So yeah, the world's gotten a bit crazy.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the string of earthquakes and volcanic explosions, and my dad suddenly having a stroke, life's been…complicated, to say the least. But on the plus side, summer break's coming soon, which means I'll have more time for myself (and for my writing). Yay!
Anyway, regarding this chapter, I'm happier with this compared to the previous. It's got more going on and it's more of my style of writing things. This chapter marks the first of me breaking from a strictly Rukia POV fic to follow the others. I was hoping to avoid it, but I realized that it can't be helped.
Enjoy as always!
人形: 変化
Bount: Divergence
"Gives you the creeps, doesn't it? That's how it was for me the first time too."
Rukia's gaze shifted to Ichigo who was casting wary glances at the huge underground cavern that was Urahara's basement.
Right, she was supposed to act as if she's never been here before.
"I'm not surprised that Urahara is capable of creating something like this. He was the captain of the 12th Division before Kurotsuchi-taichou." The girl answered. "So this was where you trained to get your zanpakuto back, huh?"
The group had already split up to do their respective tasks: Renji had already taken off to contact Seireitei regarding the information on the rogue Shinigami, while Ishida, Inoue and Sado were upstairs with Urahara planning their next move. The girl found it frustrating that she could not tell her childhood friend outright that she knew who their Shinigami enemy was, seeing as she wasn't even supposed to know that Maki Ichinose existed, but it cannot be helped.
Renji promised he'll get everything we need as quickly as possible, so hopefully, he'll be back before our defenses won't be able hold up.
If they were going to win this fight without much destruction or losses, Rukia was determined to kick Ichigo's ass back into full gear as quickly as possible.
Rukia drew her zanapkuto. "If you don't want to come back here that badly, then work on getting your bankai back and actually keeping it. I heard your training was a literal hell on earth, right? Be a shame if you let all that go to waste just because you let your guard down."
Ichigo lifted his own sword. "You sure about this though? I mean, you just got your powers back, right? You don't have to push yourself too hard for me—"
"I am perfectly aware of my limitations, Ichigo." The Shinigami cut him off with an icy look. "While I think that I should have had a few more months of training before returning to the field, I know I am strong enough to go toe on toe with you the way you are now. And don't get any ideas of holding back! You can't half-ass your way to bankai, remember?"
The human boy audibly gulped, making Rukia smirk with all teeth. "This is a no-holds barred fight, so I'll be expecting the very best out of you. Fight as if your life depends on it, Ichigo, because it might as well be. Remember what we're doing this for."
A flicker of emotion entered Ichigo's brown eyes before they hardened. "We have to beat the Bounts and save everyone."
Rukia nodded in approval. "Good. Focus on that. You're going to need it to survive against me." She spun her blade in one hand. "Mae—"
"W—Woah, wait a—" Her friend's serious expression broke into a sputter. "You can't be serious! You're going to use using your shikai?!"
"I told you, didn't I?" The girl hefted Sode no Shirayuki with a dangerous smile. "Fight as if your life depends on it. And I'll make sure it will."
"Hohoho!"
Ishida shot the giggling Urahara a questioning glance. "Urahara-san?"
"It's nothing too serious. I just felt Kuchiki-san's reiatsu go up and cold. Looks like she' serious about giving Kurosaki-kun a run for his money." The eccentric shop owner said a tad too gleefully.
Inoue's face turned worried. "Is it really OK, to leave Kuchiki-san and Kurosaki-kun by themselves? Maybe I should have—"
"No, it's fine, Inoue-san. I'm sure Kuchiki-san won't let Kurosaki-kun get hurt." Urahara paused before adding. "Too much. But this will be good for him in the long run. Besides, don't you have your own task to worry about?"
"Yes," answered Sado. "We were all thinking about whether or not we should prepare for an offensive strike against the Bounts. We can't be on the defensive forever or we'll be worn down."
Urahara tapped his chin with his fan. "You all make a valid point, but do you think we are capable of mounting an assault the way we are now? Kurosaki-kun needs to regain his bankai, Kuchiki-san and Abarai-kun are occupied at the moment, and Ishida-kun has lost his Quincy powers."
"But the way things are going, another confrontation with them will be inevitable anyway." Ishida reasoned. "I don't think Kariya's going to wait for us to be ready for him by the time the next Bounts show up."
The Quincy turned to Yoshino who nodded. "Kariya has always been an efficient tactician, not to mention thorough. I would not put it past him to know that we are at a disadvantage and will make good use of it. Although, as I have warned you before, Kariya's mansion is fortified with defenses effective against Shinigami and spiritually aware individuals. Either way, things will not be easy."
"Whether we choose to attack or defend, the best we can do is to hold out until Kurosaki-kun, Kuchiki-san and Abarai-kun come back." Inoue mumbled, her hands clasped tightly together. "I don't like fighting, but even I can tell that we can't avoid a fight, no matter what we do."
Urahara let out sigh. If he could fight in his full strength as well, he could confidently say that he and Tessai will be enough to counter the Bount threat. But the best of his abilities are not safe to be used in the Living World. Not to mention that, despite Yoshino's information on their possible opponents, the former Shinigami cannot truly say that he can fight and keep the humans safe at the same time.
But that did not mean that he'll just let things play out. These kids became his responsibility since the day he let them all in his shop.
That, and he owed both Kurosaki and Kuchiki that much.
But before he could voice anything out, he heard a beep and a shrill voice in his ear. "Urahara-san!"
"Ririn?" His voice turned sharp at once, making the others in the room stiffen. Everyone knew that he sent the other mod souls in their Gigai forms to patrol the perimeter of the shop for signs of invading Bounts. If one of them is calling and with such an urgent tone, it could only mean one thing…
"It's the Bounts! Two of them!" The girl mod soul confirmed it. "They're coming!"
"And that's pretty much it."
Renji said over the denreishinki on the roof of Karakura High, having recounted the run-ins with the Bounts so far to a thoughtfully humming Ukitake. He really did not feel like leaving his friends behind even if they were under Urahara's watch, but he had a mission and if the thirteenth division captain had what he needed, Renji had to make it back to Seireitei as fast as possible in case the Bounts come back for Yoshino and Ishida.
"Two attacks so soon already." The captain said at the other end. "First things first, however, I am truly relieved that you are all safe. While I did clear sending Rukia over there for the mission, I must admit I was still a bit worried."
"Thank you, Ukitake-taichou. And don't worry about Rukia. Honestly, she's being a big help here so far."
"Yes, with the twin bounts. A very good thing that she had her shikai back before all this came down."
The thought of his childhood friend going against the damn Bounts without Sode no Shirayuki made Renji's gut clench.
"Moving on, I'm afraid we still have very little information on the Bounts here is Soul Society, even at the Daireishokairou. Granted, Hitsugaya-taichou and I haven't exhausted the records completely. And there may be, ahem, some members of the Gotei 13 that are not as forthcoming with what they know as we hoped…"
Assholes. Renji frowned in disapproval. I bet it's someone from the 12th. Those guys have always been so fucking shady…
"But rest assured that we are searching as hard as we can." Ukitake continued after an awkward cough. "If there are any vital leads, I will definitely pass them along."
"Understood, Ukitake-taichou. But if I may, there's something else I've been meaning to ask."
"Go on."
Renji took a second to breathe. "During our fight with the twin Bounts, we have uncovered some information. We don't have concrete proof yet, but it's one the best leads we have for now and we'll need some help in verifying it."
"Information on what, exactly?"
"There is a Shinigami working alongside the Bounts." The normally brash Shinigami said in a low voice. "We don't know who it is, though the ryouka suspect that if it were true, it might most likely be a Shinigami who either went missing or have some sort of grudge against Soul Society."
"Is that so…" Ukitake said after a pause. "And you will need a list of names who will fit those categories?"
"As soon as possible, if you would please. There is no telling when the Bounts will come back for Ishida."
"Understood. I'll have the information ready for you in ten minutes. Please return to the Senkaimon entrance and wait for me there."
The red head man broke into a toothy grin. Success! Hopefully this means he'll be back with the others before all the action picks up again. "Thank you very much, Ukitake-taichou."
"No problem at all. Although there is one other thing," added Ukitake. "Not that any of this is official information, but there have been rumors that a certain inactive Shinigami has been reportedly sighted around the Human World lately."
Now this was interesting. "Would you have a name, sir?"
"Maki Ichinose, a former member of the Eleventh Division." The silver haired captain answered. "Left shortly after Zaraki became the new captain. He may have cut ties with the Division amicably, but he did take the previous captain's defeat rather hard. And after what you just told me, it is concerning to hear him active again, decades after he seemingly vanished from Seireitei."
Isn't that a coincidence? Renji chuckled darkly, but at least now he has a pretty good lead. "Will look into it. Thank you again for all your help, Ukitake-taichou."
"Nothing at all, Abarai-kun. And thank you for keeping an eye out on Rukia while she's down there."
Renji thought back on the way the little Kuchiki kicked Hou and Ban's asses high heaven before shaking his head mirthfully.
"No problem, Ukitake-taichou. But honestly? I think she hardly needs it."
The sound of rustling wind was sharp on Urahara's ears as he took his first step out of his shop.
The world was deathly quiet, if not too quiet, and the flickering moonlight due to the passing clouds made everything look even more ominous. It did not faze a seasoned former Shinigami like himself (he was once in charge of the Ujimushi no Su, for the love of Soul), but it was enough to unsettle the humans behind him.
"It's too quiet." Orihime piped up, her grey eyes almost as fidgety as her wringing hands. "Ririn and the others aren't too far away. Shouldn't the Bounts be here by now?"
"Not too long now." Urahara said gravely, raising his sheathed sword with a flick of his wrist. "Everyone, spread out but stay close. We don't know where they'll be coming from."
At once, the figures behind the shopkeeper readied themselves, with Orihime and Ururu on Urahara's left while Tessai, Jinta and Sado on the right.
Another tense silence followed, and then,
"Well, what do we have here?"
All heads swiveled to one of the buildings near the shop, where on its roof were two figures, hidden by the shadows. One was standing upright, with a far bulkier silhouette than the other who just spoke, hunched forward and with one leg hiked up the railing.
Urahara tipped his hat down. "A fine evening to you too, gentlemen."
The thinner man chuckled. "What do you know, a Shinigami with some manners!"
"It comes with being a shopkeeper, otherwise I'd sink my own ship." Urahara answered. "Unfortunately, the shop is closed until further notice."
"Oh, what a shame, since I'm sure you have exactly what we want." The man tutted. "And I'm sure you know what that is."
The moonlight eased through the parted thick clouds, and Urahara's group tensed even further when the newcomers came into their full view.
The large, stoic man, with his arms crossed over his chest, was hard-lined and muscular, dark in appearance and clothing save for his bright orange mohawk. In contrast, the other, much leaner man next to him was all light, from his golden hair covering half of his pale face, to his mostly white tank top and shorts.
It appeared that the larger of the two was done staying quiet. "We know you are hiding Yoshino and the Quincy in your shop, old Shinigami. Hand them over and we might consider letting you live."
Urahara's smile remained. "Is that supposed to be a generous offer? Oya, you would make a poor salesman, good sir."
"You killed Hou and Ban." The bigger man said coldly. "They were mere children."
"To be fair, they attacked us first, and they did not give us much of a choice." The light-haired Shinigami's gaze was just as icy. "And I suppose, neither will you."
"If you die tonight, you will only have yourselves to blame," the large man bellowed, uncrossing his arms as a small, black metal ball flew in front of him. "Zeige Dich, Dalk!"
No doubt about it now. Urahara tightened his grip on his zanpakuto when the crested marble glowed and transformed into a slender steel marionette, dark blue except for its pearly face with slits for its eyes and mouth.
"Hmm, Koga, you've better brought me out for a good fight this time." The Doll spoke in a feminine, metallic voice.
The other Bount ran a hand past his gold bangs and sighed. "Might as well get this over with." He pulled something out of his neck—a necklace? Urahara observed—and let it drop on the ground. "Zeige Dich, Ritz."
Moments later, a flower floated into the man's hand, and at its center popped out a mouse-like head. "Let's play, Mabashi-sama~!"
Urahara drew his blade, and everyone readied their own weapons. "Brace yourselves."
Ishida slid the heavy wooden door shut with a click.
"We should be safe here." The Quincy said, taking a seat on the ground next to Yoshino in what appeared to be a small storeroom in Urahara's basement. Earthen walls enclosed the pair, with the steel door several feet away from them being the only exit. On the opposite end of the 50 square meter room were a row of shelves about seven feet tall each, and the left wall was full of stacks of crates and boxes of varying heights.
Yoshino said nothing, tucking her hair behind her ear instead. Ishida cleared his throat after a short awkward pause. "So, knowing the remaining Bounts, who will Kariya most likely send after us?"
"It could be anyone of them," said Yoshino. "Though, if I were Kariya, I would definitely send Koga."
"Koga?"
"Go Koga. One of Jin's strongest followers. He has the skill and focus to succeed in a mission without getting carried away by the minor details." Yoshino paused thoughtfully. "Not to mention that Jin knows that among us, Koga is the one who can give me the most trouble. Aside from Jin himself, that is."
"…Damn it!" The Quincy sprang up and began pacing agitatedly. "If only I have my powers. Having to just sit around while everyone else is out there…"
"You dislike it," Ishida turned to Yoshino with a questioning glance. "The thought of having to rely on your allies?"
The bespectacled teen pushed his glasses up. "It's not that it is a bad thing entirely. It's the idea that everyone else is fighting while I have to stay behind. I have never been good with inactivity, and…" He coughed. "I have never had any real friends before, nor have I ever had to rely on others."
"I can understand that, but I think you are fortunate to still be able to trust your friends." Yoshino tugged at a loose hair strand. "Though we have lived long lives, genuine camaraderie is not something our kind can easily afford."
The way Yoshino's grey eyes dimmed in obvious desolation pinched something in Ishida's chest. "…It must be lonely, not being able to trust even your own people. Not that I'm the one to talk, but…"
A slight smile was on Ishida's lips. "The first time I had friends that I could truly rely on, it felt like the world was a bit lighter. Like I didn't have to fight everything on my own and worry about what could happen in case I fail, because there are others who have my back. It's not something I'm used to, but I have to admit, it's…nice."
Yoshino hummed in acknowledgment. "It sounds like so. Though for someone who has been alone for so long, and…used for much longer, I…I've almost forgotten how that feels like."
Ishida was torn between sympathetic and doubtful. He may not have had a lot of friends, but at least he had his grandfather before the bastards from the 12th got to him. Still, "Really? No one? Not even your Doll?" Well, the fact that he can turn against you when you become too weak could be an issue, but at least it's something.
The brunette's brows furrowed before her features softened to something sad. "Ah, Goethe. Of course, Goethe. You have always been there with me, haven't you?"
"Are you and your Doll close?"
"You could say that. Remember what I told you about the relationship between Dolls and their masters?" Her hand drifted to her finger claw. "Mine and Goethe's relationship is special. Unique, even."
The way Yoshino's eyes looked just then had to make Ishida wonder…
"Santen Kesshun, I reject!"
Orihime barely brought her shield up on time to block Dalk's strike. As soon as the fight started, the two Bounts split her friends up into two groups. Dalk immediately went for her while the larger Bount, Koga, was intercepted by Urahara, and Mabashi was taking on both Sabo and Jinta.
"Haha, neat trick!" Dalk sneered too close to the girl's face. "Wonder how long you can keep it up?"
The metallic Doll slammed her arm against the shield again, followed by another, making Orihime back up due to the force of each attack until one of them struck the golden triangle into pieces. The brunette human cried out as she fell on her back, but before Dalk could bring her pointed arm down, a fist sent the marionette like creature flying.
Some feet away, Koga took note of Ururu punching Dalk from his periphery. "That little girl is stronger than she looks."
"Indeed." Urahara agreed almost too cheerfully while blocking Koga's fist with his sheathed zanpakuto. "You would be wise not to underestimate her, or any of us, Bount-san."
Koga merely smirked as he jumped away from Urahara who threw his sheath to the side and struck. Urahara had to admit, the Bount was skilled, being able to block Benihime's attacks –which can cut through non-zanpakuto steel with relative ease even in its non-released state—with bare hands and arms. And judging by the force and weight humming through his sword with each of Koga's return attacks, the genius Shinigami could tell that the large man's strength was of note.
He could be stronger than even Ururu. Urahara thought. And there's no doubt he's still hiding some power up his sleeves. His Doll, too, appears to be more a physical power attacker than anything else.
He watched Ururu engage Dalk in an exchange of swift blows, smirking when Orihime brought up her shield to deflect Dalk's strike then bringing it down fast enough for Ururu to punch the Doll's face.
It appears that Inoue-san and Ururu will be able to handle it on their own. And with any luck, I'll be able to draw this big Bount a bit farther away so I can use my shikai— A spike of danger rang in his head. From above!
The Shinigami hurriedly shunpo-ed back in time to avoid Koga's fist making a five-foot-crater on the ground, sending him a considerable distance away from the girls and Dalk.
"If you're not going to take this seriously, Shinigami," Koga said with a cold glare. "This is going to be a very short fight."
Urahara however just smirked back. "Ohoho, that's going to be a problem, isn't it?"
Meanwhile Orihime, who saw Urahara jumping away from Koga's attack, felt her heart stop in worry. "Urahara-san!"
"Where do you think you're looking, little girl?"
"KYA!"
"Inoue-san!" Ururu cried out in alarm.
Orihime tried to erect her shield, but Dalk was too fast this time as the spider Doll sent her rolling away to the side. Fire and lightning bloomed from her gut, making her gasp out in pain and instinctively press her hand against the red staining her torn shirt.
Dalk smirked before raising the arm she hit Orihime with, licking at the red stain on its fore, while Ururu stepped protectively in front of the other human girl.
"Is that all you've got? Without your little shield, you're just a pathetic little girl, aren't you?" The Doll then raised her arms, which lengthened into mean looking spikes. "Bitches like you are the worst! Hell, you're not even worth wiping this shitty floor with!"
"…It's true that…I don't…like fighting." Beads of cold sweat trickled down Orihime's forehead as she forced herself on shaky feet. "But for my friends, I…I'll do my best!"
"Going forward~!"
Ritz said in a preppy tone as she darted forward with enough force to crack the ground between Sado and Tessai. The pair managed to dodge, but as soon as Sado's feet touched the ground, the teen heard something crack.
Behind me?
"Going up~!"
The half-Japanese had enough sense to shield himself with his armored arm. Fortunately, the little fox-headed flower couldn't drill through his arm, so Sado was able to swat it away.
Ritz let out a whine as she righted her floating. "That was so mean~! I don't like you, Mr. Big man~!"
"Good, Yasutora-dono, but keep your guard up." Tessai reminded Sado while keeping his eyes on Mabashi. "There's no telling what other tricks he may have."
"Who cares?!" Jinta shouted as he leapt with his kanabo lifted high. Mabashi and Ritz jumped back before the spiked club could hit them, cracking the ground that was once beneath them instead. The red head youth snarled before hefting his Muteki Tekkon again. "I'll beat these bastards up so I can finally go back to bed!"
Tessai groaned while watching Jinta try and fail to club a happily flitting about Ritz ("Going here~! Going there~! Going everywhere~!" "YEARGH! GET BACK HERE, YOU FOX FACED FREAK!"). "Jinta-dono…"
"Hurk!" The former Shinigami's gaze then snapped to his left when he saw Sado go straight for Mabashi, who blocked the armored arm's punch. The undeterred teen continued to throw punch after punch at the Bount, but despite the latter's obvious irritable disinterest, Mabashi was able to duck and weave past each strike.
He's fast. He hasn't tried to attack me yet, but he's able to dodge everything so far. Sado leapt back, readying his right arm. I could try for a wider range attack, but if only I had a way to hold him down—
"Bakudo 61: Rikujoukourou!"
Wind whistled past Sado's ears, the tan fighter watching in amazement as six beams of light struck Mabashi's upper torso, trapping him in a circle of glowing rays.
The blonde Bount growled as he twitched and struggled. "Shit, I can't move—!"
Behind Sado, Tessai yelled. "Now, Yasutora-dono!"
With a loud roar, Sado sent a powerful punch on his opponent's gut. A gurgle escaped Mabashi's lips before he went flying against a tree, breaking his sun-like prison in the process.
Jinta paused his unsuccessful attacks on Ritz for a look. "Wow! Nice one—OW!" A move that caused him to be unguarded for Ritz aiming for his head.
"Focus, Jinta-dono," scolded Tessai. "This fight isn't over yet!"
"Easy for you to say! You two get the slowpoke while I get the annoying freaky fox flower thing!" Jinta glowered at the older man. "Let's see you guys try to hit it for a change!"
"Shit…" Mabashi grunted when he managed to get on his feet. "This is such a drag! Why is it so important to get Yoshino-san and the Quincy anyway? And because of that I got a punch in the gut. Double shit!"
Sado's brows furrowed. "If you don't want to be here, then why don't you just leave? Why are you even following Kariya's orders?"
Mabashi smirked. "Yeah, that'd be great, won't it? But Kariya-san is the only one fit to lead the Bounts. The only one who can create our utopia." The pale man wiped at his mouth. "I don't get the man sometimes, but for him and the future of our kind, I'll do what I have to do! Ritz!"
"Got it~!" The fox Doll answered merrily.
Jinta gritted his teeth. "Crap—!"
Ritz took shots at the ground again, though this time her burrow attacks were also aimed at Tessai, who couldn't focus long enough to launch another kido at Mabashi because of Ritz being too fast. But Sado found that, as he resumed his fist fight with Mabashi, while the pale man could still duck and block past most of the punches, but he was also noticeably slower, subtly wincing every now and then.
He's slowing down. Good. Sado thought as he threw a roundhouse punch which Mabashi blocked with an arm. If I take the Bount down, he won't be able to use his Doll anymore. I need to finish this quick.
"HRAH!" Sado raised his right fist again for another power-packed punch. The wind was charged with his power as the part-Mexican cracked the earth Mabashi had been standing on seconds ago. The Bount may have been able to jump away, but was split second too late to regain footing.
Got you.
With a loud roar, Sado's feet crunched against the rock, bracing his entire body before he threw the full might of his weight into a jab straight at Mabashi's stomach. "K—Kuh!"
"All right!" Jinta cheered from behind him, making the large teen smile slightly.
I did it. Now to finish— CRUNCH! SCWICH! —what?
"Good work, big guy! Now let's knock the bastard out until next year!" The red-haired boy continued to cheer, unaware that something was not right.
Something that Tessai however noticed immediately. Something's wrong. That fox, where did it—?
"—COMING AT YOU, YOU STUPID BOUNT!"
No! "JINTA-DONO, WAIT!" Tessai tried to hold his younger friend back, blood running cold when he saw Mabashi's lips curl into a smirk despite being on the ground, crimson dribbling from the side of his mouth, a steadily growing light coming from a cupped hand.
And then—
"Going forward~!"
"—URGH!" Jinta's eyes widened in horror when another Ritz shot out from Mabashi's hand and went straight for his chest.
"Jinta-dono!"
"Play time's over." Mabashi said flatly as he quickly got to his feet and hollered. "I found them, Koga!"
From where Koga and Urahara were fighting, the bulkier Bount smirked smugly. "Finally."
The straw blonde former captain's eyes widened. What?
"Underground!" Mabashi continued. "Two floors down to the east! A room with a heavy wooden door!"
They found Yoshino-san and Ishida-san? Damn it! But how—?
"Dalk, enough! You're with me!" Urahara's attention snapped back to Koga who was already falling back. "Mabashi, take care of this!"
Dalk, who was in the middle of forcing her way through Ururu's block, grunted in anger. "Argh, fine!" The Doll then suddenly squatted down and swept a surprised Ururu off her feet before doing a cartwheel back to Koga's side.
Anger swelled in the normally mild-mannered man's gut as he hefted Benihime. "I won't let you!" But instead of Koga's retreating back, Benihime's blade struck a thick metallic club.
…Jinta?! Urahara sucked in a breath.
"Urahara-dono! Jinta—" Tessai had barely taken a step towards his comrade when he felt an incoming force. The man raised his arms to block just in time a heavy armored fist, its owner's dead eyes staring blankly at Tessai's shocked ones. "S—Sado-dono?"
"Sado-kun! Jinta-kun! What are you doing?!" Orihime gasped while helping a shocked Ururu to her feet.
"Just get the job done, Koga." Mabashi said with a grim smile, blocking the way to Koga and joined shortly by Sado and Jinta. The girls, Tessai and Urahara tensed when they saw the matching yellow, red and purple blossoms on their allies' chests. "Ritz and I got this."
"What the hell was that?!"
Ishida yelled when something suddenly shot from the ceiling and into the ground. He and Yoshino stood up in alert, eyes scanning the area in case the, whatever it was, decided to return.
The room remained quiet after that, but as the seconds wore on, Ishida felt more uneasy. "Do you think they already found us?"
Yoshino bit her lip. "We cannot rule it out. We must leave."
"Right." Every fiber of Ishida's being felt like a drawn string as he hurried to unlock the heavy wooden door while planning what to do next. Urahara gave them strict instructions to stay put in this storeroom until he or Tessai came back for them, but also told him of possible emergency exits in case their location was discovered.
"No other choice. We have to go above ground." Ishida finally said. "If we have been discovered, we might as well take the fight to them."
Yoshino nodded while following the Quincy out of the room and into a dimly lit hallway, their footsteps echoed loudly against the stone walls as they sprinted on. "Yes, that is probably the best decision. Though if my suspicions are correct, we will have to tread very carefully once we get there. Especially you."
"What brought this on?"
"That thing earlier, it went too fast for me to see clearly. But if I have to guess, I think it was Ritz."
"Ritz?"
"A Doll. Mabashi's Doll. It can fly very quickly and act as a projectile. Tough enough to shoot its way into the ground and back up." The brunette's gaze darkened. "But more than that, its special ability is to burrow into a living being and take control of its nervous system to do Mabashi's bidding."
Ishida swallowed thickly. "So, mind control then."
"You could call it that." Yoshino caught his eye. "The way you are now, you will not be able to defend yourself from Ritz's attacks, and while Mabashi does not normally utilize its special ability, I cannot guarantee that he won't, or that we'll be able to get rid of it if it does take control of you."
"It's true that Mabashi can be hard to beat if he puts his mind in a fight," A deep male voice boomed in the hallway in front of them, making the pair skid into a tense halt. Yoshino stepped in front of Ishida, one arm pushing him back, as a large dark skinned man with a bright orange mohawk emerged from the right corner.
Yoshino ground her teeth. "Koga."
"It has been long, Yoshino-san." The Bount said calmly. "Unfortunately, I am no here to exchange pleasantries."
A flickering shadow caught Ishida's gaze, making the teen's heart jump when a metallic doll-like creature slid in front of Koga. Its steel mask-like face grinned toothily. "Oh look here, a couple of rats to play with!"
"You know our orders, Dalk, we need them alive."
"I got it the first time, Koga." Dalk sneered as she stepped closer to the slowly retreating Yoshino and Ishida. "But first, I'll be having a bit of fun."
Ishida's hand found Yoshino's wrist before she could summon her own Doll, pulling her to a run.
"What are you doing?! Let me go—!"
"If you summon Goethe here, we'll all get burnt!" Ishida snapped. "We need to find a way out of here first!"
"We won't be able to outrun Dalk for long, Quincy!" Nevertheless, Yoshino followed Ishida through the narrow hallway with a laughing Dalk hot on their heels.
"Then less talk, more running!" Ishida took a sharp turn left. "This way!"
"DAMN IT!"
Ichigo was barely able to dodge another Hakuren his crazy trainer sent his way. "What the hell, Rukia? Are you actually trying to get me killed?!"
The girl Shinigami sent him a blank look. "I already gave you a fair warning. Many times."
"I thought you were exaggerating—GAH!" Ichigo luckily managed to block Rukia's strike with his sword. With a grunt, he pushed the midget off and swung Zangetsu in a flurry of blows. Rukia parried each of them with deadly grace, her sword strikes glowing like white arches that met each blow with precision as she spun around him in a near dizzying pace.
Is this how Rukia really fights? The orange head thought as he jumped back and planted his foot for a swinging attack with his blade. Holy shit, when Renji said she was fast, I didn't think it was THIS fast! I can hardly spot where she'd go next, and she's already so small for me to see properly! Hard to believe she's not using shunpo right now!
The little Shinigami braced against Zangetsu's attack with Sode no Shirayuki, using the force of the sword swing to jump back before twirling her ivory blade.
"Some no Mai: Tsukishiro!"
Ichigo jumped to avoid the pillar of ice that grew out of the spot where he once stood but before he knew it, Rukia was already next to him. "San no Mai: Shirafune!"
The substitute Shinigami raised Zangetsu to block, but Rukia's sword suddenly broke apart, with shards of the ice aiming for his face.
The fuck—?! Ichigo instinctively blocked the shards with an arm, which left his torso wide open for a hard kick. He let out a gasp as the kick sent him a few feet into a graceless face up heap.
"What the hell is that supposed to be, Ichigo?" Rukia drawled, her seemingly bored expression making Ichigo's vein twitch. "Is that really all you've got? You haven't even tried to fire a Getsuga Tenshou at me? Or do you still think I can't take it?"
Sheesh, of course not! You've all but rubbed it in my face that you definitely can!
Much as Ichigo hated to admit it, the reason he hadn't used a Getsuga Tenshou on Rukia yet was because the annoying midget hadn't given him time to set it up with her slashing like a white whirlwind all over the place. He made a mental note to work on that.
Damn it, why is it that after coming back from Soul Society, it's as if I'm back to square one all over again? Me beating Byakuya can't have been just a fluke! I didn't get my ass kicked so hard by Urahara-san and Yoruichi-san to get stronger just for temporary power boost! But then why…? Oi, old man Zangetsu—
"—HAKUREN!"
"Ah fuck!" Ichigo jumped away from the cannon of ice that came hurtling his way, and quickly he found himself helplessly dodging one Hakuren after another courtesy of one Shinigami who was looking visibly pissed by the minute.
"Damn it, Kurosaki, focus!" Rukia snarled. "At this rate, you're not going to get your bankai back! You're not even trying, are you?!"
"Of course I am, idiot! You think I'm risking my neck like this for fun?!"
"Could have fooled me." Dark violet eyes shone into a glare. "It's pretty obvious you're not giving it your all!"
Ichigo growled before taking a leap, jumping so he was above Rukia.
He raised his sword over the girl's impassive stare. "GETSUGA TENSHOU!"
An arc of energy descended with as much fury as Ichigo put in the attack. Well, if Rukia was aiming to piss him off, she was doing a fantastic job at it. What the hell does that have to do with getting his bankai back though—
But as soon the boy landed on the ground, a voice came from his left. "Who was that supposed to hit?"
You have got to be—! Ichigo was not able to block Sode no Shirayuki coming for his gut. Blood spurted freely as the human went soaring again.
For someone small, his friend could sure land a hit that hurts like a bitch! Now Ichigo was positive Rukia was out to murder him. "Damn it."
"No, you're not."
Rukia was in front of him again, her face a solemn, smooth marble.
Ichigo blinked, bemused and in pain. "Wha—?"
"You're not giving it everything you've got. I know the difference. Something is still holding you back and you're letting it."
Something both hot and cold roiled in Ichigo's chest at those words, even as he sputtered, "The hell are you talking about?! I've been busting my ass trying to get my bankai back here, in case that wasn't obvious!"
"Knowing what you want is entirely different from knowing what is holding you back." Rukia said coolly. "Your heart is not in your blade, that's why Zangetsu couldn't reach you. And until you two find each other again, we won't get anywhere. Can you even hear him right now? What he has to say about what's wrong with you?"
The orange head swallowed uneasily at his friend's burning gaze. It was an admission in itself.
Rukia spoke again. "How long have you lost contact with Zangetsu?"
"Ever since I got back from Soul Society," Ichigo answered. "I—at first, I didn't think much of it. I was dead tired, we all were, so I thought maybe the old man was just taking a break or something. But then this whole mess started, and it's just now I realized that I haven't heard from him in a while and…" He scratched his head anxiously. "Shit, I didn't mean to ignore him or anything! I mean, I'm just starting to get used to having someone else in my head, even if he is a part of my soul! How was I supposed to know that something was wrong?"
The girl Shinigami's eyes softened. "I'm not placing blame, Ichigo. Believe me, I have been where you are, and it took me some time to become used to Sode no Shirayuki's presence. Unfortunately, time is not a luxury we can afford now. The Bounts will be coming for us soon and they'll certainly not wait for you to return to top form."
Ichigo's brows twitched when Rukia raised her blade again. "How is trying to get me killed supposed to help?"
"Because you're the type who can pull miracles only when you're on the verge of death," The ebony head answered flatly. "now get to it! Hakuren!"
The strawberry substitute gritted his teeth as he dodged blast after blast of rocketing ice. It still annoyed the hell out of him, but he cannot completely refute her point.
Back when I didn't know Zangetsu's name, it took Urahara beating the hell out of me to meet him. And it took Zangetsu beating the hell out of me in order to get to Bankai. But it's not just because I was on the verge of dying that I got to that point, didn't I? Another cold blast to his left made him nearly lose his footing. Think, Ichigo, think! Everyone's counting on you to get your bankai back and you're letting them down without even giving a—
"Too slow!" Rukia suddenly shouted, sending a frigid jolt through Ichigo's senses when it picked up just now that he was standing in a glowing white circle.
Oh shit!
"Tsukishiro!"
Crud. This became way longer than I anticipated so I had to divide my initial draft into two chapters. I realize I suck writing fight scenes and try to make them a little less talk-y, so I am working on it. Hopefully, this didn't such too bad.
So what did you guys think? All right? Confusing? Dragging? Too long?
More Bounts enter the scene! Yay! And we have Mabashi! Yay yay! (laughs) If you ask me who is my favorite Bount, it would be him and Yoshi. Would that mean anything to their fates in this fanfic? And how much longer do we have to go before we get to the Soul Society invasion arc? Who knows?
A little PS: While I remember how the characters generally act and talk, I'll admit I don't remember how each of them address the others. This may seem like a small thing, but in a fanfic that uses Japanese honorifics (e.g. -kun, -chan, -dono, etc.), this is very important and reflects an aspect of personality. Unfortunately, I don't have time to watch Bleach episodes looking for how character A addresses character B (though I do come across them every now and then, like how Orihime refers to Hitsugaya as "Toushirou-kun", and the little captain lets her get away with it). So if you really think that I need to make corrections in line with this, feel free to let me know. :D
See you all in the next chapter (and the conclusion of this confrontation).
HEADCANONS BOARD:
- Yoshino knows she can have children (due to, ahem, biological clues). I think it's understandable for her to become curious about being a mother, being among humans for so long and knowing that she could have what mothers do. Despite becoming jaded over time, that longing to become a mother stayed with her, though in recent years, she had come to a realization…
- (SPOILERS FOR BLEACH MANGA'S FINAL ARC) This is way into the future but hear me out: based on the Quincy Blood War chapters, Ishida (Uryu) loved both of his parents and wanted to become a doctor like his dad. But after the autopsy incident, Ishida became understandably angry towards Ryuuken and that's when he stopped calling him "dad" and no longer wanted to be a doctor. I'd like to think that, based on the ending where Ishida was shown as a doctor, after coming to understand Ryuuken's actions, the Ishidas were able to gradually rebuild their relationship, to the point that maybe Ishida had come to acknowledge Ryuuken as father (or even dad) again. It wouldn't have been easy, given how stubborn they both are, but they also have those ten years.
- Urahara doesn't like being outsmarted. It's one of his biggest pet peeves.
OMAKE:
"You once said that the bond between you and Goethe is special." Ishida prompted admist the silence of their hiding place. "What did you mean by that, if you don't mind me asking?"
The crooked smile on Yoshino's lips widened slightly. "I told you that the relationship between a Bount and their Doll is a master-slave relationship, yes? Most Dolls yield to their masters out of begrudging respect, and a few, out of some form of understanding, like having similar personalities or a common ground. But Goethe and I…"
She ran a gentle finger over finger claw. "Goethe has never been a slave to me, nor have I ever been his master. Long before I met Kariya, Goethe had always been there for me, be it as my protector or my confidant. He never trusted Jin, and was always trying to warn me that that man did not care for me as much as I wanted to believe. If only I had believed Goethe from the start."
Ishida remained quiet.
"I have always wondered what it was like to have children." Yoshino spoke again. "Most Bounts never cared for them. They are weak, helpless, have so many needs to tend to. And yet…"
"The birth of new life has always been a splendid thing." Ishida had been to his father's hospital enough times to see plenty of parents with their newborn babies. "An everyday miracle."
"Bounts can never have children. It is why we never in number over the years unlike humans. And even if say I could, Kariya would have never wanted one."
"But you did."
"I have never seen anything more beautiful than a mother caring for her child." Yoshino whispered. "The way her face would glow, soft yet bright, tender and strong at the same time. Children are so small, pathetic, and they cry so much, yet their mothers still see them as if they mean more than anything in the world. I…I've wanted to know, what it was like to have those feelings."
"You said 'wanted,'" Ishida pointed out. "You don't feel the same way anymore?"
"If you have lived for as long as I have, Quincy, you come to realize that some of the things you seek are the ones you have always had all this time." Yoshino clasped her bracelet tightly, her eyes thinning shakily. "I am not afraid to die fighting Kariya, but…my only regret, is that I cannot save Goethe from falling with me."
The volumes of sadness, compassion, and grief the brown-haired woman let go in her gaze made Ishida's heart clench. He knew those kinds of eyes…
"I'm sorry," Even until now, her eyes, the longing in her voice, they still haunted his dreams. "Uryu, I'm so sorry."
…Mother.
