Hey sorry I haven't updated this story in some time, and I know it isn't Saturday either I just decided to do it earlier than Saturday this week. I am not abandoning this story I have so many ideas for it to just let it be simply abandoned, I haven't updated it in some time because I was working on this other story and I just wanted to get to a good point in with it, I don't feel I have yet but I decided to pull away from it for now to focus back on this after a message I got asking if I was actually continuing with it.
So anyway on with the chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of its original characters.
"Talking"
"Thinking"
"Zanpaktou speaking"
"Zanpaktou thinking"
'Zanpaktou/Kido techniques/Hollow attacks/Quincy attacks'
All through Seireitei hollows where attacking soul reaper after soul reaper, by now the soul reapers had come out of their shock from the hordes surprise attack and were now fighting with all their might to push the swarm of hollow back. This day would show who are the true soul reapers and who are cowards just wearing their uniform and carrying their Zanpaktou without conviction.
A few seconds after Soifon exited her suit
At the 8th division Kyouraku was fighting with accuracy and smooth movements not a single one wasted step or strike, all cuts aimed where lethal to whatever hollow was either brave or stupid enough to cross his path and enter his game of death. His speed and flash steps where too much for any simple hollow to follow, so they would often die without knowing what happened.
During the attack the 8th Division Captain had lost some of his men during the defence of their barracks. He was saddened and remorseful that he could not protect all those who had been killed or worse eaten by hollows, but he made sure to slay those hollow before they could even think of retreating back to the safety of Hueco Mundo "at least that way they will not have their souls trapped inside the hollows for all eternity" was his reasoning for making sure those particulars ones were purified right away, those certain ones would become prime targets in his eyes when ever he saw one.
As the flamboyant captain was just done with beheading a ravaniss Adjusta he briefly felt an incredibly strong spiritual pressure come from the Sokyoku Hill. Most would have not sensed it even with how overbearingly strong it appeared, because not a second after it appeared it just vanished, but Shunsui Kyoraku was not a captain of his league because he missed things even the smallest of details in the environment around, hell he was confident that if he was blindfolded he could still walk around Seireitei like it was a normal afternoon.
Kyoraku took a minute to reflect on the brief burst of spiritual pressure that had appeared and swiftly vanished "it wasn't a hollow so thats a relief, any hollow that could possess that sort of immense power and then just go and mask it like that would be thought for concern, so it would have to be soul reaper but the question is friend or foe?" contemplated the pink kimono wearing man before getting back into battle, deciding to focus on protecting his subordinates and barracks until whatever that energy was appeared again.
4th Division after Haelen had been put into the barrier
The 4th was currently extremely busy with healers moving around as quick as possible to get from patient to patient, the medics were working at hard as possible to help treat all the patients that were coming and going. Luckily not many were in mortal danger, but that could be because those who would have been in such danger might have been eaten before they could make it to the 4th.
The captain of squad 4 Retsu Unohana and her Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu we're currently working to help heal some of the higher ranks out of necessity. With the higher ranks they naturally need better more experienced healers due to their spiritual energy being the first thing that usually get healed, so when it come to captains getting healed it's usually best to have a lieutenant or captain class level healer on hand to attend to their injuries.
Not long after Unohana and Isane had made it back to the 4th with a critically injured Lieutenant Hinamori in hand, the hollows began their attack. Luckily since the 4th practically has at least half of the 11th division being treated their on a daily basis they were on hand to begin helping in the 4th's defence with Unohana providing the more hesitant individuals with a smile that just gave them the courage they needed to start fighting.
Not long after that Iba showed up carrying his badly wounded captain over his shoulder. Unohana quickly took the werewolf like captain into her care and was currently treating him while Iba was filling in Isane on the current events.
"You're joking right?" asked the disbelieving 4th Lieutenant as she was sitting down on one of the waiting room chairs and was looking up from a patient chart.
Iba was shaking his head "no, it happened saw it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it too if I hadn't see it myself" replied Iba in a honest tone, while leaning against the wall opposite to Isane with his arms folded and looking manly.
"It's just difficult to believe that someone could just close a garganta like you described, especially while it was being opened forcefully by multiple Menos Grande" Isane commented still finding the story hard to swallow "and you said one man in a full body gimp suit did this?" She asked still finding the thought of such a silly looking man being able to pull off such a grand feat off like what was described.
Iba nodded in confirmation "Don't let the sound of this guys appearance fool you one bit, this man is more than he seems, none of the captains appeared to at all recognize the kido he did, and it wasn't technically just him by the way this short woman also helped him on the last part of the kido I think Aizen called her Soifon, you ever heard of her?" asked Iba curious on whether the silver haired woman knew her as well.
Isane began thinking on the name for a second be eventually she just gently shakes her head "no, sorry Iba I don't think I have" she answered meekly, feeling guilty that she couldn't help.
"I have" came the soft voice of Unohana who had walked in just in time to here Iba mention the name "she was the previous Lieutenant of the 2nd squad and the second in charge of the stealth force over a 100 hundred years ago but ran away shortly after her captain abandoned Soul Society" the captain briefed, sounding sadder as she went on.
Isane picked up on this and grew curious "you sound sad captain did something happen? why did she leave if she was a lieutenant and someone who was second in charge of the stealth force?" asked the tall woman gently and with an arched silver eyebrow. Iba also grew curious on why the 4th captain was seeming so down hearted about the girl and why such a grand sounding warrior like this Soifon would just up and leave.
Unohana sighed tiredly "well if you want to know, for starters Soifons full name is...well was Shaolin Fon" revealed Unohana who saw the two lieutenant stiffen a little "I see you two know, and yes she was one that went throught that, her old captain was Yoruichi Shihoin, after she left we believe Soifon found no reason to stay, she seemed to possess no real ambitions of her own and that she maybe couldn't bare the thought of becoming the captain of squad two due to the deep seeded connection she had with Yoruichi" told the motherly healer to the two lieutenants, pity for the girl becoming clear in her voice as she went on.
Iba hummed at the new information "just to make sure where talking about the same person Captain Unohana, does this Shaolin possess black blueish hair and grey eyes?" Unohana nodded "so it must be her and she's back now and at such a time as this, think she came with this Yoruichi?" asked Iba to both the 4th's highest ranking members who shrugged in a 'I don't know fashion'. Iba grunted in understanding "well I better go and help defend my barracks, with yours possessing most of the 11th am confident you will do fine without my assistance, right?" asked to shades wearing man who got a pairs of curt nods. With no more confirmation needed Iba flash stepped away leaving the pair of healers to their duties.
Aizen's group
Aizen, Gin, Tousen and Kagami were standing at the entrance of the main Senkaimon but were halted in any further movements by something equivalent to a steel wall.
They were stopped when they came into view of the furious form of the Head captain, standing before them 1st division haori fully removed and current location unknown, his shinigami robe hanging around his waist and now displaying the battled hardened muscles of his upper body along with his many, many scars gained through his countless battles. He already had his Ryujin Jakka in hand, lit up and flowing with it's red hot flames.
The air surrounding the area was now becoming blisteringly hot making the four captain level traitors sweat involuntarily. Tousen swallowed a small lump in his throat "incredible this spiritual pressure is like an inferno, I would expect nothing less from The head captain" commented Tousen glad he was not wearing glasses anymore out of concern that they might have melted from the shear heat being produced by Yamamoto's shikai.
Gin whose sinister smile was only a bit less wider than usual right now due to the situation he and the others currently found themselves in, snickered at Tousen's comment "oh come now you're not getting scared are you now Tousen?" the silver haired man asked mockingly with his hand slowed drawing near Shinso getting ready for the inevitable fight.
Tousen was not fazed by Gin's taught in any way "of course not, I will not give in too such a weak emotion like fear or getting scared, beside Lord Aizen has the head captain too under his Kyoka Suigetsu's complete Hypnosis" trailed off Tousen in an even tone with his hand also moving to his Suzumushi.
Kagami said nothing but was having her own internal thoughts on the situation "damn this isn't good! we are strong, and the head is under Aizen's effects but still this is a man who is not to be underestimated , nobody gets to this man's age without being terrifyingly strong" where her thoughts tensing at the thoughts of having to fight this anientent captain, even with Aizen,Gin and Tousen by her side she still didn't feel like this was going to be at all easy.
"Aizen!" called out the booming voice of Yamamoto looking straight into said man's menacing eyes with heated fury, "Gin!" he called out again turning to look in the very narrowed eyes of the grinning young traitor, "Tousen" said the old man looking in the blind man's pale eyes, Yamamoto then turned and looked at Kagami letting his intense stare linger on her and deeply unnerving her as he did "and Kagami" he said calmly but with extra disappointment but with an undertone of sadness when saying her name. Kagami was the Captain of the 2nd division and by extension the commander of the stealth/punishment force and furthermore was given the ultimate trust of enforcing the law of soul society, but here she was revealed to be a traitor all along never at all loyal to the Gotei 13, it especially bruised the old captain pride to see this he wasn't sure if Kagami's situation was like soifon's a hundred year ago or if it was different.
Yamamoto unfocused his stare to look at them as a group, once again letting the sight of the four traitors be taken into a memory "each and everyone of you disappoint me you were each given the title of captain and now you have betrayed us, look around you hollows swarming everywhere, and on top of it all you are working with them, you should ashamed of yourselves! " listed Yamamoto growing more enraged as he went on with his anger being extra clear in the rising heat of his spiritual energy saturating the air around them all.
In most cases hollows would have been draw to such high levels of spiritual energy but given how powerful and intense the head captains was it was instead proving to be more of a deterrent to all hollows that came near. The sheer combined power of the 5 captains was making the masked beast much too scared to even think of going near the impending battle, their instincts telling them if they got drawn in they likely wouldn't be getting out.
Aizen chuckled, making the Yamamotos frown deepen in confusion on what could possible be so funny at such a time as this "what so amusing Sosuke Aizen?" questioned the old captain with the flames of his Rujin Jakka growing more intense from his irritation with the traitors.
Aizen stopped his chuckling and smiled gently but clearly smugly at the ancient captain "whats funny is that you think I am working with the hollows, no you see that is a misconception am not working for them they work for me" if Yamamoto was surprised by this he did not show it, which disappointed Aizen a little " some time ago me, Gin and Tousen dethroned what you could call Hauco Mundos technical king and now he works for me" group leader finished evenly and calmly.
The old man hummed in understanding "and that would explain why the Menos attempted to used a Negacion on you all" commented the old man, beginning to see how it all fits. Yamamoto was not liking the fact that Aizen was in fact the leader of the hollows and saw that this made the man far too dangerous now to let escape especially now that he knows that he pretty much could have the whole of Hueco Mundo's population as his army.
The head captains Ryujin Jakka began to flow out a continuous streams of scorching hot flames that hit the tiled ground and began running along the floor circling around the the head captain and the traitors until a of circle of flames was formed. Now all of them stud boxed in by a giant wall of searing fire, burning and roaring like it was almost alive.
'Jokaku Enjo' called out the muscular old man naming the technique he just performed "a fortress of flame that none of you will be escaping from, not without getting through me" declared Yamamoto standing between the traitors and their exit like a second wall of fire; not far off really. Yamamoto knew this wouldn't be an easy fight by along shot and on top of him being under the effects of Aizen's zanpaktou giving him a major disadvantage he could very well possible die here today, but he would be damned if he was going to let any fear for his own life stop him from serving justice to these dishonourable traitors.
Seeing the impenetrable wall of fire Aizen frowned his abilities were good for a lot of things but they wouldn't be able to fool a giant wall of fire; since fire has no eye and isn't organic in any way whatsoever "maybe I could fake our deaths but it would make no sense and would be too obvious an illusion if done too soon, but if we play this right we might be able to kill him off" contemplated Aizen trying to pick the best course of action on how to take care of the Head captain. But he would have to be careful if they tried going for the kill they would have to directly engage the powerful captain, and if the fight didn't go smoothly they could came out seriously hurt leaving them weakened and if they appear weak Barragan and other hollows may just make an attempt on their lives, plus if they are seriously injured when in Hueco Mundo they might just succeed.
Yamamoto took a stance with Ryujin Jakka held in one hand, glaring with fire at the traitors "so you youngsters just going to stand their trying to look like models for your fan clubs "which will be shut down immediately after this" or are you going to fight me" mocked Yamamoto making a brief mental note half way through. His insult worked because they all drew their blades all looking a little nicked except Gin who personally liked his fan club and happily model for them; after all they make great Gin merchandise, he especially loves the chibi Gin cuddly toy and even the shot cups which have 'shoot to drink Shinso' printed on them, he will greatly miss that those.
Aizen held his blade in front of him in a lacs manner never losing his smug smile "well then shall we see who is leaving this prison alive head captain" commented Aizen with slight sass in his tone, before all four traitors began their for Yamamoto who met them halfway sword fully blazing. When two forces met it the middle it caused a blinding explosion which engulfed the group hiding them from view and in a way was declaring the beginning of their fight.
12th division
Mayuri Kurotsuchi was still in a weakened state after his fight with Uryu Ishida after said man entered the Quincy Letzt Stil (Destruction Mage: Final Form or Quincy final form ) and then proceeded to destroyed and brutally humiliated the 12th Captain. By the end of the fight Mayuri was not a pretty site and was forced to use his Nikushibuki (Flesh Splash) in order to both survive and escaped the powered up and vengeful Quincy teen.
Now the Captain stood before his massive computer trying the find a means to cleansing the air of all the Hollow Bait that was currently saturating it, he had just been given the orders to find a means to do so a few minutes ago through a hell butterfly that came in from the 1st. He was not happy to have been given the orders right now since he was in the middle of restoring some of his bodily modification that were lost in his reforming; after all DNA remembers the body how it was, not how it became after artificial improvement, the one downside to his life saving formula.
Mayuri was also further pissed that Aizen had somehow managed to steal the Bait right from under his nose. Mayuri learned the method for creating Hollow Bait after getting he got his hands on some about a century or so ago from some Quincy family that was wiped out during that cleansing thing, he used that to look into its compounds and after knowing that started making his own; until he lost interest and moved onto other more fun and immoral experiments.
Mayuri out of precaution had made some counters to the Bait only problem is, he doesn't know where in hell he put them, and that's why he was currently searching through his computers catalogue on where to find the anti-hollow bait. Mayuri stopped his typing when he found where it was "ah ha so that where you are good" Mayuri clicked a button and printed off the location of the Anti-Bait's current location, along with some other tools he was going to need. "NEMU!" the creepy captain called out to his lieutenant/daughter android thing, she appeared before him without hesitation and he handed her the print outs "find me these on the double chop, chop" he ordered impatiently as always to which she nodded and without a word took off in a flash step to retrieve the objects desired.
Current time Sokyoku Hill
It had been a few minutes since Haelen had the Tetsu Ryū Kējihausu ( Iron Dragon Cage House) drop in on himand Soifon couldn't sense any hollow signatures near by at all "after the last battle between my dad and that wolf hollow am not surprised that any sane hollows has yet to work up the nerve to come here"mused Soifon. The porcelain skinned woman was knocked out of her thoughts by a tap on the shoulder, when she turned around she was face to face with Yoruichi who was not looking at her with her usual grin or glint of mischief.
"Soifon" started Yoruichi with a voice carrying an air of seriousness "what happened? why did you leave Soul Society?" questioned the dark skinned woman as sternly as possible, tired of the lack of answers she had been getting all day long. Amidst the chaos and constant interruptions all Yoruichi had been getting where brief undetailed answers and had been taking every peaceful moment to get as much information as possible out of people of interest. Now she had the person at the centre of most of her questions standing before her and she was not gonna waste this peaceful opportunity get some real answers.
At the question Soifon averted her gaze not wanting to look Yoruichi in her beautiful but serious looking golden eyes "I don't think you will like the answer to that question Yoruichi, besides does it matter? am not hurt and am stronger than I ever could have hoped to have been if I stayed here" reasoned Soifon trying to get the flash goddess to let go of the subject.
Yoruichi wasn't going to have any of this and pressed on "no you're wrong it does matter, it matters to me, tell me does the Fon have anything to do with it? is it true that they brainwashed you and others like you? did they seek to turn you into the perfect body guard to serve the my family?" asked Yoruichi shooting out a barrage of questions seeking a confirming reaction. Yoruichi knew she was on the right line when Soifon looked at her with shock written on her face.
Soifon was shaking with both fear and anger at being reminded of that time in her life, and was surprised to see that Yoruichi knew "how do you know this?" Soifon asked her voice surprisingly the goddess with both the anger and fear that was mix in it.
It became clear to Yoruichi that Soifon didn't know about the apparent event involving her clan and she herself only knows it happened, but doesn't know of the outcome it all "well apparently the Fon was found out on it's wrong doings to the young of your clan" the ex-captain informed her words surprising Soifon "and it's reveal sparked a political event, I don't know the outcomes of the event I was only told it happened from that Kagami girl" explained Yoruichi in a even tone at she stood arm folded. It was a little weird for Yoruichi on how she was now eye level with her old lieutenant she was more used to having to look down at her, and wasn't just the height, the silver eyes, the long hair, the developed body and confident aura it was all so unlike the Soifon she remembered "gonna have to get used to all this at some point" Yoruichi mentally noted in amusement.
Soifon's mind on the other hand was a whirlwind, she was not expecting to hear this about her clan and was hoping deeply that whatever happened saved the children from going through what she and other like had to go through. That training "more like torture" was hell and it has only ever continued to get worse as the generations went by.
Byakuya who could over hear the topic of discussion between the two woman saw that they didn't possess the full story "I believe I can give you the pieces you are missing" spoke up Byakuya calmly and evenly as he walked over to the two woman. He immediately gained the pair's undivided attention and looked at him expectly.
Byakuya took a breath before he begun his recalling of what his grandfather had told him "From what I know the chain of events started after your abandonment from Soul Society Soifon, due to you being the runner up for the captaincy of squad 2 after Yoruichi's so called betrayal and then your sudden disappearance following shortly after, a meeting was brought into place where the Head captain revealed that a mentality was forced onto you by your clan and that this is what most likely caused you to abandon Gotei" Byakuya paused for a moment to let what he said soak in. "Due to your loyalty to Soul Society meaning far less to you than the attachment you had to Yoruichi The Head captain decided revealed in the meeting that this excessive level of loyalty and attachment that Fon bodyguards have to their Shihoin charges had been happening for centuries,and had been done intentionally, but had never been serious enough to give him a case worthy enough to present to the central 46, until you a potential for captaincy had left because of what your clan did to you, you gave him a bigger enough case to present to the central 46 one they could not simply ignore because your state of mind had a big impact on the restoring of the court guard squad" briefed Byakuya managing to sound calm and collected all the way through.
Both Soifon and Yoruichi were shocked to hear this, Soifon mostly she didn't know that the old Head Captain was keeping such a close eye on both her and her clan, but she still doesn't know what happened after the case was presented "so what happened after Byakuya?" "Captain Kuch.." Byakuya said trying to correct her but was quickly cut off "just fucking answer my question already!" she demanded her voice leaving no room for backchat and her aura giving off an ominous feeling to the 6th captain.
Byakuya took a second to both recompose himself and think over what his grandfather told him "well my grandfather told me that the privacy of the Fon clan was removed by the central 46 and that an investigation was done on them, what was found out was terrible, children trained to the point of near death, others with such low self worth because they had been made the think of themselves as nothing but shields for their future charges and sadly some died from the training" informed Byakuya solemnly, his eyes closing for a moment to mawn for the dead of that day. He remembered look at his grandfather's face when he came back from the Fon investigation, to most it wouldn't have appeared any different but to him he could see a sort of remorse in his eyes and was deeply glad he didn't have to see what his grandfather must have.
Yoruichi had a look on her face of pure shock and disgust from the more and more detail she got. She was cursing the people in her clan who knew the truth the whole time, her mind took a dark turn and wondered if her parents knew of this before they died. Soifon was visibly shaking with rage and was gritting her teeth but even though she was angry beyond belief she was still able to keep a lock on her spiritual energy to keep it from running rampant.
"Again" she whispered out getting both Yoruichi and Byakuya to turn and look at, they could nearly taste the venom in that word "I can't believe it got worse, now children are dying this time because of that fucked up training" she bit out her fist clenched, and knuckles white ready to punch something so hard enough it will feel it in the next life.
"Used too" corrected Byakuya whose interruption stopped Soifon's anger dead in it's tracks and regained her attention "you see Soifon the Fon clan is no more" revealed the nobleman.
What the Kuchiki said shattered all of Soifon's anger away and left her wide-eyed and speechless "the Fon is no more, really?" she thought not sad or angry it happened, just surprised by the bombshell reveal of her clan being no more, what she was worried about was the children and if they were alright. After coming out of her brief shock Soifon turned back to meet her gaze with the captain "tell me what has become of the children?" she asked seriously but with clear concern.
Byakuya held the stare with the older silver eyed woman for a few seconds before speaking "the children who had been through the mental conditioning were taken in by the 4th division psychiatric ward in hopes of undoing their mental damage, by now I imagine they have long since left and are probably in a family same with those who had only gone through the physicals" explained the noblemen "and if you are wondering about the rest, the heads you're mother and father..." he got a glare for that but he shrugged it off "had been put in a prison along with the elders of the clan, the other members who had gone through the full conditioning had been taken in by the 4th as well to try and undo what had been done" he finished, the 6th division captain could see a weight had been lifted of Soifon's give her relieved expression and body language.
Soifon let out a deep content sigh "good am glad to hear that it all worked out" she commented letting a single tear of happiness fall from her right eye and a soft smile form of her lips. That clan had caused her and so many of her ancestors pain, like her brothers and grandmother who barely even had a life or funeral, she was glad to know that it won't be happening anymore to anyone else.
Yoruichi had gotten her answer on why Soifon left when she didn't deny any of the points mentioned in Byakuya's recalling of the captain meeting. At first Yoruichi was feeling deep guilt for her actions and on practically abandoning Soifon but it seems it was for the best and that it had caused a positive change in both the girl and soul society. She still felt bad though for leaving Soifon, but also now realizes that if she didn't the young girl might not have ever have been able to become her own person like she is now.
Soifon wiped away her tear and laughed quietly "thank you for telling me this Byakuya you have no idea just how much of a relief it is hearing that my clan is no more and with it, it's curse of stealing a soul's identity" she said solemnly not looking anyone in the eye as she just faced the sky with a smile on her pair looked at the girl, seeing no words needed and decided to just let peaceful silence rain.
Ichigo, Renji and Chad had over heard the whole conversation. Ichigo was angry by what he heard but also become relieved when he heard the outcome, Chad was feeling similar to Ichigo but was not outwardly expressing it. Renji was surprised to hear that Soifon was the one who started the Fon event, he was even further shocked to hear that both her and Yoruichi where such big shots in the past.
Ichigo scratched his head and released an exasperated sigh "man this place has some pretty messed up history, I mean come on doing such things to people and children at that" expressed Ichigo to Chad who nodded and grunted in agreement.
Renji nodded also "yeah I heard some mentions of this myself, never got the full details of how it all went down though, one of my squad mates is an ex Fon himself, I asked him what happened but he didn't say, when he refused to talk I decided not to ask any further seeing as it was clearly something he didn't like to talking about" Renji recounted stretching a few of his muscles to try and work out any stiffness.
Ichigo turned to Renji "so they are all scattered now or something?" the oranged haired teen questioned with a raised brow.
Renji nodded "yeah it seems that way, none of them seem really close to one another I haven't heard of any of them having any sort of gatherings or trying anything to keep in touch, I none of them where very close to begin with" replied the tattooed man now doing jumping stars.
"Oh...I see" was all that Ichigo could voice as his response, he was feeling kind of bad for that clan for not seeing their own as any sort of family, even after the clan was broken up.
Soifon came out of her moment of clarity feeling more at peace with the knowledge that long overdue justice had been served and that her clans victim where now free. Soifon looked at everyone who was carrying slightly sad look and huffed "hey cheer up what you heard and learned here is in the past now, so I think thats enough talk of ancient history for now" asserted the silver eyed woman putting on a slight smirk. Everyone seemed to lose whatever glum feeling they were feeling "good" she commented simple at seeing the change in attitudes.
Yoruichi gave cat like smirked at Soifon making the girl look at her questioningly "ohhh and where did you learn to raise people's moods like that huuum?" the werecat questioned teasley, leaning in a little a closer to her old prodigy. Yoruichi was assuming that it must have been from all the time Soifon was watching her back when she was a captain.
Soifon laughed softly at getting teased like this by her old mentor it was so nostalgic "well when I would get sad dad would say that kind of stuff to me and I would feel better in no time, he would then make me something sweet but sadly I don't have anyway of making anything like that right now, sorry" she replied in a jokey was grinning a little at the end.
The ex-captain felt a bit dejected that Soifon didn't say it was because her charm and charisma had rubbed off on her, but she became quickly became amused by the sweet little story that she was just told raising her confidence in the man claiming to be her old students father. Then a question arrived in the golden eyed goddess's head "hey Soifon how did you and Haelen become father and daughter anyway?" Yoruichi asked like the curious cat she was.
Soifon thought over that question recalling all the events which lead up to it " well it went something like this.." Soifon then went on to give a quick version of the story on how her and Haelen become father and daughter, telling how she went past the 80th rukon and into the untraversed forest (not giving specific directions), him finding her passed out 5 years latter in the poison forest and saving her from starvation, her waking up and pouring her heart out to him and him comforting her and asking her to be become his daughter, and her passing out and later accepting "It took me sometime getting used to having an actual loving father figure in my life, having him in my life fills me with a happiness I didn't even know existed, I love him deeply we may not be related by blood but he is the best father I could ever ask for, I would do anything for him and I know he would for me" she finished telling her story, peacefully smiling at all the memories that were passing by as she recalled her time spent with him.
Everyone was touched in someway by her story, Renji was practically in tears; manly tears mind you oh wait thats Iba's thing, Ichigo was taking back all negative thoughts he may have had of the man, Chad was thinking that his grandfather would have loved to meet the guy, Byakuya smiled briefly before putting the smile away before anyone could spot it's presence on his face and Yoruichi's trust for the mystery man took a huge leap after listening to the story, and hearing the happiness in her little bees voice only helped her growing trust in him further.
Everyone was brought out of their peaceful silence by the sound of multiple sobbing noise coming from the right. When everyone looked to what the source of the sounds where they found their gazes locked upon the crying forms of a gentle crying Rukia and Orihime, while Ganju was crying like a bust dam and Uryu was just looking at the man next to him a little unnerved. Everyone looked at Ganju with blank faces possessing no reactions to seeing a grown man crying like that, except Renji who could relate to him.
Orihime came to a faint sobbing, regaining her ability to talk once again though a bit jittery "th-that story was s-so sweet, th-though I was expecting a sp-spaceship and a co-cool robot best friend to mentioned" she said between a few stutters but still sounding completely sincere. Soifon looked at the auburn haired girl a bit confused by the some of the odd statements but shrugged it off and just smiled at the previous complement.
Rukia nodded along with Orihime, but was also confused on why Orihime's mentions spaceships and robots but figured it had something to do with her overactive imagination "yes I too think that story was incredibly beautiful, am amazed that you accepted him to be your father so quickly though where you not at least a little worried that he may not have possessed good intentions for you?" questioned a curious Rukia while she wiped away a few stray tears. She knew she sounded cynical but it just sounded a bit strange to her that someone could just be that kind and selfless, but then again she had met some pretty selfless people herself lately, Ichigo, Chad and Hanataro to name a few.
Soifon looked at Rukia blankly for a second, she slipped her hand in her haori pockets and shut her eyes gentle thinking on a response to give to that question "yes I was a bit skeptical on whether he was being truthful about really wanting me to be his daughter, but I never thought of him once wanting me for some dark and evil goal he never gave of anything negative, not to say he doesn't have his own bad history though anything that was dark about him he told me upfront, he has never lied to me, if there's anything I don't know yet about him he simply just has yet to tell me"Soifon explained as best she could on her first thoughts of her father. Rukia nodded satisfied with the response she got and along with everyone else coming to understand a bit more on the relationship between Soifon and Haelen.
Yoruichi turns to Soifons having a question of her own "um Soifon who exactly is Haelen? he can use kido "terrifyingly well" proform Kaido as well, is skilled in many other forms of the Shinigami arts, so I guess my question who exactly is he?" inquired Yoruichi extremely curious on getting info on this guy who has been taking care of her little bee.
Soifon grins largely at the question "well my dads name is Haelen, well his real name is Haelen but he used to go by I different name when he was a soul reaper" started Soifon getting everyone's attention at the mention that Haelen really was once a Shinigami "like you and Kisuke he was also let down by the Central 46 and was forced to flee from Soul Society and leaving everything behind or die" she said with a compassionate tone letting her eyes fall to the ground, feeling bad for her father on how he had to leave his lover behind without ever getting to say goodbye or anything.
Everyone was shocked to hear this, Yoruichi knew Kisuke himself could sympathize with such man because the central 46 let him down the most out of the 2 of them, plus the vizards could also relate to the man further since the central 46 also called for their deaths when they were the victims in it all "wow the central 46 really does suck" Yoruichi thought growing exasperated by the central 46's past incompetents.
Soifon sighed sadly "that happened a long time ago" added the silver eyed woman as she picked back up her story "so he had to leave in order to avoid being executed, back then the Sokyoku had yet to forged so the soul reapers were ordered to perform the execution themselves" Soifon explained going deeper into her dad's past.
Byakuya nodded knowing this history but was also amazed give how long ago this would have to be at least "if this telling is right this man would have to be at least over 700 hundred years old, and whoever his executioner was would have to have been a rank higher than him" added the captain in an even tone.
Soifon nodded in agreement and had a small smile twitching at her lip"you are right that is how it went, shame for the captain who tried to kill him failed" she said smirking at the surprised reactions given by everyone.
Yoruichi recovered quickly not all that surprised really " so Soifon you mean Haelen is an ex-leightent then?" she asked simply thinking she had it right but got shake of the head from Soifon whose smirk became noticeable by now.
Soifon stopped to shake her head and decided to take a second to soak in all the curious expression directed at her, even Byakuya was growing more interested on where this was heading "I guess I should have been more accurate in stating which captain was ordered into executing my dad" she began and everyone leaned in a bit forward and she grew amused by that little action "the captain ordered to go after dad was non other than one Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto" she said absolutely loving the shocked looks on nearly everyones face, except Ichigo and Chad who weren't really that familiar with the high ranking captain.
Byakuya eyes were wider than anyone had ever seen before"th-then that means he must have been a captain himself, the Head captain would have been the only one of rank higher enough to execute another fellow captain" explained Byakuya regaining his composure as fast possible.
Chad who was listening carefully began to put the pieces together "so this man was a captain and this Head captain is like the leader above all the other captains? is that how it works" asked the deep monotone voice of Sado who got confirming nods "and imagine it's granted that this Head captain is the most powerful amongst all you soul reaper?" he got more nods "and this guy escaped him?" Soifon nodded smiling with pride for her dad "so he manage to avoid fighting him lucky" finished Chad.
Soifon shaked her head "no no no big guy he escaped him but he didn't get out of fighting him either, they did fight pretty intensely from what dad told me, it sounded pretty awesome I would have loved to have seen it myself" corrected the black haori wearing woman as she trailed off sounding pretty disappointed that she couldn't actually see the fight.
"Is that so, well damn I guess that explains his skill but you said Haelen was his real name but you also said he went by different name back when he was still a soul reaper" recalled Yoruichi with her arms folded, but in the back of her head she was trying to work out how it was possible that Haelen survived a direct confrontation with Yamamoto himself and she was also thinking how a fight between those two would go.
Soifon nodded "yeah he did it was a name given to him by his lover" revealed Soifon.
Yoruichi nodded, though curious on the lover part but deciding to leave that question for later "so what was his name back then? maybe we will recognize him if we know his name when he was a captain" inquired Yoruichi who internally began recalling all the captains in Soul Society's history, with Byakuya doing the same.
Soifon nodded, but knew that even when they did know it they still wouldn't know who he is "sure his name was k-" Soifon was stopped short when an intense shock wave pushed past everyone nearly knocking them all over. Soifon looked in the direction of the blast and found it came from her dad's barrier.
The barrier was already sporting cracks and from those cracks thick silver spiritual energy was screaming out and was ascending into the air, the spiritual energy that was coming out of the iron box's chimney was now more intense and bigger ever, there was a current of wind circling around the box also adding more intensity to the sight.
Everyone except Soifon gulped at the sight of all the raw power beginning to pore from the barrier. Soifon spotted this and saw it fit to reassure everyone "don't worry this isn't his actual power like I said before this is the built up exces beginning to get released, my dad himself won't be possessing this much raw power if he did possess this much on a daily basis it would be nasty for anyone near him, but luckily it not like that it's just simple exces" explained Soifon nonchalantly.
Everyone sighed in relief at the reminder, they didn't like the thought of such insane power possessing form, they already had one Zaraki they didn't need another one walking around even if he was more controlled and reserved and far less bloodthirsty than the current.
Soifon begin to frown,her eyes began scanning all around "strange" she said gaining everyone's attention "I thought at least one hollow would appear by now" she commented. Everyone realized that she was right and began to wonder as well as to where all the hollows where.
As if hearing them the sky above the Sokyoku Hill began to crack open in dozens of places. Cracks upon cracks began appearing and giant long slender arms and hands possessing long nails snaked out of some of the various rips in the sky, they began to pull them apart splitting them wide open to show the sight of Menos on the other side with other various hollow classes waiting on the other side.
After all that had happened today no one was surprised to see so many hollows coming but with their individual levels of strength no one was intimidated by the sight of the new horde. They were all either normal hollows, Menos or Adjusta no Vasto Lordes could be sensed amongst the huge skyward horde of masked beasts. The only real problem was that all the hollows except the Menos were showing to be clearly ravid and consumed by hunger for the spiritual energies around them, you could even see some hallows currently in the middle of eating each other.
The only real threat about these hollows was their numbers but with 5 captain level soul reapers and one spiritual empowered human standing between the ravid masked creatures and their desired meals they are not going to have an easy time getting dinner.
The hollows senses quickly picked up the unmasked spiritual signatures of one of the hills occupants; shame Ichigo can't for the life of himself hide that energy of his. Like a magnet all the hollows heads snapped to lay their hollow gazes upon either soifon's group or the overflooding box that Haelen was currently in.
Soifon spotted a low level hollow approaching her father's barrier, as it got nearer and nearer it began to shake and stagger before collapsing on the ground trying in a futile struggle to get back up, looking as if it had the weight of the world pinning it bearing it down. Eventually the spiritual pressure around the box became too much for the poor little masked soul to withstand, and in a heartbeat it was crushed under its weight "it's futile no hollow not even an adjusta will eventually be able to get near the concentrated power surrounding that barrier, that's why we don't have to worry about guarding him plus with the barriers strength nothing will be breaking in and if the barrier is broken..well it will be the poor soul's mistake" thought Soifon as she watched the low level hollow dissolve away.
The barrier began to form new cracks and the pressure around it began to rise to a new level and the hungry looks in the hollow eyes began glowing with new glint. A Menos appeared close to the cracking iron box and was reaching out it's giant hand to it.
Ichigo seeing this was about to make a move to kill the Menos before it could reach the box but was halted by Soifon who put her hand up in his path "hey what are you doing? dont you see that thing is trying to get to your dad" Ichigo questioned not getting why she was stopping him .
Soifon nodded "I do, but it too dangerous to go near" warmed the black and blushish haired woman.
Ichigo look more confused by what she was meaning "what it's just a Menos I could deal with it in no time whatsoever" the substitute soul reaper stated confidently and was getting ready to move.
Ichigo was stopped in making any more movement when he heard a pained roar coming from the Menos that was going for the box "it's not the Menos I was referring too" Soifon corrected in a cool tone of voice. Ichigo looked at the Menos and noticed that the things hand was now nothing but a stump which looked like it had been cleanly removed by the sharpest blade "I think dad sensed the Menos was coming for him and released a concentrated burst on the hollow, it must have been so dense and fast that it cut it's hand off, so if anything I would say stay away from the barrier for you own safety" Soifon advised in a stern tone of voice, she got nod from everyone who was now very aware of just how dangerous the spiritual energy surrounding that barrier currently was at this point.
Soifon sent he piecing silver gaze back up at the hollows still tearing open rifts in space "okay way I see we have at least 2 captain level soul reaper with bankia and.." Soifon was stopped when Renji cough in a way intent grabbing her attention "um yes something you want to say?" asked Soi to Renji.
Renji pulled out a proud toothy grin "why yes you see I myself have a Bankia" declared Renji tapping the hilt of his sheathed Zabimaru.
Soifon continued to stared which was quickly making the 6th lieutenant feel greatly uncomfortable with being under her silver gaze for longer than necessary "hum really?"she asked, he nodded quickly beginning to sweat as she just kept looking at him as not believing him "that's good and sensing your spiritual energy it was just hard to tell, you have the quantity but you seem to lack quality right now so I just assumed you had yet to actually attain Bankai, seems I was mistaken my apologies" informed Soifon professionally.
Renji and the others looked surprised by her analysis of lieutenants energy, none more than Renji's himself "my energy is lacking quality? what does that mean? did I go for my Bankai too soon is that what she means and if that is so then what does that mean for my Bankai?" mused Renji whose grip tightened on Zabimaru's hilt. Renji mind began recalling his fight with Byakuya and how during the fight some of parts his Bankai broke, he knew those broken parts wouldn't be coming back ever.
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow at Soifons count on the number of Bankais "hey Soifon what about your don't you have a Bankai now? you definitely meet the requirements?" asked Yoruichi, seeing clear as day that Soifon had more than enough strength to wield a Bankai.
Soifon cracked a smile at Yoruichi saying clearly to the goddess that she did "yeah I do but am not gonna need it and beside I have a lots of other techniques I want to try out first, and it has been too long since of wielded the real Suzumebachi, and my Bankai would just be unnecessary overkill and she only likes to be used on a worthy target that's hard to kill target" informed Soifon trailing off and gaining a lot of excitement and pride in her voice when talking of her zanpaktou.
"Yeah am looking forward to finally being released, ohhh! the anticipation is killing me!" called out the voice of Suzumebachi from inside of Soifon's inner world sounding a bit less high pitched and as childish as before.
Soifon laughed at hearing her "yeah, yeah I heard you I'm exited too" Soifon replied out loud getting a few bewildered stares from everyone on her sudden outburst. Seeing the questioning stares the silver eyed woman blushed gently out of embarrassment and started laughing sheepishly "oh yeah we can pretty much talk anytime" she revealed scratching her right cheek as she looked off to the side.
Everyone was kinda surprised by this but shaked it off in favour of getting ready to counter the incoming horde of hollows that began their descent onto the hill roaring, screaming and salivating from the mouths; luckily none of that was raining down on anyone.
The three male soul reapers unsheathed their respective Zanpakutos. Byakuya lets his Senbonzakura fall his hand and to the ground where it then sank into before calling out 'Bankai Senbonzakura Kageyoshi' solemn tone as giant katana blades rose from the ground in two clean straight rows before busting into life as millions upon millions of beautiful blades that looked exactly like cherry blossoms. After the display of deadly beauty the cherry blossom blades condensed down into a circle that rotated around their masters feet. Soifon was impressed and found the display to be beautiful and was glad that it truly did fulfill her expectations for his particular Bankai and found it greatly fitting for him; though she was also expecting it to at least reflect a bit more of that temper she remembered him having when he was younger.
Renji unleashed his shikai and began emitting a red aura before shouting 'Bankai!' and exploding out in a red wave of spiritual energy and becoming obscured in a dust storm. When the dust cleared Renji now stud with a unique fur cowl around his neck, with a section hanging over his right shoulder which had a skull fused on its fur, the cowl was also covering the whole of his right arm tightly in a sleeve. Renji was holding a bone handle in his right hand, this handle was connected to a huge skeleton snake which was tremendously long, the head of the snake was the size of small car and possessed a crimson lion like mane of hair that was equally as red as it's masters. Renji stud with a serious expression as he called out 'Hihio Zabimaru' in a low stern voice.
Ichigo was briefly amazed by the sight of Renji's Bankai, it was his first time he had gotten to see it. Ichigo held Zangetsu in front him and had his left hand on his right forearm before calling out 'Bankai!' the blade glowed white hot with spiritual energy before dust surrounded the young man like caught in a twister. When the dust dispersed Ichigo stud dressed in his black caped robe wielding his black katana 'Tensa Zangetsu' he named sternly and looking up at the incoming hollows.
Yoruichi got into a fighting stance, Chad summoned up his empowered right arm and Soifon got into her own fighting stance smirking at the incoming horde. Yoruichi looked around at everyone "is everyone ready" she got firm nods, and smirked like a cat.
Now the fight to defend the hill starts once again.
Inside Barrier with Haelen
Haelen in the mean time was in the barrier and had been getting quite bored, while he was inside he had sang the row row row your boat song 5 time over, created a tennis ball out of kido and started bouncing it off one of the walls for a few minutes. the most fun he had so far was dealing with that foolish Menos and so currently he was playing with a Kendama he made again out of kido like tennis ball "sweet merciful god this boring, I thought getting the suit of would take more of my focus but no seems like mine doesn't, all this is a again is task of patients" Haelen spoke out annoyed by having to wait longer, he's so close to sweet freedom he can taste it "wait taste?" Haelen began working his tongue around and found he could taste the energy in the air "SWEET! I can taste again!" he cheered out glad to have one of his sense fulling working once again.
End of chapter
So not really any action in this Chapter I know but I decided to cut away from that to allow some interaction between characters, like letting Yoruichi finale get some proper answers, letting Soifon brag about her dad and fill in some of whats been happening since Soifon's departure from Soul Society.
Please review
Next Chapter: The Bee's Sting