AN: I intended this to be the second of the trilogy I was working into but after some thought, I think Hinamori and Toshirou's story should come last. Anyway, it'd be nice to make a Nel and Grimm pair too, wouldn't you think?
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
2 years ago…
Just after the war, Major General Grimmjaw Jaggerjaques was summoned by the highest commanding officers to discuss how the recon turned into a massive war. His friend, Ulquiorra who was of the same rank as him chose to tag along. The scars of the war were still left imprinted on both their minds for different reasons. And of course there is that too…the death of their friend.
"Major General," the General started just as soon as they sat down. "You were the commanding officer on that area where it started."
"Yes sir."
"I will not beat around the bush seeing as we still have many things to do considering the loss of some officers such as Lieutenant Colonel Hitsugaya, Brigadier General Kurosaki and a few others…" his eyes bored on the blue-haired. "How was it that you allowed your whole team to kill even the hostages?"
Grimmjaw's eyes shot up, disbelief well-written in there. "Sir?" he wasn't sure he heard it right.
"I do not need to repeat myself, Major General, I believe you have your ears cleaned," he said seriously. His eyes bored on the other Major General who was sitting stiffly beside his friend. He was giving a blank look before turning to the blue-haired and spoke something only Grimmjaw was able to hear.
"Sir, my whole team were not responsible for the – "
"It was them who first shot through the civilians! How can you claim they were not responsible for that action?"
For the first time in his life, Grimmjaw Jaggerjaques was at a loss for words. He opened his mouth to speak but no words formed in his lips. The general continued.
"Your mission like many others was to conduct a reconnaissance just to make sure there were no more uproars in the East! We did not order you to take hostages and kill them!"
Bunching his fist, Grimmjaw stood up. "I know my orders sir," he started. "And what happened there went out of control. There is no reason to justify – "
"It was your inability to control your platoon that led to this – the death of those civilians have escalated the conflict!" he pounded his fist in the table. "You cannot justify what happened with simple things as "went out of control" major general."
He stood up along with the others. "You are discharged from duty as of today until things are finally cleared up. That's all."
The two left on the room simply sat in silence. After a while, Ulquiorra stood up and rested his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Let's go."
"Tch. The top brass can't even listen to a single word I was about to say," he scoffed and tucked his hands in the pocket of his pants. Then he looked down to where stars were pinned on his uniform. They were decorated officers who achieved honor through hard work and valor. They've won countless missions here and there, almost died from others and most of all saved the lives of many.
"It's because they refuse to acknowledge it," Ulquiorra simply answered.
"So it's only you left now eh?" Grimmjaw decided to comment but his friend was quiet for a while. "That white-haired sure handed his ass easily over the enemies."
"No. I've tendered my resignation just a little while ago and is merely waiting for approval. I'm tired of the life here," he said and sighed. "Besides, Orihime can't really stop worrying until I leave the service."
"Oh yeah, you and her. When's the wedding?"
"I'm leaving it up to her to plan on it."
They stopped at one desk where the officer was instructed to receive Grimmjaw's things. Taking the gun from its holster, Grimmjaw placed it at the table. His career was ruined by that war – by the event that led to it.
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Twenty civilians walked in front of the soldiers who were doing an inspection of the particular area, their orders are to subdue any rebels but not to involve civilians. The twenty people were moving out judging from the packs they were carrying.
From a short distance from them, the major general watched, his rifle slung across his shoulder. They have been staying here for two days already and he had met some of those civilians, especially that little girl running towards him.
She stopped and grinned. She was holding a single flower and handed it to him with her eyes so bright making it hard for the man to refuse. "Why don't you go back?" he suggested and knelt down. "The place here is dangerous."
She nodded and gave a hand sign. He learned two days ago that she was mute. Unable to communicate with her through signs, Grimmjaw only stared as the girl finished her hand signs and bowed once in front of him before running back to the others waiting for them.
He watched until his eyes widened slowly as he heard the gunshots and saw the civilians fall down one by one. "What the – " he looked around for any sign of rebels. They were a good distance away but enough to have a clear shot at them. "Men!" he shouted as he readied his rifle and the moment he glanced back at them, he saw the little girl. She was frozen from her spot and was holding her ears together, afraid from the sound of it. "Cover the girl!" he shouted but his men were not listening as they all took positions and aimed for their enemy. Grimmjaw ran towards her and was about to pull her when another gunshot and the girl's body went limp into his arms.
Shocked, he stared at her face as she was giving him a small smile, her eyes flashing gratitude. And for reasons unknown, Grimmjaw could feel the constricting of his throat.
"Major General!" he could hear his men call him as he hugged the little girl against his chest, rocking her and howling above, cursing all the devils and angels for the misfortune that befell one innocent girl. For his platoon, it was the first time they saw their boss in such emotion – only for a little girl he met two days ago.
Then he stood up, the girl still in his arms and turned to his remaining platoon. This wasn't how it was supposed to turn out. No one should have died. "Subdue all the rebels in this area if at all possible," he ordered coldly. He glanced and saw the rebels gone. "Before that, I want a full report on what happened."
With that he walked away to bury that small body in his arms, the single flower still in his hand. A few days later, during a bloody storm, one of his subordinate approached the tent, delivering another bad news.
"Permission to enter, Major General, sir!"
Grimmjaw glanced at the silhouette outside. "Permission granted. Hurry up and haul your ass up here, it's freaking cold out there!"
"Sir, yes sir!"
The colonel under his command arrived with a grim look. "Sir, the Aegis had been shot down."
Looking away from what he was doing, Grimmjaw stared at the colonel with a startled look, his eyes flashing disbelief. "And the pilot?"
"Lieutenant Colonel Hitsugaya Toshirou had resigned."
Resigned. Meaning, he died. For someone who was so good at aerial battles, Grimmjaw found it a little bit unacceptable for his friend to easily die that way. But the reality of war was far from what one can perceive. Even a most skilled fighter can die. Even a most skilled soldier will be unable to protect everyone else.
He could only nod his head. "And the others?"
"Sir, there are few who died compared to the last battle with the rebels. However, we also lost some good officers on the field."
"What is the status of Major General Schiffer?"
There was a moment of silence and Grimmjaw feared to receive yet another news about a friend's death. "He's not in a good condition right now sir. The wounds he sustained were somehow fatal but we believe he might be able to recover soon. The reinforcement sent their way was somehow delayed."
Grimmjaw rubbed his face. What had Ulquiorra been doing that led him in that condition? As if reading his thought, the colonel who was somehow close to the colonel among all those under his platoon spoke. "I heard many of his subordinates who were all injured survived because of him. That's all the report I can deliver right now sir. Permission to leave."
"Granted."
The news of his friend's deed got into Grimmjaw. Ulquiorra had almost died saving as many subordinates as he could. Although they were still injured, they all survived…while Grimmjaw was unable to even save a single soul a few days ago…
Looking outside, he thought he saw an apparition of that little girl who got lost in their camp days and days ago…
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Grimmjaw Jaggerjaques threw the glass as the recollection flowed into his mind once more. He had been having that nightmare for two years already and he wished for it to go away. That's why he resorted to alcohol, hoping by getting drunk, it wouldn't haunt him – those bright eyes flashing her gratitude when he did nothing to save her.
"Damn it," he cursed.
The bartender was already used to the blue-haired so he did not mind if he threw some glasses away. After all, he was the only customer doing that and to compensate for it, when the man is actually somber he would pay for his damages. It had been two years since one of the heroes of that sudden war came home changed and became a drunkard. No one would ever know how one great guy suddenly left the military service and spend his whole life drinking his life away – as he seemed to have lost all reasons to live anyway.
The other customers were also used to Grimmjaw's presence and action here and it they seemed okay with it. That's why Grimmjaw loved this bar. People leave him be here…
"One more glass," he ordered and the bartender was about to get one when a woman entered and she immediately ran towards the blue-haired in worry.
"I thought I would find you here," Momo Hinamori, the stranger from years ago who now owned the resort nearby and who was engaged with the late Lieutenant Colonel, stated. She looked well now compared to the first year after their return with no Toshirou around. He thought this girl would never be able to recover after almost getting deranged by her loss but one red-haired actually came into her life and helped her move on. And because she was able to move on, she came back to this place and started running the resort once more. Never again did she run away to the city.
"Go away," Grimmjaw waved her away, not wanting to have anyone talk to him when he had just remembered that past once more. It made him moody.
Momo was already used to their behavior so she at least knows how to deal with them. But she thought this time, he looked even worse. She wanted to understand why he and Ulquiorra changed so much. Of course they lost a friend but she thought there was also a bitter reason behind – something that happened in the conflict with the rebels. "You've been killing yourself for the past two years."
This time, he raised his head and met his eyes. "Aren't you the same?" he asked and the question rendered Hinamori speechless. She looked away for a bit. Noting that, Grimmjaw sighed. "Sorry. It was hard for you."
She shook her head and smiled. "It's okay. I dealt with it by moving on, how about you do the same?" she suggested and sat down on the stool beside him. "I know Ulquiorra suffered too, both from what happened in the battle and what happened to his life, but I think he was doing a better job at moving on than you."
He snorted. "And you call being a recluse when he visits here a better job?"
She smiled gently at him. They have watched over her for the first year as if to honor their best friend and when finally they thought she was moving on with Renji, they decided to let her live her life the way she wanted to. "It was better than always getting drunk."
He was silent for a moment before rubbing his face. That image engraved in his mind would never go away…whatever he does, it is still there as if taunting him…
Momo felt sorry for whatever he was going through. It was obvious he is suffering internally.
"Shit," Grimmjaw cursed once more and stormed out.
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Cameras flashed in front of Neliel Tu Ordershvank, the supermodel who was now being involved in a scandal she was unaware of. She came out from the hotel and was waiting for Rukia when the reporters suddenly came out of nowhere.
"Miss Ordershvank, how true is the picture of you and the Governor?" one asked, making Neliel frown at them.
"What picture?" she asked crisply. She only heard about the rumors that she was dating the old man who was actually married and have five kids. At first she thought it was funny to hear such claims but she later learned that the rumors are getting serious and her career is starting to get affected by it. The company owning her does not want its talent to be in such kind of a mess.
After the death of her adoptive parents, both who are male, she tried modeling to earn some money. After all, she came from a poor family and her parents died due to overexerting themselves in earning money to send her to school, ignoring their own illness. And because of that, Neliel had vowed she will earn as many money as possible and never again will she return to that kind of life. That's why, her career is very important to her. She will choose her career above anything else.
And that's why this rumor is starting to piss her off. Whoever started this rumor is surely going to pay for it.
"This picture ma'am," the reporter showed her a picture and Neliel took a step back. She opened her mouth to say something but no words would come out. Her eyes were wide in shock as she stared at it, her face deathly pale.
She was almost naked on the bed, her hands tied at each post. That's not her. She never had an affair with anyone else. Beside the bed stood the governor, naked in all his form and was actually smiling widely at the woman. But Neliel is very sure that woman is not her.
"N-No…" she stammered weakly.
"So it's true then?" another one asked, all of them now were giving her a banal look, opposite of what reporters usually feel when they felt like they have a nice scope. Somehow, Neliel felt they were disappointed with her. She was still so shocked that Neliel could only look at them, her mind not working well. This is one of the times she would thank her friend for coming to her rescue.
"No. That is not true," a cold voice answered from behind Nel, her warm touch making Neliel snap back to her senses to find Rukia standing in business attire. Behind Rukia stood her fiancé, Kaien Shiba, who was frowning at the reporters.
"How could you be so sure, Miss Kuchiki? The picture in here is telling it's Miss Ordershvank who – "
Rukia's insipid look cut the reporter off. "One can just fake anything now. Anyway, I know my friend too well to understand that she is not that kind of person. If you will excuse us." She raised her chin up and tossed her hair before looking at Nel, giving her a look.
Neliel sighed. Thanks to her friend, she was able to gather her thoughts and she faced the reporters. "That is not me. I never had an affair with the governor. Sorry but we'll have to leave."
She could hear the reporters shouting more questions, wanting her to answer them but Neliel was already deaf from them. Red in face, she massaged her temple. "That's not me Rukia…" she whispered as they made their way towards the car.
"I know. I believe you."
"Who could have done such a thing?" she asked in despair.
Kaien spoke. "Maybe someone who has a grudge against you. I'll have it investigated."
She smiled at them. "Thanks."
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The news that appeared the following day however made Neliel almost vomit and hide away from everyone else. Everything was twisted.
Supermodel having a sexual affair with the governor.
That's one headline.
Governor's wife committed suicide.
She has to cover her mouth to prevent a gasp from escaping her lips. Below the headline was the article stating that the wife left a note to her kids, asking for their forgiveness for being weak that she was unable to withstand the fact that her husband was having an affair with someone else.
And now, the reporters are blaming Neliel Tu Ordershvank for ruining such a wonderful family.
Her phone rang and for a moment, Neliel was afraid reporters have gotten her private number and are now actually starting to hound her with questions. To her relief it was Rukia.
"I read the news and I'm currently watching television now," Rukia said without any greetings. "Don't come out from your room, Nel. There are many reporters below. I'll send someone to fetch you up."
"Rukia…the wife…"
"I know but you are not to be blamed. We'll investigate the source of this," Rukia said reassuringly. "For the time being, while you are still on the hot seat, why don't you take a break?"
"But – "
"Nel, just saying you are innocent is not sufficient. We have to gather proofs to clear your name first. Without evidence, your plea to the people would only go unheard."
Neliel was quiet for a moment. "Yes you are right."
"I'll call you back okay?"
"Thanks Rukia. I really owe you now."
"Nah. That is what friends are for."
When the call ended, Nel received yet another one while she was on the process of deciding what to do with her life from that point on while they investigate the source behind all these. She decided she needed to get away, from the prying eyes of people…from the limelight…
"Hey Nel it's me!"
Again, she sighed in relief when she heard Hinamori's voice.
"Hinamori."
"Sorry, I was busy with some things earlier so I only got the news now," she said. "Seriously, who would do such a thing?"
"I have no idea but I am glad you called. I'm taking you up with your offer."
Hinamori squealed from the end of the line, making Neliel smile despite the situation she was in. Well, they consist of different personalities. Rukia was the serious type, Hinamori was the open type and Neliel was just in between.
"Really? Great! Life at the country side is not too bad, Nel. You'll love the tranquility here. At least I can guarantee you that. And no reporters will follow you around."
"Yeah that is exactly why I'm going there. I need to lie low. I'm being blamed for the death of the governor's wife. Somehow even though I know it was not me on that picture, the fact that it was still my face on it is making me feel bad about the wife."
"Don't worry. We'll get by. Rukia will not allow your career to take a sudden nosedive. We all know how much you love this."
The statement made Neliel's heart swell inside. Such great friends…she was glad Momo had now recovered. She never met the man named Toshirou but she sure read about him somewhere. He was one of the hailed heroes two years ago during the conflict with the insurgents. However, he died and the news of his death almost made Momo crazy. It took a lot of hard effort to help her move on. Momo had stopped going to the country side, not wanting to remember her times with him and so she lived in the city once more.
To her delight, Hinamori recovered thanks to Abarai Renji and because of that, Momo was able to face her past and she moved back to the place she loved most. Renji seemed fine with it actually. He is a member of a popular band around town and when he gets a break, he usually visits Hinamori there.
"I'm glad I have you and Rukia…" she whispered croakily.
"That's why we are friends," Momo said gaily. "When will you come so I can prepare your room?"
"Tomorrow. I still have to figure out how I can leave the place unnoticed."
"I'm sure Rukia will think of a way. Just stay strong okay? It's time for me to say the words back," Momo said. "I'll be hanging up now. Another customer came."
Neliel smiled. "Yeah. Take care."
"Na. You take care, Neliel."
And with that, Neliel started packing her things. She will get away and come back when ready to face the people. .
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So, uhm, what do you guys think? This would be the first in my Hero Trilogy and coming next would be Ulquiorra's story and the last would be Toshirou so I'd like to ask your opinions about it.