Tamashi no Kiri
Chapter 3: Welcome to the Gotei
New life
New friends
New hopes
We welcome such things
Into our own lives
"So, we can use the hilts of our swords to help Souls pass on, that's a relief," Starrk said as he examined the seal on the hilt of his Zanpakuto.
"Yeah…if you're a fucking pussy," Nnoitora said, laughing.
"No shit, that Soul Reaper Basics class was a complete snooze fest," Grimmjow said. "When it's time for us to take that practical exam, I hope there are some fuckin' Hollows around to fight."
"Is all you ever think about fighting?" Ulquiorra asked.
"Damn right, because real men only use their swords for cutting each other up."
"It is obvious that you and Grimmjow belong to the Trash Squad," Ulquiorra said.
"Hey, Squad 11 isn't fuckin' trash," Grimmjow growled. "They're the best fuckin' squad in the Gotei!"
"I should have known," Ulquiorra said, closing his eyes. "Trash attracts trash."
"Oh go to your fucking Emo Corner and kiss up to your boyfriend," Grimmjow said.
"Anyways, what do we have next?" Starrk asked, trying to change the subject.
"We have another Kido practice and then…" Harribel began, but was cut short.
A black butterfly flew towards them. They only looked puzzled, but Lilynette stretched out her hand and the butterfly landed on her forefinger. As the butterfly flapped its wings, Yamamoto's voice filled the air. Some of the passing students stopped, surprised that the Captain-Commander would send a personal message to the former Espada.
"Ulquiorra, Harribel, Lilynette, and Starrk," the voice said. "Please report to Squad 1's Barracks. I am sending Captains Ukitake and Hitsugaya to escort you. That is all until you have arrived."
When the message was finished, the butterfly flew away. The four summoned looked at each other, wondering why the Captain-Commander would want to see them. Grimmjow and Nnoitora looked extremely pissed-off that they weren't summoned as well.
"Shit, why the fuck weren't we called?" Nnoitora asked.
"Obviously the old man has his favorites," Grimmjow growled. "They're a bunch of fucking ass-kissers."
"Hey, don't let it bother you," Starrk said. "I'm sure that the Captain-Commander will summon you eventually. To be honest, I'm a little nervous."
"Don't be," Harribel said, putting her hand on his arm and smiling at him. "I'm sure it's nothing bad."
"I hope so," Starrk said, smiling at her.
Orihime's Apartment
Orihime Inoue sat down for her breakfast of toast with bean paste and chocolate chips. She looked over at the picture of her brother, Sora, and smiled. Her hand went to the two hair pins, the last thing her brother ever gave her before he died.
"I hope you're doing fine, Big Brother. I'm…okay. Ichigo is losing his abilities and he's…he's taking it rather hard. I…I don't know how to feel. A part of me feels bad, but another part…feels glad. It means…it means that he won't have to take that…that…"
She couldn't finish. She remembered Ichigo, lying on the roof of Las Noches. She could still see the hole in his chest and his lifeless eyes. She remembered running towards him, crying out his name and Ulquiorra appearing in front of her telling her that it was useless to try to help her, and yet she did what she could. Then the Horror came. Ichigo rose from the dead, but he wasn't Ichigo. The sight of his Hollow self made manifest terrified her, even though she tried not to show it. However, when she saw that Ichigo drive his sword through Uryu, she felt her heart break. Then, when Ichigo was ready to fire a cero that would have killed both her and Uryu, Ulquiorra attacked.
She felt tears well into her eyes at the memory of how Ulquiorra saved them, including Ichigo. If he hadn't attacked Ichigo at that moment, then she and Uryu would have died and Ichigo would have lost his humanity. Then as Ulquiorra began to turn to ashes, she saw the sorrow in his eyes. He tried to reach out to her and she tried to hold him, but was unable to.
"Oh…Ulquiorra…thank you," she whispered and then cried.
The Captain's Meeting Hall
Starrk, Lilynette, Harribel, and Ulquiorra stood in the midst of the other captains. Yamamoto looked at each of them in turn, his Lieutenant stood beside him, next to a table that had four bundles of what appeared to be clothes on it. The squad Lieutenants stood against the wall, except for Yachiru, who was sitting on her usual perch on Kenpachi's shoulder. Starrk glanced around at the other Captains and saw that they were each looking at them in turn.
"Hey Starrk," Lilynette whispered pointing at Captain Komamura. "That one kinda looks like a doggy."
"Lilynette, that's impolite. When this meeting is over, I want you to apologize to him," Starrk said.
"Okay, fine," she groaned.
Captain Komamura looked at Starrk who only shrugged. To his surprise, Komamura smiled…well at least he thought he smiled. Ukitake and Kyoraku were obviously smiling and Unohana looked at them kindly, giving them her kind smile and not the other smile. Kenpachi kept glancing towards the doors, most likely hoping that Grimmjow and Nnoitora would waltz through them. The only ones who didn't show any reaction were Byakuya, Hitsugaya, and Sui-Feng.
"This meeting is now in session. You may be wondering why I have called these four students to this meeting."
It became obvious to Starrk that Yamamoto said that for their benefit. From the way things looked, the other Captains already knew or at least suspected the reason they were summoned.
"It is my honor to officially welcome them to the Gotei. They are officially the fastest pupils to graduate from the Shino Academy. Even though it usually takes students six years to complete a curriculum, these four have proven to surpass those levels in only two weeks."
"Even the little girl?" Sui-Feng asked, rather uncertain about her.
"Hey, who are you calling 'little'?"
"Be quiet, Lilynette. Now, apologize to Captain Sui-Feng and Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
"Fine," Lilynette said, not too pleased. "I'm sorry," she said and bowed to the two Captains.
"That's quite alright," Yamamoto said. "I can understand Sui-Feng's confusion. Yes, Lilynette has also proven herself to be more than a match for many of the older students. Also, Starrk would have wished to remain in the Academy to make sure that Lilynette was safe. And I would rather have these four in our Squads as soon as possible for…certain reasons."
There was a murmur at that. Even Captain Kuchiki got caught up in the discussion. Only Captain Kurotsuchi did not look surprise and rolled his eyes at his fellow Captains' reactions. Yamamoto tapped his staff, which also contained his Zanpakuto, on the ground. The chamber became silent.
"Those reasons will be discussed after the ceremony. Now, I know this is sudden, and so I will not have you choose your squads quite yet, unless you already know to which squad you wish to be placed. Instead, this will merely be the passing of your uniform that I had Chojiro make for you. I felt that your uniforms should be made to fit your individual natures. Chojiro is better at that kind of thing and he had some of the other Soul Reapers who are more adept at fashion help as well.
"Chojiro, let's begin with Ulquiorra's, then Harribel's, then Lilynette's, and finally Starrk's."
"Yes, sir," Chojiro said, bowing slightly. "Master Schiffer, if you would please step forward."
Ulquiorra stepped forward and bowed.
"Ulquiorra Schiffer," Yamamoto said. "You are no longer a student, but are now a full-fledged member of the Gotei. You have distinguished yourself, even among your peers. Do you accept your uniform and the responsibility that comes with it?"
"Yes, sir," he replied in his monotonous voice.
"Do you swear to uphold the honor of the Gotei and swear to protect the Soul Society and the Souls wondering in the World of the Living, even if it costs you your life?"
"Yes, sir, I swear to uphold the dignity and laws of the Soul Society and to aid the souls find rest."
"Very good, you may take your uniform and step back."
"Thank you sir," Ulquiorra said and accepted a bundle of clothes that Chojiro held out to him.
"Mistress Harribel, please step forward."
Harribel stepped towards Yamamoto and bowed. She repeated the same oath and took her bundle of clothes from Chojiro as well. The process was repeated with Lilynette and then Starrk was brought forward. He stepped forward, not knowing what to expect.
"Coyote Starrk, you are no longer a student, but are now a full-fledged member of the Gotei. You have distinguished yourself, even among your peers. Also, you have earned my respect with your displays of prowess and adaptability as well as the generosity and kindness that you have shown to the other students and Soul Reapers during your stay. Even though we were enemies a short time ago, I have no misgivings about calling you a Soul Reaper."
"And I have no misgivings in calling you a friend," Shunsui said, smiling.
"And I also have no misgivings," Ukitake said.
"Coyote Starrk, do you accept your uniform and the responsibility that comes with it?"
"I swear, sir."
"Do you also swear to protect the Soul Society, uphold its honor and laws, and help the Souls find rest?"
"I swear, sir. This is where my friends are, and my loyalty and love are with them and to those who have shown us such generosity and kindness."
"What of those who have not been generous or kind?"
"I understand their hesitation, sir. As you pointed out, only a short time ago we were on opposite sides. But just because we were once enemies does not mean that we can't become friends. My friendship with Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake is proof of that. Even though some may resent us, they are still our brothers and sisters in the Gotei and in the Soul Society and I will stand with them. I refuse to allow anything to change that."
"Well-spoken, Starrk," Yamamoto said, thinking. "Have you thought about trying to enter the Central 46?"
"Well..uh…" Starrk said, rubbing his head and chuckling. "You see, sir, authority positions just isn't my thing."
"That may be, but you demonstrate the qualities of a leader," Yamamoto said. "So do Ulquiorra and Harribel. Lilynette, you show tremendous potential as a seated officer. I had misgivings at first about having so many former Arrancar show up, but the former Espada made me worry the most. I am glad that my worries were unfounded with you four. I know that I was not the only one in my misgivings.
"Now then, Starrk, please accept your uniform and return to your comrades."
"Thank you sir," Starrk said, bowing and took his own bundle of clothes from Chojiro.
"Now then, that concludes the ceremony. Now, it's time to explain the recent developments that are occurring in the World of the Living. Starrk, Lilynette, Harribel, Ulquiorra, pay attention. This will be your first mission as official Gotei members."
The Cherry Orchard
"THIS AIN'T FUCKING FAIR!" Nnoitora shrieked.
"No shit, you get to go on a mission while we have to stay here and continue taking classes," Grimmjow growled.
The students who were celebrating the four's extremely early graduation were having too much fun to pay attention. Starrk was glad. He was meaning to talk with them about what happened during their sparring exercise with Yoruichi. However, every time he thought of it, something always came up and he forgot. However, after they received their uniforms, he remembered what happened.
"Well, perhaps if you worked harder at your studies and paid attention in the exercises, you would have been called as well," Ulquiorra said.
"Ha, this coming from a guy who has dreams of unicorns and rainbows and puppy dogs when he gets drunk," Grimmjow said, smirking.
"At least I do not sleep with a stuffed cat named Fluffy," Ulquiorra said.
"NO FUCKING WAY!" Nnoitora shrieked out, laughing. "Aw man, wait until the other guys in Squad 11 hear about this!"
"For your information, Captain Zaraki sleeps with a teddy bear named BooBoo," Grimmjow said. "Ulquiorra," he snarled after Nnoitora was shocked into silence, "I swear I'm gonna fuckin' kill ya."
"I dare you to try it, trash," Ulquiorra said.
"You guys stop your senseless argument," Starrk said.
They looked at him in surprise. They had never heard Starrk use that tone with them and the shock silenced them. At that moment, Harribel saw what Yamamoto saw. She had wondered what he meant when he said that Starrk had demonstrated the qualities of a leader. She was seeing it now. He seemed to tower over them and yet also retained his dignity and love for them.
"Alright, Starrk, we will cease our argument," Ulquiorra said, somewhat surprised.
"Thanks," Starrk said. "There's been something I've been meaning to talk with you about. Do you remember that sparring match we had with Yoruichi?"
"You mean that dark-skinned bitch who made me look like a fool?" Grimmjow asked.
"Yes, anyways, when I was sparring with her I…I heard someone telling me what I needed to know to defeat her."
"Was it Lilynette?" Harribel asked, remembering her own experience with a voice talking in her own head.
"No, it wasn't. It was…Los Lobos."
"You mean your Zanpakuto? That is impossible. We learned that we can only hear the voice of our Zanpakuto is if we are doing Jinzen," Ulquiorra said.
"I know, but I've been thinking about it. When we were Arrancars, our Zanpakuto held a portion of our powers. What if, somehow, our Zanpakuto always share a link with us, whether we do Jinzen or not?"
"That is a possibility," Ulquiorra said.
"Wait a minute, if that's the case, then how could you do it?" Grimmjow asked.
"Of course, Lilynette was the equivalent of your Zanpakuto," Harribel said, realizing something. "As a result, you could hear your Zanpakuto and hold a conversation because it just came naturally to you."
"That's possible, but she, Los Lobos I mean, told me that the other Zanpakuto were trying to help you. That got me curious. Did any of you hear something trying to talk with you, even if it was at the back of your mind?"
The other former Espada looked at each other. Lilynette smiled and nodded right away. Starrk was not a bit surprised with her. He had a feeling that she heard it ever since their Kido practice. Grimmjow and Nnoitora only shook their heads. Harribel nodded while Ulquiorra only sat thinking about it.
"I suppose…" Ulquiorra muttered. "Yes, I did. However, I did not think anything of it. It was when Yoruichi was flipping over my head."
"With me, it was when Yoruichi did her Utsusemi," Harribel said. "However, I thought it was just remembering Zommari's technique."
Starrk nodded. Grimmjow and Nnoitora probably hadn't heard their Zanpakuto because they never really involved themselves in Jinzen. He thought that Harribel was right. The reason why he was able to do it was because Lilynette was the equivalent of his Zanpakuto while he was an Arrancar. He began to think of her tackles and hits and shouts as being the Arrancar equivalent of Jinzen.
He then remembered their Kido practice. Normally, Shakkaho would look like a crimson orb of light and would explode on contact with the target. Also, Shakkaho would travel in a straight line. No, when they did Shakkaho, only Lilynette's looked like an actual Shakkaho, but it didn't behave like the Hado spell. Instead, their Hado spells behaved like a combination of Cero and Kido. That was when Starrk realized what the most likely explanation could be.
"I see," Ulquiorra said. "Judging by the reaction on your face, Starrk, you have reached the same conclusion that I have."
"That depends on what your conclusion is," Starrk said.
"What is it?" Harribel asked, although she was also beginning to understand.
"Hey, don't leave us out of the loop," Grimmjow said.
"Think about it," Ulquiorra said. "Our Kido is different from the normal Soul Reaper's. We can perform Jinzen without having to go into deep meditation."
"So what?" Nnoitora asked.
"It means," Starrk said. "We have retained some of our Hollow abilities."
Karakura Town
Harper opened her eyes again. A bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup sat next to her. She looked for the man who found her, but didn't see him. Instead, she saw a woman who was in her mid-twenties with lightly tanned skin and shoulder-length black hair. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt with the sleeves torn off. She wore two necklaces: one was a silver ankh and the other a gold pentagram with a cross in the center.
"Ah, you're awake," she said.
Harper backed away from the woman's hands. She held up her hands and gripped the woman's wrist.
"It's alright. I'm not gonna hurt you."
"I want him. I want the one who found me."
The door opened and they both looked in that direction. Milton came rushing in. His long black coat fluttered behind him. His blue eyes were wide.
"Is she alright?" he asked.
"She's fine. She's able to move. But…I think it would put her at ease if you would make some introductions."
"I'm sorry, you're absolutely right, Sylvia. I should have told her my name the moment we first met."
"That's your problem. You don't usually think about such mundane things as an introduction."
"You're right. Anyways, this beautiful woman is Sylvia O'Connor. She'll be looking after you when I'm not here until you get well enough to get about on your own. You can trust her."
"I…I can trust her?" Harper asked.
"Of course you can trust her. She's a very nice young lady. In fact, you can trust any of those who come here. They're your new family."
"Please, Mister, tell me your name."
"Of course, my name is Milton Dante."
Karakura High School
Rukia concentrated. Her pencil hovered over the page. Then she circled her guess to the question that had been plaguing her since she came across it. She had taken enough tests to know that if a question gave you problems skip it and then return to it when you were done with the other questions. The exam was on Japanese Literature and she felt pretty comfortable with her answers.
After all, her Captain, brother, and Captain Kyoraku owned some of the larger private libraries in the Soul Society and she had borrowed books from them. However the question that plagued her was:
23. Jippensha Ikku is considered the Le Sage and this 19th Century British author of Japan
a. Geoffrey Chaucer
b. Charles Dickens
c. William Shakespeare
d. William Thackeray
She had no idea who any of those authors were. She knew who Jippensha Ikku was and had even read his Footing It Along the Tokaido, which her brother considered vulgar. However, she found it quite funny and even discussed it with Ukitake and Kyoraku. She had always wanted to read something from the West, but never got around to it. If Kyoraku or Ukitake were there, they would have helped her.
Whenever she saw a book from a Western author, she was always intrigued with their foreign names. The names of Ovid and Alexandre Dumas and Tolkien and Stephen King seemed to sound like music. The names on the page before her had the look of something exotic and exciting. Even though she didn't know what the answer was, she decided to take a stab at it. In her mind she pronounced each name the best she could, and liked the sound of Charles Dickens. She circled "b." which happened to be the right answer.
"Alright class, pencils down," Miss Ochi said. "Please pass your tests forward and that will conclude our course on Japanese Literature. Next week, we'll start with Western Literature."
Rukia brightened at that. She would finally read something from Europe or the Americas. She wondered which authors would be selected and which works they would read. She only heard about Western authors from Kyoraku or Ukitake or some of the Western Soul Reapers who came to visit while she was in the Soul Society. However, in the Land of the Living, she heard even more people mentioning them. She would have to ask Ichigo if he had read any Western Literature.
"Hey, Rukia," Sachiko said. "What are you thinking about?"
"Oh, I was wondering what books we were going to read for Western Literature. I've…never read one before."
"Really?" Sachiko asked, and then mouthed, "Wow". "You don't know what you're missing. Hey, I brought one with me. It's about rabbits. You can borrow it if you'd like."
"Really, that would be awesome," Rukia said.
"Here, I brought it with me," she said and dug through her bag. "Ah, here it is."
She held out a rather battered paperback book with the picture of a rabbit in some kind of field looking out over the distance. Rukia looked at the cover in awe. Her eyes sparkled. When she was told that she would be stationed in the World of the Living, her eyes had that same glimmer. She knew that she was holding the gateway to a completely different world.
"Watership Down," she read.
"Yeah, it's a really good book. I must have read it like six times already. Oh, and when you're done with that, I have another one that I can lend you. It's called Peter Pan by some guy named Jam Berry or something like that."
"Wow, do you think your sister has any recommendations?"
"I can ask her."
"Oh thank you," Rukia said holding the book like some kind of treasure.
"Hey Rukia, are ya coming?" Ichigo asked.
"Oh, just a moment," Rukia said.
"Oh, hey Sachiko," Ichigo said, noticing Rukia's friend.
"Hey Ichigo," Sachiko said.
"So what are you two up to?"
"Oh…well…you see, I've never read a book by a Western author before. Sachiko was loaning me one for me to read."
"Really…you've never read a Western author before?"
"No, I've never read one before, mostly because of my brother. He tends to…frown on such things. Why, have you?"
"I'm not much of a reader, but I have read a couple, and I think my dad has a few at home. I'll see if I can find them if you want."
"Thanks, Ichigo, I would appreciate it."
As they were leaving, Rukia's soul pager began beeping. She took it out and her eyes widened in surprise. She looked at Ichigo and then at Sachiko, who had her soul pager out. Rukia guessed that they got the same message.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked.
"We got a report. The Soul Society is sending in a team to help with the investigation of the missing team from Squad 12."
"Really, is Renji going to be with them?" Ichigo asked.
"They haven't given us specifics. They just say that they'll be here sometime soon," Sachiko said. "However, they also mentioned that a secondary team will arrive shortly after them and brief us."
Squad 6 Barracks
Ulquiorra looked at himself in the mirror.
The black pants he received were not like the usual hakama. Instead they appeared to be like the dress pants he saw during some of his visits to the World of the Living. The black formal boots that came with it felt comfortable on his feet. The black shirt was somewhat loose on him and he allowed his hands to travel along the green trim. He wondered what Chojiro was thinking when he was making the design. For Ulquiorra, a regular uniform would have sufficed.
He then looked at the long black Ulster coat he received with silver buttons inlaid with emeralds. He tried it on and found that the sleeves were somewhat tight, but then flared out at the elbows and ended at his wrists with green satin trim. The sleeves, just above the wrists, were embroidered with a bat with a silver moon behind it with lightning bolts shooting from its wings. The embroidery was so small and faint that one had to look carefully to see it. When he put the jacket on, he saw that it was cut into three separate tails from the waist to the bottom, which reached just above his ankles like a Mandarin coat.
When Ulquiorra finished putting this jacket on and buttoning the buttons, he then tied the emerald green sash around his waist and then used the circular silver clasp to hold it together. He then tucked his Zanpakuto into his sash. After putting his uniform together, he looked into the mirror again. Seeing it all together, Ulquiorra felt that Chojiro did an excellent job. The uniform felt right on him, more right than his old Arrancar uniform ever did.
He turned away from the mirror, and saw Captain Kuchiki looking at him.
"Captain Kuchiki, to what do I owe this honor?"
"I see that you have decided to start wearing your new uniform."
"Yes sir, since I am officially a Soul Reaper now."
"Yet you do not have a squad."
"It is true that I have not officially chosen a squad. However, I have decided that I wish to join the Sixth Squad with your permission, sir."
"And why should I allow you to enter my Squad?"
"The reason is that I respect you, sir. When I first saw you, I immediately saw someone who would not back down from his convictions. If it came down to a choice between upholding the Law and saving a loved-one, you would choose to uphold the Law for that is your conviction. Am I correct in my assumptions?"
Byakuya felt rather uncomfortable when Ulquiorra said that. He remembered how we was willing to break the promise he made to his wife, Hisana, to protect Rukia, in order to uphold the Laws. Without the Law there would be nothing but chaos. For Ulquiorra to remind him of that was both like a soothing balm and salt placed on a wound.
"You assume much, Ulquiorra," Byakuya said. "However, I am willing to hear you out. How do you view the Law?"
"Those who break the Laws established to protect the community must face justice," Ulquiorra said after giving the matter some thought. "They must be punished according to their crimes and according to the eyes of the Law."
Byakuya paled slightly. He remembered saying those things to Ichigo on top of Sokyoku Hill. To hear them repeated back to him made him feel the shame he felt when he realized that Aizen had used the Law that he held so dear to cause him to turn on his own sister. He could hear Hisana, as she lay dying have him promise her that he would protect her sister. After she died, he made a promise to his family never to do anything that would put the Law and the Social Order in jeopardy. He thought he could keep them both. However, when the two promises collided with each other, he did what his station demanded.
"Sentimentality is nothing when compared to the Law. Therefore, I must not give in to sentiments," he whispered.
"We must set an example for all Soul Reapers."
"If we do not uphold the Law, then who will?" they both said together.
Byakuya looked at Ulquiorra and nodded.
"I see that you were correct in your assessment. Very well, I will allow you to officially join Squad 6. When you have completed your mission, you will make your choice known at the Ceremony before the other Captains."
Squad 10 Barracks
"Wow, it looks really good on you," Rangiku said.
Harribel turned to look at Rangiku and smiled.
"Do you really think so?"
She looked at her new uniform. Even though she was given the traditional black Hakama, it had thin turquoise trimming at the bottom of the leggings. Her cream shoes glittered like sand in a sun-lit afternoon. Instead of the traditional kosode, she was given a sleeveless green coat that went to mid-thigh with buttons made of gold and pearls. A thin trim of turquoise silk lined the collar while gold silk trim lined the coat's bottom hem. She wore the turquoise sash around her waist with her Zanpakuto tucked in.
"Oh yeah, and it goes great with your skin tone, too."
"Do you think Starrk might like it?"
"Oh, I think he will. However, I think something's missing."
"Really, what's missing?"
"Well, I might have a good idea," Rangiku said and brought out a flat box. "I got you this as a kind of welcome-to-the-team gift."
"You didn't have to do that," Harribel said, but she took the box anyways.
"Oh yes I did, because I wanted to. Go ahead, open it."
Harribel took the box's top off and looked at a pair of white fingerless gloves. She took them out and put them on. She admired how the gloves fit and smiled.
"Thanks Rangiku," she said.
"You're welcome. So, have you thought about what squad you would like to be in?"
"I'm not really sure, but…I think I'm leaning to this one. You've all been so kind to me and I would like to serve in whatever capacity I can. But…"
"If you're worried that you won't be able to see Starrk, don't worry. We're on very friendly terms with Squads 8 and 13. Of course Toshiro hardly ever goes on our little escapades."
"Well, I was kind of worried about that. Starrk and Lilynette have already decided to stay with Squad 8."
"I figured they would," Rangiku said. "Well, anyways, we better get going or we'll be late."
"Late for what?" Harribel asked, curious.
"Why, for your first meeting with the Shinigami Woman's Association, or SWA. You're officially a Soul Reaper, and I'm inviting you. I also invited Lilynette and we can stop by Squad 8's Barracks to pick her up. That way you can show off your new uniform to Starrk."
Rangiku gave Harribel a sly wink. Harribel felt her face flush and grinned a little. She followed Rangiku out of the room. She saw her former fraccion sitting in one of the rooms. They were arguing, as usual, over who did the best job in their exam.
"Ladies," Harribel said, looking in on them.
"Oh, Mistress Harribel," Apacci said.
"I take it you had a practical exam today."
"Yeah, we did," Mila Rose said.
"We were supposed to demonstrate our Kido abilities," Sung-Sun added. "We've reached Kido spells level 20 and above, but our instructor has been rather disappointed with us."
"Oh, why is that?"
"That jack-ass assumes that just because we're former Arrancars, we can do what you guys could do," Apacci said.
"Oh, I bet he misses his prize students," Harribel said, laughing.
"I'll say," Mila Rose said. "Every time we have his class, he goes on and on about what an amazing display you guys did. However, he never mentions Nnoitora or Grimmjow."
"That's because those two are more skilled at swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat instead of Kido," Sung-Sun said. "Although, our Hoho instructor has said that they're pretty much at graduate level now."
"So, where are you heading off to?" Apacci asked.
"Well, Rangiku and I are going to a meeting with the Shinigami Woman's Association. Hey, Rangiku, can they come too? I know they're still students, but I would like them to experience this."
"Sure, I'm fine with it, the more the merrier," Rangiku said, smiling. "I can tell the others that I invited them as well."
"Alright, Ladies, come along."
"Yes ma'am," they answered in unison.
Squad 8 Barracks
Lilynette rushed to Starrk's room to show off her new uniform. She wore black boots with silver grey fur lining with the leggings of her charcoal pants tucked in. She wore a cream-colored poet's shirt and a glaucous vest with gold buttons, each engraved with a wolf cub. Her Zanpakuto was tucked into the amethyst-colored sash she wore matador style around her waist. Some of the Squad 8 members got out of her way as she rushed past them. She reached Starrk's room and slid the rice-paper door open.
"Hey Starrk," she said.
She stopped when she saw that Starrk was in his new uniform. He was wearing a pair of black boots and black pants. He wore a white shirt with black trim and gold buttons, each engraved with a wolf, that he kept un-tucked. His Zanpakuto was tucked under the dark blue sash he wore matador style. His long black coat, which he wore over this outfit, reached down the back of his calf muscles and had silver fur lining at the collar. She could barely make out the embroidery of silver thread on his sleeves that showed a pack of wolves running across a desert landscape with a crescent moon behind them. To finish his outfit, he wore a pair of charcoal-grey gloves embroidered with a howling wolf in gold thread.
"Oh, hey Lilynette," Starrk said, turning around from the mirror. "Ah, showing off your new uniform, right?"
"Yeah, so, what do you think?"
"Hmm, I don't really know that much about fashion," Starrk said, rubbing his brown hair. "Overall, though, I think that it's way better than your Arrancar uniform."
"Thanks Starrk," she said.
"Hey, aren't you gonna tell me what you think of my uniform?"
"It looks great," she said. "It almost looks like what you wore in your Resurrección."
"How did you know what I wore in my Resurrección?"
"Silly, I saw it whenever you manifested those spirit wolves."
"Oh, that's right. I kind of wonder why they went to so much trouble making our uniforms different from the others."
"I don't know. I guess the Captain-Commander wanted to do something nice for us."
"Well, I wonder what everyone else's looks like."
"Oh, there you are," someone said.
They turned and saw Kyoraku standing in the doorway. He was looking at them and smiled.
"So, how do you like your uniforms?"
"Well," Starrk said. "I'm a little perplexed. Why did the Captain-Commander do this for us?"
"He probably felt that you guys wouldn't look as good in the traditional uniform. Besides, as long as the traditional black is incorporated somehow, it really doesn't matter. Although, when it comes to the Captain's coat…let's just say he gets really mad if anything happens to that."
"Oh… So, what did you want to see us about?"
"Oh, Rangiku and Harribel are out front with those three other gals," Kyoraku said with a wink.
"That's right," Lilynette said.
"What is it?" Starrk asked.
"Rangiku invited me to join the SWA."
"Wow, not even a day into being an official Soul Reaper and you're already invited to join the Shinigami Woman's Association?" Kyoraku asked.
"Yeah, and I bet Harribel got invited to. Come one Starrk."
"Wait, why do I have to come?"
"Oh go on," Kyoraku said, giving another sly wink. "I bet Harribel would like to see you in your uniform."
Starrk turned red, but then he shrugged. He figured that he might as well go see Harribel. He walked a little behind Lilynette who was trying to get him to go faster. When they reached the court they saw the cluster of five women and Starrk stood still. He couldn't help but notice that Harribel looked really good in her new uniform. He quickly regained his composure and walked towards them.
"Hey Starrkey," Rangiku called out, waving to him. "Lookin' good."
"Hey Rangiku…hey Harribel, you look…great."
"Thanks Starrk," Harribel said. "You look great yourself."
"Thanks…uh…Lilynette told me about this Women's Association thing. I hope you don't do anything that would cause me to worry."
"Oh don't worry," Rangiku said. "Yachiru is our President."
"Oh boy, now I know I'm going to worry," Starrk said.
Harribel and Rangiku laughed. They knew perfectly well that whenever Yachiru and Lilynette got together, trouble would follow. When you added the candy that the other members of the SWA brought, you were asking for mass destruction that would make Grimmjow and Nnoitora quake with fear.
"Well, we better get going," Rangiku said.
"Bye Starrk, I'll see ya later," Lilynette said.
"Have fun and behave yourself," Starrk said and kissed Lilynette on the forehead.
Harribel smiled when she saw him make that small gesture. He always did it before when they were still Arrancar, especially when he sent her to play with Nel. She wondered what it was about. However, during her time in the Soul Society, she saw fathers and older brothers giving that same kind of kiss to their daughters or younger siblings before they went out to play. For the first time, Harribel knew that they were where they truly belonged.
Kurosaki Clinic
Rukia sat up on her bed in Ichigo's closet, her stuffed Chappy the Rabbit sitting in her lap. The lamp she brought so long ago cast its light over the pages of the book as she read. She was transported to the world of Fiver and Hazel and the other rabbits as they made their way to find a new home after their old one was destroyed. She imagined England's countryside looking like the area around Mount Koifushi where she and Kaien used to train.
"Hey Rukia, I'm going to bed," Ichigo called out.
"Okay," she said, not really paying any attention.
"Rukia, are you alright?"
She put the book down and slid the closet door open.
"I'm fine. I was just enjoying my book," she said.
"Jeez, sorry," Ichigo said. "Anyways, don't stay up too late."
"I'll try not to, Hazel."
"What did you call me?"
"Relax. I only called you that because you remind me a little bit of one of the characters. I think I'll start calling Uryu 'Fiver' and Chad 'Bigwig'."
"Are they characters from that book?"
"Yeah, but…I just don't know which one I'm like," she said.
"Well, don't worry about it. Maybe you're not in it."
"What do you mean I'm not in it?"
"Well, maybe you're a combination of characters," Ichigo said. "But, my Dad told me that when you read a book, read for the story first. Then, go back and look into it as you would a mirror. My Dad says that books are like mirrors, they show us something about ourselves. Of course, I have no idea what he's talking about most of the time."
"Whatever," Rukia said and smiled a little as she slid the closet door closed.
She picked up the book and placed Chappy the Rabbit back in her lap and started where she left off. She thought about what Ichigo said and then decided not to let it worry her and just enjoy the story. She knew that she would be re-reading this one very soon.
Kuchiki Manor
"Is it…alright for us to be here?"
"Oh yeah," Rangiku said. "This is where we have most of our meetings. Partially thanks to Yoruichi beating Byakuya in a little game of Chase the Devil and partially to Yachiru's tunnel system."
"Yeah, Yachiru showed them to me," Lilynette said, grinning. "She has a whole network under the entire Soul Society."
"You're joking, right?" Apacci asked, rather doubtful.
"She isn't," Rangiku said, smiling. "Yachiru is well-known for her tunneling expertise. Anyways the door should be…here," she said and pressed on one of the wall panels and another panel slid up.
Harribel looked in and was surprised to see that there was a rather large room. There was a rather large round table with cushions around it and a whiteboard next to a podium. A long table was lined against the wall and was covered with all types of snacks and candy. A large crystal bowl of punch glimmered on one end next to a large supply of sake. There was also a stove with pots of tea sitting on top, still steaming.
Nanao, Squad 8's Lieutenant, walked towards them. She looked at Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun and then at Rangiku.
"They can't be here," she said. "They're not full-fledged Soul Reapers yet. They haven't even graduated yet."
"Awwww, Vice-President," Rangiku whined. "I just wanted them to get an idea of what we do before they graduate."
"This club is for women SOUL REAPERS, not just students," Nanao said.
"Damn, she's as stuck up as Ulquiorra," Apacci whispered.
"No kidding," Mila Rose said.
"Miss Ise, is there a problem?" Unohana asked.
"Uh…well, Chairwoman Unohana…these three are not official Soul Reapers."
"Well, I have no problem with them being here. After all, they are on track to graduating early and I think that it's a good idea for them to get accustomed to our activities before they do," Unohana said, smiling.
Harribel, Mila Rose, Sung-Sun, and Apacci recognized that smile. As a result, Nanao's reaction was inevitable. She began to rub her hands and sweat gleamed on her forehead.
"I…I agree, Captain Unohana," Nanao said.
"Very good," Unohana said, reverting back to her normal smile.
After a few more minutes of mingling, Yoruichi arrived with Sui-Feng trailing behind. She smiled and waved at Harribel and did not show any surprise when she saw her three former fraccion. Sui-Feng was obviously surprised at seeing three more guests than she had expected. However, she merely shrugged it off.
"Madame President," Nanao said. "We're ready to begin now."
"Okay, Glasses," Yachiru shouted and kicked Nemu away from the podium. "Alright, first let me welcome our two new members. Hi Boobies, hi BFF," she said waving to Harribel and Lilynette.
"Hi BFF," Lilynette said, grinning and waving back.
"What did she call me?" Harribel asked, rather shocked.
"She gives everyone a nickname," Isane Kotetsu said. "Mine is 'Giraffe' and my sister's is 'Paige-Boy'."
"But, why 'Boobies' and not something cooler like 'Sharkey'?"
"Probably because you have large breasts," Nemu said.
"You should be honored being given the same nickname as Lady Yoruichi," Sui-Feng said.
"I…will…have…order," Yachiru said, unleashing her spiritual pressure that took on the form of a pink cat's hissing face. "Good, now, tonight we're gonna talk about ways of making money. Our budget has been depleted."
"That should come as no surprise," Nanao said. "You spend it all on candy or toys or digging equipment."
"Yeah," Yachiru said, sounding rather happy about it. "And I need more candy and toys. So, do you have any ideas Sharkey?"
"Well…uh…I…I suppose we could sell calendars or something," Harribel said. "I'm thinking that maybe we can sell a couple of calendars with photos of some of the Gotei."
"Well…that was one of our biggest sellers," Nanao said. "Let's see, we have a collection for the Captains and another for the officers, but…"
"We don't have one for the former Arrancars," Rangiku said, cheerfully. "I've already got some really good photos if you want to look," she said and held out a stack of photos to Nanao.
"They're not like the ones you took of Kira and Hisagi that one time," Nanao said.
"Don't worry. They're just some candid shots."
"Like I said, 'they're not like the ones you took of Kira and Hisagi,' right?" Nanao growled.
"Oh just take a look. You know, from these photos, I think it might be one of our best sellers."
Nanao took the photos and then looked at Rangiku. She was surprised that her more candid photos were not as "revealing" as the ones for Kira and Hisagi. She was pleasantly surprised at how good a photographer Rangiku was.
"I think you might be right," Nanao said and passed them back to Rangiku.
The other women gathered around the photos. Harribel, who was sitting next to Rangiku, looked at the photos. She couldn't help but admit that they were very good. Some of the women even gave wolf howls when they saw a particularly tasty photo of one of the sexier Arrancar men.
However, the photo that caused Harribel's heart to skip a beat was a photo of Starrk sitting at the Cherry Orchard with Shunsui and Ukitake. The photo showed him with his head slightly lowered. His eyes were downcast. However, the slight smile he had made him look like a man who has found refuge from many hardships.
"May I have this one?" Harribel asked, showing Rangiku the photo.
"Sure," Rangiku said, smiling. "I made a duplicate of that one since I knew that it would look good in a publication. Or, would you rather that I don't print that one at all?"
"No, it's fine if you want to print it. I think…I think this will help the others understand us a little better."
Karakura Town
"Harper, Harper," Milton whispered.
"Hmm," Harper moaned as she opened her eyes.
"It's time for you to meet the rest of our family."
"Is it?"
"Yes, it is. Are you up for it?"
"Yes."
"Alright then, just take my hand and don't worry. Everything will be alright. You're among family now."
Harper took Milton's hand and got off the couch where she took her naps. She felt a chill rise through her body from the cold concrete. She was glad for the jeans and the short-sleeved green t-shirt that she wore. She felt a wave of nausea come over her, but it passed. She felt as though something was pushing from the inside of her skull. However, when Milton put his hand on her forehead, the sensation passed.
"Why am I having these headaches?" she asked.
"It's because your ability is trying to manifest itself."
"What ability?"
"Well, it varies from person-to-person. Each of us here has what we call 'Risveglio'. Risveglio is unique to each person based on a combination of their Reiatsu and personality. Some Risveglio can control the natural elements while others can control a person's perceptions."
"Why is it trying to manifest itself?"
"We don't really know, but it could be the same as a Soul Reaper's Zanpakuto."
"What are Soul Reapers?"
"Their beings whose job is to help us pass on, but…they failed. So now, it is our raison d'être. That is why we evolved, to help the Lost Souls evolve and thus be able to protect themselves from Hollows. Ah, here we are."
He opened the door and Harper saw a group of eight individuals looking at them. She recognized Sylvia, but none of the others.
"You already know Sylvia O'Connor, so I should introduce you to the others. The man next to her is Howard Machen."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Bradbury," he said and took her hand and gently kissed the knuckles.
"It's nice to meet you as well," Harper said.
He then took her over to another man who was leaning against a column. He wore a black leather jacket and dark jeans tucked into a pair of brown cowboy boots. He removed his navy blue cap and stood at attention.
"This is Ambrose Stoker. Out of the ten of us, he was one of two who had to use the Gigai in order to be reformed. As a result, his Risveglio is completely dependent on his Gigai."
"So, he can't free himself from his Gigai?"
"No, he can't, but he can hide his physical presence from the rest of the world and battle within a dimension that he can create. The same holds true with the other who had to be reformed by Gigai."
"Do you hate that?" Harper asked, feeling rather sad for Ambrose's inability to fight in a Spiritual Body.
"I see it as an opportunity to only become stronger," Ambrose said. "After all, nothing can teach you about your strengths quite like your weaknesses. So, I would have to say I don't resent it. In fact, I embrace it because it forces me to use caution when battling an opponent."
"Thank you, Ambrose, now, the next one I want you to meet is Charlotte Wolfe," Milton said and led her to a woman dressed in dark clothing with a choke collar around her neck.
"It's nice to have you," Charlotte said, sounding rather bored with the whole thing.
"Now Charlotte, please make our newest member feel welcome," a woman with platinum-blonde hair said. She wore a one shoulder black t-shirt with silver sparkles that ran along the top and a short black-leather skirt with black knee-high boots. "Hello, I'm Shirley Wilde," she said and held out her hand.
"Hello," Harper said and shook her hand.
"Shirley was the other who needed to be reformed in a Gigai," Milton said. "As a result she and Ambrose only have half-Risveglio, but even then they are very powerful. Now, let's continue."
He led her to an older man who looked to be in his late thirties. He was dressed in a regular business suit. When he saw them approach, he gave a slight bow.
"I'm Robert Borges," he said. "It is a pleasure to get a chance to meet you."
"I'm Harper Bradbury," she said, returning the bow.
"I'm Emily Dumas," a teenage girl said from next to him. She was dressed in a girl's uniform with a bright red skirt and a loose white shirt with decorative flames at the wrists. The top three buttons of the shirt were unbuttoned and showed some of her considerable bosom as well part of the pink bra she wore underneath.
"Emily, please button up. You're embarrassing our new sister," Milton said.
"Oh…sorry," she said re-buttoning the shirt, but keeping the top one unbuttoned. "I just get so uncomfortable being buttoned up. Sometimes I think that boobs are another curse that we girls have to put up with, along with periods and men."
"Emily, that's enough," Robert said. "Please, keep a civil tongue."
"Yes, Daddy," she said and stuck out her tongue.
"I apologize for my ward's behavior," Robert said. "I wish that she could be better behaved."
"She's just being a teenager," Milton said, laughing.
"That's not surprising," a young man with wavy blonde hair said. "She's always flirting with someone."
"That ain't true, Willy," Emily said. "I'm not always a flirt, just most of the time."
"See what I mean? Anyways, I'm William Marlowe," he said and shook Harper's hand.
"Watch out for him," Emily whispered to Harper. "He's such a Don Juan. Hell, he thinks that he's God's gift to women."
Harper giggled at that, but William just ignored it. He only shrugged and leaned against a concrete column, crossing his feet.
"Well, that's everyone," Milton said.
"Do you guys have a group name or something?"
"Yes we do," Milton replied. "We call ourselves the Mangiatori. My fellow Mangiatori," he said and all eyes were upon him and Harper. "Today we welcome our newest sister, Harper Bradbury. She has evolved to our level and her Risveglio wants to be made manifest. What do you say?"
"Welcome and manifest," they replied in unison.
"Now, Harper, I want you to concentrate and say the first word that comes to your mind. That word will be your release command. Do you understand?"
"Yes," she said.
"Now, close your eyes and concentrate. What is the first word to come to your mind?"
"Remember."
"That's good. Now, go deep and you will see a pool of mist. Now, grab that mist and show us what you can do and speak its name."
Harper could see a pool of mist form behind her closed eyes. She reached out and saw something that made her gasp. She grabbed hold of the quivering girl who looked so much like her when she was five.
What's your name?
Memoria Del Dolore.
Why are you crying?
I remember.
What do you remember?
I remember.
"Now," Milton's voice said. "Show us what your Risveglio can do."
The room began to fill with a thick luminescent fog as she showed them her true power.
End of Chapter 3
"Alright, let's take a vote on who everyone thinks is the hottest of the former Espada," Rangiku said when Nanao left to take the photos to the printers.
"YAY, SEXY VOTE!" Yachiru shouted. "I VOTE FOR GRIMM-KITTY!"
"I vote the same, Madame President," Nemu said in her dead pan voice.
"Madame Chairwoman?" Isane asked.
"A very good question, but I would have to say Ulquiorra," Unohana said.
"Then I vote for Ulquiorra too," Isane said. "I always vote with my Captain."
"I vote for Starrk," Isane's sister, Kiyone said. "He's friends with Captain Ukitake. Is that alright, Harribel? I mean I know you like him."
"That's fine, but keep in mind...Starrk's mine," Harribel said in a low and dangerous voice. "Ladies?"
"Starrk," Mila Rose, Apacci, and Sung-Sun said at once.
"Seriously," Harribel said. "Don't just vote for Starrk because I did."
"Alright, fine," Mila Rose said. "Grimmjow."
"Ulquiorra," Sung-Sun said.
"Fine...Starrk," Apacci said. "And I'm being serious. Don't worry, Mistress Harribel, I would never try to steal him from you."
"Good," Harribel said.
"How about you Sui-Feng?" Yoruichi asked.
"Oh...uh...I don't know. Who do you think, Lady Yoruichi?"
"Nope, otherwise you'd vote with me."
"Fine...Ulquiorra," Sui-Feng said, slightly blushing.
"Grimmjow," Yoruichi said.
"Lilynette, how about you?" Unohana asked.
"Well, since Starrk and I were part of the same being, if I said 'Starrk' it would be like calling myself 'Sexy' so...Starrk."
"Grimmjow," Rangiku said. "No wait, Ulquiorra since he's got a nice bod. No, maybe Starrk since he makes a good drinking buddy and a nice bod. Ah I'll just say all of them, except for that giant walking stick. Now, let's post the results where everyone can see."
The Next Day:
SWA Vote for SEXIEST FORMER ESPADA:
Nnoitora: 0
Grimmjow: 5
Ulquiorra: 5
Starrk: 5
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Nnoitora shrieked when he saw the post
A.N.: Thanks for your patience. I'm still hard at work writing the next chapters for my stories as well as some new ones that just popped into my head so updates will be slow in coming, but they'll keep coming. Anyways, the Shinigami Cup was inspired by an image of Nnoitora seeing a post with the SWA's vote for SEXIEST FORMER ESPADA with a three-way tie between Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, and Starrk (since Rangiku couldn't make up her mind), and no votes for him.
Anyways, in a couple of chapters I'll start doing "Profilo Dei Mangiatori" which will be like "Arrancar Encyclopedia" or any other informative segments in the Bleach Anime. It will be done in an interview-style with Kon (otherwise he wouldn't have any appearances).
That's all for now. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and please review.