Slightly Cruel & Unusual [Joint Training, Rin & Susano-O]

[Deleted]

It takes great effort to build a kingdom. One must have men and women to rally. Loyalty. Strength. Reputation. The last truly was such a pain for the Empress of Squad 7. Rin Minamimoto knew she had her work cut out for her from the moment she returned from the ‘dead’. Attaining power, notoriety and fame was easy. Maintenance was difficult and unfortunately, her precious squad was knocked off the pedestal it was once on after her disappearance. Kaen did terrific work given his own circumstances. For that, Rin would be eternally grateful. However, the Empress was greedy. She wanted more.

Fallen from grace was what they were. It was what she heard. Rin knew that she needed to rebuild them and she had to imprint it into every soul that Squad 7 was the best. Now that she was here? She was going to run things the way they did when Enma was around. It was no secret that he was the shadow that ran things behind the scenes while she ran the show flawlessly. Now would be no different and whether Himitsu agreed with it or not, he couldn’t deny her own skill at being able to do a captain’s work as a lieutenant. For centuries, she would work tirelessly overseeing everything. Training. Paperwork. Duties and most importantly, recruitment.

That brought her to today’s business. Her top priority was to deal with what Himitsu had done. He’d cleared a man of a crime he did not commit. An innocent man who wrongly faced charges. Good on him though it was a shame that he had to serve time in the first place. However, he’s resigned himself to a place she would frequent in more often these days. Why anyone would willingly stay in the Maggot’s Nest was beyond her? By the done she was done with the various inhabitants here, they were left screaming and her ears ringing because of it.

Well, it’s not her fault they couldn’t stomach torture, now is it?

Sadism ran hot through her veins and she did it with a large red lipped smile every time. There were two sides to this coin and Rin proudly showed it off. This warden had an insatiable desire to see to it that justice was served. How they got there was just unnecessary. Who cares, honestly? Confessions, admissions & tears were currency here for the Empress. Perhaps it was twisted and morally questionable but Soul Society was safe. She was able to do what was right and punish those that were wrong. It was black and white and quite simple, really. Did the journey truly matter? The ends justify the means after all.

The Empress would relinquish her Zanpakuto to the guard at the door, offering a flirtatious wink and a wicked smile that would make anyone’s heart skip a beat at the one that held it. “Do take care of him. As you always do~” She entered with the door promptly shutting behind her, the satisfying sound of steel pressing against each other echoing throughout the prison. Here in the Nest of Maggots, you had to be skilled with just your hands and a zanpakuto was not allowed under any circumstances. It was ok though. Rin quite preferred the more basic exchanges regardless~

Any talking, wailing, screaming or crying that occurred previously came to an immediate halt. The elegantly dressed shinigami’s eyes scanned the prison. Some froze in fear. Others looked on with anger. Rin knew very well that she was hated here. A deranged man who was clearly knew and freely moving ran at her with her fist raised and with a single graceful movement, she threw him against the wall. His body slamming against some jail bars of a cell hard. “Mm, it’s good to be back, ne~?” She loved the whispers and curses they occasionally shot at her. The opinions of the guilty and the damned were of no concern to her anyway. She knew she was top dog here.

Rin took her time walking throughout the nest. Casually, looking into each cell and should anyone cross her path and decide they wanted to play the aggressor, they would be swiftly dealt with and on the ground. She wasn’t here for any of them. Not the one who plotted to kill their captain or their accomplices. Or that one who betrayed her duties and endangered others on purpose. Or even the other one who slaughtered a few of his poor squad mates. None of them were of importance today. The warden made her way solitary confinement and looked to one cell with a specific man who stood out from the rest.

The Empress strode over and motioned her head to the guards in front of this door who let her in. Once let inside, Rin’s steps were casual, graceful and she was completely unbothered by her surroundings. Amber irises looked at the chains attached to the ceiling and gradually fell to the occupant of the apparatus. A wicked smile crossed her features as she looked at him, her own gaze connecting with his own for what seemed like a long minute. Target confirmed. This was him as she’d seen in his report. Left here for 1200 years and likely in an altered state mentally and definitely altered physically. She would not know. All Rin would do was play gatekeeper for her precious squad.

“You’ve been the talk of Squad 7, ne~”

She finally spoke as she approached him, the Empress slowly circling around the suspended ‘prisoner’ with that smile never faltering for a second. Rin’s eyes taking in his build and state as she surmised the newest member of her squad. She wasn’t judging him. He was an innocent man after all. What she was interested in was what he was capable of and this…this had some potential. She came to a halt when she came full circle and stopped in front of him. She was face to face with him and a couple of inches away from his face. “Susano-O Kawada,” she greeted him and placed a hand to her chest, “My name is Rin Minamimimoto.” Armed with a smile, sometimes wrath and a vicious attitude, Rin would take the prisoner into her squad on her own terms. He was new after all and so she would give him the correct treatment. She wanted the best and she was going to make that known in her own way.

“I’m here to welcome you, my dear. Courtesy of your lieutenant.”

[Susano-O Kawada]

Music

Susano-O was deep in meditation, hanging up at his own request once more. He felt Strange living in a world that was upside down while he appeared to be right side up to the rest of the world. The world seen from a different perspective, turning it upside down not only in a figurative way but literally. When he hangs upside down He sees the world more clearly, but it is also a slightly fetishistic drug, the blood pool affect that clings to him and muddies his senses while he is there is unlike anything he experiences now.. His life before the maggots nest was a euphoric high that rolled on and on that never came down never had a wall until he hit it all at once when his father betrayed him And his lover.

When he is upside down he can relate to the world in which he now lives the world that has been turned upside down. The World of the Sinners, the world of those who can not accept the truth of the world and Take the place they are given and Create a better one out of the place they have been given. The Place in which he has been given now after his paradise had been ripped to shreds around him he has turned the torture into ecstasy, the pain into pleasure. He Was the example of the Pain taking form into pleasure,Yet this pain was beginning to be far far too much. He Had Seen the pool of water begin to form under him on the floor, He felt his chest heave as he sobbed loudly but he refused to let it take him over.

The World around him was Hell, He had everything he could have ever wanted. He never needed Anyone but himself and his ambitions his own goals and his own skills brought him everything he could have ever wanted, until she showed him something else. She was the thing he didn't know he was missing, someone warm and caring who saw him for more than the once pretty face and the riches..  He was Soft with her unlike any other, he could not simply use her and be done he stayed with her and felt the warmth of true love. The World that the rest of them lived in was fine but he had a new world inhabited by him and her and that was all he ever wanted.

He let her Steal into his melancholy heart, and yes he was melancholy before her.. He only realizes it now while he looks back, but everything had become routine and boring. Even acheiving a new goal was something he took for granted and never actually felt any joy in accomplishing. To him before he had her, everything was attainable and that made him bored. When there is no chance of loss no chance of failure there is nothing to truly gain any longer, but when she came into his life how she did there was something new.. He wasn't just doing what he did for himself anymore he was doing it for someone, for the approval and grace of another.. And that is what fueled him.

That fact is what keeps him in this cell, there is no incentive to leave because it is of his own volition there is no one to impress or dote upon with his successes.. And She will never come back through those doors. "No... N.. Nooo.. It Cannot be!?!!?" There is something about his voice that is not only hoarse from lack of water and sobbing like a toddler who just lost his puppy, but there is excitement and surprise and rage. He Tenses under the chains and watches as Rin walks into the cell. However what Susano-O sees is not Rin Minamimoto he sees his lover walking into the Cell, Dagger still sticking out of her chest and throat slit as she trails blood behind herself. He Shakes his head roughly and clears his head as he hears her voice "You've been the talk of Squad 7 ne~"

He Heard her and understood what she meant but even more when she said "Courtesy of your Lieutenant". His eyes went from glassy and directionless to something that was almost intimidating, a seriousness overcame him as his hands flicked on the latches that held the chains together. He Grabbed hold of the spin chain that held fast to the ceiling and let himself fall but not on his head, leveling out the fall to keep himself from hitting the ground even the least bit hard. He Looks down at the ground the entire time before looking over at her across his shoulder and taking a gentle breath. "It is an Honor to meet with you face to face my Lieutenant." The way he was talking was strange, he was a soft spoken man but  it sounded as if constantly pained and ill.  Scratchy and strained to talk even with the most basic sentences.

He Moves with a gentle grace that seems strange for someone who has been tied up and chained for so very long but the source of that grace is soon revealed. As he moves and stretches he is taking forms and stances for martial arts. The Forms and stances are foreign however not like Hakuda at all. He Then turns to look directly at her with a creepy smile and crosses both his arms resting them along his stomach wrists resting in the opposite hands palm, feet shoulder width apart. This is either a passive stance or one for leisure as anything you could do from something like that would be for defense or comfort, you could not easily counter someone from that unless there were very specific circumstances to the attack.


"When a Vice captain comes to greet you personally.. it is not only customary it is obligatory for a noble to Give them a Gift. I have nought here to give you but myself, and that is something I will never give another.. So in lieu of a gift, I offer my fists. Come Lieutenant Allow me to show you The lost art of Vaapaad.." He Doesn't change his stance, but his smile does change from creepy and dark to almost threatening. He drags his hands along his wrists and forearms slowly, spreading his fingers across each other before taking a Stance with his right arm down below his hips, and his left arm up above his head twin fists out and ready, he looks at his own fists sighing at something.

[Deleted]

The Empress was unmoving. Her chin was raised high and that cruel smile showed no sign of leaving her face. There was something basic and exciting about being in the Maggot’s Nest. It was a place where one could show their dominance in the most natural form. A fight without the tricks and the flashiness. Something real. Something bloody. Something that showed the true nature of a fighter. Rin knew that she was fighting in here. It was what she intended after all. The gatekeeper’s job wasn’t to just look pretty.

She did not care for Susano-O’s past. He was pardoned. What he’d done before was boring, useless information. There was no case. He was not on trial. There was no need for Rin to play judge or jury with him. Orange irises focused on his own pair expectantly. It was as if she were telling him, ”Don’t waste my time. You know why I’m here.”, and if he was smart, he’d know just what to do. He moved dexterously as he removed himself from his shackles. Rin almost had to remind herself that he’d done this to himself willingly. He would need no help.

Her eyes followed him. He moved with grace. 1200 years made many people shaky and useless but to be able to retain this degree of skill? Interesting. He was full of promise. When he spoke, she wasn’t entirely sure what she was expecting but there was the intonation of a noble. A true noble who was put through the motions. This blade had rust. She was certain it could cut but there were centuries and centuries of wear and tear. Not that the Squad 7 lieutenant couldn’t do anything about it. What sort of Empress would she be if she couldn’t build an empire from the ground up? A man was no different.

His smile was what many would call unnerving. Rin’s head merely anchored it’s way so that she could maintain eye contact. An eyebrow raised as he took a stance. It was one she did not recognize. In all the years she’d know the Kawada, she’d never seen a stance quite like that one. Her own smile would widen into a grin that was as malicious as the aura she gave off. If he listened closely enough, he would even hear the smallest of laughs. “Well then..” She finally spoke, taking a few steps and giving him the room he needed to move. Oh, not too far of course. Distance was really such a troublesome thing.

“I don’t expect much from your family but I hope you fare far better than the last Kawada head.”

A pretty face and a smile was disarming to most but he would not be fazed by that. She could see the shift in his mood change when he knew who she was. Formalities were nice but so boring when you had an objective. Why not just cut to the chase? He at least seemed promising. At her memories of the Kawada and her experience, her jovial expression would slowly fade into one of disdain and anger. The smile on her face was somewhat there but the thoughts made the next few words out of her mouth come out with great vitriol. “I’ve never been more disappointed or let down. Shade Kawada is a joke and if you prove to be just as much then you can forget about Squad 7.” It’s great when you boss is an absolute sweetheart and no, she wasn’t joking. Her squad was not an option for him. Not when this time was so crucial for her.

Rin would not be entirely lenient with him. Susano-O was still limber and lithe after 1200 years. He was out of practice and she could forgive that. The Empress merely wanted to be entertained and wanted to see skill. Raw, unadulterated skill. Ugh. Honestly~! Good men were so hard to find these days. She cocked her head to the side, smiling and returning to a much more pleasant and becoming expression. “You will give me a fight, Susano-O.” That was an order. With that, Rin circled around him, looking for an awkward angle to strike him at. She watched him like a vulture staring at their freshly dead victim. “The art of “Vaapaad.”, ne~?”

For the sake of being courteous, Rin would telegraph her moves purposely. She was certain that she would not be hurt. She focused all her tension on the top portion of her body letting him know where to look. Rin moved for him, to the outside of his arms and with her elbow, threatened to ram into the side of his head incredibly hard. She didn’t quite move at her full speed. Just enough speed for him to actually see her moves. Truly it was a pathetic move on her part but it was done intentionally.

“Do show me.”

Rin wanted to see what he could do and purposely, put herself in harms way. She wouldn’t move if he dodged. Her eyes would just focus on him, amused as ever. It was no fun when it was so one sided anyway. What was Vaapaad? That was a fighting style she’d never heard of before. Perhaps she might learn something interesting. “Perhaps we can learn something from one another, ne~?” He’d gone and made her excited. Rin did love a proper fight. Something new! Something not complete and utter garbage like she’d seen so many times before? Yes please. The Empress was intrigued.

[Susano-O Kawada]

Susano-O had never heard the name Shade before and yet he didnt even appear to be listening to her anymore. once he was set in his stance he was a completely different entity. With the way he was standing there was no telling what he was going to or could do from such a stance. He had a good defensive stance, the way his feet were locked into the ground it would be hard to knock him off balance. then she went and did the simple thing, a basic testing blow he would have capitalized and destroyed her for such a thing in his older days but he appreciated the chance to knock some rust off of his body and what better way than by using the last of a technique he knew he would have to work to perfect again.

He Watches as she circles, moving the Myriad of possible attack directions that she can execute along with those movements he followed her, not her feet or her arms  but her eyes it was what would ultimately decide when she was going to do something. She would of course Telegraph her movements like fireworks but thats not what he wanted to react to. He wanted to see if he could still fight on her level. He Saw the Pupil dilation only right before the arms went into action and he was distracted by the telegraph, he readied himself but cursed himself internally at his lost skill and instinct. He Should have seen that happen before she even started to tense her upper body.

He moved only the Several inches it would take to have her elbow miss its mark and for her sweet flesh to pass by his lips, kissing her and taking a soft nip before suddenly he moved. His Rapid Twisting Motion brought his lower arm up, hooked around the crook made from Rin's arm as she struck with her elbow. Had he the strength to do this properly her arm would be ripped from its socket by the momentum and speed this motion is supposed to have but instead with his stiffness he can only barely manage to pull off the throw involved with the move. He Takes Rin over his shoulder and slams her down into the floor under him now as he delivers a punch to her Temple.

The Impact from the blow however does not wrack her brain even if he had the strength to do so however the blow lands on her heart, beating within her chest.  Susano-O steps back and wipes his hands off, limbering up his arms by swinging them out to the sides and stretching his back by bending side to side and twisting. "I do not know who this Shade Kawada is. However I assure you with your current attitude towards the Kawada as I read it, he is a disgrace to my family name.. " Susano-O then takes his stance again only this time his foot placement is different almost as if he is ready to spring forward at any second. Spring forward he does, only after Rin has had a chance to Get up and back to her feet.

He Steps in close to her and bends at the side thrusting both fists towards her in a Dragons Horn style punch before falling down to rest his palms on the ground, cart-wheeling down and bringign both hells down towards where her head would be. When he lands on his feet again he has retaken his stance and is staring her directly into the eyes, gone are the eyes of a tired prisoner here are the eyes of a man who will fight you until you are black and bloody and then make you apologize for making him do that to you. Susano-o kawada is a warrior not a prisoner he is a lover of fighting and a lover who would fight for his partner until his last breath.

"A Fight you want Vice captain. A Fight you will get. I will give you everything I am capable of and in the morning when I wake from my Concussion I will come back and find you, and give you one in return." Susano-O Suddenly Crescent stepped to Show Rin his back without moving his body position and Snapped back to face her, swinging out his lower arm towards her Knee, then snapping back as if to show his back to her again only continuing around to snap out his upper arm to catch her in the jaw. He Repeats this motion Over and over again but each time the motion resets he changes the Target and advances. The first Change He aims for her Ankle and then her throat, the second Change he Aims for her Inner thigh and then her stomach.

[Deleted]

Rin was in no way shape or form prepared for anything that was happening next. Sure, she expected to get “beaten up”. She wanted to see what he could do. Getting a little roughed up certainly wouldn’t be so bad. It wasn’t her intention to underestimate or anything like that. Rather, she just wanted the rust off and made every obvious mistake for him. Interestingly enough, he was looking at her. He was attentive. Susano-O could at least pick up on her mistakes and on that detail alone, she was pleased. Ah, but she couldn’t hold her breath just yet~!

Dodging, blocking, countering… The normal response to her sad excuse of a move. Rin had no intention of interfering. She would allow him to display his own skill and shake off his rust willingly. She was smiling at him knowingly. Though, that would fade quickly at his action. She felt a very specific sensation on her elbow. The feeling of someone’s own lips on her elbow. No it wasn’t her imagination. His lips did not brush her elbow. Not graze. Connect. Her elbow fully connected with the Kawada’s own lips. Like actually connected. Even he worse, he bit it. Shock was painted on her face, clear as day and she elicited the smallest of surprised sounds in response. “Ne?” Confusion was an understatement.

Rin already had every intention of taking the full brunt of his attack but his own action further distracted the lieutenant as she wasn’t truly expecting it. Why this… This person… This was unnecessary!! Honestly!! Does he think he could just waltz on up to her and just do that?! How could he!? Infuriating! Intolerable! The Empress certainly wouldn’t stand for such an action. Though, she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. She looks away briefly but her her cheeks carried a glaring crimson tint that nearly matched the color of her own kimono. Amber irises focused on his face and the reality of this situation set in further.

Despite her shock, she would focus to see what he was doing. Her face was still red and she still felt hot with anger and embarrassment being the clear winners here, but she could manage. She felt her body being twisted around and she was within his grasp and slammed down onto the floor. Free and open to whatever he had in store for her save for another kiss on the elbow. “Oh no. Whatever shall I do, ne~?” Ha! As if she truly had anything to worry about. She was powerful. She was great! As if there was anything he could do to make her worry. All she wanted to do was see true skill and for him to shake off his rust.

In this chessboard, she was searching for more worthy additions. Another pawn for this Empress. Or perhaps he would be a knight~? It was food for thought. She could see his fist coming for her head and he could feel absolutely no restraint from her, as if she was welcoming it entirely. Rin expected to feel some pain or something on her head but that wasn’t what happened. The point of impact and where he landed his blow dictates that there should be some pain or soreness there. That wasn’t what Rin felt. She felt her heart beating wildly. As if someone was ringing it like a bell.

“What was…. What did he just…”

How interesting! How fascinating! Her features lit up. Through all her beauty and grace, she’d looked at him like an absolute demon. The vicious lieutenant wanted to see more of this Vaapaad. It was all still very new to her but she had an idea as to what it was. Not entirely. Just a gist. He’d let her go and Rin watched him. The embarrassment from earlier washing away momentarily at his display. She wouldn’t say she was impressed but she was intrigued. “Ah.” If he trained, he would certainly be fearsome. How fortunate for him that it was something the Empress fully intended to make him.

She made a point to keep the same amused expression on her face. Though, this wasn’t to say that she was bothered and hiding it. It was the exact opposite. Susano-O just showed Rin that she could cut loose and with that thought set in her mind, her fingers flexed slightly and she’d crack her knuckles. Ah~ At last! She could be the vicious warden she loved to be. This was simply sublime~! Even more so in their current setting. Rin was expecting great things now. He’d gone and gotten her hopes up now!

"I do not know who this Shade Kawada is. However I assure you with your current attitude towards the Kawada as I read it, he is a disgrace to my family name.. " Rin tilted her head curiously. Ah, it would make sense that he wouldn’t know who that was. She picked herself up off the floor and brushed herself off, smoothing her kimono out as she spoke. “How fortunate for you that you don’t know garbage.” She began, looking at her hair for a moment, inspecting it to see if she had any split ends before tossing it back over her shoulder. The Empress sighed as she stalked around. The tension from her body was gone entirely. “He was the head of your family quite recently. A poor fighter. A poor leader. Ran the Kawada name through the mud if you ask me~”

She shrugged. “You fight much differently than he does. He boxes like a moron.” Rin nearly spat in disdain as she spoke. She was a samurai. Fighting was her way of life. It brought honor and it meant everything to her. His display was demeaning and he didn’t even win. “He couldn’t even come close.” She continued to stalk around him as she spoke. “I constantly crave a fight. As an Empress, it is only natural, ne~?” She paused for a moment to watch him to see if he would attempt to move in on her before speaking again. “He was once the Captain of the thirteenth squad and I, the Vice Captain of Squad 7.” Ah, it was like yesterday… when she tore into his flesh with her precious nodachi. It was a satisfying feeling but a poor sight. “He lost. Terribly.” She said flatly. Thinking about it made her angry and an angry Empress was extremely volatile. Perhaps she would take it out on him…? Hm.

"A Fight you want Vice captain. A Fight you will get. I will give you everything I am capable of and in the morning when I wake from my Concussion I will come back and find you, and give you one in return."

Light laughter filled the room as he spoke. She didn’t mean for it to sound condescending. Truly, your majesty was entertained by the proposition of a fight and then a concussion. Oh! My such promises this one makes~! How exciting he was! That low haunting laughter rung throughout the room and grew louder as he moved into attack her. Susano-O would probably catch a glimpse of just how fluid and graceful Rin’s movements were. Limbs would be swung and aimed at her knee and she moved constantly avoiding one after the other. She picked up on the pattern somewhat but it didn’t matter. It was her turn now.

One arm lurched out and wrapped around his neck at a terrifying speed and she closed the distance between them. Her knee raised up and slammed hard into his back and Rin would push the entirety of her strength and weight onto him. She was forcing Susano-O to crash on the floor and fall flat on his stomach, hard. Her arm was wrapped around his neck so tightly that it was enough for him to have trouble breathing. She viciously grabbed his arm and sharpened red nails dug hard into his skin. She pulled it so far back in a position that would cause a fair amount of pain.

“Let’s get something straight.”

Any other victim of the Maggot’s Nest would know what Rin was going to say. They’d know what speech she was going to give and they knew just how terrified they should be when it came to the matters of the Empress of Squad 7. “The attempt is welcome but let’s face it… You aren’t going to give me a concussion. I’m the one on top here. I always will be.” And she pulled his arm back even more. She meant it figuratively and literally. “You are going to listen to every order. You are going to obey every order. Everything you do will be in not just my best interest, but in the interest of Squad 7. You will be up to par with the rest of my men and women. Anything less is highly unacceptable.” Her nails sunk deeper and the ferocity in her voice was so clear that it almost sounded demonic. Something that was normal for her and it would reinforce her point because if he did this next thing, she would make his life hell. “You will not cross me. I, Rin Minamimoto, Empress of Squad 7, am not to be trifled with.” She spoke commandingly. As if her words were facts. “Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. Is that understood?” Rin would wait a moment for whatever his answer was and quickly relinquish him. She’d do it carefully and quickly so he would not catch her and would stand once more, allowing him to give her to fight she wants.

"Again."

[Susano-O Kawada]

“The attempt is welcome but let’s face it… You aren’t going to give me a concussion. I’m the one on top here. I always will be.” And she pulled his arm back even more. She meant it figuratively and literally. “You are going to listen to every order. You are going to obey every order. Everything you do will be in not just my best interest, but in the interest of Squad 7. You will be up to par with the rest of my men and women. Anything less is highly unacceptable.” Her nails sunk deeper and the ferocity in her voice was so clear that it almost sounded demonic. Something that was normal for her and it would reinforce her point because if he did this next thing, she would make his life hell. “You will not cross me. I, Rin Minamimoto" That was All Susano-o would put up with.

Susano-O knew how she felt but he was giving her his all. He was not going to allow her to put him down and underestimate him even though his position was as lowly as it was. He was once as powerful as she if not more-so. He was a force within the seireitei and his legacy would not be undermined. He would not allow her to talk down to him like she was great and he was small that simply was not fact. She was a Vice captain true enough and that demanded respect but did not give her leave to belittle all others, much less the fallen son of the kawada.. The Storm Lord. He Let out a low growl as soon as her name finished and used every ounce of his body to Turn over sharply.

The Knee being dragged into his back deeply was more than most could bear but he reveled in it as he moved hard and fast to slam this Empress into the ground and cut off the end of her speech. He Let out a moaning groan of pure pain fueled pleasure. "Uhnnn.. Thank you empress for the pain.. But i must protest.. Trifling with you was never my intention.. Merely Wishing to Thank you for allowing me the opening to show my skill. I Am not so dumb as to attempt to underestimate you, but likewise even an empress must be wary of the peasant with a blade." His words were strained as She had him by the neck still, and he may be strong enough to move her body while she focused on holding him be could not extricate himself from her much superior grip. He was trapped and yet he still had a move, that was what he wanted to show her that even though he was seen to be defeated he would keep fighting.

"I Will never.." He lets out a gasp and tugs feebly against her arm on his throat. "Stop fighting.. I am the phoenix that will rise from the ashes and come back with a vengeance against those that killed me and mine before.." he coughs a bit at that as tears streak down his face suddenly and without warning he does not sob but his tears are born of rage and hatred.He Was not going to be shackled by any but himself and he needed this fight to waken that urge to become better. He Was no longer tugging he was struggling now Wriggling and trying to find a good hand hold to remove her then he calms down and lets out a single scoff. "Might your subject be allowed to stand my Empress?" He says it gently with a slight bit of subjugation in his tone but none of it bitter, as if he knows how to serve and when to serve.

Susano-O Was surprised when she let him up, it was a slow and deliberate thing. He Laid there rolling over to lay on his back and rub his neck for a moment as he looked up at Rin. She really did look like an empress from this angle he had to admit that. There it was again though that flash of memory that flooded his reality and cut through to his soul. There was standing instead of Rin his Lover his everything but no longer bloody and broken but instead she was smiling at him wearing her kimono and blushing as she always did while staring at him. It dissapeared after he stood having looked away for a split second, when he stood he was face to face with an imposing woman who was not only respected down here in the nest she was feared.

He looked her over and smirked she would be a great user of Vaapaad someday if he could ever bring back the old ways. Someone who enjoyed placing herself over others would lust after the power of a True vaapaad, he wasn't certain if he had the heart to tell her that what he did was a far cry from the true arts her heart should have exploded in her chest but he was clearly weak and he still felt the physical pain from doing that, even that weak version. He Rolled his shoulders and rubbed at his neck again before looking towards the door where there was no guard standing any longer, he had not noticed the guard leave when Rin entered the room before but that might be attributed to the fact that he never paid the other guards much attention at all.

[Deleted]

Susano-O was a peculiar case to say the least. An unorthodox fighting style in addition to belonging to a noble family she despised in her own squad. Rin was prepared to hate him entirely. Rin was prepared to put him through the works and have him scurry off to Squad 12. She was prepared to shoot down every single one of Himitsu’s ideas. He was new to her after all. It was how the Empress was. Extraordinarily stubborn and change was something she was unused to.

Though, that could be applied to just about anyone. Susano-O.. Perplexed the living hell out of the pretty shinigami. In the midst of her sentence, she’d been slammed to the ground and while she didn’t expect it, she couldn’t say she was surprised by it. She did have a love for theatrics and did tend to speak for too long. Still, Rin did not appreciate being cut off and her eyes focused on his like a hungry hawk; A look she was very much known for when the temperamental Empress was displeased.

She thought that he would try to combat her on the subject. Most people did. She would hold all thoughts and opinions until he finished speaking. All subjects should be heard out after all, ne~? Praise and manners was something she often fell weak for. Rin knew it. Though, this time, she would remain firm on her stance and on her grip. Her patience always waned and her nails dug in just a bit harder as he spoke in hopes of reaffirming him that he should choose his words carefully.

He made such… odd noises? Was he pleased? Delighted? Elated at his position? At his groans she looked on with mild interest with a hint of confusion. Normally, when met with miscreants and the like, she beat them into submission swiftly and efficiently. She’d heard groans of pain but never of pleasure.. “..Excuse me but are you enjoying this?” Weren’t people supposed to hate this? She tilted her head and blinked a few times, she only looked more interested but still very puzzled. Bewildered was the Empress who had no concept of such pleasures existing.

She’d always thought she was the odd one out and the only one who knew of her sadistic pleasures was Kaen. Ever since Squad 7 became the interrogation squad, she’d been a kid in a candy store here. Rin loved the Maggot’s Nest. Ah, but don’t tell Himitsu-taicho~! He’d look down on that! "Uhnnn.. Thank you empress for the pain.. But i must protest.. Trifling with you was never my intention.. Merely Wishing to Thank you for allowing me the opening to show my skill. I Am not so dumb as to attempt to underestimate you, but likewise even an empress must be wary of the peasant with a blade." That was what she wanted. Respect and the knowledge that she was the one on top. Rin was like an alpha who let every other in her pack know where she stood and Susano-O having no intention of trifling with her was just what she wished.

"I Will never..Stop fighting.. I am the phoenix that will rise from the ashes and come back with a vengeance against those that killed me and mine before.." Lips curled in delight as she attempted to stifle her own laughter but she couldn’t help it. It was light and airy laughter that displayed that she enjoyed what he said, despite his crying. She wasn’t bothered by it. She recognized rage for she was a rageful demon herself. She just dressed pretty. “That is precisely what I want~! No member in this squad will be caught dead.” Rin relented her painful grip on Susano-O slightly. There was something she enjoyed ever so much when it came to punishing the deserving and the guilty. “You will get your vengeance, my dear. All in due time~ You are in the perfect squad for it.” She hissed at him with vicious glee, the smile never fading from her face.

At his request, she would remove herself off of him, and offered her hand if he chose to take it to stand up. An Empress helped her subjects and if this one desired revenge and if it was done legally and properly, then she would aid him. It was amusing. How could she pass that up, ne~? She could hear the rumbling of Hiretsuna’s laughter in the back of her mind. They were cut from the same cloth and her spirit desired more of a fight. Something to appease the man with a thirst for violence.

She noticed him look to the door and glanced back. Ah~ Yes. The guards. She smirked knowingly at her newest subject. He’d be able to hear the shouts and loud banter of prisoners communicating with one another down the halls. Rin shrugged lazily, somewhat informing him of the current situation. “Mm~.. Don’t worry too much about that. We have quite the understanding you see~” In a stroke of genius, she lit up and looked to the door before looking back at Susano-O. “I just had the most splendid idea, ne~ The most perfect warm up!” She motioned for him to follow after her with her finger before turning and exiting his cell.

He could kiss this place goodbye. No longer would he be living in the disgusting confinements of this place. “You will leave the Maggot’s Nest effective immediately. You will have your own place set up in our barracks. This place drains you immensely. I cannot even use kido here. So, only the most skilled in hand to hand are allowed in here. Of course, you’re not stupid. You already know this, ne~?” You had to be skilled. You have no choice. It’s do or die, sink or swim. The moment you entered this place, you realized that you were in a tank full of piranhas and you were the food. You have yourself to fend for. Surely he was aware of that.

Rin strode into the main area where only the worst of the worst gathered and hurled various insults at Rin. She smiled triumphantly and came to a complete stop in the middle of the room. “Greetings sheep!” Her voice boomed throughout the rest of the prison and she could see some of the guards grinning, seemingly in on what she was going to say and do. The prisoners would settle down and lower their voices as she continued. “I have here, fresh meat alongside myself.” She motioned to Susano-O and winked at him as she paced about, preaching to the masses. “I believe we all know what time it is, ne~?” Some prisoners were let out of their cell and some that were already walking about formed a large circle around both her and Susano-O.

She was sick and twisted but Rin knew life here. She was never a prisoner but she knew what these people longed for. A little excitement. Something to get the blood rushing. The Empress turned to Susano-O smiling wickedly. Oh, she hoped he wouldn’t feel too bitter about what she was going to spring on him. “You say you will never stop fighting..?” She glanced to her left and to her right before fiery irises focused on him with excitement. “Show me, Phoenix, how you will fight your way to the door alongside me.” He had the confidence and the skill and if Rin didn’t believe in him even a little, she would not be doing this. In her mind, it was a twisted sign of respect. He’d hear the excited roars and laughter from the crowd around them and she’d turn her back to Susano-O, ready to cover where his blindspots might be. She settled into a defensive stance, ready for the first onslaught of prisoners to come at them.

“Open season.”

[Susano-O Kawada]

The sound of "Open season" Rings out loudly in his head as he steps out of the cell and into the main room which now looks more like a coliseum to Susano-O. His entire world shudders as the world shifts, his hallucinations take over his perceptions and instead of the Maggots nest he sees a Clearing somewhere in the outer Rukongai Wilds. He Is surrounded by Hollows, slavering for his soul haunting his past. He Stands there in a clearing with his lover, she was never strong enough to become a shinigami but she was rather skilled at hand to hand combat. He Rang with Anger and fear and worse yet his blood burned in his veins with ANTICIPATION. His body craved this, his soul craved the conflict to make him remember what he was, who he was.. What he used to have. Every moment of struggle awoke blood memories within him.

His Face went from passive and expressionless to a dark and black grin marked only by evil intent. This was not the smirk of arrogance or knowledge that he would be fine this was the smirk of a serial killer being handed knives and let loos in a crowded mall with all of the exits locked and barred. He Let out a Horrifying creepy chuckle it was light at first but as the first Maggots nest prisoner stepped closer to him Susano-O could not even hear his taunting as the punch was thrown at him. Susano-O shifted his body backward just enough to stay inches away from the punch to his teeth before licking the knuckle tips of the prisoner as his creepy chuckle devolved into a maddening laughter.

He did not hesitate to step into the man and bring his head crashing into this nameless prisoners right clavicle while bringing his finger tips under the mans rib-cage. The bottom Ribs are so easily grabbed and bent outwards even with little force. Susano-O used the Latch point to bring the man back into his head over and over again, stress cracking the mans ribs and breaking his clavicles on Susano-O own skull. It Looks almost as a man slamming his own head into a wall over and over again trying to knock himself out, and when he drops the man with a head shaped indent in his chest Susano-O looks up with a mixture of his own blood and the blood of that unconscious man dripping from his head. He Takes a Seemingly shaky step forward, clenching his long nailed hands rhythmically as he is still laughing maddeningly, as if this is all some grand joke.

Susano-O then takes another step and it appears that his knees might give out as he falls down to his knees, he looks more than a little punch drunk and probably about to pass out. This seems to attract more prisoners towards him, who at first seemed a little trepidation about attacking the crazy motherfucker beating a man to death with nothing but his own head and the dudes own ribs. The First three all Come towards Susano-O and surround him while he is sitting there cackling drunkenly on his knees. When they all start looking at each other seeing who is going to start pounding on this gibbering idiot. Just then Susasno-O stands swiftly and in doing so send a knife hand right into the connection between his leg and hip on the inside of his crotch. His nails being sharp enough to cut through the cloth and dig slightly into the mans flesh as susano-O just keeps the pressure and grabs hold.

Susano-O then lets out a sneering growl as he steps out and around the man still holding onto that pressure point violently  as he lifts from there and shoulder checks the poor fucker hard sending him slamming on his back to the floor.  He Springs forward like leopard and tucks into a roll as a Haymaker whiffs in the air where his head had been before Susano-O breaks into a sprint for the Exit of the Maggots nest. Dsuano-O is not running for his life but running for the sunlight he can see creeping in from the Tunnel that leads out of the maggots nest. He is panting and nearly slavering for it, for the touch of the sun again, he had resigned to never being allowed out of the dark never being allowed to see the faces of real people again and now he can taste it its so close.

Another Mirage overtakes his senses. This time it is not a memory, this time he is running into the arms of someone who he has not seen in a very long time. He is watching as he runs into the arms of his Zanpakuto Spirit, She is smiling as her arms outspread and her regal phoenix feather dress billows in the breeze of the Cliff tops of the Sokyoku Hill. As he runs towards her he can feel the heat on his face on his flesh and the warmth of the sun. He Also feels at his back the contrasting frigid cold wetness of the maggots nest and somewhere at the borderline he feels them not fighting for dominance just accepting that both are now part of his soul and there is naught the other can do to make the other leave.

As he runs forward to her The smiling face recedes and becomes fearful, The smile becomes a look of horror and repulsion comes over Kitaru's face as she recoils from him. The Vision fades once more and the Tunnel he sees is suddenly blocked by a man larger than the door behind him, and not by muscle. This Blob is a jiggling mass of obesity and sweat just stands there breathing heavily with seemingly just the exertion of standing. The Worst looking creature Susano-O has had the pleasure of looking at, and Susano-o had fought Hollows before.  Susano-O doesnt stop running full tilt towards the door and the man before getting caught in the chest by the Blobs huge fucking foot. The kick launches suano-O backward down the tunnel but susano-O reaches out with both of his arms and digs his fingertips into the rocky wall of the tunnel and catches himself mid air as his ahnds are now cut up and bleeding he smirks.

Susano-o reaches up and brushes his chest off with his right hand smearing his own blood across his pale flesh as he starts to make slow and deliberate steps  towards the Blob who simply laughs, Susano-O still can not hear his taunting and jibes at him. He is just looking, looking and sensing where this man holds all of his weight, He is large, Lower body injuries are likely in his past..  Susano-o breaks for him again, this time catching the ankle of the spartan kick and over extending it in both directions before bringing up his own leg placing it against the wall and kicking off of it, holding the ankle to his chest. He spins the ankle a full 360 Degrees Ripping the flesh all the way down to the knee and destorying the mans ability to walk.  As the man falls unconsious from the pain susano-o simply steps over the mans body into the sunlight once more.

[Deleted]

Her eyes laid upon the men before her. Only in their wildest dreams would they even be able to lay so much as a finger upon her. Reality was rather harsh, ne? Rather than just playing with Susano-O and spending endless amount of hours and minutes trying to get him back to the man he supposedly was, why not make others do it for her? Why should the Empress have to work so hard? Combat made a man tick. It made their blood run hot and fast and the hairs on the back of her neck prickled as she could sense that Susano-O was more ready than ever.

“Are you awake yet~?” She calls out to him in mellifluous tones before she moved on her own. These men knew how it went down. They all did. A chance to hurt the woman that hurt them and destroyed their lives? A chance to get back at the woman that made them admit to their crimes and revealed their guilt. Here, she was fair game in the Maggot’s Nest. She’d been gone for a while but once she was thrown back into work, she would quickly make a name for herself her. Interrogation was their new job after all.

The first man ran at her and threw a measly punch at her face, fueled with rage and insanity. Rin merely tilted her head and grabbed him by the elbow, locking it and using to force him down to the ground. She’d promptly step on top of his body, slamming her heel right into his back with immense strength. Rin smiled with violent delight and she held up two fingers, motioning for the next set of men to come forth. “More! Your Empress requires more!” She called out demandingly as she’d kick the man on the floor on the side of his head to stop him from struggling. He would knock out right there.

Two would step forward, circling her like wolves and Rin would slowly turn along with them, ready to pounce herself. It was times like these she truly felt alive. Where she truly felt she could be that part of herself. Out of the corner of her eye, she would notice Susano-O was bloodied already. His handiwork involving the ribcage of his victim and his head being indented. She hoped that Susano-O would shed off at least 600 of the 1000 years he’d spent in here.

Her two opponents both closed in on her and she ducked. Dropped to a crouching position and she’d chuckle amusedly. Rin reached up to grab them by their shirts right at their collars and she’d drag them around like a pair of rag dolls. She’d swung them, turning along with them as she spun. With all her strength, she threw one into two other men trying to get the jump on her and the other would be thrown into right side of the crowd.

The Empress could hear him cackling. Laughing and reveling in the moment. Good. Perhaps Himitsu made a good decision in letting this one in. Rin would dust off her hands before spreading her arms, gesturing for more as she worked her way back. One particular man stood out from the worthless whelps that had dared to approach her and he cracked his neck and knuckles. The smile on his face was twisted and Rin looked on at him with interest and the rest of the sheep would somewhat slither on to the back.

He came at her fast. His punches were swift and Rin found herself walking backwards as she’d duck and weave. Occasionally she’d block them with her wrist and push him off as she continued to move. The Empress danced and pranced her way out of every strike, now leading him in a circle. He’d kicked at her and at the very moment his leg had been fully extended, she grabbed the back of his ankle and forced it high up, making him fall on his back.

The crowd laughed and Rin moved one delicate hand over her lips as if to cover her cruel laughter. Though she did so rather badly and it made him angry. Angry to see the warden treat him so cruelly over his weakness. It was a bitter reminder of their status here. She was free and he would always be caged like an animal. The Empress would always inflict punishment upon the guilty and she would never relent. Even after he’d been forced to commit to his crimes. Condemned and then made to atone for it. His fists balled as he sat on the floor.

She motioned for him to stand again with two fingers, and he would. He’d continued with his onslaught of swipes at her and Rin and her opponent would force their way through the crowd. Though, she’d scoffed. Rolled her eyes as if she’d gotten bored. She would slam her foot right into his stomach and found that it barely did anything. It felt solid and that was not good. Her face had a flash of panic and he’d just nearly graze her cheek in that brief second. He missed but getting close was not even remotely okay.

The Empress snarled at the sensation of his fist passing her and grabbed his arm twisting it back further and further. His screams in pain echoed throughout the prison and her nails dug into his flesh. He’d been brought to his knees and she didn’t stop until she was sure she felt something crack or pop. There was no mercy here. Not for any of them. Rin released him, pushing him to the floor and stomped hard on his back before walking back, watching the rest of their faces. Some of them stunned and others returning to that fearful state.

One last man had decided to try his luck with her and in her enraged state, she would deal with him swiftly. He’d jumped and lunged for her, attempting to tackle her to the ground. He was deranged, unstable, scum. She watched his glorious leap through the air and Rin ducked slightly, evading him. Her arm would snap up and grab him by the shirt. She’d flashed a savage grin and yanked him down. “Ah..” Her eyes turned to Susano-O and then her body moved as she flung the inmate with ferocity. She’d sent him flying into the wall just next to Susano-O who was already by the door.

Rin was already somewhat close to the door and she’d finally make it. She’d turn to bow courteously to angry, despairing prisoners before exiting into the forest where the entrance had been. Sunlight peeked through the trees and her two favorite guards had been in the front and quickly sealed the entrance. “I trust that you enjoyed yourself..?” she asked the freed man. She smiled briefly at him before looking to the guard who handed her massive zanpakuto back to her. Her treasured nodachi which was ornate and decorated in such a way that was fit for an Empress was longer than she was. She sighed with satisfaction. Though that could have been at a myriad of things. Rin had been a happy camper so far.

Rin winked to the guard before turning on the heel and moving ahead of Susano-O. “Come.” she commanded, sliding her zanpakuto back into her belt. She strode forward and would make her way to Squad 7’s grounds with a new member in tow. She’d looked back to see a bloodied Susano-O but it was not his own. She recalled his skill in dealing with his own fair share of criminals. Rin imagined that Susano-O must have been incredibly terrifying in his day. If this was just barely a fraction of his power.. why, think of the possibiities!

“Tell me... What led to your decision in choosing Squad 7? What is it that you desire, Susano-O?”

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

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