Chapter 63

Arrival

Las Noches hosted another meeting of the Espada. The group gathered around the long table as tradition. They didn't have to wait long for their host. Arashi, flanked by Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tousen, entered the room and took her seat at the head of the table. She beamed at everyone proudly.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. Even you, Starrk. I know you must be tired, but this is important."

Yawning, Coyote Starrk waved his hand as if suggesting ignoring him from now on. Baraggan Louisenbairn shook his head in disgust.

"Must we have so many of these gatherings?" asked a frowning Szayelaporro Granz. "This is really getting in the way of my research."

"Agreed," stated Aaroniero Arruruerie. "Although, given the circumstances, I suppose I can make an exception."

"So, you've felt it as well," Arashi replied. "Yes, we indeed have intruders, and sooner than we anticipated. Before we continue, would any of you like a spot of tea? I'm quite parched myself."

No one answered.

"Suit yourselves," she said, sticking out her tongue. "More for me."

An attendant came over and poured her a piping hot cup.

"Oh, that looks good. I think I'll have some after all," Gin noted.

"At least someone here is a good sport. Then again, I guess you all have a reason to be so uptight," remarked Arashi.

"Are you done playing around, girl?" said Baraggan. His tone was both authoritative and harsh. "I, for one, have had enough of your games."

Sipping her tea, Arashi raised an eyebrow. "You have a complaint then? We don't have a human relations office, so I suppose you can take it up with me."

Nnoitra Gilga, the Quinto Espada, was the next to speak. "You're pissing me off. No shit we've got intruders. If you hadn't fucked around, we could've killed them all beforehand."

"Be silent," said Tier Harribel scathingly. "We knew this would happen the moment we took that human. It's better if they come to us. It will make them easier to eliminate."

"It ain't my fault this bitch don't know what she's doing."

"You're only taking issue because she's a woman."

"And what if I am?! You that scared?"

"..."

Barragan let out a hearty chuckle. "Now this is entertainment. I'd rather watch you two rip each other to shreds than listen to any more of this girl's drivel."

Starrk groaned, sinking further into his chair. "It's already noisy enough with those intruders around…"

"You can take it easy, Mister Primera," said Luppi Antenor with a smirk. "I'll take care of them for you. ...Hopefully, those punks from before are the ones paying us a visit."

"Heh. This only happened because Ulquiorra screwed up and killed that girl," said a chuckling Yammy. "What'd we take that other one for? She seems like trash to me."

"Be quiet, all of you," said Tousen. "Arashi here will fill you in on the details if you all are so eager to fight."

"Thank you, Kaname." Arashi polished off her drink, "And for your information, Yammy, that girl is more valuable than any of you realize. Let's get back to the trio intruders for now. Can we get a visual, Kaname?"

Tousen pulled a lever, causing a hole in the table to open. Light poured out of it. From within it, those present could see the sprinting figures of Uryuu Ishida and Yasutora Sado moving across Hueco Mundo's white sand.

"...These are the intruders?" Zommari Rureaux inquired. "I almost feel sorry for them."

"You gathered us here to deal with mere children?" an irritated Barragan asked.

Szayelaporro split his sides. "You imbeciles squabbling was more interesting."

Yammy smacked his lips, seeing nothing of interest.

"Oh, thank you!" Arashi told her attendant as she received a fresh cup of tea. "I take it you all aren't impressed? I wouldn't underestimate these 'children' if I were you. The big one is Yasutora Sado. The skinny guy is Uryuu Ishida. They, along with a number of others, opposed Sousuke Aizen and lived to tell the tale."

She giggled at a number of shocked faces.

"So?" muttered Barragan, who wasn't one of them. "That's the very same man who allowed himself to be captured by the weaklings of the Gotei Thirteen."

"Do not speak ill of the man who gifted you power."

Everyone got another surprise in Ulquiorra Cifer speaking up all of a sudden. The remark only garnered another laugh out of Barragan.

"No more fighting," said Arashi, waving a finger.

"You said there were three intruders," noted Zommari. "I only see two."

"Yes, that's right. We cannot find the third. I'm afraid he's moving too fast for us to track. If I remember correctly, his name is Ichigo Kurosaki."

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez hadn't paid the meeting much mind until hearing that name. He sprang from the wall and over to Arashi. Tousen drew his sword with haste, but Arashi waved her hand.

"Yes, Grimmjow? Is there something you would like to add?"

"Where is that punk?! He's here?! You let me kill him, and we're square!"

"Oh? Such a compelling offer. You may want to hear the rest of what I have to say before you jump head first into your own grave."

Seething, Grimmjow backed off.

"Thank you. As for this Ichigo character, he's already made his way across the white sands and into Tres Cifras. In fact, he might have already infiltrated Las Noches itself."

"You sound pretty calm," said Gin. "If what you're sayin' is true, then those poor Privaron Espada are already worm food."

"Yes, it's most likely."

"What about the guardian of the white sand?"

"Runuganga is...quite dead, I'm afraid."

Gin whistled. "This kid is pissed."

"It hardly matters. They were relics of the past," said Zommari plainly.

Szayelaporro licked his lips. "It sounds like I have some nice specimens to pick up."

"So, is this intruder here for the girl?" said Aaroniero. "If she's important as you suggest, we should move her."

"No," Ulquiorra replied. "If it's indeed Ichigo Kurosaki, he's likely here to kill me."

"Whoops! That's right. You killed that girl, didn't you?" said Luppi with a mischievous grin.

"It is of no concern. Regardless of why he's here, he will die."

"You sure sound confident considering you already screwed up," Nnoitra remarked. "I say let the asshole come. I'll kill him before you get the chance. Yo, lady. Quit being a pussy and give us the order to kill these guys already."

"Watch your tone," warned Tousen.

"Yeah. The last time we had an insubordinate Espada, they ended up losing an arm and their precious rank."

Luppi made sure to leer at Grimmjow as he spoke.

Nnoitra smacked his lips. "I ain't that fucking stupid. I might add your shitty number to mine if you keep talking."

"Is that so? Come over here and try it, you freak."

"You all are children." Arashi rested her head on the table and sighed. "No one is losing their rank. While the Privaron Espada were indeed outdated, the fact they were taken out so easily and by one man should call for caution. Yammy. Aaroniero. Szayelaporro. Zommari. Luppi. All of you have permission to engage the intruders at your leisure."

"The fuck? What about the rest of us?!" said Nnoitra.

"Do not engage them under any circumstances. If I didn't call your name, feel free to return to your rooms and relax for the remainder of this ordeal."

"Fuck that!" Nnoitra punched a long crack into the table. "I ain't sitting around anymore! I…"

Arashi's crushing spiritual pressure put an end to his protesting. Though snarling, there was little he could do in the face of it.

"That's better," she said stiffly. "I need you and the others for our inevitable clash against Soul Society. I'm saying you're useful, Nnoitra, so sit down, shut up, and allow me to take the lead. You'll get to kill your fill of Shinigami after everything is said and done."

No longer humored, Luppi looked outright murderous.

"Then...are you suggesting the rest of us are expendable?" he inquired.

Arashi turned her head innocently. "Hmm? What do you mean? Are you actually sweating a bit? Are you suggesting the Arrancar—the Espada—painstakingly created and assembled by the great Sousuke Aizen are no match for mere humans?"

"The hell it is!" Yammy roared.

"Wonderful! I'm glad someone here has a shred of confidence. So, are you saying you don't want to fight, Luppi? Because I'll happily given Grimmjow back his number if…"

Mortified, Luppi hastily spat, "T-That wasn't what I was saying! I just…!"

Szayelaporro rose, leading Tousen to say, "Where are you going?"

"I have no interest in fighting. It'll just ruin my clothes. However, I'm more than happy receive the remains of your efforts, my brethren."

"Get back here, Szayelaporro!"

"Would you give it a rest?" Luppi, now in a foul mood, got up too. "You want those bastards' heads on a platter? Fine. I'll take care of it on my own."

"Sounds good!" Arashi gave him a cheerful wave. "Meeting adjourned!"

As the Espada filed out of the room, Gin leaned in toward Arashi.

"That was pretty mean of ya to trick Luppi like that. Now he'll do exactly as ya say."

Sipping her tea, Arashi closed her eye. "Hmm? You overestimate me. I really am nothing like Aizen. If Luppi wants to fight, let him. Anger is a pretty good motivator. ...Isn't that right, Grimmjow?"

The Arrancar in question almost made it out of the room when Arashi spoke. She eyed him sharply, enough to freeze him in his track.

"Don't do anything stupid," she warned. "I know you have a score to settle with this Ichigo, but hewillkill you when you're missing that arm of yours. I don't want to see any of my precious babies getting hurt, so go hide until all of this is over, okay?"

The mere audacity of the request had Grimmjow rigid for an entirely different reason. As if reading his hostile intent, Tousen Flash Stepped right in front of him. He took firm hold of Grimmjow's remaining arm.

"What the fuck are you doing?!"

"I'll claim this limb as well if you do anything out of line, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. I warned you before your appetite for destruction would be harmful to us all. Don't make me repeat myself."

"So scary," said Gin with a wide, serpent-like smirk.

"Leave him be, Kaname. He's going to think you don't like him at this rate."

With great reluctant, Tousen followed Arashi's request. The hate brimming in his eyes was only overshadow by the same look in Grimmjow's. The former Sexta Espada vanished on the spot.

"...Damn. My tea's gotten cold." Arashi stared at her reflection in the cup. "What a pain that child is. ...He might end up being the death of me."

#

Kana, lost in thought, wandered around the Seireitei until ending up in front of a bar. Her mind remained a haze of a confusion, and a drink didn't sound so bad. She made up her mind quickly and entered the shady establishment.

"Sake," she muttered after taking a seat at the counter. She made her request exactly the same time as the person sitting next to her. "Eh? Is that you, Izuru?"

Izuru Kira, the Vice-Captain of the Third Division, looked caught off guard at being caught in such a seedy setting. He readied to stand before Kana pulled him back down.

"No!" she said, pouting. "Keep me company, okay? I'm having a lousy day!"

Beady-eyed, Kira stammered, "B-But, I can't because…"

"Please?"

There was little even a Vice-Captain could do to combat Kana's puppy dog eyes. Awkwardly, Kira sat back down.

"Ha! That's what I'm talking about!" Kana slapped him on the back so hard, his head nearly hit the counter. "Man, it's weird seeing a straight-laced guy like you drinking."

Kira chugged down his drink immediately. "...Even I have my fair share of issues."

"I'll drink to that." Kana downed her own glass. "Hit me again!"

The bartender topped them both off. They drank at the same time, exhaling deeply afterward.

"...I wish I could just drink forever."

Kana sensed her vigor slip away once more. Everything Captain Ukitake told her continued to rattle around her brain. She never knew what to think of her brother after he revealed he worked with Aizen. It lead her believe she never knew the real Arashi at all.

Was he really only doing all that to betray Aizen in the end? I do believe in him, but…

"I'm sorry, Mitarashi."

"Eh?" Kana lifted her head. She already felt the liquor doing its work. "You say something, Izuru?"

"I heard about that Ryoka girl. Inoue. I'm sorry about what happened to her."

"...Oh."

Yet another subject Kana had no interest in discussing. She didn't even have the energy to sigh. Reaching into her robes, she pulled out some of the papers Ukitake gave her, Arashi's paper. It was his handwriting alright. She couldn't mistake it for another. That only meant everything he said, everything he did, was real.

The good...and the bad.

"Say, how are things going with the Third Division?"

The misery on Kira's face made a cringing Kana regret asking.

"Horrible. I never realized how much work Captain Ichimaru was stuck with. I'm up to my neck in paperwork, I have to help train the new recruits, and every day I have to help run training drills. That's not to mention staying on good terms with the other divisions. I don't know if a Shinigami can die of exhaustion, but it feels like I'm about to find out."

"Heh. Sounds...pretty crappy."

Sipping on her drink, Kana frowned.

He still calls that creep 'Captain' Ichimaru, huh?

"You know," Kana slapped him on the back again, "I can take over as Captain. You'd get a cutie pie to look at and all your work done for you. Pretty sweet deal, huh?"

"Um…?"

Kana winked, whispering into his ear, "I can also help relieve some of your stress, if you catch my drift."

"...Are you drunk already, Mitarashi?"

Her obnoxious giggling answered Kira's question rather well. She poured back another drink for good measure, snorting. Kira spotted the plethora of empty shot glasses in front of her and questioned when she even ordered that much.

"I think our division would be in even worse shape with you as Captain…"

He grew rigid when Kana, still laughing like an idiot, latched on to him.

"Hey, hey! They said they might let Akira out of prison! Isn't that nice?"

"Akiyama? ...Yeah, I guess that would be nice. She's a bit rough around the edges, but…"

"Want me to...hic…set you up?"

"Excuse me?"

"Smoochies! You wanna smooch her, right? Hahaha…"

Kana pursed her lips far to close to Kira for his liking. He shoved her back as gingerly as he could.

"Poor baby…" she said, hiccuping left and right. "Poor, poor, Izuru."

"I suppose so. Honestly, there's another problem I'm stuck with…"

"Huh? What do you…?"

"Yo! Is that you, Vice-Captain Kira?"

The energetic voice that shot across the bar scared the living daylights out of its patrons. So did the heavy footsteps approaching a horror-struck Kira. He sunk in his chair.

It was too late.

"Hey, that is you, Vice-Captain!

A cheery fellow came into view, his wide smile contrasting heavily with the bar's tough air. The new arrival gave Kira an energetic salute before helping himself to a seat in between the Vice-Captain and Kana.

"Give me a break already…" Kira murmured.

As Kana poured back another drink, she noted the boy sizing her up, his scarlet eyes full of curiosity.

"Can I...hic...help you, buddy? Hey, what hair gel do you use?"

She patted the top of his short, spiky, and black hair. Kira thought her lack of regard for personal space strange, but her would-be victim took it in stride.

"Hey, I know you!" the boy exclaimed. "Kana, right? Kana Mitarashi?"

Kana, with a stupid smile, patted her chest. "The one and only! Want an autograph? I don't do swimsuit photos any more, but…"

"Weren't you one of the girls that came close to being killed by the Soukyoku?"

Kana gagged on her drink. That wasn't remotely what she thought she would hear.

"Hey, how was that?"

"...How do you think?"

Still giddy, the boy said, "Man, I would've killed to see the Soukyoku in action! They say it has the power of a million Zanpakutou!"

The topic sobered Kana up. "You know, I'd be dead if that happened."

Conceding the point, some of the boy's enthusiasm faded as he said, "Sorry. I...um...didn't mean it like that."

He let out some shaky laughs.

"Alright, who is this clown?" Kana asked Kira, making no effort to keep her voice down.

"A rookie. He joined the Gotei Thirteen a few weeks ago. He's…"

"Suzuka Asakura! Pleasure to meet you!" The person in question stood, giving his onlookers a proud smile. Those that didn't go back to what they were doing shouted for him to pipe down. "Vice-Captain Kira here has been showing me the ropes. Man, he's the best!"

"You're not even in my division," Kira grumbled under his breath. Right as he would have drowned his sorrows with another drink, his eyes widened with comprehension. "Wait, Mitarashi."

"Yes? You want an autograph too? Man, it's hard being so attractive…"

"Um...no. Asakura here is actually in your division, so…"

"No," Kana said almost instantaneously. "I am not being anyone's babysitter. I…"

She lost her train of thought on account of Suzuka getting too close for comfort.

"Wait, you're in the Tenth Division too? Say, can you hook me up with Vice-Captain Matsumoto?"

Kana shoved his face back. "Watch it, pal. You wouldn't be the first creep I take a restraining order out on."

Despite the hostility in her tone, Suzuka chuckled. "You're funny. You're the Third Seat, right? That must mean you have an awesome Zanpakutou! Mind if I see it? Just for a little?"

"No. Go away."

"Oh, come on! I know it's probably not as cool as Captain Hitsugaya's, but…"

It was Kana's turn to get up close and personal. Sweat rolled down Suzuka's face as she let him have a white-hot scowl.

"My sword is the best," she stated in no uncertain terms.

"R-Right…"

"I'm gonna be Captain one day, so you'd best watch your mouth."

"Captain, eh? That's nice and all, but I'm gunning for the Zero Division."

"The Royal Guard?" Kana let out a laugh loud enough to again disturb the bar's patrons. "Keep dreaming, kid."

"Thanks! I will!"

Bewildered, Kana wasn't sure how anyone could take that as a compliment.

"I mean, I still don't know Bankai—hell, I can't even do Shikai—but I'm gonna make it!" Suzuka assured her and just about everyone else. A beer bottle thrown by a fed-up drinker came dangerously close to hitting him upside the head. Oblivious, he continued to grin. "I'll be protecting the Soul King in no time!"

"Wait...Bankai?" A light bulb flashed in Kana's head. "Bankai! That's it! Thanks for the drinks, Izuru, but I've gotta go!"

"Thanks for the what now?"

Kana zoomed away before Kira could find out.

"Wait," he uttered as he gazed upon the mountain of empty glasses left in her wake. "...She left me with the tab, didn't she?"

#

Kana positively glowed as she raced her way across the Seireitei. Finally, something worthwhile awaited her. No more would she hang her head in despair.

"Gotta find him!"

With a new mission in mind, she would finally be able to do something for Orihime other that crying.

"Excuse me! Pardon me! Move!" she hollered, shoving her way through a crowd. "I have to find him!"

Kagami Meigi. The mysterious man taught Aaron and Rukia Bankai. Assuming she tracked him down, Kana knew he could do the same for her. Without Bankai, she didn't have a shot at avenging anyone.

"Where the hell is he though? I've gotta train and fast!"

"You're training? Awesome! I'm in!"

The voice alone got a groan out of Kana. She wasn't sure why Suzuka Asakura was hot on her tail, but it convinced her to speed up.

"Hold up, Mitarashi!"

"Go away!"

"What kind of training did you have in mind?"

"Ugh…"

"Never heard of that one before. Anyway, I've been looking for a sparring partner, and you seem pretty strong."

Kana rubbed her nose. "Well, I'm not bad with a sword."

"Oh yeah? How'd you get captured then?"

The earnest question restored Kana's ire in full force. "I'm gonna strangle you…"

"So, where are we headed?"

"I have something important to do. Go find a juice box or something."

"I mean, if you're that scared of me kicking your butt, I guess I'll…"

Big mistake. Suzuka almost choked on his tongue once Kana rounded on him. The hate she radiated alone could have killed.

"...Alright. Keep following me, kid. Just don't cry if you don't come back alive."

Though a bit unnerved, Suzuka gave a firm nod.

#

Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel. A part of Aaron feared he and his friends would be trapped between his world and Hueco Mundo forever. He gulped down any remaining apprehension and jumped forward.

Moments later, his feet hit solid ground. It compelled him to open his eyes.

"What...is this place?"

He didn't know what to expect after finally making it to Hueco Mundo. Landing in the middle of a building, however, was last on his list. It was far too…

"Normal…" he mumbled. He changed his mind upon getting a closer inspection. The walls had various cut, scrapes, and cracks, a clear sign of a battle. Debris stood all over as if a bomb hit.

"What a mess," noted Sasune.

Konoka, shielding her nose, said, "What the hell is that smell?"

Hiyori got a good whiff herself, answering, "Death. Looks like we missed a hell of a party."

"Lovely," muttered Sasune as he grew pale.

"Feel that?" asked Lisa. "That's Ichigo's energy. He's not far. We should get a move on."

The group agreed. They moved through torch-lit hallways, finding the area both cramped and confusing.

"Are we really in Hueco Mundo?" wondered Aaron.

"If we are, this likely isn't the main Arrancar base," Sasune speculated. "We got in here way too easy, and there aren't any guards."

Aaron sighed. "Of course this wouldn't be a walk in the park."

"Quit cryin'," Hiyori spat. "You're living in a fantasy world if you thought this'd be easy."

Conceding the point, Aaron simply hoped Izumi was in one piece. He couldn't imagine the Arrancar kidnapping her just to kill her, but he couldn't be too sure.

"Where in the hell is everyone?" asked Konoka. She couldn't sense a soul nearby.

In a grave tone, Sasune replied, "Excellent question, my dear. ...Why do I get the feeling we're about to find out?"

The group made their way into a huge room. Immediately, the met with a gruesome sight that more than confirmed Sasune's fears.

"What...in the…?"

Aaron couldn't finish speaking, too aghast by the countless bodies littering the place. Their masks and bizarre appearances told him they were Arrancar. The stench of death was palpable.

"The hell is this? It's a fuckin' bloodbath!" said Konoka. The sight of the Red-Haired Beast of all people shaken up informed Aaron just how screwed up things were.

"At the very least, our path is clear," said Sasune. He pointed to a staircase on the other side.

"Jesus…" Aaron walked among the carnage. The terror on the fallen Arrancars' faces was as clear as day. "Who...no, what in the hell could have done this?"

He would never admit to having a soft spot for Hollows. This, however, was too much.

"I've got a good idea, but...I'd rather not say."

Aaron, baffled, turned to Lisa. "Wait. You don't mean...Kurosaki?"

"No shit," Hiyori told him. "Looks like our dog has been ragging pretty hard. I didn't think he had it in him."

Neither did Aaron, who wasn't sure what to think.

He had no time to ponder, not with the ground suddenly shaking. He wobbled about before noticing Sasune pointing up.

"We might have a problem," the Quincy said as the ceiling began crumbling.

"You think?!" cried Konoka, dragging him along as large chunks of rubble rained down. White sand followed close behind, steadily filling the room. Everyone got a move on toward the stairs.

"And here I was about to complain that nothing interesting was happening," joked Aaron. He made the mistake of checking over his shoulder. The sand had just about encompassed the entire room, and he and his friends were only halfway toward salvation. "I swear if we die before we even get to…!"

Another rush of sand not only interrupted him, the force from it launched him and the others toward the surface. All of them landed face first into more unforgiving sand.

"Ugh. Fuck…" a gasping Aaron grumbled as he finally freed his head. Never before had air tasted so sweet. "I am never going to the beach again. Wait, we were underground? Hey, is anyone dead?"

"I might be," Sasune moaned. "God, I have sand everywhere! Especially in the crack of my…"

"Finish that sentence, and I'll break your neck," barked Konoka. She coughed up the last of the sand in her mouth.

"I know what you mean. I think I have sand in my cooch," chimed Lisa casually. Konoka let out a long, drawn out sigh. "What?"

"The next person that talks gets my foot up their ass," said Hiyori. "Where the hell are we now?"

"Good question," replied Aaron. Now he understood where all the sand had come from. He and the others stood in an expansive, white desert. The crescent moon shining down on everything was the same color, while the sky was a dull grey. Scattered vegetation, if he could even call it that, consisted mostly of pathetic, dry-looking trees without a hint of leaves. While bizarre, Aaron couldn't help but feel something about Hueco Mundo was mesmerizing. It went beyond even his wildest expectations.

"Nice. This place is teeming with spirit energy. It reminds me of Soul Society," noted Sasune. He leered at his Sanrei Glove, nodding in approval. "I should have no issues slinging arrows and bedding women here."

"Uh...sure. I can feel Hollows all over. I don't know if that's good or not."

"Most of them feel like small fry. I doubt they'd mess with us. Hmm? Is something wrong, Miss Mitsumi?"

Konoka didn't hear Sasune. She busied frowning bitterly.

"Earth to Miss Mitsumi! Or maybe it's Hueco Mundo to Miss Mitsumi now. Heh."

"Shut up." She definitely heard him that time, proving so by socking him in the nose. "I was just thinkin'. This place gives me the creeps."

Sasune, holding his bloodied nose, answered, "It's not my cup of tea either, but…"

"No, I ain't sayin' I'm scared. My power...it's like...somethin' is tryin' to spring outta me."

"I'm...not sure I follow."

"...Forget it." Konoka laid eyes on something far more interesting. "Am I seeing things?"

She wasn't. The others spotted the huge, white castle in the distance too.

"Bingo," a smirking Hiyori remarked.

"If your sister is anywhere, Higuchi, she's gotta be there," said Konoka.

"Hey, don't agree with me."

Konoka, cleaning out an ear, replied, "Didn't I already say I don't understand all that googoo gaga crap comin' out of your mouth?"

"Keep talking, and those pretty lips of yours are getting cut off."

"You'd have to be able to reach my freakin' face to do that."

"Oh, so you do wanna die?! That's all you had to say!"

"You're not even old enough to fight me! Come back in one-hundred years."

While the two continued to squabble, Lisa sighed. "I like a good cat fight as much as anyone, but I kinda wanna get this over with."

"Agreed," said Aaron. He, as well as Lisa, moved ahead.

"Uh...shouldn't we wait for…?" Sasune faltered, watching a shrieking Konoka and Hiyori pressing their noses together. "You know what, ladies, I'll...catch you on the flip-side."

He ran while he could.

"You know, that shitty hair of yours looks like a used tampon!" a cackling Hiyori declared.

Konoka countered with, "Like you even know what a period is, shrimp! Besides, your breath smells like you just got through suckin' on your momma's tit!"

#

Stale bread, expired cheese, and cheap wine wasn't much of a meal. For one man, he had no other choice. He couldn't do anything about the frigid room or leaky, stone walls either. A torch illuminated his stubbled face as he stuffed it, a noticeable frown painting his lips.

"Why exactly did I chose the life of a hermit? Maybe I should've opened a candy store like that jackass…"

He changed his mind in a hurry. Doing anything like Kisuke Urahara was too maddening a prospect. With a shrug, Kagami Meigi went back to eating. His life may not have been glamorous, but it was at least peaceful.

...Until sloshing footsteps interrupted said peace. His eyebrow rose.

"Visitors at this hour? Someone should've taught you manners, young lady."

Kana emerged from the darkness. The fact Kagami already knew she was there was a little disconcerting.

"Princess," he said. "You're looking well. ...At least, I want to say that. I'm guessing you've seen better days if that frown of yours means anything."

"I wouldn't say you look that great either."

"Touchy, touchy." Kagami slipped a cigarette between his lips. "If you lived over a hundred years without sunlight, you wouldn't look so hot either."

A flick of his lighter brought his cigarette to life. Silence fell over the room.

"I'm guessing you're not here to visit a poor, old man."

"I don't trust you," said Kana stiffly. "But...I think you're the only one that can help me."

"Not everyone that associates with Kisuke is shady."

In a booming voice, Kana proclaimed, "I want you to teach me Bankai, just like you did with CT and Rukia!"

"...I had a feeling you'd say that. Well, I…"

"Bankai?! Holy crap! I knew coming along was a good idea!"

Somehow, Kana forgot about Suzuka. Her eyes almost got stuck in the back of her head due to rolling them so hard.

"Uh...nice place you got here," Suzuka told Kagami in a rather unconvincing tone. "You're the man with the plan then?"

"I'm a man who's just trying to eat his dinner. Who are you anyway?"

"NOBODY!" Kana interjected. "Can we talk about me?"

"I don't...really get what's going on, but it sounds like you know something or another about Zanpakutou. Can you help me learn Shikai?" asked Suzuka, excitement coating his every word.

"Shikai, eh?" Kagami stroked his chin. "I might be able to so do something about..."

"I was here first!" whined Kana. She shoved Suzuka to the ground, pressing his head down so he couldn't get up. "You're stalling, old-timer! Are you going to help me or not? I can't go to Hueco Mundo without a Bankai, so…"

With a gasp, she covered her mouth. The stupid grin on Suzuka's face told her it was too late.

"So, that's what you're up to!"

"Ugh, just kill me…"

"The Captain-Commander gave specific instructions not to engage the Arrancar! You'll be in serious trouble."

"If I cared, do you think I'd be here?! Screw the rules!"

"Um…didn't 'screwing the rules' nearly get you killed by the Soukyoku?"

As much as Kana yearned to argue, she didn't have a leg to stand on. Kagami chuckling didn't help matters.

"I'll thank you two for the entertainment, but you really do have to go," he said.

"No! I'm not going anywhere!" Kana voiced.

Taking a drag on his cigarette, Kagami shrugged and retorted, "Suit yourself. I guess we can die of pneumonia together."

"Why won't you help me?! CT and the others are probably already in Hueco Mundo! They need my help!"

Kagami stared her straight on. Something about his stiff gaze unnerved her.

"If you can't figure it out on your own, you ain't worth helping, Princess. Sorry."

That wouldn't do. Kana, folding her arms, planted herself in front of him.

"I'm not leaving!" she echoed.

"Suit yourself," Kagami repeated, chowing down once more. Him being so calm and collected got Kana's blood boiling. Cutting him down wouldn't do her any favors, so she simply remained put.

He'll crack. ...He's gotta.

Suzuka leered at the two, his head bobbing back and forth.

"What the heck is going on?" he muttered. He sat down himself. "Well, this is a little interesting at least."

"...Don't you have something better to do?" Kana spat.

"Nope!"

"Ugh…"

END