Memories of the Past and Battles of the Present

"Over four hundred years, and this is the first time I come back..." Although many distinct changes had occurred within the Soul Society over the 400 years since Aizen's defeat, the Rukongai, "City of Wandering Souls", had hardly changed at all. Well, that statement was only half true. Because the Rukongai's 80 districts were outside of the Seireitei, they had less of an obligation to maintain a "traditional" look. While it still resembled Japanese village from the era of the Samurai, the influence of technological advancement and social change could be seen within it. This, of course, only applied until you reached a certain "dividing point" within the districts. Once you got into the higher numbers, from about 60 on up, one would begin to notice a lowering quality of the area and structures in general. While the 60's were not so bad, once you got to around district 75 and on, you could tell that the Gotei's laws had a hard time reaching these souls. In fact, there were two districts in these final numbers that were known for their rough living conditions and crime; District 78 "Inzuru" (Hanging Dog), and District 80 "Zaraki". These two districts were know as some of the toughest area's within the Soul Society, and not even many Shinigami ever ventured here. Of course, for those who had been born and raised in these Districts, the living conditions had simply become something that they were used to. This held true for one man in particular who was visiting the Rukongai today.

This man, although dressed somewhat like a Shinigami, definitely had the air that he belonged there. Standing at 6'3", this man was rather tall, and with his ash-gray hair and solemn expression, looked almost as if he were a specter. As for his outfit, it did definitely resemble a Shinigami's uniform, but was more like a customized version; consisting of a longer black jacket-like top and black hamaka pants, all appearing to have seen many battles. With a Zanpakuto sheathed and held by a white cloth tied to function as a belt, it was clear that this man was either a current or former Shinigami. Of course, for those who could accurately sense reiatsu, this man would feel to be only half Shinigami. Adding in the fact that this man was born right here in district 78, it was clear to any who knew him that he was none other than Ravana Ichiro; former Captain of Squad 3 and a Vizard. While Vizards were still generally not allowed in the Gotei 13, Ravana was still considered an ally; and being the Colonel of the Vizard Corps' Special Operations sector granted him a few special rights. Today, however, Ravana had not come on any important business, or for any real "work" related reason at all. No, today, Ravana had come for the single purpose of Nostalgia. During the battle with Aizen around 400 years ago, Ravana had become a Vizard, and thus forced to resign as Captain and leave the Gotei 13. While he had been allowed to visit, Ravana had never actually returned to the Rukongai or district 78 where he grew up.

"Still can't believe that this place holds so many memories though" Ravana spoke to himself as he wandered the Inzuru District. Seeing as a lot of his life had been molded by what he had done and learned while growing up here, Ravana couldn't really say that he was surprised, but a lot of it he simply did not remember on a daily basis. Of course, there was one area, slightly outside of the district that held more importance to Ravana and who he had become than anything else. As he approached this area, his facial expression changed to show more a man who was deep in though about the past. Yes, it was here, after failing to protect that girl all those years ago, that Ravana had made his goal to become a Shinigami. When he had been powerless to protect, it was a group of Shinigami who had come to do the job he had failed at, and ever since then, Ravana had vowed to become stronger so that he would never fail to protect someone again. Of course, this personal vow seemed to have done him no good during the war with Aizen. Sighing at these memories, Ravana turned his back on the site, and began to walk into the last two districts. "Hmm, I wonder what ever happened to her...after all these years" Ravana said quietly to himself.

As Ravana continued his pace through the outer districts of the Rukongai, although mostly lost in thought, he did notice as his surroundings began to change. Sure, while the "style" or lack therefor of was pretty consistent throughout these last few districts, there was just something about district 80 "Zaraki" that set it apart. Maybe it was the class of souls living there, maybe it was the different "gangs" that often fought for control, or maybe it was just because nobody cared about the upkeep of the buildings. Either way, district 80 almost seemed to be completely separate from the Soul Society, and its residents seemed to prefer it that way. Of course, when it came to someone like Ravana, these common "thugs" that populated Zaraki would have to have been complete idiots or have a death wish to attack him. It wasn't really the fact that he appeared to be a Shinigami, because there definitely some lower-classed Shinigami; but when it came to Ravana, something about him told you that he knew how to handle that Zanpakuto of his. To these souls, it was this fact, not his position with any organization, that kept these souls from trying to hassle Ravana. Then again, seeing as he was more distracted by his thoughts, Ravana didn't even notice how nobody was attacking him here in district 80. Of course, that "silence" could only last for so long.

As he walked further in, Ravana faintly noticed the presence of a rather strong soul; most likely at a Captain's level. While it probably wouldn't be a good thing if the owner of this presence choose to attack him, Ravana paid it little mind for the time being. It wasn't as if he were overconfidently dismissing their potential strength, but they were still a bit away; and any attack they might preform would instantly alert Ravana. Of course, it seemed as if person, whoever they were, did not intend to let Ravana go without so much as a word. As he felt the person's presence drawing closer, Ravana began to pay it more mind; until he heard the voice of a male ask him a question. Before giving his question any thought, Ravana lifted his gaze fully up to see just who had asked it; and wasn't really surprised by what he saw. Right off the bat, judging from the way this male held himself and dressed, Ravana could easily tell that he was no stranger to the Zaraki district. Going by the look on his face, Ravana could also tell that this man was not talking to him just for a simple conversation. While not intimidated by his looks at all, Ravana could tell that his looks were probably aimed at obtaining that sort of reaction. Sighing inwardly to himself, Ravana finally gave the man's question some thought.

"No, not at all really" Ravana responded, his voice both calm and composed. Though he was still essentially the same person he had always been, Ravana had matured a lot over the past 400 years, and actually trying to Duck him on had become a much more difficult task. Of course, there was also the fact that Ravana had no girlfriend, so his answer was also true. Sure, there may have been one woman who would have been able to have caused such thought from him, but she was not on his mind at the moment. Then again, seeing as he didn't even know his own full feelings for her, he tended to stay away from those thoughts. "I was born back in Inzuru, so I was merely thinking about my past" Ravana added to his reply, as if they were having just a normal conversation. Yes, had this man been hoping to provoke Ravana, then he had failed, horribly. For starters, his comment was nowhere near striking any "nerve" for Ravana; and even if it had, he was much better at controlling his emotions. Not only that, but to Ravana, it was more than obvious that this man was trying to get some sort of reaction out of him; which made it so much easier to not really care at all about what he said. Quite simply put, none of this man's words would have any real effect on Ravana.

Of course, seeing as this man had approached him, Ravana decided to take a break from his thoughts; even if this man's only intentions for talking to him were to provoke him. While some might have called what Ravana was gonna do a "counter", he was really just doing it cause he felt like it. "Ya know, its rather rude to approach someone without introducing yourself" Ravana said to this man, his tone still just as calm and collected. He wasn't really trying to "fight fire with fire" as the saying goes by attempting to provoke this man, Ravana simply felt that the man's approach was a little rude. "If you would like to start over, I am Ravana Ichiro" Ravana continued, giving his name in that same, "in control" tone. "If not, however, then I'll be back on my way" he added as a conclusion, looking off to the side as he spoke. If this man hadn't guessed by now, Ravana was not going to be some easy target for him to provoke. Ravana was definitely a much more mature person than when he served the Gotei 13 as a Captain; a fact that was proven just by how he handled this situation.

By now, it was more than obvious to Ravana that this man's only intention was to antagonize him. Normally, Ravana would merely walk away from someone like this, a fool who took pleasure in being an annoyance, but it seemed as if that was not as easy of an option in this situation. Of course, even despite this, Ravana maintained his calm and collect demeanor with ease; sure, this man may think that he was some big "head honcho" dick, but during his life, Ravana had met so many people who were way more annoying than this one man could ever hope to be. Honestly, Ravana was s used to dealing with such people, that the man's words were nothing more than empty attempts to elicit a reaction. Hell, Ravana almost hoped that this man didn't think he was clever or anything, as that would only prove just how pathetic his attempts were. Unfortunately, while this man's words may have been a waste of his effort, Ravana couldn't ignore the signs of hostility that he was beginning to show. It wasn't just this man's words anymore, but the...well, definitely not subtle actions he was taking. It was quite easy to tell what kind of person this man was; obnoxious, antagonistic, and overconfident. That being said, those traits in no way meant that this man was weak or a pushover, and Ravana knew this. Over his life, Ravana had fought pretty much every type of person there was out there, and if there was one thing that had taught him, it was that you can never underestimate an opponent.

"Hmm, no, there's a difference between mystery and secrecy, being that the latter is generally used by crooks and thieves" Ravana responded, even now his tone still so calm and collect. All of this man's attempts to provoke him were still falling on deaf ears, but Ravana would admit that dealing with this man was beginning to become a hassle. Of course, despite this fact, Ravana was still on guard; not in a way that could be seen physically, but if this man were to make any unwise movements, Ravana would be more than prepared to deal with him. Being not only a member, but the leader of the Vizard Corps' Spec. Ops. Sector, Ravana was highly adept at not only noticing all the subtle innuendo's of an opponent's movement, but was also already prepared with multiple ways to handle any situation. When that is combined with the fact that he knew not to take any enemy for granted, it made it highly unlikely that an enemy would be able to catch him off guard. Of course, it also helped Ravana determine between false movements meant to throw him off and an actual intent to attack; meaning that as the man tried to appear as if he were going to take action, he was not fooled.

"Because you have already made it more than clear that you do not wish to have a civil conversation with me" Ravana responded as the man asked if he was leaving. While it was also clear that the man would not just let him pass, Ravana was still maintaining his composure. The man's next words, and following actions, however, showed Ravana that the time for words was soon drawing to a close. As the man drew his sword, Ravana allowed his left hand to rest on the sheath of his Zanpakuto, which was held to his left side, in a nonthreatening way. Even if his opponent noticed this movement, it would have still meant nothing, as Ravana would have required his right hand to actually draw his blade. Of course, what his opponent didn't, and couldn't, know, was that Ravana was now completely prepared for any action that the man would take. With his preparations set, all Ravana had to do now was wait for his now opponent to fully draw their sword and take action. Fortunately, he did not have to wait long.

As soon as his opponent used shunpo to appear behind him, before any words even had the chance to leave his mouth, Ravana immediately used his left hand on his sheathed Zanpakuto to jab it powerfully directly into his opponent's spine. Because the actions his opponent had taken, and because he was still using his "taunting tactic" there was virtually no way for him to have been prepared for this move, even if he did not realize it. Even if the man's unorthodox sword style was able to fool other opponents, it left him completely open to the jab Ravana had preformed. Of course, Ravana was nowhere near done, and immediately following his jab, he turned around swiftly and slammed his right elbow into his opponent's head. Following this, Ravana used shunpo to appear about a foot away, facing his opponent now, and held up his left arm. "Bakudo number 61, Rikujōkōrō!" Ravana shouted the incantation, and as he did so, six thin, wide beams of light would appear around his opponent and slam into his midsection. With his kido spell completed, Ravana drew his Zabpakuto with his right hand in the blink of an eye, and waited to see how his opponent had handled his attacks. No matter how smart this man may have thought he was, he not only fell into Ravana's trap, but willing walked right into it. Unlike his opponent, however, Ravana remained silent, not wasting any of his time or concentration on idle words.

This fight is archived, winner because of Ravana QQ Yuri, and based on Xat vote this fight is now canon