I want to take a moment to thank everyone who responded to the last chapter. To begin with, I'd like to give a shout-out to Kane101, Ayase Reincarnated, Simplysinful21, and Jazzybella for their reviews and feedback of Chapter 13. I was glad to know that people are enjoying the story.

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter XIV: "Outlanders"

Onigiri smiled to himself as he watched the scene unfolding before him- of his female cohort fawning over the red-haired, tattooed male Shinigami, while his buxom colleague appeared to find the situation as amusing as he did. He took a slow puff from his pipe, still smiling as he blew a fine stream of dusky smoke that smelled faintly of dried fruit and exotic spices.

The swordsman then calmly turned to regard the young, white-haired captain approach him, a serious look on his youthful face. It hadn't taken long for Onigiri to deduce that the young man was the ranking Shinigami of the three- both by his clothing and by the way comported himself. He lowered his pipe as he met the aqua-blue gaze of the young Soul Reaper.

"My name is Toshiro Hitsugaya, Captain of the Tenth Squadron of the Elite Court Guard," he began in a formal tone. "And that woman is my Lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto."

"I didn't know the Shinigami allowed children to serve as Captains." The Arrancar calmly remarked, his piercing blue eyes following him as he stepped forward.

Hitsugaya brushed off the comment, his professionalism compelling him to stay focused on the matter at hand. In this case, it was discerning the Hollows' intents, as well as their true numbers. The Captain was certain that there were more than the two before them- but how many, and how close by?

"I can assure, I'm not as young as I look," he began coolly. "And I didn't come here just to trade quips with the first civil Arrancar that I happened to encounter..." Hitsugaya continued, tucking his hands into the pockets of his haori. "And my instincts tell me that you didn't either."

Onigiri smirked. "And what else do they tell you?" He asked, his freed hand coming to rest on his hip, near the hilts of the bundled-up katanas.

The white-haired youth cocked his head slightly. "That the two you," he began, gesturing towards the female Arrancar- still clinging against Renji- as he spoke. "either sensed our presence and came here to investigate for yourselves, or that you were sent here- on someone else's instructions."

The Arrancar chuckled faintly. "Impressive... But then, I expect one has to be clever to reach the point that you have- perhaps, dangerously clever." He offered. "We've been discreetly observing the activity around the dome since Aizen lead his forces to attack your realm." He explained. "Arachne and myself came to investigate you, while news of your movements was relayed to the others."

"Others?" Hitsugaya began. "What others?"

He took a draw from his pipe, and exhaled after a moment. "Unaligned Arrancar, and escapees from Las Noches- defectors mainly, who would have been terminated otherwise, or who simply didn't share the others' lust for conquest." Onigiri explained. "Aizen and the Arrancar forces he created were to powerful and numerous to actively resist... And we had other consideration."

Hitsugaya remained silent as he continued. "To survive here, is to grow strong in the face of adversity and hardship... And this place, this endless desolation, has forced us to grow strong." Onigiri explained in a more serious tone. "But the young and the vulnerable... Their welfare had to be considered as well, it was all we could do- to keep moving and avoid detection."

The Captain nodded. "By that line, then I'm sure you're wondering why exactly we're here." Hitsugaya began, addressing the Arrancar. "The war against Aizen devastated all of the realms, and the aftermath significantly weakened the dimensional barriers that served to maintain the delicate balance between the disparate plains of existence..." He paused. "Before order can be restored, there must be peace- we came here as part of Soul Society's efforts to establish dialogue with your kind- to prevent any further conflict, and to make clear our good intentions."

"The victorious rarely speak of peace..." Onigiri began. "For the Shinigami to come to us- in generosity and with open arms- then your people's situation must be a dire one." He concluded. "Tell me, Captain, if peace is your aim... Then, with who's voice do you speak?"

"The Commanders of the Elite Court Guard," Toshiro began. "And the Primera Espada, Coyote Stark and Lillynette Gingerback, as well as both of the Tercera- both Lady Tia Halibell and Lady Nelliel-Tu Obberschank." He continued calmly. "We also have the support of the Cuatro and the Octavio Espada, Ulquiorra Schiffer and Szayel Alporro Grantz." The snow-haired Captain finished.

The Arrancar nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, impressive." Onigiri replied. "Very well then, perhaps we can contribute something to those voices." He continued. "There is one among us, who I believe might be interested in hearing this." The swordsman paused, taking a draw from his pipe

"And who would that be?" Captain Hitsugaya asked cautiously.

Onigiri exhaled. "The Sexta Espada, Grimmjow Yaegerjacquez, among others."

"Grimmjow?!" Hitsugaya exclaimed. "Our own information led us to believe that he had been fatally wounded and left for dead by the Cinca Espada..." He continued. "If what you're telling me is true, then I take it that you must have knowledge of his current location."

Onigiri regarded him for a moment, rubbing his chin. "That depends..." The Arrancar replied, crossing his arms. "Right now, you're asking us to trust your people's word, but how can any of us be certain of your intentions?" The red-haired man asked. "The Shinigami have been killing our kind for centuries, and you went through a war- in which, Hollows played a key role in the devastation of both the living realm and the Soul Realm... And yet, now you wish to talk of peace."

Hitsugaya nodded. "The Winter War is still very fresh in the minds of many... But establishing peace with the Arrancar is also a matter of practically. We don't have the resources or manpower to launch an attack against Huecco Mundo- let alone the desire. My people are tired, they want peace, and I suspect that the Arrancar do as well." The young Captain reasoned. "How I am doing?"

This time, after a moment, Onigiri nodded. "You are correct in that regard... Any further conflict would only serve to weaken both of our kinds... and the realms." He mused aloud. "Very well then, I'll report your intentions back the others, and see if something can be arranged."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Soul Society, Division Thirteen HQ...

"Retsu, have you ever given any thought to starting a family of your own?"

Unohana's eyes went wide at the question. The dark-haired woman turned around, a look of shock on her face as she met the even gaze of the man before her. "J- Jushiro...?" His name, uttered as if it were a question, was the only thing she could manage at the moment.

"It's been on my mind for a while." He began, approaching her. "After everything that's happened, I've been thinking about what's truly important." Ukitake continued. "Since the death of my parents, when I took over as the head of the family... As the only son, it was I oversaw as my sisters got married, and as Ukitake estate grew empty and quiet while I remained." He exhaled.

"Homes should be places of life and energy, those rooms and halls should be filled with the sounds of footsteps and laughter." The white-haired man remarked. "After nearly loosing Shunsui, only to end up gaining Stark and Lillynette as residents... Well, I've been reminded of the important role that our friends and loved ones play in our lives." Ukitake explained. "But there's still an important void in my life that I'd like to fill, and it involves you." He smiled at her, taking both of her hands in his.

Unohana blushed. "But, Jushiro... for us to... now..." she hesitated. "W-we're Captains, we have duties and responsibilities to consider." The normally serene woman protested.

He just smiled, gently rubbing her hands as he continued to hold them. "I don't see any reason why any of that has to change." Ukitake began. "We've been lovers and Captains for years now, and that's never interfered with running our Divisions. And I can't foresee any problems with the change from being my lover and fellow Captain, and being my wife and fellow Captain." He paused. "That is, unless you're personally uncomfortable with the idea...?"

She shook her head. "No, of course not!" Unohana replied resolutely. "I've cared for you and loved you for the longest time, I can't imagine spending my life with anyone but you." She admitted, giving him a warm smile. "Though, I hope you don't expect me to take your family name publicly." The dark-haired woman added after a moment, giving him a sly look.

Ukitake smiled, leaning in to share a kiss with her. "Hmm, Retsu Ukitake?" He asked, prompting a smile from her, their foreheads touching as the two of them chuckled softly.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Division Twelve HQ...

"I've documented the time of the event, as per your instructions." Andou reported in, brushing a hand through his dark hair. "We've set up sensors around the anomaly, so that we should be able to register if another on of these 'events' takes place." The technician explained.

Szayel rubbed his chin. "I'd feel more comfortable is we had some idea of what it was that happened, I don't like being in the dark about these kind of things." The Arrancar admitted. "Whatever happened, it couldn't have merely been some kind of freak occurrence... no, there's more to this." The pink-haired Hollow then turned to his Lieutenant. "Nemu, please be a dear, and prepare a com channel, there's someone I'd like to get in touch with regarding this."

The dark-haired woman nodded. "Of course, Szayel-sama." She replied calmly, before turning to leave the command center and carry out his instructions.

The Espada then turned back to the other member of his division. "As to the pressing matters... We still have the issue of the crop situation in Huecco Mundo." He began. "Officer Akon is in the agricultural wing overseeing the project, I'd like you to assist him with it."

"Of course, sir." Andou replied, then left the large chamber.

"And now..." Szayel mused aloud. "There's work to be done."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Soifon had confronted Ggio about his intentions towards her, only for the tiger-like Arrancar to surprise her with his heartfelt answer. The feline Hollow had bashfully admitted that he was attracted to her, but that he respected her and wanted to properly "court" her.

The usually stern woman wasn't used to being the object of another's affections. Being of a small and slender build, she was often eclipsed by the far more conventionally attractive and sexy female officers around her. So to suddenly find herself as the object of desire for the Arrancar was a difficult concept for her to process- she wasn't used to thinking of herself in that regard.

Men just weren't interested in her- and for good reason, she was a dangerous woman- and yet, Ggio had persisted in his efforts to win her over. His romantic overtures always caused the female Captain to feel strangely feminine and frustratingly vulnerable. Soifon simply wasn't used to the concept that someone could actually find her to be desirable, and with no ulterior motives. But that was the funny thing about the Arrancar, he simply wasn't devious enough to be harboring any sinister intentions.

And so, here she was, seated on a bench, overlooking a lake. Ggio was beside her, a broad Cheshire cat grin on his face as he looked to her. Soifon had ultimately decided to approach their relationship just as she would have any other challenge- she was one of the Thirteen Captains of the Elite Court Guard and she refused to back down. No, she was determined to face this head-on.

This was why she was presently taking part in a "date" with the Arrancar. Ever since Yuroichi had fled from Soul Society, it had been difficult for Soifon to trust others- not that her harsh, steely persona had helped when it came to forming relationships. But she'd begun to realize recently that never allowing herself to trust anyone was no way to live.

Still, as the leader of the Stealth Squadron and the head of the Black Ops, she didn't have the faintest idea of how the hell to go about this. Thankfully, Ggio was surprisingly innocent in his intentions and didn't seem to expect her to 'put out' (as she'd heard it crudely referred to), in fact, the catlike Arrancar was downright chivalrous in his romantic overtures towards her. Soifon felt relief in not having to deal with that particular hassle at present- which was a major help.

In some sense, she felt that she could view their little outing as a personal victory for herself, a small first step in allowing herself the simple happiness of companionship. For all her accomplishments, she still understood that she wasn't above experiencing basic human needs- just as she realized that she was under no obligation to remain celibate, silently obsessing over someone who had left her more than a hundred and ten years ago... But that, at least, was a matter for another time.

"I just can't get over how... green everything is here." Ggio remarked as he leaned forward, a trace of barely concealed amazement in his voice. "I mean, there's water- right in front of us- full of fish, with those round leafy things floating on top of it." The ex-Fraccion gushed excitedly, scanning the area.

Soifon felt the corners of her mouth curving slightly into a smile at his wonderment in the face of such a simple thing as a lake. "They're called lily-pads." She explained. "They're pretty common here."

He turned to her. "What about the fish swimming around?" Ggio began. "They're so plump, and some of them float idly near the surface... Do your kind eat 'em?"

"It depends," she replied, folding her arms over her lap as she looked on. "There are several types of fish, like Carp, that are cooked and eaten here and in the living realm." Soifon calmly explained to the Arrancar, as they sat on the wooden bench. "But there are also special fish that we don't eat, like Koi, which are more like fancy pets- a way to show off your family's affluence."

"Wow..." Ggio began, leaning back against the bench. "In Huecco Mundo, any source of fresh water was coveted, and the animals were all hunted as food." He explained. "But here, you have unguarded bodies of water, and animals that are kept as symbols of status."

She shook her head. "Only the rich families keep animals just to show off... The rest of the population hunts and cooks them- fish, rabbits, deer, even the occasional wild boar- it's the main source of food in some of the outer wards, closer to the dense forests."

"Sounds complicated." The Arrancar observed, sitting back.

"It can be, sometimes- especially for the poorer areas." Soifon remarked. "Amongst the elite, there are a handful of families who can claim direct ties to the line of the Spirit King... Including the Yamamoto, the Kuchiki, the Shihoin, the Ukitake, the Unohana, the Kyoraku, and..." She paused, preferring not to dwell over the fallen Shiba. "Along with a few others, such as the Omaeda, they make it possible to run Soul Society, on a material and financial level at least." The Captain finished.

"I served Lord Barragon, the former King of Huecco Mundo. Even after Aizen took over, me and my fellow Fraccions continued to serve him, until..." Ggio paused. "We followed his orders, and the others, they died, along with him." He frowned, crossing his arms. "That I was the only one who lived, maybe it was meant to be, because I found you in the rubble." The Arrancar went on. "What about your family, Soifon, your energy and your scent is different, what of your line?" He asked her.

The slender woman smirked at the question. "Nothing all that impressive- just vassals of the Shihoin, or at least we used to be." Soifon continued. "Right now, what matters the most to me is my position as Captain of the Second Division- not my status as a glorified servant."

Ggio blushed faintly. "You could never be anyone's servant, Soifon. You're too powerful, someone like you, you've always been meant to lead others." He explained, then sighed. "Unlike me..."

She turned to him. "Ggio..." Soifon hesitated, not used to speaking candidly. "You are what you make of yourself... Just being powerful isn't everything. People like Barragon, they don't do anything to merit the loyalty you and the other Fraccions showed, they just expect it..." She faltered briefly, realizing that was also blushing. "When everything is said and done... The only person you truly owe anything to is yourself- to be the person you want to be."

He turned to her when he felt her hand daintily perched atop his. The dark-haired woman's gaze was cast downward, and her face was flushed a dark crimson color. After a moment, Ggio smiled, twining his fingers with hers and nodded in response. "...Thank you."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Stark was not the sort to be easily roused from sleep. There were times, back in Las Noches, when the only surefire way of waking him from one of his naps was nothing short of an assault from Lillynette- usually in the form of a series of hard punches and kicks, accompanied by shouting.

But this time, something... unnatural had jolted him awake. A sudden and brief disturbance, enough to put him on edge with the strangely ominous sensation that had come with it. He had never felt anything like it, and yet- even with nothing to compare it to- the powerful Espada somehow instinctively knew that it didn't bode well... for anyone, not the Shinigami or the Hollows.

Yawning, the Primera straightened himself out. Stark made a token effort to smooth his creased white uniform, deciding that it would be prudent to find out if anyone else had felt it. In particular, he'd need to speak with Jushiro-san and the Tercera Espada.

"Stark-san, you seem troubled?"

The tall, lanky Espada turned suddenly, where upon he was met by the familiar, white-haired figure of the Captain of the Thirteenth Division. Ukitake had an inquisitive look on his face, likely in reaction to Stark's own look of mild bewilderment. "I just returned from the Fourth Division, and I figured I'd find you out here... But awake, no less?" He added with a smile.

The Primera nodded. "Something's happened..." He began cryptically. "I'm not sure what, but suddenly I have a bad feeling about the implications of it." Stark offered. "Not long ago- like a momentary chill- did you sense anything?" He asked, gradually rising to his feet.

"Oh, yes, well you see..." The white-haired man began awkwardly. "I'm afraid that I may have been a little to preoccupied to have noticed." Ukitake offered with a smile. "But then, it could also be that you being asleep at the time might have something to do with why you sensed it."

He regarded the Shinigami, earnest brown eyes meeting his, a disarming smile on his face and his hands partly obscured by the sleeved of his Captain's jacket. After a moment, the Arrancar shook his head, turning back to him. "Hmm... It's probably nothing." He continued. "I don't suppose you'd know if Lillynette is over at the Fourth Division?" Stark asked him.

"I think so." Ukitake replied. "Why, is something wrong?"

"No," Stark replied, rubbing the back of his head. "It's just... I'm not used to having all this peace and quiet to myself, without her interrupting it periodically." He admitted with a small smile. "Back when we were in Las Noches- it was pretty common for her to wake me up with a punch or a kick to the ribs, or grab me by the head and yell at me."

"Yes, Lilly-chan can certainly be quite the handful," Ukitake replied. "But, Unohana-san and myself have grown rather attached to her." He added with a smile. "Young women like her need at a lot of care and guidance at their age- I'd know, I had two younger sisters."

He brushed a hand through his long white hair. "Stark, have you ever played Shogi?"

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Division Four HQ...

Isane brushed a hand through her silver hair as she looked over the reports. She was presently seated at her desk in the office she shared with her Captain. At the moment, Captain Unohana was busy checking out the hospital wing, likely receiving the med corps' own reports.

The tall Lieutenant turned around in time to watch as the door to the office slid open, and sight of their young Third Seat Officer enter the room. The youth smiled at her, a stack of reports nestled in his arms, and ventured into the spacious room. She didn't notice it right away, but there was something different about the young Shinigami- something that she couldn't quite place...

She'd grown used to his improved posture and attitude over the last several months. Gone was the old glum expression he'd sported for so long, now replaced by a far more confident- if slightly bashful, at times- smile as Hanataro carried out his duties... And then it struck her!

For as long as the woman could remember, the youth's mop of thick black hair had always been left unattended, dark bangs hanging down on the sides and above his eyes, framing his features. But now, it was parted on the side and styled- looking to have been given a good brushing over. Isane set her pin down as he approached her desk, gingerly placing the folders down before her.

"You look different, Yamada-san." She observed. "Did you you do something with your hair?" Isane asked him with a smile, while she met his gaze.

Hanataro flushed faintly at the question, as if suddenly becoming aware of himself, before he managed an embarrassed smile. "Oh, well..." He began. "You see, Lillynette said I should try something new, and she thought it looked good like this." The Third Seat explained.

Isane smiled genuinely at this bit of information. "Really, now?" She began. "Ever since Stark-san and Lillynette-chan took up residence with Captain Ukitake, the people around them seem to have become a lot happier." She remarked. "Ukitake-san is more energetic, which is a relief for Captain Unohana, and I've noticed that you seem to smile more than you used to."

"I hadn't really noticed." Hanataro deflected, with a nervous laugh. "Really, everyone seems to be in a better mood than they have in a long time- like you and Asegawa-san."

The silver-haired woman blushed, but couldn't reply before the door slid open, causing both of them to turn in time to see Lillynette appear in the doorway. Once again, Isane was struck by the realization of a change in the appearance of the latest arrival, though it was far more obvious with the Arrancar.

Lillynette's outfit was different. The smaller, female half of the Primera wore an open vest- that stopped above her hips- over a strapless top that showed her midriff and Hollow Hole, and arm slips that came down from below her shoulders to her palms. In addition, she wore a pair of short-shorts and thigh-high boots. Every part of the ensemble was monochromatic- white, with black lining.

"Hiya, Taro-kun, Isane-san." Lillynette declared with a smile, stepping inside.

The Lieutenant was taken aback by the change in the female Arrancar's garb, but her Third Seat wasn't shaken in the least, as he returned her smile. "Lilly-chan." He answered with a smile, leaving Isane to sit silently, watching as he excused himself and departed with the young woman.

After a moment, Isane shrugged, a thoughtful smile on her face.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Renji made his way back to the base command that they'd set up for the expedition- along with Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto, and the two Arrancar they'd encountered.

Speaking of which... The crimson-haired Soul Reaper turned around just in time for Arachne to appear at his side, only to snake her arm around his, her body against him as she picked up where she'd left off back at the ruins. The Lieutenant had no idea about to make of her actions. Renji was unfamiliar when it came to dealing with such blatant overtures, especially regarding the intent.

After all, it wasn't as if his Shinigami training had included instructions about what to in the event that a woman should suddenly start coming onto him. The female Arrancar maintained her hold on him, her arms snaked around his, her body against his- to the extent that she was seriously distracting him with how incredibly soft and warm she felt. Not to mention, how she was so close now that her supple body practically melded with his own... And her attire did little to help!

He promptly looked away, averting his eyes from her exotic features- from her attractive face, framed by her long raven hair and blood crimson eyes. And the way the opening in the front of her top exposed the valley of her cleavage and her flat stomach- the skin far too fair and soft for any creature that came from the harsh environment of Huecco Mundo.

He turned to her, glaring, only for her ruby lips to curve into a smile and a quick flutter of her dark lashes as she fixed him with a sultry gaze- the kind of look that some men feared and others longed for- nearly sapping the strength from his knees in the process.

"What the hell are you playing at, what's your game?!" Renji demanded, finally managing to summon up the resolve to confront the female, while he still had the strength within him.

However, her sultry gaze didn't falter at the inquiry. "Game?" She intoned. "I can assure that this is no game, or have I not made my intentions clear enough?" She asked, almost teasingly.

"Intentions?" Renji replied incredulously. "What are you after?"

Arachne tilted her head a bit to the side, as her smile widened- giving a brief glimpse of the slightly pronounced teeth that lie hidden behind inviting ruby lips. "What am I after? Well, you, of course." She answered without a moment's hesitation. "I want you, Renji." She continued, her low silky tone nearly doing him in as she continued. "Is that really so hard to believe? Or, is it simply because I happen to be an Arrancar that you are unable to accept or believe that I speak the truth?"

Every word she spoke burned his senses, searing him like liquid metal. There was no way that he could possibly keep his guard up any longer. "No... You- you're beautiful, and the fact that you're an Arrancar doesn't change that in the slightest." Renji began. "But why me, I'm nothing special... What could a woman like you want in someone like me?" He finally admitted.

Her expression soured slightly. "You really are so unused to being noticed?" Arachne mused out loud as she still held onto him. "I can see now that your females- these Shinigami women- lack the ability to to see just how much there is to you." She began softly.

She brought a hand to his cheek and and he looked to her. "There was someone who rejected you."

After a moment, he shook his head. "Not quite," Renji replied. "More like she never even noticed me."

Arachne stepped back from, drawing his gaze with her. "You are strong and handsome, with distinctive markings, and the feel and trace of your spiritual energy is very... attractive."

The redhead remained silent for a moment, taken back by her declaration. "You... You really do like my tattoos that much?" He asked her, now smiling slightly self-consciously.

She grinned broadly. "Very much." Arachne answered, before she moved to close the distance between them once more. "They are the markings of a warrior... And I'd like to see more of them."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Szayel sat back in his chair, watching as the image on the screen before him came into focus, revealing the the grinning figure of Kisuke Urahara- seated in a chair in his lab, wearing his ever-present striped hat and his cane resting against his shoulder.

"Grantz-san, are you receiving me?" He began.

"Yes, I can see and hear you perfectly." Szayel replied coolly. "How's the reception on your end- am I coming through to you correctly?" The Espada asked with a smile.

Urahara nodded. "Perfectly, there doesn't seem to be any kind of delay on this end..." The scruffy blond answered him. "This really is incredible... The rate of technological advancement that's occurred since I fled from Soul Society is stupendous. To think we've reached a point where it's actually possible to have an inter-dimensional 'Skype' chat, amazing." He remarked, glancing around the room.

Szayel nodded. "Well, Urahara-san, perhaps if you'd remained in command of the Twelfth, instead of the clown-faced cretin, then you might have been able to use the Divisions technical facilities in order to achieve similar results to this..." The Arrancar mused. "Still, I didn't contact you just to reminisce."

"Indeed." The former Captain replied. "This line of communication you've set up, I image that it's no small undertaking, considering the power needed." Urahara continued. "I expect that something must have happened- something related to the distortion caused by the Ouken's destruction?"

"Possibly..." Szayel countered, rubbing his chin. "We were in the process of monitoring it, when there was a momentary disturbance- I believe it was something from the Distortion. If this were happening in the living realm, it would likely be in the form of electromagnetic outburst or radiation... But we're dealing with something totally unknown- something fundamentally different from anything else that ever previously been encountered."

"Szayel," Urahara began seriously. "Have you spoken with any of the other Captains or officers of the real extent of your suspicions regarding the Distortion?"

The pink-haired Espada shook his head. "Aside from yourself, I assure I've been quite selective with the information, if only to avoid causing a panic." He explained. "At the moment, my theories are little more than unsubstantiated speculations..." Szayel continued. "I've confided with Nemu, who's trust is implicit, and with you because I believed you would be sympathetic to my line of thinking."

"The kind of research you're doing... There's a fine line, between scientific curiosity and madness, try to keep that mind as you continue." Urahara offered. "As to this 'disturbance' that spoke of... What are your plans regarding it? I can't imagine you intend to just ignore it."

"For now," Szayel paused, looking at the screen. "I wait... And see if it happens again. I want to see if this more than just a random event- if it keeps happening, then there's a chance that there's some kind of intent in the disturbances- a pattern to discern." He reasoned.

The other man gave a thoughtful expression. "Now that you have my interest, do feel free to keep me appraised of any further discoveries that you might make." He offered with a smile.

The Arrancar grinned back at him. "But of course."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Amidst the hustle and bustle of people, a lone figure- dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt and a pair of dark gray cargo pants- made his ways down the busy street. He soon turned a corner, around the side of an old building and into an empty lot. Upon arriving, a number of other figures turned to silently watch the mysterious figure as he approached them.

One of them- a tall man, wearing in a heavy overcoat, with his hair braided into long dreadlocks- was quick to stand up, while the others appeared content to look on quietly. Another man- decked out in a pair of camouflage pants and combat boots, and wearing an old Misfits band t-shirt and cropped dark hair- sat atop of an old crate, an aluminum bat wresting on his lap. While a third man- clad in a black leather jacket (with metal studs), black padded motorcycle pants, a pair of industrial boots and leather gloves- is leaning against the wall, gripping a length of metal chain, slung over his shoulder.

The hooded man stepped forward, holding his hand up as he silently regarded them. The tall man with the dreadlocks said nothing, while the others simply waited. "I just got word from the boss, he says that the plan is finally 'go'." He revealed to them with an even smile.

"Dario, what about the others?" The man with the bat asked him.

"Spread the word around town, it's time to start mobilizing the crew." He began. "Mr. Crowley wants everyone available for this mission." Dario explained. "Slash," he continued, turning to the the man in the long coat. "We've gonna raise some serious hell in the coming days, so get in touch with Sid and Nancy and tell 'em the score- we need everyone we can get."

"Finally, I'm getting tired the whole pastoral feel of this place." The man in the leather jacket remarked, the metal studs causing it to rattle slightly. "What about Jinx and the others?"

"Like I said," Dario replied. "The more, the merrier."

(- End of Chapter XIV -)