The Wind Dancer - Chapter 1

[Winddancer]

Warning: Contains spoilers. Enjoy and comment please!

Catalyst

Usually the nights in Rukongai are hot but on that chilly night something was off. Tsukiko shivered . Tsukiko decided to go for a walk.
“Where is Salome?” she wondered.
She thought of Salome. Her paper like hands. Her wrinkle filled face. Those blue eyes that had the kindness that hid her superb fighting skills. Before Salome became the mother to the town’s abandoned children, she was an elite fighter who graduated from the Shinigami academy at the top of her class. Now she was a mother. Tsukiko’s mother.
Tsukiko always considered herself Salome’s favorite. Salome would always ask Tsukiko to help with groceries, cooking and errands. Tsukiko was with Salome so much that she was disliked by the other children and constantly teased for her unusual orange blonde hair. One day when the teasing became too much to bear for little Tsukiko, she ran to Salome crying. Salome patted her head and said,
“Miss Tsukiko, look at me.”
Tsukiko looked up, bright blue eyes filled with water.
“Do you know what you are little one?” she asked.
Tsukiko’s face brightened up and she responded,
“ A wind dancer.”
“And what is a wind dancer’s job?”
“To bring wind to soothe others.”
“Very good Tsuki. What did I tell you was one of the problems of being a wind dancer?”
“That people would try to make you feel uncomfortable because you stand out.”
“Do you know why?” old Salome asked.
She shook her head.
“ Tsuki, people are unhappy with themselves and want others to be unhappy. That’s why you must smile and make the wind dance.”
“Why should I if they don’t like me?” she asked in frustration eyebrows furrowing.
Salome’s face grew serious.
“You should not do things for only your benefit. Selfish people die early Tsukiko.”
Tsukiko looked alarmed. Salome never spoke like this. Salome’s face relaxed.
“Come on Tsuki, let’s practice your wind dancing.”
From that day on, Tsukiko would practice wind manipulation techniques on Salome. Salome laughed heartily as Tsukiko would create warm whirlwinds that surrounded her.
But no laughter could be heard as Tsukiko saw Salome’s gentle blue eyes stare at the sky as she bled to death in the middle of the street. Tsukiko froze in horror as she watched her beloved Salome die. In her shock, she didn’t notice someone was approaching her from behind. Tears welled up in her eyes. She mouthed Salome’s name. Time seemed to slow down as she felt a sharp blow to the back of her head and she fell to the dusty cold ground. That night, there was no wind.

[Winddancer]

Tsukiko woke up the next day in a bed. This was not the orphanage by any means. Normally she would be woken up another child screaming. Today it was quiet. She stared up at the ceiling. Suddenly a tall man with white long hair was looking back down at her.

Tsukiko screamed.

“Now now. Is that any way to greet your father?” the man said with a smile.
She shot up out of the bed, her eyes glowing with wonder.
“Are you really my father?” she asked with excitement.
The man adjusted his white coat , dusted off his garb and opened his mouth to speak. Before he could say something he was slapped in the back of the head by a woman.
The woman had purple hair tied in a high pony tail and her golden eyes were flashing. She too had a white overcoat and a garb.
“Uruhara, don’t lie to the child and fill her head with unnecessary hopes. He is not your father. I’m Yoruichi.” she said as Uruhara rubbed the back of his head in pain.
“No I’m not your father. But I will treat you like I am.”
Uruhara pointed to the to the kimono on the vanity.
“You should put that on and get ready for school, Tsukiko-san.” Yoruichi said.
Tsukiko was completely confused. The frustration was maddening to young Tsukiko. Tears welled up in her eyes.
“Who are you people? What have you done with Salome? Where am I? What is going on?!” she yelled with tears streaming down her face.
Uruhara knelt down and put his hands on her shoulders.


“Tsukiko, I’m sorry. Let me explain some things to you. You are young but can handle it. Yoruichi and I are captains of the 13 squads that protect Soul Society and the living world. You are in Seretei. I have adopted you as my daughter and you are enrolled in Shinigami Academy. As far as Salome…” Uruhara looked at Yoruichi for help.
Yoruichi cupped Tsukiko’s face with her hand and examined her with her golden eyes. She had to handle this carefully.


“What do you remember from last night?” she asked calmly.
“It was cold. I couldn’t sleep. I went outside and Salome was…she was..”
Tsukiko broke out into loud sobs and she reached out and buried her face in Yoruichi;s robes. Yoruichi looked at her with sympathetic eyes and stroked her blonde hair.
“It’s ok. We’ll find out who did it and they’ll be punished.”
She pulled Tsukiko from her robes and bent down to be eye level with her.
“It’s a lot of stuff to swallow but it will be ok. You don’t have to go to school today but in exchange you have to go eat. Ok?”
Tsukiko nodded in response. Uruhara smiled at her as he directed her to the kitchen. His smile faded as his face turned serious.


“I don’t feel quite exactly comfortable doing this. We’re about to use that girl for our own purposes. Not to mention we’re keeping her parent’s identity.”
Yoruichi’s eyes narrowed at him.
“Uruhara get a hold of yourself. I know its hard but orders are orders. She can’t know who her parents are the prophecy will come true.”
Uruhara swallowed hard and looked away as he thought of the day he read the prophecy.

If the wind dancer knows her true lineage, all will perish.
__________________

[Winddancer]

Fragments

The girl had piercing light blue eyes which were accented by her fire red hair. She looked quite beautiful looking out on the horizon and she was smiling. The shadow of an enormous object covered her face. Her eyes widened as the object came closer. The smile was replaced. with a look of fear. The girl screamed.


Tsukiko screamed and woke up in cold sweat. Yoruichi flashed stepped into her room and looked around quickly.
“What’s wrong? Is everything ok? What’s going on?” she asked with concern.
Uruhara came in shortly after.
“What is going on Tsukiko-San? Are you alright?”
She rubbed her eyes and calmed herself down.


“There was this girl with hair like fire and eyes like water. She was smiling and all over a sudden there was a shadow of something big. She was afraid of it and she screamed. That’s when I screamed. And you guys came in.”
Uruhara looked at Yoruichi with narrowed eyes. She nodded in response.
Yoruichi walked slowly as her purple hair swayed.
“Tsukiko, is this the first time you’ve had this dream?” she asked putting her hands on Tsukiko’s shoulder.

“No. It’s the seventh time. Each time I get it, its more longer and more detailed.”
“I see. Tsukiko you’re 14 now and will be starting the next level of Shinigami training. You need to be in top shape. You’re growing up now. So the next time you have the dream just forget it and go back to sleep.” Yoruichi replied without emotion.
Tsukiko’s blue eyes peered up at her with confusion and then looked down.
“Ok. I will do well at the academy for both of you.”
Uruhara smiled, took Yoruichi’s hand and looked at Tsukiko.
“I’m sure you’ll make us proud. Goodnight Tsukiko.”
“Good night.” she said closing her eyes.


Uruhara and Yoruichi retreated to their bedroom again. Uruhara looked at Yoruichi with warning in his eyes.
“You know what we have to do, right?” he asked.
Yoruichi pulled out a phone and started to dial.
“I’m already on it Uruhara.”
He thought of the easier years with Tsukiko. All that was about to end with this phone call.
“Yes, Supreme Commander. This is Yoruichi. I apologize for calling this late. The process has started. She’s starting to remember.”

[Winddancer]

Chapter 4
Puppetry

The Supreme Commander of the Gotei 13 sighed hard as he heard Yoruichi on the phone. Yamamoto was his name. His age was shown in his face. He stroked his long white pointed beard while he listened. He soon hung up and got dressed. Now was the time for his plan to move to the next level.


The cavern was deep and the walls seemed to be going in a circular motion which gave it the appearance of warp hole. White stalagmites rose out of the cavern floor. It nearly looked like they were reaching out for air. Although it was a beautiful cavern, it also was quite eerie. It was here that Yamamoto, Uruhara and young boy around Tsukiko’s age stood. The boy had reddish brown eyes and layered black hair with a medium height. He wore his shinigami garb. He sensed another person’s presence.


Yamamoto looked for a certain stalagmite. He found it and said a spell over it. The ground began to vibrate as a black altar came out from the ground. They walked over and Uruhara placed a red ribbon and a dagger with a spiral blade side by side on it.
“Shin, you’ve been instructed on what to do. Your enrollment in the higher classes in the Shinigami training all rest on what you do.” Uruhara warned placing a hand on his shoulder. He walked up to the altar and ripped off the sleeve to his garb. On his arm lay a huge scar.
So all I have to do is cut the scar open and bleed over the ribbon and make up a spell to make redhead remember something. That’s all.
Shin looked back and asked,
“Is there someone else here?”
Yamamoto crossed his arms and shouted,
“Never you mind that! Do what you’re told!”
“Yes, little Shinigami. Do as you’re told. Like a faithful dog.” a sleek smooth male voice said with a chuckle.


Shin ignored it and picked up the dagger and stabbed himself in the arm. The searing pain grew as the dagger’s spiral ripped through the scar. His red liquid dripped on the ribbon and some drops landed on the altar.
“Good. Now say the spell!” Yamamoto barked.
Shin was at a loss for words. He practiced the spell many times before and know the words wouldn’t come to him.
“A boy doing a man’s job.” the male voice said again.
Uruhara rolled his eyes and said, looking at no one in particular,
“In times like these this, it would be best for a certain psychic not to open his mouth, Sakkidatta.”
Sakkidatta chuckled in response.
Meanwhile, Shin was staring at the ribbon and his wound started to sting.
“I guess I’m not meant for this” Shin said.
Sakkidatta laughed.
Uruhara looked at Yamamoto and said,
“There’s something Sakkidatta’s not telling us.”
“Of course I am. Or else I wouldn’t the famous Sakkidatta.”
“Tell us then!” Yamamoto barked.

Sakkidatta stepped out of the shadows. He had long brown hair. He was wearing black slacks with a long white shirt. His most distinctive features were his eyes. He had a golden eye and the other was covered by an eye patch. He started to clean his nails even though they weren’t dirty.
“Let’s get two things straight. I am not one of your Shinigami lackeys like your servant over there” he said looking at Uruhara. Once again, Uruhara rolled his eyes in response.
“The second thing is payment. Even your run of the mill psychic has their price Yamamoto.” he continued, still picking at his nails.
Yamamoto responded with his offer,
“After we’re done with her you can have the wind dancer to yourself.”
“Why should we give Sakkidatta anything, Commander?” Uruhara interjected.
“Because..” Sakkidatta responded,
“You shinigami need me.”
“You don’t think we can’t find another with your skills?” Uruhara responded.


Sakkidatta stopped cleaning his nails and walked forward until he was in front of the altar and stood next to Shin. He turned around and replied,
“Don’t underestimate me Shinigami. The only other person who can compare to my psychic powers hasn’t awaken yet and you ‘powerful’ shinigami need my help with that.”
“Both of you enough! We agree. Now do your job.”
An evil smile crept on Sakkidatta’s face. He turned to Shin and grabbed his face and examined him with his uncovered gold eye.
“Hmm..I see.” Sakkidatta said mumbled.
“Well what is it?” Uruhara impatiently asked.
Sakkidatta spoke as if in a trance,
“Three souls trapped in the winds of time. To awaken Zephuria, the right one must shed on the symbol.”
Yamamoto’s eyebrows raised while Uruhara sighed. They knew.
The only one left in confusion was Shin.


“Shin you aren’t the sharpest boy around are you?” Sakkidatta asked pretentiously.
Shin pushed Sakkidatta away and started to make his way out of the cavern and shouted,
“I don’t care what you are! You’re not talking to me like that!”
“Shin!” Uruhara yelled.
Sakkidatta said,
“Let him go. He’ll learn.”

Shin made it home and lay in his bed. He started to hear Sakkidatta’s voice whisper to him,
“Don’t think I’m weak boy! The only reason I didn’t crush you was because you have a world of hurt ahead of you.”
With that the voice faded into silence. For the first time in his life, Shin was paralyzed with fear.

[Winddancer]

Chapter 4
Puppetry

The Supreme Commander of the Gotei 13 sighed hard as he heard Yoruichi on the phone. Yamamoto was his name. His age was shown in his face. He stroked his long white pointed beard while he listened. He soon hung up and got dressed. Now was the time for his plan to move to the next level.


The cavern was deep and the walls seemed to be going in a circular motion which gave it the appearance of warp hole. White stalagmites rose out of the cavern floor. It nearly looked like they were reaching out for air. Although it was a beautiful cavern, it also was quite eerie. It was here that Yamamoto, Uruhara and young boy around Tsukiko’s age stood. The boy had reddish brown eyes and layered black hair with a medium height. He wore his shinigami garb. He sensed another person’s presence.


Yamamoto looked for a certain stalagmite. He found it and said a spell over it. The ground began to vibrate as a black altar came out from the ground. They walked over and Uruhara placed a red ribbon and a dagger with a spiral blade side by side on it.
“Shin, you’ve been instructed on what to do. Your enrollment in the higher classes in the Shinigami training all rest on what you do.” Uruhara warned placing a hand on his shoulder. He walked up to the altar and ripped off the sleeve to his garb. On his arm lay a huge scar.
So all I have to do is cut the scar open and bleed over the ribbon and make up a spell to make redhead remember something. That’s all.
Shin looked back and asked,
“Is there someone else here?”
Yamamoto crossed his arms and shouted,
“Never you mind that! Do what you’re told!”
“Yes, little Shinigami. Do as you’re told. Like a faithful dog.” a sleek smooth male voice said with a chuckle.


Shin ignored it and picked up the dagger and stabbed himself in the arm. The searing pain grew as the dagger’s spiral ripped through the scar. His red liquid dripped on the ribbon and some drops landed on the altar.
“Good. Now say the spell!” Yamamoto barked.
Shin was at a loss for words. He practiced the spell many times before and know the words wouldn’t come to him.
“A boy doing a man’s job.” the male voice said again.
Uruhara rolled his eyes and said, looking at no one in particular,
“In times like these this, it would be best for a certain psychic not to open his mouth, Sakkidatta.”
Sakkidatta chuckled in response.
Meanwhile, Shin was staring at the ribbon and his wound started to sting.
“I guess I’m not meant for this” Shin said.
Sakkidatta laughed.
Uruhara looked at Yamamoto and said,
“There’s something Sakkidatta’s not telling us.”
“Of course I am. Or else I wouldn’t the famous Sakkidatta.”
“Tell us then!” Yamamoto barked.

Sakkidatta stepped out of the shadows. He had long brown hair. He was wearing black slacks with a long white shirt. His most distinctive features were his eyes. He had a golden eye and the other was covered by an eye patch. He started to clean his nails even though they weren’t dirty.
“Let’s get two things straight. I am not one of your Shinigami lackeys like your servant over there” he said looking at Uruhara. Once again, Uruhara rolled his eyes in response.
“The second thing is payment. Even your run of the mill psychic has their price Yamamoto.” he continued, still picking at his nails.
Yamamoto responded with his offer,
“After we’re done with her you can have the wind dancer to yourself.”
“Why should we give Sakkidatta anything, Commander?” Uruhara interjected.
“Because..” Sakkidatta responded,
“You shinigami need me.”
“You don’t think we can’t find another with your skills?” Uruhara responded.


Sakkidatta stopped cleaning his nails and walked forward until he was in front of the altar and stood next to Shin. He turned around and replied,
“Don’t underestimate me Shinigami. The only other person who can compare to my psychic powers hasn’t awaken yet and you ‘powerful’ shinigami need my help with that.”
“Both of you enough! We agree. Now do your job.”
An evil smile crept on Sakkidatta’s face. He turned to Shin and grabbed his face and examined him with his uncovered gold eye.
“Hmm..I see.” Sakkidatta said mumbled.
“Well what is it?” Uruhara impatiently asked.
Sakkidatta spoke as if in a trance,
“Three souls trapped in the winds of time. To awaken Zephuria, the right one must shed on the symbol.”
Yamamoto’s eyebrows raised while Uruhara sighed. They knew.
The only one left in confusion was Shin.


“Shin you aren’t the sharpest boy around are you?” Sakkidatta asked pretentiously.
Shin pushed Sakkidatta away and started to make his way out of the cavern and shouted,
“I don’t care what you are! You’re not talking to me like that!”
“Shin!” Uruhara yelled.
Sakkidatta said,
“Let him go. He’ll learn.”

Shin made it home and lay in his bed. He started to hear Sakkidatta’s voice whisper to him,
“Don’t think I’m weak boy! The only reason I didn’t crush you was because you have a world of hurt ahead of you.”
With that the voice faded into silence. For the first time in his life, Shin was paralyzed with fear.

Chapter 5

Steps

Yoruichi stared at Tsukiko’s mirror slightly surprised. Tsukiko was running her slender fingers through her newly dyed jet black locks. She was satisfied and quite proud of herself for achieving this new look but she wasn’t so sure about Yoruichi. Yoruichi folded her arms and raised and eyebrow.

“What brought on this sudden change?” she asked with curiosity.
“I was growing tired of my original blonde, not to mention I wanted to have a new look for my higher level of training.” Tsukiko replied leaning her face in close to the mirror.
Yoruichi frowned.
“Your training is preparation for you to become a great shinigami. You should be more focused on getting into one of the squads and less on what the color of your hair is.”
Tsukiko sighed and the smile she was carrying quickly withered into a disappointed look and she stopped examining her hair. Yoruichi turned around and was headed for Tsukiko’s door. Without turning around and arms still crossed she said,
“Come on. I have a challenge for you. If you win, I’ll give you a gift.”
Tsukiko perked up but then raised a curious but skeptical eyebrow.
“And if I lose?”
“You have to dye your hair to any color I choose and your training becomes harder.”
Tsukiko hesitated but then shrugged.
“You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Good. By the way, the black looks good on you. I’d hate to see you lose it.” An evil chuckle came from her.
Tsukiko smiled back. The gauntlet was thrown.


The training grounds were dusty and rough. Many red brown colored hills and plateaus peppered the landscape. It was on one of these plateaus that Tsukiko and Yoruichi stood. Pebbles, rocks and stones skittered by them as the wind blew

Yoruichi narrowed her dark yellow eyes and a smirk was visible on her face.

“All you have to do is catch me within 50 flash steps. That is all.”
Tsukiko pursed her lips in response feeling anxious.
“Don’t act like you haven’t flash stepped before. I’ve been teaching you this for years.”
The corner of Tsukiko small mouth wrinkled as made a small smile.
“Looks like my hair will stay this way” she said as she started to tense her legs.
“We shall see.” Yoruichi replied and she disappeared into the wind.

It was Tsukiko’s first day of higher training at the Shinigamy Academy. Her black and white shinigami garb flowed as she strolled down the long corridor.
I can’t believe she actually gave me this.
Tsukiko was holding on to an opaque white stone that carried something twisted and red inside.
Yoruichi’s voice came in through her head. You earned this.


She grabbed a strand of hair, looked at it and frowned. The bright red strand stayed in her vision for a couple of seconds. She tucked it behind her ear and sighed. Yoruichi’s voice came in her head again.
Unfortunately you couldn’t catch me. I’m in the mood for red. The voice left with a chuckle.
Unknowingly, Tsukiko blurted out loud,
“Now my hair looks like its on fire.”
From behind her a male voice replied,
“I think your hair looks nice.”
She turned around and her blue eyes focused on the tall man in front of her. He had gentle brown eyes and short sandy hair that was cut in layers. The expression on his face was serious but friendly. She remembered him being in one of her classes but she didn’t know his name. Tsukiko’s cheeks turned a pale crimson color.
“Thank you.”
The gentle eyed boy nodded and walked past her. As he passed her, Tsukiko could have sworn she felt a breeze. She shook it off and headed for class.
The walls were gray and there were tabled lined up in sets of three on the tile floor. Tsukiko started playing with her white sash nervously which was a habit she acquired when she was younger. She noticed the sandy haired boy who had complimented her. He sat three seats in front of Tsukiko. She looked at him for a little while and then wrote notes until the end of class.


After school, Tsukiko was walking home when she felt an arm grab her. She flash stepped behind the person and grabbed their neck. To her surprise, it was the boy she met earlier.
“Is this how you greet everyone?” he asked as she released him from her grip.
Tsukiko put her hands to her mouth in shock then put them down.
“ I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
The boy waved it off.
“Don’t worry. I just have a small question to ask.”
Tsukiko tucked her hair behind her ear and started playing with her sash again.
“Go ahead.”
Time seemed to slow and her heart started to race faster as she heard the words come out of his mouth.
“Do you miss Salome?”

Chapter 6
Weakness

“Excuse me? How do you know Salome?” Tsukiko asked. Confusion filled her senses. The boy’s face carried a Cheshire cat grin.
“I don’t think you’re hard of hearing.” he responded still smiling.
“Who are you?”
“Answering a question with a question eh?”

Tsukiko inhaled sharply to try to calm herself down.
“I will answer you as soon as you answer me first.”
He shook his head gently and frowned.
“Now we both know that won’t work.”
He put his arms behind his back and began to pace back and forth on an invisible line in front of her.
“Once again, who are you?”
She put her hands on her hips and her blue eyes followed his every moment.

Suddenly the boy stopped, reached his hand out and held her chin in her palm. Tsukiko’s breath shortened and she felt her cheeks warm up and she knew her face turned a dark pink. He leaned in close enough to kiss her. His mouth went to her and he whispered,
“Tochiro Sakinawa.”
At first she admitted to herself that she liked it but then regained her composure. Tsukiko pushed him away from her.
“How dare you?!” she yelled while her eyes blazed with anger.
Tochiro’s attention seemed to be turned elsewhere because he noticed a gold sparkle in the distance. His light brown eyes narrowed. He looked down at the angry red head.
“When your cheeks turned crimson and your face became warm, you weren’t saying that.” he said smugly. A low chuckle came from him and he walked past her toward the gold sparkle in the distance.


Tsukiko whirled around and yelled,
“Come back here! Our conversation isn’t over!”
“We never had much of a conversation to begin with.”
He stopped without turning around and continued,
“You know what? You’re much more attractive when you’re angry. I like that fire. Don’t lose that, Wind dancer.”

Tsukiko just stood there in shocked silence as his silhouette faded into the distant background. Bewildered at what just happened, the only thing that she can muster to whisper was,
“Tochy-kun.”

Uruhara’s arms were folded against his chest as he watched the whole scene unfold right in front of him. He sighed.
“Her first experience with a boy. Too bad the whole thing was staged. The question is who is pulling that boy’s strings?” He was beginning to think of a list of suspects.
“Uruhara! How long were you standing there?” Tsukiko yelled.
“Tsukiko-san, I just got here.” he lied.
He had to figure out everything before Tsukiko would be hurt worse by what was going to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tochiro ran his hand through his layered short sandy hair as he walked through the desert like training grounds. He was waiting for the signal. Tochiro looked to his left as he heard a low sounding whistle coming from that direction. He nodded his head.
Tochiro’s footsteps became quicker and quicker until he was running at full speed. When he was at top speed, he muttered a spell. A couple thousand feet ahead a swirling black and green vortex formed. Tochiro’s legs tensed as his feet hit the ground and he sprang into a far long jump and he landed inside the deep nothingness of the vortex.

A slender crescent moon hung in the sky and all that can be seen from the house was snow blanketing the land. The scenery was in stark contrast to the temperature which was quite humid. The house itself was a white 2 story building in the shape of a cylinder. It only had one window which was located on the ceiling for stargazing purposes. The garden surrounding the house was the only thing around that had color.

The flowers to be exact. The colors and flowers ranged from red azaleas to yellow daisies to purple lilacs. The flowers vibrancy and luminosity showed against the monotonous white scenery. The garden ended with one unique dying white calla lily that had its own section.

Dressed in a simple black kimono, Sakkidatta sat on a snow made white chair that seemed to be ensared by thorny vines. He was drinking out of a silver goblet that was filled with a thick dark red liquid. Sakkidatta’s golden eye glittered as he gazed over the surrounding flowers. He focused his power on the space next to his thorny seating arrangement. The ground rumbled. Twisting out of the ground was a small platform that looked like a Roman-esque column. Sakkidatta set his goblet on the table and sighed.
“You’re late.” he said flatly.

Tochiro inhaled deeply and bowed.
“My apologies, Sakkidatta-dono. I was busy.”
Sakkidatta rolled his eyes.
Pathetic. He thought.

“Tochiro, excuses are for the weak. Let me ask you. Are you weak?”
Tochiro stood up and stiffened. A soft feminine giggle filled the air.
“What was that?” he asked.
The golden eyed psychic picked up his goblet and swirled the red concoction inside it.
“What was what?” he said raising an eyebrow even though he knew exactly what the sound was.
Tochiro bit his lower lip before replying.
“The laugh.”
Sakkidatta’s eyelids closed as he sipped his beverage and savored its sweet but tangy flavor.
“Do you know what is funny? I asked you a question and you have yet to answer it. I will just assume you went deaf when I asked you the first time and will repeat it for you. Tochiro, are you weak?”
The giggle resounded and grew louder.
Tochiro narrowed his eyes till they were small slits giving the appearance that he was suspicious.
“Stop fooling around and tell me where that giggle is coming from.”
The giggle seemed to get closer and louder.
Tochiro smiled and said,
“No, I’m not weak.”


He pulled out his Zankpaktou and swung it behind his back where it was met with another sword. Unimpressed, Sakkidatta took another sip.
“Nice of you to drop in Tsuki.”
Tochiro turned around to a slender small girl with white long hair and emerald green eyes. Her attire was simple. Black slacks and a white blouse.
“No problem big brother.”
She shielded her Zankpaktou and stood next to Sakkidatta.
Tochiro blushed and shielded his sword.
“N-nice to see you again Tsuki.”
She smiled at him as a greeting.
“Did you make contact with the Wind Dancer?” Sakkidatta asked.
Tochiro nodded.
“How did she respond?”
“She blushed but her anger came out and she lashed out at me.”
Sakkidatta’s teeth shown in an amused grin.
“Excellent. Now you remember the plan correctly?”
“Yes and you remember what you promised?”
“Yes. More power for you and Tsuki.”


Tochiro smiled as Tsuki raised an eyebrow at her brother
“Well I’ll guess I’ll be off.” he said leaving for Soul Society.
Tsuki tilted her head to the side.
“What do you mean by promising me to him?”
“He loves you. But don’t worry little sister. He will die before he ever gets a chance to touch you.”