Chapter 2: Secrets
Byakuya touched down on the fringes of the Seireitei, followed closely by a heavily bandaged Ichigo and somewhat less damaged looking Rukia and Renji. The group paused, studying in silence, the tumbled and burnt remains of buildings, the upended trees, shredded flowers and scorched earth, all standing as stark reminders of the treachery and violence of the quincy assault forces.
"The place is a mess," Renji sighed, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck, then grinning as he spotted a blue haired hollow and a familiar shinigami astride a lovely black Arabian stallion.
Ichigo broke into a wide grin and flash stepped to meet them, ignoring completely the instant complaints all over his recovering body. Behind him, Byakuya's eyes narrowed for a moment in annoyance, but he forced them into submission as a swell of gratitude passed through him at seeing his cousin was all right.
"Tetsuya!" Rukia and Renji called out, racing after Ichigo, "Grimmjow!"
Ichigo reached the two first and offered a hand to Tetsuya, who slid down off the horse and was instantly pulled into Ichigo's arms and busied with a knee-weakening kiss.
"What the hell are you doing here already?" Renji chided Grimmjow, "You were supposed to be laid up for a couple more days up there. What? The service wasn't good enough for you? There wasn't enough good food?"
"Shut up," Grimmjow snapped, grinning, "I just didn't particularly like being surrounded on all sides by shinigamis. I figured I'd get back here and cause some trouble."
Tetsuya pulled away from Ichigo slightly and shook his head firmly.
"Actually, Grimmjow reported to me that he uncovered information suggesting that the noble families in hiding had been discovered, and were about to be attacked. He gave us warning just in time so that we were able to fend them off until the quincy king fell and the soldiers attacking us disappeared back into the shadows."
Byakuya turned his eyes to meet Grimmjow's and he nodded briefly in acknowledgement.
"You have our gratitude, Grimmjow Jaegerjaques," he said solemnly, "The Kuchiki family is in your debt for carrying the warning to our kin."
"Yeah, and all the damned rest of the high-falutin' clans are too," Grimmjow reasoned, "But whatever. The war's over, and now that Kurosaki's back here, we can..."
"Eh, later," Ichigo said, sinking into Tetsuya's enthusiastic mouth again, "I'm busy kissing my boyfriend."
Rukia swatted Ichigo playfully on the shoulder.
"Ow! What the hell?" Ichigo complained.
"Stop molesting my cousin and let's get back home and settle in, before it gets dark," she snapped.
"I'm afraid the reception will not be very grand," Tetsuya sighed as Grimmjow slid down off the horse and Ichigo and Tetsuya climbed on and turned him in the direction of Kuchiki Manor, "Kuchiki Manor was badly damaged in the attacks. And though we usually are able to accelerate repairs, the widespread devastation is complicating things and resulting in longer turnaround on services and supplies. But we do have the baths repaired, as well as the kitchen. We were able to bring stores from the evacuation site, so there are food, tents for shelter, and hot water for bathing."
"We are grateful to have that, given the state of things," Byakuya said approvingly, falling in alongside the tall stallion, with Rukia, Renji and Grimmjow trailing along.
"So, you raced back here to keep the nobles from getting attacked, huh?" Renji asked the Sexta Espada.
"Yeah, I guess," Grimmjow confirmed grudgingly, "Don't know why I'd bother helping out those stuck up pussies, but if Ichigo's pretty boyfriend had gotten fucked up and he knew I'd known it was coming and didn't do anything...you think he'd carry through and spar with me? I don't think so. I was just protecting my interests."
"Yeah sure," Renji said, not buying the hollow's words for a minute, "You can't fool me. You're going soft."
"Screw you, Red!" Grimmjow snapped, shoving him playfully.
"Knock it off, idiots!" Rukia reprimanded them, "You should still be looking out for enemies. You know, they didn't all just disappear. There were reports of some desperation attacks."
"Let them desper-ate all they want," Grimmjow said dryly, "I'll be glad to show'em how we do it in Hueco Mundo."
"Heh, just not how you did it when you took out after that quincy and got your ass poisoned!" Ichigo teased him.
"Hey, shut up, moron!" Grimmjow huffed.
"Take it easy, okay?" Renji chided him, "You guys can have it out later, after we get home and take stock. There've been a lot of deaths and injuries. You at least want Ichigo in top form when you go to wail on him, right?"
"I heard that," Ichigo said, scowling at Renji.
"Yeah, whatever," Grimmjow sighed, bumping his shoulder into Renji's, "I guess I can wait a little longer. Just don't want him to forget he owes me a good fight."
"Like all the fighting up there wasn't enough," Rukia said disapprovingly, "You fools ought to be more respectful, or at least just grateful to come back alive."
"Yeah," Ichigo agreed, more somberly, "Rukia's right. We are lucky to all be here and okay."
"Ichigo," Tetsuya said, tilting his head and looking over his shoulder to meet his boyfriend's eyes, "how is your friend, Uryu? And how are Orihime and Sado?"
Ichigo's expression darkened.
"Orihime and Sado came through okay, but uh...we'll have to talk about Uryu later. He's alive and he's expected to survive, but...I don't know what's going to happen. Like I said, we'll talk about it later."
"Tetsuya, did word reach you of the escape of the two quincy officers?" Byakuya asked his cousin.
Tetsuya nodded.
"We were informed," he assured Byakuya, "and the area around the manor has been heavily fortified and is well guarded. We left most of the family protected at the evacuation site and just came in with the advance group to reconnoiter and repair what we could in advance of the family's return."
"That is best," Byakuya said approvingly, "There are still scattered attacks, and Ywach's most powerful officer is still on the loose, although he was reported to be heavily injured, so we don't know if he will survive. Vice Captain Kotetsu reported that his outlook was not good, and that he was likely made worse by being jostled around during the escape."
"I was kinda surprised that Bazz-B was the one who saved him," Renji mused, "From what we found at the palace, it looked like the blonde guy was the one who took Bazz-B down."
"Well, as much as we cooperated to reach the royal realm, the quincies who assisted us never said that we were allies," Byakuya reminded him, "In fact, they made it clear that they were only cooperating because they needed to so they could reach the palace to seek their own revenge."
He paused as a Gotei messenger flash stepped into view and knelt in front of him.
"Captain Kuchiki!" the man called out, "The captain commander sent me to inform you that it won't be possible for your men to return to the sixth division headquarters, as it has been completely destroyed. We have tents and provisions available, but the captain commander wishes to know if your division can be headquartered temporarily at Kuchiki Manor."
Byakuya exchanged glances with Tetsuya, who nodded in approval.
"Inform the head captain that if he can provide tents, some rations and supplies for the men, we have room to offer them on the estate grounds."
"Yes sir!" the messenger answered, rising and flash stepping away again.
"Looks like it will get pretty lively at home," Rukia chuckled.
"Will you be staying with us, or do you need to assist with your own division while Captain Ukitake is recovering?" Byakuya asked Rukia.
"I think it's best if I go and check in," Rukia surmised, "I think everyone's going to be a little stunned."
"I think you are correct about that," Byakuya agreed, "Go on, then. Just...be cautious, as there are still enemies in the area."
"I will, Brother," Rukia promised.
"Hey, you want an escort?" Grimmjow asked, moving to join her, "I'm going that way."
"I thought you were helping out at Kuchiki Manor," Renji objected.
"Borrrring," Grimmjow complained, "But I'll be back, Kurosaki. You rest up and be ready for a go when I get back."
"Yeah, right," Ichigo sighed, shaking his head as Grimmjow and Rukia disappeared into the distance, "asshole."
"Well, there goes my drinking buddy," Renji said, frowning, "although who knows if there will be anything much to drink, ne?"
Byakuya stole a sidewise glance at the redhead.
"I believe the house wine cellar was not disturbed?" he inquired of Tetsuya.
"Yes," Tetsuya agreed, "The quincies damaged the house and gardens, but did not reach the wine cellar."
"Then, I am sure we can find something for you to drink and sufficient company for you to share while drinking it."
"If you mean you, then I've got no complaints, Captain," Renji chuckled, moving closer to Byakuya and smiling as his captain's hand slid into his.
The four continued down the road to Kuchiki Manor as the sun set and night approached.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Hey," Bazz-B said, slipping into the bedroom of the hideout and sitting down at Jugram's bedside, "you're really not looking good at all."
The blonde quincy's eyes opened and tried to focus on him, but even though his lips moved, he couldn't seem to speak properly.
"We're going to need some help."
Bazz-B frowned and shut his eyes, considering for several minutes, before his eyes opened again and fixed on Jugram's sweating face.
"Look, I know we have a lot of shit to deal with, but I'm going to make a deal with you. And the deal is, we aren't going to even start working our way through things until you're healed enough not to die on me. I hope it's okay with you, but even if it's not, it doesn't matter. I'm not letting you die. I'm gonna have to leave you to get help, but I'll bring back someone I know can help you. Just...don't try to get away, because if you start struggling, you're gonna die. You hear me, Jugo?"
Jugram's pained eyes looked back at him for a moment, then fluttered and closed.
"Jugo!" Bazz-B exclaimed, clenching at his yukata, "Jugo, c'mon!"
He took a stinging breath and slammed a hand on the nightstand, then stood and lifted his unconscious comrade into his arms. He carried Jugram through the small house and out the kitchen door, into the garage. He let out a relieved breath as he spotted a car the ones who had stayed in the outpost had used on occasion. He slid Jugram into the back seat, then slid into the driver's seat and pushed a button near the sun visor to raise the garage door. He glanced over at Jugram and swallowed hard at the unhealthy greyness of his skin and the rasping sound he made when he breathed.
"Hang in there, okay?" he said, backing out of the garage and swinging onto the street, "You're lucky I spent a little time here. I know how to drive."
He grimaced as he barely missed the neighbor's mailbox and ran up on the sidewalk.
"Sorry. I guess I need a refresher, huh?"
He steered the car back onto the street and headed towards the river.
"I probably coulda carried you, but it would've taken longer. You've gotten bigger...taller since we were kids," he said anxiously, "You've really changed, Jugo."
He pushed away the dark feeling that invaded when he started thinking about their childhood and focused his eyes on the road ahead of them.
"Now, I usually would turn to one of our own, but I'm probably on their bad side since I helped the shinigamis who invaded the palace. And the shinigamis don't like me either, since I grabbed you, and without that bastard, Ywach, around, you're public enemy number one. But there is a guy, he's a shinigami, but he's usually in trouble with Central 46 for something or other. He might be willing to help us. You probably know him from the data files, Kisuke Urahara. He was hanging out with some hollows, had'em working with the shinigamis, so I guess he doesn't assume 'once an enemy, always an enemy, right?"
The tires on the car screeched as he rounded a sharp curve.
"You still alive, Jugo?" he asked, glancing into the back seat and sighing in relief at seeing his comrade's chest move fitfully, "Almost there, okay. I just hope this bastard is around and those Gotei guys aren't, or we're in trouble. I mean, worse trouble."
He pulled up to the curb and stopped the car, exiting hastily and lifting Jugram into his arm. He smiled as Jugram groaned and his eyelids fluttered.
"Still with me, huh? Feisty little bastard, aren't you, Jugo?" he chuckled nervously.
He looked around and sensed the reiatsu in the area, then crept to the door of Urahara's shop. He knocked tentatively and felt a shiver of worry as he waited for an answer. A moment later, footsteps approached inside. The door opened and a tall man with glasses looked out at them and caught his breath at the sight of the bloodied quincies.
"Hey, don't freak out," Bazz-B said quickly, "We're not here to cause trouble. We're just looking for Urahara. We need his help. Is he here?"
"I am sorry," the man said, looking at Jugram worriedly, "he is not back from Soul Society yet. But I can help you. Orihime Inoue is resting here tonight. We have another guest wishing to avoid attention. Come with me."
Breathing another sigh of relief, Bazz-B worked to slow his breathing as he followed Tessai through the house and down into the underground training area. Bazz-B gave him a surprised look as he opened a senkaimon.
"This is a noble senkaimon, so not under the control of Central 46, although the precipice world is monitored by the twelfth division. Come with me. I will provide interference so that we will not be seen."
"Okay, I guess you know what you're doing. Just...no games. I just want my friend healed. I don't want trouble."
"I agree there has been enough of that," Tessai said solemnly, "Come."
Bazz-B carried Jugram into the precipice world, watching cautiously as they traversed the dark corridors and entered through a darkened gate.
"We are in a hidden pocket dimension within the precipice world," Tessai explained, "It is the only place where you will find any safety. Central 46 has a price on the heads of all quincy officers. Ones who assisted the shinigamis will get some lenience, but..." he said, glancing at Jugram, "those deemed hostile will undoubtedly face execution."
"Yeah, I know," Bazz-B said in a low voice, "That's why I came to you. I thought you'd at least give me a chance to tell our story."
"You can do that, but first we will see to your friend's injuries."
He led Bazz-B into the pocket dimension, where they passed through a forested area until they reached a small cabin. Tessai knocked on the door, then entered, pausing as he spotted Orihime leaned over an unconscious Uryu. She looked up at Tessai and started to smile, then shivered as she spotted Bazz-B and Jugram.
"Hey, we're not going to hurt anyone," Bazz-B said quickly, "I just need help for my friend. I need you to keep him from dying...and...I need you to help me get through to him."
"Wh-what do you mean?" the human girl asked, "Did someone use some kind of mind control ability on him?"
"No," Bazz-B said, swallowing hard, "It wasn't any ability, any kind of power exactly. It's just that...Ywach knew all of us. And he knew how fuck with our minds and manipulate us without using any powers at all. I don't know how he twisted Jugo's mind, but he took him away a long time ago. We were friends before, but after he went with Ywach, he was different. Jugo and I trained for five years so we could get close to Ywach."
Bazz-B took a shaky breath.
"We were going to get close to him and we were going to kill him."
Orihime's eyes widened and Tessai frowned and tilted his head curiously.
"Sounds weird, huh?" Bazz-B went on, "But the truth is, not all of us Sternritters were as devoted to Ywach as we pretended to be. I sure as hell wasn't. I thought Jugo wasn't either. But Ywach somehow got into Jugo's head and convinced him that Ywach was the rightful king and leader of our worlds. Jugo became like his closest follower. I thought he was acting, but...when push came to shove, the person Jugo tried to kill wasn't Ywach. It was me. He tried to kill me. I don't know what Ywach said or did that made Jugo follow him. I just know that I have to get him back. I just want my friend back. Can you help me?"
Tessai and Orihime exchanged concerned looks. then Orihime smiled at Bazz-B.
"As long as you give us your word you won't attack any of us here, we'll be glad to help you..."
"Bazz-B," the quincy supplied, "The name's Bazz-B and this is...Jugram."
"Bring your friend over here," the human girl directed him, "I'll get started healing him right away."
"Thanks," Bazz-B said, laying Jugram down in the indicated bed, "Thanks for helping us."
He glanced over at the young man in the other bed and shook his head grimly.
"You brought Ishida here, huh?" he mused, "That was probably smart. Next to Jugo, he may be the most wanted quincy on the Central 46 hit list."
Orihime sighed and looked at Uryu worriedly.
"Don't worry," she said bracingly, "we don't plan on letting them find Uryu until we have a chance to clear his name."
"At least he has some hope of that," Bazz-B said sadly, "I don't think Central 46 will ever let Jugo clear his name."
"Let's take one thing at a time," Tessai said calmly, "First, let's heal your friend, and then we will see if we can help to clear his mind and his name."