the proverbs

it is still on going, so bear with me. this is intended to be drawn as a manga not written. for that, each chapter contains summaries not an actual dialogue and it does not have a smooth narration of the story. this is just a draft. not finalize yet.

Chapter 1- The Call

A shadow was chasing a man through a forest and had previously killed off his entire entourage one by one. The victim asked who is he and gained no respond and was killed by the slit of the throat. The shadow figure was later approached by a man who told him of the idea of the Empress Cecilia in forming her own squad of Elite Operators. He asked the man what is the name of the squad going to be; in which the reply was “The Imperial Shadow”.

Fast forward three years. Yamamoto received a report from Captain Soi Fon on the recent sabotage and assassination mission. She commented on the smoothness of the mission however suspicious on how smooth the mission went. Yamamoto dismissed Soi Fon and Chojiro who was beside him during the entire duration of the meeting commented whether is there possible an extra squad being sent to the field in which Yamamoto replied, maybe.

Chapter 2- The Meeting of the highest council

The council of the Grand Dukes was in commencement when a messenger came in requesting to enter. The Dukes allowed and Yamamoto entered when Grand Duke Von Christ questioned Yamamoto about his appearance in the meeting to which Grand Duke Xia interrupted and offer Yamamoto a seat. Yamamoto refused the offer politely and went straight into the question on whether the Council has authorized any other group for that essential mission on the assassination of the Commonwealth’s advisor of Military Affairs. The Grand Dukes were surprised especially Grand Duke Kuchiki who is also the Captain of Div. 6 who commented, that’s the job of the Ommitsukido under Yamamoto. In reply, Yamamoto took in a long breath and replied in positive and commented that the mission has gone smoothly. He then dismissed himself citing other duties and that he is here to report on that mission and left. The Grand Dukes were left with a unsure look which Grand Duke Xia remarked that it may have gone too smooth and Yamamoto will not asked if it is not important. The Grand Dukes all agreed.

Chapter 3 – the fiery fire vs the ice queen

In the Palace of the Twilight Sun, where the servants were cleaning, a sudden surge of fierce haki energy caught several servants off guard and fainted. This led to the Empress’s chamber when the door opened and in stepped the red fiery figure. The empress raised her head and looked at the person who just intruded her office and questioned his presence and the need of the aura. The red fiery aura surrounding the person slowly fades away and revealed to be Yamamoto. Yamamoto apologized and state the urgency of the matter and knew the empress will refuse his presence if he does not do it in which the empress agreed. The empress stared at Yamamoto before commenting on whether did Yamamoto came to asked her about the recent mission. Yamamoto was silent and returns the stare and questioned that the smoothness of the mission is because the empress sent an additional squad which the empress took a while before replying in the positive. The empress rose and looked out at the window and states that she purposely instructed the agent to do a better than usual job to rise suspicion. Yamamoto was surprised however recalled that the Empress had always intrude and done things her way even if it does not requires her. This gained a sharp respond from the empress who laid out the high casualty rate of the ommitsukido and their high failure rate compared to before the change of leader. Yamamoto remained silent on the matter and later questioned which squad from the Gotei 13 was instructed to assist in the mission which the Empress snicker and lament the current below par ability of the Gotei 13 in comparison to the old. Yamamoto’s haki aura arose quickly which only got a cold glare back from the Empress. Yamamoto calmed down and asked again. The empress replied she gotten help from the outside and states that she had formed her own squad, a squad of Elite Operator that will put the ommitsukido to shame. Yamamoto left and a while later, a shadowy figure appears from the corner of the room and questioned the wisdom of the revelation of the squad in which the empress replied that the time is near. Yamamoto was at the end of the corridor and was already aware of the presence of the shadowy figure before he left. He questioned himself could it be him but states the difference in the haki aura.

Chapter 4 – The First Strike

Chojiro was on his way to the Barrack of Div. 1 when a lot shout was heard and he rushed there to find a huge figure blocking his way, he quickly unleash his shikai and engage his opponent. Yamamoto was clearing through his document when he commented to the 5 figures behind him that they need to do better than that to assassinate him. The 5 figures praised Yamamoto but stated to him that his arrogance has blinded him. Suddenly Chojiro was thrown through the window stuck on the wall with a huge spiritual energy arrow. The 5 figures states that this is only the beginning and in 5 days’ time, the capital will fall. Yamamoto release his sword to find the 5 figures has disappear and commented how is that possible with the high seikkiseki stone wall surrounding the Seireitei which negates all spiritual energy. He quickly rushed to Chojiro side to hear that the figures are able to use bankai.

The news of Chojiro’s death spread out fast, his funeral was conducted in full honour outside the Hall of the 7 stars. Renji commented on the expression of the Commander to Kira which earned a full detail story of Yamamoto relationship with Chojiro as teacher and student. The empress who was present at the scene along with the Grand Dukes gave her speech before Yamamoto light the coffin on fire. He stated that his death will be avenged.

Chapter 5 – the Revelation: the return of the Quincy

The Grand Dukes and Yamamoto conducted an emergency meeting on the recent event and the warning given to Yamamoto. Grand Duke Von Christ suggested summoning the Viscounts to the Capital with their troops to protect the Capital. Grand Duke Xia rejected the proposal by stating this could be a ruse by the enemy to draw troops away from the frontier so that an invasion could take place easier from the front which Grand Duke Kuchiki agreed. The Grand Duke Xavier then question the possibility of the invasion on the capital and question whether are the Gotei 13 capable of defending the Capital. All eyes are on Yamamoto who was silent all the while voiced out that for safety reason, all shinigami were recalled to the capital and had form blockade into the capital. He laid out his defensive plan to the council which gained some approval until Grand Duke Xia spoke and question how is it possible that the figures are capable of using bankai when all zanpakuto are recorded and none are missing. Grand Duke Von Christ questioned the possibility of rogue shinigami, which Grand Duke Marcus Xavier states that all master-less zanpakutos had been destroyed and all shinigami that left the Gotei 13 had surrendered their zanpakutos. There was silent in the room when suddenly Yamamoto broke the silent by stating the 5 mysterious figures were Quincy. This earned a shocked expression from everyone. Grand Duke Xia then states that that revelation just changed everything.

Chapter 6 – the intruders of the night

Yamamoto was in the room alone when a figure appeared at the door. He questioned Yamamoto about the lack of security at the Div. 1 barracks when another figure appeared at the window stating that Yamamoto does not need security and that he himself is the security. Yamamoto questioned the appearance of both of them since it had been 600 years since they last met and gathered together. The figure on the door, moved deeper into the shadow of the room when he stated that “he” is on the move which earn a sigh from the figure at the window who lamented that “he” just doesn’t know when to quit. Yamamoto looked up from his desk and asked how much time does he have left which earned a stiffen body gesture from both the intruders. The person in the corner states not much. The other figure behind the window frame, fiddling with a long stick like thing states is it worthwhile for his death just so the prophecy is able to come true. Yamamoto arose and walked to his shelf, staring at a photo frame, and took it in his hand, he states in sorrow that it had to be done for “him” to be gone once and for all and that the current three of them is not powerful enough to stop “him”. The figure in the corner lamented that if only Yoda did not die, then it is possible, which was agreed by the figure behind the window. Yamamoto commented that even if Yoda did not die, it is still insufficient, Yoda had prophecies that it takes the death of two millennium figures to bring out the “death that hides behind the shadow and the light that hides in the cloud” to kill “god” and there isn’t much millennium figures left on the earth. The figure in the corner asked Yamamoto whether he has found them which earn a sad reply from Yamamoto that he lost him. The figure behind the window sighed and questioned who they could be when the empress suddenly appeared at the door after removing the hood of the clock of invisibility and states to the three that Yamamoto was right on “death” and she had found “death”.

Chapter 7 – the meetings

Lurking in an underground room awaits 8 clocked people. A sudden door closed above wakens the people waiting and then there were rapid steps of someone coming down the stairs. A clocked person rushed down apologizing for being late. A person questioned the urgency of today’s meeting while another agreed stating that she was on a hot prized mission. A girl removed her hood to reveal a full headed long braided blonde girl of mid-twenties who hushed the two and stated that he will only call a meeting if it is important. A person who was fully hidden in the shadow in the corner of the room stood up and walked to the end of the shadow, and asked the late-comer about the information he asked him to search. He revealed that there were movements and rumors spreading in the Ship-Wreak Cove about a potential invasion of the Capital of the Empire and from a reliable source the invasion of the Capital is imminent. The leader turned to a pair of closely together hooded persons, revealed to be a pair of brunette twins of early twenties and asked about the movement in the Commonwealth which one of them replied in the negative. The late-comer added to the conversation and state that the invading group is Quincy. The entire group straightens and was silent until the leader in the shadow replied that the employer is worried and requested that the Div. gather back in the Palace to wait further instruction and they have only a day to get back.

All Divisions in the capital were on high alert and were guarding essential part of the city. The captains were having an emergency meeting in Div. 1 barrack discussing about the preparation of the Divs. When Mayuri complained the lack of Intel and information will not lead a good outcome in the imminent skirmish. This was agreed by Captain Kuchiki who asked Captain Soi Fon of any additional information which she answered in the negative. The captains start to bicker between each other when Captain-commander Yamamoto hushed everyone. He quickly asserts that even if there is a lack of Intel with the Gotei 13 on full strength they should be able to repeal the invaders. Captain Kyoraku questioned on the need to search another alternative of asking the Holy Guards to participate in the coming skirmish which earned a silent from everyone. Yamamoto disagreed and states that the protection of the Capital is the duty of the Gotei 13 and not the Holy Guards whose duty is to protect the Holy Grail. He ended the meeting with a few words of encouragement and states to the captains that regardless whatever happens tomorrow, do not lose faith and do not give up, till the end of their body and blood they have to make sure the invaders are gotten rid from this holy city forever and that “death” will come and help them.

Chapter 8 – The Day

While tension is high that day, everyone was on high alert when suddenly many boom portals appeared in the sky. Then there was a sudden silent followed by millions of spiritual energy arrows coming through the portal that killed many shinigami. This was followed by the appearance of several white military uniformed individuals appearing from the portals. Seated officers and Lieutenants led the charged against them and the invasion began. Every captain quickly approached the white individuals and fought them. Kenpachi engaged Juha Bach after killing three of the white individuals and state that they are weak even though the shape shifting proved to be tricky. He asked whether he is the boss which he then quickly engaged in a battle with him. Yamamoto in the office was able to sense something was wrong until he receive news that the white individuals are capable of stealing bankai and Captain Kuchiki, Komamura, Toshiro and Soi Fon’s Bankais had been stolen and used against them. This earned a remark from Mayuri who criticized the lack of preparation and the impatience of the captains. Yamamoto sensing the battle is quickly ending against them, left the barrack in the charged of his third seat and went straight into battle which was felt by everyone on the battle field. Captain Shinji told his lieutenant to hurry to avoid missing out in the fun which his lieutenant replied she had never felt such an intense and immerse and vast spiritual energy before which Shinji replied the boss is angry. Yamamoto arrived in time to save Shuhei and killed his first white individual who gloated at the Captain and used his lieutenant’s bankai against him which he states is weaker than the original. He roamed quickly throught the battle field and engaged Juha Bach who was holding Kenpachi by the neck and said that Kenpachi is weak and questioned why he is one of the 5 War Potentials. Yamamoto approached Juha Bach, states his regret of not killing him before when he had the chance then states he will not commit the same mistake and release his bankai, Zanka No Tachi.

Empress Cecilia was watching from the balcony of the Palace when a figure approached behind her and asked whether is it time to act which she replied in the negative. She then states this is the ultimate test which the Gotei 13 has to go through. If they failed here then they can join in the fight.

Chapter 9 – The long-due engagement

Yamamoto engaged Juha Bach and releases his skills on him, killing him which he noticed is too simple. Then suddenly Barrack of Div. 1 exploded which he was surprised. He checked out Kenpachi when he felt Juha Bach presence and when he turn he saw the real Juha Bach before him who forgave his impersonating officer, who was revealed to be one of the 26 Stern Ritter. Yamamoto release his bankai and was about to engaged him when he took out a medallion and stole Yamamoto’s bankai. Both engaged in a battle which Juha Bach was the eventual winner after he managed to slice Yamamoto in half. He then gloated at Yamamoto for being weak and arrogant when he could be at his 100% if he only asked the ‘girl’ to heal him. He then told him because of that he was not even considered one of the 5 war potential regardless of his vast ability. He corrected Yamamoto stating that it is not because they do not know of his bankai but no one is strong enough to wield it. He then ponder on whether to use his bankai and rise an army of dead shinigami to kill him just like how he used a dead army of Quincy to kill of his subordinate. At that moment he felt a sudden change in the atmosphere and noticed there are more players on the field and asked Yamamoto who are them which Yamamoto replied they are death and their secret weapons. Juha Bach immediately senses a sudden huge amount of Quincy’s death across the battlefield.

Chapter 10 – the salvation

While Captain Kensei was fighting off two of the Stern Ritters, he was running low of spiritual energy when he heard a beautiful tune being played and felt a sudden renewal of spiritual energy and felt much stronger than before. He turned to find a beautiful girl dressed in a semitransparent silk ancient Chinese dress and was wearing a thin veil covering the lower half of the face playing a guzheng. She smiled gently which caught Kensei attention until he was about to be cut by the Stern Ritters when several long clothes hit the ground forming a wall and protected him. He was shocked to see another identical girl besides her who shunpo next to him and went ahead and fought both the surprised stern ritters and was overpowering them with her close combat skills. Captain Kensei smiled to himself and joins in the skirmished.

Across the battlefield, Captain Kuchiki was heavily wounded by the stern ritter that used his bankai against him. She was about to deal the killing blow when a man appeared in front of Captain Kuchiki and used his back to block the thousands of tiny blades. He turned around and smile at the stern ritter while licking his lips at the potential delicious blood that he is about to taste. He raised his hands at her and immediately the woman is engulfed in blue aura and lost half of her spiritual energy and was at her knee before him with the thousands of tiny blades falling on her.

Captain Toshiro was having a hard time containing the stern ritter who is using his bankai against him when suddenly the movement of the stern ritter slowed by ten folds, he turned to find a girl in black shinobi clothing with purple shoulder guards, wearing a black cloth covering her lower half of the face, touching the ground. He questioned whether she is an ally when she releases her psy katar which he was surprised, and she rushed towards the stern ritter.

Juha Bach was shocked at the sudden huge loss of Quincy Spiritual energy especially his stern ritters when he turned surprised to see a fully shadowed figure standing between him and Yamamoto. He questioned who he is which earned only silence. Haschwalth quickly rushed forward with his sword and was about to stab the shadowy figure when he felt thousands of needles on his skin and he was unable to move. A blonde girl appeared with her body hidden in a huge cloak behind the shadowy figure, she walks slowly towards Haschwalth and told him she will take care of Haschwalth. She then uses a side swap strike on the left side of Haschwalth’s head and sent him crashing towards a building. She then ran towards Haschwalth.

Juha Bach again questioned the shadowy figure who he is which at that moment several sharp shadow tendrils came out of Juha Bach’s shadow to stab him. Juha Bach jumped away and summons his reshi sword and stated it doesn’t matter since he will be dead anyway and went in to kill him.

Chapter 11 – the turning tide

Cross the battlefield, the tide is turning in favour of the Shinigami with the introduction of extra individuals. Captain Soi Fon was overjoyed to be joined in battle by Yoruichi who used her shunko and speed to make short-works of everyone around her and is winning the close combat against the stern ritters. Captain Komamura was joined by Kisuke Urahara who turns the tide of the battle by targeting the bankai’s huge body which causes indirect wounds and pain to the stern ritter who used it. Captain Kyoraku was helped by an invisible person who helped him in crowd control by killing every single Vandereich solders around him while he concentrates on the stern ritter. In another area, Lieutenant Conrad was standing behind a mountain of multitudes of bodies which were under a chakram holding individual who smiled at the remaining Vandereich soldiers.

The skirmish between the shadow figure and Juha Bach continues which seen Juha Bach uses Yamamoto’s bankai against him. The shadow figure managed to evade every strikes and flames of the bankai who then in turn release several tendrils and quick-sanded Juha Bach on the spot while using his shadow blade against him. Juha Bach suffered slight cuts and slice everywhere and was sick of it when he release Zanka No Tachi south on the shadow figure who absorbs the entire skills with a huge shadow underneath the skills which earn a shocked expression from Juha Bach. Juha Bach analyzes and finally knowing the weakness of the shadow then releases -göttlichen Strahl der Heiligkeit- (Divine ray of holiness) on to the battle field that removes all shadow. The shadowy figure’s shadows were entirely removed leaving behind a man in his late twenties with his lower half of the face hidden by a mask. Juha Bach questioned who he is again which only earn further silence from him. At this moment, the assailant releases his spiritual energy that shocked the people on the battlefield who felt a sudden chill to the bones. The twins smiled at the feeling of the sudden burst of a new spiritual energy which earned a questioning look from Captain Kensei.

Juha Bach praised the assailant for his mastery over controlling his spiritual energy to non-existent level and to find that his assailant’s spiritual energy is beyond of a captain. The assailant summon a ninjutsu – Ji no sutairu, Idō-tai kakusareta sutorēji (Earth-Style, Mobile Hidden Storage) - where the ground around him shook and outburst several rectangular shaped containers the height of a 6ft man forming a circle around him. His right hand stretch out and one of the containers shook vigorously and opened, a long katana flew straight into his hand where he then states the release command of his zanpakuto.

Chapter 12 – the death of a wonder

Yamamoto was glad to see him again. He had a flashback of those time he knew he was the one from the prophecy. He looked at his defender and was glad that he had grown ten times stronger than he was before. The assailant’s zanpakuto glows brightly blinding everyone near him even Juha Bach, then 5 transparent katana with blue outline appears and float around the assailant. He grabbed two and looked at Juha Bach stating that he will be the first to taste the power of his zanpakuto while apologizing to Yamamoto for revealing his zanpakuto. He releases the command for the transparent katana to reveal one is Shinso and the other is Kyoka Suigetsu. Juha Bach was surprised to see two different zanpakuto under his command and question the ability of his zanpakuto to which the assailant replied that he doesn’t need to know. Immediately several clones of him appears in front of Juha Bach and surrounds him and stabbed him with their stretch Shinso.

Holding on to the stab wound, Juha Bach was certain this is the ability of Aizen’s zanpakuto but he wondered how did it ended up in the hands of this assailant and worst using it. He was about to release Zanka no Tachi north again at the Assailant when the sky cracked open and several Menos grande appear shooting down yellow beams across the battlefield on to them. He commented that though they may have lost this battle but they are close to winning the war and he is being called back as he ascended with the remaining surviving stern ritters into the garganta and disappeared.

The assailant quickly return his zanpakuto back to its sealed state and approached Yamamoto who asked to see his face, he quickly removed the mask which earn a smile on Yamamoto’s face. He thanks the assailant for coming back to the Empire and saving it and is glad to see his huge progress. He held on to the hand of the assailant and made him promise him that he will protect the Empire from all harm which the assailant replied in the positive. Yamamoto then thanked him and said his time is at an end and it is his time now to begin and called the assailant by his name one last time before closing his eyes and dies. The assailant shed a tear from his eye, held Yamamoto closely in his arm and cried in silent while his name, Troy continues to ring in his mind. Unknowingly, the cloaked blonde girl approached him and stood silently behind him.

Chapter 13 – the presence of the solemn empress

The aftermath of the battle was gruesome, there were many dead bodies count from the both side. Injuries level reach an all-new height and the barrack of Div. 4 was packed till some had to receive treatment outside the barrack. Captain Unohana was busy treating Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenants Rukia and Renji who received mortal wounds. She was helped by Captain Shinji who treated the latter. Back in the Hall of the 7 Stars, laid a table of zanpakuto’s ashes and the body of the late Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Several Captains stood around the body and the atmosphere was tense. Captain Soi Fon voiced out her rage at the captains and was rebutted by Captain Kensei. The captains were trying to calm both side down when the Empress followed by Captain Kyoraku entered the chamber. Her chilly cold glare chilled both the raging captains to the bones who quickly quieted themselves. The captains were surprised to see her. The empress stood before the body and dismissed all the captains except Captain Kyoraku and Ukitake. When the captains left, she stood before the body and reprimanded the late-captain commander for leaving the capital in such state. Both Kyoraku and Ukitake remained silent until the empress asked for confirmation of her previous statement from both of them. Captain Ukitake stated that it is not the fault of the Commander but them for lacking the ability to protect the capital. Kyoraku agreed and apologize to the empress while kneeling down followed by Ukitake. The atmosphere was silent until both captains heard a soft sobbing sound coming from the empress. They looked up at the back of the empress. The empress wiped away the tears and stated that though she had always not seen eye to eye with the late commander and has a personal grudge against him but she had come to respect him for his wisdom and his passion. However, she reprimanded the temper of the late commander but she contradicted herself stating that that may be the result of his passion and he was not called the Eastern Fury of the 5 Greats for nothing. She turned to both the captains which earned a surprised looks from them who had never in their life seen such soft and warm eyes expression from the empress. She looked to both the captains and state there won’t be another as strong as him and the Gotei 13 will suffer because of his death. Her majesty’s eyes slowly turn back to its original hard and cold expression when she states that the long overdue reform within the Gotei 13 is imminent and that there are works to be done as the prophecy is drawing nearer. This remark of hers earn a questioning look from both Captains, which she further elaborated that Yamamoto’s death was an essential sign that “death and life will come together again” to stop “god”. She walked pass both captains and stop while stating she will introduced “death” to the new captain commander but their most impending job now is to find “life” if not Yamamoto’s death will be in vain.

Chapter 14- the trance

Sitting near the cliff that overlook the capital, Troy stared at the aftermath effect of the ravaged metropolis. Though it still contains some of its famous classic mosaic culture building but 80% of the Rukongai were severely ravaged and 50% of the Seireitei that housed the Div. Barracks, Hall of the 7 Stars and the Meeting Houses of each ranks of Nobles were damaged. Only the Palace of the Twilight Sun above the Seireitai was still standing tall, strong, undamaged and beautiful. This sight brought Troy back to the scene where he held Yamamoto in his arms. Troy was unable to shake off the death of Yamamoto. He had been through countless deaths, killings and massacres but none amount to the death of Yamamoto in front of his own eyes. Flash backs starts to form in his mind from the time he started joining the academy to the time Yamamoto encouraged him to be a seated officer. He still was unable to apprehend that even Yamamoto can die. He held his knees and buried his face between the knees, trying to settle this feeling before heading to the fields again. The same cloaked blonde girl approached him and sat down next to him. She spoke nothing but watched the sun slowly sets towards the mountains that she commented on how beautiful the sight of the sun setting. These words brought Troy back to the present but he remained silent. Then soft, sad and melodious guzheng music flows by and a sudden tap on his shoulder prompted him to raise his head and turn around to see a very sad girl face looking at him. He looked at her and smile which encouraged the girl to hug him dearly. Troy, taken back for a few seconds then placed an arm around her and patted her back. The girl looked up to her god-brother and smiled at him then the music suddenly change into a happier tune which prompted her to rose to her feet and dance with each move carrying a strong sense of beauty and grace. Halfway through she stop and went to Troy and pulled him up to join her in the dance. Though hesitated at the start, at the persistence of the girl with her pleading look, he gave in and joins her. At that moment of trance, his mind focused on the good moments he had with Yamamoto which he smiled unintentionally. He looked at the effort of the twins, he knew that he has a duty to look after them just like how he promised Yamamoto to protect the Capital; in his heart, and he will keep those promises.

The blonde girl looked at the on-going scene and smiled knowing that with the help of the twins, Troy will eventually overcome this death and spring back stronger than ever.

Chapter 15- the preparation

A week after the invasion, in the Barrack of Div. 8, Captain Kyoraku received a letter from his lieutenant informing him, he has been appointed as the new captain commander and captain of Div. 1. He looked at his lieutenant with sadness, knowing his days of fun had come to an end.

All the captains gathered at the Hall of the 7 Stars waiting for further instructions. The Grand Dukes entered the hall and informed the captains on the appointment of Captain Kyoraku as Captain Commander and the position of Captain of Div. 8 will be filled by newly promoted Conrad Weller. The Grand Dukes then state further that all preparation for the funeral of Yamamoto has been prepared and that tomorrow will be the funeral. Grand Duke Xia informed the captains to gather their division together in front of the Hall of the 7 Stars while the Captains will be led to the Palace of the Twilight Sun where the funeral will be held. He then dismissed the captains.

In the other side of the metropolis, in a dark underground room in an unknown location within the Rukongai, the Imperial Shadow gathered, Troy stood at the dark corner of the room while waiting for the rest to come; he flipped through the documents in hand and read through the details of their next mission. Slowly one by one came in, and stood around the room, some leaning against the wall, while others sat on the chairs. Troy commenced the meeting after a confirmation of all the attendance. He laid out the next mission while passing the document around. He then proceeds to state the purpose of this mission is to further cripple the Quincy while the Gotei 13 rebuilds. He provides information on the current location of the Quincy which is situated at the junction of the river of the Elbe and Saale, near the town of Magdeburg in the black forest of the once Germany. However he states that the Intel was 2 days old, meaning they could have moved camp. He assigned the tall cloaked guy, who is Anub’arak and the shorter cloaked guy, Rikimaru as a team to investigate their actual location and report back before strikes are carried out. He then assigned the girl with a ginger ponytail wearing a black sinobi suit and purple shoulder guard revealed to be Lanaya and another girl with a charkam fasten to her back, Mortred as a team to search the town of Gottingen where there was last sighting of mysterious white individuals appearing. He then told them not to act until further noticed, while looking at the paired girls and stated that interrogation is allowed which earned a smile from the Mortred. Troy then looked at the blonde girl, Yourichi and Kisuke and state to them that there are needed to join him in the pending meeting with the Gotei 13. One of the twins named Shi Qing asked politely and gently whether they have any duty, which Troy replied in positive and told them to gather Intel at Ship-wreak Cove. Troy then concluded the meeting and a dark shadow engulfed everyone and disappeared.

Chapter 16 – the reckoning day of the beginning

The flame was burning brightly on the altar where Yamamoto’s body was placed along of what remains of his zanpakuto. The empress had previously made a speech on the life and achievements of Yamamoto that spans a time period of 2000 years. After the Grand Dukes each placed the Div. 1 flower on top of the body, it was the turn of the Captains. The Kido Corps then summon a spell and set the altar on fire. Most of the captains remain a solemn look while some cried. The flame burn brightly and strongly that it is visible to the Divisions gathered outside of the Hall of the 7 Stars. The empress then leave followed by the Grand Dukes, the new captain commander Captain Kyoraku led the captains back down to the Seireitei. Unknown to everyone, Troy was watching the entire procedure from the shadow beneath the roof of the Palace, when everyone left, he shunpo to the altar, looking at the flame, he threw a photo into the flame. He then states a silent prayer and disappears again into the shadow. The photo was revealed to be a photo of Yamamoto punishing Troy by knocking his head.

Captain Commander Kyoraku was at the meeting room of the captains waiting for the captains to arrive for the first meeting. He looked at his lieutenant and wondered whether it is such a good idea to have her here when the thought was interrupted by the opening of the door and the captains each coming in. when all the captains had arrived, he commenced the meeting. He went straight into business of asking each division on their repairs and death toll, also on the human resource of each division. When all reports were done, he then proceeded on the topic of the omitsukido arranging for missions to investigate the whereabouts of the remaining Quincy when they suddenly felt a chilling sense of an immerse, cold, dark haki aura, followed by a voice stating that the omitsukido can leave that matter to them. Captain Soi Fon surprised, questioned who is that and states why they are hiding. She was rebuked by the same voice who states they were not hiding but were waiting for them to be introduced and they were there before the captains even arrived. Captain Commander Kyoraku then states to the voice, he was not informed about it. A cylinder shape container was thrown out of the shadow at Kyoraku who caught it. He opened the sealed container to find a decree from the empress informing on the participation of the Div. 14 which earned a remark from the voice stating they would preferred to be called the Imperial Shadow and what a joke the empress had made. Kyoraku then invites the voice and his team to come out and show them to the rest. A figure followed by three more then started walking to the captains but stopped at the end of the shadow. The middle figure was still covered by the shadow but there was a visible dark mist emitting from the figure. He then states to Kyoraku and the rest of the captains the plan of the empress that since two captains are seriously injured, two of his two team members will fill in the role which earn a loud protest from the Gotei 13 till he introduced Yoruichi and Kisuke who shunpo to the center of both the line formed by the captains. The captains were shocked to see both of them especially Captain Soi Fon and Mayuri. He continues to state that Yoruichi will be the temporary captain of Div.11 and Kisuke, temporary captain of Div. 6. He then asked will there be any objection which earned silence from the captains. Kyoraku then asked what other things did the empress decreed, the figure then states that all operations on the Quincy will be handled and led by the Imperial Shadow and the Omitsukido are to stay out of it and only assist when required. He informed the Gotei 13 that there are operators already on the trail. He then concluded and walked deeper back into the shadow with the cloaked blonde girl before Kyoraku could stop him. Kyoraku then turned to both the new captains and asked who the shadowy figure is when Captain Soi Fon snorted. This earned a glare from Yoruichi who then states that he is someone who is capable of rivaling the great late-Yamamoto and the person who held the advance of the murderer of Yamamoto and drove back the invasion.

Chapter 17 – the revelation of the secretive Div. 14

Later that evening, the sun sets while the empress observes its beauty when Captain Kyoraku entered into the chamber. She questioned the new commander of his presence which the Kyoraku replied with a bow and states to the empress, she owed him some explanation. The empress continues to observe the scene while gently stating to him she does not owe anyone anything. Captain Kyoraku apologized for the choice of his word before reaffirming his previous statement through another way. The empress sighed and turned to the commander and asked of his opinion of the view before her. This earns a while from the commander who states the power of its silent and influence of its absence that the sun brings. The empress impressed with his reply, praised him and commended on his perception on things which she heard a lot from the late Yamamoto.

She moved to her seat and sat where she invites the commander to have a seat opposite her which the commander refused. She accepts his refusal and elaborates her story from her previous question. She ended by stating the reason of her forming her own squad. A squad she believed to be able to make a difference when needed under her control which she lacks with the current rooster due to her restriction by the Council of the Grand Dukes. She then states she doesn’t want to be a puppet monarch like the lost-generation’s monarchy. With the transfer of the Div. 0 from Royal Guards to be the protection of the Holy Grail, now the Holy Guards when she came to power, she felt vulnerable and seen this as an act of undermining her rule by the Council of the Grand Dukes which her predecessors had. With what little constitutional power she had left, she created her own squad and named them the Imperial Shadow for they work for only the Empress but in secret as her shadow. Their main duty is of course to protect her which earned a replied from Kyoraku who states the vagueness of the word ‘protect’ in the constitutional power. The empress continued to be impressed by him and affirmed of her usage of this loophole. She then moved into a serious tone and states to the commander of her fear of the prophecy as the final push towards the formation of the squad. This earned a question look from the commander which the Empress questioned on his knowledge of the ancient Five Great of the Mount. Kyoraku replied in the positive and elaborated on that which earned an affirming nod from the Empress. She then continues on what was told to her by her predecessors on the prophecy made by the Western Wise, Master Yoda of the now extinct clan of the Jedi on the return of the Quincy King to only resurrect the fallen “god” of old who will destroy everything on earth and absorb them to be one with him. The extermination of the Quincy thousand years ago was to prevent its resurrection. Though they are successful in its event but it came with a heavy price of the death of half of the original Gotei 13 and the diminishing number of the Jedi Tribe which led to its now extinction. Yoda before he went into isolation prophesied again of its last return from the dead where nothing on the world now is able to stop it except the marriage of death and life.

This revelation left Kyoraku speechless and shocked. The empress continues her story that, seeking to reaffirm that story, she later had a confrontation with Yamamoto and the Council. They assured her that they had everything under control, though they respected her as the sovereign leader of the Empire, they side-lined her for her past mistakes. This infuriated her and was the last straw, so she went out seeking to form her own squad. Through countless research on the rules of the ancient, she found the loophole which she exploited by manipulating the council to give her the grant (which she needed) to form her own protection squad. It was only in recent years after a millennium was she able to gather and form the group. She then concluded her story which earns a further silence from the commander. Captain Kyoraku then questioned the identities of the entire squad which the empress states it is not in his position to ask. Captain Kyoraku then explained his concern and asserts his belief that he is serving the Empress who is the Empire herself before the separation of powers. The Empress looked at Kyoraku and complimented on his knowledge in the ancient history of the Empire and the relation of the Empress and the separation of power. She pulled out a file from her drawer and passed it to him. Kyoraku was shocked to see the individuals gathered by the Empress and confirms the vast potential of the Div. 14 that out power the current Gotei 13 roaster and potentially out power the Holy Guards. The empress looked at him and smiled, and states the prophesized “death” is in there too.

Chapter 18 – The Hunt

6 beings rushed through the black forest on full speed. One commented that they need to head back to the campsite to warn others of the impending attack when he suddenly stopped at reacted wildly as though something is coming out of him. This surprised the rest when another react the same. Under the skin it was visible to the eye that something round is moving around trying to burst forth. The other four stepped back and watched the scene in horror when the first beetle like insect burst free from the skin on his ribs and more burst forth and overwhelm the victim, totally covering him and ate him inside out. The four disgusted and afraid, was about to speed off when one figure stood in front of them. A voice then appeared out of nowhere praising the speed of Hirenkyaku (Flying Screen Step/ God Step) of the Quincy but how he hated fast moving skill. Immediately he silted the throats of the two at the back. The other two fronts shocked by the sudden move lost eye contact with the figure in front which earns a long spike to pierce through one of them through the stomach from a beetle on the ground. The last one was surrounded and surrendered which earned a snort from the tall figure. The short figure then reappears and questioned the Quincy on the position of their current base. The Quincy then releases information on the movement of the camp and other vital information. When all was said, Anub’arak then stabs the Quincy with his claws and pulled out his heart. Riki witnessing this scene felt disgusted but commented on the reputation of the Nerubian Assassin and if he is not bloody then he won’t be titled the Bloody Nerubian Assassin. This earned a smile from Anub’arak who later states are they going to report back. Riki then stating the need to first verify the information and shunpo off ahead.

In the town of Gottingen, two figures blended into the crowd searching for information, they ended up in a local bar, where Mortred asked the bar-tender did he met anyone not local entering the town recently which earned a question on their identity. Mortred stated that they are spies which earned laughter from the bar tender. He then went on stating that there was a couple of non-local all dressed in white appearing here buying some supplies. Mortred further enquired and learnt that they were here a week ago and headed north-west. Mortred thanked the bar tender and went out to join Lanaya where she learned that Riki and Anub found the hide out and are heading there , they were told to meet up with them at the rendezvous coordinate. Mortred and Lanaya then speed off north-east.

Chapter 19 – the home front

The empress sat near her desk, resting when she sense Troy’s appearance. He stepped forward and asked the health of the empress which she stated just a minor headache. The empress then looked up at Troy and asked how his investigation was. He placed a file on the desk and elaborated on the founding of the operators in once Germany and the prospect moles while the empress reviews them. He concluded that there may be more moles than expected and Yoruichi and Kisuke are identifying them. She closed the file and linked between the moles and the target of the weak points by the Quincy in the Capital. Troy remained silent on this matter and proposed it could be faster, easier and effective if they come in from both the public and the hidden. The empress considered this matter and states that how public the search will be which earned 2 words from Troy, entire audit. The empress looked at Troy and proceeds to question the functionality of the audit. Troy explained on his previous experience in learning that unit in the Commonwealth and explains its main purpose of investigating whether has the Captains been using the resources provided to effective use. Troy elaborated further by stating with total authority given, he can made a transfer of shinigami around and clear deadwoods that has been plaguing the divisions for decades. The most important thing is he can gain access to division’s secret and data which will ease his investigation on the moles and pressure them to expose themselves.

This earns a smile from the Empress who then questioned Troy about his ulterior motive on that proposal which Troy answered in the positive without hesitation. He affirms that he will be using it for his revenge too. He reminded the Empress on the condition of his return to the Empire and that is to avenge those miserable and humiliating 70 years of his life that he endured. The empress looked at Troy for a while before stating that a decree will be given out within the week. Troy bowed before the Empress and walked towards the shadow when the Empress stopped him. She then reminded Troy the danger of letting revenge take hold of his rationale and with great power comes great responsibility. Troy stood in silent with his back facing the Empress, he replied that it is too late for him to step out of it and that it had already taken a hold over his entire mind but he is mindful of his responsibilities. He then stepped into the shadow and disappeared.

Chapter 20 – the return of the Empress

A week passed, a decree was read at every barracks, each captain had heard of it and there was an upheaval in the Gotei 13. An emergency meeting was held in Div. 1 Barrack where the captains gathered and voice each of their worries. Captain Kyoraku assured the captains the reason behind the decree will not affect them in any serious way. Captain Unohana then voiced her support for Captain Kyoraku’s statement but single out her worries about the motive of the Empress which Captain Kyoraku assured her that it is done to cut down unnecessary waste and to ensure the Divisions were efficiently run. He then states to the captains to give their fullest cooperation to the Imperial Auditor-general so that it can end quickly. Captain Ukitake then questioned the identity of the newly appointed department chief which Captain Kyoraku replied he doesn’t know.

The Council of the Grand Dukes seated in early that morning when they heard of the decree. They each question the wisdom of the timing of the decree and the beginning of more interference to come from the Empress. Grand Duke Von Christ voiced the concern of the captains and asked whether it is within the rule of ancient’s power of the Empress. Grand Duke Xia affirmed in the positive and states that the Empress had the power to call /create a person responsible to check how the finance is being used. Grand Duke Von Christ then states the growing influence of the Empress after the crisis and wondered would it affect them. There was silent in the air until Grand Duke Xavier affirm the fear but states the Empress has the right to fear as their greatest champion had fallen and a rising threat had threaten the foundation of the Empire itself. The time to sideline the Empress had to end to preserve what little power they had left as specified in the Rules of the Ancient as stated when a worst crisis hit the empire, the ruling body has to give way to a new body. Thus he called for a vote to allow the Empress to reenter into administration, this gained a total affirmation. He then arose and states he will personally inform the Empress.

Grand Duke Xavier entered into the Palace of the Twilight Sun and slowly made his way to the chamber of the Empress. The empress offered him a seat before they commenced their meeting. The empress looked at Marcus Xavier, observing his facial expression before she commented that he had additional wrinkles forming along the previous ones and the top hairs are turning as white as the sides. Marcus closes his eyes while asserting he is not getting any younger. The empress then looked away and asked the Grand Duke the purpose of his visit which the Grand Duke handed a file to the Empress. The empress received the file and studied it before closing it. She asked for the purpose of the file which earned a straight question from Marcus on why the Empress is asking what she already knew. The Empress then smiled and question Marcus on the timing of the proposal and linked it to the prospect change of administration. Marcus remained silent for a while before he states to the Empress that within the Rule of the Ancient, she has the authority to do so and currently there is a valid reason for her to do so.

The empress observed Marcus before she commented that she had that thought after their decision to persuade the old Empress into separating her into two entities and she had been waiting for this day for a long time. Marcus glared into the sun and states to the Empress, they had a valid reason and she knew the reason and consequences if they don’t do it. This causes the Empress to slam the table hard while standing up followed by a rebuke from the Empress on whether they ever considered the effect it had on her psychologically and physically. Marcus returned his glare to the Empress and state to her, his main concern is the safety of the Empire though there were regret but the decision had to be made. The empress slowly sat back down on the chair and was silent for a moment. She then asked Marcus what is their proposal. Marcus maintains the eye contact and state to the empress that the Grand Dukes had in accord agreed to the return of the empress her actual decision making authority over everything excluding the Gotei 13. The empress snickered and states that they are in no position to make request at the present situation which Marcus maintained a poker face and stood up, towering the Empress. He leans forward towards the Empress and said that the Council may not but he has as the empress face paled. Marcus then turned and walked towards the door when the empress stopped him and told him she will accept the condition in return for her not changing them away from the position. Marcus turned around and said his thanks and left.

Chapter 21 –the ball

The following morning, Grand Duke Marcus Xavier was up early, on his desk going through his files. When his head of staff, Alfred approached him and hand him a letter. Marcus opened the letter to find an invitation to a formal ball held at the Palace of the Twilight Sun by the Empress. He looked at Alfred and told him to reschedule his schedule for the day; he will be attending a ball tonight. Alfred nodded and left. Marcus looked at the invitation in his hand and wonders the motive of the Empress.

Grand Duke Von Christ slammed the invitation on the table and complains to the council. Grand Duke Xia and Xavier remain silent while Grand Duke Von Christ continues his complains and alleged the motive of the Empress to gloat about her new found authority. Grand Duke Xia questioned the allegation of the former and asked the opinion of the other Grand Dukes. Grand Duke Von Christ questioned the softness that comes with the age which earns a glare from him. Grand Duke Marcus who was silent all the while stood up and walked to the door. Grand Duke Von Christ question Marcus where is he heading. Grand Duke Marcus states instead of guessing the motive may as well just be there to see it himself. He then excuses himself and went out.

The empress is in her chamber when Troy appeared behind her. The empress then question the readiness of the ball which Troy replied everything is in order. The empress then turned to Troy and refers the question to him personally. Troy looked at the Empress then stepped back into the shadow while the empress looked on and commented to herself, hoping that what she had done is sufficient to redeem a part of the mistake she did millennium ago.

The ball held at the hall of the Palace of Twilight Sun was very grand; hundreds of nobles attended the ball and were waiting in anticipation for the lead character to arrive. With the arrival of the grand dukes, the atmosphere of the ball tensed, all heads turned to them and many went forward to greet them. At the entrance, the messenger announces the arrival of the empress which earned another round of heads turn. The empress stood at the top of the stairs and gracefully walked down the stairs. She then announced the reason of the ball is to celebrate the survival of the Capital from the latest invasion. She then thanks the various captains present and the Grand Dukes for their efforts. She then focuses on Grand Duke Xavier and specially thanks him and state the second purpose of the ball is to celebrate the birthday of the Grand Duke. Marcus was shocked but he states his thanks to the Empress. The empress then rises the glass served to her by the servants and raises a toast to the Grand Duke which the rest of the nobles did and Marcus returned the gesture.

In the dark corner of a worn down room, a dark figure was trying on his blazer while looking out of the window when a blonde girl approaches him and hand him his walking stick. She questioned him whether is it wise to use this plan and state the amount of risk at hand and also the exposure of his identity. She then lowers her head and states her worries. The person turns to her, and lifted her head up with his finger under her chin. He then told her not to worry and it will all turn out well. He then turns to leave when the blonde girl stopped him and states does she need to accompany him. Without turning back, he refused the offer and walked into a dark shadowy portal.

Chapter 22 – the return of the prodigal son

When the toast was done, the empress mingled around and approach the Grand Dukes, the grand dukes offered her half-hearted smile. The empress looked at them asked the well-being of Captain Kuchiki which the other Grand Dukes offered the updated news to the empress. There was an awkward moment around then when she then told them that she wishes to amend the mistrust and by that, though she may have the final say in matters, she will take into serious consideration of the various Grand Dukes for their expertise and experience. She then commented that now is not the time to be divided by past mistakes but to work together for a better and safer future for the Empire. She then extends her hand as an act of reconciliation. The Grand Dukes looked at each other and Grand Duke Xia took the hands of the Empress and state that he is glad that the Empress felt this way and he looked forward to working with the Empress. This was followed by Grand Duke Von Christ who was a bit reserve and reluctant but gave in anyway. Grand Duke Marcus Xavier looked at the extending gesture of the Empress; he then looked at his own shoes then straight into the Empress eyes. After a few seconds of staring, he then shook her hands. The Empress was pleased and smiled when a messenger came beside her and whispered to her. She then nod at the messenger and excused herself from the Grand Dukes. Captain Conrad joined Marcus and wished him and enquires the purpose of the Empress approaching the Grand Dukes which earn a smile from Marcus and state nothing alarming. He then asked whether is Conrad enjoying themselves when his wife, Giselle came along and wished him too while presenting a gift to him. He smiled and thanks the couple while accepting the gift.

Suddenly, the Empress made an announcement which gained the attention of everyone. She then stated her thanks again to everyone for attending tonight’s ball. She then went on about her animosity with the Grand Duke Xavier due to some mistakes of hers, and as a gesture of peace and amendment for the mistake she did many years ago, she now present to the Grand Duke a gift. She expressed her desire that the Grand Duke will accept this peace offering. The atmosphere was tense, and everyone whispered around, some glaring, wanting to see the reaction of the Grand Duke. Marcus looked down for a while then at the Empress and smiled. The Empress as though on cue then announce to the messenger to show the “gift”. The entrance was opened and in walks a limping person with a walking stick while the messenger announce the present of Lord Xavier, Troy Xavier.

Chapter 23 – the prodigal lost son

Everyone was shocked some even questioned who this Lord is. But the most shocked of them all was Grand Duke Marcus himself and the Weller couple. Troy entered the hall limping with a walking stick on his right. Slowly he made his way down the stairs to the side of the Empress. She then state the return of Lord Troy Xavier, the long lost son of Grand Duke Xavier who she managed to find in the Commonwealth. She then walked down to Marcus and looked at him and states she hopes this gift will be able to amend some mistakes of hers. She then turned to Troy and extends her hand which Troy took small steps slowly down, walked and ignored Conrad and took the hands of the empress to support him. She then excuses herself and stepped to the side.

The crowds were restless and were trying to see who this long lost son of Marcus is. Some questioned among themselves while the older generation of nobles explains to the younger. Many noises arose around both the father and son but Marcus was fully focused on his son. His hand reached out and touched the face of Troy. Troy’s face was hard though reminisce of his youth are still visible as well as his good looks but his eyes were hard and cold resembling a man who had been through many years of hardship and pain unlike the cheerful and easy-going boy he once was. His hand continues to trace down to the right bottom of Troy’s cheek that was fitted with rectangle metal plating from the side of his mouth to the end of his side of his face, 3 cm in diameter and 2 cm in length. Troy took the hands of his father and tried to kneel down on his good legs before his father and apologies to his father for being away from him for so long. Marcus‘s eyes were filled with tears and was paralyzed on the spot, it took him a while before he dropped to his knee and hugged Troy tightly. He then expresses how he missed him so much. Both father and son shed tears uncontrollably, the crowds around them too could not contain their emotions and some shed tears to see the reunion of father and son after 70 years apart.

Chapter 24 – the reunion

The atmosphere was full of emotion. Marcus could only hug his son and not let him go. Both of them so lost in their emotion that they did not notice the Grand Dukes walking towards them until Grand Duke Xia tap Marcus on the shoulder. Troy called out his dad which broke the trance Marcus is in. Marcus wiped away the tears and was helped up by Conrad while supported by Troy from the bottom. Marcus immediately turns to Troy and helped him up. Grand Duke Xia greeted Troy hugged Troy, who states he missed going to Grand Duke Xia’s home and listen to his stories. Grand Duke Xia smiled warmly and replied the same. Troy then gently tugs the Grand Duke’s long white beard and states it got longer. This earned a huge laughter from the crowd and the Duke himself. Troy then turned to Grand Duke Von Christ who snickered, laughed and placed both hands on Troy’s shoulder. He smiled and welcomed Troy back, stating the right moment of his return while patting his shoulder several time. Troy then asked the health of the previous Grand Duke Kuchiki which Grand Duke Xia sadly states his passing which Troy offers his condolences. The empress walked up to the father and son and states this is worth a celebration and ordered for the musicians to play.

Everyone is enjoying the ball and constantly came up to Troy and Marcus offering them their wishes and congratulating Marcus for the return of his son. Marcus never left the side of his son, he was constantly next to him, supporting Troy while he walks and greet each nobles present. When Marcus was finally separated from Troy by the Grand Duke Xia, Troy slowly limped to the balcony of the Palace of the Twilight Sun. Standing over the balcony; he laid deep in thoughts till he was interrupted by a cough. He turns around to see the one person he wished he never knew, Conrad Weller.

Chapter 25 – the son of vengeance

Conrad walked up to Troy and offered his welcome to Troy and a handshake. Troy with a cold glare refused both and turned away, limping back into the ball when he was stopped by Conrad who grabbed his arm. Troy glared at his hand on his arm which Conrad quickly removed. Conrad awkwardly shifted in his position and states his gladness that Troy is back and was commenting how hard it was for Marcus to adjust life without him. He continues stating that with Troy back Marcus would be overjoyed and able to relax on his work. Troy, no longer able to hold back his anger turned around to face Conrad, and rebuke Conrad and told him to not be pretentious anymore. This caught Conrad in the moment, which Conrad states his sincerity on the wish. Troy then question Conrad who was the cause of the grief that came upon his father and who was the one who started off this tragedy. He then continues stating that he knows the motive of Conrad to replace him and in anger states he knew his death would bring joy to Conrad since he left him dead for good 70 years ago. Conrad was speechless at the accusation hurled at him when Giselle who was behind the curtains at the entrance, quickly stepped into the scene and told off Troy of his accusation, defending Conrad and how Conrad felt after the incident. Troy snickered seeing Giselle appearing and defending Conrad and state the appearance of the whore. This arouses Conrad’s anger who quickly grabbed Troy by his shirt. He then states Troy has no right to hurl such remark which Troy smiled sinisterly then quickly turned his expression hard. With that, he questioned Conrad on his memory and whether he had forgotten what both of them done to him 70 years ago. Conrad releases his hand and stumble back a few steps while Giselle covered her mouth with her hands and tears flowed down from her eyes. Troy limped to a nearby wall and lean on it for support. While doing that, he straightens his clothes and stood back up. He then states this leg is the “reward” he got from trusting his once best friend too much. He then looked at the couple with pain in his eyes and state they will never understand what he went through those 70 years. He turned and limped back into the ball when Conrad voice out his question on why did he chose now to appear which stopped him. Troy without turning back, answered he came back to take back what’s his and for vengeance. He then limped back into the ball without turning back, leaving behind a couple who are stunted by his statement.

The carriage stopped in front of the house which a servant opened the door and helped both Marcus and Troy down who then proceed to enter the mansion. Once entered, Marcus was greeted by two rows of servants and Alfred. Marcus quickly ordered Alfred to come forward who upon ordered came forward quickly. He was shocked to see Troy, and with tears in his eyes quickly hugged Troy who did the same. Other servants were whispering among each other when Marcus announces that Troy is his son and has come home. The servants were shocked to know the identity of Troy and quickly bowed before him whom Alfred did too. Alfred quickly ordered the servants to help get the luggage of the Troy and arrange for his room to be ready immediately. Marcus then helped his son to the living room and sat down. There was silence in the air until Troy turned to his father and apologies to him which Marcus nod and wave his hand as a sign of dismissing the issue. Troy then asked his dad why does he not asked him about the 70 years which Marcus said, is not important as long he is safe back home. Alfred arrived with tea which Troy states his thanks. Alfred then proceeds to stand next to Marcus and whispered something which Marcus replied in a nod. A maid servant arrive to inform the group that Troy’s room is ready which Troy then thank his dad and excuse himself to bed.

Once left, Marcus rose and was helped by Alfred. Marcus then proceeds to his room which Alfred followed behind. Marcus turned around and asked Alfred why does he not questioned him about him not asking Troy about the 70 years. Alfred looked at his master and states that that Marcus will only tell him when he deems necessary, if not, it is not necessary to know. Marcus smiled at his old servant and states he is the third person who understands him the most after Cornelius and his wife. They then continue their way.

Chapter 26

Early the next morning, a maid knocked on the door of Troy’s room and entered to see an empty bed and a very dark room. She then went along her way to clean the room until she knocked into something hard on the floor behind the desk under some covers. Frighten, she opened the cover and scream loud, thinking she saw a dead body. This awakens the slumbering Troy. Alfred came rushing in to see a frighten maid at the side apologizing to Troy for waking him up. Alfred went up to Troy and Troy turned to Alfred to explain the situation. Alfred dismissed the maid and states his apology to Troy for the action of the maid. Troy dismisses the matter with a wave of his hand while he took a seat on the chair. Alfred went to open the curtain to let the sunlight in and told Troy that some sunlight will do the room well and Troy too which Troy squirm at the touch of the light. Alfred then excuse himself not before Troy asked Alfred to send the maid back in to clean the room.

Later that day, in the Barrack of Div. 1, captains and lieutenants gathered around for a meeting. Captain Commander Kyoraku announced the decree sent down by the Empress and introduced Troy as the New Audit-general of the Imperial Audit. Troy entered into the room limping and stood in the middle of the room. He then proceeds to introduce himself and state the operation of the audit and the outlines. He then states his desire for the full cooperation of the captains and lieutenants on all aspect of their Division where he singled out Div. 2 that though it is an intelligence agency, they are under orders too to oblige. Captain Soi Fon was about to object when Captain Kyoraku stopped her. He then turned to the new Captain of Division 8, Captain Conrad Weller and states he will start with his division.

Conrad returned home late night and was greeted by Giselle with a hug. They then proceed to the living room to have a seat when two boys came rushing in to hug their father. Conrad hugged them and Giselle sent them off to bed. Giselle went to get Conrad a cup of tea to find Conrad massaging his head. Giselle went to massage his shoulder while Conrad rested, she then proceed to ask how his day was which Conrad frown in reply. Conrad then proceeds to state that Troy is appointed the Audit-general and is inspecting the entire Gotei 13 while putting his division under tight scrutiny, finding fault at every turn. Giselle remains silent and states her apology which earn a head turn from Conrad. She then turns away and states her regret of getting Conrad into such a mess. Conrad got up and went to her and held her hands and states that he does not regret having her as his wife, though the methods used and the process to it was wrong and regrettable but he is very thankful for her regardless of it. Giselle lifted her eyes to meet Conrad with tears in her eyes and hugged him while burying her head into Conrad’s chest. Conrad tightens the hug and states he love her.

Chapter 27- the Orb of a broken promise

In the Barrack of Div. 8, everyone is rushing everywhere, seated officers carrying paper works from one building to another and shinigami rushing to be tested from zanjutsu to kido spells. Captain Conrad was watching the events unfold from his office window when a knock came. He turned to face his 3^rd seat officer appearing before him and informing him that the auditors are here to access the files located in his office. He waved his hand and turn back observing the check outside. The officer then led the auditors into the office and search for the documents they were requesting. Anger and annoyance surged through his body but he kept it in till he heard a snicker from the door, he turned to face Troy who is smirking. The auditors formed a line and bowed as Troy limped to the Conrad’s desk, he told the auditors to check strictly as he reasoned that this division needs the most cleaning up from the bottom to the top. As he said the last word, he turned to face Conrad who has his poker face on. Troy pushed everything off to the floor as he lean on the table for support. Conrad sat down and offered Troy tea which he rudely refused citing the lack of quality of the tea and the water in the barrack. The auditors surround Troy to inform him they had every document, which Troy dismissed them. Conrad in turn informed his officer to leave the room which the officer quietly obliged. Once everyone is out of the room, Conrad smiled and asked of the health of Troy which Troy smirk and told him it aches every time his face came to his mind. Conrad continuing smiling and inform Troy he was flattered that Troy still remembers him. This infuriates Troy that he turned to stare at Conrad before he stood up to walk out of the office, not before he commented that he will wipe that smile out of his face in the coming days which Conrad calmly replied he is looking forward to it.

As Troy left the room, Conrad looked down to his desk and wondered how far had they both fallen apart. Knowing that nothing can repair the damage done, he opened his drawer and took out a half crystal orb as black as the night sky. Suddenly flashback flood through his mind as he remembered the story behind the obtaining of the orb.

Chapter 28 – the beginning of the brotherhood

*flashback*

A young Troy ran through the forest with a hand grabbing Conrad and another holding to a scroll when he decided to stop and hide behind some tall rocks. Conrad was breathless as was Troy as both have been running for the past hours. Conrad forces his hand free from Troy’s grip and caresses the bruise he got on his right arm. He was very angry at Troy for getting them in trouble again. However Troy was unaware of his anger but was busy studying the scroll on his hand. Curiosity got the better of Conrad who bend down next to Troy to study the scroll. As both of them study the scroll, Troy after a while strengthens and sighed. Conrad was confused and asked Troy about the content of the scroll. Troy looked at Conrad and sighed further, this infuriates Conrad who then grabbed the scroll and was about to tear it apart when Troy quickly stopped him. Conrad eyed Troy who gave another sigh and told Conrad that the scroll tells the location of a secret orb that contains the secret to the forbidden skill, Hades’ seal. Conrad eyes widen and were shocked at the revelation. He quickly took the scroll and kept it from Troy who was frantically clawing Conrad to get the scroll back. Conrad reasoned with Troy stating that it is too dangerous to search for this forbidden spell and use it while holding Troy back.

Troy stopped and sat down with a further sigh and state that he needs to obtain it as a sign to his father that he should be allowed to join the shinigami academy. Troy then pulls his legs up to his chest and placed his head on his knee. Conrad could see the sadness in his eyes and knew what is in Troy’s mind. He then combed his hair back and rubbed it frantically while stating he will regret it and hand Troy the scroll. Troy was very happy and was about to take the scroll when Conrad held Troy’s hand and told him that he will promise him not to hurt himself with it and will only use it when Conrad allowed it. Troy overjoyed on getting the scroll back, frantically nod his head. Conrad then sighed and states that this is not what he was tasked to do. Troy slapped Conrad back while he took the scroll from Conrad and told him to relax.

Both study the scroll with Troy pointing at the middle of the map where there was nothing but two Greek Words. Conrad translates the two Greek words to its English words of Great Gods and looked at Troy with a puzzled look. Troy explains that the Samothrace Temple Complex is also known as the Sanctuary of the Great Gods where Hades and Persephone only oracle resides and he believe that Hades Seal is located at that legendary oracle. Conrad rubbed his hair and state that the islands where those mountains are no longer exist as he pointed at the island north east of mainland Greece at the Aegean Sea drawing his memory of the world map from his memory. Troy looked at Conrad and smiled, he then states that Conrad is wrong on that part. He pulled out another scroll from within his shirt that shocked Conrad who asked how many scrolls he had stolen which Troy only smiled. He unrolls the scroll and pulled out another scroll and unrolled it which he then turned to Conrad and states that these two maps were created by the organization called the Protector of Wonders while pointing at the seal at the bottom right with the date. Conrad eyed widen and looked at Troy. Troy then explained that the trick to know where the exact location is to place these three maps atop of each other then as he does that he mentioned for Conrad to hold them as he produced a candle, light it and placed it beneath the map.

Both stared at the map for a while before suddenly they saw the island slowly appear not far from the main land of old Greece. Troy quickly used a pencil and marked down the location. Conrad was still amazed over it when Troy rolled up the three maps and quickly packed them in his bag. Troy then told Conrad that the old abandon city of Samothrace holds the oracle and that the city is located at the foot of the mountains. Conrad then looked at Troy and questioned where he had that information where Troy explained that he came across this information after cross referencing some old texts in the libraries and the archives of the Empress. Conrad then knocked Troy head and exclaimed on the “empress library” words. Troy looked at Conrad with a hurt looked and state that the empress allowed him anyway. Conrad then lazily states that getting to city should be hard as it is abandoned and off the grid which Troy smirked and state that that had not stop him before.

Chapter 29 – the search for Ara

*Flashback continues*

The household of Xavier a magnificent sight, a mixture of traditional Japanese architecture and English, it stands tall and out in the Seireitei. A group of shinigami marched through the entrance shocking the maids and the guards. Grand Duke Marcus Xavier was at the backyard garden enjoying the afternoon when he sense a fiery fire presence behind him. He took a sip of his tea before acknowledging the Commander without turning to him. Captain Commander Yamamoto went beside him and took the seat offered to him by Alfred the butler. Marcus then questioned the appearance of the Commander at his residence when the Commander stopped him and asked the presence of the son which Marcus replied coolly that he is not around. Yamamoto then questioned the whereabouts of the boy which Marcus answered that he went for his annual hunting with Conrad. At that moment, Cornelius entered the garden and acknowledged both his master and commander’s presence with a bow. Cornelius then head towards Marcus to inform him of the meeting with the Duke of Constantinople. Marcus affirms with a nod and Cornelius step back. Marcus stood up and was about to excuse himself when Yamamoto stated the calmness of Marcus when his son is in serious trouble. Marcus smiled at Yamamoto and readdresses his concern by stating that hunting doesn’t bring much trouble. Yamamoto then turned to Marcus with a grim look and questioned Marcus’s knowledge of the whereabouts of his son again.

Troy pulled Conrad up and encourages him that they were close to the oracle. It was mountain after mountain since they have started out their journey three days ago from the city. They have arrived at the coast of the island of Samothrace after a week of searching for it in the Aegean Sea. It was by luck that they stumble upon the island if not they will have to turn back as the caravel they rented was not fitted to withstand the ferocious weather of the Aegean Sea and their supplies were running low. With now only a week of supplies with them, they have to find the oracle before they will have to start all over again. Conrad was concern as he marked down the remaining volume of water in his bottle while resting at the peak of the third mountain they had climbed. He looked over his shoulder at Troy who was studying the map again with his notes. He had never seen Troy this concentrated, not ever. He walked over to Troy who was unaware of Conrad presence and mumbling on the possibility of his mistake but not sure where. Conrad stood there for a while, taking in everything on the map. Suddenly he took the notes from Troy and studied it for a while before his eyes widen. He then took the map away from Troy and started drawing on them. Troy who was shocked to see the map snatched away from him, turned to Conrad to see him drawing on the map while referring to the notes. As he stood closer looking from above, his eyes widen to see the drawing of one short line and a longer line parallel of each other connect by another shorter line in the middle formed from the peak of the mountains to reassemble the constellation of Ara. Conrad explained to Troy as he drew that Ara is translated from Latin to English as the word altar. He then continues to explained to Troy that based upon the riddle he uncover, “when the dogs of hell swallow the stones of the burning sacrifice, look through the eye of the lord of the underground” the stones are the altar as a sacrifice in the olden days pre-dates the lost generation are place on a compilation of stones known as the altar. The dog of hell as everyone knows is Cerberus but they don’t know is that it used to be a constellation. Conrad then explained that at night when Cerberus constellation appears, it will show the true location of the oracle of Hades. He then continues by stating that they need to get back to the temple of the Great Gods to determine the location as he points to the notes, and stating by looking through the eye of the statute of Hades.

The sun was setting soon as Conrad and Troy hurried their steps down the mountain. To speed up, they mix between climbing down and shunpo to prevent exhaustion. When the finally reached the bottom of the mountain, the sun had already set and the dark is turning dark. Troy and Conrad hurried by shunpo-ing the rest of the way to the abandon city. All the while, Conrad hopes his calculation and prediction was spot on. When the finally reached the city, it was already night and the stars could be seen. Both of them hurried to through the abandon city and found the statute of Hades. Conrad hurriedly pulled out his astronomy equipment from his bag and search for the constellation of Cerberus. Troy was pacing back and forth between the statute of Hades and Conrad, he knew he was close, he could feel it but it is still far until he got his hand on the priced treasure. Suddenly, Conrad shouted and caught Troy’s attention. Conrad quickly went to the statute and looked through the Eye of Hades which somehow magnified the image seen through it while facing the constellation of Cerberus. Troy was at Conrad side, waiting for his answer when he noticed Conrad was stunt at the spot, he asked what is wrong with Conrad and gained no reply. Impatiently, he pulled Conrad a side, taking Conrad out of the trance and looked through it, positing the constellation in front of his eye, he finally found the peak, they are looking for but Troy’s eye widen. The peak they are looking for is situated at the middle of the island on a mountain where around it was several knightframes.

Chapter 30 – at the mouth of the dog

*Flashback continues*

Marcus was puzzled on the insistence of Yamamoto question on his son’s knowledge whereabouts; he turned to Cornelius who was surprise as well. Yamamoto stood up and walked over to the garden, looking at the miniature man-made waterfall, he inform Marcus that the sensory security team spotted Troy and Conrad sneaking into the Gotei 13 Central Archives, taking away 3 scrolls while knocking out a patrol team. He turned to face Marcus and grimly spoke of the name of the three scrolls stolen. Marcus expression changed when he heard the name of the last scroll. He immediately turned to face Cornelius who was as surprise as Marcus. Yamamoto continues that the sensory security team last senses them at the fishing village near the City of Anatolia and a team had returned with Intel that a caravel had been rented by both the boys and headed out to sea 10 days ago. Marcus was totally taken back and was speechless. Cornelius immediately sprint into his work mode and starts pulling out information from his mind and states that he will search Conrad’s room for information and went in the house. Yamamoto walked till he was at Marcus side, looking at the house; he states he will send a team to take the scrolls back before the two kids did the unthinkable.

Troy and Conrad approach the campsite under the stealth of the nightfall. They shunpo-ed up a tree to observe and analyze the situation before making a move. Conrad with his limited knowledge in sensory skills got to work and managed to work out a vague count of military personnel around the camp, 5 knightframe RPI-11 Glasgow versions, a team of 10 Ghost ops agents, 3 military alchemist, 3 vice admiral and 3 marines’ platoons. Conrad sighed at the new found knowledge, looking at Troy, trying to think of a way to discourage Troy from continuing the journey. Troy was observing the situation when suddenly, Troy looked up with a twinkle in his eyes; he looked at Conrad and smiled.

Troy and Conrad shunpo-ed to a nearby bush as a platoon of marines marched pass then they noticed 2 ghost ops agents were cleaning their equipment at a nearby tent at the edge of the campsites, Troy signal to Conrad to them and shunpo-ed next to them, surprising them and knocked them out. They quickly tie the two together onto a tall tree in the forest, gaging them too. They then put on the suit and the armor lastly wearing the helmet and gas mask and make their way to the mountain.

The electronic lighting of the campsite flickered, the radar and geo-seismic assessment amplifier was facing distortion. Vice-admiral John Smith looked on as the science div officers tried to assess the situation of the equipment. He turned to a marine and notifies him to intensified security on the possibility there is intruder or intruders from the Empire and notify the rest especially senior agent Bradley King from the Ghost Ops.

Conrad and Troy were almost at the bottom of the mountain when their wrist watches ringed, staring at it for a few second, Conrad answered it and a hologram appeared. The hologram informed the listener to gather at the Ops Camp immediately for a quick brief and disappeared. Conrad and Troy looked at each other, the nearby campsite lights flicker, and then a realization dawn on Conrad that there is a possibility that they were found out.

Chapter 31 – the orb

*Flashback continues*

Troy and Conrad rushed towards the entrance of the mountain. They were stopped by the sentry who seeing them as a ghost ops agent, allowed them in the mountain. The interior was a mixture of Athens and Sparta Architecture, the remnants of the marble floor and column of marble pillars aligned into two straight rows into the dark abyss with a huge overarching frame at the entrance. They immediately went to look for a secluded area where Troy took out the notes they made on earlier today on the mountain and scan through it. Conrad then point at the end of the stone stairs at the end of the hallway and signal Troy to go ahead. Troy nodded and went ahead while Conrad took out a red paint and drew a small Star of David at the bottom of the marble pillar on the right. He then chants a few words and the pillar glowed for a moment and back to its normal state. He then ran across to another pillar and chant another few words and move on to the next few pillars.

Troy was shunpoing as quickly as he can towards the peak on the stone stairs. In his mind, he quickly made a few calculations on the possibility of them getting out of here alive and he hoped that Conrad could catch up with him soon.

Bradley King walked towards his squadron of Ghost Ops with an emotionless face and his right eyes a match to his face, cool and merciless. He walked to the front and turned to them stating to them the possibility of an intruder in the camp as reported by Vice-Admiral John Smith, he then mention to them to move into formation Delta-Alpha 5 – a formation of two, armed with stunt sniper rifle and sweep across the camp in a triangle form. He then noticed an absence of two agents, he questioned the absence of the officer when Vice-Admiral Kokuza came up with a platoon of Marines and informed him of two men tied up a tall tree. Bradley eyes tense when another report came in stating two Ghost ops went into the interior of the mountain temple. Bradley turned to face his squadron, knowing that Ghost ops are not authorized to enter into that premises, knew something is wrong. He then ordered them to enter into formation Charlie-Bravo-Delta 2- a formation of 3, armed with electronic magnetic pulse rifle and clear out the location intended – the interior of the mountain. After the Ghost Ops agents went towards the mountains, Vice Admiral Kokuza then went ahead to inform the alchemist to station the knightframes to be on standby mode and be placed near the entrance of the mountain to compensate the lack of operators around. The campsite immediately went into defcon 3 mode.

Troy arrived at the end of the stairs which took him approx. 15 minutes. He makes a quick survey of the area and was in awe when he saw a small altar with a statute of Hades on it. The Statute of Hades is 6 ft tall and is wearing his iconic Helmet of Darkness and in his right hand holds the key to Tartarus while his left hand holds a skull. He slowly approaches the statute with his hand holding his notes. He couldn’t believe he finally found the statute when scientist around the world couldn’t find it. He flips through his notes and read out the following move. He then notices a small black orb in the center of the statute and as he touched it he could not remove his hands from it, his mind was flooded with multitude of images and was later sucked into the orb.

Chapter 32 – trap for the ghost

*Flashback continues*

The Ghost ops agent as in their past drill split up once entered into the interior of the mountain, some taking cover behind the first two pillars and signal the rest to go ahead when the coast is clear. They were sweeping the huge pathway while one ghost ops agent when on top the arc to set as an observer and a sniper position. The remaining 8 agents pair up in a team of three and sweep the room, the remaining two stood beside Bradley as communication and radar scanning team at the entrance. Team alpha and team bravo moved in opposite direction, alongside the pillars as their only cover, slowly moving towards the center of the mountain where the stone stairways is. Suddenly at the 6^th pillar several blue laser-like shots shot out in a circular form, damaging nearby walls and scattered the teams. Each of the agents ducked and some head to some huge stone to take cover. One of the agents was shot through the shoulder and was lying down heavily injured. One of the leader shouted it was a trap.

From the radio, Bradley could hear the instructions given out by the team leaders on the attack. His eyes tense as there was no information given out by the observer; one of the communicator questioned the observer of any enemy ahead which he replied in the negative. Bradley frown as he looked on the on-going skirmish ahead, knowing the enemy has deployed traps to slow them down or eliminate them. He then took the microphone from the communicator and ordered a new formation, Bravo- Bravo 2 – a formation of two designed to clear traps.

Conrad is hiding at the stone stairs where he is between the center supporting pillar of the spiral stone stairs and the opposite direction wall. He looked at the kido list scroll and noticed that 3 kido spells had been triggered out of the 15 he set up. He placed the last kido spell trap on the center supporting pillar and packed up, knowing it is time to meet up with Troy.

Bradley was getting annoyed by the amount of traps set up, so far, there had been 6 traps triggered and 2 agents are out remaining 4 men. He looked on as the radar agents passed his job to the communicator, paired up with the observer and head to the pathway. Bradley then ordered the communicator to notify the vice-admirals to take up position at the entrance to prevent anyone escaping through it which the communicator nodded his head and spoke through the microphone. Bradley removed his left eye-patch which glowed red in the dark and looked at the stairway with his dual sword at his side, he speed into the pathway, triggering all the traps but somehow managed to dodge every single one of them. Some of his agents fell preyed to the traps which he lamented how weak they are.

Bradley noticed a dark figure disappeared up the stairs; he then smiled to himself and quickens himself more.

Conrad was shunpo-ing up the stairs as quick as he can, citing his lack of speed compared to Troy when he sense a being rushing up the stairs, he brought out his Wakizashi and held on to the handle of his Tachi, strapped to his back with his right hand. When suddenly three shots were shot at him and he managed to parry the bullets away with his wakizashi and stop on his tracks. Bradley seeing that the shots may have slowed the figure downed quickens his steps up, knowing his speed is able to catch up with the figure soon. Conrad was about to reach the top of the stairs when a dagger was thrown at him and he parry it away with his wakizashi again. He stood his ground to come face to face with Bradley who was couple of dozens stairs away.

Chapter 33 – the clash of swords

*Flash back continues*

Conrad was facing Bradley with his left hand tightening on the wakizashi. Bradley walked slowly up the stairs with the sabre on his left hand and he uses his right hand to cover back his right eye with the eye patch before drawing out his Mameluke Sword. He knew better than to underestimate a teenage methuselah, knowing that they may look young but they may be even older than him. He will have to test his skills to determine his age. Bradley analyze the opponent in front of him, tall, well defined muscles that is not too big may implied his opponent relied on agility to overcome his target. However, the lack of big muscles doesn’t mean he is weak in strength as methuselahs are generally stronger than Terran. The way he grabbed his blades and his smallest shake of his hands indicate he is still fairly inexperience but the way he position himself shows that he still knows how to overcome the lack of experience with intelligence. Bradley concluded that his opponent is an intellect reliance swordsman, with a smirk he inquire the name of his opponent who did not replied. Nodding to him as though he understands his opponent, Bradley held his blade to near his face, swings to the side and charged.

Conrad steady himself as he sees the ghost ops agent charged at him. He is still fairly stunt to see the agents so quickly cleared his traps. Immediately, he held his sword straight up to block the cross shaped slash of his opponent’s. They held on for a while before, his opponent strongly cross the blades down that pushed him back a few steps. Conrad then noticed that Troy was standing there stunt as though under a spell when he sense a sword cross to his right side and he barely avoided before another cross to his left but did a reverse that slight cut him across from his left abs to his right shoulder.it could have been deeper if not for the armor but even the armor was not able to fully prevent the cut as it managed to penetrate through the armor. Conrad held on to the slight cut of the skin when he heard his opponent inform him to concentrate before he loses his life. Conrad held his sword up, ready fully concentrating on his opponent.

The fight went on as how Bradley analyze his opponent, swords clash on several occasion and after the earlier cut, Bradley was not able to cut his opponent again who is now fully concentrated on him. Conrad was nimble and agile that after an attack and a parry, he will shunpo or move to Bradley blind spot on his left to reduce Bradley accuracy and strength in attack. However, Bradley would always overturn that by making a U-turn to make Conrad move away from his blind spot. After an ambitious combo strike from the air on Bradley, both took a step back, ready and recalculate their next move. Bradley in his mind knew that Conrad reliance on his keen intellect and advance strategy pitted against his experience in swords play and better positioning is going to end in a draw but both knew that Bradley’s trump card is in his flexibility.

Conrad has to end this soon before he runs out of ideas, he looked at the stairs and know that he has to push Bradley to the stairs, suddenly an idea came to him, may be ambitious and reckless but it could end this fight soon. He ready his sword and shunpo forward to strike Bradley, but Bradley was prepared and managed to block the strike, Conrad then quickly draw out his other blade located on his lower back and slash across Bradley’s stomach but Bradley having already anticipated that, managed to stop Conrad from drawing his second blade by trusting his left sword towards the left side making Conrad to withdraw the sword coming out and his hands on his left back. Bradley then swing it inwards to slash across but Conrad already with the tachi out quickly block the slash with an unorthodox position of the blade facing upward while his hands is straight down to his side. Bradley knew in his mind with that position will place Conrad right hand on a disadvantage position of not able to hold the sword properly and the lack of strength to block properly. Suddenly Conrad, dropped a small flash grenade from its hidden spot of inside his palm and a flash bang came blinding Bradley. Bradley did not anticipate that flash grenade and was blinded by it when he felt a stab to his left leg and was kicked off the top stairs where he fell backward and down the stairs. He managed to stable himself and was shielding himself from further attack when he sense something was wrong that Conrad did not finish the job when he is at a very disadvantage position. After a few second, he looked up to see Conrad with his scroll out who muttered something and an explosion happen at the bottom of the supporting pillar of the stairs and the pillar is falling along with Bradley.

Chapter 34 – the heat gets toned up

*Flashback continues*

Conrad fell on his knee exhausted, finally relief that the skirmish ended. He tore his shirt apart and bandages the cut. He couldn’t believe that he stood toe to toe against a Ghost Ops agent and managed to tell the tale. He was very fortunate, thank god that he convinced himself to pack a couple of flash-bullet grenade as he was not expecting to meet anyone on this trip. Looking at the bandage, he scuffed his hair thinking how it suck to be made the bodyguard of Troy, knowing that he is such a pain in the ass as always since young, he just had to handle his mess. Suddenly it dawn upon him that Troy is just behind him. He hurriedly got up and ran to Troy to get his attention but failed. Troy’s eyes were wide and empty; his body was stiffed and weak. Conrad was panicking, he tried all kind of methods to get Troy back; slap him, pinch him, kick his crotch and etc but nothing seems to work. Conrad noticed that he too could not get Troy hands off the orb; he then slapped himself on the head for leaving out such an obvious clue. He studied the black orb and looked through Troy’s notes. He was frantically flipping through the notes that he did not noticed that Bradley had survive the fall and had managed to get back up to the top floor. Conrad then heard a heavy huff sound and turned to see Bradley sitting at the edge of the once stood stairs with a sabre as his support, breathing heavily while eyeing Conrad. Conrad took hold of his wakizashi and tachi while mentioning to himself that he may not be that lucky again.

Huge explosions happened everywhere on the camp, fires were literally on every tent and bodies are everywhere. The Marines formed a semi-circle trench around the entrance of the mountain, instructions were given out by the Vice-admiral to focus fire and fire scatter shots to ensure the enemies don’t come close, they were provided covered by the Military Alchemists and the knight-frames. They were intending to delay the advancement of the enemy before reinforcement arrives from the nearby Marines Battleship and emergency falcon F-35. Vice-admiral John Smith was not surprised by the attack as the intruders before was confirmed to be from the Empire. However, he was still reeling from the surprise that the legendary Eastern Fury Captain-Commander Yamamoto is leading the attack. Their strategy of Omitsukaido striking first then the Shinigami charged in covered by the kido corps would have annihilated them if not for the presence of the Knight-Frames and the Military Alchemist. The Ghost ops are still trying to break the traps in the mountain set by the intruders, however they were immediately dispatch to assist the defending Terran from the current onslaught by Bradley. Their sniping ability assisted them by making the enemy think twice before charging and their SP Blast guns helped to ensure no captains and other high ranking officers come any closer. Vice-Admiral John Smith was snapped back into reality when the Spiritual Energy Mapper report of a large surge of SP at 12’o’clock, suddenly one Knight-Frame was hit by a thunderous blue beam and was knocked back, thankfully the armor was able to withstand a level 88 Hado spell. John Smith then sense an immerse Reiatsu approaching and know at that moment the enemy’s boss is getting impatience and he is joining the fray.

Yamamoto was getting very impatience at his new captains, they are too caution on their strategies and their tactics on such a small amount of enemy. He knew if this drags any longer, reinforcement will arrive and that will make extraction even harder. Their tactics of Attrition will not work in their favour at this battle. He looked at Captain Soi Fon and Captain Komanmura, his new captains after the episode of their previous Captains attempting to combine the forbidden energy of Hollow and Methuselah and was imprison but somehow managed to escape. He then reminded himself that this could be their first mission facing Terran and cooled himself down. He glanced sideway at Cornelius Weller and was thankful that he was able to catch the very well-hidden clues left by his son and follow it till here in a very short time. He spoke to Cornelius who turned to him and inquire his advice on this battle while his captains turned to face him to hear his recommendation. Cornelius turned his attention to Yamamoto and informed him of the disadvantages of the current strategy which Yamamoto had already thought of before which impressed the Captain-Commander. Captain Soi Fon the impatience one then rudely asked of his alternate strategy. All the Captains focus were on Cornelius who turned to study and observe the resources on hand and mentioned to Yamamoto his alternate strategy. Yamamoto with his poker face considered the following proposal and nodded in agreement which shocked the captains. He then placed Cornelius in charge of the battle which both his captains silently relented. Cornelius bowed and mentioned to the Captains the first the step of his strategy.

All the marines shivered in fear as they felt the sudden immerse Reiatsu approaching, some even fainted, they then saw the Captain-Commander coming into view slowly, the Ghost Ops tried sniping him but the bullet melts when they came in contact with his Reiatsu. They then fired several blast of SP Blast but were burned out by his shikai before they touched him. While their focus were on him, suddenly, several level 88 Hado spells were shot at the mountain wall above the barricade causing a sudden collapse of rocks but the Military Alchemists created a rock cover from the ground to block out the rocks when a sudden large red aura sword appear infront of them and swings at them the knight-frames quickly move in to block the sword which required all 5 of them to blocked it. In the meanwhile of chaos, several omitsukaido assassins shunpo at each of their intended targets and silent killed them, when the Ghost Ops agents moved their sniper gun to snipe them, they gave their camouflage position away which Captain Soi Fon shunpo in killed them with her Shikai at record speed. With their sniper gone, the Vice-Admirals quickly ordered to fall back into the mountains to their last barricades. Both captains stood at the entrance awaiting the captain commander and Cornelius to approach them. When he arrived, he ordered them to go in immediately.

Chapter 35 – the rescue

Conrad was badly beaten this round by Bradley at every turn. He got several cuts by his sabre and was only able to cut him once. Conrad knew that he will 100% not leave here alive but he needs to get Troy out also he needs to awaken Troy from his Trance. Bradley wipes the blood of his sabre with a hard swing while not taking his eyes of Conrad. Conrad had previously tried again the flash grenade and as he had predicted the same trick don’t work twice on Bradley and there is where he got the first cut from his second round with him. Conrad stared at Bradley left eye at the tattoo carve on his pupil. Conrad force himself to think though he needs all the energy to keep up with the Ghost Ops Agent but he knew it is his intellect that is keeping him alive. Ever since Bradley removed his left eye patch, the battle field change in favour of him as Bradley was able to out maneuver at every turn and strategies, as though he could see his next moves. Suddenly it dawn upon Conrad that that could be it that his left eye is able to see his next move of his future move. The realization on Conrad face gave away his new found information; Bradley smiled and congratulates Conrad for realizing it. Conrad then stood still and state to Bradley his realization which stunt Bradley and amuse him that Conrad was able to guess the power of his left eye. He congratulates Conrad and praised him on his keen intellect and intelligence. He then lamented that killing Conrad would be a shame as he has vast potential in succeeding in the future in whatever he do. Bradley charged forward with his sabre while Conrad readies himself for the coming of the third onslaught.

Yamamoto entered into the interior of the mountain and observes his surroundings. Besides the mountain of rocks in front, there is nothing in there. Captain Soi Fon reports to him that the enemy has been neutralized and the reminding survivors have been held down. He walked over to them with a grim look, he inquire where is the boys which earn a spat from vice-Admiral Kozaku while John Smith looked on. Captain Soi Fon immediately rebuke Kozaku and held him at knife point with her shikai when Yamamoto stopped her. He stared into Kozaku’s eyes and his eyes immediately widen and froze on the spot. Yamamoto looked away and told Captain Soi Fon that the captives do not have the knowledge when Cornelius shouted to the Captain-Commander who then proceeds to Cornelius side. Cornelius pointed at the Star of David at the bottom right corner of the pillar and told Captain Commander that it is another clue left by his son. He immediately touched the sign and chanted a few words, immediately the pillar glows for a while before it stops glowing. Cornelius turned to Yamamoto and informs him they are above.

There was really nothing Conrad can do now; he was totally outclassed by Bradley. He was leaning on the wall with one hands holding on to the wounds and another holding his tachi. Blood is everywhere and his armor was split into half, lying on the ground. Bradley moved slowly towards his wounded prey who is across the huge chamber, he knows that his prey is now totally helpless. As he walks slowly towards Conrad, Conrad dragged himself backwards towards Troy. Conrad pushed himself and reached Troy who was still caught in the trance. With blood in his hand, he held on to Troy’s shoulder, shaking him and begging him to wake up. When he knew that it is futile, he muttered sorry to his father for failing to keep his promise to protect Troy. His hand placed on top of Troy’s hand which was glued to the orb and apologies to him softly for not able to protect him. When Bradley came into view, Conrad looked at him and closed his eyes. Bradley with a single trust, his sabre went straight towards Conrad. Conrad thought he was a goner when he opened his eyes, he saw Troy standing in front of him, blocking the trust with his armor. Troy apologies to Conrad for being late and not able to come to him and thank him for protecting him all this while which Conrad replied with a smirk and inform Troy that it is typical of him to be late. Bradley withdraws a few steps back as a new player had entered into the field. Troy then withdraws his Odachi and held his ground. Conrad informed Troy that Bradley left eye is able to see his future movement and caution him to be careful which earned a nod from Troy. Bradley observes Troy and was pleased to know that Troy is a much better veteran swordsman than Conrad. He then moves in for the kill.

The sword clash was intense but Troy knew that he will not be able to beat Bradley. With his family sword-style technic, Xavier Clan 9 Counter Solidary Swords style, he was able to keep Bradley on bay however the technic was more on the defence than offence which makes it difficult for Troy to win the clash. Bradley was pleased that he finally was able to meet the legendary Xavier Clan 9 Counter Solidary Swords Style, it was known as the ultimate defence against every form of weapons with only sword and it is living up to its title. However in the hands of a Troy, Bradley knew it had not been perfected yet. There was still ounce of uncertainty from Troy which slowed his movement when unleashing the combo and slashes. Yet that had not stop Troy from being able to keep Bradley all offence swords style from coming into contact on Troy. When Troy parried Bradley air offence, he saw his opening and went for it with a triple trust attack targeting Bradley body which Bradley managed to block and parry off easily which cause Troy to have an opening which Bradley went for it. Bradley trusts the sword at Troy chest which was block by his odachi with a support from his hand top the end of the sword. Troy then did a semi-moon circular strike which managed to make Bradley jumped backwards to avoid the slash. Troy stood there puffing, ready and eyeing Bradley. Bradley stood there and complimented Troy on his swordskill but states that will not save him and went in unleashing several combo which with Troy lack of experience was not able to fully counter with his skills and was about to be dealt with stab on the stomach by Bradley when Captain Soi Fon block the stab with her shikai.

Chapter 36 – game set

*Flashback continues*

Bradley stepped back to see a giant red aura sword appear above him that swing down on him which he barely managed to escape. The attack created tons of dust and stones flying. After the dust settle, in front of the two methuselah youth were two captains. Bradley observe the situation and knew he is still able to kill off the two methuselah youths when he sense an immerse reiatsu, so immerse that he knows it is beyond any captains he had faced. He turned to see Yamamoto standing at the entrance, staring at him, he immediately knew the odds are totally against him. Captain Soi Fon muttered his name and states the fact that she is surprise to see a high ranking Ghost ops agent like him here. Conrad and Troy eyes widen when they heard that name, based on their knowledge of Bradley King was that he is the only Ghost Ops to be listed as kill on sight or avoid at all cost person in the Empire, he is known as the Shinigami Slayer and the Demon Swordsman in the Empire. No one who meets him comes out alive, not even a lieutenant ranking officer. He is on a captain level or higher in terms of swordplay. Bradley shrugged his shoulders and stated that were his orders, he then says that since they are here, it means the entire battalion had fallen. He then states he had over extended his stay, he then dropped a smoke bomb and a flash grenade which provided the cover he needed to escape through a hole he blasted with a high plasma grenade. Captain Soi Fon was about to go after him when Yamamoto stopped her and told her to tend to the wounded. They turned to face the youths where Troy was holding on to his odachi, shivering and Conrad slump on the wall relief it is finally over.

Outside the mountain, Conrad was lifted on a stretcher and was lifted to a Division 4 tent. His father came near him but was not showing any expression, he was breaking inside to see the state his son is in. His son lifted up his eyes to face his father while the officer was healing him. He quickly tried to get up which met with some protest from the officer, Cornelius stopped the protest with a rise of a hand. Conrad was about to apologies to his dad when a slap came across the face which shocks those who were nearby them. Cornelius went into raging mode and reprimanded his son for his actions and questioned the wisdom in his acts. Conrad could only sit there in silent and when his dad finishes his reprimand, he muttered an apology while his face is facing the ground. Suddenly, Conrad was hugged by his dad who was tearing and states that he was glad that he is safe. Conrad returns the hug and continues to apologies to his dad.

Unknown to them, Troy slowly approach the father and son and caught their attention when he muttered a word of apology to both. Cornelius stood up bowed at the young master and stood aside, Troy then apologies again to Conrad personally and bowed, staying in that position for a few seconds. Conrad placed his hand on Troy’s shoulder and kneels before him and apologies for failing in his task to prevent harm to the young master. Troy kneeled before Conrad who was taken back and instead continues to reprimand himself for his recklessness. Conrad lifted his young master up and reaffirm that he was indeed reckless but regardless Troy is his master who saved him shows his inability to protect Troy. Troy immediately rebuke Conrad stating after what they been through and how Conrad had almost lost his life protecting him, he is no longer his servant but his brother. He then swore to Conrad that as long as he lives he will always remember this deed and will protect Conrad as how he had to him. Conrad smiled and promises he will do the same too not as a servant but as his brother.

Cornelius cleared his throat to catch the attention of both the youth who then turned to face him. Troy inquires on the feelings of his father which Cornelius replied with a smile that Troy will not hear the end of it and be prepared for the worst which earn a shiver from Troy. Cornelius then took his leave to give the youth some time alone when he was approached by Yamamoto who looked at the on-going scene. Yamamoto praised the talent and ability of both the youths being able to get all the way to the treasure through the heavy security and hold themselves against Bradley King. He commended on their vast potential and prospect capability which earned a word of appreciation from Cornelius. Yamamoto then faced Cornelius and praised him on his tactical capability and his swordsman skill, he then inquire why did Cornelius not aim higher in rank. Cornelius snickered and replied it is not in his family nature to do so and certainly not him. His family duty is to serve the Xavier and that is what he is to do with his skills. Yamamoto then commended on his humbleness and humility, and state that the Empress will definitely hear of this episode and the youths will definitely not go unnoticed for long. Cornelius smiled and replied that it is indeed the time to let them go before he walked away.

Troy and Conrad entered back into the chamber and stood before the statute of Hades, Troy reached forward to grab the orb when he was stopped by Conrad. Troy assure Conrad that nothing will happen to him this time and he grab and remove the orb from its place. He held the black orb in his hand and muttered that no one should experience what he had gone through. Conrad was puzzled at his statement but know that Troy will tell him when the time comes. Troy held onto the orb and made a vow that regardless whatever happens, they will always be brothers and he will one day stand out of the world on his own. Conrad then placed his hand on the orb and vows that he will protect and ensure Troy’s dreams come to realization. Troy exchange glances with Conrad and nod; he then went to a rock and cracks the orb into half which earned a protest from Conrad. Troy then turns to Conrad and assures him the orb is useless now and the orb functions has had been fulfilled. He passed one half of the orb to Conrad and told him that this is the token of their promise. Conrad looked at the orb and accepts it while he told Troy he will not fail him.

*back to reality*

Involuntarily tears flows from his eyes as he looked at the words carve on the flat surface of the orb. In his heart, it aches to know that he had failed to keep that promise, he drew the orb near his eyes and with closed eyes he muttered a word sorry.

Chapter 37 – rumors

Captain Soi Fon met up with Captain Commander Kyoraku at the basement of Division 2 when a shadow appeared and out step the shadow figure again. The Shadow figure questioned Kyoraku for summoning him, Kyoraku then state that Division 14 will now report to him too. This earn a smirk from the shadow figure who then questioned for the source of authority which Kyoraku then pulled out a scroll from his cloak and tosh it to him. The shadow figure open and read it to find it is a decree from the Empress. He then tosh it back to Kyoraku with a grim tone questioned why did Kyoraku summon him. Kyoraku then requested for the latest report which the shadow figure reluctantly reported. He started with the finding of the Quincy camp by the 4 operators in Germany and managed to track to another camp where they managed to have the location for the 4 main bases of the Quincy Camps, located in old Switzerland, old Borneo, old Hawaii and the North Icelandic Territory (North Pole). However when Captain Soi Fon requested for a more exact location, the shadow figure refused which earn a rebuke from Captain Soi Fon. The shadow figure then explained that he is not to report to her which Kyoraku then requested for the exact location which the shadow figure also refused to answer to. The shadow figure then state that he does not report to the Empress the exact location too what more Kyoraku acting in proxy. Kyoraku then thought for a while before giving in. he then turned to Captain Soi Fon and requested that she follow up on other missions and dismissed her. Captain Soi Fon glanced at the shadow figure and went away.

When it was left both of them alone, the shadow figure was about to make his leave when Kyoraku stopped him. He then told the shadow figure that since it is now both of them alone; he requested the shadow figure to report to him. The shadow figure faced Kyoraku even though the black mist surrounded him making it impossible to know. He then told Kyoraku it is not safe to report about anything within the Empire. He then steps deeper into the shadow and disappeared.

Kyoraku sighed and walked away. As he held the decree in his hands, he felt something unusual with the decree, however he pretended that nothing happened and walked while unfolding the decree to re-read it, he noticed a small piece of paper tucked secretly within the decree with 4 words; moles, trust no one.

Shadow engulfed a corner of the room and out stepped the shadow figure. In the room waiting was Lanaya, the blonde haired girl, Kisuke Uruhara and Yoruichi. The shadowy mist slowly dissipate to reveal Troy Xavier standing before them, he mentioned to Lanaya to start the meeting which Lanaya then using telepathy connected the mind of the entire Imperial Assassins; Modred, Riki and Anubarak in old Germany, Shi Ai and Shi Qing at Ship-wreak Cove.

Chapter 38 – the counter-attack

In the white mountain of the Alps, three shadow speed through stealthy led by a small figure. Riki arrived first at a distance from the ancient pass of Gotthard where he continued in stealth to the Devil’s Bridge. They were to infiltrate the bases and destroy their supplies and harass to demoralize the Quincy armies. He observes the area for a moment till he was interrupted by the arrival of Modred then Anubarak. He relay the information of the secret Quincy base over the other side of the Devil’s bridge. The bridge is not guarded but survey by hidden camera and Quincy operators. Anubarak sighed while Modred stood silently before she smiled and looked at Riki who was puzzled by her expression. She then informs Riki to infiltrate with his stealth which was then shot down by Riki’s comment on infra-red sensors. Modred then smiled and commented that she knows a way around that.

Riki looked at Modred with a shock expression after hearing the plan. He turned to see a smirking Anubarak and knew he had no other way out of this. He looked at the water and he felt a shiver down his spine. Deep down, he knows that the day will not get any better.

In the Quincy camp, numerous soldat were rushing between tents, a Jagdarmee commander was seen nearby giving instructions to ensure that everything was in place. The commander looked at the sheet of paper in his hands, he knew he had not much time before his majesty needs him again. He was about to ticked off some stuff on his paper when he heard a soldat shouting from the northern east camp, follow by numerous explosion. He turned around to see Anubarak standing before, licking his lips.

Three sternritters Liltotto Lamperd, Jerome Guizbatt and Shaz Domino appeared when they heard the explosions and the shouts. They moved towards the centre of the camp to find three Jagerdarmee commanders dead. The commanders faced was very thin- skeleton like as though blood was sucked out of them and their eyes pop out as though in fear before they dead. Shaz looked around while Lilotto and Jerome examined the bodies. Jerome affirm their cause of death is the loss of a tremendous amount of blood. Lilotto held her breath and was stunted. Then there was a loud snickering sound from their south west and they turned to find Anubarak walked out of the shadow of a tent. Jerome and Shaz activates their “The Quincy: Vollständig”, not before several illusion of Modred surrounds them and killed off Shaz. Jerome barely managed to dodge them and appeared next to Liltotto who was trying to figure out what happens. The illusions disappeared and Modred was standing next to Anubarak. Modred looked down at Shaz’s body and commented that the playing field is level now.

Riki cursed his fortune as he was running from corner to corner setting them on fire and placing bombs on supply storage tents. He couldn’t believe that he have to bath in the super cold water in winter to cool his body temperature and seal the coolness with his reiatsu. Then now, he has the duty of placing bombs when he could be out there killing important people. Riki sneezed and contemplated that he will fall sick after the mission with the current pattern of his luck. Riki placed the last bomb on the supply storage room and was about to leave when he saw several soldat trying to put the fire out. He took out his knife and smiled that he may as well just release his frustration on them. He shunpo next to hem and before they knew it, he slited all their throat in three moves and 6 bodies went down. Riki looked onto the scene and smiled, knowing inside that he finally has some actions.

Half an hour later, Riki stood below a tree on a hill that overlooked the Quincy camp. He flipped around his dagger while waiting for the rest. He took a look at the campsite which are now in flames and was satisfy that the mission went well. Not long, Modred and Anubarak was seen walking slowly to Riki who stood still on the sight of them. Riki questioned Anubarak of the origin of the head of the girl which Anubarak replied in a smile that it does not concern him. Modred snorted and concentrated in her mind and immediately, all three were able to hear Lanaya voice in their mind. Lanaya rely the message to the three from their leader to continue the sabotage and terminate as many sternritters as possible. Riki glaze from Modred to Anubarak and knew that it is going to be another long and bloody week.

Chapter 39

Troy stood under a tree, overlooking the auditors rushing in and out of Division 10. He then turn to see a bunch of auditors evaluating the ability of the shinigami. Troy lean back onto the tree and relaxes his right leg. He could feel the jab of stingy pain through the nerve of the right side of his body. He closed his eyes and hope that his imagination of a pain-free world would help ease the pain. Apparently, it doesn’t. Frustrated, Troy tries standing back up when he fell due to a sudden surge of pain through his body. As he was about to fall, he was supported by someone. Troy turned around to see Giselle, covered from the head to the toe by a clock. Troy budged, not wanting to depend on others but Giselle held on tighter which ended with Troy sighing and giving in to Giselle. He pointed to a nearby bench behind a wall out of public sight. Giselle understanding the message, supported Troy to the bench and sat him down. She then moved to examine the affected leg. Troy stopped Giselle which earned a displease look from her. Giselle protested and forcefully examine his leg. Troy not wanting to head into an argument with her, allowed her. When Giselle sensing that, delightly took out her apparatus and continues her examination. After a while, Giselle in a very gentle tone questioned on Troy’s wellbeing while continuing her examination. When she did not get a reply from Troy, her shoulders slumped and she felt disappointed. Giselle could feel a sting in her heart and a tear was about to shed from her left eye when she felt a hand cupped her cheek and wipe the tear away with a thumb. She looked up to see Troy looking at her with a soft expression. Giselle’s heart leaped for joy at that gesture but she quickly changed to her cold self when Troy questioned her about the tear which she blamed it at the sand that entered her eye. On hearing that, Troy’s hand dropped and Giselle’s heart simultaneously dropped too. She then mentally blamed herself for that expression and that reply. Troy then asked for some painkillers which caught Giselle’s attention and she quickly handed it to him. Troy took the medicine and stood up while Giselle protested. He smiled at her before he limped away from her.

As Troy step back into the public view, Captain Toshiro approach and handed Troy a file. Troy opened to see that it contains the latest activities and financial report. He thank the captain and walked away, not before Captain Toshiro questioned on the appearance of an unfamiliar reiatsu behind the wall where Troy came out off. Troy standing with his back to Toshiro, cordially told Captain Toshiro that it does not concern him. Captain Toshiro, walked up next to Troy and commented that auditors are meant to reveal secret not create their own secrets. Troy chuckled at that comment which surprises Captain Toshiro. He then turns to face Captain Toshiro and looked straight into his eyes. He held the gaze before stating that auditors are meant to find out hidden dark secret of others not about themselves. Troy then turned away and caution the Captain to be more vigilant of his own division and less worry about his department. He then walked away leaving a bewildered captain behind.

*update: 6/6/2014

Chapter 40

Grand Duke Marcus Xavier was observing the numerous reports on the table. All of them are complains of the recent auditors conducts affecting the divisions. Grand Duke Von Christ commented that it was time for the Gotei 13 to have a makeover and this audit are actually rooting out the dead weights. Grand Duke Xia was skeptical of the idea of auditing, he voiced his concern of the growing influence of the Empress. He further commented on the cold, merciless method of Troy in conducting his audit which alienated the division. Grand Duke Von Christ read through the documents and agreed with the concern of Grand Duke Xia, he voiced the potential use of Lord Troy Xavier as her tool. He also agreed that the method use by Troy was extreme in the sense that it is bordering inhumane treatment. They both turn to face Grand Duke Xavier who was sitting there in silent. Grand Duke Xavier looked up to both his compatriot and stated that this is the price of their complacency and they have to deal with it.

Grand Duke Xavier stepped down from his carriage and entered the mansion to be greeted by two rows of servants. He looked around before he turns to Alfred and questioned the whereabouts of Troy. Alfred looked at his master before replying that Troy is in his study room.

Marcus Xavier opened Troy’s room door to reveal huge stacks of papers everywhere. They covered his table, bed and occupied nearly all of the floor. Marcus walked through the mountain of papers carefully to find Troy at the corner of the room, fast asleep. He was sitting against the wall with a paper in his hand. Marcus grab a blanket and covered Troy with it. In an instant, Troy jumped, grab and pointed the paper now covered with his reiatsu to form a haki aura over the paper at Marcus’ throat. Marcus kneeled there, eye to eye with his son before Troy’s senses came back. Troy lowered the razor sharp paper and apologized to his father. Marcus wave the incident off and stood up. Troy stood up on his good leg with his back leaning against the wall. Marcus quickly helped Troy up and supported him to a nearby chair. He mentioned to Troy to have a seat. He looked around the room as Troy quickly replied that all the paperwork will be moved to the new office soon. Marcus nodded at the reply and turn to leave the room, not before Troy apologized again. Marcus with his back facing Troy raise a hand as a gesture of waving the matter off. He then stepped out of the room.

Alfred seeing his master stepping out of the room, quickly closed the door behind him. He walked with his master to his study room. Marcus went close to the window of his room. Alfred stood across the table awaiting instruction. Instead, he heard Marcus sighed who then mumbled to himself of the incident in the room with Troy. Alfred went close to his master to see his master tearing up. Both of them stood there in silent till Marcus looked out at the moon and lamented of what has his son become.

Deep underground somewhere else, running footsteps could be heard. In a dungeon like manner, stone walls mixed with metal plates bounces off the echo of the running footsteps. A man is running through the dark corridor, his face white as sheet, sweats flowing down his face, in his eyes, wide with fear. He ran and looked behind him till he reached a stairways leading up. With a sigh of relief, he took a step up when he was pierce through the stomach, he fell on his knees and held the pierce area, his hands now covered in blood and his shirt soaked red. He turned to see pearly white teeth shining in the dark, a smiling figure couldn’t be seen due to the dark. The unseen figure, seductively laughed at the fallen man who turns out to be Senator Dixon of the Commonwealth and questioned where is he running to. Senator Dixon calmed himself down and stated he had never been so fearful of his life till now. he took out a blade and was about to slit his own throat when something huge came in lighting speed and ate his hand which is holding the knife. Senator Dixon screamed in pain while the unseen figure chuckled. She took a step forward which Senator Dixon eyes widen and muttered his last word, “you?!” before he collapsed.

Chapter 41

In the new office of the Imperial Audits, Troy in his office, stood behind his desk. The office was dark and the room was huge. The building that housed the current Imperial Audit used to be the Quarter of the now defunct Shihōin Noble House. He looked out of the newly created window to see the auditors below, arranging the documents. Troy then took hold of the curtain and pulled them together. He slowly swap his hand across the table, stopping at the other end of the table. At that moment, Kisuke and Yoruichi appeared at the door. They both entered in and reported to Troy of their latest findings of their own divisions and among the divisions. Yoruichi commented on the assistance of using the auditors as front in searching the divisions for details of potential leak that led up to the invasion. Troy turn to looked at them and questioned Yoruichi on her findings. Yoruichi praised the hacker or spy on their skills to cover their tracks well but a combined of Kisuke’s technological intelligence and Yoruichi’s investigation ability, they were able to uncover that approximately 20 days prior to the intrusion of the Quincy into Division 1 barracks, the outline and the blue print of the layout of the Sereitai was being referred to at least twice. She specify that based on their investigation, the spies copied the layout of the Sereitai through 13 different areas to cover their tracks. The tracks led to each divisions’ computer, meaning they copied a small part of the layout from each divisions’ computer and combined together. Troy was silent as Yoruichi reported her findings. After Yoruichi finished her report, he commented that the spy must have spent a day in each different divisions. Kisuke corrected Troy’s conclusion that that is not the case. He then relied a vital information that all these hacking was done at the same moment, at the same day, at the same time. Troy’s eyes widen at that revelation, Kisuke seeing that reaction, reaffirms Troy’s fear, that there could be more than 20 spies they are dealing with. There was silent in the air until Yoruichi voiced that she has a plan to flush them out. She then mentally summons Lanaya to them.

Modred, Riki and Anubarak were standing in front of an aflame campsite when they receive a telepath link from Lanaya. They reported their latest destruction of the Quincy’s supply camp, making it their fifth. Riki snorted and mentally commented on the other two mistreating him and using him as baits while Anubarak snickered and Modred slapped the back of Riki’s head. Modred questioned Lanaya on any further orders which Lanaya replied in the positive. She relied the orders that Modred is needed back in the Empire while Riki and Anubarak is to continue the raid. Riki turns to aside and quietly rejoice on the new instruction, however Modred seeing that, smacked the back of his head harder. Modred then looked upwards and mentally questioned the new instruction. Lanaya in her cool demeanour told Modred that her specialty is needed now. Modred thought to herself for a while before smiling. She then mentally told Lanaya that she is on her way back and will be back as soon as she can.

Chapter 42

In the dark night, a man is walking along the main street of Constantinople. Covered from the head to toe, he braces the cold strike of winter’swind. He walked along the quiet street till he arrived at the city wall, he glanced around him before approaching a shady house that is a brothel to the many prostitutes. As he closes in on the house, a prostitute with red hair approaches him, inquiring whether he needs her services. He shook his head and pointed at the red lantern that is hanging outside the brothel. The prostitute looked to the direction and nodded silently. She entered the house and came out, lighting the red lantern. She then guided the man into the house.

In the house, smoke clouds the interior of the house, fornication could be seen everywhere and the sight sinful. The woman guided the man through the crowds into a long corridor. The corridor is long and dark, the woman took the lantern from the high table and walked down the corridor with the man. As they walked, the man could feel the tension and anxiety as they approach closer and closer to the last room. When they arrived, the woman opened the door and the man went into a room so dark that you may as well be blind. The door shut and the man stood there in silent till suddenly a light is lit at the corner of the room yet there was no one there. Then he heard a voice but he saw no one. The voice then questioned the man for appearing, the man then voiced his concern that the latest audit is getting closer to them. They have to move out soon if not they will all be caught. The voice then told them to stay still and not worry. The man then rebuked the voice stating that the audit has uncover their trails and some members had been caught. He shook his head and admitted that giving in would be a whole lot easier. The man then went to the door and was about to open it when the voice stopped him. There was a silent then the voice asked the man to step closer to the light. The man obeyed and stood at the end of the light when suddenly, he couldn’t move and a long black sharp tendril approach him slowly till it pointed at his throat. The man quivered in fear, the voice then in a strong voice told him to obey if not, he will kill them before they will be caught. The man nodded his head in agreement then suddenly he could move his body again. The voice then mention to him that he will contact him again and lay out the plan to extract them. The man nodded his head in fear. The voice then ordered him to leave. The man quickly opened the door and rushed out. When the man is out of the room, the voice then mentioned to another being who stood near the light and told him that dinner is served.

In a small open field surrounded by a forest where the clear peaceful blue sky overlook the green brown trees. Several blazes of wind ratter the trees. The leaves on the tree fell making it looks like it is raining leaves. In the midst of the rain of leaves, a lone figure stood. With only his trouser on leaving his upper body exposed, he held on to his sword tightly while looking ahead into the beauty of the scene before him. Suddenly, a blade came down at him, sensing it, he block it immediately to see Captain Unohana who is the attacker. He smug before tilting the blade and allowed her katana to slid off and immediately slash across her head to find it block by her katana’s sheath. She pushed off the strike and took a few steps back. Both eyeing at each other for a while before, she smiled. She return her katana back in its sheath and walked back into the trees as Troy slowly followed her while limping. Captain Unohana stopped before a tree and sat down as Troy lean to its other side. There was silence in the air before Captain Unohana commented that Troy-kun had not lost his touch. Troy frown at hearing that honorific before it turned into a smirk. Captain Unohana placed her sword on the grass and lean back at the tree. There was new leaves added into the air after their short skirmish making the scene even the more beautiful. She held her gaze on the scene before she told Troy that in 30 days’ time, the new Kenpachi will return. Troy looked upward towards the sky and held his breath before sighing. He questioned the identity of the person which Unohana replied was Zaraki. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath and release it. He sat on the ground and asked her whether he needs to inform Tenjiro-sama which she replied in the negative. She looked ahead into the sky and closed her eyes. A smile broke out on her face before it slowly turns into a grim line. She stood up and told the sitting Troy that Tenjiro-chan, releasing she made a mistake, instantly she placed her hands over her mouth before clearing her throat to correct herself to say Tenjiro-sama. Troy noticed the mistake, turned away with a smirk on his face before a knock came on his head. This brought Troy back to Captain Unohana who gave him her coolest expression. She then sighed and state to Troy that regardless he would know eventually. Both stood there in silence when suddenly Troy heard a small still voice in his head. Sensing that something had capture Troy’s attention, she turned around to walk not before stating that before that day comes she has one more thing to teach him and hope he is ready for it. She then continue without looking back.

Screams echoed through this hallow dark hall. The flickering of a candle light at a corner illuminate the small dungeon-like room revealing three figures. A red hair woman with both her bloody hands tied to a wooden cross. On closer look, she is the prostitute from the brothel. From the tortures, her face full of bruises and her left eye swollen. She was naked and on close up, slashes of peeled skin were evidently shown all over the body. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see herself still stuck in the small room. Her face twisted to remember the last torture she got that led her to scream and fainted. Feeling helpless, tears started flowing down her face when suddenly, a slender fingers reverse trace the flow of the tears back to the eye. The girl of mid-twenties looked up to see her tormentor, a slender figure wearing a body armor and a helmet. In the tormentor’s hand held a bucket of salted water. The lady mouthed the name of the tormentor with disgust which led the tormentor to slip out a sly smile.

Chapter 43

Troy slowly ascend the stairs into the dark room. The sound of his walking stick like the beating of a heart resonates across the empty underground chamber, striking fear in the heart of the timid. When he arrived at the bottom of the stairs, he reached out to his right and grab the candle stand and slowly make is way into the dark abyss. The loud scream was all he heard before he came face to face with Yoruichi who is sitting guard of the torture chamber. She stood up and motion for Troy to sit and proceed to brief Troy on the latest progress. Troy looked at the door and was pondering on the next move when a scream louder than the previous boomed across the hall. Minutes later, Modred came out of the room. All three stood there in silence before Modred muttered the number of spies, names and their location. She then walked towards the stairs before she stopped at the first step of the stairs and state the time they have left before the extraction happens. Yoruichi immediately send a telepathic message to Lanaya for an emergency meeting. Troy stood up and the same time a dark misty portal appear, he then walked towards it and it closes behind him.

*5 days later*

Lady Giselle entered into the ground of Division 8 with a basket in hand. She is hoping today will be a good day after many weeks of misfortunate since the return of Troy. She looked into the basket and smiled to see the food she had prepared and also the special amulet she gotten from the Temple of Bolivar. Inside, she hopes this amulet will bring some good fortune to Conrad. As she walk through the ground of Division 8, she couldn’t help but observe the scene around her, she noticed a gloomy atmosphere as she stride to the main barrack. Upon arrival, she noticed no one at the reception and felt something is wrong. She motioned a nearby shinigami who revealed himself to be the 8^th seat officer. Upon further inquiry, she found out that Division 8’s numbers had been shrink down to less than 50 people and nearly 12 officers have been transferred or placed back into shinigami academy. He is the last 5 remaining officers remaining in the Division. This placed great stress on Captain Conrad that he is working multiple roles. Giselle gasps at the hearing of the news. She turn and was about to ran to the office of Captain Conrad when the officer grabs her on the shoulder. She turned around and was met with a pair of eyes as dead as the undead. He told her, the captain is not here and was summoned to the Captain Commander’s office. He then said the name of the person who summon Captain Conrad with disgust, one person’s name she would never imagine to be, Lord Troy Xavier.

Conrad stood before the door to the captain commander’s chamber. In his heart, he knew what Troy is planning. It is obvious to man and it is plain to see, Troy is going against him at all cost. For the past few days, everything that had happen had prepared him for the worst. His division was slaughtered the most by the Imperial Audit. Other division faced cuts here and there, replacement of members. But by far, his division was hit so bad that from 600 members, it is now down to only 50 members. His financial support was cut by 90%. The Division is hanging by a thread. He has to fight this and find a new way of reviving the broken down division. He held his hand in front and stood tall, ready for anything that comes his way. As he is in the middle of his thought, the large door open slightly to show a petite size girl with a serious face and glasses, Nanao, the lieutenant of Division 1. She bowed before Captain Conrad before motioning for him to step in. Conrad, took a deep breath and held his body posture before stepping in.

Lieutenant of Division 1, Nanao announced the arrival of Captain Conrad before her boss. Captain Conrad stood before Captain-Commander Kyoraku who look at Captain Conrad with an uneasiness in his eyes. Kyoraku shifted in his stance before he handed out a scroll to Conrad. Conrad held it in his hands for a moment before he unroll it to see a demotion verdict. It further elaborated that Conrad is to be demoted to the rank of Lieutenant of Division 8 till further notice. Conrad stood there dumb fold. He knew Troy will be doing everything to ruin him but the last thing was to remove his captaincy position. Kyoraku placed his hand on Conrad shoulder and mentioned that this is only temporary until his skills are improved to the level of a captain. Conrad slowly recovered from is shocked and stared at Kyoraku. Kyoraku sighed and moved to face his window and looked outside. He explained to Conrad that this decision came from above and he has no control over it. Conrad questioned the basis of this removal and at that moment, a loud voice answered that the basis is based on the audit report. Conrad turned to face Troy who stood at the entrance. Conrad eyes filled with rage, shunpo-ed to Troy and held him by the front of his shirt. He was about to punch Troy when Captain Yoruichi held his hands. Kyoraku shouted to the group to calm them down and Conrad let go of his grip. Troy strengthen his shirt and explained that his report found Conrad unfit to be a captain and does not have the skill to be a captain. Conrad turned and questioned that report when nothing has been conducted on him which earn a smirk from Troy. Troy slowly limped to Conrad and looked him in the eye and stated that conducting a trial on him is a waste of time when it is in plain sight, evidently from the Quincy Invasion. He limped towards Kyoraku and held the verdict that even a handicapped is able to defeat him. There was a moment of silence when suddenly a solemn Conrad staring unto an unknown object, questioned what he need to do to achieve his rank back. Kyoraku glanced from Troy to Yoruichi for a moment before answering after passing the captain proficiency test again Conrad turned to faced Troy and they had a stare off when Conrad mentioned an alternative that is to prove the audit is wrong. Kyoraku looked at Conrad and questioned the method when Conrad continue to stare at Troy and mentioned by proving Troy does not have the capability or the standard to test him just by looking. Troy smirked and questioned how. Conrad then took two steps towards Troy till they are inches away and muttered by beating him in a duel.

Chapter 44

The home of Marcus Xavier was in an extreme overload mode today. Marcus strengthen his clothes and stood on the balcony, overlooking the scene before him. Today’s the day of the duel. After several days of unsuccessful persuasion to Troy to back out by the other elders, they gave up. Marcus understood their concern as Troy is the only heir left from the main branch of the clan but this is a matter of dignity and pride which Troy had plenty and will one day be his downfall. The past 10 days went by like a breeze, other Grand Dukes are concerned about the duel but they could say little to the event. When one is called to duel, he can only go along with it or live a reputation of cowardice. The whole Sereitai are buzzing about the duel. Some looking forward to Troy’s final demise while some backing on him as the underdog. He chuckled at those comments and bets for in his heart even he does not know who will win. His train of thought was broken when Alfred approach him with his overcoat and informed him it is time, Marcus wore the coat, nodded and left for the stadium.

In his dark room, Troy did some modification to his leg while biting on a thick cloth. The pain is excruciating, sweats are beaming down like waterfall. He was about to tighten something on his leg when a hand grabbed his. He looked up to see Gabriella taking the screw driver away and took out a Philip head screw driver. She slowly tighten the screw as Troy looked on. The pain was less than he had expected and from his mouth, a small chuckle escaped. Gabriella looked up to Troy with concerns in her eyes. She questioned whether is it not too late to back out which Troy shook his head and turn the question to her, whether will an Amazon back out from a fight, which earn a quick, fierce and offended reply from Gabriella who sprang up upon answering. He smiled and at that moment Gabriella understood. She muttered under her breath that man are idiots while screwing the screw. After she was done, Troy stood up and patted Gabriella’s head who was packing her stuff and stated that that’s what makes women important in their life. He then walked to his closet and have a change of clothes. He came out and buckled his boots when Gabriella came to him with his overcoat. He thanks her for it and wore it. As he was folding the excessive sleeve up, Gabriella who was standing behind him, patted the dust off. Troy then took his leave when Gabriella grabbed his arm, he turned around to see her watching the floor. She gently and shyly muttered to Troy while still looking down, for him to go easy on Conrad. He turned around and gently lifted Gabriella head with his finger and told her, he had her to stop him if he went overboard. He smiled and open the door to leave. Gabriella stood there mesmerized by Troy when she slapped herself back to reality, she looked ahead to see Troy’s portal still open for her. She smiled and went into the portal, ready for the intervention that is to come.

*12 days ago, 2 days before the duel is made*

The meeting ended with no solution to counter the deadline. Troy sat under the oak tree on the Elder Hill that overlook the Capital. He combed his hair back and lean onto the oak tree when Gabriella approach him from behind. She slowly slid on the tree and sat at the 9 0’clock of the tree while Troy is sitting at the 12 o’clock of the tree. There was silent in the air before Gabriella softly questioned Troy whether that plan he proposed is feasible, did he not consider the consequences of that plan. Troy continue to stare into the air before he sighed at that comment. He proceed to tell Gabriella the one only evidence collected points to that direction. He further commented that this is not the time to grow soft, they had a job to do. Gabriella stood up and marched till she stood in front of Troy. With anger in her eyes, she reprimanded Troy. The thought of him getting hurt doesn’t sit well with her, what more exposing everything he worked hard to hide. Troy sat there in silent before he muttered softly that there isn’t much choice left. The extraction is going to happen in 5 days and all they know was there were 15 people involved, 1 killed another 14 to go. They have to do it. Silence filled the air. Sensing this is the end of the conversation, Troy stood up with the support of his walking stick. He turned to walk when Gabriella spoke. She questioned what about Conrad. He may deserved the outcome but his children doesn’t, what more Conrad’s dad had already compensated with his own life. The Wellers don’t deserved this. She walked slowly towards Troy to face his back. She lifted her hand and slowly slide it from his shoulder to his hand that is now gripping the walking stick tightly. She softly mutter that for everything she had learnt while in man’s world is to learn to forgive and move on. Troy without turning caught Gabriella’s hand that is touching his other hand and removed it as he spoke that this is how he move on. Gabriella stood there as her heart broke slowly. Her hand came together and held them tightly. Troy moved into a black portal and stopped, he stated that the plan will go on, now is to make Conrad take the bait. He then disappear with it.

*10 days ago, the day the duel is made*

A dark portal appeared and out stepped Troy in the dark dungeon where the entire Imperial Shadow has assembled. He looked to them before telling them that he just returned from the meeting with Captain Commander and Conrad and the trap has been sprung. Conrad had taken the bait. He turned away and as he looked unto the ceiling he questioned whether everyone knew their role which earn a nod from everyone. He then turned to face them with fury in his eyes, he warn them there was to be no mistake and that they have to capture all 14 of them, dead or alive.

*3 days before the duel*

Giselle walked up to Conrad who is standing before his window with a glass of wine in hand. She slowly hugged Conrad from behind which led to a smile on Conrad’s face and his hand slowly touched her hand. Giselle questioned whether do Conrad really needs to do that. Conrad smile became a grim line and muttered he has to, to let Troy know that this is going overboard. Giselle turned to face Conrad and stated that this is not necessary, they can always ask help from Marcus which earn a rebuked from Conrad. He states that this is one battle that Marcus will not be involved for it is cruel to ask the old man to take sides. Giselle stared onto the floor before she softly whispered that this is all her fault which a gentle rebuked from Conrad who states that they are past that and the present is more important. He looked into Giselle eyes as though it is his entire world and lean in to kiss her. The kiss lasted for a good minute before they parted. He went to his study table and read through some information. Giselle stood there still and left the room.

Chapter 45 – the death duel

*the day of the duel*

The stadium slowly was packed with people. This is the biggest event of the year for the public, the one entertainment after a disastrous year. For the Gotei 13, it is just another day or another even that mirror the challenge of the seat of captaincy for Division 11. As the crowds slowly make their way to the seats, in the VIP section, captains each took their seats as their lieutenant stood behind them. The Grand Dukes arrived not much later and took their seat in front of the Captains along with the Captain-commander. As they chit-chat among themselves, the trumpets were blown, signifying that the Empress had arrived. The Empress dressed in a sky blue night gown slowly walked by the bowing captains and Grand Dukes. She rounded the throne seat before sitting on it. On the corner of her eyes, she focused on Grand Duke Xavier before she shifted them to the battlefield. She lifted her hands and the trumpets were blown again to signify the start of the event.

The trumpets’ sound echoes throughout the stadium and it reaches to the waiting room below the stadium. Conrad and Troy in two different room, stood up and fasten their individual armor, Conrad’s right hand then reached out to his zanpakuto while Troy held his walking stick and at the same moment both walked out of the room into the field.

As Conrad walked out to the Field of Mars, the crowd cheered loudly until he stood in the middle of the field. He waved at them and turned to his wife and smiled at her. Suddenly, the atmosphere turned cold and gloomy, the crowd’s cheers died down and every turn to see Troy limping out to the field. They met eye to eye and stared till the crowd’s jeering shouts broke them. Captain Commander Kyoraku stood at the podium at the VIP stand and met the proper addresses. He informed the people in the stadium of the rules and obligations that comes after this duel. He turned to get an affirmative nod from the Grand Dukes and the Empress herself. He turned to both the combatants and announce the start of the battle with a second sound from the trumpet.

Troy and Conrad stood there eyeing each other with neither moving. Conrad sighed and pulled out his zanpakuto. He then mentioned to Troy that he will regret this for he is not in the same shape as he was. Troy gave a sly smile and affirm it but he state that Conrad will be the one on his knee at the end of the match. He then turned to face Giselle who is in the stand and mentioned to Conrad with a side glance that he will take that whore back and serve him as a sex slave. Conrad smiled as he heard that and replied that it is pointless in provoking him, he is way better than to fall for it. Immediately, he unleash Bakudo #62, Hyapporankan on to Troy. Troy smiled and replied with Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku which came out of nowhere from the left and intersect Conrad’s kido, destroying both in the same time, creating numerous dust. Troy turn around to see a blue a gigantic beam of electrical and spiritual energy beam shot through the dust towards him. He closed his eyes and mention Bakudō #81. Dankū where a large rectangular transparent screen appear and blocked the spell. This created s second wave of dust storm Troy tiled his body slight to his right and seconds later, a sword stab through where the body once was. Conrad immediately followed that with a series of slashes which were totally dodge by Troy. Troy raised his right hand and blocked the following slash. Conrad immediately withdraw sensing it was a futile effort. Troy laughed a little belittling Conrad for all the futile series of tricks. He smiled at Conrad and state that he had to do way better than that.

After a series of zanpakuto attack on Troy. Conrad failed to make Troy moved a step and neither could he stab an unarmed Troy. Troy smirked and commented that Conrad’s sword skills had not improved even a bit. Conrad smiled and immediately shunpo in front of Troy and release his zanpakuto. An explosion suddenly happened and another at the wall of the field. The smoke cleared to see Conrad is standing at the same spot while Troy was blown to a wall and destroyed the wall. Troy struggled to stand up and immediately, Conrad went in with a stab. Troy blocked the stab with his haki and Conrad retreated to a safe distance. Immediately several ethereal blades starts falling on Troy. Troy used his arms fued with haki to block but was slashed through. Realizing that haki couldn’t stop those ethereal blade, he hover his hands around the ground and immediately small pebbles and leaves starts floating in the air to form a circular shield around Troy. The audience were stunt to see such skill. Captain Toshiro questioned such a trick when Captain Unohana explained the origin and the method of the trick to Toshiro. The trick is known as telekinesis, a skill from the now extinct clans of the Jedi and Sith. The skill involved surrounding an object with your own reiatsu and control the movement of the object. The larger the sphere of spiritual energy of the user, the further it can move to. She looked to Troy and stated that with Troy’s spiritual energy, it could go very far. Captain Unohana then thought to herself where did Troy learnt it and what else does he had in store.

Conrad continue the assault with the ethereal blade but were instead blocked by the shield. Conrad immediately release Hadō #54. Haien. Troy counter with Bakudō #81. Dankū. From the dust screen, several pebbles and leaves flew straight through and to Conrad. Conrad with his released zanpakuto deflected most of them while several managed to cut him. Troy turned the pebbles and leaves around and continue the assault. It is now coming from every directions instead of only one. Conrad summon Bakudō #81. Dankū to his left and an advance reshaped Hadō #58. Tenran that blowed away the other attacks which covered a cone shape. The danku managed to separate the spiritual energy of Troy and object that came shooting through which causes the projectiles to fall harmlessly on the floor. Conrad turned to Troy to see a huge boulder came flying towards him. He sliced the boulder into half and was met by a Hadō #4. Byakurai that shot through his left shoulder. Conrad held the shot area to see blood flowing out. Troy smiled and stated that he should be careful. He immediately rise another wave of projectiles made out of stones and leaves and send them at Conrad. Conrad summoned Hadō #58. Tenran and cleared the projectiles but was hit by another Hadō #4. Byakurai on his right shoulder that came almost immediately after the projectile. Conrad countered with several ethereal blades again but they were intersect by the telekinesis shield of projectiles. Troy gloated at Conrad for the futile effort. He then states to Conrad that he is very familiar with Conrad’s shikai and that is the most it could do. He then revealed that Conrad will lose after 4 more rounds. He then summoned another wave of projectile to Conrad.

Conrad knew what Troy’s talking about and he agreed. His shikai strategy is meant to complement with a barrage of kido to overwhelm the adversary from all angle and forced them to submit. His shikai true ability is to provide additional spiritual energy to him. The more dire the situation the more spiritual energy it supplies. However, there is a limit to how much it can supplies. The maximum it had ever supplied is 10 Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō level. Now he is at his 6’s. There is no potential way of beating Troy at this stage. He gambled his one last trick and summon Hadō #58. Tenran again followed by Hadō #54. Haien and an unprecedented third kido, Hadō #63. Raikōhō.

Troy seeing both the kido, he summoned Danku at two spots, one above and in front. He was about to summoned the telekinesis shield of projectile when a step ahead several ethereal blades starts shooting down from a diagonal angle of Troy. Troy was slashed by two before the shield was up and when the shield was up, Troy was stunted to sense Conrad directly behind him inside the barrier. He was about to turned his head when Conrad immediately summon Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō.

The crowd stood up excited that Conrad managed to pull off a one-hit KO trick at Troy. The area the battle happened was surrounded by dust storm after that powerful kido. Conrad appeared in a clear area and looked back. He knew that after this trick, he had only 2 supply of Hado #88 level of spiritual energy left. He knew that this trick will cause massive damage to Troy and maybe Troy will finally surrender. He looked up to his wife and saw her covering her mouth with her hands and was shedding some tears. Conrad smiled tiringly when he heard Troy’s voice who told him not to be cocky. Conrad turned to see the dust settled but a different person standing in front of him. Troy started limping out of the dust and stood a few feet in front of the dust. Conrad’s eyes widen and so did everyone else when they saw the parts of Troy’s clothing blown off by the last kido to reveal underneath mechanical parts.

Chapter 46 – the mad son

Troy looked around, wondering why the sudden silence when he looked down at himself to see his upper body exposed totally. The last kido destroyed his shirt and if it wasn’t the combine of haki and a half-created Danku, he would have been the one on his knee. Troy closed his eyes and muttered that the gigs is up and he cannot hide it anymore. He slowly reached down to his pants and tore off the right side of it to expose the mechanical right leg. The crowd were totally stunt, so were the entire Gotei 13. Grand Duke Marcus sat there in silent while his eyes widen at the revelation of his son’s situation. The empress looked to Marcus and expected the expression he had shown. Giselle couldn’t hold back and tears starts flowing down.

Conrad could only stood there and stare at the revelation. Troy with his head down muttered, this is him and there is nowhere to hide now. He then inform Conrad the origin of these mechanical parts. As he continued the story, the angrier he got. He clenched both his hands tightly and rise his head to stare at Conrad. He blamed the accident on Conrad and Giselle who left him to die at the Commonwealth. He suffered a total loss of his right arm and leg as it was squash by the car. His face where the metal plate is in is nothing but flesh as the burn spread on his face. Troy turned around the stadium and stopped at Giselle, he looked at her and with pain in his eyes, and he then mentioned that their betrayal was more painful than this. Finally tears rolled down Troy’s face. He looked up to the sky and mumbled how he wished he had just died there than to survive and see the doctors amputated his entire right arm and leg.

The whole stadium was silent till suddenly Troy laughed crazily. Everyone turned to see Troy laughing and staring at Conrad with bewildered eyes that shows sign of madness. He lean forward placing great strength on his right leg and stated that it is all going according to plan. He purposefully lure Conrad to propose this duel so that he can finally exert revenge on him. He intended to first amputate all four of his limbs then slowly sliced his head off. As Troy said those, he slowly walked forward till he was a few feet away from Conrad. He then muttered that after all that, he will make Giselle pay for all she had done to him by making her his personal sex slave. Troy laughed and limped back slowly on his left leg and continued that he will chopped off all the limbs of Conrad’s children and sell them to slavery. He then laugh hysterically while Conrad remind stunt of all the things he heard. Suddenly Troy stopped laughing and stare straight at Conrad and mention, it is his turn now. Troy spoke the command and his right leg automatically straighten itself and Troy is now back to its normal stance. Troy stretch his legs and back when he summon a ninjutsu – Ji no sutairu, Idō-tai kakusareta sutorēji (Earth-Style, Mobile Hidden Storage). Immediately, the ground around Troy shook vibrantly and immediately outburst several wooden rectangular shaped containers the height of a 6ft man around him. His right hand stretch out and one of the containers shook vigorously and opened, a long katana flew straight into his hand. Troy then looked at Conrad with a mess up look and state that it is show time.

In the other part of the city, several small explosion burst forth. A man and woman dressed in shinigami uniform ran as fast as they could, zig-zagging through the alley. They turned behind and pulled an invisible bow, at that moment spiritual energy are gathered at the hand pulling and formed an arrow. They released it and an explosion happened. They turned and was about to run when the man was stabbed through the heart and fell to the ground. The woman turned to see that the man’s heart is in Anubarak’s hand. He licked the blood off the heart and immediately impaled the woman too. She fell to the ground as Riki appeared. Riki reprimanded Anubarak and told him that they needed them alive. Anubarak nickered and mentioned that there are 12 more. Riki was about say something when another explosion appeared from another side. Riki sighed and mentioned to himself that this will attract the shinigami attention soon before he speed off behind Anubarak.

Gabriella held a “shinigami” by his neck when she heard a voice behind her to drop the man. She turned to see a woman with a spiritual energy arrow pointing at her. Gabriella sighed when she threw the man at her and quickly ran to the woman side as she was hit by the man. She took out 4 needles and prick their nerve system, immobilizing them. She then took out a knife and cut some of their nerve and looked up to sense something is wrong at the stadium. She turned to Lanaya who arrived with 3 “shinigami” and motioned for her to take over. Lanaya nodded and Gabriella immediately sprint to the stadium.

Conrad is mortified at the revelation when Troy drew his attention by stating Conrad do not have time to be distracted as this will end in less than 10 minutes. As he was about to finished his statement, he appeared behind Conrad which shocked Conrad and the crowd. Troy smiled and slowly walked forward drawing a distance when 8 slashes came across Conrad. Conrad coughed out blood and fell to his knee. He was puzzled and confused at when did the slashes appeared. Troy walked around Conrad and squart in front of Conrad. He then muttered the skill of those 8 slashes, Orochi-beheading. Conrad’s eye widen and was unable to speak as one of the slashes came across just below his vocal box. Struggling, he raise both his hands that were cut and summon Kyōmon which immediately separate Troy and Conrad with a thin wall and at the same time summon Bakudō #73. Tozanshō on himself. An inverted pyramid, which solidifies into a barrier formed around Conrad. Conrad quickly applied healing kido on himself. Troy slashes apart the first barrier, he walked up towards the second one and touches it. He closed his eyes and for a moment, he smiled and state this is not going to stop him. He raise his zanpakuto up and it turns black and immediately slashes the barrier to half to reveal a golden rope twirling out and bind Troy. Immediately, six rode of light came out of it and eight black holes with purple outlines which emit spiritual energy in the space surrounded Troy, with the ninth black hole manifesting itself in the center of the Troy's chest. It’s a combination of three high power binding kido, Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku, Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō and Bakudō #79. Kuyō Shibari. Troy wiggle around the binding kidos. He looked straight to see Conrad trying to stand. Leaning on his zanpakuto, he muttered bankai and immediately his swords glowed to reveal a big broadsword. He then summoned Seinaru hoshi (Holy star) when his sword changes to reveal a glowing double edge sword. Conrad then glowed along the sword and his wounds are visibly closing up. Conrad then stood straight up as though he was never wounded before and stared at Troy. Troy immediately broke into a hysterical laugh. Conrad then told Troy no matter how powerful he has gotten, he would not be able to break free three high power spells. He then commented that Troy is too dangerous to be left alive, he changed his sword to Jūryoku koa (Gravity Core) and it became a heavy stone broad sword. Conrad shunpo into the air and came down at Troy with all his might and crush Troy on the skull and cut through him, the other kido spells and crush the ground Troy is standing on creating a huge sand storm. Conrad stood before the split body of Troy and his sword reverted back to the original broadsword form. The crowd was silent when another hysterical laugh occurred on one of the wall. Conrad turned to the direction of the laughter to see Troy leaning on it and laughing. Everyone was shocked to see him when his dead body is on the ground. Troy then slowly walked towards Conrad and states that he is surprise to see how dull Conrad has become. Conrad looked at the body to see it slowly dissipate to nothing. He turned to come face to face with Troy who shunpo to a breath distance away from Conrad and muttered that was just a clone. Conrad immediately shunpo back and summon Silfarion where the sword transform to a lean blue gentlemen sword. Troy smiled sinisterly and immediately shunpo away and Conrad did the same. Immediately several sword clashes were heard but nothing could be seen.

Chapter 47 – Sacrifar, the demonic form

As the swords clashes, the crowds were deeply anticipating who will be the first to drop out. Unknowingly, Captain Unohana, Kyoraku and Ukitake anticipated the potential outcome. They were surprised to see Troy’s usage of the legendary ultimate swordmanship style, WuJi Style created by the Northern Heretic. It is a style of sword that themed itself from the theories of dimension. They looked at each other and nodded on the agreement that the outcome has been decided. Conrad could feel himself a second behind Troy. It is now down to his wits against Troy’s raw strength and speed. It is a second of battle and Conrad’s wits is the last thing between Troy’s slashes and him keeping up. He couldn’t believe that the raw speed of a methusaleh could keep up with his Silfarion but Troy is not only keeping up but also a second ahead. Besides Ichigo’s bankai, nothing else could keep up with him. He has to end this as his spiritual energy is draining at a record speed and now is the time. After the latest slash, he immediately stop and summon Shijū no Saimon. However, Troy was next to him which surprised Conrad. Troy smiled and immediately slashes across him to find it is a clone. He turned to see five small opening and five clones of Conrad at the entrance, firing a combine of Hadō #58. Tenran, Hadō #4. Byakurai, Bakudō #30. Shitotsu Sansen, Bakudō #30. Shitotsu Sansen and Hadō #63. Raikōhō from the top. An explosion incurred in the huge cage barrier that rattled the cage barrier for a moment. Conrad appeared at a distance, panting. He knew that this tricked will not completely eliminate Troy but it will slow him down for a while. He turned to see the cage barrier slashed into half and broke. Troy walked out without a single scratch. He dissipate and appeared behind Conrad as a huge slash came across the front of Conrad. Conrad kneed down holding that long gash. Conrad was slashed from the bottom left to the top right, Conrad fell on to his back. Blood were flowing out and created a puddle around him. Troy tilted his head and touched the blood and licks it. He then bath his zanpakuto with Conrad’s blood before standing above Conrad and told him this is the end.

Conrad couldn’t let it end like this. He knew that by ending this way, Giselle and the kids will be in danger. He sees Troy raised his zanpakuto above him like the sword of Damocles with both his hand grabbing it. At a distance, he could hear Giselle screaming and was held back by guards. Conrad tighten his bankai and thought to himself that he had to use the forbidden form before it is too late. He then muttered the 9^th form of his bankai, Sacrifar.

Troy immediately trust his zanpakuto down at Conrad’s neck to see it unable to penetrate. He tries again and again to see the same results. At that moment, he noticed that Conrad’s pool of blood slowly move and surround Conrad, covering him. Troy shunpo-ed to a safe distance to see a transformation taking place. Conrad’s body slowly rose up, literally covered entirely by his blood. The cocoon of blood harden to form a mummified case. Then cracks could be heard and Conrad could out of it. He looks different, veins budged out throughout his body and his complexion redden till it is maroon red. In his right hand hled a demonic looking black red sabre. Conrad opened his eyes to reveal full bloody red in colour without any pupil in it. He muttered the word, carnage and immediately, claws start to form on his hands and his tiger tooth became longer. Veins at the side of his eyes budged and he snarled loudly at Troy. The transformation is complete, Conrad is now beast, demon, man and carnage. He bend down on all four and immediately appeared in front of Troy and clawed Troy.

Sacrifar, the most dangerous and deadly form of the Ten Commandment. It is formed on basis of inner rage and bloodlust of man. It provides the user the power of carnage, a sudden surge of strength and speed that transcend methuselah and beast by sacrificing the most important attribute of the user for pure primal rage. The more prominent the attribute is the more pure and powerful carnage will become. In Conrad’s case, the exchange of intelligence for pure primal attributes.

Troy blocked as many strikes as he possible can. The continual rain of blow and clawed pinned Troy down that he was only capable of defending. Troy was thinking of a counter when that split second of a distraction caused him to be mauled by Conrad on his right arm. Thankfully, his right arm is made of admantium that is the second strongest alloy after vibranium. It suffered a 2mm deep scratch instead of a total loss of arm. Not only has Conrad gained raw primal strength but he too gained primal instinct that transcend even methuselah. He shunpo-ed away only to come face to face with Conrad. Conrad stabbed through Troy on the chest to see that it slowly dissipate. Immediately, Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku and Hadō #63. Raikōhō were summoned. Conrad was bound by 6 rod of light and above him came down a huge light that destroyed the ground he was standing on together with him. After the counter, Conrad stood there badly bruised by the duo spells. However, blood slowly flowed out of his pores to covered him again in a cocoon of harden blood. Conrad later emerge out of the cocoon fully recovered but more pissed than ever. For the first time, Troy’s face came to a grim line and he summoned a ninjutsu skill, Ji no sutairu, Idō-tai kakusareta sutorēji (Earth-Style, Mobile Hidden Storage). The ground shook vibrantly and out came several coffin height boxes surrounding Conrad.

Chapter 48 – the legendary skill, Omnislash.

Sensing something is wrong, Conrad instinctly immediately leaped to Troy but was blown back by Hadō #58. Tenran. When he fall back, three clones of Troy appeared and held onto Conrad, locking him to the spot however, it proved to be futile when Conrad outmuscled the three clones and smashed them together. Three spells appeared and bind Conrad to its spot, Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku, Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō and Bakudō #79. Kuyō Shibari. Conrad managed to destroy one with his raw strength but was bound by the other two. Troy walked to one of the boxes and deliberately stated to Conrad slowly like he is a retard hat he shall now try his most priced skill that he had trained since they parted. He continued to state that Conrad should be honored to be killed by it. He uttered the command word, “release” and immediately all the boxes fell to the ground and thousands and thousands of swords, blade and sabre floated in the air. He waved his hand around like a conductor and the thousands of swords, blade and sabre rearrange themselves into a dome covering both him and Conrad.

In the stand, Lieutenant Shuhei and Tetsuzaemon Iba stood up in shocked. Iba immediately accused Troy of forgery and the lack of honor as the attack was an exact replicate of Captain Kuchiki’s bankai form, Senkei. Captain Kyoraku snicker and Ukitake smiled at the remark each earn a puzzled look by Iba. Captain Unohana turned to the Lieutenants and informed them that that trick now seen before them is the legendary long lost, collaborated between the Southern Unorthodox and the Northern Heretic’s WuJi Style, ultimate sword skills, the Omnislash, the Divine Punishment of Saint Gabriel. Captain Sihouin interject and stated it was Captain Kuchiki that copied it and she further explained that the skill combine the speed of Shunpo and the dimensional-theme sword skill of the WuJi Style to produce a near invincible and godlike accuracy barrage of slashes that turns the target to mere dust in a second. Captain-commander Kyoraku corrected Sihouin that it could be a minute, depends on the amount of blades in the dome. He then observed the dome and stated that judging on the size of the dome, it will be a minute or two. Captain Ukitake then wonder out loud the reemergence of the skill after thousands of years since the last users, The Southern Unorthodox and Northern Heretic demonstrated it at the last Quincy-Shinigami War.

They then turned to see lines of light forming inside the dome, before the previous one fades another is formed. Captain Kyoraku then informed the audience that the annihilation has started.

The attack was swift and furious. All the audience could see were flashes of light reflected from the blades that swap from one end to another. It was a super high speed attack, Troy grabbing one sword and slash across dropping the blade the end and grabbing another to continue the attack. Each slash 3 -5 cm deep. Knowing the rarity of him using this attack, in a veteran hand, it would always remain 3.5cm deep cut. However, Troy not having mastered it causes the depth of the slash to vary and there is where it separate a master and a person who is mastering it. Sensing it is coming to an end, Troy grabbed two swords and went in to do a 10cm deep X-cut on its chest, in the process, destroying the two binding kido. He shunpo-ed out of the dome and with a finger he pointed to the sky and pulled it down to point at Conrad. At that moment, all the blades, swords and sabers turn to face Conrad and shoot at Conrad at lightning speed. Clashes of blades could be heard and at the end, they are everywhere, across the field like a graveyard of blades. Conrad stood there motionless and as he took a step slowly towards Troy with his claws reaching out, the crowd at that moment held their breath. It was three steps before Conrad’s entire outer body turned into dust. The blood was a second delayed from splashing on the ground as it was so sudden that it looks like it is floating in the air. There was total silent in the air when suddenly Giselle’s scream could be heard across the stadium. All eyes were widen in the VIP section at the destructive power of the legendary skill. Captain-commander Kyoraku closed his eyes and stated that that is the power of the skill and slummed back on the chair and muttered it is done.

Troy looked down at the blood and smirked. He turned and was about to leave when he noticed something is wrong. He looked at the blood to see them forming together again. It slowly lumped together to form a body standing and before long skin starts to form and fingers and hair. Troy’s eye widen to realize the true power of Sacrifar when it was too late as upon completion, Conrad leaped towards Troy and immediately impaled him through his body with his claw.

The crowd in the stadium were stunt to see the sudden change of event. Troy held on to Conrad’s hand when Conrad regaining his senses stated to Troy that he had mastered Sacrifar while Troy was away. He is now able to use the true form of Sacrifar that is to the ability to control blood. As long his blood still exist and he is under the influence of Sacrifar, he can never die. He forcefully pulled out his claw as Troy tumbled backward. He then state to Troy that after each death and transformation, he regains back a portion of his intelligence as now he has at least 20% of it back. Troy tumbled and fell to the ground, stunted. Conrad slowly stepped towards Troy and told him that this is the real one no illusion as he could feel his blood and spiritual energy within. He raise his blade and cut off Troy’s head. The head fell and rolled till it hit one of the blades. Conrad then looked up into the sky and muttered it is finish before he shouted it again.

Chapter 49 – Asauchi

There was not a single noise after the resurrection of Conrad. Conrad revert out of his bankai and slowly walked away as guilt eats within him. He looked up to see Marcus slumping on his chair, paralyzed upon seeing his son’s death. Conrad turned and shouted to the Empress to declare him the winner when the Empress just shook her head. Conrad was puzzled and grab Troy’s head up high to show that it is done. The Empress stood up and went to the end of the balcony and stated to Conrad that it is not done. She then state that Troy is not dead yet. Everyone was stunt to hear that when a voice came from one of the wall to affirm what the empress stated was correct. The voice revealed itself to be Troy who is leaning on one of the wall. Conrad was stunt and turned to see the head in his hand slowly dissipate and the body on the middle of the field dissipate too. Conrad questioned the possibility of the outcome. Troy slowly stood straight and stated to Conrad that thanks to him losing his intelligence and gaining back only 20% of it, he could not see the old switcheroo that happened during the Omnislash attack. Troy continued that if Conrad were to regain back at least another 15% of his intelligence, he would be able to sense it and figured it out. He held up the zanpakuto he is holding and questioned is it the same as before. Immediately, Conrad was able to connect the dots. His eyes widen at that revelation as he involuntary muttered to himself that he has release his shikai. However it was loud enough for Troy to hear that earned a nod from Troy. He reverted his shikai back to his sealed form. He then revealed that it is impossible to defeat Conrad if he ever goes into Sacrifar form unless he unleash his shikai which is now more than sufficient to defeat him. Troy then lifted his zanpakuto and stated the release command and the name of his zanpakuto, Asauchi. The cane dissolves and 5 transparent with blue outline katana appear around him. He grabbed one of the katana and the other four disappeared. He then state the name of the katana, Muramasa and it solidify its form to become a different katana. He followed up by stating the release command of the zanpakuto for it to totally vanish forming a glove on Troy’s right hand. Upon hearing the name of the zanpakuto, Conrad immediately tries to summon his bankai but it was too late as his zanpakuto slowly dissipates from his hand to form in Troy’s. Troy swung the captured zanpakuto around to state that it is slightly too heavy for him. He then state the release command for Conrad’s zanpakuto and an explosion occurred that pushed Conrad back and slammed on to the wall. Troy smiled and state it out loud that Conrad is the one now finished.

Captain Kyoraku turned to see his compatriots and fellow captains. All eyes were glued to the emergence of the long destroyed zanpakuto, Muramasa. Captain Soifon turned to Captain Sihouin who only blinked her eyes while Captain Ukitake questioned the possibility of its emergence in Troy’s hands. Only Captain Unohana remained calm and silent as she knew of Troy’s zanpakuto ability but she had always wonder what are the five zanpakuto sealed in his. Now she knew one of it, she wondered what the other four are. Lieutenant Momo turned to question the issue at hand when Captain Kensei turned to inform her that the zanpakuto Troy release was a long destroyed zanpakuto that caused the Gotei 13 second civil war. Lieutenant Momo and the surrounding Lieutenants’ eyes widen as its revelation shocked them before their attention was caught by the explosion that happened in the field.

Conrad slumped to wall sitting on top of his pool of blood. His eyes widen in fear and confusion. He couldn’t believe that his zanpakuto has just been taken away and now used against him. He remembered the name of Muramasa, the legendary sword that slayed thousands of shinigami just by a whisper that caused discord between the owner and its zanpakuto. Now before his eyes, his own zanpakuto has betrayed him. His eyes focused on Imashime which is now wield in Troy’s hand. He could sense the confusion and the anger of Imashime towards him. He could hear the cry of Imashime towards him to help him but Conrad now paralyzed by his own emotion could only watch. Hearing Troy’s snickering brought Conrad’s attention to him. Troy slashed across Conrad to hear Conrad scream in pain. Troy lifted the defeated Conrad’s head up and questioned him the feeling of being betrayed and attack by his own right hand. Troy lifted Imashime up and turned it around before stabbing it deep into Conrad’s stomach. He followed by leaning close to Conrad’s ear and muttered to him to enjoy it and taste the same pain and confusion he felt many years ago. Blood flow from Conrad’s mouth and dripped at the zanpakuto. Troy pulled the sword out and stated that Muramasa ability is to sow discord between the owner and its zanpakuto and gained the zanpakuto as its own. However there is a limitation that is it can only do that when the zanpakuto has not been released yet and it could only use the last ability the zanpakuto used prior. Conrad’s eyes were sign of defeat as Troy used Sacrifar. Troy’s body starts to transform with primal fangs and claws. His eyes instead of red was pure black and his body was covered by a thin veil of misty shadow. Troy went down on all four as a shadowy tail appeared with the zanpakuto as its sting. Upon completion, Troy unleash a roar that shook the entire stadium and could be heard miles away.

Gabriella was running towards the stadium when she heard the roar. She then followed was able to sense a dark evil spiritual energy that tasted like death. Immediately she knew that Troy has gone across the line. She pledged to Hermes for Godspeed, as a strong wind came from behind Gabriella and engulfed her. Gabriella could sense her body became lighter and she was now running faster than before. She hasten her steps while praying that she won’t be too late.

Chapter 50 – Taming of the beast

Hearing the roar, Conrad could only watch as Troy’s transformation is completed. Helpless was all Conrad could feel at that moment. He looked at his hands and wonder whether he can still summon another spell, as he tries to lift his hands he couldn’t as though there was no strength left in it. He looked at the final transformation of Troy, both their eyes met and he could see the satisfaction in Troy. He closed his eyes as Troy leaped forward towards him with his claws out. He prayed a prayer, seeking forgiveness and protection for his family after he’s gone. At that moment, he heard a large clucked of sound. He opened his eyes to see a clocked figure in front of him with a shield separating Troy and him. The clocked figure pushed Troy away with the shield to send Troy flying and smashing at the wall of the opposite direction. The person turned to Conrad and examine his wound before pulling out a small poach bag. The person untied the poach bag to revealed a long line of needles. The person took several out and prickled in into several point of Conrad’s body. He then heard a lady voice underneath telling him not to move. Just as she said that she quickly turned with the shield up and block another attack from Troy. She parry away the attack with the shield and punched Troy real hard at the head to send him flying to another wall. The clocked person quickly turned to Conrad and took out a small ball of medicine and stuffed it down Conrad’s throat. She then muttered to Conrad not to move. She then removed the cloak to reveal a blonde haired woman of late twenties dressed in a breastplate with a symbol of an eagle on it and a small golden halo like hear gear that fasten on her head. She has two blades by her side, two spear cross her back with a small shield covering her back, a golden rope hanging around her buttocks and she is wearing an iron-clad bikini-like pants. She quickly placed the cloak over Conrad before turning to face Troy who just came out of the rumbles.

The crowd were stunt to see a new player in the field. Captain Ukitake was about to dismissed the match when the empress raised her hands to stop him. Captain Kyoraku pulled Ukitake back to his seat before he protested. The Gotei 13 observe the new player and wonder of her existent when Captain Sihouin explained that the lady down there is an Amazon warrior as distinct by the attire, she provide further explanation for knowing as she came across a few while she was exiled from the Empire. Some wonder why is an Amazon so far away from her home and whether an Amazon is actually real. Captain Unohana stood up and moved to balcony when Captain Toshiro questioned her where is she going which she replied to tend to the wounded since now it is no longer a duel but a taming process. She then shunpo-ed down to the field along with her lieutenant at her heel.

Gabriella block attacks after attacks. In her mind, she wished she doesn’t need to guard the troublesome Conrad. Without him, she would have had Troy on his knees. She raised her shield higher to block the incoming sting before she dodged a side strike. She stood perfectly ready to engage Troy again when Captain Unohana arrived followed by her lieutenant next to Conrad. Gabriella while still looking ahead at Troy moaned on the lateness of Unohana. Captain Unohana lifted the cover to see Conrad’s shivering and covered by multiple needles. Immediately she recognized the work of the alternate medical therapy of the Northern Heretic. She slowly stood up and mentioned to Gabriella to release the needles so that she can treat him. Gabriella looked at Captain Unohana for a moment before she threw the shield to her and went to systematically remove the needles. Captain Unohana held the shield and dropped it immediately to counter troy with her zanpakuto. She parry away effortlessly of Troy’s claws and sting before she did a triple slash across Troy’s limbs. Troy recoiled back and Unohana stood guard to see the wound slowly recovered. She sighed in her mind to see the mindless and unintellectual attacks of Troy that resemble a beast. The strength and speed did compensate the lack of strategy and it is sufficient to trouble an experience swordsman like Unohana. She stood guard when Garbiella mentioned to Unohana that she is done. Unohana went to Conrad and carried him and was about to leave when she mentioned to Garbiella that she is leaving Troy in her hands. Gabriella nodded and Unohana and her lieutenant shunpo out.

Gabriella dropped her shield to the ground and withdraw her two spears. She eyed Troy for a moment or two as she fought back the urge to tear. Though in her heart, she shouldn’t help but feel the frustration and desperation of Troy and it aches her to see Troy from an intelligent and brilliant warrior becomes a mindless beast just to defeat Conrad. She is determine not to embarrass her Amazonian fierce no-nonsense crying heritage. She knitted her brows together, determine to revert Troy back even if it means hurting or bashing him till he wakes up.

Troy leap towards Gabriella and attacked her. Gabriella used her spear and kept him at bay while inflicting damage to him. Troy however managed to grabbed one of the spear and snap it into two as Gabriella seizing that moment, pierced him. Troy howled in pain and pulled out the spear, broke it too. He then pounded on Gabriella as she had her blades out, side-steps the leap and slashes Troy on his side. Instead of stopping there, she step up her attacks by unleashing several barrage of slashes at higher speed to paralyzed and stunt Troy. However, each slashes only met with more recovering from the previous. Gabriella stabbed Troy with two of her blades and wrestle him to submission before she took her golden rope and tied all four limbs of Troy together. As she was tying Troy, his tail sting came down and slashes Gabriella which earned a garnishing teeth from her. Her eyes turned red as her blood rushed to her head. At that midst, the infamous Amazonian curse overtook her and her leaving her self-control and rational thought behind punched Troy at his face and let off a continual barrage of punches till the ground where his head is cave in. As she was about to lift her fist, she saw the bruises on his face and the slight flattening of his face. Her heart sank on the thought that she had used too much of her strength. She quickly controlled her mind and her Redding of the eye slowly subside. However, at that split second, Troy head-butt Gabriella on her breastplate causing her to recoiled back on the impact. As she only managed to tie his hands, he limped up and ran towards the VIP stand smelling Conrad’s scent from there. The captains stood guard in front of the Empress as they seen his quick movement making towards the stand. As he was about to reach the stand, Gabriella from the sky stomp onto Troy’s head and he smashed onto the ground creating a huge cave in. She grabbed him and swing him towards the other end and he smashed into the wall. Troy slowly emerge from the rumble when Gabriella arrived and unleashed another barrage of punches. This time she did not hold back any, she continues to punch him as she grind her teeth together and fought back the tears. When she couldn’t, she shouted at Troy to wake up as she punched him in the face and body. Combining with her gifted godlike strength and Amazonian heritage of combat experience and technics, any normal human being would have died from the first punch and a methuselah would have suffered permanent rupture inner organs and permanent disfigurement. However, Sacrifar managed to cover wound after wound, making him extreme durable. Gabriella is now banging on breaking his mental control of Sacrifar to win. It was a solid few minutes when she finally managed to break Sacrifar control over Troy. He slumped onto the ground as Imashime and Muramasa slowly revert back to his pre-release stage on the reverting of his shikai back too. Gabriella fell onto her knees as her first tear fell too. She brushed off a debris from Troy’s cheek as she was slowly consumed by her emotion of guilt. Her heart ached as her hand makes contact with his face. She sat there silent for a moment of two as her fingers lingered on his cheek, as they came into contact with one of the bruise, she waken from the spell and quickly brushed off her tear and took out her poach bag and took out several needles and began recovery treatment on Troy.

Troy slowly regain conscious to see a concentrated and teary face of Gabriella. As soon as Gabriella saw Troy eyes open, she quickly dismiss the crying and worrying face and put on a tough man face. Troy questioned Gabriella has the ordeal finish which earned a nod from her. He then tried to get up when Gabriella held him back down. She reprimanded Troy when Troy noticed that his mechanical parts are not functioning normally. Gabriella with a guilty face, softly sheepishly muttered that she may have wreaked them while she was fighting Troy. Troy broke out a small smile as he weakly slurred that he must had been a handful. He then told Gabriella that he will go back to the house for recovery. Gabriella hesitated and offered her assistance which earn a negative reply from Troy. He then explained that she has caused quite a stir by exposing herself. She needs to step back into the shadow if she were to continue to work in the Imperial Shadow as her tactics and skills are too loud and unique. Gabriella thought for a moment before she nodded and she lifted Troy up to walk. He then summon as much strength as he can and created a shadow portal. He then mention to Gabriella to use that while he walked back. Gabriella nodded as she collected all her belonging and step into the portal, she then turned to see Troy already limping out of the cave in, through the back way to the Xavier mansion.

After no noise could be heard from the self-build cave at the wall of the stadium, several lieutenant headed over to see no one was there. Grand Duke Xavier slowly carried the shield and cloak Gabriella left near the VIP stand and made his way to his carriage as the Empress brought the duel to an end by declaring it as a draw and disqualified the duel on the intrusion of a third party.

Chapter 51

Troy slumped onto his chair. The darkness covered the room hiding everything from plain sight just like how he preferred. It was a struggle getting back into the mansion with his mechanical arm and leg not functioning properly. He was literally dragging those parts through the streets back into the mansion. Troy chuckled as he recall the expression of the servants and Alfred. The horrified look spread across the mansion as they caught sight of his mechanical arm and leg. Alfred was the first to recover as he quickly hurried to Troy side and assisted him to his room as he barked orders for water, medication and food to be brought over to his room. Alfred will always be Alfred, the worry wreak was what Troy last thought to himself before a whisper came into his mind.

Marcus got down from the carriage to see the mansion in total chaos. He was literally invisible compared to the chaos as he walked through the courtyard and into the house unnoticed by anyone. He entered into the main hall where he saw Alfred barking orders left and right. He walked up to Alfred to see Alfred recoiled shocked by the presence of the Grand Duke. He quickly bowed before Marcus before offering his assistance. Marcus waved his hand in dismissal before inquiring the whereabouts of Troy. Alfred replied that Troy is in his room. Marcus nodded and made his way to the room.

Marcus entered the room to see a pitch black scene before him. He slowly opened the door wider to allow some light to illuminate his path. The light extend till it hits the foot of Troy who turned to see his father before him. Marcus went up to Troy and there was an awkward silent between both father and son before he extended the clock he is holding on to, to him. Informing him that he is here to return the clock back to the owner and the shield that is in the carriage. Troy reached out and took the clock with his left hand leaving his mechanical right arm hanging by his side. Marcus shifted his sight to the mechanical arm and slowly reached out to it. He stared at the arm for a moment before he broke the silent and questioned Troy the extent of the damage. Troy turned to face the parts that are on his bed hidden by the darkness and replied, he needs replacement. Marcus inquiry does he need his help which earn a shake from Troy. Troy informed his father that he had the parts ready and now waiting to be fitted into him again. Marcus nodded and turned to the door when Troy apologized to Marcus of the secrecy of his condition. Marcus nodded as he turned to Troy with an eyes that was not his usual cold hard demeanor. He humbly asked for Troy to forgive Conrad which Troy with fury in his eyes shook his face in rejection. Troy dragged himself ahead of Marcus and stated in anger that what both of them did will never be forgiven. He turned to face Marcus using his left arm to lift his now defunct mechanical right arm and told him that they did this to his only son, he then inquired Marcus of his anger. He is to die that day if not for some miracle he was saved. Marcus stood there in silent at the rebuke of his son. He could understand his anger but he remembered the redemption of Conrad and the payment made by the death of Cornelius. He was about to replied when they heard a large uproar outside. Marcus turned to face Troy as they try to make sense of the uproar.

Outside the entrance of the Xavier compound, Gabriella stood still. With her box and a backpack, she stood in awe of the design of the Xavier mansion. The fusion of Victorian and Greek where the white marble used as the brick of the mansion reflects the light. It somehow reminds her of home. Her free hand gripped the strap on her shoulder. She knows stepping into the mansion worst into public view will only jeopardized her relationship with Troy and make him mad of her. However, her reasoning reminded her of Troy’s condition. It is possible for him to create the portal for her however, in his current condition, it will not be for another few days for him to gather his strength back after the last portal created. Yet his physical state does not permit him so and is in urgent need of repair. Sweats build on her forehead, she has never feared anything in her life till today. She mentally slapped herself of being such a timid woman. She glanced around the mansion and on the street before she gathered the courage to step into the mansion.

As she stepped into the mansion, she noticed servants looking at her observing her. As she further her steps into the middle of the compound, immediately several ninja-like guards appeared out of nowhere and surrounded her. Gabriella observed the guards. They are wearing a light armor that made movement easy meaning they are agile warriors. The armor may be light but the amount of shine it reflects of the light shows the potential density of the armor. Their choice of weapon, a staff meaning they are experts in long range melee type of attacks. She smiled for a moment before the guard wearing a red mask questioned her of her being on noble ground. Gabriella remained silent before she replied wanting to see Troy. At the mentioned of Troy’s name alone without honorific caused tension among the guards. The head of the guard’s eye see fire as he scolded Gabriella for being disrespectful before he warned her to leave the ground as they did not receive any mention of guest coming. Gabriella stared at the head before shaking her head. The Head of the guard then informed her that they will be using brute force on her as several guards when forward. When one grabbed her by the shoulder, Gabriella eyes widen as she immediately throw him across the compound. The guards eyes widen in surprised as Gabriella ready herself for the coming assault with a smile on her lips.

Father and son walked down the stairs of the entrance to see a girl with a rod smacking and piercing the guards with much force and accuracy that after one hit, the guards are on the floor out cold. Some ended up smashing into the wall and staying there stuck. Troy observed closely to see its none other than Gabriella. He immediately shouted to the guards to halt. The guards hearing their master command immediately stood down. Gabriella turned to the source of the command to see Troy and Marcus standing on the top of the stairs to the entrance. She quickly stood down and sheepishly twirled the corner of her skirt. Troy stepped forward towards Gabriella assisted by Alfred. As he came closer, Gabriella could see the line of annoyance and disappointment on his forehead. She looked down blushing as father and son stood before her. She looked up and quickly placed her arms in a cross on her chest and bow, the act was an Amazonian honor bow to Marcus in acknowledgement of his seniority and status. Marcus eyed Gabriella in surprise and questioned her of her name which she replied Gabriella. Recognizing the act as an Amazonian act, Marcus bow slightly towards Gabriella before gesturing to Gabriella to arise. As she looked up, she avoided eye contact with Troy. Marcus questioned her purpose when Gabriella taken back by Marcus talking to her answered in her usual military-like respond which shocked the audience because of the loudness and rowdy way of her reply. She answered Marcus that she is here to assist Troy in repairing his arm as she was the one who fitted it for him. Troy shook his head as he rubbed the temple of his head. Gabriella seeing that quietly looked down in embarrassment. Marcus nodded and turned to inform Alfred to get the guards to the sick bay. He then turned to walk back into the house before he questioned Gabriella whether she is the girl in the stadium as she looks like her. Gabriella quickly shook her head and answered in the negative. Marcus smiled and took his leave back into the house.

Troy stood there in silent, he then turned to limp back into the house as Alfred move to his side and assisted him. He was mid-way when he noticed Gabriella had not move an inch from her spot. He turned to Gabriella and sighed. He then gestured for her to follow him. Gabriella seeing that gleefully grabbed her backpack and box and rushed to Troy. Troy made a small smile to her and shook his head as he walked back to his room with Gabriella following him close behind.

the proverbs

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the Melbourne trip

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The Pendulum of Fate (on-going)

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