Hello all! Here is the latest instalment of Stolen! I've been working diligently on it for days so I hope it is up to scratch :)
Thank you as always for your lovely reviews! I love receiving and reading them! Please continue to tell me your thoughts!
WARNINGS: Just some fluffy Yaoi I'm afraid, nothing graphic :(
Chapter Twenty-One:Race to Seireitei:
Renji swore as the entrance to the underground air pocket closed behind him as he slid down. He coughed and brushed some soil off his face before looking around; he sighed and lifted a hand, "I can't believe I'm having to do this AGAIN!" he grumbled before closing his eyes, "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south! Hado 31: Shakkaho!" he chanted, watching as the golf ball sized failure of a kido formed in his palm and lit the path before him.
He frowned weakly and saw that a decent sized tunnel had been dug in the soil. It looked like a fresh and new formation. He got to his feet and ducked down, walking through the tunnel as he sensed Ichigo's reiatsu up ahead again.
He glanced at the walls and shook his head in confusion as he saw teeth marks and gouges that looked like claw marks or scratches.
Renji continued on his walk and looked around in case anything was ready to jump out at him. He came to a stop as he reached what appeared to be an archway made of soil. He swallowed and called out as he heard voices from beyond, "Ichigo?"
Upon hearing the voices stop he shrugged and walked forwards, entering what looked like a small square room. His senses tingled suddenly and he shot a hand out and wrapped his fingers around someone's wrist. He looked around at them and found he was holding Tensa's wrist a short distance from his own head with what looked like a large and heavy rock in it.
"W… What the hell? Where young gonna knock me out?" he exclaimed.
"Renji!" Tensa sounded shocked and dropped the rock, "I apologies… We thought you were an enemy." he black haired Zanpakto soul looked sincere and lowered his arm again.
"It's okay… I guess I'd have done the same thing." He agreed, "Wait… 'We'? Is Ichigo with you?"
There was the sound of movement from Renji's left and he watched as the albino counter-part of both Tensa and Ichigo approached the two of them, "We all are… Tha four of us were on a picnic when tha Menos appeared." Shirosaki told him, "Wha's goin' on in Seireitei?"
Renji sighed and ran his hands through his hair, "Where do I begin? The Menos Grande are everywhere… And the Espada have been helping attack the Divisions. I left my Taichou fighting Grimmjow." He sighed again as he felt concern flood through him.
Renji's eyes moved around the room as he heard movement, seeing Stark sat against the wall with Ichigo's head on his lap; the former Espada gently ran his fingers through his soft orange hair, "We were attacked by three Menos when we were sat on the hill." He said in a quiet rumble, "We were forced to flee as there was little time to fight them back, they charged Ceros and I believe that is what destroyed the hill."
"How did you escape that attack... And end up here?" The Sixth Division Fukutaichou asked in curiosity.
"I summoned my wolves and had them dig a tunnel under ground. We followed and ended up here. I used up too much reiatsu so I can't dig us back out yet." He told him with a gently shrug before he continued to stroke Ichigo's hair through his fingers.
"What's wrong with Ichigo?" he asked as he saw that the berry head hadn't moved since he'd set eyes on him.
Stark looked down at the male who's head was on his lap, "While we were following my wolves he tripped and hit his head, I believe the blasts from outside made him jump and not watch where he was going. He passed out and hasn't woken up yet." He looked concerned for the younger man's health and Renji felt his heart warm.
The red head walked over and crouched down, handing Stark the medical bag he'd picked up on his way over. He opened up the bag and stepped aside as Tensa ushered him out of the way. He watched as the black haired soul pulled out a cold pack and rested it on Ichigo's forehead.
"I could use my Bankai to get us out of here." Renji said suddenly.
Shiro glanced at Tensa and Stark, "It could be a good idea… We can't stay 'ere 'nd wait fer ya reiatsu to come back Stark."
"Hmm… I suppose you have a good point. It could take hours for it to return enough for me to dig us out." He sighed, "Or it could take half an hour. It's impossible to say for sure."
"Alright then…" Tensa nodded at Renji, "If you are sure you can then please do."
The Fukutaichou nodded, "You had better all get to one side of the room though." He warned, watching as Shirosaki joined the other three and crouched beside Tensa, Renji then got to his feet again and drew his Zanpakto, "Howl, Zabimaru." He ran his hand down the length of the blade, "Bankai." He murmured.
There was an explosion of dirt and soil which flew up into the air over sixty foot; Renji scrambled out of the hole his bankai had left and grabbed Tensa's hand, hauling him out as well and they both helped lifted Ichigo out, followed by Shirosaki and Stark.
"Right… That went well…" Renji murmured to himself as he looked around quickly, making sure that there weren't any Menos Grande in the vicinity. He faltered as he realised he could no longer sense his captain's, and lover's, reiatsu.
Stark scooped Ichigo back up and looked towards Seireitei as more Menos continued to touchdown and add to the decimation. He looked down as he felt Ichigo move in his arms and smiled weakly as he saw he was beginning to come around.
The substitute shinigami winced and opened his eyes slowly, smiling weakly as he looked up at Stark, "H… Hey…" he murmured a little croakily, "What happened?" Tensa and Shirosaki looked around as he heard the voice of their third and smiled happily, glad that he was awake again.
"You got knocked out. But don't worry, you're alright now." The tall brunette smiled comfortingly.
The group came to a sudden stop as the sound of ripping ensued again, they all looked towards the Garganta and faltered as it tore even further open.
Renji swore loudly, "If it carries on like this it's going to swallow Seireitei whole!" he exclaimed.
"Isn't there a way to stop it?" Tensa snapped back with slightly widened eyes.
The Fukutaichou paused and looked sceptical for a moment, "There is a way… But it would take a mass amount of reiatsu and at the moment with the size of the Garganta I'm not sure if even all the Taichou's could pull it off." He paused and looked at the Garganta and the three former shinigami stood a distance away from it, "One thing is certain though… If the Garganta destroys Soul Society Aizen will have no resistance in his attempts to make the King's Key by destroying Karakura Town."
Ichigo seemed to stir fully at the mention of his home and slid from Stark's grip, wobbling slightly before righting himself and looking up in Aizen's direction with anger filled eyes, "I wonder if Goat-face is alright… And Ishida." He murmured.
"Last I heard Division Four was holding its own." Renji replied and patted his shoulder gently.
"Alright… Thanks." He swallowed and smiled weakly.
There was a pause as they walked through the now deserted streets of Rukongai, "I think… I should try using Tensa Zangetsu…"
Tensa's head snapped around at the sound of his full title, "What? Are… Are you sure? I mean… I don't want you to go straining yourself Ichigo…"
"I'm sure… I might be needed right?"
"Yes but-"
"Then let's try." Ichigo's expression was determined.
The black haired Zanpakto soul hesitated before he nodded and sighed, transforming into his Zanpakto bankai form. The blade was stuck in the ground waiting to be picked up.
Ichigo cracked his neck experimentally before walking over and wrapping a hand around the hilt and pulling. Very quickly a sheen of sweat coated his face and he panted, "He's too darn heavy!" he cursed and stepped back, watching as his albino counter-part waltzed in and plucked Tensa from the ground like he was nothing.
With a flash of light Tensa turned back again and looked apologetically at Ichigo, "I… I'm sure in time… It'll work Ichi…"
"Yeah… Of course it will…" the berry replied with an uncertain expression.
Renji suddenly jumped, "We should get moving guys! The Menos look to be heading this way again!" following his words the group settled into a flash-step and headed towards Seireitei.
"Wha' th'ell are we goin' ta do?" Shirosaki exclaimed.
"We should head for Division Four and liaison with the other Taichous." Stark piped up, "Then we can arrange for a plan of retaliation."
They nodded in agreement and stepped up the pace of their Shunpo, rushing back to Seireitei as fast as they could without attracting too much attention.
They made it into the city, narrowly dodging the overwhelming number of fights going on around them. When they entered the gate they passed directly by Division Eleven; they could all sense Kenpachi's wild reiatsu inside and they could all see that the division looked like a bomb had hit it.
"God… If they are all in this state it's going to take a lot of time, effort and money to repair and rebuild…" Ichigo murmured, "I shudder to think how many casualties there have been as well…"
"No doubt we'll find out when we get to Division Four." Stark replied gently and rested his hand on Ichigo's back to usher him along and away from the fights.
The group followed the path around the middle of Seireitei and passed other divisions which were attached to their route such as Division Twelve and One.
Finally, they reached Division Four, not without having to duck and dart out of the way of Mayuri's poisonous bankai on the way. They ran into the healing Division full pelt and noticed that there was relatively no damage to the buildings and the healers were all seemingly unharmed.
They entered the main building, having to squeezed single file down the corridors which were jam packed full of the wounded and in some cases, the dying. Renji led them around the hospital towards Unohana's office, however they got waylaid by a group of healers who were trying to make them get seen for their minor scratched and bruises.
"Abarai-Fukutaichou the hospital is very busy as you can see… Is there something you need?" the calm and collected voice of the healing Division's Captain appeared suddenly.
"Unohana-Taichou!" the red head exclaimed, "I'm glad to see you!"
"I am flattered Abarai-Fukutaichou. But I asked you a question."
He faltered momentarily before clearing his throat, "Sorry Ma'am. Kuchiki-taichou sent me away from Division Six to locate and return Ichigo. I've brought him and his group here as we were hoping you could put us in contact with the other Captains and figure out a plan of action."
Unohana peered over the Fukutaichou's shoulder until she saw the sheepish looking substitute shinigami, "Yes, of course. This way, I have a couple of people in my office already."
The followed the scary woman silently, heading into her office with her; as the last person Shirosaki shut the door behind them and lined up beside Ichigo to greet the people already in the room.
Ichigo was surprised to see Kyoraku, Ukitake, Ishida, Nanao and Hisagi sat down with blankets and tea. He was about to speak when Renji suddenly exploded with a question that he realised he must have been bursting with since escaping Rukongai.
"Unohana-Taichou…" the red head swallowed, his eyes flaming with worry, "Has… Has there been any word from Kuchiki-Taichou?"
The healing Taichou hesitated for a moment before noticing the genuine panic in the younger man's expression, "Soi-Fon-Taichou and half of the Stealth Force arrived inside Division Six in time to see Kuchiki-Taichou defeat Grimmjow Jeagerjaques. From the reports I have seen, Byakuya-kun was fatally wounded in the battle and required serious medical attention… However before any could be administered he disappeared from the scene. No one has been able to find him yet."
His eyes widened and he felt his hands shaking, he hid them behind his back, "I… I understand… Thank you for your information Unohana-Taichou." He murmured, his expression was grim and pained.
Ichigo patted Renji's shoulder comfortingly before looking at the other members of the room, "Do we know what Aizen wants yet? Has he made any demands?"
It was Kyoraku who spoke first, "No Ichigo. As of yet Sousuke-kun has made no attempt to contact anyone about any demands or ransoms. It is possible he decided that eliminating Soul Society was the best course of action."
"Or maybe he wanted revenge for us taking YOU in." Hisagi growled suddenly, taking everyone by surprise.
"W… What do you mean?" Ichigo stammered uncertainly.
"Let's face facts! He hasn't made a move directly against Soul Society before now, the only thing that has changed is that Soul Society has taken you in and protected you." The Ninth Division Fukutaichou declared.
The substitute shinigami looked guilty at his accusation and wandered over to the window, peering out and up at the Garganta slowly, "But… Surely if it was because of me he would have been in contact…" he murmured, no longer sure what to think.
"That was an uncalled for accusation Hisagi-san." Ukitake said gently, "It is not Ichigo-san's fault that this has happened."
There was a short silence, Stark watched Ichigo carefully from his position near the door before he cleared his throat, "May I ask where the Head Captain is?"
"The largest number of Menos Grande landed in and around Division One and Central Forty-Six. As the two are so close together Yamamoto-sensei took it upon himself and his Division to fight them off. He is still in battle currently."
"And what do you plan to do?" Ichigo asked suddenly, turning to face the room again, "This cannot be allowed to continue. As Renji pointed out on the way here, if the Garganta gets any bigger it will consume Soul Society whole!"
"We are too scattered to organise a counter offensive." Unohana sighed gently, "There is currently nothing we can do."
Ichigo stared for a moment in disbelief, "You… You have got to be kidding! You are the Thirteen Protection Court Squads! You cannot sit back and do nothing!" he exclaimed, "I can't believe my ears!"
Ukitake stood up carefully and rested an arm on Ichigo's shoulder, "And what would you have us do Ichigo-san?" he asked, "We can't see a way to deal with this at the moment… Can you? How can we overcome this?"
"By not giving in!" he replied sternly, taking them all by surprise; he fell silent for a moment and closed his eyes to think.
The occupants of the room shared a glance as the berry went totally quiet and totally still. Ukitake looked back at Ichigo in curiosity.
Ichigo's eyes suddenly snapped open, "Okay. The main problem is the Garganta which is weeping more and more Menos Grande into Soul Society. So we have to stem the flow. In order to do this we have to get Aizen, Gin and Tousen away from the Garganta."
"And how the HELL do we do that?" Hisagi also got to his feet, losing his cool.
Ichigo looked at him and smirked suddenly, "I'm glad you asked." He looked at the Division Four captain, "Can you send to Isane?"
"Yes." Unohana replied a little uncertainly but sent off a hell butterfly all the same.
Ichigo remained stood all the while they waited for the Fukutaichou to arrive, Ukitake and Hisagi both returned to their seats, the latter not sure he trusted Ichigo at all.
Finally, there was a shy knock at the door and the lanky grey haired young woman entered, "You sent for me Unohana-Taichou?"
"Come in Isane. Kurosaki-san wishes to utilise your kido abilities."
Isane nodded and headed over to Ichigo, "How can I help?"
The substitute shinigami looked back at her, "I need you to use Teneikuura to contact every shinigami in Soul Society. Can you do it?"
She hesitated for a moment before nodding, "I can certainly try."
Isane had some help from her captain in drawing the very specific markings over her body for the kido, the occupants of the room watched in amazement and curiosity, each wanting to know what Ichigo had asked Isane to transpire.
When the girl was ready she took a calming breath, "Black and white net. 22 bridges, 66 crowns and belts. Footprints, distant thunder, sharp peak, engulfing land, hidden in the night, sea of clods, blue line. Form a circle and fly through the heavens. Byakudo 77: Teneikuura!" she proclaimed, there was a sharp pause as the links were opened with the millions of Shinigami over Soul Society, excluding the three traitors hovering in the sky.
Ichigo gave Isane the thumbs up and she began to converse with those listening, "This is a message from Division Four Fukutaichou, Kotetsu Isane to the members of the Thirteen Protection Courts. What I am about to say is the truth and must be adhered by immediately: all those of Captain level are to report to Division Four immediately for a meeting of the upmost importance. The Stealth Force will take over any battles you may be in. This meeting cannot be delayed."
While they waited for the Captains and Fukutaichos, Ichigo; Stark; Tensa and Shirosaki stood together in the courtyard. They could still see and hear the effects of the battles raging around them and it was a little unnerving.
As the Captains and their corresponding Vice Captain's arrived Ichigo instructed them to go to Unohana's office for the meeting and when the final shinigami arrived Ichigo looked around at them both and smiled.
"Stop looking soon worried… I have got everything planned out." He told the three who looked worried, "Really it is going to be fine."
"Yea'… Tha's why we're worried King…" Shiro murmured, "When ya start thinkin' everyone should worry."
"Hey!" Ichigo pouted and slapped the albino around the back of the head, "Don't be so damn rude!"
Stark stepped up and rested a hand on Ichigo's arm, "Ichigo… I really think you should allow someone to go with you. I mean anything could happen… You don't have a Zanpakto at the moment and you need protecting!"
"Stark I said no!" Ichigo snapped suddenly, "With or without a Zanpakto I am a warrior! It is insulting to my pride for you to suggest sending someone with me! I can handle myself! I know you are just worried and want to protect me but this is something I have to do! I will never get over what happened in Hueco Mundo if I can't even face Aizen!"
The former Espada swallowed and looked back at him; Stark hesitated before nodding and backing down, "Alright… I… I'm sorry." He murmured, tucking some of Ichigo's hair behind his ear, "I am worried and I do want to protect you. Ichigo…" He broke off as Shirosaki nudged him out of the way.
Shiro smiled and rubbed the back of his head as Ichigo had a mini paddy at Stark before he pulled him into a kiss, cupping the back of his head and nibbled his bottom lip. The albino pulled away and smiled widely at him, "Shaddap King…" he told him and slapped his cheek gently, "We're just worried 'bout ya."
Ichigo stared at him in surprise as the kiss ended and cleared his throat, "Okay…" he said, dumbstruck.
Tensa chuckled and took Ichigo's hand, pulling him over and pressing his lips to his as well; he pushed his tongue into his mouth and kissed him gently. When he pulled back Ichigo was tomato red and looked frazzled, "We care about you and all want to keep you safe. Ichigo, we have said it before but I feel that you may not have heard us properly… We love you. We have always loved you. We are part of your soul and we love you. But more than that… We are IN love WITH you. You mean everything to us… And without you we would be lost." He murmured with a soft, caring smile, "So you had best make sure you come back to us safely. Or I will personally kick your ass."
Ichigo looked between Shirosaki and Tensa and his eyes welled up suddenly as he realised exactly what he had been ignoring for so long. He smiled and pulled them both into a back breaking hug, "I love you too… I didn't realise until now… I'm sorry." He murmured, feeling two hands rubbing his back comfortingly.
Stark swallowed as he watched the three and faltered for a moment before seeing Tensa nod at him. He hesitated and swallowed before grabbing Ichigo's arm and spinning him around to face him. He took a moment to take in the berry's flushed complexion, seeing his eyes glistening with happy tears. He smiled with a suddenly confidence and leaned in, pressing his lips to his passionately, urging his tongue past his lips and teeth and into his mouth. He cupped the back of his head and leaned over Ichigo slightly, sliding his other arm around his middle and holding him against him securely. He let out a soft moan as Ichigo kissed him back, batting their tongues back and forth against the other's.
When they pulled away Ichigo was the same colour as Renji's hair and his lips were slightly swollen, "H… Holy… Crap…" he panted softly, "Y… You too?"
"Of course." The brunette smiled, "Since the moment I met you."
He blushed harder and smiled, "Blimey… I'm popular." The three other males laughed at his words and each snuck an arm around his waist, "Sorry for snapping at you."
"It's not a problem." They murmured in unison.
They released him after several long minutes, "I love you all too." He told them confidently, "When I get back… We'll have a proper talk about it." He smiled, "And you can all take me out for a meal." He added sneakily.
Stark chuckled, "Alright, that sounds fair to me."
Tensa and Shirosaki nodded in agreement, "We'll looking forwards to it."
He smiled and nodded, lifting his wrist and taking off the bracelet Aizen had given him for his birthday. He hesitated before handing it over to Tensa, "Don't get rid of it… Not yet. But… Please keep it for me." He told him.
Tensa looked up at him and closed his hand around the cord, "I promise."
"Thanks." He smiled before looking up at the Garganta. He swallowed before blowing out a breath and smiling at the three of them before he flash-stepped up towards the black entrance and the three traitor Captains who stood guarding it.
He came to a stop a short distance away from Aizen and swallowed, "Aizen…" he breathed, meeting the cold gaze of the Lord of Las Noches.
"Ichigo." Aizen replied calmly, scowling very faintly at the orange haired male.
Ichigo swallowed and took a step forwards, "Please stop the attack on Seireitei and Rukongai!"
"Why should I?"
"Because innocent people are being hurt!" he replied imploringly, "They have done nothing to you! Please stop this!"
"No." he replied with a sudden smirk, "It is about time Soul Society recognised me as the King of the new world."
Ichigo frowned and looked at him sceptically, "Aizen this isn't about you! This is about them! Innocent people are dying because you're… What… Showing off?"
"I am not showing off!" he snapped with a scowl.
"Yes you are! You just said as much!" he retorted.
"… What do you want Ichigo?"
"I want you to leave Soul Society and Rukongai and Karakura Town alone!"
"Ah… I can't do that." He shrugged, "You're wasting your breath."
The substitute shinigami growled and flash-stepped closer, ripping Kyoka Suigetsu from the sash around Aizen's middle and flash-stepped away with the katana.
Aizen blinked for a moment before growling and flash-stepping after him. Uncertain how to respond to their boss running off without a word of instruction, Gin and Tousen looked around at each other. Gin sighed heavily, "This wasn't part of the plan." He grumbled and shunpo-ed after Aizen along with the dreadlock sporting former captain.
Ichigo panted as sweat started to roll down his face from the shunpo and glanced behind him, swearing as he saw Aizen wasn't far behind. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to continue, luring the three away from the Garganta so that the second stage of his plan could be put into action.
He pushed himself on, gripping Kyoka Suigetsu tightly and inwardly regretting having to kidnap a Zanpakto to lure Sousuke away. But at least it had worked! Ichigo glanced behind him again and began darting back and forth all over the place, glad to see Aizen was taking the bait.
There was a sound of creaking, followed by the snapping of wood before a voice declared, "Reduce all creation to ash! RYUUJIN JAKKA!"
Aizen's head snapped around suddenly and he skidded to a stop, watching the strongest fire type Zanpakto, Ryuujin Jakka, exploded with blistering flames and arched around Gin, Tousen and himself, forming a massive ball of fire around the three of them. He growled as he saw Kyoka Suigetsu laying on the ground just in front of him and looked up in time to see Ichigo shoot out of the fast closing flames.
Ichigo panted heavily and looked behind him as the flames sealed, and smiled weakly that his plan had worked, he flash-stepped to stand beside the Head Captain, "I'm glad you made it in time Old Man Yama-Jii." He panted gently and smiled.
"Don't call me that Kurosaki-san." The ancient shinigami rumbled, his eyes opening fleetingly, there was no anger in them, merely amusement.
"Yes, yes." He chuckled and looked around, "Now we have time to deal with the Menos and try closing the Garganta." He sighed in relief.
"Your plan was most intuitive. I was impressed when Retsu explained it."
He smiled, "Thanks."
There was a pause before Yamamoto turned away from the flames, "Well then… I shall return and join the other Captains in Division Four. If you wish to join us we can discuss phase two."
He nodded, "Yes Sir." He added and flash-stepped with him, collecting Tensa; Shirosaki and Stark before they returned to Division Four, he took a last fleeting glance at the flames and wondered inwardly how long Aizen would be kept inside the flames.
A/N: So! What did you think? Did you like the sudden change of tides? Stark's new found passion? Ichigo finally opening his eyes? Let me know your thoughts! I hope you continue to enjoy what is to come! Until next time my lovelies!
~13