Chapter 16
Meet The Shibas
Finding himself in the middle of nowhere, Aaron broke off his pursuit of the mysterious girl he had spotted in Rukongai to catch his bearings. Houses encircled him, but like back when he and the others first entered Soul Society, he couldn't track down a single person. It was as if the whole area had been abandoned.
"Or maybe no one's here because they're afraid of me."
That was always a possibility, yet he didn't allow himself to dwell on the issue. He was more worried about the girl he was pursuing. While he knew next to nothing about Soul Society, he figured someone that young walking around on her own was bad news no matter where the locale.
"Where did she get to anyway? I wasn't hallucinating back there, was I? No, I heard her speak and everything."
Footsteps approaching him caught his attention, but his expression soured upon him seeing it was only Sasune, Konoka, and Sharpscale.
"Have you had any luck in your search?" asked the Hollow.
"What are you guys doing here? You didn't have to follow me, you know."
"Of course we did, Chocolate Thunder! Like I said, none of you can do anything without me, so it's best if I'm here so you of all people don't end up getting into some serious trouble!" boasted Sasune.
Konoka, rolling her eyes, added, "Uh huh. Keep dreamin', Pretty Boy."
"To answer your question, Sharpscale, I haven't seen hide nor hair of that girl," stated Aaron. "She might be hiding out in one of these houses."
"I'm surprised," remarked Sasune just then.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I just never took you as the type that was interested in little girls. On the other hand, it's not like I've ever seen you hit on any females our age, so..."
"W-What?! Y-You can't be serious! That's not why I…!"
"Disgusting," said Konoka, sounding every bit the word.
Aaron, now fuming, stated, "I-It's not like that at all, Mitsumi! I swear! Like I said, I'm just worried about that girl! That's all!"
Neither Sasune nor Konoka were all that convinced. Aaron could tell because of their morose expressions.
"Wait just a moment," said Sharpscale. "...It is too quiet here."
"Yeah, so? What's your point?" asked Sasune.
"Although none of us have ever been to Soul Society before, don't you imagine it would be a bit more lively?"
"I mean, you can't really describe a land full of dead people as 'lively', can you?"
"No, he's right," said Aaron, probing around cautiously. "...Something's not right."
His comment left the group standing on pins and needles.
"Huh?! Hey, how dare you follow me, you stupid Shinigami!"
They all jumped at the voice, presuming it coming from some sort of monster. Instead, a young girl wearing an expensive-looking, pink kimono popped out of a bush. Her black hair was tied into a pair of curly ponytails, and a lengthy bang extended down her scowling face.
"I'm gonna beat you up good now!" she added.
"...What the hell's her problem?" queried Konoka. "Ever seen her before, Higuchi? Seems like she's got a bone to pick with you."
"Before today? No."
"Hey, you idiots really don't know who I am?!" Despite Aaron thinking it impossible, the little girl got even more riled up. "You guys are even dumber than I imagined! What backwater district did you come from anyway?!"
She blew a raspberry, inducing a sigh out of Aaron.
"Well, I guess she's fine, so let's..."
"Hahaha! Don't worry! I'll educate you jerks!"
"O-Okay then…?"
Standing firm and pointing a finger at herself, the girl pompously declared, "I'm the younger sister of the self proclaimed legendary bandit feared far and wide throughout Rukongai known as Ganju Shiba. I'm Mayu Shiba!"
The reveal didn't have the impact Maya would have liked. Aaron and the others didn't really react at all in fact, getting a snarl out of her.
"Uh...yeah. Okay." Konoka shook her head. "What are we gonna do with this brat?"
"I say we just ignore her," suggested Sasune. "I hate having to deal with kids!"
"Hey, what are you guys muttering about over there?!" asked Mayu. "It's rude to talk about someone behind their back! Hmph! A lousy Shinigami and his friends have a lot of nerve roaming these parts as they please! Guess I'm gonna have to show you why my big brother's gang is in charge around here!"
She whistled, prompting the others to get on guard. However, nothing happened.
"Huh? Was she just...bluffing?" questioned Aaron.
"Wait. I hear something." Sasune cupped his hand on his ear. "Sounds like...horses?"
His theory was nearly spot on. Rather than horses though, everyone was astonished to witness a pack of giant boars stomping their way. Riding these majestic creatures were a rough and tough group of men. They whooped and hollered, directing their boars to circle around Aaron and his gang.
"You call, Mayu?" a shady character wearing sunglasses asked.
"Sure did! I want you guys to take care of that rotten Shinigami over there!"
"Eh?! A Shinigami?! What's one of them doing here?!"
"You're a long way from the Seireitei, punk!" said another person Aaron wouldn't want to bump into down a dark alley.
Another member of the gang asked, "Think they're here to spy on us?"
"Must be!" exclaimed a fourth. "Soul Society is up to somethin'!"
Aaron held his arms up defensively. "Uh...I-I think you all have the wrong idea!"
"Shut up!" shouted Mayu. "You messed up big time, stinkin' Shinigami!"
"A-Are they seriously riding boars?" said Sasune numbly.
"You're still stuck on that?!" replied Konoka. One of the beasts angrily snorted at her. "Hey! Keep that thing on a leash before I cut it up and make some bacon!"
She cracked her knuckles and then sneered. If it was a fight these people craved, she was more than happy to provide it. She had been restless ever since arriving in Soul Society and needed something to work off her stress.
Aaron, meanwhile, wanted no part of a squabble. "C-Chill out, guys! Let's not get too hasty! We're outnumbered here!"
"So? I'm pretty sure we can take a buncha scrubs like these on!" declared Sasune.
Aaron felt that true, yet starting trouble in a foreign land wasn't his idea of smart. On top of that, he was becoming genuinely curious as to why this Mayu Shiba hated Shinigami so much.
"Attack!" barked Mayu. "Beat 'em up good for my brother!"
Ganju Shiba's gang had no qualms with that request, hopping off their boars and charging for Aaron and the others.
"Allow me to take care of this riffraff," said Sharpscale, stepping forward.
"No!" Aaron hastily decried. "You of all people might seriously hurt someone!"
"Uh...have you lost your mind or something, CT?! If anyone is liable to be hurt at this rate, it's us!" said Sasune.
"I know that! We can't just go cutting down everyone we bump into though! Remember why we're here! We should just go back to trying to rescue Kana and Rukia!"
Konoka smacked her lips. "Says the guy who ran off to hit on some little girl!"
"I-I was not hitting on her! For the last time, I just wanted to make sure she was okay!"
He was allotted no time to defend himself. One of the punks lunged at him, and he instinctively slugged them across the jaw.
"Now that's what I'm talkin' about!" roared the Red-Haired Beast, driving her knuckles into an attacker's gut. Another came from the rear, but she whirled around and kicked him upside the head, knocking him out. "Like these guys are gonna care who we're tryin' to save even if we tell 'em! I say we just start buttin' heads!"
Aaron, holding someone down, replied, "I-I get that, but…!"
"Aw, put a sock in it, already, CT!" Sasune placed a guy in a headlock and even gave them a noogie. "The time for nonviolence has come and gone, bro!"
In spite of having five people striking him, Sharpscale didn't so much as flinch. "...If you truly do not desire me to fight, Aaron Higuchi, I will remain passive."
"W-What's with this guy?! It's like punching a brick wall!" exclaimed one of the punks.
"H-He must be wearin' some kinda armor under his costume!" replied another.
"Quit slacking off, you idiots!" Mayu, jumping up and down, proclaimed. "I'm gonna tell my brother you guys are totally blowing it!"
"Is that all you losers got?!" said Konoka, laying another foe out. By now, Ganju's boys got the hunch they weren't going to defeat the Red-Haired Beast one on one. So, they opted to gang up on her, pinning her to the ground with their superior numbers. "H-Hey! What's the big idea?! Lemme go already!"
"Ah! Miss Mitsumi! Never fear! I, Sasune Ishida, will gallantly…!"
Since the Quincy was spending more time yapping instead of fighting, he was ambushed from behind and held down similarly to Konoka.
"Yeah, thanks for the help, Pretty Boy," said the Red-Haired Beast sarcastically.
"It's the thought that counts?" he replied.
Surrounded, Aaron didn't bother to put a fight. He rose his arms to signal he was surrendering. "This is why I didn't want to do this in the first place..."
More than a dozen people attempted to apprehend Sharpscale, but the Hollow effortlessly made its way over to Aaron, dragging its would be captors along for the ride.
"What do you suggest we do now, Aaron Higuchi?"
Mayu cackled triumphantly. "Alright! Ganju is gonna be so psyched when he hears what I did!"
"Well, at least someone is happy," muttered Aaron.
#
Night descended on Rukongai, bringing with it twinkling stars in the sky and a wave of darkness. Many of the city's residents had retired for the evening, leaving things so quiet, one would be able to hear a pin drop.
One section of the spirit town however was abuzz with activity. Members of Ganju Shiba's gang were living it up by a blazing bonfire, celebrating with foods, drinks, and songs. There was much for them to cheer about; they had managed to snag a Shinigami and his friends in one, fell swoop.
Aaron, observing Mayu Shiba tear into a leg of meat, licked his lips. His stomach reacted too, roaring loud enough that it echoed through the night.
"Ha. I...haven't had a bite to eat in so long..." he said under his breath. As much as he longed to reach out and grab something to snack on, his arms and legs were bound to a wooden post by thick ropes. "Looks like I'm not powering my way through these. I might've been able to cut them if those guys hadn't taken away my Zanpakutou."
"That's too bad, Higuchi! If only this shit could've been avoided! Oh, wait! It could've if you hadn't been so insistent on being a jackass and letting us get captured like this!" shouted Konoka through clenched teeth. Directly beside him, she too was tied up.
Sasune, held under wraps adjacent to her, added, "Seriously, CT! On the very long list of stupid things you've done, this tops them all!"
Aaron sighed. "Well, it's nice to see you guys still have my back."
Like a melancholy puppy, Sasune whimpered at having to suffer through others dining without him. The feast Ganju's gang was enjoying looked quite delectable, after all. There was an assortment of meats, rices, and even cakes for dessert. The aroma from it all teased his nostrils.
"I-I'm gonna go crazy if I stay up here!" he snapped, wriggling all over to escape his bindings. "J-Just lemme have a nibble! A bite! A simple gnaw!"
"W-Would you chill out over there, Pretty Boy?! You're makin' me restless!" said Konoka. "Man, who the hell are these punks?! They've got a lot of nerve keepin' us hostage like this!"
"Well, they said something about a Ganju Shiba, but I guess it really doesn't matter right now. Let's just worry about finding a way outta this mess," stated Aaron. He had another go at reaching for the knot holding his ropes together. "Can't reach! Damn!"
"Can't you just flex out of your ropes, Miss Mitsumi?" asked Sasune.
"Sorry. I ain't that strong," replied Konoka. "I'm too damn hungry to really move anyway."
"Same here! Y-You don't think there's a convenience store around here, do you?"
"Hey, shut the hell up already!" barked a member of Ganju's gang. "I'm tryin' ta eat!"
A rather hairy man chugging on a mug of beer polished the drink off and added, "Yeah! Yer supposed to be prisoners! Act like it!"
"Can't we just pound their faces in already, Mayu?" asked a short, skinny man that Aaron thought resembled a pencil.
Mayu shook her head feverishly. "No, no, no! We gotta leave them be until my big bro gets here! He'll never believe I was able to snag a Shinigami unless he sees it with his own eyes! Speaking of which, where is he?! He said he was gonna meet up with us! Big sis is gonna get mad if we aren't home soon!"
"'Big sis?'" Aaron's interest was piqued. "Say, who's this big sister of yours?"
Maya glowered at him, answering, "None of your beeswax, dumb Shinigami!"
"...I see. You don't seem to like Shinigami much. Why's that?"
The question caught Maya off guard. Disheartened, she leered away from Aaron rather than giving him a straight explanation.
"Shut your mouth, Shinigami!" said a sweaty brute sitting next to Mayu. "You've got no right speakin' to the great Mayu Shiba like that!"
"What's so great about her? She just seems like some spoiled brat to me!" yelled Konoka.
"How ironic a rich girl like yourself would say such a thing," said Sasune. The Red-Haired Beast silenced him with a kick to the shin.
Aaron got the hint Mayu wasn't going to talk so freely about her hatred for his kind, so he decided to change the subject.
"What are you going to do once this Ganju Shiba gets here? Kill us?"
"Heh! You wish, Shinigami!" someone in the crowd proclaimed.
"Yeah! Our Boss is gonna come up with a way harsher punishment than death!" added another. "It's what a Shinigami like you deserves!"
"I don't mean to interrupt, but I am growing quite tired off all this," remarked Sharpscale just then. The others had all but forgotten the Hollow was there since it had been so quiet. "Are you ready to go, Aaron Higuchi? I see no point in delaying here any further. I say we regroup with that Ichigo fellow and his associates."
Aaron's eyebrow rose. "Huh? How do you expect us to do that when we're tied up?"
That proved to be no issue for Sharpscale. It burst out of its restraints without a hitch, dusting itself off afterward. Needless to say, everyone else was bewildered.
"W-What the…?! How'd he do that?!" inquired an individual that reeked of liquor. In fact, he was tempted to blame all the drinks he had consumed on what he was seeing.
"I-Is he some sorta monster?!" said the person next to him, trembling in fear.
"I have been called that on occasion," stated Sharpscale matter-of-factually.
Sweating profusely, a tall, squinting gang member said, "W-Wait a sec! T-This guy's a Hollow!"
"A-A Hollow?!" repeated Mayu, perspiring herself. She backed away from Sharpscale before darting behind someone. "I-It can't be! There's no way a Hollow would be helping a stinkin' Shinigami!"
Things were moving faster than Aaron's mind could keep up. Nonetheless, an idea came to him on spur of the moment.
"T-That's right! It appears you all have stumbled upon our dark secret!" he proclaimed. His face twitched in nervousness, whereas his voice cracked a bit. He was attempting to sound menacing but wasn't sure if it was working. "While I didn't want to have to resort to sicking my loyal servant on you, it seems I've been left with no choice! Sharpscale, destroy them all! Leave not even a shred of them left in this world!"
"'Loyal servant?'" mumbled Sasune."You...uh...alright over there, pal? You're going all Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on us."
The Quincy might have been baffled, but Sharpscale understood Aaron's motives loud and clear. He nodded at the dark-skinned teen prior to aiming his index finger at Ganju's gang. They let loose high-pitched shrieks when the Hollow began prepping a Cero.
"A-Aaaaah! M-Make him stop! Make him stop!" pleaded Mayu. "We're sorry! W-We didn't really mean it when we said we were gonna beat you all up!"
Aaron, laughing maniacally, replied, "I may considering sparing you pathetic fools if you release me and my friends this instant!"
"No way! I'd never free a lousy Shinigami like you! I'd rather die!"
"A pity! You heard the girl, Sharpscale! Finish her! Finish them all!"
Nodding, the Hollow's Cero tripled in size, basking the area and its potential victims in a blue light. Panic swept over Mayu and her allies like a swarm of locust. Some started to flee, tripping over themselves in the process. Others were totally frozen by fear. Regardless, it was obvious to Mayu that no matter what they did, they were doomed to oblivion unless she did something.
"O-Okay, okay! Fine! Someone go untie those jerks! Hurry!"
Aaron, Sasune, and Konoka were freed in record time. Stretching out his wrists, Aaron gestured for Sharpscale to stand down.
"Phew! Those ropes were really starting to chafe!" said Sasune.
Konoka smirked. "Heh! I never imagined you having the balls to pull somethin' like that off, Higuchi."
"Yeah! Good going, CT! Now then, I say it's time for some payback!"
The Quincy kicked a guy back and swiped the plate of food out of his hands.
"H-Hey! I was still eating that!" his victim cried.
"Y-You've gotta be kidding me..." Aaron shook his head at the display before making his way toward Mayu. The girl, becoming defensive, backpedaled. "Take it easy. I just want to ask a favor.
"Y-Yeah, right! What could you possibly want from me?!"
"It's nothing serious. Can you take us to meet this older sister of yours?"
"Eh? W-Why?! What are you planning now, stupid Shinigami?!"
"Nothing much! I just need to tell her about all the trouble you've put us through!"
Mayu's pupils dilated. Being killed by some Hollow was one thing. The thought of her sister punishing her for her actions scared her half to death. Immediately, she tried running for the hills, but Aaron held in place by the end of her kimono.
"Not so fast!" he decried.
"Aaaah! Lemme go! Lemme go! I don't wanna die! Big sis is gonna kill me!"
Tears rolled down her cheeks, tears that made Aaron relent. This opening induced a grin out of Mayu and gave her enough time to drive her hands into the ground.
"Haha! Gotcha, stupid Shinigami! Stone Wave!"
By the time Aaron realized he had screwed up, it was too late. The dirt beneath him suddenly transformed into quicksand, and he sunk waist deep into it.
"W-What the…?! K-Kidou?"
A triumphant Mayu blew a raspberry. "Ha! Don't confuse my brother's Earth Magic for stupid Shinigami skills! Hope you have fun down there! You aren't getting out for a long time, jerkface!"
"W-Why you little…!"
Mayu faced the gang, saying, "Okay, now's our chance! Let's get outta here! Retreat! Retreat!"
Having no complaints with her plan, her allies whistled, awakening their sleeping boars and beckoning them to their sides. The creatures made haste to flee the area, pleasing Maya greatly.
"I'll get you back someday, you stinkin' Shinigami! Just you wait!"
"D-Dammit! Get back here!" Aaron jerked around but was unable to free himself. "I-If I weren't so pissed off, I might've asked her how she did this!"
"Tsk. Looks like that brat got us again," said Konoka with a shrug. Aaron couldn't help but get irritated that she didn't seem all that upset.
"Yeah, she's pretty crafy for someone so young. Kinda like myself at that age!" added Sasune.
"Are you guys even gonna attempt to go after her?!" yelled Aaron. "W-Wait! What...happened to Sharpscale?!"
#
"T-That was really close! That stupid Shinigami gave us a lot of trouble!"
Her complaining aside, Mayu was just glad she and her brother's gang were able to make it to safety. For a moment there, it seemed the end was nigh. She breathed a sigh of relief, sweeping away the cold sweat lacing every pore on her forehead.
"Uh...I-I guess I better not tell Ganju about this after all! I'm too embarrassed to let him know I allowed a rotten Shinigami to get away!"
She squinted, identifying a blurry silhouette up ahead.
"Huh? Is that a...person?"
The boar she was riding on got closer, and her heart skipped a beat. Impeding the path ahead was Sharpscale. The mere sight of the tall Hollow spooked the living daylight out of the gang's boars. Losing their footing, the animals toppled over and crashed with force. Sprawled amongst them were Ganju Shiba's gang. The whole scene resembled a car pileup on a highway as Sharpscale moved between the groaning bodies and snatched Mayu off the ground.
"A-Ah! P-Put me down! Put me down! D-Don't eat me!" she hollered.
Sharpscale held the girl up high. "Aaron Higuchi, I've got her."
In the distance, Aaron chuckled halfheartedly and replied, "O-Oh! G-Good job, Sharpscale!"
"Well...t-that works!" said Sasune. "Just when I thought that guy was terrifying enough…"
"Alright, what now?" asked Konoka. "We got the girl. Can we go already?"
"Hey, stupid Shinigami! W-What are you gonna do with me?!" asked Mayu.
Aaron mulled the question over. "Don't worry. We won't hurt you. But I need to ask a favor of you, Mayu."
That was the last thing Mayu anticipated hearing.
#
Being imprisoned certainly wasn't any fun, but Kana at least enjoyed it letting her catch up on sleep. She snoozed soundly in her cot, snoring ever so softly. However, she was broken from her dreaming by heavy footsteps.
"H-Huh?! Who?! What?! When?! Where?! Why?!"
Half asleep, she rubbed her bloodshot eyeballs to get a clear look at the many individuals on the other side of her cell. They all wore white robes, and save for their wrath-filled eyes, Kana was unable to make out their faces since they were shrouded underneath hoods. Gasping softly, she knew exactly who these people were and why they were there.
"I-It's time already?" she inquired. One of the white robed individual nodded. "...I see. Uh...could you give me a bit? I gotta fix my makeup!"
The white-cloaked group didn't so much as titter at her remark.
"Sheesh! Lighten up, would you?"
"I'm somewhat surprised you can still make jokes. Then again, I guess even something like being threatened with execution isn't enough to dampen your spirit, Kana. You really are amazing, sister."
Arashi Mitarashi came to the head of the crowd, and Kana was relieved to encounter a familiar face.
"Arashi! There you are! When are you gonna bust me outta here? I've beenbored outta my mind!"
Arashi faintly smiled. "Yes, you...certainly do know how to kid around, sister. Unfortunately, myself and the others are strictly here on business. We've been ordered to transport you to your new home."
"...You're talking about the Repentance Tower, aren't you? Ugh! Not that place! It's a total drag!"
Kana bit her bottom lip. Her Captain informed her she was to be moved in the coming days, yet everything was happening too fast in her opinion. She had only just learned she would be executed a few days ago.
"Yes, you're right," answered Arashi. He unlocked Kana's cell, guiding her out of it. "And it's not supposed to be fun, sister. You're supposed to go there to reflect on your sins, hence the name 'Repentance Tower.'"
He became tightlipped for a short while.
"I'm...sorry, Kana. I didn't mean to sound like a textbook. I truly believe you won't be killed in the end! Someone is bound to realize executing you is a mistake! Until then, all I ask is that you go along with your punishment until the day you are acquitted!"
That was easier said than done, Kana thought. She had tried her best to keep her head held high, but being treated like the lowest form of life in Soul Society was beginning to take its toll on her spirits.
"Heh! You're just a big ol' softie, aren't you?" she stated as she patted her brother on the head affectionately. In light of her sorrows, she thought it nice Arashi still held some hope she would be saved. "Alright. I'll...try to hang in there. You know me though! I really impatient!"
"Heh. Yeah. I...know, Kana. I know."
The white robed individuals sensed their cue to move in. They placed a red choker around Kana's neck before affixing cables into the sockets on it.
"Hey, hey! Not so rough!"
A piece of cloth was then thrown over her face, blinding her. A hand, likely Arashi's, gestured for her to start walking forward. She did so, feeling utterly humiliated. She guessed all this was a part of her punishment, a reminder she was nothing more than a criminal in the eyes of Soul Society. Even if that was the case, all this seemed a bit harsh to her.
"Move it!" an irate voice declared, jabbing something sharp into her back.
"Okay, okay! I got it! Jeez! No way you have a girlfriend if you treat women like this!"
"P-Please, don't argue with them, sister. There's no point in making your punishment even worse," advised Arashi.
Kana smacked her lips. "...Whatever."
Led by her captors, she was marched for what felt like hours. Her legs, stiff from a lack of exercise, nearly buckled under her weight several times. She hid her discomfort with a confident smile. She refused to allow the guards to have the satisfaction of her wallowing in despair.
"Are you alright, Kana? Are you comfortable?" she heard Arashi say.
"...As comfortable as someone being dragged along like an animal."
Cool air hit her fair skin just then. It gave her the hint that she was outside, most likely on the lengthy bridge leading to the Repentance Tower. She had seen it hundreds of times hovering over the Seireitei in the past. She simply never imagined she would be traveling down it as a prisoner.
At the very least, she was happy to have a taste of fresh air. She breathed deeply, desiring to enjoy it for the short while she was given on the outside world. It helped to calm the butterflies in her stomach too.
Someone tugged at one of the cables attached to her collar. Besides wrenching at her neck painfully, it induced her to cease moving. She heard clatter all around her; her restraints were being removed. Afterward, the sheet over her head was snatched away. Light flooded her vision all at once, and she shot her hand over her amber eyes to block it out.
"Wait...is this...the Repentance Tower?"
She was now in a expansive, circular room that held nothing more than a window and two wooden chairs. The walls were painted grey, and there was no lighting to speak of save for what poured in from the entrance and the aforementioned window. Calling the place 'bleak' would have been a massive understatement. Kana hadn't even been there for ten seconds, and already, she missed her old cell.
"Yes, sister," said Arashi. He held his head down like he were ashamed to even look at her. She could tell he was blaming himself for her current predicament. None of this was his fault of course, but he had a tendency to behave this way whenever she was in trouble. "...I'd much prefer it if you could stay somewhere more...comfortable while you await your execution, but no one would listen to my request. You won't have to suffer through this alone though."
"I won't? Wait, is there someone…?"
Kana had been so busy dreading her new surroundings, she hadn't taken heed to Rukia Kuchiki quietly gazing out of the window. The slender woman turned to Kana, greeting her with a warm, if not faint, smile.
"R-Rukia!" Kana exclaimed at the height of her voice, rushing over to her friend and hugging her as hard as she could. "I can't believe it! It feels like I haven't seen you in forever!"
"Yes. It's been awhile, hasn't it?" replied Rukia. "To think they would keep both of us in the same place."
"I know, right? This is great! I thought I was gonna die of boredom staying here by myself!"
"You two can thank Captain Hitsugaya for this. He wasn't able to stave off your sentences, so he figured he would do this as a way to make it up to you."
"Ah! I see! Make sure you thank him for me when you see him again, Arashi!"
"Of course! Anyway, I have to go. I have a lot of important work to do for the Captain. Hang in there, you two. Alright? I'll be back soon to check up on you."
With that, Arashi and the white-robed squad took their leave, shutting the heavy door to the Repentance Tower behind them. The already dimly lit room became even darker. Kana momentarily freaked out but calmed when her eyesight adjusted.
"Ugh! This is the worst!" she decried. "...I know we're gonna die, but does it mean we have to be miserable beforehand?"
A somber-faced Rukia gave her no reply, unsure of the answer herself.
"Say, are you...doing alright, Rukia? You don't look so good."
Now that Kana was getting a proper look at the petite woman, she could have sworn her face and body were even thinner. Heavy bags rested underneath her eyelids as well. It was as if her spirit had been sucked right out of her. Kana was glad there was no mirror around. There was no doubt in her mind she had a similar appearance.
"Uh...w-what have you been staring at from out that window?"
Kana opted to check for herself. She zeroed in on the rocky mesa that stood in the center of the Seireitei. Standing on it, and sending shivers down her spine, was an enormous halberd held down by numerous ropes.
"...The Soukyoku," she muttered.
"That's right. It's what they'll use to execute us," said Rukia robotically. "It's no coincidence we can see it from here in the Repentance Tower. Prisoners brought here are supposed to stare out at Soukyoku Hill and be reminded of what awaits them."
"What...awaits them?"
Kana's throat dried, and she instinctively gulped. The thought of being killed by the Soukyoku was enough to drive her mad. Holding in a shrill scream, she stepped away from the window, finding Soukyoku Hill hypnotic as much as it was terrifying.
"This totally sucks! It's bad enough they wanna execute us for giving away our Shinigami powers, but do they really have to do it using the Soukyoku?! Is what we did...that bad?"
Rukia peered at the brunette and the despair scrawled on her countenance. Maybe their crime didn't warrant use of the Soukyoku, but Rukia felt it hardly mattered. No matter how much they whined and complained, their fate was already sealed.
"Please, don't cry, Kana."
"I-I'm not crying!" Kana was quick to say. She dried her watering pupils and forced a grin. "They made a mistake putting the two of us together! With our combined smarts, we can totally think up a way to bust outta this joint!"
"You're...still thinking about escaping?" said Rukia in awe.
"Yeah! We can't just go down without a fight! If Central 46 or anyone in the Gotei 13 won't help us, we'll just have to take matters into our own hands! Heh! Luckily for us, I already have something in mind! All we have to do is…!"
Without warning, Rukia slapped Kana across the mouth. The sound echoed across the Repentance Tower. Meanwhile, a dumbfounded Kana pressed her fingertips against her reddened cheek. The burning sensation felt surreal.
"W-Why did you…?"
"Fool! Open your eyes already!" cried Rukia. "You are disgracing your Captain, your squad, and the Gotei 13 by speaking such nonsense! If you truly value your position as a Shinigami, you will accept your punishment and atone for you crimes! Stop all this talk of escaping!"
Rukia's stern features became apologetic after Kana burst into tears and began sobbing uncontrollably.
"Y-You didn't have to hit me!" she proclaimed in between sniffles. "That really hurt!"
"I-I'm sorry, Mitarashi! I...didn't mean to be so harsh."
Kana proceeded to wail even louder, leading Rukia to plug her ears and believe that the two of them being put together wasn't such a bright idea after all.
"Oh! That's right!" Kana snapped back to normal so abruptly, Rukia yelped in surprise. "I heard a rumor from my brother saying there was a sighting of an orange-haired guy wearing Shinigami robes not too long ago!"
"Yes. Renji told me about that as well."
"Seriously?! You're telling me that Ichigo guy alive then?! I was pretty sure he was done for after what your brother did to him!"
Kana zipped her lips abruptly. She hadn't even considered Rukia's feelings while yapping so casually about Byakuya Kuchiki.
"It's alright," said Rukia, picking up on her friend's apprehension. "Truthfully, I'm not sure what to believe. Perhaps Renji was mistaken."
"...It kinda sounds to me like you hope he was just seeing things. Well, if Ichigo was here, that'd probably mean Aaron is too! No, wait, that can't be possible! He...lost his Shinigami powers, right? And besides, neither one of them would be stupid enough to come after us...right?"
In the back of her mind, she had a sinking suspicion they were.
"Does it really matter? Even...even if they were here, they're no match for the Shinigami here in the Seireitei! They'll do nothing more than ensure their deaths!" said Rukia.
"Uh...s-sorry! I didn't mean to upset you! You're probably right! Maybe they aren't here after all! Yeah! Totally! H-Haha..."
"Huh? There's no need to apologize for..."
"Let's play a game!" interrupted Kana. "We gotta do something to pass the time! Oh, I know! How about I Spy? Okay, I'll go first! I spy something white!"
Rukia took a gander around before sheepishly saying, "The...walls?"
"Yeah, you got it! Okay, how about this? I spy something...hard and rough!"
Again, Rukia stated, "The walls?"
"Whoa! You're really good at this game! That's okay! You'll never guess what I'm gonna say next!"
"Mitarashi, there's nothing in this place but the walls! It'll always be the walls!"
Curling her lips, Kana replied, "Aw! You're no fun at all!"
#
Morning came over Soul Society, leading Aaron to gaze up at the blue and somewhat cloudy sky. Day and night evidently worked exactly as it did in his world. Yawning, he also figured even Shinigami needed their sleep, something he was lacking from having trekked through Rukongai with his friends all night.
"I'm hungry, CT!" voiced Sasune, walking beside him. "My feet hurt too! Plus, I'm thirsty! We've been wandering around in circles since yesterday, yet we haven't bumped into anything!"
"Hey, don't yell at me. I'm just following Mayu's instructions, so if you have any complaints, take them up with her."
Sasune had no qualms with this. Unfortunately, Mayu was sleeping soundly on Sharpscale's back.
"Tsk! How come she gets to rest?! That ain't fair!"
"Quit your complainin' already, Pretty Boy," said Konoka, stroking her burning pupils. Never before did the concept of rest seem so appealing to her. She longed for her luxurious bed back at her mansion. "You're givin' me an even bigger headache. Just be glad we haven't run into any trouble like we did last night."
"All the Shinigami are holed up in the Seireitei, so maybe that's why," said Aaron.
"Speaking of which, that's where Miss Mitarashi is, right? Why are we wasting our time out here then?" asked Sasune, not bothering to mask the frustration in his words.
"It pains me to have to say this, but Ishida is right," said Konoka. "Aren't we runnin' on a tight schedule? If we keep screwin' around like this, your damsel in distress is gonna end up bitin' the big one, Higuchi."
Aaron crossed his arms. "Look, I get what you two are saying, but there's still the problem of even getting into the Seireitei. Remember that giant from before? Well, what if there are more like him? I don't know about you two, but I really don't like the idea of having to fight a buncha guys like that. More importantly, I can sense Kurosaki's spiritual pressure up ahead."
"Wait, seriously? Why the hell would he be around here?" questioned Sasune.
"You're tellin' me that guy didn't die against that Jidanbou freak?" asked Konoka.
"Guess not. Well, it is Kurosaki we're talking about here, so I'm not surprised," said Aaron. "Anyway, if Kurosaki is nearby, that should mean Yoruichi and the others with him."
"Interesting. I wonder if we're trying to find the same person."
Sasune was referring to Mayu Shiba's older sister. Aaron got the idea to track her down, whoever she was, hence why he and his friends were traveling so far out of their way to reach Mayu's home.
"She better be hot!" the Quincy added. "I hope it not some old, wrinkly lady!"
"Guess there's only one way to find out," replied Aaron.
"I don't even get why you wanna meet her so badly, Higuchi," stated Konoka.
"Just call it a hunch. Something tells me this person will be able to help us."
"Whatever. Let's just be careful. If this sister is anything like that Mayu brat, we might be walkin' right into a heap of trouble."
Suddenly, she inched closer to Aaron and scowled at him hard enough to kill.
"Oh, and by the way, the next time we're jumped and nearly killed, you'd better pull out that damn sword of yours and put it to good use before I shove it somewhere the sun don't shine. Got it?"
"G-Got it..." he retorted, his voice cracking some.
"Good."
Mayu, disturbed by the ongoing discussion, awoke. In a daze, she looked around, not recognizing Aaron and his friends at first.
"H-Huh?! Stupid Shinigami!" she cried, pointing at Aaron. "W-Where am I?! What's going on?! Did you kidnap me, you creep?!"
"...Good morning to you too," grumbled Aaron.
"S-Shut up! Stop talking like we're friends, dumb Shinigami! I hate you!"
"And here I was hoping a good night's rest would mellow her out," said Sasune.
"Guess she ain't a mornin' person," added Konoka with a shrug.
Mayu prepared to chew out Aaron some more but half near peed on herself once she took heed of who was carrying her.
"Y-You're that monster from before! P-Put me down! Put me down! I don't wanna be eaten alive! Somebody he-eeeeee-elp!"
Sharpscale was more than happy do as she requested, mostly because she was bashing her fists against its skull. The instant she was free, Mayu distanced herself from the others.
"I just know you jerks are up to something! Why else would you kidnap me?!"
Aaron replied, "Uh...that's not at all what happened. You agreed to take us to your home, remember?"
"I did?" Mayu chewed the matter over. "O-Okay, fine! So maybe I did! I still don't trust you idiots!"
"...Fair enough," conceded Aaron.
"Man, she's seriously annoying," groaned Sasune. "This is why I ain't having kids!"
"Now you know how it feels to be around someone aggravating like you," Konoka told him, causing him to frown.
"Do you really live around here, Mayu?" Skepticism permeated Aaron's tone. "I may have to have Sharpscale over here rough you up if you've been leading us the wrong way on purpose!"
Mayu gasped. "I-I'm not! Honest!"
Aaron had a hard time placing any faith in her. The only thing he and his friends had encountered for miles now were empty, grass-covered plains. It was probable Mayu was leading them into a trap. She had promised her older brother's gang wouldn't get in their way anymore, though that easily could've been a lie. On the other hand, Aaron could think of no reason why Mayu would come with them all on her lonesome and incur their wrath.
"Come on. We haven't seen any buildings since last night," said Konoka. "Is your sister a mole or somethin' and lives underground?"
"Hmm. Maybe we took that wrong, left turn at Albuquerque," joked Sasune. "GPS sure would be nice! Then again, even if I brought my phone, I doubt I'd get reception out here."
"You gotta believe me! There's no way I'd go the wrong way! My sense of direction is the best in my family!" Mayu proudly proclaimed. Putting her finger on her chin, she added, "Uh...b-but it's gonna be a problem if my sis decided to move our house again."
Aaron fell on his head. "W-What?! What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Well, big sis has a habit of moving our home from location to location! I'm pretty sure the spot she picked when I left was around here though! Y-Yeah! I'm sure of it! Stop worrying so much, dumb Shinigami! When we find it, you'll know it's the right place!"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
As his group climbed up a steep hill, Aaron's jaw hit the floor at the sight of an actual edifice. It wasn't just any home either, but one with a pair of giant, golden arms sticking out of the earth on both sides of it. They held up a sign that read 'Kuukaku Shiba' in large characters.
"Ha! See? I told you!" said Mayu.
"Well, I'll be damned!" exclaimed Aaron. "That's...not a mirage, is it?"
"I'll be pissed if it is," responded Konoka.
"I don't care what it is! Just tell me we'll be able to crash there for the time being!" said Sasune, who looked ready collapse at a moment's notice.
"Hey, you jerks aren't here to relax!" yelled Mayu. "The only reason I brought you here is so my older sister can teach you all a lesson for messing with me! Ha! I bet you guys are ready to cry, huh?!"
"...Really now?" replied Aaron. Considering Mayu was trembling in her boots, she came off as more anxious than anyone. "You alright over there?"
"Shut up, stupid Shinigami! Of course I'm okay!"
Aaron was further unconvinced after Mayu dived behind his leg for safety.
"A-Alright, you guys have seen the place, so let's get the heck outta here!" she cried, her teeth chattering as if she were in the middle of a blizzard.
"Sorry. I can feel Kurosaki and the others down there as clear as day, so we're going in whether you like or not," said Aaron. "Of course, if you have any complaints, feel free to take them up with Sharpscale."
Mayu was afraid of that. "Fine, fine! Follow me, stupid!"
She led the way down the hill, still debating on running while she had the chance.
"Say, what's up with that chimney?" asked Konoka. The structure in question on top of Mayu's home was covered up by tarp.
"Maybe everyone here is afraid of Santa Claus!" stated Sasune.
"...Yeah, that's bullshit."
Staring back at Konoka, Mayu chose not to elaborate on the subject.
Everyone reached the bizarre abode in due time. There, a pair of mustachioed gentleman were standing watch. Their height and bulky frames were impressive, but even more so was the fact they were identical in terms of looks and clothing.
"Twins?" mumbled Aaron.
"Aw! Come on! More giants?" moaned Sasune.
"Doubt it. These guys are big, yeah, but they aren't that big," said Konoka.
The so-called 'giants' were no doubt intimidating though and towered several feet over Aaron and company. They shuttered like helpless kittens when the duo closed in on them in the blink of an eye.
"What's this? Another strange group of visitors here to visit the mistress?" said the one on the left. His face was broader than his compatriot's, and his chin was split.
"Indeed. It seems there's another Shinigami mixed in as well," added the one on the right, whose head was much more narrow. His chin was straight as well.
"They're quite suspicious, aren't they, Shiroganehiko?"
"I agree, Kuroganehiko! The two of us will definitely not let them pass!"
"Go away if you value your lives!" declared the twins.
"Interesting!" Konoka cracked her knuckles. "If you wanna throw down, that's fine with me!"
"Y-Yeah! We'll kick your butts good!" cried Sasune. Konoka wasn't sure how he would be able to help her since he was cowering behind her.
"...Idiot."
Aaron made haste to say, "H-Hold on! We're not here to cause any trouble! We just..."
Kuroganehiko and Shiroganehiko gasped in unison upon getting an eyeful of Mayu. Obviously, the girl's attempts to hide had been in vain, so she came into plain sight, holding her head toward the ground.
"Mistress! There you are!" the twins exclaimed.
"Your older sister has been worried sick about you!" said Kuroganehiko.
"You can't imagine how glad we are to see you unharmed!" added Shiroganehiko.
"You must come inside and inform your sister of your safety at once!" they voiced.
"No, no, no! I don't wanna!" decried Mayu. "You can't make me either!"
"Wait, I think my friends are in there right now, so we need to go in too! We were the ones that managed to get this girl back here safely, so I think that's only fair!" said Aaron.
"Hey, wait a minute! You guys totally kidnapped me and…!"
Aaron, cutting her off, added, "Please, you have to let us in!"
A drop of sweat rolled down the side of his head. Kuroganehiko and Shiroganehiko, snarling like rabid dogs, looked ready to rip him to shreds. They moved toward him, and he responded by reaching for his Zanpakutou. However, his eyes widened when the twins got down on their knees.
"We are in your debt, brave Shinigami!" said Kuroganehiko.
"Thank you for returning Mistress Mayu here in one piece!" added Shiroganehiko. Tears of joy streamed down his slender face.
"We will take you to see Mistress Kuukaku!"
"We really owe you one, boy! Mistress Kuukaku was beginning to throw a fit because of Mistress Mayu's absence!"
"Y-You're saying she's already mad?!" Mayu desired to cry herself. She glowered at Aaron, Sasune, Konoka, and Sharpscale, saying, "See?! This is why I didn't wanna come home! Thanks for nothing!"
"You're very welcome," said Sharpscale with pride.
"I...think she might've been being sarcastic," said Aaron.
"All of you come with us!" said Kuroganehiko and Shiroganehiko.
"D-Does that include me?" Mayu timidly asked. She supposed so when Kuroganehiko hoisted her onto his shoulder, carrying her along with him forcefully. "Aww..."
Aaron and his friends readied themselves for anything as they entered Kuukaku Shiba's house. They were immediately led down a staircase, an oddity at the entrance of someone's home in their opinion.
"Say, you guys have any grub here? I'm starving!" said Sasune.
"Yeah, I could use somethin' to eat too," said Konoka.
Aaron stomach rumbled. "Heh. Food doesn't sound that bad to me either."
"H-How could you idiots be hungry at a time like this?!" exclaimed Mayu. Her tummy was griping also, although it was out of sheer panic.
"We are here!" declared Kuroganehiko and Shiroganehiko. They stood before a wooden doorway. "Please wait here for a moment!"
Wait Aaron and his companions did. However, the twins never got the chance to open the path ahead. Abrasive shouting erupted from the interior of the next room, prompting those outside to cup their ears to the doors.
"Hmm? Sounds like someone is really going at it in there!" said Aaron.
"Uh...I'm...thinking we should just come back later!" said Sasune.
"Hey, is somebody out there?!" a volatile, feminine voice from the other side blared.
Mayu's pupils shrunk. "T-That voice! Oh man, I gotta get outta here!"
Her plans were derailed by Kuroganehiko and Shiroganehiko, who yanked her back by her kimono.
"You must face your punishment like a proper young lady!" stated Kuroganehiko.
Shiroganehiko added, "I'm certain Mistress Kuukaku will be lenient with you!"
"Are you guys insane?!" bellowed a crying Mayu, wriggling like a snake to free herself. "I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die!"
"What the hell is the big deal? This Kuukaku can't be that scary!" said Konoka.
"...I sense a disturbance approaching," said Sharpscale gravely.
"Huh? What are you…?"
The sliding doors weren't so much thrown open as they were kicked off their hinges by a busty, black-haired woman in alluring, red clothing. Seething in ire, she sized up the whimpering individuals around her.
"Kuroganehiko! Shiroganehiko! Who the hell are these guys?!"
Things escalated the moment she caught wind of Mayu.
"You little punk! Where in the hell have you been?! Since when did you get the nerve to stay out all night like a damn hooligan?!"
Paralyzed by fear, Mayu hesitated to explain herself.
"P-Please forgive me, big sis!" she pleaded. "I-I didn't mean to do it, really!"
"S-She's right! It's not all her fault! Go easy on here, would you?" said Aaron.
"What the hell did you just say?!" Mayu's older sister replied, clenching her teeth hard enough to draw blood. Aaron shrieked like a little girl once she grabbed him by the hair and drove him into a wall. He braced himself to be hit, yet it was then he noted the woman solely had one arm. A bandaged stump stood in place of the other. "Listen here, punk! You're in my home now! I'm Kuukaku Shiba, and whatever I say around here goes! Therefore, I can yell at whoever the hell I want, when I want! Got that?!"
Aaron meekly nodded.
"Good! Now then, I'm gonna ask again! Who are you guys and what do you want?!"
"There's no need to worry about them, Kuukaku. They're simply more imbeciles Kisuke asked me to look after."
The black cat known as Yoruichi waltzed onto the scene, his yellow eyes glimmering in the light.
"Interesting. I never imagined you four would end up here on your own," he added.
"Hey! Who are you calling an imbecile, you dumb furball?!" yelled Sasune.
"Quiet, imbecile."
Yoruichi sank his fangs into the Quincy's big toe. Sasune held the afflicted area and hopped around like he were standing on lava.
"...Idiot," was all Konoka had to say.
"Ah! I was right! You really are here, Yoruichi!" said Aaron. He peered into the next room where Ichigo, Chad, Orihime, and Uryuu were. "Looks like everyone else is here too!"
There was a fifth entity, one Aaron didn't know. A muscular man of above average height, the person possessed black hair like Mayu and Kuukaku, leading Aaron to theorize he had some kind of relation to them. Then again, the man certainly lacked their good looks and would have come off as nothing more than a common thug to Aaron if it weren't for him wearing an outfit fit for a noble.
"Ah! Ganju! Ganju! Help!" cried Mayu.
"Wait, Ganju?" repeated Aaron as he observed Mayu run to the man's side. "Why...does that name sound so familiar?"
He snapped his fingers, recounting Ganju Shiba as the name of Mayu's older brother.
"Right, the guy who that gang was calling Boss!"
"Big bro, big sis is super scary today!" said a sniffling Mayu.
Ganju sheltered her between his large arms and said with conviction, "Don't worry, Mayu! You're safe now!"
"Who the hell is safe you say?!" said Kuukaku ahead of punching him into a wall. She held up her violently shaking and smoking fist, adding, "You've got a lot of nerve talking like that, Ganju! Perhaps you and Mayu have lost your god damned minds!"
"Huh. I'm starting to see why Mayu didn't want to come here," whispered Aaron.
"Yo, Higuchi!" a beaming Ichigo Kurosaki said. He and Aaron exchanged a handshake. "I kept telling the others you'd show up sooner or later!"
"Yeah, sorry for taking so long. We...kinda got caught up with something."
"Hello there, Uryuu!" remarked Sasune. "You miss me?"
Uryuu groaned a bit. "...Not exactly. In fact, I was hoping you in particular would have still been wandering around aimlessly."
"Don't you think that's a rather mean thing to say to your brother?" asked Orihime. "Anyway, I'm glad you and your friends are alright, Sasune!"
"Oh...erm...t-thank you!" Sasune awkwardly babbled, turning bright red.
"We were going to search for you all after you vanished, but Yoruichi told us it would be better to stay put and wait for you to come on your own," explained Chad.
"I see. A rather astute line of thinking," said Sharpscale.
"Tsk! If you ask me, the cat here was just too lazy to come lookin' for us," said Konoka.
"No. I simply felt you imbeciles should learn to take responsibility for your own actions." Yoruichi's eyelids furrowed while he spoke, and Konoka relented from the feline's stinging glare. "It seems none of you are hurt, which is good. However, things could have turned out far worse if you all had bumped into anyone from the Seireitei. I was instructed by Kisuke to guide you all while we're here in Soul Society, but do not confuse me for your babysitter. You'll only have yourselves to blame if you're killed. Think about that next time before you decide to rush off into the unknown."
Konoka hated being fussed at, especially when the other person had a point.
"Hey, what's another punk ass Shinigami doing here?!"
Ganju's proclamation grabbed everyone's attention. He shook, mirroring a volcano seconds away from eruption. His face was as scarlet as lava, so the comparison wasn't that far off, the others thought.
"Hey! Are you trying to start something again?!" roared Ichigo.
"Eh? What's up with this guy, Kurosaki?" asked Aaron, scratching his head. "How the hell can all these people I've never met before be so mad at me?"
"That's him, big bro! That's him!" Mayu couldn't wait to point an accusing finger at Aaron. "That stupid Shinigami and his friends nearly killed me!"
"They did what?!" Steam was practically shooting out of Ganju's ears. "Oh, that's it! I'm kicking that guy's ass for sure!"
"Hold on a second! If anyone's life was in danger, it was all of ours!" cried Aaron. "Your sister and your stupid gang nearly ripped us to shreds! We were ambushed for crying out loud! I think you owe us an…!"
Aaron was rudely interrupted when Ganju slugged him across the mouth. The blow caused him to skid back as blood trickled out the side of his lips. He felt fortunate none of his teeth had been knocked loose. Ganju's fists had struck him with the intensity of a bowling ball colliding into pins. Becoming livid, he forgot about his pain and passive demeanor, retaliating with a punch of his own. It rattled Ganju but didn't knock him off his feat. The man was as durable as he was strong.
"Heh! Your punches are good, but they're nothing to be afraid of!" he Ganju.
"Oh yeah?! How about this?!"
Ichigo caught Ganju off guard, connecting with a jump kick into his foe's chest, flooring him this time.
Aaron, preparing to go in for the kill, decried,"You son of a…!"
Kuukaku drove her foot into his crotch, derailing his plans and sending him a wave of anguish through his being.
"KNOCK IT OFF, YOU DUMB ASSES!" she howled. Everyone else could have sworn the ground vibrated as she spoke. "If you wanna kill each other, take it somewhere else! I ain't cleaning your blood off the floor!"
Struggling to breathe, Aaron replied, "B-But he started it!"
Kuukaku wrapped her fingers on his throat and quietly said, "I don't care who started what! I'm about three seconds from throwing your ass out of here, so I suggest you behave!"
Too frightened to hear her warning properly, Aaron nodded just to be on the safe side.
"Heh! You tell that bastard, sis!" said Ganju happily
"Quiet, idiot!" Kuukaku shot back. She didn't hold back, bopping him on the head using enough effort to fracture his skull. "Haven't you caused enough trouble for one day?!"
Mayu winced once it was her turn to receive her sister's scorn. Kuukaku crouched down to her, and everyone else closed their eyes, anticipating the worst. However, Kuukaku did nothing more than embrace her younger sibling and smile.
"Don't pull another stunt like that again, Mayu. You had me ripping my hairs out worrying over you last night. Looks like you're alright, at least!"
"H-Huh? You're...not mad?" asked Mayu carefully.
"Oh, I'm mad! Still, you're okay! That's all that matter!"
Mayu was left speechless, a byproduct of Kuukaku's kindness. Instead of fear, guilt spread through Mayu's heart.
"I-I'm so sorry, big sis! I'm sorry! I'll never do it again! I promise!" she stated, weeping a waterfall of tears.
"Haha! There, there now! It's alright!"
"What the…? It's like...they're both totally different people now!" blurted Aaron.
"Alright, Mayu! Run along now!" Kuukaku playfully shoved her sister forward. "You've gotta be tired after your little adventure, so I want you to head straight to bed! Is that understood?"
"Uh...o-okay!" Mayu wasn't taking any chances after miraculously being left off the hook. She headed for her room though not before turning to Aaron and sticking out her tongue. "You better not forget that I'll have my revenge on you some day, dumb Shinigami!"
Aaron, chuckling anemically, replied, "I'm...looking forward to it!"
Ganju sought to make a break for it as well, but Kuukaku's severe stare commanded him to stay put.
"Good Lord! This woman really is terrifying!" said Sasune out of earshot.
"Oh? Is that why you haven't made a pass at her?" asked Konoka.
"Look, while I'm usually a sucker for beautiful women, even I know my limits! She would tear my ass in half!"
"I'm...honestly impressed at you showing some restraint for once," remarked Uryuu.
"I guess he can keep his tongue in his mouth sometimes," said Konoka.
Sasune broke his vacant gazing at Orihime's sizable bust and retorted, "Huh? You two say something?"
Uryuu growled. "...Nevermind."
Having no clue what was going on, Orihime raised an eyebrow.
"Say, Yoruichi, will these newcomers need to get into the Seireitei too?" inquired Kuukaku.
"Correct. Will more people be a problem?"
"Heh? 'Problem?' I live for challenges like this!"
"Uh...since we got here late, I guess...we're missing something here," said Aaron.
"Don't worry about it, kid! You're about to find out! All of you, follow me!"
Like jittery army recruits, everyone hurriedly replied, "Y-Yes, ma'am!"
#
For whatever reason, Kuukaku Shiba's home was chock full of staircases. She led them down yet another one and into a well-lit underground space.
"Amazing! It's so bright even though we're below the surface," said Uryuu. "There's no electrical wiring in sight either."
Sasune, shielding his weary eyes, replied, "Yeah, it's a little too bright. What, are you scared of vampires or something, lady?"
"I planted some light vines between the walls and the ceiling. Vampires didn't have anything to do with it," said Kuukaku.
"'Light vines?' Excuse me, but is that some kind of plant exclusive to Soul Society?"
Kuukaku didn't answer Uryuu. Rather, she faced an unmarked door.
"Here we are! Ganju, open it!"
"C-Coming, sis!" he replied.
Meanwhile, a sulking Uryuu didn't appreciate being brushed off so lackadaisically.
"Heh! I figured you would be accustomed to being ignored considering how boring you can be, little bro!" said Sasune mockingly. Uryuu grumbled, but otherwise decided not to dignify that with a response.
"Opening the door!" cried Ganju energetically. "Leave it to me!"
"...What the hell is he gettin' so worked up for? He isn't even doin' anything really," said Konoka, discovering herself strangely annoyed with Ganju's antics. The sole thing preventing her from calling him a clown was his lack of makeup and balloons.
The expansive room revealed by Ganju housed something that made Kuukaku's guests go numb with awe. Lying in the center was a tremendous, black tube that extended well past the roof.
"W-What the hell is that?" pondered Ichigo.
"To think she was hiding something this large beneath her home," muttered Uryuu.
"T-That's an understatement!" exclaimed Aaron.
"Hey, doesn't it...kinda look like a giant cannon?" said Konoka.
Kuukaku beamed. "Something like that! I'll be using this thing to send you all to the Seireitei from the sky!"
A number of seconds ticked away before everyone was able to absorb her statement.
"F-From they sky?!" they all cried, flabbergasted.
"That's right! I'm Kuukaku Shiba, and I'm a first class fireworks expert here in Soul Society! If you kids really wanna go to the Seireitei, just leave everything to me!"
END
