Chapter 36: Prepare! The fake battle
Aizen-sama had given me a very importation job. Yes, very importation. But before I could begin…I was in need to take a group with me. Therefore I begin to gain ones to take with me.
But regardless this job would be easy.
Soon I opened a door as Yammy looked toward me, "Ulquiorria? What do you want?" He quickly questioned my being there. He maybe nothing but power; But he would be of good use on this job. That was all that mattered. "Looks like you're all better. Wasn't it a good idea to bring back your dismantled arm, even just as a souvenir?" I asked him staring down at it. "It's taking too long…my arm's gonna rot off. It would be good if our bodies could regenerate automatically, like your eyeball."
He is very annoying in this way.
"Don't whine. Sticking it back together is better than nothing. If your arm was completely destroyed, like Grimmjow you'd also get kicked out from the Espada."
"Yeah, maybe."
"The treatment has been completed."
"Ok."
"How does it feel? Are there any differences in movement or response from before your arm was severed?"
"It's fine." Yammy said quickly smacking her head in. "No good, it I were in my original state, I would've been able to split her in half."
How brainless. He knows nothing, but how to use his strength. What trash…
"How lame, let's go…"
"Where to?"
"Aizen-sama is calling us."
Yes, Aizen-sama mustn't be kept waiting long. We are his will after all.
"Ulquiorra, reporting." I said as we entered his room, "So you came, Yammy, Ulquiorra." I could see stark and Halibel within the room with Aizen-sama as well as three others. He was giving birth to another arrancar at the moment. "We were just wrapping up." Aizen-sama told us. "How is the current status of the Hougyoku's awakening?" I asked. "50% as planned according to those in soul society. Of course, there is no way to understand unless you are the person to directly touch the Hougyoku…and so most probably the Hougyoku was developed right after was sealed away. And from that was never released…not ever Urahara Kisuke would know. The Hougyoku that's in its dormant state will be release from its seal through temporarily fusing with one who has double the reiatsu of Captain level. Instantaneously." Aizen held the Hougyoku against the crystal box before him, "It'll expect the same level of power that Hougyoku has when it is fully awaken." The crystal box quickly fell apart from the impact from the power of the Hougyoku.
"Do you think…you can tell us your name? New comrade…?"
"Wonder wyce. Wonder wyce Marujera."
This wasn't the first time I had seen the Hougyoku give birth to one of our kind. But it was a bit hard to believe a small object of that could have so much power.
"You still remember, Ulquiorra the orders that I had given you one month ago?"
"…Yes."
"Execute it."
"I'm giving you the power to make the command; you can take whoever you like with you."
"Understood."
"…oh, that's right. Would you like to come along, Grimmjow?"
Time was quickly moving closer and closer to the winter war. All were training for that up and coming battle.
"Hime-sama, Kuchiki Rukia has asked for clearance to return her for training."
"That's fine."
"But also…she wishes to bring a human with her."
"A human?"
"Yes, her name appears to be Inoue Orihime." She let out a sigh.
So, you still wish to fight no matter, what don't you? Why can't you…just stay out of this battle?
"Hime-sama?"
"Fine, let her but Captain Ukitake much over see they're training." Hime quickly said staring down at her paperwork, "yes! I will let Kuchiki know as well as Captain Ukitake!" Istar quickly left the room. "…Inoue."
Is this the path you picked? Maybe he is right…you wish to become strong to protect ones around you too…right?
"She is a more fitting, Hime then I am…"
Soon another week when by and still no word from Hime. She had to get my messages by now right? But still…she wouldn't return my calls. Hime…what's wrong?
I stared down at my spirit cell again. What good would it do to call again? She wouldn't answer right? But Still I…I quickly tried again. But this time I heard a click, "Hime? It's-its Captain…" I started to say, "Why do you keep calling Hime-sama spirit cell, Captain Hitsugaya?"
That wasn't Hime's voice…
"I-I wish to speak with her…"
"I can't let you. I am Istar head of her element guard. Stop calling her; you are making her question what she should follow! Her duties or her heart!" Istar quickly yelled into the spirit cell, "…!" Hime didn't delete the messages she had. "Then you…"
"You never called before or even now. This never took place."
"I order you to put her, on now Istar."
"Sorry. But I don't have to follow your orders. Didn't you know? We element guards are Hime's personally squad 0." The royal guard…? Those four only live to protect and do as she wishes?! I can't believe it…! "You understand don't you? Then you are as bright as they say." She disliked me it was easy to see. She didn't like me close to Hime. No, she hated me all together. "Why…can't I talk to her for a minute?"
"You will only make her worry more if you do. She's far too worried over Inoue now."
"Inoue? But isn't she in the soul society now?"
"Baka. Don't you get it? Something is about to happen."
"…!" Then even there she isn't safe?
"Goodbye Captain Hitsugaya. Do not call Hime-sama spirit cell again."
"Wait!" I yelled as I heard a click. "Istar? Did I hear my spirit cell ring?" Hime quickly asked after that. "Nope." Istar quickly answered her. "Hmm? alright then…" I held my spirit cell open staring down at it. I couldn't hold this against her; Istar had deleted my messages not Hime.
But was something really about to happen? Baka…if she truly is that worried then of course. She had never been wrong before.
Never…
"Captain? Are you alright? You have been staring at your spirit cell for some time now…" Matsumoto asked me, "Yes, everything is fine." I told Matsumoto quickly closing my spirit cell and putting it away.
But…I can't protect Inoue from here. I can only hope nothing happens to her. If something was to happen to Inoue; I don't know what would happen to Hime.
Please be safe…
That happened about a month ago now. It was hard to believe a month when by that quickly. But it did…but even now, still she hasn't called. But…I'm sure it just because she been so busy. But also…she has no idea I even called her to start with.
But I guess I can't help but worry not speaking with her for this long…
You should just try calling her again, Master…
And what good would that do? Istar wouldn't let me speak with her remember?
I know that. But…you will keep worrying no matter what, right?
"…." I knew Hyourinmaru was right even if I didn't want to agree with him. He knew me far too well. I would keep worrying over her until I speak with her.
But…
"Shit, Shit, Shit! That bastard! Break, break, shit! It's sooo annoying!" I sigh hearing Ayasegawa yell out, "Shut up! Can't you just shut up for a bit?" Matsumoto asked him.
Master, you should try.
…I know that.
Then…why aren't you calling her?
…She's most likely too busy to speak with me.
"That bastard Fujikujyaku is soo annoying! I can't stand him! He's concocted full of himself. Thinks the world revolves around him and thinks he's beautiful! Arg! I can't stand him!! I definitely don't think that he'll ever become any of that!! That's beside the point! Even if he asks me, I won't help!"
The two of them were starting to get annoying…
It isn't like you to make up excuses. Before her and Zephyr used to always talk about you…
Really…?
Yeah, he was always pretty loud yelling at her for being stupid and not acting on her feelings…
"What are you talking about? That dude sounds exactly like you."
Hyourinmaru…
Master, you understand don't you? She wishes to be near you as much as you wish to be near her.
"My Hai Neko at home is selfish, moody, lazy good for nothing and stupid, I guess it's true what they say: same types repel."
…I wish, she could act more like she wants to be around me.
She cannot and you know why; because of her status and her place she cannot show her feelings before others.
I know, but still…
"Exactly the same. Rangiku-san, must be the type to look at her own picture and say this isn't what my face looks like!"
I couldn't take it anymore. They wouldn't shut up.
"You guys are noisy! Concentrate! Or I'm gonna kick you back to soul society!" I yelled toward the two.
The two of them together, sure are something.
Shut up.
"Seriously…I can't even have a quiet conversation with my sword…"
I thought we had been speaking just fine, Master.
I didn't ask for your input, Hyourinmaru…I heard him quickly laughing after that.
That is different and I was having trouble speaking to you over all the noise…
It really didn't sound that way to me.
Hyourinmaru!
Madarame slowly opened one eye staring up toward the sky, "The clouds are moving fast…" He whispered to himself. "Huh? Did you say something, Madarame?" I asked, "No. It's nothing…"
It sure was a weird request from Hime-sama! But, I never could say no to her! Oh, I hope she liked the candy I gave her element guard!
"…Hime-sama, Captain Ukitake gave me more candy for you…"
"Go, give it to Nabu."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Of course, she loved it! Then again, Captain Hitsugaya always has a sweet tooth too! Maybe, I should put some on his desk for when he returns! Yes, I will do that! But for now…I should do as I was asked. But I wonder why…Hime-sama wanted me to oversee Kuchiki Rukia and Inoue Orihime training. What a weird request from her. Well, no matter I don't really mind doing so. I could over see the two from the top of this hill. They were putting they're all into this. But really there isn't much time to become stronger very little time, they truly have.
But it looks likes Kuchiki has found a friend to open up too. That couldn't make me happier. She always had trouble opening up to others.
I smiled as I took a drink of my tea, "So there you are. What are you doing in a place like this?" I quickly turned to see Hisagi-kun standing there. "Ohh, Hisagi-kun! Not a thing! I just thought I would watch these two trains for a bit!"
"Isn't that Kuchiki and one of the Ryoka? Uh…"
"That's Orihime-chan. They're in training for the decisive winter battle, since last month."
"It sorta looks like they're having a good time for, training."
"Yes, so it does look like that! It might be because from way back she was bad at making friends…well, although that might be the fault of having a hard time of opening up…I was wondering what it could be that she'd actually become bashful when she came to me asking to open up the backyard graining ground for the 13th division squad. I'm glad; she's made a good friend."
"Even if that person is…human?"
"Don't say it like that."
"I apologize."
"No, it's fine. Even if you're not walking the same paths having friends is a good thing. And also…those kids aren't normal to begin with hence after coming to soul society; they might all become shinigami, you know?" Friends are needed by all kinds of people; because they will support you in the long run. Soon Hisagi-kun left me as I stared down toward the two again. "Four more months…it's still a short time to heal the heart but it's even shorter time for one to grow stronger. I prey, this temporary peacefulness…even if it's a little, will prolong…" I shook my head at these thoughts because I knew; the war would happen soon no matter what.
There is no way to stop it no matter what.
It was quickly felt then; there was no way not to understand what was happening when we saw the four over head.
The four Arrancars…!
"These reading! Hime-sama, Arrancars in the living world!"
"Again…this quickly? But that's…" Hime started to say as her cup quickly fell from her hand and scattered when it hit the ground, "Hime-sama? Are you hurt?" Istar quickly asked her. "…!" She stared into the green tea on the floor. "That look…she's having a vision now?" Istar asked herself.
"NO!"
Four of them this time. But this quickly…? This couldn't be right.
"Arrancars…? How could it…? No matter what, isn't it too fast for them?!" Ayasegawa asked, "It's certainly too fast. But it doesn't seem like we have the time to think of the reason…" I told him as I got to my feet. "Oh? We came out at a fun place didn't we? Looks like there are some in here with high Reiatsu. I guess I can go from this level for starters." Yammy grinned, "What are you saying? Those are shinigami. Those are what number six-san was talking about, Reinforcements from soul society, right? Ah, sorry. It's supposed to be former number six-san."
"He's not in that group. The guy that I want to kill." Grimmjow quickly left the other three behind, "Wait, Grimmjow! That bastard!"
"Leave it. After all, he's dropped from Espada. There's nothing he can or could do."
"The guy I want to kill isn't in this group either." Yammy said, "The one you want to kill is the one who cut your arm off? The one that beat you up good? Or is it the guy who repelled your cero?"
"All of the above! We're going new guy! How long are you gonna stay spaced out for?"
"Ah…"
"Seems like we're got another weird one in our group." Yammy quickly said. I quickly took a soul candy then raced toward him. Are Zanpakutou quickly blocked each other, "10th division squad Captain: Hitsugaya Toushirou." I told him. "Isn't this a coincidence, I'm also 10! Arrancar number ten, I'm Yammy!" number 10? Then he was an Espada? One of the top Arrancar. I better be careful.
"Number 10? You're talking about Espada?" I ask, "You know your stuff. Seems like you were fighting against someone with a big mouth." The large Arrancar told me. "You're also…Espada?" Madarama asked the one with short black hair, "That's right. I'm Rupee, ranked number six." Matsumoto looked unsure to attack the other arrancar that was still spacing out, "This guy…I'm not sure if it's ok to kill him…"
The Espadas have appeared in the northern region of Karakura! Captain Hitsugaya's and his team have ready engaged the four Espadas!
This quickly…? But…how? The time isn't up! No, there is no time to think about this!
"Kuchiki!"
"Yes?"
"We're just received the report! The kidou users should be opening the portal, now! Hurry to our squad's Senkaimon!" I yelled down to her, "Okay!" She quickly raced off as Orihime-chan yelled behind her. "Wait, Kuchiki-san! I…"
"You can't come Inoue. I told you when you first came here, right? Even if you go through the senkaimon with me, you'll end up in dangai. Because you do not possess a hell's butterfly." Kuichiki explained to her again, "I've given instructions to stabilizie the barrier inside dangai. In 15 minutes, you will be able to pass through the Dangai safely. I know you are anxious, but its times like this that you must stay calm, got it?"
"…Yes."
"Don't make that face, Inoue. I'll see you on the other side."
"…Ok!"
No way…the Espada?! This is way too early. The Hougyoku isn't supposed to awaken until winter! What are they trying to do…?
The Espada before me quickly shattered the Ice surround him like it was nothing, "What the hell was that? It was refreshing!"
"…Tch." Even though he is number ten and my limit has been lifted, I can't do anything to him without using my bankai.
Ayasegawa quickly when flying backwards, "I keep telling you, there's no way you can win one on one! Don't you get it?" Rupee asked, "Be quiet."
"Hey why don't you talk some sense into him? I'm seriously going to kill him soon, you know?"
"I'm not interested in a two on one."
"Oh, c'mon! You guys are so lame!" Rupee quickly looked toward Yammy. "Yammy! Let me have that kid too, okay? These guys are annoying…Let me at them four to one! After I release, I'll fight them all at once." I stared toward the dark hair Arrancar not believing it. He wanted to fight all four of us at once? Was he crazy?
He slowly started to withdraw his zanpakutou. He's releasing…his zanpakutou! After what happened last time…how much more speed and power they gain. I cannot let him!
"Don't think I'd let you go do so, that easy!" I yelled racing toward him, "Bankai!" The other one wasn't even Espada and I had trouble with him. But this one is number six of the Espada. There two powers are two different levels. "Daiguren, Hyourinmaru!" Wings of Ice quickly covered my back, "Strangle him, Trepa Dora." But it was too late to stop him as smoke quickly filled the air. "…Tch." Before I knew it a white arm came toward me. I quickly held my ice wings around me shielding myself from the attack, "What's wrong…is this all you got? I'm talking about your attacks in your after, release state." If this was all he had then I didn't have a reason to worry.
"Nice defense! But honestly I didn't expect you to be able to stop it. You Captain Level can fight, not what I expected. But you know, what if my attack now was to…go up eight times, could you deal with it?" I stared at the eight arms surrounding him. The eight quickly came toward me, "What…did you say…?!" I quickly felt the impact. "Captain!!!"
"…Shit." I quickly fell toward the ground. "I told you, didn't I? I said that we should go four on one. Ah, my bad. Or was it…four on eight?"
"Hime-sama? Can you hear me? Hey, it's Istar!" Istar cried shaking her.
But it was too late, her path had changed and no one could protect her now.
I'm only going to say it once more; come with me Woman…There was no turning back now. Inoue had been forced to save her friends or keep her freedom.
And…what did she pick?
To be continue…