Chapter Six

Seireitei

Hiroki stared at the man in front of him. The man was called a Captain, and though Hiroki didn't know what the man's actual name was, he could feel that this Captain's power was far ahead of his own by the way the man carried himself. A power that caused Hiroki to go momentarily silent from anxiety.

"I will ask you one more time," the Captain said. "Where are your companions? If you do not answer me, I will be forced to bring you back to the Soul Society where others will interrogate you."

"I didn't come here to betray them," Hiroki answered, finally finding his voice. "I came here to talk on their behalf."

"There is nothing to discuss. Are you not willing to reveal their location?"

Hiroki took a breath before answering, "No, I'm not. I just want to-."

"Bakudō number sixty-one: Rikujōkōrō," the Captain interrupted while also pointing his index finger at Hiroki. There was a spark of yellow energy before six thin, wide beams of light appeared. They then proceeded to slam into Hiroki's torso. Hiroki quickly realized he couldn't move his body.

He couldn't reach for his sword or move his feet. He couldn't even move his head to look at the others on the roof. The only thing he could really move were his eyes which he closed. While he could feel the Reishi under his feet, he couldn't use Hirenkyaku to move away. But then he noticed that he could feel Reishi coming from the beams of light that were currently impaling him. He concentrated on those and could feel the Reishi being absorbed. The beams' light began to dim slightly, and then one by one, they began to break. The last one broke, and Hiroki could move again.

"What was that?" Hiroki asked, taking a step backward.

"That was Kidō," the red-haired Shinigami answered. "And you somehow broke out of it."

"Reishi manipulation," the Captain responded. "Further confirming the fact that you are indeed part-Quincy."

"Then why even bother trapping him?" Ikkaku asked.

"Probably to see if he could break out of it," Yumichika rolled his eyes.

"Huh?"

"The fact that he could break out of it that easily shows that he's stronger than we thought, or at least has the potential to be."

"Oh, I get it. Captain Kuchiki was testing the guy's strength. Well, I would have used a more direct approach, but alright. So can I fight him now?"

"You know that we're supposed to bring him back alive, right?"

"Yeah, but no one said anything about him being conscious."

"The Captain is the one currently engaged with the target," the red-haired guy spoke for the second time. "I don't recommend getting in his way."

"Oh come on, Renji," Ikkaku replied. "Don't tell me that you don't want to fight him too?" Renji didn't answer. Instead, he turned back to look at Captain Kuchiki and Hiroki.

"Would it be correct to assume that you won't be coming willingly then?" Captain Kuchiki spoke calmly.

"I just want to talk," Hiroki pleaded once more. "I don't want to fight."

"Then tell us where your companions are hiding, so that we can bring you all back to the Seireitei," Renji called out. "Don't make this more difficult than this has to be."

"Why can't we just talk?" Hiroki shouted. Suddenly Captain Kuchiki was behind Hiroki, his hand about to come down on Hiroki's neck, presumably to knock him out. Hiroki quickly used Hirenkyaku to move out of the way, but the Captain was in front of him as soon as he came to a stop. He moved again, and now the Captain was behind him. Hiroki could barely get away each time, and he came to the horrifying realization that this was the Captain at only twenty percent of his ability. And he hadn't even released his Zanpakutō. Hell, he hadn't even drawn it.

How strong are Captains? He thought to himself. Hiroki knew that he stood no chance in a fight at the moment. Everything from the number of opponents to their strength was against him. That was why he didn't draw his sword. If he did, he would be giving up on his current goal. Though, to be fair, his current goal wasn't looking like it was going to happen. While he was thinking to himself, he noticed too late that the Captain had appeared once more behind him. Hiroki could feel the Captain press the tip of one of his fingers to Hiroki's right shoulder.

"Hadō number four: Byakurai," Captain Kuchiki calmly commanded. A bolt of blue lighting tore through Hiroki's shoulder causing him to cry out in pain. Though that pain was short-lived as the Captain brought his hand down on Hiroki's neck, knocking the nineteen-year old out.

When Hiroki opened his eyes, he found himself on a cloud in the middle of a blue, infinite sky. He was within his mind again. And sure enough, when he glanced up, another cloud slowly descended, Kamihime sitting on it in the same position as she was last time.

"Hello Hiroki," she welcomed with a warm smile. "It's been awhile since we last spoke."

"It was only yesterday," Hiroki replied.

Kamihime chuckled, "Much like a dream, time here works differently. For you it was a day, but for me, it felt much longer. Tell me what brings you here?"

"I…I don't quite remember," Hiroki answered. "I was fighting…no, I was running away from that Captain. Captain…Kuchiki, I believe his name was? Anyway, I remember him sending lightning through me and then I was here. I guess if I'm talking to you, that means I'm not dead, at least."

"True. Let's hope that that doesn't change anytime soon."

"I'm not sure where I'll be when I wake up, but I'll make sure this isn't the last time we talk. I don't plan on dying anytime soon."

"Does anyone really plan on their death?"

"Good point. By the way, are you capable of…well, dying?"

"That is an interesting question," Kamihime responded. "The short answer is yes, but only when you die. But that does not mean I can't be damaged."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure if you were told this yet, but while using your Shikai or sealed state, if I'm damaged or broken then I can repair myself. If you fully release me, or in other words use Bankai, and I'm broken, then I cannot be repaired. Well, I can be, but it would be…significantly difficult to do, so it would be easier to assume that I cannot be repaired."

"I haven't even achieved Bankai yet, so that's not something to worry about right now. Besides, I wouldn't let you get injured."

"Sometimes it's not up to us," she smiled warmly. "But thank you, nonetheless." She straightened up. "Now it seems as if someone is calling for you to wake up. Don't worry though, I'm also certain that this won't be the last time we talk."

Hiroki was about to ask what she meant, but he could hear a faint voice as if someone was yelling in the distance and only the echo was reaching him. He tilted his head to hear better, but right as he did it, his eyes opened in the real world.

He blinked a few times, letting his eyes adjust even though it wasn't all that bright where he currently was, and he sat up. The first thing he noticed was that he appeared to be in a small jail cell with gray metal bars and a wooden floor which he was sitting on instead of a cot or mat. Outside of the cell was a hallway that stretched to the right beyond where Hiroki could see since his cell was at the end of the hallway. Against the corner of the hallway, where the end met the opposite wall of Hiroki's cell sat a man on a wooden stool who Hiroki hadn't seen before.

Even sitting down, Hiroki could tell the man was tall, seemingly around the same height as Takeo, perhaps a little shorter. He had high cheekbones and wavy brown hair tied back in a ponytail with long bangs covering the left side of his face. He also had thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks. He wore normal Shinigami robes though without any tabi, and a lady's pink flowery kimono draped over his uniform. Between the kimono and robes, Hiroki could see a haori, much like the one Captain Kuchiki had worn. He also wore an eyepatch over his right eye and had a scar along his right temple. At his feet was an open gourd, presumably with alcohol in it. The man was bent over slightly, staring at Hiroki with a relaxed smile on his face.

"I see you're finally awake," he spoke calmly, though unlike the other captain, his voice didn't relay a sense of arrogance. Rather, it seemed peaceful, relaxing even.

"Where am I?" Hiroki asked.

"It appears to be a jail cell," the man answered, glancing around.

"Yeah, I can see that much," Hiroki replied, irritated.

"No need to get mad. If you really want to know, you're in the Seireitei."

"The Seireitei? So I'm not…Why am I imprisoned? I didn't fight or anything. You know that this is kidnapping, right?"

"So serious. Here, have a drink." The man picked up the gourd and offered it to Hiroki.

"I'm nineteen," Hiroki replied.

"Well, that's a shame." The man took a small swig from it, and let out a satisfied "ahh" once he was through. He sat the gourd back down next to him.

"Who are you?" Hiroki asked.

"I should be asking you that, to be honest, but I guess I am the host. My name is Kyōraku Shunsui."

"Wait," Hiroki said, remembering what the other captain had said. "You're the Head Captain?"

"Ah, well, yes, that would be me. How did you know that?"

"Captain Kuchiki mentioned your name."

"Byakuya did?" Shunsui chuckled. "Well, that's flattering. Anyway, now that I've introduced myself, why don't you do the same?"

"Shoda Hiroki. And I still don't know why I'm imprisoned when I haven't done anything wrong."

"We can't be too careful. We're still recovering after…well, you weren't a part of it, so it doesn't matter. Although, is it true that you're part Quincy?"

"Yes, is that going to be a problem?"

"Only if you make it one. But really? Part Quincy and part shinigami. That's a rare combination. I've only met one other like you, you know, but he's not here right now. I also hear that you have companions, but you won't tell us where they are?"

"That's right. I originally just wanted to talk with you, or at least, the Shinigami in general, about helping my…friends settle down and find a home. But I'm not sure how much I can trust you all after this." Hiroki used his arms to motion around the cell. "They already don't trust you. In fact, some of them hate you."

"That is unfortunate. May I ask why they hate us?"

"Probably because you never offered them a home. Of course the Quincy also turned them away. I think the funniest part was you both did it for the same reason: they shared blood with your enemies."

"When was this? When did we turn you away?"

"Well, it wasn't me, personally. I was adopted when I was three, and I just learned about the Splintered a few days ago as well as my heritage, but according to Sad- their leader, it's been at least twenty years."

"We were a different group twenty years ago. But there seems to be a problem with your story. I don't remember us ever turning away a group of individuals who called themselves the Splintered, much less ones who shared Shinigami and Quincy blood." Shunsui sighed. "But maybe I was never informed about it. Like I said, we were a different group two decades ago. I guess I'll have to do some research."

"So am I free to go?" Hiroki asked, glancing around. Shunsui stared at Hiroki while stroking his chin as if in deep thought. Then he just shrugged.

"Sure, why not?" He stood up which let Hiroki observe Shunsui's full height. His earlier assumption had been correct. Shunsui went to the door of the cell, but before he unlocked it, he stopped.

"There are a few conditions though," he said with a grimace. "I hope you understand I can't just have you wander just anywhere."

"What are they?" Hiroki asked reluctantly.

"Well, first you should probably know that, unless you get our permission, you can't return to the world of the living. I'm not saying you can't try to get back, but you probably won't make it very far in the Dangai."

"The what?"

"It's the Precipice World that links the Soul Society to the Human World. But like I said, you won't make it far, so don't worry about that. The second condition is you cannot wander outside of the Seireitei nor into any restricted areas within the Seireitei."

"That…sounds reasonable. Can I assume everywhere else is fine?"

"It should be. The final condition is that since you are half-Quincy, I'd prefer it if you didn't go around absorbing Reishi. Oh, and also don't start any unnecessary fights. Of course, if you run into Squad Eleven, that may not be helped, but please try. Understood?"

Hiroki nodded his agreement and Shunsui opened the jail door. He stood to the side as Hiroki stepped out of the cell before reclosing it. Shunsui then turned and walked down the hall. Hiroki, not sure what to do, followed after the Head Captain. They passed other cells. Most were empty, a couple of them had a person inside though they appeared hungover, so Hiroki assumed they were thrown in there for their own and other's safety. They finally reached the end of the hall which led to a room with a desk and chair along the right wall and some benches along the left wall. There was a door straight ahead. There was a Shinigami sitting in the chair by the desk, snoring.

"Shouldn't he be awake?" Hiroki asked.

"Well, other than you, no one else in here is considered anywhere close to a threat. Besides, we just finished rebuilding this place. We'll figure out rotations later."

"Rebuilding?"

"Well, you'll see." Shunsui headed for the door and opened it. Hiroki followed him out to be met with sunlight. While the cell he was in had small windows to illuminate the room, they didn't let in a lot of light. After his eyes had adjusted, Hiroki could look around.

He was surrounded by white buildings and walls with light brown roofs. He felt like if he could get a bird's eye view, the place would almost resemble a maze. In the distance he could see much taller walls than the ones near him. Beyond those, rising hundreds of meters into the sky was a massive hill with one side of it concave, so that a cliff jutted out. Next to it, and just as tall was a complex of buildings including a white tower in the center that raised even higher than the hill. The hill appeared to be covered in trees on the opposite side of the tower and halfway down the hill itself.

Then he noticed something else. Everywhere he could see pieces of rubble. Nothing huge, nor did it appear that buildings had massive chunks removed from them, but there were holes and burn marks throughout. Something happened here, Hiroki thought. There was definitely a fight.

"Is this what you meant when you said that your jail was just repaired?" Hiroki asked, nodding toward the burn marks.

"That is part of it," the Head Captain responded. "A little over a year ago, we were invaded. It was…," he rubbed the back of his neck, "tragic. We're still recovering though I hope you don't take that as an invitation to try and invade as well." He chuckled at that last part, but Hiroki noticed sadness behind the laughter.

"You lost someone, didn't you?"

"We all did. Just try not to let out the information that you're half-Quincy."

"Wait, are you saying that the Quincy-?"

"It's not important. What is important is that I need to figure out if there's any truth to your claims that we turned away the…you call yourselves 'Splintered', correct?"

"Oh, uh yeah," Hiroki answered, inwardly cursing himself since he wasn't sure if that was something he should have revealed. It was too late now, though. "But if you're going to do that, where am I supposed to go?"

"Well, you're not allowed where I'm going, so I guess you'll have to wander. As long as you follow the conditions I set for you, you should be fine. Good luck."

Before Hiroki could say anything, Shunsui moved up to the top of one of the walls around them then launched off of it and out of Hiroki's line of sight. Hiroki just stood there, blinking, glancing around, unsure of what to do. Was that really the Head Captain? He thought. For a moment he considered using Hirenkyaku to try and move around as well as get an overview of the area. He quickly scrapped that idea though. He wasn't sure what would happen if he tried using a Quincy ability. He sighed and began to walk down the road.

As he walked, he passed by several Shinigami, but because he was dressed just like them, they didn't give him more than a glance. He continued walking until he found himself in front of a small, square two-storied building. The doorway was open as there was no door. Above the entrance was a sign that read "Tomorrow's Tiger Pharmacy" in Kanji. Before he could walk in and explore, Hiroki had to stop himself as a familiar, blonde woman came walking out with a bag. Rangiku and Hiroki both stared at each other for a moment before they reacted at the same time.

"You," they both called out, pointing at the other.

"What are you doing here?" Rangiku said, her hand going for the hilt of her sword while still holding the bag. Hiroki put his hands up.

"Whoa, I'm not here to fight," he responded. "I was taken in by Captain Kuchiki and the Head Captain let me out to…wander, I guess."

"And why would he do that?"

"I guess he doesn't see me as a threat, and got the information he needed?"

"So you told him where your friends are?"

"Well, no." Hiroki explained the exchange that he and Shunsui had had in the jail. Rangiku eased her hand off the hilt of her sword.

"I see," she responded. "And the Head Captain just let you…wander around?"

"I mean it was with conditions, but basically. Although, I have to admit, I have no idea where I'm going. And I'd rather not accidentally start a fight."

Rangiku sighed, "Alright. Word of warning though, if you continue down that road," she pointed in the direction Hiroki had been headed in, "You'll come across Squad Eleven barracks which is the last thing you want if you're trying to avoid a fight."

"Oh, thank you. That probably would have been bad. So do you have any recommendations on which way to go."

"Well, I guess you could-." Rangiku was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Well, aren't I a lucky guy," Ikkaku said as Hiroki turned to see the Lieutenant walking down the road toward them from the direction Rangiku warned Hiroki not to head. He was accompanied by Yumichika and another Shinigami who Hiroki didn't recognize.

He was a tall and lean-built man with dark gray eyes and black hair that fell across his face and came down near his ears. On the right side of his face he had three vertical scars that went over his eye and down his cheek. On the left side, there were two tattoos: one was of the number "69" located on his cheek, and the second one was of a blue stripe going horizontally under the first tattoo and just a little over the bridge of his nose. He wore the normal Shinigami robes although they were sleeveless. He also had on a black choker and matching wristbands. Finally he had a Lieutenant's badge tied around his left arm which had the kanji for the number nine with the symbol of a poppy underneath.

"Aren't you supposed to be in a cell right now?" Yumichika asked. The guy who was with them looked a little confused.

"Who is this?" He asked.

"He's the one who I fought in the World of the Living yesterday. He's the one who could use a Quincy ability and a Shikai. And he's the one who I have unfinished business with."

"Are you really going to start a fight here?" Rangiku sighed.

"Hey, the Head Captain told me not to start any fights," Hiroki quickly inputted into the conversation.

"Can we go back to what you said about him having a Quincy ability?" the unknown Shinigami asked.

"He didn't use Shunpo to move, and when Captain Kuchiki used Kidō to stop him, he absorbed it," Yumichika replied as Ikkaku began to draw his sword.

"Are you even allowed to do this?" Hiroki said as he took a step back.

"We have to finish our fight. I can't leave it like we left it. Can you?"

That didn't exactly answer my question, Hiroki thought. But it doesn't seem like the others are going to stop him. He began to reach for the hilt of his own blade when a voice rang out behind him.

"What's going on here?" The voice asked. Hiroki turned but didn't see anybody for a moment until he glanced down. Standing at a little over half of Hiroki's height was a…Child? Pre-teen? Hiroki thought before noticing the white haori the Shinigami was wearing over his robes marking him as a Captain.

He had white, slightly-spiked hair that reached to the middle of his neck and covered part of the left side of his face. He had turquoise eyes and a scarf that matched them draped over his shoulder. His Zanpakutō was across his back instead of at his side and was held there with a silver chain that had a star-like clip.

"Captain!" Rangiku exclaimed, her face brightening up. "What are you doing here?"

"I was coming to see what was taking you so long," he replied, looking annoyed at her. "You still have paperwork to finish."

"Well, I'm not to blame. I was just getting my make-up when all of these people distracted me."

"So you admit that you were distracted. You do know you could have just walked away." He sighed. "Anyway, who are you?" The Captain looked at Hiroki.

"I'm Shoda Hiroki."

"Aren't you supposed to be in a cell?"

"Your Head Captain let me out. He said I could wander around on a few conditions."

If it was possible to look even more annoyed than he was before, the Captain did now. "That actually does sound like something he might do."

"May I ask who you are?"

The Captain stared for a moment, seeming to size up Hiroki before responding, "I'm Captain Hitsugaya of Squad Ten."

"Oh, so you're…" Hiroki trailed off, glancing at Rangiku.

"Yes, she's my Lieutenant, and is supposed to be back at Headquarters filing paperwork."

"Alright, alright," Rangiku pouted. "Would you like to join us?" She directed the question at Hiroki.

"Uh, if that's okay," Hiroki replied. "It's better than just wandering around."

"Hey, we were going to have a fight," Ikkaku exclaimed. Captain Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes at the bald Lieutenant, seemingly thinking about something.

"Fine," he finally said. "You can come to. I can at least oversee it and find out more about you." The last remark was toward Hiroki. "Let's go." He turned and began to walk away in the opposite direction. After some hesitation, everyone else followed him.