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| Spectre of the Past: Dawn | Spectre of the Past: Morning | Spectre of the Past: Noon | Spectre of the Past: Zenith |
Part 1[]
Seireitei, Twelfth Division Barracks. Shinigami Research and Development Institute underground. Night.
"What is this place?", asked Captain Ikiryō Kuragari.
Following Captain Kaoru Shōki and Lieutenant Akira Tanaka together with the Grand Kidō Chief Kurokawa Tadayoshi, the Shinigami entered a vast underground cavern. It had a cylindrical shape, and multiple rock formations protruded from the floor. In spite of being well-lit, there were no visible sources of light.
"I sense something odd", remarked Tadayoshi.
Both he and Kuragari spoke in emotionless tone, their faces relaxed and indifferent - courtesy of Tanaka's tranquiliser.
"This is one of my greatest projects", began Captain Shōki. "A special testing ground where the time passes ten times faster than normal."
"How did you do that?", inquired Ikiryō with a jaded voice.
"I and Akira-chan have studied the Dangai for many years, and we've eventually managed to copy its time dilation properties. It's still imperfect, though, but I believe it should be of great help to you anyway", explained Kaoru, smiling.
Eventually, the group walked down on stone stairs to the bottom of the cavern. Then, Shōki led the others to the centre of the cave and halted.
"Tadayoshi-kun, after I inject you and Kuragari-kun with the Hollow formula summon two multi-layered barriers around each of you, okay?", she said whilst examining the syringe once again.
"Sure."
"Let's go, then."
Subsequently, she administered the substance without prompting any kind of reaction from the tranquil Captains. Heeding her words, Kurokawa quickly erected two glowing Kidō barriers.
"How long will it take?", she asked Akira.
"I've condensed the formula, so it should take effect any second now", he replied.
After a moment the two enclosed Captains started moving uneasily. Their placidity was wearing down rapidly as they clutched their heads and began trembling.
Then, the screams started. The barriers flickered momentarily when immense amounts of spiritual energy emanated from their bodies. Subsequently, white masks proceeded to materialise gradually on their faces.
"It's working better than I've expected!", commented Kaoru with an unsettling smile.
Constantly shouting with deepened, reverberating voices, the two Captains lashed violently at the barriers entrapping them. Fortunately, the shields withstood their frenzied strikes.
All of a sudden, large holes opened in their chests. Afterward, bony structures started forming over their bodies, further likening them to actual Hollows. Big armour plates began appearing on Tadayoshi while a pair of additional, skeletal arms sprouted from Kuragari's sides.
"Are you sure the tranquiliser works, Akira-chan?", asked Shōki almost indifferently.
"Yes, Captain-hakase. Although, they must subdue the inner Hollows themselves, otherwise they will not gain any power", responded Lieutenant Tanaka.
Ultimately, the rapid transformations halted abruptly. The two Captains suddenly became calm again, and cracks started appearing in their Hollow-like body parts. Then, they shattered and fell to the ground, with only the masks remaining afterward.
"It's... over?", muttered Kurokawa.
Resembling an apathetic face, his Hollow mask was adorned with several orange lines. On the other hand, Kuragari's appeared similar to a menacingly smiling skull with some indigo spirals above the eye sockets.
"I feel... odd", commented Ikiryō.
Unexpectedly, his mask cracked and broke apart much to his surprise. Tadayoshi looked at him shocked, only for his mask to shatter mere moments later.
"Was that supposed to happen?", he asked uncertainly.
"It seems you've managed to subjugate the inner Hollows, congratulations!", said Shōki cheerfully. "However, now you need to harness their powers."
Kuragari lifted his left hand to his face. Then, streaks of dark energy began flowing from his fingers, prompting the mask to reappear in the blink of an eye.
Nevertheless, it started breaking apart only after several seconds.
"How do we do that?", he inquired afterward.
"This is pretty simple: you must don your masks and fight with each other. Every time the mask shatters, you should promptly summon it back and continue. I predict that with each consecutive re-summoning you should be able to maintain it for a longer period of time", explained Kaoru.
"So, we have a month to practice before fighting with Maebure, am I correct?", asked Ikiryō.
"Yes", replied Shōki with a grin.
"Thanks for your help, Shōki-san", said Tadayoshi.
The Twelfth Division Captain blushed momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure.
"No need to thank me, yet. Just make sure you'll be able to outmatch the old guy, and then we may talk about a compensation", she said with a smirk. "I and Akira-chan are gonna return to our duties; once the time comes, I'll come here and notify you. For now, have fun."
After exchanging goodbyes, Captain Shōki and Lieutenant Tanaka left the spacious cavern, leaving Kuragari and Tadayoshi alone.
"We have not trained together for quite a while, huh?", said Ikiryō whilst assuming a fighting stance.
"Yeah. You're ready?", asked Kurokawa, following suit.
"Anytime."
Then, the two Captains swiftly summoned their Hollow masks, their enhanced Reiatsu raising clouds of dusts as they did so.
Part 2[]
Seireitei, Sōkyoku Hill. Three days later, morning.
Standing at the edge of the immense cliff, Captain Haruka Mewokuramasu was observing the panorama of the Seireitei as she enjoyed a gentle breeze. Somewhat sombre, she was waiting patiently for the arrival of her estranged ancestor, the man who had dared to reach toward the throne of the Soul King himself.
Eventually, even though she could not sense his suppressed Reiatsu, she turned around unhurriedly. After several seconds Hikari Maebure materialised a medium distance away from her, gazing at her attentively.
"I am glad you have come", he declared whilst looking around discreetly. "Alone."
Haruka frowned slightly in response.
"I admit I have had my doubts about this meeting, but I truly need some answers", she explained.
The Sōzōshin took several measured steps in her direction, and then halted just a few metres in front of her.
"You may ask if you wish, I am in no hurry", he said.
Captain Mewokuramasu stayed silent for a period of time, glaring at him intensely with her grey eyes slightly narrowed. Ultimately, she took a deep breath.
"Why did you let Genryūsai-dono live?", she asked sternly.
Maebure seemed rather surprised by that question, though only for a moment.
"Contrary to what your colleagues may think of me, I am no monster. I have defeated him utterly, thus taking my revenge. There was no need to kill him afterward", he explained.
Haruka's face expression remained tense.
"Why did you kill Ueno-dono and his Lieutenant, then?", she inquired in a grave manner.
Hikari's face contorted for a split second, yet returned to its signature inhuman indifference in an instant.
"That was... uncalled for. Unnecessary. A severe mistake", he uttered with some effort. "I am afraid my time outside the Soul Society has had a detrimental impact on my manners."
A corner of Captain Mewokuramasu's lip twitched. Nevertheless, she took another deep breath and maintained her enforced composure.
"Why do you crave the Soul King's position?", she asked after a pause.
That time Maebure did not show any signs of shock.
"I suppose you know the history of my, our, kin well. The Shinigami had outstripped us from our glory and replaced us, plunging the Sōzōshin race into the abyss of oblivion. Without the Royal Clans in my way, I can finally restore some of that glory by becoming the new Soul King", he declared.
"You are an usurper, a war criminal", retorted Haruka.
Hikari winced, as if from pain.
"My dear, I admit I have committed my share of dubious acts in the past. However, do you really think the Shinigami are impeccable? Do you know all the details concerning my "mutiny"? After all, history is written by the victors", he said solemnly.
Not expecting such words, Mewokuramasu's calmness began shattering, with signs of genuine shock emerging amongst a variety of other previously inhibited emotions.
"Nonetheless, I believe the time has come for you to answer my question", he continued before she was able to say anything.
Struggling with her feelings, Haruka required some time to slowly retain her composure. Eventually, she raised her head and fixed her gaze on the Sōzōshin.
"Whereas I am glad you are not a vicious murderer, I still cannot accept you as a member of my family. No matter your past and your motives, you have committed crimes which deserve punishment. You must take responsibility", she stated in a stern manner.
Suddenly, she lifted her hand outstretched, surprising Maebure. The ground around him started glowing with an intricate network of runes, illuminating him in a bright blue shine.
"What have you done, Haruka-dono? Is this...?", he began in a tone unsettingly reminescent of woe.
"I cannot judge you, Hikari Daikōki Maebure, for I cannot be impartial. As such, the Captains of Gotei 13 shall be the ones to bring you to justice", declared Captain Mewokuramasu.
Before the Sōzōshin was able to respond, he vanished in the blink of an eye. The last thing which Haruka saw was his face expression: a disturbing mixture of sorrow and wrath.
Part 3[]
Soul Society, beyond outer districts of the North Rukongai. Morning.
Mere seconds afterward, Maebure began materialising in the middle of a large forest glade. When the features of his face solidified, he looked around with a noticeable scowl.
There were six individuals standing around him at even intervals, forming a circle. The Captains of the Third, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh and Thirteenth Division gathered with their Shikai already released, ready to apprehend the Sōzōshin.
"Hikari Daikōki Maebure, on the charges of intrusion, murder and assault amongst others, we shall put you under immediate arrest", declared Ayako Fukushima in a severe manner. "You have only one chance to surrender."
For some time, there was only silence. Tense or simply vigilant, the Captains were observing the motionless Ryoka, awaiting any kind of response. Suddenly, his indifferent face expression was replaced by a menacing smile. Then, Maebure drew his Zanpakutō swiftly and lifted it upright.
"Rise, and banish the shadows, Tteooleuneun Taeyang", he announced.
The blade of his katana dispersed in a flash of light. Subsequently, as he swung the sword downward to the side, a narrow beam of orange energy erupted from the hilt with a low-pitched hum.
"That's the spirit!", shouted Kenpachi Kūfuku fervently.
The Eleventh Division Captain rushed toward the Sōzōshin with his double bladed axe lifted to strike. Despite the abruptness and his considerable pace, Hikari easily blocked the attack with his gleaming sword. Nevertheless, its impetus prompted him to slide backward a short distance.
"Orrraaah!", exclaimed Kenpachi as he proceeded to shower the opponent continuously with powerful slashes.
Rather than defend himself, Maebure started dodging the onslaught of mad cuts with economic movements. Irritated, Kūfuku swung his Zanpakutō with higher speed, only for his enemy to disappear with the faint sound of Shunpo.
"Nikkō Taihō", heard the Captain from behind.
He turned around quickly, but a wave of blinding light had engulfed him before he could do anything else. The beam of energy lifted him into the air and cast him a substantial distance away, a streak of smoke emanating from his body.
"Rendaken!"
"Kanzandan!"
Then, Maebure narrowly escaped a barrage of sharp steel wedges and a volcanic bomb which struck the place he had been standing a split second ago with significant force. Subsequently, as he was landing on the ground a distance away, he immediately used Shunpo again, evading an unexpected outburst of highly pressurised water erupting from the earth.
Sliding on the grass to lose momentum, Hikari jerked his body and swung his shining Zanpakutō rapidly, cutting a large boulder shooting toward him from behind in half. Afterward, before he was able to assume a fighting stance, Captain Takeo Danko thrust with his bladed tonfa from the side.
Maebure blocked the sudden attack, but swayed and lost balance due to his inconvenient pose as he did so. The Ninth Division commander stabbed again, missing mere milimetres; a shallow cut appeared on the Sōzōshin's kosode. The third strike was parried more effectively, but Hikari had to duck instantly to avoid decapitation when all of a sudden Kenpachi slashed with his elegant axe from behind.
"Sekienton", whispered Maebure as his palm touched the ground momentarily.
The three were quickly enveloped in the cloud of red smoke. Hikari used the opportunity to Shunpo away, but immediately after emerging from the cloud the other Captains followed him.
With a smirk, he lifted his Zanpakutō, pointing it at the sky.
"Saebyeog : Taeyang Gwangseon", he declared.
As the Shinigami were approaching him, they suddenly widened their eyes when they noticed numerous bright energy bullets plummeting toward them.
The attack was fast and covered a large area swiftly. Some of the Captains narrowly evaded the plentiful small explosions thanks to Shunpo, but Tarō Kinzoku and Fudo Shōdo emerged from the barrage with a few singes. Previously charging in a tight formation, the Shinigami had to disperse in all directions.
Taking advantage of that fact, Maebure plunged at Captain Fukushima and crossed blades with her, proceeding to exchange a series of rapid slashes, blocks and parries. Constantly focused on the intense sword fight, she could not utilise her dangerous reality-warping abilities. Furthermore, despite her mastery of Zanjutsu and considerable experience, the smooth yet relentless repeating strikes of the Sōzōshin began wearing her down.
Fortunately, Captain Danko freed her from the fierce duel, pouncing at Hikari from an alleged blind spot. Even though attacked unexpectedly and with significant ferocity, Maebure managed to block the potent thrust, though he had to jump back due to its momentum. Then, as he was floating mid-air, Kenpachi Kūfuku whacked him with his double bladed axe. Surprised, Hikari was repulsed a considerable distance away because of the attack's brute force.
Subsequently, as he landed heavily on the glade, a volley of sharp steel, smouldering ashes and pressurised water dashed toward him.
"Kōkōtaru Byōtō", he declared.
A dome of orange light quickly stood in the barrage's way, absorbing all of its substantial damage. Its faintly shining surface cracked in several places, but withstood the combined power of the three attacks. The Sōzōshin immediately swung his Zanpakutō upward, and then pointed it toward his enemies.
"Achim : Sinseonghan Gidung."
Then, the column of devastating light plummeted from the heavens with frightening speed. The Captains had little time to react as the technique struck the ground in the middle of the scattered group. A big, bright explosion followed, dispersing the Shinigami violently as they flew into the air followed by trails of smoke.
"You've lost your chance, Maebure!", shouted Ayako, enraged.
"Oh?", replied Hikari, raising an eyebrow.
"Comrades, it's high time to show him the true might of Gotei 13!", exclaimed the Captain. "Bankai, Sōdai Kōgō!"
Right afterward, she lifted her ornate scimitar as it glowed momentarily. Subsequently, the Zanpakutō transformed into a large scepter-like weapon with multiple-bladed head and a long shaft, the golden Reiatsu of its wielder released as a potent shockwave which quaked the earth perceptibly.
The other Captains promptly assumed appropriate stances and grasped their Zanpakutō.
"Bankai!", they announced in an imposing choir.
Subsequently, the Sōzōshin witnessed the overwhelming simultaneous release of five another Bankai, bathing in the vast sea of Reiatsu which filled the entire area. He smiled briefly, but then a look of extreme concentration and vigilance appeared on his scarred but noble face.
"What a magnificent spectacle! Most inspiring", he commented. "As such, since you grant me the honour of beholding the might of Gotei 13, I feel obliged to present the true power of a Sōzōshin noble in turn."
Following that, he grasped the hilt of his Zanpakutō with both hands and raised it vertically whilst his spiritual pressure started emanating in the form of a vast, orange aura.
"Bankai", he declared in a dignified tone.
All of a sudden, a column of bedazzling light struck him from above, momentarily concealing him under the orange glow. Then, when it faded away, Hikari emerged majestically, wearing an elegant white robe and a golden diadem. The gleaming blade of his sword started shining intensely.
"Jeonche Taeyang", he announced afterward.
Subsequently, no longer suppressed, his tremendous Reiatsu emanated freely from his body, illuminating the entire forest glade. It became so intense that, inadvertently or not, all of the Captains flinched when subjected to its magnitude.
Nevertheless, the Shinigami did not remain motionless for long. They raised their Zanpakutō and moved toward him unhurriedly, gradually increasing their pace as they were surrounding him. Then, Maebure calmly swung his own sword in a circular motion and pointed it downward.
"Taeyang Peulleeo", declared the Sōzōshin with an ominous smirk.
Afterward, he was encased by a translucent sphere of light for an instant. Then, multiple humming beams of shining energy erupted from the dome winding upward, only to swiftly change their trajectories toward the incoming Captains.
Part 4[]
Soul Society, beyond outer districts of the North Rukongai. Morning.
Even though surprised, the experienced Shinigami tried to evade the rapidly incoming rays. Nevertheless, their attempts were deemed futile as the beams of light followed them swiftly, hitting the designated targets with remarkable precision mere moments later.
Inhumanly tranquil, Hikari observed the fiery flowers of explosions blossom nearly simultaneously, emanating an orange shine and shaking the ground perceptibly. Then, a single silhouette emerged from one of the quickly expanding clouds of gusts, dashing toward him with considerable speed.
"Sekai Konagona!", exclaimed Captain Danko.
Enveloped by a tempest of yellow spiritual energy, he plunged at Maebure with his bladed tonfa thrust forward.
"Kōkōtaru Byōtō", declared the Sōzōshin in response.
Suddenly, a glistening sphere enclosed him, standing on the impending attack's path. Undisturbed, Takeo struck it with full force. First, the surface of the sphere vibrated noticeably. Then, a single circular depression formed around the Captain's Zanpakutō, promptly followed by another, bigger one. Subsequently, as the barrier collapsed under the third exertion of the technique's force, its shining surface shattered into a plethora of glowing bits.
Alerted, Hikari used Shunpo to retreat right before the released force of Danko's attack was unleashed, eradicating the entire area within a single second.
Whilst the ground around him was being torn to pieces, Takeo landed swiftly and lifted his double bladed tonfa. He looked around quickly, trying to spot the enemy; however, he was too late. Maebure stopped right behind him with a faint sound and swung his gleaming Zanpakutō swiftly.
"Meiankyōkaisen", he whispered.
Right when Danko was about to turn to face him, the brilliant blade expanded rapidly and engulfed him in a blinding wave of destructive light. Uttering but a groan, the Captain was launched into the air by the force of the attack, eventually falling heavily a distance away all the while followed by a trail of smoke.
Then, Hikari had to dodge instantly as a geyser erupted right below him. Taking a Flash Step after another, he proceeded to evade an onslaught of blasts of pressurised water which shot toward him from the ground and from above. Captain Sakamoto Risa continued the relentless assault in an attempt to overwhelm the enemy with its abruptness and ferocity.
However, Maebure had been skilfully avoiding the destructive torrents until he stopped for a moment to point his sword at the Thirteenth Division commander.
"Nikkō Taihō", he stated quickly.
A wide beam of brilliant energy burst forth, emerging rapidly from amongst the geysers and mist surrounding the Sōzōshin. Taken off guard, Captain Risa did not have enough time to react accordingly. She was hit by the attack directly, its considerable force prompting her to plummet toward the earth uncontrollably.
All of a sudden, Hikari heard a distinct hiss. Several blades cut the air with tremendous speed, leaving him little time to escape; two streaks of blood remained for a while suspended mid-air after he had vanished utilising Shunpo. Subsequently, Captains Kenpachi and Kinzoku began pressuring him with unrelenting strikes of their large, extremely sharp blades, promptly forcing him on the defensive.
Focused and with two small cuts on his arms, Maebure blocked their savage and fast attacks for a while, swinging his gleaming Zanpakutō with such speed its blade virtually created a barrier around him. Eventually, after defending himself from over a hundred strikes within a period of several seconds, he sensed an opportunity and disappeared thanks to Flash Step, the Shinigami slicing the space he had been just a split second ago.
"Maboroshi", he declared immediately afterward.
Subsequently, a few dozen visual copies of the Sōzōshin emerged rapidly from his body and charged toward the two Captains, concealing the original amongst them.
"What kind of trick is that?", asked Kūfuku with mild irration.
"Troublesome", replied Tarō bluntly.
The illusionary warriors lifted their swords to strike, but the Shinigami cut several of them in an instant. Afterward, they proceeded to engage the group of silent copies, slicing them effortlessly and without actual resistance. In the heat of battle they did not realise their true purpose - distraction.
Suddenly, another Maebure materialised behind Captain Kinzoku. The latter slashed two phantoms simultaneously and turned around quickly to get rid off the next one, only to become surprised as the alleged copy evaded his strike and pointed its sword to his chest.
"Nikkō Taihō", whispered Hikari.
The following blast of spiritual energy engulfed Tarō completely and carried him a significant distance away, tossing him on the razed ground as it ultimately dispersed several seconds later.
"Hyaaah!", exclaimed Kenpachi unexpectedly.
Maebure rotated rapidly and aimed his sword at the Captain who had plunged at him with his giant poleaxe raised over his head. Another ray of destructive light erupted from the tip of the Sōzōshin's Zanpakutō, yet the Shinigami cut it in half as he plummeted at the enemy, forcing him to retreat quickly. Then, the two crossed their blades and locked them in a struggle of strength.
"You're strong, I like that", commented Kūfuku.
"I am more than strong", replied Hikari ominously.
All of a sudden he changed his position, throwing Kenpachi off balance and making him slant forward. Immediatly afterward he hit the Shinigami in his solar plexus with his elbow, followed with an uppercut to the jaw and then kicked him in the stomach, prompting him to sway backward a few steps. Then, Hikari pointed his left palm at the Captain.
"Tenran", he declared.
Subsequently, a violent outburst of torrential wind emerged from his hand, blowing the temporarily stunned Shinigami away.
Unexpectedly, Maebure felt the temperature skyrocket in an instant. He leapt into the air instinctively, narrowly avoiding a giant, triangular fireball which flew with frightening speed right below him.
"Gōka Mekkyaku!", he heard mere seconds afterward.
Another huge projectile of scarlet flames dashed toward the Sōzōshin.
"Meiankyōkaisen."
Then, Hikari swung his greatly enlarged Zanpakutō, dispersing the raging fire instantaneously. However, a split second later he realised that yet another projectile was heading his way with great speed - a light blue Sōren Sōkatsui blast fired by Captain Fukushima. With no time to react, he simply observed it briefly before it hit him, resulting in a large explosion.
Soon afterward the Sōzōshin plummeted and landed somewhat heavily on the ground, his white robe singed and smoky. Just as he set his foot on the razed earth, he noticed several glowing streaks of scarlet energy dashing toward him.
"Bakuhatsu!", yelled Captain Shōdo from a distance.
Maebure evaded utilising Shunpo, the spot he had been standing on vanishing in a violent outburst of raging flames. Then, he rapidly closed the distance between him and the Fifth Division commander, swinging his Zanpakutō to strike him from behind. Although, Shōdo turned around quickly to face him, his giant sledgehammer engulfed by constant blaze.
"Ryūsei!", he exclaimed, flames erupting from the exhaust pipes of his weapon with a protracted roar.
"Meiankyōkaisen", countered Hikari promptly.
The two shining Zanpakutō clashed brutally, causing a powerful shockwave of extremely heated spiritual energy on impact. The sheer momentum repulsed both of the fighters, throwing them off balance and scorching the earth around them. However, as Maebure was almost helplessly sliding backward, overwhelmed by Fudo's superior physical strength, he managed to rapidly outstretch his left hand and point it at the Shinigami.
"Kuyō Shibari", he declared sternly.
Subsequently, eight small black holes with purple outlines surrounded the surprised Captain, immediately quenching the tempestuous flames which had been enveloping him until then. Afterward, the ninth sphere appeared on his chest, finishing the potent binding spell and firmly immobilising Shōdo as a result.
Then, the Sōzōshin halted forcefully and slanted forward. The earth beneath his feet began cracking quickly, prompting him to leap into the air to avoid being crushed. Still, as the multiple big boulders raised from the ground, they instantly followed him with the speed of a bullet.
"Nikkō Taihō!", exclaimed Hikari whilst aiming his sword at the incoming blocks.
Brilliant beam burst forth from the tip of his Zanpakutō, destroying most of the boulders in a single strike. Nevertheless, some of them escaped the explosion, and gradually more and more of them were lifted from the earth.
"I declare!", shouted Captain Fukushima, swinging her large scepter-like Zanpakutō.
Seeing that, Maebure pointed the index finger of his left palm at the impending stones and proceeded to blast them with unnamed Hadō #35, Aikadan spells. All the while retreating in mid-air, he struggled to defend himself from the relentless barrage of large boulders.
Suddenly, when Ayako swung her Zanpakutō yet again, Hikari felt an abrupt jolt. Then, he realised the Shinigami had tossed him toward the ground, which had already begun splitting to form two giant plates of thick rock raising to crush him in-between. The Sōzōshin frowned slightly, a single drop of sweat flowing on his forehead, and grabbed his sword's hilt two-handed.
"Taeyang Peulleeo", he whispered menacingly.
Subsequently, a gleaming sphere of orange energy enclosed him temporarily. Afterward, numerous blindingly shining beams of condensed Reiatsu burst forth in all directions, instantaneously shattering the two plates of rock to pieces. The rays spread out quickly and unexpectedly changed their trajectories, aiming at the shocked Captain Fukushima.
Then, as the beams shot toward her with tremendous speed, she raised her Zanpakutō, glowing with her exerted spiritual power. The rays began winding slightly, forced to change their directions, but it was too late: even though they did not strike her directly, most of the barrage hit the ground around her, resulting in a brief series of powerful explosions. Burnt earth and smoke shot toward the sky in their wake.
Meanwhile, Maebure had landed softly a safe distance away and started walking toward the huge cloud of dust. After several seconds the smoke dispersed rapidly, revealing the wounded Captain swinging her Zanpakutō ferociously. Although, Hikari had anticipated her move.
"Bakudō #63, Sajō Sabaku", he stated almost indifferently.
Then, the four golden chains of glowing energy wrapped around Fukushima, preventing her from any further action and paralysing her in an awkward pose.
"Crap... not again...", she seethed, struggling fruitlessly with the spell.
"It seems your plan has failed, Shinigami", commented Maebure as he was approaching her unhurriedly.
All of a sudden, he stopped abruptly and swung his Zanpakutō. Mere moments later four Captains appeared behind him, charging at him with their Bankai prepared to strike. Even though damaged during the battle, they maintained their fighting spirit.
"Taeyang Peulleeo."
The Shinigami widened their eyes in brief shock as numerous gleaming beams of destructive right burst forth in their direction. Unable to overcome their momentum, they literally crashed into the incoming blasts, disappearing momentarily in the ensuing barrage of potent explosions.
Distressed, Ayako watched silently when Hikari smiled ominously to her. Seconds later four limp bodies landed heavily nearby, one after another, all followed by dense trails of smoke. Then, the Sōzōshin casually disactivated his Bankai, quickly reverting to his normal form, and sheathed his katana without a hurry.
"Damn you!", bellowed Captain Shōdo, who remained immobilised a significant distance away.
"Bakudō #63, Sajō Sabaku", said Maebure afterward.
Subsequently, the binding spell burst forth from his palm and proceeded to swiftly restrain the beaten Captains.
"Well, now nobody should interrupt us", remarked Hikari.
Then, he walked toward the quiet Fukushima and halted about two metres in front of her.
"As I have said, your plan has failed. Even though you assembled a team of six Captains, you have been unable to best me", he began in a callous tone. "Whereas I believe this has been unnecessary, at least I have proved my undeniable superiority to you. As such, I sincerely hope you will no longer actively oppose me on my way to the Soul King's throne."
Ayako frowned and delivered him a death stare, which resulted with another smirk from the undisturbed Sōzōshin.
"You may be powerful, but you're surprisingly shortsighted", she replied eventually. "You've barely taken your first steps toward the throne, yet you think it's already yours. I assure you you'll have to struggle a lil' bit more to obtain it."
Maebure raised one of his eyebrows in confusion. However, before he was able to say anything, his face expression had changed suddenly. Without a warning he slanted to the right and started unsheathing his sword as a blurred shadow approached him rapidly from the side.
Then, there was a loud clinging sound and some sparks were struck on the impact, his katana only partially drawn from its sheath whilst blocking the attack. Hikari used Shunpo to gain some distance, though as he was about to stop, he noticed a sphere of crimson energy flying toward him with considerable speed. Surprised, he took another Flash Step out of the blast's way, ending up a substantial distance away from the somewhat shocked Captain Fukushima.
Subsequently, two individuals materialised on her sides, both wearing tattered Captain's haori; one white, the other blue.
"Hello", said Ikiryō Kuragari.
"Sorry we're late", added Kurokawa Tadayoshi.
Afterward, the two Shinigami lifted their Zanpakutō, their Shikai already released, and looked at the noticeably irritated Maebure attentively.
Part 5[]
Soul Society, beyond outer districts of the North Rukongai. Noon.
"I've hoped we wouldn't have needed your help, but it's good to have you here after all", said Captain Fukushima with a wry smile.
"We would have come earlier, but Shōki-san insisted on us resting beforehand", explained Kuragari, somewhat abashed.
"Anyway, the battle ends now", declared Tadayoshi sternly. "After a hard fight with six Captains, you've got no chance to win with the two of us, Maebure. Surrender now and spare us the trouble of beating you up."
The Sōzōshin scowled in response, but his face expression suddenly became indifferent. Then, he smiled faintly.
"Whereas I admit that fight has been quite an ordeal, I am far from being unable to continue, young Captain. I have got plenty of energy to spare", he replied. "What is more, I think it is high time to showcase the full extent of my power, since less extreme "arguments" do not seem to convince your lot."
Saying that, he unsheathed his Zanpakutō and began lifting it upright.
"We won't let you!", shouted Kurokawa.
Subsequently, the Grand Kidō Chief quickly raised his hand to his head and made a sudden motion with his palm. Afterward, a bone-white mask with orange adornments materialised on his face instantaneously.
"Hadō #33, Sōkatsui!", he exclaimed right afterward.
Astonished, Hikari hesitated for a moment, thus losing the opportunity to release his sword. He used Shunpo to evade the light blue blast of energy, but another one followed immediately. Further surprised by the spells' power, he proceeded to dodge an incessant barrage of Sōkatsui blasts as Tadayoshi was firing them continuously with abnormal frequency.
Suddenly pressed by the rapidness of the onslaught, Maebure found himself amongst thick clouds of dust rising from each of the craters left by the potent explosions, completely obscuring his view. Then, he barely noticed a dark silhouette moving through the smoke and swung his Zanpakutō toward it in a preventive action.
The blade clashed with a set of clawed fingers, striking sparks as a result. Pushed back by the strength of his enemy, Maebure realised much to his alarm that the other newcomer Captain had also donned a Hollow mask, that one skull-like and embellished with indigo spirals. Afterward, still surrounded by the omnipresent dust, he started exchanging a series of incredibly fast strikes with Ikiryō, all the while leaping to the sides and utilising Shunpo.
Pushed on the defensive by the Captain's ferocity, Hikari eventually released his Shikai silently, swinging the hilt of his Zanpakutō alone until the shining blade erupted from it just in time to once again clash with Kuragari's armoured gauntlet. Seeing that, the Second Division commander started jumping around him with drastically increased speed, gradually leaving more and more afterimage copies of himself.
Focused, the Sōzōshin managed to keep up with Ikiryō by creating his own Shunpo clones, turning their duel into a battle between two squads of illusionary warriors. Nevertheless, he found himself pressed progressively harder. Ultimately, as he slashed Kuragari only to realise it was yet another afterimage copy, he unexpectedly felt sharp pain on his back. Alarmed, Hikari leapt rapidly to the side, a small streak of blood following him. Subsequently, as he pointed his Zanpakutō at the real Ikiryō whilst charging a Nikkō Taihō beam, he was suddenly engulfed by a light blue explosion of spiritual energy.
Immediately afterward Maebure emerged from the smoke, the left sleeve of his white Shihakushō vaporised and his forearm singed by the attack. Visibly irritated, he quickly swung his Zanpakutō upward and frowned.
"Senkō!", he exclaimed.
The two Captains turned their heads and covered their eyes quickly, yet the technique's intense flash of light still managed to momentarily blind them. Exploiting the opportunity, Hikari landed a distance from them and grabbed the hilt of his sword with both of his hands.
"Dammit!", shouted Kuragari.
When their sight returned to both of the Shinigami fighting the Sōzōshin, it had been already too late. With their vision still blurred, they witnessed as he impaled his chest with the gleaming blade of his Zanpakutō, a smile of satisfaction on his menacing, scarred face.
"Commence, Rebirth of Pureness!", he shouted fervently.
Kuragari and Tadayoshi plunged at him, though both were pushed back by an abrupt release of tremendous spiritual pressure. Maebure vanished in a bedazzling flash of light, his unleashed Reiatsu becoming a tempestuous gust of wind. The earth around him began cracking, stones and grass erupted into the air. Powerless, the two friends had to witness their opponent's transformation whilst struggling to maintain their balance due to the powerful wind.
Then, the flash ceased, eventually revealing the Sōzōshin. The change was fundamental; seemingly restored to his prime, Maebure looked significantly younger and the wounds he had sustained until then disappeared without a trace. Moreover, his bright yellow eyes became glowing orange, with five black lines in each of the irises located at even intervals. The tattered white Shihakushō transformed into an elegant robe with an ornate golden armour worn over it. Last but not least, a pair of spreading, shining wings sprouted from his back, and his Zanpakutō fused with his right hand, a gleaming, wide blade of burnt orange energy.
However, what struck Ikiryō and Kurokawa the most was an unexpected, disturbing realisation: despite the violent storm of Reiatsu just moments ago, they no longer felt the adversary's spiritual pressure.
"Chosinseong", declared Hikari with a wide, menacing smile.
"This is bad", commented Tadayoshi whilst taking off his Hollow mask.
"This can never be too easy", said Kuragari, following suit.
"I am surprised you can already see me", replied Maebure, looking at them calmly. "At least you may witness my might with all of your senses."
Afterward, he turned slightly to face both of the Captains directly. The other Shinigami officers remained immobilised over a dozen metres behind them, unconscious or watching silently.
"I am not sure what kind of exotic power you two have been using, but I recommend putting these masks on again", said Hikari, smirking ominously. "I cannot guarantee that I will not accidentally crush you otherwise."
"Do you remember the plan?", asked Ikiryō when turning his head to glance at his friend.
"Sure", responded Kurokawa, his Zanpakutō raised.
"Bankai", recited the two Captains simultaneously.
Maebure witnessed with a nearly tranquil face expression as his current opponents were emanating imposing levels of Reiatsu.
"Sonzai no Yūgure", declared Kuragari, now clad in a black-and-silver armour with his gauntlets enlarged significantly, and a tattered cape fluttering behind him.
"Shōkan no Mikoto", followed Tadayoshi, his elegant blade now transformed into a large, intricately designed longsword.
Hikari nodded slightly in response and then swung lazily his shining Zanpakutō, unexpectedly producing an explosion-like gust of wind with such an off-hand gesture.
"Your valiance is laudable, yet surely you are not unwise enough to face me with such level of power", he said. "I have just defeated several of your peers without unleashing my full potential, after all."
Ikiryō assumed a fighting stance and narrowed his eyes slightly.
"You are correct, but only to a degree. We will not fight you without unleashing our full potential, although we are going to defeat you exactly because you have defeated our comrades earlier", he retorted.
Kurokawa smirked, seeing as the smile disappeared from Maebure's face, replaced by a vague expression of irritation.
"We must finish this ASAP", commented Tadayoshi.
"Yes. Let's go", replied Kuragari in a somewhat tense tone.
Immediately afterward the two Shinigami Captains donned their Hollow masks. Wind blew as their spiritual energy rose substantially, stirring up clouds of dust around them. And then, as Kurokawa began reciting an incantation, Ikiryō leapt at the old Sōzōshin at full speed.
Part 6[]
Kuragari was fast, significantly faster than usual. Whilst charging toward his opponent he clenched his left hand into a large, armoured fist, preparing himself to deal a devastating blow. Nevertheless, Hikari raised his gleaming blade to block the attack in a motion casual and sudden at the same time. Then, the two Zanpakutō clashed.
The sheer force of the punch shook the earth and cracked the ground below Maebure's feet, blowing away dust in all directions. However, the Sōzōshin seemed almost unaffected by the attack and did not as much as flinch despite its power. Seeing this, Kuragari decided to immediately change that.
"Raiōken!", he exclaimed.
Hikari narrowed his eyes slightly. Then, the onslaught began. Both of Kuragari's arms changed into blurs as he proceeded to deliver a series of countless extremely fast punches. Whereas Maebure remained immovable while protected by his fused Zanpakutō, the entire area around him started shattering and subsiding increasingly with each consecutive strike of Ikiryō's gauntlets.
Suddenly, as the Second Division Captain threw the last punch, a shockwave occurred between the two fighters. Kuragari was plunged into the air seemingly helplessly, whilst Maebure slanted, at last affected by the former's Hakuda prowess. Subsequently, as Hikari quickly lifted his head and swung his Zanpakutō, he noticed a giant light blue wave of energy charging at him with considerable speed.
He frowned, and then a semi-transparent sphere of orange energy surrounded him. Immediately afterward the projectile struck, resulting in a large explosion which obscured the Sōzōshin completely.
"Wow, what was that?", asked Kuragari as he landed near his comrade.
"Sōkatsui", explained Kurokawa.
"Sōren Sōkatsui?", asked Ikiryō with an eyebrow raised slightly.
"Sōkatsui", repeated Tadayoshi simply.
"I did not expect such a power increase!"
"Says the man who changes landscape with his fists...", pointed out the Grand Kidō Chief.
"Pardon my intrusion", the two Captains heard a voice suddenly.
Then, they looked with surprise as Maebure, apparently unaffected, materialised between them. There was a blinding shine, and Kuragari managed only to shield himself with his armoured gauntlets. Fraction of a second later Hikari slammed his glowing blade on them, literally launching the Second Division Captain into the air.
Slightly slower to react, Kurokawa lifted his free hand and fired a chantless Shakkahō. Nevertheless, Maebure dodged the attack easily and made a sudden, swirling move. Shocked, Tadayoshi found himself facing the Sōzōshin's raised palm.
"Seki", declared Hikari in an indifferent tone.
Thus Kurokawa quickly followed his friend, propelled into the air like a bullet. Having recovered from the initial shock, both Shinigami eventually regained control and stopped, high above the ground. The Seireitei loomed on the distant horizon.
Before they were able to exchange any remarks, Maebure appeared again, this time some metres in front of them.
"I have taken the liberty to relocate our confrontation", he said in a somewhat disdainful tone. "For you two seemed unwilling to unleash your true potential in the vicinity of your defeated comrades. At least, that is the impression your recent "efforts" have made on me."
The two Shinigami remained silent for a short, but meaningful while.
"We do not have much time", reminded Kuragari.
"You're right", nodded Tadayoshi.
"Hadō #32, Ōkasen!"
"Hadō #33, Sōkatsui!"
The two spells were fired at the same exact time, and hit the Sōzōshin with unusual potency. As the giant explosion blossomed in the air, Ikiryō was assuming a fighting stance, ready to quickly follow the attack. However, he was not given the chance as Maebure unexpectedly used Shunpo to appear right in front of him.
"Damn...!"
The gleaming blade struck, and even though Kuragari managed to block it, he shook due to the sheer force of its impact. That was merely the beginning, though, since Maebure swiftly proceeded to shower him with smooth, yet powerful slashes, promptly pushing him on desperate defensive.
Angered, Kurokawa pointed his finger at the Sōzōshin and waited until the moment was right.
"Hadō #4, Byakurai!"
A concentrated bolt of lighting shot toward Maebure. Although, despite the fact he was engaged in an intense exchange of fast strikes and parries with Kuragari, the beam was deflected by the flurry of gleaming blade. Aggravated, Tadayoshi repeated the attack several times, each time with the same result.
Seeing that his friend was being pushed further and further back by the vicious onslaught, he decided to rush into the duel to help him more directly. Then, as he was about to strike Hikari's back with his longsword, its blade met unexpected resistance.
A mere moment later both Shinigami were engaged by the Sōzōshin in a ferocious sword fight, and in spite of their greater number they barely stood their ground against his Zanjutsu prowess.
"I am actually impressed", remarked Hikari, his voice not indicating any particular effort. "Most opponents would have been dead by now, yet you still prevail."
Soon afterward he evaded simultaneous strikes of the Shinigami Captains and crouched. Then, he struck Kuragari's stomach with his elbow and turned around quickly to strike Kurokawa with a roundhouse kick to the jaw, slightly cracking the chin of his Hollow mask.
The two Shinigami plummeted toward the ground far below. However, they were able to once again counteract their impetus and ultimately stop mid-air. Subsequently, they gazed upon Maebure with great intensity whilst taking quick, deep breaths.
"Doesn't look good", said Tadayoshi.
"We must take decisive measures, then", declared Ikiryō in a grave manner.
Suddenly, an orb of purple energy began condensing in his armoured left hand. Both Kurokawa and Maebure raised their eyebrows in surprise as he rapidly lifted and outstretched the arm.
"Cero!", he exclaimed as a wide beam of energy burst forth with great speed.
The abruptness and peculiar nature of his attack were enough to catch Hikari off-guard. And even though he managed to evade most of it, a part of his shining wing was vapourised and the right side of his face and arm singed. Nonetheless, as he was getting out of the Cero's way, his face expressed shock rather than pain.
"Bakudō #79, Kuyō Shibari!", shouted Kurokawa.
Eight black holes with purple outlines suddenly surrounded the fleeing Sōzōshin, and then the ninth one suspended him firmly in the air. Now visibly irritated, Maebure struggled with the high-level binding spell and freed himself. However, those few seconds were enough.
Ikiryō used Shunpo to appear right beside him and promptly took a wide swing at him. Subsequently, he struck him with a powerful left hook. Maebure's eyes widened right before the armoured fist smashed into his face, causing him to rapidly rotate around his axis and plummet toward the ground. Momentarily stunned, Hikari crashed violently, prompting the earth around him to crack and deform.
"Hadō #63, Raikōhō!", exclaimed Tadayoshi.
Afterward, the extremely potent lightning struck the crater in which Maebure had landed, resulting in a giant explosion which shook the earth considerably.
Meanwhile, Kuragari landed beside his friend, his now purple-and-black eyes fixed at the rising pillar of dust.
"That should have affected him a little", he commented. "Now we need..."
Then, the vast cloud of dust dispersed in a fraction of a second, revealing Hikari as he swung his bladed right arm. Singed and with his delicate wings of light tattered, he walked in an ominously slow pace toward the two Shinigami. He wiped a single streak of blood flowing from his mouth with his left hand and contorted his face in an expression of cold fury.
"Shit...", gasped Tadayoshi as he lifted his Zanpakutō in defensive stance.
Hikari disappeared.
Part 7[]
Reflex more than anything else saved Ikiryō's life when the Sōzōshin materialised abruptly in front of him, his blade lifted in preparation to struck. The armoured gauntlet of Kuragari's Bankai stopped the falling beam of humming energy, yet it was just the beginning; Maebure's Zanpakutō proceeded to slice the air in a flurry of lightning-fast cuts characteristic of the Senmaioroshi technique, emitting a loud, constant hiss in the process.
Utilising his outstanding speed and reflex to the fullest extent, Ikiryō struggled to block all of the innumerable strikes with both of his gauntlets, taking step after step backward due to the immense pressure of Hikari's onslaught. For several intense seconds he had withstood the vicious assault, but ultimately even his speed was outmatched; small cuts on his arms and chest began gushing with narrow streaks of blood, with every consecutive moment more and more of them appearing.
Then, Maebure's attack ceased as suddenly as it had begun mere seconds ago. Rent and covered in blood, Kuragari wavered, merely watching as his opponent was lifting the index finger of his free palm.
"Hadō #35, Aikadan", declared Hikari in a grave tone.
Subsequently, the Second Division Captain was completely submerged in the dark purple discharge of spiritual energy, and then carried by it a significant distance away.
"Ikiryō!", shouted Kurokawa with exasperation.
Hikari turned to him quickly and witnessed the Grand Kidō Chief place his palm on his Bankai's unusual blade.
"Hadō #73, Sōren Sōkatsui!"
Having charged his Zanpakutō with the powerful offensive spell, Tadayoshi subsequently swung the blade with great ferocity. The empowered spell escaped the Zanpakutō and burst forth toward the Sōzōshin appearing as a vast wave of destructive light blue energy.
"Hidō #1, Shōhi", uttered Maebure in response, his face still stiff in his tranquil fury.
Much to Kurokawa's chagrin, the great Hadō spell suddenly dispersed in all directions, dissipated and rendered harmless by Hikari's secret Kidō. Then, the Shinigami realised his enemy was pointing his gleaming Zanpakutō at him, a ball of humming energy rapidly charging at its tip.
"Bakudō #81, Dankū!", Tadayoshi managed to utter.
A potent beam of orange energy shot toward him and hit the hastily erected shield with tremendous force. The semi-transparent barrier stopped the brunt of the powerful attack, but cracked and shattered mere moments after being struck. The following shockwave knocked the Grand Kidō Chief back, singing him with its heat and tearing his robe with slivers.
"Kyomu no Ibara!"
Somewhat surprised, Hikari quickly turned around to face Ikiryō. Despite being heavily wounded, the Captain resumed the fight and charged at him with full force.
Maebure swung his Zanpakutō rapidly, swatting the bullets of spiritual energy with one swift motion. Whilst he was making his move, another potent beam of energy fired from his shining blade, this time targeted at Kuragari. However, the latter did not dodge; Hikari raised his eyebrows slightly when he saw his attack simply passing through the Shinigami.
"Bunkatsu Genjitsu!"
Reality itself was torn apart, the tear emerging as a pitch black blade from Ikiryō's left hand. Seeing this, Maebure instantly assumed a defensive stance and raised his Zanpakutō. Unexpectedly, its blade shone brightly and expanded into a pillar of dark orange light.
The two completely opposite blades clashed with each other with a loud, thunderous sound. The subsequent shockwave shook the Sōzōshin perceptibly, but Ikiryō was knocked back violently and landed heavily a large distance away.
"... Hadō #88, Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!"
With Kuragari acting as a temporary distraction, Tadayoshi used the opportunity to recite the full incantation and launched the incredibly powerful spell unnoticed. Nevertheless, Maebure remained vigilant and reacted quickly in spite of that.
"Hidō #7, Hikari no Yōsai!", he declared seconds before the colossal wave of energy immersed him in its devastating light.
Slanted and breathing heavily, Kurokawa observed the awe-inspiring reusult of his destructive attack. The ground trembled and blinding light shone for several long moments in the wake of the massive explosion his spell had caused.
Then, Kuragari, equally battle-worn and exhausted, appeared beside him.
"We do not have much time left", he stated in a grim tone.
"You think he'll still be able to fight after that?", asked Tadayoshi, obviously uncertain.
"I cannot sense his Reiatsu, but I doubt even that could kill him."
Suddenly, Ikiryō noticed the area rapidly became much brighter. Sensing something wrong, he quickly raised his head and widened his Hollowfied purple-black eyes.
"Fuck", uttered Kurokawa silently.
Mere moments later a barrage of large bullets of spiritual energy showered them with a bedazzling storm of complete destruction, blowing up the entire area around them. The two Shinigami were launched helplessly into the air, and then plummeted inertly toward the ravaged earth.
"I am impressed", announced a stern voice.
Hikari Maebure emerged from the vast cloud of dust, his gaze fixed upon the two fallen Shinigami Captains. Even though still lightly injured, his shining wings were almost entirely reformed.
"Ever since my duel with young Shigekuni-san I have not faced such powerful Shinigami as you two", he stated, now looking upon the gleaming blade of his Zanpakutō. "In my attempt not to crush you outright I have underestimated you, and thus let you wound me. However, no matter what, this fight can conclude in only one way."
Afterward, he stood straightened up and swung his Zanpakutō to the side. His vast wings spread fully and their shine became significantly stronger. He lifted his sword and aimed its tip at the sky.
"Now, it is high time I unveil my full power and prove my absolute superiority as the future King of the Soul Society", he said, a rather ominous smile appearing on his face.
A strong, circular gust of wind erupted immediately from his body, clearing a considerable area around him from the omnipresent dust within an instant. Ikiryō and Kurokawa, who had been attemtping to stand up, froze suddenly.
Then, they heard a loud, yet brief screech and the sky darkened rapidly. Maebure's long hair began fluttering wildly, and his body started emanating a faint orange glow. Consecutive circular gusts were emitting from the Sōzōshin, ever faster digging a large hole around him. Subsequently, a miniscule yet blinding sphere of light materialised centimetres above the tip of his raised Zanpakutō.
An unexpected heatwave struck the two Shinigami Captains, accidentally helping them stand up. Shaking but resolute, they retreated some distance and assumed fighting stances, ready to face Hikari for the final time. Their Hollow masks were cracked and several small parts had fallen off, yet the remnants strill granted them additional strength.
The heavens turned black, with the only source of light being the superficially unimposing orb of light created by Maebure. Nevertheless, despite its size, its shine nearly burnt the eyes of his opponents.
"I think... I can feel his Reiatsu", said Tadayoshi all of a sudden.
"What do you mean?", asked Kuragari whilst gradually accumulating all of his remaining energy.
"This heat is his Reiatsu."
Ikiryō's eyes widened.
"You mean that is his power? We are basically immersed in an ocean of his energy... That does not augur well."
"Quite the opposite! If we can sense his Reiatsu, it means he's weakened enough to be brought to more or less our level!", retorted the Grand Kidō Chief.
"With an emphasis on more, I guess. Anyway, are you ready?", said Kuragari in a grave tone.
Kurokawa hesitated for a moment, observing Hikari charging his attack.
"If that little piece of shit explodes, we're all gonna die. All of us. We can't let that happen", he replied eventually.
Ikiryō chuckled.
"This is what I wanted to hear."
"Witness the unearthly power, accessible only to those capable of merging with their Zanpakutō to achieve the ultimate form!", announced Hikari. "Cheonjeong: Sinseong!", he bellowed.
Suddenly, the tiny sphere shot high toward the sky, illuminating the ravaged wasteland created during the fight. When it stopped, it emanated a brief, blinding shine and expanded. Then, it repeated the process. And again. Once more.
Soon an immense, sun-like sphere of energy floated above the battlefield, its distinct hum causing the ground to vibrate. Maebure gazed upon it with uncanny glee reminescent of insanity.
"Do you have something to counter that?", asked Kuragari, gallows humour apparent in his voice.
"I think I could try something", replied Kurokawa with hesitation.
"Perish!", bellowed the Sōzōshin.
"There we go!", followed Ikiryō.
Then, the Shinigami prepared for the ultimate clash.
"Hadō #33, Sōkatsui", said Tadayoshi whilst holding his palm to the side of his blade.
The spell was absorbed by his Zanpakutō, which acquired and enhanced its qualities. Subsequently, the Grand Kidō Chief frowned in extreme concentration, his orange Reiatsu becoming visible as a faint aura.
"Hadō #91, Senjū Kōten Taihō", he declared.
His sword shone brightly with the composite violet aura of the two spells it had absorbed, emanating the immense amount of energy stored within it.
Meanwhile, Kuragari joined the tips of his armoured fingers in front of his chest. A pitch black hole in the fabric of reality opened above him with its distinct screeching noise. However, mere moments later its sound changed to a low-pitched hum, and the circle obtained a sharp indigo outline.
"Cero Deshaciendo", he uttered.
Meanwhile, Maebure swung his Zanpakutō viciously, prompting the massive sphere of pulsating energy to slowly plummet toward the two Captains.
"Go!", roared Kurokawa as he pointed his sword at the orb.
At nearly the same time Kuragari released his own technique. Thus, a light violet energy projectile and a nearly black beam with indigo outline burst forth toward the burnt orange sphere, three ultimate techniques of tremendous power about to collide.
Part 8[]
Faster of the two, Tadayoshi's composite Hadō spell crashed into the tremendous sphere of Maebure's ultimate technique. Even though many times smaller, it managed to somewhat impede the sun-like orb's advance. Then, Kuragari's peculiar Cero blasted the spell, nearly forcing it inside Hikari's attack. For an intense while the opposite forces struggled high mid-air, two against one; in the end, however, the orange sphere began slowly pushing forward.
"I... cannot...", heaved Ikiryō, his Hollow mask cracking.
Kurokawa looked at him with agitation, and then turned back to the clashing attacks. Suddenly, he made a sweeping gesture in their direction.
His powerful double-natured Hadō shone briefly. Subsequently, a truly bedazzling glow followed, accompanied by a thunderous roar of explosion.
Trees erupted into the air, leaves stripped from their branches and turned into ashes. Ground trembled, and the clouds dispersed. The brief, yet tremendous explosion seemed to dwarf the sun itself for the few astounding seconds of its duration.
Then, it was over.
Far below, laying on the scorched ground amongst the clouds and pillars of dust and vapour, the two Shinigami Captains struggled in vain to stand up. An unnaturally straight line in front of them marked the spot where Tadayoshi's spell had stood to save their lives. Ragged and burnt, they managed to support themselves on their hands and lifted their heads, their faces no longer concealed by Hollow masks.
Their Zanpakutō were sealed and their energy drained, yet they knew it was not truly over, yet.
Soon, a single figure emerged from the shroud of ashes yet another time, walking intently toward them in a slow, rather unsteady pace. Wings of burnt orange light shone through the clouds of dust.
"Intriguing, most intriguing, indeed", stated Maebure in an odd, slightly frantic tone. "I have no idea... how did you achieve that, but no matter. I shall crush you immediately to prevent any other... peculiar events from occuring."
Saying that, he swung his Zanpakutō and pointed it toward the sky. A miniscule sphere of energy started accumulating at its tip, witnessed by the shell-shocked Shinigami in complete silence.
Suddenly, the orb flashed momentarily and vanished. Barely Hikari raised his eyebrow, his entire body emitted an omnidirectional wave of nearly white light, briefly illuminating the entire area.
Subsequently, the ancient Sōzōshin found himself singed and bloodied, his white-and-black Shihakushō tattered and his now-sealed Zanpakutō shaking in his trembling hand.
"What... this... cannot be...", he uttered with apparent effort. "How come have you... Where is my power?"
He took several unsteady steps toward his adversaries, waving his Zanpakutō nonsensically. Then he stopped, and looked at the two Captains, his face instantly becoming unnervingly calm. He raised his head and glanced above them.
"Bakudō #63, Sajō Sabaku!", shouted a strong, female voice.
Subsequently, two thick chains of golden energy erupted from behind the two exhausted Shinigami and wrapped around Maebure's chest, binding his arms to his torso. Thus constrained, Hikari fell to his knees and dropped his Zanpakutō.
With a faint sound, Captain Haruka Mewokuramasu appeared beside her two battle-worn colleagues using Shunpo.
"Mewokuramasu-chan?", said Ikiryō surprised.
She glanced at the two tattered men with a solemn face expression, and without a single word summonded two light green Kidō prisms which proceeded to heal them. Then, she walked slowly in the direction of the immobilised Maebure.
"My great-granddaugther", uttered the Sōzōshin, gazing at her intensely. "I have been defeated by your comrades. Thus, my claims to the Soul King's throne have been rendered ridiculous. I have sacrificed everything and gained nothing."
Mewokuramasu stopped not far in front of him and unsheathed her Zanpakutō without hurry. Suddenly, a gleaming silhouette materialised beside her, prompting her to flinch. Sleek and seemingly immaterial, with spreading, but delicate wings, it looked at the Captain for several seconds and then turned to the Sōzōshin.
"Why did you support me in my suicidal endeavour, my only friend?", asked Hikari the shining figure. "Why didn't you try to reason with me?"
"Because the purpose of my existence has always been to support you on your path toward your goals, no matter what", explained Tteooleuneun Taeyang. "You were convinced, but needed succour. Your dream was the only thing which made you happy, and I wanted this to last as long as possible."
"You have betrayed your people and Soul Society long ago", said Haruka, calmer, but still wary of the shining spirit standing next to her. "When you returned, you killed our comrades, wounded many others and caused chaos. You have threatened the Soul King himself."
Maebure's tense face expression relaxed unexpectedly, changing into something resembling profound melancholy.
"You are right, my offspring. Everything ends here, however. Thanks to the valiant efforts of your comrades I have finally understood the futility and absurdity of my deeds. Thus, I no longer have reason to live."
The angel-like spirit of light nodded its nebulous head slowly, in a sorrowful manner, and then vanished.
"Please, as my descendant, put an end to something which should have stopped long time ago. I beg of you", uttered Hikari.
Mewokuramasu lifted her Zanpakutō. Its sharp edge flashed momentarily, and then its blade changed into a broad shape made of translucent glass. She walked toward the Sōzōshin, but hesitated after swinging her sword in preparation to strike.
Seeing that, Maebure closed his eyes and straigthened up. Several long moments of absolute silence passed. Then, the air hissed briefly and there was a quiet thud. Her face contorted due to intense emotions, Haruka retreated her bloodied blade from Hikari's chest.
"Thank you...", heaved the Sōzōshin before gently falling to the ground.
Hikari Daikōki Maebure was gone.
"We did it...", commented Kurokawa with little satisfaction in his voice.
Haruka turned around to face her two friends. Tears were flowing quickly down her noble pale cheeks, surprising both of the exhausted Captains.
"Yes. But this is not over yet", she sobbed.
Confused, the two men followed her gaze and turned back to see a large squad of Shinigami troopers toting unsheathed Zanpakutō in their hands. Their uniforms were very distinct and easy to identify, as was the man standing at their front.
"Chōjiro-san, what is this about?", asked Kuragari.
The First Division Lieutenant's face expressed distress, but remained firm.
"On the behalf of the Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, I regret to inform you that Second Division Captain Ikiryō Kuragari and the Grand Kidō Chief Kurokawa Tadayoshi are hereby put under arrest", he recited with slightly enforced firmness.
Mewokuramasu covered her face with her hands. The two Captains looked at each other, dumbfounded.
This was not the reward they had expected for their ordeal.
End of Chapter