1Lot longer than expected to update but I rewrote a few parts probably over a dozen times, even going in a nearly completely different direction at one point with some of it. Anyway its done, and those that actually read this story I hope it meets expectations. I may alter a few things tomorrow, but right now, its good to at least read.
Perpetual Twilight
Chapter 11: Something Unknown
By: Finalitylife
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Bleach or its characters. That's all I got...
Ichigo had little time to truly process his unsettling encounter with Aizen because though Aizen was gone, a threatening feeling still hovered in the air despite the lack of an enemy in the vicinity. Ichigo realized everyone's attention was focused on him, his hands still gripping Zangetsu as his instincts told him there was still danger. The intervention of those from Soul Society had helped drive Aizen away as well as ensure Rukia was safe, but Ichigo knew their mission probably was not over. He knew...they knew about him, and just what that would lead to Ichigo could only wonder. He didn't want to fight those he now viewed as allies, was afraid to have to fight for the fact that the Hollow might rise back up and hurt someone. So many uncertainties lingering around him.
Ichgo's eyes slowly glanced around, stopping on Renji who was unusually silent in his presence, with a slightly confused look in his eyes. Byakuya stood slightly in front of Renji, his face as impassive as ever, his cold stare boring straight into Ichigo. Even if Byakuya looked as regal and as calm as he always did, Ichigo could sense anger in his stance and if Byakuya was angry, things did not bode well for anyone. He was more than likely less than thrilled about Rukia having been captured by the enemy, and Ichigo couldn't really blame him. She should have been protected by them after all.
The next shinigami captain Ichigo noticed was a lithe, short-haired woman who was flanked by several shinigami that wore the attire of a what would be described as a ninja. Ichigo was positive this woman had some relation with Yoruichi though he couldn't quite put his finger on it. All he knew was that she looked ready to cut him in half.
A few feet from her stood a captain Ichigo recognized since it would be impossible to forget the massive, animal headed Captain of the eight division. His expression seemed calm yet slightly frustrated, probably angry that Aizen had fled before they could arrive. He seemed to lack any particular emotion toward Ichigo, but Ichigo knew just how quickly things could change.
The last shinigami captain there was the short, white haired prodigy Toshiro Histugaya, who as always, looked far too stern and serious for his child-like features and stature. Noticeably missing was his bubbly, extremely well endowed vice-captain, some one whom Ichigo was sure would be able to lighten this mood quite a bit.
There were also quite a few Vice-Captains Ichigo really didn't recognize as well as many nameless, lower ranking shinigami, the whole group having the aura of being slightly disorganized, probably having been formed in an emergency rush.
With all this potentially negative possibilities, at the very least Ichigo was happy the maniacal captain of the tenth division and his strange companions had not come, knowing that would have just opened up another whole set of problems. Ichigo imagined Kenpachi's uncontrollable nature was the reason he had not been sent on this mission, the problems his demand for a rematch with Ichigo could create not meshing well with anything relating to Aizen.
Ichigo's thoughts along with the oppressive tension were broken by a friendly voice that strongly contradicted the seriousness of the situation.
"All right everyone. The real enemy is gone, so how about every one put away their swords and we got sit down and talk about the next step."
Everyone's eyes shifted toward the origin of the voice, and in an instant, eyes shot open as what was becoming rather frequent as of late, was Yoruichi standing slyly in all her naked glory. Everyone, including the female Captain couldn't help but stare, some blushing and turning away in embarrassment, others like Renji just continuing to blatantly gawk at Yoruichi. The only two who really didn't seem to be bothered by the spectacle were Byakuya who didn't even flinch, and Urahara who only smiled in appreciation.
Ichigo fought the blush away from his face, finding the ground to be most interesting at the moment, however, he got the sensation that some one was still staring at him. His gaze moved up, somehow instinctively drawn toward the small, young woman standing awkwardly next to Yoruichi, her name escaping from his lips which somehow managed to bring everyone back to reality.
Renji finally regained a portion of his ability to move and talk, his eyes just like everyone elses doing their best to move from the unclothed body of Yoruichi toward his childhood friend.
"Rukia? Where'd you come from?"
A dark look settled on Rukia's face at Renji's question.
"I've been standing next to Yoruichi the whole time Renji."
Renji blinked a few times as if trying to rework the past few minutes through his head again, smiling as he scratched his head in embarrassment that he hadn't realized Rukia was there considering rescuing her had been one of the main priorities for coming to the Living World so suddenly.
"Really? The whole time? I didn't notice you at all."
Rukia narrowed her eyes at Renji, knowing exactly where his perverted eyes had been the whole time that he so easily didn't notice her standing there. Showing some of her old if slightly abusive form for the first time in awhile, Rukia walked up and smacked Renji upside the head, yelling at him all the while the much larger man cowered from the possibility of more physical attacks from the rather perturbed young woman.
Urahara, Ichigo, and even Byakuya smiled at the display, happy to see that Rukia was slowly regaining herself even after all that had happened. Of course Ichigo was also reminding himself not to ever mention it had taken him over thirty seconds to notice Rukia there as well even if it had been because he had immediately looked away from Yoruichi in embarrassment...and out of respect of course. Just better to forget all about it...
"So now that the unnecessary tension has been broken thanks to Yoruichi's fabulous body, I really do think its time to talk. Let's head back to my shop, have some tea, and discuss certain matters."
The female captain present seemed to only look upon Urahara with contempt as he spoke, snarling out a rather cold reply.
"We won't go anywhere with you exile."
Urahara seemed completely unaffected by the comment, though Yoruichi seemed to be.
"Soifon, enough."
Yoruichi didn't raise her voice, and it still retained some friendliness to it, but still it was stern and the young captain seemed to comply instantly...after blushing again at Yoruichi's nakedness.
"Sorry."
Ichigo watched the display closely, wondering what exactly was going on between those three but truthfully, he really didn't want to know. Sometimes the less he knew the better.
"Well then, shall we proceed?"
"Before we progress anywhere, I want to know just how you failed in your task to ensure Rukia would not be in any danger so spectacularly and in such a short amount of time. This level of incompetence is even astounding for you."
There was the barely suppressed rage again coming from Byakuya, in an instant, his tone reviving the tension that had previously faded away. Everyone looked to Urahara whose facial expression still had not changed, his voice remaining friendly and diplomatic at the same time.
"Actually oh great Captain, I am unaware of the answer to that question. I was hoping Rukia could fill all of us in on just how Aizen's soldiers managed to slip in to my home so quietly and effortlessly to abduct her."
The attention shifted from Urahara back to Rukia, who now seemed incredibly uncomfortable with everyone staring at her, her stance nothing short of fidgety, her eyes looking down heavily so that no one could see the uncertain look in her eyes.
"They didn't take me from the shop. I left the shop by myself, and that is when I was captured."
Byakuya as well as Urahara seemed generally surprised by this revelation, that Rukia, considering her weak and delicate condition, would voluntarily and without telling anyone, leave the protection of the shop.
"Why would you have committed such a reckless action Rukia?"
Rukia's eyes shot up to meet her brother's, a small bit of fear and pain within her slightly moist eyes, before she again looked to the ground.
"Please Nii-sama, please don't make me answer that. I can't right now...I can't...just please know my capture was no one's fault but my own."
Rukia bowed respectfully and forgivingly to her brother, who seemed to be trying to look into his adopted sister's mind, trying to gauge the reasons for her dangerous and poor sense of judgment. In the end, he couldn't come to any rational conclusion that satisfied him, suspecting that somehow all of this was that human boy's fault. Rukia's poor choices were usually related to him. For the moment he decided, he would allow Rukia to remain quiet, but sooner than later, he would hear the truth from Rukia.
"Very well Rukia. I will not blame Urahara and his associates for the danger you ended up in, but we will talk about this later privately."
Rukia remained bowed as a sense of relief washed over her that her brother would not require an answer while in the presence of everyone. However, she could still feel Ichigo, could feel him intently staring at her, him even less satisfied with a lack of an answer than her brother. Him most especially she couldn't deal with right now...still couldn't deal with what she had seen back at the shop.
If he knew that she had seen Orihime and him together, then she knew he would explain, would make the truth abundantly clear to Rukia, and if that relationship was confirmed that concretely, Rukia knew she wouldn't be able to look at him the same ever again.
"Thank you Nii-sama, thank you very much."
Rukia's soft words of gratitude temporary ended that tricky topic of conversation, but some answers would need to be given right away at this moment, this much everyone knew and accepted.
"Now then, there is still much required explanation needed. Soul Society is currently in a state of panic because of the urgent message you sent to us concerning Aizen and his actions, and the Commander-General is awaiting a status report on the situation to determine if more shinigami are needed here. This must be taken care of immediately."
The authoritative voice of the child Captain laid out the reality of what needed to be done, Urahara of course expecting that a further explanation than what he had sent to Soul Society would be needed...considering what Byakuya already knew and may have alluded to already. Telling them that Aizen had turned up in the Living World and that Rukia Kuchiki was being held captive was a good way to get immediate action, though a further look into Aizen's motives for doing something so risky would be the price tag for the help that had been received. This would be a delicate balancing act for Urahara, but he had a plan...he always did.
"Of course, of course. If you like, you can inform General Yamamoto that the danger at the moment has passed. Aizen accomplished what he came to this world for, so I see no reason to believe he will return any time soon. I will fill you in on everything back at my shop so that a more detailed report can be given later. Does this sound acceptable?"
All the Captains gave their approval with small nods, knowing such an important conversation could not be had out in the open around subordinates who would be more than likely unsettled by the topic of conversation, and morale was already low enough since the betrayal of Aizen, Gin, and Tosen. Everything truly felt like it could fall apart at any moment, though none of the captains would actually admit their worries to one another. It was best to focus on the current situation for now because no matter what they thought, the war would come anyways.
--
As the doorway back to Hueco Mondo closed behind Aizen, his mind was already moving on to what the next move would be along with the details of many others plans going on at the moment. There rarely was time for him to stop plotting, though for one such as him it usually was not an issue. The only true potential threat that existed outside the original scope of his largest goals was the Kurosaki boy, and Aizen was already sure of ways to fix that.
It was the necessity to keeping moving that caused Aizen to surprise himself when he stopped to briefly survey the desolate, lifeless, unending whiteness that was the realm of the Hollows, his eyes eventually settling on the massive fortress that had become his throne. Las Noches was a vast building that served his and his ever growing army's needs though truthfully, the place echoed something that Aizen never could quite grasp. From what he knew, the building had stood endlessly for as long as any Hollow knew yet who built it and for what purpose was beyond any one's length of existence. Its existence was one of those things that managed to intrigue Aizen.
Moving forward in body just as he did in mind, Aizen found himself again stopping in mid motion, suddenly feeling a strange sensation in the air. The sensation that felt nearby could only be described as an emptiness of spiritual power in a world where spirit particles were even more densely packed that Soul Society. It was simply impossible for there to be such a void of power in this world, yet Aizen's perfectly trained senses could describe the feeling no other way.
Glancing back at Gin and Ulquiorra, he noticed that Gin seemed to sense the feeling as well and despite his almost unreadable expression, Aizen could tell Gin was just as confused as him. Ulquiorra however, seemed to have a look of surprise on his face that could only be interpreted that he somehow knew something about this void of power.
"Ulquiorra, do you know something of this unusual sensation in the air?"
The pale skinned Arrancar turned his attention toward Aizen, giving the slightest of nods.
"Yes Aizen-sama. Long ago I was told a tale by another powerful Hollow, a story of an ancient Hollow that could not be harmed and could not die yet lacked any trace of spiritual power. The Hollow was said to only dwell hidden within the deepest recesses of this world where not even Hollow eyes could see, a phantom even here in the land of the dead. That feeling I feel...it reminds me of that story that I had nearly forgotten from so many years ago."
Aizen listened carefully, intrigued that even the Hollows were capable of having such stories past down within those of their kind. Though this fact did intrigue him, again he wasn't happy that there were things he still did not know.
"And how is it that I have never heard of this rumored to exist Hollow. I would not mind the opportunity to study such a strange, unique being or even have them join my cause."
"I can barely remember the details of this information, let alone who actually told it to me Aizen-sama. It was a very long time ago, and there is little reason in this existence to remember anything except one's own pain. I only recalled the details I could because of that foreign aura somewhere.
Ulquiorra bowed to Aizen, as if asking for forgiveness for not revealing the story he viewed as irrelevant, though Aizen paid him little attention. His senses kept getting pulled back to something out there in the dead landscape...something that seemed to just be beyond his perception. It was an unnerving feeling that something in this world could be so much an unknown to Aizen that he had never even heard of it before this moment. How could something have remained outside his all seeing eyes for so many years?
"If you wish Aizen-sama, I will lead a scouting party to see if we can find the source of this disturbance."
Aizen thought about it for a few seconds before shaking his head.
"There will be no need Ulquiorra. If I've never known of its existence, then it is far too good at hiding to be found. If it is showing even a hint of its presence now, then it is because it chooses to. It will show itself eventually I'm sure. Hollows desire power, and only I can provide true power to them. All will come to my side soon enough."
"Well then Cap'n, I think its time to go back home, don't ya think?"
Aizen nodded to his former vice-captain who seemed completely unaffected by anything that had been said, though Gin couldn't help but smile just a bit wider in his mind at seeing something that could rattle Aizen...if only just the slightest amount. Gin could only hope that things would become a bit more interesting around here in the near future. He had been bored after all, and he hated being bored more than anything esle.
Gin turned around to leave with Aizen and Ulquiorra going as well. On Aizen's mind was suddenly a second unknown factor he had never accounted for, one far more unknown than the strange human boy. All Aizen could do was worry about this mysterious Hollow when it emerged, knowing that from what he sensed, the Hollow was nowhere near the power he was. It could be of no threat.
Ichigo Kurosaki had much more power, and was more of a clear interest at the moment, especially considering what Aizen had only learned very recently about the boy's family...his father most specifically. Though the boy had denied the offer, Aizen had clearly seen the smallest glimmers of the boy wanting to say yes.
Aizen could only think that perhaps it would be easier to deal with the Hollow side than the shinigami side of the human...perhaps that would be the way to proceed...
As Aizen disappeared into his fortress, a solitary figure watched with keen interest from the distance. Its humanoid figure blended nearly seamlessly into the surroundings thanks to the fact it was covered completely in a perfect white cloak , no part of its body revealed. Underneath the cloak, the ancient being couldn't help but smile for the first time in a very long time.
It had been aware of the happenings as of late with the rogue shinigami taking up the title as self proclaimed 'King of the Hollows', but knew its time was better spent staying away for the moment. However, something had drawn it out, something that even in the deepest recesses of Hueco Mondo it could not ignore. That scent on Aizen...a very familiar scent...just who had he been around? Perhaps it was finally time for time to actually have meaning again...
A gust of wind blew across the landscape, the lone figure disappearing with it, not even a set of footprints in the sand where it had been.
--
When they had returned to Urahara's shop, Ichigo had been pulled aside by the older man who was rather curious to know if Ichigo was having any problems with the Hollow in the more recent past. Surprisingly to even Ichigo as he thought about it, the Hollow had been unusually quiet, remaining silent through the entire episode with Aizen. Ichigo couldn't really explain it, but it did feel like the Hollow had slipped back into the dark recesses of his mind. Urahara's response had been to simply smile and nod his head, saying nothing as he left the conversation with Ichigo. The now even more confused Ichigo simply followed the older man into the room that would be used for the meeting.
As Ichigo stood in the room waiting for something to happen, he could feel the various sets of eyes on him, some dismissive, some threatening, and some friendly from the people sitting or standing around the table. Of course he ignored all of this because the one set of eyes he actually cared about was the only set that was not looking at him.
Rukia...she seemed to be avoiding him even though they are only a table apart, refusing to look at him in the eyes. He would see her glance over at Orihime every so often with a strange look in her eyes, but she would never glance over at him even as his own sight always landed heavily on her small form.
Breaking away from Rukia for a moment, Ichigo looked around the group of people who had gathered here, those at Captain level seated around a table with Renji being the only exception. His well known achievement of Bankai was slowly starting to privy him to more important conversations and situations. All other subordinates were waiting outside. This would be a crucial, classified conversation concerning Ichigo which was why he was surprised by what Urahara said to him.
"Ichigo, could you please wait outside while we have this discussion."
Ichigo's eyes widened in surprise.
"What! Why the hell would I do that when this concerns most especially me?"
Urahara's face remained smiling, but his tone of voice a bit more serious.
"There are matters that we will discuss that would be best that you don't hear. Please trust me on this Ichigo."
Ichigo found himself in a fierce staring match with Urahara, Ichigo looking for something in the man that would make him believe his words. In the end, Ichigo's gut told him it would be okay, and his gut was usually right.
"Alright. I'll go. Just please do what is right."
Urahara could here the smallest hint of resignation in Ichigo's voice as he moved toward the door, just as he had heard before when Ichigo had tried to force him to kill him. Ichigo would truly accept whatever they decided, even if it was his execution, though Urahara had no intention of allowing that course of action to come to past. Ichigo was a friend...as well as a unique and valuable weapon when it came to the coming war with Aizen. He would just have to make Soul Society believe that...believe Ichigo was not a danger.
Once Ichigo closed the door behind himself, the tone of the room became even more serious, everyone looking at Urahara with questioning eyes except Rukia, whose eyes lingered on the door Ichigo had left, finally allowing herself to look upon him. She had forced him into this situation by running from the protection of the shop because she couldn't stand to see Ichigo and Orihime together. If she had been stronger, this wouldn't be happening.
"Was there another incident with Ichigo's Hollow emerging?"
It was her brother's voice that broke the silence, its indifferent, callousness perfectly fitting the climate, him standing next to where she sat.
"Yes there was, even more unexpected than the others as there was no danger present to bring it out or Ichigo allowing it out. The Hollow managed to lead Orihime into a manipulative trap, and tried to kill her for reasons I am only beginning to understand."
"What?"
Everyone looked over at Rukia as her sudden outburst caught them all by surprise.
"Yes, you don't know about that Kuchiki-san. I went to continue to heal him, and Kurosaki-kun...he started showing affection toward me, but it was all false, a trick by the monster living inside him. It was all meant to lower my guard to kill me. I was injured slightly but was rescued before anything happen. Kurosaki-kun...he doesn't remember any of it happening so, please, all of you, do not tell him."
There was a silent confirmation that no one would mention this information, though Rukia barely could think about that.She could feel her hands start to shake slightly though she did her best not to allow it to be visible, finding it so hard to believe the words Orihime had just gently spoken. It had all been false...not real, a ploy by the Hollow within Ichigo. For the briefest of seconds, she felt something akin to strong relief wash over her, but that was quickly pushed away by the realization she had left Orihime with that monster when she had run away from them. She had not been strong enough to see them together, and instead left Orihime to die. She had been weak, just a stupid little girl who couldn't handle her own emotions, and it had almost cost Orihime's life.
"I'm sorry Orihime."
Orihime tilted her head slightly, looking confused as she stared at Rukia.
"Sorry for what Kuchiki-san?"
Rukia realized she didn't know what to say, that Orihime didn't know she had seen what had happened and what her reaction had been.
"I don't k now Orihime...I'm just sorry."
The gentle, bubbly girl only smiled at Rukia who felt increasing uncomfortable with everyone's attention focused on her.
"Okay Kuchiki-san, I accept whatever you are apologizing for so don't worry about whatever it is."
Rukia blinked a few times as Orihime smiled a bright, innocent smile which couldn't help but make her feel a bit better, though still the guilt of her actions lingered. It wouldn't go away so easily...guilt never did.
Rukia jumped slightly when a hand was suddenly placed on her shoulder, an act of comfort by her closest, oldest friend. There was some relief that she hadn't completely jumped from the contact, a sign that perhaps she was getting a little better, or simply that her subconscious knew that it had been Renji behind her and there was absolutely no threat from him. Rukia glanced back looking up slightly at her friend who had a knowing look in his eyes, though Rukia truly questioned if he truly understood what he was trying to convey to her. He simply was doing his best to provide some comfort to her which wasn't exactly his strong point, but Rukia was simply happy her old friend was trying his best. She gave him a warm smile and mouthed a thank you to him, Renji smiling slightly at her before he put his hand back at his side, the meeting continuing on.
Rukia listened as Urahara went through a brief run-down of what had been going on with Ichigo, filling in everyone the details that had been kept quiet as to prevent Soul Society from finding out about Ichigo and the Hollow, it being pointless to keep them secret at this point. It was best to get all the information out in the open rather than having to sneak around, but it also brought up the possibility that Soul Society would decide to execute Ichigo because of his potential threat. Execute...how Rukia hated that thought...that word. She would never allow them to do that to Ichigo, just as he refused to allow her to be put to death...but...Ichigo was strong, she was not. She couldn't protect him as he did her, she knew that, but she would still try with everything she had. She would not let Ichigo die...she wouldn't...
"And I believe that about brings us to our current situation. It seems Aizen came to recruit Ichigo into his army, using Rukia as bait to draw him out for the talk. As you well know, Ichigo did not agree to Aizen's offer, and Rukia was rescued without harm. All and all, I'd say things worked out pretty well, don't you think?"
Soifon was the one to answer, her clear dislike for Urahara still evident in her voice.
"Worked out? Have you forgotten that there is still a captain-level shinigami with a Hollow trying to take control of him? I don't think things are going well. This is a threat almost as big as Aizen, and it should be taken care of right now."
Everyone knew exactly what Soifon was saying, and Rukia was the one to react the loudest.
"No! You're not going to kill him. He's..."
Byakuya's arm moved, his hand appearing in Rukia's face, a motion that was meant to tell her to hold her tongue which Rukia did, her words catching in her throat in an instance.
"Stopping the problem at hand using deadly force will always be a possibility no matter what. The real question is what are our other possibilities. Alive, the boy is an asset to Soul Society in the coming war with Aizen. We should consider that."
Rukia looked up at her brother whose arm was now back at his side, the young man never once looking down at her to see the gratitude in her eyes for choosing to look for other solutions that didn't result in Ichigo's demise.
"I'm glad you said that oh great and benevolent Captain Kuchiki because I do have some ideas as to what to do."
Byakuya didn't flinch as Urahara resumed his over the top, praiseful mockery of him, only turning his cold stare to the man wanting everyone's attention.
"And just what do you have in mind Kisuke?"
The now clothed Yoruichi walked up, putting her hands gentle on Urahara's shoulders from behind. The shop owner tilted his neck back to look up at Yoruichi looking down at him. Neither cared to pay attention to Yoruichi's former 'apprentice' visibly seething at their contact.
"I have many things on my mind at the moment Yoruichi, but its best we stick to business."
Yoruichi only smirked at her lover, before removing her hands from his shoulders, and taking a seat next to him.
"Proceed Kisuke..."
"Ah thank you Yoruichi. As I said, I think I might have some ideas on how to help Ichigo. You see, according to Tessai, when Orihime was attacked, she somehow used her powers to force back Ichigo's transformation, and at this moment from what Ichigo has told me, the Hollow seems to still be subdued. Ichigo has said that he really hasn't been able to feel or hear the Hollow in his head since that incident. I believe the Hollow tried to kill Orihime because it knows that she somehow might have the way to stop it."
All the attention went from Urahara to the young human girl who looked surprised by everything.
"I did that? I really don't know..." Orihime scratched her head as she smiled and laughed nervously.
"Somehow you did Orihime with those barrier powers of yours, and I think that if you work with me, I might be able to duplicate or help you duplicate what you did for possibly a permanent blocking of the Hollow's presence within Ichigo."
A few heads nodded though a few remained unconvinced.
"I assume that will take time, and how do we know during that time the Hollow won't find a way out at a time when we are unable to effectively deal with it?"
Urahara smiled at Byakuya, obviously anticipating such a question and having an answer to it.
"Those of you that have seen or fought with Ichigo know that his spiritual power is massive, nearly matching Kenpachi as well as incredibly raw and chaotic. Ichigo can rarely completely control the power he wields, constantly giving off spirit energy and fights recklessly, emotionally, and without real technique due to that he has only been trained for a short time in the art of being a shinigami. The problem is that the Hollow thrives within such the chaotic, explosive mess of emotion that we call Ichigo Kurosaki. I propose that we start training him in something that requires intense control and concentration, something that will force him to focus his energy much like meditation, and I believe by doing that Ichigo will at least be able to keep the Hollow at bay while I work with Orihime."
"You want to teach him kido...demon arts."
Urahara nodded at the young, white haired captain whose face had remained as impassive as Byakuya's the entire time.
"Bingo little man. Hit it on the first try, but you are wrong about one thing. I'm not going to teach him demon arts, she is."
Everyone simply ignored the angry Captain Hitsugaya even though the room did get a bit colder after the perceived insult about his size by Urahara, instead looking right at the figure Urahara was pointing at.
"Me? Why me?"
"Yes, why my sister?"
"I thought it was more than obvious why Rukia. She excels at Kido, gets along with him, and is probably the only person he actually listens to. Sounds like the credentials of an excellent teacher, don't you think?"
Byakuya went silent for a few moments, his brain processing the idea of allowing his sister again to be left in this place with these people. She had just been abducted by the enemy, though from what Rukia had said, he ascertained that was probably not their fault. Of course it just wasn't the possible danger that bothered Byakuya but also the thought of Rukia having another opportunity to grow closer to the human boy, more interaction with a world that wasn't hers. There were many potential down sides to allowing this, and few advantages other than just the chance the boy would gain some temporary control of the beast within. The answer however was made for him in one quick move.
"I'll do it."
Rukia stood up in a fierce stance, her eyes laced with determination and strength, her form suddenly becoming imposing despite the fact she barely came up to her brother's chest in height. No one felt the urge to question her decision, not even Byakuya, the whole time Urahara had to hide his smile behind his fan as everything he planned started to fall in place.
By allowing Rukia to teach Ichigo in something she took great pride in, she would be able to start reforming her self confidence while at the same time helping Ichigo which he know she desperately wanted to do. Also, it would allow the two to become comfortable around each other again, and of course if something romantic happened between the two of them while Rukia was teaching Ichigo, well then that would just have to be an acceptable side effect. It was all very simply really.
Soifon broke the silence Rukia had forced upon the room with one potential set back on the idea Urahara had brought up.
"Regardless, we will still have to gain approval from Commander Yamamoto. He may be more difficult to convince considering the danger and the plan of a person he personally exiled from Soul Society."
"I believe you will find the Commander more flexible since the incident with Aizen's deception. In his wisdom, he will see the merit in our decision, allowing us to help someone who will be of great help to us as we enter a dark time."
Everyone looked back at the large, animal headed Captain who had been leaning silently on the wall. This was the first he had spoken since arriving at Urahara's shop, and the deep nature of his voice demanded attention. Captain Komamaru knew the Commander-General better than almost anyone so his words carried a heavy truth to them. Byakuya spoke up next, assuring the large Captain's claim.
"Captain Komamaru and I will personally explain the situation to Commander Yamamoto. I agree that he will understand what we are trying to do."
"Good, good, very, very good. This went a lot smoother than I thought it would. It seems everyone in Soul Society becomes a lot more reasonable when being faced with complete annihilation by a power crazed ex-shinigami Captain with incredibly powerful minions."
"Eloquently summed up as usual Kisuke. Now, how about we get something to eat. I really could go for some food and some milk."
"Of course Yoruichi, of course. You are all welcome to dinner, and if any of you wish to stay to monitor the situation just in case, then I welcome you to."
The overly serious ,white-haired prodigy shinigami accepted Urahara's offer.
"I will stay. It will be for the best to have another Captain level shinigami here in case things become...complicated."
Urahara nodded toward the child Captain with a degree of respect though both turned their attention to the other person wanting to stay.
"Captain Kuchiki, I ask for permission to stay as well to watch over things."
Renji stood rigidly and respectfully in front of his superior officer, awaiting an answer. All he received were two words after a prolonged, cold stare.
"You may," before Captain Kuchiki briskly walked out of the room, followed by almost everybody but Rukia, Renji, and Urahara who remained behind, Urahara turning to talk to Rukia.
"I think it would be best if you be the one to talk to Ichigo, to tell him what the plan is. It will sound more like his friends made the decision rather than being approved by those from Soul Society. He might be resistant if it comes off as if he is being told what to do by those he is wary of."
Rukia nodded, knowing Urahara was exactly right, that Ichigo hated to be told what to do on any level. Then again, he did always inevitably listen to her...even if it took lots of arguing and violence to make it happen.
Rukia turned to leave, but found her body hesitating on its own even as the only thing on her mind that she would be able to help Ichigo, that her greatest strength, her ability in Kido, could be such a help to him. She knew why she hesitated, still afraid to be in Ichigo's presence, but her fear was now for so many different reasons that she could barely keep them in line. The attack by the Hollow was obvious, but she also knew that many things she was forced to contemplate after seeing the false moment between Orihime and Ichigo were also scaring her. There were a lot of feelings that were still fresh on the surface of her mind, and she wasn't sure just would happen if she was near Ichigo with those feelings being so strong. Also, there was still the matter if there was some truth to what the Hollow had used to draw Orihime in, that it had simply used Ichigo's true feelings in a twisted, distorted way to kill Orihime. It all made the simplest actions so very difficult.
"I'll go with you too Rukia. I really need to smack that idiot upside the head for some of the things he's done lately."
Rukia couldn't help but smile at Renji's intervention, the young man knowing exactly what to say at the moment. Perhaps he understood what was going on inside her more than she had given him credit for.
"Thanks Renji, let's go."
The two friends walked out of the room side by side, Renji occasionally glancing to the side to look at Rukia, still worrying very much about his old friend considering what she had endured as of late. He knew Rukia was strong, proud, and a fierce warrior, yet everyone had their limits and being attacked like that by Ichigo just might have been something that surpassed those limits. He was not blind to what that guy meant to Rukia even if she still hadn't truly come to terms with it.
His only options really were to keep an eye on her, and if she ever wanted to talk about it, he would be their to listen. He would be a good friend...friend...Renji's thoughts drifted ever so slightly to what felt like many lifetimes ago, knowing that because of how things had been allowed to change, friends would always be what they were. He could live with that because at least she still was here...that's what he told himself at least.
Not really wanting to waste even a few seconds looking for Ichigo, Renji decided to just take the easiest route as he viewed it.
"Hey Ichigo, where the hell are you, you orange-haired moron?"
"Renji! What the hell did you just call me?"
Like clockwork, Ichigo responded to the insult immediately, emerging from a nearby room, anger on his face, ready to brawl with Renji as they often did when they were around each other.
"You heard me. Its not like your going to do anything about it punk."
"You know damn well I'll kick your ass so keep your comments to yourself."
Rukia, who was now finding herself far too close to being in the middle of this growing physical altercation, decided to speak up.
"Ichigo, we've decided that it would be a good idea for me to teach you Kido."
This unexpected announcement drew Ichigo's attention, forgetting quickly that he was about to punch Renji in the face.
"What? Why?"
"To use Kido effectively, one must master control and strength of mind. If you can master it, it should help you in battling the Hollow within. It will make you mentally stronger."
Ichigo looked on surprised as Rukia's tone suddenly became stern, speaking as if she really was taking this teaching role serious. Renji couldn't help himself, and had to say something.
"Man, she's already falling into teaching mode. Just try not to develop a thing for your teacher little Ichigo."
"What! What the hell are you saying Renji?"
Ichigo looked away blushing slightly at Renji's words, the red-haired young man laughing at how easy it was to unsettle Ichigo, though his laughing stopped as he turned back to Rukia whose face suddenly became dark, her hands gripped into fists.
"Uh-oh."
Everyone else in the house suddenly could hear Renji screaming for Rukia to stop, every one of his yells accompanied by a loud, painful sound all the while Ichigo was yelling about Renji being wrong. Standing by himself looking up at the setting sun, Byakuya couldn't help but smile ever so slightly at the harmless antics as he shook his head.
"Still just children..."