(Two months later)

I walked on, ignoring the thoughts of upcoming tests and annoying senseis. I just walked. I needed to find a quiet secluded place. One where only I could see the significance of and hold dear. I guess you can say I'm searching for my place of privacy. Why? Cause I need to train, but not just by anyone. I need to train with Michael.

I heard Yoruichi teasing Byakuya about having his own place of privacy but I actually think it's a fantastic idea. In your place of privacy you can expose your soul without getting hurt. You can think without the clutter. You can be yourself.

I already know what type of place I want. It's just difficult to find the perfect one cause mother nature just has to be difficult.

I sigh to myself, this is getting harder than I thought.

Finally, after a good hour of getting lost, back tracking, getting bitten by mosquitos and stepping in secret puddles, I found the perfect place.

The tree was a huge oak that was probably older than the soutaichou. The braches were thick and gnarled like a witches hair. The leaves were a healthy dark green and about as large as my hand. The bark was thick and easy to climb even to the tallest branches. I explored every place I can get my weight balanced before choosing a branch that was perfect for viewing the sky and leaning against the trunk of the tree.

I sighed in relief as I can now rest and closed my eyes, seeking the world within my soul

...

When I opened my eyes, I was back in the forest fire. I slowly stood up before walking to an area not so dense with trees.

"Michael, come on out. I want to train."

"What do you want to achieve?" I whip around cause his voice was at my back and I glared at the zanpakuto spirit. I hated it when he did that!

"I want to achieve mastery of shikia form," I stated. His smile full pf needle teeth widened and he withdrew the sword at his hip. I already knew I didn't have a sword so I was confused why he would draw a blade when I was unarmed. He threw the sword into the air which I caught.

"What is this Michael? You give me a weapon but you yourself are unarmed." His smile grew wicked before his hand reached out in front of him. My eyes widened as fire from the trees reformed into his hand, making a sword as bright, and as hot, as hell. I got into a stance before saying,

"Let's dance."

~~~

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