So…. I think it's been about a year since I last posted….. I am so sorry. I think I've said that in about the last ten chapters I've posted… But if you saw the note I posted, I will finish I promise, you'll just have to bear with me.
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Chapter 34: Darkness Surrounds, The Light Bursts Out
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Orihime walked silently next to Atsuko as they headed home. Just above them Ulqui-bat was flying around. "Atsuko-san... there's...so much going on... I'm scared... even with all the other things that have happened before now, this..." She shakes her head hugging herself, she hated seeing her friends have to fight and this sounded worse then anything else.
"It makes sense you are frightened. While the things you have gone against have been trials, this is something entirely new. Tell me back when you first saw a hollow how did you feel?" He asked her as he watched the bat fly about them a small yet sad smile on his face.
"I was scared... very scared. But Tatsuke needed me so I stood tall to protect her as she had me. I was scared but there was... this warmth that told me it was ok." She smiled a bit remembering her grip on her arms loosening a bit.
"You've yet to see a Shadow correct?" She nods at his question "I'm sure it will not be different. You have a very caring soul Inoue-chan, you like Ichigo-kun, have a heart that protects." He smiles at her "You have an abundance of faith that most humans seem to have lost over the years. It's why you were able to save Ulquiorra." The bat chirped at hearing his name, flying down closer to them.
"I didn't..." She shook her head not thinking anything she had done was helpful to the man.
"But you did." He holds his hand out and the bat lands on it. "If not, he wouldn't be here. You helped him understand what he had forgotten, helped him find what he had lost. You are a very key character Inoue-chan. Never forget just how important you are. How important all your friends are, even those without powers, for even they can have faith. And as Grimmjow-kun said faith is the most powerful ally we can have right now." He tells her as he scratches Ulqui-bat behind the ear. She hums and stops walking causing him to stop and turn to look at her. "Inoue-chan?"
She bit her lip as she thought, trying to figure out what she could do. "If ...I can get my other friends to have faith...will it help? To make people believe?" She looked at him hopeful, she wasn't sure what else she could do for everyone but that.
"Hm, a good idea." He nods agreeing, "But it's not so much believing in the five as it is trusting oneself. Believing in the good, and understanding the bad. That is what is important." He explained to her in his riddle like way.
"Understanding the bad?" She tilted her head not quite understanding his words.
He shakes his head "You will have to figure that out for yourself. But you are a clever girl, I have faith in you." He smiles holding the bat out to her. She takes him and smiles in return. "Good night Inoue-chan." He bows and turns away heading down the street. "Make sure you get some rest." He calls over his shoulder
"Good night sir, and you as well." She looks around realizing she had stopped a building shy of her apartment without realizing. "What do you think Ulquiorra-san? Do you believe we can do it?" He tilted his head before flying up to her door waiting for her making her giggle a bit. "Yes, I think so too." She runs up the stairs and opens the door, a fresh hope in her. "Time to get a good night's rest! Tomorrow I'll call Tatsuke and tell her about everything!"
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Grimmjow sat on the couch staring at the wall. He knew he should sleep but he was worried about Clair and the others. He sighs once more and his phone went off "Hello? (Hey, you sound awake, can't sleep either huh?)" Ichigo said on the other side. "Yes, I know I shouldn't be but... (You are worried, it's not a bad thing to be worried about people you care for. I'm worried too, about Tora and the others, about my family...Ishida too...) You think Atsuko was too harsh on him? (No...I think he needed to have it thrown at him like that. Like Urahara said he's been at war with himself. Hearing it all voiced by an outside source may help him sort through it better. I just hope he can find his way before...) They get to him? (Yeah.) I wish we could do more... (Yeah...)" Ichigo sighs on the other side of the line. "...I just thought of this did you notice Atsuko specifically acknowledged Aizen? (Huh? ...Now that you mention it... but I mean he's spoken of him before right?) You think Aizen may play a role in this as more than a search engine? (Well nothing is impossible I guess. Course Atsuko is weird so it may just be him being weird.)"
Grimmjow stood going to get a glass of water "That's true I suppose. What about that prophecy he found? What do you think? (That prophecies are annoying and super unclear. Like seriously if you are going to warn us then warn us don't give us a freaking riddle... as for a suspect of who I think it could be talking about... honestly it may be Ulquiorra, but it could very well be Aizen... it might be some random person we never would have thought of.) As much as I'd like it to be Aizen to have more of a reason to punch him in the face... I don't think it is, that bat is Ulquiorra's heart right? Therefore what's left wouldn't know that he was being controlled right? (You have a point, but with that it could be Nnoitora too couldn't it? He's despair after all.) And Ulquiorra is emptiness. To be in despair you would have had to know light at some point wouldn't you? (You have a point there... but we can speculate all night and get no closer to an answer. ... want to spar? I need to waste some energy or I'll never sleep tonight.) Yeah, back to Urahara's? (Yeah, see you there.)" The line cuts and Grimmjow sighs as he sets his glass down.
He thinks back to when he first met Clair and how different everything was as he walked back to the shop. Back then it was just about learning of the human world, about Clair, about being alive. Then it turned into this survival test. Constantly trying to get stronger so as to stay alive. It was a bit like being in Huecho Mundo, you could never let your guard down there, you always had to keep an eye over your shoulder and you couldn't trust anyone. But he could trust now, he could trust Clair, and Ichigo, and the others. But he was afraid to trust himself, even with what Atsuko had said that fear it was him still lingered. He was afraid that for all the strength he had gained he would be turned on his friends, and worse on his love.
He shook himself realizing he had stopped walking 'Stop it, this won't help anyone.' he chastised himself 'You seem to be worrying a lot, it's storming in here' Pantera commented. 'Been awhile since you spoke up.' 'Yes, well you've been busy focusing, didn't want to interrupt.' 'Yeah, it seems like it's going to come to a close soon.' 'Are you ready for it to end?' Grimmjow stopped again her voice sounding oddly sober 'Pantera?' 'Are you ready for the final battle Grimmjow?' '...I don't know...' He swallowed something about the way she spoke set him on edge. The way she worded it made his entire being tense with a strange soberness as odd as that sounded. 'I just hope I can do enough.' 'As long as you do what you feel you need to and don't hesitate, I'm sure it'll all be fine.' 'Hesitating isn't an option anymore.' He said taking a breath and calming himself as he continued on his way.
"Hey, you look lost in thought." Ichigo commented coming up alongside him as he walked.
"Was talking to Pantera." Ichigo nods understanding, he had been talking with Zangetsu and Shiro as well. "Its... a strange feeling... It's like I can tell it's almost over. I both want it to come and never arrive at the same time." Grimmjow sighs shaking his head.
"Anxiety does that. You want it to be over so that you don't have to deal with it anymore, but you know the worst is yet to come before it ends and so you don't want to reach that tipping point." Ichigo commented kicking a small stone as he walked.
"You sound familiar with that." Grimmjow chuckles.
"Yes well, it was like that with Aizen I suppose. I knew I had to face him and the closer it came the more afraid I was and when the time came I froze. I couldn't do anything. I was terrified. It wasn't like against you or Ulquiorra, it was sooo much worse. With the two of you I could still see hope, still fight for that small chance... but... he was a monster compared to you. Like when you are a kid and too scared to get out of bed for fear of what's under it that could grab and hurt you. I could tell even from one hundred feet away he could kill me easily if he wanted. Even with everyone there, no one was a match. I watched them all fall and all it did was make that fear worse. My dad, Urahara and Yoruichi showed up and even they barely scratched him. What could I do against that? That's what I thought. It's impossible facing down a monster of that power. I said as much to my dad who at first seemed like he wasn't going to force me to fight, not till I mentioned being able to sense his power. Even he couldn't, Urahara barely could. But I could sense all of it. Me who sucks at sensing power. So he pulled me along. And told me there was a way, but Zangetsu would not want to help me and I would have to force him to."
"The Final Getsuga?" Grimmjow asked, and Ichigo nodded "You literally had to give up everything in order to save everyone." He says looking up at the moon, "It's a scary thought but not a foreign one. We could all very well have to do the same in this coming battle."
"Yes...and I don't think I'm ready for that... not again."
"Being ready for death... only happens just before it takes you. You can either greet it in peace, fear, or rage."
"How did you greet it?" Ichigo asks curiously recalling Grimmjow's story.
"Hm... a mix I think of all three. At first there was rage, rage at my family being taken. Then fear as I myself did not wish to die. Then lastly I thought I'd be able to with them yet..."
"Your rage was too great in the end and you hollowfied." Grimmjow nodded. "It's odd, how one can become a monster in order to save someone dear to them. I hollowfied to save Inoue when she needed me, it was the only way to contend with Ulquiorra, but by gaining the power to protect her I ended up hurting Ishida."
"Power is dangerous no matter who's it is." Urahara comments as they come to the shop. "But once you understand all aspects of what you wield then you no longer have to fear it, simply respect it. As I told you back when I first trained you."
"I remember. Fear dulls the blade, if you counter you don't let them cut you, if you defend you don't let them die, when you attack you kill." Ichigo recites and the older man nods and moves back into the shop holding the door open for them. The two head down to the training area. "Everyone on my side has made it out these last two times... I can't shake the feeling..."
"That one of us won't?" Ichigo nods with a thick swallow, "I had the same thought to be honest. Like... I'm not even sure how to describe it. This is the first time I can remember truly want to fight for something I want. So..."
"Well it looks like none of us could sleep." Hallibel remarks coming over to them, the other female arrancar with her, "shall we all spar then?" The boys nod and they split. Ichigo and Nel against the Tres Beasta and Grimmjow against Hallibel. "Let's see how much stronger you have gotten because of that girl." He nods releasing his shikai and brings down his mask shocking the girls as they had yet to see the change. "Well then," she smiles behind her own mask "Let's see what you can do."
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"This... is horrible..." Yue comments looking out from Clair's home. "I know what you said but... to not even be able to see out..." Her hands were covering her mouth the snake curling tightly about her, both in worried and trying to comfort her.
"It's gotten dark since we came here..." Lilliente comments holding one of the elemental animals for comfort. "It's like this weight is being pressed in. Stark has been keeping watch on that dumb stone almost constantly. He was actually just about to call for you just before you got here. He's really worried."
"As he should be." Yue sighs dropping her hands to hug the snake closer.
"They are almost ready to strike." Clair remarks coming out to the open yard, having gone to speak with Stark upon getting there. "They only have to wait for the opportune time. And then we will once more be at war. No more of these skirmishes, no more tricks, no more behind the scenes manipulation, just all out battle. You two must be prepared to fight at the cost of your lives." She looks at the young arrancar seriously.
"We understand, and we will do everything we can to protect this place, and these little guys. But... It's still scary..." She looks down petting the leafy creature in her arms as it chirps, several others were gathered around her all of them having taken a liking to her rather quickly.
"War always is. Now it's time we make strong the defense." Clair steps forward glowing Tora and Yue at her side "I want to erect a secondary barrier so we will need to push them back as much as we can." she holds her hand out, Yue and Tora coming to her and setting their hands on hers. The three of them began to glow brightly as waves of power were sent out from them in all directions, after a few moments the light stilled as they began to put up a barrier. Once the light faded they heard Lilli gasp and choked out a sob. The girls all turned outward to see what was wrong.
The space between the two barriers was now clear of darkness and the land could be seen. However what was on the land is what caused her gasp. The bodies of the elemental animals that hadn't made it to the crystal home were withering away, but that wasn't the worst part. Some that had been stronger, the ones that hadn't been killed by the rush of shadow, had instead become corrupted and contorted in to hideous shadow beast with no thought.
"No!" Tora gasped hands going to her mouth as tears began forming. Yue stared distraught at the sight unable to do anything, even the snake simply stared. Clair's eyes were wide as she stood frozen before walking with heavy feet to the barrier and setting a hand on it tears rolling down her face unhindered. "...This...this is too much... too horrible... to do such a thing..." Tora sobbed, Yue moving at the sound and hugged her.
Clair growled as she watched the Shadows on the other side of the far barrier one forming in front of the others. She could feel it smirking and heard it's laughter. It was taunting them, holding its arms out as if it was saying look what we can do, what can you possibly do against us? It's laughs became louder as she clenched her fists at her sides her own growl becoming louder as she began to glow. Her power began surging the light forming around her into a large dragon it's wings flaring out and tail lashing. "I will not... I will not lose to you, I will not let you get away with this!" She yelled and her power roared as she cried out, a large fierce blast going out from her very core. It was far stronger then what the three girls had release just moments before, the Shadows cried out in pain at the mere sight of it and were turned to ash when it hit them. The corrupted animals were purified and collapsed where they were.
"Clair!" Tora called out going to her and catching her as she fell. Tears were streaming down Clair face uncontrolled as she shook in the Tiger's arms. "Clair are you crazy?! You used your life force!"
"What?!" Yue ran over but Clair had already passed out. "...She must have been too distraught to stop... I'll tend to the animals... you take her to Grimmjow ok?" Tora nodded and stood with a thick swallow knowing she very nearly lost Clair in that moment. "Come on Lilli let's go check beyond the barrier."
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Grimmjow was about to strike Hallibel when Tora showed up with Clair in her arms. He stopped mid strike and went to her coming up short upon seeing her. "What... what happened... what's wrong?" he asked worried as Ichigo and the girls all came over as well. "She..."
"They... they were so close... We pushed them back and set up a second barrier... when we looked at the in between space..." Her voice was shaking as she tried not to cry again while Grimmjow took Clair as Ichigo comforted her. "The animals... if they weren't dead, they were corrupted... Clair... she couldn't handle it. She used all her power including some of her very life force to send out a great wave of light in her grief. It vaporized a good majority of the shadows and purified the animals... but she won't be waking up anytime soon. That blast was more than just grief, it was rage and hate and despair... it was everything the light cannot be."
"...It feels like... something is... off...not wrong per-say just…. like... there is something gone. Something missing." Grimmjow says looking down at the pale blond in his arms. "Is that because of the blast?"
"Yes, as I said the light cannot be those things, they are darkness. But being human she still comes upon them. Still feels them and experiences them. But it contradicts her very being. So they are forced down captured by her own light and sealed away. The rest of us are not separate from the dark and so we must send our darkness away by force, while hers gets separated instinctually. But it remains within her, it's rather confusing to explain but... when she released that blast of power she also was releasing her emotion within it. If... I remember correctly this release happens every life though not normally like this or to this degree." Tora tried her best to explain, it would be much easier if Phoenix and Ryu were around.
"So she will be ok?" He asked a little less worried now that he knew it was something that happened every lifetime.
"Yes, just give her a few days to rest." Tora nods leaning on Ichigo for support. "She will be a bit odd when she wakes up, simply because there will be no negativity in her when she does. It will be a bit like she's had a shot of morphine. She will also be able to take on her dragon form now. When Phoenix gets back he can tell you more about it."
"What about you?" Ichigo asked worried for her. She smiled a bit saying she should go back and help them clean up. "...Tora... are you sure you are ok?"
"As I can be... thank you" she kisses his cheek and vanishes.
"...I hate this..." Ichigo growls feeling helpless, "you should take her home."
"Yeah..." Grimmjow nodded feeling the same helplessness but shook himself. He needed to be strong for Clair, for everyone. He needed to have faith. He'll stand by Clair till the end and beyond. He started for the ladder as Nel asked to come along to help watch over her. "Yes, thank you." He smiles at her as she walked with him. They get back to the house and Grimmjow sets Clair in her bed while Nel grabs them both chairs so they can watch over her.
"She'll be ok Grimmjow so don't worry alright?" She smiles rubbing his back "Sit down ok?" he nods and does so eyes never leaving Clair.
"It's a funny thing. Back when I first met her there was this strange draw that I couldn't explain. Being near her was just, it felt right and I didn't understand it. But now after everything, it makes sense that I was drawn to her." he chuckles a bit "Why I was so quick to want to protect her and help her. I thought Pantera and Ichigo were crazy back then saying it was because I liked her." He smiles fondly at the memories, it all seemed so long ago now, but it had probably only been about two months.
"But you did, you loved her and still do and will continue to. Right?" Nel smiled at him "I'm happy for you, it's good that you found her." he smiled as well nodding. They sat in silence for a good while before Phoenix returned. Nel quietly got up when Grimmjow made no move to go to him. She found him in the living room about to walk down the hall "She's sleeping, Tora said she would be for awhile." She told him but figured he'd already know.
"Yes, I figured the burst would happen soon but for it to happen under such circumstances..." he sighed and sat on the couch. Nel sat on the chair across from him as he stared at the floor "The burst is a way for her to cleanse herself. If the dark in her is not released in such away it could hurt her badly. So a burst of power and emotion helps sooth the release making sure the dark doesn't touch her. But this... even from where I was I could tell it scraped at her core. There was too much pain. Tora told me what happened, what caused it..." he bite his lip and closed his eyes tightly fists clenching at his sides, "That our home... our small friends... that they've fallen like this..." He was shaking.
"Phoenix..." Nel says softly not sure how to help comfort him, and so just hugged herself. "It... will all work out though right? We will win right?" She wanted so badly to believe like Grimmjow was able to but it was so hard.
"Yes. We will. In that I have faith. Clair dealt a heavy blow just now so we have a bit of time to finish preparing. They will be strong but we will be stronger." he says looking up at her confidence in his words showing in his eyes making her relax feeling better. "We will win." Grimmjow came out to the living room just then. "Grimmjow?" He hadn't expected him to leave his sister's side.
"She can tell you are here." he says "You are more familiar to her." Phoenix nods understanding and gets up but stops beside him.
"We don't always all make it out... you know that right? We will win, but we may not all make it. There could be a heavy cost to this all." He spoke quietly so Nel couldn't hear.
"Where there is destruction there is bound to be sacrifice..." Grimmjow says with a heavy heart, He knew very well the cost of war. "I know what can come." He looks at Phoenix his eyes showing his understanding of what the future could hold. Phoenix nods and clasps his shoulder firmly before going to his sister. 'Pantera... I...' 'It's alright Grimmjow.'
"Grimmjow? Are you alright you look... lost" Nel asks coming over to him. He shakes his head and gives a small smile saying he will be alright. "We will make it... all of us. We will win and we will all be there to see it. You and me and Ichigo and Clair and everyone...right? Promise?" she said stopping in front of him head bowed.
"We will win, but I cannot make such a promise as that. You know very well I cant." he pulls her into a hug as she cried a bit "But I promise that each and every one of us will do our absolute damnedist to make it back alive... though half of us are technically dead already if you think about it." he added in jest succeeding in making her laugh "There you go, no more tears ok?" he wipes them from her cheeks. She nods and gives a wavering smile, "Let's head over to Hallibel's ok?"
"You don't want to stay with Clair?" she asks confused.
"I do but I think it's best Phoenix stays with her for now." he said softly "Besides I don't think any of us ate." he chuckles as Nel's stomach growls making her blush. They head over and Grimmjow goes to the kitchen looking at what they had, "I'm going to guess that you have been ordering food by the trashcan being full of takeout boxes."
"Well it's not like we really know how to cook. I mean Hallibel was able to make a few things but that's it." Mila rose comments sitting at the table.
"Well how about instead of staring at me all helpless like that, you come over and I can show you what I've learned." He rolls his eyes as all the girls give sheepish looks and go over to him. He has them help with a few things before they sit down to eat.
"How is she?" Sun Sun asks him after they finish. He shrugs saying she was still out and that Phoenix was with her. "But she will be ok right?" he nods but stays quite "Grimmjow..."
"...How about you tell us more about your time here in the living world?" Hallibel suggests. "Like how did you get here and what happened to make you stay." He smirks a bit at this and begins tell them about how he ended up meeting Clair. Following her to work since he had nothing to do, fighting alongside Ichigo and gaining a gigai. Meeting her friends and her brother. Finding out about the Shadows, learning about the Sacred Beasts. Everything in as much detail as he could if only to occupy his mind and keep it focused. "Sounds like quite the adventure. Hearing about how you've changed and that you remember your life... it's interesting."
"Yeah, do you remember yours?" He asked truly curious if he was the only one that did.
"No...not really. I can sort of remember my death. I remember pain and anguish. Sorrow, loss, a somber happiness. I remember thinking 'don't cry you are alright now, that's what matters'. Then the next memory is of white sand and a black veil of endless night."
"You must have used yourself as a shield for someone." Grimmjow comments thinking about it. "I can only imagine what happened to the others to make them as they are." he sighs "This isn't going to be easy... not by a long shot. This may be the hardest battle any of us has fought." The girls all nod in agreement, they had come to understand that this was a war that in fact spanned centuries over and over it happened each time getting harder to fight. None of them will have faced such a thing before and it will come down to them at their core, they will have to believe till the last breath and beyond. But that's what was worrying for them. Could they really? Could they really believe so fully even while dying? "Now come on, don't look like that you lot. We'll get battered and beaten down for sure. But we will come out on top." he smiles at them.
Hallibel laughs after a moment "It's amazing how different you are. You are a leader in your own right. We will follow you Grimmjow, even to the end." She tells him her confidence returning. The other four see this and say they will also stand by him and alongside who he stands with. He blinks then chuckles thanking them. Hallibel smiles 'We will win, don't you worry Grimmjow, we will make it happen. For everyone. No matter what.' She thinks as the girls tease him for blushing at the praise.
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The next day Clair's phone rings and Phoenix answers "Clair's phone. (Who is this and where the hell is Smistan!?) Ah you must be the boss-man. I'm her brother and she is sick in bed and won't be coming in. (She has to help with the showcase! She can't not come in I don't care if she is on her death bed!) Wow you really are an ass. Look I'm sure the others can handle themselves just fine without her for a few days. (Whether they can or not isn't the point it's her job!) And she is sick and not fit to be near people so get over yourself." HE growled understanding Clair's annoyance with the man. "Look... is Ishida there? (Yeah so what?) Give him the phone" He sighs hoping Uryuu would listen at least a little.
"(...Hello?...) Hey so I know you probably couldn't give two shits about any of us at this moment in time but Clair is passed out and won't wake up for a few days due to being an idiot and using life force. Make a stupid medical excuse for us yeah? (She...what?)" He could hear him swallow on the other end "Life force you know the energy which allows you to continue living? (I...I see... that... How did this happen?) They hurt people from our home, and I'm not talking America I mean the home of the Beasts we have other living beings there... they corrupted them and it was too much for her and she just release power. (...I... understand I'll tell him to lay off.) Thank you. You know none of us Actually hate you right? We just get super irritated with your attitude and such. (...Yeah, yeah I get it... just... take care.) Yeah." The call ends and Phoenix sighs.
"What was that all about?" Grimmjow asks yawning as he comes by heading to get a soda and some cereal.
"Nice breakfast. Clair's work calling I got Ishida to cover though. If anyone understands the finer points of energy it would be a quincy. Help call everyone here, I think it's best we tell them all what has happened and explain it better. ...We are having a lot of these little meetings aren't we." he chuckles a bit. Grimmjow nods pulling out his own phone dialing Ichigo as he takes a bite of his food.
Within two hours everyone managed to get there. Everyone included the four Beasts left awake, the arrancar girls, Ichigo, Orihime and Ulqui-bat, Chad, Urahara and Yoruichi, Rukia and Renji, and even Isshin who insisted on coming with Ichigo after seeing how he had been acting the past few days. The TV screen was connected to Soul Society where the rest of the captains were. Shunsui had seemingly even allowed Aizen to join in as he was sitting in the back. Gin was also present and standing by Rose.
"Well now that everyone is here, I can begin explaining. But I have to laugh at myself first." Phoenix says making everyone give him confused looks "Well... we have had this bad habit of only giving information out in pieces and well we see how well that's gone." He makes a broad motion.
"It does work fabulously in movies doesn't it." Tora chuckled seeing what he was getting at. "Back on topic though." She shook her head motioning for him to get on with it.
"Yes topic 'Clair' as always it seems. Last night she went to her home in our own little world where Stark and Lilliente now reside. The Shadows had closed in. She, Tora and Yue pushed them back and added a secondary barrier. But after they did they saw the carnage left behind. In our home are animals made of our elements... not all of them managed to make it to the safety of Clair's home." He looked down at his hands.
"So she saw a bunch of dead animals big deal?" Kenpachi asked and Tora growled.
"They aren't normal animals Kenpachi. They are intelligent many are capable of speaking. They are our friends each and everyone one of them. It wasn't a bunch of dead animals we saw. It was our friends, our allies. And..." she looked down clenching her jaw as Ichigo wrapped and arm around her. "Not all of them were dead..." She whispered not able to say what happened.
"They had been corrupted, zombified almost." Yue picked up speaking "Twisted and disturbing... it was more horrible then seeing the ones that had died." She said quietly just loud enough for everyone to hear. Yachiru bopped Kenpachi on the head telling him he was mean and needed to be more considerate cause girls are more sensitive. This gave everyone a much needed chuckle as he grumbled and shut up rather than commenting like he had been about to. "The Shadows began taunting we could hear their chilling laughter. Clair growled a growl I haven't heard since the last battle so very long ago. Her true form took shape around her through her power. If you looked closely there was a black area within yet separate from the dragon. When she roared the power released. You could, in that instant, feel what she did. The rage, the hate, the anger, the sorrow, the devastation... all of it. But above it all, love. The love she held for each of those that had been taken from us, from her. The blast vaporized all the Shadows within a mile, and purified the animals that had been corrupted."
"So couldn't she just do that with others that get corrupted?" Soi Fon asked acting like it was just that simple. Making the Beasts all bristle at her incompetence and lack of understanding.
"You seem to miss the point that this war has been going on just about as long as time itself. If it was that easy we wouldn't all be here would we?" surprisingly it was Aizen that interjected. This of course pissed Soi Fon off.
"Aizen is right. Clair loved the animals and so she was able to save them. But even than only because of what that blast was. It was not normal." Phoenix takes back up the explanation. "But more about the blast later. I want to make sure you all understand why she can't save everyone like this, since you still don't seem to get it. And it is very simple. She doesn't love them. She will be incapable of saving Nnoitora for instance. Only Nel is capable of that feat and only if her love for him is strong enough. If you all care to remember back to when I returned Gin to Rangiku, she was very nearly taken by them and it was only he that was able to save her. Hitsuguya may have been able to, but the chance of such was very slim. Gin died for her once already and so his love is strong enough to push away darkness." Gin made a comment about he was going to make him blush.
"In other words unless someone truly loves you, you cannot be saved, is that what you are saying?" The ninja captain asked shooting Gin a glare for his unnecessary comment. Phoenix nods, "So most people are screwed." She states mater-of-factly.
"Basically, but only if they succumb to the darkness in the first place. Otherwise there is no need to be saved, you know other than physically from getting cut in half or something." Ryu says "Now as for the blast which Clair set off. Clair as you know is the embodiment of light. But in human form. Because of this she contradicts herself." he holds up a hand stopping people from speaking up "If you let me finish please without going 'eh?' at me. Light cannot be dark. But being human she can feel emotions that are dark. Hate, rage, and pride to
name a few. So she conflicts, and unfortunately that confliction can end up creating more darkness such as guilt and depression. But it is all taken and forced down by her power. A part of her yet not. Completely sealed off yet continuing to get denser. It's like take a fifty pound hunk of metal, it's be fairly big right." he holds his hands up making a block shape. "now press it down on itself, making it smaller and smaller. And the more you push the denser it gets. So now it's the size of a coin, but there is more to be added. It's not meant to be like that. It doesn't want to stay small and controlled. And will eventually need released. Therein lies the big problem." He stops taking a breath from talking so much in one go.
"As I told Ichigo and Grimmjow last night, the four of us are able to meditate and send our darkness away from us. Clair instinctually separates hers and forms it into this ball." Tora says giving him a small break.
"But if it needs released then why do that?" Rukia asked confused "If it can become a danger then why bottle it why not get rid of it like you do?"
"She can't, a long time ago I realized each of us has an insanity. But for the life of me couldn't figure out what the Centers was." Ryu comments seemingly randomly. "Yue was probably the easiest to figure out. She has a split personality due to having to watch over both good and bad decisions. Phoenix sees the ever changing future all the time and is unable to do much about it. Tora is stuck in the constantly shifting present caught between future and past. Hence her bipolar-ness. And I constantly gain the past every second multitudes of information coming to me to be stored away. But what was the Center? Then it hit me, she's a contradiction, it's just that simple. She can't have darkness as part of her but to push it out will harm her and so she must hold it in or be injured. She constantly wars with herself, and that just makes more of what she can't live with. Her becoming human was probably the stupidest thing she could have ever done. But hindsight is twenty-twenty. And even knowing all this she would have still done it in order to walk amongst everyone. Mouth's dry..." he gets up to get water.
"I'm sure you are wondering 'how would getting rid of what hurts her, hurt her?' You know how throwing up burns your throat because of the stomach acid? Same kind of thing." Tora says "Basically unless it remains wrapped in a really large bundle of light and goodie-two-shoeness it will burn her from the inside out. And it will take an even longer time for her to recover. So that's what the blast is. A big ol' bundle of light wrapped around the dark to get rid of it."
"Most of the time it happens in a controlled environment. We are all there and all ready for it, but sometimes, like last night, it gets triggered by a large rush of emotion both good and bad. These are when she tends to pass out for more than just a few hours. But this time was worse. The last time I saw it be this bad was when ..." he looked at Grimmjow "She had a husband in one life, he died and the pain over took her and she released a similar blast, one in which some of her life force was used." Grimmjow clenched his jaw and looked down. "It's a very dangerous thing, especially as she had been with child at the time. And the only one here that I know of who has come close to using life force is Ichigo." he looks over at him.
"The Final Getsuga." Isshin says speaking up for the first time. "It stops just short of taking your own life but uses every single ounce of spirit energy one has. But yes it is very dangerous." Ichigo nods at his father's words his hand going to his chest remembering the pain that came after using the move. "It's not a fun experience by any means." He places a firm hand on Ichigo's shoulder.
"You never felt the other end of it. Trust me that's no cake walk either." Aizen comments making many of those in the living room chuckle while everyone else looked baffled by his commentary. "I am allowed to make observations so if you would kindly stop gawking like idiots."
"Is he sick or something?" Shinji whispered, but was heard by pretty much everyone.
"Probably just happy not to be confined in a single room, without anyone to talk to. But his comments as amusing as they are, aren't relevant right now." Ryu says "What's important now is that everyone understands that while that blast has given us time. It also shows just how serious this is. I want not a single one of you to take this lightly. The winter war against Aizen and the espada was bad. But you all made it out, injured for sure, but alive. But this... it is likely a lot of us could die. And yes I'm including us five. We have had times where we haven't all made it. So take to heart, that till the very end you must not let your guard down, you must believe till the last breath and beyond that victory is possible. Because in this final battle you show even a small amount of doubt and they will try to take hold." He says and everyone becomes quite till Aizen steps forward.
"I said so last night. But is believing really enough? In the end more should be needed then something so flimsy as belief when going against something as powerful and dangerous as this. Simply believing in oneself and others sounds too easy. Not to mention cliché."
"Aizen, I don't like you I really don't. But sometimes yes, it is just that simple, there is no complex equation, no well thought out plans. Just simple and pure faith, as cliché as it might seem. And if it comes down to it, I'd rather fight beside you then against you so how about at least trying to perk up and believe that no matter what happens to any of us that we will win." Grimmjow says a determination in his eyes that is quite familiar to the brunette Shinigami, making the man hum and smirk.
"Coming from you I suppose that means something a little bit more. I know how much you hate me after all. You truly believe in her don't you?" Aizen raises an eyebrow as everyone looks between the two of them.
"With everything I am or ever will be, I will stand by her till the end and beyond." He states firmly.
"And we will stand by Grimmjow." Hallibel adds in the girls beside her nodding. While he was no longer an arrancar they saw him more than worthy of being their leader.
"And if it comes down to it... Will you be willing to stay out of someone else's fight and fight on your own front and allow another to die lest those near you take the fall?" Aizen scans over them all eyes settling on Ichigo who his words were mostly directed at.
"What do you know?" The teen glares at him, Isshin's grip on his shoulder tightening trying to keep him calm.
"In truth, nothing. That is simply how war works. You were lucky against me but now, in this full scale war, you are going to be given a choice. Stand by those next to you or run to help another leaving those next to you with the chance of being overrun. I say this to you specifically as you like to try and save everyone. This time as the dragon said, you can't, people will die. So I ask you boy, can you fight knowing that you will see your friends fall? And that there won't be anything you can do to stop it?"
"I've never claimed to be able to save everyone. Just those I can hold in my hands and carry on my back. I said as much to Ishida when I first met him." Ichigo counters. "I will always do what I can."
"And when you can't?" He asks again making everyone rather confused why he was forcing the subject to such a degree.
"I will continue." he says with his own determination.
"Continue to do what? They will be dead." Aizen states shaking his head.
"To watch over those that were protected by their sacrifice. To fight in their stead. I will Not bow to any that dares attack those I care for. I won't stop fighting till something manages to stop me from breathing and even then I will stand right back up and continue! Just ask Ulquiorra." he says with a growl in his voice that made it sound like Shiro was speaking alongside him agreeing with every word.
Phoenix chuckles at the last comment. "I think Ichigo and Grimmjow are great examples of belief in self and others. So Aizen, can an old dog learn new tricks? Can you learn to once more believe in something other than power?" He hums but gives no answer as he sits back down a small smirk on his lips. "All of you should begin full preparations. This will probably go down shortly after Clair wakes in a few days. I'd give it a week and a half tops." Everyone nods and the screen cuts out.
"Is it just me or was Aizen chatty?"
"Just you I'm sure Yue" Ryu said standing.
"He seemed more like he was trying to convince everyone else to stop doubting more than himself." Orihime comments leaving everyone stunned and gaping at her. "It is pretty easy to tell when Kurosaki-kun is feeling down and doubting." she smiles sheepishly.
"OI!" he retorts and Tora laughs.
"Well she has a point in that at least but I'm not sure about the Aizen bit. That seems way out of character." Yue says.
"Out of character is the In thing now-a-days, don't you think?" Phoenix motions to the room, Ryu chuckling. "What's important now is getting ready and understanding fully what will be going down."
"Oh Grimm, by the way. It's not uncommon for Clair to change her look after the first release." Tora comments as she stands.
"Eh?" He looks at her rather confused.
"She'll probably just cut her hair." Phoenix shrugs.
"Eeeeh?" his eyes got wide that was not something he had ever thought would ever happen.
"She may even dye it, she had been talking about that a while back." Yue comments as well getting only silence in return. "Something wrong?"
"...No... just can't picture her with short hair. Don't really want to." he pouted. He liked her long gold hair and how it flowed about her. But if she wanted to cut it then he wasn't going to stop her but he would miss the long hair. "So it's almost lunch time" he comments.
"I don't feel like cooking who's up for Atsuko's?" Phoenix suggests and everyone agrees. When they get there Atsuko has them head back to the private room since there is so many of them. As Phoenix and Grimmjow go by he give a them reassuring look that tells them he knows about Clair already. They all eat in relative silence, every now and then someone tried to get a conversation going and to get their spirits lifted. It isn't till Atsuko starts teasing Phoenix who was sitting next to Yoruichi that the mood lightened up. "Jerk..."
"Aw I thought you loved me" he pouts hanging on him.
"Get off you wierdo!" Phoenix growls as Yoruichi laughs enjoying his torment. "That isn't helpful!"
"It isn't supposed to be!" Mood lightened Atskuo considers his job done and leaves the poor bird be. Isshin decides it's his turn by teasing Ichigo but swiftly gets a punch in the face. After about an hour everyone begins heading home.
()()()()
Five days pass and the four Beasts, Grimmjow, the girls and Ichigo are all in the living room watching a movie after finishing their training for the day when they hear movement from Clair's room. "Seems like she's up." Phoenix comments but makes no move to go to her and grabs Grimmjow shoulder pulling him back into the seat "Let her get a shower and such. She will be fine." Grimmjow huffs and the others chuckle. Another hour or so later they hear footsteps.
"Ah, everyone is here that's nice. How are you all?" Clair says in a soothing voice a soft smile on her face. Then blinks as they all stare at her "Is there something wrong? I know I slept for a time but surely that isn't why you are staring?" She asks confused.
"Oh em gee..." Yue over pronounces before jumping up and hugging her "I love your hair!"
"Thank you." Clair laughs and hugs her friend. All eyes went to Grimmjow for his reaction to her now layered shoulder length hair that was red and purple underneath with a blue stripe in her bangs. There were two sections that came around by her neck that were slightly longer coming down to her chest. "Grimmjow?" she tilts her head as he swallows and looks away a blush coming on his face.
"And here you were worried you wouldn't like it?" Phoenix teases. Making everyone laugh though it seemed go over Clair's head at the moment.
"Um...Grimmjow are you alright?" he nods and mumbles something which only Phoenix hears. What it was caused him to roll off the couch in laughter. "What is it Phoenix?"
"He... he said... you... could have...have used more blue!" Phoenix laughs out and everyone else joins in while Grimmjow blush deepens and Clair just gets more confused.
"I only had a little bit of blue from a sample pack so I wouldn't be able to put more in. Otherwise I probably would have." She explains simply.
"You are so weird when you wake up." Yue chuckles this actually gains a reaction from the not so blond-blond as she blushes. "I win!"
"Damn it!" The other three grumble. Making everyone confused. "We have a bit of a competition of who can get a reaction from her first. Confused doesn't count as that's normal." explained Phoenix.
"Hey~ I'm not always confused" she pouts.
"No just it's the first thing that normally happens after you wake up. And I am second." he holds up two fingers for victory.
"... you guys suck." She grumbles running a hand through her now much shorter hair.
"And there's the Clair we all know and love!" Yue hugs her again making Clair roll her eyes.
"With how quickly that happened it almost makes you wonder if it was an act." Ichigo comments remembering back to the first day he met her and saw he mess with the guy from her job.
"Oh she'll come and go for the next day or so." Tora waves him off "Come watch pirates with us." she pats the spot on the couch that was next to Grimmjow. Clair nods and sits next to him. He wraps his arm around her and kisses her cheek.
"I'm glad you are ok." she giggles saying he was silly that of course she would be. "Yeah. I do like your hair though." he said running his fingers through it, he could get used to it. She hummed and smiled happily, snuggling into him.
()()()()
So I'll leave you on a happy note with this chap, it's going to get serious pretty fast from here on out. I feel like I give Aizen way to much credit(I feel like I've said that before) But I just can't bring myself to hate the guy you know? I mean I'm not overly fond of him, but he's honestly in my top ten bleach characters. Sorry if it felt a bit like a repeat of last chapter what with the 'you must believe' stuff everywhere. But it is a pretty key thing and we are dealing with beings that can make you doubt yourself just by standing near them so yeah.
Who do you think will die?(someone's gotta) Will I be super cruel?(depends on my mood I guess) Will Aizen find his heart?(?) Will Nel save Nnoi?(They do make a cute couple don't you think?) Will I be super cliché in the final battle?(Probably) Will I get the next chapter up before another years goes by?(hopefully) So many questions so few answers.(sorta)
I would like to again thank everyone who is still with me, and everyone that has joined me along the way. And to once more apologize for my inactivity.