(A/N: Man I'm really plowing through this aren't I? Here's to the next chapter)
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
Ichigo's pov
We were flying through the air on the Rheairds when suddenly they ran out of fuel. The Rheairds started making a crash course for a mountainside. Shoving mine straight into the mountain in order to dismount, I moved as fast as I could to lower everyone to safety starting with Sheena and Inoue. By the time I went back to get the others Renji had gotten Genis and Lloyd and Kyoraku-san got Raine. Colette moved on her own and lowered herself to the ground with her wings.
"Is everyone all right?" I asked.
"Aw man the Rheairds are totaled," Lloyd whined.
"They seem pretty intact," Renji said inspecting them, "If we could get them some fuel they could be up and running again."
"Since when did you become a mechanic?" I asked.
"Hey shut up!" Renji snapped.
"So what do these things run on?" Kyoraku-san asked.
"I'd presume they'd run on mana," Raine answered, "Perhaps the Lightning mana Volt produces."
"But if Sheena had a pact with Volt, don't you think she'd have his ring?" I asked.
"Y-yeah," she stuttered, "It's like Ichigo said."
Huh, what's got her all flustered all of a sudden? I wondered.
"Hey Ichigo how come you're still using your Bankai?" Genis asked, "Renji always disengages his after a fight."
"Kurosaki-kun's Bankai is special," Inoue started to say, "He can use his for as long as he likes and it doesn't tire him out."
"But doesn't it require Mana to power?" Raine asked.
I put my palm up, "The mana here in Tethe'alla seems to be thicker than in Sylvarant so it supports the extra energy my Bankai would need to draw in quite nicely, if all goes well I won't have to disengage it for the rest of the journey."
"I see I suppose that makes sense," Raine acknowledged.
Ichigo is now in Bankai mode, his artes have changed. Ichigo's artes: Getsuga Tensho, Sword Rain Alpha, Light Spear Canon, Hypersonic Thrust (A faster than the blink of an eye Sonic Thrust), Fierce Demon Fang, Dark Lightning Blade, S. Dark Lightning Blade, Dark Flame Blast (the previous three are all Getsugaed versions of Lightning Blade and Helly Pyre), Wild barrage (Ichigo swings his sword in millions of directions around him at fast speeds), Surge of Power. Mystic Arte: Hollowfication Getsuga Tensho. Ex Skill: 11 second Hollowfication (Ichigo can use his hollow mask for 11 seconds in battle. After it's depletion he cannot use it again for the same time it would be for using another item. New Title: Bankai User. Description: It was obtained to protect those he cared about. Even now it is still used for that same purpose.
"H-hey isn't that…" Renji pointed to something across the way, what he was pointing at turned out to be the Tower of Salvation.
"That's the Tower of Salvation. Why is it here in Tethe'alla?" Genis asked.
"Of course," Sheena exclaimed, "The Tower of Salvation appears in the flourishing world. The Tower also appeared on your side after Colette received the oracle, right?"
"Two worlds, two towers," Raine thought aloud and then asked Sheena, "What about the Holy Ground? The Church of Martel is also over here, correct? Is the Holy Ground called Kharlan?"
"Yes," Sheena said, "The place where the Tower of Salvation lies is the Holy Ground of Kharlan. The same as your world."
"Huh?" Genis was confused, "The Holy Ground of Kharlan is where the peace treaty was signed to end the Ancient War! There can't be two of them!"
"Maybe they're both the same thing," I suggested.
"Ichigo, that's not possible," Genis chimmed.
"In any case, we aren't going to get any answers if we just stand around here," Kyoraku-san said heading for the descent down the mountain, "We should get moving."
"Captain Kyoraku's right, let's go," Renji said following him.
"Right behind you," I said.
As we reached the base of the mountain Lloyd cried out, "Hey by the way, where are we going?"
Sheena glared at him, "What? You're the ones who said 'Let's go to Tethe'alla',"
"Yeah, but we're from Sylvarant," I said.
"Ah, yes, of course, I'm sorry," Sheena apologized, "Meltokio, the Imperial City, the center of Tethe'alla. It's the city where the King of Tethe'alla resides."
"Okay, which way?" I asked.
"It's not far, just a little bit to the North," Sheena stated.
"Right, let's go," Lloyd exclaimed.
Lloyd's pov
As we trekked towards Tethe'alla's capital Colette wandered with us, but it was like she was a prisoner in her own body, it was unbearable to watch. I decided that maybe if I talked to her she might come out of it.
"Colette? We're in Tethe'alla! Can you tell?" she made no response. I sighed, "It's no use, she just doesn't respond at all."
"I hope Colette-san gets better soon," Orihime said.
"Yeah me too," I agreed sounding a bit depressed.
"Lloyd-san do you like Colette-san?" Orihime asked me.
"What? Where did that come from? Did Genis tell you to ask that?" I said throwing up questions rapid fire.
"What…no, I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you," she said frantically.
"What are you apologizing for?" I asked, "and you didn't offend me, I just…" I couldn't finish the end of my sentence and just blushed. I decided to change the subject, "Um so…" I scratched the back of my head, "Yeah I care a lot about Colette," I confessed, "I wouldn't necessarily say I like her, but…" I trailed off, man this was embarrassing.
"Do you know if she likes you?" I asked.
"I…really don't know," I answered. After a brief pause I asked, "Why are you asking me all of this stuff anyway?"
"I…nothing it's just…" she looked away not bothering to answer. I couldn't tell exactly who or what she was looking at though.
"Well anyway, we seem to be falling behind the group come on," I urged noticing that the two of us were trailing behind the others. Orihime nodded in agreement.
Ichigo's pov
When we finally reached Meltokio we all began to head in, but Sheena stayed back.
"Sorry, but this is where we part ways," she said.
"Huh? How come?" I asked her.
"Have you forgotten? I was trying to kill Colette. I have to go report my failure to the Chief," she explained.
"Huh you're not from this city?" I asked.
Sheena shook her head, "I'm from Mizuho, we're sort of like an exiled culture," my brow furrowed, "D-don't worry about me I'll be fine. Anyway I need you guys to deliver this letter to the King. Tell him it's from Sheena of Mizuho, he should grant you an audience right away."
"Are you sure that's wise, he wants Colette-chan dead after all," Kyoraku-san said.
"Hey we've got enough firepower to wipe out every guard in the city ifafafafafa…" Raine started pulling on my ear.
"The last thing we're going to do is start a full scale assault on the city here in Meltokio," Raine said crossly.
"Don't worry about the details," Sheena continued, "In order to stop Colette being killed I've written down everything that's happened and ask that they help heal Colette."
"Thanks Sheena," I said with a contented look.
Sheena looked away, but I could tell she was blushing, "Ah, no, y…you don't have to thank me. It's nothing. Don't mention it. The Imperial Research Academy is under the control of the royal family. There isn't any other way, that's all!"
"Are you embarrassed? You're funny Sheena!" Genis teased.
The blush on Sheena's face only deepened, "Sh…shut up! I'm going now!"
"Well we'll see you again right?" I asked.
She looked up at me and momentarily her flushed face connected to my scowl, "Y-yeah," her eyes quickly shot down, but her face still maintained its position, "probably," she muttered.
I put a hand on her shoulder, "See you around then,"
"Y-yeah see you around," she then began to walk away.
"Sheena and Ichigo sitting in a tree K-i-s-s-i-n-g, first comes love, then comes marriage then comes a baby in a baby carriage," Genis starting humming. Immediately I started digging the knuckles on both my hands into the side of his skull, "Owowowowowowowowow!" he squealed with his legs flailing.
"Shut up, you little twerp! It's not like that!" I exclaimed.
Lloyd's pov
"Anyway," the professor was saying as Ichigo continued to torture Genis, "Let's start heading for the palace," She began to walk away.
"Um professor," I said noticing that she hadn't told Ichigo to stop what he was doing to Genis.
"What?" she asked calmly.
"Don't you think you should do something about this?" I asked gesturing to Ichigo and Genis.
The professor spoke calmly, "Ichigo I believe Genis has learned his lesson you can let go of him now."
Ichigo ceased his actions, "Yes ma'am," he said politely.
"You okay?" I asked Genis as we started walking up towards the castle.
He rubbed his head, "I'm going to be feeling this until we make another stay at an inn or camp out, but other than that I think I'll live."
"Ichigo really laid into you didn't he?" I chuckled, "I wonder why he got so upset."
Genis palmed his face.
"What?"
"Never mind," Genis continued walking forward.
"What, what did I say?"
Ichigo's pov
We were walking up the hill when all of a sudden Orihime stumbled and knocked Colette right into a group of nobles that was passing by. Colette fell backwards and fell on her bottom and knocked into Orihime who also stumbled backwards, but I caught her arms and helped her back up.
"H-hey watch it!" one of the nobles griped at Colette.
"Watch where you're going!" another one added.
A male voice added, "Now now settle down my darling hunnies," the guy who the voice belonged to had long, dark red hair, a little bit brighter than Renji's. He was wearing a pink and black tank top with a matching set of gloves, the tank top terminated into a half-cape behind him. He was wearing clean, almost new, white sweat pants, and expensive looking travelling boots. He also had a sword at his hipside.
Who the hell is this guy? I found myself thinking
"Hi there my cool beauty are you hurt?" he asked Colette.
Oh no, I groaned, he's just like Kon.
When Colette made no response the first noble said, "Well! Master Zelos himself has deigned to speak to this girl and yet look how she acts!"
The third noble added, "Just look at her! It's not even festival time and yet she's dressed up in an angel costume. How stupid are you?"
Do all women treat each other like this when they hate each other? I wondered.
"Can you believe the nerve of this hag," a fourth one asked.
This prompted Genis to call out, "What did you just say?"
"Relax Genis," Lloyd too had some unusual agitation in his voice, "It's obvious she's never looked in a mirror."
"What did you just say?" the first noble hissed.
"You're all behaving like children," Raine said bringing her palm to her face as though embarrassed to be associated with us.
"Now, now settle down," Zelos, I believe the woman called him, repeated, "Are you upset, my little angel? You know, I bet you're as cute as a button when you smile."
Never mind, he might be worse than Kon, I decided. I thought that Lloyd was about to jump in and tackle the guy, but suddenly Colette threw Zelos off of him like he was a ball in her hand. All of us were amazed.
"Ahhhhhh Master Zelos!" One of the girls shrieked.
Dear lord how can they go for this guy? I asked myself.
Zelos recovered quickly and then said to Colette, "Whoa! Wow, that was surprise. You sure are strong, my little angel. You certainly startled me!"
"Who are you?" Lloyd asked him.
Zelos frowned, "No offense, but I'm not really interested in talking to you guys."
Okay it's official, he's worse than Kon. The next thing I knew Zelos shoved me out of the way and was talking to Inoue.
"Well hello there what's your name fair maiden?" Zelos asked her.
"I…uh…" Inoue was too embarrassed to respond.
Pushing me out of the way is one thing, but no pervert is going to be hitting on Inoue on my watch, she's too innocent for that. I grabbed Zelos' arm near me turned away from Inoue and slammed him onto his back. I heard Inoue gasp and everyone in group was giving me strange looks.
"Owww my back," Zelos moaned.
Another noble girl shrieked, "Kyaaah Master Zelos!"
Surprisingly the guy acted as though he hadn't felt it at all; he must take a lot of abuse like that.
"Out for a leisurely walk again Zelos Wilder," a soldier walked up to Zelos, standing over him as he lay on the ground. It was a woman, short in stature, she was wearing too much armor for me to determine anything else, but I could've sworn I heard her voice before.
"Oh, hello there Miss Royal Guard Lieutenant," Zelos smirked up at her, eyes closed, "Fancy seeing you here."
"The king wants to see you in his chambers again," the soldier yanked Zelos by the collar to his feet.
"Yes yes of course," he turned towards the females in our group, "I'll see you again sometime my lovely lady, my cute little angel, my fair maiden and you…other people." He and the lieutenant walked off.
"What in the world was that all about?" Renji asked.
"What an ass," Genis exasperated, "He was grinning like an idiot the entire time. What's wrong with that guy?"
"He had an exsphere on him," Raine had observed something on Zelos I hadn't taken notice of.
"Anyway let's proceed onward to the castle," Kyoraku-san instructed. Everyone did so, but I wanted to check up on Inoue.
"Are you okay?" I asked her.
"Y-yes I'm fine, thank you Kurosaki-kun," she said gratuitously.
"It's no trouble at all, you need to watch out for guys like that Inoue, they're nothing but trouble," I said.
"H-hai," she blushed and went to catch up with the group. I followed her.
When we reached the castle gates though, we were barred from entering. The woman who Zelos identified as the Royal Guard Lieutenant was standing in front of the gates alongside two other soldiers.
"Halt!" she said, "State your business!"
"We need to see the king," I said, "It's very important!"
"His majesty is not granting audiences at this time due to his failing health. Sorry, but I cannot let you enter," she said.
"Hey you're a good girl how about bending the rules for us just this once, it's an emergency that we speak with the king," Kyoraku-san tried to schmooze over the lieutenant.
"Sorry," she said defiantly, "I cannot, the Captain would be very cross with me if I let people in without matters related to the court, no matter how urgent they claimed their orders to be. If you want entrance go ask the Church how their plan to heal the King is coming, now be off!"
Growling we trudged off towards the church. As we did Renji put a hand on my shoulder and whispered to me, "Doesn't that lieutenant's voice sound oddly familiar?"
"I know what you mean, I could've sworn I've heard her voice before too, but you would think that they would at least acknowledge us if they recognized us, Kyoraku-san especially," I said, reminiscent of his status.
"Maybe it's for the best, it wouldn't be normal for us to know people here in Tethe'alla, not the way the facts are stacked up. Raine would chew up and spit out any excuses we tried to make since not even we knew about Tethe'alla before Sheena mentioned it," Renji continued.
"You two conspiring as to how we're going to keep our identities hidden?" Kyoraku-san said behind us.
"Captain Kyoraku," Renji obviously wasn't expecting him to be there.
"Yeah," I said, "It would be easy if our entire group was as dull witted as Lloyd, but Raine would catch onto our lie quick."
"It does pose a problem," Kyoraku-san said, "We may have to come clean."
"And what exactly are we supposed to say?" I asked, "We're from a world outside both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla and got separated upon entrance into both." Renji and Kyoraku-san both stayed silent. "What?" Did I say something stupid?
"Given the facts that might actually work," Kyoarku-san said.
"Great and just what are we supposed to call our fantasy world?" I asked.
"Gaikai," Kyoraku-san answered.
"Gaikai?" I asked.
"It'll do," Renji answered.
Contented with our plan we all headed inside the Church of Martel. Standing near the altar was Unohana-san, if anyone would recognize us, it would be her. Immediately I gave a silent signal to Renji and Kyoraku-san.
"Everyone," I said, "There's something we need to tell you,"
"What is it?" Lloyd asked.
"We're not from Sylvarant," Renji said.
"Nor are we from Tethe'alla," Kyoraku-san added.
"I was wondering when you'd get around to confessing that much," Raine said. We were all surprised by her words.
"It's like Raine says," I continued, "It's true we're not from this world, but we are indeed a large travel group, we just got separated when we entered this world's airspace. It divided us up."
"I see, so that's how you were all separated," Raine said, "What exactly was your purpose for coming here?"
"We're just humble, heavily armed explorers," Kyoraku-san said, "It's good to have power and not needed than to need it and not have wouldn't you agree Professor?"
Raine thought it over, "I suppose it makes sense, but why didn't you mention it earlier?" Raine asked.
"Come on, how were we supposed to know this crazy world was split in two, we would've gladly told you more if you had asked," Kyoraku-san said.
Nice cover, I thought.
"I suppose I can't argue that point," Raine stated, "Very well, I suppose I should at least be thankful you told us,"
"But why bring this up now?" Genis asked.
Kyoraku-san pointed to Unohana-san at the far end of the corridor, "Because we know her, Senpai!" Unohana-san picked up her head as we all approached her.
"Oh Kyoraku-taicho, Abarai-fukutaicho, Kurosaki-san, Inoue Orihime, such a pleasure to see all of you," she said. She was wearing a priestess outfit, a very fancy one at that, "Who are your friends?" Kyoraku-san gave Unohana-san the short version to bring her up to speed.
"Was it really okay to tell her all that?" Genis asked.
"Relax we can trust Senpai, she's a well respected member of our group, perhaps the most respected," Kyoraku-san said.
"I just noticed, you guys have an interesting way of communicating," Lloyd said.
"It's called using honorifics, honestly Lloyd don't you pay attention in language?" Raine asked him. Lloyd just smiled nervously.
"Oh yeah, what's your world called anyhow?" Genis asked.
"Gaikai," Renji answered.
"Gaikai eh?" Lloyd asked.
"In any case," Unohana-san said, "I'm afraid that even as an ally I'm afraid I won't be able to do much, I…" she looked over Kyoraku-san's shoulder and noticed someone, "Oh Presea-san, the prayers are to take place in the royal chambers, please take the sacred wood to the castle."
"Yes," A little girl with pink hair and pigtails behind us said and dragged a large chunk of wood out of the church behind her.
"Prayer ceremony? I take it you're praying for the King's health?" Kyoraku-san asked.
Unohana-san nodded, "Healing artes aren't all that effective on illnesses just like on Ukitake-taicho," she said.
"Hmm, so the King's come down with something has he?" Kyoraku-san asked.
"Hey Unohana," Lloyd said, "If you can't help us do you at least have a suggestion to get us into the castle?"
"It's absolutely vital for the quest Senpai," Kyoraku-san pressured.
"You could talk to Presea and help her bring in the sacred wood, the guards would have to let you in then, if they stop you tell them that I said it was all right."
Lloyd and Genis' faces brightened, "Great thanks Unohana," Lloyd said.
"It's no trouble at all," she smiled.
We saw Presea outside the castle, "Hey! Um…Presea!" Genis called out to her.
"Could we please have a moment of your time?" I asked. She turned to look at us. Her clear blue eyes seemed dulled. It was sort of creepy.
"I'm Lloyd," Lloyd started introducing us, "This is Ichigo, Shunsui, Renji, Orihime, Colette, Raine…"
"I-I'm Genis!" the white haired elf said aloud.
"Hey Genis why are you all flushed?" Lloyd asked. Orihime stifled a giggle. I palmed my face, Lloyd was so dense.
"Would you be a dear and let us help you carry the sacred wood?" Kyoraku-san asked her. Presea began walking away from us with the wood.
"W-wait!" I shouted, she stopped, "I know this is awkward, but it's imperative that we get into the castle. We have a letter we need to deliver to the king, our friend's life depends on us getting into the castle!" I strained.
"Understood," she said, I blinked in amazement. Presea looked at us and said, "Please carry that,"
"Yes," I said walking over to it and managed to pick it up with effort. Man this thing was heavy.
"Ichigo you okay?" Lloyd asked.
"Y-yeah," I turned my head towards him, "Never better," Damn it I think my back's going to give out from the weight
Man up king
You shut up, no one's asking for your opinion! If only Chad was here, he could easily lift this with only one arm over the side of his shoulder. When we reached the castle door the Royal Guard Lieutenant was still there.
"Halt! State your business!"
"We're helping deliver the sacred wood to the prayer ceremony," Renji said.
"I see, Presea you're all right with this?" the woman asked her.
"Today is...special," Presea answered.
"All right, but I'm following you, I can't have unidentified personas leisurely walking the castle, besides you said you had a letter to deliver to the king earlier didn't you?" she asked us.
Lloyd's face brightened, "Thank you, this means a lot to me…I mean to us."
We left the Sacred Wood in the entryway and followed the Lieutenant to the King's chambers. Standing in front of the chambers was a man wearing an impressive looking uniform, possibly identifying him as the royal guard leader. His helmet covered his facial features so I couldn't tell if he was one of us. He took note of the lieutenant, "What have we here lieutenant?" he asked. I could've sworn I recognized this guy's voice too.
"These people need to speak with the King, they got in here on accordance of helping Presea bring in the Sacred Wood."
"We have a letter from Sheena of Mizuho," I said, "She's addressed it to the king of Tethe'alla."
The captain took notice of me and stared for a few seconds, "I'll let you inside, but I expect you all to act civil, you will be in the presence of both the Pope and the King. Is that clear?"
"Yeah it's clear," I said, Grouch. I thought. We were led inside and both soldiers stood with their backs to the door on the inside of the room.
The male soldier stepped forward to address the pope, "Forgive the intrusion everyone, but these commoners have authorization to speak with the king."
Authorization? Who was this guy to be doing us favors?
"Oh it's you guys again?" Zelos, who I suddenly noticed on the far side of the room, said.
"Again? You know them chosen?" the Pope asked.
"Well I wouldn't really say that I know them," he said, "Just what sort of business do you all have here?"
"Chosen?" I thought aloud, "Wait, you're the Chosen of Tethe'alla?"
"What do you mean Tethe'alla?" the Pope asked.
"So you're from the declining world of Sylvarant, I suppose that makes sense," the soldier said.
"What's this 'I suppose that makes sense garbage' Royal Captain?" the Pope asked the Captain angrily.
"These people are from the declining world of Sylvarant?" the princess asked.
"Princess, have no fear," Zelos was raving and then glanced towards me, "You what's your name?"
"Ichigo," I answered.
"Ichigo, for what purpose have you come here?" he asked.
"We've come to deliver a letter from Sheena of Mizuho to the King," I answered.
"Huh, you know Sheena?" Zelos asked.
"Sheena?" the king coughed.
"Your majesty please relax, I will have the Royal Captain and lieutenant punish these infidels for causing a disturbance in your presence,"
The king ignored him, "Ichigo, give me the letter." He demanded. I handed it to him and he read it over. "I see, people of Sylvarant, please wait in the other room for a while."
"Captain," the Pope looked at specified soldier and then over to the woman near the door, "Lieutenant, please show these people to the Crimson Chamber."
"Yes sir," The captain and Lieutenant answered simultaneously. The lieutenant's answer being more of a shout while the captain's response was more casual and calm.
The room we were taken to was just what I would expect of royalty, overly fancy. We had to wait a long time, Renji and I found a deck of cards and were playing Gin Rummy in order to stay free of boredom.
"Man they're making us wait a long time," Lloyd complained.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you're all facing execution. Your chosen is an obstacle to us," The lieutenant said.
"Say what?" I shouted turning towards the lieutenant.
"Keep your voice down," The captain spat. I growled.
"What will become of Presea if things turn out like that?" Genis asked.
"Presea's from this world. She wouldn't be held accountable," the lieutenant said. After waiting a bit longer the Pope arrived onto the scene with two knights from the Church of Martel.
"Sorry to keep you waiting travelers of Sylvarant," he said.
"So what's the verdict?" I asked.
Zelos was the one to answer, "You want to use Tethe'allan technology to save the Chosen from your side…right?"
"Colette-san has lost her soul," Inoue said sadly, "Please save her."
"But as long as the chosen lives, our world teeters on the brink of destruction," the Pope argued. The knights approached Colette and made to attack her, but the lieutenant stood in front of her. "Stand down Lieutenant!" the pope ordered.
"Make me," she talked back. There was only one female I knew with the kind of guts to talk back to authority in that manner to fight for what she believed in.
"Captain, control your lieutenant."
"Lieutenant stand down," the captain ordered.
"But I…"
If she's who I think she is, my gaze shifted from the girl to the captain, He can only be one person if she respects his opinion.
"Now," the captain ordered, but as soon as his lieutenant moved though he moved into her place.
"What are you doing?" the Pope asked angrily.
"That's the Captain of the Royal Guard for ya, always looking out for his lieutenant, even if it means taking the fall for her," Zelos chuckled.
"Is it really necessary to take a life Pope Tethe'alla?" the captain asked, "While I respect the law of Tethe'alla is their really need to cause these travelers to commit to a full scale assault which could result in the King's death, or your own?" he asked.
"Please what could a couple of travelers from Sylvarant do?" The Pope asked arrogantly.
"Some of these guys have exspheres, and a couple of them seem to be handy at the ancient art of Zanpakuto just like Captain and Lieutenant Kuchiki here. Can't say it'd be easy executing them all if a riot broke out," Zelos told the Pope.
Huh? Did he just say Kuchiki?
"Bah, fine," the Pope surrendered, "Is there a plan of action you had in mind travelers from Sylvarant?" the Pope asked.
"Colette lost her soul because she was being reborn as an angel in order to save Sylvarant. But as long as she does not become an angel, Sylvarant will not be saved," Raine explained.
"I see so if we save the Chosen then Tethe'alla will also be saved correct?" the woman, who I was pretty sure was Rukia, asked.
"But that means you'll be abandoning Sylvarant," the Pope said.
"I don't care," I said.
"Ichigo!" Lloyd was shocked at my statement.
"Our priority is to save Colette-chan isn't it?" Kyoraku-san asked Lloyd.
"But to abandon Sylvarant, do you realize what that's asking us?" Genis asked.
"We can do that," Lloyd said, "Right now saving Colette is our priority."
"Lloyd-san is right, we have to save Colette," Inoue said.
"Say Pope, if these guys don't go back to Sylvarant, then it doesn't matter if they're alive or dead. They can't complete the regeneration ritual. So I'll go along and keep tabs on them. That should be fine," Zelos suggested.
"Hmm, given the circumstances I would be uneasy with just you going chosen," The Pope mulled over.
"I'll go," the Royal Guard Lieutenant said, "It would be unwise of the Royal Guard to let only the Church keep tabs on the travelers, plus someone needs to keep an eye on the chosen."
"Do you have any objections Royal Captain?" the Pope asked specified individual.
"Its fine, she can handle herself, however, I do have one condition," the Captain spoke.
"What's the condition?" the Pope asked.
"I was speaking to the travelers," he glared to the Pope.
"What's the condition?" Lloyd asked.
"If my lieutenant is at all injured in anyway, I will tie up the party responsible to a satchel of bricks and dump them into freezing waters of Flanoir Harbor, is that clear?" His voice was unnaturally sharp and loud.
"Yes sir," Lloyd answered quickly.
"Very well then, if you'll excuse me I have business to attend to," the Pope left.
"And I need to get started on the paperwork for your assignment," The captain looked as his lieutenant and left.
"I'll see you guys at the church," Zelos said, "Come get me when you're ready to leave."
"Finally, I thought I'd never get a chance to see you guys without anyone else around," the Lieutenant said.
"Who are you?" Raine asked.
The girl removed her helmet. She had short black hair and violet eyes, "I am Rukia Kuchiki, lieutenant of the Royal Guard."
"Rukia!" I exclaimed happy to see her.
"Kuchiki-san!" Inoue cried happily and ran over to give Rukia a hug, "Oh Kuchiki-san it's so good to see you again."
"Good to see you Rukia," Renji told her.
"What's going on?" Lloyd asked.
"Rukia's a very important friend of mine and several members of our group. It's because of her that we're even together in the first place," I smiled.
"So Ichigo are you going to introduce me to your group or do I have to give you an order?" Rukia asked me, "And on top of that you guys mind bringing me up to speed?" We did and afterwards Rukia seemed to understand about what was going on, "I see, I guess I can assume most of that was in the letter," she said.
"Rukia may I ask a question?" Raine asked.
"Yes, what is it?" Rukia asked her back.
"The Captain seemed to be very concerned for your well being. And Zelos said that you both have Zanpakuto, how are you two related?"
"Oh, that's easy to explain," Rukia said with a smile, "The Royal Guard Captain's name is Byakuya Kuchiki, my older brother."
"I see," was all Raine could reply.
"Anyway we should head for the church," Rukia said.
"Right, we shouldn't keep Zelos waiting," Lloyd said.
"Actually I'm more concerned about his well being than his boredom," Rukia responded.
"Huh…oh right Senpai," Shunsui laughed.
Dear lord, how bad is this guy? I wondered.
"Anyways welcome to our group Rukia," Lloyd said.
"Thank you Lloyd," she replied.
Rukia has joined the party
Rukia's artes: Hado 31 Shakkaho, Hado 33 Sokatsui, Hado 63 Soren Sokatsui, Bakudo 1 Sai, Bakudo 4 Hainawa, Bakudo 61 Rikujokoro, First Aid, Icicle, Ice Tornado, Freelancer, Icicle Rain, Absolute. Ex Skill: Dance, Sode No Shirayuki. Rukia gains the following Artes while using her Zanpakuto: Demon Fang, Blade Fury, Double Demon Fang, Light Spear, Hurricane Thrust. Mystic Arte: Tsukishiro. Mystic Arte Extension: Haukuren. Title: "Royal Lieutenant". Description: So much power, so much responsibility, so little respect for authority.
After Rukia discarded most of the confining elements of her uniform, her helmet, gauntlets and boots, we traveled back to the church where Zelos was waiting for us, "Ah Rukia good to see you, I'm so glad you decided to travel with me."
"I'm not doing this for you," she said.
It's like I never left home, I chuckled in my head.
"What are you smiling about?" Rukia asked me.
"N-nothing," I said.
"We're going to be traveling together for a while, so, um…let's be friends, mmmkay?" he asked everyone.
This is going to be a long trip, I thought to myself.
"So let's see, putting the guys and Rukia aside, this lovely lady is Raine, that cutie over there is Colette and this gorgeous maiden here must be Orihime-me-me-me-me…" Zelos suddenly found the tip of Rukia's blade near his chin.
"Don't get any funny ideas Zelos," Rukia warned him.
Zelos rubbed his eyes in fake apology, "Oh that's so sad Rukia you don't trust me to be civil?"
"I don't trust you on that subject as much as Ichigo can throw you!" Rukia exclaimed.
"Burn," Renji chuckled.
"A-anyway, who's the little one?" Zelos asked, indicating Presea, I had totally forgotten that she was still with us.
"This is Presea, she helped us get into the castle," Inoue said.
"Huh, she's not from Sylvarant?" Zelos looked perplexed.
"Ozzette," Presea answered.
"Ozette?" Zelos seemed shocked, "That village out in the boondoc—I mean out in the forest. Oh that is so sad, you're being manipulated by these uncivilized Barbarians."
"Who are you calling uncivilized barbarians?" Lloyd shouted.
"Hey, hey, hey, don't get mad. Especially after all the trouble I went through to contact the Imperial Research Academy for you."
"Hmm, not bad Zelos," Lloyd said to him.
"I know," Zelos' ego needed serious shaving, "Using the Research Academy requires permission from the King, but when the great Zelos speaks, His Majesty listens."
"What are we going to do about Presea-chan by the way?" Kyoraku-san said, "Surely you don't need to keep consistent tabs on her?"
"No, but Ozette isn't far from the Imperial Research Academy, we can just drop her off when we go," Zelos explained.
"Works for me," I said.
"Is that alright with you Presea-san?" Orihime asked her.
"Yes," Presea responded.
"Okay, then I guess we should head for Sybak," Rukia said, "It's on the other end of the Grand Tethe'alla bridge just Northeast of here."
"Great, we'll follow your lead then since you seem to be know where you're going Rukia," I said. She nodded and we made our way towards the exit of the city.
However just as we were leaving the noble area of the city there was a loud outcry of "Zelos-sama!"
"Oh no," Rukia said as though knowing what was coming. Suddenly In noticed Rangiku-san coming bounding up the street.
Oh great, I thought to myself.
"Oh most beautiful Rangiku how are you?" Zelos asked, "What can I do for you?"
"I heard you were leaving Meltokio to go on a journey, you know how I worry," Rangiku-san said pouting.
"Hmm, long time no see Matsumoto-fukutaicho," Kyoraku-san waved to her. Rangiku-san just started taking notice of us at that point. She got incredibly friendly and just had to know what was going on. I groaned internally, a woman like Rangiku in the party with someone like Zelos would only make things incredibly unenjoyable.
"Oh please can I come. Please Zelos," she begged him and then rubbed a finger under his chin while saying sexually, "I'd be very grateful if you let me come with you."
"I…uh…sure why not, the more the merrier," Zelos accepted.
Rangiku bounced up and down clapping her hands, "Hooray, I'm so excited,"
"Zelos are you sure?" Raine asked.
"Rangiku can handle herself Professor Sage she'll be all right," Kyoraku-san said.
"If you're sure," Raine seemed about as thrilled about this as I was.
Rangiku has joined the party
Rangiku's artes: Hado 31 Shakkaho, Hado 33 Sokatsui, Demon Fang, Savage Reaper, First Aid, Avenging Claws (A forward thrust with the blade followed by an overhead swing), Ravaging Tiger, Havoc Strike, Spin Attack (A mid-speed 360 spin with the sword), S. Spin Attack (A high speed multi-revolution spin attack with a finishing shockwave at the end), Mystic Arte: Haineko. (The ash from Rangiku's sword releases surruounds the enemy and then converges around them like a tornado in reverse). Title: Zelos Groupie. Description: "What? I'm allowed to have my own personal tastes in men."
With Rangiku joining us, we headed off together towards the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge in order to go Sybak. Our journey in Tethe'alla was officially starting to unfold.
(A/N: And thus ends another exciting chapter of Tales of Bleach. There were a lot of Bleach characters showing up, two of which joined. And yes Rangiku and Zelos have a thing going on between them…sorta. How will having the 10th Division Vice Captain and Rukia as part of the party affect the storyline. You'll just have to wait for the next exciting chapter of Tales of Bleach. Please Review, and if you have not done so already Subscribe and Fave. DH19 out!)