Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and never will.
Warnings: Violence, language…. The usual.
A/N- Special thanks to Zanka no Tachi 31 and Accursius for their advice and overall help with this story!
-DIVIDER-
Kurosaki Ichigo's POV...
Now that I think about it, hollering out for Ikkaku to get his lazy ass moving before he got sacrificed to the "great and powerful Mimihagi-sama" (leader's words, not mine), may not have been the best way to approach the problem. Still, it worked well enough. A bunch of cultists lugging him around like a sack of potatoes may not have been enough to wake up Ikkaku, but insulting him got him right up on his feet. Geez, he was pissed. At me, that is. Idiot. Then the cultists once he got a better look around. He started screaming, something about being drugged, and that's when stuff really hit the fan. Whatever special bindings they had tied him in didn't last long. In a flare of red, Ikkaku managed to tear through them all in three seconds flat.
People started screaming and running. Leader shook his bony fists at me and Ikkaku, ranting about how they would 'no longer be subject to the shinigami oppressors' and that 'Mimihagi-sama will smite down the blasphemers'. I don't think Ikkaku heard; he was too busy scaring runaway cultists by swiping his zanpakuto (don't ask me how or when he got that back) at them. The swipes are close enough to make them fear for their lives but far enough away to miss by several inches… Well, either he was purposely just trying to frighten them or the "drugs" hadn't completely worn off yet and were making him see double. I vote for the latter. Like I said, he was pretty pissed, and didn't seem too keen on holding back.
I almost joined him in his hunt until a cultist accidently ran into me, his mask having been slightly twisted in all the hassle and momentarily unable to see right. Curious, I grabbed onto his mask and yanked it the rest of the way off. In panic, he fell on his butt and scrambled backward. I had momentarily froze. In front of me was… a completely ordinary guy. Seriously. Black hair, dark brown eyes, medium height and build… I could have brushed shoulders with him in the marketplace several times a day and never once suspected him to be a crazy cultist. It was bizarre. Pulling the masks/old bed sheets off a few other club members revealed the same. One was even a skinny, elderly lady who'd you think would be more suited to knitting socks on a front porch than readying to do a blood sacrifice to some obscure god.
When I was busy doing this and Ikkaku was busy being drunk (sure looked like it), we didn't pay too much attention to what leader and more of the hardened cultists were doing. That turned out to be a mistake. They started chanting (surprise there) with a "Mimihagi-sama, Mimihagi-sama, open thy eye…" etc. etc. A black shadow like thick ink or oil descended on leader, seeming to make him very happy, but then he started screaming and promptly fainted. The shadowy thing vanished. So this turned out to be a mistake not because it hurt us, but because we weren't in time to stop leader from doing something very stupid. After rounding up those cultists who didn't get away fast enough, I demanded some answers. Apparently this group had planned on sacrificing someone of great spiritual pressure to Mimihagi-sama in turn for the god granting all of them moderate amount of reiryoku... And Ikkaku, who just happened to get drunk at their town's Inn after a hollow killing spree, would have been a perfect sacrifice. The cultists believe that the key to a long and happy life is possessing reiryoku and, honestly, looking from their point of view... I can kinda see why. Only those with a significant amount of spiritual energy were allowed to freely (at least for awhile) live in the Seireitei and to become shinigami, while the rest were never allowed to take one step in according to the cultists and Ikkaku who confirmed it. I remember what Hatsu-san said about it being every Rukongai citizens' dream to move to lower district; the idea of of living in the Seireitei must be the equivalent of (finally) going to heaven for them...
As for what happened to leader, he had tried to become host to their god, only to be promptly rejected. The cultists were very depressed that their chosen leader wasn't actually chosen- it was all sorta pitiful actually. When leader woke up, he seemed generally alright until he opened his mouth. It's like whatever happened to him had made him gone senile and turned him into a harmless, forgetful old man. One thing's for sure, he won't be leading any more of these club meetings any time soon. After that, I wasn't quite sure what to do with them. According to Ikkaku, attacking a shinigami is punishable by death, and although what they did or try to do is no doubt wrong, I didn't have it in me to sentence them to death. Ikkaku didn't either, and told them to stop having these stupid meetings and go back to their lives, never to speak of what happened here on pain of death. They agreed, were allowed to leave, and by how swiftly they ran they couldn't seem to get away fast enough.
Then Ikkaku turned on me. Having grabbed the upper hem of my Shihakushō, he yanked me right up to his stupid face and stinking breath, leaving me in my current predicament...
"The same goes for you!" He's yelling in my face, spittle flying. "Tell anyone of what happened here today and I'll rip you to shreds, got it?!" I punch him in the face. It feels good. "You have some nerve," he growls at me with a glower, wiping a few specs of blood away from his now slightly swollen upper lip. "Don't you know who I am? I'm part of the eleventh division, punk, Madarame Ikkaku!" He puffs his chest up proudly, waving his zanpakuto at me.
Now I'm really starting to get frustrated. "Don't you know who I am? It's me, Ichigo! C'mon, don't give me that stupid look. I know you have to remember me somewhere in that empty head of yours!"
"The hell is your problem…" Ikkaku mutters, looking at me weirdly. One of his eye twitches as I roll my own eyes some. Still nothing then… This is like our first meeting all over again. "And what's with the arrogant look…? You think you can take me on?" He smirks, bringing up his zanpakuto and flexing his fingers before falling into a battle stance. He looks fine on his feet now and ready for a fight, but just to piss him off I say...
"... Ikkaku, go home. You're drunk."
A tick mark appears on his bald head. "I already told you, I was drugged!"
"Yeah, by yourself and with alcohol…" I mutter snidely, which he ignores as he continues on.
"And don't call me by my given name; I don't know you!" That comment stings more than it probably should. My gut tightens and the confusion and fear I have been avoiding comes crashing back down on me. My expression must have darkened or something because soon Ikkaku is smirking. "That's it, that's the look. C'mon, let's see what you got!" And without another word he charges at me.
-DIVIDER-
Shiba Miyako's POV…
I force my eyes open, taking in a shuddering breath as though it's my first in a long time. I blink my gray eyes, trying to focus on what is before me. I am laying on a bed in the medical squad, several chairs next to my bedside but only two of them currently occupied. One has my husband, who's head is leaning back at an uncomfortable looking position, but is sleeping and snoring loudly nonetheless. I raise a hand to my mouth, stifling a giggle. Thanks to his job he could sleep practically anywhere, in any position, and not even notice the pain until come morning, the poor man. I'm about to wake him up before I notice two other things. One, the wires attached to my wrist and connected to my husband at the other end… Reiryoku transfer, I realize with a frown. It's quite dangerous if not handled properly, I do hope Unohana-taicho has been keeping a close eye on him, but knowing her character as well as I do significantly puts my mind at ease. Lastly, but certainly not least, is a young girl dozing lightly, her head resting on the side of my bed. I smile fondly, running my fingers through her short black locks. "Rukia… Rukia dear…" I prod lightly, tapping her shoulder.
She stirs, mumbling incoherent words underneath her breath as her eyes flutter open. She stares at me for a long moment, then the most beautiful smile breaks out across her face as show throws herself at me, wrapping her arms around my shoulder. "Miyako-dono!" I let out a startled gasp at the sudden glomp and then laugh cheerfully, returning the embrace. The sweet girl rambles on for a bit as I pet her hair, as she's saying how she was 'so scared' and how frantically they had been 'searching for you, day and night' and 'so happy you're alright''.
I purse my lips, crevices forming on my forehead as I remember just how many times I believed everything was never going to be alright again… and maybe that's still true. I stare down on my hands. They're clean, but no doubt everyone knows the blood on them by now. I saved one, yet murdered how many? I squeeze my hands closed, the nails biting into my flesh. "Miyako-dono…" I look back to Rukia to see her worried expression. I smile calmly and cup her cheek in one of my hands.
"Don't worry about me- my family is here for me, so of course everything is alright." She smiles again but then I pause, blinking. "But… where is Kukaku and Ganju?"
"They went out to go get food, Ganju just wouldn't stop whining." My husband gives an exaggerated sigh, having woken up moments before. "Such a baby, it's only been a day since we last ate. Kukaku won't forgive him for making them miss the moment you woke up." He notes with a teasing air and I chuckle.
"Well bless his heart, or stomach as it were. If it wasn't for him, you'd all starve yourselves." I remark, body slightly shaking with suppressed laughter. I then hold out a hand toward him and make a 'come hither' motion. He complies and I lean over, grabbing him by the collar and pulling him down without further ado. I kiss him deeply on the lips. His aqua green eyes give a spark of surprise, but then he smiles into the kiss, wrapping one arm around my waist and setting the other hand behind my head. His fingers tangle themselves in my long locks and I sit up straighter, wrapping my free arm around his back. I give a small sigh of bliss and happiness. He doesn't think any less of me, he still loves me as strongly as he did the day we were married- I can tell.
My eyes are about to flutter closed when I notice Rukia out of the corner of one eye. I can't help but laugh, consequently breaking the kiss. The poor girl is as red as a tomato! It's then that I realize that Kaien and I have never shown so much affection around her, as we always try stay professional in front of our division members. We're not just husband and wife after all, we're also fukutaicho and third seat of the Thirteenth Division. "Sumimasen!" Rukia is quick to apologize, bowing and making her escape.
"Rukia-" I call out, but she's already out the door. I give a slightly exaggerated sigh.
My husband stands up straight and give my hand a squeeze. "Don't worry, I'll get her." He gingerly takes off the reiatsu transfer and makes a move towards the door, but I hold on tightly and don't let go of his hand. He comes to a halt and looks at me quizzically. I keep my head down, staring at the blankets on my lap. "Kaien… You know, don't you…?"
"Yes…"
"Is he… is she…?" He shakes his head in a silent no. I squeeze my eyes shut. I barely knew a few minutes before all the insanity of that night occurred, but still… Still I…
Kaien sits down on my bedside and holds me. Nothing is said as I stare blankly down. My hands are shaking. I don't bother to hide them now. Before I can formulate any real response the door swings open and in rushes my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and Rukia, the latter of whom is being firmly steered inside by Ganju. Ganju lets go of Rukia's shoulder and gives me a toothy grin, some sauce from the sandwich in his other hand smeared on his face. I force myself to smile back, and seeming to sense how strained the atmosphere is, Kukaku tones down the rough edges of her character and gives me a soft smile. Kaien scoots over so his sister can give me a hug. "Hey there, girl."
"Kukaku, it's good to see you," I say, returning the hug. My eyes water, all of the emotions in me just bubbling over. The other woman rubs comforting circles on my back.
"Hey sis! Wanna sandwich?" asks Ganju, offering one of his messy sandwiches, somehow managing to get twice as much of the sauce smothered on his face in the brief moment I looked away. This time, my smile is sincere. I can still remember that young, chubby little boy I meet all those years ago, when Kaien and I were still just friends, smiling at me and offering a piece of cake, his face smeared with the food much like it is now…
I chuckle quietly. "Thank you Ganju, but no thank you. I'm not hungry right now." I admit, a small grimace marring my face for a brief moment at the thought of eating anything and one of my shaky hands rests on my stomach...
But then I see her between my brother and sister and my grimace disappears. That cute little girl that I've adored from the moment she first joined my squad, standing here now with chin tucked into herself, her hands folded politely in front of her and a bashful expression still on her face. My heart softens. I've always thought of Rukia as the daughter I've never had, but now I realize the truth.
She might be the only child I'll ever have.
-DIVIDER-
Kurotsuchi Mayuri's POV…
I walk through the halls of the Institute of Research and Development, a skip practically in my step. Behind me is my most remarkable creation, a perfect fukutaicho and assistant, artificially crafted using my specialized gigai and gikon technology. She is speaking, but instead of the useless prattling I am used to hearing, she is actually saying things worth while. Remarkable! Barely half a day and she has already managed to complete several tasks that would take my usual subordinates thrice as long, and she seems to only become more faster the more she learns. Really, if her kind didn't take so long and so much money to create this perfect, I would suggest at the next taicho meeting that we just get rid of that useless academy altogether and replace it with the mass production of artificial souls of this kind.
"And with that I completed project #1034, Otousama."
I miss a step, my foot hanging a few inches over the cold, polished floor. "Otousama…" I pause and murmur in disdain, then set my foot down and turn around to face her. My creation has the appearance of an average young lady with dark eyes and even darker, long hair, the latter of which she has decided to braid. She has obediently and respectfully halted her own steps and now calmly stares up at me with a facade of innocence, as if she didn't just address me by that ridiculous title. "Girl. I am your master, not your father," I inform her tersely, lips twisting downward slightly in disgust.
She bows low to me. "As you say, Master Kurotsuchi; my apologies."
I wave one hand dismissively. "Yes, yes. Come along then." We resume our walk, the girl two steps behind me as is proper.
"I have also completed an analysis of the unidentified shinigami's reiatsu that came to Shiba Kaien-fukutaicho's aid."
"Oh?" I say, only half listening.
"Yes, sir. I have come to the conclusion that he has a high level reiatsu. At least a fifth seat's. Perhaps even a captain's. With only these samples, it is hard to determine."
"Mmm… Perhaps a captain level amount of spiritual power? That's not interesting at all. We already have thirteen of those." I note offhandedly.
"There is more."
"Well, go on then."
"His reiatsu imprint show signs of being a newly arrived."
Now this makes me pause. Without turning around, I ask, "Just how new?"
"At the time at which this sample was taken?" is the rhetorical question. "Within the day." I make a 'give me' gesture and she hands me her results. I quickly skim over her work.
"Hm, yes… Everything seems to be in order…. Well, well, soutaicho, it seems you were right to be interested!" I smirk, slowly lowering the results. "Yes, indeed. And a most interesting specimen you will be, boy."
-DIVIDER-
Kurosaki Ichigo's POV...
Hozukimaru clashes against Zangetsu in a powerful, overhead strike.
The blades meet with a resounding cling that seems to echo through out the now nearly empty clearing. Ikkaku's smirk widens as he presses down, but I don't give an inch. He seems more concerned with testing my strength right now then actually winning the battle. Well, his mistake. If he doesn't remember me by just words, I'll have to beat some sense into him. Maybe if he sees the way I fight, something will click… I begin to shove back instead of just holding my own, and with Ikkaku surprised at my sudden aggressiveness and newly revealed strength, I manage to gain an inch or two with our locked blades. I hear him chuckle. "Hey, you're pretty strong…"
I smirk. "Yeah. And so are you."
"Well, seems like I can't just rely on my strength in this battle. Let's see if there's more to you than muscle, huh?" And with that he pushes our locked blades higher and goes for a vicious roundhouse kick, one that I am thankfully able to avoid with ease by quickly hoping back some. I use the brief moment where he still has his leg up to my advantage. I don't even need to dart forward, the length of my blade taking care of the space between us while Ikkaku's sword cannot reach me. I manage to get a shallow, bottom to top diagonal slash on his thigh before his blade meets mine and he sets his foot down. "Heh, fast. Good to know. Guess first blood goes to you, but I'll be the one to draw last."
"Not a chance, Ikkaku," I boast as we quickly disengage our blades, trying to get through the other's defenses but our zanpakutos still meeting each try.
He frowns slightly. "I told you not to call me by my given name…!" His words are punctuated by a fierce offensive, but I'm able to match his offensive with equal vigor. I ward him off and keep him at a distance with my longer zanpakuto, getting in several more quick, shallow slashes, having just enough time to mar him so before he brings around Hozukimaru to counterattack. I see his eyes widen at the sudden multitude of his injuries, while I remain completely untouched. Then he grins forcibly, chuckling as he spirals further downward into his bloodlust and comes at me with renewed spirit, one I somewhat balk at as I really don't want to critically injure my friend... I'm not used to fighting non-lethally with anything other than my fists, and it's difficult to decide how to counter attack without going into my usual, all-out fighting style myself. At one point however he slips up, raising his blade too high and I see my chance. I thrust forward with Zangetsu, keeping in mind where I aim to hit least I accidently kill the crazy bastard...
Cling!
My eyes widen slightly.
Ikkaku laughs. "Gotcha!" Between Hozukimaru and the sheathe he just brought into play, Zangetsu is trapped.
But now it's my turn to grin. "Getsuga…." Ikkaku balks when my reiatsu suddenly skyrockets. I push enough of my reiatsu into Zangetsu to make the attack hurt, but not decimate. This is it! My signature move. If this doesn't make him remember, nothing I do will… "Tenshou!"
"..."
"..."
"...Ha! That was a pretty good bluff, you almost had me for a second! Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer… What a joke." He chuckles. "Time to finish this." He pushes my zanpakuto down, leaving me in close quarters and open for a beating of a counter attack. It's all that I can do to defend myself.
What. The hell. Zangetsu! I cry out internally, panicked. Not because I'm scared of Ikkaku- No, I'm panicked because I really did try to use a Getsuga Tenshou and nothing happened! Sure, Zangetsu and I have had spats, but he's never denied me our signature move! What have I done to deserve this?! Even worse... What if it's not his fault? What if something is wrong with him? I haven't been too worried over his change in appearance since it has happened so often, but what if this time it signifies something's wrong? I feel my chest tighten at the thought of something happening to him. I'd rather have to deal with my inner hollow all over again than lose Zangetsu.
"Che," Ikkaku scoffs, abruptly backing off. He eyes me critically and shakes his head some, as if in disappointment. "What's with you? You should have the advantage over me right now. You're faster, have a longer reach and just as strong as me… But your grip is all wrong, too tight. It's like you've never picked up a sword before, yet the way you stand and move is like an experienced warrior."
I don't know what to say. Well, actually, I want to say that I was holding back, but I still have a hard time believing that even with such a disadvantage, Ikkaku could get this good of a hit on me... Am I really still that bad with a sword then? I've been fighting with Zangetsu for over a year now, managing to defeat several high ranking opponents in sword battles, including the person who stands before me!… But the proof of what Ikkaku says is plainly evident. A long slash, from shoulder to my chest. Deep, although not deep enough to be truly life threatening. Blood trickles down my toned chest and right leg, collecting into a small puddle on the ground below. I notice my bleeding is already slowing, but I have done nothing. Zangetsu? It has to be. But why is he helping me now, yet denying me just moments earlier?
"Nothing to say, huh?" He takes a threatening step forward and I drop into a front stance, scowling at him. He looks at me up and down in what I think is approval. "Lemme help you out. Three words for ya." He holds up a hand, putting up one finger after another as he says the three words. "I'll. Get. Stronger."
There is a long pause as I resist the urge to fling myself back into a fight with him. It's obvious by now that fighting won't help, he still has no idea who I am beyond what he knows from our meeting today. I narrow my eyes and growl out, "I'll get stronger." It's a promise! And I'll figure out what's wrong with Zangetsu and find a way to Huceo Mundo without Urahara's help if I have too! I'm sick of running around without rhyme or reason. As soon as I get Hatsu-san and her uncle to where they need to go, I'm going for Orihime! I'll figure out this mess later, after Orihime is back safe in Karakura. Oh, and after I pound that blue haired bastard of an arrancar into the ground.
With my renewed sense of purpose in mind, I look up to see Ikkaku's infuriating smirk back in place. "Sweet. That's what I like to hear."
-DIVIDER-
Madarame Ikkaku's POV...
I waddle back into my division, tired, sweaty, my head painfully pounding and just generally miserable. The thrill of that fight with that orange haired guy from last night has long since worn off, leaving me pissy and all around hurting. I grumble in dismay as I eye a batch of new 11th division recruits in the distance, all wide eyed or arrogant, like they own the whole freakin' world. The brats are blocking the entrance to the barracks, where a bunk bed with my name on it resides. I halt stiffly, straightening my posture. I had long since stopped using my zanpakuto as a crutch for my injuries, but now I'll have to stop slouching as well unless I want the fresh meat to think I'm fresh meat. Usually I would take pleasure in beating the new recruits into shape… Now? Not so much in the mood.
"Oh my…. How ugly," remarks a familiar voice from behind me. I turn to see Yumichika, my long time friend for reasons I'm still not quite sure on. He stands there, picture perfect as ever with one feathered eyebrow raised in mild startlement. He delicately pinches his nose. "And smelly. Just what happened to you?"
"None of your damn business," I spat at him, just wanting to get some rest. I'm very aware of how I appear (and smell) and don't need him to remind me, best friend or not. My uniform is shredded in a few places and dried blood practically covers me from the countless, shallow slashes that orange haired kid gave me. At times, he went so fast I could barely keep up at some points, so it's really no wonder why I have so many. By now fortunately the wounds have clotted with the beginnings of scabs, making me feel stiff and uncomfortable. Several layers of sweat cover me with a stench hard to ignore and there is no doubt in my mind that there are deep, dark circles underneath my eyes from how tired I feel.
"Baldy, baldy!" comes that screeching giggle I have so come to loathe and I internally groan. As if a nosey Yumachica, a bunch of bratty recruits and my other current issues aren't bad enough, now my insanely annoying and clingy fukutaicho is here and standing on my shoulders!
"Get'ff of me…" I say gruffly, adding my neck to the parts of me that hurt as that pink haired devil uses my head for balance while jumping on my shoulders. Why does she always have to target me and Yumichika (but most of the time me)?! We're not even seated officers yet!
Of course, the spawn of all things annoying and pink ignores me and continues her abuse. I wish I could stop her, but even if I was in better condition she could still beat me to next week, not to mention how ticked taicho would-
"Madarame. The hell happened to you?"
I whirl around, Yachiru squealing loudly in my ear at the swift motion. I force myself not to wince at the pain the loud sound causes while saying, "T-taicho!" I give him a quick bow, Yachiru still happily clinging to my neck.
He simply gives me an amused snort. "Well?"
"I- Well, I-" And then a bright idea comes into mind. I slowly begin to grin and start my tale. I stay true the source, if somewhat embellished to make things a tad more interesting of course… A minute later I'm still at it. "And then the nutjobs tried to summon their god with some weird-ass name, Mimihagi-sama or somethin' I think. It suddenly got dark, even darker than before that is, and the cultists mutated right in front of us! Getting claws and fangs and shit." I hear a noise that sounds suspiciously like laughter coming from Yumichika's direction, but when I look he is 'only' coughing.
"Please, continue." He says in all seriousness and I do so, trying to ignore all the while the gathering crowd of mainly new recruits with their stupid, slack-jawed expressions that only worsen in amazement as I spin my tale. At least all those stories I gave at the sake houses weren't for nothing…. Yachiru does something good for once too and appropriately coos in amazement. At least she's a good listener (when she wants to be).
"What was the orange haired shinigami doing?" she inquires curiously.
"Oh, yeah." I'd forgotten about him. "He took down their leader while I was holding off the rest single-handedly." Gasps from the newbies.
"But you said he was friggin' thirteen feet high, with four arms and shit!"
"So what?" I ask, glaring at the one who interrupted me. He quickly seems to lose his voice. "Anyways, it's no big deal. I challenged the shinigami right after and managed to defeat him." More gasping and appropriate cooing (and a slight eye roll from my best friend).
"But was he strong?" My taicho. I blink up at him in surprise, somehow almost forgetting he's there until now, before seriously taking into consideration his inquiry.
"Yeah…" I say slowly, remembering just how much he cut me up. One bad move on my part and he could have done some serious damage on me. It was only our vast difference in experience that let me one up him. "In a couple decades, he may even be a bit of a challenge for you," I note truthfully, remembering that heavy spiritual pressure. Taicho suddenly gives a shit-eating grin that almost makes me feel bad for saying anything. Poor guy.
"Did you go drinking afterwards?" Yumichika suddenly asks drily.
I look at him strangely. "What?"
"Eww, Feather-Brow is right! You smell like bad sake!" complains Yachiru and I grunt as she hops off my shoulders and onto her usual perch on Kenpachi-taicho.
Yumichika's face twitches in a strained matter. "What did you call me?" he asks our fukutaicho lowly. Yeah, definitely strained.
Yachiru just puffs up her cheeks at him childishly (I still find it hard to believe that she's older than us). "What? It's truuuuue~" she informs him in a sing-song voice, but like me, my friend doesn't dare try anything.
"Madarame." My taicho prods impatiently.
"Right." I say, quickly getting back into the groove of things. "Once we had our fight the kid and I stopped by a nearby town to have a drink."
"At night…?" One of the newbies mutter dubiously, but a quick elbow to the ribs from one of his smart friends makes him shut up.
I hear taicho chuckle in approval and I swell up in pride. "You've done the 11th good, Madarame."
"Yes, sir."
"You're a true man's man. Good enough to be my third seat even." Suddenly, all the crap I went through the night before doesn't seem so bad.
But then something occurs to me. I look hesitatingly at Yumichika. I can't go on without him… Our division is pretty huge, and with us so differently ranked I'd probably hardly see him. Yumichika notices my gaze and scoffs at me, probably about to get all uppity up and brush off my concerns, but just at that moment Yachiru speaks up.
"Aww, Ken-chan! Pin-cushion is scared that he won't see feather-brow any more~" Did she just call me Pin-cushion?
Kenpachi grunts. "Yumachica, right?" he asks my friend gruffly, who promptly snaps to attention and gives a bow.
"Yes, taicho." Taicho gives him a once over while I wait anxiously (not that I'd admit it on pain of death).
"You know shikai?"
"Yes; mine is Fuji Kujaku."
"Hm." Hm? What's hm? "I've seen you use it. You're pretty good. Work hard and you could soon be my Fifth." Relief washes over me, but then follows confusion.
"What happened to, what's his name?" I wonder out loud, trying to remember our fifth seat's name. Last time I checked he was still alive. I freeze as taicho gives me the evil eye.
"He lied to me," is the simple answer, hinting that the man is dead as all get out.
"Oh," I say, trying to sound tough, but it comes out more hoarse. All is silent for a long, agonizing moment. I only slightly exaggerated the story, I repeat to myself internally over and over. It doesn't help.
Then taicho starts chuckling. At first quietly, then progressively louder. Yachiru giggles, I join in(chuckling, that is, not giggling), and then everyone else, probably all wondering just like I am what the hell is going on. Taicho gives me a hearty slap on the back, nearly knocking me over and sending painful vibrations through-out my body. "You'll be fun to have around, Madarame. I can tell." And without another word, taicho walks away, leaving me to still wonder what the hell just happened.
-DIVIDER-
Shiba Kaien's POV…
It's my first captain's meeting since that night. I stand dutifully behind Ukitake-taicho as the soutaicho drones on, addressing each of the division's reports and needs in face of the latest influx of hollows and the catastrophe that followed. I try not to appear as tired as I actually am as the meeting stretches on, going from minutes to hours. The fact that we all have to stand and watch the soutaicho, who is the only one sitting down, doesn't help the matter either, though I understand the reasoning behind it. He is after all at least older than two thousand years and senior to all those present, though no one knows his exact age. Following him is my taicho and Shunsui-taicho, both of whom are two thousand. Unohana-taicho is next in line at one thousand years. I mentally go through my oldest to youngest list, trying to keep myself at least appearing awake and alert, pausing only once when my eyes land on the fifth division fukutaicho's empty spot. Gin, a mere decade more than a century, is among the youngest present along with Byakuya-taicho(who is slightly older), Nanao-fukutaicho(slightly younger), Yachiru-fukutaicho and the twelfth's newest fukutaicho, a strange and mysterious girl named Nemu. Although Ichimaru Gin is usually seen shadowing Aizen-taicho closely, it isn't uncommon for him to be out leading team missions or completing solo ones. So, when asked today where his snake of a fukutaicho is, Aizen had simpered 'reconnaissance' with an apologetic smile and it was accepted without another word.
Therefore, I have to accept it too, but that doesn't mean I like it. No, I don't like it one bit, especially considering it is apparently a solo mission. In my book, the only thing worse than an Ichimaru Gin by himself is one Aizen Sousuke on his lonesome.
Even with my strong suspicions on the pair's motives however, it would be foolhardy to ask for more information on Gin's whereabouts. Questioning the motives of a well-liked, if not completely adored, captain? It would not look good, especially considering how my own captain appears satisfied with the answer.
So I stand there complacently, the perfect fukutaicho looking content to have his wife back and no worse for wear. If only that were true. At least Kaname Tosen, the seated officer that had taken over in light of his taicho's and fukutaicho's… absence, is nearly finished with his turn. That man can be even worse than the soutaicho when it comes to talking, so dull and endless. The crazy thing about it is every part of his speeches (I can't think of them as reports), are relevant and fairly important in some fashion. Suffice to say the soutaicho loves him, and practically coos every time Tosen gives a speech, like some type of proud, doting parent. I feel a spiritual nudge and look up to see my captain glancing at me out of the corner of one eye, seeming amused but lightly chiding. Some of my annoyance must have started to leak through my reiatsu again. I give him a small, unrepentant smile but nonetheless reign in my feelings.
I'm very tempted to sigh audibly in relief with the ninth division member bows, once to the soutaicho and once to the other captains in general before returning to his spot in line. The soutaicho nods in gruff pride at the man before speaking. "Tenth Division Taicho, Shiba Isshin, step forward and give your report."
I look to my uncle as he steps forward, and seeing him once again reminds me of just how bad of a hit the Gotei 13 has taken in the past couple of weeks. No, not just the past few weeks, but the past few decades in general. Career advancement is usually rare in the Gotei, with how long-lived shinigami usually are, but as of late promotions were being handed out left and right, subsequently meaning shinigami were falling like flies… Or turned traitors, if you believe the reports.
Isshin, instead of his impish grin and devil-may-care attitude that so many in my family seems to possess and that he himself had before this giant mess, now has a small frown on his lips and what seems to be a few more worry lines marring his face. "Nothing of note to report in the World of Living." There is a tense silence, and more than one quick, accusing glance is thrown Mayuri-taicho's way. Mayuri himself is unfazed when my uncle boldly turns to give him a direct stare down. Everyone knew what he was thinking. The Soul Society could have really used the presence of another captain in these last few days, and it probably would have gone a long way to stem the list of casualties. Instead, however, he was in the World of the Living, investigating a powerful phenomenon signature, I don't know all the details, just the Isshin was chosen to go because of his level of power and knowledge on the World of the Living. He usually is the one sent after all when a captain is needed down there.
"Tch, tch, tch. No need to be so hostile, Shiba-taicho. I only gave you the facts." The man, if the "self-improving" mad scientist can be called that, spreads his hands outward in what no doubt is meant to be taken as an innocent gesture. "What you do with them; or in this case what you don't do with them, is entirely up to you." My expression darkens at his flippancy, and I share a look with Kuchiki-taicho across the room. As the heads of two opposing noble clans with their own sense of honor, one with family and personal loyalty as its centerfocus, the other with the law and duty as its centerpiece, it's understandable that we don't agree on many things. However, on the things that we do agree on… Such as our dislike for the second and twelfth divisions, and even more specifically, their captains, we can find some pretty good allies in each other.
Isshin is about give an angry retort when Kuchiki speaks up. "A discussion on fleeting facts will serve no purpose. We should continue with the reports." Yamamoto-soutaicho gives a grunt of agreement, but Mayuri can't resist trying to get in the last word, with his feathers ruffled now as it were.
"Facts are not fleeting," he informs the Kuchiki clan leader with a disdainful air, lips twitching downward.
Kuchiki meets his gaze and answers simply. "Your's seem to be." I'm left to happily cackle inwardly as hints of Kuchiki's hot-headed youth rears its head with these four, seemingly emotionless words. Mayuri huffs but at a look from the captain commander he says no more.
The meeting continues, and Isshin meets my eyes while he speaks, a look heavy with guilt. I realize he must hate himself for not being here, especially after what happened to my wife. I wish I could tell him it's not his fault, he had to go and couldn't have known this would happen, but now is not the time. I nearly wince after awhile as Isshin does his report, his voice so cold and commanding with an edge. Now I realize why nearly everyone has been so skittish around me lately. This is how I must have been acting before Miyako was found. Hm, not that it's any surprise to me, but a Shiba's rage really is something to behold. It can change us into something so radically different we'd hardly seem the same person besides our appearance.
Kenpachi's report is, like usual, the shortest. The only things he seems to be interested in reporting (or bragging about) is the accomplishments of himself or his men and whatever promotions have occurred. Apparently a 'Madarame Ikkaku' has been promoted to Third Seat. Kuchiki asks with blatant distaste if they have done something worthy of note to deserve such a promotion from unseated to high rank.
"Yeah, actually… "
"And what did Madarame do?" My captain inquires with polite interest, always happy to hear of the progress of the younger shinigami.
"Stopped the summoning of some god and his minions."
"A god?" This is Aizen, raising an eyebrow in quiet disbelief. For once, although I loathe to admit it even to myself, I actually agree with Aizen.
Kenpachi grunts in confirmation. "One called 'Mimihagi' or some'em along those lines."
Attention turns to Ukitake-taicho when he suddenly breaks out into another of his coughing fits. At least, that's what it seems to the others I gather. Through the connection all lieutenants have with their captains, I can just make out the signs of shock in his spirit. I step forward, quick to offer him an extra handkerchief to use, as he wouldn't stop coughing up blood. I grow worried and am about to ask for Unohana-taicho's help when Nemu-fukutaicho steps forward. She offers him something, a bottle-like object. I eye it critically, wondering why this fukutaicho has something on her at such a meeting that conveniently helps my captain. Sensing my anxiety for his well-being, Ukitake-taicho spares me a moment to send a reassuring wave of reiatsu. He promptly then accepts whatever she hands to him and inhales whatever is inside. His heaving dissipates, allowing him to breath easier once more. Used to Ukitake's outbursts, nobody minds. Many in fact offer him kind, understanding smiles at his guilty expression for interrupting the meeting; among them being Shunsui-taicho, Unohana-taicho and Aizen-taicho.
Giving an improving nod to newly introduced Nemu-fukutaicho for her help to his one-time student, Yamamoto-soutaicho gets the meeting back on track. Everyone is surprised when our resident mad scientist next in line, instead of offering the usual report with a babble of scientific words that hardly anyone can comprehend (and that he probably throws in just out of spite), he instead makes a proposition…. So that's why his fukutaicho helped Ukitake with that little invention. They want his support for some project. As I listen though, I doubt my reasoning. Did they really think they needed to do anything to get Ukitake's support for recreating the academy's school curriculum? Of course he'd be willing to help the students garner a better education. Mayuri really does not understand my captain then; no surprise, considering how even the thirteenth hardly ever interacts with someone from the twelfth, always locked away in their Institute as they are.
Mayuri manages to garner a lot of support, at least for the decision that a new system in the academy is desired as it has deteriorated over time. Mayuri is rather long winded, but at least he isn't as dull as Tousen. That is kinda impossible, considering his appearance and personality. He even gets loud agreement from Kenpachi, who complains about having to send back several wimps (recruits) to the academy already this year for crying over 'scratches'. Another batch unable to bare the hazing required to become full members of the eleventh, is what he's really saying. A vote is held, not because the captains' vote actually counts in the end (the captain commander always gets the final say), but because the soutaicho thinks it important to listen to at least hear his captains' opinions, even if it's not entirely unusual for him to completely disregard them afterwards... It is unanimously passed that the academy's structure and curriculum needs to be looked into, especially with Unohana-taicho smiling ever so, ah, sweetly, to those who do not readily support the idea.
Soon everyone seems to think it is a great idea, to say the least.
The soutaicho is about move the meeting along when Mayuri suddenly adds, "By the way... That boy's results have come in with very peculiar implications!" At this I see the captain commander's eyes light up, and so do mine. In all the panic with Miyako and her subsequent return, I'd nearly forgotten my young doppelganger. Kinda sad, considering he saved my life… So he'd fled my mind, until yesterday….
"What?" Miyako looked up, startled.
I blinked owlishly at her. "What?" I asked in turn.
"That's not right…" She was mumbling with a deep frown. "It wasn't Kurotsuchi-taicho who found me." She visibly shivered. "I shudder just at the thought of that madman."
"It wasn't? I was told he was the one who found you and brought you to the fourth…" I was relieved- the idea of being indebted to that madman for anything left a sour taste in my mouth.
She shook her head firmly. "Brought me to the Fourth perhaps, but he was not the one to originally find me. No, it was…" I looked at her curiously as she turned to stare intensely at me. "You... That is, he looked like you just after our academy days." She then smiled wryly. "Except with bright orange hair, if you can picture that."
I gave a small start, posture instantly straightened. "I can, actually…"
And the conversation only grew more complex and interesting from there. It seemed that orange-haired shinigami was practically all over the place that night and part of the day following, helping fend off the sudden onslaught of hollow invaders and appearing where the need for back-up was most dire. The more we digged though, the less we progressively found. We couldn't even discover the name of the shinigami, unless the 'orange haired Shiba' counted, as we found most people referred to him as. As far as I'm aware though, no one has ever possessed orange hair in my family. We all have raven black.
So with our lack of subtlety when it comes to snooping around for information, it was only a matter of time until the soutaicho took interest and sent for a report concerning what happened that night and for specific details on the unknown shinigami who helped us. From there, the soutaicho must have passed down the information to the twelfth division taicho for more study.
"First, I would like to point out what I could tell of his level of power. As he was not in battle when I was present, and without performing the usual academy tests with him, it is difficult to assume his exact level. However, I can estimate that his base level is comparative to a high ranking officer, possibly even higher…" He allows us a moment to mull over his words. I already knew this though, so I found myself just staring at the scientist, forcing myself to retain my patience. He always likes to lord it over us when he has information that we want.
It's Soifon-taicho that speaks next, appearing mildly interested. The expression on her face triggers me to frown. Kenpachi also perks up. His expression makes me dangerously scowl. "Possibly how high could it be…?" the female assassin inquires.
"Well now, that remains to be seen," The mad man replies gleefully, and I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. Sure, it is definitely interesting that an unknown shinigami swoopes in to save the day, sporting a high amount of reiatsu, but we all know that if that was it Mayuri wouldn't care in the least. There must be more. And sure enough…
"You referred to this shinigami as a boy," Komamura-taicho notes with a thoughtful air. "Exactly how young is he?"
Kurotsuchi's face-splitting grin nearly makes me want to balk, but my own curiosity wins out and I listen closely. "Ah, now we get to the interesting bit… The reiatsu sample I took from the boy shows signs of him being a newly arrived plus soul, so it would seem that he is as old as his appearance suggests, and to all appearances, he is in his mid teens."
Shock pervades the meeting room. Even the soutaicho is effected, as he heavily sets one side of his walking stick disguised Ryujin Jakka on the floor and rests his chin on the top. His half lidded eyes studies his captains and the rest of those present. My own mind goes into overdrive at the news, thoughts whirling and always returning to one simple truth. "He's a child?!" I blurt out, horrified. What is a young child doing out there, with packs of hungry hollows?! He should be at home, taking lessons from his tutors, playing with his siblings and practicing beginner's kendo and low level kido in the backyard. Not fighting tooth and nail in the wilderness in a war that is not yet his own!
I hear Kenpachi grunt. "I don't see what the big deal is. So he's new in town. So what? I'm more interested in that power level of his." A mad, bloodthirsty grin splits across his face and my hands ball into tight fist. I resist to the urge to flare out my reiatsu some as he continues. "Hey, Kurotsuchi…"
"What is it, oaf?" The scientist inquires, sniffing in contempt at being addressed by the eleventh division captain.
"Just how high could his power level be…. captain level?" The happiness in his voice at the prospect does not go unnoticed, least of all by me.
Before Kurotsuchi has the chance to reply and fortunately before I snap at a taichos' meeting (again), Ukitake-taicho speaks up with a deep frown. "Please, stop this. He's just a boy, and even if he has that level of power, he is no doubt largely inexperienced and no challenge for a taicho, especially of your standing." Kenpachi grumbles under his breath, reluctantly agreeing with the older taicho.
"From what I have heard, the boy carried a zanpakuto. I wasn't aware it was possible for a plus soul to develop shinigami powers so quickly and on their own." Aizen remarks with that tentative, oh-so-polite demeanor of his, looking at Kurotsuchi expectantly.
Soifon shakes her head slightly, frowning. "Are we sure that it was not just a normal katana he carried with him?"
"I'm sure," I say confidently. "It was able to slay a hollow- several of them, actually, from what I heard." The taichos just nod in understanding, not at all perturbed by a fukutaicho speaking more or less out of turn. Already it is like I am the taicho of the 13th, with how often Ukitake is sick and unable to do his duties. I've even gone to several of these meetings on Ukitake-taicho's behalf, and everyone knows how very close I am to obtaining my bankai. I've been pushing myself hard to learn it and manifest Nejibana for the past century, despite her firm reluctance, quickly slipping through my mental fingers and fiercely lashing out at me every moment I try. They say water travels the path of least resistance. Those who say that have no true understanding of the nature of the element. Ever tried bottling a hurricane? A raging tsunami? I wouldn't recommend it.
"I find it more likely that he grabbed the zanpakuto off of some poor dead bastard than it really belonging to him," Soifon comments resolutely.
Ukitake-taicho frowns disapprovingly at the coarse language, but says nothing of it. Instead he asks, "And the Shihakusho he wore?"
Soifon shrugs, not seeing any issue there apparently. "Same way." Many of those present make disturbed expressions at the thought of someone wearing a Shihakusho belonging to one of their deceased, myself included.
"As logical as that hypothesis is," Mayuri speaks up again, nonplussed by the assassin's reasonings. "It is most likely wrong. His reiatsu is certainly that of a shinigami as well, so it would only stand to reason that that Shihakusho and zanpakuto do indeed belong to him."
After hearing this, the captain commander seems to come to a decision. Raising his chin, eyes opening fully once more, his reverberating voice sounds around room as he asks, "Does anyone know the location of this promising young man?"
-DIVIDER-
Girl-of-Action- And that is how Ikkaku became third seat. True story, bro. (not really)
I hope you folks enjoyed the bits with Ikkaku. It was pretty fun writing them. The fight scene was nothing too major at all, but I personally have been really wanting to write a good ol' action scene again. I'm still not that great at them, but practice makes perfect and all that.
I also find it highly ironic how the Shibas just lose a child and are heartbroken, while Mayuri just gains one and sees her more as a slave. Ironic, and very sad. It was painful writing that scene with the Shibas, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for them, one I'm sure many of you have already recognized.
Overall I feel a lot happier with this chapter than I did the previous one; plus it's about three thousand words more than my new usual at 6,000, so that's hopefully a nice bonus for you guys. Another big thanks to everyone for the new favs/follows/reviews~ Please be sure to leave your thoughts on the way out and have a great day! Until later. Ja ne~ (Cya~)