This Chapter was funny to write especially with the flashback. I know this is a time of turmoil, but I love when Kubo would write funny moments even during fights in Bleach to break the dramatic tension. Plus, I love to laugh that's all I do. Although my husband can be sort of a grumpy bear, I catch him laughing at my corny jokes. = P I thank all of you who reviewed or read the last chapter, loving the fight and how the chapter turned out. Like I said last chapter, this is the current situation in Karakura. Please review and I hope you enjoy it.
Small Edit 5/6/01: Karin hadn't met Yukio yet and plus she was living in her apartment, I just had to change Yuzu and Karin had to take Kazui to her apartment instead of her boyfriend's large home. I know I didn't mention his name specifically but it would be weird if Karin had her own apartment during this time and she didn't utilize it.
Sixteen years ago
Tatsuki sat with Orihime, watching her 5-year-old nephew play with the other children at their childhood friend's baby shower. The expecting mother, Mahana Natsui, happily opened the gifts that were given. Her stomach was extremely huge, she already had a four-year-old girl with twins on the way. She thanked her guests as they did silly games and reminisced about the past. Orihime could sense Tatsuki feeling uncomfortable as she told everyone that she had an early morning and she needed to leave.
"You know you could've stayed. I didn't mind," Tatsuki stated as she drove the car in the direction of the Kurosaki Clinic. Kazui happily showed the little cars he received in his goodie bag.
"I know, Tatsuki. I just felt like leaving," Orihime added as her best friend rolled her eyes.
"Whatever!" she scoffed as Orihime pouted at her. "I choose to go to this baby shower, Orihime. Sooner or later I have to get used to the idea."
"Get used to what?" Orihime asked her curiously, dreading her answer. Tatsuki looked at the rearview mirror to see Kazui smiling at her with a big smile.
"Oba-suki! Dis red cawr has a dwagon on it. You can hab it," he said as he handed it to his mother since his aunt was driving.
"Thanks, cutie!" she said as she whipped the stray tear while she pulled over into the driveway of the Clinic. Orihime put a hand on her shoulder as she began to cry.
"Does Oba-suki not like it?" Kazui's sadden features looked at his Aunt as he heard her sniffles.
"No, Kazui! Auntie loves your gift. She's just not feeling well. See I love it," she took the car and held it close, affectionately with a tear stricken smile. Orihime looked at her friend with sympathy as she tried to make silly faces at her son when she was hurting inside.
"I can have Kazui stay with Yuzu or Karin and we can talk?" she asked her friend as she shook her head.
"No, I'm fine! I'll talk to you later. We can have a girl's day this weekend if you want, okay?"
Orihime seemed to be okay with that as she held her friend in a hug. She got out of the car as she went to take her son out of the car.
"Bye Oba-suki! Lub you!" he yelled out as he ran to the house when he jumped out of his mother's arms. Ichigo had been about to open the door since he felt the three familiar reiatsu. Orihime giggled as their little boy opened the door to hit his father in the face. He held his nose as Kazui waved at him and entered the house to find his aunts, showing the gifts that he had received.
Tatsuki laughed at her best friend being attacked by a door. She waved at her best friend as he held his wounded nose. Orihime waved goodbye while she waved once again to drive off.
She really didn't have to go to this baby shower and torture herself but she didn't want to be rude. Friends asking her when she was going to have a little one of her own. Watching as most of her friends with a spouse already had a child or two. Even their crazy lesbian friend, Chizuru Honsho, had a daughter with her longtime girlfriend. She thought about the possibility of adopting a child but Keigo insisted that they continue while she was still at an age to conceive.
She almost confided to Orihime about the idea of getting used to the idea that it wasn't possible for her to have children. They tried, even opting to in-vitro, but none of the eggs produced a child. She parked the car at their three bedroom home. It was Keigo's idea to move into a three-bedroom home once they started trying. That was four years ago, even before they had their little shotgun wedding. She entered the house, to find him cooking as he smiled at her.
"I didn't know you were going to come home so early?" he said, walking up to give her a kiss. She knew how to cook a few things but she wasn't as good of a cook like her husband. Even when some of her creations turned out too salty or burnt, he would always treat it like it was the best thing in the world. She would tell him he was full of shit and they would fight and he would prove it by eating it all. She felt guilty for arguing with him when he was sick the next few days from food poisoning.
"I wasn't feeling well," she explained as he put his hand to her forehead.
"Not a fever," he said as he held her close, scrutinizing her with a look. She pushed his hands off of her as she moved to go to her room to change.
"Would you stop hovering over me like that," she yelled. He followed her to the room as she pulled off her dress in one go, throwing it into a hamper as she pulled out a tank shirt and shorts. She looked at him as he leaned against the door frame while she smiled at him.
"You see something you like?" she grinned, posing in her panties and bra as she sat on the bed.
He silently walked up to her, bending over to lay her back against the bed. She felt his light kisses on her lips as she opted to forgo changing at the moment.
"Won't you burn the food?" she stated.
"It's already done, it's just set on low," he whispered in her ear as she smiled, wrapping her legs around her husband's waist. "We could spend the next few days fucking each other's brains out while your ovulating."
Her body went rigid as she pushed him off, he glanced at her confused as she sat on the bed. "Why can't you just want to fuck me without it falling into the timeline of my ovulation?" she growled out as she glared at him.
"I'm sorry. I just thought you wanted to maybe try again," he asked guiltily as she looked away.
"What if I can't,"
"Huh?"
"What if I can't have children. First, it was the doctor stating that maybe my strenuous training is the cause of my failed pregnancies. So I took a break from tournaments and teaching at the dojo. Then, it was possibly miscalculating my ovulation cycle. Then we both checked each other out, with nothing wrong with the both of us. Nothing to show any problems of why we can't have a child."
"A lot of couples go through something like this," he said trying to comfort her as she moved away to stand up.
"What if it's just me, Keigo? What if I can't get pregnant like something is wrong and I'm damaged and can't produce children?" she shouted out and he could see the tears that threatened to come. "You're so good to me, maybe I'm not the person you're supposed to be married to. This is my punishment for pushing you to the side all those years for those stupid assholes."
"Tatsuki! You're not punished," he told her, standing up to hug her while she leaned her head onto his chest.
"Your wrong, Keigo! You could've been with Michiru Ogawa, she has three boys and she had a crush on you too."
"Tatsuki! Would you stop it," he brushed his hands over the skin of her back.
"I wasn't in love with Michiru," he glared at her as she rolled her eyes.
"Then you're an idiot to fall in love with a girl who can't even give you children," she scoffed in tears as she tried to whip them away.
"You don't even know that," he told her as she pushed him away, aggressively putting on her tank and shorts.
"I don't know that but I'm looking at things realistically. I've given up everything so I can have this child."
"Why are you saying that like you're not happy?" he looked a bit hurt as she bit her lip and shook her head.
"I'll be back, I'm going to have a run."
"Tatsuki!"
"Just give me a fucking moment, Keigo!" she yelled as she grabbed her keys exiting the door and slamming it on her way out.
She ran in tears until her legs gave out as she breathlessly held her chest and whipped her face. She looked around, trying to figure out where she ran to until she noticed she had run all the way to the Urahara Shop. She made to leave when the familiar hat and clogs man open the door to wave at her.
"You didn't run all the way here and not say hello?" he said in his cheery voice as she made her way into his shop as he closed the door. She said hello to the tall dark-skinned man named, Tessai, who began to heat up some boiling water. The blonde man under the white and green striped hat directed her to a room.
"I didn't want to bother you. I was just running and didn't notice I came all the way here," she clarified as the blonde nodded his head.
Ururu, the black haired younger girl dressed in a beautiful cute dress walked timidly pass the door.
"Leaving without saying goodbye?"
Tatsuki saw the girl, suddenly tense up and timidly walked to Kisuke.
"S... Sorry! Moe is waiting and..."
Tessai brought the man in question by the neck," I found this intruder waiting outside," the man roughly brought the fullbringer man inside. He was more muscular than Tatsuki remembered with his hair more grown out, no longer having the low cut mohawk.
"I'm not an intruder. How many times must I tell you this?" the dark-haired man told the tall gentlemen angrily.
"Moe! You wouldn't be hiding from us or Jinta?"
"I'm hiding from no one, least of all the red-headed prick. You guys always give me shit when I pick up, Ururu."
"Kisuke and Tessai, its true. You never gave Jinta trouble when he went out with Yuzu," she pouted with her soft voice.
"Of course we did, we embarrassed him in front of Yuzu all the time," Kisuke told the girl who pouted even more. "Okay! You guys run along and Moe, make sure nothing happens to her. Cause no amount of luck is going to help you," the blonde threatened the boy who only nodded as the dark-haired girl grabbed his arm. They both said their goodbyes to Tatsuki and ran off.
"They grow up so fast," Tessai began to cry as he made his way back to the kitchen.
"So what's got the strongest girl in Karakura in a sadden state?" he expressed as she uncomfortably grasped her hands together.
"I don't know if you've noticed but Keigo and I have been trying to have a child. I'm twenty-six years old while my friends have two or more children. We've seen doctors saying there's nothing wrong and be patient. Keigo has high hopes but... I just think its a lost cause," she smiled as she whipped the tears that were coming once more. "Grr! I'm so pathetic."
"You're not pathetic, Tatsuki-chan! You're the strongest person I know. I've seen you survive Hollow and even Arrancar attacks. Face even Aizen when he was clearly stronger than you could possibly conceive. There's nothing wrong with being heartbroken for the things you truly want."
Tessai came in with tea as he set one in front of Tatsuki. Kisuke whispered in the man's ears as he nodded. The tall man left to come back with a small packet in hand, giving it to the hat-wearing man.
Tatsuki drank from her cup as she looked at it curiously, "What's that?"
"This? This is a special powder that comes from Soul King's Palace. It has different potent elements that enhance fertility and potency of a man's sperm. It also an aphrodisiac, increasing the libido 10 times if consumed with a chance of hormonal effects. There's enough for three doses, but like I said it potent, you would only need one dose. Maybe pass the others to a friend," he smiled at her as he slides it in her direction.
"H...How much do I owe you?" she asked him as she drank the rest of her drink.
"Nothing! Just let me know the effects, it's strictly for scientific purposes. It's only been used on animals, so you'll be the first human."
"It hasn't been tested?"
"On animals, trust me it's completely safe. Nothing in that product is harmful to the human body."
She looked at the man suspiciously as she pocketed the item and left the shop thanking the man while she left. She finally made it home, to find her husband already lying on the bed, asleep. Walking into the bathroom, she turned on the water to wash. After her relaxing shower, she climbed into bed to wrap her arms around his shirtless body.
"Do you think I'll hate you and love you even less if we don't have a child together?" he softly said, causing her to freeze as he turned himself to face her. He held her close so that her head was on his chest as he rubbed her spiky long hair.
"Your such a great man and you deserve someone who can give you a perfect family," she mumbled.
"You're my perfect woman to complete my family, Tatsuki! If we can't have a child then we can adopt. If you don't want that, then I'm fine with that."
She sat up to stare at him with a concerned look, "Stop lying to me, Keigo! You're happy at the prospect of having a child. Look at this fucking house, for fuck sake."
"I was excited about having a child just like you were, but if the stress is going to hurt you like this, then I don't want it. I know how much you want to go back to training the kids at the dojo. Go ahead and do it. I'm here for you no matter what you choose. I love you, Tatsuki!" he told her as he reached up to gently kiss her. She laid back into his arms as she slowly fell asleep, listening to the sound of his beating heart.
"So it's a secret concoction from the Soul King's Palace," Orihime looked at the packet that Tatsuki gave to her as she handed it to Mayumi.
"Is this man trust-worthy?" The long-haired Quincy nervously looked at the spiky-haired girl.
Orihime thought for a moment before she answered, "Yeah! He's a bit shady and never tells us the whole details to his plans but everything works out in the end," she smiled, making the two other women feel less impressed with the man. "Look! I'll try a dose and let you know," she made to grab the packet when Tatsuki snatched it.
"NO! I said I was going to try it first," she hollered back.
"M...Maybe we should all try it?" Mayumi timidly stated as both friends stared at her boldness.
"Don't you need to speak to Uryu?" Tatsuki asked her, not wanting to be the cause of a spousal argument.
"I don't need to speak to Uryu. I don't believe both of you are speaking to your husband's about this?" she looked at them critically as they both looked away.
"She has a point, Tatsuki!"
"I know that Orihime!" she said through gritted teeth. "I'm not entirely sure how fast this stuff works."
"I have an idea of how to take it," Orihime grabbed the packet and rushed into the kitchen. She was in there for a while as they heard pots banging and electric mixers running.
"Are you okay in there?" Mayumi asked.
"Of course, just baking!" the auburn-haired girl shouted out to them as they glanced at each other.
"She bakes when she's nervous," Tatsuki shrugged, used to her friend's crazy ideas. Both women got up to walk into the kitchen to find the woman putting cake batter into three cupcake holders. She looked up to find the two women staring at her as she smiled. Opening the packet and gave the required dose for each cupcake. Pouring a little more cake batter on top of the dose, she hummed and placed the cupcake pan into the oven.
"We wait!" she squealed as they made their way back to the couch. After conversating for twenty minutes about work, hobbies, and their husbands. The sound of the timer dinged as Orihime ran to the kitchen. She decorated the butter cupcake with chocolate frosting and put each one into a cute little box.
"Baby making Cupcakes!" the auburn-haired beauty giggled handing a box to each girl.
"Okay, so..." Tatsuki asked.
"So when we know our husbands are available, we eat the cupcake and then.." Orihime blushed.
"We fuck their brains out," Tatsuki articulated with a devious look, staring at her box.
"I was going to say have sex but I guess that works too," Mayumi nervously smiled as all three women laughed.
Tatsuki eyed the cupcake on her table as she stared at the clock. Keigo would be back from work in an hour. She should eat the cupcake now and when it starts working through her system, jump his bones. What if he was tired? She was over thinking things as she opened the box and popped the cupcake into her mouth. Throwing away the box into the garbage can as she laid on the couch and decided to watch television. After waiting a good ten minutes, she felt her body become progressively hotter. She touched her skin to feel it's warmth when the touch of her hand sent shocks of pleasure to her body. Sending her hands down between her legs, finding it already soaking wet. Pulling her shorts off along with her panties as she giggled for no apparent reason. She felt too good as she removed the rest of her apparel, moving to the bedroom as she hugged her pillow.
"Mmm, this feels nice!" she said to herself as she laid on her back. Spreading her legs, she began to finger her bud as the pleasure was so intense. She tweaked her breasts until she moaned out loud, fingering herself. Using her other hand to pull out her vibrator from the bedside table as she turned it on, to slowly shove it into her already dripping hole.
Keigo walked into his home, placing his bag on the floor and removing his shoes. He went into the kitchen to get an alcoholic drink and chugged it back, feeling the drink release the tension in his body. Today was such a stressful day at work, he sighed. Then his ears perked up to hear the loud noises coming from his bedroom. 'Was she watching porn ... without me?' he thought as he made his way to his room.
He found his wife naked on their bed with the vibrator entering her as she moaned out loud. The sight instantly caused him to harden as he began to remove his clothing. Forgetting about the stress of the day as he laid beside his wife. Feeling the bed move, she looked beside her to find her smiling husband as she giggled.
"Mmmmm, I think I've come five times and nothing works," she said, she wasn't sure if it was the effects or the orgasms causing her to act delirious but she continued to laugh. Keigo noticed her state as he felt how warm she was, but the instant that he touched her she moaned out and came, letting the vibrator fall onto the bed. She wanted satisfaction as she pulled him by his head for a kiss. "Please fuck me, Keigo!"
He didn't ask questions as he opened her inviting legs and shoved into her wet core. "Oh, Fuck!" he growled as he found her already slick. He pulled out to shove back in as she moaned for him to go harder. Following directions, she opened wider for him, showing how flexible a karate champion was as he thrust into her harder.
"Oh, Keigo! I want you to make sure to fill me to the brim with your cum," she moaned as his cock hardened while he grabbed her hips.
"Tatsuki!" he growled, biting her neck as she cried out from the pain. After shoving into her with all the force he could muster he finally came into her as she came with him. He laid back as he gasped for air. "Jeez! What has gotten into you?" he laughed as he whipped his forehead from sweat. His eyes were closed when he felt her tongue on his limp cock. He opened his eyes to find her licking his flaccid length, sucking the cum and juices off the tip as she smiled. He couldn't help but find her attractive features sinfully tempting as he felt himself becoming aroused.
"I want more, Keigo!" she moaned sweetly as she sucked him off, causing him to groan.
"Fuck! Oh, Fuck!" he caressed her spiky locks, while she engulfed his cock. When he was fully erect, she pulled her head back as she let go of him with a loud pop while licking her lips. He bent behind her as he massaged her ass, the touch causing everything to heighten in pleasure. Her head facing down on the pillow with her ass raised as he entered. She begged him to go faster but he was going to enjoy this as he torturously went slowly in and out of her. Rubbing her perfect breasts as she moaned face down on the sheets.
"Oh, god ... mmm...please, Keigo...harder," she whined as he ignored her pleas. He held her hips as he paused his movements. She tried to move her hips as he held her still. She was aching, feeling the need for him to continue as she tried to wiggle her hips.
"You're impatient aren't you," he chuckled. She angrily pushed her butt hard backward that he lost his balance, falling partly off the bed. The lower half of his body was still on the bed as his upper half was hanging upside down. He rubbed his head from clocking it on the floor. "Shit, Tatsuki! I could have really hurt myself."
He looked up to see her smile deviously as she straddled him, shoving his cock inside of her. She whimpered as he groaned. She began to slowly ride him as he used his arms to keep himself from falling off. It was starting to get difficult to keep himself up as he felt her quickening her pace. He could hear her ass slapping down on his thighs at how hard she was hopping onto him. Before he could lose his balance, he used his stomach muscles to rise up to grab a hold of her. He positioned himself so that he was more on the bed as she sat on his thighs while he sucked her breasts. She wasted no time to rise up and crash into him as he raised his hips into her drenching hole.
They were at it like rabbits the whole night, long into the morning. He would make her cum several times and it seemed that it wasn't enough. Tatsuki felt the effects of whatever Kisuke gave her, start to wear off as her orgasm touched every part of her body as she fell off her husband. She smiled as she reached for her husband.
"Tatsuki, I think it's going to fall off. You've sucked me dry," he whined.
"Oh, stop bitching. I just want to cuddle," she giggled as she kissed his cheek and wrapped her arms around him. "I'm tired and sore," she moaned as she yawned, closing her eyes.
"How do you think I feel? I thought you were going to literally break my cock off," he groaned as he touched between his legs, making sure everything was intact.
"I love you," Tatsuki smiled as she felt herself slip away, losing consciousness. Keigo sighed as he kissed her head, "I love you too!" Both slept in each other's arms, too tired to remove any of the liquids they accumulated amongst their night of mind-blowing sex.
A few months passed with Tatsuki going back to working as a dojo's assistant. Enjoying her time teaching children again. Even teaching her nephew, Kazui, who was a prodigy at such a young age. She woke up one morning refreshed as she walked to the dojo. When she started to put on her gear, she felt woozy, feeling like she was going to hurl. She emptied the contents of her breakfast in the bathroom as she felt herself warming up. Was she getting a fever? She told the owner, who was a kind man, that she was going to go home. She bowed but suddenly felt off balance as the world around her started to turn and completely turn dark.
She woke up in a hospital bed, to find Keigo sleeping next to her with Orihime lying her head on her Ichigo's lap on a couch. Keigo woke up, feeling his wife moving as he gave her a huge smile. "Hey, sleepy head!"
he told her as she blushed and rolled her eyes.
Her throat felt dry as she reached for the cup when Keigo took it in hand and put the straw in her mouth. She slapped his hand and took the cup. "I'm not a baby, Keigo!" she yelled, waking up her friends as she heard her oldest friend groan in irritation.
"Well you act like a child, whining like that," he scoffed as she glared at him while she drank.
"Do you usually piss off your patient's doc?" she said sarcastically as he got up with Orihime running to sit by her best friend, giving her a huge hug.
"Well are you going to tell the pain in the ass or am I, Keigo?" he growled out, "I find that she was a better patient when she was out cold and quiet."
"I find Uryu is a better doctor, but hey I guess we're stuck with each other." she winked at him as he gritted his teeth.
"Tatsuki, Ichigo has been up all night looking over you. He was really worried when they brought you in," Orihime pouted as the dark-haired girl avoided her doctor's stare, feeling a bit guilty.
"Okay! I'm sorry, Ichigo. That was a bit harsh," she apologized as he nodded. "So what's going on? Well, with all the happy expressions it looks like I'm not dying?"
"No!" Keigo looked at her horrified as he leaned in to kiss her lips. "We're going to have a baby," he whispered. Tatsuki glanced at her husband, noticing his eyes were red from crying. She felt her heart pause as she exhaled and began to smile. She looked to Orihime, then to Ichigo who nodded, confirming what he said was true.
Hugging her husband tightly as she felt the tears start to fall, "We're having a baby," she cried.
"Tatsuki!" Orihime timidly said, while her friend turned to glance at her questioningly as she whipped her eyes. "You are four months long," she told her as she gave Tatsuki a huge hug. "I'm four weeks," she whispered as Tatsuki looked at her in shock.
"Really?" she laughed, "When did you take the cupcake?"
Orihime nervously looked to Ichigo who coughed as he exited the room, taking Keigo along. "I took it on the same day I made them."
"So did I?" Tatsuki asked confused.
"Well, nothing happened after I ate the cupcake. I thought I may have cooked it too much. Then you told me the effects and I felt disappointed. Then three months later, when I was eating breakfast, I felt urges and had trouble going into my room," she blushed as Tatsuki looked at her weird.
"trouble?"
"I was giggling and touching myself. Ichigo carried me into the room and when I was forcefully trying to pull at his belt. He ran out telling Karin and Yuzu to take Kazui out for a playday until he called them to come back. Let's just say, they ended up staying at Karin's apartment. Ichigo had a word with Kisuke and he believes it may have something to do with our powers, it affected you faster since you were human. It took longer to take effect with my higher reiatsu."
Tatsuki understood as she glanced over at Orihime, "What about Mayumi?"
"She probably hasn't said anything, the same reason Ichigo didn't want me to tell you anything," she fidgetted as she sighed, "He was embarrassed."
Tatsuki laughed as she rolled her eyes, thinking of a certain Quincy that had his whole world rocked and was too ashamed to say anything. Orihime and Tatsuki decided to call Mayumi with the good news as she apologized to them, telling them that Uryu wanted to keep things quiet. She told them that she was late.
Later that day the girls found out that she was indeed two months pregnant after she visited Uryu at the hospital. They also found out that when the drug took effect, he was still at the hospital when Mayumi called him, telling him that she needed him while she moaned and touched herself over the phone. He immediately asked his father to please fill in for him that there was an emergency at home.
The girl's decided to share a baby shower, using the Ishida mansion as the place to invite their friends. Tatsuki was relieved that she was going to finally go to her own baby shower, even if it was shared. She was also going to surprise everyone and the man she loved that they were expecting a baby boy.
Tatsuki looked out at the desert plains under the Urahara shop as everyone seemed to angrily shout, rushed in and out, or demanded answers. She saw the familiar auburn-hair of her friend walking in her direction. As she stepped closer, she could tell her eyes were swollen and red from crying. She wondered what she looked like herself? Orihime sat near her in silence staring at the other Shinigami who set up shop or trained.
"When I thought I was going to lose Tatsunari from that Hollow Attack, I angrily shouted at anyone who would listen, telling fate how dare they take away my child that they finally gave to me after years of neglecting me in the first place. Then my little boy was okay but then he was taken away again to train. Now he's finally back in my life, only for him to be fucking ripped out of my arms, " she yelled as Orihime began to cry, not saying anything as her friend released the anger that was still in her. She began to cry when she felt arms wrap around her. "I... I don't want to lose him, Orihime. I don't think I'll be the same without him. I don't even want to liv..."
"Don't, Tatsuki! Please don't say it. I'm going to do everything within my power to bring him back to you. I promise," Orihime told her as Tatsuki glanced at her feeling guilty for acting this way. Her best friend just lost her son too, yet she was the one comforting her.
"I'm sorry!" she whipped her tears.
"Don't apologize! Ichigo is speaking to Kisuke for the best course of action and where to look in Soul Society for more information about my ... I mean the enemies world." Tatsuki noticed her friend's quick recovery in her speech but she didn't bring it up.
"I should be there for support," she said as she got up.
"Okay! Keigo is there too, listening in as well."
Tatsuki felt another wave of guilt as she left her husband who was trying to comfort her. Tatsuki followed Orihime into a tent as they heard angry shouts.
"Are you sure you don't have anything fucking else? Since your so good at keeping things from us?" Ichigo yelled at the hat and clogs man who eyed the orange-haired shinigami.
"I understand your lack of trust, especially of my past mistakes. As a scientist, I've learned to deal with it by morally doing what is right."
"How is that moral compass of yours now?" Ichigo sarcastically asked as Kisuke nodded at the jab, expecting hostility from Substitute Shinigami.
"Mayuri and I have gone through most of our research and any past rumors or hints that can explain this world. We've found nothing and our next conclusion is to check with the Soul Palace."
"But you are forgetting to mention something we also came across?" the weird-looking scientist explained, his expressive painted face giving off an eerie smile. Kisuke looked at Mayuri and then at the group before he gave an aggravated sigh.
"I had a theory but I would much rather check elsewhere before I stir up that hornet's nest."
"What theory?" Ichigo growled, not liking being kept in the dark.
"There are certain areas in the ancient data we've acquired that looks to be forged quite well. It took me a second look to notice the false document. The person took something out and slipped false information to replace it."
"Who would do something like that?" Orihime timidly asked.
"The same person who did the same thing to erase any information about the Hyogoku," everyone was silent while the man with the striped hat glanced up at Ichigo in all seriousness, "Sosuke Aizen."
Seretei - Central Great Underground Prison
Before the Invasion of the unknown soldiers
"You're here to accompany me as I visit my previous Vice-Captain. Since you've replaced my 3rd seat, you're here to babysit me. Make sure I don't do anything to endanger our prisoner," he sneered at the mute Shinigami who followed him down the prison. They walked down the levels to get to Muken, 8th level in this underground prison that is located under the barracks of the First Divison.
Shinji heard the scribblings of the board as he rolled his eyes. He didn't know sign language, so he insisted that the young man speak to him by using a chalkboard. It only fueled his aggravation, he was constantly hearing the tapping of the chalk on the board. 'For a mute person, he sure has to say a lot of shit,' he thought as he turned around once the tapping stopped.
'Is Momo's past involvement with the previous Captain the reason why she doesn't accompany you?'
Shinji usually came to speak to the prisoner or taunt him, whatever mood he was feeling at the moment. He didn't want to subject Momo Hinamori, his current Vice-Captain, to see the man who still haunted her.
"He caused her too much pain and suffering. I'm not going to subject her to that because of my hobby."
He watched the young man quickly erase the board and scribble something down and showed it to his Captain. Knowing that he was an impatient man.
'I don't think Vice-Captain Hinamori, likes me very much,' his features downcast, avoiding the blonde headed man who eyed him. He really didn't care much for the mute boy either but his Vice-Captain had specified she was always uncomfortable around the mute man. She wasn't entirely sure herself but Shinji took it upon himself to deal with the 3rd seat directly.
"To be honest, she doesn't trust you and to be frank your face pisses me off. Although, a lot of people piss me off, specifically Ichigo's. Now enough talking. In your case scribbling. Just stay in the corner while I speak with the prisoner, understood?"
Hideyoshi nodded his head as he securely placed the board into his robes. Shinji turned around and progressed further into the prison until they came upon the cell that belonged to, Sosuke Aizen.
"Is that Captain Hirako? Is it already that day of the week?" the silky voice of the man spoke with a hint of amusement. "You'll forgive me for my lack of time down here," referencing to the dark-walled up prison he was being held in.
"Spare me your bullshit, Sosuke. You knew I was coming today," he walked up to the man who was strapped in a chair with one black strap covering his eye. Seals that bound him that could only be undone by keys if given permission by Central 46. Hideyoshi saw the faint smirk on the bound man and then felt his eye look at him.
"A new face?"
"This is my third seat, Hideyoshi."
The man glanced at him critically before he began to speak, "The mute shinigami, but I could have sworn you belonged to Squad 6?"
Hideyoshi became surprised at the man even knowing who he was and his former squad.
"Shinji's not my only visitor, I get a few visits here and there from other Captains and Vice-Captains. They fill me in with some of the going on in Seireitei. I couldn't help but hear your name being brought up in these conversations. They weren't joking at your level of strength either. To come from such unhappy circumstances and rise through the ranks in such a short amount of time. To think Byakuya Kuchiki would let go of such a skilled man?"
"He didn't, he left in his own volition."
This seemed to pique his interest as the prisoner genuinely smiled. "His own, you say? What a slight to Captain Kuchiki and Vice- Captain Abarai," at the mention of the Vice-Captain, Aizen could see the young man look away as if hurt.
"If you ask me, It probably wasn't his choice. Looks like he didn't fluff Abarai's brats pillow correctly," he jested, causing the young man to angrily glare at his Captain and turn away. "Enough hassling my 3rd seat. How's the chair, comfy enough?" the blonde started his jabs at the man as Sosuke eyed the large grin of the man in front of him.
"Believe it or not its quite comfortable. How's Vice-Captain Hinamori?" he gave his smile at the man whos huge grin fell.
"Quite well! She prefers my Captaincy to yours, no hard feelings," he told the man as he chuckled.
"None taken. Although, I do miss her doting for my attention. Does the girl still frequent the library?"
"Yes! Though her doting attention has moved onto Captain Hitsugaya and her favorite Captain, me," he said it like it was the most obvious thing.
"Good for her to find healing in a childhood friend. The girl was so enamored with me, one word, and she would have fully given herself to me.I'm not a complete monster, Shinji. Maybe that's why she prefers to stay away from me. Does she think of me when she sleeps?" he chuckled at the rise of the blonde Captain's reiatsu but body completely composed.
"You're a fucking asshole," he growled out in an unimpressed tone.
"That's rather harsh, Shinji. I'm rather fond of our talks, I'd hate for you to be so upset that you's stop coming," he showed his features to be rather saddened at the prospect of never seeing him again. Shinji knew that this was his intention, he wanted him to stop coming.
"You'd like that wouldn't you, Aizen. Who else is going to remind you of how much of a piece of shit you are."
Suddenly an alarm sounded, catching the attention to everyone in the room.
"Emergency! All Captains and Vice-Captains are to report to Captain Commander, Kyoraku," they heard the voice of Vice- Captain Nanao Ise.
"Shit!" he sneered as he glanced at his third seat. "Hideyoshi, this sounds serious. I'm heading out with Vice- Captain Hinamori. You can meet back at the barrack and await further instructions," he saw that the boy nod in understanding as the blonde man swiftly left while the doors to the prison closed. Hideyoshi made to get the attention of the guard, to open the doors again.
"Wait, Hideyoshi! My time was cut short with my dear friend. Please keep me company." he watched the younger man contemplate on staying, "Don't worry I won't keep you long,"
Hideyoshi knew this was a dangerous man of what he read and heard about but he found him to be interesting with his curiosity peeked. He nodded his head as he sat cross-legged a good distance in front of the man. He began to take his chalkboard to write when he heard the man speak.
"There's no need for that, unlike that insufferable man you call Captain. I know how to understand sign language."
'Captain Hirako seems impatient at times but he's very caring, even if it seems unorthodox to others.'
"Simple minded, but I agree. He tends to act indifferent and uncaring but his actions speak otherwise, something I used to my benefit."
'You mean by using a person's weakness to manipulate them?' he asked calmly but Sosuke could tell the young man found disgust in his past actions.
"Weakness? Do you find caring for someone as a form of weakness?" he became enlightened as he watched the dark haired man avoid his lingering gaze.
'It's not a weakness, I must withdraw my last comment. You take a person's desire or something they hold in high regard to exploit in your twisted game.'
"It seems that the Shinigami have painted a rather negative picture of me,"
'Are you saying they were inaccurate?'
"No! I'm not ashamed to admit, I've done some horrible things only for the benefit of my plans. Though my plans were convoluted, now that I dwell on my prior actions. Ichigo Kurosaki has shown me another way."
'Do you regret doing those things?'
"Not all, whipping out the previous Central 46 members was not a regrettable action," he said the words like if they were a thorn in his side as he glanced at the younger man's frown. "What game are you playing, Hideyoshi?"
As the dark-haired man looked at the prisoner questioningly, 'Game?'
"Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi visits me on occasion. At some point, he has told me about a certain mute shinigami he has asked on several occasions to test on."
'I've kindly refused Captain Kurotsuchi's method of examination. Especially by looking at Vice-Captain Kira for example.'
"His methods are unorthodox but tell me, Hideyoshi. Would you accept Kisuke Urahara's examination?"
Hideyoshi paused his breathing as his hands began to shake slightly, 'The man is doing important things in the human world.'
Aizen glanced at the young man with a figurative grin on his face."You know what I believe, Hideyoshi. I believe Captain Kurotsuchi, Kisuke, and myself would find out the very same thing by examining you."
Hideyoshi gripped his hands as his heart began to pound in his chest, he made to elaborate with his hands when he was interrupted by the older man.
"Just like your chalkboard, there's no need for your sign language either. Speak!" the man demanded as Hideyoshi's eyes widen as he looked at the door.
"There's no need to worry about the guards, they can't hear and the camera's that are viewing us cannot pick up sound."
Hideyoshi rubbed his throat and cleared it with a cough.
"I..." he tried to speak, finding it hard, not using it quite often.
"Take your time, your vocals haven't been used in a while. Some past trauma caused you, to not use your voice?"
"Yes," it was not as clear but Sosuke could make out the words.
"Something about the deaths of your adoptive parents, your adoptive mother in particular,"
He watched Hideyoshi's angry features cast their furious glare towards him, "I'm... not ...talking...about her."
"There's no need. I gathered you were the cause of her demise ... an accident or on purpose," he smiled as the younger man's eyes closed as his head hung low.
"Accident."
"I was kidding when I said the shinigami hadn't lied about your strength. It's extremely high and I can sense it's limitless power. They probably don't know about you already summoning your Shikai. What does it do?"
Hideyoshi was hesitant for a moment as he stared at his sword and began to speak, "I can cause others ...to see their happiness... and fears. They also ... do whatever I say,"
"Interesting... Show me?"
"I can't!" he growled out.
"You're nowhere near the camera, you are too far, it is only focused on me. Look there, a small rat. Tell it to stop."
"Pasithea," he said, releasing the name of it's released state," Hypnos: Stop," he concentrated his eyes on the small creature as it abruptly stopped.
The prisoner's features were fascinated as he instructed him further, "Ask it to not breathe?"
"I ... can't," he looked elsewhere as Sosuke looked at him with a quirk of his brow.
"This rat is more significant than your own mother's life," he chuckled as the younger man's eyes widen then glared at him with hate.
"Hypnos: Can't Breathe" the rat after a few seconds fell to the floor moving its body, struggling to breathe. "Hypnos: Breathe. Leave this place."
Sosuke watched the rat upright himself and then skitter away in fear, to the hole it had created. He showed his disappointment with a bored sigh as the boy glanced in his direction.
"Seems you're able to control it, was it not the case with your adoptive mother?" he asked.
"Hypnos: Can't Breathe"
Aizen felt unable to breathe as he kept his composure, staring at the boy who glanced at him. "You...Realize ...You can't..kill me," he struggled to say.
"I figured as much but I'm sure you can still feel pain. Don't speak of my mother and don't assume you know me. I think I'm done. Hypnos: Breathe"
Aizen felt the release of the constriction from the lack of oxygen to his lungs. He smiled and looked up at the older man who rose to his feet.
"I'm sure I'll be seeing you again," he grinned at the younger man who shook his head as his Shikai turned back into its original state.
"Unlikely," he tapped on the doors as the guards opened them and let him out.
Aizen looked up to the dark ceilings as he chuckled to himself, "I don't assume, Hideyoshi."
Miume watched silently as her two friends lay motionless on the bed. While their parents stood by them, waiting when they were able to use their bodies again. The golden dome of her mother's powers healed the internal and external wounds they received but the paralysis seemed to be still in their system.
She glanced over at Jacinto who eyed Yumiko worriedly. Miume was able to treat his wounds, he received from the fight as Chad stood by his side, like a huge protective statue. She felt the guilt of being in a fight that she was a part of and not receiving a single scratch. She whipped the tears that were forming, worried about her brother and boyfriend. Wondering what the enemy was doing to them right now?
They heard the shouts of a familiar voice as Mayumi in a frantic state walked into the room that Tessai directed her to. Her eyes laid on her daughter as she grasped her chest and ran to her family's side.
"I... I felt her all the way from Aomori," she whispered, watching her daughter's eyes move in the direction of her voice. "Yumiko! C ... Can she hear me?" she asked Uryu as she grasped her husband's hands tightly.
"Yes! She's in a paralyzed state that Orihime is trying to negate, but she's unable to."
"Does she feel pain?" she asked him. She looked at her husband who paused for a moment before he continued.
"Not now that Orihime has healed her wounds."
"Wounds? What sort of wounds?" she grabbed his hands tighter as her heart dropped when she saw her husband's somber look.
"Her knee was shattered, she also received an abdominal injury causing internal bleeding from her organs that were crushed from a strong direct blow."
"I...I don't understand. You told me she was hurt over the phone. How did this happen? Where were you?" she yelled at the man who was supposed to protect her.
"I was there ...I" he looked at his daughter who's eyes were forming tears as they cascaded down her face. "We can't talk here, Mayumi."
Mayumi looked at her daughter who was already becoming upset as she nodded. Uryu glanced at Miume, "Miume, Could you please stay by Yumiko?"
"Yes!" she softly said as the Quincy couple left the room. Miume looked at the features of her crying friend and started to cry herself. " D...Don't worry Yumiko. He'll explain everything to her." She saw that she continued to cry as she blinked once meaning 'no.'
"You're worried about your father blaming yourself?" she asked, seeing her friend blink twice for confirmation. She knew that's what she was worried about because she was worried about her father as well. The guilt in her father's eyes when she tried to run back to the school as he stopped her, appearing out of nowhere.
"Miume! I don't think it's a great idea to head back to the school," Jacinto shouted out as he placed the paralyzed redhead onto the couch. Watching the auburn-haired girl ignore his warnings as she shot out of the house like a person on fire.
She ran until she slammed into something hard as hands wrapped around her body. She fought her captive, looking up to realize it was her father.
"Dad!" she gripped him tightly as she felt his arms wrap around her. He loosened his grip on her to look her over.
"Are you ok?" he asked her softly, she watched his features give off a look like he wasn't completely there.
"I'm fine! Dad, what's wrong?" He looked at her as he closed his eyes and gritted his teeth in anger.
"They've taken Kazui and Tatsu."
She instantly froze in place as she aggressively shook her head, "NO, no, no, no! That's not true." She tried to run out when her father's grip tightened.
"Where are you going, Miume? Did you not hear what I said?" he yelled, causing her to halt her steps at the sheer seriousness of his look. The tears began to spool down her features while her legs gave out.
"T...They were protecting me and...Oh god," she cried while her father fell to his knees holding his little girl.
The movement of Yumiko's hands startled Miume as she saw the rest of her body begin to move, "Oh, Yumiko!" Miume cried as her mother's fairies undid the healing dome when both girls started to move, their small bodies leaving to go to their master. Miume hugged her best friend as she felt her friend start to get feeling slowly back as she hugged her back.
Uryu and Mayumi ran back in, hearing the voice of the auburn-haired girl as they saw their little girl glance at them.
"Oh, my baby!" Mayumi cried out as Miume moved out of her way so she could hold her daughter.
"Mom, Please don't be mad at father. It wasn't his fault," she said in tears as Mayumi held her tightly.
"I...I know! I'm sorry for having you hear that. He told me everything," she comforted her daughter as she stroked her face. Uryu remained silent as he stared at his daughter. Mayumi moved aside as her daughter held her father close as she cried while holding him as she felt him begin to shed tears.
"If Orihime hadn't healed you..." his voice softly broke as he held her.
"I'm sorry," she said as he let go to stare at her as her blue eyes filled with tears. "I... I was careless."
"Don't start blaming yourself. We weren't prepared and I should've been there," he said whipping her tears as she nodded.
"When I see that cocky son of a bitch again. I'm gonna make sure he knows how much of a red demon bitch I can be," Ichika seethed holding her mother's hands, after hugging her. As she angrily whipped the tears that were streaming down her face.
"Next time you do see the fucker, we'll be there," Renji said, placing his hand on her face as she looked at her father.
"A..After we find Kazui," she told her father with a determined look, then glanced at her mother.
"Yes! After we find Kazui," Rukia tried to hide her fears of almost losing her daughter with a smile. "Let's meet with the others, they're all at the planning room. So you two girls can give your input, any information could be useful no matter how small, okay?" Rukia told her daughter and glanced at Yumiko who eyed her father and nodded as well.
Once Yumiko and Ichika felt their limbs were strong enough to walk. Everyone walked to the planning room, seeing angry expressions and downcast looks. There was a brief moment of relief and happiness, seeing the two girls up and about, but it soon ended when the discussion of Aizen came about.
"Well, open the doors to Soul Society so we can talk to him," Ichigo said already getting aggravated.
"We're not even sure if we can trust him to work with us?" Kisuke said as he felt his collar being pulled and then slammed against the wall. Then everyone heard the eerie voice as Kisuke had the pleasure of seeing the cold dark stare of the yellow irises.
"I honestly don't give a fuck if he's not willing to work with us," he had an expressive grin on his face.
"Ichigo!" Orihime said as she held his arm while Ichigo let go of the man roughly but still eyed him.
"Thank you, Orihime! Well, I guess we're going to Soul Society. Who's going?" he looked at everyone, specifically at the orange-haired man.
"They are looking for those with high reiatsu with powers. Well, I'm not taking any chances, especially with my sisters. Everyone has a choice between going to Soul Society or staying here in the Human World, but with guarded Shinigami," everyone seemed to agree as they nodded and began to prepare themselves in entering Soul Society.
"Okay! Give me fifteen minutes to prepare a gate and notify the Captain Commander on our arrival," Kisuke said as he stepped out.
Tessai moved to Miume getting her attention as he whispered in her ear. "There seems to be a young man asking for you specifically, I remember him from your mother's birthday but wasn't sure. So I tied him up and left him in a room."
Miume looked at the tall tanned man a little shocked as she followed him, having a feeling who the person he was talking about. She glanced at a tied up Daichi with tape covering his mouth. She looked to Tessai for further explanation.
"He was being rather loud and I couldn't have him upsetting everyone else. You've all been through enough."
"Daichi, You have to promise me that you're not going to yell. I am really not in the mood for shit right now," she told him as his eyes widen at her sweet demeanor somewhat gone. She watched as he stared at Tessai who gave him a glare as he nodded. The tall man removed the tape out of his mouth, very quickly.
"Fuck that hurt," he said as he glared at the tall man.
"Focus Daichi! What is it?" she got his attention as she looked at him. He saw her eyes were red and swollen from crying as he swallowed the lump in his throat.
"I...I came here following you guys because I'm not sure what's going on?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, hearing the frantic tone in his voice.
"I remember certain things at the party like you healing me with an orange light. I'm starting to see things clearly now when I used to see only shimmers. I don't know if I'm fucking losing my mind," he smiled uneasily.
Miume felt some sympathy for the guy as she understood his confusion. He was spiritually aware of the things around him, including the Shinigami.
"You're not losing your mind, you're just hyper-aware of things that deem supernatural to most human beings. I would explain it more but I have to go somewhere right now," she made to get up when he spoke up.
"Wait! Where are you going? I saw Yumikosmash out of a fucking window by something and Tatsunari fly out with black wings. I know something serious is going on and I am not going to stay in a place that's unsafe."
Miume thought about this, maybe she could run this by her parents, right now she wasn't in the mood. "Untie him Tessai," she heard the voice of her father tell the tall man who aggressively ripped off the tape around the younger man's wrists. As the young boy looked at the tall man aggressively
"Thanks!" he said sarcastically. He then found Ichigo standing right in front of Daichi as he swallowed the lump in his throat.
"K...Kurosaki-san!"
"I understand your fear of the things you see and can't explain. But there are things far worse to fear if you think of doing anything with my daughter?" Ichigo's hollow voice growled out as Daichi saw the black swirls and yellow pupils as the older man gave him a murderous glare. He could only nod at the man who glanced over at his daughter.
"We're leaving to Soul Society, get ready," Ichigo told Miume as her father headed out of the room while she tagged along.
"Wait! What about me?" Daichi asked as he followed them out of the room.
Ichigo's hollow, it's not that Ichigo can't control him. This story is after the manga, he's accepted his hollow, he's one with him. So his hollow is only going by Ichigo's rage, maybe Ichigo doesn't want that rage to go away. =) Do you think Ichigo will be cool as a cucumber is his kids or wife is in trouble. Noooooooo! lol!
I love Aizen! I loved writing Shinji and Hideyoshi's interaction with the enemy of Soul Society. I hope I wrote him in character, I just love his manipulative ways. The fight between Toshiro is something I was both sadden and shocked at the same time. The way he used every fucking Shinigami or Visord and just fucking trolled them, while Ichigo is like WTF? I love Aizen, did I mention that.
Next chapter, we will see the whereabouts of out damsel men and also the world that my lovely character, Orihime, is from.
