Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Clarent excalibur; Yeah, it's gonna be quite interesting to see their meeting. I can say that most of them will be on the team yeah. And those are some good suggestions. Yup, Karin's gonna be dealing with that when she taps into her Hollow side. Soi Fon vs Giselle would be quite a fun fight. We'll see Nemu having some fun scenes~ Yeah, they could do that~
Oblivious IJ; Yeah, Ichigo's not in the story. And thanks!
Skull Flame; It seems she can yeah~ They were very exhausted at that point. She could yeah, we might see that happening in the future~ Ooh yeah, give him enough time and knowledge on the enemy then he'll have plans upon plans. You can take that anyway you want~ And with Lisa, Love among others that do some, questionable things around, yeah they need their computers fixed a lot~ She has yeah! Not much longer now~
Crenin; Thanks, and yeah, you never know what might happen~
Arkraith; Cool I'm glad you're trying it, Bleach is a fun series.
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks very much! Yeah, Bambi's gonna be an ally now. We'll have to wait and see for that, it's going to be rather interesting going into the next arc.
Guest 1; No worries~
Guest 2; Those sound awesome to me, Neo's a fun character, and Ruby's a character I quite like. And that sounds like good plot progression to me~ Yeah, becoming Cinders morality chain might be a good idea for Cinders~
Andrew123456; A goal would have been great, but Ichigo comes from a world where he was a normal high school student, barring seeing ghosts, before Rukia showed up so it kinda made sense that he didn't have a goal to aspire too while Luffy and Naruto come from worlds were it is normal to have the goals they had, becoming pirate king and hokage respectably, Ichigo's not interested in becoming a Captain or anything due to how he was raised, if he was raised in the Soul Society, maybe that could have been his goal to become Captain Commander or something. What I think made it fall, though I still enjoy the series as a whole, was Ichigo's lack of involvement with the Villains on a level beyond good and evil for the most part. He fought and defeated them sure, but Aizen always seemed more of the Soul Society's, more specifically Kisuke's, villain than Ichigo's due to what Aizen did to them, their rivaling intelligence among other things. Ywhach was set up to be a great Villain for Ichigo personally, since it was because of him his Mother died and for a short while had recruited Uryu, one of his friends, to be an enemy against him, but it didn't really go anywhere which is a shame since it could have gone to many different places, great character development for Ichigo along with others. I wont spoil it, but Takumi and Aizen are going to have a very interesting relationship between them and as for Ywhach, I've got ideas about him for when we get there.
Silver crow; Thanks very much! Nemu's a treat indeed~ Yeah, we saw both pull out all the stops in that fight~ Orihime's all for it it seems~ And yeah, expect to see Orihime on the battlefields more. She's not going to become the strongest or anything, but she'll be more involved in some battles. He could have ended her yeah, but he decided to not too. Glad that you liked the interactions~ Indeed, they didn't want their tech support to cut them off. And Yoruichi promised something she'll deliver on in the future~ At that time, he was already exhausted fighting Bambietta, Tier, and Hollows around town, so he did what he could. Well you never know, we'll be exploring Takumi's backstory in the future. That would be a funny scene between them. Yeah, that would be pretty cool! Yeah, found that out a while ago haha. She is yeah, and yeah, I thought about doing a character like that. Yeah, maybe he did have an attitude like that. Sounds good to me~ That would be quite cool to see between Takumi and Hollow Karin. We'll have to wait and see if that's true or not~ I don't know the odds on that, anything is possible. Yeah he could have. Those sound like great choices!
A fan; Yeah, I'd have to second that, the Zero Squad had a lot of buildup, and we didn't find out most of their Shikai's, only one Bankai, or what they could do in a true fight. I wished they had come back for the fights with the Elite Guard of Ywhach's, and joined in their battles, to show off what they could do.
Guest 3; Sure, he would wear it like that, sounds great to me!
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Belonging!
A few hours after fighting with the Hollows, Takumi's eyes sprung open to see that Kukkapuro was sat within his bedroom, licking his face, making him smile softly.
His body was sore from the fight with Bambietta, and the Hollows. He had pushed himself quite far, as did the others. But he was still looking ready to go at anytime. That's just the kind of person Takumi was after all.
"Hey there little doggy, Kukkapuro." The dog barked as Takumi scratched behind his ear. "So little guy, wanna clue me in as to why you and I feel like we have a connection?" Kukkapuro wagged his tail, and swayed side to side, while looking at Takumi innocently. "I thought not."
"So, you're awake."
Tier said as she slid into the room.
"A-Ah, Tier-chan, I'm glad you're still here. I still need to thank you for helping us out during that crisis."
Tier waved her hand.
"No, do not thank me. I was merely doing my duty as an Arrancar and protecting my world as well as your own."
Takumi sat up in bed, only realizing that he was now shirtless.
He awkwardly tried to cover his chest with the bed sheet, but Tier just stared with no emotions.
"Are you feeling embarrassment by me seeing your naked torso?"
Her words were clear and cut dry.
"A-Ah, not embarrassed, it's just since I'm like this, and you're here, I thought I should cover up..."
"It does not concern me one way or another. You are merely a Shinigami, so seeing your body doesn't bother me." Tier watched as Takumi rubbed the dog behind his ear. "Oh, that girl, Bambietta left that robot here, saying something that you could have it."
"What, really!?" Takumi became excited, giving Tier a surprise. "Ooh awesome! I have wanted to see how BG5 ticks! Maybe I could modify it to become a guardian to Karakura or something! Ooh yeah, that sounds amazing!"
Tier gave a bemused expression on her face.
"I see, so that's how you're being. That's quite an expression you have on your face."
Takumi rubbed the back of his head gently.
"Haha, sorry about that. I tend to get excited when new things come upon me. A-Anyway, what are you going to do now? Are you returning to Hueco Mundo?"
"In a day or two. Nel wishes to spend a day within the human world. And that's all the time that I can stay here also."
Takumi wondered what Tier actually did as an Arrancar, it seemed that she had things she had to do, but it was his understanding that Hollows just lived as they liked.
"Tier-chan, can I ask you about Hueco Mundo?"
"It's a desert. Does that answer any question you'd have asked?"
Takumi actually liked that she was quite to the point of things.
"I guess that it does. But, I was going to ask, you seem busy and I was under the impression that Hollows did whatever they wanted, yet it seems like you have duties. So, I was wondering, feel free not to tell me, what it was you actually did."
"What I do, it isn't anything to complicated. For the moment, I search Hueco Mundo for Hollows such as myself, and protect Hollows that have similar mindsets to me, and that wish to live a peaceful existence."
Takumi could get that.
"I see, that's quite noble of you. Haha, Hollows surely are different to how I imagined...or rather, Arrancar's seem to be different to how I imagine anyway."
"I suppose that we could be considered different, but I also imagined Shinigami to be different. Yet, you're quite a curious person. I wish to study you even more, to see what makes you tick, so to speak."
Takumi realized what she was saying, and it made him question what it meant to be in the presence of Tier, and other Hollows. Having thought that they were beings that just sort to kill, it was strange that Tier seemed to be against that.
"You can study me, but I'm pretty unremarkable."
"I don't believe that's true."
Tier retorted, surprising Takumi.
"I-Is that so?"
"Yes, I believe you have a good deal of potential. I also wish to fight again when you achieve Bankai."
"If I achieve it you mean, it might take years to master it."
Tier, continuing to surprise Takumi, shook her head.
"I do not believe it will take you years. I saw promise during our fight, I expect you to master it then we can resume our battles."
Takumi chuckled awkwardly.
"So, you want me to master Bankai, so we can have a fight?"
"Exactly, I wish to see your potential as a fighter, and I wish to see what comes out on top, lightning, or my power." Takumi saw that she was careful not to reveal what power she had. "In either case, I shall take my leave, and make sure that Nel isn't doing anything she shouldn't be doing."
"Can I ask...before you go, about Nel-chan. And what reason you look out for her? Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that you're doing this, I just wonder why you're doing it in the first place?"
Tier hummed as she thought about how to answer Takumi's question.
"That's simple, because I want to do so. It's the same reason you do things. Because you wish to do it, correct?"
Takumi inclined his neck, believing that to be the case.
"That's fair to say~ Sorry if it sounds like I'm grilling you for information, I'm just genuinely intrigued by you and the others lives as Arrancar's I mean~"
Tier showed a slight hint of a smile, before she walked away.
Takumi glanced at the dog that nestled against him, and wished to understand a few things about the dog, he didn't know how to begin though. Since the dog, as far as he could tell, couldn't talk his language, he was rather unsure of what to think about him.
"Haaaaaaaah..."
Bambietta collapsed onto her couch, hours after the fight with the Hollows, and Takumi. For a week or so, she had been alone.
But now, she was very pleased that Candice, Meninas, Liltotto, and Giselle had arrived back at their hideout, and each were laughing and joking again. It felt like old times, and to her, that felt more special than anything else.
"So, now that we've resolved everything here, what are we going to do?"
Meninas held apathy over her face, while Candice kicked up her feet, and relaxed them on a nearby table.
"That's a good question, I don't know what we're going to do. We aren't needed in Karakura, the Shinigami have it here."
Bambietta surprised everyone by how casual she was speaking about Shinigami and didn't hold animosity.
"It's weird hearing you speak as if Shinigami don't bother you."
Liltotto brought up, while Bambietta released a yawn.
"I still don't like the majority of Shinigami. But the ones in this town...yeah, they're cool. I realize it now, that I can't blame them all for what happened to my parents, and what could have happened to me. But, I don't know what we're going to do now."
Candice released some electricity from her fingers which danced in the air.
"Maybe we should go to a place where there aren't any Shinigami or anything to protect it from Hollows. I mean, that's why we came here in the first place, isn't it?"
Giselle furrowed her eyebrows.
"If that's what you're going to do...then I have to say that I wont be going with you."
Liltotto slowly moved her head.
"Because of Masaki-san and her daughters, right?"
"I said I'd train Yuzu-chan...besides, we need Quincy representation within this town~ So many Shinigami's, can't leave Yuzu-chan on her own as lone Quincy of this town~"
Bambietta released a chortle.
"It's fine, you can stay here if you want. It doesn't mean we aren't friends."
Giselle gave a goofy smile, and pulled at her cheeks.
"Exactly~ I'm glad you're no longer bitches be crazy~ That wasn't fun~"
Bambietta gained a slightly sombre expression on her face.
"Yeah, about that...I'm sorry for what happened. With the Shinigami, and the Hollow summoning. I saw an ugly side of me that I didn't like. I don't want to be like that again...so, I think that going to a town that's not protected would be the best."
"Something close by though so we can visit often."
Liltotto added her own opinions, Bambietta slyly smiled.
"Seems like someone likes the Shinigami~"
Liltotto didn't reveal while Giselle gave a dark glare.
"She better not."
Candice chortled, running a hand through her long hair.
"Either way, I'm glad everything's back to normal, and now we can get stronger, the right way this time."
The girls had some time together. While they learned from their experiences, they had fun with one another again, they finally could get back to normalcy within their group, and move on from their past pain.
"Y-You have to leave already?"
Takumi was surprised when Nemu had come up and said that. He had only been awake for an hour, and now that Nemu was saying that she had to go, he was rather sad.
Compared to him though, Nemu looked relaxed while sitting within his bedroom, alone. He felt slightly odd that she kept staring at his naked torso, and when he had tried to cover his chest, she simply wouldn't let him.
"Yes, that is correct. The Soul Society have ordered my return, having felt the intense power from all of the Hollows, and wish for my report right away."
Takumi ran a hand through his hair, thinking about what he was going to do. He knew that it would be rapid response, but a few hours. He hoped for a day at least. But he didn't have that time anymore and he knew that if they found out, which they were going to, then Rukia was going to be in danger.
"I see...Nemu-san, there's no escaping the Soul Society now. They're going to find out about Rukia-chan one way or another. But, can I ask one more favour, please? I'm not going to ask you to do anything huge, as I don't want you to get into trouble."
"Yes? What is the request?"
Takumi exhaled slowly, wondering how this was going to go.
"Could you, stall their arrival here? I know it might be difficult for you to do that, but the Soul Society doesn't have to know right away, right?"
"The bringing together of the Captains usually takes a day or so, since Soul Society is vast, and other Captains have duties outside of the Seireitei, so it will take a day at least. Then Central 46 have to debate on the best course of action. In my experience, that usually takes about a day or two. So, the most time that you would have is three days."
Takumi rubbed his chin in deep thought.
"Three days huh...I have three days...alright, I can come up with something in three days."
Nemu cocked her neck.
"You are intending to take on the Soul Society?"
To her wonder, his head shook side to side.
"No, not if I can help it at least. I intend to try and stop the Soul Society in doing this action against Rukia-chan. Since she is technically going to be charged anyway, maybe I could do something to help her out."
"And what would that something be?"
Takumi furrowed his eyebrows, thinking about that very same thing.
"That's a good question, and I don't have an answer yet. I'll have to think about it. I need to make sure that Rukia-chan isn't done for this, and I don't know, executed as you've said might be a punishment on the extreme side, or locked up for a long time on the not extreme side."
Nemu slowly moved her body backwards, and bent her neck around to Takumi's face.
"Takumi-sama, if you intend to stop this, then you have to know about your own current situation."
"My situation? Because Rukia-chan gave her powers to me?"
"More than that, it is simply something you cannot avoid-"
"That's enough, Nemu-san." Kisuke walked into the room, and looked between the two. "So, you have to go already~ That's a shame, I was hoping we could get to know one another even more~ Knowing Mayuri-san, he'd have made you to be quite extraordinary and we didn't even get the chance to converse."
Takumi watched as Kisuke laughed, but he knew that Kisuke did that quite expertly, as he cut off Nemu before she could reveal something, and he believed that something, was the thing that his Father had been hiding from him for years now.
"Yes, it is a shame. Though you are as Mayuri-sama described."
Kisuke didn't know if he should take that as an insult or a pleasurable thing.
"Well, thanks I think~ Either way, I am sorry that you have to leave~"
Nemu stood up from the seat she was sat on, and bowed her head.
"May the next time we speak, be in good fortune Takumi-sama. And thank you."
Takumi tilted his head.
"For what Nemu-san?"
"Thank you, for giving me the chance to explore more about individuality. I am not sure if I may be able to continue this. But, to experience it for as long as I did, I discovered things that I find enjoyable, and things that I do not. I hadn't expected to understand this much about myself, so it was pleasant being within your company for as long as I was."
Takumi's face curled upwards into a soft smile.
He was glad that Nemu was allowed to explore who she was as an individual and was able to be who she wanted to be.
But he also felt sad that she wasn't going to be able to continue that exploration of herself.
"Nemu-san, even if this master guy of yours forbids you from trying to be who you are, then perhaps try it in secret ways. He shouldn't dictate who you are, and stop you becoming whoever it is that you're going to become."
Nemu took his words to heart, and thought about what he had said.
Kisuke couldn't help but be proud of Takumi for what he had said to Nemu, wanting her to be free like she could be. However, Kisuke also felt a lump within his throat when he was thinking about what he was going to say to Takumi next.
Nemu soon departed from the human world, and went back to the Soul Society, while Kisuke stared at Takumi who stared back.
"So, Takumi. How about we go an adventure~ Just the two of us~"
Takumi raised an eyebrow.
"Why say that now?"
"B...Because, we've not done anything just you and me since...well, a year I guess. With everything happening, it's been a busy time, and I thought that we could bond somewhere...perhaps France? I've always wanted to go there, how about you?"
Takumi's eyebrows knitted together, keeping them on the man before him.
"You know that we can't. Why are you suddenly acting weird?"
"I'm always weird~" Takumi sweat dropped, and mentally agreed. "But yeah, we should just up and go. Come on, what do you say? I'll let you invent more things~"
"You know I can't leave, especially with Rukia-chan now. With the Hollows, the Soul Society is going to try and take her. I can't just leave without even a goodbye."
Kisuke exhaled deeply.
"Listen, I know you like her...but, it would be much safer for you to come with me."
"Why is that?" Kisuke didn't answer the question. "Is it because of the thing you're hiding from me?"
Kisuke stiffened, he didn't want to answer that question.
"That's...something I can't comment on. But I do believe it would be best if we left, now."
"I can't. I'm not abandoning Rukia-chan."
Kisuke exhaled deeply, turning away from Takumi, hiding his crestfallen face from the young man.
"And I can't lose you, Takumi."
"You're not going to. Why would you?"
Kisuke couldn't face Takumi, and couldn't answer him.
It was difficult.
He felt pain erupting inside of him, desperate to leak out, but he couldn't give into his own emotions now.
Instead, he merely said "Goodnight." and turned, walking away from the blonde haired boy.
Takumi definitely knew something was off, something was going on, and he knew now that it had to do with the Soul Society. But he didn't have time to worry about that, he had to make sure that Rukia was going to be fine, and if not fine, then he would have to prepare for the Soul Society itself, and how he was going to fight against them if he needed to do that.
Though he couldn't help but wonder what was going on with Kisuke, and why he seemed so worried. He also remembered how Rukia was also hiding something from him. So, in his mind, he was sure that the Soul Society and he must have had some kind of connection.
But what that does mean for him, he didn't know. He had to concentrate on the here and now, rather than what would or could be.
Rukia laid within her closet, staring into the empty blackness of the closet. Because of the situation at hand, she knew it was only a matter of time, before the Soul Society was going to come and get her, having already known that Nemu had left, as she had told her beforehand.
"Before they come, it's better if I leave. I can't ask Takumi anymore than I already have done." Rukia tossed within her closet, looking at her phone for the time. "Two in the morning, it seems like this would be a good time for me to leave. I wish I didn't have to go, but being here is just going to endanger Takumi. If I plead to the Head Captain, perhaps I will be able to plead for Takumi's life...so he doesn't have to get punished as well as myself."
Rukia had decided within herself.
Though she didn't want to do this.
She was very aware that Takumi could also come under fire from the Soul Society...and she didn't want that to happen.
She remembered all of the times that they had spent together.
How he had been there for her.
How he had laughed with her, played with her, been there to give her advice, how she advised him.
All of it was flooding her mind, and usually, she wasn't one to show emotion…
But she felt a lone tear fall down her face.
"In the end, I had promised myself I wouldn't become attached to the human world when I first came here. But this isn't my world. Takumi and I...we're different people. He belongs here, and I belong in the Soul Society...so, why does it hurt so much…?"
Despite not wanting to, she couldn't control her emotions in the end.
She hated it.
She didn't want to cry.
She didn't want to outwardly express what was within her heart.
But she couldn't stop it.
She desperately tried to stay silent.
Small noises inevitably came out of her once in a while, which she tried desperately to mute.
However, because of those small noises, the door to her closet was opened, and revealed Takumi just staring at her. Not a bad stare, not a sad stare, not even a happy stare. It was just a calm and collected stare that went through Rukia's soul.
"Takumi, I..."
Wordlessly, he wrapped his arms around her, and embraced the young Shinigami.
No words were needed.
They both knew what this was about.
But neither wished to say anything.
Instead, Rukia and Takumi just embraced one another for what seemed like hours, but really was minutes, before they just sat in silence together. He sat within her closet with her, and she laid her head on his shoulder, waiting for the inevitable to come, but for the moment, wished to just bask in their unspoken affections for the other.
The next morning, Takumi was roused away when he felt something bouncing on his chest.
"Saku Taku! Wake up Saku Taku!"
Takumi coughed from the impact he received to his chest, his eyes meeting Nel's who smiled down towards him.
"Ugh...Nel-chan...what are you doing…?"
"I woke you up silly! See, you're awake because of Nel!" Takumi groaned, while sitting up. "Big sister says we have to go back today, but Nel wanted to spend as much time with Saku Taku as possible! Because, when will I see Saku Taku again?!"
Takumi's face turned into a gentle one, giving Nel's mask a pat.
"I still have to fix your mask Nel-chan, so we'll see one another again."
"Promise?"
"I promise." Takumi assured the young girl, who hugged Takumi tightly. "By the way Nel-chan, your dress is in tatters, don't you want something else?"
"Ooh, Nel can get clothes in the human world, can't she?!"
Takumi's face turned wider.
"Yeah, we can get you some clothes and other things."
Nel's face broke out into a wide grin, and jumped even more on Takumi's chest, flooring him, who coughed up a little bit from the constant impacts of her jumping.
"Yay! By the way Saku Taku, big brothers Pesche and Dondochakka have gone back to Hueco Mundo! Because big sister asked them to leave! I don't think she likes them very much~"
"Hehehe, I see, that's not really surprising~"
Takumi had to admit that did sound like Tier.
"Exactly! But big sis is still here with doggy!" Nel hopped off of Takumi's torso, and ran around the room at high speeds. "I can't wait to go out with Saku Taku now! We can go to all sorts of places together! Can't we Saku Taku?!"
"Of course we can~"
"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! I'll tell big sister right noooooooooooooooooooooow!"
Nel shot out of the room, while Takumi gave a light smile on his face, glad that Nel seemed to be happy enough. His eyes cast to the closet that Rukia was in, and sensed her spiritual energy, knowing that she was still there, but he knew that could change within an instant.
Takumi, and Rukia arrived at school, where Orihime, Yuzu, Karin and Giselle already were. Takumi announced "Good morning!" to which everyone replied with the same, even Karin did without having to be pressured too.
They sat down on some seats, and talked amongst themselves.
"Hey, the festival is on pretty soon~" Orihime sang out, looking the others up and down. "We should all go together!"
Takumi smiled brightly while Rukia gave a sombre smile.
"That would be awesome, we could have so much fun~"
"Ooh, we could wear yukata and everything~"
Yuzu sang out, while Karin noticed that no one was mentioning what happened with the Gillian's, and the likes. It seemed that they had forgotten, or they just didn't see the point to bring it up, but she had to admit that she did want to speak about it.
"Isn't it weird that we're just attending class? What about what happened just yesterday?"
Yuzu bequeathed a smile for her sister.
"I know what you mean Karin, it's like it never happened."
"But it did." Giselle spoke. "Even if they never know it, we were on the brink of having this town overcome by Hollows. But, we managed to overcome that adversity together~ Besides, I got to fight that damn Hiyori, and almost beat her too~"
Takumi chuckled as Giselle snickered.
"I guess it doesn't matter if we get recognition or not, we saved everyone in this class yesterday and by extension, the town as well. If we didn't, then this town would have been destroyed."
"Too true~" Orihime sang out, sitting beside Takumi. "Everything's different now Taku-chan. Is it because of my powers?"
"Define different."
Orihime placed a finger to her chin, and got into a deep thought.
"Erm...well, it's just, everything seems brighter to me. Like everything is humming, and when I walk past things, it's like they're connecting to me. Even the chairs and the walls, and everything seems like it is bursting with life. I can't explain it that well. Even now, as we speak, we're going through quite a lot..."
Takumi couldn't help but be intrigued by what Orihime was feeling.
"Perhaps you're feeling the souls within the objects."
"Ooh come on." Karin scoffed at the very idea of what Takumi was suggesting. "Objects don't have souls."
"Well, of course they do."
Takumi retorted with a grin, Karin showing an unbelieving look.
"How's that then?"
Rukia spoke up, seeing Karin's unsure face.
"Everything in this world has a soul, even things like objects." She brought out a horrid drawing of a chair, with a soul escaping it, in the shape of rabbits. "Though I can't say that chairs have an afterlife or anything, everything in this world does have a soul, and some people can use their powers to manipulate the souls within the objects themselves."
"For instance?"
Yuzu wondered, so Takumi continued.
"Though it isn't a power Shinigami and Quincy can do so easily. Though maybe under special circumstances...either way, the group I told you about Orihime-chan, I heard that they had the power to manipulate the souls of objects. Even things like water. I'm not sure exactly how it is accomplished, but I believe it has something to do with either pulling the soul or connecting with the soul. So say, if you wanted to walk across water, you'd be able to do that if you pulled the soul, or connected with it to allow you to manipulate its shape, and density and what not. You'd be able to walk in the air by accomplishing the very same thing."
"Wow, that's pretty amazing."
Giselle added while pulling her cheeks.
Takumi agreed with a bob of his head.
"I think it is. I wish I could meet these people, now in the case for Orihime-chan so she could learn more about how to use her powers."
"You mean, she's one of these people? And they aren't Quincy or Shinigami or anything?"
Takumi nodded at Karin who seemed to be quite intrigued, and baffled all in one.
"Although I can't be one hundred percent, I'm very confident that she is one of these beings. It isn't bad to be these beings or anything, it just means that she has spiritual powers that are different from us. But it is all still spiritual powers so she'd be able to use high speed movement in her own way once learning more about it."
Rukia looked astonished.
"Even I wasn't aware of these beings. What is the name of these beings? Like we're called Shinigami and then there's Quincy, and Hollows. They must have a name, right?"
Takumi shrugged, genuinely unsure.
"I don't know that honestly~ If they do have a name, I haven't come across it, and if they don't, I wonder if they would mind if I named them...? Either way, I've only ever received second hand information, and inconsistent reports about them. But they do exist, that's for sure, and Orihime-chan is one of these people." His eyes went to Orihime who smiled brightly. "Hey, maybe they might try and contact you Orihime-chan. Since your powers are….damn your powers are awesome, I'm kinda jealous~"
Orihime's face turned slightly red at his admission.
"J-Jealous of me Taku-chan?"
"Ooh yeah, your powers, if I'm right which I'm confident I am, are able to do some crazy things. But, it seems to drain you of spirit energy. But, training in spirit energy is something I can actually help you with Orihime-chan, that's the same for all spiritually aware beings."
"That would be great Taku-chan! I-Incidentally Taku-chan...m-maybe we could...erm, after this...after school, I thought that..." Orihime looked on shyly, while the others understood what she was going to ask, the likes of Yuzu seemed to be slightly upset that Orihime was going to ask it. "...m-maybe we could...erm...maybe we could talk in private this afternoon..."
"Talk? About what?"
Orihime's cheeks flushed, Rukia understanding what Orihime actually wanted, and decided to speak about it instead.
"She wants to go out with you."
Rukia sped up the process, showing a sly grin on her face, causing Takumi and Orihime to do a spit take.
"Geez! Don't just come out with it!"
Rukia gained a defensive look.
"What? Humans, I don't understand why you don't just admit that you've got affections for one another, and just go on a date. As I said to you once Takumi, if I was doing it, I would have simply just ask the person out."
Takumi didn't know if he should say anything, or leave it alone since Rukia seemed to be showing a normal side to her.
"Well, I am taking Nel-chan to get some clothes, you could come with me Orihime-chan."
"Ooh yes, that would be fun~ We could go together, and pick out some clothes for Nel-chan~"
Takumi gave a peace sign as Zombie Chizuru entered the room. The room fell deadly silent, the air felt cold, and they all felt as if their worlds were going to end. Rukia in particular saw how the Zombie was staring at her.
"Oh God no..."
Rukia murmured, clutching her hands together.
Zombie Chizuru glided towards them, her hand gently placed itself on Rukia's shoulder.
"Rukiaaaaaaaaaa..."
Rukia sobbed slightly.
"W-What do you want?"
Takumi could feel the fear within Rukia's voice.
Rukia hardly feared anything…
But this Zombie, she definitely did.
"I was wondering...if we could go oooooooout?"
Rukia stiffened her resolve, shaking her neck.
"No, I'm busy, for the rest of my life."
"That's harsh. She only wants to date you, you should give it a chance."
Karin chuckled, obtaining a glare for Rukia.
"I would treat you like Princess…."
Zombie Chizuru tried to persuade, but Rukia continued shaking her head.
"No, that's fine. Please leave me alone."
Zombie Chizuru bowed her neck, and sulked off, while Giselle placed a hand over her heart.
"That's horrible Rukia-chan, she's only a Zombie wanting to fit into her new world, and she obviously likes you. So, why not give her a chance?"
"Because, I don't want to!"
Rukia snapped at Giselle who tittered away happily.
Takumi gave them strange looks, while Orihime just smiled softly, glad that everything had returned to normal.
However, she could see within Takumi's eyes that there was something off about all of this.
Something was troubling him, and while he was smiling, it seemed like something was deeper inside of him, and causing him some pain.
Nemu, having returned to the Soul Society, yet was waiting for the Captains meeting, went to a restaurant type place within the Seireitei.
Sitting within the restaurant itself was a young girl with beautiful white hair, that flowed down to her mid back but was spiked at the front with a single lock falling between her eyes, her sparkling turquoise eyes, and was rather petite, her Shinigami robes hung off of her, as did her Captains clothing.
She was drinking some hot chocolate.
Nemu walked to the bar area, and looked at the drinks.
Usually, she would just order a water…
But ever since she was in the human world, she had decided to try new things, glancing at the white haired girl, and saw her drink, so she spoke "I would like one hot chocolate please." which the bar staff seemed surprised at, but got right away.
After paying for it, Nemu walked over to the table that the girl was sat at, and glanced at her.
Noticing, the girl rose her head.
"Is there something I can help you with?"
Nemu just stared at her with a blank expression.
The girl felt slightly unnerved by Nemu doing that, then saw Nemu moving away and sat down on a table in front of her...yet, Nemu didn't take her eyes off of the young Shinigami girl.
The girl slowly rose a hand to her mouth, while Nemu's head rose up.
"O-Okay, she's definitely staring at me...why is she just staring at me? This is a bit weird...but, she isn't hurting me or anything, so I'll let it go..."
The girl didn't quite understand what was going on.
For about five minutes, Nemu continued to watch her like a hawk. Every movement she made, Nemu was on that and kept her gaze forever on her. Because she was robotic like in her actions, the girl thought that she never blinked even a single time.
Then a friend of the girls came into the room, and saw the Captain.
"Oh, Shiro-chan. There you are~"
"What did I say about calling me Shiro-chan? Call me Toshiro or Captain to you Hinamori."
Momo, the girl with her hair tied into buns, raised an eyebrow.
"You're more irritable than usual. What's wrong?"
Toshiro's eyes went to Nemu who continued staring at her.
"S-She's just staring at me, I don't know what's going on...it's a little unnerving."
Momo glanced at Nemu, then to Toshiro.
"I'll go and ask!"
"W-Wait, Hinamori!"
Momo skated off towards Nemu, and put her hands behind her back shyly.
"Say, Nemu-san, what are you doing?"
"I do not understand the question. I am merely drinking my hot chocolate, however my senses indicate that's not what you are inquiring about. So, could you please elaborate on what it is you wish to be answered?"
Momo looked like a dear caught in headlights.
She didn't know what she was supposed to do in these situations.
"Yeah..." Momo chuckled awkwardly. "...I was just wondering, why you were staring at Shiro-chan? She's kinda self conscious about...well many things." Toshiro glared at her for that comment. "So, could you tell me please?"
"I am currently studying Toshiro Hitsugaya, and am interested in her as a person."
Momo wasn't sure how Nemu was 'interested' within Toshiro.
"O-Oh?"
She didn't quite understand.
What was it about Toshiro that she was interested in?
Nemu with her usual expression, answered in a direct manner.
"Yes, while I was in the human world, I have been experiencing different sensations and different thought patterns to how I am usually accustomed to thinking. I also thought about if she would be compatible with the person I am thinking of."
"Ooh~ So you want Shiro-chan to get a boyfriend~ That's so sweet~ So, who is it? It isn't Captain Kuchiki, is it? Because, those two together would be weird~"
Nemu shook her head.
"No, it isn't Captain Kuchiki, it is another individual. I was thinking, due to how Kuchiki-san also has a small chest-" Toshiro's eyes blazed, knowing where this was going. "-since Captain Hitsugaya has an even smaller chest, I thought that he would be fine with her chest and would love her as well."
"S-Stop mentioning my chest! It doesn't even matter if it is small or not!"
Toshiro snapped, but Nemu raised her finger.
"He also would compliment you rather well. You would get along like lightning and ice, conducting one another...perhaps that analogy is not for this intended use." Toshiro's fist clenched tightly. "However, I do believe you'd be compatible partners. If not only for personalities clashing. Serious meeting someone who is more relaxed. As I have read in my books, it is essential, for partners to get along with one another, and opposites do tend to attract."
Momo was taken aback by how weird Nemu was being…
No, not weird.
More human that she was being.
She still was Nemu with her ways, but she was also seemingly interacting with others when before, she wouldn't have done that, so she was quite happy that Nemu could speak to them on terms like she was now.
"W-Well, you're not wrong, but still, I'm surprised you're interested in this kind of thing to begin with. Whatever happened in the human world, it seems to have begun changing you."
"I have changed? Am I unrecognizable from when I left?"
Momo waved her hands innocently.
"N-No! Of course not! It's just, before you wouldn't of really answered me, but now we're having conversations! I think whatever happened to you, was really good for you personally! I always did worry. I'd like to meet this person who begun this change within you."
"Perhaps, in the near future, your request shall be fulfilled Hinamori-san."
Momo wasn't sure what she meant.
Toshiro however continued to keep her eyes on Nemu who went back to staring at her.
"I also have one more request."
"W-What?"
Toshiro showed agitation as Nemu pulled out her book.
Toshiro glanced at the book, but couldn't tell what kind of book it was.
"I would like to interview you. The young man who I met, also said that I am good at retrieving information, and I would like to gain some more from you. About your current status, your hobbies, desires in life, sexual behavior's-" Toshiro did a spit take as did Momo but Nemu continued as if she didn't get what was wrong with what she said. "-and what you find ideal within a partner. I would like to do this in the future with other Shinigami females. And since you are before me, I would like to request an interview of yourself at your earliest convenience."
"E-Eh...t-that's...w-well, w-what would the data be used for…?"
Toshiro didn't want it to be used in any weird way, or for it to be spread around either. Though she couldn't see Nemu spreading it around as that's just not who Nemu was, she usually only spoke when spoken to, and was sworn to secrecy by Mayuri, so her going around and gossiping seemed highly unlikely, even for this new Nemu.
"Compatibility."
"W-With who?"
Nemu raised an eyebrow.
"With the person I met within the human world. He interests me with his views, and ideals, and I would like to know what compatibility you would be compared to others I shall interview. So far, I have gathered enough data on this individual to collect reasonable results. So, may I interview you at your earliest convenience? It would help my research, and you would be compensated for your time."
Toshiro was flabbergasted.
She didn't know what to say.
Nemu was very strange.
But now she was interviewing people...she didn't seem surprised that Nemu would do this as Mayuri also collected information, but in a very different way than how Nemu did it.
"I-It really means that much to you?"
"Yes."
Nemu answered with a straight face.
"T-Then, I guess...just don't mention my chest."
Nemu nodded, writing down in her book [Toshiro Hitsugaya has a big complex about her small breasts.] and then placed the book on her lap, giving Toshiro a blank stare who gave curious eyes back.
"Understood, then I shall take my leave. Contact me when you're ready."
Nemu left the area, once finishing her drink, leaving behind a baffled Momo and Toshiro.
"Well, that was weird wasn't it Shiro-chan?"
"Yeah..." It clicked in her mind what she had just said. "Hey! Stop calling me Shiro-chan!"
"Silly Shiro-chan...wait, why wasn't I asked to be interviewed?"
Momo curiously thought about it, while Toshiro turned her neck away from Momo.
After school, Takumi swung by the house, grabbed Nel, and set off with Orihime to go and get some clothes for Nel so she could take them back to Hueco Mundo. Nel rid on Takumi's shoulders, while Orihime walked beside him.
Nel was within a gigai that Takumi had quickly made for her. It was a normal one that he had made so Nel could interact with the human world, finding the process similar to how Shinigami's use gigai's for Arrancar's.
Orihime felt nervous, and recalled the many things that Tatsuki had said about just professing her feelings.
But she didn't even know how she was going to begin that.
Especially with Nel being around.
But she was determined to at least do something, anything.
"So Nel-chan, what kind of outfits do you want?"
Takumi's question directed up at Nel who patted Takumi's head.
"Nel wants all the clothes!"
Takumi gave an awkward laugh.
"I don't know if I can do that, but I can buy you a few things."
"Yay!"
Takumi had to admire her spirit at least, she was quite energetic.
So, they went shopping for clothes. Since Takumi didn't really get what girl clothes were good, so he left it to Orihime to choose the clothes for Nel who was quite good at playing with the young girl happily.
"Ooh look at this Nel-chan, you'd love this for summer~"
Orihime produced a summer like dress with a floral pattern on the side, causing Nel to smile brightly.
"Nel wants that! She also needs bras!"
""Pft!""
Both Takumi and Orihime did a spit take, while Nel swayed side to side.
"Nel's boobs will grow to bigger than Boobies there~" She pointed at Orihime who flushed brightly. "So, Nel will have to get them too!"
"Hahahahaha, pe-perhaps when y-you're older Nel-chan..."
Orihime giggled out with nervous sweat pooling off of her.
"Baaah...I understand, you want to get some to seduce Saku Taku, don't you?"
Nel gave Orihime a dry expression who's face flooded with redness on her cheeks.
"N-Nel-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! D-Don't say that!" Orihime cupped her hands together shyly while Takumi released a chortle. "T-Taku-chan, don't listen to her, she's just playing games! T-That's all!"
"Ahaha, I see~ She's quite funny huh~?"
Orihime's bottom lip quivered while Takumi gave her a comforting smile on his face.
They continued buying dresses, Takumi noticing that his wallet was getting lighter on money by the minute. Nel didn't hold back, and Takumi didn't have the heart to tell her that she couldn't have them after all.
"Ooh Saku Taku, you get one too!"
"They only sell girl clothes here Nel-chan, there isn't any clothes here for me."
Takumi explained, Nel simply said "That's too bad." and continued looking at different dresses while Orihime saw a beautiful looking dress that she thought she might like to have. A beautiful white dress with the design of flowers, reminiscent of the hair pins she had at that moment in time.
But she didn't have the kind of money for that dress.
Takumi saw her eyeing the dress up, so he walked over, and peered over her shoulder.
"It's quite nice, are you going to get it?"
"I-I don't have enough Taku-chan."
She expressed sadly, not expecting anything to happen.
So she was surprised when Takumi lifted the dress up, and held it to Orihime.
"It looks good on you, don't you think?"
"I think so anyway~ Maybe I'll come back when I have enough."
"But, it might be sold out by then."
Orihime didn't even consider that.
"Oh...maybe you're right..."
"Then I'll just get it for you!"
His peppy voice surprised Orihime greatly.
"I-I couldn't ask you to do that Taku-chan!"
"It doesn't matter, I don't mind getting you the dress Orihime-chan. Consider it a thanks for what you did for me during the fight for Karakura."
Orihime blushed slightly as Takumi casually bought the dress for her. It made her feel happy that he'd do that just for her, and she noticed that the dress cost a good amount of money, meaning it wasn't cheap either.
Once he had gotten it for her, he moved back towards her with a grin.
"So, what should we do after this? Nel-chan wants to see the human world after all."
"Ooh, maybe we could introduce her to ultimate robot fighting!"
Orihime became giddy while Takumi gave her an odd stare.
"There's only one you in this world Orihime-chan and I am so glad that's the case~ You're amazing~"
Orihime gave a happy expression on her face.
After getting some clothes, they walked around the mall together, looking at various things, then saw the arcade.
"Saku Taku, that! All the lights and music!"
Takumi shrugged and walked in with the two girls.
Seeing various games, Nel foamed at the mouth, grabbed some money from Takumi, and dashed off while Takumi yelled "Stay where I can see you!" but Nel didn't seem to care, and just ran around rapidly.
"Heeeeeeh, it seems like she's quite uncontrollable when she's in the zone huh."
Takumi didn't know whether to laugh, or to cry honestly.
"Yes, I think you might be right Taku-chan." Orihime's face went towards Takumi's own as they watched Nel play games. "Taku-chan, this is really wonderful, I'm glad we could go out together like this."
"Yeah, you also mentioned about wanting to talk about something? Wanna talk now?"
She did recall that she had said that previously, and now that she had to confront those feelings, she felt worried about saying them. Not because she was ashamed of her feelings, but because of how she was actually going to word them.
"M-Maybe when w-we're in a more p-private area..."
"Is it something important?"
Orihime's cheeks reddened even more, knowing that she'd have to say it sooner or later.
"Yes…I think it's quite important...b-but we should talk later~"
She dodged the bullet for the moment, while Takumi gave her an unsure look.
But it seemed that she'd rather not say, so he didn't press the issue, and just enjoyed the time with Nel, and Orihime.
After the arcade, they looked around the mall together, buying different things, and checking out different shops. Nel had a blast while holding onto Takumi's hand, and Orihime's with the other. Though some people looked and found it cute that they were taking out their 'child' together.
By the end of it, they ended up getting an ice cream each and sat down on a bench that overlooked a park which they had decided to go to, with all of the flowers blooming, looking quite beautiful, with Nel sat on Takumi's lap, looking exhausted.
"Nel's tired now..."
"You did do a lot of stuff Nel-chan, so it's alright if you're tired."
Nel let out a loud yawn from her mouth, making Orihime giggle slightly.
"Nel-chan, how about you go to sleep if you're tired? Taku-chan and I can carry you when we have to leave."
Nel yawned some more, and her head fell against Takumi's chest.
Her eyes became heavy and soon, she fell asleep while Takumi chuckled lightly.
"What's funny Taku-chan?"
"It's nothing really, it's just nice being here, don't you think?"
Orihime agreed with a firm nod.
"Yes, this is quite enjoyable Taku-chan~"
"So, now that we're alone, and Nel-chan is asleep, what did you want to talk about?"
Orihime felt her nerves overcome her once more.
"O-Oh yeah, I did didn't I?"
"You certainly did. So, what's going on?"
"Well, you see Taku-chan..." Orihime began, chuckling slightly. "...now that I have powers, and you have powers, our lives...are going to be different huh..."
"Eh, it depends on how you define different. I've been able to see Hollows for years, so it doesn't really change things for me. But for you, I can see why it would be jarring. Is that what you wanted to talk about?"
"Haha, no not really. I just feel nervous~ Silly, isn't it~?"
Takumi gained an understanding face, lightly cupping her hand with his own.
"You don't have to feel nervous around me~ Just be like you usually are~"
Orihime laughed while Takumi did also.
"I'm being silly Taku-chan, don't worry about me~"
"Okay~ So, what is it you want to tell me Orihime-chan? It's me, you can speak to me~"
"Y-Yes...Taku-chan, have you ever had a secret that you've just wanted to let explode, but everytime you try, you feel as if you're going to drown? It feels so hard to try and speak, and in the end, you end up being broken down by your own inner doubts?"
"Yeah, I've had that feeling."
Orihime looked on with surprise.
"O-Oh, I didn't know Taku-chan."
"It was actually to do with your brother, Sora-san."
"Sora?"
Orihime let out her surprise, while Takumi nodded slowly.
"I wanted to tell you many times that I could see him, speak to him. But when I thought about it, I thought it might be painful for you to accept that I could see ghosts. I also saw that you were trying to let Sora go in your own way, and I didn't want to bring you more pain. At the same time though, I thought that you both speaking again would be wonderful, so that's why I developed those glasses, and hearing aids. It took me a while but I finally finished them."
"I didn't know you had such a dilemma."
"Now thinking about it, in hindsight, it worked itself out in the end, so I worried for nothing~ Maybe whatever it is that you want to tell me would work out by itself in the end as well?"
Takumi wanted to relax her as much as he could.
And to his credit, Orihime actually appreciated very much what Takumi was doing for her, and thanked him with a smile.
"That makes me feel more relaxed. Maybe I am just making it a big deal Taku-chan when it is something beautiful!"
"Ooh beautiful huh~?"
He playfully laughed, igniting a flame within Orihime's soul.
"Yes, that's why, I really like you Taku-chan!"
Takumi gave her a curious look, and then smiled.
"I really like you too~"
Orihime grinned brightly.
"Really Taku-chan?!"
"Yeah..." He seemed a little unsure as to why she thought that was major news. "We've been friends for years, it would be weird if I didn't like you and we still hung out, wouldn't it?"
"Hehehe...n-no, not like that Taku-chan...ooh, I'm unsure of how to say it so..." Orihime, surprising even herself, took Takumi's hand within her own, and pulled closer. "Taku-chan, perhaps I should show you what I mean."
"Okay..."
He watched as she came closer, and closer with her lips.
Takumi held confusion before, but now it became clear as to what she was intending to do.
He also pulled closer, allowing the swelling of emotions to fill the pair of them.
Closer, and closer, their lips came to meeting one another.
Orihime felt warmth building inside of her.
She felt her body twitching with excitement and new feelings that she hadn't even thought about before.
Takumi also felt the same way, wanting to finally kiss the girl he had feelings for, for a long time…
However it didn't come to pass when Nel shot up, and smacked Takumi right in the chin, making his head bend backwards, and hit the bench, knocking him nearly unconscious.
"N-Nel-chan! Look what you did!"
Orihime chastised, but Nel pointed a finger at Orihime seriously.
"Ughhh...it seems like you were going to seduce Saku Taku weren't you?"
"N-No! I wasn't seducing Taku-chan at all!"
Orihime complained, but Nel kept her glare upon the orange haired beauty, who looked rather sad that she didn't get to kiss Takumi in the end.
Watching on, was Rukia, who saw Takumi, Orihime, and Nel laughing together, and gave a soft smile on her face.
"Yeah...you belong here Takumi, I wont let you suffer because of me."
Rukia turned around, walking away, knowing what she had to do.
Later on during the night, Takumi returned home with Nel in his arms, disappointed that he didn't get to kiss Orihime, but he also understood now that if she was going to kiss him, that meant she shared his feelings of affection, of love, which made him rather happy, more happy than he could express so easily.
Tier sat on the porch, and looked up to the sky.
"The human world can have beauty. The stars in this world, are a delight to watch."
"Of course, there's beauty anywhere if you look."
Takumi replied, sitting down beside her.
Nel cuddled up on Takumi's lap, while Kukkapuro landed on Takumi's shoulder, and keenly licked his face.
"It seems that they both have taken a shine to you."
"Seems so~ I'm glad that we've met Tier-chan, and you Nel-chan and I couldn't forget Kukkapuro-kun, you've given me much to think about when it comes to Hollows and Arrancars." Takumi quickly went inside of the shop, coming out a few moments later with a phone. "Here, you can have this."
"A communications device?"
"So we can stay in contact, it works in any dimension, tried it out myself not long ago. Don't worry about charging it, I've used a similar skill to how Quincy's gather Reishi, and converted that to electrical power by studying my Zanpakuto, so the phone always holds power. Isn't that cool?"
Tier gave it a curious look, before turning back to Takumi.
"Takumi Urahara, you do realize that I could be considered the enemy? Why are you so trusting?"
"I'm not trusting blindly, I've seen you interact with Nel-chan, I can tell you're a good person. Besides, I still have to help with Nel-chan's mask and it would be difficult to do that without staying in contact, wouldn't it?"
Tier almost released a laugh, but stopped herself, and settled on a simple small smile that was hardly noticeable.
"Perhaps you're right. You're very odd, but I'm happy you are. I've never met a Shinigami like you Takumi Urahara, so keep being odd."
"Sure, I'm very odd~" Takumi chuckled, realizing the look on her face. "You're going now, aren't you?"
Tier nodded without pause.
"I am." Tier pulled out some notes, and handed them off to Takumi. "Here, a gift."
"Just for me?"
Tier nodded, as Takumi looked inside of it.
It seemed to be some notes jotted down.
"But this is..."
"You were interested in Arrancars, so I thought some details about Hollows, and their abilities would be appropriate."
Takumi's face lit up like a thousand suns, jumping up and down like a kid that had just received a Christmas present, Nel also joined in, becoming more hyper.
"Ooh my God! This is amazing! B-But, are you sure you want to reveal these secrets to me? Since this is considered Hollow..."
"It's fine, I also have come to understand a few things about you, and Nel has become very attached to you. Whatever it is that you intend to do, I hope this might help carve out that path of yours, of having Hollows, Shinigami and Quincy uniting. I also wish to see this so-called world you've thought of."
Takumi released a light chuckle.
"Yeah, I'm sure that it would. Thank you Tier-chan, I'll repay this kindness."
Tier waved her hand.
"No, it is acceptable enough for you to become stronger, and attain Bankai, then we can control our duel."
Takumi gave a cheery smile.
"You've got it. I get Bankai, and we're having a fight again."
Tier nodded slowly, as Nel leaned up, and showed a pout.
"Saku Taku, I've also got you a present."
"You didn't have to get me anything-"
"But Nel did!" Nel leaned up, and kissed Takumi's cheek, surprising him greatly. "See, Nel's is much better! Shows affection!"
Takumi laughed as did Nel, even Tier held a small smile on her face, which was rare for her.
"Hahaha, you're very adorable Nel-chan. We'll see one another again soon!"
"Yup, we will!"
Takumi enjoyed sometime with Nel, Kukkapuro, and Tier before they had to leave, bonding with Arrancars might seem strange, but to Takumi, it was amazing.
A few days later, with the sun setting in the sky, Takumi was met with Bambietta, Candice, Meninas, and Liltotto outside of the Urahara shop. Takumi could see that Bambietta still had remorse on her face, but also something else, akin to hope for the future, that's what he thought anyway.
"So, what's going on anyway?"
Takumi was unaware of what they had planned.
All he knew was that they wanted to meet him for some reason.
"So, that's us Shinigami."
Candice spoke up, Meninas nodding.
"Yes, we're going to be leaving Karakura for a while, to get our heads around many things."
Takumi was surprised that they were leaving town.
He didn't expect that.
"We will also keep an eye on Bambietta-chan here."
Liltotto spoke with a monotone while glancing up at the Quincy girl.
Bambietta wore an uncomfortable expression.
"S-Shut up! Making me sound like some kind of headcase!" Liltotto went to speak when Bambi shook her head. "Either way, it doesn't matter." Bambietta showcased a smile on her face. "So yeah, we're going to be going to Naruki City, I've heard that there's no Shinigami officially stationed there, yet Hollows show up. So we'll be setting up shop over there, and dealing with the Hollows. That's the original reason we came here in the first place. But now that you're here, and that Karin is also here and a Shinigami, you even have a Quincy with Giselle and even Yuzu as well. We don't have a place here."
"So, Giselle-san's staying then?"
Takumi's question was met with a bobbing head from Liltotto.
"She said that this was her home, and wished to stay. But this isn't the end for us or anything Takumi, we'll eventually be back."
"Heh, never thought I'd say that to a Shinigami."
Bambietta added with a laugh.
Takumi was glad that it seemed Bambietta had turned over a new leaf now, she was much more cheerful, even if a little quick to anger, but in a more playful way, he could see now why the others thought she was a good friend.
"I see, then I wish you luck everyone. Come back whenever you can~"
"Oh we will be Takumi, we definitely will be." Bambietta moved closer, poking his chest. "Next time, I wont allow you to beat me."
"Heh, I welcome the challenge Bambietta-san."
Bambietta released a chortle as did the other girls, while Takumi simply laughed to himself.
But then he remembered something and raised his finger.
"Wait, I have something to give you all."
"Hmm?"
Liltotto hummed, as Takumi produced four clips that seemed to be made of bendable steel. However, they each seemed to be different in design. One looked like a bomb, one looked like a lightning bolt, one looked like a hamburger, and the last one looked like a love heart, which Takumi thought suited the girls since that's what he knew about them and what they liked along with their powers.
"Giselle-san asked me to make these a while ago, and I managed to finish them. She said that she wished to purify Hollows like Shinigami do with their Zanpakuto's. Don't worry, it doesn't change your Quincy powers into Shinigami's or anything, it will just allow you to fire off purifying arrows with your own powers, if you clip it to your person."
Bambietta, and the others looked on with surprise.
But Liltotto grabbed one, and held it in her hands.
"It's a nice thought, thank you Takumi."
"Yeah, I like the lightning bolt design!"
Candice cheered, taking her own.
"Awww, it's a love heart. I love it already~"
Meninas grinned, clipping hers to her jacket.
Bambietta glanced at the bomb clip, rubbing her finger across it, then held it within her fingers.
The others were glad that she managed to do that, showcasing that she truly was growing as a person.
"This would be useful, thanks for the gift. You can keep BG5 by the way, call it an apology gift for all the stuff that we did...what I did personally. I don't know if that Hollow woman told you or not, she was trolling me for damn sure...an-anyway, I guess that I was wrong after all." It took a lot for Bambietta to admit that, and Takumi appreciated her honesty. "I thought all Shinigami were just as cruel as the ones who killed my parents...but, you're the exception it seems. You and that Karin Kurosaki, even that Rukia Kuchiki, she seems to be alright. But, I can't help but wonder what it is that you're going to do now about her."
"I've been asking myself that very same question. And I don't have the answer right now. All I can do is my best."
Bambietta exhaled slowly.
"The Captains of the Gotei aren't to be laughed at. They each have powerful abilities. If you're thinking of taking them on for her, then you better be prepared. The one you have to watch out for more than anyone else though in my opinion at least is Kenpachi Zaraki."
"Kenpachi..."
Takumi murmured, as if he had heard that name in the past before.
"Yeah, he's a wild crazed Shinigami that's bloodthirsty. Well, it's him, and another one named Mayuri Kurotsuchi."
"Kurotsuchi..."
"Yes, that girl Nemu, I'm sure you're aware of their relation." Takumi slowly nodded, remembering Nemu having mentioned it. "He is highly intelligent, from what I remember, he's also cruel and sadistic. I don't know what you have planned. But if you're planning to fight him, take all of the gadgets, and gizmo's that you can. This guy definitely is nuts, and he isn't afraid to use others as his human shields, he'll do anything to win a fight. Those two are the most dangerous in terms of how they fight. The Captain Commander is probably the strongest, but he's an old guy who at least has honour, from what I know. Kenpachi I'm not sure if he does have honour, but I know for certain that Mayuri has no sense of honour. You'd have to be careful."
Takumi didn't know how she knew all of this, though he was glad for the information either way, allowing him to take some extra caution in what he was planning to do when it came to Rukia and the Soul Society itself.
"Right...thanks for letting me know, I'll do my best."
Bambietta nodded slowly, then bowed her head.
"I think it's crazy if you're intending to do it...but, I am sure you'll think of something. You usually do, that's how I have seen you anyway."
Takumi's lips curled upwards.
"I'm gonna try my best to help Rukia-chan."
Bambietta could understand that.
"Just don't be reckless, and get yourself killed. Trust me, suicide missions aren't fun. I did that when I was trying to fight you and the others. It just leads to a lonely walk of life."
Takumi understood what she was talking about.
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry Bambietta-san, I have no intentions to die by the Shinigami's hands."
Bambietta admired that spirit, and tendency to not give up. It was the thing that ended up saving her, that he didn't give up trying to convince her, even when she thought she had gone down a darker path than anyone else.
"Also, I just want to say...again, I am sorry for what I did to you, and your friends. And because of me, the Shinigami were alerted, so..."
"Nah, they would have come sooner or later anyway, this isn't your fault. It's alright, leave this to me. And you go to protect Naruki City. It seems that it is going to need powerful people there if no Shinigami is there, and I can't think of anyone more qualified than you ladies."
Bambietta released a chortle.
"Right, then we're off."
"Goodbye Bambietta-san. If you ever need anything fixed, or made, come and find me."
"Yeah...and if you ever need help, call me up, I'll come running. I'll be training, so don't be surprised if the next time we meet, I'll be stronger than you."
"Haha, I'll be training also, so I can't wait for our rematch."
Bambietta showed a hint of a smirk, but a playful one rather than an aggressive one.
"Sounds good to me Shinigami, can hardly wait."
Bambietta waved, and walked away, while Candice smacked her lips together.
"By the way, I saw you using lightning. That's my thing you know?"
Candice showed a ticked off expression while Takumi grinned.
"Hey be nice, we can share electricity."
"I'm sure there's some sparks between us too~"
Candice winked sultry, walking off with a wiggle of her hips.
Takumi blushed lightly at the sight of that, while Meninas showed the peace sign.
"Goodbye Shinigami-kun!"
Takumi smiled, and waved as she walked off with the others.
"Don't worry about them, I'll keep my eyes on them, and make sure they don't get into trouble."
"Haha, I'm sure you'll do great Liltotto-san."
Liltotto looked up to Takumi's face as he smiled down at her.
"By the way, the next time we meet, perhaps we could do something together."
"Something?"
Takumi seemed clueless as to what her true intentions were.
Liltotto gave a sly expression, as her hand lightly patted Takumi from behind, surprising him at her forwardness.
"It isn't everyday that a Shinigami impresses me enough, so I'd take it if I was you. Besides, I think you're quite hot."
She admitted at the end while wearing what appeared to be a cute expression mixed with a slightly sultry one.
Takumi again was caught by surprise with her expressive attitude.
"I-I see, I am surprised you think I'm...hot."
"Well, it can't be helped. Perhaps I just have a thing for blondes, who knows." Liltotto grabbed Takumi's hand, pulled him down and kissed him on the cheek once more, then gave a slightly embarrassed face. "Wait for me Takumi, next time we meet, we'll definitely do something very interesting together."
"E-Eh?"
Liltotto winked, and walked off to meet her friends, leaving a baffled Takumi behind.
"It seems that they're gone huh~?" Giselle frightened Takumi as she appeared beside him. "So, what are you gonna do now~?"
"I should be asking you Giselle-san. Don't you want to go with them?"
Giselle shook her head.
"Nah, I'm needed here to help Yuzu-chan anyway. Besides, they're only a city away, I can see them anytime that I want~"
Despite her upbeat demeanour, Takumi sensed that she was hiding something.
"You're going to miss them, aren't you?"
Giselle's face turned downwards slightly.
"I guess that I will...we've been together for so long, it just feels weird if they aren't around."
"Don't worry, you can visit or phone them, or even video call them anytime you want~"
Giselle's face curled upwards.
"Yes, you're right about that~ Anyway, I heard what you said to Bambi and the others about Rukia-chan. What are your true intentions Takumi-kun?"
"To save her."
"Even if you have to face the entire Gotei 13?"
Takumi nodded without pause.
"Yes, I also have some suspicions about that in the first place, and about those Gillian's. Too many showed up, and Tier-chan even confirmed my suspicions for me."
"I see...whatever you plan to do, don't die, okay?"
Takumi gave a soft smile.
"I'm not ready to die yet."
As they talked to one another, Kisuke released a small breath while hiding out of view.
Yoruichi appeared beside him in cat form, her eyes going up to him.
"They're coming."
"I know...that's why we have to Yoruichi-san, for his protection."
Yoruichi exhaled with regret on her face.
"I know, but this feels..."
"It's the only way to make sure he's safe."
Kisuke told himself that, but he didn't know if he believed it or not.
In the end, he just felt unsure about many things.
Sitting down at the Captains meeting, Toshiro, and some other Captains, all having different expressions on their faces, as they watched the old man with a long beard sit down on his chair. He held up a parchment, and was slowly reading it to himself, while the others looked on, wondering what this was supposed to be about.
Though some had guesses, and some didn't seem to care.
"This is boring..."
Kenpachi, a large man with an eyepatch on complained, while Mayuri chuckled to himself.
"Simple minded fools get bored easily."
Kenpachi's eye shot for Mayuri who looked away innocently.
It wasn't revealed until the old man banged his cane on the ground.
"Orders have been confirmed. Central 46 wish for us to bring in the one known as Rukia Kuchiki, and also, the one known as Takumi Urahara."
Expressions ranged from confusion, delight, anger, and wondering from different people.
A young woman stuck up her hand.
"Let me go Captain Commander, I shall apprehend him straight away."
"Soi Fon, you may not go."
"But Sir-"
"Central 46 wish for him to be alive, so the Stealth Force is not necessary."
Kenpachi's face curled upwards into a sadistic expression.
"So, that Takumi Urahara, is he really the same guy I heard about...? If it is, I'll go and fight him!"
Kenpachi seemed...gleeful about something.
Mayuri looked rather annoyed, clicking his tongue.
"It doesn't matter who goes, he'll die anyway."
A Shinigami with a straw hat on glanced towards him with annoyance, resting hands on his sides.
Toshiro watched the expressions of the different Captains.
Even Captain Kuchiki seemed to look a little...off.
"No, this matter has to be handled carefully, so the ones who will be going are..."
End chapter!
So, a little cool down chapter after the battle focused chapters lately, and allowed the gang to relax. Though, it seems like the Quincy girls have decided to go to a new town, but that wont be the last we've seen of them, they'll come back in future arcs. Rukia's under a realization about her future now, with the Soul Society which Takumi also understands, and isn't going to take lying down. Tier and Takumi had also shared something between them, Tier even gave Takumi some information about Hollows, while Nel spent sometime with Takumi, and Orihime who also almost confessed. Nemu's making waves in the Soul Society, taking Takumi's words to heart, and has decided to do her own kind of 'research', starting with Toshiro who just happened to be the closest person she could think of.
And finally at the end, the Captains have an order to not only capture Rukia, but also capture Takumi as well! It seems that Kenpachi wants to fight him, and is hyped about that, Soi Fon seems to have...something going on, which we'll expand upon in the future, among others have some subtle reactions about it. Why he's being targeted...we'll see later down the line!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Takumi; Orihime, Rukia, Yuzu, Karin, Nemu, Giselle, Liltotto, Soi Fon, Yoruichi, Hiyori, Nelliel, Tier, Rangiku, Toshiro (fem).