A/N: At long last, I am done! One more chapter after this and Part one is finally finished. I'll likely have it out before the month ends should no inconveniences arise. As always I hope you all enjoy, and Thanks for reading!
© Bleach and it's characters don't belong to me, they belong to Tite Kubo and Shounen Jump. Only Shizuka and Anna Maria belong to me.
Chapter 21: At Last
The year had begun with rain as opposed to the snow he'd grown used to. Ulquiorra carefully placed the last tray of the day in the oven, now that the bakery was closed all that was left to do was clean.
Sometimes he could not believe the radical change his life had undergone. From a nihilistic warrior to a seemingly normal man with a lovely girlfriend and pet, nobody would believe him if he told them. Still, the shadow from the past crept up behind him, for lately more hollows had been flocking to Karakura. He knew Anna was going to come here soon.
"Hey Ulquiorra, have you seen Ms. Chiyo? I can't find her anywhere." Orihime was walking around the cafe area looking for their boss.
"If I'm not mistaken, she said she was going to get some flour and cream from the storage room."
"That was almost ten minutes ago..." They rushed to the storage only to find the old woman passed out in the middle of the room.
"Chiyo-San!" Orihime rushed to the woman's age and checked her pulse. "It's unstable! Call an ambulance!"
While he made the call to the Ishida hospital he noticed Orihime using her power to heal Chiyo. They left with her as she was taken to the hospital and waited for their boss to awake.
"It seems she had a minor stroke. Not the first time it has happened, according to her medical records she's been here three times before." Ishida explained the situation trying to look calm, but visibly upset. "I fear she won't withstand another one."
"Thanks for letting us know Ishida-Kun. We'll wait for a bit to see if she wakes up."
Ishida nodded and left the room. Just as the two finally sat down to wait they noticed that Chiyo was waking up.
"Wha- Where am I?"
"Chiyo-San! We were so worried. You had a small stroke back at the bakery, we had to bring you to the hospital."
"Oh. No wonder my head feels a little heavy...Anyway, I'm glad you two were there. Thanks for helping me."
"Forgive me if this feels invasive but shouldn't warn your family about this?"
The old woman chuckled. "Oh Ulquiorra-Kun, I'm afraid that's not possible. My husband passed away two years ago, we never had kids and we were both from the foster system. I guess you could say he was my only family."
"I'm sorry, perhaps I shouldn't have asked. Although that sounds like quite a romantic story."
The old woman smiled. "It was."
"Can you tell us about it?" Orihime asked.
"Of course. It's not often I get to talk about him. Let's see, we were friends since our toddler days at the orphanage, we were never adopted so when we turned eighteen we left together and started looking for jobs, anything we could find was ok, and soon we bought our own house. Eventually, we came across what would become ABCookie. That building was a dump during the 40's, took a lot of work to make it what it is today. In the end, that little bakery became our legacy, our employees were like our children, and we stayed that way all this year's until he left this world."
The story made him think of what awaited him and Orihime should they survive. Growing old together sounded very sweet, even if the end would be bitter.
"To tell you the truth. The reason why I hired you two it's because you remind me of me and Keichi in our youth. A young couple looking for work, a quiet boy and a bubbly lady, the resemblance is uncanny, to say the least."
That earned a giggle from Orihime. "I suppose history repeats itself then." Anyone could notice that she'd been crying, back at the ambulance and now after hearing Chiyo's story. Before he could do anything the older woman pulled Orihime into a hug.
"Oh sweetie, don't cry like that, it breaks my heart seeing you sad. I'm sure Ulquiorra hates to see those tears too."
She looked at him with a smile and held out her hand. He took it and hugged her alongside Chiyo.
"This isn't just about today's problem, isn't it? You too have been looking a little gloomy for a while. Is there something wrong?"
What could he tell her? That they were not normal humans and were on the verge of battle with a shinigami? Or that the history of their 'allies' was far bloodier than expected? He took a breath before trying to put everything into words.
"Things have gotten complicated in our friend group, and some problems from the past have risen again. We'll be fine as soon as it's over."
Chiyo nodded after he explained. "I can't be sure if what you're facing is any similar to what my trials were, but I can tell you one thing. What matters it's what you chose to do. Nobody else can fight for you, friends, family, allies, they don't factor here. Just chose what you want to do. It's the most important thing to remember if you want to live as long as I have."
It made sense. Whatever happened his priority was Orihime's safety, nothing would change that. "I shall take your advice, after all, we have been protecting each other for a while now."
Orihime's grip tightened slightly. He kissed her hand and she smiled. Silently telling him that she wouldn't have this any other way.
They stayed with Chiyo until visiting hours were over, by then the old woman had fallen asleep. Orihime couldn't help but feel a little sad for her boss. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to live her entire life with somebody only to lose them so suddenly.
'I'll come to see here every day.'
"You seem distracted woman, is this about Chiyo?"
"A little. I'm concerned, she must feel lonely without her husband."
"That's true, but we'll visit her and make sure she gets proper company. Once we inform the rest of the employees it's likely she'll be sick of us all."
That made her chuckle. "Maybe. I don't think she would mind."
They walked in silence for a little while, the red sunset soon faded into night, after a nice dinner with Kukkapuro they both decided to rest on the couch for a while.
Ulquiorra was even more quiet than usual, absentmindedly running his fingers through her hair. She waited for him to speak once he was ready, as if reading her mind he began talking.
"Mrs. Chiyo's story... It made think about how fragile human life is. A century here seems so long, and yet in Hueco Mundo, they slipped like sand through my fingers. I was never afraid of the passing of time, until now. Where I have so much to lose with every day that passes." As he said that he pulled her close to him.
Orihime returned the embrace. "I know what you mean. I've felt that way too. There's nothing we can do against the passing of time, I can't stop getting older and I am not sure if you can try to age." Ulquiorra laughed softly at that last comment. "I can only take comfort in the fact that we'll be together for as long as we have left. Not even mortality will separate us, we're bound to meet again in every lifetime regardless of what may happen."
His grip seemed to ease a little. "I still owe you three more lifetimes."
"Yes. And I'm going chase you down in all of them if I have to."
The night turned cold all of the sudden, the wind began to howl and the room felt heavy. Ulquiorra sat up abruptly. His entire expression dripping with dread. "She's coming. We need to get ready."
Orihime swallowed hard and nodded. At last, everything was going to end tonight.
"Damn this to hell and back!" Shizuka yelled as she shut her laptop down."
"What is wrong my pupil?" Kannoji peeked from behind her. "Is it trouble regarding the impending battle?"
"Somewhat...Can I tell you something, Misao- Sensei?"
Seeing how the girl used his real name instead of the Don Kannoji persona he became more serious. "Yes, of course."
"I don't think Anna will destroy the town. From what Orihime and Ulquiorra told me, she seems to have other plans. I just don't know what they are, or if anyone will believe me if I told them."
"Why wouldn't they? You're the shinigami of Karakura, and the apprentice of Don Kannoji!"
She chuckled.."Perhaps, but Anna was my adopted sister for so many years... They'll think I'm biased."
"I say this makes you the best person to tell them about her! You know our enemy, better than any of us. Use that power, my student. If they don't believe you then that'll be their problem. You have done your part well.
Our duty is to protect the town, the people living in it, everything that matters and we must do it be any means necessary!"
"Thank you, I really needed to hear that Kannonji-Sensei."
"No problem my pupil! I can tell you kids are all far more experienced when dealing with spiritual matters, but if you ever need a pat on the back I'm your guy!"
Before they could talk more the pair heard a crashing noise coming from the backyard.
"That better be just training."
The backyard was covered in ice. She noticed Hitsugaya was in his Bankai state and Rangiku was trying to calm him down. Upon closer inspection, she saw why he had gone into Bankai.
Inside the blocks, Rose and Gin were frozen solid. Shizuka rolled her eyes. "Fighting again?"
"Yep. This is the third time this week." Momo sighed and used her shikai to melt the ice into pieces. "I'll take Gin, can you deal with Captain Otoribashi?"
Shizuka nodded. She helped Rose up and then promptly dragged him into the house by the ear. This fights amongst the group weren't uncommon. While most of the time things went by smoothly, the tension left over from the Winter War was ever-changing. 'Worst of all, I can't bring myself to pick a side.'
"What the hell? Why do you two have to act like two toddlers? I'm pissed at Gin too and you don't see me throwing hands with him!"
Just as Rose was about to answer Kira and Uryu rushed through the door. "She's going to get here soon."
"Are you sure?" Shizuka didn't need to ask who it was.
"Yes. We were training near Urahara's shop, he confirmed our suspicions." Uryu answered. "Everyone must get into position!"
"Right! Rangiku, Gin, we have to go!"
The group rushed out the door and scattered into the night. As they ran Shizuka texted her other friends, praying they wouldn't be in danger.
'It's now or never.'
"Funny. I didn't expect you to be sleeping during an attack."
Ichigo awoke to the sound of an unfamiliar voice. 'It can't be...'
At the center of the dark room, stood a figure, he already knew who it was.
"Anna Maria?"
"Correct Kurosaki-San! Nice to finally meet you, well in dreams at least."
"I have no intention of listening to what you have to say. You might as well not bother."
"Such a rude boy!" She whiles sarcastically. "I can't understand why Sosuke thought you'd be more inclined to listen. Even after finding out what happened to your family you still side with them."
"What makes you think you're any better?"
"That I don't have a body count that includes all of the quincy, bounts and mod souls, that I tried to save the fullbringers they killed, that I don't let children starve while the four noble families waste resources on opulent trinkets. That I actually give a damn about what happens to the good people of the Soul Society.
You don't have to take my word for it. Ask Rangiku or Gin if they didn't almost starve to death as kids, while the Kuchikis and the Tsunayashiro's have clothes that cost more than an entire mansion. Ask Captain Ukitake about the fullbringer purge, or Project Spearhead. Better yet, ask yourself why they haven't tried to contact you?
Had it not been for your power and Urahara's plan, Sosuke would be Soul King. Still, they seem to have forgotten their precious savior. Wouldn't you agree, Kurosaki-San?"
He wasn't mad because of what she said, but rather because there was some truth to it. He let out a sigh and faced her directly, his brown gaze against her blue.
"I cannot side by someone who's going to destroy everything and everyone I want to protect."
She chuckled. "I'll tell you what I told Orihime-Chan. I am not going to destroy Karakura."
"You're lying."
"Believe what you want. I have done my part in warning you. Although I would recommend you wake up now, it's not safe to sleep before an earthquake."
Those were the last words Anna told him. Ichigo awoke in his room, the ground was shaking slightly under his feet. 'So that's what she meant.' He carefully rushed out of the room, looking for the twins. They were huddled under the table in the kitchen.
"Ichi-Nii!" Yuzu scared voice felt like a stab. He shielded his sisters until the earthquake stopped.
"Where's dad?" He looked around, there was no sign of Isshin anywhere.
"He left for the Urahara Shop a while ago."
It made sense given that their father still had his powers, knowing that the most important thing at the moment was the girl's safety Ichigo helped them up and decided to head for the evacuation zone.
'The others have to win.'
From the second he felt the ground rumbling Chad knew it was time. Shizuka's message only confirmed the severity of the situation. He got out of the training room, almost tripping on the stairs with how fast he was going.
He reached the door to Ginjo's office and was about to knock until he heard her voice.
"I shall be there shortly. You know what you have to do, be careful and don't let anyone die."
"I know Anna, everything is ready for us to proceed. Make sure they can't tell what you're truly after. Otherwise, it's likely it all ends here."
Anna chuckled. "It won't, that I can swear. See you on the battlefield, Kugo."
'It can't be, they can't be working with Anna...' Chad knew he had to make sure what he heard was true. The door was slightly ajar, he could see Ginjo sitting in his desk, talking into a pendant communicator.
There was no mistake, it was one of Anna's communicators. Chad took a closer look, Jackie and Yukio were also in the room, the latter seemed to be typing away in one of his consoles.
He knew he had to warn the others. He quickly wrote Shizuka a message as he ran towards the door, but he couldn't make it.
Merely steps away from the entrance, Chad felt a sharp a pain on his chest. He looked down to see a blade had pierced him, spilling blood all over the polished floor. He turned around to look at his aggressor.
Giriko met his gaze. Instead of looking like the calm bartender he usually portrayed this version of him looked more intimidating, his single eye was bright with anger while his lips curled into a mischievous smirk.
"I am afraid you're not allowed to leave Sado-San. I don't think master Ginjo would appreciate it if you were to ruin our plans."
Chad tried to speak, but his mouth was flooded with blood, instead of words all that left his lips was a cascade of crimson.
"Giriko, everything is ready." Riruka came into the room slightly shaken by the scene in front of her.
"Ah, those are good news. I'll leave this matter to you Ms. Riruka, as I am sure we need our masquerade to continue for a bit longer."
The girl nodded. "Good luck." she muttered softly to the man who began walking away.
Before he blacked out, all Chad could see was Riruka kneeling towards him.
It was a well-known fact that Orihime Inoue absolutely detested surrealism. For all her love of space creatures and wacky scenarios, the idea of reality being bent by an abnormal horror wasn't something she'd fancied.
Sadly for that's what she was experiencing, after the cold air, and small earthquake subsided she went outside the house with Ulquiorra. The stars and moon had been hidden by massive rain clouds, she could tell these were not normal clouds. Next, an ear piercing alarm echoed around them. Cerberus was finally here.
They rushed to the center of the city, where the pressure was most noticeable. Upon arrival, they could see Urahara, Yoruichi, Isshin, Uryu, and Shizuka. The group didn't look away as a massive crack appeared in the sky, from it a gigantic pitch black dog with yellow eyes emerged.
Orihime was confused given that they all had assumed Cerberus would have three heads. She didn't have time to process anything else, because atop the dog's head Anna was sitting down, smiling at them.
"How nice! You were all patiently waiting for me, I am touched!"
Nobody responded. Anna shrugged and stood up. "Well then, we're not here to catch up. Whenever you're ready darlings..."
Orihime turned towards Ulquiorra, he looked at her too. They pressed their foreheads together as the rain began to fall again.
"No matter what, stay alive." She told him.
"Likewise." His fingers gently cupped her chin. As if he was trying to memorize the feeling.
Urahara pulled out his sword and stabbed the ground. Seemingly activating the trap. Its red glow was warm and felt like a small shock of electricity against her skin.
Cerberus and Anna seemed unfazed by it. 'How?! This is supposed to be the trap's strongest point!' Orihime's heart began racing, fearing the worst.
The red glow disappeared, surprising everyone involved. Cerberus lowered his head, letting Anna down. She slowly walked towards the group, a sinister smile crossed her dark red lips. "Surely you didn't think, I wouldn't account for your brand of treachery, Urahara Kisuke."
A low rumble could be heard from the east, one of the traps pillars had fallen. 'No, Kanonji-San was there! Who took them down? Just what is hapeneing?"
"Now then, I believe it's my turn." Anna took out her zanpakuto, taking a breath and smiling gently. "Rearrange, Soburinsutā"