Tamashi no Kiri
Chapter 6: Missions
Footsteps on the Foggy Bank
Footsteps on the Boney Sands
Footsteps on the Airy Winds
Footsteps on the Halls of the Heart
Coming closer to their Fate
Akemi Amaterasu took out her soul pager and looked at the time.
"Late," she muttered. "That's unlike Captain Hitsugaya, but if he has Rangiku with him…"
She tapped her foot and looked around. A soft luminescent mist seemed to be rising from the ground and advanced towards her. Her eyes narrowed at it and she held her soul pager up to scan it. She had seen early morning mist before, but nothing that resembled it. To her surprise, as she scanned the mist it seemed to retreat. She was about to follow it when she saw the light of the Senkaimon opening.
She turned and saw Toshiro Hitsugaya following a Hell Butterfly and the advanced team.
"It's about time," she said. "Why were you so…why the Hell is he here?" she asked and pointed at Kenpachi as he walked out of the Senkaimon. "I thought he was forbidden from ever entering the World of the Living."
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto made an exception," Hitsugaya said, not sounding too happy about it.
"Yeah, now, who're we fightin'?" Kenpachi asked and looked around.
"Honestly, did you think that they would be here to greet you?" Akemi asked and rolled her eyes.
"You better watch how you talk to Captain Zaraki," Ikkaku snarled.
"Sorry," she said and rolled her eyes.
"Ikkaku, that's enough," Captain Hitsugaya said. "At any rate, I'm glad that you're here to greet us, Miss Amaterasu."
"Whatever," Akemi said. "It's not like I had anything better to do."
"What do you mean by that?" Rangiku asked.
"There's been no sign of a Spirit or a Hollow around for a while. At first I assumed that it had something to do with the Tenkai Kecchu that was used a while back," Akemi said. "However, it seems as though something else is going on."
Hell
Yamamoto sat on the other side of the small onyx table on the porch of the palace. The red sky and black clouds gave everything a sinister look. It had been centuries since he had to conduct any business here and he hoped that he would not have to come back any time soon.
"Well now, this is a pleasant surprise," a soft, silky voice said.
Yamamoto stood and faced the man who just walked out onto the porch. He was tall and looked fairly young and handsome. He wore a long crimson coat with the gold-embroidered collar turned up. A sash of white and another of black crossed across his chest and was held in place with a disk, half white and half black that was separated with a gold sinewy line. His feet were clad in silver slippers. On his head he wore a thin gold and silver circlet with a stone as white as snow and another as black as pitch at the center that seemed to flow into each other.
"Lord Aruji Enma," Yamamoto said and gave a slight bow.
"Oh please, none of that," Aruji said. "Please, have a seat," he said and gestured to the delicate-looking chair of silver that Yamamoto stood next to.
"Thank you, Sire," Yamamoto said and sat down as Aruji sat in the chair on the other side.
"How about some wine?"
"I know better than to eat or drink anything from the Underworld," Yamamoto said.
"Wise choice," Aruji said. "I, however, shall partake. FOOL! Bring out some wine."
"I won't," a surly voice replied from inside the palace.
"Oh is that so?" Aruji asked and twitched his fingers slightly. "I'm sure you'll recognize this one."
At once, an older man who was wearing a black robe with a crimson jester's cap came running in carrying a tray with a bottle of wine and a gold goblet. Yamamoto's eyes widened when he saw that the crouching figure was Baraggan Luisenbarn, the former "God-King of Hueco Mundo."
"Baraggan," Yamamoto muttered.
"Yeah," Baraggan muttered and glared at Aruji who only smiled at him.
"When he first got here," Aruji said, "he thought that he could become the Lord of Hell. He immediately set up his throne somewhere and started telling the other inhabitants that he would lead them. I watched for a bit since I found it rather amusing that he was actually trying to build up an army to take over Hell. Alas, I got bored with watching him play 'God-King' and so I had him sent here to play another role. I must say…I find this one much more entertaining."
"Your wine, 'my lord,'" Baraggan said, his voice oozed with sarcasm.
"Observe carefully," Aruji said to Yamamoto and then turned his attention back to Baraggan. "You should have some too. You look rather thirsty."
"No," Baraggan said.
"I insist that you drink some," Aruji said and chuckled as he gave another motion with his fingers.
Baraggan poured some of the wine into the goblet and drank it. Baraggan looked at Aruji and smiled.
"Satisfied, 'my lord'?"
"Hmm, so you decided not to try poison this time," Aruji said and poured some wine into the goblet. "You see, Yamamoto. Each time I use him, he tries some way to kill me. Like I said, it's much more entertaining."
"I see that you haven't changed since the last time I saw you."
"Indeed," Aruji said and gave Yamamoto a salute with his goblet. "You must come by more often. Anyways, I'm sure that you didn't come here to pass the time. What is it that you want?"
"I want one of the Togabito who you got from Hueco Mundo."
"Ah I see. Would this have anything to do with what's going on in Karakura Town?"
"How did you know?"
"I have my ways as you very well know, Genryusai. I highly doubt that you came for one of the lesser Arrancars, so that must mean that you want one of the former Espada. Am I correct?"
"You are."
"Now, out of all of the Espada, you got Grimmjow, Nnoitora, Ulquiorra, Harribel, and Starrk. I highly doubt that you came to retrieve Baraggan here since all that he cares about is having a throne. I also highly doubt that you want Yammy. He may be strong, but he's a complete idiot. He tried to challenge my Gatekeeper and failed miserably. His body's currently torn into pieces and spread throughout Hell with the exception of his head that I allowed my Gatekeeper to keep as a trophy. It's rather amusing to hear some of the ranting that thing yells out. So that leaves Aaroniero, Szayel Aporro, and Zommari."
"Yes and I want…"
"Let me figure it out," Aruji said and smiled. "It's been a while since I had this much fun. Let's see. You want someone with information that relates to what's going on. Zommari spent too much time meditating on the 'Glories of Lord Aizen and the Pumpkin' to do any research and is…let's face it…completely useless and Aaroniero spent too much time devouring lesser Hollows in order to maintain his position. That only leaves Szayel Aporro Granz."
"That's right."
"You can't have him."
"What?"
"You heard me. You can't have him, unless…"
"What do you want?"
"I want to be able to visit the Soul Society some time. It gets so boring looking at the same sky and the same landscape. I need a change of scenery. And I would like to get the guided tour of your lovely Seireitei in the spring-time. I understand it's rather lovely that time of year."
"I do not have any misgivings about that since you won't be able to influence anything there."
"I know. My authority is strictly limited here. However, I don't understand why you would want to take him when he could easily tell you what you want to know. I mean, he's been defeated four times and the last time, he lost his powers. He's useless other than what he knows."
"Yet like you said. Your authority is here and so you also have a hold on his leash."
"And of course you don't trust me to let him tell you what you want to know."
"Everyone who knows you knows better than to trust you."
"That's what happens when you have my reputation," Aruji said and laughed. "But are you sure that you wish to take his leash? I don't do returns or exchanges or refunds."
"I'm quite sure."
"Very well, you may…Baraggan, I thought I told you before…that won't work," Aruji said and spun around and grabbed Baraggan's wrist, which was holding a knife that he had hidden on him. "Aw failed again," Aruji said and put his hand on Baraggan's head. Baraggan let out a scream as he was reduced to ashes. "Don't worry. He'll reform in a couple of hours. Anyways, where was I? Oh yes that's right. I'll let you take him. Would you like me to throw in some others?"
"What do you mean?"
"I believe that I currently possess two of your former colleagues."
Aruji clapped his hands and Yamamoto just about stood up when he saw Tosen and Gin walking in. They were both in black and white robes, but they also had iron chains wrapped around them. They both bowed.
"Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tosen," Aruji said. "As you know they betrayed you and despite their motivations, by betraying their oaths to the Soul Society and the Soul King they ended up down here when they died. However, as you know, I can easily restore them to you."
"Where's Wonderweiss?" Tosen asked. "Why can't I hear him?"
"Oh the poor Mod Soul that Aizen created in order to counter Yamamoto's Ryujin Jakka," Aruji said and smiled. "Aren't you curious about him too, Yamamoto? I mean, you felt pity for him and yet you killed the poor creature. I suppose I should let you know. Wonderweiss is currently in Hueco Mundo, fully restored. The Soul King took pity on the poor thing and took his soul from the River Acheron and restored him and gave him back his mind, emotions, ability to speak, and all that he lost when Aizen transformed him."
"I'm glad," Tosen said and Yamamoto couldn't help but feel pity for him.
"Captain Yamamoto, is…is Rangiku alright?" Gin asked.
"She is doing well," Yamamoto said. "She is making friends with some of the new recruits we received due to this whole affair."
"And Aizen?"
"Defeated and in the Muken."
"Good," Gin said and smiled. "I'm glad…I'm glad that some good came out of this whole affair."
"How sweet," Aruji said and laughed. "Well, would you like them back?"
"Captain-General Yamamoto," Kaname said. "This is Justice. I am where I need to be and I must allow Justice to run its course. It's the price I need to pay for my…my arrogance."
"I see," Yamamoto said. "What about you, Gin?"
"Seeing me again this soon would only cause Rangiku more pain," Gin said. "Did I…did I ever tell you that I love her?"
"No, you didn't and you never told her either."
"She knew though," Gin said and tears fell from his bright blue eyes. "She knew I loved her and that was why I betrayed you. That way I could find a way to take back the part of the Soul that Aizen took from her, but I…I couldn't do that. Instead, all I ever really succeeded in doing was breaking my promise to never make her cry. I'm where I need to be as well. It's…it's better this way, for now."
"How long is their sentence?"
"Their crimes were very serious and they did it willingly enough," Aruji said. "Regardless of their motives, they'll be here for about another 10,000 years or so and then they will be forced into Exile from all of the worlds and I believe that the same fate awaits Aizen when his 20,000 year sentence is up."
"I see," Yamamoto said and stood up. "I will come back for them when they are ready to leave this place. Now, take me to Szayel Aporro Granz."
Outside Urahara Shop
"Well, we're here," Akemi said.
"Thank you Miss Amaterasu," Hitsugaya said. "I'm sorry if we kept you from making the rounds too long."
"Well, you're welcome Captain Hitsugaya, but so far I haven't received a single page alerting me to any Hollows or to any souls in need of Konso," Akemi said as she brought out her soul pager from the pouch she carried. "Nope, still nothing," she said as she checked the pager.
"Maybe it's broken," Yumichika said.
"Doubtful," Rangiku said. "All that you have to do is fill the Reiatsu in the air. It's gotten thicker since the last time."
"Huh, so it has," Ikkaku said and his eyes narrowed. "Do you think that it's similar to the Arrancars?"
"I highly doubt that," Dr. Fleur said as she came out of the shop. "The Reiatsu signals are different from the Arrancars. So, you must be the Advance Team that Kiss-key told me about. I'm Dr. Samantha Beatrice Fleur of the...WHOA!" she screamed as she tripped on a rock in the yard and went sprawling on the ground.
"Are you alright?" Hitsugaya asked.
"Owee," Dr. Fleur said as she got up. "Sorry about that. It happens to me quite often."
"Uh…I see," Hitsugaya said.
"Anyways, I'm Dr. Samantha Beatrice Fleur of the International Soul Reaper Research Center, Alchemical Division. I'm also a member of the Guardian Squads for the Democratic Soul Society of America, Division 5: Research and Retrieval."
"It's nice to meet you, Dr. Fleur. I am Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya, Squad 10 of the Gotei 13. The woman behind me is my Lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto."
"Ooh, I absolutely adore that necklace," Dr. Fleur said. "Oh and that sash looks really lovely too. Do you know where I can get one?"
"Sure, come on. Let's go somewhere where just us girls can talk. I'm sure that none of these brutes would care about any of that kind of thing," Rangiku said and the two walked into the shop.
"Great, just great," Hitsugaya said and face-palmed. "I need to get information of what they already discovered and what does she do? She goes off with Rangiku to talk about fashion and other girly stuff. This is…ridiculous."
"Uh…Captain Hitsugaya, where should we go?" Renji asked.
"Let's just stay here tonight. We can discuss things in the morning with the other team," Captain Hitsugaya said.
"HA! To Hell with that, I'm gonna take a look around," Kenpachi said.
"YAY KENNY!" Yachiru shouted.
"Wait just a minute, Kenpachi," Hitsugaya said. "I'm giving orders around here and Captain-Commander Yamamoto told you to obey me. You are not going anywhere."
"Wanna try and stop me?" Kenpachi asked and looked at Hitsugaya.
"You know what…go…go ahead and get yourself killed," Hitsugaya said. "I'm not in the mood to deal with you right now."
"I won't get killed," Kenpachi said and walked off. "Ikkaku, Yumichika, come along if you wish."
"Yes sir," Ikkaku said and followed.
"Sorry, Captain Hitsugaya, but Squad 11 only takes orders from Squad 11," Yumichika said and followed behind.
"BAKA!" Hitsugaya shouted and he didn't know if he meant the men from Squad 11 or himself.
Hell
"This place is so boring," Szayel Aporro said.
"Put us…"
"…back in our…"
"….tank, you bastard!"
"Would you two shut up?" Szayel Aporro snapped and looked at the two heads that made up Aaroniero Arruruerie. "You're worse than Lumina and Verona ever were. Tch…your tank fluid was a major disappointment. I mean seriously…I was expecting some kind of chemical; NOT HAWAIIAN FRUIT PUNCH!"
"We get thirsty," the two heads said in unison.
"Whatever," Szayel Aporro said and looked out on Hell's darkened landscape. "It could be worse. I could have that idiot Yammy as company. I'm glad he got himself hacked into pieces."
"I wish…"
"…you got…"
"…hacked into pieces..."
"…PSYCHO PINK!"
"That does it," Szayel Aporro said. "It's back into the pockets with you."
The two heads tried to roll away, but they couldn't go very far. Szayel Aporro picked them up and sneered as he put them in his pockets. They would try to bite him of course, but it was times like those that he was glad his hollow hole was where it was…even though it did make him a bit more insane to be a male and yet not have a penis.
"Now, if only I had something to experiment on," he muttered.
"I could probably help with that," someone said.
Szayel Aporro looked up and his golden eyes widened in surprise.
"Who are you?"
"I am Captain-Commander Yamamoto. I have come to recruit you, Szayel Aporro Granz."
"Why would you do that?"
"I need information on a certain project that Aizen had you work on for him. My own scientist, whom you may remember, is unable to gather the data he needs to reach a conclusion."
"Is that so?" Szayel Aporro asked and grinned. "It's nice to know that Mayuri Kurotsuchi is not as infallible as he thought.
"So, the Soul Reapers need my help in retrieving information from a previous case that I worked on. Yet, they could not find that information in the things that I guess that Mayuri took from my lab. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"If I were to help you," Szayel Aporro said, "what's in it for me?"
"First, you would be able to get out of Hell."
"That would be nice," Szayel Aporro said. "This place is getting kind of boring, but I could withstand it for a bit longer."
"Second, you would get your own lab."
"Ooh, I like that," Szayel Aporro said. "It's hard to find good equipment down here. Alright I'm in so long as I get all of my things back from that bastard Mayuri."
"Deal," Yamamoto said.
"Also, I want my fraccion Lumina and Verona to be retrieved and purified and sent to me. They were the only ones who were any good at doing their job."
"Deal," Yamamoto said.
"In that case, let's get this over with so that way I can get back to work. Gods only know how much time I've lost that I could have been using doing research."
Karakura Town
"Are you sure it was this way?" Kenpachi asked.
"I'm sure…I think," Yachiru said.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'I THINK'?" Kenpachi cried out.
"It's like I said," Yachiru said. "I think that weird Reiatsu was coming from this direction."
"That's just great," Kenpachi said. "Now we're lost…in the World of the Living…AGAIN!"
"Maybe we should split up," Ikkaku said.
"Good idea," Kenpachi said. "Ikkaku, you go that way," he said and gestured with his Zanpakuto to the road on the left. "Yumichika, you go right. I'll go down the middle."
"Yes sir," the two officers said and rushed down their assigned roads.
"Now then, where's my opponent?"
As Kenpachi rushed forward, Howard Machen stepped from the shadows. He lowered his opera glasses from his eyes and smiled. The mist swirled around him and reformed into the gold-engraved ivory lorgnette that were now attached to the glasses. When the lorgnette reformed, he put the opera glasses back to his eyes, this time holding the lorgnette. His smile became even wider.
He got the information that Milton wanted.
Cherry Orchard
"I'm fucking bored," Nnoitora moaned. "Ever since Captain Zaraki left to go to the World of the Living, things have been so dull around here."
"I know what you mean, but at least I have my former fraccion to talk to. It's funny. I didn't appreciate them before, but now that I've really taken the time to know them…"
"Shut up," Nnoitora growled. "I don't give a shit about you and your buddies gathering around the campfire and singing 'Kumbaya' and telling stories about what's been going on."
"And yet you tolerate going to the Cherry Blossoms Club meetings," Grimmjow pointed out. "It's essentially the same thing."
"That's because I'm at least involved," Nnoitora said. "With you guys…I'm not."
"Gee, I had no idea," Grimmjow said.
"It should have been obvious," Nnoitora said. "My aspect of death was Despair and Despair cares nothing for anything that it's not involved in."
"Consider your sorry ass invited," Grimmjow said after a moment's pause.
"Huh?"
"I said you're invited to join us sometime," Grimmjow said. "I don't want to do it…I mean you tried to fucking kill me…but, we're here. We're in the same Squad. We might as well make the best of it."
"You're not turning homo on me are ya?"
"Nope, and don't think I'm showing any pity on ya either. I need someone to help me get that stick out of Shawlong's ass and you're the only one I can think of who can help me with that li'l project."
"Consider me…game," Nnoitora grinned and slapped Grimmjow on the back. "I wonder when Yamamoto's coming back with Psycho Pink."
"Hey, maybe he's already back," Grimmjow said and pointed to the Hell Butterfly that was flying towards them.
"I'll take it this time," Nnoitora said and stretched one finger and the butterfly landed.
"Grimmjow and Nnoitora, come to the Squad 1 Barracks immediately," Chojiro's voice said, and then the butterfly flew away.
"Huh, no personal message from the old geezer this time," Nnoitora said.
"Come on, let's get going Piano Boy," Grimmjow said.
"You better watch it, Sir Blue-Kitty," Nnoitora sneered.
The two laughed as they made their way to the Squad 1 Barracks.
Urahara Shop
"So, you encountered two with the same type of Reishi that was found on the dead Hollow?" Hitsugaya asked.
"That's right," Harribel said. "However, neither was an exact match."
"That means that we're looking for at least three of them," Dr. Fleur said.
"Captain, we should proceed with caution on Monday," Rangiku said. "There's no telling what they're capable of. If one of them could kill a hollow with little more than their teeth…"
"I'm well-aware of the situation, Rangiku," Hitsugaya said and looked at Dr. Fleur. "You're the expert on this kind of thing. What's the likely scenario?"
"Well," Dr. Fleur said and took off her glasses. "There's a possibility that they could develop any variety of abilities. As to what these abilities are…it's hard to say."
"That's a problem. Fortunately Kenpachi's taking the initiative on that and hunting them out," Hitsugaya said. "Unfortunately…Kenpachi's taking the initiative and hunting them out."
"By 'unfortunately' I that it that means there'll either be no way to take one of them alive or Kenpachi won't find his way back to us," Urahara said.
"Uh…hello, newbie over here," Dr. Fleur said and waved. "Who's Kenpachi?"
"Oh sorry, I forgot that you didn't get a chance to meet him," Hitsugaya said. "He's head of Squad 11, our fighting force. And he only cares about cutting something up."
"Ooh, a real-life Berserker," Dr. Fleur said. "I wonder if I can use him in the World of Warcraft skit we'll be doing in a couple of weeks."
"What are you talking about?" Hitsugaya asked.
Mangiatori Hideout
"So, we have visitors," Milton said.
"That's right," Howard said and took out his pair of opera glasses. "I gathered what I could, but for me to gather more information I would have had to deal with them directly."
"I understand," Milton said. "Show us what your Risveglio gathered."
"As you wish," Howard said and held up his opera glasses to his eyes by holding the lorgnette. "Show them, Preconoscenza," he said.
Immediately a mist flowed from his hand and engulfed the opera glasses and lorgnette. It glowed like St. Elmo's fire and then drifted away, leaving the opera glasses and lorgnette intact. It drifted to all of the other Mangiatori who were gathered. The mist touched their eyes and seemed to melt into them.
"Hmm, they all have incredible Reiatsu," Robert said.
"Yes, but they have something that's keeping them from going full-strength," Charlotte said.
"Sort of like a seal," Emily said.
"That's interesting," Robert said. "What about their weapons?"
"Like I said," Howard said. "If I was to gather more information then I would have to deal with them directly. What you found out is what my Preconoscenza was able to gather."
"From what I could tell from the information you gathered," Sylvia said, "they're all seated officers within the Soul Society except for the young girl who greeted them, but even then she's also rather powerful."
"Let's see," Milton said. "Two of them are official Captains, but one of them cannot release his sword. Ambrose, I want you to target the large one. I want to see what he's capable of."
"Would you like me to target him now?"
"No, wait until we've given them a chance to back-off. However if they refuse to back-off…then you are to engage Kenpachi Zaraki, Captain of Squad 11."
Seireitei
"Well, it's been a while," Szayel Aporro said.
"It's been too short of time," Grimmjow said.
"Nice to see you too," Szayel Aporro said. "Ah, Captain Kurotsuchi," he said and turned to the Gotei's most insane Captain, although it would be a toss-up between him and Kenpachi for that title. "I see that you're still as ugly as ever."
"And I see that you're as conceited as ever," Mayuri said and frowned.
"Enough," Yamamoto said, wanting to head off an argument before it even began. "Now pay attention. Grimmjow and Nnoitora, your first official mission as Soul Reapers will be to go to Las Noches and escort Szayel Aporro to gather the information on the strange Reiatsu that was found in Europe 75 years ago."
"You mean…," Grimmjow began.
"…we have to…," Nnoitora continued.
"…BABYSIT HIM!" both shouted.
"He never said 'Babysit,' idiots," Szayel Aporro said. "He merely wants you to escort me back to my old lab in Las Noches and fight any Hollows that might decide to get in the way."
"That's correct," Yamamoto said. "When you have retrieved the information, I shall have Szayel Aporro work with Captain Kurotsuchi on the samples with that new data in mind. As they are doing that, I shall have Nnoitora and Grimmjow go to Karakura Town."
"FUCK YEAH!" the two former Espada shouted and gave each other a high-five.
"However, you will be under the supervision of Captain Hitsugaya."
"Whatever," Nnoitora said, "as long as we get to have some fun."
"Also," Grimmjow said with his signature smile, "I want another go at that Kurosaki brat."
"What about…"
"...us?"
"What the…?" Nnoitora exclaimed. "Holy fucking shit that sounded like…"
"Oh I forgot about them," Szayel Aporro said and brought out Aaroniero's two heads from his pockets.
"Hmm, fascinating," Mayuri said with a grin.
"So that's another of the former Espada who got purified," Komamura said.
"As if five weren't bad enough, we have two more," Sui-Feng moaned. "Why not just bring the other three and be done with it?"
"Well," Szayel Aporro said, "I can assure you that Aaroniero was unintentional. Mayuri, I'll gladly give you these two heads…as a peace offering."
"WHAT?" the two heads shrieked in unison.
"There's no way…"
"…I'm gonna be someone's experiment again."
"Hmm, I know of just the place to put them too," Mayuri said. "It's such a pity that you didn't bring the entire body. When I gathered the data collected from each of the battles with the Espada, I became curious about this one. I was especially curious of as to what was in that tank of his."
"Hawaiian Fruit Punch," Szayel Aporro said. "I know. I was expecting some kind of chemical agent that could preserve him and provide him with nutrients."
"Which is exactly what Hawaiian Fruit Punch is," Mayuri said. "Gods, I hope I don't have to put up with your idiocy for much longer."
"Finally, someone…"
"…we can agree with."
Karakura Town
Kenpachi Zaraki finally gave up and, miraculously, found his way back to Urahara's shop. Such a feat did not go unnoticed.
"Maybe he's finally developing some sense of direction," Rangiku said.
"Wouldn't that be nice?" Akemi asked as she poured herself another cup of tea.
"Well, did you two find anything?" Kenpachi asked Ikkaku and Yumichika.
"Not really," Ikkaku said.
"I only found a rather unbeautiful part of town that smelled strongly like fish," Yumichika said. "Fortunately, I did not stay long enough to allow it to hinder my beautiful scent."
"Yay, everyone's here," Dr. Fleur said. "You picked the right night to come and join us."
"Uh…why are you wearing that?" Hitsugaya asked and pointed at the long brown duster that Dr. Fleur was wearing.
"Well, it's Saturday night," she said and grinned as she reached into one of the pockets and dug out two blu-ray cases. She looked at them with deep reverence. "You see, once a month and always on a Saturday night, we have a tradition in my Squad…well it includes members from other Squads as well. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have been able to attend it this month since I'm here, but my Supervisor allowed me to borrow his copies so that way I could spread it here."
"What is this tradition?" Ulquiorra asked, becoming even more interested.
Dr. Fleur grinned and looked at Urahara.
"Kiss-key, do you have a TV and a blu-ray player?"
"I sure do," Urahara said. "I got the blu-ray player last month so now I'm up-to-date on World of the Living technology."
Dr. Fleur giggled at that.
"I highly doubt you'll ever be caught up," she said and then turned her attention to everyone gathered. "Alright, listen up. Tonight, we have a very serious mission. It is of the upmost importance," she said and held up the two blu-ray boxes.
They all looked at the titles.
"Our mission," Dr. Fleur said, "is to watch the exploits of Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew of the Serenity from start to finish. At the end, we will recreate our favorite scenes. That is our mission," she said and held up the blu-ray copies of Firefly: The Complete Series and Serenity as though she was holding a holy relic. "Now, let us begin."
Senkaimon Gate
"Well, I trust that you two will be on your best behavior," Szayel Aporro said.
"Whatever," Grimmjow said. "I just hope that I get to fight something."
"You and me both, Grimm-Pussy," Nnoitora said.
"Oh shove it, Piano Breath," Grimmjow said.
"Would you two shut up?" Mayuri snarled. "I'm trying to reprogram the Senkaimon Gate to take you to Las Noches. If I fail, you all would be lost in the In-Between…although…on second-thought, continue your conversation."
"Fucking Freakshow," Grimmjow muttered.
"Well, well, well, I figured I would find you here," someone said.
Szayel Aporro stiffened at the sound. Grimmjow turned and saw his former fraccion heading towards them with Yylfordt Granz in the lead.
"What brings you here?" Nnoitora asked.
"Can't one say 'hello' to his own…brother," Yylfordt said. "I heard that you just got here and now you're running off again…brother."
Grimmjow looked at Szayel Aporro who was beginning to quake. Just from the way Yylfordt said, "Brother," as though it was something disgusting, Grimmjow had a feeling that he shouldn't interfere. Szayel Aporro took off his glasses and put them in the pocket of his new Gotei uniform, complete with lab coat, and turned to face his brother.
"Yylfordt, I…" he began but did not get a chance to finish.
Yylfordt struck Szayel Aporro in the face. Grimmjow winced when he heard Szayel Aporro's nose break.
"That," Yylfordt said, "is for all the times you used me as an experiment. This," he said and kicked his younger brother in the stomach, "is for getting yourself killed. This," he said and brought his knee up into Szayel-Aporro's chin, "is for not giving a shit when I got killed. Finally…" he said punched his brother in the face a second time, but this time much harder. "THAT'S FOR USING ME AS NOTHING MORE THAN A TOOL!"
"Gee, it's good to see you too," Szayel Aporro said as he got up.
"You arrogant, self-centered bastard," Yylfordt said and hugged his little brother. "You were always getting your ass kicked and you never gave up."
"What's a few hard knocks between brothers?" Szayel Aporro asked and the two brothers broke out laughing.
"Don't make me kick your ass again," Yylfordt said. "If I get word that you either got yourself killed again or you put some kind of measuring instruments on me so that way you could gather Intel on your opponents with a chance of me getting killed…I'm gonna hunt you down and kick your ass again and again and again. Got that?"
"Yes brother," Szayel Aporro said.
"As for you two," Yylfordt said and pointed at Grimmjow and Nnoitora. "If my little bro doesn't come back with you…I'm gonna kick your asses and then send you flowers while you recover in the Squad 4 Barracks."
"I'd like to see ya try," Nnoitora said.
"No you wouldn't," Grimmjow said. "Believe me. I've been on the receiving end when I beat up Psycho Pink that one time. It was not a very pleasant experience."
"Are you finished talking?" Mayuri asked. "I think I got it. Now, who wants to be the first test-subject?"
Kurosaki Clinic
"I brought you some food," Ichigo said as he walked into his bedroom.
"It's about time," Lilynette said.
"Yeah, we're starving," Rukia said.
"Whatever," Ichigo said and put two of the three plates of grilled fish and roasted vegetables on the table. "So, how many of the former Espada are going to be sent here?" Ichigo asked and looked at Lilynette.
"Well, you pretty much know all of us by now," Lilynette said. "So far there's just the three of us."
"Fine, I already know about Starrk and Harribel, but who's the third?"
"Like I said, you already know him."
"Shit, the only other two I know are Grimmjow and Nnoitora and I'm not exactly looking forward to seeing either of them."
"What about that Ulquiorra guy?" Rukia asked.
"He turned into ashes and blew away," Ichigo said. "There's no way he can come back."
"Actually," Lilynette said. "Ulquiorra's the third."
"What?" Ichigo asked; his eyes wide in shock.
"Ulquiorra's the third. I don't know how he wound up in the Soul Society, but Ukitake has a theory on it. He thinks that Ulquiorra was saved because Orihime caused him to feel remorse…or something like that."
"Ichigo, are you alright?"
Well what do ya know? That weakling's back…and he's going after Orihime. Oh well, at least you still have Rukia…YOU'RE MAJESTY! YHA-HA-HA-HA-HA! Or perhaps you want both of them? I'll tell ya what…you get Rukia and I get Orihime all to myself, like I wanted. Make no mistake…Orihime will be mine, even if I have to kill that pathetic weakling again and break her heart to get her. She will be mine.
"You won't get her," Ichigo whispered to himself.
"Did you say something?" Rukia asked.
I'd like to see ya try to stop me. Make no mistake. Orihime will be mine. That's my mission along with gaining complete control over you.
Las Noches
"Damn, I forgot how dry it was here," Grimmjow said as the three former Espada walked out of the Garganta.
"Ah good, it looks like we're close," Szayel Aporro said and pointed.
In the distance they could see a lone figure standing with a blade running through his right hand and into his chest.
"Uh…isn't that you?" Nnoitora asked.
"Of course it's me, you idiot," Szayel Aporro said. "Hmm…I would have preferred it if he treated my body with some kind of respect."
"This is fucking weird," Grimmjow said as he looked at the two Szayel Aporros.
"Tell me about it," Nnoitora said.
"HALT! State your business," someone said.
"Shit, I know that voice," Grimmjow said and turned around.
Standing behind him was Rudobon with roughly 100 Exequias soldiers with him. All had their swords drawn. Nnoitora reached for his blade, but Szayel Aporro motioned for them to stop. He approached Rudobon.
"I'm surprised to see that you're still alive," Szayel Aporro said.
"As long as Las Noches stands, I am bound to it," Rudobon said. "Yammy may have destroyed one body, but because I am bound to Las Noches, I was revived."
"So, what's been going on since….well…since Aizen left?" Szayel Aporro asked.
"I'm afraid that Civil War has broken out over Hueco Mundo over who will control Las Noches," Rudobon said and looked around.
"What are ya looking for?" Grimmjow asked.
"Damn," Rudobon said, "it seems as though another army is coming closer. Right now there are five major factions fighting over Las Noches, but so far only two have shown to be strong enough to have the upper-hand."
"Really, who are they?" Grimmjow asked, suddenly becoming very interested in Hueco Mundo politics.
"One of them is led by Baraggan's younger brother, Mordrath Luisenbarn," Rudobon said.
"Holy shit, the former Segunda," Nnoitora said.
"You know of him?" Grimmjow asked.
"Fuck yeah," Nnoitora said. "When Aizen took Las Noches from Baraggan, he brought his younger brother back from exile and appointed him the first Segunda of the first generation of Aizen-appointed Espada. However, he decided he wanted the throne to himself and led a rebellion. That's how Nel and I became Espada…we backed the right horse and Aizen gave us positions in the second-generation Espada."
"Yes, and now he's returned to reclaim the throne," Rudobon said.
"So, who's the other faction?" Grimmjow asked.
"That would be me," someone said.
Grimmjow and Nnoitora turned and saw an Arrancar who looked to be about 25 in human years. He wore the same kind of uniform as Rudobon, but his hollow mask was on his forehead and looked like the fragment of an ancient Roman gladiator's helmet. His short brown hair blew slightly and his blue eyes sparkled with a burning fire.
"Shit, Skullak, is that you?" Grimmjow asked. He only saw the former Primera a few times when he sent his Fraccion to train with him.
"Ah, Grimmjow, it's nice to see you again," Skullak Tuma said. "I was sorry to hear about the fate that your Fraccion suffered."
"Fuck, I thought you and Baraggan were buddies," Nnoitora said. "What are you doing fighting his brother?"
"It is an unfortunate twist of Fate that has forced me to fight against Baraggan's brother, but it must be done. Mordrath is an incapable leader and cares nothing for actually caring for his subjects. He…" Skullak fell silent when he saw what the three former Espada were wearing.
"I know…I know," Grimmjow said. "Look, we fell in battle against Soul Reapers and we entered the Soul Society. We're Soul Reapers now, but we didn't come here to do any harm."
"How many?" Skullak asked. "How many of my companions are now…now SOUL REAPERS?" he shouted.
"If it makes any difference, Tuma," Szayel Aporro said. "Starrk's a Soul Reaper as well."
"No…no…that's impossible," Skullak said. "How could so many of my former friends become…become that which I DESPISE the most?"
"Shit happens," Nnoitora said as he picked his nose. "Get used to it."
"At any rate, we're only here to collect some of my data that…that poor excuse of a scientist, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, failed to get his hands on."
"You're Soul Reapers now," Skullak said. "I can't trust you," he said and withdrew his Zanpakuto.
"Damn it, Skullak, don't be so stubborn," someone said.
"Oh…uh…Cirucci," Skullak said, his face turning bright red.
"So, is it true that Starrk and Harribel are Soul Reapers now?" Cirucci asked as she put one hand on Skullak's shoulder.
"Uh…yeah…uh…you're still alive?" Grimmjow asked.
"Of course, they're alive, you idiot," Szayel Aporro said. "I promised Skullak to make sure that Aizen didn't get his hands on them for their failure to stop Ichigo and his friends. Why else would I send Rudobon to fetch them without telling Aizen first?"
"Then…what were those bodies in your specimen collection?" Nnoitora asked.
"Oh those…those were just two Arrancars who failed Aizen and no one had any use for them. I was seeing if I could make them look like Dordoni and Cirucci if Aizen ever wanted to see them. Speaking of which…you owe me for that, Skullak. I don't do things for free."
"You're right," Skullak said. "Cirucci, dear, could you fetch Gantenbainne and Dordoni for me? I need to go over the new plans with them."
"Yes dear," Cirucci said and kissed Skullak on the cheek before sonídoing away from them.
"So, what's it like in the Soul Society?" Skullak asked.
"It's actually pretty nice," Grimmjow said.
"Yeah, we actually get along pretty well with the guys in Squad 11," Nnoitora said.
"How about Starrk and Harribel, how are they doing?"
"Well…from the times we see them, they're doing very well," Grimmjow said. "I would say that they probably belong there more than the rest of us."
"What about Baraggan?"
"We haven't seen that old pile of bones," Nnoitora said. "I guess Skeletor is in Hell roasting his weary bones by a nice warm fire and setting up a new Kingdom for him to rule."
"That would be like him," Skullak said and laughed.
"So, is it true what Rudobon said?" Grimmjow asked. "Is there really a civil war going on in Hueco Mundo?"
"I'm afraid it is," Skullak said. "We've had armies from the other twelve major cities throughout Hueco Mundo try to attack us. However, we've been hearing rumors from refugees fleeing from the Western Wastes."
"What sort of rumors?" Nnoitora asked.
"I'm not sure what to make of them," Skullak said. "However, they concern a group of invaders that are neither Soul Reaper or Hollow or Arrancar and yet are about as powerful as the Vasto Lordes, if not more powerful. They call themselves 'The Potestas' and everyone in Hueco Mundo are becoming afraid of the name."
"Who are they?" Nnoitora asked, sounding as though he would like to face one of these "Potestas" as soon as possible.
"We don't know," Skullak said. "And that worries me."
"Hmm, they sound as though they could be very interesting test subjects," Szayel Aporro said and grinned.
They reached the double doors that led to Szayel Aporro's storeroom where he kept his specimens. He pulled the doors open and frowned at the empty room.
"That vulture took everything," he moaned. "Ah well, if he was a real scientist then he should have known that I would keep another storeroom where I stored all my special stuff."
"HA! That sounds like where Nnoitora kept all of his porn," Grimmjow said.
"Oh shut up Grimm-Kitty," Nnoitora snarled.
The three walked into the room while Skullak stood outside and was talking with Rudobon. Grimmjow and Nnoitora were not happy to be in here, especially seeing the large number of hooks that hung down from the ceiling. However, Szayel Aporro never slowed down. Instead he sped up until he reached one of the many torch brackets along the left-hand wall. He smiled.
"I knew that idiot wouldn't be able to find it," Szayel Aporro said and gently pulled the torch bracket towards him.
Immediately, one of the tiles to the right of the bracket opened and a screen slid out. Szayel Aporro pulled off the glove he wore and put his hand, palm-down, on the screen. A green light illuminated his hand and Szayel Aporro removed it and took off his glasses and looked right into the bracket as a light-blue color laser flashed scanned his face. Then, the wall panel slid open.
"What the fuck?" Grimmjow asked as he looked inside.
The room was filled with computer equipment that showed various areas around Las Noches. Grimmjow looked at the screens and saw pictures of all of the Espada's rooms as well as the rooms for the other Arrancars. He watched as Loly and Menoly were arguing with each other in one of the halls and could make out that they were arguing over who was going to get their hands on Uryu Ishida when he came back and rape him. He watched and listened as they came to an agreement that they would both rape Uryu at the same time.
"Damn, those two are still as psychotic as ever," Grimmjow muttered.
"Ah, here we are," Szayel Aporro said and removed a disk from one of the many cabinets to the side. "This should have all of the data I collected. It's a lot easier than carrying all of the paperwork and samples back."
"Great," Nnoitora said as he looked around. "Hmm, it's quiet," he said and smiled.
"Fuck yeah," Grimmjow said also smiling. "Like just before a fight."
The two rushed out, leaving Szayel Aporro Granz alone. He looked at them and frowned and then he looked at the computer screens. His eyes grew wide as he saw an army of regular Hollows pour into Hueco Mundo. Behind them he could see a large platform being carried with a great throne made from bones and some of the crystalline trees that made up the Menos Forest. He recognized the figure giving orders.
"Shit," Szayel Aporro Granz moaned.
Mordrath Luisenbarn was invading Las Noches.
Hell
"Hmm, so we have a missing occupant," Lord Aruji Enma said and smiled as he looked at his goblet of wine.
"Yes sir," the guard said. "It's Aaroniero Arruruerie. His body is still here, but not the two heads."
"Oh dear, it would appear as though Yamamoto took him as well by mistake. Unfortunately, he didn't pay for them. Please send a message to Yamamoto to inform him that I'll be arriving to discuss this matter with him. Oh…and send another notification of said-visit to the Seireitei Bulletin. After all, I wouldn't want to disappoint my fans by denying them the honor of seeing me again."
"Right away sir," the guard said and vanished.
"Now then, what should I wear for my visit to the Seireitei?"
At that moment a spider entered the chamber. Aruji looked at the bone-white insect and smiled.
"Come here," he said.
The spider scuttled towards him and hopped into his hand. Aruji looked at his little spy from Hueco Mundo and smiled.
"What's going on now?" he murmured and popped the spider into his mouth.
As his teeth bit into the spider's body, he saw what the spider saw during its time gathering information from Hueco Mundo. He saw Hollows and Arrancars fighting each other. He saw some of the thirteen main cities burn. He saw banners fly only to fall as their lords were conquered.
"Ah…Civil War in Hueco Mundo…this should be fun."
Las Noches
"FUCK YEAH!" Grimmjow and Nnoitora shouted as the first rush of Hollows came at them.
Skullak withdrew his sword.
"Sir, they're coming," Dordoni said as he along with the other Privaron Espada came running towards him.
"I know," Skullak said.
"It's bad," Szayel Aporro said as he came running towards them. "I recognized that Mordrath is with them."
"No he's not," Skullak said. "That's not his Reishi that I'm feeling. He always does this. The coward always sends in a double so that way he can watch the battle from a safe distance. He won't come onto the scene until he's absolutely sure that he has achieved victory."
"Oh…" Szayel Aporro said and adjusted his glasses. "Grimmjow, Nnoitora, we better get going. There's not much we can do…"
"EXCEPT HAVE SOME FUN!" Grimmjow yelled and laughed.
"No shit," Nnoitora said and grinned. "It's about time we got back into action."
Grimmjow and Nnoitora withdrew their Zanpakuto and grinned at each other. They looked at the army of Hollows charging towards them and rushed forward.
"Great…just great," Szayel Aporro moaned. "What am I supposed to tell everyone if I come back alone because you two were stupid enough to rush into battle? Why couldn't I have some of the more responsible Espada accompany me on this mission?"
Grimmjow and Nnoitora roared out with glee as they clashed with the Hollows. The hand-to-hand combat training they took with Yoruichi was coming in handy. Their swords cut through the Hollows as though they were nothing more than butter. Both felt a surge of adrenaline rush through their bodies and the sensation was the same as drinking strong liquor. They felt alive again.
"Damn, this is BORING!" Nnoitora said. "There's no challenge here. Where are the fucking Arrancars?"
That was when they saw the Arrancars. Both grinned and yelled as they slaughtered the Hollows that stood in their way. Most of the Arrancars were already in their Resurrección forms. Grimmjow and Nnoitora grinned as they continued to fight. Some of the Arrancars began to back off, except for a few who rushed forward, unleashing a wave of Reiatsu that threatened to bring many of the structures around them crashing down.
"Holy fucking shit," Grimmjow whispered and grinned.
"VASTO LORDES!" Grimmjow and Nnoitora yelled in glee.
"Now it's getting fun," Nnoitora said as he raised his Zanpakuto above his head.
"No shit," Grimmjow said and he put the tips of his fingers on his Zanpakuto.
"PRAY, SANTA TERESA!" Nnoitora shouted.
"GRIND, PANTERA!" Grimmjow shouted as he ran his fingers down the length of his blade.
However, nothing happened. The two looked at their Zanpakuto in surprise.
"What the fuck?" Nnoitora muttered.
"NOTHING HAPPENED!" Grimmjow shouted.
"NO SHIT, SHERLOCK! WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CLUE?"
"Well, you don't look like a giant insect?"
"And you sure as Hell don't look like a fucking cat."
"Damn you…for the last time…I'M A PANTHER!"
"Would you two niños get out of our way?" Dordoni asked and shoved them behind him.
"What the fuck?" Grimmjow said.
"You're useless against them," Skullak said as he, Cirucci, and Gantenbainne joined Dordoni at the front lines. "Face it, you can't go into Resurrección anymore and you can't even unleash a Shikai. You would only get yourselves killed. Now, go. Leave them to us and get Szayel Aporro back to the Soul Society with the data he collected. That is what you came for…right?"
Grimmjow and Nnoitora looked at each other and sighed.
"Shit, I hate running like this," Grimmjow said. "But he's right. We didn't come here to fight."
"Fuck," Nnoitora said and turned around and walked back to where Szayel Aporro was waiting next to the Garganta. He stopped and turned around. "THIS AIN'T FUCKING OVER!" he shouted.
"Yeah," Grimmjow said, grinning. "When we get more powerful, we'll come back and fight as well."
"Whatever you say," Skullak said and smiled at them. "Now get going. Make sure that you close that thing behind you."
"Yeah, and we'll also turn out the lights too," Grimmjow said and he dragged Szayel Aporro to the Garganta.
"Mission Fucking Accomplished," Nnoitora sneered and the three walked into the Garganta, which closed behind them.
Kurosaki Clinic
Lilynette opened the door to Ichigo's room and watched as he slept. She crept towards the closet and knocked gently on the door. The closet door slid open and Rukia looked out.
"What are you doing here?" Rukia asked.
"I need to talk to you about something," Lilynette said. "Come downstairs."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure," Lilynette said and looked at Ichigo. "He's sleeping better than he did last night."
"Yeah," Rukia said as she slid out of the closet.
The two slipped out of the room and made their way downstairs. Rukia hoped that no one heard them coming down here. Lilynette turned on one of the lamps in the living room and plopped onto the couch. She patted the seat next to her and Rukia sat down.
"Tell me…do you love Ichigo?" Lilynette asked.
"Huh?"
"You heard me. What are your feelings towards Ichigo?"
"I…uh…well…he's a really good friend and I…"
"You love him," Lilynette said and smiled as Rukia blushed. "That's good. It means you can get through to him."
"What are you talking about?"
"Rukia, did you know that all Zanpakuto are interconnected and can communicate with each other?"
"What?"
"It's true. All Zanpakuto can communicate with each other and it's not just the Soul Reaper's Zanpakuto, but also the Arrancars' as well."
"How's that possible?"
"Rukia, all things are made of two unique and yet united beings: a Hollow and a Zanpakuto Spirit. Both are equal and are in a continuous struggle for supremacy. Even after death, this struggle continues."
"How do you know this?"
"Please, I used to be a Zanpakuto," Lilynette said. "It's one reason why I've mastered so many abilities so early. Right now, I'm the only Arrancar to be reborn who has mastered Shikai."
"What?"
"Please, don't interrupt," Lilynette said. "As I was saying, after death, the struggle for one's Inner Hollow and Inner Zanpakuto still continues. If a person is purified and sent to the Soul Society before either side wins, then they become a regular soul…completely powerless. However, if by the time a soul's Inner Zanpakuto is able to triumph and gain full control before they're purified, then that soul can become a Soul Reaper. However, if the Inner Hollow becomes victorious…"
"Then they become a Hollow," Rukia said.
"Exactly, but here's the thing…neither is truly destroyed. When one side gains victory, it consumes the loser and the two become one. That's what causes Spirit Evolution to become possible."
"What do you mean?"
"You see, both the Inner Hollow and Inner Zanpakuto have to work together in order to progress to their fullest potential. However, it's very rare for the two opposing sides to work in-sync with each other to the point where one's full potential is achieved and even then, they're afraid to go that far because then they become stagnant. The Zanpakuto's biggest fear…is becoming stagnant. The irony is that this fear causes them to become stagnant at either Shikai-level or Bankai-level.
"However, the Inner-Hollow does not have this fear. It wants to evolve and to become stronger. It becomes the driving force."
"What does this have to do with Ichigo?"
"Everything," Lilynette said and looked at Rukia.
"Rukia, based on what Ulquiorra told us, Orihime is the motivation for his Inner Hollow, but I guess that you are the motivation for his Inner Zanpakuto. When you gave him part of your powers, it awakened his Inner Zanpakuto. But when Orihime cried out to him on the roof of Las Noches, his Inner Hollow fully awakened and took over. As a result, the battle that wages inside him is now between you and Orihime and whichever he chooses…that side will win."
"Are you saying that his choice between me and Orihime will…?"
"Yes, the choice between you and Orihime will determine which side will win out. That's the power of Love," Lilynette said. "You see, when Starrk realized how much he loved his companions, he allowed me to be free. If you want to see what an Inner Hollow and an Inner Zanpakuto looks like when they work in harmony, just look at me and Starrk. Starrk was the Inner Hollow and I was the Inner Zanpakuto. I can perform Shikai because I used to be a Zanpakuto Spirit and knew what she wanted."
"Who?"
"My Zanpakuto, Los Lobatos," Lilynette said and smiled. "Starrk is getting close to achieving it, but he just needs to get into the Zanpakuto Wilderness to achieve it and I can't show him how to get there since it varies from person-to-person and we are now two unique people."
"Again, what does this have to do with Ichigo?"
"The Love that he has for you and Orihime is keeping him divided. That's why he's in so much pain. He doesn't know whom to Love and as a result he no longer knows himself. That's why he needs to face the heart of the problem."
"You mean…who he loves more?"
"You would think so, but from what Zangetsu told me that's not it."
"When did you talk to Zangetsu?"
"The last time I went to the Zanpakuto Wilderness. He was there and he recognized that I was unique in that I could access the entire Zanpakuto Wilderness at once since I used to be a Zanpakuto and yet I could also interact with the Human World. He told me that the only way to get through to Ichigo was to have the one who awakened his Soul Reaper powers and the one who awakened his Inner Hollow enough to take full control to help him face what lies at the heart of his greatest fear and motivation."
Rukia looked at Lilynette. She had no idea that the things a Zanpakuto knew could be so deep and the girl before her had access to all of it.
"So…I should have him drive Orihime away?" Rukia asked.
"NO!" Lilynette shouted at her. Lilynette then looked around, but seeing that no one was coming down to investigate, she leaned forward. "You mustn't do that. If you drive Orihime away, then it will cause Ichigo's Inner Hollow to become enraged and further motivate him to take over. No, the only way to get the balance back in him is to…is to make him lose all of his powers. However, he won't truly lose them. They'll just lie dormant until they're reawakened by some other power."
"What other power?"
"It's called Fullbring, but no Soul Reaper or Arrancar can teach him that. Only someone whose mother was attacked by a Hollow before they were even born can perform acts of Fullbring, which manipulates the soul in any object. Ichigo has the potential for it, but he's not able to access it since his powers are not balanced. The only way to get him back in-sync is to get him to use his Soul Reaper powers enough times to where he goes into another coma and the powers lie dormant. Fullbring will act as a system restart and his powers should become in-sync again."
"How come this didn't work for the Visoreds?"
"Only someone who's still physically alive can undo the effects of Hollowfication, which means that the Visoreds are out. However, Ichigo can regain Equilibrium, but he needs your help to do it. He needs you and Orihime to show that you both love him and that you're willing to stand with him and help him face whatever caused the division in the first place."
"I see," Rukia said. "What happens if either Orihime or I reject him?"
"Then he'll never become whole again," Lilynette said. "However, you both have to mean it and you both must help him face his inner demons, and make no mistake, Ichigo, like everyone, has plenty of them."
"How can we do that?" Rukia asked.
"I don't know, but Zangetsu mentioned something called 'Risveglio'. He told me to find someone who's Risveglio can show a person their heart. But, where are we gonna find someone like that?"
Mangiatori Hideout
Milton sat on the roof of the warehouse and looked at the moon. The information that Howard gathered using his Risveglio, Preconoscenza, told him much about the ones they would be facing soon. He had a feeling that he would be seeing them again very soon.
"I figured I would find you up here," Sylvia said as she climbed to the top of the ladder.
"Well…here I am," Milton said.
"You haven't asked Harper about what she saw. Why is that?"
"I've decided that it doesn't really matter anymore. I believe that the Inner Self plays a role in Spiritual Evolution, but what does that matter in the long-run? I figured that you're right…that was only important to me."
"What changed your mind?"
"Our visitors," Milton said and he looked at her. "I guess…you also had a part in it."
"What…what are you saying?"
Milton got up and walked towards her. He pulled her into an embrace and breathed in the scent of her hair.
"I now know my Raison D'être," he said. "You are my Raison D'être and not just you. I am meant to protect all of you. I will make those who try to harm us to look and examine their hearts. That is my mission."
End of Chapter 6
Dr. Fleur V.O.: Profilo Dei Mangiatori
Kon: Hey, it's everyone's favorite Bleach Idol, Kon here. Alas, Dr. Fleur could not join us today, but I do have a special guest. Please welcome, Howard Machen of the Mangiatori.
Howard (Waving): Hello.
Kon: Today's topic is Risveglio. What is it exactly?
Howard: Risveglio is a Mangiatori's special ability and is unique from individual-to-individual. Each Risveglio has a unique name. For example, mine is called "Preconoscenza".
Kon: Yours is more for gathering information, right?
Howard: Yes. When I partially release it, it can get information on a person that includes their name, personal stats, Reiatsu. The only exception are their fighting abilities and Zanpakuto releases, which I can get if I go into full Risveglio but it requires me to get directly involved. Likewise, I can't get their inner thoughts and emotions. I can have my Risveglio to share the information I gathered with the rest of the Mangiatori by using the command "Show them", followed by its name. When I want to go into partial release, I simply use the command "See", but don't say its name, which I only do if I want to go into full release.
Kon: Interesting...now...can you use your Risveglio to get Rukia's measurements?
Rukia (Bursting through the door): I heard that! So, you wish to take advantage of someone's abilities just to get my measurements?
Kon: Oh Goddess Rukia, you misunderstand. I wanted to get your stats in case you got hurt or something.
Rukia: Yeah right. Come here you little Perv. I'll make sure that you get measurements...for your coffin.
Kon: NOOOOOOOO!
End of "Profilio Dei Mangiatori" 2
A.N.: Wow! So much has happened in this chapter and I actually got this one done really ahead of schedule. First of all, I want to thank darkmachines for granting me permission to use his OC Skullak Tuma. I hope that I did him justice. Next, I want to thank all of the readers and reviewers.
This chapter is really getting into the mythology that I've developed for it. We have the first case of a Risveglio being used. We have the relation between one's Inner Hollow and Inner Zanpakuto that I thought of, and which is partially based on the relation between Zangetsu and Hollow Ichigo in the official "Bleach" canon. Also, a Civil War in Hueco Mundo sounded like a neat idea and to have Baraggan have a younger brother seemed the right way to go.
Thank you for reading and please review.