Before I post this chapter, I just want to take a moment to say thanks to both gorguts5 and TheBretonBookDragon for their feedback on the previous chapter... Anyway, I got a big kick out of the feedback you posted for the previous chapters...
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter LXXX:
"The Journey, Part 2"
Soul Society, Division Twelve HQ...
"Captain," Kuna spoke, turning toward the pink-haired bespectacled Arrancar. "We are now presently nearing one-hundred percent..." She announced. "Now! We have full power!"
"Excellent!" Szayel exclaimed enthusiastically with a broad smile, rising to his feet as he brought his gloved hand down in a quick sweeping motion. "Activate the teleportation system- now!"
And so, it was, with that one simple action, that the potted plant suddenly disappeared from the first platform in a process what could only be described as a sudden burst of energy, leaving all the people in white lab-coats assembled in the room to look on expectantly...
Then, it appeared in an identical flash of light on the other platform!
"Akon, quick, scan of the test subject!" Szayel instructed. "And be sure to run a full-spectrum analysis of the the plant, in order to cross-compare it with scan prior to the transportation."
"Uh- Understood, sir." The dour faced man responded. "Captain," He continued. "Molecular scans of the plant match up with previous readings." Akon announced. "And... So far, cellular integrity is stable, within a negligible margin of error... And, cell cohesion appears to be holding."
The Octavio couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as a round of cheers erupted within the room!
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Ichigo couldn't shake the feeling of unease as he was lead, along with Cat and Mister Gallows, to their next destination. His uncertainty only grew, in the back of his mind, when he at last finally caught sight of where they were headed, as the teen was left wondering what the point of all this was.
After all, why the hell did they have to meet this person in a brothel of all places?! Truthfully, he need only to think of the word alone, in order to put himself on edge...
And so, before them, stood a two-story western-style building, the second floor sporting a connected balcony that ran the width of it, with doors signifying the number of room, while the front of the lower level was lined with high windows and a pair of double doors in the center.
"Ooh, it looks like a saloon from a old western film!" Mister Gallows observed with a big grin.
"Your... friend is waiting for you inside." The white-haired man announced, his tone a bit uneasy and his posture shifting restlessly, before hastily departing from the scene.
"Is it just me, or did that guy seem to be a little on edge?" Ichigo asked his companions, as the three of them watched the man disappear into the masses of moving people nearby.
"Yes," the Cat replied from his perch on his shoulder. "I got that same feeling as well."
"Oh, listen to the two of you!" Gallows chided the other two. "You're both worrying too much!" The tall spindly man went on to reason. "Just relax and enjoy the experience."
And so, with that said, they headed into the interior of the first floor, the orange-haired young man and the black feline were both struck by a wave of heat and intoxicating smoke, practically having to cover their mouths- even as Mister Gallows simply smiled maniacally at the whole scene.
The expanse before them was smokey and hazy, and was only illuminated by what appeared to be old-fashioned gas lamp fixtures on the walls and on the sides of large squared wooden columns. There were a number of couches and other furniture situated about the wide open room. There were multiple tables with people playing cards, and spaces where mats were laid out for others to play games of dice.
Still, what most grabbed Ichigo's attention was the numerous scantily-clad women scattered about the area, either moving about or seated beside or on the laps of the various patrons
"Oi, you three!" A voice called out.
The unlikely trio tuned toward the source of the voice, to that of a lone figure.
They were standing behind the nearby bar, dressed in elaborately adorned and embroidered traditional Japanese clothing, including a full-length haori overcoat. The mysterious individual had a flowing main of long silvery hair, with their face concealed beneath the cover of a fox-faced mask- resembling those worn in by practitioners in the ceremonies of the Shinto Goddess of the Harvest Inarai.
At the same time, with it's 'closed' arches for eyes and its deep arching smile, Ichigo couldn't help but be reminded of the seemingly perpetually smiling face of Gin Ichimaru.
"What's wrong, cat got ya tongue?" He asked airily in a faintly Kansai accent, all the while as he went about polishing a glass. "Oh, I know! Of course, it's tha mask, innit?" The stranger reasoned, before he set the cup down. "Don't worry, I get it, it's weird to be talkin' to a guy in a mask- just a sec..."
With that, he reached up and removed the grinning facade, unveiling a handsome face with angular features and crimson eyes, while also resulting in a sudden burst of devilish reiki (youki?), culminating in a pair of pointed fur-covered fox ears appearing atop his head, as well as a multitude of voluminous fox tails materializing behind him. "So then, fellas, how'z that- better?"
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Living Realm, Karakura City...
Elsewhere, Orihime now found herself inside the apartment she shared with Ulquiorra, standing in the spare bedroom that served as the home to the large community cage that housed their birds.
Along with her, was her longtime friend, Tatsuki Arisawa. And at the moment, the sporty dark-haired young woman was helping the curvy redhead with cleaning the cage- as they changed the soiled paper lining the bottom with fresh ones made from the pages of old newspapers, and then emptied the seed cups and water feeders and filled them with fresh seed and clean drinking water.
"Ya know, I have to say," Tatsuki spoke as she looked at the little birds. "That after all this time, there's just something about these cute little guys that really makes 'em grow on you."
"Of course." Orihime responded. "The truth is, Ulqui-kun and Hime-chan, and all of their cute little friends have brought me and Ulquiorra a lot of happiness- even if he won't admit to it." She explained to her friend as she turned to look at her with a radiant smile.
"There's really just something about birds- something different from any other kind of pet- that really brings a very special sort of happiness." Orihime went on to say. "I mean, when just taking finches into account, the 'Societies' are renowned for their social nature- there's videos that you can find on-line, showing them bundled up together and sleeping, like puppies."
The other woman nodded. "I can get on board with that." Tatsuki remarked, glancing over to the side, then back to her friend with a smile. "I guess that explains the box over, then?"
Orihime followed the dark-haired young woman's line of sight, over to a large rectangular box resting length-wise against the wall. "Oh, that?" She asked. "To be honest, I don't want us to be in a position to have to keep giving away all of Hime-chan and Ulqui-kun's kids, so that's going to serve as the second-generation community cage when the time comes." The sunset-haired woman revealed.
"And I'm not just talking about Hime and Ulqui, but also the babies of the others." Orihime explained to her friend enthusiastically. "Plus, some new finches, to spice things up."
"That sounds... interesting." Tatsuki remarked "So then, um, any ideas for names?"
Orihime smiled, only nodding quietly. "Well, first off, I'd like to call one of the males 'Ulqui Junior'," she began to say. "But I also want to name one of them- male or female- 'Sora', after my brother."
"Your brother?" Tatsuki responded, brushing a hand through her spiky hair. "If I remember correctly, I thought you'd always planned to name your first child after him?"
She blushed faintly, only to then smile impishly. "That's still the plan."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
"So then, how'z that then now," the fox-eared man asked with a big smile. "Is this Better?"
"Tomokichi!" Gallows exclaimed excitedly, smiling as he quickly moved in to address the other man. "Ya bastard!" The tall man was quick to declare excitedly to the stranger. "Tell me, just what the heck are you doing here, of all places, buddy?!" He eagerly asked, grasping his hand to shake it.
"Oh, ya know, a bit o this and a bit o that." The Kitsune replied, similarly smiling. "For the time bein', I've just been doin' my best ta stay out a trouble," Tomokichi explained. "An' so, well, juz like that, one thing leads to another, and so I wind up here- of all places!- workin' as a bartender."
"You two know each other?" Ichigo asked, visibly confused.
"You'd be surprised who I know." Mister Gallows countered. "After all, when you've been around for as long as I have and experienced the things I have, a lot tends to stick with you."
"And regardless, as much as I'd love ta stay here, gabbing with ya, at length," Tomokichi resumed, his Cheshire-cat grin never wavering as he continued. "There's someone here, right now, that's supposed ta have important business with the kid that you and the feline brought here with you."
And with that, he gestured to one of the far corners of the room...
"He's waitin' for you." The silver-haired fox spirit revealed. "Oh! But he also wanted me ta tell ya guys that he's in no hurry, and that you should feel free ta enjoy yourselves while you're here!"
Ichigo blushed instantly at the insinuation. "We- er, I don't have time for this." The young man spoke, all the while fidgeting nervously. "I've got business that I need to take care of."
"Oh well." Tomokichi quipped, nodding and rolling his eyes. "No matter what else might happen, it doesn't change things for me," the Kitsune continued. "Whatever works for you..."
"Speak for yourself!" Gallows chimed in. "If you're making the offer, then who am I decline?" The tall black-clad man spoke up. "Ichigo, I'll catch up with you later, when everything is settled!"
And so, the orange-haired teen was left to wordlessly watch as the multi-tailed fox spirit wasting no time in introducing the tall man to a woman- decked out in a flashy off-the-shoulders Kimono, with her long dark hair done up with numerous fancy hair pins ornaments. Ichigo also noted that she had pointed fox ears similar to Tomokichi, except that hers were the same dark shade as her hair.
Gallows doffed his hat and smiled, then bowed politely, and she blushed faintly as he slipped an arm around her slender waist, appearing to engage in small talk with the lady- who, Ichigo again idly noted, only had a single fox tail- before the two vanished into the darkened depths of the periphery.
Cautiously, with that now out of the way, the teenager made his way across the active expanse, all the while mindful so as not to upset anyone or anything along the way...
"Ahem!" The black feline interjected, clearing his throat. "I'm afraid that all of this is- well, let's just say- that it's a bit too stimulating for my young friend." The Cat spoke suavely from his vantage point on Ichigo's shoulder. "Now, my good fox, I would advise you to keep that in mind- particularly, given that he is very much alive, and a lad of only a mere seventeen harvests."
"So, you've finally come?" A deep voice commented.
The source of the voice was situated on the crux of a couch that bent at a 90 degree angle, effectively dominating this corner of the open area. The man had long spiky blonde hair, and wore a pair of visor-style sunglasses over his eyes. He was dressed in a pair of dark gray trousers, along with a heavy blue-gray overcoat, though it was open in the front, showing off his toned physique.
Removing his shades, he looked to the youth. "Oh yes, I can see it, you must be Ichigo Kurosaki?"
Stunned, the teen was at a loss as to how precisely to respond in the face of this...
And it certainly didn't help there happened to be a beautiful woman seated at either side of his, nestled up to him, with an arm draped over them. Both of them were clad in scanty diaphanous outfits, with the thin silky fabric clinging to their bodies- exposing the supple flesh of both their ample cleavage, while also emphasizing the supple curves and lines of their hips and long legs. Similarly, their long dark hair done up elaborate braids, in addition to sporting gold ornaments and fabric interweaved into it...
"My name isn't important," he started, brushing a hand through his hair, which appeared to spill down the back of his coat. "But, for simplicity's sake, you can call me Alistair."
At this, the Cat actually scoffed, but offered no further elaboration as the man continued.
"Alistair?" Ichigo asked."...Wait, how do you even know my name?"
"That's not important, kid." He countered. "But what is, is the that after all the hardships I've endured, the truth is I'm in no hurry to move on from here." Alistair remarked. "However, let's just say that I was given a special task." He explained to the youth from his seat on the couch. "And while details aren't important, I just happen to have the key to you continuing on with your own journey."
"The key?" The Cat inquired. "And what exactly is that?"
"My insights on the Shrine of the Pilgrim," the man replied coolly. "I can activate it, which in turn will reveal the location that you'll need to head to for the next stage of your journey."
"Wait." Ichigo spoke up. "I can't help but shake this feeling that I somehow know you?"
"Maybe it's more a case you knowing of me." Alistair replied. "That said, my boy, though my earthly struggles have ended... As for yours well, for better or worse, they're far from over." He offered him in a friendly tone, with a sympathetic smile. "And you still have much to do."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Four HQ...
"This- this is really for me?" Hanataro asked as he looked at the weapon before him.
The young Third-Seat Officer and the smaller female half of the Primera Espada were standing inside his office, within the grounds that formed the heart of the Medical division that he served...
"Just take a moment, and see how it feels." Lillynette instructed calmly, a smile spreading across her face as she watched the young man draw the sword from its scabbard.
Once he'd withdrawn the blade from the saya, the sleek black metal of the weapon revealed to the young Shinigami, the light glinting off of the dark surface of it in the process. "Looking at it now, it's... well, it's amazing." He commented, as none other than Lillynette Gingerback looked on.
This time, it was the young female Arrancar who smiled bashfully. "The blade is comprised of the a special ore, found only in Huecco Mundo, that conducts the spiritual energy of the wielder." She went on to explain. "And the swords in turn becomes an extension of the person who wields it."
"Th- thank you, Lillynette-san." The dark-haired young man replied, looking to his rose-colored eyed and yellow-green haired counterpart. "I don't know what else to say, except... thank you."
She nodded, reflecting back on the transformation that Hanataro had undergone over the course of the last three years, from the nervous and glum boy that she'd first encountered, all the way to the confident young man that he'd grown into in the relatively short period of time.
"If you really want to thank me," Lillynette spoke with a modest smile, watching the dark-haired young man as he marveled at the sword. "Then, just make sure that you stay alive."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Because of certain circumstances, Ichigo and the others were left with no other option than to sit back and to linger at the establishment for a while longer...
"So, you're going by the name 'Alistair', now?" The Cat asked the man from his vantage point.
He chuckled at this, nodding. "I like to think that it's as good a name as any other."
At the same time as the two of them were talking, Ichigo found himself seated across the length of a couch from the multi-tailed fox spirit they'd met earlier.
"Ya know, my boy," Tomokichi began. "I can't help but wonder if I'm the first fox you've met."
"I've met some 'foxes'," Ichigo countered with a nod. "But you're the first literal fox I've run into."
"Still, I can only figure that I'm the most majestic fox that ya've seen?" He fired back.
The orange-haired teen managed a laugh. "Yeah... I suppose so."
"Though, I expect that ya waiting here f' your friend?" Tomokichi asked. "Tell ya what, seein' as there's no sense in us just stickin' around here an' sittin' on our hands, I'll go find him."
Eventually, Mister Gallows returned, sporting a big smile as he strode forward. "Sorry," he started, still smiling just as much. "I hope you guys weren't waiting for too long."
"Oi, you've got some nerve, ya know that?!" Tomokichi exclaimed. "I mean, what, considerin' that my girl is downright worn out, after goin' just a few rounds with you- ya beast!"
"So then, at last, it's time." Alistair commented, looking to Ichigo. "You there, kid, you've still got a ways ahead of you." He spoke up effortlessly. "It's like I said before, I'm in no hurry- I plan to spend this time enjoying myself..." The man paused. "But I have to help you move along on your way."
"Have to?" The Cat inquired coyly. "Would you care to elaborate on that?"
A shook his head. "We don't have the time for idle chatter, nor I the inclination." The fair-haired man replied simply. "But, suffice to say, it's enough for you to know that I have my reasons."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Ukitake Estate...
Jushiro Ukitake and his wife and fellow Captain Retsu Ukitake were relaxing in one of the many cozy rooms within the large and illustrious expanse of the white-haired man's family's home.
At the moment, Retsu was holding their young son Kiyoshiro- his dark brown eyes visible and his dark hair now growing in as he grew- in her arms, before shifting him so that she held him up with her hands under his arms, leaving his little feat to touch the floor without having him have to rely on his wobbly legs to steady himself and keep his unsteady mass upright.
"To think that I, seemingly so far along, would be blessed with such a beautiful child." The apparently perpetually serene woman mused, smiling. "It's more than I could hope for."
Jushiro nodded in response. "Our dear, Kiyo-chan is as much of a blessing to me, as he is to his father, and as he has no doubt been to you as his mother." Her husband responded with a smile.
Additionally, the attendant and bodyguard Mitsuki was present in the room, to say nothing of the fact that none other than Lillynette Gingerback was also seated along with them in the room.
For her part, the long-haired attendant couldn't help but smile as Kiyoshiro tottered forward, into the awaiting arms of the female half of the Primera Espada, Lillynette Gingerback.
"C'mere, come on over to your big sis, Kiyo-chan!" The adolescent female Arrancar exclaimed happily with a radiant smile, before receiving the small child into her arms.
There was a twinkle in her magenta eye, in addition to her smile. "You are sooo cute!" She gushed happily as she held him aloft, the boy giggling in the process. "Omigod, Shiro-san, he's got your eyes!" Lillynette went on to say. "Too bad he won't have your white hair!"
"Well said, Lilly-chan." The dark-haired woman replied with a subtle nod. "I've always thought the same thing!" The Medic and Captain commented affectionately, looking to her husband as she grasped his hand gently with her own. "Jushiro's white hair is one of his best features."
"So you've said, before." The man in questioned quipped. "And while I'm deeply grateful that the color my hair so appeals to you, I gladly could have done without the ailment that caused it."
"Stark." He spoke up, looking off to the side, through the open sliding door, all the way over to where the male half of the Primera Espada was quietly lounging. "Would you like to hold Kiyoshiro?"
Sitting up straight, he gave a gobsmacked look. "Me?" He asked. "Are- are you two really sure?"
Retsu promptly smiled and nodded in response. "Of course, Stark," the female Captain spoke softly to the tall scruffy brown-haired man. "After all this time, you're practically family."
A moment slipped silently by, his body language initially hesitant, then Stark advanced. And secants passed between them, with Lillynette breaking the tension as she handed the child to him.
"I..." Stark faltered, suddenly struck by an overwhelming feeling. "What can I even say?" He mused out loud, before looking to the small child cradled in his powerful hands.
"Except..." Stark trailed off, suddenly overcome be the enormity of it all. Here he was, the supposed monster that the very parents of the child he was cradling should be in fear of...
As he held the child, everyone looked on with varying degrees of interest. "Except, that for as long as I'm alive and welcome here," the mighty Arrancar continued softly, his tone uncertain, all while gazing down at the infant, as little Kiyoshiro smiled up at him. "I won't let anything bad happen..."
Jushiro's gaze focused on the Arrancar, whom he'd come to reckon as both a valued and trusted friend and an indispensable part of his ever-growing family. "I won't let anything bad happen- not to you, not your father or your mother, or anyone else here." The Primera Espada offered. "Because... what truly matters is that we have the pack, and the pack always looks after its own."
And then, just as abruptly as he'd been struck by the notion, so too then had the Arrancar been pulled back to reality. And as he collected himself, he'd turned to Kiyoshiro's parents. "Stark," Jushiro started, an earnest look on his face. "Both you and Lilly-chan will always have a home here."
"I couldn't have said it better myself." Retsu interjected with a smile. "Right now, in this moment, I'm confident in saying that over course of these last three years, Jushiro and myself have come to think of you as nothing less than an individual of the utmost character."
"Hey now, what about me?" Lillynette was quick to ask, an expectant look on her face.
"What could I possibly say about you," the white-haired man countered. "How could could I ever hope to put into words just what you've come to mean to us?"
"Jushiro's right." His dark-haired wife added, smiling serenely. "What could we even say... Other then, I suppose, that you're a very special young lady, and something to be cherished."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Later, in the center of the town...
"Ugh, it's so bright out!" Alistair had complained. "I've been inside for too long." He added as they'd continued along the way, before he donned his visor-style sunglasses.
Ichigo couldn't help but read into this, something about the long hooded coat and the visor...
"Here we are!" Alistair announced to the others as the four of them arrived at the base of a large stone structure, with a statue carved in the likeness of a cloaked figure- clutching a walking staff in one hand, with their other arm was outstretched and the hand pointing to an unknowable destination.
"Look at it," Mister Gallows spoke. "The Shrine of The Pilgrim!"
Ichigo stepped forward. "So, what happens now?"
"I do my stuff." Alistair answered coolly, before moving to a section where the surface was smooth, and proceeded to begin tracing patterns in the stone. "Guardian of the Journeyman, this Pilgrim stands before you, to seek your guidance." He spoke formally. "This we ask of you, we appeal to you that you bestow upon him the gift of you clarity, that will lead him to his ultimate destination."
With that, he removed a scroll of parchment, which he placed down upon the same surface, as it began to glow with a strange unearthly power, as the lines of a map took shape.
He turned to Ichigo, handing him the now rolled up map. "With this, you'll be able to move on from here to the next leg of your journey." Alistair explained to him. "And now, from here on, this is where we part ways." he went on. "And where the three of you must continue your journey."
With that, he started to turn away, but stopped. "Ichigo Kurosaki, I have a final bit of parting advice... You need to be ready to face your past, your fears, and the unknown."
"Ichigo," Mr. Gallows started with a smile. "I'll go on ahead and check things out," he explained to the teen. "Ya know, to get the lay of the land, while you prepare for the journey."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Ulquiorra unlocked the front door to Orihime and his apartment, stepping into the entryway, closing the door and effortlessly slipping off his shoes, before making his way inside.
Unsurprisingly, he instantly heard two voices, both of them emanating nearby from the spare bedroom where the community birdcage had been set up. Well before he'd entered, Ulquiorra had become aware of the unique energy he knew to be his mate, as was as that of her longtime friend.
It was almost amusing to the disguised Arrancar, with advantage of hindsight, just how much thing had changed between himself and the sporty young woman. After all, they'd hardly started things out on the best footing, what, considering considering the circumstances...
He'd helped to take down the Shinigami around the redhead, then delivered the ultimatum that she was to depart the Living Realm with him, lest she and her friends suffer the consequences.
"Orihime, Tatsuki," he greeted the two women. "How are the birds faring?"
"They- they're all doing well." Orihime managed, smiling.
"Ulquiorra." Tatsuki replied simply, exchanging a polite nod with the pale-skinned man.
"Well then, seeing as tonight is my turn to cook," Ulquiorra spoke, a slight sly smile on his face as he looked between the two of them. "Will our guest be staying for dinner?"
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Twelve HQ...
"Do you have any idea just how insane what you're suggesting sounds?" Akon asked, from his seat in the room, filled with other members of the Division.
"Why?" Kuna responded coolly. "We've proven that it's possible to successfully transfer living matter from one point to another- we all saw it- and with no cellular degradation."
"We transported a goldfish!" Akemi Sonata chimed in. "I don't know about the rest of you here, but I think that that's a hell of a logical leap," she continued. "And as such, I'm not all that confident that we can extrapolate those same result to a more complex being." The female Shinigami continued on in a confident tone. "It's imperative that we're able to safely send a person through the beam."
"That still means that someone's going to have go through the 'portal'." Akon commented glumly.
"So what then?" Kuna chimed in. "What else can we do?"
"Would you be satisfied if we drew lots?" Rin retorted wryly. "No matter how many animals we send through that thing, the fact remains that it'll never be the same as sending a person?"
"I don't see you or anyone else stepping forward and volunteering?" Akemi countered.
"The way I see it, it comes down to the fact that we're going to have to transport someone, otherwise we're effectively dead in the water." Akon at last spoke up again.
"He's correct." Szayel interjected, stepping forward. "Before we can continue, someone has to be sent through the matter transfer process." The Arrancar added, adjusting his glasses. "And, as the Captain of this Division, the ultimate responsibility falls upon myself, and myself alone."
And with that, everyone's eyes were now firmly fixed on him. "And so, it falls to me to make the final decision in the matter." Szayel went on. "But we can't ignore the fact that more than anything, the most crucial thing that a leader can do is to lead." He continued, looking between his Officers.
"And so, I am left with this," Szayel spoke. "That just as no respectable Commander would ever ask anything of their troops they're no prepared to do themselves..." The Octavio Espada paused to adjust his glasses, before continuing. "Therefore... I will be the test subject."
(- End of Chapter LXXX... -)
In closing, I'd just like to take a moment and apologize to gorguts5 if anything I said came across the wrong way. I do genuinely value your feedback, and so you're one of the people who's reviews I always look forward to.