Without Dreaming Shallow Dreams


 * In previous chapters, the mysterious Shinigami Seireitou Kuchiki has told Kouhei all about the Shinigami and of his weapon, the Zanpakuto. During his discussion with Sei, a Hollow attempts to devour a little girl plus but due to an intervention, the soul is saved and the Hollow purified. Kouhei, now realizing that he is helpless to save anyone, even himself, he begs to learn from Seireitou.

Power Within and the Soul of a King
Like Seireitou requested, Kouhei was on his roof. It was 7:56 pm, about 4 minutes before Seireitou said he would meet with Kouhei.

...Tick-tock... Tick-tock...

Over 4 hours had past, and it was now 12:00 pm. Kouhei has sat there paciently, though he was steamed at Seireitou's lateness. Kouhei turned around and headed for the door. At that moment, Kouhei heard a shriek. One similar to the one given off by the Hollow from yesturday.

Kouhei hesitated to go to the source of the yell but swallowed his fear and ran for it.

He heard the yell coming from the park and hid behind a bush. Beyond him, he saw a large Hollow chasing a small little plus boy. "Leave me alone!" yelled the small boy at the Hollow but the Hollow just kept on going.

"Hey, get out of there!" called out Kouhei, still hiding from behind the bushes. The boy tried but was captured by the Hollow. Kouhei began to tear and remembered that he was powerless to save anyone. He then thought back to the people whom he liked and respected and his friends whom he wanted to protect above all else.

In an act of determination to live and protect he got up, and wiped his tears. He stood out from the bushes and held his sword with both hands at the Hollow.

...To be Continued...