Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or Devil May Cry
The Hunt Is On
The sun had already begun to set by the time they returned with dusk just on the horizon. Instead of exiting at Urahara's Senkaimon under his store they had found themselves near the river that coursed through the town.
"Well here we are" Yoruichi was the first to exit the glowing white doors followed shortly after by Soi Fon and Nero.
"How come we came here?" Nero looked around the river side, no one was around from what he could see. "Why didn't we get out at Kisuke's place".
"Before we left Kisuke told me he had something in the works that meant his little underground play pen would be unavailable for us" Yoruichi informed him. "Why. From your tone you seem like something's up".
Nero looked into the woman's molten gold eyes as he stated the obvious "In case you forgot. Unlike the two of you Humans can see me. If anyone walks past and sees me materialising from nowhere and talking to thin air they'll think I'm mad". He began to disassemble Red Queen and put it away in a bag which he swung over his shoulder. 'Don't want to be seen walking round with a giant sword on my back'. He had already fixed his damaged and bloodstained clothes with his magic and covered his Devil Bringer.
"Oh yeah. That fact sometimes slips my mind" Yoruichi smiled gently with closed eyes looking all to innocent "My bad".
Nero rolled his eyes "Not the first time you've done this. Doubt it will be the last. You know Yoruichi I'm starting to suspect you do this on purpose" he scoffed at the overly dramatic look of hurt on her face. "Whatever. But it is still a little annoying at how you shinigami and Hollows cant be seen by normal people and I can. Makes it a pain in the ass to kill Hollows when there's people around without getting thrown in prison for swinging a sword around or shooting a gun. Unless that's been your plan all along" he accused in jest.
"How dare you accuse Lady Yoruichi like that!" Soi Fon chastised the white haired teen. "She made a simple mistake that anyone could have. And to speak to her without using her noble title as well. Now apologise at once!".
Nero sent the petite woman a 'really' look for her out of nowhere outburst. Yoruichi also seemed a little taken aback by the captains anger blinking her eyes repeatedly "Calm down Soi Fon. He was just joking is all".
The petite captain pursed her lips as a small blush crept her cheeks "Oh … well … I erm …".
Yoruichi softened her expression "You know you really need to learn how to take things a little more laid back". The captain looked to her feet too embarrassed to meet her mentors golden eyed gaze.
"Anyway" Nero sought to get things back on track. "We have some work to do right?".
Yoruichi hummed in agreement "Whatever it is we're up against seems to be able to hide their reaitsu so much so that it becomes impossible for even me to sense it. However they can only do so when inactive. Meaning whenever they use even the smallest amount of their power a small ever so tiny amount of reaitsu can be sensed". She looked over to Nero and their eyes locked "You still cant sense even that since your ability to sense reaitsu is still new, until you hone your skill more with training and experience then for now you can only sense big spikes in reaitsu. Much like Ichigo and the others. So you'll just have to follow myself and Soi Fon for the time being alright".
The devil hunter wasn't exactly thrilled about hearing her voice his limitations but knew what she said was true. With a huff and a face that let her know how annoyed he felt at being treated like the only kid with his training wheels still on he groaned "Fine".
The dark skinned purplenette grinned with amusement "Now now. There's now need to act like a sulking child. Besides you should count yourself lucky". She rested her left hands against her hips to emphasize the curve of her small waist "It means you get to hang around with two incredibly beautiful women for the night. Most men would kill to be in your place".
Shaking his head slowly he jested "Well aren't you the pinnacle of humility" her response was to stick her tongue out at him, an act more likely to be seen on a toddler than a noble born princess. 'And she has the gall to call me childish at times'.
Yoruichi lifted her pointed chin to the air and said in a smug playful tone "I though you knew me better than that by now Nero".
Soi Fon watched from the side line as the two bantered with one another 'Why does Lady Yoruichi act like this with him. The way she speaks and jokes with him. Its just like before. With him' she didn't even want to say the man's name. But anyone who knew her knew which one former Captain of the 12th Division she was referring to. Watching them both tease each other made her clench her fists at the chemistry they had 'What is it with Lady Yoruichi and her need to indulge herself with foolish men. Once before I though her a woman without fault. But now I'm beginning to think her choice in company is her one an only blunder'.
The three of them then began to search for any trail or clue as to lead them to their targets. Ukitake had given them a device which would analyse reishi make up which much like a DNA test required a cotton swap of said reishi. But that of course meant finding said reishi belonging to their culprit first. They first started with the site where just the night prior Yoruichi had come across the soul less and life less corpses of many Humans. It wasn't to far from the river, just off the beaten path of a main road.
"This was where I found the victims" the place was now empty "I took all the belongings I could for Kisuke to examine. And to clean the place up. Don't want the local police getting wrapped up in something way over their heads".
Nero and Soi Fon looked around, a futile effort they knew. There was no way Yoruichi would have missed anything but they had naught else to do "So what are we doing here then" Nero queried. "We gonna have a stake out or something and hope they return?".
"Actually we'll be doing things a little more high tech" Yoruichi pulled out some hand held device about the same size as an iPad.
'Where does she keep all this stuff' Nero could never find a logical answer to that question no matter how many times he asked himself. 'Her stretch pants don't even have pockets'.
"Kisuke made this. Its able to detect unusual spirit particles in the air and can track them. See when a soul is devoured it leaves traces of reishi in the air around whomever devoured it. Much like how the blood of the prey is left on the predator that eats it. Normally the residue reishi is so minute that not even a Captain could sense it, but this device can. Think of like a sniffer dog and how they can pick up on scents. But its only a prototype so its range is very limited, and the souls reishi residue only lasts for a short time before it dissipates completely. Which means we'll have to get some leg work in and just follow any trail it can pick up for the time being".
After scanning the area the device detected a shift in the reishi particles which lead off somewhere west of their location. The trio following after it. They had to take a slow pace in order for the tracker to map out the trail which allowed the Gotei 13 member to take in the sights around her as they moved throughout the streets.
"So this is the Human World" the raven haired Captain scanned the horizon of buildings, shops and more "Its changed since the last time I was here".
"Well you know how Humans are. Never satisfied in how they are at the current moment. Always striving towards the future sure that they can do better than they already have" Yoruichi remarked. "Its what makes them one of a kind".
"How could you have lived somewhere like this place for so long. I mean its so, dirty, cramped, overcrowded and unorganised" she asked her former master.
The ebony coloured woman shrugged nonchalantly "When you get down to it the Human World isn't half bad. They have tv, movies, video games, the internet. And the amount of different types of food, drink and alcohol they have can make even this kitty purr. And anyway. I didn't sped the last century in this one town. I travelled all over. I've seen the canals of Venice, the busy streets of New York, watched shows in the West End and even spent some time in my cat form living with lions in Africa. That one in particular was rather fun, a pack of them even took me in like I was one of their own cubs. I would of stayed longer if not for the whole eating raw bloody carcasses thing".
Soi Fon had no idea what some of the things Yoruichi mentioned even were. But she got one thing from it "So … you like it here".
"I love it" Yoruichi freely admitted with honesty "Its so much easier than back in the Soul Society. No noble court drama, no having to deal with pompous ass kissing aristocrats or anything. Here I get to do what I want to do without having to worry about how my families image will be impacted. I just get to sit back, relax and have fun like a normal person". It wasn't until arriving in the Human World that Yoruichi realised just how much she hated aristocratic life and the work one had to do to maintain their families prestige.
"Oh" Soi Fon hid her gloom well 'I thought she would return to the Soul Society once everything was back to normal'.
"So the thing you like more than anything is that you get to be lazy and sit on your ass all day" Nero shook his head and chuckled "Just like a typical cat".
"Hey" Yoruichi gave a false offended look "Who are you calling lazy". She aimed a teasing sensual face at the devil "And beside. It is a nice ass don't you think" she winked. She knew he must agree, after all she'd caught him staring at her rear enough times. Not that he knew that, as far as Nero was aware all his stares at her behind had gone unnoticed.
'Can't argue with that' But Nero wouldn't give her the satisfaction. He then turned to the Captain with a question that had been nagging at him "So Soi Fon. What exactly do you guys do for fun anyway. I mean I know Jushiro and Shunsui drink but aside from going to bars what is there to do on your days off". There clearly weren't things like movies in the Soul Society given how it still maintained an Edo Period fashion so he always wondered what people there did to pass the time.
"I don't have days off" she answered in an indifferent manner "And refer to me by my rank. We are not friends so don't use such familiar names. Especially how we are technically on a mission at the current moment".
The snow haired teen rolled his eyes and mumbled in a whisper "Starting to see why you don't have friends to begin with".
"What was that" Soi Fon glared at the male.
"Alright you two easy" Yoruichi butted in sending them both a glance.
Soi Fon diverted her eyes, she had never enjoyed it when Yoruichi scolded her. Taking in a breath she chose to answer the teens question "I train" she could tell the boy expected more "… and meditate".
"Oh wow slow down you're killing me with all this excitement" he mocked with monotone sarcasm, Yoruichi bit back a smirk, "That's it. That's really all you've done for the past what hundred years".
"What did you expect" Soi Fon grew more perturbed by the male "You may have grown somewhat friendly with some of those in the Seireitei but you seem to forget. We members of the Gotei 13 are warrior, soldiers that defend the Soul Society. And like any good warrior I devout my free time to furthering my skills both physically and mentally".
"Well aren't you the life of the party" the petite woman sent him a dirty look.
"What about the garden" both grey and blue eyes focused on Yoruichi. "The one at the back of the Onmitsukido's barracks. You know the one, it was hidden behind some tress. The two of us used to go there to get away from everyone else. You grew some plants and trees there and decorated it with all sorts of ornate features because you said it should look as nice as it feels to be there". Yoruichi had always likes that spot, not even Kisuke knew of it, it was there little hide out and the way Soi Fon had decorated it and the reasons she did so had warmed her heart "I never had the chance to check on it since I returned to the Soul Society".
Soi Fon's eyes widened a tad "Well I erm …" she took a gulp, turning away and said in a defeated voice "I haven't been there since you left".
"Oh" was the only response Yoruichi could give.
The way the two women allowed the heavy silence to fill the air made Nero want to tug at his collar to cool down. 'Well this just got awkward' thankfully at that moment the tracking device began to beep as it picked up the trail they had lost. 'Saved by Kisuke again'. The three of them resumed their search.
As they followed the trail they remained in silence. Wanting to get the focus off her and that once so special garden Soi Fon faced Nero. "How exactly is it you even have reiryoku to begin with. You said you were a demon".
"Part demon" he clarified raising his Devil Bringer which was now covered from view given they were back in the Human World. "The rests all Human. You can check if you want" she clucked her tongue but didn't rise to his joke. "That Human part lets me use shinigami powers like you guys can. Right?" he looked to Yoruichi who nodded in confirmation.
"Exactly how long have you been training. Not just your newfound reaitsu but your demonic powers" asked Soi Fon. The level of skill he had let her know he had been doing it for some time.
Nero tried to think "Credo began training me when I was around eight or so. So over ten years now".
"And those demonic powers you have. What are they. I know one of them gives you some form of shunpo but what of the other. Back when we fought it was as if you were using my own attacks against me".
"Royalguard you mean?" Nero assumed that's the Style she was referring to. "It's a demonic ability Dante, my er teacher you could call him, taught me as well as my Trickster Style. It allows me to absorb energy both kinetic and other into myself from attacks. And then release it against my opponents".
Soi Fon gave a deadpan look "Trickster … Royalgaurd. What ridiculous names".
"Told you so" Yoruichi mocked in a sing song voice, she had already made her thoughts on the names for his demonic fighting styles abundantly clear.
'The name may be foolish but the ability to absorb an enemies own attack and then use it against them is an incredible power' thought the black braided haired woman. "So that's how you were able to withstand my attacks".
"Yeah. But its not ever lasting. Royalguard isn't something you can just flick a switch and leave on. It takes to much power" Nero had been told this exact thing from Dante. "You have to know or guess when the attack is coming and prepare for it or else screw up and take the hit head on".
'So he has to time it just right or risk taking the full force of the attack. A high risk high reward type power then' Soi Fon surmised. "I'll admit your skills certainly are impressive. Perhaps we should see what you're capable of now with your shinigami abilities. With Lady Yoruichi training you you must be good for something".
"Why my dear Soi Fon I think that's the nicest thing you've said to me since we met" Nero made light of her compliment, though whether she was complimenting him or Yoruichi he didn't know or care. "See under all that angst there lies a pile of sweet honey inside that little bee".
Soi Fon narrowed her eyes gritting her teeth "Don't mistake my words for kindness. You may be a skilled warrior but when it comes to personality you are no different than Kisuke Urahara. And before you try to make any joke. No. that comparison is not a compliment. I don't like you. The only reason I'm even tolerating you now is because for whatever reason Lady Yoruichi sees something in you. Though what that could be I honestly have no idea".
"Wow" Nero shook his head in an overly false sullen way as if he was hurt by her words. He gripped his chest "From now on I suggest you just insult your enemies rather than use your zanpakuto. Because I've been on the receiving end on both and I'll tell you that stung more than anything your sword ever did. You really put the 'Bee' in 'itch'".
The captain scowled clenchng her fists ready to retaliate "That's it I-"
"-Enough!" Yoruichi shunpo'd in the middle of the two stopping either one from further instigating the other with a commanding glare. She put her hand on her forehead and tiredly sighed "It's like being with two children. Its not often I'm the one having to act like the adult of the group. I asked the both of you to help me and this is how you behave. Right now innocent peoples lives are in danger so how about you both focus on that rather than trying to rile each other up". They both agreed, albeit reluctantly, now Yoruichi made them realise just how immature and selfish their back and forth was "Good. Now then. Back to what we came here to do".
From the corner of her golden eyes Yoruichi could see the two still sending sparks at each. Soi Fon with her cold gaze and Nero with an amused air to him as if taking enjoyment in angering the woman. Yoruichi pinched the brim of her nose as she began to grow more exhausted by the second at having to play the mediator of the group. 'Its as if they can't help themselves. I wish they could get along. Its just like how Soi Fon was with Kisuke all over again. Only back then Kisuke was still shy and slow to defend himself where as Nero's is anything but'.
Roughly thirty minutes later they had reached the end of their current trail. It was at the back of some shopping mall where the workers would take out the trash. The area was only accessible to the workers and closed off to the public by metal fences but the three easily hoped over them. Being so late in the night it was currently abandoned.
"Well" Soi Fon brushed a stray lock of black hair away "At least we know that device of that man's works".
"So you do have a sense of humour after all" Nero mockingly praised "A pretty dark one but still".
"We were too late" Yoruichi tightened her grip on the tracking device as her resentment towards this mystery perp grew 'All this death. For what? What is it these people are up to?'.
By the empty back lot where they stood were at least two pairs of clothes which lay on the ground. Along with scattering of dust or more accurately the ash of what was once two living breathing humans that had become the unfortunate victims of a hungry foul killer.
Nero walked over to the clothes, nudging them with his shoe "By the looks I'd say it was two guys. And since no self respecting guy under the age of thirty would wear tweed with a bowler cap it was probably two older guys. Unless it's some hipster who smells their own arts, in which case its no loss".
"Looks like we brought our very own Sherlock" Yoruichi said in a jovial tone. "Your skills of observation are unmatched by any" she teased in a swooning demeanour.
He held his head up high with put on arrogance "See. I'm not just a pretty face after all". Nero snarked right back acting as if he was unaware her compliment was meant as a jest.
"Their names are Koshina Muri and Tomini Uragu" Soi Fon spoke up getting the attention of the others. From the look on her face and hardness of her voice she made her displeasure with the way the two fooled around clear as day.
Nero cocked a brow "How'd you figure that out so quick?"
The petite woman simply raised up her hand in which were two small leather bound items and answered in her normal vanilla style "I checked their wallets and ID".
"Well that's one way to figure it out" Nero admitted "A little boring but gets the job done".
"Well the only good thing is that given how recently these two were killed it means the trail of their souls will be easily picked up by the tracker". Yoruichi didn't mean to sound cold. Two innocent men had been killed at it angered her to see life taken away so callously. But she along with her two compatriots were veterans of professions were they dealt with the deaths of innocents on a regular basis. In that life you had to grow used to seeing this sort of thing. Not to mention as the former head of the Omnitsukido investigating deaths and hunting the culprits had once been her nine to five.
Nero looked around the area. Specifically at the buildings walls by them "No security cameras. Suppose its good in one way. Doubt the cops would accept that I was hunting some supernatural ghost murder when they saw me on the footage".
The purplenette sluggishly groaned throwing her head back "Will you stop complaining about how people can see you. I made one mistake okay. Its not my fault that unlike us and even Ichigo you cant leave your body in a soul form now is it. Being part Demon has to come with some drawbacks".
During those two weeks of training one night a thought had come to Nero. That being to see if he could leave his physical body into a soul form like Ichigo could do and how Shinigami could do the same to leave their gigai's. Unfortunately for whatever reason it seemed he couldn't. Not even when Kisuke whacked him on the head with that soul cane of his. Kisuke just summed it up to how Uryu being a Quincy and his physical body being made up of different spiritual and biological make up compared to a humans and shinigami's like wise was unable to leave his body. After all it was for that reason alone Kisuke had needed to modify his Senkimon to allow all but Ichigo and Yoruichi to be able to pass through the Dangai and enter the Soul Society when they went to rescue Rukia.
The three of them went about searching the area for any signs of who or what had done this. Well Yoruichi did most of the work with that device she had. Soi Fon seemed to be focusing more on the new world around her keeping to herself.
Nero walked over to Yoruichi who was currently crouched on the ground beside a shoe of one of the victims with the tracking device in hand "Hows it going?".
"It takes a while for Kisuke's tracker to lock onto the souls particles residue. I'm trying to get the best match possible so it will take a little more time" she answered, her eyes still focused on the tech and the readings it offered out.
"Great" Nero grumbled stretching his arms over his head. "More standing around doing nothing while you do all the work. If I knew this is how it would have been I'd of stayed and fought with the guy with the bells some more. He may be messed up in the head but he's certainly a good way to liven a place up".
With a grin as shrewd as a cat she light-heartedly replied "Well then next time he seeks you out don't come crying to me to save you again. I'll remember how unappreciated my aide was this time around". Yoruichi flicked her golden eyes between Nero and her former protege. "You know there is one way to pass the time" he gave her a look "You and Soi Fon could oh I don't know. Talk while I deal with this. Some bonding time you could say".
The devil hunter deadpanned with a scoff "Bonding? Really don't think that's what she has in mind with me".
"Oh come on" the Shihoin noble refused to give in. "All I'm asking is that the two of you can talk without getting into a fight. Is that too much to ask" she ignored his bobbing head. "You know the two of you have more in common than you think. And Soi Fon isn't that bad. I know she can come across as intense but deep down she's a sweety".
"How deep we talking. Six feet or Mariana Trench level" was Nero's retort.
"Just talk will you" Yoruichi spoke like a mother trying to force two siblings to make up. "You both have nothing else to do for now. And besides" her voice now sounded more genuine speaking from the heart "The two of you are my friends, among my closest friends. This wont be the last time we spend together as the three of us. Be it work or otherwise. I'd much rather know that in the future I don't have to worry about you trying to rile her up and her trying to kill you when you do". She let her words sink in to the devil hunter before lightening the mood by putting on a puppy dog face, ironic given her alternate form "So will you do it? For me. Pretty please" she batted her eyelashes.
Despite trying to make a joke of the situation at the end Nero could tell Yoruichi was being honest with what she had said. Given how much the violet haired woman has done for him this was the least he could do to try to repay her kindness and so relented relented "Fine" a victorious smile traced her lips as she thanked him before refocusing on her task at hand.
Making his way to the nearby captain Nero could hear her muttering about something to quiet for him to make out. "Talking to yourself is a sign of madness".
"Tch" Soi Fon clicked at being disturbed "I'd rather talk with myself than you". She paid no heed to his witty retort, "And for your information I wasn't talking to myself. I was thinking aloud. Trying to come to a conclusion as to what all this means" by 'this' she meant the mysterious killings. "After all this work is similar to what myself and my men do in the Onmitsukido. Just like Lady Yoruichi I have a lot of experience at uncovering criminals and their motives".
"Onmitsukido? Those are the ninja guys that tried to kill me a bunch of times when I first got to the Seireitei right. The group Yoruichi once led". Nero knew a little of them but he'd never bothered to ask Yoruichi on the full detail of the organisation.
Her work was one of the few things the brunette Captain didn't mind speaking of "Protecting the Seireitei is one of our many duties amongst others along with discovering and stopping any traitors that threaten the peace. We are the second largest military force in the Soul Society after the Gotei 13. Lady Yoruichi was the commander for many years. The position of commander of the Onmitsukido has historically been a Shihoin family member since its founding". Something which Soi Fon was hoping would once again be the case and have her sister back here she belonged. But she knew better after seeing how little interest Yoruichi expressed in regaining reclaiming her old positions. For whatever reason she enjoyed the Human World. "And please refrain from referring to us as 'ninja guys'".
"There was one thing I noticed" she flicked her grey eyes towards his azure pair "When your gang of Konoha ninja's attacked me a lot of them didn't use their zanpakuto's. Do they not have one".
"Everyone be they a member of the Gotei 13, Onmitsukido or Kido Corps has a Zanpakuto. But all members of the Onmitsukido are trained to fight without one. You never know when you may lose it in battle so we train to be prepared. And given how we are also known as the Stealth Force I'm sure even you can surmise with an epithet like that we have missions where stealth is key. And as I'm sure from even how few Zanpakuto you yourself have seen many zanpakuto's shikai and bankai aren't suited for such tasks given how loud and flashy they can be". She herself had that same issue.
'Sounds like she'd speaking from experience' Nero hypothesised. "So when we first met and fought why didn't you use your bankai on me, its not like you needed to worry about being stealthy then".
"Despite what many believe a bankai isn't the be all and end all of a shinigami. They do have some draw backs. For my own it goes against my preferred style of fighting. Not to mention it hinders my speed and agility" and being that speed and movement was Soi Fon's greatest strength anything that weakened that was more a hindrance than help. "Besides if I had used it the damage I would have done to the surrounding area would have been multiple times worse than the damage you yourself caused".
Nero had already assumed the first part of her answer but the second peaked his curiosity. "Oh. Well now I am interested. How about you show me some time".
"No".
He adopted a more jovial spirit "Talk about cold shoulder. Come on we can keep it just between us. And I'll show you some of my moves you didn't see. As they say, you show me yours and I'll show you mine" her eyes narrowed at his innuendo which he fully intended. "Come on. Just whip it out and give it to me" her expression grew even more aggravated clearly having no time for his humour, he even felt her reaistu spike for but a moment.
In all honesty she kind of reminded Nero of himself years back. When he was far more up tight and serious than he was now. 'Guess spending time with Dante will do that to anyone. That or you kill yourself out of annoyance'.
"My bankai is my own. I have no desire to show it to anyone unless I have to. Even Lady Yoruichi has yet to see it. Though if she asked I would agree to her wish in an instant … unlike you". Soi Fon calmed herself, thanks to years of having to deal with Omaeda she had grown accustomed to dealing with stupid men. 'Don't let this boy anger you. Its what he wants'. "Besides in my own opinion my shikai and shunko are more useful in battle than my bankai".
'A shikai that kills anyone if hit twice in one spot. Hard to see why she thinks that's powerful. And I had the love bite to prove it' Nero sarcastically thought to himself. "Yeah Yoruichi told me that you can do shunko too like her. But you didn't use that either, how come?".
'He's seen Lady Yoruichi's shunko' it did make sense, she was training the teen after all. But still Soi Fon liked to believe it was their little secret they shared together. Something only the two of them could use and only the two of them knew of. "My shunko is still in its infancy, yet to be perfected to the level of Lady Yoruichi's. And in any case it was not something I wanted to use on just some random ryoka. I was saving it for … someone special" she said the last part with guilt etched into her words at the memory of how she had planned to kill her mentor with that technique. With her mind now free from the cloud of revenge it had been in for a century the thought of killing Yoruichi sickened her. 'How I ever thought I could do such a thing. I can hardly believe it. Its a miracle Lady Yoruichi forgave me for it. Just one more of the countless reasons that make her one of a kind'.
'Someone special' it didn't take a genius to figure out who she meant. 'I know Yoruichi told me Soi Fon didn't handle her emotions well and that they'd fought each other on the day of the Kuchiki girls execution be she failed to mention Soi Fon tried to full on kill her'. Nero cleared his throat to push past the awkward subject "Your insult aside, even if its not complete yet it must be impressive. Yoruichi mentioned the two of you were the only ones capable of using it. That fact alone must mean something".
Soi Fon was waiting for him to make some witty remark but he left it at that "Thank you". Whether she liked him as a person or not he still paid respect to her own and Yoruichi's skills.
"Tell you what. If we ever spar again then if you don't show me your banaki how about instead I see your shunko" Nero tried to bargain with the woman. Hoping her pride in her shunko might cause her to accept.
'He's rather persistent. He doesn't quit when the odds are against him I'll give him that'. Soi Fon replied "If Lady Yoruichi asks it of me I will not be opposed to complying with her request". Her stand offish manner was slowly, emphasis on slowly, fading as she became ever so tolerant of the snow haired teen.
"There see I knew you were starting to like me" Nero smugly looked at the petite woman. "Those little love bites your zanpakuto gave me were a sign after all".
That tolerance had its limits however. Soi Fon stiffened and sharpened her gaze like daggers "They are not love bites". A false smile that hid ominous intentions behind it, a look her Lieutenant had seen too many times for his liking, spread over her sharp features. "But if you wish to see them again I'd be more than happy to mark you. You may have survived Suzumebatchi's sting once but I suppose we can see just how many you can take before you heel over. I'd even be willing to train you on that without Lady Yoruichi having to ask. It would be my treat. We could make a game of it. What do you say?".
"I'll think about it" Nero waved off.
"Hey you two love birds" Yoruichi called out "If you're done flirting then you can come here. I'm starting to feel like I've been forgotten about".
Nero walked over to the chocolate skinned woman while Soi Fon blushed at her former masters taunt. "What is it" he asked "You got a signal on the soul?".
"No" Yoruichi held the device up with an irked look marking her attractive face "Damn thing stopped working. Kisuke warned me it would being a prototype and all he made last minute but still. No less annoying". She swept her ponytail back letting out a pent up breath "Well complaining won't solve it so its time we did things old school". By old school she meant look for clues such as foot prints and follow what little small odd spikes in reiatsu they could.
Such a task was easy for the two females. Both of whom had mastered the art of tracking due to their jobs in the Onmitsukido demanding it. But as for Nero he was still a novice in spiritual sensing and felt little more than a third wheel.
A few minutes into their search a light bulb went off in Nero 'I forgot. I was going to check in on Ichigo once I got back. Ask what he wanted from me last night and let him know that insane captain is still after another fight with him'. He pulled out his phone and turned it back on only for "Whoa!".
His exclamation caused both women to look to him. "What is it?" Yoruichi asked.
"I've got over forty missed calls and texts from Ichigo and the others. What the hells going on with them" Nero hadn't the faintest idea.
The Shihoin princess put her index finger to her chin contemplating "Hmm, that is a little excessive. Its probably nothing serious. Kisuke did mention to me he was planning on playing a game with Ichigo. And well, if you know Kisuke you know his games aren't exactly what most people would call normal. They tend to get a little extreme at times. Believe me I've been there".
'Come to think of it Kisuke did mention something like that last night before I headed home'.
Yoruichi could tell Nero was still a little concerned for his new young friends "You can go and check on them if you want. Soi Fon and I will finish up here".
"You sure?" Nero asked.
Yoruichi nodded "Of course. After all this is kind of our speciality".
"Thanks. I'll catch you guys later" Nero accepted her offer and left the two to finish their hunt alone. Heading back to Urahara's shop assuming he would find his answers there.
True to their word it didn't take the former and current captains to pick up a lead on their mystery killer. The streets were mostly empty by this time of night which aided them as there was no bystanders to get caught up in their mission, or worse get attacked by who or whatever was killing the humans they had already found.
Close to the edge of Karakura near to a forest Yoruichi came to a stop to examine the scene "It looks like the tracks are heading this way" she judged going by the foot prints. 'Female footprints from the size and high heel imprint left behind'.
A 'wush' sound was heard as the petite captain shunpo'd into sight "The tree branches here are broken as well" Soi Fon spotted "So someone must have tried to hide in the bushes or used I as a short cut".
"Either way we know we're on the right track now" following said tracks the two females sped ahead following the trail, though they couldn't go too fast as they had to keep their senses peeled for any new lead they may spot. She and Soi Fon arched their fronts forward while keeping their arms straight behind them in the fashion Onmitsukido members were taught. The 'Naruto Run' Nero refereed to it as.
A ping was heard, Soi Fon pulled out a device from her shihakusho "Its from Captain Ukitake. He said there wasn't enough reishi residue on the victims we've found so far for an accurate analysis".
Before leaving for the Human World Ukitake had given Soi Fon a piece of tech cooked up by the 12th Division. It was able to read and break down any reishi traces to determine what species it belonged to given how every species had subtle differences in their reishi make up. Only it required a certain amount of fresh residue to do such which as of now they were lacking.
Yoruichi herself had come up with this plan alongside Jushiro "Well hopefully when we get to the ends of these tracks we'll find some fresher victims which will have more reishi residue for us to collect and send back to the Seireitei. Or better yet we'll find the ones responsible for this and stop any more deaths from happening". The tracking device made by Kiskuke had been her Plan A but as of now that was out of the question so this was all they had left.
Despite the seriousness of the current circumstances Yoruichi couldn't help but enjoy this. It had been so long since the two of them had worked together like this, it brought back many a fond memories "Just like old times eh. You and me. Out searching for criminals in the dead of night".
Soi Fon likewise wore a small smile enjoying getting to be alone with the person she adored more than any. "It's been a while since I did anything like this myself. Its been pretty quiet for the most part in the Soul Society the last century".
"Remember that time we were tracking those twin brothers that stole a Lieutenants zanpakuto after they got drunk" that particular memory always brought glee to Yoruichi for how ridiculous it had been.
"You mean how we ended up tracking them down to a back end village in west Runkongai only to find them both stuck in cement up to their necks" even Soi Fon couldn't help but laugh when they found the culprits that way.
The noble woman snickered picturing the position they had found them in "They both ended up fighting over it and fell into a building site. Little knowing that building was being renovated". She asked in a whimsical fashion "You remember what they said when we found them".
"That they've been saved by 'two beautiful angels sent from the heavens'" the crappy monotone impression Soi Fon did of them made it even more hilarious to Yoruichi. "I think they were too drunk to even realise we were there to arrest them".
Yoruichi crossed her arms over her chest "A shame. Those guys seemed like they knew how to throw a party. And the blonde one seemed to have a thing for you with how much he flirted" she wiggled her eyebrows to emphasise her pestering knowing how much Soi Fon hated the way the man made advances towards her.
"He was a disgusting drunk" Soi Fon replied as hard as steel making her thoughts on the man clear as day. "And he was to … handsy for my liking" she shivered a mix of disgust and rage and the memory of what those hands tried and succeeded in doing as she carried him back to the Seireitei.
Yoruichi nodded agreeing with her proteges judgment "Still. I think breaking seven of his fingers and knocking nine of his teeth out was a little over the top even for you". Yoruichi admitted in a droll demeanour. The amused smile on her face began to shrink as her chuckling died down "I've missed this" she mumbled in sincerity.
Even though she spoke quietly Soi Fon still heard "Hm. This? What? Hunting after killers and murders".
The Shihoin princess shook her head, her hair dancing in the breeze "No. Well not per say. I mean I won't deny I've had more fun in the past month than the past decade but that wasn't what I meant". Yoruichi slowed her pace before coming to a stop making Soi Fon do the same "I've missed this" she gestured at the two of them. "You know us. You and me. Being together like this. Talking. Having fun".
"Oh" Soi Fon couldn't help it as her cheeks lit up. "… I … me too … I missed you so much … I'm glad you're back. And that we can do things like this again … I've never had more fun than when I was with you". She knew Yoruichi loved her just as much as she did her, though in a much more healthy way that is, but it still made her feel all fuzzy inside when the feline female admitted such things.
'Aw. She's gone all red again. And can barely get her words out without stuttering. See Nero I told you she's a cutie deep down. She just hides it really REALLY well'. Yoruichi leaned closer to the black haired woman and squeezed her cheek "Well are you just the sweetest".
The captain grew even more flushed by the second, her face on the verge of exploding with how much blood was rushing to her cheeks "… La … Lady Yoruichi …".
That red face of Soi Fon's never failed to make the purplenette bellow out a haughty laugh even to this day. "Don't go getting all soft on me like that Soi Fon" she released her hold on the girls cheek. "Besides this is only the first time we've been working together since I came back to the Soul Society. With everything going on now and what's to come in the future I guarantee it wont be out last". The future held great gloom ahead of them with the inevitable wars to come, but if it resulted in getting to fix the once unbreakable bond with Soi Fon she shattered a century ago then it had one silver lining.
Soi Fon looked up to her slightly taller idol like a puppy being teased with a treat with stars shining in her eyes like diamonds "You … you really mean it?".
"Of course" Yoruichi affectionately smiled and gave a single rub to the top of captains head earning an adorable little murmur from her. She ceased her patting and said "But how about for now we focus on the mission at hand".
And just like that Soi Fon returned to her game face "Right". She was a captain after all, she could switch from serious to sweet in an instant, it was rather impressive. Though only one person in the world had ever seen the latter side of her.
Back in their pace on the hunt for the killers Yoruichi sought to bring up a lingering concern of hers. "By the way. Speaking of working together" the captains gaze met hers awaiting further detail "It's likely Nero will have to work with us as well. After all I am the one training him and he too has some experience in tracking down foes from his own line of work back home. That won't be a problem will it?" the way the woman's grey eyes frowned in a downcast direction spoke the answer for her.
"Why-" Soi Fon lowered the edge to her voice not wanting Yoruichi to mistake her anger as directed to her. "Why? Why must we require him. I know you're training him but that doesn't mean he needs to be with you at all times like some lost pet. Doesn't he have his own life" the irony of her words was lost on herself, though Yoruichi seemed to notice as she sweat dropped. 'Why's she looking at me like that'.
"It's not like it will be all the time. But sometimes Nero will have to accompany me and by that end you too since you'll be with me" Yoruichi explained trying to appease the woman's temper.
'Why. I finally get to be with Lady Yoruichi again after so long and now she wants to bring along that arrogant brat. It's not fair. Why must everyone try to take her away from me. First Kisuke Urahara and now him'. It was irritating enough that Yoruichi had to train the boy thus had less free time to spend with her but now even when she could be with Soi Fon she wanted to bring him along to even that. It was as if the Soul King himself had it out for the raven haired woman.
Sensing something was troubling her more so than usual Yoruichi asked with mild apprehension "Is anything wrong with that? I know Nero can be annoying at times with his constant taunting but he means well. Under that mocking exterior of his he's a sweet kind person deep down. Much like someone else I know" that had some effect on Soi Fon whose eyes softened ever so slightly knowing who Yoruichi meant with that comparison.
Taking a long inhale and exhale to find the right words "I'll admit he is incredibly skilled as a fighter" Soi Fon conceded. "He was able to go blow to blow against me and give me a hard time despite his slower speed. He survived attacks from the Head Captain and saved the lives of those on Sokyoku Hill when Aizen and his cohorts cornered them. Not to mention his fight with Zaraki. To top it off he is now learning the four pillars of shinigami combat to a rapid pace. And despite how he acts he is intelligent in both battle and outside of it if those weapons of his he made are anything to go by".
Soi Fon took another long puase before she concluded her analysis of the devil hunters character "But despite all that he is arrogant and has no respect for anyone other than himself. His sheer lack of decency is matched only by Zaraki himself. Despite his skill and intelligence he takes nothing seriously acting as if everything is just a joke. He's almost as bad as him" she spat out the last word meaning Urahara another man whom she despised.
Golden eyes looked upon the shorter woman with pity 'What is it with you Soi Fon. Its like you're determined to never have any friends other than me'. Yoruichi tilted her head to the side with a nod "I'll agree he can at times be all those things and more, believe me I've spent enough time with him to know how aggravating he can be". Her mocking tone switched becoming much more deliberate and sombre "Though most of that is just an act. Nero hasn't had the best and easiest of lives. And its only gotten worse. Can any of us imagine what it would be like to end up in a new world knowing we will likely never again see anyone we ever knew and loved again. I know I couldn't".
Soi Fon could see the truth in her words and kept silent. In many ways she too could empathise with Nero. Yoruichi had been her whole world and once she fled Soul Society her world had shattered and was lost to her until now. It wasn't literally the same but it did help Soi Fon grasp the severity Nero had been subjected too. 'An ordeal like that would be enough to break even the strongest of people. I'll admit that Nero has been able to withstand something I doubt most could'.
Yoruichi had grown something of a master at reading Soi Fon and from what she could read on her now she appeared to lose some of the anger she had initially towards the demon slayer. "Look I'm not saying that I want the two of you to become best buds or start a comedy double act or something like that. All I'm asking is that you get along. Nero is not just someone I have to train. He is one of my closest friends. Just like you. And I'd like it if the three of us could actually be able to get on together without a fight breaking out. That's all". Yoruichi put a hand on Soi Fon's left shoulder locking eyes to emphasise her appeal while speaking from the heart "So what do you say. Can you try. For me?". The fact she had to appeal to both Nero and Soi Fon like this in just a few hours apart spoke on how much this truly meant to Yoruichi.
'Curse you Lady Yoruichi. You know I can never refuse a request from you'. As much as the idea left a sour taste in her mouth she relented to her idol's wish "Fine" she said the way a child would when wanting others to know they clearly weren't thrilled on the idea they agreed too. "I'll … try to get along with him. For you that is".
Yoruichi felt the corner of her lips curve up finding amusement in the pouting face of the captain "That's all I can ask for. Thank you" taking her hand off the petite woman's shoulder she turned her back and added "And don't worry. I'll have a word with Nero as well. After all I wouldn't want him to get the wrong impression when you start getting all friendly with him. Not when you're still hung up on that crush you've had on Kisuke since we were little" with her back turned it hid the Cheshire cat like grin she had on her face from view.
Soi Fon froze solid as a rock only able to make out an incomprehensible mumbling noise in a timid voice while her entire body blushed from head to toe. Her jaw dropping and left eye twitching.
Acting as if unaware of her friends state Yoruichi walked ahead at a ginger pace still with that mischievous smile on her lips. "Come on. Looks like the trail is heading to the nearby train station. Its not that far from here". Even Soi Fon couldn't escape the sadistic thrill the Shihoin Clan head got from teasing others like this.
Soi Fon still frozen watched on as the dark skinned woman walked away 'Kisuke … Kisuke Urahara. That man … him'. Her entire body began to shake with jitters before she finally swallowed the lump in her throat letting out a might roar "WHHHAAAAAAAATTTT! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT LADY YORUICHI! YOU HAVE IT ALL WRONG! WHO TOLD YOU THAT! WAS IT OMEADA, I SWEAR I'LL KILL HIM FOR THIS!".
Up ahead from the screaming woman Yoruichi had to put a hand over her mouth to stop Soi Fon from hearing her giggling 'Even after a hundred years that still gets her every time. It never gets old'. Sometimes the wickedness of the purplnette could rival even Aizen.
"Soooo" Nero looked around the underground training facility Urahara had under his store. "What was it you were calling me about?".
A tick mark formed on Ichigo's head "Where the hell were you! I was calling and texting you all day and you never answered!".
"Sorry that I have a life outside of you guys. I was at the Soul Society" Nero revealed in an aloof way. "And anyway. Why were you calling me so many times anyway like some stalker for some little kids game".
"We didn't know it was a game then" Ichigo grumbled out irked at how the whole ordeal he had been in was revealed to be nothing more than a game designed by Urahara.
After arriving at Urahara's shop to ask on what was going on with Ichigo and the others Nero found the store empty save for Ururu and Jinta. They were kind enough, well Ururu was kind Jinta was Jinta, to tell him that Urahara was under in the training room where he had something going on with Ichigo. They didn't go into the details of what that was thought.
Nero hopped down into the room only to find Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, Uryu and Renji. All but Orihime and Chad were giving Urahra the stink eye. Speaking of Urahara he was standing beside two men and one little girl Nero had never seen before but could feel their reaitsu was different than most. Only to be told their names were Kurodo, Noba and Ririn respectively and that they were mod souls Kisuke had recently finished making.
Nero had then been informed of the situation. Apparently for the past twenty four hours Kisuke had sent the mod souls out to mess with Ichigo and company to test both their mental and physical skills when under pressure. Suffice to say Ichigo had been none to elated to find out Nero had been exempt from this game.
"Why didn't they go after him like they did us?" the ginger substitute asked the shop owner.
"As I explained earlier Yoruichi has been training Nero for the past two weeks. So we've been able to see his skills for ourselves in that time. Yours however we still needed to test" Kisuke tipped his stripped hat to the teen as if the answer was clear as day. Which only miffed Ichigo off even more.
"So while we were being played with by some little snot nosed kid he was off having fun in the Soul Society" Ichigo aimed his thumb towards the white haired devil hybrid.
"Hey!" the little blonde mod soul shouted offended "Who are you calling kid".
"The Soul Society wasn't what you would call fun" all eyes focused on the devil hunter. "While I was there I had a little run in with a certain eye patch wearing captain whose hair is as spiky as his sword. He send his regards by the way Ichigo".
Ichigo blinked several times repeatedly "Kenpachi? Aw crap I hoped he'd have forgotten about me by now" no such luck there. "And you fought him too?" the snow haired teen nodded. "From the look on your face I guess you saw first hand that I wasn't exaggerating when I said the guy was insane".
"You can say that again" Nero admitted.
Kisuke clapped his palms together to get the focus back on him "Well as fun as this was I do think we have another matter to attend to" he looked over to Nero. "I thought you and Yoruichi were going to be busy with your mission".
"Mission?" Ichigo and some of his friend echoed.
"I was. But then I came here instead. Besides Captain Honeycomb is with her. I was starting to get the feeling she didn't enjoy my company".
'Soi Fon. Poor Nero. Its a good job Yoruichi was there. I know first hand how Soi Fon's temper can be' Kisuke had been on the receiving end of it more times than he cared to think from his time in the Onmitsukido. "Well I suppose all that matters is that we get to the bottom of this".
"Hey have you forgot we're here" Ichigo called out not liking being left in the dark. "What are you guys talking about?".
"Have you noticed anything strange happening around town as of late" Urahara asked the Kurosaki boy.
"You mean aside from a giant hellish door sucking us up" he deadpanned.
Kisuke waved his hands out in front "That was all part of the game. No I mean odd drops and spikes in reaitsu. Or just a feeling of uneasiness or dread in general that appears and disappears in an instant. Things like that". Ichigo shook his head as did the others "Well its no real surprise. After all none of you beside Uryu are very skilled in sensing the small oddities like that". And Kisuke new at the current moment Uryu wasn't at the top of his game to put it mildly.
"So what is this all about Mr Urahara" Orihime asked politely.
"Please call me Kisuke, or just Urahara. Mr makes me feel old" the hat and clogs man quipped to the humble girl. "But to answer your question. As of late there has been some odd changes in the spiritual particles in town. That in of itself isn't very noteworthy but recently there has been a string of disappearances. Or at least that's what the police think. In reality they've been killed".
"What!" Ichigo scrunched his brow, he hated senseless deaths and those who committed them "By who?".
Urahara opened his mouth to answer but was beaten by another "I can tell you that".
The source of the voice was Yoruichi. She jumped down from the hatch above into the training area. Once she had the attention of all those present she spoke. "After getting several samples analysed and bumping into one of the ones responsible for all this we've discovered just who is responsible". Yoruichi crossed her arms over her chest and revealed to them all "We're dealing with a group called the Bounts".
"Kariya may not have the best taste when it comes to women but at least his views on wine are a little better". Bringing up the glass with cherry red liquid in Sharp took a gulp allowing himself to judge the taste on his tongue and the back of his throat. "Not going to have a glass yourself?". Within the private room he was sat in a leather chair, his many books strewn about the desk table. Among all the Bounts he was always the one with his nose buried in some dusty old tome, it was an inside joke the rest of his kind had about him. It was what he was known for. That and his two different coloured eyes and facial scar.
A man close by who chose to stand rather than sit watched with an expressionless face "I'd rather not. I've always preferred white to red myself". He had swept back golden blonde hair and blue eyes. His physical appearance screamed European but like most Bounts, aside from Hugo Sharp, he had adopted a Japanese name while in this land. The name he chose was one Akio Kishu.
"Suit yourself" Hugo picked up one of his books and continued to read on from where he left.
All while Akio stood there in the silent room. He had grown accustomed to this. It was just how Sharp was. He preferred the company of books to people. "Master Sharp" he addressed the man. In many ways Akio was to Sharp what Ichinose was to Kariya. That being that Sharp was the man Akio followed and admired more than even Kariya who liked to consider himself the leader of the Bounts. He was the only Bount Sharp would take with him when he needed an extra pair of hands of his expeditions to those lost ancient tombs he loved so much. "Why is it you returned to Kariya. I thought you always said his plans to bring us glory were a foolish child's fantasy".
"They still are" the man never took his eyes of his book. "But even a fool can be useful from time to time. As much as neither of us like to admit I need Kariya and he needs me" after an ominous pause he added "For now at least".
"So his plan to find the Quincy. Are you still going along with it?".
Sharp didn't respond immediately, instead kept quiet for a few more seconds before shrugging. "The Quincy can be of help to both Kariya and myself. So I see no reason to not aide in his plan for now… But …".
Akio noticed the bald Bounts pause, not a pause for dramatic effect but more akin to his mind being elsewhere "Yes. What is it?".
"There exists another reason for my return to Kariya's mansion and to this little town. The Quincy boy is the only thing of interest to Kariya but I find myself peaked by something else".
"Is that why you called for me sir?".
"Indeed" Hugo closed his book and put the black leather bound item down. "There is something different about this town … off in a way from the last time I came. Ever since I returned I've felt something strange here. Something I've never felt before".
"How do you mean sir?" Akio himself hadn't felt anything unusual.
"Lets just say I'm something of an expert in this particular field" Sharp finished off his glass off wine. "If I'm correct it could mean my long years of research may have finally paid off". Sharp stood from his chair and made his way towards the window, looking out at the moonlit skyline of Karakura Town off in the distance. "Karyiya will soon send his dogs to search for the Quincy. I want you to go as well. And to keep an eye out for someone for me".
Akio lifted his brow in a quizzical manner "Who sir?".
"I'm not to sure myself. But whoever it is I believe they may be the key I've been looking for all this time". Sharp was a man who could count how many times he'd smiled in his life. Joy was something which eluded him. But he could feel something akin to that bubbling inside of him at the prospect of this fortunate development. 'Has it really come? After all this time. Does a Demon once more walk amongst us mortals. It seems my patience has bore fruit after all. And my dreams shall soon by realised'.
I intended for the Bounts to show up and fight in this chapter but it grew to long as I did the Nero, Yoruichi and Soi Fon part. Reason being that despite Yoruichi and Soi Fon being important characters in the story and their relationship being one of their major plot points for both characters. Outside of their fight in the Soul Society arc they barely have any interactions with one another. The filler arcs give them some but still nowhere near as much as they should something which I intend to fix in this fic.
And I wanted to show that Nero and Soi Fon are still not friends, Soi Fon feels the same way about Nero as she did Urahara back when they were all in squad 2 110 years ago. And blames him for the fact that Yoruichi has been unable to spend her free time with her as she's had to go to Sendai with him and is now having to train him as well. So Soi Fon has some resentment to Nero for all that.
You may feel this chapter was a boring waste of time since it didn't do much for the plot but I felt I needed it for character/relationship development.
Some more Sharp and a new OC I made. Who are they and what are their plans I hear you ask. Well you'll just have to wait and see :)