Jack-O-Lanterns in July [PG-13, NDE]

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Himitsu originally thought he was in the clear, but his spiritual pulse detected the unusual movement of July’s daggers. Just before they passed by Himitsu’s previous location, they slowed down and were suddenly redirected upward by Himitsu’s own spell, Sho. With the daggers flying towards him and Volucris awkwardly carrying the Vice Captain by his bottom, Himitsu had no choice but to cast Sho once more, blasting the knives harmlessly toward the ground.

Himitsu continued the rest of his actions as he had planned, resulting in his flames flying rampant through the battle arena as he faced off against his cousin, nothing but a wall of fire between the two. And with a thundering mental drumroll and imaginary tension build-up, Himitsu opened his mouth, ready for the world to marvel over his words.

“Is it hot in here or is that just me?”

And silence… It was hard for Himitsu to see July through the cracking flames, standing on his toes to get a better view as if 6 feet and 8 inches was still too short. His eyes didn’t give him much information, and so he had to wait and rely on his ears. But July seemed to have nothing but silence to offer. He was dead quiet for what felt like many hours, and Himitsu’s goofy smile fell off his face. After what seemed like an eternity, July finally opened his mouth to speak. Himitsu rose to his toes once more, this time out of anticipation.

”Ehhhhh… Himitsu-kun? Perhaps stick to being the serious one here.”

“Wha…” Himitsu’s smile almost returned, but July’s words vanquished it once more. But it didn’t flee in disappointment. No, it was defeated by surprise. Himitsu was dumbstruck. His mind didn’t register what July had said for many moments, but when it caught up to reality, the Vice Captain erupted into a fit of laughter. He was surrounded by flames and July had summoned his army of strings by their side. They were fighting for control of their own family, and Himitsu’s dreams and ambitions were on the line.

Yet a plague of laughter overtook him, despite all the reasons why he shouldn’t be laughing. It took some time for Himitsu to calm down, but when he did, he called back to July as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “I think you might be right. I’m sorry, I won’t make that mistake again.” Suddenly, the Vice Captain’s mood changed. He had been amused before, but July was right. It was time to get serious, and he wasn’t going to go easy. There would be no more testing. Himitsu was ready to end the battle.

I’m sorry, cousin, the gentle giant thought to himself as he gripped his glaive. He needed to defeat the Division 8 Captain, but he’d try to do so in the least hurtful way possible. That was the best he could offer to July. Himitsu watched carefully as July leaped through the flames toward him. The other Kasumi’Oji was able to get enough air to clear the fire on the grass, but it appeared certain that he was going to fall before he made it all the way toward Himitsu’s little fire-free circle. With his shocked appearance, even Himitsu was almost certain that July had just sealed his own fate in defeat.

But of course, the captain was far too intelligent for such a move. Suddenly, he formed a spear in his hand. If he meant to throw the spear at Himitsu or try to impale him with the weapon, the Vice Captain was ready to parry with his glaive. However, he not only saw but felt July dig the end of the spear into the ground, using it instead to launch himself into the air.

Himitsu understood the captain’s intentions before he could carry out the complete action. When the pole had bent, maximizing its potential energy before throwing July into the sky, Himitsu made his move. July only managed to accelerate upward for about five feet, just enough to pick up a notable amount of speed. However, his head would suddenly hit a wall. He’d hit it hard, with the force that the pole vault had thrown him into the sky with. Most humans would crack their skulls and possibly die from the injury, but shinigami were more durable. July would simply be dazed from the injury to his head, but he wouldn’t be incapacitated for long. Only for a few short seconds, and that was all that Himitsu needed.

The wall that July crashed into was more than it appeared. It wasn’t actually a wall, but instead, it took the form of an enormous stingray comprised of golden energy. Himitsu had given life to Bakudo #81: Danku through Genesis Art: Vitae, granting the barrier a speed of 600. The stingray had one mission: subdue July. The captain would only be stunned for a couple of seconds, but in that time, he would fall toward the ground. Himitsu cleared out the flames that were below July, leaving nothing but dirt to stop the man’s fall. Just incase July recovered before he hit the ground, Himitsu cast Bakudo #8: Geki once more through spiritual pulse, physically stunning the captain.

When July’s body was stopped by the dirt, the stingray, which had been pressed by July’s back as he fell, would slow down as well. If July tried to get up, he’d find that the stingray was just pushing down on his body, limiting his physical movement and pushing him into the ground. He’d still be able to breath, but not effortlessly. But Himitsu was cautious about the strings too, so he took another precaution. To ensure that July could not escape the trap, he cast Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro. Six beams of light appeared around July, locking him in space. Even if his strings tried to pull him out, July would be locked in space.

Even then, by the time July recovered his wits, he’d find that he had been trapped. Himitsu had the option of using the offensive techniques that he had displayed earlier, but instead, Himitsu chose bakudo. He didn’t want to hurt July at all. The Vice Captain cleared the blue flames around the arena, even those on his burnt hands. Those hands were resting by his side. His glaive was lowered. July could see that much through the transparent energy that the string ray was made of.

“I’m sorry July,” Himitsu told him. “I came to this fight with the wrong motives. I thought that I was facing off against an enemy, but I was wrong.” Himitsu released the spells he had cast, ending his oppression of July so that he may walk over to and sit beside the captain. “I said earlier that I wanted to know who July Kasumi’Oji is, and that I wanted you to know Himitsu Kasumi’Oji as well. Before I can do that, I have to show you something beautiful.”

Himitsu took a deep breath, filling his lungs with air as he shut his eyes. After slowly exhaling, he spoke the sacred words. “Bankai. Enter the Gates of Heaven, Tengoku no Tenshi!"

Sounds of the Garden

Suddenly, the entire dirt terrain transformed into a gorgeous field full of lush green grass, dense brushes, and scattered trees. Because of the reiatsu barrier around the arena, Himitsu’s bankai had shrunk to fit the container. Immense mountains formed around the edges of the barrier, blocking the sight of the audience. Normally, at the center of the guardian lay a tree the size of the largest buildings in the human world. Because the constraint on the arena, the tree’s height was cut short. Instead, an enormous trunk with a width of one hundred feet ran up to the top of the reiatsu barrier before being cut short. To July, one of the few people alive who had witnessed Himitsu’s bankai, it looked like the tree would have grown up into the heavens had it not been blocked.

“Welcome to the Garden of Eden,” Himitsu told his cousin, introducing him to the land far too beautiful to exist in reality. “I always enjoy visiting this place,” Himitsu confided, a warm smile on his face. “But I showed you the Garden for a reason.” Himitsu set his glaive down beside him, letting his body fall back onto a soft cushion of grass. He was ready. He wanted to understand who July was, and he was prepared to reveal his own deepest emotions as well.

Compassion Zone.

Suddenly, July’s mind would be flooded with deep thoughts and feelings, emotions that he had never experienced before. They had to be foreign, but at the same time, July felt like they were his own as well. He felt immense loneliness swelling within him, and while he wanted more than anything to be accepted by others – to have a family, friends, and companions – he consistently found himself walking the world alone and fighting his own battles.

He felt horrible desperation and self-loathing as he experienced failure after failure, yet he pressed forward with nothing but his own will and faith. But the largest emotion July was exposed to was a terrifying fear. Fear that his dream was unachievable. Fear that he would not be able to save everybody and purge the world of evil simultaneously. Fear that the Garden of Eden only existed when Himitsu called out, and could never overtake and purify the whole world. Fear that he was fighting an unwinnable battle.

Himitsu felt his feelings flow through July as he sat beside his cousin, but he didn’t have time to wonder what his cousin might think. No, he was preoccupied himself. All of July’s emotions flooded through him too. No matter how hard he might try, the Kasumi’Oji head could not hide his heart from Himitsu. As the Vice Captain lay beside his cousin, he shut his eyes, doing his best to prepare for whatever might come. He couldn’t garuantee that the experience would be pleasant, but it was necessary. He had to understand.

Reiatsu Remaining: 1025/4000 (-600 for Danku, -300 for Lineage of Reiatsu x2, -25 for Geki, -150 for Rikujokoro, -300 for bankai)

Life Force Remaining: 2500/4000 (-300 for Vitae)

Bankai: 1/10

[July Kasumi'Oji]

{OOC: It took me a while, but here it is! XD}

Soaring. Flying. July felt like he was doing all of these things as the pliability of the pole sprung him both upwards and forwards, lifting him into the air. How great it was to be lithe - to be so free in his movements and to be able to move with such fluidity. Like a summer breeze he wou-

Ow

July felt his skull crack off something hard, which definitely hadn’t been there the whole time. Well… ouch. His usually brilliant mind, which could operate as quick as any computer, seemed to have crashed. July felt his vision go black, and saw red sparks dance across the inky darkness. Why red…? I hope… I’m not bleeding… I bought a new cravat just for… today… He could feel himself falling - he wasn’t that unaware. But what had he hit…? Was he even falling…? Wait, that was a Danku… but it was a stingray. Dear Soul King, he must be very out of sorts. Well, Himitsu had populated the entire arena with Jack O’Lanterns earlier… as if trying to tie into an imaginary title… of a novel…

”I get it… Jack O’Lanterns… In July…”

July became aware, very quickly, that he had most definitely been falling. The ground was more than happy to remind him of that fact. Though, the pain of the impact was second to the pain in his head - which felt like his skull had been cracked open. He was barely aware of the Geki - which seemed to come from nowhere - and was only just coming to his senses as the Danku stingray descended upon him. It was a very weird experience. It felt like he was trying to fight nature itself, weird living creatures of Reiatsu were attacking him from all directions and the air itself seemed determined that July had to lose. He gave a small smile as he lay on the ground - his arms and legs spread wide as if he were the Vetruvian man. Naturally, he found it bothersome that he couldn’t get into a more comfortable position. The combination of Bakudo made such a thing impossible.

How inconsiderate. He could have at least let me fix my braid.

July sighed - his long braid was wedged firmly behind his right shoulder blade, pressing it firmly into the dirt. It would be an absolute pain to clean out afterwards. Did no-one here care to prevent Himitsu causing such a travesty? July’s golden locks took time to maintain and braid, dirtying them would require the appropriate recompense. Though, he could do with a hot bath after all this. Perhaps with some bubbles. It had been a while since he’d had a bubble bath. He was looking forward to that now - in fact, he had quite convinced himself that he deserved on. This game had dragged on far too long already -

“I’m sorry July, I came to this fight with the wrong motives. I thought that I was facing off against an enemy, but I was wrong.”

To be honest, July had forgotten that Himitsu would have anything left to say. If his win condition was to lock down and suppress July, he had done a pretty good job. But July had not agreed to any such win condition. In fact… what even was the win condition of this game? He had decided it would be to make Himitsu laugh, but he had already achieved that. Well, sort of. Himitsu was still taking this far too seriously. He had even thought July was an enemy. An enemy?! July had almost felt offended. There were no greater friends than opponents. At least he realised his mistake. But he was still calling this a fight, which was somewhat upsetting. Was Himitsu so obsessed with his goal that he couldn’t see anything that was related to it? What a sad way to live.

July felt the feeling return to his hands and legs, and he felt the pressure of the Danku lift from him. But, instead of thanking Himitsu for the release, he just sighed. Sure, he looked powerless all strapped down like that, but he could have continued to fight if he had wanted to. Himitsu releasing him was just some misplaced naïveté. That July had thought he had been well and truly beaten - that there was no reason for him to continue the fight, that he had simply been overwhelmed by the diversity of his techniques. But that was part of a game too. Those precarious moments where you feel like the whole world is against you, only for you turn it around in a marvellous display of skill. Himitsu was far too concerned with winning and losing to see the beauty of a moment like that. How tragic! And he had expected so much more of the Squad 6 vice-captain - had Sozen really no idea how to properly train his students? July resolved to instil a love of fun in all his subordinates - for that was the sworn duty of Squad Captain.

July did not walk over to Himitsu, and instead lay on the mud - allowing the smells and tastes of the area to wash over him. The earthy feel of the dirt pressing into his back - and into his hair. The smell of the burnt grass, a sign of just how vicious Himitsu had been in creating a dramatic atmosphere. Oh, what did he really want? July felt himself becoming quite annoyed with Himitsu - he was being far too political. If he was taking this fight seriously, all his attempts at showmanship were nothing more than political manoeuvring - an attempt to appease July so that he might be more favourable to him. After all, even if Himitsu deposed him as head of the family, the support of a Squad Captain was something Himitsu could not ignore.

”Ugh. It was never really that complicated, Himitsu-kun.”

July rolled onto his chest, looking up at the now seated Himitsu - as if July were a child just after having a tantrum. Certainly not the behaviour one would expect from a Captain with his Bankai released.

“I said earlier that I wanted to know who July Kasumi’Oji is, and that I wanted you to know Himitsu Kasumi’Oji as well. Before I can do that, I have to show you something beautiful.”

Well, if you must… But you really need to stop projecting, Himitsu-kun. We’re not all interested in your “selfless” philosophies. Why do I feel like I’m about to be lectured…

Of course, July did not articulate these words. Instead he flashed Himitsu a smile that looked perfectly genuine. In fact, there was no way Himitsu would be capable of detecting July’s dissatisfaction - he was a perfect actor.

”Oh, Himitsu-kun - you’re such a tease.”

July followed up the line with a suggestive wink. He couldn’t help it. The emotionally straightforward were so easily rattled by the most rudimentary of flirts. He had to wonder how they ever got by. Life was full of innuendo and double entendre, getting so easily riled by every little thing must be so emotionally draining. Or maybe he was underestimating Himitsu. There was always the chance he was like July, saying one thing and meaning another - but July had to doubt that. His current analysis revealed that Himitsu was, most certainly, a fanatical follower of what he believed in. July rolled back onto his back, waiting for whatever beauty Himitsu had promised him. At least good people created nice things - or else there would be no point in having them around at all.

“Bankai. Enter the Gates of Heaven, Tengoku no Tenshi!”

Admittedly, July’s eyes did widen at this declaration. So Himitsu now thought it appropriate to progress to the final level of release. A little late to the party, but oh well. July couldn’t have everything the way he wanted unfortunately. At least this was better than nothing. For someone as “good” as Himitsu, he had very little in the way of tact or manners. Or, at least, perhaps he was so preoccupied with his goal that the thinking about such trivial issues continued to evade him -

Oh wow… This is actually pretty nice.

July felt the earth beneath him transform into soft grass, as comfortable as a feather bed. Not 3 feet from him, a massive tree began to grow. Although it’s growth was clearly unnatural and accelerated, it did not feel rushed. In fact, if anyone had asked July at that moment, he would have said that this was the rate all trees grow at - such was the natural fluidity of the scene. Nothing felt uneasy or out of place - except for the artificial barrier which cut off the artificial paradise at arbitrary points. But still, the natural beauty of the scenery was such that even the barriers intrusions did not detract from them - even though July felt as though he was contained within some kind of giant snow globe. A pleasant breeze rippled the grass on the rolling hills - somehow the area seemed to have expanded, though July knew that that had to be a trick of the light.

“Welcome to the Garden of Eden,”

July took a moment to absorb the words. So, Himitsu considered himself the destined creator of paradise on earth, did he? How -

What’s going on…?

---

Had he blacked out? Things were certainly… darker than they had been before. And the pleasant breeze of Himitsu’s garden had become rather cold and harsh. July quickly scanned the area, and came to the sudden realisation that this was a mental landscape. Not much escaped his analytical ability and gut instinct - he was able to detect the things that would be inconsistent with reality. The simultaneous close-ness of the sky and the distance of the horizon - the unnatural feeling of the storm - the fact that the wind seemed to be constantly changing direction - the fact that Himitsu probably didn’t have the ability to affect the environment to this degree.

MUSIC

July sat up, just to make sure that this was definitely a mental landscape. Was Himitsu experiencing the same thing, then? A cursory glance at first, and then a second look. There… int he distance… was that him? He looked so very far away from here - but the bright light he exuded made him noticeable, in fact July had initially thought it was flash of lightning. Well, this was somewhat exciting… Wait… what…? July brought his gloved hand up his cheek to wipe away the tear that come forth unbidden. True, it was impossible to act in a mental landscape - emotions came through far more quickly and were practically uncontrollable - but these tears stood for something else. July was afraid. Afraid of what? July didn’t fear much, not even losing. It was Himitsu that always took everything so seriously…

July began to run. He felt that if he got to the light where Himitsu was, things might be a little better. Perhaps the light could quench the aching in his chest. He longed for that light, to bathe in it, to share it with others - but it still seemed so far away. And so small - so minute against the vastness of the landscape and the ferocity of the storm. It was scary. He was alone, and it was scary. He kept stumbling over invisible obstacles and it was scary. Himitsu seemed to be moving further and further away and it was scary. Fear of being alone, fear of what got in his way, fear of not reaching his destination. All of these emotions overwhelmed July - drowning his self-obsessed persona in their noble light. He could feel as though they were being generated somewhere else, but the experience was uniquely his own.

The winds began to pick up, and rain began to fall. And, for a brief second, July thought he saw the light around Himitsu dim a little. But that only made him run faster, to continue to jump up after every fall, to push away this unnatural fear. He didn’t quite know what lay at the end of the light, but he was sure it was good. It had to be. After all, he was putting so much effort into pursuing it. Maybe it was a way out, a way out of this accursed hell. The wind and rain swirled in the air, as if taunting him. Voices on the wind mocked his goal, continually told him how stupid it was to keep running towards the light.

And his own voice was there too, slyly commenting on how quickly July had changed his tune. ”Really, you are pathetic… Why on earth are you taking this so seriously…? There’s no entertainment to be had from something like this… You said it yourself… Good people are the worst kind of selfish… They don’t know how to play things properly… They make everything about them… And now, here you are… Running towards a light you don’t even care about… All because Himitsu-kun told you to? You won’t find what you want there… Such noble goals and idealism will invariably lead to disappointment… You’re far better off distracting yourself from the truth with your games… Why bother interfering in that which doesn’t concern you…?”

”Shut up!”

July continued to run, but it was getting more difficult. The grass had become mud, and he was slowly sinking. The rain had become a storm, and his vision was blurred. He could no longer make out Himitsu’s solid column of light from the temporary flashes of lightning. His coat had become saturated, and was weighed down by the rain. Even with his willpower, he couldn’t get out of this situation. His knees buckled beneath him, sending him crashing into the mud. What’s… happening to me… There was a pain in his heart, one that he was certain would remain long after this fight. He failed to reach that light in the distance - his opportunity was over. He closed his eyes, and allowed the mud to swallow him… Taking him to the dark depths of the void, where apathetic men like him belonged.

STOP MUSIC

---

MUSIC

Himitsu, through the power of his Compassion Zone, would reach a very different place to where July had ended up. Instead of finding himself in the middle of his Garden of Eden, as he closed his eyes he would feel himself fall backwards into a cushioned chair. There were no lights, and for a moment all Himitsu could feel would be the seat beneath him, and the oppressive darkness around him. However, he would not feel afraid. Rather, he would feel rather bored. It was as if he knew the darkness would eventually pass - but he was impatiently waiting for it to do so. This would drag on for what felt like an eternity - an entire lifetime of boredom spent sitting waiting in the darkness for the show to start. But, as expected, the darkness was eventually lifted.

One by one, large golden lamps flared to life illuminating a stage with a solitary man on it. Now Himitsu would realise that he was in an auditorium of some kind, a large theatre. What he, of course, could not possibly know was that was an almost perfect reflection of July’s inner world. There was a brief pause, tension palpable in the air. Finally, a round of applause echoed around the otherwise empty theatre, and the man on the stage took a bow. Perhaps Himitsu would even be swept up by the occasion, and lend a few claps himself. However, he would have to fight the growing boredom. This teasing had gone on far too long, he would undoubtedly want the main event to begin sooner rather than later.

Only then would he become of the music slowly building. Jarring piano chords at first, but then slowly building in a more exciting bass line - hinting at the revelry that was to follow. The man on the stage took another bow, and Himitsu would now realise that it was July, recognisable from his golden hair and signature green attire. What might prevent Himitsu from realising who it was immediately, however, was that he wore a smiling jester’s mask, adorned with multiple ruffles and bells. He would also become aware of the large distance between them - Himitsu seemed to be seated several rows back from the stage.

And suddenly, July was in motion. Weaving around the stage like a professional dancer, July moved with an easy grace that made it impossible for Himitsu to take his eyes off him. With every rise and fall of the backing track he would dance, matching the song’s energy with his quick acrobatic movements. Even his bells seemed to ring perfectly with the music - a coincidence that would reveal to Himitsu that this certainly wasn’t the real world. But, Himitsu may not have even realised that - because he was being gripped by another feeling. That of dissatisfaction. Yes, the dancer on stage was entertaining and exciting - but he desperately wanted to be him.

What was the point of sitting back in this chair? No-one would thank him for being an observer! The idea was ludicrous! Preposterous! Himitsu would feel a childish energy overtake him, accelerating his thoughts to an almost hyperactive level. Ideas flew in and out of his head, what he could do to liven up his life. To hell with the consequences - the world had enough light and dark in it, what it really needed was colour. Excitement was what he craved, and all he could think about were ways to maximise his enjoyment of things. He wasn’t even thinking of the dancer on stage, all he could think about was himself. That was until, however, the music stopped.

STOP MUSIC

July came to a graceful halt in the middle of the stage, once again commanding Himitsu’s attention. However, something would seem off. The dancer’s movements were a little more robotic than before - and without the music in the background the bells of his mask resonated creepily around the empty auditorium. There was no applause at the end, unlike what there had been at the beginning. The dancer took another bow, and brought its hand up to the mask - evidently meaning to take it off. At this motion, Himitsu felt fearful. He didn’t want to see what lay beneath the mask of this dancer, as if knowing would spoil the illusion of excitement and grace that he had enjoyed all throughout the show. But, no matter what Himitsu did, the mask came off.

Revealing that the dancer had no face.

As soon as this sight was revealed, the theatre itself unravelled - intertwining strings splitting apart and falling to the ground. Everything became nothing in a single instant, and the last thing Himitsu saw was the grinning mask. But that too disappeared into the darkness. Himitsu would feel as if it were inevitable - the warm caress of the darkness sapped away all of his feelings, leaving him feeling somewhat content. He was happy to have lost everything - the show had been good, but now it was over. There was no point in mourning it. And so, he fell backwards - toppling into the endless night.

---

July’s eyes opened, and he sat up with a start. He was back in the Garden of Eden, and Himitsu was beside him - who seemed to be just waking up from a similar experience. July absentmindedly put his hand over his aching heart. He knew these emotions and fears couldn’t possibly be his, yet how had Himitsu entirely overwritten July’s personality with his own? July was finding it difficult to maintain a sense of self - Himitsu’s emotions blocked his own at every turn. July stood up, and skipped away from the Squad 6 Vice-Captain. He was an accomplished actor with a skill-level beyond anything Himitsu could even imagine - his emotional struggle wouldn’t show on his face.

”That’s quite the nasty trick, Himitsu-kun.”

He looked back at his cousin over his shoulder. He could not let Himitsu know that his Bankai had affected him so badly. He could make these feelings go away as long as he kept himself busy. He absentmindedly brought his hand over his heart - though the physical pain he was feeling was likely psychosomatic, the sudden emotional shock seemed to be having an adverse affect on his heart. He turned on his heels, flaring out his coat behind him. He gave Himitsu a smile, and yet another wink.

”You really managed to shift the tone of the whole show.”

He stuck his tongue out, emphasising his playful traits to distract him from this pain.

”We’ll have to shake things up a bit again!”

He threw his arms out, flinging several more strings out onto the ground. He didn’t want to think about things any more, he just wanted to keep playing. He could feel the pain, he could feel Himitsu’s anguish, but he also knew it would pass. Everything did eventually - that was one fact July had learned through his long life. No matter how strongly you felt about something now, time would make that passion fade. All you could live for was the moment - to add splashes of colour to a life of grey. The excitement was temporary, but that was better than living with this eternal despair.

July grinned - he was not usually this philosophical. He’d have to occupy himself. The fifteen strings he had tossed onto the ground writhed and turned, folding in over themselves and shaping to form three mannequins - the same as the one he had created earlier. Their metallic, featureless bodies formed a stark contrast with the colour and beauty of Himitsu’s garden, but their athleticism and poise - July felt - made up for what they lacked in aesthetics. He threw his hands up into the air - the show had experienced a brief interlude - but now they could resume!

The mannequins leapt at Himitsu, dashing across the ground at 200 speed. That was fairly slow, but Himitsu would not be able to avoid them forever. If he decided to fly into the air, July had a set of strings ready in his sleeves to form daggers. Himitsu could continue to run, but if he ran he would undoubtedly fall. Even with July’s limited Energy Sensory, he could sense that Himitsu was struggling. As was the case with most Kido users, prolonged battles proved to be a significant drain on Reiatsu. To even deal with the three marionettes, Himitsu would have a difficult time. July grinned again - suppressing the strong emotions he felt. He had to continue to fight! As the current head, he was unsure if he could give over the position to someone so tragic.

”Himitsu-kun, if you want victory you have to reach out and grab it with everything you have! All this fear of loss won’t get you anywhere!”

Reiatsu: 2730/6400: -1350 for 15 Triple Strings, -300 for 3 Triple String Animated Combat Class Marionettes

Bankai: 5/10

Active Strings:

26 Triple Strings: 15 in 3 Animated Marionettes, 11 on July

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

I’m only experiencing July…

A tiny voice in the back of Himitsu’s mind tried to remind him of reality, but he was having a hard time focusing on its words. He was too busy trying to make something out of his new environment. His eyes were open, but all he could see before him was black. He turned to the right. Black. He looked to the left. More darkness. No matter where his eyes darted, their view never changed. He was surrounded by a veil of the night.

But just because he couldn’t see didn’t mean there was nothing around. He felt his a velvet cushion beneath his bottom, behind his back, and under his arms. The chair was fairly comfortable, but he felt restless nonetheless. His foot impatiently tapped the hard floor. In fact, his whole body felt jittery. He wanted something to do, but he was unable to leave the chair. He wanted to go on an adventure or do something fun, yet he was stuck in his seat. The arrangement was so boring.

So he unwillingly waited for what seemed like many painfully uneventful hours before, finally, the gods smiled before him and illuminated the room. The dim lights that flickered into life revealed Himitsu to be in some sort of theater, seated in the audience facing a vast stage tasked at presenting a single man. The performer, dawning a jester’s mask, took a bow, causing the entire auditorium to erupt into applause. Himitsu’s eyes scanned over the empty seats around him in a half-hearted effort to pinpoint the source of the clapping, but he gave up quickly. After all, he came here for the show. That’s where his focus was.

But the show was taking its time, for the disruptive applause failed to subside quickly. Himitsu felt that the audience was far too rude by dragging their cheers out into the performer’s designated time. The longer they clapped, the faster the show could start. After many sluggish moments, the applause finally melted into the new sound of piano chords building harmonic tension toward a future melodic resolution. It’s about time, thought Himitsu bitterly, but he wasn’t satisfied. No, the tempo of his tapping foot was accelerating. He was still bored. Hopeful, but bored.

Huh, is the dancer July? he wondered to himself, recognizing the braid and green attire. Though he didn’t really care too much about the identity of the performer, as long as they were entertaining. However, it was hard to make out the precise features of July’s clothes from the back row of the theater. Himitsu was not pleased with the incredible distance between himself and the stage. He wasn’t pleased with the dull role of observer forced upon him. The more he watched July glide through the stage, his body flowing naturally with the music and painting a beautiful heroic story, the more he grew frustrated.

Soon, both his feet were rapidly drumming against the floor. He had to be up there, but how? If July was the hero of his story, maybe Himitsu could play the villain? July was telling a lovely tale, but it wasn’t exciting enough. It needed more life. Himitsu needed to bring in adventure, forcing the hero onto a treacherous journey… to recover his lover! Yes, it needed romance! And pain! No, the hero cannot succeed in everything. July will have to lose his loved ones. It will be an epic tragedy that will play tennis with the audience’s emotions. There spirits should never be low, not when Himitsu could bring color into the world. He would do it, too. No price was too high. He could become the greatest entertainer!

And then the music stopped, taking the dancer’s grace with it. Now, July’s movements were rough and artificial and dispiriting. Himitsu didn’t come to watch this. The unnatural dance clashed horribly with the rhythm of the eerie bells on July’s mask. Eventually, his routine ended, leaving Himitsu more furious than ever. That was it?! That’s all the show had to offer him? The dancer bowed again, but no one put their hands together in applause. The theater felt far emptier than ever. At the conclusion of his bow, July committed one final sin. His hands came up to his mask, slowly pulling it away from his face. No, you fool! You’ll kill the story!

But just when Himitsu expected to see July’s cheerful features, he instead met a blank face. Huh... But there was no time to question the surprise ending. Suddenly, Himitsu fell through the chair, falling into a pitch-black abyss as he watched the theater fell apart above him. It was all gone, yet the show was good. And all good things must come to an end. As darkness once again surrounded the Lieutenant, he felt a void in his soul consume his emotions. There was nothing left for him now, but it was worth it. At least it was a good show. That was his only task, and after its completion, he was content with falling through the eternal darkness.

---

Himitsu and July came to at the same time. While both felt like their dreams lasted for a long period of time, in reality, they might as well have just shut their eyes for two seconds before returning to reality. However, those two seconds were different from an ordinary couple of seconds, for in that short time, both had gained an understanding of the motive and soul behind an entire persons.

When Himitsu awoke, he almost didn’t feel like himself. He regained his self-awareness fairly quickly, but there were some aspects of his experience that did not leave him. He remembered that insatiable boredom vividly, and a part of his bittersweet satisfaction in the empty aftermath of the show lingered in his mind.

”That’s quite the nasty trick, Himitsu-kun.” Himitsu, who was still lying on his back, turned his head to meet the gaze of the Captain. While July seemed to have regained his wits fairly quickly, Himitsu still needed time to grasp his experience. The Lieutenant’s eyes were still wide and filled to the top with a wide array of emotions. While July could hide his feelings with ease, Himitsu could not help but wear them on his sleeve.

The Vice Captain was not surprised by the ease with which July carried himself. After all, he had just experienced July’s true spirit. There was not much July could do to surprise him anymore. His motives were clear. You’re wearing the jester’s mask, my friend. But I now know what’s on the other side. You can’t fool me. ”We’ll have to shake things up a bit again!”

Cue Music

But I don’t want to fight you…

July couldn’t hide from Himitsu. As he threw the strings on the ground, the Vice Captain knew the truth. The Captain was not going to confront Himitsu. He was aware of the impossible crusade that Himitsu waged on the world and the pain and desperation that the Lieutenant experienced constantly in the very core of his soul – No, he wasn’t just aware of it. He lived it just as Himitsu had, if only for a brief period of time.

I really don’t want to fight you, July.

Himitsu closed his eyes, unwilling to meet July’s confident gaze. Instead, he felt the world through spiritual pulse. All those fights before… The Vice Captain thought back to the battles he had faced in his life. He fought his brother, the enemies of his family, the enemies of Soul Society, Gringei Kuchiki, and his own inescapable disease as Mamuro Kasumi’Oji.

The Vice Captain felt the strings weave into three dense mannequins, each making their way toward Himitsu. However, the lieutenant did not react. He was still reflecting. As Himitsu Misute, he battled Kuroi Nato, the Vandenreich, Xcution, Las Noches, and even Hell. He was one of the more experienced soul reapers, having fought in the most significant events in Soul Society’s recent history. After all those fight – all that warfare and blood shed – I…

”Himitsu-kun, if you want victory you have to reach out and grab it with everything you have! All this fear of loss won’t get you anywhere!”

Suddenly, Himitsu took action. His eyes fluttered open, and reiatsu swelled in his hand. He took just one step and vanished with the use of shunpo, bolting narrowly between all three mannequins until he was just five feet from July. However, the moment his step technique completed, just before July might have the opportunity to execute his own step technique, he might realize a horrible new reality: he could not move. Even worse, however, was that his strings could not move either. If he tried, he could still form new strings, but those that were active were locked completely in space.

Stop Zone was now active, and as long as it was in place, no one or thing could move, only energy-based objects like fire, light, and beam attacks. However, while Himitsu was also locked in space, he wasn’t even trying to move. No, he had closed the distance he needed, so July might not even realize that Himitsu was immobile as well. Instead, the Captain might be focused on the large ball of flame formed in Himitsu’s open palm. With his skill with Kido, he was able to not only activate Hado #31: Shakkaho mid-shunpo but also as he turned Stop Zone on. He was truly a master of the art of Kido.

However, Himitsu’s mind was not on the fight. He was fighting with his warrior’s instinct, and it was that instinct that planned the combination that would send Shakkaho flying right into the frozen July’s chest the instant Himitsu’s shunpo concluded. If the attack landed, July’s entire torso, neck, upper thighs, and even part of his face would be badly burnt. However, because July was locked in space, he would have to take the direct force of the fireball’s explosion, which would break nearly all his ribs and severely damage internal organs.

But Himitsu wasn’t couldn’t bring himself to think about the fight. While his body was in combat with July, his emotions were fighting a bloody war against him. In the moment that the fireball might collide with July’s body, if the Captain looked up, he’d find tears pouring out of Himitsu’s pain-filled hazel eyes. After all those fight… I can’t think of a single victory.

“I always put in everything I have!” Himitsu would yell, frustration pouring out of his voice like the tears that flowed from his eyes. Those tears were another fight he faced every day, but he couldn’t keep it up. “I can’t keep it up anymore, July. You’re right, I’m terrified, I can never shake that fear off. Everyday, I put in everything I have into this extended fight against, the world, but I can’t continue. I can’t do it anymore, not without help.”

Himitsu, his voice trembling, began wiping away the rivers flowing down his cheeks. “You’re a beautiful person, July. You have a way with people that I could never grasp. You see the world as this wonderful romantic place that you can craft amazing things out of. You have more vision than I ever could, but I’m a dreamer too. I want to create a better world, and I can’t keep fighting for it alone. Please, believe in me like I believe in you.”

Reiatsu Remaining: 875/4000 (-50 for Shunpo, -100 for Shokkaho)

Life Force Remaining: 2500/4000

Bankai: 2/10

[July Kasumi'Oji]

July’s grin slowly faded. He realised now that this would be their final clash - if Himitsu pulled off a successful attack, July was pretty much finished. If July could knock Himitsu out, it was game over for Himitsu. But what would the correct outcome be? July’s emotions were screaming that Himitsu would be far more appropriate for the position of head, but July was rational enough to realise that these were products of Himitsu’s Bankai. He wasn’t going to hand over the position simply because Himitsu had activated his Bankai. Could he, in the limited time remaining, work out a solution?

Firstly, was being head of the family important to July Kasumi’Oji? Perhaps it was the effects of the Compassion Zone, but July could only note wryly that the only reason he had taken the position of head was for the entertainment value of the position. His dismantling of Azumi’s Empire could easily work from any of the positions of the Council - and given he had claim for one of the positions, being the eldest surviving ‘relative’ of Amon Kasumi’Oji, he could assume it with little to no effort. So, it seemed the answer was no. July was not fervently fighting for the position of head, or at least - he shouldn’t have been. Himitsu had the far more noble goal in mind.

But, that was only half the problem. July would be happy to relinquish the position of head, but was Himitsu capable of taking the position on? July, at the moment, understood the man who was Himitsu Kasumi’Oji better than anyone else… and he was certainly willing to take on the position of head. But, something nagged at July’s mind. Yes, the majority of his own feelings had been overridden by Himitsu’s emotions, but there was still a bit of July’s analytical ability remaining. There was something fundamentally… dissatisfying, he felt, with the tragedy of Himitsu Kasumi’Oji. Something July felt was holding Himitsu back. Something that would make him less effective as a leader.

July would have to put his hypothesis to the test. He needed to put Himitsu in a situation where he could prove to July that he was emotionally ready to take on the position. If he passed that “test”, July would have been happy to hand over the position to his cousin in a heartbeat, regardless of the outcome of the fight. However, if he failed… July would not say that he would never relinquish the title that the Kasumi’Oji family had given him, but he would withhold the position from Himitsu until the Squad 6 Vice-Captain was ready. Everything depended on what Himitsu did - so, in order to avoid influencing the result, July would have to continue acting the way he always did.

Himitsu was springing up, preparing to use Shunpo to shoot between the mannequins and approach July. It was admirable, a brave manoeuvre. Perhaps Himitsu was listening to July’s advice after all? The running around earlier, all the Bakudo and indirect methods of oppression were not going to work in this situation. He and July had neglected to decide on a more appropriate win condition - this fight was to make the opponent submit, even if it meant severely injuring them. July hated this kind of barbarism. Why had he been so neglectful? Hurting people was only fun when you didn’t really know or like the other person - though he was starting to have doubts about that too.

I’m sorry, Himitsu-kun… But I need to see what you’re capable of.

July didn’t move, didn’t even twitch. Himitsu had made the assumption that July would be incapable of doing anything with his mannequins - which only moved at 200 Speed. However, July had another plan in mind. His mannequins did not need to approach Himitsu to cause him harm. He could use a technique that would ensure that he caused at least some damage. Himitsu had begun his Shunpo, and was accelerating towards July at 2500 Speed, an impressive feat. July could feel his resolve as if it were July’s own, that certain desire to win - but chained down by the burdens that July wanted to see if Himitsu could cast off.

Himitsu had entered his Shunpo, was preparing whatever attack he had ready while dodging past July’s mannequin. He made to narrowly avoid the middle of the 3 mannequins - to shoot through the gap with his enhanced speed so the mannequins wouldn’t catch him. What he had failed to predict was that July’s reaction would not be based on the physical speed of the mannequins, but rather his mental acuity - which was more than capable of keeping up with Himitsu. As Himitsu moved past the mannequin, he would feel a pulse of spiritual energy that he couldn’t hope to react to - he didn’t have enough Instinct, he was moving too fast, he was trying to do too much at once. There was no way he could avoid it.

The mannequin, which he was going to “narrowly avoid”, exploded with the force of 5 spiritual hand grenades - each explosion a Class 2 technique with an offensive stat of 1200. The other two mannequins dissolved into their component strings - there was no need for them now.

July had not revealed this technique to anyone, and he had avoided using it up to now - given that the damage it caused was extremely severe. It would not kill Himitsu, but it would certainly send him flying - the impact would break several of his bones, and possibly obliterate a significant portion of the side of his body closest to the mannequin. Afterwards, due to the force of the explosion and the accompanying pain, it was unlikely that he would be able to formulate any other plan of attack. July felt a deep sense of shame and regret. This was why he hated taking things seriously. He just wanted this awful feeling of duty and compassion to end. As he felt the weight of Himitsu’s emotions lift from his heart, a new experience descended upon him. He was to be given back his own feelings at the expense of his movement, it seemed.

Perhaps Himitsu had a retaliation ready, in spite of the significant damage he he received. But July needed to run over to him. But, he had been stopped by this power! How inconsiderate! Did Himitsu not even want to hear what the alternate win condition was? How stupid. If this continued, July would never be able to award him his victory or loss. Did Himitsu not even care? Holding down a free spirit like July with a method like this was… it was just plain rude, if he was honest. And, if the explosion had destroyed any part of Himitsu’s body - July would be able to use his Bankai to patch him up for a while - while they got him to Squad 4.

”Himitsu-kuuuuuun! Are you alright? If you just let me move, I’ll be over to you in a jiffy! I can patch you up, no problem!”

July barely paid attention to the fact that he had nearly killed “Himitsu-kun” - yes he was somewhat sad and annoyed by it, but it was part of the game. And Himitsu had a look about him that made it seem like he was resolved to inflict damage of a similar magnitude on July. It seemed, for better or for worse, that July was back to his usual self.

Reiatsu: 480/6400: -2350 for Triple String Marionette Explosion.

Bankai: 6/10

Active Strings: 21 Triple Strings: 10 that were forming the two Marionettes, 11 on July

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Boom!

Himitsu had no time to react to the explosion. After all, spiritual pulse hardly gave him a warning before the string marionette he was stepping past erupted in flames. He had been hit fair-and-square, and his mind activated Stop Zone just as July’s attack landed. Himitsu was the individual locked in place while taking the full force of an explosion, burning his skin and hitting his body with blunt force. The attack was crippling.

He got me, Himitsu thought to himself with bitter disappointment. He blew it. He got too cocky. He assumed that July was out of tools, but so he only had himself to blame for his circumstance. It was all Himitsu could pull off to stay silent in the face of that agonizing pain. Screaming wasn’t going to help his situation, and it would only alert the audience beyond his bankai’s mountainous of his injury. No, this fight felt far more private after his emotional exchange with July. He wanted to keep it that way.

Himitsu! Are you okay? Volucris, who had been quiet at Himitsu’s foot suddenly spoke into his master’s mind, his voice heavy with concern. Don’t worry, I will be fine in just a moment. Himitsu had a plan to tend to his wounds and keep the fight going in necessary. Just before he executed his strategy, another voice rang out through the garden. ”Himitsu-kuuuuuun! Are you alright? If you just let me move, I’ll be over to you in a jiffy! I can patch you up, no problem!” Himitsu couldn’t help but smile – or at least try too. July seemed to think that the Vice Captain was incapable of fighting any longer, and his first concern at the end of the battle was his opponent’s health. I was right about you, Himitsu thought warmly to himself.

“Give… me… a… second…” he grunted to his cousin, struggling to speak through his pain. Soon, however, all his wounds would be gone. Stop Zone was suspended, returning July’s mobility. The Lieutenant’s reiatsu flared the second July regained his movement, so he might take defensive measures to protect himself against whatever attack he believed Himitsu might be launching. However, Himitsu’s spells were not targeting July. He spawned 3 large fireballs right by his side, just where July had hit him earlier. Those three techniques exploded in unison, causing the flames to engulf half of Himitsu’s body and send his body flying 20 feet back.

As Himitsu rolled along the grass until his body slowed to a stop, July might expect to see the Vice Captain scorched black or even dead. Instead, he would see Himitsu in a perfectly healthy and uninjured condition. The clothes from his waist up had been blown off, but otherwise, the injury July had inflicted was gone. That was the magic of heal zone. It took 3 uses of Hado #33: Shokkaho to replicate the damage of July’s explosion, but the end result was the reversal of that damage.

Himitsu pulled himself to his feet, a grin stretched across his face. He had just felt the same brutal explosive force twice in a row, placing his body in excruciating pain both times, yet he was smiling in the aftermath. He couldn’t help but feel happy. “I appreciate your concern, July, but do not worry about me. If you would like to continue fighting, I… understand. But if it’s all the same, I’m also tired. I don’t want to strip the position of Kasumi’Oji head from you by force, so tell me, how can I convince you to support me? If I have to continue this battle in order to do so, then I’ll oblige with your wishes.”

Reiatsu Remaining: 675/4000 (-200 for 2x Shakkaho)

Life Force Remaining: 2500/4000

Bankai: 3/10

[July Kasumi'Oji]

July looked mildly bemused as Himitsu’s body was engulfed in the flames of his own Shakkaho. He had already worked out that Himitsu’s Bankai relied on the “enforcing” of some kind of modes - drastically altering the rules of the game - which he could switch between freely. How unfair. July was fighting here with just a few pieces of string, and now Himitsu was warping the rules of reality itself. What a scary, scary world. July shook his head sadly. Games were fun, true, but when you had such absolute control - how could life ever be interesting if you had power like that? Boring, boring, boring. And he used Kido too. How unoriginal.

But, to be fair to him, he was strong - and fairly cunning too. July quickly ascertained that the “zone” active as of now was some kind of healing zone - as he had expected, the Kido had healed Himitsu of all the damage he had received from the explosion of the Marionette. July sighed silently. Such a needless waste of reiatsu, that explosion had been. So wasteful, so tasteless, so pointless. Why had Himitsu even bothered fighting if he wasn’t willing to get hurt? Boring, boring, boring. He wasn’t doing well - no, not at all. Though, July - in his inordinate wisdom and generosity - was giving him the opportunity to prove himself properly.

And so, as Himitsu walked towards July, his feet treading over the grass of his Garden of Eden - July allowed the 10 strings that had once formed the two unexploded Marionettes to clamber towards Himitsu. Due to their reinforced bulk, they only moved at a speed of 200 - giving Himitsu plenty of time to notice their approach with Spiritual Pulse - but July could see and sense that the two of them were approaching their limits. But how far was Himitsu willing to push himself? Was he ruthless enough to end this fight with everything he had? He had been presented with so many opportunities for victory, but he had yet to rationally seize a single one of them.

The first few times he had simply “allowed” the fight to continue, as if out of pity for July. July felt the memory of disappointment rising in him once again. What did Himitsu really want? He fought so hard for what he wanted, yet he wasn’t willing to sacrifice his bonds with others for his goals. July was a political pawn in the Kasumi’Oji succession crisis, a method by which Daiji Kasumi’Oji had tried to strengthen his hold on the Kasumi’Oji council. Himitsu had little to nothing to gain from keeping July on side. Yet, he went to all this trouble…

Of course, July knew why, but without the effects of the Compassion Zone assisting his empathetic understanding of Himitsu’s motives, he didn’t understand why. Himitsu meant well, he certainly had the drive, but did he know how to play the game? July’s strings were now converging at Himitsu’s feet, slowly clambering up over his boots - unless of course, he had once again evaded. July realised that it was perfectly possible for his opponent to stall out his Bankai. What an awful way to end the game. Perhaps he should just resign gracefully? But then he wouldn’t see Himitsu’s reaction. He wouldn’t be able to judge. Disappointing, disappointing, disappointing.

July sighed.

”What do you mean you don’t want to strip the title from me by force, Himitsu-kun?” Was your win condition not to beat me in a fight? Or would you have called all of this a waste of time? We could have skipped to this part if that was what you really wanted.”

Of course, July knew that Himitsu wanted to resolve this by force. Or, perhaps not wanted, he had to. That was just the kind of world the Soul Society was. How tragic. The noble hero, struggling against the violent society - trying to win the approval of the very people he hated because he wanted to dismantle the systems which kept them in power. It was a tragedy worthy of a Shakespearean play. Of course, such tragedies were common when someone took things so seriously. People really needed to learn to lighten up. All this frowning would give him wrinkles. Now that was a tragedy worth getting upset over.

July’s strings would attempt to invade Himitsu’s body from his legs, but almost half-heartedly. July didn’t really mind if Himitsu flew around the battlefield like he had earlier. He was sick of running after this man who made no sense. So, as he waited until Himitsu found a way to avoid or deal with the strings, he formed a comfortable armchair from the strings he had kept on himself. He sank into the construction, letting himself sink into the pliable wires. Of course, it had the cold metallic feel of his strings - but the ergonomics of the seat made it worth it. It was as if it had been made for him.

If Himitsu decided to continually evade, July wouldn’t force the issue. Instead, he formed a second chair and a small tea-table using two more of the strings. How inconsiderate of Himitsu to demand that their fight - or discussion, or whatever he wanted it to be - be held in an enclosed dome. July had had two Kasumi’Oji waiters stand on hand with tea just in case a situation like this ever arose. Well, he could do the best he could given the situation. With a flourish, he pulled a small paper bag from his pocket, and placed it on the table. The small green sweets rolled onto the small plate which appeared from July’s sleeve - yet another creation of the strings. However, while all this was going on - Himitsu would find that he was still being assaulted by the 10 other strings that were scattered around the battlefield.

”Well, Himitsu-kun - whenever you’re ready. Don’t delay. The sweets will get… eaten.”

Reiatsu: 480/6400
Bankai: 6/10
Active Strings: 21 Triple Strings (10 in pursuit of Himitsu, 2 to form 2 Armchairs (Cinematic Marionette), 1 to form table (Cinematic Marionette), 1 to form Sweet Platter (Cinematic Marionette).

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

”What do you mean you don’t want to strip the title from me by force, Himitsu-kun?”

It was hard for Himitsu to connect with July without Compassion Zone active, continuously linking their thoughts and emotions. However, that limitation was a weakness Himitsu needed to patch. He couldn’t rely on his bankai to appeal to others. There were some struggles that he had to overcome alone, and July was one of them. He already understood the other man, but the challenge was transferring that understanding into his interactions with the Captain.

July was all about playing games, and Himitsu needed to remember that. ”Was your win condition not to beat me in a fight? Or would you have called all of this a waste of time? We could have skipped to this part if that was what you really wanted.” July had a point. Himitsu seemed hypocritical, and he was definitely conflicted. Maybe July couldn’t give into another soul reaper who couldn’t even make it clear what he wanted. Such an inarticulate leader would not do well as Head of the Kasumi’Oji. Himitsu needed to be assertive and straight-forward. He had to show July what Nathan had shown him.

”You’re getting strong now, Mister Himitsu.” The child watched as the much larger man sealed his expansive bankai, taking a moment to slow his fast-paced breath. “Just Himitsu is fine, Nathan. We’re friends, so you don’t need to call me Mister.” But even as Himitsu spoke, a wide grin born from Nathan’s praise illuminated his face. He could see it all before him, his future battles against the corrupt forces than ran the world. If he kept this training up, he could eventually compete with the strongest Espada!

“Mister Himitsu….” the child’s voice whispered quietly with a hint of sadness in his tone. “Yes?” “I… I don’t want you to get lost. So remember what you’re fighting for, okay?” The Vice Captain cocked his head to the side. “Hmm?” But Nathan didn’t meet his eyes, his gaze instead lowered. “I’m helping you so you can do the same with everyone else you meet. We talked about how there was good in everyone, and that killing won’t fix the world, but there’s one more thing.

"You don’t always have to fight. When you fight, there are winners and losers. Only fight if you have to, but if not, then find another way. Make sure everyone wins, even if you have to carry them to the top yourself. If you focus on fighting and getting stronger, you’ll forget who you are and end up like people you don’t want to be like. Maybe Sozen was good like you a long time ago, but that path of power led him to dark places.

“Remember, Mister Himitsu, there’s good in everyone. But there’s also bad in everyone too. Don’t be Bad Guy Himitsu. Walk in the light, and people will follow.” As the fleeting image of the child faded to the back of Himitsu’s consciousness, Nathan looked up at Himitsu with his brilliant blue eyes and faithful smile before vanishing into the black.

As the strings surrounding Himitsu closed in on his feet, they’d all suddenly be vaporized by a fire that shot out from Himitsu’s fists, ones created by the same technique he used earlier: Hado #86: Soukaho. This time, however, the fire didn’t take the form of cackling jack-o-lanterns. They were blue hounds instead, loyaly scorching the strings before returning to Himitsu’s side like guard dogs. If any other strings drew near, they too would be attacked and reduced to ash.

“Tradition dictated that in order to take the position of Head of the Kasumi’Oji, I had to defeat you in battle. The only problem is that I’m not a traditional man. You know me, July. Don’t pretend like you don’t understand why I don’t want to defeat you. I will fight with everything I have when that’s the best and only option, but you’re not my enemy. I’m not your enemy. I told you were I stand, and I know you as well. You’re a good man. I believe that some part of you hopes for the same vision I’m working toward.”

Himitsu slowly approached the other Captain, stopping just a few feet opposite of the string table. Careful not to touch the armchair with his flaming hands, he sat before his cousin. July would have no problem seeing Himitsu’s heavy breath and sweat beads clinging to the top of the man’s forehead. He was exhausted and out of reiatsu. In fact, that last spell was probably one of his last. He could have used it to end the fight, but he refused to take the offensive.

“I’m not doing this for me, cousin. I’m doing it for the family. I’m doing it for everyone who looks up to the sky at night and prays because that is the only option they have. Please, allow me to be the Head of our family. There's so much we can change in the world together, and it just wouldn't be fun if I did it on my own.”

Reiatsu Remaining: 275/4000

Life Force Remaining: 2200/4000

Bankai: 4/10

Heal Zone Active

[July Kasumi'Oji]

{OOC: I’m assuming the reduction in Life Force was raising the Class of the Soukaho. Not that it really matters at this stage. XD}


”Tradition, schmra… schmradition?”

July paused at the tongue twister, pretending to lose track of what he and Himitsu were talking about. He thought the time honoured tradition of “thing, schming” would always apply, but it seemed that metric had now failed him. What on earth could he do? How else could he express to Himitsu-kun that his conformance to the traditions of the Kasumi’Oji was completely at odds with the way he wanted to tackle problems in the future? Oh, the painful limits of language. July was practically languishing in his chair - how on earth could he enjoy his sweets if he had to tackle different problems like this? So sad, much despair. No wonder people were obsessed with fighting all the time.

Of course, he could put more effort into expressing this concept, but… well, he wasn’t feeling too kindly. Himitsu had just vaporised his strings again. July practically winced as he felt the extensions of his Reiatsu vaporise in the intense heat of Himitsu’s techniques. How cruel, how cruel. So, even now, he would resort to such brutish methods of dealing with problems. July brought a hand to his forehead, as if wiping away sweat. At least Himitsu had had the… tact to make the spectacle flashy. The dogs were a nice touch. It really was like a garden party now. How exciting.

”Yes, sit down a while Himitsu-kun. We have much to discuss.”

As Himitsu leant back into the armchair, he would be taken by surprise. The back of the chair collapsed beneath his weight, letting him fall until he was practically lying down - while at the same time, his legs were raised. If he didn’t blast the chair to pieces from the shock, he’d find himself lying in what appeared to be a patient’s chair. However, what happened to the rest of the scene was possibly more bizarre. July had apparently gripped the sweet draw and table, and with a simple flourish - he was now holding a clipboard and pen. Of course, they were purely aesthetic touches, July thought they added a rather… official air to the scene.

”Let’s see, let’s see… Kasumi’Oji Himitsu. How nice.”

July flashed Himitsu a quick grin, breaking character for just a second. However, he subdued his usual enthusiasm with a painfully monotone voice - he wanted to play the part of boring psychiatrist perfectly. And Himitsu would believe it. Just from a simple shift in posture, a slight change of inflection - July seemed like he had gained 40 years and had a degree in psychiatry. His acting was just that superb. Of course, all the acting in the world wouldn’t help him - he had no idea how a real psychiatrist would approach this issue. Well, it couldn’t be that hard, right? He just had to ask how Himitsu was feeling.

”Well… Himitsu….-san.” (July found it incredibly difficult to adopt the correct honorific, Himitsu-kun was far more fluid). ”It seems you have a serious problem… A very serious problem indeed. You know where you’re going, and you certainly want to go there very much… But there’s something very strange… I see…”

Wait…. This isn’t the psychiatrist script. This is more like a fortune teller!

Himitsu’s chair would snap upright again, turning slightly so as to face July directly. July’s clipboard became a table again, while his rounded itself out into the shape of a teacup. He had no idea what reading from tea leaves was even like, but it seemed appropriate - wasting a whole load of time on forming a deck of cards would have spoiled the mood. Some of the strings around July began vibrating mysteriously, creating a low thrum that made even the large, open space of Limits’s garden feel mysterious and eerie.

”Ahem… I see that you lack direction… While you know where you want to go, you are afraid to strike out and take the shortest path to that destination… I see many twists and turns in the route you are trying to take… You may think you are getting everyone on your side this way… But in reality you will only create more enemies…”

July waved his hands around abstractly, trying to add to his credibility as a soothsayer. How difficult. At least he was actually telling a truth this time, rather than a simple lie to satisfy a client. However, July had had enough with the acting. He stood up suddenly, knocking over his chair. This time there was a glint in his eye. His motions made him look as if he were furious, his arms waving wildly and his sudden motions sending his strings flying, but his tone was calm and even. The dissonance was jarring. But that was exactly the effect he wanted. No way would he hand over the position of head of the Kasumi’Oji to someone who couldn’t decide what game he was playing.

”You need to make a choice, Himitsu-kun. You either pursue your own goals, or live with the rules and be everyone’s friend. No game is complete without an opponent, and you would be a fool to think otherwise. However, that is a question for another day… For now, we must decide which side I play for. The noble Himitsu-kun who disgraced me, a new Captain, in a fight? Or the criminal Daiji-kun, who took me in and gave me a home and a title? Decisions, decisions…”

July paced in front of Himitsu, looking as deep in thought as July Kasumi’Oji could ever be.

”Because, Himitsu-kun, there was no need for a fight - I would have seceded the title if you had asked nicely. However, you needed it to win the respect of the Kasumi’Oji family. But… the respect you gain from this is fragile, right? In fact, all it would take is a few whispers about your intentions to turn over half the family against you… So, what to do, what to do…”

July was unusually serious. But then again, the game had suddenly expanded - all because Himitsu had so poorly defined it at the start. Well, actually, it was more that a new game was just beginning, and July had to pick which side he was going to have to play for. Fun, fun, fun… However, it was political, so he had to consider the scenarios carefully. July could undermine any authority Himitsu had simply by uncovering his plans to cut ties with the family’s criminal network - Himitsu would be assassinated within a few days - or he could keep quiet, and let things develop naturally. But then he wouldn’t get all those gorgeous coats Daiji was paying for. How sad, how sad.

”Well, Himitsu-kun. Tell me what you’re going to do. Consider this a pre-game pitch. Should I be on your side?”

{OOC:All uses of Bankai in this post are cinematic, since the fight is technically over. I can include details, however, if you want to continue combat.}

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

”Tradition, schmra… schmradition?” July still held onto his light-hearted attitude despite the seriousness of Himitsu’s tone. The man was consistent. No matter how sober the topic was, July always treated their discussion with a casual spirit. Himitsu was the one who believed in the inherent good of humanity, yet July brought the sunshine and daisies into their exchanges. It was almost funny.

”Yes, sit down a while Himitsu-kun. We have much to discuss.” Himitsu was a little relieved. He had finally brought July to the table in the literal sense. While Himitsu’s bankai was effective in sharing their emotions and experiences, the rest of the fight had been unproductive. This discussion would decide the outcome of their battle, not the actual combat. This is where Himitsu needed to prove himself.

As the Lieutenant sat, he felt the chair collapse under him. Himitsu’s hounds were ready to pounce on the strings if they began attacking the Vice Captain, but they instead formed a flat cushioned bed for him to lie on. Himitsu awkwardly looked up at his cousin to find him taking notes on a clipboard. ”Let’s see, let’s see… Kasumi’Oji Himitsu. How nice.” The short-lived grin July shot at Himitsu was a reminder that this was all a show, a play where they were both actors and the audience. Himitsu was comfortable with going along with the performance. He trusted July.

”Well… Himitsu….-san. It seems you have a serious problem… A very serious problem indeed. You know where you’re going, and you certainly want to go there very much… But there’s something very strange… I see…” SNAP! Himitsu sprung back up into a sitting position along with his chair. Suddenly, the table had returned and a teacup appeared in July’s hand, creating a mystic humming tone that set an eerie mood. With such a sudden twist, July really knew how to keep Himitsu on his toes.

”Ahem… I see that you lack direction… While you know where you want to go, you are afraid to strike out and take the shortest path to that destination… I see many twists and turns in the route you are trying to take… You may think you are getting everyone on your side this way… But in reality you will only create more enemies…” Those words resonated with Himitsu. You are afraid to strike out… His face shifted from uncertain to cold and saddened. I thought you knew me better than that, July.

”You need to make a choice, Himitsu-kun. You either pursue your own goals, or live with the rules and be everyone’s friend. No game is complete without an opponent, and you would be a fool to think otherwise. However, that is a question for another day…” “No, that is a question I can answer now,” Himitsu said, his voice strong with an iron conviction. He was disappointed in July’s image of him. Himitsu, the man who needed everyone to be his friend and help him create a pretty world where everyone is happy and no one is upset. But that wasn’t true.

“I made my choice, July. I chose my goals. My dream. That has been my priority since before I even knew who I was. And I have too many opponents to count, but I made another choice today too. I chose not to add you to that list. I can’t fight these battles alone, July. That is why I’m reaching out. Because you’re a good person.”

”For now, we must decide which side I play for. The noble Himitsu-kun who disgraced me, a new Captain, in a fight? Or the criminal Daiji-kun, who took me in and gave me a home and a title? Decisions, decisions…” Half an hour ago, Himitsu would have been more upset with how this discussion was going. This Himitsu, however, wasn’t fazed. He did not believe that July was going to ultimately maintain his loyalty to Daiji. He had faith.

”Because, Himitsu-kun, there was no need for a fight - I would have seceded the title if you had asked nicely. However, you needed it to win the respect of the Kasumi’Oji family. But… the respect you gain from this is fragile, right? In fact, all it would take is a few whispers about your intentions to turn over half the family against you… So, what to do, what to do…” Now this was interesting. Himitsu might have been too aggressive from the start, but as his battle with July continued, he realized that hostility was the wrong approach. He clearly made a mistake by challenging July to a battle, but it was one that he could move forward from. He changed his approach, and he had to hope that it wasn’t too late.

”Well, Himitsu-kun. Tell me what you’re going to do. Consider this a pre-game pitch. Should I be on your side?” That was a big request, and Himitsu was already deep in contemplation. July’s speech was truly thought provoking. He was new to the political field, and his position was insecure. But instead of defeating July and establishing himself as the Head, Himitsu decided to confide in the man. He made a decision to trust July, so that was what he had to do.

“My plan… July, I am not the same person now as I was before this fight. I don’t believe that you are either. In small ways, we have changed each other. That is how life seems to work. Events cause ripples. Watching my friend die at the hands of a hollow created a hateful seed inside me. Being rescued by a heroic shinigami planted inspiration and hope into my heart. Those events happened simultaneously, creating a mix of light and dark within my heart.

“While each set me on a different path, I learned quickly which one was more beneficially. That hate only brought me pain and more loss. It led me dangerously close to death and ended up hurting others. But the hope that the image of a valorous knight saving the helpless did the opposite. Without that experience, all the lives I have saved would have been lost. And to each of those souls, I was that inspirational hero.

“Experiences cause ripples, good and bad. Our family creates dark ripples. We profit from illegal weapons and harmful experiments, and because of that, look at our condition. Our land is owned by the Kuchiki. Our last head was killed in battle. We have distanced ourselves from the rest of the Gotei 13. We have no allies. We’re alone, July, and as someone who has been alone for far too long, I can tell you that if we stay on this path, our family will not survive. We will decline even more than the Kawada have. We have an obligation to change that.

“I want to repurpose our resources and facilities. The money that our criminal operations are making is not worth the benefit we would gain from having a close relationship with our neighbors in Soul Society. We need to put our science to good use developing medicine, natural resources, and unique materials. Our researchers were able to genetically reengineer Hotaru Kuchiki so that she had Kuchiki blood run through her veins. Imagine how many lives that type of medical knowledge can save. I was sick in my past life, and without this family, I would have died. We can profit from this treatment and improve the lives of others, creating long-lasting ties.

“The same philosophy applies to the other projects our family can undertake. Don’t you see, July? We have a unique opportunity as leaders of this family to not only help our relatives but help the world as well. That is what I want to do. Daiji will maintain the status quo, and even if you hold onto your position as Head of the Kasumi’Oji, there will not be much of a Kasumi’Oji left after too long. Let’s take back our family, July. Imagine all the ripples we’ll make.”

Himitsu rose to his feet and extended his hand to his cousin, extinguishing the flame that covered his right arm. July wanted a pitch, and that's what he got. Himitsu intentionally kept his Compassion Zone off, relying only on his words. His bankai couldn't do the job for him. Himitsu needed to fight his own battle, and this was one of them. But he had faith in his cousin. The benefits July might receive from Daiji could be appealing, but only in the short term. Ultimately, allying with Himitsu to incite much-needed change was the best option. Himitsu's efforts would not be easily executed, but they were necessary. The only question was whether July cared about his family and the rest of the world enough to give up his comfortable position as Daiji's puppet.

[July Kasumi'Oji]

MUSIC

My plan… July, I am not the same person now as I was before this fight. I don’t believe that you are either. In small ways, we have changed each other. That is how life seems to work. Events cause ripples. Watching my friend die at the hands of a hollow created a hateful seed inside me. Being rescued by a heroic shinigami planted inspiration and hope into my heart. Those events happened simultaneously, creating a mix of light and dark within my heart.”

July could understand that. The decisions players made were informed by how others acted around them. Simple. Himitsu struggled between light and dark because of the things he had seen and the way he had been treated. Kindness gave way to kindness, cruelty begets cruelty. July smiled, it was like the words of a philosopher. Perhaps it would be a cool motto for the new family… Oooh, this made it sound like he had already made a decision! Careful, careful - he might say something you might disagree with yet Still though, this was beginning to sound like some fun.

“The same philosophy applies to the other projects our family can undertake. Don’t you see, July? We have a unique opportunity as leaders of this family to not only help our relatives but help the world as well. That is what I want to do.”

July widened his eyes - and his emerald eyes started to sparkle. Think of all the people he could help, all the people who would owe him such a debt of gratitude. Perhaps, this once, he could concede the moral victory to Himitsu. July had been playing to too small an audience, he had lost sight of those outside the theatre of his mind. There were so many more people they could entertain. The family need not be his stage - he could play for the world, and the world would play with him. July had to give it to Himitsu, he had a point here.

”Bonitas Bonitam cret. Sounds good, hm?’

July recited the Latin with practiced ease - how could he forget it, after all? His teachers in Italy during the Roman Empire had drilled it into his head - who knew it would be so useful here? It was exactly the words Himitsu wanted to hear. July let the words hang in the air. Perhaps Himitsu would be able to translate them, perhaps not. Either way, he let the dramatic pause in - Himitsu could translate, or he could ask for the meaning of the words. It didn’t really matter. Not at this stage, not now. However, they would have to be the words July would want to live by now - if he wanted Himitsu and himself to remain a functional team.

”Goodness creates goodness, Himitsu-kun. I will admit, that was a fan~tastic pitch.”

July jumped up from the chair, twirling elegantly as all the strings forming the assorted garden furniture returned to him. One string, however, remained behind - twirling in his fingers like a small, lonely snake. July held it up, allowing the light to strike the thin silver form. In the light of Himitsu’s Garden, which gave beauty to all things, it looked a frail spider’s web. July, who loved stories but was not usually one for introspection, was reminded of the tale of Kandata - the man allowed to escape Hell if he could climb the spider’s thread. How poetic, how beautiful.

July closed his hand around the string, and brought his hand back down. Himitsu now had his arm proffered, looking for the handshake to seal the deal. July gave him a smile, and opened his hand. His flair for the dramatic had not been diminished by the seriousness of the occasion. There was never a reason for July to make any situation less beautiful. And what he did would surely seal the deal more profoundly than any handshake. As his hand opened, Himitsu’s eyes would be drawn to the fine detail of what bloomed between July’s white-gloved fingers.

A small lotus flower grew up, its petals silvery from the string that created it. It had petals like a fine silver film, that just about let the light through. As Himitsu and July watched, the petals spread out, becoming like the flower that formed the crest of the Kasumi’Oji clan.

Perhaps it was a touch melodramatic, July didn’t care. That’s what situations like this and a power like his were for. Himitsu had put forward the idea to do good for the world, but July wanted to bring colour and beauty to the table. It was easier to see who the shallower of the two were, but that didn’t bother the Squad 8 Captain in the slightest. He could leave all the ethics and morality to Himitsu-kun, that was the point of a team after all. Delegation, he believed it was called. Perhaps paperwork could be included in that too. July got enough paperwork into Squad 8 as it was, so it would be a relief to have someone else deal with the administration.

”Well, well, Himitsu-kun. I feel we should leave a discussion as to the mechanics of this arrangement for another time. For now, we must inform our eagerly waiting audience of the outcome!’

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

OOC: Wrote this on my phone due to computer problems so sorry in advance for any grammatical, spelling, or quality issues with this post.

To say that Himitsu was pleased would be an incredible understatement. It would also be a little inaccurate. The Vice Captain's heart did flood with joy, forcing a brilliant smile to overtake his face, but that was not all. A heavy weight pressing down on his shoulders and twisting his stomach suddenly lessened as well. That pressure was not gone, but it had weakened noticeably. His battle with July was a victory. Neither had lost. Both had won. The world had won. Himitsu was committed to making July's concession the first of many steps toward his ambitious dream. It was small progress, but progress nonetheless. "Thank you so much, July." But no matter how much Himitsu attempted to express his gratitude, his words would always come short. He would have to reward July with his actions.

But now that the fight was over, it was time to announce the outcome to the rest of the family. Himitsu let his bankai end, watching the mountains sink back into the ground like water. In a matter of moments, the mammoth barriers that had hid Himitsu and July in the Garden of Eden vanished. The massive tree in the center of the garden disappeared as well. Lush grass and brush were reduced to the original dead dirt and dry grass of the battlefield. Now that the murmuring crowd witnessed the end of a bankai and saw both combatants standing calmly beside each other, they deemed it safe to disable the reiatsu barrier as well. It only took a moment for the whispers to subside. Himitsu was left with nothing but a thick silence between himself and his family, who were waiting on the edge of their seats to head who their new leader was.

July said to inform the family of the outcome, but until that moment, Himitsu hadn't decided what the outcome was. He assumed that because July conceded, tradition dictates that Himitsu takes the mantle as Head of the Kasumi'Oji. However, traditional also said that the victor was decided by combat, but that was not the case in this battle. Perhaps tradition was not always the best path. And now, standing before his kin, Himitsu remembered the talent July had with rallying the Kasumi'Oji behind not only himself but Himitsu was well, despite Himitsu's lack of popularity. The lieutenant recalled image of the silver lotus, a symbol of the Kasumi'Oji, blooming at the tips of July's fingers as well. And with those thoughts, he made a sudden decision.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and children of the Kasumi'Oji," Himitsu began, projecting his voice to his family with more confidence than he possessed at the start of that battle. He definitely appeared differently than before. Something about him was more... certain. "You have not lost a leader today. You gained another one." The lieutenant turned briefly to his cousin July, shooting the Captain a discrete wink just as July had done many times throughout the fight. "I am pleased to announce that the Kasumi'Oji will be headed by both July Kasumi'Oji and myself, Himitsu Kasumi'Oji."

At first, there was no reaction. The audience was dumbstruck as their minds struggled to accept the notion of two heads. It had never been done before, not with any Great Noble family. History was being made. But after a few moments of confusion, applause began to emerge. It started small, eventually crescendoing into an enthusiastic yet slightly skeptical acceptance of the new status of the family. Himitsu and July would have many obstacles ahead of them within their own family in the future, but that was tomorrow's problem. For now, Himitsu took a step back, welcoming July to the spotlight. His cousin would undoubtedly give an animated, passionate speech that won the hearts of their kin. They would all celebrate that night with a feast. Himitsu would be introduced to his relatives for the first time, return to his old room in the manor, and reunited with his family. All would be well for today, and that's what mattered.

Tomorrow's problems can wait... I'm home.

End of thread.

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

161 Paragraphs for Himitsu plus 50 for Draw = 1660 CTP
151 Paragraphs for July plus 50 for Draw = 1560 CTP