Devil's Bargain

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Time for my weekly upload! This one was a lot of fun to write. It's mostly original characters in this chapter, which means I couldn't rely on my knowledge of Bleach characters to help me craft a scene. It was a fun challenge to take a swing at, and good practice for me as a writer. As always; I hope you enjoy!

Chapter Two

Haruka Nosaku made her way through the streets of the Sereitei's governmental district with the grace and poise befitting a woman of her station. Her red and gold kimono swished about her feet as she walked making it seem almost as if she were gliding. Those few who observed her passage noted the mask of dignified tranquility that she wore. None noticed the fire of her anger burning behind that expression. Nor could they have possibly noticed the barely controlled anxiety churning just beneath the surface of her composure.

Regardless of what her observers might see, she did not feel graceful on this particular evening. And why should she? Today had marked another in a long series of days where the voice of reason had been tossed aside in the name of sentimentality and honor. Yet another day when the wisdom of the Central 46 had been ignored, rejected. Though she now walked among the most finely designed and constructed buildings in the Soul Society, all she could see was the fire in the eyes of a foolish old man who's stubborn pride might bring their culture to ruin and ashes.

"To deny Ichigo Kurosaki the right to attend this festival would be to stain the honor of the Gotei 13!" Declared Yammamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni the first and only Head Captain of the Gotei 13. He stood before the assembled members of the Central 46 that morning as he had on several similar occasions over the last couple of years.

Ren Tanaka, the thirteenth judge of this governing body said "Be that as it may, can we be absolutely certain that his presence would not pose a risk to the stability of the Sereitei?"

"I agree," Haruka added. "If memory serves, when the substitute shinigami first came to our world it was as an invader. An enemy."

Another voice from somewhere behind her added "He even helped to destroy the sacred Sokyoku!"

Other voices throughout the chamber echoed similar sentiments. The old man stood still as a statue, utterly unmoved by the words around him. Only when the last voice had quieted away, and the room was filled with an expectation laden silence did he respond.

"The actions of Ichigo Kurosaki at that time were the result if the machinations of the traitor Sosuke Aizen. Were it not for his actions then the pride of the Gotei 13 would have been lost. It is one more debt that we owe to him."

"Yes," Haruka leaned forward. "The traitor, who's manipulations went unnoticed by the Gotei 13 for more than a century. It makes one wonder about your judgment on these matters."

Though the old mans eyes were narrowed to the point of being closed, she could practically feel his gaze piercing her. No, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that she could feel his eyes burning through her. "Your predecessors were also deceived by Sosuke Aizen."

She held his gaze as best she could despite the uncomfortable heat that had begun to fill the room. "Indeed; a mistake that cost them their lives and nearly brought our way of life to an undignified conclusion. It is not the intention of this assembly to repeat such a mistake."

Sweat began to pour down her brow, and she could see many of her colleagues shifting uncomfortably in their seat. The room was starting to feel like a goddamn sauna. She found herself uncomfortably aware that the man in the center of that chamber could reduce them all to nothing more than scorch marks and memories with little more than a thought.

"Be careful of your words young lady. Ichigo Kurosaki risked his life on many occasions and fought bravely against Aizen during the Winter War. Indeed; it is to him that we owe our victory. To imply that he would scheme against the Soul Society is a grave insult."

"No one is denying that the Soul Society owes a debt to the substitute." Goro Oba said loudly. "However, it is our understanding that Kurosaki fought to defend his hometown, not us. Given his history, it cannot be denied that to invite him here poses a risk."

"I concur," Haruka said. "If the reports I've read are accurate, then Kurosaki has fully lost control of his hollow powers on at least one occasion already. Who's to say it won't happen again?"

"That incident was two years ago. There have been no others since." The old man replied.

She didn't back down. "It had never happened before then either. Surely, as the Head Captain of the Gotei 13 you can understand our concern for the security of the Sereitei. That is your most important priority, is it not?"

"If it is security you are concerned about, then you should be aware that there will be multiple captains present at this ceremony, myself among them. Even if Ichigo Kurosaki were the man you think he is, there would be no danger." Yammamoto's voice was steel.

It sounded like a challenge to Haruka. She smiled softly. "Then answer me this, Head Captain: you and all your captains failed miserably to defeat Aizen in battle. Kurosaki, on the other hand, prevailed. Given these facts, what reason is there to believe that you and your captains even could stop Kurosaki were he to turn against us?"

"That power is gone now." The Head Captain stated.

"Is it?" That from Junichiro Sone. "Can you be absolutely certain that Kurosaki could not achieve that power once again if he so desired?"

"I can." Haruka frowned at the arrogance of the old man's tone. "The Cleaner has been restored to the dangai world. Without access to that place, Kurosaki would be unable to replicate the process that gave him that power. Though he is still powerful, he is not beyond our capabilities."

On and on the conversation had gone for hours. No matter how persistent she had been, no matter how reasonable, the old man had refused to give even an inch on the matter. Ichigo Kurosaki would attend the Winter War Anniversary Celebration and that was all there was to it. And what was there to do about it? If the old man defied tradition and put his foot down, what could the Central 46 do about it? They had no power such as that possessed by Yammamoto and his loyal captains. They had no way to forcehim to do anything.

It was infuriating to think that the will of the highest governing body in the Soul Society could be so casually and foolishly ignored. The ruling of the Central 46 was absolute law. And it was those laws that maintained the stability of the Soul Society. The judges appointed to that council had all spent decades or even centuries gaining the experience and prestige needed to carry the responsibility that came with that post. As such, Haruka and her colleagues were uniquely qualified to know what was best for the Soul Society.

The Gotei 13 was meant to enforce their will in the name of justice. Instead the Head Captain had now chosen to ignore it. How could he possibly think he knew better than them? It was maddening.

It took a significant effort to keep the anger from her expression as she entered the third private residential district, an area reserved for the highest ranks of the nobility. A few more minutes of walking brought her to Goro's house; a small mansion surrounded by koi ponds and sitting areas. She didn't bother to knock on her way in.

She found Goro in the sitting room along with Ren and Junichiro, all seated around the large table situated against the far wall where the windows looked out upon the gardens behind the house. In the center of the table sat a bottle of whiskey and four empty glasses.

Goro noticed her first and smiled. "There you are. Right on time." The others looked to her as well. Ren's face showed nothing of his thoughts, but it was impossible to miss the scowl on Junichiro's face.

She looked to Goro. "We took bets on how late you'd be. Now these gentlemen owe me a small fortune."

Haruka frowned. "You took bets on me?"

"It was Goro's idea," Ren supplied.

"Bastard probably already knew. Must have had people tracking your progress." Junichiro seethed.

"Nonsense," Goro laughed. "I simply have walked the distance to my estate more often than you have. It's only natural I'd have a better understanding of how long it takes to here."

Haruka resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she took her seat at the table. "Whats to drink?"

"Ah, this." Goro smiled as he took the bottle. "It's something new one of my distillery's came up with. It's been laced with kido to enhance the effects. Supposedly doesn't give you a hangover either, though I haven't tested that yet." He poured each of them two knuckles worth as he spoke. The liquid shimmered with flickering blue and green light.

Haruka took her glass first and downed it in one gulp. The taste was incredible, like electricity without the shock. Almost immediately she felt her face flush with warmth, and a pleasant tingling ran down her body. "Oh, pour me another."

Goro obliged her. "So, I don't suppose you feel like sharing the reason why you requested this meeting?"

"I too would like to know." Ren added flatly. Junichiro said nothing; he was still glaring at Goro. No doubt he was trying to figure out a way to get even.

Haruka sipped her drink before she started. "I don't think I need to tell you that our good Head Captain has gotten out of hand." Nods of agreement all around.

Junichiro said "It was bad enough that he invited those freakish half hollows back into his ranks, but now this? Inviting a filthy human who once humiliated his entire army?" He shook his head sharply. "The old man has clearly gone senile."

"Dangerous talk," Ren commented.

"Are you planning to tell someone?" Junichiro demanded.

"Not at all. I simply worried that someone might overhear you. Perhaps you should speak more softly." Ren said in that dull voice of his.

Goro spoke up before Junichiro could snap back with whatever insults were no doubt filling his head. "I think we're all in agreement on it. The question is what can we do about it?"

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Ren said. "We require a new head captain."

"And how do we do that?" Junichiro downed his drink, poured another. "Even if we vote to have the old man step down, and even if we can get the others to go along with it, the old man could just ignore us. What then? How do we enforce our ruling if the Head Captain decides to ignore our authority?"

Ren considered. "Squad Zero could force the issue."

Junichiro rolled his eyes. "Please, the only way they'd lift a finger is if the Soul King himself was threatened."

Goro broke the thoughtful silence that followed. "Suppose we could force the old man to stand down; who would we replace him with? All of the other captains are either loyal to him, or potential enemies of the Soul Society itself."

Haruka smiled. "I have a candidate in mind."

Junichiro frowned. "Your brother?"

"He's perfect for the role. He served in the Gotei 13 for over a century, and even held the rank of captain. When the needs of his family took priority he left that post and returned to us. He has both the power and experience needed for the job and, unlike the current head Head Captain, he's loyal to us."

"Loyal to you, you mean," Ren said sardonically.

"Is that not the same thing?" Haruka asked. "Besides, this is all hypothetical anyway."

Goro snorted. "Well, hypothetically speaking, that still leaves the problem of getting rid of the old man."

Junichiro said "Well I'd wager that the one who set up this meeting must have had a thought or two on the subject, or else she wouldn't have bothered, right?"

She sipped her drink and met his eyes. "Maybe I have, maybe I haven't. Who can say how much time the old man has left?"

"He is rather old." Goro stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Something could happen to him anytime. Of course, with that massive reiatsu of his its unlikely that he'd just die of natural causes."

She simply smiled and took another drink.

Junichiro said "So you'll worry about bringing down the old man, and in exchange you want us to help you get your brother a promotion?"

She shrugged. "Hypothetically, of course."

He rolled his eyes. "Of course."

"He'd get my vote," Goro declared. "We need someone fresh, someone who is will listen to our wisdom. It's about time that the people were reminded where the true authority of the Soul Society resides." The others nodded their agreement.

Haruka re-filled her glass. "I think we should start drawing up some plans now. After all, we would be in control of the entire military, and the whole of the Soul Society by extension. It would be irresponsible not to have a plan in place. Just in case."

And so they planned.

–

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon by the time she had left Goro's house, her head abuzz with all of things they had discussed, and perhaps a bit of alcohol as well. She felt a sense of optimism lighten her step, and she walked briskly to her own estate on the other side of the district.

The gate guards stood at attention as she approached. The one to her left said "Your brother returned an our ago, my lady. He asked that you meet him in the inner garden upon your return."

She paused. "Was he alone?"

He said "No my lady. He had someone with him, a stranger. Their face was concealed."

"I see. Thank you." She stepped past him and began her trek across the grounds. She tried not to look nervous, but she could feel a swell of anxiety. If her brother had truly succeeded in his task, then she was well and truly committed to this. Not a hypothetical anymore, but a reality.

She shivered as she made her way down the halls that would bring her to the acre of forested gardens and walking paths situated in the heart of her estate. She felt pit of fear opening up inside her chest. A fear that insisted that she wasn't alone, that she was in danger. It was a fear that screamed at her to run. She paused a moment to take some deep, steadying breaths. Gradually the feeling began to fade into the background; it was still there, but she could mostly ignore it. Mostly.

She rounded the last corner and stepped out into the gardens. She froze. A cloaked and hooded figure moved silently among the gardens, pausing here and there to examine a flower that had caught its eye. Haruka felt her stomach churn as she got just a glimpse under the hood, just enough to see those eyes. She felt certain that she was looking at death itself. She whipped her head around looking for her brother. She spotted him standing off to the side. Benjiro's eyes were locked on their guest, one had resting on the of the hilt of his sword. His expression was completely devoid of it's usual ease. He was all business.

Haruka approached him. "That's her?"

He glanced at her. " You said you wanted a witch, I brought you a witch."

She frowned. His voice was tight with tension, and perhaps even a hint of fear. "Any problems?"

"Not a one," He replied.

She didn't believe that for a second, but she chose not to press the issue. "Why the hood and cloak?" She asked.

"I was trying not to draw attention," he replied.

She rolled her eyes. "Right, because that is such an inconspicuous look."

"Trust me, its better this way." Somehow she didn't doubt that. He suddenly went tense and stood a bit straighter. "Here she comes."

Sure enough, the witch, Yamauba, was approaching them. Haruka felt herself go still as she met those eyes, those pale points of green piercing her from within the shadows of her hood. "Lady Haruka Nosaku," the witch said slowly. Haruka felt her skin shiver at the she said those words, as if she was tasting them.

She forced herself to adopt an air of confidence. "Indeed. And you must be Yamauba."

The witch rasped out a chuckle. "It is good to hear my name on so many lips. I've been gone for so long, I was worried I had been forgotten."

"I doubt anyone could forget you," Benjiro said with evident distaste.

The witch cocked her head, might even have smiled. "Aw, you flatter me. But I do not desire your praise. How long am I to wait for my meal? I am so very hungry, so hungry its as if I'm being eaten from the inside."

"They'll be back any moment now." Benjiro glanced to Haruka. "I sent our most trusted guard to bring up the most vile prisoner in our dungeon."

Haruka nodded. "Good. It would be bad manners to leave our guest hungry." She turned back to the witch, tried and failed to meet her gaze. "I trust that my brother told you what we expect in return."

The witch smiled, just a bit to wide. "My magic. And tell me girl, what is it you want me to do with my magic?"

Haruka took a deep breath. Now or never. "I want you to kill Yammamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni." Benjiro's breath hissed next to her.

The witch's smile widened almost from ear to ear. "How silly of me. I thought you might want something difficult. Instead I get a treat along with my meal. Ah, and speaking of which," Yamauba looked past them. Haruka turned and saw one of her guards shoving a man dressed in plain dirty clothes through the door into the garden. The guard's face was pale with fear, and he quickly retreated from the entrance.

The witch caught the prisoner's frightened gaze, and the light in her eyes flared. The man went rigid, as though he'd been petrified. But the sheer undiluted terror in his eyes was clear for all to see as he toppled over onto the ground.

Yamauba approached him slowly, each step deliberate. "Ah, how long has it been since last I ate. Before you were born, I suspect." She sniffed at the air as she stood over the prone man. "You reek of fear child. That's good. I hate an unseasoned meal." Her fingernails extended into razor sharp claws, which she used to begin stripping the flesh away from her silent victim. Her mouth tore open wider as she began to rip and tear at the flesh, devouring it ravenously.

Haruka found herself overcome with horror and disgust. She looked into the dying man's eyes, saw the pain in them. He could feel what was happening to him. He could feel it. Perhaps he was nothing but a lowly criminal, but even still. Haruka thought this might be the worst way to die she'd ever seen. She wanted to say something, but couldn't think of what. Benjiro spoke for both of them.

"Fuck."