Heeeeey...long time no see, eh?

It's definitely been too long, sorry sorry sorry, I'm a horrible updater haha. Anyways, I made a few changes to canon in this little ol' chappie, so if there are differences from the main storyline, they were most likely made on purpose (like Juushiro not being sick in bed). This chapter isn't action punch full or anything, just mostly a 'get us where we need to be to see action' type of chapter, so I'm sorry if it's disappointing or lacking.

As always, please feel free to review, favorite, follow...whatever brings your heart content. Also, a special thank you to those who have done the previous actions so far even though I'm a horrible terrible no good stinker that doesn't update on a proper schedule. Bad me, bad bad bad.

Disclaimer: Bleach not mine, (cries in corner) Ashwina and all involved company of Ashwina mine (leaps for joy)

Bounty

Chapter 6

"shit shit shit shit shit shit shit..."

Hanataro Yamada, Seventh seat of the Fourth Division, stood slouched in front of the Sixth Division cell block. His droopy blue eyes clouded by a sleep deprived haze as he mindlessly swept away the dirt from the doorway. He had just finished cleaning and attending to Rukia Kuchiki's previous cell before being asked (bullied into) cleaning the front of the building as well. The Sixth division officers were huddled in the barracks, gossiping about the Captain meeting currently underway.

"SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT!"

Sluggishly, the dark haired boy looked up from his sweeping, watching dazedly as a shadow fell from the sky.

"SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!"

WHAM

Blinking once, Hanataro's eyes widened at the sight of smooth rounded flesh pressed against his face. "Fucking hell that hurt!" Suddenly, the two rounded peaks were replaced by wide startling green eyes. "Yo, you hurt little dude?" Slowly, his gaze focused, taking in a shock of bright silver hair, as well as two pink lips, pulled low into a scowl. "Dude, can you hear me?" A hand waved in front of his face, fingers snapping quickly.

Scoffing, the girl stood up, stretching once to the side before glaring back down at him. "Real good work Ashwina, first you get chased all over this damn place, and now you've gone and knocked out a shinigami. Real smooth." Sighing once, the girl looked back down, noticing a deep flush working it's way up the small man's neck. "H-hey, you a'ight man? I mean, I didn't hit ya that hard...did I?" She took a step forward, her hand reaching out to touch the shinigami's forehead. To Hanataro, all he could see was a shining beautiful silhouette, reaching towards him from the heavens above.

"FIND THE INFILTRATOR! SHE WAS LAST SEEN HEADING THIS WAY!"

"Fuck." The girl looked around quickly, her eyes glaring at the building behind her before she glanced back down at the now slouching up shinigami. "Listen little dude, I don't got time to waste, so just keep your mouth shut and pretend I was never here." With that, she disappeared, leaving the faintest hint of blue smoke where she had last been standing.

Hanataro blinked again, his head pounding slightly, but there was the lightest feeling of heat still coloring his cheeks. Suddenly, footsteps landed all around him, he looked up in confusion as fifteen shinigami and Captain Kuchiki stood around him, their hands held to the hilts of their zanpakuto. Cold amethyst eyes fell on the Seventh seat, and he unconsciously wished they were green instead.

"Seventh Seat Yamada, have you seen anyone pass through here?" Captain Kuchiki's cold voice broke the trance like state of the poor man's mind. He looked around once, his eyes clearing, shining with more life then they had in the past week. Quickly, he nodded, a small smile lifting his lips. "Describe the person to me."

The biggest, goofiest smile took over the normally shy man's face as he envisioned the woman that had been here only moments ago. "An absolute angel."

24 Hours earlier

The cell was kept darkened and cold, furnished by only bars and one chair. Rukia Kuchiki sat perfectly still, her back straight and posture befitting of a noble. Her violet eyes were half lidded from exhaustion. She had barely slept since her arrest, her only past time was to sit and stare at the stone wall.

Suddenly, a bright light flooded the cell, the bars' shadows racing across the floor and up the wall. The sudden noise of her jail cell's door creaking open brought her mind back to the present. She merely turned her head, those dark sleepless eyes staring coldly behind her, taking in the presence of lieutenant Renji Abarai and four guards dressed completely in white.

"What is it Renji? Isn't it a bit early for my execution?"

"The execution will take place fourteen days from now." Renji stepped inside the cell, his mind clouded by discomfort as he told his oldest friend of her impending death. "I need to transfer you to the repent tower, Shishin Jail."

Rukia merely nodded, her head turning back to stare at the wall. It seemed their conversation was over, so the guards moved forward, attaching the reiatsu suppressors to a red collar around the prisoners neck. They then stood her up and tied her hands securely behind her back, a thick cord connected from her bound wrists to her collar, before draping four white cloths over her head.

Minutes later, they were leading her across the bridge. No words were spoken the entire time, not even Rukia made a noise. Once inside Shishin Jail, the reiatsu suppressing cords were undone, removing the four cloths from her head. Rukia remained quiet, looking directly ahead at the plain white wall of her new cell.

"...Do you see that, Rukia?" Renji's voice echoed deeply, bouncing off the high walls of the repent tower. "Through that window.." Rukia slowly looked up, her eyes focusing on the familiar sight outside of the window. A grand cliff face stared back, at the top of it stood a large wooden frame with a giant and wicked bladed staff, side by side. "Sou Kyoku, that'll be used for your execution."

Yes, this cliff was a very familiar sight to Rukia. During her years as a shinigami, this cliff was always a strong symbol of justice, the proof that crime was punished. It was the center of the Seretei, it's greatest weapon.

Yet now...

It only symbolized death.

The guard removed her bounds, prattling on about why this place was called the Repent tower. She felt the bindings loosen, yet did not move. Her eyes were glued on the sight of her soon-to-be execution. A slight twisting in her gut proved she was indeed afraid to die, yet her heart was calm. The image of a young man with bright orange hair flashed in the back of her mind. Her heart was indeed calm, knowing she was saving the innocent life of that boy.

"Listen to this." Suddenly, Renji was leaning over her shoulder, his hand hot against her skin even through the clothing. "It's an unconfirmed report, but the other day, some troublemakers tried to break into the soul society..."

Why was he telling her this?

"They were a group of five."

What use was gossip for the damned?

"One of them was a shinigami..."

Rukia's eyes slowly widened, realization beginning to flood her being.

"He had a sword as long as he was tall and had orange colored hair."

She turned suddenly, her eyes wide at Renji's words.

However, he had already turned and began walking away, the door slamming shut behind him. Her eyes still wide, Rukia's hands slowly curled into fists as she watched the last trickle of light diminish as the door sealed shut.

Damn him.

How could that bastard tell her something like that?

The calm beat of her heart suddenly spiked, and Rukia fell to her knees in despair. Her resolve was shaken.

"...Ichigo..."

Beneath the bridge, a quiet and shadowed figure watched as Renji and the guards carried on their way, their footsteps slowly fading away. Sweat clung to the fair skin, dripping into bright green eyes. Letting out a long sigh, Ashwina quietly scrambled across the last few feet of the bridge, before squeezing herself into the space between the rocky cliff face and the metal of the bridge's platform.

With another quick glance, she nodded to herself in relief as the guards and Renji disappeared before pulling a small black box from her pocket. Pushing the button on the side, she watched with a mild twitch of her eyebrow as a small icon that looked suspiciously like a smiling chibi Urahara face blinked rapidly to life before the screen turned a complete white. Pushing the center button, she waited until a chibi black cat's face blinked across the screen.

"Mayday Mayday; this is Batman to Catman, do you copy Catman? Over."

Ichigo's P.O.V.

Closing my eyes, I concentrated solely on the task at hand, desperately trying to clear my mind. I breathed in heavily, trying to strain my body to its max. Sweat was beginning to prickle my skin, beads of salty water slowly running down my cheek as I breathed out.

"Oh, Orihime-dono, very well done. You sure are a fast learner."

Inhale.

"Ishida-dono, very nice!"

Exhale.

"Sado-dono! So much raw power!"

Exhale.

I heard footsteps approach me, they stopped directly in front of my spot.

"Ichigo-Dono..."

Breathing steadily, I pushed more of my power. My body was starting to feel the strain of my muscles being flexed constantly.

"Ichigo-dono..."

Another droplet of sweat ran over my eyelids. Inhaling, I waited, still pushing my body as hard as I could.

"It's terrible! Are you even trying?! I can't bare to watch this anymore!"

"I think he just doesn't have the talent."

I threw that stupid fucking orb straight at their faces, watching in irritation as the muscled freaks flew back still shouting about how terrible my talent was. Veins pulsed angrily under my skin as I glared at them. These guys were pissing me off.

"I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING THAT YOU SAID! USE A HUMAN LANGUAGE DAMMIT!" Huffing angrily, I glared at my friends who all watched me with concerned looks on their faces. Inhaling deeply, I turned away and concentrated on that damn orb again. I tried to picture the reiatsu fueled shield that should be surrounding my body, but seriously, this shit doesn't make any damn sense!

"Kurosaki-san?"

I grunted, focusing on the task at hand rather then the pitiful looks of my friends. It was starting to piss me off, even that Ganju guy was looking at my pitifully. If Ashwina was here, she'd be...well she'd be laughing her ass off at me and calling me a loser. Or that idiot would probably be right next to me, not even able to make this stupid shield either, but there wouldn't be pity in those green eyes.

My shoulders slumped slightly at the thought of the silver haired girl. We still hadn't had any word from her. Yuroichi had told me not to worry and that Ashwina could handle it, but it had been over 24 hours. We don't even know if she had successfully infiltrated the shinigami or not. 'I better not have to rescue that idiot to.' I sighed again before shaking my head, I have to concentrate.

"Mayday Mayday."

Everyone suddenly froze, the distorted voice echoed once before a loud static noise took its place. We looked around, trying to find the source of the noise. "Mayday, this is Batman to Catman, do you copy Catman? Over." Slowly, we turned to stare at the sleeping cat, stretched out along the wall as the static continued. "OY! YOU BETTER NOT BE SLEEPING YOU STUPID FURBALL! Over." Yuroichi suddenly sat up, his eyes wide as a blue holographic screen appeared in front of his face. "Ashwina!"

Dropping the orb, I ran over to where the cat was, the others following me. "Ashwina!" On the side of the screen facing Yuroichi was a clear picture of the silver haired girl, she smirked at us as she lit a cigarette. "Sup." She gave a little wave as we all huddled behind the black cat. There was a collective sigh of relief from the group as we watched her take a long drag from her cigarette. "How is the merry band of kiddo's tonight? Over."

"Happy to know that you're not dead, you idiot!" I couldn't help but yell at the girl, she was being so nonchalant, completely unconcerned by the fact she had the rest of us worried to death. "I'm sorry, I couldn't copy that. You have to say over when you're done speaking, over." I growled at the hologram, her damn smirk just ticking me off. "You haven't contacted us for over 24 hours, and now you're going to be a jokester?" She just stared, her mouth still held in that smirk. Huffing, I crossed my arms before rolling my eyes as well. "Over."

"That's better. Now, cool it, dude. I had a lot of important spy business to attend to. Batman is the best vigilante out there, have more faith, over." Her voice sounded tired, drained of energy. I leaned forward, taking a good look at her.

There were deep bags under her eyes, and one eye had a completely bloodied scelera from broken blood vessels. Her normally vibrant green eyes were dull, missing the spark she usually had. Not to mention, there were dozens of broken vessels covering her face and neck. She looked like hell, to put it simply.

"You don't look so good, Ashwina-san," Orihime'e voice was quiet, she was frowning with concern. "Ah, over." Ashwina cracked a tired smile at that. Everyone was staring at the girl with concern. "Aa, it's all good. Just the after effects from some of my powers, no worries Space cadet." She gave a lazy salute, her eyes glancing around quickly. "Anyways, I come with news on Jailbird. Over."

"What have you found out?" Yuroichi rolled his eyes, "Over." The cat stood up then, the screen growing larger so we could all see. "She's got 14 days now, they just moved her to some giant white tower." Ashwina glance around quickly, before moving whatever device she had to show something completely white and stone. "Shishin Jail. Over." The cat sighed, his eyes narrowing as the picture blurred before refocusing on Ashwina. "That isn't good. We have less time then anticipated. Over." The silver haired girl nodded slowly, her eyelids drooping slightly. "Yeah, you guys need to get here soon. These morons are dead set on this execution. Not to mention, they just called an emergency captain's meeting, so I gotta somehow get into that shit now. Over."

"Yes, that would be wise. Those meetings will give us the highest amount of information on their plans with Rukia. Since we're also on their radar, I can only imagine we'll be discussed as well." There was a tired laugh from the screen. "Oh you have no idea what a ruckus that idiot dandelion head has started, man. These morons are running around like chickens with no heads."

"Oy, don't talk about me as if I'm not even here." I glared at the girl as she smirked tiredly at me. "What else have you found out? Do you know where she's going to be executed?"

"I didn't hear an Over, were you done speaking? Over."

"Yes dammit...Over."

"Yeah, they're taking her up to that big cliff with the big spear thing. I guess it's pretty big for someone to get sentenced to execution, everyone's gossiping like little girls about it. Anyways, how are you getting in? All the gates are heavily guarded, not to mention they apparently have a barrier around this shitty city. Over."

I nodded at her, picking up the stupid orb to show her. "Yeah, we know. We're being blasted through the barrier by a cannon. I'm not sure how it works, but somehow we form the cannonball with our spirit energy."

"Woah! Rewind that man!" She blinked at us, and I couldn't help but be relieved at the sudden spark of life that entered her voice. "You guys are being shot into the seretei? That's so fucking cool! What the hell, I always miss the good shit! I'm fucking stuck in this boring toilet bowl of an afterlife, watching these morons prance around while you guys are getting ready to be shot out of a cannon?!"

I couldn't help it, laughter erupted from my mouth at how upset she was at the fact that she wasn't able to be shot thousands of feet into the air in a small bubble of reiatsu. It was ridiculous. She was steaming from the ears pissed about something I didn't even want to do.

"Oy, don't laugh you dolt! You're hogging all the fun, don't sit there and laugh while I have to sleep in trees and pretend to be a shinigami! Ugh...I always get stuck with the boring shit!"

"Oh yeah, cause just being able to transport yourself isn't fun? I'd rather be doing that you idiot. I don't even know how to make this stupid cannonball!"

She just stared at me, her eyes half lidded before she broke out into laughter. "Oh shut up, you're such a whiny baby. Man up and make the stupid thing already."

A vein pulsed in my head as I pushed my head against the screen. "What do you mean, man up? I've been trying for hours, these idiots just don't know how to explain anything."

"Wonderboy already did it, didn't he? That's why you're so irritated, huh dandelion head." I turned my head away, scowling at the wall. She was right, but I wasn't going to admit that. "So what if he got it? They didn't explain it right at all."

She shook her head at me, smirking widely. She knew she was right, but it felt so good that someone wasn't looking at me pitifully. "Alright, well then explain it to me."

I dead panned, a sweat drop forming on my head as I stared disbelievingly at her. "What do you mean explain it to you? I don't even know what it is."

"So what, just tell me what you think you know, man. It's not that hard." I stared at her for a couple of seconds, realizing she was being completely serious. "Okay...well..." I picked up the orb, holding it in front of my face so she could see it. "Somehow, I have to concentrate my spirit energy into this stupid thing by tapping into my power source..." I watched as she nodded, smoke lazily exiting her mouth as she watched me. "And somehow, that makes a ball of reiatsu around me, but it has to be steady so it doesn't break on impact."

"Okay, what's so complicated about that, dude?" Her eyes were bright then, full of life, as she stared me down. I shook my head, a small smile tilting at my lips as I realized how over complicated I had made this whole situation. "Nothing at all." Lifting my head up, I smirked at her as I pumped my energy into the ball. Suddenly, a light blue wave of energy surrounded me before solidifying into a perfect sphere around my body.

She smirked at me, and I noticed some of the broken blood vessels on her face had started fading, leaving smooth unblemished pale skin. "Idiot, you make things so complicated." I smirked back at her, letting the ball fade away. "Yeah, well at least I get to be shot out of a cannon while little old you has to sit and watch those idiots have a meeting."

"Ha, moron, at least I'm already in the Seretei!"

"Yeah, but I get a much cooler entrance! I bet no one even noticed you!"

"They're not supposed to, you moron, that's why it's called infiltrating!"

Smirking brightly, I turned back to my friends as I heard Ganju announce that dinner was ready. Uryu was watching me with narrowed eyes while Orihime smiled brightly by his side. Chad merely gave a thumbs up, silent as always before turning to follow Ganju out of the room. "Aa, well, have fun playing spy cause tomorrow we'll be joining you," I looked back at the screen, smirking confidently only to realize the screen was gone.

"Ashwina?" I could feel my stomach lurch as I stared at the place the screen had been before dragging my eyes down to the equally as shocked feline.

Yuroichi was standing stock still, his fur raised on end at the sudden disappearance of the screen. "It got disconnected," Turning back towards us, the cat narrowed his eyes. "This isn't good, someone blocked the frequency our communication device is on." My stomach lurched again as the only thought racing through my head was of Ashwina being cut down, where we couldn't reach her.

"You don't think they got her, do you?"

The cat shook his head, his ears laying back flat. "No, they would have let it be caught on camera as a warning to us. They don't know where she's at, they only found the frequency patterns and disconnected them." He stood up, walking slowly towards us. "This is a warning, they know she's there and they know we're here. We need to get into the Seretei as quickly as possible, it's only a matter of time before they find her now."

An uneasy feeling settled deep in my gut at that thought. We had to get into the Seretei as soon as possible. Both Rukia and Ashwina depended on it.

Ashwina's P.O.V.

I glared at the defective piece of junk in my hand, smacking it a couple times, but nothing happened. "Fucking piece of shit, Urahara's such a cheapskate." I sighed, realizing just how tired I actually was. However, I had to find a better place to rest, and soon before all of my power supplies were depleted.

The last 24 hours had reaped the living hell out of my energy. Transforming wasn't an art I had mastered, unlike that old hag. It was a bitch to maintain, and for a whole day? Let's just say I'm glad that I didn't have a mirror at that point. My entire being ached from the energy drain. Luckily, it hadn't run out while I was surrounded by all those shinigami or else, I'd probably be sitting chained to a wall just like tha brat we were trying to save. Real help that would've been.

Yawning widely, I slowly crept out from the crevice, keeping an eye out for any guards or shinigami. There were a few patrols making their rounds, but they hadn't made it to the center yet. It only gave me a small window of time to move. Honestly, I'd rather just jump to wherever the others were, at least there I could sleep comfortably. And get shot out of a cannon. 'Lucky brats,' I grumbled quietly under my breath as I made small jumps towards the first division.

The captain and Lieutenants' meetings were to be held early in the morning, in the First Division barracks. The only reasonable plan I could formulate was to find a hiding spot there, and wait until morning. Hopefully catch a few Z's in between, but that was just wishful thinking. Being so close to him meant I had to keep my energy in complete check.

I scoffed at that thought, there was barely any energy left to be kept in check.

A sudden patter of footsteps caught my ear, I quickly turned the corner and ducked back, hopefully blending into the deep shadows. Six shinigami went running past, a large lantern guiding their way. It momentarily lit up the alley, but thankfully didn't reach the far corner I was pushed up against. I saw a couple glance into the alleyway, their eyes hard and tired. 'Well, at least I'm not the only sleep deprived person in this place.'

After they were gone, the light vanishing around the corner, I slid out from the wall, stumbling slightly over my own two feet. "Fuck, get your shit together dude." I glanced up and down the street, but there were no more approaching patrols. Silently, I started on a leisurely stroll. Better to see them and have time to hide then be caught surprised in the middle of a dead end.

I didn't meet any more patrols as I found my way, the First Division's gate loomed just ahead. Two sentries were posted there, keeping guard as the talked quietly among themselves. 'Shit...' I didn't have the energy to jump straight inside the barracks, and there was no way I could transorm either. Plus, there was no way I was getting over those big ass walls without being noticed. I sighed, realizing there was only one option left. 'I have to get energy, and fast.'

Slowly, I began walking towards the gate, my hands shoved deep in my pockets. I let a grin pull up on my lips, hoping against everything that these two were compete idiots that thought I was just a wondering soul who had somehow snuck into this god forsaken place.

Luck was not on my side tonight.

I sighed as two veeery sharp spears pointed threateningly into my face. The men were average looking, one with blue eyes, the other with brown; they were both scowling at me, weary eyes narrowed into slits. "Who are you?" I smiled as brightly as I could muster, my hand slowly lifting up and pushing the blades away from my face. "Why boys, I didn't know you had so little manners. What's with all the hostility? I'm just your average girl out for a midnight stroll." The men faltered slightly, their spears lowering just the tiniest bit.

That was all I needed.

Within an instant, I had leaped over the spears, letting my hands fall gently, almost caressing, onto their shoulders. "Now be good boys, and take a nap." They both slumped over, their shoulders holding one another up as pure energy was sapped from their bodies. I could see it, the rainbow of colors gently running up my arms, tingling just the tiniest bit at being taken from their true host. After taking nearly 15% combined, I removed my hands. The men snored slightly, still leaned up against one another.

This energy drain wouldn't affect them in the slightest. That's the wonderful thing about these shinigami. They were so packed full and reliant on Reishi, they didn't even use or need the abundance of Pure energy nestled deeply in their bodies. Pathetic, really. The Reishi was nice and all, but it was shit compared to the Pure energy of life. It was like comparing sex to Ecstasy induced sex; one was nice and got the job done, the other completely mind-blowing amazing.

Refreshed enough that my body didn't ache all over, I jumped to the other side of the gate. There was no one else around, all the lights were out except for the hallways. I smirked at how unprotected and arrogant these shinigami had become. They used to be something to marvel at, now they were lap dogs who couldn't lick their own balls without permission from a group of ignorant and sheltered old men.

Skipping ever so lightly over the stairs, I quietly entered the grand hallway. It buzzed with the faint power of captains, the air still thick from whenever they had last convened. The door shut quietly behind me, immersing me completely in darkness. Slowly, my eyes began to adjust, making out high hidden beams above. There were a few, just off to the side, going deep in the roof, creating a small alcove.

I jumped up, grabbing the beam directly above my head before swinging up and over, landing soundlessly on top. Inching forward, I leaped to the next beam, then the next, continuing the exercise until I was directly in the center of the room. Surveying the ground below, I could only imagine the lines of captains, each taking a side, standing proud next to one another. Only, in my mind, there were a couple different captains then who would be standing in those places tomorrow. Sighing, I walked to the end of the beam before dropping into the small alcove.

I peeked over the edge, making sure my spot was unnoticeable before laying down completely. Is it sad when a roof alcove is the comfiest place you've slept in almost 3 days? Ah, to hell with it. My eyes grew heavier, even though I tried in vain to keep them open just a while longer. However, my tired mind and body were winning quickly.

'I wonder what the kiddos are doing right now?'

It felt like only 15 minutes had past before I was shocked awake by the sound of the door being slammed open. Groggily, I rubbed my eyes before slowly peeking over the side of my hide away spot. 'The hell? It's still fucking dark out!'

Slowly, a couple of figures entered the room, lighting the many lanterns adorning the walls. I glared at the ceiling as light steadily filled the giant hall. Then, the two shinigami were gone, but only a few moments of blissful silence passed before I heard a small group of people enter, one was talking quite animatedly.

"Juushiro, you should've seen it! I kid you not, the guards were fast asleep at the gate. Byakuya and I had to shake them awake just to enter! Am I right, Byakuya-kun?"

Oh right, the guards. Guess I shouldn't have left them like that. Oh well, too late now.

"Hm, Yamamoto-soutaicho wouldn't be pleased if he knew." That voice was quiet, almost a gentle whisper compared to the first. Both were male, though.

"They should be punished. How dishonorable, sleeping on guard duty like novice shinigami." Ah, there's the robot voice that almost made me chuckle. He put up a good front to everyone, but underneath that monotonous display was a feisty spirit that had been tamed too much for her taste. These shinigami were truly whipped when someone with that much personality buried it so deeply, not even his voice portrayed an inch of emotion. Even with his sister's life on the life. Pathetic.

"How harsh, Byakuya-kun. I'm sure they were just tired, it has been an eventful few days since Rukia's return."

The robot said nothing to that, only humming quietly in response. However, their conversation seemed to die away as more captains filed into the room. I could hear them, shuffling below before it all went silent. The door in the back of the hall opened quietly, echoing slightly before the succession of a cane tapping against the floor took its place. I peeked ever so slightly, watching as a hunched over old as dirt man walked towards the chair at the very front of the hall. He turned towards the assembled captains.

"Everyone is here?"

I looked down, my eyes gliding over the mixed appearances and personalities of the Seretei's greatest weapons. Eleven shinigami stood stalk still, perfectly lining both sides of the room. The old man sat down, his cane slamming once against the hard floor. "Alright then. We will now begin with the subject of our meeting..."

Slowly, the wooden doors slid open to reveal the silver haired man from before, the one who had sliced off Jidanbo's arm. "What a creep." He was still smiling widely, not even concerned by the many sets of eyes that were honed in on him alone.

"Captain of the Third division, Ichimaru Gin."

The captains watched quietly as the Third Division Captain entered the meeting. His posture was relaxed, and he was smiling, like usual.

"What's going on? Is it really that serious to call everyone here?"

Their eyes followed the silver haired captain as he lazily entered the room, no one spoke a word.

"Captains from around Soul Society, did you really come back here just for me?" He smiled a little wider at that, there was a sick pride to his question. The captain of the eleventh division glared sharply, his hair pulled back into spikes with bells hanging on the ends. "Quit stalling already, no body came all the way back for chit chat." Ichimaru paused in front of the behemoth of a man, smiling brightly. "I heard that you went to deal with the intruders out of your jurisdiction, and worse yet, you failed to eliminate the threats. Why? With your skill, four or five intruders should be a piece of cake."

I peeked over the edge again, watching quietly as the man simply waved off the question. "You are a captain, it's impossible for you to be unable to detect is an opponent has been exterminated." What the fuck was that thing? A demented clown? They have demented clowns as their captains now, what the fuck is wrong with these people?!

"OR did you deliberately fail and are now using 'carelessness' as an excuse?" The clown watched with wide eyes, scrutinizing his fellow captain like a mere lab rat. Gin Ichimaru smiled even wider, his closed eyes falling onto the demented clown demon. "Oh no, are you suggesting that I deliberately let them go?" The clown leaned in, those piano straight teeth moving into some form of a sneer. "Exactly."

"Shut up, Kurotsuchi. I was talking first, so buzz off." His good eye rolled lazily to the side, glaring down at the clown. "Though if you want me to kill you, keep talking." The other captains made small noises, glancing at the trio from the corner of their eyes. 'What a bunch of freaks, man.'

"PIEH, stop it both of you!" The squabbling shinigami turned to face the old geezer, each staying respectively quiet. "Now, let's see..." He rubbed the top of his bald head, right below the long scar that made an X across his scalp. "Have you been informed of the reason why you were summoned?" He waited a moment, but everyone remained silent, knowing he did not expect an answer. "You acted alone without permission, and you failed to capture your target. That is unusual for a captain. I would like to hear your explanation, that is the reason we are here today."

Those old eyes, which had been closed the entirety of the meeting, slid open. Eyes as dark as coal glared down on the silver haired captain. I felt my own breath hitch at the pure intensity glowing in the depths of those old, old eyes. "So...do you have anything to say Ichimaru?"

The creep's smile only grew before he rose his hands in a flashy manner. "I have nothing to say." One hand landed atop his head, rubbing his hair in an almost sheepish manner. "I have no excuse, I made a mistake. I won't try to justify my carelessness." The other captains remained quiet, instead turning their attention on their leader. "Alright, well you will be punished Ichimaru..."

"Wait, I have more to say."

Mumbling arose at that, I watched lazily as that smile kept growing at the unease permeating the air. "They had a rather interestin' person with 'em. She was about ye' tall..." He held his hand up, bringing in to his chest. "Silver hair, tattoos, and very bright green eyes." I snorted quietly at that. 'I'm not that short, man.' He stepped forward again, lifting his chin to look around the room. I ducked down quickly when his eyes swept past my hiding spot, but the feeling of his closed eyes gazing at me through the wood burned my skin.

"That's preposterous, are you really suggesting that the bounty hunter is aiding those ryoka?" The stern female voice was incredulous, scoffing loudly at the end. "She signed the contract to never raise arms against us, why would she try breaking in when she can enter and go as she pleases?"

"True...but as long as she doesn't draw blood first, she's keeping her part of the contract. Remember Soi-fon? She made that particular part of the contract very clear." There was some more murmuring, and I could only smirk while my ears burned. It was very disconcerting to sit in a room while everyone talks about you. "Not too mention, someone like her would try breaking in just to prove she could."

"Hold on a second, would someone please tell me who this bounty hunter is?" Peeking over the edge again, the speaker was a boy with snow white hair that defied gravity. "Aa, that's right. Toshiro, you've never met her since you came to the Seretei not too long ago." Shunsui, that idiot in his floral kimono, turned to address the young captain. "She's basically the big guns we call in when we either don't have the time or numbers to take care of a problematic individual."

'Big guns, huh?'

"So she's strong, eh?" I scoffed, the guy with bells in his hair was definitely the kind I would need to avoid.

"Zaraki-san, I would strongly suggest not engaging the young woman in a fight." The captain of the Thirteenth division, Juushiro, frowned at his fellow captain. "Why?"

"Because I will not have that heathen running around causing chaos in the court guard again." Everyone of them stopped, snapping their attention to the sudden outrage of their leader. "This is an order, if any of you encounter the Bounty hunter, do not engage. You may capture her if she is aiding the ryoke, but do not draw her blood. If any of you engage that devilish woman, you will be severely punished, understood?!" I raised my eyebrows as they all murmured agreement. That old fool still hadn't forgiven me, it seems.

"Right, well then, Ichimaru-"

EEEEEERRRRRKKKKK

My eyes widened, noticing the one thing I hadn't this entire meeting. There was a very large crack running the entirety of my alcove, and it seems that my time on it had made the old wood begin to splinter. "Well shit."

BOOM

I coughed, trying to suck in air as I stared up from my new found spot on the floor. "I really need to lay off the candy..." Sitting up, I waved innocently at the thirteen eyes glaring down on me in surprise. "Howdy."

"Oh-ho, speak of the devil and she will appear." Rotating my head every so slightly, I glared over at the bearded old man, his coal eyes were open and searing my soul. "Yeh, long time no see, eh old man?" Groaning quietly, I stood up to face the entire room, smiling widely as sweat gathered on the back of my neck. "How's it been goin' homies?"

CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK

"INTRUDERS IN THE SERETEI! INTRUDERS IN THE SERETEI!"

"What? Intruders?"

Glancing around, the idiots momentarily took their attention off of me, and I sprung up, grabbing the wooden window above my head. "And where do you think you are going, Bounty Hunter?"

'Shiiiiiiiit'

"Oh you know, just out for a moonlit stroll." I turned my head, catching the eyes of Captain Robot just as he began to place his hand over the hilt of his zanpakuto. "She was pretty cute, wasn't she, Kuchiki-taicho?" His eyes flashed quickly, a deep scowl tugging at his thinned lips. "Prepare yourself, Intruder."

With one final wave, and a bright smile to my audience, I kicked the wooden bars out and proceeded to run my stupid ass as far away as possible. "I'll take that as a yes then!"

Present

"Fuck," I scowled deeply, leaning over as I tried to catch my breath. That man was extremely irritating, and determined. Too determined, if you ask me. It was just a porno for fuck's sake. I gulped in one large breath before sticking my lolipop back into it's rightful place on my tongue.

Standing straight, I stretched quickly before hopping up onto the roof above me. The gate for the Eleventh Division stood about 300 feet away, I could see Mr. Persistent a few division areas back, racing over the rooftops with his jolly followers. They hadn't spotted me yet, which was a pure blessing from the gods. I hopped back down, slumping against the alleyway's wall. 'This is not fun...at all.'

"What's that?!"

The sudden shout from over the ball startled me, and I crouched low, ready to sprint for my life. After a few seconds, I relaxed minutely and hopped up to peek over the roof. Three men stood huddled beneath me, their eyes all transfixed on the sky. Slowly, I turned my head to see what they were looking at.

I watched, eyes wide and lollipop hanging precariously from my gaping mouth, as a huge ball of energy rocketed into the barrier. An explosion of gigantic proportions lighting up the sky. "Those idiots really did get blasted from a cannon!"

"What was that?"

I leaped back down quickly, barely even concerned by the idiots through the wall from me. My attention was completely focused on the sky above. The clouds hung in the air, swirling into a tornado, I could barely make out a few shapes in the twister as it picked up in ferocity. 'What in the hell are they doing?'

A bright flash suddenly lit the sky, I lifted my arm to block out the light. Four separate streaks blew away from it, and I just knew in my gut that Ichigo was the one heading straight for my area. Breathing a sigh, I slipped along the shadows of the alleys, hoping I would make it close to where he was before blood-hound Kuchiki sniffed me out again. Stupid persistent bastard.

"I know he thought she was cute."

Alright, that's the end of that. Constructive criticism and all that are more then welcome, please don't sip on that haterade beforehand though. Hope everyone that celebrates Thanksgiving or any holiday at this time had a wonderful time.

Ghostdoor out, baby!