Tamashi no Kiri
Chapter 9: The Mangiatori
We Drown in the pool of our Reflection
We find Excitement in the Twisted labyrinths of the mind
We Rise to Cut the heavens and earth
We See the Mourning of the shapes in the fog
We Descend into mist as we Remember
He was running. The fog was becoming thicker as he ran. He could hear some of his companions shouting from around him. The shouts of those chasing them could be heard coming closer.
"HURRY, RUN," their leader shouted from somewhere up ahead.
He ran. He prepared his Risveglio in case he needed to use it. From somewhere in the fog behind him he could hear those who were towards the back scream or beg for mercy as they were cut down. The Soul Reapers were coming closer.
"Why?" he whispered as he ran. "Why? Why? Why?"
Mangiatori Hideout
"Why?" Milton moaned.
"Milton, wake up," Sylvia said as she shook him.
He moaned and opened his eyes. When he saw Sylvia leaning over him, he became wide awake.
"Sylvia, what is it? Is something wrong?"
"You were having a bad dream," she said.
"Oh," Milton said. "I…I guess you're right."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really," Milton said as he wondered why he was thinking of that day so long ago.
Urahara's Shop
Akemi felt the strange Reiatsu coming towards them first. She looked up at the young man coming towards them.
"Sachiko, Rangiku, we have company," she said.
The other two stood up and reached for their Zanpakuto.
"Now, now," he said as he lifted his hands. "There's no need for that."
His shoulder length blonde hair fluttered gently in the soft breeze. His loose white shirt was tucked into a pair of tight black pants. The three thought that he was extremely handsome, but there was something underneath that told them to be wary of him.
"What do you want?" Sachiko asked.
"Aw, you're such a cute little thing," he said. "Now, run along, little girl. This is a discussion for us grown-ups."
"HEY!"
"Easy, Sis," Akemi said. "He's only teasing. After all, we're about the same age. So, Mr. Whoever-You-Are, why are you here?"
"I wish to speak to whoever is in charge. I have a message."
"Oh, what kind of message is it?" Rangiku asked.
"Well, at least one of you is an officer," he muttered as he ran his fingers through his blonde hair. "My name is William Marlowe. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lieutenant Matsumoto."
"How…how do you know my name?" she asked.
"Ah, ah, ah, I rarely ever pass out confidential information. I wish I could though since you are such a radiant being like an angel sent from the heavens. Anyways, the message is for all of the Soul Reapers sent here. The message is simply this: 'Leave us alone, please.'"
"That's it?" Akemi asked.
"That's it," William said. "We don't want to be bothered. Although, I wouldn't mind if you went out for a drink with me."
"I'm sorry but, we can't do that," Rangiku said.
"You can't? Why not?" William asked and stared at her. "I would love to have your company for the evening."
"While I'm flattered that you find us attractive," Rangiku said. "We cannot leave you people alone."
"Why not? I even said the magic word."
"It's because you people are a threat," Captain Hitsugaya said as he stepped out of the shop. His Zanpakuto was already in his hand and the sunset seemed to make it blaze with fire. "So, you're one of these Mangiatori. Is that right?"
"I take it that Soul Reaper that Howard faced remembered that much," William said and sighed. "Look, all that we want is to just live our…lives…afterlives…whatever…in peace. However, if you're going to force me to fight you…" he smiled at that.
"Then you will die," Toshiro said. "Rangiku, I'll let you handle him."
"Thank you, Captain," Rangiku said and stepped forward. She raised her Zanpakuto in front of her and looked at William who raised one eyebrow. "Growl, Haineko," she said.
Her Zanpakuto's blade became a cloud of ash and she directed it at William who only frowned.
"Ashes? Honestly, why should I even bother?" he asked and raised his own hand. "Drown, Diluvio Di Disperazione," he said and the air in front of him became a shield of water.
Rangiku's eyes widened in horror as she saw that the cloud of ash that could cut up anything they touched began to clot together and took on the consistency of mud. Then the water began to turn into steam and it raced towards her in a cloud.
"GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Akemi shouted.
Rangiku leapt away just as the steam turned into ice where she stood.
"Damn, I missed," William said as he walked out of the cloud and rubbing a piece of clotted ashes between his fingers. He looked at it and sighed. "You know you would have looked good encased in ice; like an angel trapped in crystal."
"That's impossible," Rangiku said. "How did you stop my Haineko?"
"It's quite simple," he said. "I simply used the water in the atmosphere to create a shield. My Risveglio can control in all three of its states, however, it is only limited to external water. So, while I can't control your bodily fluids, I can control…" he said and raised his hand again. Rangiku felt her skin began to burn and steam rose from her. "…your sweat."
Urahara Training Ground
Dr. Fleur looked up from where she sat. She looked over at the five former Espada and saw that something was beginning to happen. She rushed over to where Kisuke and Ichigo were discussing something. They looked at her in surprise as she ran towards them.
"They're doing it," she said. "They're achieving Shikai."
At that moment an alarm began to sound. The three looked up.
"Hat-and-Clogs," Ichigo whispered, "what's…?"
"We're under attack," Kisuke said. "Dr. Fleur, keep an eye on them. Ichigo, you stay here. I don't want you to even try anything. Tessai and I can handle this."
"But…" Ichigo began.
"Just do as he says," Dr. Fleur said. "You're in no condition to fight."
Outside Urahara Shop
Rangiku began to scream as the boiling sweat began to burn her. She had no idea that something could burn like this and then it stopped. She looked up and saw someone she didn't even know shaking William. The woman was dressed in tight black leather pants with a white tank top and a black leather jacket with a choke collar with a silver medallion.
"YOU IDIOT!" she yelled. "HE TOLD YOU NOT TO FIGHT!"
"But…but Charlotte, they attacked me first."
"I don't care," Charlotte snarled. "The instructions he gave were clear: give them the message and leave. You were not to engage them."
"Uh…who are you?" Akemi asked.
Charlotte looked at them and smiled.
"I'm Charlotte Wolfe. Forgive this idiot here if he caused you any problems."
"Charlotte, they're the ones who attacked me."
"Stop your whining. You're like a little kid. As for you," she said. "I would advise…"
"Hado 33, Sokatsui," Tessai said as he and Urahara came out of the shop.
A wide burst of blue light flew at William and Charlotte who dodged before it could strike. William looked up in rage while Charlotte only shook her head.
"Didn't anybody ever tell you it was impolite to interrupt?" she asked. "And who are you people anyways?"
"I'm just the proprietor of this shop," Urahara said. "This man here," he said and gestured to Tessai with his fan, "is my assistant."
"Is that so?" William asked. "Then perhaps you wouldn't mind telling us why the Hell you tried to attack us?"
"That's easy," Kisuke said. "The alarm sounded which means that you were attacking my customers."
"Hey, I wasn't attacking them. They were attacking me," William said. "But, I admit that I may have overstepped my bounds by fighting back. For that, I apologize," he said and bowed to Rangiku.
"Huh?" Rangiku asked.
"We'll be on our way," William said. "All that we wanted to do was come here to tell you not to bother us. We're not doing anything wrong."
"Can you explain what happened to the missing members of a team that Captain Kurotsuchi sent? The only thing that we found were their bodies that appeared to have been completely drained of their Spirit Energy," Toshiro said and narrowed his eyes. "Were you responsible?"
William and Charlotte looked at each other and William sighed.
"I suppose it won't do us any good to hide it. Yes, and we're also responsible for the dead Hollows as well," William said. "However, we only did it to survive."
"I see," Toshiro said. "In that case, we have no choice but to destroy you. Reign over the Frosted Heavens, Hyorinmaru," Toshiro said.
His Zanpakuto became longer and a long chain with a crescent at the end was attached to the hilt. Toshiro roared and swung his sword at them unleashing the ice dragon. The ice dragon roared as it raced for the two Mangiatori who only looked at each other and shrugged. William raised his hand and snapped his fingers and then pointed.
"What's he doing?" Toshiro muttered.
"CAPTAIN HITSUGAYA!" Sachiko yelled.
Toshiro looked and his eyes widened as he saw the ice dragon racing towards him. Its mouth was opened and he could feel the burning ice blast coming from it. The ice fangs glittered like diamonds in the twilight. He tried to move and saw that his feet were frozen to the ground.
"Burn with Radiance, Moeru Hana," Akemi said and swung her Zanpakuto.
The Zanpakuto blazed and a ball of fire shot out of the end. As the fireball roared forward, it blossomed like a flower and the petals separated and became a thousand burning flames that lit the early evening sky. The flames struck the ice dragon and destroyed it in a roar of fire. Akemi looked at her Zanpakuto whose blade now resembled crystal with fire blazing inside.
"Impressive," William said. "So, this young Captain's Zanpakuto controls water and ice while yours controls fire. It looks like this will end in nothing more than a draw. Unless… "
"What do you mean a draw?" Urahara asked as he withdrew his Zanpakuto from his cane. "Awaken, Benihime." The sword changed into a sleek, blade shaped like a razor. The hilt was slightly bent towards the end and a red tassel hung from it. "Now, let's see if you can counter this. Scream, Benihime."
The Mangiatori stood frozen as a crimson wave of energy raced towards them. However, before it reached them the ground heaved upward and as the energy struck, it became a torrent of chaos. Urahara's eyes widened as the wave raced back towards him with an explosion of earth and stone. Urahara established the Blood Mist Shield and the wave crashed against it before it faded. He lowered the shield and saw a cloud of dust obstructing his view.
"What…was that?" Urahara asked.
"Sir, they're…they're gone," Tessai said as the dust cleared.
Mangiatori Hideout
"DAMN IT!" William shouted. "Why did you interrupt me, Robert?"
"You were not supposed to get into any fights," Robert said. "You're lucky that Milton sent me to make sure that you didn't get into too much trouble."
"Tch…I think we could have imagined," Charlotte said.
"No you wouldn't," Robert said. "From what I saw, you two could have been seriously injured."
"What's all the yelling about?" Milton asked as he walked into the room.
"I'm sorry, sir," Robert said. "However, the messengers you sent decided to get into a fight with the Soul Reapers."
"Is this true?"
"Sir, they attacked me first," William said. "I was only defending myself."
Milton sighed as he sat down. He closed his eyes in thought.
"I see."
"They said that we were a threat," William said. "What did they mean?"
"They only said that because we've evolved and they have not," Milton said. "I would advise that you two stay low," he said to Robert and Charlotte. "Now, did either of you use your Risveglio?"
"Yeah, this idiot did," Charlotte said and hit William over the head.
"And now they'll be on their guard against your ability. However, do they know how many of us there are?"
"So far they only know about three," Robert said. "I had to use my Risveglio but none of them saw me and I was able to take them by surprise. Even then, I only made it to where they will probably think I can control earth and nothing else."
"Well, it can't be helped," Milton said. "What's done is done."
Urahara Training Ground
"THEY WERE HERE?" Kenpachi roared. "Why wasn't I informed?"
"You were out running around and getting lost," Akemi said.
"So, are they worth fighting?" Ikkaku asked.
"Well, one of them can control water," Rangiku said, "and the other can control earth."
Starrk listened from where he and the others sat. He was deep in thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Harribel asked.
"I'm just wondering what we're dealing with," he said.
"Who cares?" Grimmjow said. "I just want to fight something."
"So, they know where we are, but we do not know where they are," Ulquiorra said. "That might pose a problem for us."
"Alright," Kenpachi said. "Ikkaku, Yumichika, come with me. We're gonna out for some fun."
"Yes sir," Ikkaku said.
"I just hope that I don't have to fight someone ugly again," Yumichika said. "It's bad enough that the last two battles I got in were with that Ganju fellow and Cuuhlhourne."
"YAY!" Yachiru shouted as she leapt onto Kenpachi's shoulder. "LET'S HAVE SOME FUN, KENNY! COME ON CUE-BALL. COME ON EYEBROWS. LET'S GET GOING!"
"YEAH!" Yumichika and Ikkaku shouted.
"Wait a minute," Ikkaku said. "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?"
"WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT MY EYEBROWS?"
As Kenpachi led the members of Squad 11 with him, Starrk looked after them and shook his head.
"They are some bunch," he muttered.
"Ichigo," Urahara said. "Let's continue that talk we were having," he said.
Ichigo stood up and sighed.
"Mr. Urahara," Lilynette said. "I think that we should split up. If we're gathered in one place, then we could be easily targeted."
"I agree," Urahara said. "Toshiro…"
"That's Captain Hitsugaya."
"Yeah, whatever…. You and Rangiku can stay at Orihime's place again. Ulquiorra, you can go with them."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Nnoitora asked as he licked his lips. "I mean…who knows what kind of trouble he could get into with Pet-Sama."
"That's why we'll be there," Rangiku said. "Isn't that right, Kisuke?"
"That's exactly right. Grimmjow and Nnoitora, you can stay here. The chances are that they'll come back here and you can fight them if you want."
"Sounds good," Grimmjow said and grinned.
"No shit," Nnoitora said. "Now we can have some fun."
"Renji," Urahara said turning to the Red Pineapple Moocher, "you're room is ready."
"Thanks," Renji said.
"Just as long as you do your part, Moocher," Tessai said.
"Fine, I'll go take a look around," Renji said. "Ichigo, take care and I'll see ya."
"Yeah, see ya Renji," Ichigo said.
"I'll go to Ichigo's place," Lilynette said.
"That's an excellent suggestion. Starrk and Harribel you can stay with Ichigo as well."
"Wait a minute," Ichigo said. "How am I going to fit them all?"
"I'm sure your dad will figure something out. Starrk, Harribel, just tell Isshin that I sent you. He'll make accommodations for you."
"Are you sure he'll be alright with this?" Harribel asked. "We wouldn't want to impose."
"He'll be fine with it," Lilynette said. "He lets Rukia stay and we can tell his sisters that you're friends of Ichigo and Rukia at school."
"There, you see. It'll be alright," Urahara said. "Now, Dr. Fleur, you can go to Orihime's place as well."
"YAY! SLEEP OVER!" Dr. Fleur shouted. "This is going to be so much fun."
Karakura Town
"Sir, where do you think they are?" Ikkaku asked.
"Huh…that's a good point," Kenpachi said as he stopped.
"Maybe we should have waited until they came up with some way to track them," Yumichika said.
"Aw, but then that wouldn't be any fun," Yachiru said. "There's no real excitement if you don't know where they are."
"That doesn't make any sense," Ikkaku said. "Because then you would be spending more time trying to find them than you would actually fighting them."
"What did you say?" Yachiru asked and glared at Ikkaku.
"Uh…I was just saying that you're right," Ikkaku said, sweating.
"Oh…alright then," Yachiru said, smiling.
"Whew, that was a close one," Ikkaku said under his breath.
"You really need to work on what you say in front of the Lieutenant," Yumichika said.
"Oh shut up."
Mangiatori Hideout
"Big Brother, what's going on?" Harper asked. "I saw that Uncle William was upset about something."
"It's nothing to worry about," Milton said. "Uncle William made a mistake and he's feeling rather sorry about it. Now, do you need help with your homework?"
Inoue Residence
Orihime finished unloading her laundry from the dryer when the doorbell rang. She looked up and walked towards the door.
Hmm, I wonder if Tatsuki decided to come over for dinner after-all, she thought.
"Who is it?"
"It's Rangiku!"
"And Sam Fleur from school."
"Come on, Captain, aren't you gonna say 'Hello'?" Rangiku asked.
"Why would I tell a door, 'Hello'?" Toshiro asked.
Orihime clapped her hands in glee and opened the door. She started the squeal with delight and then stopped when she saw that Ulquiorra had been pushed front-and-center by Dr. Fleur and Rangiku.
"Oh…uh…hi, Ulquiorra," Orihime said and looked away. "What…uh…what brings you here?"
"Mr. Urahara would like us to stay with you," Ulquiorra said. "I hope that we are not imposing."
"Oh…uh…you're not imposing at all," Orihime said. "Please come in."
Outside Urahara's Shop
Renji kept his hand on the hilt of his Zanpakuto in case he needed to draw at a moment's notice. He looked around, but didn't see anyone other than Akemi and Sachiko who were examining the pile of rubble. He made his way over to them.
"Hey," he said.
"Oh, hey Renji," Sachiko said.
"He's a Lieutenant," Akemi said. "You address him as Lieutenant Abarai."
"Nah, it's fine," Renji said. "So, what did you find out?"
"Well, there are traces of that strange Reiatsu again," Sachiko said. "But, it's different from the Reiatsu I sensed radiating from the two who were here."
"Whoa, you mean you can actually read a person's Reiatsu aura?" Renji asked.
"Of course," Sachiko said. "I'm one of the few in the Soul Society who can. Let's see, Yamamoto's another and so is Unohana and uh…I think Kira has that ability, but he never lets on about it, oh and Lilynette can read auras as well."
"Huh, so…what does that mean?"
"Honestly, Renji," Akemi said and rolled her eyes. "You're such a dunce and to think that you were one of the top students in our class. It means that someone else did that. Our opponents know more about us than we do of them. That's not good."
Renji sighed. So far they only knew that one of their enemies could control water in its three physical states. The one who Ikkaku faced could do something with memory. Other than that, they didn't know much about whom they were facing or what kind of abilities they had. Someone could control earth, but it wasn't the woman who faced them. From what Akemi and Sachiko said, the two who were there to deliver the message knew quite a bit about them.
"Renji," Sachiko said. "We're going to have to send a message to the Soul Society. They would want to be notified."
Renji nodded. They had made contact with their enemy and it looked as though their first confrontation was indecisive. On the one hand, the Mangiatori who were there retreated, but on the other hand it was clear that they didn't really come to fight and were probably not even going all-out.
"And we can't count on Ichigo this time," he whispered.
Karakura Park
Ichigo sat on one of the benches. He was growing tired and his vision was becoming blurred. He didn't understand why he should feel that exhausted, but he was. Starrk looked at him, concerned about Ichigo's condition.
"Why should he feel that way?" he asked.
"It's his Inner Hollow," Lilynette said. "It's breaking him down."
"Are you sure?" Harribel asked. "Can it even do that?"
"'Yes' to both questions," Lilynette said. "Zangetsu told me about it. When Ichigo defeated Aizen, he had to take his Zanpakuto into something beyond Bankai."
"I didn't even know that a Zanpakuto can do that," Harribel said. "Why didn't our Zanpakuto tell us about this?"
"It's because we're afraid of it," Lilynette said. "When a Soul Reaper goes beyond Bankai, they reach the state where they're most powerful. However…"
"That great power is also their greatest weakness, isn't it?" Starrk asked.
"Yes," Lilynette said. "The Zanpakuto do not wish to give up the secret of their final form because it can either destroy them or exile them from their home. Both are things that all Zanpakuto fear most."
"So, Zangetsu isn't really in Ichigo's inner world anymore," Starrk said.
"That's right," Lilynette said. "I'm letting him stay in mine with Los Lobatos. He seems to like it there…no rain. In exchange, he gives me bits of information that we can use to help Ichigo."
"Like what?" Harribel asked.
"Well, he told me that Ichigo always had a tendency to try playing the hero," she said. "And he's always rushing into a situation just to help his friends without even thinking things through."
"That would explain why he and Uryu and Chad came into Hueco Mundo to get Orihime," Harribel said.
"Yeah, and he also told me that Ichigo never likes to feel helpless. That's what his Inner Hollow is using to grow stronger."
"His Inner Hollow's using Ichigo's sense of helplessness?" Starrk asked.
"That's right," Lilynette said. "We need to make sure that he doesn't feel helpless to the point where he just gives in to his Inner Hollow's demands."
Urahara's Training Ground
"Well, it sucks just waiting here," Grimmjow said. "I need to fight."
"I know what we can do, li'l pussy cat," Nnoitora said and grinned. "What do you say for a little sparring match? I want to see what my Shikai can do."
"Now you're talking. I'm gonna make you pay for that li'l sneak attack you did on me."
"Oh, and which time would that be? Would it be the time when Ichigo and pals came to Hueco Mundo or the time I nearly took your leg in practice?"
"I'm thinking of both, but especially when you interrupted my fight with Kurosaki. Speaking of which, I still haven't gotten a chance to finish our little fight."
"Aw, poo' widdle kitty is moping that he can't pway with his widdle Ichigo chew toy," Nnoitora said and laughed.
"Oh shut up, Captain Overbite," Grimmjow said.
"Now, now, none of that now," Kisuke said as he approached them. "Tessai, would you please keep a hold of them?"
"With pleasure, sir," Tessai said.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Grimmjow asked.
"Making sure that you don't hurt yourselves," Tessai said and grabbed Nnoitora and Grimmjow and hoisted them into the air. "Trying to fight each other using Shikai can be dangerous if you don't know how to control them."
"It's true," Kisuke said when he saw the looks on their faces. "You may have handled them for the first time in your Inner World, but it's different trying to use them in the physical world."
"Then why didn't you keep Starrk and Harribel back?" Grimmjow asked.
"Yeah, no shit," Nnoitora snarled.
"That's because when they returned out of their Inner Worlds, their Spiritual Energy was stable. You two, on the other hand, were not so stable. If it makes any difference, Ichigo was the same way."
"So…does that mean we'll become as powerful as Ichigo?" Grimmjow asked. "If it does…THEN SIGN ME UP!"
"HEY! If I can finally beat Starrk and Harribel at something, then I'm game," Nnoitora said.
"Now, now," Kisuke said as he waved his fan at them. "I can tell you right away that you won't be as powerful as Ichigo."
"Damn it," Grimmjow muttered.
"However, you can become as powerful as some of the Captains in the Gotei," Kisuke said.
"So…does that mean I can beat that Kenpachi guy?" Nnoitora asked and grinned. "That's who I want to fight again. I want to kick his ass for messing up my pretty face."
"Since when was your face ever pretty?" Grimmjow asked.
"Oh shut up, Grimm-Kitty. At least my Resurrección was better-looking than yours."
Grimmjow gritted his teeth. He really didn't want to admit that Nnoitora had a point on that one.
"That's enough you two," Kisuke said. "Look if you want to be able to use your Shikai to their full potential then you must have stable-enough Spirit Energy to wield it. Your Spirit Energy is what provides strength to your weapons, but if your Spirit Energy is too weak or too unstable then your Shikai will be rendered ineffective. That's why I'm going to put both of you on a rigorous training program during your stay.
"Ururu, Jinta, would you please bring in the special equipment? Also, I need two Headbands of Justice," Kisuke said.
"Wait a minute. Did you just say…?" Grimmjow asked.
"'HEADBANDS OF JUSTICE'?" Nnoitora and Grimmjow shouted.
Kurosaki Clinic
"I want to thank you for letting us stay," Harribel said and bowed to Isshin.
"Oh, it's not a problem," Isshin said. "Any friend of Rukia's is a friend of mine."
"Oh…is that all it is?" Ichigo muttered.
"Her face is a little higher up from where you're looking, Dad," Karin muttered.
"Anyways," Starrk said. "We do appreciate you letting us come over."
"Oh, it's no problem at all," Isshin said.
Karakura Park
William Marlowe kicked a stone and watched as it rolled along the concrete pathway ahead of him. He sighed. He knew that he messed up, but at least he didn't reveal too much about his Risveglio. He only told them about its ability to control water in its three states, but he didn't show them what else it could do.
"Still moping?"
He turned and saw Charlotte walking next to him. He gave a little start of surprise.
"When did you get here?"
"Just now," she said. "Look, I'm sorry that we gave you a hard time. But we have to be careful."
"So everyone keeps saying," he said. "Look, I know where you're all coming from and I at least held back. I didn't show them what else my Risveglio could do."
"I know."
"So, why are you here?"
"I'm looking out for you, silly. You're the closest thing to a family that I have ever since…" she stopped and frowned. "You know."
"Yeah," he said.
It was the same with all of them. The majority of the Mangiatori shared a common bond. Spiritual Evolution was the thing that woke them up, but they all suffered some kind of trauma that caused it. With Harper it was the extreme sense of fear and helplessness when she was being chased by the Hollow and then her ability to rise above it that caused her to evolve. However, they rarely ever talked about what event triggered it for them, but they could guess. He sometimes felt that Milton had it right when he told them that the moment they truly awakened to their Raison D'Être was when they felt the most helpless. They banded together out of necessity and now their group was being threatened.
"William, what do you think is going to happen?"
"I don't know, Charlotte. However, next time they come at us, we won't hold back. We'll show them exactly what we can do. I mean, that's the way it goes, right? The good guys always win in the end."
"Yes, but…who are the good guys?"
"We are," William said. "If the Soul Reapers did what they were supposed to, would any of us have lost our friends or loved ones to a Hollow? Would we have to watch as those we cared for suffered as their Chain of Fate consumed itself and they turned into Hollows? What good are they? If it wasn't for them…" he trailed off. "I just don't want to feel so helpless again."
"I don't either," Charlotte said. "But Milton's right. We have to choose our battles very carefully. He knows that we're being forced to fight, but he doesn't know why. He wants answers."
"To Hell with the answers," William said. "I only know one thing: they're trying to kill us. If we have to kill them in order to survive, then I will do it."
"And you'll probably be killed in the process. No, it's best to…"
"NO MORE! I won't stay low anymore. Some of the others are in agreement."
"Oh…like who?"
"Ambrose for one," William said.
"You know perfectly well that he's out hunting for that Kenpachi fellow on Milton's instructions. He won't be careless. Knowing you, I'm probably the first person you're asking to help you destroy them. Am I right?"
William looked at her and nodded.
"Yeah," he sighed. "So, will you help me?"
Charlotte looked at him and sighed.
"You do realize that if you go ahead then you'll only make things worse, right?"
"I know the risks," he said.
She could tell that he did. He may act debonair and be somewhat flirtatious, but that was nothing more than a front. Deep down, he was afraid. She knew that about him. Even though he rarely talked about what happened before he gained his Risveglio, she could tell that whatever happened to him made him try to play a role. She knew that they were all playing a role to hide the fact that they were still afraid. She sometimes felt that Harper was the only one who wasn't trying to hide her emotions. Of course Harper was still a child.
"Come on, William," Charlotte said. "Let's go back. There's a time to fight and a time to stay low. Now is the time to stay low."
William nodded and the two walked in the night.
Karakura Town
"It's this way Kenny," Yachiru said.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. That weird Spirit Energy is coming from over there."
"How much you wanna bet that she's lost again?" Yumichika asked.
"Oh no…not this time," Ikkaku said. "I already owe you five months' pay the other times."
"And I will collect when it's most fashionable," Yumichika said.
"What does that even mean?"
"Would you two please be quiet? I'm trying to concentrate," Yachiru said, glaring at them.
"Y-yes Lieutenant," the two said.
"So, which way now?" Kenpachi asked.
"Umm, that way," Yachiru said and pointed.
"Are ya sure?" Kenpachi asked.
"I'm sure," Yachiru said, nodding.
"If this turns out to be another dead end, then I'll start thinking that we're just running around in circles," Kenpachi said.
"Wow, he just figured that out?" Ikkaku muttered.
"Quite you," Yachiru snarled.
"Yes ma'am."
"Anyways, Kenny, I'm sure. Have I ever let you down?"
No one said anything. Yachiru looked at them expectantly. Kenpachi looked at her and saw her eyes were wide and her lips quivering. He sighed. He could be the most ruthless fighter in the Soul Society, but he did not like seeing Yachiru crying. The things was, Yachiru knew it and to get her way she would always give him the puppy dog look.
"No," Kenpachi said.
"HUH?" Yumichika and Ikkaku asked in surprise.
"YAY!" Yachiru shouted. "LET'S GO!"
"Fine," Kenpachi said. "Lead the way."
"Hey, Yumichika, what would you call something like this?"
"Hmm, I would call this a 'hunt.' I mean, we're just running around, looking for something to kill, and not finding it."
"But…doesn't the hunt end with us killing our prey?"
"No, that's a 'battle.'"
"Oh," Ikkaku said and shook his head. "I think we would have better luck if we stated at Urahara's Shop. Ugh, this sucks."
Urahara's Shop
"THIS SUCKS!" Grimmjow shouted as Ururu came at him again.
"JINTA, HOME RUN!" Jinta shouted as he swung his club at Nnoitora's head.
"SHIT!" Nnoitora cried out and ducked just in time. "HEY, WATCH IT, KID! I'M NOT A BASEBALL!"
"HOW LONG ARE WE GONNA KEEP DOING THIS?" Grimmjow yelled.
"For as long as you can last," Urahara said, grinning his Cheshire Cat grin. "Or until you die, whichever comes first."
"WHAT?" Grimmjow and Nnoitora shouted.
At that moment Jinta and Ururu launched a double-attack against them. Grimmjow and Nnoitora screamed as they barely dodged the attack.
"I…I…I can't believe this," Grimmjow panted. "What in the name of Luisenbarn are they?"
"This sucks," Nnoitora said. "I don't think anything this embarrassing has ever happened to me before."
"Oh come on," Grimmjow said, sneering. "You should be used getting your ass kicked by a woman."
"Shut up Grimm-Kitty. FYI, Nel was a grown woman whenever she beat me, but this is a girl…A FUCKING GIRL!"
"It's a good thing Nel ain't here. She would never let either of us live this down, "Grimmjow said.
"Tell me about it," Nnoitora snarled.
Jinta and Ururu were about to launch another attack when the alarm rang again. They stopped just short of Grimmjow and Nnoitora. Urahara looked up in surprise.
"Boss, we've got company," Tessai said.
"I know," Urahara said. "Grimmjow and Nnoitora, you will stay here. Jinta and Ururu, make sure you're ready in case of an attack."
"No problem," Jinta said.
"I'll do my best," Ururu said.
"That's good. Tessai, try to contact Yoruichi. I'll check on Renji, Sachiko, and Akemi. Let's just hope this isn't an attack."
"If it is…" Grimmjow began.
"…WE'LL JOIN YA!" Grimmjow and Nnoitora shouted.
"No, no, no," Urahara chided. "You're not ready yet."
When Urahara left, Grimmjow and Nnoitora looked at each other.
"He's kidding, right?" Nnoitora said.
"Who cares?" Grimmjow responded.
"Good point," Nnoitora said, grinning. "Let's go."
Cherry Orchard
Findor Carias sat with some of the other former Arrancars. He sighed as he took another sip of green tea.
"So…what do you think's going to happen?" Apacci asked as she fingered the sake bottle.
The others sighed. They had been called for a meeting and Yamamoto informed them of the Civil War going on in Hueco Mundo. The news did not come as a shock. For as long any of them could remember, Hueco Mundo always had a king and with Baraggan gone, the throne was up for anyone. However, as soon as they heard that Mordrath Luisenbarn was one of the main competitors, some became worried. And those who served under Baraggan worried the most.
"The Espada of Envy will kill anyone who gets in his way," Nirgge said.
"Exacta," Findor said. "I only met him once, but once was enough to realize that Baraggan's younger brother is even more dangerous than our former King."
"I know," Nel said. "I faced off against him during his little rebellion. That was how I became an Espada."
"Whoa, you fought the Espada of Envy and you survived?" Ggio asked, amazed.
"Well, I only fought him as he was retreating," Nel said. "He was able to get away before Rudobon came along with his force of Exequias. So, tell me Findor, are you worried about your little sister, Friia?"
"No es exacto," Findor said. "She knows how to take care of herself. I trained her."
"Too bad you didn't train her how to stop whenever she tries Sonído," Ggio said. "My knee still hurts from her running me into that stupid table."
"Well, she was never one who learned how to stop," Findor said. "When she runs she just kept going."
"Yeah, well…" Ggio said. "I should light some incense and offer a prayer to the Twelve on behalf of our relations still in Hueco Mundo. I have a feeling that it won't end with someone sitting on the Throne."
"I didn't know you were a member of the Faith," Shawlong said.
"Well, when I wasn't worshipping Baraggan," he said and shrugged.
"I think we should all offer our prayers for those we left behind," Mila Rose said. "But I'm offering my prayers to the Huntress."
"Exacta," Findor said. "I just hope that our prayers don't become a requiem for them."
The former Arrancars got up. Their thoughts were not only on the situation in Hueco Mundo, but also for those who were in the World of the Living as well.
Kurosaki Clinic
Ichigo sat at his desk, working on homework. Rukia and Harribel were at the small table talking.
"So, you mean to tell me that there are more Arrancars?" Rukia asked.
"That's right," Harribel said. "You see, Arrancars existed long before the Hogyoku ever came to Hueco Mundo, but the problem was that there were so few families back then."
"Hold on, there are Arrancar families? I didn't know that."
"There are. However, it's said that the first five Arrancars in all of Hueco Mundo were the patriarchs of the First Families: Andjo, Tuma, Luisenbarn, Leonisra, and Starrk. So their names are highly revered in Hueco Mundo, or at least their names are revered in public. Each of them controlled one area of Hueco Mundo. As time went on, though the five families began to desire more power until eventually they began a series of wars against each other. During that time, more of the Houses were formed: Houses Schiffer, Chelute, Gilga, Jaegerjaquez, and my own House, Harribel, were among the earliest."
"So, it was like Medieval Europe or Warring States Japan?" Ichigo asked.
"It was more akin to Medieval Europe," Harribel said. "That time was called the Chaotic Era because all of the Houses that rose up began to fight among each other. However, that was when the First True King of Hueco Mundo emerged."
"Was it Baraggan?" Rukia asked, sounding interested.
"No, it was Arturos Leonisra. He's sort of our King Arthur," Harribel said. "He was the one who brought…"
There was a knock at the door. Ichigo got up and answered it.
"Oh, hey Yuzu," Ichigo said. "What do you want?"
"Well, it's just that supper is about ready," Yuzu said. "Starrk and Lilynette are helping to set the table."
"Alright, we'll be right there," Ichigo said as Yuzu closed the door. "Well, we should be…" he stopped and his body began to tremble.
"Ichigo, are you alright?" Rukia asked.
Harribel looked at Ichigo. Something was happening to him. She looked at Rukia who was approaching him. She looked back at Ichigo and saw a brief flash of yellow and black in them.
"RUKIA, GET AWAY FROM HIM!" she cried out.
Karakura Town
Ambrose Stoker leaned against the wall. He looked up as he heard voices approaching.
"Are you sure it's this way?" one of the voices asked.
"I'm sure Kenny," a shrill, girl-like voice said.
"You better be right this time."
"Howard, is that them?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's them," Howard Machen said from his perch on top of one of the lamp posts.
"Good," Ambrose said.
"Should I hold the others back for you?"
"No. Just stay out of sight and only jump in if you must."
Howard nodded his head and moved into the shadows. Ambrose sighed and turned to face his opponents who were now rounding the corner. When Kenpachi, Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Yachiru saw him, they stopped. He could tell that they thought he was just someone out for an evening stroll. He could tell that they were about to move on and he smiled.
"Good evening," he said. "Would one of you happen to be Captain Kenpachi Zaraki of Squad 11?"
Urahara's Shop
Kisuke and Tessai rushed out of the shop with Grimmjow and Nnoitora close behind. They stood in shock at the sight before them. The entire area outside of the shop was surrounded by mirrors. They couldn't understand it. However, they saw Renji, Sachiko, and Akemi standing in front of a mirror and they looked afraid of what they were seeing.
"Good evening," someone said.
They turned and saw a woman with platinum blonde hair standing on the roof. She wore a green formal evening dress with gold sparkles along the deep V-cut at the front and a thin red ribbon of silk at the waist.
"Who are you?" Urahara asked.
"I am one of the Mangiatori. My name is Shirley Wilde."
"What do you want?" Tessai asked. "What did you do to them?"
"They are battling themselves," she said. "Soon, you'll be doing the same."
"I don't think so," Urahara said as he withdrew his sword. "Awake—"
He didn't have time to finish when a mirror burst from the ground in front of Urahara and Tessai. Grimmjow and Nnoitora dodged just before two more mirrors rose in front of where they once stood.
"Holy shit," Grimmjow said. "The chick is using mirrors as weapons?"
"What did you expect?" Nnoitora asked. "She's a chick."
"Yeah, whatever," Grimmjow said. "Hey Kisuke, are you alright?"
He turned and saw Tessai and Urahara looking into the mirrors in front of them. Both of them looked terrified.
"SCREAM, SCREAM, BENEHIME!" Kisuke shouted. "No…no…I…I didn't mean to…NO!
"No, no, I…I can't…I can't do that!" Tessai moaned. "I can't."
"What the…?" Nnoitora asked.
"No, RUKIA WATCH OUT! NO, RUKIA!" Renji cried out. "YOU BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU! ROAR, ZABIMARU!"
"What's going on?" Grimmjow asked.
"They're Reflecting," Shirley said as she floated to the ground. "Soon, you two will be trapped as well in my Paura Vera."
Captain-Commander Yamamoto's Office
Captain-Commander Yamamoto opened the door to his office and stepped inside. He sighed and then stopped when he saw who was sitting behind his desk.
"Well, I was wondering when you would get here," Aruji Enma said and chuckled.
"What are you doing here?"
"Oh…just a friendly little chat," the Lord of Hell said as he brought out a small golden box from the folds of his robes. "Would you like some Turkish Delight?" he asked and offered the box to Yamamoto. "I just love the texture."
"You still haven't answered my question."
"Fine, fine," Aruji said and waved his hand as though dismissing him. "I suppose you know that you took another occupant out of Hell without my permission. You can keep the two heads. Use them as key fobs for all I care."
"Are you here to discuss Aaroniero?"
"Funny, it was, but not anymore," Aruji said and smiled. "I just received an interesting bit of info from one of my many, many spies in the World of the Living."
"What are you talking about?"
Aruji Enma smiled. He tilted his head back and opened his mouth. He plunged one hand deep into his throat and seemed to search for something in the contents of his stomach. He stopped and then pulled his arm out. Clutched in his fingers was a small, black and yellow spider whose body looked like an eye. He held the squirming creature to Yamamoto.
"Eat, and see," he said. "See what Ichigo Kurosaki is doing right now."
End of Chapter 9
Dr. Fleur (V.O.): Profilo Dei Mangiatori
Kon: Hey everybody. It's everyone's favorite Bleach plushie, Kon...HEY!
Dr. Fleur: And Dr. Fleur his lovely and radiant co-host who today is sporting a purple dress. Doesn't she look stunning?
William: And I am William Marlowe of the Mangiatori. And I must say you are looking lovely tonight.
Dr. Fleur: Well thank you.
Kon: Anyways, tonight we'll be talking about William Marlowe's Risveglio, Diluvio Di Disperazione.
William: Do we have to? I would much rather talk about those lovely ladies I faced in my debut.
Dr. Fleur: You do realize your debut was a while ago, right?
William: I can't recall.
Kon: Okay, so your command is Drown and you can control external water in its three states of solid, liquid, and gas. Right? Is there anything else it can do?
William:Yes, Drown, Diluvio Di Disperazione.
Kon (swept away by a torrent of water): AAAAAAAAAAH!
(Orihime, Rukia, Rangiku come in on the wave wearing their bathing suits from the Bleach Beach episode and screaming with glee)
Dr. Fleur: YAY! SWIMMING! (rips off her dress to reveal she's wearing a two-piece purple bathing suit and jumps into the wave)
William: It's very good at getting all of the ladies to wear their swimsuits.
A.N.: I'M BACK! Sorry it took me so long to write the next chapter, but some of my other projects and RL have been keeping me busy. Finally, the battle officially begins. Also, I made mention to the other story that I'm working on that ties into this one: "Blood on the Sand" which focuses on the Civil War going on in Hueco Mundo. Please check that one out as well and please send me some feedback since it's always appreciated.
Thank you for reading and please review.