Chapter Sixteen: The Matter of Quincies

Many years later, Rukia Kuchiki accompanied her brother on business. That business had brought them to the world of the living. They departed the Senkaimon and descended down into the strange world. The buildings here were strange, towering many stories. The roofs were all different too.

Brother had evidently been here before, though Rukia had never heard when. For he passed the buildings by without a second glance.

'The world of the living has changed.' realized Byakuya. 'When I was here last, this town was far smaller.'

'When was that, brother?' asked Rukia.

'Ten years.' said Byakuya. 'The world of the living shifts quickly while the Soul Society remains unchanged.'

They walked onward through crowded streets and came to a very large building indeed. As they walked through it, Rukia realized that it was a place where the sick and injured were taken. Yet they weren't treated with kido. Instead, the humans used strange techniques and medicines she did not understand.

To be honest, she found the whole thing quite breathtaking.

And then they found Soken Ishida. He was a tall old man who wore strange garments, emblazoned with the Quincy cross. As soon as he saw them, he bowed. 'Captain Kuchiki, I presume.'

'Yes,' said Byakuya, 'I received your report.'

'Excellent, excellent,' said Soken, 'I-'

'Grandfather!' said a voice.

A young boy with blue hair came through the door, and Soken looked back. The boy halted and looked up in shock. 'Who are they?'

'These are Soul Reapers, Uryu.' said Soken Ishida, kneeling by him. 'I must meet with them. Run along, quickly. I'll see you later.'

'Why were you and Father arguing?' asked Uryu.

'A matter of opinion.' said Soken. 'Go.'

Uryu bowed to them, then ran by. Soken watched him go. 'My grandson, he is a very inquisitive boy. Please, come in.'

They entered an office, and Soken provided them with tea. They sat in sofas which were far more comfortable than anything one found in the Soul Society. Once they had gotten settled, Soken looked at them strangely. 'You'll forgive me if I am not prepared, I admit I did not expect a result. I've been trying for years.'

'There have been a great many things to attend to.' said Byakuya. 'Tell me, what is it you wished to speak to a Captain about?'

'Ah, well,' Soken paused, 'we are both fully aware of the unfortunate history between our two peoples, so perhaps-'

'I am not.' said Rukia.

'The Soul Society has controlled the spread of information regarding the Quincy war.' said Byakuya. 'It would be for the best if you explained things.'

'Well, it is a very long story.' said Soken. 'To make a long story short, we Quincies made a number of mistakes. Our ability to destroy hollows might have been used to assist in keeping the world of the living safe. However, we hunted them constantly. As we became more numerous, it began to disrupt the balance of souls.'

'Right, now I remember.' said Rukia. 'The Soul Society tried to convince you to stop, and you refused you listen.'

'We were given a single ultimatum with no context.' said Soken, an edge in his tone. 'Then the Soul Reapers started killing us. However, whatever the case, we are both of us in a very perilous situation.'

'Explain yourself.' said Byakuya.

'The number of hollow attacks has been going up.' said Soken. 'I've kept in contact with the other branches of the Soul Society. Every year there are more and more attacks. Whatever your intentions, the Soul Reapers cannot handle them all on their own.'

At first, Rukia thought that Brother would flare up at this, but he did not. 'This is true. I have observed such a rise. It is why I agreed to meet with you. What form of cooperation did you have in mind?'

'That is simple enough.' said Soken. 'We surviving Quincies have been given an ultimatum that if we hunt hollows, we will be hunted down. This seems to me a serious obstacle that must be overcome. If the Soul Society would allow us to hunt hollows when no soul reaper is present, that would likely stem the tide.'

'What you say may be true.' said Byakuya. 'However, it is not within my authority to make such a decision. If you give me the details of your proposal, I will recommend your suggestion to Central Forty-Six.'

'Very well-' began Ishida.

Then Rukia felt something. 'Brother, I'm sensing a hollow. A fairly powerful one. With your permission, I'd like to go take care of it.'

Byakuya looked at her seriously. 'Very well Rukia, do as you like.'

Rukia went to the window, opened it, and surged through the air towards the river. As she did so, it began to rain. It began to rain hard.

Drawing her sword, she rushed through the streets. She rounded the corner and saw no sign of any hollow: only two humans, an orange-haired mother, and her equally orange haired child. Neither one could see her, but the child looked to one side and saw a girl. The girl had black hair, cropped short, and was walking slowly back towards the freezing river.

Rukia did not sense any spiritual pressure from the girl. Why not?

'Mom, I've got to save her!' said the child as he broke from his mother's grip and ran towards the girl. His mother chased after him, and then the trap was sprung.

A beast with a white mask and brown fury appeared out of nowhere and descended towards the boy. His mother bowled him over to defend him with her body.

'Grand Fisher…' The name sent a sense of dread through Rukia. He had already killed several Soul Reapers before now, and if she got involved, it could be her next.

Even so, she sprang into action, sword striking for its mask. The creature saw her coming just in time and moved aside with deceptive mobility. Her sword cut only air, and it landed some ways away.

'What is this?' asked Grand Fisher. 'Yet another Soul Reaper come to die, is it? Well then-'

Rukia had done her homework. She knew that Grand Fisher possessed an ability to show people the person they valued most. She knew that if that person were shown to her, she would hesitate, she would fail. So she didn't wait for him to finish talking. She charged forward, blade in hand to strike it down.

However, she was too late, for before her suddenly was standing one who had died by her hand. It was his exact likeness. Though she knew it was not him, it was as though Kaien Shiba was standing right there in front of her.

'Rukia… why did you slay me?' he asked.

The question hit her in the heart, and Rukia halted where she was, the resolve leaving her blade. The Grand Fisher saw its chance.

The Beast laughed. 'No one can ignore the power I possess, now die!'

Rukia dodged and turned round to strike again. Once more, the doll barred her path, and she halted in place. 'Why did you slay me Rukia?'

'Kaien I couldn't… I didn't…' She ducked under a lunge by Grand Fisher. She sped away to land over the river as the rain poured down, and Grand Fisher faced her down. Her breathing was heavy and ragged without control. She forced control on herself, steadying her sword arm. Then she leaped away from a swipe by Grand Fisher and took a stance.

'Take control of yourself Rukia,' said her zanpakto, Sode No Shiruyuki.

'I can't!' she said. 'It was my fault-'

'Do you think that matters to the mother and child that Grand Fisher would have devoured had you not been there? Remember what Captain Ukitake taught us…'

Rukia steadied herself as the words came back to her.

'Getting tired yet, Soul Reaper?' asked Grand Fisher. 'Good, I think I'll devour you, then have the woman and her child for a snack later. And the best part is that you can't possibly attack me, for all your power. It's so easy, everyone has someone who they would never dare to hurt, but you?

'You have someone you murdered. And it eats away at you so that you can't even kill him again. You will be the most delicious soul reaper I've ever eaten.'

A silence engulfed them as they faced each other down in the pouring rain.

'There are too kinds of battles,' said Rukia, speaking for the first time, 'battles for pride and battles for life. This is not a battle for pride. No ones honor is at stake here, least of all mine. No… if you win here, you'll just go on to kill even more people. You'll keep torturing and devouring your victims until you are stopped.' She spun her sword around in one hand and took a stance. 'I can't afford to let my guilt get the better of me. Let's go.'

She charged forward, rushing with all speed towards her enemy. He once again created a doll from nothing. 'Try as you like!' laughed Grand Fisher. 'You will never be able to attack me! Your own guilt will be your-'

The sound of a slash echoed through the night.

And then Grand Fisher wasn't laughing anymore. Rukia Kuchiki passed him by without a word, or a second glance at the doll. She landed upon the water and sheathed her sword, before walking away towards the shore. Grand Fisher stood deadly still until Rukia stepped onto the shore. Then he broke into two halves, from mask to tail, and fell towards the water. He had completely disappeared before he hit the water. Rukia made her way past the mother and child to stand near the steps, breathing heavily.

It had been the most difficult thing in her life to do that. It hadn't been like before, last time it had happened so quickly she hadn't had time to think. It was only afterward that she had been seized with guilt. This time the guilt had come before, and now that she had finished him, she felt… good. She had killed a serious threat to the Soul Society, and that hadn't exactly been Kaien.

She prepared to leave, before thinking that she might have forgotten something. But what?

'That was totally awesome!' said a young voice, and she turned round to see the boy staring at her. 'Where can I learn to do that?'

'Ichigo, what have I told you about talking to strangers-,' said the woman.

Rukia felt a smile tugging at her face as she removed her memory eraser. She blasted both of them in the face with two swift movements. Then she made her way back into the town. She patrolled the streets, looking at things with interest as she did so.

Then her brother appeared. 'Rukia, our business here is complete. What occurred in my absence?'

'The hollow was Grand Fisher.' said Rukia. 'I killed him and saved two humans.'

Byakuya looked at her in new light. 'Well done Rukia. You have brought great pride to the Kuchiki Clan. Come, let us return to th Soul Society. I must make my report.'

The offer was politely turned down. Central Forty Six did not give any particular reason. Only said that the dwindling number of Quincies would not be sufficient to make a difference. It was unsatisfactory to Byakuya, but it was out of his hands.

Even so, something bothered him, and he began to look through all files regarding Quincies. Then he noticed something. At first, he thought there must be some mistake. But the more he looked into the files, the more he noticed what was happening.

This had to be brought to someone's attention.

He flash stepped over to Squad 5. There he found Lieutenant Momo Hinamori, round-faced petite with a black bun in her hair. She was working hard at paperwork. Momo looked up in surprise. 'Oh Captain Kuchiki, Captain Aizen is out right now?'

'Did he inform you when he would return?' asked Byakuya. 'My matter is of some urgency.'

'I think he's making a report to the Head Captain.' said Momo. 'It'll be a couple of hours.'

Byakuya paused. Aizen might not actually be the best choice to bring this up with. 'My thanks. I will take my leave.'

He departed and made his way to the Stealth Force. As he walked those halls, he remembered times spent with Yoruichi Shihoin. No, he could not think of that now. She was an enemy of the soul society. He must focus on his duty.

The door opened, and Soi Fon did not look up from her desk. 'I am very busy Kuchiki.'

'I apologize for the late hour.' said Kuchiki. 'However, an inconsistancy has come to my attention and you are in a position to clarify it for me.'

'What is it?' asked Soi Fon, looking up.

'I have been reading through the documentation regarding the Quincies.' said Byakuya. 'An estimated three hundred and seventy eight quincies have died this year. A far higher range than any year prior. Of all those who have been sent to the soul society not one has been reunited with their family.'

'This hardly seems like it concerns the stealth force.' said Soi Fon.

'Your forces are in charge of maintaining the Soul Society's grip on the Rukongai.' said Byakuya. 'Now a segment of its population has been disappearing. If a few had gone unnoticed it would be understandable. But that none of my agents have found any indicates to me that something else is at work here.

'That is not all, however. Of all the Quincies who died, three hundred and fifty-three of them were killed by hollows.'

'Quincies are known for their hatred of hollows.' noted Soi Fon.

'True,' said Byakuya 'however they are forbidden from engaging them. And until now have been quite adept at avoiding confrontations. Moreover, all of these Quincies were attacked by overwhelming numbers of hollows. And all of them had the Soul Reapers assigned to that region arrive mere moments too late to help.'

'…I see.' said Soi Fon. 'Yes, this does seem to indicate a conspiracy of some sort. Very well, I'll have everyone who was on watch for those soul reapers interrogated. Once we find out who convinced them to fail in their duties, this should be a simple matter to wrap up.'

'My thanks.' said Byakuya. 'Do you require any assistance?'

'I am well capable of performing my duties.' said Soi Fon, irritation in her voice. 'However, if you feel obligated to take action, go to Soken Ishida and ask him about what is happening. Unless I am mistaken, he is a community leader for the Quincies. He may have some relevant information, and he is more likely to cooperate with you.'

'Understood.' said Byakuya.

They parted ways, and Byakuya made his way back to Squad 6. He found Renji Abarai waiting. The red-haired man approached. 'Captain Kuchiki, we've got a problem-'

'Whatever it is, I have utmost faith in your abilities.' said Byakuya. 'I am in haste. Get in contact with Soken Ishida and tell him I must speak with him on a matter that concerns his security.'

'Well I was just going to tell you: He's dead.' said Renji.

'What?' said Byakuya.

'Yeah, he came under attack by a large swarm of hollows.' said Renji. 'It seems the Soul Reaper in charge arrived just a little too late to help-'

'Get me that Soul Reaper.' said Byakuya.

'Sir,' said Renji, 'he's not part of our division-'

'Now.' said Byakuya in a tone that brooked no argument.

The Stealth Force got him first.

His name was Kowaremashita Ban'nin. He was six feet tall with a great black beard, and right now he was tied to a chair with Captain Soi Fon looming over him. He looked very afraid. And he only became more afraid as Soi Fon stared at him.

'Captain Soi Fon,' he said, 'I don't know what-'

'Yes you do.' said Soi Fon. 'You recently responded to a serious hollow alert. One where multiple hollows were attacking a human soul. You arrived just in time to defeat the hollows while having the human be dead. This human was a Quincy.'

'Yes,' he said, 'I mean, I was on the other side of town. It took me a while to get here. You can't save everyone.'

'That's perfectly believable to me.' said Soi Fon. 'It's a tale as old as time. Unfortunately for you, I've heard that tale over three hundred times tonight.' She roundhouse kicked him in the gut sending him crashing against the wall. The chair shattered, and he was free, not that it did him much good.

Leaping on him, she grabbed his hand, forcing it upwards. He struggled, she let him struggle so he could see as she put a knife under his pinkie.

'No! Please! Please don't-' he begged.

Soi Fon sliced upwards, and the finger came off. The man screamed in agony. 'Now,' said Soi Fon, 'you're going to tell me what happened. What really happened, or I'm going to start cutting pieces off you. And when you've run out of extremities I'll get creative.'

'He paid me!' screamed Ban'nin.

'Who?!' roared Soi Fon, grabbing him by the collar and throwing him against the other wall.

'I can't tell you!' he screamed. 'He'll kill me!'

'I'll do worse.' said Soi Fon, grabbing his other hand and putting a knife to it. 'Who paid you?'

'Mayuri Kuroschutchi!' Ban'nin sobbed. 'He said… he said nobody was going to miss the Quincies. He said that the Soul Society wanted them gone and that we were… we were doing a service to it.'

'Good.' said Soi Fon, arising. 'Let me tell you what is going to happen now. I'm going to see to it that your wounds are treated. You are going to go to a cell, and you are going to remain there until I call you to testify about that in court. If you don't testify, you die slowly.

'Do you understand?'

'Yes!' he screamed. 'Yes, I understand! I'll do anything!'

Soi Fon motioned to the stealth force guards standing by. 'See that he's treated. Then get him out of my sight.'

She stalked out of the room and went to her office. She found Byakuya Kuchiki waiting for her. 'Well, you were right. Mayuri Kuroschutchi has been bribing Soul Reapers to look the other way. Given his profile, he is likely experimenting on them. In these circumstances, I believe I will place him under arrest.'

'Your authority is limited.' said Byakuya. 'Captains cannot be arrested without a warrant from Head Captain Yamamoto.'

'A technicality I am well aware of.' said Soi Fon.

'The law is not a technicality.' said Byakuya. 'Let us go.'

Yamamoto looked over the evidence before him. After a long moment, he looked up, feeling very tired. He already knew how this was going to end. The fact the Kuchiki and Soi Fon did not made it all the more tragic.

'The evidence speaks for itself.' said Yamamoto. 'On my authority, enter Squad 12 and place Mayuri Kuroschutchi under arrest. There are to be no fatalities.'

'I understand.' said Byakuya.

As they turned to leave, Yamamoto looked up again. 'Captains.'

'Yes sir?' asked Soi Fon.

'See to it that Mayuri Kuroschutchi is given a painful reminder of why we have laws in the first place.' said Yamamoto.

'Understood.' said Byakuya.

This was only going to end in disappointment for all involved. Yamamoto knew it already. He might as well allow them some short term satisfaction.

Author's Note:

And I'm back! Some of you may have noticed that I took down the fic the Karakura Band. I ultimately decided to go a different direction with the story than I had first intended. And secondly decided to simply continue On the Rukongai instead of starting a new fic.