Morning in the Desert of Hueco Mundo...
Candice slowly opened her eyes, with a strange heaviness she wasn't used to.
"Oh, rise and shine, Quince-y pie!" Atticus said as he saw her waking up.
"Ngh... Is it morning already?" She muttered, still clinging to him.
"I mean, it's rarely ever morning here, but it is pretty much time for breakfast, if that suffices"
"What's this weird feeling?"
"What do you mean?"
"I feel so comfy and sleepy... I don't feel like getting up"
"Ah, now you know why I rarely wake up early. See? That's how I feel every morning"
"Are you telling me your immeasurable sloth was passed over to me?"
"More like it was spread. I don't really feel the slightest decrease in my laziness" He retorted. "Besides, with you holding on to me like that, it's not like I have any incentive to get up"
"Leave me alone. I didn't want to catch a cold, that's all..."
"After all we did yesterday you really think I'd buy that?" He smirked.
"Shut up. A word of that outside and I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. EVER"
"Sure, sure..." He rolled his eyes. "More importantly, I think I know a trick to give you the energy to get up"
"I swear to God, Atticus, if you touch me in any indecent way I'll-"
He gave her a soft kiss on the lips and caressed her cheek a bit.
"Good morning, Candi" He smiled at her sincerely.
She blushed brightly as she ground her teeth, unable to really complain after legitimately feeling happier with such an action.
"Grh... W-What have I told you about those unexpected kisses?"
"Dunno... You really like them, maybe?"
"That's not the point! Or what I told you back then either...!"
"*sigh* I know... But what is the truth then?"
She bit her lip with frustration as she was unable to deny it, taking a different approach afterwards.
"Fool... If you wanna kiss me that bad, then at least give me one that's gonna last for the rest of the day" She grinned right before attacking his lips fiercely, forcefully sliding her tongue in and kissing him over and over.
Atticus was surprised at her attack, but gladly complied, snuggling her in return since she already had his mouth under her grasp.
As soon as she was done, she cleaned her mouth of saliva with her arm.
"*pant* That's better *pant*" She smirked. "How d'you like that, huh?"
Atticus smiled back at her.
"Heheh... Well, I definitely didn't expect that" He admitted. "And it was fucking great"
"Good. That should keep you at bay for a while, right?"
"Hm, I don't know... I get the feel that there's more where that came from" He smirked.
"Don't get greedy. You've still got work to do" She reminded him and let go to get up.
"Oh, so now it's a reward?"
"Yep. That's the way it goes"
"Very well then" He accepted, grabbing his t-shirt and wearing it. "But it better be extra special. I still remember what you said last night after all..."
"Yeah, yeah... I'll be sure to give you a proper reward once this is all over" She pouted while looking away.
"What's with the sudden shyness?" He wondered, but didn't push it any further. "Anyways, I need to dress up and I don't want you to accuse me of major sexual harassment..."
"True. I also need to get dressed properly" She remembered. "Can you make sure there's no one around?"
"Gimme a sec" He concentrated. "Hm, I don't feel any presence dangerously close at the moment, so hurry up"
"Thanks. I'll be quick" She ran off to her tent to get her clothes.
Back into the daily patrol...
"Hey, isn't the sand getting darker around here?" Candice asked Atticus.
"In fact, it's been that way for a while now. The difference is that at this point, the color change is way more drastic, which means we're getting closer and closer to the Dark Desert. Calculations were correct!"
"I'm not sure if that's really a good thing, but considering our current level, I doubt we encounter something we can't deal with"
"Yeah, I guess the only real difficulty is that Arrancar are like poison to Quincy" He recalled. "But don't worry, girl, I'll make sure you don't get a single scratch"
"You really don't need to. I feel confident with my current skill"
"And I know how strong you've become better than anyone, but that doesn't mean I'll take the risk of you getting hurt" He pinched her cheek softly.
"Cut it out! I get it..." She pouted as she put his hand away. "If we gotta fight, I promise I won't be reckless"
"I feel a bit more at ease hearing that" He smiled. "But if possible, I'd rather not give anyone a chance to harm you, so keep that in mind before blaming me for 'stealing your prey' or something of sorts"
"Tch... Whatever" She crossed her arms as they kept walking.
~~~~X~~~~
The same morning, at the Seireitei...
Shinji was walking alongside Momo, Hachigen and a fitting yet unexpected addition to their group.
"Hey, Kisuke, how long has it been since you went to the Kidou Corps' Barracks?" The blonde inquired.
"*whistle* Probably, a bit more than a hundred years" He said. "I never was a regular in any case"
"By the way, Urahara-san..." Momo spoke. "Why did you come to the Soul Society today?"
"Oh, nothing serious. I just have a couple matters to discuss with Mayuri, but there's plenty of time, so I took up Hirako's offer to pay a visit to the Kidoushuu"
"Ah, I understand" She nodded.
"It's a pity that Hiyori was unable to come today. I'm sure she'd have been really happy to see an old friend of hers" Hachi commented.
"Yeah. Seems like her boss at that part-time doesn't fall short of a slave driver. How did she even find that job?" Shinji wondered.
"I don't know the details, but it seems it was a mere coincidence" Hachi replied. "The pay seems to be worth it, at least as long as she has a considerable load of work"
"That dumbass... I told her that she could come back here if she had money issues"
"But, Hirako-taichou, what position would she have if she came back to the Seireitei?" Momo inquired. "If I recall correctly, she was the Lieutenant at Squad 12, so her spot would be already taken"
"I would take her in, of course" Shinji retorted with a straight face. "That dummy would be no good anywhere else"
"Eh...? But then... What would happen to me?" Momo suddenly became worried.
"Idiot, of course you'd keep being my Lieutenant. I would never have Hiyori take that place, not if I can do something about it" He sighed.
"You're mean, Hirako-san. Hiyori was a diligent Lieutenant when she was in my Division" Urahara defended her.
"It's not a matter of ability. Hiyori is certainly a capable Shinigami and is way stronger than Momo, but with that attitude of hers, it would be impossible to work so close to her, that's all"
"You two have always been like that... But in the end, you probably care more about each other than anyone else" Kisuke reminded him.
"Yeah, nah. Not in a million years" Hirako scoffed.
Momo smiled however, knowing that what Urahara said was probably, no, certainly the truth. She didn't need proof, but simply felt that her Captain and Sarugaki Hiyori shared a deep bond that could only be compared to that of siblings.
A while after, the group was finally inside the Kidou Corps' Barracks, like always, surprised by the solemn atmosphere and tranquility in the area...
"*thud*"
"Hm? What was that?" Urahara noticed.
"Did someone fall?" Momo theorized.
"I don't know, probably someone dropped some wares or whatever" Shinji dismissed.
They continued without further worry and entered the Captain's room, where Ukitake Sayuri was waiting for them with a delicious breakfast filled with traditional delicacies.
"Niiice going, Nezumi, I knew I could count on you if it's about food"
"Usagi! I-I mean, Shinji, what is that supposed to mean?!" The Kidoushuu Captain exclaimed.
"C'mon, no need to take it the wrong way. I just wanted to say I trust your good taste, especially if it's about a meal" Shinji clarified. "Although, you really were a glutton back in the day, then again, you were always slim and fit. I wonder where all that went...?"
"Tai-chou!" Momo stepped on his foot on purpose.
"Ack...! Why...? It was just a... Joke, Hinamori!" He complained.
"Well, it was of terrible taste" She frowned. "I'm sorry Sayuri-san, I apologize on his behalf"
"No, no need to worry. I'm more than used to his stupidity, as I said the other day" She reminded. "More importantly, I'm surprised to see Urahara Kisuke joining us as well"
"Oh, yeah, I hope it's not a problem that I tagged along after coming across Hirako-san and the others" He scratched his cheek.
"No, of course not. A friend of Shinji is a friend of mine as well, so I hope you always feel welcome in my Division" She politely retorted. "Now, to make this more official: I'm Ukitake Sayuri, Captain of the Kidoushuu and long-time acquaintance of Hirako Shinji. A pleasure to meet you all"
"Same" Urahara pulled his hat down a bit.
"The pleasure is all mine" Hachigen said softly.
"By the way, Sayuri... Who's the stalker?" Hirako asked as he sat down and grabbed a cup of tea. "I've been feeling this weird glance over us for a while now"
As soon as he said that, a heavy object falling on the wooden floor was heard, just like outside in the stone road.
"Oh... Yeah. I had her doing an errand for me last time you came to visit, so you didn't meet her" The female Captain said a bit ashamed. "Get up and come sit here, Tsuna"
"H-Hai..." A female groan was heard.
Moments later, a new face was sitting on her knees besides Sayuri.
She was a beautiful woman with long straight snow white hair, fair and smooth skin, vivid green eyes, a long face with Scandinavian hints and a bust that didn't have anything to envy the Division Captain.
"I'm Hakai... Tsuna. Lieutenant of the Kidoushuu. Nice... To meet you" She looked slightly away as she blushed a bit.
"What's this? Your Lieutenant has a crush on me?" Shinji teased.
"Grose..." Tsuna muttered in a way that was totally heard.
The blonde Captain froze in shock.
"Ahahahaha..." Urahara laughed at the quick honest reaction.
"That hurts, you know?" Hirako admitted.
"Ehem... Leaving that aside, I'm so glad that I finally meet you, Ex-Lieutenant Ushoda" Sayuri welcomed him.
"Oh, please, no need to be so formal. Just call me Hachi" He retorted politely. "I no longer hold any title deserving that"
"If you say so... But don't get the wrong idea, while I admire you for being a previous Lieutenant of the Kidou Corps, I hold you in high regard cause you're one of Shinji's dear friends as well"
"Oh. Being that the case, feel welcome to treat me as you desire, although I don't think it's that much of a big deal" He smiled warmly.
"Hachi-san sounds good to me then" She nodded respectfully. "Now, please enjoy the food before it gets cold. We'll talk more after everyone has finished"
Without further ado, they all did as Sayuri requested and dug into the meal.
Only by the time they were all done, the Kidoushuu Captain realized how time had flied by.
"Oh, look at the time! I'm sorry if this is rude to ask, but I need a moment alone with Hachi-san to discuss an important matter of the Kidou Corps"
"No, please, go ahead. After that wonderful free meal I can't ask for anything else" Urahara replied.
"Same. You told me you needed him, and I got him, so do what you will with him" Shinji added.
Momo just nodded in agreement.
"Thank you for your understanding" She showed her gratitude with a slight bow. "Tsuna, please show them around the area to entertain them while we're busy"
"Wh-Who? Me?" The white haired seemed dumbfounded.
"Um... Is there any other Tsuna in the room?"
"Uh... I guess not" She blushed in embarrassment.
"Then get to it right away. I don't want to waste Hachi-san's time"
"Y-Yes, Captain. Please, follow me" She asked the other guests.
"We'll come find you when we're ready" Sayuri informed.
"Oh, I'll probably leave mid-way though. I need to do something later" Kisuke notified.
"Don't worry. Feel free to leave whenever you want to. I'll just say goodbye in advance in case we haven't finished by then" She clarified. "It was great meeting an excellent Ex-Captain such as you, Urahara-san"
"Please, I was just making the minimum effort back then, haha..." He shrugged. "But it was certainly a pleasure meeting you"
"Sh-Shall we go...?" Tsuna pointed outside doubtfully.
"Sure. I think I've never gotten a good look at this place" Shinji muttered as he looked around.
The rest followed after him, and Sayuri asked her guards to close the doors.
"Now... The question at hand is..." Sayuri took a deep breath before revealing the matter. "I need to learn the secret forbidden techniques passed down the Kidoushuu Captains: Bakudou and Hadou 100"
Hachi widened his eyes at such a mention.
"Wow. Well... I was expecting it to be an important matter but... I didn't think it would be something as compromising as that" He retorted.
"I know it's a sensitive topic, but I have no other way of dealing with it. I cannot call myself the Captain of the Kidou Corps and not know said spells" She spoke truthfully. "The only reason I know of their existence is because I was authorized to access said information at the Daireishokairou"
"I understand, Sayuri-san. Don't worry" He said comprehensively. "To tell the truth, just for being the current Captain, you hold the right to said knowledge. However, it would be irresponsible of me to teach you the spells you're interested in without testing your skill beforehand"
Sayuri let out a deep breath.
"I see... It is that kind of dangerous"
"Exactly. And not only for you, but for the whole Soul Society" He clarified. "In the unlikely event that someone evil got to know about these powers, everyone would be in danger"
"So... What kind of test do you require me to pass?"
"The first one would be a Spiritual Pressure and Hadou affinity test. Nothing really complex" He said tranquil. "To be completely honest... The problem is the second test"
Sayuri gulped, imagining what he meant.
"You are gonna use that Bakudou, right?" She felt a shiver down her spine.
"I'm afraid there's just no other way" Hachi sighed. "I need to make sure you would never let anyone get that info out of you. For that... I have no choice but to put you through the unbearable pain of the 'Torturer's Path' in full"
The Captain smiled sadly at such a mention.
"God... I can see in your eyes that even the idea of doing such thing brings you an equivalent agony to that of the torture"
"I would be lying if I said I was mentally prepared for this" Hachi confessed. "In fact, I would rather do only the first test today and come back some other day for the second. Otherwise, I might not be able to carry it out properly"
"Of course. I would never force it onto you" She accepted. "Actually, if you could somehow find Ex-Captain Tsukabishi to do it, I'd rather have that. I don't want you to go through something like that"
"Really? That would be a lot better, though still terrible" Ushoda somewhat agreed. "It's just... The idea of torturing someone so precious to Hiyori and Shinji... I-It is way too awful to even picture"
"I thought as much. That's why I wouldn't want to burden you with that" She comprehended. "However, I would still like to go through both tests as soon as possible"
"Of course. I can go to Urahara-san's shop to ask Tsukabishi-sensei in person. It doesn't really put me at ease... But it's better than doing it myself. Way better"
"Perfect then. I really appreciate it, Hachi-san" She bowed. "Now... Can we start the first test?"
"Indeed, Sayuri-san" Hachi said as he surrounded the room with one of his special barriers. "In this space, you can go all out releasing your Reiatsu without affecting anything or anyone outside the barrier"
"Got it" She nodded, standing up.
"I assume you already know more or less how much Reiryoku consumes the use of Bakudou and Hadou 99"
"Yeah"
"Then, I must warn you that these two enchantments use about 5 times that energy when half-complete..." He explained. "And at least 10 times when it is fully achieved"
"W-Woah... I wasn't expecting them to be that higher" She was amazed. "Have you ever done it fully, Hachi-san?"
"I wish I had... But no" He answered. "Would you believe me if I told you that neither I nor Tsukabishi-sensei, nor anyone in the Kidou Corps has ever used it?"
"W-What? You mean...?"
"Exactly. We just pass the knowledge to the newer generations, in hope that such power never has to be used, and that the person who does get to use it has enough power and knowledge to do it properly"
"Then... I would be learning this... Yet most likely never even try to use it?"
"Indeed" Hachigen gave a single nod. "Are you still planning to continue in spite of knowing this?"
Sayuri thought about it for a moment, but made the decision in the end.
"Yes" Her azure eyes shined with determination. "As Captain of the Kidoushuu, it is my duty. No matter what happens in the end"
~~~~X~~~~
Back to Shinji and company...
They had just finished the tour around the Kidoushuu barracks, which aside from having special training areas for the different Kidou forms and especially clean surroundings, wasn't all that different from other Divisions.
"It isn't all that unique now that we had a closer look" Shinji observed.
"Taichou! No need to be rude" Momo scolded him.
"It's okay. That's true in the end" Tsuna recognized. "Although I don't see a reason why visitors would expect otherwise"
"Maybe it's cause you're a special Division that's normally not seen around the rest of the Gotei" Urahara theorized. "That would just be my personal opinion though"
"Y-Yes... It is a very plausible reason, Urahara-sama..." She blushed a bit and addressed him really shyly.
"Hm? What's that about?" Shinji thought as he observed the Lieutenant's reaction.
"Well, thanks a lot for the little tour, Hakai-san, but I have a certain appointment today"
"S-Sure... It was... A p-p-pleasure to have you here!" She bowed.
"It was great to see you as well, Hirako. Give my farewells to Sayuri and Hachi"
"Sure. Good luck, Kisuke" Hirako told him.
The shop owner left, leaving Shinji, Momo and Tsuna.
"Hey, Momo, I think I forgot a record I was supposed to show Rose later. Can you get it for me, please? It's called 'Filles de Kilimanjaro' by Miles Davis"
"Ah... Sure. It's in your vinyl collection, right?"
"Yeah. I'll wait for you here, so don't worry"
"Got it. I won't take long" She went on her way.
With Momo gone, Shinji decided to press the snow-haired Lieutenant about what he witnessed.
"Tsuna-san..."
"Yes?" She looked back, inexpressive.
"I hope I don't upset you by this... But you seemed to be rather interested in Urahara, didn't you?"
"H-Huh?" She was caught by surprise.
"Now, no need to worry. It's just, as an old friend of his I just thought it'd be a perfect excuse to tease him, heheh"
"Th-That's not true! I just... He..." She got beet red immediately.
"Wow, I never thought you could achieve such a tone on your face" He grinned. "Now, tell me all about it"
"It's... It's something personal"
"Hm?"
"Urahara-sama is... Someone really important to me" She started telling. "If it wasn't for him... I wouldn't be here today"
"In what sense?"
"In all senses" She even made him flinch with such an answer. "I wouldn't have become a Soul Reaper, let alone be alive"
"What?"
"Long story short... The Hakai name is known among pseudo-noble families as one of highly skilled Hadou practitioners, but this has also inspired fear in other noble families, especially when an exceptional talent is born.
During the time, my father was the head of the main branch, and also occupied the 3rd Seat at the Kidou Corps. For that reason, someone targeted our family for assassination.
One night, a numerous group of mercenaries silently came to our house. My father felt something was wrong, so he told me and my mom to hide inside while he waited in the backyard.
I can still hear his voice pronouncing various incantations as he fought the first wave of assassins, although I was just a little girl when all this happened, but it was something that surely marked me.
Unfortunately, they managed to get him due to their numbers at some point, leaving me and my mother practically defenseless inside.
My mother got to the entrance while I hid in their room, trying to get their attention away from me. She tried her best but... She was quickly wiped out.
I somehow managed to stay silent inside my parents' wardrobe, but they were turning the house upside down to find me. It was only a matter of time...
But then... He appeared" Her green eyes seemed to glisten vividly. "Knocking the attackers one by one, a mysterious man dressed in black came to my aid"
"Ah, I guess the ruckus caused earlier by your father alerted the Gotei" Shinji deduced.
"Yes, and as a result, the fastest team available was deployed: The Stealth Force" She said with great emotion. "I can perfectly remember seeing that man taking care of those skilled mercenaries like it was nothing, and when he was done, he made his best effort to make sure I was not only safe, but happy as well"
She started remembering the scene:
"Hi there, little, are you alright?" Urahara asked. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"
"N-No... I'm fine"
"Great"
"H-How are mommy and daddy?" She asked the inevitable.
"Um... That's..."
"Daddy is really strong, I know he is! And mommy might not look it but she..." She started crying.
"Look, I can't lie to you. Your parents are no longer with us" He said with honesty. "But I can tell they did all they could to protect you. They loved you with all their heart, so, try your best to live happy for them, alright?"
"A-Alright... I'll do my best"
"That's what counts. Would you mind coming with me?" He offered his back.
Little Tsuna nodded and held onto him.
"What's your name, mister?"
"Oh. The name's Urahara. Yours?"
"I'm... Tsuna. Hakai Tsuna"
"Beautiful name, Tsuna-chan"
"A-Are you...? Are you a hero, Urahara-sama?"
"A hero? Hahahaha, I wish" He chuckled. "I'm a Shinigami. A member of the Onmitsukidou, to be precise"
"Onmitsukidou?"
"It's a bit hard to explain, but you know Ninjas, right? We're something like that"
"I... I see..."
Tsuna continued talking as she remembered.
"Urahara-sama spent all that night talking and entertaining me. He gave me the support and strength I needed to move on from that night, and that's why I owe everything to him"
"Whoa, I never thought Kisuke had marked everyone that much"
"I became a Shinigami because I wanted to join the Stealth Force, but while I was still in the academy, I heard that he had been promoted to Captain, for the 12th Division" She sounded nostalgic. "I thought it was fate. I even used to day things like 'I'm totally joining Squad 12 and becoming Urahara-sama's Lieutenant!', haha..."
"But then the Hollowfication incident occurred..." Shinji recalled.
"Yep... And so I was devastated once more. All my life up to that point had been meaningless" Tsuna admitted sadly. "I ended up joining the Kidoushuu due to my great ability in Kidou, especially Hadou, but I didn't really have any special motivation behind that decision"
"Ah... But that's where Sayuri enters, right?" Shinji predicted.
"H-How did you know?"
"Hearing to your story... It reminded me a bit of her. I guess you two are really alike, and hence you were able to support each other and get to where you are today"
"I believe the same... Although, I've never really known anything about her aside from the fact that she lost her best friends after the incident"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm sure there's something more... Deep, about all that. In fact, I think it has something to do with Sousuke Aizen"
Shinji became dead serious for the first time in the whole conversation.
"If you want my advice... Don't mention that name around her" He said dryly.
"I'm... Sorry"
"Look, for me, it's not that big of a deal" He made clear. "He was my Lieutenant, got the better of me, I was turned into a monster, banished... and then he was defeated and imprisoned" Hirako simplified. "For Sayuri on the other hand... There are way more complex feelings tied to all that mess, so it's something she needs to sort out herself"
"I understand... Thank you for telling me this"
"No problem. Sayuri is... A dear friend of mine, so I want what's best for her, that's all" He concluded. "Now, shall we go if they're done?"
"Sure, Captain Hirako" She said respectfully, smiling.
~~~~X~~~~
At the Lab of Squad 12...
"Hi, Nemu-san, is Mayuri around?" Kisuke arrived.
"How many times must I tell you not to treat me so casually? I am a Captain, the head scientist of the Gotei and a brilliant mind that deserves the highest form of respect!" An annoyed voice was heard nearby.
"I guess he is"
"Nemu, go take care of the current experiment" Kurotsuchi ordered.
"Yes, Mayuri-sama" She accepted and left right away.
"So, how did our business go?"
"Our? I believe it's my business you want to talk about, and if you want results, you're gonna have to wait"
"Oh... You just planted them"
"Of course not, I already did that the other day. However... I only managed to get the bacteria on a couple houseworkers. Of course, our target doesn't speak such important matters with them present, so we have yet to get results, but I'm positive that at some point soon, he will be infected as well"
"And if he isn't?"
"Don't be ridiculous, of course he will. The problem is whether the bacteria stick with him for as long as we need. If they're removed at some point, it's highly likely that it's Inaba's doing, in which case you and your friend need to act"
"Ah, that's gonna be a bit difficult if you ask me" Urahara smiled nervously.
"Why so?"
"I'm not currently on good terms with her. She got angry over a little something I did during the assault in Jigoku"
"Well, that's something you will have to solve and fast, cause we need a backup plan, unless you're asking me to do all the work myself"
"I don't want to abuse of your good disposal, but if worse comes to worst... It'd be pretty great, you know?"
"Hmph, how petty of you. But anyways, there isn't anything else to report, so if you don't mind, I have work to do" Mayuri finished, leaving Kisuke on his own.
"*sigh* What was the last time saying sorry worked with that woman?"
~~~~X~~~~
That night, at the Shiba House.
"Long time no see, Yoruichi! It's been a while since we had a girl's night" Kuukaku told her as she got some bottles of Sake ready.
"I've been here for a while already. After Kisuke broke his promise, things only went downhill to the point I couldn't live with him anymore, so I was actually seeing if I could get a job at the Soul Reaper Academy so that I don't depend on my family while here"
"I see... That means we won't be having some sexy time for us three in a while, huh? How disappointing"
"Oi, oi... We only did that a couple times in our youth. Don't mention it as if it was a tradition or something of sorts"
"Haha! Just messing with you a little bit" Shiba chuckled. "It's not like we really need him to have fun either, right?" She tickled her.
"S-Stop! I'm not in the mood today..." Yoruichi growled.
"Hmph, you're acting pretty weird now that you mention it" She became a bit worried. "Did something happen lately?"
"Let's get drinking. It'll be easier to let it out that way, I'm sure"
One too many drinks later...
"So... You basically stalked him the whole day?" Kuukaku tilted her head in confusion.
"N-Not the whole day! *hic* Just... While he was around here, I guess..."
"*sigh* But, didn't you move back here to be away from him?"
"I know! That's why I'm telling you... I don't know what's *hic* wrong with me..." Yoruichi confessed. "Like, I was always the one to tease him, and whenever I wanted to be alone, I just disappeared and didn't care at all. W-Why do I suddenly *hic* feel this way?"
"Dunno..." Shiba was pensive. "Maybe you're having a mid-life crisis?"
"Fuck off"
"Kaaahahahaha" Kuukaku laughed. "Again, just joking, no need to take it personal *hic*"
"Hmph..." The dark-skinned woman didn't seem convinced.
"But seriously... I think you might just be realizing your true feelings for him"
"What do you mean???"
"Please, Yoru, it's not like you've ever been in bed with another guy even"
"H-How would you know?"
"I don't need to. Your face tells me that much *hic*" Kuukaku took another shot. "But back in the day... It seemed pretty obvious to me"
"Huh?"
"Your feelings. Both of you" She started. "Like, even when we three had fun together... I still somehow felt I was the third wheel"
"Are you for real?"
"Yeah, for real. In fact, I totally get why you would fall for the guy" She started enumerating his positive qualities. "He's really strong, wicked smart, pretty good-looking, a gentleman in bed and a GREAT kisser"
"H-Hey!"
"But... As much as I might know that... I remember those times" She continued. "How right after tasting him, even as we did it... When he kissed you... There was some sort of spark that didn't happen with me. Like you two just had that magic around when you were together... And, I might have felt a hint of jealousy when I saw that"
"Oh, that's bullshit... That... *hic* It was never like that, was it?" Yoruichi got beet red, on top of the effect of the alcohol.
"Why do you need to deny *hic* it?" Kuukaku smirked. "You loved the guy. And I bet you still love him now. It's just that you're scared to death of compromise"
"Th-That's not true! On what base can you say that?!"
"Um... Someone who relinquished her position as head of thr family... Abandoned her Division and Kouhai... Never built a relationship with her brother... Never uses her Zanpakutou... And constantly runs away of the man she truly loves...? Looks like a *hic* phobia to me"
"You have it *hic* all wrong! Things have always just gone that way. It's not like I wanted all that!" She spouted. "And you never use your Zanpakutou either!"
"I barely ever fight, Yoru. I don't need to let Hell loose every weekend" She retorted. "And make all the excuses you want. *smoke* The facts won't change" She drank another shot after using her pipe. "Like, can't you see how lucky you are? Why would you just *hic* push him away when he wants to get closer to you?"
"Oh, don't give me that *hic* crap" Yoruichi dismissed. "If only you knew how egotistical, manipulative and sociopathic that blonde bastard is, then you would get why I need a time out every couple years"
"He can be all that, but your heart is still head over heels for him" Shiba reminded her. "You wouldn't have done all that today otherwise"
"Argh, whatever..." She laid her arms and head on the table. "Maybe I should let that young white skank have her way with him in order to let go"
"What?! What are you talking about? Or rather, WHO are you referring to?"
"Nothing... Just some diehard fangirl Kisuke has in the Kidou Corps. Don't ask me how that's even a thing, but it is" Yoruichi spat pissed. "I bet Kisuke could piss on her face and she would praise him for it"
"Woah, that escalated pretty fucking quick" Kuukaku was really surprised. "Why would you say something like that?"
"Cause that white-haired horse-face with cow udders asked for it" Yoruichi kept ranting. "Just who does she think she is acting all cute and clumsy to get his attention? I hate that kind of whores"
"Pfft... Ahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!" Shiba bursted in laughter. "Oh, God... Ganju! Anyone! Just... Someone bring a camera, I need to record this!"
"Go ahead, laugh all you want..."
"Sorry, I just... I never thought I'd see you acting all jealous over someone. It's totally unlike you"
"What? I'm not jealous! I'm just pissed off" She denied. "I've always been side by side with Kisuke. Always been there supporting him, to the point of risking my life, and now some nobody comes up looking all weak and undependable and thinks she can snatch him away? Gimme a fucking break"
"You don't know how much I wish to burn all this in my head. This is simply gold, Yoru!" Kuukaku kept laughing. "But I'm sure the drink is gonna mess up my memories quite a bit..."
"Ah, yes... That's what I'm mostly hoping for right now" Yoru attempted to take another drink, but felt nauseous.
"Wait, please do it outside!" Kuukaku begged.
Yoruichi ran to the closest window and puked a lot.
"Gaaaa... Can I stay here tonight?" She asked after finishing, completely wasted.
"Sure. It would be really irresponsible of me to let you go like that" Her friend admitted. "You can use the guest's room like always"
"Night..." She bid her friend without strength for anything else. "Guess I am jealous..." She finally thought.
"*sigh* What a night..." Shiba muttered to herself, seeing the mess of the empty bottles laying around the place and not wanting to imagine the vomit outside the house. "At least, I don't have to worry about being all sulky like her... Heh" She thought. "If there was someone strong and reliable enough to match my level, maybe I wouldn't mind giving him a chance. But after all these years, I doubt that's ever happening. Yoru really hit the jackpot and yet... There she is, afraid to even make a move. What a waste..."
~~~~X~~~~
Hueco Mundo - Dark Desert
"Hey, Quilge, I recommend to set the camp around here. Any further and you'll be dealing with hordes of powerful Hollows" Atticus recommended the Captain.
"What was that?" The Jail responded with his thick German accent. "You don't think my unit is prepared for such a measly task?"
"Not really, but I would rather avoid unnecessary struggle for them. In fact, I'd rather go with Candice only"
"Eh...? Are you sure, Atticus?" Even her didn't seem so convinced. "Remember that we can't go full strength or we might be discovered"
"Trust me, we'll make it work!"
"Nonsense! In a scenario like this we can't take such a risk. If anything happened, the whole expedition would be a failure. As the man in charge of this mission, I shall ensure that everything goes smoothly" Quilge protested.
"*sigh* Ok, ok, I get you. But really, there's no need to put the lives of your men at stake in that case" Atticus retorted. "We, as the 3 Sternritter in charge, should take this responsibility. Wouldn't you agree, Quilge?"
"Hm... I am slightly offended by you believing there's any risk for my company, considering how well I've trained them... But I'll pass that as genuine concern about them on your part"
"Oh, of course, that's the only reason" Atticus persuasively made clear. "After all this time we've been working together, I can tell their quality as Soldat is of the highest standard. But it's for that very same reason that I don't want to put their lives under unnecessary risk in unknown lands"
"But, Atticus. Won't they be in greater danger if there's not a single Sternritter with them? I mean, if worse comes to worst"
"Don't worry. I'll cast a barrier around the camp they set here with the improved version of 'The Wind'. I'll make sure it lasts half a day without interference, and in case they are attacked..." He seemed to be looking for something. "Ah, Dârstor"
"Yes?" The second in command was ready to receive orders.
"The barrier I will set is likely to protect you from a fair number of minor attacks, and a single powerful one, like an Espada's normal Cero, for example"
"Understood"
"Which means, you must make the alarm, the one we use for breakfast, sound as loud as possible if you are attacked while we are away"
"Yes, Sir" He accepted the order.
"Needless to say, everyone will do what Lieutenant Dârstor commands while we are away" Quilge added. "I want a full report once we get back"
"Yes, Captain Opie"
Quilge seemed pleased with that answer, and so took the lead and advanced further.
"Splendid. Ms. Catnipp, Mr. Arctopus, let's not waste a single moment and find that mysterious artifact once and for all"
"Gotcha. We'll get back to you as soon as possible" Atticus told the rest of the Jagdarmee. "Let's go, Candi"
"Yes" She nodded. "And so the journey is coming to an end... I wonder if... Is this all?" She thought. "I mean... There hasn't been anything odd about him, but... There's always something more when it's about Atticus"
Arctopus waited for the Soldat to mark a perimeter, in which he set a gust of wind that would protect the soldiers at the camp in case of an attack.
With that done, he walked behind Opie for a couple meters.
As soon as Candice was close to him, he muttered:
"Candi... You trust me, right?" He grinned at her.
"I knew it!" She widened her eyes, her suspicions confirmed.
"At this point, I expected that much" He chuckled. "So, do I need to ask again?"
"No... You don't need to" She took a deep breath and then smiled a bit. "I trust you"
"Great" He smiled back at her. "Now I can move forward without any worry"
They continued along the path, until the sand became the clearest thing in the environment.
Around them, the landscape was filled with black trees, stones, bushes and Hollows, all darker than the very black sand they were stepping in.
The Hollows they encountered were at least Adjuchas level, and while that didn't present a problem to them, it would've been indeed risky for the rest of the company.
"These beasts don't know when to give up, do they?" Quilge said rhetorically. "How insolent"
"All they know is how to fight for their survival. You can't ask them to give up just because there's a gap in power, can you?" Atticus retorted.
"You have a point, but it's still pathetic"
"Anyways, we seem to be getting closer to our final destination" He changed the topic. "I can tell by the way those dark trees are rounded up in that space. That must be... Blackwater Park"
"Somehow... What you said was true, Atticus" Candice recalled. "The night seems even darker here"
"Right? Not even the moon shines above this place"
"Creepy" She shivered a bit.
Just like he said, there it was...
A giant lake of cold black water surrounded by the most terrifying trees they had ever seen, twisted in shapes that didn't look like any sort of plant, but dangerous beasts, and a thick cold fog that seemed to sink into their bones.
For some reason, not even Hollows were in the actual area of Blackwater Park. A really ominous sign, to say the least.
"So this is the place..." Candice muttered with a dry voice. "I... I can't say I like it"
"I don't think it's remotely likable" Atticus agreed. "You can feel that too, right?"
The Femritter didn't understand why, but she felt a great sadness arise in her.
There was something in the air in that place.
Something... Filled with sorrow.
Even Quilge felt that the somber aura was affecting him, though not as greatly as Candice.
"Atticus... I don't wanna be here" She started feeling desperate.
"Control yourself, Cat-"
Atticus punched him in the stomach, shutting him up immediately.
"This is beyond her control, idiot" He said coldly. "Same with this anger I'm feeling... So be respectful and don't let those things grow"
"Kgh..." Opie frowned with great anger, but followed the advice.
Candice suddenly felt her eyes tearing up.
"W-What...?" She didn't undertand. "Why... Why am I crying?"
"It's okay... I don't understand it either, but... You don't have to be ashamed of it, really" He took her in his arms.
With Quilge present, she would've never allowed him to do such thing, but under these strange circumstances, she couldn't have felt any better.
"Thank you. Thank you so much, Atticus..." She felt the sadness dispersing a bit. "I really needed that"
"Looks like I did too" He managed to smile a bit. "That rage inside... Somehow has calmed"
"Now... Where is that thing?"
"I don't know for sure, but..." He looked at the biggest tree that was growing next to the shoreline, greater than any of the others around the lake. "Something tells me the answer lies there. Let's hurry"
"I'll wait here! Don't take too long" Quilge demanded from his spot, still recovering from the punch.
She nodded shortly, still affected by the oddly negative atmosphere.
As they arrived at the front of the tree, they could see it.
A black stone, like a nameless tomb, with bright red letters carved in it:
"Nous chérirons notre concession.
Nous deviendrons dieux et nous périrons par l'obsession.
Tu en seras la défection.
Nous en serons la déflagration.
Nous nous métaphorerons en dévotion..."
"You had French classes at school, right?" He asked Candice.
"Yeah, although... I don't remember much"
"It reads: 'We will cherish our concession.
We will become Gods and perish by obsession. You will be the defection. We will be the explosion. We will metaphor ourselves in devotion'. Wow... That's deep"
"I can't make heads or tails of it..." She said. "But, for some reason. It really hits"
She couldn't tell from her position as Atticus was in front, but as soon as she felt a gagging sound, she understood.
Atticus was forcing himself not to cry, no, not to break in tears in front of his girl.
After reading that message, a flash of images and feelings went through him with such a speed that he couldn't tell exactly what he was experiencing, but perfectly understood what was going on.
"So... This is what you went through..." He kneeled by the stone. "Didn't you...?"
Catnipp didn't understand his reaction at all, so felt in the need to ask:
"Atticus... Whose grave is this?" She asked.
"I..." He dried his tears. "I'm not in the mood right now"
"Oh... Sorry" She understood.
"I'll... Explain everything back home, ok?" He promised. "Now... It's time to open this"
Using a portion of Bambietta's Shcrift, 'The Explode' he blew up the sand in front of the stone, revealing a dark wooden coffin.
"I knew it" He said to himself solemnly, and used Meninas's Schrift to open it.
Inside... The contents of the coffin seemed to arise more doubts than answers, at least for Candice.
"What... What is that?"
"By the look of it, I'd say it's a stick" Atticus replied, captivated by it. "An ebony stick to be precise, and it's very long"
"I mean, yeah, but... What is that for?"
Without any further thought, Arctopus grabbed the ebony stick, only to find that it was rapidly turning into energy, energy that became a part of him.
"What the-" Candi muttered as soon as she realized what was going on, a tremendous power immobilizing her in the same way monstrous amounts of Reiatsu did.
But... Was that even Reiatsu?
A giant lightning fell on the tree next to the lake, setting it on fire as the ground around it started shaking violently, the thunder that came afterwards roaring so loud it was deafening.
Atticus caught her before she fell, standing in the air thanks to a Reishi platform he had just created.
"ATTICUS, WHAT'S GOING ON?!"
"I don't know! This... This seems to be... Magic"
"Magic?!" She spouted. "You mean, it's not Spiritual Energy?"
"I'm afraid not. All these effects were caused by... Mana" He explained. "An energy that doesn't exist in this world"
"But...! Where did it come from then"
"I'm not sure... I need to think about this" He admitted that he didn't have any idea at the moment.
"Well, looks like the earth has stopped shaking" She noticed. "But that tree won't stop burning any sooner"
"Clearly not..." He agreed. "We should get out of here soon. Otherwise, an Espada might notice it"
~~~~X~~~~
In parallel, Las Noches...
"What was that...?" Cien asked Roka as he looked at a machine with a map of the surrounding area of Las Noches, showing a huge anomaly to the north.
"I don't know. The source of the anomaly seems to have been an energy overload in Blackwater Park, but it wasn't detected as Reiatsu nor Reishi" She answered. "In addition to that, it seems to have calmed down already. Could it have been a malfunction?"
"Nonsense! My machines are almost perfect!" He spouted. "Even that Urahara Kisuke recognized this detector was outstanding. If it detected something as huge as that, the chances of it being a mistake are 0,00000000001!"
"Okay... That being the case, do I inform Ichigo-sama of this?"
"Not yet. It would indeed be an unbearable shame if that microscopic possibility turned out to be true. Tell the Explorer's Unit to go, both of them"
"Understood"
~~~~X~~~~
Back in Blackwater Park...
They reunited with Quilge, who was totally shocked due to the events unchained a moment ago.
"Arctopus! Catnipp! What in the world happened there?" He demanded an explanation.
"We... Are not so sure" Candice answered honestly. "But we need to get out of here, right now"
"I don't think so! Not without a detailed description of what you found and how it works!" He stood his ground.
"That can wait, Quilge! If any Espada somehow noticed something happened, they'll be here in no time!" Atticus argued.
"Which means you need to hurry with those details!" He wouldn't budge. "His Majesty put me in charge of this mission, I won't let anything slide! If any dumb Espada indeed comes here we'll just have to teach it a lesson"
"*sigh* I knew it would come to this..." Atticus facepalmed. "But I didn't think it'd be so soon"
"Hm?!"
Atticus reached for his sword on his belt, but Quilge took a quick step back, preparing his lance for combat.
"So you finally show your true colors, huh?" The Captain seemed to have been waiting for that moment. "You pair of traitors!"
"Atticus... You don't say you're planning to..."
"Yes, Candi" He confirmed her thoughts. "We have no choice but to kill him right here, right now!"
"Hah, I knew it! You are just a filthy backstabber" Quilge pointed his finger at him, daringly.
"Tsk, Maybe... But letting you live would be a far worse betrayal on my part" He confessed.
"Whatever nonsense are you spouting now?" He frowned, confused. "Why would that be?"
"Because... I confirmed a theory I had during our journey" Atticus started. "I wasn't sure back when I thought about it... So I picked up some files that I imagined would help me uncover the truth"
"Atticus, what are you talking about?" Candice didn't understand what was going on.
"Candi... Remember when I told you I didn't read the file for this mission in detail? Well, that was because I found other data that I deemed much more important" He explained.
"Ho? And what would that be?" Opie asked with a sly grin.
"The true face of the Jagdarmee" Arctopus replied dead serious. "You and your men, Quilge... You are the reason my girl had to go through all that shit!"
With that revelation, Candice seemed to grasp what this was all about.
"Hm? I don't seem to follow you" The Captain tilted his head.
"The Jagdarmee has been the one behind the cleansing of potential dangers for Yhwach's reign" Atticus explained where he was going. "Hence, everyone in the Army who's suspected of not being loyal, or seems to know more than they should... Is quickly erased by you, isn't that right?"
"Oh, that's where you're going" Opie smirked. "But of course, it is my pleasure to eradicate any possible nuisance for his Majesty. That job is actually the greatest pride held by the Jagdarmee"
"I would respect that if you always presented proof of said suspicions of disloyalty..." Arctopus clarified. "But you're the kind of trash that feels entitled to use this authority for his own benefit"
"Hmph! Show a bit of respect, rookie! I've been by his Majesty's side for hundreds of years! I EARNED THAT RIGHT!"
"Wrong. No one has the right to take another person's life without a valid reason, at least that's what I think" He disagreed harshly. "But the truth is, I'm not some hero or messiah to be doing this for such a noble purpose"
"Of course. You're here for revenge, just like hundreds of others I've encountered over my years of service"
"Maybe so, but there won't be a next time, Quilge. This is where it ends" Atticus spoke coldly and determined. "If anything, it saddens me that killing you here won't be nearly equivalent to all the damage you've caused, but this is all we have"
"I get it now. You're doing this idiocy for that man, aren't you?" Quilge spoke triumphantly after being sure of having unmasked Arctopus.
"No... All this time..." Candice fell on her knees. "I looked for you... All these years..."
"Candi..." Arctopus knew it would become obvious at some point.
"And yet... I never realized... All along... You were right in front of me..." Her face seemed shadowed under her Sternritter cap.
"I need to admit... Killing that one was more of a personal insurance" He proudly stated. "Someone as capable, smart and young as him... It surely didn't look good for my future if I wanted to keep being of use to his Majesty, so I decided to act"
"Fucking scum..." Atticus muttered.
Candice stood up again however.
The rage, the sadness, the shame... It was all killing her inside.
But just like his partner said, all she had at the moment, was the chance to finally end him.
"Unforgivable. You... Will... Pay..." She ground her teeth, before finally showing a grin of pure anger, decided to completely tear him apart. "YOU WILL FUCKING PAY, YOU HEAR ME, BASTARD?!
YOU WILL PAY FOR KILLING AUSTIN!!!"
Yayyy, finally got this chapter done after many tries, and it seems that things are finally looking tight!
Next chapter is most obviously action-packed, so I hope you're looking forward to it (I'll get to it right away).
Tsuna Hakai is another OC I stumbled upon in the internet, so credits go to her creator, however I just added her for the sake of completion of the Kidou Corps seats more than anything. Her design is so lovely that I decided she was perfect for it (and she was shipped with Urahara by her creator so I decided to make that an easter egg haha).
Without anything else to add, see you all next Chapter!
Evhron out.
Atticus shows up with one of his guitars on stage."So... Today we're gonna start a new section called: A,B,C of the Sternritter!"
"Huh, how does that work?" Candi asked.
Every day, I'll play four guitar riffs for four letters representing a Sternritter (either by Schrift or personality), and to make things more fun, I'll start backwards, from Z!"
"That literally makes no sense if it's an A,B,C"
"I know, but it makes it more original" He grins. "So, without further ado, here are the riffs!"
Z - The Zombie: "Escape" by The Devil Wears Prada.
"Part of the Zombie EP, of course!"
Y - The Yourself: "Duality" by Intervals.
"Just like the duality between those twins, right?"
X - The X-Axis: "Hey Man, Nice Shot" by Filter.
"Do I need to say anything?"
W - "Air" by Atheist.
"This goes just as hard as the air of 'The Wind' am I right?"
"Hey, now, that sounds pretty good" Candice admits.
"A classic of old Tech Death never fails, buster. In fact, I can play the whole 'Elements' album for you if you want"
"Okay, now don't push it, guitar boy"
"Ok, ok, I get it, ahahaha" He chuckles. "See you all soon!"