Hey everyone. got another chapter for you. I looked at some of your votes and opinions on whether Ichigo should you know...get Saya's biscuit and all or stay loyal to Orihime. Well I waited long enough to see what people voted for and thanks to everyone who voted. I must say that I now have a clear picture of how this story is going to progress and end. I'm still not 100% sure about the ending, but at least I know what to write to get there. I say that this story will at least have 35-40 chapters if it is completed. If anyone really loves this story and don't want it to end that soon then let me know. I could always squeeze more battles and lemons in if you want. Anyway her is chapter 25. Enjoy :)
Disclaimer: I don't own bleach in anyway
The Demon Within
Chapter 25: Ichigo's decision
Ichigo's POV
She walked over to me and hugged me while giving me a kiss. I was shocked at her sudden approach. She then broke away from the kiss and looked at me with now a visible red blush all over her cheeks.
"Only for tonight, could you please lend me your touch and give me pleasure."
"W-w-wha?"
I was at a lost of words why, would she ask me to do something like this? I thought I was supposed to help her with her plan to get the orb and that is that. Why would she suddenly show interest in me? Come to think of it she has been flirting with me in her own way the past couple of days, but still what is she trying to pull?
"To be perfectly clear is that I have not had contact with any other human or soul reaper for many years. I have missed talking to them. For some reason I find you very appealing to the eye."
She thinks I'm attractive? Since when? I thought she was teasing me like Yoruichi would do from time to time. I never tought that she would actually take a liking to me. I was under the impression that she only needed me for her goals but this is beyond what I thought possible.
"What are you trying to do Saya? Is this one of your tricks or schemes?" I said with a but of a harsh tone while I pulled away from her.
"No plan and no schemes. At first I was only interested in you helping me get the Orb, but this past week we spent together I got to know you a bit more. We are the same you know. We are both soul reaper and Quincy hybrids. Your parents were a soul reaper and Quincy and that means we should stick together. Here is what I propose. Spend the night with me and live here with me."
"What?" I asked with crimson cheeks and nearly shouting.
"We should stick together for our own safety of course."
"Stick together? What are you talking about?"
"You know how the soul society always follow and uphold their laws right?"
"Yea, but what do they have to do with this?"
"If they knew about who we really are and what we are capable of they will capture and execute us on sight. Long ago there were a few Quincy's who obtained the powers of a soul reaper, but they were still more Quincy like."
"I doubt they would. I've helped them in the past so I think they will overlook this."
Saya then chuckled a bit at what I said. I wonder what she finds so funny?
"Ichigo could I tell you something only I and the head captain know?" she asked me with a sly smile. I nodded.
"I am sure by know that you know why the Quincy's were killed so long ago right?"
"Yea when they kill a hollow with their bow they do not purify it but erase or kill it completely. The soul could then not come back to the living world but rather permanantly just stay in the soul society. This caused an uneaven balance in the souls going to the soul society and the world of the living. The numbers will decrease in the world and increase in the soul society. If things went on like that it would have ment the apocalypse."
"That is correct, but there is another reason. The soul society didn't want to wipe them from existence so they wanted to keep a few hundred or so alive for the sake of history purposes and see if they could find a way to make the Quincy's power so that it would also purify them. When they found out that other soul reapers and Quincy's had children the had a huge amount of spiritual pressure for an infant. They were on alert and kept close tabs on the new born. The child grew up to be a very talented soul reaper, but he was unaware of the Quincy powers within him. After years had gone by and the boy had become so strong that he was at a captain level without even having a bankai release and still his powers growed. The soul society was afraid that if he found out about this new power he would side with the Quincy's which could cause some problems. The soul society did not approve and assassinated him. The story you have been told is true but only half of the story was told. Yamamoto did this to keep it secret so there won't be any other people who know about this and seek this power."
"So then that's why my power increased so much over such a short time?"
"Yes. Lucky for you the soul society or rather captain Yamamoto has not suspected it so both of our powers are a secret to the soul society."
I was speechless at everything Saya had told me. I could see that she did not lie. I may not know her for a long time but I know when she is lying to me. I didn't know how to respond to any of this. What am I supposed to think of the soul society after hearing this? Will they turn on me once they know about these Quincy powers inside me like they did all those years ago? I then heard Saya laughing bit it was a soft one.
"I'm sorry Ichi. I have gone of topic here, my offer still stands. I really do think you are attractive and a good person. It is only natural that two people who are the same should be together don't you agree?"
"But I-I'm with Orihime and I won't be able to face her if I betrayed her."
I heard Saya gave a deep sigh at my replay. She then came to me and gave a kiss on my cheek and before showing me out her room. I stood there not knowing what to do or even what to think. I am still trying to process all that has happened tonight.
"Good night Ichi. I really enjoyed spending this week with you. If you change your mind I will be waiting. Get your rest because tomorrow is a big day for you."
There was a small pause before she spoke again.
"You look good with you hair when it is a bit longer." she said with a smile and closed the doors to her bedroom.
I know she is technically the enemy and she just tried to seduce me, but I could not help but feel sad for her. I noticed the sad look in her eyes when I rejected her offer. It is true that people who are the same should stick together. Like a snake won't befriend a mouse. Saya and I are sort of the same but I am going out with Orihime. I still love Orihime with all my heart and I would do anything for her without a second thought, but with Saya I am not sure what it is but there is definitely something to what she said. I can't put my finger on it.
I sighed as I was not getting anywhere. I walked to my room which felt like forever considering the size of the place. I finally found my way and entered my room. I slouched towards the bed and fell face first into the pillow not bothering to get under the covers or change. I drifted into a sleep.
The next morning
I woke up rather pleasantly this morning. I gazed at the clock and it was eight o'clock. I then slowly opened my eyes as it was adjusting to the light that shone from my window, which obviously was bared up. As soon as my eyes adjusted to the light I looked around the room to find it empty. Not empty as in everything was gone, but more like no Saya was here empty. She would wake me up every morning in various ways and sometimes scare the living shit out of me. Today was different as she was nowhere to be seen. I started to ponder on why she didn't wake me up like she always did. I really didn't like been woken up like that but since it was a routine I was only curious in why that changed. Could it be because of last night? Was she hurt because I rejected her? The possibility was stong, but I decided not to worry myself about it any further.
I stood up from the bed and made my way to the bathroom to do my morning routine. Even if it wasn't in my home I still did what I would normally do in the mornings like I would do at my home. I realized that it became a habit and I kept to my routine no matter where I am. I would empty my bladder first and then take a shower. After that I would brush my teeth and wash my face. When I was done washing my face my gaze could not be averted from the mirror in front of me. I saw that my hair was longer than it usually was. It was almost like it was when I fought Aizen. Saya was right I did look better with my hair this long.
I made my way out of the bathroom and to the dinning room hoping to find Saya there. Why was I so eager to find her all of a sudden? What the hell is going on with me? I just shook my head to get rid of those thoughts. I came to the entrance of the dinning room and entered. I looked around the room to see if Saya was here, but I didnt' see her. Where could she be then? Ah! I mentally screamed. Why do I even worry about where she is. She captured me so why should I be worried about her?
"She is out on a errand." came a voice behind me. I nearly turned around and punched who ever it was but I stopped myself since I heard a voice of a girl. I turned around to see one of the arrancar girls that would always bring us our food. She had long blond hair that went all the way down her waist. She wore a white mini skirt with a white top. It looked a lot like the one lolly wore when they captured Orihime while I was fighting Ulquiorra.
"What kind of errand?"
"I am not sure she didn't tell me all the details but she will be back in a few minutes. While you wait would you like something to eat while you wait?"
"Sure why not."
She gave a nod and went to make whatever she thought I would prefer. After a few minutes she came with my breakfast. I ate everything and she took the plate away. She then came back and stood on the other side of the table. I would look at her and she would look away. The atmosphere just turned awkward.
"Why don't you take a seat um...what is your name?"
"I-I'm Konoka. Konoka Sakurazaki."
"Konoka hu? It's a nice name. We haven't been properly introduced, I'm Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Please to meet you." she said with a small smile.
We talked a bit but after a while she said that she had a few things to do. She then stood up and left. I sat there for five minutes or so and I was about to get up until I heard someone coming closer. I turned around to see Saya approaching me. She wore her usual smile which almost never faded. Only when she fights is the only time it would not show on her face. She stopped in front of me and spoke.
"Follow me Ichi."
"Alright but where are we going?"
"I thought that you might want to go to the soul society to get what is yours."
"Get what is mine? What would that be exactly?"
"Not much but let's just say that your little friends and family is being held captive there."
"What!?" I yelled and shot out of the chair with anger starting to take over my actions.
"I just wanted to let you know and we will be going on with the plan of mine."
"Fuck the plan I am going to get them and teach the soul society a lesson. If they hurt anyone then they will pay for it."
"Then let me help you. I have prepared a garganta for us to go to the soul society." she said snapping her fingers and opening a garganta.
"Then what are we standing here for let's get going!" I started to walk towards the garganta
"Wait Ichi. I think that you might need this." she said while tossing me zangetsu. In an instant the cuffs around my wrists fell of too. Saya cut it of while I focused on catching zangetsu. I caught him and I could feel his presence once again in my inner world and the power that flowed inside me.
"Hey zangetsu, been a while."
"It certainly has Ichigo."
I then looked at Saya. I could end everything with her right now. I could stop her plans. I had the power to do so back in my hands so why could I not bring myself to do so? Did I care that much about her or was it because deep down I know we are both the only two soul reaper Quincy hybrids left? Saya then smiled at me and walked towards the garganta.
"You coming Ichi?"
"Yea, let's go."
In the soul society
Orihime's POV
I woke up pretty early today since I could not stop thinking about what the head captain will do to us. I wondered if they were going to imprison us and keep us alive or maybe execute is. I didn't want to think about it any further so I pushed the thought into the deepest corner of my mind. Today was supposed to be the day we were all going to go save Ichigo but our plan was put on hold. I wonder if Ichigo has already escaped and made it back to the Karakura? Knowing him he did just that, but I could not shake this uneasy feeling that something bad is going to happen. My sixth sense was going wild.
I then heard the rest of the gang slowly awake from their slumber. Before we could all greet each other we heard the cell gate unlock. I then shot up from the futon and saw that it was Byakuya with a few of his squad members. Are they here to take us to the head captain or to tell us we could go home? His face was hard to read like always. He is a nobel and would do anything to uphold the law, he would almost never show any emotion because of that which makes him appear heartless to some, but I knew that he cared about his 'friends'. Most importantly he deeply cared for Rukia. He would hardly show it but I knew. He was like Ichigo in that department as he would also not show this to others as he had his 'image' to keep and uphold.
"I am here te escort you to the squad one barracks. The head captain has made his decision."
We all walked towards the cell bars as it opened. We were then taken to the head captain where he will reveal his decision. I hoped that he will let us go and maybe change this law about the arrancar thing. Nel was after all an ally. Since we had arrived she had not once talked back or even made any move that threatened the soul reapers. I knew that she tried her best to convince them otherwise that she is no longer the enemy with her behaviour all this time.
Once we were all out of the cell we followed Byakuya as we were making our way towards the squad one barracks. I wondered where my hair pins were? It's not that I wanted them to attack them or anything, but it was the last ting my brother gave to me and I cherish the heair pins he gave me and if anything were to happen to them I won't be able to forgive myself. If my brother knew that I lost them how would I be able to look him in the eye?
"Orihime!" came a screaming voice from behind me. I turned around but my sight was instantly taken away from me with something big and soft. That only ment one thing...Rangiku Matsumoto. She the released me and I was able to see her clearly.
"Orihime how have you been? It's been way to long since we talked and went shopping." Rangiku said with her energetic voice.
"Hey Rangiku, I've been doing great thanks for asking." I said with a smile in seeing my old friend that shared my taste in food again.
"What do you think you are doing Lieutenant Matsamoto?" came the chilling voice of Byakuya Kuchiki.
I saw that Rangiku was nervous but she also looked a bit irritated at what Byakuya just asked her. She looked past me to stare at the captain. I still looked in front of me as I didn't want to see the face Byakuya wore right now. He still managed to make anyone submit with just a glare or stare.
"I'm greeting an old friend of course, are you that stupid that you can't see it?"
"Stupid? Have you forgotten to whom you are talking to lieutenant Matsamoto or must I remind you?
Rangiku saw the deathly glare she got from Byakuya and a saw a sweat drop going down the side of her face. She then stepped away from me and in front of Byakuya and gave a bow.
"I'm sorry captain Kuchiki. I was just soo happy to see an old friend again and I could not help myself. Please forgive me."
"You are excused this time Lieutenant Matsamoto. Don't let it happen again." He said while turning around and continued to walk in the direction of the squad one barracks.
"You made Byakuya angry Rankiku." Kisuke teased her.
The next thing Kisuke knew he was holding his mouth as blood came pouring from it. Rangiku had punched him right in his jaw. I will be surprised if there weren't any teeth loose after she had hit him so hard.
"Feisty as always." Kisuke said while getting off of the ground.
"You are wasting time. The head captain is waiting for us." Byakuya said with a bit of irritation in his voice.
We followed him and soon enough we arrived at the squad one barracks. We entered a huge courtyard. I saw that all the captains were now present and they were all looking at us. Only the captain of squad eleven, Kenpachi Zaraki wasn't here. Some gave a smile and others held their stone harden face too keep their reputation or image. Like Byakuya and Soi Fong for instance. Those two always looked so serious no matter what the circumstances.
We stood in front of the head captain waiting for him to speak. Only Kisuke and myself spoke today as the rest had not spoken a single word. Were they prepared to fight if necessary? Did they had some sort of plan if things went south? It was hard for me to read what they were thinking. Of course it would be, we were between captains so they had to show nothing across their faces unless they wanted to risk getting their plan exposed.
"Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihoin, Isshin Kurosaki, Sado Yasutora, Uryu Ishida, Orihime Inoue and the arrancar Nel." The head captain spoke.
He walked towards us and stopped a few feet away from us. His staff suddenly vanished and revealed his zanpakuto. He slowly unsheathed it and stood their gazing at us. I froze at what the head captain just did. Was he going to kill us himself or just Nel? I wasn't sure but it spelled bad news.
"Put your hands and arms on the table." He ordered.
"Why? What are you going to do to us head captain? Yoruichi asked.
"Just do as I say." the head captain said a bit louder but with great force.
We did as he asked and placed our arms and hands on the table. The chains and cuffs still sealed our spirit energy so we could not do anything to protect ourself. Was the head captain going to cut of our hands or something? He then stood on the other side of the table and raised his sword above your heads. I was on the end of the table so I was going to go first. The head captain closed his eyes and brought down his sword.
Yes I know the head captain has lost his mind, but that is the soul society for you. What did you guys think of this chapter? good or bad? Well you can tell me by leaving a review :)