Bleach: All's fair in Love and War
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. Kubo does, and for that he is a god among mortals. Since I lack an understanding of basic copy write laws, I guess I don't officially own any original characters in here either. If you want to use them, go ahead, but at least give me a shout out if you do. Thanks.
Author's Note: Timeline wise, this story takes place just after Toshiro, Rangiku, and the rest of the advance team arrive in Karakura Town. I'll let you know when there is a flashback to an earlier time. Also, italic sentences are thoughts, and a series of dots at the center of a line underneath a paragraph indicates a change in either point of view or the setting itself. By the way, I'm actually a fan of Toshirou/Rangiku pairings, but this idea just sort of came to me, so please don't flame it!
Chapter One: Decision
It was the height of summer, yet still the cherry blossoms fell in the Seireitei. Perhaps that is fitting, thought the old man as he leaned on his large wooden staff, stroking his long beard with his left hand. In a sense, we are all in mourning. The sakura trees mourn along with us, long past their time to grow ripe fruit, as if they too cannot truly come to terms with what has occurred. The old man fidgeted slightly in his black robes and white jacket, remembering certain former comrades who had chosen to walk the path of blood and betrayal. What to do? Thought Shigekuni Genryusai Yammamotto, Head Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
The situation was desperate. With the betrayal of Captains Aizen, Ichimaru, and Tosen, the Soul Society had suffered a serious blow to its ability to keep the Hollows in check. Also, with Lieutenant Momo Hinamori still in a coma and the continuing lack of a replacement for Squad Thirteen's long dead Kaien Shiba, also a Lieutenant, the Gotei 13 were seriously reduced in numbers and ability. Granted, they had found some new allies in the world of the living, as well as some old friends, they could not defend their home on their own. An advance squad had been dispatched to aid them in the event of an early strike by Aizen's forces, but it was far weaker than such a force would have been at the height of the Seireitei's power. They will fight well, but they may not be enough. This early in the game, and already the opponent seemed to have called check.
If events continued at this rate, Soul Society would be crushed, and humanity consumed by an army of Hollows. Perhaps it is time… to call upon them. Yes. That was it. None of their members had been called to the field in several decades, but they were his last trump card. If even one of… them… were to join the advance team in the world of the living, it could bring him out of check and set up a counter attack against Aizen. But, he thought, is it worth the risk? For they protected the King of the Soul Society, and to remove even one of them from his realm was no small matter. Was it worth reducing His Majesty's protection, even if it was just by one man? Yes. There were simply no other moves left that could change the outcome.
Having made up his mind, the Head Captain began to walk towards the Chamber of the Central 46, Soul Society's governing body. Normally he would send a messenger to the replacements of the not so recently deceased members, but for a matter this important it was best to present his case in person. It was the only way that they would listen to him.
It is time, he thought as he approached the large gates, sentries approaching to check his identity. Time to swallow his pride and ask for the help of the most feared and awe inspiring force in all of Soul Society, perhaps all of creation itself. Time to bring new light forward to combat the darkness. Time to shift the balance of power once again, perhaps on an unprecedented scale. Time to call upon… the Royal Guard.
Author's note: I had this story posted earlier, but I was new to the site and the formatting was giving me headaches! sorry this took way too long to fix. I'll try to be a better updater from now on.