Raised in the Light
The Call to Serve
*I will never own, or make money, on Bleach. *
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
Techniques or emphasis
More emphasis
***RitL***
"So Jugo... any idea where we are supposed to find these 'recruits'?"
"His majesty did not say so I would imagine they can be taken from any location we can find them at. All we are supposed to do is to locate and bring them back to the palace for the ceremony."
"Yeah I understand that but... I mean do you really think this is the best time to be doing this? Father is currently in control of several of the 'states' that once composed the empire but there are at least three to four more that are actively opposing him. Obviously they stand no chance but it is going to be rather difficult to convince members of an enemy nation to join our newly formed force."
"A valid point, but it does not matter. I believe part of this mission is to remove us from the palace while his majesty conducts the necessary preparations to unite the lands. He does not wish us to be a part of the conflict that will undoubtedly take Quincy lives."
"That does sound like him, overprotective to the extreme. How does he expect us to be ready to fight two other wars if he doesn't even want us to see what it takes to fight a minor one?"
"It matters not, this is an important task regardless of any other ulterior motives. The Sternritter must be reformed if we are to triumph over the Hollows and the Shinigami."
"I know, how about we plot a course on the map to hit all the major cities. We arrive, check around for any powerful candidates, and take action from there."
"A wise plan, we should travel as discreetly as possible though. There is no reason to alert any potential enemies of our plans or of our presence."
Ichigo nodded before pulling out a map of the region and going over it with the blonde.
***RitL***
The aged leader let out a deep sigh. It wasn't as though he didn't trust his sons, far from it in fact, it was just that he didn't want them to be involved in the taking of lives so early on. They would undoubtedly be forced to kill during the future war so why rush into the act?
Why force them take the lives of their own kinsman?
But it was more than that.
Yhwach was a selfish man at heart. He wanted to remain as their trusted father figure for as long as possible, and he knew that if they saw what he could do, what he would do... they would never look at him in the same way again.
He had seen the change before with his former companions, when they beheld the cruelties he could inflict for the 'greater good of the Quincy' they drifted away from him. It was a normal reaction and the man did not blame them in the slightest.
Who could trust someone willing to level entire villages in order to quell uprisings or destroy rebellions before they could escalate?
That was one of the reasons he sent his two sons off, as far from the conflict as possible. He did not want them involved in this bloodshed, this war that was not just against a military force or a race of monsters but against others like themselves.
The second purpose was get them experience acting on their own, without his guidance. Someday he would not be there to help them. Thus they needed to learn independence and how to formulate and execute plans with just a basic goal in mind.
Would they succeed? Yhwach wasn't entirely sure. He knew that they would be safe with each other but to assemble the new Sternritter by themselves without any direction was quite the undertaking even for them.
Regardless they would learn their strengths, and weaknesses, from this in a way that they could not by simply training and sparing.
More importantly they would be reintroduced to the world that they would someday rule over.
***RitL***
"Are you sure this is the place Jugo?"
"Quite sure, you are aware of how finely tuned my sense are correct?"
"Yeah yeah I know, yet another thing you surpass me in... still though it just seems a bit..."
"Aren't you the one who pioneered the idea of 'don't judge a book by it's cover'?"
"Yes I am all about that but still. This book looks pretty darn crappy."
The two teens stood outside of a rundown inn located in one of the poorer districts of their targeted city. Weeds grew out from half dirt half gravel road. Graffiti covered nearby buildings, houses were falling apart, and shady characters could be found in nearly every alley.
It was certainly not the type of place Ichigo expected to find a high spiritually powered individual.
"Well lead on I suppose."
With a nod the blonde drew his cloak closer around him, covering his face and head as much as possible, before entering the building slightly ahead of his companion.
The interior of the building was nearly as disastrous as the exterior. Dirt, dust, and smoke choked the air to the point of nearly limiting visibility.
Criminals, ruffians, and gang members took up spots in the dark corners of the room, speaking quietly to each other about potential targets and crimes to be carried out under the cover of the oncoming darkness.
Yet one person stood out above everyone else.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME ASSHOLE? DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!?"
"Yeah your some sissy boy with a red mohawk. Who the hell are you trying to impress anyway?"
"Oh now you did it, I was just going to let you go with a warning and maybe a broken arm but now you have gone and insulted my pride and joy." With that the younger man leapt towards the far older, and larger, individual thus tackling him to the ground.
This, of course, immediately started a massive bar room brawl in which bottles were smashed over heads and chairs began being thrown through the air.
Ichigo and Jugo simply took it all in stride, walking calmly through the ensuing chaos and taking seats at the ruined bar.
"Please tell me it isn't the redhead." the orange haired boy nearly pleaded, while tilting his head slightly to the side to avoid a bottle thrown across the room.
"Of course it is."
He let out a deep sigh; his brother was right, of course it was the easily offended jackass who started a fight that was going to be there target. If it had been anyone else the situation would have been far too convenient and easy for them.
"So what do you purpose we do now?"
"How the hell should I know? You are the calm collected and planner of us."
"True" the blonde noted with a slight nod, "But you are the improviser and charisma. If anyone is able to convince him to give up his ways and join our holy crusade it would be you. Besides I feel as though you are far more comfortable with this type of environment."
Jugo, and his companion, proceeded to lift up their drinks a moment later, saving them from being broken by the body that was thrown down the bar and slid towards them.
"Ouch Jugo, I will have you know that I am a gentleman, scholar, and an appreciator of fine wine. I would never associate myself with such scoundrels." Ichigo had made his claim loud enough that the room had quieted and now focused their renewed annoyance on the two men.
"Excuse me? I don't think I heard you right pal? What did you just say?" One of the patrons barked out, as he approached the two seated teens.
"You are excused, but I do believe you heard me quite fine or you would not have made such a claim." Ichigo noted back, with an tone of supremacy over the man.
"Why you little son of a..." The older criminal picked the orange haired boy up by his cloak, drawing him off of his seat to spit directly into his face. That is until his intended target reached out and broke the man's forearm without effort, dropping his attacker to the floor as he cried out in pain.
"I will have to ask you not to touch me, I would not want to catch whatever filth you have on you. Come Jugo let us leave this forsaken place, it is obvious that you were mistaken and that there is no one of value here."
The blonde nodded slowly, before paying and following his companion out the door.
They barely made it ten feet before they were called out to.
"Hey wait a second! The rest of those losers might be worthless but I sure as hell am not!"
The pair turned around just as the red haired man ran up to them.
Ichigo hid his grin, Jugo wasn't the only one who could create and execute a plan.
***RitL***
"Hello there miss… have we met before?" Ichigo inquired, as the two boys approached the lone occupant of the darkened street.
It felt like déjà vu but he couldn't quite place the beautiful face standing before him. Of course it didn't help much that she was currently snarling at him as well.
"If you think you and your pasty ass friend are going to chat me up and get me into bed you are sorely mistaken creep."
Both boys sweat dropped at the girl's response.
"I can assure you madam we do not mean to…"
"Madam? How old do you think I am jackass?"
This time Jugo wisely chose silence, he had no doubt they could take the girl if need be but… he had heard enough horror stories about being the target of a female's wrath.
"That's just how Jugo talks, ignore him." the orange haired boy chose to follow his own suggestion, ignoring the glare that the blonde had sent his way. "We are not here to seduce you; we are here to make you an offer of sorts."
"Do you think I am a prostitute?"
"O-o-of course not! It's not that kind of deal! We are currently recruiting those with high 'potential' to join a very exclusive club. Our father wishes to keep quiet about it for a while longer but rest assured that if you agree you would be treated like royalty in the coming yea…"
Ichigo was never able to finish his statement before he found himself slammed up against a wall, and a pair of fiery eyes staring into his own.
"Listen here freak, I don't care who you are or who your daddy is. I would rather die than join the likes of so called 'nobility' like you!"
"That can be arranged"
The woman froze, feeling the tip of a blade against the back of her neck and the icy calm voice from behind her.
"Release my brother… now"
The girl did as she was commanded, though not without a huff as an attempt to keep some dignity and control of the situation.
After taking a step away, and towards the blonde, Ichigo let out a sigh once more.
"Obviously we struck a nerve with you and for that, and any other offenses, I apologize. We are not here to force you into anything so if you are not interested then we will take our leave."
As the two turned to depart a small voice called out, stopping them.
"Wait… I overreacted back there and I am sorry. I have had some bad experiences with those who deem money and power to elevate them above everyone else. What exactly is your group trying to do?"
"We are going to change the world." The orange haired boy replied, his voice taking on a serious tone. The way he spoke, she felt like his confidence alone would make it happen.
"Well I guess it wouldn't hurt to at least see what your intentions are… what's your name anyway?"
"You may call me Jugram." The blonde replied stoically.
"And I am Ichigo."
Bambietta's heart fluttered for just a moment as long forgotten memories threatened to surface in her mind.
***RitL***
"So how many are we up to?"
"I believe that puts us around fifteen recruits, assuming that they all join in the end."
Ichigo gave a loud groan, he had been hoping for closer to twenty after losing count weeks ago.
"Man, how did dad do this by himself!?"
"I believe that his majesty did not seek them out but rather the other way around. They approached him after hearing of his endeavors.
"So we need to make a really big scene and tell everyone how awesome we are?"
"I do not think that would be wise."
Ichigo pouted, missing the slight smirk from his companion.
"Hey Jugo, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, there are no secrets between us remember?"
"Yeah… so why is it that you call dad 'majesty' all the time?"
"Why do you call him 'father'?"
The boy froze up for a moment, as memories of his previous family popped into his mind. His face must have turned into a painful grimace as the blonde immediately took notice.
"I-I am sorry Ichigo, I did not mean to bring up…"
"No, no it's okay. I just haven't thought about them in a long time. I guess because I see him as my father now. I mean he did raise me and protect me right? That is the definition of a parent. I know my real dad is still out there but since we are on opposite sides and I haven't seen him in years… I don't know I guess it is just easier this way."
Jugo nodded, before staring straight ahead as if remembering his own past. "To me he is royalty, someone to look up to and respect. Someone to obey and follow no matter what path he might take. I feel like he has earned this respect from all of us."
"Do you think that I am being disrespectful towards him?"
It wasn't a question asked in anger, but rather one of curiosity. Ichigo truly wanted to know what the other boy thought.
"No… I think that by you referring to him as such it is your own way of showing respect. You value family above all else which shows your respect towards the idea."
A few comfortable moments passed by in silence before the orange haired boy spoke up once more.
"You should try calling him 'dad' sometime. Just to see what it feels like. I think he would enjoy that."
The blonde nodded, before committing the idea to memory.
***RitL***
Another village had fallen to his army. Thankfully this one had been considerably less resistant than the last few, and thus there was no need to take the battle into the livable areas.
The last one still haunted him, having to fight for every room in each building they came across…
It had been a bloodbath for the defenders, and even Yhwach's army had taken high casualties during the engagement.
If they could avoid another conquest like that the elder Quincy would be all too happy.
He had personally thanked every lucky spirit and divine creature he could think of that he had been given the foresight to keep his sons from the conflict. There was no reason to involve them in such atrocities.
Looking down at the map once more the man took note of the new intelligence reports he had just received. A handful of skirmishes on their western flank showed that there was at least some resistance there but nothing that couldn't be handled.
Another two states had shifted from their original aggressive stance to one of neutrality, which meant that they were trying to leave their previous alliance as quietly and peacefully as possible until they could be behind the lines of combat and protected.
Only three enemy 'nations' remained. Three more to conquer until this civil war was over. Truthfully it hadn't been as bloody as Yhwach had originally anticipated. Despite all of their enemies having large militaries the states themselves were divided internally as well as externally as to which side to support.
Freedom or unity
This severely weakened the enemy armies and removed the threat of a unified attack against him.
Reading through several more documents the Quincy lord came upon a small note that allowed him to smile for the first time in many weeks.
The Sternritter were nearly replenished, thanks to his two sons. All of the recruits had given favorable responses to joining the force, which meant that they only needed about three more to complete their ranks.
After that they could take time to replenish, and then begin their observations of the surface worlds in earnest.
The only question at that point would be where his blade would fall first.
***RitL***
It had taken almost ten months, but the 'civil war' was finally over.
Yhwach had won and the Quincy nations were united once more under a common banner, under a common leader.
Almost as important as this had been the success of his two young sons. The future Sternritter were assembled once more.
Now all that was required was the ceremony to cement their powers, and then the next phase could begin.
"Each of you assembled here" The man gave a broad gesture to the twenty-four individuals seated before him, "have chosen to accept the call to arms. You have been chosen to reform the legendary 'Sternritter' and fight for our civilization. You will recreate the most powerful group of knights that the world has ever known. But most importantly through your actions to come… we shall achieve peace and justice for the fallen."
A cheer went out through the hall.
"Now step forward one by one, and receive your signature. Once you do so you will give up your last name and join those who have done so before you."
Those before him began lining up as he commanded, while his two sons stood by his side.
"This is all due to your hard work my sons. You have helped to secure our future and victory in the conflict to come. I could not be more proud of both of you than I am right now."
"Thanks dad, but you did most of the 'securing' yourself during the war."
"He is correct… father."
Though it was said with some awkwardness Ichigo grinned at the blonde, while the Quincy lord turned to face him, a slightly shocked, but exceedingly happy, expression on his face.
When the first member approached the three men he knelt down before the leader, who placed his hand gently upon the Sternritter's face.
"I see in you great potential, now I shall awaken it and inscribe it onto your soul." A flash of light surrounded the kneeling soldier, who remained perfectly still.
A brief moment later and the ritual had been completed.
"Now rise and await your brothers and sisters."
The man nodded, before the next member approached.
***RitL***
The entire situation had taken only a few minutes, and then the newly conceived force stood before their leader.
"What is your command your majesty!?" one of the new Sternritter called out.
This brought the ruler back to his present train of thoughts, though his smile had widened considerably. "Go forth and train, become what each of you are destined to be. Grow as a family and as individuals. We have time now to gather our forces and repair our culture. Soon we will begin to observe our true enemies, those that have tried to annihilate us."
With one more cheer the group dissipated, with one black haired girl never noticing the stare that a certain orange haired boy had locked onto her.
"See something interesting my son?"
Ichigo scowled at his father's teasing tone, and Jugo's attempt to hide his own smirk.
"Yes in fact I have. She had the most interesting personality out of all of them."
"She also threatened you with the most bodily harm if you remember correctly brother. Are you sure that you are not simply a masochist?"
"Hey, at least I am interested in girls Jugo. I recall you staring a bit too long at that redheaded guy's ass when we first met him."
The blonde sputtered forth denials, while their father smiled warmly at the two boy's interaction.
***RitL***
Very quickly, and much to Yhwach's annoyance, the various 'knights' had formed tiny cliques rather than joining together as one group.
One of the Quincy's founding principles, and greatest strengths, was teamwork. Yet despite all the history lessons his own royal guard seemed to be missing the point of this.
Luckily he had drilled these concepts into his two sons over the course of years. Thus he was able to stand aside and let the two boys try and unite them together. So far, though, they were content with just letting the others get comfortable with each other.
"Hey there, what's your name?"
"Bambietta B... just Bambietta."
The opposing blonde girl smiled, and gave off a feeling of unending cheer and happiness.
"That's cool, I am still not used to getting rid of the whole last name thing either. My name is Vanda by the way. This is Rille and Keifer do you want to sit together?"
The black haired girl pondered the offer for a moment, having been fairly self-dependent her life had not helped her social skills any, before nodding in acceptance.
"Awesome! We girls need to stick together after all right? I mean there are already enough guys here that it is a bit ridiculous."
"I'll say, you can practically taste the testosterone radiating from a couple of their little groups." The redheaded Rille noted with a look of disgust on her face.
"Got that right girl. Of course it's not all bad, there are a few pieces of eye candy around here that can make the days a bit more enjoyable. I wouldn't mind 'training' a few of them if you catch my meaning." the brunette mentioned, casting a sultry gaze around the room while admiring a few of the men for a longer period.
"If you are into macho idiots sure, what about you Bambietta? What do you think of our 'colleagues'?"
The targeted female paused for a moment, her thoughts returning traitorously to a certain orange haired man. A moment later she shook her head to clear out the images.
"I think that most of them are probably either pompous assholes or moronic jackasses. I have seen men like this before, they either think they know it all or believe themselves to be 'God's gift to women'."
"Ain't that the truth." Rille agreed.
"I don't know, the guys who recruited me seemed fairly nice and down to earth... plus the one was just plain hot." Vanda commented.
Curiosity getting the better of her Bambietta decided to inquire further. "Who would that be exactly?"
"The guy with the cute orange hair, Ichigo. I even heard he might be one of his majesty's heirs. You saw him standing up there."
"Kind of hard to miss." The redhead muttered out.
"Well regardless of what we think of the others the important thing is that we stick together."
The others nodded, although Bambietta seemed a bit more hesitant, in approval.
***RitL***
"So father what is your plan now?" Ichigo inquired, as the three men sat in the throne room.
"Just as I said before, we shall begin training and preparing for war. While our enemies are lax and continue to grow fat and weak we shall become stronger. When we strike it will be decisive, no matter who it is against."
"I still say we should go against the Hollows first. Those monsters have been around for far too long."
"I must disagree with you there brother. I understand and share your hatred towards them but if the Shinigami are given time to prepare for our arrival then our invasion will be that much more costly."
"You overestimate them Jugo. I do not deny they are powerful but they are also too prideful for their own good. Even if we launch a full scale invasion of Hueco Mundo I can't imagine them taking any steps to prepare save for withdrawing their forces from the World of the Living."
"You both make valid points but the true answer is not so obvious. In order to avoid what is strong you must strike what is weak."
"So what are you planning then father?" The blonde inquired.
"There are storm clouds on the horizon for both sides. A war is coming and I fully intend to let them destroy each other before we make any move on either side. Who knows maybe they will cause each other enough damage that we will be able to invade both at the same time without worry."
The two boys nodded, before returning their attention to the monitor before them, and the room housing the Sternritter.
***Next Chapter Preview! ***
His projectile hit the barely visible target straight on, completely destroying it with pinpoint accuracy.
The others, save for Jugo and Vanda, stared wide eyed at the scene.
Turning back the orange haired boy growled out in annoyance at the others, "If you can't do it in one shot, don't do it at all!"
***Omake: Under Arrest, Part 3***
Two old men sat next to each other, their judging eyes gazing across the crowded room.
"This trial is hereby come to order. The case of the People v. Aizen Sosuke and Orochimaru will now begin."
"Excuse me your excellencies but why are they both being placed on trial at the same time?" The prosecutor inquired.
"An age old alliance was setup back at the beginning of 'Shadows of Deceit' allowing for joint court cases to be made together. The only reason this exists is as an exchange so that Gin Ichimaru, the defense attorney, can use 'Naruto' references in his jokes." Hiruzen Sarutobi explained.
"YOSH!"
"Shut it Gin!"
The silver haired man simply grinned.
"Now that this is all settled, please begin your case."
"Well your honors I would like to begin with my opening statement…"
"OBJECTION!"
The room fell quiet, as all eyes fell upon the smirking pale Captain.
"Yes Ichimaru, what are you objecting to?"
"This entire preceding is a travesty of JUSTICE! I hereby challenge the court to produce a single piece of evidence to any crime either of my clients has ever perpetrated."
"Accepted"
The silver haired man turned to the prosecutor, who had pulled out a stack of papers from his briefcase over ten feet high. How he was able to fit it in there to begin with no one quite knew.
"Huh… playing hardball then eh? Well then it's time for the big guns… DEFENSES EXHIBIT A!"
The back wall was instantly knocked down, as Tousen slowly dragged in an object covered in a large sheet.
"BEHOLD! THE UNDENIABLE PROOF!"
The dark skinned man sighed, before withdrawing the covering. The object itself was actually a massive portrait of both Aizen and Orochimaru in all black leather outfits and whips chasing around a bunch of scantily clad children.
The silence was deafening.
Gin, as opposed to everyone else in the court room, had a rather proud look on his face. The others were ones of shock and horror.
"Gin…." Aizen growled out in annoyance.
"Ichimaru, this is all rather… disturbing… but what was the point here?"
"THE POINT MY GOOD SIR! Is to take a good look at the portrait… a really good look. I mean really stick your face in close. So close that you can practically smell the leather and body odor perfume sprayed onto the canvas."
The two judges seemed to peer closer at the picture, trying to understand what the crazed man was talking about.
"I still don't…"
"What are the children wearing?"
"Scantily clad outfits that would make even Anko blush?" Hiruzen answered.
"EXACTLY!"
Again the room fell silent, while the two defendants developed irritated eye twitches.
"Which just proves that they are not in fact naked! Thus there is nothing more inappropriate going on than two grown men in leather outfits chasing around young boys and girls in revealing clothing. I REST MY CASE!"
The prosecutor glanced at his mountain of evidence, then at the picture, then at Gin, then back at his evidence before shrugging. "Uhm… I let the evidence speak for itself your honors."
***A/N***
I am having wayyyyyy to much fun with these Omakes.
So these first couple chapters are going to be a bit jumpy, as most of you have noticed by now. I was originally going to do this big civil war thing and have Quincy battles and such but… well I have this eerie flashback to my first Bleach story and how well the 'Civil War' went down.
For those of you who have not read it, that was probably the worst chapter in the entire thing, and my least favorite to write.
As for the lack of combat, well considering I am planning on around half of this story being the actual war... I think it will be okay in the long run.
Starting next chapter, I will begin to keep a list of the Sternritter and their letter designations.
Again I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far!