Ballad of the Kinslayer [Izalith v Mirajane]

Apparently the two known as Stefan and Mifune were not Mirajane's only relatives out there in the world. While the existence of those two had been revealed to Mira by a stranger in these very Wastelands she now walked, this newest Soan made herself known by challenging her to a fight of some kind. From what she understood, apparently her kin had a reputation for being battle thirsty warriors so this out-of-the-blue challenge wasn't entirely surprising. Still, for someone apparently related to her to make herself known through such a thing was odd to say the least. Yet another individual Mira's father had failed to mention before sending her out into the world.

Thus without knowledge of cause or context, Mirajane accepted the apparent challenge and agreed to a date and time comfortable for both of them. Having been allowed to choose the location, Mira decided upon an area she had used regularly in the human world: the Wastelands. A deserted, desolate land with nothing going for it other than being a great spot for tanning, this spot was chosen because of it's openness and lack of distractions and disruptions. While the Wastelands was Mirajane's go-to for fighting Hollows and Demons, this particular location was usually far enough away from their usual hunting grounds for her to recuperate after particularly difficult fights. And now it would be home to one.

The light breeze helped alleviate the throbbing heat a bit as it washed across Mirajane's brow, cooling her forehead as it tossed her violet bangs to and fro. As the Shinigami crossed the barren terrain dirt and sand crunched beneath her blue boots, leaving behind tracks upon a land untouched by humans for centuries. With no sign of life in any direction, Mirajane knew it was just a matter of time before she would reach the coordinates given to her Iramasha counterpart. Eventually a small dark dot appeared at the limits of her sight; being the only aberration on the horizon, Mirajane could safely assume it was the person evidently out for her blood, and after a few more minutes of walking this assumption would prove true.

Upon reaching the location of her much more darkly dressed sibling, Mirajane, through a cold and unfeeling smile, introduced herself to the girl "Hello. I am Mirajane Soan. You must be Izalith."

The woman with the appearance of her child claiming to be her sister laughed at the very idea of their father deciding to raise Mirajane himself instead of through proxy like he'd done with Izalith. Perhaps such a reaction was born of envy, or perhaps the Iramasha really was just shocked by the truth of things. Either way Mira's forced smile remained unchanged throughout, her stare cold and unaffected by her counterpart's aggressive gaze. Compared to the girl in front of her who clearly felt a variety of strong emotions, Mirajane was an unfeeling machine built to fight and nothing else. While both had been brought up with strong emphasis on battle, the results were evidently quite different.

In response to Izalith's movement, Mirajane reached to the weapon sheathed in a blue scabbard at her hip and from it drew forth a copper blade glinting in the harsh sunlight. Unlike every other Asauchi of her graduating class, Mira's had quickly developed a unique appearance, one noticeably different from most Zanpakuto. The blue of it's handle and copper-brown of it's blade stood in stark contrast to one another. However, there was no mistaking the katana's edge possessed a sharp edge capable of cleaving cleanly through much of what it met. A blade true to it's name, Zanpakuto. Though, it's true name remained unknown to the Shinigami; much growth would be required to attain such a thing. Perhaps this battle could help propel her along this path.

With combat about to begin, the inhuman smile upon Mirajane's emotionless visage washed away and in it's place was....nothing. An observer could ascertain nothing of Mira's thoughts or state of mind as she raised her blade and held it parallel to her head with both hands gripping it's tsuka calmly. During this time Mira's feet had drifted apart, knees bent slightly, and elbows tilted up to the same height as her shoulders. While her foe took no stance in particular, Mirajane's was one of versatility and preparation. Whether the Iramasha made the first move or she herself was forced to, Mira was ready for anything.