The Dragon Roars no more.

[Arantima Kawada]

Crawling, that is all Arantima can do. How long have i been crawling? C.. Crawling? Why am I crawling? Wher.. Where am I going? Im Going to die.. No, I'm already dead.. is this What the afterlife for a shinigami is? Endless pain? Why am I crawling? these thoughts cut through his skull like the ash arc that tore his chest open a short while ago. He has left a blood trail that was at first thick and now had thinned up enough that while it could be followed easily doesn't look like a creature is dismembering another.

He can only use his right arm to crawl, and even then his right arm is straining under the use. The blood loss has made his body grow cold, he is shivering and crawling against the grass and the dirt of the wilds of the Rukongai. What is keeping this Shingami going? What force keeps this shinigami alive in this state? You are breaking.. You are breaking.. Hold yourself together.. Your own Sea is turning Red with blood.. Red.. Red.. Blood.. This was what he was reduced to. A Trembling mass of survival, surviving was his only drive, his only way forward.

He was determined, and for this shinigami determination was his existence. Persevering where anything, anyone else would have found a new way, or simply given up and created a new goal.. This shinigami knew no other way than to push through until he either succeeded or wore down the universe enough that he may as well have succeeded on his own. This was no different, no matter how badly he hurt he had to continue on. He could not die until Hotaru Demanded it of him, he could not die until he Found gracie and saw her use Magic again.

Arantima could not die, not here, not now. He had attained his broken release.. and lost it. And Now he had to find it again. He was not finished, he had more to do. The Bridge between the Weak and the Strong could not crumble now, it had more to do. that was what kept this Shingami crawling forward. He was going to make it, He was going to... Blackness overtook his vision, He was nowhere and everywhere at once before suddenly he felt water at his fingers and opened his eye again. He had been crawling unconsciously.

He Looked at the water and noticed only now that his throat was dryer than a desert and crawled his way forward, dipping his head into the water enough to drink deeply, Crawling into the river after he had his fill to clean his wounds, letting the water flow over them cold and refreshing but also painful. He Laid back on his back, resting his injured arm on his midsection and closing his one good eye once more. He released himself to the river, Hoping it would take him past the Rukongai districts and he would be found by someone who would help him.

While he floated he Dreamed, He dreamed of All the times he had trained, All the times he had pushed himself before this last Fight. He had fought Shokan, a Beast of a Man.. His Captain, He had egged her on to release against him, Even pitting his Newly formed Shikai against her Bankai.. He was strong.. But .. not enough, his Zanpakuto was wrong.. Malformed.. it was a rage induced creature who.. Left him. He must form a new one. Discover a new Release.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Training for CTP

Shōkan was returning back to the seireitei, out of the Rukongai wilds. This was directly after his battle with the Beast-Clansmen Chikusha, whom he had stricken a deal with. She would become a vassal of the Kawada Clan, and he would aid her in protecting and supporting herself and her family. In Shōkan's eyes this was more than sufficient. The Kawada Clan was weak, dwindling in number, and her was rebuilding it from the bottom up. He would find allies, rebuild his clan, retake his captaincy... And finally, avenge those who had wronged them. THis was his path, and he would follow it to its ends.

As he was walking along a stream towards the Soul Society however, he noticed something bobbing in the water, squinting his eyes, Shōkan made out that this was a person! With a flash of speed, Shōkan swooped low over the water, and grasped the person- shinigami- floating in the water.Checking his breathing and his body for injuries, Shōkan was surprised to realize that he actually recognized the man! It was Arantima! The little Squad 10 member he had fought, and subsequently imparted so harsh lessons and wisdom to all those months ago. What had happened to him to injure him so?

His left hand was shredded, and burned, it looked like someone had set off an explosive while he had been holding, the damage was extensive. And his sternum looked like it had been nearly bored through! Shōkan didn't have any skill in healing, however, he did what he could to get his wounds covered by clean cloth (taken from Arantima's robes) as well as try and get some water into the poor mans throat. Slowly and carefully getting the cool liquid inside of him. Thankfully it seemed he had- somehow- been able to keep water from entering his lungs, even in this state.

The boy truly did have a will of steel. From what he could see, Arantima had only grown stronger in the time he had been training. Although it would appear that someone had given him a beating within an inch of his life. Laying Arantima down on some soft grass, Shōkan made to set up a small camp, Arantima couldn't be moved in this condition, he needed to stabilize or he would probably die. Unleashing a small bit of hi power, Shōkan used his white flames to create a fire. He had a small bit of camping gear with him, since he hadn't known how long he would be out here.

He quickly put Arantima inside of his futon and did his best to forage for some food when he woke up, managing to find a variety of fruits and nuts, as well as catch a few fish, which he began roasting over the fire. Keeping an eye on the boy's condition, Shōkan gave him small bits of water when he could, to help keep him hydrated. What had happened to him? This seemed exactly like the situation he would get in. More heart and will to succeed than power. He had the potential certainly, but Shōkan was sure Arantima would jump into the maw of Tartarus itself if he felt the need to. It was actually something Shōkan admired about him.

However, he needed to temper that sheer desire to succeed and fearlessness with a bit of pragmatism. Shōkan had attempted to teach him a bit of that when they fought last, but apparently it hadn't taken hold. Regardless, Shōkan couldn't take the time to look after the boy, he had potential sure, but Shōkan was just to preoccupied with his clan t- wait... Shōkan looked at the boy, no, young man before him. He had a solidness to him that he lacked before... Maybe, maybe Shōkan could find a way to help the both of them, if Arantima was willing. But that could wait, for now, Arantima needed to recover.

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima was barely Breathing, no longer Coherent. When he was scooped up from the River he didn't feel anything except for the water leaving his Body. The Cool Futon was kind to his flesh as he was laid in it and Covered with a warm blanket. He drank when offered it and Ate small bits when offered as well. It was as if his body was going on Auto pilot, just making sure that he was going to survive.. But that was it, it was continuation not progress.  Arantima was not going about his usual self, at least not unconsciously, he was stagnating.

He was not .. There. There was something missing about Arantima and Shokan could easily See that. Where was that broken sword of his? that Sword that looked like it would crack if it was blown on too hard?  it was his Zanpakuto, and it was not with him, that was bad. The Battle that he had to fight to get him here was horrific, and he barely survived, but it seems that his Zanpakuto Did not. He However seemed to be growing slightly in its absence, Even though he did not have his zanpakuto his body was fuller, more formed and toned.

The wound to his chest is showing signs of.. Some form of Flexing to defend against it, a Reduction of the overall damage by a body placement and relaxation of stance at the right second to keep the blow from killing him. An impressive level of skill to be certain but Shokan was right. He Shouldn't have fought that battle, He should have Ran while his Zanpakuto was not allowing itself to be released. He had no way to fight back, not truly, Not like that. But Arantima was the Reckless fool who would jump head first in and try even if it meant.. This.

He was Healing, but slowly. He would have a Scar that marked his chest forever, And his arm would take a Very very long time to heal if it ever would fully. He was Passed out, Running on autopilot and that was his existence for the time being. He could not speak, Could not wake up until his body could sacrifice the mental capacity to run those functions. Right now he needed to heal, And recover lost blood. He was in for a painful few days, But he could survive, Now that he had been found. Though Arantima was stout man, he wasn't going to take this lieing down.

It was just past daybreak of the day following Shokan finding Arantima when he woke up and started coughing lightly. "Where.. Am i?" He Asked very slightly, Almost in a whisper. He knew better than to try and move. ".. Thank you.. Whoever put me in this bed.. Thank you.. I.. i lost my Sword. My Zanpakuto is.. Gone.." He Says that before closing his eyes again,. not ppassed out but ensuring that anything not needed to be done wasnt being done.. that included looking at things.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan had been fixing a small broth out of a rabbit he had found, as well as adding some few vegetables he retained from his journey. It wasn't anything masterful, he didn't exactly cook often, but stew needed few things other than the proper ingrdients and time to cook properly. So it was hearty, and had a decent flavor. He stopped when Arantima woke, and listened quietly to the young man. He was in so much obvious pain, and despair. He had finally found the strength he had so craved when he was a weakling. Finally broken free of his bonds, and now it was gone. Shōkan too, knew this pain, this agony.

It might even be worse, considering that Shōkan had been at the peak of power, had a bond with his zanpakuto that had lasted centuries. Looking down at Arantima, Shōkan spoke "Why is it I keep finding you in these positions little dragon? Granted, this time it wasn't done by me. You should really cut this bad habit." Taking up a bowl of the broth he had just made, he brought it to Arantima's lips. Unfortunately, he didn't have any utensils, so he'd have to drink directly from the bowl. "Here, drink, you need to regain your strength if you are to grow."

For now, he didn't comment on Arantima's lack of zanpakuto, he would wait to hear. For now, he projected his aura onto the young shinigami, as well as utilizing his natural charisma. The young man would feel visibly more relaxed from his injuries. It didn't actually alleviate any pain, or lessen the injuries, but one cannot underestimate the feeling of not being alone anymore, the knowledge that someone is there and that they are helping you. Shōkan knew himself the crushing weight of being alone better than anyone. It is an impossible weight to bear.

"It appears you have lost something little dragon... Judging by your state, you should probably give up while you're still alive. You're obviously not suited to the life of a shinigami." Shōkan said harshly all of a sudden. abruptly, the aura of light he had been projected had been cut off, forcibly stopped by Shōkan. The shock of losing that feeling would undoubtedly thrust Shōkan's words even deeper into Arantima. "You fail time after time, and when you've finally gotten power, you lose it. Obviously you have internal issues within yourself if your zanpakuto is gone. That doesn't happen naturally."

Turning back to the broth, Shōkan waited for the surprise, the astonishment and possibly outrage. After Arantima spoke, Shōkan would continue "You must remember something little dragon. You are weak, you were born weak, and your destiny is to be weak..." Shōkan took a pause before the bowl of broth in his hand abruptly shattered his fist clenching, and gaining a steely look in his eyes. "But who gives a damn about that? Fate will push you down at every turn, know that everything you do, you will have to work twice as hard for half the return. You can either quit, or use that goddamn stubborness you possess to fight back.!"

"Destiny is a sham! The only thing you can rely on is yourself and your closest allies! If you want power, grab it! If you want to win, refuse to lose! If you are so conflicted that your release has failed you in this way, damn it! Forge it anew! What is broken only comes back stronger. Your choices Arantima Aoire are to quit and die, or stand up rush forward to your demise again and again. Break over and over, reforging yourself to the point where you are too strong to break! So tell me, should I kill you right now, or are you willing to go through a mountain of suffering to reach that which you desire?"

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima just listens, there is not much else he can do in this moment. His Ears take in everything Shokan is saying, and if it werent for his injuries he would be shaking in a rage. He was not angry at Himself, or Shokan even for what he was saying he was furious at Rasen naga. The Leeching parasite.. And he could feel it in his soul, that's what it was.  It was not his true Zanpakuto it was a broken And forbidden being that was warped and corrupted that latched onto his soul, feeding off of him and trying to warp him. in turn.

He Tried to nod but only was greeted with a Sudden Jolt of pain for the effort. He let it all come out, even letting Shokans pause drag on as long as it needed to for him to finish completely. There was nothing he could really say to any of that. it was true, it was why the Creature latched on to him, it was why he was stuck in a cycle of Crippling pain.. what seemed like an eternity of crippling pain was his future. But that wasn't good enough! It would NEVER be good enough! He did nothing but work and slave himself to his own will to try and get stronger.

His pain would be endless, And he knew it, he knew that he had to do something new. Something had to change if he was not going to stagnate. He Had Broken, Broken himself with his old methods of unrelenting force.. Fighting with a Rage and no control over himself. He looked to Shokan and Watched him for a moment, that was control, he could see the raw power in Shokans muscles, his speed, his strength. But he never used it all, that was control, and that was power.

He Clenches his working right hand and in that hand forms his Soul blade, pressurized Gravitation. The Aura Radiating off of that blade is Horrifyingly powerful until it flickers and dissipates. "I can not die.. I will not die, Stab me through the heart Shokan and I will continue breathing. But My release did not fail me.. that release was never mine and i see that now. Rasen Naga, Was not a Zanpakuto Spirit it was a parasite, devouring my body. I can feel my body now, Feel strength pour through it instead of into that cursed sword."

He looks To shokan and Chuckles once, it might sound more like a soft cough but there is that smile. That smile of pain mixed with determination and a spirit that can't quit. His body is broken and there he lays still talking like he is going to win.. What a foolish Shinigami, but that is Arantima. That is his essence, the man who will never stop, the shinigami who can break and reforge himself anew. He is the Reforged Sword made flesh and soul. His eyes Close, if only a moments time ".. Take me somewhere i can get properly looked after Shokan.. it doesn't matter how much it will hurt me to do so.. But I need to stand soon or i will expplode.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan gazed at Arantima briefly, it would appear he had begun to recover. The sleep had taken him out of critical condition, and he should alright to move. Offering his hand, Shōkan made to help his fellow shinigami into a standing position, and would offer his body in aid of Arantima. Allowing him to lean onto his shoulders. "Alright, let's see if we can get you home. Thankfully, we aren't too far from the Kawada estate, only a couple miles out. We should be able to make it there without much difficulty" helping Arantima walk, Shōkan had absolutely no difficulty, he was like a steel pillar, a brick wall to the weakened man.

As they walked, Shōkan thought to himself. rantima was a friend, he had to say it. over the numerous times they had met, Shōkan had been impressed with the young mans sheer tenacity, and he had hesrd of the considerable power he had come to amass. His release was strong, something Shōkan had pride in, for helping nurturing such a man. Seeing him in this state, betrayed, and bereft of power hurt him. He hated to see all tht the man had worked so hard for crumble away. He wanted to help, and he thought he knew how. Now that histough love had shaken Arantima from his melancholy, it was time to help, this time, as a friend.

"Arantima... We've come to know each other fairly well, haven't we? i've always liked you, your drive, your tenacity. These are the things that my family has always held dear. Rising from the ashes of defeat, stronger and more able each time, the way of the phoenix, the way of the Kawada. We have become much weaker, broken againa and again... We need men like you... Friends like you. i feel like after how far we have fallen, it is only suitable that we rise to unheard of heights, and I feel like that requires change. You embody the Kawada way, in spirit if not blood."

"I feel like you would be a good family to have, a good brother to have. Everyone needs support in times of trouble. If I asked you to join my family, as a brother, as Arantima Kawada, what would you say?" Shōkan was a bit nervous. Arantima was a good friend, and a good man, and Shōkan truly felt that he would make a wonderful Kawada. The clan elders couldn't even say anything. In a day and age when the head of the Kuchiki family was adopted, it certainly had precedent. being a friend of Shōkan's, one of the mot influential and oldest memebers wouldn't hurt either.

Additionally, Arantima had proved time and again his strength. He had proven his drive, determination, and will to succeed. As the sun began rising in the sky, the birds chirping in the air, Shōkan felt optomistic about the future of the Kawada. he wanted Arantima to make this decision on his own, so he declined using his natural charisma, and left it completely up to him. This was something th eyoung man could do only on his own, and even if Shōkan thought that it was a win-win option, perhaps Arantima would be against it? Only he could say.

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Takes a long time to contemplate the words being spoke. The meaning behind being invited to join the kawada Family. Arantima has never been political, he has never had  amind to get into the affairs of the Greater families at large. But He has been with Shokan kawada for a good long time. He has even been to the Kawada manor. The Time to Influence the Seireitei was now, The heavy players and movers in the world had allo Dissapeared and the time to makea  name for ones's self was now. He looked hard at Shokan.

The look in Arantima's eyes was the same one of determination and stone cold Perserverence. He opened his mouth to speak very quietly "Yes.. i will join the kawada Fam... Family..  But i will need time to heal before i can join you at the Manor.. i don't know much abou... yes." he stops himself from speaking, he coughs slightly and tries in vain to lessen his weight on shokan's shoulders. But he is currently too weak to do much else.

[Johnwaluigi]

33 paragraphs: +155 CTP to both participants