If you're not patient enough for Ichigo's epic arrival, then I don't blame you for not following anymore; but he is a character listed above and he WILL have a very important role in this story, I'm not throwing all my A+ characters out there in the beginning.. Geesh..
Another surprise my loves, THREE Bleach characters will be crashing into Fiore today XD
Enjoy~
Lucy was confused, all the Shinigami were supposedly somewhat eager to be called to battle, so why did this spirit seem more prone to attack her before the demons, rules to the keys be damned?
"Well sweet heart, are ya gonna stand there all day or are ya gonna speak?" He'd cocked his head to the side as he probed Lucy for a response. Despite the playfulness in his voice, Lucy couldn't help but notice a hint of annoyance and what could possibly be taken as confusion.
"Well then I'll start, wouldn' wanna be rude now, my name's Gin." He continued to stare at her through slit lids. Lucy audibly gulped, she wasn't scared of this spirit, she was downright terrified.
"Enough! Pleasantries and names don't matter anymore, soon enough, you're all gonna be dead! We're here to-" The large demon that initiated the confrontation found himself rendered speechless.
A white light shone out and an excessively long blade found itself straight through the demon's mouth and back out the other end in one clean shot.
Everyone's attention snapped to the demon whose head was almost completely in two before they followed the length of the blade back to its origin. Gin stood motionless, his blade in one hand as he effortlessly made a fatal blow from almost directly behind him. He'd yet to even turn around to see where anyone stood or how many foes they were up against. His aim and finesse were bone chatteringly accurate and lethal.
Lucy finally looked back to his face to see his smile had dimmed slightly as his sword receded back to its hilt.
"My how rude.. Didn' anyone tell ya it ain't polite to interrupt people while they're talkin'?" Gin was still casually holding his sword in his hand, addressing the fallen demon but still refusing to take his eyes off the girl.
"Speakin' of bein' rude, usually ya tell someone yer name after they give ya theirs. I sure do hope bad manners don' run 'round this place." His smile was almost completely gone now as he noted the girls shiver. He opened his eyes to reveal sky-blue orbs as he now scowled.
"Who the fuck are ya girl?" He was roughly gripping his sword handle as he took a menacing step forward. She shivered before finally finding the means to recollect herself, she gulped again and took in a breath, ready to answer, "I-"
"Hey.. He killed Rhino!"
"Did you see that!?"
"I didn't even see him draw his sword."
"What do we do now?"
"We kill him!"
"Right! Kill him! You go first!"
"Fuck that, we attack together!"
"That's right power in numbers!"
Gin's eyebrow began to twitch at the background noise that had interrupted the girl before she could speak. He slowly turned around to see nearly 200 creatures that didn't look hollow - or like anything he'd ever seen - glaring at him with killer intent. The idle chatter between the hoard only continued and increased in volume. Now how was he supposed to have a conversation with the girl if they were going to continue to be interrupted? That just wouldn't do.. So he smiled again.
"Bankai."
Another light shone, and then it was gone. The Dragon Slayers caught a glimpse, and quickly realized how lucky they were to be standing next to Lucy, subsequently placing them slightly in front of the spirit while his aim was straight back towards the demons.
Lucy flinched when Gin turned his focus back on her, and his smile was even wider than before. She barely noticed the slight billowing of his white robe's sleeve right before the sound of crashing could be heard as the first layer of trees and foliage began to split apart horizontally. Lucy's eyes widened slightly as she noticed the trees continue to split farther back, but she blanched when she watched the demons begin to split in the same manner. Blood spilling, appendages falling, and heads being severed. She outright stopped breathing when she watched the trees continue to split, and split, and split.. The distance was so far she couldn't see an end point. What she did notice was another hoard of demons that was hiding behind the next lining of brush, waiting to ambush the group. From just a glimpse Lucy estimated maybe 300-400 demons, all cut completely in half and collapsing to the floor with the vegetation.
"13 km."
Lucy flinched, then remembered to start breathing, "w-what?"
"My Bankai stretches 13 km. Case you were wonderin'." He continued to smile, clearly enjoying the girl's reaction. Predictable.
"Did you know.." Lucy was finally finding her tongue after minutes of silence. She felt her legs shake a little from the exertion of her spirit's Bankai. He was definitely Captain class to drain her this much.
"Hmm? Oh, ya mean the ugly ones hidin' in the back? Course. Don' want 'nymore distractions. Now tell me who ya are before I show ya how fast my blade is on yer lil friends."
His smile was gone again. Lucy instantly figured out his disappearing grin meant he was ready to get down to business with his sword. She regained her composure and readied herself to address her spirit. Come on Lucy, he's your spirit. He can't harm you, Grimmjow and Kenpachi were proof enough of that. Get it together girl!
Lucy stopped shaking, instead she stood tall and furrowed her brows. She wasn't going to let this spirit continue to boss her around. 400 slain demons be damned!
"My name is Lucy Heartfilia, and judging by your brutish behavior and mocking politeness I'll assume you either don't know about the keys or are lacking the proper etiquette that someone of your status should possess. I'm going to go ahead and suggest the first option, since I would hate to think a Captain would treat or speak to someone in that way. Though your actions since arriving contradict that anyways." Lucy huffed as she leveled a glare on the spirit.
Gin's smile was completely gone. He slightly opened his eyes, not quite levelling a glare on her but regarding her in a whole new light. This reaction he was not expecting from her. The fact she knew he was a Captain had him a little intrigued too, just how much did she know? Since he arrived he had been attempting to point his blade at the girl, preferring a more direct approach to threatening her; but his arm wouldn't allow it. Hell, he wasn't even avoiding her friends when he swung his Bankai, but his arm still fell short before reaching the length of the kid with his shirt off.
He smiled again, what an interesting game.
"My my Lucy, that's quite the mouth ya got on ya there. Better be careful, it migh' get ya in trouble one day." He took another step forward in another attempt to scare the girl, but she didn't buy into it this time. He could still see the sweat running down her brow, could feel something pulling at him, almost crushing him. She wasn't scared of him, she was petrified. So what was propelling that mouth of hers?
The rest of her team stilled. What the hell was she doing?! This was not a spirit she should be provoking! They don't know everything about the keys, what if his desire to decapitate her and toss her with the rest of the demons over powered the "laws" supposedly preventing it?! Levy gripped onto Lily and Bixlow's arms as Erza and Laxus shared a quick fearful glance, silently readying themselves to attack the Reaper if necessary. Natsu was practically growling at the Shinigami's disposition towards his friend, Gajeel had to block the Fire Mage's path with his arm to prevent him from potentially getting himself and their entire team killed. Gray had his hands positioned and ready for an Ice Shield, though after seeing the damage the Soul Reaper's sword managed he was pretty sure that would prove futile.
"Maybe. But not today. I'll answer your questions Gin since a lot of you seem to be confused over what's happening with the keys lately; but only if you put your sword away and stop threatening my friends. It's an empty threat anyways." Lucy had placed her hands on her hip to stop her hands from visibly shaking at her sides.
"Empty threat ya say. Sure 'bout that?" Gin was still smiling and slowly lifting his sword, pointing the tip towards Levy as Gajeel and Lily stood protectively in front of her.
"Not gonna do ya much good." Gin chuckled slightly at their unnecessary act of heroism.
"Nor you. Like I said. You are NOT allowed to touch my friends." She crossed her arms over her chest this time, fully glaring at him now.
He continued to smile at her as he had yet to move the point of his sword away from the three bodies dangerously close to being impaled. They stared at each other for what felt like hours, though only seconds had gone by. Gin's smile faltered a little as he scowled. Dropping his hand and resheathing his sword. It was a game of chicken, and he lost. Damn.
Lucy dropped her arms as they continued to level heavy gazes at one another. Before Gin finally smiled again.
"Well then, now that that's settled, let's play a lil game I like ta'call 21 questions." He was cocking his head again. The girl may have out bluffed him, but he wasn't going to let her have the upper hand just yet.
"Do ya play that here?"
"Yes, what are the rules?" Lucy wasn't backing down.
"Theres'a total of 21 questions ta be asked, ya have'ta answer every question, and we take turns~"
"Fine. You can go first."
Gin's face darkened, she'd regret being the target first – he'd be sure she didn't get to use her fair share of questions, he may have loved games but nothing got him going like giving someone a false sense of security then pulling a rug up from underneath them.
"First question: Wha' is this place?"
"We're in Mortem right now, which is in Fiore. Earthland."
"Secon': Wha' the hell is Earthland?"
"My world. You're not in your realm anymore."
"Third: Why?"
"I summoned you here, to help us, which you were.. More than helpful with; even if it was indirectly.."
"How?"
Lucy showed him the key. How many more times was she going to go through this?
"What is that..?" Gin's eyes were open again, smile gone as he took the key in and felt the pit of his stomach drop a little bit.
"My Death God key, it's how I summon you guys here."
"Can ya summon anyone with it?"
"No, only Shinigami. And I can summon Arrancar with my other key." She was showing him the white key now.
His smile was back.
"Is tha' so.. And you've used these keys befor'?"
"Yes. Multiple times."
If Lucy could have seen his eyes she was sure she would have seen something devious shine behind them.
"How did ya come to have these.. keys?"
"Found them. Though Urahara suggests they're not from this world, but yours."
His smile faltered for a second, as he took that last piece of information in. Then how did they get here? In Earthland or wherever the hell they were?
"So ya talked to the outcast Shinigami eh?" His smile was back – he couldn't pass up an opportunity to mess with someone's head a lil bit.
"Outcast.." Lucy's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Why would Urahara be an outcast?
"Heh.. doncha know.. He suppose'ly experimented on lottsa Shinigami.. Lieutenants.. Captains.. Betrayed Soul Society 'n got himself kicked out 'n excommunicated. A wanted criminal."
"You.. You're lying.. He wouldn't.." Lucy's fists were clenched to her sides. She trusted Urahara, he seemed too sweet and genuine to do anything of the sort, this man had to be lying.
"Mmm, though' himself a mad scientist of sorts, tried breakin' barriers n' whatnot between the two species.. Soul Society didn' appreciate it too much." Gin's smile continued to get wider and wider as the girl continued to get sucked in.
"I don't believe you!" Tears were pricking at her eyes now as she began to shake a little by her growing rage and feelings of second guessing her last spirit who she'd grown rather fond of in such a short amount of time. Levy and Erza wanted to place their hands on her shoulders, but with how heavy the tension between the two had gotten they figured it was best to let them sort it out.
"Don' matter much to me~ After'all, I ain't the one summonin' criminals." He was giving her a slightly toothy smile. He seemed really pleased with himself.
She stopped her fists from shaking and leveled a glare on the man. Lucy hated this spirit, he was rotten to the core. He was manipulative, twisted, she despised him the more she was around him. But maybe.. Just maybe he was manipulating her. Twisting the story around.. She thought back on her and Urahara's brief encounter and from what she saw, he wasn't capable of any of that. Well maybe it was her turn to ask some questions.
"9." Lucy was mentally calming herself down, she needed her wits about her with this man.
"What?" Gin was giving her a somewhat confused look. 9 what?
"You've asked 9 questions, I believe when you set the rules there's a total of 21 questions to be asked, and both sides get a turn. I think it's fair to say it's mine." She was standing tall again.
"Hmm, alright, ya got a point there. Ask away Princess." He continued to smile, this game was getting more fun by the second
"First: you weren't aware of the keys and didn't know who I was even though Soul Society is fully aware of my presence. Why is that?" Lucy had crossed her arms under her generous chest, watching the Reaper expectantly.
Gin smiled, clever little fox.. Ain't she.
"My, how observant of'ya.. It's because I ain't in Soul Society at the moment." He still continued to smile.
Heh.. Vague.. Alright then. Lucy knew he was hiding something.
"And why is that?" She refused to blink, wanting to catch every reaction.
"Already told ya.. You're summonin' criminals and don' even know it." Though his smile didn't change, it felt creepier somehow..
"So were you an accomplice of Urahara's then? Since you seem to know so much about it."
"Nooo~ I'm someone else's accomplice." He chuckled a little.
"Did Urahara really do everything you said he did?" She wasn't even sure why she needed to know the truth, was it because she felt the need to defend her spirit? Or was it because deep down inside, she knew he was innocent?
Gin started rubbing his chin, "I wonder.."
"You have to answer, it's a rule. Or are you breaking the rules to your own game?"
"Heh.. Feelin' protective there are we? Fine, rules are rules." Gin couldn't help but laugh a little more, she really was wasting her questions to find out about Urahara. What a dolt.
"Of course I am. You still haven't answered."
"Mmmm, thas tough to answer.. Since it wouldn'a been possible without 'em."
"Stop beating around the bush and answer the question."
He stared at her for a moment, wanting to get under her skin a little more before replying. Not since Rangiku had a woman so blatantly stood up to him; granted she's only able to because of the damn key, he was able to surmise the fact that he couldn't touch her because of it. But still, the chick had grit, he had to give her that. He only slightly shook his head 'no'.
"You're the one that did it, or since you're an 'accomplice', you just had a hand in it and betrayed Soul Society didn't you?"
His smile fell. What the.. How did she sum that up? His look became a little dark before he regained himself. Girl's smarter than I gave her credit for.
"Heh, how observant of ya.." Lucy fought the chill running down her spine, but she couldn't stop the goose bumps from forming on her skin. However she couldn't help but relish in her small victory, this spirit was undoubtedly witty, if she didn't stay on her toes she wouldn't be able to keep up with him. Only God knows what's going on in that head of his.
"Why?"
Gin's eyebrows furrowed a little bit at this question. Why? What does it matter? What a stupid question.
"To help someon' reach someplace high'r. That enough reason for ya Princess?"
"No. It's not."
"Sorry ta disappoint." He was cocking his head to the side; acting coy.
"7."
Lucy blinked a few times. "No, I only asked 6."
"Actually Princess, ya asked 7 – since ya asked me if I was breakin' the rules to my own game." His smile grew slightly wider; there were only 5 more questions left and he'd capitalize on them.
What a snake.. Alright then, two can play at that. Lucy smiled a devious smile.
"Let me ask one more." She was giving him a glare that rivaled Erza's.
"Alright." His smile turned more into a sneer as he allowed her just one last question.
"Do you know anything about the keys?"
He stalled, answering before he could catch himself, "Why would ya ask me that?" Shit I wasted a question.. No matter.
"Because I saw your reaction to the key when you saw it. You forgot to answer the question."
He placed his finger under his chin and pretended to be contemplating something. Saying the girl was observant would have been an understatement. She was good.
"Heh.. Maybe I do."
"That's not an answer."
"But it is an answer, and it's the truth." His smile was positively wicked. Cunning bastard.
"Well now Princess, I gotta 'nother question for ya."
"Nope."
"What do ya mean 'nope'? That's not very sportsman like of ya."
"I asked 8 questions, you asked 13."
"…I asked 10." His features darkened.
"You also asked me to elaborate when I said 9, then you asked me if I was feeling protective over Urahara which I also answered. Then you asked if your reasons for betraying Soul Society were good enough, to which I said no. That's 13 Gin, game's over, you're out of questions and our time here together is up."
Gray and Laxus shared a sharp glance then quickly diverted their eyes back to the pair. What should have been an innocent game turned into 'who could find out more and get in the last word'. It was a complete battle of the wits, and Lucy had the last word. Way to go Luce.
"Heh.. Ha!" Gin let out a bark of a laugh as he opened his eyes and found a new appreciation for the girl. Now this was an interestin' kid. He couldn't even be mad at the situation, especially since she managed to use his own dirty trick against him. Hah! Clever little fox..
Gin took a step back, then bowed. "Well! Looks like I los' on both accounts today. What a worthy opponen' Princess." He turned to walk away, knowing the girl wasn't going to answer anymore of his questions. Perhaps he shoulda been a tad bit nicer in the beginning – but then again he had a pretty firm grasp on the situation, it was time to go back to Hueco Mundo. On second thought..
"Befor' I go Princess, let me give ya a word of advice, for winnin' the game." He peered at her over his shoulder. She quirked an eyebrow and stared at him intently, waiting for his next few words.
"I'd be careful bout usin' that Shinigami key too much, wouldn' wanna summon someone reaaaally scary now~" He ended his sentence off with a toothy grin that Lucy hadn't seen, and that sent something cold to the pit of her stomach.
She opened her mouth to ask a question, but he instantly put his finger to his lips in a silencing motion. He wouldn't answer her questions anymore either. Then he disappeared.
Lucy stood there. Motionless and stunned.. It was Gin that had the last word and gave that final, fatal blow – in the end he had won the game. Damn..
"Why so down Luce?" Natsu had dropped back behind the group to see what was eating so heavily at his best friend. Since her spirit left the night before she'd been quiet.. Too quiet.
She sighed, "I can't believe I let him have the last word! That! That! Ughh!" She was kicking dirt and rocks, flailing her arms in the air, causing Natsu to duck.
"So..?" Natsu really didn't get it, who cares? At least he told her something somewhat useful, right?
"You don't get it Natsu!" She had placed her hand over her forehead, exasperated over the previous day's events and too tired to explain strategy to a dimwitted Dragon Slayer.
"I do get it, he may have had the last word, but at least you proved both Urahara's innocence and your power over him when he wasn't able to attack Levy. That's a win in my book." Natsu had placed his hands behind his head, staring off into the sky as the group continued to tread up the mountain.
She removed her hands from her forehead and looked to her friend. He was right, at least she proved that much, and there really was no point in beating herself up over something that had already passed. She smiled.
"Thanks Natsu." She gave him one of those smiles that reaches your eyes, cheeks slightly pink and eyes slightly hazed, weird how he knew exactly what to say to her sometimes..
Natsu finally looked over, and smiled back – a light blush also tinting his cheeks. He liked it when Lucy smiled like that.
"Oi love birds, we're about halfway there, go fill up our canteens before we pick back up again." Gray was throwing four canteens at the two while Happy flew towards them with another in his paws, stifling a laugh.
"You liiiiike each other."
"Shut up Happy!" Lucy managed a solid canteen hit right to the exceed's head.
"Ouch! Lucy's a meanieeeee!" Fake tears started as he flew into Natsu's open arms.
"Excellent shot Princess!"
…
"Virgo?! Where did you pop out from?" Lucy and Natsu jumped in astonishment, wow it's been a few days..
"I don't believe my Princess should have to do things such as filling canteens. So I'm here to do it for you. Do I need punishment?" She was precariously bending over now, giving Natsu and Gray a wonderful view of her panties.
"No! No! That's okay Virgo! Please stand back up!" She was waving her hands frantically as she gave both her blushing friends death glares.
"Yes Princess, punishment can wait for later." She was grabbing the canteens as she began making her way towards the sound of water. Natsu and Lucy close on her heels.
"How have you been Princess? It's been a while, we all miss you; even Aquarius." Virgo was giving Lucy a small smile, despite the 'keh..' they could hear coming from the other side. Just admit it Aquarius..
"I'm sorry Virgo.. I promise I'm not intentionally leaving you guys out of the loop or anything.." She was scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. Virgo had a point, when was the last time she called her spirits out? I hope nobodies feelings are hurt..
"Not at all Princess.. In fact we're happy that you have such dependable keys that keep you safe and out of danger." Well, most of us are anyways.. Virgo thought back to Loke's overbearing feelings of resentment and jealousy when Lucy summoned Grimmjow. The poor fool..
"Thanks Virgo.. It actually means a lot to hear you say that." Lucy had grabbed the spirit's wrist to let her know she truly meant it, that she was happy the maid spirit wasn't bearing any resentment, and she needed to make sure Virgo wasn't just saying that for her sake either. Virgo smiled back at her, she looked to Lucy's hand grasped firmly around her wrist and could feel her Master's feelings. She truly didn't want them to be hurt, or to feel unnecessary. Her feelings only reinforced her resolve to not push herself through Lucy's gate, the Celestial Mage needed her magic, all of it, to manage even one of those new keys. She knew she wasn't a match for the opponents her Master had been faced with as of late, that fact was the only thing truly bothering her and the other Celestial Spirits.
"Master, the main reason I'm here.. It's about that last spirit you summoned.."
Gin?
"What is it Virgo?" Lucy shared a glance with Natsu and Happy before adverting their eyes to the maid spirit.
"We were watching, everything, we knew he couldn't harm you, or your friends since it was a direct order and you do have quite a bond with those two keys now.. But because we know he's connected to that key and you now, that there must be some truth behind his last statement before leaving.."
"You mean.. About there being a scary Shinigami?" Lucy blinked a few times, what did that mean?
"Well, we don't really know Princess.. It's just that we felt you should heed that warning. Perhaps stick to your Arrancar key for a while?"
Lucy subconsciously felt for the black obi in her bag, a feeling of doom looming over her.
"Well.. If you say so Virgo.. I trust you more than that creepy guy.. And if you really think so.." Lucy shared a hesitant glance with Natsu as they continued to fill their canteens.
"Well we were skeptical with him at first, Leo and Taurus were ready to jump through your gate, even if it meant draining your power if they needed to, but as soon as he attempted to turn his blade on you and couldn't we realized it was safe.. Well somewhat. But we still don't understand that key Princess, and though his warning was mocking it was still a warning.." Virgo had placed her hand over Lucy's, telling her she was very serious.
"I understand Virgo. I trust you." Lucy gave her a confident smile as the group made its way back to the mages resting only a short distance ahead.
"Is there anything you require of me while I'm here Princess?" The spirit had politely placed her hands in front of her.
"No Virgo, thank you for everything though." Lucy turned to give her spirit another warm smile, but blanched instead.
Virgo was holding a whip and excess chains, bending over again in the same wanton position she had practically arrived in, giving everyone a more than ample view of her derrière.
"Punishment Princess?" Her innocent look betrayed her actions.
"I'll punish you Virgo!"
"Don't touch my spirit Bixlow!"
"I'm ready for you Master."
"Lucy what the fuck do you do to your spirits?"
"Stay out of it Laxus!"
"I woulda never pegged ya for a Masochist bunny girl."
"VIRGO GO HOME!"
"My dear Espada, I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here today." A charismatic man stood at the head of a table, ten sets of eyes focused on him and his right and left hand men.
"It's come to my attention that some of you." A heavy gaze landed on Harribel, and then Grimmjow, "have been busy as of late. Care to explain?" Aizen casually took a seat as he reached for his cup of tea. Harribel and Baraggan shared a furtive glance before Grimmjow's shocking blue eyes landed onto Harribel's. Shit.
"We have been running missions sir, nothing more." Harribel's cool and calm demeanor brought a smile to Aizen's lips.
"I see. Is that all then, Grimmjow?" His glance shifted to the Sexta, who had only been half listening, that was until Aizen directly mentioned him to being 'busy'.
"Like she said, runnin' missions." He gave Aizen a look of boredom, trying to appear annoyed at the trivial question with such an obvious answer.
"That's funny.. I don't recall sending either of you two out.. Especially you Grimmjow, at least not since your little incident in Karakura Town."
The rest of the Espada shot short glances at each other; what would Aizen do if he found out? If he knew they kept this from him? It was Harribel's idea to keep it hidden, so she should take the fall.
Double shit.
"Ohhhh~ you'll have'ta forgive me Aizen, ya see, I sent Grimmjow n' Harribel here out on a lil mission of my own. I get curious n' can't help myself sometimes." Gin had taken a step forward, hands in the air with mock innocence.
"Is that so.. Gin." Aizen only looked at him from the corner of his eye.
"Sorry 'bout it~ In fact, I went on one of my own lil missions earlier today myself." Gin only slightly opened his eyes, giving Harribel and Grimmjow's looks of shock another grin.
Even Baraggan started for a moment as the other Espada were careful not to cast too many glances, not wanting to seem suspicious.
"I'll be sure to let ya know next time tho~" Gin had closed his eyes once again, hands back down and lingering on the two Espada for a moment longer.
"Be sure that you do. Well, that is all. You are all dismissed." Aizen gave a wave of his hand as he stood to leave, his two Commanders following closely behind.
…
"What the fuck was that all about?" Grimmjow had approached Harribel in the hall closest to her tower.
"I.. Don't know.." Harribel was just as confused as Grimmjow. What did Gin mean he went on his own 'lil mission' earlier today?
"Secrets don' make friends~" Speak of the devil..
Harribel and Grimmjow simultaneously leveled a glare on the ex-Shinigami.
"Well thas' not very nice~ after'all, I did save ya both back ther'." Typical Gin, all smiles.
"The fuck you up to?" Grimmjow breached the distance between the two to roughly grab the Soul Reaper's cloak. Sneer in place and his other hand drifting only millimeters above his blade hilt. Fuckin' Shinigami's.. He didn't trust any of em, especially ones with their own agendas.
"Oh my.. My my my.. As straigh' forward as always Grimmjow~"
Fuck, did that smile unnerve him at times; he'd never admit it but he never knew what the creep was thinkin'. Shit, even Aizen didn't know what he was thinkin'. That alone made Gin more unpredictable than anyone else, and that was what made him so damn dangerous. A snake in the grass, that's what he refers to himself as – couldn't of put it better myself.
"What do you know Gin?" Harribel had yet to move from her spot, she knew Grimmjow wasn't stupid enough to attempt to kill the Soul Reaper, and if Gin wanted them dead he would have ratted them out during the meeting. He was up to something, and he had them – for lack of a better term – by the balls. Damn.
"Oh.. Not n'more than you two.. Maybe we should ask Wonderweiss hmm? Maybe he knows somethin' we don'."
Harribel's scowl deepened. Did Gin meet Lucy? Was she safe?
"What happened to Lucy?" Harribel's reiatsu spiked a little, causing both parties in front of her to draw their attentions from one another and to the now brooding Shark Empress.
Gin put his hands back up, not as sarcastic as usual.
"Nothin'. Case ya didn' notice seems we can' touch her."
Grimmjow had released his cloak, fully aware of the girl's powers over the lot, shit if he couldn't cero her ass after calling him a cat he doubted Gin would have fared much better.
"She's an interestin' kid, tha' girl. Don' let Aizen know bout the keys. Let'em do what he intends ta do, I'll handle the rest." And with that, Gin turned to walk away.
Grimmjow and Harribel shared a confused look before watching the ex-Shinigami's receding figure.
"What do you mean 'you'll take care of the rest'?" Harribel was ready to follow the man for an answer, until he peered at her from over his shoulder; giving her the same silencing motion he had given Lucy before leaving her world.
"What happened to 'secrets don't make friends'?" Grimmjow was practically snarling as he spit out the last word in disgust.
Gin lightly laughed.
"Oh~ but friend's make secrets." Practically left as a whisper as he disappeared down the hall. Leaving a confused Harribel and a pissed off Grimmjow.
"One of these days.. One of these fuckin' days.." Grimmjow was practically grinding the hilt of his sword with his hand, almost causing his Hierro to break. Harribel briefly looked at the motion then turned to walk away.
"That's it?!" Grimmjow turned towards her, aggravated at her easy acceptance of the awkward and confusing conversation that had just transpired.
"Trying to understand Gin is like trying to understand one of Szayels' Quantum Mechanic theories."
…
"Quantum what?"
"Exactly Grimmjow.."
"Levy, how much farther is the damn village supposed to be?!" Gray was barely dragging his feet up the mountain, the group had been walking since they rose that morning – minus the small water break - and it was easily later afternoon now.
"We should almost be there.." Levy was tracing their steps on the map and trying to estimate the distance they still needed to go. Not much further ahead..
"We shoulda rented a car.." Bixlow was matching Gray's pace.
"Why are you two complaining? Levy said it's not much further." Every member of the group gave Erza a weary look, here they were sweating their asses off and barely keeping pace with the Knight in full armor carrying a solid couple hundred pounds behind her. Well she's the Titania for a reason..
"I hope they're all okay.. That barrier definitely did a good job keeping us out, I wonder if anyone else tried to get through." Lucy was petting the blue exceed cradled in her arms, fast asleep.
"They're an exorcist village; I'm sure they're fine." Laxus didn't even turn to address her, he was pretty intently focused on their surroundings. This was supposed to be an area "infested with demons", so how come the only demons they've seen were the ones from the barrier's border? He looked to the other two Dragon Slayer's and saw them watching their surroundings just as intently. Something was off.. It was almost like their mission to retrieve the keys, were they being lured deep into the mountain?
"What's troublin' ya?" Bixlow was now matching Laxus' stride, noticing his weary glances at almost every turn.
"There just isn't any resistance, it's bothering me."
"Yeah, you're not the only one that's noticed." Bixlow was looking to the rest of the team, each member was on full alert, not dropping their guard for even a second. This was definitely odd, they should have at least had a few more battles by now..
"I see it! The pillars, at the top there!" Levy was pointing a finger at two large pillars with two flags flying from them. The team audibly sighed in relief as they managed to pick the pace up a little.
"It's about time!" Gray may have sounded somewhat annoyed, but his smile said otherwise.
"Yes, yes it is." A man stood in front of the group now; blocking their path towards the exorcist village.
"Who are you?!" Natsu took the lead, fists aflame. Where did he come from?
It wasn't until then that they noticed thin trails of smoke leading up towards the sky, and the smell of burning wood drifted into the air. Was the village under attack?
"Well you lot weren't supposed to be up here so soon.. We thought 400 demons would have at least held you back for an hour or so.." He was examining his nails, seemingly relaxed and completely unperturbed with the battle-ready group of mages only yards in front of him.
"What do you mean? Are you the one who set the barrier?" Erza was now standing next to Natsu.
"Heh.. No. But thank you for that."
Thank you for what…?
"Enough, we're passin' through, with or without you in the way." Laxus was now in line with Erza and Natsu, Gray's hands were in Ice-Make stance and Bixlow's new doll creations were floating into the air. Levy and Lucy refused to be left out and readied themselves, the clinging of Lucy's key's caught his attention.
"Ahh.. There she is.." A devious glint was shining in his eyes as a small smile adorned his face, all attention on Lucy.
"I'm not afraid of you!" Lucy had her black key in her hand, ready for a summoning. Gin may have drained her, but not too badly. Good thing his Bankai only stayed out for a few seconds.
"Open, Gate of the-" she paused. Looking to the key in her hands and realizing she was about to use her Shinigami key once again..
"Gotcha." The demon appeared before her in the blink of an eye in her moment of hesitance. The team turned to see Lucy very much in trouble. Gray and Bixlow launched themselves towards the two, but then they were gone.
"Where did they go?!" Natsu was right behind the two mages. All the Dragon Slayer's trying to pick up the girl's scent.
"There!"
"H-how?!" Lucy was standing above a cliff, looking both ways before realizing she was a good distance higher than the rest of her team, and the village for that matter. Her eyes widened at the destruction ladened on the unsuspecting buildings and people. Her eyes shone with unshed tears at the unrepairable damage, the utter despair of the image..
"Like what you see?"
Her head snapped around to the demon, he was a tall man with tanned skin. He had spiky copper hair and bright yellow eyes. His black shirt clung to him, showing off a very lean form before opening at the shoulders to show toned arms. His pants only barely allowed leeway for movement as a belt held it all together on his hips. Lucy would almost dare to say he was good looking if she wasn't so disgusted with him.
"Why? Why did you do this?!" Lucy's eyes were filled with tears.
"Well, we couldn't have done it without you Stellar Mage. You're already one step closer to aiding Zeref." His smile was wicked.
"What are you talking about?" She took a step forward, holding eye contact to make sure he didn't notice her switching keys in her hands. She could feel her other key calling again, was it because of her emotions?
"You and your friends brought the barrier down. We could not do it, so thank you for that."
Her heart tightened as her stomach dropped, right before nausea hit her hard. The demons didn't set the barrier..? Then who..
"I've brought you up here girl to offer you a deal."
What? Lucy blinked back her tears as the nausea began to settle at the pit of her stomach.
"Join us. Join us now and I won't kill your friends over there."
"Never." She was throwing her coldest glare as of yet at the demon, Erza taught her well.
"If you won't join us then I'll kill you, take those keys, and find someone more willing."
Lucy took a step back, pretending to be intimidated by his threat, but was getting in position to summon her key. She dropped her chin to her chest, appearing to be contemplating his offer as she mumbled words he couldn't understand.
"What was that?" He took a step closer to her, what was she doing? Praying? She was whispering something. Humans are odd..
Then he heard the last three words as she dared to speak a little louder.
"..of the Arrancar!"
He jumped towards her until a light shone and blocked his path, he stood directly in front of it as it began to slim down. He cursed to himself before jumping back – well, he tried to at least. A hand shot out from the light before a form could even be seen as it gripped the demon roughly around the neck.
"Well, well, well! Looks like I'm up – and judging by the naggin' urge in the back of my head to smash your face into the ground, seems like you're the one I'm here to kill!"
The demon flinched as he twisted and resisted the spirit's grip, but soon realized he wasn't going anywhere. He removed two small scythe shaped copper blades from his back and he crossed both over the arm – a motion that should have severed the limb completely.
He flinched yet again, seeing only the material of the spirit's sleeve cut, the pasty skin underneath remaining completely unscathed.
"Hah! Nice try!" A long leg finally formed as it reached out, landing a painful kick on the demons stomach as he flew back into one of the boulders. Then the spirit stepped out, and Lucy had to look at him twice to take in his full appearance.
The man was ridiculously thin and tall, easily taller than Kenpachi. He wore all white and black like all the other Espada with a large spoon shaped hood completely covering his head and face from view. He slowly turned around to see his temporary master.
He had shoulder length black hair with an eye patch covering his left eye. The one not covered was so slited, he could be considered more snake-like than the Shinigami she just met. His mouth was set in a grim line as he took his large blade that appeared to be two black crescent moons placed back to back on a spear. His uniform clung to him just as snuggly as the demon's but his jacket left an almost heart shaped opening over his chest before flaring out to his odd hood. To say Lucy was taken aback would have been putting it lightly. He placed his weapon over his shoulder as he took in Lucy's appearance just as precariously as she had – well, at least that's what she thought until a smile rivaling Gin's etched his face.
"Master-sama!"
…
"If I woulda known you looked like that I woulda found a way to get summoned here sooner!"
…Eh?!
"Ha! Holy shit! I was expectin' some old hag or somethin' to be able to pull beings into other universes. But shit! No wonder Wonderweiss has been runnin' around the vicinity feelin' all the chicks up! He was lookin' for a rack bigger than yours!"
Lucy sweat dropped.
"Uhh.. Heh.." She was scratching the back of her head in an awkward and uncomfortable way. What the hell?
"Lucy!" Said girl's head snapped in the direction of the voice, catching Laxus arriving in mid-lightning. Wish I could travel that way..
"Hey you alright- whoa who the fuck is that?!" Laxus' face contorted slightly as he took in her spirit's appearance. What an ugly dude.
"Uh, well, I actually didn't catch his name.." She was looking back to her spirit, who at some point had Sonido'd directly in front of her, hand under his chin as he continued to analyze her rack. He then walked a full circle around her, shaking his head 'yes' at her attire – short skirt, thigh-high socks, top barely containing that wonderful ample chest of hers with flowy sleeves attached for no real reason; then his face lit up.
"Master-sama.. You can call me whatever you want.. As long as you use that whip on me." He had placed his hands on her shoulders as the girls entire body turned into a deep shade of crimson.
"Hey! Get the fuck away from her freak!" Laxus was growling as he took a few steps forward, noticing Lucy's extremely uncomfortable position. Even Loke never succeeded in causing this much damage to the girl.
She chanced a glance to her spirit as he scowled at the approaching man, then stuck his tongue out in the same way Bixlow usually did, showing off his "5" tattoo.
"L-Laxus.. Calm down.. He's here to help.." She had her hands in the air in an attempt to settle her very pissed off Dragon Slayer friend.
She glanced at him again through her lashes to see his attention had drifted to her cleavage. He placed his hand back underneath his chin as if deep in thought; then did something that had both mages – even the demon – ladened with shock.
"Wow Master-sama, you'd give Harribel a run for her money, and that's sayin' something!" He was balancing both of her breasts under his hands. Lucy blanched, and before she knew it she screamed the words:
"FORCED GATE CLOSURE!"
She was placing both of her arms protectively over her chest as she refused to make eye contact with Laxus. I can't believe that just happened..
"I'll just take this as refusal to join Zeref. In that case, there's no need to keep you alive." The demon had reappeared directly behind Lucy, grabbing her by the midsection and lifting them both into the air; directly above the cliff and in-between the part of the mountain that had the Village and the rest of the mages. Lucy sneaked a quick look below her to see nothing but fog and a long, long way down.
"Are you going to drop me?!" Lucy was struggling in his grasp as he tightened his grip.
"No."
She relaxed a little at the answer.
"I'm going to slit your throat then drop you." He was smiling at the look of terror on her face. Until a lightning bolt hit him straight in the face.
"Gray! Catch her!" Laxus was shouting across the way to the group of mages that had run up their side of the mountain and were watching helplessly from the other side, until Lucy noticed a long ice-like bridge begin to form across the distance of the two mountain peaks.
Lucy 'oofed' as she smacked down onto the ice bridge, but then slowly began to slide off. She scratched her hands and kicked her feet in an attempt to regain her posture, but couldn't get a solid grip on the ice structure. She slowly slipped down and closer to the edge of the bridge.
"Lucy!" Natsu was running across the ice bridge, slipping every couple of seconds with Gray on his heels, reinforcing the bridge and attempting to make it wider. It wasn't until then that she realized how far the distance was – Gray's ice had barely made it to her as it almost completely thinned out and didn't even make it to the other side. Her two friends appeared to be a good 200 yards away as they bickered about who should have gone first. Happy flew past the two and soared as quickly as his little wings could take him.
"I'm coming Lucyyyyyy! Hold on!"
And then the bridge snapped. Lucy looked at the spot almost directly in front of her as she realized one of the demon's blades had completely shattered it in two. She barely caught a glance to the other side to see Laxus in Dragon Force mode, fighting the demon and more than likely managed to divert the blades path from hitting Lucy, but inadvertently ricocheting it onto the bridge. His eyes grew wide as he attempted to run for her, until the demon jumped in front of him, obstructing Lucy's view of her friend as she began to fall. She then looked to the other side as Gray and Natsu clinged to the bridge, both with looks of horror as they watched Happy shoot towards the Celestial Mage.
"Lucy! Grab my hand!" The exceed's face was twisted in concentration as he flew for the girl, but her weight carried her much faster than his wings could catch up to.
"Lucy!" The exceed still followed her, even though the distance between them grew greater the farther down they went.
"Happy!" Tears flew from her eyes from the intensity of the wind at her face, Happy only appearing to be a wet blur in front of her as his form became smaller and smaller.
"Lucyyyyyyy!" She could hear her teammates screaming her name.
Am I really going to die?! She reached for her keys, only to realize they were no longer in her grasp. The demon must've taken them when he had her in the air, right before dropping her. It only made since, he'd obviously want them back after discarding her.
She squeezed her eyes shut as she flew beneath the fog. Natsu! Please! Help me! She reopened her eyes and realized Natsu wouldn't be coming in to save her at the last second like he always did, he had to be hundreds of yards away by now.
Please.. Somebody.. Anybody.. I still have a lot of work to do! I can't die yet! She closed her eyes again as she refused to give in.
"Somebody, please!" She cried out in vain as she suddenly stopped in motion. She opened her eyes and found that she was looking down, and seeing the fall continue downward - all the way to a bottom she couldn't even see yet, but she was no longer plummeting. She then noticed a strong, firm grip under her midsection and a warm body to her side. She looked slightly towards the direction of the warmth to see white, billowing pants and black boots.
"Tch.. Leave ya here for three days and you're already about to get yourself killed. Stupid girl."
She shot her head towards the voice to see a pissed off scowl she had grown somewhat familiar with.
She absolutely beamed. One of those smiles that reached her eyes as they shone with unshed tears.
"Grimmjow!"
He regarded her for a moment. Why the fuck does she keep smiling like that? Then a large toothy grin crossed his face.
"Knew you'd be screamin' my name sooner or later." His chest rumbled with a chuckle.
Damn perverted Arrancars..
"Hey.."
"Yeah..?"
"It's been a day since they left.."
"So..?"
"Think it's safe to break out yet?"
Five forgotten demons stared longingly up at the late afternoon sky barely visible through the metal bars inscribed through the word 'Jail'.
"Think the fox-faced spirit went back yet?"
...
"Let's give it another day.."
Oh Lucy.. And here you thought about burning that obi..
Until next time :)
If you're not old like me, then you've never played 21 questions, you create your own rules so I just had gin put a little twist on it - seemed very Gin-like to me ;)