Taken (A bleach story)

The new Captain

“AHHH!” I shouted. We had just left the portal and I was standing next to Renji. Uryuu, Orihime and Chad had already left to wait at Kuukaku’s place… Whoever that was. “Wha-what happened to me?!” Renji looked down at me and his face held a shocked expression.
“Ahh! Did I grow taller or did you shrink?” He asked and Ichigo looked at me.
“Wow! You’re just a little bit taller than Toshiro now!” He laughed and I Phantom Stepped behind him; my Zunpakto strangling his neck.
“Don’t you dare laugh at me!” I threatened.
“Okay, okay!” He said and I Phantom Stepped back to Renji’s side.
“You should learn to have more respect for me Carrot-Top!” I shouted and crossed my arms.
“What’s wrong with you?” He asked.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked. “Oh wait, don’t tell me, I haven’t got all year…” I spat and Renji laughed.
“Nevermind let’s just go!” He said and turned away. “Has Toshiro’s attitude too…” He mumbled to himself.
“Yoruichi said that this type of thing would happen either to you, Koishii or Makai.” Renji added.
“Gives us all the more reason to hurry up and get there as soon as we can.” I said and followed Ichigo. We ended up inside the Seireitei and we were on our way to the Repentance Cell’s entrance. We were in some sort of maze like structure – why they have something like this, I don’t know.
“I feel like we are going nowhere!” Makai shouted.
“This is inflicting agony upon my beautiful soul.” Koishii wiped the sweat from his head.
“Yeah Ichigo, do you even know where you are going?” I asked.
“Well, I think I can remember where it was.” Ichigo said and scratched his head.
“Idiot… Doesn’t even know where he is going…” I crossed my arms in disgust.
“Hey! Since when did you become as cold as Toshiro too?! One could think that you are related!” Ichigo shouted and Makai and Koishii got enraged.
“Who the hell is this Toshiro guy that you are comparing me too?! It’s freakin’ annoying!” I shouted.
“Yeah! I demand answers!” Makai shouted.
“Grr! I shall not be replaced by an imbecile called ‘Toshiro’!” Koishii shouted.
“Guys, he is…” Ichigo stopped at the site of a dead end. He let out a deflated sound and he even looked a bit deflated.
“Another DEAD END?!” I yelled furiously at Ichigo. I tried to hold back my rage. “You know what… I’m going my own way and meeting you at the Repentance Cell!” I yelled and turned my back to them.
“Wait! You won’t be able to find the Repentance Cell! You don’t know this place at all!” Ichigo shouted.
“Well I know I’ll do a way better job than you!” I growled.
“I don’t know what happened to you when we went through that portal, but I don’t like it! I don’t care whether you leave or not!” Ichigo shouted and turned his back to me.
‘I really hate this guy…’ I thought to myself and Phantom Stepped away from them.
“Ichigo! What the hell is wrong with you?!” Renji blurted out.
“Yeah! You chased our sister away!” Makai shouted at Ichigo.
“You puny pest!” Koishii shouted.
“Then go find her if you are so concerned for her!” Ichigo yelled and my brothers frowned at him.
“Ichigo! You idiot! Calm down!” Renji tried to reason with him.
“I think we’ll do just that!” Makai yelled.
“Our gaze will hover over your pitiful soul when you finally reach the Repentance Cell foul brute.” Koishii said and they turned away from him.
“Hinote Kamisama!” Makai called and fire surrounded him.
“Mizu Kamisama!” Koishii called and water surrounded him and the water and fire started evaporating into the air. When it had evaporated completely the twins were gone.
“I thought they said they couldn’t teleport…” Ichigo pondered.
“Ichigo, you idiot!” Renji yelled.
“What?”
“Do you know why Kisuke said we were to never let them out of our sight?” Renji asked.
“No, why?”
“Because there are other soul reapers out there and they might think that Sora, Makai and Koishii are Ryokas and what do we do when we see a Ryoka?” Renji asked and Ichigo realised what he had done.
“We have to go get them!” Ichigo said.
“I think we should split up and look for them.”
“Yeah, okay… um… You go look for the twins and I’ll go look for Sora.”
“Sure thing.” Renji said and they both Flash Stepped away from each other. Renji stopped Flash Stepping when he heard the sound of Yumichika’s voice coming from the other side of the wall. He jumped over and he appeared in the middle of a fight between Yumichika and Koishii. He got so nervous and ran screaming: “Yumichika stop! He’s not what you think he is! Please listen to me!” He suddenly stopped when he saw that Yumichika was smiling and when he turned around Koishii was smiling too.
“So he is not a magnificently dashing soul with immense power?” Yumichika asked.
“Well, I, err… Sorry, I thought that you might’ve assumed he was a Ryoka and tried to kill him.” Renji apologised.
“Well I assumed he was at first, but then he stated that you were accompanying him.”
“Indeed, I wouldn’t want to shed the blood of a soul reaper with an astounding approach to the way he addresses others.” Koishii added.
“I could second that statement.”
“As long as no one’s hurt,” Renji said, “Now come on, we need to find your brother Koishii.”
“Let’s go.” Koishii said.
“I’m coming with you.” Yumichika said and they agreed. Once they found Makai, they saw he was with Ikkaku; they were sitting against the wall and talking. They had a lot of bruises on their body and cuts on their faces.
“Makai!” Renji called.
“Oh, hi guys!” Makai called and got up.
“Yumichika, I see you fought with the other one.” Ikkaku said and got up too.
“Well we didn’t necessarily battle since we were shocked that we discovered souls with a comparable level of magnificence.” Yumichika said and walked towards Ikkaku.
“Oh really?”
“Should’ve guessed a bunch of prissy little girls would.” Makai added and that got Koishii outraged. Renji sensed a fight coming so he quickly jumped in.
“Guys, Ichigo went to find Sora… We need to head to the Repentance Cell immediately.” Renji said and they agreed.
Ichigo had trouble finding me – that is until he heard Kenpachi shout. He Flash Stepped towards the area in which Kenpachi’s shout was coming from and found us there; my sword firmly in his chest. To his surprise it was in the exact spot where he first fought Kenpachi; this amused him a little. I pulled it out and Kenpachi fell on his knees. He was bleeding continuously in his chest, and his shoulder, back, face and neck was also bleeding quite a lot. I was exactly the same, except the cut on my face was above my eye – which made it hard to see since I was technically half blind because of my blood running in my right eye. Also my chest wasn’t bleeding continuously; but the arm that I strike with was. The way I ended up fighting this guy was quite interesting. He heard from the Head Captain that we were arriving and he wanted to fight the strongest out of us three. He sensed my spiritual pressure when I came in and tried to crush me with his. He saw that I felt it but I didn’t show signs of interest. This annoyed him, so he jumped behind me and tried to slash at my back. I blocked it with my sword; both my hands gripping it as I swung around. “What do you want? I’m very busy!” I shouted and he had a shocked expression on his face. “Didn’t expect me to be so quick and clever, well that’s your mistake.” I said and we stopped to face each other.
“You are pretty strong, but how can you wield a Zunpakto when you’re not a soul reaper?”
“I was rewarded this Zunpakto after I defeated my first hollow. The rest is none of your business.” I said with a serious expression and put my sword back in its hilt. “Now if you don’t mind I’ll be on my way.” I said and turned around and left to the Repentance Cell.
“Hold on a minute.” He said but I didn’t turn around. “Do you think that you could just walk away, being the strongest out of your friends, without fighting me?”
“Yes that is exactly what I was doing, clever observation.” I said sarcastically without even looking at him and he Flash Stepped in front of me.
“Well I’m sorry, but you are gonna have to change that, because I won’t let you leave until you have at least cut me once.” He said and opened up his chest. “Cut me anywhere you like.” He said with a murderous grin on his face.
“I might as well get this over and done with.” I huffed and Phantom Stepped behind him. He had a shocked expression on his face. “I guess I’m done with you, don’t stand in my way again.” I said and snapped my fingers and blood poured out from his shoulders and back. He suddenly appeared in front of me with a murderous, blood-thirsty grin on his face.
“Do you think I’m gonna let you go off without fighting me using that strength?!” He released his spiritual pressure and slice at my arm with his blade. I was lucky enough to be able to jump, because if I didn’t he would’ve sliced my side.
“Dammit…” I panted and he charged at me but I Phantom Stepped behind him and swung my sword, he turned around fast enough to block me from attacking his back; fortunately I was able to slice at his face. He swung a few times and cut my face; right above my right eye. It was very hard to see since I was now half blind but I kept dodging. I disappeared and he believed I was gonna come out from behind and swing my sword, but he was wrong. He was about to turn around when he felt my Zunpakto stab his chest and go right through; about three inches of it stuck out of his back. He coughed up a tremendous amount of blood and when I pulled my Zunpakto out his chest bled continuously. That’s when Ichigo came and asked if I was okay. I said I was fine except that I was half blind and that he shouldn’t worry. I turned around to head to the Repentance Cell when I saw that Kenpachi was missing.
“He’s gone.” Ichigo said bewildered.
“None of my concern…” I said and started walking.
“You are very much like Toshiro… Hmm… Your fighting techniques are similar too…” Ichigo said and I was frustrated once again. But this time I didn’t comment, I just made my way up to the Repentance Cell where Yoruichi was waiting.
Kenpachi arrived at the Head Captain’s barracks where all the Captains were having a meeting. “Ahh Captain Zaraki, nice of you to finally join us.” Captain Yamamoto said.
“Captain Zaraki what happened to you?” Captain Kyoraku asked; shocked at the wounds on Kenpachi’s body.
“It was one of our new arrivals; the strongest out of the three.”
“Who was it?” Captain Hitsugaya asked.
“A girl much like yourself Captain. Her spiritual pressure hit me very hard when she past me, and showed no sign of interest when I released my spiritual pressure. When I striked at her from behind without her knowing, she sensed my presence and blocked my attack without any effort. She was very focused on what she was doing before because that’s all she wanted to do. When I asked her to at least strike at me, she just performed a move similar to the Flash Step from her position to the area behind me and then she carried on walking away. I don’t know how she did it but while doing that one move she managed to inflict three major blows on my shoulders and back. She had no trouble defeating me when I threatened her.”
“I do not want to be compared to anyone thank you.” Captain Hitsugaya said and crossed his arms in annoyance.
“This move that you said that was similar to the Flash Step, explain it.” Captain Kuchiki said; suddenly interested.
“Well, it was definitely faster, but that’s all I could examine from it before I almost drowned in my own blood.” Kenpachi said.
“Fascinating, do you know where she was headed?” Captain Ukitake asked.
“She didn’t say, but I could tell she was heading to the Repentance Cell.”
“Did she state her name?” Captain Unohana asked.
“No, she barely talked, and when she did, she was really cold, stern and harsh.”
“It does sound like our little Hitsugaya.” Captain Kyoraku laughed and Captain Hitsugaya frowned at him.
“Her height looked similar to yours as well Captain, maybe she’s a little taller, and her strength could also be compared to yours, okay, she’s a little stronger than you but her technique is similar.”
“Just shut up, both of you!” Captain Hitsugaya hissed.
“Her power, was it worth going after?” Captain Kurotsuchi asked.
“Of course, it felt as if it could exceed that of lieutenants!” Kenpachi said and everyone gasped. This was coming from the most fearless and powerful Squad 11 Captain. It had to be true.
“Thanks for the information Captain Zaraki.” The Head Captain bowed slightly and looked at the other Captains. “Now, we are gonna have to draw this Captains meeting to a close, be sure to find our new arrivals as soon as possible. That is all.” Captain Yamamoto said and everyone left for their barracks.
“Ichigo hurry up will you?” I called back at him. He was so slow it should be criminal!
“Sure… But I still don’t see how you healed so quickly…” Well what happened was that Ichigo thought he saw that Toshiro guy and decided to introduce us. While he was running after – what he thought was – Toshiro, I began to heal myself with Tsumetai Hebi. When he came back and admitted that it was not Toshiro, he noticed that my bruises and cuts were gone. “What the hell? Where did all your bruises and cuts go?” He asked with an expression that expressed how surprised he was.
“None of your business… Let’s head off…”
“Secretive… another trait you and Toshiro share…” Ichigo placed a finger on his lips as if he was trying to think of something.
“I don’t want to be compared to anyone, thank you.” I said and continued walking to the Repentance Cell.
“He’s not so bad once you get to know him… I think… You guys will get along well… I bet you guys will be the best of friends the moment you see each other!” Ichigo said and I glared at him. “Okay, okay, maybe not… But don’t be so quick to judge! You haven’t even met him yet!”
“Ichigo hurry up will you?!” I called back.
“Sure… But I still don’t see how you healed so quickly…” He’s gaze moved on to a guy walking passed; he was tall and he had long silver hair and a captain’s uniform on. “Captain Ukitake!” He called and turned to me. “Sora, that’s Captain Ukitake! You have to meet him!” Ichigo said.
“Whatever… Let’s just get this over and done with.” I said in a huff and tried my best to put on my goody-two-shoe pose on.
“Captain Ukitake!” Ichigo called again and the captain looked at us as we ran towards him.
“Ahh, Ichigo, how very nice to see you again.” He said with a smile. He had a very calm and soothing voice and it made me feel more comfortable being around him. “You must be the girl Captain Zaraki encountered.” He put his hand out for me to shake it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you my dear, I’m Captain Ukitake.” I shook his hand and it felt warm and comforting.
“I’m Skye Kuro-Getsueki, and the pleasure is all mine captain.” I smiled at him. “I have a favour to ask of you captain.” I said and dropped my hand.
“Oh? What could I do for you Miss Kuro-Getsueki?” He asked; his never-ending smile still very much present.
“Well, I was sent by Kisuke Urahara to ask if I could become a soul reaper. He said that my level of skill, speed, intellect and strength will be a valuable asset to the soul society and it is not something that you should take lightly. Please captain, I would do whatever it takes to prove myself worthy, just please let me at least show you my power…” I asked and lowered my gaze down towards the ground. He placed his hand on my shoulder and I looked up at him.
“Why, of course Miss Kuro-Getsueki, do you mind brawling a bit?” He asked and I shook my head. Unexpectedly he striked at me with his sword and I blocked it with my one hand gripping my sword. “Good reflexes.” He judged and Flash Stepped behind me. I turned around quickly to see he was performing the same type of chant that Renji did. A beam formed in his palms and I Phantom Stepped away just in time. I appeared behind him and slashed his back. He turned around to face me and kept swinging his sword at me. I dodged most of them and was able to cut him quite a few times and was able disarm him. “Okay, I give; you are a really powerful soul Skye. You possess a tremendous amount of potential, and I hope to work with you in the near future.” He bowed and I did the same. Blood dripped from my head, shoulder, arm and hand. I looked at Captain Ukitake and smiled.
“Please Captain; let me heal your wounds.” I said as I walked over to him.
“You have healing abilities?” He asked as he got up.
“Well, I guess you could say that…” I said and performed my healing technique on him. He was shocked and astounded at what was happening and he even lost his never-ending smile; instead he held a surprised expression.
“Wow that was amazing! Where did you learn that technique?” He asked as I put my sword in its hilt.
“It’s actually one of my Zunpakto’s abilities – controlling time. When you glowed, you were actually going back to the time in which you were in good condition. He can do many more things with his time controlling ability, but it takes up a lot of my spirit energy.” I said and his smile appears on his face again
“That’s really impressive Miss Kuro-Getsueki. Would it be too much to ask to show the Head Captain? We need to go there anyway so he can make the final decision.”
“No, it’s okay.” I said and Ichigo came up to us.
“You two can go ahead; I’ll go tell Yoruichi that you are with Captain Ukitake, she should be fine with that.” Ichigo said.
“See you around Ichigo.” I said he left.
“Now if you would please follow me Miss Kuro-Getsueki, I have some questions I would like to ask of you.” Captain Ukitake said and we walked towards the Head Captain’s barracks. “First I would like to ask if you mind talking about your past.”
“Well, it depends… How far back do you want me to go?”
“How you gained such abilities.”
“Well, I can’t really say, because I don’t really know… I guess I was born with it…” I answered and shrugged.
“Oh, well, do your parents possess such powers as well?” He asked and saw my face sadden.
“If you don’t mind captain, I prefer not talking about it… It’s something I’d rather just forget about…”
“I understand, it’s alright, I won’t ask again.” He looked at me and saw that my expression was calm once more. “But I would like to know about the people who travelled with you.”
“Oh, you mean Koishii and Makai; they are my brothers.” I said with a smile.
“Do they possess the same abilities?”
“Well, no, they have elemental powers. It’s quite fascinating actually. I don’t know how they ended up with it, but I guess they were born with it too.”
“Very interesting, I hope our paths cross soon.” He smiled an even bigger smile and I did the same. We stopped at a huge door and Captain Ukitake leaned in close to it. “Head Captain Yamamoto, I have some highly important information for you.” He said; knocking on the door.
“Not now Captain Ukitake, I’m very busy.” Captain Yamamoto said.
“I have the girl here with me.”
“Why didn’t you say so Captain, please, come on in.” He said and Captain Ukitake opened the door for me. I walked up to him and went down on my knees.
“I am honoured to be in your presence Head Captain. I hope that I am not taking up any of your time by coming here without your permission. Please forgive me.” I said and he placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Stand up my dear, it’s alright, really.” He said and I got up. He looked quite old and his beard went all the way down to his ankles. He looked respectable and wise nonetheless. “Now, what was it you wanted to talk about Captain Ukitake?”
“This girl, Miss Kuro-Getsueki, wishes to become a soul reaper on behalf of Kisuke. He sent her to find me to request this. I fought with her a bit and I could sense that her level of skill, speed and strength was that of a Captain’s. She was all Kenpachi said she was and I also request for her to become a soul reaper; with your approval of course.” Captain Ukitake said and smiled at me. “She has great potential and I believe she would make an excellent soul reaper. She seems like someone who can listen to instruction and produce excellent results. She also has this healing ability. Show him Miss Kuro-Getsueki.” I nodded and placed my Zunpakto in front of me. I breathed in deeply and pour what was left of my spirit energy into Tsumetai Hebi and he did the same. We started to glow and my wounds healed within seconds.
“What a fascinating technique young lady, where did you learn it?”
“It’s one of her Zunpakto’s abilities.” Captain Ukitake said.
“Yes, I did notice the Zunpakto. Miss Kuro-Getsueki, where did you get it? You’re not a soul reaper so you shouldn’t possess one.” He said and had an anticipated look on his face.
“Well Head Captain, a dying soul reaper handed it to me when I fought my first hollow. In the end, his last words were: “Keep it, it’s yours now, I feel you have great potential…” I think about him every time I swing Tsumetai Hebi at a hollow. It fills me with confidence.” I sighed at the thought. Okay, yes, I lied. But I couldn’t tell him that I found it lying on the ground… He might think that I stole it or something… Nobody found out though, and I’m glad no one asks me about it either.
“Miss Kuro-Getsueki is also very polite and I know she will follow orders very well.” Captain Ukitake added.
“Why follow when you can lead?” The Head Captain asked and looked at me.
“What do you mean Head Captain?”
“I’m assigning her the position of captain. She will be the new captain of Squad 3.” I was shocked. ‘The position of captain, isn’t that the best rank in the soul society? Why give me that position? He never saw what I could do yet he trusts that I am capable.’ I thought.
“I’m not going against your decisions Head Captain, but why not lieutenant?”
“Because I trust your judgements on her are correct; she has tremendous strength and her skill is really unique, also I sense that she will do great wonders for our society. You are right Captain Ukitake; she does have a lot of potential.” He ruffled my hair Captain Ukitake placed his hand on my shoulder and I got up. “Please take her to the Squad 3 barracks and we’ll see her in the morning for a captains’ meeting.” He said and Captain Ukitake and I bowed and left.