Chapter 380
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Chapter 380:
I let out a long breath and pushed myself to my feet again. The action having become rather commonplace these past several days.
Meditate, practice Kidō, practice Shunpo and then practice my Spiritual control. I was making noticeable progress every day, so it wasn't by any means boring.
It felt good to make progress like this, as it was my whole purpose for being here.
At this point, I thought I was close to being able to properly manage a real Shunpo and not my bastardization of it. I had a pretty decent understanding of the Kidō I'd a chance to learn and I could feel like my control over my Reiatsu was significantly better than it was before. I could sorta use my spiritual senses in a meaningful way now beyond using it as fuel for their version of spells. The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.
Speaking of Spiritual Senses....I could vaguely feel something at the edge of my perception. Sort of like a tickling feeling that was coming from the other side of town.
I dusted off my pants as I tried to focus on what I was feeling.
There were two...no three strange Reiatsu signatures that appeared at the edge of town.
They were constrained, two of them more so than the third. But even so, it felt like the illumination of a roaring bonfire in the distance compared to the fireflies that were the living of this world.
Honestly, I was a little surprised I could sense them at all. Perhaps there was some synergy with my inherent instincts that it was getting more used to this new sensation? I already had a good sixth sense, but after becoming a Campione it had increased significantly. It wouldn't be odd that it was adapting to these new changes just as much as everything else of my mixed biology.
Should I take a look?
They didn't quite feel like Hollows, and I think I'd sensed them enough at this point that I could kind of feel the difference. It honestly felt closer to how my Demonic Power felt in comparison to my Magical Energy if I were to draw a correlation.
No....these were most definitely Shinigami. I suppose they could be humans...but I had yet to meet a human that gave off this kind of feeling.
That orange haired brat was notable, but I could pretty much place him at any moment since his Reiatsu felt like a constant stream, like he left the faucet on every single moment of the day.
And once more, speak of the devil. Was that Strawberry heading towards them? His signature was on the move sorta in that direction...
And I recalled my little jaunt through Soul Society....
There was a possibility that I could have implicated him by extension of my shenanigans. In which case, my conscience required me to take responsibility and intervene.
....It wouldn't hurt to take a look, right? There's the distinct possibility that I could just be overthinking things.
Well, the night was young.
@***@
Rukia Kuchiki POV
They finally came.
I knew that it had just been a matter of time.
I could feel Brother's Reiatsu as soon as he appeared in town. I may as well go meet him and not cause any problems for Ichigo.....
That's why I quietly snuck out while he was sleeping. Thankfully, we hadn't been out tonight hunting a Hollow, things had been a little quiet since the Menos appeared. And that.....strange man who could control the weather.
Seeing Lightning fall from the sky had sent chills down my spine. I was aware that there were Zanpakutō that could change the weather, but that was.....different. Even after asking the Shop Owner, I still didn't really know how to explain the feeling I had. It was as if the sky responded to him naturally, as if he had the right.
I think even the Hollows sensed the shift and didn't want to cause trouble.
It didn't matter now, I suppose.
Though, I hope Ichigo didn't go to cause problems with him. With his temperament.....that stranger gave me a dangerous feeling.
My Spiritual Senses were nearly depleted, however, I could still vaguely make out three people waiting for me as I approached.
"Rukia....you really did it, didn't you?"
"Renji..." I looked at my old friend. His untamed red hair and his....unique sense of style when it came to his eyebrows. "And.....Brother...."
My gaze fell upon my Brother, but he simply closed his eyes, not wanting to see me.
"And it's Gin." The last one that came to fetch me cheerfully waved.
"....Captain Ichimaru." I politely bowed my head.
"Wow, this is the most polite prisoner I've ever apprehended." He smiled slyly. "Ya sure you don't wanna resist a little, hmm?"
"I fully accept any punishment I am given." I lowered my head further.
"Jeez, Captain Kuchiki, your sister is a downer." He scratched his head. "Don't know why they made two of us Captains come and fetch her like this. Even with the whole issue with the Ryoka causing problems, this feels like overkill, y'know?"
"It is not our place to question our orders, Captain Ichimaru." Brother said evenly.
"How boring." He kept smiling. "Hey Lieutenant Abarai. How's it feel to be bringing your childhood friend in to be executed?"
I had known my fate, but to hear it so plainly.....I felt my heart drop.
"Want some private time to say goodbye? I don't mind turnin a blind eye for an hour or two cause the next time you see her, it's gonna be –" He ran a thumb across his neck. "Central lookin for blood after the Ryoka thing. They probably gonna make a huge spectacle of it too to take everyone's attention away. Maybe – "
"Ichimaru Gin." Brother's words interrupted him. "That is enough." I felt a faint sense of his Reiatsu flow out.
"So scary~" Captain Ichimaru continued to laugh. "Well, let's get goin. Unless we're waitin for that Reiatsu signature to get closer on purpose?
"Reiatsu signature...?" I questioned and I had a bad premonition.
"Honestly, I'm fine either way." Captain Ichimaru put his hands behind his head. "I aint the one havin to do the paperwork."
"There shouldn't be anyone with that much Reiatsu reported around here...." Renji muttered as I turned my head towards the direction they were looking.
And my eyes filled with horror at the sight of that stupid Strawberry coming running down the road.
"Rukia!" He shouted without a second thought.
"Ichigo you idiot, leave!" I quickly shouted back. If he stayed here...
"Is he the cause of this?" Renji growled. "The Human who you gave your powers too?" He grabbed his sword, and it looked like he was going to do something, but Brother put his hand out, stopping him.
"Did you say 'Ichigo'?" Captain Ichimaru asked, his eyes opening a little wider than normal.
"Rukia." Brother addressed me for the first time. "What is the name of the human you gave your powers to."
"Hey!" Ichigo grunted. "Let her go!"
"Hey.....yer name wouldn't happen to be Kurosaki Ichigo, would it?" Captain Ichimaru asked, a wide grin splitting his face.
"How'd you know?"
"Renji, take Rukia and get behind me." Brother said quietly as he stepped in front of us.
"W-what's going on?"
"Quiet." Renji chided, grabbing me and holding me back.
"A report about someone like me? Sorry, I have no relation to this handsome and dashing rogue you're referring to."
"Is that so...hmm." The Captain scratched his head. "What if I don't believe ya?"
"Well, that seems like a personal problem for you then." He crossed his arms.
"Yeah, it is a problem for me. See....If I don't do somethin, the Boss is gonna get angry with me, y'know?"
"Are you going to fight me?" He asked.
It was...ridiculous. He was a human and he was standing off against a Captain. I know what he did was impressive, but any of the Captains could have easily taken care of that Menos too.
"Scary, I heard what happened to Mayuri. I'm too scared, I don't know if I can hold onto my sword too well." Captain Ichimaru turned it and pointed it downwards towards a barely conscious Ichigo. "Maybe if someone surrendered, I might feel more comfortable."
".....you're threatening me with him?" The human raised an eyebrow.
"Is that what you think? Well.....can't help it if that's how you feelin."
"I promised Shunsui that I wouldn't kill the last time. But that promise doesn't hold here. I don't know if I can stop you, but if you go through with that, you aren't making it back to Soul Society."
"If you say something like that, I don't know if I can keep my hand from shaking..." His hand holding his blade descended slightly. "Maybe –"
I barely saw it, but something flew out from that human. That was a clang of steel, and Captain Ichimaru was forced back, having deflected something fast.
"You were saying?" The human stated, a strange sword hovered next to him. One that looked almost to be made of glass and gave off an unfamiliar feeling.
"Captain Kuchiki..." Captain Ichimaru slowly stood up straight and he looked....serious.
"Don't forget our orders." Brother said simply and he sort of sounded like he was bracing himself.
Suddenly, a massive amount of Reiatsu erupted from Captain Ichimaru. He reeled his arm back like he was ready to thrust his sword forward. "Shoot to Kill – Shinsō."
Something happened.
I couldn't see it clearly, but something shot forward, again at speeds my eyes couldn't follow after Captain Ichimaru released his Zanpakutō. I heard the sounds of metal colliding. The Human disappeared; I could vaguely see where he was forced off into the distance; a building seemed to have collapsed onto him. And from that location, I could trace the Captain's Zanpakutō that was extended the full distance.
And in the blink of an eye, it completely retracted back to normal.
I had heard rumors that his Zanpakutō was the longest one in existence, but I did not expect that speed either. It was.....I couldn't even follow it with my eyes.
"There's no way he's still alive." Renji muttered. "Should we head off, Captain?"
"Quiet, Renji." Brother replied, his eyes still dreadfully focused.
"What –"
In the distance, there was an eruption of light.
It was golden and warm.
And it wasn't Reiatsu.
It exploded outward, the rubble from around him was blown away. In his hands was a Spear. I had never seen it before but for some reason I had the urge to lower my head and acknowledge it. It was as if the Spear was.....Holy and just staring at it was taboo.
"Well, that was interesting." The Human took bated steps back towards us. "I admit, that certainly took me by surprise. I can easily tell that you're stronger than that other Captain I met. I actually felt threatened there and could barely bring up my weapon to block in time." He came to a stop and looked at Captain Ichimaru who looked unnaturally focused as well. "It would be impolite of me not to reciprocate." As soon as he said that he pulled his unnatural spear backwards, a similar motion that Captain Ichimaru did a moment prior.
My eyes widened as I realized what was about to happen, and I was not the only one.
Once more, I could barely see what happened. There was another burst of that light, that Holy and pure light that shot off and Captain Ichimaru's body was sent hurling backwards, the spear extending just as the Captain's sword had.
I turned my body to follow the length of it, to see what became of the Captain. I saw him slammed into the ground, the spear nowhere to be seen near his person any longer. However, he nearly fell over as he tried to stand back up. There were no major wounds on him, but his Kimono was burned in several places, and a slight bit of blood that trailed down his lips, probably from the force of the blow even if he blocked.
His smile didn't disappear, but it looked vicious in comparison to his normal one. His Reiatsu intensified several degrees, it weighed down on the surroundings and shot to the sky, illuminating the night.
"Ban – "
Before he could finish, brother was there, grabbing his hands, forcing the gathered Reiatsu to dissipate.
"....Whaddya think you're doing, Captain Kuchiki." There was venom in his tone.
"You have not been authorized to release your Bankai. If you persist, I will be forced to act accordingly and arrest you as well." He stared at Captain Ichimaru.
Captain Ichimaru stared for a moment before snorting and sheathing his blade. "Fine, you handle him then."
Brother turned back towards the human, who had been waiting. "We will retreat. Our objective has been fulfilled."
The Human relaxed and just held his Spear to the side, standing near Ichigo somewhat protectively. "Do you want to leave with them, Rukia?" He suddenly asked but it seemed to like any kind of true warmth to it.
I stiffened slightly.
I felt like.....
If I said no, would....?
I glanced at Brother who was about to grab his sword, and the same for Renji.
"I will accept my punishment." I accepted my fate. "I did what I did knowing the consequences."
"Very well." He shrugged. "It's not my place, I suppose, to meddle with your people in a situation like this."
"....please take care of Ichigo..."
"....alright, I'll make sure the Idiot doesn't die. Would have been a wasted effort on my part if I just left him here to bleed out."
"Thank you." I said quietly as I followed behind Renji into the Senkaimon. The others followed and I glanced back before the gates closed, I looked at Ichigo, there was a tiny bit of light in his eyes still. I gave him one last smile of goodbye before the doors slammed shut.
@***@
A/N
Sorry for the late release, got sick yesterday and was throwing up with stomach pain.
I you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 380:
I let out a long breath and pushed myself to my feet again. The action having become rather commonplace these past several days.
Meditate, practice Kidō, practice Shunpo and then practice my Spiritual control. I was making noticeable progress every day, so it wasn't by any means boring.
It felt good to make progress like this, as it was my whole purpose for being here.
At this point, I thought I was close to being able to properly manage a real Shunpo and not my bastardization of it. I had a pretty decent understanding of the Kidō I'd a chance to learn and I could feel like my control over my Reiatsu was significantly better than it was before. I could sorta use my spiritual senses in a meaningful way now beyond using it as fuel for their version of spells. The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.
Speaking of Spiritual Senses....I could vaguely feel something at the edge of my perception. Sort of like a tickling feeling that was coming from the other side of town.
I dusted off my pants as I tried to focus on what I was feeling.
There were two...no three strange Reiatsu signatures that appeared at the edge of town.
They were constrained, two of them more so than the third. But even so, it felt like the illumination of a roaring bonfire in the distance compared to the fireflies that were the living of this world.
Honestly, I was a little surprised I could sense them at all. Perhaps there was some synergy with my inherent instincts that it was getting more used to this new sensation? I already had a good sixth sense, but after becoming a Campione it had increased significantly. It wouldn't be odd that it was adapting to these new changes just as much as everything else of my mixed biology.
Should I take a look?
They didn't quite feel like Hollows, and I think I'd sensed them enough at this point that I could kind of feel the difference. It honestly felt closer to how my Demonic Power felt in comparison to my Magical Energy if I were to draw a correlation.
No....these were most definitely Shinigami. I suppose they could be humans...but I had yet to meet a human that gave off this kind of feeling.
That orange haired brat was notable, but I could pretty much place him at any moment since his Reiatsu felt like a constant stream, like he left the faucet on every single moment of the day.
And once more, speak of the devil. Was that Strawberry heading towards them? His signature was on the move sorta in that direction...
And I recalled my little jaunt through Soul Society....
There was a possibility that I could have implicated him by extension of my shenanigans. In which case, my conscience required me to take responsibility and intervene.
....It wouldn't hurt to take a look, right? There's the distinct possibility that I could just be overthinking things.
Well, the night was young.
@***@
Rukia Kuchiki POV
They finally came.
I knew that it had just been a matter of time.
I could feel Brother's Reiatsu as soon as he appeared in town. I may as well go meet him and not cause any problems for Ichigo.....
That's why I quietly snuck out while he was sleeping. Thankfully, we hadn't been out tonight hunting a Hollow, things had been a little quiet since the Menos appeared. And that.....strange man who could control the weather.
Seeing Lightning fall from the sky had sent chills down my spine. I was aware that there were Zanpakutō that could change the weather, but that was.....different. Even after asking the Shop Owner, I still didn't really know how to explain the feeling I had. It was as if the sky responded to him naturally, as if he had the right.
I think even the Hollows sensed the shift and didn't want to cause trouble.
It didn't matter now, I suppose.
Though, I hope Ichigo didn't go to cause problems with him. With his temperament.....that stranger gave me a dangerous feeling.
My Spiritual Senses were nearly depleted, however, I could still vaguely make out three people waiting for me as I approached.
"Rukia....you really did it, didn't you?"
"Renji..." I looked at my old friend. His untamed red hair and his....unique sense of style when it came to his eyebrows. "And.....Brother...."
My gaze fell upon my Brother, but he simply closed his eyes, not wanting to see me.
"And it's Gin." The last one that came to fetch me cheerfully waved.
"....Captain Ichimaru." I politely bowed my head.
"Wow, this is the most polite prisoner I've ever apprehended." He smiled slyly. "Ya sure you don't wanna resist a little, hmm?"
"I fully accept any punishment I am given." I lowered my head further.
"Jeez, Captain Kuchiki, your sister is a downer." He scratched his head. "Don't know why they made two of us Captains come and fetch her like this. Even with the whole issue with the Ryoka causing problems, this feels like overkill, y'know?"
"It is not our place to question our orders, Captain Ichimaru." Brother said evenly.
"How boring." He kept smiling. "Hey Lieutenant Abarai. How's it feel to be bringing your childhood friend in to be executed?"
I had known my fate, but to hear it so plainly.....I felt my heart drop.
"Want some private time to say goodbye? I don't mind turnin a blind eye for an hour or two cause the next time you see her, it's gonna be –" He ran a thumb across his neck. "Central lookin for blood after the Ryoka thing. They probably gonna make a huge spectacle of it too to take everyone's attention away. Maybe – "
"Ichimaru Gin." Brother's words interrupted him. "That is enough." I felt a faint sense of his Reiatsu flow out.
"So scary~" Captain Ichimaru continued to laugh. "Well, let's get goin. Unless we're waitin for that Reiatsu signature to get closer on purpose?
"Reiatsu signature...?" I questioned and I had a bad premonition.
"Honestly, I'm fine either way." Captain Ichimaru put his hands behind his head. "I aint the one havin to do the paperwork."
"There shouldn't be anyone with that much Reiatsu reported around here...." Renji muttered as I turned my head towards the direction they were looking.
And my eyes filled with horror at the sight of that stupid Strawberry coming running down the road.
"Rukia!" He shouted without a second thought.
"Ichigo you idiot, leave!" I quickly shouted back. If he stayed here...
"Is he the cause of this?" Renji growled. "The Human who you gave your powers too?" He grabbed his sword, and it looked like he was going to do something, but Brother put his hand out, stopping him.
"Did you say 'Ichigo'?" Captain Ichimaru asked, his eyes opening a little wider than normal.
"Rukia." Brother addressed me for the first time. "What is the name of the human you gave your powers to."
"Hey!" Ichigo grunted. "Let her go!"
"Hey.....yer name wouldn't happen to be Kurosaki Ichigo, would it?" Captain Ichimaru asked, a wide grin splitting his face.
"How'd you know?"
"Renji, take Rukia and get behind me." Brother said quietly as he stepped in front of us.
"W-what's going on?"
"Quiet." Renji chided, grabbing me and holding me back.
"A report about someone like me? Sorry, I have no relation to this handsome and dashing rogue you're referring to."
"Is that so...hmm." The Captain scratched his head. "What if I don't believe ya?"
"Well, that seems like a personal problem for you then." He crossed his arms.
"Yeah, it is a problem for me. See....If I don't do somethin, the Boss is gonna get angry with me, y'know?"
"Are you going to fight me?" He asked.
It was...ridiculous. He was a human and he was standing off against a Captain. I know what he did was impressive, but any of the Captains could have easily taken care of that Menos too.
"Scary, I heard what happened to Mayuri. I'm too scared, I don't know if I can hold onto my sword too well." Captain Ichimaru turned it and pointed it downwards towards a barely conscious Ichigo. "Maybe if someone surrendered, I might feel more comfortable."
".....you're threatening me with him?" The human raised an eyebrow.
"Is that what you think? Well.....can't help it if that's how you feelin."
"I promised Shunsui that I wouldn't kill the last time. But that promise doesn't hold here. I don't know if I can stop you, but if you go through with that, you aren't making it back to Soul Society."
"If you say something like that, I don't know if I can keep my hand from shaking..." His hand holding his blade descended slightly. "Maybe –"
I barely saw it, but something flew out from that human. That was a clang of steel, and Captain Ichimaru was forced back, having deflected something fast.
"You were saying?" The human stated, a strange sword hovered next to him. One that looked almost to be made of glass and gave off an unfamiliar feeling.
"Captain Kuchiki..." Captain Ichimaru slowly stood up straight and he looked....serious.
"Don't forget our orders." Brother said simply and he sort of sounded like he was bracing himself.
Suddenly, a massive amount of Reiatsu erupted from Captain Ichimaru. He reeled his arm back like he was ready to thrust his sword forward. "Shoot to Kill – Shinsō."
Something happened.
I couldn't see it clearly, but something shot forward, again at speeds my eyes couldn't follow after Captain Ichimaru released his Zanpakutō. I heard the sounds of metal colliding. The Human disappeared; I could vaguely see where he was forced off into the distance; a building seemed to have collapsed onto him. And from that location, I could trace the Captain's Zanpakutō that was extended the full distance.
And in the blink of an eye, it completely retracted back to normal.
I had heard rumors that his Zanpakutō was the longest one in existence, but I did not expect that speed either. It was.....I couldn't even follow it with my eyes.
"There's no way he's still alive." Renji muttered. "Should we head off, Captain?"
"Quiet, Renji." Brother replied, his eyes still dreadfully focused.
"What –"
In the distance, there was an eruption of light.
It was golden and warm.
And it wasn't Reiatsu.
It exploded outward, the rubble from around him was blown away. In his hands was a Spear. I had never seen it before but for some reason I had the urge to lower my head and acknowledge it. It was as if the Spear was.....Holy and just staring at it was taboo.
"Well, that was interesting." The Human took bated steps back towards us. "I admit, that certainly took me by surprise. I can easily tell that you're stronger than that other Captain I met. I actually felt threatened there and could barely bring up my weapon to block in time." He came to a stop and looked at Captain Ichimaru who looked unnaturally focused as well. "It would be impolite of me not to reciprocate." As soon as he said that he pulled his unnatural spear backwards, a similar motion that Captain Ichimaru did a moment prior.
My eyes widened as I realized what was about to happen, and I was not the only one.
Once more, I could barely see what happened. There was another burst of that light, that Holy and pure light that shot off and Captain Ichimaru's body was sent hurling backwards, the spear extending just as the Captain's sword had.
I turned my body to follow the length of it, to see what became of the Captain. I saw him slammed into the ground, the spear nowhere to be seen near his person any longer. However, he nearly fell over as he tried to stand back up. There were no major wounds on him, but his Kimono was burned in several places, and a slight bit of blood that trailed down his lips, probably from the force of the blow even if he blocked.
His smile didn't disappear, but it looked vicious in comparison to his normal one. His Reiatsu intensified several degrees, it weighed down on the surroundings and shot to the sky, illuminating the night.
"Ban – "
Before he could finish, brother was there, grabbing his hands, forcing the gathered Reiatsu to dissipate.
"....Whaddya think you're doing, Captain Kuchiki." There was venom in his tone.
"You have not been authorized to release your Bankai. If you persist, I will be forced to act accordingly and arrest you as well." He stared at Captain Ichimaru.
Captain Ichimaru stared for a moment before snorting and sheathing his blade. "Fine, you handle him then."
Brother turned back towards the human, who had been waiting. "We will retreat. Our objective has been fulfilled."
The Human relaxed and just held his Spear to the side, standing near Ichigo somewhat protectively. "Do you want to leave with them, Rukia?" He suddenly asked but it seemed to like any kind of true warmth to it.
I stiffened slightly.
I felt like.....
If I said no, would....?
I glanced at Brother who was about to grab his sword, and the same for Renji.
"I will accept my punishment." I accepted my fate. "I did what I did knowing the consequences."
"Very well." He shrugged. "It's not my place, I suppose, to meddle with your people in a situation like this."
"....please take care of Ichigo..."
"....alright, I'll make sure the Idiot doesn't die. Would have been a wasted effort on my part if I just left him here to bleed out."
"Thank you." I said quietly as I followed behind Renji into the Senkaimon. The others followed and I glanced back before the gates closed, I looked at Ichigo, there was a tiny bit of light in his eyes still. I gave him one last smile of goodbye before the doors slammed shut.
@***@
A/N
Sorry for the late release, got sick yesterday and was throwing up with stomach pain.
I you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
Chapter 380:I let out a long breath and pushed myself to my feet again. The action having become rather commonplace these past several days. Meditate, practice Kido, practice Shunpo and then practice my Spiritual control. I was making noticeable progress every day, so it wasn't by any means boring. It felt good to make progress like this, as it was my whole purpose for being here. At this point, I thought I was close to being able to properly manage a real Shunpo and not my bastardization of it. I had a pretty decent understanding of the Kido I'd a chance to learn and I could feel like my control over my Reiatsu was significantly better than it was before. I could sorta use my spiritual senses in a meaningful way now beyond using it as fuel for their version of spells. The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.Speaking of Spiritual Senses....I could vaguely feel something at the edge of my perception. Sort of like a tickling feeling that was coming from the other side of town. I dusted off my pants as I tried to focus on what I was feeling. There were two...no three strange Reiatsu signatures that appeared at the edge of town. They were constrained, two of them more so than the third. But even so, it felt like the illumination of a roaring bonfire in the distance compared to the fireflies that were the living of this world. Honestly, I was a little surprised I could sense them at all. Perhaps there was some synergy with my inherent instincts that it was getting more used to this new sensation? I already had a good sixth sense, but after becoming a Campione it had increased significantly. It wouldn't be odd that it was adapting to these new changes just as much as everything else of my mixed biology. Should I take a look? They didn't quite feel like Hollows, and I think I'd sensed them enough at this point that I could kind of feel the difference. It honestly felt closer to how my Demonic Power felt in comparison to my Magical Energy if I were to draw a correlation. No....these were most definitely Shinigami. I suppose they could be humans...but I had yet to meet a human that gave off this kind of feeling. That orange haired brat was notable, but I could pretty much place him at any moment since his Reiatsu felt like a constant stream, like he left the faucet on every single moment of the day. And once more, speak of the devil. Was that Strawberry heading towards them? His signature was on the move sorta in that direction... And I recalled my little jaunt through Soul Society.... There was a possibility that I could have implicated him by extension of my shenanigans. In which case, my conscience required me to take responsibility and intervene. ....It wouldn't hurt to take a look, right? There's the distinct possibility that I could just be overthinking things. Well, the night was young. @***@ Rukia Kuchiki POV They finally came. I knew that it had just been a matter of time. I could feel Brother's Reiatsu as soon as he appeared in town. I may as well go meet him and not cause any problems for Ichigo..... That's why I quietly snuck out while he was sleeping. Thankfully, we hadn't been out tonight hunting a Hollow, things had been a little quiet since the Menos appeared. And that.....strange man who could control the weather. Seeing Lightning fall from the sky had sent chills down my spine. I was aware that there were Zanpakuto that could change the weather, but that was.....different. Even after asking the Shop Owner, I still didn't really know how to explain the feeling I had. It was as if the sky responded to him naturally, as if he had the right. I think even the Hollows sensed the shift and didn't want to cause trouble. It didn't matter now, I suppose. Though, I hope Ichigo didn't go to cause problems with him. With his temperament.....that stranger gave me a dangerous feeling. My Spiritual Senses were nearly depleted, however, I could still vaguely make out three people waiting for me as I approached. "Rukia....you really did it, didn't you?" "Renji..." I looked at my old friend. His untamed red hair and his....unique sense of style when it came to his eyebrows. "And.....Brother...." My gaze fell upon my Brother, but he simply closed his eyes, not wanting to see me. "And it's Gin." The last one that came to fetch me cheerfully waved. "....Captain Ichimaru." I politely bowed my head. "Wow, this is the most polite prisoner I've ever apprehended." He smiled slyly. "Ya sure you don't wanna resist a little, hmm?" "I fully accept any punishment I am given." I lowered my head further. "Jeez, Captain Kuchiki, your sister is a downer." He scratched his head. "Don't know why they made two of us Captains come and fetch her like this. Even with the whole issue with the Ryoka causing problems, this feels like overkill, y'know?" "It is not our place to question our orders, Captain Ichimaru." Brother said evenly. "How boring." He kept smiling. "Hey Lieutenant Abarai. How's it feel to be bringing your childhood friend in to be executed?" I had known my fate, but to hear it so plainly.....I felt my heart drop. "Want some private time to say goodbye? I don't mind turnin a blind eye for an hour or two cause the next time you see her, it's gonna be " He ran a thumb across his neck. "Central lookin for blood after the Ryoka thing. They probably gonna make a huge spectacle of it too to take everyone's attention away. Maybe " "Ichimaru Gin." Brother's words interrupted him. "That is enough." I felt a faint sense of his Reiatsu flow out. "So scary~" Captain Ichimaru continued to laugh. "Well, let's get goin. Unless we're waitin for that Reiatsu signature to get closer on purpose? "Reiatsu signature...?" I questioned and I had a bad premonition. "Honestly, I'm fine either way." Captain Ichimaru put his hands behind his head. "I aint the one havin to do the paperwork." "There shouldn't be anyone with that much Reiatsu reported around here...." Renji muttered as I turned my head towards the direction they were looking. And my eyes filled with horror at the sight of that stupid Strawberry coming running down the road. "Rukia!" He shouted without a second thought. "Ichigo you idiot, leave!" I quickly shouted back. If he stayed here... "Is he the cause of this?" Renji growled. "The Human who you gave your powers too?" He grabbed his sword, and it looked like he was going to do something, but Brother put his hand out, stopping him. "Did you say 'Ichigo'?" Captain Ichimaru asked, his eyes opening a little wider than normal. "Rukia." Brother addressed me for the first time. "What is the name of the human you gave your powers to." "Hey!" Ichigo grunted. "Let her go!" "Hey.....yer name wouldn't happen to be Kurosaki Ichigo, would it?" Captain Ichimaru asked, a wide grin splitting his face. "How'd you know?" "Renji, take Rukia and get behind me." Brother said quietly as he stepped in front of us. "W-what's going on?" "Quiet." Renji chided, grabbing me and holding me back. "A report about someone like me? Sorry, I have no relation to this handsome and dashing rogue you're referring to." "Is that so...hmm." The Captain scratched his head. "What if I don't believe ya?" "Well, that seems like a personal problem for you then." He crossed his arms. "Yeah, it is a problem for me. See....If I don't do somethin, the Boss is gonna get angry with me, y'know?" "Are you going to fight me?" He asked. It was...ridiculous. He was a human and he was standing off against a Captain. I know what he did was impressive, but any of the Captains could have easily taken care of that Menos too. "Scary, I heard what happened to Mayuri. I'm too scared, I don't know if I can hold onto my sword too well." Captain Ichimaru turned it and pointed it downwards towards a barely conscious Ichigo. "Maybe if someone surrendered, I might feel more comfortable." ".....you're threatening me with him?" The human raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you think? Well.....can't help it if that's how you feelin." "I promised Shunsui that I wouldn't kill the last time. But that promise doesn't hold here. I don't know if I can stop you, but if you go through with that, you aren't making it back to Soul Society." "If you say something like that, I don't know if I can keep my hand from shaking..." His hand holding his blade descended slightly. "Maybe " I barely saw it, but something flew out from that human. That was a clang of steel, and Captain Ichimaru was forced back, having deflected something fast. "You were saying?" The human stated, a strange sword hovered next to him. One that looked almost to be made of glass and gave off an unfamiliar feeling. "Captain Kuchiki..." Captain Ichimaru slowly stood up straight and he looked....serious. "Don't forget our orders." Brother said simply and he sort of sounded like he was bracing himself. Suddenly, a massive amount of Reiatsu erupted from Captain Ichimaru. He reeled his arm back like he was ready to thrust his sword forward. "Shoot to Kill Shinso." Something happened. I couldn't see it clearly, but something shot forward, again at speeds my eyes couldn't follow after Captain Ichimaru released his Zanpakuto. I heard the sounds of metal colliding. The Human disappeared; I could vaguely see where he was forced off into the distance; a building seemed to have collapsed onto him. And from that location, I could trace the Captain's Zanpakuto that was extended the full distance. And in the blink of an eye, it completely retracted back to normal. I had heard rumors that his Zanpakuto was the longest one in existence, but I did not expect that speed either. It was.....I couldn't even follow it with my eyes. "There's no way he's still alive." Renji muttered. "Should we head off, Captain?" "Quiet, Renji." Brother replied, his eyes still dreadfully focused. "What " In the distance, there was an eruption of light. It was golden and warm. And it wasn't Reiatsu. It exploded outward, the rubble from around him was blown away. In his hands was a Spear. I had never seen it before but for some reason I had the urge to lower my head and acknowledge it. It was as if the Spear was.....Holy and just staring at it was taboo. "Well, that was interesting." The Human took bated steps back towards us. "I admit, that certainly took me by surprise. I can easily tell that you're stronger than that other Captain I met. I actually felt threatened there and could barely bring up my weapon to block in time." He came to a stop and looked at Captain Ichimaru who looked unnaturally focused as well. "It would be impolite of me not to reciprocate." As soon as he said that he pulled his unnatural spear backwards, a similar motion that Captain Ichimaru did a moment prior. My eyes widened as I realized what was about to happen, and I was not the only one. Once more, I could barely see what happened. There was another burst of that light, that Holy and pure light that shot off and Captain Ichimaru's body was sent hurling backwards, the spear extending just as the Captain's sword had. I turned my body to follow the length of it, to see what became of the Captain. I saw him slammed into the ground, the spear nowhere to be seen near his person any longer. However, he nearly fell over as he tried to stand back up. There were no major wounds on him, but his Kimono was burned in several places, and a slight bit of blood that trailed down his lips, probably from the force of the blow even if he blocked. His smile didn't disappear, but it looked vicious in comparison to his normal one. His Reiatsu intensified several degrees, it weighed down on the surroundings and shot to the sky, illuminating the night. "Ban " Before he could finish, brother was there, grabbing his hands, forcing the gathered Reiatsu to dissipate. "....Whaddya think you're doing, Captain Kuchiki." There was venom in his tone. "You have not been authorized to release your Bankai. If you persist, I will be forced to act accordingly and arrest you as well." He stared at Captain Ichimaru. Captain Ichimaru stared for a moment before snorting and sheathing his blade. "Fine, you handle him then." Brother turned back towards the human, who had been waiting. "We will retreat. Our objective has been fulfilled." The Human relaxed and just held his Spear to the side, standing near Ichigo somewhat protectively. "Do you want to leave with them, Rukia?" He suddenly asked but it seemed to like any kind of true warmth to it. I stiffened slightly. I felt like..... If I said no, would....? I glanced at Brother who was about to grab his sword, and the same for Renji. "I will accept my punishment." I accepted my fate. "I did what I did knowing the consequences." "Very well." He shrugged. "It's not my place, I suppose, to meddle with your people in a situation like this." "....please take care of Ichigo..." "....alright, I'll make sure the Idiot doesn't die. Would have been a wasted effort on my part if I just left him here to bleed out." "Thank you." I said quietly as I followed behind Renji into the Senkaimon. The others followed and I glanced back before the gates closed, I looked at Ichigo, there was a tiny bit of light in his eyes still. I gave him one last smile of goodbye before the doors slammed shut. @***@ A/N Sorry for the late release, got sick yesterday and was throwing up with stomach pain. I you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
