To Be a Sword of Justice

[GoldenKitten]

It was early morning in Soul Society as two young men garbed in the outfits of the Academy made their way to the core of Seireitei. It was a place off-limits to anyone but official members of the Gotei 13 and it was rare for a student to lay their eyes on it at less than a dozen leagues, much less walk its halls. Regardless the two boys did not appear to be sneaking about or attempting a bet or hazing, though the follower seemed somewhat apprehensive, the leader in front walked the labyrinthine corridors purposefully as if he'd every right to be there. The young hour meant they were not running into many actual Shinigami, but the sense of complete defense pervaded. Though the seal the boy in front had presented several times before as they had been stopped had gotten them through the outer edges of Seireiteis defenses, who knew if it would really work now that they were in a restricted section?

The two students were Bob and Heton, the leader and a member of the Student Disciplinary Committee, the latter of whom had become something of a disciple in the preceding years. Regardless when Bob had awoken Heton early that morning he hadn't said a word about what they were going to do, just that the younger lad should follow. It wasn't abnormal for the “Greatest Ninja EVER” to be cryptic and not let on to his plans, but it was strange for him to be silent and stoic, both traits he had been expressing their entire journey. In fact, save for telling Heton to behave himself before they moved deeper into the core structure some time prior he had said almost nothing, even during the process of navigating the maze-like barrier around the tower (the ease of which he did so seeming to suggest he'd done this before, perhaps many times).

Now past this the always distant white gleaming tower of the court now launched above them as if it were meant to pierce the heavens. The sun had only just begun to peak out somewhere on the other side of the tower which illuminated around the edges while making the monolith itself a silhouette with little observable detail. Regardless Bob was clearly not giving Heton time to gawk at all the sights that were surely new to him as he instead stayed ahead of him, walking at a steady pace that would leave the boy lost and likely in trouble if he didn't keep step. Around the tower at every fiftieth pace a dark figure with a mask designating them as being from Squad 2 stood deathly still, save to turn their head and slowly watch them pass, but none ever made an attempt to stop the two boys.

As they made their way to the eastern quadrant of the surrounding area the buildings and open-air hallways instead exploded into an expansive field of greenery, outlined by a simple red-fence. Like most things in Soul Society the sheer scope was hard to comprehend as it seemed to stretch on forever despite being impossible to see until just now, countless trees and rocks protruding from the ground eventually blocked sightlines and made the determination impossible. Following the red fence it opened into a large Torii gateway where two guards were standing, these not of 2nd but instead 11th Squad from the look of their armbands.

Unlike the others they'd seen these two were already rowdy so early in the morning, both leaning against either one of the gateways polls, one sipping from what appeared to be a saki bottle. Unlike the members of the 2nd division who it appeared were always aware of them as they passed, Bob and Heton were practically upon these two when they finally took note...though Bob had taught Heton some of his reiatsu masking tricks since his induction. When they were finally noticed more because of their physical presence since they weren't attempting to go unseen one of the men guffawed, and as the other man saw them he too laughed before taking a few steps forward and yelling (though they were hardly at a distance that made it necessary).

“What's this? What are a bunch of Baby-tans doing out here, specially so early and without no instructor? Haha, speak up Baby-tans, I ain't supposed to let nobody be wanderin' bout an' got me some authority to cut anyone who can't be proving their loyalties and such,” he chuckled slightly while his thumb very aggressively moved the hilt of his blade up and down.

Bob again produced the seal he had before, a hand-written parchment with a red-authority seal as he responded, “This is a letter of permission from Senzaikeiro-sama. We are to meet her here and are allowed to proceed through the areas of Seireitei between here and the Academy freely.”

“Well ain'chu an uppity one?!”, the front man growled as he ripped the paper from Bob and began reading it, Heton might have noticed after watching Bob so long that he had to repress himself from instinctively reacting to such a violent gesture. He succeeded however and continued to stand in an official sort of way, very unfitting for those who knew him, as the man slowly went through the letter.

Seeming to finish he turned his head to his colleague and asked, “Senzai...whatever, who was that again? Hmmm...shit, was that Hana's last name? Think so?”

The other man added, “She passed through here a little over an hour ago...I guess we've gotta...”

Suddenly the man in front ripped the sheet of paper in half and tossed it to the wind, “Screw that! Ain't a bigger pansy in this army than that girl, you know I hear she spends three hours a day on her HAIR? That's what they say and seeing her I'd believe it. At least those Fourth Division maggots do their damn job.”

He turned back toward Bob and Heton, “Shit naw I ain't lettin that little bitch tell me what to do, especially not letting some snot-nosed punks into a place we real Shinigami had to WORK to get into. Nuh-uh, you all needin' some teachin'? Me an' my here Zanpakutou be more than happy to give you a few pointers for you go scamperin' back to your lil' school.”

He went to go for his blade and his friend sighed and shrugged as if he'd just go along with it and stop him before it got too out of hand. But before the blade had even made it halfway out of its holster a harsh snap sounded out as his head jolted forward and he began to fall to the ground, foam already frothing at his mouth. The other mans eyes went wide as he received a fist in the gut that drove him into the nearest gateways wooden cedar post which cracked under the strain, before he to fell to the ground. Standing over them Bob knelt down and checked to ensure they had a pulse, then standing back up he made a prayer symbol with his hands and spoke, “I apologize for the abruptness but I am late for an appointment. May your dispositions find more favorable winds in future days.”

He then took several steps into the gated off region, not seeming to be concerned about what he'd done or being followed by anyone else. After several steps however he stopped and turned his head so his eyes (or presumably as he was wearing sunglasses as always) were on Heton.

“We've not spoken about it much, perhaps I would do well to speak more often, or at least with greater clarity,” it was not his typical casual and joking speech and was likely throwing Heton who had never heard anything but that off, “So I will explain.”

“Other day in our battle with the Recruiters and their...recruitees lets say. The power you used, you may or may not know, was Shikai. It means you heard your blades true name, a step all true shinigami eventually take, and you've done so far earlier than most. I do not know if your blade has spoken to you since or has been quiet, it doesn't matter, it's personal and also different for every person.”

He sighed and thumbed at his lip before turning around to face Heton as he pointed at him anytime he referenced him directely, “I am...well versed in my own Zanpakutou. I could teach you to control this power with time and practice, but you Heton need more than that. All the people that have joined the academy and made names for themselves in these last few years will no doubt go on to become Shinigami of renown on some levels. But you have something that they don't, something few do, a flickering of what those like I have, and that a line like us has been going back for as long as mankind has existed has had. Just as there will always be people who abuse power there will always be those who stand for all that it means to be just and right in the world. Who uphold law and order and the bushido code of honor.”

He smiled, “I have brought you here today to find out if you are one of those people, something I cannot do on my own...but,” and now his face became more severe, “If you do not succeed then that will be the end. Not the end of your life, or even your Shinigami existence; but it will be the last time you will ever see me, or indeed any of my order, or even know that it exists beyond the good you will see us do in the world. And so that, Heton, is why for this moment I speak to you plainly so you know what you face. You face a turning point in your life, you may back out, but it will be the same as failing...tell me Heton, are you ready to find out who you really are?”

Heton looked forceful and intent as he responded, "As I have stated in the past, I have sworn an oath to protect all those who could not protect themselves. I joined the Shingami Academy to find the strength so that I would not fail others the way I had failed my sister. Bob, I will take whatever task you have in store for me and complete it even if doing so grinds my bones to dust! No matter what I will not accept defeat, nor will I ever stop in my quest for justice!"

With a clap of his hands Bob was smiling again and turned around, pointing out to the field; “Then, like the mightiest of gods creatures the gofer, we cut a swath through the air and fly forward through the currents of time and fate to our beset place!” He lowered his hand as he began to walk forward, “Perhaps along the way, there will be pancakes.”

The two entered the field in a straight line and did not divert from that, walking for almost ten minutes. It eventually became evident that their target was a large rock outcropping directly ahead of them and as they got closer the outline of a figure sitting atop its crest was made out. As details began to filter in Heton found himself looking at a beautiful young girl with pale but full-tinged skin like an actor, a petite form, light robins-egg blue hair that was borderline white and pulled into a series of buns before being let out straight to her waist, and even from a distance pure glowing opulent violet-gray eyes. These even from a distance seemed to be focused on Heton though as they approached she lowered them to Bob as he knelt down at the base of the rock and called to her.

“Soke Sensei, I have brought a soul who believes themselves ready to guide the lost to the light and fight for all that is good in the world. He has come upon a teetering point where I believe he must learn about himself and be one with his powers lest he lost control to them like so many.”

Her eyes again moved from him to Heton and peered deep within him, like the old seer on the mountain who could see things that weren't there, she then mouthed the words; “Really?” before pushing her arms on the rock below which shot her into the air and forward slightly before she began falling to the ground where they were. Instead of falling quickly though she instead gently glided to the ground, a large white coat over her shoulder bellowing out like wings, briefly exposing the sweater-turtle-neck like white shirt she had beneath, along with the short white hot-pants that hugged her figure somewhat distractingly tight. She was wearing no shoes save some very flimsy sandals that looked ready to be kicked off at a moments notice.

She landed with as much grace as she had fallen and then slowly stood up, but halfway there she called out, “Bobby!”

Bob responded, “Sensei!”

They then proceeded to spin around in intricate patterns bringing their hands together several times, slapping their knees, clapping their hands together, slapping their hands together, spinning, meeting arm-in-arm and extending like a Broadway musical and striking that pose for several more seconds. Then the girl began to giggle and released Bob before backing away and stating, “Bobby is still so good at slaps!”

“Well I was only taught by the bestest sensei in existence!”

The girl stuck two fingers in the air making a 'V' for victory sign, lifted one leg off the ground, and winked at them both, “That's me!”

And then as quickly as the tone had shifted once it shifted again with no time for Heton to try and make sense of it. The girl went quiet as she went back to standing normally and Bob backed away several steps. She approached Heton slowly and then disappeared, and in a series of flashes he couldn't even begin to follow began appearing around him at various angles as if she were inspecting his body, finally ending with her in front of him again, leaning over slightly as she looked up into his eyes, her face an uncomfortable and nerve-wracking half-inch away so that he himself could only see the reiatsu glow in her eyes.

Satisfied or not she backed off several steps and then stated, “My name is Hana, Senzaikeiro Hana. What is yours?”

Once Heton had responded she continued, “Then Heton, good as it is to meet you there is no reason to dally. I'm sure Bobby-kun has explained, but perhaps you may have misunderstood as I'm sure he said something like you never seeing him again. This is not true. What he meant, is that we will be there, we may even be your friends, but you will never be one of us. It is a harsh penalty that is at odds with our nature, but evil permeates all things, it is overwhelming and so very easy fall to. And so, much as it might hurt us to do so, if your soul holds the ability to harbor darkness then we cannot make our movements known to you. Rest assured, should you fail, we have ways of ensuring you do not remember this...but I'm certain you would still sense the keen loss of a good friend. So, I hope you are ready.”

She held her hand up and spoke like an instructor but with more passion, “Bear your soul to me Heton-san, let me see what truly lays there, both in strength of body and soul. Come at me now!”

When Heton briefly faltered Hana nodded at him as if to edge him on, and when Heton looked to Bob who also nodded and suggested his own Zanpakutou Heton no longer questioned it, instead rolling with the punches. He reached for his Zanpakoutou on his side and pulled it out in a fluid motion as Bob had taught him, readying it before him in a typical but well structured block. Then with a yell he charged in headlong across the grassy field and brought the blade up above his head, swinging down on the girl, but faltering at the last second when he saw she had not even exposed her blade, much less moved to draw it. He moved to redirect it but with the momentum he had he could do little but miss her core, the blade would still cleave her arm.

Even as he fought to turn it there was no hope and then, closing his eyes, all movement was halted as a clear metallic 'PING' filled the air, reverberating through the empty space around them.

Heton opened his eyes to find Hana's hand extended, his left-hands pointer-finger and middle-finger placed on either side of his Zanpakoutou stopping it dead in its tracks despite the strength it had been carrying. Meeting her eyes he found kindness there, but also sternness. As it was held there the morning dew still fresh in the air began to collect and just as a droplet rolled down on to Hana's finger the high-pitched metallic 'PING' filled the air again. A small burst of blue reiatsu blew the blade clear out of his hands over his head, and several meters behind him before it landed point-first into the ground.

Hana lowered her hands and folded them behind her, looking even more vulnerable than before though that was obviously not further from the case now as she spoke, “I didn't tell you to strike at me Heton-san. I told you to bear your soul to me, show me the physical embodiment of your mental conviction! Retrieve your blade, think over what your life truly means to you, what your way as a warrior and as a kind-hearted but capable man means; and then come again but this time not to fight, but to prove your very existence.”

[kensei]

To say that this day had been a strange one would have been an understatement on the part of the sayer. Nay, today was quite the strange day, and not in the usual Bob pulling his antics either. Today there was a distinct tension in the air, one given off by Bob as he kept a calm, stoic demeanor the entire time. The crisp morning air had the presence of a slight chill to it, a sort of wake me up for the still tired Heton. Heton had spent the last few years under Bob’s tutelage in a sort of way, and as such he had spent quite an amount of time with him, making it incredibly easy for him to pick up on the difference of his mood. This fact alone had been more then enough to make him slightly apprehensive about where they where going, but his trust in his mentor as well as leader of the Student Disciplinary Committee, was absolute, and so he continued following in silence.

It was not until the point that it became apparent that there destination was indeed Seireitei that questions started to form in the back of his mind. For two students to go into The Court of Pure Souls was neigh unheard of, even for the members of the SDC. Yet purposefully Bob walked forward, without even pausing to give Heton the time to consider just what the two where doing as they approached her floating gates. As they did whenever any unauthorized soul neared them, the floating gates fell closed for miles around as a single member of the Fifth Division came out to meet them. Naturally Heton’s heart was lodged high into his throat as he was sure that this was something they weren’t suppose to be doing, but to his surprise Bob simply whipped out a piece of paper and handed it to the man, gaining them passage into the great city..

What lay beyond the walls was beyond anything Heton could ever imagine. He had heard stories of the fabled Court of Pure Souls, the calm, beautiful, and massive city that housed all of the Shingami. But to actually see it in person, for all of its wonder, was enough leave the lad a bit star struck. He had turned himself around while he took in the sites near a dozen times within the first few minutes of entering, hardly noticing the growing gap between himself and Bob. It wasn’t until Bob had called out to him and told him to shape up before they continued that he had noticed the Ninja wasn’t going to allow his natural tourist instincts to take over this trip.

Slightly distraught by having to take in the city at such a rapid pace, Heton kept on in silence behind Bob, wondering just what the purpose of this expedition was, and who had provided them with the permission to come to this place. But even so, there was one site that had still caught his eye, the megalithic structure that was the tower of the court, a sight that could be seen from miles upon miles away now seemed to stretch on into the heavens indefinitely. It took much of his self restrain to keep moving instead of just staring up at the imposing structure, but knowing that the Ninja would not put up with anymore of his antics he repressed it and continued on, eyeing the masked shingami with an uneasy, and slightly frightened look.

But despite his uneasiness with the situation, they passed through the area without incident before the entire scenery seemed to change in an instant before them. What had moments ago simply been an open city with streets and alleyways had turned into a lush, open field as far as the eye could see as trees covered the landscape. As if pulled from a postcard of a beautiful country side, the only sign of civilization even being involved in the area was the small red fence that sectioned the area off from the city behind them.

Two men stood guarding the gate into the field, labeled as members from the Eleventh Division from the armband they where wearing. Unlike the watchful and disciplined members of the Second Division these men where acting like a couple of untrained fools, drinking on the job despite the fact that dawn had only recently come. It was almost embarrassing seeing the two and even considering that they where from the same stock as the Shingami they had seen moments ago.

As Heton could have guessed simply from there demeanor before they had noticed him and Bob, the two shingami acted out in a vulgar manner, instantly insulting and threatening them.. His eyes traveled cautiously to Bob as the first one began spewing the meaningless filth from his lips, knowing full well that under any regular circumstance he would have made sure they never disrespected him, themselves, and there division like that again. But much to his surprise, the serious Bob kept his cool, and instead only responded formally, presenting the seal which gave them permission to come into the city once more and informing them of there reason for being.

But almost as if the two boneheads where straight out of a comic book, the drunk and rowdy bunch just couldn’t let things be and obey the orders of there superiors, and instead opted to try and teach them a lesson. Heton could hardly help but scoff at the threat, causing the more vulgar one to growl in annoyance before uttering a curse at him. Almost predictably though, before he had even had his Zanpakuto removed from his sheath, Bob had made his move, quickly dispatching the would be antagonists. With a slight sigh Heton stepped around the unconscious guards, fully use to how Bob handled these kinds of pests.

They had not gotten more then a few dozen paces inside the gated off region when Bob finally stopped, and for the first real time that day addressed him in a voice unlike any Heton had heard him use before. The seriousness behind it was already putting him on edge, and the words that followed only amplified this feeling. As Bob spoke Heton’s mind flashed back to that day.. The wound of Misha’s betrayal was still fresh in his heart. Anger still pulsed through his veins, as well as sorrow. He felt himself a fool for falling for her lies, and the way he had reacted the truth was finally revealed to him.. He had unlocked his “Shikai” as Bob had called it.. And in his rage had lost control of his Shikai and seriously injured a few of the recruits. And, if he was being honest, the prospect of using that…. thing again; scared him.. As silly as the prospect was, he was truly afraid of losing control of his Zanpakuto and killing someone the next time he found himself in such a situation.

Heton snapped himself out of his flashback as Bob’s voice became even more serious, something he could hardly even fathom at this point.. But as he voiced his ultimatum, Heton stood there in silence for a moment, slightly shocked by the prospect of never seeing Bob once more, but also knowing he couldn’t back down.. Not after all he had been through, and thus, with conviction and the fiery passion for justice that burned in his soul he responded.. "As I have stated in the past, I have sworn an oath to protect all those who could not protect themselves. I joined the Shingami Academy to find the strength so that I would not fail others the way I had failed my sister. Bob, I will take whatever task you have in store for me and complete it even if doing so grinds my bones to dust! No matter what I will not accept defeat, nor will I ever stop in my quest for justice!"

Seemingly satisfied with the answer Heton had presented him, or perhaps never expecting anything other then such an answer of him Bob finally dropped his serious demeanor, smiling as he spoke in the manner Heton had grown accustom to. With a slight sigh of relief at the return of the Bob he knew and loved, he couldn’t help but smile and laugh light heartedly as he rubbed the back of his head and followed him onward.

It had taken approximately ten minutes before there destination finally came into view, or to be more accurate, the person that had been there reason for coming out here came into view. As they approached her, details started to become clear as he took in her appearance. The woman was strikingly beautiful, her long hair which seemed like the lightest shade of blue he had ever laid eyes on. Her petite frame and pale skin casting a stark contrast with the violet-grey eyes which seemed locked upon him even from this distance. He could practically feel her gaze piercing through him as he locked eyes with her, as if she was judging the worth of his soul in those few moments.

As they reached the base of the rock which she sat atop, Heton watched as Bob knelled down, before speaking to her. Unsure of how to react right now, not knowing if should kneel as well, or simply stand there he was caught still debating with himself by the time she had jumped off of the rock. He couldn’t help but stare as she floated down to the ground with the grace and beauty befitting that of a noble woman. And as she raised herself, in an instant he understood just how such a woman could have been Bob’s sensei…

Breaking any and all seriousness that had been crafted up until that point, the two of them broke out into a half game half dance of slapping and clapping.. Heton couldn’t help but chuckle slightly as pieces of the bigger puzzle that was Bob started to fall into place, though a new puzzle as to just who this woman was had been crafted in the process.. But hey? What’s life without a little mystery here and there hm?

He smiled slightly as she struck her pose, before seemingly ending all of the silliness in an instant as the two of them suddenly got quiet. Heton looked at her, and then over to Bob who he noticed had back away as she slowly walked towards him. And right as his eyes went back to her, she vanished, in a flash moving to another side of him, and then another, and another, the speed at which reminding him of his first day at the academy when Bob had used his Shunpo technique to make two copies of himself by moving from one spot to another faster then the mirage could fade. But at this point he could track Bob’s movements, even if he couldn’t keep up with them. It was humbling and sobering in and of itself to watch her move from angle to angle at such speed..

And then, there she was, less then an inch from his face, staring into his eyes with her own, burning with an intense, yet calm riatsu. It almost sucked him in as the latent power behind those eyes washed over him like a gentle wave. He had remembered the last time he had felt such power behind someone’s eyes, the dark skinned demon of the Ninth Division.. But unlike the malevolent, and hate filled energy her eyes pulsed with, Hana’s where far gentler.. And then in an instant she had moved away yet again. He couldn’t help but feel like he had just been shaken awake as the residual energy that had been washing over disappeared in an instant.

His breathing was heavy as she backed away, not realizing that in those moments he had been unintentionally holding his breath. It took him a second to collect himself before he answered her, as calmly as he could.. “Heton.. Heton Magnisium…” What followed was the clarification of what Bob had said, and the exact stakes of what he was doing here. Then, the challenge he had to overcome was clear.. He was taken aback by the request, unsure of how exactly to respond, his eyes traveled to Bob looking for confirmation, and seeing it as he motioned to his own Zanpakuto. His eyes traveled back towards Hana, he wasn’t the type to fight at all if he could avoid it, but he understood what he had to do..

With a slow conviction he drew his blade, taking up a stance as his eyes became focused on his target. He pushed off the ground, gliding over it as he closed the distance between the two of them, pulling his sword above his head he let out a slight yell before throwing his body behind the slice.. However as his sword was being brought down, he gasped, seeing that she hadn’t even begun to draw her blade yet he tried desperately to move the blade from its path, but from the way he had struck, there was little he could do.. He closed his eyes, already racked with guilt as he knew his blade would of cleaved through her arm at the speed it was moving.. But then, the momentum stopped in an instant, a distinct PING sound reverberated through the air, it was different from the sound of metal on metal, and far from the sound of cutting flesh, and so when he opened his eyes to see what had happened, he was shocked to see she had caught his blade between her fingers.

His stared at his blade, before his eyes slowly traveled to Hana, as if looking for some sort of explanation. His grip on his sword started to loosen as her kind, but stern eyes locked with his, his riatsu sense was the only warning he had as he felt a slight build up between her fingers, before a small riatsu burst ripped the blade from his hands. He took a few steps back as he listened to what Hana had to say, finally understanding just what it was he wanted from him. With a slight nod he whispered. “I understand..”

He paused as he pulled his Zanpakuto out, closing his eyes as he brought it up in front of him. Two small waves of green riatsu slowly crept up the length of his blade, as his mind traveled nearly a decade into the past, where he had watched his sister be murdered right in front of him, to the oath he had sworn to never allow such injustice to take place in his presence again, then to the dozens of battles he had fought after that to stop such acts of cruelty.. His mind then traveled to the Shingami Accademy, to the times he had risked being expelled in order to do what was right, and then to Misha.. He let the pain of her betrayal wash over him, letting his riatsu flash his emotions out to both Hana and Bob. His own anger with himself, the guilt he felt for loosing control.. And then.. The serenity of a promise.. The conviction to never let such an act happen again, to never let himself lose control and be a danger to those around him again..

His eyes flashed opened, locked with Hana’s as they burned like a quiet green flame in the wake of his conviction. He brought his Zanpakuto to his side, its blade and hilt now covered completely in his Riatsu, his very soul, as he crouched slightly. He focused his energy to the heel of his foot, before exploding forward towards Hana as fast as he could. And with every thing he had, he swung towards his abdomen..

[GoldenKitten]

Hana followed him with her eyes but made no movement with her hands still behind her back. Observing carefully as he did as she said, but making no outwardly visible signs of how she felt about that. Heton forced a large chunk of Reiatsu into his blade, seemingly far calmer this time, and then charged in at Hana with far more control than he had sported prior, cleaving a clean blow across the chest. Much like before Hana had remained perfectly still but this time at the last moment her eyes flared to life and in a motion faster than even a trained academy eye could follow her arms left her back. Her left arm reached into the right side of the open Hakama and with a flash of light their blades clashed in a shower of sparks.

Much like before despite holding the blade vertically against Hetons with only one-hand the force applied was enormous, regardless his blade did not instantly go flying like it had before and she had actually met his blow this time. Hana's zanpakoutou was unique in every way, it was doubtful there was another like it in the whole world, much less in Soul Society. Light-blue in tinge it glowed as if fueled by an inner-electricity, but it was not solid. Instead the electrical coloration formed the outline of a typical three-and-a-half foot Katana including handle and hilt, but the entire inside was completely see-through, there did not even appear to be glass there as if it instead simply didn't exist. It was spectacular and was testament to the Shinigami not being normal in the average sense of the word, though more practically it made following her fast motions even more difficult.

As their blades ground together for a split second Hana calmly stated, “Good, but do as I do,” it only took her a slight shrug of the sword to send Hetons off to the side, though this time not out of his hands. Instead Hana stepped back and grabbed the hilt of her blade with both hands in a unique, over-and-under overlaying fashion that braced her hands against one another, she suggested with a movement that Heton should do the same.

After Heton complied Hana spoke, “Brace yourself, and keep your guard up. But don't just guard with your body, guard with your soul. Your instructors have educated you in the use of spiritual power, but have you ever really used it as it was meant? So many forget this isn't just some magical power that we draw from an abyss, it is our very essence. You aren't 'using reiatsu as a shield', you're using your life as a shield, and you'll have to use that life not only to keep yourself around, but to protect those who can't protect themselves, from those that would abuse the natural power that comes to us. More than your life is on the line in keeping your shield stalwart. Prepare.”

And then in a flash Heton was blocking the most intense power he'd ever felt in his life. Hana had gone back to using one hand now and had brought the blade in a slash across the surface of his blade, they only connected for a moment and then the blades broke apart as Hana pulled it back. But in that brief moment Heton was blocking more power than he'd absorbed from other students in his entire time in the academy. That's when he felt the friction on his feet, and his entire body began to slide backwards, even as his arms still tried to give out.

Heton gritted his teeth as he felt his arms buckle slightly under the force of the blow. Ripping up the field behind him as the onslaught forced his entire body back, he could feel a burning pain pulse through his legs as he struggled to stay on his feet. Without any time to re-situate himself, Hana was almost upon him for another slash. Gathering his energy in his legs Heton pushed forward, meeting Hana’s slash halfway as a wave of riatsu flung off of his sword. His arms pulsed as he was once again pushed back, though this time he had jumped back slightly with the momentum of the swing, readying himself for the next blow.

But it was a blow that never came, instead Hana backed off, first at close range but then in a single step she'd placed a hundred steps between them. Then as it appeared she would continue to fall back she disappeared all-together, completely gone from Hetons field of vision. This caused the boy to drop his guard slightly and begin searching for her, when he heard whispered in his ear, “Remember, no dropping your guard.”

With surprise and perhaps a little fear Hetons eyes went wide as he spun around in a flurry, rapidly trying to block though he'd been caught off guard enough as to not do so as efficiently this time. There was Hana and then his vision flailed wildly as the blow that was landed upon his blade about knocked his arm out of its socket. Yet even as it threw him into a spin Heton tried to keep his defense up, quickly trying to plant his feet in the ground and return his sight to the direction Hana was now approaching from.

As soon as he did however he found she was there no longer, and just as he felt pressure building in his chest and looked down he heard her state, “No matter what happens. Continue your fight, don't give in, always look for a way, keep your guard up.”

And then like a rocket they were off into the air, Heton had the wind knocked out of him briefly as she applied pressure to his chest but then released him upward. Regardless even with her hand removed the force was so great that he continued to accelerate upward uncontrolled; wind pressure itself keeping him from moving in any meaningful way. Even had he been able Heton was still a junior Shinigami at best, he had little if any experience with air combat or using his spirit to move in the air beyond rudimentary classes. Accelerating upwards at a rate he couldn't even move of his own volition the ground dropped beneath him with extreme haste, becoming like a far off horizon...except that this horizon was down.

He peaked at well over a hundred meters in the air before his body gave a sickening lurch. The momentum had finally worn off and now gravity was about to play with its new friend as he began to feel it pull him back in the opposite direction, now far above any chance of survival no matter how he tried to land. But before it could grab complete hold of him his body suddenly entered a state of weightlessness. Looking to his side Hana was rolled back on her back, extending a single arm out to hold him up from behind as they slowly tilted forward.

“Tell me,” Hana said in a dream-like fashion, “what do you see Heton-san?”

Their view now changing from the sky to a more normal orientation at Hana's will the world below them came into view, they also seemed to be floating with no downward motion. The entirety of Soul Society was viewable to some extent from here, including the mazelike corridors Heton and Bob had been in not ten minutes prior that extended forever like a field, the great tower which they were now a little more than a quarter up, and in other directions greenery and on the horizon one could even make out the edges of Rukongai. It was perhaps the first time Heton had ever been allowed to grasp the full size of the lands under their rule, and also the freedom of movement a true shinigami had at their disposal.

But, a question still stood.

[kensei]

As Heton’s blade met with Hana’s, his field of vision erupted into a flash of light as sparks flew off of his blade. The sudden and complete stop his body was forced to as he met Hana’s unwavering blade nearly ripped his own from his hand. His wrists ached, as did his arms, neigh his whole body rippled with pain as the force of his attack felt as if it was reflected right back upon him. However, his grip did not falter as it had before instead there blades grinded together for a few seconds before Hana sent him off with a simple shrug of her wrist.

He found himself yet again amazed by the sheer strength packed into this girl’s petite frame, almost as true a testament to the marvel that was the Shingami as her own blade. Despite the quick look he managed to get of it, Heton had been able to notice the broader details of it. It seemed made from seemingly non existent materials, a creation that seemed to be of pure spiritual energy. Heton had never seen such a blade during his time at the academy, a very select few of the Zanpakuto’s had any form of a uniqueness at all to them, though he had quickly learned that the difference was what marked a shingami as having obtained there released state of there Zanpakuto, there “shikai.”

However, with little time to think upon the beauty of her weapon, Heton’s attention was focused back onto Hana as she instructed him on a different way of holding his sword. With a silent nod he did as instructed, trying his hardest to mimic the technique. As he managed to copy the hold, she spoke again, this time instructing him on the very nature of what Riatsu is. He had thought on it only slightly in the past; however the mastery of this power had always seemed a more pressing matter then the nature of what the power truly was. Perhaps a foolish ideology, as without knowing and understanding the true source of power can one hope to fully control it. It was then that something Bob had once told him came to mind.. “Spiritual power is like the perfect taco, you just know it when you see it, and you want it in you." ….. Well… This is Bob we’re talking about…

“I think I understand.” He said as he readied himself, trying to envision his own life force wrapping him in a veil of power, enhancing himself with it, and protecting himself as well. And, just as he felt like he was doing what Hana was trying to get him to do, she attacked.

The attack was unlike anything he had ever felt before, like a maddening rush that even dwarfed the enraged assaults of Ai (something which he seemed to be the victim of more regularly then he would like to admit) he found himself struggling to maintain his composure against it. His arms reverberated the force into his bones, making them feel as if they where on the verge of shattering. The very ground beneath his feet gave way as he was pushed through the dirt, sending enflamed waves of pain coursing throughout his entire body. He pushed off of the ground, trying to dissipate some of the momentum. His vision blurred as he landed, his body feeling abnormally fatigued for the small amount of time he had been fighting, and the pain that was running rampant through his mind. He tried desperately to push as much of the overpowering sensations out of his mind as he could and stay focused on the fight at hand. A feat which he somehow managed to do, perhaps through sheer force of will, or the fact that his body understood the potential danger it was in and that in any moment his life could very possibly end if Hana so chose it to.

His eyes refocused on Hana as his head cleared up, darting around with the pace of a frightened rabbit’s as she started to move away. In a second she had put a hundred feet between them, and then in another she was gone from his field of view. He looked carefully around him, but realizing she was nowhere to be seen, he instead closed his eyes, focusing on the spiritual pressure around him, an act which consequently caused him to drop his guard. But as he got a handle on where she had gone, he realized how grave a mistake this had been. A soft whisper was the only other warning of her presence he had as he jumped to turn around, trying desperately to block whatever she had coming his way.

He caught the strike haphazardly with his own blade, but the lax and improper grip he had on it because of his attempts to turn so quickly had assured his body was unprepared for the blow. He felt his body lurch backwards as his shoulder popped out of its socket. With a grunt of pain he found himself relying more on training instincts then rational thought at this point as he tried to realign himself. As he planted his feet on the ground he dropped his grip to only his damaged arm as he brought his other up, before quickly pushing it back into socket. With a slight gasp he readied himself once again, looking straight at where Hana was last coming from. But like before, she hand vanished from sight. A pressure started to build in his chest, recognizing it as the energy of another he looked down, and with shock clearly plastered on his face he hardly knew he was defeated as she spoke. Not letting a moment pass after her warning was issued she threw Heton up into the air, with such force and power as to make the entire situation laughable…. For someone not Heton, obviously..

His eyes where watering as he rocketed towards the sky, and while he’d like to blame it on the wind blasting past them, though he wasn’t entirely convinced of this. She’s going to kill me. That crazy psychotic midget is really going to kill me![/color] He thought, before he started to collect himself, trying to do exactly as she had told him before. Okay.. Don’t freak.. At this speed there is no way you can take control of the flight. But once the momentum stops, in that split second right before gravity pulls you back down you have to take control of this flight and slowly let yourself back to the ground.. You can do this Heton… Come on.. NOW!

He gritted his teeth as he focused his energy across his body, trying to do exactly has he been instructed to do in the academy, knowing full well his life depended on this. It took a moment, but he did it! His body stopped moving and was instead simply floating there! A joyous smile at his own accomplishment was plastered onto his face, until he felt something a bit… unfamiliar. For some reason his clothes where incredibly tight around his torso, almost making it difficult to breath under the stress. His eyes traveled to where the cloth seemed to bunch up the most, and in that moment all of his pride in himself dissipated, as he instead was apparently being held up by a little girl who was now moving him to her will.. Well.. If that didn’t destroy any machoness he considered himself to have, nothing would..

He gave out a slightly defeated sigh, before opening his eyes as Hana’s question was presented. His thoughts went from his own failures to the beautiful expanse before him in less then a second, as his eyes slowly traveled from one area to another. It took him a minute to take it all in before he responded, hardly above a whisper. “Beauty.. From this high up all the chaos of everyone’s everyday life seems non existent.. Leaving only a tranquil peace..” And that was all he wished to say as he kept staring at the expanse before him.

“Wait… I don’t do so well with heights..” His eyes traveled back towards the ground directly below him. A sickening feeling overpowered him as he lurched forward, emptying the contents of the tiny amount of food he had left in it from his dinner the night before, as he hadn’t the time to eat a proper breakfast today. And it seemed that violent movement was the straw that broke the camel’s back. His clothing wasn’t designed to hold his weight up like that, and under the pressure of his weight and his harsh movements ripped the cloth. His scream pierced the tranquil air as he started to fall straight down, head first.