A/N: A couple to thank for reviews: KitElizaKing, and Dragon and Sword Master. And thank you to anyone who added this or its author to their lists.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha and Bleach characters, manga, anime, movies, etc. They belong by copyright laws to Rumiko Takahashi et al, and Tite Kubo et al, respectively.
Secrets Abound
Ashes to Ashes
Rukia came awake slowly, the events of the day before coming back to her. After they had given Akira the highlights of what had happened leading up to her almost abduction, the group had gone to their rooms to rest, Callen promising to call them once he'd put dinner together.
Dinner that night had consisted of several extra-large pizzas with various toppings, soda, and ice cream sundaes with everything from fudge to sprinkles. A very perturbed mama cat had presided over the whole thing, her opinion of the unhealthy meal very apparent. Her tails had swished back and forth, catching the kittens' eyes but they'd been wise enough to leave them alone. Callen had shrugged and merely said that he hadn't wanted her to stress herself making food for all of them so he'd done the best he could on such short notice.
No one pointed out that there were healthier options to be had if he'd wanted to order in. Instead they'd devoured the food like the hungry army they were and thanked both nekomatas for their generosity. A food coma had then settled over the gang and they'd gone to bed early that night.
Hence the early morning, Rukia thought, rolling onto her side, careful not to disturb Noe. She watched the rise and fall of Ichigo's chest, taking an odd comfort in the fact that he was nearby. She wouldn't have minded sharing a room with either Orihime or Tatsuki, but she was used to this, even if she often found herself in his closet, not another bed. A shadow caught her eye on the far side of the room, and she bolted upright, summoning a kido spell without thought.
"You're just as jumpy as your brother," Yoruichi scolded softly, keeping her voice down so as not to wake Ichigo.
"How did you…?"
"The nekomatas let us in about ten minutes ago. You two were still lazing away so I thought I'd come in and see if I could find anything interesting. Byakuya-bo would have an aneurysm if he saw this set up."
"Are the others awake?"
"Goodness no, it's only five-thirty. You have anything you want to share with sensei?"
"Don't tell Nii-sama," Rukia pleaded, knowing the woman would do it if it meant she could tease the noble about something. "Kirara-san assigned the rooms but we're being chaperoned."
"Ah, yes, these little beauties," the former Stealth commander murmured, indicating the trio of kittens. "Didn't know Byakuya would let you have animals."
"Nii-sama doesn't know yet. Those two are going to Karin and Yuzu. Noe will be my companion. When she gets bigger, she'll be able to help me in battle, as Kirara once did with the taijiya."
"Hmm. Well, as long as you promise to let me be there when Byakuya-bo finds out, I'll keep mum. You wouldn't happen to have any pictures of this, would you?" Yoruichi asked, pointing towards the picture Ichigo made.
A sense of mischief filling her, Rukia pulled out her phone. "Wanna see?" The Shihoin ex-princess plopped herself onto the Kuchiki heiress' bed and held out her hand.
"Give me," she demanded, a fang peeking out of her mouth when she grinned. Rukia gave her phone a couple of taps before letting the older woman look at the pictures to her heart's content. "You could make some big bucks with these," Yoruichi said, smiling.
"I've thought about it. The SWA is always looking for photos of Ichigo."
"Then again, you may want to keep these to yourself."
"I'm still deciding. You said 'us' earlier. Does that mean Captain Soi Fon is with you?"
"Left her out with the demons. Probably should get back before her temper gets the best of her." Yoruichi left the younger woman to go back to sleep or get up for the day. Rukia sat there for a moment, looking at the last picture of Ichigo that was on her phone's screen.
"Is she gone?"
"Yes."
"Was she dressed?"
"Yes."
"Thank the gods." The last thing they needed was for his mentor to transform naked in front of Callen. Kirara was already itching to kill someone.
He'd rather it wasn't Yoruichi.
Yoruichi and Soi Fon sat at the table, sipping tea and conversing quietly with Kirara and Callen when the teens began trouping into the open living area. Whatever business they had had to discuss was over, the four adults getting along far better than Ichigo or Rukia expected. "Good morning, Kirara-san, Callen-san," Rukia greeted, bowing to the room at large. "Soi Fon-taicho, this is unexpected."
"Hardly. We've begun scouring this city for this Naraku, but it is a large place and with only a handful of men, it will take a while. So far, we have found multiple fake shards and when removed from the victims, their bodies disintegrate."
"Lovely topic for discussion during breakfast," Ishida muttered, taking his place at the table. Orihime had wandered in after him, still blurry eyed. She plopped down next to him, not really having heard the short assassin.
"There is no time to waste," the captain snapped back.
"You are correct, Captain. However, if the children are not awake enough to take the information in, you'll only have to repeat yourself. That would not be good for your temper," Kirara pointed out as she rose. Going into the kitchen, she began to bring out food and more tea. Once the rest of the teens were present, she let them serve themselves, not surprised when they began eating like locusts.
"She speaks true, little bee," Yoruichi pointed out, amused. Picking up a muffin from the basket, she studied it briefly before taking a bite. "She also makes a mean muffin. Tessai would be jealous."
"Experience has its advantages," Kirara commented. A small timer went off in the kitchen and she returned to making food for the army that had suddenly grown at her table. When she returned, she had two pans of some sort of egg concoction and after only a moment of indecision, the group dug in hungrily.
"There's something to be said for that," Yoruichi murmured, referring to Kirara's earlier comment. "Oh, before I forget. Urahara wanted me to give you these," she told Rukia and Ichigo. Pulling a couple of things out of somewhere best left to the imagination, she tossed them to the two Shinigami. Grinning when they fumbled their catches, the ex-captain went back to her muffin.
"Chappy!" Rukia exclaimed, delighted that her soul pills had been brought to her.
"Let me guess, Kon?" Ichigo asked dryly.
"Of course. He is your favorite mod soul. And, he could come in handy."
"Is a mod soul different from a temporary soul?" Akira asked. She'd been quiet since getting up and was still a bit shocked to have two more Shinigami sitting at the same table as she was.
"A mod soul, which are illegal Lady Yoruichi, is an artificial soul that was created for combat purposes. It can be used repeatedly and will not die unless its pill is destroyed. Temporary souls are simply that, temporary. Their sole job is to take care of a gigai should a Shinigami have a need to use one for an extended length of time," Soi Fon explained.
"A gigai?"
"Shinigami sometimes need to interact with humans who cannot see them. Or if they are badly injured in the World of the Living and need time to recover. As I have been assigned here for the foreseeable future, I was issued a 'fake body' or gigai, to use. It allows people like Ichigo's sister Yuzu to see and speak with me freely without help from her brother, sister, or father. As you are freely speaking with Yoruichi-san and Captain Soi-Fon, it's obvious your spiritual powers are advanced enough that they had no need to use them in order to converse with you.
"Ichigo uses the mod soul 'Kon' to protect his body when he switches into his soul form. As a human, his body needs something in it to keep it functional while he is performing his duties. Kon can be a bit of a pain to work with but he knows what to do. He's protected the twins quite often in Ichigo's stead. He also prevents people from thinking Ichigo's dead if they find his body."
"Something that has happened more than once," Tatsuki put in. "I'm surprised he hasn't been taken to the morgue yet."
"I keep waiting," Rukia said ruefully. "They almost had him in an ambulance once," she ribbed.
"Hey, I learned my lesson. And I don't think I want to end up in a morgue. The closest one at home is in Ishida's family owned hospital and I'm not sure how his dad would treat my body until I got it back."
"Don't worry, Kurosaki. I told my father that in the case you did end up there to make sure your soul had finally crossed over and not that you had left your body lying around for a civilian to find. He only hesitated for a couple of seconds before agreeing."
"Very funny," Ichigo grumbled.
"Kurosaki-kun, I was there. Ishida-kun wasn't kidding, his dad did hesitate." Orihime patted his arm briefly in sympathy. "I'm sure Ishida-sensei wouldn't do anything bad…"
Soi Fon, watched the whole thing with mild trepidation. "You should probably cease before you scare the newcomer. What kind of powers does a human priestess like you have, anyway?" she asked Akira.
"I can sort of purify things?" Akira replied, not really sure. "In the past I could make water clean if it'd been contaminated with youkai blood but that's the only thing I've actually been able to do. Aside from seeing passed disguises and sensing spiritual and demonic energy. My grandfather used to say that when I swept the shrine grounds, things always felt cleaner and the air fresher."
"Kagome-chan is very adept at that. When you finally return home after college, I encourage you to ask her to help you train those powers." Kirara refilled her tea cup, offering more to those at the table. Chad nodded his acceptance, Keigo and Mizuiro also taking more.
"Hn. This Naraku is a fool. Not only does he wish to make another jewel, he wishes to do it with someone who doesn't even know the breadth of her power. I feel particularly disgusted that he is eluding us. Come, Lady Yoruichi, we must continue our search. If you should need help during your audience with the youkai emperor, please let out a large amount spiritual pressure. We will be there shortly to aid you." Soi Fon rose, bowing in thanks to the two demons for the meal. Her old captain reluctantly did the same.
Once by themselves again, Ichigo sighed in relief. "I'm always a bit apprehensive when dealing with that captain. I have a feeling she hates me just as much as Byakuya."
"She is very 'by-the-book' as you say," Rukia told him.
"Who's Byakuya?" Akira asked.
"My brother. He and Ichigo do not get along."
"Hey, it's better than when we first met."
"True."
Sensing a story, Kirara leaned forward. "What happened then?" she inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"He tried to kill me," Ichigo admitted. "And the second and third time too, come to think of it."
"Well, you were trying to save me from execution." Rukia paused in taking a sip when she noticed that three sets of eyes were staring at them incredulously. "Ah, maybe we should save that story for another time."
"Oh, heavens, no," Kirara exclaimed. "I want details. Sesshoumaru's report indicated Ichigo-kun had gotten on the wrong side of the Shinigami in the beginning but he never said anything about you almost getting killed, Rukia-chan."
"It's an awfully long story, are you sure you want to hear it now?"
"We've got plenty of time to kill thanks to your comrades. Let me get more tea and then you may begin." She dashed into the kitchen to make another pot and then plopped herself back at the table, eager eyes aglow. Ichigo, catching sight of her swishing tails, grinned into his cup. He supposed the old adage was close to being true.
Curiosity may not kill the cat, but it did distract her.
Akira busied herself by putting her hair into a more formal style, silently grimacing at the clothes that she had chosen to take with her. They were casual as she hadn't thought that she'd need something to meet demonic royalty in. Two of the high school students were sharing a bathroom with her, the dark-haired girl braiding part of the other's hair. She met her eyes in the mirror and the girl smiled at her wryly.
"Utterly terrified yet or just plain confused?" Tatsuki asked, pinning Orihime's braids up and securing her hair pins.
"I don't know what you mean," the older girl replied.
"Watanabe-senpai, there's no use trying to fool me. This whole thing must seem crazy. I mean sure, you were told demons exist, and you seemed to know about Shinigami but until now, you'd never met either race. Now you've met both in one day and have been told some nasty person wants to kill you and condemn your soul for eternity. I'd be pretty freaked out right now."
"Tatsuki-chan is right, Senpai. It's alright if you're scared or confused. I was, when I was kidnapped."
Akira frowned, remembering the part of the story they'd told her earlier about Orihime's imprisonment. "You've been through a lot, in a short amount of time too. I suppose if you guys can take up the mantle of protecting this world, I can too. The suddenness of this is what has disturbed me the most, I suppose. When my grandfather died, I had no one else to tell me of the old ways and according to Kirara-san, he did not tell me everything he should have."
"Maybe he couldn't. The knowledge one passes on is only as great as the knowledge learned over a lifetime. If all he was told was that youkai were evil, then that's all he could tell you. It's obvious your family never came in contact with the Taishos."
"The name was never in the records that I read," Akira admitted. "Well, are you ready to go meet a demon emperor?"
"Eh, we did that already," Tatsuki said. "Somehow I don't think that this one is as intimidating as Sesshoumaru Taisho. I'm surprised Asano's still alive," the martial artist said, letting the others out of the room before her. "Was sure he'd wind up a puddle of human ooze because he pissed the Taiyoukai of Japan off."
"Tatsuki-chan!" Orihime protested.
They came to a stop in the living room, Keigo regaling the others with some story from his perceived conquests. The class clown was bouncing all around the room, dodging kittens and annoying his audience. "See? It amazes me how he escaped death."
Watching Ishida's fingers twitch and his eyes get more annoyed, Akira had to agree. Somehow, she didn't think royalty would put up with the boy's antics for very long. "Can we leave him here?"
"Thought about it," Callen said, coming up behind them silently. "But we may return to his chewed-up corpse. The kittens are ready to do damage enough as it is," the male nekomata pointed out.
"Keigo, knock it off before Ishida skewers you. I don't think Kirara-san would appreciate a hole in her wall," Ichigo ordered lightly.
"Just trying to lighten up the party. Is everyone ready? I'm interested in finding out if this youkai king is as badass as Taisho-sama."
"He isn't," Kirara stated. "Few can stand against Sesshoumaru in that regard and none have the power to defeat him in battle save his brother, and then it is usually a draw. As for his arrogance, there is no one who comes close. That pup has been insufferable since he learned what his name meant."
"We wondered about that. Who names their kid 'killing perfection?'"
"A dumb dog who was equally insufferable," the nekomata muttered as she picked up her purse and went towards the elevator. "Come along, children. The American Youkai Emperor awaits."
"Yes, ma'am," they chorused and followed her to their fated meeting.
Since their number was so large, they took one of Kirara's small buses. Winding their way through the city, most took the opportunity to take in the sights. For a few moments they were tourists again and Akira played tour guide, not minding the normalcy of the moment. She had been in this city for two years and was glad to share her view of it with some of her countrymen and women. The nekomatas let her take the lead, both concentrating their own thoughts inward.
When they came near the Empire State Building, Kirara pulled into a parking garage without hesitation. Having purchased a pass ahead of time, she was able to secure a spot near the iconic landmark. With confidence she led the group to the building, greeting the employees congenially as they went through the lobby.
Despite her friends' insistence, Akira hadn't been to the place so often used in movies. She, like the others, were fascinated by the architecture and couldn't help but be wowed by the interior. "Later, we'll tour. This has some nice places for lunch too, so it won't be an inconvenience. Follow me," Kirara said, breaking through the priestess' thoughts.
"The emperor lives here?" Keigo asked in a whisper.
"No, he just uses an office in this building as a place to meet dignitaries and other royals. His home is someplace else."
"Ah," the brunet replied. "Makes sense, I guess. This is a pretty famous place."
"Indeed," his chaperone agreed.
As one they came to a large door with stained glass and were ushered in by a doorman who had sensed their presence. Without needing to ask their names, they were allowed entrance into a back room, more attendants bowing in greeting. Most looked serene and accorded both Kirara and Callen all due respect but frowned at the teens they had with them.
"Lady Kirara, it is nice to see you again," a female voice said. Their attention was immediately drawn to the lady at the desk, eyes going wide at what they saw behind the illusion. Rich brown hair with white feathers crowned her head while deep black eyes were sharp with intelligence. The woman wore a figure fitting suit in pale blue, and they could see deadly talons on the end of her hands. Large wings framed her body and they knew she was some sort of bird demon.
"Queen Gouyen, how are you?"
"It has been hectic. I was only informed of your coming this morning, so I apologize for the sparse greeting."
"Spare it no thought, my friend. Frank told me your husband wished to see me. I too, wish to see him. There is something of grave importance that must be discussed. It would be prudent if you were in on it, as this concerns your people as well as mine."
"Of course. Please follow me, he's waiting." Gouyen gestured for them to follow, greeting the kids individually as she walked. When she got to Rukia, her eyes widened but she kept her thoughts to herself. The Shinigami noticed the change but didn't call her out. Surely the woman knew she was not human, as the others were.
Another bird demon sat on a throne, his imposing presence filling the room and keeping those few that worked their quiet. He barely spoke to his queen when she came to his side, alerting them to the fact that something was wrong. Kirara and Callen shared a look, their familiarity with the duo telling them all was not right. Ichigo moved forward to stand next to his chaperone, his spiritual energy fluctuating with the suddenly tense atmosphere.
"Easy, child," Kirara whispered. "King Odeserundiye," she said aloud, the Mohawk name always difficult for her to say.
"Lady Kirara," the emperor intoned. "You have brought strangers into my kingdom. Ones with most unusual powers. This was done without my knowledge or permission."
"I did not bring them. They are human, they do not need your permission to travel this country."
"That one is not human," he retorted, pointing at Rukia.
"Perhaps not in the usual sense. However, these young people were sent here by my emperor to protect someone who is grave danger. Someone whom your people should have been protecting."
"Why?" Gouyen asked, her curiosity not as great as it should have been.
"Surely you've been informed? There is a youkai out there who is trying to recreate the Shikon no Tama."
"That is impossible," the empress denied. "Sesshoumaru told us that there is no one who has the knowledge on how to create it, nor is there anyone save his sister-in-law, who has the power."
"We were gravely mistaken. There is someone. Someone whose family, despite our edicts, passed down the knowledge and whose last remaining member has the power." Ruby red eyes narrowed at her old friend. "A yakuza calling himself 'Naraku' has already begun trying to create that hideous jewel. He's used other priestesses, or other beings with spiritual powers to make false jewel shards. These shards have been found in demons brought back to life. Once the shards are removed, the demon disintegrates."
"But you already knew that," Ichigo said, catching the slight start the woman gave.
"Ichigo!" Rukia hissed.
"He is correct, child. They do already know. They have probably known about this plot far longer than we." Callen moved forward to flank his mate. "Tell me, has Naraku promised you something? Perhaps a cure for your mate's illness?"
The bird demons both grew agitated. They had a short, heated discussion before glaring back at the nekomatas. "What we do here in our realm does not concern you."
"It does if it means one of our countrywomen loses her life. And more, her soul. Plus, there have been far more that have already died from this. You have strayed off the path of our alliance, eagles. More importantly, you have endangered the lives of everyone in the world. Not to mention the balance of souls. Knowing that, do you think your Great Spirit will give you peace in death? Somehow I doubt that." Kirara's tails showed her irritation. "You are far younger than I. Do give me credit for my experience. I have seen what a real Shikon no Tama can do. You do not want that here."
"Kirara, I…" Gouyen began.
"I know the thought of losing your mate pains you, my friend. You must understand though that this is far greater than you. It is so dangerous that the world of the Shinigami has intervened. You pointed out, Odeserundiye, that Rukia-chan was not human. She is a Shinigami. One who is charged with keeping souls in the cycle of reincarnation. Her superiors are greatly worried that a new jewel will alter this to devastating effect."
Both eagles turned their eyes upon Rukia. Taking a step forward, she introduced herself before continuing with, "Lady Kirara is correct. When my superiors learned of this 'Naraku' they were troubled enough to offer aid to the Taiyoukai of Japan and his family. I have heard the stories of the ones who defeated the original Naraku and have felt their pain. I implore you not to let another go through that. If you are true leaders, you will do what is right for everyone, not just yourselves."
The gang watched as Gouyen fought within herself. "Kirara…" she whispered despairingly.
Going forward, the elder demon embraced her friend. "I know, my dear. The thought of losing him cuts you to the quick. Do not let despair take hold of your heart."
Confused, the teens looked at Callen. "Eagle youkai, like their natural cousins, mate for life. If her mate dies, she will be alone for the rest of her life. Since she is so young, it cuts her deeply."
"Perhaps I can help," Orihime offered, suddenly. "I have not tried to heal youkai before but my powers work on humans, Shinigami and Arrancar so perhaps they will work on you as well, Your Majesty."
"You have the gift of healing?" the king asked her.
"It's more complicated than that but yes, I can heal. If I do this, you must promise us to stop aiding this monster and tell us what you know." The flower spirit wielder started to step forward, but Akira caught her as she spotted something.
"Wait, you already have a jewel shard. A fake one, don't you?"
"It has sustained him until now," Gouyen answered.
"We'll have to get rid of it first," the young priestess said, her senses tingling. Some instinct was telling her what she needed to do. "Once I pull it out, you'll have to be quick Inoue-san. I cannot guarantee that it's not draining him. When I remove it, he may start to wither away if you're not fast enough."
"Don't worry, I will be."
The warriors of the group tensed and took positions around the room. They didn't know what would happen and weren't going to take any chances. Orihime summoned her powers, waiting to move in after Akira did whatever she thought she could do. Rukia's hand tensed on her soul pill dispenser, seeing out of the corner of her eye that Ichigo held Kon's pill to his mouth.
Akira approached the demon hesitantly, searching for the corrupted crystal. Seeing it underneath the edge of his sleeve, she reached out and touched it. At first it stung, the youki it had collected pushing against her reiki, but she ignored it. Pulling as hard as she could, the fake shard came out with a loud pop. Orihime's shield immediately replaced the shard and began to reverse whatever was wrong with the youkai emperor.
Everyone held their breath, hoping against hope that the healer's confidence in her powers wasn't misplaced. Pain contorted the eagle youkai's face at first but eventually eased as the seconds passed. Shun'o and Ayame were exhausted when it was over and returned to their dormant state after giving Orihime small smiles of satisfaction.
Once healed, the emperor's youki exploded throughout the room, startling the workers who had stayed silent. The rush of energy blew everyone's hair, its quality far different than when they first felt it. "I am healed," Odeserundiye pronounced, standing. His wings unfurled, stretching nearly the entire width of the room.
Gouyen cried in relief, leaving Kirara's embrace to go to her mate. "You are strong once again," she said, rejoicing.
Odeserundiye held her tight and gazed at his guests. "As agreed. Our arrangement with Naraku is ended and we will be rulers." Turning to his people, he let out a sharp cry. "Tell the others that we prepare for war."
"Yes, sir!" they obeyed and dispersed quickly.
Ichigo and the others got out of their way, tucking their weapons away and sagging with relief. Rukia approached Akira, noticing that she was staring at something in her hand. "Watanabe-san?"
"It broke apart and is now turning to ash."
"May I see?" Gouyen asked, coming to stand in front of the girls. She studied the crumbling object, her headed tilted slightly. "Like the body, it is returning to the earth. Perhaps it is not just the soul that was taken from these priestesses."
"It would make sense," Kirara said. "So, my friend, are you ready to be a warrior again?"
Gouyen grinned and summoned a spear of light. "Lead the way."
Callen caught Ishida's collar and pulled the Quincy out of the way when the two battle ready women began walking towards the door. "It's best to stay out of their way," he advised. Ishida, noticing the change in their posture, nodded and wisely did as the nekomata suggested. It was never a good idea to get in the way of a female on a mission.
Especially when they could skewer you with a lightning bolt.
A/N: Gouyen means "wise" in Apache and is the name of a 19th century warrior woman. Odeserundiye means "lightning has struck" in Mohawk. It was the name of a Mohawk chief in the 18th century. He was also known as John Deseronto. I thought making the American royal couple eagles was rather appropriate as well as giving them Native American names.