And we're back. Thanks to the few who reviewed. Since no one answered the questions from Last Chapter. I'll assume all is well and continue on. I have also decided on Charlotte and Alessandro. Keep reading to find out what that decision is.
Work's been crazy and will most likely stay that way till Christmas. Not sure if I'll get another Chapter out before New Years. But we'll see.
As always: I don't own Bleach!
Intruders
Shiro Kurokami
"I'm confused, say what?" I'd just come back, barely through the door for a minute. I'd handed another crystallized red shard to Menoly who was just now carrying it away. Then I'd suddenly found myself face to face with Tatsu, positively glowing. "I said I wanna learn how to control my spiritual energy." She said again. "I'll explain it to him Tatsu, how about you go ahead and help with dinner preparations?" Tia suggested seeing my confused look.
"Shiro?" She held out her hand for me to grab it, which naturally I did. Then pulled me into our bedroom. "So what happened?" "The good news is she's absolutely going to be part of your life, for now at the very least." Relief washed over me. "Good." "The semi bad news is... I might have taken the convincing a bit far..." Questioningly I raised an eyebrow and glared at her. "Oh believe me, nothing we did happened without her consent." I was still a bit sweaty, Tia didn't care and embraced me anyway. I wasn't angry with her as I said I was relieved. Happy even. The glow Tatsu had had about her proved that she was in a very good mood.
"She didn't let me touch her directly... so I showed off one of your special cero's." I laughed and spun her around. "Mhh..." She made as we danced for a little while. Cyan had taught us, she was sort of the 'Lady' of the house. "Did she like it?" "Most definitely." She looked up at me beaming. Sharing that smile once more. I took the opportunity to relay my gratitude with a kiss. It was enough stimulation to send us both over the edge and soon we were doing much more than kissing.
Some time later..
"I'll need another shower now." Tia joked. "I needed one already. I believe Nel might join us too." I told her happily. "Where is she anyway?" She asked. "Getting a snack. Training tired her out." The blonde gave me a nod. Snack was now our codeword for hunting a couple hollows. We didn't want to use the word 'devour' with Tatsu around. "So you were saying about servicing Tatsu." She shivered a bit making my eyes grow wide. "That good?" "Surprisingly for someone who says has never thought about sleeping with a woman." "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself then." And I truly was. The two had grown to be friends. I honestly think it was good for both of them.
"She asked me what to do from here." I listened, learned how she had suggested Fullbring. We'd only learned about that a month ago ourselves from a hollow that had come to join us from earth. Very intelligent and since grown to be an Adjuchas. And if my instincts were right... which usually they are, well on his way to become a Vastro Lorde. "All we need is someone to teach her." I knew she was suggesting someone, I just wasn't sure I wanted to go there. But there was surely no one better for teaching her control. For pulling out whatever potential she had at her disposal. And since Tatsuki was already inclined to fight with her body... it was an easy leap to assume that her abilities would or could be used to augment her existing skills. Especially since she wasn't a completely useless waste of space like Chad and Inoue had been before awakening their abilities. "I guess I could pay them a visit with her." I admitted still not keen on the idea. "Also, before I forget. I should tell you that Tatsu would not say no if you made... 'advances' on her." Tia informed me grinning at me suggestively. "Perv." "I am what you made me." Leaning back on to the bed I closed my eyes. "I don't think I will... not until she's perfectly sure which way her life is going." "I know... I just don't like it. Part of me wants you both to forget romance and just go ahead and do it. You'd both feel so much better. Sadly neither of you are those kinds of people."
"I'm back!" The door opened revealing Nel smiling. "Always nice to come home to the sight of my two favourite naked people." She declared looking us over. "Shall we have that shower?" I asked picking up Tia and carrying her with me making her smile again.
We had an early dinner and soon it was time for Tatsu to return home. We'd talked over food and apart from my visits to my sisters I would try to come visit her as well over the week while the weekend would be reserved for my sisters. "It was a pleasure to have you." Cifer said nicely kissing her knuckles. "Thank all of you again for a great week. I'll miss you." "And we you." Nel said offering a hug this time which Tatsu accepted. "We have something for you." Tia said, offering a white pendant. It was round, and polished to perfection. "It contains very small pieces of shrapnel from the masks of Grimm, Cifer, Tia, Nel and me. If you feel lonely or need help. Just grab it. We'll all feel your feelings pulse through. Otherwise we also put in pictures." I showed her how to open it and with a wave of her hand, the faces of all five of ones, one after the other appeared in the frame. "Thank you." I kissed away her tears making her giggle a little. "Let's go, everyone... don't destroy the place while I'm gone." As the Giganta closed Grimm began laughing. "He's gone, let the revolution begin!" He playfully grabbed Cifers throat shaking him a little. "Die!" And he dropped, 7 out of 10 for performance.
It had me still laughing when we got out. "Where are we?" Tatsu asked, "I think I know this place." "You would." There was a girl charging me, I had expected as much. "Sleep." I said flicking her forehead. "Sorry Ururu, I know you can't help it. Jinta I suggest putting that away. I'm not here to fight but if you were to put a scratch on Tatsu... I'd have to scratch you back. You got me?" His eyes grew wide. I hadn't bothered to change my clothes. "Ichigo?" He asked confused. "Close enough. Would you mind taking Ururu? I think I'm about to be attacked." He grinned and took the girl. "Tatsu please step back for a second." Just as she did a dark purple haired woman appeared next to me, around me and she was trying very hard to punch me.
"Come on Yoruichi, if you really wanna get a punch in, then you gotta take this a bit more seriously." She stopped in front of me. She was smaller than Tia and Nel. "Ichigo." She just said hugging me tight. "I'm so sorry."
"I heard you stopped all business with the Shinigami?" I asked. "Because of you." I knew that ridiculous childlike tone of voice that he liked to use. Same clothes, same stupid hat, same dumb fan. "I see some things never change." I said smiling. "Would you like to take this inside?" Kisuke asked offering entrance to his shop. "Perhaps we should." Tatsuki automatically took my arm and stayed close as we walked inside.
"I realise you must have repeated it a hundred times... but what happened?" "First I'd like to shake hands." "Why?" He asked. "Because by shaking your hand, I can read the negative energy within you. And I'll know whether or not you are friend or foe. I've done the same when Yoruichi hugged me. Therefore, I trust her." "I see, should have just said so from the beginning." I smiled. "You are far from a saint Kisuke Urahara. But a trusted friend nonetheless." He shifted uncomfortably when my eyes narrowed slightly. "We will however shortly discuss the guilt you feel concerning my mother." Even Tatsu felt the shiver. I was still smiling and we were good. I wouldn't attack him or anything, but there was something there that I didn't like. Why would he feel guilty at all? It surprised me, he knew more than he let on. "You truly have evolved. You are no longer the boy I met." "No... no I'm not." I said sharply.
"Well then, tea..." Kisuke said going to prepare it. I tilted my head somewhat, watching Yoruichi. She was sitting stiffly. And not in her usual relaxed laid back manner. "You seem stiff, what's going on?" She looked at me a bit strangely, like she didn't understand why I would say that. Before looking down at herself. "Oh...mhh..." She shook her head in thought. Afterwards she visibly relaxed taking the seat as she normally would. Somehow it hadn't seemed appropriate to Yoruchi to sit like this.
She had gone back to wear similar clothes to what Shinigami's wore. In fact, the uniform reminded me of Sui-Feng. Though I could tell she was still uncomfortable. The woman had spent too much time in her cat form and didn't like clothes much anymore.
"Now what have you come here for?" Kisuke asked taking a seat and pouring tea. "I was hoping you might help me. I've recently taken Tatsuki to see my home. Therefore the spirit world is now aware of her. Do you have a device to look at someone's soul?" He beamed. I wasn't surprised he did. The guy is a genius and probably more than just slightly mad.
"Take a look at her." It took a moment before he pulled something like a magnifying glass. After he was done he handed it to Yoruichi. "They will want her, and I need her to learn to fight. Being close to me, like it has done with Orihime and Chad. Has given her a large pool of Reiatsu. I'd like you to pull out her latent abilities." I told Kisuke who shrugged his shoulder. "I think that will be managable." "And I'd like Yoruichi to train her. Tatsu is already versed in Karate I think both her experience and training may be best suited for your fighting style."
The woman looked at me, I knew well enough that I was asking a lot. Her family excelled in certain techniques and teaching them randomly might get her in trouble. It was a test of loyalty. I knew a couple of visored who could just as well teach her. Then again Yoruichi was the best. And that's what I wanted for her.
"As repayment, I offer you the chance to study Hueco Mundo. A trip there, unchallenged by anything above the common Gillian class Menos." "How could you possibly offer such a thing?!" "He can." Tatsu said at once, seeing the doubtful expressions of the two people sitting opposite us she repeated it with more determination. "I assure you, he can offer you that."
"I have your word?" Kisuke asked again looking towards me. "Yes, if you train her, I will allow you entrance at a time of your choosing. Simply tell Tatsu to contact me, she knows how." "You have yourself a deal." Yoruchi said shaking my hand as did Kisuke.
"Be sure to train hard, and don't be surprised if Yoruichi starts flashing you. She loves running around naked." Looking back she shrugged. "Seen better." Kisuke snorted a laughter while Yoruichi did something I'd never seen her do before. She blushed angrily.
"Don't forget your visits." Tatsu reminded me. "I'll be sure to come by, though I'd suggest your training take priority. You are too vulnerable right now." We exchanged a hug quickly. "Thank you for your hospitality." I bowed and moved to the door. "Oy Shiro..." Tatsu yelled crossing her arms in front of her chest. "What?" "Didn't you forget something?" For a moment I was confused, but finally realised what she must be talking about. I took her in my arms, dipped and then kissed her. "That was way overboard." She told me laughing. "Gotta make up your mind, woman." The Garganta opened directly behind me. "I'll see you." I added letting her go and stepping inside.
"WAIT!" Kisuke suddenly yelled. "She called you Shiro? Shiro Kurokami?" I didn't answer. Instead I just stepped inside. Although admittedly I'd come to enjoy a bit of theatrics. "Make sure she's safe." I just said.
He swallowed a bit heavily. The unspoken 'or else' still hanging in the air. "Jinta?" "Yeah?" "Please take Tatsuki home and make sure the area around is clean." Yoruichi said. "Aye aye." He saluted towards her before going off to get some more gear. So she turned to Tatsu. "I'll be sure to pick you up after school." The purple haired woman said. "How do you..." "Chad and Orihime, I trained them before. I know your schedules." "Alright, come on little guy." Tatsu said looking towards the red haired one. "Don't call me little, bitch!" They left leaving the two adults alone.
Yoruichi's expression turned serious quickly. "Send a message to the Shinigami. Hueco Mundo is to be reclassified Red Territory immediately. And under no circumstances should they move against the new King." "You felt it too?" Kisuke asked heavily. "Yes, he certainly isn't who he was a year ago."
2 hours earlier...
About 2 miles from Las Noches
"Keep your eyes open. The commander only wants us to find out what's going on and what those rumours are about." The blue haired boy said. He was in charge, he was always put in charge now and he didn't like it at all. They moved towards the strongest collection of Energy. They'd gone a fair bit when he was called on. "Captain?" He turned. "What is it Kira?" "Movement." The blonde said drawing his sword. "Let's move on, I'd rather not be spotted." the group of 3 Shinigami had just entered Hueco Mundo, using the means to open a Garganta that Kisuke Urahara had come up with a bit over a year ago. Toshiro Hitsugaya, Kira Izuru and Renji Abarai had been sent to investigate the recent appearance of what had been described as an Espada in Karakura Town.
Of course that would be utterly impossible, nothing had remained standing after the explosion. And the chance of anything having evolved that quickly was utterly ridiculous. He was pulled from his musings by a body blocking the path. A large silver insect like body with a lot of legs. "I can't allow you to progress further. You've entered the outer perimeter of Las Noches. Return to where you came form." All three man had pulled their swords. "Why do you wish to fight? This is not your home, you are here even when you're unwelcome." "You are a danger to us." "I'm the appointed guardian. You may not pass." The voice rose from the ground and finally revealed it's head. "Allow me, Howl, Zabimaru." The sword lenghted and the Hollows eyes narrowed threateningly.
"You are Shinigami?" It's eyes suddenly glowed dangerously of Reiatsu. "Too late to run now." Abarai yelled swinging his released sword. It bounced straight of the strange Hollow. "Were you present? A year ago... when everything changed?" "What is it to you?" The creature raised it's head. Crossing it's feelers... energy began forming a dark violet orb. "Cero." The energy shot up far into the night sky. "LEARN TO AIM!"
It wasn't especially hard to aim the sword at the hollow. It had many legs, many targets. "Sit upon the frozen heavens, Hyourinmaru." Soon it was not just the extending blade but also ice attacks that the Centipede had to fight off. It's regeneration was very high, by the time 3 legs had been cut off, two had regrown.
"Well done Kira." The hollow saw them walking closer, it's determination strengthening. "You may not enter the sanctum! You may not lay your eyes on the Pearl of Hueco Mundo! I do not allow it! I do not permit it!" He saw the blond man walking forward with the confidence of a victorious man. As Reiatsu started gathering around it. "Glory to Lord Kurokami! Jiko Hakai!" It's body glowed of the same color as the Cero the creature had just shot into the sky.
The blue haired boy leapt back hurridly feeling the growing power within the centipedes body. "GO TO HELL SHINIGAMI SCUM!" A flash of light erupted just as Hitsugaya demanded his Bankai to obey him. A wall of ice enclosed the Shinigami with surprising speed, however... it seemed to have been unnecessary the light was dying down. And nothing at all had happened.
What was that feeling Hitsugaya had just had? The feeling that this low level hollow might just be able to harm them?
"Calm yourself." I new voice said. "I know what he did to you. Don't worry, the additional weight you feel will loose it's effects over the next few hours." The woman explained "I tried." The Hollow informed the blonde. "I didn't want them in the sanctum." The Shinigami watched her rub the Hollows head. "Although they would have been more easily dealt with there." Hitsugaya's hand was trembling, he had recognized the back of the persons head... the voice that came with it.
"How are you alive? I cut you down myself!" The woman sighed at the blue haired Shinigami in annoyance. "Perhaps your sword is just not as sharp as you would like it to be?" Her expression remained cold, instead of looking at them. She set her attention back to the Adjuchas before her. "What do I do with you, Silvers?" "Throw me at them, use me as a club. Just get that disgraceful trash of off Lord Kurokami's hollowed ground." A smirk played along the corner of her lips as she answered: "Look at it this way, had it not been for the disgraceful trash that irks us so, we would not have him with us. Perhaps, we might even be enemies." The eyes behind the bone mask of the centipede Adjuchas glowered threateningly towards the group of Shinigami who weren't so sure anymore they wanted to go further. Toshiro remembered their last encounter with the blonde all too well. He'd barely gotten out of it. And only because the woman had hesitated.
"Yes, Lady Harribel." The Hollow named Silvers conceded finally. "Good boy." She said petting it again. "Mila, Emi, Cyan... take Silvers to safety. And inform Nel she might move a bit quicker." Three echoing Sonido sounds made them step back even more. As the beast trio took hold of the Adjuchas and disappeared without a word only glaring at the Shinigami as they disappeared. "If you wish to fight me... I suggest you hurry it up before …" She chuckled. "Before the real Reaper gets here."
"We have two Bankai's and one of the most powerful Shikai. What do you think you can do?" Toshiro was nervous, he had struck her down. Right through her skull, she couldn't have survived. But here she was. How? Why? "I assure you... by the time you manage to get me into trouble, I'll have killed one of you. By the time your delusion of victory sets in, the second one will die from my family coming to my aid as reinforcements. And if you're very unlucky... the last survivor gets to meet my Shiro."
Tia Harribel
I watched them with interest. I was already having a bad day. Tatsuki really made this place a lot... homier. She was carefree like Nel, but could be as serious as me if she wanted to be. And her laughter was absolutely contagious.
Now here I was... having been pulled from my well earned rest. Facing off against Ice boy, Monkey boy and Weight boy.
My only ray of hope was that Nel might be content with a long, drawn out cuddling session later. And would resist her need to sleep with him for a couple hours. I sighed watching them. They called their stupid incantations and summoned their Bankai having the light blonde looking extremely jealous.
"Cero." I said swinging my blade. They were of course supposed to just stand there... but sadly decided to dodge my attack. The blonde one was a bit slow though. "Cero." I said again swinging again cutting his sword in half easily. I raised an eyebrow at him. "I agree with your captain, very powerful Shikai." He looked angry... poor him. Getting emotional during a battle could only get you killed. Unless, of course. You were a hollow. In which case emotions were a good thing. I sighed again.
I really didn't want to put my mask on either. I was already tired, dumb as I am I'd asked Cifer to put in some more training for just a little while. Which we did for half an hour before he told me to go sleep seeing how exhausted I was. Nel had then joined me in the bed and we'd gone to sleep. We'd barely gone to dream land when we felt the Cero being shot into the sky.
It was well known that shooting a cero upwards, was a sign of Shinigami intruders. That was a new law that my Shiro had created, if anyone did so without an actual Shinigami present. He would be killed immediately.
"You remember how this ended last time?" Toshiro asked confidently. "Last time I gave you the chance to get back up. I wouldn't be making the same mistake again. Judging by the position of the moon, you have approximately 15 minutes to fight me..." "What happens then?" I just shrugged my shoulders at him. Part of me wanted to see how he would react, if I said: "My boyfriend comes home." Alas that was childish and I wasn't Nel. Still they were sweating, I felt my family approach from behind. They were taking it slow. They could feel me as well, feel that my mask wasn't out yet. Nel had gone as far as too get the boys out of training. She was overly careful. I appreciated it. Gone were the times a Hollow stood alone.
"We're leaving." Iceboy suddenly said. "Oh?" I made surprised. Unexpected but not unwelcome. "Captain Hitsugaya?" "You heard me Renji, we're leaving. Kira will surely die if we stay here. Also, has no one but me realized that there's two of us in Bankai and she hasn't even put on her mask yet?" The red haired one seemed disappointed, if he wanted to stay I'm sure Shiro would have found some time to play with him. "I'll help you along." I said opening a Garganta behind them. "Straight to the human world. I suggest hurrying up." I took a deep breath. "My time was a bit off, I mean it... he's back." And his mask was on. I could feel him to here. Hopefully Shiro would decide to keep it on. It'd been a while since I let myself drown in his Reiatsu.
It hit them, though of course less than it did me. I was looking for it. Always looking for it, for that was the strength of the connection and bond we'd come to share. With every step he took, another wave came crashing down. And it was now that Toshiro realized. I wasn't just spitting hot air. The Reaper was coming, and he easily had more Spiritual Energy than the 3 of them combined. "Move it. MOVE!" He yelled stepping into the Garganta pushing the other two into it with him.
I heard the rustling of cloth next me. Watched his robes billow towards the side as the breeze was picking up. He watched me, checked me for any kind of injury. Gently turning my head with his fingers. Shiro was looking for the smallest of hairs that might be missing or chipped. Had that been the case the three Shinigami never would have been allowed to leave alive. The pressure was crushing, for those not strong enough... the amount of Reiatsu he was emitting was more than enough to kill.
They heard the rattling echoing breath from behind his mask. "Do not turn, walk." We heard dragon boy say. A cold shiver ran down their spines as finally my friends and family arrived. I heard Shiro draw in a breath.
"Do not return." It wasn't that Shiro had spoken louder than usual. He had no need of it. His voice carried through the air right into the hearts of the Shinigami. They remained with their backs to us, right until the time the Garganta closed, not daring to turn around.
The intruders repelled, Shiro's mask vanished.
"So, had some exciting spars?" He said giving me that damn foxy smile of his. "They didn't do much apart from flaring their ego's. Still... I would have been in a bit of trouble if monkey boy and dragon-ice boy had attacked together." "They should be glad they didn't..." He was always so needlessly worried about us. "Shiro, can you take me home?" Okay I was acting spoiled. After years and years of being alone... I was allowed to ask for it. "Come on, on the way back you can tell me everything that happened.
Jiko Hakai - Self Destruct
See you guys next time!
