9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone

The garden fell silent, other than the slight ticking noise of the zanpakutou falling into the ground just in front of a large tree, covered in the kido simulated snow, followed by the fabric as he sat down facing the sword's flat edge. Shuunske quickly fell into a state of relaxation as he had done many times before. He heard everything for a split second: the sounds of the small river that flowed in the animated room, and small and large trees bending under the weight of the white falling illusion, and the snow itself as well, tapping the ground as it fell. Then it all went silent, and Shuunske closed his eyes.

Darkness consumed him, and he saw nothing. More layers of darkness wove themselves into the black, and more and more until there was a swirling pattern of dark black, and lighter black, fading still into white, where the colors made one last swirl together to create a large disc, on it, the known and respected two sides of the yin and yang diagram. Shuunske opened his eyes. He was on this disc, sitting as he was, cross legged and calm. The disc was the only thing not moving in this new dark world. Water surrounded the disc that was seemingly made of a thick floating metal. Small waves came from all around. Dark water lay to his right, were the dark end of the yin yang fell, and to this left, where the white end of the yin yang fell, the water was much lighter, as if lights were shining up from below it.

The metal disc that Shuunske was on was completely dry, despite the immense waves that surrounded him, and Shuunske alike was completely dry and untouched by any moisture. His blue eyes looked over the water based terrain as if looking for something. Half of Shuunske's face was shadowed and in the dark of the yin yang world, and the other had light hitting it, making the different in his eyes from dark blue and almost black, to icy blue that was striking. His sword was gone completely.

“Kirisami.”

Shuunske spoke, the words not coming out alone. With them came a noise that fading into the words, as if he was just moving his mouth, and the words were coming from all over in an echo like fashion. They echoed for a second, the large waves making no noise at all even though they were huge in size, and would normally create deafening explosive sounds.

There was no answer. Only the utter silence of this world. Shuunske spoke again.

“Kirisami.”

Once again the words did not come at once as Shuunske's mouth moved, but came in an echo that seemed to come a half beat slower than he was speaking, only the beginning of the echo coming as he spoke out, and then the entire phrase coming a second later.

Immediately there was a snickering that rang clear, muddled by something. The sound came from underneath Shuunske, and under the disc, under the water. The snickering lasted what seemed like an entire minute to Shuunske's ears, because of the echoing of the world he sat in.

“Yessss Shuunske?

The voice hissed like a snake. Shuunske looked up as he heard the first noise of the world, this time coming from above him. Dark rain clouds, almost black in color were coming in fast, and swirling above him as if to make a tornado, but none was made. They kept swirling in this fashion however.

Shuunske knew he was finally coming.

The snickering stopped as if cracking suddenly, and Shuunske's eyes opened, not moving himself, but not being afraid to let his eyes search violently for the source of the hissing language. Then he saw it, and Shuunske almost jumped, but remained silent, his face not showing his startled heart in the least, looking completely bland of emotion, and unimpressed.

A white hand clapped against the metal disc, only the wet fingers visible. It was an elegant hand, beautiful, and not damaged by the water or wrinkled at all. The next hand slapped itself, fingers first onto the metal disc that lay in the ocean like world. The second hand that came up, to Shuunske's right, naturally then the left hand of the owner, wore a bracelet. It too looked young and beautiful, but it did not fool Shuunske as it had done many times before. The bracelet was made of what looked like a white silver, and had the design of a closed eye on it. But this was not the ordinary bracelet.

Before anymore of the hand's owner showed itself, the bracelet's closed eye moved, and then opened, revealing an entire eye inside the bracelet, looking as though made of real tissue but maintaining the silver like features. It looked Shuunske straight in the eyes, focusing on one then the other, as if they were different people.

“Back again, little Shuunske?”

The voice echoed, only this time not from under the disc or water, but from right close to him. The hands fell away from the yin yang, and back into the water. Silence was created again, just before a rippling wave came just in front of Shuunske's vision, the wave spiraling and twisting. All the sudden the water and wave burst into a series of bubbles that floated in mid air spinning until they faded into vapors revealing him – Kirisami – the most powerful water type zanpakutou in all of Soul Society.

Floating in the water, arms outstretched, Kirisami was revealed as a pearly white boy, not looking much older than Shuunske, however hardly human. The boy had a muscular torso, but very thin and skinny. His hands were webbed like that of a fish's fins, and under his muscular chest, two gills were cut into his sides, right under his pectoral muscles.

The boy wore a grin, and had fine perfect features, like Shuunske himself, only not the same features. Light blue hair came from the spirit's head, and was held back in a pony tail. The hair moved like it was underwater, defying gravity, and swirling around his head as it does when submerged.

Kirisami's waist was abruptly ended from human form and thrown into that of a more fish like presence as silver transparent fins came from just below his navel and belly button – fins that wrapped all the way around his waist. Below these fins began the scaly tail that was beautiful and looked as if each scale was made from diamonds and crystals. The tail was long and ended in a strong and beautiful tail, like that of a fish.

The water than he floated on held a silver glow, and rose around him, as if it as well was not held by gravity. From there, the further away from his the water was, the less it retained the silver glow, until it was dark black or lighter colors again.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Water_spirit___color_by_pandabaka

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Water_spirit___color_by_pandabaka

“Back ssssso ssssssoon Shuunske?”

Shuunske nodded. It was a timid nod.

“Our time is up. It is time to get serious.” Shuunske looked up and straight into the eyes of the spirit, Kirisami moving as gracefully as the water that flowed around him, a stiffening darkness laying behind his eyes. Chills ran down Shuunske's back, all the way down to his legs.

Kirisami grinned a treacherous grin and replied, his voice velvety, and his movements snake like: “Ssso sssoon? Meaning I will get to sssee that man again?” Kirisami laughed a sort of egotistical chuckle, devious in nature, and meaning he had been waiting to experience the energy of the man Shuunske had fought in the woods for that brief moment. Shuunske wished he felt the same. He did not though. He was scared.

As if reading the emotions from Shuunske like he was a book, Kirisami spoke again, teasing Shuunske with his words.

“Isss the legend boy ssso ssscared of the grizzled old man? Fear is what will cut you down you know Shuunske.” The words were sharp, and cut into Shuunske. He knew it was true. Fear made one hold back for their own life, and that was what would be their down fall. But he had fought on a higher level than Shuunske. It was rare that Shuunske felt this way about another opponent, and it meant they were strong.

“I know. That is why I am here – Kirisami. Are you ready to face him again? This time I will need you from the starts, and I need to know that you are at full power. The enemy is close, and that means that battle is about to ensue. I cannot go easy on the enemies at hand. They are... unlike anything I have encountered before...” Shuunske was cut off.

“There isss no need to doubt me Shuunske. I have never failed you before have I? Go now, and worry about the weak linksss on your ssside. Ussse your ssstrength to make the ssstronger. I will be ready... just call me when you need me. Until then my master...”

Shuunske smiled a reassuring smile, and closed his eyes once more. Kirisami was right. He had been too focused on his own life, and fearful to the point that it was becoming his own undoing. He could not focus on himself any longer. He needed to help those around them.

Kirisami's voice cut through his thoughts, and rang in his head as the blackness started to swirl again, bringing him back to his own thoughts, and consciousness, back in the real world.

“Remember Shuunske! Fear is what will cut you down, nothing more than that can cut down someone such as you. Nothing...” The words grew distant, and Shuunske heard the words “Weak links” repeated over and over again until he opened his eyes.

His eyes looked at the light room, now both of them the misty bright blue gray like that of a husky. The snow kept falling around him peacefully.

“Weak links,” Shuunske whispered to himself, barely audible.

“Referring to Hiiro, Shuunske-boy?”

Shuunske shot his head up and saw Muriasachi standing over him, Jun behind him, waiting at one of the doors into the garden. A scowl immediately animated Shuunske's face. He hated when Muriasachi crept up on him like that, and waited in still silence until Shuunske noticed him.

“Who said that you could enter here, Muriasachi-san?” Shuunske spoke in a firm voice, hiding his annoyance towards the other captain.

“Oh? I was unaware that you had or even could order such a thing to be kept off limits to another captain, Shuunske-boy. I...” Muriasachi froze as Shuunske rose, grabbing his sword from the ground, and placing it back into his sheath remembering the last encounter he had with Shuunske in this room. It ended with him on the ground, and embarrassed. He could not let a woman and a lower rank such as Jun see him having to submit to someone like Shuunske. He wanted to remain absolute, and hold the illusion that he was the most capable here, even though it was common knowledge that Shuunske was the strongest captain in battle.

“... I came here to inform you of the situation. Kasumi wishes to see you as soon as possible, and I have news. Not good news I am afraid.” Muriasachi had started to speak almost respectfully, though the reluctance was clear in his voice, and Shuunske could hear it easily. But then he changed his vocal patterns once more, and started to speak as if haughty and proud of himself, as if he was once again the superior to Shuunske.

“...As I predicted, the enemies that you encountered outside of the reiatsu suppression radius of the safe house here are closer than ever. We need to mobilize and wait for the attack if we...”

Shuunske cut him off, taking charge once again.

“No. We will do no such thing as wait for anything. I was not chosen to come on this mission because of my position alone Muriasachi-san. With all due respect, we need to be the ones that lead the first attack against these enemies.”

Muriasachi looked surprised, and as if he was thinking, before retorting back.

“But Shuunske-boy, that would be more than foolish. We have the weaker hand dealt to us as far as odds. We don't even know how to rate any of their powers or abilities or chart any statistics on them. And we don't know anything about them, or how many they have in numbers. To attack them head on would be foolish.” Muriasachi spoke as if it was all so obvious.

“Muriasachi-san, whether we attack or defend will not change anything about our knowledge of them or any statistics we may be able to achieve. The only thing that defending would do would be to lead them straight to the safe house, as apposed to choosing the place where we want to have the battle. We can learn about them as we fight. That is our only option... Please take me to Kasumi-san and Hiiro-chan please Jun-sama. Muriasachi, if you would, please try one last time to mobilize communications with Soul Society, and resume control over your division. I want them to continuously try to reach a point of communication with Soul Society using every means needed.” Shuunske spoke in a clear voice that dictated command. Jun nodded when she received her orders, and Muriasachi did as well, finally taking Shuunske's word as the law in the provided situation.

“Muriasachi-san, I will need you on the front lines with me, and you as well Jun-san. Please get ready to move. Go.” Shuunske started walking, gracefully gliding over the garden, past the tomb stone. He did not look at its printing, he tried to never look.

Jun opened the door, and they began to walk through the familiar setting of the beautiful safe house. It was not long before Jun and Shuunske were at the dojo style room where most of the training had been taking place. Jun opened the door and bowed as Shuunske walked past her. This kind of absent obedience did not sit well with him. He had always received this kind of treatment, even before he was a shinigami captain, just because of his royal blood. Everyone was always bowing and grovelling in front of, or behind him. It made him sick. Sure he was a higher rank, but was all of that needed.

Shuunske walked into the wooden floored room where the huge TV like machine sat, complete with the pink and red chords that sprung from it, looking like arteries, and veins of a human built into a wall. It was still black, and lifeless. No communication had been reached. They were still alone.

Since Jun has been with Muriasachi, a replacement 12th division man had been sent up. He as well looked like he had been working for Muriasachi for too long, and looked skinny and frail. Jun motioned to him, and he started walking for the exit of the room, moving past Shuunske as the rest of that division did, all looking like shamed slaves as they bowed to him.

Just then Shuunske's hair was moved by the wind of high speed movement as Kasumi whizzed past him, using the flash step, landing for a second, and then whizzing off again to the other side of the room.

To his surprise, Hiiro repeating these motions, performing what most would see happening during warming up for something, and running from one side of a court to the other, only using the flash step. Kasumi kept zooming back and forth, it all coming easy to him, and Hiiro, at a somewhat slower pace trying to keep up.

That being said, Shuunske could not easily see her using his bare eyes when she used her own shunpo. He smiled. And said “Enough,” in a loud but calm voice.

At once they stopped using the flash step. And noticed Shuunske's presence. Shuunske's smile remained intact. He had not been seen much over the past two weeks, aside from when he was checking in on Hiiro and Kasumi to judge progress. Hiiro was a very fast learner, and would be the perfect person to learn from Kasumi. They were both built for the same style of fighting, only Hiiro had never learned that style.

“Save your energy Hiiro-chan. And Kasumi-san, try not to work yourself to hard. Muriasachi-san's predictions were correct, and we are beginning to mobilize. Kasumi-san, and Hiiro-chan, clean up, and get ready to leave. I want you here in 30 minutes. The enemy is close, and there is not telling if they may find us. Muriasachi seems to think that they could not find us with the barriers that conceal our presence. And that is why we are going to mobilize the first attack. You two will be with me. Got it? ...Oh... and good work Hiiro-chan! You are doing well. Well enough to fight on the front line with us. Get ready. This is going to be harder than you think.”

Shuunske turned as if to leave room for the two to clean up, and get the appropriate attire on for full fledged battle in conditions like they were in. It would not do to have your hand go numb against enemies like this, who seemed to work well in this harsh environment. It was getting late, and this was another red flag. They needed to make the attack before night fell, and vision was an issue.

“Jun-sama, go back down to Muriasachi, and wait for him to give you further orders. I want everyone ready within thirty minutes. Is that clear?”

Jun nodded and walked away swiftly. And so it was beginning. Shuunske's first mission as captain.

It was all like some graceful dream. The kind when you flew through space but felt not a single breath of air upon your face, the feeling that you were floating, flying. If it could be, Hiiro would find some way to remain in that feeling of limbo for as long as she could.

Shunpo was graceful; As soon as she achieved it she craved the feeling. The power to know you had moved to quickly with so little movements, the speed.
The feeling kept her training even after Kasumi had dismissed her.

The day had started as it had in the past. Hiiro met with Kasumi to resume training and practicing Shunpo. Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and train. So far in the morning this had gone perfectly routine.

But even from the silence of the Dojo room, Hiiro could feel the anxious feelings from the others. Something was going on, and they were not being told about it. She could see it from the soft looks other glanced to each other as they passed by, with the secretive whispers and hurried steps. Hiiro could feel it to, as though a dark cloud hung over their hearts.

Hiiro had to relax, and take a breath, if something was to happen. She would hear about it. So would Kasumi and he was right here with her. Taking a calming breath she opened her eyes, and watched as Kasumi blurred out of her vision. He was suddenly moving too fast for her own eyes to track. But she could feel him now.

After days of training she could feel his Reitasu as though it were her own. Every beat every pulse she felt and moved according to it. To the point when she followed his steps as quickly behind him as she could. Still know where neat his level of skill. But she prided on the fact that she could keep up.

Hiiro came to a halt, her feet skidding upon the smooth white floors. Sunibunki weighed on her Hip. She had to hold the blade steady so her balance would not be thrown off. It had also become a reflex to rest her hand upon the hilt of her Zanbkatou. It was much easier to react to Kasumi’s attacks if she was already ready to draw her weapon.

They had been at this constant training for over four hours. The 12th Division guard seated at the front of the room looked weathered and beat. His arms folded against his frail looking chest and his eyes were half lidded and dark. Often Hiiro wondered if he had simply fallen asleep…or if he died. But a great deal of the 12th division looked fragile and sickly to her. Lack of color and facial expressions would do that to a person.

Both of them came to a halt once more. Hiiro was standing her back to the large blank screen. She could see the red and purple appendages race across the white walls and burrow deep into the wood work. It almost seemed like the communications didn’t belong, as though it was a parasite that had infected the clean whiteness of the safe house. Though she was biased, after countless hours of frustrating work and trying to help Jun find a way to reach the soul society through it, they were both unsuccessful. With its blank black screen now it almost seemed to Hiiro now that all it was doing was laughing at her, at their situation.

“Again?” Hiiro asked, tearing herself away from the large black screen and tipped her head to Kasumi, who gave a small nod, and a hint of a smug smile upon his lips. As they both moved into Shunpo, the door opened slowly, carefully. And Shuunske stepped inside, with Jun on his right.

Hiiro hadn’t so much noticed them, as the grave look upon Shuunske face. But now wasn’t the time for asking questions. Shuunske had stopped in on their training sessions every once and awhile to check in on them, and She hoped this time was no different. Kasumi Jumped into Shunpo, shooting past Hiiro in a silent explanation that she should do the same. Jumping up she traveled into Shunpo. Matching Kasumi’s every movement, a step or two behind.

”Enough"

Shuunske called from the door way, His arms positioned at his sides and his mouth formed into a kind smile. It was a welcoming sight from the rather dismal and emotionless looking 12th division

The sight itself of Shuunske kind smile made Hiiro feel a bit better, lighter somehow. He had seemed so strained last she saw him. And she hadn’t seen enough of him lately. They were both too busy to say more than a few words.

“Good morning Shuunske-sama” Hiiro replied breathlessly, She turned to face him fully and she brushed some of her hair out of her face. She hadn’t bothered to put her hair up since they had started so early. So it pooled around her shoulders and unfortunately fell into her face. She saw the gravity of the situation in his eyes, but that one hopeful side of her pushed her into asking the question.

“Is there anything you need?” The small meek smile upon her lips faded as Shuunske explained the situation. Jun, nodded to their guard, letting him leave and she took his place, sitting curtly on the wooden chair, her legs together and her hands resting upon her knees, and looking forward calmly.

“I want you here in 30 minutes. The enemy is close, and there is not telling if they may find us……”

Hiiro’s heart sank at his words. They were cold and sorrowful. It was happening. Her heart took a worried thump and she took a small breath. She had known something was wrong, but, not to this level…. The enemy was close, and they had thirty minutes to prepare for a battle against an enemy they knew virtually nothing about.

Oh my heart be still….Hiiro closed her eyes and nodded, placing a hand over her chest to try to calm the beating Muscle. It thumped unhappily against her rib cage. She had to be strong right now. Looking up To Shuunske she nodded.
“Yes Shuunske-sama. We will be ready and waiting.” She answered as smoothly as she could. But her voice quivered slightly.

Shuunske turned to leave them, hesitating only for a moment before turning and looking to Jun. Whose eyes had been following the fair haired captain intently. Hiiro was sure she must have been ordered to keep an eye on him.

” Jun-sama, go back down to Muriasachi, and wait for him to give you further orders. I want everyone ready within thirty minutes. Is that clear?”

Jun nodded curtly and rose from her seat, walking just as quickly out as she had entered. Shuunske followed and closed the door carefully behind him; Leaving the two alone in the large white room.She felt numb. Hiiro rubbed her upper arm slowly and looked to the ground. Her smile faded and her eyes betraying the fear that she now felt.

“So…it’s finally started.” She murmured quietly. Clothing her eyes, her eye brows knitted together and she took another breath. Pulling herself together, she had to. She’d been training for this. She had been preparing for this. Watching Kasumi heal every day, and working every day to get stronger and better.

“….it’s actually happening.” She repeated taking a small breath. “It almost felt like it wouldn’t actually come….that we would have to deal with them again. That we were just in limbo. And I don’t think….” Her words cut off and she looked to Kasumi, unable to finish her sentence. ….’I don’t think I could stand to see you hurt again’.

She could almost see the scar upon his flesh. Burning like a sign proving her weakness. And she cracked, her breath shaking and she put a hand over her eyes.

“…I’m scared.” She whispered forcing the tears to suddenly stop. She wasn’t a child, she had to stop. To pull herself together they were about to go to war. But the thought of Kasumi getting hurt again. She took another breath to try to get her emotions in check. Thirty minutes, that’s all they had. No more time to learn how to run away.

She wanted to be held, and to wake up from this dream. To the real world, with Kifuume, and Kasumi, and Shuunske, all back home and safe.

It was all becoming such an easy routine. Well, easy not counting the intense work that had to be done to teach a beginner the shunpo technique in a matter of two weeks. Time was starting to run faster and faster, and Kasumi knew that it was only a matter of days or even hours until they were notified to mobilize, and get ready to attack or defend. Shuunske was not the kind of person to defend and risk losing this safe house. This was one of his most prized possessions. Knowing Shuunske, he would rather risk an attack then risk losing the burial ground of his Yuki. Not many knew about that girl however, and it would thus remain mostly secret.

Kasumi stopped his thought and movement for a moment, just in time to see Hiiro land from her shunpo and go at it again. Her shunpo was much shorter ranged than Kasumi's or Shuunske's, only able to take her about 20ft at best. But that was much better than he had ever thought possible from two weeks time. It had taken him longer than that to learn the shunpo. It was all proving to be correct. She was going to be a master of the shunpo, just like Captain Kito-san of the 2nd division.

But that was not what was important. Hiiro would have to learn this for the upcoming battle, and that meant sooner than later. He was still unsure about her progress, and its ability to carry her through in battle with that blood thirsty girl that was closer to his own level that she was to Hiiro's.

Any other day he would be very impressed and only happy that he had taught someone so fast, and to an extent he was. But still, he did not know how it was all to play out, and if Shuunske even knew. He had been trying to obtain communications from Soul Society, meaning that clearly he wished for back up, and they had only seen two enemies. Was that enemy that Shuunske had been silent about posed enough of a threat to not think that all of Muriasachi-san, Jun-san, Hiiro-chan, himself, and Shuunske-san could not handle? What was this guy? Shuunske had not muttered a word of him, and preferred not to even to talk about him. Had Shuunske been scared of someone? That was unheard of. And to measure someone's abilities of of scaring Shuunske, they would have to be off the charts strong. But against two captains, not that Muriasachi was one for team work...

Kasumi's shortened hair flew against his face as wind pushed at him snapping back to reality and Hiiro's shunpo training. Holding a straight face, Kasumi started a new kind of routine, one that he had done almost daily, and thus was not special or new. But it was to maximize range. Easily Kasumi bent his ankle and flew into shunpo carrying him across the room, and then he landed, grinning at Hiiro in order to make her follow him, in attempts to make her more space efficient, and range efficient with her shunpo. It took her two or three shunpos to get from one side of the room to the other, while Kasumi could easily travel the entire length of the room and more if needed. But this had gotten her to maximize her range to 20ft, and this was a good skill by itself. A 20ft jump in a matter of seconds is useful no matter what.

Kasumi jumped into the modified movement once more before the spiritual energy hit him like a brick to the forehead. Shuunske was near, and he seemed to have his spiritual energy flaring. Hiiro might not be able to feel it, because she was not a sensory type shinigami like he was.

As he had called it, the door opened, and with a simple exchange of movements, Jun and the current dead looking 12th division man that was sent up switched places, and he walked out, bowing to Shuunske, causing Kasumi to smile. He knew how Shuunske hated that.

Kasumi flew into another shunpo and Hiiro followed.

“Enough.”

His words were solid. Kasumi stopped on a dime, and Hiiro stopped a small bit after. Hiiro asked Shuunske what he needed, and Shuunske ignored her, not rudely, but I order to preserve time. Then he started to speak.

Kasumi's heart dropped, and he could see the same was happening to Hiiro. Because of their training Hiiro had forgotten that it was even for something for the most part, and Kasumi wished that Shuunske never had to break the two from being together. He had loved every moment of his time with Hiiro, and now they had to go and fight a battle that Kasumi was not even confident they could win.

“I want you here in thirty minutes. The enemy is close, and there is not telling when they may find us...”

The words were scarier than anticipated. Why were they only given thirty minutes. Was it to preserve as much training time as possible for Kasumi and Hiiro? Was he regarding someone as a weak link?

“Yes sir, Shuunske-sama.”

Shuunske finished, and gave his selective orders to Jun as well, making her leave. Kasumi watched as she moved stiffly yet gracefully. He was fond of that girl. No. Not fond. Interested in her. She was neither nice nor mean. She was almost not human. What had Muriasachi done to her?

The door closed, and Hiiro and Kasumi were left alone. They only had thirty minutes to be ready. Kasumi had hardly broken a sweat doing the simple shunpo, but the same could not be said for Hiiro. She had been working as hard as she could to learn this move, and it had taken its toll on her. Still, it would not affect much, and only required a new change of clothes. The shunpo technique itself was not a tiring move, it was like taking a step that takes you much farther. Not much work.

Kasumi stood in silence as Hiiro began to talk. He wanted nothing more than to tell her how he felt, but even now he was to weak in the heart to do so. Kasumi bit his lip hard until he tasted blood in his mouth, despising how weak he was, and how much of a coward he was. He was so afraid of rejection that even thinking about telling her hurt him.

Then Hiiro's emotion came through as she spoke the last part of her sputtering sentences, the poor girl sounding scared.

“...I don't think I could stand to see you get hurt again.”

Kasumi's eyes opened wide, and he looked up at her. His face held an innocence that was unlike none other, and for a second rivaled even Shuunske's natural innocence. “H-Hiiro-chan. Please. Don't think about that. I will not be hurt this time, I know it. I have gotten better, healed faster... but more so... I have something that I want to protect now. Or rather... someone... And I am not going to give way in a test like this, when I am fighting next to a strong girl like you. I know that we can pull through this together. We have each other, and... and Shuunske-sama. There is no way that he would let us get hurt Hiiro-chan. Do you hear me...?”

Kasumi fought the impatient urge to start shaking. A powerful blush his him, but the kind that was swiped across his face when he was thinking about his love for the girl mixed with trying to make her feel stronger. They did not have much time, and they had to move.

“C'mon... we have to prepare.” Kasumi spoke as he started to walk forwards, towards the door. He didn't wait for Hiiro to reply, and he was not sure that he wanted to hear her reply. That was the closest he had eve gotten to expressing his true feelings to her. He did not, but it was very close, and he felt shaky.

Kasumi looked back at Hiiro before walking out of the room, waiting for her to follow. There was little time, and so he walked quickly, carrying him back to his own room. Hiiro's room was right next to his, and so they departed there.

Kasumi walked swiftly in, and started to move faster. Pulling out his more appropriate uniform, one that had the thicker material to a point that would not hinder movement, but keep them warmer within the cold weather. It had the longer sleeves that normally were put on a shinigami uniform, contrary to his normal uniform, one that was sleeveless, showing his entire forearm. He could feel the added warmth as he pulled off his old uniform, leaving him naked for a moment while he put the other uniform on his muscular body.

Grabbing his zanpakutou, and tying it into his white sash that was tied low on his waist, he was ready to go. Patting his zanpakutou he whispered: “It is time to go, Shuk'la Verd. It's been awhile since I have seen you.” Kasumi smiled. It was funny, talking to a sword, even though he knew that it had a spirit just like himself.

Kasumi walked back out of his quarters, and stood in wait in front of Hiiro's door, waiting for her to come out so that they could walk together back to the communications room, and wait for Shuunske.

Waiting was the worst part it seemed.

Hiiro’s eyes fixed upon the perfectly smooth floor. How could they face such a foe? When they didn’t even know the numbers of the foes they were about to face. They could face two. Or twenty and they wouldn’t be the wiser. And that woman, Hiiro shivered remembering her face, covered in blood of the men she cut down, eyes wide and wild and the crazed smile upon her face. The memory rested in Hiiro’s stomach like a rock. Something so frightening in the girl’s eyes, something….wrong, she didn’t want to see them again. Also, Kasumi, it was a miracle he survived before, and if something like that happened again…. Hiiro’s jaw clenched, squeezing her eyes closed. She wasn’t prone to panic attacks, but the thought of Kasumi slumped against a tree, or falling in the graceful silent white snow.

The image was too vibrant to shake from her thoughts.

Kasumi had taken a step closer to her, catching her attention, looking over to him. Her bangs falling just out of her eyes and her heart sank. Why did he have to look like that? It wasn’t fair. Turning to face him, her shoulders slumped and she looked defeated into his beautiful eyes. Why did he have such a look upon his face? Saddened eyes like he was surprised and hurt by her words.

They had been so close to each other in the past few days. Such intimacy almost hurt her, Knowing that something like that could never happen. Like baiting a starving dog. To many times Hiiro had wondered what was even stopping her anymore, and she could not give a reason, just…Some horrible wall was stopping her from saying those few words she ached to say.

But his words struck her with more force than she ever anticipated. Widening her eyes and her heart thumped loudly against her chest. His urgency surprised her, and she looked to him, surprised by every word that tumbled out of him.

“H-Hiiro-chan. Please. Don't think about that. I will not be hurt this time, I know it. I have gotten better, healed faster... but more so... I have something that I want to protect now. Or rather... someone... And I am not going to give way in a test like this, when I am fighting next to a strong girl like you. I know that we can pull through this together. We have each other, and... And Shuunske-sama. There is no way that he would let us get hurt Hiiro-chan. Do you hear me...?”

Hiiro only nodded dumbly still surprised by his words. He glanced away from her, cheeks flushed and eyes locked upon the ground. Lost in thoughts, words he could not say. What wasn’t he saying?

“Kasu-“

“C'mon... we have to prepare.” Kasumi cut her off without meaning to, her voice had been hushed. Surprised still by the gravity of his words. He turned away from her and walked swiftly to the doorway. His hand gripping the door frame and he looked pained for a moment. Hiiro watched him with apathy.

What had he just told her? She was anything but strong, they had yet to even fight and she was on the verge of tears. And he had someone…to fight for? Hiiro couldn’t compute the words he said. Her voice had been silenced. He didn’t want to speak anymore. Hiiro felt wounded and nodded, apologizing softly in her mind. She must look so helpless to him. So scared and quivering.

“…yes…I’ll be right behind you.” She answered in a hushed voice, cracked by the emotions she withheld from him. But she had to be strong, now was not the time to chicken out and be a child. She was a Shinigami now, and she knew from the moments she stepped into the Academy that this wouldn’t be easy.

The years of training, blood, sweat, and tears. It’s all come down to this moment. The first true battle, this was her test. This was the final chapter to her being a student, and becoming a Shinigami. And it wasn’t the time to have her shaking and having second thoughts.

At least…that was the theory anyway….

Sliding the door closed behind her. Hiiro struggled with her thoughts and feelings all while they walked through the halls. The air was silent, and tense. She glanced up. Looking at Kasumi’s back only for a moment before mentally building herself up once more. Finally lifting her head, taking a deep breath. And walking with longer strides to reach her room. She needed to get ready as fast as she could. Time was limited after all.

They both reached their rooms within a matter of minutes. The twists and turns of the safe house had been memorized, and it didn’t take long before they came across the various rows of rooms where they slept. Hiiro watched as Kasumi slipped quickly into his room. Taking another breath, Hiiro turned to her own door and slide it open.

Stepping inside, Hiiro already started removing the first layer of her Shihauksho, Lifting the ebony fabric from her shoulders, letting them slide off her. She slid the door closed with the back of her heel while doing so. Walking over to the small dresser that rested low to the ground in the far corner of the room, sitting next to her futon. Pieces of her uniform fell to the ground like she was leaving a trail behind her.

When she reached the small dresser she was dressed in her bandages wound tightly against her breasts. And a white sarong that hung off of her hips.

Kneeling down Hiiro Pulled out the heavier clothes she needed to wear outside in the bitter cold. She didn’t want to have a repeat of what happened. And she was ready for it this time.

She began to dress in a thicker white undershirt. The fabric was dense but still easy to move in, slipping into the rest of her uniform. She tied her white sash tightly around her hips. Looking to her side, her brows furrowed and she took Sunibunki into her hands. Resting it upwards on her palms her eyes glanced over the smooth sheath and intricate hilt. Hiiro hesitated, wanting to put Sunibunki back against the wall and walk away. A warm feeling seeped into her hands as her Zanbaktou called to her. The way small fiends call travelers to their demise. Hiiro gripped her blade tightly. Squeezing her eyes shut and she sank to her knees.

“Please….do not hinder me. I cannot afford to be distracted.” She begged the sword before standing. And tying Sunibunki to her hip. Feeling the familiar weight. She felt shame, as though the blade was laughing softly to her. Joyous and dark, it was a feeling similar that reminded her of that wild woman in the bamboo forests. But she could not run from Sunibunki, she had to work with her. Weather she liked it or not.

Once Hiiro was fully dressed. Her hair was pulled up properly. She took a roll of ace bandage and began wrapping her palms, wrists and, lower arms. These would help at least keep her a little warm while they were out. And the cloth would help her avoid being burned from the handle of Sunibunki if she did go into Shikai. With one hand completed, Hiiro clenched and unclenched her hand to test the dexterity before she started to wrap her other hand.

By this time Hiiro felt Kasumi’s presence on the other side of the door. Waiting patiently for her to join him. What would they do now? Hiiro assumed it had only been about seven minutes or so. Maybe more, how could they train or prepare for what was to come? What could they do?

Hiiro knew that most Shinigami talk to their Zanbaktou’s before battle. But Every time she tried to establish a connection with Sunibunki She was either pushed firmly away, or she left by choice. Then becoming haggard and fatigued. Hiiro saw her, twice. When she actually decided to show herself to her. And the memories haunt Hiiro in dreams and nightmares.

A figure of what used to be a beautiful woman, lost to the flames. And had craved the taste of fresh blood upon her lips. Machines that kept her alive. Moving as though living. Sticking into her, while an eternal flame burned around her.

Hiiro shook her head and stood up suddenly. No, she wouldn’t make another spirit connection. She didn’t want to see her again. Pushing the images out of her mind. She was so young when she first met Sunibunki, and she never wanted to be that frightened again.

Testing her hand quickly to make sure the bonds were not too tight, she nodded and opened the door. Seeing first Kasumi’s back. Standing in front of her door.

“Ready to go then?” Hiiro slipped next to him, looking up to him, their shoulders almost touching. She didn’t know what to do now, and she looked to Kasumi as to what to do. Should they find Shuunske and await further orders? Or rest and wait for the attack to happen. She didn’t fully know.

She assumed they were supposed to go to the communications bay that seemed the best place to at least rest or train. And it is where Shuunske has always counted on finding the two of them. So, looking back at Kasumi, she finally summoned enough bravery to offer him a genuine smile. And she pointed towards the communications bay. Just seeing him seemed to calm her a little. So the smile rested upon her face and she took a single step away from him, looking back she gave him a small devious grin.

”shall we?”

Kasumi saw the handle on the door turn. It moved slow, and his mind wandered.

This was really happening. It had been so long since Hiiro and himself had known each other. So many brawls with Kifuume over this girl, and in competition. So many pointless hours of thought as to how to get this red head to see him for something better than Kifuume, although that one quality was not there, until Kifuume was dead. Now he was all she had left. A best friend. More. There was more.

But it was all coming to end. This day was a big test. Kasumi bit his lip as the handle to Hiiro's door turned in seemingly slow motion. Kasumi had a weird feeling. He saw the girls image. And saw the image of Shuunske collapsing. He saw the image of himself falling over as well. He felt the pain of the almost fatal strike that had been given him when the girl swung in attack.

The weird feeling hit his gut. It was strange. Was he foreshadowing an event that was going to happen? What was this feeling that he had? He had never felt it before? Fear? No. It was worse. It was desperate. More so than the most gripping fear. Like the feeling of having swam too far down, and not having enough air to get back up with the given amount of air. Was this... he didn't know?

The door handle opened, and Kasumi saw the girl. Life still moved like a motion picture film put in slow motion. This girl. Hiiro. She had gotten strong. She would be stronger than him one day. It was meant to happen. He couldn't believe it. He had spent his life trying to get her to notice him, training, flirting, and in the end, she was the one that was going to be the powerful one.

Kasumi grinned as life began moving again. Kasumi looked into Hiiro's face, and smiled. This was sure going to be a battle worth remembering. Shuunske's side was unprepared seemingly, and the enemy knew nothing about Muriasachi and Jun – hopefully. Both sides had hidden cards. And Jun was a strong fighter, along with Muriasachi who was an interesting fighter, revealing something new about himself every fight.

But Kasumi could hardly focus on that now without that feeling hitting him. It was like there was a whispering in his ear to quickly do whatever he still wanted to do. Like nothing was to await him in the future. What did this mean? He was going to always be there for Hiiro was he not? No that was a ridiculous! He was always to be there for Hiiro. No matter what!

He wanted to hold her hand, and hug her, and kiss her, and tell her that it was all going to be fine. But he did not want to lie. He knew that, for some reason, it was not going to be. This was a stronger feeling than anything he had felt before. He had to support her, and keep her alive at all costs. That was his goal now. His body was weak and tired, and he could not hope to be anything else. She was to be protected by his last efforts.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone C33--the-death-eaters

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone C33--the-death-eaters

But now was not the time for that kind of thinking. Shuunske had taught him many times that fear was what cut one down, not the blade that one was fearing. He was not going to allow this feeling to rule or ruin him. He was the vice captain of the most famous captain in Soul Society history, and he was thus an appropriate force to be reckoned with, no matter what state his body was in.

“Ready to go then?”

Kasumi hated those words just then. Hated that such a young and innocent girl as Hiiro had to say them. He should not have brought Hiiro on this mission. She was not ready. But no one had predicted these results. That was still not comforting. Anything that happened to her was his fault. Shuunske had warned him, and he had not listened. And now this.

“I was born ready, Hiiro-chan.”

With that Kasumi took the leading step. Starting his battle strategy. He had been taught by Shuunske to make multiple battle theories that you can abide to for every given situation. But no one but Shuunske could harness such mental mastery. He was a genius after all. Kasumi had no hope of surpassing him, or even comparing.

As they were walking, Kasumi looked back at Hiiro, worried about her already.

“Hiiro-chan. What if I asked you to stay back. Despite whatever orders were given you? To stay back. I don't want you to get hurt. Would you do it? Would you disobey Shuunske's direct orders to follow mine? That is what I want. I want you to stay here... please...”

His voice already sounded weaker, like he was reduced to begging. He was stepping out of his range of authority asking her to break his captain's rules. But, in his defense, it might even be better than what ever plan was already conceived to send all of the ranking shinigami out to the battle field to meet the opponent. Having someone stay back, and guard the 12th division men and women that were otherwise defenseless did not sound all bad.

Kasumi stopped, waiting in silence for the girls answer, hoping that she would say yes to his orders despite Shuunske's orders.

There was a pro and con to every plan that he could come up with. With her there on the battle field he could watch her, and protect her when needed. But with her there, she was prone to being hurt or even killed more so simply because she was on the battle field. With her not on the battle field it was the exact opposite scenario. But it seemed much safer to have her away from the fighting.

“Well Hiiro-chan. What would you say?”

With that Kasumi looked over his shoulder and looks Hiiro straight in the eyes, grinning deviously.

Which was it going to be?

Something was off. Hiiro couldn’t place it but it was in his eyes. Something she had never seen within him before. She’s seen Kasumi from joy to the deepest depths of sorrow…..But she’s never seen this look in his eyes before. It wasn’t fear, no no…. Hiiro’s smile faltered slightly, weakening as he spoke his soft words. He was born ready huh? Hiiro turned and started to walk down the hall. He didn’t sound very confident. Was something wrong? Did he know something she didn’t?

She had to quicken her pace to keep up with him. He was walking quickly, his eyes looking ahead but almost sightlessly. As though his mind was off thinking of so many other things. Hiiro’s smile faded and she bit her lip. Something was wrong, and it wasn’t just the shadow hanging over them. It worried her; Kifuume had the same look upon his face. Just before he left for the last mission he would ever depart on. That distant look…melancholy. Hiiro wanted to stop him, tell him to stop worrying and that everything will be alright.

Perhaps it was nothing; maybe he was just worried about the upcoming events. Well….duh, but maybe it was just nerves. Pre-battle jitters, nothing as serious as she was expecting.

Still…..that look….it stirred her memories....

”…Hey Kifuume-kun is everything ok?”

“Huh? Well yeah why, should something be wrong?”

“…no you just look like you’ve got something on your mind….”

“Yeeeaaahh, it’s nothing special. Don’t worry your little head over it. You’ve got your own stuff to deal with, and Kasumi to worry about. Ha….he needs your worry more than I do.”

“……..but”

“I should go, big mission y’know. Should be tons of fun! I’ll see you when I get back alright? Hey, come on, what’s with the worry? I said to stop it huh? Really... your worry enough to be my sister.”

You idiot.....

Hiiro bit her lip; nothing could have prepared them for Kifuumes death. But….

Her thoughts were abruptly stopped when Kasumi stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. She had bumped into his shoulder, quickly looking up to him concerned by his sudden stop. Had he felt something? What happened? Kasumi looked down at her. His eye brows knitted together and his mouth pressed into a worried frown. His eyes betraying concern and fear that unsettled her in the worst way.

In a way…she couldn’t compute what he said next….

“Hiiro-chan. What if I asked you to stay back…..”

Why?....what good would come out of me staying back? I’m useless to everyone if I was back here….

I don't want you to get hurt. Would you do it? Would you disobey Shuunske's direct orders to follow mine?

“…Kasumi…” Hiiro looked up at him. Searching his face, his eyes ,his expression. Was he joking?...no...No no he was far too serious. More than serious, he was terrified.

How could he ask that of me? Disobeying orders to stay away from the battle…to stay safe while the others gave their lives?

The image came back. It blasted her thoughts. Of the blood, blood staining the snow, the trees. His clothes

…her hands…

The image brought tears to her eyes. And she took in a shaky breath.

” I want you to stay here... please...”

His voice was soft, pleading with her. More tender and weak then she had ever heard him. And it cut at her. Tears bloomed out of the corners of her eyes and she gripped his shoulder. Holding tightly to the handful of his uniform.

“….how can you ask this of me?” Hiiro’s words escaped before she could even stop them. But she didn’t understand, why he could ask her of something so important. They didn’t even know how powerful the enemy was….and all her training…it would be for nothing.

But his eyes. His eyes begged for her to stay. They screamed to her and she wanted for a split second, more than she ever wanted to do anything in the world to bend to his words. Anything else, anything at all and she would do it. Of course she would listen to him. It was Kasumi, and she loved him more then she could ever put into words.

…but... not this

Hiiro turned him so they were facing each other. Pleading eyes looking into eyes that could not hide the answer they bestowed. Even with tears, Kasumi could see her answer within he blurry auburn irises.

“Well Hiiro-chan. What would you say?”

She took a breath, reaching out she pulled him against her. Her fingers tangled in his hair and held him close. He could feel her heart thump softly against his chest and her breath against his ear. But she was surprisingly still. Something clicked, and she was calm. Stillness had taken over her. And she felt cold, pleading silently in her mind for anything. Please god…

make his pain go away.

“Kasumi I can’t.” her voice was soft, weak and cracked. She closed her eyes and never wanted to let go of him.

“how…how could I live with myself….knowing you were out there fighting without me?” She took a shaky breath her chest quivering under her emotions.

"I would never forgive myself….” Her voice trailed off and she let them rest in silence. Just holding him, He needed her. Even if she couldn’t be the one person for him, even if she couldn’t get the same love she craved so much from him.
He would always still have her. Whether it’s a friend, or a lover. Even when he had no where else to go to. She will always be here to tell him it will be alright, when he finally let’s those walls fall and he had broken apart. She would be there to pick him back up.

It seemed to short before She let him go, brushing his hair into place she looked back into his eyes. Putting all her remorse into that one glance. Screaming I’m sorry, into a moment of eye contact before she looked down at his collar. Sniffing she whipped her eye with her palm and started to smooth out his collar, even though it didn’t need fixing.

“Besides, who’s gonna patch you up with your hurt huh? Y’know I think you kinda need me around a bit more…”

Hiiro looked back up to him for a moment before she removed her hands from his collar and wiped her other eye. her voice was shaky, and weak.

“Also…you promised, Nothing would happen. That you wouldn’t go anywhere…..” She gave him a weak smile.

“And I trust you, even when you don’t seem to trust yourself….” She added, looking back towards the hall. They heard voices now, the 12th division Shinigami murmuring softly through the halls. Getting ready for their stations, and for war.

Hiiro took another breath, looking ahead. Willing her heart to stop aching.

“Do you remember, that night, In the Academy, when you and Kifuume were playing a game with the other boys. In the forest, where you hunted each other. I had found you by mistake and didn’t know you were playing a game. Some of the boys were so into Character that they thought I was part of it and I had never been so scared before. …You promised that everything was going to be alright. Even when we were lost in the middle of a forest at night, with all sorts of boys wanting to find us and hurt us…..I always trusted you, and in the end we both got out.”

Hiiro glanced back to him. “….It’s manhunt, that’s all this is….we’re...just lost in the forest still.” She started to walk forward, down the hall, looking over her shoulder to him.

“And you can’t get out if all you do is sit, and wait to be saved…..You have to move forward…..c’mon…trust me.” She offered him a weak smile again. Turning to face him while walking backwards baby step by baby step.

Trust, is that really all they needed to get out of this darkness?

“Kasumi I can't.”

Kasumi had feared that she would answer that back. He felt ashamed for trying to break Shuunske's orders. But it was something that he had to do, choose love over loyalty. That was his prerogative. He could not help it.

She looked almost hurt by his question. Kasumi bit his lip. It was not anger, but something close. Why did her pride keep her here. Why would she not listen to his reasoning. It was not anger directed at her, but at the situation.

“How... could I live with myself... knowing that you were out there fighting without me?”

It was an ironic answer considering her chances of living would be increased seemingly. But this was her prerogative, and he could not force her into anything. He had to trust this girl. This girl that he had loved – not to die.

And he had to trust himself in the same way.

“Besides, who's gonna patch you up when your hurt huh? Y'know I think you kinda need me around more.”

He wanted to think that she was being selfish. That he was in the right. His clench on his lip grew harder and harder. The pain infuriated him. He was so weak, and he could not protect her this time if she needed it. What if she had to fight by herself, and they got separated. Even with Shuunske's duo plan to fight in pairs. What if they got separated. He would not let her get hurt. Not this time.

“Also, you promised that nothing would happen – that you wouldn't go anywhere...”

Its true. That was what he was promising. That he would not get hurt, and neither would she. He was confident that he could fulfill that promise.

At least he was.

“And I trust you, even though you don't seem to trust yourself.”

Kasumi's eyes bent open. She trusted him. Trust. What a powerful word. But that settled it. The fear was gone. He could not have fear if he was going to fulfill his promise. He could not have that. It was the strongest enemy of all. Yes.

Unflinching, Kasumi released the pressure on his lip, and started to harvest that anger. Harvest it and invest it into energy. He would need everything that he had been taught. He needed to beat Kifuume, and the one that killed him was on this mission. This was his test. And if he won, he would finally be stronger than Kifuume. And then he would be able to tell Hiiro.

“Do you remember that night in the academy when you and Kifuume were playing a game with the other boys...?”

As Hiiro spoke, Kasumi remembered little by little. Why had she remembered that moment. He had for sure. It was one of the moments when Hiiro had him and only him to protect her, not Kifuume. As she spoke he saw it as it happened. That night even he was scared. Not of the other boys, but that Hiiro would get hurt, and that he would have to submit to Kifuume being better once again. That Hiiro wold not trust him. But he had gotten her out without a scratch. He had full confidence that night. He felt like he was on top if the world, and he went through that self doubt first.

“...We're... just lost in the forest still.”

Hiro was right. They were simply lost in the forest. It was a replica of that night, only deadly. Only this time the wooden katanas were real zanpakutou. Only this time the other boys that were his friends, were not his friends, and wanted to kill him. Only this time he did not know each boy, and knew who was playing, in fact he knew only one enemy. This was just worst. It was like that night was a rehearsal for this.

… But Kifuume was there.

He would just have to suck it up and work as hard as he could in order to beat Kifuume.

“And you can't get out if all you do is sit and wait to be saved...”

She was right. That was her answer. And a fine answer it was. Kasumi's mouth bent into a grin. A devious grin that showed his confidence in her. The feeling he had still lingered, but Kasumi used it as another fuel for this fight, channeling it into anger.

He fought well when he had a strong emotion to push him forward.

And he would fight even harder with Hiiro there.

“Heh. Fine Hiiro-chan. But don't say I didn't warn you.”

Kasumi spoke with an enthusiastic confidence that meant he was ready for this fight. Feeling pumped like he did before he would fight Kifuume, or even watching Kifuume fight Shuunske. That feeling.

“Then don't give me any trouble out there heh.”

Kasumi spoke with a teasing tone, but as he said the words, that weird feeling he had hit him again. Not in the same way. Not in a fearful way. Not even in the suffocating way. But in a way that was almost as if his conscious was laughing at him. Kasumi paused for another moment until he disposed of that feeling as well.

“Well... lets go then, Hiiro-chan.” The grin moved into a smile. A smile that was the best thing to see before going into battle. It was inspiring and beautiful.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Trust

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Trust

Kasumi resumed his walking forwards to the communications room. He heard the voices of the 12th division men and women as they all prepared. He heard the clear and strong, yet monotone voice of Jun giving her orders to the members there, describing what they had to do. She spoke in the tongue of the 12th division, to Kasumi a different crude, and horrible language – speaking in numbers and codes. She was directing them as to how to go about trying to resume contact with Soul Society, giving different cell teams different areas of contact to try.

Kasumi could feel the tension even in her voice.

Kasumi reached the door to the communications bay, and opened it, walking in, sure of himself. He saw Shuunske and Muriasachi already in there. Three other men from the 12th division were there as well. They were all three stationed at the large monitor that looked like a living alien machine. Muriasachi spoke to them in a hushed voice that he could not make out, and Shuunske stood as tall as possible in the center of the room.

Seeing Shuunske acted as an immediate relief. Kasumi had almost forgotten about him. At least the reality of him being there. He had always considered it, but only when he saw Shuunske there did he realize how lucky they were. He stood in his glory as a fighter, and maintained his innocence as a boy. He was a wonder. Kasumi wished that he could have been like that. Or could ever be like that. But Shuunske was the strongest captain he had ever seen. Even stronger, he thought, than the illusive 1st division captain. But that was just a guess. No one hardly ever saw that captain, and no one had seen him fight using his zanpakutou abilities.

But he had confidence in Shuunske.

Looking back at Hiiro, Kasumi walked further into the heart of the room, towards Shuunske. He could feel the wonderful and amazing spiritual energy and pressure that he gave off, even when containing it.

“Shuunske-sama.” Kasumi spoke with a nod.

Kasumi bent his head as he spoke:

“We are ready, Shuunske-sama.”

And so it began.

Hiiro and Kasumi left the room, exchanging glances, and Shuunske was alone in the room. It was all so silent. Shuunske fell against the wall. He was being forced to so this. He didn't want to. But it was clear that he had the best battle plans and strategies. He always had. But he could not form together numbers and strategical patterns when he did not know anything about the opponents. He could not even go so far as to say that what he had come up with was the strongest patterns. He was linking people together based on their fighting experience wit each other.

Hiiro and Kasumi knew each others fighting styles well. Shuunske did not know who knew Kasumi's fighting style more between himself and Hiiro, but that was not what mattered. Kasumi knew how Hiiro worked better than Shuunske.

They had been training together, and it only seemed natural to post them closer to the home base. That way, with the power they both summed up together they would be able to hopefully take on whatever enemy came their way. Shuunske had not sensed any other enemy presence, other than the girl and the man he had fought. Both of which had strong spiritual energy. But this meant that the enemy probably was not counting on numbers based on the hypothesis that it would be much harder to hide numbers. And numbers often were a weak tactic. The man he fought in the woods was not the type to have a weak tactic. It was as if he already knew Shuunske's moves. As if he had already learned them and knew how to fight against them.

Because of this, Hiiro and Kasumi would be perfect to stay closer to the safe house, at a mid point between Jun and her partner. Where as Muriasachi and himself would go further and try and take the bulk of the enemy wave. If they could weaken the enemy, or use their combined strength as captains to subdue the enemy, then that was all that would be needed.

Muriasachi and Shuunske were both thinkers, and strategical minds. Able to analyze quickly. Although they had not fought much together, they would easily be able to see how each other worked, and build off of that. Muriasachi and Shuunske were thus a good pair in a sense, although Muriasachi was not much for team work, or cooperating. But neither was Shuunske. Not to a certain extent.

Jun was to be working with Giburai Donui, a man that Muriasachi brought along. He used to be the 7th seat but was quickly replaced when Muriasachi found that he was not longer interesting. As of that time, Muriasachi placed him in the elite research division that he had brought with him on this mission. Giburai was a sensory type, and would remain, with Jun, closest to the safe house. Almost on its entrance. This would allow information to travel back and forth between the battle field and the stations in the safe house. Jun was a strong fighter, and an excellent guardian shinigami for the job of protecting Giburai

This was what he had worked out, based on the theory that there was not many more enemies if any more than what they had already encountered. At any rate he was planning on having more numbers and shinigami without having to use the 12th division research division.

The situation was still hard to deal with, and Shuunske was making a blind guess in this one, trying to create a versatile battle plan that could adjust to each and every situation.

He had had much time to think about how he was going to deal with the man that he had fought. But had not found out who they were. He had searched through all the archives that were in the safe house computers, but found nothing on run away shinigami. That being said it was not the job of the Ginsuchi family to store data in the archives. That was the Kuchiki. So he did not have the same kind of access.

It was still a mystery, and one that he could not solve. There was no briefing on enemy shinigami type men and women. Only on Menos Grande, which were not the problem. It was all odd, and did not quite make sense. To a captain a Menos Grande would be easy enough. Even a number would be easy enough for someone of his caliber. But they also sent Muriasachi. He was a strong captain as well, and that never made sense to Shuunske. But he did not question it then. Furthermore, vice captain and 5th seat were suggested to go. And an entire research force, along with a 4th seat of the 12th division and the men that Shuunske had been required to bring. It all seemed overkill, even for Menos Grande.

And lastly, Kifuume was a strong shinigami. Vice captain level. And he had other shinigami with him, and the Menos Grande were blamed for killing him, even though there was no trace of cero wounding or any other kind of wounding that a Menos Grande could have dealt.

What was going on here? Was something not being communicated. Shuunske did not jump to any false conclusions, but had been suspicious now for days. It just did not add up. He had tried to talk to Muriasachi about it, but he could care less, and was too fascinated with Shuunske's body to take him seriously. But in the end he did not suspect much.

Looking back up at the clock that posted digital time on the wall just beside the communications monitor, Shuunske realized he had been thinking for well over twenty minutes, and was snapped back into reality by the sound of the door sliding open to reveal Muriasachi, and four others, including Jun, two men, one of which being Giburai, and one woman.

Giburai was next to Jun, slightly behind her, falling in her shadow. It was easy to pick him as Giburai from the other sycophantic men and women that worked in that unit, because of his unique and bouncy energy. He was not a fighter, but he was rather useful.

Giburai was just as tall as Jun, and stood crooked. Trying to stand straight. He looked crazed. And seemed to be from the encounters that Shuunske had had with him. Muriasachi had delighted in telling Shuunske that he had “toyed,” around with “this one,” meaning Giburai. But he had “lost interest” when Giburai's body could no longer take the strain – and he snapped slightly.

Shuunske could still hold a conversation with the young man, but he was altered, and seemed child like. Innocent, and fractured. But this was the punishment for being in the 12th division. Muriasachi.

Disgusting.

Giburai had blue hair that covered his face, and although Shuunske could feel his bouncy energy, he remained silent, like a kid that was told to be so, and was thus jittery, and quiet. He kept moving his hands as if he was counting on his fingers.

“I have assembled my division Shuunske-sama. Where are your members?” Muriasachi spoke, this time hardly in a degrading tone, as if he was finally taking the situation seriously.

“Are they late?”

Never mind.

His tone changed back into degrading, forever trying to prove that he was better than Shuunske, ever since Shuunske had beaten him back when he became captain.

It was too much of Shuunske to expect that Muriasachi would take him seriously. All he cared about was Shuunske's body. Shuunske got the chills just thinking about it. And did not answer Muriasachi other than saying: “They will be here shortly.”

As soon as he said that Muriasachi turned back to his current station, talking in a hushed voice to the others of his division. Shuunske heard him, trying to make what ever he said sound important and that is why he spoke hushed. It was no different than the other 12th division language that Shuunske could barely catch.

Just then however, the door opened again, and Kasumi and Hiiro walked in. They had never been introduced to Giburai, and the fact that he was to be fighting as well would come as a surprise to them. Hopefully a good surprise. Another 12th division man that had been 'tampered' with might just unnerve them. But he was a powerful link in the chain they had. Not in fighting, but his role.

Kasumi walked straight to Shuunske, Hiiro following before Kasumi greeted Shuunske.

Shuunske nodded in reply, and spoke.

“Now that you are all here. It is time that I give you the briefing on the situation.”

Everyone quickly agreed in different ways.

Kasumi and Hiiro replied with the quick “Hai!”

Muriasachi simply turned, knowing the battle plan already. Jun did similar, copying Muriasachi, like she always did, not saying anything. Giburai however turned and looked startled by Shuunske's speaking, falling back into Jun, who pushed him back on his feet. The other two 12th division members turned and did similar to Hiiro and Kasumi. It was interesting to analyze everyone and their response patterns.

As Giburai turned Shuunske saw him straight on, showing him the battle ready Giburai that he had never seen before. The young man stood hunched over, his hands had stopped counting, and both rested on a lolly pop. His small skinny body swam in the uniform that he was wearing. A silver tiara was placed on his head, crooked. It was an interesting placing, but it was more than a tiara. In fact, Muriasachi had explained that it was engraved in his skull, hidden under his hair, and acted as a microphone by which he could send entire images to people with his zanpakutou's power. It hung awkwardly. Hanging around him was an old bright blue pouch. I twas simple, and unzipped. Many different colors of lolly pops were tucked inside. And a single pack of bubble gum. Shuunske guessed that he was counting these objects. What a silly thing to carry into battle with you.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone AnimeBoy1

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone AnimeBoy1

“As you know, we are about to move out. This is the battle plan that I have deduced as such:

Muriasachi-san and I will go out to the front of the battle to assess the situation more accurately and take on the blunt attack of the oncoming enemy. Jun-chan, you and Giburai-kun are going to remain in the back, closest to the safe house. We will all have microphones on, and will submit what info we have to you. With Giburai-kun's ability we want you to transfer that info back to the 12th division members here.” Shuunske pointed to the two. Giburai jumped when he heard his name, and raised his hand with a dopey smile on his face, a lolly pop hanging out. He let out a small strange noise that sounded like a cat that just had someone step on its tail. Jun rolled her eyes and forced his hand back down. She looked humiliated.

Shuunske as well made a humiliated face and then continued.

Hiiro-chan, Kasumi-san, I want you to take up the mid point. Anyone that gets past Muriasachi and I will have to go through you. We don't want any enemy to get past you, and to Jun-chan, and Giburai-kun. Jun-chan will be there in that scenario, but optimal goal is to not let that happen.

Is that clear. With this formation we can relay info back down the different units, the microphones range of communication will only last the distance from one unit to the other. So that is how we get info back down the line. Is that clear?”

Once again, they all went through their responses.

“Good. Jun-chan, Giburai-kun, I want you to be posted at station one. It is marked. The same for all of you. All the stations are marked. When you get to your station I want you to break off, and let the others go ahead.”

“Hiiro-chan, I trust you to do your job. I have seen how hard you have worked through these last couple weeks. I am glad I brought you along.” Shuunske offered a genuine smile. It was very rare to see Shuunske smile. He always spoke in a sad voice, and often looked completely void of emotion or like he was about to cry. Now was real trust, and a true smile.

The smile continued onto Kasumi. “And you too Kasumi-san. You have been the best Vice Captain and friend I could ask for on this mission.” Shuunske's smile held something different than trust this time. It was something profound. It was a cute smile. But his words were rudely interrupted by the creaking voice of Muriasachi.

“Not that this isn't moving Shuunske-boy, but we should start to move, doncha think?”

He was right.

“Yes. Alright then. Here.” Shuunske pointed to Jun who in turn nodded to one of the 12th division members who took the cue and quickly walked to Hiiro and Kasumi, handing them their microphones. They were small microphones that were fastened tightly around the neck, and looked like a choker necklace. The microphone itself was a small black circle on the choker collar. Shuunske also received on, and fastened it around his neck, the small necklace making him look even younger and more innocent as it wrapped tightly around his small neck.

“Everyone ready?” Without waiting for a response, Shuunske grinned. “Then lets go! Hiiro-chan, Kasumi-san, follow me!”

Muriasachi spoke at the same time, directed at Jun and Giburai, telling them to follow him. Shuunske ran out of the room, Kasumi and Hiiro following as he did so. Everyone ran through the hallway, until they reached the exit of the safe house.

Opening the top of the door that was at the top of the stair case, Shuunske jumped out, and did not wait to close it, running through the small path that was covered by the bamboo grove. It was almost dark, and the snow fell, shading most of the remaining light from hitting them. The snow was thick on the ground, and Shuunske estimated it was about 6 inches high. It was falling thick as well, and it seemed that is was just now starting, because most of the snow under his foot was hardened and ice like.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Mystic10

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Mystic10

Shuunske paid no attention to this, and ran forward. The last person our of the safe house, Jun, closed the door, and started to run with the rest. After only about a minute the first marker was reached.

“Here!” Shuunske said loudly with a firm voice.

“Hai.” Jun said, veering to a stop at the location, gripping her zanpakutou. With the other hand she grabbed Giburai who was clueless to the situation and the command. “Heeeiiiigly!” he pronounced as he was stopped.

First marker reached, and no enemies. This is going as planned thus far Shuunske thought, keeping an internal thought process active.

It was only about three minutes after that that they reached the second marker.

“Hiiro-chan, Kasumi-san! Here!”

They broke off.

It was just Muriasachi and himself now. Shuunske ran, bending his body to be aerodynamic. The snow ripped past him as he ran fast. Muriasachi fell behind about five feet, unable to keep up with Shuunske's fast moving body.

“Heh heh. Suddenly taking charge Shuunske-boy?”

Shuunske only answered by exclaiming “Marker three!”

Stopping running, Muriasachi caught landed and stopped just behind him.

“And... so we are here. Now what?”

“Now... now we wait.”

Every eye in the room turned to face Hiiro and Kasumi as they stepped into the large room. Hiiro suddenly felt a small rush; she had never actually been in this room before, and even though the situation was grave she couldn’t help feel a little curious. Her eyes danced around the room quickly. Taking the large open space and committing it to memory. Her eyes then rested quickly onto Shuunske as he addressed them. She snapped to attention.

Even in times like this, her stomach turned a little when she saw Muriasachi so close behind Shuunske. His golden eyes inspecting the nape of his neck before looking back at them with just a smug gleam in his eyes.

Did he think this was a game? Hiiro felt the flames of anger lick at her insides but she kept herself calm. He had a knack for pushing her limits. And she had to refrain from stepping forward and pushing him away from her Captain. He was her superior, and his equal (Hardly)….

Shuunske wasn’t a piece of meat, so he should stop looking at him as such.

Suddenly the newest boy caught her eye. Soft messy blue hair with a small tiara poking out from under the feathery locks. She looked confused for a moment….he had candy….in his mouth, in his pockets. He even had a small wrapped lollipop tucked under his ear.

For a little while her eyes were locked on the man. But he didn’t seem like a man, he acted more like a child.

“So…Giburai-kun…” Hiiro whispered his name slowly under her breath. Before turning to Shuunske and answering firmly.

“Hai!”

She jumped, when the child’s hand shot up in the air followed what seemed to be a sound of agreement. Jun’s face flushed with the most color hiiro had ever seen in her cheeks. And she yanked his hand back down firmly, her face filled with embarrassment. Hiiro cracked a small smile but looked back to Shuunske.

Was he really going to be going out into battle with them? He hardly looked well enough to feed himself, let alone battle. But there was something about him that continued to force her sight to drift onto him. He seemed helpless, but also abandoned. As though he was kept secret, and embarrassment of the 12th division.

Then it had hit her like a ton of bricks. Perhaps it was Shuunske’s words. Or the gravity of them in his voice. Perhaps it was his eyes. But it hit Hiiro strongly and she took a deep breath. Coming to the realization. That they were going into battle now. Not in half an hour, nor ten minutes. But now….

Her heart started to thump as they all nodded and walked out of the room. Following Shuunske and Muriasachi down the white halls to the entrance of the safe house. She looked to Kasumi, her eyes wide and she forced herself to look back to the ground in front of her. Take a breath Hiiro, and calm down.

He was with her, Kasumi was paired with her and everything was going to be alright. Somehow, knowing that Kasumi was going fight alongside her, gave her some peace. And she returned to a calmer sort of state. Well, until she saw the spiral stair case leading upwards.

God, it felt like forever since she saw those steps. And they didn’t keep good memories.

”Kasumi! Kasumi-kun stay with me! Please! Somebody help!”

Terrified calls of panic with blood that still stained the steps. She felt light headed; these steps meant they were leaving the safety of the house. And into the blood covered ground. The panicked dangerous world that awaited them.

Stepping out, the door opened and they all stepped out into the blinding white.

Hiiro had never felt so scared to be in snow in her life. Maybe it was the cold, or the white, both things she’s never been around much in her life. Perhaps it was the darkness that mixed with the snow and the moon that reflected off the flakes. Looking as though hundreds of little pieces of ash flitted about them.
Perhaps it was the memories, and the anticipation of what was to come. But one thing Hiiro knew quickly as she ran through the snow.

She hated the silence. That Mind numbing quiet that snow always brings. Like it was forbidden, she hated how the snow absorbed and silenced every step they took in the snow. Sinking up to her ankles, and causing needle like pains to shoot up her skin. It was the feeling of how everything ran from it. Sunk back into their homes and didn’t leave until the snow was gone.

Who knows what could be out there, watching them. In the silence nobody could say for sure. Hiiro’s eyes were wide, scanning the area around them. Looking for something, anything that moved out of the darkness. Her mouth pressed into a thin line. She was surprised nobody could hear her heart pounding like a drum in the stillness.

Hiiro looked back over her shoulder as Jun and the new boy separated from the group. Coming to a halt in the small opening just before the dense forest. She didn’t know what to think of GIburai. In any other situation she would have liked to try to understand him, get to know him a little better.

She assumed, (Bitterly) that Muriasachi must have done something to him. But now wasn’t the time to think about that. Her ears were ringing softly, the cold must be getting to her already, and she rubbed her ear with her palm, trying to get the circulations back into them.

It wasn’t the first time she had heard such a soft ringing. They slipped into her ears when all was silent. This was hardly different. Just a bit…lower pitched. But she didn’t think anything of it. The others didn’t seem to take notice either.

”Hiiro-Chan! Kasumi-san! Here!”

Shuunske ordered, his voice strong and firm, but his mind was everywhere around them. Reading, searching, concentrating, Calculating, and pre-planning for anything to happen. In that way he really was amazing. Hiiro skidded to a halt; the snow was a bit thinner here. But that was because of the thin bamboo branches above them that caught most of the snowfall. The area was what looked like a thinned out part of the forest. Small stubs of broken, cut down, or budding bamboo stalks poked through the ghostly white snow. And still....

Still there was not a sound.

“What do we do now just wait?” Hiiro glanced over to Kasumi her voice betrayed her nerves. Even she had taken most of the briefing to compose herself. And convince herself that this was actually happening. She couldn’t lie to herself now. They were out here, and they had to be ready for whatever was about to happen.

Hiiro brushed her hair out of her face and squinted against the snow. Looking out into the darkness. Her hand rested upon the handle of Sunibunki, it looked like a relaxed pose but she was ready in case anything shot out from the darkness. They were alone now, but it was different. Hiiro couldn’t feel anything.

Usually She could at least Feel Shuunske’s Reitasu even faintly but. She felt nothing, she could hardly feel Kasumi and he was standingright next to her. Glancing back over to him, had he noticed the same changes? The Stillness was overwhelming. And she closed her eyes. Head tilted to the ground and her fingers clasped around the fold of her Shihauksho. As though in prayer and she asked any higher being to protect them. Even though Hiiro had been taught long ago, before she even came to the soul society.

That there was not god, for the beings of the dead....

Everything was in position and ready to go. Shuunske could feel the death like cold against his skin. He could not stay immobile for to long. Without moving he could not retain his own heat. That could be the death of him. He could already feel the skin around his knuckles contracting in the cold, and losing mobility.

Shuunske stretched his knuckles, and shifted his eyes around the environment he was set in. He had picked the location based on how he would be able to fight using all his ability. It was one of the only open area in the battle area. Small numbers of bamboo trees sprinkled around the opening. This allowed him to be able to use the shunpo to his best ability. This was what he was counting on. Speed was his strongest asset. And against a captain classed shinigami that rivaled his speed, Shuunske would need full mobility. He was aware however that that gave the same advantage. It was worth it.

Looking back over the side of his shoulder, Shuunske saw Muriasachi as he placed his hands on his sword. Shuunske grinned. Muriasachi even looked scared. It was common belief that the before the battle was the scariest part. The pain of illusion that struck harder than the sword. The mystery and thoughts traveling of what was to happen. It was harder.

Shuunske’s senses were so heightened that he could hear the snow as it fell against the snow. It would be seemingly impossible for anyone to launch a sneak attack without Shuunske hearing it out first. But then again, he had thought that last time, and almost lost his life.

Shuunske heard the crude sound of metal sliding against metal as Muriasachi slowly took his zanpakutou from the sheath. Shuunske hoped that Muriasachi would be of some help. Every time they had fought, Shuunske had beaten him before he could even take out his zanpakutou. As such, Shuunske only had rumor and small reports to know what his abilities were. But Shuunske did know that his abilities did not only rest within his abilities with the zanpakutou. He had jam packed his body with toxins, and drugs and more to make himself stronger.

He finished taking the sword out. At least he could no be beaten before taking out his own weapon this time. Shuunske smiled. His thoughts went numb. He was entering the mode of thought that haunted him whenever he moved into an intense situation like such. His thoughts went cold, and his face went more monotone than normal. He looked like a perfect doll.

A doll does not contain thoughts or emotion. They are models of perfection. Nothing more.

Shuunske’s hand also fell on his sword. Nothing would be able to stop him. Nothing had. And why was this man any different. Shuunske had beaten the teachers at the academy within a few weeks of training. This was no different. Right?

“Muriasachi-san, in the case that there are more than one enemies, try to stay together as much as possible. Is that clear?” Shuunske spoke, innocence coming through. It almost sounded like the plead of small child.

Muriasachi smiled and looked at him smiling. Shuunske hardly wanted to hear the answer that he gave, but it did come.

“Yes of course Shuunske-boy. I would hate to lose sight of you. I will be watching you.”

Shuunske felt the chills of the words run down his back, chills that were not caused by the snow that hit up against him. No. These were shivers that attacked him as he heard the malevolent words.

Shuunske did not contribute further to the conversation, and instead bent his arm to touch the small walky-talky that was fastened around his neck. Pressing in the small button that allowed him to talk, Shuunske began to speak.

“Jun-san, Giburai-kun, Kasumi-san, Hiiro-chan – We are in po…” Shuunske did not have time to finish. Suddenly Muriasachi jumped back. Shuunske dropped the button suddenly, and his hand left the walky-talky. Jumping back as well, Shuunske just had time to dodge the blade that swept at his face.

It was obvious. They had waited for Shuunske to take his mind slightly off the tracking of other energies within the area. As soon as he had done so, they attacked. It was annoying to know that they used the same strategy as he would use against another.

Then Shuunske realized the situation. Three more slashes came at him. The first two he dodged, and the third he was forced to block with his sword, quickly pulling it from the sheath. The block put Shuunske into a blade lock with the much larger man. His eyes were dark, and evil. He was mysterious, and Shuunske could not feel stable in his own power when fighting a such a man.

A fierce kick was thrust into Shuunske’s gut, causing him to be thrown back a few feet, gasping for air. He did not have time to look at how Muriasachi was doing, or even who had caused him to make a sudden retreat and defense, for the man was on him again, throwing his sword in such a display of mastery that Shuunske’s ability to read movements did not even help.

It ended in another blade lock, but Shuunske would not wait this time to be attacked. He had to get his footing for a second in order to fight this man. He needed to think. He needed to breathe.

“Way of destruction number one – Sho!”

The attack was such a useless attack for Shuunske to use, but it was the quickest, and his mind was flustered to the point that it was the only attack he could think of.

Although, it had less effect than Shuunske had intended; even for such a weak spell. As soon as Shuunske raised his arm, the captain did the same, and spoke the same words, casting the hado as well.

A small invisible explosion of snow that erupted around the area of spell contact lasted for another moment.

Why was he able to comprehend Shuunske’s attack strategy. Had he guessed this much from their encounter earlier? He could not have. It was impossible.

But the man did not come again as soon as before. He stood there, wearing the shinigami uniform – plain and simple. It did not have anything defining him or making him stand out. His dark long hair fell evenly over his shoulders, and his dark handsome face stared, a slight hint of a grin on his face.

Shuunske glanced over until he could see where Muriasachi was. He was a huge man with a brooding look on his face. In fact his face…

It was concealed under stitches.

Shuunske’s eyes opened wider. He was almost the exact opposite as the man he was fighting. Muriasachi’s opponent was taller, and wore a very different version of the shinigami uniform.

Metal was placed all over him, and his uniform was much more revealing – exposing his gigantic muscles, and toned body. His hands rested upon his own zanpakutou. It was not released and already looked heavier than the normal zanpakutou at its bigger size.

But Shuunske was forced to look back as the man he was facing came at him again. Shuunske jumped back to counter the movement, taking advantage of his speed, Shuunske allowed energy to move through his body, snapping into a shunpo that carried him into attack towards the opponent. Within a second he was behind him, his own sword swinging at the man.

He raised his hand, and blocked Shuunske’s attack, side stepping it, and jumping into the sky. Shuunske followed. As if playing follow the leader, the other duo followed into the sky.

Shuunske fell onto the sky, hardening its surface with the mastery of his own reaitsu, causing it to act like flooring.

There Shuunske unleashed another flurry of well aimed and elite strikes. At this moment, Shuunske felt the hardened and heavy feeling as the man released his reaitsu. Shuunske did as well, his intensive reaitsu flooding over the area.

“Wh-who are you!?” Shuunske spoke through slashes and cuts that were blocked and pushed aside in order for the opponent to smash the hilt of his sword into Shuunske’s raised and blocking arm. The impact sent Shuunske down a level, pushing him closer to the ground.

Then the answer came:

“I am a shinigami – like yourself. Did you think otherwise?”

Hiiro:

Her heart jumped as her radio crackled suddenly. She hadn’t really gotten the volume correct, wincing under the loud static her hand went to the volume to turn it down. Hiiro’s body relaxing as the loud white noise eased down to the proper volume. Her breath frosted out in front of her and Shuunske’s voice crackled clearly through the microphone and into her ear.

” “Jun-san, Giburai-kun, Kasumi-san, Hiiro-Chan – We are in po…”

He cut out suddenly, leaving anyone hanging in the horrible silence that suddenly followed. Hiiro pressed her finger against the call button quickly.

“Shuunske-sama?” She spoke clearly into the microphone. But there was no answer. Just the soft gut wrenching silence, this wasn’t good.

“Shuunske-sama!” Hiiro called again more urgently. Eye brows furrowed together, what had happened? Was he attacked? Did the microphone simply stop working? No, that was impossible this was developed by the 12th division. Things like this didn’t simply stop working.

“Kasumi-kun something’s wrong.” Hiiro looked to Kasumi now. Her heart pounding, and fearful eyes wide. The first attack has been dealt. How much longer until they were struck?

Her mind suddenly thought up of dozens of reactions and reasons to what had happened. Should they go to help Shuunske? Or should they remain in position? They knew where a battle was happening. …right? Her body tensed as though the air became heavier, her ears popped and the air crackled with high doses of Reitasu. It was potent and powerful. The power that meant Shuunske must have been in battle.

There was no doubt now, and Hiiro bit her lip looking towards the direction where Shuunske had gone. The bamboo was thick and dark. The unknown suddenly worried her far more than it had before. Her hand tensed and went to her hilt, gripping the handle of Sunibunki tightly. Feeling the leather wound upon the handle didn’t give her the ease she was hoping to feel.

They had to hold their position. It was not as though they could do much for them now anyway. By the activity they felt. Hiiro would be overpowered in seconds. She couldn’t guess how long Kasumi would last. At lest he would last longer than her.

Now she was just freaking herself out, and needed to calm down.

Her hand went to the small elastic radio around her neck. Pressing the small silver button that lay against her soft skin.

“Giburai-san. Jun-chan. What is going on?” She asked them softly. The fear had left her voice, the adrenaline had charged through her veins, leaving her strangely still. Hiiro had to keep her cool, though her heart betrayed her calm attitude. She heard it thump loudly from inside her chest. Like a drum in the silence, she worried Kasumi could hear it.

Hiiro shifted her feet as they crunched through the snow softly, leaving pockets of crushed snow in her wake as she paced gently in a small circle. Her eye’s looking out at the darkness around her. Senses heightened and yet…

Why did nobody answer her?

Phitsy:

Why snow? Why couldn’t they have been someplace warmer? Like Hawaii…..Hawaii never got cold. And nobody would think to look in Hawaii. But no….they had to be in the snow.

”Snow builds character.” Setsuko always replied shortly before walking off. Sure, it was easy for him to say. He was a freaking furnace, and he would never understand. With his sleeveless Shihauksho. While Phitsy remained hugging his sides. His hair around his shoulders and a soft blue turtle neck under his black uniform, trying to keep in the heat. Stake outs, always ended with him being cold.

Phitsy murmured soundless curses under his breath. Strange blond feline ears, pulled back on his head resting flat down. He HATED the cold, the snow, the night. Right now, he hated it more, he was restricted from moving. And the rush of prey hadn’t really pumped its way through his body.

Suddenly his eyes darted towards his Companion. Good god! How could he not be frozen right now!! Phitsy shook his head, dusting the snow from his hair and he smiled. Small licks of energy warmed him. It meant that there were Shinigami in a close proximity, and it was time to get to work. The little critters had sectioned themselves off perfectly. It should be a perfectly even match. Well, it wouldn’t be an even match. But that was simply a technicality.

Phitsy crouched low and channeled his Reitasu into his feet. Jumping into Shunpo, and he glided off the snow in a small powdery cloud.

As they darted through the dark blue shaded snow, he drew his blade. A tiny jingle, dinged from the very top of his handle. As a little silver ball moved with the blade. He smiled, feeling warmth with the sight of his beloved Zanbaktou and flicked it to one side. Eyes set out ahead of him.

“Scratch and Purr, Neko mata~” he murmured softly. Skidding to a halt. And let the transformation occur. The blade became wider, stretching outwards. The tip became hooked sharply, the point glistening in the moon light. He could have admired his sword for hours in the moonlight. But now, the thrilling sensation captivated him. He had a target, the sensors of the little expedition team.

To cripple these Shinigami, would mean that the others would be left in the dark. With no hope of reinforcements. And no knowledge of what was happening around them. But now was not the time to think of other targets, when his own was just a few yards away.

Phitsy crouched low in the ground. Almost inhuman for some, his torso mere inches from the line of snow. The cat like eats tuned into hearing every sound, facing in front of him, and rotating to every sound that occurred was captured. Every foot step or breath, every flutter from those strange colorful butterflies that flitted about his target.

Blue purple, yellow, red, orange, green. What were these rainbows or butterflies? Their Intel said he was the sensory….but it looked more like some scene from a human’s children’s movie. His large blue eye’s studied the butterflies. Twitching and following each movement they did. Like a cat with its eyes upon a bird, judging the perfect moment.

Wait for it……wait

GO!

He was behind the tree, inches from the sensor. Not making a sound, as though he had glided the last seven yards, and he almost did. Moving with a mixture of Shunpo. And small puffs of kido that kept him off the ground. His Reitasu being kept totally masked by his Zanbkatou, hardly a sound was uttered from the blade. He had to move quickly. Surprise was the key, instilling fear wasn’t really his strong suit.

But man did Phitsy love a good entrance.

The Shinigami was so close to the tree it was almost criminal. Was this boy daft? He was leaning against the tree! His moves were lighting quick, blade flicked out, around the tree. He felt the warmth and vibrations of the man’s pulse against his blade for a split second. And in a burst of strength, and thrust his sword against the tree. Trapping the Shinigami between his blade, and the unmoving trunk behind him.

A sharp, horrible crack snapped the silence.

Phitsy released the body. Letting it crumple to the ground. Stepping out from the tree. He looked down at the latest victim. Huh….he looked cute, young. It almost pained him…almost. How the boys eyes were wide with shock. His mouth hung agape and blood pooled steadily upon the ground. Quickly. Too quickly, he must have sliced an artery while breaking his neck.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Thaw_2003-1

Without bothering to look at the other woman, he knelt down next to the crumpled boy. New questions arose in his head, questions that took far more importance then the other Shinigami. Why were their candies littered around the boy like confetti?

Without giving it to much thought it picked up a wrapped hard candy, untainted by blood, and covered in a soft blue wrapper. Standing back up he took a moment to untie the little dark candy from its wrapper and popped it into his mouth. Finally looking over to the dark haired woman who stood about ten feet away from him.

“Surprise….!” Phitsy laughed and tapped his blade against the tree, suddenly the sword vibrated; uttering a soft sound like the purr in ones ears. A high pitched ring, but nothing more. Phitsy moved his hair off his shoulders, a calm smile upon his face, trying to seem intimidating.

“It wouldn’t be a lot of fun if he got the word out about us…theses are REALLY good!” Phitsy exclaimed all hope of him seeming intimating melting away with his joyous expression. He looked to the little crumpled paper wrapped in his hand. Trying to find some sort of maker or manufacturer.

The blond glanced over to his rather intimidating companion and laughed. This was a game to him, perhaps all the blood and gore wasn’t his favorite part. But it all was just ….fun.

This battle didn’t matter if they won or lost. If he lived, he counted it as a win. He could clean his wounds and be just a great if not better the next time.

But this…this fight would be a synch.

When he walked, the snow would become impeded with his seemingly small footprint. The trees around Kasumi had a luminous appearance, as if they were also plotting against them. It felt like it. All they were doing was blocking his vision. But the snow was not nearly as intense as it had been. He had the ability to track the movements of that girl.

If that was the one that attacked them that it.

All the sudden Shuunske's voice came onto the radio that was wrapped around his neck, the small wireless ear bud in his ear echoing what Shuunske spoke. His voice was so calm, so beautiful. Still young, and yet so matured. So strained, and yet so easily spoken. And that was how it was with a boy like Shuunske. Kasumi did not smile, but knew that he could have at that moment. However before he cold manage a thing, the urge to smile was washed out in the form of static and a total cut of his voice.

Kasumi's hand flew to his zanpakutou, and he looked around to see Hiiro having a similar reaction. Had the attack commenced? Kasumi was too afraid to close his eyes and try and sense another spiritual energy in the area. But it was not needed.

A wave so powerful and so fresh flew over Hiiro and Kasumi. He was in battle. Kasumi would know that noble and powerful rieatsu anywhere. It was the most powerful in all of Soul Society in his opinion.

Hiiro began to speak into the microphone, panicked.

“Shuunske-sama?” Hiiro spoke into the microphone with considerable volume before speaking much more prominently into the radio, raising her volume once again repeating “Shuunske-sama!”

Kasumi's hand shot over and landed on Hiiro's hand that was pushing in the button to the radio, pushing it away gently, but with haste.

“Hiiro-chan. Do not let your emotions get the better of yourself. By shouting you will achieve nothing but give away our...”

“... give away your location possibly?”

He was interrupted. The interruption sent chills down his back, and he whirled round to see none other than the girl that they had been faced with before. She was standing there like a ruined statue that was once beautiful. Her ripped shinigami uniform clung to her body, still fitting her and not ripped in vital places.

Kasumi jumped back, and drew his zanpakutou Shuk'la Verd's power emanating into his hand.

“... Oh don't bother telling that bitch to shut up, she gives off rieatsu waves like none other. All you had to do was bring her, and we knew where you were. All of you. Your precious captains, as well as the other girl and that odd boy she was with... you gave them all away. I gues it is like that with weak little pathetic bitches. I remember when I was at your level... hardly... I guess one does not remember things easily back from when they were two or three... makes sense...”

She was taunting the two of them. Targeting the weaker link Hiiro. But Hiiro was smarter than to charge in with anger and attack the girl. She, as well as Kasumi, knew how that would turn out.

“Don't listen Hiiro-chan. And stay back. I can take her!”

Kasumi poised his sword at his torso. She had only had the advantage before because of the snow, and her ability to navigate the woods, and make the attacks. She would not have the same advantage unless it started to snow once again.

“Commmeee boy. I remember you... you were the other weak shinigami I sent sprawling to the ground yes? That is before your lame little shit faced captain kid came in and saved your ass!? Am I right?”

Kasumi's face bent into a scowl as she insulted Shuunske. No one did that without him defending him. But this was just more taunts. Why was she so confident in this match. She was outnumbered, and Shuunske was above her level certainly. That is if he had analyzed her correctly. Shuunske's brief analysis was the same, and he could not be wrong. So then... why was she dying to have them attack her? Was it a trap?

But what sort of trap could arise from a situation like this? What would Shuunske do? No that was an impossible question to answer, and meaningless. There was no way that Kasumi could even try and mimic his captain.

He had no choice.

“Hiiro, stay on guard. Don't hold back.”

It was a version of Kasumi ordering her to transform her zanpakutou into the shikai state. In that state, it was much more powerful than the normal katana based zanpakutou.

“Are you done thinking? Shit, this is much more boring than my last... visit. That was fuuuuunnn...”

As the girl spoke, she walked forward, drawing her zanpakutou, and raising it. Its blade was rigid and almost serrated – but not from model or build, but from the chinks and slash marks in her sword seemingly from fighting against powerful zanpakutou that could do that too a sword. The blade hardly remained a straight line in fact, and was made up of the jaggered curved and diagonal crossings of the chinks and chunks missing from her blade.

She placed the sword against her tongue, a long specimen that hung from her mouth as she started to laugh and pull the blade slowly across it. The blade cut into her tongue, deeply, and blood started to pour into her mouth.

“You know what my favorite flavor is?” She spoke through the sword, and her outstretched tongue. She did not answer with words, but simply removed the sword, and placed her tongue back in her mouth. Kasumi saw her neck move as she started to swallow the blood that was seeping into her mouth?

What was she doing? If that had been deeper it could have killed her.

The crazed girl bent backwards and began to laugh, a high pitched and horrible laugh. It was loud and rang into the snow. Kasumi took this as his moment to strike as she was leaving herself defenseless.

Bending forward into a shunpo, Kasumi shot off into the snow, a full speed shunpo. He had not used this in a while.

“Sorry gir...”

Just before he finished what he was about to say, he felt another spiritual energy that shot at him with similar speed. Kasumi's downward slash was intercepted, and everything happened to fast. Kasumi stepped back a complete step too see another man there.

All the sudden the girl that had been laughing snapped out of it, and repositioned her head so that all could see. Blood came from her mouth, dispersed from her tongue. She smiled, her teeth covered in blood and her eyes at different levels of being open, her left twitching. While still laughing, she spoke, the tone in her voice having changed, to match the changed and suddenly horribly crazy look on her face, more than that of even their last viewing of the girl.

“Did he try and... and... ATTACK me? Heh heh heh! D-did he!?! W-why..... I have done nothing... to him!?! But... b-but... I will... heh heh heh heh heh... I will show him the meaning of pain! I will... I will.... heh heh....!!”

All the sudden she shot a death glare at what seemed to be Hiiro. Kasumi could not see from his location. The girls crazed laughter increased for a second until she was carried away with shunpo. Her feet landed in the snow, crouched before Hiiro.

“BOO!” Tsubaki shouted at Hiiro. Her blade swung at Hiiro's ankles. It would be an immediate win if Hiiro lost her mobility.

Kasumi's eyes bulged and he jetted into a shunpo flying in the direction of Hiiro. But he was blocked again. All he heard was the words “Way of destruction number one – sho!” The voice his him in the form of the small kido burst. Kasumi flipped backwards as he was pushed back, not giving up yet at getting to Hiiro. He landed against a tree, parallel to it, pushing off for another full speed shunpo. Thhis time however it was a blade that blocked his pathway.

Kasumi landed the shunpo and thrust his sword into that of his attacker with all the momentum of the shunpo. It eased the young man's sword back, and pushed him backwards, pushing him, still standing, through the snow leaving a track of where his stationary feet had been pushed.

“I am your opponent now! Stop trying to deal with them!”

Kasumi's opponent had a clean kept uniform, and although he looked violent, he looked clean. He was certainly powerful. He had been able to block Kasumi's full speed shunpo. This did not mean that he could move at the same level, but that he had the ability to read Kasumi's movements easily enough to time a block or dodge. It was a threatening attribute. What were these people?

Kasumi jumped back. Glancing over at Hiiro. As soon as he did so, he was forced to look back because his opponent had followed him in pursuit of another attack. He fought clearly, and with well aimed attacks that clearly came from a training method and style.

“Who are you people?” Kasumi asked angrily.

The man smiled a smile that meant he was going to have fun. Kasumi hated that smile. It reminded him of the smile that Kifuume sometimes gave before he beat Kasumi.

“I am Akio Mobune... Kasumi...”

Kasumi's eyes widened, how did he know his name? Was it heard from before, or had the crazed girl repeated it later to them all?

“And the girl is Tsubaki... Tsubaki Kuchiki. I am not supposed to tell you this... but I figure what the hell. You're gunna die anyways. Might as well know the name of the person who killed you and your girlfriend there. Heh heh.”

“Sho!” Kasumi shouted, not having to repeat the whole phrase for such a basic kido. The two, him and Akio, shot back away from each other. “Sai!” Kasumi followed that up with the basic binding spell. Akio's hands shot behind his back, his sword still clenched in them.

Kasumi wasted no time. He knew a weak spell like that would not hold a man of that caliber at bay for long. But Kasumi had thought too soon.

The man released his spiritual energy. A rieatsu wave came forth, breaking the spell that was cast on him, and he swung as well at Kasumi. Kasumi blocked and shot back, taking a brief moment to analyze the spiritual energy. It was almost exactly at Kasumi's level. Only obviously different.

Kasumi knew he could not hold back and expect to get anywhere. And time was of the essence. Hiiro would not be able to take that girl all alone by any means. And even if she could, Kasumi did not want to risk it at all.

“Fine. You leave me no choice.” Kasumi spoke hastily, and set himself into a grounded fighting stance. His fighting stance that marked his most powerful fighting style. That of the dual swords.

“Tear at both sides – Shuk'la Verd!”

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone SnowTree

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone SnowTree

At that moment, his sword began to slow and morph. Kasumi grabbed the handle with two hands, and upon pulling the hand away, he had pulled away another sword. It was one of the rare dual zanpakutou. While still glowing, Kasumi bend his body in a graceful way to hold the two swords in the fighting stance. The glow broke off, fading slowly until two swords slightly resembling katanas remained in his hands.

Kasumi grinned before he shot off into the snow, appearing a moment later behind Akio. Akio turned surprised. Kasumi bent his arm into a powerful downward thrust. It was blocked, and countered, but as the swing came, Kasumi was gone, and attacking from another location.

Akio jumped back, and blocked with the words “SHO!” causing the kido spell to his Kasumi's blade. The blade jolted back a bit, but sent Akio flying backwards. Kasumi did not wait. He swung again, his swords constantly leaving a trail where ever they moved of glowing light that took about 30 seconds to fade. It was an after glow from his swords that hid the actual movements of swords. It was a deadly combination.

Furthermore, Kasumi used his shikai's direct ability to interact with his body and make him stronger and faster to throw off the preconceived pattern of Kasumi's shunpo. It was something Shuunske had done. Only slightly different. Akio blocked the next attack well, and then moved back to neutral where he was able to block the next attack, Kasumi making circles around him, with the quickened shunpo – the after glow of his shikai creating a wall around Akio; a wall that was hard to see through and made every strike that Kasumi made more and more deadly, as it was more and more masked in the after trail light.

“Not so tough anymore are you, Akio-dono!?”

Then, Kasumi attacked once more, through the light in a fall sweep, trying to sever the man. But he was gone. Kasumi's sword cut through nothing but air and the light of his own sword.

The voice came from behind.

“My guess was right, Kasumi-dono. You as well as I cannot see through that light. I knew that as soon as you threw your third and fourth attacks. They were less well aimed then your normal attack pattern. And that was because of your inability to see as well. So, with such a huge light barrier as that,” Akio pointed to the still remaining cocoon of light that completely engulfed that small area, “it was rather easy to make an escape. And it left me time to do this:

Creep into their souls – Fantomu!”

The man's sword began to bubble and move, until it suddenly split into a dual bladed yet single handled sword. It was a curious sword that looked beautiful and well crafted. But with a release phrase like that, what was it referring to? A phantom? How did it...

Akio lowered the blade until its tip fell into the snow. “I know what you're thinking. Lemme show you!”

Akio shot forward with a shunpo. Kasumi could read it even though it was fast, and had time to react to it, raising his sword in order to block the attack. He had no other defense. As the blades came in contact, Akio smiled. “Watch,” he said in almost a whisper.

Akio whipped his sword around while muttering the spell “Kai,” causing Kasumi's hands to bend backwards before he broke the spell, still throwing off a block. In stead Kasumi jumped backwards. The blade of Akio's sword however hit him.

But it was different.

Kasumi opened his mouth in pain as it came as though he had been cut there, but there was no physical damage. Kasumi groped the place where the sword had hit him, feeling that indeed there was no cut. What had happened? Why had that sword not cut him? It was solid. He had just blocked it with his own sword. He knew it was solid.

Then Kasumi felt it. A sudden blow to his energy. Kasumi grabbed the place where he had been swiped with the phantom sword. It felt like he had just used a more advanced kido spell. His energy had been cut and sapped.

So this was the ability of the sword.

“My sword cuts spiritual energy as you have probably deduced by now. I betcha your feelin it now aint cha? Heh heh. That was a pretty fine cut. But that is why you can block it with your zanpakutou. A zanpakutou is infused with spiritual energy, but it is mixed in with the blade. Because of this, I cannot cut through it. However, when it comes to you, and your easily breakable anatomy... that is a different story! Haha!

… Now then... shall we start over? Kasumi?”

The snow was cold, but Jun hardly cared. In fact, the fact alone was nothing more than data to her. Cold equaled a more difficult battle for any normal person. But not for one such as her. Jun felt the strange feelings of the chemicals moving and interacting with her body, keeping her more or less worm. It was this chemical that allowed her to remain in her normal shinigami uniform.

Her short uniform formed into a fitted dress that was very short, and split up the side into a small triangle. It was nothing perverse. It was simply what she moved more easily in.

Cold meant that the bodies temperature, of her opponent, would decrease in temperature about a degree every five minutes unless performing actions that heated it. Numbers flew through Jun's head. Numbers and figures. Constantly trying to sense an opponent, and glancing at the pathetic thing that was named Giburai. She had never like the insignificant human. Not even before he had snapped.

Muriasachi had promoted him to 7th seat, a decision that Jun disagreed with. Muriasachi toyed with him until he snapped, implanting strange chemicals within the small child's body. Such chemicals, as what Jun knew, were a variation of what Muriasachi had injected Kasumi with. It was an advanced type A.20 serum that would regenerate cells. Muriasachi could never configure the math to add up to the perfect medicine, and thus it had always had side effects. In Giburai's case, it messed with his brain waves, giving him an almost amnesia like state of complete oblivion at all times.

It was a serious side effect that he ruined Giburai with. But that did not matter. All it meant was that he would be taken away from the 7th seat. Jun never saw what Muriasachi saw in him as far as smart. But then again. He had a body that was full of powerful antibodies, and, because of this, Jun had guessed that Muriasachi was simply using the 7th seat as a way to test his new medicine. Like he had used Kasumi to test the new one. Jun was told to monitor Kasumi and she had. The Medicine was very close to that of a perfect medicine, completely re figured from the original medicine. Muriasachi had killed many a test subject with his crazy medicine choices. Basing the medicine to last in the body and regenerate similar to how his previous regeneration medicine worked, only that medicine worked on wounds that had recently happened, and would not remain.

Jun looked ahead. Her mind full of monotone thoughts like such, while multitasking and scanning the area, her hand on her zanpakutou. Her eyes were almost glazed over. Her same boring thoughts raging within her.

Her senses picked up nothing yet. Her ability to sense rieatsu was a honed ability. She had always been amazing with her rieatsu, able to analyze her ability and control her body energy perfectly since she could remember. However her memory only extended so far back. All she knew was what Muriasachi had told her. She was his daughter, “A part of himself.”

Jun had always had the right amount of respect as such.

“Dawwwwwweeehhhhhhhhhhh....”

Giburai was making sounds again. Jun looked over. He seemed to be fixiated on one of the multicolored butterflies that was flitting around. Jun looked over at him, studying his structure, learning to read his body language and moaning tones as a kind of language. It had become like sign language, only less clear, and harder to read. Furthermore, not all moans and movements meant something.

Suddenly Giburai staggered back against a tree, his hand placed against his gut as if out of breath. Jun knew what this meant. He had seen something that was close to them with the shikai powers he possessed.

Jun's hand raced to meet the handle of her zanpakutou and pull it out. It whipped out quickly, and Jun looked forward.

“What is it Giburai-kun?”

Jun turned back away to look into the forest. The thick trees shrouded and dampened her vision.

Jun heard a gurgling noise and turned in a jerky motion to see a slivers of metal wrap its curved side around Giburai's neck, and pull him back against the tree.

“GIBURAI!”

Giburai squealed as he felt the blade pulled into his neck. Blood spurted out, and the blade was pulled back even further, until Jun heard a snap.

Then she saw the attacker, a blonde haired brightly colored man with cat ears. Jun took a step in order to run at him, before she felt the presence of another close by. Turning she looked to see another man. He was a more rugged man, already looking angry or steamed for battle.

Jun froze. She was outnumbered. The odds were not in her favor, and by technicality that meant that she was going to lose. However, she did not know the skill level of these two. All she had to go on was that they were masters of hiding their rieatsu. But Jun was never at Shuunske's or Kasumi's level of detection. She was merely good. Not great. So this might not mean too much. Plus, at the moment that they had both appeared, she had not been concentrating on her sensing.

The blonde spoke.

“Surprise...!”

As he spoke he tapped his blade against a tree. Jun hypothesiszed that it was already in the shikai status, as it was not in the form of a normal katana, and in fact, curved into a bent blade that was shiny, and contained a bell at the end, similar to a cat bell.

Her hypothesis was concluded to be true as the sword started to vibrate and sent out a high pitched noise. Jun only heard it in its high pitched screeching for about ten seconds before the pitch dropped out, and it remained in a state of vibrating, and purring almost.

The cat-like boy had bent down and taken a candy from Giburai's small bag, and plopped it into his mouth.

“It wouldn't be a lot of fun if he got word out about us... these are REALLY good!”

The sudden shift in intimidation made Jun gasp for air, confused. The boy studied the candy wrapper.

Jun pointed the blade of her zanpakutou at the cat boy. His ears perked up as Jun began to speak, her voice not showing one bit of fear. She was confident in her ability, and had ways of killing two opponents with her kido and her zanpakutou ability. But first she had to gather data. Her monotone voice carried to the cat boy.

“Who are you, and what are you doing here – shinigami? What station do you belong to?”

Jun's head whipped back as the other man answered.

“Shuddup girl. Your annoying voice is hurting my head almost as much as that cat!” He took a pause.

“Not that it really matters, but, just so you can know the name of the man that is going to kill you, my name is Setsuko Minanami, and that there,” he pointed with his finger, “he does not matter, because it is ME that is going to kill you! So you don't need to know his name!”

As he spoke, Jun looked over the man named Setsuko for weaknesses. He wore strange clothing. Unlike the other shinigami, and even the Phitsy man he was with, he did not wear the normal shinigami uniform. He wore clothes that normal humans would wear in the world of the living.

He was a taller than most man, with dark black hair. His face was rugged, and had a scar that was sliced onto his cheek. It looked like a battle wound. Jun noted not to make too many facial strikes, as it was probably molded into his subconscious muscle memory to have a constant guard on there, and was built into reflex.

Furthermore, he had piercings all over his face, ears, lips, and nose. His eyes were a silver blue. He wore a leather jacket that had reinforced shoulders, opened to show a shite button down that was also unbuttoned to show a low cut v-neck style shirt with some writing that Jun could not make out. The one letter visible looked like an H.

This clothing extended down to his belt line where he wore a belt with a strange symbol on it like a deformed triangle. The word 'volcom' was on the belt's metal clasp. From there, he wore black skinny slacks that were fit to his legs without being too tight. He wore convers, a type of shoe that Jun would not be able to identify but had seen once in her research on the real world. His sword was simply held, sheath in his hands, and his blade within the sheath.

“HEY! I am too important! I am Phitsy!” Phitsy gave off a friendly smile before opening his eyes again to look at Setsuko. As if remembering to be mean looking, he re shaped his face, and started glaring at Jun, pretending to be mad.

Jun rolled her eyes along with Setsuko, as she spotted similarities in Phitsy that she had spotted in Giburai before he was broken – mentally.

However, what was important now was not to think about her hatred for the new enemies, but to analyze them in order to fight them. She needed to buy time.

“You did not answer my question though... why are you here?”

He replied. “Why does it matter to you. I already told you my name. As for me, I am here to fight! Nothing more. I don't care about the rest!”

As he spoke, Jun looked him over, studying how he held himself. Setsuko seemed to be the more intimidating, and more fight oriented. This lead Jun to believe that he was the more dangerous and experienced in combat situations.

Looking at how he stood, Jun detected 28 places were he would be able to block from reflex just based on how he held himself. Her mind flew, analyzing as she had been trained, her ability to read others intricate anatomy coming to great use. She gradually formulated a strategy to attack that man. And then moved to the cat like man.

Jun immediately saw that this man was not nearly as prone to battle situations, and could tell that he normally fought as a back up. He did not even have his sword in any kind of blocking or attacking situation. Was he rarely used in actual combat? Made sense. He looked to contain little experience.

Looking back at Setsuko, he held his sword with confidence, meaning he was probably an offensive fighter. This was neither here nor there. It just meant that Jun would have to find a way to make him have to guard. However, his ability to control riatsu was good as well, as he had dampened his rieatsu in order to get here to a point that she could not detect, and so kido might not be very effective.

Jun bent her lip. This was bad. Outnumbered, and out parred.

Jun had to start things, and keep the man blocking. This would throw off his natural tactic that Jun had placed him with based on his eyes, and mood and tone of voice.

Shooting her head up and at the man, Jun shouted, almost cutting Setsuko's sentence off, but JUST letting it finish before she shouted: “Number thirty three – Sokatsui!”

At that moment, Jun jumped back, aiming her finger at the Setsuko man. A blue lightening crinkled on her finger tips before a blast of lightening ripped away from her, shooting at the man. Setsuko did not even move, and waited. Withing the instant that the kido was fired, it had lessened until the kido was nothing more than the level of a first level hado kido. Phitsy sprung in front of the man, as if acting as a shield, and raised his sword. The weakened kido smacked against the blade, dying as it touched the blade.

What had happened!?!

She could not have messed up the spell. Such a failure was not in her nature. She had mastered kido like that in the academy. She was a kido specialist, mastering more than normal amount of kido. She even mastered more than some of the teachers in her academy – teachers that were not teachers of kido.

She did not have time to think. Setsuko had used flash step and was only a foot away from her, swinging his sword fast and hard against hers. Her blade blocked it, and she was sent flying back.

“W-what!?” Jun proclaimed. Stammering to find her scientific explanation to what had happened. She had to think. She had already created a hypothesis. From the beginning Giburai would have seen the two of the men before they got there as they had. Because of this, the shikai of that boy had to interact and possibly nullify spiritual energy. It was the only thing she could think off. And it was supported when the cat boy destroyed her spell as it touched his blade.

Such was a very useful ability if that was the case. Jun depended on her kido in order to fight. Regardless, she had to fight with her shikai against a man like this.

The man did not make another attack.

“Kido will not work on us – Jun.”

Jun raised her head. There was no way that he could have known her name. She had never told him, and he should have even known that she existed. What was going on here? It was not normal.

“Sacrifice and create – Renkinjutsu!”

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Mystic10

Jun looked up and passed her hand over her blade. As her hand passed over it, covering it, and then showing it again, it changed. As her hand passed over it, it formed into a shikai state, remaining a katana style, only thicker, and looking like it was made of different metals all the way up. On each different sections, there was a small circle with a different design in each. The blade itself was thicker as well.

“Heh heh. A shikai already girl? I see you already know the outcome of this...”

Jun would not listen to him babble anymore. She had to do the unexpected.

Jun stepped forward on her foot, and started to run at Setsuko. Her blade raised in an attack pattern. She was not normally the type to attack an enemy like this, as her strength was in countering an already made attack.

Setsuko ran into the attack with her, and easily blocked her. Jun jumped back, and attacked again. Setsuko dodged and attacked. Jun had her strategy made up. She watched as the blade moved to her, and cut into her side, the lunge attack tearing slightly into her side. Jun could have easily blocked it, but needed to deceive the man, to make him think she was a lower level than she was. Plus, it would not affect her much.

As the sword cut through Jun, she winced in pain, but then she just made it an act as the chemicals in her phased through the pain, and allowed her to feel nothing.

Jun staggered backwards, her hands falling to her side.

“Guh!” She exclaimed. She felt nothing, but acted as if it were the amount of pain she should be feeling.

“Weakling,” Setsuko remarked at his easy hit on the girl. “I am afraid I over estimated you.”

Jun's plan was a success.

He was fooled.

Shuunske:

“I am a shinigami like yourself – did you think different?”

Shuunske froze. It was as he expected. He was really facing off with another shinigami. Only he had never heard of him nor seen him. And he was so skilled that he had not even been able to assess the situation with Muriasachi and who ever he was fighting. One mess up or distraction and it was over for Shuunske. This man was powerful. Shuunske had never been forced to pay this much attention in a fight.

Clenching his hand down on his sword, Shuunske opened his mouth to speak.

“I see. Then how do I not know about you?”

The man smiled, a mocking smile, and answered as if teasing Shuunske.

“There is a lot you might not know little Shuunske-sama. Trust me. It is not hard to hide anything from you. At all. But before I get ahead of myself, let's end this, shall we?”

Shuunske was not satisfied with the answer. But he agreed, ending this fight as quick as possible was optimal because of Hiiro and the others. However he knew something was wrong with Jun and her inability to answer the radio or update the situation. Giburai's radio was not randomly going off with noises that he made anymore either.

Shuunske hoped that they were okay. Jun was a strong enough fighter as long as she had ample ability to use her advanced kido and her zanpakutou. Muriasachi had bragged about it multiple times.

Shuunske caught his mind from wandering again, focusing back to the man before him. Although it did not seem that he was attacking, despite the suggestion to fight. Shuunske took this moment to look in Muriasachi's direction.

Shuunske almost dropped his weapon. What was going on!? Muriasachi was standing in front of the man that was the previous 11th division captain. The man that had died in order to allow Shuunske into his position. He was a rumored fighter – being one of the strongest. Shuunske had never seen his bankai personally, but knew enough about it.

The man's brooding presence on the battle field only thickened Shuunske's suspicion. This was not normal. He had died a while ago. Shuunske had gotten proof. The body had shown up. So then, how was this man alive and well – here.

“Heh heh heh. See what I mean Shuunske-sama? A lot can be hidden from you, you little pampered Ginsuchi clan member!”

With that the man forced himself into attack mode again, his rieatsu becoming rather serious. Shuunske knew what was about to ensue. His shikai or bankai was about to be released. Shuunske as well dropped down into a stable stance, and began to run his fingers about his blade, tapping it in the beginning of the blade, middle, and end.

“Kawari Ken Kantsuu – Kirisami!” Shuunske spoke the simple words of his zanpakutou's release phrase, passing his fingers back over it. As his fingers passed over it, it shimmered, and became slightly longer, the blade becoming more sleek and shiny. As his hands passed over the katana handle, it became white and gold, and bent into a more bent position. It was beautiful.

Shuunske could feel the powerful rieastu pumping into it. This was the more basic abilities of Kirisami. The ability to contain a stronger rieatsu than other zanpakutou.

As he was saying his own phrase, Shuunske heard his mysterious opponent muttering as well, saying “Rise and control, Mada Buredo!”

The man's zanpakutou changed most dramatically. The hilt morphed into a head of a puppet, and strings fell from its mouth. Metal looking strings. Furthermore, the blade erupted from its mouth, cutting into the doll's head slightly. The sword was not shiny, but well kept in this state.

Shuunske had no idea what he was supposed to do in this situation. Both had their shikai released, and yet, Shuunske did not know a thing about the opponent. The way things were going, Shuunske would not be surprised if they already knew about his shikai ability, and he had to prepare for the worst. It was a risky game, especially against such a shinigami, where the worst could be death.

It was about to really begin. Shuunske had not released his shikai since he had first discovered it, and one other time – when he defeat his first Hollow. This was a serious fight, as that had been at the time.

Shuunske's little feet dug down into the snowy air, as he was in the cold air, hovering over the ground about twenty feet up, his rieatsu abilities keeping him there. He was ready, but waiting for his opponents attack. It came, but not from a short range attack.

The long haired man jumped into the air, higher than they already were, and shouted a kido name down at Shuunske.

“Raikoho!”

Shuunske knew that attack. It was a level 63 kido, and the man had not even used the incantation. He was incredible.

Shuunske disengaged the rieatsu hardening under his feet and into the snow, muttering the word “Danku!”

All the sudden his rieatsu extended into a transparent wall that covered him in the shape of a triangle.

His enemies spell sprung a huge yellow bolt of lightening that shot down and clashed upon the transparent wall. It crushed the wall into the ground, not breaking. Shuunske crouched and closed his eyes, the snow around him exploding up into the air all around the attack site.

Shuunske used it as an opening to attack. The yellow bolt of lightening subsided, and so did his bakudo spell wall, and Shuunske shot into the sky, his legendary flash step carrying him there before the other man could react properly.

Shuunske slashed his sword down at the man. Before the man could move, the strings that came from the doll head moved, shooting forth to grab Shuunske's sword. It slowed it enough for the captain to swing his own blocking slice. It clashed against Shuunske's zanpakutou. Shuunske felt his katana's pressure gorge into that of the others, and watched as a small chink was made in the man's blade.

But Shuunske could not hold it for long. Still mobile, Shuunske hardened the Rieatsu under him, and used it to push off into another Shunpo. Was this the ability of the man's shikai? Precognition. The ability to see an attack before it happened. Or at least, the ability to block an attack before it hit him.

If so, Shuunske needed to know its range. The strings had extended when they acted. As he thought, Shuunske pushed off another wall into another shunpo, swinging at the man as he zoomed by. All that could be seen were small sparks in the sky, as both Shuunske and the man flew by each other – both using advanced shunpo.

Shuunske could feel sweat dripping down his forehead. It was the reality of the situation. He had to work.

Feeling his blade clash against that of his opponents once more, Shuunske muttered “Hainawa!” Immediately Shuunske's finger tip sparked a yellow energy that sprung into a yellow rope. It was only bakudo number four, but it was still strong enough for a distraction.

The yellow whip flew at Shuunske's opponent, slapping against him, and wrapping around his wrist. Shuunske pulled the man at him, pulling him by the bound wrist, until he was in range of attack. Shuunske slammed his sword hard and steady against the target's sword, placing another chink in its blade, Shuunske's blade still utterly perfect and unscratched.

Shuunske saw the chords attach themselves to his blade, and begin to entangle his sword so that it could not move. Shuunske grinned. A weak shikai like this was nothing against his own sword.

“Go Kirisami!” At once, Shuunske's blade exploded into water, bursting until he had no blade. It left him completely open for a second until the water that had been spat away was sucked back, transformed back into solid metal, and made into a new shape. The shape was thin and long, shooting at Shuunske's opponent as it formed – like a needle.

“Sekienton,” the man spoke in an assertive voice. Red smoke blew up around Shuunske. His yollow rope faded. The man was gone. Still in the area, but not as close anymore. Still close.

This was bad. He was open with such a ridiculous sword. Shuunske whipped the sword round to his front in a guard, it falling back into a water state before coming back to its original released form.

Shuunske jumped from the red smoke. He could not see the captain.

“Geki.”

Shuunske heard the voice from behind him. It was another kido. Only level nine. But a tricky kido none the less.

Shuunske watched as a red light took over him, paralyzing him completely. Shuunske could feel his muscles tingle and freeze. This was not good. But no attack came.

“My name is Kowai Moto, Shuunske-sama.”

Shuunske could not concentrate with such powerful dark energy around him. The man's energy was so powerful. Shuunske had not felt anything like it. And then he released his own rieatsu. It was so dark that even Shuunske felt its weight. The air seemed to be heavy, and Shuunske clenched his teeth, releasing enough energy to break the Geki spell he was under.

Turning to face the man again, Shuunske felt his muscles loosen again.

“How do you know my name, Kowai Moto?”

Kowai started to laugh, a low and calm laugh that made Shuunske's blood boil.

“Heh heh. I am not allowed to say. That is the whole idea, Shuunske-sama.”

Shuunske felt that this man's spiritual energy was like its own kido. It stopped him from thinking and moving to his best ability. Was this Shuunske's rival? Did Shuunske finally have someone to fight at his own par.

He grinned. He thought so. It was only a matter of time before both had to release their bankai.

“But you live up to your reputation – Shuunske-sama – the boy legend. I have heard enough about you to know that I am not up against a simple captain.”

Shuunske replied sarcastically. “I'm flattered. Now, lets stop wasting time, Kowai.”

With that, Shuunske jumped into a shunpo that carried him to the captain, swinging with the momentum of the movement. It as blocked, and Shuunske swung again. He was too busy aiming and swinging to see the man's face, until he did.

The man's face was dead – void of emotion. Was this easy for him? Was he outmatched?

“Aaaghhh!!”

Shuunske started to swing faster and faster, becoming caught in the man's mental games. His anger started to take over his swings, and they became more and more powerful, slamming repeatedly against Kowai's blade, creating more and more chinks in its surface.

Before Shuunske knew it, Kowai had countered Shuunske's attack, and thrust his sword away. But this had placed his sword away as well. Both Shuunske and Kowai moved at once, completely at the same skill level.

Sliding back, Shuunske muttered the word “Sokatsui!”
At the same times, Kowai slid back and muttered the word “Kongobaku!”

Shuunske had never heard of this attack before. At his finger tips blue lightening fired at the man, while at his palm, red-orange fire spawned and launched a huge fireball at Shuunske. Both kido met in the middle of each, and exploded. They were at the same level, and before Shuunske could get away, the shock wave of red fire and blue lightening hit him. Crossing his arms over his head, Shuunske activated the Enkosen without even saying its name. A yellow lightening based shield made of spinning rieatsu was created in front of him. He had already taken damage though. It was too late.

Shuunske closed his eyes as he fell, the blast more powerful than his ability to hold himself on the air, and thus causing him to fly towards the ground at a risky speed.

Before he knew it, Shuunske crashed into the snow, holding his arms against his chest. He felt the air explode from his lungs, leaving him helpless, and defenseless. Pain his him harder than ever yet so far.

The yellow fan broke away and snow was pushed into the air around him.

As it fell again, Shuunske moved, still in the fetal position, gasping for air. He had never been so helpless since that night. Never!

Pushing his palm against the snow, Shuunske sat up, trying so hard to breathe that he finally got it. Pain came into his lungs, and Shuunske's back arched, coughing. His eyes closed, and he tasted blood in his mouth. Opening his eyes again, Shuunske saw blood sprinkled in the snow.

This was bad. If his bankai was needed this early in the fight, then he might not have enough spiritual energy to complete the fight. But at this rate, he was not going to be able to defeat his opponent.

Pressing the small button on his neck microphone, Shuunske spoke into the radio, his breaths separated, and sounding as if in much pain and struggling to speak.

“Kasumi-san, Hiiro-chan, report? Jun-chan?.....” He let his hand fall back into the snow, acting as a support in order to push himself up. Who was this man?

“That was... pretty good for a little legend.”

Shuunske's eyes widened, and he turned.

The man stood there, his hand on his side. Blood dripped down from his forehead and around his eye. Shuunske gasped again. What was he? How had that not done more damage?

Shuunske tasted the blood that ran down his mouth and chin.

There was no choice. Bankai was needed.

Muriasachi:

Muriasachi did not know what to say. The man that lay before him was a well known man to him. But he was supposed to be dead. Muriasachi had tested it himself. He had been dead. His heart had not been beating, and he had passed. It was no trick either. Muriasachi could detect that.

What did this mean? Was he wrong? Or... or... was this an imposter? It had to be the second option. He could not be wrong about something like that. He was not one to be fooled.

Muriasachi groped his hair, pulling it hard, bending his head to the side.

“H-how... are you... there...?”

Muriasachi spoke, his high and creepy voice cracking as he spoke. His eyes looked blank and thoughtless. On the contrary, he ran many many thoughts through his head at that one moment, going over all possibilities as to how he could be wrong. There were none. The man was dead. Was he... crazy?

No. He was fine.

The 11th division ex captain laughed, a demonic tone as he had always had.

“I thought my appearance might have this affect on you, Muriasachi-san. Long time no see.”

The words hardly were registered by Muriasachi past a voice verification. His voice was the same. He had the same voice. He had the exact same body. It had been a favorite of Muriasachi's until he saw the boy Shuunske's body which made this man's looked flawed in comparison.

“H-how... I was not... could not be... w-w-wrong... Asura-san...”

Asura grinned, his lips stitched together by the string, pulling at his skin as he smiled, looking painful. He had always adored pain. As well as a challenge. Muriasachi had performed a surgery on the man once to deal with his radiation issue that was given to him by use of his zanpakutou, and he had insisted on no pain killer.

Muriasachi had enjoyed that surgery a lot.

“You were wrong dip shit! Deal with it! Now, I didn't come here to fucking hear you babble your fucking mouth, idiot. I came here to kill your ass! Heh heh.”

Muriasachi did not reply.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Bleach208-00022

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Bleach208-00022

This was not happening. How.

HOW!?!?!

He could not so easily have slipped up. The man he looked at was dead. It had been. And It was him. IT WAS!

“G-good... c-c-captain... A-asura... c-captain... c-c-c-captain...”

Asura did not wait this time, and jumped into attack formation, rushing himself upon Muriasachi, his large sword coming down hard as an attack.

Muriasachi side stepped the attack. He had already memorized the patterns by which this man attacked. He knew it was fast fast slow, or slow fast fast, or fast slow slow, or fast slow fast. But only a combination of this. And at the end of this pattern there was a slight opening. Offense was this man's strong point, not defense.

That being said, just knowing the man's attack pattern did not mean that he could always block it and/or dodge it. It just meant that he had a good guess as to what it was going to be. Educated guess.

“It seems you know what my next move is already Muriasachi-san. Lets test that! C'mon! Rise and see for me Doko!”

The handle guard of his sword morphed into that of a pyramid. Muriasachi knew that nothing more other than a more powerful, heavy and radiated blade came from this. He could feel the intense waves of radiation coming off of the man's sword.

Muriasachi's eyes widened. It was unexpected. He was taking this fight seriously. Normally he would fool around with an opponent. And normally he would not need a shikai mode to beat an opponent. But Muriasachi was another captain, like himself.

He could not be taken lightly.

“Heh... y-yeah... you're... alive... I mean... dead... I mean...”

Asura responded, cutting Muriasachi off.

“Shut the fuck up motherfucker! I don't want to hear your crazed babbling! Okay!?”

With that, Asura shot back at Muriasachi. The screaming snapped Muriasachi back the moment. He blocked the blade that came at him in a lunge form. It was with deadly accuracy. But Muriasachi had seen and memorized that attack.

“Still reading huh?”

As soon as he said that, Asura used shunpo to carry himself behind Muriasachi.

Muriasachi's eyes widened again. He had never used shunpo. And certainly not that well. That was new.

Then Muriasachi felt Asura finish his well aimed blow. He did not feel it in a pained sense, but felt his body pushed to the ground as the opponent's blade ripped through his arm at the shoulder.

Muriasachi fell to the ground and bent over in the snow, his arm shooting back, and Muriasachi shouting “Way of destruction number one – sho!”

Asura was cut off in the middle of his next swing, pushing him backwards.

Muriasachi looked over. His arm lay in the snow beside him.

He did not feel a thing. Nothing.

All the sudden Muriasachi started to laugh. A high pitched cracking laugh that would send chills down anyone's back.

“Hahahahaheeheeheehee! You think that will affect me simple captain. Nothing like that has affect on me! Hahahahahahahaheeheeheeheeh! NOTHING!?! You're a dead man captain! A... you ARE a dead man!? And I will... I will kill you... AGAIN!”

Muriasachi jumped up, the chemicles in hos body rushing in order to stop the blood from pumping out of his arm. His blood clotted and stopped. Even for such a huge injury, only small amounts of blood dripping free.

Muriasachi's crazed laugh continued as he rummaged for something in his captain's haori.

Pulling out a small vial, Muriasachi opened it and popped back the lid. He let a single drop fall into his mouth. As soon as it hit his lips, his tongue sizzled, and whipped back into his mouth. Pain smacked him in the face, and tore through him down to his arm, causing him to bend and squeal. Flesh started to be created on his barren shoulder until another, new arm pushed out from the surface. It was his latest medicine that he was trying to make more potent. The prototype had been tested on Kasumi, but it was too powerful for that body.

He kept bending and twisting in inhuman ways until the arm was placed fully on him, new, covering the blood, and gore that had been showing. His uniform was still ripped, and bloody, the white of his haori stained with blood.

Muriasachi bent his arm and cracked its knuckles without the aid of the other hand. It was skinny, and frail. Without the haori to hide his grotesque, thin and gray arm, it looked like it belonged to a dead man.

“Heh heh. See... you can't... can't even hurt me... captain...” Muriasachi spoke.

“I don't see any such thing, Muriasachi.”

Phitsy:

Phitsy gave a sigh; there was something unsettling with this woman. Her eyes were dark, and held only rational thoughts. He doubted for a moment she even cared for her companion. The one that lay bleeding to death behind him. leaving him to feel a soft pang of pity for the little boy. Everyone should be missed at some point in their lifetime. Not that Phitsy would miss setsuko, the brazen man seemed to do nothing but insult him on a regular basis.

Like now….. Phitsy dropped the small plastic wrapper into the snow and huffed, pouting angrily to Setsuko his ears pulled back for a moment. He shifted and put a hand upon his hip. His name mattered! If it wasn’t for him Setsuko would have a hell of a time dealing with kido!

“HEY! I am important! I’m Phitsy!” Out of reaction he flashed a wide smile. He couldn’t help it. He was just NATURALLY charming. But out of the corner of his eye he caught the bitter glare from setsuko, like a sibling who was trying to scream how much of an idiot he was being to him through a single glare. Causing him to blink in surprised, oh….right they were supposed to be intimidating. He pulled his ears back and frowned. Trying to mimic the scowl setsuko had upon his face.

“You did not answer my questions though…why are you here?”

The careful looking 12th division woman asked again, She looked more towards setsuko for these answers. Causing Phitsy to rolled his eyes and looked away like a bored teenager. She would have to acknowledge him at some point with nekomata purring in his hand. They were told she was a very heavy Kido user, she was going to have a hell of a time! Phitsy giggled softly to himself.

“Why does it matter to you. I already told you my name. As for me, I am here to fight! Nothing more. I don't care about the rest!” setsuko barked to her, he gripped his blade so tightly his knuckles shone white. So gun ho he was. Phitsy watched their high energy conversation with a small smile on his face, he found the scowl setsuko had always slightly comical. Besides…. It was clear that Setsuko wanted her to shut up. He wasn’t really the talkative type.

Suddenly it felt like Phitsy was on the spot. Her eyes had flitted to him while setsuko spoke. shifting her gaze to the strange Shinigami. His ears pulled back. He felt like he was being put under the microscope, under her scrutinizing gaze. Was this how all 12th division acted? Phitsy never liked the idea of studying a person head on. It was much better to watch them In the first few moments of their onslaught. The first few vital hits. Yout can tell everything from that person.

She bit her lip, eyes slipping back towards setsuko and Phitsy felt the corners of his lips pull upward. She knew her odds now. Even the rational 12th division knows when they are outnumbered.

Suddenly her body tensed, eyes trained back to setsuko and Phitsy narrowed his eyes. His body coiled like a slingshot being pulled back. Even before she lifted her hand, he saw the words forming on her lips. And he shot forward, propelling himself through the snow. Feeling the Reitasu under his feet he jumped into Shunpo as the words fell from her lips.

“Number thirty three – Sokatsui!” Jun shouted, cutting setsuko off. Setsuko didn’t move, there was only a small look like he was slightly annoyed that she had cut him off like that. Blue lighting shot from her fingertips. Shooting towards setsuko as lightning normally does. But they crackled Spitting and hissing as through water had been thrown upon it. Sputtering out the spell struggled through the air.

Phitsy used a single burst of Shunpo, skidding to a halt in front of his partner, feet digging into the snow. He held his blade held in front of him just above his chest. His palm pressed against the hook of the blade, a simple blocking move. But with the lighting it would shoot through the metal and shock him instead.

That is of course, what he assumed she had been thinking.

Aaaaahhhh but she was sooooo wrong. The lightning sputtered and crackled. Then the moment it touched the blade of nekomata, it dissipated with a small pop. A wide grin formed on his face. God he wanted a camera for the look of pure shock upon her face. Eyes wide, her mouth hung open slightly, Phitsy guessed she was the sorta girl who was top of her class. And never messed up a kido spell in her life.

“w-what?!” She exclaimed breathlessly. Phitsy started to giggle like a happy child. She was so funny when she searched for a scientific reason to explain what had just happened.

Setsuko also had a small smug grin on his face.

“Kido will not work on us….jun.” he replied calmly. “Your intel kinda sucks. Doesn’t it sweetheart?” Phitsy smiled gleefully and let his Zanbaktou fall comfortably to his side. Brushing a lock of blond hair out of his face, Phitsy laughed.

Jun reacted quickly, drawing her blade.

“Sacrifice and create – Renkinjutsu!”

During the changing process, Phitsy moved to setsuko’s side. Watching her with a smug smile. Now in shikai, things could get a bit more interesting. Setsuko chuckled, narrowing his eyes to the girl, his mouth turned into a wicked looking grin he liked to wear when he knew they were going to win.

“Heh heh. A shikai already girl? I see you already know the outcome of this...”

Phitsy rolled his eyes once again. To gun ho, he didn’t expect for a moment that she might have something up her sleeve. The 12th division was notorious for having things up their sleeves. Their own little trump cards. She should be no different, handpicked by Muriasachi, and when that guys get’s involved you never know what could happen.

But no…..setsuko had to be in charge, and had to hardly think when she came running towards him. Phitsy gave him the “don’t be stupid honey” look before Setsuko ran to meet her in the center of the white clearing. The feline man watched, as they closed the distance between each other and the sharp clash of metal on metal rang through the soundless dark forest.

There was no point in trying to help. To many times had setsuko almost cut him in half because Phitsy got in the way.
It wasn’t too long, before setsuko got a hit upon the woman. A shallow gash on her side, her eyes widened and she struggled backwards away from him. eyes wide and her breath was shallow. Phitsy’s ears twitched, she wasn’t as skilled with a sword as they expected, was kido really her strongest suit? He giggled again, sucks for her!

“Weakling.” Setsukos smug grin on his face widened. And Phitsy narrowed his eyes. Wait….what seat was she again? The number was lost to him but he knew she wasn’t a grunt. That was such an easy hit. Phitsy sighed and put a hand upon his hip again and watched the two with intelligent eyes, something was off, and if she stepped out of line, or tried to escape setsuko’s brutal onslaught of combos and raw power. Phitsy would get her from behind, working as a barrier to keep her within setsuko’s reach.

That’s how they worked, and it’s kept them alive all these years!

Hiiro:

Kasumi’s hand was suddenly upon her mouth, silencing her own words, trying to contact Shuunske had clearly been a failure.

“Hiiro-chan. Do not let your emotions get the better of yourself. By shouting you will achieve nothing but give away our...”

They both froze, her blood ran cold when another voice cut through the silence.

“... give away your location possibly?”

Hiiro’s eyes widened and her heart froze in her chest. It was her, that horrible insane woman who almost killed Kasumi. The hand slipped from her mouth and they turned to see the crazed dark haired woman. Standing in the snow, the darkness surrounded her, blurred the details of her form. Slumped and grinning. It all made her look like a deranged puppet on a string.

Kasumi drew his sword quickly. Hiiro slipped Sunibunki from her sheath just as fast. Holding the blade in both hands looking at the woman like she had seen a ghost, and the woman looked to her With bloodlust in her eyes and an inhumanly wide smiled, Smug and knowing.

“... Oh don't bother telling that bitch to shut up, she gives off rieatsu waves like none other. All you had to do was bring her, and we knew where you were. All of you. Your precious captains, as well as the other girl and that odd boy she was with... you gave them all away. I guess it is like that with weak little pathetic bitches. I remember when I was at your level... hardly... I guess one does not remember things easily back from when they were two or three... makes sense...”

She taunted harshly, laughing into the air. Hiiro looked stunned as though she had been physically slapped across the face, worry flashed in her eyes. Was she that easy to track? Hiiro clenched her jaw, that wasn’t true! It couldn’t have been. She glanced to Kasumi now, only for a second. He had asked her to stay behind back in the safe house. Had she made the right choice?

But Kasumi wasn’t looking at her, his eyes were locked upon the evil creature that stood before them.

“Don't listen Hiiro-chan. And stay back. I can take her!”

Kasumi replied sternly, moving his Zanbaktou to his torso in a position like he was about to charge. Hiiro’s eyes widened when she came to the realization.

The woman wasn’t taunting Hiiro…But Kasumi.

Fear bloomed in her eyes and she glanced to Kasumi again, his eyes were hard and his jaw clenched. Hand gripping his Zanbaktou tightly. But the woman didn’t looked scared…in fact she seemed to be enjoying this. Eyes narrowed and her smug smile widening, She beckoned to him with a scarred hand. That looked at one point soft and delicate.

“Commmeee boy. I remember you... you were the other weak shinigami I sent sprawling to the ground yes? That is before your lame little shit faced captain kid came in and saved your ass!? Am I right?”

Hiiro’s mouth fell open and the flames of anger burned her insides. How DARE she! Hiiro clenched her jaw, seeing that Kasumi to, had a scowl upon his face. Was this woman just trying to piss them off, so they would in fact attack her recklessly? No, Hiiro knew Kasumi wouldn’t be so rash. No amount of taunts could get them to the point of charging her. Especially after their encounter with this strange Shinigami last time. Hiiro tried to read the girl. What was her plan? What was she up to? Kasumi’s words interrupted her thoughts and put her on high alert.

“hiiro, stay on guard, don’t hold back.” He spoke, not taking his eyes off from the deranged looking woman.

But hiiro looked to him now her eyes wide in his request. Shikai form? Fear had molded in her heart, She hadn’t wanted to use it so early. Was that wise?

The strange Shinigami was speaking now, walking forward through the snow, her feet crunching softly in the white. She drew her own blade. it was long, with chips missing as though she had hacked it against metal to many times. It was as though the blade itself was a shallow skeleton. Cut and broken.

Hiiro had learned in the academy that your Zanbaktou breaks when the Shinigami is near death. But she was quite alive….it seemed almost like the Zanbaktou spirit itself was the dying one. Pushed to limits it no longer could care about life.

She laughed, a high pitched, crazed cackle that struck hiiro to the core. Making her wince, but nothing prepared her for watching the woman drag her blade across her tongue. Slicing deep , Hiiro looked horrified and disgusted. Her arms started to shake, feeling nauseous as she watched the woman retract her tongue, and drink the warm blood that slid down her throat.

She was insane. There was no other way of explaining her. There was not a rational thought in the womans mind that didn’t revolve, around blood and death.

Her head rolled back, arms at her sides. The woman gripped the handle of her Zanbaktou loosely and laughed. A horrible laugh that shook the snow off of the delicate leaves above them. Her eyes were wide and blood fell from the corners of her mouth, down her neck.

In a flash Kasumi bent into Shunpo. She wanted to stop him, as though touching the woman would do damage to a person’s mind. She watched as Kasumi flew through the snow. Hardly able to track him, he had not gone nearly as fast during their training.

And suddenly, another presence was felt. “Kasumi-kun!” she called her head whipping around to see the new figure that had appeared and she rushed forward, quickly forming the Reitasu around her feet like she was trained. Hiiro jumped into Shunpo landing two yards behind Kasumi and the crazy woman.

As she landed, she positioned her Zanbaktou at her hip. Arms straight and still, She bent her knees slightly ready to spring into action if she was needed. Her eyes narrowed at the figure standing in front of the woman. He, was clearly not as mentally impaired as she was. But the cold ruthlessness in his eyes could not be mistaken.

The woman still laughed, looking up. Her eye twitched, teeth coated in her own blood. Her shoulders shook with her own laughter. Causing her to look frail as her body convulsed with her strong fits of laughter.

“Did he try and... and... ATTACK me? Heh heh heh! D-did he!?! W-why..... I have done nothing... to him!?! But... b-but... I will... heh heh heh heh heh... I will show him the meaning of pain! I will... I will.... heh heh....!!”

The woman cackled pointing a shaking finger at Kasumi. Hiiro winced again. This woman reminded her to much of the thing Hiiro feared most in this world.

But she felt cold, as the woman seemed to snap back to sanity for a split second. Her eyes cold, hard. And looking straight into her eyes like she could pierce her soul with the very gaze. It robbed Hiiro of her breath.

Time seemed to move slowly, and Kasumi looked to Hiiro quickly his eyes wide. Her laughter brought up again and suddenly, she was right in front of her. A puff of warm air greeted her and the strong smell of blood. Hiiro jumped back her heart jumping in her chest.

“Boo!” the woman shouted in her face. Aiming a slash at her ankles. But hiiro had been faster, this time at least. She leaped in the air, and the crazed Shingamii swung at the air. Her blade cutting through the snow becoming red with the left over blood upon the blade.

“ Hado number 1! Sho!” Hiiro cried, the Reitasu pushing the woman away from her. She watched in rising panic as the woman mearly staggered back, her body moving with the spell as though she was nothing but a bag of water that had been hit with a strong puff of air. The woman’s smile widened and she lunged forward in another string of wide trackless slashes. Her eyes were wide and crazed they took Hiiro off guard. Blocking and parrying her attacks were difficult, and Hiiro was being forced back against a dense thicket of bamboo.

She heard the other man yelling at Kasumi, he too was now locked in battle.

The ring of metal clashing against metal ran in her ears as the crazed Shinigami woman tried to bring her blade crashing down upon hiiro’s head. Placing both hands upon her handle Hiiro pushed the enemy Zanbaktou away, flashing down towards the ground she sliced through the air towards the woman’s torso.

The attack was aimed so she would dodge, giving hiiro a pocket of room to get away from. But Tsubaki embraced the shallow gash. Grinning even wider as her blade pierced the flesh.

“Have you ever even cut a person before? Ever drawn blood, and felt it upon your fingers?!” She asked high pitched it was almost a hiss , and Hiiro’s eyes widened in panic. Raw fear took hold of Hiiro now and she froze, the only thought was to get away from the creature, and that she would die if she didn’t.

Hiiro shoved her away from her. She dug her elbow into the others ribs, and slammed all of her force against the other woman. The womans’ Shihauksho was sour with blood and dirt. She felt the dried blood upon her uniform. The hilt of Sunibunki dug into her gut and Hiiro forced her backwards before using Shunpo to get away from her. Her heart wouldn’t stop thumping at a thousand miles a minute.

“WHO ARE YOU!!” Hiiro screamed backing away from the bamboo and moving towards the center of the clearing. Her voice was high with fear and she whirled around to face the oncoming force. Sunibunki was held in front of her in a defensive position, but she was shaking. She couldn’t make it stop, she hardly even felt the cold of the snow anymore, and her ears wouldn’t stop ringing. And yet, the Woman didn’t seem to turn to face her, but her head lolled back looking at Hiiro with a wide and insane grin, and large eyes that twitched.

“You have so much fear in your eyes.” She whispered before she was gone. Jumping into Shunpo . Hiiro didn’t have a moment to gasp before she was elbowed strongly in the stomach. The ground greeted her harshly and she coughed as the wicked Shinigami slammed her into the ground. Her sword was released from her hand and fell into the snow. Sunibunki tumbled to the ground out of Hiiro’s reach.

Suddenly cold bony hands wound around Hiiro’s neck. Cutting off her air.

And the crazy bitch still smiled. Sneering in her face. Watching as Hiiro’s eyes widened and she choked out soundlessly, her breaths forming small gasps and chokes for air.

“ My name is Tsubaki Kuchiki!! Not that you need to know it now!” She laughed watching the panic in Hiiro’s eyes. She had no air, no air!! Her mind locked, and she grabbed at the handle of Tsubaki’s blade. groping the snow before finding the horrible cold weapon, like steel. With nothing to protect the hand from the metal.

Hiiro gripped it tightly before ushering forth all her strength and smashing it against Tsubaki’s rib cadge, causing her to cry out in pain, a shrill surprised scream echoed and Hiiro Kicked her off. Sucking in deep breaths of the sweet frigid air before jumping up. Scooping up Sunibunki and staggering backwards away from the grunting figure kneeling in the snow.

She had to stop this woman from getting to her. Backing away Hiiro felt her blood run cold as Tsubaki staggered up, gripping the codl handle of her sword loosly in her hand. Her mouth turned in a deranged smile. Hiiro backed away farther, lifting her blade up to defend herself. And Tsubaki’s horrible laughter rang out again.

“you crazy fucking BITCH!! I’ll make you pay for that!! Ooooooohhh ~~ how much blood you’re going to spill!!!! I’ll tear your guts out!! “ Hiiro came to a stop. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, clearing her mind to remember the kido she had learned. Holding up a hand she cleared her head and summoned the Reitasu around her.

“Bakudo number 8 Seki!” she cried out her voice firm and clear. It was the strongest Kido spell that Hiiro knew. A pale circle of light appeared suddenly to the right of her as Tsubaki came crashing down. The blade came into contact with the blue orb and Tsubaki was shot backwards as though she received a strong electrical charge. Hiiro took this moment, wasting no time. Planting her feet she braced herself. Strongly, holding Sunibunki parallel in front of her and her hand resting above the metal.

“ scar their flesh, Sunibunki!”

Heat bloomed from the handle of her Zanbaktou, warming her skin. She held a hand steady, palm facing downwards towards the blade and moved slowly up the span of the blade from the hilt to the tip.

Sunibunki changed, as liquid fire poured from the holes in the hilt like a tap. Running over the sword it morphed. The edges going from sleek and clean. To serrated and deadly.

The blade heated, gaining a rosy color. And orange, garnet and yellow tassels bloomed from the bottom of the handle.
The wave of anger came flooding over her body causing Hiiro to wince against the onslaught she received. But there was no other choice. This woman was dangerous, and she needed every advantage in her arsenal.

Tsubaki shivered, as the kido wore off quickly she looked to Hiiro her mouth now twisted in horrible scowl.

“You know more then you seem.” It was the sanest thing she had ever spoken to Hiiro. Before, the wide smile stretched upon her face returned.

Taking a cool breath Hiiro calmed herself. She had to fight now, there could not be anymore running away. Tsubaki’s eyes crawled across Sunibunki. Before the twitching insane eyes found Hiiro’s once more.

“If your going to get serious, Then so should i!” she screamed her stance became wide and parted.

“Rip, and tear!! Burakkurōzu!” she cried out before she burst out into a horrible fit of insidious laughter. And like throwing a javelin. She charged the blade into the frozen ground. Crouching next to it. Her dirty black hair fell into her face. And She looked through it at hiiro. Eyes wild, and she gripped the blade tightly, blood fell from her clasped hand, running down the blade. like tears, and hitting the soft snow. Melting in crimson drops against the white ice crystals.

Then slowly, Black thorns, grew from the drops of blood. Thin, black barbed vines. Snaked their way up the blade. tsubaki released the blade as the vines reached the bottom of her hand. Standing back up, she pushed out her gruesome tongue, licking at the blood that ran from her palm. Watching Hiiro as she stared in horror at the blade.

In a moment of Panic Hiiro gripped Sunibunki Tighter. She was exposed during the changing process, Tsubaki stood there licking at her hand as thought she didn’t have a care in the world. Digging her feet into the snow Hirro kicked off the ground and charged at her ducked low.

But she was greeted by a sharp stab upon her shoulder. Gasping out in pain, hiiro reared back as a long tangled black vine lashed out at her. It’s body hissing under the movement, and it slipped back around the blade. Hiiro noticed now that some of the vines had creeped around Tsubaki’s ankles, they would dig into her skin if she so much as moved.

Yet Hiiro was forced to not to anything, and watch.

The thorns wound their ways up, gripping at the niches in the blade. Up higher until they wound around the hilt. Then around the handle till the blade was completely covered in black pulsating thorns. The process taking less than twenty seconds. And a single black bloom sprouted from the top. Then the thorns retracted slowly into the ground as though they had never been there.

As they drew away from the weapon, Hiiro saw how it had changed. The black bloom rested upon the bottom of the handle. Still and closed tight. Black metal wound down the handle, greeted by four long black thorns each at least two inches long. They made it impossible to grip the Zanbaktou without stabbing yourself on them. The blade was long and ended in a sharp point. Barbs twisted their way up the blade to cut or catch anything the blade grazed holding them into place. The Zanbaktou looked gruesome.

Without hesitation Tsubaki grabbed the handle firmly. With a cry of ecstasy and pain a thorn tore itself through a hole, that had never fully healed. Piercing her right hand, straight through to the very top. Where the tip of the thorn stuck upwards. With a sharp tug she pulled the blade from the snow covered ground. Her tongue slipping out and licking her blood stained lips.

“I’m going to enjoy ripping your face apart. He heee~ How do you think that your boyfriend over their will like you then??? Ahha ha hahahahahaha!! When you look like an animal put through a chipper!!!” she cried out with joy, her voice cracking and her laughter was loud and unrestrained.

Hiiro winced, looking over to see Kasumi locked in combat with the other Shinigami.

“not-“ Tsubaki continued, drawing Hiiro’s attention back to her. Her eyes narrowed darkly and a sinister smile stretched over her face

“That he will live to even see your fucked up face” she taunted softly and Hiiro went still. Tsubaki’s sneer widened, She had finally hit the nerve Tsubaki was hoping to strike.

Perhaps it was the thought of Kasumi dead, without her being able to help protect him. Maybe it was the new strain with Sunibunki that pushed her. But rage boiled in her eyes and she shot forward jumping into a Shunpo. Bent low, her blade was held low and she disappeared with Shunpo. Flashing through the snow, until Sunibunki came smashing down from the side sending an uppercut to Tsubaki’s flank.

Tsubaki laughed and caught Hiiro’s Zanbaktou in one of the barbs. Locking it down She placed a skill full Kick into Hiiro’s stomach. Causing her to gasp out the breath leaving her lungs. Tsubaki pulled her blade free from the lock and sent a jab towards Hiiro’s head. Planning on striking her through the eyes.

Moving out of the way quickly, Hiiro winced as the tip of the blade sliced into her cheek. Staggering backwards. Hiiro Jumped away clearing a space of several yards before a splitting pain ripped from her cheek causing her to cry out. Her hand went up, shooting towards the cut that was made. What the hell was that?!

She felt something was inside the cheek. Gritting her teeth she pulled the item from her skin. “gguaah!!” She cried tears blurred her vision but she grit through the pain. Looking to her hand. Resting in her palm was a large black thorn hooked and covered in dark blood.

Her own blood.

“It will do more to you if you stop moving and just stay STILL!!” Tsubaki laughed again, jumping into Shunpo she aimed a slash upon Hiiro’s torso, sidestepping the attack Hiiro parried the move, staggering backwards. The pain from that single cut was nearly blinding. If She had landed a more powerful attack on Hiiro it would be over before it even started.

“Stop running away like a child you cheap whore!” Tsubaki screamed turning to look to her. “I knew they were letting weaklings into the soul society but you are just ridiculous! Come at me a fight you little bitch!”

Fear took hold in Hiiro’s heart again. Making itself known. Tsubaki was powerful, and crazy. Hiiro didn’t know how long she could last against such an opponent. But she had to, all she had to be to stay alive.

Hiiro gulped, She didn’t want to die. Not like this, she couldn’t, she wouldn’t! Narrowing her eyes. She planting her feet she clenched her jaw. No, She wasn’t about to die today. Not while her blood still pumped through her veins. and He was alive. She had to stay alive. If she died here, she would have died a coward who never told him. She never told him anything!

Gripping her handle tightly Hiiro clenched her jaw and looked towards Tsubaki. She had to survive, and if that meant winning against this insane woman. Then so be it.

Kasumi gasped for air as he felt his energy take the damage that his body should have taken. This was odd. What had befallen him. He could understand the concept of the opponents sword, but it was more complicated than what he had said. There must be more to that sword.

And then there was the flaw in strategy. He had just pierced Kasumi with a sword. If he had not been in shikai mode, that attack would have been the finishing blow to the battle, and yet he chose to move into shikai before attacking. There must be something he gained from that that Kasumi did not know about... yet.

“Now then... shall we start over? Kasumi?”

Kasumi breathed hard, expelling his answer from his lungs, his hand still on his stomach. His body could not take that kind of damage. Every blow caused a leak to his spiritual energy, and this medicine that Muriasachi had given him already fatigued his ability to use energy. His kido and shunpo had been reduced almost ten fold.

This was bad.

“Heh... let's...”

Before Akio could respond, Kasumi shot forward, pushing his energy into his feet for a shunpo, landing next to Akio, to his right. At all costs he could not even be grazed by that sword.

Akio swung the sword at him, bending to attack Kasumi who was behind him. Kasumi vanished before the blade hit him – another shunpo – and landed to the other side of Akio, throwing a hard kick into his side.

It connected, and Akio went flying up into the sky. He kept his posture though, and flipped, hardening the sky under his feet and using it as leverage to fly back at Kasumi. Kasumi mirrored his strategy, and pushed off the group, using shunpo to carry him into the sky.

Their swords met in the middle.

Blue sparks went flying from Akio's sword, and white from Kasumi's swords.

Kasumi smiled, the blur covered his next attack.

Whipping around, Kasumi threw a deadly slash at the man. It cut through the white after image of his sword like it was cutting through smoke. Akio saw it just in time to throw up his hands and guard with his sword, but could not react to Kasumi's kick – at least, Kasumi did not think.

Muttering the low level spell once again, Akio said “Way of binding number one – kai!”

Kasumi bit his lip as he felt his body tense and slow for a minute. He knew why Akio had done this.

The momentary pause that it had given Kasumi allowed him to block his kick. But the block came from his sword. And it was a defective block.

Kasumi's leg passed through the sword easily. Kasumi felt all the pain that he would feel if a sword were cutting through his leg, but knew it was only an illusion of pain, and kept kicking. It connected, Kasumi taking his own lessons from Hiiro into mind, and transferring the “Sho,” spell to his feet, causing the kick to have unforeseen power.

Akio's face swelled as pain wrenched his body into disfigurement, and he went flying towards the ground, the kick causing him not to be able to harden the sky. Akio went flying into the bamboo. Kasumi heard the crash of his body against the ground. That should do enough damage to immobilize him. At least mostly.

Then Kasumi's eyes jetted open. He felt it as well. Where the sword had passed through his leg had opened another place for the spiritual energy to come through. He felt it oozing, and Kasumi knew that this this was his limit.

Kasumi's eyes rolled into the back of his head, and black took over. He felt the pain of hitting the ground before his entire world went black.

This was the medicine. His limit had been reached. Was this it? In the end, was this all the power he could muster in order to save Hiiro, and honor Shuunske. And...

And prove to himself that he was a valid shinigami.

Was this all?

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Foreshadowing-your

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Foreshadowing-your

It was late. Kasumi was out after midnight. He could the feel the vibrations of the stick that was his temporary zanpakutou, given to him by the academy, smack against the training post. It was dark. He was in the public training arenas.

Kasumi smacked it harder and harder, faster and faster. But he could not let out the feeling that haunted him. A feeling of not being good enough. Why was he so slow. Kifuume had already achieved attaining his zanpakutou.

And yet Kasumi did not even feel close to him. Ever. He was simply the less of the two.

The stick smashed harder and harder against the training post. Kasumi wanted to scream, but knew that he would be caught after hours if he did so, and would have to have punishment for being in the training field after it was closed.

Why was he so weak. Why could he not master kido in the way that Kifuume could, or sword skills as well as he? Why was HE the attractive one and the funny one, and the one that got... her...

WHY!?!

It was not fair!

Smash.

The stick that he was using as his temporary zanpakutou split, and splinters flew in all directions. Kasumi remained there, beating the training poll with the broken stub that remained. It kept splintering.
Anger filled him – until he heard the soft and innocent voice of someone who he had never expected to hear. Shuunske.

Turning around suddenly, Kasumi saw him.

The white haired young boy leaned against another training poll, its crudeness brought out by the young boys velvet motions and silken smile.

He was dressed in a white kimono, no doubt worth more than Kasumi himself, which matched his hair. Both glowed under the moon. The boy said:

“Kasumi-san. As you splinter that sword, you only splinter yourself. A zanpakutou and a shinigami are partners. You cannot live without the other.”

The grace and elegance of the boy's speech only angered Kasumi further, and he turned back, smacking the wood into wood in order to show that he was not about to be lectured by some boy that was better than him. He had not even thought about Shuunske this night.

He was the boy genius that had not only received his zanpakutou, but learned its name, and unlocked shikai mode. This was at the level of the teachers at the school, and beyond that of mast that already graduated. Not to mention he had done it before even entering the academy.

Furthermore, he had learned most of the kido already, and turned down an invitation to the kido corps. And he was in the academy. During spars he did not even try, even against Kifuume.

Kasumi hated that about him! Why did it all come so easy for some people!?

“Why do you care!? Just coming here to taunt me!? Go away!!”

Kasumi pulled his hands down for another smashing blow against the post, but they were stopped. He felt the young boys small hands on his own. Kasumi stopped immediately.

He felt the boys power through his simple touch.

“I had no intention of doing so.”

Kasumi looked at the young boy, staring into his ice blue eyes. His perfect face looking earnestly at him. What was this? A new feeling towards him?

“Then why are you hear? Just to WATCH me be weak and useless!?”

Kasumi felt his hand lowered by Shuunske's smaller hand, his skin much whiter than Kasumi's tanned skin.

“I harness no ill mannered feelings towards you, Kasumi-san. And why do you call yourself weak? You are a great shinigami. Stop comparing yourself to others. That will never do you any good.”

Kasumi did not know why Shuunske was talking to him, nor why he was here alone at night. He had thought Shuunske the kind of kid to obey academy rules as a matter of life or death. Why was HE breaking them?

“Oh shuddup! And stop acting all wise Shuunske-dono! You are no better than me. So stop acting like it!”

Kasumi watched for a change in Shuunske's face. It did not come. Nothing replaced the sweet and displacing smile that was set upon his face. Kasumi wanted it to soothe him, but he could not. It was unnerving.

“Exactly Kasumi-san. I am not better than you. Kifuume-san is no better either. We are all just different. We all have different qualities that make us who we are, and when we accept that, we show our true and best potential...”

As Shuunske spoke, Kasumi took a step back. Without the anger, and the movement of smashing the kendo style sword against the post he felt the cold creeping into his open academy uniform, the cold taking rest against his rising and falling chest. His muscles were well toned, and strong from constant training.

Shuunske followed him, his hand still on Kasumi's. Kasumi could not bring himself to break the touch they had. It was special. It was him finally being recognized.

“B-but...” Kasumi was interrupted. Shuunske spoke as if he had the ability to read Kasumi's mind.

“Do not compare yourself. You are just as talented as him. He has just found the thing he wants to protect. You have not. He has made his mind on what it is, and you have not. That is the only difference. A shinigami gets stronger and stronger when fighting to protect something dear to him. Once you find that thing, you will soar past all the students here. You will soar past Kifuume-san... and past me. You are strong Kasumi-san.”

Kasumi was flabbergasted by the boys words. Such profound wisdom from such a young mind. What was this? What was this feeling? He wanted to follow Shuunske's words. But they were too good to be true.

“Why are you telling me this, Shuunske-san?” Kasumi's tone had lowered to simply trying to understand. Anger was replaced with something that Kasumi could place his finger on.

“Because I... I have not yet found what I want to protect... that is the difference you will gain on me... Kasumi-san... I am looking for it... for her... you HAVE her!”

Kasumi opened his eyes wildly. Shuunske had been right. He had what he wanted to protect, and he would not let fatigue be the reason he could not protect it. He would not let any reason be that reason. He was a strong fighter, and he knew what he wanted to protect.

A smile widened on Kasumi's face.

“Thank you... Shuunske-sama.”

Kasumi pushed himself up, and saw Akio, standing, and walking to him. Blood stained his arm, and he held it funny. Kasumi smiled. He had done sufficient damage to Akio.

But it was still not going to be easy to fight him. Kasumi was in a similar position.

If he was hit again by that sword, he would not be able to continue. And if he dragged on the battle, then he would not win. He had to end it fast, and without using much energy.

Taking a step forward, Kasumi felt the situation he was in. His entire body ached as if he had not slept in a month. He had hardly enough energy to keep hold of his sword. Much less wield it.

Suddenly pain his him, and he bent over, coughing into his hand. When he looked, blood stained it, running down his mouth. This was bad. That had happened before when he was fighting Muriasachi. He was almost at his limit.

“You don't look so good... Kasumi-dono.”

“Stop bluffing Akio-dono. You are in no better position.”

“That is arguable!”

Fear pinged in Kasumi's gut. He did not know the full powers of the shikai that had done this to him. Was there more to it that just that sucking ability?

Then Kasumi noticed the change in the sword. It maintained its shape, and original shikai form, but there was more. A glowing blue orb lay in between the two blades. It was throbbing, and Kasumi recognized it – it was his own spiritual energy.

“Ahh... so you see it, Kasumi-dono. You are a short range fighter. And what is more, my attacks seem to have a double effect on you. So when I did the math, all I had to do was immobilize you and attack from a longer distance. It was rather easy, even if I had to sacrifice the damage of your kick. For a vice captain, you sure are an easy match...”

Was he bluffing? Kasumi had only seen him fight at short range, and knew that he was not a kido master either. He had only used kido at very basic levels, and they were not even strong. So how was he planning on attacking long range?

“... Now I have the key to winning this match. With all that energy of yours I have gathered, I can use my shikai's true ability to manipulate and mold into my weapon. Scary huh Kasumi-dono. Watch...

...Go Fantomu!”

All the sudden, Kasumi felt the energy within the sword pulse as if it were a kido, and then it launched at Kasumi. It was like a Hollow's cero attack. A blue laser like attack fired at Kasumi. He did not have time to dodge it, and it slammed into him, throwing him back into the bamboo. He slammed against countless bamboo before coming to a stop.

Coughing up more blood, Kasumi stood, the fatigue only becoming more and more as the medicine within him that still waited to repair him did so, exhausting him.

“That will never be enough to take me down... Akio-dono...” It hurt to speak with such a lack of energy. It was like forcing iron lips to move. How was he planning on attacking this man?

There was nothing to it. He had to ignore the fatigue. Ignore the damage. Ignore that he was losing. And attack as if he were fine.

So he did so.

Kasumi bent, and launched himself into a shunpo. As he landed, he raised his arm, yelling a fierce anguished sound as he did so as pain and fatigue added up and made his movements harder than ever. His sword came down upon the surprised man, blurring. Akio blocked the first attack, jumping back and blocked the second given by Kasumi.

Kasumi spoke between blows: “There... is... one... thing... you... didn't... add... up... about... me... I... have... something... that... I... will... protect... and... will... not... die... until... I... have... protected... it... you.. got... that!?”

His swings came down harder and harder.

Shuunske was right. He was strong, and he was not going to submit to others anymore on the battle field. Not THIS battle field. Hiiro was still alive, and he was not going to let that change. Ever.

“AAAHHHHHHHHHGGGGGG!!!” Kasumi screamed as he whipped his swords against Akio's single sword, all his power pushing against the man. Akio flew back, but Kasumi did not stop.

Using the shunpo again, Kasumi transported himself into the thicker parts of the forest. Bamboo surrounded him. He needed the power to have longer ranged attacks, so he would have to be primitive. It did not matter.

Akio followed with a shunpo, slicing at Kasumi. Finding the opening to dodge the attack, Kasumi did so, and watched as the bamboo was cut evenly at a clear angle. Stubs of bamboo about waist high poked up, sharpened by the angle they had taken on. Kasumi launched his attack back at Akio, jumping up on the stubs that had received a less sharpened and crude angle to gain the higher ground. Akio blocked, and the swings continued like this, neither of the two receiving damage due to the attack quality being taken down because of the surrounding bamboo.

It continued until Kasumi and Akio's exchange of blows took place in a cleared part of the forest, now entirely made up of sharpened bamboo stubs that lay around them. Hundreds of bamboo shafts lay sprinkled on the ground. It was a tricky environment to fight on as there were sharpened traps all around, and one could not gain very stable footing in the area because of the bamboo sticks.

Akio jumped back, dodging all the spikes that rose up from the ground, and pointed the blade at Kasumi. The blue glow was less now, and Kasumi guessed that, at the power he had launched that attack before, he would only have about another blast.

He was right.

But that DID mean one blast.

It came.

Kasumi was prepared this time. It came blasting into him, only he side stepped it with a shunpo at the last moment, causing the blast to smash into the ground, exploding into a mass of snow, smoke, and blue flame. It looked as if he had simply been hit, but he had not. Kasumi knew that he was not able to hide his spiritual energy at the level to get close enough for a melee attack, and so he had already made his plan.

Landing behind Akio, some distance back, Kasumi quickly grabbed one of the bamboo sticks that was the right size to throw, and launched it at Akio, pushing it with the sho spell that pulsated through his body. It caused the bamboo to explode into motion at Akio and it zoomed at him. Akio realized it was coming JUST in time to dodge it – but it was not a complete dodge, and the bamboo hit his arm, his other arm, wounding it with a cut. Kasumi had damaged both of his arms now. But he was not done. He had to continue.

Before Akio could react, Kasumi launched into another shunpo carrying himself behind Akio again, and he threw another sharpened bamboo stick with the sho spell pushing it faster than any human could ever throw it.

Akio again was able to dodge it, only this time it was easier for him. It did not matter. Kasumi had to continue.

Another shunpo. Another throw. Dodged. Another shunpo another throw. Dodged.

He had to increase his speed. So he did. He was not going to lose. Pain ripped through his body as he pushed himself past his limit.

Bamboo flew in from all points of the cleared out area, so fast that multiple bamboo sticks were in the air and pushing for Akio at one time. It was too much for the man, and he started to use the sho spell to dispel some while dodging others. They were not all complete dodges however, and the bamboo ripped at his clothing and body, placing small cuts on him here and there.

Kasumi continued this until he snapped into a melee attack, zooming in on Akio and slamming one of his swords into the enemies weakened block. The other sword came wheeling around to strike from the other side.

Instead of trying to push back, Akio knew that he would not be able to dodge this attack, and so he pushed forward, causing himself to be hit by the holt of Kasumi's sword attack – rather than the blade.

It pushed him back and he exaggerated the push back with a jump, giving him more distance.

Kasumi fell to his knees. He had pushed himself to hard.

Akio stood bent over, sweating just as hard as Kasumi, his clothes shredded, and laying about him in tatters, exposing his thin but muscular torso completely, and most of his right leg with cuts all over him.

They both panted in unison.

Kasumi's clothes had taken a toll as well, and his shirt was ripped in a hole on his torso where the spiritual energy blast had hit him, showing his flawless skin that had been healed from the medicine inside him.

What was his next plan...?

Did he have one...?

Blood

Hiiro never really knew its smell before, the rough, iron smell, it slipped down her arms, burning against her chilled skin, oozing from the small cuts along her arms. She felt sick from the smell. Tears burned at the corners of her eyes, and her hands were being rubbed raw from gripping the leather handle of Sunibunki so tightly.

When will this end? She kept her eyes locked upon the sadistic woman. Eyes wide, blood spattered her lips and the perpetual laughter Of a crazy woman, playing with her prey. The laughter never ended.

She was like a child with a magnifying glass and Hiiro was the ant. Playing with her and torturing her.

The air popped and pulsed with Tsubaki’s Reitasu as she jumped in and out of Shunpo. Like a shadow around Hiiro she braced herself, her eyes trying to follow the quickly movements of Tsubaki’s Shunpo, but they were so spastic and choppy Hiiro could hardly follow. Moving was almost not an option, she would be pushed back. The sharp iron flower on the hilt of Tsubaki’s blade crushing against Hiiro’s ribs. Causing her to stagger backwards and cough up more crimson liquid.

Behind hiiro, above, three-o-clock, seven, four. Hiiro couldn’t keep track of her movements as she jumped around her. That constant laughter driving into her head. She wanted to scream, she wanted to stop feeling so helpless. She wanted to stop and give up and just fall to the ground.

But she couldn’t, Kasumi was still alive, and Shuunske. What would they think if they knew she just gave up? No, giving up was not an option.

Hiiros eyes snapped to her right, tsubaki landed into the snow, preparing to jump once more into Shunpo. But Hiiro pivoted on her heels, swinging in a wide slash at tsubaki’s place moving fractions of seconds to slow. Her blade hit snow, her heart sank and the horrible laughter continued.

“YOU!! Think…… you can heeeeehehehehhe Hit me!! ..with-with THAT!” She laughed into the air before coming up directly behind Hiiro. Her body tensed and she whirled around. Not expecting to see Tsubaki so closer she froze. Bad move, she regretted it the moment she looked into the insane green eyes. Tsubaki fisted the collar of Hiiro’s Uniform, pulling her forward with a sudden burst of strength. Hiiro staggered, letting out a yelp and CRRAAAAAK!!

Her head was brought forcefully down upon Tsubaki’s own in a crashing headbutt.

She could smell the blood upon tsubaki’s lips see the scars upon her face that had been re-opened time and time again. She was released from the woman’s grip and Hiiro staggered back. Blood blossomed from her forehead and she couldn’t’ stand. Her head pounded and she could hear her blood in her ears. Tsubaki’s laughter had quieted to simple insane giggles. The world starting to blur and black etched around the edges of her sight. Hiiro fought against the darkness. Trying to will her limbs to move But her eyes where closing. Looking upon Tsubaki’s bleeding laughing face.

N-no..stop….please

She was going to die. “ K-Kasumi…Kun.” She coughed falling to her knees. the world spun out from under her before her body hit the ground.

And her last sound was Tsubaki’s crazed giggles. Echoing into the darkness.

..........wake......up......you....stupid...girl………..

………………and.......get..........me..............DOWN!!!.....

Cold air hurt her lungs. Hiiro’s eyes shot open and she sat up slowly. She was awake, she was alive!? Her head was splitting and she looked around everything was still blurry. But she wasn’t in the clearing anymore. She put a hand to her forehead, blood matted with her hair and each pulse of blood through her body hurt.

Everything was silent. Hiiro stood slowly, reaching out she grabbed a thick bamboo stalk for support. Sunibunki, where was she? The unmistakable weight upon her hip was gone, and slowly panic started to flood her system as she looked around.

Sunibunki was gone.

“No…..nononononononononononono…” Hiiro woke up suddenly, her voice was shaking and she looked around wildly, she had to get her bearings. She was alone now, in the dark, with no weapon, And a sadistic, crazy bloodthirsty woman after her.

Why didn’t she die before? Hiiro became a check of herself. Maybe she was just dead, moved somewhere else. Feet, legs, stomach, hips. Chest, shoulders, ears, nose. All her fingers were in place.
(she felt some relief with that. She wouldn’t put Tsubaki past something like cutting off a persons fingers.)

Where was she? Looking around Hiiro saw nothing but Thick bamboo stalks. She had been transported Out of the clearing. But why?

She had to get out of here, away from these bamboo and back to the clearing to find Sunibunki. Looking around Hiiro took a step and her eyes shot open. Pain ripped through her body and she screamed falling to the ground. Lifting her Shihauksho she saw her ankle had been split open. A bloodied long sharp piece of bamboo jutted out from her skin. Oh god…Hiiro saw stars in her vision, quickly pulling the bamboo out from her leg. Fresh blood blossomed from the deep gash. She had to stop the bleeding… Fast.

Ripping off a length of her sleeve quickly Hiiro tied the cloth around her ankle. Her senses were heightened and the helplessness sunk in.

She was hurt, not enough to slow her down to badly for now. But Shunpo was hardly an option now. Moving so quickly she could make it worse, or risk tearing a muscle. Her fingers were going numb from the cold.

Hiiro stood up gingerly, testing the binds on her ankle. It burned and throbbed with pain but the bandages helped She could at least move now.

A twig snapped, and Hiiro went on high alert. She wasn’t alone anymore. Whipping her head around her breath left her lungs.

“Sunibunki!” She cried. Placed A few yards away hanging from a stalk the bamboo. Hung by a thin Pulled piece of bloodied cloth Bouncing against the weight of the bamboo. Nothing made sense, what was Sunibunki doin-……

“Heeheeheheheheheheheheeee~ “ Tsubaki’s laughter cracked the eerie silence. Hiiro felt her heart throb. She was being played with. Tsubaki didn’t kill her, but moved her here. Why?

The path to Sunibunki, just past was white…the clearing! Hiiro looked around, there was no sign of Tsubaki…but that didn’t mean she wasn’t there. She was somewhere, watching Hiiro.

The air cracked with Reitasu and Tsubaki came crashing through the bamboo, bending a single stalk down. The base splintered and cracking under her weight. Her horrible blade dug into the bright green bamboo.

Disappearing into Shunpo, Hiiro saw as the bamboo cracked. Then, as though sucked inwards, it’s body splintering and vast black thorns erupted from its skin. Tearing it apart in a gruesome show. Oh god….

“AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAA RUN YOU STUPID BITCH!!!!!AAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHA!!!!!”

She listened. Turning Hiiro dug into the snow and kicked off, running into the dense thickets away from the gruesome thorns. Suddenly the pain in her ankle meant nothing; she had to get out of the bamboo. Into the clearing, if she didn’t she would be impaled by the thorns. Tsubaki called from behind her, and around her as she jumped into Shunpo.

“HEHEHEHEHEEEE I-I will watch…you…bleed OUT ha ha ha like a stuck…pig!” Tsubaki laughed into the air. Jumping into Shunpo around Hiiro through the forest again. Her words echoing around her with each step.

“aaahhhhahaha. And……I…WILL…..gee-t. …to….w-wa….tch!!!!AAAAAAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!”

The bamboo cracked as the thorns shot up everywhere around her. They pierced up from the ground, causing Hiiro to have to duck or maneuver around them quickly not able to stop. Staggering, she looked around, they were coming up everywhere. She saw only the small cuts Tsubaki made before the thorns bloomed like fresh blood on a wound. they crushed the bamboo, snaking up the side and splitting the poor plant open. Before stretching over to intertwine with the other vines to create a barrier. Herding Hiiro forward.

Thorns sliced at her, Cutting thin crosshatches across her skin. Hiiro winced, her breath shallow but she couldn’t stop. She was getting closer to Sunibunki. Thorns bloomed from every stalk now. Surrounded Hiiro and creating a massive wall of deadly spears all turned towards her. Hiiro Skidded to a halt. There was a vast wall of thorns in front o her, blocking her way. Turning around she tried to back track, but they were closing in. She would be stuck in mere seconds.

She spun around, looking for anywhere. Any opening she could find.

There, three-o-clock. A tiny opening, but the vines started to close in. Turning she ran towards the opening. Pushing her Reitasu into her feet. She jumped into Shunpo, it was dangerous but she would be dead if she didn’t use it.

She could hear Tsubaki’s heavy pants around her now. See the glint of the metal shooting past her. Or hear the ring in her ears as she dodged the mindless slashes by mere inches. Propelling herself towards the closing hole. It had shrunk to a small hollow as the bamboo fell against each other, caving under the deadly thorns.

“Stay …STILL!!! A-AAAANNDDD DIEEE!!” Tsubaki screamed slashing at Hiiro
.

“I can’t… I can’t die!!” Hiiro pushed through the curtain of vines. They dug into her skin. Cutting in and drawing blood, they caught her in her tracks, but she couldn’t be stopped. Biting down hard upon her lip. She can’t die! She’s not some body’s puppet! She’s nobodies TOY!

“GGUUAAAAH!!!” she screamed and pushed through the thorns. Digging deeper into her skin and she pressed through , falling to the ground and dragged herself up. Her body was shaking and numb. Blood was everywhere and she couldn’t stop. Pushing herself forward she ran shakily through the bamboo. No more where changed, Tsubaki must have been hung up by her own thorns.

The cracking and snapping of the bamboo told her she was right. Tsubaki hadn’t expected her to get past. Looking Up, Hiiro saw her Zanbaktou bouncing with the bamboo. Taking the stalk she jumped up, taking the handle of her blade into her hand, pulling her down. Hiiro smiled meakly. She had a weapon again. And she continued to run towards the white, towards the clearing.

But she felt new waves of frustrated horrible anger from behind her. And Tsubaki let out a horrible scream of rage.

“Y-you fuc-kin BITCH!!!! I’ll-I’ll kill you!!!....you..you..you and …your…pretty. Face and your…..stupid blade…..i’m heehehehehehehe I’m going to MAKE you wish …you-you DIED!!! Died in… my ……hehehehaaaaaha THORNS!!”

Her voice was haggard and angry. Hiiro didn’t stop running. Pushing herself into Shunpo once more she finally reached the white snow.

Whipping her head around She heard Tsubaki screaming in rage and hacking away at her thorns. She was still stuck in the bamboo. The small amount of relief came only as pain. And fear. She was going to destroy Hiiro when she got out of there.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Bloody-handsvfghyt

Her leg throbbed suddenly and Hiiro tumbled to the ground. Oh god, she almost forgot about her ankle. The Shunpo had put far too much stress on it. Dropping Sunibunki to the ground she quickly unwrapped the bandages already turning red. It was bleeding badly. The skin turning red and the gash ripped wider due to the Shunpo. She couldn’t move like this. The gash itself didn’t hit any vitals but it was so close to the Achilles tendon she was risking to much by keeping it open. Not to mention she could bleed to death if it continued.

Biting her lip she looked quickly to Sunibunki, No time, she had to. Grabbing the blade quickly She braced herself, if she took a second she would chicken out. She had to stop the bleeding and close the wound, or she would be killed by it.

Without hesitation, she pressed the blade against her ankle.

Her skin sizzled to the touch and every joint in her body froze. Eyes widened, before she squeezed them closed tightly. Her other hand braced herself against the snow, fingers digging into the dirt and grass underneath, and her body convulsed in the pain. Everything screamed, she couldn’t even comprehend the full force of the pain and it took every ounce of her willpower to keep the blade pressed against her skin.

It hurt too much to cry. Her breath left her and she couldn’t take in any air. She could only scream.

“gguuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!” She held the blade to her ankle for three seconds, then she released the blade and curled up, hugging her knees, her body shaking violently and her body moved into shock. She couldn’t move under the pain. It was blinding, white surrounded her vision. But she had to move, had to stand.....

Forcing her eyes open, she grasped the bandages weakly. Her breath heavy and pained. She looked in horror at her ankle. It looked as though wax had been doused over her skin, melted and raw. It looked like a red horrible brand across her ankle. Taking the bandages she sucked a breath in and tied them tightly around the newly closed wound. This, also elicited a scream from her. The pain was horrible, coming in waves. The heat never left her ankle. Burning into her bones up her leg.

But she could stand. Grabbing Sunibunki’s handle she staggered up forcing her limbs to work. The pressure on her ankle didn’t cause the pain anymore. Only the hot throbbing pain that coursed through her veins. Even now the pain was ebbing away. Shaking, she gripped her blade holding it in front of her.

“come on!” She cried to the bamboo her voice was almost silenced by the shock still within her body. Tears of pain and anger burned against her frozen cheeks and mixed with the dirt and blood upon her face. She wanted this to end. She was dizzy from the lack of blood and yet the adrenalin snapped everything into a surprising clarity. She didn’t want to run anymore.

“Get out here! Show yourself!” She cried again, her voice bouncing back with anger and strength.

Hiiro...

Was tired of Running away.

Shuunske:

“That was... pretty good for a little legend.”

Shuunske bit his lip. Pain gripped him.

He had no choice. He had never been forced into such an offensive position. He had tried solid sword attacks, and solid kido attacks. Furthermore, his kido and sword defenses were no match for this man. The only damage Shuunske could do was kamikaze damage, and he ended up taking more damage than Kowai.

Shuunske closed his eyes. Her face came up. The face of his beloved.

Yuki...

Shuunske opened his eyes, grabbing the hilt of his sword he stood, and looked at the man in the face. A confident smile spread across his face. Shuunske's hand lifted, holding the sword sideways, pointed at the older man.

“Don't... don't fool yourself old man... I will not die that easily... you are going to have to try... much harder...”

Shuunske's smile bent into a scowl.

“And in the mean time... watch this old man... heh heh... Igata ken seichuu sono yabureme no tokoyokokuni – Kirisami!”

Mold and control the heaven's tears.

This was the command he gave.

At that instand, a heavy and fierce spiritual energy ripped off of Shuunske. The snow around him whipped into dusty air that flew around him until he was not even visible. Shuunske could feel Kirisami moving into power. His eyes were closed, and he felt all the strength pour into him.

The snow that whipped around him formed a large tornado that carried itself into the sky. As soon as the huge and growing tornado hit the sky level, the clouds started to move. Shuunske had only released his bankai on one other occasion. That was the first time he had fought to protect Yuki.

And this was fitting. It was another battle in Yuki's name.

It seemed fitting.

The clouds began to swirl into the tornado that was being created, making it grow larger and larger. Kowai had to jump into a shunpo numerous times in order to avoid the powerful energy that was attacking the forest around, tangling itself in the roots of the trees and rooting them, causing bamboo to join the huge whirlwind.

Shuunske lifted off the ground carried up by the huge force that drove the forest into peril. Raising his sword high in the air, Shuunske felt the heavy energy strike it, rendering its blade nothing more than fine mist that left and moved into the tornado as everything else did.

“Go... Kirisami...”

Shuunske's voice boomed from the mist, and the tornado ripped apart, diverging into a huge shock wave that carried itself stronger than any kido blast against the surrounding area, blasting the snow until dirt and ice that remained under the dirt showed along with the fallen bamboo trees and small roots and rocks.

The clouds shot back out into the sky, only now they were blackened, and shaded. Lightening struck through their huge masses and rattled the area. They alone looked deadly.

Kowai flew back with the blast.

Shuunske landed, the mist now cleared, and his body visible – changed by the bankai state.

If only Muriasachi could see him now.

Shuunske too a single step, his rieatsu booming down on the area as if not giving it a break. The air became so heavy that the rocks near Shuunske cracked and fell to the ground in crumbles. The ground under his feet suffered the same fate, crushing under the wait of his bankai.

Shuunske's uniform had been changed into a white kimono, and his skin shown with a glowing light that carried itself across half of his body. The other half sparkled with the beauty of his bankai's spirit manifesting itself in him.

Pure white and silver soft pearl looking scales jagged out from his skin, smooth as a stone eroded by water. And hard as such as well. Gills lay on Shuunske's neck, striking his neck twice with the slits.

As he breathed, they breathed.

His kimono was loosely fitting and V necked drastically. It was moved down to below his knees, but was held together by a single sash, allowing it to split open on the side, showing shorts that clung to him tightly like a divers skin tight shorts, only white, and seemingly made from the finest silk as his kimono was.

Even in this state, Shuunske was perfect and beautiful. Only now, it was different. It was a shocking beauty. A frightful beauty.

Shuunske's hand still held the sword, only now it too was altered.

The sword was elongated and steaming. A blue glow radiated off of its blade. Shuunske and the sword's glow resonated, and and complimented each other.

“Ame – Kirisami!”

Shuunske was not done, and neither was the bankai.

As soon as he commanded the rain to come at Kirisami's power, it did.

The clouds started to pour buckets of rain. Rain sprayed all over the place, but it was not normal rain. This was a separate and final part of his bankai.

Shuunske watched as the rain fell against Kowai.

Shuunske waited – smiling, his eyes still closed.

Then he heard it. Kowai screamed.

It was a blood curdling scream!

Shuunske opened his eyes, and saw what he expected to see. Shuunske's eyes glowed with the same glow as his blue glowing katana.

Kowai was hunched over, his uniform mostly burnt off until only the pants remained intact. His body as well had many burns on it, and he wove the spell words for a bakudo spell.

It was bakudo number 37. Tsuriboshi the suspending star kido.

It was no use. Shuunske's attacks were more powerful than that.

“I told you, Kowai, you are going to have to try harder than that to kill someone like me.”

The words rang out clear from Shuunske as Kowai's suspending star kido strung itself onto the clumps of bamboo and rocks that were held high enough to allow him to stand with ease and be sheltered from the rain's acidic nature.

“As you can tell, you are now fighting in my arena, Kowai-san. And that suspending star...”

Shuunske raised the sword that glowed in front of his face.

“Shuukyoku – Kirisami”

As soon as he gave the bend command, the blade that held itself proudly burst into a thick mist that flew and mingled in the air.

Shuunske whipped his hand forwards and backwards.

Even if this man had somehow obtained previous information on Shuunske somehow, he would know nothing about this bankai, or at least very little. Shuunske had not performed these attacks within the real world yet, and only when battling the zanpakutou spirit Kirisami that resided within him.

The water that fell from the sky stopped, and bent until it all fell into three streams, each a huge torrent of acidic water that shot at Kowai. Kowai was trapped at all sides, and could not go up due to the star kido.

The water slammed in on him as hard as a cement wall would fall from a building on a person below.

“... First attack...”

It was not enough.

Kowai appeared just in front of Shuunske, his blade poised for an immediate attack that came down hard at Shuunske. The strings from the sword shot forward at Shuunske.

Shuunske whipped his sword as if to defend, even with no blade. The mist around him shot into position and formed the blade at the last moment. Shuunske's stance was solid, and the attack just pushed him harder into the ground, causing it to become that much more indented and cracked.

The strings that shot at Shuunske did not make it at him before Shuunske shot into shunpo. This shunpo was so fast that another smaller shock wave erupted from his previous location. Kowai was pushed back, his attack failing to reach Shuunske.

“... Ame ken ikazuchi – Kirisami!”

Shuunske's voice came from above. Kowai looked up just in time to see the powerful second attack come. Rain poured down upon everything, and with it this time, a bolt of lightening that came from a previously used kido – raikoho, a level 63 kido that was extremely dangerous. As the lightening ripped through the atmosphere however, it attached itself to all the water and created a netting of lightening that boomed down upon the ground.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 7395334-lg

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 7395334-lg

Where Shuunske stood, suspeneded in the air, was a slab of what looked like hardened water or ice that formed where ever he placed his feet.

The combination of kido and bankai was powerful and feared.

“... Second attack...”

As the second attack smashed against the ground a huge explosion cloud raised with snow and dirt mixed into it. Shuunske could not see the ground below. The rain continued to fall down upon it all. He had the total advantage. The entire area was coated with deadly acid that he could manipulate.

The difference in power between his bankai and shikai was incredible.

Shuunske's glowing blue eyes widened as he heard the man's voice coming from below as the explosion cloud started to clear.

“Heh heh... you leave me no choice... boy...”

The voice trailed off for a second... and then came back...

“Baannnkai!

Muriasachi:

The pain in Muriasachi's arm left, and he snapped back into attention. That serum was still needing modification, but was safe for use in dire need with his own body, a body that was heavily modified by drugs and chemicals that resided always within.

Regardless, the captain he was fighting, Asura, had used an attack that was not like what he would have done before. Had his solitude given him more enlightened fighting tactics? Even for such a grand fighter?

Either way, Muriasachi hated to admit it, but he could not judge the captain based on what he was seeing in the past. Despite what he seemed, he was a very smart man, and capable of leading his own plots and strategies. Especially regarding battle and war.

“Come at me... Asura... I am all ready... thank you for waiting...”

Before Asura had a chance howeve, Muriasachi jumped into combat, shooting at the large captain, his wispy body looking small and weak in comparison to Asura's.

Muriasachi clashed his sword against Asura's risen blade, not able to move through the block.

Muriasachi was simply gathering data.

His defense speed was increased further while in shikai. It was probably because the zanpakutou was lighter and not as bulky.

Asura wielded his sword into a counter attack that Muriasachi cut off just in time before a blade plunged into his side. Muriasachi was thrown back by the blade. Attack power directly was the same, meaning powerful, only the speed was increased. This was troublesome.

Muriasachi's skill with a sword was inferior to this man, and thus, Muriasachi knew that he would have to rely on strategy and cunning in order to win. This was the case with numerous enemies, and this was how he fought.

“Hmmm... Asura... it is no wonder they gave you the captain's position...”

No sooner had Muriasachi opened his mouth than Asura came at him with a speedy shunpo that carried his attack too close for Muriasachi to fully dodge.

A deep cut was thrown into Muriasachi's shoulder. But he too jumped into a shunpo, re appearing behind Asura, three small syringes in his hand, held like throwing knives. And thrown like them as well.

With the theory he had, Asura would much more easily be able to detect a direct attack from Murisachi then those syringes, and thus he could cover that part of the attack with a shunpo attack.

So he did so.

But his hypothesis was false.

As Muriasachi fell into attack, Asura rammed his sword into a block that threw Muriasachi off, and in the same instant, pushed his hand back into a kido hado attack.

“Sho!”

his favorite.

The needles were pushed back where two flew into the ground and broke. The liquid inside turned bright purple and then steamed out of existence. The other syringe was pushed perfectly into the trunk of one of the bamboo trees. He tree immediately bend as the green color was washed out of it, and it started to crack.

Within a second it was down on the ground, all the water sucked out and age taking it as dead.

The attack had failed.

But Muriasachi hardly had time to think of another attack plan before he felt the horribly strong power of the boy legend.

He had been pushed some distance away by now, Asura and himself running so as not to be caught up in the battle that ensued over yonder.

But he still felt it. It was unmistakable.

The air grew thick even for the two captains, and Muriasachi's knees buckled. He reaced out and grabbed a tree. Asura looked uninterested in Muriasachi and turned his face to face the area where the energy was emitting from.

Storm clouds raced to that location and suddenly they were dispelled. Muriasachi felt the heavy rieatsu let up, but it was replaced with a deadly shock wave. It blasted both the captains, knocking them both from their footing.

The bamboo was ripped from the ground, and it smashed against him. He felt no pain.

It all happened so fast before he knew it was over.

What power that boy had. Muriasachi had never seen Shuunske in his bankai state, and was dying too. It was the only data that he did not have on the boy. He had learned about his shikai before, and about his other information. But nothing was known about the boys bankai. He had not used it when fighting the captains at the entrance examination.

Muriasachi looked around.

...Where had Asura gone...?

Panting as hard as ever, Kasumi was reminded of Kifuume. He had often had to fight hard against opponents, but never with Hiiro so strongly intruding into his mind as she did when he fought for her approval back in the academy days.

This man was pushing him to his limits as Kifuume had, and made Kasumi think of Hiiro, as Kifuume had done. He hated to think of Kifuume again in this situation, but Kasumi gritted his teeth, and decided to make this man his rival for the moment. He had to forget about Kifuume.

Kifuume was not who he was fighting.

Right?

Both men stood bent over. What was he going to do next. They were both tired and damaged. Only Kasumi was still bluffing being in nearly as good a shape as Akio. He was hardly able to stand. He felt the medicine rush through him, healing all the small cuts on him that he had acquired from the battle thus far. It tired him out, but allowed his bluff to hold more of a form – it looked like he could not be damaged.

Kasumi had been training under Shuunske for years, and one of his most valuable lessons had been that of the power of words. He had told Kasumi that they were more powerful than kido or sword skill. One could win a battle with words despite a difference in power.

Of course Kasumi had questioned him about the meaning of this, and Shuunske had told him to fight him. This was the first time that he had fought the small boy. Kasumi had jumped into shunpo as he always did in the beginning of fights, trying to wipe out Shuunske with speed.

Kasumi remembered that Shuunske hardly blocked the first attack, and could not even block the second, but had to dodge. Then on the third attack, Kasumi took advantage of his speed over Shuunske to throw another well aimed but dangerously risky stab at the boy prodigy.

Before the attack had even been fully extended, his arm was struck, and he had received a kick in the gut that sent him flying to the wall opposite the one he was facing on the other side of the room.

“You see. I lead you on to think that your speed was greater. You took advantage of that as anyone would, and went for a deadly strike, and that is the moment when I struck back. Words can act in the same way. One can lead another on, and then break the illusion in the right moment in order to achieve victory once you have the opponent fooled. You just have to find the right moments for everything...”

Kasumi smiled. He had only to wait for the timing. His opponent did not know about the healing serum that was within him, and thus he did not know that the healing effect that was keeping Kasumi scratch free was taking a great toll on him as well.

Then the trap set.

“H-how... how have you taken no damage.” Akio sputtered, having looked up to see Kasumi.

Kasumi took his bluff further, taking in a huge breath before standing up straight, acting, as well as he could, to be not affected by the previous attacks.

“So you noticed eh? Heh.” Kasumi spoke back, his breath sliding from his mouth, and grasping for another quietly, so as not to seem out of breath.

“Then you have also noticed that your attacks have had no effect on me yes?” Kasumi boasted, pointing to his stomach. There was no marking where the blast had hit him. Not even a scratch. He looked back up, grinning.

“Your small and weak attacks have nothing on me.”

It was a complete lie. They had more of an effect than normal. But this was the illusion that he was trying to create. Akio had no choice but to be confused. It was the purity of the lie. It was the inability for Akio to believe anything else.

“Yes, you didn't let me finish telling you the full ability of my Zanpakutou... your attacks cannot hurt me. Every strike you make on me only allows me to further my advance on this battle.”

Kasumi had no idea how he was supposed to further this hypothesis. He did not have enough strength to fight much longer, even if the lie went exactly as planned.

“I call your bluff.”

Kasumi's world shattered as he heard those words. It was not working. He should have known not to follow the battle tactics of such an advanced art style that Shuunske might inhibit. It would only end in nothingness for him.

“You cannot lie about such things to me. Because ironically, I have not been able to fully describe the nature of my zanpakutou. Not only does it collect your energy, but it scans it. I can tell the simplicity of your energy. It is not multifaceted. In fact, it is some of the most simple energy I have ever felt. How you made it to Vice captain I have no clue, what with your intelligence, and your abilities. I was expecting something much more... entertaining.”

Kasumi's mouth dropped.

He could not win. He was battling against someone who was smarter and more powerful. He had already protected himself against such lies with the ability of his sword.

“However, that does not tell me why my attacks are having no affect on a lousy opponent such as you.”

Kasumi bent in rage. He was not the weaker, and he was not going to lose to a man that even reminded him of Kifuume.

Launching into a shunpo, Kasumi slashed his sword. It was a surprise attack, and gave Akio little time to think of a counter, and so the block was simple.

He could not stop. He had to make it to Hiiro. She could not fight that woman alone. Kasumi had not hardly been able to fight her, and Hiiro was still amateur. She could not last long in a fight with a girl that twisted.

Akio jumped backwards, and smiled. A slight glow started in between his dual blades. Kasumi landed, and his legs gave out, causing him to fall to the ground. He almost fell on a jutting piece of the bamboo that acted as spikes throughout the small clearing.

What was happening to him? He felt as he had when he fought Muriasachi.

This was his ultimate limit. He was done.

Kasumi's head smashed down onto the snow, his teeth slamming as he did so. He felt a deep internal pain within him, as he had before. There was no way to fight again.

The pain turned into a warm red liquid that spilled from his mouth.

This was a different pain. This was more intense.

“And you reached your limit already, Kasumi-dono.”

Akio spoke arrogantly, pacing over, through the spikes that protruded from the ground as he spoke.

Kasumi's vision started to blur. If he blacked out, he would be dead for sure.

Why was this such an easy win for Akio. Why was he still so weak?

He still had so much to learn, and yet, he had picked a match that he could not complete. There would be no stopping the blade just before it hit his neck or passed through his stomach as Kifuume had kindly done. No. This was for real.

What would Shuunske think of him?

A tear fell down his cheek as he thought harder – thought of Hiiro.

What would she think. He had made a promise to her. No one would be able to hurt him tonight. And yet. Here he was. And he did not even know if she was alive or dead. Or where she was.

“Oh yes, I can tell you now. Do you want to know how I know your name, Kasumi-dono?”

Kasumi could not nod or shake his head. He could not move in the slightest.

“Ah, I suppose that is a yes then? I heard your name when the last man we killed mumbled about you before he died. Kifuume I think his name was.”

Kasumi's eyes shot open.

WHAT!?!?!?

Had he just talked about Kifuume?

Kasumi's finger twitched.

“Oh? Still got a little fight in you.”

Akio paused from speaking as he pivoted and bent, kicking Kasumi in the stomach as he finished what he was saying.

“He was pretty weak as well. I guess they just don't make Shinigami like they used to.”

Another kick to the stomach caused the air in Kasumi's lungs to leave him. Kasumi rammed up against the bamboo that rose from the ground around him, stopping him from sliding to far. The sharpened tip lay about two feet above him.

More blood came from his mouth.

“W-what... did you... say... you fucking... filth...”

Anger penetrated Kasumi and his fingers moved into a fist that lifted and pushed itself into the ground.

Another kick.

Kasumi did not move this time – he was already against the bamboo that kept him stationary.

“Huh? I didn't hear you?”

“Fuck you... a-asshole...!”

Kasumi spoke through the blood in his mouth. It was hard, and it was difficult to even control his mouth enough to move it and form words and speech.

“Heh heh. Still having a hard time hearing you? What was that?”

Akio bent down closer to Kasumi, putting his hand to his ear, mocking Kasumi.

But Kasumi would not stand for it.

Within the instant, Kasumi's hand flew to Akio's face, grabbing it and palming the entire area of it.

“Son of a bitch... hado no ichi – sho!”

Kasumi spoke quickly as he activated the kido. His hand clenched on Akio's face before releasing the energy in the form of a pushing bolt. The bolt of energy exploded from ill control of energy due to Kasumi's state, and sent Akio flying backwards, flipping before he too fell. Only he was not as fortunate as Kasumi.

Akio fell hard, the bamboo jutting into him as it did. An entire stock of a more thin bamboo sliced up into the man's arm, causing him to drop his sword as he screamed in pain. Another bamboo stock ripped into his side, right above his hip, and a third deeply cut into his leg, leaving a gash there that went bleeding.

Kasumi punched the ground as hard as he could in order to be able to bring himself to his knees. His vision was still blurring. But fury moved him now. He had lost control. He was seeing red. Tinting everything in its violent and infuriating color.

This man dared mention Kifuume as a whiner before death. That was not the case.

Another tear fell down Kasumi's cheek.

He had called for Kasumi before he had died?

Was that true?

Another tear.

Kasumi's fist relinquished its crude fist, and lay dormant on the ground. This is the man that had killed Kifuume. His rival. His inspiration. The reason for all the progress he had made.

His best friend.

Kasumi's body moved without him even knowing. Next thing he knew he was standing.

Another tear. Another. Another. More.

It grew harder and harder for Kasumi to see. Red faded away and was replaced with blurry vision. But it was a different kind of blur. His was the blur of emotion and tears.

Kifuume had always been something special to him, and this man, someone who was hardly significant, was there at his death, and he himself was not.

It was not forgivable.

Kifuume would not have lost to this man.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”

Kasumi let out a blood curdling scream that poured out emotion.

More tears fell from his eyes, until he could not see. He did not wipe them away. He felt each one of them, and with each, another memory of Kifuume fell to the ground.

“Heh heh heh heh heh!”

Kasumi heard the bent and sideways laughter of the man he had just thrown away into the bamboo. His laugh was that of a pained man that was not finished with his business.

Kasumi looked over, rage starting to take him over again to see Akio standing, one leg bent from the damage it had taken, and his left hand holding the handle of his zanpakutou, allowing its blade to drag in the snow below. Blood covered his other arm, seeping out from the highly positioned gash that bored through his arm.

Kasumi did not add up any statistics or any information before he charged in, loosely holding the handle of the zanpakutou that he owned. It dangled from his immobile hand, the other blade left in the snow, sticking into it with its blade back where Kasumi ran from.

Kasumi did not even know that he was missing a blade. He charged in. No battle style about him. Rough charging.

Akio set himself into the best battle stance that he could achieve before swinging his own blade back, and swinging it at Kasumi with the momentum of its return.

Kasumi bent in an inhuman way, more tears falling into the snow, as he whipped his own seemingly lifeless arm around, slamming against Akio's blade. Kasumi's tears were hot against him, dripping down to his lips where he could taste their salty flavor.

In the same moment, Kasumi whipped his hand around again and swung with his hand that was left blade-less. The arm flopped as if he had just now noticed that he no longer had his other blade with him.

Akio jumped back, and raised his good arm, holding the sword loosely as he chanted the words to a kido blast.

“Way of destruction number one – sho!”

It was a weak kido, but as he had seen, it was strong enough in this environment.

Kasumi felt the blast of energy hit him square in the chest, rippling his bare skin before sending him backwards, stumbling until he tripped and fell backwards.

His eyes widened for a second as he felt a shard of bamboo rip up his back, along his back bone, tearing the skin. His hand loosened and the other zanpakutou blade was dropped.

“Guurrggghhh...”

Kasumi moaned as he looked back up at Akio.

“Hurts does it not, Kasumi-dono!?”

Kasumi did not reply.

Instead he grabbed his sword's handle and moved.

It was then that he realized he had willed himself to stand. He had regained possession of his body. What was this?

Kasumi took another step, and pain ripped through him. Ripped through his entire body. He felt warm and his body arched as he coughed. Blood shot from his mouth onto the snow. As he looked down, he saw what was happening to his body. Small cuts started to appear all over his body, and a darkened ring started to appear on his stomach.

What was this?

Pain eliminated his movement for another moment, before he took a step. As he moved his leg, a rip surfaced on his upper thigh. Blood stained his uniform. What was left of it.

The medicine. Was it creating side effects from this amount of strain. Blood started to leek from cuts that appeared all over him.

“Agghh... ghh...”

Kasumi coughed more blood.

He was not going to lose this match.

Kasumi fell to his knees, coughing up more blood as his hands fell, lifeless again. But his right hand did not fall on snow. It fell on the handle of the zanpakutou that had allowed him to fight against Kifuume. He was not done yet.

In a sudden movement, Kasumi whipped his hand into action, launching the blade into the air, like he had launched the bamboo, shooting at Akio. It was not as clean a throw however, and the blade swung in the air, unlike the clean javelin like throws he had made with the bamboo, and the blade blurred into a single mass of swirling silver.

Akio did not have time to dodge. His leg did not allow him to move into shunpo.

Blood spurted as Kasumi's blade lodged itself into Akio's side and into his left arm.

Akio yelped in pain and closed his eyes.

Kasumi flashed into place with a weak shunpo, grabbing the sword from Akio hand, Akio's own zanpakutou, and thrusting it into his torso. He was not done, grabbing his own blade, and thrusting it into Akio's chest. Blood squirted onto Kasumi's face as the blades entered the man, spraying his body and coating it with red.

“A man like Kifuume would never... would n-never... lose to... y-you... because... because I can beat you...”

Kasumi watched as Akio's eyes rolled back into his head, finally admitting defeat as pain took him over and blood loss forced him to submit.

Kasumi followed suit, falling backwards into the snow.

He had done it. The man was killed.

But...

But...

There was still so much to do...

He needed to move. He knew that. But Kasumi could not help his heavy eyes closing, and blackness taking over his vision. He still lay conscious.

A second later the tears came, heating the snow and his face...

Kifuume's face all that he could see in the darkness that he was in...

Night was coming, and with it, less and less energy as she avoided attack after attack that Setsuko flung upon her, her mechanical fighting style allowing her to analyze his attack patterns and thus move to avoid them. However, her acting allowed her to pretend that she was having a hard time with it all. To an extent she was, but with his lower expectations, his attacks were meant for play, and not for much else. Jun got the feeling that he was the type to play with prey. It worked perfectly that way.

Swinging her sword back at the man every now and then, Jun contemplated the earlier disturbance to her energy flow, and the reason that she was unable to conjure any kido. Then her mind flashed to the cat boy's sword, and the humming it was emitting. When her already greatly weakened kido had came within close range and contact with this boy's sword blade, the whole kido had fallen as if it were malfunctioning. But it was not. She was a master of kido.

Jumping back, Jun slammed her hand into her gut as if to gasp for air. Sweat dropped down her brow. She was beginning to get tired. It was time to break the small illusion she had set of being weak and able to be attacked and taken advantage of by this man. She knew that at that moment he would attack her seriously again, and she might have to come up with another strategy quickly there after. But she was not scared. Her quick mind could analyze situation after situation without fail. It was just the disturbance of her kido that worried her. Her mission was to protect the safe house. Jun closed her eyes for a second.

In the second that she did so, she heard the familiar of feet running at her. It was Setsuko. She had already analyzed his weight and the pace at which he ran and the timing intervals in between each step. The cat boy took much smaller and timid steps. Was he even scared of this man? Setsuko?

Opening her eyes just in time, Jun saw the blade that came at her in a playful and underestimating attack stab. Jun swerved to the right in order to dodge it. It was easy. As she did so, Jun muttered the words “Way of destruction number 33 – Sokatsui!” A blue energy gathered on her hands for a second, and just as it was about to launch, the energy went hay wire, and evaporated as water does when a rock is thrown into its clear midst. Jun's face changed into shock. Again it had happened.

What was this? She was forced to think quickly, she had broken her veil of incompetence, and now she needed to be able to attack the man. It had to be a skill of one of the two. She guessed it was the feline boy, and thus she had to target him, but there was this guy keeping her from being able to accurately choose her targets, and she could not attack with long ranged attack due to her inability.

Whipping her sword around in a sudden movement, Jun tried to make up for the lack of attack she had just made and swung her sword hard and fast, aimed for the man's torso. He jumped back, his sword coming to a halt in front of his face, bend sideways. Jun could see that he had figured out he was being lead on.

Shit.

Jun also raised her sword to a defensive position. Now was the time that she had to think of another thing quickly. She could not use kido for some reason, and this man out skilled her in sword fighting skill as well as all out combat. She was beaten in both categories. It seemed that there was nothing to do. In fact, that was the reality. There was not going to be a logical way for her to get out of this fight without being hurt or worse. But she had to go through with her mission, and with the surprise attack made on her teammate, the mentally fatigued retard, she was alone.

With another movement of her sword, Setsuko charged in with a shunpo. She was right. He was attacking her seriously again. Jun turned in just enough time to block, her mind racing for another strategy. She had blown this one chance that she had. If she could have just hit him with that kido.

Another block, and more sparks flew into the air.

All she could do was to activate her shikai. She knew what she had to do. With her only opportunity blown, she had to sacrifice herself for the sake of the mission. Muriasachi would be proud at least. As long as Muriasachi was made happy, and she died in order to follow his orders, Jun could find some kind of happiness.

Swinging her sword to block another attack, Jun felt pain. It was not a physical pain. Her emotion came to her. She was going to have to kill herself.

Jumping back, Jun wiped her hands across her sword and announced the short phrase “First creation – iron containment!”

As soon as she had said it, she could feel the wobbling of her sword, and upon seeing it, one of the small markers began to pulse and bubble as boiling water does. All the sudden the link in her sword tip exploded and broke off into existence.

Setsuko looked worried for a second, and then saw as it dispersed. He gave a look of satisfaction.

“I see that even you shikai is based on reiatsu control, meaning it is worthless in this fight. Nothing you can conjure will affect me!”

Jun kept a straight face, and felt the reiatsu probing in the air around her. Setsuko began to laugh, and used the shunpo once more in order to attack the smaller girl. Jun still did not budge, and instead muttered “Second creation – iron protection grid.”

As soon as setsuko landed and reappeared within four feet of Jun, the air around them both came zooming in, solidifying into a solid iron box around them. At the same time, a series of about twenty bars shot across the box's inside, threatening to hit and penetrate both Jun and Setsuko. But they never did.

Setsuko's attack was blocked against one of these metal bars. They were separated by the bars, and the amount of the bars made it difficult to move. Both of them were more than less rendered stationary.

Setsuko looked at the woman as if she was crazy.

“So this is your zanpakutou ability? Nifty. Although you have gotten yourself no where. Although you have protected yourself, you have also immobilized yourself, and made it impossible for any further battle to undergo. Was that your...”

“Wrong.” Jun cut him off. “Wrong wrong wrong. I am not the person to activate a move like this without the entire next section of the fight completely mapped out. At first I was puzzled by the source of the energy disturbance – a clever trick – however as I activated my kido I realized that the closer I was to that feline boy I was the weaker and quicker my kido wold disperse. So I based this as my hypothesis, and knew that I would not be able to destroy you in sword combat, and certainly not kido combat. Not with that cat boy around.”

Setsuko listened. He still did not look frightened in the least. That was okay.

“And what gain did you think you would gain with a crappy iron creation ability. You only managed to trap me in here, and I still have someone on the outside that can easily do my work if your level of shinigami is all that we are up against.”

Jun smiled, her eyes narrowing into a scowl. “You still decide to underestimate me. Let me explain my shikai to you. You see the different sections of metal that make up this sword? Those are all different rare kinda of metal. My shikai has the ability to manipulate chemicals in the air in order to form something worth the given value of an object. That is why I give up parts of my blade in order to manipulate the chemicals to form iron enclosures...”

“That is exactly what I said, just with a more scientific flare. I don't need to here your blabber.”

Jun closed her eyes with impatience in the man.

“Please allow me to finish, impatience will never get you far. As I was saying. With each sacrifice, I can manipulate the chemicals in whatever my blade touches. When it is touching the air, I can allow it to manipulate chemicals in the air. With the sacrifice I made of the single segments of my sword I provided the chemicals that were needed for me to create this iron enclosure. Similarly, I can create chemicals in other substances. I am about to show you what I mean since you can't understand my scientific lecturing.”

Setsuko dropped into as much of a battle stance as he could, he knees bent, now about 12 feet away from Jun.

As soon as she was finished speaking, Jun raised her own sword, the metal bars not blocking her movement as much. It was no longer tipped, and with two segments gone, she only had three left, and thus her sword's length was almost cut in half. After a moments rest, Jun quickly thrust her sword – only her target was not the man across from her. Her sword ripped through her own chest and penetrated all the way through her torso, causing blood to shoot across the floor around her.

“YOU DUMB BITCH! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!?”

Jun felt the life slipping out of her.

“As I can manipulate chemicals in the air, I can manipulate chemicals in my own body. I could have easily just killed you with more iron work, but that would not deal with your friend. And I knew that my attacks would not work well on him with his little shikai ability. But I took that into calculation during this. Iron is a strong material, but with that boy around, this iron is much weakened, and thin. I could not easily manipulate the chemicals needed in order to form a solid box. But I did not want to. I had to... have to take both of you out in one shot. And I knew that I could do that with these three segments remaining. Did you know something? There are only three chemicals missing in the human body that differentiate it from a C4 powered bomb? Did you know that...?”

Jun gave a pained smile as she exclaimed her trump card.

“I can create that you see?” Her weak arm raised slowly and pointed at the blade that rested within her. Jun felt only a slight amount of life within her still.

“And about that boy, don't, because of the weak condition of these walls, the blast I can create will cover more than enough area to hit him, and eliminate him from this match as well. That is if he even left the area.” Jun smiled before she muttered her last breath “Final creation – Jistasu bakudan – suicidal bomb!”

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Explosion

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Explosion

As before, the segments on Jun's sword began to bubble and fade before they started to rise, and crawl into Jun's body. It was different than before. They did not evaporate this time, and instead became silver veins that attached themselves to her ripped open torso.

“YOU CRAZY FUCKING BITCH! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING! YOU CANT BEAT ME WITH A STUPID BOMB!?!?”

Jun tried to take one last breath, but found that she could not.

Her lack of emotions broke in the last second, and her entire life was displayed before her, in a flash of light. She remembered the first time she met Muriasachi, and decided to pledge her entire heart and soul to him. He was her idol. He was the man that she would do anything for. And she had finally done it. Repaid all the debt that she owed for him putting up with her. She would not fail this mission. It was his last mission.

Jun smiled.

A single tear came from her left eye.

For some reason it seemed that her entire life had been lived as a single well thought out and well crafted lie.

Why?

Then the entire area swelled, and exploded. Fire blew up everywhere, and shrapnel exploded with it. It was a kido level 90 explosion. The trees caught fire, and the shock wave cause the snow to be pushed far to the sides.

And then there was blackness.

Jun had finished the mission. She had protected the safe house from these shinigami.

Shuunske:

The darkness was starting to creep all over Shuunske. His white silver skin beginning to glow in the darkness. It was a majestic bankai. Shuunske's sword lay down. The enemy had to have been destroyed. The attack was absolute and powerful. Shuunske felt the massive strain from manipulating that much water. He could not help himself with all the moisture in the air that his bankai could collect as well as the insane amounts that lay once frozen on the ground. Now however the ground lay buried under a foot of water for as long as Shuunske could see. Hiiro might even be able to see the water, however he did not think it would endanger her of Kasumi. And Jun was far to far away to be affected.

“Hiiro-chan, Kasumi-san, Jun-san, converge to location three if you are able to, repeat, converge on location three...”

Shuunske would have finished, but his finger left the audio button on his neck, still there despite the bankai changes, as he heard the man's voice. Kowai spoke from the acidic water.

“Bankai...”

The words made Shuunske cringe. He had been able to maintain the attack from Shuunske and he was not even fully released in his bankai state. And now he was released.

Shuunske stood lower into the solidified air that froze as a floor below his feet.

Then he felt it.

Like the flood he had created, he felt the huge super nova of energy smash into him, the heavy air's threatening feeling pushing down on Shuunske. It was such strong energy, and yet Shuunske knew that he was not even done showing what he was able to accomplish.

Shuunske whipped his sword back in a series of flipping motions of the blade, and pointed it into the sky. The water reacted with a bubbling and rose off the ground, not as one entire body, but in a series of jet like streams that blasted to Shuunske and other areas around him, until the entire sky was filled with swirling whirlpools in the sky from the acidic steaming water.

There was the answer there.

A bakudo number 73, Tozansho, the inverted mountain crystal spell lay on the ground, the powerful protective spell that allowed one to create solid walls of pure energy around the user and/or a small party or group. The walls were stiff, and able to resist Shuunske's attack. Although they would not have for long. Shuunske could see the walls beginning to lose their glow, as more and more energy was being poured into keeping them stable.

But that was not what Shuunske was staring at. Through the glowing blue transparent walls, Shuunske saw Kowai.

He stood there, his entire body changed, hunched over. His sword was gone now. Shuunske could not see very well through the transparent walls, but could see well enough as soon as the walls shattered, like broken glass, only to fade a second later, before it even hit the ground.

Kowai stood, hunched, seemingly in pain, as his back bubbled and jolted as if he himself were boiling water. The movement was seen through his shirt by Shuunske, and all the sudden, the back of his shirt ripped and sent thousand of wires into the air. Each wire held a blade of some kind. Shuunske saw butcher's knives, other swords, katanas, tomahawks both large and small, axes of all sorts, throwing knives, knives, spears, tridents, machetes, pitchforks, and many others, all swinging back and forth, held by the wires on his back – all being held up as if the wires were snakes with weapons in their mouths.

However, just as Shuunske was about to move in for an attack on the man, he noticed a small whistling that only he could hear through the moist air that he was in. As he looked, he saw four blades, connected by the small black wires that flung at him, each holding a different weapon. One held a small sword, another a machete, another a pitchfork, and another a huge hammer.

Shuunske only had time to jump back, the weapons moving faster as they got closer, and blasting past him. As Shuunske moved, so did they. As soon as they missed Shuunske, the weapons re routed and started to aim for Shuunske's new location.

Shuunske whirled his finger around in a circle, and water that was in the air was formed and concentrated into a small circle. “Go!” Shuunske announced, as the water moved, quickly extending and shooting like his own small wave of powerful acid. It hit the weapons and washed over them, the steaming starting immediately as the weapon's metal started to fade away and melt.

But it was not happening fast enough and Shuunske quickly realized that these weapons had a high amount of spiritual energy in each of them, meaning that the captain he was facing had enough energy to pour a large amount into each of the thousand weapons, and not only still stand, but be able to cast kido, and maintain himself with much more energy.

Shuunske bit his lips, his sword whipping in to block the weapons with a larger amount of manipulated water that burned into them further, the metal melting away in dents to the weapon that seeped into its core. The wire started to steam as well, and Shuunske made a swift movement, countering all the weapons, and slicing at the metal like black wire. Shuunske felt the coarse wire being passed through with his blade as his highly concentrated zanpakutou's sharp blade sliced through the metal wires.

The weapons lost their ability to move, and fell downwards. The wires whipped around as if they had been hurt for a second, before Shuunske felt a sudden lack of air.

Looking up he was facing thousands of weapons that created a black wall facing him. At one movement, they all started to attack Shuunske, all flying at him.

It was then when he realized, the four previous weapons were simply in order to distract him to set up this wall of sharpened blades that was coming at him in extreme speed. Shuunske could not even begin to count all the weapons that he was facing. Too many to count.

Shuunske wasted no time at all, and whipped his sword back, whispering: “Shuukyoku ken jun dzuki purotekuto no ware.” Bend and turn to protect me was the command that Shuunske gave.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the spinning water rings around him bend and splattered into action, spinning until they all collided, the weapons only about twenty feet away now. As the weapons came within range of Shuunske, his water jerked as if it were lightening, moving like a fluid energy, whipping out in order to slap away weapons that came close to the young boy. Shuunske's blade slashed in the air, slamming against small and large weapons alike, sparks flying as their corroding metals were being melted away by the strong acid that was layered onto them as they were touched by Shuunske's water.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 2687357037_a9d02940ae

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 2687357037_a9d02940ae

The wires moves faster and faster, and it grew harder and harder for Shuunske to block the flurry of metal blades that was being flung at him. Attacks came from every side until Shuunske moved based only on instinct. His blade moved without his mind even knowing it until a second later, defending him against the oncoming attacks.

The wires only became more and more aggressive, until they stopped all of a sudden. In that same second, the air moved, and so did the energy, as Kowai himself flew up in between Shuunske and the weapons he was controlling. Shuunske gasped as the man grabbed a large butcher knife that lay beside him, hovering in the air, held by the strings that he manipulated. His entire body had changed. The shinigami clothing he had been wearing had been ripped to shreds and his blade was gone. Instead of skin, Kowai had dark wood and metal plating that looked sloppily placed – making him puppet like. In fact, he was completely changed into a puppet. His actions even were mechanical.

Shuunske pushed his blade forward in order to block the on coming deadly attack, with just enough time to do so.

But he could not.

His arms pushed the blade that he held, but it did not move.

It had been tangled.

Shuunske saw the error of his way in the flash second before the blade came down. The first four blades were a distraction against the wall, and the wall was simply a distraction against the smaller weapons that did not aim themselves at Shuunske with intentions to kill at the moment. It was basic logic. There was normally only one distraction and the main attack, and that was what Shuunske had thought. So by making two distractions, Shuunske would not see the real purpose of his attacks with the flurry of weapons.

It was genius. And Shuunske felt ashamed that he had not thought of this at the moment.

Then as the blade came down, Shuunske gripped his blade, and shouted: “SHO!!”

The kido sprang forth from his pointed finger – a strong version of the kido, as it was produced from Shuunske, a master of kido.

The kido hit the man with the normal power of a much higher level kido, sending him blasting back in mid air, down towards the ground, as Shuunske was still above ground on the hardened air.

As Kowai fell, Shuunske felt more wires tugging at him, and all of a sudden he was pulled down as well, by the same force that he sent Kowai back with, being pulled by the attached wires.

Shuunske hit the ground, his landing flawed because of the tugging wires, not allowing him to land on his feet, and slamming him on his right shoulder. The slam ripped his shirt slightly, and pulled it down over his shoulder.

“Stupid boy...” Kowai spoke, his angered voice sounding dead and emotionless as he spoke, his metal carved mouth not moving.

Shuunske wriggled free of the seemingly lifeless wires that did not constrict him with force any longer.

Shuunske's blade fell to the ground, as he panted, his whole body shaking from the dramatic situation. He was losing this fight. His attacks earlier were his strongest attacks, and yet they had had not affect on the man he was fighting.

To be able to convert that amount of moisture into acidic water had eaten up a large amount of his spiritual energy, and he was still feeling the suffering of that alone.

He panted on his knees, his hands on the ground in front of him. Sweat fell onto the ground before him. He felt the breath leaving both his nose and the gills on his neck. His silver skin glowing in the darkness around him.

As his zanpakutou hit the ground, the water that was being held in the sky fell as well, flooding the area around Shuunske, parting as its destructive force came onto him, so as to avoid hurting its owner and rushing at the man Shuunske was fighting – Kowai.

He didn't know what he could do. Why was this man able to defend against his strongest attacks? Muriasachi among other captains were unable to even comprehend his abilities in his most basic form, and without even drawing his sword. So then why was this man so powerful?

The water raged around him, creating a whirlpool around him, with him in the center, untouched by the dangerous water. The whirlpool almost gave Shuunske hope, but the voice he heard made it all lost again.

“Well played Shuunske-dono. You know your kido don't you? Well that is not going to save you against me for long. I have dealt with my fair share of kido before. That will not save you. For the legend you are, you have been rather easy to fight – Shuunske-dono. Admit defeat Shuunske-dono.”

Shuunske looked up to see the man standing above him, hovering on the air that he had hardened as Shuunske did before. But as soon as he looked up, he grabbed his sword. Consequently, as soon as he looked up, Kowai kicked at him, a spiked and pointed foot aimed at Shuunske's neck. Shuunske grabbed his handle, and water reacted to his touch, splashing up to make a bubble around the small boy. Although it was water, the high concentration of energy that was in it, further concentrated and blocked the kick all together, the bubbles hard surface acting as a solid wall.

In that moment, Shuunske heard another computerized sounding voice in his ear, speaking over the intercom that was attached to his neck. It was one of the 12th division members that Muriasachi had brought with a status report.

“Shuunske-sama, we have reached communications with Soul Society. The link is coming from your own home. It is Yuki-san, sir. She is asking to speak to you, sir. She says that she is...” Static cut into the mans words. And then it stopped suddenly as if he has lost contact with the man.

Yuki was waiting for him. Yuki was there.

Shuunske stood, the bubble still swirling around him, moving with all intentions to protect him as it had.

“Kowai-san... let me tell you something. Defeat is often a temporary situation, giving up is what makes is permanent. And I don't give up.” As Shuunske spoke, he raised his hand until he finished, thrusting it forward at one side of the protective bubble, causing spears of water to protrude from the bubble, aimed for Kowai.

His own weapons came in and slammed against the water, causing it splash, and cause more damage to the weapons that were being melted by the acidic water already.

It was then that Shuunske noticed the dolls that lay around Kowai. He had not seen them before. Three dolls hung over his head. They looked like wooden old marionettes that had no function. Although he did not have a clue what purpose they served.

Kowai moved his arms in a sudden motion as if he was throwing a ball at Shuunske, shouting: “Haien!”

Shuunske knew the kido, a level 54 hado spell that was rather powerful, and created a strong explosion of purple flames.

Crossing his arms over his head, Shuunske heard the explosion from the outside of his bubble, as it all popped and fell away around him. The explosion held smoke all around him, but Shuunske was not about to let it hinder him, and jumped up into the darkness, landing on a self made ground on the air.

He saw Kowai there. His army of weapons surrounding him. He was already looking at Shuunske.

Clenching his teeth, Shuunske quickly went over the battle thus far. It all flashed through his photographic mind, memorizing every movement that his opponent had made.

Then he relaxed. No more fear in him.

He was the legend, and he had found what he wanted to protect. He had once told Kasumi that a shinigami's power came when he was protecting something dear to him.

Shuunske had that already. His love. His life. His power. Yuki.

He would see her again.

“Try again Kowai-san.”

Muriasachi:

Muriasachi looked back and forth and could not see anything. He was gone.

Right.

Left.

Down.

Up.

Ah. There he was.

Muriasachi's eyes widened.

The captain flew down at him, screaming:

“BANNNKKKAAAAIIIIIII!!!!!”

Suddenly gripping the air like it was ground, Asura stopped, and allowed his energy to pour out around him. Muriasachi bend his knees, preparing for the attack that he knew was going to come. He had already memorized the complete attack pattern of the man he was fighting, as well as his bankai powers.

Sure enough, it all followed as he had thought.

Asura's sword grew and jolted as different linking segments were formed. It was like Jun's shikai, only much larger, and much different.

The sword grew so quickly that stretch marks on the metal could be seen until they nullified with the complete creation.

A 21 foot sword was held up in the sky. There was no noticeable shadow because of the lighting.

And sure enough, Asura threw the blade down in an attack at Muriasachi.

Although Muriasachi was able to memorize the statistics of the attacks, and man, he was still a weaker fighter than him, and had to work hard.

Jumping into shunpo, Muriasachi just barely avoided the blade that was moving as fast as that of a normal blade.

Muriasachi noted that this was all part of the bankai. His muscles were also edited in order to give him the sheer strength to wield such a powerful an heavy blade with such ease. And thus was the power of this man's bankai.

Among other powers, such as radiation.

That was a more deadly side effect, and one that Muriasachi had not yet found a way to avoid. A singe cut or prolonged exposure to this man in combat could mean radiation poisoning, and that was almost impossible to cure.

Dodging the sword, Asura whipped it back up and back around, aiming for Muriasachi again.

Panting, Muairasachi had to leap into shunpo again, the huge blade hitting three trees, and cutting them down, causing them to be fallen trees as it pushed them over.

Muriasachi jumped up into the air, feeling the heavy amount of energy from Shuunske. It made him smile to think about that boys wholesome energy. It was delightful and pure.

Another blade swing came.

Only this time, it was two fast, and Muriasachi had only just gotten into place in the air before the blade came at him. He had not really taken into account that this man could move this giant sword as fast or faster than someone could move their normal smaller zanpakutou.

Muriasachi raised his blade, placing his other hand on the back side of the blade, allowing him to have a little extra support as the huge plutonium blade came into contact with his own blade.

Muriasachi felt a moment of inertia, and a moment of sickening displacement of the stomach before he was launched into the forest beyond. He hit a tree, cracking it in half, and breaking his back, snapping it in one motion, sending his sprawling out on the forest ground. He was unable to move. That much force from one swing.

That was not humanly possible.

It was not.

Muriasachi had never collected data on the actual power of the strikes this captain gave.

It all made sense as to why his squad used to call him the “One hit finisher.”

A normal shinigami would have died, and if not, certainly not be able to fight any longer. But he was different. Chemicals ran through his body, and he felt the chemistry change through out.

A smash sounded as Asura landed in front of Muriasachi, creating a crater in the ground. And a second later another MUCH larger crushing sound was sounded as the 21 foot sword smashed into the ground, feeling like an earth quake, hitting a tree and causing it to fall over in the process.

“How're ya holding up Muriasachi-san? I suppose not even you were expecting tha...” but Asura was interupted by Muriasachi.

“Shut up. Do not take me lightly simply because I spend more time researching that fighting. Ill give you a little science lesson. Withing every single one of us, there are cells called the stem cells. They are produced in the bone marrow that we also all have. These cells have the ability to assimilate themselves as any cell type in the body. If you get cut, they become skin cells and thus you have more skin. If you lose blood, they become blood cells and thus you have more blood. Now, bones are another story, similar. Only. Better. Listen. These stem cells are created in the bone, and are thus most potent there. Because of this, bones that you may break will not affect me...” With that, Muriasachi stood, his back arched as he wriggled into a straighter posture.

“This is because I have created my body from chemicals. Call me gross but I have found a way to mass produce those stem cells, and have them work faster that ever before. Cellular regeneration is made possible because of this. You cannot hurt me Asura-san. Not with your crude and basic attacks.

Asura gripped his sword.

“I would like to see you regenerate your head smart ass!”

The Sun was shining, birds signing softly in the trees.

It was a summer that never ended

“Remember cherry, once your hit. You’re on that slick slope down. The whole part of the fight is to make sure the other dies before you do. Avoiding that first hit is crucial Hiiro-chan. C’mon look at me. “

Kifuume laughed scratching the side of his head. He held the long wooden katana tapped Hiiro’s shoulder, side, Waist and her legs. His dark red bangs swept out of his face and a wide grin spread upon his face. Hiiro flushed and pushed the intruding stick away from her, her own freckled cheeks flushing red for a moment. Caused another light snicker to erupt from her makeshift teacher.

“Those are the places you want to always make sure you protect. You lose your shoulders, you lose and arm. A thigh and you lose a leg. You get hit in your waist and you’ll lose a few organs I’m sure you’d like to keep inside.” He laughed. Hiiro bit her lip and nodded, her eyes flitted over to Kasumi. Who was sitting under the shade of a tree. Busy with papers and other various paperwork. Either way he only seemed to glance up to look to her every minute or so.

“Wider stance, C’mon don’t hold your sword like a broom. ….there we go” he called her attention back to him. “Alright, block me.” Kifuume leaped foreword in a very straight forward attack. Hiiro braced herself but Kifuume sidestepped and faked a turn, sending a crack down onto her side. Hiiro cried out and reeled holding her shoulder, her wooden katana slipped from her fingers and onto the grass and she looked to him hurt.

“Ow! No fair Kifuume-kun!” She whined softly rubbing her shoulder lightly. Feeling it already start to swell. It had been a simple attack but she had failed to block it at all. Kifuume sighed and tapped the edge of his wooden sword against his heels.

“All tricks I use Hiiro, without a doubt your enemies will use. Get used to them. C’mon again! Actually block me this time!” Hiiro narrowed her eyes and picked her sword up again. Readying herself as Kifuume positioning his feet and prepared to attack her once more.

Where would she be, without those summer lessons? They seemed so innocent back then. But those summer winds have turned bitter and cold. Her laughter became shallow, painful breaths, and the warm summer sun was a cold clouded atmosphere.

Sweat, had turned to blood. And Hiiro felt tears burning in her eyes. Her heart pounded roughly against her lungs as Tsubaki ran at her for what seemed like the hundredth time. Screaming in a mixture of ecstasy and pain. Her torn blade thrust forward like a javelin and she charged ready to bury it deep into Hiiro’s stomach.

How many times had Hiiro managed to get away by the skin of her teeth? How many times was she going to keep cheating death and evading the inevitable?

Their Shunpo was blinding, with movement to quick for human eyes to catch. But she didn’t need to watch it. This bloody dance she had developed with Tsubaki had become reflex. Adrenalin pumping through her faster than her own blood. It flooded her senses. Snapping everything to a startling clarity.

“AAHHAHhahaAHAHaa!!!AA!!! This is heheheeeheheeeee whe—where the fun re-ally starts to…haAAAHHAHAHAA!!! Begin!!” Tsubaki had cried and swung a bloodied fist at Hiiro. The bony frozen hand slammed against Hiiro’s shoulder. Causing her to gasp and leap back. Skidding in the snow Hiiro brought up her blade to block Tsubaki’s sudden onslaught of tactless hacking moves.

See, Hiiro had realized that Tsubaki wasn’t the person for tact. She didn’t plan out her moves. She just swung the blade with the soul intent of drawing blood. It didn’t matter where. And it was the steady stream of these wide swings, and devastating combo’s that sent Hiiro reeling in the other direction.

All Hiiro had to do was to keep her away long enough for her to bleed out. If it was a waiting game. Tsubaki was bound to lose. All wounds Hiiro had received were little. Save the gash upon her leg. However she had cauterized the wound closed. And it was no longer bleeding.

But with each passing moment. She lost hope in anybody finding her, coming to her aid.

But the fear of death kept her moving. That blade, the blackened iron katana that crashed against her own Sunibunki in a shower of sparks. If it touched her skin. She would be torn apart. From the inside out. It the most painful way she could think of.

And Tsubaki knew this….all too well.

“I’ll rip you to PIECES! …haeeaaaAAAAHHAA! And BATHE IN YOUR BLOOD!!” She shrieked clawing at Hiiro with not only her Zanbaktou. Tsubaki lashed out at Hiiro’s battered form with her hands, fingers bent into claws. She slammed against her, forcing Hiiro back as she tried to avoid any contact with the woman. She remained silent, there was no way she could analyze this woman. Everything was so sparatic is was impossible. And it didn’t take a person like Muriasachi to safely say this woman was a nut case. How she became a Shinigami was incredible.

Hiiro felt Tsubaki jump into Shunpo. Jumping backwards she flooded her Reitasu to her feet. Pushing her backwards with incredible speed. She felt the bamboo hit her back. Forcing her to stop, her heart sinking as she felt the circular stalks behind her.

“Shit.” Hiiro cursed under her breath. Turning she looked at the bamboo. Hiiro had been pushed against the corner; to go into the dense forest was suicide.

Suddenly, a noise sprang up through the deadly silence. A loud screaming sound like the sound of nails upon a chalk board. Her head whipped around to see Tsubaki, walking towards her, her mouth hung open and the tip of her blade was dragging along the ground.

It was the earth, it was screaming as her thorns caused a ripple. Tsubaki’s mouth hung open, mimicking the sound of the earth cry against her power.

“Parusu to arawareru” Tsubaki cried before stabbing her blade into the ground.

Hiiro felt the tremors before the thorns emerged. Like sharp cones of Reitasu they ripped through the ground. Forcing their way up.

The power of Tsubaki’s Zanbaktou hadn’t been realized until a large black thorn the size of Hiiro’s arm shot up from the ground. Her Zanbaktou was growing in power, and Tsubaki watched with a mused joy. Still screaming with the earth. As though the sound was amusing to her.

Suddenly, the bamboo thicket didn’t seem like such a bad idea….

Hiiro was running now, as fast as she could. Her ankle throbbed but she pushed herself through into Shunpo. She cut through bamboo. Weaved around them, it was time to get away from the ground. The earth was too dangerous.

Leaping into the air. She prepared to solidify the air below her. It wasn’t too hard, but it involved on the spot concentration. Like jumping into Shunpo Hiiro pooled her Reitasu at her feet and the air seemed to solidify under her. A small hint of a smile spread of Hiiro’s lips, she hadn’t really practiced how to solidify the air, but it seemed she got the hang of it quickly. But she didn’t have time to congratulate herself; she looked out to see Tsubaki’s carnage.

Like a wave of black, the bamboo splintered under the weight. Tearing the ground apart with huge black javelins thrust up from the ground.

Suddenly she was hit strongly with Reitasu she had never felt before. But this couldn’t be Tsubaki. The air pulsed suddenly, a Reitasu so strong it could only be Shuunske’s.

Her ears popped. And she felt a strong wind suddenly pick up as the Reitasu exploded.

“Shuunske-sama…” she looked towards his battle. And realized she had strayed from her own area, she was closer then she had anticipated. But the Reitasu was building. Hiiro felt she couldn’t breathe; the air was sucked from her. And the ground below her gave way. But something was growing; before she slipped she saw clouds forming.

“Uwaaah!!!!” Hiiro tumbled through the air. Struggling to compose herself she held out her hand. Mind racing for a moment.

“Sho!” She cried the simple Kido spell. But as though a large puff of air hit her. She bounced in the air before tumbling onto the ground. Using the Kido against the ground she had cushioned her blow. And a small indent dug a few inches into the ground where the spell had hit.

Yet still the Reitasu grew stronger and stronger. Pulling herself up, Hiiro wiped her lip. It was bleeding she could taste the iron in her mouth.

“AAAAHH HA HA HA yyyyOOOOooooouuuu!! Thought you could run from mmmMMEeeeeEEee!!” Tsubaki sang in a sing song voice. She crushed through the splintered bamboo. Hiiro staggered blocking suddenly against Tsubaki. In a clash of steel. And Tsubaki laughed in her face. Her breath smelling of blood and bile.

“huuuuuuuhh you worried about your little CAPTIAN!?” She sneered at Hiiro’s darkening expression.

“That little cream puff is as good as dead! haaAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA ha hee. Cuz-because nobody beats Captain Kowai!!” She laughed. One eye narrowed while her other eye widened. Crazed and open. Hiiro clenched her jaw and dug her feet into the ground and muddy snow. Strands of Crimson hair fell over her eyes. And a small stream of blood fell down the side of her face.

“You must not have me-t Shuunske-sama!” Hiiro grit and pushed Tsubaki back. Causing her to stagger and jump back a few feet.

“Because Shuunske-sama doesn’t lose.” She answered softly, her voice so sure. Because Shuunske couldn’t lose. If there was anybody who was going to survive this. It was Shuunske.

Suddenly, there was a massive explosion that swallowed all other sound. Leaving Hiiro’s ears ringing. Tsubaki’s eyes widened and she looked past Hiiro her mouth falling open. Hiiro turned, looking over her shoulder. The Reitasu was massive. The air cracked under its weight. And they saw, something charging towards them.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone Tornado-2

Shuunske had gone into bankai. And it was ripping the ground. A Massive tornado roared and stretched far into the sky. Rain pounded the ground. Hissing as they touched Sunibunki’s heated metal. Lightning cracked so close she felt the ground shake with its bombardment. And a massive shockwave ripped through the bamboo. Hitting Hiiro like a ton of bricks. She couldn’t escape it, like a fish swimming against a whirlpool she was blasted forward. Slamming against something and the world spun away from her.

“You pathetic. Now get up, and stop wasting my time.”

The world continued to ring and Hiiro opened her eyes slightly. Everything was blurry. Rain now pounded the ground. And puddles pooled upon small indents in the earth. Her Radio crackled in her ear.

““Hiiro-Chan, Kasumi-san, Jun-san, converges to location three if you are able to, repeat, converge on location three...”

Location three….that was where Shuunske and Muriasachi had been. Where the tornado just was.

Hiiro felt the ground below her move; a sharp pain erupted from her right shoulder. Whipping around Hiiro snapped up. Looking down Tsubaki held a piece of her Uniform in her mouth. The shock had blasted them against each other. And they were at least twenty feet from where they had been before the blast. Sunibunki hissed in the snow at her side. Back ten feet or so was Tsubaki’s Zanbaktou. Standing out against the muddy snow. But Hiiro was appalled suddenly, looking at the rip in her shoulder. The blood that now poured down her side.

“You, you BIT ME!”

Hiiro cried in shock, touching her fingers to the wound before looking the crimson on her fingertips. Tsubaki grinned like spoiled child. Fragments of Hiiro’s Shihauksho stuck in her teeth and her blood stained her lips.

“Why, why why!! WHY would you bite me!!” Hiiro cried scooping Sunibunki from the snow. And Tsubaki laughed, her tiny body shaking with each fit and quake of laughter. Hiiro clenched her jaw pushing forward. She was exposed, she didn’t have a weapon. Tsubaki was at a disadvantage.

Thrusting her sword forward Hiiro pointed her Zanbaktou at Tsubaki’s chest. She was still laying on the ground. Her braids above her head, like two long tendrils. And she looked to Hiiro. Eyes narrowed and a wide grin spread.

“Have you ever killed before?” she asked simply. Making Hiiro freeze suddenly. But Tsubaki continued.

“Felt the blood, the heart die in your hands…haeeaaahahahaaaHaaa!! IT’S exhilarating! AND YOU’VE NEVER DONE IT!!. “She snickered before going silent.

“So do it……” she challenged. Hiiro’s eyes widened and suddenly, the cold didn’t matter. She could kill Tsubaki right now. Her hands were shaking. And her own heartbeat thudded from under her skin. She hadn’t killed before. She had never even seen a person die before. Never seen the life slip from their eyes. What was she doing here? In the cold, rain, lighting cracked above her and a person’s life in her hands. Why was she here?

New tears burned in her eyes and she clenched her jaw, as Tsubaki laughed. Then looked to her with a grimace.

“I really hate people like you.” She snarled before flipping upwards, suddenly up in the air and onto her feet in a matter of seconds. And she kicked Hiiro strongly in the stomach sending her flying back into the thick of the bamboo.

“You worthless cunts with these fed up ideas of LIFE!” She screamed coming towards Hiiro. She dismissed her Zanbaktou now as though it would only slow her down. In her eyes she wanted to rip Hiiro apart with her bare hands. Hiiro cried out as she hit the bamboo, the wind knocking out of her but she pushed past them. Tsubaki scared her now, more than ever.

She heard Tsubaki, a shaky, horrible rant. That seemed half in Tsubaki’s mind while the other she screamed at Hiiro. One step at a time she came closer. Hiiro pushed through the stalks. Squeezing past them or cutting them down with Sunibunki.

They were now different. Tsubaki could kill, loved to kill, and lavished the feeling of death. And Hiiro fled from it. Something sharp whizzed through the bamboo. Stabbing her in the back. And Hiiro screamed whirling around and pulling the object from her shoulder. It was a metal dart, the size of her index finger. A dab of her blood stained the end and she looked to it for a moment before her sights where set on Tsubaki. Who laughed now? Her speech gone and she looked at the needle with pure joy.

The needle came from the east that was where Shuunske was at. Shuunske…..area three. Hiiro’s eyes widened.

“Converge on location three…..”

She had to get there! That meant Shuunske was in trouble, Hiiro jumped into Shunpo quickly. Leaving around the bamboo. Tsubaki seemed to follow her, though farther back since she had gone to get her own Zanbaktou. But where was an air of grim glee around the woman since she laid eyes on the needle.

What was it? And where had it come from? Hiiro shook her head and continued to press forward. Shuunske was in trouble, and the needle could do no more damage. It was just a needle that stabbed into her shoulder. It was useless now.

Right?

Cold crept to Kasumi's fingers. Adrenaline started to become less and less noticeable and the cold more and more. But his face was warm. Kept alive by the tears that fell down his cheeks. Kifuume's face would not leave his mind. His smiling and always funny self haunting Kasumi.

Why did he have to pass. Kasumi could have gone on that mission. But Kifuume had decided to take it instead, telling Kasumi how he needed to rest. He should have gone. He should be the one dead. Kifuume and Hiiro would still have each other in that case then.

He had messed everything up. He had messed up whatever chance Hiiro had at being happy. And to think that he had feelings for that same girl. It was shameful.

Another tear.

Why could he do nothing right. Not only had he messed up with Kifuume and Hiiro, but he could not even fulfill his duty. As a vice captain he was supposed to be able to help his captain when in need. He could not even move. Shuunske had had too much faith in him.

Another tear.

Why Kifuume? He was the strongest of all the vice captains. Kasumi was sure of it. He had to be. And he had to die. Who killed him?

Kasumi?

He remembered. That day. The last day he saw Kifuume before –

the death.

Sparks flew in every direction as the swords clashed on each other. Kifuume jumped back and forth in a playful way, attacking Kasumi who jutted back and forth with him, much more serious, trying to concentrate on the man's swings and motions.

He had been at it for three minutes thus far, being able to dodge Kifuume's attacks, and able to attack back. He felt finally that he was getting. Hiiro was not there to see him this time however. She did not see Kifuume off. Why would she? It seemed like such a menial mission.

The swords clashed once more, and as Kasumi reached for an attack on the red haired man, Kifuume countered faster that Kasumi had planned, knocking him to his feet.

He had lost again.

He had never been able to beat his rival. He was not complete.

“Why Kifuume-san, why are you always able to beat me? I have tried my very hardest, every day! I don't see how this is fair!?”

Kasumi remembered what he had said to Kasumi before turning to leave:

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars – to change the world. You are that dreamer. And I believe in your dream Kasumi. At least you can remember your dreams. I cannot. When I wake up in the morning, I do not remember a thing. You are a far more dangerous dreamer. You dream with your eyes open. That means you will achieve your dream. Just wait. You'll beat me.”

At the time Kasumi had been annoyed by this, and took it as Kifuume teasing him.

But now, now Kasumi saw his face over. He could remember the scenery. And he could remember the face. He was not teasing. He was passing his motivation and love onto Kasumi. That was what he was doing.

More tears.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 2431480043_ba97511755

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 2431480043_ba97511755

Kasumi's hand jerked as he felt a strange sensation that washed over him.

Kasumi opened his eyes.

Shuunske!

A huge boom erupted and more and more reiatsu built up around him.

Shuunske was in trouble!

Who was his opponent that would force Shuunske to –

wait.

That was not Shuunske.

He had already felt the electrifying amounts of reiatsu that had come from the small boy.

This was a much more dark and terrifying energy than the boy captain that Kasumi admired.

This was his enemy. The man that Shuunske had not even so much as spoken about after their innitial fight. This was the man, the single man that Shuunske had feared.

Kasumi had to move. He had to go help his captain.

Who was he fooling.

He could hardly move.

Kasumi's fingers twitched as feeling was being lost from numb lack of blood and ice cold surrounding him.

He had to help.

He had served no purpose in this life other than to hurt others, and kill others still.

He had to redeem himself.

Where was Hiiro?

Moving his head to the side, Kasumi saw the dead body of the man he had fought. He had been more powerful, and yet Kasumi had beaten him.

He should not have allowed Hiiro to come. He should have brought someone else instead. Hiiro was too young and inexperienced for this kind of thing.

Kasumi's knee bent in the snow, allowing him to sit up. It hurt. He was sore all over. What was Muriasachi's medicine doing to him? It was burning him from the inside. Eating him. Eating his energy.

Kasumi looked down at himself. He was in rags. His pants were the only thing that were still intact. His shirt had been ripped off, his muscles covered in sweat, blood and dirt. He looked horrible. What remained of his shirt lay in ripped small pieces around his waist, kept up by the red stained sash that held the sheath for his zanpakutou, that still remained inside the man. He did not know where the other blade was. Its white glow did not help in the whirling snow that devoured the landscape, laughing at Kasumi in all his helplessness.

His right pants leg had been very ripped, and was tattered at the knee, exposing the rest of his leg from knee down. It was muscular and bloodied up as well. He was missing the shoe on that foot, and the shoe on his left foot was tattered, and one of the straps was broken.

Moving his arm, he pushed the broken and unusable shoe away from his foot, watching as it slipped into the ever hungry snow, covering the battle, and everything that lay in its white blanket quickly.

Falling forward onto his hands, Kasumi strained himself to stand up, pushing off the ground. He was hardly able to move because of his numb limbs.

A second wave of dark reiatsu hit, and almost knocked Kasumi back to his knees.

“Hiiro-chan, Kasumi-san - kffffttt - converge to location three if you are able to – kkkkfffffttttverge - on location three... kkfftttt”

The static ridden microphone on his neck rang into his ear with the small piece that had been damaged. But he got the message. It was Shuunske's voice. Strained, and tired sounding. Was this other shinigami stronger? That was impossible! There was no way! Shuunske was a legend. He was able to take down other captains without so much as using shikai.

How could another Shinigami be more powerful, or even AS powerful? It simply did not happen.

Looking over to the dead body, Kasumi stumbled, grabbing onto trees. Bending his knees, pain grabbed at him, trying to pull him back down to a laying position. He was tempted, but he had something to do. To help as much as he could before he had to give up. Before he had to break one more promise. One more dealing of damage – to Hiiro.

Grabbing his own zanpakutou, Kasumi stumbled, closing his eyes as he retracted if from shikai. The other blade melted away into spiritual energy where ever it was. He still could not see it. The blade morphed and bent until it was once again its normal size and shape – the average katana.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 4250913311_9812c65e09

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone 4250913311_9812c65e09

Sliding it into his sheath, Kasumi stumbled forward towards the area that the energy was coming from. He could feel Shuunske just as well as he could feel the other man, but the other man seemed much more... calm... easily fighting it seemed. How was that possible. Kasumi had not even seen Shuunske in bankai. It must be a wonder to behold.

Stepping hard on his leg, Kasumi almost fell, but instead used it as an excuse to try and jumo into shunpo. The effort was good, but the result failed. Taking him two feet farther, Kasumi stumbled into a fall, catching himself on a near bamboo tree.

Breathing hard, Kasumi looked up and continued.

Pressing his hand against the small microphone on his neck, Kasumi spoke into it, breathing hard and finding it hard to speak:

“Hiiro-chan, what is your status? What is your location? Repeat, what is your status and location?”

Kasumi started to run faster and faster as he grew more and more frantic, his legs just barely working, as if they were completely and exceptionally asleep.

They might as well be. They could not even feel the cold at this point.

“Hiiro-chan” Kasumi spoke, without pressing the button, tears falling down his cheeks with more and more volume. What had he done, bringing her into this? She had to fight a woman that he could hardly fight. How was she to survive? She was fresh from the academy? She had only learned the basics of kendo, and Jun and himself had not been able to teach her much. Kifuume's lessons had not seemed to help much either. Not enough to deal with a girl like that anyways.

Kasumi's right arm swinging uncontrollably, numb and immovable from the pain it was in, threw him off balance, causing him to sway from left to right as he ran through the snow I his bare feet, his feel becoming numb, and being more and more cut on the objects below.

There was no more serum inside of him that allowed him to do things like that and be healed. No. He felt it all, and kept feeling it. The blood kept coming.

Vision blurry, Kasumi kept on.

The spiritual energy clash from ahead grew stronger and stronger. He was nearing their location.

He was almost there.

There was a deafening silence between the two of the strong captain class warriors, interrupted by the soft clinking and screeching of the metal as it rubbed and hit other metal weapons. Shuunske felt the difference in his energy. He needed to be careful. He had never been pushed into using his bankai like this. As such, he had never practiced energy control in these situation. He had done ample training in the art of manipulating his bankai, and different abilities he could gain while in his bankai, but never how he was going to manage his energy when he suddenly needed to. It had never been an issue for him.

“Don't flatter yourself boy. You have a strong bankai, but a weapon is only as great it its wielder. Is that not so? So that makes my bankai stronger. You have survived this far by shear luck. Do not trust in that luck much longer. The tide of this battle will change soon enough. You will lose, Shuunske-sama.”

Shuunske shifted uncomfortably on the hardened air. Kowai was right. He had been able to keep this fight going for so long because of the way that he was lucking out. But what did he mean the tide of the battle would change soon? Was Kowai planning something that he had not set into motion yet? What could he possibly do?

Shuunske looked up at the dolls once more. Was it connected to those? Was there another ability that he was just not able to see yet? Was there secretly another whole dimension to this battle that he was not seeing? The lack of power he was feeling, the threat was annoying to Shuunske, but fear no longer gripped him.

“Shuunske-sama, you might as well give up. You and I both know that there is no way for you too win this battle. The difference in our power is too large. You have no hope.”

Shuunske closed his eyes for a second, feeling the strong dark spiritual pressure of the man opposite him before replying.

“I used to think like that. But I have realized that doubts are traitors to the doubter. They make us lose the good we might often win, because they inhibit us from attempting. And I have hope. Men like you do not fight because you wish to protect something. That is when a Shinigami becomes more powerful. That. That is the difference between you and I!”

With that Shuunske jumped forward into an attacking position, the water that swayed below him shooting up like spears as he thrust his sword in the direction of Kowai. The spears of water all shot in straight lines at Shuunske's opponent, freezing as the further extended, making them more deadly.

“Hyouketsu ken shizuku goshujin yakedo!” Freeze and lose your burn was the command.

Shuunske had not gone far into experimentation with this extended ability of his zanpakutou. With this masterful modification, the water would lose its acidic nature and be able to freeze over at will.

The spears launched and broke off, firing like bullets at Kowai.

As fast as a Shuunske had made his attack, the weapons that surrounded Kowai moved and rocketed at the oncoming ice bullets, smashing into each other.

Shuunske had done it. He had created enough ice projections in order to have Kowai face him with only one weapon.

A metal wire bent down, and Kowai grabbed a huge extended butcher knife with blood already on it, crusted over and blackened. There were chinks in the metal already as well.

Shuunske pushed forward anyways, slamming his own blade into his opponents.

Grinning Shuunske allowed his sword to burst into water, causing Kowai's sword to pass through, before Shuunske's sword reformed as a serrated katana blade, similar to Hiiro's shikai, only the serrated blade chinks were much longer, at an inch long. As Kowai's sword flung itself at Shuunske through the dematerialization, he side stepped it, and thrust forwards, causing his blade to thrust forward at Kowai. However, just before the moment of contact, three sharp and long needles shot past Shuunske, and wrapped his blade up, tangling it to the point that retreat was the only way to free the blade.

Shuunske retreated, allowing the serrated edges to cut through the metal wires, and in doing so, allowing him to make a weak slash at Kowai. The faltering attack hit him, and ripped the shoulder of Kowai's kimono like uniform. Blood stained the white cloth undergarments.

Shuunske fell back on the animated ground in the air hard, sliding back as snow and dust whipped out in front of him, as if the air was dusty.

“I'm not done!”

Running into another attack, Shuunske paced himself into shunpo, gathering his large amount of spiritual energy into moving as fast as he could, appearing behind Kowai, and opening his mouth “SHO!” and then moving again “SHO!” movement again “SHO!”

The affect was that, in him moving so fast, all the low level hado hit at virtually the same time, crushing the man and his weapons inwards, causing the weapons to come lethally near Kowai with their sharpened edges. It also acted as a strong enough push to send him breaking through the air ground that he had created for himself, causing him to fall. He regained his composure, and looked up at Shuunske, raising his arm. Another torrent of weapons shot at Shuunske.

Grinning, Shuunske jumped directly in line of the weapons.

“Hyouketsu ken shizuku goshujin yakedo!”

He gave the same command again. Only this time, the water's movements were different.

Raising his sword, Shuunske amassed a huge amount of water that came flying at the torrential wall of blades, swallowing it before freezing over completely. Shuunske slammed his foot on the ice in order to jump over the huge portion of his water, now frozen and immobile. The ice could not remain in the air, and moved down at alarming speed, crashing into the earth. The impact sent large cracks up the edges and center of the gargantuan ice cube.

But they mended themselves with more of Shuunske's spiritual energy.

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone CE335800FG0010

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone CE335800FG0010

Resting on top of the ice, Shuunske fell to his knees, panting.

It had taken much more of his energy that he had thought it would to use that technique. But it was needed. The ice had swallowed about 80% of Kowai's weapons, the other 20% laying in wait around Kowai himself in case of another attack like Shuunske had just attempted.

Shuunske's hand fell against the ice block that he was on, hearing cracks deep within the surface. The huge block of ice would not last forever, and he needed to act quick.

“Hyouketsu ken shizuku goshujin yakedo!”

Shuunske gave the command for the last time, his head jumping up, his glowing eyes acting as the conductor for the same spear attack as earlier.

Only this time, there was not enough weapons to defend against the oncoming ice pillars.

Kowai had to have realized this.

But he did not move.

It was then when Shuunske felt another huge spiritual energy. It was the other man that was fighting Muriasachi. Shuunske had not had a chance to look him over before. But as soon as he did, his mouth dropped.

It was the past 11th division captain that had been pronounced dead.

Shuunske's eyes widened in confusion as the man threw his sword forward.

Shuunske had not ever seen this man in bankai, but heard about it from the 11th division files. But he had not imagined it ever. Only seen the numbers on the page.

His sword was huge. It was larger than any other zanpakutou he had ever layed eyes on. It was no wonder that he had achieved the title of the largest zanpakutou in Soul Society.

The huge blade separated as it came crashing down, causing it to act like a whip that crushed the oncoming ice spears. The ice that it didn't crush shot forward, only to be blocked by Kowai's remaining weapons.

Shuunske felt the ground shake under the weight of the sword.

His mind raced. This was bad. Where had Muriasachi gone? He could not face another captain. Especially when they worked in such unison. He could hardly keep his wits on one. But two, that was impossible.

Furthermore, his attack had been completely foiled, and his loss of spiritual energy had been for nothing.

Then Shuunske realized. That sword was easily large enough to break the huge block of ice that Shuunske rested upon, about forty feet above Kowai, and Asura.

Shuunske's mind was flooded with question, but he had no time to ask them, because Asura moved for another attack, no doubt to attack the ice block. Shuunske had to defend the block.

Just then a long yellow glowing rope made from kido snapped out and grabbed the huge sword, stopping it temporarily.

Kowai grabbed a large katana from his assortment of weapons, and the wire dissolved. Holding it in his hands, he prepared for any kind of attack from Shuunske. They were all at a stand still. Shuunske could just barely see Muriasachi, like an ant on the ground so far below him tugging at the huge sword with his yellow rope. The rope was intermingled through numerous trees that helped tie it in place so as to better hold the blade back.

They were all finally at a stand still.

“Who are you, Kowai-san!? Tell me now!”

Shuunske looked at Asura, the past captian.

“Why are you here Asura-san? Why are you helping this man? What is the purpose of this?”

“If we had intentions of telling you, Shuunske-sama, we would have done so already. But we do not. We have no such inclination.”

“ASURA! WHY!?”

Asura looked up, hearing Shuunske yelling, but did not answer.

“Shu-Shuunske-boy... don't bother... asking... them...” Muriasachi spoke through tugging pulls on the blade, doing his best in order to keep it at bay.

Shuunske bowed his head, closing his glowing eyes.

“Fine.”

He spoke in almost a whisper.

“BAKUDO NUMBER NINE! GEKI!”

Shuunske shot his fingers forward, casting the entire scene in red light. Kowai and Asura were captured within its paralyzing rays. But it was a weak bakudo, and would not hold forever. Shuunske needed to act fast.

“Bakudo number 61 – Rikujokoro!”

At once, six prison rods of glowing light materialized around Asura, and closed in on him.

Kowai broke free from the paralyzing kido, and jumped back, preparing his own kido.

“Hado number 58 – Tenran!” Kowai yelled, at once a giant tornado erupting from his hand aimed at Shuunske.

Shuunske jumped up into the sky, avoiding the powerful kido that slammed into the ice block, sending more cracks down its surface. He had failed to bind Kowai in the time provided. But Kowai still had no way to attack with such a limited number of weapons at his disposal.

The tornado changed its path as Kowai moved his hand, re aiming it at Shuunske who was position in the sky.

Shuunske landed a graceful flip on the animated ground in the air, shooting his fingers down at Kowai ad yelling:

“Bakudo number 39 – Enkosen!”

From the tips of his fingers, Shuunske formed his spiritual energy to form the fan of yellow spinning energy that formed a wall in front of him. The giant tornado blasted against Shuunske, pushing him back, the tornado stronger than the enkosen bakudo that Shuunske had cast. With his other hand, Shuunske pointed his fingers in the same fashion, calling another kido to his command:

“Hado number 4 – Byakurai!”

Blue lightening was released from his fingers and launched into the tornado, causing a huge explosion as the kido's interacted with each other, canceling both.

Shuunske's knees bent inwards as he felt a huge void of energy where he had once had a gigantic supply. What was this? Why was he being pushed so hard?

All the sudden, through the smoke created from the explosion, three needles connected by the metal wires shot through, carrying the smoke with them for about three feet.

Shuunske jumped forward, swinging his katana at the needles, blocking two, and cutting the wire of the third. As expected, the needles turned and re grouped for another attack. Shuunske was ready for it all this time.

As the needles came close, Shuunske made one swift motion jumping and flipping in the air, slicing the metal wires and causing the needles to fall.

As the smoke cleared Shuunske re gauged the situation.

Asura had once again broken from the immobilizing kido that Shuunske had cast, and once again tugged at the energetic rope that Muriasachi kept hold of.

He needed Muriasachi to keep that sword at bay. Because if Kowai had access to all his weapons again, Shuunske would not be able to defend fully again, and the fight would quickly be over. Even now, Kowai was hard to approach. Counting the amount of weapons he had left was hard and close to impossible because of the way they moved, but Shuunske guessed no more than 70 to 80. That was still a lot. And would be troublesome to defend all at once, but if sent in small doses as he had been doing, Shuunske could defend against them.

Shuunske estimated his own spiritual energy amount. He was not in too dire a situation. He would still be able to fight. But fatigue was grabbing him more and more, and he could not longer use obsessive kido. Shuunske normally created kido custom to the situation, but there was no winning kido that could do anything, and doing this was risky because he could not control his spiritual energy nearly as well while maintaining a kido that he had never used before. Even a simple kido could tire him out and exhaust his reiatsu supply.

When would Hiiro, Kasumia and Jun show up? He could use Jun's ability to mold kido well. Against Asura that seemed affective. A man like that relied on brute strength, and was not very adequate against spiritual attacks.

Shuunske placed his hand on the solidified air that froze beneath him.

“Kirisami, what should I do?”

Shuunske spoke inwardly too his Zanpakutou. It would be far to risky to go into his zanpakutou realm to ask advice, but he could understand small threads of thought without going through all that. Especially when this closely linked to his zanpakutou – such as he was in bankai.

“I need your help, Kirisami-san.”

9 - Shuunske's First Command - A First For Everyone B27dc7aa6107822aa8bb75fe9485d880-1

The ground rumbled once more. The vast puddles rippling with each tremor, their silver surface casting the moon making Hiiro believe for a moment she was walking upon the skies. Then her foot pounded through the water, and the mirror like image of the moon was lost in the tiny waves.

In her ears she heard the beat of her own heart. Racing quickly and thumping loudly in her ears like a war drum. Behind her, she heard the labored shallow pants of Tsubaki. Her own bare feet splash the ground. The snaps of bamboo under her unforgiving feet. She had reached a point where she didn’t know why she was there anymore. As though the battle had been going on for eons and she couldn’t remember anything but the battle, of the smell of blood and sweat and tears. She couldn’t remember a time when her body was not trembling with the cold.

Why was she here again? Hiiro bit her lip. Feeling her body tingle to ward off the cold. Why was she here? Fearing for her life in the bitter snow? It seemed the days when all she had to worry about was whether or not she would be given a seat in the divisions. Or if she could pass her final exams. If Shuunske would look towards her. Or if it would rain, or be sunny the next day. She couldn’t remember when those days ended. And when all this terror began.

Her earpiece crackled into her ear. Spitting static that caused Hiiro to wince.

“kkkkkkkkffffzzzzcch-iiro….fttzz….chhhhzzzkk.”

“Kasumi…” Hiiro’s eyes widened, it was Kasumi! Suddenly the realization slammed into her, flooded her limbs like warm water. Kasumi was the reason she was out here, she wanted to do anything she could to keep him safe, anyway she could lessen the burden done onto him by this situation and he was alive! For a moment she wanted to laugh, thank the heavens and the gods for their generosity. He was alive, and that was all that matters. Hiiro remembered her reason to survive. She had to, so she could throw worry into the wind. Tell him she loved him since he first asked her name.

To the right of her, bamboo shoots seemed to shrink into themselves. Screaming in discomfort before exploding with tall spikes of black. But something was wrong, warning flags shot up in her mind as she looked around. They were not trying to attack her. But simply blocking off the direction. She was being corralled somewhere. But why? What did Tsubaki have I up here sleeve this time.

Casting a look over her shoulder she caught eyes with the detestable woman. The woman who played with her like a demented child with a cat, or a mouse. To play with it, torture it until all it wanted to do was die.

None of that mattered now; she had to get to Shuunske. Because there was nothing he couldn’t handle……

Right?

But something strange was going on. She had this sinking feeling, as though something was so…very, very wrong. Why was Tsubaki not attacking her? Merely corralling her into a space closer and closer to where she wanted to be in the first place?

The Reitasu was almost crippling, Hiiro felt her breath leave her lungs yet still she felt light. The puddles steamed as though they had not yet been cooled by the frozen ground and she still pressed on. Feeling the ground rumble and shake, heard tree’s snap as they were whisked away into the sky. She saw swirling clouds in the atmosphere, and the rain continued to pound the ground with new found vigor as she got closer and closer to her captain.

Thinking quickly she tried to get Tsubaki off her tail. While running she grabbed the shoot of a strong bamboo, letting it act as an anchor point she would weave through the forests making sharp ninety degree turns. Leaping over falling debris she would jump into Shunpo. Pulsing through the forest with quick jumps and elaborate moves to throw the demented woman from her trail.

It seemed to only entertain the woman as she charged through, blindly cutting the shoots from the middle and following quickly at Hiiro’s tail. It seemed like nothing could shake her. Finally she heard the whisper of the blade near Hiiro’s ear. That soft hiss as it cut through the air.
And it was then, the ground shook and rumbled the strongest it had done before. Causing Hiiro to stumble and fall against a bamboo Shoot. What the hell were they fighting with? Hiiro looked up to see a massive mountain of ice. Shuunske was really powerful….For a moment she wanted to stare in awe at the massive glacier that remained rumbling.

Her shoulder throbbed suddenly. As though a string had been treaded through the little hole that needle made. Tugging at her and she winced, the pain was so suddenly did she pull something? Quickly she reached for the little wound, feeling the tiny Hole with her fingertip. There was nothing in there that should cause that sort of discomfort.

Her mind raced to the task at hand. Though the ground continued to shake. Tsubaki now seemed to have abandoned her old idea of not attacking Hiiro. With wild eyes she flipped her blade backwards, wielding it as though it was just a combat knife. The blade stretching the span of her forearm.

Hiiro clashed against the blade, the teeth of her serrated blade biting down upon the dark blade. The blades hissed with contact and Hiiro grit her teeth, trying to push Tsubaki back. But she wasn’t as strong as her. How she could still have this much strength was daunting.

Her shoulder pained her again, throbbing so suddenly her vision flashed to white. She cried out, pushing herself away and jumping back, away from Tsubaki holding her head. What the hell was going on? She felt light headed; her body felt as though the she was starting to become dipped in warm water.

She was so close To Shuunske. So close she could almost hear the clash of his blades. Surrounded by bamboo. She tried to move, if she got towards Shuunske perhaps they could survive better together. Kasumi would join them and they would be a force to be reckoned with.

Taking a step, her leg gave out on her. Causing her to stagger to the ground.

“What?!” Hiiro looked to her leg, it was fine. But dipped in the same smooth warmth she had felt. Pooling from the tiny wound upon her shoulder. Panic flooded and she could not move her arm. First her left but as the warmth spread she could no longer move. But she felt everything.

Hiiro could feel the snow below her sandals, the tiny rocks that dug in to her heels. She felt the rough leather of Sunibunki’s Zanbaktou in her palm, she gripped it tightly. She felt the soft wind and rain, each tiny tremor that shook through the ground she felt as though nothing was wrong with her.

And yet…Hiiro could not move….

“WH-what is haap-pening…to….me...” Hiiro hissed, her words were choked as the warmth spread to her neck and face. Her mouth became a thin line. And she became silent. Though her mind never stopped screaming.

The warmth spread to her chest, stomach until she remained motionless. In a distant position her sword held limply in front of her in a pathetic attempt of protecting herself. It seemed like all she could control, was her very breath. Her eyes were wide, staring in pure trembling fear as Tsubaki who laughed at her.

Suddenly reality sunk in, Tsubaki knew this was going to happen to her. Since the moment she laid eyes upon that tiny needle that stuck into her shoulder blade. This is why she was corralling her. Getting her closer, but to what? What had done this to her? Another rumble and Hiiro wanted to scream. This was the true torture. She was unable to move. Tsubaki could tear her apart with her bare hands if she wanted to. Fine ribbons, so that nobody would even know it was Hiiro.

She would be another scrap to add to all the carnage.

Hiiro’s heart pounded and tears streamed down her face, she couldn’t die. Not like this, she had heard his voice. Kasumi’s voice he was alive and now she had to remain still and die slowly? No, no this couldn’t happen. Not like this. Please, Hiiro begged in her mind. Not like this, not so close to Shuunske. With Kasumi trying to find her. What would he find? Her mind flashed to a horrible image.

Hiiro lay bleeding in the ground. Her chest torn open like the other Shinigami she had seen.

”you just had to come didn’t you? Why didn’t you just stay at the base like I had asked you to?” he would say. ”She’s dead…I knew she was unfit for this job…she just wasn’t strong enough.” Shuunske would sigh and look over her. But she wouldn’t’ be dead, staring at them in agony while her body bled out.

Oh god….please no….please……

Tsubaki grinned and pointed her blade towards Hiiro, like a spear and thrust it forward charging towards her.

“AAAAAHHHAAAAAHHAAAAAAHAHAHAHAA!! IT’S TIME TO- HAAHAAAA!aaahhahahahaAAAHHA!! DDDIIEEEEE!!!!!!”

I don’t want to die….not like this.

Kasumi…..