After the strange situation had been explained to one Abby Sciuto she knew what she had to do, investigate the hell out of the chocolate. Now she knew she would hide anything she did find to help with the soul reaper situation, but a mythical universal translator was too good of a chance to not research further.
"Sure thing Gibbs! I'll get right on it!" Said Abby cheerfully and she was handed the box of chocolate. Chocolate was a simple yet delightful way to learn every language in existence, 'cause who doesn't love chocolate?
Now Gibbs didn't believe the story of simply not using English, in the case of Karin. It was sure plausible considering the language barriers and stressful situations, but why suddenly speak? If this was true, why did she choose to speak English in the presence of Kisuke Urahara and not when it was most needed? Yet, if her story was a lie then how did she suddenly learn English? All Gibbs could conclude was that with the arrival of one Kisuke Urahara things got a lot more complicated.
. . .
"Ok, into the interrogation room," said DiNozzo, ushering Urahara and company into the small room.
Karin snorted, "You think we're all going to fit in there?" She said, skeptically looking the small interrogation room over. There was one metal table with four chairs surrounding it, definitely not enough for all. Karin did notice the mirror on the back wall, she assumed it was that one way glass and the rest of DiNozzo's team was behind it. Including the blue eyed boss, who was practically unreadable and knew how to speak fluent Japanese.
Toshiro was about to enter, ready to get this over with, when Kisuke Urahara jumped in front of him, shoving him to the side. Ichigo and Karin both held in laughter as Toshiro scowled at his supposedly 'parental guardian.'
Urahara sat pleasantly down in one of the chairs, "Dibs on a seat!" He grinned and pulled the other chair very close to him, "This is for you Toshiro-chan!"
Toshiro continued to scowl as Urahara patted the seat next to him, looking as caring and loving as possible.
DiNozzo patted Toshiro's back, "Go on kid," he chuckled.
"I'm not a kid!"
Moments later, after a resistant Toshiro entered, the four were as comfortable as they were going to get. Urahara sat with Toshiro uncomfortably close as Karin and Ichigo hung to the back wall.
"Ok," DiNozzo started, glancing back at the one way glass, "Starting from the beginning, where are you from?"
"Karakura Town," said Ichigo and Karin almost simultaneously.
"Junrinan, as I said before," said Toshiro, slowly trying to inch away from Urahara and his 'fatherly' aura.
"Hmm, I'm not from Junrinan, but I'm not from Karakura Town either," said Urahara.
"Where are you from then?" Asked DiNozzo, still trying to get the answer.
"I live in Karakura Town," Kisuke said finally.
"That was my question,"
"No, Mr. DiNozzo-chan, it was where I was from not where I lived."
Toshiro rolled his eyes; he could tell Urahara was going to make this harder than it actually was.
Sighing DiNozzo wondered if this man was sane, "If your Toshiro's guardian then why do you two live separately?"
"He took your question literally like I almost did; you're a tricky one DiNozzo-chan! That's where the boy was born and raised until I became his guardian," Kisuke said, his smile brightening at each word. Even if the situation could potentially reveal the existence of soul reapers, he could still enjoy it.
. . .
Abby stared at her findings. This wasn't possible, why was this possible?! Frowning she took a large, overdue, sip of her caff-pow and continued to work. When the results came back again she was even more dissatisfied.
The chocolate was chocolate, and nothing more than that.
. . .
Matsumoto had finally gotten to her much earned drink when her two favorite people showed up. Her cheeks were flushed and her head tilted slightly to the side, she smiled, "Rukia! Renji! My two favorite people in the world!" She slurred, not sure why exactly she was so happy to see them.
Renji sighed, how were they supposed to send out Matsumoto if she was this drunk? Renji shook his head slowly, barely noticeable.
Seeming to have read his mind Rukia spoke, "They've sent her out drunk before."
"Only with Hitsugaya-taichou," replied Renji skeptically. Hitsugaya had at least some control over his lieutenant.
"We're supposed to accompany her. We will make sure she gets to Hitsugaya-taichou safely."
"Hey guys? Where exactly am I going?" Matsumoto interrupted.
"Back to your captain."
. . .
She hadn't moved, nor did she want to. Laying against the cold, damp wall one hand clung to her zanpakutÅ while the other rested comfortably on her stomach. How she loved the sweet darkness that took over her sight, and how she loved the sweet silence of being left utterly alone. About when sleep had finally found her, three bumbling idiots tumbled into the cave she was resting in.
"And?" She sighed, not bothering to open her eyes.
"From what we could gather, um, it seems like he can remember most everything," said a quiet voice, wavering and fearful that he may displease the lounging women in front of him.
"Most everything?" She growled in response, cracking open her emerald eyes to glare at the idiot in front of her.
"He hasn't remembered us, or you, those parts are still gone but he does remember his investigation and the lead. Good thing he's still in one of the gigai that you designed," said a different voice, more confident and willing to please her.
She looked over the three men, or should she say boys, in front of her. They all had similar facial structures, obvious that they were all brothers. There was the youngest brother, unsure of everything he did, always in constant doubt. For some reason he always had a latent fear of disapproval or abandonment. Then there was the middle child, the one who would die for her, the one always seeking approval or praise. She hated these two most of all. The eldest child interested her. He was quiet and elusive, very impressive in battle. Whatever job assigned was done quickly and efficiently. She was most glad that he never spoke, silence was his best quality.
"Go, deal with the problem. I don't want to deal with this anymore. Get it done, and dispose of the gigai. We don't want to leave any evidence of our business behind."
. . .
Author's Note:
Sorry for the short chapter! Lately school has been hectic with the start of debate season. I'm hoping to continue with my current update speed (about once a week or every 9 or so days) though the chapters may be shorter. Thanks for continual support!