Shattered Realms
By Eduard Kassel and MJLCoyoteStarrk
Chapter 3: Farewell, Sunlit Lands
The moon illuminated a scene of carnage. Four Arrancars battled against a troop of bandaged bipedal Hollows and an Adjuchas with tentacles for arms. The sandy floor was already covered with corpses and pools of black blood and tangles of intestines and other internal organs.
Although, to be more accurate, three were fighting while a fourth seemed to be trying not to die.
"I see that Yamada is still not performing well," Captain-Commander Kuchiki remarked.
He stood in front of the windows of the observation room that overlooked this simulation of Hueco Mundo. Behind him, a row of Squad 12's scientists were sitting at computers entering data of their observations or were speaking softly into microphones. The screens on the other side showed various scenes of the battle taking place on the training ground below.
"True, but his poor performance in battle was expected from the start," Captain Kurotsuchi commented as he stood next to his superior. "His role is to be more of a medic than a combat troop; so I suppose that Lieutenant Arisawa finds this acceptable. At the very least, he has adapted well-enough to use the Gigai abilities."
Byakuya only nodded in response. They watched as the four continued to battle in the arena below.
They watched as Ikkaku cut an ostrich-like Hollow in half with his imitation Zanpakuto. The creature's intestines and organs gushed onto the ground as it fell in a growing pool of blood and waste.
"These modified Hollows possess some of the basic abilities that Arrancar possess. It's hardly ideal, but our supply of prisoners has long since been depleted and their parts are used sparingly."
"And yet you continue to produce such innovations. The efficiency of your division is noted, Captain." Byakuya watched Mayuri out of the corner of his eyes. Mayuri only shrugged and tilted his head to one side as though in thought.
"Someone has to be efficient around here. Take Madarame for instance. He never uses the more advanced abilities unless ordered. His fighting style has hardly altered since he was inserted into his Gigai. But then again, his barbaric ways are perhaps fitting for the company he will shortly be keeping."
"Perhaps," Byakuya agreed. "You daughter seems to be making effective use of her new skills."
As they watched, Nemu caught a red Bala that was aimed at Hanataro. She added her own energy to it before Sonídoing out of sight to hurl it at the feline Hollow that sent the Bala. The ball of red and violet light struck the creature in the head. There was an explosion and smoke covered the spot where the Hollow was.
"Unlike most seated officers, Nemu does not rely on her sword abilities. This training was merely the latest minaret on a much larger structure. Unlike Yamada, she will not be entirely worthless outside of her supporting role."
Byakuya frowned a little and drew his attention back to the ground below them. The smoke that Nemu's attack caused cleared to reveal the Hollow. It cried out in agony and they could see that its mask was cracked nearly in half. Nemu flashed into sight and stood in front of the Hollow. Two more Hollows were rushing towards her as the one in agony got to its feet. It screamed in rage and charged. Nemu stood her ground.
She opened her mouth and a violet cero shot out, destroying the first Hollow completely and destroying parts of the two behind it.
"Mission Commander Arisawa appears to be occupying the middle ground," Byakuya noted.
"Indeed. The data from these tests reaffirms most of the data collected on the First Expedition's preparations despite the smaller test group."
"However, last time the subjects were…traditional Soul Reapers."
"It is rather late for you to raise objections on Nemu's involvement, Captain-Commander."
"I have never objected as your reasons for her deployment are sound. However, I trust you have accounted for the fact that her body, which is essentially a Gigai, has been inserted into another highly modified Gigai?"
Mayuri shot Byakuya a sideways glance. His eyes smoldered with rage and his mouth was tightly shut.
"Comparing her body to a mere Gigai is like comparing a common Soul Reaper to a Captain. Though the most basic components are virtually identical the ability and complexity of the actual mechanics is immense.
"As for your concern… Remember that I personally designed Nemu and her Arrancar Gigai. If anyone understands what goes on through that foolish girl's mind and body it's me."
I highly doubt that, Byakuya thought.
"Oh my," Mayuri said, grinning as he brought his focus back to the arena floor, anger disappearing with disturbing swiftness. "It would appear as though we're about finished here. My, my, this is interesting. It would appear as though they're going to allow Miss Arisawa deliver the coup de grâce."
Byakuya only nodded in agreement. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the scene below.
Tatsuki Arisawa
This is a pain in the ass, Tatsuki thought.
Her sword cut through another tentacle that had wrapped around her other arm. She flexed the bound arm to free it from the slacking grip. The Adjuchas screamed in pain and rage as its prey escaped. Tatsuki looked at it and grinned at the creature.
"You really thought you could take on the Dragon and not get bit?"
The Adjuchas let out a stream of curses. It whirled its remaining tentacles, kicking up sand. Tatsuki shook her head and stepped aside as a tentacle shot out at her from the sandstorm. She swung her sword down on the tentacle. Black blood gushed and the tentacle hung limply. The other tentacle swung at her and she merely ducked.
"I tried to warn you. You don't want to mess with the Dragon."
The creature's sandstorm trick had been a pain early on. It was bad enough to deal with the tentacles shooting out of the storm, but it was made worse with all of the weaklings trying to swarm her. But all of the weaklings were dead and the Adjuchas could not take advantage of the distractions.
It was strongest on its side of the sandstorm. But Tatsuki was strongest on her own side. Now, they fought without any distractions.
However, Tatsuki knew that she had the advantage. Two of its tentacles were gone. Even though slipping through the swinging tentacles wouldn't be easy, it also wouldn't be a big deal. Tatsuki dodged the tentacles as she rushed towards its neck-less torso. She poised her blade to drive it into the mask nestled between the shoulders.
"You are one ugly fuck," Tatsuki said, smiling as she closed the distance.
"ANG YAR DEED!" the creature screamed.
The creature opened its fang-filled mouth impossibly wide. The red ball of a cero was already forming. Bathed in its glow, Tatsuki slid to a stop, kicking up sand. She held up her hand and shot out a light purple Bala. Her aim was true. The Bala struck the forming Cero and there was a flash of white light as the two energies destroyed each other.
Smoke billowed from the Adjuchas's mouth. Most of the fangs were shattered and some of the others were chipped. The Hollow staggered back, howling in pain as fine cracks began to spread over the lower half of its mask. Suddenly, a blade sprouted from its brow. Its eyes widened in surprise as the blade went down and then vanished as it reached its Hollow hole. The monstrosity gave a final scream as it fell to the sands.
Tatsuki stood over the corpse, cleaning her blade with a rag. She looked down at it, her face grim.
"So, do you think we're ready?" Ikkaku asked from the rock outcropping he was crouching on.
Tatsuki looked at Ikkaku and smiled.
"Ask him," she replied and pointed to the dead Adjuchas.
Squad 10 Barracks
"'We need to talk, now.' 200 years and he still has a bad attitude," Ichigo grumbled.
Missing the irony of his statement, Ichigo went over the message that the Hell Butterfly delivered to him in his mind as he walked through the halls of the 10th Squad's Barracks. He gave the occasional nod as Soul Reapers stopped to bow or salute. Some people he knew liked this kid's attitude, but he found it annoying.
When he reached the doors to the outer waiting room for Toshiro's office, Ichigo paused. He eyed the doors warily. He didn't need to sense the Reiatsu to know what beast laid in wait. It was possible, but difficult, to evade it. The lump in his stomach was not a good omen. He had a feeling that the heavens were not on his side this day.
Maybe I should use the window, today, he thought.
He barely had time to turn around when the doors slammed open.
"ICHIGO! THERE YOU ARE!"
He froze; his face away from the double doors.
Oh crap.
"Taicho was about to ask me to go find you. Honestly, if not for Kenpachi and Shunsui, you'd be the latest man around here," Rangiku Matsumoto called.
Well, I can't smell any sake on her right now. Maybe it won't be so bad.
"Lucky for you, Taicho's double-booked. So, he's occupied right now. And you know what that means?"
Oh gods, no, no, no…
"That means you can get reacquainted with the twins," she continued now breathing down his neck.
He could imagine the glint of doom in her eyes as she leaned into his back.
SHIT! MUST…RUN!
Alas, it was too late. She looped one arm over his and she dragged him into the office's waiting room.
"You're too tense. Now, just relax. Honestly, why is that only two Captains know how to relax? And they're a bum and a psycho!" Rangiku complained.
She pushed him down into a chair in front of her desk. She leaned over her desk to clear some of the large pile of files and papers by pushing them onto the floor. She was facing away from him and was giving Ichigo a great view of her shapely ass. He was positive that it wasn't unintentional.
He averted his gaze by turning his head to look away so quickly that he was sure he strained something. The ponytail was one of the saner changes the woman had gone through since he met her. However, her figure…
If Chizuru is lurking around somewhere, she would be absolutely worshiping this woman while dying of blood loss, Ichigo thought. He looked over to door that led to the Captain's office. No wonder why Snowy made a barrier.
"Here we are! Natural, like you insist. I had to re-heat it with Kido, though, since you just had to be late."
Rangiku and handed him a mug of hot tea while also giving him a sex-crazed teen's dream view of her massive cleavage.
How is it that she doesn't have back problems?
Ichigo tried to focus on something other than the sight of her breasts. But, being a straight male, it was difficult.
"Well, now that you're taken care of," Rangiku said as she smiled devilishly. "Let's get to the…Main Event." She straightened up and put a hand into the valley between her Twin Himalayan Mountains.
"Uh…listen…Rangiku…I…" Ichigo struggled as it was thrust into his face.
His vision was filled with the image of a four year old wearing a hat that covered his…his… Ichigo's mind came to a halt as he realized what he was seeing.
"Oh and here's the drag edition with Mommy's bra! I'm pretty sure it's a phase, but if not… Well, having two daughters wouldn't be so bad. Though, I might have to ask Taicho to install another bathroom," she mused, never losing that close-eyed smile.
"Or you could stop mooching off him," Ichigo managed.
He felt pity for the child Captain. He was sure that when Toshiro offered her a place to stay after the birth he did not mean for it to become indefinite.
"WHAAAAT? And give up free room and board? Besides, they just love their Uncle Shiro! Speaking of which…here's little Momo all set for battle with Taicho's sword!" Rangiku gushed as she showed him another photo.
And so it went. Rangiku went into excruciating details of "The Misadventures of Momo and Shuhei Matsumoto", captured by her poor over-worked camera. As usual he wondered two things. First: wouldn't a responsible mother actually stop some of this stuff rather than documenting it? And second: how much film did that damn camera have?
He was starting to debate how best to escape as the deluge continued with no end in sight. Even if it was his own children, he doubted that he would be as interested as Rangiku was.
Then, like a trumpet hailing the cavalry's arrival, he heard the door to the Captain's office slide open. The crazy, over-buxom Lieutenant leaned back and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Oh Sweet Sanity, did you miss me as much as I missed you?
"IZUMI!" Rangiku shouted.
The feeling of relief that blossomed in him shattered with that single word. His mood suddenly went sour. He suddenly scowled and stood up. He looked over at the Captain's office door. Sure enough, Izumi Kuchiki was coming out.
The short 7th seat of Squad 1 had her hair tied back in the usual rope-like braid. She looked at him as though she was an outlaw who had somehow found that they had stepped into the police station. He lifted an eyebrow as her dark lavender and dark olive eyes widened for a moment before they narrowed again. A look of irritation came over her and she crossed her arms as though saying, "What's your problem?"
Ichigo crossed his own arms when he realized that she must have been pretty distracted not to notice him or Rangiku's monologue. Rangiku sat on her desk, watching them and looking like she wanted to have a bucket of popcorn to munch on.
"Captain Kurosaki, I was just leaving," Izumi said, poorly hiding her irritation.
"So I see. What were you doing here?" Ichigo asked as civilly as he could.
"I needed to speak to Toshiro of course," she answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Is that so? Why would Squad 1's 7th Seat need to see Captain Hitsugaya?"
"To deliver a message," she snapped and began to rub the scar that led from the hairline on the left-side of her head and ended just below the dark lavender eye, a habit she had whenever she got agitated.
"Why didn't you just send a Hell Butterfly?"
"Why does the Captain of Squad 5 care?"
"Call me 'Old Fashioned.'"
"I'll call you 'Nosey.'"
"Enough," a cold voice cut in.
"AW! TAICHO! It was just getting good," Matsumoto complained, swallowing the last of the rice ball she had got from somewhere.
"Kurosaki, I am ready for you."
Izumi grinned, thinking she was off the hook and walked past Ichigo only to find her air cut off by something large, soft, and warm.
"Izumi! We must have missed each other when you got here."
More like she did what I should have done and snuck in through the window, Ichigo thought.
"It's been so long since we had some girl time. I have so much to share!" Rangiku cheered as she hugged (suffocated) the poor girl.
Izumi managed to half turn her face free and shot a pleading look to Ichigo. Ichigo only grinned and shook his head. He closed the office door behind him.
"So, what was she doing here, Toshiro?"
His face was serious again as he turned to face the white-haired Captain. Toshiro's hair had been trimmed back some over the years and he finally got some height and definition to his face. But Ichigo was thinking that the "strapping man" figure was not in his friend's destiny.
At least he can wear his sword in his belt now.
"First of all, I prefer for you to address me as 'Captain Hitsugaya' and not 'Toshiro.' Second, she was here on business from the Captain-Commander."
"I hope that was the only reason."
Ichigo knew that the tone in his voice was hardly courteous.
"If there was, and I'm not saying that there was any other reason, it would be none of your concern," Toshiro sighed irritably.
"Oh, so there was something else going on. Don't you think that's a bit lecherous? You are kind of married to Rangiku." Ichigo allowed a slight smirk to form.
"HEY! Just because I allowed Rangiku to stay with me after she had her kids doesn't mean that we're married! You try getting rid of a woman who shamelessly parades her kids in front of you when you try to bring up the subject."
"Uh huh, and how many times have they called you 'Papa'?"
"ENOUGH! You're as bad as Matsumoto. It must come with the hair," the short Captain grumbled.
"Don't start that, and don't start something with Izumi you hear?" Ichigo laughed.
"Don't you think that you're imposing on the Captain-Commander's role? After all you aren't a Kuchiki yourself."
"I don't know. Since Rukia and I are engaged…"
"Look, it doesn't matter who Izumi's related to, because I didn't call you here to talk about her."
"Okay, okay, fine, but just keep in mind that she is like family to me."
"Could we please get to what I wanted to talk to you about?" Toshiro asked through his face-palm.
"Sure, what's up?"
There was silence for a few seconds. Ichigo knew that it must be something serious.
"Don't do it."
"Do what?"
"The stupid heroic stunt you are planning despite the good advice you have been getting.
"Since no one else is going to take the step, I'll say it. Man up and stop trying to play the hero," Toshiro ordered as he got up from his chair.
The temperature seemed to drop as the two Captains faced each other. Outside they could hear Matsumoto squeal at how adorable one of her pictures was.
Ichigo sighed and glared at Toshiro who only glared back. Ichigo felt irritation rising in him. However, he decided not to allow it to fully bloom into anger.
"What makes you think I'm trying to play the hero?"
"You know perfectly well why, Captain Kurosaki. It's because that's the way you've always been. You've always rushed into things without thinking, often against the prudent advice from those who are more experienced than you I might add. When I was told that you spent a good deal of time away from the Seireitei with no notice of your activity…"
"That was for personal reasons," Ichigo protested.
He knew that he wasn't the only Captain with business separate from the Soul Society. But he would bet that his was among the least unsavory business.
"What personal reason could you have to forsake your duties and your Squad? Lieutenant Kotetsu did not know what to do in your absence and no one had any means of contacting you. For all any of us knew, you could have rushed into Hueco Mundo without permission like you did over 200 years before. Your Squad idolizes you as the Hero of two wars as well as being their Captain. They look to you for an example, and these actions could be seen as endorsing insubordination.
"It might work in Kenpachi's squad of thugs since they're the fighting force. However, would it work in your squad in fulfilling their duties in relation with the other Squads?
"Do you even realize how much your maverick actions played a role in causing us to lose so many in the Winter War? Aizen played on your personality to force our hand to meet him on his terms. Then, he did the same thing only two years later and you know how that turned out."
Ichigo's hands clenched into fists and he struggled to keep a hold of his temper. His failures were something that he would have to carry around with him and he did not need for them to be thrown into his face. Then again, it seemed as though his actions had caused so much pain that reached farther than he thought.
Just like with Orihime, he thought, loosening his fists. I never really understood just how much pain I caused her by not talking with her or being there to comfort her.
"You're irresponsible and impulsive. You leave without telling anyone how they can contact you and you left your soul pager behind. You may wear the white, but you don't act like it. It's time that you started behaving like a true Captain and not like a little kid pretending to be some kind of superhero. Those days are over."
Ichigo wanted to protest. He wanted to say that there was always a need for someone to be a hero. He wanted to tell him that all of his actions were done out of a desire to protect everyone. He wanted to say that there were times when the Law had to take a back seat to Sense and Morality.
Then he thought of Orihime.
He knew that Toshiro was right. He had to face the harsh truth that his heroics had probably done as much harm as good in the long-run.
Heroics should be a resort and not the standard, he thought.
"I know," Ichigo whispered.
"You may know, but can you act like it? You are a Captain in the Gotei and you share in those responsibilities with your peers and subordinates. However, that isn't the only responsibility you must shoulder. You also have responsibility towards your allies. And then there's the matter of you being a Visored," Toshiro stated as he turned slightly to look partly out of his window.
"WHOA! Hold on there. I'm sorry, but I don't like the term 'Visored.' I'm a Soul Reaper who happens to have Hollow powers. That's it."
"I'm afraid that many disagree, such as the Zabimarus and the nobility. They view you as a threat to the purity of the Shinigami Race. But, then again, so do many who aren't in The Vanguard or their allies."
"Why? I mean, I knew that there was some bigotry aimed against me and the others like me, but after I received the white and the truth about the Visoreds exposed… I just assumed it had been pushed to the fringe."
"Then you made a foolish assumption. The reason is most likely because they view you as a threat to the sense of superiority that the Shinigami Race has developed over the millennia. Many of them view the Soul Reaper as being superior to all other forms of existence. They cite the abilities we possess over the mundane pluses, our prolonged lives, and of course our role in maintaining the spiritual flow in the worlds.
"It may have started out as a romanticism of our duties and abilities has long since become a pervasive view of our race as being superior in general. Whether it's a reformer trying to enable the people or a conservative who's citing traditions, they advocate the Soul Reaper's role.
"The Artificial Races, such as Mod Souls and the Bounts, suffered under this and the Quincy threat seemed to validate it. Hybrids like you are seen as a threat to the sanctity of the Shinigami Race, the only race that matters in their minds. The very fact that your other part is a Hollow takes it a step too far with many.
"That's why you need to be seen as a good Captain, if not a model one. Give them proof that you can be a responsible Captain and many will choose reason, or at least do nothing more than grumble.
"And that's also why you must keep quiet about your engagement to Rukia," Toshiro finished.
"Why should I?" Ichigo asked, a bit more loudly than he intended.
"Honestly, were you always this stupid? It's because if they find out that an 'Impure' Shinigami is going to marry into one of the most prominent Shinigami families, it will be bad. Considering that Rukia is sister to the Captain-Commander and there's a good chance your children may become the clan's head… There will be riots. And you may find yourself in a situation that you can't escape from with enemies who have no need to draw swords."
"Relax. I have no intention of spreading the news to anyone outside of my closest circle of friends about me and Rukia. We talked about the nobility bit, and we decided to do this for us; not politics.
"Besides, I don't even know if there will be a wedding. She's still missing and…"
Ichigo didn't want to say the last part. Toshiro nodded, not just in agreement, but also understanding what Ichigo didn't want to say.
"Well at least you're learning that even the most undesirable outcome is still a possibility. Just remember, Ichigo, let the Recovery Team handle things. Your main responsibility now is to the Gotei and not just yourself. Rukia would kick your ass if you dropped everything just to rescue her again."
"I know, but I still don't like not being able to do anything. I prefer fighting my own battles and not having someone else do it for me."
"I understand how you feel. However, sometimes we have to do what we don't want to do. Honor and responsibility demands it." Toshiro closed his eyes.
Ichigo sighed and shook his head. It wasn't something that he could whole-heartedly agree to.
"I still don't like it. If that's all then I must be going. I'm sure that the Captain-Commander will want to put me on patrol duty." Ichigo got up and walked towards the door.
Toshiro only nodded. He knew that Ichigo used the patrols in the Rukongai as an opportunity to find his lost friends. And in all of those years in his search, he only found Mizuiro. Toshiro knew that the chances that Ichigo would find the others were extremely slim. But then again, Toshiro never gave up his secret hopes that the path of Momo's reincarnation would cross his. He figured that many Soul Reapers harbored such fantasies.
Ichigo stopped before he got to the door and turned to Toshiro. His eyes were hard while a grin twitched at his mouth.
"Just you remember that if you hurt Izumi, I'll have to hurt you before Byakuya does. He'd go too easy on you."
"If I hurt Izumi, she'll most likely hurt me first. She can still deliver one Hell of a kick, Kurosaki." He allowed a small smile.
"I'm sure she does." Ichigo said, smiling slightly. "The next time we all go out for drinks, I'll be sure to have you invited."
"And I'll be sure to refuse."
Ichigo gave a little chuckle as he walked out of the office, closing the door behind him.
"It's good to see that he's still able to banter with you like that. And just after a good ole fashion lecture," a familiar voice cut in.
Ichigo saw Rangiku leaning against the wall next to the doubt. There was no doubt that she had been eavesdropping, as usual. However, Izumi wasn't in the room.
Tch…she managed to escape the Valley of Doom, Ichigo thought bitterly.
He looked at the buxom Lieutenant and was surprised that her eyes didn't have their usual mischief. There was something unnerving about the seriousness on her face.
"So, you and Rukia will be getting married?"
"Uh…yeah…that's why…"
Rangiku slapped him hard across his face. He looked at her in surprise as he put a hand up to where Rangiku struck him. The area began to go numb.
"It's about fucking time you two finally decided to take the next step. She accepted your proposal before she left, didn't she?" Rangiku hissed.
Her eyes narrowed. For a moment, Ichigo was afraid that she would take a swipe at him like an angry cat. Ichigo saw the look in her eyes and he knew what she was thinking about. He felt ashamed.
"Yeah," he whispered.
"Then let's hope that they bring her back alive. I hope that you didn't make the same mistake that I made with Gin and Shuhei."
"I hope I didn't either."
"That's why I'm encouraging Toshiro with Izumi. Oh…and thanks for not helping by the way. He needs to have someone to help him from falling into despair again, in case I'm not around. I hope that he's learned something from our mistake. You and Rukia obviously haven't," she stated as she planted her fists on her hips.
"What mistake might that be?" Ichigo asked, but he already knew the answer.
"We hesitated. You hesitated with Rukia and I hesitated with Gin and Shuhei."
"Rukia isn't dead though."
"What if she is? Ichigo, if there's one thing that I've learned with Gin's death it's that it's better to act and regret than to hesitate and regret.
"I tried to live my life to the fullest and have fun. Shuhei was just supposed to be a friend with benefits. We both agreed to that. I had given up on having children when I wasn't able to get 'knocked-up', even with Squad 4's help. And then…
"I never told him. I was worried about being a parent and about what he would say or do. Then he was dead, never knowing. Even if it wouldn't have worked out he deserved to know. He deserved to have a choice. One day, I'll have to tell my children that their father never had the chance to be happy or shocked or whatever. They'll have to live without knowing as well.
"I should have gone after Gin instead of waiting for him to come to me. With what he planned it probably wouldn't have worked. But, I still should have tried. Just like with Shuhei…"
Ichigo remained silent. He wondered if he had been too late with Rukia.
"Well…enough of that," Rangiku said, eyes lighting up. "I have some more photos to show you. Izumi practically chewed her arm off to get away. Honestly, that girl needs to learn not to take orders so seriously!"
Ichigo moaned as Rangiku reached into her bosom and drew out the small photo album again.
Department of Research and Development
Tatsuki sat on a mat at the edge of the testing room she had been using as a dojo. She was trying to relax and clear her mind, but found that she couldn't.
I hate Squad 12, she thought.
There was none of the pride or honor of the military here and there was none of the compassion of Squad 4's Barracks. It was like being in the bowels of some research facility or an evil corporation from those movies Orihime liked to watch. The thought of Orihime brought a sense of guilt to her.
Orihime, what can I do to bring you back to us?
She shook her head. She couldn't afford to think of such thoughts now. She simply lay back on the floor. She was glad for the Hierro since she knew that the floor would have been unbearably cold. She sighed.
I wish I was back in my office, or taking a walk through the Third Squad's Grounds and under the fruit trees they have there.
Those were her favorite places to go before going on a high-risk mission. She was certain that Sui-Feng would show up soon. Her hand touched the mask and she sat up.
Oh man, what would she think if she sees me like this?
Her fingers traced her mask fragment. It seemed to suit her and that made it more unnerving for her. Mayuri was quite pleased with that fact. The only time she would be allowed outside again would be when they went to Memorial Hill to head out to Hueco Mundo. When that happened, it would be time to say "Farewell" to the sun until she got back, hopefully with Rukia in tow.
She had been taught by experience that it was alright to be nervous before a mission. Overconfidence leads to failure and indifference to failure was either treasonous or insanity. In both cases, a sense of self-preservation tended to be the cure.
Even so, she thought as she tried to get comfortable on the mat.
Then she felt something drawing near. It felt fast. It felt strong. And most of all, it felt…
Pink.
Something struck her. Tatsuki grunted at the impact out of habit. She was even happier for the Hierro since she would not have to endure the usual bruising that occurred with such an attack. She looked down at the pink head snuggling her in the innocent hug of the young.
"SPIKEY!" Yachiru shouted as she turned her face up.
The twelve-year old looking girl hopped back. She was smiling from red cheek to red cheek.
"Yachiru, what are you doing here?"
"Me and Kenny came to say 'Bye-Bye' to Baldy! Thanks for fixing him. He was getting grumpy too much but now he's better!
"Where's my candy?" Yachiru demanded, obviously losing her train of thought.
"I've been stuck in here; getting used to my new skin. How would I have candy?"
There's no way in Hell that I'm gonna give up what candy I do have with me before the mission, she thought.
Yachiru blinked a little. She stepped forward to lift one of Tatsuki's arms. She pushed back the sleeve to inspect it. She looked grave and Tatsuki wondered what she was up to.
"Hmm, needs more sun," she declared seriously.
Tatsuki slapped her palm to her face and sighed. Then she felt something nearly cracking her Hierro.
"GYAH!" she yelled as she saw Yachiru biting on her forearm. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? LET GO!"
She swung the arm up, the Pink Menace still holding tight. She knocked the back of her head against one of the wall hard enough to only get her attention. Yachiru let go of her grip and giggled.
"It's tougher, but you still taste like a porcupine!"
Tatsuki looked at Yachiru. Confusion spread across her face as she thought about what the Pink Menace said.
"What? Hold on… When did you…? How do you…?" Tatsuki stammered.
Yachiru only giggled.
"Bring us back a souvenir. Kenny will be upset if doesn't get to play with the Arrancar. So bring him back something nice like an Espada to play with!" Yachiru exclaimed as she scampered close again.
"Uh…I'll…see what I can do."
Tatsuki eyed her chomped arm and then looked warily at Yachiru.
When has she tasted me before? Was she always this crazy or is this what Zaraki's view of parenting does? If Child Services existed here, I would so report this.
Yachiru gave Tatsuki a final hug and backed away.
"Well, I need to find Nemu! Thanks for the candy!"
Tatsuki gave a start and padded herself down. However, she couldn't find the emergency rations that she kept on her.
"YOU LITTLE…!" she cried out, only to realize that she yelling at a pink afterimage.
"Oh gods, goddesses, and all of the powers that be, if you are listening," she moaned. "Please save us when she hits puberty."
She shuddered at the image of a buxom, bubbly teenage Yachiru skipping down the road, oblivious to the trail of male corpses and devastation behind her, courtesy of Papa Wolf.
Shinigami Women's Association Secret Headquarters, Kuchiki Manor
Nemu was sweeping the floor. There was nothing strange about that except that she was almost disobeying an order doing it. And almost disobeying an order was height of her capacity for insubordination.
Her Gigai should not be seen by unauthorized personnel, which was anyone who wasn't involved with the project or a commanding officer. That should mean that she was not allowed to leave the Squad 12 Barracks. However, she had exercised caution and used the tunnels that she helped Yachiru dig to come here. So there should be no problem and therefore she was not disobeying orders. Still, it skirted the boundaries of obedience, and her Hierro was not enough to protect her from whatever punishment her "father" would give her if he found out.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi never made anything that he could not easily subdue. Even the sacred bond a Soul Reaper should have with their Zanpakuto fell in the face of his aggressive caution. Mayuri loved control and he did whatever he could to maintain it.
But she couldn't come to regret coming here. She felt the need to see this place one last time regardless of whatever Mayuri came up with to make this body suffer.
She looked around at the Shinigami Women's Association secret base. She had volunteered to clean it shortly after she joined and had continued cleaning it since. She always found that it was easiest to clean when it was empty and so she often lingered while the others left in order to get it clean for the next meeting. But right now she found herself wishing that one of the other women would walk in and track dirt all over the floor, which had already been clean by most people's standards hours ago.
However, Nemu was the only person in the secret room in the Kuchiki Manor that she had installed. She hoped that someone, even if it was an annoyed Byakuya, would come in. It would give her someone to talk to.
But even if there was someone here, Nemu didn't know what they could talk about.
"Maybe we could talk about our latest efforts in taking photos of some of our fellow Officers for our latest fundraiser. What do you think, Madame President?" Nemu spoke up as she closed her eyes and grasped the topic.
She suddenly realized that Yachiru wasn't there. None of the other members were there. She was alone. She lowered her head, eyes slowly opening. There was a slight flicker of sorrow in her usually emotionless eyes.
I'm alone.
She had not lingered just to clean. She would have been the last to leave because that was what she wanted.
Nemu allowed her fingers to trace the Hollow hole in her chest. Somehow, it seemed right that it was located where a heart should be. She didn't want to think about the various tests that Captain Kurotsuchi had subjected solely to her on this project. And to make it worse, she had to go with them. Lieutenant Arisawa had given her fellow team members the choice of whether to go or stay, but even the formality of consent was not extended to Nemu.
She supposed that it didn't really matter. There was nothing that she could do. Her programming forbade her from disobeying her "father."
What am I?
She sighed as she looked around. Memory imposed scenes of the past on the empty room. The other women who gathered in this room had included her. When she was around them she felt as though she finally belonged, even if only for a few minutes. They didn't treat her as nothing more than a test subject of a piece of autonomous equipment. They treated her like one of them.
And yet they were not here now.
She thought of a word she had heard long ago. She could never really understand what it meant even though she saw demonstrations around her. She thought that it was because it was not in her programming to understand any concept that Captain Kurotsuchi had found to be unimportant. And one of the things he found to be most unimportant was the concept of "friends."
Nemu had tried to understand that foreign concept and at times it had seemed close at hand. In some ways she saw Uryu Ishida as fitting that term, but when he died at a ripe old age his soul had been reincarnated in another form. If she was "normal" she would have thought it unfair and cruel, perhaps even become angry. But she never really could feel anything beyond a cold emptiness that hardly stood out in her life and engineered soul.
She was conditioned since before birth not to mourn and to view all emotion as foolish. But some part of her had resisted her creator's conditioning. She felt something when she found out that Uryu was caught in the cycle of reincarnation. It was known that the Soul Society was merely a stopping point for souls and when their afterlife ended, they were reborn into the World of the Living. She remembered that Uryu said that he would never belong to the Soul Society. He had been right.
She supposed that after Uryu, the only other one who she thought could also fit that term was Yachiru. She appreciated Nemu's efforts for their group. Yachiru often included her in her latest schemes, especially those that defied logic. That, above everything else made Nemu feel…human.
Now, here she was. She was standing in one of the only places in the Soul Society where she felt she belonged. And she was as alone as the day she awoke to life in a lab in the bowels of the Institute. That, above everything else, made her feel as though she never truly belonged.
I'm alone, she thought as she continued sweeping the clean floor.
I'm all alone.
Department of Research and Development
Tatsuki Arisawa
"You're looking well," Sui-Feng said as she looked down at her slouching Lieutenant.
"Was that sarcasm?"
Tatsuki knew that she should stand. But right now she just felt self-conscious about her Gigai. She didn't want to see Sui-Feng's expression of horror upon seeing the mask fragment and the Hollow hole. Sui-Feng frowned a little and approached her. To Tatsuki's surprise, Sui-Feng sat down. However, the Captain did not sit down in her usual cross-legged slouching position across from her. Instead she sat with her back against the wall, next to her. Sui-Feng lowered her collar to reveal her face.
"Captain?"
"We're alone here."
Tatsuki lifted her head and looked at Sui-Feng who was still smiling at her.
Is she going to ask me to call her "Mom"? I mean, I did mean it when I told her that she was someone who I would have liked to be my mother. But that doesn't make it easy to call her that.
Well, it would hurt her if you tried to back out of what you said, another voice told her.
"Something's wrong." Tatsuki knew that it wasn't a question. She only nodded.
"I'm…not feeling so good."
"Oh…did Lieutenant Kusajishi steal your candy?"
"Yeah…wait…no. I mean…"
Damn it Yachiru. When I get back, I'm so going to raid the stash of cookies you keep hidden in the tunnels under the Kuchiki estate, she thought.
"Well, she did steal my candy, but that's not what's bothering me."
"So what's wrong, Tatsuki? You're above being worried over a mission like this."
"What about one where the outcome could mean war or peace?"
"Yes. So, what's the problem?"
Tatsuki sighed and brought her knees up to her chest and put her head down.
"I just feel boxed-in."
"Is it the Gigai?"
"I thought it would be. But this Gigai isn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's being kept here. I don't feel like a Soul Reaper. Instead, I feel as if I'm nothing more than one of Squad 12's experiments. With all of these restrictions…I feel as if I'm being used as a mere tool instead of being deployed like a soldier.
"I know all about the whole 'Piece in the Grand Design' argument. But, even when you beat us down with that idea you built us up to be better parts. You allowed us to strengthen our individual functions and find ways to use them to be part of the whole. But here…it just doesn't feel like that and I'm anxious to see how it all turns out."
Tatsuki sighed and lifted her head as she lowered her legs again. She saw Sui-Feng reaching out with her hand and stopping a polite distance away. She realized that she was showing her mask fragment.
"May I?"
Tatsuki looked at Sui-Feng slightly confused until she realized what she was asking. She nodded. The fingers closed the distance and began to run lightly over her mask fragment.
She braced herself for the sense of being violated that she got whenever the Squad 12 scientists poked and prodded at the mask. She was about to slap the hand away, but stopped. She felt the pressure, but it wasn't the same as it was with the examinations. Her posture slackened and her eyes drooped when she found that the lack of panic or sense of violation was heavenly. She barely noticed the warmth on her face.
"You're purring," Sui-Feng stated blandly.
"What?" Tatsuki asked sleepily.
The hand pulled back.
"You were purring like a cat being stroked," Sui-Feng said, suppressing her laughter. However, she did not suppress her smile. Tatsuki snapped to attention.
"I…was…not purring," Tatsuki declared.
"Oh yes you were. You were purring…Like…A…Cute…Little…Black…Kitty…Cat," she said, emphasizing the last words.
"I DO NOT PURR LIKE…!" Tatsuki shouted.
However, before she could finish, she was stopped by a finger swiftly stroking the fangs on one side of her face. Heat rose again and she couldn't stop a satisfied mewing sound escaping.
"Hmm, do Arrancars like being stroked there or is this something new about you?" Sui-Feng teased.
"AGH! DON'T DO THAT!" Tatsuki shouted. A blush rose on her pale face.
"Hmm, now that I think of it, Lady Yoruichi purrs when stroked," Sui-Feng recalled, placing a finger to her chin in mock thoughtfulness.
"I am not interested in what Miss Cat Lady likes! DON'T TOUCH ME THERE!" Tatsuki got to her feet and pointed at Sui-Feng. "And don't even…"
"Oh come on, you know you liked it." Sui-Feng gave Tatsuki a wink as she lifted her mask to cover her lower face.
Tatsuki tried to respond, but could only make guttural sounds. Before she was able to say something someone spoke.
"Uh…is this a bad time?"
She felt as though a ton of stones had suddenly dropped into her stomach as she finally noticed some familiar spiritual energy. She looked to the doorway and saw Ichigo standing in the doorway. Her shocked eyes locked onto Sui-Feng who only gave her another wink while clearly smiling from behind her mask.
Great, now she's embarrassing me…just like a mother. What have I gotten myself into?
Tatsuki moaned a little and slumped a little. She felt as though she just wanted to sink into the floor.
"Lieutenant Arisawa, it is time for your final examination," Unohana said as she came into view from behind Ichigo. "However, as you seem to be occupied at the moment, I shall attend to Third Seat Madarame."
"I'll leave you to say your 'Goodbyes,'" Sui-Feng as she nimbly got to her feet. "I'll see you at the departure."
As she passed Tatsuki, who was still slumping in embarrassment, she turned towards her. Then she grabbed her in a light, but definite hug. Tatsuki looked almost as surprised as Ichigo, whose eyes nearly popped out of his head and his jaw dropped. Even Captain Unohana, who was usually calm and collective, looked surprised. It was as though Captain Kurotsuchi had decided to sing karaoke in public or Rikichi was dancing with a living Arrancar. This was just one of those things that no one ever expected to see.
Sui-Feng released her hold. Both women gathered themselves and Tatsuki could tell that she was smiling at her.
"Once you are done here, please come to the examination room immediately," Unohana requested and turned to leave.
"Stay strong," Sui-Feng whispered and put a hand on her shoulder. "Remember who you are."
Sui-Feng released her hold and calmly walked to the door. She stopped next to Ichigo and looked at the frozen Captain in disgust. She muttered something under her breath before walking out. She closed the door behind her. The sound brought Tatsuki out of her own surprise. Her embarrassment picked the only valid target.
"Ichigo, pick up your mouth before one of Mayuri's experiments decides to crawl inside and make you its home."
She put a hand under Ichigo's chin and pushed. There was a clicking sound as his teeth clashed each other with the suddenly shouting mouth. The sensation helped to bring him out of his own surprise. He shook his head and rubbed his chin.
"What…? You…her…uh…are you…?"
"Don't even go there. I honestly thought you had more sense than that. She was just saying 'Goodbye.'" Tatsuki rolled her eyes.
"But…that was Sui-Feng…right?" Ichigo looked over his shoulder at the door.
"Of course it was."
"But…she hugged you. She hugged you. Why did she hug you? I mean you said…"
Tatsuki shook her head. It was obvious that Ichigo was trying to make sense of what happened. And he was doing a magnificent job at failing.
"And I meant what I said," Tatsuki said as she slapped her palm to her face.
Are all men this stupid? Gods, why did it have to go there?
"Okay, okay, then why did…? I mean, I don't hug Kiyone."
"Fine, not that it's any of your business, but she kind of adopted me."
"Huh? I…I don't understand."
"Well, it's nothing official. At least, I don't think it is. It's just something that we agreed on. Do you understand?"
"Not really. It sounds a bit weird, but…"
Tatsuki dug her knee into his stomach. Ichigo doubled over from the force. He looked at her in surprise. He hadn't felt a spike of Reiatsu this strong since the last time he pissed Nel off in one of their arguments. The realization that he thought of Nel and not Rukia in regards to the Reiatsu he felt made him pause, despite the pain.
I guess it really does work, Ichigo thought as he tried to fight back the pain.
Tatsuki frowned as she pulled her leg back. She agreed that whatever it was she was developing with Sui-Feng was not exactly normal. But it felt real and she was not going to allow it to be derided. Although, perhaps kneeing Ichigo in the stomach like that was a bit too much.
Oh well, she thought. It's too late to take it back.
"Listen. This isn't really the time to be talking about my personal life, even if it was your business."
Ichigo straightened up. As was expected, he was quick to recover. That was one of the advantages of having a Captain for a friend: you could express yourself with violence on them and not have to worry about actually hurting them.
"I would say that as a friend I have certain obligations to look out for you and make sure you don't get too badly hurt," Ichigo said and sighed. "But you're right. Now's not a good time. You'll be leaving soon."
"Yeah, and to be honest, I'm glad. Being cooped up here like one of Kurotsuchi's guinea pigs is driving me nuts."
"I bet. After the Winter War, he wanted to examine me. Fortunately Old Man Yama let Squad 4 fix me up instead. The Old Man could be a pompous asshole, but at least I think he tried to do the best he could with this place," Ichigo said, thinking about the Soul Society.
"Yeah, and Captain-Commander Kuchiki really looks up to the standards his predecessor set. So, are you here to say 'Goodbye'?"
"Yeah, so I guess goodbye, good luck, and all of that."
Ichigo ran a hand through his hair. His eyes slipped to her mask fragment. When Tatsuki realized what Ichigo was looking at, she tried to cover it as best she could with her hands. Ichigo raised an eyebrow.
She's probably tired of that sadistic asshole poking it and a bunch of other places as well, Ichigo thought angrily.
Ichigo could think of redeeming qualities for Yamamoto despite the number of atrocities he signed off for. However, he could think of very few, or rather none, for Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi. He looked at Tatsuki. He thought back to what Rangiku told him. Tatsuki was the only friend from the old days he had left for now. He didn't know why he had the need to ask her, but he just had to.
"Do you think I waited too long with Rukia?"
"Yes."
"Wow! That was rather blunt."
"Honestly, I thought that Rukia was going to bag you much sooner."
"When?"
"When she knocked you over the head and dragged you out of class saying that you needed to see the school nurse. Though I was kinda rooting for…" Tatsuki grinned and Ichigo blushed when he realized what she was hinting at. Her face became serious. "I hope she's still alive and that we'll find her."
"I know that Rukia is still alive. Don't ask me how I know, I just know. But I don't want to lose another friend. Even if it's a trade or something…I…I don't think I could stand it. Just…take care of yourself, Tatsuki."
He put a hand on her shoulder. Tatsuki felt a spark of anger rise in her, but then it subsided. She knew what the touch meant and she put her own hand on his shoulder in return. She looked at him in the eyes and smiled.
"Is it wrong that I've wanted something like this since the day I put your head through a window?"
Ichigo let out a small laugh at the memory. He patted her on the shoulder.
"I suppose not. Just promise me that you'll at least come back. If you find Rukia, bring her back as well."
"I'll do what I can."
Ichigo pulled her into a hug that Tatsuki returned.
"Thank you," he whispered.
They released and Ichigo turned to go. As he opened the door, he turned and gave Tatsuki a wave. She waved back and grinned as he left.
"I guess it's my turn to rescue the Princess."
Ikkaku Madarame
Ikkaku sat on the floor across from his Captain and poured a saucer of sake.
Yachiru was busy munching on some candy that she got from somewhere. Ikkaku had a sneaking suspicion that he knew exactly where she got her little snack.
"I'm surprised that you would come and see me, sir," he said as he placed the saucer in front of Kenpachi.
"Yeah, I normally wouldn't have bothered coming, but Yachiru insisted that I come to visit," Kenpachi admitted. He drained the saucer with one sip as usual but he didn't place it on the floor.
"You got that right, Kenny. Besides, I figured that Baldy could use some cheering up since he became such a gloomy grump. But he's better now."
"Uh…thanks, I guess."
"No problem, Baldy."
Ikkaku sighed and poured some sake into his own saucer. For a moment he thought of pouring out a saucer for Yumichika and Iba. Then he remembered that they would no longer drink sake together, except in his memories. It was funny how one moment one could forget, only for the next moment to bring reality crashing over you like a wave.
"You miss them, don't you?" Kenpachi asked. He sighed when he saw Ikkaku's downcast face. "A warrior must always be prepared for loss for Death always looms over us."
"You're more philosophical than ever, Captain," Ikkaku said managing a fake grin.
"Nah, that's just something that Captain Frowny-Face told him," Yachiru piped in as she licked a candy wrapper.
"Who's 'Captain Frowny-Face'?" Ikkaku asked.
Man, her nicknames have become even more nonsensical over the years, he thought.
"She means Captain Nakamura," Kenpachi replied with a wave of his hand. "I don't really understand all of the crap he goes on about. All that matters is that Yumichika and Iba died bravely in battle."
"Yeah…"
And it was my fault with Yumichika, he thought as he drained the sake in his own saucer.
"Tch…I wish I was going. I could really have some fun over there. Do me a favor and don't get greedy and hog all of the good opponents for yourself." Kenpachi grinned at the thought.
"Yeah, be sure to save some for us," Yachiru cheered as she popped up next to Ikkaku.
"You seem very confident that you will end up there sir…and Lieutenant. You may not even get to go to Hueco Mundo at all. That is all this mission is: determining whether or not there will be war."
"Hmm, you may have a good point. In that case, bring an Arrancar back as a souvenir for me to have fun with. I would prefer someone as strong as the Primera, never even got a chance to see that one. If that one's around, tie him up and pack him for me."
Kenpachi licked his lips at the thought of facing a powerful enemy.
"From what I heard, the Primera was kinda lazy. I doubt he would be that fun to fight."
"Cue-Ball does have a good point, Kenny. What fun would fighting a sleepy-head be?"
"In that case, find someone like that Nnoitora guy I told you about. Bring them back as a souvenir for me to fight. That Yammy was too much talk and not enough steel." Kenpachi grinned at the memories of the Espada.
Oh yeah, tell that to Renji, Ikkaku thought. But then again, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shit happens and often times we don't decide how we go out.
"YAY!" Yachiru cheered. "I remember Spoon-Head. He was a lot of fun."
"You do realize that you never even fought him, Lieutenant? So how can you say he was fun?" Ikkaku asked as he reached for the bottle.
Yachiru glared at him and then jumped on him. Before Ikkaku had time to react, she bit his head, again. Ikkaku only screamed out of habit and then he realized he couldn't feel her teeth.
"Aw, I can't make your head bleed," Yachiru moaned through her mouthful of Gigai. She unlatched herself and stepped back as Ikkaku wiped away the drool on his head. "I tried the same thing with Porcupine, but her skin was too tough. She still tastes the same too," Yachiru mused with that airy look she got.
Ikkaku had learned long ago not to try asking about the Lieutenant's obsession with biting people. The main reason was that even Yachiru didn't really know where that little quirk came from. Then there was the little detail that whenever someone asked her a question that she had to really think about, she just answered it by biting them.
He was starting to think that the very idea that she would outgrow that little habit was very, very unlikely and he shouldn't hold his breath on it.
"Yeah, I'm kinda glad about that," Ikkaku muttered as he rubbed the unbroken Hierro.
"Anyways, Yachiru and I better get going. She was hoping to see Nemu, but she ain't here. And we're going on a mission to the World of the Living," Kenpachi said as he stood up.
That's strange, Ikkaku thought. He doesn't sound too excited. But why shouldn't he? I thought that Squad 11 was only dispatched to the World of the Living when things got really interesting. I could ask him, but then again it's not really anything I can help him out with.
"I understand. Thanks for visiting and the sake," Ikkaku said and bowed his head.
"Tch…whatever…I just wanted to make sure that you're not making a fool of yourself. You are in Squad 11 after all. Oh…and while we're on the subject. Don't make us look bad by having that little twerp from Squad 4 save your ass," Kenpachi threatened.
Even though many in Squad 11 had a certain respect for Unohana for her quiet way of scaring them into line, Ikkaku felt that he could make Hanataro faint just by breathing on him. The very notion of being saved by Hanataro was extremely nauseating.
"Don't worry sir. I will not let that happen," Ikkaku said, grinning. Kenpachi nodded his head and smiled in return.
"Just be sure to leave your mark. If you come back without killing at least ten Arrancars, don't bother coming back." Kenpachi chuckled.
Ikkaku nodded and raised his saucer of sake.
"I'll drink to that."
Hanataro Yamada
Hanataro knelt on the floor of his assigned room. He looked at the three belts laid out before him. Each was laden with pouches and he was double-checking them. He left two pouches on each belt empty in case he needed to carry something else. The other pouches were filled with supplies to supplement his healing Kido. One belt would be around his waist and the other two would be crossed over his chest. They would be concealed under his uniform, but would remain in easy access because of modifications he made to the jacket.
He had no time or energy to put into becoming an improved fighter all of the time. The Arrancar Reiatsu was more violent and less prone to being bound as his Gigai converted it. He had found that even the simplest healing Kido had to be relearned.
Not, it was that he had to remake them to adapt to the Arrancar Reiatsu.
He wished he had more time to see if they could really work. He didn't even know if the Arrancars really had anything like a developed system of healing Kido that he could use as a basis to strengthen the healing abilities he uncovered. Aizen hadn't been the type to consider his followers' well-being a high priority.
That was why he was bringing his own pharmacy. He wanted to have a backup in case none of his inventive healing abilities worked. The pouches contained herbs, medicines, and chemicals he had assembled with the aid of Akon and Nemu proven to serve the same purposes to Arrancars as with Shinigami and Humans.
He was contemplating on whether or not he would need a fourth belt when someone knocked on the door. He lifted his head from his inspections. He recognized the faint Reiatsu leaking through the door. It seemed to curl around him as he sat there.
"C-c-come…come in, Captain," Hanataro stammered, still on his knees.
Retsu Unohana opened the door and looked at him. She smiled.
"Hello, Hanataro," she said as she knelt next to him. "I see that you're nearly finished packing."
"Yeah, I was…I was just making sure that I had everything." He averted his eyes back to the belts. He felt self-conscious about his mask fragment and the Hollow hole. He tried to keep his Captain from looking at them. However, he could feel Unohana's gaze on him.
"There's no need to be ashamed of your Gigai."
"But I just don't like it," he cried out and flinched. He worried that he sounded as if he was whining.
Unohana giggled a little at that. Hanataro looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. She looked at him and smiled her warm and gentle smile.
"I'm being silly again, aren't I?" He sighed and wished that he could melt into the floor.
Unohana nodded. Then she did something that Hanataro did not expect and yet feared. She put her hand on his mask fragment and began to stroke it. He felt at ease with the touch. It reminded him of when he was little and Unohana would stroke his head just like this whenever he had a nightmare.
It reminded him of when they first met.
"Hanataro," she whispered. "I'm so proud that you didn't back down from this. It's good to see that you're willing to try to fly on your own. I felt proud of you when you helped Ichigo and his friends to rescue Rukia and was willing to stand up to Captain Kuchiki so that Ganju Shiba could have a chance to escape with Rukia. I felt proud of you again when you volunteered to go to Hueco Mundo with us during the Winter War and again during the Second Aizen War when you willingly ran into the burning barracks to rescue as many of your fellow comrades as you could.
"Most of all, I feel proud of you in the quiet moments in the quiet moments you spent sitting by a sick patient or helping a member in another Squad to recover from their injuries." She smiled at him. Her voice was filled with quiet pride. Hanataro blushed and tried to look away. However, her fingers kept him from doing so.
"I know, but…"
"But that's who you are," she told him in a firmer voice. "You are Hanataro Yamada of Squad 4. Never forget that you have friends who are proud of you and I'm proud of you."
Hanataro looked at the belts he stocked fighting back the tears.
"I'm not the best fighter. I would be useless to them in combat."
"Those who fight always need someone to heal them. Never let anyone tell you that worth is measured in only one way. We know our worth. The ignorance of others is not our shame but theirs."
There was no condemnation. She was not vengeful even as others tried to trample on her pride. She did not raise her voice or sword like they did. She was serene, like the gentle stream that carves a gash in the earth.
Hanataro looked into her eyes. There was only kindness and pride in them.
Ever since she found him shivering and starving in an abandoned alley, she had always been there for him. When he entered the Academy, she had supported him. When he graduated, she was the first to approach him with a position in Squad 4. Now, she would not be there to support him. He knew that it would have to happen, but he still felt afraid.
"I'm…I'm just so afraid," he whispered.
"Hush, I know. But there's nothing to be afraid of. You have good people and they have you."
He didn't know what to say. Instead he allowed his head to lean on her. He had thought she was an angel that day, or a goddess. He still felt that way.
Memorial Hill
Day of Departure
Ichigo Kurosaki sighed as he watched Tatsuki talking with the other members of her team. Captain-Commander Kuchiki stood next to the Garganta Generator while Mayuri and one of his assistants, Akon, were working on some final adjustments. He sighed and looked at the Memorial. The names engraved on the cold stone rose in his mind like phantoms from the fog.
Please, don't force me to see her name on there as well, he prayed to whatever deities were listening. Don't force me to endure another loss.
Oh, but the gods are cruel, a familiar raspy voice said.
I know. Now shut up. Or do you need me to teach you another lesson?
Spoken like a true king. Just don't let it go to your head.
Ichigo sighed and turned from the monument. He looked to where the new team stood. He found it hard to believe that only four years before he watched Rukia's team leaving the Soul Society for Hueco Mundo. Now, he was watching another of his closest friends preparing to travel the same path.
He was not surprised that Orihime's Reiatsu wasn't present. However, that did nothing to relieve the pain he felt. He hoped that she would come. He was sure that Tatsuki would have liked to see Orihime before she left, but it seemed as though that wasn't going to happen.
Thoughts of the broken girl brought his eyes back to the Memorial. No one had believed it when he destroyed the weapon that was placed there so long ago. He thought now, how much the Sokyoku had symbolized much of the Soul Society's problems. The Sokyoku had been a powerful weapon originally meant to be used as a measure of last resort to defend the Seireitei and the Soul Society. However, as time went on, it had been turned into a guillotine to be used to execute their people.
And he destroyed it with ease. He didn't realize what he was doing at the time. He only did what he had to in order to save Rukia. However, he also had a hand with the Sokyoku's replacement, a cold monument of stone with the names of the dead.
He had replaced wrath with grief.
He looked to the Captain-Commander. He was standing with Chojiro and Izumi. His face was as cold and expressionless as ever. Ichigo felt the resentment towards Byakuya rise in him.
It's just like back then. He's standing there with the same expression he wore when he watched Rukia being prepared for her own obliteration. I remember thinking that it was because he didn't care, but it was worse than that. He did care. He cared for Rukia and yet he felt that he had to stand aside anyway. What kind of brother would do that?
But then, how much have I changed since then? A part of me wants to jump through the Garganta before it closes. That would really put them in a bind.
Ichigo smiled at the thought. Kiyone saw the expression and glared at him.
"I know," he whispered. "You don't have to say it, Kiyone."
"Good," Kiyone answered. "I would hate to have to explain to the Captain-Commander why I allowed you to do something stupid."
Ichigo sighed and looked as Sui-Feng was talking with Tatsuki to the side. He remembered how the usually stoic Captain had hugged her. He still couldn't believe it. Sui-Feng had the lower part of her face covered again and he couldn't hear what they were talking about.
It's not anyone's business but their own, he thought.
He saw that Captain Nakamura and Captain Rikichi were watching the two women, one of whom was their superior in The Vanguard. He knew that they were probably thinking what he thought when he saw them. He saw that Nakamura did not look very interested and it was confirmed when Nakamura simply looked away. Rikichi, however, looked disgusted.
He knew that Rikichi would probably complain that Sui-Feng had shown too much weakness. It seemed as though despite his tough talk, Rikichi had become a whiner. But Ichigo didn't think it was weakness at all. He thought that whatever was going on between Sui-Feng and Tatsuki was something honest and real. He thought that it was sad that no one like Rikichi, twisted from bitterness, could understand that in that kind of bond laid true strength.
It was the type of bond that led Ichigo into battles that he knew he should have lost. It was sad that no matter how many times those lessons were proven so many people refused to learn them.
I want that back, he thought with a sudden blaze of passion. I want that kind of bond again. And Rukia is the only one left with whom I can have it.
"We're just about ready," Mayuri said.
Mayuri and the other scientists and assistants began their work at the machine while the team assembled. Nemu picked up her back pack that was somehow larger on the inside than on the outside. Hanataro padded himself down for some reason that Ichigo didn't understand. Ikkaku emptied a sake gourd and tossed it to Izumi.
The last time that the Garganta had been opened, the Captain-Commander had made a speech to the departing team, but Ichigo knew that there would be no need for speeches here. These four knew what was at stake and they did not need speeches to remind them. Instead, the stoic Captain-Commander merely stood aside.
The four who would be going lined up in front of the area between the two rods that would cause the Garganta to form. There was silence except for the wind. He saw Tatsuki turn her head to the sun, as though saying "Goodbye."
She probably is. She knows the risks and yet she's still willing to go. She hasn't changed one bit.
He smiled a little. Even though Orihime wasn't here, he knew that she would be proud of her first friend and protector.
She's the most whole out of all of us now, he thought, fighting back tears. She formed that bond with someone while I was afraid of doing the same with Rukia, or keeping with the others.
My time of heroics is over. It's time that she shows what she's made of.
The Generator hummed. The air between the poles sparked and shimmered. Then, it was ripped apart, like a curtain, a sight that still gave him pause after all of this time. Where there had once been blue skies, there was now a gaping black hole. Ichigo fought the urge to simply jump into that darkness. However, he stopped himself. A mixture of relief and grief came over him.
Well Toshiro, I guess I have changed a bit.
He saw that the Captain-Commander merely stood to the side and saluted the members of the Recovery Team. The four approached the Garganta and returned the salute. Ichigo smiled.
"Go get 'em, Tatsuki," he whispered.
Tatsuki Arisawa
Tatsuki Arisawa looked into the yawning black mouth before her. A part of her was afraid to walk into that darkness, but another part longed to. She didn't know if it was simply her desire to get out from under Mayuri and finally get the answers to the questions that made this mission necessary or if it was something else. She swallowed hard.
"Steady now," Ikkaku whispered from beside her. "We have to do this even though we may not want to."
I know that, she thought. But I'm afraid that once we go through it we may never see the sun again.
"Lieutenant Arisawa, shall we go?" Nemu asked blankly.
Tatsuki wanted to hold off just a little bit longer. She wanted to look back again and allow the sun to beat on her face one last time. However, she knew that if she did that, then she would lose heart. She looked over at Hanataro and saw that he was afraid. She put a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her in surprise and she only smiled at him.
"It's going to be alright, Officer Yamada. We have to trust in each other and ourselves."
"I know, but…"
"I understand," she said and gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile.
Tatsuki looked into the abyss again and allowed the expression to fade.
"When you look into the abyss, the abyss gazes into you," she whispered.
She couldn't remember who said it, but she knew that it was one of those German philosophers. She could now see the truth in those words as the darkness spread before her.
I will not back down now. I will not fail my comrades. I will not fail those who are waiting for my help. I will not fail those who are at my back. I will not fail those who I have left behind. Sui-Feng would be disappointed in me if I did and I cannot let her down under any circumstance.
She took a deep breath and took a step forward. The rest of her team did the same as well, and so it began. Only when they had crossed the threshold into the gaping maw did she allow herself one last look back. She watched as the Garganta closed behind them. It was like a closing mouth killing the warmth and light of the sun. She knew that as soon as the Garganta closed they could only go forward. She saw Sui-Feng through the shrinking passage give a final wave to her. She returned it.
Goodbye, Mother, she thought, giving her final farewell.
She turned to face forward again. She was certain that her farewell had been heard.
"Let's go," she ordered.
She felt the Garganta close. The wind was silenced. The sight of family, home, and the sun was gone. There was only the road ahead.
She led and they followed her into the darkness.
Farewell, Sunlit Lands.
End of Chapter 3
A.N.: In many regards this is a closing and an opening chapter. It's closing on Ichigo's story of heroics and is opening on Tatsuki's time on having a more active role. This does not mean that Ichigo won't have a role to play. He'll always have some role, but now it's not being "The Hero" but rather the Captain.
The chapter title and the overall tone share echoes with the Bleach chapter and episode, "Goodbye, Halcyon Days," which is in my (MJLCoyoteStarrk) top 5 favorites for Bleach. This is essentially Tatsuki's farewell to the Soul Society as she heads off for Hueco Mundo. Like Orihime, she is going for the sake of others. However, there's also a tone of strength and confidence to Tatsuki that Orihime lacked.
It should be noted that this is not a Tatsuki x Ichigo story. So, there is not going to be any Ichigo and Tatsuki romance.
It should also be noted that both Eduard Kassel and I are fans of George R. R. Martin. So, expect harsh and dark things to occur.
Thank you for reading and please review.