The Head Captain sends troops...

Back in the Soul Society...

Ichigo waits quietly whilest everyone gathers. "Lieutenant Matsumoto and Lieutenant Kotetsu have both disappeared with that Visored." Ichigo shifts slightly not really paying attention. "Kenpachi...send some of your troops to deal with him." That draws his attention immediately and he looks over at the older Captain.

"Sir...is that really necessary?" Everyone turns to look at Ichigo. "He's just a kid who's confused, probably scared. I say think we should let him be for now until he proves that he's dangerous to us."

"He has access to a Bankai. The danger is palpable."

"I strongly disagree, Head Captain." It's so silent you could hear a pin drop. "I believe your judgement regarding the issue is clouded. As a Visored I understand what he is going through, you've no idea what is happening to him." Everyone looks at the Head Captain and then Ichigo.

"Continue."

"When I first arrived, even my own Lieutenant gave me a wide birth, it was miserable."

"Regardless. I wish them all three returned. If they resist...eliminate them as you would any other traitors."

"Head-Captain--" He bangs the bottom of his cain of the floor and Ichigo falls silent. This old man was off his nut...

• • +

  You sit quietly atop the roof. Rangiku and Yuki had gotten along great and she was happy to invite her into her place to stay as well. It didn't take you more then a moment to sense them...Shinigami, heading toward you and fast. You stand and turn toward their direction. It's a small group of Shinigami, mostly unseated but one stands out.

  His shaved head and strange markings around his eyes...combined with that same fucked up grin Kenpachi always has when he's about to enjoy a good fight. "Valentine...you're comin' with us."

  "And if I refuse?"

  "Then we'll kill you." You grin and grasp the hilt of your Zanpakutō. "That's what I like to hear." He brushes the others aside.

  "No one interfere...he's mine." You hear a noise behind you and look back at both a woman...it's Isane. She steps up to your side and releases her Shikai in preperation to fight. "I'd heard that you attracted another Lieutenant besides Rangiku...but I never figured it was Isane."

  "Shut-up, Ikkaku!"

  "Touchy, aren't ya?" He rests his Zanpakutō on his shoulder. "Are you going to come quietly...or not?"

  "Ok..." Isane looks at you. "Isane...go wake Rangiku. You two are going back."

  "But--"

  "Just do it!" She flinches notibly and you feel a soft pressure on your shoulder. Looking over at Rangiku she smiles at you. "You two go back with them..."

  "What about you?"

  "Like hell I'm going back." Your spirital energy spikes, sending all but the two Lieutenants and the Seated Officer to their knees. Despite this, you can tell it's taking a heavy toll on Isane. "Let's take this fight else where, Ikkaku. We don't want anyone interfering after all."

  "My thought's exactly..." The two of you use a serious of flash-steps that take the two of you out to the middle of nowhere.

  "You Shikai...let's see it." He smirks slightly. "Surely you don't plan to insult me by not using it. Besides...you're gonna need to use your Bankai if you hope to win this fight."

  "That so...well, here's hopin'..." He releases his Shikai and his energy spikes to nearly your level. It's changed into a spear with a red tuft of fur under the blade. "Let's not waste--" You charge and slam your blade into his. He grunts slightly but smiles. "Not bad, Kid!"

  When your feet touch the ground you whirl the blade around, aiming for his feet. He jumps and you kick him away. He lands on his feet and his smile grows into a grin. "You got some skill, Kid. Reminds me of the first time I fought Ichigo...I was completely unprepared."

  He charges and unleashes a combination of lunges and strikes that you're hard-pressed to defend from. "I don't get you! You've got all this power!" He whirls the blade around, breaking it into three pieces. "And you use it to run?!" The blade smashes into your sword and forces you to renforce your blade with your forearm.

  You slide back and lower your blade. "You know nothing about me! A Shinigami could never TRUELY understand what I've been through, Ikkaku!"

  "Boo-hoo!"

  "I don't give a damn what you think!" Your fight is interupted by the appearance of both Lieutenants as well as Yuki. You can tell from her eye's she close to being taken over. "Thought I told you to go with them?"

  "I'm not going anywhere."

  "Me either." Ikkaku snorts and using his flash-step disappears. It seems out of character for a guy like him...but a four on one fight isn't exactly a fair fight. You relax and sigh. "So, what are you doing here, Isane?" You tense up, knowing the answer is NOT going to be a good one.

  Looking back at the pair of them it seems to only take a moment for them to piece things together and unite against you. You receive a slap for each cheek and they disappear, leaving you and Yuki alone. "You should return to your body before you change..."

  As you wander the streets of the town, you encounter an Arrancar. He's not that big, but he feels powerful...just the outlet you need. As you approach he grins. "Shinigami...how interesting. I've been wanting to test out my new body." You approach and grip your Zanpakutō. "You'll never be able to cut me!" You swing...and lay open his chest.

  He jumps back and lands a few feet away from you. "What the hell?!"

  "What happened? I thought you said I couldn't cut you?"

  "Bastard!" He reaches for his blade and you cover the distance with a flash-step, cleaving his arm off. Both his arm and the blade go flying away. He grasps the stump and cries out in agony. Raising his head up with you Zanpakutō you stare down at him.

  "Scum like you...should know it's place..." You run him through and his body breaks apart. You still feel antsy...