Chapter 12:
It was early. Linnette was already eating breakfast and looked at the puzzle on the back of the cereal box. Ichigo wasn't up yet by the look of things. Victor decided to find him. He was still on the couch where he had left him. Victor sat in front of the couch, staring at him. He touched Ichigo's hand.
"Ichigo."
He wasn't asleep, but his eyes were closed.
"What's wrong? Aren't you hungry?"
He shook his head.
"What's the matter?"
Ichigo turned away, pulling his hand from Victor's.
"Ichigo, tell me."
"Why? You don't care."
Victor chuckled softly. "You're right. I don't care."
Ichigo was surprised, not by his answer but that he had the guts to admit it out loud.
"But Linnette does. She cares deeply for you. And in that sense I have to care somewhat. It compels me to ask."
"Why?"
"Because if you're upset, she's upset and we don't want that so we have to care. It's not you so much as it is her. We have to make sure you're ok for her sake. She has also asked us to take care of you and help you, so it's not like we have a choice."
Ichigo scoffed. "I knew it."
"However, we do care about you in some ways. We do have feelings, you know. But Linnette comes first and foremost. Understand? It's her we are here for, not you or anyone else."
"In other words you want me to know that I can't blame you for that, is that it?"
Victor sighed. "I know you're upset Ichigo and I know that it's not about your friend or the fact that you're living here with us."
It angered Ichigo how Victor could read him like a book. Was he really that obvious?
"But I cannot read minds so you have to tell me what's up with you. Understand?"
Ichigo still didn't look at him and kept his back turned. "I'm not very good with sharing my feelings, you know that. I'm not a talking kind of person."
"So? Try anyway. Make me understand."
Ichigo sighed heavily. This wasn't easy for him, considering that he himself didn't even fully understand what he was feeling. "It's just that… You know. I… Look, yes, it is Yumichika I'm upset about. But you're right, it is more than that. It's the fact that he has that stinger that upsets me the most. You saw what happened to Toshiro. He was the same person, but it made him loyal to Yumichika. It makes people betray you, you know what I mean?"
Victor was silent, listening to him.
For no apparent reason, Ichigo suddenly got angry. "Why aren't you saying anything?"
"What would you like me to say?"
He didn't have an answer to that. All he could think about was that stinger. "Because of that stinger, anyone and everyone who gets hit by it will come over to his side. They'll turn against their friends! Toshiro attacked me! The same thing will happen if Rukia gets hit by it, or Renji or anyone! They'll think I'm the enemy. I know it's happening right now. That's why he ran off. He's getting more people onto his side. I'm going to have to fight against my own friends at some point! I won't know who to trust anymore! How do you think I feel?"
The thought of having to fight against his loved ones was painful. If they attacked him, he wouldn't know what to do. They may have been the same people, thinking and acting the same, with the same memories and everything, but they would do anything Yumichika said. They would even attack Ichigo if they were ordered to. And what if Ichigo got stung by it himself? He could only avoid it for so long. If that happened, he would attacke his loved ones anyway and do whatever Yumichika told him to. He would fight for Hollows, not against them. He couldn't trust anyone. He was scared and he knew it. As much strength and power as he had, it was all useless against something like this. What could he do? He felt so helpless.
Victor sat with his back to the couch, leaning against the front with a small grin. "At last, you and Linnette understand each other."
For the first time in five minutes, Ichigo looked at him. "Huh?"
"You heard Linnette's past, didn't you? You know that she was an orphan, right?"
"… yes. But what does that..?"
Victor looked him in the eyes, tuning his head to one side. "Ichigo… she lived everyday in fear, never knowing who to trust. No one helped her. The people who claimed to be her friend betrayed her, bullied her, hurt her. Even the adults were mean to her, always taking the bully's side, saying how they were good and that she should just let them do what they want. The other children would steal what little she owned, hide it, break it, keep it, do whatever they wanted and there wasn't a thing she could do to stop it. On adoption day, parents would always pass her by, never giving her a second glance. How could there be unconditional love when these parents adopt a kid based off of what they would want, like objects on store shelves? No one ever wanted her, Ichigo, and they made a point of telling her so. She never felt loved or safe. The children even told her that if she left and never came back, no one would even care. So one day she put it to the test and ran away. No one ever looked for her. No one cared, just as they said."
Ichigo looked down. That must have been hard for her. The people she lived with were all bullies and no one cared for her at all. No one even looked for her when she went missing.
"She lived on the street in this city for a full year with nothing. No one helped her. No one cared. She was only picked up and taken away for being a nuisance. She went to a new orphanage where the same thing occurred. People would be friendly to her, act like they were her friend, have her tell her secrets and fears to them. Afterwards, they would use that against her, turn other kids against her, hurt her, betray her. It was all the same thing. She was miserable. I mean, the girl's own parents didn't want her anymore so they left her behind when she was a baby. Who the hell could she trust?"
No one, that's who. No wonder that poor girl resorted to blackmail in order to have friends that would stay.
"Ichigo, do you know what her worst fear is?"
He could think of plenty of things a young girl would hate. Spiders, bugs, the dark. Knowing he would guess wrong, he shook his head.
"It's not the dark, it's not bugs, it's not storms, it's not falling or heights or monsters or anything like that." He looked Ichigo in the eyes with all seriousness. "Ichigo… She's afraid of being alone."
Alone.
"There's nothing more painful than that. No matter what you're going through, it's always easier when you have someone there with you. Someone to comfort you, to help you, to protect you. She had nothing like that. She had to go it alone always and for everything. Humans are social animals. They can't live without companionship. That's why she wished for us to save her. She wanted a home with a nice family that would always be there for her. She wanted someone who would never leave, someone who would never hurt or betray her. Someone who would take care of her and help her and give her what she wanted, whatever it may be. She wanted love. So we came to be. Now she never has to be lonely again. Not while we're around."
What could Ichigo possibly say to that? She had been dealing with this all her life. Ichigo only had to suffer through such pain now. A couple of days meant nothing compared to that. He knew that he could beat this. He knew that it would end. In her case, nothing was certain. It was just one Hollow causing all this suffering and confusion. Take that down and the rest would follow. Putting things into that perspective, Ichigo did feel a lot better. Yes, maybe he would have to fight his friends, but he wasn't alone.
"We will help you, Ichigo. It's what Linnette wants and it will help us out in the long run as well. Even if all your friends fall victim to him, you'll still have us."
Despite everything they had put him through in the past, Ichigo was glad to hear that. For once, they were on the same side. They would fight together.
Ichigo gave Victor a grin. He did feel better. A lot better. He would get through this, just like he did everything else.
Victor patted his shoulder. "Now, how about some breakfast, hm? Linnette's having cereal and toast. Want some?"
"Sure, I guess." Ichigo got off the couch. He wasn't over the hopeless feeling, but he felt well enough to stand on his own two feet.
Throughout that morning, Ichigo took note of everything Linnette was. She may have been thirteen, but she still acted like a child. Then again, she was a girl and a lot of them never grew out of stuffed animals and cute things. He also took note of the things she could and could not do. There were some games she wasn't very good at. Some things she had a natural talent for. Aside from her singing voice, she was an average normal girl.
She was playing with Victor again in the den while Ichigo watched. On all fours in a suit, Victor bounced Linnette on his back in a pony ride. She hung on tight as he bucked and made pony sounds. There was a lot of love between them, Ichigo could tell. She waited so long of a loving family. Maybe they weren't real, but they were to her and anyone else who looked at them going down the street. They took care of her and helped her. They loved her as much as the next parent would their child. They loved her with all their being and she loved them right back. With them, she would never be alone.
Maybe someday, though. Ichigo had thought about it before. What would happen to them when she passed on? They already understood that they were here for her and because of her. They already knew that if she died, they would, too. It made sense that they would. But what Ichigo wanted to know was what happened to them after that? Was there an afterlife for a pair of men who were never actually alive the begin with? They didn't age, they were never born the way a normal human was, they were superhuman. What would happen to them when that time came? Did they ever think about this themselves?
Linnette bounced off Victor's back and jumped onto the couch landing on Ichigo's lap. "Will you play with us, Ichigo? Please?"
"I don't really feel like…"
"Just for a minute?"
He moaned. "What do I have to do?"
"Just play! Here, watch." She grabbed Ichigo's arm and pulled him onto the floor beside Victor. She got down with them. "We could play pony."
"Pass."
"Ok… We could play doggy, too. That way I get to hear you bark, Ichigo. You haven't done it yet."
"Anything else?"
"Um… Video games." She looked at the suited man. "Can we?"
He was smiling when he gave her his answer. "I don't know. You know we only allow you two hours of video games a day, honey. And Ichigo's the guest. He gets to decide. Why don't you ask him what he wants to do?"
"Ok. Ichigo what do you want to play?"
He tried to think of a game. It had been so long since he had last played child games. Not since his sisters decided to mature. "Hm… We could play soccer or something outside."
"Sure! Can we, Victor?"
He nodded. "There is a ball in the garage. I'll get it for you." He stood up to fetch them the ball when the phone suddenly rang.
Ichigo flinched. Remembering that this wasn't his house, he waited for Victor to answer it this time. It could have been a call for them again.
Victor went into the next room to answer it. He was gone for a few seconds then came back into the room. "It's for you, Ichigo."
He snatched the phone away. "Hello?"
"Ichigo!" came Kisuke's voice. "I just got word from Rukia. She found a tool that may help you contain Yumichika and the Hollow."
"That's great."
"That's the good news. The bad news is, Yumichika is coming your way. The Senkaimon was opened a minute ago. He should be there soon."
"Anything else I should know?"
"Um… Oh, yeah. He has an army with him of infected Soul Reapers all ranging from captain to seated officer."
"What?"
"Surprise!"
"Hat-and-clogs!"
"I know, I know, sorry. You'd better get going. They'll be there shortly. Keep an eye out for Rukia as well. She should be heading your way, too."
"Thanks, got it!" Ichigo hung up and turned around.
Linnette and Victor were waiting with Cedric who had just come in from outside. They waited for the news.
"They're coming. He has an army with him."
The two men looked at Linnette.
Her face showed a rare state of seriousness. "I'm coming to help you. Let's go, guys!"
They nodded.
Dressed in a suit and the other in casual clothes, the two men carried the girl dressed in a sapphire dress into battle. Leading the way was the team's only Soul Reaper. Ichigo was pumped and nervous. Knowing that he wasn't alone made him feel better and knowing that Rukia was ok and had a device capable of helping them win, Ichigo felt empowered.
Losing wasn't an option. They had to win. They were going to beat this.
"There!" Linnette pointed.
Ichigo noticed it, too. Large circular doors opened in the sky, allowing the army leader to enter their world. Behind him came his army. This was less encouraging. His army literally was an army. More Soul Reapers than he could count came out of the Senkaimon with Yumichika, all ready for battle. Were they all here for him? Did Yumichika want Ichigo that badly?
Yumichika glanced down and noticed the small group. Four against several dozens. Those weren't good odds and everyone knew that.
"Last chance to join us, Ichigo Kurosaki!"
"And if I don't?"
He sighed. "You still don't get it, do you? You're on the wrong side! I realize now that Soul Reapers are wrong! When will you wake up and see the truth? Soul Reapers make the laws that must be followed regardless. They never listen to anyone but themselves. They're selfish. And they claim that Hollows are the bad guys? Isn't it a Soul Reaper's job to take care of Souls? Well, Hollows are Souls, too. And they kill them? It makes no sense! It's not justified. Hollows are living beings, too, and Soul Reapers feel they have the right to kill them."
"Hollows attack other Souls and the living, too!" Ichigo argued. "It's for the greater good, and in killing the Hollow, they're purifying them so they can cross over."
"That's crap!" Yumichika shouted back. "If Hollows want to attack people, let them! It's in their nature. Why are they the bad guys for doing what comes naturally? You of all people should understand, being part Hollow yourself. You should be with us. You should be fighting with us, not against us. Are you turning your back against your own kind?"
There was no point in telling Yumichika anything different. He knew his mind was made up. Anything he said would just go in one ear and out the other. It was pointless to argue.
"The way I see it, you have two options," Yumichika told him. "Since I know how powerful you are, I really would like to have you on my side. If not, then I can't let you try to beat me. So here are your choices. One: you join me and live. Or two: you don't, and I kill you. Pick one."
Ichigo didn't have to think about it. "I refuse."
"Which one?"
"Both of them!" He pulled out his sword. "I choose to live and bring you and your army down!"
Yumichika looked disappointed but entertained either way. "Have it your way." He snapped his fingers.
At the signal, his army of Soul Reapers attack. Like a black titalwave, they rushed him.
"Victor! Cedric!" The cry came from Linnette.
They understood her unspoken wishes. Nodding, Cedric switched her to a better position on his back, freeing up his hands for battle.
"I'll take care of the ones on the left," said Victor. "Cedric, you take the right."
"Got it."
"Ichigo, we'll leave the ones in the center to you."
He looked around. "But… wouldn't it make more sense to go after Yumichika first?"
"Not if these guys are going to protect him no matter what. They'll get in our way like last time. It's best to take them out first, then go after the boss. We have to wait for Rukia to show up with that device anyway, right? It's supposed to help us detain him. She's not here yet, so it's best if we buy some time until she gets here and take care of his forces to make it easier for us."
Ichigo agreed. "I didn't think about that. You're right. Let's do it!" He took out his sword, bandages uncoiling to reveal the sharp blade.
"Hang on tight, Linnette," Cedric told her.
She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. Cedric shot off like a rocket into the crowd.
Victor watched them for a moment, making sure they were alright then turned his attention to the Soul Reapers on the left. They were all rushing towards him and Ichigo. The next moment, they were in the air, crying out in pain and surprise. It happened in an instant. One moment Victor was there, and the next he was in the center of the crowd, taking care of his oppenants in the blink of an eye.
Ichigo didn't even see him move. His speed surpassed that of a Soul Reaper's flash step. Noticing the men in front of him, Ichigo lifted his sword to take care of them. He had to be careful. These men weren't really doing this. They were just following orders. He couldn't kill them. He had to remember to hold back.
"Getsuga Tensho!"
The black and red blast sliced through them all, sending them flying in all directions. Ichigo charged in to handle the rest. Several more Soul Reapers flooded him, swords pointed.
Yumichika watched calmly from his position at the top. This was rather amusing to watch. It was entertaining. "This could go on for some time, considering how he refuses to kill any of them. But it's a win/win for me either way."
Hitsugaya looked at him. "Um… how is that exactly? I thought you wanted Ichigo to join you."
"I do… but only because he would be valuable to have. With his kind of power, there's no way we could fail. Even you think he would be a match for Head Captain Yamamoto, don't you?"
Hitsugaya hesitated, thinking. Then nodded. "I suppose he would."
Yumichika patted his shoulder. "You see, if he refuses to join us, then killing him would be the next best option. I'd rather have him dead than oppose us. If he joins us, we'll win for sure. If not, we risk losing because he'll fight against us. The way I see it, if he dies, he can't do anything to stop us. Win/win, you see?"
Hitsugaya thought about it. It all made sense in that regard. "I understand now. Thank you for clearing that up, sir."
"Think nothing of it." Yumichika watched another couple men go flying high overhead, not caring.
"My lord…"
He turned to Hisagi who was standing on his right looking conflicted.
"My lord… our men don't stand a chance. They're being defeated so easily."
"So what do you want me to do about it?" He gave Hisagi a grin. "Are you saying you would like to fight?"
Hisagi frowned. "Well… no, I don't want to… But… if you were to order it, I would. In a heart beat, I would."
Their leader sighed. "In chess, the pawns go first. They're the weakest and most unappealing ones. What do I care if they get defeated so easily? I have stronger men waiting in back. Let them have their fun. Then I'll send you in."
Hisagi didn't look relieved. He was still concerned for their troops. But he didn't dare say anything against his master.
Another cry on the battle field.
Ichigo slid back, hurt. One of the Soul Reapers managed to cut his left arm. It wasn't deep, but it was painful. Though he may have been trying not to kill them, the same couldn't be said for them. But he had to fight back. He clashed swords with another. Four more jumped him from behind. This wasn't a fair fight in the slightest. He kicked one of them in the stomach, using their body as a springboard and flipped over backward, soaring over their heads. He landed, only to be met with another.
"Bakudo 4, Hainawa!"
Ichigo's arms were suddenly tangled up in a glowing rope. The caster pulled on the ropes, forcing Ichigo's arms behind him, along with his sword. "Crap! I forgot they could use kido, too!"
Using his legs, Ichigo kicked the other Soul Reapers away as best he could. He bent over forward, turning his body completely around. The action forced the caster of the spell to fall forward, releasing his hold on the ropes. Ichigo was free and bashed the Soul Reaper in the head with the back of his sword.
"Hado 31, Shakkaho!"
Ichigo took the attack at point blank range from another caster. He was blown back and slammed into something soft but firm.
"Are you alright?"
Ichigo looked up. He was caught by Cedric in his chest. He slowly nodded his head. "Y- yeah. I'm fine."
"You're bleeding."
Ichigo looked at his left arm. "… it's nothing." Ichigo was surprised by how warm Cedric's body was. Like was... alive.
"Look sharp!"
Ichigo was suddenly spun around in Cedric's arm as a new opponent came into battle. Holding Ichigo in one arm, Cedric fought the man off with the other. He grabbed the man's sword in his bare hand and threw it aside. He wasn't cut. He grabbed the man's arm and threw him into the air and far away from them. Cedric spun around again, looking for any other attackers. He helped Ichigo to stand.
"Alright?"
"Huh?"
"Are you alright?"
"Oh… Yeah. Thanks." Ichigo was still stunned. By everything. The sudden attack, Cedric's power, the fact that he couldn't be cut, but mostly by how alive he was. Cedric wasn't a tool and neither was Victor. They weren't just made up people conjured from nothing. They were alive. They could think and feel and act on their own just like anyone else. They were real.
"Hi, Ichigo!" Linnette popped up over Cedric's shoulder, smiling cutely. Seeing this act reminded Ichigo a lot of Kenpachi and Yachiru. "How are things going for you?"
"Uh…" Ichigo shook himself from his stunned state. "Fine. I'm doing good. You?"
"Not hurt at all, thanks to Cedric! I'm perfectly safe."
Cedric looked up at the sky. More were on their way. "Linnette, stay hidden as best you can and hold on tight. I'm going to jump."
"Ok!" She gripped him tightly and shrank back behind him so only her fingers were showing. "Be careful, Ichigo."
Cedric jumped straight up, on the attack again.
Ichigo listened to Linnette giggle as Cedric fought their new enemy. Was this all a game to her? It was a lot better than being afraid, Ichigo admitted that.
This was no time to be thinking of anything else. He had to take care of the others before he could get to Yumichika.
The very man he wanted to bring down and save was starting to yawn. "I'm getting bored. It's the same old, same old…" Yumichika looked around. "Boring."
Hisagi and Hitsugaya watched him turn his body to the right, walking away from the battle. "My lord?"
"It's boring! Even my own men can't be defeated gracefully. It's ugly. I can't watch this anymore."
"You wish to leave?"
"Are we retreating already?"
"Of course not!" Yumichika looked back at them with a grin. "I'm just going to make things a little more interesting." He put his thumb and pointer finger into his mouth and gave a loud shrill whistle.
The sky above them began to open up in multiple places.
Ichigo stopped to watch as dozens of Hollows began to enter their world. "Damn, not this again! He just can't make this easy, can he?"
The Hollows didn't care if their orders came from a Soul Reaper. They knew that it was one of their own pulling the strings. Their orders were really coming from him, not Yumichika. And as long as they got to kill, they could care less. Roaring, they entered the Living world and started to attack.
Ichigo took his sword into both hands. These he could kill.
"Bakudo 62, Hyapporankan!"
Ichigo dove out of the way from another kido attack. "Damn it, would you knock it off?"
Yumichika started laughing. "Now this is what I'm talking about! This is more like it! Let's see where this leads us, shall we?"
Hisagi and Hitsugaya smiled, happy that their master was enjoying himself so much.
"Ichigo doesn't stand a chance now. He'll either join us willingly or get killed trying to flee. There's no other option for him to take. It's serve or die!"
"Oh, really? Is that right?"
The trio turned around.
Renji accompanied by Rangiku, Kira, Byakuya, Ikkaku and Rukia had just come through the Senkaimon on their own. None of them looked happy at all.
Yumichika was unfazed. "Oh, so this is your army, huh? Pathetic."
"The others are in the Seireitei cleaning up your mess," Byakuya answered coolly. "It's all-out war back there thanks to you and your tricks."
The 5th Seat giggled. "You flatter me."
"It's no laughing matter. No one knows who to trust anymore. An alley could become an enemy in just a few short seconds. This is all your fault."
Rangiku looked at her captain sadly. "Captain, why? Why are you doing this?"
He looked at her indifferently. "Do I really have to explain it to you, Matsumoto? I'm doing the right thing."
"But, Captain… the Hollows…"
"Have suffered long enough under our rule. It's time for a change."
"That's nonsense, Captain! This is all Yumichika's doing. Can't you see that? He's-"
"He's the one I serve now! And I don't care what any of you have to say! I follow his orders and his alone! Got that?"
Rangiku looked heartbroken. This was a new version of the captain she didn't want to see. She didn't like this version at all.
"Hisagi…" Kira said quietly. "You, too?"
"Yes," he answered. "I… Yes."
Kira looked him up and down. "You look like you don't want this at all."
Hisagi looked away. "I'm… just following orders…"
"Even if it means fighting your own friends and losing them in a needless fight?"
He looked like he was holding back his emotions. He avoided Kira's eyes by closing his. "If it's what my master wishes, I have no choice."
Ikkaku pushed his way to the front. "And you?" He was looking at the one behind it all. "You actually want all this?"
"I see no reason not to," Yumichika smiled. "And I'm having fun doing it. I love it."
"That's the damn Hollow talking."
Once again, Yumichika's face was crossed with confusion. "What Hollow? What are you talking about? This is my decision and mine alone. What makes you think I'm being controlled by something? I'm not. I'm talking to you normally, aren't I? For the last time, I am not a Hollow."
Ikkaku's expression of anger never changed. "Then rolled down your top."
"Huh?" He looked surprised.
Ikkaku gestured to the orange garment he wore around his neck and shoulders on his own body.
Sighing, Yumichika pulled down his collar. Nothing was there.
"Other side, too."
Rolling his eyes, Yumichika repeated the action to the other side, revealing the light purple mark on his neck.
Ikkaku's eyes narrowed. The others looked on with stunned amazement. From the look on Yumichika's face and by his actions, it seemed that he truly had no idea it was even there.
Renji stepped forward. "Army or not, you don't stand a chance. Just give up."
Yumichika laughed. "Like I'd surrender to you. You're going to have to make me. Either that…" he allowed the stinger to slowly slide out of his palm in front of everyone. "… or you could join me. The more the merrier."
His silence was taken as a 'no'.
"Fine. Then you'll have to-"
Ikkaku jumped in first with his own weapon only to be held back by Hitsugaya.
Yumichika smirked at Ikkaku, blade three inches from his face. "Temper… Haven't I always said that about you, Ikkaku? Couldn't even let me finish talking."
"Shut up!" Ikkaku gave him a death glare. But there was something else in his eyes.
Yumichika brought his face closer to look. Such anger and pain in his eyes. "Oh… oh, are you really that upset that we're on different sides now?"
"That's not why I'm pissed off."
"You look so sad…" Yumichika mocked.
"I am not sad!"
Another sword came out to strike Yumichika only to be blocked by Hisagi. He held back Kira with his own blade, never letting him near his master.
"I'm not the only one you need to worry about either." Yumichika point at the dozens of Hollows in the sky. "I never travel alone." He looked at the two Soul Reapers fighting for him. "You two have fun. I have an Ichigo to find. Ta!" Yumichika flashed away.
Byakuya looked at his sister. "Rukia, go find Ichigo. You have a method to defeat him, right?"
"Y- yes."
"Then go. We'll handle the rest."
Nodding, Rukia hurried off to find Ichigo.
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