First off, I want to thank Shoma for reviewing the last chapter.
That said, there's something I want to get your guys opinions on... One reason the chapters take as long as they do is because they're pretty long (at least, by my standards). I try to make each chapter equivalent to a TV episode, with the idea that 1000 words is roughly equivalent to about 5 minutes of screen time, hence why I set a minimum goal of 4000 words (20min). I prefer for the chapters to clock in between 4000 to 6000 words on average (20-30min), and only go over this for special occasions... though, several chapters (including this one) have run longer than I expected.
Which brings me to my question. Out of curiosity, would you prefer to have shorter chapters posted more often (and more on schedule), even if that means less happens in them. Or, do you prefer the longer (and more detailed chapters) that I'm doing now? Regardless, I'll continue to write the chapters as best as I can, but depending on your response, future chapters might be a little shorter sometimes.
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter XVII:
"The New Division"
Soul Society, Central Chamber...
Nelliel pulled her brilliant turquoise main back into a ponytail, then made her final checks to the fresh set of robes she'd been provided with, making sure that the black kimono and hakama were in order. Her Zanpakuto was tucked into the thick sash around her waist...
The female Arrancar, who had once served under Aizen as the Tercera Espada, almost couldn't believe it when the Shinigami had approached her about serving as the Commander of a special new 14th Division: comprised of both Soul Reapers and her own kind. She was eager to once again be back out on 'the field', as it were, so she'd managed to compose herself and accepted their generous offer. And so, this was how Nelliel-Tu Obberschank now found herself about to be formally recognized by the Captains, who's ranks she would now be joining, as the leader of the Fourteenth.
Thankfully, she still had plenty of time to work out the finer points how to run a Division, as they were yet to begin recruiting potential candidates to fill the seats of her joint force. In the meantime, she had a final formality to see to. Satisfied, she made her way out of the room, down a short hallway, where she was met by a number of the Captains in the Gotei Council.
Among the Shinigami: was the friendly, white-haired Captain she'd come to know as being Ukitake, as well as the serene, dark-haired woman that she knew to be Unohana. In addition to them, the Arrancar recognized the tall unkempt figure of Shunsui who ran the Eighth Division, as well as the ever-serious wolf-headed Captain Kumamaru of the Seventh. She'd yet to find the nerve to inquire as to the nature of the beast man- to ask him, or someone else, as to why he appeared to be a totally unique creature amongst all of the otherwise human looking Shinigami.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Eleven HQ...
Zaraki Kenpachi was not the sort of man who was easily surprised. After all, he'd seen and fought and killed just about anyone or anything imaginable. It was all these countless, bloody experiences that had helped make it possible for the imposing man to take control of the Eleventh Division- having easily killed the previous Captain, who'd grown sloppy and fat after years of indolence.
Still, he had been mildly surprised when Yachiru had informed him that the smaller, female half of the Primera Espada had come by to inquire as to whether their Division had any wooden kendo swords that she could barrow. He had 'adopted' the little pink-haired girl before he'd become a Captain, and given their years of association, it was only natural that she should serve as his Lieutenant. Given all of this, he knew her well enough to know that this wasn't a fabrication on her part. While she may have excelled in the art of mischief and spreading chaos with her antics, she was not the type to lie.
Apparently, the smallish Arrancar had asked for a pair of them, leading him to conclude that she was planning on sparring with someone. Though, he couldn't help but wonder as to who exactly her partner could have been. Given that she'd asked for wooden swords, rather than actual blades, likely ruled out it being another Arrancar- as they would have had hierro to protect them. And her partner would likely have to be of similar height and build to work with her...
And this meant that she was probably dealing with someone who didn't have much experience when it came to drawing a sword, which further limited the possible choices. Normally, he wouldn't have cared. However, if the Arrancar had taken it upon herself to enlighten someone to the ways of the sword, than he wholeheartedly approved. As far as he was concerned, there were already far too many people who relied on their Shikai or Bankai or other spiritual powers in order to win, and thus remained ignorant of how to actually handle a sword in a life-or-death situation.
And the prospect of having even just one less dewy-eyed pacifist in Soul Society certainly appealed to him...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
"We wanted you know that it was unanimously decided upon that you, Nelliel-Tu Obberschank, are the ideal leader for the new Fourteenth Division." Unohana explained calmly, her tone remaining even and measured as she spoke. "All that remains now is for you to formally accept the post."
Nell was suddenly struck by enormity of the situation, by the fact that she- a Hollow- was being offered the Captaincy of a Shinigami Court Guard. She covered her mouth, trying to steady her breath, thinking about everything that had lead to the culmination of this moment: and she was struck by the thought of her past self might not have registered the importance of what her present self was experiencing. In her previous existence, she had been satisfied with her duties as an Espada.
And she felt humbled by her revelation. It was as if she had previously been blind to the greater world around her. Nelliel had no concept of joy, or anger, or sorrow, just duty. If not for her banishment to the wastes of Huecco Mundo, she never would have crossed paths with Ichigo and the others, which had set in motion the events that had brought her to this very moment. Just as, had it not been for her exile all those countless years ago, that she realized that Dondachaka and Pesche were more than just simply her Fraccions- they were, in every way that mattered, her brothers.
She took a deep breath, then released. "I'm sorry... I guess I'm only just now beginning to appreciate all that I gone through to get here." Nelliel explained with a smile. "I would be... honored, and so I humbly accept the post as Captain of the Fourteenth Division." She replied with a bow.
"As you must realize, it will still be some time before the Fourteenth can become operational." Shunsui explained with a leisurely smile. "Until then, you will need to start laying the groundwork to build your Division upon... including choosing your officers." He elaborated.
"Your Lieutenants are your right and left hand, the conduits between yourself and the others who will one day serve under you." Captain Ukitake offered. "It's our intent that your Division should serve as a liaison, a means to bridge the shared interests of the Shinigami and the Arrancar."
"Captain Ukitake is correct," Unohana offered. "In order to survive, we must all evolve- the Arrancar as a people, and Soul Society as an institution- or there can be no future for any of us." The dark-haired woman explained. "You are the standard-bearer of this idea, Nelliel-san. Reach out, gain their trust, and show them that there is another way- a better way."
"It's paramount that the treaty become a lasting peace." Shinji remarked. "We believe, that in time, the Arrancar can become a proactive force in shaping their own future. And potentially, a valuable asset to Soul Society and its enduring legacy." He continued. "Your Division will hopefully show them that a future built upon peaceful coexistence is in our shared interests."
"In the meantime, I have good news." Shunsui began. "My previous Lieutenant, Lisa Yadomaru, is one of the Vizard..." He explained. "That, combined with her past experience, would make her idea to serve as your Blue Lieutenant." The Captain paused. "And I can say, that after a bit of prompting on the part of my dear Nanao-chan, she tells me that Lisa-san is willing to accept the post."
"As you may have observed, like with Kurosaki, we Vizard have undergone partial Hollowifacation, and retain both the powers and the... perspective that comes with the mutation." Shinji explained, as he took a step forward, bringing his hand up. "I guess you could say..."
The Vizard brought his hands up, leaving his fellow Captains to watch- in varying degrees of surprise- as the air tensed around them. "that it's a life-changing experience. But then..." Shinji trailed off, only to give a wild Cheshire Cat smile as he continued. "I much prefer to focus on the positives." The lanky blonde Captain quipped, his muddy brown eyes turning gold and black.
"After the last hundred and twelve years, I've realized something..." Shinji remarked jovially, his voice low and distorted, as black flames erupted from his hand and engulfed his head, forming his distinctive Hollow Mask. "that whatever doesn't kill you... only makes you stranger."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Living Realm, Karakura...
Orihime had approached Ulquiorra during the school week about going to the large shopping mall over the weekend. While he had failed to see the merit of the outing, however the woman had been emphatic that he accompany her. What finally convinced him to come along was when she offhandedly remarked that going to the mall was "one of those things couples do."
This was something he could appreciate... He wasn't human, but he learned quickly, and he'd observed a number of mated humans taking part in such outings: and concluded it was a means of deepening the bond between them, and make clear to any potential 'rivals' that they were taken. He knew that humans relied on shared experiences to form bonds with one another, unlike with Hollows, where such bonding worked largely on an instinctual level, with little 'fanfare'- other than establishing dominance.
Since their much needed heart-to-heart a few months back, in which Orihime had made clear that she had some appreciation for his perspective- as well as a desire to better understand how he saw the two of them- and was making an effort to include him in her life. So it was only fair that he reciprocate the gesture in-kind, and learn how to be a 'boyfriend' (and eventually a 'lover') to her than simply a mate. Ulquiorra wasn't prone to strong emotions, though he found the woman to be an exception. As far back as their time in Las Noches, he had sensed- perhaps at first unconsciously- that there was something unique and precious about her, something he was willing to fight for.
It was late fall, and the days had recently gained a chill that necessitated that they start wearing coats over their regular clothing. Ulquiorra knew the woman liked dressing up in 'cute' garments, so he took note when he'd witnessed her emerge from her bedroom- with a pair of dark insulated leggings under the tartan skirt she was wearing, along with a hip-length coat. After making sure he was dressed in a warm sweater- which she'd helped him pick out, evident by the diagonal green/black/gold grid-like pattern in the front- and his coat, they had set out.
As so, he currently found himself casually perusing the isles of a video outlet while the woman was looking for the latest issues of weekly manga she liked to read. He turned into the sci-fi/fantasy section, when something caught his eye. He picked up one of the DVD cases and looked it over, then turned it around to read the scrawl of text on the back. "Slain in battle at the hands of the vicious Kurgan in the sixteenth century, only to be reborn as an Immortal, Connor Macleod is the HIGHLANDER..."
Ulquiorra fell silent for a moment. "...after centuries, Connor and the other remaining Immortals are drawn to America, to fight- until only one remains, to claim the THE PRIZE." The former Espada read from the synopsis, before taking note of something else.
Ulquiorra's brow furrowed slightly."Highlander 2: The Quickening..." He read, picking up the DVD to look it over, then turned his gaze to yet another DVD. "Highlander: The Final Dimension..." He spoke as he held up the third installment of the series...
He knew that Orihime owned one of the machines that could play these discs on the TV in the living room, and he also noted that they were all reasonably-priced. And Urahara- for all of his buffoonery- was no fool, and he kept up with his records, making sure to pay him every other week. Beyond simply helping with the monthly utilities and the grocery bill, he didn't have much use for the money, so he could afford to 'splurge' on occasion, and these films had peaked his curiosity.
By the time his red-haired companion returned, a weighted plastic bag in one hand, she was promptly met by the sight of Ulquiorra: standing at the register, as he produced a handful of bills from his pocket to pay for the movies that he had just purchased, and as quietly received them- now bagged- along with the random mix of coins that made up his change.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
"What the hell were you thinking, Shinji?" Kensei began. "Your mask isn't some cheep parlor trick for you to break out whenever you feel like showing off!" The Captain of the Seventh declared.
The blonde Captain stopped and quickly turned to face the other man. Shinji smiled, his hands moving to his hips. "I fail to see the problem, why should we be fearful of a part of ourselves?" He countered as he looked Kensei in the eyes. "Ever since that night, when I lead us all into that ambush, Aizen sealed our fates with the power of the Orb." He continued. "It's time you gave some thought to just what it is that you want from this existence of ours, Kensei."
He arched a dark brow. "What do you mean?"
"All we have, all anyone has, is this moment in time... This is the point in which we exist, the 'Now', because The Wheel never stops turning." Shinji replied. "Just take a look around you- there's been more genuine progress in a matter of months, than ever occurred in the previous centuries combined."
"Granted, things certainly have changed... and for the better." Kensei conceded.
"And I, for one, plan to be at the spearhead of this progress." Shinji continued. "Because the Vizard are the embodiment of this convergence... The future!" He declared. "How many centuries have been spent hunting and purging the Hollows, only for them to turn out to be the solution?"
"The solution, to what?" Kensei asked.
"To everything." Shinji answered enthusiastically. "And now, I can say, in spite of his motives, Aizen was correct in one regard." He continued. "When he intervened and accelerated the development of the Arrancar as a species, he instigated what was to be the crucial first step in the synthesis of Shinigami and Hollows, the perfect being." The blonde exclaimed. "The greatest threat to Soul Society was never the Hollows or even Sosuke Aizen, but rather our own complacency..."
Shinji's lips curved into a smile as he went on. "Progress is inherent to society- culturally, scientifically, technologically- it's the only way to survive. We either advance, or we stagnate, and ultimately descend into cultural decay." He continued. "After more than a century of deadlock, it took Aizen's betrayal and full-scale invasion to force Soul Society to adapt and change- to evolve- in order to survive." The lanky man reasoned. "Now, Kensei, I asked you what you wanted? Because, I think you want more. You want to live, because you've had a taste of real living- and not just alone, but with Mashiro."
The white-haired man's eyes widened, then he frowned. "You're remarkably well informed..." Kensei commented wearily. "Still, tell me something... how long have you been thinking this way?" He asked the other man. "Because if I hadn't known you for so long, then I might start to think that you're loosing your perspective..." He paused. "Just how long have you been staring into the abyss?"
"Long enough." Shinji answered glibly. "And now that my eyes are open to the truth, there's no going back, not when the future lies directly before us." He continued. "Our long exodus is over and soon we will be made whole once again..." The Captain revealed. "In time, things will become clear to you and all the others, just as they have for me." He paused. "In the mean time, you might want to take a little time to read some of Nietzsche's writings, before you start casually referencing him."
Kensei glared at the verbal jab, but Shinji only smiled. "But for now, I suggest you give some thought to my earlier question... Perhaps we will speak of this again in more detail, but until then, I believe we have our respective Divisions to return to, hmm?" He remarked with a grin.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Kuchiki Estate...
Byakuya was looking over a scroll, while the clerk sat nearby, checking over various financial records and statements related to the creation of the Fourteenth. The slender, older man reached up to adjust his glasses, before he turned to the young nobleman. "Thanks to the treaty with the Arrancar, Soul Society has been able to focus more of it's resources and time on rebuilding."
"This puts us ahead of our original time line," he continued. "Without the constant threat of Hollow infiltration looming over the people, they can return to more productive work. The sooner the granaries, breweries and fisheries are back to full production, the better." The clerk reasoned as he looked over the various documents before him. "It takes more than reishi to see to the people's needs."
"Agreed," Byakuya replied simply. "A return to normalcy is what is needed now." The gray-eyed man remarked evenly, as he continued looking over the scrolls. "Given the family's considerable wealth, the support of the Omaeda clan will be invaluable in getting the new Division up and running..."
Byakuya couldn't help but recall when he'd attended the Omaeda's memorial for their late son. As the head of his own family, his presence in such functions was one of the many things that was expected of him- that he be there, as a representative of the Kuchiki- to convey his family's condolences. Though, as a noble, class sensibilities prevented him from openly voicing such sympathies- as to do so would be a breach of protocol and would be frowned upon.
Still, while he remained stoic, Rukia was not so limited, and therefor could afford to take liberties that he couldn't. Particularly, when his adopted sister had moved to openly comforted the family's youngest daughter, little Mareyo... Even thinking about her made Bayakuya once again wonder if the petite girl was truly related to the rest of those with whom she shared the Omaeda name with.
"If you have any further information of note you wish to convey to me," Byakuya announced in his usual measured tone as he rose to his feet. "I shall be in my quarters. Pass the information to one of the attendants, and they will see that it's relayed to me in due course." The Captain finished, getting a bow from the bespectacled man as he departed the study.
After retiring to his room, Byakuya removed his silken windscarf and placed it inside the ornate case that had been custom-built to house the priceless family heirloom. He opened the closet and hung his white Captain's haori inside it. After changing out of his uniform and into his house clothes, he took a seat beside the large futon. He turned up the nearby oil lamp, to look over a handful of documents that pertained to himself, rather than the family. After a moment, a allowed a small sigh.
Byakuya's brow furrowed slightly... He'd never approved of the relationship that had, up until recent events, appeared to be forming between Rukia and Ichigo Kurosaki. To his annoyance, there had been a time when he feared the two would have ended up together- and that any effort on his part to distance the young human-shinigami hybrid from her would have only served to spur them on. If necessary, he would have directly intervened, making arrangement for her to be sent off somewhere, to a place even Kurosaki couldn't get to her, and he would see to it that there would be no chance of her seeking him out in the living world by her own initiative.
She would likely hate him for it, but Byakuya would shoulder her resentment, knowing that his actions were done in her best interests. More than most, he understood all too well of the dangers of impulsive actions, and even more so what became of them. As the head of the family, his upbringing allowed him to make difficult or distasteful choices, choices that others could not. The Captain knew from personal experience that not every love story ended happily.
What would his late wife think of him now?, he wondered. Certainly, the issue might have been handled different were Hisana still alive... But she was not. And so, the choice to act fell squarely upon him, and he only had his own experience to turn to, by which to judge. And so, he would become the 'villain' in her story- because he could bare the burden that came with the part. And, upon reflection, he couldn't help but think that sometimes, unlike the stories, the "princess" had to be locked away in the tower, if only for her own good.
Because he could live without her approval, or even her affection... But not without her happiness.
After all, a heavy heart was a small price to pay, if it meant saving Rukia from her own destructive and transitory desires. Just as Rukai's anger and outrage toward him him would be a small price to pay, as it meant ensuring her happiness in the long run. He had promised Hisana that her sister would be looked after in her absence, and he was willing to do whatever was needed to keep that promise...
But then, fate had seemed to intervene on his behalf, removing Kurosaki from the picture. For without his powers, he had no place in Soul Society, nor a means of navigating his way to her. Byakuya's only concern now was making sure that Rukia was able to move on with her life. He was no fool, and so had recognized the rapport between them- as he did, in fact, have heart. Byakuya was no fool, and realized that a broken heart would not mend quickly, nor lingering memories vanish over night... but given time, she would recover, because she was strong, and she would smile again...
Perhaps not for him, but she would.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Lisa made a face as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, before adjusting the angled frames of her glasses as she checked of the robes she'd recently been presented with. Also reflected in the mirror, was the form of Nanao- once her 'pupil', the little girl had grown up and taken on the post she'd been forced to abandon long ago. Turning, she regarded her for a moment...
The resemblance was... unsettling. In the past, she'd rebuffed the countless comments regarding how the (then) little girl looked like her. But now, looking at Nanao as a grown woman, Lisa silently wondered if there was something to the long running remark. Was it perhaps possible that a Yadomaru and an Ise had been a party to some illicit liaison, which had born fruit? And if so, then was the fact that their lives had become so intertwined some act of cosmic punishment for their families' attempt to conceal the act of indiscretion. Thanks to her time in the living world, it seemed less preposterous an idea. Were they human, the uncanny resemblance would have had all the makings of a paternity suit!
She shook off the thought at the sight of the smile that graced the other woman's features. Nanao was casually leaning against the wall, hands folded behind her back. "You know Lisa-san," she began with a knowing smile. "when Shunsui-san approached me to ask if I'd talk to you about serving a Lieutenant in the new Division, I had my doubts..." She paused to adjust her frames. "Given everything you've been through, and the apparent apathy of Soul Society."
She folded her arms, and Lisa couldn't help but smirk at he observation, reaching up to brush an errant strand of dark hair out her eyes. "Well, to be honest, for a little while I thought about turning down the offer, since I've been out the picture for the last hundred and twelve years..." Lisa began as she finished with the final checks of her uniform. "But then, reading trashy novels and looking at gravure magazines starts to lose its appeal after a century or so, and you have to find new ways to stave off the inevitable boredom."
Nanao couldn't suppress a small chuckle at the admission. "You know, I-" She suddenly faltered, her eyes snapping shut as she reached up and removed her glasses. "Dammit, I can't believe this... I, I'm a grown woman- I'm a Lieutenant!" She chided herself, as the slender knuckles of her delicate fingers gently brushed across her eyelids, sweeping away the tears budding in the corners of her eyes, only for more of them to quickly appear to replace them. "This, ugh, this is so embarrassing, I-"
She halted mid-sentence, when she felt a hand at the back of her head, fingers buried in her dark locks as the arm drew her in. She blinked, her tear-filled eyes opening in time to see Lisa before her, with her forehead resting against hers. She smiled, eyes twinkling behind the frames. "It really has been a long time, my little Nanao- far too long- for both of us." The older woman interjected softly.
"L-Lisa?" Nanao stuttered, eyes blinking in a frantic effort to clear her blurry vision.
"It's okay," she assured her softly. "I won't tell anyone about this." Lisa finished with a smile. "It'll be our secret."
With that, Nanao burst into tears- tears 112 years in the making- clutching onto Lisa's frame as she cried. Though, later, the younger of the two women would realize upon reflection that this outburst was long overdue.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Hitsugaya and Rangiku sat across the table from Orihime and Ulquiorra in the living room of the young woman's apartment. The boyish white-haired Captain and his buxom strawberry-blond Lieutenant were visiting the the Espada and the human, as per the stipulations of the agreement they'd made with Soul Society that allowed the two of them to remain together in the living realm.
More specifically, the two Shinigami were also there to assess just how well the disguised Hollow was integrating into the society of the humans that he now found himself a part of. Surprisingly, aside from his still rather brusk demeanor and distant personality (to anyone other than Orihime), the dark-haired Arrancar was successfully holding down a job and interacting with a number of humans on a regular basis since he'd come to the Living World to live with Orihime.
There was a kettle of warm tea on a tray at the center of the wooden table, and its four occupants each held a steaming cup in their hands. The women were doing the bulk of the talking, leaving the two men flanking either of them to sit back and silently drink their tea. Hitsugaya was content at this point to file a positive report to present to the rest of the Captains that made up the Gotei Council.
Suddenly, his ears pricked up slightly at something Orihime said. "Oh, Rangiku-san, I just remembered something I wanted to tell you." The redhead began. "When I was doing research at the library, I found this place that I really think you and Toshiro-kun should visit." The teen declared excitedly, leaving the other three to watch as she rose to her feat and ran off to retrieve a book.
Ulquiorra held a look of mild curiosity, while Hitsugaya appeared more uncertain, as the young woman rejoined them at the table. She opened the book and flipped through the pages, until her eyes lit up over a particular page, apparently finding what she was looking for. Orihime planted the open book down on the table, facing towards their two Shinigami across from them.
There was a color photograph of a large Japanese castle... "I was looking for information to use in my report for history class, when I found this!" Orihime informed them with a big smile as she pointed to picture on the page. "It's in Nagano, Nagano Prefecture- Matsumoto Castle!"
"Isn't this great, you guys should go check it out the next time you're in the living realm." Rangiku lit up instantly at the younger woman's declaration. Hitsugaya rolled his eyes as she turned to him.
"Oh Captain, it'll be so much fun!"
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Night had fallen, bathing Soul Society in darkness. The crimson-haired Arrancar- Katsuro Onigiri- was leaning against a wall, one arm tucked in casually into his black and red robe as the other hand held up his wood and brass kiseru pipe while he drew a long puff from it, drawing the smoke into his mouth to savor the taste, then blew the vapors out after a moment.
After a moment, Onigiri slowly cast a sidelong glance, toward the approaching figure the former Tercera Espada and the appointed Captain of the new Fourteenth Division. Waves of long sea-green hair shifted as the female Arrancar approached him. She smiled at him, giving away a slight hint of the pronounced canines behind the supple lips, along with the expression. She looked rather smart, dressed in her sleek black robes and crisp white Captain's haori, with her Zanpakuto "Gamuza"- in it's bright yellow-green sheath and binding over the handle- tucked into the sash around her waist.
"Obberschank-san." Onigiri greeted with a polite nod. "Well now, it seems congratulations are in order, on your appointment as the Commanding Officer of this new Shinigami Force." The swordsman added, tapping the end of his pipe- loosing the waning embers- and replaced it inside its wooden case, tucking it inside his robe, then meeting her gray-eyed gaze with his ice-blue ones.
Nelliel smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Onigiri-san," she began. "As you may or may not be aware of, I will be commanding both Shinigami and Arrancar- an experienced Shinigami and an Arrancar, to lead their respective forces." The former Espada continued. "Regarding my Blue Lieutenant, I've accepted the application of Lisa Yadomaru- formerly a Shinigami, turned Vizard- to lead the Shinigami."
"Vizard?" Onigiri repeated, quirking a thick red eyebrow.
"Hmm, yes, you might not know about them..." Nelliel remarked with a chuckled. "Well, let's see, it's a rather long and involved story." She paused. "I guess you could say that they're the result of a long and complicated series of events. They're Shinigami that have undergone partial Hollowification. They're not true Hollows, not like us, it's more like a mutation... They have Hollow reiki in them, but it's in addition to their own natural spiritual energy." She explained to him.
Onigiri nodded. "Shinigami with the energy and powers of a Hollow... Just as we Arrancar are Hollows with the spiritual energy and powers of a Shinigami." He reasoned out loud, getting a nod from Nelliel, before snapping his finger. "We gain the ability to wield the powers of their Zanpakuto..."
She nodded. "...While the Vizard have the ability to manifest Hollow Masks, which enable them to use Hollow powers- like being able to fire ceros." Nelliel interjected. "However, it's more a risk for them, if they're unable to properly learn to control their powers, then they risk being taken over by the inherent Hollow energy radiating from the mask... And the stronger the host, the greater the threat."
"Wait," the swordsman began. "That half-Shinigami whelp, Ichigo Kurosaki... I was told that he had manifested Hollow powers- in addition to his Human and Shinigami natures." The Arrancar remarked, earning another nod from the former Tercera. "And I was also told that the boy was radiating so much power that he was on par with a Vasto Lorde- whilst he was rampaging, unfettered!"
Nelliel sighed. "It's all true," she replied. "With the benefit of time and hindsight, it's now commonly believed that the growth of his spiritual powers was spurred on at such a rate that was it was beyond his ability to control in the long run." She remarked in a grave tone. "This acceleration, combined with his own reluctance and fear of his Hollow nature, set the stage for catastrophe."
The redheaded swordsman nodded intently. "And once you've let the genie out of the bottle, there's no way to put him back in." Onigiri commented. "Considering what could have happened... Well, perhaps it's best that Kurosaki lost his powers when he did, eh?"
"Still, a high price to pay, for our benefit." She spoke ruefully. "Now, despite this little tangent that we ended up going off on, there is an official reason why I sought you out."
"Oh?" Onigiri responded, his curiosity peaked. "I was wondering why your esteemed ladyship would wish to speak with me, of all people, at this hour..."
"As I stated, I'll have both Shinigami and Arrancar serving under me. Now, I have a Lieutenant to lead the Shinigami, but I still need a Lieutenant for the Arrancar." Nelliel went on. "So, I've come to you, in the hope that you would be willing to serve as Red Lieutenant."
"Me?" He asked in genuine surprise, his blue eyes wide. "You flatter me with the offer, but I'm hardly suited to such a post." Onigiri remarked dismissively. "Your interest alone is rather curious, given that I can't even achieve a Resureccion... Well, I'd hardly be a worthwhile asset to your Division."
Nelliel smiled slyly at this. "You've done an admirable job of concealing the true extent of your powers, especially given your proximity to Grimmjow." She remarked. "It's quite a skill you have, being able to keep a low profile in the presence of a predator like the Sexta..."
She paused. "However, I have centuries more experience, and my instincts are keenly honed, as well as my ability to discern the true potential of others." Nelliel revealed. "It's like looking at a single flawless pearl on the floor of the ocean- the sheen remains, regardless."
There was a moment of silence between the two of them, then Onigiri briefly broke out in a fit of rich laughter, before quelling the outburst and meeting her gaze. "You really are amazing, to rumble me the way you did, with such ease." He declared, running a hand through his hair. "Well, now the jig's up, I suppose I can hardly refuse your offer..." The Arrancar conceded.
"Nelliel-Tu Obberschank, I would be honored to serve under you... On one condition," she cocked a brow as he paused roguishly for the caveat. "that I continue to ware my own attire."
(- End of Chapter XVII -)
The next update will be a special "Interlude", featuring a key moment from Byakuya's past...
I cut this chapter short (I say "short", but it still wound up being pretty long) because the scene between Nell and Onigiri ended up being better than what I had originally planned to serve as the closer for it. I enjoyed writing the scene where Byakuya reflects on the situation with Rukia, since it gave me a chance to explore his character and show that his motives are much deeper than they might outwardly appear.