Chapter 29
As Takeshi approached the fortress Los Noches, he could not help but feel somewhat apprehensive. He gripped his Zanpakutō, as if expecting a surprise attack, but none came. That fact only served to further his paranoia.
His feelings were understandable. He was, after all, standing before the stronghold of the Soul Society's greatest enemy. And this enemy obviously had a high budget for imposing evil lairs, what with the domed roof of the main building reaching what must be miles into the night sky, even higher with the various structures perched on top. Add the six equally large cylindrical towers dotted around the main building, and it easily topped anything in the Soul Society or the World of the Living. And think of how many Hollows could be waiting inside.
Takeshi put that thought aside. Dark as it was, it would only hinder him in his campaign. He had enough darkness in him as it was. The bigger issue at the moment was finding an entrance. From his vantage point, he could see no doors, no windows, and the walls seemed extremely solid. To get in, he would need to abandon stealth. But then again, this was a search and destroy mission. Was that crap really necessary? Well, it wasn't very fun, that's for sure.
Takeshi thrust his sword into into the ground near the edge of the wall. "Overwhelm the light, Kishi no Kage!" Darkness exploded out of the blade, absorbing all light, sound, and heat, creating an empty void. Seconds later, it collapsed in on itself and dissipated.
Pulling his hulking black Shikai out of the ground, Takeshi's looked over the damage the release of power had caused. Although a crater had formed in the sand, the wall was without a scratch. "Looks like I will have to do this the hard way," Takeshi's observed, shaking his head. "What a pain."
Mustering all his strength, he slammed the spiked pommel of his blade into the smooth white surface. It punched a foot into the wall, but after pulling Kishi no Kage out, he was shocked to see that he had not gone all the way through. Yelling frustration, Takeshi hoisted his blade over his head and charged at the wall.
"This truly is a dire situation for the Soul Society," Izuru stated to the Soul Reapees gather in the Squad 3 Courtyard. "With this kidnapping, former Squad 5 Captain Sosuke Aizen has officially declared war on the Soul Society, and we must be prepared for any and all possible assaults on the Seireitei, as well as the World of the Living."
Pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts, he continued. "We've all been over the plan, and you all know your particular assignments, so we don't need to go over that. But that isn't why I called you all here. We are here to discuss a more sensitive topic. Our own former Captain, Gin Ichimaru."
Izumi glance into the crowd, and was not surprised by the mournful and resentful gazes that greeted him. "We were able to put this talk off so long because Aizen had not been an immediate threat before now. Now that the time has come for battle, we can't afford to do that any longer."
With a sigh, he continued. "I think it's safe to say that many of us, including myself, have mixed feelings about going up against our former allies, especially Gin." Throughout the crowd, there were many nods and downward gazes. "But now, we don't have a choice. We, along with the rest of the Soul Society may be facing complete and utter annihilation."
"So, I ask you to join me in casting aside any lingering attachments you have to those three traitors, so that we may fight for our future and that of the World of the Living. If you can't, then you might as well leave now. We won't have any use for you in the coming battle." When not one man or woman moved, izuru took on a more optimistic appearance. "Good. Now then, each of you go to your assigned positions and await further instructions."
As the crowd scattered, Izuru walked to join the group at the Senkaimon, and his face soured with vaguely disguised apprehension. Oh Izuru, he thought, you are such a hypocrite.
Kaname Tōsen walked into the throne room of Sosuke Aizen, carrying himself with the air of a corrupt lawman. Stopping in front of the throne, he bowed deeply and respectfully announced, "Lord Aizen, we have another intruder."
"Really?" Although he must have been surprised, he did not show it. Rather, Aizen maintained his usual look that somehow combined apathy and amusement. "How interesting. Bring it up on the monitor, Kaname."
"Of course, Lord Aizen." The former Captain stepped a little to the right, pushing a hidden pressure plate. A large holographic screen appeared several feet from the throne. Hundreds of smaller screens appeared on it, showing the video feed of hundreds of cameras hidden throughout the fortress. One in particular showed a young Soul Reaper with shaggy hair hacking at the outer wall with a giant black blade.
"Ah, it seems to be that Soul Reaper who defeated Bishamon. Takeshi, was it?"
"Yes, Lord Aizen," Kaname replied while still looking blankly at the monitor.
"How fascinating. And it would appear that our friend Takeshi is about to meet one of my Espada. This could be quite entertaining."
Walking down a hall in Hueco Mundo was the Primera Espada, Coyote Starkk, trying his best not to yawn. Aizen had sent for him, probably to talk about the Soul Reaperz who had invaded. What a shame. He had been in the middle of a very relaxing nap.
Hearing a thud, he stopped and looked at the wall to his right, just in time to see the tip of an ebony blade pierce the wall. Blinking, Stark watched as it was pulled back and the remaining wall was kicked down, scattering dust and debris throughout the walkway.
Takeshi stomped through the smoke and into the corridor as his Shikai melted away, leaving behind his sealed Zanpakutō in it's place, an irritated expression on his face. "Finally broke through that damn wall. How thick was that son of a..."
He froze, realizing that wasn't alone. Gripping his sword, he turned to face Starkk, who was eyeing him with disinterest. "Who the hell-?!"
"Not my problem." Takeshi watched with mouth agape as the Espada walked past as though nothing had happened.
It's been a while, guys and gals, and I apologize with every fiber of my being. Believe it or not, I was have a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to end this chapter. I think it turned out okay in the end.
Anyways, I would like to give a big shoutout to Tsuki no Uragawa. You gave me the push I needed to finish the chapter, and for that, I thank you. Also, I appreciate the constructive criticism, and encourage more from you and the rest of my readers. Reviews in general give me motivation to write better and faster, and also remind me when I forget about this, so don't hesitate to send them in. I will acknowledge all in the author's notes, unless you don't want me too, or through a PM.
I hope you'll join me next time for another chapter of The Grey Marigold. Until then, I wish you all the best of fortune. -Piercer
