A new start

It was a normal day for mikoto while chilling in a bar in the rukongai waiting for his long time friend tenjinsai to show up for their usual drink. The bar was pretty empty for the time of day which was very odd normally the place is almost full with losers and lowlifes and give or take a shinigami or two. Some hours passed and mikoto realized that tenjinsai was late which was strange he was usually on time or even here before he was. Mikoto decided to have some drinks ordered and played some darts to pass the time after a good twenty or so minutes mikoto got bored and sat down and began to observe the bar. It was the same old bar nothing has changed in the many years he has come here same old dirty worn out floor same old bartender literally the guy was old as hell the only thing that was different was the booze they had a decent variety at least. Mikoto was starting to wonder if tenjinsai was actually going to show up probably was taking the scenic root it would explain why he was taking so long that or someone was dumb enough to get into a fist fight with him mikoto laughed to himself and though("almost feel sorry for the guy who challenged him").

It was a warm, timid day with not but a single wind gusting as Tenjinsai walked through the deserted roads of Rukongai. It was late in the day and most people had retreated to their homes for the night. The occasional resident would walk by, or the sound of children playing in the distance. Though, the lively sounds around him slowly faded away as he continued to wander further and further from the more densely populated area. He was making his way to the outskirts to visit a bar where as friend of his was waiting for his arrival. It had been some time since they had last seen each other, two, perhaps three months.

He was looking quite forward to seeing his friend once more, perhaps catch up on what had happened over the past dozen or weeks. He was sure that there would be stories to tell over good enough drink to make the words flow as well. Several minutes had passed in his journey before Tenjinsai approached a familiar building. He had seen it many times in the past and had been within the confines of its walls just as many. Running his hand along the knob of the door, he gripped it lightly and slung it open. The inner machinations of the building opened before him as he gazed upon the different occupants.

Some of them were gathered in groups, others sat alone, isolated and glad to be. There was however one person that was sitting alone, though looked to be expectant of someone arriving. 'And there he is' Tenjinsai thought over to himself. He moved forward slowly approaching the table and as he did so patted his hand down along the table. He sat himself down loudly and leaned to his side putting weight on his left arm. "Mikoto, it's been too long. What have you been up to since we last met you crazy bastards" He smiled warmly at his friend as he waited to be regaled with stories of Mikoto's time away.

With the arrival of his friend he thought he hadn't changed to much which was a nice thing to see. His friend with enthusiasm sat down and asked how he had been. "Not to much little of this and that the usual stuff" he then recalled something "In fact saw this nice looking women not long ago sadly to my misfortune she was not alone and her husband saw me staring and attempted to be the crap out of me" 'Mikoto laughs'. He passed his friend a beer and began to account all the times they had. From some pranks on some shopkeepers to some borrowing of items from time to time to some friendly fighting as well though most of those fights he lost though it was when they worked together in a fight was when they really kicked butt. He asked "So how about you? anything interesting happen meet anyone? broken some ladies hearts?" 'he laughed'. As he began to look around the bar still noticing it wasn't busy asked "Seems pretty quite around here don't you think? its normally pretty busy think somethings up?". He finished his beer and ordered another.

Tenjinsai laughed along with his compatriot as he told tale of his adventures. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary if he had to say so himself. Though that in itself spoke for how desensitized the pair was to what life was. Getting into fights, stealing to survive, bedding women left and right. These activities were not what one would call the norm in a typical persons daily routine. However for the two of them they had found their own way of doing things and had grown to like it. They lived free and did whatever they wanted and whatever they did do, they did their way. It was refreshing as opposed to how most people lived their lives away on a single track never bothering to look away from what is only in front of them.

Though what could be thought of as even more unusual, Tenjinsai's upbringing. In comparison to how he made himself a life from how he had been raised, they were in stark contrast. He had originally been from a well to do noble family and as such had many of life's extra amenities at his disposal. Money, property, and belongings beyond the dreams of most who lived. How he had come from a life style that was so lavish to what he was doing now was also quite a story in and of itself. Perhaps it was one that he would save for another day, when there was actually time to tell it. Though they say that dwelling on the past will help one accomplish only nothing.

Sighing lightly, Tenjinsai smiled at his friend after he had finished speaking and posed his question. Leaning backwards lightly in his chair, Tenjinsai placed his hands behind his head and rested his neck backwards slightly. "About the same as you, a little business here and there, nothing exciting or note-worthy. In all honesty..." Tenjinsai paused for a moment as he let out a light yawn before continuing his sentence. "..It's actually been pretty damn dull around here lately. If something doesn't decide to happen soon, it may be time for us to look into some new scenery." It was an honest observation as much of a hassle as it may be to follow up on what he had said.

Moving from one place to another wasn't always 'easy'. It typically wasn't actually easy any of the time, it was just bare able. But with the way they lived, moving from place to place became a necessity over time. While not being strictly law abiding, the two sought out trouble and put an end to it. Eventually, trouble just sort of faded away as though they had dealt with all of it. Most likely people were just afraid to step out of line while they knew the two of them were still around. One way or another, it was an issue that wasn't going to alleviate itself.

His friend made a good point perhaps it was time to find a new place to go. It's been quite like this for awhile most of the thugs are to scared to come out due to the "lessons" they had been giving them. When they got here most of the lowlifes and thugs were running around like they owned the place didn't take long before they went and hid to afraid to come out in fear that we would kick their asses again. Though if they did find a new place the thugs would come out of hiding probably its likely they may not though if fear of them coming back. "Yea i guess your right maybe its time to head out and see what we can find" he took another drink from his glass. While trying to think what they could do he remembered that his friend was some sort of big shot so to speak in the nobility though he knew his friend doesn't talk about it the one reason he brought it up on occasion was to talk about his friends uncle. "Hey man hope you don't mind if i ask, hows your uncle doing? i heard he was sent of some important missions or something" Mikoto liked Tenjinsai's uncle due to he treated both him and his friend well when they were younger and on occasion came to visit them both to BS and drink sometimes. Then he had an idea or rather remembered something "Oh hey i just remembered i heard something was going down in hanging dog i not sure of the details but i think some shinigami are involved wanna check it out?". He then finished his drink and put his glass down.

Mikoto's response was exactly what Tenjinsai had been expecting it to be. He knew his friend felt the same way he did. They had finished spreading, a kind of justice, through the district they were in and it was time to continue on their quest. In the same light though, there was more to it then just serving 'justice'. They enjoyed battle, perhaps a little too much, but it served a good purpose at least. This would be the tenth or eleventh district that they had been to that had been 'pacified'. The grew stronger as well as they did this, which served to make their jobs that much easier. Though with all that they had done, and all the strength they had gained, they were still weak in many ways.

These everyday ruffians and bandits were no more then glorified souls. They had gained minute power from fighting on the occasion and some were just blessed with a bit more spiritual power then most. Granted, Tenjinsai could perhaps say the same having come from nobility. His family had always been blessed with great strength, his father and siblings being a prime example. But still, compared to full fledged shinigami, or in an extreme case his family, he and Mikoto were mere fledglings compared to a soaring phoenix. They had much to learn, and much to gain. That was why Tenjinsai truly did it, so he could become something greater then he was now.

He wanted to return home one day, strong and proud, a true warrior. Perhaps, when he had accomplished this, his father would be able to look at him once again. However, that goal was far off down the road, almost unattainable as it seemed right now. For the time being though, it was no good to think about how far away his goal was. Tenjinsai had to simply look right in front of him and take it one step at a time. Eventually if he continued moving forward, he would arrive at his destination. His train of thought was jostled away as a question was posed to him that he was not expecting. Mikoto had asked how his uncle, Hayashi, was doing.

It was perhaps not completely out of left field considering what kind of person his uncle was. He was one of the few members of his family that had no issue communicating and interacting with Tenjinsai. Granted, Hayashi was the intellectual of the family, practically being a genius in his own right. As smart as his father Tenkai was, Hayashi was in a league all his own. Perhaps that was what let him look past the unfortunate situation that had results in what Tenjinsai's current life was. Either that or the great kindness he had always been known to possess. He was not in the strictest terms a warrior, though strong in his own right having previously been a Vice Captain of the Gotei Thirteen.

He was more of a strategist or a politician, choosing to use his words over his blade to win people over so bloodshed could be avoided. He was very much so a pacifist, perhaps even a saint among devils with the way the Gotei Thirteen operated typically. Sighing lightly, Tenjinsai turned to look out a nearby window as he retorted to his companions question. "He is doing well from the last I spoke with him. He was the one that actually gave me the coin that allowed us to stay at that inn the last two weeks. We would have ran out long before that if he had not saw it fit to help us."

Cracking his neck lightly, Tenjinsai shifted in his chair and swiveled back away from the window to look back at Mikoto. "But yes, he was sent away roughly three weeks ago with my father, brother in law, and cousin. They are apparently investigating all of the recent strange activity that has occurred both here and in the world of the living. That is all that I really know about what is going on though. I am typically, kept out of the loop." Turning to the right, Tenjinsai stretched his legs out and slowly stood up. He raised his arms up stretching his joints out with a loud pop emanating from his shoulders.

He flexed backwards stretching out his back with several more pops following suit. Now fully awake and limber a long sigh released itself from his lungs as he turned around with a smile on his face. "You said Hanging Dog and some Shinigami? What are we waiting for then, sounds like a good time!!" With that Tenjinsai did not need to hear anymore. He left a few coin on the table for their drinks and set his stride towards the door of the bar. It was time for them to move on to their next fun filled location. Though their idea of fun was certainly far from what most would consider to be.

While listening to his friend mikoto started to put his thoughts else where. He started to remember the most odd things like what he had to eat and other things such as the walk he had to the bar. For some reason he focused on what really is a flower was what does it mean is it a mere plant that smells nice or does it mean something more. He thought of this for awhile what really is a flower though nothing really did come of it he felt more invigorated. He then started thinking of another thing such math questions, he went over many math questions in his head for what reason who knows. He spent many moments pondering questions and answers until finally he realized that there was no point to it and was getting distracted. Though despite he best efforts he kept distracting himself with random things.

After awhile he finally was able to focus went his friend told him about the mission his uncle was on. Apparently tenjinsai's uncle father and cousin were sent to investigate the strange activity that was going on. He also noticed strange things happening as well like why where the gates shut off and what was really happening in the living world. Of course there are alot of theories floating around most of them involve aliens for some odd reason though most people will come up with anything nowadays. His friend then said they should in fact start to head out to hanging dog to check out what was going on there. Mikoto got up with his friend as they walked out the bar door and started the walk to hanging dog.

Though he didn't know exactly what was going on he heard little bits of the happening around the area though the people he asked where mostly afraid to talk to him he managed to get some information about it. Apparently The shinigami in the area were acting up for some reason "So from what i do know whats going on The shinigami in that area have been acting strange though no one is sure why my guess is they are getting a bit antsy about why the gates are shut off it seems like most people are still in the dark about it." As they walked on he really started to wonder why the gates were shut there is no information about it and the few shinigami he knew had no information on it ether. Believe it or not mikoto knows a few or the nobles thanks to tenjinsai's uncle and even they are in the dark about it. It really goes to show how much they don't want people to know whats going on.

"So what do you think of the gates being shut? From all the people i have talked to no one has a clue seems like they are keeping whatever is going on on a need to know bases, makes me worry though if they are keeping this tight a lid on this what they hell is going on out there". As they continued It got really quite to quite this wasn't normal normally this meant hey were going to be jumped soon. Mikoto whipers"Be on guard i think we are going to get jumped soon its far to quite for my liking" not soon after the were ambushed by a group of thugs that wanted some pay back for the beatings they had been given. "Well you guys finally grow some balls to fight? you really think numbers are going to help you this time" he said calmly "So tenjinsai you wanna start or shall I?".

The two slowly trudged along the path to their destination, Hanging Dog. It was an area know for its lawlessness and violence. Bandits and thieves ran wild being able to do as they pleased with minimal interaction from any type of authorities. Though in this age the shinigami did not have the power to do much at the time. They had sealed themselves off from the World of the Living, hiding from what they did not understand. It was unfortunate, but it was also the reality of the situation. With the disappearance of so many key figures and so few people left to hold things together, most were left to fend for themselves.

The Gotei Thirteen had no true leadership at the moment with its figurehead disappearing. Those who were left simply seized what power they could and tried their best to hold their corner of the world together. Communications had broken down to the point that the squads almost functioned as individualized militias. There were even rare cases of said shinigami displaying violence against one another in a struggle for power. There were of course several individuals who had flourished in this time of chaos. As for who would ultimately claim power, that much was left to be decided.

His father, or more appropriately his family, were heavily involved in these affairs. His family was influential, strong, and had a great deal of pull amongst most of the squads. That, coupled with the individual strength of his father led them to creating a rather powerful faction for themselves. However, as opposed to actual conflict with others to seize power, his father preferred to use diplomacy to win over those who would oppose him and the family. This was of course his Uncle's strong suit as Hayashi was a weaver of words.

He was not simply silver tongued, he had to have been given a gift from the gods themselves. He could weave words together in a way that was well thought out with profound meaning at the drop of a hat. Combined with his father Tenkai's overwhelming power, the two formed a powerhouse team that was practically unstoppable. It was often thought that if the two had not been born as brothers and instead had only been one child, they would have been a being of immense power that had never been seen before. Though, whether that was a good thing or not was an entirely different story.

One way or another it did not matter, it was not a remote possibility unless one knew how to alter time, and alter genetics. Moving beyond that though, there was still the task at hand, and the question poised by Mikoto. Tenjinsai did not personally know much of what was going on at the moment, though that was the general consensus. He knew what the current situation was, but not what had really caused it. To be absolutely honest, from what it seemed like, nobody really knew what had caused the current calamity. It was all question marks and darkness surrounding the mystery that lay before them.

There were of course theories and thoughts as to what it could be, though most of them were fairly eccentric. Nobody truly knew what had happened or what to do about it though. While they were no longer human, the fear of the unknown still remained within the spirits of Soul Society. It was something that no one could understand, and it was something to be feared. So many shinigami had vanished, shinigami with immense power as well. These were heroes that had lived for many centuries and led the Gotei Thirteen to greatness.

They had now vanished without a trace and of course there would be a panic. If something could take down the strongest shinigami in existence what was to be said of those who were left. Would they be next, would the same thing happen again, and again, and again, until no one remained? Fear took the hearts of everyone and now their society was in chaos. Tenjinsai sighed lightly, giving no real response to what Mikoto had said. He did not know what to say that was not already said.

It did not appear that much needed to be said as the pair was soon ambushed by a group of bandits. They were far from the residences at this point and pretty much out in the boonies. There was nobody nearby to get involved which was a good thing, for them. Sighing loudly, Tenjinsai put his hands on his hips and looked up at the darkening evening sky. "Have you not all learned your lesson at this point. How many times do we have to beat you into the ground before you get the message?"

Raising his hands up into the air from his hips, Tenjinsai shrugged in an over exaggerated manner and then let his hands drop to his sides. However only one hand hung down over open air. When his right hand had dropped it had found its way to the left side of his hip, where the blade he kept with him hung to his sash. He gripped the handle of the blade tightly as he ripped it quickly and cleanly from its sheath. Sliding into a combat stance he eyed those that were around him and counted down the number of opponents the pair would face. "Looks like we have got about, twelve, no, thirteen of these fools to deal with."

Smirking lightly, Tenjinsai adjusted his gaze over to Mikoto. "Ready for a bit of fun my friend, it looks like these clowns need to learn a lesson."

While both he and his friend were good fighters mikoto somewhat share tenjinsai's uncle's pint of view on it. While not as much as a pacifist and Hayashi he still tried to stay out of brawls though not always easy he does manage it. The fights he does get in he uses his mind to fight his enemies it was something he picked up from Hayashi. Though he got into most of his fights because of his friend he didn't mind simply because he had his back though he was mostly supporting tenjinsai in fights. While thinking one of the thugs took a swing at him he managed to get out of the way in time and punch the thug in a pressure point rendering that one unable to move.

Out of all the fights he and his friend had been in this was probably the least creative of them. They simply jumped them they could have at least put some thought into it like luring them somewhere or try to separate them. But no he thought it is too much for these morons to do mind you they weer not as lucky as he was. Mikoto was mostly taught by Hayashi due to hanging around tenjinsai alot though he never really did understand why his friends uncle bothered maybe he saw potential in him or perhaps he was trying to someone from being another thug on the streets who knows. He then noticed a thug sneaking up on his friend he quickly put the thug down. He looked at his friend "Not as many as i was expecting but hey can't expect much from thugs like theses guys now can you" he also notice before hand that his friend did brushed over his question about the gates being shut perhaps he had other things on his mind.

Ether way now wasn't the time for it "So think there may be more of them hiding waiting for an opportunity or am i giving them far to much credit?". As he continued to stand his ground against the thugs his thoughts went else were thinking of ways to take them out with little injuries as possible. Given their stand he thought there very inexperienced fighters which then made him think why are they fighting is it really possible that there are better guys waiting till they tire out to strike?. Though very doubtful given the thugs average intelligence it was still possible he just needed to be more aware and pay attention to anything that could be out of the ordinary. Then again he could be just giving these thugs more credit then they deserve but he gave a notion to his friend to be on his guard just to be safe.

It was clear that these men were not here to speak with them, their drawn blades were more then apparent of that. Though at this point Tenjinsai had his own blade drawn, they were ready for battle and the outcome was already decided. Two of the vagabonds had already been felled by Mikoto, it was time for Tenjinsai to put his skills to the test. With his blade drawn he moved with purpose and rapidly closed the gap between himself and two of the bandits. He flicked his wrists and moved his arms with precise movements of someone who had been trained to kill with a blade.

Before the first bandit he approached could react his arm had already been sliced off. The heavy limb fell to the floor with a light thud and blood pooled by his feet. The man screamed out as he dropped his sword and held the stump where his arm used to be. Quickly moving once more, Tenjinsai delivered his 'mercy' to the poor bastard and ran him through. His blade emerged from the back of the vagabond he had struck and listened as his opponents heart beat slowly faded. Drawing his blade back from the now limp body he had struck, the man flopped to the ground now as dead as the others that had fallen.

Turning about to face the others in the group he flicked his blade to remove the blood that tinged the glistening steel that had took the life of their comrade. "Is anyone else eager to die?" With that phrase the blood boiled of the remaining bandits and two of them approached him rapidly with blades high in the air. "Amateurs..." Tenjinsai said quietly as he moved towards the bandits that were coming at him. He read their movements easily and as they began to slowly approach Tenjinsai moved with precision and evaded their attacks with masterful maneuvers. Now standing to their backs he had the perfect position to strike down the two foes that stood before him.

As he rushed forward to strike them down his blade was met with resistance, by another sword. He had not expected to be intercepted during his attack, these bandits did not seem to have the best of team work, or care for one another. However the reason for this particular warriors intervention would become very apparent. "Sorry to interrupt your fun but I couldn't just stand by and watch you murder my men. It is hard enough to come by those who are eager to be criminals without you two slaughtering them left and right." Tenjinsai and the man who was apparently the ring leader locked blades for what seemed like an eternity before breaking away.

He could tell from those few moments that they struggled against one another that this individual was different from the other bandits and greenhorns they had tangled with in the past. There was a reason he was the leader of this rag tag group of bandits, he was stronger then all of them. Carefully observing one another the pair began to move in a circle, opposite one another, static hot in the air. "If my memory serves me correctly you must be the two vigilantes delivering your own version of justice in the rukongai. I have heard about you guys many times over the past few months. Especially more so since you came to my neck of the woods."

Grinning wildly, the man raised his blade and ran his tongue along the tang of it, somehow not cutting his tongue. "I have been waiting for the time that I could find both of you, and kill you for interfering in my operations. Let's see if your reputation is true to what I have heard!!" With that the ring leader came lunging forward towards Tenjinsai and their blades locked yet again. Left and right they clased with one another, the ringing of battling steel chiming through the area with every match they had. Whoever this person was, they were not just some unruly bandit that was out for blood or money.

No, this man was skilled and had experience in battle. Tenjinsai had developed his sword skills over many years of fighting across the rukongai. Even prior to that though he had received formal training from his brother in the art of Zanjutsu. Though certainly by no means was Tsunkai a master swordsman, but his skill with a blade was far beyond even most shinigami. Considering he was an executive officer in his squad and could hold his own against their father to an extent spoke volumes of his skill. Despite the training and experience that Tenjinsai had received, this person, this warrior, was apparently his equal.

Gritting his teeth lightly the two clashed blades once more and drew in close as they fought to push back the other, neither wanting to give up any ground. Everyone stood around them in awe as they watched the battle progress. None dared to interfere as they were sure to be cut down if they drew near either of the combatants. The two were drawn into battle, deeply focused on every single move that they made. They clashed left and right, neither gaining any ground, and neither giving any. It was a battle between two true warriors and the winner would be the only one to leave alive.

Once again they met, blades locked, drawn only inches from one anothers faces, teeth gritting and muscles clenched. Tenjinsai grinned slightly as he saw it fit to compliment his opponents talents. "You are, quite good for a mutt from the rukongai. Most of you scum do not even know how to hold a blade properly. You can't be just a simple thug, not with the moves that you have." Twisting his blade slightly, Tenjinsai turned it sideways and slid it along the edge of his opponents blade. The objective was for his enemy to lose balance from the force he was applying.

This tactic however did not work, as he had expected it to not. The man was skilled with a blade, it had shown and he had to admit it. The two were separated now, staring at one another carefully, both looking to be completely open but an intensity that dared one to draw near emitting from their every pore. His opponent grinned however as he lowered his blade slightly and relaxing his stance. "You're not bad with a blade yourself which means that you must be Tenjinsai, if my information is correct. The child of a noble family, and prodigious shinigami that have a long lineage in the Soul Society."

He grinned maliciously as he raised his blade up once more and pointed it out towards Tenjinsai, a murderous aura pulsating from his body. "Your talents are obvious with the lineage you have, I am sure you were taught well you spoiled pedigree pup." Tenjinsai gritted his teeth at that sentence, he hated it when people thought that he was spoiled because of where he had come from. His life had been anything but a pampered or spoiled one. He had survived mostly on his own grit for many many years, thankfully he had Mikoto to help support him now and vice versa.

But just because he came from nobility everyone thought that he was this spoiled little noble brat that did not understand the ways of the world. "Why don't you shut your mouth you filthy vagabond. You know nothing of me or my life, what makes you think you can speak about it without knowing anything about me! It is people like you that are a cancer to the Soul Society! All of you need to be destroyed without mercy!" His opponent laughed loudly, cocking his head back and roaring with raptous laughter for all to hear. It was short lived though as he returned his gaze back to Tenjinsai with a light sigh as he finished his uproar.

"So self rightous, just like all the other spawn of the shinigami families. Justice this and justice that, you are all broken records. Ultimately, everyone is simply out for numero uno, themselves. You and your friend here are no different, you just disguise it under the guise of doing it to protect the public. The only thing you two are out for is to shed blood for your own amusement. Killing you fools would be doing the world a favor." Tenjinsai's eyes turned dark as he stared with an intensity never seen before into the eyes of his opponent. His blade trembled at his side as the desire for violence bubbled within him.

The grip on his blade tightened until blood drew from his hand and his breathing was erratic. He slowly raised his blade pointing it out at the ring leader and spoke a single phrase. "If you think you are up to the task then you can try. You are sorely mistaken though if you think you have a chance of leaving here alive. If you are brave enough though, come forward, face your executioner and throw the dice. Let's see if fate is on your side today..."