(A/N: Because the mood has struck I have decided to write up the next chapter for this fic. With Rukia, Zelos and Rangiku in the group things will certainly be a lot more lively to say the least. Also because I forgot to say it last time Gaikai means Outer World in Japanese)
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of Symphonia
Ichigo's pov
It was nice to have Rukia alongside me again. Our dynamic as a two man army was invaluable. And her status as a lieutenant of the Royal Guard would definitely prove useful when we needed favors from people in the area. As far as Rangiku and Zelos were concerned I was only worried how they would affect the group more so than how they would affect the mission.
"Zelos you're too kind," I could hear Inoue within ear shot.
Speaking of which, I thought to myself as I walked over to their part of the group.
"No Orihime I mean what I say you truly must be the most beautiful Sylvaranti ever. I don't even have to go there to know no woman could compare to you," I heard Zelos saying. I tapped him on the shoulder.
"Oh hello Ichigo," he said, "Something I can help you with?"
"Yeah leave Inoue alone," I told him.
"Whoa that's awfully territorial of you," Zelos commented.
I grabbed his shirt, "Listen you, I…"
"Ichigo for goodness sakes leave the poor kid alone," I heard Rangiku's voice.
The hell?
"Oh dearest Rangiku, surely you understand I was only letting Miss Orihime know that she simply doesn't realize her own charms," he said.
Oh dear god, if she falls for that…
"Now Zelos I think I know Ichigo well enough to not lash out violently for no reason, but Ichigo you need to keep your temper in check, can't have you marring the chosen now can we?" Rangiku asked.
I let Zelos go, "I suppose not, but he really needs to leave her innocence intact," I said and walked away.
Zelos' pov
"Um, I'm going to go catch up to Kurosaki-kun," Orihime said and ran up to catch up with Ichigo.
"Is there something I should know about the two of them?" I asked Rangiku.
"Plenty, but I can tell that things are pretty tense about now, we'll have plenty of time to play catch up when things quiet down," she answered.
"In other words, when we decide to take a rest at the inn," I said.
"Exactly," Rangiku said, "Now let's get a move on we're falling behind."
"Right, I know I hear ya," I said.
Grand Tethe'alla Bridge
Ichigo's pov
So as we reached the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge I took notice of how large it was. It had to be at least twice the size of the Western Society's Golden Gate.
"Whoa that's a huge bridge," Lloyd exclaimed. I had an urge to tell him thank you Captain Obvious
Zelos walked to the front of the group and decided to awe us with the bridge's statistics, "Listen and be amazed, bumpkins. This is the greatest drawbridge in the world. It connects the continents of Altamira and Fooji. Its control system incorporates 3,000 Exspheres."
Three thousand? I found myself thinking
"Three thousand human lives," I heard Inoue say sadly.
"Fairest Orihime whatever is the matter?" Zelos asked her.
"Hmm," Raine said, "I suppose now would be the best time to set up camp and catch each other up to speed."
Kyoraku-san looked up at the sky, "Yeah the sun does appear as though it may set in a couple of hours,"
"We're going to camp, as in outside, on the cold ground?" Zelos asked.
"Oh I'm sorry," I said shortly, "I suppose you'd like to have a nice bed to sleep in."
"That would be nice yes," he answered. It took every bit of self control I had not to strangle the guy.
"I suppose it wouldn't be a terribly bad idea," Rukia said her fist under her chin, "As things stand now there are quite a few things I'd like to know to get caught up with."
"Well if Lady Rukia doesn't have a problem with it I suppose I can comply, we do have camping materials though right?" he asked.
"Ah man that's right Noishe has all of our stuff," Lloyd said.
"Damn, I should've thought to hire a caravan," Rukia said.
"Not to worry," Kyoraku-san said, "I've got it covered," he reached into his umbrella and pulled out a whistle of sorts.
"What's that?" I asked. He blew on the whistle, but no sound came out.
"I think it's broken old man," Zelos said.
"Patience kid," Kyoraku-san said. Suddenly I heard an ever familiar barking and foot galloping followed by the sight of ever familiar green and white fur appearing upon the horizon.
"Noishe!" Lloyd ran up to his pet, "What, how did you get here?" he wanted to know. He examined something around Noishe's neck, "Huh what's this?"
Kyoraku-san was quick to explain, "Ever since Sheena explained about Tethe'alla's existence I started doing some thinking. I figured that we would inevitably have to find a way to Tethe'alla, and I also knew that Noishe wouldn't be able to follow us to the Tower of Salvation, so while you were all sleeping I went out in the middle of the night and put these two fantastic devices together. That necklace around Noishe's neck is a hardened amethyst crystal with dragon's blood in the center of it."
"That makes sense, Amethyst crystals are known for their magic properties of teleportation and dimensional boundary crossovers, they're incredibly rare. However did you find one?"
"I spent all night Miss Sage," Kyoraku-san said.
"Dragon's blood is used as a catalyst of sorts isn't it?" Genis asked.
"Correct," Kyoraku-san answered, "Using the heat from the Thoda Geyser to melt it and the cave itself to cool the diamond with the blood inside it I was able to fashion this charm of sorts. Of course without something to activate the charm it's useless so that's where this comes into play," he said waving the whistle he used earlier, "This here is just your average dog whistle coated with dragon's blood,"
"I see, I think I understand," Raine said, "The dragon's blood acted as a link between the two objects so when you blew the whistle, even though Noishe was in Sylvarant he came running towards the sound and the amethyst crossed him over into Tethe'alla."
"Exactly, Noishe's velocity is what brought him here, his speed is superior to humans and therefore it made it possible to make the trip over here."
"Couldn't one of us accomplish the same thing with Shunpo?" Renji asked.
"Not really, Shunpo increases the distance we cover in a short amount of time, almost like we move too fast for the human eye to register, however this is only used for short distance travel or for evasive tactics. And just a regular sprint won't cut it either. Humans by nature aren't as fast as animals even our enchanced speed thanks to Zanpakuto training won't solve that issue."
"So Noishe's speed brought him here?" Genis asked.
"That sure is what it sounds like to me," Raine answered.
"Well in that case we might as well start setting up camp," I said unloading some of the stuff off the poor animal, "Lloyd catch," I said tossing him a bag.
"You're going to help set up camp too right Zelos?" Rukia asked.
"Huh? Me?" he seemed confused.
"Come on Zelos do you really want to see us women doing all the hard work we'll get all hot and sweaty," Rangiku pouted.
"Ah yes, I suppose so, I can't have the ladies do all of the work now can I?" he asked.
"I will help too," I heard Presea of all people say.
"Th-th-th-thank you P-P-P-Presea," Genis said. Presea just stared at him.
"Cold," I said.
That night
Renji, Lloyd, Kyoraku-san, Genis, Zelos and I all managed to set up camp before sunset, after which Lloyd went out hunting for dinner with Noishe and Orihime went with him.
Nice to see those two getting along with each other, I thought to myself.
"You're all right letting her go off like that?" Rukia asked me.
"Huh, what do you mean? Lloyd's a strong kid and Inoue can take care of herself, according to Tatsuki," I said.
Rukia chuckled.
"What?" I asked scowling.
"Sorry, it's just I didn't expect that response. You used to be all overprotective of everything and anybody, and you seemed to really lay into Zelos earlier," she said.
"Yeah well Lloyd's pretty oblivious when it comes to that subject so I'm not too worried," I said.
"So you want to bring me up to speed with all that's happened?" she asked, "Or should we all sit around the campfire and share stories?"
I chuckled, "Nah I can let you know now," I said. I told Rukia everything that needed to be known.
"I see, so that's how you passed it off," she said.
"You did something differently I take it," I said.
"At first I was traveling alone, just struggling to survive, but then Nii-sama found me shortly after, he was already with Ukitake-taicho, Kotetsu, Kotsubaki, Unohana-taicho and Matsumoto. After travelling together a short while we reached Meltokio and went inside. It was when we reached the nobility area that Nii-sama drew attention to us," Rukia started to explain.
"Wait why'd he draw attention?" Ichigo asked.
"His Kenseikan," Rukia stated, "Not to mention we weren't dressed in the most casual of clothing. Ukitake-taicho looked like a scholar and Kotetsu and Kotsubaki were both dressed as soldiers, Unohana-taicho was wearing the priestess' outfit you saw her in earlier when I saw you go to the church. I was wearing a traveler's dress and Nii-sama was dressed quite formally," she said.
"What about Rangiku-san?" I asked.
"The same black boots, parlor blouse and checkerboard mini-skirt she's wearing right now," Rukia said.
"I see," I answered.
"Anyway like I was saying, Nii-sama's kenseikan is a mark of high nobility here as much as it is in Soul Society so when the Princess, who was out in the courtyard noticed him we were asked to be seen by the king straight away. Our story was that we were members of a noble house having survived an earthquake that trampled through it. They seemed to have bought it considering that there was an earthquake where Ukitake said there had been one," she continued.
"Okay that still doesn't explain how you two got to be captain and Lieutenant of the Royal Guard," I pointed out.
"That was Hilda's doing, she noticed that we were all armed and Ukitake-taicho explained the same way he and the others had been passing us off as what he called an ancient way of sword training known as the art of Zanpakuto, which he said that only those selected by 'Mystic Unohana' could learn it seeing as Unohana-taicho's garbs, as he found out through books, made her look like that of a 'Communicant of Martel'. Hilda wanted to know just how strong we were and so we demonstrated our capabilities out in the coliseum, during the demonstration the city was overrun by large, flying monsters. While everyone else either ran for cover or helped civilians Nii-sama simply looked at the creatures with unwavering resolve and obliterated them through use of his Bankai. That was all that was needed to appoint him as Captain of the Royal Guard. Nii-sama selected me as his lieutenant with Ukitake-taicho's persuasion since that position would give me a position where he could keep an eye on me, which for the most part would confine me to the city," she explained.
"All the power and none of the responsibility, you got lucky," I said.
She nodded and continued, "Ukitake-taicho was assigned as Royal Book Keeper and Kotetsu and Kotsubaki were assigned by Nii-sama as his bodyguards. Unohana-taicho was placed in the Church of Martel."
"I see, makes sense I guess," I said.
"Anyway Raine's probably going to want to grill me with tons of questions in a bit so…" I said having exchanged the information I needed to with Rukia.
"Yeah it seems she's just reading right now," she said, "Kyoraku-taicho and Renji seem to be taking the job of filling in Matsumoto-fukutaicho and Zelos about everything."
"I guess I'll go talk to her," I said.
"Wait Ichigo," Rukia called out.
I turned around, "Hmm,"
"About Kratos, the one who betrayed you," she said, "I think there's more to him than meets the eye Ichigo. I don't believe that what he said at the ranch completely conflicts with his earlier attitude throughout the journey."
"Maybe," I said. Suddenly we heard ever familiar foot clomping as Lloyd and Orihime came back with a full sack of food.
"All right food's here," she said, "Who's going to cook?"
I turned around, "Hey Genis you cooking tonight?" I asked.
"Huh? S-sure, I guess so," he said with a surprised look.
Rukia whacked me, "Ow what was that for?" I asked.
"Honestly making a little kid like that cook for eleven people, don't you think that's a little cruel," Rukia scolded.
"Genis is very accomplished for his age," Raine said, having overheard us, "I wish I had his skill in cooking."
"Really?" she asked, "Would you like to try my cooking Lieutenant Rukia?" Raine asked. I immediately drew my hand across my throat in a cutting motion to give Rukia a warning signal.
"Maybe another night," she said, "Besides Ichigo wants to talk to you so you won't have time to help prepare tonight anyway."
Nice transition, I thought. With the way she had worded it though Genis' head picked up in alarm.
"Ah yes, thank you for volunteering yourself for me Ichigo I was worried I'd have to force you to get you talk to me one on one," Raine said. I know she meant that literally, but to Genis he thought we might be having a chat of different sorts.
Zelos was no better, "Making a move on Raine there Ichigo, didn't think you were the type."
"Shut up!" I snapped at him.
"Now, now play nice everyone," Kyoraku-san said.
"You guys better not be late for dinner," Genis said.
"We won't," I said.
"Shall we be heading off then?" Raine asked. I nodded and she and I wandered off from the campsite until we were both out of sight and ear shot of the rest of the group, but could still easily see the fire pit going.
"I suppose you have a lot of questions to grill me with," I said.
As expected she was in Ruin mode, "Of course I do, you're from another world, how could I not be and then there's that strange way you acted when you fought Yggdrasil you simply must tell me everything!"
"All right, calm down," I said and began to explain in a way Raine would understand things I started by explaining about Soul Society, careful to call it Gaikai when necessary and passed off the place as a sort of space port where people from other world flock to in order to make a better living, some succeeded some didn't. I passed the Gotei 13 off as a militia of sorts that sends out patrols every now and then in order to explore different worlds. Raine seemed to buy it, but her curiosity showed no signs of dying about it. I answered her as best I could, I couldn't rightfully say that I was a substitute or something could I?
"This is so incredibly fascinating!" she exclaimed for the umpteenth time. I just laughed nervously. Raine took a deep breath, "Anyway I think that's enough information on Gaikai for now, but now what I want to know is," she entered ruin mode, "what was that ability you used against Yggdrasil. You were heavily wounded, but you showed no signs of ceasing your assault, and then there was that white mask that formed on your face and your voice changed. I was healing Lloyd so I couldn't see all of it, but I…"
I was looking away in shame that I had allowed my hollow to take control.
Raine calmed down noticing this, "Something the matter Ichigo?" she asked.
"That wasn't done intentionally, if Inoue hadn't called out to me I might have not only taken down Yggdrasil, but also Kratos and everyone else in that tower. I wasn't exactly myself when that happened," I said sorrowfully and then looked at Raine and put a hand on my chest, "I'm not like most members of Gaikai's Militia, I have what's called an inner hollow, another personality within me that is evil and wants to take over me. I've learned how to control it thanks to a secret branch of the militia, but it still gets out sometimes," I said looking away again. Raine didn't say anything. "Raine?"
"This is truly fantastic, you have another personality inside of you?" she didn't seem to care at all about the well being of the others. "I mean sure your personality is dominant and this one is suppressed, but it's absolutely fascinating," she moaned in frustration as she held her head and looked up at the sky, "Oh I wish I could study one of you and understand more of this."
Yikes, she's starting to sound like Kurotsuchi.
"Ichigo, Raine," I could hear Rukia call out as she approached us, "Genis told me to come get you two, food's ready."
"Thanks Rukia," I told her.
After the meal I lay down in my sleeping bag and just looked up at the night sky. I wondered if Sheena was okay. I know she gave us that letter, but the fact remained that she still failed her original mission.
I was having no luck getting to sleep so I got up and decided to take a walk over to the side of the River and sit down.
"You couldn't sleep either," I heard Lloyd's voice behind me as he came over and sat down next to me.
"Yeah," I said calmly, "Just thinking about…stuff, what's your reason?"
"I'm just worried about Colette," he said, "What if the people in Sybak can't help us?" he asked.
"Baka," I said bonking him on the side of the head, "They'll help us, and if they can't we'll keep searching until we find a way to help her."
"I guess so," he said, he still didn't sound convinced.
"Hey," I put a hand on his shoulder, "Everything will be just fine, we'll save Colette, I'll make sure of it. Instead of asking yourself can we save Colette, say that we will save Colette. Instead of asking if we'll be able to save both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla, say that we will save both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla."
"All right," Lloyd said rising to his feet and then said with iron resolve, "We will save Colette and both worlds from Destruction."
"Yeah that's it!" I said getting to my feet.
Lloyd smiled, "Yeah thanks Ichigo," he then yawned.
"You should get your rest," I told him.
"Yeah that sounds like a good idea," he said, "you going to stay up, the professor will be mad if you don't get your sleep."
"I'll be over by the camp shortly, I still have some thinking to do," I said.
"All right, if you say so," Lloyd walked away.
I looked up at the sky, Sheena.
The Next morning
We crossed the Tethe'alla Bridge side by side in an unorganized clump just moseying along until we reached Sybak. Once there, we made our way towards the Imperial Research Academy.
"Ah Chosen one, Lieutenant," the researchers greeted Zelos and Rukia, "We were expecting you. Please come this way."
The Researcher took us into a lab and explained to us about Cruxis Crystals. Most of it was scholarly jargon, but I picked up on the important pieces, which was basically that Exspheres and Cruxis Crystals are basically symbiotic parasites. It made me glad I didn't need to use one. I also learned that when Exspheres or Cruxis Crystals are removed from the body without a Key Crest on them the Mana in the body goes out of control and that's why people turn into monsters when these things are removed. Inoue thought enough to have herself examined because of her makeshift key crest, but according to the researcher Inoue would be fine.
That's a relief, I told myself.
The bottom line of all this crap was that Colette's sickness was caused by the Cruxis Crystal and that making her a key crest would help her return to normal. We decided to spread out and search through the marketplace and the research lab in groups of 3. Lloyd went with Inoue and Colette. Raine and Rukia came with me, Genis went with Presea and Renji and Zelos went with Kyoraku-san and Rangiku-san. Lloyd told us what to look for since he was the only one who could tell what a key crest looked like for the most part. As Raine, Rukia and I looked around Sybak I happened to hear a familiar voice.
"Well look at you Ichigo, taking a leisurely walk with the beautiful Kuchiki-sama and another beauty whom I don't believe I've been introduced to," I turned in the direction of the voice to see one Yumichika Ayasegawa.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I could ask you the same thing," he said.
"Friend of yours from Gaikai?" Raine asked.
"Yeah would you excuse us for a moment?" Rukia requested grabbing Yumichika by the neck and Shunpoing away.
"Was that Shunpo just now?" Raine asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"I didn't know you could use it midstride, oh if only I could go to Gaikai," she moaned. I just growled. Rukia returned with Yumichika not too much later.
"Lieutenant Kuchiki has me briefed on the situation," Yumichika said, "I can't believe you're looking for something as ugly as a key crest, but then again who am I to judge?"
"Can you help us?" Raine asked him.
He pointed to a stand, "That pawn shop over there sells quite a lot of ugly things I don't think it would be out of place for your key crest to be found there."
"Honestly, generalization? What kind of Scholar are you?" Raine asked a bit perturbed by Yumichika's attitude.
"He's just a file keeper don't get all bunched up," Rukia said.
"How rude, file keeping is a very beautiful organized job, it's rather pleasing," he said.
"Whatever," I grumbled.
"Oh by the way, before you go you haven't seen Ikkaku at all have you Ichigo?" Yumichika asked me.
"No, why?" I asked.
"Huh that's odd, when he left Sybak a few weeks ago he said he was headed to Meltokio,"
"It's a big city Ayasegawa," Rukia said, "Finding one man in that large city, no matter how violent, is still like searching for a needle in a hay stack."
"I suppose so," he sighed, "But if you do come across him though tell him I said Hi."
"I'll be sure to do that," I said.
As Raine, Rukia and I left Yumichika to his own devices and approached the pawn shop we happened to get there at the same time as Lloyd's group.
"Oh hey guys," Lloyd said.
"Hey you see a key crest anywhere?" I asked.
Lloyd pointed, "It's that thing right there."
"Great," I said.
"How much for that small object?" Rukia asked the tender.
"What this thing hmm, ten thousand gald," he answered.
"What kind of rip off artist are you?" I shouted, Both Raine and Lloyd had to keep me from lunging at the guy.
"Ah hah how funny, you know I could have you locked up for highway robbery sir," Rukia said.
"And who are you?" he shot at Rukia.
Rukia flashed the badge on the inside of her lapels, "Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki of the Royal Guard!" she said proudly.
"Aaaah," she seemed to have frightened him, "My deepest apologies lieutenant, forgive me, did I say ten thousand I meant ten, ten Gald."
"There, that's much better," Rukia said and dropped a ten piece in his hand. Rukia tossed the Key Crest to Lloyd, "Here you go," she said.
"Thanks Rukia, you're the best" Lloyd said.
I couldn't help but notice a slight blush on Rukia's face, "It was no problem, really," she turned her attention towards me and smirked, "See Ichigo violence isn't always the answer."
"Why you little…" I said getting angry.
"Anyway let's go get the others so I can borrow a lab, this Key Crest is pretty worn out, but I can repair it easily," he said.
"Sounds like a plan," I said. The rest of us waited out in the Academy lobby and Rukia escorted Lloyd to a Research lab and stood outside the door, as though guarding him. Come on, who would want to attack a dumbass like Lloyd, I thought to myself, only to think of the Renegades, oh right. We weren't waiting long before Rukia walked into the lobby followed by Lloyd. He had a necklace in his hand.
He stood in front of Colette, "I didn't think I'd be giving you your birthday present like this. I've attached a Key Crest to your necklace. It's late, but it's my present for you," he said to her and put it around her neck, "Colette? Colette can you hear me?" he asked. She didn't respond.
"I don't get it. Why isn't it working?" Rukia asked.
"Inoue try Soten Kisshun," I suggested.
"Okay," she stood next to Lloyd and Colette, "Soten Kisshun, I reject," After a couple of minutes of waiting she disengaged the ability and turned towards us, "It's no good, I'm sorry."
"Don't worry at least we gave it a try," I said.
"So then what do we do?" Renji asked.
"We could always ask Dirk for help," Raine suggested.
"But Dirk's in Sylvarant," Genis reminded her, "And the Rheiards are out of fuel."
"Maybe the people in the academy can help us get back," Lloyd said.
"Hey, hey, hey! Wait just a moment! Aren't you forgetting something? I'm here to keep tabs on you! I can't let you go back to Sylvarant!" Zelos said and turned towards Rukia, "Come on Lieutenant help me out here."
"What do you want me to say? As long as we continue to keep tabs on them, you and me, I don't see the issue," Rukia said.
Thanks Rukia, I relaxed glad to know she was on our side in this predicament.
"Come on Zelos you can let this slip up can't you?" Rangiku asked him, "Colette and Rukia would certainly appreciate it and I'd be very grateful."
"Well when you put it that way I suppose I could," Zelos said. Not a moment after that did the place start swarming with Papal Knights.
"Chosen we heard what you said just now. We hereby declare you and your companions to be traitors attempting to destroy Tethe'alla," One of the knights said.
"Well that was perfect timing Mr. Papal Knight," Zelos said, rather ticked.
"By the Pope's orders. We are to watch you for suspicions of plotting against the throne," the knights said.
"Oh I'm the one plotting against the throne," Zelos remarked.
"What's the matter does the pope not trust the Royal Guard to do its job?" Rukia asked.
"Silence lieutenant," one of the knights said, "You may as well be stripped of your rank for this!"
Suddenly something poked me in the back, "Ow! What the hell?" I shouted.
"Criminals undergo biological tests before they are arrested. It's because of the caste system here. Some half-elves don't look any different from humans. It's necessary to detect them," Zelos explained.
"S-sir we've found a match," One of the knights next to Raine and Genis said.
"Genis!" Lloyd was surprised.
"Raine!" I can't believe all this time I didn't know.
"Wait you two are half-elves?" Renji asked.
"That's right we're half elves!" Raine announced as though both proud and ashamed of the fact simultaneously.
"Raine!" Genis seemed shocked by his sister's behavior
"There's no point in trying to hide it now," Genis told her brother.
"So they're half-elves big whoop," Kyoraku-san said.
My thoughts exactly, I was thinking.
"I don't know what it's like in Sylvarant," Zelos said, "But in Tethe'alla half-elves are the bottom of the caste system. "
"Half-elves guilty of any crime are executed without exception," Rukia's head was bowed as though she had carried out several executions of her own.
"Take them away! And the lieutenant! She shall be punished for her crimes in the same fashion!" The lead knight declared.
No they are NOT taking Rukia! I told myself and lashed out at one of the knights. only to have a sedative injected into my back and knock me out. When I came to I was in a basement of some kind with heavy chains attached to my arms and legs and I was leaning up against the wall. As I looked around the room I could hear voices. My eyes were a little hazy so I couldn't see all that well just yet.
"A half-elf in the Imperial Research Academy acquainted with a human child, that's strange," it was Zelos speaking. Surprisingly I could sense Presea standing within my immediate vicinity.
"What do you mean?" Kyoraku-san seemed to be asking Zelos.
Zelos spoke again, "I told you, half-elves are treated like garbage in this world. The half-elves that work at the Imperial Research Academy never leave their labs, ever."
There's gotta be a way out of here, I thought to myself, I looked around, hey wait a minute, where's Tensa Zangetsu?
My consciousness fully streamed in as I heard Lloyd say, "I'm saying how can you treat people that way?" Lloyd asked angry about something.
"I could ask you the same thing," the researcher next to him said, possibly the half-elf Zelos was referring to earlier, "How can you humans treat half-elves the way you do?"
"I treat them the same as everyone else, there's no difference between the lives of humans and half-elves!" Lloyd and I said aloud together.
"Ichigo you're awake!" Lloyd exclaimed.
"Where the hell is my sword?" I asked.
"Right here."
That voice!
I was surprised when Sheena suddenly appeared at the scene and Corrine popped out of nowhere and undid mine and everyone else's shackles I stood up. Sheena was holding by blade in her hand.
"Here," she said giving it to me, "One of the Papal Knights outside the city was carrying it, I knew it belonged to you so I took him down," she said.
"Thanks Sheena," I said catching my sword and swining it out at my side, "It's good to see you."
"Thanks, but we need to get going right away, Genis, Raine and the Lieutenant of the Royal Guard are being taken to Meltokio, if we act fast we can still get them."
"Oh you know Rukia?" I asked her.
"H-how can you speak to her so informally?" Sheena asked, and then paused before saying, "Never mind I think I know the answer."
"Do you plan on escaping?" the researcher asked us.
"Do you plan on stopping us?" I asked, "I'm going to save my two half-elf and one human friend, and if you're going to get in my way..."
"This is a trick, there's no way a human would save a half-elf!" the researcher said defiantly.
"But Kate," one of the other researchers addressed her, "I did hear that they arrested two half-elves and the lieutenant of the royal guard."
"There's no time for us to waste," Lloyd said, "If you're going to get in our way, I will fight you."
Kate surrendered, "Fine. I'll let you go if you promise that once you've saved your half-elf friends, you will come back here. If what you've said is true I'll release Presea from her experiment."
I missed something while I was unconscious, I said to myself.
I'll say
Shut up!
Kate opened a hidden passage for us to escape through and we all made great haste towards the other side of the Grand Tethe'alla bridge. I was moving at the fastest speed Tensa Zangetsu would allow, putting my far ahead of the front of the group. I would make it before anyone was hurt.
Rukia's pov
To be treated like a criminal again, not something I thought would happen to me again. I can't believe I'm facing execution. I wondered what nii-sama would do once he found out. I knew for a fact the others wouldn't be coming to my rescue. I turned back only to be pushed by one of the Papal Knights.
"Eyes front, face forward ex-Lieutenant," he said.
"Yes sir," I said passively.
"I'm sorry we got you wrapped up into this Rukia," Raine apologized.
"Don't worry there's no reason for you to…"
"H-hey, what are you doing here Captain Kuchiki?" I heard one of the Papal Knights shouting.
Nii-sama?
"You have my lieutenant under arrest. As her commanding officer I took it upon myself to find out why she had been arrested," he said.
"You could've just stayed at the castle, we would've gladly told you then," the knight was saying.
Nii-sama what are you doing here? I asked trying to get a good look at what was happening.
"Would you care to explain the situation?" he asked the lead Papal Knight.
"Sir, Lieutenant Kuchiki, these two half-elves and several others in Sybak have been placed under arrest for conspiracy to destroy Tethe'alla!" the knight declared.
"I see, is that the truth? My lieutenant was on orders to safeguard the chosen and keep tabs on the group he was travelling with that of which were trying to help the Chosen of Sylvarant. The only conspiracy I can draw from this is that they all tried to go back," I said.
"Exactly which is why…" the knight said.
Nii-sama cut him off, "Which is why you should know better than to stick your neck out for the Pope when the Royal Guard is perfectly capable of handling the situation. If you're arresting my lieutenant you, rather the pope, intends to shut her up." I heard the sound of a sword being drawn, "I'm afraid I can't have that."
"Captain Kuchiki what are you doing?" the head knight shouted.
Nii-sama, I was moved. Nii-sama was on our side.
"Scatter, Senbozakura."
"Get down!" I shouted at Raine and Genis and the three of us dropped flat to the ground hastily as warm blood washed over all of us.
"Rukia! Raine! Genis!"
Ichigo?
Ichigo's pov
I had just arrived on the scene ahead of the others almost completely out of breath, the bridge was up, but luckily that didn't bother my movement at all. When I arrived I saw Byakuya standing across the way, sword sheathed helping a blood stained Genis to his feet as Rukia and Raine stood on either side of him. Every Papal Knight was dead.
"What the heck happened here?" I asked.
"What are you doing here Kurosaki Ichigo?" Byakuya asked me.
"I could ask you the same thing Byakuya," I said.
"Nii-sama saved us," Rukia answered.
"Ichigo!" I heard Lloyd's voice as he and the others finally arrived on the scene, "Huh what is Byakuya doing here?"
"That's what I wanna know," I said.
"He saved us," Genis said.
"Then why are you all covered in blood?" Lloyd asked.
"He released Shikai didn't he?" I asked.
"Aw man, Byakuya released his Shikai and I missed it, it must've been so cool considering the damage it did," Lloyd said. It was easy to understand his disappointment.
"I take it you've got a firm grasp of the situation," Kyoraku-san asked Byakuya.
"Not yet, but I know enough to know that things are becoming increasingly twisted back in Meltokio. Rukia was arrested and I'm on probation because of it, I assume you have something to do with that Kurosaki?" Byakuya glared at me.
"Now, now don't get mad at the kid, we're all a bit to blame here," Kyoraku-san said in my defense, "The Papal Knights were watching us like hawks."
"Yes the Pope seems to be quite on edge these days," Byakuya said.
"I hear ya," Zelos agreed with him.
"Well now that that's settled with, why did you bother rescuing us Captain Kuchiki?" Raine asked.
"I came to rescue my lieutenant, you just happened to be with her, besides you've committed no criminal act as far as the Royal Guard is concerned and therefore face no execution."
"We all came to rescue you too," I said, "But Byakuya beat us to it."
"Why would you do that? We're half-elves!" Genis exclaimed.
"So what's your point?" Lloyd asked.
"Lloyd!" Genis seemed enthralled by his best friend's comment.
"What about the rest of you?" Raine asked us all.
"I'm with Lloyd on this one," I said, "Just because you're half-elves doesn't change the fact that you're still our friends."
"I worked with half-elves when I was a Desian, you really think I care that you're half-elves?" Renji asked.
"My family has a saying: Judge thy neighbor by his actions not by the color of skin he wears," Kyoraku-san said.
"You could be half-elves, dogs, little blue men, or dwarves and I'd like you both just the same," Inoue said.
"I haven't been around that long, but I'm not one to judge someone just because of their race," Rangiku-san said.
"I'm from Mizuho," Sheena declared, "We're not exactly mainstream either."
Zelos of course had to be the one the least okay with this, "To tell you the truth, I can't say I'm really kosher with this. Then again, people have always treated me differently, saying that I'm a descendent of angels. So in a way we're a lot alike." Presea just said she wanted to go home.
"What about you Rukia?" Genis asked her.
"I should be asking if you want to be friends with me not the other way around," she said.
"You've executed half-elves before haven't you Rukia?" I asked. She turned away.
"Let's not go opening wounds that don't need to be Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya snapped.
"I see, I understand, but you sympathize with us right?" Raine asked.
"You would forgive me?" she asked.
"It's not like we knew any of the half-elves you executed and as long as you feel bad about what you did that's good enough for me," Raine said. Rukia looked at Genis.
"I agree with Raine, besides you're pretty good at keeping Zelos here in line I want to stay on your good side," he said.
"Hey!" Zelos objected.
Rukia laughed and then said, "Thanks Genis."
"In any case, Miss Fujibayashi I don't recall seeing you with the others when I saw them has Mizuho given you a new assignment?" Byakuya asked her.
Sheena nodded, "I have orders from my chief. I'm supposed to observe your activities."
"That's typical of Mizuho, they're probably wondering whether to side with the King or with you guys," Zelos stated.
"So now we have four people keeping tabs on us?" Genis complained.
"Four?" Byakuya asked.
"You are coming with us, right nii-sama?" Rukia asked, "It would be a good idea, you'll clear your name and mine much quicker if you join up with us."
Byakuya thought it over momentarily before saying, "I suppose so. News may not spread all that quickly about my probation so I may be able to pull a string or two if necessary."
"Great welcome to the team," Lloyd said.
Byakuya has joined the party
Byakuya's arts: Hado 1 Sho, Hado 4 Byakurai, Hado 31 Shakkaho, Hado 33 Sokatsui, Bakudo 81 Danku, Bakudo 61 Rikujokoro, Lightning Blade, S. Lightning Blade, Lightning, Wind Blade, Air Thrust, Cyclone, Light Spear, Victory Light Spear, Lightning, Thunder Blade, Sonic Thrust, Hurricane Thrust, Senka, Phoenix Rush. Mystic Arte A: Indignation. Ex Skill: Scatter, Senbonzakura: While using Senbonzakura Byakuya has the following arts and his non-spell artes cannot be used: Blade whirlwind (Senbonzakura's petals slice up the target in a similar fashion to Cyclone), Blade Rush (Senbonzakura's petals attack the target in a large flood wave), Petal Fall, (Senbonzakura's petals attack the target from above), Petal Eruption (Senbonzakura's petals attack the target from below and disperse into a mushroom cloud). Mystice Arte B: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Mystic Arte B, Extension A: Gokei Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Mystic Arte B, Extension B: Shukei Hakuteiken. Title: Noble Swordsman: Fight with honor and fight with pride. Justice is your ally.
"I guess the next step would be to get the Rheiards and get Sheena to form a pact with Volt maybe," I said.
"Volt?" Sheena seemed panicked.
"Sheena?" Presea of all people turned towards her.
"Ah it's nothing," she said.
Something's up with her and Volt, I should ask her about it later, I said.
"Then shouldn't we go get the Rheairds first? Either way, Volt's temple is on the other side of the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge. It'll be faster if we pick up the Rheairds, since the bridge is closed off right now," Zelos stated.
"And how exactly do you plan to move things several times our own body weight?" I asked.
"Heheh, just leave that to me! I prepared a secret weapon just in case something like this happened," He was acting really weird.
"Ahhh, you can't tell us what it is?" Rangiku batted her eyes at him as she pouted.
"Now now my dearest Rangiku it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you what it is," he said.
"I can't believe we're going to have to climb that mountain again," Lloyd said.
"Quit your complaining, and let's get going," I said.
3rd Person pov
"They really went out and put you on probation?" Shunsui asked Byakuya.
"It's not something I'm happy about," he said.
"What about Senpai and Jushiro?"
"They don't appear to be under any suspicion, theoretically Ukitake may not even know what's going on yet," Byakuya told the 8th division captain.
"I see," Shunsui said.
"Would you care to bring me up to speed on everything as we walk?" Byakuya asked Shunsui.
"I'd be happy to."
Shunsui earned the title Informant
Descrption: Ask him for directions, information or gossip and he'll be happy to give it to you. Especially that last one.
Lloyd's pov
I noticed that Orihime was praying as we walked towards the Fooji mountains, "What are you doing?" I asked her.
"I'm praying for Colette-san to get better," she said, "I'm really worried about her."
"Yeah, me too," I said and then shook my head, "No, I won't wonder if she will get better or not. Colette will get better, I'll make sure of it."
Orihime laughed, "That sounds like something Kurosaki-kun might say," she said.
"Actually Ichigo taught me that lesson yesterday. He said don't ask yourself if you can tell yourself that you will and you will," I said.
"That sure sounds like something he would say," Orihime giggled.
"Yeah Ichigo's a great guy," I agreed.
Sheena's pov
"So you're Sheena," this large busty blonde woman said to me.
"Yes, and you are?" I asked her.
"I'm Rangiku Matsumoto," she said, "It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too I guess," I said shaking her hand.
"Ah Sheena glad to see you've met Rangiku," Zelos said approaching us.
"You know this idiot," I said to Rangiku.
"Of course I know him, ain't he just the sweetest guy you ever met?" she asked.
"What kind of games have you been playing with this woman?" I asked Zelos and whacked him, "I oughta smack you."
"Ow, why did you strike before you warned me? And I haven't done anything different with Rangiku than any other women, you can't blame my natural charisma can you?" he asked.
"Please you have about the same amount of charisma as a warthog, and I sure as hope to hell you haven't done anything to Orihime either," I said.
Zelos acted as though a light bulb went off in his head, "Ohhhh, I see what's going on," he said.
"Pardon?" I asked.
"Ichigo's protective of Orihime. You're protective of Orihime. Is there something going on between the two of you that I should know about, or at the very least don't know about," Zelos asked.
"Wh-what th-there's nothing like that…"
"Look she's turning red!" Rangiku exclaimed, "Oh I can feel the love brewing can't you?" she asked Zelos.
"What? No you've got it all wrong!" I protested.
Ichigo's pov
As we finally reached the base of the Fooji mountains the sun was beginning to set on the horizon, "It'll be dark soon," I said, "We should probably set up camp and head up the mountain tomorrow."
"I never thought you'd be one to have a good head on your shoulders," Byakuya said.
"Hey!" I shouted.
"That's a good idea, it'll give Rukia, Genis and I a chance to wash ourselves off," Raine said.
"Dibs on finding tonight's dinner!" Lloyd declared.
"Seconds!" Orihime added and the two rushed off with Noishe into the wilderness.
Yeah, tonight we rest, I thought to myself sitting down, and tomorrow we storm the Fooji mountains and get the Rheiards.
(A/N: And that's a wrap for now. Man I wrote a lot. So Byakuya Kuchiki himself joins the party and offers his abilities to the party's disposal, plus Sheena returns. Will anything interesting happen during the camp out and what sort of interesting things will happen atop Mount Fooji? In order to know the answers you'll just have to wait for the next chapter of Tales of Bleach).