Bleach:Re chapter18. Prey and the Predator

It's been almost one hour. During that entire hour, I ran as fast as possible, but still, I didn't manage to find Rudacreiss.

- Ha … Ha … Ha … Looks like … He was … further … Than expected …

I let myself fall to the ground and then took a long breath.

- But at least … I now know my limit. One hour at full speed, not bad I guess. Besides, looks like the wind was against me most of the time.

I stretched for a few seconds, my muscles were all numb.

- I hate this wind … I hate this sand … I HATE THIS PLACE !

I started wriggling around like a child, yelling out loud,

- I WANT TO GO HOME, I WANT TO EAT, I WANT TO FORGET THIS PLACE !

Then I suddenly stopped and took a look at the sky above my head.

- But first of all … I have to find Matsunami-san's assailant … That's a priority.

I laid in the white sand for a few minutes. The Sandstorm was now replaced by a nice breeze. The ground seemed comfy for the first time. I closed my eyes for a short instant and thought of everything that had happened to me during these last few months. Not so long ago, I was only a student. A normal human student. And now I'm in some desert, searching for a humanoid-monster to kill. However, I never had any doubt about my choices, in fact, it was the opposite. This reflexion being done, I then stood up and took a look at the surrounding environment. 

- Ok ! I'm kinda hungry … I should search for something to eat !

I didn't move though. It took a few minutes. All I was doing was listening. Each sound was distinct. And then, it happened.

- HERE ! OOOSSSUUUU !

This noise wasn't the wind or the flying sand, it was the sound of someone or something moving. To the South-West, at three meters, a Tiny Hollow. I immediately slashed the ground to send it flying into the air. It was mine now.

- Here I come !

I quickly stabbed it in the chest, killing it in a fast & proper fashion. I reiterated this feat a few times, having enough « meat » to eat for a moment. Then, I began to eat. All the energy I had spent during my run should come back to me. So I eat. I eat. I eat.

- Again ! I need more ! I'm too hungry !

Finally, after a long and nice meal, there was something like 2-3 hollows left. 

- Yaaaaaa ! I'm full ! I can't eat anymore! I wouldn't say it was good but … At least, I satisfied my hunger. However … From now on, the break is over, I have to find him.

One more time, I stretched and prepared myself to leave.

- Here I go...
- UH ? Where are you going, Shinigami ?!

My eyes opened in surprise, as I quickly turned my back.

- Eh !

This voice …

- What's with the face? Seriously ?

This Reiatsu …

- Don't you recognize me ?

And this annoying arrogant tone.

- Tch … Looks like you were the one to find me … Rudacreiss !
- Hell yeah !

He was standing there, above me, on a sand hill, looking down at me. During those two weeks, he hadn't seemed to change at all. His left arm still was cut, but all the minor wounds seemed healed.

- Well ? Did you enjoy your trip in my country ? Haha !

I almost forgot that annoying smile.

- Yeah … Though, I won't promise I'll come here again next summer.

At this time, I started smiling too.

- Oh ? But … Who said you're gonna be alive next summer ?

At those words, both Rudacreiss & I unsheathed our Zanpakuto and slashed with the desire to take other's head. Our swords collided, resulting in blowing away of all the sand surrounding us.

- Eh, when did you become that strong you bastard ?
- As if I'd tell you.

I deflected his sword and then immediately slashed in direction of his blind spot. Unfortunately, he managed to block it. We continued to exchange blows for a moment.

- Now it's getting interesting. I shouldn't hold back then !
- This stance is …

Rudacreiss slowly lifted up his sword vertically and then quickly lowered it toward me. It clearly was the form of Fencing.

- Here I come !
- Hmph !

Meanwhile in Forest of Menos.

-My, my … This young boy … No, Kurasa. He's a mad man. He surely will become something scary in the coming years. He somewhat reminds me of you … Sensho.

Hôka was here, lying on a pile of dead Menos Grande. He remembered what had happened in the last 15 days.

- However … There is Something that you lack Kurasa …

I was slashing through Rudacreiss's flesh.

- Something important …

He was slashing through mine.

- Do you know Kurasa ? The difference between King & Horse ? Actually … The answer is pretty simple … Instinct !!

Our fight would never end. Our strength was almost the same. 

- Humans, spirits, animals and even monsters. Everything living is this world is following its instinct. It's what makes the difference between two beings of same strength. You can fight an opponent with reason. You don't need a reason to cut down your opponents. All you need is to let this killing pulsation gain the upper hand !

Back at Hueco Mundo.

-Ah … Ah … Ah … Not bad …
- He … Hehe … I do think the same !

Both our body were bloody. Though, this time, our strength was equal.

- It looks like that you never stop to progress eh ?
- What do you mean ?
- At our first encounter, you weren't able to keep up with me. At our second one, you forced me to fight with my full strength. And now, you're even able to keep up with my current strength. Looks like you finally have a bit of this … Instinct !

I swung my blade in the air to throw away the blood on it.

- And what if I do have instinct?
- Well, now it's getting interesting.

His smile disappeared, leaving a pair of eyes that were staring at me with the desire to kill.

-Looks like I can finally have a true fight !