Outsider Chronicles: Swords and Poisons

I think everyone wishes they had powers at one point or another. I bet few people wish they WERE powers. However, thats exactly where I find myself, the power of a broken young girl. Now I just have to help her make some friends and survive this crazy world.

Welp, this is an...interesting idea. It probably won't go anywhere, but I like it enough to at least share it. On the surface, its a crossover with Bleach, but only so far as how Taylors power will work. I may make it an actual crossover if I continue it, although it would be limited to characters, but for now I'm not sure. Enjoy!

Chapter 1

I woke to the sound of rain. That wasn't that uncommon considering I lived in Britain and it was the middle of winter, but for some reason, it sounded different. I slowly opened my eyes and found myself staring up at the bare beams of the ceiling above me. That...wasn't right. I sat up and looked around. I was in what appeared to be a run down wooden room that, by the design of the tattered shojo, was inside a traditional Japanese building. One that looked partly abandoned if the damage was anything to go by. Oddly enough though, I couldn't see any dust or cobwebs.

"Um, where am I?" I asked.

Then my hand jumped to my throat because the voice that emerged from my mouth was not the one I remember having before I woke up here. I looked down and let out a yelp as I was confronted with a pair of tits I definitely didn't have before.

"What the actual FUCK?!" I yelped, jumping to my feet and haring out of the room in search of a mirror.

I didn't find one, but I did find a bath full of crystal clear water that served just as well. I was now a petite, pale skinned girl with purple eyes that looked extremely weird as they seemed to lack a pupil and almost resembled compound eyes. My hair was short and turned from black at the top to dark purple at the tips and pinned back with a white and purple butterfly shaped ornament, allowing a pair of bangs to fall free, framing my face. I was wearing a dark purple straight-lined black jacket, covered by a white haori with a butterfly wing pattern in turquoise and pink, and hakama pants that are tucked into a butterfly pattern fabric around my lower legs that matched my haori and white sandals with purple straps. Tucked into my belt was a katana in a white sheath, an orange and blue hilt and matching guard that was shaped like a butterfly's wings. Actually, I looked just like one of the characters from Demon Slayer, the Insect Pillar, although for the life of me I couldn't remember her name.

Speaking of remembering names, I couldn't remember mine. In fact, I couldn't remember much of anything clearly, other than the fact I apparently had a close encounter with Truck-kun before I ended up here. Other than that, and the fact I used to be male, the only memory that jumped out was a vague memory of talking to something very bright and making a deal. I think I've been ROBed.

"Well thats just fabulous," I grumbled as I dropped down on the edge of the bath, "I have no idea where I am, what I'm doing here or even who I am…"

I trailed off as that thought brought a name to the forefront of my mind. I'm fairly sure it wasn't the one I used to go by, but I somehow knew it was mine.

"Kisaki Kanrisha huh?" I muttered, "Thats...interesting?"

I didn't know enough about Japanese to even take a guess as to whether or not that meant anything, but it probably did. After another moments thought, I sighed and pushed off the bath.

"Well, I guess I should take a look around then," I muttered, "Maybe I can find something interesting to do…"

I didn't, but that didn't seem to matter. The strange world I found myself in seemed pretty contained, consisting of a small area of grassy land surrounded by endless trees that, when I tried to walk through them, spat me back out into the clearing after about half an hour of walking. The clearing held a medium sized traditional Mansion that was, quite frankly, in terrible shape. The roof didn't leak, thank god, but other than that, it was battered and falling apart. I did consider trying to fix it, but other than a broom an umbrella and some cooking supplies, I couldn't find anything of use. The final and most annoying part of the world was that it was almost always raining.

Mostly it was just a light mizzle and occasionally that cleared up, but the heavy clouds that covered the sky never cleared and storms weren't uncommon. Fortunately, the building seemed sturdy enough to withstand the storms, despite its ramshackle apprentice.

I spent most of my time either training with the sword techniques that I now apparently knew or just sitting and watching the rain. Strangely though, I wasn't bored, instead, it felt more like I was waiting for something, or someone, to arrive. If I was, I hoped they came soon. All this rain was making me depressed.

Things continued like that for...I'm not sure how long, but it must have been a fairly long time, but the relative peace was one day shattered by the single largest storm I'd seen since I arrived. I could do nothing but watch, wide eyed, as the world was swallowed by what appeared to be a vertical ocean, the wind howled like an injured beast and hammered on the building and trees as if it was trying to rip them apart and the thunder and lightning split the sky in half as if the Gods themselves were at war in the heavens. I'd never felt threatened in all the time I'd been here, but that storm genuinely made me fear for my life.

Fortunately, the storm soon blew itself out and I was able to emerge from under the table where I'd taken refuge after a lightning bolt struck the ground immediately outside where I'd been watching from. What? I'd like to see you do anything different in my shoes!

Anyway, I slowly exited the house, ignoring the light rain that was still falling to assess the damage. To my surprise, there was none. The only thing that could vaguely be considered damage was a large amount of leaves and sticks that had been blown onto the gardens that surrounded the house, but it looked more like something that would result from a mildly blustery day, not a category five tornado! Other than that, the only thing out of place was the unconscious girl laying in the middle of the path.

I stared at her, not entirely sure what to make of the sudden appearance. Where in the hell had she come from? Theres no way anyone could have made their way here through that storm, especially not with whatever Magic kept me here.

Still, wherever she came from, I couldn't exactly leave her to freeze to death. The area wasn't cold, but laying face down in a puddle is never a good idea. I gently picked her up and lugged her into the house, setting her down near the small stove I used to heat water while I dug out a Futon and change of clothes I'd stumbled on while rooting around a store room.

Once I had them, I turned back to the girl, removed her glasses and quickly changed her, before laying her down and checking her over for injuries. It was only after I'd done that I realized I should have had no idea how to do any of that, but somehow apparently had at least a basic knowledge of first aid. Well that was handy!

I quickly put aside that realization with all the other ones to be considered later in favour of actually looking at my guest rather than simply analyzing her. She was young, only about 15 if I was to guess, but very tall for her age. She was slender, with a build that suggested she'd never exactly be stacked, and an expressive face with a wide mouth and large eyes. Her hair was black, long and clearly very well taken care of. I frowned. For some reason, that description seemed oddly familiar…

After a moment's thought, I shook my head and decided that I'd deal with that later. For now, I stood and retrieved my teapot and some tea leaves to brew up a pot. I wasn't sure where she'd come from, but a cup of hot tea would no doubt go down a treat. After a moment's thought, I stood and headed out to the kitchen to retrieve some of the cookies I'd made when I'd been slightly bored and found some ingredients in the cupboard. No reason not to be a gracious hostess after all.

Taylor Hebert groaned as she slowly drifted her way back to reality, not wanting to have to wake up. She was warm and comfortable and did NOT want to have to go back to that...hellhole if she could help it. She turned over and snuggled deeper into the futon and sighed, relishing the scent of green tea as she slowly began to drift back off to sleep.

Wait…

Taylor shot upright, looking around wildly as she tried to figure out where she was. She didn't recognize her surroundings in the slightest as she was absolutely certain that there were no dilapidated Japanese houses anywhere in the Bay. However, despite that, she didn't feel at all threatened. In fact, she felt entirely comfortable, which, rather paradoxically, made her feel even more worried. Masters were a thing after all, although that didn't explain how she got here.

"Ah, your awake."

Taylor jumped at the unexpected voice and turned to see a short Japanese girl with two toned hair, unnatural looking purple eyes and a sword at her hip enter from another room with a plate of cookies in her hands.

"W-who are you?" asked Taylor.

The girl smiled as she knelt on the pillow set beside the futon Taylor lay on and set the cookies down beside her.

"My name is ###########," she said.

Taylor frowned.

"What was that?" she asked, "I...couldn't hear your name."

The girl paused as she reached for the teapot on a small stove and looked at Taylor with a strange look in her equally strange eyes.

"You...couldn't hear my name?" she asked, "Thats...interesting."

"Um, sorry?" said Taylor.

"Oh, its not your fault, dear," said the girl as she poured the tea into two cups, "I am simply...surprised I suppose you could say. Here."

She held out one of the cups, which Taylor automatically took. The girl took a sip and sighed happily. Taylor looked down at the cup in her hands and hesitated. The tea smelt delicious, but could she really trust this strange girl? After a moments thought, she shrugged to herself. She had no idea where she was, so if the girl did have evil intent, she was screwed anyway. Might as well try to enjoy some tea first. She hesitantly took a sip and her eyes widened at the flavour. It was easily the best green tea she'd ever had, even better than what her Mother made.

"This is really good," she muttered.

"Thank you," said the girl, "Here."

She offered the plate of cookies and Taylor took one. It was as good as the tea. For a moment, the two girls simply sat there in silence and drank their tea while the sound of the pounding rain outside faded away. However, Taylor still had questions and, once her cup was empty, she found that she no longer had any reason to hold back.

"Um, where am I?" asked Taylor as she set her tea cup down.

The girl paused and looked at her with a slightly contemplative look.

"I am...unsure," she said, "I don't know myself. All I know is that I woke up here with few memories and an inability to leave. That said...I believe that you might hold the answers to those questions."

Taylor frowned.

"Me? How can I know anything?" she asked, "I don't even know who you are!"

"Maybe not, but I think I'm starting to get an idea of whats going on," she said, fixing Taylor with another look that made her squirm, "That said, I believe that you should introduce yourself. You may be unable to hear my name, but that is no cause for rudeness."

Taylor winced.

"Ah, sorry," she said, "I'm Taylor. Taylor Hebert."

PFFFT!

Taylor yelped in shock as the girl spat out the mouthful of tea she'd just taken and started choking.

"Are you alright?" asked Taylor, more than a little startled as she moved to get up.

The girl quickly waved her off, taking another gulp of tea to soothe her coughs.

"No, I'm fine, I'm fine," she said once she'd regained control, "Did you say Taylor Hebert?"

"Ah, yes?" said Taylor, "Do you...know me?"

The girl stared at her for a moment, then glanced down at the sword resting beside her.

"I...think I do," she said, "I also think I know what I am and where we are."

Taylor gaped at her.

"You do?" she asked, "Where?"

"Inside your head," said the girl, now looking contemplative, "Yes, that makes sense. That means that I am...ah, of course."

She smiled and gave a soft laugh.

"So thats it," she muttered, "Well, that'll certainly make things interesting."

Taylor started at the shorter girl, then shook her head.

"I'm sorry, I thought you just said that we're inside my head," she said.

"We are," said the girl, "Or, to be more precise, this is the core of yourself. This place is a representation of you and your state of mind."

Taylor stared at the girl for a moment, then let out a snort.

"You really expect me to believe that?" she asked, "Alright then, if this is my mind, why does it look so beat up?"

"18 months of merciless bullying will do that to you," said the girl, looking entirely serious, "The state of this place represents your damaged psyche."

Taylor gaped at the other girl, then slowly looked around, taking in her broken down surroundings. Despite herself, the other girls explanation made a lot of sense. However, there was one thing that didn't add up.

"If this place is my...inner world, who are you?" she asked, "Or did the Locker trigger a psychotic break?"

The girl smiled.

"Oh no, nothing like that," she said, "I am simply the representation of your powers."

Taylor stared at her again. This was becoming rather tiresome.

"My...powers?" she asked weakly.

"Yes, you Triggered in that Locker," said the girl, "Or maybe sooner considering I've been here for a while…"

She looked thoughtful, then shook her head.

"No matter, whether earlier or recently, it makes no difference," she said, "What matters is the here and now."

Taylor stared at the girl again, this time feeling excitement welling in her chest.

"If...if your my power, what can you do?" she asked.

The girl smiled.

"Ah, now that...is a secret!"

Taylor nearly face planted as her hand slipped out from under her.

"WHAT?!" she yelped, "How can you...your my power!"

"Yes, I am," said the girl as she got to her feet, "However, I am not like the powers held by other Parahumans. I am sentient and can make choices of my own. If you want my help, you first need to hear my name."

Taylor stared up at the spirit of her power, not quite believing what she was hearing. Of course she would get a temperamental power who wouldn't do anything to help her. What else was she expecting? It was just like Emma said, no one, not even her own power would have her back!

The Spirit suddenly spun around and grabbed Taylor by the front of the sleeping yukata she was wearing, pulling her bodily up so they were nose to nose.

"Taylor Hebert, you will stop those thoughts right now!" she snarled, "Its those thoughts that are plugging your ears, not a lack of willingness on my part! Fear, despair, rage, all of these feelings are unbecoming of you and until you can rid yourself of them, you will never be able to hear me."

She let go and Taylor fell backwards onto her bum, staring up at the spirit of her power as she drew her sword.

"This is your power," she said, holding the sword up so it caught the light, "This is me. If you wish to wield me, you must walk the path before you."

She dropped her arm and walked past Taylor, who turned to keep the Spirit in her sight. The purple eyed girl stopped in front of the wooden wall of the room and threw the shutter open, revealing a view of the garden and the heavy rain that fell upon it.

"Look at this Taylor," she said, "The weather of this world represents your feelings. For as long as I have been here, it has been raining. Do you understand what thats like? Before, I found the rain sad, but now I find myself hating it. Can you imagine it Taylor Hebert? Can you imagine what it feels like to see rain in this world? To feel it shake under the fury of a storm born of your emotions?"

She took a deep breath and turned back to Taylor, who was taken aback by the sight of tears in her eyes.

"I can't do it again Taylor," she said, "I can't watch another storm shake this world, not now I know what it means. However, I cannot help you until you unblock your ears and hear my name."

She knelt down in front of Taylor and held out her sword.

"Take me Taylor Hebert," she said, "Take me and walk the path set before you. I will help you, if you'll let me, but until you do, I can do nothing but watch."

Taylor stared into the older looking girls purple eyes for a moment, then looked down at the sword.

"But...I have no idea how to use you," she said, "What if I'm not worthy?"

The girl smiled.

"I'll teach you then," she said, "And you are worthy. Let no one tell you otherwise."

Taylor hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and grasped the hilt of the sword. She gasped in shock as she felt a rush of warmth shoot up her arm and into her heart. Suddenly, she could feel a presence at the back of her head. It was warm and soothing and she knew that it would never leave her alone unless she abandoned it first. She looked up and met the girls eyes as she smiled and lent forward to whisper something in her ear. She swallowed and shook her head. The girl smiled again, this time a little sadly.

"No matter, we have time," she said, "For now, you should wake up and talk to your Father. Put your trust in him, he can help."

Taylor swallowed and opened her mouth, but before she could respond, her power reached out and flicked her forehead.

Taylor gasped as she jolted awake, her sudden movement causing the entire bed to jolt slightly and clearly scaring the life out of her Dad and the two men in a cheap looking suit he was talking to. She ignored her Father for a moment as he shouted for a nurse in favour of staring down at her hands. Was that all a dream? It didn't feel like one, not when she could still taste the tea she'd drank on her tongue and feel the slight pain where her power had flicked her. But if it wasn't a dream, that meant...what? That she had powers she couldn't use unless she could prove herself worthy? That sounded...crazy! Then again, powers could be extremely strange, so maybe she shouldn't be so quick to dismiss it…

A hand on her shoulder drew her out of her thoughts as a motherly looking nurse lent over her with a worried look on her face.

"Are you alright dear?" she asked.

"Y-yes," she said, "Just...a very strange dream."

The nurse clicked her tongue.

"Considering what you went through, I can't blame you," she said, making Taylor wince, "Now, lets get you checked over so your Papa can talk to you."

Taylor stayed quiet as the nurse did her thing and left, pausing in the door to talk to her Father who was outside looking worried, before vanishing down the hall as Danny entered the room.

"Are you OK Taylor?" he asked, then shook his head, "What am I saying, of course your not."

Taylor smiled weakly.

"Yeah, but I'll manage," she said.

"Are you up to talking to the police?" asked Danny.

Taylor stiffened slightly, before a faint warmth at the back of her head made her relax and nod.

"Yeah, I am," she said, "This...this has got to stop."

Danny frowned and opened his mouth, before closing it again and collecting the two men from outside.

"Thank you for talking to us Miss Hebert," said one of the two, a tall black man with short hair and a moustache who had a detective badge at his belt, "I understand that your...experience wasn't pleasant, but we'll do our best to get the people responsible for it. I'm Detective Laborn and this is Agent Smith of the Parahuman Response Team."

Smith was a tall woman with long, black hair who was, for some strange reason, wearing sunglasses indoors.

"And yes, I've heard all the jokes," said Smith with a quick smile.

"What does the PRT have to do with this?" asked Danny.

"Most likely nothing," said Smith, "However, its standard practice for someone to investigate events like this, just in case there was a Parahuman involved. Chances are, I'll just make my report that there was nothing to report and we'll all go on with our day."

"I see," said Danny.

"Anyway, we need to ask you a few questions about the...incident," said the Detective.

Taylor felt a flare of anger at the little euphemism. After nearly two years of being dismissed by Blackwell and the rest of the useless faculty, she was sick and tired of them.

"Oh, I'll answer some questions alright," she growled, "Those bitches nearly killed me this time! No way I'm taking this lying down."

"You know who pushed you in?" asked Laborn.

"Most likely it was Sophia Hess," I said, "But I bet the entire idea was the work of either Emma Barnes or Madison Clements. Those three bitches have been targeting me since the start of Highschool and the faculty have done NOTHING!"

Agent Smith paused in her notes and looked up in clear surprise before her expression quickly cleared, almost to fast for Taylor to notice.

"Pardon me, could you repeat that?" she asked.

"I said Emma Barnes, Madison Clements and Sophia FUCKING Hess," said Taylor, trying to keep from shouting.

"I see," said Agent Smith, her voice carefully level.

"I'm afraid that will be difficult to prove since there weren't any witnesses," said Laborn, making Taylor let out a bark of laughter.

"Oh, of course that's what they'd say," she sneered, "Unfortunately, I can name at least ten people who were stood around watching. Not only that, but I've got nearly two years worth of notes and printed out emails at home to establish a pattern of behavior. I doubt those notes or my word alone will be enough to do much, but I imagine it would give you a starting point."

"I would yes," said Laborn, looking rather annoyed, "If you could give me the names, it would be a big help."

She did as he asked and answered a few more questions before the detective left, leaving his email address so she could could send her notes to when she got home. Smith left as well, looking like she had somewhere to be in a hurry, leaving Taylor and her Father sat in silence. After a few moments, he looked up with a pained expression on his face.

"Emma?" he asked.

Taylor winced.

"I...I don't know why," she said, "When I came back from Camp before Highschool she was...different. She told me to get lost and then…"

She trailed off and sniffed, scrubbing at her eyes. Even after all this time, after all she'd done, it still hurt to think of that day. Dad scowled and clenched a fist.

"I really hope that Alan doesn't know anything about this," he growled.

Taylor could only shrug helplessly.

Not long after, Danny left to get something to eat and drink, leaving Taylor to her thoughts for the first time in a while. She sighed as she settled back on her pillows and stared up at the ceiling. It was almost hard to believe that she might well be able to get away from the Trio thanks to this entire mess, although she had been burned enough times to be wary of trusting the Detective. She hoped that he'd prove her wrong of course, but until she was, she'd remain skeptical. It was definitely hard to believe that she now apparently had powers she couldn't use because she couldn't hear the sentence representation of them name. That sounded like something out of an Anime to be completely honest.

She sighed as she closed her eyes. The entire situation was one she didn't think she could easily fix. The girl had pretty much told her that the reason she couldn't hear her name was because of Taylors lack of confidence and the other issues that came from her time at Winslow. She had pretty much told Taylor that she believed that she was worthy, but Taylor simply couldn't believe her. She didn't know if she could stand up on her own anymore, not after being so systematically broken down for so long. Maybe she should talk to her dad about it…

Without thinking, Taylor suddenly reacted, rolling out of bed and jumping across the room as a dark shadow shot through the wall above her bed and made a grab for her, the steel of a sharp combat knife glinting in its hand.

For a moment, both combatants froze, before the newcomer shook off their shock and surged out of the wall, making another grab for Taylor, which she avoided with startling ease and responded by grabbing the outstretched arm and tossing her attacker at the wall. Instead of hitting it however, the attacker turned into a shadow and phased through it.

By this point, Taylor didn't know if she was more confused by the sudden attack out of nowhere, the fact that it was Shadow Stalker, a Ward, who was apparently attacking her or her sudden skill in combat that seemed to have come out of nowhere. It was also accompanied by a spontaneous fitness upgrade she hadn't noticed until now. Her arms now had visible muscle definition they hadn't had before and the belly that had made her look like an upright frog was gone, replaced by firm abs. There were probably other changes, but Taylor quickly pushed them aside in favour of dodging Shadow Stalker as she shot through the wall again, diving towards the door as the Ward took a swipe at her.

"Damn it, stand still bitch!" snarled Shadow Stalker as Taylor wrenched the door open and ran out into the corridor.

Fortunately, it was both wide and empty, meaning that she could move around easily without worrying about anyone else getting hurt. She whipped around as Shadow Stalker emerged from her room and stepped forwards, slamming the heel of her hand into the shorter girls chest and following it up with a solid uppercut as the Ward instinctively bent over. Shadow Stalkers head snapped back as she was lifted off her feet from the force of the impact, hitting the ground a short distance away, her mask clattering to the limonum floor a moment later. Taylor stared in shock at her hand. Was this part of her powers? Wait, what was she saying? Of course it was, although how she could use the skills she didn't know considering her power was apparently locked away for now.

A low groan made her push that thought aside (again) as Shadow Stalker slowly sat up, holding a hand to her bloody nose and mouth, and Taylors eyes widened in shock.

"Wha...Sophia? But…"

Taylor trailed off as everything fell into place and began to make a horrible kind of sense. Everything, from Agent Smiths strange reactions to the names of her tormentors, to Blackwell and the teachers complete lack of help. She'd always assumed that the latter was due to Alan Barnes, but Sophia being a Ward made so much more sense. She'd been thrown to the wolves for money.

"You…"

Taylor jumped at the sudden hiss as Sophia looked up from her bloody hand and fixed Taylor with a glare so intense she half expected fire to shoot out of the black girls eyes. Taylor swallowed and took a step back. Newfound skills and strength or not, Taylor had never once seen Sophia that mad, not even the time one of the E88 goons tried to grope her.

"Thats it," hissed Sophia slowly getting to her feet, holding the knife in her hand so tightly her knuckles were stark white, "I was just going to make sure you kept your mouth shut, but now...now your DEAD!"

She shot forwards, turning to shadow as she did to increase her speed. Taylor barely had time to move before the other girl was on her, twisting out of the way of the knife as it passed so close to her face it cut off a few strands of hair. Sophia barely paused as she spun around, swinging the knife wildly as she bore down on Taylor, forcing the taller girl back.

"Shit, shes really trying to kill me!" thought Taylor as she backed up to avoid a swipe that would have gutted her, "She's insane!"

She dodged behind the empty nurses station to get some breathing room, although it didn't work as well as she'd hoped as the crazed girl simply went shadow and passed right through it.

"I gotta get out of here!" thought Taylor, "Gotta find some help!"

She grabbed a folded sheet of a nearby trolly and threw it at Sophia, blocking her view and tangling her up for a moment as Taylor made a break for the door.

"Why are you running?"

Taylor stumbled as the world around her seemed to fade, leaving her running through a gray void. She stopped and turned around to see her power stood behind her with her arms tucked into the sleeves of her haori and a disappointed look on her face.

"You could beat her you know," she said, "It would be easy if you called me. All that is plugging your ears is fear, but before you stands the source of all of those fears. Are you going to let her win?"

"But...how can I fight her?" asked Taylor, "I'm unarmed and…"

The girl raised an eyebrow.

"Unarmed? Then what is that in your hand?"

Taylor's eyes widened as she suddenly found herself holding her sword.

"Wha...where did this come from?" she whispered.

"I am always with you," said her power as she appeared behind Taylor, "The question is, do you know that I am there?"

She lent forwards and took Taylors hands, guiding them to the hilt.

"Only one enemy stands before you," she whispered, "Why are you afraid? Abandon your fear. Look forward. Move forward and never stop. You'll age if you pull back. You'll die if you hesitate. Now turn around and call out to me."

She lent forwards and whispered in Taylors ear.

Sophia skidded to a stop as Hebert suddenly stopped in the middle of the hall. Under normal circumstances, she would have taken the opportunity to gut the bitch, but something about the tall cow seemed to have changed. Something about the way she was standing had changed. She wasn't about to run anymore. No, she was going to fight.

Sophia grinned and lowered her stance with her knife held at the ready. That was fine with her, she'd take great pleasure showing the pathetic worm her place before she slit her throat. After all, there was no way the twig could beat her, not even with the sword she was holding.

Sophia's eyes widened as she suddenly noticed the weapon that Taylor had NOT been holding a moment ago, but before she could do anything, the taller girl turned and grabbed the hilt.

"Flutter, Kisaki Kanrisha!"

There was a flash of light and a loud bang, before Sophia's vision was abruptly blocked by a huge swarm of white butterflies. She could barely see through the swarm, but she did catch sight of a glimpse of familiar blue armour and white robe through the now open door behind Taylor, right before a small fist slammed into her kidney and her legs were swept out from under her, sending her crashing to the ground. Before she could recover from the unexpected pain, a weight landed on her back and the sharp blade of the knife she'd dropped was pressed against her throat.

"Stay still or I'll cut ya, bitch!" hissed an unfamiliar voice in her ear.

Welp, I guess thats as good a time as any to end. There were a few points I wanted to end it at, but if I'd done that, the chapter would have been way to short. I was going to do the fight with Sophia next time, but this worked so much better. Now, onto the quips!

Yes, Detective Laborn is indeed Brian and Aisha's Father. Needless to say, his occupation isn't exactly comforting to his kids and contributes to their estrangement.

First off, Kisaki. You might be able to guess what her name means and, by extension, what she actually is. To be clear, as of right now, Taylor isn't actually a Soul Reaper, her powers just look like for plot reasons. Second, she was based, appearance wise, on Shinobu Kocho from Demon Slayer since I like the look and it went well with Taylors theme. Her personality probably won't be the same though since I'm not familiar enough with Demon Slayer to even try it.

There is a reason that Taylors inner world is decorated Japanese style which I will go into later.

Taylors powerset can best be described as Soul Reaper basics. She can't use Kido (yet. She might learn some later), but she does have a basic knowledge of Hakuda, Zanjutsu and will eventually be able to learn Hoho and Air Walking. Its enough to hold her own in a fight at least, but she'll need to work at it. She also has a minor Brute rating due to being stronger and tougher than a normal Human.

So, anyone want to guess what Taylors most useful and dangerous power is? Heres a clue, I took the character currently holding Sophia at knifepoint from one of Ravensdagger's stories (don't worry, I got permission). Incidentally, check out his stuff if you haven't already!

And with that, I'm done. Don't forget to leave a review on your way out!