A/N: *peeks* Hello everyone! Sorry I been so silent this past month. College has been one exam after the other (grades are great tho 😈) so I have less time to write. But now that we're on quarantine for 11 more days I have time to write. We're close to the end everyone. So be ready for it! I hope you like and thanks for reading! 😋
© Bleach and its characters don't belong to me. They belong to Tite Kubo and Shounen Jump. Only Anna and Shizuka belong to me.
Chapter 34: Another Bond Severed
"Are you certain?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes. It's certain that Aizen will be attacking the Soul Palace. We've pinpointed the date for late May. Karakura likely won't be involved."
"Then why tell us? It's none of our concern now." Uryu spoke.
Tatsuki shifted in her chair. The Quincy's tone was cold and clear in its intentions. What scared her more, however, was her boyfriend's ability to stay calm, when in reality he was coming up with something.
Chizuru took her hand. Tatsuki stared at her pink-haired friend, she seemed concerned. While they often butted heads, the human girl was very sweet when she wanted to be.
'You ok?' she mouthed.
'Yeah, thanks.' Tatsuki mouthed back.
The rest of the conversation was a blur, Tatsuki only came back when Orihime and Ulquiorra returned. The pair had dried themselves and were bringing back more cake.
"Urahara-san, Yoruichi-san! Have you guys come to get some sweets?"
"I'm afraid not, Orihime-san. It a far more urgent matter."
He relayed everything to the both of them. Tatsuki was sure Orihime would take an issue with the coming plans, but to her surprise, her redhead bestie simply smiled. "Okay. If that's the case then maybe we can take some precautions. Can we pass by the shop tomorrow?"
Urahara seemed surprised by her eagerness but quickly agreed. Both he and Yoruichi bought some treats and left the bakery.
It took a while for anyone to speak again.
"We can discuss what'll happen back at my house, but there's cake to be eaten and a party to finish."
By the end of the night, all Orihime wanted was to fall down on the bed beside Ulquiorra. Her boyfriend had to carry her since her feet hurt too much and by the time they reached Shizuka's house she was half asleep.
"Urahara is probably going to ask for our help... What do we do?"
Ichigo's question hung in the air. Eventually, Ulquiorra answered. "Refusing would raise suspicions within him, and while I don't think Kisuke would be the type of man to reprimand us for not wanting to fight, he's still a mastermind whos plans took out Sosuke. We cannot underestimate him."
Uryu seemed to be deep in thought. "Would he believe us if we said we would follow him? We haven't spoken to him since the battle against Anna Maria, and we didn't exactly follow his plan then."
"Then we 'follow' his plan now."
Orihime's suggestion gathered a lot of confused looks, she giggled drowsily and explained.
"Remember Urahara-san said he wanted to keep my bond with Ulquiorra a secret from the Soul Society and from Anna? Well, now that they know, there's no reason for us not to use it as a weapon!"
"That's a great idea, but what if he doesn't trust us anymore?"
"He's gonna have to sulk, we're all he has. I'm aware that Ulquiorra and I are not his most powerful allies, but the bond gives us an advantage. If the fullbringers are coming too it's likely he'll ask Sado-kun to fight them, maybe Kurosaki-kun and Shizuka-san too since they also spent a long time training with them and as such know their fighting styles and their moves.
The rest of our group might be stationed here as back up defense, in case Aizen pulls the same gambit Anna used during her invasion."
"Seems like a solid model. I've received a message from Soul Society, we lieutenants will be stationed as defense in the Soul Society." Nemu informed she didn't seem pleased about the news.
Now they knew. The question was, could they pull it off?
'We'll be okay.' Orihime mused as she drifted off to sleep.
Ichigo had grown accustomed to this dreamscape by now. Still, he disliked it, especially the silence.
"I had a feeling you'd call on me tonight."
Ginjo was waiting for him, the background shifted to the main hall of the Xcution club.
"Sorry if I interrupted you. It is Valentine's day after all."
Kugo chuckled. "You didn't interrupt anything kiddo. Jackie and I both like to sleep early.
Besides, it's long overdue that we have a talk."
Kugo sat down on at the edge of the bar, just like he did after their training sessions.
Ichigo followed suit. He was still unsure of what to say. Thankfully, Kugo broke the silence first.
"I owe you an apology.
I'm sorry for everything that I put you and your friends through. For the things I said and did during our battle.
You were in the same position I was, and I shouldn't have seen at as fault that you were merciful and calm."
"Ginjo, you had every right to be angry. I'm the son of your old best friend and yet still sided with those who ruined your life. Anyone would be driven to maddening rage at that situation."
"Perhaps, but I did strike harshly against you, and for that, I apologize. I'm sorry Kurosaki."
"Apology excepted." Ichigo smiled. Letting his old mentor know that all was forgiven. "I should apologize as well. Even after everything you told me I still kept believing in them. It wasn't until Inoue and Ulquiorra were forcefully taken in that I realized all you said was true..."
"I don't blame you for that. You were just giving them a chance to prove me wrong. But sadly, we both know, that hasn't happened yet. If it had, none of us would be doing this."
Ichigo sensed tiredness in the man's voice, so he tried to change the subject to something that might be more pleasant for them both.
"Hey Ginjo, how was mom when you two were young?"
Ginjo was surprised but he quickly smiled and looked at Ichigo with a gaze full of nostalgia.
"Masaki was just like you."
"You're kidding."
"I'm not. She was fiercely protective and very loving. Those qualities are what made your father meet her and fall for her. Their story was a rollercoaster."
"Dad told me what happened. What did you think of it? Them being together?"
"Honestly, I was surprised, a little angry too. Your father is a good man but at the time I didn't know that. I just knew my best friend was going to marry an ex-shinigami. After getting to know Isshin, I could tell why they got together."
"There's something I don't understand. Why didn't you come to visit us when Mom was alive? Or even after her death? You and Dad seem to get along quite well."
"I hold Isshin in high regard and while we're not as close as we were when your mother was alive, I do know he wouldn't have minded me being a part of your life. My isolation was a personal decision.
The Soul Society might've failed to kill me during the purge but that doesn't mean they would let me go without a fight. My very presence could've been a threat to your family, so I only contacted Isshin or spoke with him if absolutely necessary. I didn't want the Soul Society to find him and punish all of you."
'Kids of a Quincy and a Shinigami, of course, they'd want us eliminated.' Ichigo thought with an ache in his chest.
"That makes sense."
Ichigo didn't like the thought of living life looking over his shoulder. 'Yet Kugo's been living that life for decades now...'
He wondered if the fullbringer would consider getting revenge against the shinigami, particularly Ukitake.
"No, I won't kill Captain Ukitake," Ginjo told him, realizing what his student was thinking. "There's something else I have in mind for him."
The tone of his words made Ichigo shiver. He'd seen Ginjo enraged before but never like this as if his very voice was laced with venom.
"Just what are you going to do?" Ichigo asked.
"Nothing too drastic Kurosaki, you don't need to fear for the man's life. Physical wounds wouldn't be of much use. We both know what he's had to withstand in terms of his health, attacking would be nothing more than wasted effort. I'd rather take a psychological approach.
Besides, I know Mitsuru would never forgive me if I killed Ukitake."
The rain began pouring again. Ulquiorra looked out the window with a warm cup of tea on his hands.
Orihime had been soundly sleeping for a few hours now. Ulquiorra placed his empty cup on the nightstand and climbed into the bed.
He stated at his girlfriend's sleeping face, Orihime was smiling peacefully in her sleep. It was a stark contrast to the face she had in Hueco Mundo when he would come in to bring her food and she would already be asleep.
Ulquiorra reached out to move the hair out of her face, his touch woke her.
"Ulqui?"
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have woken you."
"It's okay. What are you thinking about this late?" she asked as she placed her hand over his.
He smiled. "I was thinking that I am a very lucky man to be here beside you."
That made her sentimental, Orihime blushed and moved closer to him for a hug. "I'm very lucky to have you here with me as well."
Things had changed so drastically in the past few months, that he could hardly believe it. The future was still uncertain, but he was happy to be here by Orihime's side.
"What do you think we should do after this is all over, Ulqui?"
"Maybe we can go back to Omi, for old times sake."
He could see Orihime's smile in the dimly lit room. "I'd like that." For a second it all felt like they were back at the Ugaya mansion during a storm.
But no matter what life they were in, or where their home was, Ulquiorra would always consider it his favorite place to be.
"Hey, Ulqui."
"Yes, dear?"
"I love you."
Ulquiorra smiled, unable to hide the joy those words brought him. "I love you too, Orihime."
They shared a soft kiss. Ulquiorra felt Orihime melting into his touch, and deepened the kiss.
He wasn't sure how much time they spent like that, but the sound of his cellphone startled them both.
Ulquiorra reached out for the phone, annoyed at the interruption. "Hello?"
"Ulquiorra, It's Jeanne. We have an emergency. You and Inoue must come here first thing in the morning tomorrow."
"Is that grave?" He asked.
"We are not in immediate danger, but I do fear it is important you both come to Hueco Mundo."
"Understood. We shall be there tomorrow."
He hung up the phone. Slightly shaken up by the news. Orihime quickly placed a hand on his back and used the other to lift his chin up. "What's wrong?"
"We must go to Hueco Mundo tomorrow. Jeanne tells me it is a matter of great importance."
Orihime nodded, slightly nervous too. "We must protect our friends. And we must protect each other."
His girlfriend gave him another soft kiss as they both laid down to sleep. Orihime let him rest on her chest and fall asleep to both the sound of her heartbeat and the rain.
'We'll have to wait until this is all over to have some peace. I intend to enjoy our time together more thoroughly then.' Ulquiorra thought as he fell asleep.
Ichigo headed out the door first thing in the morning. He knew what to say, how to keep the others from harm. Everything was going to be fine.
"Oi Urahara! I'm here can we-"
His voice fell silent when he saw the head captain standing beside Kisuke and Yoruichi.
Just like that all of his plans evaporated.
Ichigo kept calm and bowed. "Head Captain. I didn't think you'd be here as well."
"Kurosaki Ichigo. It's been long since I've seen you."
"Yes." Ichigo answered. "To what do we owe your visit?"
"I came here to speak with Urahara about the impending invasion. I suppose you've come with that purpose as well."
"Yes. I'd like to help in any way that I'm able. My friends have also expressed their interest in participating in this battle."
"I am afraid that won't be necessary. The only ones assisting in this battle will be the shinigami."
'Go right for the jugular why don't you?' Ichigo bit the inside of his lip. It was both infuriating and upsetting that they didn't think of him as a shinigami anymore, especially after he saved them from Sosuke's first invasion.
It wasn't surprising, however, as Kugo had told him those exact words last night. 'The moment you stop being useful to them, they discard you.'
"Head Captain we already told you that taking advantage of Ulquiorra and Orihime's soulbond is our best bet. They're the only ones who can go on equal footing to Aizen and Anna at the moment." Kisuke pleaded.
"The Central 46 no longer trusts Inoue and the Arrancar. They shall not interfere in this battle."
'Maybe if you hadn't tried to scapegoat them, then you wouldn't have reasons to distrust them!' It was getting harder for Ichigo to keep quiet, but he knew that was his best course of action at the moment.
"Sir, even if we are to assume that the Royal Guard is able to stop Aizen, we must take into account his other accomplices, especially Kugo Ginjo. Who, need I remind you, has a personal grudge against Captain Ukitake."
Ichigo winced. He didn't want to be reminded of that. While he completely understood why Ginjo was so angry, he didn't want to see any harm come to Ukitake.
"Ukitake is aware of this and he intends to fight the former substitute shinigami. All I need from you both is to keep guard here on Karakura."
With that, the Head Captain left, and the store was silent yet again.
"Nice. I guess all we'll ever hear from now on it's to stay the fuck away from everything." Ichigo finally spoke. "I can see why he's not interested in my help, but Orihime and Ulquiorra are the only ones with any chance of measuring up to our opponents now."
"Well, Kurosaki-san, you know that the Head Captain isn't too fond of either Arrancars or of Orihime-chan. He's merely being stubborn."
"Stubborn enough to put everyone else at risk?! What about the two of you?! These people screwed you over! Shouldn't we just do as we originally planned?"
"Kurosaki, this is more than just us. It's the takeover of the entire system of the afterlife. We need to follow through with what the head captain told us, there cannot be any mistakes!"
"They've already made mistakes dealing with the first invasion, and they're the ones that banished you! Don't you feel used?!"
"This isn't about how used we feel, Kurosaki-san! We cannot go against what the Soul King wants. His orders are being directly carried out by the Head Captain."
That shit again. He was so sick and tired of that excuse as if the man they so vehemently obeyed wasn't a monster who let his own wife die and drove his son to madness.
"Really, they're reaching for that now? 'The Soul King said' so no matter how bad or how idiotic it is we all must follow like simpletons?!"
"Ichigo! Get a hold of yourself! If the king falls the whole world falls out of balance." Yoruichi tried to calm down, but he felt his anger rise.
"Uh-huh, let me guess, that's what you've been told and just rolled with it?"
"You're speaking just like Sosuke used to. Think about what you're saying for a second! You know we're all at risk and you're willing to take a gamble on Sosuke's theory rather than making sure we don't all die?! Does that make you any better than him?!"
"I am thinking! I'm thinking that in a few months they'll be shinigami at my doorstep ready to kill me and family now that we don't matter to them! I'm thinking one of my best friends made a deal to save people she seemed worthy and almost got killed for it, despite 'following their orders' with precision!
I gave my word to protect Karakura Town, and I will protect them. But I won't weep if they succeed in taking the throne."
"Ichigo, as a shinigami you've sworn allegiance to the Soul King and his mandate. If you against it, you'll be considered a traitor."
Ichigo scoffed. "Did the Soul King tell you to sell Anna Maria out too?!"
He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, but still, he had screamed them.
Kisuke was silent, but Yoruichi looked enraged. "I was trying to protect you, but if you want to go get yourself executed then be my guest! See if that ever got Kugo anywhere!"
He didn't care to argue more. As of now, all alliances were cut. It was only him and his friends doing what they could to fix things.
He saw Chad waiting for him when he got out of the store.
"I was going to come in but I heard screaming."
"Forget it. There's nothing we can do now."
Chad put his arm around his best friend, letting Ichigo lean on him. "Come, Shizuka summoned us. I think she has better news."
"Alright."
They slowly made their way to Shizuka's home. Ichigo just prayed that there wouldn't be any more surprises today.
Orihime hadn't expected to see a sleeping injured Grimmjow when Jeanne guided her to the medical wing.
"He was gravely injured when he arrived but relayed some info to me before falling out cold."
Jeanne gestured for them to sit on one of the empty beds.
"After the war ended Grimmjow left with Nel and her fracción to explore the area. So far they hadn't found anything of interest, until now."
Jeanne handed her a contraption, it looked like a rope made our glowstick material. Upon touching it Orihime felt as if her hand was being burned, and a slight drain of pressure.
"What was that?"
"A hollow snare. They drain a hollow's pressure and make it easy for them to be killed. I made myself immune through experimentation but the others aren't. From the look of the snare and the others Grimmjow found, I say those fuckers have been here pretty much since the war ended.
They never intended to honor the deal they made with you both. We have been living corpses this whole time."
Her blood was boiling through her veins. Orihime felt Ulquiorra place his hand on hers. He radiated rage as well but concealed it far better.
"Then it's decided we no longer owe them any allegiance. Has anyone else been hurt?"
"No. Nel and her fracciones have chosen to resume with their travels and collect whatever they can find for us. Grimmjow got messed up from the contact with the snare, so he'll be remaining here for now."
"Jeanne-san, there is something I must ask of you."
Jeanne was surprised but nodded. "Yes, girlie, whatever you need."
She squeezed Ulquiorra's hand tightly. Her boyfriend understood and nodded, letting her take charge. "Get anything in the lab that Anna might've left behind, that's strong enough for us to use.
We shall plan a counter strike with Halibel, in case the shinigami come for their snares."
