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No flashbacks this chapter.
Ichigo remains on the couch in his room within the Vandenreich, asleep but with his sense spread out over his quarters. One of the things that he had become excelled out what his ability to sense spiritual awareness to a degree like never before. As it was like everything else, he could sense danger from miles away. This had always given him some sort of comfort when he was not fully awake.
'What the hell?' he uttered to himself.
He cracked open an eye and stared at the shaking face of Sternritter "D" the "Death-Dealing" Askin Nakk Le Vaar, who was casually leaning against the wall across the room. His arms were crossed and his eyes were shut. "Tired are we?" he asks.
"Askin…" Ichigo replies softly, "What do you want?" his tone darkened.
"Oh my heart, how could you crush my weak heart, Ichi-chan!?" The man answered while clutching his chest. "Who do I sound like?"
"Yourself. You sound exactly like yourself." The man sighed as Ichigo's failure to accept the joke. He always became defensive the moment someone crossed a line and insulted a certain female Quincy.
"Look, I ain't mad that you chose Bambi over me, I get it. What I am a bit annoyed is that how you thought I wouldn't be interested in attacking that hell hole. I mean, at least we had some experience there." Ichigo knew the man had some bitterness in his tone. The way he spoke had always been somewhat passive aggressive, and that always influenced the people he spoke to.
But the younger Sternritter was in no mood to appease the man. Here he was hoping to get some sleep until someone had barged into his room without Ichigo ever even hearing a knock. "I took Giselle instead." Were the words which Askin lowered his eyes from. The man absolutely despised the "Zombie" for numerous reasons. There were too many to get into and too little care to bring up right now.
"You just are trying to piss me off." Askin Nakk Le Vaar was someone Ichigo could admire. The man had some defining characteristic in which he liked having for company. He was not arrogant, and he certainly wasn't battle hungry. They had good history together as the "Death-dealing" would often be friendly to Ichigo when everyone else thought lower of him when he first joined the Sternritter. It was nice having someone he could have back up on. The two were used to each other's company and had only grown a bit together. Although Ichigo is only one who apparently matured over the years.
The Schuzstaffl member stood up and faced the man, "So what is it, really?"
Askin looked over "We're planning a meeting later. And we need you to come."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow "Both are coming? I'm surprised. They don't really get along."
"Well, I asked both. So at least one of them will show up. Either way, they are pretty useful."
Ichigo pondered the words and thought of a quick way to solve the issue. Majority of the Sternritter in the Wandenreich had strong division with one another. It is fair to say at least half of the Quincy had problems with the each other. While the rest simply tried to ignore everyone as best as possible. But even that was difficult to confront.
A lot of Ichigo's preferred comrades did not have the respect for one another. And he thought it was just annoying to have to deal with people who were unwilling to come together even with upcoming time of war.
"Bring them here. I got to take care of some stuff."
Askin cursed, "Hmph. Okay, boss."
Candice Catnipp stared at the collapsed door with a blank expression. 'Where the hell did he go?' she asked herself. The exposed female bent down and traced the floor. Lifting up a blanket, she was even more shocked to see that the person she was looking for had suddenly vanished before her eyes.
Bambietta watched with somewhat amusement as five Sternritter enter the room with the same expression. They all were pissed off and in search for an orange haired fruit. It was like her to brag about such events, but she would let her body language do the talking.
"Pssh, he lied straight to our face. Ain't that lame." Bazz-B took notice of the "Explode" and her pose. She had one leg crossed over and held a vicious grin. "Damn, out played by Queen of the Whores. Didn't think Ichigo was the type." The "Heat" cursed his friend.
A sudden chill filled the air, "We're looking for the poor boy."Bambietta absolutely despised Äs Nödt. But as strange as it sounds, the "Fear" is quite liked among the Sternritter. He is very creepy, but other than that the man does not start issues nor does he speak out much.
"He's not here, losers." She finally replied. The two Sternritter assumed she was lying to cover him. Ichigo had always had preferred to do missions with Bambietta due to the two having a good friendship. Believe it or not, they even shared some of the same traits. It was noted that they were both emotional, and easily prone to being annoyed and becoming angry. There was nothing strange or out of the ordinary for him enjoying battling alongside his former teacher.
Seriously, there was nothing strange about it.
"Guh! We missed him again!"
"I heard him when I kicked the door, he was definitely here." NaNaNa Najahkoop added in.
The five angry Quincy all feel an intense pressure as a portion of the wall suddenly exploded. They all felt the intense ringing sound in their ears as the bomb had been quite close to all of them. Some debris even shot out to hit them. Bambietta was not afraid of any other Sternritter. She would be willing to fight everyone here without a single hint of distress or hesitation.
"Get the hell out of my room." She said calmly.
Everyone knew about Bambietta and what she had used to do to poor Soldat in her quarters. This often set a direct fear to any male who got closer. It was dangerous to be here. Her looks gave her an edge among them, as she was no doubt alluring. Candice was the only one she would even tolerate staying. And even she knew went to not get in her way if she was pissed.
He would often enjoy walking through the empty halls of Silbern. Ichigo can get easily annoyed with constant harassment from the other Sternritter. It was now different since he was someone who was in direct contact with Yhwach. Not everybody could just meet with his Majesty. Meaning, if someone wanted to complain or wish to know what was going on, they would talk to Ichigo in hopes he would have an idea. But he didn't always have an idea. It would often be that Quincy were upset on how cryptic everything had to b. It was as if Yhwahc did not even trust is elite fighting force.
The other Schuzstaffel member rarely interacted with the "lower" class version of the Empire. They held their status as higher Quincy in serious regard. Ichigo was the only person who bothered sticking around with the "lower" Quincy instead of always being in the imperial lounge.
He could recall approaching another section of the throne room and carelessly entering. Yhwach must have been in his own private quarters. Ichigo entered the room and began roaming around the area. The torches on the walls all lit at the presence of a person which then revealed the surprisingly large room. When he was younger it was exciting roaming around with Yhwach. Now it had become more of a nostalgic hub for him to recollect the past years.
Things have certainly changed ever since meeting Yhwach for the first time. Before he was allowed to be a reckless child who was full of optimism. Ichigo did not have any real worries at that time. His only job was to simply train and impress others. Looking back now, he had it pretty good.
As he got older he started to gain more and more responsibility. This of course matured him in a way which seemed forced. It wasn't long until he was promoted to his own Sternritter position. Being the "S" it was embarrassing to have to share a schift with someone else. Luckily, Mask De Mascuiline was a very friendly Quincy who did not seem to care.
'It appears... you have something more than just the "Shadow"' Yhwach explained slowly.
'What do you mean?'
'There has been some unprecedented news from what we talked about before.' He answered
'It seems we have both been misunderstood your situation. I'm appointing you a new schrift for something is different about you.'
Ichigo internally felt excitement, 'I am no longer "S"?'
Yhwach slowly opened his eyes, 'You take another "S". For you have the sameSpiritas the Soul King.'
He had not spoken about such a topic since that day. Being the "Spirit" was confusing. Ichigo had no idea what that really meant. Yhwach had chosen his words carefully as he wasn't entirely sure on the whole issue as well. But this would fit his role in the imperial guard. He was not the only one in the ranks having such a connection.
Gerard Valkyrie was the heart of the Soul King. Well, it was rumored that he was. Ichigo knew the statement was true for he had been interacting with the "Miracle" for a few years. The teen however, never really knew what that meant for him. Gerard and Ichigo have clashed on many occasions, but never in a way which led him to release his true power.
The orange haired fruit was always allowed to roam wherever he wished within Silbern. This was one of the perks of being in the Schuztstaffel. No secrets were kept from him since he was part of the most highly trusted group in all of the Wandenreich. He knew what day fights would occur, how they would be instructed, and who would go. It was his role that he chose to take up.
This was mainly because Yhwach wished for someone to lead other than himself. Haschwalth was the second-in-command, but he was never seen a true full leader. The "Balance" was only given time to rule temporarily. This of course was because his Majesty never really wished for his "other-half" to be the leader. That was a role Yhwach had yet to decide on who would formally take his place once his time was gone.
Ichigo had mixed feelings about the path the Wandenreich has taken. Change was rapidly coming to him and it was difficult to handle. They would be going to war against the Shinigami soon and he had to make sure to be an example to all the other Sternritter.
He cared about them.
Well, most of them.
Majority are what some would call friends. Some relationships were certainly closer than others but he hoped everybody would make it out. He had not suffered such a close loss in his life ever since his mother had passed. This is of course troublesome. He isn't one to suddenly drop in morale at the sight of loss of a comrade, but it does affect him at times. He has lost friends here to either disobedience, losing in a fight or just outright failure in completing missions. Ichigo could never argue with these outcomes but it has been something he has been trying to work on for a while.
The "Shadow" traced the walls behind the throne chair.
This area was much more massive once you were able to get past where Yhwach would normally be sitting. The problem with that is no one is ever allowed to come in here. Of course his body guards were an exception but they never really had interesting going into the room anyways. Ichigo looked up squinted his eyes as a floating reishi curtain hangs from above.
It was too dark to see what lies behind it but that done in according to the design. That area of space had been filled with special reishi in order to trap anyone within. He felt like going inside but was worried for his own safety. It isn't exactly the friendliest room to be into.
His attention suddenly had drifted onto a more urgent issue. Looking down onto the round, he would watched as blue reishi particles began forming into his hand. The shape had taken the form of his more preferred spirit weapon, the sword. Ichigo was visibly displeased with what had formed in his hands. It was not the weapon he was hoping that he would have preferred. Normally, his spirit weapon was a cross combination of Yhwach's and Bambietta's styled dao blades. Except his was much longer as he needed it to fit his own body length.
The weapon in front of him was more along the lines of a standard katanta. There was no unique attribute. It was simply a blade which resembled the same weapon a Shinigami would typically use. This was an issue to Ichigo as he did not even like the look of it. There was so much wrong with this basic looking tool it annoyed him to use it. It took focus to construct the blade he wanted. While if he was not paying attention, this disgusting design would come out.
'It happened again...' he spoke with worry.
'It is perhaps only natural. Then again, something like this does seem forbidden in our nature.' Yhwach softly replied.
'Ever since you gave me the second schrift I've often thought about more and more.'
'Do not fret, it is only your power. Are you worried others may judge you? I thought you had gotten over this little insecurity issue of yours.'
'It's not really an insecurity issue if it makes me seem like a double agent, right?' Ichigo sharply replied.
'Just calm down. I expect you to handle this professionally. Do not turn down an offer to become even stronger simply because you are worried what others might think. You'd be surprised on the secrets of everyone else.'
Ichigo wanted to know what Yhwach had meant by the secrets of others. Of course everyone has their own personal life, but the way he spoke made it seem as if others could relate to Ichigo. Either way, he had been trying to deal with this little issue ever since the Emperor had given him his second schrift.
He cursed the air and stared back up onto the curtain. Feeling curious, Ichigo constructed large reishi steps which soon evaporated the moment he walked past them. He was closer and closer to reaching behind the area. The room was high in the air, which was odd considering on how many prisons which were already constructed just for prisons of war.
Ichigo was not surprised to see what had unfolded before him. There was a half-naked woman who was chained to the ground and was forced to sit up. There had been spikes splitting into her foot which kept her bound to the ground like a true captive. He felt a bit bad but there was simply nothing he could do. He could rub it in and said, "I told you so", but that would get him nowhere.
"She has not spoken a word."
The "Shadow" wasn't surprised to hear the eerie tone from one of his Schuzstaffell comrades. Turning around, he could see the two glowing eyes under the hood of Sternritter "C". "Pernida... you're in charge of her?" he asked with curiosity.
Pernids Parnkgjas was the infamous "left hand" of the Soul King. How Yhwach came to bring him into the Wandenreich is unknown. Both the hands of the Soul King which were cut off by the Shinigami had both become Gods in their own right. Ichigo did not know much of the "right hand", but if he could guess its fate must have been similar to the other. These hands were living creatures on their own that have developed wills. They don't even listen to the Soul King. It was strange thinking one of your limbs would just leave forever and even come to harm you on its own later on.
"...Is there something you need, Kurosaki-san?"
Before Ichigo could speak the two watched as the female began to shake. Her eyes slowly opened and were surprised to see the two figures. Halibel has been unconscious ever since the fight against Yhwach and was not looking forward to confronting him once again.
She struggled to look up but once she did the Queen was startled to see Ichigo had come some close. He had a somewhat look of concern on his face.
"Are you okay?" he finally spoke. The Arrancar seemed to have been in pure disbelief that he would ask such a thing, "Good... I need to ask you something important." She was not in the current mood to throw out a sarcastic remark. Although it would be fitting considering the current situation.
…
"Where is the Hogyoku?"
She deadpanned in shock, then anger. The Hogyoku was just another symbol that screamed Sosuke Aizen. A man she so thoroughly despised yet used to serve in the past. The man had cut her down during the Winter War for her failure to impress him by killing a single person. This incited pure rage as she had sacrifice her most beloved subordinates for him. Her infamous "Tres Bestias" were burned down by the 1st Captain of the Gotei 13. However, fortunately for them, Yamamato ordered the 4th division to heal the former enemy's.
She lowered her eyes, "And if I refuse to talk?"
Ichigo was never a fan of torture. He was just a not a sadist compared to majority of his fellow Quincy. He did not like hearing about it, he did not like watching it, and he did not like approving it. However, Yhwach had allowed such practice to occur. It was even more brutal when it came to Shinigami and Arrancar. And Ichigo knew if she refused to talk, she would die a horrifying death.
"Look, I just want to know. We can scour Las Noches forever, or you could just tell me. I can convince these guys to lay off for a bit. If by some miracle, you may even have your chains removed."
She seemed shockingly convinced, "Keep me alive? That is all I wish for."
He was a bit surprised. The woman was very stubborn and unwilling to give in at any circumstance in the past. But the look in her eyes gave a different scenario to this action. "Leave us." Ichigo said to Pernida. The Sternritter stood for a moment before simply nodding off. He was not one to argue with his Sternritter comrades just as long as they could respect his integrity.
"Change of heart? I don't like seeing you, or anyone really like this."
Halibel's expression suddenly went dark, "I want to live... so when I get the chance I can kill all of you."
'That explains it.' He said to himself.
"The Shinigami took it after they defeated Aizen."
Ichigo internally cursed. She was amused to see his sudden change in expression but was soon felt with curiosity as she wondered on what he will do next. The "SS" had obviously been hoping the device would still be in Las Noches. That is why he ordered the complete destruction of it the moment he arrived. Bringing Bambietta was just a quicker way to settle the matter along with spawning Soldat within the fortress itself.
"Well, a deal is a deal." he spoke, "I'll tell some servants to bring you food." Ichigo thought about how he was going to handle the Queen. Yhwach did not wish to kill her, as for whatever reason she was seen as some war trophy from conquering Hueco Mundo. He would have to instruct some servants to assist her when she needed it.
He slammed his fist on the table.
"God damn it!"
"Whoa there, relax man. Don't want to cause a fuss, otherwise someone might come up."
"You had one job, Kurosaki."
"Shut up!"
Ichigo crossed his arms and leaned back onto the sofa. His two friends gave him a blank stare as they expected him to come up something. The Sternritter simply gave them narrowed looks as for once he wished they would contribute. "I just wish for once I wouldn't have to do everything, that's it!" The two sounded like young girls as they were both taken back by his words. Never before have such feminine gasps ached into his hear. Ichigo thought they were going to hit him for saying such a thing.
"You never include me!"
The "SS" gave the man a long stare. "Askin... you piss me off too much." The confession was not surprising. It didn't take much to annoy Ichigo, but every time it happened the "D" always knew how to do it right.
"You're just saying that because I called out your boyfriend." The man was sly, always knowing how to push people.
"Haha! What!? You have a boyfriend Kurosaki!?"
"What the hell are you even talking about!?" Ichigo had his face slightly red. He did not have a boyfriend, but when Askin began spreading rumors it was bound to reach everyone's ears. "Stop lying! That's all you do is lie about people!" He would certainly be willing to fight over such a thing. Reputation mattered in the Wandenreich and he wasn't willing to lose his from a joke. And Askin did have a reputation of causing rumors and strife between the Sternritter out of pure enjoyment of watching the fun.
Askin only grinned and looked to his right, "You know who I'm talking about...the one he screwed in Hueco Mundo...or got screwed by that is."
"Oh man, that is pretty said Kurosaki! You- Wait! You went to Hueco Mundo!? When did that happen!?"
Ichigo spat at the two, "Askin...I'll send you to her room when you're sleeping. And no one cares if you're too lazy to attend the meetings, Shaz!"
Many could say that Shaz Domino was a strange and unique Sternritter. He was the only one who had a schrift outside the Latin alphabet. His story literally came from a child's mind. Being born one day, he was able to self-sustain himself by the power given by his creator. His limbs were all fresh reishi created from Silbern itself. He is often ignored and forgotten by many for unknown reasons. He had an interest in Ichigo from the beginning. And like Askin, the two had spent years together.
"Yea just make sure to send me when Bambi's there."
...
"You're too annoying for her."
"And you are not?"
Shaz placed his arms behind his head and leaned back. "You see? I miss this. Our little gang of three was pretty bad ass. It brings back good memories."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow "There are four of us."
"Yea, well, the kid is too young."
Askin smear his comment, "That kid created you. He's your dad."
That was weird to think about.
Gremmy Thoumeaux was not currently present in the room. He had been there fourth member of their Quincy "gang" which was mainly just a small group. Shaz Domino despised the child and took almost every opportunity available to kill him. It was just pure coincidence that the four had been lumped together. The "Visionary" never even acknowledged his existence. That alone infuriated the "Sigma". The man absolutely despised Gremmy and would do anything to get him. But the child was far too intelligent to succumb to his traps.
"C'mon guys, you all know I'm good for it?"
"Enough!" Ichigo yelled. "So what's the plan?" he looked to Askin who sighed.
"In order to get the Hogyoku we must ask around. I guess well split up until one of us gets an idea."
The three had waned to take the Hogyoku for their own reasons. Shaz had a goal of become a transient being of a Hollow and Quincy. He had learned about how Aizen created an army by merging Shinigami and Hollows together. This intrigued Shaz to the fullest and his curiosity grew every day. His desire to become a hybrid being was kept a secret among these four. It was a dangerous goal for the Sternritter. Hollow reiatsu was poisonous and could not be controlled by Quincy the same way Shinigami could handle it. Despite these warning, the man believed he could handle it through his own power.
Ichigo had his own reasons for accessing the device. It's power was immense and he simply wished to know more on what it could. He had only briefly encountered the strange power but it left an impression. The "S.S."only hoped it would solve his own little crisis which cannot seem to work out on its own.
Askin had no care for it. He only wished to come to watch the power unfold. It was always interesting to him to watch major events go down.
"Having a meeting are we?"
The three look to the corner and lowered their eyes at the presence of another Sternritter. Ichigo was pissed that someone had just walked into his room despite having greater security than Yhwach when it came to privacy. Askin soon smirked at the child as he pulls down his hood. Gremmy merely kept walking without a care in the world as Shaz attempted to launch a large dagger at him. The "Sigma" only watched with confusion as the weapon went through the "Visionary's" body. The spirit tool stuck into the wall and was soon evaporated the moment Ichigo raised his reiatsu.
"Don't fight in here, asshole!" He spat towards Shaz who cursed him back. "And don't just come walking through the wall! Use the door like everyone else." Gremmy only laughed at his words. Ichigo was not the only one in the Wandenreich who had the capability of manipulating the area around him. The child was the one who even gave him inspiration for the technique.
The child smirked and revealed his strange red eyes, "I see you're all having issues? Was it from when we visited the Arrancar?"
There had been a time when these four Sternritter were sent on a mission to Las Noches. They did not have any intent of fighting or causing a ruckus, but to rather speak to a man who was planning a war against Soul Society. Sosuke Aizen had impressed the Wandenreich from his ruthless methods of dealing with the captains and throwing the Gotei 13 into immense chaos. The daten reported that he had stolen the Hogyoku device from Urahara Kisuke. He manipulated Central 46 into sending a squad to try and deal with the ex-Captain. They were defeated, but suffered no deaths. During the chaos, the 5th Captain had stolen the device without anyone even seeing him.
His Zanpakuto had allowed to him deceive the 11th Division, who were working together with his division, to take out Urahara Kisuke and his band of rogue Shinigami. Along with the assistance of Isshin Shiba, Yoruichi Shihoin, and surprisingly the exiled-Visored, the ex-Soul Society members won.
During this intense chaos, Aizen Sosuke had sneaked into Uraharas home and had located the device. When the 13th Division was graciously healed by their former enemies, everyone was able to return back to where they wished to go. Years later, Aizen along with two other captains caused a massive panic and had eluded the Captains to distrust one another.
The man faked his death, caused infighting between divisions, and had been able to elude even the 1st Commander. Eventually everything was revealed as two years ago he defeated any Captain that stood in his way. The final battle was going to commence until two other captains revealed there alliance with Aizen and had all escaped together to Hueco Mundo.
It would not be until a few weeks that the Shinigami sent captains into Karakura town as an outpost to try and limit Aizen's influence. This led to an alliance between Urahara Kisuke and Soul Society who all had a common enemy.
The daten was something Ichigo kept a close eye onto. It had profiles of various historical events and certain Shinigami who were still alive. It was more of a warning list of things people should avoid rather than confront. Only since Ichigo became a member of the Schuzstaffel did he really take a confrontation on the issue.
"I guess I can play along. It is amusing to see the events surrounding you."
Ichigo was relieved to know that the child Sternritter would join them on this. He was going to be of great assistance in finding out where this Hogyoku was located. The same could not be said for Askin who did not really care or for Shaz who was going to most likely end up killing himself in case his wishes do come true. No warning given to "Sigma" seemed to work on him.
The "Death-dealing" took the silence as odd tension, "Everyone relax...we got a plan it's all good." His calm attitude was annoying to many. It was as if he never took anything seriously. In fact he was probably the one who was the least eager to go to war.
"This has been the longest six days of my life." Shaz admitted while gripping his head in frustration. They had waited years for this moment and time feels like it's going slower by the day. Everybody had to agree. It was difficult to be patient for such an event consideration how much adrenaline rushes through the body at the mention of war.
Ichigo deadpanned, "Then it's settled. We'll just split up till either of us figures it out. Either way, I won't be able to help that much. I got to make sure his Majesty isn't going to get obliterated by their General-Commander."
But when that's taken care of, I'll be helping out. I also got to leave soon. I have a meeting with them."
Them
"Hoh, did Bambi get accepted?"
'Does everyone know about that?' Ichigo smeared his question, "I don't know. And it is nothing. We're just discussing war plans." The teen stood up and stood idle as he stared down the three other Quincy. "Well? Get the hell out!" He wasn't just going to leave these three of all people stuck in his room while he ventures off.
It was a peaceful day within the Wandenreich City. The weather was still gloomy but it did not stop the army from celebration. Every Soldat had the day off as reward for working so hard over the years. It was time for the Empire of Quincy to finally make there move against their sworn enemy. These upcoming days have been drilled into their minds since the moment they each individually joined. It was a time where Yhwach was just giving out free food to everyone in order to show his immense appreciation for his grand army.
It had been announced that in six days they would be arriving in Soul Society.
Liltotto Lamperd felt kind of bad for the Soldat. They were the lowest-level of Quincy designed to combat the lowest-level of Shinigami. Their lives were used as expendables by Yhwach. They were simply used to clear out danger zones or to test Shinigami captains and there power.
The "Glutton" had taken part in the immense feast and had been enjoying herself all day long.
She had scattered plates all across the large table which were clean of any sign of food. The girl was just going at it like an animal. Preparation for the war meant she must always be consuming food in order to restore and improve her own reiatsu levels. It also takes in as a reserve, in case if she battles for too long her body would need to eat. Without it, she may succumb and collapse to her own needs.
"Lilli, you're going to get fat."
The blonde Sternritter was appalled to hear such words. She looked up to at a concerned Meninas McAllon who has not even touched her plate. "Minnie...you don't even eat." The "Glutton" was always baffled by her fellow female Quincy's lack of awareness.
"Guys won't like you if you eat much."
"Minnie...you're fat."
!
The girl gasped in shock. Her reaction was so apparent the female and instinctively slapped her friend. Not many people ever called her overweight. She was happy with overall figure due to the amount of attention she received from many men in the Empire. Meninas stood up and leaned over the table to see her friend who remains on the floor with a shocked expression. "Minnie..." the smaller girl spoke. The taller female lifted her hand down which was slowly accepted by Liltotto.
"I'm sorry Lillie, no one ever has said that to me. You sounded a lot like Bazz."
"Minne, people have called you some awful things before...and you hit me from... you know what, never mind." Liltotto knew she would never get anywhere discussing such matters. But it always baffled her that all of her friends were so concerned with appearances. "We should take it slow when we go to Soul Society."
The "Power" tilted her head, "I was going to go with Ichi." She announced. Liltotto was not surprised "But he said he would be busy. I guess we'll just follow Bambi until something happens."
The "Glutton" spat, "Bambietta is going to get us killed. I don't think we should care for her."
"That's not very nice. She's our leader, isn't she?"
Lilli lowered her eyes "No. She just forces us to follow her. Either way, she is dangerous. Remember all those times she tried to kill us? This may be our only chance to escape that. Plus we got to watch our backs."
"I don't know. Ichi and Gigi wouldn't be happy."
"Gigi doesn't care! And for Ichigo, I don't know what the hell has gotten into him. Just think about it, okay?"
The more developed female nodded and pulled a mirror from her pocket. There was a long moment of silence as Meninas checked herself out. She always had to ensure that her hair was done right and that her makeup was on point. She put it just as much works as Candice did when it came to cosmetics.
…
"…How am I fat? Like my chest?"
Liltto sighed, "Yes Minnie…your chest…"
"Oh…thank you."
The room was silent as four Sternritter member sit quietly amongst themselves. The chamber was uniquely designed with each person have a large chair surrounding a massive table. There were many documents scattered across the table which had information about everyone and everything relating to the Wandenreich. This was the area where majority of the behind the scene events would occur. If Yhwach would not be the one ordering people, then it would be his imperial guard making decisions from the shadows. It was the only time in which a group of Quincy were on the somewhat same level as power as the Emperor.
Ichigo looked to left and gave Lille Barro a blank expression. This was the man in charge of the Schuzstaffel. He alongside Yhwach and Haschwalth were the three leaders when it came to dealing with the army. The "X-Axis" was a bit surprised when Ichgo had first joined. There hadn't been a change in membership for the Schuzstaffel in over 200 years, and even that was a big deal when Yhwach somehow was able to get Pernida into the Wandenreich.
The teen then looked to his right and stared into the "Miracle." He seemed to have been in deep thought as his eyes were stuck on the stable. This was the one Ichigo could somewhat relate to. The two enjoyed fighting, but Gerard was not one to enjoy the other aspects of friendship. He hated being with the lower Sternritter and held his status as a higher being very seriously.
Staring ahead, Ichigo could see Pernida once more from today. It was a bit surprising seeing him in the same chamber as Halibel was. The "Compulsory" was never one to be in charge of others, as he was never really social. Pernida never started problems with other Quincy, or even really hung out with anyone. The only time he was seen was usually with Lille or Gerard. Ichigo did not mind the..."person". Although a bit arrogant in battle, he was often respectful to anyone even if they weren't above him.
"Alright then, let's get this started."
"Good, I don't want to sit here for another 10 hours and get nothing done like last time."
"..."
Lille looked to Ichigo, "Let's talk about this...Sternritter "E". The teen intensely returned his gaze, "That was not a good move, Ichigo. We do not have "tests" to join the Schuzstaffel. You, like everyone else here, knows that his Majesty simply picks who he wants them to be. And then I approve them on my own accord." Ichigo sighed and leaned back at his explanation. He had only wanted to be nice and give Bambietta a chance.
Gerard intervened, "Whoa, whoa, let's think about this for a moment." The two looked at him, "I mean...we have three guys, right? And then we have...a hand. A left hand, to be exact." He slowed down and coughed, "It'd only make sense to throw in some diversity."
The two had never seen him so focused on including others
"...We need some fucking girls!"
Now they see
He did not stop, "But sorry, Kurosaki. She was cute and all, but when we were fighting I didn't really get a good look at anything. I think we should get someone better. What was the pink haired girl name? Mint? Ment? Mike? Minnie Mouse?"
"Meninas." Ichigo abruptly answered.
"Right, right. Then there's also the other black haired one...but I heard some weird stuff about her." Gerard nudged Ichigo, "What about that lighting one? God damn, you know who I'm talking out. The one who shows off everything!" The man's laugh was contagious and even Ichigo could help agreeing. He was lucky Candice was not here to see him agreeing on such a level.
"Enough." Lille declared. "No more of thinking anyone can just join. End of discussion. Now, as we all know, tomorrow is our declaration." The leader looked to Ichigo, "We are sending seven to the 1st Division. You will be sending everyone there and retreating once we make the impression." The one-eyed man received a nod from Ichigo.
'Wait...he said seven of "us"? Why didn't he just...' Ichigo's thought were sharp. "Who is coming?" Ichigo asked in a suspicious tone.
The "X-Axis" sighed, "Six Sternritter...and one Arrancar."
Gerard and Ichgio slam the table in frustration, "What!?" they both say simultaneously. "That's such bullshit!" The two gave a two to one another as their minds are somehow working together. The two eventually calmed down which cause Lille to sigh. It was only natural for the two to be upset. A Hollow coming on such an important and historical event for the Quincy made it seem as if the Sternritter aren't capable of doing it themselves.
"His Majesty's orders. His name is Luders Friegen and he will be leading the operation."
The two Schuzstaffel members shrugged and gave up. If Yhwach gave these orders they could only guess as to what he was actually thinking. This would resonate well with the other Quincy. Even if Arrancar hated Shinigami this was a Quincy war which should be fought with only Quincy. Even if the Hollows were mere fodder used for more risky assignments.
"Sternritter "O", "N", "H", "K" and "E" will be attending. Alongside you, who will guide everyone in and out. It should take no longer than two minutes. Otherwise they might get a grasp on our power." The explanation was irritating as Ichigo did not feel it was necessary for him to attend. Either way, it was surprising to know that Yhwach had chosen Bambietta and Bazz-B. He could understand the need for Accutrone and Driscoll but the other two seem a bit out of a place in his opinion.
"Man, we don't get to do shit. Why does Ichigo get to go!?" Gerard always complained when it came to mission. The man never seemed to get to ever leave Silbern. It is no surprise he has developed a thirst for fighting anyone. Fighting was the only thing many of the Quincy get to do in this desolate frozen world.
"...I am not a hand. I am Pernida Parnkgjas. I am a Quincy."
The three gave a surprised stare to the small Sternitter. His glowing eyes were kept on the large table and never seemed to move. He had finally spoken from the comment Gerard previously gave a while ago. The words had clearly gotten to him to a point where he actually felt the need respond. Gerard leaned over and patted his head, "Sure you are buddy." he said before looking back towards Lille. The two shrugged in confusion. Even if they had been with Pernida with years they can never seem to understand..."it".
"...Anyways, is that it?" Ichigo never enjoyed these meetings. They would just be plain orders with nothing fun to ever talk about. He enjoyed talking to Lille at least. The two had become friends over the years. The Schuzstaffel leader even trained him into using more of his second-schrift which was something even Yhwach barely knew about it.
"No." Spoke a fourth voice.
The Schuzstaffel all internally curse as the Grandmaster walks towards the light. The man was hiding in the shadows this entire time and not one person was able to sense him. This annoyed Lille Barro. He was the leader of this group and was responsible for their actions. He had known Yhwach much longer than Haschwalth had yet it seemed the Emperor trusted Jugram much more. The "X-Axis" believed the "Balance" was just a cop meant to enforce the rules among the Sternritter while the Schuzstaffel held much greater power than the second-in-command.
"His Majesty is now talking on a potential successor to the Wandenreich. This is important and must be taken seriously. No complaining, this is something we must all focus on." he spoke as if he somehow held authority over the four. While in actuality, there power was somewhat the same.
"He has not spoken much, but there is apparently a Quincy in the human world."
"The last surviving Quincy."
Is it Meni or Minnie for her nickname? I've gotten different views on it.
This came fast!
What happened to Aizen will be next chapter, and then following will be the first invasion :D I'll also be toning down the flashbacks and saving them for future chapters.
Leave a review it helps alot :) Makes chapters come faster as well. Thanks to everyone who followed/faved.