Chpt 13 – The way of a Soul Reaper

*Flashback*

At sundown, a red sky glowed bright. A gentle breeze rippled through the Soul Society, gently stirring tall grasses. On a hill stood two figures: Byakuya Kuchiki and Toshiro Hitsugaya - Captains of the Soul Society's Gotei 13 Soul Reapers.

Crowds gathered eagerly, filled with anticipation as an epic duel was about to begin. Grasses on a hillside swayed gently in response to gentle wind gusts, creating an idyllic, dream-like environment.

"So, It appears this is it." Toshiro replied in a low voice.

Byakuya nodded. "Let us begin," he announced.

Byakuya had to admit he was excited; even though he knew he was the superior swordsman, there was something thrilling and exhilarating about battling an equal competitor. Byakuya had long been competitive; but now was finally his chance - something Toshiro and him had anticipated since meeting each other.

Toshiro was less excited. Over time, his relationship with Byakuya had soured; thus, he was keenly aware that this battle may not go smoothly but nonetheless he was determined to prove himself superior despite any difficulties training with Byakuya for years prior to their fight. Knowing full well that his rival was skilled enough, Toshiro knew this battle wouldn't come easily.

Two people stood silently gazing upon one another, trying to discern each other's intentions and feeling the tension build as onlookers eagerly anticipated who would initiate first.

Byakuya and Toshiro were poised with their swords drawn, ready to engage. A silence fell over the crowd when Byakuya and Toshiro locked swords without yielding; their clash of metal against metal resonated through the air along with their harsh breaths.

Byakuya then took his turn, attacking Toshiro with a swift sword slash to his midsection - but Toshiro quickly counterattacked by parrying it away and landing a powerful blow that forced Byakuya backward. The crowd enthusiastically cheered at this fierce rivalry!

The two captains continued their epic duel, exchanging blows with unparalleled skill and intensity - never relenting an inch! Each was trying to gain the upper hand over his opponent by attacking and parrying against one another's attacks, to gain ground against their adversary.

Audience members were stunned as two captains engaged in an intense and vicious struggle, prompting some bettors to pick the victor from such equally matched combatants.

As nightfall approached and both captains reached an impasse; their blades began moving more slowly and both showed signs of fatigue.

Byakuya finally managed to strike again, linking his blade with Toshiro's and sending him flying backwards causing widespread alarm prompting an audible gasp from everyone present during this violent scene unfolding before them.

Toshiro rose back up, ready for another attack.

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Sayuri quickly reached the summit of the hill where Byakuya and Toshiro lay exhausted from their battle, something told her this wasn't just another duel of skill. As she ran towards them, she screamed out for them to stop fighting.

Sayuri's unexpected arrival immediately grabbed both captains' attention, who had been too focused on one another to notice her approaching. Both captains quickly turned towards her with swords held high - leaving Sayuri reeling from what seemed like an intense fight that quickly escalated as they engaged her directly; her heart raced with fear as it became obvious they had been fighting over her.

She stopped short as two sets of eyes turned towards her, looking back. She begged them both to stop fighting and begged that no harm come their way on account of her. Any more arguments would only add fuel to this fire - fighting further would only increase tensions further.

"Please!" she begged them both, shaking with emotion, as her voice broke into a sobbed plea to stop fighting and end this dispute once and for all. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she begged them both to drop their swords and put an end to this fight immediately.

Byakuya looked upon her with surprise and admiration; Toshiro looked upon her with concern before nodding in agreement and finally sheathing their swords moving away from one another.

The crowd gasped as Sayuri ran up to Toshiro and unexpectedly hugged him tightly - shocking all who witnessed it.

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Kaien burst through the door of Toshiro's office gasping heavily and out of breath, his eyes filled with urgency as his voice tightened quickly as he spoke: "Toshiro! There's a Hollow near here! Let's leave quickly!"

Toshiro had been sitting quietly at his desk when suddenly he stood up, his eyes widening with surprise as his jaw dropped open in shock. "What?! Where?" he exclaimed incredulously.

"I don't have time to explain," Kaien replied, gesturing for him to follow him. "We must leave now!"

Toshiro grasped his sword as Kaien led him out into the hall with urgency for their mission. Running down the corridor and out through the door, they then bolted down the street at high speed towards Sayuri's office where they heard noises coming from the Hollow close by.

Kaien and Toshiro quickly realized that Sayuri had become alarmed.

Kaien gasped as he attempted to catch his breath. "Sayuri," Kaien stated through exertion. "There's a Hollow nearby."

Sayuri's eyes widened in surprise, her face turning white in horror as she realized if they did not act quickly the Hollow would unleash untold destruction on them all. "What's the plan?" she demanded in a weak voice.

Kaien nodded and suggested they head out together on this mission of defense and assault. "This should be simple!" Kaien announced confidently.

Sayuri stood before them with fear and resolve, knowing this decision risked their lives but seeing no alternative options available to her. She stood firmly and confidently said "Let's go!" in a firm tone of voice.

Fear and determination fueled their every move as they ran from office to street in search of the Hollow. When they finally got there, they discovered an enormous beast larger than any they had encountered previously - they all knew the battle ahead would be a difficult fight.

Kaien charged forward with both hands clenched into fists, striking the hollow's chest with a powerful punch that sent it flying backwards with an audible thud. Toshiro quickly followed suit, his sword cutting into its side before Sayuri unleashed an explosion of spiritual energy from her palms that enveloped all, releasing an intense light and sending shockwaves of pain coursing throughout its body.

Kaien charged forward, raising his sword high above his head. Toshiro and Sayuri quickly followed with weapons drawn. When Kaien collided with the Hollow, all three engaged it fiercely as swords flashed and blades clanged desperately trying to defeat it.

Toshiro and Sayuri each took out their respective zanpakuto to fight against the Hollow, their blades glowing brightly as they prepared for battle. Toshiro used Hyorinmaru, an exquisite weapon hand crafted by divine hands; Sayuri chose Aazessai which initially seemed fragile but Hitsugaya knew better: this weapon's true strength lay not in its form but in the person wielding it.

Hitsugaya recognized the Hollow's pulse-like power and knew it would pose an interesting challenge; therefore, he raised his zanpakuto high over his head and narrowed his eyes in preparation.

Hitsugaya advanced towards the Hollow's left side while Sayuri headed right, moving with grace that belied their youth; every step taken with precision.

Hitsugaya was poised and prepared for battle when suddenly, from out of nowhere, the Hollow attacked him with its clawed hands reaching out for him. Raising Hyorinmaru to parry this attack and send back its attacker, sending sparks flying. Hitsugaya then attempted to counter strike with his zanpakuto; but again this attempt was blocked. Hitsugaya then attempted a swift counter strike but once more it failed against its foe.

Sayuri was also engaged in an intense battle, lunging towards the Hollow with Aazessai in hand and using its counterattack of blasting energy - only narrowly dodging its blast before striking with Aazessai for an audible bang that echoed throughout the air and knocked it back down again - to Sayuri's delight the Hollow was back up on its feet glaring resentfully at her. She simply shrugged off its attack with Aazessai.

Hitsugaya was attacked once more by the Hollow. Hitsugaya quickly raised his zanpakuto to block, sending sparks flying as both collided against each other - Jumping back, Hitsugaya quickly readied himself for another counterattack with Hyorinmaru, quickly slashing at it in order to strike out at it from behind.

Kaien and Sayuri drew closer, ready to strike with weapons at their sides and prepared to strike at any moment when suddenly, the hollow released an earthshaking roar and lightning flashed across its body; charging forward with claws extended and teeth baring; Kaien and Sayuri quickly leap aside while Toshiro charges forward to strike again, sending its body flying backward into the earth.

The three remain firm, gripping tightly onto their weapons as the hollow appears before them with glowing red eyes and unleashing a deafening roar, before charging forward again. Kaien and Toshiro quickly strike at it simultaneously with weapons which penetrate deep into its flesh while Sayuri prepares her spiritual energy which collides with it before sending it flying across the sky and eventually collapsing on to the ground below again.

Kaien and Toshiro approach Sayuri with great exhaustion but a sense relief at seeing her standing tall with spiritual energy coursing through her. She smiles warmly towards them both before nodding her appreciation and turning away back towards the hollow.

Toshiro suddenly notices with shock that the hollow has vanished.

Kaien and Sayuri were taken aback as The Hollow approached before them with its pale yellow eyes narrowed at them ready to strike out at any moment. Both Kaien and Sayuri stood frozen with fear as The Hollow made its move.

Kaien took it upon himself to provide protection for Sayuri.

Sayuri shrieked and attempted to pull Kaien away with her, but Kaien quickly grabbed her by the arm and pushed her to the side while telling her to flee from danger. Kaien then engaged the Hollow and attempted to parry and block its attacks; but quickly it became evident that he was not a match for it this time.

The Hollow was able to successfully cut Kaien's chest open, inflicting severe pain that sent him screaming before collapsing on the ground - leaving his sword lying shattered nearby.

Sayuri rushed towards Kaien with tears streaming down her cheeks as she gently held him close - only for them to discover that the Hollow was already lurking nearby, poised with its claws outstretched, ready to strike again.

Just then, Toshiro came running towards the Hollow in anger - determined to protect Sayuri and Kaien no matter what.

He harnessed his spiritual strength and unleashed devastating attacks upon the Hollow. Although they were initially avoided by it, eventually its defenses collapsed under its weight, wounding it severely and forcing it backward.

Toshiro moved swiftly, grabbing Kaien and attempted to drag him away from the fight; however, Toshiro realized he could no longer help; Kaien lay limp in his arms, his breathing shallow.

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Saying goodbye was the hardest thing Sayuri and Toshiro had ever done.

As Kaien lay dying, his shallow breathing the only proof of life left in him, they all looked at each other one last time, sharing a glance of love, sorrow, and resignation. They had done everything they could, but in the end, the battle with the hollow had been too much for him.

Sayuri ran her hand across Kaien's forehead, feeling the cool sweat of his skin beneath her fingertips. She couldn't help the tears that ran down her cheeks. She had never expected to have to say goodbye to the man who she looked up to as a big brother and who she admired so deeply.

Toshiro's heart was in pieces as he watched Sayuri's tears. He had never felt so helpless in his life. He had known Kaien since he was a boy, and he had grown to think of him as a brother as well.

The two of them stayed by Kaien's side, cradling him in their arms until his last breath. They both knew that this was the end, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.

Kaien smiled; his spirit lingering in the air as his life force slowly ebbed away. He felt a calmness he had never experienced, a sense of serenity he had never known in life. He looked up at the sky, and the stars twinkled brightly above him, as if they were bidding him farewell.

"Sayuri, Toshiro," he said, his voice weak yet full of emotion. "Take my sword. I don't need it anymore. The battle is over."

Sayuri let out a choked sob and shook her head. "No, Kaien," she said, her voice trembling. "We can't take your sword. It was your sword. It was your symbol."

Kaien nodded and closed his eyes. He could feel his life slipping away as his spirit drifted up into the night sky.

"I think I understand now," he said. "The true strength of a Soul Reaper doesn't lie in his sword. It lies in his loyalty, his courage, and his spirit. I am glad to have fought beside you and I'm glad I was able to call you guys my friends until the end. You must live on to be great captains promise me! You two must take good care of each other, a love like yours is rare to find."

The light in Kaien's eyes faded away, and he breathed his last breath.

Sayuri and Toshiro stood motionless, tears streaming freely down their faces. Though their friend had left this world behind them, they could still sense his presence within the air.

With tears pouring down her face Sayuri desperately attempted to revive Kaien even knowing there wasn't much she could do for him. Toshiro stood silently by, helplessly watching.

Toshiro then noticed the Hollow approaching and immediately stopped; upon seeing its jaw open wide and thunderous voice coming directly at him; Toshiro could feel his eardrums vibrate under its assault but continued running forward anyway, expending all his strength and courage on running forward with no intention to turn back.

As Toshiro approached closer, he saw the Hollow raise its arm and understand what was about to happen: an attack using powerful blasts of energy which could destroy anything in its path. Toshiro braced himself and was ready for battle when he heard a voice which stopped him in his tracks: something had made him realize this wasn't happening as planned.

"Toshiro!"

It was Sayuri's voice, weak and trembling, but still strong enough to be heard. Toshiro turned his head and saw her, falling to the ground. Blood spilling from her mouth as she looked at him. her long hair disheveled and her body covered in cuts and bruises.

How could this happen? The hollow was just in front of him and disappeared in an instant. He realized that the hollow tricked him to get to Sayuri while she is in her most vulnerable state.

Instantaneously, Toshiro felt his fear dissipate as his courage rose with each breath he took. Knowing he must protect Sayuri no matter what, Toshiro gritted his teeth and moved forward faster than ever thought possible - leaping forward as his sword lashed out with satisfying satisfaction against the Hollows skin.

Toshiro took full advantage of this opening to advance his attack against the Hollow, driving it back until it collapsed into defeat on its back. Slashing and hacking at it relentlessly until its power had finally given out and started to disappear into ashes.

The powerful hollow had proved too much for them. He desperately tried to do something to prevent this tragedy from unfolding; all he could do was watch in horror as his mentor, teacher and friend was killed instantly by one of its blows.

He murmured incoherently: "Kaien," his voice breaking slightly. "I'm so sorry."

Toshiro closed his eyes tightly, wiping away tears that threatened to come pouring down his cheeks. His heart felt heavy and cold like it had been frozen tight in a thousand layers of ice; Toshiro wanted this momentary silence to remain forever; unfortunately, a noise behind him interrupted this thought process.

Turning his head, he saw Sayuri struggling to stand, her pale face and body trembling as she gripped a nearby tree limb for support. Her labored breathing told him she had been seriously injured during their fight, sending chills through his veins. His heart broke.

Quickly, Toshiro ran to her side, catching her before she collapsed. As soon as he saw that she was beginning to lose consciousness and still bleeding heavily, his heart raced with fear - it was now time for Toshiro to get her to safety before it was too late.

Hefting her up in his arms, Toshiro made his way quickly to the infirmary as her eyes fluttered open.

"Toshiro," she whispered weakly.

He bent down, brushing her hair away from her face.

"Don't worry," he murmured reassuringly, "everything will turn out fine."

But even as he said it, Toshiro knew it was a lie. He had failed Kaien, and now he was failing Sayuri. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks.

Although the battle was won, the cost was too high.