First off, I want thank "Guest" and Crestfallen Ogress for their feedback, and to apologize to everyone who's been following this.
The truth is, my original plan, as I began the previous year, was always going to be that this story would wrap up along with the end of 2019. But the truth is, real life has been fucking hammering me, so much so that the simple act of working on this story had become so difficult for so long that it was almost impossible at various points- lack of time and energy, issues with internet access, and a general impediment of the creativity.
Now, as to what I've previous spoken of, I'm currently faced with a slow march to the end, though- to be sure- I do have the end of the series worked out in fairly great detail, so it's all now just a matter of time...
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter LXXIII: "Penumbra"
Soul Society...
Toshiro Hitsugaya looked on as his fellow Captains Kensei Muguruma and Sajin Komamura, as the white-haired Vizard and the wolfish man went about addressing the assembled Sternritter prisoners.
"I sincerely hope all of you are able to appreciate the opportunity you've been giving," Kensei started, looking to the POWs standing before him. "As well as the severity of our predicament."
The white-haired Vizard glanced to the imposing figure of the wolfish Captain beside him, exchanging a glance with him and giving a slight nod. "As all of you've been made aware of the present situation," he went on to elaborate. "I see no need to go into the finer details- that is to say, other than to remind you that your survival is firmly entwined with ours."
"To that end, it want it to be clear that we're not looking to make to make friends, and I doubt that any of you are either." Kensei picked up. "The only thing we expect of you all, is for you play ball- for you to fall in line and to do your duty when the time comes."
"Another bit of information you might find interesting," Toshiro began. "Is that we've successfully made contact with other Quincys, situated in the Living Realm, and they're on-board with our plans."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Huecco Mundo...
Captain Nelliel-Tu Obberschank, of the Fourteenth Division, along with her two Lieutenants, Lisa Yadomaru and Katsuro Onigiri, looked on at the unfolding scene. In addition to the three of them and a handful of others from their Division, was the Sexta Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and prominent individuals within the Unaligned Arrancar from the white sands.
Presently, they were all watching eagerly as Cyrus Vaux began his address to the assembled Hollows, while standing at the foot of a hastily erected 'tower' formed by random scaffolding...
"I want all of you to take a good look around you," he began, taking a step up on the cross-beams of the ramshackle structure, until arriving at the next level. "Look... All of you, look. Never before have so many Arrancar stood together." Cyrus continued emphatically. "United."
"United... under a common cause." The charismatic Hollow went on. "Now, I want all of you to stop and take a moment to think about that- and I mean, really stop and think about it- for a moment." Cyrus paused, taking hold of the cross-beams of the scaffolding. "Just consider it... We're Hollows, but no one here is trying to kill anyone else, and I believe that says something."
Onigiri smirked as the man spoke, seemingly pleased with the response Cyrus was now getting from the audience, resting his hands on the hilts of his myriad of swords...
"Now I don't know about all of you," he continued as he climbed onto the next level of the structure and looked out to the crowd. "But what that says to me... Is that we- the Arrancar!- have managed to do something that would have been impossible just a few years ago- we have united!"
"And that fact alone speaks volumes, it says that the Arrancar- as a people, as a race, as a force- are committed to a common goal." The flashy man went on. "And that unity, it isn't just proof that we are strong- but more than that- it proves that we are stronger together." Cyrus declared.
Lisa adjusted her glasses, watching as he stepped up onto the infrastructure and began his swift ascent upwards, toward the next level of the bizarre structure...
"Think about the fact that we are all gathered here, the very idea of something like this would have been unthinkable in the recent past- that the Arrancar would rise above the savagery and barbarism that has defined us for endless millennia, to become something greater." He stated to the audience.
"And now, now the Arrancar are truly united," Cyrus continued coolly. "We have become something that will lay the foundations of not just a people, but of a society... And any genuine society defends its interests, and in turn, it defends its future." He paused, taking a breath.
"Remember this: a society that looks to the future, with hope, is a society that endures..." Cyrus went on to implore. "And to that end, so too must we realize that we can have no future by continuing to stand alone."
Nelliel smiled to herself as she watched the whole thing unfold, quietly observing it all as the speaker stepped up and climbed up onto the the top level of the structure...
"Our is a righteous one, and the only question I have for you is this... Can you dig it?" Cyrus began, throwing his arms out as he spoke. "I said: Can. You. Dig it?!" He continued theatrically. "When the time comes, the Arrancar will stand with the Shinigami, against our common enemy, and fight alongside them in the battle to come- and I can assure you all, in the fighting to come- that it will be one hell of a battle!"
Cyrus gripped the improvised railing. "People, of all races, will talk about the events of today and the days to come for generations!" The Arrancar went on to declare. "And when they do, they'll talk about how it was the Arrancar who made the difference!" He continued enthusiastically. "This is our time! Never forget, that we are the warriors, and we will fight... Our enemies are manifest and relentless, and soon enough, they will be at the 'gates', where we will be there to answer them in-kind!"
The crowd cheered uproariously, as Grimmjow's lips curved up into one of his distinctive wild and animalistic smiles. The sentiment, in turn, was reflected in the faces of both of his surviving Fraccions, Ylforte Grantz and Edrad Liones, as all of the Arrancar thrust their hands into the air!
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Living Realm, Karakura City...
"There... is one thing I am curious about." Urahara began. "You've spoken to me in the past, in regards to how 'special' Orihime Inoue is." He paused. "I've since accepted the fact that you're either unable or unwilling to reveal the full extent of what you know... But with all of that being said," the ex-Shinigami continued. "Should it be assumed the Brethren also know about just how special she truly is?"
The Man in White smiled and nodded. "Almost certainly," he began, calmly hitching one leg over the other as he shifted in the chair he was seated in. "Though I doubt that even our friend Mister Darkwood grasps the full extent of both Orihime and her powers, to say nothing of what she is becoming."
"They've gone after her twice now, both times at great effort on their part." Urahara recalled, as he sat down on a nearby stool. "Is it that they're afraid of her powers?"
The enigmatic man shook his head at this. "No, 'fear' isn't the right word." He replied. "It's far more complex than that." His mysterious visitor paused, before going on. "And to fully understand, you first have to look at the actions of the Brethren in the greater scheme of things."
"What do mean?" The scruffy man responded.
"Just think about it," he started. "Once Aizen was effectively neutralized, for all intents and purposes, there really were only two forces that could potentially check them. One of those was Yhwach and the Wandenreich, so they worked to undermine them, until they were able to remove Yhwach entirely."
"Wait, you're saying that Orihime is the other?" Urahara asked in disbelief.
"It cannot be overstated just how powerful that young lady is." He replied. "And I'm not even talking about the powers she's begun manifesting as of late. Negation- in an of itself- alone is terrifying enough, it's the power to reject the laws of energy, matter, even time itself- to change how the very nature of how the universe works." The man explained. "The ability to redefine the notion of life and death itself."
"And when you combine that with her new powers, as well as the fact she's only getting stronger over time, means that she potentially could become one of the most powerful beings in all of existence." The Man in White declared emphatically. "It's only the fact that she's so inherently good and kind that tempers all of that incredible fearsome power, that prevents it from being a force to spread chaos and destruction."
Urahara didn't respond immediately. "Sometimes, I forget how powerful she is..." He admitted to the other man. "But then, you tell me things like this, and I remember... and I can't help but feel frightened."
"It frightens me too." The Man in White offered. "But it's what she represents that frightens Darkwood and the Brethren- she's the only remaining true wildcard in all of this." He went on. "Consider that until recently, they've worked in the shadows, biding their time, building their power, and then- they finally make their move, just as Miss Inoue comes into the equation."
Urahara chuckled. "It almost all sound like some act of providence."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Gotei Council, Central Chamber...
Later that same day, the core Gotei Council, formed by the Captains of the twelve active Divisions in the Soul Realm, with Lieutenant Sasike representing the First. In addition, Nellie-Tu was able to take part by way of a highly sophisticated video conference system) from Huecco Mundo.
A number of those in attendance noted how the normally prideful Captain Soifon, due to the issue of her expanding waistline, was forced to accept assistance in taking her seat. Aside from this, everything else was in order as they looked on as Byakuya Kuchiki prepared to give his address...
At some point, it had simply become accepted that the dark-haired Nobleman and leader of the Sixth Division seemingly headed these meetings, perhaps simply for no other reason than because his natural poise and calm demeanor lent him an air of authority that was suited to taking the lead.
"And now, that I have your attention, I-"
The Captain was interrupted by a flash of energy, the sudden outburst filling the entirety of the council chamber, followed by the reveal of the what had by now become an all-too-familiar figure in all of their minds!
"Captains..." Darkwood started coolly with a smile, all whilst looking to the people at the table- all of whom were now on their feet and glaring his way. "I'd like to have a word with you all."
The bearded man's hair was neatly parted, and he was decked in his usual set of black slacks and shoes, along with a black waistcoat (with the chain of a silver pocket watch visible) worn over a white button-up dress-shirt (with the collar undone and the tie absent), and three-quarters length black coat.
"My name- as I expect some of you will know- is Edmund Darkwood," the man went on, holding up his empty hands. "And, please, do believe me, when I tell all of you now that I bare none of you any ill-will."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Fourteenth Division HQ...
Back in Huecco Mundo, Nelliel has been watching the scene unfold, by way of the monitor linked to a live-feed from the Gotei Council Chamber, as the mysterious 'visitor' had appeared.
"What's going on, Captain?" Lisa Yadomaru asked as she appeared at her side.
"Look." The green-haired woman said simply.
"Captains..." The man started with a smile. "I'd like to have a word with you all."
"Who's that man?" Onigiri was the next to ask as he moved in to join the two females already watching the screen, only for Lisa to shush him and point to the monitor.
"My name- as I expect some of you will now know- is Edmund Darkwood," he went on. "And, please, do believe me, rest assured when I tell you all now that I bare none of you any ill-will."
"Oh my god." The former Espada bore a concerned look. "This... This can't be good."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
"No ill-will?" Kensei repeated angrily. "To make such a ridiculous claim, even now as you invade our realm... You really must think very little of us if you expect us to actually believe that?"
"Invade?" The other man countered, his smile never wavering.. "This is no invasion, all that this is, is a visitation." Darkwood offered the assembly of individuals before him. "Though... depending on how things play out from here, that could very well potentially change."
"You!" Kenpachi spoke up darkly, glaring at him. "After everything your people have done," the giant Captain of the Eleventh went on. "You... you'll soon learn that we don't take kindly to threats!"
"Captain Kenpachi..." Byakuya cautioned, his tone calm and steady, sparing but a momentary glance towards the mountain of a man, managing to coaxing the giant into backing off for the moment, before speaking once more. "Mister Darkwood... Tell me, then, what exactly is the purpose of this visit?"
The man in question nodded. "I'm glad that you asked," he began. "You see, the truth of the matter is that I really am being completely genuine with you all when I say that I bare you no ill-will." Darkwood reiterated. "As to the reason as to for why I am here, that's even simpler..." He paused. "While I am not the leader, it has been and remains my privilege to speak for the Brethren. And so, I tell you now that everyone of us is working towards a greater goal, a goal- that in time- will be for the good of all of us, all life, yourselves included."
Shinji chortled at this, his usual mad smile on his face. "Yeah, sure... and I s'pose the next thing your gonna tell us that ya come in peace and ya desire only peaceful coexistence?"
"Your skepticism is understandable." The bearded man replied. "But I am telling the truth when I say that myself and the Brethren are acting with only the best interests of all life." Darkwood offered the assembled group. "And so, to that end, I will admit I have come with, well- what you might think of as an ultimatum- but I prefer to think of it as a request."
"And that being?" Captain Jushiro Ukitake asked pointedly.
"Simply put... That Soul Society, and any of its allies- across the realms- take no steps so as to possibly interfere with the efforts of the Brethren, both now and in the future." He relayed to his audience before him. "Otherwise, we will have no other recourse than to take any action as we so deem necessary."
"That's absurd!" Soifon interjected. "You can't be serious?!"
"Oh, but I am, my dear Captain," Darkwood countered. "Or, should I address you as Suí-fèng nǚshì?" He asked with a slight smile, earning a surprised look from the woman.
"By what right do you make such an outrageous threat?" Captain Komamura demanded.
Darkwood shook his head. "No, not a threat, my good Wolf." He spoke calmly. "I would never dream of making threats to any of you, especially when you have so much to- well- live for, I suppose, if that's even the right word." The black-clad man stated. "Such as you, Captain Ukitake," he said to the white-haired man. "Your son, little Kiyoshiro-chan, he's what- a year old, at the most?"
Szayel looked on uneasily as their little dialogue continued.
Retsu stepped forward, eliciting a reaction. "Ah, the other Captain Ukitake, am I to presume?" Darkwood asked with a bow of his head.
The woman smiled in reaction to this. "Darkwood-san, I am Retsu Ukitake- formally Retsu Unohana," she began. "Know now that you presently stand before the Captain of the Fourth Court Guard Division, the Head of the Medical Corps, and the Matriarch of the Ukitake Clan... But more than anything else, I am a wife and a mother, and I will not abide with you speaking so plainly on the matter of the well-being of my child."
This seemed to give the man pause, as next Darkwood bowed his head. "Madam, you shame me... I am but a poor player, far inadequate to properly address a lady of your august status." He went on, just as Jushiro stepped between them, his dark-eyed gaze meeting the other man's. "Captain Jushiro Ukitake, you and your lovely and utterly charming and most radiant wife," the man continued languidly with a smile as he went on. "You two have so much to look forward to, and as such, I envy the both of you."
The figure of Shunsui Kyoraku stepped forward, with a flutter of the floral pink kimono that hung from his broad shoulders, and regarded the brown-haired man before them. "I think you knew full-well what our response was always going to be." The scruffy-faced swordsman asserted, a dangerous undertone audible in his voice as he continued his address to the bearded man. "Just as your coming here was merely a courtesy."
Darkwood nodded, brushing a hand through his hair. "Well, all things considered, the way I see it, the only real sporting thing to do was to at least give you the choice, regardless of whatever I might have expected from you all." He admitted to the tall swordsman with a smile.
"Indeed, and most it is most considerate of you, I would hasten to add." Shunsui replied in a knowing tone, the Captain tipping the brim of his iconic straw hat with an edgy smile as he looked on at the others before him.
"You and I, we men of sophistication must adhere to a certain level of decorum." Darkwood answered him with a small smile, shaking his head. "And now, Captains," he resumed, shifting his focus back to the entire 'audience' inside the room. "My sincerest apologies for what is about unfold."
The pink-haired scientific Espada continued to observe the entire scene, reaching inside of his flowing white labcoat and producing a device in his gloved hand. At the same time, Darkwood began to radiate energy from his person, the immediate area around him crackling with power.
The device in Szayel's hand promptly sounded off, just as there was a massive out-rush of energy from the man before them. "Dark Energy..." The golden-eyed Arrancar muttered under his breath. The next thing he knew, there was a second flash of energy, followed by the disappearance of the man...
Just then, before they even had the chance to process what had just happened, every one of the screens in the room lit up with a flashing message, broadcasting on Soul Society's emergency channel:
EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY!
Priority: Code Alpha-1: Warning! Defenses Compromised! Dimensional Breaches have been detected within the boundaries of the Seireitei! Number: Unknown! Scope: Unknown!
Notice- To All Divisions: Full Alert! All Personnel are to report to assigned stations immediately! Multiple Enemy Combatants now confirmed! Assume: defense posture of extreme and Immediate Danger!
EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY!
"Oh my god..." Jushiro murmured aloud and to no one in particular as the klaxons sounded off. "It's- it's finally happening, a full-scale invasion!"
A familiar voice then cut in through the intercom: "This is Captain Nelliel-Tu Obberschank of the Fourteenth Division!" The female Arrancar announced. "We have multiple hostiles appearing within and around the base, as well as reports of other manifestation across Huecco Mundo!"
At the same time as this going on, Soifon received an alert on her PDA-like device- from Yoruichi of all people. "Not good! We've got reports of similar occurrences all across the Living Realm!"
Amidst of this chaos, Szayel took this as his cue and slipped out of the room...
(- End of Chapter LXXIII... -)