Author's Note:
HEEEELLLLLOOOOO PEOPLE! I'm glad you're back! College has been incredibly stressful as I've been having to work 4 days a week 11pm-5am add in classes and homework. I've been swamped. Now about the story. This chapter will conclude the first arc. Total there will be three arcs. From here on out things will get both darker and lighter. The darker parts will be darker overall but the lighter parts will be lighter. Hopefully the chapters will be a bit longer too. Now the first arc dealt with most of the Winging. There will be a few more Wingings as well but not as much as in the first arc. The second arc will focus more on the individual relationships and plot developments. It will also start to slightly branch off from the Sekirei storyline. The order of events may be slightly off as well. The major parts of the remaining second and third stages of Sekirei will still be covered though.
Now for a few comments:
Jose19: I am sorry to everyone for the OOC like reactions of the characters in the most recent chapters. This is still my first story and keeping the reactions to such new stimuli in an entirely new setting gets to be difficult to say the least. Hopefully with time they will get better.
MWkillkenny84: *Simpson D'Oh* The would have been the perfect setting for that. I will have a conversation between those Sekirei this chapter. I will add something else to the story at some point that maybe similar to what you suggested. *wicked gleam in eye*
HaywireEagle: Well I'm glad you liked it. To be honest after the last few reviews of yours I wasn't sure if you were going to stick to the story. In the future I hope I will continue to please.
Now I have one thing for the readers attention. In the future I may need a few OC's. About twelve in total. I already have a few but I need more. Something to keep in mind is that these characters will play the part of the main villains. It is easy to write a hero. Slap some tragic back story together, have something happen that shows them the importance of friendship/family/other, done. Villains are harder since you have to give a little justification for why they are acting like evil bastards. Now I would appreciate it if you use the following format in PMing OC's. I may change the characters slightly to fit the story better(I'll apologize in advance here, I'm sorry), so if you are uncomfortable with this feel free not to send a PM:
Name: (name of character)
Description: (Include things like eye color, hair color, height, build)
Personality Quirks: (Every character has to be unique someway. Do they have a gambling addiction, narcissistic personality, thing for men/women that are in a relationship, etc. The quirkier the better.)
Species: (Shinigami, Arrancar, Qunicy, Sekirei, Ashikabi, Other, etc.)
Special Powers: (Things like Shikai, Bankai, Resurrección, other. (changed appearance as well))
Other Strengths: (Are they proficient in Kidō, hand to hand, long distance, short distance, unpredictability, logic, etc.)
Other: (Anything else you think I should know about the character)
For those that I use I will put your name into the story when they are first introduced and thank you profusely for giving ideas.
That's pretty much it for this note. Let's jump in shall we?
I own nothing but my original characters. The rest belong to, well, not me.
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Why does all this abnormal stuff happen to me? Ichigo asked himself as he sat in his room.
"Don't lie," Shiro said grinning manically. "You'd have to be gay not to love this. Wait are you? Cause that would explain why you haven't tapped any of them."
Shut up, Ichigo sighed back, tired of his Hollow being his jack ass self.
Shiro just laughed manically in response.
"I'm going to take off, Ichigo." Tōshirō said nodding his head to the red head. Kuu clung to his waist. A look of peace had settled on her face. "I'll see you later. Matsumoto don't stay up much longer."
"See you later," Ichigo sighed as the last male besides himself left the room.
"Don worry Capn," Rangiku slurred her words after her Captain.
It was seven in the morning but the group had decided to celebrate the night away. Alcohol flowed liberally between those in the room. With Tōshirō gone Ichigo was the only sober one in the room. Chad and Uryū had left a few hours before with their Sekirei.
Unable to feel comfortable surrounded by those old enough to drink Uryū had asked everyone's forgiveness before he left. Ichigo had seen Uzume get a perverted look on her face and slip out quietly after him followed closely by Tsuki who scowled after the woman. Ichigo felt a spike of Spiritual Energy as Uryū panicked when he got to his room.
Chad was never more than a few feet away from Musubi the entire night. They had been the next to go to bed. Claiming exhaustion. Ichigo didn't blame them at all.
Kagari had followed them out giving a similar excuse.
The only ones left in the room were Ichigo, Rangiku, Yoruichi, Rukia, Orihime, Miya, Matsu, and Kazehana. Miya had left a note for Ichigo's family on the door to their rooms explaining that breakfast was in the fridge.
Ichigo frowned. Miya had been acting weird all night. She like everyone had been talking and laughing, but she stood a little apart from everyone too. She hadn't even flinched when Uryū's Spiritual Energy spiked. Normally she would be across the hall in under a second to scold them.
Ichigo stood up to go talk to Miya.
"Where you going handsome?" Yoruichi purred as she grabbed onto his wrist.
"I'll be back soon." Ichigo said ignoring her attempt to get under his skin. She had been trying all night. Everything from rubbing up against him to making even cruder jokes than usual. Even so he felt the familiar feeling of embarrassment rise in his gut as he fought off a blush.
"You'd better be," Yoruichi complained giving a wicked smile. "After all a student shouldn't keep his teacher waiting."
"You taught him?" Ichigo heard Matsu ask. "Care if I teach him a few things?"
"Not quite yet," Ichigo heard Yoruichi say. Miya saw him walking toward her but she quickly slipped out into the hallway. He lost his battle against the blush at Yoruichi's next words. "After all he can't be quite that good with his tongue yet. He needs to learn how to be quicker with it, so who better than to teach him than the Goddess of Flash?"
"He actually has a lot of natural talent." Matsu's voice came as Ichigo slipped out of the room into the deserted hallway.
"Who said I was talking about kissing?" Yoruichi asked. Ichigo could hear the smirk on her lips. "I was going to teach him how to use his wit."
"Who said I was talking about kissing?" Matsu's voice had taken on a deeper tone.
Ichigo felt a trickle of blood run down his lip. With a quick motion Ichigo wiped away the blood from his nose. Ichigo heard the soft patter of feet on the stairs. Ichigo quickly followed them. At the stairs he saw a brief flutter of cloth as Miya turned a corner.
Ichigo was on the first floor in a matter of seconds. The sound of a door opening and closing came from down a hall. Ichigo followed it. He saw Miya's outline sitting on the porch. Quietly opening the door Ichigo slowly went to check on Miya. The sunrise shone bright colors of all shades. It was one of the best Ichigo had seen.
"Miya," Ichigo said sitting down next to the woman. "Are you alright? You've been sitting in a corner all night."
"It's..." Miya said a smile on her lips, but hesitated. "I am figuring some things out."
"Miya," Ichigo said seriously. "You are my friend. Please tell me. I can't help you otherwise."
"..." Miya muttered something to softly for Ichigo to hear.
"What was that Miya?" Ichigo asked.
"Nothing Kurosaki," Miya said a smile as fake as any he had ever seen before on her lips. "I should probably go to bed."
She started to stand. Something seemed to shine on her face in the early morning light before she turned to leave. Tears.
"Damn it King," Shiro yelled causing Ichigo to flinch. "Zangetsu you sure I can't take over even for a few seconds?"
"No," Zangetsu said softly. "Unless he's using your powers."
Ichigo shot out a hand and grabbed Miya's wrist. Miya tried to break free, but it was halfhearted. It felt like she was weaker than normal.
"What are you doing Mr. Kurosaki?" Miya asked. Her voice was tired and filled with pain.
Ichigo stood without thinking. Miya's wrist still in his hand.
"Miya," Ichigo said his voice sounded strange in his ears. "I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."
"What do you mean Mr. Kurosaki?" Miya's voice came out slowly like she was forcing herself to speak.
"Miya," Ichigo said softly. Then he did something that shocked Shiro, Zangetsu, and Miya. He pulled Miya into his arms and put his arms around her. "I want to help you. You are important to me. I don't ever want to see tears in your eyes. What am I doing that is making you so upset? I see pain when you look at me. Damn it, what?!"
"Ichigo," Miya's voice came softly to his ears. It was muffled by his shirt. "No illicit activities in Izumo Inn."
"How is this illicit?" Ichigo asked confused.
"I wasn't talking to you." Miya said pulling away slightly. A small genuine smile on her face. It made Ichigo glad that he was able to make her feel better. "Now we should get back to your room before the others begin to think we are doing something illicit."
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I am fucked. Ichigo was beginning to think those words far to often as of late. When Miya and he had gone to his room they had found everyone had passed out. Ichigo had volunteered to sleep on the couch. Miya had denied it since as she pointed out the rest of Ichigo's family would be up at any time. Instead she had allowed him into her room.
Ichigo had tried to protest but she had 'insisted'. The Hannya mask had helped. It wasn't something worth fighting over though so Ichigo had simply followed her.
Miya's room had turned out to be very sparse. A futon mattress, with a nightstand nearby. A single lamp was enough to light the room. A picture of Miya with another man stood on her nightstand.
A very plain sword stand stood in the corner, empty of any sword.
A simple dresser that didn't reach higher than Ichigo's waist sat at the end of the mattress.
A short bookcase was filled with books stood nearby. The few titles Ichigo could read made several small beads of sweat appear on the back of his head. Romance novels made up a large portion. A few fantasy and science fiction novels dotted here and there. A few non-fiction books, mostly about battle tactics and sword techniques completed the collection.
Ichigo had spotted a particular book cracked open near the bedside. Ichigo recognized it from television. Sensational Love. It was a new book, only released in the last month, yet it was being heralded as one of the most epic love stories in the last decade. It wasn't raunchy although there were aspects in it that were considered so. It was more about a love story that was blocked by a jealous ex-husband. Ichigo couldn't remember much more from the review the television had broadcast except that it was supposed to be extremely popular with women.
Miya had told him that he could have the mattress and she would go sleep in his room. Ichigo had protested but Miya had insisted. In the end Ichigo had been left in the room by himself with a threat from Miya about looking through her drawers would result in 'unpleasantness'.
Ichigo had fallen asleep almost immediately.
He had been awoken almost five hours later by his father bursting into the room. By instinct Ichigo had grabbed his father's foot moments away from his head and redirected it. The resulting crash had shattered window causing glass to fly everywhere.
I am so fucked. Ichigo thought again as his father climbed back into the room through the hole in the window.
"Well done Ichigo," Isshin complimented. His clothing covered in dirt dusted the once clean room in a layer of filth. "I taught you well."
"Dad, Miya is going to kill us," Ichigo said trying to keep his panic down.
"Ichigo don't worry," Isshin said smiling. "Masaki used to get angry with me all the time. Just apologize and give her a kiss."
"LIKE HELL!" Ichigo shouted back. "Besides Miya doesn't like me like that."
"And if she did?" Isshin asked raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not talking about this with you." Ichigo said feeling his cheeks warm in embarrassment.
"So you do like her." Isshin said smiling. "MASAKI OUR BOY IS ABOUT TO BECOME A MAN!"
"SHUT UP!" Ichigo shouted kicking him through the window.
Isshin clawed his way back through the window. More dust and dirt fell from his body onto the floor.
"Ichigo," A too sweet voice called from the entrance to the room. Ichigo slowly turned to face Miya. An aluminum ladle in her hand and a fake smile covering her face. She was wearing a fresh set of clothing. She must have gotten that from the dryer. "Mind telling me why there is dirt and glass all over the floor of my bedroom?"
Ichigo felt an ice cold drop of sweat roll down the back of his head.
"Miya," Ichigo started. "I can explain."
"Please continue," Miya said.
Ichigo almost missed the imperceptible tensing of muscles in Miya's legs, so it was with only centimeters to spare that Ichigo managed to dodge the incoming strike. The floor wasn't so lucky as a crater opened revealing the ground beneath them.
"Miya!" Ichigo exclaimed. "What was that for?"
"Look what you did Ichigo." Miya said her voice still sickly sweet. "You just destroyed my floor."
"YOU DID THAT!" Ichigo shouted as he avoided another strike. This time nothing else was destroyed.
"I'm still waiting on that explanation Ichigo." Miya said swinging at him again.
"Ichigo," Isshin said speaking up. "I've been in this situation before with your mother. All you have to do is hold her close, tell her you love her, and kiss her. If that doesn't work retreat to a safe distance and throw chocolate at her until she is satisfied."
"SHUT UP, GOAT-FACE!" Ichigo shouted simultaneously dodging a strike and kicking his father through the shattered window. Ichigo heard the sound of wood shattering causing him to turn around.
Ichigo felt his face turn scarlet. Not a trickle but a stream of blood was soon flowing out of his nose.
In the last attack Miya had destroyed her dresser. Articles of clothing rained down about them. A dress here. A sock there. But the part that made Ichigo panic was the underwear that was currently floating down around him. A dull purple bra landed on top of Ichigo's head, while a pair of matching panties landed daintily on top of Miya's head.
Miya's face was dark. Killing intent skyrocketed through the room. It reminded Ichigo of the first time he had ever fought with Kenpachi. Barely able to move.
Ichigo didn't even see her move, before his world turned black.
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"Intriguing," Urahara murmured as he twisted the crystalline object around in his hand. It had been an interesting few days since the group had left for the city. After they had left Urahara had started a hacking spree. He had hacked into every nook and cranny of the city he could.
He had found all manner of information on many of the Sekirei and the Sekirei Plan as a whole. A few however were much harder to find. Information regarding the Sekirei above the tenth was scarce. He had only found references to several physical files in several cases. Information on Number One was nowhere to be found.
It was only natural then that when he had heard about the rescue mission he had hacked into the cameras surrounding the bridge they were going for. He had scene all that had happened there, but what caught his eye the most was when Musubi had coughed up the structure he held in his hands. It had been child's play to sneak out of his room and grab it from the pocket of Chad's discarded pants after they fell asleep.
The crystalline object was small. No more than the size of a large marble. A soft pulsing glow had been in it when Urahara had first picked it up. It had been quiet for a while however.
"This isn't good." Urahara said frowning. "If I'm right..."
He didn't even dare finish the thought.
A knocking sound came from the door.
Urahara quickly stuffed the small object into his pocket.
"Come in," Urahara said schooling his features into one of a relaxed calm instead of anxiety.
A woman walked inside. Bright red hair in twin braids, glasses, and a cream colored dress. Both her hands were behind her back, concealing something. He had only briefly seen her at supper.
"Hello," Urahara said smiling. "I don't believe we've met officially yet. I'm the great, mighty, and incredibly handsome shop keeper, Kisuke Urahara. How may I help you?"
"I'm the great, genius, and incredibly sexy Matsu," Matsu said imitating Urahara. "I'm one of Ichigo's Sekirei. I was hoping you would be able to give me some information."
"Ooh," Urahara said interested. She was obviously an interesting creature. "How did Ichigo manage to Wing such an impressive Sekirei?"
"He didn't have much choice in the matter," Matsu said smiling. "What do you mean by interesting?"
Urahara barked a laugh. This is the best blackmail material I've had yet. Ichigo doesn't have the balls to kiss a girl and the girl has to kiss him. "Ichigo usually acts without a plan. It is interesting to see he Winged a Sekirei who obviously uses her head. I expected a sword wielding maniac. What do you need Matsu?"
Matsu pulled a struggling mass from behind her back. Kon struggled against his restraints, his protests were muffled by the duck tape over his mouth.
"I was wondering how you made this," Matsu said.
"Well," Urahara said carefully. "I didn't make them. My former superior made the general premise for him. Why do you want to know?"
"I am a brain type Sekirei." Matsu explained. "I don't like not knowing things, like how such a humble shop keeper could create artificial life."
"Like I said," Urahara said shrugging. "The general premise came from my superior. Then a subordinate actually took it a step farther. As a like minded individual perhaps we can help each other out."
"How?" Matsu asked suspicion in her voice.
"I want to know about the Sekirei," Urahara said making his voice serious. "Specifically those above ten. From what I've managed to get their information is incredibly well secured. I found a system that may contain more information but it is surrounded by top level encryption. I would rather avoid breaking into it when I can get the information another way."
"What will you give me in return?" Matsu asked.
"I will give you two things to facilitate your cooperation." Urahara said whipping out his fan and hiding a smile behind it. "Isshin told me about your situation. The first thing I can give is a device that will create a layer of electrical disturbance that will mask your presence from cameras, both near and far. You will be able to walk around town with Ichigo. The only thing you have to do is disguise your physical appearance for human or Sekirei observers to not notice."
"You can do that?" Matsu asked frowning.
"I can indeed." Urahara assured. "The second is give you a camera."
"Why a camera?" Matsu asked her frown deepening.
"Well you've seen that Kon can go into and out of Ichigo's body right?" Urahara asked. "And Kon being a like minded individual to ourselves I'm sure he would agree to let you take a few... risque... pictures of Ichigo's body when he isn't around in exchange for a hug or two."
Kon nodded vigorously at the idea. A perverted smile slowly formed on Matsu's face.
"Mr. Urahara you have a deal." Matsu said a bit of drool slowly dripping from her mouth. "I won't be able to tell you everything though. Somethings are to dangerous to let out."
"Urahara is fine." Urahara assured her smiling. "I understand as well. Now who are the top Sekirei?"
"Well I can't say much about Number One, but I'm Number Two..." Matsu began.
Urahara listened with rapt attention. The crystalline structure in his pocket out of his mind for the time being.
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Yoruichi grimaced as a searing headache awoke her. Bits and pieces of the night before floated through her head. The escape plan. Musubi being stabbed. Fighting Karasuba. Drinking what seemed like several gallons of Alcohol. Ichigo Winging Kazehana.
Yoruichi didn't know how she felt about that. True Ichigo didn't have much of a choice in the matter. He also already had multiple girls chasing him, but Yoruichi was unsure about how to proceed. She wasn't entirely sure how she felt about that either.
After coming to the conclusion she had, she started paying more attention to how she acted around Ichigo. What she found surprised her. Her body seemed to show the tell tale signs of attraction, something she hadn't felt genuinely in decades if not centuries. Her body grew warmer when he was around. Her heart beat faster. Every time she accidentally caught his warm eyes she fought a desperate battle to prevent a wide smile from spreading across her whole face.
She admitted that he was attractive. He was tall, lean, strong, loyal, a bit prude but that made it funner to tease him, and his own unique blend of innocence and lack there of. Yoruichi was actually surprised that out of all those in his human life Ichigo didn't have more women beating a path to his door.
Yoruichi also began to watch how the others acted around him. Orihime laughing at a story Ichigo had told already that night that wasn't funny to start with, Kazehana all but draping herself over him asking him if he was old enough to drink yet, followed closely by Matsumoto and Uzume asking the same question, Rukia's blushes when she and Ichigo playfully teased each other, Matsu trying to drag him away to perform experiments, and Miya's face whenever Ichigo complimented a meal.
Yoruichi felt something rolling like oil in her gut. Surprised she looked down at herself. Her usual orange sweatshirt covered her body, having passed out before she could change the night before. Her stomach looked fine, but the roiling feeling refused to stop.
"So my kitten is starting to have human emotions. How sweet."
I don't need this right now, Taigā Asashin.
"I warned you not to drink so much."
Why are you so talkative this afternoon? Yoruichi asked.
"That man has been making this place shake like crazy." Taigā Asashin said simply. "You need to figure this out now. I'm tired of trying to take a nap and suddenly the entire area shakes me out of my napping tree."
What is there to figure out? Yoruichi asked shaking her head. He's good looking. I enjoy looking at him. End of story.
"Then what is he to you?" Taigā Asashin asked. "Why is it that I haven't been able to sleep for more than an hour or two before this place shakes like Hell itself was loosed on the world?"
He is my student, Yoruichi said back. The oily feeling in her stomach started to twist again.
"And you are fine with that?" Taigā Asashin asked. "You are thinking to much like Yoruichi the Goddess of the Flash. You need to think more like Yoruichi."
I am Yoruichi.
"No," Taigā Asashin said sighing. "You are still the Goddess of the Flash. I'm still your partner but you need to learn how to think like Yoruichi. Let me ask a single question. When did you have the most contact with Ichigo?"
When I was training him, Yoruichi replied.
Her Zanpakutō remained silent.
Yoruichi sighed as she stood. The room was empty except for herself. Even Kon was missing. Yoruichi stretched as she felt the pounding in her head continue. Ignoring it Yoruichi left the room. The house was strangely subdued.
The Spiritual Energy's of several humans, Shinigami, and Sekirei, sat motionless in the building. Everyone was accounted for. Even an old friend outside the door.
"It's not healthy to try and sneak up on an assassin, Isshin." Yoruichi said loudly enough for the man in the hall to hear.
"Well it's hard to resist," Isshin said walking inside the room. "I mean you and Urahara are the only ones from Soul Society that were Captains when I was and I was the one who helped you achieve Bankai after all. It's nice to see old friends every once in a while."
"Don't call me old," Yoruichi retorted. "You are older than me."
"I guess I must just look younger." Isshin said a blinding gleam in his eyes.
"Shut up," Yoruichi said leaking a little killing intent. "Or would you like me to kick your ass?"
"As if you could," Isshin said laughing. His face turned serious. "Have you heard?"
"Heard what?" Yoruichi asked turning serious.
"Soul Society got communications up just a short while ago." Isshin reported.
"I know," Yoruichi said nodding. She had gotten a message from them last night informing her of that the vote had gone as expected and her clan had given the official go as far as attempting it.
"I got word from Kūkaku last night," Isshin said frowning. "They passed It."
Yoruichi felt a snarl build in her throat. Taigā Asashin mimicked her reaction. The Soul Society for all it's traditions had very few real 'laws'.
The ultimate law to maintain balance of living Souls and those of the Dead.
Do not give Shinigami powers to humans.
Do not use forbidden Kidō.
Do not create weapons of dangerous nature unless sanctioned by the government.
Do not attack a Captain. Spars are still allowed.
Do not commit terrorist actions or overthrow the balance of Soul Society.
Do not murder.
Do not kill humans unless ordered.
A Shinigami is forbidden to acquire or attempt to gain Hollow powers.
A Shinigami can only remain in the in the World of the Living for a certain time limit.
The Gotei 13 is not to meddle in the affairs of noble families unless the family is without a doubt guilty of breaking a law.
Two Shinigami cannot hold the same Zanpakutō.
Shinigami are not to interfere in anything related to Hell.
All Modified Souls must be scrapped.
These were the laws that governed the Soul Society. They were more or less strictly upheld. There existed four punishments for those that broke them. Exile to the human world. Detention, or in laymen terms, house arrest. Imprisonment in the Central Great Underground Prison for a set number of years. The fourth and final one was Execution.
Aizen had broken at least seven. The use of forbidden Kidō, the creation of dangerous weapons in the form of the Arrancar, attacking Captains, the attempt to overthrow Soul Society, the murder of Shinigami, attempting to gain Hollow powers, and the attempted murder of all Karakura Town. Who knew how many else he had broken.
Ichigo had broken at least as many. He received Shinigami powers from Rukia, he was harboring one of Aizen's weapons in his Soul, he attacked Captains almost on a weekly basis, he committed terrorist activities when he went to rescue Rukia, he had Hollow powers, while human, many saw his continued residence of the World of the Living instead of Soul Society as breaking the law as one with Shinigami powers, especially once his genes became known, he had invaded Hell, and he was currently harboring one of the last Modified Souls in existence.
The only thing protecting him was his status as a Substitute Shinigami and the fact that all of his exploits had saved Soul Society in someway. That said many, nobles in particular, saw his escaping punishment as inexcusable. Ever since the reformation of the Central 46 they had been trying to pass a law that could effect Ichigo. Isshin had as a result been keeping tabs on the law from afar.
The stated that should a large number, about a third, of Shinigami become disabled for a time then Central 46 would put together a panel and select participants for the 'Generations Project'. The only requirement be that the participant have a large amount of Spiritual Energy. They could be human, Shinigami, Bount, Quincy, anything that wasn't pure Hollow. If the participant was unwilling then they would be forced. The participants would then be locked in a cell in Division Twelves barracks and reproductive cells would be harvested from them through methods that had made Captain Kurotsuchi grin like the mad man he was. Suffice to say that the participant would not enjoy it. She had heard mention of needles, tongs, scalpels, and feeding tubes several times. With the number of Shinigami that had been killed or maimed in Aizen's betrayal it would only take a minor fight to meet the requirements.
The four largest and most prominent noble houses opposed it along with the Captain Commander and Kūkaku. It was the minor houses however that were pushing for it. They saw it as their opportunity to gain the blood of some of the strongest in Soul Society. The numbers of the Minor houses had been the major obstacle.
With the current state of affairs and the mission with the Sekirei, both herself as the Shihōin clan head and Byakuya as the Kuchiki clan head were busy in the living world. With them out of the way then-
"So they waited for us to be out of Soul Society and passed it while we were away." Yoruichi sighed. "Something doesn't sit right with me though. They were supposed to give us notice about a vote."
"I did some checking," Isshin said leaning against the wall. "Rather Kūkaku did some for me. According to reports about the aftermath of Kenpachi's fight say that the device in charge of communications was all but scrap."
"I assume there is something more to it." Yoruichi replied frowning.
"Everything else in the room was salvageable requiring only a few hours of tinkering to fix." Isshin responded in a sigh. "The communications device was so destroyed that it had to be rebuilt from scrap."
Yoruichi had to fight down the concern gnawing at her gut.
"As far as I'm aware the decision to send a group to investigate here was made after that." Yoruichi responded frowning. "How could they know that they would be sent to investigate here?"
"That is the crux of the problem," Isshin said frowning. "Somebody in Soul Society knows far more about what is happening here than we do. We still don't know how Aizen fits into this or even what exactly what 'this' is."
"Maybe I can shed at least a little light on the problem." A voice stated from the doorway.
Yoruichi's eyes darted there and saw a familiar sight of a blond hair shop keeper with a striped bucket hat standing in the door.
"Urahara," Isshin said turning slightly to the younger man. "You find something out?"
"I won't say anything I'm not sure about but if I'm right then Soul Society may enter a civil war." Urahara said shocking Yoruichi.
"Is it really that bad?" Isshin asked.
"If I'm right," Urahara gravely intoned. "Then it won't be good. With who is involved it might end up being roughly half of Soul Society against the other."
"There anything we can do to prevent it?" Yoruichi asked.
"It is going to be difficult," Urahara replied. "Whoever is running this is making sure they aren't coming anywhere near this thing until the right time. The leader has been planning this for a while, if I'm right then he or she may have been working with Aizen or at least is taking advantage of some of his plans."
"So what is the plan?" Isshin asked.
"We need more information." Urahara replied. "From what I've been able to gather MBI didn't have the technology to create Sekirei from scratch and from what I just managed to weasel out of one of your son's Sekirei they were found. We need to find the original site."
"Who do you have planned for that?" Isshin asked.
"I've contacted a little bee in the city," Urahara said smiling at the joke. "She'll find the location."
"Why didn't you ask me?" Yoruichi asked worriedly. "I almost got killed when I let down my guard for just a moment. If she get's hurt-"
"I've explained the risks," Urahara said trying and failing to reassure her. "I also recommended some ways in which she could try and find the location without coming in direct contact with MBI's security. She should be fine."
"Still I'm a bit worried," Yoruichi said turning her thoughts to her little bee.
"Now onto other matters," Urahara said brightly snapping open a fan in front of his face. "What's this I hear about you sleeping in Ichigo's room?"
"MASAKI MY SON IS A MORE POPULAR MAN THAN I!"
"Masaki can I Shunkō his ass?" Yoruichi asked the air. She listened, hearing nothing. "I'll take that as a yes."
"No please Yoruichi," Isshin pleaded before running out of the room.
"Like son like father evidently," Urahara laughed as Yoruichi chased Isshin out the door.
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Isshin smiled despite the bruises Yoruichi gave him. It was the eye of the storm. The existence of both the World of the Living and Soul Society where hanging by threads. Urahara was tight lipped about what he had discovered. He had always been like that. He hated saying anything before he was sure. One of the reasons he hadn't told Ichigo about him working on getting his powers back was that he wasn't sure if it would work until he had it ready to be used.
Isshin was sitting on the porch steps of Izumo Inn. The sun shone brightly. It had been an interesting day. He had postponed his attack of Ichigo until afternoon. He deserved some sleep.
Isshin took a sip of coffee. It was straight black coffee. It had taken some getting used to but he had grown to be just as fond of the strong black substance as the tea that was sold in Soul Society.
"Mind if I join you?" A soft voice came from behind him.
"Sure," Isshin said motioning for her to sit next to him.
"Thanks," Miya responded sitting next to him. "We didn't get to talk much in the time you've been here. I figured it would rectify that as the host. So tell me about yourself."
"Well," Isshin said giving her a soft smile. "I am a widower. I have three wonderful kids. I run a small clinic inside Karakura Town."
"I am sorry to hear about your wife," Miya said her voice sad.
"Don't be," Isshin said shrugging. Her death still hurt but after confronting Grand Fisher he had begun to heal. He was only sad that Masaki's death still weighed on Ichigo's mind so heavily. "What about you? I saw the picture in your room."
"He died," Miya said. Her voice was cold, isolated, hurt. Like Matsumoto had been when Isshin had talked to her about Gin after his exile was repealed. Or like Ichigo with his mother. "He died saving the lives of those in a building."
"Masaki saved Ichigo," Isshin said comforting her. Miya looked at him. "A Hollow tried to trick Ichigo and eat him. Masaki protected him but it cost her her life."
"I thought Hollows were supposed to be a secret from the way we were told." Miya said.
"I was listening in," Isshin admitted waving it off. "I can see why he likes you."
"How-?" Miya began but Isshin interrupted.
"You are both alike in many ways," Isshin said softly. "You both care about those close to yourselves. You've both fought against others to protect those close to you. Whether or not even he knows, but you've taken a spot in his heart."
"How-?" Miya began again but once again Isshin interrupted her.
"How do I know you can fight or how do I know you're in his heart? Or both?"
"Both." Miya said simply.
"A person walks a certain way after they've spent any amount of time fighting." Isshin explained. "A graceful stride. A relaxed yet tense walk that says you could spring into a fight in mere seconds. You may remove the sword, ax, spear, bow, or whatever you use to fight with but you can't remove the walk even after centuries. Then the way you attacked Ichigo in your room. The way you moved. Efficient. Never wasting a single motion. Only those with extreme battle tested skills could do what you did."
"It's true," Miya said her voice reluctant. "I would appreciate it if you could keep it quiet though, Captain."
"How did-?" Isshin began his brow furrowing.
"Many small things." Miya said a smile on her face. "The way Matsumoto and Tōshirō treat you like a superior, yet Yoruichi and Urahara don't."
"I suppose they gave me away," Isshin said chuckling. "I would ask you don't tell Ichigo yet. I need to tell him myself when the time is right."
"Okay," Miya said agreeing. "Now I have a question of my own."
"Really?" Isshin said slightly mocking. "Just one?"
"Well more, but one will do for now," Miya admitted. "How did you get over the loss of your wife?"
"You don't," Isshin said seriously. "If you were going to ask me how you forget about all those years happiness and how it ended so abruptly, then I'll crush that right away. You never forget it. It stays with you till you die as well."
"But," Miya said her voice subdued. "How do you keep going?"
"That is the better answer," Isshin said smiling. "You never get over it. You learn to live with it. Part of keep going is to find what pushes you on. For me it was my family. For Ichigo it was his friends and his sisters."
"But would you ever remarry?" Miya asked.
"I don't think so," Isshin said shaking his head. "It's not because I am worried what Masaki would think, it is more that I doubt I'll find someone who completes me again. I'm older than I look. I have history with that mercenary group that you were told about. Even after we leave it we have to stay tight lipped about it unless absolutely necessary. I wouldn't want to hid that from her. Besides some of what comes about as attraction is similar experiences. It will be a rare woman who can say she has fought against monsters and of those that have most would see me as an officer. Not as me."
"Wise words for one so young," Miya said smiling.
"Miya I doubt you are older than I am," Isshin said barking a laugh. "Anyway I think that's enough bleeding hearts for one day. Let's just sit here before the eye passes us by."
"You know I think that I'm actually looking forward to the chaos." Miya said a slight smile on her face.
"I know what you mean." Isshin said smiling.
The two warriors sat waiting for the eye of the storm to end and the next wall of the storm to strike.
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Hayato Mikogami was mad. Hell he was pissed. He had counted on the Disciplinary Squad taking out those from the North.
"Damn it," Hayato cursed. They broke the rules and got away with it. Hayato felt his anger boiling inside him.
"Calm down Hayato," Mutsu said calmly.
"Calm down?!" Hayato half-asked half-shouted. "They broke the rules. You assured me that Karasuba would be more than adequate to deal with them."
"I did and still believe she should have been." Mutsu argued. "Instead of complaining perhaps you should ask yourself why this happened."
"Why this happened?" Hayato asked after taking a deep breath.
"Karasuba is a monster." Mutsu supplied. "She should have destroyed a small portion of the city if the enemy was good enough to barely hold their own. Against tougher opponents at least half the city should be destroyed, yet only a single bridge was damaged. What does that say?"
"She let them escape." Hayato concluded. A smile graced his lips the more he thought about it. "Which would mean that it was part of the game. What an interesting turn. What can you tell me about the one who escaped?"
"The Sekirei was not overly powerful." Mutsu reported. "Strong enough to catch an opponent off guard but certainly not powerful enough to fight anyone prepared for her."
"Intriguing," Hayato murmured. "They let a minnow go to entice more fish to try their luck with the net."
"What will you do now?" Mutsu asked.
"I suppose it is my move," Hayato said smiling. "The North just entered the game in force. Perhaps I should start playing more aggressively."
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Higa Izumi glared at the women in front of him. Each had been assigned to a different bridge. Toyotama had been watching the bridge they had tried to escape over, but an unseen enemy had somehow discovered her and knocked her out before she could turn around.
Toyotama was a tall woman, with long dark green hair. Her blue eyes normally filled with self confidence now filled with uncertainty. She wore a blue and white belly-top which reveal a large portion of her cleavage. An orange Sekirei crest sat atop her left breast. Long black gloves, stocking held by a garter over her bloomers and thigh length boots completed her appearance.
"Leave us," Higa said his jaw clenched.
The other Sekirei in the room began to leave.
"I'm-" Toyotama began.
"I don't care." Higa said. "This is inexcusable. I told you to prevent them from crossing the bridge and you are knocked out before the fight even begins."
"But I found this cute cat and-"
"Enough," Higa said interrupting her. "You let them go so you will pay me back."
"How?" Toyotama asked.
"I'm planning a way to get back at those Ashikabis of the North for their impertinence." Higa said turning to look out the window behind him. The city laid sprawled out before him. The only building taller in the entire city was that of MBI. God he hated it. "I want you to lead the charge. This is your only chance at redemption. If you come back all will be forgiven. If not, well, I have no use for weak Sekirei."
"Yes, sir." Toyotama responded.
"Leave me," Higa said staring out at the city.
Soon. Soon it will all be over.
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"I don't understand it," Benitsubasa said frowning. The three Sekirei sat in the a wooden sauna filled with steam on their floor granted to them by MBI. Each sported various bandages to cover minor wounds. "He should have died."
"All the Ashikabi should have," Karasuba said from where she sat in the sauna. The steam was so thick Benitsubasa could barely see her. A few bandages wrapped around her side binding a broken rib. With Sekirei healing abilities it would take only a day or two to heal. "No human should be able to fight like that."
"That guy with the arrows was no joke either," Haihane said rubbing a shoulder covered in bandages that hid a deep gash from the bite of an arrow.
"What are they?" Benitsubasa asked the question aloud.
"That's an easy one No-Boobs!" An annoying voice reached Benitsubasa's ears. Her eye started to twitch as she turned to the side and saw a sight that made a chill go up her back. Previously unknown to her, her Ashikabi was sitting in the sauna sleeping against one wall. Benitsubasa was suddenly made aware of just how large he was. He looked like a zombie out of a horror movie with all the scrapes that cut across his body that he hadn't bothered to bind. His eyes were shut tight. If Benitsubasa didn't know any better she would have said he was dead. Yachiru sat nearby with a towel wrapped around herself smiling happily at everything. "They aren't human!"
"What do you mean by that?" Karasuba asked her voice perking up. Benitsubasa would be lying if she didn't say that she was interested to.
"Oops I wasn't supposed to tell you that." Yachiru said putting a finger to her thoughtful lips. A smile suddenly crossed her lips just as quickly as she lowered her hand. "I suppose I should tell you."
"Don't go saying anything you shouldn't," Kenpachi said suddenly speaking up startling Benitsubasa. I thought he was asleep. "The old man would get pissed if we say to much and as much as I'd love to fight him again I want another crack at Ichigo first."
"Okay Kenny," Yachiru said smiling happily. "But they aren't human. At least a few of them aren't."
"What do you mean?" Haihane asked.
"One was a special species of human called a Quincy," Yachiru said happily. "They can shoot lots of arrows. One was a Fullbringer which is another type of special human. Another really was just a special human."
"Which one was the Fullbringer?" Benitsubasa asked.
"The one No-Boobs fought." Yachiru responded. "He has increased strength and durability."
Even so, my punch can shatter even a Sekirei's bones if they get hit with it directly like he did, but he barely reacted.
"What about the Quincy?" Benitsubasa asked feeling a tick mark form at the mention of the nickname Yachiru had applied to her.
"He was the one with arrow," Kenpachi supplied his eyes closed.
"And the lady I fought?" Karasuba asked.
"Can't tell," Kenpachi replied. "Safe to say she is the same as me."
"And the one you faced?" Haihane asked.
"He is a hybrid," Kenpachi said. "Of my species, another species, and human."
"What species are you?" Benitsubasa asked.
"Can't tell ya," Kenpachi said simply. "Can't tell you the other species either. Captain might stop me from fighting Ichigo."
"Yeah, No-Boobs," Yachiru said happily.
"Quit calling me No-Boobs!" Benitsubasa responded hotly.
"Why, don't you like it?" Yachiru asked.
"No," Benitsubasa replied.
"Then I'll call you Tiny-Tits." Yachiru responded happily.
"NOT THAT EITHER!" Benitsubasa yelled. "MY NAME IS BENITSUBASA!"
"But that's not fun to say." Yachiru whined. "How about Mini-Melons?"
"NO!" Benitsubasa yelled. Her face was a deep crimson. The only thing keeping her from strangling the kid was that Kenpachi had made it very clear that she was not to be messed with.
"Can't-Cans?" Yachiru suggested.
"NO!" Benitsubasa yelled again.
"Not-So-Funbags?" Yachiru asked. "Or how about Bambi-Rack?"
"SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!" Benitsubasa shouted putting her hands over her burning ears. Why did she have to say that in front of Kenpachi?
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"It went well," Shakkin said smirking. The room he stood in was dimly lit. Chairs lined the sides of the room. Shadowy figures sat in each. Nobody could see the others face. It was specifically designed that way. Only the leader knew everyone.
"Only well?" The leader's voice came in a monotone. Shakkin had a hard time telling if it was a man or woman.
"Well if the report of the one before me was any indication at all. She had to reveal herself." Shakkin responded.
"Does this disappoint you?" The leader asked.
"OF COURSE IT DOES!" Shakkin roared. "I am hear to free Aizen. You promised me the opportunity."
"And he shall be." The leader said the voice still monotone. "Now what of MBI?"
"They have made the devices we need." Shakkin reported narrowing his eyes. "They are finishing the last one soon. I am curious as to why you asked for these."
"Perception filters will be necessary," The leader said simply.
"But if you do use your powers won't we-" Shakkin left the end unsaid.
"Yes we too will be affected." The leader responded. "That is the purpose of the filters. With the right programming we will activate them later reversing my powers on ourselves. Once I am revived I shall begin a more permanent fix for us."
"Sir," One of the figures spoke up. A female by the sound. "Why are we kept in the dark about each other? We could help each other."
"YOU FUCKING IDIOT!" Shakkin shouted getting the attention of the one in the chair. "IF ONE OF US DECIDES TO TURN TRAITOR OR WE GET CAPTURED THERE ARE METHODS IN WHICH WE COULD BE EXPOSED. OUT OF ALL OF US I AM THE MOST FUCKING VISABLE YOU PIECE OF SHIT. I AM THE ONE THEY WILL GO AFTER FIRST WHEN THEY FIND OUT!"
"If they find out," The another voice replied. Male deep and husky.
"The one called Urahara has already become suspicious," A feminine voice came from the opposite end of the room. "He contacted a spy in the city to search out the facility."
"That place is not of any concern to us," The leader said. "It will lead them down the wrong path, but to make it a bit harder, one of you will volunteer to set traps on the Island."
"I will do so," A prim female voice said. "With a few select illusions and what you've told me about her she shouldn't be a problem to trick."
"I don't want her killed, she has to spread the information she finds." The leader responded. "I don't care if you maim her a little though."
"What shall I do?" Shakkin asked.
"I need you to collect the perception filters as soon as you can." The leader said plainly. "They are the key to our success. They are the only constants in the world that will change."
Shakkin shuddered at the implication of the leader's words.
"When will you do it?" Shakkin asked.
"Soon enough," The leader replied monotonously. "How did the law proceed?"
"It passed well enough," A nasally voice said. "Why did you have me push for it after opposing it for so long?"
"That is of no concern now," The leader responded. "Now disperse. You all have your tasks."
The group slowly began to dissolve. Leaving Shakkin and the leader alone.
"Anything special you want me to do?" Shakkin asked.
"Use your spies to keep an eye on everyone." The leader said. "Report back in should something happen."
"Alright," Shakkin said walking away.
He couldn't help but shiver as he thought about the leader while he walked away. The power contained was amazing. Shakkin could honestly say that among those present he ranked in the top five, but even combined he doubted any of them could take out the leader. In fact the world would probably disintegrate around them if she used her powers to much. As it was she had used it only a handful of times. Each time the World of the Living, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo had screamed and shaken to their very core.
Still Shakkin couldn't help a crooked smile cross his lips. Years ago he had modified a saying from Shakespeare to fit his mood. Now it fit even better than his original use.
"Oh horseman of pale and horseman of red come forth," Shakkin chanted softly. "For the hounds of war have just been loosed."
Shakkin's voice faded into the black shadows surrounding him.
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Author's Note:
Well that brings about the conclusion of Arc 1. I hope that you all enjoyed this first arc. I stayed up all night and missed class today to get this out. Kidding. I worked last night and my professor canceled classes today so I'M FREE! At least for today. Anyway, a few things about this chapter. At first I wasn't sure how I was going to write this one. I needed a way to wrap up the Arc but also keep the storyline going into arc 2.
It always seemed to me like Matsu has a hard time. I mean she is always stuck inside the Inn. While that makes sense in the manner of her being more of a planner than a fighter, but it is hard when she is stuck in the Inn and can't even leave to go shopping or run errands with the main character. So I figured that I would find a way to get her out. As for the device Urahara is planning on making, think Watch Dogs if you've ever played that. Still have to disguise her physical appearance but computers will pixelate her image.
The fourth section is used to do several things. The first and most important is to introduce the law that was passed by Soul Society. I tried to emphasize that it wasn't a law allowing a harem or in any way similar to the CRA of Naruto. Think more... Dr. Frankenstein, Kurotsuchi, or a mad scientist ripping open the victim and surgically removing the material needed and putting it into cryogenic freezing.
I also introduced Taigā Asashin. Yoruichi's Zanpakutō. Now I've done a bit of research and there are several theories on why we've never seen it. The most common are that 1. It was stolen. 2. It was lost 3. It was broken 4. She just chooses not to use it. Personally I think it is number 4. I doubt anyone could steal from the master assassin and get away with it. I doubt she would forget where she lost it and with Urahara's mind and tech savvy I doubt that it would be irretrievable. As for breaking it should simply reform after a short time. That leaves the 4th. Now even amongst this there are different theories. I'm going to say that it is designed specifically for assassinations and is less than desirable for a straight up fight.
I also know that I was a bit nick picky as to 'breaking the laws' that Ichigo did but at least from what I've seen from where I live people are more interested in black and white than the gray area and I could see politicians in Soul Society only seeing the bottom line instead of the intent. I also had to have a reason for the politicians to be slightly wary of Ichigo despite him being the Savior of the Soul Society.
I threw in the scene with Benitsubasa and the rest of the Disciplinary Squad mostly for comic relief. I looked up as many different synonyms for breasts as I could. There were quite a few and I tried to get a few of the funnier ones.
The final scene was to give those in the shadows more of a hierarchy. As for the twist with Shakkin not being the biggest boss, well I asked myself what crime boss would interact directly with those outside their organization. They would just send a lieutenant to meet with those not in the organization. Besides, I already have a very well hidden signs of Shakkin's powers spread through the first arc, but I needed someone with different powers to set up the third arc. All I'll say is that Ichigo has had experience with a similar power in the past, but the leader's power is much more potent than that of the ability Ichigo already had to face. To be honest I forgot Ichigo had even had a similar experience, but this time around it will be far worse.
Remember if you like the story leave a review saying so. We writers are actually vampires that evolved to not drink blood but to feed off reviews. I would rather not go back to stalking the night and drinking the blood of strangers. If you didn't like something leave a review saying what and why you didn't like something. I might be able to fix it, but the longer it goes unnoticed the less I'll be able to do.
Here is John Hinde signing off for the day.