-------------------------------Despairing News--------------------------------
Kaguya was brooding over the documents in her hands, sitting within the dark office of Hsien-Shao’s. She hadn’t moved since her captain had left, now laying on the floor shamelessly as she struggled to figure out what it was that Hsien-Shao wanted to see.
She barely shifted as a knock sounded on the door.

“Yes, come in.” She said absently. A member of the secret remote unit of the Onmitsukidō was kneeling at the doorway as he opened it, head bowed.

“3rd seat Kaguya Kagamine, I have a report for you and your captain.” The man said in a flat, clipped tone. Kaguya just shifted her papers casually.

“Captain Wong-Ling is out on ‘business’.” She replied with a yawn. “I’ll relay the message to him upon his return.”

“Right. Captain Kurotsuki and Captain Tochigo’s mission to use Lieutenant Locksley as bait to lure out the Shirubaraito was successful, to an extent. Although they managed to ascertain the immense strength of the enemy, they were not able to capture or even defeat him. Lieutenant Locksley’s whereabouts are currently unknown—”

“What?!” Kaguya was on her feet in an instant, eyes wide in shock. “That is impossible! Fai went with my captain on whatever business he was doing!”

“This report is definite.” The Onmitsukidō assured. Kaguya’s hands gripped tightly.

“Whose stupid idea was it to use Fai as bait?” She demanded in a low voice.

“I’m afraid I cannot simply divulge such information—”

Kaguya drew her sword fluidly in a perfect example of Iaidō, cutting the top most part of the Onmitsukidō’s wooden hat, showing his hair, which now had a style resembling a buzz cut.

“My mood happens to change quite dramatically.” Kaguya murmured as she gripped her sword once more. “My vice-captain is currently missing. If you don’t want the next strike to split your forehead, you’ll ‘divulge’ the information fast.”

The Onmitsukidō remained still, a sweat rolling down the bridge of his nose as he remained silent. Kaguya’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Haven’t you ever heard the expression, ‘don’t shoot the messenger’?” A voice sighed from behind the man. Kaguya looked up to see Captain Kakura Kurotsuki standing at the door way, behind the Onmitsukidō. “He can’t just disobey orders even if you threaten him.”

“I don’t really care about his orders.” Kaguya seethed through clenched teeth. “I want to know what jackass is responsible for Fai’s dissappearance!”

“And then what? You’ll kill them?”

“I’ll give them a good walloping before searching for Fai.”

“Let’s just calm down, now.” Kakura held his hands up in a ‘stop everything’ gesture. “Even if I tell you who it was, you can’t go looking for Fai. If it was that easy, we would have found all the missing vice-captains now.”

“At least tell me whose idea this was, then!”

“It was a last minute decision by your captain, Hsien-Shao Bao-Wong-Ling.”

Kaguya’s eyes stared at him in disbelief for one long moment before hardening in fury.

“That jerk!” She cried at the top of her lungs. “I’ll pound him so freaking hard, he’ll forget how hard I beat him and I’ll pound him again to remind him!”

She continued to rage and Kakura motioned quietly for the messenger to leave, worried slightly for his safety. The Onmitsukidō nodded and bowed out of the room, closing the door. Kaguya was tempted to set off a bunch of kido spells within the office and wreck it before Hsien-Shao returned, just so she could vent her anger somehow while she waited to do violence to him.

And, she thought to herself in the back of her mind as she raged. He broke his promise.

“Listen.” Kakura took advantage of the moment Kaguya stopped to take a breath. He had to be jealous. All he wanted to do, at times, was throw a temper like her, without worrying about how he’d be viewed as a captain. “Your captain didn’t send Fai as a sacrifice. It wasn’t his intention to be caught.”

“He took the risk, and the bait was taken from the hook.” Kaguya chided herself mentally for using a saying like Hsien-Shao would have. “Even if it wasn’t his intention, it’s his fault.”

“Why are you so intent on blaming someone?”

“Because sitting here wallowing in self-pity is even worse. It’s like you said, I can’t act on my own and look for Fai—I have no leads. That’s why I’m going to make captain take responsibility and find a way through this.”

Kakura could only sigh. The fire in Kaguya’s eyes wasn’t going to die down. She was angry.

“You know, with Fai gone, you’ll temporarily be Captain Wong-Ling’s vice-captain again.”

This took Kaguya by surprise. She hadn’t even thought of that. She wasn’t happy, of course, and she still wanted to vent her frustration. But as vice-captain, Hsien-Shao would be forced to use her within this war and she’d be more involved in finding Fai…

Kakura watched in awe as the flames subsided. They weren’t doused; they had simply faded until they could blaze at another, more convenient time. He wondered what on earth could have had such a strong effect in his words…?

“Are you…” Kakura said slowly. “In love with Fai?”

“Hell no!” Kaguya shouted viciously.

Nejera sprinted toward the two captains, laughing softly to herself. Nagaishi turned to Teiko, nodding once before watching the younger Shinigami flash out of sight. By then, Nejera had closed the distance. Nagaishi and herself began a short trade-off of blows, in which neither was hurt, before Teiko threw a lunge at Nejera's back. He managed to cut in just a little before the Angel flashed to the side. Back turned to her two opponents, she whipped about with a wide, arcing slash that forced both captains back slightly. She gritted her teeth as Teiko, with a single, graceful flap of his wings, ascended into the air. Nagaishi then took a step forward, swinging his blade down at Nejera's shoulder. The Angel backed away just in time to only have her robe torn even more.

Nejera: Shit... At this rate...

Teiko: Hiryugekizokushintenraiho!

Nagaishi flashed back as a massive torrent of blue electricity enveloped the body of Nejera. Teiko then landed at his partner's side once more, gazing into the large cloud of dust and smoke he had kicked up. The building they were on was tipping over. Yet despite the danger of their current situation, Nejera stood up and with a single swing of her fiery blade, dispersed the cloud of debris. Her face was bloodied and even more of her purple hair was fallen in front of her face. Her expression was one of immense anger.

Nejera: Dammit... Dammit...

Suddenly, reiatsu exploded from her form, causing the building to sway even more.

Nejera: DAMMIT!!! You can't beat me! You're just a bunch of cowardly Shinigami!

The crimson flames forming the blade on her hand went out, and a ball of the red reiatsu then formed at her chest.

Nejera: You won't get away with what you've done... Bankai...

[Play Music]

The wind picked up around the three combatants. Red reiatsu gave a crimson tint to the air as the Angel began to growl in a baritone manner. She held her hand up, allowing the ball of reiatsu to levitate from her chest to her hand. It grew, from there, and solidified into a silver Bo staff. Seconds after the Bo staff had appeared, two crimson blades perfectly resembling the one that was previously in her hand sprouted out of the staff's ends.

Nejera: Shigai... Akuma Buresu...

She twirled her weapon in her hand twice before swinging it before her and casting a hot wind unto her opponents. She then pointed one end at Nagaishi. In response to this, Nagaishi readied his blade.

Nejera: Zeimei.

The flames at the other end flowed up the staff and into the end Nejera was brandishing. Then, very abruptly, a massive cannon of crimson fire rushed toward the two captains. Teiko raised his blade with both hands, electricity crackling along it's length.

Teiko: Bring it!

He swung downward just as the wave of unforgiving flames neared them, sending an arc of energy forward that split the torrent cleanly in two. But at the other side, Nejera had disappeared. She burst into sight above the two, both ends of her weapon alight again, and began peppering the two with a deadly flurry of strikes.

Nejera: You'll see... How painful... Life really is.. Hehe... HAHAHA!!!

The Angel came in, lunging for Nagaishi's chest. The captain merely thrust forward with his own stab while Teiko protected his comrade with one golden wing. But when the flame-blade of the staff seared through his wing, both captains backed away.

Nejera: Hmph... I'll show you my weapon's true powers now, okay?

The blade of the staff gently pierced the roof of the building, causing red, vein-like cracks to appear around it. She spoke in an incomprehensible language. A demonic sounding language. Then, red reiatsu began flowing from Nejera's body, forming a humanoid shape. When the shaping was done, colors, clothing and features came into view on the being.

Teiko: What... What...

Nejera chuckled, extracting her blade from the rooftop. She addressed the being she had just conjured as well as the captains.

Nejera: Let's see if you'll be able to kill him again, you dumb kid.

The form of Saiko Rindu began approaching the two. And with that, the building finally began collapsing.

[End]

Teiko brandished his blade in both hands as he stared at his former captain, aglow with the Reiatsu of Nejera. his face looked roughly the same, but it was alight with a faint red hue. He Held in one hand, his Shikai, the wicked whip extending demonically from the handle, hanging slack at his side. He smiled before lunging, Teiko standing motionless.

"Damn you and your illusions!" Teiko spat as he swiped his blade at Saiko, knocking him aside. He flew after the body of solidified red mist and kicked Saiko in the chest, sending him into the side of the neighboring building. Saiko slammed into the side, cracking the surface and coughing, the wind leaving his body. Teiko was upon him moments later, landing a dangerously close blow to his neck. Saiko had pulled himself up in time to have it slice his collar bone. Saiko growled and coiled his blade around Teiko, the edge digging slowly into his flesh. Teiko bared his teeth, slipping under Saiko's feet and coming from behind. Saiko turned swiftly and kicked Teiko in the neck. Teiko was slammed up against the outer wall of the building, blood pouring from his mouth as Saiko kept the pressure coming. Suddenly, a water whip extended it's reach, wrapping a noose around Saiko's neck and pulling him from Teiko's body. Nagaishi slammed Saiko into the roof and continued his battle with Nejera. Teiko looked on, momentarily in shock. He shuddered and turned to Saiko, shaken from the impact. Teiko felt his anger boiling over, threatening to spill out.

No. Keep it under control. he thought. He suddenly whipped his blade around, slicing Saiko through the chest. The mans expression was one of complete shock.

"Damn illusion. You're nothing compared to the real thing. You have none of his former power. Not to mention, you suck at zanjutsu."

and the mist faded, sending a burning wave of air into the small captains face, grimy and disheveled. He turned to the raging battle and stood for a moment as he watched Nagaishi wrap his water whip around Nejera's staff. She smiled and waved the blade through it, the water evaporating. Nagaishi snorted and froze the whip suddenly, a frozen lance extending in front of him.

Teiko suddenly appeared beside him, standing firmly. He held out his blade, the electricity sparking in all directions. Teiko allowed the chain attached to the pommel to fall out of his sleeve, dangling from the handle. the chain was decorated with thin metal blades, whipping dangerously with the chain. Nejera looked on in surprise.

"You beat him already?" she asked, rather astonished.

"He was nothing more than a mindless zombie. He couldn't even use any of the abilities Saiko once used. Work on your cloning, would you?" he said, smirking a bit. Nejera gritted her teeth.

"Shut up, filthy soul reaper!" she shouted, swinging the staff in a wide arc, nearly slicing both captains in two. A warm gust suddenly made it a bit harder to breathe. Teiko stumbled back, losing his footing and fell back. Nejera appeared just behind him, forcing Teiko to look at her upside down. She smiled wickedly as she cleaved the air just above him. Teiko quickly planted his sword in the roof, using it as leverage, and pushed himself upwards the blade of her staff slicing deep into his flesh, the vertical slice crossing with the one across his stomach. The burning sensation he felt was much stronger now, his body becoming nearly numb. but he flipped away from her, still fully mobile. Nagaishi appeared next to him, the lance extending, the tip melting and then spilling water all over the roof. Teiko suddenly crouched, the moonlight glinting off of his golden blade. the light reflected brightly from the blade, and as the light grew in intensity, it was altogether gone within the next second, and so was he. Nagaishi allowed the entire lance to met, water filling the boundary of the roof, the pool of water nearly four inches deep. Nejera took a ready stance, raising her blade. Teiko appeared above her, at an angle, swinging downward with his blade. She turned a bit too slowly as the blast of lightning came at her. She raised her hand to stop it, but she noticed that it was not going for her. It was going for the water. She tried her bast to get out of the way, but the area where she was standing was frozen solid. Nagaishi stood with a cold gaze as the Lightning made contact, and he immediately melted the ice, allowing the electricity to spread it's power along the water, the lightning flickering up her body as it touched her. she cried out and dropped into the still sparking water, only to be electrocuted once more. Teiko landed with a thump next to her as it subsided, her charred body lay unconscious in the water. He bent down to grab her, but noticed her narrowed eyes and devilish smile. He moved too slowly as the blade on the end of the BO staff collided with him, entering his abdomen and exiting through his back. He stood, horrified at the sensation spreading through his body. Nejera merely smiled as she sat up weakly, her body still barely moving. Nagaishi froze the water as Teiko backed away, to the edge of the roof, standing quietly on it.Nejera cursed as she lay awkwardly, frozen in the ice.

Nagaishi turned, seeing Teiko sit down hard, his blade clattering to the icy floor. He lay back, looking at the stars, before the pain became unbearable, and he passed out.

[The Hypothesis Proved?!]

Zurui sat alone in his lab, bored and wanting to engage an opponent. As far as he could tell, something he wasn't too shabby at, there were several Angels fighting Captains in the Soul Society. He hadn't heard anything of Teiko and Nagaishi yet, but he was about ready to make his own entrance to the World of the Living. He was thinking that he could bring one of the devices and use the blood the two Captains had hopefully captured and then use the device on himself, in order to prove his theory on how it would affect the Shirub.

-But, will it actually work?-

There was only one thing to do, he would simply have to go to the World of the Living and retrieve the blood sample from the two Captains, otherwise he was going to die of boredom. Hopefully they had managed to get it, otherwise it would fall into his hands to complete the task.

-How dull! I was hoping to have a good fight, something I haven't had in a while-

He strode out of the Department of Research and Development, deciding that he would leave the device behind and tinker around when he got back, hopefully with some blood. He hadn't wanted to, but he was going there to join the fray, before he lost any sense of interest whatsoever.

He opened the Senkaimon and strode through it, forgetting to place the Gentai Kaijo seal on, which he wouldn't need anyway.

After finally arriving in the World of the Living, he automatically began to feel the reiatsu of Teiko and Nagaishi drop, as though they had been defeated. Zurui shunpoed desperately, hoping that he would still find some blood, along with an intact vial, though he thought to bring several, just in case.

He arrived on the scene, just in time, to notice two things: Nagaishi and Teiko were unconscious, lying on the ground and a few meters away, was an Angel, clambering to her unsteady feet.

'Well, this is a stroke of luck...'

Suddenly he noticed another reiatsu begin to show itself; from above, a larger man, who was obviously Shirub too, descended mildly fast, then landed in front of the struggling woman.

'You are a disgrace, Nejera... Couldn't you have at least been able to fight these two puny runts and still stand?'

'S-s-shut up! Help me, you bastard, or I'll take it out on your hide when I have healed...'

'I'll take my chances... Besides, this other puny runt just showed up out of nowhere and I feel like having a good fight.'

Zurui grinned at him. 'It won't be a good fight for you... It'll be a good fight for me. You don't even know who I am, do you?'

'Wait, Gilgamesh!'

'Actually, we both do. Zalbeseal mentioned you once as his Third Seat when he was fooling your superiors... He said you had an interesting Zanpakuto, though he never mentioned what was so special about it.'

'Then you'll be pleasantly surprised, but don't think I'll be unleashing it on you too soon... You'd be best to prove your worth as an adversary before you get too far ahead of yourself.'

Gilgamesh sighed, the good humour gone. 'I'm in no rush to be proving my worth to an insolent Shinigami... You can prove your worth to me, instead.'

Zurui rolled his eyes and shunpoed, appearing in front of Gilgamesh and swung his already-drawn Zanaputo, slashing into Gilgamesh's. The Shirub man, parried the blow, then swung half-heartedly at Zurui, who dodged easily and did a backwards flip, landing on his hands and swinging himself back at Gilgamesh, his Zanpakuto pointed forward. Gilgamesh lazily dodged and kicked out at Zurui, interrupting his balance and causing him to land clumsily.

'You are pretty good, Shinigami, but you still don't stand a chance against me...'

'So you say, but I'm holding back too, I won't go out on an opponent if they don't do the same.'

'Then this could go on for a while...'

'Then why don't you get serious?' Zurui flung back with a lash of his extra-active tongue.

'I told you...' then Gilgamesh disappeared abruptly, reppearing behind Zurui and prompting him to the dodge the still-lazy attacks from Gilgmesh's weapon.

-To Be Continued-

Gilgamesh's nonchalant movements and expression, though seemingly harmless, disturbed Zurui. He felt as though he was in grave peril, yet from his opponent's clumsy, lazy strikes, he didn't know why he felt that way.

[Play Music]

The captain leaped over another of Gilgamesh's strikes, and the Angel merely rolled his eyes and turned slowly about, throwing another strike. Zurui evaded that as well. He then flashed above the Angel. When Gilgamesh locked eyes with his opponent, they narrowed. With blistering speed, he suddenly twisted his torso to face his opponent, whipping his blade across Zurui's midriff. The captain, not expecting this, was thrown off balance.

Zurui: Dammit... He put off my suspicions...

Gilgamesh disappeared from sight, causing the already serious captain's eyes to widen further. An explosion of red energy collided into his back, sending him flying into the distance. Zurui flashed downward onto a building covered in ice. One that hosted Teiko, Nagaishi, and Nejera. His landing was powerful to cause a shockwave to go through the roof. The building swayed once, then began to fall. Gilgamesh appeared in front of Zurui, this time greeting his opponent with a deadly stab aimed right for the heart. Zurui sloppily parried the strike and stumbled backwards.

Zurui: Shit. There's no way he should be that fast.

Gilgamesh: Hey. It may not seem this way, but this is a battle. You will die if you keep trying. Just run away. Let your lackies do the rest.

Zurui: Insolent prick!

Gilgamesh retorted by flashing above the stumbling Zurui, resting his feet on the falling captain's head and pushing off, allowing himself to become airborne as Zurui crashed into the building. Tipped to a forty five degree angle, the building began to cave into itself.

Nejera: Gilgamesh! Get me out!

Nagaishi: Shit! He's strong!

Teiko: Na... Nagaishi... Hand me my sword.

The older captain wasted no time handing his wounded comrade the blade. Teiko staggered to his feet, nearly falling to one knee. He collapsed again as the building they were on continued to gain momentum.

Gilgamesh: Troublesome... Shakkaho.

The Angel extended his hand, firing a shockingly powerful blast of energy at the ice coating the building. It shattered the sheen as it made contact, freeing Nejera from her frigid prison. Zurui flashed just feet beneath Gilgamesh and blasted his foe with a Sokatsui. The Hado made contact just as each other combatant flashed off the building and it crashed into the streets. By shooting Gilgamesh with such a powerful Kido, Zurui realized, he had increased his own downward momentum.

Zurui: Hainawa!

A bright yellow rope shot out from the captain's finger, fixing itself onto another, taller building. With one mighty tug, he pulled himself onto the structure. Gilgamesh flashed several meters across on the same roof, a wolfish grin on his face.

Gilgamesh: Hell, I wouldn't have stayed if I'd known just how much you suck.

Zurui: Shut your mouth, prick. You merely caught me off guard.

Gilgamesh: Hehe... Whatever you say, chief.

The Angel pointed his blade at the captain.

Gilgamesh: Just don't cry when I tear you to shreds.


Nejera landed on one knee on the streets amid the rubble of the collapsed building, panting heavily. Teiko and Nagaishi landed in a similar manner nearby.

Nagaishi: This isn't good... She broke out... No, she's wounded and tired as well. But so is Teiko. Shit.

The captain stood up straight, showing off a perfect posture as Teiko rose to his side. The younger of the two held his stomach where he had been wounded and panted even more heavily than Nejera.

Nejera: Shitai Akuma Buresu. That's the name of my Bankai.

She twirled her weapon above her head, causing the air to fill with crimson reiatsu. When it cleared, Saiko's body, bloodied and battered, stood in front of the Angel. As did the forms of countless Rukongai denizens and even Teiko's two parents.

Teiko: H... How...

Nejera: It's my ability. It's not something you can compare to. Not in the slightest. Now, it's time you died.

For being so out of breath, Nejera's speech was surprisingly clear. Pointing her weapon at her two opponents, the army of dead bodies began to close the distance between the two.

-End-

[Blood And Sweat, The Resolve Of A Shinigami Captain!]

'Just don't cry when I tear you to shreds...' Gilgamesh called mockingly.

Zurui grinned at the Angel. 'You are a fool, you honestly thought you were overpowering me? I haven't even begun to use my full strength yet, you idiot!'

Gilgamesh sighed again and lunged with his heavy, clumsy movements, that almost surpassed Zurui's natural speed. His weapon clashed with Zurui's, creating sparks. They held against each other temporarily, then jumped back, separating with a scaping sound. Again Zurui had to dodge swiftly from yet another one of Gilgamesh's lunging attacks. Zurui backflipped, held his ground and pointed his Zanpakuto out in front of him, as he paused to analyse the tactics of his somehow evasive opponent.

-What is going on here? He's clumsy, but he doesn't rush into a battle recklessly, like I have seen others do before. His movements are fluid, deliberate, yet seemingly random; I don't think I've ever had to gauge someone's fighting technique like this before. These Shirub are fascinating opponents-

Zurui jumped into the air, avoiding another attack from the lummox, Gilgamesh, and pirouetted, spiining his Zanpakuto and slammed the unsharpened edge into the angel's head, knocking him backwards and inciting a look of annoyance on his face. 'How do you like that, Angel? A taste of your own medicine good enough for you?'

'Bastard!' Gilgamesh's demeanor didn't change, even after the insults and he reappeared behind Zurui and kicked him brutally, sending him flying into a building and smashing the windows. Zurui groaned and shunpoed, landing on the ground in front of Gilgamesh.

'Well, it seems as though our warm-up is over... I have little to play around now, Angel, and I plan to show you how powerful I really am.'

'Come at me, then.'

Zurui shook his head. 'You come at me, if you are that confident in your abilities...'

Gilgamesh looked up, surprised, and then leered at Zurui. His demeanor suddenly underwent subtle changes and the look on his face began to grow more serious. 'If that is how you want it, then fine!'

Gilgamesh charged in, showcasing his superior speed. They clashed again, this time much more evenly matched, now that they were both more serious. Their wepaons continued to clash, as they both tried to outpower the other, but it soon became clear that Gilgamesh would win in a show of strength, so Zurui waited until the last moment, then shunpoed and swung viciously at Gilgamesh's back, which was then blocked, as the Angel parried the Zanpakuto. They continued to parry, dodge and swing at each other for a time, fighting swiftly and barely halting to catch a breath. They smashed superbly and held against each other, both with all of their arm strength, then Zurui jumped over his opponent, slicing at his head. Gilgamesh dodged it and jumped backwards, knocking Zurui's blade backwards and cauing him shunpo into a better position.

'So, it seems we are more evenly matched, now that we are both serious... You actually impress me somewhat, though this won't last.'

'We are not evenly matched, you simply have a foolish notion in your head, that I am somehow inferior to you! I can tell you this now, it is you who is inferior to me, Shinigami. I will defeat you!!!'

'I don't feel superior to you. I just have a purpose for staying alive and continuing to gather more knowledge, invent more gadgets and one day show Korrotasu how much I have changed since I last time saw him. You wouldn't understand though...'

Gilgamesh came at him once more, this time more resolve was reflected in his eyes and he swung much more focused now and putting Zurui back on the defensive. Zurui narrowed his eyes and went back on the offensive, slicing at Gilgamesh and literally splitting the hair on his fringe.

-What is with this guy? He dodged that attack without any thought at all... He is so nonchalant, yet he is an expert at hand-to-hand combat. This could be quite troublesome, better use my Shikai soon, otherwise this could drag on for too long-

Zurui dodged yet another head-splitting attack and disappeared swiftly, utilising his own speed, even if it wasn't much faster than the Angel's own speed. Again, they clashed with a clang and separated, then Gilgamesh threw another attack at Zurui, almost catching him off guard and slicing into the top layer of the ginjotan.

-Time to get serious, Zurui!-

Zurui stopped and stared at Gilgamesh. 'So what is your part in all this? Are you the relief or some kind of distraction?'

'Are you kidding? My superior told me to wipe you Shinigami out. I was going to kill your colleagues, then I felt your immense reiatsu and was curious and decided to dispose of you first. Make no mistake, Shinigami Captain, I will kill you.'

'Yeah, okay then, I get your point... I'm not going to lose, however.' Zurui suddenly clicked the thistle badge and released the pin holding his Captain's robe (-Er- cape, more like), which suddenly released a smokebomb.

'Hado No. 31, Shakkaho!' The red explosion hit Gilgamesh, who couldn't see where Zurui was, and he was then lost from Zurui's field of vision. Zurui undid the attachments for the ginjotan, then pulled it off and threw it behind him, letting it land close to where Nejera was attempting to confront his fellow Captains. He felt much lighter and pulled the cape back and clipped the thistle badge back in, waiting for gilgamesh to re-emerge.

name: Hime Fukyuu Meian

Age: 196 (looks about 18 or 19)

Gender: female

Race: Shinigami

height: 5'6


eyes:Blackish redish

hair: long red hair down to back

position: vice captain of squad 12
Personality: Very intelligent, but also quite timid; though she is timid, she is also very determined and willing to protect others, even if she is frightened out of her wits and seemingly unwilling to fight. She has a knack of fiddling and tinkering with incomplete inventions, which she says she will make into great technology one day, because she is sometimes guilty of procrastinating on her own work and is often asked to help her Captain, Zurui Kurohyou.

History: She died 196 years ago, during the Victorian era in Great Britain. Though she was technically a British citizen, her family was originally from Japan and she was born in Britain, making her part British, but her true origins are Japanese. She died during a serial killer spree in Trafalgar Square, London, by an infamous serial killer that went by the name of the Butcher of Park Lane. When she died, she almost became a Hollow, but was rescued by a nameless Shinigami and sent to the Soul Society, where she grew up in Rukongai's 12th District.

Zanpakuto: Waraitake

I can't get in to my instant messanger account to contact any of you guys. Why did they have to update it?

Just click on your icon in the bottom right-hand corner, K0V. haha.

I know that. But it won't sign me into the profile with all your profiles on there so I can't contact you.

Why don't you just send messages from your inbox? Or you could go to Meebo.com or contact a Fanpop admin and try and find out what the problem is, so you can fix it.

Yeah, if you click the farthest icon to the left, it will allow you to sign-in to meebo. If that doesn't work, than yes, you should likely contact an administrator.

[Bitter Faliure]

Mikazuki and Hizano were both sullen in defeat. As Yua and the nurses bustle about, cleaning and dressing their wounds, they both take their pain in stoic silence. As the bustling started to die down, they both laid back on their beds, deep in thought. Mikazuki's mind kept on repeating the moment Fai had been dragged through the gate. Every time the memory replayed itself, it further brought home the reality how utterly powerless she was.

Mikazuki: [Inner Monologue] What point is there in me being here, if I can't sve a single life, what hope do I have at keeping others alive. The Shirubs want retribution and they are probably stong enough to take it. They deserve their solace, their revenge but not on those who are innocent of the crimes they claim we have committed. But even then, who is going to stop them?

She closed her eyes, trying to calm her ever emotional being. Hizano still maintained his defeated silence, staring at the ceiling. Just then the door opened and Kakura paced slowly into the room, nodding briefly to Hizano, who had sat up to see who he was, before Kakura took up his dutiful position at his sister's side. She pened her eyes, turning her head in her pillow to look at him.

Mikazuki: (Her voice was quiet and forlorne yet she still smiled through it) Hello brother, how are you?

Kakura: (His emerald eyes showed concern for his sister, but also defeat) Things could be better. Seiren was taken by the Shirubs, Ezretha is looking into it as we speak. Zurui is fighting in the human world with Nagaishi and Teiko. And if that wasn't bad enough, the Gotei 13 are starting to break apart. Teiko and Ezretha are at each other's throat, Nagaishi's attitude isn't helping matters, as he reminds most of the older Captains of Aosu. Squad 4 are getting over worked with injured. Its getting worse by the day. I've even had to step in to try and keep everyone together.

Mikazuki: (Her eyes shifted to a far more concerned look) I didn't think things were that bad, shows how observant I've been. (She played with her hands, staring at them as she did so) I fought with Azriel out there you know.

Kakura: (He sighed) I heard. I really hoped you didn't come in contact with him yet. After all, your history together...

Mikazuki: (She interupted him weakly) Shut up. I...I didn't have any problems thrying to kill him. He's the enemy after all.

Kakura: (He knew better than to press the matter, but he still knew the truth) Alright, well I'd better be off. I've got to keep my squad in check. Without seiren, their strting to go a bit hectic.

Mikazuki: (She watched him leave, slowly but surely falling asleep) Goodbye brother.

------------------------Crafty Tactics---------------------------

Teiko and Nagaishi stood back to back among the surrounding animated corpses charged toward them. Lightning crackled and struck them and waves were summoned to keep them at bay, but the undead soldiers kept coming. The two captains didn’t have much energy to expend on what they couldn’t kill.
Nejera cackled with satisfaction as she watched the two of them struggle. It would only be a matter of time before they succumbed to the numbers and met their demise.

“Serves the shinigami right!” She said, unable to keep the sadistic joy bottle up inside. “And so much for their captains! Not even two of them could stand a chance against me!”

“Looking down on others must be nice, huh?”

Nejera was taken aback as she heard the voice come directly behind and her whirled around to see Hsien-Shao’s smirk widen.

[Play Music]

“Nihao.” He greeted right before he instantly took a martial arts stance and plunged his fist into Nejera’s gut. She went flying into the nearest building with such force that it was reduced to shambles. Nejera jumped out of the rubble winced as she felt her stomach. She hadn’t been struck by a normal punch, she realized immediately. The precision and movement was took uniform and effective.

“Who are you?!” She demanded as she watched the strange man approach slowly, noting his attire that was similar to the other captains, yet entirely different at the same time.

“I am Captain Hsien-Shao Bao-Wong-Ling.” Hsien-Shao greeted with a bow, putting his right fist in his left hand. “Of the eighth court guard company of Soul Society.”

“You keep popping up like flies.” She muttered as she swung her staff toward Hsien-Shao to direct several of the undead zombies toward him. Before she could complete the movement, however, Hsien-Shao was instantly in front of her with shunpo, grabbing her hand to stop her. His face was not an inch from Nejera’s, grinning from ear to ear.

“Aiya, you seem to be quite exhausted.” He observed as Nejera tried to muster up the energy to break her arm out of Hsien-Shao’s firm hold. “If those two could do this much to you, then there may be hope for them yet.”

Nejera gritted her teeth as she kicked out at him to get him away. Hsien-Shao’s grip slackened for a moment as he evaded and Nejera broke from the hold, swinging her two sided spear in a wild flurry. Hsien-Shao hopped back to carefully avoid each strike, his countenance not dropping for a moment. The moment a narrow opening in her strikes presented itself; Hsien-Shao darted forward, aiming a palm thrust to slam up into her rib cage. Nejera blocked it with her staff and summersaulted over him, slashing her spear at him again. Hsien-Shao prepared to dodge, but was shocked to find that his two undead zombies had grabbed his legs to keep him from moving. Unable to fully dodge, Hsien-Shao got a long gash across his cheek as he back flipped, kicking out with enough force to throw the zombies away from him after breaking their grip. Nejera motioned toward him with her staff and an army of zombies immediately swarmed the captain. Instead of fleeing, Hsien-Shao took a deep breath and took his martial arts stance that he had used to strike Nejera earlier. He stood with his left shoulder toward the zombies, picked up his left leg and rested the foot against his right thigh. He held his hands up, the left lower than the other, both half clenched.
Then Hsien-Shao was striking the undead soldiers at a rapid pace, kicking and punching one after the other with unreal force and speed. He wasn’t using shunpo—ever movement he made was designed in that instant to make the next target fully accessible, while keeping him out of danger of the zombie’s attacks. Nejera watched his movements carefully as she murmured quietly under her breath. Right as Hsien-Shao made the widest motion (a forward lunge that spread his feet apart and lowered him to the ground), Nejera held her hand at and called, “Ōkasen!”
Yellow energy fired through the crowd of undead and slammed right into Hsien-Shao, sending him toppling over several zombies unsteadily. Just as he attempted to regain his balance, several zombies grabbed his arms and torso, stopping his movements. Nejera appeared in front of Hsien-Shao and rammed her fist into his gut and he groaned. Grinning, Nejera swung her spear and slashed Hsien-Shao across the chest before slamming her foot into his chest, sending him flying into the air. Before he could get the chance to recover, she fired up after him in a blast of warm winds, swinging her staff around, and slammed the side of it into Hsien-Shao side, sending him further up. Nejera aimed her hand up at him and called, “Hado 31, Shakkahō!”
The red blast sent smoke in the air upon collision and Nejera snorted as she landed on the ground again among her undead soldiers.

“Come on, 8th squad captain!” She called aloud. “I know that you weren’t taken out by something as simple as that! Why don’t you draw your sword already?”

Hsien-Shao’s white custom haori fell from the smoke, completely singed, and was caught by a nearby telephone pole. The smoke cleared to show Hsien-Shao sitting in midair, legs folded, as he rolled his bare shoulders. Even from her distance, Nejera could hear cracks echoing down toward her.

“You’ll have to forgive me.” Hsien-Shao grinned down at her. “I haven’t partaken in combat for a good many years, and it seems like I’ve grown rusty. My body won’t work quite so well against someone as strong. You are an angel, after all.”

“Quit the patronizing act! I know you’re not taking me seriously, or else you would have drawn your damn sword already!” She pointed her spear at him accusingly. “It’s not worth killing an unarmed enemy!”

“Aiya.” Hsien-Shao chuckled as he stood up. “Not taking you seriously? Quite the contrary. The katana’s shape is awkward for me, so I don’t use it as much as hand-to-hand combat. The fact that I haven’t drawn my sword means that I’m taking you quite seriously.”

“A shinigami who doesn’t use his katana?” Nejera snorted incredulously. “Some captain.”

“And if I recall, you’re not a shinigami, but a Shirubaraito, and yet you wield a zanpakutou. To add to that, you apparently are capable of controlling undead creatures, when we ourselves are already dead. This world is filled with surprises, it seems.”

Hsien-Shao landed on the ground gracefully as he spoke and was unsurprised as he was immediately surrounded. He glanced behind him at the numbers before facing Nejera again.

“You can complain about the way things are all you want,” Nejera sighed. “But it won’t change anything. If you refuse to use your zanpakutou, then you’ll just have to die because of your hubris.”

“I told you, it’s not any form of arrogance. It’s quite the opposite.”

Nejera ignored him, swinging her spear. The zombies charged him at once, this time in a formation that would make it simple to pile over him and overwhelm him instantly. Nejera was surprised as Hsien-Shao did not take his stance this time, but touch a hand to his sword.

“Descend from the heavens and raze the earth, Tiānlóng.”

A blast of spirit pressure forced the undead at bay and sent them flying back. Nejera squinted her eyes against the brightness of the gold and white spirit energy emitting from Hsien-Shao now, who had an entirely different sword and sheath hanging from his belt. The sheath is velvet red and had a lace attached to the area right below the hilt and a few inches down, resembling a handle. The hilt was read as well, but what would have been the tsuba was a silver cross guard with a strange foreign symbol of white and black in the center on both sides, and a red tassel hung from the pommel of the sword. When Hsien-Shao drew his sword, the grey blade resembled a western saber with dragon impressions on both congruent sides.
Nejera eyed the sword with wonder and caution. He had said that he didn’t like using katana because of its awkward shape. Was it different with a western sword?

Hsien-Shao grinned as he said simply, “Huánglóng.”

A mass of horns and spikes barreled from where Hsien-Shao stood, toward Nejera. She vanished out of the way as it passed, staring at it all the while. It resembled the dragon on Hsien-Shao blade, only covered in deadly spikes. The dragon rammed into the undead, shredding them to pieces as it headed toward Teiko and Nagaishi, who were still struggling against the numbers of the undead. The horned dragon took the undead unawares and reduced them to pieces quickly before vanishing as if it never existed. Standing in front of the two captains was the grinning Hsien-Shao.

“Captain Wong-Ling!” Nagaishi exclaimed in shock. “When did you-?!”

“Nihao, you two.” Hsien-Shao greeted politely. “Good job holding out for so long.”

“What kind of ability was that?” Nejera demanded as she appeared before them. “Can you manifest dragons?”

“Two points.” Hsien-Shao replied genially. “Way off. If you want to figure out what my ability is, you’ll need to guess better than that. Two hundred points worth.”

“You want to make a game out of this?”

“May as well. I doubt you’ll guess correctly anyways.” Hsien-Shao chuckled as he took his stance. It was similar to his unarmed stance, only he had his sword in his right hand held over his head and his left hand out in front of him, clenched aside from two fingers held up. “Against Tiānlóng, not many zanpakutou can compare in sheer overwhelming force. Teiko, Nagaishi, care to take this angel out with me?”

“Three against one?” Teiko frowned. “That doesn’t seem very fair.”

“Don’t be an idiot, Teiko.” Nagaishi muttered as he stood ready with his drawn sword. Don’t you remember her ability? It’s nearly a thousand to three.”

As Nagaishi said this, the undead were rising again, surrounding them. Teiko took his stance immediately as he saw this, ready to fight.

“What fun.” He said without much enthusiasm.

Nice post, Exorcist, glad to see you've been keeping an eye out for what has been going on.

I agree with Blackpanther. Incredible post.

I will post now. Homework has indeed kept me very busy, but I see golden opportunity now. It might take me awhile.

Panting heavily, Nejera began stepping back. The combined might of the captains was enough to begin to drive back her undead hordes. Kido, Zanpakuto techniques and blood flew from the fray, and Nejera merely watched in amazement. Noticing her mouth was agape, she shut it furiously and ground her teeth. Gripping her Bankai even more tightly, she screamed in frustration.

Nejera: DAMMIT! I WON'T BE BEATEN BY A COUPLE OF STUPID KIDS!

Each of the many individuals of her undead army began to glow crimson. Nejera began laughing, her beautiful face tinted red from anger.

Nejera: The dying breath... Rinju!

Each body lost it's material form, turning into a compact ball of transparent, crimson flames. The rumbling noise of massive reiatsu enveloped the battlefield.

Nejera: Here we go... I'll kill them all here...

Each ball of flames grew larger, each was now nearly a meter in diameter. Teiko and Nagaishi both gritted their teeth upon the spectacle. It was just like the technique she had used in Shikai, only it as happening at least thirty times over. Without warning, each ball of fire erupted towards the group of captains. The massive cannons of flame completely obstructed the view of the captains. When it cleared, they each stood with a slouch, each burned, but not nearly as injured as Nejera had anticipated.

Nejera: What the hell? How...

Hsien-Shao: Here we come.

[Play Music]

The captains each thrusted their blades toward their opponent. Teiko sent a blast of electricity Nejera's way, while Nagaishi sent a powerful wave of water and Hsien-Shao a large, spiky dragon. Nejera stepped forward, twisting to the side to avoid the lightning. The jet of water put her off balance, crashing into her shoulder. Unable to dodge, she met the spiked dragon with a stab of her own. The dragon began pushing the Angel back while Nagaishi appeared above her.

Nagaishi: Try this!

The captain swung his blade toward the Shirub, allowing the end to streak out like a whip. It caught her under the jaw, sending her careening into the distance. She landed once on her back, bouncing off the broken street before recovering her balance and skidding to a stop. Teiko and Hsien-Shao appeared to either side of her, both horizontal with their feet on street lights. They pushed off, coming toward her at a blinding speed.

Hsien-Shao: Hehe. How's your confidence now, Shirubaraito?!

Nejera managed to deflect Hsien-Shao's first strike upwards, and with the other side of her weapon parry a strike from Teiko. Then a coil of water wrapped itself around her waist.

Nejera: Impossible! YOU CAN'T BEAT ME!!

Nagaishi pulled on the whip, dragging Nejera towards him at an incredible pace. When she neared, he brought his foot up and kicked her underneath the jaw. She grunted before zooming past him and driving her lance into the street to halt herself.

Nejera: Shit... Shit... Shit...

The Angel spun her weapon above her head, filling the air with her reiatsu once again.

Hsien-Shao: No, you don't! Shenlong!

A dragon of pure lightning collided with Nejera, driving her back several more feet. She screamed as it exploded, sending her flying into the air. She landed heavily on the ground, cracking the pavement about her before staggering to her feet.

Nejera: At this pace... All I can do is hold them off... Shit!

The three captains appeared across from her, side by side. The Shirub gritted her teeth, glaring at each one of them.

Nejera: Let's finish this up... Captains...

-End-

Sorry, Link. I didn't see the notice that you were posting.

[Play Music]

Nagaishi held his whip in his right hand, the water coating the dull blue blade. Hsien-Shao stood silently, his face not hiding the sense of sudden triumph he was feeling. Teiko, on the other hand, was panting, breathing heavily. His torso was riddle with deep cuts and stab wounds, blood flowing slowly. His grip on the blade tightened.

Nejera stood, watching all of them carefully, her eyes whipping from one to the other. She was shaky and outmatched. And she knew it too.

"Damnit." she muttered. "All three of you, you'll pay for this!" she screeched, racing towards Teiko, the physically weakest of the three. He wasn't as weak as he looked, however. He raised his blade, blocking her swipe at the last moment and wrapped his dangling chain around the blade as she tried to pull it away. He yanked the BO staff out of her grip, sending it sliding across the pavement. Nejera growled and punched the young captain in his abdomen, causing him to groan. He closed his eyes for only a second and was sent skyward by Nejera. She attempted a blow to his chest to send him back, but it was blocked by a sudden force keeping her at bay. The water froze around her ankle, dragging her back down. She slammed into the cement, the force shattering the ice that held her. The shards lit up, glittering beautifully in the night sky. they melted, falling as drops for a moment, before they became deadly projectiles and were hurtling towards her at incredible speeds. Nejera flashed out of the way, holding her shoulder as she reappeared. She cried out slightly as she yanked the ice from her shoulder and threw it away. Teiko stood slowly but surely, and raised his blade, holding it in a reversed grip. He swung the chain around, the blades slicing through the metal lamp posts. Teiko flashed in and out of her view, the chain still spinning wildly. The blades began to nick her, as she fled. Hsien-Shao, interrupted their chase with a swipe of his blade, landing a nasty hit to her back. She screamed and shunpoed away from them. Teiko panted once and stood tall, still struggling to breathe.

"Damn...Angel..." Teiko spat between breaths. "Learn to give up when the time is right. Quitting is for losers, but Backing out when the stakes are too high is merely honorable and nothing more."

Nejera gritted her teeth. "Shut up. Maybe you should follow your own advice, you Hypocrite."

Teiko frowned. "Perhaps you're right." he said, placing his hand on his stomach, wincing as the wound stung. He held up his hand, looking at the blood for a long moment. "But really, I'm no ordinary Shinigami."

Nejera swiped at him as he appeared behind her. the swing missed by a centimeter and he held his hand o her face. He blasted her back with a sudden power, making her stumble. He raced after her, nodding to Nagaishi and Hsien-Shao. they rushed to Nejera, and sliced both shoulders at once as she flew past them, just underneath. She slammed into the far wall of a large building, leaving only rubble behind her after a minute or so. she growled and held up her staff. Teiko appeared in front of her, his blade unnaturally bright, Gold and Azure lightning flickering and growing in strength. The blade itself became twice as sharp as he raised it above his head. Nejera smiled and tried to thrust her weapon into his body once more, but the attack was thwarted.

"Saiga-Kenjou." Teiko said calmly, though his tiredness was obvious. His eyes drooped as he brought his blade down on her body, slicing cleanly from right to left and up to down. the wound stretched across her torso, and sent her to the ground. she landed with a thud, her face in the dirt, weapon clattering to the ground. Teiko stood firmly over her motionless body. He knew she was still alive, but the question was, how long until she got up again?

can I take part in this too?

animefanGRL, there are no Captain positions left and you'd find it hard to find a Vice-Captain's position left as well.

---------------------The Dragon's Vain Persuasion-------------------
Hsien-Shao appeared right beside the body of Nejera and poked her with the tip of his sword, puncturing her cheek so blood would drool out. He then crouched and pushed a vial up to her cheek, letting the blood fill it.

“That should be enough.” He said to Teiko as he handed him the vial. “Next is helping Captain Kurohyou with his fight.”


“We’re just going to leave this one here?” Nagaishi asked skeptically. Hsien-Shao smiled at him reassuringly.

“I’ll clean up before joining you.” He promised. The two captains hesitated only a moment before disappearing off to help Zurui. Hsien-Shao waited a moment before sighing to himself, turning back to Nejera’s body.

“Well then,” He spoke with a light-hearted tone. “One of the few reports we have of your peoples’ true nature dictated that most forms of torture for information prove futile. Let’s begin testing the accuracy of that information, shall we?”

Nejera’s eyes cracked up to glare up at him angrily.

“You shinigami are all the same.” She spat in contempt. “You preach about principles and that sort of garbage, but when the situation shows itself, you abandon them for your own convenience. It’s been like that all throughout your damn history.”

“Are you referring to the genocide of your kind that took place so many centuries ago?” Hsien-Shao lowered his sword from cheek as he raised an eyebrow.

“Damn right I am. A whole clan of people was destroyed because you all felt threatened by us, by the power we held. It’s disgusting just how arrogant you all can get.”

“I’m afraid that your contempt is directed to the wrong person. I had nothing to do with those events, nor the decisions that led up to them. None of us are.”

“Like it matters. Shinigami are shinigami. I’m sure that you guys have no problem doing the same thing again, if you had the chance.”

Hsien-Shao stared down at her with unfathomable eyes as he responded, “No doubt. But this time, can you say we’re wrong? You are trying to avenge a dead people by killing those of us who are from the same organization that is responsible for their deaths. I come from a world of treachery and deceit, and yet I cannot understand your actions. Several Shirub had infiltrated Soul Society for a number of years and we never showed any ill will toward them. If they had remained benign, they could have lived peacefully. In fact, if they had never turned hostile toward us and revealed their identity, we would not be at war with you. And so I ask you, self-proclaimed ‘angel’, why do you choose the path filled with blood and corpses?”

Nejera turned her head away from him, ignoring the blade at her neck. “You would never get it, shinigami.”

“Is it pride?”

“The path we chose is filled with the blood and corpses, as you said. But only yours. There was not a reason to kill our people, and so there does not need to be a reason to kill yours.”

“That’s called hypocrisy.” Hsien-Shao sighed. Nejera’s eyes flashed with anger.

“Hypocrisy? What do you call what you people do? Kill a people and then say that it’s wrong for us to fight back? That is hypocrisy, shinigami!”

“We are defending our home, as any military faction would. The fact that you people would choose bloodshed when peace is so easily attainable shows that you were not thinking about your race. You—or should I say, your dear princess whom you all idolize—are only seeing the path of self-righteousness. In the years you’ve been hiding, it seems you’ve forgotten just what it is that you should value. Many empires have fallen because of that. Frankly, I’m beginning to see why you had all been massacred in the first place.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Nejera growled. Hsien-Shao shrugged.

“Care to explain it to me then? I’m a fan of reasoning.”

Nejera just stared at him with hate in her eyes. Hsien-Shao heaved one last heavy sigh.

“There truly is no helping you…” He muttered, mostly to himself. He gripped his sword’s hilt tightly with his hand. “Fēilóng.”

Powerful icy winds blasts from his sword and the blizzard chipped haphazardly at Nejera’s body and cut away at the ground around her, creating a pit filled with frozen snow. Hsien-Shao sheathed his sword as he stared dully at the snow.

“All these people out for revenge act the same.” He muttered to himself darkly as he turned away. “They only understand violence and push it onto others. Talk about the epitome of tragic.”

When Gilgamesh reappeared, it was behind Zurui. He brought both feet up, slamming them into the unsuspecting captain's back. Kurohyou fell to his hands and knees as he landed violently on the rooftop. Then, regaining his footing, he faced Gilgamesh again.

Zurui: You're no individual to be trifled with, that's a fact. Angel. But I still believe I have the upper hand.

Gilgamesh: Why's that?

A split second later, Teiko, Nagaishi, and Hsien-Shao appeared to each of Gilgamesh's other sides, effectively encircling him.

Zurui: This is why. You're outnumbered.

Gilgamesh looked down, sighing in annoyance before running his fingers across his forehead and observing his opponents. He pointed his blade at Hsien-Shao, looking at the captain with a sly grin on his face.

Gilgamesh: You'll be a problem. You're still in relatively good condition.

The Shirub turned back to Zurui.

Gilgamesh: I've been fighting you for a while. You still haven't released, and as a result you've taken a minimal beating as well.

Teiko took a step forward, still holding his stomach wound as he caught the Angel's attention.

Teiko: What's wrong with you?

Gilgamesh: Huh? Wha-

Teiko: You're comrade just fell, and you don't even care!

Nagaishi: Teiko-

Gilgamesh: She's not dead. Do you expect me to run in and put a band-aid on her? No, it'll be fine.

Hsien-Shao: You know, you're awfully ignorant to your current predicament, Shirubaraito.

Gilgamesh didn't respond. He merely raised an eyebrow to the captain.

Hsien-Shao: You're alone facing us four.

Gilgamesh: Hehehe... I see how it is. You think you're in complete control.

The Angel straightened his posture, exhaling deeply.

Gilgamesh: There are eight Angels in Sekhmet-dono's army. Each one of us are ranked according to power. And Nejera...

In an instant, Gilgamesh appeared beside Kurohyou, resting his hand on the captain's shoulder. He spoke in little more than a whisper, though it was loud enough for each other Shinigami to hear.

Gilgamesh: Was number eight.

[Play Music]

The Shirub disappeared, kicking up dust from where he was formerly standing and causing each captain to take a step back. He reappeared in front of Nagaishi, delivering a devastating kick to the Shinigami's abdomen. The blow, strong enough to cause him to spit out blood, sent him flying into the sky. The Shirub then turned his attentions to the captain behind him. Hsien-Shao lunged forward, attempting to impale Gilgamesh. He nimbly evaded the blow and jabbed two of his fingers into a pressure spot in the captain's stomach.

Gilgamesh: Byakurai.

Captain Bao-Wong-Ling only just managed to flash out of harm's way as the powerful blast of energy tore through the air. Teiko took a step up, aiming to sever Gilgamesh's hamstrings from behind while Zurui began an aerial assault. The Shirub deflected the flat of the younger captain's blade with his foot while parrying Zurui's quick slashes and jabs. He then flashed away a safe distance, an irritated frown on his face.

Gilgamesh: Christ. Four captains? Why don't three of you take off. Me and four-eyes have got a fight to settle.

Nagaishi blinked onto the building once again, blood running from the corners of his mouth. Gilgamesh's smile settled itself on his face once again as he spat in the direction of the Shinigami.

Gilgamesh: Looks like I've gotta screw around with you kids until she gets here. Lucky Nejera took a lot of that fight out of you, eh?

Zurui: She?

Gilgamesh: Enjoy you're time in the world while you can.

-End-

[Revelation! Zurui Finally Releases]

Zurui left the question unspoken. 'She?'

Gilgamesh looked at him. 'Enjoy your time in this world while you can...'

Zurui snorted and looked over at Teiko, Nagaishi and Hsien-Shao. The former two were looking worse for wear and the wound in Teiko's stomach seemed to be getting worse from him currently fighting. Zurui pondered, then avoided anotehr swift strike from the villainous Gilgamesh.

'Teiko, Nagaishi! I want you guys to take that vial back to the Soul Society. You're both much too injured and if that vial gets broken, this whole mission will be a failure...'

Teiko glanced up, angrily. 'We can't just leave like that! I'm not gonna leave a fellow Captain to fight while we could help.'

Nagaishi elbowed him in the shoulder. 'Shut up, fool! I agree with Captain Kurohyou... We should take the flask back. In this condition, we are both liabilities.'

'But, Nagaishi!'

Zurui shunpoed away from Gilgamesh and appeared right in front of Teiko. 'Do as I say! I don't want the deaths of two Captains on my conscience and it seems as though you don't have enough confidence in my abilities. In case you hadn't noticed, I haven't even released my Zanpakuto yet... I don't need back-up, I just need that blood back in my lab. You get my drift?'

Teiko's head dropped down and he stared at the ground. 'Okay, fine. Let's go, Nagaishi...' Then he let his Zanpakuto revert back to its sealed form and sheathed it. Nagaishi did the same, then they both jumped into the air and shunpoed away, searching for the Senkaimon. Gilgamesh made as if to follow them, but Zurui appeared in his way and slashed at him, causing the other man to block.

'I won't let you go after them!'

Gilgamesh parried the blow and then swung at Zurui, trying to take his head off. Zurui dodged and shunpoed, appearing behind Gilgamesh and swiped swiftly at the man's back, piercing his shoulder and causing him to disappear and reappear in front of Zurui, with a irritated look on his face.

'What's the matter, you look mad, Angel.'

Gilgamesh calmed down and looked at Zurui. 'Your attempts to anger me will not work...'

'Oh, well, then I'll just have to show what I've got then. Synchronise, Parameta Yaiba!' A flash of green reiatsu appeared around Zurui, as he released his Zanpakuto. Parameta Yaiba became muc larger, reaching about 2.5 meters long. It was a scythe-like blade attached to a 1.1 meter pole. The blade itself was about 1.4 meters long and at its thickest point, from the top of the unsharpened part of the blade to the sharpened bottom edge of the blade, it measured about 32 centimeters.

Gilgamesh's eyes bulged in surprise. 'What the-?'

'This is my Shikai, Parameta Yaiba.' Then Zurui disappeared. Seconds later, the Shinigami Captain smashed his oversized Zanpakuto into Gilgamesh's, forcing his hand back. Zurui attacked again, pushing Gilgamesh back. Gilgamesh jumped into the air, then stopped and looked at Zurui with an odd look on his face. 'What is this, what did your Zanpakuto do?'

Zurui just grinned. 'You broke the rules, now you can't move until I have cut you!' Zurui shunpoed, cutting into the other man's chest, leaving a long gash, which began to ooze blood. Gilgamesh found he could move again, but all the force he had using to try and move worked against him and he propelled himself too far, lucrhing forward into the wall of the a building.

-Well, this will get interesting, won't it, Parameta Yaiba!-

Captain Isishio: Firstly, my name is Ezretha Isishio, not Captain. Secondly, if you think you're taking Ms. Kija with you, you're sadly mistaken.

Farfalla: Am I?

Captain Isishio: Absolutly. I will not sit idly by-

[Play Music]

Farfalla became impatient and lunged forward, her short blade cutting the air behind her head, then slicing the shoulder of his haori and, as he turned around for a counter, the sharpened steel sliced his braid off at the shoulders, unfurling his hair into a curtain floating behind them. Captain Isishio batted the blade away with his and took his stance.

Captain Isishio: Oh...wrong move, sister.

Farfalla: Ohh, no! I missed your neck!

Captain Isishio: Believe me, I won't.

He hoofs it across the blood-stained pavement, keeping his blade low and gritting his teeth as he gripped the hilt and springing it upwards towards her throat in a uppercut. She quickly jumped back, crouched, then delivered a crippling palm to the solar plexis, sending him skidding back.

Farfalla: I said challenge, Captain. Not cake walk.

Captain Isishio: I'm-just getting-started... He slowly stands then flashes out of sight, sending Farfalla into a spin then is interupted by a yelling Ezretha jumping from a floating island, blade raised for a kill, but was greeted instead with a stiff punch to the stomach, unable to lift himself off, but is thrown off into a wall.

Farfalla: God, your lieutenant gave me a better fight. Why are you so weak? Were you this pathetic when you were alive?

And just like that, he snapped. He jumped up straight, dragging his blade across his hand, his pupils almost becoming vertical lines as blood drips from his hands.

Isishio: One Death Become a Thousand, Ketsueki Rotasu! The vines of the tsuba sprout in an instant around the blade, soaking the crimson color of the hilt's cloth until the vines shatter to reveal his shikai.

Farfalla: So you're finally ready to get serious...Good. Let's go.

Ezretha glides across the ground delivering quick, spinning slashes controlled from his wrist, his face devoid of every emotion but teeming with focus. Farfalla flinches beneath each as they increase in severity. In an attempt to disrupt him, she delivers a kick to his ribs, hearing a slight crack, but Ezretha doesn't stop. A small tear of pain wells up in his right eye, but he refuses to stop. He then swiftly jumps back to place his blade in his now flowing wound.

Farfalla: Why'd-you stop?

Isishio: It's no fun to kill the enemy right away. Besides, giving you a quick death would be a charity. So you will die slow. And painfully. But first...[his blade now swells with energy as he raises it to the sky] Rotasu Jomyaku!

He brings down his sword, sending a giant arc of blood towards his opponent, creating a rivene in the pavement as it flies. It sticks her right arm and send he spinning to the right and through a large window, where glass embedded itself in the wound.

Isishio: Motomeru Bainzu!

The spikes turn to rivers of steel as the speed towards her crash point, crashing through the the wall on the other side for a disabling blow. The blades retract as fast as they were sent and Isishio studies the hooks.

Isishio: No blood....Hey, if you're not unconsious or dead already, get back out here! A gentleman finishes what he starts, and I plan to end you!

The entire building collapses, letting Isishio behold the sight of rubble, wood splinters, and glass dance as they crash to the ground.

Around a standing Farfalla, who is indeed thouroughly pissed.

Farfalla: That's what your last words will be...

[Collectors Arbitration]

[BEGIN PLAYING MUSIC]

(As the battle ensues, a menacing presence appears, looming in the distance. This unexplained presence exits the Waikiki Getou, casting her gaze upon the unsuspecting captains. An intense spiritual pressure blankets the entire area, suppressing the captains’ movements. The peculiar entity remains still for a moment, until spotting the remains of Nejera. The figure abruptly appears beside Nejera’s body, her form now completely visible. This now identified female is shrouded by layers of thick, obsidian-colored smoke. The grey and black film encircles her body, appearing to support her as she glides through the air effortlessly).

Gilgamesh: (he stops, firmly clutching his zanpakuto. He begins to back away from the captain, watching as the obscure figure approaches without haste).

Captain Kurohyou: (He watches as the Angel steps back, almost in fear. Zurui turns his head, observing the prominent being behind him and the captains.) Inner-monologue: This spiritual pressure…it’s highly advanced. It’s dense and heavy…and dark.

Captain Hsien-Shao: (He takes notice to the Angel’s absence, having been distracted by the new presence) What is going on, Zurui?

Gilgamesh: Veznesel-sama… I knew you’d be arriving shortly. Unfortunately, we have suffered a cas…(he is silenced by her abrupt hand-gesture).

Veznesel: It appears the captains got the better of you, my dear (said as her hands slide through the thick, cloud-like mist, clutching Nejera’s body, revealing the ᵾ on the side of her neck. Nejera’s body is swallowed by the very substance that envelops Veznesel. She turns her sights to the captains, all observing her every movement). They’re quite studious, aren’t they?

Gilgamesh: In a manner of speaking, yes.

Veznesel: I assume you received that wound from the one standing firmly in the lead, am I correct?

Gilgamesh: (he looks away, in a moment of shame) …yes, unfortunately. He…

Veznesel: …believes he has the upper-hand. Yes, I know. They’re all like that. One minor success and they allow their egos to have their way with them. (She watches as Zurui swiftly approaches, appearing only yards away).

Captain Kurohyou: …so you’re an angel, too?

Veznesel: Unfortunately for you, no...(her sinister tone echoes in the captains mind as she raises her hand, revealing a peculiar symbol, ҈ , on her wrist) Hado 95: kyodaina otome…

Captain Kurohyou: (he gasps, but is unable to respond in time. Energy materializes around his entire body, generating a monstrous sarcophagus-like structure. He stares into her eyes as he slams his sword forward. The captain attempts to stop the massive sarcophagus cover from closing, but it shatters the tip of his blade, sealing him inside. Energy surges throughout the structure, producing an eruption of stellar magnitude within sarcophagus).


Veznesel: (she watches as the sarcophagus rumbles, energy swirling and rampaging inside the contraption)...your immature skills do not come close to affecting me.


Captain Seishin: (He watches as the sarcophagus falls from the sky, crashing into the ground below and remaining intact). ..Zurui!

Captain Nagaishi: Impossible…

Captain Hsien-Shao: This woman, who is this, Captain Seishin? Do you know?

Captain Seishin: I heard reports of a woman shrouded by black clouds…the other captains would have a better understanding than I.

Captain Nagaishi: (He darts at Veznesel, twirling his lance in an effort to increase the force of his attack. He brings his lance hurtling toward her, the momentum of the raging waters crashes down upon her body. He watches in delight while his fellow captain charges from his left).

Captain Seishin: (He swings his blade, lightning arcing from the swing and striking the torrent of water).

[BEGIN PLAYING SECOND SONG]

Veznesel: (As the water settles on the ground below and the last sparks flicker, she is observed as completely unscathed.) You were likely assuring yourselves victory, am I right? (She quickly turns, clutching Captain Hsien-Shao’s blade in her hand). Sneak attack? How uninspiring, captain.

Captain Hsien-Shao: (He tries to pull his blade from her grip, but her strength is unlike anything he’s seen thus far. He prepares to counter, but his efforts are thwarted by the blade slicing into his stomach. He gasps…peering down at the silver blade piercing his flesh).

Vezensel: You speak proudly and confidently, but your words do not disguise well, captain. (Her blade retracts from his stomach, returning to the belly of her mist. She slides her fingers across his face, observing his expression) what a delicate face. It’s a shame we became acquainted at such an awkward phase. (The two captains rampage toward her, their blades waiting to slice into her. Without looking away, her blade darts from her shroud, catching Captain Seishin off-guard. The silver katana severs major tendons in his zanpakuto wielding shoulder. The blade continues to slice through his shoulder, exiting and arcing toward Nagaishi. He thrusts his lance forward, producing a violent cascade. The katana penetrates his defenses, easily cleaving the water. The blade slices into his hand, forcing him to drop his lance. It retracts for a moment before slicing across his chest. His body falls to the ground below, landing beside the Sarcophagus.) We’re not so different, you and I. You have the same manipulative quality I do, which I find quite attractive. What a shame…(she releases his blade, floating backwards for a moment. She places her hand in the air, producing a rare distortion. A circular grate appears, opening slowly and revealing chromatic energy beyond its doors). Hado 45: Uchu Rensha…(a surge of vibrant energy crashes into the captains body, carrying him into the distance. The energy sears his clothing and flesh as it drills him into a nearby hill-side).

Gilgamesh: Now what, Veznesel-Sama?

Veznesel: We’re done here…(she looks around in disappointment before floating away, Gilgamesh trailing beside her. She abruptly stops and looks back at Captain Hsien-Shao). I’ll be sure to make your lieutenant feel comfortable in your absence, captain. I hope we meet again, but until then, enjoy your recovery. (A golden gate abruptly opens and they prepare to enter when they are interrupted by a screaming Captain Seishin)

Captain Seishin: RETURN MY LIEUTENANT!

Veznesel: (she watches as he slowly stumbles her way, unable to hold his blade with the correct hand. She chuckles to herself, before appearing before Teiko. She grabs him by the throat, digging her nails into his neck). Don’t allow your recent victory to cloud your judgment, captain. I’m leagues beyond Nejera…(her blade suddenly slices into his other shoulder, requiring him to drop his blade). Now your left and right shoulder have the same absence of strength. Without those tendons, you can’t hope to hold anything in your hand, let alone your blade.) Let’s leave the captains to wallow in self-pity ( She throws him into the distance exiting into the gate with Gilgamesh).

I'll be adopting Link's idea, haha. This is the second musical installment.

--------------------Puzzling Events--------------------------
“So that was ‘her’, eh?” Hsien-Shao chuckled dryly. Mist was hanging around his body as he lifted himself up from the rubble. He had managed to shield against most of the damage from Veznezel’s attack, though the wound from the sword that had pieced his body remained. “Not an angel, she says. We’re not so different, she says. She’ll make sure my lieutenant is comfortable, she says.”
He grinned to himself. So many questions appeared all at once, far outnumbering the answers that he found. Becoming a captain had been entirely worth it.”

“Is this really the time to be smiling, Captain Wong-Ling?” Nagaishi demanded as Hsien-Shao appeared beside him. Nagaishi was holding Teiko up in his arms. The tenth squad captain had taken the biggest beating of everyone. “What are we going to do about Zurui?”

Hsien-Shao glanced toward the sarcophagus with an analytical expression as he approached slowly. He held out one hand and said, “Hiryūgekizokushintenraihō!”

And enormous energy blast of electricity and flames fired from his palm and slammed into the sarcophagus. The structure shuddered but did not receive even a crack.

“A hado that acts much like a bakudo…” Hsien-Shao muttered with a sigh. “I guess we’ll have to leave it up to the kido corps to free Captain Kurohyou.”

“We can’t…just leave him there…” Teiko tried to push away from Nagaishi, but stumbled. Nagaishi had to catch him again before he went face first into the ground.

“You need to get your wounds treated.” Nagaishi said firmly. “We’re going back to Soul Society.”

Before Teiko could object, Nagaishi stabbed his sword into the air and opened a Senkaimon. He dragged Teiko after him as the Hell Butterflies fluttered around their heads. Hsien-Shao appeared beside the phone pole holding his haori before reappearing beside the sarcophagus. He could feel Zurui’s faint spirit pressure within the kido, still hanging on to life. That angel had used a hado within the nineties without incantation so easily, and created something so sturdy.

Hsien-Shao created a senkaimon and left the disaster zone and the sarcophagus with every intention of returning.
-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­-

“Welcome back, Captain Wong-Ling!”

The shinigami of the eighth squad were lined up at the exit of the Senkaimon, bowing as Hsien-Shao arrived. Hsien-Shao smiled and bowed gratefully to them all.

“Did the ninth and tenth squad captain arrive already?” Hsien-Shao asked one of the shinigami nearest to him. The shinigami nodded.

“Just moments ago. They went straight to the 4th squad barracks due to their severe wounds. They told us Captain Kurohyou would remain there. Is he alright?”

“I suppose. He’s certainly not dead just yet.” Hsien-Shao glanced around, hiding his momentary twinge of dismay. Had the woman been telling the truth? “Is Fai treating his wounds in the 4th squad barracks now?”

“Um, sir…”

Hsien-Shao held a hand up motioning for the shinigami to wait as he glanced up. Striding down the cue of shinigami was Kaguya, hands clenched tightly. Hsien-Shao was wondering why she seemed so anxious when she suddenly vanished with shunpo and reappeared directly in front of Hsien-Shao. The captain caught Kaguya’s hand just as she made to draw her sword in an instant iaido, and he held firmly as she struggled against his grip.

“3rd seat Kagamine!” The surrounding shinigami were startled as they prepared to intervene.

“Stand down.” Hsien-Shao ordered as he frowned at Kaguya.

“But sir…!”

“I figured you wouldn’t be able to keep your damn promises…” Kaguya growled in a low voice as she glared daggers at her captain.

“I’m afraid that I don’t know what you mean.”

“Fai Locksley, your lieutenant, has been taken by the Shirubaraito on that mission your orchestrated to lure them out. He’s gone because of you!”

Hsien-Shao sighed and muttered an unintelligible curse under his breath.

“Well this is just a pain in the neck.” He sighed again. “Who took him?”

“Azriel Sairentosukai.” Kaguya read the remorseful look on his face and sighed, relenting a bit. Hsien-Shao released his grip as she pulled away. “Captain Kurotsuki and Tochigo will probably be giving a report on the fight in the next captain’s meeting.”

“I’ll look forward to hearing it.” Hsien-Shao watched Kaguya for a long moment as she stared at the ground in frustration.

“Kaguya, pardon me if this is insensitive, but I need you to take over Fai’s duties for the time being.”

“I already intended to.” She replied crudely. “I was a vice-captain to begin with.”

Hsien-Shao smiled at her gratefully. “Then could you have everyone return to the barracks and put in an order for a new haori for me? This one is trashed.”

“It looks good on you.”

“Kaguya.”

“Fine, fine. Come on everyone, you’re all dismissed!”

As the squad members headed away, Hsien-Shao’s smile faded as he started toward the kido corps’ barracks. He hadn’t counted on Fai being entirely abducted. But with this new information, it made some sense. If the angels were ranked from one through eight, and Nejera was as strong as she was as number eight, then the Shirub were just as powerful as he’d heard. And Azriel Sairentosukai was no doubt one of the lower numbers, maybe two or three. But Veznezel said she was not an angel, meaning she was none of the eight. And yet she was stronger than the weakest of them?

Hsien-Shao played with setting each of the angels whose name he knew into the puzzle of eight slots mentally as he walked.

The doors of the squad four pagoda burst wide open with a deafening clammor of shuddering wood and iron. Light flooded the entryway in a brilliant wave as the wounded warriors began to stagger inside. The nurses snap into action after a brief pause of surprise and quickly ushered the captains into the nearest operating room.

Nurse: “Please, come right this way!” he beckoned as he took the greatly wounded Teiko off the older captain’s shoulders and lead the way down the hallway. Nagaishi quietly followed as two nurses walked with him as tried to staunch the bleeding of his deeper wounds. They came to the right place and the nurses urged them to lay down on the beds.

Captain Seishin: He dejectedly looks up from his pillow as the crowd began to fuss over his injuries as they set to work. “We're wasting time here!” He shot a glance at the older captain who took to the nurse’s attention more calmly. “While our wounds are healing Captain Kurohyou is trapped in that coffin, suffering who knows what kind of pain that woman caused!"

Nagaishi: "Quiet down... you need to calm yourself. I'm sure that the people of the Kido Corps will know how to handle the situation. We can't lose our heads at every new trick they throw at us."

Teiko winced angrily as he tried to clench his hands into fist but found that all he could do was weakly twitch his fingers. He gave up and sighed, the wounds on his shoulders among other serious lacerations are not going to go away on their own. “Do you still have your vials?” he watched as Nagaishi nodded curtly with a slight grin as if in triumph. Teiko grinned as well and settled himself back onto his cushion. “Good...”

Just then, the Lieutenant entered the room and calmly motioned for the nurses to stand aside. The tall man came to stand between the two beds and inspected the captains with hard gray eyes.

Lt. Nakama: "I'm sorry for the delay! I’ve been quite busy here lately." Teiko and Nagaishi exchange a wondering look.

Nagaishi: “Who else is here?”

Lt. Nakama: “The Squad Two and Squad Three Captains.” He answers somberly as he lifts his giant hands; one was over each patient before green energy radiates from his thick palms and descends onto their wounds. The pain was slowly beginning to dull, but the healing kido could not take away the other kind of pain that went through them at the ill news of their comrades.

Teiko: “How are they now?!” he asked anxiously from under the glowing and pulsating light.

Lt. Nakama: The healer smiled now. “Much better than before, Captain Honoka saw to that. They are resting at the moment.”

Nagaishi: “Will we also be visited by your Captain? I’m surprised actually that she wasn’t the first one to greet us.” Nakama’s face hardened at his words, like he too didn’t like the fact.

Lt. Nakama: “She’s not here right now… she left me in charge of the barracks until she gets back.”

Teiko: “What? Back from where?!”

-----------------------------------------­-

All was still as Yua stepped out from the Senkaimon, the great portal gently slides to a close and the stream of shining light vanished from sight. She stole a glance around her surroundings and frowned at the menacing feeling it gave off. Yua had thought it odd that they haven’t heard word back from Ezretha about his investigation and she came to see why that was so. Now it was quite clear. The familiar presence of a Shirub was close and growing bitterly stronger by the second. Ezretha’s own spiritual pressure was rising as well and was crashing heavily over the land. She easily followed the trail and flashed to its origin and came to the edge of a town filled with the stench of death.

Yua’s hands shook as she tried to steel herself against the horrible sight of the dead bodies on the ground. A blast from the other side of the village made her turn gratefully away and she flashed around the corner to see a destroyed wooded structure with dust gusting out to escape the falling debris. In the middle of the wreckage she recognized Farfalla broiling with hatred. Beyond her she saw the figure of the 11th division captain, panting lightly with his Shikai in release. She saw Farfalla build her energy into her sword and was about to lunge at Ezretha.

Farfalla: “DIE!!!”

Yua solemnly gripped the handle of her zanpakuto and flashed out of sight.

Ezretha: “Ladies first!” he brought his red weapon up to block her attack. Her blade was an arm length away when a bright yellow light appeared to her right.

Yua: “Bakudō # 30: Shitotsu Sansen!!” the tree pinchers took shape and rocketed off at the angel, knocking her off course, slamming her into a distant wall with a mighty boom! The healer touched down besides Ezretha and was shocked at his current condition.

Ezretha: He turned to her briefly. “Ms. Honoka, Thank you for coming!”

Yua: “I was wondering what had happened to you.”

Farfalla: “How admirable, shinigami blind siding their foe! What brats!" she spat.

Yua: She tilted her head and met the angel’s heated glare. "If I remember correctly you were the one who tried to drive your sword into my back, when I didn't even have mine drawn." Yua's eyes shined coldly at the memory. "So, are you going to whine some more, or are you through?"

Farfalla: Her eyes burn at the healer. "Oh my, I'm going to enjoy making you suffer, you little worm!" she laughs dangerously to herself. "Think this will keep me down? Guess again!”

They watched as she thrashed out and easily broke the spell to golden peices and flew at the two captains. She grins as she flashes to near invisability, leveling her blade at Yua's throat at blinding speeds.

Ezretha: "Watch out!" he launches himself in front of her swing and slams his weapon on top of hers creating a small crator in the process. Their blades slid gratingly against one another, screeching as they push off the edges. He grits his teeth as he ducks under a swipe to his head and lashes his sword arm out to impale her stomach, in the hopes to get some useful blood out of the act.

The angel gracefully leaps out of the sharp way of his attack and lands yards away to see Yua prepare to send another kido volley. "Oh, please!" she rolled her eyes.

The fourth squad captain gasps as the angel melt from view and at the last moment swiftly side steps the thrust meant for her chest but received a rough kick to her lower back before she skips away from her enemies continued assault.

Yua: She staggers and tries straightening her stance. A spasm of pain shot up her spine as she raised her hand. “Hadō #73: Sōren Sōkatsui!” The thunderous blue light explodes from her fingertips and barrels towards Farfalla at super high velocity.

Farfalla: "Not going to happen!" she raced directly at the burning kido and cut through the middle of it. The split energies thunder on both sides of her as they pass. She continued on to race at the healer once again with her blade looking to filet her flesh.

Yua's glimmering eyes dulled a bit as she gripped the black handle of her sword again. Her brow furrowed slightly from displeasure as she realised that there was no chance of evading the shirubs masterful speeds this time. When the shirubs sword swooped downward for her skull, the brightness of Yua's blade came flying from her sheath and sliced across the shirubs strike. Their spiritual pressures soared from the collision.

Yua: "You shouldn't have come this close." she said in a low voice under the rumblings of their aura.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So sorry guys that it's been a while:(

[Carpe Diem: Phase two]

Farfalla: (she bolts backwards, clutching her arm tightly) Tsk…you filthy shinigami.

Captain Honoko: Normally, the captain of squad four wouldn’t leave his or her barrack in pursuit of battle, but I knew healing would be an advantage Captain Isishio needed.

Farfalla: I thought most healers had keen intellects, but I suppose there is always an exception to the rule.

Captain Honoko: What do you mean?

Farfalla: Well, you made the same mistake often attributed to a mere novice. It’s well-known you should never reveal your battle strategy. With that knowledge, I now know who to kill first…(She raises her head, shifting her gaze from her blade to Captain Honoko. She speaks softly, but her tone is laced with ominous intent).

Captain Honoko: …(she is silent, but her disposition masterfully portrays her discomfort and dread. She looks at her fellow captain, hoping to obtain some encouragement through his expression, but observes the same concern).

[BEGIN PLAYING MUSIC]

Farfalla: You look awfully worried, captains (Her soft emerald eyes scan the two captains, delivering a most sinister sensation). I suppose that is to be expected. In only a moment you will be struggling to remain alive... Thrash about…Spina. (She calmly calls out her zanpakuto’s command, generating a violent maelstrom of pure spiritual energy. It swirls around her in a violent, cyclonic fashion. Her zanpakuto’s blade begins losing its shape, abruptly bursting in length and size. She swings her hand and flicks her wrist, sending her zanpakuto barreling toward her opponents. Its metamorphosis stabilizes, taking on the shape of a gargantuan vine, lined with black spikes. The colossal vine whips through the air, crashing into the ground. The captains leap to safety, avoiding the force of its swing. Upon colliding with the ground, it completely shatters the soil and stone, uprooting everything in it’s path).

Captain Honoko: …we need to be extremely carefully, Captain Isishio. With a single swing her zanpakuto was able to completely carve out an entire geographic plane.

Captain Isishio: That vine is absolutely enormous, prompting me to ask, “How does she wield such a monstrous zanpakuto?”

Captain Honoko: To the wielder, a zanpakuto, despite its size, is easily controlled. Granted, this takes practice and patience.

Captain Isishio: To which she has plenty of…


Farfalla: You and I, Captain Isishio, have yet another thing in common. How remarkable. Two zanpakuto, so similar, and yet we’re from two different worlds almost.

Captain Isishio: I am nothing like you…

Farfalla: You say that now, but we’ll see how that changes as this battle progresses.

Captain Isishio: …(he grits his teeth) Motomeru Bainzu! (Numerous blades soar through the air, approaching Farfalla’s fragile body).

Farfalla: (She leaps back, swinging her arm, commanding the vine to rampage in a spiral motion. The large vine produces a swirling movement, allowing the blades to move within its circular path. She abruptly pulls back on her hilt, the vine hurriedly constricting the blades. She smiles as the force of the vine’s pull drags Captain Isishio with it. She watches as his body helplessly rockets towards her zanpakuto’s sharp thorns).

Captain Honoko: (She lunges at Farfalla, her blade jabbing toward her body in a rapid fashion).

Farfalla: (She leaps back, releasing his blade from her vine’s grip. She darts to her left, flicking her wrist and swinging her arm in the air. The vine violently circles before swinging in Yua’s direction.)

Captain Honoko: (She takes evasive actions, flash-stepping from location to location as the vine cleaves the ground. With each swing the sweep of the vine is more devastating, completely toppling whatever is in it’s path).

Farfalla: (She begins spinning her body, her vine following her movements precisely. With each successive rotating her vine completes a massive, sweep of the area, annihilating everything in it’s path. She spins closer to the captains, prompting Yua to scream to Captain Ishisio).

Captain Honoko: Ezethra, what are you doing?! Move out of the way!


Captain Isishio: (He retracts his blades, but upon returning they splash a liquid dripping from the threads. The oozing substance splashes onto his face, burning his face. He screams in pain, backing up and smothering his face with his hands). Damnit…what the hell is this crap?! (The massive vine swirls around Farfalla, darting at the defenseless captain.

Captain Honoko: Bakduo 81: Danku! (The barrier appears ahead of Captain Isishio, allowing Yua to crash into him, distancing themselves from the vine. She watches is dismay as the colossal zanpakuto shatters her barrier effortlessly).

Captain Isishio: This is so painful, Yua…what is it?!

Captain Honoko: …(she observes the area, noticing this gel-like substance scattered throughout the environment). Her zanpakuto is definitely more than a goliath…

Farfalla: It looks like your fellow captain received a face-full of Spina’s special toxin. That doesn’t bode well for him. The substance will continue to burrow in any surface it makes contact with. And unfortunately, only I know the method for neutralizing its effects.

Captain Honoko: (she carefully inspects his wounds, avoiding exposure to the corrosive substance) has it impaired your vision?

Captain Isishio: …No. (He clears his hands, now burning like his face, each bearing a reddish hue). Isn’t there anything you can do?

Captain Honoko: (She places her hands over his face, attempting to heal his wounds. She removes her hands, realizing her efforts are ineffective) I’m sorry, Ezethra, but kido isn’t the solution. You heard what she said…only she has the antidote.

Captain Isishio: Good luck getting it from her…

Farfalla: How right you are, captain…

---------------------------Aid in Shambles-------------------------
Hsien-Shao stood in the battle zone that he had previously exited, wearing his new haori that was identical to his last. Around him, the kido corps was busy, having erected a barrier around the entire area and began restoring everything to its original form. The sarcophagus encasing Zurui was surrounded by some of the more advanced kido users, directed by the cheerful kido corps commander. Hsien-Shao’s eyes were shut as he balanced on one foot motionlessly, as if meditation.

“Sir,” Kaguya appeared beside him and frowned in exasperation to see his state. “Meditating again?”

“It’s very calming.” Hsien-Shao replied without opening his eyes. “Did you send the report to the Head Captain?”

“Of course. I even updated it with Captain Seishin’s part since his vice-captain isn’t here to do it.” Kaguya yawned and stretched her arms out above her head. “I forgot how much I hated this work.”

“Keep it up, Ms. Kagamine, and you might surprise Fai when we finally recover him. Won’t that be a nice welcome back gift to see he doesn’t have any work to get caught up on?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Kaguya muttered with an indifferent air. Hsien-Shao opened his eyes to smile at her just as the sarcophagus’ structure crumbled away into harmless kido particles in the air, showing a danku barrier still erected inside, with Captain Kurohyou under it. The barrier shattered and vanished and the eighth squad members approached and the exhausted Zurui stabbed his broken zanpakutou into the ground to support himself. He was covered in bleeding wounds and burns, barely able to keep his eyes focused ahead of him.

“It looks…like bakudo #81…really is only made…to handle kidos #’s 1-89.” He breathed in exhaustion as Hsien-Shao rushed forward as his legs gave away and lent him a shoulder to hold him steady. “Remind me that…next time.”

“I’ll try to. I honestly didn’t expect you to have had the reflex to erect danku in time. I’m impressed.”

“I’m not the captain...of the twelfth squad...for nothing.” Zurui grinned, then winced from the pain of his wounds. “But more importantly, do you have it?”

Hsien-Shao held up his vial of blood. “The other two should have theirs back in Soul Society. I was hoping to procure some blood from that strange woman as well, but sadly she, too, is able to catch a blade with her bare hand without getting cut.”

Upon mention of this, Zurui frowned. “If the other two are hospitalized, why are you not with them?”

“Because I only received flesh wounds by comparison.” Hsien-Shao shook his head. “But that is irrelevant. We succeeded here, which is enough.”

“Right.” Zurui sighed as he sat down on a matt with a member of squad four waiting to heal his wounds. “Thanks, Captain Wong-Ling.”

“It’s only natural that I help my fellow captains.” Hsien-Shao smiled brightly. Both Kaguya and Zurui were taken aback by his smile. His eyes usually held caution and wisdom that had him appear unapproachable in some ways, but this smile was similar to a child who had found a new game to play. Very…unnerving. But before either of them could say anything, the squad 4 healer interjected earnestly.

"Captain Wong-Ling, now that Captain Kurohyou has been released, may you please let me take care of your wound as well?" The healer insisted. "You own power won't be able to dull the pain from the burns for much longer."

"Nonsense, if I simply had a quiet place to rest, I'm sure I'd manage." Hsien-Shao sat beside Zurui nonetheless. Zurui winced as the mist hanging around Hsien-Shao dispersed away, showing traces of a hado used on him earlier. Hsien-Shao grinned at his expression. "Surprised? Those Shirub are more demonic in terms of strength than I credited them for."

"And you were worried about me with those wounds?!" Zurui tried to object, but the exertion dizzied him and he nearly blacked out."

"Be still, captain." Hsien-Shao warned. "By your logic, you shouldn't be worrying about me with your wounds."

Zurui could only groan as the healer began using his healing kido on the captain's wounds.

'Hizano stares blankly at the ceiling of the Squad 4 barracks. He noticed Mikazuki leaving earlier, but he didn't have the energy to follow her. His only mission was to make sure Fai didn't fall in to the hands of the enemy, but despite outnumbering Azriel 2 to 1, they still couldn't hold him back.

Hizano 'To himself': If I can't even protect one person, what right do I have to be called "Captain".

'Hizano thought about the last words Azriel said to him as he left with Fai. " When all has been said and done, you will learn what it means to suffer.". Hizano pondered what he could mean by this. Obviously they wanted to exact their revenge upon them, but he did not know what the lieutenants had to do with it all. Another thing that bothered him was about the ranks of the Angels. If an angel ranked #8 took 3 captains to incapacitate, how many would it take to bring down Azriel?

'Hizano was filled with a sudden urge to move. If he ever wanted to beat Azriel, he would need to get moving. He limped out of his bed, wincing as he felt the wounds from his fight. The healers of Squad 4 did a good job fixing the majority of his injuries, but a scar from where Azriel's shadow spear entered his shoulder still existed. Hizano was fine with this. To him, it was a reminder to never underestimate his opponent.'

'A member of Squad 4 sees him moving about and rushes over': Sir! You should stay in bed. Your injuries still need time to heal.

Hizano: Don't worry, I'm not going in to battle or anything. I just can't sit here anymore.

'Without waiting for a reply, Hizano walks towards the door. On his way, he sees Teiko. He appeared to be asleep, but as Hizano passed his bed, he snapped up and grabbed his wrist.'

Teiko: Where's my lieutenant!

'Hizano tries to back away, anticipating an outburst from Teiko, but he passes out, his hand still grabbing Hizano's wrist.'

Squad 4 member: I'm sorry Sir, he's been saying that ever since he was admitted. He still needs plenty of time to rest.

Hizano 'Gingerly releasing Teiko's hand': Of course, it's not problem.

'Hizano walks outside and looks up at the sky. Everything seemed so peaceful, but he knew that this was just the calm before the storm. He just worried what the storm might bring.'

[The Collector & The Scientist]

(Voices echo through the dark, debris cluttered catacombs. As one ventures deeper into the scarred assembly chamber, the conversation becomes more discernible.)

Asmodea: (hands tightly folded to her chest) This wouldn’t have happened if Nejera hadn’t ventured to the real-world alone. And what’s worse, Farfalla is currently engaged with a captain as well.

Vyenna: Let’s be honest, this was no one’s fault besides Nejera. She chose to confront the captains alone. She knew the captains were unafraid to out-number their opponent.

Asmodea: This situation better not repeat itself with Farfalla.

Gemini: This is true…something needs to be done about these captains. Too many escape when they should be dead. This is unacceptable behavior, especially considering the faith provided to us by Sekhmet-dono (His tone quiets the room, prompting several members to slink back in their chairs, scowling at the loss of Nejera).

Veznesel: (surrounded by her shroud, she proudly speaks) At least she’s been recovered. We couldn’t have the shinigami obtaining her body.

Gemini: Your mission wasn’t completely selfless, Veznesel…

Veznesel: (her eyes slowly focus on Gemini, a smile stretching into her cheeks) It’s true, I did have other objectives. However, I am fairly transparent that way…

Gemini: Yes, but collecting…

Galgalzzi: May be return to the initial point of this congregation? We’re missing the whole…(a booming voice halts their bickering).

Sekhmet: Stop…(her hand slams into her chair, shattering the stone arm with ease). We lost a sister, which means we need to remain focused. I am saddened by Nejera’s passing, but we must use it to strengthen our resolve. Allow the shinigami to celebrate this victory, as it will only lead to their ultimate annihilation (her eyes project an immeasurable fury and malevolence, despite their beauty).

Zalbeseal: I have the perfect remedy to a difficult situation. Preparations are almost complete, but in order to finalize my assessment, I need subjects. (His voice becomes playful and demonic)…they don’t have to willing participants, so I request clearance to visit Kōbashī barē. There I can acquire the necessary ingredients for what I suspect will be a most fruitful endeavor (his grin widens).

Sekhmet: You have clearance. I trust your judgment, Zalbeseal. I should ask, however, how are our guests?

Zalbeseal: ha ha ha…(he laughs deeply, his eyes connecting with hers) they are quite comfortable, I assure you. They’re precious cargo, so I have taken it upon myself to make them feel right at home.

Sekhmet: (she smiles, inspecting the shattered stone of her throne) It won’t be long now…until these shinigami realize there are consequences to their actions. I will savor their expression when they acknowledge just how powerless they are.

Veznesel: I’ll accompany you, Zalbeseal. I feel like stretching my limbs, so to speak.

Zalbeseal: Oh, well I never refuse company (grinning deviously).

-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­--

(As the Waikiki Getou materializes, the sun bathed meadows of Kōbashī barē are disturbed by nothing more than the gentle breeze. With each gale the foliage sway from side to side, basking in the warm sun. They are soon cast into darkness by the presence of two strangers. As Veznesel and Zalbseal step-out from the gate they observe their surroundings closely. Zalbeseal firmly places his feet in the soul, mowing through the followers as he approaches the village, only yards away).

Veznesel: For clarification purposes, am I allowed to stretch while I’m here? You know…oil the rusty gears?

Zalbeseal: No need to be clever with me, my dear. I have no apprehension with how you choose to spend your time here. I simply make one request. Leave a healthy number of subjects for me, that is all.

Veznesel: A healthy number? Hm (she smiles as she develops a clever retort). What an interesting method for framing that request, Zalbeseal. But you need not worry. After all, I expect you to have just as much fun as me.

Zalbeseal: Oh, come now. I am here for a single purpose, but I suppose if you insist.

Veznesel: I knew you couldn’t resist my charm. I’ve heard many delightful things about this location.

Zalbeseal: Is that so?

Veznesel: (she flutters at the very cusp of the village, glaring into its open streets while her eyes glisten with excitement) I hear the shinigami and neighboring nations venture here every thirty years to procure viable candidates for their academies. Evidently, Kōbashī barē is a hot bed for shinigami talent. (she slinks her hand through her raven-black hair) I wonder if I’ll be as impressed as the Soul Society.

Zalbeseal: That’s useful information, my dear. Perhaps, this location was the perfect area to procure subjects (He steps onto the paved streets, watching as the citizens gather to inspect the two peculiar strangers. He tilts his head to the side, his attention directed toward Veznesel). This is the smell of absolute ignorance, my dear. Wonderful, isn’t it?

[BEGIN PLAYING MUSIC]

Veznesel: (she slowly places her hand in the shroud, removing a long silver blade) Oh, yes…(she casts her sights on the crowd. She approaches as her violent eyes narrow and a sinister grin begins burrowing into her cheeks) After today, I believe the Gotei 13 will be stretched for recruits. This reservoir is moments away from running dry. (She dives into the crowd with marvelous speed, slicing into the innocents flesh. With each swing of her blade, dozens fall to the ground, blood spilling onto the neatly paved streets. She raises her blade, energy building along the entire length of the blade) Hado 32: Okasen…(her voice echoes throughout the village streets as an arc of rich golden energy surges forward. The strength of this single attack decimates an entire region of the city, cleaving buildings in half. She watches as citizens scurry and shriek from fear).

Zalbeseal: (He reaches into his Kimono, clutching on a series of circular disks. He extends his hand, his palm lying flat. The circular disks separate and unfold into 15 individual disks. His attention does not waver from the crowd when he says, in a deep, demanding voice…) Go…(The circular disks rocket into the city, speeding around each corner as if they were searching for a particular prey. The first victim is a young woman, clutching her male companions arm. The disk darts forward, encircling the two. The man holds the woman closer, but cannot defend her from the upcoming surprising. The disk adorns blades, cutting through the man’s arm, separating him from the female. The disk whisks around her, weaving a peculiar energy with every successive rotation. It rests above her, completing a stasis field, neutralizing the females movements and consciousness). Wonderful, wonderful…(spoken in a gleeful tone). One…two…three…four…haha! These devices surely reduce the amount of physical labor required for attaining these individuals.

Veznesel: Hado 33: Sōkatsui (The blue energy erupts from her palm, sweeping through villagers and buildings.) Ugh…these attacks are so uninspiring. Why not provide you with a special courtesy of Shirubaraito…(she claps her hands, energy struggling to escape her palms) Hado 65: Ekusutoraiku! (She frees her hands, point them in the village’s direction. A barrage of energy bursts from her hands, striking the ground below like missiles. Which each eruption comes absolute devastation. The carnage does not end, however. The blasts of energy recoil off the first surface and counting to bounce toward other locations. With each successive strike, more building crumble and more people lie in rubble). Hahah…(she laughs hardily as she watches the village burn).

Zalbeseal: (The stasis chambers venture back to him, his eyes inspecting each specimen carefully. While inspecting, he abruptly turns around, clutching the arm of a man attempting to assault him. He turns and looks into his eyes, his grin widening with each passing second). Tell me, do you know any of these people?

Man: …yes! (he struggles to free his arm).

Zalbeseal: Very nice…(he twists the man’s arm, breaking it, and throws him on the ground, impaling him with his blade. He returns his blade to his sheath only to defend himself further. With ease he clutches a man’s hand, flips him around violently, twisting his neck. The other man receives a jab to the ground, and is kicked into the distance). I can see why the shinigami pursue spiritual beings from this location. They are quite brazen. I think we’re all done here, my dear.

Veznesel: Fine. I was getting bored anyway. So, how do you plan on returning these to your lab?

Zalbeseal: Simple. Connect (the disks fire energy wires, connecting each to one another. He forms a peculiar sign and taps the air, generating the Waikiki Getou. The stasis fields work their way through the gateway, followed by Zalbeseal and Veznesel).

This is set after whenever Ezretha and Yua are done fighting with Farfalla, whatever the outcome may be.

[Hazy Memories!]

Zurui awoke in Squad Four barracks, feeling absent-minded, forgetful and in an extraordinary amount of pain. Evidently the fight against Gilgamesh had not gone well, though Zurui felt there was a particular reason why he was so badly injured. Hazy memories.

-What the hell happened? One minute I was fighting Gilgamesh, the next minute I somehow wake up in Squad Four barracks, after somehow losing a fight against one of the Shirub. Did we get the blood and what happened to me!-

All he could remember at this current point was fighting Gilgamesh, sending Teiko and Nagaishi back to the Soul Society and Hsien-Shao deciding to stay and help him fight against Gilgamesh, so how had things gone so wrong? Maybe the Shirub had sent another, stronger, Angel to fight them and that was why he was in so much pain and couldn't remember a thing; it had to be the reason!

-So who did they send, then?-

Abruptly, a vision replayed itself in his head and he was taken back to the Gilgamesh fight, which had been laid-back, for the most part, until he remembered that the Shirub had, indeed, sent another Angel to assist Gilgamesh. However, this had been no ordinary Angel, and that was assuming that Angels were, in fact, ordinary; this Angel had lacked the subtle power Gilgamesh had held, instead she had been immensely powerful. In fact, she was so powerful, and quick, that she had used a 90's Level Kido on him before he could even blink, then had cut down Hsien-Shao in the blink of an eye; no ordinary Angel indeed.

Strangely enough, another memory had appeared in his amnesiatic mind, one of a battered Hsien-Shao, who could barely stand upright, assisting the Squad Four members and Kido Corps in aiding him and removing the Kido from hi mand healing him enough to move him back to the Soul Society. Zurui was actually unsure how he still survived after the attack, then remembered that he had used a Danku right as the Kido had hit, though it had only just managed to save his life and hadn't achieved much beyond that. He would have to work on the efficiency of his Kido if he wanted to survive the battles that the future would bring. He was also surprised that Hsien-Shao had been allowed to leave the Soul Society, though, in retrospect, the Squad Eight probably hadn't asked permission to leave the Soul Society and most likely would have snuck away and joined up with the Squad Four members and Kido Corps members.

Zurui sat up, then groaned as his injuries flared with pain once more. Yua Honoka was wandering the barracks and glancing over each of her patients. She noticed him sitting up and strode over, looking somewhat irritated, though he wasn't sure why.

'Captain Kurohyou! Sitting up will irritate your wounds, so I suggest you lie back down at once!' Zurui bowed his head and lay back, thinking that she was probably right anyway. Zurui noticed she had several minor injuries and lacerations, but thought it best not to comment.

'My apologies, Captain Honoka, I simply sought to test how much pain sitting up would bring... I can't stay here forever, you know.'

Yua peered back at him, ignoring the comment. 'I gather you would like an update on what happened to you, as well as anything that has occurred since then?'

Zurui nodded. 'I remember small parts of what happened, Yua, but I simply can't remember anything else, which is what worries me. I would also appreciate any information on a certain Shirub, who is not exactly an Angel and is extremely powerful and quick.'

Miss Honoka sighed. 'I only just returned from battle recently, Zurui, so there's limited information I can give you. As far as I know, you were trapped inside a high-level Kido, by a user with an extraordinary amount of reiatsu... You received serious wounds and they were treated by my Vice-Captain. It also appears that Hsien-Shao disobeyed suggestions to rest up and heal, and he snuck away, exiting through a Senkaimon and assisted the Kido Corps and Squad Four members in aiding you and removing the Kido. He was injured badly enough that he could barely walk, and, as a result, is still healing, though he insisted on staying in his office with young Miss Kagamine. He's certainly a strange man, that Hsien-Shao.'

'Thank you, Captain Honoka, I'll take it easy and rest now.'

'Yes, yes you will, Captain Kurohyou.'

-(Time Skip, Five days)-

Zurui had finally been given permission to leave Squad Four barracks, as he was almost completely healed. He decided to meet up with Hsien-Shao, thank him for assisting when he should have been healing and retrieve the vial of blood from him, Teiko and Nagaishi. The four met up close to the Department of Research and Development and the three Captains handed over their vials and then looked ready to leave.

'Not so fast! You three made an exceptional effort to help retain these vials, surely you must want to see what the end result will be?'

Teiko and Nagaishi glanced at each other, the typical unease settling between the two of them as usual. 'I'll certainly want to see what the end result will be.' This remark was from Hsien-Shao, who looked quite pleased with himself and the results.

'I'll join as well. I did assist in bringing the blood for you, so I should be there to see what you have concocted for us, Captain Kurohyou' Nagaishi spoke lightly, a lingering respect reflecting mildly in his eyes.

'I don't see the point. He has his blood, now we should get back to training and honing our skills, right?' Teiko replied nonchalantly, looking somewhat unimpressed.

'Don't be a fool! You have as much right to be seeing this as any of us do. Don't go trying to make yourself look the fool again, Teiko, because, as much as you annoy me, I believe you made a nice little effort to help your fellow Captain out.'

Teiko looked surprised. 'I know I annoy you and I honestly couldn't care a less, but I think you may have a point there, so I'll join you three then.'

Zurui looked at each of them, then turned and walked through the doors to the Department of Research and Development.

-This will be immensely satisfying to say the least. Finally I can prove my worth as the President of Research and Development and Squad Twelve Captain... I'll show those Shirub what happens to those who cross me!-

The blistering burns inflicted on the 11th squad captain are an awfully inflamed red color. Ezretha’s tormented skin seemed to hiss while the toxins from the monstrous vines ate slowly and mercilessly away at the palms of his shaking hands and half of his grimacing face. Yua kept a watchful eye on the deadly zanpakuto while she crouched down again beside her injured friend. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and threw a hard look at Farfalla before turning quickly to inspect Ezretha’s other wounds, finding that she should be able to easily restore them.

“Damn her…!” Ezretha glared with his fierce ruby eyes burning into the acidic green ones of the awaiting Angel.

“Bakudō # 73: Tozanshō!” Yua shot a blue point of energy that rises up and it splits into four, creating an inverted pyramid barrier around them. In the protection of the spell the 4th squad captain bends to begin treating the slices that have soaked blood onto his clothes. “At least I can get you part way healed.” She summoned her green kido to surround her hands before letting it blanket over the wounds.

Farfalla cocked an eyebrow at them. “Now I can’t allow that!” She called from beyond her slithering barbed vine. With a wave of her hand clenched tightly around her hilt she sends the coiling creeper speeding at the kido to get to two captains. “When you’re down I prefer that you to stay down!”

Yua gasped as the zanpakuto crash into the barrier, a long fissure began to appear on one side. The sharp end of the vine directed its attack on the weakened wall causing the barrier to shudder. Now the rest of the plant body begins to encircle the whole pyramid and constricts. Her blood speckled up face grew determined and she hurries to finish her work before the kido is completely destroyed.

Ezretha takes another look at his burning hands, held up safely out of the way as he was being treated. They were no use to him if he can’t touch anything, especially his zanpakuto because of the risk of contaminating it. “I gotta be able to use my Ketsueki Rotasu.”

“We can try this.” The healer pauses to open up her medical pack and takes out a roll of bandages. “It won’t last very long, but I have more and this should give you some time to work with your blade.” She quickly and carefully makes a patch cover on his palms and wraps the sheets around the hilt of his zanpakuto, making them nice and thick just to be sure before she continues healing. The toxins on his skin sizzle underneath the contact of the soft cloths and make him winces slightly. “Oh, I’m so sorry!”

Ezretha shook his head. “No, it’s fine…” He flexes his fingers and takes his sword in a wrapped hand.

“Times up!” The Shirub’s voice declared followed by the sound of shattering glass, she has finally over powered the barrier. They looked above to see the top collapse and the sides break apart around them. The vine came in after the falling shards with unheard of speed. Yua immediately halts her healing kido and helped her fellow captain back onto his feet, the two flashed only half a second before the vine pierced the soil they were previously standing on. Great chunks of earth and debris are tossed in the sky as it burrows further. The shinigami reappear at least eighty yards away, vibrations were felt rumbling directly underneath them getting stronger and louder.

Farfalla turns in their direction and looks on coldly. “You’re not out of danger yet!” In an elegant motion she flicks her zanpakuto like a reign and pulls suddenly. The captains lower their eyes at the ground beginning to swell. They push off and launch themselves into the sky just when the ground erupts to unleash the massive angry vine that seizes after them.

“We’ve got to be careful about dealing with her zanpakuto!” Yua warns as she looks below them and tries not to frown when she sees the vine continue the chase. “She’s relentless.” The bristly limb close in fast and thrashes about, sweeping at them wildly.

Ezretha sprinted and dived swiftly under the first attack that went to take his head off and grits his teeth as the great vine came rocketing around again this time spinning with its barbs forced out like a spiked twister. Carefully, he weaved around the slashes, almost like a dance, twisting by to immediately side jump another wicked thrust to his gut. Yua’s blue eyes widen as she saw the quick vine aimed to skewer her through the heart. She leaps to dodge that and bolts higher to flip her body over the side of the vine as it follows her, adjusting herself to narrowly avoid slashing open her back one of the large spines. She straightens up and skips back as it whips at her from below. They shunpo by the other attacks and landed on the ground. Panting lightly, they look between Farfalla and the incoming zanpakuto as it wheels about for a second round. The captain of the 11th division steps forward and grips his blade tighter in his bandaged hands, his hard face not showing any traces of discomfort from the action. He glances down and makes a thin cut on his arm, touching it with the end of the shining blade. His blood is eager to be drawn into the blade; crimson energy starts to glow from it. “Rotasu… jomyaku!” he unleashes a powerful surge of blood that slashes viciously towards the Shirub. Her face tightens in concentration and flings her blade hilt in front of her. The vine alters its course and intercepts his attack. The energy cut its way through a portion of it and huge pieces are ripped apart, stained in red. Farfalla flashes from the blasts, sliding on her feet to stop before sending the still huge vine at him.

Yua quickly responds. “Hadō# 73: Sōren Sōkatsui!” the bright blue energy crackles and sparks through the air. The front point of the vine swerves around the spell which caused the captains to flash to safer location, but the kido does find a target with the giant body. Upon impact its bursts into azure flames and incinerates areas of the poisonous plant.

After dipping into his blood and attacking a few more times Ezretha leans back, looking paler than normal and feeling a little light headed.

“Careful now Captain,” the Angel taunts playfully. “You wouldn’t want to die before my toxins can kill you! I know the relief of dying sounds good at the moment.” Farfalla laughs as she strengthens the vine and commands it to form a vortex, with the barbs ready to pull the shinigami in the center and tear them to shreds.

“Try not to get your hopes up, there’s no way that I’m going down that easily!” Ezretha shot back as a green light flashed on his side and the dizziness went away.

The healer lowers her hand from his arm. “Your blood needed to be refreshed. I’ll make sure you keep your strength and abilities.” She wears a small smile and quickly steps on front of him and points her shining sword at Farfalla. “You will give up your method for the antidote, willingly or unwillingly!”

"If you believe it'll be that easy you're a fool!" Farfalla’s emerald orbs flashes with hatred and her vine launch across the battlefield.

“Take them to their graves! Kurai Tsume!” Yua holds her sword straight and her spiritual pressure skyrockets, the swirling energy screams like a jet engine around her in a blue-green tornado. When her reiatsu spirals long her blade and reaches the end, mists explodes from her released shikai and expands to cover the area. Through the thick fog Yua grabs Ezretha’s arm and flashes away from the earth quaking attack. She takes them to a safer position with her sights locked on to the Angel and calls her own power. “Shi no omen!” Her black curved sword takes aim and a teeming horde of shadow crows stream like bullets out of the jagged tip.

The numerous black birds swarm for Farfalla at an incredible pace and she swiftly turns defend herself, directing her vine right at the shadows. The two forces collide midway and begin a massive struggle. The huge limb swings its massive weight to block and bludgeon the many smaller fast moving shadows. The shadows wash over the vine like a wave, cutting away at them with their cruelly sharp bodies. A small flock was able to slip through the blockade and dive at their intended target.

Farfalla smirks and pulls the vine closer to her body.

The captains flash to split up and circle around to get a clearer shot at the Shirub. They race at her when they saw her sneering as she spun with her zanpakuto, fighting off most of the shadows. Many bleeding nicks and cuts decorate Farfalla’s arms and sides from a lucky few who managed to get inside her defenses. Ezretha and Yua both got their weapons ready, gripping their swords handle tighter to attack. One weapon glows blood red and the other shines pale turquoise.

Yua is the first to strike. Leaping through a small space in the coiling vine and slashes out her Kurai Tsume in a blurring arc aimed for the base of the Angel's neck. Farfalla stops battling the shadows and twists around at the last possible second to stop the healer’s blade with the lance like point of her vine. Yua backflips and flashes out of its path, landing on the balls of her feet she sprints around the outside of the massive spiraling vine to get another shot at her.

Out of her periphery Yua saw a flash of red coming from the other direction and she hastily moves out of his way. Ezretha was getting close about to slice Ketsueki Rotasu upwards with deadly accuracy.

"Zankokuna sokubaku!" Yua twirls her zanpakuto over her head and fires a long extention of black razor sharp chain from its tappered point. It punctures through the vine and wraps itself tightly around it. Dark smoke faintly rises from the cord from having come into contact with the toxins but the links conitnue to burrow in and constrict harder. Yua commands the chains to pull and the vine straightens to now become untangled from its master.

Farfalla digs her heels in the dirt to keep from being dragged with her zanpakuto and jerks her hilt harshly, smiling brightly as the vine snaps the indivdual chain. The broken links shoot in all directions. "That was pathetic!"

"How about this?" Yua traces a wide circle in front of her. The edge of her blade makes the sound of cutting glass as it curves through the air. Farfalla lunges her vine to stop the healer. "Cluster..." she completes the circle and just before the vine could touch her she punches the center of the circle and shatters it, unleashing throngs of strong sharp chains upon the giant plant. Coiling around and ensnaring the zanpakuto in masses of shadow cords.

With the Angels attention focused on Yua's attacks, Ezretha rushes in to strike.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I added onto it at the end, hope its ok:)

For clarification purposes, there is only a single, massive vine extending from her hilt. Great post, though, Silverain.

Thanks:) Oh, I went and fixed that part Crazie!

[Silent Nightmares]

Mikazuki had fallen asleep at her desk. It wasn't the first time and sure wouldn't be the last. Her happy memories and thoughts slowly clouded over in a gray haze, then pictures started popping up on the fog itself. Faces of everyone she knew, some still images while others were talking, yet no sound ventured from their black and white lips. Her thoughts continually cicled from the Captains to the lieutenants, past and present. She saw Soi Fon, Komammura, Byakuya, each captain fading into the fog, she then saw the faces of the current captains, her brother, Yua, Neshura, Teiko, and the memories slowly faded again to the faces of the lost lieutenants. When she saw Fai's face, she saw her hand reach out. She cried out to him, and noticed threads holding her ams in place, blak threads. She turned her head, seeing three figures siluettes but she knew who each one was. She then saw a thread rush forward and...

She woke, out of breath, a cold sweat running down her face. She slapped her self lightly on both cheeks, rubbing her eyes weakly. She got to her feet, walking to the door, staggering from fatigue.

As she opened the door, she waked slap bang into her brother, who was just about to knock. She fell into him, still tired.

Mikazuki: (She half yawned as her words tumbled out of her mouth)Hi brother, what brings you here?

Kakura: (He shook his head as he lead her back into her office) I don't think its best for you to be wandering around like that. You might hurt someone.

Minutes later, she was awake- sort of. Kakura had brewed some tea in an attempt to wake her and he sat down on the opposite side of her document covered desk, sipping away at his own tea.

Kakura: (He sighed lightly, looking curiously at his sister) So what's bothering you?

Mikazuki: (She was still dazed as answered, yawning as she spoke) Nothing is the matter. Why do you think...

Kakura: That there's something wrong? I'm your twin. I know you, that and you smell a bit ripe.

Mikazuki: (she inhaled deeply, exhaling as harshly) Alright, I had a nightmare.

Kakura: (He smirked a little) Really? Huh, I thought you were too grown up for them?

Mikazuki: (she looked up her brother, rapidly getting to her feet, slamming her hands down on the desk, sending papers flying this way and that, as she shouted at him) Shut up! This really freaked me out and all you can do is make jokes. (She sat back down, clutching her arms and shivering, tears slowly seeping from her eyes) I was really scared by it. I felt hopeless.

Kakura: (He plaeed his cup down, rushing over to the other side of the desk, hugging Mikazuki tightly as she weeped) Come on let it out, then tell me about it. You'll feel better.

A few minutes later she had finally calmed down and statred babbling out the dream in as much detail as she could...

Mikazuki: ...and then I turned and I saw these siluettes and they looked like Azriel, Sekhmet and Zalbeseal and this thing headed to my chest and...

Kakura: You woke? (Mikazuki nodded) Can't say that's particularly nice.

Mikazuki's head lowered, deep in thought. She suddenly leapt up and strode to the door startling her brother.

Kakura: Hey where are you going?

Mikazuki: I need to be in a less stifling environment.

Kakura: (He was the picture of confusion) Huh? Why?

Mikazuki: (she turned to him with a fire in her eyes) So I can find a way to face this. And the only way to do that is to beat one of those bastards, now leave me alone, I've got some thinking to do.

[Feelings And Opinions! Parameta Yaiba Against Zurui?]

(Zurui hurried towards the spot he had reserved for himself, which looked over the ocean and often would calm him and give him the opportunity to sit and meditate, or just think over anything we was working on, worried about or just wanted to spend time thinking about and analysing; analysing situations and thoughts seemed to be his most time-consuming activity. The spot was already seeing the sunlight, which was poking half-heartedly through the bunches of cumulus clouds that inhabited most of the sky at this current point in time.)

-What is she doing here?! I never showed this spot to anyone else...-

'Good morning, Captain Kurohyou...' Mikazuki seemed somewhat preoccupied, staring over the rippling waters absently, evidently deep in thought.

'Good morning, Captain Kurotsuki. I see you have taken to visiting a spot I also frequent regularly. Is there something on your mind, Captain?' Zurui asked curiously, not at all bothered to have company while standing in the spot he coveted.

'There's always something on my mind, Captain. Anyway, I'll leave you to it... I have some things I have to attend to. Good day...' she spoke nonchalantly, but sounding slightly haunted and then she left abruptly, forgoing meeting his eye.

-I don't really know Mikazuki Kurotsuki well, but that seemed somewhat strange to me. Oh well, that's none of my business. I suppose her brother will always look after her, he seems to be quite protective of her-

(Zurui sat down and meditated for a while, just to calm his soul and purify it of the thoughts that had been plaguing him since he was so easily defeated by the Shirub woman. The sun helped a lot, making him feel peaceful in mind and warmed his skin, while he sat in a relaxed position. Perhaps he would find the fellow Captains he had been collaborating with and then show them what he had done since three days ago. The devices had proved to be a success and the Vice-Captain he had chosen some time ago, before he had even fought Gilgamesh and the Shirub woman, had helped him somewhat. The reiatsu-channeling device she invented, and hadn't completely finished, was a major part of his research, though it would have been completely useless on its own. She was a brilliant inventor, Fukyuu-Hime, though her inventions were somewhat incomplete. She was great getting the technical details done, though the theory could sometimes be a little misplaced, but she never quite finished anything she made)

-I guess I should go and find Hsien-Shao, then. He would be interested in the hypothesis I have formulated for this device. I guess Teiko and Nagaishi might also be tempted to come have a look, in response to their awkwardness when they were all shown the mostly-completed model device. I wonder what they'll think now?-

(Zurui decided to head back to the Department of Research and Development, thinking that he would also stop by Squad Eight barracks, Squad Ten barracks and Squad Nine barracks to fetch the others and bring them with him to his laboratory)

When he arrived at Squad Eight barracks, he was greeted by Hsien-Shao. 'Hey there, Zurui, what's up?'

'We'll be heading to get the other two, so I can show you all what my Vice-Captain has invented and how it will help us out. Let's go!'

(They stopped by the other barracks, explaining why they were there and then they all made their way back to the Department of Research and Development. Standing in the hallway, which lead to the elevators, was Fukyuu-Hime, who looked like she had something to report)

'What is it, Lieutenant?' Zurui questioned, his curiosity getting the better of him.

'Well, sir, I have been continuing to work on my reiatsu-channeling device and I think it is ready to attach to the devices and then we can begin the wiri-' Zurui cut her off abruptly.

'That's great, Lieutenant, how I have a task for you. Would you please go fetch the testing device and set it up in my lab, so I can then begin doing the wiring, then I can show my fellow Captains what the device actually is and explain it in full. I'll also require you to set up your reiatsu-channeling device in my office as well.' Zurui then patted her on the back and motioned to the other Captains.

'Hsien-Shao, Teiko, Nagaishi; this is my Vice-Captain, Fukyuu-Hime Meian, who is also a researcher at the Department of Research and Development. She's quite brilliant, though she never has finished an invention herself, but her inventions assist in the development of some of the technology and inventions that I have completed, since I was made a Captain. Lieutenant, these are Captains Wong-Ling, Seishin and Nagaishi.'

'Pleased to meet you, Captains' Fukyuu-Hime said softly and bowed to each one.

(The Captains nodded politely and then Zurui led them to his laboratory, located in the basement floor of the large building. His Vice-President, a brilliant inventor and researcher who went by the name of Hensei Chiryoku, worked on the same floor, though his research had been going for years and still wasn't complete. Zurui knew, however, that once he did complete it, that it would be brilliant and worth the wait. Zurui stopped when they got his laboratory, scanned his retina, then the door flew open)

'Okay, lets do this. I'll attach this here and this there, then I'll go fetch that...' Zurui grabbed a fusing-welder and began to fuse-weld the wires to the reiatsu-channeling device, while attaching the other ends to the device itself. Before, he attached the other sides, though, he needed to shorten the wires, so that the device wasn't too bulky. At the moment, the reiatsu-channeling device was small enough to sit in his palm, while the device was even smaller. Once they were connected, Zurui quickly fuse-welded, doubly, an attachment for the recipient's arm to be tied around. This attachment was metal, which had a strong polyester material to bind it around the arm of the user. Finally it was done.

'This is the completed testing-model for the device. It has a reiatsu-channeling device attached, which uses the Shirub blood to act as a catalyst for the energy that the device channels through your body. This exists as a constant aura around your body, but also a flow of energy inside your body. This is similar to a battery, in that the longer you use the device, the longer your own reiatsu and device's reiatsu is drained. You will have basically complete control over your own reiatsu and the reiatsu from the reiatsu-channeling device, which will give you a mastery over certain manipulations of your own spirit energy. This will help your spiritual awareness, shunpo (by concentrating more spirit energy into the use of your shunpo), your general control over flaring your reiatsu and raising it, or lowering it and also, you will be able use a few techniques that encompass full manipulation of your bodily reiatsu, or rather, the reiatsu that flares around your body when you raise your reiatsu, or the aura of reiatsu from the reiatsu-channeling device. Do you understand what I mean, Captains?'

The other Captains nodded in reply. 'I better be getting back to my Squad, Zurui, I'll leave you to it.'
Then the three Captains left, nodding to Zurui and Fukyuu-Hime.

(Zurui grinned at his Vice-Captain, then he left the department and made his way back to another peaceful area that he liked to meditate in. Choosing a good spot to sit, Zurui began to meditate, thinking to confer with his Zanpakuto's spirit and visit his Inner World. After a good half an hour, Zurui opened his eyes and was in his Inner World. A range of mountains was directly north of his location and he was surrounded by a forest, that was full of blackened, dead trees and a sparsely scattered pinch of vegetation and dirt clumps. The mountains were much closer than they looked and avalanches constantly fell, as though the mountains were at war with their slopes and earthquakes, of low magnitude, struck every few seconds)

'Nice to see you again, Zurui.' Parameta Yaiba appeared behind him, his Zanpakuto drawn and in Shikai form.

'And you. I don't suppose you would consider showing me something, would you? I have a problem, a problem I'm sure you are well aware of and probably most gleeful about. I want you to help me get stronger, so I can fulfil my idea for revenge, or what I consider to similar to the notion. So, will you help me?'

'Under one condition... You have to meet my requirements, otherwise I won't teach you anything. Is that a deal?'

Zurui stiffened in annoyance. 'Fine, what requirements would you have me meet?'

'You make me move... If you can do that, then I'll fight you and show you an extension of your Shikai and Bankai power, plus, I'll also show you an alternate way to wield Parameta Yaiba as a melee weapon.'

'Sounds good to me... Let's go then!' Zurui shunpoed instantly, clashing his blade with his Zanpakuto's.

(Golden sparks issued from between the two kinds of metal, and they both held their ground determinedly, neither wishing to back down. Zurui snarled and raised his reiatsu by a relative amount, forcing the blade back, but not quite forcing the Zanpakuto's spirit backwards, or to move his feet. Then Parameta Yaiba flung Zurui's katana back with the Shikai form and Zurui landed on his feet, an irritated look on his face)

-If I have to do this, in order to get stronger, then I will. Just you wait and see, Parameta Yaiba!-

I'm very sorry, for my lack of activity. I've been busy with Confirmation and soccer practice, games, art commissions, Ultimate Frisbee, Family "issues"... Yeah, not a fun week. Bur I'll get back into the swing of things soon, hopefully I'll be given the opportunity to post soon. I was going to, but I have no idea what to do. I'm only going to be on for a few minutes longer, so Yeah. As soon as we get the part about what the blood is for and the beginning of that...thing... I'll post. That'll be sometime within the next few days hopefully. Great posts, by the way! I'm really loving them you guys. Again, I'm sorry for my inactivity, and thank you all for being so patient with me. :)

I believe I already explained that in my post, Link. 'The part about the blood'... XD.

Fukyuu-Hime: Hey, Captain

Zurui: Good day, Lieutenant


Fukyuu-Hime: Nice to meet you, Captain Kurohyou. I am Fukyuu-Hime Meian, thank you for choosing me as Lieutenant



Captain Kurohyou: Nice to meet you.. Now I'll show you the Department of Research and development and then I'll show you to your office and mine, in Squad Twelve barracks


(Fukyuu-Hime and Zurui leave to go inspect the two buildings)


-Time Skip, One Month-
(The three Captains, Nagaishi, Teiko and Hsien-Shao leave and Zurui stands there with a contemplative look on his face)[1:17am] Captain Kurohyou grins at her: So, I have a few things to do, mainly meditate, so I'm going to go visit my spot and do that. Can you put that device away?

Fukyuu-Hime: Yes, Captain. Is there anything else you need me to do?

Captain: Kurohyou: Nope, that's it. You can do whatever else you want to, after that. I will be a few hours, I think. If anyone needs me, just tell them I'm busy and have something to do. You are in charge of Squad Twelve until I get back

Fukyuu- Hime : yes captain

Captain Kurohyou: Thanks. Oh and can you find Hensei, the vice president, and tell him while I’m away. Thanks

BP, I have finally found time, and will post. I'm sorry, we must have posted at the same time, so i didn't see it. sorry.

No, its fine, honestly... Post whenever you want. lol. Yeah, I thought that might have been the case, but, yeah, now you know anyway. XD

Teiko strode quietly back to his barracks, Nagaishi and Hsien-Shao following him silently. Neither of the two were willing to speak. The first stop had been Hsien Shao's barracks. He nodded curtly and made his way inside, closing the gate door with hardly a sound. Teiko stood there with Nagaishi for a minute, awkward silence and tension filling the air. He turned to begin walking again and Nagaishi followed quietly. As they rounded the corner to Nagaishi's barracks, the captain of Squad 9 merely snorted at being in the presence of a so-called "brat" and moved on, shutting the door quite loudly behind him. Teiko walked on, muttering to himself.

"Freaking Bastard. All he ever does is whine about how annoying I am. Maybe he should keep his mouth shut, then he wouldn't have such a problem with me." Teiko said through gritted teeth as he slammed the door behind him. He slid down the wall as he sank into thought, keeping his mind alert for any sort of distraction. He hated thinking about how much Nagaishi reminded him of Aosu.

As he drifted off into a deep sleep, he thought he had glimpsed a moving figure in the shadows of his room. He shook his head in an attempt to keep himself awake, but just as he had made out the facial features, he was closing his eyes.

"Ao...su...?" he muttered in his sleep, riddled with dreams of dispair.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++­+++­+++­+++­+++­+++­+++­+++­++

Teiko was in a deep, vast forest, dim lights showing on the trees from all directions, seeping through every opening it could find. The forest, lit up by the Twilight, rustled gently with the breeze, his eyes following the leaves that passed by his head. He swayed ever so gently with the wind, his mind wandering. His eyes rested on a shape in the distance, moving slowly but surly in his direction.

[Play Music: IGNORE THE WALLPAPER OF THE VIDEO]

Teiko snapped out of his trance, his mind focusing slowly on the shape. He soon realized that it was not a shape, but in fact, it was a sillouhette. Three of them in fact. All fully grown, human in appearance. They walked with an odd, overconfident stride, each of them taking a large distance in each step, something Teiko would have walked two steps to cover. They were tall and slender, each of them standing at least a foot over him. He backed up a step, the forest suddenly becoming a haunting place - a giant trap of sorts. He began to get frightened, his body moving without his consent as he realized who the three figures were. The one to the far left, his shadow stretched farther than the other two.

Arizel.

The one on the far right, his body looked odd, near sickly even. He was Skinny and tall.

Zalbeseal.

The one in the middle. Though being slightly shorter than Zalbeseal, the way they walked, their confident stride and regal composition. There was no mistaking that.

It was Sekhmet Aosu.

Teiko began to run for all he was worth, his feet flying over the ground as he sprinted trough the darkening forest of twisting, gnarled trees. He tripped over a camouflaged root, and collapsed, feeling his legs fail him. He groaned as the three of them came within sight once more, looking back and spotting them over the horizon. He broke out in a cold sweat and crawled backwards, almost a kind of crab-walk. He gasped for air; he felt as though he was suffocating. The figure drew a devilishly sharp blade, which shone clearly against the sky. The blade was covered with flames, the fire licking and swirling into the air, setting the leaves above the wielders head aflame. Teiko lost the ability to breathe through this madness, his heart pounding so hard he thought they could hear it. Though given the distance between him and the three others(about 1000 meters), that was not likely.

And with one mighty downward swing, the blade sent a shockingly colossal waved of burning fire towards Teiko, who watched as it approached, singing and then reducing to ashes all that it came in contact with. Teiko tried as hard as he could, but his body wouldn't move. As the flames came within a hundred feet, he felt the heat, a sudden wave of it, singe his hair. He pleaded with his nerves to let him move, to free him so he could escape, but as the flame drew within the last centimeters, Teiko had given up. As he felt the first lick of fire, he was about to let out a shrill cry of agony, when he was suddenly surrounded by darkness.

Teiko jerked awake, still leaned up against the wall. He felt a burning sensation in his right hand. Teiko looked down to find a glowing candle propped up against his hand, the wick slightly orange. He licked his fingers and pinched the wick, putting out the fire hazard. He thought back on his dream, the fire, the figures, the...everything...

Teiko slapped himself, his head cluttered with thoughts of his nightmare, of his comrade turned enemy....

He couldn't think straight. He needed to get out of the stuffy room he was shut up in. As he made his way towards the front of his barracks, he was shocked to find a lightly concerned Hsien-Shao waiting at his door, ready to knock. He lowered his hand, studying Teiko sweaty, disheveled face.

"Are you alright?" he asked, displaying concern. Teiko was taken slightly aback by this, but her put on a fake smile and nodded.

"I'm alright.... it was just a-"

"Nightmare?" Hsien-Shao asked suddenly. Teiko lowered his eyes to his feet, nodding sheepishly. Hsien-Shao placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Walk with me, would you Teiko? You can tell me all about your dream- er, nightmare, and get it off your chest." Hsien-Shao gestured to the cool, crisp night. Teiko smiled lightly.

"Perhaps later this morning. I need time to think and be alone. This requires me to figure it out myself, so I cannot be in the company of others. I am thankful for the offer however." Teiko finished with a smile. He pushed politely past Hsien-Shao and walked slowly toward the gate, stumbling a bit as he covered his mouth to stifle a yawn. He opened the gate, the darkness not interrupted for even a moment as he allowed Hsien-Shao to close it as he left and walked back to his own barracks. Teiko listened to the faint footsteps as he himself vanished into the very place his nightmare had occurred.

As he approached the forest, he began contemplating other minute details of his dream.

That light that had been surrounding him...what had it been? It had not been Twilight, or a mere campfire.

Fire

"Thats it..." Teiko spoke to nobody in particular, his voice shrill with imminent fear. "that was not natural light. It was fire that had surrounded the forest in my nightmare... 'Sekhmet's fire'."

I'll try and get on and post after band practice. I'll be gone to Disneyworld for the weekend for Festival. But I'll try.

[Carpe Diem: Phase three]

Farfalla: (She scowls as blood spills across the ground. She flicks her wrist, sending vibrations through her massive zanpakuto.) Gahanega…(She purses her lips as giant black thorns thrust from the mighty vine. It begins violently gyrating, pulling on Yua’s black chains).

Captain Honoko: (She furrows her brow before placing distance between she and the vine)

Captain Isishio: (He watches as the colossal vine continues to rotate, its speed increasing exponentially. It shreds her chains, resembling a rotating drill).

Farfalla: (she begins carving out the landing. With every swing the fearsome vine uproots everything in sight) …I wanted a challenge, but I was hoping to not be battling two of the strongest captains. What a disadvantage I’m at, especially considering your Shikai.

Captain Honoko: So, you’re prepared to forfeit?

Farfalla: Oh, no, not in the least. I’m prepared to unleash all of my power.

Captain Isishio: That won’t help you, Farfalla.

Farfalla: Oh, we’re on a first name basis, are we? Well, unfortunately, I came here for one purpose and one purpose only (She slowly raises her hand, point at Lieutenant Kija, hiding in the distance).

Captain Isishio: Over my dead body!

Farfalla: Have it your way. I can stretch the rules if necessary. And if that means using my Bankai to wipe out two shinigami, I will only be rewarded for my efforts.

Captain Honoko: I fear the measure of her Bankai, Ezethra…

Captain Isishio: Why is she going in to Bankai so soon. Yua, she doesn’t need her Bankai yet, but she is threatening to release.

Captain Honoko: I agree, Ezethra. Her tactics are confounding. It is almost like she’s pressed for time, which is disconcerting. If we’re not her biggest concern, what is?

Farfalla: (Her vibrant seaweed green eyes glare at the lieutenant, watching her every moment. Like a snake she waits for her opening, biding her time).

Captain Isishio: Keep your filthy eyes focused on us, woman.

Farfalla: (She shifts her focus, mocking his threatening tone with a mild grin) Silly, shinigami. You bear your fangs too early. By the time you’re presented with an opportunity, you’ll have no more venom to threaten with.

Captain Honoko: (She frowns at the angel’s clever retort, finding her disposition discomforting). Ezethra, you need to focus.

Farfalla: (she grips her hilt tightly while her vine slithers across the ground) Mmm… (she closes her eyes, enjoying the aromatic experience) …I was always fond of Rakuseki medōzu. When I came here as a child, it felt like all my worries just melted away. It’s a wondrous place, don’t you agree? (She watches as the captains observe her cautiously). No response? Alright. This will only hasten your deaths. But if you’re interested in dying sooner, who am I to disagree. (Energy begins spiraling around her, building and becoming denser). Bankai… Spina Sanguinante.

(She flicks her wrist allowing the oscillating energy to merge with her zanpakuto, prompting it to explode in size. The black thorns become more pronounced and it sprouts sister vines, each just as colossal as the first. The energy settles on Farfalla, creating armor that resembles leaves and foliage. Petals adorn her shoulders and hair, the edges resembling blades).

Captain Honoko: I feared this, Ezethra. Okay, let’s not allow her any more time to plan! (She draws a triangle with her finger, firing a series of teeth-like energy beams at Farfarlla. )

Captain Isishio: (He watches Yua’s skillful delivery, effortlessly producing two Shitotsu Sansen without so much as a word. He shakes his body, refocusing his attention to Farfalla)

Farfalla: (the beams strike two of the vines, pinning them to the ground. She watches as threads of energy connect the Bakudo, confusing her. With a flick of her wrist, the vines burst through the Bakudo with relative ease).

Captain Isishio: …what are you doing…

Captain Honoko: Bakudo 89: Sutādagāsuchīruankā!!!

Captain Isishio: RIGHT! Bakudo 61: Rikujōkōrō (the beams of energy strike the center vine just before it Captain Honoko’s massive Bakudo binds the vines further).

Farfalla: (She watches is complete dismay as a rotating ring appears around the center vine, adorning with four protrusions, resembling a throwing star. The ring tightens around the vine, squeezing its body firmly before chains propel from each protrusion. They ensnare each sister vine, creating two more rings with four protrusions. The outer portion of the ring begins rotating, reeling in the other vines. Each ring catapults dozens of chains into the ground, each chain as a grappling hook on the end. They dig deep into the soil, firmly grounding the Bakudo. As the rings rotate, they force the vines together, reducing her Bankai to bound stems). What an ingenious tactic, captain. It will be your last…but I still wonder what prompted this?

Captain Honoko: I foresaw this from the very moment you released your Shikai. I’d be a fool not to prepare for such an event. You, however, remain a fool. You thought you were assured victory, but you have no idea who you’re dealing with.

Farfalla: (Her demeanor completely shifts, generating screams of fury as she struggles to free her zanpakuto. She turns her head, a violent crimson wave surging toward her. It strikes her body, her hand losing grip of her hilt. Her body slams across the ground, skidding on the soil. She anchors herself, grimacing at Captain Isishio) Sneak attacks…that’s all you people know how to do, isn’t it?

Captain Isishio: They work.

Farfalla: Oh, they most certainly do.

Captain Isishio: (she steps on her hilt, watching her vines struggle to free themselves.).

Farfalla: You shinigami are famous for your deceptive practices. You slither in the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. If you consider it, you have always been worse than we are now. That’s why you need to be dealt with...annihilated. You need to be wiped from existence. And I’m so glad I could be the one to help bring that to fruition.

Captain Isishio: I can see you’re upset, even now, the grief paints your expressions.

Farfalla: Don’t worry…in a short while you’ll be able to relate to my anguish. Your suffering has only begun. You don’t think it ends with us simply procuring your lieutenants, do you?

Captain Isishio: You keep your filthy goddamn hands off of my lieutenant. I’ll show you just how easily someone dies if they tamper with what I hold dear.

Captain Honoko: Ezethra… don’t you find it at all peculiar that her Bankai remains in its released form without her near it.

Farfalla: Keenly observed, Captain Honoko…(she reaches into the ground, pulling her hilt from the soil) Drosera… (she jumps up, pulling on her hilt).

Captain Isishio: (he directs his attention to his feet, notiing the vine burrowing further into the soil. Before he can respond the ground begins to quake, the rock begins to shatter and separate. He leaps in the air, just in time to avoid the vicious creatures that begin bursting from below him).

Captain Honoko: (She observes in horror as these plants emerge from the ground, resembling venus fly traps, adorned with belly-like reservoirs below their jaws. Their jaws ooze a liquid substance, pouring onto the ground below, sizzling as it burrows deeper through the raw soil). What are these creatures…

Farfalla: Drosera…(the plants zoom forward, catching both captains off-guard. They tear through their clothing and into their flesh. Their teeth shred their flesh, pulling it from their bodies).

Captain Honoko: …I don’t know what to do, Ezethra.

Captain Isishio: (he clutches his side, blood pooling in his hand and on his clothing). …I don’t know what to do either. My head is foggy.

Captain Honoko: I could…I could…I don’t know what I could do. It’s like my head is devoid of all thoughts.

Captain Isishio: ...A bakudo…a hado. Motomeru Bainzu….(he swings his blade, propelling numerous blade-equipped vines).

Farfalla: (She laughs confidently, mocking the captains misfortune) I told you, didn’t I? (The blades are seconds from her body when the vines directing their movements atrophy. The blades snap off, flying past her body. She watches as they breeze by, delivering a gratifying smile). Ha ha ha…(her derisive laughter only infuriates Captain Isishio further).

Captain Isishio: What the hell just happened…my zanpakuto…

Farfalla: …was exposed to the corrosive liquid produced by my Shikai. From the moment of contact, it has been slowly eating away at your Shikai. Only by retracting those vines was it able to reach your hands and face. You’re awfully unlucky, captain. (She walks forward, watching as the captains’ squirm, unable to formulate any plan of attack). It seems to only get worse, doesn’t it, captains? The feeling of absolute vacillation… such a sensation is enough to bring even the most prepared warrior to his or her knees. Your consciousness feels absent, almost like it has abandoned you, and at such a regrettable moment. Those who have experienced Gahō have described it as infinitely numbing. It will render most frontal lobe cognitions ineffective. To be precise, your ability to process information and incorporate it into a well-developed plan is unavailable to you.

Captain Honoko: Inner-monologue: This sensation is exactly the way she described. I feel completely detached from all higher-level functioning. All efforts to formulate a counter are halted from very moment I begin concentrating on her. It appears to be affecting Ezethra more heavily, as he has expended more energy than I have.

Farfalla: (She quietly observes the captains, delivering her greater focus on Captain Honoko) Inner-monologue: That female captain is far less fragile than she appears. Her intuition is impressive, but even she couldn’t foresee this event. Even now, she is focusing all her concentration on a single solution to her problem. Her preparedness was likely a result of multiple scenarios, but now she can barely establish a single option. I think I’ll end her life first, she seems to be the most skilled tactically. Tell me, Captain Honoko, did you ever expect this? To die at the hand of someone you once considered to be your ally?

Captain Honoko: I can’t say I ever truly gave it much thought, to be honest. Once you defected, you became our…my enemy. I didn’t participate in piecing together your motives or our relationship due to your prior authority in the Gotei 13. Your chose your path, a path I disagree with. My duty calls me to sacrifice my own personal beliefs, for the sake of many. I don’t believe you can argue the same perspective, Farfalla.

Farfalla: (her smile becomes an infuriated grimace. Her brows anchor between her eyes as her pupils expand, projecting absolute hatred onto Yua’s porcelain face.)

Captain Honoko: (Her gaze does not waiver, delivering a powerful vote of confidence. Her eyes flicker, focusing on Farfalla’s increasingly angered expression, Yua’s face never losing its soft appearance) You and your cohort are selfish and shallow. However, your anger is undeniable and I can sympathize, but I can’t accept your choice of behavior.

[BEGIN PLAYING MUSIC]

Farfalla: How dare you! HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME WITH SUCH DISRESPECT! AFTER EVERYTHING YOUR PEOPLE HAVE DONE ! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT GENOCIDE DID TO ME? TO ME PERSONALLY?! …(she looks down, spiritual pressure building and weighing down the air) it took everything from me. My entire family was completely slaughtered. In a single hour, on a single day…my life…my world was torn from my grip (a tear rolls off her cheek, landing on the ground below). I watched as the people I loved, the only people I had ever known, fell. I saw their eyes, devoid of life…but their voices spoke to me. They pleaded for me to avenge them. On that day, I made a promise, a promise to serve our princess and to strike down those who unlawfully struck us. I suffered, my people suffered, but no, we didn’t have time to mourn the losses. We had to protect what was left of our buried nation… our culture…our PEOPLE! PEOPLE WHO DID NOTHING TO DESERVE WHAT YOUR ANCESTORS DID TO US! And for that…I will watch you suffer and take solace as all your dreams and all that you have ever known is buried…(Farfalla’s voice deepens as she raises her head. Her eyes are full of malice and her body is fueled my absolute hatred. The emotions corrupt her spiritual pressure, slowly manipulating it into a blackish green. Her eyes dart to her left, past Captain Isishio. In the distance is Lieutenant Kija, fearfully watching the battle). All ignorance comes at a cost…. (She violently swings her blade, managing to shatter the Bakudo holding her zanpakuto. Her zanpakuto swings through the air horizontally, striking Ezethra, spikes piercing his flesh. His body is thrown into the distance, left to bleed on the ground. Farfalla swings her hand, prompting the vines to pursue Lieutenant Kija. She successfully dodges them, but her success is only temporary. She is swatted from the sky by the primary vine, sending her hurtling into the ground below. Farfalla tilts her head to the side, delivering a sinister glare at the lieutenant, who is now attempting to get up.) Toge no sosei…(several thorns separate from the vine, attached by a long, thick membrane. They rocket toward Lieutenant Kija, skewering her body. The vine retracts its spears, leaving the wounded lieutenant to bleed to death).

Captain Honoko: Lieutenant Kija…no.

Farfalla: (She turns her head, observing Yua closely) Don’t worry…you’re next.

[The Thinking Process]

[Play Music]

The dulcent tones of a sad melody hung in the evening sky. In a peaceful part of the Rukon District stood the Kurotsuki home. Through an open window, the notes from a violin floated gently out of the window along with the notes from a piano. Mikazuki stodd in the centre of the main room, playing her violin while playing a record of a piano on a record player. She had her eyes closed, running the bow smoothly along the strings. She did so deep in thught. This was the way she thought best. Ideas flew through her mind one after another, each one tossed aside if it did not meet the desired effect. Mikazuki twirled in a circle, trying to get her blood flowing better. Each bar of music brought a new idea and was rejected all the same. However not only ideas crossed her mind as she played the soul filled tune, again, like her nightmare, memories of those lost clouded her mind at odd intervals casing her playing to become more emotional unil the memories subsided and were replaced yet again by the steady flow ideas.

[Stop the Music]

The door opened. Mikazuki stopped playing and in one swift movement turned off the record player. Her brother walked to the kitchen, setting down a brown paper bag nearly overflowing with shopping. He turned to her smiling.

Kakura: (He started unloading the shopping, while he talked to her) Your playing has gotten remarkably better sis. Maybe you could show the other captains at some point.

[Start Music Again]

Mikazuki: (She turned the record player back on, and begun playing again. She took her eyes off of the violin neck to make eye contact with her brother) Well only if you teach me how you make those rice balls of yours, they're delicious.

Kakura: (He laughed a little as he tossed the now empty bag aside) OK. I'll keep my end of the bargin as long as you keep yours.

Mikazuki:(She closed her eyes again, focus ing and blocking out her brother from her thoughts) Yeah, sure Kakura.

Kakura: (He lent against the kitchen wrok top, shouting over the building cresendo of notes) You know, I wonder how Yua is doing? She and Ezretha have been gone for a while...

Mikazuki: (She shouted back irrately) I'm sure they're both fine Kakura! Now would you please shut up, you are breaking my concentration!

Kakura: (He was surprised at her out burst, but responded with an equal attitude and tone) Well I thought you would be worried, considering how close you and Yua are!

Mikazuki: (A vein pulsed in her temple as she responded) I have a lot of faith in Yua! She'll come back safe, she's one of the strongest captains we have left! Besides, she's not a child anymore, she can look after herself!

Kakura: (He leapt away from the worktop, hurrying out of the house shouting as he went) I don't know what the hell is wrong with you! Ever since you came back from that battle, you don't seem to treat others with the same respect and you seem to shun every single bit of affection shown to you. This is not my sisiter talking. I'll be back when you're back to normal!

She played on another thought passing her mind. She had completely ignored her brother's words.

Mikazuki:[Inner Monologue] Maybe bait? Nah that would be a useless idea, it never works. I know what the damn things want yet I don't have the right means to lure the bugs out. I need to stop them from trying to eating away at our foundations.

An image crossed her mind at that moment. A smile played Mikazuki's lips as she continued playing.

Mikazuki: [Inner Monologue] Maybe she can help.

Well, that song sounds awfully familiar. lol