Within the Depths

**Date Started:** 2 December, 2021
**Date Completed:** Ongoing
**Next Role-Play**: N/A
**Users Involved:** , User:Sekiro of the mist
**Setting:** Seireitei, Tenth division barracks, Kurayami-Kaito(inner world)
**Characters Involved**:
* **Shinigami**: Ryujin Suiiki
* **Zanpakuto Spirit**: Kurayami-Kaito

 *Lost Lies the soul.*
Drifting alone through the past.

Hopefull the day wont be his last

Akin to the moon, light shines full

Riding the torrent

As the Clouds of life Move

## Ten vs One

It was a bright day in the Seireitei. The tenth division, a place of mystery and Prodigies. Within its walls the current lieutenant. Ryujin Suiiki was hard at work sifting through multiple papers. His hands moved like a blur shifting constantly from file to file as he worked away. Thanks to him being the highest seat and people like Wakino putting their work on him. Still, Suiiki moved like a machine built by the 12th division. It only took him a few more minutes to finish the last of the papers. Finally with them done he faceplanted the desk.

"How many hours have I been doing this. And why does no one in this division like doing paperwork."

Suiiki lifted his head and looked at the Rubix cube at the corner of his desk. Only to find the Puzzle had been scrambled yet again by Wakino. Picking up his cube Suiiki studied it a bit. Then within a matter of seconds, the fully scrambled Cube was perfectly solved and back on his desk. " Alright, let's go before I get more," Suiiki said to himself turning off the music he was listening to. ( the boy seemed to take a liking to k and j-pop since his last trip to the human world)

Now walking along the tenth's halls. Suiiki slowly looked around a corner seeing it was clear. A smirk crept up his face and Suiiki took a step towards the hall leading outside.

*" Ah Lieutenant, I need to talk to you,"*

The words hit Suiiki and drained all of his happiness in an instant. A smiling face he had only a moment prior. Was now a Frowning one of annoyance. He turned his head slowly, Reluctantly, and Halfheartedly. "What's up," Suiiki said almost mumbling in the process.

*" Well you see, I and some of the others wanted to request a match with you."*

"a match"

*"Yes considering you pretty good at Hakuda we all placed a bet that you wouldn't be able to take a group of us down all at once. Of course, it's strictly for training purposes. the losers have to take over tonights meal."*

## "huh. Well, sounds fun enough let us go."

Suiiki and his fellow shinigami gathered around the training grounds for the barracks. The number was not what Suiiki expected. Ten of his fellow members gathered around their lieutenant. Each smiling and whispering amongst themselves. they all seemed to all wear clothes more fit for hand-to-hand combat. Some had arm wraps to keep the long sleeves of their respective Shihakushou. (probably getting the idea from Suiiki) and others chose to just go shirtless.

Meanwhile, Suiiki stood at the center of the group. Standing like a monk grandmaster. from the Shaolin temple. Except, a small teenager. He had a clear expression of not wanting to be there. Suiiki motioned for them all to begin the training session. and with that, all ten of the members surged forward.

The first attack came from one of the taller members. Winding up his right arm, the man let loose a punch with full force. But at the same time, his fellow shinigami on the opposite side brought his left leg upwards. Moving to perform a front kick. Should the first attack land it would send Suiiki in the direction of the kick, pushing the leg into his back and causing him to be lifted upwards from the ground.

Suiiki saw through their setup. for starters, the punch was calligraphed too much. Plus the kick left that member too much off balance. Raising his right hand and twisting it outward Suiiki caught the punch with ease and brought his arm inwards. Bringing the large man with him, Suiiki twisted his body and sent the Shinigami straight into his partner. The kick that was meant for him now drove him into the wrong target. Instantly knocking him out and sending his full weight into the shinigami who kicked in the first place.

Both Shinigami went down and left only eight left. By this time Suiiki was already making his move. One of the shinigami was so focused on the pair who fell. He Didn't realize the form of Suiiki now under him.

*"Saito! Look out!"*

Saito snapped to looking downwards. He was greeted with Suiiki's hand already inches away from his gut. With no time to react, he felt the force of Suiikis punch seem to knock on the doors of his soul. Almost completely blacking out he had no way to stop the next hit coming his way.

Suiiki was in a comfortable position to transfer into a move and knock yet another attacker out. His left hand was still tuned upright while he crouched into the punch. His next maneuver had such grace and fluidity it was like he Practiced Tai chi bringing in his right arm while twisting not only his hand but his fingers in a fanlike motion. Suiiki ended in a balled fist. It was then he switched his weight and shited from the left to the right. pulling back the left hand. Suiiki sent his right hand upwards in a palm strike. The force of the blow was so great it, sent the Shinigami flying upwards. Until he was completely above the rest. His body at this point had gone limp and he too crashed into the ground.

7 left. Suiiki took no interest in stopping his momentum so he ran forward. As if their numbers did not phase Suiiki one bit. This time four came towards him all at once. *Left hook, Right elbow, Axe kick, Headbutt.* This was the sequence they came at him. The unpredictable combos were All fun to deal with for the young Shinigami. Still running Suiikis form flickered, then vanished. the wind around him seemed to suck inwards following his disappearance.

He took the time to get around them then deal with them from the last member. Suiiki hopped into the air and to everyone's surprise. Used his fellow shinigami as a springboard. The height Suiiki achieved was like that of his last victim. Hanging in the air for only a second and changed his position to be upside down. Suiiki then fell forward towards the rest prepared to unleash a chain of attacks that would swiftly down two more. Should it hit.

The four shinigami did not sit around and wait for Suiiki to get down there. They quickly mobilized around each other and unleashed a combined kido art that normally would be almost impossible to complete on their own.
*"Everyone, together! **Bakudo #81!** DANKU!"*

The combined might of the four fighters created an almost invisible barrier that sprang forth from their outstretched hands. However, instead of taking its normal form in the shape of a vertical wall. The barrier stretched horizontally. Effectively blocking off Suiiki's route. Should this go as planned He would smack full force into the wall. and surely break some bones from the impact.

The Hado skill of his squadmates surprised Suiiki. He didn't think that they would be this crafty. and they weren't even among the three strongest of the entire group. He quickly focused on the Reishi in the air and made a foothold for himself. This allowed him to change his position midair yet he wasn't fully competent in the skill. Due to this, he would not have been able to stay in the air. Suiiki approached the barrier. Reaching out his right arm and used it to press down on the barrier as he came in contact. Then Suiiki sent a pulse through his arm and propelled the rest of his body off the side in a b-twist. The precise moment his feet met soil, the lieutenant Surged forward and attacked his helpless squadmates.
It all happened in a blur. Suiiki moved through the shinigami, he attacked multiple vital points. The result of his assault caused them all to fall downwards to the ground.

3 Left.

Suiiki started to laugh a bit. The training proved to become more interesting than he thought it would be. But that wasn't even close to the training he would be undertaking later today. He surveyed around him and noticed the last three opponents. They all had been at the forefront of the tenth's strength at this point. This was even before Suiiki appeared in the division.

Hideyasu Gozenreiji, Kochi Arahōshi, Genji Haku, And Suiiki each looked at each other. The next section of the fight would indeed be entertaining.

The tall figure of Kochi Began to emit a light witch outstretched from his body. The light belonged to the release of Spiritual energy bottled up inside him. Akin to a light blue flame rising ever so calmly from his body. With it, he and the other two shinigami took up martial arts stances. All similar yet different in their base. From Kochi's left, stood the strong Genji. He smiled widely and even seemed to be plotting something of his own. To the right stood the quiet and calm Hideyasu. Who retained a calm focused gaze. the four all stared each other down for what seemed like minutes. Their silence only being punctured by the grunts of fallen squadmates.

Genji was the first to break the silence as he kicked off of his feet. The form of the Shinigami vanished from sight as he skillfully cleared the distance, using Shunpo. "Let's get this started shall we young lieutenant," Genji said as he appeared once more following the completion of his flash step. Forming each of his fingers to point outward, into a powerful open hand strike. All moves he made were much more precise than the others. With his surprise attack, Genji Thrust his palm forward figures first. He aimed to strike Suiiki's left shoulder and disrupt his blood flow. This would prevent the boy from using that arm for a couple of seconds. These seconds would play a crucial role.

Approaching fast, Suiiki noticed the finger strike aimed for him. He skillfully turned using his waist and brought up the right hand. Also making an open hand, he pushed his arm inwards at a 90-degree angle. The blow coming from Genji, Became veered off course and force him to follow his arms path. After this Suiiki began to shift his weight trying to anticipate the next move From Genji.

The Veer from his original course caused Genji to pivot his feet. The force of him grounding himself into the earth caused a sheen of topsoil to be dug up from the terra below. Moving into a full turn Genji continued his assault and matched Suiiki with a trade of blows.

Suiiki was the first to begin the Exchange, By also spinning to counteract the position Genji would have put himself in. Suiiki brought out both of his arms near the final part of his rotation. Then pulling the right arm back, He sent his left arm outwards. This was parried by Genji who met the blow By ducking towards the right. And moving his left arm upwards from his elbow. Allowing him to block the strike. He then used the force to push Suiiki's left arm away and waver his balance just a tad.

Executing his move. Genji forced his weight into the left. Followed with an upside-down fist. swinging inwards for a strike. Aiming straight for Suiiki's temple. Yet again the latter met the attack of the former, with a counter of his, showing both of their Hakuda skill. Suiiki brought his head Backwards, while simultaneously tilting it leftwards. This allowed him to just narrowly evade the blow and still have time to evade the next punch coming towards his face once again. This time Suiiki put out both of his hands. Using the punch against Genji, Suiiki pushed this side of his body off course to the right as well.

Genji was Relentless, even with Suiiki Setting his blows off their courses he continued to add on pressure. Following the path, Suiiki set him on. Genji forced his way back with an elbow strike. This was also Set off course by Suiiki using the same method as his last attack. Still, Genji moved his left hand upwards seeking to land a strong blow to the gut. If it connected while Genji was using full strength, The lieutenant would be sent off his toes and tumbling into the ground. Causing multiple layers of soil to come up with him and bruise his body.

The last attack was indeed one that would take someone off guard. This was not the case with Suiiki. He trained for hours and hours to get his vision to a state where he could see the full view in front of him without having to worry about moving his eyes. Due to this, he saw the strike in his Field of Vision without even having to take his eyes of Genji's
Dropping his Right hand Downwards. Suiiki scooped under the arm of His opponent and moved His left arm over this. Then he brought both upwards and swatted the Arm out of his way. Its direction would've been uncomfortable for Genji and not made it easy for him to keep pressuring on that side until he moved.

Genji felt his arm twist at an angle that would surely cause it to dislocate had he not taken action. Stepping backward and switched onto the left side to avoid adding more pressure onto his arm until it was alleviated. He shouldered Suiiki sending the boy backward and moved on to him. It was clear he was an aggressive fighter. The two met and traded more blows in a constant cycle of back and forth.

All the squadmates on the ground were awestruck. They could barely keep up with the two fighters while they were in motion. *"Geez how young is Suiiki again. there's no way a kid should be that good in hand-to-hand combat."* One of the Shinigami said to his friend who was also on the ground from Suiiki's beating.

*"You're telling me. Word is that kid is the son of the late captain Kamei. that would mean he's also from a noble clan huh"*

"Hm seems the young one has improved considerably. It won't be long before he's among the best Hakuda experts in all of Gotei if he can go Blow for blow with Genji." the words were spoken by none other than Hideyasu. The Shinigami was among the best warriors the tenth had to offer at the time.

"No wonder the boy talks like that. he hung around you and his mother too much. Besides, I don't think he's going all out. Every time we all fight it seems his moves get more precise the more the fight goes on, speaking of which get ready. We are about to join in on the fun.". Now Kochi Spoke, while still observing the fight between Suiiki and Genji.
--

Suiiki and Genji had been sharing an exchange of blows evenly. Seeming to not shift from one having the lead vs the other. This Was put to an end the moment Genji let out his last punch. It contained so much force. That wind seemed to be guiding it forward. Suiiki looked at the fist, seeing the point where he concentrated most of his force and Suiiki. Moved his hand up seemingly stopping all of the force. Following this Suiiki focused on the Reishi around his fingers. and pushed Genji backward several inches. His speed was beginning to Pick up and the move was no longer Soley passive. He hoped to dispatch Genji here and now. Still using the Hand of Reishi, Suiiki formed a dragon claw with his hand. Forcing the entire arm forward with impeding force. If it lands the blow would push onto the temple of Genji. Forcing him downwards into the ground with considerable force. Body Smacking straight into the earth and causing a depression to form around him. The resulting force would instantly send him into unconsiousness.

Unbeknownst to Suiiki, Hideyasu and Kochi Ran towards the two fighters. Their speed and steps were in sync as they each moved to intercept Their Lieutenant. Kochi Moved towards Genji and sent him out of the way by pushing his face much the same way Suiiki would have. Albeit nowhere near the force. While at the same time The hand of Hideyasu Appeared from behind Genji's head to stop the blow from Suiiki.

The for moved like demons. Interchanging their positions and constantly trading blows. Yet somehow Suiiki seemed to be getting more acute with his pace. It was a midpoint between their exchange and all three of his opponents were surrounding in a triangular formation. Suiiki Swung his Left leg inwards and jumped off his right. Instantly beginning to spin his body following the motion.

Kochi and Genji were the closest to each other. as such they took the full force of his stikes. Both anticipated Suiiki would begin to use his kicks more. Yet this was a jump out of the gate. Kochi's hands covered his face and absorbed the first kick. The pressure it caused on his hands thought felt numbing. This showed the terrifying strength of the boy's lower half. Genji Wasn't so lucky. Thrown off by the Kick in the first place. He did not see the second one approaching from the spinning body of Suiiki. Before he could even process the leg crashed into his face. Instantly sending him flying backward and barreling into the ground.

**Hado #31. Shakkahō!** After using an incantation of the spell. Hideyasu Formed 5 of the red fire cannons all at once. This was a Display of his Kido mastery, being among the highest users of it in the tenth. Still, he was not finished with the kido display. Flicking his fingers downward and charging up another spell. **Haien** The spell took form and instead of firing instantly towards their target. Each of the Five Haien orbs Flew around Hideyasu's form. Taking up residence in the outer layer of the Shakkahō. Being infused with his Spiritual power the resulting attacks took the form of Glowing orbs of flame. Emitting a deep red near their core that slowly became a Brilliant white as it grew from the center. He sent all of these onto Suiiki at different intervals. The shockwave of the release caused the ground in front of him to implode. Sending chunks of earth flying upright, even causing a smokescreen to mask the Fireballs until they cleared the smoke.

Astonishing to say the least. That is how Suiiki felt watching kido masters at work. Their creativity and resourcefulness know no bounds. Ultimately they were a symbol of the highest warriors the Gotei had to offer. This was no time to marvel in it though he had to act fast. There was no way to dodge the technique they were too scattered.  **Bakudo #8. Seki.**

Forming his hands into a stance. Suiiki created an orb of energy within his palms. Then jumping backward five feet, He began to counter all of the orbs. Suiiki managed to block all of the attacks each making a flaming depression in the ground. Singing all of the surrounding grass around them. it seemed like the fight reached its climax.

Kochi had been moving to blitz the backside of Suiiki. With all of his attention towards the kido. There was no way for him to block. Kochi sent his left hand straight into Suiiki. Forcing the boy to be knocked off balance.

Suiiki smiled to himself as he prepared for both fighters to pounce him. Rolling onto the ground he predicted both of their actions. The two warriors chose to converge on either side of him each with a Reishi laced punch inching forward. Suiiki pushed onto his hands and kicked his legs out from under him. This moved his body to land back-first onto the ground. Evading the punches. Suiiki performed a windmill upwards landing on his hands. Suiiki then jumped upwards bringing both of his feet into a spit kick. If they hit the kicks would send the fighters backward and more than likely put an end to the fight.

Kochi was putting up his guard, however, the kick was fully fueled with Suiiki's strength. He was unable to block the attack. The leg went upwards and drove into his jaw. Forcing the man to spin midair. before pummeling into the ground.

Hideyasu however managed to avoid the attack he was the last one left out of the original ten to face Suiiki. "Very nice young Suiiki, That should be enough for now. I fear if we don't stop you will end up putting the one capable of healing others out of commission. " The words of Hideyasu were sparse as he was catching his breath from the clash.

"Oh forgive me I guess I got too into it," Suiiki said not fully realizing the true scope of the damage he had done to the others.

As for their training grounds. It was nothing short of a mess, there was a pile of shinigami who were rendered unconscious from their clash. Then there was the ripped-up earth and burnet spots from kido. Suiiki bowed to everyone and helped get the injured to their barracks, this small Training exercise hadn't even taken ten minutes but it showed the potential of the young Lieutenant.

## Drowning In Sorrow.

Now alone Suiiki laid in the grass. He had decided to retreat to his sakura tree. In truth, it was the only place in the barracks he felt at home. Try as he may the boy was as hollow as the whole left. There was no happiness, no joy, not even a smidgen. Only a cold shell, was left in him. From that shell, his zanpakuto rose.

" You come to me when you are along. Yet I cannot help you. for I am just as alone as you. Our inner world only exists as a lonely scape." The voice echoed from within the mind of Suiiki. Opening his eyes he saw Kurayami-Kaito Sitting next to him watching the night sky above them.

They dwelled inside the inner world of his zanpakuto. A vast almost endless landscape. the sky was a Stary night. gleaming with the various shades and light levels of the stars. The celestial figure of the moon glowed and gave off a faint glow. The energy pulsing off of its orb-like form like a circular wave. Sending out harmless shockwaves in the sky. Down below on the ground. The floor was a light layer of water. It was still and caused no ripples. in truth, the water was the ground. There was no depth to it the only depth provided by the shadows that were underneath the waves. This was the entire scope of the realm. Only interrupted by a singular small island. It was only big enough to accommodate the Sakura tree. its blossoms all glowed like a magical dance.

Kurayami kaito, the Zanpakuto spirit of Shinigami Ryujin Suiiki. His appearance took the form of a pale-skinned male . Silver eyes, horns, pointed elf-like ears, and medium-length black hair that stretches down to his lower neck. His hair is messy making his ends more defined and more scattered rather than uniform. His two horns each stretch from parts in his hair. These horns resemble an oni's and are black. He wears a medium-length, white kimono. With a black over jacket on top of this. On his bottom, Kurayami-Kaito wears black jeans. On top of this Kurayami carries around a gourd tied by a blue ribbon-like string.

"Not much I can do about that huh. I am sorry you have to be here all by yourself though. As am I for you being my zanpakuto. If I wasn't so broken you might've had the chance to become a different type of spirit. " Suiikis words were always like this when he spoke to Kurayami. A master who felt sorrow, yet he never cursed his zanpakuto. He feels that the inner world even his zanpakuto's existence is his fault. And it could've been much better.

"Hm, Your apologies aren't needed. I am the closest being to you in the world. We have been together since birth. Fate made me this way. I have no anger, it's quite nice this inner world of mine. A landscape like this is beautiful. I would say id prefer it if there was a zen garden to accompany it. Much I'm sure you do as well. Ryujin how long will you drown in the sorrows of the past. Send all of your hopes outwards and live life. If you don't you will only become worse. " Kurayami spoke heartfelt words to his master. their relationship was so close both knew the other's feelings.

Kurayami was the only one who could call Suiiki by his real name. Ryujin is the name given to him by his mother. The name the boy was known back home. however, since her death, Ryujin had long since just gone by his family name. Even though it's ironic as he denounces everyone else from his clan.

"It is a long time you get out of this hole. As of today. You Will abandon this sadness. Otherwise, you will never push forward. I shall personally see to your renewal. Otherwise, we shall both part this world for the next." Kurayami spoke to his master standing upwards and drawing his sword.

Ryujin knew this was going to happen eventually. But he was not ready to accept it. Now he had to fight to pass his sorrow away. If that's what it took to become stronger then he would Shoot for the goal. Standing up as well he took up his blade.

*"Cloud the sea of shadows. Kurayami-Kaito!"* Both released their Zanpakuto and exploded with energy. The landscape that was tranquil quickly erupted with the Dark black energy of their Reiastu. The realm was coated in a black sheen and various shadows erupted from the Water.

A step in the same direction and both brought up their swords. Clashing their Energy violently thrashed against each other. Kurayami Kaito was more inclined. He knew the ins and outs of Ryujin's power more than anyone. Pressing his weight forward Kurayami easily gained the advantage.

Sent backward tumbling along the ground. Ryujin recovered and shot back upwards. This was Useless, for now, he didn't even see his Zanpakuto spirit. Looking all around him Ryujin walked began walking in a circle. Careful not to pace his legs the wrong way. He knew the ability Kurayami was using, the skill to pass through shadows in a teleportation manner. Kage kōkan.

Kurayami was much more available with this move. Unlike Suiiki's Limited transportation. Kurayami could move like a fish throughout the shadow-like ocean underneath the water. It was this terrain he used to benefit his surroundings. A portal of shadows appeared behind Ryujin. With it, Kurayami's figure sprang from the shadows blade in hand. He swung the sword aiming for the neck of Ryujin. Upon landing it would certainly decapitate Ryujin.

Sensing his Spiritual pressure. Ryujin guided his blade to block his neck. The sword of Kurayami clashed with his and caused sparks to flash. Ryujin Wound up his right arm and sought to grab the blade opposing him. Upon succeeding, he would yank forward and deliver a strong knee towards Kurayami. knocking considerable air out of his lungs.

It was no issue To dodge such an attack. Kurayami simply momentarily let go of his Sword. In the same instance, Kuraymi pointed his hand upwards. This sent up a koi fish made of shadows. The skill was one of his Zanpakuto abilities. But instead of letting the Koi fly upwards causing damage towards his master. Kurayami dropped towards the ground and slid around Ryujin. His goal was to rise upwards attacking. Causing Ryujin to be sent into the air.

Ryujin Was taken off by Kurayamis movements. His advantage was colossal. yet it didn't mean he was losing this. Ryujin jumped into the air and got just out of range, this was to avoid the pounce. Then as he rose in the air, the shadows drew towards him. Using the koi he morphed the shadows like water and changed the shape. It became the shape of a dragon tracing into the sky and rushing back towards Kurayami.

A game, Whoever had more control would dominate the darkness. Kurayami jumped into the shadow dragon. Piercing it straight through then shrouding himself within. The spirit appears riding on the top of the dragon and comes rushing back towards his master. A burst of darkness crept up his blade and completely coveted the already midnight sword. Kurayami let loos a powerful slash that seemed to ripple the very fabric of the world. A concentrated Slash of Shadow energy sprung from his blade and traveled at surprising speeds towards Ryujin. The way the attack truly worked was Sending shadow from the sword like an extension. While it lengthens the blade. but ultimately it's a show of speed. The user in actuality blitzes forward and slashes toward the target. they then double back to their original position.

Ryujin only had moments to react. The move was one of his secret cards. Given the amount of speed and concentration, it takes to perform. A mastery of shunpo he doesn't normally have. Shrouding his sword in shadows. Yet he couldn't move his body fast enough. The full brunt of the attack collided with his body and sent him downward. Crashing into the ground ad kicking up a massive splash of water. Ryujin at this point was bloody and his shihakusho was torn to shreds. Kurayami Kaito was no slouch when it came to dealing damage.

Appearing before his master who laid on the ground unmoving Kurayami only scoffed. "look at the sorry state you're in." He said while angling his blade to meet the chin of Ryujin lifting it upwards. "It pains me to do this but it is a must." Kurayami said to Ryujin, who only looked upwards with half-broken eyes. "pain how can it pain you when I'm getting pummeled into a pulp." The words from Ryujin sounded like they were fighting back tears. At the moment he faced the darkness of the last attack. Ryujin had remembered back to years earlier.

*"Live on, It's not your fault that things turned out this way. And my death is solely on my hands."* the words were accompanied by the dying face of his mother. The woman to who Ryujin owed all of his respect and love. and the one who he was responsible for killing.

" A zanpakuto has one duty above all else. To protect their shinigami. But I am different, At the core of my being I am hollow." The words and speech patterns of Kurayami-Kaito became different. They were more aggressive and even had an echo resonating with every word. Ryujin looked up with as much determination as he could muster. " Kill me then. but you'll have a hard time when you're not even using full strength." Ryujin uttered before being completely smacked with the side of Kurayamis fist.

Sent backward He skated along the water and ended in a position much like the one he was just in. "Ryujin, You haven't even woken up from a dream yet. You are tied down by regret. pain weakens you, Distracts you, and most of all. It Kills You!" Kurayami said now kicking his master's body into the air.

As his body flew upwards Ryujins mind was all but focused on his battle. he was as Kurayami said lost within a dream.
*"Who is this little runt turning to. How dare you show your face here after you killed the master. A prodigy, please you couldn't even keep your mother safe." The words were bellowed from a man of tall stature. his face was covered by shadows but his booming voice would be heard for yards upon end. "Ochitsune Stop it He's a child and the hollow was a menos class. You expect a child to be able to stop something a captain couldn't."* the memory vanished and led into another this time the final one he would ever see, from those times for a long time.

*" The bright light of a cero was the only thing that could be registered. It tore through the town and eviscerated anything within its path. The young Ryujin stood and watched, helpless he couldn't move his body fast enough.*

 ***Ryujin!!** The words of his mother reached stunned ears. It was the only thing he heard before seeing the figure of his mother in front of him. She was a beautiful woman, One who risked her life then and there. It happened in a flash. The cero crashed into her frame and ripped up her shuhakuso along with the zanpakuto she had been carrying. Still forcing on she placed out her hands. They were charred and being burned from the heat and power of the cero. Still, she did not Give in, A Roar of final force. This was heard by any who were alive in the area, the roar of Ryujins mother howled as she gave one final push. The energy of the cero pushed backward and redirected back towards its sender. A flash of brilliant light lit up the entire view-scape.*

*Ryujins mother sat their strength wavering. Until it no longer allowed her to stand. a loud thud was heard as her body hit the ground. Breathing practice, clothes completely disintegrated. the only thing on her body was the Captain cloak witch seemed to still hang to her otherwise naked upper body. She looked over to Ryujin who at this point was only feet away from her. His face was traumatized. Beckoning him to come over the boy scurried beside his mother's side. they both knew her time was dwindling. only time for a few words.*

 *"Ryujin, stop crying, listen to me none of this is your fault. You have been my pride and joy ever since I carried you. All of the time I've spent with you has been the greatest period of my life. I have no doubt you will become an even stronger warrior than me. My sweet child, I- love- y...*

*Her words were cut off by the fate that is death. Ryujin was filled with tears and he cried out for his mother. "Mom **MOM**. Please answer me." his words fell to deft ears. For his mother had already passed. Realizing this Ryujin began to burst into tears. His agonizing screams carried the weight of sorrow. As his pain and rage swelled. So did his spiritual energy, a power began to rise and overcome him. Letting out a final Scream a Wave of darkness exploded from his body. Drowning everything in shadows. From that same energy arose what looked like a white mask around the face of Ryujin. It's forming slowly closing the world in around him and as it closed shutting him off. into darkness.*

Snapping back to reality. Ryujin rose from his position. the look in his eyes was pure. Soulless determination. With a flicker of his form, the boy disappeared from view. Only to pop up just in front of Kurayami. He grabbed the sword of his other half and stared him dead in the eyes.  **Never! AGAIN!!** Ryujin said. Spiritual pressure exploded from him in a violent burst.

## Rekindle the heart.

Ryujin and Kurayami-Kaito were in the middle of an intense power struggle. Their clash was sending echoes across the entire landscape Ryujin pushed forward with a barrage of sword strikes. Forcing Kurayami to block everyone until the pattern broke. Now having his sword in the middle of parrying Kurayami pushed against Ryujin's sword and performed a 360 spin sending a force of shadows around in the form of a whirlpool this time forcing Ryujin to retreat.

Now feet apart Ryujin and his zanpakuto paused for only a second before they rushed each other once more. Both having their swords outstretched they came together in a clash. The force was so much it began to kick up the water. Creating a dome around the two the water was sent upwards then fell. Struggling only for a moment. The two broke apart and instantly came back together to trade blows. exchanging various parries and slashes the two danced around each other in the form of steel.

Ryujin tilted his weight to the side just a bit. To get out of the clash between the two. Following this breath of free movement. Vanished from view using Shunpo. Kurayami followed the trail of ripples left in Ryujin's wake and Used Sunpo to follow. The two kept fighting even while coming in and out of flash step. this was truly their fight coming to its peak. Kurayami Just stepping out of Shunpo aimed his blade towards Ryujins left lung. Angling his sword to stab right through. Seeing this, however, Ryujin Let his blade go and ducked simultaneously. Avoiding the Attack Ryujin caught the speeding blade with both hands. Stopping it from pressing forward. The sword bit into his skin and drew more blood. But it was worth it.

A quick flicker of his sword And kurayami released Ryujins grip. Now pointing the blade downwards he struck the ground with enough force it would cause an eruption of water to form, from the impact. Ryujin let himself fall onto the right arm. Then he carried the rest of his body follow into a Roundoff cartwheel. avoiding the stab which would have pierced straight through his head. Upon its contact with the ground. The surrounding water flew upwards. Falling back downwards as a shower of rain. He was sent backward with his arms behind him. Screeching against the watery floor. Ryujin came to a stop and surged forward. Kurayami did the same as both abandoned the swords they came together trading hands.

Coming in with a chain of punches Ryujin threw multiple inward jabs. Kurayami dodge the first two and then sent forward his attack with a rising palm strike. Ryujin parried this with a downwards block that stopped both for a millisecond as they struggled for supremacy. Ryujin winning out sent the palm downwards. Twisting his body Ryujin came around with his left elbow facing the spirit. Sending the forearm snapping outwards. Kurayami caught this by veering his head to tilt sideways. bringing up the opposing arm at the same time. Pulling the arm downwards he sent Ryujin off his feet. Following up with a swift jab of his fingers into the stomach of Ryujin.

The latter was sent backward but he Quickly recovered. Dancing up to his feet by performing a windmill. Ryujin continued to wind his body upwards as he strode and rose with a tornado kick aimed for Kurayami's neck. It connected and flung Kurayami downwards facefirst into the ground. Ryujin then lifted his hand into the air and caught his blade which was suspended using the shadows of Kageshiba. He had cast the spell originally when first throwing the sword up. Upon retrieval. Ryujin aimed straight for Kurayami who grabbed his blade. They were in two different positions one barreling down from the heavens and one rising from the earth. both however charged a final attack.

The shadows wrapped entirely around each of their swords and echoed with resounding force. **Shin'en kirinukeru** Both bellowed the attack as they each showed master over darckness like no other in the soul society.

The shadows leaped forward dancing in the wake of the current. this current being the Sword slash meant to dive through the darkness. By plunging a specific target into a field of Shadows the darkness would envelop their entire form and begin to dig into them. Then the blade would cave in appearing to be the light of the moon breaking through the veil of darkness. With it, all of the force and shadows would fold into their target and run them through.

The clash was akin to the world Caving in on itself. The darkness formed a layer of black that let no light escape from within. It was a magnificent view. The darkness could be more akin to Koi rushing through a tsunami. Its tide crashing down and bringing the blessed moon with it. Both warriors roared with concentration as they pushed the technique to its limits. Darkness wrapping around each of their forms so violent yet tranquil it could be confused if not for the sword's accompanying it. With one final push, Ryujin Summoned every it of Strength he had. The power came differently. His reiastu donned a darker hue than normal. Shifting from a black to now donning a Purplish hue. its nature began to transform now feeling sharper and fiercer. The height of the change was most notified by the energy beginning to accumulate around his face.

One push. One final push of his strength. and Ryujin's Teqhnuiqe smashed into that of Kurayami's The shadows moved over them both like a Tsunami and crashed into the ground below. Following the impact. large cesspools of water shot up like geysers. Kurayami was enveloped and crashed into the terrain below. creating a crater by the force of impact. He flew took in the blow but ultimately was still alive. " Yes, that will do. The power is yours, hold on to your ideas and don't fall back into dispair. I will be with you all the way. I suppose you can add that win to your belt as well." Kurayami Kaito said as he began to fade away. the entire landscape was disappearing. Ryujin was sent back to his body in the real world.

While battling during his time using Jinzen. Ryujin had unleashed vast waves of spiritual pressure. It sent alarm to others who converged on his location in fear of the worst.

The body of Ryujin began to stand up its appearance obscured by the spiritual pressure that hid his form. As if the world zoomed in on him the face of Ryujin came into view. Only it wasn't a face. Where his mouth was stretched a vast arrangement of razor-sharp teeth Parting his hair where two horns that ended in finely sharp points. In between this, an ornament of bone seemed to take the shape of a Samurai crest. finally, around his eyes, the eyeholes of his hollow mask showed. While still not opening his eyes Ryujin began to speak to himself.

  *Fear draws in the soul.*
Expunging reason, and giving way to treason.

This treason is fear. for fear draws on away from their strength

But no longer will I be locked within that mortal shell

My growth has been hindered for too long

I suppose this is what they call rebirth. For the fires of my soul blaze on
With these words, the eyes of Ryujin open and reveal in full form his newly donned mask. It was a symbol of him overcoming the trials of his past.

## Refrences

1. ↑  Tai chi is a martial arts style of kung fu. The same grand style Suiiki practices