Silhouette
03-31-2007, 12:10 AM
My second fic. Its Bleach-based, but with entirely new characters...
Comments? Criticism? Flamage? :whatevah:
Karakura was cold and dark - a light purple mist filled the air, causing all who inhaled it to become instantly ill. For this very reason, the streets were empty. No one dared to venture outside their homes. All windows were shut tight - all doors locked shut. The town was still and lifeless.
However, the sound of steel clashing sliced through the silence of the night. The sound was loud and rapid as it echoed throughout the darkened town.
One man flew into the air, his black kimono blowing in the gentle night breeze. He dropped down, slashing vertically at the other warrior - whom stood there calmly. As the blade came down, the standing man simply stepped to the side. The attacking man cleaved through nothing but night air - his sword driving itself deep into the ground.
He pulled his sword free and jumped back, staying kneeled down. He bore several gashes about his body, the most noticable one being the deep gash just above his right elbow. He finally stood to his feet, and stared his opponent down. He took a few steps forward, and raised his sword into the cloudy sky above, slicing through the purple mist around him.
The other man, dressed in all black armor took a few steps forward aswell - holding his massive blade backhanded with his right hand. Small spikes of black hair brushed against his face in the wind until he swiped it aside. He smirked and placed his right arm before him, holding the large sword - still backhanded - across his chest.
"Come now, Shinigami." said the black-armored warrior "I thought you said you were a vice captain. Don't tell me that all of your kind is this weak.."
The Shinigami spat blood onto the ground and stepped on it, smearing it into the concrete beneath him. He then pointed his blade forward at the cladded fighter, and with a calm expression across his face, spoke an incantation.
"Chill to the bone, Soryuu no Ikuki" he shouted "I'll show ya what a true shinigami vice captain is capable of!"
Just then, the blade of his Zanpakuto began to shake violently - erupting with power - so much so that his right arm rocked from side to side under the force. A light blue aura manifested upon the blade and began to spread up his arm. Several moments later, the aura had engulfed his entire body, and began to dance upon him like wildfire. The blue aura increased in size and brilliance, slicing through the purple mist with authority...
The Shinigami's display of power was truely mesmerizing, yet his adversary was not bothered in the least. He simply sighed, lazily tilting his head slightly from side-to-side, looking at the blue light show from different angles.
"I can sense your power, and let me tell you. I am not impressed." said the armored man as he began to approach the Shinigami.
"Don't you dare take another step closer!" roared the Shinigami as he stepped back.
A sinister grin formed acrossed the man's face as he continued on - his black armor clearly visible in the purple mist. His slow advancement gradually turned into a full on charge. He swung his massive blade, and sliced through the powerful blue aura. He smirked for a moment until he realized that all he hit was blue and purple. There were no signs of the shinigami.
"Head's up!" shouted a voice from above.
The armored man raised his head in a state of shock as the shinigami dropped down at him from above, with the fury of a diving eagle - his blue aura ripping through the purple haze. He motioned to swing his massive sword upwards, but his right arm did not move. The man looked down to find his sword frozen to the ground, along with his right arm.
"What?!"
"Never underestimate a vice captain!"
"Why you!"
The Shinigami warrior slashed his glowing sword downward, cleaving through the the black armor - his blue aura rending black and purple asunder. Blood flew into the air - seemingly mixing with the purple haze - as the blade dug into the man's left shoulder.
Ice erupted from the wound, freezing his left arm as well, leaving the man completely defenseless...with both of his arms frozen solid, along with the ground beneath him.
"Sanada Kougi." said the shinigami triumphantly.
"W-What?!"
"My name; Sanda Kougi. Remember it. Take my name with you to the underworld. Inform your fellow demons of the great warrior who cut you down!"
Upon hearing this remark, the man's face turned red with rage and hatred. Kougi slowly approached him, holding his Zanpakuto at his side - the blade facing the ground. The majestic blue aura seemed to have a slow healing effect upon him, for Kougi's wounds gradually stopped bleeding.
The purple mist grew thicker, seemingly affected by the man's rage. The mist began to gather, surrounding both fighters in a circular wall of mauve haze.
"Abaddon." said the frozen man. "My name; remember it as well."
***
She ran and ran as fast as she could, stampeding through the mauve town, but the creature ran even faster. It jumped above her, and landed before her. The creature had a hole in its chest, one which could be seen clear through. The girl unsheathed her sword with a smirk on her face, and prepared herself.
Tsukihime: Mesmerize with your divine beauty. Shine like a crystal, Tennyo no Yume Koori!
The blade of her sword began to shine with a blinding white light, and when the light subsided, the blade was as clear as a crystal. She rose her blade high above her head, smiling innocently at the Hollow before her.
Tsukihime: You thought I'd be another victim, didn't you?! You thought that--by appearance--I would be an easy target?!
Hollow: Silence, girl! I am starving, and your soul is on the menu!
Tsukihime: Don't ya know who I am?
Hollow: Foolish little girl, I care not of who you are!
Tsukihime giggled at the clueless monster before her. She knew that it was the last of its kind in the area, and that it was rather weak.
Tsukihime: I am, Shurunai Tsukihime! Third seat of the 10th Division!
Hollow: What?! A seated shinigami?!
Tsukihime: You bet'cha, pal!
Tsukihime pointed her Zanpakuto forward, the crystal blade shining radiantly in the purple night. She tilted the sword so that the blade lit up under the golden moon, which seemed to now peer through the haze. She then quickly rose the blade above her head - and with one fluid motion - slashed it down, sending a golden line of light at the Hollow, slicing it in half. The beast dissipated in the mist of the night.
Tsukihime: That's another one for Tsukihime! Hooray for me!
After she finished gloating, she felt a strong force approaching her. Surely it was the very same force that has been following her for some time now. She turned her head to find a man wearing tattered shinigami attire, approaching her with difficulty. She sheathed her Zanpakuto, and ran towards him with a look of fear upon her face.
Tsukihime: Kougi! Are...you alright?
Kougi: Ugh. Just a a few scratches. I'll be fine...
Tsukihime: No! You look like you're in really bad shape! We need to find, Ishitora-taicho!
Just then, another Shinigami emerged from the shadows. He also wore Shinigami attire, but the shirt was white, instead of the normal black. He approached them slowly - his long black hair blowing wildly in the nightly breeze. His mere presense scattered the purple haze around them.
Tsukihime: Ishitora-taicho!
Ishitora: What news?
Tsukihime: I think I just defeated the last of 'em.
Ishitora: Good work.
Ishitora turned to Kougi, who was leaning against a wall. He was breathing heavily, and sweating immensely. Patches of his robe were soaked in blood, while other patches were drenched in mud. It appeared that something had taken him through the ringer and beyond...
Ishitora: And you, Kougi?
Kougi: ...
Ishitora: You must have encountered one of them. What did I tell you guys about these foes?
Tsukihime: Um...what happened to that other guy?
Ishitora: Hm?
Tsukihime: Before you guys arrived, it felt as if someone was watching me, and for a moment...I felt an unfamiliar...energy.
Upon hearing this, Kougi wiped the sweat from his forehead, and attempted to walk forward. After making a few awkward steps, he stumbled forward, but was caught by Tsukihime. Ishitora noticed an odd marking on Kougi's right arm, and walked forward to check it out - however, when he saw him approaching, Kougi took a few steps back.
Ishitora: Your arm.
Kougi: What is it, taicho?
Ishitora: What is that...marking on your arm.
Kougi: Oh this? Its just...a bruise.
Ishitora: No, it is not. What is it?
Tsukihime: Taicho, what's wrong?
Ishitora: That marking. I have seen it before. It is the mark of the Noxus.
Tsukihime: ...Noxus?
Ishitora: Years after Aizen was defeated, and Hueco Mundo was subdued, the remaining Arrancar fled.
Kougi: What does that have to do with my...bruise?
Ishitora: After they fled, the entrance to Hueco Mundo was forever sealed...or so we thought.
Tsukihime: ...And the Arrancar?
Ishitora: They faded away into history, however...
Kougi: Ugh...
Kougi swooned, and fell to the ground with a loud thud, stirring up the particles of filth from the ground, which was then carried off into the wind. Tsukihime rushed to his side, and attempted to lift him, but he seemed to be heavier than before. Odd, considering the fact that she was just holding him up before with little effort. Ishitora walked forward, taking careful steps as he approached his fallen comrade.
Tsukihime: Taicho! Can you help me out here? I can't...lift him.
Ishitora: There is a reason for that.
Tsukihime: ...Taicho?
Ishitora: It is his reiatsu. It is...changing.
Tsukihime: What...do you mean, taicho?
Kougi began to moan in pain, and blue reiatsu shot out of him, raging on with extreme intensity. This caught Tsukihime off guard, who fell backwards, landing on her behind. Ishitora walked forward once more, carefully nearing Kougi, as his blue reiatsu slowly turned into a light purple.
Ishitora: It is what I thought.
Tsukihime: W-What's...happening to him, taicho?!
Ishitora: It is that marking. The mark of the Noxus.
Tsukihime: The...Noxus?
Tsukihime rose to her feet, dusting off her backside, before taking a few steps towards Kougi. She approached him on her toes, being cautious to avoid another outburst of reiatsu.
Just then, another powerful force manifested within the area. Tsukihime and Ishitora quickly turned to face the direction in which the awesome force was coming from. A dark purple haze filled the air around them. Tsukihime fell to her knees, gasping for air. Kougi's changing reiatsu seemed to react to the haze, and grew wilder...and darker.
Ishitora's eyes grew wider, and sweat began to caress his face as it made its way down to his chin. The horrible look of fear was upon him. Tsukihime was still gasping for air, as if being suffocated buy an unimaginable torrent of fear. A few moments later, a tall man emerged from the shadows. He was wearing clothing similar to that of a Shinigami, save for a few additions. The pants were brown in coloring, and the shirt was a pale green with a brown lining - loosely worn. He wore a scabbard at his left side, resting his left hand on the hilt of the sword which was sheathed within it. He slowly approached them, taking each step with a malevolent purpose.
Ishitora: No...!
Tsukihime: T-T-Tai...cho..
Tsukihime collapsed, the incredible force of this unknown man was far too much for her - a third seat - to bear. The man raised his head at the sight of her passing out, as if looking down upon her. He then turned to Kougi, completely ignoring Ishitora, and began to continue onward.
Ishitora: Stay back! I am warning you!
The man continued on, not paying Ishitora any mind. He knew that - although strong enough to bear the weight of his reiatsu - he would be of little challenge to him. Upon getting nearer, Ishitora saw that the man had red pupils...or rather...pupil, for he had an eyepatch over his right eye. The moon shone down on his long gray hair, which was tied up in a ponytail, as he continued his menacing advancement.
The eyepatch...the blood-red eyes...the ponytailed long gray hair...and the disgraceful mutany upon the shinigami attire. Surely this was the man. The one and only "Graviton Dragon" - said to be far more powerful than an any captain to date. The man whom all Gotei members have been ordered to avoid confrontation with at all costs.
The man stopped beside Ishitora, who was now feeling the full force of his powerful aura. Ishitora did all he could to keep himself on his feet, for he knew that dropping to the ground would mean the end of them all.
Ishitora: Lucian...Velos...Noxus.
Lucian: In the flesh...well, so to speak.
Ishitora: But...wh-
Lucian grimly walked past him - appearing to have just sheathed his blade - and Ishitora fell to his knees. In what seemed like a slow playing moive, a spray of crimson shot into the sky, splattering on the ground beneath him - painting the walls around them. He grasped his chest in pain, and fell to the ground, forcing himself to his feet. Ishitora did all he could to keep the blood from oozing between his fingers, but it was all in vain, for the substance navigated its way through, and continued to spatter upon the floor.
Lucian: Ah, young Kougi, I pressume?
Kougi was now out cold, laying face down on the concrete. Seeing this, Lucian kicked Kougi onto his back, then grabbed him by his torn robe, and lifted him above his head with his right arm, which - though slim - seemed to be far more powerful than it appeared to be.
Lucian looked at the mark on Kougi's right arm with a wide smile across his unnervingly calm face. He then turned to look down at Tsukihime, then to Ishitora.
Lucian: Well, I have what I came here for. I bid you farewell.
Lucian, still holding Kougi in the air, performed a slight bow of his head - and upon rising it, glared at Ishitora, whom was readying an attack.
Ishitora: Lucian...wait!
Lucian: Tenth Division Captain, Onikkusu Ishitora. How it truely saddens me to find that your..."prowess" has been overrated so.
Ishitora: Why, you!
Ishitora unsheathed his Zanpakuto, and darted forward. Lucian unsheathed his own with his left had, still holding Kougi in his right. Ishitora, who was known for his speed, quickly closed the distance between them, and thrusted his blade forward at Lucian - who simply effortlessly knocked it aside with his own blade. Ishitora jumped back, and swiped his left hand across the flat surface of the blade.
Ishitora: Crusade with shimmering light, Yuusha no Shoumei!
Lucian: You...are serious?
Ishitora: Now more than ever!
The blade of Ishitora's Zanpakuto lit up like an explosion of white fire in the night sky. Its radiance, so bright that it made even the golden moon green with envy. He threw himself forward, disappearing into a shunpo, reappearing beside Lucian. He then slashed down at his right arm, and Lucian let go of his grip on Kougi to move his hand in time. He however, had no time to counter, for Ishitora was already slashing at him from above. Lucian raised his sword, once again with little effort, and knocked Ishitora back.
Ishitora landed on his feet, and vanished - once again shunpoing to the side of Lucian - and once again, slashing at him from that said position. To his surprise, Ishitora found that he was slashing at nothing but the night breeze, for Lucian was nowhere in sight.
Lucian: I am indeed disappointed, Ishitora. Till next we meet, my friend...
His dark voice trailed off into the wind, and the purple haze gradually lifted. A great burden was released from Ishitora...or so he thought. He ran towards Kougi and Tsukihime, whom were both still unconscious. He knew that - although he was gone - Lucian would most likely return, so he kept his Zanpakuto released. He could still sense him, but he appeared to be far away...and moving farther.
Ishitora let out a sigh of relief, but his lifted spirit would not last long. He sensed another presense approaching them - quickly. It was the same one from earlier...the one Tsukihime had mentioned. It had to be. The power was nowhere near as great as Lucian's, but it was still nothing to shrug off.
This...reiatsu. It has to belong to someone who is at least of a low-tier captain level in strength Ishitora thought, wiping the blood and sweat off of his forehead before it could reach his eyebrows.
Tsukihime came to, slowly raising to rest on her knees. She was disoriented, and breathing heavily, sweat flowing off of her freely. She looked up at Ishitora, who was covered in blood.
Tsukihime: T...aicho. What...happened?
Ishitora turned his head. The force was closer now, but it appeared to have been stopped...by another presense.
Tsukihime: Taicho..?
Ishitora turned back to Tsukihime. Seeing she was alright, he sealed his Zanpakuto, and approached her. He held his hand out to help her up, and she grapped his arm firmly. He lifted her onto her feet, and turned to look down at Kougi.
Ishitora: We need to get him out of here. That wound is infected. He needs to be checked out...quickly!
Tsukihime: That presense from before! Its back! And...there is another one!
Ishitora: A shinigami.
Tsukihime: We should go help him! Look at what they did to Kougi! These..."Noxen" are too powerful to be fought alone!
Ishitora: Indeed. But still. I need you to take Kougi back to the Soul Society. I'll go deal with the other Noxen.
Tsukihime: Um. Yes, taicho-kun!
Tsukihime lifted Kougi...barely, and caried him a few steps forward. She unsheathed her Zanpakuto and stabbed it into the air, twisting it. Upon doing so, a double-door appeared. She opened them, and walked into them. Before closing the doors, she turned back to Ishitora.
Tsukihime: Ishitora-taicho! Be careful...okay?
Ishitora: Of course.
Tsukihime smiled and turned her back to Ishitora, walking through the doors. Ishitora stared forward as the doors shut and disappeared.
Ishitora: Alright then. Time to redeem myself...
Ishitora ran towards the two reiatsu he sensed. One was far more powerful than the other. Unfortunately, the weaker one was the shinigami. Ishitora broke off into the darkness of the night, racing on with his Zanpakuto unsheathed.
***
The clouds began to part, allowing the moon to shine at full radiance. Tiny, golden pillars of light began to shine down upon Karakura, illuminating the surroundings, and giving the purple haze the glimmer of crystals. Two men stood face to face, the light shining down on the one wearing a shinigami's attire. He had long, light-green, which was tied up in a long and narrow ponytail. His eyes were a deep crimson, which was an odd contrast to his slightly pale skin. He had a red earing in his left ear, which shimmered in the moonlit night.
The other man stood within the haze. He was dressed in all black - from head to toe. Parts of his clothing were already tattered, as if he was roughed up before-hand. His hair was long, black, and wild - strands of it going in all directions, blowing in the wind with the movement of snakes. He wore a black piece of cloth over his mouth, which muffled the words he spoke. He was tall, and quite built. His eyes were white, with yellow slits for pupils. His pale white skin was a large contrast to his black clothing and hair, along with his yellow pupils.
The shinigami turned his back to him, and appeared to have been about to walk away when they both sensed a powerful reiatsu approaching them. The man in black clothing slightly turned his head towards a dark alleyway. Soon after, shinigami did the same, readying his Zanpakuto. Ishitora emerged from the darkness, the moonlight shining down on his body, giving his blood-stained robe an erie appearance.
Upon seeing Ishitora, the man in black threw himself at the other shinigami, slashing down with the ferociousness of a rabid animal. His strike was so powerful that, when the shinigami blocked it, he was forced back by at least five feet - his shoes kicking dust into the air as they dragged along the concrete ground.
The man prepared himself for another assault, placing his sword high above his head - held firmly in his right hand. He charged forward, but was stopped by a line of white light. Before him stood Onikkusu Ishitora, the captain of the 10th Division. Their blades collided, Ishitora seeming to have the upper hand. The man in black jumped back - his landing making a loud thud sound as a small crater formed beneath each foot.
Ishitora: That is enough, Noxen!
The Noxen in black looked back at Ishitora with a cold, emotionless stare. He then turned to the green-haired shinigami, looking at him in disgust. He held his long, purple-bladed sword forward, aimed past Ishitora...straight for the red-eyed warrior. The Noxen began to speak, but his tongue was unfamiliar to Ishitora, who - upon trying his best to pinpoint the language - could not, and was left confused.
"Nvan, cm bc tah uz?" What does that mean? Ishitora thought.
Ishitora: You there. Do you know what he is saying?
"I do have a name, ya know?" he replied as he flipped his head back to get strands of green hair out of his face. "Name's Nevan; third seat of the 12th Division..."
Ishitora: Ah, I knew I've seen that long, green hair before somewhere...
Nevan: And to answer your question...no. I don't know what he's sayin'...
Upon hearing this, the Noxen's eyes lit up with rage. He dashed forward, passing Ishitora with great speed, and slashing down at Nevan - who jumped into the air, and landed behind Ishitora. With his back still turned to him. The Noxen clenched his fists and began to growl, adding further to his animal-like epitome. Something about Nevan was getting the beast all riled up, for his large muscles became tense and stiff - veins began to surface from under his pale-white skin. The purple haze around them intensified...
Ishitora: What's with him? What did you do to make him hate you so?
Nevan: I'unno. Maybe its jus' my good looks, eh?
Ishitora: Tell me, what do you know of this beast?
Nevan: I know that he is a Noxen-
Ishitora: -And?
Nevan: He also...goes by the name of "Geryon".
The purple haze spun around them both, seemingly forming a mini tornado. Ishitora and Nevan jumped towards each other, placing their backs against each other in preparation of what was to come. The purple tornado began to shrink...
Geryon: Redy tah gev op, Nevan?
Nevan: Wha?
Ishitora: Sounds like it just asked if you're "ready to give up".
Nevan: ...You...can understand it now?
Ishitora: His voice appears to be muffled by that cloth across his face. That is most likely why I could not understand him before.
Nevan: Oh...
The tornado of purple haze spun around them fiercely, shrinking slightly upon each rotation. Ishitora turned his head to Nevan, who began to sweat a bit. He then thought of a way to escape this harsh wind.
Ishitora: Nevan. On three, we jump out. Understand?
Nevan: That won't do us any good, ya know?
Ishitora: Yes it will.
Nevan: Oh yeah? Wha' makes ya so sure, eh?
Ishitora stared into the cold, yellow eyes of Geryon. He then noticed that, as the haze spun around them, Geryon's eyes rolled around with each rotation.
Ishitora: He's controlling this haze with his eyes!
Nevan: Wait-
Ishitora: -On three!
Nevan bent his knees slightly, and increased his grip on the hilt of his Zanpakuto...
Ishitora: One-
Nevan: -Three!
Nevan jumped out of the circular haze, and folded his knees into his chest - curling up into a ball. He flipped in the air several times before dropping down at Geryon, who's eyes lit up with rage. The haze stretched out, forming a line, and shot at Nevan - who twisted in the air and slashed the haze apart, scattering it into the wind. Geryon moved the cloth from his mouth, and growled once more, bearing his large fangs.
Geryon: Nevan, you fool!
Geryon jumped towards Nevan, slashing in a fit of rage, blindly swinging his sword around - until blood flew from his back, splattering on the ground beneath him. Geryon fell to one knee, holding himself up with his long, purple blade. Behind him, Ishitora stood over him, slashing his sword to his side to get the blood off of it.
Ishitora: Never take your eyes off of a captain...
Nevan: ...
Geryon: You...trai-
Nevan flew forward, slightly fading out for an instant, and slashed Geryon across the throat upon his materialization. Blood began to ooze out of the gash, causing Geryon to place his hand upon it. His attempts to keep his blood within was futile, for the red substance poured from between his fingers, dropping on the floor at Nevan's feet.
Nevan: That's enough out'a ya, Geryon...
Geryon: You...t-t-tra...
Geryon fell forward, his body causing not only a loud thud sound, but lifting the dirt and dust from off of the floor. His body began to corrode away, giving off a thick purple mist...then vanishing into the nightly breeze...
***
Tsukihime arrived at Seireitei, struggling to carry Kougi's motionless body to the 4th division's infirmary. She managed to carry him a few feet forward before stumbling onto her knees. Kougi's body hit the ground beside her.
Tsukihime: Oh no! Kougi!
She saw that he had hit his shoulder upon falling, and that it began to bruise up. She began to panick, until a familiar voice echoed throughout the quiet streets of Seireitei. She looked up to find a tall, muscular man approaching her. He was wearing unique clothing. It was a normal Shinigami's attire, yet it was red with orange fire-like designs at the bottom of the pants. By the style of his clothing, it was apparent that he was a captain.
Tsukihime: Aka-nii-san!
Akatsuki: I told you not to call me that!
Tsukihime: Um...can you give me a hand?
Akatsuki: You're a big, strong girl now. Can't you do it yourself?
Tsukihime: Please?
Tsukihime batted her eyelashes and gave her brother her infamous, innocent face. She knew that, no matter how rough and fierce he was known to be, he could never resist her innocent look.
Akatsuki: I hate when you do that...
Tsukihime: Pwease?
Akatsuki: Stop that.
Tsukihime: Pwetty pwease? With...sugar on top?
Akatsuki: I hate sweets.
Tsukihime: ...Pwease?
Akatsuki took a deep breath, and walked up to Kougi. He lifted him over his shoulder with ease, showing his great physical prowess. Tsukihime could not help but look on in awe as her older brother lifted - the now heavy due to a reiatsu imbalance - Kougi.
Akatsuki: Where to?
Tsukihime: The 4th division HQ, dummy!
Akatsuki: Don't make me drop your boyfriend, little Tsuki.
Tsukihime: Hey! He's not my-
Akatsuki: -Whatever. Let's go.
The two of them began to walk deeper into Seireitei. Tsukihime pulled a small map out of her robe to assure that they didn't get lost within its famous maze-like design...
***
Ishitora kneeled down, examining the ground where Geryon once lay. Nevan walked up to him, curious about what he was doing.
Nevan: Somethin' wrong?
Ishitora: That stunt you just pulled.
Nevan: What about it?
Ishitora: For one, you left me in that tornado.
Nevan: You're a captain, no? You were fine.
Ishitora: You-
Nevan: -Well, 'bout time I reported back.
Ishitora: To who?
Nevan: My captain, 'o course.
Ishitora: Right...
Nevan looked at Ishitora, whom was now holding his chest. He then took a few steps forward, and jumped into the air - vanishing into a shunpo. Ishitora took a few steps as well, and started to shunpo away. However, blood shot forth from his chest like water escaping from a tiny hole in a dam. The wound that he had acquired from Lucian earlier was now bleeding again. He dropped to his knees in pain. Sweat began to pour from his face, dampening his clothing with more than just blood. He sheathed his sword, and fell to his hands. Soon after, he lost conscienceness, and fell face first into the concrete below him...
***
Akatsuki - carrying Kougi - took large steps as he came to the 4th division's HQ. Tsukihime, who was skipping beside him, began to take small jumps. Akatsuki turned to look at her, and remembered why he could never resist her "innocent" act. She pulled it off quite well...
Tsukihime looked up at her older brother, and the sunlight shone down on her face - making her large, blue eyes glisten. She then stopped jumping around, and walked around Akatsuki to take a look at Kougi. He was breathing again, and had stopped sweating. She was relieved.
Akatsuki: Your boyfriend's fine...if that's what you're worried about.
Tsukihime: He's not my-
Akatsuki: -Yeah, yeah...
At that moment, a dreadful feeling overcame her. She had forgotten about her captain, Ishitora. Was he alright? Did the other shinigami survive? And...how powerful was that Noxen? Her cute, innocent smile morphed into a frown of sorrow. Seeing this, Akatsuki stopped in his tracks.
Akatsuki: What's wrong, little Tsuki?
Tsukihime: ...Nothing. Well, its just that...taicho. I had to leave him back on Earth. I wonder if he's okay..
Akatsuki: Stonewall, Ishitora? That guys too tough to fall on a place like Earth.
Tsukihime: I...guess you're right.
They arrived at the HQ's door, and Tsukihime knocked on the door softly. After a few moments, a voice replied to them, "It is open". The two of them glanced at each other, and Tsukihime twisted the knob on the door and swung it open...
Comments? Criticism? Flamage? :whatevah:
Karakura was cold and dark - a light purple mist filled the air, causing all who inhaled it to become instantly ill. For this very reason, the streets were empty. No one dared to venture outside their homes. All windows were shut tight - all doors locked shut. The town was still and lifeless.
However, the sound of steel clashing sliced through the silence of the night. The sound was loud and rapid as it echoed throughout the darkened town.
One man flew into the air, his black kimono blowing in the gentle night breeze. He dropped down, slashing vertically at the other warrior - whom stood there calmly. As the blade came down, the standing man simply stepped to the side. The attacking man cleaved through nothing but night air - his sword driving itself deep into the ground.
He pulled his sword free and jumped back, staying kneeled down. He bore several gashes about his body, the most noticable one being the deep gash just above his right elbow. He finally stood to his feet, and stared his opponent down. He took a few steps forward, and raised his sword into the cloudy sky above, slicing through the purple mist around him.
The other man, dressed in all black armor took a few steps forward aswell - holding his massive blade backhanded with his right hand. Small spikes of black hair brushed against his face in the wind until he swiped it aside. He smirked and placed his right arm before him, holding the large sword - still backhanded - across his chest.
"Come now, Shinigami." said the black-armored warrior "I thought you said you were a vice captain. Don't tell me that all of your kind is this weak.."
The Shinigami spat blood onto the ground and stepped on it, smearing it into the concrete beneath him. He then pointed his blade forward at the cladded fighter, and with a calm expression across his face, spoke an incantation.
"Chill to the bone, Soryuu no Ikuki" he shouted "I'll show ya what a true shinigami vice captain is capable of!"
Just then, the blade of his Zanpakuto began to shake violently - erupting with power - so much so that his right arm rocked from side to side under the force. A light blue aura manifested upon the blade and began to spread up his arm. Several moments later, the aura had engulfed his entire body, and began to dance upon him like wildfire. The blue aura increased in size and brilliance, slicing through the purple mist with authority...
The Shinigami's display of power was truely mesmerizing, yet his adversary was not bothered in the least. He simply sighed, lazily tilting his head slightly from side-to-side, looking at the blue light show from different angles.
"I can sense your power, and let me tell you. I am not impressed." said the armored man as he began to approach the Shinigami.
"Don't you dare take another step closer!" roared the Shinigami as he stepped back.
A sinister grin formed acrossed the man's face as he continued on - his black armor clearly visible in the purple mist. His slow advancement gradually turned into a full on charge. He swung his massive blade, and sliced through the powerful blue aura. He smirked for a moment until he realized that all he hit was blue and purple. There were no signs of the shinigami.
"Head's up!" shouted a voice from above.
The armored man raised his head in a state of shock as the shinigami dropped down at him from above, with the fury of a diving eagle - his blue aura ripping through the purple haze. He motioned to swing his massive sword upwards, but his right arm did not move. The man looked down to find his sword frozen to the ground, along with his right arm.
"What?!"
"Never underestimate a vice captain!"
"Why you!"
The Shinigami warrior slashed his glowing sword downward, cleaving through the the black armor - his blue aura rending black and purple asunder. Blood flew into the air - seemingly mixing with the purple haze - as the blade dug into the man's left shoulder.
Ice erupted from the wound, freezing his left arm as well, leaving the man completely defenseless...with both of his arms frozen solid, along with the ground beneath him.
"Sanada Kougi." said the shinigami triumphantly.
"W-What?!"
"My name; Sanda Kougi. Remember it. Take my name with you to the underworld. Inform your fellow demons of the great warrior who cut you down!"
Upon hearing this remark, the man's face turned red with rage and hatred. Kougi slowly approached him, holding his Zanpakuto at his side - the blade facing the ground. The majestic blue aura seemed to have a slow healing effect upon him, for Kougi's wounds gradually stopped bleeding.
The purple mist grew thicker, seemingly affected by the man's rage. The mist began to gather, surrounding both fighters in a circular wall of mauve haze.
"Abaddon." said the frozen man. "My name; remember it as well."
***
She ran and ran as fast as she could, stampeding through the mauve town, but the creature ran even faster. It jumped above her, and landed before her. The creature had a hole in its chest, one which could be seen clear through. The girl unsheathed her sword with a smirk on her face, and prepared herself.
Tsukihime: Mesmerize with your divine beauty. Shine like a crystal, Tennyo no Yume Koori!
The blade of her sword began to shine with a blinding white light, and when the light subsided, the blade was as clear as a crystal. She rose her blade high above her head, smiling innocently at the Hollow before her.
Tsukihime: You thought I'd be another victim, didn't you?! You thought that--by appearance--I would be an easy target?!
Hollow: Silence, girl! I am starving, and your soul is on the menu!
Tsukihime: Don't ya know who I am?
Hollow: Foolish little girl, I care not of who you are!
Tsukihime giggled at the clueless monster before her. She knew that it was the last of its kind in the area, and that it was rather weak.
Tsukihime: I am, Shurunai Tsukihime! Third seat of the 10th Division!
Hollow: What?! A seated shinigami?!
Tsukihime: You bet'cha, pal!
Tsukihime pointed her Zanpakuto forward, the crystal blade shining radiantly in the purple night. She tilted the sword so that the blade lit up under the golden moon, which seemed to now peer through the haze. She then quickly rose the blade above her head - and with one fluid motion - slashed it down, sending a golden line of light at the Hollow, slicing it in half. The beast dissipated in the mist of the night.
Tsukihime: That's another one for Tsukihime! Hooray for me!
After she finished gloating, she felt a strong force approaching her. Surely it was the very same force that has been following her for some time now. She turned her head to find a man wearing tattered shinigami attire, approaching her with difficulty. She sheathed her Zanpakuto, and ran towards him with a look of fear upon her face.
Tsukihime: Kougi! Are...you alright?
Kougi: Ugh. Just a a few scratches. I'll be fine...
Tsukihime: No! You look like you're in really bad shape! We need to find, Ishitora-taicho!
Just then, another Shinigami emerged from the shadows. He also wore Shinigami attire, but the shirt was white, instead of the normal black. He approached them slowly - his long black hair blowing wildly in the nightly breeze. His mere presense scattered the purple haze around them.
Tsukihime: Ishitora-taicho!
Ishitora: What news?
Tsukihime: I think I just defeated the last of 'em.
Ishitora: Good work.
Ishitora turned to Kougi, who was leaning against a wall. He was breathing heavily, and sweating immensely. Patches of his robe were soaked in blood, while other patches were drenched in mud. It appeared that something had taken him through the ringer and beyond...
Ishitora: And you, Kougi?
Kougi: ...
Ishitora: You must have encountered one of them. What did I tell you guys about these foes?
Tsukihime: Um...what happened to that other guy?
Ishitora: Hm?
Tsukihime: Before you guys arrived, it felt as if someone was watching me, and for a moment...I felt an unfamiliar...energy.
Upon hearing this, Kougi wiped the sweat from his forehead, and attempted to walk forward. After making a few awkward steps, he stumbled forward, but was caught by Tsukihime. Ishitora noticed an odd marking on Kougi's right arm, and walked forward to check it out - however, when he saw him approaching, Kougi took a few steps back.
Ishitora: Your arm.
Kougi: What is it, taicho?
Ishitora: What is that...marking on your arm.
Kougi: Oh this? Its just...a bruise.
Ishitora: No, it is not. What is it?
Tsukihime: Taicho, what's wrong?
Ishitora: That marking. I have seen it before. It is the mark of the Noxus.
Tsukihime: ...Noxus?
Ishitora: Years after Aizen was defeated, and Hueco Mundo was subdued, the remaining Arrancar fled.
Kougi: What does that have to do with my...bruise?
Ishitora: After they fled, the entrance to Hueco Mundo was forever sealed...or so we thought.
Tsukihime: ...And the Arrancar?
Ishitora: They faded away into history, however...
Kougi: Ugh...
Kougi swooned, and fell to the ground with a loud thud, stirring up the particles of filth from the ground, which was then carried off into the wind. Tsukihime rushed to his side, and attempted to lift him, but he seemed to be heavier than before. Odd, considering the fact that she was just holding him up before with little effort. Ishitora walked forward, taking careful steps as he approached his fallen comrade.
Tsukihime: Taicho! Can you help me out here? I can't...lift him.
Ishitora: There is a reason for that.
Tsukihime: ...Taicho?
Ishitora: It is his reiatsu. It is...changing.
Tsukihime: What...do you mean, taicho?
Kougi began to moan in pain, and blue reiatsu shot out of him, raging on with extreme intensity. This caught Tsukihime off guard, who fell backwards, landing on her behind. Ishitora walked forward once more, carefully nearing Kougi, as his blue reiatsu slowly turned into a light purple.
Ishitora: It is what I thought.
Tsukihime: W-What's...happening to him, taicho?!
Ishitora: It is that marking. The mark of the Noxus.
Tsukihime: The...Noxus?
Tsukihime rose to her feet, dusting off her backside, before taking a few steps towards Kougi. She approached him on her toes, being cautious to avoid another outburst of reiatsu.
Just then, another powerful force manifested within the area. Tsukihime and Ishitora quickly turned to face the direction in which the awesome force was coming from. A dark purple haze filled the air around them. Tsukihime fell to her knees, gasping for air. Kougi's changing reiatsu seemed to react to the haze, and grew wilder...and darker.
Ishitora's eyes grew wider, and sweat began to caress his face as it made its way down to his chin. The horrible look of fear was upon him. Tsukihime was still gasping for air, as if being suffocated buy an unimaginable torrent of fear. A few moments later, a tall man emerged from the shadows. He was wearing clothing similar to that of a Shinigami, save for a few additions. The pants were brown in coloring, and the shirt was a pale green with a brown lining - loosely worn. He wore a scabbard at his left side, resting his left hand on the hilt of the sword which was sheathed within it. He slowly approached them, taking each step with a malevolent purpose.
Ishitora: No...!
Tsukihime: T-T-Tai...cho..
Tsukihime collapsed, the incredible force of this unknown man was far too much for her - a third seat - to bear. The man raised his head at the sight of her passing out, as if looking down upon her. He then turned to Kougi, completely ignoring Ishitora, and began to continue onward.
Ishitora: Stay back! I am warning you!
The man continued on, not paying Ishitora any mind. He knew that - although strong enough to bear the weight of his reiatsu - he would be of little challenge to him. Upon getting nearer, Ishitora saw that the man had red pupils...or rather...pupil, for he had an eyepatch over his right eye. The moon shone down on his long gray hair, which was tied up in a ponytail, as he continued his menacing advancement.
The eyepatch...the blood-red eyes...the ponytailed long gray hair...and the disgraceful mutany upon the shinigami attire. Surely this was the man. The one and only "Graviton Dragon" - said to be far more powerful than an any captain to date. The man whom all Gotei members have been ordered to avoid confrontation with at all costs.
The man stopped beside Ishitora, who was now feeling the full force of his powerful aura. Ishitora did all he could to keep himself on his feet, for he knew that dropping to the ground would mean the end of them all.
Ishitora: Lucian...Velos...Noxus.
Lucian: In the flesh...well, so to speak.
Ishitora: But...wh-
Lucian grimly walked past him - appearing to have just sheathed his blade - and Ishitora fell to his knees. In what seemed like a slow playing moive, a spray of crimson shot into the sky, splattering on the ground beneath him - painting the walls around them. He grasped his chest in pain, and fell to the ground, forcing himself to his feet. Ishitora did all he could to keep the blood from oozing between his fingers, but it was all in vain, for the substance navigated its way through, and continued to spatter upon the floor.
Lucian: Ah, young Kougi, I pressume?
Kougi was now out cold, laying face down on the concrete. Seeing this, Lucian kicked Kougi onto his back, then grabbed him by his torn robe, and lifted him above his head with his right arm, which - though slim - seemed to be far more powerful than it appeared to be.
Lucian looked at the mark on Kougi's right arm with a wide smile across his unnervingly calm face. He then turned to look down at Tsukihime, then to Ishitora.
Lucian: Well, I have what I came here for. I bid you farewell.
Lucian, still holding Kougi in the air, performed a slight bow of his head - and upon rising it, glared at Ishitora, whom was readying an attack.
Ishitora: Lucian...wait!
Lucian: Tenth Division Captain, Onikkusu Ishitora. How it truely saddens me to find that your..."prowess" has been overrated so.
Ishitora: Why, you!
Ishitora unsheathed his Zanpakuto, and darted forward. Lucian unsheathed his own with his left had, still holding Kougi in his right. Ishitora, who was known for his speed, quickly closed the distance between them, and thrusted his blade forward at Lucian - who simply effortlessly knocked it aside with his own blade. Ishitora jumped back, and swiped his left hand across the flat surface of the blade.
Ishitora: Crusade with shimmering light, Yuusha no Shoumei!
Lucian: You...are serious?
Ishitora: Now more than ever!
The blade of Ishitora's Zanpakuto lit up like an explosion of white fire in the night sky. Its radiance, so bright that it made even the golden moon green with envy. He threw himself forward, disappearing into a shunpo, reappearing beside Lucian. He then slashed down at his right arm, and Lucian let go of his grip on Kougi to move his hand in time. He however, had no time to counter, for Ishitora was already slashing at him from above. Lucian raised his sword, once again with little effort, and knocked Ishitora back.
Ishitora landed on his feet, and vanished - once again shunpoing to the side of Lucian - and once again, slashing at him from that said position. To his surprise, Ishitora found that he was slashing at nothing but the night breeze, for Lucian was nowhere in sight.
Lucian: I am indeed disappointed, Ishitora. Till next we meet, my friend...
His dark voice trailed off into the wind, and the purple haze gradually lifted. A great burden was released from Ishitora...or so he thought. He ran towards Kougi and Tsukihime, whom were both still unconscious. He knew that - although he was gone - Lucian would most likely return, so he kept his Zanpakuto released. He could still sense him, but he appeared to be far away...and moving farther.
Ishitora let out a sigh of relief, but his lifted spirit would not last long. He sensed another presense approaching them - quickly. It was the same one from earlier...the one Tsukihime had mentioned. It had to be. The power was nowhere near as great as Lucian's, but it was still nothing to shrug off.
This...reiatsu. It has to belong to someone who is at least of a low-tier captain level in strength Ishitora thought, wiping the blood and sweat off of his forehead before it could reach his eyebrows.
Tsukihime came to, slowly raising to rest on her knees. She was disoriented, and breathing heavily, sweat flowing off of her freely. She looked up at Ishitora, who was covered in blood.
Tsukihime: T...aicho. What...happened?
Ishitora turned his head. The force was closer now, but it appeared to have been stopped...by another presense.
Tsukihime: Taicho..?
Ishitora turned back to Tsukihime. Seeing she was alright, he sealed his Zanpakuto, and approached her. He held his hand out to help her up, and she grapped his arm firmly. He lifted her onto her feet, and turned to look down at Kougi.
Ishitora: We need to get him out of here. That wound is infected. He needs to be checked out...quickly!
Tsukihime: That presense from before! Its back! And...there is another one!
Ishitora: A shinigami.
Tsukihime: We should go help him! Look at what they did to Kougi! These..."Noxen" are too powerful to be fought alone!
Ishitora: Indeed. But still. I need you to take Kougi back to the Soul Society. I'll go deal with the other Noxen.
Tsukihime: Um. Yes, taicho-kun!
Tsukihime lifted Kougi...barely, and caried him a few steps forward. She unsheathed her Zanpakuto and stabbed it into the air, twisting it. Upon doing so, a double-door appeared. She opened them, and walked into them. Before closing the doors, she turned back to Ishitora.
Tsukihime: Ishitora-taicho! Be careful...okay?
Ishitora: Of course.
Tsukihime smiled and turned her back to Ishitora, walking through the doors. Ishitora stared forward as the doors shut and disappeared.
Ishitora: Alright then. Time to redeem myself...
Ishitora ran towards the two reiatsu he sensed. One was far more powerful than the other. Unfortunately, the weaker one was the shinigami. Ishitora broke off into the darkness of the night, racing on with his Zanpakuto unsheathed.
***
The clouds began to part, allowing the moon to shine at full radiance. Tiny, golden pillars of light began to shine down upon Karakura, illuminating the surroundings, and giving the purple haze the glimmer of crystals. Two men stood face to face, the light shining down on the one wearing a shinigami's attire. He had long, light-green, which was tied up in a long and narrow ponytail. His eyes were a deep crimson, which was an odd contrast to his slightly pale skin. He had a red earing in his left ear, which shimmered in the moonlit night.
The other man stood within the haze. He was dressed in all black - from head to toe. Parts of his clothing were already tattered, as if he was roughed up before-hand. His hair was long, black, and wild - strands of it going in all directions, blowing in the wind with the movement of snakes. He wore a black piece of cloth over his mouth, which muffled the words he spoke. He was tall, and quite built. His eyes were white, with yellow slits for pupils. His pale white skin was a large contrast to his black clothing and hair, along with his yellow pupils.
The shinigami turned his back to him, and appeared to have been about to walk away when they both sensed a powerful reiatsu approaching them. The man in black clothing slightly turned his head towards a dark alleyway. Soon after, shinigami did the same, readying his Zanpakuto. Ishitora emerged from the darkness, the moonlight shining down on his body, giving his blood-stained robe an erie appearance.
Upon seeing Ishitora, the man in black threw himself at the other shinigami, slashing down with the ferociousness of a rabid animal. His strike was so powerful that, when the shinigami blocked it, he was forced back by at least five feet - his shoes kicking dust into the air as they dragged along the concrete ground.
The man prepared himself for another assault, placing his sword high above his head - held firmly in his right hand. He charged forward, but was stopped by a line of white light. Before him stood Onikkusu Ishitora, the captain of the 10th Division. Their blades collided, Ishitora seeming to have the upper hand. The man in black jumped back - his landing making a loud thud sound as a small crater formed beneath each foot.
Ishitora: That is enough, Noxen!
The Noxen in black looked back at Ishitora with a cold, emotionless stare. He then turned to the green-haired shinigami, looking at him in disgust. He held his long, purple-bladed sword forward, aimed past Ishitora...straight for the red-eyed warrior. The Noxen began to speak, but his tongue was unfamiliar to Ishitora, who - upon trying his best to pinpoint the language - could not, and was left confused.
"Nvan, cm bc tah uz?" What does that mean? Ishitora thought.
Ishitora: You there. Do you know what he is saying?
"I do have a name, ya know?" he replied as he flipped his head back to get strands of green hair out of his face. "Name's Nevan; third seat of the 12th Division..."
Ishitora: Ah, I knew I've seen that long, green hair before somewhere...
Nevan: And to answer your question...no. I don't know what he's sayin'...
Upon hearing this, the Noxen's eyes lit up with rage. He dashed forward, passing Ishitora with great speed, and slashing down at Nevan - who jumped into the air, and landed behind Ishitora. With his back still turned to him. The Noxen clenched his fists and began to growl, adding further to his animal-like epitome. Something about Nevan was getting the beast all riled up, for his large muscles became tense and stiff - veins began to surface from under his pale-white skin. The purple haze around them intensified...
Ishitora: What's with him? What did you do to make him hate you so?
Nevan: I'unno. Maybe its jus' my good looks, eh?
Ishitora: Tell me, what do you know of this beast?
Nevan: I know that he is a Noxen-
Ishitora: -And?
Nevan: He also...goes by the name of "Geryon".
The purple haze spun around them both, seemingly forming a mini tornado. Ishitora and Nevan jumped towards each other, placing their backs against each other in preparation of what was to come. The purple tornado began to shrink...
Geryon: Redy tah gev op, Nevan?
Nevan: Wha?
Ishitora: Sounds like it just asked if you're "ready to give up".
Nevan: ...You...can understand it now?
Ishitora: His voice appears to be muffled by that cloth across his face. That is most likely why I could not understand him before.
Nevan: Oh...
The tornado of purple haze spun around them fiercely, shrinking slightly upon each rotation. Ishitora turned his head to Nevan, who began to sweat a bit. He then thought of a way to escape this harsh wind.
Ishitora: Nevan. On three, we jump out. Understand?
Nevan: That won't do us any good, ya know?
Ishitora: Yes it will.
Nevan: Oh yeah? Wha' makes ya so sure, eh?
Ishitora stared into the cold, yellow eyes of Geryon. He then noticed that, as the haze spun around them, Geryon's eyes rolled around with each rotation.
Ishitora: He's controlling this haze with his eyes!
Nevan: Wait-
Ishitora: -On three!
Nevan bent his knees slightly, and increased his grip on the hilt of his Zanpakuto...
Ishitora: One-
Nevan: -Three!
Nevan jumped out of the circular haze, and folded his knees into his chest - curling up into a ball. He flipped in the air several times before dropping down at Geryon, who's eyes lit up with rage. The haze stretched out, forming a line, and shot at Nevan - who twisted in the air and slashed the haze apart, scattering it into the wind. Geryon moved the cloth from his mouth, and growled once more, bearing his large fangs.
Geryon: Nevan, you fool!
Geryon jumped towards Nevan, slashing in a fit of rage, blindly swinging his sword around - until blood flew from his back, splattering on the ground beneath him. Geryon fell to one knee, holding himself up with his long, purple blade. Behind him, Ishitora stood over him, slashing his sword to his side to get the blood off of it.
Ishitora: Never take your eyes off of a captain...
Nevan: ...
Geryon: You...trai-
Nevan flew forward, slightly fading out for an instant, and slashed Geryon across the throat upon his materialization. Blood began to ooze out of the gash, causing Geryon to place his hand upon it. His attempts to keep his blood within was futile, for the red substance poured from between his fingers, dropping on the floor at Nevan's feet.
Nevan: That's enough out'a ya, Geryon...
Geryon: You...t-t-tra...
Geryon fell forward, his body causing not only a loud thud sound, but lifting the dirt and dust from off of the floor. His body began to corrode away, giving off a thick purple mist...then vanishing into the nightly breeze...
***
Tsukihime arrived at Seireitei, struggling to carry Kougi's motionless body to the 4th division's infirmary. She managed to carry him a few feet forward before stumbling onto her knees. Kougi's body hit the ground beside her.
Tsukihime: Oh no! Kougi!
She saw that he had hit his shoulder upon falling, and that it began to bruise up. She began to panick, until a familiar voice echoed throughout the quiet streets of Seireitei. She looked up to find a tall, muscular man approaching her. He was wearing unique clothing. It was a normal Shinigami's attire, yet it was red with orange fire-like designs at the bottom of the pants. By the style of his clothing, it was apparent that he was a captain.
Tsukihime: Aka-nii-san!
Akatsuki: I told you not to call me that!
Tsukihime: Um...can you give me a hand?
Akatsuki: You're a big, strong girl now. Can't you do it yourself?
Tsukihime: Please?
Tsukihime batted her eyelashes and gave her brother her infamous, innocent face. She knew that, no matter how rough and fierce he was known to be, he could never resist her innocent look.
Akatsuki: I hate when you do that...
Tsukihime: Pwease?
Akatsuki: Stop that.
Tsukihime: Pwetty pwease? With...sugar on top?
Akatsuki: I hate sweets.
Tsukihime: ...Pwease?
Akatsuki took a deep breath, and walked up to Kougi. He lifted him over his shoulder with ease, showing his great physical prowess. Tsukihime could not help but look on in awe as her older brother lifted - the now heavy due to a reiatsu imbalance - Kougi.
Akatsuki: Where to?
Tsukihime: The 4th division HQ, dummy!
Akatsuki: Don't make me drop your boyfriend, little Tsuki.
Tsukihime: Hey! He's not my-
Akatsuki: -Whatever. Let's go.
The two of them began to walk deeper into Seireitei. Tsukihime pulled a small map out of her robe to assure that they didn't get lost within its famous maze-like design...
***
Ishitora kneeled down, examining the ground where Geryon once lay. Nevan walked up to him, curious about what he was doing.
Nevan: Somethin' wrong?
Ishitora: That stunt you just pulled.
Nevan: What about it?
Ishitora: For one, you left me in that tornado.
Nevan: You're a captain, no? You were fine.
Ishitora: You-
Nevan: -Well, 'bout time I reported back.
Ishitora: To who?
Nevan: My captain, 'o course.
Ishitora: Right...
Nevan looked at Ishitora, whom was now holding his chest. He then took a few steps forward, and jumped into the air - vanishing into a shunpo. Ishitora took a few steps as well, and started to shunpo away. However, blood shot forth from his chest like water escaping from a tiny hole in a dam. The wound that he had acquired from Lucian earlier was now bleeding again. He dropped to his knees in pain. Sweat began to pour from his face, dampening his clothing with more than just blood. He sheathed his sword, and fell to his hands. Soon after, he lost conscienceness, and fell face first into the concrete below him...
***
Akatsuki - carrying Kougi - took large steps as he came to the 4th division's HQ. Tsukihime, who was skipping beside him, began to take small jumps. Akatsuki turned to look at her, and remembered why he could never resist her "innocent" act. She pulled it off quite well...
Tsukihime looked up at her older brother, and the sunlight shone down on her face - making her large, blue eyes glisten. She then stopped jumping around, and walked around Akatsuki to take a look at Kougi. He was breathing again, and had stopped sweating. She was relieved.
Akatsuki: Your boyfriend's fine...if that's what you're worried about.
Tsukihime: He's not my-
Akatsuki: -Yeah, yeah...
At that moment, a dreadful feeling overcame her. She had forgotten about her captain, Ishitora. Was he alright? Did the other shinigami survive? And...how powerful was that Noxen? Her cute, innocent smile morphed into a frown of sorrow. Seeing this, Akatsuki stopped in his tracks.
Akatsuki: What's wrong, little Tsuki?
Tsukihime: ...Nothing. Well, its just that...taicho. I had to leave him back on Earth. I wonder if he's okay..
Akatsuki: Stonewall, Ishitora? That guys too tough to fall on a place like Earth.
Tsukihime: I...guess you're right.
They arrived at the HQ's door, and Tsukihime knocked on the door softly. After a few moments, a voice replied to them, "It is open". The two of them glanced at each other, and Tsukihime twisted the knob on the door and swung it open...