And so, again, I find myself in a position to apologize for the long wait between chapters... With that out of the way, I'd just like to thank RG-Guest, gorguts5 and the anonymous "reviewer" for their feedback on the previous chapter.
Edit (8/14/19): Went back and fixed a few grammatical mistakes...
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter LXX:
"Threads, Part 3"
Soul Society, Twelfth Division HQ...
The former Captain turned shopkeeper and inventor listened as the bespectacled Espada went about explaining the state of their progress. "It's staggering to consider that what seemed like mere a shot in the dark at the time could actually lead to such results." Urahara admitted.
"Agreed." Szayel replied. "After you stumbled upon that one example hidden inside of the text of the document, the sorting algorithm Nemu created for us is proving to be a great success."
"So, what's your current plan?" The other man responded. "Or, perhaps I should say our plan, given the circumstances that we've found ourselves in?" He amended.
"Yes, in the larger scheme of things," Szayel started. "If we're going to have any chance to survive this ordeal, then everyone- all of us- are going to have to pull together."
"So far, at the moment, I have multiple teams working on constructing the various objects, mechanism and systems depicted in the schematics." Szayel explained.
"Impressive..." Urahara remarked. "You've certainly accomplished a great deal." The ex-Shinigami went on to comment. "Though, what are you hoping to ultimately achieve?"
The pink-haired Arrancar nodded. "A reasonable question," he started. "At the moment, the truth is we don't have any real idea as to what function all these things serve." Szayel continued. "However, it's my hope that things will begin becoming more, as we create more of them, as we start to have some insight into how exactly these things are meant to work in concert with each other."
"I hope you're right." The scruffy-faced man offered. "Some of these look pretty damned sophisticated, so I expect it should be interesting to see how they actually work."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Detainment Center...
"Just what the hell are you getting at?" Candice spoke pointedly, wrapping her knuckles against the table, her usual look of annoyance downplayed at the moment as she addressed the man seated across from her. "What are you getting at, Shinigami?"
The two were in a dark gray room, illuminated by fluorescent lights on the high ceiling, seated across a square metal table (about 2 meters wide) from each other. Candice idly noted that the youthful-looking man had what looked to be a tan document file with him, on the table.
"I have a name, Quincy." Shinobu countered. "But now, Miss Catnip, to answer your question, I'm here to offer you a deal: you're freedom, in exchange for helping us when the time comes."
"What?" The blonde-haired Sternritter spoke, eyes wide. "Are you shitting me?!" The mouthy woman asked, leaning forward, her hand on the surface of the table. "You're saying that the Shinigami are asking me- a Quincy- to help you?"
" I can assure you, that I'm being quite serious." The clean-shaven Shinigami answered, brushing a hand through his long medium brown hair. "The people you worked with during the attempted invasion of Karakura City, the Brethren, they're a much great threat than we ever could have predicted."
"The truth is, they didn't just betray you that day," Shinobu continued. "It seems that not long after that, they launched an attack against Silburn." He paused. "The Wandenreich forces were unprepared, and as such, were in no condition to put up a proper defense against the sudden attack."
"How...? W-what happened?" The woman asked, her previous anger seemingly sapped from her by the revelation, and an uncharacteristic expression on her face she spoke.
He nodded. "Silburn fell... We're not completely sure how, but some of the members of the Brethren appear to possess some particularly frightening powers." Shinobu spoke. "The man named Crowley, he had some sort of ability to nullify the powers of others. While the individual Dario, he's... well, frankly, there's no name for what he is... He can effect the senses, to alter a person's perception of reality."
"As for what happened..." The brown-haired Shinigami continued. "With Yhwach... deposed and its hierarchy in ruin, the Wandenreich was finished." He paused. "The survivors were left with no choice but to flee, into the Living Realm... where they still remain."
"Fuck!" The blonde cursed, though in decidedly defeated tone. Then, there was a moment, where she said nothing, before she spoke once more. "And you want me to help you fight these people?"
"That's exactly what we're asking of you." Shinobu replied. "And in return for your co-operation, once thing's are over, we're prepared to remit the remainder of your sentence and make a free woman."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
"There's one particular device that I've taken a personal interest in." Szayel spoke, as he pulled out a schematic for the other man to see. "From what I've been able to work out so far, it's some kind of sub-sonic emitter, it seems to be designed to generate a special resonance field."
"Thing's just keep getting more and more interesting." Urahara remarked. "Tell me, Szayel, when do you expect to have the device fully operational?" The other man asked.
The Arrancar nodded. "Very soon, Kisuke." Szayel responded. "In truth, I expect the device should be completed and operational while you're still here." He added, adjusting his glassed.
Urahara brushed a hand through his messy pale blonde hair. "To be honest, on one hand- as a scientist and an idealist- I can understand your excitement." He admitted. "However, as a realist, I can't help but have certain reservations at the same time." The shopkeeper continued. "Regardless of what happens... I hope that you'll exercise all due caution in the future."
"Noted." The pink-haired Espada answered, folding his arms. "The truth is, that I share your concerns, and I would be lying if I said I didn't have certain doubts." Szayel paused. "However, as scientists, you and I both know that any major breakthrough requires some degree of risk."
"Of course." Urahara answered. "How could I not understand." He added. "First and foremost, more than anything, I've always placed my faith in reason and science. The drive for greater understanding is a fundamental aspect of intelligence... If not for curiosity, people would still be living in caves."
Adjusting his hat, Urahara took a breath and and exhaled, before smiling as he reached out to place a hand on the Arrancar's shoulder. "Still, just promise me that you'll be careful."
The Octavio nodded, returning the man's smile. "I understand, Kisuke." Szayel replied, his smile now becoming sly. "Just don't let the fact that we've spent so much time together lead you to think we're going out."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Living Realm...
Ichigo was seated at a western-style table in one of the many rooms within their headquarters, when he registered the sound of nearby footsteps, prompting him to look up.
"Darkwood." He acknowledged, looking towards the man.
"Ichigo." The man replied, giving him a polite nod as he took his seat.
The teen noted subtly that the man's dark-brown hair appeared to have been brushed recently, and that his clothes looked to be freshly pressed. In addition to this, he was wearing his three-quarter length cote once again, and there was the fact that he was sporting deep red necktie as well.
Darkwood took his seat at the table. "How are feeling?"
"I have... some questions." The teen replied, looking him in the eyes. "Up until now, there's one point in particular that you've managed to avoid," he went on. "Just what are you?"
The older man didn't respond immediately. "Indeed..." Darkwood started, reaching for the ornate bottle of brandy situation on the table. "An honest question, and one that deserves an honest answer."
"Ichigo," the bearded man went on, retrieving the ornately cut glass bottle of brandy from the nearby tray on the table and filling up a glass without comment. "It's just as I've said in the past, and again in that parking garage in Karakura City... I am a Christian."
"But... What do you even mean when you say that?" Ichigo replied, confused. "It's obvious to me that you're not even human, but then... what does that mean, what are you?"
The bearded man nodded. "Well then... as long as both of us are being honest with one another," he paused, before going on. "The truth is, I've gone by many names and held many titles over the countless years, but the fact remains that I am a living part of this world's history."
"You see, for thousands of years, what the Shinigami call 'Dark Energy' has been trickling into this realm, little by little." Darkwood paused. "That is, until recently- roughly three years ago- when things changed, and it was now possible for us to come out of the shadows.
"Changed?" Ichigo repeated. "Wait, you're talking about the 'tare' in reality caused by the Oken?" The teen asked, receiving a nod from the man. "But then, you, the Dark Energy, the Anomaly, you're all part of the same thing..." He paused. "Except, for Manifest... how does that play into all this?"
"Manifest is the means to ultimate understanding." Darkwood replied. "It's a key, to unlocking power, to unlocking potential, and one day to unlocking the greatest enigma of all."
Ichigo was even more curious now. "And that is...?"
The bearded man merely smiled. "Quite simple: What is Life?"
"Then..." Ichigo faltered. "H- how do I fit in to all of this?"
"The truth is, you're not the first person I've sought out and aided... On the contrary, I've been looking for the 'right' person for quite a while... without success." He continued. "And yet, when I first heard of you, I knew I had to seek you out and see for myself." Darkwood explained. "And the fact is, that from the start, I could see there was something special about you, Ichigo."
The orange-haired teen gave a dumbfounded look. "I- I don't know what to say..."
Before the conversation could go on, a third person- someone, he surmised, as one of the Brethren that he hadn't been introduced to as of yet- stepped into the room. "Darkwood," they started, before looking to the man, as he broke the silence. "...Darkwood, it's time."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Inside the gray room within the Detainment Center, Lieutenant Nanao Ise sat across the square metal table from the white-haired, mustached Sternritter Officer.
"Captain Robert Accutrone," the bespectacled woman started. "My name is Nanao Ise, Lieutenant of the Eighth Division of the Elite Court Guard." She elaborated. "And the reason you've been called here today, to speak with me, is simple: we have a proposition for you."
A moment passed between the two, before Accutrone broke the silence. "Looking at you, Lieutenant, I must say that the resemblance really is most uncanny." He commented after a moment.
"Resemblance?" Nanao repeated, a quizzical look on her face.
"Please, forgive me, Lieutenant Ise," he began. "But I can't help but take notice of the rather striking resemblance between yourself and the previous Officer that I liaised with, Lieutenant Lisa Yadomaru." The Quincy offered in an appeasing tone. "But more importantly, your proposal?"
"Yes." The Lieutenant responded, chuckling faintly. "Well, Yadomaru-san was effectively my mentor when I was young, so I might have picked up some on her- let's say- affectations, and I too have noted the rather uncanny resemblance between the two of us." She replied coolly. "But as to the matter of why I'm here... As previously stated, Soul Society has an offer for you."
Accutrone arched a brow. "Please, do go on." He prompted, relaxing in his chair.
Nanao nodded. "The individuals who betrayed you, during your invasion of Karakura City, that have now because a threat to Soul Society and its allies." She stated. "The simple truth of the matter is that we don't know the full scope of our enemy, and as such, we have come the conclusion that the most prudent course of action is to ensure we have all the help we can get."
"Let me just be clear," the man started. "You're asking me- an Officer of the Wandenreich- to fight for you, alongside Shinigami and Hollows?" Accutrone asked, receiving a nod. "I'm assuming that you're extending this same offer to others, correct?" He went on to ask.
The female Shinigami adjusted her glasses, nodding. "Yes, we're currently in active communication with several of your colleagues." Nanao admitted.
"I see." Accutrone responded. "And what would I receive in return, for siding with you?"
The Lieutenant leaned forward. "Something you can't refuse... Your freedom."
The Sternritter appeared to think this over for a moment, before nodded. "Very well..." The gunslinger Quincy replied in a calm tone. "Then, for whatever it's worth, Lieutenant," he offered the woman with a gesture of his hand, towards himself. "You may count on me."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Ukitake Estate...
"I have to say," Jushiro started with a smile. "Color me impressed." He added. "To be perfectly honest, I never would have thought you'd have it in you, my old friend."
The man in question, Shunsui Kyoraku, only smiled bashfully and nodded. "Well, to tell you the truth," the scruffy-faced swordsman started, addressing his long-time friend. "It was much on the efforts of my Nanao-chan as it was on me... perhaps, even more so." He admitted.
Jushiro nodded, taking his seat and beckoning for the other man to join him. With this now done, the two senior officers and Captains were now seated in the wooden patio overlooking the expansive rear courtyard of the other man's family estate. "Now, my old friend," the white-haired Shinigami began in a congenial tone. "Join me for a drink, so that we might talk of happier matters."
Shunsui nodded. "You're a good friend, Jushiro," he started, taking a drink. "And, not to mention," he went on, smiling at him. "I have to say, you're also too clever by far."
The remark seemed to amuse the man, as he just chuckled and nodded, before holding up his own cup of sake in a similar gesture, and then taking a drink. "You and I, Shunsui, the two of us are lucky men." Jushiro replied, still smiling. "I mean, wouldn't you say we've been fortunate?"
"Very fortunate." The Captain of the Eight Division replied. "We've both been blesses..." He began. "Blessed with good friends, blessed with good woman at our sides, and most of all- blessed with good fortune."
"So true, my old friend." This time, the Captain of the Thirteenth nodded. "Though, in my case, I've also been blessed with family, and not just through ties of blood." Jushiro spoke. "I have you and Stark as my chosen brothers, just as I have Lilly-chan and my own Kiyoshiro-chan as my children."
Shunsui smiled at this, taking another drink. "Well now, by the sound of things, it almost seems to me like Stark-san and Lillynette are as good s good as full-fledged members of the Ukitake-clan."
Jushiro chuckled and nodded, giving a knowing smile. "Yes, I suppose it does..."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Szayel regarded the object before him...
What appeared to be the main component was a large metallic tube, about a meter in height and a sixty centimeters in diameter, with a spherical metallic object fixed atop of it, about twenty-four centimeters in diameter. This, in turn, was mounted a large square object, that looked to be about eighty centimeters in height, with a large sophisticated control projecting out from the side.
It was strange... Since the pink-haired Arrancar had first set eyes on the schematics for the mysterious device, he had been inexplicably drawn to it. Even now, as he stood before it, the Octavio still couldn't figure out what exactly it was about it that continued to so compel him.
The pink-haired Espada sat down on a folding chair placed in front of it, not doing anything at first as he looked intently at the machine. After a moment of this introspection, he reached out and pressed the power button on the control panel, which caused it to flicker to life- including a digital display showing a narrow black line streaming across the rectangular screen, similar to an oscilloscope.
Next, he reached over to a dial, which began to slowly turn- shifting upwards from zero...
The immediate result was that the narrow line began to ripple and distort, reflected in the fact that the cylinder appeared to be subtly vibrating. "What is this...?" Szayel spoke aloud.
And yet, the Arrancar wasn't content with this, as he slowly turned the dial up- causing the rippling in the line to morph into a curving wave-form. As soon as Szayel did this, the vibrations emanating from the metallic object intensified. It was at this point, that the scientist became aware of a low throbbing sensation in his head, something like a mild headache.
"Ugh..." He grunted, before shaking his head and refocusing on the control panel. "No, no... Whatever is happening... I can't get distracted." He reminded himself. Szayel then looked back to the metal cylinder, and noted that the vibration of the object appeared to have intensified.
Szayel leaned back in his chair, squinting his eyes. "Something's not right..." He mused aloud, before reaching for the dial once more. The Arrancar wasn't even sure what he was hoping to achieve, except for the fact that he couldn't shake the desire to further turn up the dial...
It was at this point that the dull throbbing in his head became more pronounced. Szayel turned his gaze downward, closing his eyes and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "What's going on...?"
As soon as he opened his eyes, everything was slightly out of focus. Worse yet, the atmosphere of the room had begun to feel oddly 'heavy'. At the same time, the throbbing in his head that he'd experienced was overtaken by a new sensation... His mind was racing at the moment, and he was suddenly alert and aware of everything. It was as if every part of his brain was being hyper-stimulated.
His vision began to blur as he turned the dial up even further...
The next thing he knew, he was a small square room: The entire chamber was white and sterile, save for the transparent glass wall at the front. There, on the other side of the glass, was Mayuri Kurotsuchi, a maniacal smile on the garish man's face, while Nemu stood beside him...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Captain Soifon and Ggio Vega were seated in a waiting room with the Fourth Division...
Looking over to the slender dark-haired woman beside him, Ggio noted that his partner was sporting a slightly pensive look on her face. "Soifon," he started, draping his arm over her shoulder. "Whatever it is that worrying you, I'm sure everything's going to be fine."
This seemed to help put the woman at ease. "Sometimes..." Soifon started. "I can't help but think about how can you're able to be so positive throughout this, Ggio?"
Still with his arms around her, the grinning Arrancar responded: "Because this is our child we're talking about, and any kid of yours is going to be amazing." Ggio responded with a smile.
Soifon relented, smiling as she relaxed against his shoulder. "You really are something." She admitted, allowing for a small smile. "And here, to think I was so worried at one point..."
"Hmm..." Ggio sounded as he looked down. "Hey Soifon," he began slyly. "Is it me, or are your breasts a little bigger than they used to be?" The Arrancar asked, cupping her chest through her uniform.
Her face went bright crimson and she retaliated by swatting the back of his head, causing him to lurch forward in his chair as she glared indignantly. "I can't believe you!" Soifon responded in a huff, folding her arms across her chest. "Er, wait a sec..." She thought silently, before looking down at her chest.
"Hey Ggio," she resumed, her tone more curious. "When did you first notice?"
Rubbing the back of his head. "Probably the other night, when we were-"
"Alright, alright!" Soifon interrupted, red-faced and her hand covering his mouth.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Inside of a small tavern, Renji, Rangiku, and Isane were seated a circular table, sharing drinks...
"So, how is Ayasegawa-san doing?" Renji inquired tentatively, taking a drink of sake from his cup.
The silver-haired woman looked to him. "Yumichika," she started. "He- he's... better." Isane managed after a moment. "The truth is... everything he went through- well- it left him pretty messed up." The tall female lamented to the other two officers, glancing down at her cup.
"I'm not just talking about the harm he suffered while he was being held hostage," Isane continued, only pausing to down the contents of the cup. "You know, the physical abuse and the drugging... that was just part of the problem." She admitted to her fellow Lieutenants. "The truth is, I don't think that Yumichika has ever truly been alright since Madarame-san was killed."
"He wasn't the only one affected," Renji spoke up, taking another sip. "Ikaku was my friend as well, from back when I was serving in the Eleventh Division." He added, before refilling his cup.
Isane nodded. "Thinking about it, where the three of you were in your lives back then," the Lieutenant of the Medical Division started. "Wow, it almost seems a lifetime ago..."
Rangiku nodded, as she went on to finish the contents of her cup. "Along with Shuhei and Kira, both Yumichika and Ikaku were long-time drinking buddies of mine."
Renji chuckled at this. "That's not surprising, everyone's been your drinking buddy at some point."
Isane almost choked on her drink when she heard Renji say this. Covering her mouth with her hand as she chuckled faintly, finally smiling as she managed to compose herself.
"Hey!" The busty strawberry-blonde protested. "Don't talk about me like I'm some kind of barfly!"
"Looks like some things never change." Isane silently thought to herself with a smile.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
As soon as Urahara entered the room, he was met by the sight of Szayel, motionless on a chair before a strange-looking machine, his hand outstretched to the controls and a distant look on his face.
"I can assure you, Karin-sama, that Aizen has no idea as to the true nature of your heritage." Szayel spoke, as if he were in the middle of a conversation. "Not that you'd need to resort to using that Claim of yours to compel me. Believe me, I have no desire remain that man's plaything."
"Szayel, what on Earth are y-" Urahara began, but was cut off mid-sentence when he was overcome by a sudden and overwhelming sensation, such that he dropped to the floor with a gasp of pain.
"Aghhh!" The former Shinigami cried out in agony, clasping the sides of his head as whatever force that was affecting Szayel suddenly overtook him. He stumbled back, his mind in a haze as he collided with the open door frame he'd just come in through, before sliding down against it.
It was almost as if he was paralyzed, futility stuck in the doorway, completely prone and only able to look on helplessly as the bespectacled Arrancar remained trapped in his seat, the seemingly enthralled by the machine and well within its metaphorical clutches...
"...My god." Urahara uttered aloud, utterly transfixed by the expanding field that was being generated by the alien machine, the entire room nearly encompassed in the maelstrom!
"It's..." The blonde-haired man struggled to say. "It's... a MADHOUSE!"
(- End of Chapter LXX... -)
Props to anyone who got the two references in the last scene. Trust me, things will (hopefully) make more sense in the next chapter.