"Goddamn it, Linake!" Kenpachi growled as he rushed forward through the sand at his feet, his chest pounding with a sensation that was unfamiliar to him, something that he thought felt a lot like…fear.
What the hell was she thinking!? Why the fuck would she pull a stunt like this!?
Kenpachi hurled himself forward over the top of a sand dune and that's when he saw them. Linake and the Espada both seemed to be taking it to the crowd of hollows and even though Kenpachi's chest filled with a sense of pride witnessing his wife's power, he couldn't fight the protective urge inside him.
Mayuri appeared by Kenpachi's side with a wide grin plastered on his face.
"My, oh, my, isn't that a sight…" Mayuri commented as his gaze fell upon the flaming beauty down below.
"Who is that between them, Zaraki?" Mayuri asked as his gaze locked onto the small figure between Linake and the Espada.
Kenpachi didn't answer him. Instead Mayuri watched as the brute reached for his Zanpakuto and pulled it free before running down the side of the sand dune. The women had managed to hold their own against the onslaught, but were still being swarmed by a fairly good number, which apparently, Zaraki didn't care for.
Mayuri watched the three figures closely from up on his perch, while he could make out clearly who the two other women were he couldn't sense the spiritual pressure of the third, and from the looks of it, whoever it was that had accompanied them did not seem to have enough fighting ability to protect themselves.
A half singed hollow charged at the weaker member and when the woman's scream echoed throughout the night Mayuri's heart leapt as recognition filled him.
"Ayumi!?" Mayuri spat before bracing himself to flash step right into the chaos.
Kenpachi watched as his wife shoved her fist through the chest of an attacking hollow, pushing its heart through its back and the action made him pause for a split second as the side of his mouth lifted. He couldn't help it, even though he was pissed at her for risking herself and their kid, she was giving them one hell of a fight!
Kenpachi grinned fully when Linake cracked the bastards skull with nothing more than her bare hand, Kenpachi was all too familiar with his wife's abilities, having fought her once himself in the past but she'd been a lot weaker back then. To this day he still felt guilty whenever he noticed the scar he had left behind on her left shoulder.
"Mayuri!" Ayumi called out as she saw him appear beside their group as if conjured from her fear.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Mayuri snapped at her angrily as he reached between the two other women grabbing a hold of Ayumi by her upper arm and pulling her against him.
Ayumi clung to the front of his captain's haori as Mayuri slashed at an attacking hollow who had attempted to swipe at her while her back was turned.
"I couldn't leave you locked inside this world!" Ayumi stated as she looked up at him, her piecing green eyes bared her soul to him as he met her gaze.
"That does not explain the reason you have accompanied them! I gave Akon strict orders and they included you, you were supposed to help Akon create enough of the vaccine for the entire soul society!" Mayuri retorted.
Ayumi's gaze fell as guilt seem to take her over. Mayuri's chest grew heavy as he witnessed her eyes dim once again—it seems that all I tend to do is break her down, when all I want is to lift her up.
Mayuri wrapped his free arm around her waist before bracing himself to flash step with her, now that Zaraki had entered the fight there was no reason for them to stay. Mayuri heard Ayumi's shocked intake of breath as the two of them disappeared.
"Kenpachi!" Linake called out to her husband as he stepped in front of her. Linake felt the rush of relief wash over her, she could never have been happier to see her husband, even if he was glaring at her from the corner of his eye. Linake had expected him to be pissed, and she knew that once he got her alone, she would be answering for taking such risks, he wouldn't hurt her, but he'd find a way to get his point across!
"The fuck you thinking coming here, woman!?" Kenpachi growled at her as he stepped forward extending his sword arm slashing through the oncoming hollows that had yet to be killed by her hand.
"I wasn't about to just sit there and wait for you! I knew that you would be stuck inside this world." Linake countered.
Kenpachi turned to face her as he kicked his right leg forward sending a hollow flying across the sand, Linake heard the crunch of its bones before it went soaring.
"Who the hell cares if I was stuck in here? You should have known better than to come here!" Kenpachi spat.
"I care, Goddamn it!" Linake spat back, her blue eyes gleaming.
Kenpachi turned away from her then and decided it was better to leave the argument for later as he concentrated on the threat in front of him.
"Get your ass to safety, woman!" Kenpachi demanded her as he ran forward charging at the remaining hollows, what had looked like sixty before, had somehow turned into hundreds.
Linake felt the soft pressure of a hand being placed on her shoulder and she didn't have to look up to know who it belonged to.
"He is right, I am still recuperating from being sick, and you are in fact carrying his child, we should both let him take care of the rest." Nelliel stated.
Linake nodded as she fought back her growing frustrations, when she got angry and she couldn't vent it, it made her cry and that was what was happening to her now—how pathetic, I can't even keep my emotions in check!
Linake glanced back at her husband one more time before she braced herself and flash stepped away from the battlefield with the Espada not far behind her.
"Mayuri…" Ayumi started as the two of them appeared on the top of a sand dune a good twenty yards away from the ongoing battle. Ayumi turned her head to look for Linake and Nelliel, but she couldn't see them anymore, the only one who was still fighting was Captain Zaraki.
Mayuri lifted his hand to the side of Ayumi's face and urged her to face him. Ayumi didn't fight him, instead, she turned her head and looked at him. Ayumi had known that Mayuri would be angry at her for her decision, and that he probably wouldn't even begin to understand why she had felt the need to come to his aid again.
"You keep putting yourself at risk, Ayumi!" Mayuri began.
Ayumi nodded.
"Some things are worth putting yourself at risk for." She countered.
Mayuri sighed as he listened to the woman, while he wanted nothing more than to keep yelling at her, he couldn't handle seeing the light inside her eyes dim again.
"I have a feeling this is not going to be the last time you go against my orders and do something reckless, your track record proves this to be true!" Mayuri replied.
Ayumi shoulders slumped and her gaze dropped.
"All I seem to do is disappoint you…" Ayumi whispered.
"That is the farthest from the truth, woman, now stop with this nonsense! I simply want you to understand where it is I am coming from, how am I supposed to keep you safe if you keep running into dangerous situations every time my back is turned?" Mayuri blurted.
Ayumi's gaze lifted and her lips parted at his admission, was this really what was behind his anger?
"I…I know that I am not strong, but, how am I supposed to learn how to become strong if you coddle me all the time? You say you want me to be bolder and when I try to be you reprimand me for it! I…I don't know what else to do? I don't know what you want me to do!" Ayumi countered.
Mayuri averted his gaze from her before he replied, he wasn't able to handle the welling of tears that filled the woman's pleading eyes.
"Ayumi, being strong and being reckless are two very different things entirely. While I see that you making the decision to come after me could be seen as bold behavior, I cannot condone it and nor will I. However, I realize that I am guilty for berating you and taking out my frustrations on you when I should not have." Mayuri admitted.
Ayumi sighed, still not understanding what it was the man wanted from her, how else was she supposed to contribute if she couldn't learn how to be strong? When she felt self-conscious he snapped at her, when she acted confidently she only ended up angering him, she felt as if she were stuck between a rock and a hard place, never doing anything right…
"Your mind, woman. That is your strength! I have been trying to encourage you to use it, to use the knowledge that you spent so many years attaining. I do not wish for you to be strong in any other aspect, it is not something that is even necessary for you. I will protect you when you need protecting, is that not my job as your partner, as your lover?" Mayuri continued, feeling an uncomfortable rush of emotions wash over him as words he never dreamed of saying out loud slipped past his painted lips.
Ayumi stared up at Mayuri's profile as she listened to his explanation.
Ayumi turned her head once again, both she and Mayuri looked down at the blood stained sand that was littered with torn apart hollows. Down in the middle of the chaos stood another man who Ayumi knew felt the exact same way about his wife, the fact that Linake had the powers she possessed didn't matter to Kenpachi either.
Kenpachi didn't want Linake to have to face battle or risk being injured for him or anyone else, the only thing that mattered to him was that she was safe—it would seem that the two captains had more in common with each other then they both realized.
Ayumi turned her gaze back to Mayuri, it seemed that his admission to his feelings had once again left him feeling uncomfortable and out of place—it's just as hard for him as it is for me!
"Mayuri?" Ayumi stated, wanting him to look at her.
"What is it?" He replied, keeping his golden eyes focused on the scene below.
"I love you, and sometimes that is going to make me act impulsively in dire situations, but, I will do my best to allow you to protect me from now on." Ayumi stated.
Ayumi noticed the way Mayuri's eyes slid shut, without turning to face her he reached out wrapping his arm around her slim waist and pulled her against his chest. Ayumi wrapped both her arms around him and laid her head between the crook of his neck and shoulder and when she felt his lips brush across the sensitive skin of her neck, Ayumi finally understood what the man in him needed from her—I just need to love him and everything else will fall into place.
Kenpachi lifted the back of his hand across the side of his face wiping the blood that had spattered across his cheek. The 11th division captain stilled, his gaze searching the area for any threat that had yet to be slain. When nothing else was left but the slaughtered remains of hollows, Kenpachi turned his gaze to his left.
Linake and the Espada had moved to the top of a sand dune around thirty yards away from the carnage and even though Kenpachi was filled with mixed emotions regarding his wife's behavior, his anger had seemed to dissipate. After stowing his blade back in its sheath, Kenpachi walked forward in the direction of the two women, taking his time to cross the desert sand in order to calm himself before facing Linake again, he knew his woman well enough to know that his comment had upset her more than he had intended it to —Sometimes I forget just how much she loves me.
Linake's tears had thankfully dried up by the time she watched her husband climb up the side of the sand dune that she and Nelliel had shifted to. Linake half expected him to start yelling at her again, but when he cleared the distance between them all he did was reach out for her. His large hands covering her slim shoulders, then she felt them slide down her arms. His gaze searched her body as his hands caressed her and she realized he was making sure she wasn't wounded.
Nelliel turned away from the couple, allowing them what privacy she could give them for their reunion.
"I'm okay, Kenpachi." Linake stated.
Kenpachi met her gaze as the palms of his hands cradled her growing stomach gently.
"This right here, woman, this is what pissed me off the most, don't ever risk something this important again, ya hear me!?" Kenpachi stated.
Linake sighed, deciding to see things from his point of view, she understood his anger and deep down she had already expected the blow back.
"I hear ya." Linake replied.
Kenpachi raised his hands taking her by the sides of her waist, he lifted her clear off the ground. Linake wrapped her arms around his large shoulders as his arms tightened around her, holding her close to him, she felt the brush of his lips press against her temple, and just like that, the couple came to an understanding.
"Ayumi and Linake did what!?" Ikkaku cursed as he stepped forward.
Shunsui sighed as he looked down at the Lieutenant and 3rd seat of Squad 11, both men apparently filled with just as much frustration as he was over the situation.
"Captain Zaraki is really not going to like this…" Yumichika replied as he adjusted his grip on Takeo.
Shunsui's gaze drifted to the healthy baby boy as the thought of something happening to Linake sent another wave of restlessness down his spine.
"Well, you two know her better than I do, does she stand a chance at least?" Shunsui asked.
Ikkaku snorted as the side of his mouth lifted into a cocky grin.
"Linake is the 4th seat of squad 11, it's going to take more than some hollows to take her down, even if she is pregnant." Ikkaku replied.
Shunsui smiled.
"That's what I figured, just wanted a little reassurance." Shunsui replied.
Ikkaku watched as the head captain turned away from the two of them and lifted his finger to the brim of his straw hat before speaking again.
"Just thought I'd let you know, now, I have to deal with Akon's reaction." Shunsui found himself frowning at the thought. The Lieutenant of squad 12 had been pretty busy, spreading himself awfully thin as it was, his captain was gone and now Ayumi, which left him with some pretty big shoes to try and fill.
"Appreciate the heads up, Head Captain." Shunsui heard Ikkaku's reply as he walked down the dirt pathway towards the 12th division barracks.
Nemuri lifted her head as she heard the sound of loud knocks echoing throughout the hallway. Deciding not to bother Akon, who had been busy following Master Mayuri's instructions Nemuri stood from the chair that belonged to Akon's station and silently stepped out of the room. While Nemuri knew that the situation was important, she could not help but feel a bit sorry for her Lieutenant.
Nemuri reached the doors to the entrance and like before, she lifted the metal arm that secured the doors and allowed them to swing open.
"Hey there, Nemuri." Shunsui greeted the little girl.
"Head Captain." Nemuri bowed slightly.
Shunsui smiled softy as he entered into the building on his own, he paused, allowing the girl to close and relock the doors. Shunsui hadn't liked the idea of the squad 12 barracks being on constant lock down, but he'd gone along with their plan, knowing that it gave them peace of mind after the hellish attack on the building so many years ago during the war with the Quincy.
The building had been left in shambles and it had taken quite a bit of time for all of the Squads to pick up all of the pieces that had remained.
Shunsui sighed as Nemuri stepped forward and he followed the child down the dim lit pathway—it looks like we all still carry our wounds with us, even after so many years.
"Lieutenant?" Shunsui called out as he entered Mayuri's main lab.
"Yes?" Akon replied, stepping out from behind the back of the space.
"How are things going for you in here?" Shunsui asked, feeling the need to break the ice with the man before dropping another bomb on him.
Akon sighed as he lifted his right hand to the back of his neck. Shunsui could see the fatigue on the man's face, his dark eyes bloodshot, slight circles forming underneath from his lack of sleep, if he wasn't careful he was going to wear himself out completely!
"I seem to be making slow progress. I've been following Captain Kurotsuchi's orders and have successfully managed to synthesize fourteen vials of the vaccine for wide speared vaccination." Akon answered, his hand lifting to run through his dark hair.
"Is that right? You work pretty fast, Akon." Shunsui smiled, hoping the praise would help the man's spirit.
Akon shrugged his shoulders, his features not giving anything away.
"Is there a reason you stopped by, Head Captain?" Akon asked.
Shunsui sighed as he shook his head, allowing the man to process that what he had to say wasn't good news.
"What is it now?" Akon stated.
"Ayumi and Linake pulled a fast one on me. I'm afraid we let our guard down and once the Espada woke up, the three of them took off back to Hueco Mundo." Shunsui answered.
Akon's lips parted as his gaze seemed to gloss over, his tired mind trying to process what the head captain had just told him.
"I have to admit I would expect this from Linake to a certain extent, but, Ayumi surprises me. She really knows how to upset our captain." Akon replied.
"I've been reassured that Linake is more the capable of surviving the environment, so, with that said, between Linake and the Espada, whatever her power may be, I am sure they will be fine. Once they reunite with Captain Zaraki and Captain Kurotsuchi they'll have nothing to worry about at all." Shunsui replied.
Akon dropped his hand from the back of his neck, and Shunsui couldn't help but feel the disappointment that was radiating from the man.
"You should get some rest, Akon, you've been working yourself pretty hard." Shunsui stated.
"Ayumi was supposed to be assisting me, not that I am upset at her or anything, it just would have been nice to have some more help." Akon admitted.
"Well, maybe I can help you with that, how smart do the people need to be to help you?" Shunsui asked.
Akon stared back at him, seeming to be thinking about the head captains offer.
"Basic math and science skulls would do, although, I would prefer whoever you send to me to be someone that will not have a problem following instructions, I'm afraid I don't have much patience right now." Akon stated.
"That's understandable. Let me see what I can do and once I find a crew for you, we'll be cooking with oil!" Shunsui answered.
"It would be appreciated." Akon answered.
Kenpachi and Mayuri closed the distance between them as they met in the middle of the sand dunes. It was time for a plan of action now that the Espada had returned.
"What are these Barriers Espada?" Mayuri blurted, not in the mood to waste his time.
Nelliel met his gaze as the middle of her brow furrowed.
"All I know, Captain Kurotsuchi, is that it has to do with our moon. Queen Halibel learned this technique from the former king, Baraggan." Nelliel replied.
Mayuri sighed, feeling his frustration rise all over again.
"It's a lunar pull. In short, the pull from the moons gravity and planetary energy are creating an invisible shield around the world, making it almost impossible for those who are not aware of it to get past it in any direction." Linake answered.
Kenpachi's brow rose as he looked down at his wife.
"Would that make us go in circles?" Kenpachi asked her.
Linake nodded.
"Yes, if you were trying to walk towards an area that has more concentrated energy, all you would be able to do it follow its pull in whatever direction it has been programed to lead you." Linake tried to explain.
"Well, shit, no wonder we couldn't get anywhere…" Kenpachi sighed.
"I was not aware that these energies could be used in such a fashion." Mayuri admitted.
Linake shrugged.
"It's really not that farfetched, I mean, the moon's pull in the human world is what controls the tides of all the oceans, same concept, just amplified and this is no ordinary moon." Linake replied as she looked up at the sky.
"Now the question is, can you lead us past this lunar pull?" Mayuri asked Nelliel.
Nelliel thought about it for a moment.
"I am not sure, I know that I am allowed to pass through them because I keep this." Nelliel replied holding up what looked like a jagged purple gem of some sort in her hand.
"Amethyst? So that explains it then, when you opened the Garganta you held that talisman in your palm and asked for it to open." Linake stated.
Nelliel met the woman's gaze once again and smiled softly.
"That is correct." She answered.
"I was under the impression in order for a Garganta to be opened one would have to be at a certain spiritual pressure, are you telling me it's as simple as carrying around a Gemstone?" Mayuri asked.
"You find a talisman hard to believe, Mayuri, after everything you have been able to accomplish?" Linake countered, not even bothering to hide behind pretenses anymore, calling him by his first name.
"I simply do not see what a mere piece of rock has to do with anything?" Mayuri answered.
Linake smiled at him.
"Well, according to a lot of legends in the human world gemstones can amplify a planets energy. I really haven't given it too much thought myself, but, it looks as if these shards of rock, as you call them, are able to pass through because of the energy they possess. I know I don't have to tell you that everything in existence has an aura." Linake countered.
Mayuri sighed as he took in what the substitute was trying to say to him, he may not fully understand the topic but he could comprehend what she meant by energy, after all, that is all any world is made of. He would humor the woman, she was after all the one with elemental powers.
"Well, it seems that the substitute knows more about this topic than I do, tell us, Linake, how do we get passed this and into the stronghold?" Mayuri asked.
Linake smiled at Mayuri.
"That's simple, I just send the energy back!"
"You can do that?" Kenpachi asked, his brow lifting again.
"Yeah, no problem." Linake answered.
Mayuri found himself gawking at Linake. Could the energy that had made two of the strongest captains within the Gotei 13 walk around in circles for hours on end really be torn down by this woman?
"I told the Head Captain to bring me those who wouldn't argue with me!" Akon griped as he stood at the open doors of the Squad 12 barracks.
"Oh, come on! We promise not to give you too much shit, besides, it looks like you can use all the help you can get, not really a time to be so choosy." The squad 5 captain, Shinji Hirako replied.
"Just point us in the right direction, Lieutenant, and we'll do our best to help you." The squad 8 captain, Lisa Yadomaru chimed in.
"Very well." Akon replied with a heavy sigh as he stepped aside.
"You've looked better, Akon." Izuru Kira commented as he passed by him stepping into the building.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Akon retorted as he waited for the last soul to enter.
"I'll be sure to help any way I can, Lieutenant Akon, I'm really not bad when it comes to numbers." Momo Hinamori smiled.
"Alright then." Akon stated as he lowered the metal arm that secured the doors to the barracks before walking ahead in order to lead the group.
"Just so you know…the Head Captain has already made plans for Captain Kuchiki to start rounding everyone up in the 79th district, it seems that's the area he wanted to target first." Shinji stated.
"Which Kuchiki?" Akon countered.
"The noblemen, it seems Rukia and Renji had a little run in with your captain's Bankai, so, I wouldn't expect to see much of them for a while." Shinji answered.
Akon paused turning his gaze to the squad 5 captain—my captain's Bankai?
"I was told it was quite the show, your captain used his Bankai to keep the Garganta from closing in order to use it as a pathway." Shinji continued to explain.
Akon sighed.
"Yes, I knew he was going to use the pathway, he stopped by for a brief minute to give me my instructions. I however, was not aware that the squad 13 captain or her husband had been involved. The captain of squad 6 wasn't very forthcoming about what happened when he delivered his message to Linake." Akon replied.
"Did you actually expect him to be?" Shinji countered as the group entered into Mayuri's lab space.
The whole situation sucked to Akon, here he was having to play teacher to other squad members who didn't have the slightest idea how to synthesize a drug, let alone a vaccine, and he was expected to be happy about it—Well, there's one good thing, at least the captain gave me everything I need in order to see my orders through.
Mayuri led the group as they pressed onward, he intended to bring Linake back to the area him and Zaraki had been earlier. Now that the women were in tow, it seemed as if something could actually be accomplished during this mission, even though the simple thought of being bested by a moon of all things baffled Mayuri to his very core, he found himself feeling excited—It wasn't every day that someone was able to witness power like Linake's, why, Mayuri was half temped to re-study the woman, now that her powers had seemed to increase so drastically.
As the group returned to the area both Kenpachi and Mayuri glared down at the offending tree that Mayuri had kicked out of frustration.
"Did you really have to split the tree?" Linake asked her husband.
Kenpachi grinned.
"Wasn't me, woman." He retorted.
Linake smiled as her gaze moved to the scientist.
"I see." Linake replied before stepping over to the weathered looking tree, even though it was stark, looking as if it held no life, she could feel it's energy.
Linake lifted her palm and caressed the tree as if acting on an impulse she couldn't ignore. Mayuri studied Linake closely as the palm of her hand moved over the crack within the trees truck, as the substitutes palm brushed over the rough bark, the split halves fused back together leaving the tree in pristine condition.
Linake turned her head, realizing that Ayumi had walked to stand next to her in order to observe her more closely.
"Does your ability to heal only work like this? I mean, could you have helped us destroy the virus another way?" Ayumi asked.
Linake shook her head.
"I can do this because I tap into the earth element and I will it to regenerate using an energy that already exists within it. While I could have tried to use the sun's energy to heal the sick, I'm afraid it wouldn't have been enough…" Linake answered honestly.
"The sun?" Ayumi asked.
"I can heal wounds inflicted on me by using the suns energy, not much different than healing Kido, but, enough about me!" Linake countered starting to feel uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry, I just find your abilities fascinating." Ayumi admitted with a smile.
Linake smiled back before turning away from the tree and walking forward.
"You won't be able to get very far just walking in a straight line I am afraid." Mayuri called out to her.
"That's because there is no straight line for you to walk, here, I'll show you…" Linake replied as she lifted her hand into the air.
Mayuri sighed as he watched, while he could sense an energy of unknown origin, he could not see anything significant in front of him.
"You've used a lot of energy, woman, don't tap yourself out!" Kenpachi warned her.
"I'm alright, my love." Linake replied as her hand pushed past the barrier that had kept Mayuri and Kenpachi from being able to pass.
As her hand came in contact with the lunar pull it seemed to almost morph, becoming translucent looking.
"Linake…" Kenpachi called to her, his apprehension apparent by his tone.
"Don't worry." Linake stated as she allowed her own energy to seep forward.
As Linake pushed her spiritual pressure forward a light green sheen became visible and slowly began to spread in a circle across the desert, the pull seemed to extend out consisting of a radius of over five miles. As Linake pushed more of her energy into the moons pull the color darkened, allowing the four behind her to see what she already could.
What Linake saw as silver in color everyone else could now see as a shimmering light green. Off in the distance the footprints left by the two captain's attempts at crossing could be seen, the white sands now highlighted by the luminescence of the moons energy turned jade.
Kenpachi and Mayuri both turned in a full circle taking in the pathway, when the two of them had thought they were walking in a straight line, they had in fact been following the pathway of the moons gravitational pull, each time they had set out, no matter what direction, they had ended back at square one. Now that the five mile wide circle could be seen, it was apparent, the circle itself was littered with zigzagging footprints form where the men had attempted to right themselves.
"You see? It wouldn't have mattered what way you walked, you would have ended back here no matter how many times you tried." Linake stated.
"I see, tell me, Linake, how would this energy appear to you normally?" Mayuri asked, admittedly getting lost within his own fascination.
"A translucent silver." Linake answered.
"So you will be able to pick up on each one we pass?" Mayuri asked.
"Yes, I'll be able to." Linake answered.
"Excellent! While this is all fascinating, I am afraid we simply do not have the time to stand here, the worlds are shifting in balance as we speak, and so, it would be of great help if you would remove this obstacle for us." Mayuri urged.
"What do you mean by that, captain?" Nelliel asked.
Mayuri turned his gaze to the female Espada.
"Using this energy in this manner has done nothing more than cause havoc upon this world to the point it could very well effect all three worlds, While you Espada may not see an issue with this, I'm afraid we cannot allow it to go on any farther." Mayuri replied.
Nelliel paused, seeming to be contemplating Mayuri's statement.
"I'm afraid I don't understand what havoc you are referring to." Nelliel admitted.
"These hollows, when did they stop transmigrating?" Mayuri asked.
Nelliel's moss green gaze widened in reaction to the captain's question.
"Oh no, you mean…all those bodies…all those souls…" Nelliel trailed off.
"That is exactly what I am saying, each hollow that has been slain whether by the virus, or by your hand or ours has failed to transmigrate, leaving the souls to decay instead of going forward. In doing so, it will surly effect the balance between our worlds at some point." Mayuri continued.
Nelliel's gaze fell to the sand at her feet—how could we have done this? These attacks, this behavior, all of this could have been avoided!
"It's apparent that I am not the only one who has overlooked this, but it is imperative that we correct the damage and that this does not happen again in the future. If protection is what your "Queen" seeks she will have to find it another way." Mayuri stated.
"Linake?" Nelliel called out.
"Yes?"
"Is there any way for you to pull them all down at once?" Nelliel asked.
Linake smiled.
"Yes, but it will take me some time to do so, I suggest that Kenpachi and I stay behind and the three of you go ahead of us, we'll catch up with you later." Linake replied.
"How are we supposed to do this before you tear them down completely?" Mayuri asked.
"Nelliel, use the talisman and walk through." Linake instructed.
"Alright." She replied as she pulled the shard of amethyst from her pocket and held it out against the moons pull. As the two energies merged, a pathway through was created for her.
Nelliel stepped through the barrier and turned to face them from the other side.
"Toss the amethyst back onto our side now!" Linake called out.
"Okay!" Nelliel called back, her voice coming out like a distorted echo from the other side.
Nelliel tossed the shard of rock and just as Linake suspected it made it past, falling down into the sand.
Mayuri bent down, not needing any further instruction, he scooped up the piece of rock and stepped forward—out of all the things I have come to see, this has to be one of the strangest! Open up!
Mayuri sighed before raising the rock in his hand and with an unenthused expression he stepped through to the other side. As he turned he tossed the piece of amethyst back over for Ayumi.
Ayumi left Linake's side as she walked over to the gemstone.
"All I do is ask it to open for me?" Ayumi asked as she bent down and picked up the light purple stone—it's really beautiful, even if it is just a rock…
"Yes, that's all you have to do." Linake answered.
"Okay…" Ayumi answered as she raised her hand and silently asked to be able to pass through, the pathway opened once again and Ayumi quickly stepped through, almost as if she were fearful of it somehow closing on her.
"You guys go ahead now! If you see any more barriers just use the talisman like that!" Linake instructed.
"And just how are we supposed to see them!?" Mayuri snapped back at her.
Linake rolled her eyes at him.
"Mayuri, there all lit up green as grass right now!" Linake snapped back.
"Ah, yes, Very well!" Mayuri called back to her before the three of them turned and walked away.
"I think Ayumi is making him stupid!" Linake stated as she shook her head.
Kenpachi chuckled as he walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Cut him some slack, woman, she's got him all tied up right now, he'll be back to normal once he let's go and accepts it." Kenpachi replied.
"Speaking from personal experience are we?" Linake teased.
"Shut up, wife…" Kenpachi grinned.