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As soon as Rakey-chan said the word, Xeion complied. With his dominant foot, the young Vice Captain performed a shunpo and speed off towards Rakey-chan, closing the gap in no less than a second's time. As soon as he reappeared in front of Rakey-chan, Xeion went into his duel stance once more, digging his feet on the ground and his hands gripped firmly on Elena's hilt.

After doing these things, he answered, "There you go, Rakey-chan," with his eyes were focused on observing his sister's body, watching for any signs of a possible attack from any direction. His smile, however, was still there, still unchanging, as if to give comfort to his sister and boost her morale and say, 'you can do it, I know you can'.

When he reappeared right in front of Rakey-chan, Xeion was surprised at the fact that he was suddenly met by an attack just seconds after he had done so. The speed and power that came from the blast which was caused by Rakey-chan's sudden cosmic energy-irradiated swing was absolutely phenomenal. For a first-timer, Rakey-chan's cosmic energy output was quite above the average line. The blast came at such a surprise that Xeion was barely able to guard against it; and when he did as he raised his sword defensively, his hands shook at the force of the impact of the blast, hitting Elena's steel.

Xeion was about to go back into his duel stance, so as to continue the training process, when he saw Rakey-chan fall to her knees, dizzy from exerting herself too much. A look of concern came to his face as Xeion rushed to his sister's side and allowed her to use his body as something she could lean on to make it easier for her to recover. "Hey, are you feeling okay?" asked Xeion in a concerned tone of voice, gazing at Rakey-chan with eyes, filled with worry.

Xeion saw that his sister's eyes were completely different now. Instead of them being their normal, caramel color, her eyes were now that of a deep magenta hue. If one were to think of this situation logically, it would be safe to assume that the phenomenon was caused by the cosmic energy that was flowing inside of her. Her body's energy signature, along with her cells, were rejecting the energy and was manifesting it by changing the color of her eyes in addition to affecting her vision, most probably. "Rakey-chan...," he whispered, bringing up his hands to caress her face, rubbing his thumbs at Rakey-chan's cheeks just under her, now-magenta, eyes. Closing his own eyes, Xeion bit his lip.

"I'm sorry," apologized Xeion, warm tears starting to fall down his cheeks. It was his fault -- he made her like this. It's because of him exposing her to cosmic energy that she was suffering right now. As such, Xeion decided then and there to ask Rakey-chan if she wanted to continue her training, despite the risks. As her adopted brother, Xeion only wanted for Rakey-chan to live happy and safe. He thought that, if he showed her how to use cosmic energy, she would be safer than before, thanks to the many things she can do with such an energy. However, he failed to consider that her body might reject the use of such power, as it was doing now, and hence, only cause Rakey-chan more pain.

Brining Rakey-chan closer to his chest, Xeion embraced his sister and whispered something into her ear. "Rakey-chan...do you want to continue your training? If you do, I can say that it won't be easy, but as you're brother, I'll make things easier for you -- that I promise. You can back out now, though. I don't want you to suffer. I just want you to smile, to be happy."

Xeion was amazed at his sister's decision. Even though he didn't want her to suffer any more, he respected her decision and simply smiled at her. Forcing her to quit would be useless and would hurt her pride as a warrior. She may look frail, innocent, and weak, but Xeion knew Rakey-chan better than most people in the Sereitei -- she was a strong one, possibly one of the strongest ever. Her will power alone would serve her well in future battles. In any case though, he had to be sure.

Xeion stood up and looked at his sister directly. "Rakey-chan, please close your eyes for a moment," said Xeion with him, too, closing his eyes. As soon as he did, Xeion began chanting undecipherable words, cosmic energy seeping through his entire being. Xeion stopped for a moment, "Don't be afraid, Rakey-chan. Trust in me and trust in yourself," he said then continued with his chant.

Once Xeion finished his chant, he slowly opened his eyes to reveal his sister, Rakey-chan, with her closed eyes and her face without as much as a sign of worry. He smiled at this, knowing of her sister's absolute trust in him. Surely, it was like that time in Las Noches; how could he forget? It was the time he met Rakey-chan and the time he met all those wonderful Arrancar who went out of their way to help him, even if he was supposedly the enemy.

For things to get like this, who knew that things would progress so far that Rakey-chan was now his sister? It was a complete breach in the traditional system for an Arrancar and a shinigami to get along, even form something of a bond as strong as a familial one. On the other hand, it served as a point -- an example -- that when two people really want to get along, things would work out, regardless of race, belief, or philosophical view. In the end, it was all up to the heart.

"Initiating Soul Link. Are you ready?" asked Xeion. He won't start without her consent.

With a nod, Xeion extended his hands towards Rakey-chan as the Raven's Mark, 'XIII', appeared on both their foreheads, signifying the start of the Soul Link process. Everything was going as it should be, however Xeion couldn't help feel that something was off. Of course, he was sure that there was nothing wrong, but something in head screamed out, constantly telling him to stop what he was doing or to simply watch out for anything that might happen.

Which it did...

All of a sudden, the Raven's Mark started to glow, disappear, then glow again on Rakey-chan's forehead, just like a broken light bulb. Shortly after, the cosmic energy engulfed the two people, placing them in a world of darkness, all happening without Xeion's command. He was confused -- he didn't know what was happening. Just then, lines began etching themselves all throughout Rakey-chan's body, converging into one point on Rakey-chan's right clavicle. Xeion didn't know what was going on, but he was sure that this process was of that during the Anima identification process. Knowing this, Xeion shrugged off his doubts and fears and went to Rakey-chan to read the symbol that was on her left clavicle; the symbol which identifed her Anima type.

"Tzaddi; L 'Etoile; The Star," murmured Xeion. As he did, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone -- or something -- was watching him from the shadows.

((You did well, Ayu-hime. 3nodding ))

Seeing the giant deer in all of its majesty, Xeion couldn’t help but stand and stare in awe. Of course, he knew for a fact that Arrancars don’t have zanpakuto spirits as their zanpakutos were simply their Hollow powers, sealed within sword forms. With that fact in mind, that could only mean that the being he was seeing now was Rakey-chan before she became an Arrancar. It was the only answer, seeing that the giant creature didn’t look like Rakey-chan’s resurrecion form at all. Aside from that, the creature acted differently -- Xeion could sense it. It was a deep, dark feeling which the creature had by the mere sight of the foreign body, near its master. Its intense energies were screaming out, desperately commanding the creature to protect its master and eliminate the threat presumably posed by Xeion. Yes, the creature felt a feeling of hate towards him.

“Mamoru-san, please listen to me first before you make any brash actions…,” requested Xeion, holding out his hands to express that he was of a peaceful nature as he slowly bent down and sat in a seiza position in front of the giant deer. Xeion’s heartbeat increased dramatically as adrenaline pumped through his bloodstream, allowing his body to react to anything that might happen, if anything happens at all. Surely, Mamoru-san would understand his actions as non-hostile, but still, it was better to be prepared than dead. The fact was clear: Mamoru-san’s only directive was to protect Rakey-chan for Xeion was still a major threat to Mamoru-san’s eyes -- a fact quite understandable. Commendable, even. It only showed that Mamoru-san cared for Rakey-chan and faithfully protected her, like its namesake.

Bowing, Xeion explained the situation to Mamoru-san in the hopes of coming to a point of understanding with the physical manifestation of Rakey-chan’s heart -- her improvised Guardian Soul. “Mamoru-san, trust me, I do not want to harm Rakey-chan, nor you for that matter. You are only doing your job, and faithfully, you are fulfilling your role. I cannot bring myself to hurt someone as loyal as you, but even so, I must impose on you this one time.” Xeion raised his head and looked at the giant deer’s intimidating form with confident eyes even though he was nervous, thinking as to what might happen next. “Mamoru-san, allow me to get something out of Rakey-chan, and nothing else. Again, I have no intention of hurting her; how could I? I love her too much. So please, will you allow me passage?”

With that question, Xeion patiently awaited Mamoru-san’s reply. Though he had doubts, Xeion trusted in Mamoru-san’s judgment. Whether or not Rakey-chan’s Guardian Soul would agree to his terms, Xeion would accept Mamoru-san’s decision for he knew that whatever decision Mamoru-san made would be in Rakey-chan’s best interest. Protecting Rakey-chan was one of those things, so if Mamoru-san decides to fight, Xeion would comply without any hard feelings. In fact, he would even be happy for it showed that Xeion could trust in Mamoru-san with the task of protecting her for Mamoru-san wouldn’t even allow Xeion, her own adopted brother, passage, much less than an intruder. If Mamoru-san were to, however, allow him safe passage, it would be much easier for it showed that the Guardian Soul trusted in Xeion’s words; and that was all he wanted. Trust.

Xeion saw what he needed to do, made clearer to him with his sister's remark. Rakey-chan wanted him to fight her Vasto Lorde self. Her Vasto Lorde self, too, was quite determined to test him in this aspect. Both of them wanted to see if the man standing before them, Xeion Kuchiki, was fit to hold trust in their hearts. They wanted to see the strength of his volition; his drive; his will. They wanted to see just how far Xeion would go for the sake of his sister's trust and how far will he go to protect her if situations arise where fighting was an unavoidable circumstance. Looking at both Rakey-chan and the giant deer, Xeion smiled. "If that is what you both wish, I shall not hesitate to comply," said Xeion, reaching for Elena and slowly drew her out from her scabbard.

"Because that's what nii-chan's are here for..."

[Battle BGM: Tatta Hitotsu No Omoi (My One and Only Wish) - KOKIA]

As soon as Xeion drew out Elena, the entire area became filled with Xeion's reiatsu, resonating with his pure feelings of wanting to earn his sister's trust. Deep in Xeion's heart, he only wanted Rakey-chan to trust him and his abilities; that he would always be there for her and be at her side, even if nobody else were there. With that desire, he wanted to show it to Rakey-chan brighter than anyone else, stronger than anyone else. Xeion wanted to tell her, not only through words, but through pure actions as well, that he was ready to risk everything for her sake. He was ready to throw away everything so long as he could protect her, even if that something were to be his own life. He wasn't only doing this for his promise, he was doing this because he wanted to -- because Rakey-chan is one of the most precious things in this world to him, and no matter what, he didn't want to lose her. His strong feelings augmented his power even more which rose up to even higher levels because of his motivation. This was probably one of the few times Xeion would fight semi-seriously for most of his fights were simply done in such a way that it would seem more like a game than an actual fight. This time was different. Xeion was playing for keeps.

Placing his left hand onto Elena's blade, he ran it down its entire length as blood seeped down her body, turning the pure still into a tainted crimson hue. Opening his mouth, he started to chant, "Corrupt me now, Elena," as his zanpakuto transformed into her first shikai stage. Still, Xeion wasn't finished yet. He still had one more thing to do.

"With these hands I offer you my blood, the blood which contains my heart and my soul. Hear me now as I make this covenant with you, written in crimson ink which now flows down your body. Let the world see your true face, O blue rose which shines amidst the abysmal night's curtain. Break the mirror and show your true reflection; and from the depths of despair, awaken, with wings ablaze with majestic light!"

With that chant, the entire area became wreathed in shining white as Elena transformed into her second stage; her True Reflection. She was now both elegant and deadly; beautifully deceptive and fatally elegant. Though Xeion had no intention of killing, he wanted to show the both of them just how far he would go for Rakey-chan's sake. He wanted them to know that -- to see it as plain as day or the darkness that surrounds them -- that no matter what, Xeion would be there for her to protect her if she needed it the most. This was his strength of his resolve. He wanted to give no quarter in this fight. He was going to do his best and he will show them that this young Vice Captain, even though if he were alone, will shine like a star for his beloved sister, Rakey-chan.

"Yaritaku nai keredo. Imouto no tame dakara, kimi to tatakaimasu. Nii-san to shite..., (I don't want to but. It's for my sister, so I will fight you as her brother...,)" Xeion spoke in Rakey-chan's native tongue, his voice filled with zeal and fervor, bursting -- no, overflowing -- with confidence. Then, in one, final cry, he shouted, reiatsu now overflowing off his very person.

"Rakey-chan no koto suki desu! (I love Rakey-chan!)"