Wow, a new chapter within a reasonable amount of time. Feels weird, in a good way. Couple notes here as per usual.
One: Uploading things through the main site instead of the app does not work at all, as the transfer between my Microsoft Word files (DocX) and the Fanfiction site will not save italics or bold text when I actually try to upload it. Which sucks. It does save the larger spacing I was wanting to try, but...it still sucks.
Two: While checking the main site I realized that some more PM's from way back never made it to the app. So I'll be making a habit of checking those on my PC at home more often, though I'll still mostly be writing while I'm at work.
...I think that's it? I mean, I always think of more after I release a chapter, but oh well.
As always, thanks for stopping by.
Chapter 11 v2 update: 11-10-18. (Notes at end of chapter for spoiler avoidance.)
Chapter 11
--The Human World--
Shin hovered, or stood, several hundred feet above a sprawling city, hair blowing to the side in the stiff breeze. A Garganta placed behind him gaped open as the last of his group returned. He squinted and crouched down, watching a group of black-clothed dots move cautiously closer.
"You know," said Sung-Sun, slithering up to him – in midair, which made him raise a brow at the odd sight – "we could just eat them. It would be much more efficient than harvesting human souls."
He admitted to himself that she did have a point – Soul Reapers were naturally higher in spiritual concentration. Hollow miracle food.
Orders are orders though.
"We don't know if there's anyone down there who might actually be a problem for Adjucha, or else that'd be a great idea."
Shin let out a long sigh and she tilted her head.
"Something wrong?"
He grunted. "The whole thing with Nnoitra left a bad taste in my mouth, I guess."
Sung-Sun hummed thoughtfully until he stood, shaking himself out of his mood and motioning for her to leave. When she raised one questioning eyebrow his direction, Shin just grimaced back. Enough of the emotion made it past the mask, and she turned away with a rolling serpentine shrug. As she slipped into the portal, the Adjucha chanced one last glance back, catching a glimpse of Shin's yellow eyes as he descended.
She knew that look all too well; the look of a man in search of a distraction.
O--O--O
Hirota Yasuhide shivered in his uniform, struggling to keep his composure.
"Stay in formation!" the squad leader roared, darting forwards with his Zanpakuto raised. An instant later he could see sparks flying out of the corner of his eye as the clang of steel on steel – or something nearly as hard – rang out, sending a sharp pang through his head.
He didn't look.
Hirota heard Sayoko nearby gasp in shock, and equally distressed noises from the other squad members in the area as the noise continued, a frenzied crashing of metal punctuated by third-seat Hinamoto's grunts of exertion.
But still, he didn't look.
It wasn't that Hirota was unable to move; he simply couldn't force his mind to reconcile his life as he had known it with what was happening.
A piercing scream finally broke his stupor, and before he could stop himself, he turned.
Hinamoto was falling, trailing blood from a savage gash in his torso. Hirota's eyes followed the body's descent for a moment, uncomprehending. He looked back up to see that….thing standing above him, pale as bone, the marks on its chest like inky black lines of fire. The creature's smoldering gaze swept over them almost curiously, jagged horns glinting in the clouded sunlight, wind whipping a mane of bright orange to the side. One of its clawed hands was dyed crimson with gore.
An instant later the thing dipped to the side in an incredibly balletic movement to avoid a vertical slash from Sasaki who had appeared from behind. With a strangled cry he pursued the creature, swinging wildly. Soon after the rest of his squad leaped to attack as well.
Hirota stood frozen, just watching.
The normally agile and precise Sasaki's movements were uncoordinated in his fury; the thing simply swept in after too-wide swing, claws held rigid as it stabbed a hand straight through his chest.
Talented little Nana was the next to gain its attention, her Kido technique exploding around it in a shock of green light. Hirota saw it practically swim through the blast, taking the full brunt without any apparent effort. An instant later she fell past him; her head tumbled the opposite direction.
Takahashi, a promising new seated member of the thirteenth squad, leapt forwards next. He jumped into the blinding corona of the sun, assuming a stance with his Zanpakuto, and Hirota had a brief moment of hope. With a blurred movement, the Hollow thrust one hand up to sky, a radiant pillar of red energy firing a split second later. When it faded and he could see without squinting, not a trace of the Soul Reaper could be seen except for a quickly fading wisp of smoke high in the air.
He staggered back in shock as two more clashed with the Hollow, the creature casually catching their blades with his bare hands. He broke half of one blade off and nearly beheaded its owner with the fragment, simply letting go of the other. The wielder of it, Sayoko, cried out at the gesture, jumping up and swinging as hard as she could at the things neck; the weapon shattered against his skin like a piece of glass. In response he tossed his head back, impaling the poor woman on two feet of needle-sharp bone.
Hirota had a vision of every Hollow he had ever encountered in the past. Large, small, bestial or humanoid…nothing had prepared them for this.
He couldn't take any more – he ran.
He could hear her agonized screams and other shouts from the remaining squad members as he dashed away, blood pounding in his head hard enough to ache.
"I can't-" he gasped, trying to excuse his shameful actions to himself as much as the rest, "I can't do anything like this!"
His life was flashing before his eyes, and in the background, he could sense the life forces of his companions being snuffed out, one by one.
He had just decided to join the Seireitei and become a Soul Reaper. He waved back to his family in the Rukongai one last time, smiling bravely at their tears…
He heard another scream echo from miles back, and he could feel the sensation as sharp as a knife as another spiritual signature vanished. He sped up.
He had just graduated with flying colors from the Soul Reaper Academy. He went to see his family again for the first time in months; they were proud, though he could sense a trace of bitterness in his younger siblings' expressions…
Hirota was almost out of hearing range of the massacre, and he was hysterically thankful of that fact as he jumped over a higher building, as fast as he had ever been.
He had just been accepted into the Thirteenth squad by Captain Ukitake himself; a great honor for an unseated Soul Reaper, but the Captain's kindness was known to all. He only wished to repay that gesture someday…
"And I will…" Hirota nearly shouted this, though haggard and rough from the pace he was setting. "But I need to survive this…to inform the Captain Commander…"
If I can just live!
He was so focused on his flight he failed to notice the disappearance of the last several Shinigami presences nearby.
With the sudden sensation that he had hit a brick wall, he was jerked to a stop by the collar and thrown to a nearby rooftop in a skidding, coughing pile of limbs. He recovered enough to see the horned Hollow land nearby. Its forearms and horns were now completely drenched in blood, and several trails of the same red had run down to the things mask, painting a gruesome path.
"N-no, please…" Hirota said, abandoning any sense of pride he had left, crawling backwards until he hit the raised edge of the concrete roof. The thing stared at him, yellow gaze strangely calm for the expression etched into its mask. It took a step forward.
"No…"
It ignored his pleas, striding closer, one hand rising.
"I-I just want to live!"
To his immense surprise it paused, eyes widening the tiniest fraction and glancing down at its gore-encrusted claws.
He heard it mutter, "…To live…"
Hirota didn't know what to think. He had been under the impression that Hollows were no more capable of truly rational thought than beasts, but…here he was. Clinging to that distant possibility, he spoke.
"That's right…that's all I want. I don't want to fight you." Hirota said hesitantly. He couldn't even be sure this being was entirely sane yet. Moving as slowly as he could, he loosened the belt tying his sword to his hip, making sure it saw him dropping it to the ground.
There's no time for dignity or honor here…not if I want to walk away from this.
The Hollow tracked his movements closely, though Hirota could tell the thing wasn't worried about him in the slightest.
The sheath and hilt clattered softly as it hit the concrete. It continued to stare his direction. A faint glimmer of hope began to rise in his heart-
The Hollow's horned head turned sharply, pointing to the east: another full company of Soul Reapers could be seen in the distance, and with it his hope vanished as swiftly as they were approaching.
To his dismay the Hollow seized him by the throat an instant later, lifting him effortlessly into the air, choking and flailing. He tried to say something else, to beg, but it just fixed him with a cold stare.
"Sorry. I have my orders."
O--O--O
Rukia strained to glimpse the opponent as she and the squad around her dashed towards the combat zone. It was concerning to only sense a single Soul Reaper signature; the initial group they were trying to rendezvous with had left the Seireitei with nearly double the standard compliment.
One of the others shouted in alarm, and she moved away from her thoughts. Peering ahead, she caught a glimpse of one of their newer recruits being lifted into the air by…
What is that?
The next moment the horned creature had snapped the Soul Reaper's neck and was darting their way at a speed that was hard to believe was real.
Rukia skidded to a halt. "Brace for combat, all units-!"
She hadn't even finished her orders before the thing appeared in their midst. Screams and shouts of pain erupted as it lashed out with bloodstained claws to devastating effect; within moments three of her best were down.
Damn!
Rukia tried to strike it from behind, her blade cutting only a strand of wild orange hair as it ducked. A foot hit her in the stomach like a piston as it maneuvered, sending her hurtling into a nearby wall. Coughing away the sensation, she forced herself to stand.
She looked up just in time to witness the thingflip into the air, and she caught a glimpse of bright sunlight streaming through its torso.
So, it is a Hollow…
The report and subsequent orders from the Captain Commander about a strange creature came to the front of her mind.
"Just my luck," Rukia groaned, ignoring the pain in her sternum. Steeling herself, she signaled for the nearest Soul Reapers to cover her.
Why is it whenever I come up against a strong Hollow, a new Kido is all I have? I need to focus on training with my Zanpakuto more…
Rukia could almost see the disapproving expression in her brother's eyes at the thought that she hadn't been doing that already, and she had to stop herself from smiling at the same time as she remembered the last time a desperate Kido technique had been her only hope...
She shook away the memory, swearing to herself this would be different. Sweeping her hands together at her right hip, Rukia began to concentrate. The few surrounding squad members readied their weapons, determined to defend her until it was ready.
Remember the incantation…
She spoke as if to command respect from the heavens themselves as she began.
"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation…"
The Hollow was dodging three fighters at once in a dazzling display of acrobatics – until he seemed to grow tired of it, letting of their blades spark off of his form as he struck back with lethal effect.
"…flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man!"
The tips of her index and middle fingers on both hands began to shine a brilliant blue, and streams of energy started flowing in.
The sudden spike of reiatsu had the Hollow glancing over, eyes narrowed.
"On the wall of blue flame..."
In a blurred movement the three Soul Reapers were flung away and he was sprinting her direction, only to be intercepted by the surrounding group in a crash of steel.
"...inscribe a twin lotus!" she stated, determined to see this through.
The creature was continually foiled at every turn, vanishing and reappearing to the sides only to be stopped again and again. Rukia heard it swear violently and almost stumbled on her words. It sounded surprisingly…human.
"In the abyss of conflagration…"
After failing a final attempt, the Hollow jumped back, a bright red orb gathering in its palm-
"Bakudo seventy-three: Tozansho!" Another Soul Reaper shouted, and a shimmering triangular prism of blue energy instantly formed around the Hollow. They could see its eyes widen just before the inside of the barrier erupted with a colossal noise. A moment later the technique shattered from the force, haze spilling out into the sky. Rukia heard another low curse, and she could see a clawed hand emerge through the cloud.
"...wait at the far heavens!" she cried, finally finishing the incantation. Thrusting both hands forwards, the power shimmering at her fingertips, she gathered it all into the point where her palms met. The remaining members of her squad scattered.
"Hado seventy-three: Soren Sokatsui!"
The spell rocketed out from her tiny body, engulfing the entire skyline for nearly a mile in a blinding and destructive wave of blue-white energy. Rukia was pushed back by the sheer power of the blast, a little shocked herself at the result. She'd been practicing the Kido for months, but this is the first time she had managed to produce an attack with such potency.
The last vestiges of the blast faded into the distance with only a lingering cloud of smoke remaining, and she collapsed to her knees, weak with both the exertion and relief. She was soon joined by the last half dozen of her comrades, who were just as elated as they showered her with praise.
"Well done, Lieutenant!"
"I doubt anyone else in the Seireitei could manage something like that so fast, either."
There were murmurs of agreement from several as she smiled tiredly, eyes tracing over them.
So few left…
"That was a good hit, Shinigami."
The statement cut through their conversation like a knife, and they turned back to see the smoke blow away in the wind, the Hollow emerging entirely unscathed. He crossed his arms, head tilting in a question. "Should I hope for more like that, or...?"
Several in the group took several fearful steps back. Nobody spoke for a time until Rukia managed to stand.
"All of you…retreat."
With a start they began to protest, only to be cut off as she continued, finding herself incredibly calm for the situation.
"And that...is an order."
O--O--O
Shin watched as the tiny woman ordered the rest to leave, eyes alighting on the ornate wooden badge tied to her left arm above her uniform.
"Their superior?" he wondered to himself; it would make a certain amount of sense, she was the only one among them who had managed to stop him for more than a second or two.
By the time he'd realized this the remaining six had begun to sprint away the opposite direction from him, and he let out an annoyed sigh.
What a waste of time.
Shin leapt, blurring forwards into a Sonido and reappearing just ahead of the furthest runner. The man barely noticed him before he swung one claw forwards – only to be deflected in a loud clang. He blinked in genuine surprise to see the same woman from before swinging at his face the next instant.
The rest darted away as she managed to keep him occupied, much to his growing pleasure; the task of eliminating witnesses faded to the back of his mind.
"You're full of surprises for being so small," he remarked, parrying her weapon again and again. The shadow of an irritated expression crossed her face and she responded with a swift jab to his sternum, the blade sparking off.
"Then," she snarled, taking one hand off of the hilt and readying into a different stance, "you'll love this."
In a blink she was above and behind, kicking off the top of his head with enough force to send him staggering off balance. With the open hand she gestured out to the side, shouting "Bakudo four: Hainawa!"
With a lightning fast movement, a crackling yellow rope of energy formed around her clenched fist and she whipped it his direction. The spell hit his arm, winding around the rest of his body and holding him tight before he was able to recover. Holding her sword hand above the other, the woman rapidly muttered another incantation, finally gesturing with the same hand holding the previous spell.
"Bakudo sixty-one: Rikujokoro!"
The bindings around Shin suddenly morphed, shifting into six identical slats of the same yellow color that extended in each cardinal direction with a snap – Shin found with an unpleasant start that he couldn't move a single inch, regardless of the fact that the strange spell was now only directly around his midsection. The instant it finished he sensed a large spike in power behind him, and he realized with a start that the technique was only there to buy time.
"Shit!" Shin strained as hard as he could against the restraints, and while tiny cracks appeared, he was no closer to breaking free.
With a twinge, a bolt of sharp pain shot though his head – and he knew exactly what to do.
O--O--O
Immediately after her spell took effect Rukia slid into a ready stance with her Zanpakuto, gathering power rapidly.
"Dance…Sode no Shirayuki."
In a flash her blade transformed, assuming it's gleaming white form in instant readiness.
And next…
Her lips parted, preparing for the second dance; she didn't want to be any closer to this creature than she had to be. She made four quick taps in the air facing forwards, tiny particles of ice streaming from the points of contact.
"Tsugi no mai: Hak-"
Her final word was cut off by a massive wave of spiritual pressure, and she was pushed backwards from the sheer force. The air thickened, gravity itself seeming to weigh her down.
Straining to see through the brilliant red shine, Rukia could just barely make out the Hollow's form in the center, still bound by her Kido.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" The horned man let out a strained roar, and she felt the energy rise sharply.
"He's trying to break it through power alone? But that's…" she murmured, standing once again. At the thought, a single memory from months ago rose to the front of her mind.
Not impossible…
She almost laughed at herself for the thought, and the strange similarities between now and back then. A single soul exceeding all expectations, one after the other.
"Except now, it's this thing." Rukia said aloud, almost in chagrin.
One last surge from the Hollow and the restraints shattered like so much broken glass. He turned, bright yellow eyes narrowing upon seeing her again.
Another wave of his energy washed over her, and she was so caught up in thought it took her a moment to realize the familiar sensation wasn't simply in her mind – she had felt that signature before.
Eyes widening, Rukia had to force herself to shake that sensation away. The young man she'd failed to save had nothing to do with this.
As the Hollow closed the distance in a single leap, she deflected him to the side in a rain of sparks, using the momentum to keep her distance. Unconsciously, her eyes traced over him again as he moved to strike.
Young, the body itself couldn't be older than late teens…
Rukia sent an explosive spell shooting forth; he spun past in a show of agility.
He's clearly used to physical exertion, and tall for his age besides. Was he like that in life as well?
She brought her blade up as the Hollow clashed with her again, striking quickly with his bare hands. She frowned at the claws she saw there, noting the shock of crimson fur at the wrists. She caught the metallic glint of something hidden at their base before he flipped over her head. She swiped after him in response, hopping away. His fiery mane of hair caught the light as he turned.
It's the same unusual color.
Rukia tried to shake away the thought, but it clung to her like a barnacle. She dodged a wide swipe, glancing at the skull-faced helmet encasing his head.
No way to see his face. Even so…
With a grunt of effort she put her full weight into her sword, shoving the Hollow away.
What am I doing? I'm barely holding my own here, I don't have any time for this.
But still…
O--O--O
The Shinigami sent another flurry of blows skating off his skin, huffing in effort as she avoided the full brunt of his retaliatory swipe. She hopped out of arms reach afterwards, panting, wincing at each move, blood matting her black robes from the newest wound. Still she stood strong, the grip on her Zanpakuto still firm.
Shin could tell the woman was examining him closer the longer the fight went on; he wouldn't really care, except for the fact that he wanted her full attention on the battle. Her finesse in combat alone made this one of the more enjoyable bouts he'd had yet, and the varied spells or techniques she mixed in made it much more interesting. Along with a sudden large spike in her spiritual pressure the tiny woman had unleashed with a shout of 'limit release', this had resulted in a surprising challenge, even if she was having a difficult time truly holding her own.
Tier might even have a good time with this. Then again, she does actually have a weapon…
The blade skated off his forearm once more, locking with the claws on the other hand afterwards – he was startled to see the anger in the Shinigami's eyes had faded away, her mouth opening. She hesitated before speaking.
"What is your name, Hollow?"
His brow furrowed. Of all the things he had expected from her, this wasn't one of them.
"Shin," he said, wary and slightly hopeful of any more tricks she might pull out – she hadn't disappointed him yet.
"And was that your name in life?"
What's she getting at?
"I've got the Hollow equivalent of amnesia, so no."
Shin saw her eyes widen ever so slightly, and he stepped back. "What's this about?" he demanded, already itching to resume the fight; anything to distract him from the issue at hand.
The tip of her blade wavered at the question, descending to hang at her side a moment later. Shin watched it fall, feeling the strangest sense of déjà vu. Her next words set his blood on fire.
"I believe I may have known you."
Impossible.
The knee-jerk reaction was the only thing he could think of. The chances alone…
Then why have you been holding back?
The whispers had returned, and without thinking he responded, clinging to any refuge as his thoughts whirled.
All I wanted was to make this fight last as long as possible.
You had plenty of chances to hit her harder. Every other weak Shinigami here that you ripped apart can attest to that.
But I've no idea who the hell she is.
If that was true, you wouldnt recognize her.
A hazy image of an unusually wide, toothy smile appeared in his head.
And you do recognize that woman...don't you?
Shin forced himself to look at her, unconsciously searching. Raven-black hair, a calm but uncertain gaze. She wore the typical uniform of the Soul Reapers well, though…
The badge on her arm is new.
He staggered at the realization, the familiarity striking his fragile mind like a bullet.
"Who...?" was all he managed to croak out, though the situation had appeared to affect her as dramatically as it had him.
"My…my name is Rukia Kuchiki."
With a flash he was suddenly inside a memory, and through the shock Shin realized it was his own.
A dark and shadowed street, blood clearly visible on the pavement even in the moonlight streaming down.
A crumbling hole in the nearby building – his home – gaped open, several faint silhouettes inside.
He was sprawled out on the road, lifeblood gushing out from a horrific bite across his entire torso, limbs bent at unnatural angles. His mind fading, he could see the same woman. She was staring at him from across the street, sorrow evident in her eyes. She had tried to save him…
"…My name." Shin said quietly, the question seeming apparent. The Shinigami, Rukia, struggled with some internal conflict for a brief moment.
Then she spoke.
O--O--O
Rukia said the name, quietly, hoping against all hope that she was still wrong.
The Hollow's glowing yellow eyes shut. He fell to his knees, and she felt his reiatsu suddenly vanish.
An instant later, a jagged fissure ran down the center of his mask with an ear-splitting crack.
And the world erupted into crimson light.
--The Seireitei, First Division Hall—
Seven captains of the Court Guard Squads stood to the sides of the hall, resplendent in their white Haori. Their lieutenants and a large group of other Shinigami kept a respectable distance behind them, doing their best not to be the first to break the stifling silence that had fallen since the last report.
At the head of the chamber, Genryuusai Yamamoto leaned on his worn wooden cane, deep in thought.
The last report from the scouts and the research division was that the odd interference stopping them from forming a Senkaimon near the incident had finally been breached. The few survivors from the attack that had returned had reported the same; they had been unable to create a portal back to the Soul Society until they had reached a sufficient distance from the fight.
The Captain Commander had immediately ordered an investigation and had as many available personnel from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads gather.
Captain Komamura of the Seventh Division stood to his left, a full head and shoulders above the norm, covered as per usual from head to toe with massive armored gauntlets and a cylindrical bucket helmet. He noticed Yamamoto's eyes, inclining his head in quiet deference.
Next to him, in a rather drastic difference of height, Captain Soifon of the Second Division and the leader of the Secret Corps had her arms folded, eyes constantly scanning the room, an unbecoming scowl permanently affixed to her fine features. Every so often anonymous and indistinguishable black-robed personnel appeared with a soft noise next to her, murmuring a few words into her ear before vanishing once more.
The head of the medical section and the Fourth Division of the Seireitei, Captain Unohana, was the last on his left. Hands held at her front atop her long braid of hair, she affected a calm and relaxed air; though he could still detect traces of concern whenever Soifon's scouts left without any real news.
To the Commanders right, Captain Zaraki of the Eleventh squad was tapping his foot impatiently, the tiny bells on the ends of his flashily spiked hair ringing softly with each movement. With the news of this unusual Hollow, the volatile man had nearly disobeyed orders to go charging out alone.
Captain Hitsugaya was the next in line, and while young in appearance, he did appear to be holding his composure better than most in the room. One ice-blue eye opened at the Commanders survey, glancing his way curiously. A tiny shake of his grizzled head had the young man resuming his silent vigil.
Standing next to him was by far the most unusual member of the Seireitei, Captain Kurotsuchi. With an odd side-sweeping headdress and pastel-white features, the head of the Thirteenth Division and the science team cut a distinctive figure as he toyed with some sort of device in his long-fingered hands.
The final was Captain Kuchiki of the Sixth Division, decorative sash adorning the top of his white coat. No emotion showed in either his stance or features; surprising, considering his own sister was still unaccounted for.
With a clatter, the doors of the hall swung open, three separate members of the reconnaissance squad darting forwards to kneel in front of the assembled forces.
"Your reports," he grumbled out, not willing to waste any time with formalities.
"Sir!" they said in perfect chorus.
"All signs of Hollow activity have ceased in the targeted area."
"The bodies of the deceased have been recovered."
The third didn't speak immediately, seeming to glance towards Byakuya apprehensively.
"Lieutenant Kuchiki is still missing, sir. Her Zanpakuto was found near where she was last seen. I have already confirmed that it is still tied to the Lieutenant, but no trace of her spiritual pressure remained at the site."
The man produced a rolled bundle of cloth from somewhere in his robes, tugging open the ties holding it together to reveal Rukia's weapon nestled in its folds. The blade was scorched and chipped, but still intact.
The appearance of the Zanpakuto provided both a relief and a sobering question to all in the room. The Lieutenant was clearly still alive, but where? No Shinigami would ever willingly leave their weapon behind.
The front doors clattered open once more to reveal Akon, panting from exertion.
"Apologies, Captain Commander, but-"
"Unnecessary. What have you found?"
With a quick glance towards Kurotsuchi, who rolled his eyes rather disdainfully, he straightened out of his half-bow.
"We were able to detect the anomaly just like in the Northern region last week." Akon placed a tiny round sphere on the floor, which began to project a glowing image in the air much like the monitors in his own lab. It showed the very same overlay as before as well, the blue grid showing distinct spikes in spiritual pressure. The time lapse started, and all in the room could see a small green dot with Rukia Kuchiki's name hovering over it intersecting with a large red marker, labeled only 'unknown'.
Several in the room gasped as the red icon suddenly ballooned out, nearly wide enough to encompass the entire visible map. A moment later, a minute in actual time, the red shrank very slightly, then suddenly vanished along with the Lieutenant's icon. Where they had been remained a single square symbol flashing with an entirely different signature with strange letters hovering over it, before that too disappeared. Akon rewound it slightly so that the strange marker was frozen in place. His own captain stepped closer, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"If I'm not mistaken, and I seriously doubt that I am, that appears to be a Garganta."
Akon nodded solemnly, murmurs spreading through the room's occupants.
Yamamoto raised one wrinkled hand to silence the chatter, motioning for the man to continue. Wiping his horned forehead tiredly, Akon went on. "Once the gate closed, all traces of Lieutenant Kuchiki's reiatsu vanished. We can surmise she's now in Hueco Mundo, but…"
"But we cannot yet open the Garganta ourselves," Captain Kurotsuchi finished, looking displeased at the statement.
Many eyes fell upon Byakuya at the words, who didn't seem to react more than to turn very slightly towards the Commander.
Yamamoto examined the dark-haired man as he spoke, his full station seeming to weigh him down with what he had to say. "Even so, we cannot risk a venture into that dark world. Not with such an unknown factor to deal with."
The captain stared at him for a brief moment before giving the slightest of nods, eyes closing.
My condolences, young Kuchiki.
"Raise the security around the Seireitei to maximum alert," he barked, sending the room into a buzz of activity. "Captain Kurotsuchi, analyze what you can with the data available and continue your research into the Garganta immediately." The pale man strode off without a word, Akon following closely behind.
"Recall all outbound squads as well, I will not have any more unnecessary casualties."
A choir of 'yes, commander' rang out and the majority of the room dispersed quickly, Zaraki in particular looking annoyed and restless as he stomped out. Yamamoto sat back on his chair, exhaling heavily, hands kneading the top of his cane.
I'd thought myself past having to sacrifice the young…foolish.
His own Lieutenant, Sasakibe, stepped to his side. They traded a meaningful look before the other aged man took his leave, likely to organize the returning parties. The Commander watched him go, letting a rare sigh part his beard.
"May all possible luck be with you, Rukia Kuchiki."
Author Note:
I fucked up!
So, as several people mentioned in the comments (thank you), I didn't make the power scale in that last fight with Rukia very clear. A fairly simple mistake, as the writer I sometimes feel like the details I have set in my mind make it to the actual chapter when they, uh...don't. Not always, at least.
Again, my mistake. I have now edited that part slightly for clarity. And for more clarity, as I did have my friend/editor ask about this as well, you can consider the Seireitei around the same level as they were at the start of the Hueco Mundo arc in canon Bleach. Rukia wasn't stuck in a weird gigai all this time, she's been training, etc, etc.
Another thing, I will definitely be putting that bold note at the start of the chapters that I go back to, mainly for typos and consistency updates.
I still want to work on chapter 4. Definitely could use some tuning.