Blindfold
By Spunky0ne
(A request by Picklez80!)
XXXXXXXXXX
When Central 46 fails to honor a peace treaty with the surviving quincies, the quincies take Byakuya, Renji and Tetsuya hostage within the shadows. Although the council refuses to negotiate for their release, Ichigo, Uryu and Shima Kurushimi (Shima-taicho31's OC) have other ideas. They strike out on their own, but find something surprising when they arrive at Silbern...Haschwalth/Byakuya, Bazz-B/Renji, Ichigo/Uryu, Kurushimi/Tetsuya...yaoi, mpreg)
XXXXXXXXXX
Chapter 1: Broken Promises
Byakuya sighed wearily and placed the last signed report into his outbox, then rose and stretched, catching Abarai Renji's eye from across the room as he headed, not for the door, but for the inner hallway that led to his quarters.
"Hey Taichou, are you staying here tonight?" he asked curiously.
"No," the noble informed him, "There is a meeting of the Central 46 council regarding the quincy officers, Bazz-B and Liltotto. As you know, Officer Gigi made a deal with the twelfth division taichou to assist him in understanding quincy anatomy and phisiology, so she avoided incarceration, but the fate of the other two hasn't been decided."
"Yeah," Renji said, his eyes reflecting a measure of regret, "I heard about that. It's strange, isn't it? I thought they made some kinda deal too."
Byakuya nodded.
"The council was in negotiation with the acting leader of the quincies, Haschwalth Jugram, who was given command after Ishida Uryu abdicated his position as quincy crown prince and returned to the living world. They were reported to have reached an agreement, but for unknown reasons, the council then reversed their decision and continued to hold the two."
"I visited Bazz-B earlier," Renji admitted, "I've been keeping him company during the trial. He told me that the council had been trying to manipulate the quincies into allowing us to use their method of entry into the shadows."
"I suspect that is the sticking point in their negotiations," Byakuya acknowledged.
"Right," Renji agreed unhappily, "It's a bad situation, because giving us entry leaves the quincies vulnerable to our forces if they attack..."
"However, the council wants our ability to enter their territory to act as a deterrent to them ever attacking us as they did in the recent war."
"I can understand both sides of that," Renji said, shaking his head, "Bazz does too. Both sides have a logical argument. I mean, our military did almost completely annihilate the quincies before. They only survived because they escaped into the shadows."
"And during the most recent conflict, the quincies did launch a devastating attack that killed even larger numbers of shinigamis, as well as our king," Byakuya added, "There are, as you say, logical arguments on both sides. Haschwalth Jugram argued that he has already promised to maintain only what military is needed to protect his people within the shadows. I think many among the councilors are reluctant to merely take his word for it or to trust the signed document he offered."
"Well," Renji mused, "even Bazz-B kinda understands because Ywach wasn't known for even keeping to the agreements that he did make. The guy even backstabbed his own."
"Which erodes the confidence of the councilors holding Officers Bazz-B and Liltotto's fates in their hands," Byakuya concluded.
"It's a real mess," Renji said unhappily, "I get the council's worries, but I feel sorry for Bazz-B and Liltotto. They did attack us in the beginning, but when they realized what a deceptive bastard Ywach was, they tried to take him down. They're the reason we were able to break into the royal realm."
"That is the reason they were not given a death sentence," Byakuya reflected, "but they are caught now in between the quincy regent's desire to protect his people and the Central 46 council's desire to protect ours."
"Damn," Renji sighed, shaking his head, "I hate this."
"Would you like to accompany me to the meeting?" Byakuya asked, noting his colleague's agitation, "You are welcome to join Tetsuya to add extra security for me during the meeting. It is certainly warranted, given the current unrest."
"Tetsuya's going with you?" Renji asked, looking surprised, "I thought Kuri-kuri had him locked up at Shima adobe cause he's pretty far along, carrying their twins."
"He is," Byakuya agreed, "but Tetsuya was his usual stubborn self, insisting on attending to my protection personally until this matter is resolved. He promised Kurushimi that as soon as the council concludes a deal with the quincies and he's sure I'm not in danger, he will turn his duties over to another staff member."
"Hmm," Renji mused, "Do you think he'd feel more comfortable if I helped out with security while he's having the kids?"
Byakuya arched a fine eyebrow and nodded.
"Now that you mention it, I think he would view that favorably. He does trust your instincts as well as he trusts his own, as you already act as one of my most capable protectors."
"So, do you wanna ask him about it?"
"After the meeting," Byakuya decided, "I would say before, but there just isn't time. We need to leave as soon as possible if we are going to arrive there before they begin."
"No problem. I'm ready to go," Renji said, falling in with him and waiting as he changed from his uniform into a formal kimono.
The two left the sixth division and were met outside by a blue-eyed man who looked similar to Byakuya, but had a more delicate look to his body and had lovely, sapphire eyes. He wore the dark navy blue uniform of the Kuchiki house guards and sat astride a tall black Arabian stallion. A lovely paint stallion stood at their side with his ears perked towards Byakuya.
"Hello Tetsuya," Byakuya greeted his cousin, "Arashi, Ikazuchi."
"Byakuya-sama," Tetsuya said, returning his greeting.
"Renji will be joining us for the meeting," Byakuya informed his lovely cousin, "I've asked him to join you in seeing to my safety."
"I think that's a good idea," Tetsuya said approvingly, "This is a very important meeting, and there are a lot of people watching closely to see what the council will decide."
"My thinking also," Byakuya said, feeling a touch of relief at his cousin's easy acceptance of the added assistance.
"Not to say you don't kick ass, even as knocked up as you are," Renji chuckled, moving closer and making Tetsuya's smile widen as he gently patted the younger noble's noticeable baby bump.
"Oh, no offense is taken. I assure you," Tetsuya answered affably, "In fact, this will be the last of my security duties I will undertake before I begin my leave."
"I am relieved to hear that, watashi no itoko," Byakuya confessed, "I do value your dedication to my protection, but I would not want you to be hurt, especially now."
"I understand," Tetsuya assured him, "and knowing that Renji-san will be protecting you in my place is a comfort."
Byakuya climbed onto Ikazuchi's back and offered Renji a hand, pulling the redhead up behind him. The two horses, broke into a trot and headed quickly for Central 46. They arrived a short time later, and slid down off the horse's backs, then crossed the narrow bridge that led to the compound's entrance. The group was searched and their identification confirmed, before they were waved on and passed through the compound's front doors.
"Hey, Byakuya, Tetsuya, Renji!" Ichigo's voice called from a short distance away, "Good to see you."
"It is good to see you also," Byakuya said, nodding in greeting, "Ichigo."
He paused, taking a closer look at the white clad youth that stood at Ichigo's side.
"Ishida Uryu," he greeted the quincy, "It is good to see you on your feet again. I was pleased to hear that the court had dropped the charges against you. I was concerned that they would be unwilling to do so."
"But they couldn't argue with the fact that he helped me take Ywach down," Ichigo said proudly, slipping his hand into Uryu's and squeezing it gently.
Uryu blushed.
"I just...did what I had to do," he said in a flustered tone.
"You did the right thing," Ichigo said, turning and stealing a quick kiss.
Uryu shoved him away.
"Don't do that in front of everyone!" he scolded the Shiba heir, "A lot of people still don't trust me. You don't want to give them a reason to have something against you!"
"Eh, shut up," Ichigo said off-handedly, "You know I don't give a crap what anyone else thinks."
"I know, but you should be careful here. That's all I'm saying," Uryu argued.
"Will you two lovebirds knock it off," Renji chided them, smirking.
"I think we should go inside," Byakuya suggested, "They're about to begin."
"Do you mind if I sit with you and your family, Byakurai?" asked a deep, accented male voice.
Tetsuya turned and broke into a beautiful smile.
"Kuri!" he greeted his handsome, Latino husband, embracing him and meeting him for a passionate kiss that left the two blushing.
"All right, enough already!" Renji complained, "You're making Taichou and me jealous here."
"You're free to kiss Byakurai so he won't feel left out," Kuri invited him jokingly.
"Ha ha, very funny," Renji huffed, scowling, "I think the Kuhciki elders would faint if I dared to kiss Taichou, not to mention I'd probably end up getting shredded by bladed petals to boot."
"Oh, I wouldn't hurt you for kissing me," Byakuya said, looking amused at the thought, "but I think you have...other interests, don't you, Renji?"
"Ooh, I sense a secret!" Kurushimi said, moving closer, "Who is it, Ren-Ren-nii? That other tattooed guy? The pretty one from Zaraki taichou's squad?"
"It's not your business. I'm not telling!" Renji snapped, "So, quit bugging me about it."
"I think it's time for us to go inside," Byakuya said, stopping their more casual banters.
"Saved by the bell," Renji sighed, rolling his eyes as he fell in on Byakuya's right, while Tetsuya followed on his left.
"I will be with Deripe and Mamà ," Kurushimi informed Tetsuya, "I will see you after, Tetsu-hana. Stay out of trouble."
"I will try," Tetsuya chuckled, turning away and leaving him watching with affectionate eyes.
"We should go inside too," Ichigo said, giving Uryu a nudge.
"Are you really sure we should?" Uryu asked in a conflicted tone, "You know a lot of them still..."
"Yeah, a lot of them are holding a grudge against pretty much any quincy, but we're not going to stamp that out by having you hide away from them. We have to get in their faces and make them see who you are."
"Whatever you say, Ichigo," Uryu sighed resignedly, "I don't think it will change their minds, but..."
"Come on, will you?"
The gathered members of the noble families and their guests moved into the Central 46 chamber and took their places in the gallery and quieted as the sages began to enter through the chamber's upper door. They filed to their seats and sat down, while one elder sage moved to the head of the chamber and banged a heavy gavel to bring the meeting to order.
"This meeting of Central 46 will come to order," his voice boomed, "Fumio, you will read the agenda."
A younger male sage stood and cleared his throat softly.
"The council greets Haschwalth Jugram, interim leader of the quincies," Fumio announced as the doors to the lower part of the chamber opened and Haschwalth entered, flanked by several quincy guards. They took up a position at a podium that stood in front of where Byakuya's group stood. A moment later, another lower door opened and Bazz-B and Liltotto were led in by two guards wearing white masks over their faces.
"Lord Jugram, you may begin your testimony," the grand councilor invited the quincy regent.
"I will make this simple," Jugram said solemnly, "We have bargained in good faith and one of our officers has agreed already to remain here and give you whatever information you wish about our anatomy and physiology. You have incarcerated the two elite officers who were not killed in the war. We have signed the peace treaty and agreed to halt all hostile actions against you. You agreed to return Officer's Bazz-B and Liltotto to us. You have no right to continue to hold them."
"I think we have a right to attend to the safety of our people," a female sage named Arisu insisted.
"She is right," a male sage by the name of Hiromasa agreed, "We have discussed this at length and we unanimously agreed that we will never have true safety from your kind until we have entrance into the shadows."
"That was not part of the pact we signed!" Jugram said firmly, "If you want to negotiate that, then you will need to do so independently of our former agreement. You can't go back now on what you agreed to in writing."
"That was a preliminary agreement, meant just to end the hostilities!" Hiromasa snapped as several other voices rose in agreement, "You were well aware that there could be amendments. Your side could have made some as well."
"I understand that sometimes there are a adjustments after to refine the agreement," Haschwalth acknowledged, "but you are treading on dangerous ground. You can't expect us to just open our borders to the ones who nearly destroyed our entire population!"
"You did a pretty damned good job on our population in this war," a sage named Aki accused him, "and you have easy entrance here. Even now, you have us at a disadvantage. We need some assurance you can't just come out of the shadows and start attacking us by surprise again!"
"We have the advantage of positioning to do damage," Haschwalth admitted, "but you still have far greater numbers. Both our sides have some advantage and something to inhibit us."
"I don't think we have enough to warn you off for long!" Hiromasu said scathingly, "You know that, so you will try to wear us down."
"I assure you," Haschwalth said calmly, "Our people want peace as much as yours do. We both want the same thing, peace and reassurance that we can avoid another blood war. Just give us our officers and we will leave you in peace. Keep them at your own risk. If you refuse to honor the pact we have made, you are going to create another war!"
The grand councilor slammed his gavel down viciously.
"Haschwalth Jugram!" he shouted sternly, "If you have come here to accuse and threaten us, you are risking war, yourself! We will not tolerate such belligerence from a people we have defeated. But if you refuse to adhere to the demands of the victors in the war, we can certainly give you a taste of incarceration here to wear down your willfulness. Guards, you will take the quincy regent into custody!"
"Don't dare to lay hands on me or my men!" Jugram warned the grand councilor, "We will consider it an act of dishonor and hostility, as we have come here under a symbol of truce!"
"You barged in here and started making demands you shouldn't be making, considering you were the losers in the war!" Aki shouted, inciting a number of others to shout in agreement.
"I am warning you one last time," Haschwalth said, glancing at his guards, "Do not come near us, or you will give us no choice but to defend ourselves!"
The grand councilor shouted another command to the guards, who closed in on the quincy delegation. Haschwalth and his guards acted swiftly, engaging their Hirenyaku. Four quincy guards disappeared and reappeared behind Bazz-B and Liltotto, slashing their bonds and cutting down their handlers. Haschwalth and two guards reappeared suddenly in the gallery, behind the nearest of the nobles seated there. The quincy regent held a long knife at Byakuya's throat, while guards did the same to Tetsuya and Renji. He lowered his voice and spoke into Byakuya's ear.
"We are only trying to escape with our officers they have promised to release. Don't fight us and we won't hurt you or your comrades."
Sensing the futility of trying to fight or disarm the quincy regent, Byakuya held perfectly still, his eyes on his pregnant cousin.
Haschwalth glared defiantly up at the grand councilor.
"You have broken our agreement, so you may consider us your enemies again. We will negotiate with you, but now it will be for the release of the hostages we are taking with us. We have the leader of your greatest clan and people close to him. If you want them back alive, then you had best reconsider your choices!"
"Damn you, you lying, cheating quincy bastard!" yelled a furious sage, launching himself at the quincy regent, "GET THEM!"
The Central 46 guards moved to close in on Haschwalth and the others.
"You have nowhere to go," the grand councilor said solemnly, "You should free Kuchiki Byakuya and the others now and we can continue our negotiations."
"I won't negotiate with liars!" Haschwalth snapped, "We will contact you with the terms for the release of the hostages!"
Guards ran at the quincies from all directions, but as they moved, a blackness opened up near each, and the quincies stepped into it, dragging their prisoners with them.
"Tetsu-hana!" Kurushimi howled, flash stepping toward the escaping quincies, then reeling as explosions of powerful reiatsu forced him back.
"Jugo, don't do this!" Bazz-B shouted, "You're just going to..."
"Go!" Haschwalth ordered the others, dragging Byakuya along with him.
He lowered his voice and spoke again into Byakuya's ear.
"Do not resist in any way, or I will have your fukutaichou and your cousin killed!"
Byakuya nodded briefly and moved with the quincy regent as the shadows curled around them.
"You bastards! You won't get away with this!" one of the sages howled furiously.
The council sages and the nobles watching in horror from the gallery could only stare in dismay as the quincies and their hostage disappeared and the blackness dissipated.