held a small amount fright in it "How can I trust you and your words? How will I know this won't turn into another lie? How can I believe Ichigo?" she asked with a piercing gaze that sought an answer
Ichigo pulled her back to him and flicked a strand of her hair out of her face, as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Because you're the only person in the world, I'd even consider relinquishing my life to, if it would make you happy." And then proceeded to kissing some of the battle marks on her cheek, before returning back to the woman's lips, who was practically crying her eyes out now from his words and action, her heart pounding faster with each passing second. But this time the tears were more than welcomed by both parties, though the girl did allow herself a moment to wipe them away.
Now back in control of herself, Shaolin's own hand firmly grasped the heart of Ichigo's hakama and began to hurry to unfasten it as the pair broke away for air from another intense kiss. The heated energy inside them pooled together, just beneath the surface and was waiting to be unleashed, while Suzumebachi disengaged itself and fell to the ground with a clatter. In an almost animalistic fashion the twin banded captain ripped open the man's hakama to expose his well built chest and abdomens that she'd previously stung, hit and marked.
The girl grinned deviously liking what she saw and left herself exposed to the once spiky orange now dark black haired man's kisses on her cheeks that trailed down to her neckline, causing the fierce woman to lose her breath and close her eyes from the pleasurable feeling of his lips on her skin, while her arms draped around the back of his neck keeping well with arms and kiss reach.
The two lovers briefly stared into the others eyes, and saw the unmistakable hint of love and lust, leaving them both to ponder in irony if they both had that same dreamy eyed expression on their own countenances.
If only they knew…
The fourth seat's fingers started to tug at the straps holding up his captain's Onimitsukido uniform, and watched with enjoyment at her look of both surprise and embarrassment as he slowly slide it down the length of her arm, making sure his finger touched all of her creamy sensitive skin, in an almost territorial marking fashion.
With the one strap gone he went back to kissing her again while he simultaneously removed the second strap from her shoulder. As the last support system fell away, the always stiff and formally dressed Soifon, was now the topless pressed against her lover Shaolin…but at this point in time she could care less what anyone would have thought, so long as he was here.
Ichigo continued to kiss his lover's neck while his hand grabbed her fleshy b cup mounds and started to tease them, while Shaolin let out a moan of pleasure. Not one to be out done Shaolin began to grind her hips against his crotch area causing her younger counterpart to wince from intense pleasure from having his most sensitive area stroked by a previously grieving, but now thoroughly horny bee.
"Heh…is something the matter? Then please speak up, I'm all ears Ichigo." The dark haired beauty teased seductively using his name in one of the most intimate of ways. "Nothing? No inhibitions odd…last time I said I'd be ready for sure, but now I ask are you?" she leaned closer and whispered in his ear, with an infernal smirk on her face "You're not gonna turn tail and run, correct?"
Having heard the words leave her mouth Ichigo responded in a way that both excited her and left flabbergasted "Is that a challenge?" before the Chinese woman could respond she arched her back when Ichigo started to tease her breasts, licking, sucking, and lightly biting on them sending her nerves into overdrive from the electrifying stimulation, as a strange sensation started to build on the inside of her.
Unable to continue standing against the voracious assault Soifon's legs gave out and the two went to the ground and continued their little affair. "My turn…" Shaolin purred alluringly as she flipped Ichigo over and reversed the roles, which judging by the smirk on Ichigo's face was a prospect he found rather welcoming.
Getting up from straddling him, Soifon seductively removed the lower half of her outfit, sliding the black garb down her hips with a sway and stepping out one smooth leg at a time leaving her nearly complete exposed save for her hands going across her chest and womanhood, though from the self satisfying smirk on her face, they both knew it wouldn't stay hidden for much longer. Shaolin took a bare footstep forward before she stopped with a look of calm realization of something. "I forgot…" she muttered just enough for Ichigo's ears to catch her words
Tilting her head to the side she undid one of the bands of her hair, letting her long hair flow freely from their restraining binding while the gold ring at the end pinged against the ground and rolled away, for the other one she brought it around to her front and undid it letting the hair fan out against her breast and flowing down towards her abdomen and thigh "There." She said sweetly "I had forgotten you like my hair down." With a carefree push of the hand, she moved the hair strands behind her lithe body again and resumed her walking towards her excited prey "Let continue where we left off…"
Having finished the last part of her little strip tease Shaolin pushed Ichigo back down to the ground with her foot on his battle hardened chest, further stroking her dominant-like ego. Moving her leg away she kneeled down and undid the lower part of his hakama to get to the prize that awaited her.
"oooh~" The squad two captain whispered in delight as she wrapped her fingers around her lovers shaft, and began to tease and taunt it with each motion of the digits smooth creamy skin to the light, but friction inducing fingernails. "I wonder how you'll like this" Lowering her head in a dazed delight, she missed the look of absolute ecstasy that flew unto Ichigo's face when she placed the rock hard membrane into her mouth and started to suck on it with her tongue dancing and dampening the length of his tool with her saliva. The moans that escaped the natural born strawberry, was matched in tandem with the smaller girl's free hand rubbing against her lower mouth in an increasingly faster pace, and tightening of the muscles in her legs and arms.
"Shaolin…I,,,ugghh…" Ichigo struggled out as he felt his release quickly approaching from his hornet's devoted fellatio, within seconds he let out a loud roar as he released his seed into the mouth of his lover.
The kinky sex bomb pulled away from the spewing volcano as it finished erupting, some of the sperm that couldn't fit into her mouth rolled off her lips before falling to the ground. Sloshing it around in her mouth she swallowed all that she could, before returning her stare back into the chocolate brown orbs of lust that belonged to Ichigo "That wasn't bad, Yojimbo. I might get addicted to that kind of nectar…" she teased with an innocent but at the same time devilish smile
It was short lived as Ichigo smirked before getting up and grabbing her hand and flash stepping the two of them to the nearby tree, and kissed and licked her breast as he slowly made his way down lower and lower, running his tongue down the inside of her tempered thighs getting a satisfying moan from his ministration. Reacting purely on instinct Shaolin placed one hand unto the back of Ichigo's head while the ring finger of her free hand went into her own mouth as she sucked on it.
While Shaolin was in her own la la land, Ichigo was basking in the sweet scent of Shaolin and the EXTREMELY pleased look on her flawless face, seeing her face so full of desire the man went in and started to ravish her womanhood, the ever so slight twitching of the muscles in her arm that held him, and by extension her, in place let it be known to him, that she was enjoying all the licking and teasing he was performing on her clitoris, and was doing her best to not topple over. "Ichi~ I~…ahhhh!" she didn't get to finish as the burning inside of her completely exploded and let a shock wave of orgasmic pleasure ripple through her nerves and mind, sending her straight into heaven.
Panting slightly from the shortage of breathe, the girl's arm fell weakly to the side no longer having even the strength to keep Ichigo bound to the ground to service her. She remained standing only by the fact that she was leaning against the huge foliage behind her for support, which from the look in the extremely handsome man's face as he rose up to tower over her again, she would need.
"Ready…?" he asked with a slightly out of breath tune from their vigorous activity
"Yes~" She returned as confidently as she could despite her fatigue
Ichigo leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips savoring the taste of her saliva and own natural juices, while he slowly guided himself inside of her. His eyes caught her quiet but swift whimper of pain from the penetration of her hymen, forcing her to contract her arms wrapped around his neck just a fraction. The female Fon caught her breath for a second and with a nod from her, Ichigo pushed himself the final length in, and paused to let her adjust to the foreign feeling.
The trickling of life liquids continued to run down out of the now made woman, and with a final kiss. The man started to slowly pump in and out of her in a slow pace at first. Shaolin at first had arched her back as she closed her eyes, feeling so indescribably blissful she could have died at the moment and been Konsoed without regret, before leaning forward against the male kurosaki's body her arms tightly locking around his neck keeping him there. Keeping him hers for all eternity.
Making him one of the only constants to remain in her life.
As he continued to thrust inside of her at a rapidly increasing pass, he briefly saw the look of happiness on the tired long haired beauties face. "You…seem…uggh…gone…lin…ugghh…chan."
"S…sh..up…b-baka" the ravished girl managed to pant out despite the once again returning feeling inside her and the assault against her insides from her Shinigami lover. Ichigo let out a raspy laugh as he continued to pound into her, each thrust more passionate more powerful than the last, soon he was reaching his limit and from the contorted facial expression of Shaolin she was too.
"Shaolin…!" he grunted out which she seemed to understand what he was trying to say even with the lack of words
Her response literally drove him over the edge "It ok…go ahead, love." She invited before she let out a shriek from the orgasm that had erupted from within. Her innards clamping down fiercely around Ichigo as her lovers seed splattered the insides of her womanhood and flooded her womb.
Pulling himself out of her, both of their liquids started to run down her legs it's escape avenue no longer blocked. The woman bent forward to take a staggered step closer to him as the two of them let out a panted breath, and took another glance into the other's eyes as a smile broke across each of their face. Not the typical smirk from when battle was going their way, but a sweet contented smile.
Ichigo pulled the Taicho in close to his body and playfully surprised her, when he allowed himself to fall backwards with the woman still in his arms, dragging his nude lover down with him, to which she landed upon his chest in a blushing heap for a full minute, then sent an embarrassed fueled glare that threatened to kill him. After the tired commander finished her death glare, she lifted herself up and snuggled against the spread eagle Ichigo who kissed her on the forehead, but kept her firmly within reach as his hand snaked around her back.
The woman closed her eyes for just a second, hearing the steady breathing of the man beside her, nearly lulling her to sleep with it's calm easy tempo, but knew she couldn't. Ichigo himself sensed this and would admit that he wouldn't have minded falling asleep along side her, but he knew that he didn't have such a luxury. But neither of them wanted to ruin this moment with their special person, both souls didn't want to bring the troubles of the outside world here, so they silently opted to bask in each other's presence for just a little bit longer.
Ichigo continued gazing up at the sky above them, the time still passing from seconds to minutes and if he let it hours, time he knew he couldn't expend needlessly, "We're still going to have to go our separate ways Shaolin…" he said matter-of-factly since, no matter how much it pained him, no matter how much he wanted it, he couldn't stay around her for too long; because, Aizen and Gin might somehow catch wind of this and try to target her during this invasion process.
The woman next to him nodded her head mechanically "Yeah, I know. But…" she reluctantly pulled herself away from Ichigo's grip and got up to go gather her clothing. She bent down and grabbed her clothes and turned back to Ichigo "that why I want to say I'm sorry. Sorry for throwing you away because of fear and doubt." She apologized in a low whisper
Ichigo pushed himself up and walked over to his beautiful captain and cupped her face "Shaolin…I'll see you again when this is all over. I promise." He gave a brief happy smile, knowing that once Bankai Training was over, once Rukia was saved, and once Aizen was dead, they'd still have one another which was something he could wait on.
"I know you will. That's why before we part again, I want to say" she pressed her uniform against her chest, almost like a schoolgirl getting a love letter from the boy she liked. All the while looking into Ichigo's eyes with a sinking feeling she was probably blushing up a storm for what she was going to say "…that I do and still love you. Ichigo. You're the most important person to me in my world…in my life. I'm sorry for doubting you and Masaki-sama. I let what happened before in the past, dictate and cloud my judgment about you without even listening to you. I promise it won't happen again."
"I know." Ichigo smiled and kissed Shaolin before he took a step back and grabbed his clothes "and I love you too, Shaolin. Always know this." And in a flash step he disappeared deeper into the forest to the location of the training ground, putting distance between them so as not bring avoidable trouble down unto her, even though it killed his heart, he needed her where she was, in a position to assist and give him the information needed to clear his name and reclaim a future for the two of them.
With her lover gone and out of sensory range now, Shaolin dressed herself and returned back to the squad two barracks. On the way back she recalled the words of what Subaru told the spy before Ichigo left. 'A fine surprise indeed, Ichigo-kun.' She thought with a smirk eager to support the 'Kurosaki rebellion' however she could
(Evening: Subaru and Senna)
Having reached the sanctuary of the fourth division, Subaru fabricated a lie to get her partner medically treated for the wounds she had sustained from her absence, during the failed trek through squad eight. After waiting for close to an hour she was finally admitted into the ward where Senna was resting, the medic's telling her that her Ojou wasn't the worst case they had seen all day, making the girl invisibly cringe since it was probably true and her side was directly responsible. After the doctors left the room, she sat down in the chair opposite of the bed having already sent out a hell butterfly to her Taicho, 'informing' her that she was at the fourth to have some injuries she incurred treated and would report in tomorrow.
Subaru let out a tired exhalation having realized that today was such a disaster, as she turned her attention to her thoughts about Ichigo and Shinjiro, wondering how they were holding up out there, she missed Senna's eyes flutter open and closed heralding her return to Soul Society. The teenager looked over at the distracted spy and called out to her in a low unintelligible mumble. Hearing the sound Subaru zeroed in on the source, and was momentarily relieved to see her alive and well before returning back to a poker face. She then stood up and walked over beside Senna with a critical eye. "What do you think you were doing Senna?" she asked harshly
"W-what?" she glanced around the room that she knew she wasn't in before, also noticing the lack of that other person from before who was probably responsible in putting her wherever she was. "Where am I? And where is that woman Nana-something?"
"You are currently in the medical wing of the fourth division, recovering. As for Fuka-Taicho Ise Nanao, I can only pray that she hasn't shown up at the fourth to check up on you. But enough of that it's not important. What is important is the fact that you still haven't answered my question."
Senna shook her head unable to really comprehend the question since she was picking the fight like she was supposed to, so what more was there to answer for. Seeing the confusion on the miko's face Kujo clarified "When I was on my way back to you, I followed your trail of destruction and found no dead bodies or crippled individuals whatsoever, which leads me to believe that you didn't seriously wound anyone during your fighting after my departure."
Senna hung her head as the spy started to rant on her "You are very lucky Senna do you realize that? If any of those enemies had got up and assisted Nanao we wouldn't be having this conversation, instead you'd be with some random underling getting ready to take you to my squad to be tortured and interrogated until either your mind or body broke is that what you wanted! Did you wish to jeopardize everyone!"
"Look, I'm sorry ok!" Senna yelled back from her bed
"'Sorry' doesn't cut it Ojou-sama!" Subaru shot back silencing the short sighted woman "Sorry won't save you from the sword, Sorry won't stop the pain in your lord brother's heart when I would have needed to tell him you died, and Sorry won't save your friend Rukia Kuchiki!"
Senna now was on the verge of tears "You don't have to rub it in Subaru! I get it alright, I screwed up!" she yelled as the tears began to flow down "I'm sorry that I messed up, I'm just not like you guys."
The third seat leaned back in confusion wondering what she meant by 'like you guys' "What…do you mean by that?"
"I've never killed anyone in my entire life, let alone in cold blood! I'm not like you guys who are used to kill or be killed situations and having to choose killing other people. I honestly thought that if I beat them up they'd leave me alone, I didn't think of all that. A-and maybe I should have before I signed up for this, maybe I should have thought harder on my choice to fight, maybe I was wrong to want to protect Ichigo and Rukia." She cried out as she turned away in her bed, shaming the spy "But I know that I'm willing to die for them because I love them. So…I'm sorry if couldn't hack it when all bets were off…I'm just sorry…ok?"
Silence passed between the two of them as Senna finished saying her peace, the myriad of feeling inside her were churning together and right now all she felt she could really turn to was Mirokumaru. As Senna sat looking away she felt the bed bounce up and down slight most likely because Subaru was getting up to leave her or so she thought, she was surprised to feel one of the spies arms wrap around behind her and pull her close to the spy, who took the spot beside her.
"No, I should take back what I said. I am the one who should be sorry." She apologized, her face mask gone revealing her face and showing regret in her choice of word to her partner "I was judging you based on what a Shinigami should be, not who you are or your circumstances. I forgot that you told me only a little while ago you were just another person in the human world living life without a care, you only had maybe a twenty or so days of fighting, so you're only getting your feet wet." She then lowered her head in apology "I'm sorry Ojou-sama, I was expecting too much from you so quickly."
The ex-human's frown turned into a small bitter smile "No, I just thought I was ready, but I failed. I got beat; and if you hadn't shown up when you did, everyone would be in serious trouble." She said in a defeated tone, which made the spy feel even worse for yelling at her when she should have shown more concern
Taking a moment to dwell on her mistake, Subaru opened her mouth to try a different tactic "Perhaps, but you did something that very few people are able to claim. I don't think I've ever seen with my own two eyes someone who was able to, not only defeat the third seat of squad eight, but also push the fuka-taicho to such a degree as you did, especially in rapid succession. Soooo c-cheer up, you almost defeated someone within the top twenty-six, and that is an accomplishment few can say they accomplished, just coming out of basic training." The spy tried to commend unused to the encouraging game, and a little leery in expecting good results
"Yeah, thanks." The female Kurosaki replied unenthusiastically, which Subaru took as mostly failing in straightening her back up. "So what happens now?" she asked changing the subject to at least help the spy out. Though, she was appreciative of her concern despite it really lacking the empathy needed.
"We'll rest here for the night, and tomorrow we'll return to my barracks to lie low. Once I have some kind of idea of the patrol routes and hear of any news from sister, we can make a dash for the penance tower and save Rukia." She then turned a better fueled smile to Senna "And with you around you'll be able to fly all the way to the gate, and get her out. While I go inform our allies, so they can withdraw…" she inwardly frowned as her own voice in the back of her head uttered a response 'unless this is what I fear it is…'
She snapped her head out of the morose thought, before it could continue further "Just rest, I put your Zanpaktou in the closet over near the window, we'll move out tomorrow. I'm gonna go and see if I can get us some food, I won't be gone long, I assure this time around."
"Alright, I'll keep the door unlocked and Subaru-san" she called out making the woman stop in her attempt to leave "thanks for understanding and good night."
"N-not a problem Ojou-sama." Subaru said with a flustered nod. Wondering if this is how her husband felt when he helped people he didn't know, it was a strange foreign feeling; but she didn't think it was entirely unwelcome. Putting her face mask back up she exited the room quietly to bring some food to replenish their lost strength.
(Soifon)
Walking through the hallway back to her room, the exhausted captain continued along her merry way until she ran into the exceptionally large idiot she had to call fuka-taicho. "Report." She commanded harshly while her free flowing hair tailed behind her, since she had forgotten about the gold rings and braids back in the forest.
The man tried his best to hide his blush from seeing his captain look hot and bothered, but it didn't work as the woman easily spied it through his irritating grin "Is there something wrong Marechiyo? I asked for a report and I am not getting one, so kindly tell me you have nothing to say and I'll punish you later, or tell me something now and get out of my way." She barked out, tapping her foot irritatingly; not at all happy for whatever he might be thinking.
To Omeada's eyes and ears he only heard the sensual pint sized Taicho ask calmly instead of as fiercely as he was supposed to hear "We have been keeping an eye out for the traitors, but have come up empty handed. Most of our members are busy handling other fights between other divisions so progress is quite slow."
"I see," She crossed her arms and her fingers tapped against her lean arm, as she thought something over "Then let me ask you something else. Do we have any information on Ichimaru-Taicho's activities as of late?"
"No ma'am. Not all of the spies have returned back, I'm afraid. We received a message from Subaru detailing her failure. It's still in your room awaiting you to answer it."
"I see." The brooding girl replied as she stopped tapping her index finger. After what Ichigo had told her, she knew full well she'd need to look into it herself; to find out what was really going on around here. A light bulb then turned on in her head 'Hitsuguaya-Taicho.' She mentally recalled the man leading an investigation that she originally scoffed at, though now she was interested enough to re-evaluate the worth of his efforts.
"Ahem." The burly man cleared his throat getting the woman's eye to return back to him "May I ask why you appear to be in such a mess Taicho?" he asked 'especially a hot one'
The woman's eyes narrowed dangerously and spoke in a frigid tone, taking Omeada aback from the moody woman she'd been of late "Personally I don't see how it is any of your business, Marechiyo. But as I don't want you disturbing me for whatever BS reason today, I will be frank and indulge your request. I was busy chasing after an enemy all this time, and when I finally caught up to him, he up and vanished before my eyes like he was a ghost or never was what he appeared." She removed her gaze from the man and walked by him to head to her office "It's only now that I have a clue as to where to go to catch back up to him, and I suggest Marechiyo that you. Watch. Your. Back. There are plenty of things to fear out there."
When the woman disappeared down the hallway, Marechiyo continued to look in her direction with a sour suspicion-filled face, clutching his fist he banged it against the wall. 'What happened to you Soi-chan? It's like you suddenly became another person…' The report of when he was being sent out to guard the south gate sprang back to his mind
Enemy forces led by Ichigo Kurosaki and…
'it couldn't be' as he wondered if that was the person she had met or chased. The thought enraged him that even now, he still had her attention. When it should be him, Marechiyo Omeada that the bluenette could only think or talk about. '…well either way it doesn't matter, I'll still have you in the end, and now I'll get to mount that bastard's head on my trophy wall.'
Turning around the fuka-taicho stormed off to his room on the far end of the building, to consult with his plans that he created in conjunction with the Fon family elders. Then, he would practice his Zanjutsu-ship for when he would cut down the only obstacle forever in his way.
(Cave: Ichigo)
Coming to the mouth of a dark cavern, Ichigo conjured up a small kido spell for light as he navigated the rocky walls following the map. Reaching the end of the passageway, he came into a brightly lit chamber filled with what seemed to be Seki Seki rock lining the walls all around him. Cautiously, he touched the dense rock and was intrigued when he didn't feel any weaker despite the nature of the rock, and it's normally repellent nature of Reishi. Still not having time to waste on inspecting it, he pushed away from it and walked away to the overpass. Reaching the edge of the plateau, he saw in the middle of the large area was Keisuke Urahara, looking back at Ichigo with what seemed to be a white human-shaped object resting against a boulder nearby.
Ichigo flash stepped over to the man who calmly walked over, and picked up his Bankai training device "Alright, Ichigo, open your ears and close your mouth. I'm gonna give you the run down and then we'll take care of your wounds, but after that be ready because Bankai training starts right afterward." The scientist said with a smirk
(Sun set: Ganju and Hanataro)
Under the fast approaching night time skies, the two men continued to move through the narrow corridors to avoid any enemies on their way to the penance tower. Poking his head around the next intersection to make sure it was clear, he saw someone lying against the wall covered in blood with their sword gripped weakly in their hand, the man from what he could tell seemed familiar. Signaling to Hanataro to follow close they went to the body to see who he was, and if he was dead loot his clothing so Ganju could better blend in. Carefully approaching the guy, Ganju's and Hanataro's eyes widened with who they saw
"You're that servant guy!" The green clad Shiba confirmed as he lifted up the man's shaggy hair out of his eyes revealing his bloodied unconscious face
"Taiga-san!" The healer yelled at the sight "Fill Hisagomaru!"
The blade let out a low green light and within seconds the normally droopy boy pressed his healing Zanpaktou closely against his friend acutely monitoring his condition "Ganju-san, please reach into my sling and get out my first aid kit!"
Reaching into the make-shift backpack, he pulled out a small square box with a red cross in the center. He then started to follow the focused boy's instruction to medically assist him. The minutes soon began to pass while the two worked in silence to help the samurai.
Shinjiro's eyes cracked open and blinked rapidly to filter the light and re-attune themselves from the dark world he'd been wandering. Ganju cracked up a water bottle found in Hanataro's supplies and force fed it to Shinjiro, who drank it without question. Feeling his throat start to fill up Shinjiro nodded and the infiltrator pulled back the liquid, so the man could swallow
"(Hack)(Koff) uhhh…(cough) ahh...hah...hah...th-thanks…thought I was a goner (cough) (cough)." Taiga thanked as water trickled out of his mouth, wiping his mouth he nodded to both of them, his strength returning back to him due to their efforts "I owe you Shiba-sama…Hanataro-kun."
"Not a problem, and it's just Ganju, reaper." The robust man waved off not one for formality and PR crap like most other nobles
Hanataro looked over to his team mate curiously "How do you two know each other?"
Ganju prodded his head in Shinjiro's direction "He's one of us." he summarized simplistically
"Yeah, he's right. I'm a traitor to Soul Society." The myrmidon said quietly, his strength not fully returned "But what are you two doing here," he then looked between the two of them doing a head count, and was coming up short "and where's Ichigo-sama?"
"Ichigo and us went our separate way, because we had different goals. Right now, we were on our way to the penance tower, but after seeing you all bloodied up I don't think we should go this way."
Shinjiro tried to push himself off the wall only for Hanataro to push him back down resigning himself to his current location, he turned in the direction he had come from earlier that day "You probably shouldn't. I got in a fight against a fuka-taicho; and unfortunately my technique…backfired a bit because of Muramasa. I won, but that area is on high alert. I doubt you guy are going to be able to get through there, sorry."
"Ganju help me pick up Shinjiro-san. We can take him to the sewers and we camp there and rest in peace for today."
"Is it that bad?" asked Ganju as he leaned down and gaze the samurai a shoulder to lean on, while Hanataro took the other shoulder and the team slowly retraced their steps
"At this point I'll say no, but I don't want to risk anything. Once he's down there I can give him a full medical examination and once he's good he can come with us to the penance tower."
Shinjiro however disagreed with the plan "No, that's no good Hanataro. They know what I look like, but maybe I can help you another way. I'll get close to the tower and make some noise. That should definitely lure away some of the guards so you two can rescue Rukia while I lose the guards in sis's forest. Once I've lost them I'll go request of Soifon to allow me to use some of her hell butterflies, and I'll inform everyone to get out of Seireitei before it's too late."
As they continued their crippled march the third seat lowered his head almost oppressively given the nature of the situation and who was behind it 'Though I fear it might already be unless Kohai grows strong…'
Blackout2010: Well that's the end of that chapter now unto two very important things. Firstly, I would like to ask for some ideas for Retsu Unohana's Bankai. You see I'm gonna have her fight, and unless she does this, I highly doubt she will live. I mean I got something that I could give Unohana but it was kind of her enemy's ability, see what I'm saying. Anyway even if I don't get any suggestion, I'll do mine again unless there's a better one I read about, but I will try to have the fight. So please use your noggins a bit and throw a guy a bone here.
Ichigo: Ok what's the second part?
Blackout2010: Right well the second part comes from the Kaname Tosen institute for the blind. You can help this prestigious institution by either donating a dollar or by finishing your sentences with phrase 'for justice!'…for justice!
Ichigo: I don't think that's going to catch on or work even if it's for justice!
Kenpachi (off screen): Oh man after all that killing I gotta take a royal shit. For justice!
D. Mirokumaru (waaay off screen): ahhh…mmm…I'm cummmming! For justice.
Senna (not far away): I feel dirty…for justice.
Tosen (off screen): I am Kaname Tosen, and my eye sight has been lost…for justice (clenches fist tightly)!
Aizen( off screen): I shall ascend and become god of this world. For justice!
Ichigo: BK2010, I blame you…for justice.
Shaolin Fon: Ichigo…
Ichigo: yeah?
Shaolin Fon (looks away): You'd better take responsibility…or I'll never forgive you.
Ichigo: I will till next installment.
(Informative/apology)
So I hope that you enjoyed the lemon. For those of you who may have found it odd or dislike in general I apologize. It's just that since, after discussing with another author, this came to me in a dream, I thought let's go with it. This isn't 100% what originally happened in my dream as it actually took place shortly after Aizen's body is found Soifon locates Ichigo in the corridors of SS. Unfortunately for me, apparently my dreams are silent movies so, I only saw the action and had absolutely no dialogue so I had to fill that in, which was really hard particularly because a portion of the lemon fics I'd seen made the girl seem like a whore, which wanted to avoid…and my own inexperience in this field of life.
Again like all things as the story changes and path become available some things become unavailable, so I had to change the scenery and add them fighting because I personally felt that they would have at least done that. I'm sorry if I may have let some people down for what they might have expected about it, but believe me this is the best outcome I had written and the one I was pleased with the most. I tried my best to play out how it would really go down, so I hope they were in character.
(informative/apology end)
(number guide post to understanding)
1. Akumetsu belongs respectively to Hakumen of the BlazBlue universe.
2. The Kanji that makes up Akumetsu, are 'Evil' and roughly destruction (to be precise it means, destroy, purge, conquer, vanquish, ruin). So they way Shinjiro and it's 'correctly' (meaning he doesn't get hurt) is 'Destroy Evil/Purge Evil', unfortunately Muramasa is a evil blood thirsty dick, so he fucked with the attack and Shinjiro got hurt, Explaining why the Kanji appeared in his mind and morphed.
3. Gin no mei (silver eye), as it is elaborated later on. The tome scans the opponent and spits out a weapon that is better suited to combating that character, how well the fight goes from there depends on how skilled Nanao is with the weapon. Feel free to use for your FF.
4. To those of you who may not know, a little Japanese etiquette (not that I'm an expert). But calling someone directly by their name is considered very rude, unless you know-know the person you are speaking with. Every character has certain measure of tolerance, so while Senna is fine with everyone just calling her Senna, Soifon would find it highly offensive for some she doesn't know to address her as something other than –taicho or –san, again it depends on who's talking. So try to remember that, in this instance he's being really rude.
5. Soifon's unusually natural hesitation aside from the fact of the circumstances but also because this is her first shown moral and adult choice. All through Canon and most of this Fic she's been shown operating within her station (IE. Being ordered to do something/Duty), it's only now that we see, her acting as an adult (making an important choice and willing to live with the consequences).
(author's disclaimer)
Oh yeah, there's a lemon in this chapter. You've all been warned. Now that you understand great, that means I can't be sued for showing/describing inappropriate content to minors!
