7th upload of Yamada Clan is here in the New Year! Getting this in just before the spring semester starts up in Honolulu. I've also uploaded a chapter for my other story painful attachment. Hope you all enjoy and for the students good luck this semester.
Ruins of Las Noches
The arrancar were gathered around Hanataro feeding reiatsu into him, while Bone Ripper was sitting close by his tentacles waving slowly in the air. Upon his arrival he had frightened most of the group, the top three having been the only three to meet him. At his insistence however they focused on Hanataro, ignoring him. While they worked on him Bone Ripper simply stared at the boy, attempting to analyze his condition. Finally after what seemed like an eternity for all gathered, Harribel finally pulled her hands away, indicating for the others to stop.
"We'll, what progress have you made Tia? Will he recover from the attack?" Harribel shook her head at this, wiping a hand across her brow.
"We've managed to stall whatever is currently afflicting him; we've managed to isolate the reiatsu attacking his body. Essentially a prison cell that is containing Hisagomaru's energy. However it won't hold forever, unless we figure out how to remove it, we're going to lose him."
The large creature growled in frustration, slamming his tentacle into the pillar near him. The others stiffened up at this but they didn't need fear. His frustration was aimed at himself, not the others. What the hell was I doing? I told that walking bag of bones not to get cocky, and what do I do? I give him time to take a cheap shot. I would kill myself right now if I could…hey, I forgot all about skeleton jack, maybe he knows what's going on.
Pushing that aside for a second he walked over to Hanataro's side, the others suddenly looking at him aggressively. He stretched his tentacle to make a connection, when he felt the imprisoned reiatsu begin fighting harder, something which stopped when he withdrew his presence. Damn, little bastard's still alive, or at least it can recognize my threat. Fuck. Harribel walked up to him, a concerned look on her face.
"Lord Bone Ripper what's wrong, I felt his reiatsu begin spiking again." Bone Ripper sighed, sitting down on the edge of the ravine, his tentacles hanging down. "I can't make a connection with the boy. My presence sends the spirits reiatsu into full crazy mode. Everything rests on the boy, if he dies this all."
At this the group all reacted in a different way, Menoly's hand flying to her mouth while Nel began to tear up and cry. Harribel and the others in her entourage didn't react so physically, but they were worried on the inside about this. Both at the thought of Hanataro dying, as well as the thought of failing after having bought Soul Society's rage. And Grimmjow…
"So the fuck what if the kid dies, I fail to see why he's so damn important. He's a weakling little shit who's own supposed zanpakuto tried to take him out. If he can't survive now then we should let him!" Menoly stood up and walked up to the man, a scowl set on her face.
"Will you just shut up Grimmjow; nobody wants to hear your shit. All you've done for the past two years is insult and mock people, and we're tired of it. Just because that Kurosaki beat you doesn't me- GACK!" Her sentence was cut off as Grimmjow's hand wrapped around her throat, cutting off her airflow. His face had a dark almost maniacal look on it.
"You seem to have forgotten what happened the last time you challenged me. There's no big breasted ryoka with resurrection abilities to save you this ti-"It was his turn to be cutoff as Harribel appeared in front of him her fist slamming into his cheek, sending him flying backwards while Menoly stumbled to her knee her hand massaging her throat. As blood leaked out of the corner of his mouth the Amazonian woman stared down at him, her hand resting on her blade.
"Put your hand on one of my girls again Grimmjow, and I'll cut something off you'll regret more than the loss of your ego." Grimmjow began rising up, his frustrations over the past week having built up to the boiling point. Seeing the conflict quickly approaching Bone Ripper gave out a groan, seeing he would have to intervene.
That was until they felt a sudden influx of multiple strong reiatsu's entering the dimension. Grimmjow was especially focused on an annoyingly familiar one. Kurosaki. He immediately went to burst off, only to find a tentacle had wrapped around his waist.
"Let me go you Octopus wannabe, I have to kill that orange bastard!" Bone Ripper refused to let go.
"No you fool, their presence here is unexpected, but is also a blessing in disguise. I won't let you ruin my plans for me!" Grimmjow simply roared at this, struggling even harder. When he realized he wouldn't be getting away like this, he turned back, his eyes flooded with blue reiatsu.
"You've been giving me orders for the last two years and I'm fucking sick of it. Either give me what you promised or get out of my way!"
For a second Bone Ripper's mask didn't shift, contemplating the order. Eventually the mask shifted into a serious one. "Very well, I'll give you what you want, but only if you hold off your vendetta until then. Afterwards, I care very little for what you decide to do."
Grimmjow considered this for a moment, before nodding his head yes. Bone Ripper uncoiled the tentacle from around his waist releasing the espada. Heading towards the incoming reiatsu's, he turned his head to address the group.
"Rubodone, Grimmjow there is a being back near the battlefield, dead looking fellow. Bring him here unharmed and treated properly. Harribel, take care of the boy till I return." Squatting down on its smaller but still massive legs it tensed up, before releasing his muscles and bursting off, obliterating anything in his path.
Garganta
"I can see the exit, get ready everybody!" Ukitake yelled out as the rushed ahead. As the group of shinigami ran towards the opening of the Garganta tunnel they found themselves momentarily blinded before finding themselves under the fake sunlight of Hueco Mundo. Taking a moment to adjust to the light, Rukia and the others who had entered this dimension found a number of former memories, some better forgotten than others. She instinctively covered her stomach, remembering when she had been pierced through the stomach by the 9th espada.
"So where is this Las Noches, I thought it was supposed to be some massive fortress?" Kukaku asked a little nervous looking at being in the hollow world. Ichigo scanned the horizon, his eyes spotting the few remnants of the fortress left. "I see it, but there's so little left of it. It looks like it was blown apart."
Unohana reached into her pocket, pulling out Urahara's scanner. She gave a sigh of relief when she saw his reiatsu was still present. "His signs appear to have somewhat stabilized, but we need to hurry. I can sense him near the ruins. We should be able to get there in…"
Unohana trailed off as her eyes widened, staring out at the fortress. Following her line of sight the others saw what she was focused on. Heading in their direction was something very green and very large. As it got closer they could observe a number of different tentacles waving from it. The majority of the hollows roaming the dunes were quick to move out of its way. Rukia gave a particular expression of disgust as it literally shot through the side a rhino aduchas hollow that didn't move quickly enough.
"What the hell is that thing, god it smells like rotting garbage and blood?" Ichigo yelled out while covering his nose. Ukitake frowned drawing his zanpakuto from his scabbards, the others quickly following suit. "The smell isn't real, just one of his little parlor tricks. Keep on your toes he likes to do this to offset his opponents."
The rescue party had their swords drawn, ready to fight a battle with what most of them heard as a literal god. What they didn't expect was the creature to slow down, stopping a good three hundred yards away. As the sand settled the creature remained where he was, his tentacles lowered as if to seem non-threatening. Ichigo also noticed the smell had gone away, as if never having been there.
"Sorry for the slaughter house treatment, but I find nothing makes people pause more than a horrid smell. Couldn't have you smashing me from the get go. I'd introduce myself but I'm sure most of you know me. Welcome to Hueco Mundo little minnows, believe it or not I'm glad you're here."
Ukitake strode forward, flanked by both Kyoraku and Unohana while the others looked on in disgust or in Mayuri's case fascination. "We're not here for to play games you maniac, where here for Hanataro. Hand him over immediately!" Bone Rippers mask shifted to a cheerful one, surprising those unused to his ways.
"Certainly, once the boy has done what I need him to do you may take him home. Until that time he is to remain my guest. Not that you could take him away now anyway." Kyoraku spoke next, the hat shadowing his eyes from view.
"How do you figure, we outnumber you eight to one. We can't kill you, but we could certainly seal you away again." Bone Ripper's looked at him, the dark eyes focused on the flamboyant captain.
"Ah the lecher speaks, still chasing underage skirts I imagine. True you might be able to seal me away, the last time held for about fifty years or so, but that's not the issue. During our preparation for the boy we had a little mishap, one even I didn't foresee which now puts us in a tenuous situation. If the boy is moved from the dimension he likely would die before reaching Soul Society." Unohana stepped forward, an expression of worry pushing through her disgust of the enemy.
"What's wrong with my son, what have you done to him?" The mask for the first time in a long time shifted into a surprised one, before the creature reared its head back, laughing it's ass off. The tentacles slammed into the ground, causing small tremors
"SHAHAHAHA Oh god this is priceless. Forgive my laughter, but the thought of you two mating, it's just…SHAHAHAHA." Unohana lifted her hand, the palm pointed in its direction. "Hado 33: Sokatsui!"
The kido launched from her hand, exploding on the creature body. Ichigo reared his sword back, preparing to fire off a getsuga when Kyoraku raised his hand, indicating the others to hold back. The smoke from the attack cleared away with Bone Ripper standing unharmed, although a little smoke wafted from his body.
"Thanks, I needed that. To answer your question, it's not so much what I did, but what his former brothers sword did." Seeing the confusion on their faces he sighed, planting two of his tentacles into the ground while sitting midair on the other two.
"Short version, Hisagomaru's been suppressing both his reiatsu and true zanpakuto. I pulled him and the other out, but I messed up and allowed Hisagomaru to reinsert himself, or rather what's left of him. Not sure what he's doing to the kid, but unless something changes, he'll burn out one way or the other." Rukia's hands were shaking, they were so close to saving her-their friend, he simply couldn't die now.
"So what do you want from us? I doubt you're doing this out of the kindness of your heart." The mask looked at her, and suddenly she felt cold, those hollow pits of eyes piercing her.
"Your right about that little chest splitter, I am doing this for me. But that entails keeping him alive, so here's what I propose. Come back with me and we can work together to save the boy…or we can waste our time fighting here while he slips away. Your decision, but you know which one I'd recommend." While Rukia looked confused by the nickname, Mayuri scoffed at this, putting his arms across his chest.
"And I'm sure once you have what you want you'll just let us go, no harm no foul. Especially with your forces there to assist you and on your own turf." Bone Ripper chuckled at this surprising the scientist. "Under normal circumstances I'd praise your skepticism, but time is running short. You can either help me save him, or I'll skip the pleasantries and just get to killing you all. What do you say Unohana, Ukitake?"
The two captains stared at each other for a moment, silently communicating with each other. After a minute of contemplation the two raised up their zanpakuto, only to turn them away and sheath them. "We don't really have a choice now do we?"
Ichigo looked at the two, reluctant to put Zangetsu away. "Unohana-san, are you sure trusting him is such a good idea, this could be a trap you know."
"We don't have a choice Kurosaki-san, even if he is lying we can't risk it. The price we could pay for being wrong is too high." Seeing her point he stored the blade on his back while Bone Ripper turned away, stretching his tentacles forward he positioned himself to shoot forward.
"Glad you're feeling sensible today. Now I may not move as fast as you, but I'd recommend keeping behind me. I'd hate to accidently crush someone." With that he launched himself forward, the shinigami following behind their hands kept close to their swords.
Ruins of Los Noches
"We have the spirit Lady Harribel." Harribel turned her attention from Hanataro whose head currently lay in Menoly's lap. Standing up she approached the bundle of bones lying in Rubodone's arms while Grimmjow held its sword. Standing up she walked to the bundle and looked down at the skull .
"Spirit-san, can you hear me, are you still with us?" For a moment the bones remained motionless, staring back at her blankly. After a minute they began to twitch and quiver, then rose out of Rubodone's, the bones realigning themselves. Just as they were about to connect the clothing and wings materialized around it. The spirit did an experimental swipe of its blade, then sheathed it.
"Thanks for finding all my parts that last attack really scrambled me up. Now where is my master?" Harribel indicated to the prone form on the ground. The spirit walked forward, kneeling down beside Hanataro.
Extending his hand a thin wisp of white reiatsu stretched from his hand towards Hanataro's forehead. It hadn't gotten less than an inch away when a red trendily forced its way through, forcing it back. The spirit clacked its teeth while lowering his arm, sitting down near his master.
"We'll this complicates things doesn't it. Oh you three back there? You might want to move."
Mila-rose and her sisters looked confused, until they heard a high pitch whistling sound. Using sonido they moved just in time to avoid being crushed by Bone Ripper as he plummeted onto their position. Forgetting who she was talking to Appaci began yelling at the behemoth.
"GOD DAMN IT TRY TO WATCH WHERE YOU'RE LANDING FATASS." Realizing what she just yelled she slapped her hand over her mouth while Sun-Sun and Mila dragged her away. Bone Ripper simply snickered, the look of terror on their faces as he arrived making up for any insult.
"Sorry for the dramatic entrance, but I was just so excited to get here. I brought a few guests with me." No sooner had he said this then the shinigami group shunpo'd in behind him.
For a moment both sides stood opposite each other, the tension in the air being thick enough to cut. This ended as a green blur launched itself between the group, rocketing head first into Ichigo's stomach. The pair rolled backwards eventually smashing into a pillar.
"Itsygo, I'm so happy to see you, why did you leave Nel all alone? Have you and big boobie begun scwewing yet? I want someone to pway with!"
To say Orihime was mortified was the understatement of the century. At the moment she wanted to crawl under a rock and die. This was just what was needed to break the tension between the two groups, causing both groups to relax slightly.
"We'll what did I tell you Unohana, there's your boy right over there, and with his zanpakuto as well." Unohana quickly flashed next to Hanataro, doing an immediate examination on him. Rukia and Ukitake went to follow, but stopped when Grimmjow strode forward, a snarl on his lips. "Alright I brought the bag of bones, time you kept your side of the bargain."
Bone Ripper looked at him, nodding his head. He began raising his tentacles, only to stop for a moment. "Alright Grimmjow, now are you sure you don't want me to-" Grimmjow stomped his foot, scoffing at the monster.
"Just get on with it, you talk to fucking much. I want to kill that bastard and I intend to do it now!" Bone Ripper gave a sigh, mouths appearing on the sides of his tentacles. "Alright, a deals a deal."
The area Grimmjow was standing in was suddenly bathed in a gold light, while an odd pitched humming drowned out any sound that might have been made from inside. Slowly a darker reiatsu began swirling in the orb, creating a spiral like pattern in the light. Opening his mask's mouth the dark reiatsu shout out of the orb and down the mask, being swallowed and dissipating. The black reiatsu faded, and the orb of light flashed out momentarily blinding everyone. When their vision returned they glanced at Grimmjow, many of them gasping.
Laying on the ground the former espada laid, seemingly unchanged. As he pushed himself up he did so sluggishly his limbs shaking with effort. Rising to his feet he began patting his body, trying to feel any difference.
"What the hell have you been selling us you lying piece of shit? There's nothing different about me, what do you think you're trying…to…" His hand had just brushed up on his chest, feeling bare skin where there had once been a hole. Panicking he brought his hand to his cheek, feeling with horror the lack of a jawbone. Pulling out his blade he raised it to his face, seeing the "You…You bastard, what have you done to me?"
Bone Ripper snorted, his mask shifting to a serious mask for once. "I warned you to be careful what you wished for, and now you have gotten what you asked for as Harribel and the others will get. Congratulations former espada, you are now officially a shinigami."
The silence that filled the air at this was stronger than any the others had felt in a long time. Harribel looked at Grimmjow in wonder, unable to believe her eyes. He…He did it, he actually did it. He can make us into shinigami! The thought of what this could mean for her, and more importantly her girls was amazing.
Grimmjow on the other hand was far from amazed, he was downright furious. Speaking in a barely restrained whisper he said "Change me back, change me back into what I was before." Bone Ripper shook his head, waving the former arrancar off.
"That was not part of the deal and besides I couldn't do it now if I wanted to. You're just going to have to live with it. Now be gone, go fight and die or throw yourself off a cliff, you are nothing to me now." Turning his head away Bone Ripper counted in his head waiting for the inevitable. 3, 2, 1…
He heard the sound of feet running towards him. Despite Harribel yelling at him as well as the others Grimmjow leapt towards him, his hands bringing his zanpakuto down in an overhand chop. Raising his tentacle he shot it forward into Grimmjow's stomach nocking the air out of him. The other tentacles immediately wrapped around his arms and neck, while the original one wrapped around his torso.
"Foolish little kitty, I warned you what would happen to you the next time you offended me." The tentacle began tightening on him, cutting off his airflow. As he began blacking out he heard a voice call out.
"Oh try not to damage the body too much. That will be valuable research material for me to use." While the others looked at Mayuri in disgust, the massive hollow turned to him, momentarily stopping his efforts. After considering this for a moment the creature gave his head a low bow, before turning to Grimmjow, quickly snapping his neck. He tossed the body to Mayuri, who caught it with surprising ease.
"Destruction was truly your aspect Grimmjow, it even led to you own doom. I avoided the organs so the only thing damaged is its vertebrae." Mayuri nodded at this, already examining the body with glee. "You have my thanks creature, his neck was snapped so cleanly. I had you pegged for a creature of brute strength, I'll have to reanalyze my hypothesis on you."
At this point the two different sides averted their eye's, not wanting to watch the two psychos have a civil conversation. Shaking herself from what she just saw, she dragged Ukitake over to Hanataro. Looking down one might perceive he was sleeping, if that one was unaware of the current situation. Looking over she saw the skeleton looking at her, unable to read what he was thinking.
"So you're the one responsible for the flowers. I never imagined you'd be so short, at least Hanataro doesn't view you that way." Rukia was caught off guard by the talking skeleton, having never met something like him. "I'm guessing you would be Hanataro's zanpakuto, you got a name?"
The spirit shook his head, then turned to Hanataro, who at the moment was bathed in the green light of kido.
"My name has not yet been revealed to him, but I am his just as he is mine. Hisagomaru may have held me down, but some things cannot be severed so easily. You for example are one of the people who has broken through the darkness, some of them shinigami, some of them the hollows you see here. But until the monster began pulling Hisagomaru out you were the only one whose significance was readable. The others I could see, but they were blocked off, just faces. Now I am learning everything he did, and yet there's so much I can't properly read it all."
Rukia gave a light blush at this, unable to decipher what the skeleton meant by this. Deciding to change the subject, she asked a different question.
"So what's wrong with him, is he going to be alright?" The zanpakuto shrugged his shoulders, looking down at his master. "I know what's wrong with him, but am unsure how to deal with it. As to his future wellbeing, I guess that will depend on those closest to him."
As Rukia was going to ask what he meant by that Unohana ended her spell, looking tired. With a hand she reached forward and brushed Hanataro's cheek, wiping a small tear from it. Looking at Ukitake she saw him motion to Bone Ripper, responding in a nod. Standing up the conversations was cut off as they approached their enemy.
"Alright, how do we help him? You must have some idea of what's going on." Ukitake asked Bone Ripper who looked at the two, hunched over to meet them at eye level.
"Before we discuss the particulars, I'll need to get an agreement for two conditions from you, and they're not negotiable." The two parents looked to each other again before nodding, ready to hear him out. "When Hanataro awakens I will speak with the boy, let him know why I need his participation. If he agrees you must let him stay to help me."
Ukitake looked at the hollow with distrust in his eyes, unwilling to accept this. "You must think we're the biggest morons in all creation if you think we're going to let him-"
"He will not be needed for long and you and your group may stay until he's finished, then head home but you must allow me the chance." Ukitake looked like he wanted to argue more, but Unohana beat him to it.
"What is the second demand you want from us?" Ignoring the incredulous look from her love, she awaited the answer.
"Part of my deal with Harribel was to sneak them into Soul Society so they could live in peace once I transformed them. However I feel that will no longer be possible. So I want you to try and get them accepted into the different divisions. Follow these two requests and I will help you. What do you say?"
Ukitake and Unohana turned away, whispering to each other over the arrangements. After a moment of discussion they turned to Bone Ripper who was waiting expectantly.
"We accept. If it is in our power we will use our influence to help them. Now tell us what we need to do." Bone Ripper nodded, then motioned his hand to the spirit. "Hey nameless, why don't you go first. You can sense Hisagomaru, what is he doing in there?"
The spirit nodded his heading waving the others to surround Hanataro's body. Once they were all seated he began to speak.
"When I attempted to reestablish a link with my master Hisagomaru forced me out. But in doing so he revealed his goal to me, the reason I cannot reconnect with him. Hisagomaru is no longer powerful enough to be able to completely suppress his spiritual pressure, but he can cut it off at key areas. I believe he is cutting off the flow to Hanataro's mind." Mayuri cut in here, a curious look on his face.
"What potential effects would this have on a being, the boy doesn't seem to be effecting him physically?"
"At the moment no, that would actually be a relief. It would show that his mind still had some control over his body. Cut off as it is now however, the damage to his inner world will become worse. Essentially the mind is a dam, controlling the flow of the reiatsu throughout the soul. Cut off as it is his reiatsu is rampaging uncontrolled, damaging his inner world. Eventually the strain will be too great and his soul will tear apart." Kyoraku cleared his voice, drawing the spirits attention.
"So how do we reestablish the reiatsu flow, you must have an idea of some kind?" The spirit nodded, looking back to the rest of the group.
"The only way to break the barrier would be to go into his world and break the barrier. Entering the mind I could take those with an emotional attachment inside his soul. Reaching him will be difficult however, his mind may be difficult to traverse. Each person we send in will also need to supply them with reiatsu, so their body doesn't perish from the strain. Oh and if Hanataro dies before we reach him, well its likely any within will perish as well."
Orihime spoke up, an idea popping up in her head. "I know this might sound bad, but if he did die couldn't I bring him back with my powers? I mean I brought Kurosaki-kun from the grave more times than I can count?" Unohana shook her head at this, already having gone through the idea.
"The wounds you healed before were always physical ones, damage to a person's soul cannot be healed so easily. A shattered soul would be pushed into the rebirth cycle, unlikely to be seen again. Failure is not an option we can afford to consider."
Ichigo sighed in annoyance at this, sick of running into one road block after another. "Any more good news we should hear?" The spirit looked at him, his skeletal hand putting up an index finger. "Only one other. As long as what's left of Hisagomaru's mental presence is within him, entry into his soul will be impossible."
Both shinigami and arrancar slumped at this, both sides feeling powerless. Bone Ripper suddenly stood up, cracking its back.
"Don't lose heart yet little minnows, I have a solution, although it's not one you will like. I can forcibly take Hisagomaru's presence from him and hold him within me. This would allow you to enter the boy. However, this also poses a different problem." Ukitake looked at the creature, his eyes shining with hope.
"Whatever the problem is we can handle it, I mean it can't be any worse than what's going on in him."
"Well your right and not right about that. You see taking him in will prevent him from interfering with your efforts, but no creature is meant to have two conscious souls existing within them. While inside me, I will be forced to prevent him from taking over my body, but neither will I be able to retain control while doing this." Kukaku cut in this time, a slight grin on her face.
"So taking him in will make you unable to act. I fail to see what the downside of this is." Bone Ripper shook his head and clacked his teeth in frustration.
"Just because I won't be in control of my body doesn't mean it'll stay passive. This happened once before in the last war, when I tried to take some nobody's zanpakuto spirit for my own. An hour later when his master died I woke up, finding I killed off half of my own army. Seconds after I remove the little parasite my body will likely go berserk, attacking anyone in reach." For a moment the group was silent considering the possibilities of this development. Kyoraku tipped his hat to the group, an expectant look on his face.
"So does anybody have any ideas, haven't really encountered this kind of situation before." As they brainstormed an idea, the answer surprisingly came from Ichigo.
"This is just like my visored training, while I was battling my hollow in my mind the others fought me in order to keep me from causing any harm. We could do the same thing here, with a few tweaks." Hearing no objections from the group he continued.
"Alright we let Bone Ripper take Hisagomaru from Hanataro, then we force him away. Once there we can seal him in a barrier made by Orihime and one of you captains. Can anyone do this?" Mayuri huffed at the boy, rising from the ground.
"Of course I can you simpleton, but that barrier won't hold something like that for long."
"This is why we'll need a second group to fight him in the barrier. Any takers besides myself? I wouldn't suggest anyone below captain level." Ichigo asked the group. Harribel stood up approaching the boy.
"I'll participate in this fight, but if I may make a suggestion? Rubodone can produce Calaveras to fight for him, they might not be good fighters but they'd serve as decoys and cannon fodder." Kyoraku nodded at this, standing up and joining the group.
"And I'll round out this group, hey spirit-san, who would you like to take with you?" Surprisingly the spirit shook his head no at this. "Failure in there will mean death out here. I will only take those willing and able to enter." Out of the group five people stood up and approached him. Unohana and Ukitake were obvious, they were coming back with their son or they weren't coming back. Rukia and Menoly stood up at the same time, each of them looking at the other one with a little tension having remembered the night they met. Menoly lost her glare when she saw Orihime looking at her fearfully. As for the last person…
"No." Nel gaped up at the skeleton, her face set in a mixture of tears and anger. "Why not, Nel needs to help save Hana-chan!" The spirit lowered his head, a shadow obscuring its face. "The mindscape of another is no place for a child. You want to help him, wait here for him to wake up." Nel looked as if she was going to argue some more when she felt herself hoisted up by Menoly.
"I'm going to bring him back Nel, I promise you that." Nel didn't say anything, simply nodding her head and hugging her back. The spirit looked at this, at the people here to help his master. Unknown to him, one of his feathers changed from its yellowish color to a dull white.
"We shouldn't delay this any longer, anyone left over will serve as anchors for the others. If you have anything to say to each other, I'd do it now.
Nodding to the spirit the group broke apart to discuss amongst themselves, minus Mayuri who left to begin his preparations. Menoly put Nel down, walking up to Orihime she stood before the girl. She looked into her eyes for a moment before bending at the hip in a bow.
"I wanted to thank you for saving my life…and to say I'm sorry for how I treated you. I'd like to say I was misled by my sister, but that doesn't excuse what I did. I hope one day you can forgive me." Menoly stayed still as she heard the girl coming towards her. She was surprised to feel a pair of arms wrap around her, looking to see Orihime smiling at her.
"There's nothing to forgive Menoly-san, we all go down a dark path at least once in our lives, what matters is that we find our way back. Just bring Hanataro-san home alright?" Menoly pulled away from the girl, nodding to her. Turning away she found herself face to face with Rukia, who was staring at her with a cool expression.
"I will be more slow to forgive, while it seems you've all grown to care for him, it will be hard to forget he's in this position because of you. I can't forgive you yet." Menoly nodded at this, having sensed the anger from the shorter woman. "However Hanataro's not one to hold a grudge so once he's home safe and sound, I'll be willing to forgive you, perhaps even call you friend."
Menoly went to answer the girl, but found herself beaten to the punch. "But now is not the time to discuss this. Come on, there waiting for us."
Taking their positions each group was set for what was needed. The spirit and her group sat around Hanataro in a circle, with Kukaku and the fraccion sisters standing behind each of them. The four had their hands placed on an area of Hanataro's body, and those behind them had a hand placed on them. Standing as far away as possible from them was Bone Ripper, who had his tentacle stretched out as far as he could hovering over Hanataro. The mouth formed on the tentacle again, this time larger and wider.
And when the reiatsu came out this time, it came not in a tendril but a flood.
Bone Ripper
Before Hisagomaru had time to sense Bone Ripper's reiatsu swarmed over Hanataro, pulling him into the beast. Withdrawing his tentacle he turned to his group, giving them the nod. No sooner had he done this than all three main fighters struck him, sending him both flying backwards. The last thing he saw before everything went black was the three fighters torpedoing towards him.
Outside of the ruins of Las Noches Mayuri stood waiting, an expectant look on his face. Watching the beast fly back he began chanting, knowing he would have to get this perfect.
"Where madness grows and runs amok as law and order fail to stop. Rises the building from on high, making all within wish to die. Bakudo 99: atamagaokashii shuuyoujo (Insane asylum)!"
Spring up from the ground a series of walls rose, trapping Bone Ripper in the center. There was only one entrance, a massive door with a demons face imprinted on it. The barrier building glowed an eerie blue. Turning to Orihime he motioned to her. Nodding she summoned her fairies and pointed her hands at the door.
"Baigon, Lily, Hinagiku, Tsubaki Shiten Koshun, I reject!" The barrier slammed over the door, reinforcing it and casting it an odd green color. Not a moment too soon too as the moment the technique completed the building buckled and trembled. A roar resounded from the building, grating the ears of all those still conscious.
"We'll, that'll contain him for a while. Arrancar, are your meat shields ready?" Looking at Rubodone who had already released nodded, hundreds of Calaveras standing by with more on the way. The three main fighters arrived at the gate, their swords drawn and ready for combat. Ichigo turned to Kyoraku, his face in its usual determined scowl.
"So Kyoraku-san, how high should we release before we go in there?" Kyoraku raised up both his blades initiating shikai. "Ichigo-san, Harribel both of you go all out from the start, we don't want him to gain an inch towards that gate. That's the only exit for it to go." Nodding the three entered the gate with the numerous arrancar behind them.
The gate closing with a slam, the three looked to find themselves in a giant cavern, the inside of the barrier being far. In the middle of the structuring Bone Ripper paced, the tentacles waving menacingly to and fro in the air. The creature mask however showed nobody was home, simply remaining a blank surface minus a jagged mouth. Raising its head as if sensing the group, it roared and began advancing, quickly closing the difference between the two. As Kyoraku leapt forward and met it head on, both Visored and Arrancar raised their blades, initiating release at the same time.
"Attack, Tiburon."
"Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu."
Ruins
As Bone Ripper was blasted back the spirit at the same time spread his wings and covered both him and those surrounding them, encasing them in a white light. For a moment Kukaku and the arrancar women found themselves unable to see. When the light faded and their sight returned they found the spirit was gone, only his sword remaining behind laid close by. As for the rescue group they had all gone unconscious, their heads drooped forward. However their hands were now encircled with a white glow, keeping them attached to Hanataro. The four remaining women also found themselves unable to move, not that they would try to anyway.
"So ladies, my names Kukaku Shiba, and my idiot brother are best friends with this one. Since we got nothing but time to kill for now why don't we get to know each other."
Inner World
At first all Rukia could see was darkness. She could sense the others nearby, but not in the way she usually could. The first thing sense to return to her was touch. Her hands passed over things, she felt grass under her, brittle and spikey. She attempted to rise to her feet but immediately began falling, she found herself caught by a pair of bony hands. It spoke to her, but the words were scrambled at first. Eventually she was able to make out the words.
"-ait until your…come back, this isn't like entering your own world."
She heard the others stirring as her sight began to return to her. It was odd, for some reason everything looked grey. As things began to come into focus, she felt something was wrong, very wrong. The shapes, the sky everything just felt off. It wasn't until her vision snapped in that she saw just how horrifying everything was.
The landscape before her was barren, the grass under her feet blackened and charred. They were surrounded by cliffs and spike jabbing from the landscape. The only source of light in this world was from a moon hanging behind a decrepit castle surrounded by dead trees and tombstones. Hearing the others moving she turned to look at the, finding they were in a similar state of horror.
"No this…this can't be my son's soul, it's too dark, too evil." Unohana said this, her hands held over her heart. Menoly was looking around fearfully, the scenery reminding her of some of the areas of Hueco Mundo. Ukitake approached the spirit, his face grim. "Is this really Hanataro's soul? We didn't end up somewhere else or-"
The spirit cut him off, worry evident in his voice. "No this is his soul, hard as it may be to believe. It's worse than when I came out a few hours ago, there were no cliffs here before, but there's no mistaking it. His soul reflects the events that have occurred in his life and those that have happened to him. With every bad memory, every bad experience it has changed this world into the nightmare you now see."
Rukia was hard pressed to believe this, her memories of her friend never being this macabre. "But he doesn't act like this, most of the time he's around us he's somewhat happy."
The spirit nodded at this pointing towards an area of the rocks. Upon walking closer the Rukia saw it was covered in flowers, rich in color and fragrance. For some strange reason she was reminded of the afternoon she and Hanataro had lunch together.
"About three years ago these flowers were not here. Even with the damage you see here it was much worse three years ago, there wasn't even a moon to be viewed back then. I can safely say he's been happier in the past three years than in nearly the last century. But we shouldn't delay, time is running short."
Unohana nodded walking back to the pathway. The group moved in silence heading towards the castle. As they traveled through the dead landscape a myriad of emotions passed through them. Depression, guilt, anger but ultimately one dominated all the others. Loneliness, Menoly found herself wistfully thinking of Hueco Mundo, even a dimension of cannibalistic monsters was better than this.
They arrived at the bridge leading to the castle, only to see a red barrier before them. The spirit approached the barrier, putting his hand to it. He applied his reiatsu to it, only to be rebuffed like before. Flexing his wings he sent a wave of energy from him, several read threads leading away from the barrier.
"Hmm clever little barrier we have here, this complicates things." Rukia looked at the different strands, finding one particularly drawing for some reason. "What are these strands spirit, they don't look very natural?" The spirit nodded at this gesturing to each of them in turn.
"You are correct Rukia, I thought at first Hisagomaru simply cut off the reiatsu to his mind, but it's much worse than that. I was not allowed to see the majority of the master's memories when Hisagomaru was present, but there were three he willingly allowed through. These three are the worst memories, the one's my master ignores and tries to forget." Menoly stepped forward, her hand passing through one of the threads.
"But I don't understand, how can a memory be dangerous to a person? It's not like a blade or energy." The spirit walked forward, sighing at this.
"Memories both good and bad have a tremendous impact on a person's physical and mental health. Good memories are soothing to the person, while bad ones are stressful and destructive. What Hisagomaru has done is anchor his reiatsu into them, weaving it into the fabric of the memory itself. Not only does this create a barrier, but forces Hanataro to relive each of these memories, one right after the other."
"How do we break this barrier, can we sever the tendrils with our reiatsu?" Unohana asked, disgust in her voice.
"Yes and no, to break the barrier well need to destroy them at the sources. But to do this each of you will need to go into a memory and find the source. There are three sources, each one must be broken and soon. There isn't time for you to all go to each one, so you'll have to split up."
"You mean we have to face whatever's in there ourselves?" Menoly was uncomfortable with the idea of going through someone else's nightmare.
"There is no other option, Hisagomaru's reiatsu will prevent me from entering, and we don't have time for everyone to go through each memory. Choose a thread and follow it. I'll remain here to break the barrier when necessary." With that he turned his back to them, crouching in front of the mirror while his wings wrapped around him.
Examining the different reiatsu threads, Rukia chose the one that she felt earlier. Looking towards the others she saw they had each chosen a strand and were following it. Squaring her shoulders she began running along it, finding herself running towards a familiar shape in the distance.
Battle Group
"OOF!" Was all Kyoraku said as the Bone Ripper's fist rocketed into his blade, upper cutting him into the ceiling. Harribel wasn't faring much better, two of the tentacles slamming repeatedly at her, forcing her on the defensive. One of them suddenly darted under her guard, punching into her chest and sending her flying. Swinging her blade she launched a La Gota water shot at him, frowning as the creature opened his mouth and swallowed it. It was enough to preoccupy it for Ichigo to close the gap.
"Getsuga Tensho!" The black wave of reiatsu slammed into the creature's chest, sending it flying away from the gate to the other side of the building. It fell to the sand, the dunes washing over the collapsed beast. Kyoraku who had just landed on his back sent a reiatsu pulse out, signaling for the next wave of Calaveras to enter the building, the previous group having been decimated in an untimely cero attack.
"How are you to holding up?" Kyoraku yelled to the other two advancing towards the already rising sand mass. "As well as can be expected given the circumstances. I think he might have broken a rib with that last attack."
"Well it's too late to worry about that now. When the next wave of Calaveras come in, go out and have Orihime-san repair the blow." He walked next to Ichigo who was staring at the creature with unblinking eyes. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Ichigo shook his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing. "I can't believe it, he took a getsuga to the chest point blank, and he's not even scratched. How is this possible?" Kyoraku shook his head at this, raising his blades he charged forward, ducking under the creature's fist and slamming it up, allowing the arrancar to pepper it with bala and cero's.
"No idea kid, but I hope Unohana and the others finish quickly. One wrong move and this guy's going to blow through us, and then we'll really be in trouble."
Menoly's Nightmare
Following the strand Menoly found herself near the edge of the inner world, in an ancient village surrounded by decrepit huts and buildings. The strand however ran into the most broken and disgusting looking of the buildings, what could barely be described as a hovel. Above the doorway sat a broken sign, the words Zaraki district Orphanage having been painted on the sign. Menoly tried to stare into the building, but only darkness waited for her. Steeling herself she walked into the darkness, where a flash of light momentarily blinded her.
As her sight returned to her she saw the cabin, but not the same as before. While still run down the wood looked newer. There was also furniture in here, modest but enough for a couple people to sit and eat. Outside she heard the villagers going about their days, intermingled with birds and cattle. As for inside the hut…
"Come on boy, we need to get that bread made in time to be sent to the 65th district, or we don't eat this month." Menoly turned to see an elderly woman sitting at a table, a pipe in her mouth and a katana close at hand. She drew in the smoke then exhaled it through her nose, wreathing her face in smoke.
"Yes, Obachan, I'm mixing the flower as fast as I can." Menoly turned to see a small black haired boy standing near a mud stove and top, mixing materials in a bowl. He was dressed in rags and barefooted, not that the old ladies clothes were any better. For a moment Menoly was incensed that this woman was making the child work so hard.
"Is that so, we'll let me see if that is true." Standing up Menoly's anger towards the woman was erased as the woman approached on one leg, using the katana as a crutch. Coming up behind the boy she stared into the bowl, giving a nod of approval.
"That's very good Hanataro, your becoming quite the cook if I may say so." Menoly's jaw dropped at his, rushing around to see if it was true. The boy didn't look any older than six years in human age, but there was no mistaking that hair or the drooping eyes she had grown used to. She watched as he began kneading the bread, only to be interrupted by the old lady.
"Hold on Hanataro, your spreading the dough to thin. Mold it like this see?" Taking the bread despite her age and disability, she spun the bread in the air catching it and molding it in the appropriate shape. Once it she determined it was ready she slung it into the oven, shutting the door behind it.
"There, that takes care of that. Remember Hanataro, you can tell a lot about the character of a person by the way they can cook. Although I suppose that's not the only thing. Come let us sit down while the bread bakes." Plucking the boy off the stool she half set, half dropped him on the ground before heading to the table, sitting down with a groan. Menoly reached to pull the boy up, only to watch as her arm passed through him.
"Are you alright Obachan?" The old woman chuckled, motioning for the boy to sit with her. "Just getting old my dear boy, I'm not as sprightly as I used to be. Hard to believe it was close to four decades you came to me, huh boy? Your growing quite nicely, I'm surprised no one snatched you up when they had the chance." Hanataro looked a little sad at this, tugging on the old woman's robe.
"I'm sorry to be such a burden, I'll work harder, maybe then someone will-" The boy was cut off as the old woman sighed, plucking up a piece of bread and putting it in the boys mouth.
"There is nothing to feel sorry for boy, somebody always had to be the last and it just happened to be you. All the others either grew up or were picked up long ago. But something tells me boy your luck is going to change real soon." As she said this there was a loud knocking on the door, the old woman frowned. Menoly also grew concerned, this kind
"Odd, Meiji wasn't supposed to be here for the bread for another two hours." The loud knocking turned to a pounding, alerting the old woman. Moving with speed unexpected of her age she pushed the boy into a cupboard, placing a knife in his hand before closing the door.
Menoly suddenly was in the closet with him, darkness surrounding her. She was confused by this before the obvious hit her. I'm in his memory; I can only see what he can see. Looking down she saw the young boy was looking through the key hole in the door, his eyes spread wide. Dropping down she looked through the keyhole as well.
The moment she looked through she wished she hadn't. Several men had broken into the house and were squared off with the old lady. The leader of the trio, a tattooed bald man stood in front, a vicious grin on his face. "Out of our way you old hag, our boss is in need of some drinking money, and tributes have to be paid a little earlier than usual."
The old woman looked at the leader sternly, both hands holding onto the sword to hold herself upright. "I can't pay today; I don't get paid if the bread doesn't get delivered. Give me a couple hours and-"
"You fucking crazy, tribute is tribute and it can't be delayed…unless we'll you know the boss is always in the mood for some youthful company. Where is that little assistant of yours today?" The old woman wrinkled her nose in disgust, hands shaking on the hilt.
"I sent him to the market to get some eggs, were running low at the moment." The man began laughing along with his subordinates. "You're lying old woman, he's in here alright. Boys tie her up while I go get the boss's new playmate."
The two men flanking him began walking towards the man. They reached out to grab her, their faces set in evil smirks. This faded as the woman whipped her blade out separating the head from one while cutting the throat of the other. The leader look down at the two with disinterest before setting itself on the old woman, a vicious grin on his face.
"Ah you were once a shinigami that explains your moves. Too bad for you…" He suddenly blurred in front of her, his hand smashing into the old woman's chest. "I happen to be one as well. Your past your prime old timer, so just sit back and die!" The old lady couldn't respond, the blow having knocked the wind out of her.
The man sauntered over to the cupboard, whistling as he approached. He crouched down in front of the door, his eye looking through the opening. Menoly felt like puking, wanting to grab that boy and run. With a shout the man whipped his head into the cupboard yelling out with glee. He reared back a second later as Hanataro instinctively swung the knife forward, lodging it into his eye.
YOU LITTLE BASTARD! JUST WAIT TILL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU I'LL-"He was cut off as he fell backwards over the old woman's sheath, the lady having crawled over behind him. He went to get up but found the old lady holding him, restraining him for the moment.
"Hanataro, run!" Saying this the woman lifted her zanpakuto, slashing it into the side of the stove. Flames fanned onto the two of them wreathing them both in flames. Hanataro stumbled out of the cupboard, coughing as the smoke built up in the room. Lifting his hand he struggled to reach the door, only to find the handle was outside his reach. As the flames leapt higher the smoke became worse, Hanataro fell to his knees coughing.
Just as the memory began fading out a shinigami burst through the door, a familiar katana looped on his belt. Reaching down he pulled up the boy. The last thing Menoly saw before the memory ended was Hanataro's face covered in soot, his body wracked with coughs against his brother's chest.
With the end of the memory Menoly found herself back in the run down village, the buildings a surprising relief to what she just saw. Unable to stop herself she felt tears running down her face, the sight of the old woman sacrificing herself still in her mind. As she tried to wipe her tears away a faint red glow painted the scenery, causing her to lookup.
There in the center of the black mass was the remainder of the strand, pulsating like a heart at the end. She looked at it fearfully for a second before rage entered her heart. How many times did Hanataro have to watch this? Walking up to the pulsing orb she looked at it for two seconds before lifting her leg up slamming the orb into the ground. The effect was instantaneous, the buildings and the black mass being blown away as the strand withered away, the red reiatsu disappearing. Hearing footsteps behind her she whirled around fists at the ready.
Standing before her was the soot faced Hanataro. While tears still ran down his face his eyes were black, staring at her blankly. He walked up to her, looking her in the eye.
"You try to hide me away, but I always appear through the cracks. If you show me to the world I disappear, but if you keep me I eat you from the inside. What is my name?" For a moment Menoly stared blankly at the kid, unsure of what to say. After a minute however she remembered her encounter earlier with Orihime.
"Guilt. Your name is guilt." The emotion nodded his head, his eyes bleeding black tears. Disappearing in a burst of ash the cloud receded into the ground.
Shaking her head at this she began running back to the castle, determined to make sure her friend never had to hide like that again. We may not be related by blood Hanataro, but you and I are now family. Just hold on, you new sister is coming!
Ukitake's & Unohana's Nightmare
Ukitake & Unohana followed their strand as we'll, finding themselves heading towards a very familiar building. The Shino Academy stood before him, the building as pristine as it was today. The only thing was the windows and doorway was completely darkened.
"I suppose we have to go in there. What do you think we'll find Retsu?" The petite women shrugged her shoulders, unnerved to see the school she taught at looking so dark. "Whatever's waiting in there we have to see it. We don't have much time left." Not pausing for a second she walked into the school, Ukitake following on her heels.
As the memory transitioned in they didn't recognize what year it was, but both knew the significance of this day. It was the first day for new students to the academy.
"Come on Hanataro, I know it's your first day but you're going to like it here." They turned to see Seinosuke talking to their son who was currently half hiding behind his leg. He looked about ten years old in human age. He wore the standard male student outfit, although it was a little loose on his body.
"But Seinosuke-san, wh-what if the other students don't like me?" The tall man chuckled at this before putting his hand behind the boy's back. "I'm sure you'll be fine, now go talk with some of the others."
Giving him a slight push Hanataro went forward, struggling not to stumble. Ukitake watched as Seinosuke turned to leave, a smirk on his face. For reason's Ukitake couldn't describe, that smile sent a chill running up his spine. Unohana noticed this as well, having seen this look on her former lieutenant's face before he crushed someone.
Being blinded again the scene changed, finding himself in a classroom this time. Hanataro was sitting near the back of the class taking notes on proper kido application. The two approached the boy, crouching to get a better look at him. His face was scrunched up in concentration, the tip of his tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth. Ukitake also noticed some fading signs of bruises on his cheek and jaw.
Oh god, they were attacking him even now? He's just a child. His thoughts were pulled out as the teacher called out to the class. "And that students is why you need to keep the flow of reiatsu constant. That ends today's lessons, please practice your reiatsu control exercises for next week's lessons."
Hanataro quietly began packing his notes away, placing them in a small rucksack nearby. Unohana stared at the child, sadness creeping into her heart wishing she could have been in his life. The boy dropped a piece of parchment; both bent down to pick it up. Before either one of them had a chance to do this a hand picked up the paper, handing it to the boy.
"Ah Hanataro-san, how are your lessons going?" The family looked up to find themselves staring into the eyes of none other than the traitor Aizen. The two captain's eye's slanted, glaring at their former comrade. What the hell is he doing near our son?
"Oh uh, he-hello Captain Aizen, h-how are you doing today?" Hanataro smiled at the man, unaware of the monster he was talking to. Aizen chuckled giving the boy a pat on the head. "Oh don't mind me child, I was just looking for your brother, I heard he was going to be here today."
As if on cue Seinosuke walked into the room, eying the two with his usual smile. "We'll if isn't you Aizen-sama, what can I do for you?" Aizen reached into his coat, pulling out an official looking paper.
"My lieutenant and I have been given orders to head to the human world for a mission. I was wondering if you'd be willing to accompany us as medical support?" The man nodded turning to look at his little brother.
"I would be happy to do so, but I'll need to find a sitter for him first." Aizen waved his hand dismissing the thought. "I'm sure Captain Tosen would be more than happy to care for the child. Now we should get going, oh before I forget." Turning to the Hanataro he pulled a pastry box out of his sleeve handing it to the boy.
"Here's a little something for you dear boy, save it till after supper. Now if you'll excuse us we must prepare for our mission. Captain Tosen will pick you up at the end of the day, good luck with your studies." Giving the boy a warm smile he ushered him out of the room, the memory transitioning again. Ukitake looked to Unohana, fear traced into his face.
"Aizen, you don't think he…" Unohana shook her head at this, not liking the notion of the thought. "No I handle Hanataro's physicals personally; if he had experimented on him I'd have noticed something."
Ukitake was going to say something else but found the next portion of the memory playing itself out. They saw they were in the 9th division, specifically the captain's office. Tosen and Hanataro were seated across from each other finishing what looked like dinner.
"So Yamada-san, how do you like the chicken, is there something else you'd like to have instead? The boy shook his head, the food mostly untouched. "N-no, I'm just no-not very hungry. The fo-food itself is very good." Tosen nodded at this, looking a little worn despite his pleasant tone.
"We'll… in that case how about some dessert. Would you like me to get you something?" Hanataro shook his head for a moment, before his cheeks flushed in embarrassment. He reached into his rucksack, pulling out the pastry box. "Actually Captain Aizen gave me some pastries. Would you like one?"
Tosen quickly shook his head, rising up from the desk. "I just remembered I have some paperwork to drop off quick. Help yourself however, I'll try one when I get back." He left the office leaving the small boy in the office. His parents could only watch in horror as Hanataro opened up the box, pulling out a pastry and taking a bite into it.
No sooner had he done this than he began looking woozy, having trouble maintaining his balance. He turned to rise up, to call for help when a gloved hand was placed over his mouth, cutting off all sound.
"Sorry to do this little one, but in the interest of justice it must be done." Those were the last words said before Hanataro blacked out, ending this portion of the memory.
The next portion didn't so much as transition in as it did slam in, finding themselves in the human world. They saw Hanataro tied against a tree, his head rising up and blinking groggily. Instinctively Unohana ran forward towards her boy, only to watch the third part of the traitors make himself known.
"We'll if it isn't little Hana-chan, how's my favorite little guy doing today?" The boy raised his head to look him in the eyes, shaking to and fro. "Lie-lieutenant Gi-Gin, ple-please ge-get me out of he-here.!"
The silver haired captain crouched in front of the boy, his fox like grin in its usual place. "Gee kid I wish I could, really I do but you know one must follow one's orders, pesky little things. Don't know what Captain or your brother wants with ya, but I can't imagine it's good. Oh we'll, that's life." Hanataro began trembling, unable to believe what he was hearing.
"Se-Se-Seinosuke-san's he-here? No, he can't b-be your lying!" The lieutenant opened his eyes; piercing blue eye's bearing into Hanataro's grey ones. "Afraid I'm not sport, but things won't be so bad. Chances are you won't have to worry about anything after tonight. We'll I got to run little man, places to be, mischief to make. Bye-Bye."
Gin turned away, only to let something slip out of his sleeve as he left. He stopped for a moment as if forgetting something, but then shrugged his shoulder and disappearing from view. Hanataro looked down at the item to see a small knife resting near his hand. Picking it up with his hand he began sawing at the rope, slowly at first but picking up speed as he got looser. Finally he cut himself free his small body frame falling to the ground.
Hanataro sat up for a second rubbing his stiff arms and shoulders, before standing up. Unsure of where to go he saw the lights of a town, deciding to head towards it. For about half an hour he headed towards the light, hoping to find someone to help him. As he walked away he suddenly ducked into a bush, hearing voices from far away. Sounding familiar he headed towards them, he stopped when he heard them talking.
"We'll Seinosuke I suppose you can finish up with preparations here, while Tosen and I go collect your little package." Hanataro heard his brother's voice speak out, cool and collected "Sounds good Aizen-sama, I'll have everything ready by the time you get back."
A swishing sound signaled the departure of the two shinigami. Peeking out into the clearing he saw his brother wiping a series of ink trails across the ground, forming a seal. Unable to stop himself he ran into the clearing, yelling out to his brother.
"Seinosuke-san, Seinosuke-san!" The lieutenant turned around, surprised to see Hanataro headed towards him. "Hanataro, what are you doing here?" Hanataro wrapped his arms around him, tears running down his face.
"I don't know, last thing I remember was being at Captain Tosen's and then I woke up here. We need to go there could be bad men around!" Hanataro turned to pull his brothers sleeve, only to find himself yanked back.
"I don't think you understand me Hanataro, I mean why aren't you tied up where I left you?" Hanataro's mind froze at this, unable to believe what he heard. "Se-Seinosuke wh-what are you saying?" Seinosuke gave a cold grin at this, sending fear into the boy's soul.
"We'll I suppose it doesn't matter, now that you're here it's time for you to begin the ritual." Hanataro not liking the look on his brother's face began backing away slowly. "I-I do-don't th-think I want t-to-"Seinosuke's expression changed, his face shifting into one of disgust.
"You little weakling, I don't care what you want. I only got you out of that dead bitch's house because I thought you could be useful but I was wrong. You're so weak and timid; it disgusts me to call you my brother." Hanataro seeing the true nature of his so-called brother tried to run, only to feel Seinosuke's hand clamp over his arm dragging him back towards the seal.
"Don't worry little coward, what uselessness you had in life will be erased in death. Your reiatsu is unique and I intend to make it mine." Hanataro tried to struggle, but found he only slowed his brother's movements, not stopping him tears running down his face he tried to call out for help, only he didn't hear anyone coming.
"Please somebody, anybody help me!" His thoughts screamed this out in despair, trying to avoid whatever fate awaited him. What he didn't expect was someone to call back. Master is…that you?
Hanataro's eyes widened as time seemed to stop, everything going grey in his world. Turning his head he saw his spirit standing there, his wings folded across his chest. "Are-are you my zanpakuto? The spirit nodded, pointing his finger at Seinosuke. It seems you are in a bit of danger, would you like my help?
Hanataro nodded, the tears still running down his face. Okay however I have a demand in return. Hanataro stared at the spirit, waiting to hear demand. The spirit walked up to him putting a hand on his shoulder. You are a soul of peace master, but I am not. My blade calls for blood, for death and fear. I understand you may not heed this very much if at all. However to gain my aid I require you to slake my thirst. Now. The spirit pointed his hand at Seinosuke, clacking his teeth in hunger.
"I can't-I can't do it. I ca-cant ki-kill him. Please don't make me do this?" The spirit sighed but shook his head no. You have no choice in this my master; if you wish to live your brother must die. Make your choice.
Without warning time shifted again moving again at its normal pace. Hanataro looked up at his brothers expression, seeing how cold and uncaring it was. And as much as he loved him, he didn't want to die. "Alright, I'll do what you want."
Seinosuke snorted, turning his head to leer at his brother. 'Not like you have a choice yo-"He was cut off as a the spirits sword materialized out of thin air, impaling him through the chest. The surprise of what happened was so fast he let go of Hanataro, falling backwards away from him. Right onto the seals he had written.
"You…you little freak, once I repair this damage I'll-"He stopped talking as his eyes fell on the seals, watching them get activated by the blood. He attempted to wrench himself away, only to fall back as the symbols wrapped around him, burning into his skin.
"NO! THIS ISN'T THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSED TO-AAAAAGH." He screamed out as the seals consumed him, transforming his body into pure reiatsu. All that was left were the two blades, which weaved themselves together and eventually integrated into Hisagomaru's current shape. Hanataro simply sat there, head buried into his chest, trying to block it out. After a minute the blade fell to the ground and the light faded, leaving only Hanataro's sobs behind.
This ended quickly however as a series of swishing sounds were heard, marking the arrival of the traitor's. Aizen stepped into the clearing, taking a look at Hisagomaru, all that was left of his once subordinate.
"We'll this must have been quite interesting, shame we didn't get to see it." Gin grinned at this, tapping his foot against the blade. "Probably wasn't too interesting for Seinosuke-san here, must have been downright horrifying."
Tosen coughed at this, the silver haired captain's disregard for the dead always bothered him. "Aizen-sama, what should we do, should we continue the experiment." Aizen shook his head, indicating towards the blade.
"No, this was always Seinosuke's little test and now that he's dead it no longer is our concern. Let's just leave the blade and kill the boy." Tosen nodded, drawing his blade and heading towards the boy. He stopped when he Gin passed in front of him, his arms upheld mockingly.
"Let's hold on a second Captain, one brother dying is to be expected especially considering he was on assignment. If both of them die it's going to look awfully suspicious to those old farts, now wont it?" Tosen bristled at the argument, but could see the point to this. "He…may have a point Aizen-sama, considering the boy's just a student killing him might bring unwanted attention. Why not just make him forget this ever happened."
Aizen seemed to contemplate this for a moment before nodding, walking towards the boy. Hanataro looked up at him; his eye's looking half dead from the experience. "Would you like to forget everything Hanataro-san, make this seem like it was all a bad dream?" Hanataro nodded, his eye's not really focusing on anything anymore.
Aizen pulled out his zanpakuto, letting it gleam in the moonlight. Bringing it close to the boy he smiled for a moment before lifting it up in front of him, declaring those fearful words.
"Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu." And with the shattering of the sword came the ending of the dream.
As they found themselves back in the academy the two captains fell to their knees, neither one wanting to believe what they had seen. Tears flowed freely down their face as the two held each other, crying over their son's misfortune.
"That bastard! He was going to kill our son. If it hadn't been for Gin…" Unohana trailed off crying into Ukitake's shoulder as he comforted her, not wanting to think about it. They two abruptly stopped their crying as the red strand of the reiatsu appeared before them. Not hesitating the two leapt forward, bringing their blades onto it. The strand tore apart, disintegrating with their attack.
Turning to leave the two found themselves face to face with a black eyed Seinosuke, his callous smirk still on his mangled body. They both went towards their blades, but stopped when he spoke.
"My father can come from many sources, greed, envy, desire. But my mother has always been trust. What is my name?" Unohana stepped forward, knowing the answer to this one easily.
"Your name is betrayal, and your form matches it perfectly." Giving out a vicious laugh he evaporated, the academy evaporating with him. Turning to each other they wiped their tears away, then began heading back towards the castle, back to their child.
Rukia's Nightmare
Rukia stood in front of her building, staring at it with fear in her eyes. Looming before her was Aaroniero's palace, as intimidating as ever. She saw the holes where she had blasted light into the building. Why would this place be here? Hanataro healed me here but that's all…right? For a moment she didn't want to go in, but steeled her resolve when she saw the strand leading into the building.
Guess I've got no choice. She walked into the building, plunging herself into the darkness. As she stepped through the archway she found herself outside of the building, her legs plunged into sand as opposed to the rocks of the inner world. Rising to her feet she turned to look around, spotting a black figure in the distance.
Straining her eyes to see she saw Hanataro running towards the palace, huffing and out of breath. She also got to see him trip and stumble down the dune's, rolling down the hill and landing near her position. Rukia sweat dropped at this, watching her friend rise from the ground. We really need to help him with that, he's going to get hurt…well more hurt than usual. She watched him get up then continue running towards the entrance way, she followed him inside the palace.
The boy was running down the hallways, panting heavily from the effort. Rukia ran next to him, curious eating away at her. As they turned the corner both were blinded by a light at the end of the tunnel.
"Ah there he is, thank goodness! I finally caught up with you Captain Kuchiki! Leaving me behind like that was so mean, Captain Kuchiki!..." As the boy began complaining to her brother Rukia found herself drawn to two things. The first was her brother's injuries, she had seen them before but not with those symbols. The second was what she assumed was an espada floating before him in his resurrection form.
"Yamada Hanataro." The boy looked up from where he had stumbled, answered the captain. "Y-Yes?"
"Get Back." Hanataro looked panicked for a moment, talking in his nervous voice. "O-Okay! I'll get back this Minute! I'm in your way, aren't I?"
Byakuya didn't answer his hand lifting up with the symbol covering it. As the hand began contorting and reaching for his neck, Rukia watched this all in horror, as her brother sliced the tendons across his arm. She didn't pay much more attention to the conversation, simply watching the arm flow down her. He pointed a finger at her fallen form, watching as he used a level 1 kido to break her out of the frozen sludge.
"Yamada Hanataro, get back." The captain commanded. Hanataro immediately complied, running over to Rukia and wrapping his arm around her torso.
"Rukia-san, Rukia-san. Hold on! I'm going to heal your injuries now." Rukia looked at the scene, watching Hanataro struggle to pick her up and carry her out. She felt odd watching the scene. That feeling was immediately replaced with a feeling of unease as she heard the espada begin speaking. She turned her eyes to the espada, watching as the two holes on its shoulder began to glow purple.
"Earlier I used two of my eyes when I released amor. In other words…I gained sovereignty over something else besides your arm." Rukia turned in time to see her body being carried by Hanataro springing to life, slashing him across the front from hip to collar bone.
For a second everything seemed to stop as she watched herself, blank expression on her past self's face and Hanataro's covered in blood. As he fell back the memory began to fade out, even as she ran towards the falling boy. As he impacted into the frozen floor the blood splattered across the ground, pooling around his head and torso. The last thing Rukia saw before the memory ended was the sight of herself attacking her brother, her blade aimed to pierce her torso.
For a moment Rukia didn't say anything, left alone on her knees in the darkness of the palace. As the event played and replayed itself in her mind she felt something pooling in her stomach, racing through her veins and up her chest. As it hit its peak she raised her head back yelling in rage, tears streaming down in frustration. Lifting her arms she her fists into the ground, not hurting herself, pain didn't exist in that sense here. But it was more a pain of the heart, of having known she hurt her friend, nearly killed him.
Damn it, it's not enough for hollows or those douchebags in the 11th to do this to him, but me as well? When I woke up from my fight I saw the bandages on his chest, but I just assumed he had fallen or hurt himself. We were in Hueco Mundo for heaven's sake, I should have known something could have happened. Would I have assumed anything for anyone else, how can he still be so nice to me?
She was broken out of herself criticism by the red glow. She began walking towards it, wanting to take her anger out on something, when the strand twisted and churned, spitting out a small figure. It was just a shade of its former self, but there was no mistaking the gauge on the side of its head. Recognizing the zanpakuto she stared at him hatefully, the toy like spirit looking at her blankly.
"You can't save him you know, even if you rescue him from me, someone else will come along to kill him." Rukia snorted, planning to walk right by it when the spirit leapt in front of her, cutting of her path.
"His enemies tormented him, people he never knew humiliated him, hell I want him dead and I was his brother's zanpakuto. Even his friends have gone after him in one way or another, yourself being at the top of the list. His soul is the most tortured thing in this dimension, why not let him simply perish? Why put him through more pain than he's already endured?"
The spirit spoke kindly, trying to convince her. Rukia lowered her head for a moment, before snapping her foot forward, slamming into his chest. The little toy bounced backwards, eventually being sent back into the strand disappearing from view. Rukia looked up an angry look on her face.
"I may have hurt him, but it wasn't my fault and it wasn't his. None of what you've shown him has been his responsibility and I'll make sure he knows that, if I have to beat it into him. As for you…" She stormed forward grabbing the strand and twisting it, twisting it off at the end. "You can just SHUT UP! The strand twisted and bounced like a beheaded snake, before falling to the ground.
Rukia huffed and turned around, finding herself face to face with the Espada. It stared at her in its pumpkin shape, before speaking to her.
"I make you weak at the worst of all times. I keep you safe, I keep you fine. I make your hands sweat, and your heart grow cold, I visit the weak, but seldom the bold. What is my name?" Rukia looked at it, unimpressed with the emotions riddle.
"Fear, now get the hell out of my way." She marched straight past the emotion not turning to look at it. Not even when it disintegrated along with the palace. She had one destination in mind, and it wasn't here.
Hanataro's castle
As the spirit waited it could feel each of the memories being forced away. As each strand flickered and died out the barrier holding them back waned and flickered, weakening. With the collapse of the final strand the barrier was nothing more than a pale membrane, ready to be pushed through in a heartbeat.
The group all arrived more or less around the same time, looking less than well after their experiences. The spirit observed them, snapping its teeth together in a clack as it rose to its feet.
"I take it you all learned more than you wished to?" The spirit said in both a questioning and mocking tone. Rukia stepped forward, clearly not in the mood. "Enough of this, just break down this barrier!"
The spirit chuckled turning his back to the group. "Of course, but before you do that I'll need you to give me back my pieces if you please."
They were confused by this statement up until they felt something pushing from their insides. Opening their mouths a combination of mist, ash and dust came swirling out, passing through each of the other members in turn. As the other materials went through them they each saw the memories that the others had to experience, until the three substances pulled away, wrapping around and being absorbed by th spirit, as the last pieces fell into place the spirit looked the same, but seemed complete somehow. Unohana walked to the spirit, an annoyed expression on her face.
"What did you just do? That wasn't a very pleasant experience." The spirit bowed his head, shadows hiding it's face.
"My apology for the deception, but it was necessary. Some of you must be wondering why my master would have a spirit as dark as myself, yes? To put it bluntly I am the darker aspects of Hanataro's soul, the one's he locks away. Guilt, betrayal, fear all of these make up my being, but when I was damaged in the real world these pieces fell away. And through them Hisagomaru was able to wreak havoc, as well as preventing me from destroying the barrier." Ukitake shook his head, helping Menoly up to her feet.
"You could have warned us about this you know, not give us a heart attack." The spirit shook his head, hands clutching his stomach. "I'm afraid I couldn't risk it. If the emotions knew what you were intending they might have fled, as opposed to being contained. But enough of such things, now that I'm whole I can set things right."
Approaching the barrier he slammed his palms together, the grind of bone on bone making the others wince. White light began emerging from his hands, only much stronger than before. Curling his hands into fists he thrust the two forward into the barrier, grinding against it the energy.
And a moment later, the barrier shattered into a thousand pieces withering away into nothingness.
Battle Group
As Ichigo held the creature back from the door he struggled to maintain his footing. Not so much from the creature but more so from all the Calaveras corpses littering the field. Up in the air Harribel and Kyoraku were pulling on the creature to prevent it from chowing on the young shinigami. For a moment it looked like they wouldn't be able to hold.
Suddenly Bone Ripper leapt back, opening his mouth and screaming into the air, red wisps of reiatsu pulling through its mouth. Kyoraku tensed up, fearing that Hisagomaru had broken free and was heading back to Hanataro. But as the reiatsu withered and disappeared he relaxed, reverting his shikai back to the regular swords and sheathing them. Harribel came up next to him, panting from the effort.
"Is it…is it over?" Kyoraku nodded, a pleased look on his face. "Yes it seemed they broke Hisagomaru's hold. Good thing to, cause I don't think we would have lasted much longer." Ichigo sighed in relief, but was unwilling to put his sword away.
"So what happens now? Do we take him home." Kyoraku shrugged walking towards the barrier gate. "No idea, I guess that'll depend on Hanataro. For now let's get healed and wait for the others, I'm exhausted."
As soon as they left the barrier Bone Ripper sat down, tentacles dropping to the ground. For about ten minutes it didn't move, weariness touching it for the first time in over a millennia. It cracked its back, then shifted its face to a happy grin. It got to stretch its limbs so to speak and everything was back on course. Better make sure the kid is alright though. The hollow stood up, bounding out of the room and towards the ruins.
Upon reaching the sight it saw the two groups were sitting back and relaxing, Orihime's gold shield sitting over the group, repairing wounds/replenishing reiatsu. The group looked up at his arrival, surprised to see him so soon.
"So have any of them woken up yet?" Kukaku shook her head, indicating to the sword. "He sent a message to us just a second ago, said he didn't need us to anchor them anymore. The kid is fixed, although to what extent it's not sure."
Bone Ripper sat back contemplating this before nodding, stalking away. "The kid's going to be exhausted and frankly so am I. I'll talk to him tomorrow. Oh, and don't try to leave otherwise I'll devour you all." Bursting forward it disappeared from sight, leaving both arrancar and shinigami alone.
Inner World
Inside Hanataro's world things were shifting dramatically. The dead grass and tree's disintegrated away, leaving brown and barren ground before them. Cliffs and spikes that had jutted from the ground were for the most part receding, although a few refused to do so. Finally stars began twinkling into the night, making the world seem brighter and more alive. While the world was not a masterpiece of beauty, it was far from the hell it was turning into.
Those present in this world weren't really paying any of this a great amount of attention. Their focus was solely on the entrance into the castle which was no longer barred.
"Spirit-san, is it over, will Hanataro be alright?" The spirit was sitting on one of the tombstones, resting from what he just did. "Hisagomaru is no longer a threat to Hanataro anymore. Whether or not he'll be alright, that's hard to say. The damage to his soul has been mostly repaired, but the damage to the boy's nerves that will be harder to say."
Rukia stepped forward, a hesitant look on her face. "Hanataro…can you tell us what part of the castle he's in? Can we see him?" The spirit thought of this for a moment before nodding his head.
"He's in the main floor bedroom, behind the green door. Go to him but do so carefully, he will not be at his strongest." Ukitake still looked at him, suspicious despite his help. "Will you be coming with us? I know you've been waiting for a awhile."
The spirit shook his head, pointing to his body. "Now would not be a good time. When he is ready I will speak to him but for now he needs you more than he needs me. Goodbye flowers in the dark, we will not meet again." Standing up he took to the sky's, heading towards the moon until he was out of sight.
They watched him depart from sight, then turned to the bridge. Unohana looked at Ukitake, an earnest expression on her face. "We'll everyone, let's not keep him waiting anymore." Not waiting for a response she began striding up to the building, the others hurrying to catch up with her.
Entering the castle the inside was much like the outside damaged in parts but for the most part blank, as if somebody hadn't bothered to fill it in yet. Rushing through the different hallways the finally found themselves at the door he described. For a moment everyone paused, all having struggled to get to this point. Having made it now everyone felt a little hesitant to open the door.
Unohana was able to gather her courage first, she reached for the handle and turned it, the door opening silently allowing them to view inside. The inside of the room was plain, like every other part of the castle. Only a bed and a stand were in the room, the covers a pale blue in contrast to the grey stone. And laying in the middle of the bed was a clearly panicked Hanataro, staring back at them with fear in his eyes.
"Pl-Please ju-just go away. Do-don't ma-make me se-see it again!" Ukitake walked forward, doing his best not to panic him. "Where not going to hurt you Hanataro, it may be hard to believe but we're actually here in your world."
Hanataro shook his head at this, pulling the blankets up closer to his chin. "No, you can't b-be here, th-this is a tr-trick like before."
Unohana, torn up inside to see her son like this walked up to the bed, sitting next to him. He tried to scoot away from her but was unable to as she wrapped her arms around him pulling him in. He struggled for a minute while she just held him, rubbing his back. After a while he settled down, lying there lethargically.
"Please, don't do this. I'm so tired and I can't deal with the memories again." Rukia stepped forward, taking his hand in hers. "Hanataro, I know you've been through a lot, and we want to help you. Please use your spiritual awareness, tell me what you feel?"
Hanataro closed his eyes, focusing his reiatsu to try and sense something. His eye's snapped open as he felt each of their presences in the room. Daring to hope he looked up at the four, tears brimming in his eyes.
"This-this isn't a dr-dream? Yo-your actually he-here?" When Rukia nodded her head yes, Hanataro buried his head into Unohana's shoulder crying his eyes out. Ukitake and Menoly walked in each of them taking hold of him, a dry eye in the room could not be found. After what seemed like all too short of a time, Hanataro lifted his head his eyes red and puffy.
"What…Whats been ha-happening si-since I was knocked out? Is Nel okay? Last thing I remember was ge-getting shot and th-then ending up he-here." Unohana sighed, knowing this was going to be one of the hardest things she had to do.
"Nel is fine Hanataro, she's with the others. As for what we need to tell you…there's a lot, starting with Captain Ukitake and I. The thing is Hanataro, there's a lot that I've…we've kept from you that we need to tell you. We understand if you can't forgive us, but we just want you to know we did what we thought was best for you." Hanataro looked at the two unsure what to think. When he looked at Rukia however, she gave him a comforting smile, letting him know it was alright.
"Whatever you guys have done, I'm…I'm sure I can handle it." The two parents looked at each other for a moment, fear and doubt written on their faces. Taking a deep breath the two turned to Hanataro, then told him everything.
We'll that was the longest thing I've ever written. Sorry it took a couple extra days, school starts tommorow so i had to take a little time away from this. Let me know what you think of this chapter and enjoy.
