"Kouta!" calls a voice from behind the two young Shinigami. Both looks back at the approach of the young Captain as well as an Arrancar. The two make to grip the tsuka of their Zanpakuto and relax when they notices Daisuke doesn't seem worried. "I'm glad I found you. Tia is going to be deployed to the World of the Living for a while and until such a time as she can return, you're going to serve as her temporary replacement."
"Why is Harribel be stationed in the World of the Living?" asks Ren. "Better yet, who's she?"
"Oh, sorry. This is Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. She's recently been assigned to the Fourth Division. Nel, this is Kouta Ryuu and Ren Kazuki. Both are members of Tia's and my Division."
"How recently was she assigned to the Fourth Division?"
"About an hour ago."
"Why is Miss Odelschwanck following you, Captain Arata?" asks Kouta.
"Feel free to call me Nel," replies Nel. "As for why I'm following Daisuke...well, I don't really know anyone else here in the Soul Society besides Tia and Daisuke, you know."
"I see. Well, until Lieutenant Harribel returns I would be happy to serve as her replacement."
"Thank you," replies Daisuke, smiling.
"You still haven't answered my question," Ren tells Arata. "Why is Harribel going to the World of the Living?" The young Captain sighs in response and then crosses his arms.
"Tia and I were deployed to the World of the Living because Mayuri's equipment sensed an Espada level Arrancar, which would be Nel here. When we returned with her to the Soul Society she informed us that...there are other Espada still alive from the Winter War." Both Ren and Kouta's eyes widen slightly in surprise. "Namely, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Ulquiorra Cifer, Lilynette Gingerbuck and Coyote Starrk."
"Those are...some pretty powerful Espada. They sent Harribel to make sure they don't come to the World of the Living?"
"No," replies Nel. "Only Grimmjow would do something as reckless as to go to the World of the Living."
"What's there?"
"Ichigo Kurosaki. He defeated Grimmjow during the invasion of Los Noches."
"He wants revenge," assumes Kouta and Nel nods in agreement. "He is the...Sexta Espada, correct?" Again he receives a nod in agreement. "Then, Lieutenant Harribel will be far more then a match for him if he chooses to make an appearance. That's good." Nel looks between the three of them as they begin to talk about this and that. Her hazel eyes fall on the brunette named Ren. To her he seems so familiar. Like she's seen him somewhere before.
"Um...excuse me, Ren?" asks Nel, surprising.
"Yeah?" questions Ren.
"Have we...met somewhere before? I feel like I know you."
"Sorry, Nel. Only Arrancar I ever met that didn't want to kill me was Harribel." Nel nods in understanding, but still has the nagging feeling that she has met him somewhere before.
"It's getting late, Nel," Daisuke tells her. "I'll escort you back to the Fourth Division."
"Alright..."
- - The World of the Living - -
"Hmm...what a nice night," speaks Kisuke, raising the cup of tea to his lips and sipping. Jinta, Ururu and Tessai are asleep while Yoruichi is...gone somewhere. So, he decides to take some time to himself and enjoy some peace and quiet. A sudden knock at the door to his shop causes him look in the direction. "Hm?" The experienced Captain sets his tea-cup down and stands. "Wonder who that is...?"
He leaves the sitting room and walks to the door of his shop. Kisuke places a hand on the door and clears his throat. "Hello, valued customer!" greets Kisuke cheerfully, flicking his fan open. "I'm sorry to inform you that our business hours are-"
"I'm not here to shop, Kisuke," replies a cool voice. He smiles behind his fan at the Shark Queen. "I've been deployed here by Yamamoto and I need a place to stay in the mean time."
"Miss Harribel! How good to see you again! Please, come in!" He steps aside and Tia enters while he closes the door behind her. "So, what brings you here this late at night? I had no idea you were even here-"
"Don't play dumb. You're regarded as one of the most powerful Shinigami in the Soul Society, Kisuke. Besides...I already told you why I'm here. Daisuke volunteered me and Yamamoto accepted so I've been stationed here in the World of the Living."
"You're here for that Arrancar I sensed earlier."
"Daisuke and I already dealt with Nel. We collected her and returned to the Soul Society...she's been assigned to the Fourth Division but she did offer some interesting information."
"Really?"
"Yes. There are three other Espada left alive besides myself." His eyes widen slightly in response.
I see. That is interesting. Please, come this way." They return to the sitting room and sit down across from one another at the small table. "So...why all is left alive?"
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Ulquiorra Cifer, Lilynette Gingerbuck and Coyote Starrk."
"Which is why you were stationed here in the World of the Living. Seeing as two of them could have a grudge against Ichigo since he defeated both of them...however, I was under the assumption that he killed Ulquiorra Cifer on the dome of Los Noches."
"That's what the report said. But Nel isn't the kind of person to lie, so I'm inclined to believe her."
"So, you're here to recruit them?"
"Or kill them if they prove to be a threat to the Soul Society."
"How do you feel about it? Obviously you know that Grimmjow isn't very likely to simply let go of his grudge against Ichigo or Shinigami in general. None of them are as matter of fact."
"Honestly...I know what both of them are like and capable of doing even without being ordered to. I don't think there's a place in the Soul Society for either of them. But Lilynette and Starrk on the other hand...they never did me wrong. They only wanted friends and they did what they had to do to have them. They shouldn't be punished for it." Kisuke smiles a bit.
"So...I take it you aren't going to go out of your way to convince either of them to return with you."
"No. But I won't attack either of them outright until they give me a reason to." Kisuke nods in understanding.
"You're welcome to stay here, Tia, and I hope you can get through to them..."
Tia comes to a stop on top of a building, Pesquisa expanded out in all directions. She can sense several high level Spiritual Pressure's, one she recognizes as belonging to Ichigo but the other three she doesn't recognize. But since they aren't Espada level she doesn't pay them much mind. After a few moments she moves forward once again in the direction of the orange haired teenager, a soft burst of static accompanying her Sonido.
She isn't sure how Yamamoto would take her telling him about her mission but considering he'd been in contact with Nel it seems safe to assume he's aware of the other Espada's existence. The Shark Queen comes to a stop several yards away from the Substitute Shinigami. The sound of her Sonido attracts the attention of the group who's eyes widen at the sight of her white uniform.
She recognizes only one among them as being Orihime Inoue, the Human that Ulquiorra captured at the order of Aizen. "An Arrancar?" asks the boy with glasses, producing a strange bow.
"Hold on, Uryu!" exclaims Ichigo. "She's on our side!" They look at the orange haired teenager as though he's gone insane for only a moment before they notice the Lieutenant's badage held fast to her arm.
"So that's a Quincy's bow," remarks Tia, arms crossed as she regards him for only a moment. "Hmph...I thought it'd be more impressive then that." Uryu glares at her in response and lowers the bow slowly.
"I'm not in the business of impressing Hollows," replies Uryu simply, pushing his glasses up.
"Is Nel alright?" asks Ichigo, meeting her eyes firmly.
"She is fine," Tia tells him. "Nelliel has been assigned to the Fourth Division for the time being so I doubt she will see much combat. You see close to her so you know that's a good thing." Ichigo nods in agreement, feeling relief at hearing she is alive and unharmed. The Shark Queen jumps down from her perch on top of a light-pole and lands beside them.
"So, what are you doing here then?"
"I'm sure Nelliel told you that there are other Espada alive besides her and myself." Again Ichigo nods. "Put simply, my mission is to remain here in the World of the Living in the event Grimmjow decides to seek revenge against you or your friends for his defeat in Los Noches. If he does I'm going to intercept him..."
"All by yourself?"
"Do you know why Daisuke volunteered me for this mission, boy?" Tia bushes back her wool cloak and then grasps the zipper of her jacket and unzips it to reveal her mask-fragments as well as a '3' tattooed on the inside of her right breast.
"You're the Tercera Espada," observes Uryu. "Unh...that explains the massive Spiritual Pressure at least."
"Wow, what a pretty necklace, Tia!" calls Orihime, noticing the shark pendant hanging around her neck. Tia reaches up and fingers the pendant, having not taken it off since it was given to her.
"I...Daisuke gave it to me over dinner on Christmas," replies Tia.
"Over...dinner?" asks Uryu.
The Shark Queen glares at the Quincy. "Something wrong with that?" A bead of cold sweat winds down the back of his neck and his life suddenly flashes before his eyes as he stands before the apparently irritated Tercera Espada. Uryu shakes his head quickly. "Good."
"So, where are you staying Tia?" Orihime asks her.
"I'm staying with at Kisuke's shop while I'm here. I doubt it'll be for long. Grimmjow isn't known for his patience as I'm sure you are aware." Ichigo and Orihime both nod in agreement.
"How did you end up in the Soul Society?" asks the large boy standing beside Ichigo.
"I was chased out of Los Noches by Aizen during your invasion. He wounded me pretty badly but I managed to escape to the World of the Living. Daisuke found me, brought me back and...managed to talk Yamamoto into allowing me to stay. Next thing I know I've become a full-fledged member of the Thirteen Divisions." After a moment Tia zips her jacket up. "When Grimmjow shows up...don't get involved."
"What do you mean?" asks Ichigo.
"If he see's you...he won't stop to talk. He'll unleash his Resurrección and tear this town apart fighting you. If he see's me he'll at the least he'll be inclined to ask me what I'm doing here."
"Are you going to kill him?" Orihime questions the Shark Queen.
"If he makes me...yes. Otherwise, my orders are to recruit Sexta Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez to the Soul Society."
"Recruit him?!" demands Ichigo. "What in the hell do you mean recruit him?!"
"It's just as I said, boy. It is believed that there is no reason for him to be an enemy not that Aizen has been slain. If that is the case then I'm supposed to give him the same deal I was given...and Nel." Ichigo's eyes narrow. "In exchange for not being labeled an enemy and hunted he'll work along side the Shinigami in the Soul Society. If he doesn't take it...my orders are to kill him."
"Some deal," mutters Uryu.
"It's a chance at a new life. One where you aren't hunted and you can do some good for a change."
"Is that what you're going to tell him?"
"It's the truth...but honestly, I don't care what happens to Grimmjow one way or the other. I never liked him in Los Noches and I'm sure I won't like him in the Soul Society." The Shark Queen turns away from them. "Remember what I said, Ichigo. Just stay out of this one. Your presence will only incite him to violence..." There's a burst of static as she Sonido's away from them...
- - The Soul Society - -
Moonlight shines down, splashing across the Seireitei and bathing it in an otherworldly glow. Snow crunching softly under foot sounds in the otherwise silent winter night as Daisuke walks calmly back towards the Fifth Division. Another Captain's meeting to inform them all of the rebels movements as of late. Thanks to information provided by the man Tia and Daisuke had captured they had some idea of where they were massing for their next attack.
The young Captain rounds the corner, walking forward through a large court-yard. He come to a stop directly in the middle, aware of several Spiritual Pressures surrounding him. 'So...we're surrounded,' speaks Tenshi across their connection. 'How did rebels manage to breech the barrier around the Seireitei without a pass?' The first launches himself at the young Captain far faster then he would have thought possible.
Daisuke turns and in a flash of speed appears behind the man. Blood sprays from the wound on his chest and he falls face down into the now stained snow. The others appear, five in all beside their slain comrade. "How did you manage to get in here?" asks Daisuke, turning to face them. "You couldn't have done it without help. Someone had to let you in...so was it?"
He receives no response from the masked men and grips the tsuka of Tenshi tighter. 'It would appear we have a traitor in our ranks. I suppose we'll just have to torture one of them until they tell us what we want to know,' giggles Tenshi darkly.
'What a good idea,' replies Daisuke, a small smirk appearing on his face as he regards them. Snow crunches under foot as he walks towards them. He comes to an abrupt halt when all four raise their Zanpakuto and shout what he recognizes as release commands. "Shikai? You're serious?" Their combined Spiritual Pressure is impressive. "Tell me this isn't an assassination attempt...because you just gave yourselves away to everyone in the Seireitei with that."
"Doesn't matter! You're the weakest Captain so you'll be long dead before help arrives!" boasts one of them. A soft noise sounds from behind them and a hand is placed on the man's shoulder. A bolt of fear races down their collective spines.
"You think so, huh?" The blade of his Zanpakuto bursts through the man's chest, spattering the snow crimson in front of him. The other's turn as their comrade falls, finding the young Captain standing several yards away.
"He's faster then he said!" exclaims one of the remaining three.
"Keep talking, please. I'm interested to know the name of the man who told you about me." The three growl in response and Flash-Step towards the young Captain. He follows their movements and falls back, putting distance between them and himself.
'What are you doing?!' demands Tenshi across their connection. 'Their Spiritual Pressure is unstable and their connection to their Zanpakuto is shaky at best! Fighting three on one shouldn't even cause you to break a sweat, whelp! Show them the difference between us and them!'
'I will!' replies Daisuke. 'But I don't want them dead. I need to subdue them if I'm going to find out who sent them.'
'We really only need one, boy! Kill the other two!' The young Captain nods in agreement and rushes forward. The first man never see's the young Captain coming and he cuts him in half at the waist with a single blow. Daisuke stops and turns, Zanpakuto meeting with the rebels for only a moment before he raises his left arm.
"Ikkotsu!" exclaims Daisuke, striking the man in the chest. The sound of bones breaking and cartilage snapping fills the air before he's thrown straight back, smashing loudly through one of the walls surrounding the court-yard. He lowers his left arm and then turns to face the final man slowly. "Looks like it's just you and me, now."
"You're stronger then we were told, I'll give you that," speaks the final rebel.
"I owe that to Tia," admits Daisuke. "She and I have been training fairly often lately and I've become stronger because of it. Not that I'm close to a match for her mind you...but still I'm more then a match for you even with your Shikai active." The rebel steps back as Daisuke steps forward. "You can't outrun me, I've proved that to you already." The man turns and finds Daisuke standing several feet away. "You're not going anywhere."
"You might as well kill me because I've got nothing to say to you."
"Sorry. You're more useful to the Second Division. But I can promise that when they're done with you...you'll wish I had." His eyes widen slightly in fear as Daisuke starts in his direction only moments before a bolt of white lightning pierces his chest and kills him instantly. The young Captain follows the Kido spell back to it's origin immediately, finding Mayuri and his Lieutenant standing there. "Mayuri!"
Several of the Captain's appear moments later, having sensed unfamiliar Spiritual Pressure and come to investigate. "What is going on here?" asks Soifon, looking at the bodies of the rebels and then Mayuri and Daisuke starting to square off.
"What in the hell do you think you're doing?! Our orders are to turn over any captured rebels to the Second Division for interrogation!"
"Interrogating rebels is pointless and a waste of time," replies Mayuri. His eyes widen slightly before he growls, gripping the tsuka of Tenshi tighter. His Spiritual Pressure flairs for a brief second as he glares at the man. A hand closes tightly around his wrist and he looks over sharply in surprise at none other then Yoruichi, and becomes away of just how close Jushiro and Shunsui are as well.
He knows immediately that there is not going to be any sort of fight between himself and Mayuri. "Girls, girls, there's no reason to you throw a tantrum, you're both pretty," Yoruichi tells both of them with a small smirk. Mayuri growls a bit in response but doesn't say anything to the Goddess of Flash as he quickly seals his Zanpakuto's Shikai.
"What are you doing here, Yoruichi?" asks Daisuke.
"I'll explain things later."
"Lady Yoruichi!" calls Soifon, appearing beside the woman almost immediately. "I had no idea you would be coming by!" Daisuke steps back towards Jushiro and Shunsui away from the ex-Captain while she speaks with Soifon. The last thing he wants is to come between Soifon and Yoruichi...after all, she still hasn't let go of her grudge against his mentor, Kisuke.
Noticing Mayuri and his Lieutenant leaving Daisuke is about to call out for him to stop when a hand lands on his shoulder. He looks back at Jushiro and the sickly Captain shakes his head in response while Mayuri disappears into the frigid night...
- - The World of the Living - -
Tia sits quietly across from Kisuke, the former Captain watching the small television while the Shark Queen reads a book taken from her room in the Soul Society. "So, Miss Harribel, I heard you spoke with Ichigo today," speaks Kisuke, finally breaking the silence.
"I did," replies Tia. "I informed him not to get involved when Grimmjow comes to the World of the Living. Considering their history his presence would only incite the man to violence and make him deaf to reason...well, more then he already is."
"Thought you didn't like him."
"As much as I dislike Grimmjow I dislike killing even more." Tia closes her book, and looks up at the man. "There is something I have been meaning to ask you, Kisuke." The man arches a brow in question. "Why did you take such an interest in Daisuke all those years ago? From what I'm told...not many people would have given him the time of day. So what brought him to your attention?"
"I don't know, really," admits Kisuke, looking rather serious as he does so. "I'd seen him around several times but he rarely spoke to anyone besides Jushiro or Shunsui. He excluded himself from a lot of things and didn't try to make friends. I wanted to know what kind of person he really was...and when I finally found out I understood why those two had become so close to him."
"He's completely loyal to his purpose and ideals."
"And friends. Then, the next thing I know, I've become a Captain and he's become my pupil. For my ten years as Captain of the Twelfth Division what time wasn't dedicated to work was dedicated to teaching him." Both sense a powerful Spiritual Pressure in the distance and Tia slowly stands. "Looks like it's show time, Miss Harribel..."
"Unfortunately." The Shark Queen turns towards the door, leaving the room and then the warm shop behind for the frigid air of the World of the Living. A small burst of static accompanies her Sonido as she races towards the familiar Spiritual Pressure...
The Garganta closes with a screech and a smirk appears on the face of the Panther Lord as he gazes down at the World of the Living below. 'Fuckin' took long enough to get back to full strength,' Grimmjow thinks to himself. 'But it'll all be worth it to see that bastard finally die!' He takes a single step forward, suspended in air when a burst of static sounds. He takes a step back in surprise, recognizing the immense Spiritual Pressure immediately.
Icy blue eyes meet sea-green as the two Espada stare across at each other. "Going somewhere...Grimmjow?" Tia asks him. A sharp wind whips her wool cloak this way and that as she regards him with the same damn eyes she had in Los Noches...like he isn't even worth her time.
"Not that it's any of your business...but I'm going to kill someone!" replies Grimmjow, patience already wearing thin. He doesn't even bother to ask her how she's still alive after being chased out of Los Noches by Aizen. He doesn't care to know, after all.
"You mean Ichigo Kurosaki...sorry. But I can't allow you to kill that boy." The Panther Lord growls a bit in response. "Killing him would void the deal I'm going to offer you, Grimmjow."
"Why in the hell would I be interested in anything you have to offer?"
"Because taking it means surviving without being hunted by the Shinigami. It's the same one Nel took...the same one I took." Grimmjow notices the badge held tight to her bicep and Tia follows his view. "Finally noticed my Lieutenant's badge?"
"Kuh...so you've gone and become a Shinigami lap-dog, Tia? Pathetic." The Shark Queen doesn't even bat an eyelash at his taunt as she still regards him with that same disinterested stare. "And if I say 'no'?" Tia reaches back towards her Zanpakuto and Grimmjow mimics the motion, reaching for the tsuka of his own at his left hip.
"I think you know what happens, Girmmjow. If you will not work with us, then we can't allow you to run free doing as you please."
"What makes you think you can kill me, Tia?" challenges Grimmjow.
"Perhaps you've forgotten the difference in our rank, Grimmjow. By all means...try me. One way or another, your wandering ends tonight. You know both possible out-comes so make your choice."
"Servitude or death...? Huh! Even if I considered takin' it and workin' with those fuckin' Shinigami it doesn't like much of a deal to me! Besides that, what's with that change of attitude all of the sudden? One minute we're to be exterminated like pests and the next they're recruiting us?"
"Central Forty-Six and Yamamoto decided that you're more valuable alive then dead...if you can be brought to heel. Meaning, if you work with us rather then against us then you'll be treated like any other Shinigami. Assigned to a Division and, of course, you get to kill Hollows to your missing heart's content. Who knows...you may even get assigned to the Eleventh Division where fighting amongst each other is not only tolerated it's encouraged."
"You're pushing this awfully hard...what's wrong? Feeling nostalgic or something fuckin' stupid like that, Tia?"
"Hardly. Personally...I'd just prefer to kill you and be done with it, Grimmjow." The Panther Lord growls in response, gripping the tsuka of his Zanpakuto tighter. Even if he IS pissed off he has to think rationally if he decides to fight Tia. She isn't someone he can just charge blindly. "I think you're more of a head-ache then you're worth even if you are the former Sexta Espada."
"...Say I accept. Then what happens?"
"Then you come back to the Soul Society with me, Grimmjow, where things are explained fully to you."
"And if I refuse?"
"I already told you. If you refuse...that will be the end of you. Unlike Ichigo, I'll deal the finish blow." The Shark Queen sighs a bit. "Whether your acknowledge it or not there really is only one choice in front of you, Grimmjow. You can't out-run me and you can't over-power me. The only thing you can do is accept the deal that is being given to you. Accept the reality that the moment you came to the World of the Living you had no other options left."
He grits his teeth, all the while giving her a glare that would have frozen the blood of anyone else. As much as it kills him to admit it the only other option is to fight the Shark Queen. He'd attacked Ulquiorra without a second thought and if he'd been a bit slower would have paid for it with his life...attacking Tia WOULD cost him his life. "Kuh...fine. I guess I'll take you up on your offer, Tia, since I didn't survive in Los Noches just to die now."
"Unfortunately...I knew you would..."
- - The Soul Society - -
There are several people gathered in the room, all Shinigami except for the Shark Queen and the Panther Lord. The Sexta Espada stares at the old man in silence while Yamamoto stares right back. "I assume everything has been explained to you, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez," speaks Yamamoto.
"Yeah," grunts Grimmjow. "Tia and I had ourselves a nice little chat. In exchange for not bumpin' me off you Shinigami are put me work. That about the gist of it, old man?" Yamamoto ignores his insult for the moment to elaborate.
"You will be watched closely until such a time it has been deemed that you are not a threat to the Soul Society. You are forbidden from viewing or obtaining any information that may prove dangerous to the Soul Society in the wrong hands until then. For now you will be assigned to the Eleventh Division under Captain Kenpachi Zaraki. Have you an objections?"
"Kuh. Doesn't matter much to me as long as the guy isn't a fuckin' weakling."
"Zaraki is the one who killed Nnoitra Gilga in Los Noches," Tia tells him. "He'll probably want to fight you when you go to meet him, Grimmjow."
"That is true," agrees the only woman among the four Captains off to his left. "I should start preparing the Fourth Division for the two of them. But before you go off fighting him, Grimmjow, you should let me have a look at that wound on your chest. It doesn't look like it's received proper medical attention."
"Hmph. Listen, woman, I don't need your pity or your help. I treated the wound myself so that should be good enough!" The three Captains standing beside her stare at him as though he's suddenly sprouted a second head before looking away, trying intently to focus on anything but Grimmjow and the woman. A cold chill races down his spine as he gazes at the small woman, offering him only a smile...that doesn't quite seem like a smile in his opinion.
"My, you certainly are lively. But..." Her smile grows slightly and with it the feeling of fear in his gut. "...why don't you just let me have a look at that wound, Grimmjow." It's not a request and he actually swallows before nodding dumbly in agreement.
"Y...Yeah. Sure."
"Alright, then. If we're finished here I'll await your arrival at the Fourth Division." The feeling of dread disappears almost immediately and the Sexta blinks in confusion before looking down at his slightly trembling hand while the woman leaves Yamamoto office.
"Bit of advice, Grimmjow, don't get on Unohana's bad side," Tia tells him.
"Gee, ya fuckin' think?!" snarls Grimmjow. "That's something ya fuckin' tell someone before something bad happens!"
"It must have slipped my mind." He growls in response but doesn't say anything, having a feeling he's pushed the Shark Queen just about as far as her patience will go for one day.
"Is that all?"
"No. Where is Lilynette and Starrk at?"
"Hmph. What I am? Their keeper?" Tia narrows her sea-green eyes slightly. "I haven't got the slightest idea where that lazy bastard and his mouthy brat headed off to. Once I was able walk I left Los Noches. And if you ask me about that chalky skinned bastard Ulquiorra, I don't know and I don't care. Hopefully that prick is dying in a ditch somewhere."
After a moment Tia sighs and shakes her head in response. "If that is all then that concludes this meeting," speaks Yamamoto. "Dismissed!" They leave the Head Captain's office in silence, closing the doors behind them as they do so.
"I'll show Grimmjow to the Fourth Division," the white haired Captain tells them all. "And then take him to the Eleventh. You can go on ahead."
"You're sure, Jushiro?" asks Tia.
"Yes. It's no problem." After a moment the Shark Queen nods and then turns away with the dark haired young Captain. They only get a few feet between themselves and the others when the Sexta calls out.
"Hey! You!" calls Grimmjow. Both stop and the young Captain looks at him.
"For the record my name is Daisuke Arata not 'you'," replies the young Captain. "Now, what can I do for you, Grimmjow?"
"You're Tia's Captain, right? She's your Lieutenant." Daisuke nods in the affirmative. "Hmph...how'd a weakling like you manage to beat Tia and become her Captain?" He chuckles a bit in response and then turns away.
"Normally, I'd do what Kisuke used to do to me by pinning you to the ground with my Zanpakuto and then threatening you to teach you a lesson. But...being assigned to the Eleventh Division is punishment enough for that kind of remark." The Sexta narrows his eyes a bit in confusion.
"What's that supposed to mean, huh?"
"Oh, trust me, you'll find out when you meet Lieutenant Kusajishi."
"You have my sympathy...for what good it'll do, Grimmjow," adds Tia before the two turn and walk down the hall leaving Grimmjow slightly wary of heading to the Eleventh Division now...
"So he has no idea where the other three," speaks Daisuke tapping a pen against his desk top. He across their shared office at Tia. "How about you? You know both of them as well as he does. Any ideas?" The Shark Queen sighs a bit in response.
"Knowing Starrk...somewhere quiet where he can sleep all day," replies Tia. "That could be anywhere in Hueco Mundo. Even if Aizen is dead the Espada collapsed only a Vasto Lorde would risk straying close to him and even then only if it was incredibly stupid."
"Well, searching all of Hueco Mundo definitely isn't something we're going to be doing. But...he IS the Primera so it wouldn't be hard to locate his Spiritual Pressure if we took a trip there to investigate the possibility."
"We don't have to be as concerned about Starrk and Lilynette or Ulquiorra as we were about Grimmjow. None of those three are likely to go destroying anything in the World of the Living without provocation. Starrk is too..." She pauses searching for the right word when Daisuke speaks.
"Lazy?" volunteers Daisuke, smiling a bit.
"Yes, lazy. Lilynette won't stray far from Starrk's side and Ulquiorra is too controlled to do it. We can look for the three of them at our own pace or just wait for them to turn up before approaching them."
"You think they'll just turn up randomly pop up on our radar? Just like that?"
"I think...something big is going on behind the scenes, Daisuke. You said Central Forty-Six has Yoruichi nosing around and then there is the sudden appearance of the those Espada we presumed were dead. Then, the appearance of those rebels within the Seireitei and how strangely Mayuri has been acting lately...something is definitely going on and I have a feeling that before everything is said and done we're going to need every ally we can get our hands on."
"Agreed. But...can we trust the allies we're trying to recruit? It'd be bad if we one of them betrayed us. Last thing we need is an Espada tearing up the Seireitei...or a Shinigami for that matter."
"We'll just have to cross that bridge if we come to it. Until then, we should just keep an eye out for Ulquiorra or Starrk and Lilynette and try to get them on our side as quickly possible." Daisuke is silent for a few moments before setting his pen down.
"You intimidated Grimmjow onto our side, Tia. Coyote Starrk is the Primera...as strong as you are intimidating him is going to be impossible, isn't it?"
"Besides Nel and myself, Starrk is the most reasonable of them. As long as we don't threaten Lilynette or to a lesser degree Starrk himself...he won't attack us. If we keep that in mind and talk calmly he'll listen."
"What about Ulquiorra?"
"He...is a bit more unpredictable. If we don't provoke him he shouldn't attack us and again, he'll listen if we talk. We just may not like his answer." The Shark Queen sighs and then stands. "If we happen to encounter Ulquiorra...I want you to stay away from him. Don't lower your guard for even a second around him, Daisuke." Daisuke nods in understanding.
"Alright."
"Now...could you tell me who's been sitting at my desk while I've been gone?" The young Captain arches a brow in question. "I'm very aware of where I left everything before I was sent to the World of the Living."
"I had Kouta take care of your paperwork while you were gone. Didn't want it piling up, you know."
"I see. Well...at least it was done correctly, then." He grins and nods again. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some sleep." Tia approaches the door and stops when Daisuke speaks.
"What me to tuck you in, Tia?"
She glances over her should at him. A mischievous glint sparkles in his amber eyes and a small smile appears on his face. "Hmm...is that proper talk between a Captain and Lieutenant, Daisuke?"
"Definitely not. But I'm doing it anyway."
"Very well...I suppose I could humor you." The teasing tone of the Shark Queen causes him to chuckle a bit in response and follow as she leaves the office...