Shunsui flash stepped to safety seconds before the zanpakuto aiming for his side made contact. While the quick move did avoid him being put under the mind control of his opponent, unfortunately it pushed him nearer to two ravenous hidoi, charging straight for him with bloodlust in their eyes. Letting out a frustrated growl, the skilled captain used a burst of speed to gain the advantage, plunging one zanpakuto into the heart of a howling hidoi, the other slicing off the menacing arm off another announcing itself behind him with a growl.
The hidoi were a frustrating nuisance. This many, at his skill level, weren't enough to be any real danger for him. It would take a lot more than that to bring down the captain of the 8th. They were, however, a hindrance in his attempt to get at Sota. They were relentless in their pursuit, mindless in their bloodthirsty attacks, surrounding him again each time he fought his way through to some distance. Once he had dispatched half, Sota had summoned eight more.
Sota was playing it safe, skirting around the edges of the growling hidoi, using their distraction to throw his own surprise attacks. So far the captain had avoided his sneaky attacks, dodging or blocking just in time to avoid getting cut and therefore not having his body controlled by the other. Shunsui had quick reflexes, despite his languid nature.
Shunsui wasn't one that enjoyed fighting. Unlike some of his fellow captains who relished in the thrill of the fight, Shunsui hated taking another's life. Sota was an Exception. Shunsui's steely stare followed Sotas movements, waiting for the perfect opportunity to drive his zanpakuto though the man's heart.
Dispatching another hidoi, Kyoraku turned to cut down the next when an incredible release of spiritual pressure behind him distracted him momentarily. Whipping his head around instinctively at the source, Kyoraku easily placed it was Uraharas Reiatsu exploding across the darkened field.
The fleeting realisation was cut short as a steel blade swung down towards his head. Eyes widening, Kyoraku jerked his head back seconds before the blade would've sliced right through his eyes. It was too close for comfort, how much he narrowly dodged the attack by. He had to remain focused
Jumping back a wide distance away, Kyoraku pulled all his attention back on the man hiding behind the last few hidoi. 3 left. Shunsui realised quickly, scanning the area to confirm his count. He hasn't summoned anymore, perhaps he has no more under his control?
"Phew, that was a close one" Shunsui drawled out loud enough for Sota to hear over the raspy growls of his demonic guard dogs, resorting to his usual tactics of distraction now that he could see an end in sight "you very nearly blinded me"
"I was attempting to cut off your head" was the oddly casual reply. Not really fitting with the sight of three growing demonic beasts forming a protective barrier between them, nor with the fact Sota had just tried to decapitate him. He apparently wasn't aiming to bring the captain under his control, the fact wasn't exactly comforting
"Yare yare. And here I thought you were beginning to like me" Shunsui lowered his weapons slightly, giving the illusion he would be open for an attack. Uraharas spiritual pressure that had been pushing against his back cut off suddenly, extinguishing completely. Shunsui resisted the urge to look back again, keeping his gaze on the man grinning wildly across from him
"I wonder, if that.." Sota tilted his chin in the direction behind Kyoraku "means captain Urahara has been slain, or if he has successfully killed that third captain and is on the way here to assist me?"
"I guess we will find out" was the only thing Kyoraku could think to say. As formidable as Urahara is, Kyoraku had complete faith in Ukitake's skills. His old friend wouldn't fall that easily, nor quickly, even to someone as strong as Urahara. The fact that Urahara isn't the one in control, his brilliant mind seemingly locked up only further assured Kyoraku's confidence in his friend.
Kyoraku was also willing to bet on his fortune that Ukitake would be doing absolutely everything in his power to not hurt Urahara, even if he was attempting to end his life. Ukitake would try his damnedest to get Urahara out of the mind control, failing that, safely subdue him until Kyoraku had defeated Sota, thus hopefully allowing Urahara to gain back control
The enormous blast of Reiatsu was concerning though. Even from this distance Kyoraku could feel how powerful it was. While it may have posed more of a threat to Ukitake, Kyoraku was actually more concerned with how close it had been to Kumiko.
Kumiko had been so close to where the two powerhouses were fighting, and while he trusted Ukitake to try and put some distance between them, protect her from any attacks headed her way, the enormity of the blast would have effected her. Her own Reiatsu was weakened when he last saw her, it wouldn't have been a good defence against what he had felt Urahara release. Shunsui felt his heart twinge painfully at the thought of Kumiko, he couldn't even feel her Reiatsu anymore. Now that he thought about it, he hasn't felt any of their reiatsu since Uraharas enormous shockwave
Not allowing himself to Succumb to the possibilities, Shunsui gripped his zanpakuto tighter and lunged in for the next attack, subconsciously feeling out for any advancing spiritual pressure. As much as he trusted in Ukitake, he wasn't about to blindly have faith enough to not cover his own back.
Ukitake stared wide eyed as Urahara stilled completely, almost frozen in time, the zanpakuto raised ready to deliver its next blow hung suspended in the air. Taking a tentative step forward, Ukitake carefully judged Uraharas form, keeping his own twin zanpakuto in a defensive hold. His shoulder throbbed painfully in protest, gash oozing fresh blood at the contracting muscles.
"Urahara san?" Ukitake spoke softly as not to spook him, head tilted in trepidation. Another small step forward, Ukitake studied the others face, looking for a sign of his friends return. The deadly still, rigid stance was unsettling. "Urahara san, can you hear me?"
Uraharas muscles relaxed as suddenly as they had froze, arms dropped heavily, loosely hung at his sides, loosening grip of his hands had his zanpakuto dropping to the floor with a thud. "Urahara?" Ukitake questioned, hesitantly closing in on the man, just because Urahara was no longer armed didn't mean he was no longer dangerous. A sudden scream had Ukitake scrambling back hastily in surprise. It was raw, the anguished cry of incomprehensible pain, unlike anything Ukitake had ever heard coming from the younger captain. Urahara's spiritual pressure released suddenly, swirling around him in an electrically charged display of power. Hair whipping around his face, Ukitake rose his own to counter the onslaught fighting to push him away, feeling the powerful charge fight with his increased spiritual pressure
Urahara dropped heavily to his knees and let out another hoarse scream, eyes screwed shut and fists clenched at his side. He was shaking, fists clenched tight enough to turn his knuckles white."Urahara!" Ukitake shouted out to be heard over the dull roar of pure power his friend was admitting "Kisuke!"
Ukitake walked steadily closer, about to reach out a hand to lay on Uraharas shoulder when his eyes suddenly snapped open. An immense wall of iron like strength exploded out from him, pushing Ukitake away easily. Ukitake flash stepped away, skilfully landing near a stilled Kumiko before throwing out a quick
"Bakudo 81 Danku! " the translucent wall appeared before him, shielding himself and a wounded Kumiko from the onslaught of raw power. The shield began cracking under the attack, long veins striking across the kido, threatening to shatter it completely. Peering into the the dark, Ukitake watched Urahara as he screamed out in agony, desperately trying to come up with some way he can assist
As suddenly as it appeared, the immensely powered spiritual pressure snuffed out like a candle in a storm, extinguishing completely. No longer concentrating, the defensive wall shattered into a thousand pieces before disappearing into the nights sky. Sheathing his zanpakuto and with another use of flash step, Ukitake landed himself near Urahara. Hands planted on the grass, his arms shook with exhaustion as he held himself from falling to the ground. Slow heavy panting could be heard around painful whimpers
"Urahara?" Ukitake called softly. Urahara slowly sat back on his haunches, chest heaving breathlessly. Sweat was visible running down his temple, his eyes thankfully the light grey that should always be found there
"that" Urahara panted weakly, hands gently coming up to rub the side of his head, soothing the remnants of pain "was excruciating"
Ukitake didn't ask if he ment the pain of breaking out from the possession or the hold itself, instead he watched as Urahara rose shakily to his feet, teetering unsteadily as he rose. Quickly Ukitake steadied him, watching him with concern
"You should sit back down" he muttered while Urahara shook his head
"Where's Kyoraku?" He asked while bending down to retrieve his fallen zanpakuto, wincing at the red tinge on the blade.
"He went after Sota" Ukitake indicated the direction with his head. When Urahara made to walk in that direction, the older captain grabbed hold of his upper arm, keeping him in place with a firm grasp "you're in no condition to fight "
Uraharas gaze fell on his injured shoulder, the wound he had inflicted. Guilt flashed over his face, shoulders sagged defeatedly. Ukitake was in no condition to fight either, not with the wound he himself had inflicted
"I need to start healing Kumiko, come sit where I can keep an eye on you" Ukitake pressed with an authoritative tone, trying to gently steer the shaken man to where Kumiko laid.
Urahara placed his hand on the one Ukitake was using to keep him in place, gently peeling him off. Once free, Urahara took a step back before muttering "Sorry Ukitake, I can't, I need to finish this" and promptly flash stepped away before the other could attempt to stop him
"URAHARA!" Ukitake called after him, ready to follow when a weak cough brought him back to the dire state of Kumiko "shit" he let the rare curse escape.
Hurrying over to Kumiko, Ukitake fell to his knees at her side, gasping softly at the bloody sight. Her clothes were damp with blood, pale hand laid weakly over the wound in her abdomen, sticky red coating her palms and fingers. Muttering a healing spell, Ukitake hovered his hands over the open wound, praying Kuchiki had gotten hold of the fourth and will come to assist him. Sooner rather than later. This was beyond his level of healing, she needed Unohana.
"Ukitake?" Kumiko breathed, little more than a whisper, her eyes fluttered open, pale face scrunched up in pain
"Im here, Kumiko." He soothed her, relaxing his face not to show worry. The hole in her stomach oozed fresh blood with each shallow breath she took. The tangy iron smell was pungent this close to her.
"Kisuke?" The whispered question had him grimacing. Ukitake was concerned for Urahara, his unsteadiness plainly showed how effected the man had been by the whole ordeal. A small part of him could sympathise with Uraharas need to finish it, to see with his own eyes the end of the man who had tortured his mind. He selfishly would've preferred him to stay by his side and assist in the first aid on Kumiko, he was out of his depth for this level of healing
"Gone to assist Shunsui" he spoke softly to her, hoping his voice held steady, offering reassurance she so desperately needed"Im sure they'll return soon"
"Im sorry" Kumiko said around a soft sob. Ukitake looked to her face, saw a tear escape from her eye to travel down her cheek and into her hair messily fanned about the grass below them "tell Shunsui, I'm sorry"
"shh" He soothed her, wishing there was a way to physically comfort her. His hands held steady above her wound, pouring his spiritual pressure into the wound to heal . "There's nothing to be sorry for. Stay awake for me Kumiko"
"I'm sorry" Kumikos quiet words slurred, eye lids flickering weakly. "I can't.."
"Kumiko!" Ukitake pressed firmly, trying to urge Kumikos slipping eyelids to remain open. "Kumiko, stay awake"
Her eyes closed regardless of his pleas, hands falling from her stomach limply as she slipped into unconsciousness. A tickle in the back of his throat threatened to turn into a coughing fit. Ukitake tried to stifle the cough in vain as one pushed through. The tightening of his chest had Ukitake closing his eyes, desperately willing the sensations to pass
Not now he silently prayed please not now
Kyoraku huffed out a breath of air, trying to move the unruly curl obstructing his vision. He had struck the final hidoi deep in its heart, ripping up his zanpakuto through the demonic beasts chest and out its shoulder before it fizzled away back into the depths of hell. Shunsui could feel his hands protesting the grip he had on his weapons, he could already anticipate the new callouses that would form. An easy price to pay.
Sota stood across from him, eyes wild with a deranged urgency. Now that his small army had been defeated, he had no choice but to face the captain head on or to try his luck running away. Shunsui watched as his eyes darted around, looking for an escape route. Normally this would be where Kyoraku offered his opponent the opportunity to surrender, allow them to hand over their weapon and be taken into custody willingly. Sota would not be getting that option.
Kyoraku took a slow step forward, eyes locked onto Sota like a predator closing in on its prey. Watching out for any subconscious tells indicating a retreat. Kyoraku kept his weight even, ready to push forward with speed to block off any attempt of escape. Another sure step forward had Sota tightening the grip on his own zanpakuto, cocky sureness slipping through the cracks of his panic.
"Looks like it's just you an me" Kyoraku spoke softly, keeping Sotas attention firmly on himself. Sotas jaw clenched, staring at Kyoraku with what could only be described as manic hatred. Kyoraku saw the leg twitch, preparing him milliseconds before Sotas sudden roar as he surged forward. Kyoraku met him with his own flash step, meeting the assault head on. The clash of deadly weapons reverberated in their ears.
Sota was indeed a powerful shinigami, Kyoraku had to admit as their swords pushed against eachother in a competition, their arms shook with the force they were pushing. Shunsui gritted his teeth, pulling as much strength as he could before pushing back. Unfortunately for Sota, hidden under Shunsui's loose clothing and smattering of hair laid a large body of pure muscle. Even without his spiritual pressure, Shunsui was a physically strong man. Sotas foot sliding back on the dewy grass had him retreating, hopping back to gain some distance. Kyoraku chased him eagerly, not letting up on the assault.
Kyoraku kept up a familiar rhythm, block, attack with left, block, attack with right. Waiting for the predictability of his attacks to sink through to Sota, hopefully creating an opening for him to deliver a final blow. Sota fell into the rythm easily, predictably fitting in to Kyorakus dance. Kyoraku saw the look harden in the enemy's eyes, could almost hear the others mind working out how to use Kyorakus fighting style against him to administer a blow of his own
Kyoraku took his chance, waiting for Sota to deviate from their structure came in the form of Sota raising his zanpakuto high, both hands tightly gripping the hilt ready to bring down on the captains head when he was supposed to be preparing for a body shot. Kyoraku acted quick, left hand darting out to sink his zanpakuto through the man's exposed chest.
The sudden appearance of a bloody zanpakuto stopping inches before his eyes had Kyoraku jerking his body to the right. Sota stood at the end of his zanpakuto, blood spluttering from his mouth as he choked on the zanpakuto going through his neck. Shunsui jerked his weapon out of the body of the dying man, the same time the other weapon ripped out harshly. Sotas body landed heavily in the grass, gargling painfully, suffocating on his own blood.
Urahara stood opposite, hat casting his face into darkness as he stared down at the dying man fighting his last breaths. Bloody zanpakuto gripped tightly in his quivering hand. Shunsui panted heavily, adrenaline coursing through his vains at the near miss Uraharas zanpakuto had with his face. That was twice he had a near miss with something aiming for his face. His arms sagged at his side as Sota drew out his last haggard breath, life leaving behind his eyes, body falling limp.
Shunsui regarded Urahara a carefully, face cast in shadow, he wasn't able to determine yet if he were friend or foe. "Urahara?" He tentatively called, not yet releasing the hold on his weapons until he knew for sure. Those precious few seconds having to redraw his zanpakuto could be fatal with an opponent such as Urahara
Uraharas head snapped up at the call, grey eyes boring into his own. Shunsuis chest heaved with a sigh of relief at the sight. Relaxing, Shunsui called back his zanpakutos spirit, allowing them to return from their shikai state to be sheathed back at his waist. He looked unharmed, but given the darkness of night he voiced the concern out loud "are you alright?" The large hand he had intended to place comfortingly on the man's shoulder missed to cup thin air as Urahara ducked his head and began walking away
"m'fine" the reply came quietly, sounding defeated in a clipped monotone way. It hardly sounded like Urahara at all.
"Woah, hold up" Shunsui persisted, he reached out again to grab Uraharas wrist, pulling him to a stop when he refused to look at him
"I said I'm fine". Urahara snapped, pulling his wrist free. Shunsui raised his own loftily in surrender. Urahara turned heel once more, briskly walking back from where he came "Im fine but Ukitake isn't. Neither is Kumiko"
"what happened to Ukitake?" Shunsui pressed, jogging to catch up to him. The agonising look the passed on Urahara face was confession enough, he had hurt Ukitake when under Sotas mind control"Urahara" Shunsui started softly, it wasn't Uraharas fault, he needed to know that.
"Later. We need to help them"
Shunsui stared at where Urahara was before he flash stepped away. He pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a deep sigh. Sparing Sota one final look of disgust for hurting so many people, Shunsui flash stepped after Urahara. He was right, Kumiko and Ukitake were a more pressing matter at this moment. Urahara would have to wait