Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach; it belongs entirely to Tite Kubo. Mine is only fanfiction, my preference, and tribute to non-canon couples.
Author's Notes: Ohayou, Mina-san! New chapter up and sorry for the delay.
Many thanks to - darklover - I hope you continue to enjoy, bleachfanficfanatic - X the year wait, and I promise not extend any of my stories that far without out an update again. I hope you notice some improvement in the flow of conversation and thanks for the feedback and Shisoukengo - you know how I think outside the box, but if you think I wasn't in character with Hisagi, you'd better watch a few Bleach Shinigami Cups. You're in for a rude awakening LOL. As always, thanks for your support.
Without further adieu, please, read, review and hopefully enjoy.
Chapter 4: Trade Secrets
Captain Retsu Unohana appeared composed, as she exited the captain's assembly hall and strode down the 1st division corridors. The head of the 4th division's measured gait masked the urgency of the situation, which was revealed only in the hurried pace of 3rd seat, Yasochika Iemura, following close behind his superior.
After receiving Isane's transmission, Unohana, accompanied by Yasochika rushed to the barracks of the 1st division to report to and consult with the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Genryuusai Yamamoto. Having heard the plight of the medical recovery team and the confirmation of Adjuchas in district 17, Yamamoto granted Unohana's request to send aid to Lieutenant's Kotetsu and Hisagi, as well as discover how and why a mid-level hollow managed to enter the Rukongai.
"Adjuchas reside in the 'Forest of Menos,'" stated Yamamoto. "They're solitary creatures and rarely seen outside of Hueco Mundo."'
"That is true," stated Unohana. "Especially an Adjuchas in the primate stage, as Lt. Kotetsu described in her transmission."
"Hmmm..." Yamamoto murmured, his large fingers thumping the top of his wooden staff. "It's possible an Adjucha could have found its way into the Dangai while traveling between the human world and Hueco Mundo. On the one hand, it could be an isolated incident; however, I'll have Kurotsuchi check the traffic records of both the Dangai and Garganta, just in case it's the other hand," the Capt.-Commander replied meaningfully.
Unohana was well aware that the most routine missions could go awry and pose for an unforeseen incident, such as the presence of an Adjucha in the Rukongai. As the head of the medical division, she knew her units number one priority was to attend the injured and to save lives, be it friend or foe. Therefore, she would never assign a team without a combatant for protection. That would ensure that her medics would focus only on healing the wounded.
Initially, Unohana had planned to have Lt. Izuru Kira accompany Isane's team to the Rukongai; after all, the 3rd squad lieutenant had spent a few years under Unohana's tutelage and possessed powerful healing kido. However, Hisagi's sudden appearance and masked inquiries had altered her decision, giving the 4th division captain an opportunity to set another plan in motion.
"You were too obvious, Lt. Hisagi," Unohana thought, recalling her confrontation with the dark-haired, tattooed shinigami earlier that day. "But - you're more honest with your feelings than Isane-chan," Unohana said mentally, as she entered the antechamber of the 1st division.
Moving through the crowd, with Yasochika following, Unohana spotted the shinigami captain, who stood a head taller than most of the others. The medic's blue eyes noticed the dark spiky hair, black eyepatch and broad shoulders in a sleeveless haori. She turned and moved purposely in his direction.
"Captain Kenpachi Zaraki," Unohana addressed her fellow, looking up at his massive frame.
"Yeah… what?" was the gruff response.
"Re-chan!" Yachiru Kusajishi, the pink-haired lieutenant, appeared over Kenpachi's shoulder. "Yasochi!" she included Yasochika, calling both by their assigned nicknames. "Watcha doin'?"
"Good evening, Yachiru-chan," Unohana returned the greeting, while her 3rd seat merely grunted. "I have an urgent matter to discuss with your captain," she said cogently, adding a beatific yet unnerving smile.
"Haaiii!" Yachiru saluted, understanding the 4th division captain was in no mood for her antics and, once again, disappeared somewhere behind Kenpachi.
Turning her attention back to the 11th division captain, Unohana continued to smile. "Earlier...," she began in a quiet voice, "... I dispatched a rescue team to the south Rukongai - District 17."
"So?" Kenpachi said, staring down at his fellow captain with fierce eyes.
"So... " Unohana mimicked daintily, meeting his stare head-on, the daunting smile still in place. "I received a distress call from Lt. Kotetsu informing me they had encountered an Adjucha in the area and were attacked. Of course, Lt Hisagi disposed of the creature, but we anticipate there could be more."
"Like I said... so," Kenpachi sneered. "Whaddaya want me ta do?"
"Two combatants," Unohana stated, holding up the same numbers of fingers. "If you would be so kind to assist," she added, unperturbed by the look radiating from the uncovered eye.
"I'm busy," Kenpachi mumbled, although he apparently wasn't.
"Yes… I can see that." Unohana said amicably, but the sarcasm was evident. Kenpachi was either looking for a place to nap or catering to Yachiru's whims.
"You realize that invitation does not extend only to you, Captain," Unohana continued. "I'm sure a low-level Adjucha is not enough to entice your battle ire. May I suggest Madarame-san; all things considering, he is reliable. He has a medical clearance after the Karakura Town battle and is probably itching for a fight." The 4th division captain delivered the left-handed compliment with grace and bowed respectfully to her peer. "Have Madarame come to the medical barracks immediately."
"Whatever," Kenpachi mumbled, and turned to move away. He stopped and then turned back to Unohana, whose expression had not altered one bit. "Don't think I didn't catch dat," he said in low tones. "An' stop orderin' me around! It's pissin' me off," the 11th division captain snapped, before doing 'an-about-face' and walking away with Yachiru waving from his back.
"It was a request, not an order," Unohana murmured reasonably, her blue eyes full of merriment. "As always, Captain Zaraki, it's a pleasure conversing with you," she informed the retreating figure.
Round one to his captain, thought Yasochika, as he looked over at Unohana who began moving in the opposite direction. With a discreet cough, the shinigami followed, thinking it best not to comment and changed the subject. "Lt. Hisagi, Madarame-san and I'm sure Yumichika-san will come; are three combatants enough, captain?" Yasochika asked, as he once again, followed behind. "Some Adjucha's powers can exceed a Lieutenants."
"According to Isane's message, the one Lt. Hisagi killed seemed in the primal stage," Unohana informed her 3rd seat. "I will include Lt. Kira also; he is a capable fighter, as well proficient in healing kido. That should be sufficient." At Yasochika's nod, the two turned toward the main doors to exit.
As the two approached, the crowd of shinigami before them seemed to part like the red sea and Captain Soi-Fon and her lieutenant, Omaeda, strolled through the entrance. Unohana stopped, and a genuine smile graced her lips, as she prepared to greet them in passing.
Although petite in stature, Soi-Fon's presence was as magnanimous as Kenpachi's. With arms crossed over her chest, the captain of the 2nd division wore a bored expression, but Unohana could tell she was looking for someone. Or rather, it was Omaeda searching, as it was his head that swung back and forth, scanning the room, not Soi-Fon's.
Just before Unohana and Yasochika reached them, Kiyone Kotetsu, Isane's younger sister, and Ukitake's co-lieutenant approached Soi-Fon and Omeada. Words were exchanged, and then all three moved in the direction of the assembly hall.
Unohana and Yasochika continued on their way. They left the 1st division quarters and headed back to the medical barracks. "Seems you're making progress, Jushiro," Unohana stated, mentally praising her fellow captain.
Whatever Ukitake was working on had to be highly classified. If Unohana had any doubts before, she was now more confident after seeing Soi-Fon and Kiyone that her suspicions were correct. As one of the most perceptive, as well as analytical of the Gotei 13, it was thanks to Ukitake's investigative skills that revealed the actual reason behind Aizen's betrayal. And now, he was likely making an effort to right some wrong or pursuing some other threat to Soul Society.
Although Unohana admired his tenacity, Ukitake was still moving too quickly for her liking. After all, he had cornered her earlier, inquiring about documents from the Spirit Library. Therefore, the chief medic decided it was also time to speed things up a bit, but she would worry about that later. Right now, the most important issue was getting her team out of the southern Rukongia before nightfall.
XXXXX
Isane's team continued their trek through the sewer. Hisagi brought up the rear, with Ume and the injured Masaru in the middle. Hanatarou was next, and Isane and Eiji were in the lead. The tunnel opened into a cave, which led outside and the dry, flat plains of district seventeen. About a quarter of a mile from the cave, Hisagi noticed a remote single story building.
Although Hisagi had ordered the group stay back while he went inside, Isane had pulled ranked and insisted they all stay together. An argument ensued between both vice-captains before Hanatarou became the voice of reason. In the end, everyone waited outside while Hisagi went in alone to investigate. After several minutes, the 9th division lieutenant opened the door and gave the signal that all was clear. The group gathered in the foyer, divided into groups of two and branched off in search of clues.
The place was in shambles. Tables and chairs overturned with canisters and equipment strewn across the rooms. They had finally found it - the temporary station of the previous relief team and, based on their findings; there was little hope of survivors. The doors of one room had been barricaded to keep someone or something out. As the blockades were still in place, the assailants must have found another entrance.
Hanataro and Ume began searching through the medical knapsacks scattered about the room, Eiji found and was examining the broken two-way transmitter while Isane, Hisagi, and Masaru surveyed each room.
"Whatever happened, it happened inside this room," Hisagi stated. "The doors were all blocked; I had to force it open with kido. The floorboards are destroyed in here; maybe it was an attack from underground." The shinigami crouched down to peer into the hole in the floor.
"Somehow, whoever or whatever they were sealing themselves away from was able to reach them," Isane responded, turning in a complete circle in search of other signs of entry.
"This is strange," both lieutenants heard Masaru mumble, and they turned to the boy who appeared to be examining black markings on the wall near the rear door.
"What?" Isane asked and then lifted the hem of her shinigami robe to move around an overturned chair. Before she could complete the action, Hisagi's arm snaked around her waist, raised her over the chair and then stepped over himself.
"Oh… thank you," Isane whispered, unaware how prettily she blushed, as she ducked her head embarrassed, before turning to her team member. "Um… what's strange, Masaru?"
"These markings," the boy murmured absently, as he fiddled with the strap on the arm brace he wore, so absorbed in his finding.
Hisagi stepped around Isane to also review the markings and gingerly reached out to trace a fingertip over the black smudge on the wall. Rubbing his fingers together, he tested the substance. "Soot?" he said perplexed and then sniffed his finger. "It has an odd, yet familiar smell."
"Come to think of it," Hanataro began as he, Ume and Eiji joined them. "There is a faint charred smell like there was a fire or something."
"I smelled it too," Eiji piped in. "First, I thought it was the transmitter, maybe it had short-circuited, but this smell is different from burning wires."
Masaru moved forward and repeated Hisagi's actions. The boy sniffed his finger. He closed his eyes as if savoring the scent and texture and then announced.
"Reiatsu!"
"What!" everyone chorused in unison.
"Reiatsu," Masaru repeated. "It smells like burnt reiatsu."
The room was quiet, as everyone considered what that could mean. Soot from burned reiatsu; how could such phenomena occur? Each shinigami wondered the same, except two - Isane and Hanataro.
Hisagi felt a gentle tug on the back of his kosode, and he turned to look back at Isane. Her eyes beckoned him and as she turned to move away from the group and he instinctively followed.
"What's up, Kotetsu-san?"
"We need to get out of here," she whispered.
"You know we can't leave until the death's of the previous team is confirmed," Hisagi whispered back.
"It's confirmed." Isane's voice held a ring of resolve.
Their eyes met and held for several seconds. Hisagi could tell she was determined. However, he had an obligation to follow protocol. Although he believed her, he needed how she had come to that conclusion.
"Combustion," Isane said suddenly.
Hisagi's bewildered eyes questioned, and she answered by extending her arms, palms up. The medic lifted a hand and traced a line across the opposite wrist. Seeing Hisagi frown, she closed her hand over that wrist and held it, hoping he would get it and she would not have to put it in words.
"SHIT!" Hisagi hissed, finally understanding. Isane's pantomime had just confirmed the deaths of the initial team members. Now he needed to act on Isane's order to vacate the premises and abort the mission. He would see her team to safety and then wait for backup to finish business here.
"Let's go!" Grabbing Isane roughly by the arm, the 9th division lieutenant turned to the others. "Everyone! Get your things and whatever evidence you've collected; we're leaving - now!"
"But, what about…" Ume began.
"Now!" Hisagi snapped.
"Lt. Kotetsu-san?" Both Eiji and Masaru asked of the captain in charge.
"Lt. Hisagi and I both agree," she informed her team. "It's dangerous here. We'll head back to the cave, wait for aid to arrive and make a decision then."
Hanataro and Ume were ready and stood by the door, carrying their own and the knapsacks of the fallen team. Masaru had taken samples of the markings and secured them in the pocket of his robe. Eiji dropped the transmitter into his backpack before joining the others.
"Ready?" Hisagi asked of no one in particular, as he shouldered the door open for the group to proceed him. Isane passed through first and then her team followed with Hisagi at the rear. They were about five feet away from the building when the ground began to shake and rumble.
XXXXX
"I say we haul them all in and interrogate every last one of them," Soi-Fon's voice deadpanned, as she tossed the list back across the table at Ukitake. "Their names are on the list for suspicious activities, right? Just bring them to me. I'll bust some heads and make them talk."
"Involuntary confessions are not evidence," Ukitake stated, having already anticipated Soi-Fon's stance. "We can't threaten or intimidate, which is why I'm suggesting we watch them."
"Tsk," the 2nd division captain grunted. "You're too soft," she said pointedly.
"Soft?" Jushiro Ukitake took offense, as he rose slowly from his position at the table. "Innocent until proven guilty," the 13th division captain said and leaned forward to slide the list back in Soi-Fon's direction. "That's the law," he said with forced civility.
"Ukitake… are you talking down to me?" Soi-Fon asked, as one eyebrow rose a fraction. "I also know the laws."
"Then you know what I'm saying is true and just," he responded. "We will bring these individuals in for questioning once we get concrete proof. After the incident with Aizen, the reputation of the Gotei 13 is at stake. We want the residents of Soul Society to believe in us again."
"I don't care about that," Soi-Fon huffed. "Just or unjust, I follow orders and fulfill my duties."
"And that's it?" Ukitake stared at the petite captain across the table.
"I keep things simple."
Suppressing the urge to reach out and strangle her, Ukitake turned to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, who sat at the head of the table and was surprisingly silently throughout the exchange between the two captains. Instead of appealing to the 1st division captain, Ukitake waited, seeing as Yamamoto appeared deep in thought.
Soi Fon stood with her arms crossed, her expression stoic, while Ukitake stood at attention, his hazel eyes focused on the list resting on the table. Both waited while their Commander, with eyes closed, stroked his white beard and anticipated an answer sometime soon.
"Elimination…" Yamamoto began, still stroking his beard. "... of everyone on that list is the most efficient method."
Ukitake gasped, as Soi-Fon smirked. "But, sir…" the white haired-captain cut in to plead his case, but Yamamoto raised a hand silencing him.
"However," the Captain-Commander continued, as he opened one eye. "Aizen's betrayal has caused irreparable damage to the image of the Gotei 13, and as its founder, I cannot allow that. You are right, Jushiro," Yamamoto huffed. "As protector of the citizens of Soul Society, we must abide by the rules to remain in good standing. Let's proceed with the covert operation."
"Captain Soi-Fon." Yamamoto turned to the tight-lipped captain. He could tell she was disappointed with the outcome and his decision to support Ukitake. "Have Omaeda employ the Onmitsukido, but don't give him a lot of information. Simply tell him what to do with no explanations."
"That is already our modus operandi," Soi-Fon sniffed and bowed to her superior. "As you wish, Captain-Commander."
Turning to Ukitake, Yamamoto placed a hand on the shoulder of one of his oldest students and saw the relief in his eyes. "Each captain believes in their own form of justice, Jushiro," he informed the head of the 13th division. "I agreed with you today because of the circumstances, and I felt it was the best course; it does not mean I will agree with you every time, understand?"
"Hai, Master!" Ukitake bowed and stayed in that position until he felt Yamamoto move away.
"Report to me in three days," the Captain-Commanders gravelly voice included both Soi-Fon and Ukitake. "Based on the results of your investigations, my viewpoint may change," he said, as he exited the assembly hall.
"Happy now, Mr. Nice Guy?" Soi-Fon sounded annoyed.
"I am." Ukitake retrieved the list and documents from the table and turned to look down into the 2nd division captains bluish-grey eyes. "Here… I think your lieutenant will need these," he said, as he passed the information over to her.
Snatching the documents from his hand, Soi-Fon moved toward the door leading to the corridor. She paused, with her hand on the silver door pull and looked back at Ukitake. "If I discover anyone on this list is plotting against Soul Society, I won't sit still," she said solemnly.
"Finally, we agree on something," Ukitake smiled and tried to appeal to her. "I'm just trying to be discreet, Soi-Fon. In our current situation, the less the public knows, the better. That's the reason I suggested the Onmitsukido's covert operations. No one else can get us the information we need in such a short time. I am greatly in need of your expertise."
Soi-Fon's eyes narrowed, as she turned back to Ukitake and placed a hand on her hip. "Are you trying to stroke my ego, my fellow captain," she asked bluntly.
"Huh?" Ukitake's smile faltered, as he looked at her in surprise. "Ah… no; no I would never…" the 13th division captain stuttered, his hands held up in mock surrender. Surely she could not be thinking...
"Good," Soi-Fon sniffed, turned and jerked the door open. "Who the hell do you think you are, Yoruichi-sama?" she mumbled under her breath as she stepped out into the corridor.
XXXXX
"Run… run!" Hisagi yelled from the rear, as the recovery team sprinted across the plains of district seventeen. "Head back to the caves!" The ground trembled with such force, that those fleeing stumbling over their own feet. Isane and Hanatarou supported Masaru while Hisagi sped up, passing Eiji to snatch up Ume, who had fallen three times already. As the group staggered on, there was a loud roaring crash. Everyone stopped and looked back to see the building they had just evacuated start to collapse.
As the structure crumbled to the ground, Hisagi realized the critical evidence that would prove the previous team had met their demise was destroyed and now buried. The soot smeared walls of the barricaded room were nothing more than a pile of rubble and debris. Masaru had all but confirmed that the black smudges had contained remnants of reiatsu, spiritual energy, which every shinigami possesses.
In the wrist of every soul reaper are vents which circulates reiatsu through their bodies; much the same as oxygen flows through the bloodstream of humans. Blocked vents, while spiritual energy is rising, was a dangerous combination. The result - a shinigami will spontaneously combust on their own reiatsu. That energy is like adrenaline to the human body; it will increase and spike in response to fear, anger, panic or other escalating emotions.
Both Isane and Hanatarou and had deduced the cause of the death of their former 4th division members, however, other than Hisagi, none of the other team members were aware.
"Lieutenant!"
Hisagi reacted to Isane's voice; he turned to see that the others had also stopped to watch the building disintegrate. The dry terrain had stopped shaking, and Hisagi set Ume down; the only sound was the rocks and debris that fell from the sky and pelted the ground.
"We should go," Isane said, as Hisagi approached. She took a moment to check on Masaru. The boy was stiff, his face contorted in pain, but he assured everyone that he was fine and urged them to continue the mission, unaware of the circumstances of their retreat. Isane chose not to respond; she merely nodded and attempted a reassuring smile before moving toward her fellow lieutenant.
"Can't you give him something for the pain?" Hisagi asked.
"Not now," Hanatarou answered for Isane. "He needs to be fully alert right now."
"Hanatarou's right," said Isane. "Unfortunately, dulling the pain will also dull his other senses. We'll medicate him once we reach the cave."
"You should tell them what's going on," Hisagi advised, as his eyes drifted back to the dilapidated building.
"Normally, I would, but…" Isane paused, as she looked over at Ume. "I will… once I get them to safety," she promised.
"Well, we're not there yet," Hisagi said, his eyes never swayed from the fallen structure and was sensing a strong force heading their way. "Do you feel that?" he asked Isane, but before she could form a response, there was a loud explosion.
Everyone turned toward the sound and stared wide-eyed at large tentacles bursting from the building remains. Through the dust from the falling debris, the group watched as huge octopus-like feelers whipped in the air. Ume screamed, and Hisagi noticed the tentacles seemed to still at the sound and then, quick as lightning, one reared back, stretched across the distance and then lashed out, aiming for the screaming girl.
Isane dove, covering Ume with her body and shielding the young medic from the incoming blow. Hisagi unsheathed his zanpakuto and sliced clean through the tentacle tip trying to pierce its prey. The now blunt feeler recoiled, but came again, taking another stab in the direction of the screams. Stepping in front of the severed tentacle, Hisagi thrust forward with his zanpakuto, driving the blade deep into the stub, all the way to the hilt. A squeal of pain erupted somewhere in the distance, as Hisagi extracted the sword; the tentacle twitched and then fell to the ground.
"Incoming!" Eiji yelled.
From his peripheral vision, Hisagi could see three more feelers snaking toward them, but he could also see that Isane and her team were back up and running. The 4th division vice-captain carried Masaru piggyback, with Hanatarou at her side dragging the panic-stricken Ume behind him. "Where's the other one?" Hisagi wondered as he sliced into the first tentacle that reached him. The shinigami fell back, retreating and putting distance between him and the second tentacle attack. "Where the hell is that kid?" Hisagi murmured, but wouldn't to take his eyes off the approaching enemy. As the tentacle closed in, with another close behind, he raised his sword to strike. Hearing a swoosh and feeling a gust of air whoosh past his ear, Hisagi's eyes grew wide to see the side of a tentacle cave in; its torso snapped back and rammed into the one behind. Both feelers were thrown back and slammed into the terrain, rolling and tumbling into one mangled heap.
"Boo-yow!" Eijii shouted with glee.
Hisagi turned to the animated young medic, who pumped a fist victoriously. The boy had fashioned a slingshot type weapon made with resistance bands from his medical backpack, and it was apparent he had good aim. "Not bad, newbie, but save the celebration for later." Hisagi took a moment to give praise, before the squealing returned full force. "Come on!"
Hisagi darted past, slapping the boy on the shoulder. Eiji stooped down, picked up three rocks about the size of a fist, dumped them in his backpack and followed the 9th division vice-captain. Isane and the others were about twenty yards ahead, near the entrance to the caves. Both Hisagi and Eiji felt the ground rumble again and looked back to find more tentacles stretching and twisting along the ground in pursuit.
The cave was a short distance away, but there was no guarantee the group would be any safer once inside. The tentacles were relentless; not only were they fast, but the lengths they could extend was nearly a quarter of a mile, and Hisagi knew the main body was had to be huge. For each limb that was injured or severed, another slid out of the rumble and took its place.
"Gotta find a way to slow them down," thought Hisagi, as he and Eiji raced across the dry terrain chased by at least eight large arms. He needed to buy time for Isane and the others to reach, what he hoped, was safety. "Keep going!" the shinigami shouted to the boy running alongside him, as he started to fade back. Hisagi skidded to a halt, shot up into the air, looked down on their pursuers and shouted...
"Bakudo no roku ju ni - Hyappo Rankan!"
Holding his zanpakuto in one hand, in the other Hisagi formed a thin beam of light. The 9th division vice-captain drew an arm back and threw the light beam, like a javelin, in the direction of the tentacles on the ground. As he released the gleaming rail, it multiplied into about twenty and struck several of the feelers, pinning them to the ground.
Feeling slightly relieved, Hisagi wiped the sweat from his brow with his forearm. Elevated in the air, he now had an aerial view and realized his relief was temporary. As he lowered his arm, he looked across the plains to see more feelers bursting from the ground of the demolished building and coiling towards them. As he looked down, the shinigami saw a tentacle slither beneath him, aiming for Eiji who was kicking up dust.
Before Hisagi could shout a warning, the boy managed to dodge the attack and then resumed running in a zigzag pattern to avoid getting hit. Unable to catch the boy, the feeler changed course. It veered left, picking up the pace, bearing down on Isane's group that was just a hair's breadth away from the caves.
XXXXX
Isane leaned forward, shifting Masuru higher on her waist as she ran. She was sure the boy was miserable with all the jostling around, but he would have to endure.
"We're almost there," Isane breathed. "Just a few more feet."
The boy merely grunted; a wounded sound and his arms closed tighter around her neck to keep his balance. Masaru didn't mention it, but he had also deduced his former team was dead and the reason why. However, instead of worrying his vice-captain, he decided to stay mum. It wasn't so much of either he or Eiji knowing, Masuru felt that Isane was more concerned about Ume's reaction. With everything going on, they did not need the girl any more hyped than she was already.
He felt sorry for Hanatarou, who was struggling with his teammate. Ume seemed concerned about what was chasing them than reaching the safety of the caves. The girl fell more from looking back than the ground shaking. And yet, Hanatarou remained calm with her frenzied behavior.
"Vice-captain... look out!"
Isane looked over her shoulder at Hanatarou's warning and saw a tentacle poised to strike. She slid to a halt and turned to face it just as the arm came crashing down.
"Bakudo no Hachi - Seki!"
The air pulsed, as Isane released her kido. Thrusting her arms forward, as if to ward off a blow, a blue ball of light appeared and drove back the attack. The tentacle seemed to bounce off air and flew backward. However, the spell wasn't strong enough and, after a quick twitch, it resumed its attack. Having just learned the technique from Ukitake, Isane wasn't as proficient as the captain; her spell lacked both power and effectiveness.
As Isane's head snapped up, everything seemed to move in slow motion. With Masaru still clinging to her back, she watched in horror as the tentacle lifted and she braced herself for the blow.
Suddenly, Hisagi appeared in front of Isane; his 69 facial tattoo stood out against his clenched jaw, his gray eyes narrowed to slits in anger. The shinigami had used shunpo to throw his body between Isane and the tentacle, taking the blow intended for her. Hisagi groaned, as he absorbed the blow between his shoulder blades and was slammed face first into the hard ground.
"Hisagi-san!" Isane gasped and jerked forward to reach out to him, but a high pitched squeal cause to her hesitate and look up again. The medic gasped once more, as the tentacle toppled over, with Hanatarou riding it, and watched it hit the ground. The boy rolled off the creature, jumped to his feet and ran over to Hisagi (who was knocked out), leaving the hypodermic syringes embedded in the sleeping feeler, that was also knocked out.
"You didn't?" Isane looked up in awe at Hanatarou.
"I had to," the boy said quietly, holding up the bottle of Shinten (liquid anesthesia) as a winded Eiji joined them. "I only used a drop, there's plenty left, but is that really important right now?"
"He's got a point," Eiji piped in and then turned to his shy team member. "That was bad-ass," he whispered and then forced a 'high-five' on Hanatarou. "But, we still have company." He nodded in the direction of the wave of tentacles advancing on them.
"We're not going to make it," Ume wailed. The girl plopped down on the ground and started bawling like a newborn needing a nappy change.
"Ume-chan!" Isane snapped, the agitation resounding in her voice. "Calm dow..."
"Phew!" a voice exclaimed. "I expected nothing less of you 4th division wussies. Dammit, they don't pay me enough."
"Madarame-san!" Isane turned to see the 11th division 3rd seat striding their way.
"We don't get paid, Ikkaku," 5th seat Yumichika tittered, sashaying behind his division partner. "Seems like the 4th division is now recruiting crybabies; how cute."
"Enough with the insults, you two," Izuru Kira approached. "Stop harassing your comrades; the enemy is over there." He pointed to the mass of rolling arms headed their way. Kira gave Isane a reassuring pat on the shoulder, as he brushed past and leaned down to place two fingers against the side of Hisagi's neck, testing his pulse.
"Awww, shadup!" Madarame spat but lowered the naginata type weapon from his shoulders. Looking across the plains at the coiling tentacles, he fell into a battle stance. "Octopus, huh?" he snorted. "I'ma debone dat bitch!"
"Hey, wait for me, Ikkaku!" Yumichkia yelled hurrying after his team member. "Octopus don't have bones!"
Til next chapter...
Author's note - Sorry guys, Hisagi shall redeem himself in the next chapter. Also, we're overdue for some romance; yeah - something nice and lemony.
