Can a boomerang beat magic? (NDE)

With a grimace on his face, the 4th Seat limped over towards the battered Shinigami lying on the ground. The Vice Captain had coughed up blood from the force of the blow that had shattered his ribs and damaged his insides. The thick red liquid was spattered on his exposed chest, and the spot where Kyomei's foot had struck had an irregular shape from the shattered ribs. The Kuchiki manipulated the Horin, causing the Plasma Blade to return to his hand, where he could power it down. He then raised his leg, the wounded one that had the muscles torn, causing great pain, and used the powered down blade as a makeshift foot, alternating between it and his healthier leg in order to make his way towards the wounded Ray.

With a sputter and a new spray of blood, Raygin managed to pick himself up onto his elbows despite the pain and the injuries that he had sustained, and gurgled out some words. ”It…it was fun…” The Soul Reaper had an eerie smile though his teeth were stained red, and the chuckle that had preceded his words had echoed through the silent air. The brave Vice Captain laughed his way into unconsciousness. "You're a good man, fukutaicho, and a good Shinigami. You have my respect, and I see the potential in you. You got me good on that last one, I couldn't do anything to stop it. Once you get all fixed up, I would be honored if I could show you a thing or too, if you were interested, that is."

As the Technique Master wasn't really physically strong enough to carry a wounded comrade all the way to the Squad 4 Barracks, at least without a working leg and without hurting him further, Kyomei resorted to the combination of Kidou that he had performed earlier, gently raising up Ray and hobbling along towards the safety of the medics. The 4th seat's healing was much faster than the Vice Captains, so once he was done, Kyomei sat by the foot of Ray's bed, just watching him. His eyes were moving back and forth, as if in REM sleep. It was obvious that he'd pull through fine, he was tougher than he looked, especially when Kyo had first met him in the Ramen shop, when he had been only two feet tall and unable to even open a door properly.

As Ray began to stir, Kyomei slunk back into the shadows to observe him. The Vice Captain woke up, not suddenly, but not slowly either, as if he was just coming out of a deep sleep. Another trip to his Inner World, perhaps, a treat that Kyomei did not know the feeling of. With a grunt, he sat up and realized the restriction of the bandages, probably felt some pain too. He noticed some food on the bedside table next to him, and partook in some cheese, commenting that it wasn't as good as sushi, but still good enough. As he rubbed his side, Kyomei slowly advanced from the shadows. "When you've fully recovered, seek me out in the Squad 6 Barracks, if you wish. I see potential in you, and think that you could benefit from my tutelage." With a small bow, the Kuchiki was gone from the room, leaving Ray to rest and contemplate his offer.

/THREAD [/color]