Does Man Make The Monster?
Chapter 19
Risky Business
(A/N Wow, okay. I got this chapter out sooner than I had planned. I'm love being able to use this time gap to my advantage. I'm coming up with my own ideas. This will set somethings up for when we get back to more the Tokyo Ghoul timeline.)
SOUND/sounds
Thoughts
(Last Time)
Both Toshiro and Yamamoto then stepped up but Toshiro stayed back a few steps behind the head captain. Yamamoto stood before the group looking at each member down the line. His gaze lingered a bit longer on Ichigo than the others for obvious reasons. Ichigo felt highly uncomfortable being studied by the head captain. The old man let out a long breath.
"Welcome to Soul Society," came the first words from his mouth. "To those that don't know me, I am Head Captain Yamamoto."
"I am sure they all of you know me and my lieutenant," Toshiro said, giving everyone a very small bow in greeting as did Matsumoto.
"If all of you would follow us we have quite a bit to discuss before you can continue," Yamamoto said, sternly. "Captain Hitsugaya's men will handle your belongings for now. This way."
He motioned everyone to follow him. The groupld left their belongings where they stood before following behind Yamamoto, Sasakibe, Toshiro, and Rangiku. The Squad One men encircled them from behind. This wasn't very welcoming but it was rather expected none the less. Well, this was the start of a new life and hopefully things would turn out okay. Maybe at one point they could go back to the Living World and stay there but for now this would be their new home.
(Present)
The group of 9 stayed close together and they were ushered down a few walkways and onto a large room up several steps. Yamamoto and Sasakibe went the front room as did Toshiro and Rangiku. The captains and lieutenants sat down and the others followed the same motion. The men for Squad One stayed away but remained in the room at the back near the door. This wasn't the most comfortable of situations but this could be a lot worse.
"All of you made it here safely, I assume," Yamamoto said as they gave a few head nods and muted answers. "To save ourselves some time and trouble I am just going to get everything out of the way. Even though you are welcome to stay as long as you need, be advised that there will be several rules that will be set down for all of you. Especially those new to Soul Society and don't know how we conduct things around here."
Jinta, Yuzu, Ururu, and Karin looked at each other a little nervous. It would be in their best interests to listen and obey for now until things eased up some.
"Some are just common sense rules. No entering restricted areas unless escorted or if permission is granted. Please conduct yourselves in an orderly fashion and be respectful to others," he glanced over at Ichigo at that one. "Former captains are not to overstep their bounds. If you questions, ask don't just assume something. You are to remain solely in the Seireitei unless permission is granted. Make yourselves useful while you stay here. Stay within your granted areas. If you need to return to the World of the Living for any reason let us know beforehand. I will have a list made of some of the more specific rules that I want you to adhere by."
Toshiro stepped up next.
"I also have a few rules since you will be staying in my area. I ask you all to respect my authority and Matsumoto's. Don't become a nuisance to others or start trouble. Once again like the Captain-Commander stated, make yourselves useful during your stay," Toshiro stated, looking at everyone. "Keep your living spaces clean and report any damages. Stay out of the squad's business unless otherwise asked for assistance. If you have an issue with someone or something please speak up before things get out of hand. There is already a list made and sitting in your rooms of other rules."
Yamamoto cleared his throat.
"I would like to know just how long you all plan to stay. Will it be short term or long term?" the elderly captain asked.
"That's hard to say at the moment. We're all pretty much wanted in the Living World. Ichigo here more than anyone," Urahara said, looking over Ichigo. "Chances are if anyone was going to really have an extended stay it would be Ichigo."
"And us as well if you don't mind, Captain-Commander. We would like to stay together as a family," Isshin spoke up.
"That is understandable. Just keep in mind, Shiba, that if you do stay here on more permanent terms that you will not be granted any high positions on any squad. You left your post without warning and illegally. The only reason you're allowed back is because of your involvement in the Winter War," the old captain then turned his attention to Urahara. "The misunderstanding with you, Urahara, and Tsukabishi has been fixed of course. However, Kurotsuchi has requested that you, Urahara, stay out of his labs and not to meddle into his affairs. He will request your assistance should he need it."
"Can I at least start a little something of my own? All of my lab equipment in still in the Living World," Urahara said. "It'll keep me from meddling if I have something of my own to keep me occupied."
"We shall discuss that matter at another time. Now, Ichigo, we need to discuss why you're here and what being here will mean to you," Yamamoto said, staring at the young man. "I understand that what has happened to you, was well out of your control and I am sorry to see you like this. If it wasn't for you things with Aizen might have turned out drastically different. For that Soul Society if grateful to you but despite that, you must understand that Central 46 does not see things the same way that we do."
Ichigo stiffened. Just what did that mean? What was going to happen to him? He was scared of being restricted again. From the tone in Yamamoto's voice it wasn't something good. He looked over at his father. Isshin just gave a small shrug in response.
"I am sorry to say that you will be a lot more limited in your freedoms. This is above my head and I do apologize. You are only permitted on Squad 10 grounds. You are not to leave Seireitei for any reason unless returning to the World of the Living," Yamamoto said as Ichigo just stared at him wide-eyed. "We have the right to use extreme force against you should your particular situation worsens for any reason. So, please, don't give us one. You are barred from any fighting as a precaution to keep you from going out of control. You will be subject to a physical weekly to monitor any possible changes. Toshiro will be making a constant report on you so remain well behaved. Also please don't draw attention—"
"Why don't you just throw me in a prison cell and just be done with it," Ichigo grumbled out.
"Ichigo," Isshin snapped at his son.
"If Central 46 really had their way you would be. Despite what you did for us they can't see beyond what you are now. Captain Hitsugaya and I, including the Kuchiki family, fought to give you as many liberties as we could this past week and still working on a few more," Yamamoto said, running a hand over his bald head.
"Basically, Ichigo, try to keep yourself in their good graces and over time you might be given more freedoms," Toshiro added. "Don't give me a reason to put a mark against you. I want you to be as comfortable as you can while you stay here but you're walking on a very narrow tightrope I will let you know right now."
"This is even worse than when I was back at Urahara's," Ichigo moaned. "If I wanted it bad enough I could just leave on my own."
"Not here. You have amassed quite a few friends in your teen years but you have to remember that others will not see you as anything but a hollow now. It's more for your safety than anything else," Yamamoto clarified. "This is regrettable but this time I highly suggest you follow our rules and commands. You can't get away with anything, not anymore."
Ichigo clinched his fists but gave few curt nods. A hollow in Soul Society wasn't something that was welcomed. He should have known that. Well, he did in the back of his mind. It just hurt to know that all of his hard work and sacrifices meant nothing to Central 46. This didn't sound much better than being hunted down by the CCG. He was damn no matter where he went. He really was a prisoner in his own body.
Damned if I do and damned if I don't, he thought as he clinched his teeth hard. This is no different. I'm labeled as monster no matter where I go! I was stupid to think otherwise.
"I tried to stop this but you are to have an escort wherever you go as well," Toshiro said, feeling uncomfortable. "I didn't want this and fought against it but Central 46 demanded that you have two armed escorts at all times with you. Quad 1 escorts at that."
Ichigo clinched his teeth hard in effort to bite his tongue. He had no say in anything from the way it was looking. He wasn't a guest, just some honored prisoner. Staying in the human world and giving the CCG the run around sounded a lot more palatable at this point. If it wasn't for his family he might just do that but he promised to stay with them. He drew in a hard, shaky breath.
"I understand," Ichigo said fighting not to snap out his answer.
"Again you will find an additional list of rules in your quarters made by Central 46," Toshiro struggled to get that out of his mouth. "Please… Please learn them and follow them."
"Adding on one more thing; three members of Central 46 want to personally meet with you. That will be in three days' time. We will instruct you on how to address and behave before them to avoid any misunderstandings," Yamamoto said and Ichigo really fought not to retaliate. "How you act and respond to them will reflect back on the whole of Central 46. Try everything within your power to respect, accept, and obey what they say. I know you, Kurosaki, and how you can be. Hopefully your time in this CCG agency had taught you how to obey and listen to authority better than you did years ago."
"I-I understand," Ichigo forced through his clinched teeth.
Isshin reached over and lightly rubbed his son's back. So much for having more freedoms. Isshin was really hoping that given Ichigo's past that things would be better here but it seemed to only serve in making things worse. Ichigo was a Vasto Lorde and as far as Soul Society was concerned the strongest in existence and with a lot of room still to improve. That was another reason to keep him out of a fight. Ichigo always grew stronger with each major battle. Central 46 didn't want that. They wanted to control him as long as he remained in the walls of the Seireitei. Chances were he wouldn't even be allowed to train to understand his powers better. Maybe this was a mistake at least as far as Ichigo was concerned. It was up to Ichigo now if he wanted to stay under these conditions.
"Urahara, the data that you collected on Ichigo these past few weeks is to be handed over to Captain Unohara and Captain Kurotsuchi so they may monitor Ichigo's physical health," Yamamoto said and Urahara sighed.
"As you wish. I just need to return to the Living World long enough to retrieve everything. I have some with me but not all," Urahara said, messing with is hat in his lap. "I will handover what I have with me."
"Good. They are expecting that information by this evening. I will allot you the time you need to return your shop and retrieve your remaining data."
"I don't even get time to settle in, huh?" Urahara half smiled. "Well, if you want it so badly I'll go back and get it."
"Have it here by 6. You have all day to get it. It is just now sunrise in the Living World. For now you are all dismissed. Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto will take you from here," Yamamoto motioned to the two beside them.
Toshiro and Rangiku got to their feet as the others did the same. The two Squad 10 leaders passed by and everyone fell in line behind them. The doors were opened and they stepped out into scant morning light. It didn't take long for two of the Squad 1 members to break off from the rest and start to follow them. They were taking this matter very seriously.
Everyone felt uneasy at this time so any conversations fell dead. Isshin, Yuzu, and Karin huddled around Ichigo as his new escorts flanked them from the sides. Toshiro and Rangiku led them towards the Squad 10 district. It was a bit of walk from where they were. It didn't take them long to starting amassing an unwanted audience from other shinigami just wanting to see what was going on and to sneak a peek at Ichigo. They couldn't wait to get behind the walls of Squad 10.
The ground finally arrived at the doors and they were promptly opened. They all entered and the doors were quickly shut behind them. Still no words were exchanged for quite some time as Toshiro brought them one of the barrack buildings. It wasn't as full as the others which would give them a little more privacy. Toshiro came to one large room and ushered everyone inside. All their belongings sat inside nicely stacked.
"This will be your exclusive common room and it will remain open at all times. There is another common room that we walked by used for my men. You are permitted there as well only from 10AM to 7PM," Toshiro said, sternly. "Gather your things and I will take you down to your quarters."
They call gathered their belongings, however, it was stalled as Squad 1 had to search their belongings for anything not deemed acceptable. There were several things found that they didn't like. Urahara being one the worst offenders. Some items they might get back with some negotiations or with just good behavior over some time. Some of Ichigo's belongings were to be permanently withheld and for fairly good reasons. His quinque, Tsume, was one such item and another much smaller quinque, his rookie knife, was also taken from him. Ichigo worried what would happen when they found out that he could just manifest a blade at will.
After the lengthy ransacking of everyone's belongings Toshiro was finally permitted to take them to their quarters. He had just enough to give everyone their own room should it be completely necessary but he would prefer that they share the space like it was meant to be.
It was settled that Isshin would stay with his daughters in one room but a divider would be put up for privacy. Orihime and Ururu offered to fill another room together. Urahara and Tessai took another room. That left Jinta with his very own room all to his lonesome. It was a much bigger room than the one he had at Urahara's because it was designed to hold 6 to 8 people. However, it was quickly decided that since Jinta had the "extra room" that any extra baggage was to stay in there. So much for that.
Ichigo of course had his own living quarters and it wasn't very close to the others. Rangiku slid open the door to a very large living quarter. It looked a great bit better than the others truth be told. He set his things down by the door and had a look around. His guards Dumb and Dumber, as he mentally called them, were not too far behind him as he explored the room. He turned to look at Toshiro and Rangiku.
"I understand I'm to be isolated but why did you give me this room?" he asked and Rangiku stepped up.
"Well, you see we had it planned that you and your family were to stay together. That was of course before Central 46 said 'no' and that you were to have your personal space," Rangiku said, fiddling with a piece of long blond hair. "This is actually an office believe or not. We had it cleaned out and remodeled a little to make it more like a living area. So, on the bright side you have a really large area all to yourself."
"Yeah, great…" Ichigo grumbled and noticed his lists of rules on his new bed laid out nicely on the floor.
He didn't want to pick them up to have a look. He was already irate knowing he was to be escorted, isolated, and subject to physical exams to name a few. Now, it hurt even more knowing that at first it was planned that his family was to stay with him. He couldn't even have that. He was now nothing but a caged rat.
"We'll let you get settled in for now," Toshiro said, noticing Ichigo's temper reaching its peak. "We'll come by in a while to show you around some more and where you can eat."
"Orders have him eating in here as well," one of the escorts stated, bluntly.
Toshiro and Rangiku looked rather shocked. They weren't told this until now.
"Can my friends and family come over to eat with me?" Ichigo asked, his voice rather elevated.
"Only if the Captain-Commander permits it. It was only stated that you were eat in your quarters. We aren't sure about guests," the same man stated again.
"Then I will do the asking for him," Toshiro almost snapped. "There is no reason for Ichigo to remain isolated like this. I am the captain of Squad 10 and I should have some say in what goes on in my own district."
"Which we understand completely, sir, but until things are settled Kurosaki Ichigo will have to obey the commands given to him," the other escort said, looking at the fuming captain. "Captain-Commander Yamamoto is hoping that after Kurosaki meets with the three representatives from Central 46 that some restrictions will be lessened or possibly removed. I'm sorry to say but until that time Kurosaki will have to do as instructed. You may request a change if you are uncomfortable but just don't make too many demands."
"Ugghh… Fine but I'm still going to request that Kurosaki can accept visitors in his quarters if he so chooses during meals or any other time for that matter," Toshiro bit out and the atmosphere turned a good bit cooler. "I will be back in an hour and I am taking him out of this room to show him around my district along with everyone else."
"But the Captain-Commander—"
"No. No, no, no, and no. My district and my guests. I will make sure that Kurosaki is free to have company whilst eating! I'll be damned otherwise," Toshiro turned on his heel. "Matsumoto, come with me. I'm going to need your help."
"Yes, Captain," she following after him and gave Ichigo a small wave. "We'll get something straightened out for you, Kurosaki! Just wait a little longer, okay?! We'll be back in a bit."
Ichigo was left alone with his two new escorts. Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dumb turned to look at him. Ichigo said nothing as he stepped back and sat down on the new, well-padded traditional futon. He wanted to take his new rules wad them up and throw them at the two men. He pulled his legs to his chest and wrapped his arms around them.
"Huh, look, Kurosaki… A good bit of us know you mean us no harm and if anything else you should be treated with a lot more respect," the second escort said, walking over to him. "Without your help to defeat Aizen… That is… Well, without you most likely we wouldn't be here right now."
Ichigo just looked up at him with a rather angry scowl. Giving him thanks wasn't going to make his mood any better. He just turned his head down and buried his face into the top his knees, his horn lightly touching his left leg. This was not what he wanted. Not even close. His friends and family gave up everything to help him and in the end they couldn't do too much. He really was damned anyway he looked at it. His family couldn't protect him and he couldn't protect his friends.
His eyes started to burn a little as he tried to force back his tears. He clinched his teeth hard and squeezed his legs closer to his chest. What could he do now? Was there anything he could do for that matter? He was stuck here and there was not telling what was going on Chad, the Ishida family, Amon, and Hayashi. Mado had Amon covered but what was to really become of Akane? He felt the stinging drops of water leak out of his eyes at that thought. He could do nothing to help those closest to him in Tokyo.
The guard took a couple of steps back before turning and walked over to his partner. Ichigo was not in a good place right now and looming over him like vultures wasn't going to help him any. It might be good to give the young man a little peace.
"Let's step out for a while," he said, taking a step out the door.
"Orders have us staying in the room with him at all times," the other man stated firmly.
"I know, Watanabe, but just let it slide for right now," he grabbed the man by the collar of his uniform and jerked him out the open door. "Give him a little breathing room for at least 10 minutes."
"Fine, fine, whatever, Nakamura," Watanabe moaned and the door was slid shut behind them. "But I'm not taking the heat if he does something."
Two days had passed since Ichigo and the others fled to Soul Society. Yoruichi kept a very close eye on the CCG as they finished up their investigation in the city and started to pack up their gear and slowly start their migration back to Tokyo. Things were not looking so good for Ichigo's future should he return anytime soon. She arrived in Soul Society once to give everyone the information she gathered and was shocked to learn about Ichigo being pretty much held a prisoner. Ichigo would be going to meet with the Central 46 reps the next day. This wasn't looking so good. Toshiro, Isshin, Urahara, and Tessai drilled the hell out of Ichigo to make sure he addressed and acted accordingly before the 3 men. Yoruichi put in some of her own wisdom being from a noble family that had to deal directly with them.
It had been very uncomfortable for everyone. Several of his friends in Soul Society came by to see Ichigo to welcom him. Like Renji, Rukia, Hanataro, Shinji, and a few others. All were turned away due to Central 46's ruling that he was to have no outside contact until the meeting. Kenpachi, undaunted, tried to make a run for it. The whole situation turned into a mess in the end. They managed to wrangle him with some great effort but got him removed the Squad 10 district. Yachiru of all people managed to locate Ichigo by sheer dumb luck. They managed to finally grab her at long last because Jinta had some candy on him that the tiny lieutenant hadn't tried before. Jinta ended up parting with the entirety of his little stash to get the pink haired powerhouse out of Squad 10.
Ichigo was a nervous wreck the following morning. He was to meet them at 12PM sharp. He couldn't even eat his breakfast without feeling like he was going to bring it back up. Toshiro and Isshin gave him a lengthy rehearsal to really make sure he knew what to do. Toshiro fitted Ichigo with some nice clothes to wear to look presentable. Ururu gave his orange/white hair a small trim before his escorts carted him off. He was ordered to be in restraints the whole time like he was indeeded a criminal. He didn't agree with it but complied regardless. They put a harness around his neck and his hands were tied as well.
Toshiro was to accompany them as he was directly in charge of Ichigo. It wasn't long before Yamamoto greeted them as well with a few more of his men. Ichigo inwardly groaned that he had to be so heavily guarded. He just kept reciting everything he was taught in his mind. Yamamoto led the way to the large meeting room. They walked inside the door just before 12. The representatives were already seated at a long white table with their own aids at their sides. There were 2 men and one woman. This was it. Ichigo forced the building knot from his throat and kept his head down.
"Good Afternoon, Representatives of Central 46," Yamamoto said with a deep bow while everyone else got down on one knee. "At your request I have brought Kurosaki Ichigo before you."
"Kurosaki Ichigo, stand so we may see you more clearly," the woman to the far right ordered.
Ichigo didn't hesitate as he got to his feet and his guards followed him. He kept his head down. He didn't have the right to look at them from what he was told. Unless they asked to be looked at he was to keep his eyes on floor. He could hear them murmuring among themselves. He didn't realize until now that was shaking something fierce. Everyone told him that Central 46 was not forgiving, not in the least. He needed to be on his best behavior if he wanted to impress them and hopefully not dig himself into a deeper shit hole.
"Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro, I understand that this hollow is under your care," the man in the middle asked, his voice was rather course sounding. "And that he is the son of your former captain Shiba Isshin, is that correct?"
"Yes, your honor," Toshiro kept his position on the floor.
"We have the full report of what happened to Shiba from you and Urahara. Shiba also resides under your care as well. Does he or his other children have any hollow traits like him or the other Vizards?"
"No, your honor, Shiba and his daughters don't harbor any hollow abilities," Toshiro clarified. "The genetic material for the hollow was passed through his mother to him alone."
There was a long pause as they shuffled their papers some more to verify what Toshiro had just spoke of. The same man cleared his throat again.
"So it was passed on solely to him via his mother. It says his mother was a Quincey and that she lost her life to protect her son from the hollow named Grand Fisher?"
"Yes, your honor. Shiba was left alone to raise his son and daughters on his own," Toshiro said, clearly. "Neither child knew of their linage until much later in life."
"Looking deeper into this… The original hollow was a creature of Aizen Sosuke's own design, code named, White," the man on the left said, adjusting his glasses as he looked at the papers. "Skipping forward, and in short, Shiba scarified everything to keep Kurosaki Masaki from becoming hollow with the aid of Urahara Kisuke. So from what I understand that hollow was locked away within her but it transferred to a new host; her first born son."
"That is correct, your honor."
They spoke quietly among themselves for couple of minutes before the woman again spoke up.
"It is a known fact that at age 15 that you, Kurosaki Ichigo, was already very spiritually aware. It wasn't until you met Kuchiki Rukia that fateful night did part of your own linage come to light. What Kuchiki did was illegal as you well know by now. She taught you how to fight hollows hoping her powers would return soon. No such luck. Kuchiki was then captured and returned to Society and her power removed from you. Then Urahara got a hold of you and forced your true shinigami abilities to the surface taking with it the suppressed hollow. Is that correct, Kurosaki?"
"Y-yes, your honor," Ichigo said, trying to keep his voice steady.
The man on the left was next.
"Then you and a band of misfits illegally entered Soul Society to save Kuchiki Rukia from her death penalty. All of you caused heavy damage to both the Seireitei and its inhabitants. Which also included the destruction of the Sokyoku by you personally," he said almost sounding bitter about it and Ichigo twitched. "But despite all that because of your meddling you helped to indirectly uncover a disease that had been growing within us and killed the last Central 46. Captain Hitsugaya, you were the one to really uncovered the truth about Aizen and the others. To which we are thankful to you. Now as for you, Kurosaki, you managed to get away with quite a few things as there was no Central 46 for obvious reasons. You we're given some freedoms that you should have not been allowed otherwise but later proved to be the right choice."
The man in prepared to speak again.
"At some point it was made evident that your hollow was growing stronger and stronger you became. You struggled to contain him and ended up in the hands of the Vizards. They helped to teach you how to control and subdue your hollow's ability. From there you started to use your hollow powers to your advantage albeit limited at first. For a while you controlled that darker side and used it to fight many powerful foes. But it reached a fevered pitch when facing the Fourth Espada, whose name I'm not even going to try to pronounce. You tried to protect the woman Inoue Orihime that became a tool by Aizen to create more unrest and to use her powers. You were over powered by this Espada and for all intense and purposes, killed. It was your hollow that emerged there after that ultimately spared your life. You managed to finish off the Espada during that fight. Correct?"
"Yes, your honor," Ichigo answered.
"And just how do you say that name? I can't get it out…"
"Ulquiorra Cifer."
They all seemed to make a note of that. The woman spoke again.
"To make this move a bit faster… You and your father took advantage of the Dangai's time disturbance and he taught you your zanpakuto's final attack. You used that technique when you faced down Aizen for the last time. You basically became one with your zanpakuto and thanks to you, you weakened Aizen enough for Urahara to use kido to finally imprison him. However, you knew that using your final attack that it would mean sacrificing your shinigami powers. From there it's said that you slipped into a normal human life. You became a police officer in your hometown and then later on you became a member of the Commission of Counter Ghoul or the CCG for short. You moved and lived in Tokyo of several years, working as a ghoul investigator. However, the last couple or so months your hollow powers started to resurface and without your shinigami powers to help push it back this was the end result. Somehow, you hollowfied as a living being without it actually destroying you. The notes on you say you don't even have a hollow's hole anywhere on your body. Is that correct?"
"Correct, your honor."
The man in the middle took over again.
"Since becoming a hollow you ended up drawing the attention of your former work place, despite trying to throw them off your trail. This forced you, your family, and your friends to take sudden refuge here in Soul Society for protection. As far as I personally see it… All of you are really nothing but a bunch of misfits, renegades, and strange anomalies. If it wasn't for the sheer fact that you and the others helped bring down that bastard you would not be here at all. Not ever. Especially, a Vasto Lorde class hollow that has proven to be very violent, if not outright psychotic in the past. So far you haven't displayed any signs of that violent tendency but I am very concerned of any hairpin triggers that have yet to be discovered within you. It's been documented that you already know how to produce a cero, a bala, and use sonido. You have the ability to manifest a shadow blade that produces a large blast that then generates an unknown sandy substance that has been dubbed 'Never Ash.' Also due to your hollow appearance it has given you heightened senses, strength, durability, speed, and agility. Also it states that on rare occasions that you have to take energy from others to stabilize your own. And who knows what else that might be discovered with time."
The man on the left cut in.
"Wh-what we're trying to say, Kurosaki, is that you aren't what we view as something good. You are an unknown being to us and as such we are extremely cautious of you. We worry about what your presence here could do to us. As previously stated we don't know if or what your triggers are that will set you off. We can't risk that. I know you scarified a lot for us and we are utmost grateful to you and your friends but in the end we may have to confine you. We are looking at the future not the present. Now you appear to be perfectly normal, sane, and in all over good health. It's just the 'what ifs' that have us being unable to trust you. Hollows shouldn't be welcomed here from the start. Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Kuchiki, and Lieutenant Kuchiki have been your voice up until now."
The woman on the right broken into the conversation.
"That being said, Kurosaki, you have a chance to speak for yourself. Tell us why we should trust you. What makes you redeemable? Keep in mind what you say to us may be retold to the rest of Central 46. Choose your words wisely, young man. You don't want them to be your final breaths."
Oh, this wasn't good. They rehearsed this as a possibility but actually being faced with it his coaching pretty much just flew out a window. If he said one little screw up and it could mean his life. He mouth suddenly felt dry and his throat scratchy. He knew the Vizards were welcomed back and some of them were even back to being captains. Why was he the odd one out? They still had hollow powers but… They didn't have a hollow's body and they were still more shinigami than he was. There was nothing about him that said shinigami. It was just all hollow.
"Can you not speak in defense for yourself?" she asked, her dark grey eyes narrowed on him. "Speak up, Kurosaki, or just resign yourself to our judgement right now. It's quite simple."
He was running out of time to say something. Neither Yamamoto or Toshiro could speak up to assist him. Whatever came out of his mouth at this moment could save him or condemn him. What could he use? They went over this just the other day. He needed to say something and he needed to say it right now before just dropped a judgement on him.
"You have yet to answer—"
"I-I do apologize. I just can't find the w-words I want at the moment, y-your honors."
"I suggest you hurry and find them. We will not wait much longer."
This was his last chance. There had to be something… Something he could use to save his skin. What could he say to change their minds? Wait! He might just have it after all. He let out a long breath.
"I-I… I don't understand!"
"Excuse me?" she blinked a little confused.
"I'm saying I don't understand why you sit up there and talk about all the good things I have done, then act like it was a problem and wanting to bury me for it. It's like telling the family dog 'good boy' for saving your child and then shooting him pointblank for just being a dog. It's not that I have done something wrong; it's just that you don't like what I am. All you see of me right now is my appearance. You only see a hollow. Despite what you may or my not want to hear you all just sat there and praised a hollow if you think about it. One of you even thanked me, whether you realized that or not. You just don't like the fact that I'm not what you wanted me to be or what I was. This wasn't a choice. This is what I am but this is not who I am. I may be a hollow but I am still Kurosaki Ichigo. The very same person you were just talking about in some diluted regard."
Kurosaki… Yooou idiioot… Toshiro mental drawled, fighting a visible cringe. You are a dead man!
I can't say we didn't try. He put his own nails in the coffin, Yamamoto sigh ever so slightly shaking his head.
"That is quite a response out of you," the man sitting pretty in the middle snapped back at Ichigo. "Just how do suppose we are to handle you once something does happen? Being who are isn't going to change your biological nature. A hollow is a hollow."
Ichigo took one daring step forward.
"Well, you keep worrying about the future when you can protect the future while looking at the present. Just hear me out, your honors. I know there are items here that limit the power a person has. Kenpachi's eyepatch for example. Can't you just outfit me with a couple of these items while I'm here in Soul Society? It will keep me in check while letting me show you that there is nothing to fear from me. It will give you more security while hopefully letting me be a lot less confined."
He put on cheeky smile but the three before him were not amused. His smile quickly faded.
"That is your solution?" the man on the left asked.
"Well, uh, sort of. Look, your honors, I haven't done anything to be treated like a prisoner."
"You destroyed the Sokyoku," he replied back.
"That was over 10 years ago. Can't you forgive and forget that little, tiny detail?"
"You and your friends illegally invaded Soul Society followed by breaching the barrier around the Seireitei," the man in the middle drawled. "Not to mention the damage all of you caused during that time and you tried to free a criminal."
"But… But it was mentioned that if we hadn't that Aizen would have gotten away with a lot more than he already had. Heh… Heh…"
I am not going to like having to break the new to Isshin about this idiot, Toshiro was as white as his hair.
"You really are a brazen fool, aren't you?! Damn hollow," the man snapped back. "Acting like this will not help you at all. If anything it just caused you—"
"HAULT!" the woman shouted out.
The room fell very quiet as everyone turned to look at her. She was rather flushed in aggravation. She fixed her robes and glared down at Ichigo. He shied back a little ways.
"Kurosaki Ichigo…" she said, taking few long breaths so she would not snap at him. "You have indeed helped protect Soul Society in the past, this is very true, but how can we trust you now being a hollow?"
"Have faith," he gave a weak shrug.
They just stared at him in dull amusement.
"That's all I can say, your honors. Is to have faith in me again and trust that I'm being sincere. Soul Society once had so much trust that you let me, a 15 year old boy with no real formal shinigami training, take on and bring down a super powered bad guy. You hadn't even known me a year but you put a lot of your weight on my shoulders and I carried it until the very end. If that's not trust I don't know what is."
The three stared at him a little harder. He squirmed a little under their gaze but everything needed to be said.
"I don't see where it's so hard to trust me, your honors. I mean you have Vizards as captains, a child as a captain (no offence, Toshiro), a giant dog that's a captain, and a former criminal from the Maggot's Nest as a captain in charge of and experimenting on some rather dangerous and questionable things. Yet, you can't trust me despite everything that has been documented and told to you? Your honors… In the long run I-I can't really change your minds and I know this. I'm sure your minds are made up by now and I must sound like I'm just talking out of my ass… But I came here needing help and I was hoping that you might return the favor from all those years ago because I have trust in you. If you won't help because of your fear of me… Then just allow me to go back down to the Living World and I won't bother you again."
There was a long heavy pause that followed. Ichigo knew he was screwed no matter what. His life was shot at this point but at least in the Living World he might be able to hide away in freedom. Assuming they would even allow that.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, please take your men, Kurosaki, and Captain Hitsugaya outside," the man on the left ordered coldly. "We need to discuss a few things. Depending on what we see fit our ruling can go all the way to the other Central 46 members or we will deal with it right here."
"I understand and we will await your verdict," Yamamoto bowed to them again.
The others lowered their heads a little more before standing. They followed Yamamoto outside and the door were shut behind all eye fell on him the moment they were out of sight of the representatives.
"Kurosaki, do you a have death wish? Because it sounds like you do," Toshiro barked at him. "What was that in there? We rehearsed this several times!"
"I panicked and I choked, okay?"
"No! No, it's not 'okay?' We can't protect you this time," Toshiro snapped and punched Ichigo in the gut.
Ichigo stumbled but thanks to the guards they held him up.
"Kurosaki, you best hope that your former actions are enough to spare you," Yamamoto spoke up. "Central 46 is not at all forgiving and it was more than generous of them to even let you speak for yourself. Although in hindsight we shouldn't have allowed you to speak in the first place."
"That bad?" he asked, looking nervous
"YES," came a collective irritated response.
"Oh… So, h-how screwed am I?"
"VERY."
Ichigo just sort of sunk to the hard ground and hung his head low. Hopefully if nothing else they will just let him go back to the Living World and stay there. He'd deal with his issues as they came up. He was left alone with his thoughts. Toshiro and Yamamoto walked off to talk, leaving him alone with the guards and his thoughts.
It took quite a while before the doors were opened by the Cental 46 aids and they ushered back inside. They once again got down on one knee and Yamamoto greeted them. This was it. Ichigo's heart was pounding in his ears. He was ordered to stand again and he did so without hesitation. The man in the middle took to his feet and looked Ichigo up and down studying him.
"After much debate we have come to a consensus on how to handle you, Kurosaki Ichigo. You brought up several interesting facts to us and we have looked at our own facts. To put it bluntly, Kurosaki, we are still not completely satisfied with our ruling but we are holding by it. It was a 2 to 1 vote," the man drew in a deep breath. "Kurosaki Ichigo, you are granted your freedoms dictated by our rules. We did discuss your proposition of using wearable seals to lock in and drain off your power. You will wear them at all times. All of them. Under no circumstances are you to remove them without very specified permission solely given to you by Central 46 or the Captain-Commander. The seals we wish to have developed most are ones that keep you from producing your blade and your bala. Another is to keep you from creating a cero from your horn. You will also ware other seals to subdue your allover reiryoku. Only then when we feel that you are within our full control will we grant you the freedoms you request.
"Furthermore, being that you are at your basic core still a living being you can return to the World of the Living, with all the seals still intact and with an escort of a lieutenant or captain. Also stay out of your previous affairs in that world. In other words don't go near or have any sort of involvement with those in or related to the CCG. They are no longer your concern. Forget about your issues and your relationships with them. Failure to comply with these rules, any rules, will result in another hearing most likely ending with your imprisonment."
Ichigo just stared at them in shock if not a little horror. He felt a guard given him a tiny nudge in the ankle to stir him from his stupor. He quickly lowered his head a little more.
"I understand and I thank you greatly, your honors," he said, keeping his head. "I will abide by the rules."
No you won't… the men surrounding Ichigo moaned.
"Keep in mind, Kurosaki, that I did not vote in favor of you. Do not make my colleagues regret their decision in sparing you from your original fate."
"May I ask what was to have been my original punishment, your honor?" Ichigo still kept his head down.
"Perhaps it's it best that you do not know, Kurosaki," the woman spoke up. "Somethings are better left unsaid."
She gave the icy man next to her a nasty glare, before letting out an irksome sigh.
"Until your seals have been developed you will still remain under the rules you have been these last few days. My colleagues and I will write out everything for you and have the requests taken to the Development Institute to create those seals," she spoke clearly. "Once everything is in place we will return to personally inspect you and your seals to make sure they meet our standards and requirements. If everything is how we wish then we will discuss your freedoms."
"Thank you again, your honors."
"For now, all of you are dismissed. Captain Hitsugaya, please do keep an eye on him," she said as the small captain bowed. "It is also documented just how wily he can be given the chance."
"I'm more than aware but I will remember your words, your honor," Toshiro said, giving Ichigo a glance.
"Please keep him in line," she said sternly and the turned to scowl at her colleagues. "For his sake if no one else's."
Toshiro also glanced up at the man. It was quite clear he was not happy that he didn't get what he wanted. The young captain was really going to have to keep a tight grip on Ichigo. It was a subtle warning but it was more than enough. Ichigo was only tolerated. Only just. Toshiro would have to have a very long talk with Ichigo this evening and make things very clear to him.
Uryu sat at the foot of his bed with his cellphone in one hand and a small business card in the other. From what he overheard things were not well. Everyone at Urahara's was now in Soul Society hiding away, including Orihime. His father was having a small fight with the CCG but there wasn't much they could do really. Once they conclude their investigation the clinic and house go to the hospital.
To his own shock he was confronted by an investigator at work. He was given a visit considering that Ichigo was an old high school friend. They were meticulous. Uryu played everything off and thankfully his boss was out picking up lunch for them. The investigator left and Uryu went right back to work. He waited until the last of the CCG left Karakuara before he did this. He was going to make a call he really didn't want to do but he felt he needed to do something.
From what that Uta character told him he usually had a particular type of clientele. Uryu wasn't going to worry about the job offer until all this happened. He needed ears and eyes somewhere. Ghouls follow the CCG just as well as the CCG follows ghouls. Yoruichi was just making sure that Karakura was safe for them to maybe come back little by little. Uryu decided to do it a little differently. Hopefully this stupid idea of his wouldn't back fire on him.
He let out a long breath and started to dial the number. The store had an hour before it closed so it was better now than never. Hopefully the position was still open. He pressed the green phone icon and put the phone to his ear. His body unconsciously stiffened as the other line started to ring. He just had to remind himself he was doing this for his friends.
"Moshi moshi. This is the HySy Artmask Studio," a man answered.
"Oh, uh, I'm looking for Uta."
"Speaking. Can I help you with something?"
"Yes, actually, you gave me your business card around 2 weeks ago. I'm Ishida Uryu. Miss Kitty's friend…" he cringed saying that.
"OOH! Yes, yes, Miss Kitty… Yes, I remember you, Ishida," Uta sounded rather amused to get the called. "Are you still interested? I know it'll be a bit of move for you. I actually looked up your hometown. It is quite a ways farther than I first thought."
"I actually am interested. I looked up some of your work on your website. You actually do really good leatherwork."
"That I do. That I do. Well, I suppose you can start by sending me the basics; a résumé and examples of your work. I will text you the email address when we're done talking. I noticed your attention to detail in your stitching. Please include some close ups of that. Also can you make your own patterns?"
"I have in the past and I can modify existing ones as well."
"Grreeaat. How is your skill in leatherworking?"
"Honestly, it could be better. I'm not going to lie."
"Everyone has to start somewhere. If you're as good as I'm hoping I'm sure you'll catch on quick. I really wasn't expecting you to call especially after I saw how far away you live. If you really want it just send me your résumé and examples. I'll go over everything and get back to you in a couple of days. Now before anything else is said I want you to think about this carefully. It is a large move for you and you know who my major clients are. I won't have you working out front too often for your safety, of course. I have already stated what I am like if you recall."
"I am aware of this, yes. I also briefly touched on my own particular talents. I will be more than happy to give you a preview if you do decide to hire me."
"I would be very interested to see this. Oh…? I had a client just walk in. I'll shoot you that email in a little while. Is this a good number for you?"
"Yes, this will be fine."
"Well, I look forward reading your résumé, Ishida. Keep a look out for that text. I'll catch you later."
"You too."
Right after that Uta hung up and Uryu did the same. Well, he bit. Now Uryu just needed to reel him in. Might as well update his résumé. He got to work on that and fixed up a few things that needed revising. He went through all his photos and started to pick out his better works. He got close ups of his newer stuff that were just hanging up in a spare closet.
Hopefully, doing this might help out somewhere. He might not learn too much but something was better than none. He felt like he just needed to keep an eye on the CCG for Ichigo's sake. Hopefully, with time the hype around Ichigo would die down. It could take a few months or it could take years. He wasn't planning on staying too long. Maybe a full year at most.
He heard his phone chime. He finally got the text from Uta. He finished getting his résumé together and put everything into the email before he sent it off. Now he just needed to wait and hope things go as he had planned. If he did get this job he would have to tell his father about moving to Tokyo. He doubted Ryuken would have much to say on the matter. Uryu was now an adult and was free to do what he wanted. It would just be rude not to tell his father.
He was also going to make it real clear to Uta that he wasn't to be trifled with. If he tried something there would be nothing left of the ghoul. He still did find it odd that Uta would just offer him a job out of the blue. The ghoul was up to something. If Uta was involved with some group he would have to be very careful but at the same time it could be an advantage.
But first things first, he just needed to get the job. He would make more plans then when he got a better idea of things. He sighed and turned off his computer monitor. It was about dinner time for him. He stretched as he stood and made his way to the small apartment kitchen. He really hoped everything would work out and that he wasn't walking into a lion's den in the future.
Amon sat in his office chair his arms folded on the desk and his head resting on them. He couldn't deny anything now. He was showed the whole video after the team came back from Karakura Town. Ichigo really was the Horned Phoenix. He wanted it to be a lie but it wasn't. He just couldn't stomach it. It really did make him sick after he saw that video. That Pumpkin Head was really… He felt his stomach tighten again at that thought. He had been fighting back his tears for the last hour and a half.
Mado was sitting behind him silently working on the computer. Amon noticed that his partner was exceptionally quiet today. It was just as well. The young investigator didn't want to talk to anyone. He really didn't even want to be there but he knew he couldn't just cut and run. He would just have to stick it out until the end of his shift, which was still several hours away.
Mado turned and looked over his seat to see Amon with his head still on his desk. He couldn't bring himself to say anything. He was the one that caused all this. He had compiled all that information and handed it in. He ended up having to email it all because someone bumped into him and took the small drive. He still wasn't sure who it was but it was clearly someone working with Ichigo and his friends.
He turned back around to face his computer again. He had gotten some rather unsavory news this morning that he most certainly couldn't tell Amon about right now. Akane's apartment was broken into and she was arrested on several very serious charges. He ran his hands through his long, scraggly hair and let out a hushed sigh. They were going to use that poor woman like bait to hopefully draw out Ichigo given his violent reaction towards Arima's provocations. Ichigo still very much cared for the woman and wanted no ill will to happen to her. If that was the case Ichigo might just come running into their trap. He was that kind of person after all.
"Do you want some water or anything?" Mado finally asked.
"No."
Mado went to open his mouth again but closed it. It was just best to leave the grieving man alone. Mado knew he had done the right thing by handing everything over but it cause a lot of turmoil for those closest to Ichigo. Mado knew that Akane wasn't involved with Ichigo and he was sure that the Arima knew that, too. The special investigator just wanted to get his hands on Ichigo one way or another. It was an underhanded tactic and it might just work. However, it came at the poor woman's expense.
It was bad enough that they arrested her but Mado knew what was to become of her. If there were people associated with Ichigo running around the CCG they would no doubt report her torture to him. As it was Akane on the line and Arima had made this very personal. He would most likely do the rescuing himself than rely on others. Well, Mado got his revenge at long last against that brat but after seeing everything it was a little empty. It wasn't quite as fulfilling as he would have liked to be. That was because there was a little pang of guilt sitting in the middle of it. It wasn't for Ichigo but for Amon and Akane.
Mado had sent a small snowball down a hill and was getting bigger and heavier as it went. It was going to hit and destroy something sooner or later and there was nothing that could stop it. He was just going to have to accept what he did. He knew it was the right thing to do. It was his job and he did his job by the book. He did nothing wrong. He was an investigator and destroying inhuman creatures was his sole mission. It was the right thing to do but maybe not the morally right thing to do. He shook his head. He told himself that things always got better with time but a nagging in the back of his mind was saying something else.
Akane sat in a dark room with her arms cuff around the back of a hard metal chair. It did nothing for her shoulder that ached something fierce. Her head hung low looking at her bare shackled feet. They had shown her the video not that long ago. She just sat there as still as statue in shock and horror. That devil really was Ichigo. She adamantly still wanted to deny it but the evidence was just too overwhelming. She really couldn't. She couldn't fight it this time. Her body started the shake as everything slowly seep in deeper and deeper.
He had attacked Arima in anger and told him to leave her alone and that she wasn't involved. He wanted to protect her? He attacked her that night. He hurt her that night. This was all his fault! He caused all… No. No, she goaded him into that fight. She forced him to fight back. She drew first blood in that fight and he did what came natural; he fought back. She brought all this on herself.
She heard the door squeak open and the sound of several people walk into the small room. She shivered as they walked over and surrounded her. What was going to happen now? She noticed one of them standing a little closer than the others. She didn't dare look to see who. She had a feeling just who it was though.
"Hayashi Akane," he said with a long breath. "It's a pity to see you this way, it really is. Kurosaki told me that you have no involvement with him but I feel like he only said that so you won't get into trouble. Sadly, however, he really didn't want to spare you from this. He could have given his self over but he didn't. I'm giving you one last chance to fess up to your crimes."
She remained quiet still staring at the floor. There were no crimes and there was nothing she was hiding. She told them that over and over again. Ichigo even said it to their faces. They just weren't happy that Ichigo was out of their reach. So they grabbed the next best person.
"Hayashi, make things easier on yourself. Do you know where Kurosaki and his friends are?"
She didn't say anything and she didn't move either. Arima sighed and pushed up his glasses. She had nothing left to give. It really was a shame to use her this way but Ichigo proved that he still cared for the woman. If they were being spied on it was only fitting that he carry out what he cautioned Ichigo about. A necessary evil is what he told himself.
"You aren't going to even look at me?" he asked with a cold tone.
She slowly lifted her head and gave him a nasty grin.
"Go screw yourself," she hissed at him.
"Birds of a feather, I see. I gave you a chance," he said, turning to one of the men on his right. "She's all yours."
One of them came up behind her and grabbed her long hair and forced her head back until her face was pointed at the ceiling. She spit up at him hitting him in the chin. He wiped his chin on his shoulder as another man stepped up and pulled out a large pair of shears.
She heard Arima turn and walk towards the door. So he wasn't even going to watch this?
"You're a damn coward, Arima! You won't even stay and watch what you started," she chided. "You know this is wrong! You're just a damn bast—Ugh!"
She was hit the mouth with a hard fist to shut her up. She heard the door shut right after. She clinched her teeth as the pivoting blades scrapped each other as they opened wide. The man tightened his grip on her hair as the other came in and started to just hack away at her hair. She tried not to react too much but they started pulling harder as they went. They forced her neck back as far as it could go which also put a strain on her shoulder from the pulling and the back of the chair was pressing in. A third man held down her legs as she started to kick up at them.
"You only brought this on yourself," the man holding her legs down said. "If you had just cooperated in the first place this wouldn't have to happen."
She said nothing as she tried to fight her tears that started to burn her eye and dampened her eyelashes. At times she could feel the cold blades slide long her scalp. She knew this would only escalate from here and in the worst possible ways imaginable. This was to show Ichigo that Arima was making good on his threat. They yanked down once more and she finally let out a short scream. If she ever got out of here she was really going to make those responsible pay for this. She was innocent and they knew it but didn't give a damn.
(A/N Wow, another chapter out of the way. I hope you all enjoyed. It came out a rather fast, didn't it? You know I started thinking about it and I haven't written a little short in a while. So this is just to add a little something bright given the ending. I hope you enjoy.)
Touka stood, staring at the bird in Yomo's hand. It was dressed in little white bunny outfit. As cute as that was, and it was really, really cute, she still didn't like birds. Hetare didn't seem to mind the costume to her surprise. What was this supposed to do? She looked at her uncle and then back at the bird and gave a slow blink.
"Why is the bird in a costume?" she finally asked.
"We wanted to see if we could ease your fear," Yomo said, bringing the bird closer and she flinched back. "We figured that you might feel better if she was dressed up as a rabbit."
"She?"
"He. Sorry. You like rabbits so we were hoping that this would help."
"It's cute, really, but it's still a bird."
"You don't even want to try and hold her—him… To hold him?"
Touka gave Yomo a confused look but shook it off.
"No… I'm okay. My break's just about up. I'm going to head back downstairs so Kaya can get her break. Nice try though," she gave him a weak smile. "Did you find that costume online or something?"
"We had Uta make her—him this."
"Why do you keep saying referring to Hetare as female?" Touka finally asked, crossing her arms. "You've done it three times already."
"My brain's not all here today," he answered, fixing the rabbit ears a little better.
"I can tell… It really was a good try, I'll admit," she said, looking back at the bird again and let out a long breath. "Well, I'm heading back down."
She turned and started towards the door. The idea was very cute and it almost worked. Almost. A bird was bird even dressed up as the cutest bunny-rabbit in the world. She reached for the door handle.
"T-Touka, wait…"
She froze solid. Yomo was the only person with her but that was clearly a woman's voice. She felt a chill run down her spine as she slowly turned her head to look over dher shoulder. Where did that voice come from? She scanned the room for someone she overlooked. There wasn't anyone in the window either. She focused on her uncle and the bird. She shook her head. Was she losing her mind? She went open the door again.
"Touka, h-hold on, please… I w-want to talk to y-you…"
She whipped around completely and tried to find the source of the woman's voice. She focused back in on her uncle and the bird.
"Where is that voice coming from?!" Touka snapped out.
Yomo held out his hand with Hetare. Touka leaned her back up against the door not sure of what was going on. Yomo let out a long sigh and moved a little closer to Touka. She pressed back harder against the door.
"I'm sorry, T-Touka, but the voice is c-coming from me," Hetare said, hanging his head down. "W-we were trying to find an easy way to break this to y-you… Touka, it's me, R-Ryoko! Please, don't be scared!"
A little too late for that. All the color in Touka was washed out from her face. Was Hetare actually talking? Like talking-talking and he did sound exactly like Ryoko. Her eyes were wide and unblinking as she stared completely fearful at the bunny-bird.
"No… Touka, y-you heard me right. I-I really am Ryoko here in Hetare's body…" Ryoko said and Touka suddenly looked like a frazzled cat. "I finally g-got up the nerve to… Talk t-to you… Please, don't be sc-scared of me!"
Touka drew in a sharp, squeaky breath. Yomo knew where this was headed.
"EEEEEEYYAAAAAHHH!" she screeched and quickly whipped around to open the door!
She pulled and pulled but it wouldn't give. She's open it some but it felt like someone was pulling it back closed. Actually that was the case. Yoshimura was fighting to keep her in the room. At the rate they were going the door was going to break between the two ghouls pulling on it. Yomo and Ryoko sighed. This honestly could have gone over much better but the truth had to come out sooner or later.
Millie M. Banshee