Sins of the Unholy pt. 1

The Cave

Sins of the Unholy

Chapter 11: The Cave

Walking up to the large mountain area, Juno stays at the back of the squad. Toshiro and Ragiku lead the way as many of the squad members whisper and joke around. Not many pay attention to the 3rd seat as she rubs gently at her chest. A few days ago a report had come in, Kirin's had been spotted exploding across Karakura.

Head Captain Kyoraku took everything in and dispatched Squad 12 to take samples and determine the level of reishi in the area. All Captains then took to their squads and began preparations for training and updated patrols around Karakura.

Coming to a halt, Juno moves along the edge of the group to stand just under the shade of a tree. Toshiro steps forward and looks over his squad.

"We are at war! Like all threats that have come to the Soul Society, we will face it head on. You know what you need to work on. Become strong, stand taller and do this squad proud. Lieutenant Matsumo and I will be roaming around to check progress and correct any stances. Seated officers 4 through 10 will divide you into groups." Toshiro's words are strong as he gestures to 7 officers that lead the group.

The groups begin to break off as the seated officers begin rambling off names and taking groups further into the mountain area. Once all have gone, Rangiku and Toshiro approach Juno.

"I'm not going to like this am I?" Asks Juno as she looks over the two of them.

"Oh, you make it seem like it's a bad thing! Cheer up, it will help!" Cheerfully Rangiku links her arms with Juno and drags the 3rd seat to the opening of a large cave. Juno eyes it wearily before looking at Toshiro.

"Is this an order Captain?" Juno looks at him. Since the report from Karakura, Toshiro had been distracted. Not only had it resulted in more Captains meetings but the pile of paperwork that had accrued had left him slightly snappy.

"You and your Zanpaktou need to find the cause of the disturbances in you. For this exercise, the limiter will be taken off Kiseichu and placed on the cave to keep you both limited within." He gestures for her to enter. Juno slumps slightly before pulling away from Rangiku and moving to stand just within the mouth of the cave.

Rangiku and Toshiro raise a hand toward the cave and Juno looks to her Captain. His eyes are focused and hard as she feels a shiver run down her spine. Matsumoto brings her other hand up and begins to form hand signs before her.

"Kigai no Jomon!" Hexagon-like plates of green begin to form before her and slowly move over the cave opening. More appear and begin to combine effectively locking Juno into the cave. Toshiro closes his hand into a fist and gold chairs link his fist to Juno's hip. She looks down at her Zanpaktou and notices that the gold wrapped around it glows.

"Break, Sajo sabaku!" He opens his hand and the chain begins to crack and fall away from the Zanpaktou.

~

"I can feel you again." Kiseichu's voice seems to vibrate off the cave and a small smile comes to Juno's lips. She walks deeper into the cave and takes slow even breaths as she goes.

"I told you, it was just a matter of time. You're being impatient." Comments Juno as she comes to a row of torches lit within the cave. She sees that they lead up to a stone seat. Moving over to it she pulls Kiseichu out of its sheath and stabs him into it. Taking a step back she looks around the area. It's marked up and disturbed from the many that have used it for training.

"I want power, we cannot grow without it." His words growl out and Juno shivers under the assessment. Moving to sit cross legged before her sword Juno closes her eyes and focuses on their inner world.