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Chapter 28
Pride of the Quincy
Sasune tried to prevent disaster, yet it was too late. Mayuri Kurotsuchi not only cut through Uryuu with his Ashisogi Jizou, but his subordinate and daughter, Nemu Kurotsuchi, as well. The two hit the dirt like broken rag dolls, and Sasune's pupils shrank in horror as their blood flew past him.
"URYUU-UUUUUUUUUU-U!"
The complete antithesis of Sasune, Mayuri leered at victims with pure delight. Convulsing in ire, Sasune tempted himself into beating the smugness off of the Captain's face, yet he knew checking on his brother was a higher concern.
"Uryuu! Uryuu! Come on, speak to me!" he cried, jumping down to his brother. "You can't die on me just yet! Who else is going to match my witty intellect blow for blow?!"
"S-Shut up already, Sasune. You're giving me a headache," said Uryuu, who came off as more irked than on the verge of death. He allowed Sasune to hoist him on his shoulder before adding, "Y-You idiot! Did you forget how to shoot or something?!"
"Tsk. Well, it's nice to see you're appreciative of me coming to your aid like this!"
"Don't...worry. I'm fine. It'd take a lot more than this to to do me in."
Tracing his hand over the deep, horizontal gash on his brother's chest, Sasune thought he might have been putting on a brave front.
"I'm more shocked he would attack his own partner like that," continued Uryuu.
Sasune countenance sharpened. "I-I know that chick isn't my mother by now, but...it still pisses me off that bastard would do something like that to her!"
Nemu, sweating like a mule, shakily made it to her feet with the help of an adjacent wall. Even though she could hardly breathe, she still smiled cordially at Mayuri. His response was far less pleasant. He walked over and slugged her across the face with the back of his hand, causing her to topple over once more.
Uryuu's eyes widened as he said, "W-What the hell is going on?!"
Sasune, clenching his teeth without realizing, thought that a very good question.
"You fool! Didn't I tell you not to let go even if it meant you losing an arm?!" bellowed Mayuri at his Vice-Captain.
Nemu choked up some blood and replied, "I-I'm sorry, Master. F-Forgive me..."
As much as he craved to strike her again, Mayuri held back and turned away. The very sight of her violently wheezing was repulsing.
"Hmph. Oh well. It isn't as if I expected much from you from the start." He held out his Ashisogi Jizou and bore down on Sasune and Uryuu. A thin, sadistic smile broke out on lips. "At least you managed to get one of those brats. Don't worry. ...I'm about to make it two."
"...How do you want it engraved?" mumbled Sasune just then.
"What was that, boy? What are you rambling on about?"
Sasune constricted his eyelids and declared, "I'm asking you what you want engraved on your coffin, you son of a bitch!"
His bow formed out of his Sanrei Glove, blowing out a cloud of smoke. Not long after, he wrenched back on the quiver and fired an arrow that raced toward Mayuri like a bullet out of a gun.
"This again?" said the Captain glumly. He moved his head to the right, and the projectile whizzed past him. "Although I thought it would be plainly apparent by now, the techniques of a Quincy simply will not work on me. I've studied your race intently, so I know acounter for each and every one of your moves."
Sasune wasn't buying this. He used Hirenkyaku to dart all around Mayuri and launch arrows. However, he was left lost for words when his target deflected them all with his Zanpakutou.
"I've had just about enough of this." Mayuri snapped his fingers. "Nemu!"
With some difficulty, Nemu hobbled over to him. "Y-Yes, Master?"
"Stand right in front of me, and don't you dare move!"
Nemu nodded and promptly took her spot.
"W-What the…?!" Sasune sought to place an arrow right between Mayuri's skull but found himself paralyzed thanks to the presence of his Vice-Captain. "N-Not this shit again! Is that all you can do, you piece of crap?! Fight me with dirty tricks like this?!"
His apprehension rose when he lost track of Mayuri. One moment, the object of his anger had been standing near Nemu, and in the next, he was gone. His head jerked all around in an effort to locate the man. He held his breath upon hearing Mayuri's voice slither into his ear from directly behind him.
"Oh? Don't be so ignorant. If you can exploit an enemy's weakness on the battlefield, why not do so? It would be idiotic not to. Of course, it's just as asinine to reveal your faults like you have, boy."
A cascade of blood erupted from Sasune's mouth, and his trembling eyes gradually moved down to the sword impaled through his stomach. Mayuri ripped his Ashisogi Jizou out of the spot and couldn't have beamed harder if he tried.
"SASUNE!" cried Uryuu.
The person in question lurched forward ahead of dropping to his knees. The sight of his own blood painting the ground was nothing in comparison to the burning pain shooting through his whole body. Because of it, he didn't pay any heed to Mayuri inching closer to him.
"Do you get it now, boy? I'm simply taking advantage of the circumstances."
Sasune was too busy endeavoring to stay conscious to reply.
"How unusual. You don't have anything witty to say this time?"
"J-Just...shut the hell up already!" growled Sasune. "Y-You're going to end up biting your tongue!"
It was becoming harder for his lungs to take in air. On top of that, his vision was blurring, and sweat was pouring out of his skin. His grievous wound was bad for sure, yet it didn't fully explain what was going on. He had a sinking suspicion there was more to Mayuri's Zanpakutou than the man was letting on.
"My, you two aren't looking so good. It hurts, doesn't it?" Mayuri queried to the Ishida brothers. "Still, I don't hear so much as a whimper out of either of you. Is this not your first time being cut by a blade?"
Uryuu bitterly said, "...This is my second time."
Sasune, meanwhile, stated, "I-I lost count a long time ago..."
Mayuri, intrigued, replied, "Oh? So you two are experienced then?"
"M-Man, you really don't know when to zip your lips! And...and my brother tells me I'm bad! Anyway, it's weird when a creep like you says something like that. You're giving me the wrong idea here."
"...How uncanny. You really do sound like your mother at times. Of course, it was far more humorous when she said things of that nature."
Snarling, Sasune tried to lift his arm to use his bow but couldn't, finding it as heavy as lead.
"Well, I suppose that's enough reminiscing for one day," continued Mayuri. "I've wasted more than enough time with you brats, so I believe it's about time I finished things."
Nemu's excessive gasping distracted him enough to make him smack his lips and glower in her direction.
"Noisy brat!"
"F-Forgive me, Master Mayuri..." choked Nemu. "P-Please...give me some...regenerative serum. I think...my lungs are about to collapse. I-I believe my vital systems are beginning to fail as well."
Her talk sent Mayuri in a blind rage. He marched over to her and abruptly drove his foot into her midsection, breaking a number of her ribs. Nemu let out a cry of pure agony, but it didn't little to sate her creator's fury. He began stomping a hole into her.
"How dare you try to play me for a fool! Your body will not fail from an injury of that extent, foolish girl!"
"S-STOP! What are doing?! Isn't she your ally?! She'll die if you keep that up!" yelled Uryuu.
Mayuri slowly swung his head over to him. "...Even you think of me as an imbecile? You truly believe she would die from such insignificant injuries? A body that I created will not succumb to such trifling wounds! Don't you underestimate me, boy!"
"Y-You piece of shit! What the hell could you possibly have to complain about?!" exclaimed Sasune. "That's it! I'm sick of your bullshit!"
He trudged his way toward Mayuri, clutching the hole in his stomach and leaking blood like a broken faucet.
"J-Just hold on a minute, Sasune!" said Uryuu.
"Ha! L-Like I'm even all that hurt! Don't underestimate me either, Uryuu!"
Uryuu was taken aback for a moment. "T-That stupid…!"
"Hey, freak show!" Sasune yelled at Mayuri. "D-Didn't anyone ever teach you how to treat a lady?!"
"...There you are rambling again," said Mayuri tiredly.
"You're one to talk! All you've done since you've got here is bore me to tears! I don't care whether or not you cooked that Nemu woman up in a lab! She's still a girl, so I'm not going to sit idly by while you a monster like you abuses her, not while I'm still breathing!"
"Save the gallant talk. I find it abhorrent." Mayuri snatched Nemu up by her hair and strung her up like a marionette. "This girl here is my daughter, so I'm free to treat her however I desire. It's no business of an outsider like you!"
He slammed his daughter's head into a wall to drive his point home. Sasune snapped; he made a mad dash for Mayuri, not sure which of the Captain's limbs he should snap first. The longer he moved though, the more sluggish he became. Mayuri effortlessly slashed him across the shoulder. Though he tried to break his fall, he couldn't, feeling the sensation in his limbs slipping away.
Mayuri, standing over him, said, "You certainly are a curious entity. Yes, I cannot decide if you are more intriguing or irritating."
He began grinding his heel into Sasune's torso. The Quincy's bloodcurdling screams permeated the air, ones that were music to Mayuri's ears.
"SASUNE! HOLD ON!" said Uryuu. However, he came to a startling discovery; he couldn't move.
"You two are only just noticing?" said Mayuri. "You're rather slow on the uptake. Sealing its victim's ability to use their arms and legs, that is the power of Ashisogi Jizou!"
"T-Tranquilizer…?" panted Uryuu.
"Nonsense!" Mayuri pointed his Zanpakutou dangerously close to Uryuu's head. "I don't use such primitive technology! The substance flowing through your veins is actually a potent poison that severs the neural connections that transfer mobility signals from the brain to one'slimbs! Ashisogi Jizou produces such an intelligent drug all on its lonesome! It's no tranquilizer. You see, all it blocks is your ability to move. In other words..."
He methodically plunged his Zanpakuto in Uryuu's right arm.
"...The victim's ability to sense pain isn't dulled in the slightest!"
Uryuu wailed in complete anguish as Mayuri repeatedly stabbed the spot.
"See?! See?! See?!" said the Captain crazily, ignoring the blood splattering all over his face. As fun as torturing his enemies was, he couldn't help but sigh. "...A man's scream is really lacking compared to a woman's. It's nowhere near as lustful. Rather, it's unbearably annoying."
He shook the blood off his Zanpakutou and leered at Nemu.
"Get up! Kill both of these fools!"
Nemu didn't move. He then realized she couldn't move, inducing laughter out of him.
"That's right. I'd nearly forgotten you were affected by the poison as well. Dammit! You're completely worthless!"
He gave her a stiff kick to the head. She was so weak, she couldn't even mewl.
"S-Stop..." uttered Uryuu.
Mayuri paused and gave the Quincy a sharp stare. "...What was that?"
"Y-You heard him, you freak!" said Sasune. "P-Put...another finger...on that girl and I'll make sure she's the last thing you ever touch!"
The threat irritated Mayuri more than it frightened him. "You two can still talk? You still have the nerve to tell me how to treat my own creation? Even though this girl here is your enemy, you still desire to protect her? Why? Does it have anything to do with that 'Quincy pride' crap you people are always going on about?"
"...W-What did you just say?" asked Uryuu breathlessly.
"...You wanna repeat that?" echoed Sasune.
Mayuri answered, "It's true. Your kind are always mumbling on about that crap until you die."
Uryuu wasn't sure what to say for a moment. "W-What the hell are you going on about?!"
Mayuri grinned wickedly as if he had been waiting for someone to ask that.
"I've said it from the beginning. I've finished studying the Quincy," he began. "Finished studying indeed! I've observed countless amounts of memories and stimuli, opened individuals' skulls while they were still alive and breathing, forced one to burn his own son alive, chopped up and ground bodies, and studied them until they were rendered piles of lifeless limbs."
"H-He can't be serious!" mouthed Sasune.
"Oh, but I am, boy! All the Quincy I mentioned had one thing in common while they were being studied. They always said, 'I swear on the pride of the Quincy! I will not let you do it!' or 'I swear on the pride of the Quincy! I will never do it!' Those people always said grating crap like that!"
By this point, both Uryuu and Sasune were as pale as ghosts.
Mayuri went on to say, "But after one stab from Ashisogi Jizou, all their words became meaningless."
"Y-You…!" growled Uryuu.
"Bastard!" remarked Sasune in the same tone.
"Take it easy," said Mayuri like his harrowing story were nothing to get so worked up about. "I wasn't finished talking about my studies. You see, researching the Quincy race wasn't easy. When I became president of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, the your kind were already near extinction. The few still alive were being carefully watched by the Shinigami. I had to bribe many of them so they would be late rescuing them if attacked byHollows. Only then could I finally take their souls back for experimentation. I'm sure you two will agree that was a lot of work."
He curled his lips when he was given no reply.
"The last one I got was some dirty, old man who kept screaming the names of either his pupils or his grandchildren over and over. Tsk. It was disgusting as hell. Now that I think about it, I believe I still have a picture of him. Would either of you like to see it?"
Uryuu's and Sasune's tense silence was a resounding 'yes' in his opinion. He reached into his robes and retrieved the photo in question. It was worn out, indicating he had had it for quite some time. He held it up high so those present could easily view it.
"This one was taken after I studied him, so I'm afraid not much of him was intact."
For the longest time, Uryuu and Sasune stared at that picture. Both had a sinking belief they knew who it depicted beforehand because of Mayuri's story. Their suspicions were confirmed.
"Let's see, the names of his students..." Mayuri scrunched his face as he deliberated something. "...I forgot. I really have no interest in things I've finished studying."
Without him noticing, the Ishida brothers stood with their heads hung low. Spirit energy exploded off their bodies, half near sweeping Mayuri off his feet. His golden eyes became the size of saucers as he met the phenomenon.
"W-What in the world is going on?!"
He heard Uryuu say, "...I'll tell you one of the names of that Quincy's students."
Mayuri couldn't believe it. Energy resembling threads or strings was bathing itself around Uryuu.
"Uryuu. Uryuu Ishida. The man in the photo's name was Souken Ishida. He was both my teacher and my grandfather."
Thoroughly fascinated, Mayuri peeked behind him to find Sasune channeling the same type of power.
"As for the other student, his name is Sasune! Sasune Ishida! I was also trained by Souken Ishida!"
"Heh. So?" said Mayuri. "Did you two have a point with this little display?"
In unison, Sasune and Uryuu announced, "I swear on the pride of the Quincy that I will kill you!"
Suddenly, Mayuri wasn't so amused. "...Is that so?"
Fancy speeches were nice and all, but Mayuri knew it didn't explain how the two Quincy were moving in spite of Ashisogi Jizou's poison.
"Ah. I know," he said, observing Uryuu rip a portion of his sleeve off to use as a bandage for his arm. "Ransoutengai!"
"I can't believe we have to go through this much trouble," said Sasune, stretching his neck all around. "Well, I'm still in a lot of pain, but I suddenly don't mind it. Looks like I've got more fight in me than I thought."
"Yes, it's Ransoutengai alright," said Mayuri. "Forming lines out of countless particles of energy and then attaching them to their paralyzed limbs, regaining the ability to move their bodies like puppets on a string. It was originally designed for elderly Quincy so they could fight well into their advanced age. Dislocated joints and broken bones mean nothing to one who has mastered this technique. Yes, a Quincy can keep fighting until their bones are pulverized to dust. I always assumed it was a lost technique that only existed nowadays in historical documents. In the two thousand, six hundred and sixty six subjects I studied, not a single one of them could perform Ransoutengai. How then could Quincies such as these two be able to use the technique at such a young age? Hmph. I believe it would be proper to refer to you two as geniuses."
Sasune, gazing at Mayuri with a fire in his eyes, said, "It's bad enough you dragged my mother into this mess, but you even screwed around with our grandfather!"
"All of that stops here!" declared Uryuu. "We'll make sure you never have the chance to screw with anyone's life again!"
Mayuri placed his fingers on one of his coned ears. "Very nice. I'm believe I'm beginning to find interest in you both."
Reaching into the appendage, he yanked out scythe attached to a slimy, rope-shaped ligament. Both Quincies pointed their bows at him in turn. Sasune, however, wavered on what to do next upon thinking of his mother.
"What this guy has done is unforgivable, Ma, but...what would you say if you could see me right now? Is killing him the right thing to do?"
#
There was nothing remarkable about that day so many years ago in Sasune's opinion. The forecast was supposed to be heavy rain, yet there hadn't been a cloud in the sky, and the birds were out chirping in full force. To most everyone, it really was just a run of the mill day.
Sasune couldn't say the same.
He arrived home that day to find his mother resting in bed. Though she was usually an active woman, for the past couple of months, she had done nothing but sleep the hours away. She would always assure Sasune she was fine whenever he asked if something was wrong, but he was no fool. He knew his mother was sick, and everyday, a bit more color faded from her beautiful features.
"How was school, Sasune?" said Meiko Sawada warmly as her son entered her room.
"F-Fine," said Sasune quietly. "I-I went to language class like you asked. I still don't get the point though! I can already talk just fine!"
"Well, that's certainly the truth! It's a struggle getting you quiet at times. You'll thank me for keeping your butt in class when you're older though. Now then, did you eat well today? Your teacher has been telling me how you like to skip lunch to play with the other kids a little longer."
"I ate, Ma! I promise!"
He didn't get how she could possibly fret over someone else in her condition. Right on cue, she let out a few nasty coughs. Sasune rushed to her aid, yet she held her hand up to signal she was alright.
"Actually, now that you're here, I have a present for you," she said.
"A-A present?"
"That's right! Your grandfather told me how well you've been doing in your training, so I thought I should reward you for your efforts."
Sasune hungrily held out his hands, but Meiko frowned hard enough to calm him down.
"Before I give this to you, you have to promise you won't use it until it's absolutely necessary to so do. Do I make myself clear?"
"Huh? W-Why do I gotta wait? Why can't I use whatever it is now?!"
"Let's just say this particular item is quite...dangerous if used improperly."
She presented a black case with a red ribbon keeping it shut tight. Sasune's fingers reached out for it, but Meiko slapped his hand away.
"Ow! Why'd you have to go and do that, Ma?!"
"Didn't you hear anything I just said?! I swear, my words just go through one ear and out the other with you!" Meiko sighed. "Listen, the thing inside of here is called a Sanrei Glove."
Sasune's whole face lit up in excitement. "Gramps told me all about those! Y-You mean there's really one inside of here?"
"That's right!"
"Haha! Gramps gave the only one he had to Uryuu! Just wait until that smug jerk sees what I've got! He was bragging all yesterday about how he has one and I don't!"
Laughing, he ran about the room with his new prize. Meiko couldn't help but feel happy as well seeing her son so pleased.
She went into another coughing fit just then, spoiling the mood.
"Ma! Ma, are you alright?!"
"Y-Yes. I'm...a little tired though," said Meiko wearily. "Come over here, Sasune. There's something else I need to tell you."
With a curt nod, Sasune returned to her side.
"Since you know all about Sanrei Gloves already, I don't think I need to tell you how dangerous it is if used improperly. That's why I'm asking you not to use it unless it's an absolute emergency."
"B-But…!"
"No buts!" Stroking his hair affectionately (and making him blush profusely), Meiko added, "You're a handsome and strong boy, right? That means someone like you has to be responsible if they're going to carry the title of Quincy one day. Though I hope it never comes to this, you may one day find yourself up against powerful opponents. When that time comes, you will require strength far greater than what you possess. That's when the Sanrei Glove will come into play. Do you understand?"
Sasune ingested her words ahead of nodding. "I-I can use it to protect people then?"
"That's right!"
"Then...can I use it to protect you?"
His remark caught Meiko off guard. "W-What do you mean?"
"I can help you, Ma! I can help you just like everyone else! That's why you gotta let me use this Sanrei Glove now!"
"Oh, Sasune..." replied a now somber Meiko. "You've heard the news then? I'm...so sorry. I should've told you. I should've told you a long time ago that I'm dying. Forgive your mother, won't you? She wasn't brave enough to speak to you about this."
With tears welling in his eyes, Sasune said, "Y-You don't have to worry anymore, Ma! With this Sanrei Glove, I can…!"
Meiko, becoming misty eyed as well, shook her head. "It...doesn't work that way. Please, stop. There's nothing you or anyone can do for me now. Perhaps...all this is punishment for all my past misgivings. I caused a lot of people a lot of hurt when I was a Shinigami."
Her son shot her a bewildered glance, one that made her chuckle.
"Don't worry your little head about it, Sasune. Perhaps you'll understand when you're much older. Anyway, try to not to fret over me, alright? I won't be around much longer from the looks of it."
"D-Don't say that, Ma! Just...don't!"
"I know this is a lot to take in, son, but I honestly don't mind dying since I'll have a capable boy like you to watch after everyone." Meiko, unable to fight back a surge of tears, embraced Sasune. "Yes, I'm...truly fortunate to be your mother. I'm truly fortunate I was able to come to this world and watch you grow before my eyes."
More raspy coughs escaped her, with these being followed by blood.
"MA!"
"S-Sasune, please, promise me you'll use your powers responsibly," said Meiko in a hushed tone. "Don't...don't break your mother's heart by doing something you'd regret. Help as many people as you can, alright?"
Although he knew he should say something, Sasune wasn't sure he could do what she was requesting. Sure, he was confident in his abilities, but he felt far from being the Quincy he craved to be. Protecting everyone was his ultimate goal, but it was also no small task. He questioned why couldn't he just start off small with his beloved mother.
"Sasune! Did you hear me?! Sasune!"
#
Sasune snapped back into reality. "...Yeah, I hear you loud and clear, Ma."
Staring down Mayuri Kurotsuchi, he debated if his mother was some sort of psychic. Perhaps she had foreseen the day he would come blow to blow with her former Captain. The Sanrei Glove she entrusted him with years ago would be the weapon employed to make up for all her sins.
"Tsk. Being used like this is kind of annoying. That woman is bossing me around even in death by the looks of it. Oh well. I wanna beat that shit outta that asshole too, Ma, so let's do this together."
He eyed Nemu in the distance, lying a broken mess.
"When I think about, you're still suffering for the awful things you did under that bastard's watchful eye, Ma. Don't worry. I'll make things right in your stead. You trusted me to keep the peace as a Quincy, and that's exactly what I'll do, even if it costs me everything! That is the Quincy pride instilled in me by my grandfather!"
With no hesitation, Sasune grabbed one of the prongs on his Sanrei Glove and ripped it right off. The glove itself disintegrated, whereas energy ruptured like a volcano out of him. The very same thing occurred with Uryuu
"W-What...what just happened?!" said Mayuri.
The smoke swirling around the Quincies dissipated enough for him to view an even more impressive sight. Not only had Sasune's and Uryuu's spiritual pressures swelled to a mind boggling level, their appearances were also different. Their Sanrei Gloves had become gauntlets that covered their right arms. Uryuu'sbe was silver, while Sasune's was black. Both had the cross of the Quincy etched into them. Furthermore, pulsing, wing-shaped energy extended from their right shoulders, forming a massive quiver. Like their gauntlets, their 'wings' were different colors: Uryuu's pure blue, whereas Sasune's was a deep red. Finally, the bows they wielded were huge, being nearly as tall as they were.
"What...is that outfit?" uttered Mayuri in a heightened voice. "Why...did their spiritual pressures just inflate like that?! I've never heard of anything like this!"
"...Idiot. Who told you to go and break your Sanrei Glove as well," said Uryuu.
"Me? You took the words right out of my mouth," replied Sasune. "While I'm flattered you would want to emulate your older brother even now, you really should've left something so reckless to me, Uryuu. ...You know what's going to happen now, right? We'll both lose all our Quincy powers."
"I'm aware. It's just like our grandfather said. Since we've both screwed up anyway, we might as well make the best of the time we have left."
Sasune smirked. "...This is the first time I've fully agreed with you on anything."
"...There's a first for everything, I guess. Let's do this."
Just when Mayuri was positive he had seen it all, he caught wind of the surrounding buildings being broken down and absorbed into the Quincies' quivers.
"Everything in Soul Society is composed of spirit energy. So that means those two can actually reduce that energy down to a molecular level and employ it for their own means?! Collecting energy and that converting it into strength. No! This is...this is no longer the mere gathering of spirit energy! This is...complete dominance over it! Y-You two have gone far beyond the limits of human power!"
"Looks like we got him shaking in his boots," said Sasune. "So, Uryuu. Do you want to go first, or should I?"
Uryuu took the initiative. He rose his arm and energy streaked all around it prior to condensing into a metallic arrow. All of this happened in the blink of an eye, just as it did when Uryuu loosed the projectile. Though given minute time to do so, Mayuri bent back to avoid it. Confident in his speed, the feeling all but faded after he discovered Sasune above him.
"Study this!" the Quincy proclaimed, letting an arrow rip. It demolished most of the battlefield, yet as Sasune landed, the destruction didn't do much to please him. "Tsk. I'm a total softy. I should've put everything I had into that one."
Uryuu, leering at the dust and debris from his brother's attack, said, "...Apologize for all the wrong doing you've ever done and never appear before us again. Only then will we spare your life. If you don't, I will shoot you with three times as much power as the last shot."
Sasune added, "...You know, I've been less than pleased with your conduct today, Mayuri Kurotsuchi. You've been a bad boy. It's taken everything in my power not to kill you on the spot. Something tells me my Ma wouldn't have wanted me to do that. Unlike you, she actually had something akin to a soul. She never looked at people like they were nothing more than individuals to be dissected in a lab. You might call that Nemu girl your daughter, but you don't know the first thing about being a parent. ...Created or not, I feel sorry that girl is forced to refer to you as her father."
Mayuri hobbled out of the smokescreen while fighting to catch his breath. The Ishida brothers soon saw that was the least of his problems. Sasune's last projectile had blown his left arm clean off. The sole thing remaining was a stump that squirted out blood every second.
"DON'T GET COCKY, YOU BRATS!" he roared, scowling at them with his remaining eye. "How dare a pair of punk Quincies like you two speak to me like that!"
"Oh? What's this? You don't seem all that interested in us anymore, dear Captain," said Sasune mockingly.
Mayuri's eyelid jerked. "ENOUGH! Fine! I'll return the favor and attack with the same level of power as you brats!"
"...What does he have up his sleeve this time?" asked Uryuu apprehensively.
Gripping his Zanpakutou close to his face, Mayuri said, "BAN...KAI."
"Ban...what?"
"Shit! This bastard can even do that?!" cried Sasune.
"Do what?! What are you talking about?!"
"Uh...n-no time to explain! Just...get ready for anything!"
'Anything' likely didn't include whatever was casting a shadow over the whole area. Said object's hands crashed into buildings as it steadied itself.
Sasune rubbed his eyes and mumbled, "T-Tell me you see the giant, baby caterpillar too, Uryuu..."
"I-I wouldn't believe it if I weren't seeing it for myself!"
Hovering behind Mayuri was indeed a grotesque, golden, and caterpillar-shaped creature. Its head was like that of a infant's, and a silver halo hung above it. Its bulging eyes were completely white and quite disturbing to the Ishida siblings. It wore a red cape around its neck, and a foul, purple mist seeped out of its thick lips.
"W-What the hell kind of a Bankai is that?!" said Sasune.
"Y-You really do know too much about Shinigami and their abilities. I suppose you have your mother to thank for that," said Uryuu.
"Sorry I...never told you she was a Shinigami. I just didn't want you to hate her."
"...Don't worry about it. I never hated her. Finding out she was a Shinigami was a shock, but I'll always remember Meiko Sawada as the kind woman who that treated me as if Iwere her own son."
"Uryuu..."
"Of course, being constantly reminded that the two of us were related was grating."
Sasune's held his jaw agape. "Y-You…! Can't you go three seconds without taking a shot at me?! Man, I don't get any respect around here!"
"Save it, Sasune. I know you have the attention span of a three year old, but try to focus on the task at hand."
Grudgingly, the older Ishida nodded.
Mayuri, meanwhile, reminded his foes he was there by saying, "Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou!"
"That's quite the mouthful. Then again, I guess naming his Bankai 'Ugly Ass Caterpillar Thing' would've been just as bad," said Sasune.
"What did I just say about focusing?!" yelled Uryuu.
"I'm afraid this is the end for you two!" proclaimed Mayuri deliriously. "Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou will take my blood and transform it into a deadly, poisonous fog! From there it can spread it over a two hundred meter area! Needless to say, it won't affect me, but..."
A plethora of sharp blades suddenly burst out of Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou's chest.
"...You two will die an agonizing death! It's too bad! I truthfully didn't want to kill you! Yes, it's a real pity I won't be able to dissect your genius brains."
Sasune exhaled tiredly. "Well, it seems we've reached an impasse, dear Captain."
"Correct. Sorry, but neither one of us is ready to die yet," said Uryuu. "My arrow will reach you long before you can release enough poison to finish us."
Sasune crafted an arrow of his own. "If anyone is going to land the deciding blow, it's going to be me, Uryuu. Stand back, little brother, and watch a pro go to work!"
Uryuu's eyelids narrowed. "While I understand why you'd want to do such a thing considering your mother and all, I will be the one to finish this. I promised that bastard I would."
"So did I! Heh. I guess we've reached another impasse."
"...Look, we don't have time to argue about this. I suggest we simply work together to put that guy out of his misery."
Though longing to debate on the matter some more, Sasune swallowed his pride and figured it didn't matter how Mayuri died so long as he did. With that in mind, he stood side by side with his brother.
"You know if we do die, I'm glad it was with you, Uryuu."
"...Is that supposed to make me feel better? Because it isn't working."
"If it puts an end to this discussion, neither one of you have any chance at stopping me! I can't wait to watch both of you fail spectacularly!" said Mayuri.
His Bankai stampeded toward its prey, tearing up everything around it. Sasune did his best to remain calm, yet a bead of sweat rolled down his cheek as he aimed his bow.
"Heh. W-We really will die if we're even a millisecond too slow..."
"...We won't be," said Uryuu confidently.
"Whoa. Look at you. Guess I'd better try to borrow some of your bravery. ...These will probably be the last arrows we ever shoot, after all."
Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou was dangerously close now. Still, neither Sasune or Uryuu moved a finger. They patiently waited for the perfect moment to strike. When it came, they didn't delay. There was a tremendous explosion, making it impossible to tell what caused it or how much damage had been done thanks to the falling rubble and heavy smoke.
Struggling to hold her head up, a wide-eyed Nemu muttered, "M-Master...Mayuri..."
Everything became eerily still. The silence was broken by someone breathing like theywere on the brink of death. When Mayuri Kurotsuchi stepped out into the open, it was clear from the smoldering hole where the majority of his torso used to be that this was more or less the case. His injury was horrifying indeed, yet it was nothing compared to what his Bankai had gone through. Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou stood severed right down the middle by a pair of arrows. The two sides toppled over, causing a momentary earthquake.
"D-Did we get him?"
"I-I think so..."
"I-I can't feel my arms..."
"...Neither can I."
"A-Are we dead?"
"...Not yet."
"C-Can I hug you, Uryuu?"
"If you so much as get near me, I'll shoot you too!"
Their antics would have led one to believe Uryuu and Sasune were no worse for the wear. However, lacerations covered every inch of their arms.
"Tsk! T-That really was too close," said a perspiring Sasune. "I'm pretty sure I saw my whole life flash before my eyes. ...I always thought there would be more women."
"Just...shut up already, Sasune!" said Uryuu, too exhausted to say anything more.
"D-DAMN YOU BOTH!" exclaimed Mayuri. The Ishida brothers could hardly believe he was still alive, let alone have the strength to speak. "You are...YOU ARE ONLY QUINCY! HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME!"
He rose his sword, leading Sasune and Uryuu to believe the battle wasn't finished just yet. Rather than turning it on them, Mayuri impaled himself through the throat. His dumbfounded foes presumed he was committing suicide until his body suddenly exploded into a clear liquid.
"Whoa! His sword turns him into Jell-O?!" said Sasune. "That's...actually kinda cool!"
"Of course not, you idiot! It clearly liquefies anything it cuts!" replied Uryuu.
"Huh? Then how come it didn't do that to us?"
Uryuu saw his brother had a point and chose not to continue the discussion.
The liquefied Mayuri said, "Too bad, Quincies. You almost had me..."
"Wait! He must have reserved that ability for running away! Dammit!"
Uryuu readied another arrow, but Mayuri told him, "It's useless! In this form, I cannot attack, but I'm also invulnerable to any form of attack. It will take me four days to return to normal, but I can return to base and tend to my wounds. Farewell, Quincies. Even though this wasn't the result I anticipated, I will live, and the two of you will die, so the result is the same! I must admit that it was quite interesting meeting the son of Meiko Sawada. She actually managed to create an antidote for Ashisogi Jizou's poison! Besides myself, she is the only one with this accomplishment! Nevertheless, I doubt she ever taught either of you how to make it!"
The clamor of his laughter echoed all around as he seeped into the cracks of a wall and to safety.
"C-Come back here, you Jello-O bastard!" said Sasune. His chase was cut short by the white hot pain shooting through him. "N-Not this crap again!"
Uryuu, going through the same thing, said, "D-Dammit! At this rate, that poison really will…!"
A faint voice in the distance said, "M-Mister...Quincy..."
He faced the other way to find Nemu crawling his way. "Y-You…!"
"H-How about that? Looks like she's still alive and kicking," said Sasune. He wasn't sure how much longer that would be the case from her condition. "L-Leave us alone, lady. Let us die in peace."
"O-On my...left arm...u-underneath my...Vice-Captain's badge...t-there is an...antidote!"
Both Sasune and Uryuu blinked. Certainly, they had just misheard Nemu, they thought.
"N-No way!" said Sasune at once. "She's lying! No way she has something like that! Even if she did, she works for that Kurotsuchi creep! Why would she…!"
As much as he wanted to, he couldn't stay angry, not when Nemu was looking at him so pleadingly.
"Goddammit! F-Fine! Let's at least help her up, Uryuu!"
With some difficulty on account of the poison in their system, the Ishida brothers lifted Nemu up and propped her against a wall.
"Would you prefer to lie down?" asked Uryuu.
Nemu shook her head and smiled. "No, this is fine. Please, take the antidote while you have the chance."
Nodding, Uryuu reached under the spot she specified and procured a brown bottle filled with a syrup-like liquid. He inspected it for a number of moments.
"...It isn't more poison, if that's what you think," said Nemu.
"Who asked you?! We'll find that out ourselves, thank you very much!" said Sasune, who couldn't get himself to glance the woman in the eyes.
"Here. You should have some first," said Uryuu, holding out the bottle.
"There's no need," replied Nemu. "I have the same blood as Master Mayuri, so I'm not affected by the poison."
"Gee, lucky you!" said Sasune sarcastically. "I'd throw that shit down the drain if I were you, Uryuu!"
"...Do you still believe this is a trap? Please, put some in my mouth then. I will drink it first."
"No. It's fine," said Uryuu. "Think about it, Sasune. What would be the point in her tricking a pair of dying men?"
Though grumbling, Sasune guessed he was onto something. Nevertheless, he bit his fingernails as Uryuu took a long, hard swig of the supposed antidote.
"Ugh. It doesn't taste all that great," admitted the younger Ishida. "Here, Sasune."
The bottle might as well have been a vicious tiger from the way Sasune wavered in even touching it. Since Uryuu hadn't dropped dead yet, he gauged everything was on the up and up. Still, it was difficult for him to do anything with Nemu peering at him curiously.
"K-Knock it off already!" He furrowed his brow and hid himself behind Uryuu. Finally, he forced the antidote down his throat, nearly gagging from its metallic flavor. "T-That for sure wasn't Kool-Aid..."
Immediately, relief spread through his body, and his limbs felt less like bowling balls. He was hardly ready to trust Nemu just yet, but it was clear she wasn't the snake her father was.
"Thank you. Thank you both," she said out of the blue. "I-If you had aimed for his head, you could have easily killed Master Mayuri. But you didn't..."
"Missing like that wasn't my intent," replied Uryuu.
Sasune added, "That bastard is just lucky I didn't have my glasses on! Trust me, lady, we really were gunning to kill him."
Their remarks weren't enough to ruin Nemu's good mood. "Thank you nonetheless for sparing him. The antidote is just a small gift of gratitude."
"...I don't get it," said Uryuu. "Isn't it better if someone like that man doesn't exist?"
"You're damn straight it is!" blared Sasune, drinking the last of the antidote and wiping his mouth. "What, are you some kind of idiot, lady?! You're actually happy that son of a bitch is still breathing?! Were you born with a few screws missing?! He doesn't care about you onebit! To him, you're nothing more than a piece of trash, a failed experiment! He probably only keeps you around to flaunt his own overinflated pride! God, I can't believe you were actually created with my mother's help! You're nothing like her! Nothing at all!"
Having worked himself up, Sasune's chest heaved up and down.
"...Are you done?" Uryuu dryly asked him.
"W-What was that?!"
"Like I said before, I understand why you're upset, but taking your frustrations out on this woman is pointless. You're right; she isn't your mother. That's why you shouldn't blame her for something that isn't her fault. I highly doubt she ever asked to be created by anyone, let alone a monster like Mayuri Kurotsuchi."
His speech made too much sense to Sasune, hence why the latter became even more upset. No matter what anyone said, he felt it would be doing his mother a disservice if he didn't despise everything about Nemu Kurotsuchi.
"You...are both right. I'm not Meiko Sawada. I'll never be able to live up to her image."
"...C-Come again?" Sasune asked Nemu. "You...knew my mother?"
"Of course. For a short time anyway. She diligently watched over my growth in my early days. Although Master Mayuri would always call me foolish for saying so, she was the closest thing someone like me had as a 'mother.' How...is she doing? When she suddenly left all those years ago, I was quite sad."
"She's...dead. She died a long time ago..."
"I-I see..."
Much to Sasune's confusion, tears streamed down Nemu's face.
"W-What the hell are you crying about?!" he demanded to know.
"I'm...not sure. Hearing that Meiko Sawada was dead just made me...sad. It's different from Master Mayuri. I was happy to see him still alive."
"Y-You really are just a big idiot, aren't you?! Stupid!" Sasune, weeping himself, hastily wiped his face clean with his sleeve and sniffled. Even so, the tears wouldn't stop coming. "N-Now you've got me doing it, stupid!"
Uryuu still didn't comprehend Nemu's logic, though he acknowledged that anyone, even someone created in a lab, would be relieved to see their parent alive and mournful to hear about their death.
"You two should get moving," said Nemu. "After seeing Master Mayuri's Bankai, others members of our squad are liable to come here. Don't worry about me. I will be given medical treatment as soon as I'm found."
Uryuu rested the brown bottle on the ground. "Thank you for the antidote. ...I'm leaving now. Good bye."
Without so much as a glance back, he took his leave.
"Hey, wait for me!" Sasune hollered after him. He stopped in his tracks to get one more glimpse of Nemu. Blushing, he stammered, "D-Don't you dare die, alright?! Don't waste my mother's precious DNA! And stay away from that Kurotsuchi creep! He's no good for you!"
Nemu offered him no answer, making him growl.
"I-It's like I'm talking to a brick wall here! What the hell kind of a sister are you?!"
"...'Sister?'" repeated Nemu. The term felt strange leaving her lips, strange but pleasant. "I'm your...sister then?"
Growing even redder, Sasune shot his hand over his mouth. "D-Dammit! Why'd I have to go and say something like that?!"
He tripped over his own foot in his haste to flee the scene. Soon enough, Nemu was left all alone.
Shutting her worn out eyes, she muttered, "A brother. ...I have a brother."
#
Although he might have been one of the victors in the last battle, Uryuu didn't feel like one. Blood dripped off his various injuries as he hobbled his way down a corridor. Even while using a wall as a crutch, he could just barely press ahead. He knew his time as a Quincy was coming to a close. He shattered the ultimate taboo by breaking his Sanrei Glove. Now, his body was paying the price. Of course, he knew the consequences of his actions long before he made them, so the sole regret he had was not finishing of Mayuri Kurotsuchi when he had the chance.
"...The Ransoutengai is fading. I...just have to hold on...a little more..."
"Upsie-daisy!" Sasune, having a bit more pep in his step, threw one of his brother's arms around his shoulder and helped him along. "What's the matter, bro? You haven't insulted me in at least five minutes! That's gotta be a new record!"
"I-I'm fine. I...don't need your help."
"Hey, quit joking around! You look like you're about to collapse! Don't tell me that poison is still in your system?!"
"'Poison?' ...What are you talking about? Can't you feel it too? The last of your powers slipping away? Speaking of which...how are you able to move so well? You can still use Ransoutengai?"
"Huh? Wait, you're confusing me here, bro. I mean, I can feel that power up my Sanrei Glove gave me slipping away, but it doesn't feel as if my powers are going anywhere."
That made no sense to Uryuu. Their grandfather had specifically stated that they would lose all of their abilities as a Quincy if they broke their Sanrei Gloves. There were no exceptions to the rule. At least, that was what he always assumed.
"Ha! I'm sure it's nothing serious!" said Sasune cheerily. "Maybe I'm just losing my powers slower than you are. If so, then it works out in our favor! If we run into any problems, I can take care of 'em! Plus, this means I'll still be able to use Ransoutengai to carry you along! Well, I'd much rather be in company of a young woman, but I guess you'll just have to do for now."
Uryuu grumbled, "...If it means being away from you, I honestly don't mind being left alone like that woman back there."
"Ha! You're such a kidder, bro!"
"...I wasn't joking." Uryuu shook his head. "In all the chaos, I forgot about Inoue. I hope she's safe."
"M-Me too. You...uh...sure leaving her with that Eleventh Division guy was the right idea?"
"Her spiritual pressure was a lot stronger than his. If they're still together, she should be dictating where they're headed, and if I know her, there's only one place she could be going..."
"Ah! The Repentance Tower! Okay, so what about everyone else?"
"...If everything went well, the others should be there too."
"And if they're not, we can just take it easy and wait for the slowpokes!"
The two proceeded up a lengthy staircase, and as they did, Uryuu began chuckling out of nowhere.
"You...feeling alright, bro? I think that's the first time I've heard you laugh in years!" said Sasune, genuinely weirded out.
"...Shut up. I was just thinking that if we did reach the tower first, that means we would be able to save Miss Kuchiki ourselves. I bet Kurosaki wanted to do it himself. If we managed to succeed, he would be pissed off for sure. Heh. I...really want to see the look on his face when that happens."
"Hey, I didn't think of that!" A devilish sort of grin spread over Sasune's mouth. "CT would be pretty ticked off too if we got Miss Mitarashi to safety before him! Hey, let's do it, bro! Let's get to that tower and rescue them ourselves! Screw waiting for the others! We can't let them have all the glory, right?!"
"A-As much as I want to, I...don't have much strength left. You're going...to have to do it on your own, Sasune. ...Of course, that means we literally have no chance at succeeding."
"W-What the hell is that supposed to mean?! You make it sound like I'm unreliable!"
"Good. I don't have to bother explaining then."
"What was that, you scruffy nerfherder?!"
The arguing duo reached the top of the stairs and became hushed upon encountering a dark-skinned man. From his attire, they could tell he was a Shinigami, and from the white coat hanging over his black robes, they knew he was another Captain. The man's white, pupil-less eyes surveyed them through his clear goggles.
"Not another one!" moaned Sasune.
"D-Dammit! I didn't even sense him coming!" said Uryuu.
"...I have nothing against either of you, but I must terminate you for the sake of peace," said the dark-skinned Shinigami, placing a hand on the hilt of his Zanpakutou. "Cry, Suzumushi."
To the naked eye, nothing seemed to happen. Sasune and Uryuu weren't even sure what hit them until it was too late. The Shinigami's Zanpakutou projected a high-pitched tone that quickly overloaded their senses. Soon after hearing, it, the two fell over face first.
"Forgive me, Ryoka," said the Shinigami. A lone tear trailed down his cheek. "This meaningless skirmish must end now. Sleep. Your fight is over..."
#
The time had come. Aaron and Rukia thrust their Zanpakutou into a separate Tenshintai without a moment's delay. Blinding illumination swelled through Kagami's home. Shock waves of spiritual pressure collided against Aaron with the force of speeding truck, but he held his ground.
"I-Incredible! I've never felt this kind of power before!"
Calm returned in due time. Rather than the Tenshintai, an alluring woman stood before them. Her skin was pale, her eyes an icy blue, and her waist length hair a snow white. A azure, star-shaped hair clip parted the left side of it, whereas a portion in the back was tied into a neat bun. She wore a pure white kimono with long sleeves, a yellow-green belt around her waist, and a purple bow tied to the back.
"S-She's beautiful!" said a mesmerized Aaron.
Kagami whistled. "You can say that again. Heh. This must be my lucky day being in the graces of not one, but two beautiful women."
"Huh. That...seemed like something Sasune would say."
The woman bowed and said, "Hello, Lady Rukia. It's a pleasure to see you again."
"Hello. It's been some time," retorted Rukia. "I-I'm a bit shocked though. That Tenshintai actually worked!"
"Well, what did you think I it would do?" said Kagami in a slightly affronted tone.
"Wait, is this the spirit of your Zanpakutou, Kuchiki?" asked Aaron.
"That's right," Rukia told him. "Everyone, this is Sode no Shirayuki."
"How do you do?" Sode no Shirayuki bowed again. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Heh. Looks like she's as proper as you are, Miss Kuchiki," said Kagami.
"Thank you," said Sode no Shirayuki respectfully. "Well then, Lady Rukia, this is our first meeting here in your world. I overheard what you and the others are trying to accomplish, and I would be more than happy to help you learn Bankai."
"Speaking of which, aren't we missing someone here?" asked Rukia.
Everyone had been so busy admiring Sode no Shirayuki that they forgot that two Zanpakutou spirits should have been present. Aaron searched the whole room but couldn't find any trace of Seigetsu, making him scratch his head.
"Are you sure that Tenshintai of yours wasn't a dud, Kagami?" he asked.
The man in question shrugged. "It's a possibility. I did say it's been awhile since I used 'em."
The nonchalant reply got under Aaron's skin. It might have been fine for Kagami if his invention was malfunctioning, but the young Shinigami from Hino needed to learn Bankai in a hurry.
"Say, is your Zanpakutou gone?" said Kagami.
Aaron checked and replied, "Y-Yeah. So? What's that got to do with anything?"
"If that's the case, it means you did manage to call your Zanpakutou here. Then again, maybe the Tenshintai just vaporized it or something..."
"WHAT?!"
Kagami held up his arms defensively. "I'm just kidding, kiddo! Relax!"
Aaron wished his still had his blade. He was more than a little fed up with Kagami's jokes.
"If his spirit really is here? Where is it? All this is rather strange," said Rukia.
"I can sense the faint presence of one like me here," stated Sode no Shirayuki. She now had everyone's attention. "It's...different somehow though. There's a malevolent power distorting it."
"Uh...any clue what that means?" asked Aaron.
He and the others found out precisely what when they heard a warped, bone chilling voice above them say, "Well, it's nice someone down there noticed me! Boy, all of you sure are cold! What, did you forget how to greet a guest or something?"
Instantly, Aaron's head shot up. His expression warped into one of panic. Somehow standing on the ceiling wasn't Seigetsu, but the girl that resembled her to a tee, one with a darker temperament. Now Aaron knew what Sode no Shirayuki had meant when she said a 'malevolent power' was afoot. What could be more sinister than one's Inner Hollow?
"Yo, kid!" Hollow Seigetsu said to him, grinning like a kid in a candy store. "What's this nonsense about you learning Bankai all about?"
END
Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in updating. I just had all sorts of problems writing this chapter. The whole fight with Sasune/Uryuu and Mayuri really bugged me for the longest of time, and I've lost count on how many times I rewrote certain parts. As you can probably tell from reading, it's hardly any different from what happened in Canon other than the bits with Sasune's mother. I always try my best to change things here and there so it doesn't feel like you're just reading Bleach with my character's in it, so I still have mixed feelings on how this chapter turned out. Here's hoping any of you out there that read enjoy it regardless. I certainly did try my best.
