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He was an utter fool. A complete moron.
The words reverberated in her head, over and over, like a horrible worn out Human record.
He really was, and there was no amount of wallops that could change that…
Damn him.
It unnerved and exasperated her how he could be so accepting of his fate, yet at the same time, she knew his choice had been made and it could not be undone even if he displayed a single ounce of displeasure.
It barely soothed her.
Not even the knowledge of the future could loosen the feelings of disappointment and anger gripping her chest.
Why did he have to be so stupidly stubborn?
She hadn't wanted Ichigo to lose his mortal life...All she had ever wanted was to protect him from such a fate, but he had willingly chosen that path.
God, why was she foolish enough to believe he was still alive since he obtained powers of his own?
It gnawed at her that she had blindly believed he was still alive even when it was clear he was no longer Human…Even with Masaki's arrival she had wanted to ignore such a possibility. It wasn't until she learned of his heritage that she fathomed the notion he would be forced to leave the World of the Living due to his strong spiritual awareness, but evidently it was his death that was going to force him to enter the Soul Society after all.
She really had been in denial.
"Careful, Rukia-sama, we've arrived," Sode No Shirayuki voice saturated through her thoughts.
Rukia blinked and glanced at the snow maiden beside her, noticing how a white veil gripped the palpably cold air and how beneath her feet the ground no longer felt firm but slippery.
"Oh, w-we have," she acknowledged, stabilizing her footing, as she realized she was now threading upon the icy surface of her inner world.
"Are you all right, Rukia-sama?" Sode no Shirayuki inquired after several moments. "You appear to have a lot on your mind. You barely noticed that we've arrived."
Rukia stared at her briefly before dropping her gaze. "I-I'm sorry…it's just…"
"It's Kurosaki Ichigo's state, isn't it?"
"H-Hai…I-I didn't think he was already dead…I never wanted him to die…so soon…."
"Rukia-sama, I know you never wished that upon him, but he chose it. You mustn't feel responsible,"Sode no Shirayuki said, giving her a knowing look. "His death has meant your salvation and for that I'm grateful. Besides, death is not the end of life, but the beginning of a new one. The future appears bright. You mustn't trouble yourself with needless guilt, Rukia-sama."
"I-It's not that I feel guilty, it's just…he makes me so angry…Future or not, he shouldn't have given up his life...He never wanted to become a Shinigami in the first place… It was his chance to be normal…He shouldn't have given that up…He should have just forgotten about me…I didn't need his help…"
"Rukia-sama, you chose to lend him power even though you could have lost your life. I believe Kurosaki Ichigo-san wanted to repay his debt to you regardless of the consequences as well.
"At any rate, he's merely given up the life he apparently wasn't meant to live. Without your intervention, he would have surely died at the hands of that Hollow which inevitably could have still led to the future we know exists. Whether it's fate or not, I will not presume to call it as such. All I can say is that you mustn't trouble yourself with what should have been. The decision has been taken. Your anger is pointless. You must concentrate on what you can do to ensure that there is a tomorrow."
"I—you're right, Sode no Shirayuki," Rukia murmured, glancing at the ground. "I'm sorry."
"There is no need."
"I-I just need a couple of minutes to myself."
"Very well, Rukia-sama."
"Hinamori-san?" queried tentatively a female voice.
Brown eyes lifted from the white parchment outlined before them to regard concerned blue eyes staring at her from behind clear lens.
"Ise-san," Momo greeted, her frowning lips twitching into a slight smile.
"I would have knocked, but the door was left opened," Nanao apologized.
"Oh that's okay. I guess I must have not bothered to close it properly. That door has been opened and closed so many times this morning. I've only just had a chance to sit down."
"I imagined as much. I've heard about what happened, Hinamori-san," Nanao said softly. "How are you doing?" she added gently, after a brief pause.
Momo pursed her lips as her face and gaze grew somber.
"N-Not good, but I-I'm doing my best to hang in there," Momo admitted quietly. "I can't fail the Fifth Division...like before…This division has gone through too much…is going through a lot actually…I need to be there for them…now more than ever…"
"Hinamori-san, you've never failed the Fifth Division. You just fell ill," Nanao said gently.
"Ise-san, you're kind, but I know I have. The Fifth Division or the Soul Society wouldn't be in the state it is if I hadn't been blind to what he'd been doing all these years…" she said somberly, her expression growing dark.
"Hinamori-san, you mustn't burden yourself with blame. Nobody does," Nanao said, looking startled. "You weren't the only one who didn't notice. We all failed to see past his deception…All that matters now is that we do our best to deal with the current situation. You've done a lot by stopping those…traitors—"
"B-But I should have done it sooner…" Momo cried, agitated. "A-All those soldiers are g-gone because of them…"
"Hinamori-san, I know it's hard to lose your subordinates due to their betrayal, but you can't allow your pain and guilt to overshadow that you could have easily been a victim yourself. If that had been the case, I'm afraid the Fifth Division wouldn't have any living members."
"I-I know you're right, Ise-san," Momo said softly after a moment, "I-I just really hate that I hadn't noticed them sooner…" She paused, dropping her gaze to her desk. "I feel like I failed again…"
"But you didn't, Hinamori-san. You stopped them as soon as you noticed. I know you wish you could have noticed sooner but they obviously hid their true colors pretty well. They were probably waiting on Aizen's orders…"
"I-I asked them why they did it…"Momo murmured, her brow crinkling.
"And what did they say?"
"T-They said because he offered to give them and their families a place in his new order…"
"What fools," Nanao cursed, looking disgusted. "I'm sure they would have been slaughtered too."
"I know…He doesn't care about anyone at all…He wants us all dead," Momo said forlornly. "Y-You know, Akimoto-san and Watanabe-san admitted they meant to get me sick once they'd gotten enough people, but instead decided to get Hitsugaya-kun first. I was training when he came to see me… T-They didn't even inform me he had come…until they had already infected him."
"Hinamori-san, I know you wish you could have prevented that from happening to Hitsugaya-taichō, but be glad you were able to get him help."
"I-I'm glad I could help him, but I just wish I knew how he was…"
"I know you do, but you have to be strong, Hinamori-san."
"I will be…for him…I know he wouldn't want me to give up…"
"I'm curious, Hinamori-san, as to how exactly you discovered what your subordinates were up to."
"Well, I got real lucky...I heard Akimoto-san and Watanabe-san whispering loudly in the hallway about the tea they were going to give me…I was curious about it and overheard they wanted to kill me…and well I managed to get the upper hand on them with Kidō…"
"Well, I'm glad you overheard them. Sounds like those fools weren't as stealthy as Aizen himself."
"N-No…almost but not quite," Momo conceded. "I never imagined they would do something like that…I honestly thought everything they were doing was for the benefit of the Fifth Division."
"Hinamori-san, don't dwell on it any longer. I'm here to help you in whatever you need. You aren't alone, Hinamori-san."
"But, Ise-san, you have to worry about your own division."
"It's okay, Hinamori-san. I'm sure my third seat can take care of the affairs at the Eight Division without me. And, at any rate, it'll force Kyōraku-taichō to make decisions."
"Arigatō, Ise-san. I really appreciate all your help. You've always been there for me. I don't think I thanked you enough for visiting me in the hospital when I was recovering."
"You have nothing to thank me for, Hinamori-san. That's what friends are for," Nanao said, giving her a reassuring smile.
Green, brown, red, and orange tinged plant life avariciously gripped every surface available, obscuring from view the surely timeworn stone underneath. Absolute silence pervaded the desolate landscape as forlorn violet eyes roamed across its wild, unkempt length until settling upon the moss and vine covered manor in the distance.
"It's worst in the daylight," she murmured, after a moment. "It's almost as bad as my nightmare…" A distant look flooded her countenance.
"Tou-san?" Masaki called out urgently, a note of confusion evident in her voice.
Bewildered amethyst eyes stared at the oak desk splintered in half at the center of the essentially lightless room. A dark, heavy tapestry covered the desk. A ray of moonlight from the broken ceiling above revealed upon it a crescent moon outlined in gold with a dainty star positioned at its bottom curve, from which sprouted magnificent reeds that followed the curves of the half-moon. Papers lay scattered over the desk and floor along with hundreds of dark, crumpled leaves. The bookshelves behind the desk were sprawled on their side, books ripped and smashed.
"What happened? Why is the house like this? Where are you, Otou-san?" she called out again, stepping into the room. The leaves hissed like snarling snakes.
As she neared the desk, the tip of her right foot caused some parchment to flutter and the crystalline echo of broken glass resounded around the room. She held out the palm of her right hand and a small cloud of flames blossomed there. She leaned forward, moved the parchment aside, and carefully reached for a broken picture frame.
Her eyes widened as she noticed the jagged fissure of the broken glass cutting across the photograph of familiar faces. Red light shone on the image of an older looking Ichigo with spiky orange hair formally dressed in a royal blue kimono with two Kurosaki kamon embroidered on either side of his neckline, his lips upturned in a genuine smile, his left arm wrapped around a smiling, pink lipped Rukia, dressed in a matching tomesode kimono with light blue accents and two Kurosaki kamon bordering her neckline. Her raven hair was swept away from her face except for a single strand that fell in between alluring violet eyes. Her left hand clutched the shoulder of a young Masaki wearing a blue and fuchsia kimono adorned with white crescent moons. Her orange locks were pulled into pigtails by ribbons that matched her kimono. A wide smile illuminated her face. Her hands were outstretched before her, cradling a baby rabbit close to her front.
Amethyst eyes lingered over the picture, softening for a moment.
"Tou-san, Kaa-san…." she murmured. "Where are you guys?"
She glanced at the damaged desk for a second, then returned her gaze to the picture. The image of her younger self began to flicker, fading in and out of transparency, making her seem like a disappearing ghost. Her parents began to shimmer and flicker as well.
Masaki blinked. "What the…"
The figures in the photograph suddenly became still and opaque. Dark ink seemed to be spilling from within them, blurring and hiding their features until only black impressions were visible, making it seem as though smudges of oil had been haphazardly smeared onto the photograph to blur the subjects of the photograph. Masaki stared at it in disbelief.
"You have achieved what you wanted," spoke a voice cold as ice. "Congratulations."
Startled, Masaki dropped the frame and the flame in her hand blew out. Glass crinkled and crackled.
Masaki whirled around, looking stunned. "Oji-sama!"
"I never wanted this…" she whispered, "I never wanted to be away from everyone like this…"Her voice caught and for a moment, desolation clouded her countenance. Shutting her eyes, Masaki said, "I wish I could wake up from this nightmare…"
Vivid green grass lined the stone path Masaki hurriedly threaded. Swiftly mounting the smooth grey steps before her, she reached the handsome oak door in seconds. She stared at it for a moment before it swung backwards revealing an orange haired figure.
"Tou-san," Masaki gasped, staring at the tall, mature faced Shihakushō clad man standing at the entrance. His bangs covered the bridge of his nose and his hair followed the length of his face.
Amber eyes gaped at her for a second.
"M-Masaki," he breathed, before narrowing his eyes and demanding, "W-Where the hell have you been? Renji said he didn't know where you'd run off to. He and I looked for you everywhere! I can't believe you just abandoned your division…"
"I-I can explain, Tou-san…It's not what you think…"
"I honestly don't know what to think anymore…it's like I don't even know you anymore…" he said, looking frustrated.
"Tou-san, can we please discuss this inside?" Masaki said, sounding forcefully calm.
Violet eyes snapped open.
"I shouldn't even waste time imagining going back," she muttered sullenly. "I need to get going…I can't stay here…I have to get away from everyone…I've already spent enough time as it is here…"
She spun around, marched a few paces before vanishing into thin air.
Death throbbed and pulsed within the walls around her and elsewhere.
The paper occupying the surface of her bureau needlessly confirmed how it plagued the Soul Society despite the effort to detain it. The majority of the reports were unread save for the ones that had been delivered several hours ago regarding the two high ranking Fifth Division officers that had been apprehended by Hinamori-fukutaichō.
She was unfazed by the news. She had developed the sneaking suspicion someone was infecting people within the Seireitei when she had heard the Academy students had become infected. She had simply found it highly unlikely that the students would get sick if they hadn't been allowed to venture outside their school buildings for nearly two months. Knowing the Seireitei could not afford to divert their resources to search for evidence or perpetrators based on an inkling, and that it was highly unlikely they would be uncovered even if they existed, she had not bothered to alert Yamamoto-sōtaichō to her suspicions.
It was sad to hear the confirmation, but it was a relief to hear they've been caught assuming Aizen did not have other minions lurking about. She like the sōtaichō had never been quite satisfied that no other allies had been linked to Aizen apart from Kaname Tōsen and Ichimaru Gin. Aizen had hardly left any substantial evidence of his plans and had been quite meticulous in hiding his dealings throughout his time in the Seireitei. There was no reason to believe he hadn't hidden his allies as well. In plain sight even.
Their knowledge of Kyōka Suigetsu was truly limited to what Aizen had shared, but it had certainly sparked a series of conjectures as to its extent of power and how it must have aided him to conceal his treachery all this time. Hypnotism was an incredibly powerful ability. Not only could it alter people's physical perceptions, but it could also alter their memories. She had theorized Aizen could have concealed any other allies this way unless he had preferred violent means, but she doubted most of the Shinigami deaths that had occurred during the last hundred years had been somehow linked to him. Of course, there was no way she could actually prove this unless every Shinigami was subjected to some type of reverse hypnotism to uncover the hidden memories, which is why nothing had been done on the matter.
She was curious if her conjecture applied to the two apprehended Shinigami. They had previously shown no knowledge of their superior's deceit and had not been considered a threat when they had undergone questioning by the Onmitsukidō after Aizen's departure. If her memory conjecture applied to them, she was curious as to how Aizen was even able to trigger his allies' to remember and act on his behalf from a distance.
Whether it applied or not, the damage had been done unfortunately.
A familiar light but firm rapping drew her away from her thoughts.
"Come in, Isane," she said.
The door slowly creaked open and the familiar silver haired young woman appeared. Weariness lined her eyes, but there was a persistent determination glimmering within their depths.
"Unohana-taichō, do you know where Orihime-san is? I just came from Yasutora Sado-san's room and he was wondering where she was. I haven't actually seen her since yesterday."
"She is no longer here. She left yesterday in the early evening and she won't be back until she has completed the mission I've given her."
"I see. Is she helping out the Academy?"
"No. They will still have to contend with the medicine they've been given. She has a different mission."
"Really? What is it?"
"I'd rather let the results of her mission be a surprise, Isane," Unohana said, smiling slightly. "All I can say is she's actually been successful in completing the most difficult task I've given her."
"Most difficult task?" Isane repeated, looking puzzled. "What could that be?"
"Be patient, Isane. You will find out soon enough."
Isane gazed at her superior with a mixture of apology and disappointment.
"I-I understand, Unohana-taichō."
"You may let Sado-san know that Inoue-san has not let her spirit fall and that it remains firm in helping others. I'm sure that is what matters most to Sado-kun given the circumstances in which he saw Inoue-san last."
Faint surprise clouded Isane's face. "I-I will, Unohana-taichō."
"You know, Isane, at first glance that girl appears to be a fragile flower. However, a flower is only truly fragile if it wilts away after being pruned."
"You're right, Unohana-taichō. She's a lot more resilient than she seems for a Human."
Concerned sapphire eyes surveyed the endless reddish brown peaks jutting out across the Soul Society. The invisible cloak of tension that had surrounded the Soul Society since arriving from Fake Karakura had noticeably deepened within the last 24 hours. Death kept dwindling the Shinigami's numbers.
He loathed the current situation. Annihilation was not something he desired for any group of beings, not even his enemies, the Shinigami.
He had had trouble understanding how the Shinigami could have nearly wiped out his predecessors, but he hardly understood the Shinigami turncoat that was willing to obliterate his own kind and by default every living being for his own selfish gain. It was simply incomprehensible.
He just hoped that this senseless destruction would come to a halt soon without an overwhelming number of losses.
He knew direct warfare loomed before the Soul Society with the way things were going and he found the wait painful.
Not because he was eager for battle itself, but because he despised feeling useless and powerless.
There was nothing he could do to stave off the virus infecting the Soul Society…Nothing he could do for Sado-kun….
He prayed his friend had survived.
It was irritating not to know anything about his current condition, but he understood why the reports weren't forthcoming. It simply made him all the more eager for this war to be over. He couldn't wait to see Sado-kun for himself and to return to the World of the Living…
"Ishida-kun!" he heard a familiar girlish voice exclaim behind him, snapping him out of his thoughts.
He turned around.
"I-Inoue-san?" he queried, gazing at the young woman standing behind him in disbelief.
"That's me," she said, brandishing a reassuring smile in return.
"W-Where did you get those clothes, Inoue-san?" he wondered, blue eyes gaping at the Shihakushō-less young woman before him.
The black garment of Shinigami had been replaced by a vibrant white long sleeved Chinese collared top with a yellow orange trim and a matching ankle length skirt.
"Oh this?" Orihime said, gesturing to her outfit in a rather self-conscious sort of way. "Well, it turns out my Shun Shun Rikka spirits were able to create an outfit for me. I kinda mentioned to them that I wished I had something that was more me…I mean, I'm not a Shinigami or a Quincy….I'm different…and I felt like I needed my own outfit…"
"Indeed, you are unique," Uryū agreed. "And I think it suits you. I'm glad they were able to do that for you. If I would have had the supplies, I would have gladly crafted an outfit for you. I know how it feels like to be clothed in something that isn't you…"
"Arigatō, Ishida-kun, but it's okay. I know you couldn't make anything. You know, what matters to me more than having my own outfit—well it's actually not really mine, more like a combination of Ayame-san's and Shun'ō-kun's outfits—is that I understand more the nature of my powers...and what I am…"
"What you are?" Uryū repeated, curiously.
"Hai, what I am…I mean, I knew I was a Human who developed spiritual awareness because of Kurosaki-kun but I wasn't sure what that made me compared to you or Sado-kun…Now I know my powers are Shinigami based…Hachi-san had basically thought as much when he noticed how similar my powers were to his. Even Unohana-san admitted to suspecting as such, but I didn't really get a chance to explore that until now that I've talked to my spirits about it…"
"Is that so? Well, I can't say I'm entirely surprised. I mean your hairpins do work in a similar manner to a Zanpakutō…and you are able to communicate with them just as I've heard Shinigami do with their Zanpakutō…I've never heard of a Human developing Shinigami like powers before though, which is why I thought your powers were something else…"
"Unohana-san says it's not unheard of. Apparently, Sado-kun and I aren't the first Humans to develop Hollow or Shinigami based powers. We've just been the first in a really long time to be spotted by the Soul Society. According to her, throughout history the few high spec Humans who developed unique abilities have always been Shinigami or Hollow like or a mixture, reflecting the impact either being had on their surroundings. Whenever Humans interact with a spiritual entity, it's kinda like they're interacting with radiation, it alters them. It takes a certain amount of contact to awaken powers within them though. The discovery of this fact is what led Shinigami to devise methods to minimize their influence on people when they entered the World of the Living.
"You probably already know this, but the Quincy, were actually the first group of high spec Humans, to naturally develop powers of their own by training to hunt down Hollows. Since they purposely formed a clan and married within it, they were the only Humans who managed to become a distinct group of spiritually aware beings. Unohana-san says all the other Humans who developed powers usually did not have children who inherited their powers, because they married regular Humans or lower level spec Humans. She said that some merely developed some spiritual awareness if not a substantial amount and that at least opened up the possibility of Humans having some kind of Reiryoku later down the line, which is why Humans with various levels of spiritual awareness exist."
"Interesting. I've only studied about the Quincy, but it makes sense that other Humans would have developed powers due to the Shinigami or Hollow influence throughout time. I wonder if that means Sado-kun himself had a previous interaction with Hollows when he was younger, or if it was his parents…"
"It has to be one of those two. Otherwise he should have developed Shinigami based powers like me if he had mostly been affected by Kurosaki-kun's Reiryoku, but instead it seemed to unleash that hidden power within him."
"Indeed. Speaking of Sado-kun, how is he doing, Inoue-san?" Uryū wondered.
Orihime visibly stiffened, her face becoming somber. "H-He barely received treatment in time…I-I didn't get a chance to see him until he had already received it…o-otherwise he'd be…i-in a better state…but he's going to be okay…Ishida-kun…"she murmured, her voice trembling somewhat and sounding deeply rueful.
"Inoue-san, all that matters is that he's recovering," Uryū said gently. "You can't help it if you couldn't be there…I'm sure you were busy saving other lives."
"I-I know…Sado-kun said the same thing…"she said softly, as a distant look clouded her eyes.
"Inoue-san, please take a seat," Unohana said softly, as an exhausted looking Orihime stepped into her office.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your rest, especially since you've had a particularly draining night…"
Orihime shook her head. "It's okay, Unohana-san. Does Tōshirō-kun need more help?"
Unohana stared at her and said softly, "Inoue-san, the assistance you have provided has been sufficient. I have actually called you to discuss your friend, Yasutora Sado-san. "
"Sado-kun? Why?" Orihime wondered, wrinkling her eyebrows.
"Inoue-san, Sado-san was unfortunately attacked and infected by a highly delirious Eleventh Division soldier—"
"He was? Take me to him, I'll help him!" Orihime interrupted, suddenly jumping from her seat with newfound energy.
"Inoue-san, he has already received treatment."
"So he's okay, then?" Orihime said, looking relieved. "Can I see him?"
"You may see him, but there is something you must know before you do," Unohana conceded gently, after a moment.
Orihime froze for a moment. "W-What is it?"
"Sado-san received treatment after a considerable amount of time which allowed the virus to ravage his body."
"I can help restore it."
"I fear that you cannot, Inoue-san."
"W-What do you mean that I can't, Unohana-san? Of course I can do it."
"Inoue-san, I fear that this is not a simple case of mending of his body."
"How come? I've been able to help restore everyone else's…"
"I'm aware, but you've been dealing with pure Reishi bodies, not Kishi bodies turned into Reishi," Unohana pointed out. "Remember, you, Sado-san, and Ishida-san have had your bodies turned into Reishi by Urahara Kisuke in order to enter Hueco Mundo and the Soul Society."
"Oh that's right," Orihime murmured.
"The conversion process converts your physical body into Reishi while still protecting the vitality of your Chain of Fate and Soul. That is to say that your physical body still acts as a barrier protecting your Soul as it would in the World of the Living. In theory, it would seem like Sado-san would have resisted the effects of the virus compared to a Soul since it was his physical body that was being attacked, but since it was Reishi based, the virus was able to penetrate into his soul and nearly rendered his Chain of Fate to nothing, which means he can't return to his living body."
"W-What?" Orihime gasped, stunned. "You mean…."
"He is no longer of the living, Inoue-san," Unohana said softly.
Orihime visibly paled.
"T-That can't be!" she cried out, aghast. "S-Sado-kun can't be…I-I…can undo the damage. Just let me see him."
"Inoue-san, I know your abilities allow you to reject most phenomena, but I'm afraid in this case we are talking about death itself. A severed Chain of Fate cannot be restored by any means possible."
"But I've revived others before," Orihime said softly.
Unohana stared at her. "You have?"
Orihime nodded. "Please let me see him. I can't let him stay dead…"
"Very well."
"W-Why? W-Why won't it work?" Orihime wept, as she gazed at the figure of her friend, lying on a bed, encased within the shield of her Shun Shun Rikka.
"It's okay, Inoue. You can stop trying," Sado croaked softly from his bedside. Weariness radiated from his countenance, but he made the effort to look at her.
"B-But Sado-kun…"Orihime protested, looking disbelievingly at him with watery eyes.
"It's okay, Inoue," he said reassuringly. Gratefulness and resignation shone in his fatigued eyes. "I'm lucky enough as it is that my soul was saved. I wouldn't be here otherwise."
"But I thought I could save you…"Orihime murmured, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"Inoue, you have an amazing ability, but even you have your limits. Please don't feel bad. I knew death was a possibility when I decided to follow Ichigo…"
"But I was able to revive Menoly-san…I should have been able to revive you," she insisted, looking apologetic and ashamed.
"Inoue-san, you might have been able to do so before, but I believe it is as Sado-san says there's a limit to your power. No power or technique is free of them. I realize you are not at your full strength and that you are still learning about your abilities, but if I were to venture a guess, death is something that you can only reject within a limited time frame regardless of your energy level.
"Death is a state of being, not a physical ailment. Medically revivals are possible provided certain conditions, but is very much dependent on time. I honestly doubt your power to reject it is any different. Sado-san has been in this state for several hours. How long was the person you revived dead for?"
"N-Not long…I reacted as fast I could…maybe a minute or two," she admitted.
"Not long at all," Unohana agreed. "The situation might have been different if you had waited longer."
"Y-You're p-probably r-right, U-Unohana-san," Orihime admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "I-I know my power isn't all powerful…but I thought I could do it since time didn't seem to affect my ability to reject other injuries...I guess I really need to learn more about my powers…"
She paused to swallow back a sob as she glanced at Sado and said, "I-I really wish I had been able to save you, Sado-kun…I'm so sorry…"
Tears continued to spill from Orihime's eyes as her distress overwhelmed her.
"It's…" Sado began, before a cough burst from his throat.
"I-I'm sorry, Sado-kun," Orihime murmured, watching as her friend continued to cough. "It's okay. You don't have to tell me anything. I should let you rest now…I-It's the least I could do…" She gave him a sad, watery smile.
"Y-You s-should rest too, Inoue. You need to continue helping others," Sado said, once his coughs subsided.
Orihime regarded him for a long moment before nodding as she wiped her tears and followed Unohana out the room a few moments later.
"Inoue-san, I wish things could have turned out differently," Unohana said kindly.
"Me too," Orihime whispered.
"Inoue-san, you mustn't worry for Sado-san. I know it is hard to accept, but you must think of his passing as a transition to a new life. He will be fine as long as we defeat Aizen."
"H-He has to be…He can't take that away from Sado-kun too…I-If only I had been able to reject the existence of the Hōgyoku…none of this would be happening," Orihime lamented.
"Do you honestly think you are capable of such a feat? Have you ever rejected the existence of an inanimate object?"
"I-I've never tried it actually…I just thought it was something I could do since my power is to reject…and was thinking of doing while I was in Hueco Mundo, but I never got the chance," Orihime confessed. "Looking back at it, maybe it was a silly idea, I mean, I couldn't even restore Tsubaki-kun when he was crushed by the Arrancar Yammy. Tsubaki-kun's alive and yet he isn't really…he can be just a hairpin…so maybe I can't really affect inanimate objects either way…"
"Inoue-san, the physical embodiments of your Shun Shun Rikka are very much like the spirit that lies within a Shinigami's Zanpakutō. They are living yet nonliving. Negating the existence of anything, whether living or otherwise, is quite a formidable feat. It falls within the realm of life and death. I'm not sure that your ability to reject goes that far, but I would suggest consulting with the spirits of the Shun Shun Rikka to develop a better understanding of your power. A Shinigami does not grow in strength simply by utilizing their Zanpakutō, they must also forge a bond with the spirit that powers their katana. Otherwise, they will only learn part of their power."
"I see…I've heard of that, but I didn't really think about applying it to myself…I haven't really talked with my spirits about my power since I've awakened it," she said, unconsciously patting the hairclips. "I've mostly been learning by using it…and because of what Aizen-san said…"
"Hopefully you will gain the answers you seek. With that being said, I think the erasure of the Hōgyoku, if possible, will only be useful if we can gain the upper hand against Aizen and contain him. I think, however, your power can be useful in that regard…"
"I-It can? How?"
"Inoue-san, there is one way in particular that I've been thinking, and another that could potentially be crucial if you are capable…"
"I'll do whatever I can to help stop him. Tell me. What can I do?"
"For now you rest, Inoue-san. You will need your full rest before embarking on the mission that I have for you. Please have some soup before sleeping. It will help you restore your energy faster. I will talk to you about the mission once you have rested."
"Inoue-san, are you listening?" Uryū said, his voice raised a few notches than normal, concern glimmering within his sapphire orbs.
Orihime blinked, and feeling her throat constrict, gave him a nod in reply.
"Inoue-san, I know you wish you could have been the one to treat him, but you can't heal everyone on your own."
Orihime stared at him.
His words were logical and true.
She had already heard this, had already tried to accept it, but the ache she had been trying to ignore had flared up once more now…
Logical or not, her heart resented her failure to protect the life of one of her friends…All she had ever wanted was to protect them…
A part of her wondered if she revealed to Ishida-kun the true state of Sado-kun, if he would be saying the same words to her…
I can't think that…It all comes down to the same thing…I can't protect everyone…but I can at least protect Ishida-kun from knowing for now…Sado-kun isn't really dead, unless the world is destroyed…
"I know, Ishida-kun," she said softly, "I can't help or protect everyone." There was a beat before she said in a stronger, resolute voice, "But I'm going to do everything within my power to make sure that this world remains standing…for Sado-kun…and Kurosaki-kun…you and Tatsuki-chan and all the Shinigami…by completing the mission Unohana-san has given me…"
"Unohana-san has given you a mission? I suppose that must be the reason you are here…"
"It is, Ishida-kun. I sensed your presence and I just wanted to stop by and say hi while I was here at the Eleventh Division."
"I see. And what exactly is the mission you have been handed, Inoue-san?"
Orihime gave him a sheepish yet secretive smile. "Um, well it's kinda a secret mission, Ishida-kun."
"Is that so? Then it must be pretty important."
Orihime nodded. "It is...Unohana-san is counting on me. I should actually get going now. Minami-san is waiting for me," she said, glancing over to the side of the building they were on and pointing to the ground below where a Shinigami man stood. "He's the guard Unohana-san assigned to me. Well, he's more like my transportation. He helps me get around faster by using Shunpo since the Seireitei is pretty huge."
"It is quite vast," Uryū agreed.
There was a moment of silence.
"Well, Ishida-kun, it was nice to see you. Please be careful."
"You too, Inoue-san."
"Please tell Kurosaki-kun to be careful too."
"I will, if I see him. He's with Kuchiki-san at the Kuchiki Manor. He's training over there now. Ayasegawa-san received a Jigokuchō from Kuchiki-san reporting this."
"I see," Orihime said. "I'm glad he's safe for now. Please be safe, Ishida-kun."
Uryū nodded.
The caramel haired young woman stared at him for a long moment before waving and turning away from him.
A contemplative look stole over Uryū face as he watched her walk a few paces. He pursed his lips for a moment, as though mulling the possibility of speaking out when Orihime suddenly whirled around.
The young woman opened her mouth slightly, then suddenly said in a rush, "Ishida-kun, do you want to accompany me? It'd be nice to have someone to talk to. Minami-san isn't much of a talker…and well, it couldn't hurt to have an extra hand…to help out in case we need it…"
"Of course, Inoue-san," Uryū smiled slightly. "I was just thinking about offering you a hand, actually. Staying here is hardly beneficial. We all know training has been nothing but busywork. Ready or not, we will have to face the battles ahead. You don't have to tell me anything about your mission, though I don't think he has any idea either. I just want to be an additional escort."
"Thanks, Ishida-kun," Orihime grinned. "And you're right, Minami-san, doesn't know anything," she added, dropping her voice to a whisper as Uryū reached her side. "I don't think Unohana-san would mind if I told you though."
"I wouldn't want you to betray her confidence, Inoue-san. Besides, what really matters to me is that I help keep you safe so you can carry out your mission."
Orihime thanked him again, as she thought, And what matters to me is keeping you safe… I won't let you die like Sado-kun and…Kurosaki-kun…"
Her heart throbbed as the memory and knowledge associated it with resurfaced in her mind.
Sitting in a cot, dressed in a nurse outfit, Orihime stared up at the six spirits of her Shun Shun Rikka buzzing around her.
"But if my ability to revert death is limited to five minutes…I don't understand why I couldn't help Kurosaki-kun when Ulquiorra attacked him in Las Noches…Was it really Ulquiorra's dense Reiatsu that affected my ability to heal him?"
"Dense Reiatsu can limit our ability to heal," said Shun'ō, "but in that case…that wasn't the reason…"
"Then what was the reason?"
"Silly, Onna, don't you get it? You can only revert death within five minutes. That kozō has been dead longer than that…"
Grey eyes widened.
"T-That's not true, Tsubaki-kun, Kurosaki-kun is alive…"
"He's alive all right, just not like you."
"What do you mean by that? He's Human just like me…" Orihime insisted, looking disconcerted.
Tsubaki snorted. "He was Human…but he lost his humanity a while back…"
Orihime stared at him. "W-What? Are you talking about him having Hollow powers? That doesn't mean he's not…"
"That's precisely what it means! No living Human has a combination of Shinigami and Hollow powers. If he'd actually been dead, you would have been able to heal him, but he healed himself and even transformed into a full-fledged Hollow…Only Souls can do that."
"T-That can't be…"she stammered, looking thunderstruck. "He can't be really dead…He still has a living body…"
"Inoue-san, I hate to say this, but what Tsubaki-kun said is the truth. His soul is no longer attached to his body…" Shun'ō said.
"That can't be…" Orihime murmured, eyes shining with unshed tears.
It hurt like hell, knowing she had failed to protect the person she had wanted to protect the most…
She had wanted to be stronger to protect him, but her ability to protect his life had been gone without her knowledge…
It pained her that she couldn't reverse his state, but at the same time, she knew she just hadn't been meant to save him. His future lay in the Soul Society. It had hardly comforted her, but she knew it was the truth…
With the help of her spirits, she was able to find the resolve within herself to stop shedding tears and to prepare herself for the task she knew she had to complete for the sake of her friends and everyone.
She may have lost two friends, but all she wanted was for this war to be over and for her friends to still be standing even if they wouldn't return with her to the World of the Living. It was the only thing she could do now for them.
"Inoue-san, are you sure you're okay?" pondered a concerned Uryū.
"Y-Yeah, Ishida-kun," she said, inwardly chastising herself for showing a sign of sadness. "I'm sorry if I just spaced out…I guess I'm not as a rested as I should be. I only got like five hours of sleep."
"I see. Sounds like you had a busy night."
"Yeah, but don't worry, Unohana-san gave me some of her amazing soup to restore my energy whenever I really need it, but for now I'm good."
"Well, don't strain yourself too much, Inoue-san."
"The hardest part of my mission was last night, Ishida-kun, so don't worry."
Uryū stared at her. "I see. I'm glad you succeeded."
"Me too," Orihime beamed.
Elegant ebony and bright silver. A striking combination that mirrored both the beings residing within its core. The idea hadn't really crossed his mind until now, but Ichigo supposed it might have been born out of spending some time with the dual entity of Zangetsu this morning. He was sitting with his back pressed against a tree studying his Zanpakutō lying across his lap. He was resting after his sparring session with Rukia. She had gone to check on Masaki ten minutes ago.
He'd always thought the outward appearance of his blade mirrored the manifestation of the old man within his soul, but now he could see that perhaps it had always been reflective of both the old man and Hollow.
Dark against light.
Darkness was not something he had ever wanted to admit lurked within him, but he had found the courage to own up to it and could now see that his denial had blinded him in more ways than one.
As his eyes roved over the dark blade and the light edge, he definitely felt the dual coloring perfectly matched the dual nature of the spirit residing within him. He doubted any other Zanpakutō exemplified this. He had to admit he was a lucky guy to own such an extraordinary blade.
He wasn't sure if Zangetsu would ever fully understand how sorry he was for failing to come to terms sooner with his true nature, but he had at least shown approval that he had been able to perform Jinzen albeit with Rukia's help. Ichigo could tell he had been pleased that he hadn't shied away from telling Rukia about his true nature and that they had, of course, battled afterwards.
He had found the battle therapeutic after realizing he was no longer alive.
It wasn't really a shock, but he didn't want to dwell on what it would mean after the war. He still didn't, and he was grateful Rukia hadn't brought it up after his Jinzen session and that they had simply sparred. She understood full well that they shouldn't bother discussing it until the war was over. He was fairly certain she was upset he had given up his life, but he had told her the truth, he didn't regret his decision. He had known he couldn't have lived with himself if he hadn't tried to protect her just like she protected him. Knowing the future wasn't bad was simply a bonus. More than anything, it was a reassurance his sacrifice would somehow help the Soul Society and the world.
He wouldn't have wanted to be caught in this war without the means to battle. Deep down, however, he just knew he was meant to wield the sword on his lap.
"Ichigo," he heard Rukia call out to him.
He tore his gaze away from Zangetsu and glanced at the petite Shinigami coming towards him, carrying something in her right hand.
"How is M-Masaki?" Ichigo wondered.
Rukia stopped in front of him and simply handed him a scrap of paper.
He knitted his eyebrows slightly at the gesture, but took the parchment.
As his eyes skimmed the text, his eyebrows wiggled in even more confusion.
Dear Kuchiki-san,
I'm genuinely grateful for your hospitality and care, but I fear I have overstayed my welcome. Do not worry. I will return when the time is right.
Kind regards,
Masaki
P.S. Please tell Yachiru-chan I have been sent away.
"W-Why would she do that?" he sputtered, as his eyes connected with Rukia's. "It isn't safe out there! She should have just stayed put…"
"I know," Rukia agreed quietly, "but I think that after last night she feels it is better to stay away from us to prevent anything that may affect the future."
"She should be more worried about herself!"
"She should, but—"
"We need to find her and bring her back. She couldn't have gotten far," Ichigo said, swiftly standing up.
"Ichigo, we can't."
"What do you mean we can't?" Ichigo demanded, surprised.
"Look, Ichigo, she obviously wants to be away from us. We shouldn't force her to come back."
"But, Rukia," Ichigo protested.
"I don't like it either, Ichigo, but it was her choice. She wouldn't want us to get distracted."
Ichigo frowned.
"I think she knows better than to go near the Gotei 13."
"But where would she go?"
Rukia looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think…" she trailed off, as she began to sway to the right as the ground began to tremble.
"Is this an earthquake?"
"I-I don't think so…Look, the Shakonmaku looks like lightning is striking it…" Rukia said, glancing upwards.
"It does," Ichigo said, looking up.
The sky visibly crackled and rumbled.
"Wait a minute that looks like a massive Garganta," Rukia said, stunned, watching as a black void visibly appeared behind the continuously sparking barrier revealing a multitude of Hollows.
"What the hell?" Ichigo said, gaping at the sky.
"I-It can't be! I think the Shakonmaku is going to break," Rukia shouted disbelievingly.
The sparks emitted by the Shakonmaku intensified, augmenting the intensity of their rumble and soon a visible rupture marred its usually invisible presence as an undercurrent of red flashed and a thunderous roar bellowed over the Seireitei.
The stench of blood and death heavily pervaded his nostrils. It revolted him. And yet, he at least took some comfort it meant he had managed to protect the sullied corpses of his loyal subordinates from the fate of being consumed by the wretched beasts that had taken their life.
In all honestly, it barely lessened the ache that good soldiers had lost their lives in a senseless war….
He found it absolutely despicable and disgusting how Hollows had started to appear in much greater capacity in this forsaken artificial town within the last twenty fours, pushing his weary soldiers and him to continuously battle. Aizen clearly wanted to ensure every Shinigami was eliminated. The terrible truth was that it very well seemed probable from what he knew of the status of the Soul Society.
Death, bit by bit, was devouring their limited army and it was only a matter of time before it would consume them all. It was a painful and frustrating notion that was partially kept at bay by the hope and faith he had that that could not and would not be the Soul Society's fate. Somehow, someway, they would persevere. The sacrifice of his division would not be in vain. He would make sure they would get the proper recognition they deserved. It was what propelled him to keep going.
"K-Komamura-taichō," called out, a worn, shaky male voice.
The wolf Shinigami's ear visibly flicked in the voice's direction, though he remained still for a moment and briefly shut his eyes.
He turned around slowly and surveyed the sandy blonde Shinigami in a torn and bloodied Shihakushō, glancing up at him.
"How is he, Fujimoto?"
"I-I managed to stop Eighteenth Seat Okada's bleeding, Sir," Mikio explained. "He lost a lot though. He won't be able to battle in his condition."
"I see. He'll have to be taken back with the injured."
Mikio nodded, then after a beat, said, "Komamura-taichō, what about my other squad members?"
"I fear their wounds were too severe and have passed on," Komamura said gently. "They did their best to fight in the name of the Gotei 13. We must continue to battle in their memory."
Mikio looked ashen. "I-I see…I understand, Sir."
There was silence.
It broke with a stunned gasp from Mikio, as crimson stained his front and a glint of silver flashed amidst it.
"Fujimoto!" Komamura yelled.
"Calm down, Komamura, I have simply given him peace rather than mere words for consolation," declared a familiar voice from behind the blonde Shinigami's now slumped form.
Surprise fleetingly glimmered in golden orbs before they narrowed.
"Tōsen," growled Komamura, as he watched his former colleague and friend drop Mikio's bloodied body onto the ground. "I see you have finally come to murder innocent lives yourself. I never imagined you were capable of such a thing."
"I'm here to execute what has long been in play in my path to justice," Tōsen proclaimed earnestly.
"Your path to justice?" Komamura repeated, a note of disbelief mingled with contempt evident in his voice. "That's an interesting choice of words. I thought you had known what justice was, but how can you call this unnecessary shedding of blood, justice?" he said, gesturing to the bodies behind him and to the destruction surrounding him. "I thought you believed in the path with the least amount of bloodshed yet you and your companions are the reason I can only offer mere words of consolation to my subordinates for the loss of their comrades."
"I stand firm in that belief, which is why I follow this path."
"How can you say that, Tōsen? The entire universe is on the verge of collapse…I thought you sought justice and peace for the friend you lost."
"I have never wavered from that goal. She like any Shinigami understood violence was the means to enforce justice. I'm simply using it to cleanse this world of all that is unjust and to bring about the true justice she desired."
Komamura snarled. "The Gotei 13 never uses violence to mercilessly slaughter the innocent like you are doing. On the contrary, we use it to preserve lives."
"You are blinded by sheer loyalty to an institution that lets death reign rampart as long as it suits them," Tōsen remarked. "Preserving the lives of Souls only for them to be slaughtered in Rukongai is hardly what I would call an act of salvation. Both the Gotei 13 and Central 46 are responsible for allowing countless Souls to die in the streets of Rukongai every single day. Aizen-sama and I are putting an end to this endless cycle and bringing about genuine justice."
"Tōsen, I cannot deny this world is full of injustices, but the slaughter of all the Souls, living or dead, is hardly what I would call a solution to ensure genuine justice for all," Komamura countered. "You well know that Shinigami fight to protect those that they can, but as much as we'd like to we can't protect everyone. I may not have known your friend, but I doubt her vision of justice was in line with what you are doing."
"My precious friend deeply loved this world. She became a Shinigami to fight for justice. And I could not bear the thought of the justice she fought for to go unrealized, which is why I swore I would carry it out myself by becoming a Shinigami. However, I knew being a Shinigami was not enough to bring justice in this world. Shinigami cannot and have never offered the possibility of bringing about justice to the world. They are too self-involved to look past their own interests. All they have ever cared about is maintaining the status quo which keeps the Central 46 and the Soul King in power. Aizen-sama is different. He wishes to change things."
"You say the Gotei 13 is self-involved, but I see no greater selfishness than that of Aizen. He wishes to take power at the expense of thousands of lives."
"Aizen-sama is not selfish in the slightest. He does not take lives out of pleasure, but out of a desire to impart justice. Bloodshed is a necessary part of a revolution. The world will get cleansed of all that is impure thus allowing the possibility for justice to finally reign over the world through Aizen-sama's rule."
"I cannot believe you are saying this, Tōsen," Komamura said, revolted. "How can you even trust Aizen?
"Aizen-sama believes in justice as I do. I was quite fortunate to find a likeminded being in the Gotei 13. He and I have treaded the same path for over a century, seeking the means to truly bring justice to this forsaken world. The path to justice is the only allegiance we have ever held. "
Komamura narrowed his eyes further.
"So are you seeking you were never loyal to the Gotei 13?"
"That is correct, Komamura. We have only ever been loyal to our convictions that we could bring about justice by becoming strong and finding the means to destroy the Gotei 13 from within. Honestly, Komamura, didn't you ever think it was odd that I would willingly join the organization that protected my precious friend's killer? That willingly employed him and others such as Kenpachi Zaraki and Kurotsuchi Mayuri, who are nothing but murderous beasts?"
"Y-You mean, you only joined the Gotei 13 to grow strong and to avenge your fallen friend?"
"Don't be so surprised, Komamura. I have always told you that I walk the path of the justice. Joining the organization that protected the killer of my friend and serving it faithfully is not what I would call justice. No, that would be a betrayal of my principles. If you thought I had forgiven the killer of my friend and the organization that pardoned him, you are sorely mistaken. That is not an act of justice, but an act of goodness that I'm incapable of making."
"I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised," conceded Komamura. "I did notice you never claimed to love this world, but I did not blame you given your loss. I thought, however, that your conviction to carry out your friend's desire for peace and justice outweighed the anger and hatred you felt. I see that I was wrong. If that is how you truly feel, then I suppose my words are meaningless to you and I have no choice but to strike you down for the sake of the Soul Society," Komamura said, as he positioned himself into a battle stance.
"You shall try," Tōsen corrected, as he sprung forward and brought his katana down.
Quick Glossary:
Reishi- spirit particles
Kishi (holdlets)- atoms
Reiryoku- spirit energy/power
Reiatsu-spiritual pressure (spirit energy in the form of an aura)
Onna-woman
Kozō- boy
Jigokuchō-Hell Butterfly
Shakonmaku- Soul Membrane
