Zanpakutou Quick Guide, part two
I'm having trouble with the original entry, so I'm splitting it up, just in case.
Senbonzakura (Byakuya's zanpakutou)
Hoo, boy. Where do I start? Senbonzakura has gone through a lot of development since I first wrote him way back when. He is, at his core, very strong. He couldn't be Byakuya's zanpakutou otherwise. But, he puts all that strength in Byakuya's hands, to do with as he pleases. The only time Senbonzakura takes back control is when he absolutely has to for Byakuya's sake. He submits to Byakuya's will completely, but willingly. He doesn't initiate contact with other zanpakutou unless he's ordered to do so. He and Byakuya don't communicate with each other well outside of a combat situation. At all.
Zabimaru (Renji's zanpakutou)
Zabimaru is...nearly as difficult to summarize as Zangetsu, at this point. He's half-tamed at best, stubborn, overprotective, fiercely loyal and generally forthright and honest--if he decides you're worth it. Duty isn't enough to gain his respect--you've got to earn it. He's always been a bit amused at Renji's belief that's he's a "stray dog." Zabimaru is well aware that once he gets attached to someone, he stays attached and that his shinigami is the exact same way. He's more emotionally practical than Renji. He just doesn't see the point in lying to yourself about much of anything.
Katen Kyokotsu (Shunsui's zanpakutou)
Katen Kyokotsu is sort of like a more feral, less laid-back version of Shunsui. He doesn't lie or deceive, but
he does...I'm not sure how to put this. At first glance, you'd see what he wants you to see. You have to want to look further to see anything like the truth, but if you do, he tends not to hide it from you. Also, you'll know when you've pissed him off, because all his sharp edges will be on full display.
Suzumushi (Tousen's zanpakutou)
There's one important thing to remember about Suzumushi--he's not really Tousen's zanpakutou. He originally belonged to Tousen's friend that died. I forget what chapter it was in, but it actually shows him taking it out of her casket in the manga. I don't know how he convinced/coerced Suzumushi into working with him and giving his power, but somehow I don't think it'll last forever. I can't get a clear picture of Suzumushi, but every time I try, I get the impression of regret, grief and total exhaustion.
Hyourinmaru (Hitsugaya's zanpakutou)
Hyourinmaru, of course, takes the form of a giant ice dragon. I think in canon he's more of a western style dragon, with wings and everything, but Zanpakutou-verse Hyourinmaru isn't like that. I first conceived of him before I ever saw a picture of his canon spirit form, and I'm sticking to what I've got. So, he's essentially just like his shikai form, only...not bigger, maybe more solid? Definitely more organic. He's living ice and pure elemental power. Personality-wise, he's not quite as straight-laced as his shinigami. In battle or when there's a threat he needs to eliminate, he's all business, and all dragon. He's fierce, deadly and above all, dangerous. Otherwise, he can be playful, teasing, sly--you never know.
Haineko (Rangiku's zanpakutou)
Haineko is a big, golden cat. I see her as a mountain lion or a leopard without spots, appearance-wise. *laughs* Yeah, I know, two different body types. Mostly, I see grace and elegance and power in her. She's very feline in personality, too. She's full of contradictions: both mysterious and open, serious and laughing, aloof and effortlessly sensual.
Nameless (Kenpachi's zanpakutou)
Let's get one thing out of the way right up front: Nameless is a monster. No ifs, ands or buts. According to the Zanpakutou-verse backstory, Nameless himself released his shikai in order to save Kenpachi during a fight he couldn't win otherwise. In the process, he lost his name, his ability to communicate with and his power over Kenpachi. So yes, that seriously messed him up, as it would any zanpakutou. Actually--let's take a shortcut. Here's a link to an in-depth discussion about Nameless elsewhere on my journal.
Hozukimaru (Ikkaku's zanpakutou)
Hozukimaru is a human-form zanpakutou, but I'm not sure what he looks like. Not Ikkaku, but I don't know much beyond that. I know what he wears, though. It's a little like this, except in a dragon motif instead of whatever-the-hell-that-is and with the sleeves torn off. The whole thing is just torn and tattered like he's been through a lot of battles and never bothered to change his clothes. Personality-wise, he's pretty much Ikkaku, without the luck fixation and with an even more feral edge.
Fuji Kujaku (Yumi's zanpakutou)
Yumi is an animal-form zanpakutou--specifically, a peacock. Here's the wikipedia page, complete with a crapload of pictures. Now--toss almost all of that out. Fuji Kujaku, like Yumichika himself, is obsessed with beauty and beautiful things. His shape is that of a peacock, but his colors change on a whim as he continuously searches for the most beautiful combination. He's arrogant, flamboyant and unforgiving. Point of interest--where Yumi is driven to destroy ugly things, Fuji Kujaku is driven to hold tight to beautiful things. On occasion, they reach a kind of accord, a sense of unity, and that's when you see the height of their power.
Ashisogi Jizou (Mayuri's zanpakutou)
You'd expect Ashisogi Jizou to be an over-the-top, in-your-face, sadistic bastard, right? Actually, not so much. If you asked me to describe him in one word, I'd say "infantile." Nothing was spared from Mayuri's obsession with self-modification and his need for power, not even his zanpakutou. Mayuri slowly carved off piece after piece of Ashisogi Jizou's self, until he just shut down in self defense. No, more than that. Ashisogi Jizou erased himself almost entirely in order to keep Mayuri from destroying him. He's barely sentient at this point, and capable of little more than following simple orders. I'm not exactly sure how those two can still pull off bankai. I get the impression that a lot more of Mayuri goes into that than is usually supposed to.
Sogyo no Kotowari (Ukitake's zanpakutou)
Sogyo no Kotowari is a study in opposites for me. He's strength and control, like the juxtaposition of the elemental fury of a hurricane and the glassy calm of the sea under a clear sky. He's generally very calm and collected, but a Sogyo no Kotowari in battle mode is terrifyingly ruthless and calculating. He's a human-form zanpakutou who looks a little like a double exposure, like a second Sogyo no Kotowari that looks ephemeral but feels completely solid. He has pale skin--though not as pale as Ukitake's--dark hair and dark eyes. He favors loose, flowing, layered garments in green and silver-grey.
Sode no Shirayuki (Rukia's zanpakutou)
Sode no Shirayuki is an ice and snow zanpakutou, and that is reflected in her appearance. She has pale skin and ice blue eyes and wears a pure white kimono. As a contrast, her hair is long, straight and pitch-black. Her personality reflects both Rukia's innate nobility and her inner fire, for lack of a better word. Sode no Shirayuki can be regal, flirtatious, stern, determined, joyful...the core of her being doesn't change, but she can, if necessary change the outside to suit her mood or the needs of her situation.
Senbonzakura (Byakuya's zanpakutou)
Hoo, boy. Where do I start? Senbonzakura has gone through a lot of development since I first wrote him way back when. He is, at his core, very strong. He couldn't be Byakuya's zanpakutou otherwise. But, he puts all that strength in Byakuya's hands, to do with as he pleases. The only time Senbonzakura takes back control is when he absolutely has to for Byakuya's sake. He submits to Byakuya's will completely, but willingly. He doesn't initiate contact with other zanpakutou unless he's ordered to do so. He and Byakuya don't communicate with each other well outside of a combat situation. At all.
Zabimaru (Renji's zanpakutou)
Zabimaru is...nearly as difficult to summarize as Zangetsu, at this point. He's half-tamed at best, stubborn, overprotective, fiercely loyal and generally forthright and honest--if he decides you're worth it. Duty isn't enough to gain his respect--you've got to earn it. He's always been a bit amused at Renji's belief that's he's a "stray dog." Zabimaru is well aware that once he gets attached to someone, he stays attached and that his shinigami is the exact same way. He's more emotionally practical than Renji. He just doesn't see the point in lying to yourself about much of anything.
Katen Kyokotsu (Shunsui's zanpakutou)
Katen Kyokotsu is sort of like a more feral, less laid-back version of Shunsui. He doesn't lie or deceive, but
he does...I'm not sure how to put this. At first glance, you'd see what he wants you to see. You have to want to look further to see anything like the truth, but if you do, he tends not to hide it from you. Also, you'll know when you've pissed him off, because all his sharp edges will be on full display.
Suzumushi (Tousen's zanpakutou)
There's one important thing to remember about Suzumushi--he's not really Tousen's zanpakutou. He originally belonged to Tousen's friend that died. I forget what chapter it was in, but it actually shows him taking it out of her casket in the manga. I don't know how he convinced/coerced Suzumushi into working with him and giving his power, but somehow I don't think it'll last forever. I can't get a clear picture of Suzumushi, but every time I try, I get the impression of regret, grief and total exhaustion.
Hyourinmaru (Hitsugaya's zanpakutou)
Hyourinmaru, of course, takes the form of a giant ice dragon. I think in canon he's more of a western style dragon, with wings and everything, but Zanpakutou-verse Hyourinmaru isn't like that. I first conceived of him before I ever saw a picture of his canon spirit form, and I'm sticking to what I've got. So, he's essentially just like his shikai form, only...not bigger, maybe more solid? Definitely more organic. He's living ice and pure elemental power. Personality-wise, he's not quite as straight-laced as his shinigami. In battle or when there's a threat he needs to eliminate, he's all business, and all dragon. He's fierce, deadly and above all, dangerous. Otherwise, he can be playful, teasing, sly--you never know.
Haineko (Rangiku's zanpakutou)
Haineko is a big, golden cat. I see her as a mountain lion or a leopard without spots, appearance-wise. *laughs* Yeah, I know, two different body types. Mostly, I see grace and elegance and power in her. She's very feline in personality, too. She's full of contradictions: both mysterious and open, serious and laughing, aloof and effortlessly sensual.
Nameless (Kenpachi's zanpakutou)
Let's get one thing out of the way right up front: Nameless is a monster. No ifs, ands or buts. According to the Zanpakutou-verse backstory, Nameless himself released his shikai in order to save Kenpachi during a fight he couldn't win otherwise. In the process, he lost his name, his ability to communicate with and his power over Kenpachi. So yes, that seriously messed him up, as it would any zanpakutou. Actually--let's take a shortcut. Here's a link to an in-depth discussion about Nameless elsewhere on my journal.
Hozukimaru (Ikkaku's zanpakutou)
Hozukimaru is a human-form zanpakutou, but I'm not sure what he looks like. Not Ikkaku, but I don't know much beyond that. I know what he wears, though. It's a little like this, except in a dragon motif instead of whatever-the-hell-that-is and with the sleeves torn off. The whole thing is just torn and tattered like he's been through a lot of battles and never bothered to change his clothes. Personality-wise, he's pretty much Ikkaku, without the luck fixation and with an even more feral edge.
Fuji Kujaku (Yumi's zanpakutou)
Yumi is an animal-form zanpakutou--specifically, a peacock. Here's the wikipedia page, complete with a crapload of pictures. Now--toss almost all of that out. Fuji Kujaku, like Yumichika himself, is obsessed with beauty and beautiful things. His shape is that of a peacock, but his colors change on a whim as he continuously searches for the most beautiful combination. He's arrogant, flamboyant and unforgiving. Point of interest--where Yumi is driven to destroy ugly things, Fuji Kujaku is driven to hold tight to beautiful things. On occasion, they reach a kind of accord, a sense of unity, and that's when you see the height of their power.
Ashisogi Jizou (Mayuri's zanpakutou)
You'd expect Ashisogi Jizou to be an over-the-top, in-your-face, sadistic bastard, right? Actually, not so much. If you asked me to describe him in one word, I'd say "infantile." Nothing was spared from Mayuri's obsession with self-modification and his need for power, not even his zanpakutou. Mayuri slowly carved off piece after piece of Ashisogi Jizou's self, until he just shut down in self defense. No, more than that. Ashisogi Jizou erased himself almost entirely in order to keep Mayuri from destroying him. He's barely sentient at this point, and capable of little more than following simple orders. I'm not exactly sure how those two can still pull off bankai. I get the impression that a lot more of Mayuri goes into that than is usually supposed to.
Sogyo no Kotowari (Ukitake's zanpakutou)
Sogyo no Kotowari is a study in opposites for me. He's strength and control, like the juxtaposition of the elemental fury of a hurricane and the glassy calm of the sea under a clear sky. He's generally very calm and collected, but a Sogyo no Kotowari in battle mode is terrifyingly ruthless and calculating. He's a human-form zanpakutou who looks a little like a double exposure, like a second Sogyo no Kotowari that looks ephemeral but feels completely solid. He has pale skin--though not as pale as Ukitake's--dark hair and dark eyes. He favors loose, flowing, layered garments in green and silver-grey.
Sode no Shirayuki (Rukia's zanpakutou)
Sode no Shirayuki is an ice and snow zanpakutou, and that is reflected in her appearance. She has pale skin and ice blue eyes and wears a pure white kimono. As a contrast, her hair is long, straight and pitch-black. Her personality reflects both Rukia's innate nobility and her inner fire, for lack of a better word. Sode no Shirayuki can be regal, flirtatious, stern, determined, joyful...the core of her being doesn't change, but she can, if necessary change the outside to suit her mood or the needs of her situation.