Episode #1: Breaking the habit
Memories concern
Like opening the wound
I'm picking me apart again
You all assume
I'm safer in my room
Unless I try to start again
Garganta as always has seemed dark and chaotically. Grit around his feet has started to move by a blaze of wind. The pale moon above them illuminated three tall people and the Garganta. It was easier for him to passing through it than it used to be. He felt the presences of Grimmjow and Nel behind his back.
This time finally came; the time to start everything again.
-How long are you planning to stare at it like that? Move on! - Sexta Espada said.
-Let's go – Nel added.
They passed the gate to Soul Society together. Sand-colour coats were waving behind them. After a few minutes of running, Grimmjow took the lead, playing the boss. Alright, he wants fun, then he'll get it.
-Hey, Grimmjow! Your path seems like a little fragile! - he shouted.
-Shut up! And for me, it seems that you're running very slowly down here. The air in Garganta doesn't fit you? - Grimmjow shouted back.
-I am running slowly? I care about quality of the path, you moron! Well, let's see who's the fastest one!
-Enough – Neliel interuptted. In adult form she could be very serious. - We're almost on the place.
Nel was right. They were able to see the sky in Soul Society. But it was red sky, sky blured by blood of his friends.
I don't want to be the one
Who battles always choose
Cuz inside I realize
That I'm the one confused
They jumped out of the gate and landed in the middle of battlefield. The view was like from a cheap horror. Buildings were ruined, around every corner were lying massacred corpses. Even sunset, like to express sorrow for deceaseds, was decorated by a colour of blood. It wasn't the same clear and well-kept Soul Society as he had known.
-It seems that they had got big party – Grimmjow said and turned over lying body by a top of his shoe. Shinigami had got slotted chest, his eyed were staring at the sky without expression.
-We're late – he said. - Battles always begin in the morning.
-Then, what are we going to do? - Nel asked.
-I know one good place, where we can stay the night. It's certain that they already know about us, but hiding is a good idea.
-And we will attach to the fight in the morning. Is it right? - Nel ended. - But, if they already know about our presences, will they send someone to check us out?
-With these losses? It's possible, but I don't think if Shinigami have anyone who's able to fight. Even so, it's sure, that they'll save him up for tomorrow.
-Tch -Grimmjow snorted.- And we have to wait again. All right, do the lead.
They sonidoed from there to go to the place, where Kurosaki Ichigo, human and Shinigami had trained his bankai.
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I know it's not alright
So I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit tonight
-Yamamoto-sou-taichou, I have worrying news – Mayuri spoke on the captain's war meeting. Everyone looked at him with glance which says: How-can-you-have-something-worse-than-we-already-have-?.
-Speak, Mayuri – general agreed with a tired voice.
-Few minutes before captain's meeting, my instruments had registered some kind of anomaly. Now, in the sphere of Seiretei have appeared new cluster of powerful reiatsu. It doesn't seem like reiatsu of our enemies. However, after a moment this sourse of reiatsu had moved into grounds of Rukongai. Because of lack of barrier that something could pass without difficulties. At this moment, Nemu is trying to precisely define its location.
Among of all captains have spread the comnotion. Strange source of reiatsu? The commanders of divisons have whispered between each other and after a moment, Ukitake spoke to Mayuri:
-So, are you able to define more exacly the character of this reiatsu, Mayuri-taichou?
-For me – Mayuri looked in eyes of everyone collected – this is reiatsu of a hollow.
After this statement, the deep silence have collapsed.
-Are you sure, Mayuri?- Hitsugaya asked.
-No! - captain of 12th squad replied in a maniac's tone.- And this is the most wonderful! This reiatsu is too powerful for one hollow, it might be 4 or 5! It's too irregular and bestial. But I bet on a hollow.
-Considering that dobtful analysis, we can't do anything – Yamamoto announced. - We also don't have enough amount of fit people. That's why we can't afford ourself to reconnoitre...
-I beg you pardon, Yamamoto-sou-taichou – Byakuya interuptted.
-What is that, Byakuya?
-My fuku-taichou, Abarai Renji is able to fight. During today's battle, he got only small injuries. I think, that he can do this duty.
-According to, he couldn't stand against this opponent. Abarai will be easily detect and force to fight. But, because he is in so good condition, he will be the most useful tomorrow. I apportion fuku-taichou of 6th division as commander of attack, which purpose is to defeat this enemy. Ukitakie-taichou, is Kuchiki Rukia able to fight?
-In today's fight she sustained only light wound it right arm. Since tomorrow, she will be fine.
-Join her in Abarai's squad. Meeting's over.
Cultured my cure
I tightly lock the door
I try to catch my breath again
I hurt much more
Than anytime before
I have no options left again
White wheel of the moon, was slowly rising through the night sky, when first tear flowed of Rukia's eyes at this night. As every night, at the same time, Rukia has woken up and started to mourn the past.
It was already a year. A year and one month, she corrected herself.
Since Ichigo was dead.
Dead, dead, dead...
This one word has echoed through Rukia's head. And, of course it caused another tide of sorrow.
She cursed Aizen. She cursed herself. She cursed all the world.
Rukia cursed Aizen for finished off Ichigo after using by him Final Getsuga Tenshou. She cursed herself for that Ichigo was dying on her lap and she couldn't do anything about that. She cursed all the world for that it was so impassive.
She had already heard about strange reiatsu and about that, she's going with Renji and another few Shinigamis to defeat that.
To be honest, this hollow, or something like that could kill her. Rukia have had no reason for living any longer.
I don't want to be the one
Who battles always choose
Cuz inside I realize
That I'm the one confused
-It seems, that they are going to attack from three directions at the same time. They opened three gates from the Hell – Grimmjow stated, when he was looking at waking up to life – or, to fight – Seiretei. Grimmy smirked. - It's better for us, isn't it?
-Certainly. Let's seperate. I take the gate the nearest to us. Among Shinigamis over there, I feel familiar reiatsu.
-I will do like that even if you don't say it! - Sexta Espada shouted. - I don't get it, why the hell YOU command.
-Well, Grimmjow, I'm glad that you finally approve it – now he was smirking.
-Fights are starting – Nel noticed consciously.
-Which gate do you take, Nel? - Grimmjow asked.
-That, on the south – she pointed.
-So, if everybody „has" his gate then we can go. Look, skeletons are already going out – after these words, he jumped out of the hill. He have already heard screams of the first dyings.
They were obligate to eliminate the source of reiatsu. Rukia hoped that none will blame them for not doing that. Her group had to fight when gate appeared on their way. From the gate, hell skeletons have started to come out, as they call these creatures.
This war has started about three weeks ago and has already taken half of Shinigamis. It also destroyed most of buildings in Soul Society, including Rukongai. Everything had started, because of releasing Aizen from his prison. This time, instead of Hueco Mundo, he escaped to the Hell. From there, Aizen have sent immortal skeletons to Soul Society, which bodies must be destroyed with all pieces to make them do not come back. It wasn't any longer the same refined and planned war as that from year ago. Now, it was going only about revange by using brutal power.
However, all these facts turn pale in view of one principal case; there was nobody to put hope on. There was no symbol, no hero. Someone, who would give them faith in victory – so what, that it will be illusive? Captains themselfs have already losen a faith into anything. Everybody knew that there was only one person which will be able to satisfy these desire; the desire of hope. Now, this person was dead.
Skeletons pressed Rukia; so funny, five against only her.
-Mae, Sode no Shirayuki! - she shouted, or she tryied to shout, because skeletons attacked Rukia from every possible direction.
-Bankai! Hihi Ou Zabimaru!
Huge snake with red afro on the head sweeped out all skeletons, which have attacked Rukia.
Rukia breathed and reached her Zanpaktou.
-Thanks, Renji! - she shouted to her friend.
-No prob, Rukia! - Renji smiled and rised his thumb to her.
But next skeletons have already left the Hell Gate. Rukia standed on her feet and was waiting for them.
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit tonight
-Ooooo – Mayuri came forward to monitor. - Interesting. Nemu! - he called his lieuntant.
-Yes, Mayuri-sama? - Nemu asked in her usual, calm voice.
-I have a message for Yamamoto-sou-taichou. Foreign reiatsu splited up. Nom I'm sure; there are three huge sources of reiatsu. Each other of them is moving to one of opened gates. Their speed can be compared to shunpou. It's all clear now – Mayuri squinted his eyed, watching dates on the screen. - Not shunpou, but sonido! They are definitively Arrancars. With reiatsu compared to Espada. Lead themselfs.
Another Shinigami, companion in arms, fell with shout. His body was still shivering, while dying. Rukia took the revange of his death, by destroying the skeleton using kidou.
Only few more Shinigami have left. Apart from them, on the battlefield were only Rukia and Renji. She turned around in the moment to see three skeletons, which pressed Renji to the ground.
-Renji! - she shouted and Rukia had wanted to run to help him but suddenly she felt cold into her stomach, and after it great pain. She fell on her knees and spitted out some blood. Rukia heard other Sinigami's shouts of agony. The skeleton, which have stabbed Rukia from the back, took his rusty sword from her body. She caught a glimpse of skeleton was going to the final stroke. Then Rukia, in the least proper moment, got an attack of a black humour. She imagined that, she's a cryminalist which is convicet to pay back for her sins. And now, she is going to do this. She's kneeling on the ground, with closed eyes, in front of her executioner, waiting for punishment.
Sayonara...I beg you, Ichigo...forgive me.
I'll paint it on the walls
Cuz I'm the one that falls
I'll never fight again
and this is how it ends
Nothing happend.
Rukia opened her eyes to see what have stopped her penance. Her view has covered a cloak in sand colour. She wanted to see something more, than it, so Rukia lifted her head up.
Unfortunetlly, wounded Rukia's arms hadn't kept this moves. As the effect, her elbows stooped under her weight and she fell on the bloodstained ground. Rukia turned over, on her back and she reached her purpose in some way. Now, Rukia was seeing all figure of a new-comer. Tall form has covered cloak with a wide hood. Only if he(or she) could look directly on her, she will be able to see his/her face.
However, it wasn't the most important thing in all situation. The most important was that, hooded person was holding skeleton's sword by a bare hand. It has seemed that the sword was stopped in a flight, maybe a second before killing Rukia.
Stranger tightened fingers on the sword's blade. Almost immediately, the blade even did not split up, but CRUSHED in his hand(something was saying Rukia, that it must be a man). Skeleton was staring at useless rest of his weapon with his empty orbits. Then, he rushed with a scream on the enemy.
Soon after that, he turned into ash.
After a moment, Rukia have released what had happend, because of overhelming power, which has eclipsed her senses. Releasing more amount of reiatsu was the fastest was to kill the skeletons. But it was tiring and not too effective. Even Zaraki Kenpachi hasn't decided for that too often.
But this hollow...this Arrancar, now Rukia was sure that, has seemed to have immeasurable reiatsu. When he increased his spiritual power just for a moment, Rukia had an impression like a gate had opened to her. His reiatsu was chaotically and violent, but there wasn't any wild desire for blood. It was something DIFFERENT.
Skeletons have concentrated all their watch on him. Seeing, that he is the most dangerous, crowd has rushed to him.
Instead of answering as an attack, Arrancar has used sonido to move away from Rukia and being closer to the crowd of skulls and metal. Rukia has known what's going to happen. But she was scared either.
This time, tide of power has flooded entire walley. Ground and walls of the nearest houses have started to broke. Air has been iluminating and shivering. Rukia had a dominated feeling, that if she could get any closer to the range of powerful reiatsu she would disappear, like she would never egzisting. After weak and guilty Shinigami won't be any trace.
The power disapperad as fast as it came. The newcomer was standing still, with hood on the head. Only wind has moved gently flaps of his coat.
When Rukia has cooled dwon after the shock, to her mind arrived message, that she had pierced by the sword. Pain from the wound was emanating at all her body. She moaned and curled up on the ground.
-Let me see your wound.
Rukia didn't even notice when her deliver had appeared next to her. Pain was darkening all world. She felt, through the pain, that someone has placed his hand on her injury. Then, Rukia felt weird, but not bad, heat, which has erased the pain. When the heat stopped, pain got back, but not as strong as it used to be.
She felt, that she's lifting up into the air. Terrified by that, Rukia opened her eyes. And she thought, that skeleton had to kill her then.
Worried eyes of Kurosaki Ichigo were staring at her intensively. Which left eye was behind broken mask.
Rukia didn't know any further is it reality, dream, nightamre or hell. Her last thought was feeling guilty.
Ichigo was standing with fainted Rukia in arms for a while. He pressed her to his chest and caught in more comfortable way. Now, he had to decide what to do.
He partly healed her the worst wound. But she had lost a lot of blood and she needed help. The best help. Ichigo thought about Orihime, but he knew she was in living world. To be honest, it was better; Orihime's reaction for Ichigo's form would be...time-consuming. Kurosaki remembered, when he was a human being, Inoue was scared of his mask at the begging. What about now.
-Ru...kiah – hoarsing voice sounded behind Ichigo. - Who...are you? And what did you...do to Rukia-a?
Arrancar turned around to voice's owner. In front of him was standing his old companion, Abarai Renji.
-Do you really need to ask, Renji? - Kurosaki asked. All situation was a bit depresing to him; that, he had to introduce himself to friends and gain their trust.
Shock has windened Renji's eyes. Crushed by wounds and surprise he fell down on he's knees.
-I-Ichigo...?Kurosaki...Ichigo? - Renji rasped.
Orange-haired Arrancar dropped his head under the hood. He didn't say anything more. He just couldn't. Ichigo sonidoed into direction of 4th division barack's.
-H-hey! - Renji shouted to his back.
Reunion...he didn't think it could be so painful. View of injured Rukia was enough. Ichigo decided, that lieuntant of 6th squad would manage. Kuchiki needed help immediately.
He knew that Nel and Grimmjow were still fighting. However, he had to save Rukia. He wasn't sure how Shinigami will accept him; as curse, or delivery? Will they belive him? Apart from that...
-Damn – Ichigo said, standing in the place.
The worst of possibilities has happened. In front of him were standing, no one other, than 6th squad's captain, Kuchiki Byakuya and 10th squad's captain, Hitsugaya Toshirou. Combination of these captains wasn't a good sign for Ichigo. First will kill him only for sight of carrying by Arrancar half-alived Rukia. Liliputian will attack him for reiatsu itself. Racist.
-Kisama. - Byakuya drawled. - Who are you?
Too mach explanations. Too much talking. Too much waste of time. Rukia needed help immediately. But how to avoid these two? If Ichigo hadn't to carry Rukia, he would easily deal with them. But now he couldn't just disclose himself. Too many questions, not enough time. He had to pass them and went to someone from 4th division.
-I asked you who are you – Byakuya repeated. - Anyway, I see, that you have losen your tongue.
-Better, if you pass Kuchiki to us and give up – Hitsugaya added. - You don't have any chances with our two.
Ichigo smirked because of that last statement. Fools. However, he could pass them Rukia. He would be sure, that she will be immediately healed. But he had to help him by himself. He still had a debt to her. Huge debt...
-Are you deaf, or what, thoughtless beast? - Hitsugaya shouted.
-If – Ichigo said in a low voice – you call me "thoughtless", I shouldn't answer...should I?
'That voice...' thought Byakuya 'where did I hear it?'
-What did you do to Rukia.- chief of Kuchiki's household asked.
This time, Ichigo didn't even trouble himself to answer. He thought, that he lost here too much time and he put on simply solutions; using sonido, he appeared behind the two of captains.
-Cheap trick – Byakuya said. - I can see you.
Ichigo recognized his own text from above 2 years ago. However, he didn't have time to think, because he heard from his back:
-Daiguren Hyourinamuru!
He used his last chance to run away from ice dragon, which had headed directly to him.
-Now, Byakuya! - Hitsugaya shouted.
'Huh?' Ichigo was surprised. 'Cooperation?'
-Hadou no sanjuusan: Soukatsui! - calm voice declaimed.
'Damn it!' Kurosaki thought and dodged from blue lightning. Place, where moment ago was Ichigo's head, Byakuya's kidou has hit. When he was standing firmly on his legs, he felt that something is missing. And that's when he noticed looks of Toushirou and Byakuya. They were staring directly on his face, which hadn't been covered by a hood. His cloak has hit by the spell.
-My, my – Ichigo sighed, standing straight. - I liked this coat, you know?
He smirked gently because of all absurd of the situation and he sonidoed from their eyes.
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
But now I have some clarity
to show you what I mean
I don't know how I got this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit
Breaking the habit tonight
-Unohana-taichou, that is...- lieuntant Kotetsu has started.
-I know, Isane – her captain interupted her. - We don't know the intentions of that Arrancar. However, we have to protect injureds here.
-Yes – tall healer agreeded. She stood up from healed by her patient and turned to direction of moving reiatsu.
Captain, lieuteant and most of the healers were on the courtyard of 4th division barack's. There aren't any place in the buildings for injureds, so they have healed here. Anyway, everyone, wounded and officers felt overhelming coming forward spiritual energy. No one has felt this kind of reiatsu for a year, but everyone has remember – Arrancars. That concrete Arrancar had reiatsu on level compared to Espada. The same was about his two companions. Though if they were far away, their power was noticeable even from this distance.
Kotetsu Isane fastened herself in awaiting for dangerous. Huge reiatsu was getting closer. All officers have standed behind her and captain Unohana. Everyone was nervous. If they have to fight, the biggest chance had only captain of 4th squad.
Isane missed the moment when the opponent had appeared. In one moment there was nothing in front of her, next lieuntant was staring at tall form. Sand-colour, tousled coat waved lightly by small breeze. Behind the mask was winked hazel eye at her.
Kotetsu heard like Shinigamis behind her had stepped back. Even her, scared by enormous spiritual energy took one step further.
-Easy, Isane – captain Unohana said to her, still watching Arrancar. - Watch him more closely.
Unfortunately, she couldn't do this, because newcomer spoke:
-Unohana-san.
Orange hair...that voice...tall figure...it can't be...
-Kurosaki-san - captain answered with her normal, calm voice.- Long time, no see. Who are you carrying so tightly?
Only just, Kotetsu noticed, that Ichigo, or someone with his look, was firmly hugging to his chest small petite form. Now, he placed it very genlty on the ground.
-Unohana-san – Kurosaki said with real pain in his voice. - I beg you, heal her!
Lieuntant of 4th division windened her eyes, seeing fainted member of 13th division, Kuchiki Rukia. As she knew, Ichigo used to be friends with Rukia, when he was living...being a human...Kotetsu didn't know how to say it.
-I didn't come to fight here – Kurosaki assured. - I don't have bad intentions about you. I AM Kurosaki Ichigo. Still.
Retsu Unohana without hesitation came up to Rukia and kneed next to her. She looked at half-healed wound in patient's stomach.
-This wound – Unohana asked – was skinned over by using something simmilar to healing by kidou...am I right?
-Yeah – Kurosaki responded. - At least I could do that for her.
-Hmm – without any further questions, the healer took up for her job.
-Thank you – Ichigo whispered.
-Do not thank – Unohana said out load. - I am the one to thank you. Because of you I have a chance to save up one more person. In this war, it doesn't happen very often.
Kurosaki just tightened his lips and didn't say anything more.
-So, Kurosaki, I see, that you finally found out some old friends, don't you? - asked one of another two forms, which appeared next to Ichigo. Both of them had the same coats as old Shinigami Substitute.
-Sort of. What about you two?
-Phi – first voice snorted. - It even couldn't call a fight. I hadn't release my sword, and that Shinigamis...
-Who - voice of old man interrupted him. Ichigo's eyes widened when he recognized its owner – are you? What do you want? Do you serve Aizen?
-We do not serve Aizen – second, female voice answered.
-Jii-san – Ichigo said, turned around to face the general of Soul Society and his suite, which contains almost all captains. - Time to end this masquerade.
'It's time to break the habit' he added in his thoughts.
At the same time, Kurosaki Ichigo, Neliel Tu Odershvank and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez teared their coats off.