Hey everyone, this is my first story for bleach and also my first story for fanfiction. So it will not be perfect.
Sorry if I made any mistakes in this chapter.
Please no Flames, but Constructive criticism, advice and ideas are accepted, as it will help me write this story and improve it.
I don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo does, I only own the OCs, plotline and Ideas(some have been inspired though)
Word count: 7909 in 16 pages.
Warning some course language, some sexual reference, and there is violence. Also there are some OCs but they only help the story work and the characters might be oocish but this an AU story.
4 reviews for the last chappie. So thanks to kicyslawa, silverstella, Hatake Tsughi White Knight and Animelover1993 for reading and reviewing last chapter. Thanx for your comments and criticisms and mostly patience.
Remember if you have any questions about the fic just ask.
Really Important Notice:Okay I want to say that I'm really, really sorry about the lack of updates but I have a really good reason for it. Well over a month a go I hyperextended my knee playing netball and I tore the cartilage. On April 6th I had surgery and they scraped a lot of the cartilage. Oh and I also hurt my ankle too when I did my knee but it hasn't healed so I'm having a ctscan to see what I've done to it. So I've missed a lot of school. So I've struggling to do what I can homework wise and I've been in agony. Also I've been really depressed and I lost any inspiration to write. So yeah my life has been sucking really bad at the moment, so do bear with me please. I'm getting back into my writing and I hope it'll stay that way.
Chapter 35: Home Ain't So Sweet.
Romanov Falls
Yoruichi looked at the destruction around her. She, Grimmjow, Caleb and Nel were the only ones conscious. Yoruichi shuddered at the damage Alithra and Nero had done, and wondered vaguely why Hichigo had been so reserved. When Nero lost it and went after Hichigo, Yoruichi and wolves had been dealing with Alithra rather well but things had turned quickly for the worst after that.
She hadn't seen it all, but she saw Alithra erratically use her full commanding abilities. She forced the wolves to attack each other before breaking it and attacking them herself. Yoruichi sighed, knowing now why Alithra loathed being queen, despised having the power to do such things. She feared abusing it. It was something Yoruichi never wanted to see ever again.
However, something bugged her. Yoruichi had stolen a glance at Nero and Ichigo's fight, well Nero and Hichigo's fight she admitted begrudgingly. Hichigo had fired a cero and not any plain cero, a Gran Ray Cero at close range, but Nero had somehow avoided it. She thought... she'd seen Nero fire something to counter, something distinctly like a cero but she couldn't be positive.
Yoruichi sighed frustrated. "Well this didn't go according to plan at all." She hissed before heading to Nel. She sat next to Nel, both taking a breather as they watched their fellows wounds slowly heal. At least there was some good news. She and Nel soon rose and attended to the unconscious wolves. Their wounds were healing up quite well, she thought but then again she was no healer.
Miyako was the first to rouse. She stirred jerkily and soon bolted up, yanking herself into sitting position. She hissed as she aggravated some of her still healing injuries. Yoruichi paced to her immediately concerned for the older woman. "How are you feeling?" Yoruichi asked, frowning as she saw Miyako stand.
"As good, as can be expected. How's everyone else?" Miyako asked glancing around, thoroughly concerned for friends.
"Besides myself, Grimmjow, Caleb, Nel and you, unconscious and thankfully not dead." Yoruichi replied evenly her tone serious. Miyako frowned as she strode to Xanthia, the nearest of her comrades.
"Lucky. I don't know why she didn't but by all rights, she should have torn us to shreds. She was too far gone to have held back. I haven't felt it in a long time, her insanity and I pray I'll never have to again. We have to keep her out." Miyako stated her face darkening, her tone determined.
"And Nero?" Nel asked curiously, as she limped to them.
"We'll be able to keep him from losing it anymore." Miyako answered dismissively before kneeling beside Xanthia. Gently, she placed her hand on Xanthia's forehead, and fed some of her reiatsu into her. As Miyako did that, Grimmjow shuffled over to the next wolf to awaken, Emmett and helped him stand.
Yoruichi and Nel turned when they heard a groan sound a few metres away, they walked immediately to the awakening Leyna. She stretched in her sleep and when Yoruichi laid a hand on her shoulder, her eyes shot open. Yoruichi smiled reassuringly, and Leyna sighed relieved. Nel and Yoruichi pulled her up.
"We should get going." Nel murmured. They were injured and were no longer fit to continue their mission, they knew the needed to head back.
"Mmm, Xanthia needs to be healed properly and I'm betting so does Halili and Galeno. As for Nero, Alithra and Ichigo, they should heal on the way back but only time can tell." Miyako agreed and group nodded. None of them felt like having another fight anytime soon.
Nel instantly shape-shifted into her ibex centaur form, knowing she'd be able to carry more that way. Grimmjow and Emmet placed Xanthia and Halili on her back. She grunted but made no complaint about the weight. Grimmjow slung Ichigo's prone figure of his shoulder, Emmett did the same with Galeno. Miyako put Nero's arm around her shoulder and hefted him up, supporting him. Leyna mirrored her actions with Alithra. However, Yoruichi and Caleb carried no one, they instead would scout for trouble and defend the others if the need arose.
They sped away eager to leave. They left their defeated opponents behind as well as the body of their crushed comrade. In their eyes, he'd died a good death.
The Valley
Just after the hunt.
Rukia's POV
I rode comfortably on Shirayuki. I was pleased with myself. I'd successfully managed to use my poison ability. Not only had I used it to incapacitate but to paralyse as well. Elektra had been impressed with my rapid progress but had forbade me from trying to do confusion. Instead, she instructed me to vary the times my poisons worked for. This proved a great deal more difficult and I struggled with it for the rest of the hunt.
However, the hunt had gone incredibly well. We'd caught about thirteen deer, seven boars, five oxen, twenty two pheasants and a hell of a lot of rabbits. Something that I did not like to eat, but it did remind me of Ichigo's promise to catch me one. I'd have to bug him when he came back. We were hauling our catch on Karin and Toshiro's dragons, much to their discontentment. And when I say discontentment, I mean very loud and very mean sounding growls that showed their very large and pearly white sharp teeth.
I smirked at the memory of the whole hunt. The dragons' whimpers of apology as Karin told them off about complaining. How my normal guards had performed well, each showing off their new enchanted weapons and their abilities. Elektra had been intrigued about them and now was determined to question Urahara on it. She liked the prospect of normals actually being able to defend themselves though I did see some worry on her face. Other Marked Ones would not share that sentiment, she had said.
When we arrived at the newly designated kitchen area carrying seemingly nothing, the Marked Ones who were stationed there or had just returned from hunt themselves, began laughing and hurling taunts and insults about how normals and princesses couldn't catch squat. That had confused me slightly at first until I realised they were talking about Karin and me. This continued right until Toshiro's grim smirk, followed almost immediately by Hyorinmaru and Karin's dragon landing carefully in the wide space near the Kitchen.
They were stunned into silence and gaped at our catch. Unlike them, we had the ability to haul a lot and as such could catch more. I heard several curses until Senna made her way to us. "Well, well not bad, you did well, Rukia." She stated as she paused in front me. Her voice had been kind if not slightly forced as if she was trying to play nice, right until the point she said my name. There was jealousy in it and for a moment, I swear I saw it on her face but it was gone in seconds.
She gave one last smile and muttered a goodbye and it seemed genuine but it bugged me as to why she was jealous. How could she be jealous of me? I had who knows how many people wanting me captured or dead including my own boyfriend's demon half. I shrugged it off content that she didn't seem to loath me or even hate me at all anymore.
I turned to help and jumped when I heard Elektra's stern teacher voice sound out from right beside me. "Rukia." I whirled to face her, surprised to see her there. A grin broke her commanding and grim expression as she giggled at my shock. I growled annoyed but she waved it off easily. "Sorry, leave the unpacking to the boys. It's time to teach you some Kido." She exclaimed excited and I smiled ecstatically. Finally! Yoruichi had only concentrated on my elemental power and Matsumoto had explained the theory but I hadn't actually been taught how to do it.
Elektra soon grew impatient with my mulling thoughts and gripped my arm lightly and she began tugging me away practically skipping. I laughed and skipped with her, her excitement infectious. She really wanted me to learn and so did I.
She pulled me until she'd found a suitable area within the Valley's walls. Our little training patch was empty and spacious enough. She finally let go of me and began to place secure barriers. I frowned as I noticed human shaped, flat wooded targets and ones that were made like an actual human being, complete with moveable joints. I cocked my head curiously and I walked to one of the jointed ones and poked its arm. It swung slightly from the force I'd exerted onto it. I observed it properly and saw it was supported by seeming nothing, confused I opened my mind. I could feel the twirling of reiatsu around it and the other ones, reiatsu so finely focused and placed. My mind came up with one answer, it was a spell holding it up.
"Quit your gawking Rukia." Elektra ordered from right behind me, I jumped startled at her sudden appearance. I know again. Embarrassing right? But she'd get you went you least expected it. She did it to everyone.
"What are these?" I asked bluntly.
"Practise dummies. What did you think I was going to have practise spells on something living?" She asked rhetorically, raising an eyebrow in interest. I shook my head quickly sighing in relief when she broke off her piercing glare.
"Now I know Rangiku has already gone through the basic theory behind kido and Yoruichi told you its origins. Now it is time to actually teach you to use it..." I interrupted her there confused about something that Yoruichi had said to me before the fire.
"What's the difference between witchcraft and Kido?" I asked interested.
She smiled seemingly glad that my interruption was a good one. "Kido is simply smells that rely on the user's own reiatsu and is mostly direct magic. Witchcraft, however, is done through rituals combined with spells and isn't exactly direct. It also asks and uses power from another source. Demon, Angels and spirits, depending on what they wish to cast. And the source drawn from also defines what kind of magic user you are." She explained plainly. "But for now you don't have to worry about it."
"We shall start with the basics. Bakudo 1: Sai and Hado 1: Sho. These two are the weakest of their respective Kido style and by far easier to cast. Follow me." She ordered and paced a bit away from the dummy I'd been examining before she spoke again. "Watch me."
She stood straighter but there was an ease and comfortableness about her posture. She raised her right arm holding only her index and middle fingers up vertically. "Bakudo 1: Sai." Her voice had rung with power and authority but she hadn't yelled it, she'd spoken. The moment she finished, the dummy before us crumpled down to the ground on its knees, its hands pinned behind its back.
In a fluid movement she flicked her wrist, dispelling the magic and the thing stood up by itself and resumed its original position. I stared at the thing for a moment, unease settling in. I thought by now, I'd be used to the whole strangeness of it all and I guess for the most part I was but that was just plain weird. Of all things, I didn't expect dolls that could stand by themselves.
"Rukia I want you to try. I should probably teach you the incantation but for the life of me, I cannot remember it. That's the thing with Kido since it's so old and the fact that one could cast it without incantations, the full spell was forgotten. A shame, really, because an incantation will drastically increase the power of the spell and it isn't easy to do some spells without it." She stated going off topic slightly. I didn't mind though, I hadn't been told that.
"Anyway, just wat... Oh! I remember! The chant is, Hold, silent spirit of the wind! Invisible force, bind." She stated seriously, I listened carefully, trying to memorise the words. Elektra resumed speaking. "Just say the words and focus your reiatsu. Don't put too much in or it will overload the spell." She warned but disclosed nothing on the amount I should put in. I realised it was probably impossible to know, as each person was different. For now, I had to rely on my own instincts. And strangely I was perfectly fine with that.
I stood tall and looked at the doll. I knew I could do this, it was in my very blood to do it. I had to and quickly too. By the battle of the thirteenth family, I wanted to be able to fight and make of difference. I wanted to protect, not be protected.
I felt my confidence grow as my reiatsu swirled inside me following my whims obediently. I focused it and it sharpened, this was the weakest of the Bakudo kido spells hence would not require much strength. I kept that in mind and I began the chant, mimicking Elektra's previous movements.
"Hold, silent spirit of the wind. Invisible force bind! Bakudo 1: Sai!" I uttered calmly and the words flowed perfectly from my mouth as if I'd known them my entire life. My reiatsu pulsed and the dummy fell to the ground just as it had with Elektra's spells.
"Good, next one. Hado 1: Sho. This one, I really don't remember the incantation though from the ease you did Sai, I'm confident you'll be more than capable." She informed before doing a quick and easy demonstration.
"Hado 1: Sho." She vocalised in the same tone and decibel range as the other spell. She raised her hand and pushed as she said the spell. The dummy was propelled backwards a few metres like a real person would have been. It mimicked the movements exactly. I grinned at her and took her place readying myself physically and mentally for the spell. I could do this and I would.
End of Rukia's POV
A day later, The Valley.
Urahara looked up as Yoruichi appeared in front of him, her face shadowed in the night. Despite it, he could see she was exhausted and that her clothes were caked with dried blood, though fortunately, there were no evident signs of injuries. Urahara's eyes widened in surprise at her sudden and unexpected arrival. Instantly he was up, knowing something was incredible wrong.
"Yoruichi what happened?" He asked, worry pulsating deep inside. Something had gone wrong, their plan had failed.
"We intercepted the Espada. Only one causality from fighting them, Luther." She replied before pausing. Urahara waited patiently knowing she would tell him the rest. "However, Alithra lost control and so did Nero. Additionally, during the fight Hichigo managed to gain control over Ichigo. We suffered injuries, most of mine have healed and so have the others, except Halili, Galeno and Xanthia. They're at the infirmary being cared for Ella." She finished ignoring Urahara's broad eyes of complete shock.
"Where are they?" Urahara asked. He didn't have to say their names for Yoruichi to understand what he meant.
"Ichigo woke up and seems fine. Nero is conscious but asleep. The Angels have Alithra in a barrier and are keeping her in a deep sleep. They don't seem to think she'll be sane. Orana is watching over her now. Kanisawa's going to have a field day with this." Yoruichi responded rubbing her brow in frustration.
"Mm. Dearie me, at least the main mission is not completely compromised. We'll send the first primary group and secondary tonight. They've been organised, it won't take long for them to mobilise." He offered and Yoruichi smiled, some of her worry lifting off. They could salvage this at least.
Urahara smiled devilishly at her and embraced her tightly, gently he kissed her neck, going up to her jaw line then along it with more little kisses before finally making it to her lips. He kissed her lovingly and she kissed back with the same gentle passion. She broke away and he let her do it knowing she was extremely tired. "Time to rest, my little kitty." He teased, whispering softly in her ear as she rested her head on his chest.
Yoruichi shook her head, there were things that still needed doing despite being tired. Though it was just tiredness she was still sore. She'd healed but not fully, not yet. Urahara laughed before rapidly lifting her gracefully into his arms bridal style. She struggled but soon gave in. She was tired, she was hurt, and she deserved a break. Yoruichi leaned her head on his shoulder, smiling as she floated away in sleep.
Urahara chuckled lightly and cradled her close to him. She was stubborn and would probably work herself to death if it wasn't for him. No one else could refuse to listen her arguments like he did and make her see his way but then he'd practically grown up with her. No one knew Yoruichi, the goddess of flash like him.
He laid her down carefully on their shared mat and prodded her awake. She stirred groggily and he retrieved some clothes as well as a bucket and cloth to clean the blood off her skin. By the time he'd come back, she'd fallen back asleep back asleep. Urahara was tempted to leave her in that peaceful state but she needed to wash the blood off. He shook her gently, immediately her eyes opened and she forced herself to sit.
"Kisuke, can you get some food for me to eat?" She asked politely, as she stood and took off her shredded orange over top. He nodded and flashed quickly to the cookery are. He smelled the delicious aromas of a seasoned roasted boar. Urahara's mouth watered at the sight. Boar, he hadn't had boar for a good couple of months. He gathered some dinner for Yoruichi and himself. Along with the roast were some roasted potatoes and a stir-fry of vegetables.
By the time he'd returned, Yoruichi had finished cleaning herself and was changing. He smiled warmly as he saw her hair dripping wet and the bucket empty. So typical of her, except she usually dumped it on him. She smiled brightly as she saw the feast on the plate. She ate voraciously and had finished before he'd even settled down to eat. She looked at him smirking mischievously. "Kisuke..." She began and before she even finished he'd handed her the plate. He wasn't even going to try convince her otherwise. He knew he'd lose when it came to her appetite. She smiled innocently before devouring Urahara's food. He wasn't that hungry, plus he could get some later.
She sighed satisfied and laid down curling into a ball. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She smiled up at him before shutting her eyes and falling asleep in seconds. Truth was he'd been terrified when he'd seen her condition, afraid she'd been hurt. But he knew he should know better. She wasn't weak, she was just as strong as him.
He turned on his heel and walked leaving her to sleep in peace. He wandered aimlessly for a few minutes as he tried to locate the barrier. It was within the valley boundaries but on the outskirts of the south side, on the more isolated side of the lake. He headed to that direction, wanting to find out more about what had happen but paused and went to the infirmary instead.
Nero was sleeping and Urahara had already decided he was going to wake him up and currently Michael was there. He hurried and shunpoed there to ensure he caught him. Urahara arrived a few minutes later. Michael was hovering around pacing as the wolves were patched up.
He strode passed him, ignoring him for now. He wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. Urahara walked to Nero and shook him awake. Ella whirled and begun to berate him furiously for his stupidity. He notes it as a typical healer's fit at what he'd done, but Urahara snapped at her about the lack of time. Though idly he thought, had it been Lady Retsu Unohana he highly doubted he'd have the courage to do so.
Nero groaned as he woke up. His crimson eyes seemed to gleam with an unnatural darkness. Urahara took a step back for good measure. "Relax Urahara, I'm not going to bite if that's what you're worried about. The others are keeping me in control." Nero growled, annoyed at be awoken. He sat up, snarling as his head spun. He clasped his forehead in pain. The agony still hadn't completely left. He felt yearning and he didn't understand it at all. Urahara cleared his throat and Nero looked up glaring as he was shaken from his thoughts.
"What do you want?" He snapped.
"Jeez, grouchy much." Urahara sniped.
"Whatever." Nero growled uncaringly.
"Don't take much of what he says to heart, his temper will be real bad over the next few days." Miyako muttered from Halili's bedside. She looked weary and sore though not as bad as Yoruichi.
"Ah feeding does that to wolves, doesn't it Nero?" Urahara asked in a condescending tone. He smiled goofily as Nero snarled again.
"Aw, isn't he just adorable?" Xanthia griped childishly as she sat up in her bed. She sat awkwardly trying to avoid causing herself more pain. "Oh yes he is?" Miyako replied in the kind of tone a mother would use when fawning over her child.
"Shut up. Urahara what the hell do you want? I'm tired, in pain and annoyed so do hurry up." Nero demanded rudely, finally completely fed up.
Urahara frowned at his hostility. "Get up. I'm going to see her and you're coming. I want to wake her up." Urahara ordered his tone grave. Michael whirled scowling deeply.
"No, you won't! Are you crazy?" Michael refuted strongly.
"Why yes, I do believe I am, else I doubt so many people would have said I am." Urahara counted dismissively. "And Michael, I suggest you send out the groups and inform them of what happened. Put Tessai, and Ryuken in charge, they're just as strong as the rest of us." Urahara advised commanding before turning away, ignoring Michael's obstruction. Michael sighed eventually, conceding the need to send the groups. He flashed away to do so.
Nero grudgingly got out of the infirmary cot. Inwardly, he groaned in pain but refused to show any outwardly signs. Urahara nodded and began to walk, Nero followed. He suddenly felt like a dog and stopped disgusted at that pathetic feeling.
"Nero get going." Miyako snapped flashing next to him to push him forward. He stumbled a couple of steps before regaining his feet and shaking the thoughts out of his mind. Nero grunted in response, knowing he should go but was still apprehensive about how he was acting. He shook his head and followed Urahara.
Rukia sat on the ground watching the swans swim across the lake. Finally, she'd gotten a break from training. She'd mastered Bakudo 1 to 6 and Hado 1 to 5 already with only a few backfiring spells. She sighed content with her achievements up to this point. Though Elektra hadn't been pushing her all that hard and she was positive it would get more difficult soon.
She waved as Urahara passed her, Nero trailing him. Her heart leapt at the thought of seeing Ichigo soon. She sighed and laid on the ground, brushing her hair out of her face. Half an hour later, Rukia felt someone walk into her vicinity but ignored them, not wishing to talk.
After a few moments the person spoke. "What? No hello?" She jerked up the moment she heard his voice, she stood and spun to look at him. Hichigo smirked unsurprised, she really had no clue to who he was.
"Ichigo, you're back." She exclaimed excitedly.
"Nah you don't say Rukia. I wouldn't be standing here would I?" He retorted jokingly, but Rukia frowned for a second. He'd usually insult her height, she shrugged. 'Maybe he wizened up.' She ran to him and hugged him. She glanced up and smiled happily at him.
Her eyes narrowed when a strange look crossed his face. It was realisation and shock. He pulled away seemingly rattled. "Ichigo is something wrong?" Rukia asked.
Hichigo's POV
I stared down at her in utter surprise. She looked just like the girl from my memory. Not the hair or eye colour, but the shape of the face, the curve of those delightful lips. I pulled away unsure of the emotions that flowed through me, I didn't recognise many of them.
"Ichigo is something wrong?" She asked undoubtedly curious at my reaction even though it didn't show in her voice. I didn't bother to answer but instead pulled her close and crashed my lips onto her own. I could see why the fool was so enamoured with her. I searched her mouth roughly and she moaned slightly. I chuckled inwardly. She tensed as I pulled away, letting her go.
"Nothing." I muttered distractedly. When I looked up, I saw she'd backed away. I vaguely wondered why.
"Your voice, that kiss. You're not Ichigo." She declared confidently. Damn, I mucked up but I didn't really care, I'd gotten to her. I smirked evilly and her eyes narrowed. "You bastard, how'd you get control?" She yelled angrily, for a moment I said nothing but the moment she went scream at me again, I shunpoed behind her. I locked one of her arms behind her back, holding her close and covered her mouth.
I felt her grimace in pain and I spoke. "The idiot nearly got himself killed. It gave me the gap, I needed." I laughed manically. In my laughter, she shrugged off my hand and snapped at me.
"He'll kill you for touching me..." I covered her mouth again and chuckled sinisterly. I leaned down and whispered delightedly in her ear.
"Aye, he would but then I made sure he'd never come back, no matter what. Not for his friends, not his family and not even you. Don't you get it? This is my body now." I felt her shiver seemingly. Then I realised it was a sob, as her tears slid down her cheek onto my hand. I let her go and she whirled, showing me her tear streaked face.
"NO! I don't believe you." She refuted desperately. I laughed at the idiocy of her hope.
"Don't." I waved off dismissively. "But he's trapped. He ain't ever coming back. He might as well be dead." I stated easily, driving the pain deeper into her heart. Oh, the look that crossed her face was marvellous. It should have incited grim delectable satisfaction but for some reason my heart twinged instead. I growled and shrugged it off. Those memories, they meant nothing.
"I hate you." She snapped, her voice full of anguish. I flashed closer. "I know but I don't really care." She went to retreat but I latched onto her wrist and yanked her back to me. She struggled against me, her eyes wide as she stared up at me with fear. I chuckled and leaned down, kissing her brusquely again. She fought with all her strength against me, as hard as she could but I held her tightly with a grip of steel.
I growled and let her go when she delivered a painful step onto my foot. I laughed, enjoying this game with her. "Your eyes, why are they amber?" She growled furiously with traces of confusion layered into her tone.
"Cause I'm using his reiatsu, I'm playing at being him. See the only thing that can be used to tell which one you're really dealing with is the mark." I answered devilishly. I pulled off my shirt and showed the skull mark outlined red. She glared at me, hating me. "Strange, how you can love and hate the same person so damn much." I laughed wirily.
"No, no! He isn't you. He never will be." Rukia yelled, but I could tell it was to reassure herself more than to convince me. I snorted decisively.
"Oh but he is. He was born to be." I muttered triumphantly, she simply stared glowering. I smirked wider, seeing the pain on her face, deep down I felt that twinge again but I pushed it away, ignoring it. "I am him and he is me. Get it through your head." I snapped practically gloating.
I stepped closer to her and pushed her against the very tree Ichigo had kissed her against the first time. "And the moment you gave your heart to him, you gave it to me. You're mine." I whispered toyingly, enjoying her utter helplessness.
END of Hichigo's POV
Orana looked sadly at the sleeping figure inside the glowing barrier. She could feel the darkness and light in her fight for the dominance over her soul against the compulsion, causing utter turmoil. Orana turned her head as she felt Urahara and Nero draw closer, heading in this direction. She was situated in a cave, which had naturally occurring Sekki-Sekki stone in the section Alithra was caged in. The Shinigami had thought it a necessary precaution.
Several minutes later, Urahara trailed by Nero walked in. Orana nodded politely in greeting before turning to look at her practically adopted daughter. "How is she?" Urahara asked concerned.
"Still unconscious and in utter tumult. I have my doubts about her participation in the coming battle." Orana answered without taking her eyes off Alithra.
"Orana are you a fool?" Nero asked seriously, his tone even, portraying no sign of whether it was a joke or not.
"Excuse me?" Orana growled turning to glare at him for the unneeded insult.
"Just answer the question. Are you a fool?" Nero reiterated calmly. Still nothing but a grim facade.
"No. I do not believe I am." She answered annoyed.
"Then don't count her out. She'll be ready for it." Nero replied his tone still neutral as he trained his eyes upon his Alpha.
"Mm. Anyway how do we wake her up?" Urahara asked grimly. Orana looked at him surprised, waiting, hoping even, that he would start laughing. 'Any minute now.' She thought. When he didn't her eyes widened.
"With Nero this near, it isn't probably the best idea." Orana remarked worriedly.
"Nero'll be fine. I want her up now. Can you do it or not?" Urahara asked commandingly. He was impatient at the moment. There was no time to waste, yet people seemed more than happy to do so.
Orana nodded an affirmative, looking warily at Nero as she walked to the barrier. She raised her hand and focused her thoughts, linking with Alithra. The wolves had kept her asleep before they came, it wouldn't take much for her to reverse it. She linked and let her reiatsu wash over Alithra, gently awakening the wolf. She felt Alithra rise from her inner sanctum and pulled away.
"She'll be up in a few minutes. I still don't think this is a good idea." She murmured sceptically.
"Doesn't matter it needs to be done. So..." Urahara responded his tone its usual cheery and loud self until he was interrupted.
"Why the hell are you speaking so damn loud?" Alithra growled from behind, her eyes squeezed shut tightly. Nero burst out laughing, unable to help himself. Orana glanced at him concerned for his already fractured sanity.
"Nero shut up." Alithra snapped, forcing herself to sit. She groaned and leaned forward, covering her face with her hands.
"Oh, I wish Galeno was awake to see this. You're hungover." He teased smirking cheekily. Alithra glanced at him raising her head and finally opening her eyes. Orana saw the red rimming was thick and vibrant and her eyes remained two separate colours, she shivered at the eeriness of it. But she still let a smirk slip out. She knew what the effects of few and far between feedings did to some wolves. She, however, did not expect it to happen to Alithra.
"Hungover?" Urahara asked curiously, raising an eyebrow. Alithra growled but it soon morphed into a groan as she caused her headache to worsen.
"Yeah. See it's a bit strange. When there's been sufficient time between feedings, wolves can become unused to it and it effects their system like the amount alcohol that makes you feel like you're on top of the world but then in the morning it bites you in the ass. Hence the hangover. And Alithra cops it like you wouldn't believe, when she does get them. Doesn't happen often. Galeno's going to flip because he missed this." Nero explained cheerfully.
Nero went to open his mouth again when Orana delivered a quick whack to the back of his head, as a signal for him to shut up. He did so, not liking the glare she sent his way. "Alithra how are you?" Orana asked concerned, her whole demeanour motherly.
"You're not seriously asking me that. I feel like I've been trampled by a herd horses and then played tug of war with scavengers, as the damn rope." Alithra growled, twitching as her own voice resonated in the cave around her. Orana looked down, she hadn't only meant that. "As for if I feel like killing everything in sight. No, I don't. My head hurts too much."
"See, she's fine, so let her go." Nero stated, his mood becoming less dark and temperamental.
"Could be faking." Orana offered warily. She trusted Alithra with her life... usually, but at this point she couldn't be sure.
"Scan my damn head then Kisuke. God, then you'll see how much my cursed head hurts." Alithra snapped annoyed but not angry. She understood why they had to go through this and she nearly laughed. Oh, how much she despised the compulsion. Urahara looked at her and he nodded.
He scanned her mind carefully and saw the truth in her words. Even now they could see her spiritual pressure become more tempered. 'Do you think you can control yourself without the Sekki-Sekki stone near you?' He asked mentally. He felt pain in her mind when he spoke within and winced in sympathy.
'Yes.' Was all she said before pulling away and remaining silent. Urahara pulled away satisfied with his findings, though he would have Orana near her just for a precaution.
He walked up to the barrier finding the corner of two of the walls. He pressed his hand against it and concentrated. Orana and Nero stood next to him feeding extra reiatsu to him, knowing that he'd need it. It took him a couple minutes but he managed to dispel the surrounding barrier. Alithra stood shakily and stretched. She walked fine albeit uncertainly, almost as if she was an infant who'd only recently begun walking.
"Since that's resolved onto to another subject." Urahara exclaimed excitedly. He toppled to the ground when Alithra suddenly punched him in the face.
"Not so loud." She growled, relaxing the tension in Orana who for second had gotten worried.
"Sorry." Urahara muttered as he scrambled back up clutching his bruising chin. Alithra smiled and indicated for him to continue. "How did it happen?" He asked.
Alithra grunted not really wanting answer, for her it was somewhat embarrassing. "I accidently fed on Yammy, when he managed to backhand me. From there everything went downhill. I was getting tired and the sun fully set and I lost it. I would've pulled at the wolves minds and since Nero wasn't completely in control, he lost it too. As for Ichigo... you'd have to ask him." She replied sullenly. Nero smirked and Alithra glared warningly. It went unheeded and he laughed.
"Ac...cid...ent...ly?" He asked cackling, knowing that was embarrassing. Even Orana laughed lightly, Urahara just stared not understanding.
"What's so funny?" He asked wondering.
"Inside joke. You have to be wolf to understand it." Alithra growled before stalking away annoyed, they quickly trailed her to keep an eye on her. They then decided much to Alithra's disproval that she needed to go to Ella.
They walked around the lake and saw Ichigo and Rukia there, except Alithra. She'd been busy staring at the ground. "Ah young love." Orana sighed elegantly. Alithra's head jerked up and she stopped staring at the couple who were against the tree now.
She felt like something was wrong, knew something was off. "Last night, something about Ichigo." Alithra growled frustrated at her inability to remember.
"Yeah he lost control just like us, I know you remember that." Nero replied his forehead creased in worry.
Alithra's eyes widened as she saw them collapse and sprinted toward them, followed instantly but the other three. Her eyes widened as she saw on Ichigo's chest, his marked outlined red. Her mind flooded with memory after memory and all the thoughts that came with it. Ichigo's reiatsu turned into his darker side's more wrathful and malevolent one.
"How?" Orana asked.
"Not how, when? Hichigo had control through that entire fight. And I'm guessing before." Alithra answered her tone grave.
"What? I was with him, it was Ichigo." Nero refuted positive in what he felt.
"Yeah just after I'd fed, he felt like Ichigo but he wasn't acting it. We have a problem with that and the fact that they're now both unconscious." Alithra growled.
"I know why they appear unconscious. Rukia, mind walked." Urahara had squatted next to her in order feel her forehead and only just removed his hand as he answered.
"Well you can do it too. So get doing it." Alithra snapped indicating Ichigo. Urahara nodded and bent down, he was like that for a few seconds before standing again. "I can't. I'm being kept out and the strange thing is, it isn't Hichigo, it's Ichigo." Alithra cursed violently.
"Wait, mind walking? What the hell are you talking about?" Nero asked confused and Orana looked at Alithra with a look that said, 'You knew this was coming.'
Rukia's POV
"Oh but he is. He was born to be." I heard him triumphantly declare, strengthening my desperation. "I am him and he is me. Get it through your head." He resumed, gloating at my undoubtedly downcast face.
"And the moment you gave your heart to him, you gave it to me. You're mine."
I felt anger bubble at those words, and everything else before it. But it was only the tip of my rage that was awakening and... begrudgingly I admitted, misery. Ichigo was gone and he wasn't coming back. I ceased my struggling, letting my hopelessness overwhelm my fury. Tears slid down my cheeks, uncontrollably and I felt him pull up my chin to see my face. I stared in surprise not at the almost gentle touch but at what I'd heard.
'Rukia.'
It was Ichigo's voice resonating in my head and I didn't understand. It continued, just him saying my name again and again, repeatedly. I tried ignoring it, thinking I was losing my mind but I couldn't, all I wanted was to hear his voice. The more I listened, the more drawn in I was by it. I fought against myself from following it, scared of what might happen.
Images of my time with him whirled around in my mind and my emotions fluctuated rapidly, my mind in utter chaos. Finally, I just let go, and everything happened so quickly after that. The scenery changed and Hichigo was beside me as we fell through a sky with vertical clouds. My vision quickly becoming clouded. And I fell into darkness, unsure of what was happening or if I was even still alive.
End of Rukia's POV
Thirteenth Family Lands.
Damirus glanced across the camped army. He shivered, unnerved as the skeletal soldiers and rotting corpses walked around almost idly. He didn't understand them at all, how could they see? The skeletons had no eyes, and the walking corpses eyes were dead or had rotted away. It was physically impossible for them to have sight and yet they knew exactly where they were going.
Damirus sighed to himself. "An undead army, just great. I hate revenants." He spat, his tone full of disgust for the creatures that were so vile in his personal opinion.
"Ah, no love for the dead, I see." Stated a young purple haired and eyed woman with a rude voice that implied more than what she'd said. The woman wore a white short frilly dress, with short puffy sleeves and knee high boots. Additionally, she wore long elegant but fingerless evening gloves which were banded purple on the end. In her hair she wore a bone spiked hairpin and had a pair of small wings on her back.
Damirus smiled in annoyance of having his peace disturbed. "Maybe, though I don't see what it has to do with you." He snapped, his pale blue eyes glinting viciously.
She smiled in what she thought was an alluring and irresistible way but instead made Damirus cringe in further loathing. "You might not but I do. I like to know more about who I'm fighting alongside. But I get it, your type are afraid of them." She accused arrogantly, her failing smile never leaving her face.
Damirus growled, his rage rising in seconds. "No, you foolish girl." He snarled before turning his back to her.
"Then why do you hate revenants... boy?" She asked in a seemingly nice tone until the nasty bite that entered her voice at the last word.
"Cause dead things should stay dead. Have a problem with it?" Damirus growled, his reiatsu morphing to exude an animalistic and barely controlled, rage filled aura. The woman backed off a couple of steps, daring not to push him further. She hated the flicker of fear and the desperate hope that his back would stay facing her. A werewolf on edge was a dangerous thing and Damirus as well as his family were famous for it.
"I thought so. Anything else you want?" Damirus demanded scathingly, her presence grating on his already frazzled nerves.
"Course!" She counted, trying to sound cocky but Damirus heard her voice shake, ever so slightly and smiled satisfied at the effortlessness it took for him to make her shake. "Seems you're a big shot round here. Famous for spilt blood..." She stated bluntly, her tone direct. "...but I heard your sister's better at it." Damirus flinched visibly as he heard the familiar jibe. The purple haired girl laughed more confidently over her small victory.
"Hmm. So confidently strong and arrogantly superior... when everything's about your achievements. However, when your little weak spots are flicked, the facade comes crumbling down, to reveal a fake. You're nothing but a pathetic boy trying to match his older sister." The violet eyed woman prodded rudely, she smiled as she saw her comments hit home. Her voice strangely happy.
Damirus flinched again and whirled growling, his annoyance rising but the snarl quickly turned to laughing at the woman's stupidity. 'She's so enamoured about finding a good verbal jibe, she doesn't see the bigger picture. I hate small minded people.' Damirus mulled mentally, still chuckling darkly.
"Why the hell are you laughing? You're nothing but a second rate wolf compared to your sister, you're supposed to be angry about it!" She exclaimed, dismayed at his lack of normality.
"Aye I am, aren't I. Sucks for the little pawns like you who'll be sent out first. And guess what? If you survive long you might get to fight her. You'll be nothing but fodder for the grinder, you idiot. So, stop talking like me being less than her is a good thing, because if I'm not good enough beat her, neither are you." Damirus growled, his eyes still twinkling with amusement. He observed her, sizing her up like prey and idly wondered how much of a contender she'd be if he tried killing her.
The purple haired girl swallowed nervously put off by his sudden intense gaze. There was nothing pleasant in that gaze for her. She knew that he was close to killing her and she finally understood why the other werewolves regarded him so highly.
Damirus shook his head deciding it was worth his time to kill her. She wouldn't give a good enough challenge, he couldn't actually enjoy the fight and that would make it so pointless for him. "Who are you?" He snapped.
"Cirucci Sanderwicci, Privarion Espada, 105." She answered grudgingly.
"Ah, a former Espada. What are you?" Damirus asked sceptically and confused. His brow creased showing his dry amused and confounded emotions.
Cirucci pursed her lips in unwillingness but sighed knowing he'd order her to tell him, anyway. "I'm half Fay..." Damirus let out a strangled laugh. "...and half harpy." She finished and Damirus burst out cackling. She scowled and glared at him angrily.
"You...ha...you...ha...you're a...ha-aha-ha...fairy! Ha! And ha-half...ha...angsty bird...ha-ha...bird lady!" Damirus laughed fighting the urge to fall to the ground from his amusement.
"Shut it. It's not that funny." Cirucci growled furiously.
"Yeah it is. Ha-aha-ha...That means... ha-ha...Your dad was a Fairy for God sake woman that's just pure gold. Ha-aha-ha-ha-ha. Your mother was a harpy since harpies can only be female. Ha-aha-ha-ha... A harpy! How the hell did that happen? Hell, I didn't even know a harpy could reproduce!" Damirus argued as he fought to get some composure back. He soon managed it but the egotistical hilarity he felt never left his eyes nor bearing.
"You're a bastard."
"Nah, you don't say." Damirus waved off unsurprised of her opinion.
Cirucci went to open her mouth to argue further until she was interrupted by a bored sounding voice. "Get out of here... trash." The green eyed, pale man stated, flashing next to her. Cirucci let out an uncharacteristic yelp of surprise. She cringed as Ulquiorra glared down on her, she nodded numbly and sped away.
"You should not allow such lowly trash to speak to you like that." Ulquiorra indifferently reprimanded, turning his unnerving eyes on Damirus, who simply shrugged before answering.
"Maybe but sometimes the insolent are interesting." He replied easily meeting Ulquiorra's eyes. "When did you get here, anyway?" Damirus asked glancing away and up at the night sky.
"Now."
"So typical of you. Aizen know yet?"
"No."
"Oh, so you're going to do the one word responses today."
"Yes."
"Tch... It'll be one hell of reunion, soon." Damirus uttered, smirking delightedly as he saw a sliver of confusion in Ulquiorra's eyes from the corner of his eyes.
"Meaning?" Ulquiorra asked his face staying neutral.
"I found an interesting fact. The orange haired boy that Aizen's looking for is a chosen soul combined with a demon. And not any demon, Hichigo." Damirus informed grinning in sheer insanity.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Aizen?"
"Doesn't know."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"Quit patronising me with the one word replies." Damirus snapped frustrated, glaring daggers at his nihilistic comrade. Ulquiorra turned away and let the flicker of an amused smirk cross his lips before walking away.
"Damn emotionless bastard." Damirus cursed turning, his glower onto the moon. "What next?" He sighed asking no one in particular as he shook his head.
So what did you think. A long chapter on my really late update, so I hope you enjoyed it. Please do tell me.
Oh and I'm really sorry if the little hichiruki I put in sucked I've never written in before.
Next Chapter: I've wrritten most of it but it's really late and I wanna go bed so I can't be bothered coming up with a summary preview.
I have no clue what I'm going to next. Reveiw and give ideas, it'll make me feel a whole lot better.
Note: I've written 35 chapters and about 3/4 quarters. oh and please review.