The Burning Fist and the Dragon (Tatsuya)

James sat outside in upon his perch in the center of the koi pond his stance was like that of a shalin monk with his legs crossed under him and both hands resting palms up on his knees. His eyes were closed and he seem to not move even to breath for what seemed like hours, but every now and again his chest would rise before falling back to where it had been the second before. He had been like this for almost 72 hours, because again his sleep was restless and troubled like it had been a couple of months before. What is it now that troubles my sleep? It can't be the seal for I haven't heard the spirit talk since I learned to call upon him and give him the freedom he so desires. Could it be something else have troubled me so much that it has my mind constantly running?

James let out a heavy breath and slumped forward looking down at his reflection in the pond, his bare chest shown in the evening sun catching the three scars that remained on his shoulder...No they are not scars...they are the physical remnants of the seal that my sire placed on me so long ago. They took everything away from me...my name...my heritage...my life... James let a low growl emanate from his throat, “I will find you all...and I will prove that whatever my reasons were that they were never meant to hurt any of my kind.” James blew a small sliver of flame into the water and watched it sizzle and die away distorting the image of himself.

Finally after sulking some more he laid back upon the rock and watching the ever darkening sky small clouds drifted by as he frowned. James wondered how he could ever hope to find his people or his home after so long spent searching on his on his own with fruitless results. I could go talk Rourke and see if any of his departments have turned over anything that might prove the existence of my kind even if it is fossils; then there is the shinigami I am sure they have some sort of information database on where souls reside...surely they must know where my kind reside hidden in this world. James chuckled to himself at the thought of asking the shinigami for help, The day they agree to help me is going to be the day I can somehow be useful to them. James suddenly started to laugh at the thought of himself willingly helping the Gotie 13.

"Wait here." Ordered the petite 4th seat, Mika Nishino, of 2nd squad. She walked into the office without even a polite courtesy knock and closed the door behind her. "You know, just once, it would be nice if you knocked before just barging in." Tatsuya stated as he looked up from his desk. "Why? You have someone under the desk? I'd hate to be the one to have to inform Sumiko." Mika said with a sly grin. Tatsuya looked at her with discontent and went back to his paperwork. "Hey! You set yourself up for that one." Mika chuckled. "I liked you more when you first joined. Meek and timid." Tatsuya replied. "If I stayed like that, I wouldn't be where I am right now, and you'd be pretty bored right now too. Besides, I bring a gift. Well, two actually." Mika stated, finally getting to the reason for her visit. "And I suppose it was something our 3rd seat couldn't handle." Tatsuya stated. "No, you got it wrong. These two are actually doing well, far better then the other new recruits. Top marks in all aspects; Kidou, Hohou, Hakuda, and Zanjutsu. Honestly they're the best recruits we've had in a long while. Liable to give you and Captain Akarui a run for the money. One-on-one they are good, but when they fight together, they are something else." Mika stated, praising the two unknowns.

"Alright, bring them in." He put his pen down. "Hey, Miyuki, Mizuki. You can come in." Mika called out. Tatsuya shook his head. "What?" She asked. Before he could say anything two tall females walked in, both over six feet one with red hair and the other had yellow hair, both were exactly the same other than that. "Hi, Capt..." Mizuki stopped her with a quick tap to Miyuki's side. "I mean Vice-captain Shi..." Once again Mizuki tapped Miyuki's side. "Would you stop that!" Miyuki snapped at Mizuki. Tatsuya just stared at them questioningly. "Sorry about that, Vice-captain Okibi." She stared at her sister at the mention of Tatsuya's name and rank. "Miyuki has some trouble with names." She continued and bowed at Tatsuya followed quickly by Miyuki. Tatsuya looked over to Mika, who simply shrugged. "Well, with time, I'm sure that can be remedied." Tatsuya stated. "Of course, Sir. It's an honor to be in your presence." Mizuki stated as she came back up. Mika let out a chuckle. "They're honored? How interesting." A new voice came from a figure sitting in an open window causing Mika and the twins to jump. "Captain. Just in time." Tatsuya turned with no surprise in his voice. "Hmm, I think I'm losing my touch. Kuro chuckled. "Hardly. That window stays open for a reason. Tatsuya stated with a smug look. Kuro looked at him a grin then turned his attention to the twins. "Miyuki, Mizuki. Word through the grape vine travels fast. It's certainly a pleasure having so much talent in the 2nd Squad." Kuro stated. "Thank you" They answered in unison.

"Only came to check on the recruits, Sir?" Tatsuya inquired. Actually, I just came back from the Captain's Meeting. And I got an assignment for you. Kuro responded. "Well then, Noshino-chan, please show them out." Tatsuya requested, but before Mika could answer Captain Akarui cut in. It's quite alright, Mika. They can stay. This will be the perfect opportunity for them." Kuro stated with a grin. "I volunteered Tatsuya to head over to the living world." Kuro quickly stated. "Volunteered?" Tatsuya questioned. "There has been a rise in spirit activity at Karakura Town and I thought you could use a little vacation from the office. Kuro advised the group. "It's not unusual given the location. Hardly seems like a reason to send out a Vice-captain." Tatsuya stated with reasonable affirmation. Normally I would agree, but an anomaly was located on the outskirts of the town." Kuro shifted on the windowsill. What sort of an anomaly?" Tatsuya sat up straight in his chair. "Heh, that got you interested. Kuro smiled. "As far as the reports are concerned, the anomaly is centered just outside Karakura Town and apparently there are no traceable amounts of reiryoku within a square mile save for one. Also reports were checked with older ones. They have implied that the source of the reiryoku has increased it's strength exponentially within a short period of time." Kuro went on to explain.

Tatsuya was about to say something but was distracted by the twin's whispering. "a dragon..." Miyuki stated just above a whisper. "What was that Mizuki?" Tatsuya asked. "What, Sir?" Mizuki asked confused. "I thought I heard you say something about a dragon." Tatsuya looked at Mizuki intently. "Oh you meant, Mi-yu-ki. I'm Mi-zu-ki." Mizuki sounded out each other's name and held up their hair so that Tatsuya could distinguish between the two. Kuro, Mika, and Miyuki chuckled at how Mizuki responded to Tatsuya. "Hmm, my apologies Mi-zu-ki for confusing you with Mi-yu-ki." Tatsuya stated while mocking Mizuki causing the others to laugh. "But keep that up, and I'll have no problem giving you a first hand introduction with Su-za-ku." Tatsuya stated seriously making the twins get quiet and worried very quickly. "Heh, now now Tatsuya, don't go killing off new recruits, it's not good for moral. Especially those that 'are liable to give us a run for the money'. Besides, it seems they have heard of her and that should keep them in line just by itself. Isn't that right?" Kuro said and looked over to the twins. "Yes, Sir The twins said in unison. "Now then." Kuro handed Tatsuya a piece of paper. "There is the general area that the anomaly was said to be and I need you to take the twins out, and assess the situation." Kuro stated. "No problem." Tatsuya got up from the desk and walked past the twins.

"Well come on." Tatsuya motioned the twins after he opened the door. "Uh, is that wise for us to go with you?" Miyuki hesitantly asked. "What do you mean?" Tatsuya crossed his arms. "She means that we are just likely to slow you down. We think it'll be better for everyone that you go off by yourself. Don't you think Captain?" Mizuki asked and turned to the captain. "Nah, it'll be fine. It'll be a good chance for Tatsuya to take you out in the field to gauge your abilities and figure out what areas you need help with." Kuro stated to put them at ease. "Well. Okay then." Miyuki stated reluctantly and turned to the door. Tatsuya lead them out without any further distractions. The trip to the living world was a quiet one. "Alright, let's see what you got. Mika mentioned you already practiced Hohou, so try to keep up." Tatsuya said before he disappeared quickly with shunpo. "What do we do?" Miyuki asked Mizuki. "We'll just have to go with him, and try not to interfere." Mizuki stated before she disappeared as well. "Oh...This was one of my favorite stories as a kid." Miyuki whined out loud before she followed suit.

After a good laugh James laid on his back for a while longer as he watched a few lazy clouds journey across the sky. The weather wasn't too warm for late June in fact if James was still a full dragon he would probably be chasing the clouds through the sky. Just enjoy the small things in life; for when you live as long as a dragon you realize that the real treasure is just that, the small things. He smirked at the thought as he made a mental note to write it down later.

Finally sitting up James stretched and looked around, his house was dreadfully empty and for some reason that sent a twinge of pain through his chest. What am I gonna do? This pain is because I am alone in life both as a dragon and as a human. Though I am not human, I don't see myself as completely a dragon anymore either. Perhaps I should rent out the spare rooms in the house maybe get some life flowing in this old mansion, not that money has ever been an issue. Getting to his feet James hopped back to the walkway between the house and the koi pond. Looking back at his perch James smirked, he could see a groove where he had spent the decades sitting in that same spot for years.

Suddenly his eyes went wide; someone very powerful was near. Normally this wouldn't be cause for concern seeing as he lived just outside the spiritual hub of the region, but this time they were coming too close to his home for comfort. Well...if I try to run they might follow me...or my luck they would ransack the house and find my horde...find proof that dragons exist outside of stories. James frowned as he straightened his shirt and then dusted off his jeans then rolling his shoulders he let his power flow free and wild. “I really hope this isn’t a hollow cause I am really going to pissed if I have to remake a meditation perch.”

Tatsuya appeared and disappeared quickly as he flash stepped through the woods. After a few more steps he decided to stop in order to let Miyuki and Mizuki catch up. To his amazement, Mizuki showed just a second after and quickly followed by Miyuki. "Impressive. I thought Mika might have been embellishing..." Tatsuya was stating before he was interrupted by a deliberately strong outpouring of reiatsu. Tatsuya narrowed his eyes in the direction the source was coming from. "They weren't kidding when they said it was strong." Miyuki stated nervously. "Whatever it is, its not trying to hide. No sense letting the invitation go to waste." He looked over to the pair. "Let's go meet it." Tatsuya stated before disappearing. Miyuki and Mizuki looked at each other nervously. "I don't like this, Mizuki." Miyuki stated. "Me neither, but it's too late now." Mizuki responded and looked towards the direction Tatsuya went. "He doesn't need our help, that much we already know. So he shouldn't ask for it. For now, we'll just have to stay out of the way." She stated trying to comfort Miyuki. "I guess." Miyuki stated disappointingly. "Come on, let's go." Mizuki stated and disappeared, Miyuki followed quickly.

Tatsuya traveled quickly to the source of the power. Normally he would stick to the shadows and assess the situation, but since the unknown entity was being so inviting, he thought it would be rude. Tatsuya appeared just past the clearing and was a bit surprised to see a human as the source of the reiatsu. He had met his fair share of humans that had power, but none showed the potential to harness power like the one in front of him. His eyes narrowed on the man, studying him. You knew I was here. Why reveal yourself? Why not try to conceal your presence?" Tatsuya asked after a long silence.

James let out a heavy sigh when rather tall shinigami appeared infront of him dressed in mostly black, he had a very healthy look being as tall as he was from what he could tell it seemed as if this man took care of himself.  Yellow eyes stared at him as James stared back at the shinigami a small smirk starting to form on James' face, “Well you certainly are bigger than most of the shinigami that come to try and kill me; points for that much at least.”  James crossed one arm across his chest so he can rest his other that is rubbing his chin as he inspects the shinigami, ignoring his question for the time being.

As he walked around the rather brutish shinigami he frowned and turned to see a blonde female shinigami sitting on the roof with her legs tucked under, appearing eager to watch what was about to unfold.  “I'm sorry sweety but, if you wish to try and kill me you'll have to get in line after him. Not to be rude but its a code of honor I personally uphold.” James turned back to the boulder of a man infront of him, but to his surprise he saw another female identical to the other save for red hair sitting on his perch in the middle of the koi pond.  “The same goes for you ma'am and please be careful not to scare the fish it's bad luck.” hmmm three shinigami all able to use flash step...I might actually get a workout today.

“Now you kid, if you really want to know why I didn't hide or run is simply a matter of if I ran you would of found this place and searched it. Or perhaps you would of followed me to prove your merit to the rest of your comrades, personally I don't care anymore.”  James rolled both of his shoulders as he took three steps back to leave ten feet between him and the brute, “I am James, by the way, do you have a name, or are you going to be one of those who simply wish to fight until you can barely move?”

Tatsuya let out a low chuckle as the man spoke. "Well I bigger then most shinigami period, but I'm sure they had there reasons to 'try' and kill you." He stated with a little bit more emphasis on a particular word. He figured the "other" shinigami that had faced him had justifiable reasons to attack him. Tatsuya followed the man as he started to walk around. No sooner then that, Miyuki appeared on the roof of the house in silence. Tatsuya only moved his eyes to her direction, but the man seemed to notice either way. Mizuki also quickly appeared on a perch as the man spoke to Miyuki. There was only a brief moment of surprise in the man's eyes, a moment quickly lost in a literal blink of an eye. There was no malicious intent emitting from the twins, only a general curiosity in their eyes. It wasn't everyday one got to experience real events a father would recount in a story that was told at bedtime. "You won't need to worry about them, they are merely here to observe." Tatsuya stated as a matter of fact.

"Prove?" Tatsuya thought as the man spoke. James, the man stated his name along with the intention that this would only lead to a battle. Tatsuya let out another chuckle. "I only have an interest in the person, not the property. As for proving myself, there is little left to prove that would further my reputation and another victory notch with the likes of 'your kind' would do little change that. There just isn't a challenge in fighting your kind anymore." Tatsuya stated smugly as he tilted his head to each side, popping his neck. "But seeing as your were kind enough to give me your name, I shall return the favor. Tatsuya Okibi." He stated with the slightest of tilt of his head.

James frowned, this shinigami wasn't like the others that faced him, he wasn't here to fight for glory or power. It is very unusual I get to fight just for fun not to break someone's pride. James was lost in thoughts until the man mentioned fighting others of “his” kind and how it wasn't worth the effort. “Are you sure that 'MY' kind aren't worth fighting? Is that because you think you are so much stronger than 'MY' kind?” James grinned as he started to undo the buttons on his shirt before shrugging it off and tossing it on the porch. “I would really hate to ruin a shirt in a fight especially when its almost new.” James' tone started to sound more care free again after he had vented a little rage with his rant.

The two scars showed boldly on his shoulder as acted like he was stretching out his arms, this of course was not necessary but had become a habit for James after having to tell his students they needed to do the same before they started to work out. “Just so this lasts more than a few minutes I will let you have the first attack Tatsuya, but don't expect me not to try and dodge or block.” James' voice was like that of when he was teaching a class. He'll think he has the advantage with his Shukuchi technique, but as long as I have that in my trunk as well as a few other surprises he is at a disadvantage. On top of that he thinks that I am nothing more than an ordinary superhuman, maybe even a fullbringer.

James slid his right foot behind him as he turned his left side to the brute, making himself a smaller target. “Try to make this a challenge okay, Tatsuya? I don't want to disappoint these two young women who are here for the show.” James showed no fear in his voice or eyes as he raised his arms into to chest level his palms open ready for almost anything.

"Well I know I'm stronger than anyone you've faced. I won't even have to use my full power." Tatsuya smugly as James was removing his shirt. "Honestly, a ruined shirt should be the least of your worries." He stated with a light chuckle. Tatsuya's eyebrow cocked when James offered to let him attack first. "That's some confidence you have there." Tatsuya stated with a grin. "He thinks I'm just one of the unseated shinigami normally out on patrol. Too bad." He thought to himself. Tatsuya carefully watched as his target got smaller by turning to the side. Just by that alone, Tatsuya knew James had fighting experience. "I should hope you return the favor, James. It's been a while since I cut loose" Tatsuya stated and got into a fighting stance with his right foot back. He stared right into James' eyes for for a minute without making a move. Suddenly he brought his foot forward and relaxed. "You know what!" He stated as he unzipped the black vest, taking it off and dropping it beside him. "I think you should throw the first strike." He stated and started to stretch out his arms above his head. His arms and elbows popped as he stretched. He didn't stop there. He continued to move his body and pop the bones in his back. The sounds were loud enough for Miyuki and Mizuki to hear and they cringed at the action. "Much better." He sighed in relief after he loosened up and shook it off. "I won't even move, so attack when you're ready." He stated and crossed his arms across his chest.

James smirked as he watched the shinigami take off his vest and stretch out his arms and back, This one has more experience than the others I've fought he is preparing for a long bout. Normally that is something the others don't think to do, but him...this brute might be able to give me a little bit of a workout. When James himself was offered the chance for the first strike his smirk turned into a giant smile. “Well how can I turn down such an offer as to attack a brute without him moving to dodge.” I'd be very stupid to turn down such an opportunity to end a fight quickly and send him home with nothing more than a broken pride.

James grinned and turned his body to face Tatsuya, his eyes glowing bright for a moment as he considered all the possibilities for his attack. I could give up my biggest trump card and scare him off, but I have a feeling that it might be helpful to keep it a secret. James bent his legs slightly before he pushes off so fast he would seem to disappear to untrained eyes, with in a heart beat he was in front of Tatsuya using the momentum from his high speed movement to drive a punch directly into the brute's center. “Don't think I will hold back just because you don't have the experience I do.”

"Shunpo?!" He thought as James moved towards him, faster than any human should be able to move. He uncrossed his arms as James appeared right in front of him, attempting to block the punch aimed at him. Too late. James' punch was powerful, sending Tatsuya skidding back, stopping only when he hit a tree. Tatsuya looked up in surprise. There was a large red mark where he had been hit. His eyes narrowed on James. Well that's a first. I didn't think it was possible for humans to move that fast." He stated as he stepped away from the tree. "That's what I get for letting my guard down. But don't worry, it won't happen again." He said as he got into a fighting stance. "You have no idea what type of experience I have" He stated and charged forward. As soon as he got within punching distance of James, he cocked his right arm back then quickly disappeared with shunpo. He moved around to James' left side threw a reverse back hand, aiming at the smaller man's face.

James smirked at the look on the brute's face, as he pulled himself away from the tree that stopped his skidding backwards. He keeps putting me in the same class as other spiritually aware humans and fullbringers, man I forgot how annoying that was. James made a very disappointed clicking sound with his tongue as he kept listing to the man talk as if he regretted not having made the choice to attack first.

“You have no idea what experience I have.” Tatsuya had said as he charged forward.

James fell into a defensive posture ready to counter the head on attack, as soon as the brute got within striking distance he vanished from sight and appeared at his side his massive arm cocked back and delivered a punch right across the side of his face sending him spinning as it knocked him from his feet. When James got up he had a smile across his face as his scales shifted and rearranged after taking the brunt of that blow. “That was good...if I hadn't been expecting a retaliation you might have actually done some harm.” Still I am going to have a bruise there under my scales, but that is not going to be too bad; if this is as hard as he can hit then I can do this all day.

Now that it was his turn in this game of blow for blow James closed the gap between them in a heartbeat and appeared crouched in front of Tatsuya his right leg sweeping out to try and take the legs out from under this mountain of a shinigami. However it was a fake out at the last moment James would twist his torso and put his hands on the ground to push off as he aimed his left foot towards brute's throat. “And you have no idea what experience I have.”

The connection of his fist against the puny human's face sent a rewarding shiver throughout Tatsuya's body. He grinned as James got to his feet. "Did his skin just move?!" Tatsuya's eyes focused on Jame's face as his skin appeared to move on its own. He snapped out of his transfixed gaze as James spoke. "If you hadn't expected a retaliation, you wouldn't be standing back up." Tatsuya replied keeping his grin. "Still, to be able to get back up after taking that blow... this is going to be fun." He thought as his grin widened at the prospect of a human who could fight with him. Tatsuya quickly prepared himself just as James cleared the gap between him in the blink of an eye. There was not surprise this time as Tatsuya was able to keep watch of the swift human. He shifted his weight to his back leg as James went to sweep and leaned back just as James pushed off the ground. Tatsuya sprung to his left side as James' foot aimed for his neck. "Well I'll say this. You do have some skill." Tatsuya let James land and left room for "but."

"Your form is flawless, and aside from the punch you first hit me with I can see the power in your attacks." He stated as his spiritual pressure started to rise causing the temperature to rise around the area. "Mizuki, Miyuki." He looked over to the girls. "Yes, Sir?" They both answered in unison. "Could you clear back. No less then fifty meters." He ordered as they stood up. "Aye! They replied again in unison before they quickly cleared the distance, moving into the woods. "First off let me apologize." Tatsuya closed his eyes and bowed his head briefly in respect. "I'm sorry I've been leading you on and making you believe you have a fighting chance. And I'm sorry for not properly introducing myself." He stated leaving a little time to let James try and wrap his head around the situation. "My name is Tatsuya Okibi, Vice-Captain of 2nd Division..." He curled his hands into tight fists and dropped down to one knee both his fists touching the ground. "And this is where the gap between us widens." As he finished his sentence a bright explosion of energy shot out from his arms and back. Red lightning arced around his body as he kneeled. He relished the fact that he could use Shunko without much worry. Thanks in part to the limiter placed upon him. He shot forward without warning throwing his knee forward, straight at James' chest.

James rolled back to his feet as he stood up to face Tatsuya once more and simply gave a shallow nod when the shinigami spoke of his skill in hand-to-hand combat. Suddenly James realized that the area was getting much much warmer that it had been previously and when the shinigami had ordered the two girls to get clear of the immediate area a small pang of worry shot through him. What is this, his pressure is rising to incredible heights like I have never seen in any mere rooking shinigami.

When the mountain of a man introduced himself as the Second Division Vice captain James couldn’t help but smirk at his luck. The old dragon watched as he got down in a crouched pose and his spiritual energy started for pour off of him appearing like lighting rolling from his body. James' eyes were wide as the shinigami's power soared, If he keeps this up I might have to reveal my trump card earlier than I wanted. Tatsuya shot off leaving a small crater where he had been just moments before his knee driving forward towards James' chest. “Big mistake!” James growled as he dove attempting to duck under his knee, but he wasn't quite fast enough as it caught him in the right shoulder, but James smiled his plan could still work. He pushed off the ground as hard as he attempted to hold Tatsuya's knee right where it was in hopes of dislocating by using his own weight focused against that one spot with Tatsuya's momentum.

James spoke in a half growl, “You think you're the only one with secrets concerning identity, you've been wrong about what and who you were facing since you walked into my domain.” The scales on his arms started to turn red as he tried to hold the shinigami close to him.

"Too slow." Tatsuya thought as his knee collided with James' right shoulder as the man tried to duck. James had good reaction speed as he recovered fast and tried to grab Tatsuya's leg. Tatsuya felt the strain on his knee and grimaced slightly as James held tight. He shifted his weight accordingly and broke from James grip as he spoke. Tatsuya jumped back and stretched out his leg to ease the strain James had caused. "It was never my intention to make my identity a secret. Why don't you enlighten me then? You seem to be holding back as it is, and I prefer my opponents to show me what they really have." Tatsuya gestured with his hand at James. "I'd hate to have a victory over someone who doesn't give it their all. I'd feel cheated. I'm quite sure you would feel the same way." Tatsuya stated as he got into a ready stance, but did not charge forward.

James grinned, the brute was right, he hated when he felt that an opponent was holding back in a fight. He is right you are holding back...you have the power of your bloodline at your command you are stronger than you have been in centuries. The voice of his bestial side whispered in his mind, but James didn't act on its offer of power just yet. “You are right...I have been holding back, but only because I wanted to have some fun.” James' eyes started to glow as his skin started to change and show his scales form up his arms. His body grew as he felt like he was shedding his old form to assume a new form somewhere between his human prison and his true dragon form.

“Look upon me now, reaper, and know that you face a dragon, an exile even from my own kind.” James voice had changed to that of more of a growl. Rolling his shoulders James took a moment to get used to the feeling of his wings and tail, It has been too long since I have gotten to cut loose...I almost forgot what it was like letting my wings breathe. James let loose a roar that sent the birds in the trees fleeing as his wings snapped open sending a small amount of sizzling blood to splatter the ground behind the old dragon. It hurt every time they had to reform but only momentarily. “So what do you think, Tatsuya, think you still stand a chance to win this fight?” James growled as he vanished from site only to appear in front of the brute this time aiming to kick him in the knee he had grabbed earlier but as he turned his tail would follow aiming to swipe the shinigami across the face with its sharp scales.

"Holding back is good and fun when the opponent is weak, but trust me, that's not the case here." Tatsuya stated with a smug look. "Come on, show what you are hiding. Show me what a human can do." Tatsuya thought as he waited for James to get serious. It wasn't just for his enjoyment, he needed to to see James' full power to make an accurate report when he returned to Seireitei. Tatsuya's eyes narrowed in as Jame's began to grow closer to his own height. Not only that, but his arms began to change and move, turning into what appeared to be scales. "Dragon?!" Tatsuya surprisingly thought with only the slightest movement of his eyebrows giving away his reaction. "Well that explains the difference in strength compared to that of a human's." Tatsuya said with a grin of anticipation. "Still, he's different. Not like her." He thought, remembering his first encounter with a dragon. James' roar brought Tatsuya from his thoughts. His right eyebrow raised as James' blood sizzled on the ground. "Well..." He began to answer when James disappeared. "Fast!" His eyes opened wide as he followed James' movement. He lifted his leg to avoid James' kick to it, but failed to notice the tail coming for his face. He jumped back as quickly as he could, turning his face in the process, but was caught just below the ear, slicing past his jaw and cheek. "Pretty sharp tail you got there. If I didn't know any better I could have sworn you were trying to cut off my head." Tatsuya stated with amusement as blood dripped from the lower end of his cut face. "Well I suppose I should respond in kind." He stated and reached over with his right hand, drawing out his long zanpakuto. "I have to say your form is a little disappointing. Being a dragon and all I was hoping you would be much bigger. Like the one I met a couple of years back. She was much bigger and definitely friendlier." He stated and quickly flash stepped over to James, throwing a thrust kick and quickly following up with swing of his sword. Whether he would hit or not he would use flash step again and again with a flurry of attacks. He knew he was slightly faster then the dragon so he planned to use that to his advantage.

"So cool! This is way better then the story!" Miyuki looked to Mizuki like a child on Christmas morning. "Your enthusiasm has no limits, Miyuki." Mizuki responded with a quick glance to her sister and then back to the battling warriors. "Awww! Come on Mizuki, even you have to admit this is better then the bedtime story he used to tell us." Miyuki threw her hands down in frustration over her sister's seriousness. "I never said it wasn't. I just meant that it's only the beginning and that it's going to become an even more heated battle." Mizuki replied with a knowing grin across her face. "Oh! Hehe. I almost forgot." She stated cheerfully.

James smiled a toothy smile as Tatsuya made a comment about taking off his head, Well at least is smart enough to react on his feet, but more than that this brute is fast enough to dodge my attacks.  James bent his knees a little prepared to launch his next attack, but stopped when the living mountain finally drew his sword from its scabbard.  James growled at the petty insult to his size, but everything seemed to stop when he mentioned another dragon he had met, more than that the dragon he had mentioned was female.  

James didn't even have time to think as Tatsuya vanished from sight only to appear in front of him his leg drawn back for a kick, but James took one step backward as the kick hit air, but the sword followed only to catch him on the shoulder.  Sparks flew as his scales absorbed most of the blow some of them even falling to the ground shattered.  The dragon's eyes were wide, He is fast!  If this keeps up I won't be able to fight for too long.

As James continued on the defensive he realized one thing as he managed to finally dodge one of Tatsuya's attacks, the shinigami had slowed down.  More and more James found himself either able to dodge or block the shinigami's attacks before he finally found an opening to put some distance between them.  In an instant James vanished only to reappear ten feet from the where he had been.  The dragon had small cuts all over him and a hand full of missing scales, but that was all he had time realize as the brute drew back his sword and tossed it end over end like a buzz saw at him. James' eyes were wide as his tail flicked out and deflected the sword point first into the stone pillar that served as his meditation perch.   Watching the sword had turned out to be a mistake as James felt a knee catch him in the chest followed quickly by a fist that sent him stumbling backwards.  

The dragon's eyes glowed in anger as his spiritual pressure slowly started to rise, If you keep fighting on the defensive this Shinigami will kill us both James...if you” want to live you have to embrace your heritage.  Become the beast that has slain so many...the monster that lives at the edges of humanities nightmares....  James could feel his primal side pressing against the edges of his conscience, but the old dragon couldn't lose his control just yet.  “You...mentioned...another...”  James spoke through an angered growl, “Bigger than I and female...If you hurt Terra I promise you....”  James took a deep breath and flames licked the sides of his mouth as he spoke next... “I will kill you and your two companions.”

James vanished as he had caught his breath, his arm drawn back he aimed to catch Tatsuya off guard with an attack to his back, he would aim a punch at his spine followed by his tail trying to sweep his legs.  Whether or not this attack was dodged or not James would next loose a ball of flame from his mouth aimed at the center of the huge shinigami.

Tatsuya kept up his ferocious attack on James, but he couldn't maintain the pace. "Damn." He thought as he felt his own attacks becoming slower and weaker as the effects of shunko wore out. Tatsuya made one last effort to drop the dragon, throwing his sword end over end. As soon as he released his sword he vanished and appear immediately behind the blocked blade, landing a vicious knee and punch combo on James, sending him tumbling back. Tatsuya landed with one knee on the ground taking in a deep breath as the red lightning that engulfed his arms and back faded away.

James quickly got to his feet and stared back at Tatsuya with a completely different look in his eyes. There was definitely anger in there, but also something more...Something primitive and beastly. The look in his eyes also reflected the rise in spiritual pressure. It almost appeared like James was struggling for control. Tatsuya carefully watched James while also catching his breath. The toll of using shunko was more then he would have liked, with little result to boot. His breathing was deep but controlled, he still had much more he could dish out before his stamina wavered. "I did." Tatsuya replied at the mention of his previous encounter with the other dragon. Tatsuya knitted his brows at the mention of possibly hurting Terra, but before he could answer his eyes focused on the emission of fire from the corners of James' mouth. "Just as I thought! He's a fire dragon" He thought, quickly shifting his eyes to his upright sword.

James moved quickly, capitalizing on Tatsuya's mistake. "Damn!" Tatsuya cursed himself aloud as James moved around behind him. Tatsuya shifted his body to the side, but he wasn't fast enough to complete dodge the punch and getting hit just beneath his shoulder blade. He grunted as the punch connected and was quickly swept from his feet. He reached out to catch himself from completely hitting the ground but was quickly hit in his ribs by a fireball, sending him hurdling away. He skidded and rolled along the ground before coming to a stop. He slammed the ground with his right hand as he looked up from the dirt with annoyance in his eyes. He got to his feet without taking his eyes off of James. Tatsuya spit on the ground, clearing his mouth from a mixture of dirt and blood. His ribs were red from being scorched by the fire; a feeling he rarely felt. "Tch. She gave me no reason to cause her any harm. But you on the other hand..." He quickly flash stepped over to his zanpakuto, plucking it from the rock and holding it horizontally towards James. "I'll have no problem causing harm to you." He stated as his spiritual pressure began to rise and manifested, circling him in wisps of fire. "Allow me to introduce to you my partner and best friend, and the true embodiment of fire." He stated placing his other hand along the back of the blade. "Rise from the ashes, Suzaku!" He shouted and slid his hand across the blade. In the blink of an eye the entire sword disappeared and Tatsuya's hands and forearms were covered in fiery silver-toned and bladed gauntlets. Tatsuya pulled his arms in front of him and quickly dashed forward, throwing a quick right left and a hard low right to James gut.

James let out a heavy sigh, Terra wasn't hurt but still this brute had met her and walked away from the encounter so he couldn't be all bad.  James was seriously beginning to doubt his reasons for fighting but as soon as the shinigami grabbed his lost sword from the tree those doubts evaporated.  A smirk crossed James' face as the shinigami seriously thought he could harm the old dragon, but James said nothing as he mentioned the presence of a partner.  His thoughts were of the two girls off in the distance somewhere...

“Rise from the ashes, Suzaku!”  James focus was broken as his attention was drawn back to his opponent whose sword had now vanished only to be replaced with two bladed gauntlets wrapped in flames.  Before the old dragon had time to realize what he had just seen Tatsuya was in front of him a quick left and right combo nailed him on either side of the face but his instinct had manage to save him from the final blow of the exchange as his right hand managed to grab the right blade that would of plowed deep into his gut.  

James could feel the warm sensation of blood running down his face but, but he smiled as he stared at the mountain of a man.   “You're faster than me...but in a close quarters fight you really think that matters?”  James grinned and tightened his grip on the flaming gaunthlet as he started to twist it back at an unnatural angle.   The pain was almost unbearable these flames were not natural but James as he held on for all he was worth applying more and more pressure hoping that eventually he could force the shinigami to drop one of his weapons.  Finally, James couldn't take the burning pain any longer and jabbed the reaper in the gut with his free hand, keeping his claws balled into a fist so as not to impale him, this fight did not need to end in death if he could help it.

Back peddling a few steps James looked down at his right hand and frowned the flames hand managed to scorch his scales but the skin underneath was fine just a minor burn.   “That is a neat trick...but if you really hope to go claw to claw with a dragon you might want to think this through...I've had over six centuries of practice with my claws...do you really think you stand a chance?”  James' control was strong but this fight was beginning to wear him down as his dragon side got stronger in his mind. Stop playing with this one James, he is much stronger than the other shinigami you have faced in the past and this one hasn't even tried using any of the spells the others have.   This fight is not one that you can laugh off and if you don't take my power soon you will die. The old dragon's eyes flashed in pain as he felt his other side try to forcefully take control from him.  

“If this is all you got you might want to run...” James grinned, “You see I am the only thing keeping you and your friends from facing a more bestial dragon.”  James voice was alternating between his half growl and deeper primal growl.

Mizuki turned her back to the battle and started to walk away, inciting a reaction from Miyuki. "Hey, where are you going?" Miyuki asked, grabbing hold of Mizuki's arm. "I'm getting away from the hot zone." She stated before jumping onto a tree branch. Miyuki was about to ask what Mizuki meant when a memory flashed through her mind.

Flashback

Two small girls, about six years of age, identical in appearance with black hair just past their shoulders stared back at a mountain of a man. Their big blue-green eyes were filled with great anticipation as they sat forward in their beds listening to the story their father was telling. "I got up and looked at the dragon, and told him I didn't have a reason to hurt his friend. And then I flashed stepped over to my zanpakuto and picked her up." He stated and added a short flash step for theatrics. "Did you cut him up for hurting you, Daddy?" The little girl in the left bed asked. "I bet you cut him in one swing, right Daddy!" The girl in the right bed said while mimicking the motions of a vertical sword swing. Their father chuckled as they spoke. "No, I held it up and told him that unlike his friend, I didn't have any problems hurting him. Then I released Suzaku and charged at the dragon, punching him two times in the face." He stated with two punches in the air. "But then the dragon grabbed and twisted my arm as I tried punch him in the stomach." He stated causing the two girls to gasp and look at each other in surprise.

"Did the dragon hurt you bad, Daddy?" The girl on the left asked as she turned back to her father. "Nuh uh." The girl on the right shook her head at the question before their father could answer. "No one can hurt Daddy bad! Right?" She continued and looked at her father for confirmation. "Heh. That's right." He confirmed with his daughter. "He twisted my arm, but couldn't hold on because my arms were so hot. When he let go, he punched me in my stomach and I tripped backwards." He continued, captivating the children's. "He told me I didn't stand a chance and that I should run away or else I would have to fight a meaner dragon." He said making them look at each other in confusion. "A meaner dragon?" The girl in the left bed asked. "That's cheating! He said he was going to fight by himself! He can't get help!" The girl in the right bed exclaimed. "Ah, but he wasn't going to get help." He chuckled. "But you said he said you are gonna have to fight a meaner dragon and he doesn't sound mean. So he HAS to get help from the mean one." The girl in the left bed spoke first then the girl in the right bed finished the next sentence, completing each others thoughts. Their father laughed as they tried figure out the logic of the situation. "He meant he was going to get meaner." He tried to clarify it as simply as possible. "Dragons talk weird." Both girls said at the same time inciting a laugh between them and their father. "Yes they do." He agreed with them before calming them down and continuing. "So I looked at him right in his eyes and smiled...."

Present

Miyuki quickly followed her sister as they broke through the tree line and stood in mid air, turning back to the battle. Tatsuya felt them moving further away. "Where are they going?" He thought as James spoke. “If this is all you got you might want to run...” He heard James say and focused back on him. "Come now. You are still holding out on me. What kind of manners are those." He stated in confidence, with a smile. "I guess I'm going to have to force it out of you." His spiritual pressure began to soar even higher as he yelled and powered up. "BAN...KAI!" He shouted causing a a large spiraling fire to engulf him and soar high into the air. A few seconds passed as the flames circled around Tatsuya before he swatted them away, revealing his new form. The blades on his gauntlets disappeared and were replaced by four large blades in each arm along the cardinal directions. Each blade was about three feet long, but only half of the blade actually stuck out in front. His legs now had weapons too. He wore metal boots covered up to half his shin and had three main blades on them. Two blades in the front and one blade in the back. Tatsuya was now sprouting a large pair of flaming wings on his back and had at least a ten meter wing span tip to tip. The gauntlets were now gold toned instead of their original silver. "Syouten Suzaku." He stated the name of the new form with a determined glint in his eyes. "You should feel honored, this is the first time I get a chance to use her in this form in the Living World. Try to keep up." He stated and waited a brief moment before flash stepping straight towards James with a thrust kick aimed at his abdomen, letting loose a torrent of flame at the same time of the kick.

"Damn that's hot!" Mizuki stated as she raised her arm to try and shield herself from some of the heat. "No wonder he never used it around us." Miyuki stated, trying to shield herself as well.

James turned his head, his eyes wide when he felt the other two spiritual pressures suddenly move, expecting an ambush he let loose a roar.  His wings snapped open fully and his tail curled around behind his legs, ready for an attack from all sides. Shinigami don't fight honorably..and yet you still refuse to embrace your blood?  The voice of his inning dragon rang clearly in his head now, If you do not take this fight seriously then you will lose any chance you have for finding your kind, for regaining your honor and your memories.  James shut his eyes from the pain of the mental attack, his control was wearing thin.   He could feel the massive brute's spiritual pressure rising fast and the old dragon knew that on his own there was no way he stood a chance to match it.  

He could hear Tatsuya's words, but none of it made sense to James as his feral side continued its inward barrage.    When the heat in the surrounding area started to rise James' scales raised out of reflex to keep him cool, to someone who had never seen this happen it would just appear that his color changed to a lighter shade of red.  However, what was now showing was the tough, leathery hide of the dragon underneath the scales now becoming like needles all over his body.

“BAN...KAI”

The massive brute was engulfed in a massive pillar of fire, the heat was so intense that even with his scales raised that James put his arm over his eyes.   When the flames died down the old dragon was now faced with an entirely different Tatsuya.   Gone were his gauntlets, in there place were four blades all facing a different direction on his arms; on his legs were now armored boots with talon like projections.  None of that concerned James more than the massive wings of flame that seem to form behind the brute.  

“You should feel honored, this is the first time I get a chance to use her in this form in the Living World. Try to keep up”

James was caught by surprise as the brute flashed right to him with a kick to the abdomen.   Sliding backwards the old dragon was doubled up on the ground when the flames hit him.  The pain was almost unbearable at this point, but James could only roar in rage.  His anger burned hotter than any flame, but more than that in his anger his feral side had gotten free.  Emerald flames burned over his body almost like a shield from the onslaught of fire.

As the flames engulfing the dragon started to die down and burn away they were replaced by dark green flames.  James laid there on the ground his wings wrapped over him like a shell from the blast,  when he raised his head the James that Tatsuya faced before was gone.   Glowing green, feral eyes locked onto their prey as he put his legs under him and got into a crouch.  His back claws ripped into the ground as they prepared to pounce.

With a flash James launched towards Tasuya staying low to the ground, his wings folded flat on his back, he was faster than he had moved before. Time to show the true power of my blood. When he was close enough the feral dragon would plant his left claw in the ground and use his momentum to turn and aim a kick towards the brutes' abdomen while his tail would strike out hoping to keep the talons on his opponent's feet  occupied.  

Rebounding he would stand to face Tatsuya once more, “You should of ran when you had the chance reaper, he warned you that you would face a different dragon than before.”   The voice that spoke through James was not his own.   For this voice carried with it a very obvious lack of self restraint.   This was a dragon that was not hesitant to kill.

Tatsuya dropped his guard as James slid back from receiving the kick and being engulfed in flames. He was relaxed with his arms hanging at his sides. Before his flames even died out, he saw hints of green flames emit from within and felt James' power increase. "Now were getting somewhere." He said aloud with a grin across his face as his flames disappeared and green flames took their place around the dragon. The wings opened up and Tatsuya stared into James' eyes as he looked up from the ground. "So the dragon finally came out to play." Tatsuya stated, getting into a fighting stance as James moved onto a crouched position. The ground crumbled behind James as he bolted forward. Tatsuya only smirked as James closed the distance between them. Tatsuya jumped to the side, avoiding James' kick and with a flap of his wings took to the air, flipping over James and landing over by the tree line. Tatsuya heard the words spoken by James, "A dragon that can change the colors of his fire and has a personality disorder. It is hardly the appearance of a new dragon. I've faced stronger opponents and have bested them. Besides I still haven't even used half of my full power. What makes you think I would run away?" Tatsuya said maintaining a confident, if not, cocky grin. "I'd suggest letting James come back out to play, I doubt he would like you ruining his body. Seems like he is the reasonable one of the two, but I would have no problems teaching a dragon that a phoenix is better. Lizards have never fared well against birds of prey. No reason a dragon would do any better." Tatsuya stated. He would let "James" make the first move. He would dodge if necessary, but hope the dragon would charge him again. He would let James get within striking distance and quickly stomp the ground with one of his talon-ed feet and set loose a column of fire beneath James'; "Hibashira."

"We've got a problem, Miyuki." Mizuki stated after coming to a realization. "What do you mean?" Miyuki turned to Mizuki with a confused look. "Don't you see anything wrong with this place?" Mizuki asked while waving her hands towards Tatsuya and James. Miyuki looked towards the the combatants and then around the surrounding area. "No...Wait!" Miyuki made the same realization as her sister. "So what does that mean?" Miyuki asked. "It means we got sent further back then we thought, but how far?"

The feral dragon let out a growl of annoyance as he turned his gaze skyward as he watched Tasuya's almost translucent wings of flame carry him to the tree line with little effort. “You're fast...” He said with a growl as his lips curled back to reveal pointed teeth. Crouching down on the ground like a cat about to pounce James shot forward once more with the thought that he would force a battle of sheer strength with the man now that his back was too the treeline.

As soon as he got close enough Tatsuya's foot crashed down on the ground causing a fissure to form under him. James' instincts were the only thing that kept him from being roasted alive. The fact was that some part of his feral side felt the updraft of heat from the ground and snapped opened his wings using it to rise just a fraction of a second before the column of flame soared upward under him.

Wincing in pain James could feel the blisters already forming from the heat, he would was going to be in a lot of pain if he survived this fight. It took only seconds for the column of fire to die out and by that time James was circling about a hundred feet above where Tatsuya stood. With a loud roar he jackknifed downward his wings curled back almost flat against his sides as he built up speed.

At the last second his wings snapped open and acted like brakes in mid air as he swung his lower body forward under him and aimed to plant both clawed feet in the center of Tatsuya's chest before he let loose a jet of green flame at his chest.