I'm hoping there is some activity soon...

{Attack On Hoshō}

Yani continued to push Yushi with flowing sword strokes and spinning movements. Yani had the advantage of knowing the rough cliff-like terrain but despite appearing to be on the back foot, the Jūzō Hoshō Captain was exuding an extremely calm and relaxed aura. This didn’t sit well with Yani, who could feel it in the man’s reiatsu, and he took a step back and loudly recited then fired off a Shakkahō that shot towards the rocky ground, throwing up debris and lowering Yushi’s field of vision. Yushi offhandedly flash stepped out of the way but was soon met by the sight of an incoming Yani halfway through a spinning reverse hook kick aimed for his head. Yushi quickly leaned backwards to avoid the kick and was slightly alarmed at the speed of Yani’s rotation when the Gotei Captain rapidly followed with a vicious spinning low kick. Yushi frowned the instant he realised Yani’s low kick had been used as a feint to set up another an arcing upward slash that somewhat successfully connected with his abdomen. Yushi murmured something inaudible as he evasively hopped backwards from Yani’s next attack and then flash stepped away to make some room between them.
Yushi still seemed passive despite the injury. Despite it looking a lot worse than it actually was, it didn’t serve to motivate him to try any harder than he already doing; he was more surprised that Yani had managed to cut through his robe. Feeling his reiatsu, Yani picked up on this as he immediately attacked with a furious flurry of powerful swirling sword strikes and sword slashes combined with dance-like steps and movements. Yushi was once again pressured by the attacks but he seemed to cope, dodging, parrying and side-stepping where necessary. Yani gritted his teeth in frustration at his inability to deliver another blow and flash stepped in an attempt to flank him, before launching a sharp thrust aimed for his spine. Yushi predicted his movement and allowed Yani to prepare to land the thrust but, just before the attack struck, Yushi suddenly disappeared from Yani’s sight and almost instantly reappeared with two Yushi’s, mirroring each other, standing directly behind him, both holding their blades uncomfortably close to his neck.

Yushi Kenronri: Way of Onmitsu, 2nd of the Ronri: Yūshibunretsu. (He leans in close as his speed clone disappears) Is this all you’ve got Captain?

Yushi removed his blade from Yani’s neck and struck him in the back with a Shō-reinforced palm thrust that sent the Gotei Captain flying across the rough terrain. After coming to a halt, Yani heatedly returned to his feet. He was incensed. Not only had Yushi interrupted his time mourning the loss of his dear friend but he was further trampling all over his pride by not killing him when he had the chance. His reiatsu explosively increased, its golden colour becoming visible, and he raised his zanpakutō in the air, its blade held horizontally and glowing with his spiritual energy.

Yani Kohei: Glimmer in glorious light! Seiryo Kushoku!

His zanpakutō transformed into an even longer spear with a thin shaft a very distinguishing looking spear tip. Two prongs jutted outwards, curving inwards about halfway down their length until each tip was nearly touching, forming a barrier of sorts around the middle prong, with each prong boasting two sharp shards of sapphire embedded in the metal. Yushi smiled very briefly before flash stepping straight in front of him and directed a high flying slash at his neck followed by a Shō-reinforced palm thrust to his chest. Yani swiped sideward with his spear parrying the blade and then quickly spun it round to deflect Yushi’s palm thrust off course before following up with a swift spinning hook kick to Yushi’s midriff which was hurriedly blocked by the Captain’s arm. The force of the kick pushed Yushi backwards, who skidded across the ground stopping close to the cliff edge.

Yani Kohei: (He points and thrusts the tip of his spear in Yushi’s direction) Aohasai!!

Sapphire shards dislodged from the spear tip and propelled themselves in Yushi’s direction at incredible speed, making even Yushi wary as he evasively rolled out of the way. Yani was not done and had already made his next movements as he jumped up into the sky and, holding his spear above his head as if ready to smash, began rapidly rotating like a buzzsaw as he shot downwards to strike his opponent. Noting the hastily incoming body, Yushi quickly braced himself for impact and shielded with his blade as Yani came crashing down on top of him, completely destroying the cliff edge Yushi was perched on in the process and sending the two combatants hurtling down to the rocky ground below. The sheer velocity that Yani had hit him with, combined with his rotative force, paid off causing Yushi to crash to the ground much harder than his adversary.

However less than a second after hitting the ground, Yushi quickly returned to his feet and flash stepped out from the dust and debris. He groaned agitatedly and arched his back; his lack of real fighting spirit had made him underestimate Yani’s strength. He focused his attention again when sapphire shards shot dangerously from the dust cloud and with a quick side-step he avoided them, just as Yani came surging from the dust in an attempt to impale him through the chest. Yushi seemed to twist around the thrust before flash stepping to flank Yani and retaliating with a sharp kick aimed at his back. The kick hit its target but Yani used the momentum and rolled to mitigate the damage. Yushi clicked his tongue and immediately shot after him launching a swift tirade of feints and slashes mixed with tricky flash step movements.

Yani Kohei: (Leading with his right arm he uses his spear to block the majority of the attacks flying at him) Aohada!!

Yushi’s eyebrow raised in curiosity as the sapphire material left the spear tip and adhered to Yani’s right forearm before instantaneously covering the arm and shoulder in an armour-like design. Yushi’s blade screeched over the sapphire armour multiple times as his attacks ultimately amounted to nothing. Pulling back for a second, Yushi noted the sapphire armour suddenly flake away; Yani didn’t seem to be able to maintain the armour for very long.
Locking the knowledge within his mind, Yushi drove back into attack, ducking underneath Yani’s neck-height swing and thrusting his blade forward at his chest. Yani immediately changed the direction of his spear and performed a somersault, attempting to skewer Yushi with his spear as he did so. Yushi swiftly pressed himself to the ground, avoiding the spear as he did so, and, whilst Yani was still somersaulting, sent him flying upwards into the sky with a kick from the sole of his foot.

Yushi Kenronri: (While still lying on the ground, he raises his arm, palm facing towards the airborne target that is Yani) Hadō #63, Raikōhō.

The electrical surge rocketed upwards but Yani quickly manoeuvred in the air and rapidly began spinning his body whilst exerting his reiatsu, causing the Hadō to explosively deflect around his body, alleviating the damage and sending up a small cloud of smoke from the impact.

Yani Kohei: (He bursts through the smoke pointing the tip of his spear at Yushi below him) Aohasai!!!

The sapphire from the spear instantly dislodged from the tip and viciously propelled themselves in Yushi’s direction. Yushi, already back on his feet, reached into his utility belt and skilfully threw small kunai upwards, deflecting the shards off course, before flash stepping into the sky to meet the oncoming Gotei Captain. Yani, seeing Yushi racing towards him, held his spear into his body, the tip pointing in the direction of Yushi, and began rapidly spinning like a drill. Yushi pulled his arm back readying a strike and swung his blade forwards, clashing powerfully with Yani’s spear and letting off a violent shockwave from their collision. Yushi’s eyes widened slightly in surprise as Yani’s already impressive momentum combined with his drill-like rotations proved superior and he broke through Yushi’s attack and violently bored through the Jūzō Hoshō Captain’s right shoulder.

Yushi Kenronri: Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Ronri: Tonbo.

Yani’s eyes widened in shock as he quickly realised he had bored through none other than an afterimage and he continued on downwards, quickly crashing destructively with the ground. Yushi breathed deeply; though Hohō was his speciality, using specialised techniques like this could sometimes be a little tiring. He looked down at his right shoulder. Though he had escaped real harm, the residual damage was clear to be seen; the right shoulder of his cream-white robe had been blown apart by the attack, leaving his shoulder exposed, and the right side of his mask had been severely damaged. What Yushi found more impressive was the now bleeding small inch-deep hole in his shoulder. Yani got to his feet and looked above at his opponent as their eyes locked; all Yani could see was a lack of true resolve whilst Yushi saw unshakable determination. Yushi sighed, maybe it was time to release his shikai. Letting the now disconnected right sleeve of his robe fall from his arm, he took off his mask and nonchalantly threw it away.

Yushi Kenronri: I'm going to try and get serious so keep up. (Yani’s lip quivers in ire at his words; Yushi then holds his blade centrally in front of his face as his reiatsu began to build) See through the cracks, Nanjū no Sonoshi Kokoro.

[Tactical Response]

'I'm going to get serious, so try and keep up with me, Shinigami! See through the cracks, Nanjuu No Sonoshi Kokoro...'

A burst of reiatsu and the one katana split into two wakizake. This time Yani could feel the difference in his reiatsu - even someone like Yani, who wasn't as proficient at sensing the feelings imbued the reiatsu of others, was feeling the difference from before, since Yushi was making it blatantly obvious. He was definitely releasing more spirit energy this time, too, which was a far cry from before. Yushi saw the look on Yani's face and guessed at where his thoughts were taking him.

'Savor it now, Captain. You won't feel it for long, that I can promise you. Remember, you brought this upon yourself... so don't get soft on me now, because you forced me to get serious' Yushi spoke calmly, but a slight edge to the tone of his voice.

'No... you have brought about your imminent defeat, Yushi Kenronri. I will defeat you right here and show you what true honor is.'

Yushi didn't respond, but raised his reiatsu even more, bringing a blue aura of energy around him, then disappeared. Yani's eyes widened, as he realised that Yushi hadn't just disappeared from sight, but his energy signature had completely disappeared. Yani relaxed himself and extended his senses to their max, but there was nothing - Yushi Kenronri had completely disappeared off the radar. Moment's later, just when Yani was thinking that he had made a run for it, Yushi's blade sliced past Yani's ear, a feint, to show off his speed and to lead into another attack, which came seconds later in the form of a forward thrust, which managed to pierce his shoulder and leave a wound similar to the one that he had given Yushi earlier.

'Aohasai! Yani screamed in frustration, pointing his lance at the place where Yushi's blade had come from. Six shards of sapphire flew in the direction his spear was pointing. Yushi appeared, just as the shards were released and they hit their target. Then, the image of Yushi faded away, with Yani just realising that it was simply an after-image.

Yushi appeared. 'Pretty hard to hit me, if you can't catch me, right? I think this is where it ends for you, Captain. Even if you were as fast as me, you'd have to be very proficient at sensing other Soul Reapers' energy signature, which we already know is not the case for you. What will you do now?'

Yani roared in frustration, releasing another Aohasai attack. Yushi vanished again, leaving the shards to fly through thin air and embed themselves in the cliff behind their current location. Again, Yushi appeared, though, this time, he didn't disappear and his energy signature seemed to appear again, though it was very, very faint. 'I'll be fair on you. This is my true style of fighting, but I do want to clash blades with you a bit, instead of just toying with you. Fragmented Blades!'

The two blades glowed blue and the reiatsu seemed to separate, to a certain degree, where Yani could feel two different sources of it. Confused, he waited, as Yushi seemed in no hurry to throw a hit. Yushi raised his reiatsu consciously now, allowing it to felt in full and disappeared swiftly, appearing before Yani and slicing at him with the two blades. Yani countered and whirled his lance around, slamming it into one of the blades, then carried through and hit the second with the end of his pole. Yushi flash-stepped and came from behind Yani, one blade already in a position to stab at Yani, while the other was held back, in a good position to swipe at him. Yani shunpoed, as the first blade struck at him, missing the attack just in time; Yushi followed his example and flash-stepped, too, bringing the second blade around in a swiping and slicing attack. Yani blocked with his lance again and backstepped, to miss a third attack, that was deadly fast and aimed directly for his head.

'Aohada!' Yani yelled and the sapphire armor formed over his torso again, blocking the next attack from Yushi, that Yani wouldn't have been able to counter otherwise. Yushi's blade struck the sapphire, leaving a massive crack through it and bouncing aside, afterwards. Yani snarled again and made his own attack, stabbing at Yushi with the lance. This time, he was lucky and scraped past Yushi's right shoulder, leaving a small gash. Yushi disappeared again, his spiritual signature gone once more, then the two blades appeared right in front of Yani and slashed him in the chest, leaving two fairly sized cuts and allowing a bit of blood to escape.

Yani breathed heavily and stood there, puffing. 'Damn... you're... fast... I'll get you... though' he spoke in pauses, as he caught his breath.

'It must be very tiring for you, Captain. Imagine trying to keep up with the fastest Juzo Hosho captain, when he's moving at close to full speed. It was very presumptuous of you, you know. Anyway, I assume you'll want to release your Bankai at some point soon, otherwise you'll be severely wounded sooner, rather than later... can you fight like that for long?'

Yani had caught his breath already and glared at Yushi - the patronising tone was beginning to piss him off. 'Of course! I'm a Captain of the Gotei 13... what do you think I would do? Run? Not likely. You already know what kind of man I am, so you know that I won't do that.'

'Yeah, I assumed so. I was more talking about you releasing your Bankai, as I said before. You really should, otherwise, you'll be a sitting duck, before long. Sparse Landscapes!'

The world seemed to invert and everything changed it's perspective, as the ability took hold. Yani wasn't sure what was going on, but he assumed it was going to be worse for him, so he shunpoed and moved away from the location, until everything seemed to change back to normal. Then, Yushi appeared again, his reiatsu at full once more and his two blades glowing again. 'Hado No. 73, Soren Sokatsui!'

The blue blast of reiatsu exploded towards Yani, who stood there momentarily, then responded with a Danku, which caught the full force of the blast and casued it to dissipate. During this, Yushi had already disappeared, using the Hado to distract Yani and came at him again, the two blades glowing andcaught him on the shoulder, disappeared, then booted him downwards, so that he crashed into the ground.

The ground was covered with dust from the forceful contact and as it cleared a sudden burst of Yani's reiatsu thundered upwards and a Raikoho burst towards where Yushi was waiting. He flash-stepped to avoid it, then took a hit from the lnace, as Yani sped upwards, faster than before, in his rage and swung at him. Yushi spun round, blood dripping from the wound, and slashed at the lance, powerful attacks that almost sent Yani flying backwards. However, with the amount of reiatsu he was releasing and the strength of his rage, he withstood it and the two sent powerful strikes at each other, sparks issuing from both weapons, as they came at each other, again and again.

'How powerful, Yani Kohei. You truly are a powerful man... but... you still... lack the speed to fight me' Yushi said, through gritted teeth, as he disappeared again and swung true, slicing into Yani's other uninjured shoulder.

They stopped and looked at each other, Yani glaring and Yushi staring with a strange look of intrigue. They stayed like that for a moment, then begun the barrage of attacks again. Yani used Aohasai again and sent the six shards at Yushi, who dodged them and used Fragmented Blades, riaising his reiatsu once more and striking powerful attacks again. Yani blocked them all and slashed with the lance, the tire of the battle beginning to affect him. He stayed strong and continued the fighting with renewed vigor.

How long do I have to keep this up for? Even now, he still doesn't look like he has tired much... how can he move that fast and still be so unaffected?

Got it up fortunately, so enjoy if you can !



{Third Blood, Second Wind, First Release}

Livius grinned maniacally, a mix of fury and enjoyment permeating his essence. He was allowed to have a bit of fun before crushing his sworn enemy right? But first, he’d have to improve the condition of his knee; he wasn’t going anywhere fast with a ruptured joint like that. He closed his eyes for a very brief moment and then reopened them with a smirk. His free hand glowed green and he placed it over his knee, healing the injury with his Kaidō. Despite him having access to such a skill, it seemed the person he had stolen the skill from wasn’t very proficient in healing kidō. Regardless, it was enough for Livius to repair his injured knee to a level where it would be able to function properly again, even if only for the while. Akumu raised an eyebrow for a second and then discarded any thoughts she was having. This ignorantly arrogant man deserved none.

Livius: Let’s see how you handle this then! (His reiatsu spikes violently and seems to shroud his body, giving him a visibly devilish aura) Jigokujutsu: Ma Tokkan!!

Livius forcefully accelerated towards her at blinding speed, upturning the ground he was standing on and leaving clear destruction in his wake. Akumu seemed only to blink before Livius was upon her, his face plastered with a mix of demented ecstasy and frenzied fury, as he swung his blade in an attempt to decapitate her upper torso from the rest of her body. Akumu clenched her jaw as she hastily blocked the brutal assault, but was sent hurtling backwards as a result. Livius smirked until he felt blood spurt from the middle of his right bicep. His face contorted in agitation as he realised what had happened. He looked over to where his opponent had ceased moving and watched as she casually got to her feet and clicked her neck loudly as if mocking his attack. Livius noticed Akumu’s destroyed black sheathe in her right hand and the same bicep puncture as his in her right arm. He growled in a displeased manner; she had simultaneously lessened the force of his attack and injured him all thanks to her zanpakutō’s shikai ability.

Akumu glanced over at her other blade lying tens of metres behind Livius. It would be a stretch, but she knew she would be at a disadvantage with only one blade in her hand. But Livius was not prepared to give her the chance as he flash stepped towards her, cutting the distance between them, and rifled his arm forwards trying to impale her neck. Akumu shifted her head to evade the attack but Livius tracked her movements and instantly changed the motion of his blade to match hers bringing it swinging sideways, ready to separate her head from her body.

Akumu: (She grits her teeth in effort as she hurriedly drops her body to the ground, causing Livius’ slash to cut off her trailing ponytail instead, and quickly slams her palms on the ground) Bakudō #83 Chikyūenge!

Livius’ growled resentfully as five blue spiritual energy ropes to sprouted from the ground, ensnaring his lower body and then dragging it below the surface, leaving only his upper body exposed above ground. Using the time he was trapped to her advantage, Akumu began racing back to her other wakizashi as Livius focused his spiritual energy into his blade and brought it crashing down, shattering the earth beneath him and freeing him from the Bakudō. Akumu quickly reached her wakizashi, but no sooner than she had her fingers around its hilt, Livius was upon her, his arm raised and cocked in preparation to cleave straight through her. Though her back was turned Akumu quickly sliced into her torso with her left blade, making Livius flinch slightly from the mirrored damage, before he roared indignantly and brought his blade hurtling downwards but, using the brief delay to her advantage, Akumu swiftly spun on her heel and met his chop with her retrieved blade, sending out a resounding shockwave. Their blades screeched and sparked from their clash until Akumu forcefully lifted her blade and pushed him away, before slamming her palms to the ground.

Akumu: Hadō #47 Jōshō Chikyū!

A multitude of earthen spikes suddenly began protruding from the ground underneath where Livius was to land, forcing him to skilfully hop, step and weave to avoid them. Immediately after using the kidō, Akumu powerfully pushed off and rushed towards him while he was distracted, beginning her assault with a scissor cross-like double slash. Livius saw the attack and, despite him instinctively understanding the way she performed it, could do nothing but prepare himself and block the strike.
The two continued to trade blows furiously, each displaying their own determined facial expressions and attacking with beast-like tenacity. But, even with her shikai ability, Livius slowly began to gain an advantage and greatly tested her ability to defend against his relentlessly intuitive strikes. With a backhanded swing, Livius executed a feint-like slash, aiming to slice straight through her skull, but his temple pulsed in agitation when he realised he had left his body exposed in the process. After easily blocking this slash with her right blade, Akumu instantly noticed the opening and violently thrust her left blade straight through his abdomen making Livius wince frustratedly from the pain.

Livius: *mockingly* Utsusemi.

Akumu’s eyes widened when she realised she had only struck an afterimage, as he appeared slightly to her right and delivered a heavy palm thrust to her chin and followed with a powerful roundhouse kick to her midriff, sending her careering and skid bouncing away. Not a moment later Livius had jumped up into the air above Akumu and, with his reiatsu spiking and seemingly shrouding his body giving him a visibly devilish aura, he held his blade with two hands and raised it over his head.

Livius: Jigokujutsu: Onikiri!!

He came rushing down towards her, just as she had recovered and got to her feet, and brought his blade savagely crashing down. Akumu swiftly raised both her blades and took the brunt of the brutal strike, releasing an even more potent shockwave that reverberated throughout the area and severely cratered the ground underneath her. The sheer bloodlust in Livius’ eyes sickened Akumu as the immense force from his strike pushed her down to her right knee but, preparing to take a risk, she allowed herself to fall backwards from his momentum, and instantly brought her left leg sweeping upwards, kicking him with enough force to send him flying away before his attack could do any real damage. She breathed deeply as she staggered to her feet and looked over as Livius did the same in the distance.

Livius: (He roars furiously) I’ve fucking had enough of this!! I’m finished playing!! (His reiatsu spikes violently but is maintained as his mauve spiritual energy becomes very visible; he positions Shishōmen horizontally in front of him causing it to begin floating in the air, with it glowing in a dark hue; finally he places his right hand underneath Shishōmen and stares coldly at Akumu) Bankai! (His immediate area erupts intensely with his smothering mauve-coloured reiatsu as his bankai begins manifesting) Shiga Futari wo Wakatsu!

Akumu ground her teeth and watched as Livius’ blade lengthened into a 1.3 metre long, straight-bladed katana with thirteen semi-circular indentations along the back edge of the blade and a larger downward-curved pronged extension near the tip of the blade. Her eyes were then attracted to the wispy black sphere floating next to him that quickly formed into a ghost-like entity wearing a dark hooded cloak that covered its seemingly very bony body and trailed off where the legs would begin with it carrying an inverted version of Livius’ blade in its left hand.

Livius: *his tone is both chilling and intimidatingly* I don’t care whether you release your bankai or not, I’m just going to kill you and make your essences my own…

Akumu merely clicked her tongue and readied herself as her two opponents came rushing towards her in attack.

Nice! :)

Seven projects and one written final later, I am officially done with school and now have three months to post regularly! I'm deeply sorry for any inconveniences I caused with my absence and I will get the post up shortly!

On a separate note, I am very much enjoying these posts guys, fantastic job!

[A Shadow is a Dangerous Thing]

Despite Akumu's demeanor that radiated quiet confidence, the truth was that the two oncoming enemies were causing her to worry. She knew she could fight this bankai in just her shikai, she was not strong enough to even contemplate such a thought, but fighting two opponents as well seemed to be a tall order for her in her shikai anyway. She therefore decided her best course of action was going into Bankai herself.

Of course while her mind was processing this, her two foes had closed the distance and were within striking range. Akumu abandoned any thoughts of fighting them. She parried an oncoming stab from Livius, guiding the blade past her left hand side, while simultaneously blocking the oncoming strike from the robed figure with her right blade, the strike just clearing the top of her head before pirouetting and placing a hard kick square on Livius's lower back causing him the stumble forward a fair distance and flipped her left blade stabbing the other presence which was now behind her.

It was at this moment she knew that her attack did nothing as the robed figure's blade rocketed down, impaling Akumu's left shoulder, causing her to let go of her blade and lurch forward to forcefully remove the blade from her shoulder and then she had to suddenly block another attack from Livius as he shot towards her, his blade constantly seeking any slightly exposed area that she continued to provide him as she carried on block his attacks while trying to keep track of the location of the creature his bankai had summoned.

It was at this moment a blade hurtled past her left ear as she avoided one of Livius's stabs, and her left arm shot back as fast as her injured left shoulder would allow and grabbed the blade still impaled in the creature, ripped it from its body and then proceeded to parry Livius's attacks to a greater effect, all the while avoiding and parrying attack from the creature who was sending a flurry of attacks at her.

In the end only outcome was certain from this exchange. Akumu parried one of Livius's attacks with both her swords; a very stupid mistake on her part as the creature's blade shot down, opening up a dreadful wound across her back, the pain of which made her drop her guard for long enough for Livius to drill another kick into her side, catapulting her from him, causing blood to fly from her mouth as she suffered some internal damage.

Livius watched smugly as blood began to pool around her crumpled form. He could see her shaking as her hands gripped the ground below her and she slowly pushed herself to her feet. "Now this is a beautiful picture. A Pathetic female in the dirt, battered and bruised. I could think of nothing more fitting for someone like you." He laughed with a large grin on his face as the robed figure came to his side in eery silence. "Well I'm actually starting to enjoy myself!"

"Fuck off you disgusting creature." She spat out blood, further emphasizing her disgust. She winced as she shakily got to her feet. "I'm far from done. It'd be best you remember that." She stood up as straight as she could, her wound causing a great deal of pain to her. She then inverted her blade so that they were blade out, heading up her arm. "Bankai!" Her spiritual pressure spiked ad enshrouded her, before dissipating as quickly as it came, revealing her to be in a cloak that was sealed at the front, falling to her knees and her head was now covered with a hood, hiding much of her face from Livius. He then looked at her blades which had grown in length, being two katana and the cutting edge had become serrated and coloured blood red.

Livius looked at her with scorn in his eyes, not overly impressed by her bankai. "Well that's probably the most disappointing bankai I've had the displeasure of coming across. You had to ruin my fun, didn't you?" He flash stepped towards her, his blade swung back in preparation to strike her but as his blade seemed to touch her she literally vanished from sight. He looked around in utter disbelief, he could still feel her spiritual presence and it was still around him.

Was she flash stepping? No, she wasn't fast enough for that. He thought. That was when her blade impaled his leg from behind, but quickly disappeared, leaving no trace of where her blade had been, let alone her. [i]Is she below me?[i/] He thought as panic began to set in, he jumped in the air and fired a powerful Sokatsui at the ground, cratering it but again there was no trace of her.

As he landed lightly, trying to not injure his leg anymore than it already had been, her blade this time slashed across his lower back. He turned again, but nothing was there. He panic turned to blind rage as he span around firing kido in multiple directions while simultaneously slashing the air around him, hoping to hit his hidden enemy. That was when the third attack impaled his lower abdomen and this time he caught the glimpse of her blade sinking back....into the shadow below him. He stabbed his blade down hoping to follow where her hand had been moments ago but his blade just hit the earth. That was when a multitude of attacks struck him like he was stuck in a tornado of razor blades, hitting him nearly everywhere on his body before Akumu emerged from her shadowy refuge, a visible smile appearing from behind her hood, leaving a bloody Livius to quickly work out what her zanpakuto was actually capable of.

"You can enter shadows?!" He said in disbelief.

"I wondered when you would work it out. It was the reason I let you see my blade after I attacked you." She said calmly as she shook blood from her blade. "You see my bankai really shreds a man's ego. Knwoing where I am and not being able to do anything about it, or even when you think you've hit me, it turns out I've just plunged into your shadow again and again and again. So I thought a man like you really deserved this amount of torture."

Livius stood up, blood oozing from the numerous cuts across his body. "Well there's something you do not seem to understand, Juzo Hosho scum!" A wide, sadistic smile appeared on his face. "I'm a kenpachi, a few wounds doesn't bother me in the slightest. It makes me more eager to watch you die!" His tongue snaked out of his mouth and licked the blood probing the corners of his lips as if proving the point.

"Well then..." Akumu shot forward towards her smiling opponent, not knowing whether this was just bravado or sheer insanity.

Had a spare few hours from revision, so I cracked this out somehow... well, like always, enjoy if you can !



{Sapphire Blooms}

Yani attacked vigorously, teeth gritted and muscles straining right after blocking a vicious strike with a sharp twist of his spear. As the Jūzō Hoshō Captain ended another attack sequence, Yani quickly retaliated with a series of rapid stabbing thrusts, that Yushi aptly dodged, and followed with an awkwardly timed Aohasai attack, sending the six sapphire shards flying towards him. The awkward rhythm of the attack caught Yushi slightly off-guard but he managed to evade most of the shards with one lodging itself in the right side of his chest. Yushi ignored the received damage as he quickly drew dangerously close to Yani, simultaneously ducking under a chest-high sweeping swing whilst using Fragmented Blades, and delivering two upward-stroked retaliatory slashes to Yani’s left thigh and left arm. Yani immediately moved backwards from the hit and used Aoniku, causing sapphire shards to leave the spear tip and adhere to and fill the wounds on his body. As Yushi resumed his attacks and the two began to viciously fight again, he curiously watched as the shards turned into flesh, healing Yani’s previous wounds.
Whilst Yani was finding it difficult to discern the abilities of his opponent’s zanpakutō, Yushi still had the look of intrigue on his face. After having watched Yani perform his Aoniku technique, he had noticed that the wounds to his left arm had not been filled and healed with the sapphire substance. Furthermore, he noticed that Yani seemed bolder when leading with attacks with his left arm. Was there something there?

Yushi Kenronri: Sparse Landscapes…

A few seconds after the technique had been initiated, Yani found himself under the familiar sensation of an altered perspective of his vicinity. Before he could even move out of the technique’s reach, Yani was forced to react to the sudden slash attack that connected cleanly with his left arm, leaving a deep slash wound. Feeling the hit, Yani hastily swung in defence, blocking the second strike, but was dismayed when he lost perception of his opponent’s whereabouts thereafter. He hurriedly scanned his immediate area for signs of his opponent, but quickly found that trying to discern where Yushi had disappeared to seemingly impossible with the way the landscape around him seemed to be subtly changing constantly. Yani tensed his body in anticipation of an attack and was not disappointed when a roaring Sōkatsui shot towards him from behind. Realising the intent for it to be a distraction, Yani spun on his toe, deflecting the Hadō with a spinning smash from his spear, and then immediately stopped when he saw Yushi coming at him out of the corner of his eye.
Responding to the threat of being sliced and diced, Yani quickly parried Yushi’s torso-bound slashes and retaliated by following through the movement, spinning, and attempting to hit with the back end of his spear. Yushi quickly stepped backwards and flash stepped to flank him, but Yani anticipated the movement and hastily turned his spear around and thrust it backwards. To his alarm, Yushi vanished from sight almost instantaneously as he was struck and his eyes widened in horror when he saw four Yushi’s surrounding him, each perfectly mirroring and in sync with the rest.

Yushi Kenronri: *all in unison* Way of Onmitsu, 2nd of the Ronri: Gensū bunretsu… (They all prepare their dual blades to strike in perfect unison) Fragmented Blades.

Yani watched as all the blades around him glowed blue, with their reiatsu signatures splitting making him feel reiatsu from eight different sources. With the perception altering technique still in play, Yani found it impossible to discern which of the four was the real Yushi. It didn’t help when they all launched themselves in his direction, poised and ready to strike. With Yushi’s blades imminent, Yani defended in the only way he could think: Twirling his blade around in a dangerously rapid manner whilst simultaneously rotating on the ball of one foot. The four Yushi’s closed in and clashed…

… Yushi stopped several tens of metres away from his opponent, one arm held horizontally away from his body, the other arm held into his body and heatedly throbbing from being struck. He turned his head to look at Yani, as the Gotei Captain watched his left arm fall to the ground. To his brief surprise, Yani showed no signs of pain registering whatsoever, despite having an arm cut off from the shoulder.
Meanwhile, Yani felt the abhorrent sensation of déjà-vu wash over him, frustrating him to his core. This was the second time a Jūzō Hoshō Captain had severed one of his limbs. Not to mention it was the exact same limb as the last time too. It was his pride that had prevented him from having a new arm crafted by his late comrade and the only reason he had one at all was because his Captain-Commander had ordered him to get it replaced. The prosthetic one had been effectively numb when put on his body and now it was lying on the ground. He had felt nothing when it came off and only realised when it was falling. Grimacing frustratedly, he looked at Yushi dead in the eyes and skilfully twirled the spear in his remaining hand before stabbing the tip of the spear into the ground, his golden-coloured reiatsu slowly building.

Yani Kohei: Bankai! (At that, his reiatsu explosively increases whilst six petal-like sapphire extensions sprout from the ground and curl shut in a flower-like bulb around him; suddenly the sapphire bulb explodes sending shards flying everywhere) Hōseki Heisetsu!

Yushi looked upon Yani’s bankai form: The prongs of the spear had lengthened and sharpened and each prong now had four sharp shards of sapphire embedded in the metal as well as six sharp shards of sapphire being embedded along the shaft; what was left of his shihakushō sparkled as if embedded with small gemstones. He exhaled, unimpressed with the show, and was about to launch into another attack when his suddenly he leaped backwards as a sapphire spikes abruptly protruded from the ground underneath where he was previously standing without warning. As he looked around Yushi became aware of the masses of sapphire spikes, all of varying sizes, that had begun to sprout from almost every solid substance he set his eyes on. The ground. The cliff-face. Almost everything within their immediate vicinity. Yushi’s gaze returned to Yani as the Gotei Captain motioned with his hand, causing a thin line of sapphire to snake upwards from the ground and impale itself in the centre of the stump left behind from his left arm being cut off. Yani winced as the sapphire then morphed into a crystalline version of his arm, effectively replacing the one he had lost. Yushi raised an eyebrow in curiosity then lowered it.

Yani Kohei: (He breaks off his replacement arm from the end of the snaking sapphire from the ground and points a finger at Yushi) Seigyoku Sekai… with this, I have a permanent advantage Hoshō Captain. My sapphire is spread across our battlefield, so there is no escape!! (Yushi looks at him indifferently) I will end you!!

With the effects of Sparse Landscapes having worn off just after his arm got cut off, Yani quickly capitalized on his full perceptive ability and began launching a unyielding assault using the protruding sapphire spikes as his medium. Yushi was forced to skilfully weave, side-step, duck and parry the simple sapphire constructs that were being manipulated to attack him. Pointed sapphire pillars, extending sapphire spikes and arcing sapphire vines shot towards Yushi, who had a deadpan expression on his face as he appropriately flash stepped to evade the onslaught of sapphire. Creating a narrow wave of sapphire that surrounded Yushi, subsequently giving an opening, Yani used Aohasai firing sixteen shards from the tip of the blade, that rapidly hurtled towards its target.

Yushi Kenronri: (He silently activates Fragmented Blades and points one blade in the direction of the incoming shards and the other at the sapphire wave blocking him in) Hadō #73 Sōren Sōkatsui! Hadō #87 Sentan Nenshō!

As Yushi generated a huge explosion from firing off the Kidō simultaneously, which sent shards of sapphire flying everywhere, he burst through a hole he created enabling him to minimise the damage from the sapphire shards. He grunted exasperatedly as he realised he would have to use the full power of his shikai if he wasn’t to end up dead. He was surprised by just how much of an increase in power Yani’s bankai had given him, but not surprised enough to lose his cool.

Yushi Kenronri: (He flash steps up into the air and fires Raikōhō multiple times at Yani) Affinity to the Senses…

Yushi’s dual zanpakutō suddenly glowed intensely with his spiritual energy as his reiatsu increased to full force and then his two blades morphed into three blades. He breathed deeply as his sensory perceptions increased drastically and then smirked as his Spare Landscapes and Fragmented Blades activated themselves passively as a result. Yani may have got his confidence back now, but how long would it last?

[Comprehension! Yushi's Gradual Decline]

Yushi stopped, ignoring the various blooms of sapphire and looked directly into Yani's eyes, after disappearing to appear right in his face.

[Start Music]

'So, this is your Bankai? I'm not really that impressed, to be honest. It's lacking in subtlety. It's not hard to guess what you can do with this, because it's all there, right in front of me. You created sapphires in an attempt to change the environment around me. You became more powerful and you are now putting off more reiatsu, plus I'm sure your speed will have gained the typical Bankai increase. However, if you cannot overpower me, then you'll lose. You released your Bankai first, so that allows me more time to adapt to your attacks, as well as the speed increase. It is often that the first person to reveal their secret weapon loses the battle. Why? Because they uncovered their weapon and, unless it overpowers the secret weapon of the opponent, it will slowly decrease in effectiveness. So, Yani Kohei... you will have to overpower me, in order to win this fight. Worse yet, I'm still in my Shikai. You don't even know the power of my Bankai yet, while I will be fighting and adapting to your techniques. It is over for you, I think.'

'Over?! Lose the battle because I released?! All a load of bullshit! All that talk about my Bankai overpowering yours is rubbish! Resolve to win is what will win me this battle. Resolve to win and prove that my honor is stronger than yours! You might think that logical thinking and tactics will win you this fight, but that is not the case. I will NOT let you trample over my honor!!!' Yani shouted, a vein popping out in his forehead and his face reddening with righteous anger.

'Then protect your honor. Show me your true mettle, otherwise don't speak words you don't mean. Come at me.'

Yani did exactly that. With the sapphire blooms springing up everywhere, Yushi had pop in and out of his invisible form, avoiding blooms where they popped up, all the while keeping watch on what Yani was doing. It was a lot harder than he had originally thought. While me might have the advantage in speed and in having not released yet, it was difficult to strain his senses this much and it was using up energy. He dodged a strike from Yani's weapon, released a Byakurai at close range, then disappeared again.

'Hado No. 58, Tenran!' Yani yelled from behind him. Yushi's eyes widened, as he realised that he had suddenly lost sight of the Captain. The massive hurricane of wind threw his senses into disarray and he took a forward thrust in the shoulder. He disappeared, but sensed Yani's automatic response, which was to do the same with his shunpo and predict where Yushi would appear. This was it. Yushi's speed was declining and fast. He could only use his invisibility from spiritual tracking in really short bursts now.

'Damn you. Don't think you have upset my balance yet!' Yushi spoke forcefully. Despite his ever-decreasing energy, he suddenly released a massive wave of reiatsu, then used Fragmented Blades, after disappearing again. He struck Yani a strengthened blow, forgetting about the sapphire he could utilise. He only struck sapphire, which had been manipulated from the sapphire blooms around them. Yushi fell back, landed and then stood there, pondering his plans. He had no real plan of attack now. His energy had been mostly exhausted. His Shikai was almost unusable at this point, something he knew extensively now and was regretting.

[Inside his head]

What are you doing, Yushi? I thought we discussed this? You can't just give up here. If you can't use your Shikai, then don't. You can revert back to original form... or... you can release the Bankai. You know it will have to happen eventually, otherwise you'll do exactly what I don't want you to do... lose. I'm not dying with you, so we're winning, you got that?! Get up and fight, you fool!!!

Yushi's blade suddenly changed and his reiatsu dropped slightly. He felt better now, though he was still puffing and had used a lot of energy in sustaining his Shikai against a Captain's Bankai. It was almost time to use it.

'You'll see it soon enough, Captain. My Bankai. I can't use it just yet, I need a couple more minutes, but that is enough time for me to survive against you. Bakudo No. 63, Sajo Sabaku! Bakudo No. 61, Rikorojoro! Limit of the thousands hands, respectful hands, unable to touch the darkness. Shooting hands unable to reflect the blue sky. The road that basks in light, the wind that ignited the embers, time that gathers when both are together, there is no need to be hesitant, obey my orders. Light bullets, eight bodies, nine items, book of heaven, diseased treasure, great wheel, grey fortress tower. Aim far away, scatter brightly and cleanly when fired, Hado No. 91, Senju Koten Taiho!'

Yani looked up in confusion, as ten pink bolts of energy circled around him, then dropped down at him, like pink spears of devastatingly powerful energy. The Bakudo were restraining him, so he couldn't move at all, though his energy seemed to be rapidly increasing. They hit him with force and a massive explosion resulted, Yani completely disappearing from view, as the clouds of smoke, debris and pink energy residue swallowed him up. Yushi waited patitently, noting that, while the Kido had used up a some energy, he felt he could still do a little more, so he waited and waited.

'DAMN YOUR CHEAP TRICKS!' came a furious yell in the distance and a burst of light began to show through the remaining energy residue and smoke, causing most of it to disperse, leaving little left, but a view of Yani's angry face and superficial wounds sustained to his body. Evidently, he hadn't had enough time to use the sapphire around him to completely avoid getting damaged, though, if he had of been hit straight without protection, he would have sustained grievous injuries from such a high-powered spell.

'You're very resourceful, Yani Kohei. I didn't think I'd do you much damage, but you took even less than I expected. The Bakudo should have kept you from moving... that's very disappointing. I can't do this forever, you know. If that's all that did, then I'll just have to try again. Bakudo No.73, Tozansho! Seeping crest of turbidity. Arrogant vessel of lunacy! Boil forth and deny! Grow numb and flicker! Disrupt sleep! Crawling queen of iron! Eternally self-destructing doll of mud! Unite! Repulse! Fill with soil and know your own powerlessness! Hado No. 90, Kurohitsugi!'

The Bakudo completely surrounded Yani, before he could go on his offense. It was an inverted triangle, made up of a blue energy seemed to completely seal him off from Yushi and the sapphire around him. As his eyes flashed, the Kurohitsugi surrounded him, a black box of energy, with spear-like protrusions coming out of the side randomly placed. It took another moment, but when it did disappear, Yani Kohei appeared again, this time his body was cut in several places and he seemed to have used a bit of energy to keep the Kido from completely incapacitating him. He was puffing a bit, but after a minute, he seemed to regain his composure. He certainly was a tough man. Yushi was certainly up against it.

'How was that, Captain? Enjoy the Kurohitsugi. I really find it remarkable how you just seem to brush these powerful spells off. You certainly are a powerful man. It looks like I have no choice now. Bankai!'

Yushi's energy spiked and released upwards, a blue-green shoot that seemed to explode up and around the two of them. Yani's eyes widened in anticipation, as he realised the true power that was now released.

'This... what is this?' Yani asked in amazement, as he watched Yushi's weapon change into three different swords, two nodachi and one wakizake. The two nodachi then melded together, into a sword with the handle in the middle and two blades each end. Yushi's energy was falling into smaller particles, like massive snowflakes, except round and blue-green. These began to fall to the ground and dissipating into the atmosphere.

'My Bankai. Hekibinsoku Heikou Kankaku... Prepare for the worst, Shinigami.'

Then, in the blink of an eye, Yushi was gone, but already in front of Yani, swinging both blades at him.

'When did... you get there...?' Yani said, as the blades sliced into him, though he rolled backwards at the very last minute, before he was cut open completely.

'My Bankai allows me to move faster, sense better and allow myself remain unseen all of the time, without me having to actively release it, unlike with Shikai. But, I can move much, much faster than in Shikai now... that was a very rough comparison compared with my speed now. In this state, I can move faster than any of the other Juzo Hosho members. Get ready for defeat, Yani Kohei, of Squad 13.'

[Stop music]

How is this possible...? I was only just keeping up with him when I first released my Bankai, until he started slowing down, but I couldn't read his movements at all, then. By the time I registered that he had disappeared, he had already appeared in front of me, his blades almost cutting into me. I don't know how I managed to avoid that one... instinct, I suppose. I can't rely on that, though... especially not now, when I don't even know what other techniques he can use. I'd better be very careful...

{Seeing Shadows}

As Akumu rocketed towards her smiling adversary, Livius’ bankai entity silently moved to attack her from her left side. Glancing ever so briefly at it, her eyes returned back to Livius who was now also racing towards her. Just before impact, Akumu skilfully ducked under and weaved through Livius and the entity’s strikes, respectively, and quickly slipped into the foot of his trailing shadow followed by launching a rapid flurry of sharp strikes aimed at his back. Livius quickly noted her movement and, before the entirety of her attack could rend his flesh, he swiftly spun on the balls of his feet, fiercely sweeping the ground beneath with his blade and upturning the ground in front of him. Watching his shadow fall upon the now airborne earthen debris, his eyes widened in horror as he realised his rash mistake; Akumu’s blades came accelerating from Livius’ shadow with one attempting to slice his throat and the other to impale him in the chest.
In that split-second moment, the bankai entity came dashing across Livius’ body, its thrusting blade intercepting the throat-aimed strike by a hair’s breadth, and its body receiving the full force of the other impaling strike. The entity did not flinch as it received the hit, but instead tried to grab her hand that held on to blade impaled in its side. Akumu rapidly retracted her blades into the shadow before the entity could grab her, whilst Livius hastily flash stepped away to give himself some breathing space.

Akumu: (Her voice echoes from the entity’s shadow) Ignorant fool!!

Her blade shot from Livius’ shadow and moved at incredible speeds as she directed a slash towards his thigh. Livius, having somewhat expected this, relied mainly on his instinct and hurriedly parried the strike before silently firing off Raikōhō down at his shadow, immediately sending up dust and debris. Livius’ eyes narrowed curiously as he sensed Akumu reappearing at his entity’s location.

Livius: [Inner monologue: This bitch’s damn bankai ability is messing up Shiga Futari wo Wakatsu’s powers!! I can’t believe it’s taken us this long to understand the extent of her bankai’s abilities… (He grimaces in heated frustration) And I can barely sense her reiatsu or read her god-damn movements while she’s within shadows…] (He exhales with a scowl) But if that’s how it works… (A smirk spreads on his face again) Shishōmen!!

The entity rapidly flash stepped back to Livius’ side as Akumu once more came racing at them. The entity moved just in front of Livius and combated Akumu’s strikes whilst Livius quickly clasped his hands together. Akumu and the entity clashed ferociously sending sparks flying, before Akumu feinted and slipped into its shadow. Livius began muttering under his breath as Akumu moved from the entity’s shadow into Livius’ overlapping shadow with the entity quickly moving away from Livius as she did so.

Livius: (Akumu’s blades thrust from his shadow at him, just as he finishes muttering) Bakudo #22 Tentaisenkō!

Livius immediately let off an intense burst of blindingly bright white light that radiated from every inch of his body. Akumu grunted in dismay as she was forcefully ejected from his shadow that had been rendered non-existent and held up her hands to her face to shield her eyes from the blinding light. In the moment that the Kidō lowered her guard, the entity rapidly flanked Akumu from behind and struck true with a slash to the back of her thigh before immediately flash stepping away before she her retaliatory swing could connect with anything. With the blinding flash barely lasting over a second, Livius was moving backwards concurrently with the entity launching its attack on Akumu and was already firing Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō at Akumu by the time it had landed its slash. An off-balanced Akumu screamed out in rage as the Kidō seemingly landed, sending up an explosion of dust and debris.

As the dust cleared, Livius snorted irritatedly. It seemed she had lessened the damage with a hastily erected Dankū. Livius and the entity immediately charged towards her whilst Akumu breathed deeply, regained her stance and scanned her surroundings before blocking each of her adversary’s strikes. While she was furiously countering their strikes and slipping into their shadows to strike back, Akumu noted that apart from her two opponents there wasn’t really much, if anything, that her decimated battleground could offer in terms of things that could cast shadows.
Pulling out of the entity’s shadow, Akumu used Hadō #58 Tenran to temporarily repel her assailants backwards and flash stepped away to recalculate her options. Even with the accelerated speed she got from being inside a shadow, Livius and his entity were slowly getting used to her shadow-sprung attacks and were defending more accordingly so. Akumu figured she would need a wider range of shadows to regain the advantage.

Akumu: Bakudō #104 Sendaichi Kabe! (A multitude of great earthen walls quickly begin sprouting from the ground around her and all over their torn battlefield)

Livius: (Noticing her Kidō, both he and the entity immediately flash step either side of Akumu, Livius from the ground and the entity aerially; the entity silently fires Hadō #87 Sentan Nenshō) Hadō #91 Senjū Kōten Taihō!

Akumu: (She remains undeterred by the incoming Kidō) Hadō #47 Jōshō Chikyu!

As the countless earthen spikes began sprouting from both the ground and the earthen walls in droves, Akumu silently used Bakudō #26 Kyokkō and quickly slipped into the shadow that one of the nearby walls was now casting, avoiding the damage from the two Kidō which destructively connected with the ground, leaving an uneven rocky crater as a result. Livius scowled frustratedly as he cautiously hopped on top of one of the spike-protruding earth walls Akumu had created with Kidō and scoured the area where she had previously been. Having lost sight of her for a split-second after firing off the Hadō he realised Akumu could be hiding in any one of the new shadows. The battlefield settled to silence with the forced break from fighting visibly ticking Livius off as he began heatedly ranting at Akumu, who quietly mused from within a shadow.

What happened to everyone else? I know Crazie is waiting for other people before he can post, but I feel like me, Kov and Ryuu are the only people posting at the moment. What happened to Leleu, Senato and Link? We need to keep cracking with these fights, because they are right at their epic point.

So, I finally completed a post, I hope you'll enjoy it. My exams will be finished this coming wednesday so from then on I will be able to post regularly. Again, I apologize for my inconsiderate actions.

<A battle of tactics>

Shiho stared at his captain, waiting for some sort of signal to notify him of what their next formation would be... yet nothing came. He saw sweat drops forming on Senato’s forehead. It was obvious to him that something was wrong.

“Captain,” Shiho began, “We can’t try to face him with Shikai, we need to release bankai.”

Senato remained silent, staring at Akihiko.

“Captain!”

He snapped out of it and looked at Shiho, “I...” he held his breath for a moment, “I can’t...”

“You should listen to your lieutenant, Captain Ajibana...” Akihiko’s tone had minor hints of annoyance, “You don’t really think you can hold your own against me in Shikai, do you?”

Senato clenched his fist, starring at Akihiko.

“Captain, you can’t be serious.” Shiho was completely shocked by his captain’s ignorant decision.

Having enough of the pointless talk, Akihiko charged forward at Senato, who seemed to be completely lost in his thoughts. “Captain!” Shiho shouted as he jumped in barely blocking Akihiko’s strike, he spun his scythe, pushing Akihiko’s blades out of position and attempted to make a kick towards Akihiko’s chest. Though Akihiko immediately jumped back, evading the strike.

“I understand that their deaths are hard for you to hold on your shoulders. But that doesn’t mean you can be weak and let yourself be killed by an enemy!” Shiho shouted, his voice filled with passion and concern. “It is not the duty of the survivors to simply die. We must live on, for we are the ones who must prove that our comrades did not simply die for nothing! We must show them that we can stand on our own, and most of all, we should honour them... by defeating the enemy that they could not.”

Senato looked at Shiho, “heh.” He muttered as a small smile stretched over his face, “I never thought I’d see the day that you’d be the one inspiring me...”

Shiho stared at him, unsure if he should take it as a compliment or insult.

“Are you two done with your heart warming moment?” Akihiko questioned, “I’m tired of waiting for this to get interesting.”

“I apologize.” Senato said as he returned to an upright posture beside Shiho.

In unison they spoke, “Ban...kai!”

The combined release resulted in two orbs of pure energy surrounding them, one of the purest white and the other of the darkest black. Before the energy subsided, a reaper wielding a simple scythe charged out from the black orb.

“A change of weapon and attire?” Akihiko noted as the reaper charged towards him, he prepared his blades to clash, yet just before impact the reaper disappeared.

“Seitōna kōi”

The reaper reappears behind Akihiko and slashes down with its scythe. It was at that moment that he caught a glimpse of where the reapers face should have been, but was not. “What is this?” He wondered to himself.

“Hitosuji no hikari!” A beam shot out from where Senato was standing, Akihiko narrowly dodged it, as did the reaper. Moving backwards he kept his eyes on both Senato and the reaper whom he believed to be Shiho. Though he instantly felt Shiho’s spiritual pressure behind him, even though both figures were still in sight, he turned quickly to see Shiho lunging at him with a black blade held in reverse grip, he managed to parry the strike just in time. Pushing off from the encounter, he got to stable footing as he watched his now 3 enemies.

“So...” Akihiko began, “He’s your bankai, I didn’t actually think you’d have a bankai let alone something like this.”

Shiho simply smirked, not saying a word.

“And now you no longer wish to speak, this is actually getting interesting.”

Shiho and his hooded companion charged at Akihiko simultaneously from either side of him. He quickly prepared himself and blocked both strikes with the broadsword end of both his blades.

“Hado #4 Byakurai!” Senato shouted as multiple lightning bolts showered down from the stars he had positioned above his enemy.

Both Shiho and the reaper continued exerting pressure on Akihiko’s defence, both of their strikes had a right to left motion. Using this momentum, he spun clockwise sending the strikes onwards past him, then sprung into the air, blocking each byakurai that posed a risk to him, making sure to strike the last byakurai with his spirit blade.

“Yōbun jikkō.” He muttered under his breath.

“Not only is he powerful but he has a high level of dexterity too...” Senato thought to himself, “I doubt either of us would’ve been able to hold out against him on our own...” He quickly noticed Akihiko charging towards him, “Target the support so as to decrease the enemies’ chance of success, a simple but clever tactic.” Senato immediately respond with a swift flap of his wings, lifting him high up out of the range of the attack. Though strangely enough, even though Akihiko could’ve followed through in a second attack, he did not. Instead he moved back into combat with Shiho and the reaper.

“Even whilst dodging my attack he kept his left hand behind his back,” Akihiko noted, “He’s planning something.”

23 stars surrounded Akihiko, “Hado #31 Shakkaho!” The balls of flame flew towards him they would all reach him simultaneously this time.

“Bakudo #91 Rippō Danku.” A translucent white cube surrounded Akihiko defending against the flames.

“Doesn’t he have a single weakness?!” Shiho thought to himself, “Well I guess I should’ve expected as much from one of their strongest captains...”

As the barrier shattered, the clocked figure charged to Akihiko flinging his scythe down in a powerful strike. Using both his blades, Akihiko defended against the strike, Shiho immediately followed through from behind the reaper jumping over the reaper to strike Akihiko. Using shear force Akihiko flung the scythe backwards, staggering the reaper, Shiho grabbed the shaft of the scythe, with his left hand, as he passed over, the reaper regained his footing a swung the scythe back down pulling Shiho along with it, giving him extra momentum as he also brought his blade down on Akihiko. Akihiko side-stepped the scythe, brought his left hand under his right arm as he used his right blade to parry Shiho’s strike. He then lashed out with the blade in his left hand, slicing straight through the reaper which shattered into shadows as the blade seemed to strike it. Shiho then quickly made distance between himself and Akihiko.

Akihiko stared at Shiho for a moment, “He doesn’t seem worried even though I struck down his assis...” His thought was cut off when he suddenly felt spiritual pressure behind him and instinctively dodged the reaper’s scythe. “So that thing won’t go down easily... it doesn’t seem to be kido-based, else it would not have recovered from that strike...” he thought to himself. He quickly noticed Senato flying above him, with his right hand pointed downwards.

“Hado #33 Sokatsui!” Senato shouted.

Instead of sealing the spell, Akihiko dodged more the twice the distance that would be required. Immediately after he dodged, four Sokatsui’s burst from out of the ground where he was standing.

“I didn’t think you’d actually be able to get your stars so close to me, let alone underground...” He commented, “You would’ve caught someone whom was less cautious or had weaker sensory abilities than myself, but unfortunately for you, this is not the case. It matters not what trick you attempt, it is impossible for you to win this battle.” As he finished the last syllable, he flash-stepped behind Senato with his blade prepared to slice down into his back, though Senato only turned back and smiled as he released a star which he had concealed in his left hand the entire time, the star seemed to explode with immense power, though it was not something he could seal, it was a collection of multiple kido spells which he had been charging into the star since he had entered bankai. Akihiko defended himself with his blades as he attempted to quickly distance himself from the explosion, whilst Senato simply barricaded himself behind a barrier of twelve stars.

Senato and Shiho regrouped as they watched the area where Akihiko had landed, they saw him standing there with multiple miniscule burns on his arms, the most damage seemed to have been done to his clothing. “That many spells exploded at such a close range and all he has are a few burns?!” Shiho exclaimed, shocked by Akihiko’s resilience.

“That’s not it,” Senato began, “He expected me to counter-attack with something powerful, though he didn’t expect me to release that many kido spells.” He stared at Akihiko who caught his gaze, “Tch, the blade you raised was in preparation to seal whichever ability I planned to use, correct?” Senato sharpened his gaze “Though you also prepared yourself for if you could not defend against it, and pre-chanted a defensive kido. Yet it was not powerful enough to completely defend you against 15 medium to high level kido spells.”

“You are a resourceful one, captain Ajibana, concealing your own star with kido whilst filling it with kido to counter an attack. You also concealed it from the start of your bankai to allow me to think that the star I destroyed had been permanently destroyed, though unfortunately for you, I saw through that trick.” He thought back to Tomoyo having explained what she learned about Senato’s zanpakuto:

“The zanpakuto regenerated his cloak when he switched into bankai... the spiritual algorithms of his stars matched that of the cloak, so theoretically the regenerative ability should be accessible to the stars aswel.”

Shiho’s gaze switched from his enemy to his captain, then back. “This isn’t simply a battle of strength...” he thought to himself, “It’s a battle of the mind, a battle of tactics.” It was this very fact that made him feel as though they still stood a chance.

[Fake Blood, False Promises: An enemy’s heartache]

Sumiko’s body dashes across the battlefield, in a desperate attempt to evade the fury that is Captain Kie GeiBt. Her body slinks, twists, and rotates as Kie’s blade swings through the air, narrowly missing Sumiko’s frail body. Her feet dig into the ground as she skates across the soil, flailing her blades strategically. The thunderous roar of Kie’s strikes echo, bearing down heavily on the fatigued Sumiko. Sumiko’s inner-monologue is busy, contemplating her options, “Her strength is more formidable than the last time we fought. Where is she pulling this strength from! It is impossible to have become so strong while she was in a coma. At this rate…she’s going to land a critical blow and I’ll be finished. There is no one free to come to my aid…”

Kie’s blade continues to weigh down on Sumiko’s fatigued body. Sumiko’s mirror master’s glide to her rescue as she propels her blade forward, hoping to impale her old foe. Kie simply rotates her halberd 360 degrees, dispelling the gelatinous invention. The substance comprising her mirror master’s blankets the ground as Kie glares at Sumiko with unwavering determination. She charges, brandishing her blade with both confidence and sorrow. “My blade holds the hopes and dreams of all those I have sworn to protect. Unlike before, I will not allow your venomous words to cripple my resolve. I learned something while I slept…strength is not always in the sword you wield, it is in the spirit of those you care to protect. You have killed your last victim, Sumiko Anenokoji!” Her words pierce Sumiko’s odious defense, surprising even the most intelligent of foes. She glides forward and thrusts her blade toward Sumiko, shattering her defense. Her blade lances Sumiko stomach, sliding into her body with ease. Kie’s eyes remain fixated, reflecting a determination unparalleled by her former self. Suddenly her blade is stopped, striking a surface that cannot be defined as flesh. She looks down, staring at the entry wound caused by her Halberd.

Sumiko’s head faces the ground, her hair obscuring her face like a veil. She grins as she clenches her abdomen, resisting Kie’s blade. “Ninshiki ga yosōu,” she says softly before bringing her blades hurtling upward from her side.

Kie’s reflexes leave her with shallow wounds on both shoulders. She glides across the dusty soil, her face donning a calculating scowl. “You’re fortunate, having that technique in your arsenal,” Kie stated with an unrelenting stare.

Sumiko jerks her head, freeing her face from obscurity. She touches her abdomen with her palm, as the crystallized flesh glistens beneath the sun’s watch. “I had hoped to avoid using this technique, as it only causes me grief. It’s certainly useful in the moment, but a bit too permanent for my taste.”

“She is able to calcify her flesh in defense of injury, but a drawback seems to be it remains that way following its use. That’s unlucky,” Kie jests in her mind.” She quickly calms her mind and darts forward, leaving debris to flutter about. Her speed is formidable as she sweeps across the battlefield, striking from every direction. They both reach the apex of their speed, hoping to catch the other off-guard. Kie glides toward Sumiko and swings her blade. Sumiko lowers her body and slides across the ground, beneath Kie. Kie anchors her left foot in the soil, and spins her body. Her blade journeys 180 degrees, but Sumiko leaps and twists her body in the air. KIe darts forward and slams her in the back with her elbow. Sumiko’s body crashes into the ground as Kie rotates her blade and forcefully thrusts. The blade strikes the ground, causing a shockwave of moderate proportions. Sumiko rolls backwards, propels herself to her feet and flash-steps instantly. She appears and disappears at various intervals, before surprisingly hurtling down from above. Her blades collide with Kie’s Halberd. She pushes against Sumiko and then twirls her blade, creating a pink Kido that erupts from her motions.

Sumiko irritatingly quashes the offensive technique, landing on the ground opposite to Kie. Their eyes lock as their spirit energy roars. “I was rather deceptive earlier, though that likely comes as no surprise. I told your officer that Seichi Fujunji was disadvantaged in some respects, but I forgot to mention that she makes up for it,” she adds with a faint smile. Oddly enough, she is fonder of finales than beginnings. I think that may be why she is so stingy during my initial release.”

Kie’s disinterested expression is apparent, as she glares murderously at Sumiko. Her posture abruptly shifts and she rockets toward Sumiko. Her speed as its climax. As she surges toward Sumiko like a hungry shark, her opponent is casual in her stance. Kie is seconds from piercing Sumiko with her blade, imbued with all the strength of her convictions. She catches sight of one of Sumiko’s blades, gliding past her and striking the ground. She stares at her opponent, just as Sumiko lifts her gaze, connecting directly with Kie. She smirks tauntingly and stabs her other blade into the soil. Just as Kie reaches Sumiko, a barrier manifests, thwarting Kie’s efforts. Kie strikes the inside of the barrier, ricocheting to the ground. She rises to her feet, inspecting the unusual barrier she has been imprisoned within. She scoffs and grips her Halberd tightly, as the inside of the barrier glistens. The inside of the barrier is a completely reflective surface, made purely of a crystallized substance. She is surrounded by her own reflection, in an almost a poetic fashion. She becomes tired of examining her prison and thrashes her blade across the front end, hoping to shatter the wall keeping her from the real enemy. In a shocking twist, blood paints the ground as Kie is devastatingly injured. Kie’s face hardens and her expression is lined with agony. She cups her deep wound, allowing her Halberd to fall from his grip. She staggers backwards, recognizing not only her physical bur psychological injuries. She hears Sumiko’s voice from beyond her bloodstained reflection.

“Startling, isn’t it,” Sumiko questioned mockingly? “One doesn’t expect to attack themselves, but with only yourself as the enemy, you are bound to become a victim.” She places her hand on the dome-shaped prison, “ Norowa re higo .” That’s the name of this technique. The name suits it, doesn’t it? Accursed Asylum. It’s beautifully named, especially under circumstances like these. Believe it or not, you’re a much bigger threat than I am, Captain GeiBt. You’re reckless, stubborn, and above all else, foolishly protective. Don’t misunderstand, I can support being protective of those you care for, but to do so without considering the consequences? Well, that is just unforgivable, considering your intellect.” Sumiko lets out a labored chuckle, her body still badly injured and her organs marred from Kie’s savage assault. She laugh nearly floors her, as she leans feebly against the dome. She rests her face on the glistening structure, speaking candidly to her prisoner. “I can’t help but admire your resolve, but I find it equally foolish. In the end the council will have their way. Even we are not strong enough to resist their influence. I fight this hard because if you don’t die, we will. To be honest, I fear for the both of us, though I ask that you keep this a secret between us women. We have to stick together, after all.” Sumiko lifts herself off the dome and exhales.

Kie grips her Halberd, lifting it from the ground. She stares at herself and contemplates a method for escaping. She raises her hand and shouts, “Soukatsui!” Energy courses through her body until the blue flames erupt from her palm and strike the inside of the barrier. Kie’s is quickly encased by flames, as the kido technique bathes the walls of the structure. She falls to the ground, as her flesh boils and her clothing is seared away. She unleashes a burst of spiritual energy, fending off the energy afflicting her body. She coats her body in this energy, thwarting some damage. She lifts her head, steam fuming from her body as attempts to recover from this unsuspecting assault.

Sumiko removes her hand from the dome, placing it on her forward while she speak. “I honestly wish there were a way around this. I read stories of our ancestors, bound together in battle. We were close once, our nations, but we been pitted against one another and our survival is important. Unlike you, we have no crimes to speak of.” Sumiko senses continued struggle from within the dome. “Inside Norowa re higo, you are your own worst enemy. Escape, unfortunately, is impossible.” By the time you’re done, you’ll have depleted your energy or cleaved yourself in half. If I were you, I’d deliver the finishing blow, to spare yourself the continued torment.” Sumiko places her hand on the dome once more, “she’ll soon sleep. We can then move one step close to freeing ourselves.”

No Pain, No Gain

Majo ducked underneath Kyobo’s wide swing and rolled to his back, watching as Akarui leaped above it. Her comrade landed atop the flat of the blade, balancing perfectly as she unsheathed her second blade and swung it at his shoulder. He merely grunted as it passed through his flesh, and twisted the axe, causing Akarui to lose her balance. She yelped as her perch was taken from under her and the flat of the blade slammed into her left flank. She rocketed into the side of a small hill, digging a hole in its slope as she came to a halt.

“You’re both going to die!” he shouted.

“Fat chance!” Akarui cried as she freed herself from the ground and flew towards him. Her blades clashed with his and she was stopped in her tracks. Majo took a small step forward, thrusting her blade towards the small of his back. He turned and swatted her blade away with his free hand, bringing his other arm around, along with his axe, and slamming it and Akarui into her body. Kyobo appeared above them and slammed his knee into Akarui’s abdomen, sending them both on a collision course with the ground. Majo grabbed Akarui’s hand and quickly flash stepped high above Kyobo. She used the previous momentum from their fall to launch her friend toward him, with her deadly katana extended before her.

Akarui slammed into his body and, with her blades buried hilt-deep in his lower back, kicked him away, watching as he fell to the dirt. As he collided with the ground, dust flew high into the sky. Majo and Akarui, now without her weapons, tensed.

He emerged only seconds later, with both swords in his left hand. He yowled as he launched them both at their owner, swiftly following suit with his weapon at the ready. Akarui simply held up her hand and the swords stopped mere centimeters from her body. Majo, on the other hand, raced to intercept him, catching him with her shoulder and sending him off course. He flipped to face her and began to exchange blows with her and her wakizashi. An overhead strike was parried to the left, and her attempt at a riposte was thwarted by the shaft of his weapon. She grunted as his knee collided with her face, but she almost laughed in satisfaction when she felt her blade pass through that same knee. She backed away as she sensed another large swing, holding her blade downward in front of her. She flinched as it was caught in the space between the blade and the shaft and was torn from her fingers. She grimaced, flash stepping behind Kyobo and watching Akarui’s spiritual signature approach.

Kyobo realized too late as Akarui once again slammed into him from behind, neglecting to impale him, and instead released a flurry of chains from her robes. They caught Kyobo, ensnaring him within the metal links and pinning him in place. Akarui stood several meters from him, gripping the chains tightly as Majo approached her enemy with her blade gripped tightly once again.

“There’s something different about you this time,” she remarked casually. “But you will not stop us. We won’t go down as easily as we did last time.”

“I didn’t think so,” he scoffed.

“Hm,” Majo sniffed. “Well, I suppose I shall get on with this, then,” she said as she held her blade out in front of her. “Guide the thread, Majinaishi.”

Kyobo merely rolled his eyes as her zanpakuto elongated into the needle that he and his comrades were so familiar with. “You do know that you are the one to have released your Bankai the most out of all the others?”

“I like to get things done,” Majo snapped. Kyobo just laughed.

“Hasn’t worked so well for you, now has it.” Majo narrowed her eyes and held the end of her weapon to his throat menacingly. “You haven’t managed to kill any of your opponents with that Zanpakuto of yours, Captain Shin. Bankai or not, you’re blade is weak, and therefore you are weak.”

“I like to think that my body count is higher than yours,” Majo replied with an edge to her voice. “You, who has never dared seriously injure someone if you can help it, would never understand the purpose of my Zanpakuto.”

“You’ve shown it to me,” Kyobo stated flatly. “Causing pain to your enemies. Submission by force is what seems to be your preferred method of fighting.”

“Not even close,” she replied, sliding the blade through his shoulder. “Masubime Neji,” she whispered. Chains sprouted from the end of her needle, wrapping around him and encasing him further within a web of metal links. He struggled against them, but was stopped by Majo pushing her needle farther into his body. As she pulled it out the back of his shoulder, a separate chain was dragged along with it, seemingly from within his own body. It glowed a faint blue, and there was a slight tug as she yanked it from him. He only grunted. “You don’t understand the reason for my blade’s existence. It’s not the tool used to force their submission, it is the tool used once they have already submit.” She began to slowly twist the chain around the needle, focusing her mind on his right hand. She watched as his fingers stiffened and uncurled reluctantly, causing him to drop his axe. His face was contorting with the effort of resisting her, but he knew it was futile. It was then that Kyobo realized the dull pain that seemed to be growing in his arm. Impossible! My Zanpakuto should be negating this…

She bent down next to him, resting on the balls of her feet while she held the needle and chain tightly. A wicked grin was painted across her face, made even more eerie by the visor that covered her eyes.

“My Zanpakuto is meant for torture.”

Matching Force

Kie looked at herself, bruised and bloody, and immediately felt as though she were about to go insane. Surrounded by her own reflection as well as the metallic smell of blood, she was forced to take several deep breaths to effectively calm herself. She sat cross-legged, quietly contemplating her options. Sumiko is not going to just let me out of here. If she really thinks as she says, that I am a threat, then she would let me starve before even thinking of dispelling the ability. She raised her elbows to rest upon her knees and placed her chin atop her folded fingers. She suddenly lifted her head and peered at the reflective surface again, as though looking through it.

“Tell me,” she spoke to Sumiko. “I’m curious. What drives you?”

Sumiko, who was still resting her hand on the cold, shining surface of the prison, was taken aback at this. “I don’t understand why you would want to know that,” she replied frankly.

Kie smiled. “You asked me the same thing during our first encounter. If I’m going to die, you may as well humor me.”

Sumiko couldn’t help the smirk that shone at those words. She spoke quietly to the prisoner. “I have a responsibility to my fellow captains. It is my duty as a citizen of Ukishima Rakuen to fight you.”

“That’s not what I asked.” Sumiko’s face scrunched at the quick response, unsure as to her meaning.

“I’m not sure I understand,” she stated.

“I didn’t ask what drove you as a Captain. I asked what drove you. As a person.” Sumiko found her mouth dry at the statement.

“Funny. I’ve never been asked that, much less by my own enemy,” she replied. “But if I were to give you one reason, then I would probably tell you the same thing you told me only moments ago.”

“To protect those you care about?” Kie guessed. At Sumiko’s silence, she knew she had guessed correctly. Kie sat quietly for a few moments before she spoke again. “That makes you just as foolish as me.”

“I know what I’m getting myself into, Captain Geißt. I don’t allow myself to be unaware of the effects of my own actions,” she answered dryly.

“But you are willing to go as far as I have to protect at least one person. Am I wrong?” Kie pressed on.

Silence.

“We aren’t as different as I thought we were, at first,” Kie inquired. “You and I are the same in some respects, but entirely different in others. I understand more about your situation than you know, Captain Anenokoji.”

“I know you do. As do the others,” she replied quietly. “But I cannot let you live.”

Kie only hummed her agreement. For minutes after this, she remained silent. Contemplating her next move, she sat in the center of the dome with her eyes closed, refusing to take another look at herself. She focused in on her own spiritual pressure, feeling the power surge at her fingertips. She grimaced.

It’s only a matter of time…

She turned her eyes to the reflection of herself that lay directly above. Staring right back down at her with pale eyes and covered in blood, with sections of clothing missing and revealing seared flesh. She balled her fingers into tight fists before releasing them and relaxing. She took a deep breath, and then another. She quietly bided her time, listening to the occasional shuffling of the Juzo Hosho Captain just outside of her reflective prison. With her eyes closed once again, she began a process of slight meditation, allowing her spiritual pressure to rise and fall in equal intervals. Through all of this, she kept a keen awareness of Sumiko’s spiritual pressure. It was then that she finally decided to speak up.

“I wonder if you’ve ever heard a certain phrase,” she asked innocently. “It’s an old phrase that was taught to me by a friend of mine, a phrase that she learned when she was but a fledgeling Soul Reaper many thousands of years ago.” Kie waited patiently for a response. When all she received was a surprisingly polite ‘no’, she continued. “The phrase is somewhat of a riddle. When your opponent brings about a force greater than your own, you must match it or face death. It could be referring to any number of things, really, but there is one in particular that is very meaningful to Soul Reapers like you and me.”

“And that is what?” Sumiko asked, a subtle hint of irritation in her voice.

[Play Music]

“Now, now. Let’s not become impatient, Captain Anenokoji,” she jibed. “The meaning of the phrase is this: Bankai can only be matched with Bankai.” She could almost feel Sumiko freeze outside the barrier. “You didn’t honestly think that I would sit in here and wait to die, did you? That would just be silly.” Kie stood up and allowed her power a slight amount of lenience, feeling a bit more relaxed as it left the confines of her body and flowed into the contained space of the barrier. “It is true that I was foolish before, but not for the reasons you say. It was foolish of me to enter battle in a blind rage, and even more foolish of me to attempt to kill you with only my shikai. But I will tell you one thing…” she trailed off and let her power run a little more wild, listening in satisfaction as she heard the slight sound of cracking. “If it were you who were protecting those that you care about, would you call it foolish? Hardly,” she said with an edge to her voice. “Devotion can blind a person, but it can also make one strong. Taking the feelings of a loved one into battle is never foolish. It is never foolish to protect the people you cherish.”

Whatever reply had been waiting on Sumiko’s lips died as Kie finished her statement and a large burst of spiritual pressure caused a resounding split to echo through her ears. The wind picked up substantially, whipping her hair around her head violently and tossing her robes every which way. She held tightly to her weapons as she watched the barrier before her crack in various places along its surface. “Impossible…”

A light began to filter through the cracks in her ability, and it expanded ever so slowly, almost taunting the shinigami who had erected it to begin with. She watched as the torturously slow destruction of her prison took place before her eyes, accompanied by one, frightful word from the Captain trapped within.

“Bankai.”

The reflective barrier shattered with a screeching whistle that echoed across the battlefield. Blinding light, accompanied by something she couldn’t comprehend, washed over her in massive waves. She moved to cover her eyes and was nearly floored by the weight of the spiritual pressure that now sat atop her shoulders. She watched as black spiritual pressure swirled in an immense funnel before her. At its center was the woman she called her opponent.

Shining silver armor - gauntlets, greaves and all - sleek golden highlights, and an ornate golden symbol upon her breastplate. A white fur was bunched around her neck, leading Sumiko’s eyes along the black silk cape that adorned her shoulders, emblazoned with the symbol of Squad Twelve on its surface and lined with white fur at its end. The woman before her took painfully slow steps as she brandished her immense double-bladed halberd with great ease. Step. Step. Step. Step.

“Nise Sotoku.” Her voice seemed to fill every part of Sumiko’s consciousness as she watched her in both wonder and wariness. She involuntarily slid her foot back.

“I never allow my opponents to flee or surrender,” she spoke menacingly. “This battle will end with one of us dead at the others feet”

Sumiko could almost sense the words that were about to come next.

“...and it will not be me.”

[Epoch of Kiwamete: Boundless willpower]

Akihiko inspects his opponent, directing a scrutinizing gaze at Lieutenant Takumi. Despite his opponent’s vigilant postures, he is relaxed in his demeanor. “Under normal circumstances an opponent battling my Bankai would have already been defeated, but I suppose this is to be expected. After all, you have me outnumbered, even if your efforts have been unsuccessful so far. Regardless, I don’t see this trio lasting much longer.”

Senato glances at Shiho from his periphery, noting his lieutenant’s apparent eagerness. “Don’t act brash, Shiho. He’s purposely taunting us, hoping to goad us into attacking.”

Shiho inhaled tightly, gripping his blade simultaneously. “He might be taunting us, but when we crossed blades, I became intimately aware of his intentions. He’s not bluffing, trust me, Captain,” Shiho stated with silent angst.

“You should listen more carefully to your lieutenant, Captain Ajibana. He’s far more insightful than one might expect.” Akihiko’s eyes gaze deeply into Senato’s, “purely from an observer’s perspective, it would appear that your lieutenant should be the captain.”

“You’re wrong, “Shiho objected crossly. “ My blade simply allowed me a glimpse into your true intentions. I know from this that your words are never dishonest. You speak truthfully, even when that truth is threatening.”

“I have not yet forgotten of your Shikai’s ability to delve into your opponent’s heart. I speak of your capacity to recognize the truths you speak of. Your captain is convinced I am bluffing, but you’re well-aware that what I say holds weight. In the coming moments, a select individual will fall in battle. His defeat will be the catalyst to the remaining two’s defeat. Is that clear enough for you, Captain Ajibana?” Akihiko’s stoic fixation leaves only room for worry, placing even the steadiest of foes in unstable waters.

Senato gestures calmly, waving his hand dismissively. “Speak no more, Captain Seinosuke. I see now why all captains were warned not to engage you carelessly. I sense a great deal of determination within you. I suspect you have never experienced the burn of defeat, nor have you ever been challenged or pushed to your limit. You have likely overwhelmed every opponent you have faced, causing them to reach the extent of their power, only to buy them more time. You were born with great strength and you have nurtured it, developing into a formidable adversary. It would have been interesting to have someone of your caliber as an ally, but, unfortunately, we are enemies. I have been charged with defeating you and no matter the strength you possess, I will do as I was instructed. Together, Shiho and I will bring you to your knees.” Senato’s words are spoken with unexpected reverence. Each sentence resonates with strength and a confidence free from arrogance.

“It is clear you are determined to win this battle, Captain Senato. Your words are empowering to your comrades and filled with genuine conviction. You deserve the title of Captain. You boast strength and wisdom and a bond that is unshakable with your subordinate. Despite these attributes, you lack the skill to subdue me.”

Shiho’s face stiffens, displaying his disbelief. He cannot fathom how his opponent remains unnervingly calm, even after his captain has defiantly declared his victory. Akihiko’s words pierce his core, worrying him. “If Akihiko is this relaxed,” he thought to himself, “even after such a powerful declaration, I am concerned of what he has left in his arsenal of techniques. He’s eerily calm, though Captain Ajibana is the calmest I have seen him this entire interaction. I’m having trouble reading him, which only means one thing…he’s worries himself.” Shiho places his hand on Senato’s shoulder, gripping it tightly. “Together, as a team, let’s demonstrate just how powerful we can be. This will be a full articulation of the will that is the Gotei 13,” Shiho says with a stern gaze.

Senato glances at his lieutenant, accepting his words without hesitation. “Yes, will be leave victorious because we have to.” All three charge at Akihiko as though they were speeding bullets. Their mastery of flash-step is impressive, managing to surround Akihiko.

The shadowy figure, wielding his giant scythe, is the first to attack. His movements are precise and agile, surprising even Akihiko. “I never expected this creature to possess such speed and skill with a blade,” Akihiko observes calmly. “Akihiko is suddenly bombarded with Senato’s swift-moving orbs. They assemble and fire a massive beam of energy that carves into the Earth with little effort. Akihiko leaps back, only to have Shiho’s blade to his back. He reverses the grip of his blade and slides his body to the right. He positions his blade to the side and uses Shiho and his blade as an anchor, utilizing their momentum to propel his body’s movements. His blade tightly latches onto Shiho’s blade and Akhiko spins to his right. Shiho is pulled forward and Akihiko rotates his body and spears his blade into the shadowy figure. As it explodes, Akihiko detaches from Shiho and leaps in the air, kicking him in the back. He is propelled forward, almost striking Senato’s orbs.

The shadowy figure rematerializes and Shiho leaps to his feet. They launch at Akihiko. “We need to serve as distractions for Senato, but this Akihiko Seinosuke is more skilled at melee than both of us, so we never are able to provide a large enough distraction. And those double sides Bankai are trouble…” Akihiko flash-steps toward Shiho, appearing before him, his blade sweeping through the air. His blade is about to strike Shiho, but is abruptly halted by the shadowy figure.

“So it can help guard, too? How fascinating,” he states with a blunted curiosity. “You appear to be struggler more than before.” Akihiko brings his blade down further, heavily weighing upon the shadowy figure’s scythe. Akihiko’s eyes suddenly narrow before he flash-steps from sight. A powerfully condenses byakurai slices into the ground where Akihiko once stood. Akihiko looks upon his enemies from a distance, observing how they regroup. “Swiftly executed, and just in time. You’re clever, Captain Ajibana.”

Senato quietly inspects Shiho’s Bankai, scrunching his face in displeasure. “Keep your Bankai away from his spirit blade.” Senato’s cautions pour from his mouth as Akihiko stares upon them with a deadening gaze. “If you have not yet noticed, he is siphoning off your Bankai’s spiritual energy.”

Shiho looks carefully at the shadowy figure, releasing a discouraged frown. “I should have known better…” Shiho replied crossly.

“You assumed because I am unable to seal him that I was also unable to seal his spiritual energy. No,” Akihiko corrects, “I’m giving you too much credit. You simply overlooked that side effect once you discovered the slightest advantage. It is those types of mistakes that are losing you this battle.”

“Losing,” Shiho responds indignantly?! “What an arrogant thing to say, implying that you’re winning this exchange.”

“Don’t give him the satisfaction, Shiho,” Senato demands.

Without provocation, Akihiko begins hurtling in Senato’s direction. His face shows little emotion, as his eyes defiantly fixate on Senato. He flash-steps forward, landing considerably distant from where he last stood. His speed and distance with shunpo is extraordinary, allowing him to completely bypass his opponents. He leaps to the side, as the shadowy figure brings his scythe crashing to the ground. Akihiko continues his pursuit without pause. He leaps and flash-steps over Shiho’s horizontal swipe, kicking off the blade and forcing Shiho into the dirt. Shiho looks back angrily, flash-stepping from sight. Akihiko maintains his focus as he leaps into the air and rockets toward Senato. Shiho and his Bankai pursue Akihiko, swiftly moving on either side of him. The shadowy figure flash-steps and rotates his body rapidly, swinging his blade horizontally as he comes hurtling from Akihiko’s right. Akihiko tosses both blades forward and places energy beneath his feet, boosting him upward. He summersaults forward, his hand landing on the face of the figure’s scythe. He leaps off it and charges into Shiho’s attack. He evades his blade and slams directly into his chest. He grabs shiho and spins, throwing him like a boomerang, into his own Bankai. He grabs his blades and with lethal precision, extends one leg back, places all his weight on his bent from knee, and swings his blade horizontally while saying, “ Suzemegi!” The completion of his movement fires a barrage of needle-like energy.

Senato quickly reacts. “Tenku no tate!” Six of his stars assemble, creating a shield that is capable of enduring Akihiko’s hado. The spear-sized needles collide with his shield, each striking with great force. Dozens upon dozens strike his shield, but still it maintains its integrity. Senato dismantles his shield, staring defiantly at Akihiko as he adjusts his posture. “He was completely able to bypass Shiho and his Bankai…even though they have perfect synchronization. And now he’s after me, but for what reason? Could he be trying to cripple the most powerful of us three?”

Akihiko walks forward in the air, as Shiho and his Bankai slowly rise to Senato’s side. Without warning, Akihiko rockets at all three.

“He’s becoming reckless,” Shiho shouts!

“No…he’s…”

Akihiko clashes blades with Shiho’s Bankai, forcing it back. Shiho darts at him, but he fires a Bakudo, which Shiho dodges with ease.

“That rope trick again, huh? Not very creative,” Shiho comments as he watches his Bankai attack Akihiko. He realizes the rope is tied to Akihiko’s blade and now his Bankai’s. He watches as Akihiko zooms to the ground, pulling his Bankai with it.” The Bankai is privy to Shiho’s insight and begins attacking Akihiko as they descend. Shiho darts at them and attempts to attack Akihiko. Akihiko blocks with his other blade, holding both off. Senato uses this opportunity to combine his stars and prepare an attack. Akihiko exerts force enough to push them away and leaps back. Shiho leaps forward and brings his blade hurtling down onto Akihiko. It shatters the chain connected to Akihiko’s blade. “That foils that plan!”

Akihiko stares at Shiho quietly. “For having four eyes, you are not all that observant,” Akihiko adds plainly before motioning his hands intricately. “Shitotsu Sansen!” The three blades fly at Shiho, though he dodges them. They zoom past him and just before he is in the clear, he spots his Bankai being thrust into the background. He watches as his Bankai rockets to the ground and slams into a building, as he is pulled by the chain connected to Akihiko’s most recent Bakudo. Akihiko glides past Shiho, directing his attention to Senato. He does not forget Shiho, however, slicing into his left arm with his blade. He quickly approaches Senato, who is prepared for his attack. Senato watches as Akihiko positions his body, positioning his blade to slice into him. An orb collides with his blade, stopping it dead in its tracks.

Senato smirks, “The blade with dominion over the physical body is unable to penetrate my stars, I’m afraid.” He watches as Akihiko extends his two fingers, as his blade is currently engaged with his star. He listens as Akihiko speaks softly, but clearly. “Sokatsui!” Senato is shocked and immediately erects a barrier to protect himself. Four stars combine to create a shield, in an effort to block the technique. The technique crashes into the barrier, but begins to overwhelm his formation. Akihiko twirls his other blade and slices into two stars in quick succession, eliminating the barrier and unleashing the energy upon Senato. Akihiko leaps back and allows the energy to consume Senato.

Shiho watches as blood drips down his leadened arm. “Captain...,” he thinks to himself. What just happened…?”

Senato reveals himself following the flash of blue flames. “The majority of the blast was absorbed by my shield, so fortunately the brunt of it missed me. If not, you would have landed a critical hit.”

Akihiko stares indifferently at Senato. “It appears I managed to capture two of your stars. I recognize that upon release of your Bankai, it generated brand new stars, which allowed you to replenish those that you lost. It isn’t a matter of regenerating, no, I still possess the ones from your Shikai. You simply get brand new ones with your Bankai. How convenient, and yet, not very useful, so it seems. I was tempted to be witness to your most powerful technique, but I decided three against one was fair enough.”

Senato gritted his teeth, recognizing that without all his stars, he was unable to release Tenshi no koshin. Senato quickly takes notice to the ailing Shiho, gripping his arm that is tightly clung to his side. “Shiho…what’s wrong?”

Akihiko glances over his shoulder at Shiho, who is now joined by the shadowy figure. “He’s contemplating all measures capable of compensating for his new handicap. Isn’t that correct, Lieutenant?”

“Shiho…,” Senato calls out inquisitively?

“My…my arm. It’s completely useless. …He sealed my left arm. It merely hangs by my side, Captain…”

Akihiko turns his attention to a baffled Senato. “There is a reason you were warned about engaging me, Captain Ajibana. It should come as no shock that I can fight on par with three individuals at one time. I’m no amateur soul reaper and my Zanpakuto is no ordinary blade. I possess a blade that is legendary throughout my nation. And this blade chooses only those who possess strength enough to wield it. You’re completely outclassed, Captain Ajibana. In mere moments I will bring you both to your knees, that is a promise.”

[A blessing from an Angel]

Senato’s couldn’t believe what he was looking at. “Akihiko Seinosuke...” He thought to himself, “You truly have monstrous power...” His own lieutenant, unable to use his left arm... “Next to all that strength, he is also able to seal both spiritual based techniques as well as physical parts of the body...” He brought his glare to Akihiko, who stood there, calm as could be. “I run scenario after scenario in my head based off of the knowledge that I have of him, and I just can’t find a way to beat him... and for all I know he could still... no wait... he probably still has more power that he is holding for later.” He took a moment to sense around him, “He’s already gotten Shiho once, there’s no telling how long it will take for him to seal one of us again, and from what I’ve been able to sense, no-one’s going to be able to help us soon either...”

“You should stop trying so hard Captain Ajibana. You don’t have the strength to fight me, I’m sure you know this, and until now, not one of your tactics has worked... It’s hopeless.” Akihiko stated blatantly.

Senato observed Akihiko’s calm nature, suddenly he thought of something. “You are correct, Captain Seinosuke...” He spoke as a small smile crept across his face, “I’m sure you’ve noticed... for a Captain, I lack in duelling capability. My ability to fight you one on one is rather weak, don’t you think?”

Akihiko remained silent, simply observing Senato as he spoke. His curiosity had caught hold of him.

“So then, why did they accept me as a Captain?” Senato continued, “It’s because I was never meant to fight on my own in battle, actually. I was meant to support the others from a distance away; coordinating them, assisting them and so on... and this was all connected to a single ability.” His stars began circling around him, he raised his right hand straight upwards. “The stars shine down upon us when we are at our most vulnerable. They give us light where the world is at its darkest... Aexus, Yani, Majo, Akarui, Kie, Livius, Shiho... May they light your paths to victory! Tenshi no shukufuku!” six stars shot into the sky above Senato, they scattered, each heading towards one of the gotei captains. A seventh star came before Senato and then shot its way to Shiho. As the star came into contact with him, it seemed to combine with him, giving both him and his reaper a soft, pure white glow.

Akihiko noticed a substantial rise in the spiritual pressure of all the gotei captains in the area, as well as from Shiho. “So,” He began, “You gave up a decent number of your stars in order to assist your allies... an interesting choice.”

“If I cannot secure victory for myself, then I shall make sure that they secure victory. Even if I should fall, the Gotei 13 will not.” Senato spoke with a defiant smile upon his lips

“Sacrificing the battle in order to win the war... It would definitely seem that that would be your best choice in this situation. Though your technique cannot outlast yourself, do you really plan to survive with only fifteen stars?”

“We’ll find a way.”

Akihiko immediately span around to parry the sudden attack from Shiho, “The boost is quite substantial...” He thought to himself, “Even with only one arm he can still strike rather powerfully...” He forced Shiho back with a strong swipe, “No, that wasn’t pure strength... the strength behind that strike came from the high speed that he was moving at...” The reaper appeared behind Akihiko, though he did not react, he simply dodged as a beam shot down from above a moment later. “Trying to trick me isn’t going to help you, Captain Ajibana, do you not realise this?” He spoke with a clear, fearless voice.

“Don’t act like you know everything!” Shiho shouted as he began striking just where Akihiko was landing.

“Hado #1, Sho” Akihiko said with his index finger extended. The sho struck the blade at just the right angle, knocking it downwards as Akihiko began following through with his blade.

“Hado #33, Sokatsui, Hado #31 Shakkaho!” Senato shouted, as a star directly under Akihiko fired out a wave of blue flames, whilst the star to the left of Akihiko fired an orb of red flames. Akihiko placed his foot on Shiho’s blade, using it as a stand to push himself back, dodging both the kido.

“If I make sure to use multiple kido at the same time, and position them correctly, then I can keep him from sealing them at least... Though I won’t be able to actually hit him, I will be able to force certain movements out of him. Though only under specific circumstances...” Senato thought to himself. He watched Akihiko who suddenly disappeared from sight. Sensing his spiritual pressure, Senato immediately dodged forwards and then flew up vertically with a strong flap of his wings. He turned to watch Akihiko, but he was not there. He turned around to see Akihiko coming at him with both blades. At the last moment it was blocked by the scythe of the reaper. “He’s overpowering Shiho’s reaper!” Senato thought to himself, “Without anything to stand on, the reaper is pressing against Akihiko’s strength and gravity just using the inertia from his jump. “Tenku no tate!” He shouted, forming a barrier of 4 under the reaper, giving him the support he needed. The reaper pressed with all his might, pressing Akihiko’s blades up momentarily. Following through, Senato thrust his right palm forward, “Shakka...” intercepting the kido, Akihiko kicked Senato’s arm upwards, “...ho!” The fireball flew up into the sky. Pulling back from the fight, all three scattered.

“They’re definitely being more careful now...” Akihiko thought to himself, “Even the hot-headed lieutenant isn’t as quick to strike at me now. They’ve realised the position they’re in.”

“Captain...” Shiho spoke just too softly for Akihiko to hear, “We still have one trump card, so we aren’t out of this fight yet...”

“I know, Shiho. But we need to wait for the right moment, and in order to make the best out of that technique, we’re going to need to use a risky tactic. Now is not the right time.”

[Legend of Kiwamaru: A Heart Of Magma]

Jisano and Gyako had arrived with the other Captains, though neither had spoken to each other and none of the other Captains had even said a word to Jisano. At this point, he was the outcast of the Juzo Hosho. The lone wolf. The sadistic monster. Yet, despite this, he was one of the strongest Captains, even though his strength came directly from intense training and his legendary Zanpakuto, the twin to Akihiko Seinosuke's Kiwamete. Even the aforementioned had not spoken a word to Jisano and hadn't done so for god knows how long. His sadistic composure had finally turned them sour against him.

The two of them walked away, leaving the other Captains, again, without any words, because words weren't necessary. Jisano knew what they were thinking of him, already. They didn't need to voice those thoughts, because he was well aware at how despised he had become. It was just that he didn't care. At all. His only regret was that Akihiko wasn't talking to him. He didn't care what any of the others thought of him, especially not Captain Kenronri, the bastard. So, they pushed on, Jisano feeling a massive reiatsu in the middle of the Seireitei. It wasn't the reiatsu of a Captain. It was even larger. He figured it was the Head Captain of the Gotei 13 and whom was now his target. Screw the Captains! He would show his colleagues... he would show them that he was the strongest - he would defeat that bitch and rub it in their faces, maybe even including Akihiko, unless he apologised for not talking to him. These thoughts consumed him, as he ran blindly, ignoring the presence of his Vice-Captain, at least, until the man yelled something and stopped as Jisano looked up.

'Captain. Look!' Gyako yelled. Ahead of them, was a man wearing a short-sleeved shihakusho, with a Vice-Captain's insignia on a metal badge. He was standing directly in their way, so they couldn't exactly ignore him. His Zanpakuto was already drawn and he looked pretty fired up. In the distance, Jisano could feel outpourings of reiatsu, from the Captains of each nation, all conflicting with one another and all rather large, but, Jisano thought to himself, not as large as his own, except maybe Akihiko. Then he glared at the man.

'Get out of my way. I have no time for you, Infidel! I have a date with your Head Captain and I'm not about to miss that, just for a weakling like you. So, move, or suffer the consequences for not doing so.'

The Vice-Captain stared back at him, a look of determination, yet fear, on his face. 'You'll never even touch her! This is where you will stop, Juzo Hosho. Don't worry, I'll make sure of that.'

'You'll never even hope to defeat me, Shinigami. I'll make sure that your Head Captain suffers greatly, after I step over your corpse.'

Gyako shunpoed, moving swifter than Jisano thought he could. He stood between the Shinigami and Jisano, a look of anger on his face. 'Fight my Captain?! You don't deserve the honor of fighting him. If you can defeat me in battle, then you can get crushed by him... but, until then, don't make threats that you can't back. I'm going to wipe that look off your face. Of course, I am wondering why you look so fearful... you looked like that, even when you first appeared there, like you fear battle in general... or are you just afraid of my Captain? He is the strongest, after all.'

Jisano snarled. 'Who said you could have him?! He will be a good warm up for me, before I destroy that bitch! You can stand there and watch, Gyako.'

'No, Captain. I'll prove to you that I am even stronger than when we last fought. I've been training for this moment. My Shikai has become even stronger. I'll defeat this guy and let you carry on towards your goal.'

'You are a worthless piece of shit, Gyako. Fine. You can have this miserable Shinigami fellow... I'll go and find a real opponent - one who will give me a good battle. Don't come back, if you lose... you won't have a place in my squad any more.'

'That's harsh, Captain. I've always stood by you, even now, when the other Captains hate you. I've always worked hard for this squad. I've trained and trained and trained, until I've been too tired to even move. If that's how you want it, then I don't want to come back. You can find another Vice-Captain.'

Then he turned and faced his opponent. In the distance, the reiatsu of the Gotei 13 Captains seemed to increase drastically, while one decreased by a bit. Jisano had no idea why, but then he felt the reiatsu of Sumiko Anenokoji waning, compared to that of her opponent, so he decided he would investigate, then maybe he would get a warm-up before the Head Captain.

Gyako drew his Zanpakuto, waiting for his opponent to make a move. The other man did nothing, but stared at Gyako, with that fearful look on his face. Finally, he seemed to sigh to himself and his drawn Zanpakuto was placed into the opposite hand and he took his fighting stance. Gyako shunpoed, swinging his blade wildly at the other's head, but was astonished when the Vice-Captain was already gone. He moved behind Gyako and swung with his Zanpakuto, which seemed to be much less efficient than the massive speed he seemed to have. Gyako parried the swing, with one of his own and smashed the Vice's blade backwards and forcing him back. He disappeared, faster than Gyako's eyes could follow, then appeared again, this time attempting a forward thrust. It missed Gyako and allowed his decent speed and battle instinct to use the miss to his advantage, so that he cut into the Shinigami's robes, at the shoulder and left a small cut there.

'You're actually quite fast, too, just not as fast as me. I'm not very accomplished with my swordsmanship, I admit - I was never good at that, though I mastered shunpo easily and the ability to move swiftly, even without shunpo. I'm no good at Kido, either. But that doesn't matter. I will still defeat you, here and now!'

'You're seriously lacking. I have trained my body to its absolute limits and can say that I am proficient in all of them - Kido, swordsmanship, shunpo, hakuda... but, my reiatsu is what is the most powerful of all my skills. That, and the power of the my Zanpakuto. I rely on everything in my arsenal to win a fight. My understanding of battle tactics even surpasses that of my Captain, who's no slug. But, I can't understand how you're a Vice. You may be fast, but it doesn't seem like you have anything else going for you. Plus, I have too much resolve to lose this fight - I have goals I wish to achieve... I want Bankai. I want to become a Captain. I'm not going to die here, even if you pull out some kind of trump card. You're not winning this fight, Vice-Captain. I'm not letting you win.'

'I feel the same way, I assure you. I don't want to lose, either. I'm not going to. I didn't say that my speed was the only thing I was accomplished at, it was just the only one I mentioned then. Feel the strength of my reiatsu!'

A large green aura appeared around him and his reiatsu increased massively, at least, by a normal Soul Reaper's standard. Gyako wasn't impressed. 'Pretty strong, I suppose, but that won't impress me. I told you, my reiatsu is my most powerful skill of them all, so if you think that's going to scare me, or make me think twice, then you're completely wrong!'

Gyako's reiatsu began to rise now and an orange-red aura appeared around his body, then grew and grew, until it was a massive surge around his whole general area. Still, it grew and grew, until it seemed to be almost Captain-level, then slowly faded away, but not before Gyako had shunpoed and attacked the Vice-Captain again. This time, their reiatsu clashed, as their swords clashed and strained at each other for a while, until the two faded away, while their blades did the work.

'I never introduced myself' the Vice said, as they traded blows. 'I am Enma Menba, the Vice-Captain of squad 11!'

Gyako laughed. 'Squad 11... aren't you guys supposed to be the fearless warriors, who support your 'Kenpachi'? You aren't fearless, you're fearful. You must be a joke to the rest of your squad. They must hate you.'

Enma seemed to visibly shrink, as his composure took the blow from the insult. 'Shut up. What do you know...? You aren't one of us, so don't act like you understand how we think and how we feel. You're the enemy! Cheat death, Namakubi!'

Would've had this up earlier but I'm quite into my football (soccer for you non-British ones) so I was pretty wrapped up in the World Cup matches hehehe... anyways it's done now so here ya go !


{A Blessing From An Angel 2}

Caught up in his thoughts, Yani quickly lost sight of Yushi who reappeared behind him and attacked with a heavy bisecting slash. Acting on instinct alone again, Yani smashed the ground with the tip of his spear causing a thick sheet of sapphire to erupt from the ground directly behind him, protecting him from Yushi’s attack.
With his blade screeching loudly over the sapphire Yushi quickly pulled away, moving out of Yani’s sight once more. He rapidly flash stepped around Yani’s position, exuding his reiatsu in arrhythmic bursts so as to confuse Yani’s ability to track him. It worked. Combined with Yushi’s immense speed and the ever shifting perception of his environment, it all served to hinder Yani’s ability to successfully discern where Yushi was. The pillars and whips of sapphire that Yani brought up from the ground to attack with weren’t hitting anything and to an outsider looking in, it would like he was just flailing his powers aimlessly.
Yushi moved to capitalize on this and dove into attack from behind with a sweet double stroke flying towards Yani’s calves. The Gotei Captain reacted almost instantly to the incoming reiatsu and hastily spun round, bringing his spear swinging round with him, with a wave of sapphire following in its wake. But, Yushi was faster, and he sliced deep into Yani’s calves, brushing Yani’s lower back with his hand as he did so, before evasively flash stepping away before the sapphire could strike him.

Yani growled in agony as he dropped to his knees. This Jūzō Hoshō scum was just too fast for his eyes to keep up with and the ability of his adversary’s zanpakutō wasn’t helping his cause in the slightest. He quickly used Aoniku sending two sapphire shards flying from the tip of his spear into the deep cuts in his calves. As he was doing so, Yushi suddenly appeared metres in front of him and fired off a Byakurai aimed directly for his heart. Yani instantly shifted his body to the side, with the Hadō piercing his right pectoral instead, then slammed the tip of his spear into the ground sending up four coiling columns of sapphire that chased after Yushi who swiftly, and seemingly casually, dodged around their writhing, crashing assaults. Yani gritted his teeth frustratedly as he controlled the sapphire columns to attack with his hands; with the way the Jūzō Hoshō Captain was moving, he didn’t know whether Yushi was toying with him or not. Sometimes Yushi would appear to be slowing down only to accelerate out of sight again. It was infuriating. And yet, he was the one on the back foot. Again. Yani clenched his jaw and sent another four sapphire columns, bursting from the ground, to swarm on Yushi. A bead of sweat formed on Yani’s brow as he concentrated to the utmost, the eight sapphire columns thrashing and lashing around as if they were giant whips trying fruitlessly to swat a fly out of existence.
Yushi, ducking low under one of the sapphire columns that whipped towards him, quickly moved into the air and swiped his blade forward, silently sending Hadō #87 Sentan Nenshō coursing towards Yani’s position. The vaguely arrowhead-looking pillar of fire-like energy crashed explosively into the thick wall of sapphire that Yani erected in front of him, scattering shards everywhere and obscuring Yani’s frontward view with dusty smoke.

Yushi Kenronri: *quietly* Way of Onmitsu, 2nd of the Ronri: Iba Yūshibunretsu.

As the dust cleared Yani looked around him to find a large amount of Yushi’s surrounding him from all sides. They all stared at him coolly for the briefest of moments before converging in on his position. It felt like a bad case of déjà vu for Yani as he frantically motioned with his hands sending the immense columns flailing to eradicate as many of the speed clones as possible, but his attempts were futile as the majority of Yushi’s raced past them and seemed ready to slice and dice him.

The sound of a blade striking crystalline material resounded eerily as the real Yushi looked down upon Yani, who had the palm of his sapphire-generated arm on the ground and a thick uneven orb of sapphire protecting him. Yushi’s blade had left a small crack in the protective orb but not enough to break through. Yani then roared as many spikes protruded from the surface of the orb in Yushi’s direction in an attempt to skewer him, but Yushi’s reaction was quicker and he swiftly pushed himself away before the spikes could touch him.

Yani Kohei: *tone is full of resolve* Not yet!! Aohasai!!!

The spikes suddenly shot forth from the sapphire orb, rocketing through the air towards Yushi. Yushi merely clicked his tongue and beautifully twisted his body around the incoming projectiles before landing, just as gracefully, and pointing one tip of his conjoined blade at Yani.

Yushi Kenronri: (An almost indistinguishable smile forms on his lips) You walked right into my trap. While you should be safe inside that very hard sapphire sphere of yours, your body has been fed the energy for just the right attack. (Yani’s eyes widen as he feels a burning sensation in his lower back) Hadō #111 Kakudai Suru.

Immediately after the words were spoken, Yani’s body thrusted off the ground, hitting the roof of his sapphire orb, and then exploded magnificently with a torrent of energy. The destructive explosion severely cracked the sapphire orb containing it, as the mechanism meant to protect Yani from harm served to intensify it instead. Yushi watched as the sapphire orb shattered, revealing a brutally damaged Yani on his knees, holding his body up with his remaining arm. His shihakushō had been all but destroyed, with only part of his hakama remaining and his severely burned body exposed, and the sapphire arm he had created for himself was gone. The poor man looked ready to keel over and die.

Yushi Kenronri: It’s over Captain Kohei. (He curls his lip in annoyance as he watches Yani painfully reach over, heave his spear from the ground and then look him defiantly in the eye) I said, it’s over Captain Kohei. Can’t you see how pointless it is for you to continue?

Just then, a glowing star-like orb shot from who knew where and settled just in front of Yani’s burned chest. It hovered for a moment before it came into contact with his body and seemingly merged with him, giving Yani’s body a bright angel-like glow. It was then that Yani’s reiatsu seemed to surge to a newfound height and strength and the Gotei 13 Captain stood confidently to his feet.

Yushi Kenronri: (His eyes narrow and an eyebrow rises, all in sheer confusion) What…? What is this?

Yani Kohei: (He smiles in a confident yet eerie manner as he realises what had just occurred) Now, Captain Kenronri. It soon will be over.

Yushi’s eyes widened in shock as several gargantuan spiked sapphire pillars erupted from the ground and began attempting to smash into him. Yushi began moving at high speed, skilfully evading the spiked pillars before they crushed him, but each time he avoided one it only seemed to be by a hair’s breadth. The boost was enabling Yani to visually keep up with Yushi’s incredibly high-speed movements and he was getting closer and closer to landing a hit. Now it was Yushi who was on the back foot. Truly a blessing from the Gotei’s little angel.

[Fake Blood, False Promises: Faithful interpreter]

Sumiko watched as Kie approached her, adorned with lustrous armor and a weapon vibrating raw power. For the second time in her life, Sumiko was experiencing the sensation that others describe as ‘fear.’ It crept across her body like slow moving shadows of a sunset. The dismay she felt was palpable, anchoring her body in dark waters. She continued to sink, her mind gasping for air. Previous efforts to avoid such dread have left her body ignorant of the sensation. A completely foreign entity, Sumiko’s body is unprepared for how it might compensate for such crippling sensations. Her muscles being to tighten and her legs motion her feet across the dusty soil. Involuntarily, her body slowly distances itself from Kie’s savage power. Sumiko’s facial expression has dissolved, leaving her to stare vacantly at her opponent. She is suddenly awoken by an unspoken force, deep within her soul. It bolsters her awareness and her sight returns. She continues to inspect her opponent before flash-stepping with the intention of applying distance. She suppresses her anxieties, resonating an eerie calm. Her eyes scale the ground before working their way up Kie’s body. Their eyes connect, prompting Sumiko to question Kie. “Have you ever stopped to consider the significance of sight?”

Kie’s demeanor is unfazed by Sumiko’s questioning. She begins walking toward Sumiko, determined to smite her. “This ends now, Captain Anenokoji.”

“So it does...” she states with calm recognition. “I had hoped for out interaction to turn out differently. In fact, I underestimated you, Captain GeiBt. I expected you to shatter in the wake of such tragedies, but you managed to bolster your defenses. You might not know it, but we, the Juzo Hosho, would much rather avoid confrontation. Regardless of the outcome, I would like you to know that we had our own survival to consider. Albeit, selfishly.”

Kie glared at her viciously. “You made the decision to attach maliciously and now you’ll suffer the consequences. No one forced you to act, taking out my lieutenant and seated officer with such brutality. And now that you’re at the edge of you come clean and expect absolution?”

“Absolution? No. I am simply explaining our reasoning. If the circumstances were altered, you would likely choose a similar path. How do I know this? It is instinct to preserve one’s safety by eliminating threats to their existence. Our response is not novel in the annals of war, though it does little to bolster our pacifist reputation. That’s the misfortune of our circumstance. A fear of extinction will subdue higher functions, allowing more primal motives to overwhelm our decisions. It becomes the primary driving force. You should know this after journeying to the Zero division.”

Kie’s eyes widened before narrowing skeptically. She snarled,” How did you know that?”
“Yes, it does come as a surprise, doesn’t it? One would expect even you to be unaware, but you are directly informed, as if you were twins with the same consciousness, that the fake Kie visited the Zero division. I, however, am aware because the last time we encountered one another, I injected you with nano-machines, which allowed me to record your progress. A near byproduct of such a dedicated lieutenant is how easily she was infected with the same nano-machines upon bathing in your blood, as she cared for you. In turn, she used a sample of your blood and placed it in the fake Kie, allowing to to chronicle everything. Granted, the technology wasn’t perfected, so I didn’t get as much intel as I would have hoped.”

Kie charged at Sumiko. “Without your blades in hand, you can’t hope to defend. And there is no way you’re getting past me to retrieve them!!!”

“I don’t need to,” she responded indifferently. “Hitokuijinshu Nisesatsu.”

Kie senses a spiritual body trailing behind her. As she spins around, ready to attack, the strange, blurred figure speeds by her without any interest. It clutches Sumiko’s sword in its hand and lands beside her. Kie looks back as Sumiko slowly retrieves her blade. Kie examines the peculiar creature. “This creature. It is a homunculus.”

“In many respects,” Sumiko inserts, “it is as you say. It doesn’t look like much now, does it?”

Kie inspects the humanoid further, watching as the features begin to develop and its shape changes. Her brow sinks and lips are downturned, displaying her increasing displeasure. She’s slowly becoming aware of her circumstance as the humanoid resembles not a monster, but herself. “So…” she begins with a contemplative pause, “I will be engaging myself.”

“Poetic, isn’t it? I ask that you not underestimate Hitokuijinshu Nisesatsu. Unlike my earlier displays, this isn’t child’s play. You’ll die if don’t keep both eyes wide open.” Sumiko laughs softly. “You never answered my earlier question. You were far too concerned with boasting your new release.” She places her hand on the replica of Kie, sliding her fingers across its lustrous armor. “They say the soul is an enigma. While we have mastered the power it emits, many still postulate how to examine the true essence of a soul. The soul, fortunately, has an interpreter. It is often unconscious, but still a faithful interpreter.” Sumiko removes her hand from Kie’s doppelganger and she backs up, as the replica fixates its vision upon Kie, both gazing deep into one another’s eyes. “…in the eyes.” The homunculus charges at Kie with uncompromising speed. It veers to the left, dodging the swing of her mighty halberd. The sword in its hand begins to reshape, becoming identical to her weapon.

Kie scowls and slams her blade into the homunculus’ fake zanpakuto. “How dare you mock my Zanpakuto with that pitiful blade. I…” Kie pauses for a moment before she is suddenly overcome by a torrent of emotion. “WILL DESTROY YOU BOTH,” she howls furiously as she charges the homunculus. Their blades clash and she glides from side to side, attempting to outmaneuver it. “YOU CAN’T EXPECT TO BEST ME! ONLY I CAN WEILD IT WITH GREAT PRECISION!!!” She swings her blade, twirling it so both sides strike her opponent’s halberd replica. She dashes to the side and swings around, thrusting her blade with tremendous precision and power. The homunculus simply anchors the blade in the ground and allows one side to receive the blow. Her blade collides with her doppelganger’s blade. The shear intensity of her strike manages to fracture the blade, as she pushes harder.

Sumiko stands slowly proceeds away from the battle, walking backwards so she is able to maintain sight of both participants. “Silly woman…”

Kie leaps back, ceasing her relentless assault. She motions with her palm, “you thin you can distract me with this pitiful excuse for a copy? I will crush it and pursue you! I suspect if I destroy it, you’ll have one less blade to defend with! SOREN SOKATSUI!” A deluge of flames pour from her palm, spreading wildly in a stampeding frenzy. They soak the area, consuming the homunculus. She smiles confidently before the creature reveals to have traversed the potent Kido. Its body and armor are noticeably charred and fractured. Kie, enraged by its survival charges at the seemingly mindless creature. “I’ll eliminate you from this world and put you out of your misery!” She twirls her grand halberd, before striking the creature in the side. The blade pierces its fraudulent armor, shattering it piece-by-piece before reaching its peculiar flesh. The blade journeys on, sliding into her opponent. “Wea….k…” Kie is abruptly submerged into a vast ocean of sensory data. Her body is bathed in searing flames, though she sees nothing. She feels the intensity and heat, as it boils her armor. She then feels the warmth of her own blood flowing down her skin and spots her armor shrapnel from her side. She is overwhelmed by searing pain as her blade continues to burrow into the homunculus’ side.

Sumiko watches in the distance. With one hand wrapped around her waist and the other resting upon that, she smiles innocently from behind her fingers. Her smile stretches, slowly mounding at her cheeks. She slides one finger across her lip as her eyes watch with intrigue. “I expected her to interpret this technique more accurately,” Sumiko ponders to herself, “but I shouldn’t be so critical of her. After all, she’s becoming consumed by rage, leaving her with little, if any, of her former intellect. Allowing that much rage into your actions dilutes all higher cognitions.”

The pain is unbearable, preventing her from evaluating her circumstance and responding quickly. She blinks, allowing her mind time to unravel this mystery. She pulls her blade from the creature and lands on the ground. She lifts herself off the ground as she looks at herself, her exact replica preparing to skewer her. “TENRAN!” She rotates her halberd, forcing the homunculus back. She lifts herself up, clutching her wound that is deeper than she had anticipated. “You…conniving bitch. YOU TALK OF PEACE AND DO THIS?!”
“I spoke of regrets. I never said I wouldn’t enjoy our interactions. It pains me to cause you harm, but I find your recent madness quite fascinating,” Sumiko explains plainly.

Kie stands and stares at Sumiko before blocking a strike from the homunculus. “I noticed something…”

“Oh? Tell me, please!”

“This monster of yours was essentially on the defensive and now it has suddenly shifted patterns. I’d wager that you can influence its actions.”

Sumiko’s expression displays her shock before letting out a slight chuckle. “You’re quite perceptive. Yes, you’re correct. But have you noticed just how much damage you have done to yourself?”

Kie continues to defend against the homunculus, both their blades colliding into one another with tremendous force. “What is she talking about? I already…” Kie watches, as if in slow motion, the blade of her Halberd shatter against her opponents, leaving both their blades dismembered. “Both…! Tsk…of course. When I struck its blade with my own, I was merely damaging my blade. And this last collision caused both of our blades to shatter. She has a troublesome Zanpakuto, but it is only buying her time…”

(I'm not British, but I still call it football. Lol.)

[The Fallacy of Tricks]

'Now, Captain Kenronri, it will soon be over.' Yani said, as massive sapphire pillars erupted from the ground and were about to smash into him. Yushi disappeared and avoided the pillars, noting that Yani's strength had increased, as well as his speed and reiatsu - his senses seemed able to keep up with Yushi's movements now, as well, given the skill with which he was assaulting him. Yushi continued to avoid the pillars, seeming to feel like Yani's reiatsu wouldn't last long enough for it to really matter, anyway, but Yushi wasn't about to let his guard down, either. He stopped suddenly and a pillar crashed into his location. Of course, about two seconds later, the pillar exploded, as he raised his reiatsu and crushed it into pieces, then sped back towards Yani, who intercepted him and swung his weapon at Yushi, while also sending more pillars upwards. Yani avoided all of the pillars easily enough, but didn't have enough to time to completely avoid the attack from Yani's weapon and took the blade of the lance in his shoulder.

'Going to give up? After Captain Ajibana's noble sacrifice, I have gained a lot more power and that will be your downfall. It is because you lack honor, Captain. You cannot stand against us.'

Yushi chortled, even with the bleeding shoulder. 'Who are you kidding? You're injured... you've taken several injuries and used up a lot of spirit energy. Even if that star restored some, it doesn't matter. If you think powering up will be enough to defeat me, then you are holding a grave misconception. No matter how you look at it, skill will always defeat power. Why? Because power can be easily misused... whereas skill shows the prowess of a Soul Reaper in various battle situations. I didn't become a Captain because I would lose to an opponent... I became a Captain, because I have the skill necessary to defeat many opponents in different situations... I am of the Stealth and Assassination squad, which requires exactly that. So stop fooling yourself - we'll end up in the same position once again, as soon as your power runs out.'

Yani frowned, then sighed in frustration. 'No, it won't. Captain Ajibana's power completely restored my spirit energy. You'll run out before me, Captain. I won't be letting you win... besides, how dare you insinuate that I lack in skill... I'm a Captain, too.'

'Then why were you about ready to die, when that star came and restored your power? I'll tell you why... because you lacked in skill. Because you didn't have what it takes to defeat me, nor do you now. Your power boost won't defeat me... despite that, you're still injured badly and if you heal yourself, you'll just use more spirit energy than necessary to restore your health to a degree. Just give it up. You couldn't defeat me before and you won't now.'

'Shut up! Stop trying to justify your strength and prove it, or else you aren't worthy of even facing me in combat...' Yani responded, the flare of anger apparent in his voice.

'The same to you, Captain. Let's see just what you're capable of.'

Yani snarled, the flare of anger growing constantly. He charged Yushi at full speed. At this point, he was fast enough to challenge Yushi and manipulated spears of sapphire to penetrate Yushi's body. Yushi disappeared, already realising what the Captain was up to. Yani used his shunpo and appeared before Yushi, cutting him off and attempting an attack with his spear-lance. Yushi dodged and fell back, reluctant to attack at this current point. His tactic was to allow the Captain to exhaust the spirit energy he had gained. If that failed, he would use his powerful technique to rip the opponent to shreds. That was his goal. He refused to lose and bring shame to his fellow Captains. He didn't really care aout the Reiteki Rojin, or the Head Captain, he just wanted the Juzo Hosho to survive as a nation. Otherwise, he would give his life and see the Gotei 13 defeat the Reiteki Rojin.

'You really have no idea, do you?'

Yani stopped and looked at him, a quizzical look on his face. 'What do you mean? I know exactly what this is about! You Juzo Hosho just want to destroy us! How could I possibly forget that??!! Shen died because of you people, so why should I have trouble remembering???'

'That's not the point. You don't know what the war is actually about, do you? Let me explain. Because the Gotei 13 failed to protect themselves against the Shirub, the council, also known as the Reiteki Rojin, decreeed that we would be
employed to seize your weapons. Because you people resisted, people were hurt as a result. The death of your friend is on the heads of your people... he may have been killed by one of ours, but that could have been avoided, had the Gotei 13 listened to what the Captains said at your first meeting... no doubt you would have been there to witness Captains' Seinosuke, Daidoji, Meibatsu and Sodo to deliver the decree. In fact, the reports say that you were the first recognise us. You lament the death of your friend so, but why do you blame it solely on the Juzo Hosho? The Gotei 13 caused that death by their inaction... anyway, enough words... just respond with your blade.'

Yani seemed to swell with anger. 'What??!! You mean to blame us for it? YOUR PEOPLE KILLED HIM AND YOU STILL FIND EXCUSES!!!'

'Oh...? Excuses? I have none of them. It is fact that your people caused it... just like how Captain Naigaishi lost his spirit energy, or Majo Shin lost her eyes... if you hadn't have fought, then none of that would have happened, correct?'

'NO! If you people hadn't been so intent on revenge and carrying out the tasks of some foreign council, it wouldn't have happened! Don't blame your actions on others!!!' Yani's reiatsu increased and his attack seemed to incorporate the whole battlefield into his attack. The area surrounding him and Yushi seemed to become altered and suddenly, barrages of sapphire bullets were fired at him. Yushi began to move at high speeds, avoiding the 'sapphire bullets' and staggering bursts of spirit energy, which were obviously meant to incapaticitate him. Yushi had none of it and continued using his speed to his advantage. At this current level, he was using tiny amounts of spirit energy. If he kept this up, then he would be able to reserve massive amounts of energy to defeat his opponent, spirited as he was. Yani responded in kind by increasing his speed and confronting Yushi at every turn, despite the general gap in speed. Yani's senses were accomplished enough that he could read Yushi's movements and avoid attacks, which weren't quite enough to pierce Yani's current strength. But, that wouldn't last forever. Yushi had a plan, as always, and it would not fail.

'Damn you, Captain! Stop moving so fast and be punished! You cannot outrun my honor forever... I will defeat you, even if my life is taken in the process.

So, now he's offering his life? What a fool. He has no need for that, because he is going to die by my blade. I don't really want to cause a death, and I wouldn't usually, but he just won't give and I have no other choice... it's just like with Captain Kizumi... he left no choice, either. I would have preferred to have left him alive, but he just didn't give up... that's the trouble with these Gotei 13... they are too quick to offer their life in exchange for battle...

'Stop your mouthing off, you fool. Your power is starting to wane... The other Captains may be holding their own, but you are pouring too much spirit energy to outlast them. You are just defeating your self, really. Well, that's it. I'm tired of your chatter. This is where it ends for you! Adapting Landscapes!!!'

The whole area seemed to invert and it changed. This time, however, it seemed to be constantly changing, as opposed to Sparse Landscapes, which changed the landscape, then allowed the energy from the wielder to make changes with their own will. Yani looked up, down and sideways, then finally seemed to understand this ability and launched another attack. Although it was another Zanpakuto attack, Yushi was sure that it seemed to be releasing a little less power. Yani swung with all his might and, upon contact with Yushi's stomach, suddenly fired off a Tenran, blowing Yushi back and disrupting the attack that he'd just about used.

'Hado No. 58, Tenran!'

Yushi flew backwards, propelled by the Kido, but a smile on his face. It was becoming time. Slowly, Yani was using all his reiatsu again. At least, he had used a lot already and he was still somehwta injured, despite the fact that he could lodge sapphire in his wounds and cause them heal. Eventually, he would run out, whereas Yushi was quietly consuming little spirit energy and waiting for his moment to strike. They clashed again, this time consistently striking at each other with force and contemplating tactics. Yushi suddenly dodged and moved faster than he had been, taking Yani by surprise and cutting him slightly down the left arm. Yani snarled and raised his reiatsu and attacked Yushi, which was faster than he had thought and cut him along the top part of the chest.

Still fast, aren't you?' Yani puffed.

'Yeah. But you're slowing down. It seems like that boost didn't last as long as you wanted it to. I think it's time to show you my true power.'

With that, Yushi suddenly raised his reiatsu, but it didn't stop there - in moments, it had surrounded the whole battlefield in a green glow, one that seemed to wield a whole lot more power than what he had been pouring out before.

'Juukirinuki Ichishunji!'

Yushi disappeared again, even faster than he'd been moving when he first assumed Bankai, then he reappeared and slashed at Yani. Yani went to block, but found that his weapon struck nothing, then, moments later, he fell to the ground, ten cuts appearing in his body from nowhere.

Falsehood


Kie continued to defend against the onslaught, grinding her teeth more and more with each hit to her zanpakuto. Ducking to avoid it's monstrous swings and well placed thrusts, she eventually flash stepped out of range, watching as it simply walked slowly toward her.

"How long do you plan on resisting?" Sumiko called to her. "You know how this will end if you keep fighting. Though it's not what our Head Captain wants, you could just surrender. Having your spiritual pressure taken is more desirable than dying."

Kie clenched her jaw and took several erratic breaths. She rolled her fingers into fists and squeezed them tightly around her weapon. "That's the thing you see," she replied, noticeably calmer. "Death is a better alternative to me. Maybe to you, surrender is seen as a sort of scapegoat. But I refuse to damage my pride and honor in such a way. Living with that feeling of shame, to me, is a fate far worse than death."

Sumiko narrowed her eyes. "So be it."

The clone charged once again, aiming for Kie's throat with it's one good blade. Kie continued to block with the blunt end of her halberd, the now useless steel of her broken blade laying in pieces several meters from her. She stole a glance at the other end of her weapon before returning her gaze to the clone. Her feet moved swiftly across the ground as she parried and blocked, but never struck back. This is ironic. During our first encounter, I forced her to fight against a clone of herself. Now, she is doing the same to me. The thought made her scowl. She feigned to the right when the clone slashed at her again, but rolled to her left, landing on her feet before she raised the shaft of her weapon to block a strong downward blow. She was forced back many yards, her feet skidding across the ground as she attempted to stop herself. She was stopped by the wall of a downed building. Stealing a glance behind her shoulder, she desperately brought her weapon up again, holding it firmly with two hands. The clone struck her with an unprecedented force, bringing her to her knees as she struggled to stay upright. As it continued to push down upon her, she once again heard Sumiko's voice.

"By the looks of it, this is over," she stated matter-of-factly.

"It's not," Kie replied, her face shrouded in shadows. Sweat coated her brow as she pushed back into the clone with equal force, managing to get her right foot underneath her again. She used her new leverage to push back harder. "It's not… over!" she shouted as she shoved the clone back. The replica stumbled back, struggling to remain on her feet. Kie's left hand shot forward, grabbing the clone by her exposed neck. Despite the pain she felt spreading through her own, she squeezed hard. The clone struggled for air as she held it tightly by the throat. She watched as it closed it's eyes and gasped. She suddenly felt the pressure on her neck relieved. She took the opportunity to take a deep breath, before she released the clone from her clutches and kicked it into the wall she had been pinned against moments ago. What the hell was that? she thought as she walked over to the homunculus and pinned it to the wall with her foot. "The dome… and now this? Her zanpakuto is quite the mystery." Suddenly, Kie remembered Sumiko's words.

"You'll die if you don't keep both eyes wide open."


She released the homunculus from under her when she felt a sudden pressure on her chest, watching as it reached for its blade. It was on its feet in moments, waiting for her to strike again. Kie grabbed at her own throat, rubbing away the dull ache that still remained. She reexamined her wounds from her Bankai release. Many cuts and bruises, lacerations in the shapes of cracks and jagged edges, and some of them were very deep. The wounds were all things that she had supposedly inflicted upon herself, but was that really the case…?

Her thoughts were cut short as the clone once again attempted to behead her, appearing just in her line of sight. As it attempted to swing at her neck, Kie planted one end of her halberd in the ground, letting the clone's last good blade collide with the shaft of her own weapon. She swung herself around the halberd, kicking her assailant away from herself. Removing her halberd from the ground, she once again examined the homunculus that stood not far from her.

It was then that she finally understood.

"Her Zanpakuto. Could it be that it's ability is...?" Kie cracked a smile. "Now I see…"

Suddenly, Kie was on the offensive. She flash stepped behind the clone and struck its lower back, her suspicions confirmed when she felt nothing. Kie took her halberd and flipped it around, the second blade of the double-sided weapon now held forward. The broken end of the weapon collided with the back of the clone's knee, forcing it forward and into the ground. It quickly somersaulted forward and pivoted on its heel to face her, holding its own broken halberd out to defend from her attacks. Kie flash stepped high into the air, throwing several different kido around her. Her Sokatsui crashed into the dirt, followed by a Raikoho and Tenran to stir up more of the dust. Her Shakkaho was wildly off course, crashing into the ground many meters from the clone. It was followed by many more, each of them flying about in a completely chaotic manner, crashing into demolished buildings and rending trees asunder. She fired the Eighty Eighth hado into the ground just before the clone, and watched as the dirt was disturbed further, rising high into the sky. She fired another Tenran, twice the size of the first and entirely massive. It whipped the dirt and debris around wildly, worsening visibility to the point where it was almost zero. Kie returned to the ground, maintaining her Tenran, and searched for the homunculus' spiritual signature. Spotting it within the dust and debris, she raced forward and slammed all of her body weight into the creature. It shot forward and into her foot as she flash stepped into its path and slammed her heel into its throat. She followed it closely, appearing just above it, bringing her halberd down upon its already broken and shattered armor and tearing into its flesh, rendering the homunculus' left flank into ribboned muscle and skin, bits of its crystallized skeleton floating around its body. She smiled profusely when the injury did not appear upon her own body. As the clone struggled to get to its feet, she placed her foot upon its weakening weapon and brought her own down upon its neck.

As the Tenran disappeared and the dirt settled, Kie stood up straight and turned her eyes to an area beyond her perception. She smiled gracefully as she felt the blessing of her friend wash over her body, and she was bathed in a soft white glow, turning her darkened spiritual pressure the purest of white. She silently thanked her young companion, and turned to Sumiko with a new confidence. She raised her left hand and placed it under the fold of her helmet, removing it in a grand gesture. Her hair, released from its steel prison, was thrown about by the wind that still remained from her spell. She dropped her helmet to the ground, gripping her halberd with both hands, and looked right at her opponent.

Kie smiled as a sheen of black spiritual pressure passed before her, and rose up from the ground beneath her feet. A distant whinny could be heard as Kie grabbed at a thin, black rope. From it came a Stallion, surrounded by a wispy blackness. She swung herself into the saddle easily, brandishing her halberd in her right hand. As she sat atop her perch several ghostly soldiers, donned in black armor, lined up behind her, each holding large spears and swords. As she raised her weapon, so too did they raise theirs. A deafening battle cry was released from her soldiers.

There she sat, the singular light among the dark knights that waited for her commands.

"For our comrades!" she cried.

With Kie at the head, they rode forward, their mouths wide in a fearsome scream for Sumiko's blood.

[Legend of Kiwamaru: Unspoken Bonds]

Jisano felt the reiatsu of Sumiko further waning and the reiatsu of her opponent growing. Ever since Akihiko's opponent had used that weird technique, the reiatsu of the Gotei Captains had increased massively, though one was being crushed right now, the one fighting his least favorite Captain. For that, he cared little. Kenronri would get his comeuppance one day. Jisano decided to go and assist Sumiko, then at least he could pay her back for restoring his arm, which he supposed he owed for, at the very least. But, of course, there was the fact that he could fight someone before he went to face off against that Head Captain, a warm-up, as it were.

'You better win, Gyako! Stupid bastard!' Then he was gone.

Jisano flashstepped his maximum distance, which was enough to cover much of the distance between him and Sumiko. Then he ran. As he ran, however, he contemplated what it would be like to fight a Head Captain. Surely, she would be ridiculously strong, but he was, too, and he had a legendary blade that would assist him, as well as great strength of reiatsu and a good mastery of flashstep. Surely, he could beat her without aid and he would finally be able to show off his Bankai. Ahead of him was Sumiko, with a woman Captain, wearing armor, greaves and gauntlets, as well as white fur around her neck and a silk cape. She was rushing towards Sumiko atop a great, black stallion and surrounded by ghostly figures of black. As the Captain's weapon seemed about to strike from atop the great stallion, Jisano took action, flash-stepping in front of Sumiko and drawing his blade in the same motion. The stallion seemed to buckle, as it realised that it had been cut, then it crashed to the ground, as Jisano's blade slammed into the weapon of the Captain and sent her flying backwards, until she flipped her body around and landed onto the ground, skidding to slow her momentum. The soldiers suddenly reacted, as Jisano raised his reiatsu. They all dove at him, but he merely dodged them all, cutting each while they were attacking him, till suddenly, they were gone. He faced the Captain, still ignoring Sumiko.

'And just what are you doing here, Captain Meibatsu? I never asked for your assistance.'

Jisano turned. 'Shut up, Sumiko. A fine mess you got yourself into here. Consider this repayment for restoring my arm... besides, I'm going to go and destroy their Head Captain once I've dealt with this bitch who's playing knight.'

Interesting. This man must be one of the strongest Captains... to brush aside my Bankai attack so easily, without even releasing and simply relying on the strength of reiatsu, that is insane... but, then, to make such a claim... that he would defeat the Head Captain??? He must be crazy, first and foremostly, but also very powerful. I'd better be on my guard, otherwise I might find that I'm outmatched...

'Who are you calling a bitch?! And why are you interfering between Captain Anenokoji and I? She obviously never asked for you to help her, then you show up out of nowhere, stopping my attack so easily and making such a bold declaration! Just who are you?'

Jisano ceased looking at Sumiko and turned back to the Captain. 'Who am I? Jisano Meibatsu, Captain of the Combat and Torture unit. But, that doesn't matter. You're simply my warm-up, woman. Get ready!'

Kie glared at him. 'Don't call me that! I'm Kie GeiBt, Captain of Squad 12, Research and Development...'

'There's no point in telling me that... I don't care. I'm not interested in who you are, nor what squad you're from... like I said, you are just my warm up before I take out your Head Captain. '

'You're a very rude man. Well, I'll have to teach you some manners, I think.'

Kie flew at him, her weapon raised and then shunpoed, bringing it down in a crushing blow. Jisano brought his foot forwards, and swung his sword around, smashing into Kie's weapon and pushing her back. Despite the power she was currently wielding, her strength was no match for his and she slid back again, unable to hold him off. Kie disappeared and attacked from the rear, thrusting her blade forwards at an incredible rate, as she attempted to skewer him. Jisano avoided them with ease, then knocked her blade and prepared for his offensive. He swung with might and managed to pin her weapon to the ground, then kicked her in the chest, watching her fly backwards, until she crashed into a building behind them. His reiatsu at full strength now, he was unstoppable. Even though she was using her Bankai, he had released his Shikai before they had made first contact - because of their bond, he and Kiwamaru were able to understand each other to the point where he could release it without even using the release command. With the both aspects of his Shikai released, too, his attacks were gradually getting stronger, while his speed and responses were just as fast as hers. The benefits of a legendary blade.

Kie released her reiatsu, like an explosion, blowing the building away and leaping forwards with frustration finally beginning to show. 'What the hell are you?! You're a monster... how can you fight me with your Shikai, while I'm using my Bankai...?!

Jisano's features stayed the same, serious, unyielding. 'Why? Because I'm the strongest! Kiwamaru is my Zanpakuto, the twin legendary blade, that goes hand in hand with Kiwamete... it allows me incredible power. When I fought that lame Captain, Shen, or whatever his name was, he had no chance against me... even putting up a good fight, he still lost badly, being unable to fight me with the powers he had. You're the same. You don't have the strength to fight me... not with how powerful my reiatsu is... no one outclasses me, not even in the Juzo Hosho.'

'How condescending of you... to label me as someone with not enough strength to fight off an opponent. You might be tough, but you're still just another opponent - someone who can, and will, be beaten. I swear it with every fibre of my being, that I will end you!'

'Shut the hell up, you stupid woman! You don't know what you're talking about... you can't beat me, because you are an inferior slut! You lack the skill to even fight me... if it wasn't a warm-up, I would've destroyed you back there, when I first came to rescue that idiot over there.'

Sumiko sent a glare his way, at his words, but kept silent. Kie, on the other hand, flared up with anger. 'How dare you call me a slut! You filthy, despicable man!!! You lack even the common grace to exchange conversation with another person. Like I said earlier, I'm going to teach you some manners! Hado No. 88, Hiryu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho!' The Kido was released right in front of Jisano, swallowing him up and obscuring him from sight. Kie used another Kido spell, Raikoho, releasing a massive burst of lightning, where the previous Hado had hit. The explosion combined with the first and it grew massive. Kie waited, thinking that he must have sustained some serious damage from being hit point-blank by the two different Kidous. She needn't have bothered. When the smoke cleared, he was still standing there, completely unhurt, though his shihakusho had taken some damage and was ripped and burnt in several places.

'No... what in the world...?

She shouldn't have hesitated, either, because the ugly look on Jisano's face was serious, real and now he was pissed off, to boot. She focused again, but it was far too late and his Zanpakuto stabbed her in the shoulder, then was withdrawn and stabbed into the ground, as drew his fist back and punched her brutally in the chest, then kicked her again, sending her flying, but also drawing his blade out from the dirt, at the end of the movement, but fluidly, then shunpoed and kicked her downwards. Kie smashed into the ground, coughing and spluttering, as Jisano drew back and stared her down, a vein seeming to throb in his forehead. Whoever he was, he wasn't the kind of man to take lightly. Kie drew herself up, beginning to show the toll taken from her injuries. Even though she'd been wearing her Bankai armor, his strength was great enough that it had cracked it in several places and had bruised her when the fist had slammed into her chest, then the leg to the mid-section. He was really strong. And she was fighting him. She'd have to find some kind of way to defeat him.

'Bakudo No. 63, Rikorojoro!' Kie shouted, and several yellow spikes of energy were thrust into Jisano. He looked down at them, looked back up at her and burst into laughter.

'What is so funny, Captain?' Kie asked him in frustration.

Jisano didn't reply, but instead allowed his reiatsu to shimmer and gather into a large cloud around him, in fact it continued to grow and grow, until Kie was shaking with its magnitude. Moment's later, the Bakudo shattered and he stepped towards her again. It seemed that nothing would stop him, even when she was using Bankai. She seized her halberd and shunpoed, reaching him swiftly and bringing her blade downwards at him. He blocked it easily, and shoved her way, then sliced sideways. Kie leaped back, unable to swing her halberd in such close-combat, but it saved her from being cleaved in two. Jisano didn't halt this time and continued his assault, slashing at her continually and not allowing her any room for a breather. The attacks were getting stronger and stronger and she was beginning to feel fear now. How could his attacks keep getting stronger??? It didn't make any sense. Even if it was the special ability of his blade, surely it couldn't allow him to swing with any more strength than it was now, or was she just being naive? Either way, if something wasn't done, she wouldn't be walking out of here alive.

(I wasn't sure if I should leave Link the chance to reply and she what she can do with this fight, or just finish it straight away... if it was to be finished straight away, then I'll edit later, but I have to get to bed now, otherwise I won't wake up on time for work.)

{Enigma of 11: A Heart of Undying}

With Enma releasing Namakubi, the twin kodachi lengthened slightly, and he clumsily swung with a direct attack straight for Gyako’s head. Gyako easily avoided the strike and grabbed the offending left arm, delivering a hefty blow to the exposed limb, severely fracturing it and making Enma holler in agony, before sending him flying away with a powerful kick to his torso. Enma crashed heavily on his back a distance away but quickly got to his feet having seemingly recovered from the hit.

Enma: *fear tinges his tone* You Hoshō bastard!

He flash stepped behind Gyako, swinging wildly for his head, and attempting to mix his assault with stabs and slashes. Gyako tracked the movement and nonchalantly parried and deflected the strikes before quickly reversing the situation and putting Enma on the defensive. After having his skilful slashes parried Gyako found an opening, pushed away Enma’s right arm, and prepared to slice him across his exposed chest when something caught his eye. His distracted gaze instantly fell upon Enma’s other arm; something didn’t look right. Something was registering as off.
In that moment, Enma used Gyako’s distracted state to his advantage and aimed a decapitating slash at his head with his right blade. The Jūzō Hoshō Lieutenant quickly regained his focus and shifted his head to the side, watching agitatedly as his opponent’s blade sliced into his cheek. Enma’s advantage did not last long however and Gyako instantly reaffirmed his dominance, mixing his sword strikes with trained Hakuda, before creating an opening and attacking with a palm thrust to the chest and followed with a swift uppercutting kick that struck Enma cleanly in the jaw, sending him hurtling backwards. Not giving him much time to recover, Gyako quickly rushed towards Enma’s supine body and, with both hands gripping the hilt of his blade, he swung his zanpakutō down with a heavy chop. Enma, reacting quickly, rolled out of harm’s way before his he was vertically bisected, watching with some relief as he saw the chop create a long but shallow fissure from impact, and then hastily stood to his feet, readying himself for Gyako’s next attack.
Gyako flash-stepped to his left side and brought his blade sweeping upwards. The initial strike was blocked, but Gyako’s momentum allowed him to bring his body round and swiftly launch a head-bound kick. Enma hastily ducked under the kick, evasively rolled forwards and turned back around to meet another downward slash with both kodachi. The two continued to clash and trade blows, with their reiatsu fluctuating accordingly, but anyone could see it was a one-sided fight. Gyako was quite clearly dominating. But despite this, Gyako hadn’t actually managed to land any damaging cuts yet; Enma was putting up a decent defensive display.

Gyako: This is way too easy. It’s not his physical strength that’s lacking, he might even be as physically strong as me. No… it’s his skill. I thought he was being modest when he said he wasn’t accomplished with his swordsmanship, but I feel like I’m fighting a 3rd or even 4th Seat officer. How is this man a Lieutenant, let alone one of the Division centred on direct sword-based combat. He doesn’t even look like he wants to fight. It makes no sense… is his Captain this ignorant? (Pulling away for a moment he fired a heavy Sōkatsui in Enma’s direction) I guess I might as well finish this quickly and return to my Captain’s side. (He aims his palm in Enma’s direction) Shakkahō!

The crimson energy blast rocketed past an evasive Enma who then found himself dealing with a low flying strike to his leg. Having had his strike parried by Enma’s right blade, he skilfully slid his blade around Enma’s, changing to a reverse grip as he did so, and aimed a decapitating slash for his neck, immediately eliciting a hasty block from Enma’s left blade. Gyako smirked as he instantly grabbed Enma’s right arm with his free hand and, after deflecting Enma’s left arm and quickly changing back to a normal grip, brought his blade down in an arcing slash that cut deep into the man’s body. Enma’s eyes widened and blood spurted generously, before Gyako ended the assault with a merciless kick square to the chest, sending Enma flying backwards. Gyako re-sheathed his blade and turned to walk off as Enma landed on his back in the dirt.

Gyako: (He wipes off the blood trickling from the cut on his face) Far too easy. No wonder the Gotei needed help fighting off the Shirub if this is their level of power. Captain Meibatsu I’ll be right –

Enma: Hadō #31 Shakkahō!!

Gyako’s eyes widened and the sheer shock that coursed through his body slowed his reactions, preventing him from avoiding the Hadō, as he was engulfed by the high-temperature blast of energy. As the blast subsided, Enma watched with a subtle yet devious grin as a slightly burned Gyako stared back at him in disbelief.

Gyako: (He gazes at the area where he had slashed Enma only moments ago to find it completely healed; the damage to Enma’s shihakushō was clear, but Enma himself looked perfectly fine) Impossible… I almost bifurcated the man…! He should be near dead!?

Emotions got the better of him and he charged at Enma, his blade ready to cleave Enma to pieces. Enma’s grunted in seeming approval and he confidently blocked and parried Gyako’s initial strikes with a renewed determination. As Gyako pressed harder and more furiously he began to notice something about Enma that he had missed from the outset. Enma’s seemingly outward fear of battle was very subtly hiding his great battle lust; Gyako could swear that Enma was actually enjoying himself.
Gyako ground his teeth in a mix of confusion and frustration at his opponent’s mentality and consciously decided to take his swordplay up a notch, bypassing Enma’s lacklustre defensive sword strokes and delivering a series of nasty cuts and slashes to Enma’s arms and body.

Gyako: (He rapidly pulls back when Enma instantly retaliates with swift slashes from both blades and watches in incredulity as the cuts he had just inflicted healed back to normal) That’s not Kaidō… that’s high-speed regeneration? Does he have some sort of Hollow-power or maybe he’s a product of their Research Division??

Gyako quickly shifted back on to the offensive and resumed his assault, overwhelming Enma with his swordsmanship and Hakuda but ultimately going through the same process of cutting him and watching his wounds heal. He cursed in frustration and drove once again into attack, launching a wild on-handed strike that forced Enma to block with both blades. He didn’t let up and launched a furious tirade of single-armed rapid slashes.

Gyako: (His body permeates a red energy as he draws out a kanji symbol with his free hand, then thrusts his hand forward) Bakudō #9 Geki! (The red energy engulfs Enma’s body as the Bakudō paralyses him and using Enma’s temporary paralysis to his advantage, he cleaves straight through Enma’s left arm) You’re finished!! No-one survives being impaled directly through the heart!!

With momentous force, Gyako ruthlessly drove his zanpakutō straight through Enma’s chest and out from his back, with Enma coughing up blood almost immediately after receiving the grievous hit. Gyako panted but barely had time to think before Enma’s left arm rapidly regenerated from the stump with the Gotei Lieutenant instantly grabbing Gyako’s sword wrist with vice-like strength.

Enma: Bakudō #1 Sai. (Gyako gritted his teeth in frustration as he free arm locked behind his back with an excited smirk appearing on Enma’s face) I’m sure you’ve been wondering for a while now, so I’ll tell you. I wasn’t made Vice-Captain for my underwhelming fighting abilities, I was made Vice-Captain because of my mastery over my zanpakutō, Namakubi!!

Gyako’s eyes widened in horror as Enma drove his right kodachi straight into the former’s stomach. With a sharp twist of the blade, causing Gyako to yell out in agony, Enma sent him skid bouncing away with a violent headbutt, his blade sliding out of Enma’s chest as he went.

Enma: (His ruptured heart and pierced chest rapidly regenerates back to normal and he telekinetically summons his left blade back to his hand) Don’t get me wrong Hoshō bastard, a pierced heart would be fatal for anyone else. But Namakubi gifts me with the ultimate defence; matter how many times you slash and pierce me, I’ll regenerate, vital organs and all! Victory for you is impossible!

Gyako: (He heatedly gets to his feet) Well then… I guess I won’t cut you anymore. (His red-orange reiatsu builds and becomes visible) Solidify, Maguma Chikara. (As his shikai activates, his body seems to become immersed in fierce flames, scalding steam and dripping, molten rock) Well then Vice-Captain, let’s see how your zanpakutō’s abilities handle this…

{Sapphire Existence}

Yushi Kenronri: Jūkirinuki Ichishunji!

Yushi disappeared from sight, moving even faster than he'd had been after first assuming Bankai, then reappeared in front of Yani, slashing rapidly at him. Yani went to block, but found that his weapon struck nothing and, as Yushi stopped tens of metres behind him, Yani, his eyes widening and breath catching in his throat, began to fall to the ground after the ten cuts inflicted upon his body erupted in a shower of blood.
Yushi panted deeply as a single bead of sweat began to form on his brow. Moving at such speeds was tiring. But his opponent was done for now. So it came as an unwelcome surprise when a long sapphire spike suddenly drove through his foot. Yushi winced in growing annoyance as blood seeped slowly from the wound. If he was to ever lose his cool it would be today, but for now his emotions would be kept firmly in check. As suddenly as the first, several more thin sapphire spikes suddenly shot from the ground in an attempt to skewer him from all directions. Yushi hurriedly swiped at the spike piercing his foot and yanked his foot upwards, freeing it, then hastily leaped and barani somersaulted forwards before landing, facing Yani, who was staggeringly getting to his feet using the sapphire around him as aid. Yushi stared at the Gotei Captain in disdain. Yani’s body was a mess of blood, cuts, bruises and burns and he was holding himself up using pillars of sapphire protruding from the ground. The man didn’t even have his replacement sapphire arm anymore. But despite it all, he still had a shakeable resolve burning brightly in his eyes.

Yani Kohei: What did I tell you Hoshō Captain… with Seigyoku Sekai spreading sapphire around our battlefield… I have the advantage!

Yushi just looked at him, his face a blank emotionless slate, but Yani could see through it. He could see how Yushi really felt. And it irritated him. It irritated him the way Yushi’s looked at him. How he just stared with such eyes. Yushi did not have to say it. Yani could see it clearly, eyes that screamed, “I pity your struggle”. The arrogance Yani perceived needed to be crushed, even if he had to die crushing it. He staggered as he stood without aid and pointed his spear in Yushi’s direction causing a flytrap-like structure to sprout from the ground from around where he was standing. Yushi was savvy enough to flash step out of the way before the structure snapped shut on him and, locking Yani in his sights, began sprinting towards him.

Yushi Kenronri: I would tell you to cease your vapidly determined actions, but I know words won’t penetrate that thick skull of yours… *under his breath* they never did…

Yushi seemed to glide towards Yani, aptly avoiding the frantically protruding sapphire spikes that were rising from the ground. He somersaulted over another incoming sapphire whip and then fired Ōkasen, letting the yellow fire blast wash over Yani’s location. As expected, Yani quickly raised a curved sapphire wall to protect him, but, having already predicted this action Yushi was already behind him readying a finishing blow. To Yushi’s surprise the sapphire wall continued to extend and curl over Yani’s head, slamming down behind him and blocking the imminent strike before abruptly extending long sapphire spikes, immediately forcing Yushi to evasively flash step to safety. Yushi clicked his tongue irritatedly and began to formulate another plan of action to fell his stubborn adversary. Meanwhile, Yani panted heavily, perspiration abundant, another coating of liquid forming on the battered canvas of his body. He gripped his spear tightly and turned his head to look at his foe standing motionlessly in the distance.

Yani Kohei: Damn it… my body won’t move! It’s just a struggle to keep myself upright… should I use it? Will I be able to hold it long enough to put this bastard down? Arrrgghh…!! (He grimaces as his muscles stiffen; still looking at Yushi, he yells out and exerts his reiatsu when he notices his foe suddenly start racing towards him) No time to think, just do! *roars* Seigyoku Sonzai!!!

As soon as the words were spoken, sapphire began to creep up from the ground, enveloping Yani’s body, and he clenched his jaw as Yushi quickly closed down the space between them. Just as the sapphire closed around the top of Yani’s head, Yushi appeared in front of him and, as his great momentum took him past, he viciously swiped his blade forward, cleaving straight through Yani’s torso and sending sapphire shards scattering everywhere. As he stopped several tens of metres away, he turned around to look at his Gotei counterpart. His eye twitched in seething exasperation. Yani, entire body crystallized and transformed completely into sapphire, turned around to face Yushi, as the gaping slash through his torso was filled by sapphire.

Yani Kohei: (He flexes his sapphire body as he begins to reform his left arm) *his voice sounds crystalline* Still feels a bit stiff, but it’ll have to do. (With both arms now at his disposal, he skilfully twirls his spear in his hands before stopping in an offensive stance; his sapphire eyes gaze determinedly into Yushi’s) *roaring *How many times do I have to say it Hoshō Captain!!!

Without another word, Yani dashed headlong at Yushi, a spiky trail of sapphire following in his wake and his resolve burning brighter than ever.

[Molten Blade]

'Solidify, Maguma Chikara!' Gyako replied brazenly. 'Let's see how your Zanpakuto handles the repercussions of my blade!'

Gyako allowed his orange/red reiatsu to shroud him, as his arms and body began to undergo the process of becoming molten rock, also known as magma. Stifling as it was, Enma didn't seem to be particularly affected, much to Gyako's surprise, though that would change swiftly. His blade began to steam, though it had not changed from a regular katana, it was now sporting a blade that was dripping magma and dripping it onto the ground.

'There is nothing you can do to me that will cause me harm and my blade won't be able to heal... if I were you, I would give up right now.'

'As if. I would never back down from a fight so easily... I'm sure you hold every belief that I will, but it's not going to happen... don't be so optimistic. Besides, your abilities aren't exactly something that require worrying about. You can't reach me with your current level of swordsmanship and you can't regenerate forever - if you had forgotten, everything requires spirit energy to utilise... if you simply stay there and regenerate the whole fight, then you'll never beat me.'

'Looking at your Shikai, I imagine you'll be using more energy than I will be. It seems like it's got a lot of unnecessary power.'

What was he talking about? Already he had incorrectly gauged Gyako's abilities... the level of this Soul Reaper was glaringly obvious... he couldn't win, not even with such a powerful Zanpakuto...

'I'll just say this, Lieutenant... it is obvious how this fight is going to turn out. A Soul Reaper depends on all of his abilities to survive. Someone like you doesn't stand a chance... you can't rely on speed and just your Zanpakuto to keep you alive in battle - you must also use your own strength and skills to survive in a fight... now I shall prove that theory. Izumi Maguma!

Gyako slammed his Zanpakuto into the ground, releasing a wave of superheated rock downwards and into the crust of the lower levels. Moments later, 'fountains' of magma began to erupt from the ground, but randomly and difficult to predict. Enma waited, as he tried to sense where it was going to erupt from. He moved, swiftly, and avoided a fountain, then stayed still waiting again. Gyako shunpoed, his red-orange reiatsu erupting around his body and slammed his blade into Enma's mid-section, the Lieutenant rocketed towards the ground and, as Gyako had planned, right into the spout of one the fountains. The ground exploded in a flurry of magma and smoke mixed with debris. Enma re-emerged, his body already regenerated.

'See? Despite the obvious power of your blade, you still can't injure me. It is the ultimate defense, Lieutenant. I can regenerate anything.'

'What about if I stabbed you in the heart, or in the brain? Would you still regenerate then?' Gyako said, leering.

Enma didn't answer, but launched a counterattack, clearly sick of listening to Gyako. He disappeared, still quicker than Gyako and thrust his blade at his body. Gyako parried with his Zanpakuto and drips of molten rock hissed and fell to the ground, splattering around them. Gyako spun quickly and cut into Enma's arm, which left a nasty cut, which turned into an even larger burn.

'Well, I can't imagine how you'd beat me, since you can't even cut me... but, I'll let you entertain that. You didn't answer before, either. I'm going to assume that you can't and that's why you didn't answer me.'

Gyako grabbed Enma's blade with one hand and it began to superheat from the heat given off by his body, immersed with the magma. With the other hand, Gyako thrust his blade directly into Enma's heart. The Shinigami's eyes popped open and he fell slowly to the ground, crashing in a heap. Gyako stood for a moment, waiting, watching, then, just as he was about to seal his Shikai, he felt a blade pierce his ribs and pulled free, then stepped back, as Enma came back into view.

'The answer to your question is 'yes'...'

Huh. Apparently, there's no official incantation for Danku. Weird.

[Dissolved Motivations]

A hailstorm of arrows sailed through the air endlessly. Aexus was forced to deflect them with his sword as he charged forward, unable to flee elsewhere. It hadn’t taken long for him to realize that taking cover would not benefit him. Since his opponent was both faster and capable of long distant attacks, trying to put anything between them would actually harm Aexus since he would lose sight of Yvon in that moment.

Yvon didn’t seem to be deterred by Aexus direct approach. He stood his ground as he drew more tooriame arrows, sending salvo after salvo in Aexus direction, attempting to force the captain into submission with pure number. Aexus had noticed that, thanks to the focus on strength in numbers, he could block these arrows without a problem so long as he wasn’t distracted by anything else. Yvon could have easily disrupted Aexus’ momentum by firing Tekkoudan, but for some reason opted not to. Aexus had the suspicion that Yvon had taken his approach as a challenge and didn’t want to do anything that could be interpreted as him giving in.

That suited Aexus just fine.

“Bakudo # 39: Enkosen!”

Aexus called forth the kido spell just as soon as he came within a good enough range. He formed the yellow spinning disc in the air in front of him as he abruptly picked up speed, not bothering to swing his sword anymore. The approaching tooriame glanced off of the shield that protected him, allowing him to cross the last stretch of distance instantly, appearing before Yvon with his blade ready to cut throw Yvon’s body.

Yvon’s hand moved with expert skill, quickly moving to the lower quiver of arrows to draw a long tekkoudan arrow and pulled it tight on his bow. He fired it without hesitation, aiming to pierce straight through Aexus’ body. The Enkosen spell shattered easily under the piercing force of the armor piercing arrow, but Aexus managed to evade at the last second, shifting his body just in time to avoid the attack. He then immediately vanished from sight, causing Yvon’s eyes to narrow.

Yvon quickly seperated his bow into two blades and blocked the invisible slash that nearly reached his neck. Aexus reappeared with a dark grimace on his face as frustration welled up inside him.

“AAAARRRGGGHHHHH!”

Aexus blade came down again and again frantically as he continued to slash mercilessly at Yvon. Yvon deflected the blade again and again without hesitation, each attack being carefully deflected.

“Were you in better shape and mentally sound,” Yvon spoke while keeping his unwavering eyes on Aexus. “Your invisibility might have proven to be a threat, since my attacks depend on my sharp eyes. But I suppose this is the extent of your resolve.”

Yvon deflected the next strike and brought his other hand around, striking Aexus across the face with the hilt of his short blade. Aexus reeled back for a moment, stunned, but quickly slashed at Yvon again with his blade. Yvon caught the attack by locking the blade with his own and gripping Aexus’ fist with two of his fingers. Aexus immediately tried to retreat by Yvon stepped forward in time with him and brought his forehead down on Aexus’ nose, breaking it under the force. He then released Aexus and pushed him back, sending the man stumbling until he tripped and fell. Yvon grimaced and shook his head back and forth.

“I must have been mistaken.” He sighed as he turned his back to the man. “You can hardly be a soldier, let alone a captain. Sumiko might as well have killed you without taking your life. It’s hardly worth the fight.”

“Don’t you…turn your back to me!”

Yvon side stepped to avoid the swing that aimed to bisect him and he brought his blade around to slash through the man. Aexus blocked the attack with his own sword, stopping the strike cold. Yvon stared into Aexus’ eyes carefully, as if searching for something.

“How long do you intend to waver?”

“Shut up, you murderous bastard!”

Aexus brought his sword back to swing down once more, but Yvon hopped back to make sure he had no target. Aexus clicked his tongue as he raised one hand while jumping back himself.

“Hado #33: Sokatsui!”

Aexus fired the next spell just as soon as the blue fire left his palm.

“Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! Hado #63: Raikoho!”

Yellow lightning burst forth from Aexus palm, following right behind the first spell, not even a second behind it thanks to the speed of its abrupt movement and lightning-like form. Yvon stood firm as he held his own hand up.

“Danku.”

The transparent barrier erected itself before Yvon and the two spells crashed into it without breaking through, sending smoke and debris everywhere. Aexus skidded to a halt several feet away and narrowed his eyes as he tried to see through the debris as the dust began to settle.

What he saw first was the approaching hailstorm of arrows.

“Shit!”

Aexus jumped back several feet to give himself more time as his body blended in with his surroundings once more. Yvon’s sharp eyes pierced right through the settling dust around him and pinpointed the area where he saw several of his arrows being deflected in midair and he aimed his tekkoudan arrow at that spot, loosing it with a fluid movement. The arrow pierced right through and Aexus reappeared with a shocked expression on his face as he held his side, where a hole had been opened up in his body. He landed on the ground unsteadily as blood began to drool from his body, covering the ground below him.

“Being reckless can be good at time, but not if you have no goals.” Yvon spoke aloud as he strode forward, separating his bow into two blades once more. “You entered this battle dazed and confused, and that will bring about your death. It’s not the most shameful of deaths, but certain you can see where you went wrong?”

{Self-Healing Blade}

Gyako winced from the puncture to his body but fought through the pain and parried Enma’s following strikes. The two clashed furiously with Gyako continually finding openings, slashing away with his magma engulfed blade and watching Enma continuously regenerate from all of the successful strikes that he was landing on his body. As far as outcomes were concerned the battle between Lieutenants was proving to be relatively equal, with neither officer preparing to let up or surrender and, although Gyako was proving to be the superior combatant, Enma’s shikai effectively neutralized that advantage. They continued to clash and Gyako ended a sequence of attacks with a powerfully simple kick that repelled Enma several tens of metres backwards.

Gyako: Bakudō #4 Hainawa! (The crackling rope of yellow energy leaves his hand and quickly coils around Enma’s body, immobilizing him) Hadō #11 Tsuzuri Raiden!

The electrical current rushed through the Bakudō binding Enma and sternly electrocuted him, leaving his body slightly burned and lightly smoking. Despite this, Enma almost instantly recovered from the electrical damage but grimaced when his body appeared to remain stunned from the electrical properties of the Hadō. A satisfied expression formed on Gyako’s face and he capitalized on Enma’s immobility, launching at him, both hands gripping the hilt of his zanpakutō, as he readied to strike. Just as Gyako’s magma engulfed blade looked like it would pierce through his throat, Enma broke free from the Bakudō binding him with a startling yell and, in one fluid set of movements, he simultaneously tilted his head to the right, threw his left blade at Gyako and then put his left hand in front of the incoming blade. As Enma’s left blade embedded itself in Gyako’s lower torso, Gyako’s entire blade cleanly drove straight through Enma’s hand, its magma coating leaving his hand with horrifying burns. Gyako’s face scrunched up in vexation when Enma grabbed the hilt with his impaled hand, preventing him from pulling the blade out; Gyako could tell that Enma was definitely registering pain from having a magma engulfed blade stuck through his hand and magma oozing down it, but one wouldn’t notice it from the expression on his face and the incredible strength of his grip on the hilt. Enma stared at his trapped opponent with a wily grin before raising his right blade and bringing it racing down, aiming to slice straight through Gyako’s arms. In extreme haste, Gyako instinctively yanked his blade as hard as he could, somehow freeing his blade from Enma’s grip, but he wasn’t fast enough as he watched his magma coated pinkie and ring fingers fall to the ground.

Gyako winced and pulled away whilst Enma, noticing the magma-filled hole in his hand regenerating a little too slow for his liking, immediately lopped it off with his right blade and, as it began to rapidly regenerate, telekinetically drew his left blade out from Gyako’s torso and back to his left hand. Not wanting to let his Gotei opponent have the satisfaction of superiority, Gyako pushed the injury to the back of his mind and immediately slamming his zanpakutō into the ground and activating Izumi Maguma. Having already experienced the technique’s lethality firsthand, Enma flash stepped directly at Gyako as the geysers of magma erupted randomly from the ground within his vicinity. Sure, he could easily regenerate off the damage of having his body smothered in boiling magma but that still didn’t reduce the pain from such an attack; being burned by magma hurt bad! Enma pressed Gyako backwards as magma spouted in random spots around them. Despite seemingly on the backfoot, Gyako allowed Enma to push him and, immediately after parrying a series of consecutive slashes, Gyako pushed off away from Enma just as another geyser of molten rock erupted underneath the 11th Division Lieutenant.

Gyako was about to ready himself to attack once more but was left in a surprised and horrified state when Enma came hurtling out of the magma fountain, completely unslowed by its eruption and his entire body still somewhat covered by the magma. But it wasn’t the fact that the magma gusher failed to slow Enma that shocked Gyako, but more that he was still able to move perfectly in his state. Enma smirked deviously as the magma dripped off of his horrifically burned body and continued to attack Gyako while parts of his skeleton and muscles were still exposed and his face was still a severely burned skeletal mess.
Gyako cursed in incredulity as the last of the magma slopped off Enma’s body and it rapidly regenerated back to normal. He frowned in disbelief as what he was seeing registered properly in his mind. He was facing a person with a level of high-speed regeneration more powerful than that of Hollows. Than that of Visored. Than that of Arrancar. It was unheard of. How was he supposed to kill a man who could just shrug off the damage and regenerate back to normal like it was nothing?

Noticing Gyako’s wavering resolve, Enma took advantage of the situation and charged in on the offensive. With his reiatsu being affected proportionately, Enma’s reiatsu began to overwhelm Gyako’s and he launched a relentless assault on the magma-wielding Lieutenant. The tables had turned and even with Enma’s clearly lower skill-set, he was pressing the Hoshō officer and coming dangerously close to inflicting some serious damage. After finding an opening, Enma cracked him in the head with a wild haymaker sending him recoiling backwards from the heavy blow.

Gyako: (As he fell, thoughts rush through his mind until it lands on an image of his Captain, Jisano Meibatsu; suddenly the image starts speaking to him) Jisano Meibatsu: You are a worthless piece of shit, Gyako… don't come back, if you lose... you won't have a place in my squad anymore!! (Thinking about his Captain’s words his eyes sparkle with fighting spirit) *under his breath* He’s right. If I lose here, I’ll be nothing more than a worthless piece of shit… (He looks Enma straight in the eyes as the Gotei Lieutenant bears down on him from above) I refuse to let you down Captain!

It was almost as if someone had jump-started his heart as Gyako’s reiatsu increased back to full strength explosively, much to Enma’s chagrin, and he confidently blocked his opponent’s downward slashes before rolling out of the way. His resolve rejuvenated, Gyako quickly returned to his feet and launched straight back into attack, furiously attacking with a tirade of deadly slashes that forced Enma to defend himself again. Gyako switched his blade into his left hand and feinted skilfully giving him an opportunity to strike. Leaving no time to recover, he threw his body forward with conviction, punching straight through Enma’s right shoulder with his bubbling magma-enlarged fist, taking a fair portion of arm and chest with it.

Gyako: (Enma, gritting his teeth, turns his head and stared in anguish as his right arm begins to regenerate) I will not rest until I have rent your body to the point where even you cannot regenerate from it.

Be One

Kie ground her teeth as she blocked yet another ridiculously strong strike from her new opponent, careful to avoid losing her footing as she maneuvered around him and twirled her blade, managing to catch just behind his knee. He lost his balance momentarily, yet still managed to raise his sword above his head in time to stop the massive downward strike from her halberd. He seemed to buckle under the pressure, but he slipped away regardless, appearing just behind her. She whirled around and, with immense force, her halberd collided with his weapon. Because of her footing, she was rooted to the ground while he was sent sliding and rolling several hundred feet before righting himself. He glared at her, shouted some indiscernible obscenity, and rushed for her again. Kie snorted and raised her zanpakuto again, determined to stop the manner-less brute, when she suddenly found herself very fatigued. While she had successfully blocked the attack, she crumpled to her knees beneath the force, pinned between the ground and a very sharp sword. The circular piece of the blade came dangerously close to her neck, but she managed to maneuver her halberd just so that the shaft was caught in the center of the circle. When she twisted it again, it was wrenched from his grip, pinwheeling several meters from them. As he glared at her and attempted to retrieve it, she grabbed hold of his left arm and yanked. Hard.

He let out a slight yelp, and she proceeded to kick him away from her, rolling out from her small crater. She stood with her halberd held by both hands and waited for him to attack her again. She watched him hold his shoulder delicately as he sauntered over to his misplaced zanpakuto and removed it from the rock it had lodged itself in. He turned a pair of blazing eyes to her.

“You damn bitch! You dislocated my fucking shoulder!” he shouted threateningly. Kie was unfazed.

“And I’m not going to give you a chance to fix it either,” she replied as she appeared before him. His eyes widened slightly as her free hand found its way to his exposed abdomen and he was sent careening into a pile of rubble. He rose from it and dashed from within the smoke, attempting to behead her as he passed. She held her halberd vertically in front of her, blocking the angry strike. As it connected with her halberd, she propelled herself upward and twisted the weapon around Jisano’s blade arm, throwing him off-balance enough for his right flank to be momentarily exposed. She slammed the blunt end of the shaft into his side, hearing many of his ribs crack before he was thrown away by the force. She quickly followed his trail, slamming him into the ground with her foot.

“Judgement,” Jisano spat as he rose from the dirt and slammed his foot into her face, sending her flying hundreds of feet before she slid to a halt. She took a knee as she watched him approach, holding her wounds from her previous engagement. She was gasping for air, albeit quietly, and watching Jisano with an extremely wary eye. He seemed to be uninterested in her, but as he stared, she began to understand. He wasn’t evaluating her, he was evaluating something she had done. Suddenly the meaning of the name ‘Kiwamaru’ made very much sense to her.

She waited with baited breath as he walked circles around her, gripping his zanpakuto loosely, and seemingly looking right into her soul. Her stomach turned at the thought. It was when his brow twisted in surprise that she knew he’d found what he had been looking for. “Interesting. Two crimes that are worthy of being punished by my blade is rare. While the first one is shrouded in shadows and difficult to pinpoint, the second is clear as day!”

“I already understand what you’re talking about, Jisano,” she practically spat. “Just get on with it, you pig.”

“Fine, if that’s how you wanna play it,” he snarled. Raising his blade and pointing it at her he began to raise his own spiritual power to extreme levels. His spiritual pressure was suffocating, and she felt as though if she were to reach out she would be able to touch it. “Judgement of Destruction!”

She was unprepared for the onslaught that followed his declaration. He rocketed forward, slicing through her armor as though it was nonexistent and her right flank was covered in blood before she knew it. She turned, fully prepared to block the strike she knew would follow, but he wasn’t there. Instead, he appeared to her left, thrusting his blade through her shoulder and pinning her to the ground.

Even when she managed to slip out from underneath him, her body was soon covered in cuts and lacerations from his blade, many of them bleeding badly. Try as she may, she wouldn’t be able to evade his strikes, only roll with them.

She twisted her body, bringing her halberd around and slicing through his side, and she received yet another injury to her leg, just above the knee. She winced as she felt his blade pierce her left flank, but she turned and slammed her knuckles into his face. He recoiled, but his assault wasn’t interrupted in the slightest as he continued to strike her without remorse. She was quickly on the defensive again, doing the best she could to stop him with her limited strength. As he came at her with an unbelievably strong downward swipe, she was unable to block it in time. She cried out as his blade once again passed through her armor and cut deeply into her torso. Jisano quickly followed up with a Sho, throwing her into the side of her barracks. She slid down the wall, leaving a large crater behind. Her breastplate fell to the ground, having been bisected by the attack. Blood rolled down her body as she lay motionless by the walls, pooling beneath her. Jisano flash stepped and squatted a few feet from her, taking the moment of respite to jerk his shoulder back into place.

[Play First Song - repeat if necessary]

“You’re a pathetic piece of shit,” he snorted. Kie didn’t respond, her pain forcing her to clench her teeth and remain silent. Red tinged her sight as she looked up at the Juzo Hosho Captain before her. “Weak. Not even worth my time,” he continued. “And I thought I could at least warm up on you.” He stood up and moved a bit closer, standing directly in front of her, and smiled devilishly. “By the Gotei Thirteen’s standards, you must have been a great captain - one of the best. But by our standards, especially mine, you are nothing more than the dirt beneath our feet.” He bent down slightly and hauled her to her feet by her shoulder and shoved her savagely against the wall, raising her up slightly, and looked her dead in the eye as he shoved his blade into her throat. Both of the blades of his pronged zanpakuto were buried in her flesh, blood leaking from the wounds. It rose up her throat like bile and spilled from her mouth steadily, soaking Jisano’s hand and arm. He simply gazed upon her eyes as the light left them and her twitching body slowly stopped moving. He ripped his sword from her neck, grunting in disgust as the whole front of his body was washed in crimson, and let her body fall to the ground. Wiping his blade on his own robes he began to turn away when he felt a hand grasp at his ankle feebly.

Turning his eyes to the ground, he was astonished to see her still breathing. Quickly getting over his shock, he scoffed and kicked her hand away. “If you aren’t dead now, you will be soon, you piss-off. Finally the space you occupy can be taken up by someone more formidable and worth fighting. If you don’t mind, I’ll be going now, to rip the out the throat of your Head Captain.”

“...” Kie was unable to speak, her throat rent asunder and her body growing cold. How could this happen… That man is… She coughed violently, blood staining both her face and the dirt. She clenched her fists and ground her teeth, working against the pain that wracked her body.

“Meibatsu…” she rasped. He swiveled his head, glaring at her through narrowed eyes. “W-what… was my c-crime?”

“In Ukishima Rakuen, attacking a Captain is a crime. The fact that you even exchanged blows with Sumiko is regarded as a crime in my book,” he explained. Kie noted that he was noticeably calmer now, and wondered if this is what he was like when he finally got serious. She smirked a bit as she attempted to lift herself off the ground.

A sickening scrunch could be heard by the two Juzo Hosho captains as they watched Kie stand once again. As she lifted her head, her neck could be seen twitching and snapping, righting itself from the previous abuse. The wounds were still open but they were no longer bleeding, merely giving them a glimpse into her flesh. Still breathing heavily, Kie held the wound on her chest gingerly. Both Jisano and Sumiko looked on, bewildered. The wound was no longer bleeding, and the skin was beginning to repair itself. Once it was sealed up, it left a nasty scar behind, and much bruising. It hadn’t been completely healed, but it was enough to prolong her life for a few moments. She slumped over for a moment before she raised her head to look Jisano in the eye.

“No… not that,” she replied, her voice still hoarse and scratchy. “My first crime. You judged me based on my battle with Sumiko. But there was another crime. Something there that you couldn’t see or comprehend-”

“You calling me stupid?” Jisano angrily swiped his blade across her throat again, unsurprised when there was minimal blood. Kie let out a surprised gurgle before she fell to her left knee and bowed her head. Once again, Kie’s body regenerated and she stood, holding her throat and shooting a pensive glare at Jisano.

“That was rude…” she stated quietly. “As I was saying, you couldn’t see my first crime because even I have refused to acknowledge it after all these years.”

Jisano raised a single brow.

“Even I, who prides myself on my honor and would do anything to protect my dignity, have done terrible things,” Kie explained, suddenly appearing slightly older and more world weary. She seemed to lose a bit of her luster. “I cannot erase the things I did. I have refused to acknowledge them for over a thousand years, and yet they have now come back to haunt me.”

Kie stared at the ground in sadness and a hint of anger, and Jisano was confused. He was unsure as to the cause of her change in demeanor, but finding out would take longer than he’d have liked.

“You will be imprisoned for your crimes! One-thousand and one-hundred years! You will spend it in a cell, regretting your mistakes, Lieutenant.”

“You see, in the past I was a lieutenant to the Captain of the Eleventh Squad. The Kenpachi.” Kie looked Jisano in the eye, wary of his impatience. “I was different back then. You could see through my facade so easily… it was like a thin veil that barely hid the turmoil inside my soul.” Jisano kicked her into the ground once again, staring at her as she lay pitifully in the bloodied dirt.

”Sir, she’s at it again. Speaking to herself. She won’t quit - it’s almost like she actually thinks there is someone there to talk to. Like she thinks she has a cellmate.”

“Some say that the disorders we were born with as humans can return to us as soul reapers,” Kie continued, locking eyes with her adversary despite her position. “My hunch was that this was true, and that I was an example of it.” He slammed his foot into her throat over and over in an attempt to snap her neck.

”Studying her Zanpakuto, they've found an anomaly. A split spirit - one filled with anger and pent up hatred, and the other filled with benevolent kindness and love. It’s manifest in two different blades, each with a unique release.”

“How is that even possible?”

“It stems from her own mind and soul. That theory that she wrote when she was still the lieutenant - it’s true.”

“The Carryover Theory? That can’t possibly be…”

“But it is. She predicted it and she was correct.”

“As a child I had been born with a disorder known as Multiple Personality.” Kie raised her right hand and stopped his foot, pushing him back and causing him to stumble. “When I became a soul reaper, it was carried over from death into this rebirth. This is the reason for my unique Zanpakuto - is because it mirrored the behaviors and emotions of my two halves.” Jisano’s eyes widened. “Normally, when one slips into their other mind, it is either very vague or they have no memory of it. This is what would eventually lead to what you saw in my memories.”

”When her blades were returned to her the other day, she went straight into Jinzen.”

“I would have thought the first thing she’d do was try to escape.”

“She knows she can’t. She isn’t strong enough. Her Bankai are both young, strong, but very unstable. She couldn’t escape if she tried. You know, even in that tiny cell, a person can train their abilities to perfection.”

“Still. Has she even left Jinzen yet?”

“No. The last I saw, she was still maintaining it. And that was three hours ago.”

“What could she possibly be doing?”

“One fateful night I had stormed off in a fit of rage,” Kie said as she bowed her head slightly. “And I am very ashamed to admit that, in my anger, I slaughtered many of the seated officers in my own squad.”

“You what?” Jisano questioned. He was suddenly quaking with anger, an anger that even he could not understand. He ground his teeth, trying to keep his new intrigue buried behind his rage.

“The face that I hide behind is merely one part of me. I smile to keep my own darkness at bay, but sometimes it must be let loose. On this particular night, it was an accident. I had never meant for my anger to get the better of me.” She felt her own voice begin to shake as she recalled the gruesome scene. She took a deep breath and carried on. “I became a criminal that night.”

She casually swiped her blade across the officers exposed chest, watching as the man before her crumpled to the ground in a lifeless heap of clothing and flesh. She then turned to her captain, brandishing her blade high above her head and brought it down in one fell swoop…

“I killed my Captain.”

She watched as his blade began to visibly shake as he was nearly consumed with anger. A vein pulsed on his forehead as he stared at her in complete disgust. He finally opened his mouth to speak. “You piece of shit…” Kie felt an impact to the center of her chest and felt the shock wave reverberate through her heart as she was sent sliding several meters from her position. she slammed into another wall and simply did nothing as Jisano proceeded to beat her savagely.

”Woman.”

“...”

“Oi. Hold your head up high, shinigami. You’re free to go.”

Her eyes were dull and glazed, and her body smelled of a millennium of must and sewage. Her hair was twisted in white-grey tendrils and wrapped around itself in a knotted mass, and what remained of her old shihakusho were tattered black rags. She merely stood and walked past the guard, both her stench and the potency of her spiritual pressure stopping him in his tracks.

“Hm. So it seems.”

As his temporary rage subsided, he let her body fall to the ground with a loud thud. He took a few deep and calming breaths before he turned his back on her. “I was wrong about you. You aren’t even worthy to be called the dirt beneath my feet.” He turned a blind eye to the woman who lay at his feet. “That’s too much of a fucking compliment, and I’ll be damned if I ever compliment an enemy.”

“So I see…” Kie replied, her voice tinged with a malice that had not been there before. Before Jisano could react, she held his ankle in a vice grip, nearly breaking it right then and there. After a moment of struggling, Jisano felt a strange force build up in his joint. He cried out in both surprise and pain as his bones were shattered in many different places, bent and twisted and mangled in ways that threatened to make even him sick to his stomach. He crumpled to the ground and quickly shuffled away from her, staring back in both pain and rage.

“You fucking bitch! What the hell did you do to my leg?!” he screeched, pointing his blade at her threateningly. He watched as she slowly got to her feet, using her own knees as support. She was hunched over herself in pain, and hissed as the massive wounds to her neck and chest began to reopen and bleed.

“My regeneration technique was ineffective and imperfect all those years ago, and even now… it grows weaker with each use...” she whispered to herself. she shook her head and raised her eyes to Jisano’s own and stared. “It’s a technique we Gotei Captains worked together to create many years ago. After my release from imprisonment, I was put in the Fourth Division, and later the Twelfth Division because of my intellect. When the Captain died of an unknown cause, I was promoted - even with the suspicion of another murder on my back. I suggested shortly after that all Captains get together and attempt to create a passive ability that can be used by those with great control over their own spiritual pressure. This was the result - ‘Densou Kossetsu.’ It allows those who use it to insert their spiritual pressure into the body of another and pinpoint the weakest places in their bone structure, but it will only work as far as joint to joint. As you can see, the damage did not spread past your knee.”

Jisano clenched his teeth, refusing to look at his mangled leg. He rose to his one remaining foot, his left, and glared at her fiercely. “I’ll fucking kill you…”

“I’m afraid that you cannot… or rather, will not,” she whispered. “You yourself will die.”

His eyes widened in momentary shock, but when he recovered his glare was scathing and his words vile. “You dare to say that you could kill me? In your state?! Fuck you! Fuck you and all the Gotei Thirteen! You’ll die here, I swear it!”

“Your words are shallow and your threats empty,” Kie observed, her voice retaining a hint of slight amusement. Kie suddenly doubled over, falling to her knees and hacking up copious amounts of blood. She braced herself against the ground as she dry-heaved and coughed violently, staining the ground before her a dark and disgusting black. “But then, your soul is the same, isn’t it?”

Jisano watched warily as she slowly reached for her halberd that lay off to one side, gripping at it feebly and slowly dragging it towards herself.

“Not a goddamn chance,” Jisano snarled as he appeared before her, kicking her swiftly in the jaw and shattering it in the process. She flopped onto her back and watched as Jisano thrust his blade into her abdomen, pinning her to the ground. She struggled against his immense strength for a moment before he removed his blade with a twist, dragging blood and entrails with him. She cried out in agony and curled in upon herself. She cupped the wound and stared at it helplessly for a moment as she watched the blood spill between her fingers in a steady stream. She nearly vomited as she felt her fingers entangled with things that belonged inside of her body, and she desperately tried to stem the flow.

“How the fuck does that feel, you damned shithead?” Jisano jibed, his cocky tone ringing in Kie’s ears.

[Play Second Song]

She could feel herself fading. Her body was refusing to move, and her fists were uncurling. She could hardly see, her vision tinged with darkness and blurring more and more by the second. Her heart was slowing its pace rapidly. She felt cold. Very cold. Her breaths were short and ragged, they hitched every so often, and Jisano could almost feel the pain that radiated from her body. Kie clutched as hard as should to the sight of the wound, but her grip was feeble and weak. She couldn't hold on much longer, and she knew that. But she couldn’t let them down. Yani, Senato, Akarui, Majo, Aexus, even Livius… they were counting on her. But how... How can I stand again...? Kie let out a small groan. My body is at its limit. There's no way...

A sudden image flashed through her mind. Kira. The redheaded Lieutenant was smiling happily on one of her days off. Followed closely by the Third and Fourth seats, Kira was as spirited and bubbly as ever. Her smile had always managed to somehow bring peace to Kie, even in times of distress.

Don't die. Kie could almost hear her. You hear me? Those words returned to the front of her mind as suddenly as they left, and she teared up.

"Captain?"

Kie turned to her lieutenant, paperwork in hand, and smiled. "Yes, Kira?"

"I heard about what happened to Nagaishi," she said quietly. "Is what I was told true? Did they really take away his reiryoku?"

Kie's smile faltered and was replaced by a thoughtful frown. She sighed. "Yes," she replied monotonously. "Yes, he is no longer in possession of his own power. They stripped him of it."

Kira frowned at the floor. "I can't believe this..." she muttered quietly. "How is that even possible?"

Kie turned to her second in command. "I don't know. All I do know is what Akarui told me - if we don't hand ourselves over to them willingly, we will be forced to fight them."

Kira looked up at that. "Battle the same people who sealed Sekhmet away? That could be considered suicide!

"And yet we must." Kie began to turn away, fully intending to get back to work.

"Why?" Kira asked, following her.

"It's our duty as Captains and Lieutenants of the Gotei Thirteen to defend against any who threaten us," Kie replied. "If the time comes to fight, then we must."

Kira slowed to a halt, hanging her head slightly. Kie turned to look at her, confused. She watched as her lieutenant turned her back to Kie. Slowly, Kira began to take small steps in the other direction. The Twelfth Division Captain had to keep herself from asking what was wrong. She herself turned around moments later, beginning to make her way back to her office, when Kira spoke again.

"Don't die," she had almost whispered. Kie froze. "You hear me? Don't die." Kie turned to her again, only to find herself still gazing at Kira's back. "I'll kill you if you do," she joked, flash stepping away. Kie smiled, once again feeling a great warmth in her chest as the bonds of their old friendship resurfaced, breaking through the mortar of their relationship as Captain and Lieutenant. She let out a slight chuckle and went on her way, a new spring in her step.

"That's right..." she whispered to herself. "I can't... give up..." she ground her teeth as she attempted moving, her arms twitching and jerking with the effort. "Kira would... kill me if I did." She smiled. "And... so would the others, I'm sure... Akarui, Majo... Aexus, Senato, Yani... even Livius."

Kie was about to die, that much she knew. But she’d be damned if she were to die without taking Jisano with her.

Slowly but surely, she began to reach for her halberd again. Jisano, who had turned his back on her once again, saw this. He roared in anger and slashed at her body several more times, deep gashes lining her left flank, her lungs filling with her own blood as she struggled to hold on to her remaining life. He watched as her hand sloppily groped around the dirt for her weapon, and continued to hack into her body like she was a fresh kill. He lashed from side to side in fluent motions, cutting deeper and deeper with each strike. She continued to reach.

The pain was nearly unbearable, but she forced herself to keep going. With great effort, she continued to reach for her discarded weapon, even as Jisano was attempting to hack her into two different halves. She began to creep forward, her whole body shaking under the pressure of his sword as she moved. Blood ran into her eyes as Jisano landed a bludgeoning blow to her skull, yet she still stretched her arm out, trying her hardest to make it.

His kicks and punches and slashes were becoming stronger and more forceful, and she felt several of her ribs and vertebrae crack and snap. She grit her teeth and, with one last push, managed to reach the weapon that lay before her.

As her fingers touched the shaft of her halberd she managed to snag the top of her foot behind Jisano’s bad leg, bringing him down to the ground with a yelp of surprise. With one foot on the ground to support her, she knelt before the Juzo Hosho captain, who had been back on his feet before she had even rolled over. She stared at him with hardened eyes, and although the pain was evident, there was a spark of determination that Jisano hadn't noticed before. Once again, her bones began to reform themselves around her jaw. Cracks and snaps could be heard as the bone reformed, but it was incomplete and broken, hindering her as she tried to speak to her enemy.

“You know… I spent years in that cell. One-thousand and one-hundred years. All of them in Jinzen.”

Jisano rocketed forward, taking a swipe at her left shoulder. Kie quickly raised her halberd and blocked the strike. However, she faltered beneath his strength and was forced back once again. When he spoke, it was only between strikes.

“It’s impossible to maintain Jinzen for that long…!” he grunted as his foot connected with her lower back, sending her careening forward and into the dirt, stopping just short of Sumiko, who sat and merely watched the exchange with piqued interest. Kie picked herself up again, groaning in pain, and faced Jisano.

“It’s not impossible,” Kie replied slowly. “When one is imprisoned in a cell that seals off the ability to release their spiritual pressure in large amounts, they must find a way to maintain a sort of balance between themselves and the power of their soul. This is true for every prisoner within the prison called Muken…” Kie blocked another strike from Jisano and attempted to parry, but he stopped her halberd with his heel and flipped a safe distance from her, landing heavily on his left leg. Kie held her halberd tightly with her right hand, her left occupied with keeping her innards inside of her body.

“...you know, I heard about how you had been collecting information on the Captains prior to engagement,” Kie mentioned. “You have much information on us. Information that I managed to recover.”

“You recovered it?” both Jisano and Sumiko asked.

“I did… it was and is very incomplete.” Kie shifted her stance slightly. “I can recall one example of the lack of information. There was mention of a certain, unnamed shinigami in one of the articles,” she spoke, turning her gaze to Sumiko. “It was said that this shinigami was one of the only ones capable of mending and molding their own Zanpakuto, as well as its abilities, and changing them.”

Sumiko’s brow seemed to rise, while Jisano’s furrowed. The more impatient of the two waved his blade in her direction. “Finish speaking before I cut your tongue out, you slimy wench…” he growled. Kie glared in his direction.

“You see, that was not the case,” she finally mumbled. She could almost feel Sumiko’s expression of shock, however small it may have been. “This shinigami wasn’t capable of changing the abilities of their Zanpakuto, nor were they able to change its appearance. However, through careful deliberation with the spirit residing within their blade they were able to achieve something previously thought to be impossible. A Zanpakuto ability requiring great sacrifice, created through the wielder alone.” As understanding registered upon both of their faces, Kie let out a light laugh. “There was a reason I spent so long in Jinzen.”

[Play Third Song - repeat if necessary]

Both Jisano and Sumiko expressed shock as she stood straight, her back rigid and her stance strong and proud. She raised her head and her eyes met those of her enemy. “I cannot regenerate myself forever, and I don’t plan to,” she said dryly. “What I do plan on, however, is making sure that you and your foul mouth cannot hurt anyone ever again.”

She held her broken halberd horizontally in front of her as Jisano rushed forward and closed her eyes, unfazed when she heard the clang of Jisano’s blade colliding with her own. She slowly released it from her grip and it began to turn, slowly at first. As it gained momentum, Jisano attempted to strike again in order to stop the spinning blade, but was instead thrown back by the recoil of the blocked attack. Still holding her hand out before her, Kie remained calm and her eyes remained closed. The wind began to pick up, spinning about violently - just like her halberd.

Jisano shielded his eyes from the dust and watched as she simply stood with her blade out before her and performed some sort of voodoo. The winds grew stronger with each passing moment, prompting him to kneel to avoid being carried away.

Kie opened her eyes and reached forward, grabbing the shaft by the center and twirling it about with both hands. She moved about swiftly and beautifully, executing the technique and form as though it had been ingrained into her very heart. She moved with her halberd as though it were an extension of her own body. Her strikes were strong, definite and precise, and with each one she grew ever closer to Jisano. He backed away a step each time she took one, preparing to go on the offensive if need be. Kie approached him steadily, weaving back and forth behind, in front and to the side of the weapon before her until she was mere feet from him.

As she brought her halberd around one last time around her back, she gripped it tightly with her left hand. Tucking it under her shoulder and bringing it full circle, there was only a jerk and a slight tug in the pit of her arm as it was severed from her body. As the halberd flew out of the loosened grip of the hand that was no longer attached to her body, her right hand shot forward and, gripping it as firmly as she could, slammed the butt of the weapon into the ground. A resounding thud echoed around the silent battlefield. She grimaced and nearly crumpled to the ground in agony, but as blood coated her side, she narrowed her eyes at the man before her and opened her mouth to speak.

“You will not win. Even if you walk away from this battle, you will do so in shame! Prepare yourself, Jisano Meibatsu. You are about to face that very technique - the merging of Sōtoku and Kōtei will bring you to your knees!” Kie clenched her mangled jaw and locked eyes with her enemy. “Suichido!”

Enveloped in a bright white light, Kie disappeared from sight for a moment. as the light grew in intensity, the left arm of the Twelfth Division captain dissipated in white flakes. Within an instant the light was gone and she stood before Jisano, transformed.

Her broken armor had been repaired and shined in all of its vermilion glory. Her now crimson armor, colored as such for her lost arm, was engraved with intricate patterns of white and black. In her right hand she held a spear of red and white with a crimson blade on either end, both sharpened to a wicked edge. A cape was draped over her left shoulder, emblazoned with a shield of white upon its black surface. A rustle from beneath the cloth gave away the presence of her temporary left arm, a glowing white replica of the one that she had deliberately removed from herself. Her eyes, now also white, radiated both power and anger. When she opened her mouth, a deep rumble seemed to accompany her voice as she spoke.

“I will end this, even if I must die in the process.”

Jisano seemed to smile a bit. “Alright then, bring it on, you blood-red asshole!”

Kie frowned and gripped her spear with both hands, pointing it towards her adversary. As she did so, the area around them erupted with her power and the ground began to shake. The trees and boulders around them splintered and cracked, and the walls that remained were leveled. Her body began to emit both black and white spiritual pressure, the result of her bold ability. She glared into Jisano’s very soul. “Gladly.”

(The first song is below. The Second and Third will immediately follow this post.)

The second song.

The third and final song.

{The Faceless Dead}

Aexus panted and tasted vomit on his tongue as he feebly gripping the bleeding hole through the side of his body. As he looked down at the blood coating his hand, his eyes became tremulous and his body suddenly stiffened as if bound by some unseen force.

Aexus…

The frustration that he had been feeling before had quickly turned into outright fear and Yvon’s words stopped reaching him. All of his surroundings were completely drowned out by the sound of thoughts racing through his mind. By the sound of his raspy breaths. By the sound of his steady heartbeat.

Aexus…

His heartbeat. Aexus’ mortality was being called into question again and it stared him squarely in the face. It frightened him how close he was to dying such a pitifully pointless death. Was this the way he was going to go out?

Aexus… is this the way you’re going to go out?

Aexus blinked rapidly as the world around him seemed to slow down drastically and he allowed his head to turn to the direction of the voice. What he saw made a surge of various emotions well up in his mind and the feeling of nausea to permeate his body. Ghelon’s head was turned and staring straight at him with the colour returned to his face and his eyes expressing a combination of sympathy and encouragement.

Ghelon: Are you really going to curl up and die like a spineless coward Aexus?

Aexus: (Tears begin to well up in the corner of his eyes as he watches Ghelon’s lips move) B-b-but you’re… (His words catch in his throat)

Ghelon: Listen to me kiddo. I’ve been with you for as long as you can remember and I know you’re better than this. I taught you better than that. (Aexus’ lower lip begins to quiver and he bites it) Now focus. (Aexus nods like a little kid listening to an older brother) You’ve got people counting on you. You’re a Captain of the Gotei Thirteen. Prove to your opponent that you are worthy of your position. Prove to me that you are worthy of your position (He smiles warmly) Prove to yourself that you are worthy of your position.

As he turned to face his opponent tears welled up even more in Aexus’ eyes and, after blinking rapidly to rid himself of them, his perception of time seemed to return to normal. Aexus looked once more at Ghelon; his head was facing the sky, his eyes lifeless and his body devoid of colour. A look of dismay crossed his Aexus’ face but his crimson eyes were screaming with directional resolve. Yvon stopped striding towards his adversary, raising an eyebrow in curiosity, and watched as Aexus’ crimson-coloured reiatsu began to rapidly build once more. Aexus put his bloodied free hand over his face as he tried to fix his wildly fluctuating reiatsu. Through the cracks in his fingers, Aexus took one more look at Ghelon’s corpse before closing his eyes and focusing immensely to bridge the connection with his zanpakutō.

Aexus: (His eyes open with a start) Bankai! (His shihakushō flares wildly from the wave-like burst of reiatsu emanating from his body and slowly morphs into a featureless black cloak) Ippan Kyomushugisha!

Yvon grunted quietly in amusement, as Aexus lowered his hand from his face, and then looked at Aexus’ bankai form curiously. No eyes, no nose and no mouth; just a smooth canvas of fair skin. His apparent lack of facial features was disconcerting.

Aexus: *confidently* I’m ready to play now! (Yvon clicks his neck expectantly, puts his blades into bow formation and quickly fires a barrage of Tooriame arrows in Aexus’ direction; in response to the incoming arrows Aexus thrusts his arms forwards, extending his index and middle fingers) Hadō #67 Sukona Hahen! (A slight pang of surprise crosses Yvon’s face as thousands of shards of green energy rip through the sky, deflecting the multitude of arrows flying towards Aexus; with most of the arrows out of the way Aexus propels himself towards Yvon whilst his form blends in perfectly with his environment) Bakudō #21 Sekienton!

Yvon: (A huge plume of red smoke erupts in front of him and quickly envelops the area) Does he really think this will stop me from finding him? (With insane drawing speed he pulls a Tekkoudan arrow taut and aims it in the direction of Aexus’ reiatsu signature)

Aexus: *wafting* Bakudō #94 Reigiman!

Yvon’s eyes darted around in slight concern as Aexus’ reiatsu signatures suddenly split and swarmed around him in the thick red smoke. It felt like Aexus was in multiple locations at once, but ignoring this, Yvon instinctively fired the Tekkoudan at the first reiatsu signature he had sensed but curled his lip in dismay when the piercing arrow failed to do anything.
Anticipating an incoming attack, Yvon pulled his bow back and blew away the surrounding red smoke with a sharp burst of his reiatsu. But, despite the area clearing of visual obscurities, Yvon could still not discern Aexus’ exact location. Narrowing his eyes, he rapidly fired Tooriame in all directions whilst keenly tracking each and every one of Aexus’ reiatsu signatures that were flitting about around him. The arrows flew dangerously but kept sailing on their flight paths uninterrupted as Yvon saw nothing that indicated he had hit his target. The reiatsu signatures didn’t seem to have changed either and continued to whiz around his vicinity.
Suddenly an incoming rush of murderous intent a surge of reiatsu made Yvon swiftly swivel his body and fire a Tekkoudan arrow behind him, but raised an eyebrow in surprise when, in that arrow-firing moment, Aexus reappeared behind him and launched a heavy two-handed slash for his torso. Yvon grunted with effort as he hastily shifted his body downwards and swung his lower leg around his body in an attempt to strike Aexus but tutted when he saw the Gotei Captain land coolly several tens of metres away, his blade smeared with blood.

Aexus: You dodged that pretty well, though I still managed a decent cut.

Yvon: (He stands up straight) Looks like you’ve bucked your ideas up 7th Division Captain. Maybe now you might be worth my time and effort.

Aexus: *slightly irked* Save it for someone who cares. I’m just gonna do my job as a Gotei Thirteen Captain and protect Seireitei with my life on the line.

Yvon: And how to you plan to achieve that?

Aexus: I’ll keep cutting away at your memories. (Yvon raises an eyebrow suspiciously and Aexus grins) Oh, didn’t you realise? Rack your brains, I think you may have forgotten something. (Yvon’s eyes widen for a moment but he quickly resumes his focus) That’s right Jūzō Hoshō. (He slowly fades from view as he speaks, starting from his lower body upwards) And I’ll keep cutting until you forget how to even release your bankai. Then, once you can barely remember who you are, *poisonously* I’ll take your life in comeuppance for the one I lost.

[Turn for the Worse]

Akumu kept herself hidden within one of the shadows she created. Her reiatsu was almost undetectable thanks to her bankai ability which gave her the time to think while she silently smiled to herself as Livius's demeanor would soon be over taken by frustration.

This is more difficult than I thought, she thought to herself. He knows my abilities inside and out thanks to that zanpakuto of his and he has that minion that seems to make it impossible for me to gain any sort of advantage in this fight.

While her thoughts were gradually increasing her own frustration, Livius's was beginning to skyrocket. Not only could he not locate his illusive prey but the walls of earth she had summoned acted like a maze, causing him to loose his bearings very quickly. It made matters worse that the walls were lined with Akumu's spiritual energy because of the kido and made it that much harder to find her as it made tracking next to impossible.

"HEY BITCH! COME OUT AND FIGHT ME FACE TO FACE!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice shattering the silence that dominated their battlefield. "COME OUT NOW!" He continued to shout, smashing his zanpakuto into the wall to his left, leaving only a dent in his efforts. While he continued to stroll through the labyrinth, his spectral minion followed him mindlessly, its head moving from side to side, sweeping its gaze around in hope of locating their enemy.

It was at that moment where Livius felt a sharp pain in his right leg and saw that a blade had appeared from a shadow not too far from him and had pierced his thigh. It quickly withdrew from his leg with a sickening sound before disappearing back into the shadows it had come from. Livius clutched his leg and began to frantically move his head around trying to find where she could be holed up. He looked towards the entity who was moving slowly, its head moving to and fro trying to seek out Akumu's hiding place.

That was when Akumu's voice sounded from some random location, the walls providing a disorientating echo that hid her location. "I was expecting you to do some what better against me quite honestly. And yet here I am, just watching you wander around like a headless chicken and every now and then inflicting more wounds on that pincushion you call a body. It's very entertaining." She said snidely, further enraging the already angry Livius.

"JUST FUCKING SHOW YOURSELF ALREADY!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. "I'M GETTING SICK OF THIS GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK, SHOW SOME FUCKING BACKBONE YOU COWARDLY WITCH!"

It was then that Akumu appeared from a shadow a few corners away from him. She then shunpoed in front of him within an instant and landed a slash from her left blade across his right shoulder, opening it up and making blood spray from the wound. She then quickly followed up with a right knee, driving it into his solar plexus and then smashed the flat of her right blade into his throat, causing blood to spray from his mouth as a minor rupture appeared from the attack before she moved to his right and dealt him a ferocious kick to his chest, knocking him onto his back before she then got assaulted by Livius's entity and she slowly backed off as she parried strike after strike from it. As soon as her foot came in contact with a shadow, she disappeared into it. The entity swung at her disapperated body, moving itself into the shadow. As Livius raised his head and had noticed what she was about to do he yelled at the entity.

"Get away! Get away now!"

But it was too late.

"One down," Akumu muttered to herself as all that appeared was her swords and they then disappeared into purple blurs, slashing away at the entity with her blades moving faster than the eye could even follow, which then began to shred it into pieces before she reappeared, kicking it away into another shadow and threw her left blade into the shadow she had just come from, allowing the blade to emerge behind it and skewer it where its heart would have been. It hung there for a moment limp, like it was hanging from a gallows swaying slightly before it dispersed into reiatsu and Akumu then turned and stooped over, retrieving her blade from the shadow.

Livius despite what happened, refused to let whatever shock he was feeling get to him and rather unsteadily got to his feet and readied his blade, for once a word did not pass his lips but the look of fierce determination that manifested on his face spoke more than he ever could have done.

"So you really think you still have a chance, huh?" Akumu said, shaking her head. "Well one thing I can give you Gotei 13 whelps credit for is that you don't know when to just lay down and die." She casually strutted towards Livius, her bankai ability giving her a huge bolster to her own confidence, swinging her right blade in lazy circles as she did. "I don't know if it's some form of courage or blind stupidity, either way the end result will be the same. You dead and myself and my fellow captains walking back to our homes having finally crushed you filthy trash."

Livius's brow twitched in rage as the insults continued to fill the fiery anger building inside him. But he held his tongue and instead channeled that anger into his next attack, viciously swinging his blade across her to where her throat would be, but once again she just disappeared into yet another shadow and Livius found himself wracked in pain as Akumu's blades scythed repeatedly into his flesh from her shadowy refuge but she did not strike anywhere fatal in favour of prolonging the torture she was inflicting on him.

Livius flash stepped backwards and found one of Akumu's blades had lodged itself into the back of his left shoulder from one of the shadows behind him. He looked forward again noticing she had left her shadow and was flash stepping towards him, with her remaining blade outstrectched, almost as if she was jousting with him. Livius rapidly shot a number of byakurai at her, forcing her to move out of the line of fire and thus away from him before wrenching himself free from the blade in his left shoulder.

He felt himself getting sightly light headed from the blood loss he was suffering from and his vision was slowly becoming more and more blurry. Livius was slowly becoming more desperate with every second he continued to bleed, he forced his mind to think of some way to beat Akumu.

Akumu however would not give him the reprieve he desperately needed and hurtled towards him, her blade scraping along the floor as she shunpoed towards him, her blade slicing up as she came within a few feet of him, causing Livius to fall to his left in an effort to evade the attack, which sliced past him with inches to spare, Livius took the opportunity to stab his blade forward at her exposed abdomen but found she again had entered yet another shadow in an attempt to evade his retaliation.

Livius quickly rolled away from the shadow and took his place in the only place that had no shadows falling on it in the area he was in. Since he thought he was safe, he decided to quickly get back to planning how he was going to kill Akumu.

"Are you just going to stand there?" Akumu shouted from her refuge. "Because despite what you think you're not safe there."

She then popped out of her shadow just as Livius got his idea. He turned to her as she fired off a Shakkaho at him. Livius rolled, avoiding the red sphere and fired back his own shakkaho which Akumu proceeded to just fade back into the shadow again.

Akumu again popped out of the shadow, but this time with a more serious intent to kill him. "Limit of the thousands hands, respectful hands, unable to touch the darkness. Shooting hands unable to reflect the blue sky. The road that basks in light, the wind that ignited the embers, time that gathers when both are together, there is no need to be hesitant, obey my orders. Light bullets, eight bodies, nine items, book of heaven, diseased treasure, great wheel, grey fortress tower. Aim far away, scatter brightly and cleanly when fired Hado 91 Senjū Kōten Taihō!"

She fired the kido directly at Livius who looked on in disbelief. The kido was fired from such a close range that Livius knew he couldn't have even begun to dodge it. Akumu however sunk back into her shadow to avoid the on coming blast.

The explosion rocked their battlefield, shattering the walls Akumu had made like they were made of glass. Akumu felt contently smug, thinking that she had finally finished off her opponent. She waited for the debris to stop falling before emerging and a surprising sight met her eyes, that filled her with rage at the sight of it.

Livius was still alive.

His clothes were badly scorched and a few potions of his skin were singed but he looked like he had not even been hit by the brunt of the kido and Akumu could not even imagine how he had managed it.

"How did you survive?" Akumu said as she walked up to his twitching body that seemed to be wracked in pain. His clothes were blackened by the explosion and nearly drenched with blood.

"Fuck you." Livius gasped out, his voice gruff and weak sounding.

"Not like it matters anyway." She stopped just before him and raise her blade, poised to stab him where he lay. "As I can just finish you off right....ugh"

She looked down as she felt a sharp, cold pain. A blade had appeared to pierce her just below her heart. Blood began to seep from the wound, drenching her Haori. She turned her head and found Livius's entity standing behind her. He had been faking the condition he was in after the kido and had just laid in wait for her own arrogance to provide him an opening.

Livius rose slowly and walked over to her. "Now bitch," Livius whispered in her ear. Your skills and your knowledge all belong to me now." They stood there for a couple of minutes while Livius drained her of the information he desperately craved. "I scored the jackpot with you."

After the process had finished, Livius signaled for the entity to slowly pulled his blade from her, allowing her to limply drop to the floor, where she muttered almost inaudibly, trying desperately to cling on to her slowly failing life. "Aki, please Aki, where are you? I'm so cold and so alone. Aki..."

[Epoch of Kiwamete: Hushed brutality]

Akihiko glares dispassionately over his shoulder at Shiho, slowly rotating his body in their direction. He examines them for a moment, taking note of their exchange. “It isn’t wise to vocalize strategies prior to employing them.”

Shiho scoffed at Akihiko. And with a downturned lip, responds indignantly. “You know nothing of our strategy, so you can’t possibly expect to thwart it with a simple mention.”

“Petulant child,” Akihiko responds indifferently, “you have much to learn about the art of battle. You boast power, but lack insight. It will certainly result in your defeat today.” Akihiko slowly steps forward, prompting the immediate defensive stance of each of his opponents. “You are wise to be cautious, Lieutenant, though this message is for your captain, too. The tone of your voices indicates the gravity of your intentions. It helps indicate just exactly what you plan on executing. You likely did not know this, otherwise you would have exhibited more restraint.” Akihiko’s delivery is disconcerting, leaving the weary lieutenant uncertain of his opponent’s intentions.

Senato acknowledges the tension exuding from his lieutenant. “Don’t let him force your mind astray, Shiho. While he is not one to play games in a battle of blades, his words are chosen wisely and intended to be unsettling.” Senato glares loathingly at Akihiko, “Isn’t that right, Captain Seinosuke?”

Akihiko stares stony-eyed at Senato, raising his left brown ever-so-slightly. “You have quite the impression of me, don’t you, Captain Ajibana? While I can appreciate your efforts to analyze my behavior, I will have to unfortunately correct you. Nothing I say is said with the intention of unnerving you. While my words might elicit fear or doubt, I do not do so intentionally. I merely state the truth. I don’t need to cause your lieutenant to doubt himself, he will do that naturally. Why, you’re likely asking? Simple. When a weaker power is confronted by something mightier, it is only natural to descend into moments of uncertainty and dread. It is within our nature to question ourselves, even when we had previously convinced ourselves that we are impervious to such lapses in strength.” Akihiko begins walking toward them, further unnerving them. “I can only assume that my calm disposition is unsettling, but, at the moment, I have no reason to fear you. As a result, I can approach you without worry for my safety.” With those words, Akihiko vanishes. His profound speed allows him to completely bypass their senses, appearing behind them with deadly silence. His hand is raised and index and middle finger, “Hado 67, Sukona Hahen .” Energy begins collecting at the tips of his figure before rapidly firing in their direction. The strands of energy abruptly divide in rapid succession, becoming a fusillade of green shards. The emerald colored shards soars through the air, capable of piercing each opponent.

Senato promptly recites, “Danku.” The powerful hado strikes the barrier with immense force. As the last remaining shards strike the defensive technique, both Senato and his lieutenant look beyond the Bakudo for their opponent. Senato shifts his head quickly, spotting Akihiko darting from behind, churning energy with the twirling of both blades. “DISBAND,” Senato shouts vigorously!

Akihiko glides from above, as each of his opponents descends to the ground and scatters. “ Hyōga Seiran !” The energy he cultivated from each blade is skillfully disrupted across the battlefield. The glacial tempest brilliantly bathes the lands, its reach massive and spreading.

Shiho and his Bankai part ways, soaring across the ground at top speed. The icy river pours onto the ground, quickly pursuing each. Shiho rockets through a building decimating the walls in an effort to hasten his escape. His desperation is seen as collides with multiple structures, leaving them in ruins. Shiho continues at top speed, glancing to his far left, noticing that Akihiko created two individual kido, using each blade as a conduit and guide. “Damn that Juzo Hosho Captain! He’s more skillful than I had previously imagined, managing to summon two of the same hado, simultaneously, each tremendous in power. Their breadth is truly amazing. I’m narrowly escaping.” He watches as its blankets the buildings he swiftly rockets through. He spins around, still soaring across the ground, just in time to notice his Banaki having trouble avoiding its reach. He watches as hado splashes into the ground, rising up to form a massive tidal wave. It arcs over his Bankai and encircles him. Unable to escape, it begins emitting a powerful reaitsu. Shiho watches as he is covered in the glacial tomb. As if in fast motion, Shiho speeds across and brings his blade to the side of the icy glacier. His blade slices through it easily and quickly, allowing him to rocket toward his true goal, Akihiko. The subsequent response is his Bankai freeing himself from the ice, causing it to shatter like shards of glass.

Akihiko glides down and clashes with Shiho’s blade. He rockets back and rotates his blade, lunging forward and delivering decisive swings and thrusts. Their blades collide, creating pockets of energy that vibrate wildly into the surrounding atmosphere. Their sword exchange is like an elaborate dance, each moving in for a strike, Akihiko pulling back and darting from side to side as he elegantly twirls his blade. His blades whistles as they swing through the air, forcefully striking Shiho’s blade and placing immense pressure on the dutiful lieutenant. Even with his increase in power, he can still feel the force of each swing, requiring his body to lock upon each swing, gripping his hilt tightly. Akihiko flash-steps and strikes Shiho’s blade, flash-stepping once more up and around Shiho. He lands gracefully behind the lieutenant and swings his body, his arm is stiff and extended as his blade collides with Shiho. He lunges back and twists around the opposite way, striking Shiho’s defense against with the opposite blade. He brings down his other blade, as Shiho pushes against one and leaps back to strike away the other. Akihiko swings around, his blade rapidly colliding with Shiho’s Banakai’s scythe. He lifts his other blade, defending Shiho’s subsequent assault. He fights toe to toe with both of his assailants, using both blades to defending against them. They dance around him, swinging their blades in different patterns, hoping to strike him. Suddenly a beam of energy enters from above, screaming wildly as it approaches Akihiko. His two assailants quickly retreat, hoping Senato’s technique will deliver a critical hit. Akihiko swings his arm back and then launches it underhand, hurtling his blade through the air like a boomerang. It slices through Senato’s technique like saw through wood. It continues to spin like a mobile death guillotine. Despite having sealed his technique, it continues its onslaught. It is now aimed directly for an unexpected Senato, who could not see past his attack until it was too late.

Senato braces for impact, as he has no defense against his opponent’s spirit blade. Shiho’s Bankai suddenly leaps into action, using his scythe to redirect Akihiko’s blade. His blade ricochets off the scythe, flying to the ground. Akihiko dives, but is faced with a frontal assault by Shiho. His blade collides with Shiho’s, but Akihiko uses the momentum of gravity and Shiho’s instinct to stay airborne as an anchor. He glides around him and strikes his side with his leg. The force rockets Shiho into his incoming Bankai. The two fly across the sky as Akihiko speedily zooms past his Zanpakuto and catches it mid-air.

Akihiko grips his Zanpakuto and without delay, as if his movements were a product of a well-oiled machine, he spins around and completes a wide-arcing, horizontal swipe with his blade. This results in a torrent of vibrant energy. Under his breathe, Akihiko recites, “ Hado 94, Kakudai suru .” The vibrant golden energy, laced with black dying, ruptures from his blade, but does not glide through the air as a wave. It takes on a pattern of movement unlike the lieutenant has seen before. It spirals, like a churning whirlpool of dense, spiritual energy. It suddenly lets out a massive boom as it expands to colossal proportions.

Senato’s eyes widen as fear maps every line in his face. He gapes at this sudden display of power, directing his attention to his unsuspecting lieutenant. “GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE,” Senato screams frighteningly!

Shiho directs his attention to his fearful captain, whose face is now completely overcome with horror. Shiho rockets toward him, as his captain stands firm. “CAPTAIN,” Shiho shouts as he approaches, the swirling energy creating a vortex deathtrap.

“Move far behind me! NOWWW!” He firmly demands Shiho as he stands his ground.

Akihiko looks up as Sento releases the same technique, meeting his, both nullifying one another. “Quite the clever man.”

Senato exhales, relieved that he had thwarted Akihiko’s attack. His brow narrows as he contemplates what had just happened. “Peculiar,” he thinks, “why did his attack suddenly…” he is interrupted as dozens of chains burst through the debris that was created by the collision. They quickly ensnare him, constricting his arms and waist. They wrap around him like a snake its prey. Shiho’s Bankai slams its scythe on the chains, hoping to shatter them, but Akihiko is seen chanting a spell following the release of his Bakudo.

Senato groans and jerks his body, attempting to free himself from this trap. Akihiko’s chains swirl around his arms before tightly constricting him. He leaps forward, spreading debris. He grabs his blades and travels into the sky, his sights set on Captain Ajibana. Akihiko encounters Shiho’s bankai, but outmaneuvers it with ease and kicks it forcefully in the back and sends it rocketing toward the ground. It collides with the ground, carving out a small area. Shiho leaps at Akihiko, both battling with their blades.

“You’re much weaker with only one arm. Even with the sacrifice made by your captain, it does little to help your overall performance.”

“Shut your mouth,” Shiho demands indignantly.

“I see you’re not fooling around anymore. It seems this battle has hardened you,” Akihiko observes with a flat tone.

Akihiko manages to slide past Shiho, striking him with his elbow. He then dashes at Senato, brandishing his blades. In that moment, both Shiho and his Bankai leap ahead of him and break their blades down on a single section of his chains. Their combined force shatters the chain, separating Akihiko from Senato. Akihiko darts forward and grabs the chain, pulling it in a seemingly desperate attempt to maintain his hold on Senato.
“He’s become desperate,” Shiho declared confidently! Both he and his Bankai glide past Akihiko, slicing into his body. Blood spouts from his back and stomach, as both return for another attack. “Let go, or die, Captain Seinosuke!” Shiho understood that as long as Akihiko held tightly onto the chains binding Senato, he would not be able to defend as perfectly as before. They arrive, ready to slice into their opponent, who before this was almost impervious. They are about to strike him when Akihiko rotates his body and clutches onto Shiho’s Bankai. He flips around and kicks Shiho in the face as he plunges his palm into his Bankai’s chest. It sends it hurtling backwards, just before Akihiko’s elbow and fist strike Shiho consecutively. He then turns and plunges both fists, simultaneously, into Shiho’s chest, sending him hurtling into the distance.

Akihiko turns and claps his hands together. “ Bakudo 75, Gochutekkan. ” The five metal pillars descend quickly from the sky, landing firmly upon Shiho’s Bankai.

Shiho watches in disbelief, but equally relieved. “He got my Bankai,” he said nervously, “but at least Senato is safe and free from his grip.” Shiho watches as Senato places distance between them, leaping back.
“Damn…he caught his Bankai.” He leaps back, but his body is suddenly jerked forward by a powerful force. He is catapulted forward, colliding with the metal pillars, each cementing the Shiho’s Bankai into the ground.

Shiho watches in complete awe, realizing the chains had simultaneously been caught by the Bakudo. “He tied the chains to my Bankai and then used the other Bakudo to pin down my Bankai and limit Senato’s movement,” Shiho narrated in his mind. “SENATO! NO!” He realized the vulnerable position Senato was in and lifted himself off the ground and began to journey toward his Captain.

Akihiko’s hands shift and fold over one another, each finger sliding through his knuckles and tightly closed and wrapped around the backs of his hand. “ Bakudo 92, Jigen no Kiji Azarashi ” Ribbons of kido-woven fabric violently tear through what seems to be the air. They appear out of nowhere, but are, after close inspection, entering through small pocket dimensions. They glide under and over Senato. They exit one pocket and slither into another, opposite to it. They begin forming a well-placed sutures. As if they were stitching on fabric, they tightly bind his body. Akihiko grips his hands tighter which causes the ribbons to tighten and the pocket dimensions to close, latching onto the ribbons and tightly holding them in place.

Senato is completely bound, unable to move his hands or body. He stares at Akihiko with worry pouring from his eyes. “You planned this whole thing….” Senato pauses, noticing Akihiko reciting words softly and quickly. Akihiko’s body tremors before he steps forward, leaving an exact replica behind, displaying the same posture, while he is free to move. Senato’s eyes widen as he shouts to Shiho, “Shiho…STOP!!!”

Akihiko delivers a deadening stare. “It’s too late…” As he says those words, Shiho strikes his replica and a bright light erupts form the collision. Simultaneously, thick sheets of energy unravel from the replica and begin clinging to Shiho. Almost instantly he is ensnared by this unusual Bakudo. He is left cocooned by the energy that latched onto him upon contact with Akihiko’s replica. “Sokosha kiseichu no,” Akihiko says softly as he turns and kicks Shiho’s body, hurtling it into the side of a building. He watches as his body latches to the building, like glue, as he sinisterly picks up both blades. “Just as I prophesized, the fall of one heralds in the defeat of the others,” Akihiko says ominously. With his back still turned to Shiho, “don’t bother struggling. This Bakudo is of the highest caliber. It is nicknamed ‘armored parasite’ for its unique method for enveloping the opponent like armor.” Akihiko turns slowly, fixating his gaze upon the vulnerable lieutenant. “You have quite the Bankai for a lieutenant. From the moment it was released I knew it would create many obstacles for me. As the moments passed, it became increasingly obvious that sealing your Bankai’s ability to produce that creature was going to be no simple task. Impervious to my sealing ability, I decided that there was a more direct way to resolve the problem. Considering you’re the source of your Bankai’s strength, if I were to eliminate you, I would subsequently be burdened by two less opponents.” Akihiko slowly approaches Shiho, who is completely immobilized by his previous Bakudo technique. He stares deep into his opponent’s eyes, though he is indifferent and matter of fact in his explanation. “Would you like to know what separates me from the other captains? I boast a unique ability. This ability allows me to affect an opponent on a level equatable to that of our sealing Bakudo. You’re likely familiar, having heard rumors and have possibly witnessed the aftermath. Many of your fellow comrades have fallen victim to this technique. I alone boast the ability to perform this other unique technique. Hijirii Kiwamete is truly deserving of its title. A legendary Zanpakuto, born every 2,000 years to two soul reapers, but only one is destined to wield its colossal strength.” Akihiko gazes deep into his the lieutenant’s eyes, showing no visible signs of emotion. He looks over his shoulder, directing his gaze to Senato, who lie motionless on the ground. “I want you to watch, Captain Ajibana, as I cleanse your lieutenant of his spiritual gifts.” He watches carefully as Senato struggles violently, hoping to free himself, but with no success. “Don’t fret. Once I’ve finished with him, I will come for you. And you needn’t worry, I do not plan on killing either of you. Your lives, despite this encounter, are valuable and I will not strip you of them. And do not bother struggling. I observed long ago that despite the strength those stars possess, you are unable to wield them unless you have use of your hands. That’s quite the handicap, Captain Ajibana.” He redirects his attention to Shiho, thrusting one of his blades into the soil. He walks up to Shiho, with only one blade in-hand. He slowly lifts the blade and places it directly in front of Shiho’s stomach. “A soul reapers body, if examined carefully, is an elaborate network of spiritual energy, which is intricately rationed throughout the body. There are certain channels, however, that hold a higher function than the others. These are known as your spirit epicenters.

Shiho looks upon Akihiko’s face with shear, silent agony. “You’re making a mistake…”

“These epicenters,” Akihiko continues without pause, “are strategically placed throughout the body. In fact, there are seven vital points whereby all spirit energy flows. The first…” he slides his blade slowly into his stomach, piercing something internally, which prompts energy to resonate from that area before vanishing, leaving behind only a soft glow. “…is Tamashī. One might ask, if one epicenter is damaged, it merely staggers the energy, but it is subsequently compensated for by the others.” Unfortunately, such convenience doesn’t exist. These epicenters are more than just directions by which energy flows, they represent the ways in which we exert influence and dominion over our spiritual energy. For example, we must demonstrate balance, otherwise techniques could be wildly destructive when unintended.” Akihiko decisively pierces both of Shiho’s wrists with the nodachi. “ Kihaku, ” Akihiko recites dispassionately. “Others allow us control and manipulation of our spiritual energy. Iji, ” he states, as he slides his blade into the left side of Shiho’s chest. “This process is remarkably painless, but it certainly feels peculiar, doesn’t it?” He then slides his blade through Shiho’s sternum area, piercing a location just below the center of his back neck. “ Shinzui . This point is interesting because it allows us the concentration necessary for wielding spirit energy to our advantage. Without it, one can only hope to wield energy haphazardly.” Akihiko stares directly at Shiho as he pulls the blade from his sternum. “You’re likely unaware that sensitivity to spiritual energy is just as vital as learning to how to wield it. In many ways, sensitivity teaches you respect and allows you to develop an intimate understanding for such things as Kido.” Akihiko then pierces the right side of his chest. “ Ikioi. . I’ve never had the opportunity to gauge an opponent’s perception of this technique. Do you feel your power waning, Lieutenant?” As he seemingly taunts Shiho, he slides his blade so it reaches the base of his spine. “ Kishō. . The time has finally arrived,” Akihiko states indifferently. “Take notice as all your gifts and all awareness fade away in the instant. The way you look upon the world will change once I insert my blade. The vibrations of spirit energy will no longer be visible to you and you will be equally vulnerable to the intensity of spirit energy if you expose yourself, so I encourage you to take note of that.” He slowly lifts his arm and inserts his blade into Shiho’s forehead, striking an epicenter that triggers a chain-reaction, connecting each epicenter, displaying a unique pattern. “ Mukei. ”

Shiho’s body begins rumbling from the inside as energy abruptly bursts from his body and dissipates. Shiho watches as Akihiko snaps his finger, shattering the Bakudo. Shiho lands on the ground, feeling fatigued and worn.

“There is no need for the Bakudo anymore, considering you possess no spiritual energy to pose a threat.” He looks back one last time, before turning and setting his sights on Senato.

Shiho stares forward, noticing the absence of his Bankai. Beside him lies an ordinary Katana that has now taken on a dull appearance. He touches the blade, muttering to himself, “I feel nothing…” He allows his arms to give way, landing on the soil. “Without my Reiryoku, I cannot fight. I am useless, Captain Ajibana. I have failed you and everyone else.” He begins to descend into a darkness, reflecting on his lost abilities. His body becomes limp and he allows himself to sink into the soil, losing all motivation.

Akihiko hovers over Senato, “You’re next, Captain Ajibana. You, like your lieutenant, will have your Reiryoku removed. As you can see, the transition is quite unsettling. I assure you, no harm will come to either of you following this process. I’ll see personally to it.” Akihiko’s words are sincere, with a trace of sadness. Akihiko’s expression becomes distressing, his eyes widening and jaw locking. His eyes reach far into his periphery, glaring to his left. Emotion begins to color his expression. Hints of worry and anger build before rapidly flash-steps, grabbing his other blade and vanishing.

Senato, still bound by the powerful Bakudo, focuses his attention to his grieving lieutenant. “Shiho,” Senato says softly, “I cannot imagine how you’re feeling, but I need you to find someone to free me from this cursed Bakudo. I am unable to free myself, and I cannot afford to be vulnerable for long. Captain Seinosuke has completely vanished and I sensed something shift in him, and we need to know what is driving that.” Senato’s words have no effect, as Shiho continues to lament. Senato watches his lieutenant, feeling nothing resonating from him but despair. “I can’t expect him to do much, considering his circumstance. What happened to Captain Seinosuke that he left in such a hurry? Despite the intensity of our battle, I never once felt him become emotionally aroused. Among all his strategizing and precision, he remained completely disconnected, showing no signs of anger or enjoyment. It was as though he was completely duty driven. In the end, I believed him when he said he would promise our safety. But then everything shifted, including his demeanor. It was subtle, but something inside him was brewing and he left for a purpose that felt more real than how he engaged us.”

[Tactical Control]

'How many times do I have to say it, Hosho Captain?!' Yani roared, as flew at Yushi, his reiatsu flaring brightly and a trail of sapphire blooming in his wake.

'As many times as you want, Shinigami. Words mean nothing to me, because they are but words. Your actions will speak louder than those words you just yelled at me.'

'Then my actions WILL speak louder than my words, because I'll defeat you and prove it!'

Yushi sighed. 'Whatever.'

Yani disappeared, using shunpo and appeared behind Yushi, his weapon arcing towards his direction, while sapphire bloomed around them. Yushi was already gone. Yani looked around, focused and then flew at his target again, bringing the spear downwards with a powerful attack. It struck nothing, but air, as Yushi moved again, gradually appearing to become faster and faster.

'Catch me if you can...' he spoke nonchalantly, appearing for a brief second, the vanished again. Yani chased him down again, utilising his senses to the fullest. It was a pointless affort, as Yani couldn't seem to catch him, no matter what he tried. The gap between their individual speed was obvious and Yushi was certainly using it to his advantage, though he was growing tired of playing games with the Captain. He would show him to the true abilities of his Bankai soon enough and Yani Kohei would soon realise that. As it was, he would let the foolish Captain chase him around for a while. He wanted to prepare.

'Hado No. 33, Sokatsui!' Yushi cried, as he appeared suddenly. Yani was struck full force by the Kido and disappeared behind the smoke, before reappearing and flaring his reiatsu. His body was completely unharmed by the Kido and he seemed to be still reserving enough energy to fight and take devastating blows.

'Hado No. 63, Raikoho!' Yani cried in response and a yellow flash of lightning flared outwards, straight at Yushi. Yushi stood there, without moving and stared at the Kido in determination.

'Danku.'

The Raikoho hit the translucent barrier and dissipated its energy, leaving Yushi unharmed, though it wouldn't have done enough damage for him to worry about, though he'd prefer not to take it head-on, it simply didn't seem like a tactical response, when he could simply cause the Kido to be halted by something as simple as a Danku. Yani shunpoed again, while Yushi was distracted, even if minisculely and slashed at him with the spear/ Yushi parried the blow, stopping it with both of his blades, then darted at Yani. Through instinct and honed skills, Yani managed to sidestep the blow and brought his spear around in a sweeping cut, then shunpoed and thrust the tip directly at Yushi's back. Yushi spun around fluidly and stopped the thrust with his blade and jumped into a somersaulting flip, then slashed downwards at Yani with both of his blades. Yani shunpoed, Yushi chasing after him and swung powerfully and they clashed, their energy meeting in an explosion and a matter of which was stronger. They held this for a moment, then jumped backwards and rushed each other again, Yani swinging again and Yushi directing his blades at the Shinigami Captain. They struck Yani along the midriff and scraped along the sapphire body, until they met air, then Yushi jumped backwards, avoiding another thrust with Yani, then stepped back and surveyed his opponent again.

'What is your motivation? You've mentioned honor several times, in fact, I haven't been able to stop you from blathering on about it, even after almost being defeated by me in battle. You said your friend was killed by us, but, is that really it? I don't know what you're really fighting for... it seems like you only have something prove to yourself and that's why you won't give in.'

'No. I'm fighting for many reasons. I'm fighting for the memory of Shen... I'm fighting for my friends and fellow Shinigami... I'm fighting for my honor and myself... but, that is ironic that you'd ask me such a thing, Hosho Captain. To claim you don't understand my motivation... that seems nonsensical. You were the one that didn't really want to fight at the beginning... the one who seemed to be interested in something else entirely... how was it that I spurred you on again? Oh, right... you believed your honor to be correct and mine to be incorrect. What are you fighting for, Captain?'

Yushi's eyes widened slightly as he processed this comment. 'Me? I'm fighting for what I believe is right... I'm fighting because I have to!'

He's right... what am I really fighting for...? I could've just stayed around here and fought the small-fry and claimed I did my best in the fighting to the Head Captain... it might, or might not, have fooled her. But, I don't even know my motivations... when he claimed his shallow-minded idea of honor, I decided to go all out... I guess, he just pisses me off that much! To claim that honor is such a thing... I find it honorable to be respectful to an opponent, even if they are the enemy... I believe that it is the right thing to do, but, mostly, I believe that fighting is not always honorable and that, sometimes, it doesn't have to be done. Maybe it is the case here, right now, so... I'm fighting because I feel like it, because I feel like wiping him from existence... I'm completely disregarding my honor right now and... I honestly don't care! I don't care if I'm being dishonorable to myself this time... I want to win!

'You know... that's wrong. I don't have to fight. I could be defeating hundreds of your Shinigami members right now and avoiding the true fight. But, I just realised something... I don't care about your honor and, right now, I don't care about mine, either. I'm disregarding it. Why? Because, I realised that I just feel like fighting you... I feel like ripping you from limb-to-limb and scattering you to the wind in the form of dust. I want to do that, because you piss me off. It wasn't because our honor is so different, it's because, underneath it all, you're just selfish... you're not protecting anyone! To tell me that is a lie! There's nothing you could do against any of the 13 Sentry... if you can't defeat me, then you can't defeat them. I'm not the strongest, by all means, and you'd never be able to save anyone, especially not against the likes of Akihiko, or Meibatsu... Even Kyobo and Yvon would crush you in an instant! No, I'm going to destroy you, because you are selfish and care only about upholding your righteous honor, which pisses me off enough to completely disregard my own! Hado No. 73, Soren Sokatsui!'

The massive blue wave of energy hit Yani and he flew backwards, propelled by the power behind it. He rose again, the sapphire body smoking, but otherwise completely fine. He stood still, though, completely immobilised by the rage coming from Yushi's spirit energy.

'What do you know? You can't ascertain such a thing! Don't judge me, when you are the one out for my blood. When it is your people slaughtering mine.'

'Slaughtering is such an ugly word. We may have caused the death of two Shinigami, but that wasn't through 'slaughtering'... they were through battles that were conducted fairly and with honor. Your colleagues died because they refused to give in and fell in battle. Don't give me that lame excuse, Shinigami. I've become well and truly sick of opening my mouth and talking to you. Just use your weapon. Just try and defeat me, or die trying, just like you wanted.'

Yani dodged another strike from Yushi, barely, and spun around, whirling his spear with a sudden ferocity and striking display of reflex that Yushi wasn't expecting, however, it grazed past Yushi's face, leaving a red line, with a thin amount of blood oozing from it. Yushi shunpoed, striking again and slamming his blade into the sapphire body of Yani. Instead of doing damage, again, this seemed to just scrape and cause sparks to fly off the hardened shell of gem and do little, if no, damage. Yushi growled and attacked again, this time with more brutal force, but the same occurred, as Yani's hardened exterior seemed to deflect it and left Yushi with a frustrated look on his face and nothing to show for his attacks. Yushi fired a sudden Shakkaho, which exploded in a red burst of light and energy. However, the same thing occurred and the sapphire shell had still taken no damage, except for superficial scratches on the surface. Yani took this opportunity to attack and clashed blades with Yushi. They held it for ages, neither willing to give ground, as both were itching to defeat the other. They separated, faced each other again and both flash-stepped, striking suddenly, clashing, then repeating the same process. Yushi was too fast and wouldn't allow any of Yani's attacks to strike him, but Yani's defense was incredible and let no attack do damage his body. This was the stalemate of the battle. Of course, Yani was starting to show signs of tiring, though he still had energy left, it was just slowly burning away. Yushi noticed this and began to formulate his plan. If he could keep this up, avoiding attacks, making few every now and again, then allowing Yani's energy to burn out, then he could utilise his powerful striking offense and finish Yani off. In fact, he suddenly had an even better idea - though he knew few powerful Bakudo, one of the higher levels he did know could leech energy from the opponent, while sealing them in a sphere, one that was incredibly strong and made Bakudo. 73 look like child's play, compared to.

Yushi raised his hands and prepared for the use of a Kido spell. 'Surround, enter and despair! Encircle the entire being, revoke the constant flow of energy and remain translucent, Bakudo No. 87, Tennkyuu!'

As the last of the words left Yushi's mouth, his hands dropped and circled around his body, then drew together, facing the opponent, as a sphere, translucent, appeared around Yani, who looked confused, as his energy seemed to slowly leech away and he seemed to be becoming ever more fatigued. As this occurred, his skin seemed to be continually losing blue and the sparkles were rapidly disappearing, at least, until they did and his skin resembled normal skin, albeit, with slowly healing wounds, bruises and scrapes. The sapphire skin had seemed to have repaired a little of the damage Yani had taken during the latter moments of their battle, though he looked worse for wear in other ways now. Yushi dissipated the sphere and shunpoed, standing right in front of Yani.

'Your luck has run out. Certainly, that was a powerful ability, granting you an incredible defense, but that Bakudo is known to leech spirit energy from the opponent, leaving them sealed away, until their energy is completely sapped. The other benefit, is that the caster can break the spell at any time, in order to leave their opponent with little energy, but still able to move. It's pretty sadistic, really, but it served its purpose this time. I don't want to leave you with little, or no energy left, I just wish you would vanish - that you would disappear from our world and occupy another. I'm going to kill you. I already said I was going to, but now, it has become reality for you. You have no fight left in you and, even if you can stand and flail away pathetically, you will still lose. Sayonara, Shinigami!'

Yushi raised his blade.

'NO!' Yani's small reserve of energy rose desperately and, though it was less than what he had, it was far more than Yushi would have thought, because it rose like a tidal wave and seemed to spread like the plague. While less than Yushi's, it had a dangerous feel now and Yani was clearly desperate and would fight like a madman to survive.

'Well, that's surprising. I suppose you had much, much more energy than I previously anticipated. It's okay. Even that won't last for long and I'll be the victor of this fight. Show me your desperate face, Captain!'

'SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU BASTARD! STOP PATRONISING ME! Bakudo No. 89, Rensakami!'

Yushi, distracted by the state of Yani's unstable and declining reiatsu, was unable to act in time and his legs were caught by two massive, linking chains, which seemed to be composed of something more than metal, as though the caster's energy was directly imbued into it. Yushi made as if to shunpo, but the weight of the chains dragged him down and he landed on his back, crushing his body into the ground.

'Damn you!'

Yani appeared before him and proceeded with a Hado spell. 'Hado No. 88, Hiryu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho!' The blue blast of electricity exploded violently around Yushi, swallowing him up in a cloud of debris and smoke. Though eaten up, it passed, as the wind from Yani's again-rising spirit energy seemed to cause it all to dissipate.

'You wretch! You're feeding off the energy from your Zanpakutou's spirit, aren't you?' Yushi accused, spitting at Yani's feet.

Yani's cold, hard eyes just pierced Yushi, who showed no fear, nonetheless. 'Now our positions are reversed, Captain. You're in the same boat I was. I'm not going to let you wriggle away this time. I'm going to finish you!'

Yani's spear became illuminated with spirit energy, as he raised it again, this time it became a massive whirlwind of turbulent energy, which also surrounded his spear and allowed it form a coating of sapphire around the entire tip and upper haft. Then, he used another Kido, Rikorojoro, fastening yellow bolts of energy into the opponent's stomach, arms and upper body, completely immobilising Yushi. His spear seemed to slow down, though it was, in reality, moving just as fast as it had first appeared to be, but time seemed to slow down for Yushi, as the rushing spear tip came closer and closer.

Dammit! I promised Nan-chan that this wouldn't happen... I promised I wouldn't allow myself to get into this sort of position... up until now, I was in control of the fight. He was strong before, but now his resolve is just continually growing and growing - if I don't show the same resolve, then I can't continue to fight against his. Resolve really is an important factor in a fight, but I always considered my speed to allow me to overcome that, along with my senses... however, I have the willpower to defeat him. I want to defeat him. I don't want to die. Besides, I promised Nan-chan and I won't let myself be defeated and killed, because I failed her before and broke such a promise... I allowed myself to be essentially defeated in that fight against Captain Shin... NOT AGAIN!

'I made a promise, Captain. I promised Nan-chan that I wouldn't be defeated, or killed. Lying here, like this, is breaking that promise, especially if I just allow you to hit me with that spear...' Yushi said, as his reiatsu suddenly spiked, cracking the Rikorojoro and he brought both swords up, in time, to block the attack, though, the chains still seemed to be just as powerful as before and he still couldn't move. Both blades suddenly became shrouded in a green aura and he brought them both down upon the first chain and cracked a link. He slashed at it again and his reiatsu rose a bit more, while the chain snapped, leaving him with only one leg chained. Yani rose and thrust with the spear, before Yushi could begin to attack the second chain. Then, he used Gochutekkan to force a cluster of pillars and chains to hit Yushi and restrained him again.

'I SAID, I WILL NOT BREAK MY PROMISE!' the whole battlefield exploded with green energy and the Gochutekkan completely disappeared, eviscerated by the explosion of spirit energy. Yushi emerged, the final chain gone and the fiery, green aura surrounding his body, just like wildfire.

'I shouldn't need to repeat myself, Captain. It's over!'

[Misery of the Haze]

Forget? What was he supposed to forget? Did it have something to do with the person attacking him?

Wait, person? Was there something like that around? Yvon couldn’t see anyone or anything around him. Why was he even there? He must have had a duty to fulfill, but was standing here accomplishing anything like that?

Clashing metal rang in Yvon’s ears and he glanced up in time to see that he’d brought his own blades up reflexively to block an oncoming attack. Right in front of Yvon was something. It had no face, so it was difficult to even identify it as a person. But whatever it was, it was certain that it was trying to attack Yvon.

An enemy?!

Yvon’s reiatsu flared up as he instantly prepared himself to counter his assailant. Whatever it was, he’d find out the details after he defeated it. First, he had to—

Had to…what?

What had he been looking at?

“I released my shikai?” Yvon muttered skeptically as he looked down at his blade before glancing around with his sharp eyes. He couldn’t see anyone in the horizon—he was alone. Had his enemy fled? “I would at least remember facing off with an opponent strong enough to make me use my blade. Just what is going on here?”

Yvon didn’t have time to complete the thought. Once again, an attack came out of nowhere and nearly slashed through Yvon’s throat. He only survived thanks to his reflexives, kneeling down quickly to avoid the attack that nearly hit him. Yvon’s eyes narrowed as he felt glared at the figure standing over him, blade in hand.

So this was the enemy Yvon had to defeat?

Why couldn’t he sense his reiatsu?

Had he forgotten how?!

As soon as Yvon realized this, the ability returned to him intuitively. He could feel his surroundings once more and he retreated several steps as he connected his bow to form a bow and he immediately fired a tekkoudan arrow right at his opponent.

For some reason, the arrows was split in half in thin air, as if he’d hit an invisible blade. Yvon skidded to a halt as he narrowed his eyes, wondering why he’d fired his arrow to begin with. Had he been trying to attack something? Why had it be deflected? Was something there?

Why couldn’t he remember?

“Remember?” Yvon frowned as he struggled to wrack his brain. “Just what am I forgetting?”

Rather, why did it matter? He just had to defeat his opponent. Details would come later. He may have forgotten his reason, but he wouldn’t lose a fight because of that.

“Bankai! Tenshi no Tooya! Zen’you Kami yo!”

Yvon called out and his reiatsu swelled instantly before exploding outwards, sending waves over his surroundings. His quivers vanished instantly, along with all of the arrows in them, and his two short blades grew to the size of long cutlasses, though he still held them in the same manner with one of them reversed.

Silver light surrounded Yvon’s body and grew to the size of a large human-like avatar from the waist up, stretching out two arms as Yvon rose in the air, remaining at the center of the figure’s chest. The silver avatar posses a single quiver across its back and held a large translucent bow in one hand, which it gripped tightly as Yvon towered over the ground below, looking carefully with his hawk-like eyes.

“Cowardly opponent who hides, I’ll warn you now!” Yvon spoke loudly so his invisible enemy could hear him. He reached one of his hands to grab something from his back and the avatar mimicked the movement, grabbing a massive arrow from the quiver across its back. “These lands are strange to me and I have no reason to hold back! If you seek to protect this place, you’d best show so resolve and block my attacks! Or else…there is no telling who may be caught by the errant arrow.”

There was no answer and Yvon didn’t feel inclined to repeat himself, as he was positive that he’d been heard. So he knocked the arrow to the bow and carefully aimed, taking a deep breath as his eyes paid close attention to his surroundings.

He corrected his aim fractionally and fired the arrow in the same instant, sending the large and slender piece of wood flying forward from the translucent avatar so that it pierced through the air like a spear, moving straight and true.

It flew so fast, it even sent a shockwave flying around it. The tip of the arrow crashed into the ground and shattered it mercilessly as it continued to shoot forward, digging a massive rut in the ground. A surprise voice exclaimed as a figure shot away from the arrow, partly thrown away from the force of the crash. Yvon’s eyes focused on the figure as the first arrow continued to destroy everything in its path before finally come to a halt, sticking straight up like a pillar.

“I expected too much from an enemy I do not remember.” Yvon muttered as he aimed the next arrow. The faceless figure looked straight at him with body posture that showed that he was irked by something. “Who are you, stranger, speak your name?”

“You don’t remember?” The figure sounded incredulously before scoffing at his own question. “Of course you don’t. But it’s incredible. Even without remembering, you don’t even hesitate to attack at full strength.”

“Of course not. I fight my enemy. That is natural. You may cut away memories, but you can’t cut away my personality.”

Huh? Cut away memories? Was that his enemy’s power? Had he been told that before?

Well, no matter. He would destroy his enemy because it was what he was supposed to do. Even if he forgot the past, that would not change the present.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~­~~~­~~~­~~~­~

“Retreat! RETREAT! All squad members, retreat NOW! There is nothing to be done for the captain! Don’t try to sacrifice yourself for him!”

These words were practically yelled by the vice-captain of squad five as she gave orders to the rest of the squad. Droves of shinigami ran past her with complete obedience as they all fled for their lives. The vice-captain’s eyes narrowed as her teeth ground together with frustration and her eyes focused on the tragic sight before him.

The fifth squad captain had been defeat. He’d certainly put up a fight, but the opponent had been overwhelming. The captain’s attacks had all been deflected and he’d been forced into submission in a sudden turn over that had seemed to come out of nowhere.

Nearly five dozen hands made from energy very similar to kido spread out in the air, much like the many arms of an asura. One might have expected them to attack to deal major damage to the surrounding area, but they did no such thing. They didn’t harm anyone or anything—they simply touched.

Just two of those hands had touched the fifth squad captain and his body had instantly been drained of spiritual pressure. The same thing had happened to the third and fifth seat who’d rushed over to try and help the captain—all three bodies were being held gently by a pair of hands that carefully set them down on the floor to make sure their bodies didn’t sustain any damage.

Their opponent was a monster. A monster who wept even when they gained the upper hand.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I made a promise. If don’t do this, you’ll only be killed. I’m sorry to be so cruel, but there is no other alternative. I have to do this. I have to protect you all. If I don’t…Akihiko might lose control of himself again. I’m so sorry. Please don’t ever forgive me.”

“Like hell I’d ever forgive you.” The vice-captain growled as her eyes burned with hatred. “You’ll pay. You’ll pay for what you did to the captain!”

The vice-captain’s voice quickly escalated to a roar as she released her shikai, formed a long pole with a heavy disc on the end. With a single swing, the disc went flying forward as it turned vertical, resembling a shield, and she followed directly behind it as she prepared to thrust straight through it with her pole.

Before she’d even made it half way there, her arms and legs were caught by the hands of kido energy that gripped her limbs tightly, holding her up in the air. She roared out angrily as she struggled to get free, but it was useless—the hands held fast. So instead, she glared daggers down at the woman before her, mustering all the strength she had to throw hate at this person.

Why the hell was this woman crying when they were the ones suffering?

“You loved that man, didn’t you?”

“Go to hell, you devil!”

Tomoyo Daidōji sighed delicately, her expression filled with regret and despair.

“I pray that you two can live happy lives together as normal souls. Without your spiritual power, there will be no rank to separate you two. You can be equals.”

“You think I’ll accept that bullshit?! He’s a soul reaper! A man who upholds order in Soul Society! A captain! Protecting others was his life and you just took that all away from him!”

"I am well aware. But no matter, how desperate you are, I won’t take you away from him as well. Live.”

“Die, damn you—!”

Two hands abruptly pressed to the vice-captains body and, without any fight at all, the vice-captain’s spiritual energy was sealed away. The process was so abrupt, the vice-captains motor functions were shaky and she began to lose consciousness. She could only stutter incoherently in shock was the hands carefully lowered her to the ground as Tomoyo passed.

“I’m sorry.”

[A Legend Laments]

As Livius stands over Akumu’s body, he takes notice of her waning consciousness. His skin is slowly becoming paler, her eyes begin to lose their luster, her muscles become more relaxed, and her body is limp with exhaustion. He cannot help but find pleasure his her last moments, having acquired such a bounty. Her eyes flicker as she tilts her head to the side. “Can’t bother to look at me anymo…” Livius momentarily experiences tremors of air pressure gushing against his body, before his body is overwhelmed by a colossal strength. His body is submerged in a sea of sensory experiences, sinking deeper into the violent vibrations that cascade over his body. The tenacity of the object continues to burrow into his body, bending his flesh into a crater. His eyes move slowly as his mind braces itself for the identity of his assailant. His pupils dilate as the sheer force of the strike imbues his body with tremendous kinetic potential. As times resumes, he is rocketed across the battlefield. His body brings all objects to the ground as he swiftly demolishes them with his speeding body. His speed and mobility is unyielding. He feels the pull of his skin and the tension placed upon his muscles and tendons as his body soars across the terrain. He experiences every sensation, every scrape, and gash, and puncture, but is unable to slow himself down. Buildings continue to topple as his assailant gracefully lands beside the fading Captain Shimo.

“I knew you’d be the first to be here. I imagine you were shocked to sense my defeat.” Akumu stares up at the shaded face of her beloved cousin, the sun shining brightly in the background. She examines his expression, noting the sadness and guilt written upon his face. “I expected there to be losses, but…” she pauses, attempting to muster the energy to continue.

“There is no reason for you to examine what has happened or apologize,” Akihiko responds softly. Akihiko takes notice of her discolored complexion, and the coldness of her touch, as he grips her hand firmly.

“I can barely talk, but…” She inhales deeply, using the shade Akihiko provides to focus in on his face. “…this is all wrong. We are all wrong.” She grips his hand tighter, staring deep into his laurel colored eyes. “Don’t let them compromise our honor. Work together to eliminate them, otherwise this will only be repeated.” Tears begin to slide down her face, her eyes swelling with emotion. “I know you this, Aki, but I love you.”

“You don’t need to say it. I’ve always been able to read your heart,” Akihiko states with doleful eyes. “Please, conserve…”

“Stop. Let’s use this last moment to part fondly, not to pretend I can somehow avoid death.” With her last bit of energy, she touches Akihiko’s cheek before her hand abruptly loses its life and drops to the ground.

The thud of her hand striking the soil reverberates in Akihiko’s mind. The vibrations are felt throughout his body, as he continues to stare at Akumu’s now lifeless body. Akihiko begins whispering softly, as a tear drops from his check and lands on her blood stained collar. “Yasashiku imōto o yasuma. Watashi wa niku ni anata o aishi, seishin de anata o aishite wa naranai.”

“That was quite a delivery,” Livius states as he wipes blood from his face with his arm. “You certainly understand the importance of an entrance, if not how to do so undetected. That is, of course, the last time you get the drop on me. I know all there is to know of you, Captain Akihiko Seinosuke.” Livius’ tone is laced with arrogant derision, as he stares upon the mourning Akihiko. He raises his brow, for his opponent was unlike his previous opponent. There were no quick words or scorn-filled retorts. There was no boasting and no threats. He was greeted with a strike and then silence. And it was unnerving! “Well? Are you simply going to sit beside her all day? I’m certain you didn’t venture all this way to stand beside a corpse. We’re soul reapers, it is pointless to mourn the dead,” Livius states tactlessly.

Akihiko slowly turns his gaze, staring at Livius from the corners of his eyes. His gaze amplifies the tension. He simply stares at Livius with silent fury surging throughout his body. He returns his attention to Akumu, sliding his fingers across her face to close her eyelids. He removes his Haori and places it delicately over her body, tucking in the sides beneath her body, as to completely shield her from the elements.

“You’re so considerate. I would…” Livius is unexpectedly met by Akihiko’s body that boasted such force that it was able to propel the both of them into the distance. Livus can feel the magnitude of Akihiko’s physical strength as he is gripped tightly. They both travel at an unperceivable speed. Livius is overcome by the shock of his enemy’s tactics that he is unable to respond effectively. He is abruptly sent plummeting into the side of a rocky hill, as Akihiko stands before him. Livius growls and sweeps the debris from his body. “You bastard,” said with snarling indignation. Livius smiles, wiping the blood from his face. “You were distancing us from your cousin’s body. How sweet.” He stares at Akihiko, expecting a response, but he remains silent. “You’re not as talkative as I remember.”

Akihiko continues his deadening stare, finding no interest in Livius’ taunts. Akihiko holds his blades in his hands tightly, examining Livius’ Bankai.

“You know what that means? No? Well, let me just say that your cousin was awfully talkative in her last moments. Well, she gave me much of it without speaking, but it is quite informative, regardless. I have to say, the way you dispensed with Captain Harimakku was entertaining to relive. You were certainly intent on leaving him maimed.” Livius becomes quiet, observing his opponent’s expressionless gaze. He looks deep into his eyes, spotting his true emotion. “You’re seething, aren’t you? The eyes don’t lie. Your face can hide it, but your eyes cannot.” Livius becomes silent once again, having not yet provoked a single response from his opponent. He thinks to himself, “It doesn’t much matter whether I can rile him up. I have all that I need to know to defeat him effectively. That Bankai is useless against me, despite its strength. And with my boost in strength, I can overpower him.”

“You believe to know me, is that correct?” He watches as Livius stares at him curiously. “Your zanpakuto affords you the capability of insight, which allows you intimate knowledge about your opponent.” Akihiko steps forward, putting Livius on guard. “You shouldn’t need to worry, considering you’re all-knowing,” Akihiko states bluntly. He suddenly brings his blade to his head, blocking a swift strike from Livius’ shadowy creature. Akihiko turns his head slowly, observing the hooded manifestation. “Yes, we both assumed it would manifest again. There is no defeating it while you remain alive.”

Livius grinds his teeth before shifting to a smirk. “Hah. Stupid girl, telling my secrets. How’d she manage that in the seconds she had left to live?”

“You shouldn’t act so surprised. It wasn’t necessary for her to verbalize your flaws. She only need touch my flesh.”

Livius stares defiantly at Akihiko, brushing off his retort. “It doesn’t matter,” he states casually as his ghoul returns to his side. “I have all I need to defeat you. In fact, I know everything there is to know about you. Though, I should commend you. You are quite the force, considering your spiritual energy is still vast.”

Akihiko ignores Livius’ observation and stares intently at the creature by his side. “I banished a similar creature that manifested from the release of Captain Ajibana’s lieutenant’s Bankai. What makes you think this will be any different?”

Livius shrugs off Akihiko’s comment. “Give it your best shot, I say. Let’s see how successful you are.”

Akihiko is unaffected by Livius’ taunts. “I understand you’re hoping for me to lose my concentration as I am overcome by rage and fury. I have disappointing news, however. I plan on remaining completely calm during our encounter because this will give me an opportunity to leave you completely humiliated. Normally I would find such arrogance uninspiring, but you deserve a shameful fall. And I plan on delivering that to you,” Akihiko states with stoic confidence.
“Just words, honestly. Your cousin said the same thing. And look where she is!”

Akihiko’s eyes stare directly into Livius’ eyes as his energy begins to soar. “You’re no longer battling Captain Shimo. I am now your opponent. Unfortunately for you, even on her best day, she was unable to reach my lowest level of performance. I’m of a completely different caliber, Captain Abel. As such, you will soon experience the dread of defeat. It will bring you crumbling to the ground. And when you least expect it, all that you had hoped would accelerate you to victory will vanish. And you’ll be left with nothing more than a dull blade and absolutely no other recourse.”

By the way, he said, in Japanese, "Rest gently, sister. I loved you in the flesh and shall love you in spirit."

[Clipped Wings]

Senato struggled but could not move even a mere millimetre under the effect of this Bakudo, he called out multiple times to Shiho, but Shiho was far beyond the reach of words now.

Shiho was still slumped against the destroyed building. He stared at the ground, his eyes seemingly devoid of life, “I lost... I lost everything, my strength, my position, my zanpakuto...” his mind was bombarded with thoughts of regret of self blame, “Shinjutsu... no Tsukaite, I...I failed, after all our work, I ruined everything...” His gaze shifted a few centimetres to focus upon the katana lying on the ground next to him; he silently begged it to speak to him, to still be there with him...

“I can’t stay here like this, I need to figure something out, I can’t rely on Shiho now... I need to do something on my own.” Senato thought to himself, “I’m sorry... Shiho.” He closed his eyes, focusing solely on his zanpakuto. The area around him faded to clouds and he once again stood upon the marble tower. He looked around, but could not see his angels. In a moment of pure fear he began shouting out their names, “Chikai! Gekido! Hakujo! Ketsui!?”

“Calm down Senato.” Chikai whispered as she appeared before him, “though some stars were lost, we are not.” As she completed that sentence the other three angels revealed themselves as well. “We had to remove ourselves partially from the stars in order to escape being sealed as well.”

Senato sighed softly, “I need to find a way to get out of this, as well as find a time when I can rerelease, in order to refresh the stars for future battles...”

“Don’t bother with it.” Gekido muttered with an irritated look on his face. He and Senato stared at one another for a moment, “Don’t you get it?! The sealing was permanent! Whatever bullshit the others told you was wrong.”

“That is not the case,” Hakujo injected herself into the conversation, “The non-permanent sealing was observed under the effects of his shikai. It is quite likely that the bankai would have far more powerful effects... which is, ultimately, the reason we are in this predicament.

“So, our abilities are sealed until we can get him to unseal them.” Senato stated bluntly

“How the hell can you speak about it so bluntly?!” Gekido shouted

“Simply, because it is not the most important thing right now, Gekido.” Ketsui interjected.

“Right now, I need to get out of his bakudo and attempt to assist whomever I can, and I need you four to help me with this.” Senato spoke with determination, “I have to do everything in my power to let us win, even if that means I must leave Shiho here.” The angels stared at him. Then, after a moment of thought, they nodded in agreement. “Chikai, I need you to analyze this bakudo and discern its strength and what would be needed to break it. Gekido, I need you to watch over the spiritual pressure of the other captains. We need to know what’s going on out there.”

“Tch.” Gekido replied, though followed the command none the less.

Ketsui and Hakujo both watched Senato, waiting for him to command them into action. “Akihiko is going to attack someone... if only we could found out who it is and warn them...”

“That wouldn’t be too hard.” Hakujo began, “Each of the other captains has been blessed with Tenshi no Shukufuku, thus each have a connection to us through the star inside of them... you could communicate a message via one of us to tell them something, though they won’t be able to reply...”

Senato’s eyes widened in surprise, “Of course!” he turned first to face Ketsui, “In that case, Ketsui I want you to keep watch that no enemies come in our direction, should one be coming, alert me immediately. Hakujo, I need you to deliver the following message to the captains, but only when they have time to listen, and bring focus especially to whoever is in close proximity to Seinosuke:
Everyone, I have important information that I need to provide to you immediately. Captain Akihiko Seinosuke has defeated both my lieutenant and myself in battle. As a result my lieutenant has lost his spiritual pressure, and I remain bound in a powerful bakudo. Our enemy charged off before sealing off my spiritual pressure as well. Should you encounter him, be aware, his bankai blades have changed to now both have a nodachi end and a broad-blade end, however only one can seal spiritual pressure whilst the other only affects the body. From what I could see, the body was only affected after two strikes, though I cannot confirm this, his spirit blade also has about 10 circular holes in it, though near the end of our battle it seemed that one of the holes had been filled with some sort of rings. I believe this is connected to some sort of limit as to how many techniques he can seal. I will attempt to relay any other information that I can acquire but I cannot assist any of you until I escape this Bakudo... Please, be careful.

With his message memorized, Hakujo nodded and disappeared. Senato thereafter left his inner world, as he opened his eyes he noticed Shiho, still slumped the same as he was before, not having moved even a millimetre. “Shiho I need you to listen to me, I can’t imagine the pain you must feel in your heart right now, but I need you to stand up! I promise you, I’ll find a way to get you your spiritual pressure back!” Though Shiho did not react, not even move. “Can I really make a statement like that?” Senato thought to himself, “Any kind of seal has to have a way to be undone, but I doubt that man would cooperate under any circumstances.” Senato suddenly saw Shiho move his right hand, grabbing the hilt of the katana that once was his zanpakuto.

“Please don’t leave me alone!” Shiho cried to himself, “I don’t want to be powerless again. I don’t want to be the one who needs to be protected!” As he gripped the hilt tighter, “It would have been better if he had just killed me... I can’t protect anyone anymore; I’d only be a burden under any circumstance... I can’t live like this...”

{The Faceless Dead: All Men Must Serve}

Aexus squinted his eyes curiously as he flitted around the battlefield evasively, hidden from sight by his camouflaging ability. He’d managed to land a few cuts and had seen the memories that he had erased yet Yvon’s actions hadn’t seemed to falter in the slightest since the release of his bankai. Neither had Yvon wavered in any of his movements and the aim of his arrows were just as frighteningly accurate as before. If he was still doubting his patchy memories, it clearly wasn’t showing in his performance anymore.

Yvon’s implacable gaze immediately darted towards Aexus as his form become visible and he instantly aimed and motioned causing the translucent avatar to once more fire a tremendous arrow in Aexus’ direction. To Yvon’s surprise, Aexus dashed headlong at the supersonic arrow.

Aexus: Bakudō #39 Enkōsen! Bakudō #81 Dankū!

The two barrier-like spells erected themselves in front of the Gotei Captain split-seconds before the arrow impacted. The racing projectile destructively burst through both Bakudō, shattering them like a bullet through glass and sending countless shards of energy scattering in all directions, though losing some speed upon impact. With the scattered shards reflecting the light around the area, Yvon narrowed his eyes in concentration as Aexus suddenly disappeared in the briefest moment after his arrow struck the two Kidō. He waited momentarily for signs of his opponent as his arrow crashed into the dirt and, quickly reacting to the burst of foreign reiatsu behind him, Yvon immediately swung round with his blades brandished causing his avatar to clash fiercely with Aexus. From under the skin covering his face, Aexus clenched his jaw in frustration as he was sent sliding several tens of metres backwards from the deceptively incredible strength of Yvon’s bankai avatar; he’d expected it to be strong but not this strong. Yvon didn’t give Aexus any time to set himself as he instinctively nocked and propelled an arrow in his direction. The arrow shot forward at breakneck speeds and it took the contraction of every muscle fibre in his body for Aexus to flash step safely out of its way. He panted lightly as he settled as He’d managed to avoid being blown apart but the subsequent shockwave made him wary. Aexus looked in Yvon’s direction and lolled his head to the side.

Aexus: What are you even fighting for buddy?

Yvon: (His eyes penetrate coldly into Aexus’ faceless visage) *nonchalantly* Other than that you are my enemy, what reason do I need?

Aexus: You say that, but I’m not your enemy. You just started attacking me all of a sudden.

Yvon: Did I…?

Aexus: Me and you, we’re comrades. I’m a newly appointed Captain!

Yvon: (He lowers his aim, his body remaining perpetually tensed, and recalls the many Captain’s meetings that had occurred within Mujūryoku Seiiki as his mind quickly runs through the appointed Captains of the Jūzō Hoshō) Umemoto, Daidōji, Anenokoji, Shimo, Sōdo, Seinosuke, Meibatsu, Renoir, Kenronri… three positions are unfilled… (He scrunches his face in thought as he tries to remember his recent history but nothing comes to mind)

Aexus: *perfectly feigns concern* Can’t you remember?

Yvon narrowed his eyes suspiciously and racked his brains but couldn’t come to any conclusion as to whether Aexus was telling the truth. He didn’t have any memories of ever interacting with this faceless assailant before but then again he didn’t have many memories left of recent events to refer back to. It was then that Yvon’s gut feeling made him raise his avatar’s bow in attack when he found his detail-sensitive stare fall upon Aexus’ featureless face causing him to almost instinctively reach to touch his own, but never taking his eyes off of the faceless visage as he did so. His fingers lightly brushed over his feathered Mardi Gras mask and he realised. How did he forget the very thing that almost symbolized the being of a Jūzō Hoshō Captain? Yvon immediately began motioning, inducing the avatar to fire off another set of arrows in quick succession. This person before him couldn’t be a Jūzō Hoshō Captain.

Yvon: You have no mask. Thus you are not a Captain of the Jūzō Hoshō. You are an enemy that I must put down. (His face is expressionlessly stonewall as he continuously fires arrows at his fleeting quarry) For some reason I feel irked that you’d resort to trickery to defeat me.

Aexus, quickly blending into his environment, reeled hastily and flash stepped haphazardly as the sky piercing arrows bore down on his general location. The resounding shockwaves that each arrow generated as they flew past proved to unsettle his rhythm and he struggled intensely to continue avoiding the wooden lances of death. Even as he dodged, Aexus could see the damage the arrows were capable of. Where there were once dense trees and greenery were now annihilated tree stumps, intimidating holes and long craters. One direct, unprotected hit from one of those things and he was finished.

Aexus: (His eyes widen as he realises he cannot avoid one of the incoming arrows and he tightly grips the hilt of his blade with both hands) *frantically* Hadō #75 Aranami Hiryōbi!!!

With a vortex of violently rotating deep blue energy instantly wrapping around the length of his blade and his body forcibly reverting to its visible state, Aexus hastily swung straight at the arrow with all his might, the energy vortex increasing in magnitude as he did so. As his Kidō-clad blade connected with the velocious arrow head on, Aexus yelled out in effort, the bones in his right forearm fracturing, as he labouringly managed to deflect the projectile over his left shoulder. However the sheer momentum combined with the additional power of shockwave sent Aexus hurtling mercilessly backwards into the ground. As Yvon watched Aexus crash into the dirt he seemed to find it odd watching blood trickle from a face with no visible orifices or features of any kind.

Aexus: (He rises to his feet and gingerly feels his fractured arm; he felt lucky that it was his weaker arm that got damaged) Tch… Even with his memories as they are, he’s still a monster! If I can’t kill him outright, I'll have to cut deeper until I can… make him forget some more important things… if I get the chance I’ll use that technique! (Evasively flash stepping away from another arrow that destructively plummets into the ground where he was previously standing, he thrusts his arms outwards) Hadō #57 Daichi Tenyō!!

As the Kidō was recited, large chunks of earth that split from the ground and damaged tree stumps that were forcibly uprooted levitated for a moment before abruptly hurtling towards Yvon. Using the Kidō as cover, Aexus once more camouflaged perfectly with his surroundings and flash stepped erratically towards Yvon, his blade subtly emanating with spiritual energy. Yvon offhandedly fired down each and every projectile that was thrown at him, keeping his senses attuned for the signs of Aexus’ reiatsu signature. Suddenly Aexus reappeared just in front of him, his blade glowing radiantly with a dark hue and poised to strike; seeing this Yvon reflexively aimed the avatar’s bow straight at the incoming Gotei Captain.

Aexus: Wasureppoi Yūyami!!

An omnidirectional flash of blindingly dark light was instantly loosed from Aexus’ blade, causing Yvon’s body to freeze in its position and his hawk-like gaze to be replaced by an empty thousand-yard stare. Seeing his temporarily wiped memory as the perfect opportunity, Aexus continued his attacking movement and accelerated his blade forward with a dangerous thrust aimed for his throat but, to his immense shock, Yvon immediately separated the cutlasses and moved to parry and counter inducing the avatar to powerfully smash Aexus’ blade away before almost instantaneously following with a solid jab sending Aexus rebounding away with increasing force.
Aexus winced as he held his standing stance but could do nothing as he was sent skidding backwards, finally coming to a halt numerous tens of metres away, his fractured arm feeling even worse for wear after having blocked another assault from the bankai avatar. He hadn’t been expecting Yvon to block his strike, let alone counter. The Jūzō Hoshō Captain should have been rendered temporarily catatonic while the effects of Wasureppoi Yūyami were still active, but it was almost as if his bankai avatar had spontaneously kick-started Yvon’s instinct into action of its own accord. Could a zanpakutō spirit do that?

Aexus: (He stares frustratedly at Yvon, whose eyes regain their sharpness as all the memories he had prior to the technique return to him) Tch…

Suddenly both combatants’ eyes were drawn to a star-like orb that plummeted down from the sky and shot into Aexus’ chest. A look of bewilderment momentarily crossed his face before his body took on an angelic glow as it was flushed with a great amount of spiritual energy sending his wave-like crimson reiatsu rocketing. Yvon merely narrowed his eyes in curious disappointment and immediately motioned for the avatar to begin firing at Aexus.

Hakujo: Captain Gingumaru? I am one of Captain Ajibana’s angels. He asked me to deliver all of the Captains a message.

Aexus: (He shifts into camouflage mode as he finds himself avoiding the arrows again) Eh…?

Hakujo: (He seemingly ignores the Gotei Captain) I will now broadcast his message: *Senato Ajibana’s voice* Everyone, I have important information that I need to provide to you immediately. Captain Akihiko Seinosuke has defeated both my Lieutenant and myself in battle. As a result my Lieutenant has lost his spiritual power, and I remain bound in a powerful Bakudō. Our enemy charged off before sealing off my spiritual power as well. Should you encounter him, be aware, his bankai blades have changed to now both have a nodachi end and a broad-blade end, however only one can seal spiritual power whilst the other only affects the body. From what I could see, the body was only affected after two strikes, though I cannot confirm this, his spirit blade also has about 10 circular holes in it, though near the end of our battle it seemed that one of the holes had been filled with some sort of rings. I believe this is connected to some sort of limit as to how many techniques he can seal. I will attempt to relay any other information that I can acquire but I cannot assist any of you until I escape this Bakudō... Please, be careful.

Aexus: (He narrowly avoids another arrow and then skilfully flash steps towards Yvon using his boosted power to drastically augment his speed) *through gritted teeth* I don’t even know who this Seinosuke guy is… but I’m a little occupied anyway, so I leave it to you!

[Burning Resolve!]

Gyako gritted his teeth, gripped his molten sword and leapt at Enma. 'I will not rest until I have rent your body to the point where even you cannot regenerate from it.'

Enma's arm regenerated and he gritted his teeth, then disappeared from view, as Gyako destroyed another portion of the area around them. Magma spewed everywhere and Enma appeared in Gyako's peripheral vision once more. He didn't tarry. His body disappeared and, as he flash-stepped to Enma's front, then spun around with stunning reflexes and caught Enma again, completely cutting through his shihakusho and into his chest. Enma sprawled backwards from the force of the attack, but stood again and regenerated the area of burnt and ragged flesh. Even so, after the number of times he had to heal himself, it was obvious that it was taking its toll on him, as he used even more spirit energy. He was visibly puffing now and Gyako's resolve strengthened, as he understood what this meant. His tact was coming to fruition and seized the opportunity to use it.

'Izumi Maguma: Kazan!'

His reiatsu glowed orange and the ground began to shake, just it had when he activated Izumi Maguma the last two times. Magma began to force its way through the cracks, but, instead of hundreds of small fountains, the ground began to rise up and the tip of the rise cracked further, as it grew closer to Enma.

'Bakudo No. 63, Rikorojoro!'

The Bakudo activated and six beams of yellow energy slammed into Enma's midsection, leaving him incapacitated. Underneath him, the ground had finally broken under the pressure and a massive eruption and uprise of magma burst forth, like a volcano, swallowing Enma up. Gyako stood tall, as he knew the outcome - Enma would regenerate and lose even more energy, especially considering the damage that Kazan would have done to him, especially being incapacitated by a Bakudo during the eruption. Hence Gyako's surprise when he heard a shout in the distance and a burst of green energy.

'Bankai!'

Gyako stared, his jaw had completely dropped and he was completely surprised and confused. 'What the hell??!! Bankai? Are you for real???'

Enma's body disappeared and completely healed itself, before reappearing in perfect shape. What's more, his spirit energy was exceptionally high and it seemed as though he would be able to continue fighting, with no adverse effects.

'Fujiyūrei Namakubi! It is obvious, Vice-Captain, that I am 'for real'... you can see for yourself that my energy is restored and has grown with the transformation of my Zanpakuto. Now you will fall. Prepare yourself.'

In the blink of an eye, Enma swiftly maneuvered himself behind Gyako and spun on his feet, then thrust forwards, stabbing Gyako in the shoulder. Gyako growled in pain, as Enma withdrew his hooked blade, splattering blood over the ground. Enma swung again, but Gyako parried with his good arm and smashed his blade into Enma's.

'Despite the fact that your speed has improved, your fighting technique hasn't... I was worried when I saw you had a Bankai, but i don't think anything has changed - it just means that I need to keep you occupied longer... besides, I'm not going to lose to you. Didn't you hear my Captain before? If I don't win, then I'll become a disgrace to my squad and to the 13 Sentry. I will not allow that!'

Gyako's energy spiked and began to attack Enma ferociously with strong attacks with his magma blade. Enma parried the attacks, but continued to slide backwards from the strength of the strikes, then, without warning, Gyako thrust with his sword arm and, with the other arm, plunged his molten fist into Enma's chest, then withdrew it. This left a large hole in Enma's chest, with burns around the wound and molten skin at the edges. Then, while Enma began to utilise his healing ability, Gyako raised his blade and swung at Enma's neck, separating the head from the body. Time slowed down for Enma, as he realised instantly, as the pain struck and grabbed for his head, and placing it back on his shoulders, then his body began to heal and the skin knitted together and began as it had been before the attack.

Gyako gaped. 'What...? It's not possible... I cut your head off...'

'You're a fool. My Bankai can allow me to heal almost any injury, even decapitation of limbs and my head. I told you, you'll experience your fall from grace now, Juzo Hosho.'

'Not gonna happen! As I said before, nothing has changed! Izumi Maguma!'

Enma dodged the fountains of magma, his improved speed making it much easier for him to keep from harm. Gyako attacked again, using his strength to prepare brutal strikes and to do as much damage to the Vice-Captain as well. After a time, he had left Enma with several nasty wound, though the didn't look worried.

'Chiyu Shōgai' Enma yelled and parried the next lot of Gyako's strikes, though he was still being overpowered by the strength behind them. Thirty seconds later, both of Enma's blades glowed crimson and disappeared from sight, stabbing into Gyako's body with both hooked blades now, then cruelly withdrew them, ripping flesh out from the wounds. Automatically, his body completely healed and he appeared to be as good as new again.

'This ability of yours is certainly troublesome, but it's also tedious... you simply repeat the same process, over and over again... if I didn't have to defeat you, I would have gotten bored and found another opponent... however, you have to disappear.'

'And you'll achieve that... how? It'll be hard, when you can't even do any lasting damage to me at all... just face it, you're going down and you're gonna have a hard fall!'

*Knock knock*

Anyone home? :D

[Legend of Kiwamaru: Pitiless Composure]

[Start Music]

Kie's energy rose, sweeping across the battlefield, like a massive flood. It was black and white at the same time, something that Jisano saw little point to and clearly didn't understand anyway - to him, she was just another infidel that required cleansing, that required passage from this world to another. He would allow her that and would see to it himself. She glared at him and raised her halberd, then flash-stepped swiftly. Jisano dodged an oncoming attack, one that would have likely split his head open, then he blocked another attack, a downward strike with, it seemed, all of Kie's force. Metal on metal. Sparks flew between them. Kie began to slide backwards, as she realised that, while her power was much stronger than before, overpowering him in a battle of pure strength simply would not happen. She jumped back and slashed outwards, using the haft of her halberd to amplify the force of the swing. Jisano sidestepped it and thrust forwards, almost skewering her. Kie replied with another sweeping attack, but this time at foot-level. Jisano merely jumped over her halberd and timed it perfectly, jumping back onto the haft and pinning it to the ground. Kie back-flipped, avoiding a deadly strike from his sword, then shunpoed and punched him in the stomach. He dropped to the ground and gasped for air, letting go of her halberd. She wasted no time, grabbing it and jumping back again, then came to a halt as she watched her opponent with extra-alert eyes.

She watched him to see what he would do - if he would lose his cool again and attack her in a rage. 'Come on, Jisano Meibatsu. I'm waiting for you. It's rude to keep an opponent waiting, you know.'

He stood up. Surprisingly, he looked calm. It was as though he'd either snapped, or just decided to stay calm for now. Probably the former, she thought. 'Rude? Not really. You knocked the wind out of me with that one. If I was slightly more stupid, I would have lost it right then and there, but I won't win that way, so I'm not going to allow that to happen. Instead, I'll just show you what the wielder of Kiwamaru can do. You must understand, Kiwamaru is a special blade - one of four blades that only comes along every couple of thousand years. I was chosen by Kiwamaru to wield him. Because of the circumstances, I had to defeat another person, who was wielding a poor imitation of Kiwamaru... I destroyed him and, in doing so, strengthened my bond with Kiwamaru. I have trained for over 600 years, under some of the most extreme conditions that anyone could ever train under. I was dedicated and I worked my body to the extreme every day. Why do you think I've been fighting you with only my Shikai, when you are in Bankai? Because of this very reason. I will destroy you in combat, Captain. I will crush you! You're nothing but a foul wench, who deserves nothing but the very torture of my speciality, then a swift death after you scream out in pain - to make it stop. To just die.'

'Very inspiring words, Meibatsu. To be honest, I wondered about that. However, you are still in Shikai and I have activated the most powerful aspect of my Bankai. It's about time I showcase my power. Besides, you weren't doing so great when I sucker punched you.'

A flicker of rage passed over his face, Kie noticed, but it passed as quickly as it came, as he suppressed it and forced a look of concentration on his face. Kie's reiatsu spiked again and the ground began to shake again. In fact, the building behind her, the one she had landed against when he first showed up and punched her, began to crumble, then completely crashed to the ground. In an instant, she was gone, as she shunpoed again, much faster than before and sliced into his shoulder. Jisano snarled and swiped at her, almost catching her, but she darted backwards, faster than him and then thrust her halberd forwards, as he attempted to rush her. He was quicker this time and dodged it, then spun in a circle, bringing his sword around with him. Kie used her halberd to stop the attack, then forced his sword down, while her power was higher than his, then kicked him in the chest. He slid back a couple of meters, but didn't look particularly fazed by the kick, nor the slice into his shoulder that he had taken before. Kie didn't stop, in full motion now, she rushed at him again and thrust the halberd at him, cutting and slicing as she dared. He dodged them all, his eyes focused and his rage kept to a minimum, though it looked as though it could boil over with the wrong word. Kie was unsure whether she would like to fight him in a rage, or not. On one hand, it would likely turn him reckless and all of his tactics would disappear, only to be replaced by brute force in every manner, or, on the other, he would become an even more incredible force in a rage and completely destroy her. It wasn't really worth finding out, so she kept her mouth shut for now and kept her eyes on him and focused. She continued her onslaught and he continued to dodge her attacks, but, finally, he was slightly slower than normal and took a slash to the side. He grunted and shunpoed. Kie lost sight of him for a second, but he reappeared and swung at her, with a lot of force. She caught the attack with her halberd, with the haft, but the force from the attack propelled her to the ground and she crashed into it, leaving a crater where her and the ground made contact. Kie stood, uninjured and unintimidated.

'That won't work on me. With my Bankai's power, you won't injure me with such attacks. You probably realise this, too, but it seems that I'm faster than you, at least, for the moment. What happened to all of your foul comebacks, I wonder? I know you vowed not to get angry, but didn't stop you from insulting me before... what changed?'

Jisano stared at her, with essentially empty eyes, devoid of all emotion at this point in time. 'Simple. To quell my rage, I am allowing myself to feel nothing. I can't feel anything, then I can't feel rage. At least, not from this fight. Because I feel nothing at the moment, I have no intention of insulting you, nor calling you names... that will come later, when I decide to torture you to death.'

'Why don't you use your Bankai? You can't win against me like that. It would be pointless for you to continue. Of course, i don't want you to stop fighting me... I have a lot of payback for you. Firstly, because I feel the uncanny urge to rip your throat out. Secondly, because you beat me to within an inch of my life before and still had the nerve to call me a whore. You are such a rude man.'

'I don't care. I don't care about anything. Except punishing infidels and training to continually become stronger. That's all that matters.'

Kie snorted. 'You're nothing but an empty shell, Jisano. You feel nothing whenever you feel like it... you only feel emotions, when it comes to rage against 'infidels' and you have no compassion, or anything, for that matter. If I kill you, I doubt even your colleagues would miss you.'

'If you kill me? That won't happen, though... oh, I forgot to answer your previous question. I don't need my Bankai. I'll defeat you without it. I haven't even begun to show you the depths of my power yet... I was really only allowing you to show off, so I can see what you can do.'

Kie frowned at him, then attacked again. Suddenly, she felt something in the distance. It seemed that a Juzo Hosho energy signature had disappeared. Livius Abel's reiatsu had been growing stronger up to that point, too. It seemed like he had defeated his opponent, however, then another signature appeared, a calm aura of spirit energy, yet one that revealed a sadness, an almost non-existent, silent rage and the presence of Akihiko Seinosuke, who had seemingly appeared to accost Livius. She almost found herself cheering the Juzo Hosho captain on, at least, only because it was that detestable man and she found him to be absolutely vile, probably like every other Shinigami Captain would. However, she suddenly found herself focusing on Jisano Meibatsu. His face was screwed up in rage and he seemed to be personally aggrieved by the disappearance of the Juzo Hosho captain. His reiatsu seemed to pick up and started rising rapidly. Soon, it was rivalling hers, but it didn't stop there, it just kept growing and growing, as his rage seemed to do the same.

'How dare you! HOW DARE YOU VILE SHINIGAMI TAKE THE LIFE OF ONE OF OURS!!!'

Kie looked on in horror, as he began to glow and the whole area seemed to become a well of rising energy, that began to tighten her chest. It was suffocating. She could barely breath. Was this his true power? It seemed like his reiatsu was on another level - not as powerful as the Head Captain, but definitely more powerful than any of the Captains. His colleague, Sumiko Anenokoji seemed to be finding it hard to withstand, too, because she as though she would pass out. In fact, Kie almost felt sorry for her having to withstand such a blast of power, with such little left of her own, though, to her credit, she took it well, refusing to allow him to put her down. Jisano didn't notice - he was too busy fighting himself.

'Akumu... gone... HOW DARE YOU!!!'

Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.

His stomping legs grew closer and closer, as he slowly idled towards her. It seemed that he had gained a permanent, or semi-permanent vein bursting in his forehead. Kie wasn't sure why he was so angry about the death of a Juzo Hosho captain, when before he announced that he cared about nothing, but it seemed that he was lying to himself, but he obviously cared a little for the person that had died moments before.

Jisano halted in front of Kie. Though his reiatsu was blazing and he was so angry that he could barely even see straight, somehow, he managed to hold back and say nothing to the whore in front of him. Fucking bitch. Soon, he'd make her pay.

'Let me tell you a story. It isn't sad, or happy. Instead, it is about me. I never had any parents that I knew about. So, I grew up with Akihiko... his parents welcomed me... trained me. I was happy. I knew nothing of infidels then. I used to drag him off for adventures, and sometimes Akumu... we didn't get along, but she was still like a cousin to me, just like he was like a brother to me. I'd get mad when he would refuse to play with me and train instead. I wanted to explore. I wanted to always be moving. When I became a Captain, I suddenly had a certain freedom. I could do most of the things I wanted to do, though, I ended up wanting to train most of the time, instead. Do you understand, bitch, why I'm angry? Akumu Shimo, one of us and Akihiko's cousin, is dead. Do you understand? I'm furious! One of your Captains has taken the life of one of ours... we practiced restraint. We, excluding myself, all agreed that the Captains would try to incapacitate your colleagues - most of us agreed that we would try and allow as little harm as possible to come to you. Despite that, two of your fellow Captains fell, because they were stubborn... because they didn't give up. Now, even after the care we showed you... the care I told them we should never have showed you, even after that, you go and do such a thing. I told you earlier that it was death in Ukishima Rakuen to engage a Captain in battle... but this is far worse. I pity your fellow Captain right now. I doubt even Akihiko would be able to show restraint to a man who killed his cousin! NOW, SHINIGAMI, PREPARE FOR YOUR DEATH!!!'

Jisano shunpoed, before Kie was even ready - his shout was loud enough that it almost shook her to the bones. The man such a violent temper and now, it was at its worst judging from the evidence. She couldn't read his movements now and he appeared before her, his fist already flying towards her. It hit her in the stomach, with a dull, but meaty thud and she was propelled backwards, at some ridiculous speed. She crashed through the already crumbled building and then through another couple, before she finally came to a halt in the wall of the last one. She pushed herself away from the wall, jumped downwards, just in time to avoid his sword, which slammed into the building and completely crushed it, rubble flying everywhere. Kie swung at him with the halberd, but he seemed to know where it was coming from and going to hit, so she missed completely, instead finding that his hand had seized her halberd. She pulled back, trying to wrench it off him, but it was no good. He seemed to have a death grip on it. It was either let go of her Zanpakuto, which she wasn't considering, or let him have his way. She let him have his way, reluctant to let her halberd fall into his hands and she was pulled up into the air, behind him, then, he halted and swung her around, until he let go and she was sent down towards with incredible force. Somehow, she managed to just save herself from another crash landing and spun herself around, then thrust the halberd forwards, which caught the ground and began to slow her momentum, then her feet hit the ground and she skidded across, Jisano in hot pursuit. She let off a Byakurai, which went straight through his shoulder. For some reason, he didn't even flinch, didn't even acknowledge the fact that she had gotten him with a Kido spell. She sighed to herself, realising that this man was a true monster, then flew at him, her halberd stretched behind her, then she brought it down, but he sidestepped and it crashed int the ground instead, leaving a large crater. She darted out of the way, as his blade came towards her again and flipped herself forwards, right over his head and slashed at his back. Again, he seemed to sense the attack and leaned forwards fluidly. She stopped, frustrated, and tried to figure out what was going on. Then she remembered. From the fight between Jisano and Shen, he had been using an attack called Judgement of Destruction, then an attack called Judgement of Mantra. Considering the power behind his strikes, she figured he had been using that, because they seemed to always be growing a little stronger each time. However, the Mantra seemed to allow him to sense any attack and its entire nature, so that he could literally avoid any sort of attack that was within his strength to withstand. Not hard for a man like him, who seemed to have few people actually equal to him in terms of power and strength. Plus, if his attacks were always getting stronger, then why was he able to use Mantra, too? Surely, he couldn't use a combination of the two... that would be ridiculous.

[Stop Music]

'Figured it out yet, bitch?!' he leered at her, still a nasty snarl on his lips.

'Mantra... that is what you are using, correct?'

'Shut the fuck up, you stupid bitch! Did I say I would answer your inquiries?'

It figured. Of course he wouldn't allow her any clues. Oh well. She would fight him regardless and consider his approach to be exactly what she thought - a combination of Mantra and Destruction, something that frightened her to the core. It was hard to comprehend his power, especially from a guy who was still only using Shikai and his rage was allowing him to reply with such strength, that he had essentially deemed her Bankai to be worthless at this point, even considering its obvious power. Again, the man was a monster.

[Start Music 2]

'Bakudo No. 73, Tozansho!'

A green coloured pyramid of spirit energy surrounded him. He looked around and seemed to laugh to himself, then began to raise his spirit energy, which had slightly subsided since his first outburst. The Tozansho began to crack and Kie took the opportunity to use another Kido against him.

'Hado No. 88, Hiryu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho!'

The blast of blue electricity hit him, just as the Tozansho completely shattered. But, it was too late and he was swallowed up in the blast. She waited for the area to clear, while waiting to sense any movements at all. She didn't think that would have put him out of action, not someone with his strength, but she wanted to believe that it had at least done some damage to him. The smoke cleared, yet there was no Jisano in sight. She quickly spun around, in time to see him approach her from behind. He was completely undamaged - he didn't even have any burn marks on him. She gaped, unable to understand why. Was the spell not powerful enough?

'Bakudo No. 75, Gochutekkan!' Kie cried, as he swung at her. Swiftly, his body was hit by the chained pillars and restrained. Though, not for long, as he blasted himself out of the Bakudo, completely shattering it and aimed his sword at her again.

Impossible. Bakudo up to 75 hadn't even slowed him down yet. 'Bakudo No.99, Kin!' Kie held her palms away from herself, extended to the side, then abruptly clasped them together, fingers intertwined, causing spiritual fabric and bound iron shafts to fasten his hands to his his back. Jisano wriggled around, straining himself and raising his reiatsu some more. it had little effect, though he seemed to be able to move his hands a little.

Kie didn't allow him any more time. 'Bankin!' White energy was released, as Kie slammed her fingers into the ground. 'First song!' The fabric wrapped itself around him, tightening itself. 'Second song!' Metal bolts impaled him with force. 'Final song!' A metal cube formed and crashed into the space where Jisano was restrained. Kie finally used her last ditch effort to slow him down some. 'Seeping crest of turbidity. Arrogant vessel of lunacy! Boil forth and deny! Grow numb and flicker! Disrupt sleep! Crawling queen of iron! Eternally self-destructing doll of mud! Unite! Repulse! Fill with soil and know your own powerlessness! Hado No. 90, Kurohitsugi!'

The black boxes of the Kurohitsugi formed around where the cube had dropped and inverted. However, a sudden rise in spiritual energy completely blew the whole Hado spell apart, as his sword swiped right through it. There was clear rage in his eyes now, even more obvious than before and she jumped backward, avoiding yet another incredibly powerful strike. This was getting tiring. Kie raised her spiritual energy like before, except to beyond the original limits, she allowed it to grown as massive as she could get it, even if it meant using up more than she should, she was desperate now - this man was ridiculously strong... she could only imagine the Head Captain having a chance against him. He even exceeded the reports on him from Shen's fight. Kie boosted forwards, shunpoing when she was in front of him and spun round, slashing him in the back. His Mantra had been too slow to keep up with her that time and she smiled, then thrust the halberd forward, stabbing him in the shoulder, then kicked him in his bad leg, causing him to stumble. Of course, he jumped straight back up and glared at her. Then pounced at her, bringing his sword into an overhead downwards slash. She shunpoed, dodging the attack and fired Soren Sokatsui at him, which exploded in his face. Even after the Kido and the physical attacks, he didn't look like he was acknowledging any of her attacks, just like before. Suddenly, she was grabbed by the throat and held up, to look into his rageful eyes. Somehow, she seemed to pick up a bit of sorrow in them, too, but she couldn't care less at this point. He slammed her into the ground and kicked her in the ribs.

'You're done for now, bitch! You barely have any spiritual energy left and soon enough, you won't even be able to raise a hand to me. I was surprised at your strength, the Kido you used was excellent... the only flaw was underestimating me. I won't be defeated by cheap tricks like Kido... no, only someone of yoru Head Captains calibre would even dream of defeating me. What are you gonna do now, whore?!'

Kie looked up at him, grabbed onto his shihakusho and yanked, until he his face was right next to hers. She spat in his face, a look of fury. 'You foul, despicable man! I won't give up!!!' Using some of her dwindling spirit energy, she regenerated her broken ribs, till they were healed, and regenerated the rest of her injuries. Despite this, she was tired. Her energy was low and her Bankai was using more than she wanted it to. She spun her halberd around and began to furiously attack him, her body alight with the aura of her spirit energy.

[Stop Music 2]

I won't lose to this man... I won't allow him to defeat me!

Music 2.

[Bloodbath]

The entire battlefield was completely destroyed. Massive shafts pierced the ground and stuck in the air like leaning pillars, basically pointing in any direction except straight up. Destroyed rubble surrounded each arrow, showing their level of destructiveness. They were certainly big, but the scale of attacks wasn’t meant for a single human target. While a fortress or entire army would have been decimated, Aexus managed to use his comparatively small stature to avoid the massive arrows and survive every attack.

Yvon, on the other hand, was running out of arrows. He only had two more left by the time Aexus began to press Yvon, having given up on simple trickery that made use of the holes in Yvon’s memory. It was true what Yvon had said—he couldn’t cut away the man’s personality. Trickery would work at first, but the man would always have his guard up. He’d probably fight his best friend with all of his strength if he had to. That left Aexus little choice but to attack the archer at close range, charging right toward the large avatar that seemed to shield Yvon.

This proved to be the right choice. Though the thick spiritual pressure was dense and somewhat viscous, Aexus it wasn’t a shield or barrier that stopped Aexus’ advance. He managed to come right up to Yvon and bring his sword down on him, forcing Yvon to block with his two cutlasses. The avatar faded away almost immediately, leaving both fighters suspended in the air. Aexus was uncertain of whether his attack had caused this falter in Yvon’s bankai, or if Yvon had simply forgotten to maintain it, but he didn’t fail to capitalize on the moment. With a loud yell, he poured all of his forced into his sword hand as he brought it down on Yvon again and again as they fell, and Yvon gritted his teeth as he used both of his cutlasses to block, sending sparks through the air as their blades connected again and again.

Right before they landed, Yvon vanished with his flash step, disappearing from sight just as Aexus landed unsteadily on his feet. On pure reflex, Aexus managed to bring his sword up in time to block as Yvon flew straight at him, putting all of his weight behind his swing. Aexus bent his back just in time to avoid the second blade that swung around, attempting to cut through his neck. Aexus’ legs flew up to kick Yvon and break his momentum and Yvon was forced to dodge to the side to avoid the attack. Aexus immediately hopped back several feet to put distance between the two and Yvon stood his ground, frowning with his sharp hawk-like eyes.

“…Just who are you, anyways?”

Yvon asked this question suspiciously, but Aexus didn’t respond. He blended in with his surroundings, disappearing from sight. Yvon’s eyes narrowed and he clicked his tongue as he relaxed his stance.

“Not talking? Then you must be an enemy.”

Just how many times did this guy decide on that one fact? Aexus must have heard those words a hundred times now.

“Kagirinai Kyoudan Koji.”

Aexus paused in midstep as he tried to sneak up behind Yvon. Something had changed as soon as Yvon had said those words, but not around him. Yvon appeared to be the same, but the sound of splintering wood rang loud and clear, as if several trees were having their bark ripped off of them. Aexus quickly searched his surroundings for the source of the noise—it didn’t take him long to figure out what it was.

It was the arrows.

The massive shafts that stuck from the ground were splitting apart. The shafts of wood splintered and formed pointed tips that almost looked like little hairs that were coming off of the arrow. But only at first—as time passed, the ‘splinters’ became more and more defined, until the point where they could be called splinters anymore.

Without a doubt, those were arrows.

Just one of the original massive arrows had turned into a massive collection of normal sized arrows that towered in the air. There must have been thousands…no, millions of them. Yvon had fired at least ten of them, so if they were all turned into smaller arrows like this one was…oh god. Aexus found himself staring in awe at the sight, unable to comprehend just what he was looking at. Could one person even control so many arrows at once?

“Scatter.”

Apparently so.

The arrows all turned to face Yvon. With the massive arrows surrounding the battlefield, these smaller ones, essentially formed a wall with Yvon at the epicenter. It didn’t take long for Aexus to figure out what Yvon was doing.

There would be no avoiding that hailstorm of deadly sharp objects.

Nevertheless, Aexus moved. He rushed with all of his might in order to get out of the way before the arrows reached him. From the distance they were at, they didn’t even seem to be moving. It just looked as if more and more were filling the sky, but that was just perspective. Aexus could clearly hear the sound of air whistling around them as the arrows cut through the wind at high speed. But even hearing this, Aexus underestimated their speed.

The first three pierced his body before he could even flinch.

“Shit—!”

Aexus cursed in pain as he immediately brought his sword up to block the rest of the arrows that approached. The ground became something akin to the bed of needles as the arrows lodged themselves on the dirt around him and Aexus was forced to stop moving and block as many as he could. But even with his sword, the arrows still found purchase in his body. They came from every feasible direction, aiming to skewer him to pieces.

And Yvon was moving as well.

The shower of arrows seemed infinite, but Yvon didn’t hesitate to charge through, remaining completely unharmed as he charged at Aexus. Aexus ground his teeth as he was forced to turn and block the two cutlasses that aimed to slash through his body, trying not to wince in pain as an arrow cut through a large chunk of his flesh.

It was like an inescapable shower from hell.

{The Legend and Kenpachi}

Livius cackled excitedly when Akihiko drove at him once more. Livius’ bankai entity rapidly flanked him from the side and Livius drove straight at him in response, with the three beings clashing heavily, blades scraping loudly over each other. Livius’ smirk quickly turned into a strained winced as Akihiko fiercely overpowered both him and his entity and they hastily flash stepped away with the Jūzō Hoshō Captain following intently.

Livius: (He sniggers as Akihiko catches up to him and begins his offensive) Aki, Aki, Aki…! (The entity quickly flies in to aid in Livius’ defence) You think you’ll get me like you have all your past opponents? (His eyes light up and a toothy smirk erupts on his face) I know all your abilities back to front Aki! Come on! Try and seal me away!!

No response was loosed from Akihiko’s lips but he pushed much harder twirling his blades beautifully and with deadly precision in an attempt to rend the Kenpachi’s body. However Livius and his entity were reading Akihiko’s movements as they came and they just about managed to parry and repel each and every strike. It had been such a long time since Livius had possessed such extensive information on a single opponent but, despite the advantage he saw himself with, Livius found his body wasn’t keeping up with his mind. His previous fight had taken more out of him than he had expected and he knew he couldn’t fight effectively with his body in its current condition.
He pulled away once more, leaving his entity to hold Akihiko off, but with a rapid stab with his right blade followed fluidly by a deft somersault over its head, Akihiko almost instantly caught up again and launched a heavy downward chop with his left blade forcing Livius to block with both hands tightly gripping his hilt. Immediately noticing the rapidly incoming slash from Akihiko’s right blade, Livius arched his body backwards, letting the blade sweep millimetres from his skin, and chuckled as he was sent flying from a vicious kick to the torso.

Livius: (He gets to his feet and spits out a thick glob of blood from his mouth as his entity arrives next to him) Ha!! You didn’t think I was going to allow you get meet Kettō no did you? That right blade of yours won’t be getting a drop of my blood. You won’t be sealing any of my body.

Akihiko: (He grunts indifferently and his demeanour remains calm despite Livius’ words) *deadpan* I wonder Captain Abel; if you had forgotten that Soul Reaper battles are battles of reiatsu…

Livius: (He grits his teeth as he grins, feeling Akihiko’s immense spiritual power from across the battlefield) Then it’s time I use the boost that little squirt gave to me… (Livius’ body suddenly begins to glow vividly with an virtuous white hue and his reiatsu returns to strength explosively) You wouldn’t believe how much more refined my Kaidō has got since I stole that pathetic woman’s essences. And with this… “angelic” enhancement…

Seeing the effect of Captain Ajibana’s enhancing technique first hand, Akihiko dutifully raced to attack Livius, his gaze not faltering for a second as he watched the numerous cuts, slashes and punctures on Livius’ body begin to steam as they slowly regenerated over. Akihiko viciously crossed blades with Livius and his hooded bankai entity as the Kenpachi’s bodily injuries healed to a more than functional level, with the more serious, deeper wounds barely closing up and instead scarring over.
A wave of satisfaction swept over Livius as even the state of his knee improved slightly from his augmented healing Kid and his grin widened as he continued to duel alongside his bankai entity. After blocking another swing, Akihiko sent Livius skidding backwards from a forceful dual-bladed strike. Eventually coming to a stop in the distance, the Jūzō Hoshō Captain observed his opponent’s form. With his shihakushō already shredded from his previous fight, his ragged Captain’s haori draped over his healed yet scarred body, his rejuvenated spiritual power raging and an unnervingly manic smirk on his face, Livius looked intimidatingly fearsome. Akihiko was not stirred in the slightest.

Livius: (He leers unsettlingly) Well then, Aki. I think it’s time we start this for real, don’t you?

Akihiko did not say a word but the two combatants launched themselves at each other with extreme power, with each set of blades clashing mightily. This time Livius pushed on to the offensive, attacking with gusto and an unnaturally disruptive style of swordsmanship. The entity followed suit, making swift aggressive sword strokes that identically matched those of its partner. However Akihiko aptly held his ground, parrying and deflecting many of the slashes that came his way and skilfully avoiding the others. After ducking under a double decapitating swing from both adversaries, he flash stepped backwards firing off Ōkasen in each of their directions before rounding on the distracted Captain with lightning speed and thrusting his left nodachi straight for the base of Livius’ spine. Livius hastily arched his body to the side of the thrusting Captain, with the blade nicking the side of his body instead. Though, in that moment, Akihiko twisted his body round bringing his right blade hurtling towards Livius’ immobile body, ready to slice through the man’s torso. However the entity came rushing inwards, blocking the powerful blow with the brunt of its own blade allowing Livius to safely move off. Akihiko’s momentum took him away from the pair and he flash stepped away to briefly recollect his thoughts while Livius held his position and waited.

Livius: *under his breath* Heh, this isn’t what I was planning but I’m turning out to enjoy this.

Hakujo: Kenpachi Abel? I am delivering a message on behalf of Captain Ajibana: *Captain Ajibana’s voice* Everyone, I have important information that I need to provide to you immediately. Captain Akihiko Seinosuke has defeated both my Lieutenant and myself in battle. As a result–

Livius: Can it, you rat! I don’t want to hear anything from scum that has been shamefully defeated. Leave this Captain to someone capable. (His smirk widens and his reiatsu suddenly spikes violently, shrouding his body and giving it a devilish aura) Prepare yourself Aki! Jigokujutsu: Ma Tokkan!!

The ground beneath his feet was obliterated as he ferociously propelled himself in Akihiko’s direction at blinding speed, blade cocked and ready to cleave straight through him. Akihiko keenly tracked him as he came rushing in and somersaulted over his body just as Livius brought his blade forward, causing the Kenpachi to instead smash destructively into the side of the rocky hill with the force from his swing sending a curved fissure straight through the hill, causing the structure to collapse heavily around him. As Akihiko was still somersaulting he quickly repositioned his body and calmly fired off a roaring Sōren Sōkatsui in Livius’ direction before landing and immediately rebuffing a sneakily vicious assault from the hooded entity that had been trailing behind its master. As the entity combated Akihiko, Livius burst up from the rubble like a flowering plant and swiftly flash stepped over to resume the offensive.

Livius: (He converses with a frenzied grin as they cross blades) We’re the same, you and I; almost fundamentally identical. It’s as if we were brothers, Aki!

Akihiko: (His eyes radiate ire as he blocks a strike from the entity while simultaneously ducking under a swipe from Livius) …

Livius: Don’t think I don’t know Aki. Remember that I saw exactly what you did to Captain Sojan. Brutal, absolutely brutal. Oh, and what about poor old Tsutomu, eh? What happened to that sonovabitch Aki?

Akihiko: (His wrathful eyes widen for the briefest of moments before he begins to press harder, his strikes imbued with his tranquil fury) *his tone is calm but tinged with revulsion* Tsutomu was an arrogant, uneducated child… very similar to the person challenging me…

Livius: (He sniggers evilly) Is that what you really mean Aki? YDid you think you could forever forget those “depraved series of events”? I was literally there, watching, when you heartlessly–

Akihiko: (His forward stab is followed by a swift punch to the face, cracking Livius’ cheekbone and sending the Kenpachi reeling) *seething* Silence you reprobate…

Livius: (He laughs loudly as he quickly regains his footing and spits a glob of blood in Akihiko’s direction) *goading* That’s it Aki! There’s that bloodlust! (Akihiko merely stares, his eyes boring into Livius’, before he instantly flash steps in front of him, swinging his dual blades dangerously; Livius aptly parries the attacks, combining with his entity to adroitly counter his moves) Drop the façade Aki; a man possessing such a warped zanpakutō with surprisingly devious techniques like Kiwamete’s isn’t made for someone other than a killer!!

The duo of Livius and his entity repelled Akihiko backwards and rapidly fired off multiple Hadō in quick succession, with the Jūzō Hoshō Captain nullifying the first few before masterfully bobbing and weaving around the rest. While he was firing off the various offensive Kidō, Livius noted that despite being Akihiko clearly being able to seal the multiple Kidō attacks with his left blade, he wasn’t. Had he already caught on to his strategy? He sniffed in irritation and then drove into attack with his entity, their blades colliding heavily with Akihiko’s.

Livius: Well, well Aki. How do you like it when I fight like your dead worthless cousin!? (Both his and his entity’s swordsmanship style suddenly begins to mimic that of Akumu’s as he combats Akihiko) Does your blood boil knowing that I killed her with my hands and now she lives through me?! (He doesn’t get any response from Akihiko whose dissonantly serene expression began to irk Livius) …get your fucking head out of your arse and answer me!! (Akihiko’s eyes remain unblinking and his face stays set in its serenity as he fights, irking Livius further) …you think you’re too good to reply you fucker?! Huh?! (He still doesn’t receive a response from his opponent, visibly affecting his performance) Don’t think you’re better than me you silver spoon ****! ANSWER ME!!!

I apologize. Once again, I lost my internet and our provider was none too hasty about getting it back for us. I will respond to your posts as soon as I can.

Also, K0V, are you going to post with Kyobo, Majo and Akarui? Just curious.

[Sealed Ambitions]

Akihiko stared defiantly at Livius while diligently avoiding his successive strikes. Their blades clash, creating distinctive sounds as the metal collides. Akihiko leaps back and twists his body, deflecting a swipe from Livius’ Bankai. He leaps toward and twists his body while staying low to the ground, lifting his feet enough to kick large amounts of dirty at Livius’ face. Livius strikes away the soot quickly enough to view an incoming attack. He recognized that Akihiko managed to parry his Bankai simultaneously kicking dirt into his face.

“What a marvelous fighter,” Livius thinks to himself. “This only heightens the thrill of battle, allowing me to further savor his defeat!” Livius contemplates his enemy’s behavior, noting his particular style with his blade. “I was being playful, but what If I were to truly assault you?” He lunges at Akihiko, delivering powerful strikes, rotating his body from side-to-side with a spring-loaded pattern of stabs and swings. “It’s remarkably familiar isn’t it? As I said, I know all there is to know about you and your cousin. She may as well be attacking you in this moment. Wouldn’t that be painful, to be attacked by your own family?” Livius smirks fondly as he continues is onslaught, his Bankai leaping at Akihiko and slicing into shoulder. “That was narrowly escaped,” Livius remarks as he watches Akihiko sweep across the ground and land on his feet. You’re quite nimble. It’s fascinating to watch. And yet, you won’t fucking answer me? You bring both intrigue and a dullness to this battle, Aki,” he says as his voice tapers off.

“It’s true, you do, indeed, fight remarkably similar to that of Akumu. And yet, you’ve only managed to land a single blow, of which was not by your blade, but rather your creature’s,” Akihiko states flatly.

Livius grits his teeth, finding reason for irritation. Despite his jovial position on Akihiko’s suffering, he can’t help but find himself bother by his opponent’s quiet contempt. There is something unnerving, unlike anything he’s ever experienced. “I am going to thoroughly enjoy killing you as Akumu, not to mention absorbing your essence,” he says loudly and with great pride!

“Agh, yes, you feed off the dead not unlike a maggot. How industrious of you.”

“You say it like it’s a bad thing,” he says with a grin. “It’s worthwhile, I promise you. And if you have it, own it.”

Akihiko’s gaze reveals revulsion. “It isn’t often I find someone as repugnant as you, Captain Abel. You’re particularly vile.”

“So they say…” Livius and his Bankai jointly lunge at Akihiko. He parries their strikes, recognizing this as Akumu’s signature style.

“You likely have knowledge of this style beyond that of its strokes.”

Livius stares quizzically for a moment, before letting out a gentle laugh. “Yes, I understand that this was a style she was most fond of. I even understand it is rare among Juzu Hosho captains.”

“It’s true,” Akihiko states as he calmly deflects incoming attacks, “this form of blade wielding is uncommon and simultaneously unique to my nation. Meaning you were unaware of it until after the point of transfer.”

Livius brushed-off his opponent’s contributions, finding little value in his opponent’s words. “You’re telling me everything I already know…”

“One can surmise from knowing this that your knowledge is limited to that of your victim and no further…” Akihiko eyes connect with Livius’ at the precise moment of his analysis, stunning his dangerous foe. He parries another strike from Livius’ Bankai, their eyes still intimately connected. As his blade collides with the manifestation, Akihiko speaks quickly beneath his breathe, “Tsuchi no kyōkai…” He twirls his blade and a spiral of energy quickly zooms out. It drills into the air before expanding and ensnaring his Bankai, hurtling it into the distance. In mere seconds he was able to bind his Bankai and rebuff Livius’ advance. He intricately uses both blades, blocking the left spring-loaded strike before sliding forward and striking the edge of Livius’ foot. He rotates his foot and manages to do the same with Livius, disabling him from following through on his memorized movements. Akihiko strikes him in the chest with his elbow, but Livius’ reflexes tell him to retreat. He attempts to leap to safety, but is within range of Akihiko. Akihiko’s blade shallowly across his chest, spilling blood into the air. Ever-so-softly, Akihiko recites, “ Kettō no.

Livius leaps back and lands on his feet, touching his wound and rubbing the blood between his fingers. After close inspection, he stares furiously up at his opponent, baffled by how he was able to bypass all that Livius had learned. “What the hell did you just do?!” Livius was confused and irritated, but was well-aware of what just happened. “Damnit…”he thinks to himself, “he managed to establish first blood.”

“Despite all the wisdom you leech from your victims, you managed to make a fatal mistake. While it’s true you may have inherited Akumu’s sword style and all its strengths, you also managed to acquire all its weaknesses, too,” Akihiko states bluntly.

“What the hell are you talking about,” Livius demanded violently?!

“You scavenger dead bodies like a grave robber, hoping to find morsels of strength, all the while you neglect to recognize that with every strength resides a weakness. Akumu was tenacious and fearless, but she also had deplorable work acumen. Despite her years of training, she never perfected that style of fighting and within it, she never managed to compensate for its weaknesses. You can’t know what was never learned, unfortunately. It seems among your hubris, you never managed to recognize the flaw in your Zanpakuto’s ability. You considered it absolute, but it was just as flawed as you are now. And with that, I have now satisfied first blood,” and can successfully deplete you of your bodies vitality.

“You bastard…” Livus is enraged by Akihiko’s attitude and defiance. “I am going to thoroughly enjoy ripping you apart and then taking what is left as a souvenir. You’ll be my best trophy to date! With the accolades you provide, I will become more powerful than every other captain.”

“Such ambition is fleeting,” Akihiko comments as he clutches his blades tightly.

“You’ll be regretting that statement once my face is the last you see,” Livius muttered with particular blood lust.

“You’re no better than an animal scouring the forest for food. You’re desperate and weak, so you survive on the remains of those stronger and more adept than you. It’s obnoxious and disgraceful.” Akihiko’s words leave his mouth like daggers, though his expression remains steadied and calm. His eyes fixate on his opponent, recognizing a shift in the air. “Silly creature…” he says as he leaps from harm’s way. “I wonder how you’d manage to fortify your ego without use of your Bankai. It is, after all, merely a mend to a much greater flaw. I suspect, without it, you would descend into disarray.”

“Keep your words to yourself, you selfish, spoiled prick.” Livius’ anger is apparent, but he quickly calms himself, exhaling boldly.

“You were so eager for me to contribute, but now that I am, you demand my silence. Rather convenient for someone of your kind.”

Livius can’t help but find Akihiko’s words infuriating. He can’t determine why, however, and quells his ferocity by channeling it into his blade. “I’m going to strip you of your title and humiliate you! You think you’re better than I am? No, you can’t possibly think that. Right? I’ve seen what you’re capable of of, what you did. You think I’m disgusting? How about separating a man from his body or…” Livius is interrupted by a blast of energy. He deflects it quickly with his blade. “Hah…I got a rise out of you, I see.” He begins running toward Akihiko but vanishes, appearing to his side and releasing a hado that created hundreds of little marbles that passed along the ground. They exploded and released plumes of fire and energy. “Your cousin knew a lot of neat Hado, which, of course, she learned from Captain Daidoji. What luck!” He ascends and watches as his Bankai assault Akihiko. Suddenly Akihko’s blade is caught by an energy rope, “You taught her this neat little trick!” He tugs on the rope, bringing Akihiko to the ground.

Akihiko rolls across the ground and stabs his blade into the soil, lifting himself quickly. The rope bursts and ensnares him. He has no choice but to seat it.”

“Yes, keep going!”

Akihiko’s eyes pierce his opponent as he runs swiftly across the field, defending against Livius’ Bankai. He leaps into the air and to the side, attempting to slice the creature across the neck. It dodges, knowing his abilities, as it has a link to Livius. He leaps into the air as the ground is consumed by roaring flames. Soon the sky is filled with needles that resemble shards of wood. They travel through the sky, striking Akihiko.

“You can’t keep dodging my Kido, excuse me, Akumu’s Kido. You have to seal it, leaving you with far less of a chance of winning.”

Akihiko defiantly resists sealing his ability, sustaining numerous injuries. “He lands on the ground and releases a powerful Kido from his palm, lighting up the sky with vibrant energy.

Livius narrowly dodges the technique. “Damn…even knowing you possess that technique still makes it difficult to avoid. You’re quite adept at Kido, aren’t you? But you can’t keep using big kido, otherwise you won’t have much energy left. In fact, keep going. Wear yourself down,” Livius says with a small chuckle.

Akihiko stood on a nearby structure, noticeably fatigued. He still possessed his stoic composure as he breathed heavily and stared silently at his opponent. He quickly leapt from the building and began gliding across the battlefield, avoiding kido and blade strikes. He swiftly turned around and sealed a Kido before locking eyes with Livius.
“It must be quite exhausting to have your Bankai released for so long…” Livius commented humorously.

“I would say the same for you,” Akihiko retorted.

“Don’t worry about me, Aki, I haven’t had my Bankai released for longer than 30 minutes. That’s how weak your cousin was in comparison to me…”

Akihiko notes his opponent’s words and tone, finding the derision distasteful. He stood tall and looked at his blades before gazing at his opponent. “Perhaps you are underestimating the length of time it has been released.”

“Awe…you’re concerned about your cousin’s reputation, eh? Unfortunately, it was definitely under thirty minutes.”

“Your certainty is promising, Captain Abel.”

Livius stared at Akihiko confusingly, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. “You have a trick up your sleeve? Well, don’t bother, I know all of them. You can’t overpower me like the others,” Livius stated rebelliously!

“It’s true, you have a much needed advantage and possess vast knowledge of my abilities. You are able to discern my abilities and read my movements rather efficiently, and yet, I still managed to land a hit.” Akihiko’s eyes scale his Zanpakuto as he speaks. “Hijiiri Kiwamete is a blade unlike any other. It is profound and fantastical in its properties.” He glides his finger across the blade as he admires its shine. “I have outlasted all other wielders. In the thousands of years it has spent granting soul reapers with its gifts, it has never found anyone who could fully command its strength. That is, of course, until it met me. I possessed the unique determination and discipline necessary for wielding such skills. You likely know this, don’t you, Captain Abel? You do, after all, know all there is to know of my Bankai. Am I correct in assuming that?”

Livius smirks uncomfortably before agreeing, “Yes…”

“And yet, you did not exhibit the slightest degree of worry when I questioned you about your Bankai’s release. Nothing about that conversation was the least bit unnerving, which indicates that you know less than you’re boasting.” Akihiko’s laurel-colored eyes beam in Livius’ direction, scanning his questioning expression. “Even now you frantically search, but are unable to find anything capable of solving this odd conundrum. What value is there in time, after all,” Akihiko questions? “Oddly enough, it cannot hasten death, but it can forestall it. That is, of course, if time is manipulated correctly. Understanding the flow of time can sometimes be imperative in a battle.”

“What the fuck are you blathering on about,” Livius demands vexingly?!

“You boast that you forget nothing, and yet, you forgot the cardinal rule of war.”

“Oh, and what’s that?”

“You should never assume you know all there is know about your opponent, otherwise you’re likely to be gravely disappointed.” Akihiko twirls his blade in his hand, “you fear the unknown, which is why you seek to know everything. You should fear what you don’t know, Captain Abel. In this moment, what you don’t know will leave you barren.” He takes his blades and thrusts them in the air in front of him. They create a ripple in the air around the blades. As though they were keys to a locked door. “ Tojikome Teikoku. Suddenly a pulse of colorless, translucent energy pulses through the entire area.

Livius stares curiously at Akihiko, having no memory of this technique. He sees nothing but Akihiko’s blades extended before him. He abruptly experiences a tingling sensation all over his body as the translucent energy spreads like a filter, passing through everything it touches, leaving it unharmed. It creates a dome-like structure around them, but Livius remains unaware. He raises his brow before shouting, “Fuck this!” His Bankai speeds toward Akihiko just as Akihiko turns his hands, rotating his blades in place. Not unlike a key unlocking a door, it creates a force that recalls the energy that had spread and created the dome.

Akihiko pulls his blades from the air, tugging on them as if something was holding them in place, though nothing was visible. The energy quickly recedes, passing through everything as it shrinks and returns to the source, Hijiiri Kiwamete. As it retreats, it pulls with it a faint sheet of energy, ripping them gently from everything it touched. Akihiko holds his blades forward and the energy returns to his blades, leaving everything remarkably unscathed.

“What the hell was that supposed to be?” Livius suddenly realizes that his Bankai is missing. His eyes scan the area, leaving him perplexed. “That’s impossible, “he thinks to himself, “he didn’t engage it, but it vanished in my moment of distraction. Did he seal it? How did I not know of this technique? And even if he did…It’ll return.” Livius convinces himself that he is still in possession of the advantage. “So, what is this Tojikome Teikoku?

“You’re unfamiliar aren’t you? It appears my suspicions were correct.”

“Shut the hell up. You weren’t correct about anything,” Livius interjects defiantly.

“Have you noticed anything peculiar yet?”

“No, should I have,” Livius responds indignantly?

“Indeed you should have. I’m quite surprised you’re so cavalier about the absence of your Bankai. No, that’s not it. You were simply so distracted by your hubris that you neglected to notice the difference.”

Livius looks at his blade and realizes it has reverted to its original form. “What the hell is this?” He continues to stare at his sealed blade, but has no recollection of resealing it. “You don’t have this kind of power?! What the fuck is going on?!” Livius demands answers, but is met with silence. He examines his blade and places it in his sheath before drawing it and commanding his Bankai to re-release. “Bankai, Shiga Futari wo Wakatsu! Are you hearing me?! BANKAI, Shiga Futari wo Wakatsu!!!!!” He angrily shouts its name, demanding it to return. To his dismay, he is met with further silence. “WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?!?!” Livius’s whole body quakes as his body releases immense energy.

“Isn’t it obvious? I sealed your Bankai.”

“Impossible! You can’t do that! I’d know it!”

“Well, I sealed the event in time where your Bankai was released.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Livius continues to lose his composure, overcome by the fear that he lost his Bankai. He glares at his blade, continuing to demand its re-release, but nothing. “Why the fuck won’t you respond to me? Can you hear me Shiga Futari wo Wakatsu? You can’t seal time! Your little cousin is still dead! I don’t sense her, so that is impossible!”

“It doesn’t resurrect the dead, I’m afraid. Tojikome Teikoku isolates a period in time and seals it away, effectively eliminating it as a threat and nullifying its effect. Of course there are restrictions. While its true you killed her, it cannot seal what no longer exists. Death is permanent, unfortunately, and therefore it cannot be sealed to restore something that was. Your Bankai, however, is a separate construct. I sealed the segment in time where you released your Bankai. Time is fluid and therefore can effectively reconnect itself when disturbed. I simply removed a segment of time, so when time resumed it connected the events right before to right now and time continued as usual. It’s a rather simple concept. Unfortunately for you,” Akihiko states with a threatening gaze, “you can no longer access your Bankai.

“Impossible. I can just re-release it! If you stole the moment it was released, I can simply redo it!”

“You’ve been attempting that since you noticed it absence, but it clearly hasn’t affected anything.”

“So you erased it?”

“No, I sealed it.”

“Then why did it revert back to a regular Katana?”

“Because I sealed away the segment in time where you released your Bankai. Once it was sealed within Hijiri Kiwamete you could no longer access the abilities it afforded you upon release, which includes the appearance of your Bankai’s blade. It still exists within my Zanpakuto, but outside the reaches of time. Time is like a flame in a forest. It won’t stop until it has consumed everything. Though it resumed as usual, it will not allow you to duplicate the same event because, in fact, it has already happened. I simply removed it from the flow of time and therefore you are unable to experience it in the present. Time is rather sentient that way, recognizing that something is missing, but not necessarily understanding where it went. As such, you are unable to re-release because the event exists outside of time, but nevertheless still exists. You still have your Shikai. Though I’m not certain how far you’ll be able to get with just that.” Akihiko steps forward, staring hostilely at Livius, “As I mentioned earlier, you will be experiencing the dread of defeat. As I prophesized, you are left with a dull blade, incapable of cutting me. Without your Bankai, let’s see how your arrogance holds up…”

[The Strength of Blood Lust]

Kyobo stared at Majo, fear bubbling in the depths of his soul which was stifled by the torrent of anger that seemed to be seeping into his already more aggressive personality. His gaze turned into a menacing glare which made Majo pause for a moment before continuing to torture Kyobo further to rid him of any resistance he might have had left.

"So you're going...ugh....to torture me before you kill me, huh?" He said painfully as each time the needle entered and exited his body he would grunt softly in pain despite not wanting to demonstrate such to his opponents. "It just makes me want to kill you even more...guh."

Majo grinned wickedly as she leaned forward to have her mouth next to his ear. "Jakuten Neji," She whispered, creating a dull pain around Kyobo's heart, causing him to grunt and writhe, struggling against his bonds in an effort to reach his chest. "I'm flattered to hear you loathe me so much, but I get more of a kick listening to your pained moans." She giggled almost like an innocent child would, making Kyobo shiver. "The man who made it appear he was some sort of immortal, now is reduced to a quivering mass. It makes me so overjoyed to think the man who blinded me is now at my mercy."

"Argh....FUCK YOU!" Kyobo shouted venomously, struggling even more furiously against the chains that held him, causing them to rattle and creak. Akarui wrapped the chain she held around her arm, and tightened her grip trying to restrain the wildly struggling captain, while Majo held on to the chains she had extracted from him, pulling them tighter against his body and tried to increase the pain around Kyobo's chest which to her surprise did not stop him moving, rather it made his movements even more violent as if he was an enraged beast.

Kyobo managed to firmly plant his left foot in the ground and started pulling against the chains that bound him with even more force, causing both Akarui and Majo to drag along the ground in an effort to keep him in place, digging small trenches with their feet, forcing Majo to focus on his left leg which Kyobo started to feel crumple underneath him and in a final desperate attempt to free himself, he planted his right foot down and pushed as hard as he could, flinging himself desperately towards his axe managing to fall with his face next to the handle. The movement had forced Akarui and Majoo to loose they footing and fall forwards with only Majo left actually holding on to the restraints.

Kyobo stretched his neck out, biting down on the handle and forcing himself to get into a kneeling position as he forced his axe to produce anesthetic and swung his axe down, slashing through a majority of the chains ensnaring him around his chest, leaving a few severely damaged and a gash down his chest, but which a new found sense of freedom lending strength to Kyobo he again forced himself to his feet, dropping his axe to his left hand which had a greater amount of freedom than his right and again slashed at his own body, severing most of the remaining chains and leaving another gash on his body across his abdomen. He then strained against the remaining chain links making more room for himself to move in them before switching the axe to his right arm and placing it back onto his shoulder, though only barely as the restraining chains bit badly into his arms.

Kyobo's spiritual pressure spiked suddenly as he yelled in a deep, powerful voice "BANKAI!" His already spiking spiritual pressure seemed to increase dramatically as his body became engulfed in a bright light for a few seconds before it faded, leaving the chain links to fall to the floor in broken pieces.

Akarui looked upon the now silver armour clad figure in fear-filled awe. Kyobo's right arm held his double headed axe with ease, it's weight seemed almost irrelevant to him despite it being taller than he was. His hate filled eyes turned their attention on Majo who's own sightless eyes seemed to lock with his as she climbed to her feet, still clutching the blue chain that was now causing him no pain, despite her best efforts.

He twirled the axe in his hand with graceful elegance as if he was merely twirling a banner, before half crouching, swinging the axe back.

"You don't scare me, Kyobo. I'll will have you kneeling before me again and by then you will be screaming for your death. Bankai or no bankai" She stated bluntly, taking up a fencing stance.

Akarui then sensed something wrong before rocketing to her feet and screaming. "MAJO! DON'T FACE HIM HEAD ON!"

Majo's head turned in her direction just as Kyobo rocketed forward, disappearing from Akarui's view and appeared in front of Majo a moment later, his axe barreling down at her skull at an almost untraceable rate. Majo quickly flash stepped to his right and stabbed her blade forward at his ribs where it then glanced off of the armour without leaving so much as a mark on it.

Kyobo stopped the strike and placed his right elbow behind the axe pole, and pulled the other axe head round into the back of Majo's head, where it dented Majo's helmet and sent her into a slight daze before he adjusted his elbow so it was now on the other side of the pole and brought the axe back around, slamming the flat of the first axe blade into Majo's side, sending her flying behind him a good few meters before she came to rest in a deep trench.

Akarui flash stepped to her side and helped her stand before readying her own weapons. "We don't know what his bankai is capable of. If it's anything like his shikai then rushing in head first would just be playing into his..."

"Hands? You know discussing tactics is reasonable enough but not when your opponent can close the distance without you even noticing." They both turned to the presence behind them as Kyobo swung his axe at a tremendous velocity, forcing them to flash step away. Kyobo however followed them, easily keeping up with their movements and slammed his shoulder straight in Majo's body, catapulting her backwards a great distance before her journey was ended by a hillside, of which she had left a giant crater in. Akarui tried to take advantage of Kyobo's exposed back and stabbed her blades forward, aiming for his lower back again, however Kyobo turned rapidly, planted his right foot into the ground, digging a trench in the floor then pushed himself back towards Akarui, delivering a strong kick with his left leg of which landed square in her chest cracking her ribs in several places, as well as knocking the wind from her. She landed heavily some distance back coughing up blood painfully.

Kyobo then turned back in the direction of Majo who appeared in front of him to his surprise and brought her left elbow across Kyobo's face with all the strength she could muster, however it only turned his head sharply without so much of a grunt. He then brought his left hand to her chest and struck forward with an open palm of which Majo just managed to avoid, pirouetting and stabbing her zapakuto forward of which Kyobo quickly blocked with the flat of one of his axe blades, holding her at bay with one arm seemingly without any effort. He flicked the axe forward, forcing Majo to backpedal against the strong push before he span and drew the axe across her midriff almost slicing her in half had she not flash stepped behind him, her needle poised to strike the back of his exposed head.

Kyobo however continued the spin and with increased momentum drew the axe head around deflecting the oncoming blow with a staggering amount of force, jarring Majo's wrist in the process before pulling the other axe head around in a sweeping motion slicing into her side but, lucky for Majo, she had manged to move most of her body away from the strike which only left a small cut in its wake.

Majo took advantage of his now exposed back and stabbed her needle forward, but again to her dismay it glanced off his armor seemingly without any damage being caused to it. In her frustration she flash stepped backwards firing off a multitude of hado in order to try and harm Kyobo but when she sensed his spiritual pressure behind her, she ducked and felt the back draft of his blade whizzing above her head with a strike that would have decapitated her. She span on the ground trying to sweep his legs from under him but she was met with a kick to the face that felt like she had just been hit with a sledge hammer, sending her careering away from him again.

"There is something you don't seem to understand, Majo Shin." Kyobo span his axe, increasing the speed tremendously until it resembled and sounded like a whirring saw blade, the axe heads moving faster than the eye could even hope to follow. "My peaceful facade is only there for my own reasons. When I have to face people like yourself who threaten the very existence of my friends, family and nation, it disappears into the back of my mind and my true self surfaces. The self who has the highest body count among the Juzo Hosho Captains. The true head of the Vanguard Unit! I AM KYOBO SODO AND I WILL PAINT THE GROUND RED WITH YOUR BLOOD!"

I'm here to announce a few things.

First, Leleu has returned! He messaged me late last night and told me of his predicament. He'd been in a terrible car accident, severely injured, and had to be hospitalized for several months. This was the reason for his absence. He is fully recovered now, recently released from the hospital and is currently trying to download a different browser to fix his issues with Fanpop. If he cannot, I have suggested that he get a new account and simply rejoin us here. He's going to be getting back to me shortly, and I will inform you when he does.

Secondly, I have decided to finish my posts now, rather than before. I'll be posting them by the end of the night. The reason being that I wanted to wait for K0V to finish his and then post them together, rather than have them be separated. I've enjoyed reading all of your posts, and I look forward to you all reading the ones I have been working on :)