Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach; it belongs totally to Tite Kubo. This is only a fanfic and just my preference and tribute to non-canon couples.
Authors Notes: Ohayou mina-san!
Next chapter is up and I've made a few changes and decisions about this story. First, I'm changing the title. The reason is, I've decided, similar to my Inuyasha fanfics, to make this a Bleach trilogy. I'm trying decide now of the pairings.
The titles will remain – "Unlikely Choice", which will relate to all 3 stories, the subtitles, however, will differ with each story.
Thanks again, XXinsidemymindXX for your review and your continuous advice and support. I'll make it through, so stick around, okay?
For now - please, read, review and hopefully enjoy.
Chapter 2
It was midday in the Seireitei, well past the lunch hour and the sun, overhead, beamed down on the group traveling below. The summers were hot in the Soul Society, but with the low humidity, the heat was comfortable enough to enjoy, which was good considering the mandatory Shinigami robes worn.
An assembled team, composed of five members, was now in route to the south side. Team leader and vice-captain, Isane Kotetsu, was an expert medic with a broad range of healing proficiencies, 7th seat, Hanataro Yamada, was gifted in restorative kido with progressing surgical skills.
The other three members of the group were fresh out of Shinto Academy. Ume was a critical care nurse; both Masaru and Eiji were emergency paramedics. Although each had graduated tops in their class, this was their first mission. Each was adequately equipped with supplies and provisions for the Rukongai rescue mission.
The three trainees exchanged lively banter as they walked, however, the conversation between Isane and Hanataro was more solemn in nature. The boy seemed anxious; his hands fluttered about as he talked and the vice-captain appeared pensive, listening intensely and calmly assessing his words.
"Now that you've filled me in on all the details, Hanataro, it does seem strange." Isane pondered his question. The more information received from her subordinate, the more her suspicions grew.
"District 17 is a wasteland with a sparse population. Other than the medicinal herbs, I don't think there is much else," Isane stated.
"Now, back to the radio transmission," she continued, looking down on Hanataro. "You said that you were able to decipher that team members had been injured, but there was no mention of how or why; is that right?"
"That's why I asked if you thought it was strange, Vice-captain," Hanataro said, struggling to keep pace with Isane's long-legged stride. "I was there when Capt. Unohana received the radio call," he informed her. "There was a lot of interference; the transmission was staticky; it faded in in and out and then…" he paused for effect, "… the message abruptly cut off."
"Hmmm." Isane's gray eyes narrowed in speculation. "Do you think something or someone could have deliberately interfered with the transmission?" she asked.
"That's possible," Hanataro responded. "Five months ago, I traveled with the previous team to collect the medicinal plants from that area, and I can tell you there is nothing on those flatlands that could jam a radio signal; no mountain ranges - nothing."
"You're right," Isane agreed. "A few years back, the captain and I led the first team to the 17th district; I doubt the area has changed much."
"I wonder if radio waves can be absorbed using a type of metal or material as an electric conductor. That's the closest method I can think of to block a transmission," thought Isane.
"I guess that means someone let us hear what they wanted us to hear," Hanataro replied with surprising insight. "Maybe the distress call was made to lure us there, which means this could be a…"
"Trap," Isane finished for him.
"Whaaaat!" Hanataro screeched, came to an abrupt stop and turned wide eyes to his superior. Although the boy had made the deductions himself, he was now panicking that his conclusions may have been right.
"Do - do you think the captain knows?" he asked and before Isane could answer, Hanataro went into full panic mode.
"It… it's just us - the five of us!" The boy looked over his shoulder at the 'fresh-out-of-the-academy' Shinigami. Besides healing kido, they were only equipped with the basics of 'Bakudo' and 'Hoho'. "We don't even have a combatant to back us up," he cried.
Isane watched Hanataro work himself into a nervous frenzy; the boy was wringing his hands together and imagining the worst scenario possible.
Undoubtedly, Unohana was aware of the situation, thought Isane, as not much got past her captain. Therefore, there must be a reason that she, a cowardly medic and a team of rookies were being sent to the southern Rukongai district.
Stopping at the entrance of the south gate, Isane turned, looked down on Hanataro and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Trust our captain," she murmured. "If Unohana-Taichou sent us here suspecting a ruse, then I can assure you she felt we were capable of handling the situation."
"As a member of the 4th Division," Isane began, "… our first duty is to administer medical care and give aid to those in need. Whatever is going on in District 17, our fellow Shinigami have requested our help, and it is our duty to respond."
"Listen, Hanataro." Isane stooped down and put her face on a level with his, her hands resting on her knees. "Since becoming a member of the Gotei 13, I've worked closely with captains and other lieutenants and learned that, on occasion, our superiors would test our abilities. Shinigami from each division are expected to hone their skills and grow – physically, mentally and spiritually. We must face challenges, not run from them."
"Since our captain sent us," Isane continued, "she must have felt that we possessed a certain quality or skill that would benefit this mission. Therefore, we must perform and show her we are capable. Do you understand?"
Hanataro stopped fidgeting and allowed the lieutenant's words to sink in. Isane was right, the safety of his comrades was a priority and to protect them he, one day, wanted to be as strong as a captain. "Hai!" the young medic shouted; next, he stood at attention, raised a hand to his forehead and performed a military-like salute.
Isane giggled in response; she noticed Hanataro's blue eyes had hardened, and resolve had replaced the fear in them. Smiling at his courage, she lifted a hand to his dark hair and gave it a quick tousle before dropping it to her side.
"Remember… on this mission, you're my second in command, Yamada-Nana-Seki," Isane addressed him by his title. "If I'm otherwise engaged or occupied, the others will turn to you for guidance. Don't let us down, okay," she said with a smile.
'Tenshi' – the word rose, unbidden, to Hanataro's mind, as he watched Isane beam a soft, angelic smile. It was similar to Unohana's except, unlike the captain's, he didn't feel threatened or creeped out about it.
"Hai," the boy whispered softly. He was mesmerized by the shy smile that softened her features; wisps of silver hair fluttered over her brow and slender braids dangled adoringly over a shoulder. The only things missing were a set of wings and a halo encircling her head.
"Vice-captain," Hanataro addressed his superior.
"Yes."
"You're really pretty when you smile," the boy stated dreamily and then blushed fiery red, realizing he had spoken his thoughts aloud.
Isane jerked up in surprise, but her cheeks stained pink at the compliment. "Uh… oh, thanks, Hanataro, that's, um - very sweet."
A roaring laugh startled both Shinigami but broke the awkward moment between the two. Isane and Hanataro turned to see the keeper of the 'Red Hollow Gate,' seated adjacent to the entrance.
"Higonyudo-dono," Isane greeted and bowed to the keeper of the Shuwaimon.
Same as the other three gatekeepers of the Seireitei, Higonyudo was a giant, who stood nearly as tall as the gates themselves. He wore the standard Shinigami garb, but on his head he wore a white scarf tied in an Arab style.
"Well, well… if it ain't big sister Kotetsu!" Higonyudo's voice seemed to echo through the Seireitei. "It's been awhile young lady. Captain Unohana treatin' ya well? How's yer Lil' sister? Catchin' em kinda young, ain't ya?" He looked, meaningfully, down on Hanataro, as he prattled on.
The lieutenant looked uncomfortable at Higonyudo's teasing and ignored the smothered laughter coming from her trainees. Other than the tell-tale blush staining her cheeks, Isane appeared unaffected.
"You're right, Higonyudo-dono, it has been awhile. Yes – the captain is most gracious, and Kiyone is doing fine." Turning slightly to the young medic beside her, Isane introduced Hanataro and the others to the gatekeeper.
"Hey, I know you – the Lil' sewer rat of the 4th division," Higonyudo stated.
"Higonyudo-dono!" Isane gasped, "That's… that's quite enough," she snapped quietly, not pleased with his choice of words. The giant was too outspoken, but he had always been that way. Both she and her sister had known Higonyudo long before they had entered the academy, which is why he addressed her with less formality and more familiarity.
Before their days in the academy, Kiyone's fascination with the Rukongai had kept them in trouble with all four gatekeepers. After labeling them adventure seeking urchins by the 'gatekeeper quartet', Higonyudo had at least allowed them to look out over the walls. To this day, and much to Isane's chagrin, the keeper of the Shuwaimon never thought before he spoke.
Hanataro was a sensitive, as he was already worried about their current mission. Isane did not want Higonyudo's words to have an adverse effect on the boy's performance. The young medic had enough on his mind, and Isane had a feeling she was going to need one hundred percent of his skills before this mission was over.
A soft chuckle caught her attention and Isane turned to look down on Hanataro. The boy was wearing a smug smile with his chest puffed out.
"That's me!" Hanataro pointed to himself with pride. "I know these sewers like the back of my hand; I've crossed every inch and corner of the Seireitei underground. Matter of fact, I'm sure that's why Captain Unohana chose me for this mission."
"Ya' got that right, kid!" Higonyudo said and then laughed heartily. "Don't look so shocked, older Kotetsu," the giant guffawed, not holding back his mirth. "Did ya' think I was goin' ta open the gate for ya'? You oughta know better'n that."
"Over there!" The giant, still laughing, pointed to a steel door embedded in the ground next to the wall. "That's yer route."
"Sorry, Vice-captain," Hanataro said, meeting her eyes. "I thought you knew."
"It's okay," Isane smiled. The sewers didn't bother her; after all, not many knew of her exploits before becoming a lieutenant, trailing after Kiyone to keep her out of trouble. The two had traveled the sewers, as well as discovered multiple entrances and exits in aid of her sister's attempts to visit the Rukongai.
"Don't let 'Miss sweetness and light' over here fool ya,'" Higonyudo announced, meaning Isane. "The lieutenant here's got more mettle than she lets on. Ain't gotta worry about her, but - cain't say the same for that one." The gatekeeper pointed to a shivering Ume and left the rest unsaid. The girl's eyes were wide, her expression one of disgust and she kept moaning about foul smells and mice.
"Not mice," Higonyudo corrected, "Ya mean rats."
Ume emitted a screech of terror and Isane turned to the giant, giving him the evil eye. "You're not helping," Isane admonished.
"Humph! Wasn't tryin'," he spat back, undaunted.
"Hanataro," Isane began and spun the boy around by the shoulders. "You, Eiji and Masaru head over to the entrance and wait for me there," the 4th Division lieutenant gave the order. "I'll take Ume aside and get her settled." Moving toward the shrieking girl, she stopped momentarily to issue a warning to Higonyudo.
"One of these days…" Isane began.
"What'cha gonna do?" The giant asked, clearly not intimidated. "Don't go getting' ahead of yerself, girl. It's way too soon for ya' to mess with me, older Kotetsu," the giant teased. "Try in a hunered years or so."
XxXxX
Darting through the streets of the Seireitei, Hisagi raced to catch up to Isane's team. After leaving Unohana's office, the Shinigami had rushed over to the 9th Division barracks to retrieve his zanpakuto. Unfortunately, he was accosted by the staff at 'Seireitei Communications', who bombarded him with questions about editing and newly released publications, thus delaying him further. Timewise, the medical team had about an hour head start on him.
As Hisagi reached the south wall he realized, Isane and the others would have to take an alternate route to get to the Rukongai. It was a rule that the four gates of Soul Society remain closed at all times. However, there were exceptions – a direct command from Captain-Commander Yamamoto or an extreme emergency, such as an attack or a threat to Soul Society. Based on the map Capt. Unohana had shown him; Hisagi presumed the medical team would detour through the sewers.
As he ran along the south wall, Hisagi's eyes searched for the entrance to a manhole large enough to accommodate the five-member medical entourage. As he passed an alcove embedded in the wall, the Shinigami skidded to a halt just as Higonyudo ducked under the opening and towered over him.
"Oi! Lt. Hisagi-san!" the giant boomed a greeting. "Haven't seen ya' since ya' got beat down by Yumichika-san." Higonyudo shook his head remembering the fight on the rooftop, where a fifth seat Shinigami bested a lieutenant. "Where ya' headed?"
"Ah… Higonyudo-dono!" Hisagi bowed, returning the greeting and cringed at the memory. "It's been awhile, and... Yumichika cheated," he murmured under his breath.
With his arms folded across his chest, the giant looked disbelievingly down on Hisagi and snorted, "Yeah, right."
Ignoring the skepticism, "I'm currently assisting the 4th Division on a mission," the Shinigami announced.
"Oh! You're with Lt. Kotetsu-san's group."
"That's right. By any chance, have you seen them and which manhole leads to district 17?" Hisagi asked, looking around.
"Over there!" Higonyudo pointed to his left. "The large one; a few feet away, near the end of the wall. Older-Kotetsu and the others went down about twenty minutes ago," he said.
"Twenty minutes?" Hisagi asked in surprise. Isane had left before he stopped by 'Seireitei Communications', that was over an hour ago. Although satisfied by the delay, Hisagi was wondering the cause when Higonyudo obligingly supplied the information.
"One of the medics got spooked about goin' into the sewers; it took Kotetsu-san some time to calm the girl down."
"Ah, I see. Thanks!" Hisagi bowed again and then turned to head in the direction Higonyudo had pointed, but the giant's voice stopped him.
"I know Kotetsu-san can take care of herself, but… well, just make sure nothin' happens to her, okay?" He inquired of Hisagi. "Lil' Kotetsu would lose it if anything happened to her big sis."
Higonyudo was well known for his sarcastic wit and unsubtle innuendos; however, right now, he appeared quite sincere, which surprised Hisagi. It seemed the giant had a soft spot for the Kotetsu sisters.
"You have my word," the Shinigami vowed with a nod and realized how strongly he felt. Not wanting to dwell on his feeling at the moment, he moved swiftly toward the metal door and jumped down into the darkness.
As soon as his feet touch the concrete floors of the sewer, Hisagi took off running. It was cooler in the underground cesspit, but the smell of rotting eggs and sulfur permeated the air. The tunnel was a large circular drum and, to avoid getting his feet damp, the Shinigami hopped from the moss covered floor onto the walkway.
Captain Unohana must have had suspicions about the distress call. However, knowing that, Hisago could not understand why she chose to send a small group of amateurs with a seemingly non-combative Vice-captain?
"For the record, my lieutenant is also a combatant. Kotetsu-san may not have your level of skill, but she is capable of handling herself."
Unohana's words rang in Hisagi's ear and then, he also recalled Higonyudo's.
"I know Kotetsu-san can take care of herself, but… well, just make sure nothin' happens to her, okay?"
Was Isane as capable as those two seemed to believe, Hisagi wondered. Her medical skills were superior and were the reason she held the position of Vice-captain of the 4th division. It wouldn't be long before the medic was on par with her mentor and captain. Isane's kido skills were decent, and Hisagi smiled remembering one particular healing spell he enjoyed immensely; however, what he had seen of her combat skills left a lot to be desired.
Racing down the sewer ravines, Hisagi wondered why he felt panicked. He had fought with, and alongside, plenty of his Shinigami comrades - Akira, Renji, Rangiku, Madarame, even Rukia, but he had never felt the urgency that he did now. Generally, he was composed during missions; what was different this time?
"Have you ever heard of the 'Florence Nightingale Syndrome,' Lieutenant?"
Once again, Unohana's voice replayed in his head.
"It's a condition where a caregiver develops romantic feelings for their patient. In your case, I believe it is the reverse. Kotetsu-san has taken care of you, and you have now developed some feelings because of her nurturing. You want to protect her, which is why you are sticking your nose into something that does not concern you."
That may be true, but Hisagi was not one to just accept the opinion of another. Although baffled by the sudden attraction for the silver-haired lieutenant, he was hell-bent on discovering the reason.
"No need to worry, once you fully recover, those feelings will fade."
Hisagi wasn't so sure about that. The sense of lust may fade, even the quixotic state-of-mind, but now that Hisagi had come to know Isane as a person, not just a comrade or fellow lieutenant, he would always maintain warm feelings toward her.
"I'll find out," Hisagi murmured, as he hurried to catch up to the woman who had dominated his thoughts since the last night at the medical barracks. Besides, the attraction wasn't one-sided, the shinigami had noticed Isane's reaction while sedating him the last night at the medical barracks.
"It's not just me. Kotetsu's feeling something too," he thought to himself.
"I'll find out." The Shinigami sounded determined. "I've never half-assed anything, and I'm not about to start now."
With that said, Hisagi's impatience grew, along with his reiatsu and decided to use shunpo to catch up to the Isane and the others. The sooner he solved the mystery of the relief team, the sooner he could get back to the Seireitei and start unraveling the mystery between him and Isane.
Just as he had built up enough to energy to use 'flashstep', he heard a loud crash from a corridor up ahead. There was a scream followed by sounds of scuffling; next, he heard Isane's melodic voice, as she conjured a kido spell.
"Badou – San-ju-ichi – Shakkahou!"
The blast from the Isane's 'Red Fire Cannon' lit up the sewer passageway, pinpointing their location. In a flash, Hisagi teleported to the archway of a large underground chamber. Peering through the receding smoke from the cannon fire, the Shinigami watched in horror as Isane stood in the path of a large steel drum hurtling her way.
XxXxX
Genryuusai Yamamoto, 1st division captain and head of the Gotei 13, sat in the Assembly Hall. In attendance were Captains Shunsui Kyouraku and Jushirou Ukitake; each sat quietly as Retsu Unohana reported the incident in the Rukongai district.
"The transmission was distorted," stated Unohana. "From the message, we were only able to decipher that team members were injured and the request for assistance. We have yet to know the reason for either."
"Hmm," Yamamoto murmured, stroking his beard as he thought deeply. "It's a tough call, Unohana-Taichou. You're flying blind, as the saying goes. How do you plan to proceed?"
"I've already sent a rescue team, led by Chuui Kotetsu and Yamada-nana-seki. Once there, she will contact me with Tentei Kuura. I shall determine how to proceed based on her report."
"Oi, oi!" Shunsui's rich baritone filled the room. "You sent your cute lieutenant on a mission to the Rukongai without a combatant. For shame, Unohana-Taichou, for shame," he chuckled, waving a finger.
The menacing look Unohana sent his way lasted less than a second before it was replaced by a serene smile. However, the message conveyed enough that Shunsei, unconsciously, took a step back.
"Please, Kyouraku-Taichou, if you would allow me to finish?" the woman's voice was soft, yet ominous.
"Yes… yes, of - of course," Shunsui stammered, ignoring the beads of sweat forming on his brow. "By all means, please continue."
With that smile still in place, Unohana bowed graciously to her fellow captain, before turning back to Commander Yamamoto. "As I was saying," she began. "… Kotetsu-san and her team are headed to the Rukongai with Chuui Hisagi as the acting combatant."
"Hisagi-san?" Ukitake spoke for the first time. "Why him?" he asked.
"He's a lieutenant," Unohana replied bluntly.
"There are eleven others to choose."
"He just happened to be available." Unohana avoided his eyes.
"Is that so…"
"Enough!" Yamamoto barked, interrupting, what appeared to be, a verbal sparring match between the two captains. The room went deathly silent; the commander's eyes flitted from Ukitake to Unohana. "Are you two bickering?" he asked.
"No, Shushou!" the two answered in unison.
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed to mere slits, as he observed two of his oldest captains. Both Unohana and Ukitake, as well as Shunsui, had been with him so long he looked upon them as his children.
"It's standard practice for combat divisions to give aid to the medical unit," Shunsui injected smoothly and turned to Ukitake. "Why is this an issue?" he asked of his long-time friend and fellow captain.
"Although Lt. Hisagi was recently released from medical care, it is my understanding he is still undergoing some form of therapy," Ukitake informed Shunsui and their commander. "It might be too soon for him to return to active duty."
"Physically, the lieutenant is good health," Unohana stated, as Yamamoto's eyes shifted to her. "His injuries are one hundred percent healed or else he would still be in the medical ward," she said, shooting Ukitake the same look she sent to Shunsei earlier.
"My fellow captain is right when he says that Hisagi-san is in therapy," Unohana continued, "However, that is regarding his mental status; to help him deal with the events surrounding former-captain, Kaname Tousen's, death."
"Ah… I see," Yamamoto grunted. "I should have known better." The captain commander's eyes smiled down on Unohana; it was his way of apologizing. "Now that we are aware Chuui Hisagi is fully healthy and capable, is his assistance now acceptable, Jushirou-san?"
"Hai, Shushou!" Ukitake responded. "I apologize, Unohana-Taichou, for doubting your judgment."
Apology issued and accepted; Yamamoto watched as the two bowed to each other. "Now that that's settled, I shall retire to my rooms for the remainder of the day. Keep me abreast of the situation." On that note, the commander stood and was immediately approached by Shunsui.
"Would you like me to assist you, Yama-jii?"
"Know your place, young'un, and I told you not to call me that!" The commander's Ryuujin Jakka flared in his smoldering gaze, as he shook off the arm Shunsui was offering. "I'm not old yet; it would be best that you do not forget that," Yamamoto snapped, as he turned to the stairwell behind the throne-of-a-chair.
"Sorry," Shunsui bowed, although he was anything but and not at all intimidated. "I was simply respectful and mindful of my elders, that's all." The Shinigami chuckled; his decorative robe billowed behind him as he followed his commander up the stairs.
Ukitake watched the two enter the stairwell and the panel close before turning his attention to Unohana. The woman was already headed toward the door, making her escape. In a few strides the 13th division captain moved to head her off; as she opened the door to leave, he reached overhead from behind and shut the door with a resounding snap. Neither moved, but Ukitake kept his hand there until Unohana, with a dramatic sigh, turned to face him.
"What is it now, Ukitake-Taichou?"
"Drop the title and the honorifics, Retsu," he said. "We're the only two here now."
Unohana looked around the empty chamber and then back up at Ukitake. "Do you still have an issue, Jushirou? I thought all had been resolved between us."
"Not quite yet," he said smoothly. "I just wanted to clarify something. You allowed Hisagi on a mission just a week after discharge, yet he has not had clearance from psychiatric therapy? For you, a by-the-book type, that's unusual. What's the deal, Retsu?" he asked, leaning in closer. "Why did you send Hisagi?"
Stubborn blue eyes clashed with tenacious hazel; Unohana was as vague as Ukitake was persistent.
"I didn't send him," Unohana finally blurted out. "He volunteered."
"And… why would he do that?"
"How should I know?" the woman shrugged, nonchalantly. "Maybe he appreciated the care he was given while convalescing."
Ukitake stared down on Unohana as several seconds ticked by, assessing her answer and trying to read behind her façade. "Maybe," he said finally. Tearing his gaze away, he reached past her and located the handle, pulled the door open and shifted to the side, allowing room for Unohana to pass through.
As she swept by, Ukitake noticed her complacent manner. She had managed to win this battle, but it was not in Ukitake's nature to give up the war. If all his assumptions were right, Unohana would find herself against a worthy opponent.
"Unohana-Taichou!" Ukitake hailed as she reached the end of the hall. "By chance, were you privy to information I brought back from the Daireishokairou? You remember - back when I was researching Aizen's activities."
The woman stopped dead in her tracks; she paused and then turned to Ukitake. Her eyes gleamed deep cobalt in her anger. "You haven't changed a bit, Jushirou, still as suspicious as ever."
"You know me so well," he replied calmly. And he knew her as well.
With eyes shooting daggers, Unohana took a moment to compose herself before continuing down the corridor and disappearing around a corner.
Ukitake smirked; Unohana's public display of anger is what confirmed his suspicions. The woman never publicly lost her composure, under any circumstance, yet he sensed her annoyance at his probing questions. To Ukitake, that was a clear sign of guilt.
"What is she up to?" he asked himself, still staring at the empty corridor.
As he closed the door of the Assembly Hall, the 13th division captain wondered if Unohana had seen the documents from the Daireishokairou. However, before confronting his fellow captain, there was something else he needed to investigate first.
XxXxX
From the moment Isane and her team exited the sewer tunnel and entered the grit chamber, something seemed amiss. The group maneuvered through the narrow tanks, following Hanataro's lead. The young medic stated the route was a shortcut, as well as cleaner than the upcoming tunnels. With each step, Isane had the feeling of being watched.
Suddenly, Hanataro stopped and turned to his vice-captain. "It's too quiet in here," he stated, looking anxious.
He was right, Isane realized. Usually, in the sewer system, the whir of operating machinery would echo through the tunnels. Here in the grit chamber, the sound was more pronounced, where pumps filtered solids, such as sand and gravel. However, none of the tanks seemed to be operating.
"Where is the power switch?" Isane asked, looking around the chamber.
"Over there!" Eiji called out, spotting a circuit panel on the wall, in the far corner. Since he was closer, Masaru starting moving in the direction.
Both Isane and Hanataro noticed movement in their peripheral vision. Their heads swerved slowly, as a shadow emerged from behind one of the giant generators and headed straight for Masaru.
"Wait!" Isane yelled, and that was when all hell broke loose.
The shadow appeared in front of and towered over Masaru. The boy froze, as he looked up to see a giant beast, covered in armor-like scales with a massive hole in its chest. The face was nearly emaciated, with beady black eyes and a long snout.
The other shinigami froze, their eyes glued to the strange beast that suddenly appeared, but it was focused solely on the boy in front. Ume's scream had a thawing effect and jolted everyone into action. Masaru, who was within inches of the beast, came to his senses, turned and ran, searching for cover between the grit tanks. Eiji grabbed Ume and pulled her behind a steel trough.
"An Adjuchas!" Isane gasped, as she pushed Hanataro behind her. "What is an Adjuchas doing beneath Soul Society?"
"A what?!" Hanataro squawked from behind.
"It's a Hollow… an advanced form." Isane said, backing up. "Listen, Hanataro, I'll distract him, while you get the others back out into the tunnel. Wait there until I…"
Before she could finish, the beast reared his head back and produced a hissing sound. Fast as lightening, its head jerked forward, and its tongue whipped out, wrapping around Masaru's ankle.
The boy grabbed hold of the rail at the bottom of the tank and held on tight. He kicked out with the opposite leg, repeatedly smashing his heel on the beast tongue, trying to free himself.
"Go!" Isane yelled at Hanataro. She pushed him toward Ume and Eiji and then started running toward the beast and Masaru. "Get them out of here!"
"Hai!" the boy nodded; he then dropped to his knees and slid under the railing; he dropped down to the next level and headed toward his teammates.
Climbing on top of the grit tank that Masaru was hiding under, Isane planted her feet firmly, raised her hands and chanted.
"Badou – San-ju-ichi – Shakkahou!"
The 'Red Cannon Fire' hit the beast square in the face. Momentarily stunned, its tongue immediately loosened its hold on Masaru and recoiled back into its mouth.
Taking advantage of the smokescreen, Isane crouched down and extended her hand to Masaru. The boy scrambled to his feet and hoisted himself up on the side of the tank, latching onto his vice-captain's hand. The woman yanked him so hard, Masaru landed face down on top of the tank next to her and moaned as pain shot up his shoulder.
"Move!" Isane shouted; she yanked the boy to his feet and pushed him in front. Sprinting across the tank, both looked back to see the beasts peer through the receding smoke, trying to locate them. Once they reached the railing, Isane noticed Masaru struggling. The boy was trying to climb with one hand with the other dangling limply at his side.
"Are you injured?" Isane asked anxiously.
At the boy's nod, she laced her fingers together and crouched down in front of him. "Leg-up! Come on; I'll lift you over," she ordered.
"But…"
"Hurry!" shouted Isane, cutting him off. The beasts had finally locked onto them and was heading their way. The vice-captain had just hefted her subordinate over the rails when a loud thump had her whipping around. Isane turned to see a large steel canister careening toward her.
It was too late to move, even using shunpo, she would not make it in time. Closing her eyes, she held her hands in front, as a shield and braced for impact.
A swoosh of air and Isane felt lifted. Another swoosh and she was floating; cradled in someone's arms. She felt the landing and then being lowered to the floor. Opening her eyes, Isane noticed the familiar 69 tattoo and looked up into a pair of piercing, angry gray eyes.
Hisagi-san!?" she gasped.
'Til next chapter...
