When it came to writing the final draft of this chapter, I had a hell of a lot of fun with it. There's a lot going on, so much so that I had trouble working in everything that I wanted to get into this chapter. I re-wrote this a few times, each time including more and more content and characters. Anyway, this chapter marks the long-awaited return of the Sexta Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjacquez, as well as the debut of a few other characters...
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter XLVII: "The Harbinger"
The Soul Realm...
Szayel and his team were presently monitoring the 'Oken Anomaly'. The Arrancar Captain had made it a point to maintain regular surveillance of the distortion. To this end, the bespectacled Hollow had gone so far as to personally lead the team he'd assigned to the task whenever possible.
Among those present, included Nemu Kurotsuchi and Kenta Ando, standing on the large 'observation ring' situated around the Anomaly. The Lieutenant and the Fifth Seat Officer were busying themselves with taking readings, utilizing specially-made devices to scan the spacial/dimensional disturbance- in the hope they might be able to glean some useful information from it.
The sizable doughnut-shaped platform hovered almost a kilometer in the air. The metal that comprised the structure's main platform had been forged with this feat in specifically mind- so that the researchers wouldn't have to expend reiki simply in the line of studying it.
Just below it, was the 'cradle' that the platform rested upon, when not deployed. Renji Abarai had only just arrived at the cradle, pausing to glance upwards, before vanishing in a blur of movement...
An instant later, the tattooed Lieutenant appeared on the platform in a flash of Shunpo. "Sorry to just barge in on you guys like this." Renji offered with a smile. "Oh, Ando-san," the redhead went on as he noticed the other man. "Can we talk for a minute, I have that magazine I-"
Before he could finish his sentence, Renji was interrupted by an audible beeping sound coming from the instrument in the technician's hand. "Huh, what's that sound mean?"
"Captain Grantz..." Kenta Ando began, not answering him, or looking away from the device. It looked like a combination between a real-life voltmeter and a (Ghostbusters) 'spectrometer'. "I'm registering a rise in the energy readings- it looks like the output is increasing." He continued.
"That's odd, I wonder what it could mean?" Szayel mused as he turned to address him.
And then, something like energy (except black) 'crackled' in the air in front of Ando, before bouncing off the antennas of the device. The pale, clean-shaven Shinigami's eyes went wide in surprise.
His eyes went wide. "Captain, the readings I'm getting are off the charts..."
"Ando, be careful..." Szayel cautioned, advancing toward him. "One wrong move and-"
Before he could say any more, the entire platform shook as a much larger arc of energy crackled to life before the startled technician- leaving the others to look on in confusion- as it suddenly surged forward, leaping out and striking the confused man.
"Ando?!" Renji yelled, getting back to his feet.
Then, in an instant, the pitch-black energy had engulfed him entirely. "Officer Ando... ANDO!" Szayel exclaimed, as the man was transformed into a 'silhouette'- solid black, without any perceptible depth, his form somehow no longer refracting light. "My god..." The pink-haired Arrancar spoke aloud.
"KENTA?!" Renji called out frantically, reaching out in an effort to help him. Before Szayel could stop him, his left hand landed upon the other man's shoulder. As soon as contact was made, another surge of the energy arced outward- from Ando- engulfing his hand and forearm! Renji screamed, crying out in pain as he went reeling, while the other man's form flickering like a shadow.
Just then, the platform rocked violently, seemingly hit once more the same unseen force from earlier, leaving everyone to frantically grip onto the railings for purchase. All the while, the individual known as Ando flickered with darkness (somehow), while Renji lay on his back- screaming in agony!
The Octavio barely had time to register what was unfolding before him, frantically blinking his golden eyes in disbelief as Ando appeared to simply vanish.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Huecco Mundo...
Fourteenth Division HQ...
Work on rebuilding and modifying Las Noches into a livable habitat- for both the former Numeros and the Unaligned Arrancar- was now well underway. This was reflected in the number of Arrancar that had arrived and taken up residence within it during the last several months.
Additional structures had been built around the massive dome: including specialized greenhouses and reclamation plants, to supply food and drinking water. Interestingly, it wasn't taken long before multiple markets popped up, both in and around Las Noches. Soul Society had been interested to learn of this, as there was no prior evidence that the Hollows practiced in barter and trade.
Similar to the progress on Las Noches, construction of the Fourteenth Division was nearly done, such that its members had been able to fully move into their quarters the just last month. The facility sported high defensive walls along the entirety of its parameter- a necessity, given its location.
Within, there was decently-sized courtyard for training, with the main building divided into multiple sections- including both regular and officers' quarters, as well as a large mess hall, and a council room, among others. The sub-level served as storage, for various supplies and weapons, as well as housing the generators that provided power for the Division.
The Division was still undermanned, with its numbers barely at half-strength. This was mainly due to its newness, as they were still accepting applicants and actively recruiting.
At the moment, the Fourteenth was busy hosting some rather significant guests...
"Now now, Cirucci, that's no way for a lady to behave." Onigiri intervened with a smile.
The woman in question turned to glare at the horned, red-haired Arrancar. "And just what in the hell makes you think that I'm interested in behaving like a lady?" She countered.
"It's just a hunch," the Arrancar swordsman started. "But something tells me you wouldn't be drawing quite so much attention to yourself, if you didn't want others to notice you."
The female Priveron, fully decked out in her Gothic Lolita regalia, grit her teeth, but offered no further comment as she tightly gripped both ends of her weapon in each hand- pulling it taut.
"Hey Onigiri-san." Lisa called, draping her arm across his shoulders, a fresh bottle of sake- gripped daintily around the 'neck'- in her other hand. "And you," the bespectacled Vizard continued jovially, as she turned to address a visibly irate Cirucci. "Why so serious?"
"Well, Yadomaru-san," Onigiri started, exchanging a brief smile with her. "It seems that Lady Cirucci feel's she's not being shown the proper respect she's due as Priveron."
The Vizard gave a thoughtful expression at this. "You know what I think?" Lisa asked, turning back to the annoyed female Arrancar. "What you need right now is a drink!"
Elsewhere, Emi'Lou Apacci was perched atop of a small stack of wooden crates (each of of them with the words "Non-Perishable Foodstuffs" stamped upon them). "I'd heard rumors that ya were alive." The diminutive Fraccion remarked curtly, eyeing the individual before her.
Balanced upon her palms and feet (with her knees bent sharply), the small heterochromatic Arrancar looked not unlike a Gargoyle, the sort adorning many Gothic-era Cathedrals.
"Yes, it would seem I was blessed with good fortune that fateful day." Edrad Liones replied. The male Fraccion's height (nearly 2 meters!) and his massively broad frame dwarfed Apacci. "Only Ylforte and myself survived, while the others- Nakiim, Koufang, Rinker- perished."
"And yet, you're still doing the same thing ya did before." Apacci replied. "Before that shit Aizen lead us into his war, a war that damn near could have made us extinct."
"Like you said, Aizen let us down, not Master Grimmjow." Edrad countered.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Living Realm...
A number of the Brethren looked up as Dario entered the den. Hawke and Pierce were both seated on the old sofa, desk lamps standing on the end tables flanking either side of it. A rectangular folding table had been set up on the other side of the room- Jinx at the head, dealing cards to the others- all of them sitting in folding chairs. In a corner, a man sat in an old armchair, a woman leaning against his leg.
The man had multiple piercings- rings and barbells, in his ears and eyebrows- as well as a spiked stud in the area between his lower lip and chin. His medium-brown hair was held back by a folded bandanna across his forehead, above his gray-brown eyes. He had a pale complexion, with angular features and a slender build. The man was dressed in a pair of faded blue-jeans and a black leather vest over a white t-shirt. He was idly strumming on a weathered-looking guitar (with an equally-faded shoulder strap).
The woman had a similar pale complexion, with unruly spiked blonde hair that spilled down the back of her neck, and her pale blue eyes were adorned with vampy-looking dark makeup. Like the man, she also sported multiple ear and eyebrow piercings. She was dressed in a mesh top (over a black t-shirt), a short denim skirt, torn leggings and a pair of leather knee-high boots. Across her lap, a battered guitar case rested, featuring a decal of the name "Sid" along it.
Jinx looked up from her game. "Yo, what's up?" She asked, popping open a can of bear.
Dario rubbed his stubble-covered chin. "Crowley called me." The hooded man replied dryly, regaining the attention of some the people in the room. "He wants... to talk."
"Shit, man." Jinx replied, setting the can down. "How serious is it?"
"Serious enough." Dario answered, tucking his hands in his pockets. "Enough that he's had us keeping tabs on the targets, for when the time comes." He elaborated.
"What now, where do we go from here?" Pierce spoke up suddenly.
"Yeah, this blows, man!" Hawke chimed in, looking up from the Nintendo DS he was playing.
"They're right." Lenny spoke as he entered the room, a bear in hand. "Crowley's the one who brought us together, the one who gave us purpose." The leather-clad man went on, popping the cap with a bottle opener and taking a drink. "What the hell are we supposed to do now?" He asked, wiping his mouth.
"The same thing we've been doing- we move forward." Dario replied pointedly. "We are not defined by any one single individual, we are Brethren- brothers and sisters, equals, united in cause." He answered, taking a cigarette from his pack and lighting it.
"Never forget that, my friends." Dario finished, taking a drag on the cigarette. "In the mean time," he went on, releasing a puff of smoke. "I suggest that we all do our utmost to come to terms with the hand that we've been dealt... and make the best of the situation."
A moment of silence passed, then Lenny and and some of the others nodded. With that, he exited the room, leaving the others to watch as he vanished into the darkened hallway.
The man playing the guitar began to strum a vaguely mournful tune...
Elsewhere...
Dario opened the door to the study, wasting little time in closing it behind him as he stepped into the musty room. In truth, he'd come and gone from this place, that he could very probably do all of this in his sleep... if not for the fact that the room's other occupant would prefer him awake.
Like always, Crowley was present in the center of the room, seated in the same armchair he'd always occupied. Though, Dario noted, the already withered figure now seemed more slouched in his posture, his head lilting forward slightly, his breathing a bit slower and heavier...
Beethoven's Für Elise was currently playing on the phonograph.
"You called me earlier." Dario spoke up at last, if only to break the silence.
There was a weak chuckle, from beneath the cover of bandages. "Yes, I did, didn't I... It's hard to keep track of things... as the days grow short." Crowley replied with some effort.
Without comment, Dario glanced over the phonograph, watching as the needle finally ran off of the still-spinning LP record. Stopping the device, he picked it up and looked at the label, before placing it back in its jacket, and returned it to the shelf. Taking a moment, he scanned the others, eventually stopping and withdrawing. "Bing Crosby..." He read silently, smiling to himself. "'Seasons', 1977."
With that, Dario then returned, removing the record from the jacket and placing onto the spinner. He reset the needle onto the surface of the black disk and flipped a switch on the side of the phonograph's wooden base. "It's alright, there's no rush." He offered, as the record began turning.
There was a faint hum, which became a melody, growing and expanding as it turned...
"When I was a young man, courting the girls... I played me a waiting game." Crosby (then, nearing the end of his life) recited in his sing-song voice as the orchestral accompaniment grew.
Crowley seemed to perk up slightly, straightening himself a bit in his chair. Dario pulled up another, simpler wooden chair, turning it so that that the back was before him as he sat down. Resting his hands atop of the back, the younger man watched as Dario chuckled faintly, followed by a cough.
"I let the old Earth take a couple of whirls... while I plied her with tears in lieu of pearls." Crowley spoke up, in-time with the part of the song, chuckling weakly to himself.
He held up a slender bandage-covered hand, and started to reach out toward the phonograph.
When his frail hand started to falter, Dario caught it in his own. "But it's a long, long while from May to December, and the days grow short when you reach September." He spoke (in time with the song), smiling at the other man (even though his face was hidden) as he cradled his hand in his.
Crowley nodded, relaxing. "...When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame, one hasn't got time for the waiting game." He recounted. "It's true... Time's the one thing I don't have on my side."
Both men looked to the phonograph as continued to play:"Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few- September, November... And these few precious days I'll spend with you... These precious days I'll spend with you." Sang the voice, by way of the machine.
"Crowley," Dario started, looking back to him. "Our agents have confirmed that Ichigo Kurosaki was approached by Darkwood, and that he's been training him for some time now."
"Darkwood?" Crowley countered. "Is that what he's calling himself these days?" The man continued in a raspy voice. "Still, one name is a good any other." He remarked. "But now, I've an appointment to keep... And, I'm afraid... not as much time as I'd like, to see to it."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
As the mayhem played out in the skies above the Seireitei, a crowd of concerned/confused onlookers had already begun to gather around circular 'cradle'. They'd been drawn in by the commotion, in time to watch as the platform had juddered, followed by unintelligible shouts and screams.
Having just witnessed one of his people vanishing into nothingness before his very eyes, it took the Octavio Espada a moment to properly collect himself.
"Everyone, hold on!" Szayel called out, dropping to his knees. "I'm triggering the emergency system, and recalling the platform..." He explained, as he pressed a nearby button. "And the last thing we need right now is for one you end up getting thrown god-knows-where during landfall!" The Arrancar stated, before grabbing Renji by the ankle as they began descending...
...The platform touched down haphazardly, sparks flying as metal struck against metal. Nemu's dark green eyes were wide, her knuckles white from holding tightly onto the railing. Near her, lay one of the technicians, knocked unconscious in the touchdown. At the same time, without uttering a word, another member of the team unceremoniously jumped the rails, falling to his knees and vomiting!
Szayel was snapped back to reality by the cries coming from the fallen Lieutenant. "Nemu!" He called, getting to his feat. "Over here, quickly!" The Arrancar instructed.
She nodded, then moved to join him. "Yes, Szayel-sama?"
"We don't much time..." He started, reaching into his coat. "We can't risk allowing... whatever this is spread any further than it already has." Szayel announced, producing a medical injector 'gun'- loaded with an ampule of clear liquid- which he proceeded to press into Renji's neck and pull the trigger.
"Alright, hold him down." The bespectacled Arrancar instructed, Nemu nodding as she wordlessly brought her hands down on either shoulder. "Right now, I'm afraid the only way I can think of saving the Lieutenant is by removing the source of the danger..." Szayel explained as he placed his left hand on Renji's arm, just above the elbow. "In other words... his arm."
His own Lieutenant watched, wordlessly, as her Captain raised his other hand- the thumb and fingers lining up- glowing as reiki manifested visibly around it. Nemu nodded. "I... I understand." The woman replied, her tone grave, as the totality of the situation fully sank in.
That said, Nemu centered herself, putting her full strength into holding Renji down. At the same time, the energy around Szayel's right hand changed, becoming flat and smooth.
Nemu felt a tightness in her chest. "This feeling..." She mused silently. "Is this... empathy?"
Narrowing his eyes, Szayel focused on the area just below the elbow. "Sorry Lieutenant." He uttered under his breath, perhaps as much to himself as to the fallen officer.
Then, in a swift fluid motion, his hand came down- like a guillotine!
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Back within the grounds of the Fourteenth Division, a more candid conversation was taking place...
"A few years ago, the idea of seeing you- dressed in their robes- would've of been insane." Grimmjow remarked with smirk. "Hell, if someone had told me, that one day, I'd see an Espada waltzing around in goddamned Shinigami robes, I woulda sent their ass packin' for being fuckin' nuts!"
"Well, here I am." Nelliel replied with a smile. "Which means, if that had happened, then you'd be the one left looking like an asshole." The green-haired woman replied slyly.
Grimmjow grinned wildly at this, then burst out laughing!
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, formerly the Sexta Espada under the 'late' Sosuke Aizen, and a number of the Unaligned Arrancar were currently visiting the Division. And so, it had fallen upon it's Captain, herself a former Espada- the original Tercera- to 'handle' the rowdy blue-haired Arrancar.
And that was why the two of them were in her office, seated across a small table from another, a bottle of sake and a pair of cups standing between the two Arrancar.
"Stiiill," Grimmjow resumed casually, polishing off the contents of his cup. "The last time I saw you, you were a wailing knee-high little brat." He leaned in a bit as he continued. "But now... Well, there's a lot more of you, a whole lot more- enough to fill out that little getup of yours rather nicely." He added, a blatantly leering smile on his face the entire time as he spoke.
Nelliel recognized the undercurrent of his tone and language, not to the mention the fact that she knew full well where he was looking whenever his eye-line shifted. However, far from her taking offense, she simply smiled and refilled both their cups. After all, she was playing this game as much as he was.
"I've since learned that there's a certain appeal in wearing these robes- especially when adorned in the regalia of a Captain." Nelliel replied demurely. "And unlike some, I've always believed it's important to uphold the uniform one wears- rather than resort to more provocative measures."
"Oh, I don't know," Grimmjow said, taking a drink. "I think it depends on the circumstances. After all, what's the point of living without some excitement to mix things up."
The green-haired woman chuckled, casually sipping from her own cup. "The old me might not have agreed with that sentiment." Nelliel started. "But the person I've become- the new me- well, let's just say that she's a bit more willing to entertain that notion."
"Captain Obberschank..." A voice started, revealing the Third-Seat of the Ninth Division.
"Officer Eijima?" Nell started, looking to the man. "What are you doing here?"
Grimmjow watched, smirking and observing as the male Shinigami proceeded to address the female Arrancar as his superior. "Technically, I'm here on official business, to deliver these security reports to you, at the request of Captain Muguruma." The auburn-haired Soul Reaper explained.
Handing over the document, he continued. "But, um... while en-route, one you Arrancar subordinates handed me this... batch of roasted potatoes, to bring to you." He added, presenting the bag.
"Did he say... Potatoes?" Grimmjow asked in an amused tone.
"Oh yes." The green-haired woman replied, smiling cutely. "The yields from the hydroponic gardens were of a surprisingly high quality." Nelliel explained. "Anyway, thank you, Eijima-san." She replied, accepting the package with a bright a smile. "Give my regards to your Captain."
With that, Shinobu excused himself, somewhat bashfully.
"Well now, Captain Obberschank," Grimmjow resumed with a smirk. "Getting back to the point... I must say, after hearing your last remark, I'm intrigued by the possibilities?"
"Tell me, Jaegerjaquez," the gray-eyed female resumed. "If you'd indulge me for a moment, perhaps you could tell me a bit about these other Arrancar you've been associating with."
"They're okay." He replied in a leisurely tone. "I mean, they can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but they've got some good fighters." Grimmjow continued. "Plus, it's not hard to find a few female up for a bit of fun- especially considering how much of a bad-ass I am."
"I can imagine." Nelliel answered. "A strapping beast like you must be pretty popular."
Before the Sexta Espada could answer, one of Nelliel's Officers came running up to the table they were seated at. "Captain Obberschank." He started urgently. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but we just received a message from the Seireitei." The man went on. "The message we received- an emergency meeting of the Captains and has been called to session, and they want you involved in it."
"An emergency in the Soul Realm..." The green-haired woman mused.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
It had been quite a surprise for Orihime, when Toshiro-kun and Rangiku-san (undisguised and out of their Gigais) suddenly appeared inside of the apartment- without prior warning or fanfare- and urgently insisted that the young woman come with them back to Soul Society.
Just from looking at the duo, Orihime could tell something was very wrong.
As it had happened, Ulquiorra had been present when they arrived. And so, he had ended up coming along with her, silently observing as the two Shinigami had (somewhat reluctantly) explained that there had been 'an accident' which had resulted in Renji losing his arm.
"Renji-san lost his arm?!" The redhead had exclaimed in alarm.
After learning of what happened, it hadn't required further prompting for the seventeen-year-old girl, who had rushed off to the Fourth Division, to bring her where the injured Shinigami awaited.
And so, with his arms folded across his chest, the Cuatro Espada, waiting in the hospital room, watching as his mate stepped forward and summoned forth three of the six fairies that made up her Shun Shun Rikka- casting "Soten Kesshun." White-golden light subtly illuminated the room, glinting off of all the surfaces as she used 'Negation' on Renji's left arm. As this went on, light expanded below the elbow, encompassing the area that the absent lower half had occupied.
"Rangiku-san," Orihime started, causing the strawberry blonde woman to perk up. "What happened?"
Ulquiorra glanced to the woman, watching her as he took a breath. "It's... complicated." She eventually replied, exhaling. "There was... some kind of accident." Rangiku went on. "I'm sorry, Hime-chan, but I don't really know any of the specifics- I'm not even sure who does."
Orihime nodded. "It's just... It didn't look like a normal wound, like it was blown off in an explosion or it was vaporized by a Cero." The fiery redhead reasoned. "Actually, now that I think about it, it reminds me more of Grimmjow- when he got his arm cut off by Tosen."
This earned a slight dismissive scoff from Ulquiorra, and a roll of his emerald eyes.
"W-what do you mean?" Rangiku asked.
"It was too clean." Orihime answered. "Like it was removed, by a single cut..."
Just then, Arachne burst into the room, in a panic "Oh my god, Renji!" She exclaimed. However, as soon as she tried to run to his side, Ulquiorra extended his arm- blocking her.
"Calm down." Ulquiorra stated simply, fixing her with a steely gaze.
"Wha- who the hell are you?!" The female Arrancar exclaimed angrily, turning to face him.
He looked directly into her scarlet eyes. "I am the Cuatro Espada, Ulquiorra Schiffer." The raven-haired Arrancar answered in a low voice, fixing her in place. "And you will stand down, just as you will allow her to finish her work." He continued in a matter-of-fact tone, 'trapping' the spider-like female in his green-eyed gaze. "Now... Do you understand?"
A moment passed, before Arachne literally 'backed down', acquiescing to the Espada and nodding.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Szayel exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his slender nose as he attempted to collect his thoughts... Even now, the Arrancar was still reeling in the wake of everything that had happened.
He'd seen death firsthand, it had been a common occurrence during his time in Las Noches... But this was different, someone- who he'd been responsible for- had died, under his watch.
Reflecting upon the whole ordeal, he wondered if he had acted correctly. Everything had happened so quickly, one harrowing event after the other, each of them occurring in rapid succession. He'd scarcely had the time to process any of it, he had simply reacted. Based solely upon his observations, and with only his own unproven theory to go on, the Espada had taken action.
Thankfully though, his scientific 'intuition' had been proven correct. The anomalous properties of the mysterious dark 'energy' seemed to require time in order to spread. Ando had taken the initial outburst, and what happened to Lieutenant Abarai had been a result of his proximity to the residual energy.
"Poor Ando..." He thought silently, folding his arms. While there hadn't been anything he could do for his late officer, at least he'd been able to save Abarai- though it been at a price.
"Nemu..." He started, the Arrancar's tone somber and subdued as he turned to address his second-in-command. "Do you know if Officer Ando had- er, has- any family?"
The purple-haired woman nodded. "Yes, Szayel-sama." She started. "He had younger sister, enrolled in the Academy, and his mother." Nemu answered. "I believe he was sending money to her."
"Thank you." Szayel replied. "When we have a chance, remind me to see to writing the letters of condolence, for his surviving family." The bespectacled Hollow commented. "And... also, see to it that something is done for the both of them." He added. "It's only right they receive compensation."
"Szayel-sama?" Nemu asked, concerned.
He sighed, tucking his hands into his pockets. "It's the least that I can do, as his Captain," he remarked aloud to himself. "Considering that he died while under my watch."
"Officer Ando died in the line of duty," Nemu replied gently. "He knew the risks that came with this kind of work- he knew the moment he took an oath as an Officer- the same as the rest of us."
Szayel seemed to relax a bit at this, even managing a slight smile. "True, but then, we're still alive." He countered, before brushing a hand against her cheek. "Still, thank you, my dear butterfly."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Orihime had initially been taken aback by the display of dominance from Ulquiorra, and by the fact that her partner and mate held some kind of 'sway' over the other Arrancar.
Suddenly, with just a glance and a single comment from the Espada, the lesser Arrancar stood down, allowing the young human woman the time to finish casting Negation. With that done, she'd been able to continue restoring Renji's lost arm... Several minutes passed, and the shield began to fade, revealing that his limb had been restored to him. That done, she took a breath and stepped back.
Without prompting, a tearful Arachne rushed forward, kneeling beside the bed at Renji's side.
At the same time, Orihime felt Ulquiorra's pale hands come to rest upon her delicate shoulders, in a reassuring gesture, and smiled to herself. "It's done..." She remarked with a smile.
Rangiku wasted little time, seizing on the moment. "Hime-chan." The buxom blonde spoke with a quickly glowing smile. "Come now, have drinks with me." The female Shinigami announced. "I wanna catch up- I wanna talk to the the two of the you" The gorgeous woman explained.
"Oh," she paused, glancing over to Ulquiorra, then back to the girl. "And you can invite your boyfriend to come along with us too!" Rangiku added with a smile.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Central Chamber, Assembly Chamber...
The Commanders (including the two Acting Captains) were gathered in the Central Chamber, with Nelliel-Tu Obberschank appearing on the screen of a two-way monitor, set up at her seat at the table. The other twelve Division Commanders watched intently as Szayel Grantz appeared before them, standing behind his chair to address them- clearing his throat and adjusting his glasses.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice." He began. "As you all will likely have heard, there was an incident, involving myself and a members of my team, as well as Lieutenant Renji Abarai- who happened to be passing by- while we were monitoring the Oken Anomaly." Szayel explained.
"As of now, the cause of the incident is unclear... All we know for certain, is there was a measurable spike in our readings, followed by... a physical manifestation, of an unknown nature." The pink-haired Arrancar continued. "We've been recording anomalous readings since we first started monitoring the distortion some time ago. However, what happened today was unlike anything previously observed."
At this, he gestured to Nemu, who nodded. "For approximately eighteen months, the Twelfth Division has monitored the Distortion." The violet-haired woman spoke. "And in previous instances, the pulses occurred in a strict mathematical progression: the duration of each interval being approximately two percent less than the time length of the previous cycle."
Nemu held up a remote, pressing a button on it, a listing of time periods and dates appearing on a large monitor at the head of the room. "Observe," she instructed. "As you can see, based on established data, the next pulse was projected to have occur tomorrow: following a period of roughly twenty-one days, sixteen hours, and four minutes since the previously documented pulse from the distortion."
"But it didn't." Szayel resumed. "What I believe happened today was a pulse, specifically: a sudden out-rush of energy, in-keeping with all previous events." He went on. "But there was a deviation in the pattern- the pulse came thirty-one hours and twenty-four minutes earlier than projected."
The assembled Shinigami watched as Nemu clicked the button the remote once again. A second line graph appeared- on top of the graph- displaying the time discrepancy.
"We have run a comparison, against our previous projections." The Lieutenant explained to them in an even tone. "And as a result, our findings indicate that the rate of progression has increased- specifically, from the previously established rate of 2%, to roughly 5%."
A rush of concerned murmurs passed through the assembly of Captains and Acting-Captains...
"I've made it a point to give the anomaly a wide berth in anticipation of the pulses..." Szayel stated to the others. "However, this is the first time that one of these pulses has posed any degree of danger." He went on to say. "As such, I will be amending procedures to reflect this change."
"Captain Grantz," Lieutenant Sojiro Kusakibe started. "Surely then you must have some theory about this unfortunate incident?" The white-haired man asked. "Tell me then, good sir, do you believe there is some larger implication to this divergence in the pattern?"
Szayel nodded. "It is my belief this isn't a random occurrence..." He replied. "Rather, I theorize that something is behind this- controlling the pulses- and that whatever it is, this... force has accelerated the frequency of the events- in response to something." The Espada reasoned. "Never the less, it remains my utmost intent to continue studying this phenomenon."
"But given what's happened," Kensei spoke up. "And now, knowing the danger posed by it, can you still be certain that this is the correct choice?" The Vizard asked. "You will pardon me if my tone might sound alarmist, but the paramount concern of the Ninth is the internal stability of Soul Society."
"Of course." The pink-haired Arrancar replied. "But the truth of the matter is... No, I can't." Szayel answered after a moment. "Right now, we're simply dealing with too many unknowns." The Octavio went on. "However, surely, all of you can appreciate that doing nothing is an even greater danger."
"Indeed." Captain Byakuya Kuchiki offered. "In the face of this calamity, it would be remiss of us to assume an isolationist position in the face of such a threat." The nobleman went on.
"I am a scientist, first and foremost." The Arrancar went on. "And I stand by my previous statements," he continued, adjusting his glasses. "And so, as such, I believe that there is no greater danger to us than allowing ourselves to remain beholden to the clutches of the unknown." Szayel spoke. "Just as I believe that knowledge and understanding are the greatest 'weapons' in our arsenal."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Karakura City...
Ryuken Ishida, father of Uryu and the patriarch of the Ishida family, returned home. The physician entered his room, setting down his leather doctor's satchel and hung his dark blueish-black jacket (the same color as his matching slacks and waistcoat) on a nearby stand.
That done, the elder Ishida loosened his red and black diagonal striped necktie as he crossed the room, to a table- where a crystal decanter, filled with aged brandy, awaited. The silver-haired Quincy removed the rounded topper from the ornate bottle and poured himself a drink. He took a moment, the vessel lit by the lamp situated on the table, beside the decanter set.
He took a small sip from the glass, taking a moment to savor the liquor before exiting the room, the glass in his hand as he navigated his way back down the hallway. Not long after, her found himself at the door to his study- the same room where he's had his 'chat' with Miss Arisawa.
Turning the porcelain knob, he opened the door and stepped inside...
"Greetings, Doctor Ishida." A low raspy voice spoke
Ryuken tensed at hearing the unfamiliar voice. He fumbled for the light-switch, illuminating the study with the glow from the wall-mounted sconces. The doctor was greeted by the sight of a figure seated in one of the chairs arranged in front of his large western-style desk.
The stranger was clad in a long hooded dark blue-gray coat, his hands concealed beneath a pair of gloves and his face hidden behind a layer of bandages and black-tinted visor sunglasses. "Please, sit." He started, gesturing to the seat behind the sturdy wooden desk. "We have things to discuss."
"What's going on- why are you here?!" He demanded. "Who are you?!"
"As I already stated, we have matters to discuss." The masked intruder repeated, still gesturing towards the empty chair. "Now, please, sit down." He spoke. "I assure you, Doctor Ishida, you have nothing to fear from me, I wish only to speak with you- as one person to another."
Ryuken regarded him for a moment, before moving to his chair behind the desk. "Then tell me, who are you?" He asked, setting his glass down. "And why are you here?"
"I am known as 'Crowley'." He replied with a cough. "You have no reason to know of me, but I know of you, Ryuken Ishida." The man continued. "During their invasion of the city, I- and my fell brothers and sisters- allied with the Sternritter, in order to manipulate them."
"My son, Uryu," Ryuken started. "He mentioned someone matching your general appearance."
"Your Wandenreich kinsmen were an obstacle." Crowley explained. "And so, we had no choice but to remove them." The masked man continued. "I was present, when the demon-like Espada stormed their base of operations... And I helped kill their leader- for the good of all."
Ryuken said nothing as the stranger continued. "We have no quarrel with you and yours..." Crowley went on. "I must apologize for my unannounced visit, but I have important information for you- and, I fear, precious little time in which to deliver it." Crowley revealed. "And so, as I am now here, I regret to inform you... that there has been... a death in the family."
"A 'death'... in the family?" Ryuken repeated. "Just what the hell do you mean by that?!"
Without further prompting, Crowley produced a small sack from his coat. It was fully laden, bulging with contents, and held shut with a draw-string. "It was written that the value of Judas' faith was a mere thirty silver pieces... he was bought for a mere thirty silver coins." He stated, loosing the draw-string.
"The contents of this bag..." The man paused. "These Silver Stars, like those coins, they represent the misguided loyalty of countless Sternritters- men and women- all of whom gave their lives..." Crowley went on, his words interrupted by coughing. "They gave their lives... and for a man worth far far less a poultry thirty silver pieces." He explained, upending the bag.
Ryuken's eyes widened at the display, the Physician looking on as countless Quincy Talismans poured down onto the carpeted floor with a clatter.
"Do you recognize these, Doctor...?" Mr. Crowley asked the bespectacled man. "You tell me, Doctor Ishida..." The man continued. "Are they enough to purchase a Potter's Field, to house the bodies of the fallen?" With that, he finished emptying the bag.
"W-what have you done...?" The elder Ishida asked, rising up to his feet, looking down at the pile of Talismans now laying on the floor, idly rubbing the bridge of his nose.
After a moment, when no response came, he turned back to the chair, only to find it now empty!
(- End of Chapter XLVII... -)
Not much to say this time... Other than that I've been working hard as of late to hammer out more chapters, with the ultimate goal of making it possible for me to start posting new content on a more often on a more consistent basis.
