Tamashi no Kiri
Chapter 12: Rising Tempest
The seas roar in fury
The winds howl in sorrow
The sky becomes a funeral shroud
But not even the rising tempest
Can stop our hearts' finding each other
By the time Ichigo woke up, daylight was pouring in through his bedroom window. His head throbbed and his body ached, but he for some reason that he could not explain he felt refreshed.
"Well, it's about time you got up," Yuzu said. "Dad said that you weren't feeling well and that you needed some sleep. But he didn't say anything about it being for more than a day."
"What…what are you talking about?"
"You've been asleep for more than a day," his other sister, Karin, said from the door. "Don't worry, Rukia got your homework assignments for you and turned in Dad's note to your teachers letting them know that you were sick with the flu."
At least he didn't make it anything embarrassing this time, Ichigo thought.
He tried to sit up, but his head felt as though it was filled with nothing but water. A wave of dizziness came over him and he had to put his head back down on the pillow.
"Don't try to get up," Yuzu gasped. "Oh dear, you're probably still a little sick. I'll get you some saltine crackers and some juice."
Karin shook her head as Yuzu ran out of the room. She looked at her brother, frowning.
"You know, you really should stop making Yuzu worry about you. She was up all last night worrying about you. She even said some prayers to Mom to watch over you."
"I'm…sorry. I didn't mean to…to make her worry."
"So what did happen? One moment we were watching TV and the next thing I know I'm feeling this incredible weight pushing down on me. Lilynette felt it too and she immediately went running upstairs. So…what happened?"
He tried to remember what had happened to him, but found that he couldn't. The last thing he could remember was that Harribel and Rukia were talking to each other. After that, everything was dark except for those eyes. He could still see those eyes of ice and fire coming towards him.
I am what you were meant to be.
He shivered slightly at that. But in the midst of that terror he could still hear Rukia calling out his name. He had a feeling that was what saved him.
It seems as if the Midget has saved me once again, Ichigo thought. I don't know what she saved me from, but whatever it was almost had me.
He felt ashamed at that thought. He knew that he should have resisted and that he could have resisted. But he hadn't wanted to. It was as though a part of him wanted to become that creature, and it wasn't just his Inner Hollow either.
He looked at Karin who was looking at him, still expecting an answer. Ichigo only shook his head.
"I don't remember. I guess…I guess I was a lot sicker than I thought."
"You're keeping something back. But that's your business."
Karin turned and began to walk towards the door. She stopped and didn't turn around. Ichigo could tell that she was debating something. Then her shoulders slumped and she turned her head slightly to look at him from the corner of her eye.
"I'm glad the monsters didn't get you," she whispered and walked out of the room.
Ichigo sat up, ignoring the nausea that he still felt. His eyes widened in surprise. He began to wonder if Karin was holding something back as well.
Streets of Karakura Town
Charlotte Wolfe felt annoyed.
Milton had instructed them to keep a low profile, but she couldn't understand what use it could be. Based on what Howard reported of Ambrose's little fight with the Soul Reaper Captain she knew that the Soul Society's eyes would keep looking for them.
"This is bullshit," she whispered as she kicked a beer can into the gutter. "We should be getting ready and not hiding like rats. Damn Shinigami."
She sighed and looked at the sky. A light breeze swept across her face and she smiled. She held up a hand as though trying to catch the wind and she could make out the thin wisps of air as it flowed around her fingers. High above she could make out birds flying to either find food or a place to rest.
I wish I was a bird, she thought. That way I could just fly away and not have a single thing to worry about.
She didn't know how long she could stand there, allowing the wind to flow over and around her. Wind was her element. She wanted to be free like the wind and not have to worry about the Soul Reapers or Hollows that preyed on the Souls in their own way. She felt that the Soul Reapers were much more malevolent than the Hollows because the Soul Reapers would fill the heads of the Spirits with false hopes about what was to come. At least with Hollows you knew that they would only devour you. With Soul Reapers it was hard to say with them since she could tell that some of them really didn't believe what they were telling the Spirits.
She remembered a Soul Reaper from her time in Russia give the same "It's better over there" speech. The spirit had gone willingly after being promised to be reunited with loved ones. When it was over the Soul Reaper had only sighed and shook his head and muttered "if you can find them" under his breath. That was when she knew that Soul Reapers who promised reunification with family and friends were all liars and that whatever was in this "Soul Society" place must be horrible from the way other Soul Reapers talked about it amongst themselves.
For her there were too many rules and too much false-hope. She had even overheard one group placing bets on how long a soul would keep looking for their loved ones before they realized how futile it was and just give up.
She hated the smug looks on their faces when they told each other how pleased they were to be better than a mere Soul. It was listening to that particular conversation that she had first found out about Spirit Energy and how most souls sent over would remain mere mediocre souls with no talent and nothing to really enjoy. She vowed not to become that way.
She heard footsteps approaching from behind her. She embraced the wind, ready for anything. She turned around and saw Shirley walking with some bags full of groceries. She stopped before she could fully manifest her Risveglio.
"What are you doing out here, Charlotte?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"And my answer would be pretty obvious," Shirley replied, smiling. "Would you please give me a hand?" Charlotte sighed and took some of the bags from her. "Thanks."
"Whatever."
"I thought that Milton gave you instructions to keep watch at the Urahara Shop with Howard."
"Yeah, but, I just needed a change of scenery. Besides, I'm sure that Howard can take care of himself."
Shirley nodded.
"I'm sure he can. So has there been any sign of them?"
"Not yet and it's getting pretty boring watching a place where very few people come out of."
"Who knows, maybe we scared them off. Or…or maybe they came to their senses and realized that there really is no reason to kill us."
"I doubt it. Those bastards are most likely biding their time and waiting for the right moment to strike us."
Shirley frowned at that. Silence fell over them, only broken by the sounds of the soles of their tennis shoes and boots striking the pavement. Shirley looked at her and nodded.
"I suppose you're right. It's my fault. I went overboard when I faced them and they probably went too deep into my Risveglio."
"Maybe it is, but then again maybe it isn't. Soul Reapers have a nasty habit of getting rid of anything that they think shouldn't exist. I bet you that they all do it for their beloved 'Spirit King'. Tch…I bet that the Spirit King doesn't even exist. It's most likely only an invention by those in control to justify their actions."
"I think it does exist," Shirley whispered. "If it does and if they are acting on its orders, then I hate it. I saw too many of my friends get eaten by those Hollows while the Soul Reapers just stood by and waited for the opportune moment. If that's what the Spirit King is, then everyone would be better off if it was dead."
"Maybe it would be, but then again maybe not."
"There you go again. You get me all riled-up about something and then you always point out some kind of flaw."
"Eh, it's what I do. Oh…we better hurry."
"Why?"
"There's a storm coming."
"What are you talking about? I don't see any storm clouds."
"The wind's telling me that a storm's on the way."
Karakura High School
"Thank you, Mr. Dante, for understanding," Rukia said as she bowed.
"Not a problem. Just be sure to give Mr. Kurosaki my best wishes on a speedy recovery."
"I will."
Milton watched as Rukia ran out of the teacher's room. He sighed as he leaned back in the chair and took out an old copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. He remembered a time when getting the flu was akin to a death sentence. Medicine had come a long way since then, but every time he heard of someone getting the flu or even a cold, he worried. It was a mindset from the times that he lived in.
"Mr. Dante," one of the other teachers said. "Your niece is here to visit."
"Oh, thank you, Miss Kurosawa. Please, send her in."
The art teacher nodded and smiled a little. Milton knew that look all-too-well. He sighed as he marked his page with a pencil and put the book down. He had not thought that being a substitute teacher would be so enjoyable. He liked the other faculty members and most of the students, but he knew that it was only temporary.
He could hear Emily's quick footsteps and her talking to Miss Kurosawa. He was surprised to hear them giggle a little about something. He knew that some of the other teachers were probably looking at them in disapproval. He turned his head slightly and saw Emily giving one of her mischievous grins while Miss Kurosawa was writing something down on a sheet of paper.
Miss Kurosawa took another look at him and then walked away with a more pronounced sway to her hips. Milton sighed as Emily approached him, acting a little too innocent.
"It seems as if Miss Kurosawa has the hots for you," she whispered. "She wanted you to have this."
Milton took the piece of paper and looked at the phone number. He sighed as he put it in his pocket.
"I'm sure you didn't come here just to tell me about Miss Kurosawa."
"You're right. It would appear as though none of the Soul Reapers have told the others about us. I haven't seen anyone else from Ichigo's circle of friends acting strangely around us. Right now it's just the Soul Reapers."
"I see." Milton frowned. "Ichigo and Rukia would probably only tell them something if they believed that they have a reason to be concerned. That probably means that they don't know about the skirmishes. Or they think that we were not involved."
"Then maybe we can use that to keep Harper safe," Emily said, smiling. "We can say that we're not involved with that group and that it's all just coincidence."
Milton remained silent as he thought about that.
"It could work. But…I just wouldn't feel right about throwing the others under the bus like that, even if it is to keep you and Harper safe. Besides, I have a feeling that it wouldn't matter to the Soul Society."
"We've got to do something. We can just pack everything up and leave."
Milton shook his head. He saw Emily's expression of disbelief.
"It wouldn't work. The last time…we thought that running was the best decision too. In the end, they hunted us until…until I alone remained."
Emily looked at him in surprise. Then she smiled.
"Maybe they won't do that this time. Maybe they'll realize that if they just leave us alone, then they won't have any reason to worry about us."
"That's the thing," Milton said. "Don't you remember what that Soul Reaper Captain told William? They view us as a threat and they won't stop viewing us as a threat until we're dead."
"But…but why…why would they…?"
"I don't know. And I'm afraid that talking to them won't do any good either. We have to do what we must in order to survive."
Captain's Meeting Hall
"It is in my opinion," Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya said, "that these Mangiatori are a threat. However, at the present time, I am not able to determine how much of a threat they are."
When he had finished giving his report, Captain Hitsugaya stepped back to his place between Captains Kyoraku and Kurotsuchi. Genryusai Yamamoto nodded.
"Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya for your report," Yamamoto said and stood up from his seat and looked at the remaining Captains. "I have come to a decision. Captain Kyoraku and Captain Kuchiki are to head to the World of the Living at once."
Byakuya nodded his head while Shunsui only tilted his hat down slightly.
"In the meantime, Captain Ukitake, you and Captain Unohana will be on stand-by. Captain Unohana, what is Captain Zaraki's current condition?"
"I'm afraid that Captain Zaraki will not regain full strength in his arms. He will be able to wield a sword again, but not with the same ability he had before."
"I see," Yamamoto whispered. "Captain Sui-Feng, I want you to go to the World of the Living as well. I am sure that Yoruichi will need all of the help she can get in finding the enemy's location."
"As you command," Sui-Feng said and bowed. "Plus it will give me a chance to make sure that the new recruits are behaving themselves."
"I'm sure that they're being on their very best behavior," Kyoraku said smiling. "And I'm sure that Nnoitora and Grimmjow are the best-behaved of the bunch."
Training Ground Under Urahara's Shop
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?" Grimmjow shouted as he threw his Zanpakuto at Nnoitora's head.
Nnoitora dodged the flying blade easily enough and his grin only became wider.
"Are you going deaf? I called you 'Thunder-Kitty,' Thunder-Kitty."
"Oh, you are so dead. How dare you mock a classic series like ThunderCats?"
Nnoitora cocked his head a little.
"What do you mean? Are you actually saying that you're not as cool as those animated fur-balls? My, my, Grimmjow, I never thought I would actually hear such beautiful mewings coming from your mouth."
"THAT'S IT! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU I'M SO GOING TO RIP YOU TO PIECES!"
Grimmjow rushed at Nnoitora who only sighed and stepped to the side, allowing Grimmjow to pass. Grimmjow skidded to a halt and glared at Nnoitora who was grinning again.
"Now, now," Yoruichi said from her perch on top of a rock. She was in her black cat's form, which had caused Nnoitora to start using all of the kitty jokes he could think of on Grimmjow. "You should be practicing and not fighting."
"Aw, did you hear that Grimm-Kitty? Your little girlfriend is talking to you."
"Actually, I was talking to both of you, Piano-Eater."
Nnoitora's face contorted with rage as Grimmjow laughed. He rushed at the cat, only to find the cat leaping into the air and planting her paws on his face with the claws out. Nnoitora howled in pain and began to run around as Yoruichi clung on. This caused Grimmjow to only laugh harder.
"Oh…oh…oh man…Nnoitora…I thought…I thought she was…was supposed to be…my…my…" He couldn't even finish because his laughter took full control and he was rolling on the ground.
"GET THIS STUPID CAT OFF ME!" Nnoitora shrieked as he continued to run.
Yoruichi had somehow managed to perch herself on top of Nnoitora's head and was now grooming herself even as Nnoitora was running around and screaming his head off. She looked up from licking one of her front paws and jumped down before Nnoitora ran right into the brick-like torso of Tessai.
Nnoitora looked up cautiously and he began to tremble as the large man's large hands hoisted him into the air.
"KEEP IT DOWN!" Tessai roared. "THE BOSS IS SLEEPING!"
Tessai returned Nnoitora to the ground and walked away.
"Well now that we got our fun out of the way," Yoruichi said from her new perch on Grimmjow's chest. "Let's start practicing again."
"Uh…what happened to him?" Nnoitora asked as he looked at the dazed Grimmjow.
"He was being too loud for my taste," Yoruichi said. "So, I just caused him to shut up."
Nnoitora grinned at that.
"I think that you and I may end up at least good acquaintances," Nnoitora said.
Urahara's Shop
"So how are things going at the Academy?" Harribel asked Nel as they sat sipping their tea.
"Ooh, Nel likes it there. Although some of the boys keep staring at me. Why is that?"
Harribel smiled a little.
"It's because they like to look at you. If it gets annoying, just tell Charlotte Cuuhlhourne that he has admirers and point to them."
"But…wouldn't that scar those poor boys for life?"
"That's the point. Nel, I'm glad that the Captain-Commander gave you permission to come visit, even if it was only for today."
"I'm glad to," Nel said.
Harribel found it rather amusing how Nel would sometimes refer to herself in the third person and other times not. It was as though whatever damage Nnoitora did to her had changed some things about Nel, but not her personality.
"So, what's the word from the Captain-Commander?" Harribel asked.
"I'm afraid I don't know. The last time I heard anything, he was sending out Hell Butterflies ordering a meeting. And that was a couple of days ago."
It must have been shortly after Captain Zaraki had his little run-in, Harribel thought.
She had suspected that Nel wouldn't have heard too much after that. She wasn't in the Gotei yet. Even though the other former Arrancars had done well and had graduated extremely quickly, Nel was having a relatively difficult time, especially in Hoho and Kido. That didn't surprise Harribel too much. She suspected that Nnoitora's little sneak attack had done some permanent damage that even Orihime's healing hadn't been able to fix. But, despite that, Nel was still on her way to quickly entering the Gotei.
"So, have you thought of a Squad?"
Nel only shook her head.
"I'm not too worried about that yet. Right now I'm just worried about the practical exams."
"Don't be. All that they do is make sure that you can perform various Kido spells correctly and also fight a Hollow from that crazy Captain's lab. That's all. It should be a piece of cake for you."
"But, what if I fail? Then I won't…"
"Of course you won't fail. Don't worry, Nel. You'll get into the Gotei."
Nel brightened a little and smiled.
"Do you really mean it?"
"I do."
Nel smiled.
"What do you think my Zanpakuto's spirit is like?"
"Where did that come from?"
"Well, I'm just wondering," Nel said. "You got to meet yours and so I'm just wondering."
Harribel looked at Nel's Zanpakuto and the carved ram's head used for a pommel.
"I suspect that your Zanpakuto is just like you. And her world is most likely an open field with plenty of grass to eat and sunshine."
"Ooh, I like the sounds of that." Nel gently stroked the carved ram's head and sighed. "What was it like to achieve Shikai?"
"It was…painful for me. My Zanpakuto did not go easy, unlike Starrk's."
She remembered the conversation that she and Starrk had about it after they had returned from their inner worlds. She suspected that the reason Tiburón had not gone easy on her was because she did not really know why she wanted to achieve Shikai. Every time she thought about it she could still feel that burning sea of blood and the sense of failure that weighed her down. Yet she knew that Tiburón had wanted her to succeed. Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed the wolf to follow her no matter how badly the wolf would have wanted to follow.
It seemed as though Starrk's and Grimmjow's Zanpakuto only wanted to play around with them. And she thought that was because their reasons were the same. Starrk and Los Lobos wanted to protect their friends while Grimmjow and Pantera only wanted to become as powerful as they could be. Nnoitora's Santa Teresa had only wanted to kick his ass and teach him that sometimes bending the knee is the strongest thing a person can do. As for Lilynette's Los Lobatos…she did not have a clue. All that she knew was that Lilynette had been the first out of all of them to achieve Shikai.
Harribel came out of her thoughts and looked at Nel who was looking at her Zanpakuto with eagerness.
"I can't wait to meet her," she whispered. She stood up and held the unsheathed blade horizontal in front of her. She placed her right palm on the back of the blade while gripping the hilt with her left. "Praise, Gamuza," she whispered and giggled when nothing happened. "It was worth the shot."
Outside Urahara's Shop
Howard Machen did not see anyone new coming or going since the turquoise-haired girl had come out of the Senkaimon. He was slightly intrigued by what his Preconoscenza had told him in that she had not achieved Shikai or Bankai and that her Kido abilities were slightly above mediocre. He decided that she was most likely just a friend of one of the Soul Reapers coming to pay a visit.
"Anything?"
He turned and saw that Charlotte had returned from her walk.
"There was only a young turquoise-haired lady. But so far there has been no one else."
"A girl with turquoise-hair? Are you sure you weren't seeing things?"
"I'm sure. She's still in there, but my Preconoscenza has essentially concluded that she's not likely to be a threat in battle right now."
Charlotte only shook her head as she sat down. She put one hand in front of her face and flexed the fingers. The wisps of air appeared again and she began to make them dance for her by simply moving her fingers in delicate maneuvers.
"Be careful that you don't accidentally unleash your Risveglio," Howard said.
"Shut up. I know how to control it."
"Are you sure? We don't want to have a repeat of what happened in New York City."
"Oh please, that was only four months ago. I've been practicing a lot more since then."
"If you say so. The last thing we need is…. Hold on."
"What is it?"
"It's one of those Senkaimon." Howard lifted the opera glasses to his eyes and smiled. "They're here."
"How many?"
"Two Captains and they're both very powerful."
"Is that so?" Charlotte asked as she leaned forward. "Should I say 'Hello'?"
"No, we were given instructions not to engage them. And…"
"Relax, I was just kidding. I'm not going to do anything."
At least not yet, she thought.
Inoue Apartment
"So, is he alright now?" Orihime asked.
"Yeah, he's just resting," Starrk said as he ran a hand through his hair. "He should be fine for a bit, but…"
"I understand," Orihime whispered. "What was wrong with him?"
Starrk didn't answer. He didn't know how he could tell her about what he had seen in Ichigo's Inner World or what Lilynette had told him. Orihime saw the hesitation and understood.
"It was his Inner Hollow. Wasn't it?"
"Yeah, it was."
"I thought so." Orihime looked at Ulquiorra and then back at Starrk. "It was my fault that happened."
"Why would you say that?" Starrk asked.
"I…back in Hueco Mundo when…when Ulquiorra killed him, I…I…I think I might have…" She couldn't finish, but Starrk understood.
"Hey, there was no way that anyone could have prevented it except Ichigo. And even then he may not have been able to stop it. His Inner Hollow is too much a part of him." Starrk put a hand on her shoulder. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's not your fault. It was just one of those things that would have happened."
Orihime gave a small smile.
"Thanks. I…I needed that. Is…how's Rukia taking it?"
Starrk was a bit surprised at that. He rubbed his head and shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm afraid I'm not the one you should be asking," Starrk said. "I'm glad that you're doing well. Ulquiorra…uh…good luck with you and…damn it all, be good to her."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh…I think you know. Orihime, be good to him as well," Starrk said.
Orihime blushed and nodded. Starrk gave a soft chuckle as he left Orihime's apartment. He knew what was going on. He recognized the look all-too-well. He had worn that same look when it came to Harribel and he had seen that look that Orihime had on now to recognize it.
The Fates have brought them together, he thought.
He stopped for a moment. He looked at the sky and in the distance he could make out black clouds.
A storm is coming, he thought and frowned. That's odd. That weather girl on the TV said it would be clear skies. Oh well, I guess she made a mistake.
Urahara's Shop
Byakuya Kuchiki and Shunsui Kyoraku sat at the small table. Kisuke looked at the message that Captain-Commander Yamamoto sent with them.
"So they will have to be eliminated," Kisuke said.
"That is correct," Byakuya said. "Based on the report that Captain Hitsugaya gave, it would seem as though these Mangiatori have various abilities."
"Yeah, and the problem is that we don't know what we'll be facing," Kyoraku said. "From what the reports tell us, one can control any state of water and was able to take control of Toshiro's attacks. Another can ensnare people into their worst nightmares and then we have the one who uses his own blood as a weapon."
"In other words, they can have a wide range of attacks they can use. And we don't know what the others are capable of," Yoruichi said. "They're not so different from the Soul Society in that regard."
Byakuya only kept his usual stoic demeanor while Kyoraku sighed.
"So, how should we proceed?" Kyoraku asked.
"That should be obvious," Byakuya said. "We have a direct order from the Captain-Commander. We seek out the targets and we eliminate them. But we do this cautiously."
Kyoraku sighed.
"Well, I suppose we don't have much of a choice. Orders are orders."
"It's funny," Kisuke said, "how many acts of genocide began the same way."
"What are you saying?" Byakuya asked.
"It's nothing more than the ramblings who has witnessed too much of the World of the Living to really trust orders from anyone. The actions of these Mangiatori have been more along the lines of the actions of those who don't understand why they're being hunted. But they understand that in order to survive they'll have to eliminate the hunters first. They could have killed us if they wanted to, but they didn't. Are they so worthy of death?"
"According to the orders from the Captain-Commander, they are," Byakuya said. "And the restored Central 46 has put their seal on the matter."
Kisuke sighed and shook his head.
"I wonder what you'll do if they decide that the former Arrancars or even Ichigo have to go the same way."
Byakuya looked at Kisuke.
"I would obey. The Law is the Law and we must obey it."
"I know. You would still obey it even if the world was falling around you," Kisuke whispered and shook his head. "But do you at least question an order? I wonder if you even questioned the order for Rukia's execution."
Byakuya did not say anything.
Karakura Park
Rukia sat on the swing set thinking. She gently rocked the swing and tapped her school bag with the toes of her right foot. She didn't know why she had decided to come here, but all that mattered was that this simple action was helping her to put her mind at ease. She sometimes found herself remembering that night when Ichigo's Inner Hollow had nearly taken full control. She put a hand up to her throat and could still feel those cold, clammy hands wrapped around it.
"Hey Rukia, what are you doing here?"
She turned her head and saw Renji making his way slowly to her. She couldn't help but notice that he was still rubbing his head from time-to-time. Whatever that woman had done had affected him deeply. He had become more somber lately and he sometimes looked at her sadly. She had asked the former two Espada about it and only Grimmjow had given her any kind of response.
"She just made 'em see scary shit," Grimmjow had said. "Ya know: their worst fears or something like that."
Nnoitora had only given her a wave of his hand that said: "Yeah, what he said".
"Hey Renji, how are you?"
"Well, my head still hurts. That woman really did a number on me and I don't even know what she did. Mind if I join you?" he asked and gestured to the swing next to her.
"Sure."
Renji sat down and began to gently swing as well. He looked around and frowned.
"It's rather quiet."
"That's because there's a storm moving in," Rukia said and looked at the storm clouds coming closer. "I don't know why, but…I find them comforting."
"Why?"
"Think about it Renji, when storm clouds come, they bring rain. And rain helps to make the flowers grow," Rukia looked down and smiled. "But I think I would prefer snow."
"No thanks. Give me a sunlit hillside any day." He looked at Rukia again and sighed. "You're thinking about that night, aren't you?"
"I guess. It's just that…it's just that the number of times I've seen Ichigo go into his Hollowfication, he never acted like that. He was still himself. And…and I could tell that Lilynette, Starrk, and even Ichigo's dad are keeping something back from me. I think they might have seen something in his Inner World that they would rather keep quiet about." She looked at Renji. "And you've been keeping something secret from me as well."
"Rukia, I…"
"What did you see?" she asked. "What did that woman's ability show you? The others only told me that they saw their worst fears, and they would say that they couldn't remember it. But they always had that same look that you're giving me now. You do remember."
"Rukia, there are some things that…that are best left unknown."
"I know, but…but for you to just tell me that you couldn't remember anything and…"
"That's because I wanted to forget. I keep telling myself that I won't remember anything of it and yet…yet whenever I close my eyes…"
Rukia looked at Renji and could tell that he was struggling with something.
"If you don't want to tell me then…"
"No, it's…it's that I…I want to tell you, but I'm…I'm so afraid."
"What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid that you may hate me. And…I'm afraid of…of losing you," he whispered.
Rukia looked down at her feet. She had known how he felt about her for some time. She had known in her mind and in her heart and yet she was not able to share those feelings for him. For her, Renji was like a brother and there was a time when she wanted to believe they could become something more. But those emotions had been hollow. And she realized in the days leading up to her would-be execution that regardless of how she felt towards him, she would never be able to truly love him. That sense of emptiness had hurt her more than Renji trying to stop Ichigo.
And she could never bring herself to let Renji know that for sure.
"What…what are you trying to say?"
Renji shook his head.
"It doesn't matter anymore. You love Ichigo and I know that…"
"Renji, what did you see in the mirror?" Rukia asked. "I…I think I have a good idea, but I…I want you to hear you say it."
"Why should I?"
"It's because of something that Harribel told me after they helped Ichigo. She told me that the only hold that fear has over us is the one that we give it. Perhaps, if you confront your fear, then…then maybe it won't affect you so much."
Renji looked at her and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Rukia. But I can't."
Rukia looked at him and felt truly sad for him. She remembered their childhood in Hanging Dog. She remembered how they felt they could tell each other anything. But those days were gone.
The bright, sunlit days of youth were forever gone with the storm clouds of adulthood. And Rukia was not surprised that Renji could not tell her for she had things that she could not tell him. She looked up at the approaching storm and saw flashes of lightning and heard the thunder.
Kurosaki Residence
Ichigo wolfed down the meal that Yuzu brought up to him. He was starving and he needed something.
"Well, I see you're feeling better," Isshin said.
"What, you're not going to try your crazy wake-up calls on me?"
"Not today. But tomorrow…"
"Damn it, Dad. I don't know if I'll be 100% by then."
"You will. So, can you remember anything from that night?"
Ichigo shook his head. He was afraid that his father would bring it up and the last thing he wanted to do was make him worry. He looked at Isshin, making sure that their eyes met.
"I'm sorry, but I don't," he said calmly.
Isshin smiled and nodded.
"Good. Now, finish up and just take it easy. If you need help on your homework, then I'll help."
"Thanks," Ichigo said and watched his father leave the room.
I'm sorry, Dad. But I…I don't want you to worry.
Well now, isn't that just the sweetest thing you could have done?
Ichigo's eyes widened as his mind was filled with that harsh laughter. Fear filled him, but then the laughter subsided. He could feel some sense of calm return, but that fear was still gnawing at him.
Outside, the storm clouds came ever closer.
Mangiatori Hideout
Milton looked out at the gathering storm and frowned.
"Damn it," he whispered. "She must really be in a foul mood."
He turned away and went back inside the warehouse that they were using. He was glad to see that Ambrose was back on his feet and was now helping to fix dinner.
"Howard and Charlotte should be back soon," Sylvia said from the table where she was helping Harper with her homework.
Milton only nodded. He knew that he could trust Howard not to get involved in anything unless he had to, but Charlotte was a different matter. She was one of the more impulsive in the group, which made her a liability as well as an asset. She was willing to take on any task that needed to be done and she would always get it done. However, her loathing for Soul Reapers ran deep.
Milton tried to find out why that was, but she would always dodge the subject. William and Robert were that way as well, but they didn't seem to have the same level of loathing for Soul Reapers that Charlotte had.
"So, what's the plan?" Ambrose asked from the sofa he was lying in. "Are we going to do something or just wait?"
"I'll make a decision on that as soon as Howard and Charlotte return."
"I say that we should run," Ambrose said as he sat up. "It's worked for us in the past."
"But where would we go? Europe isn't safe for us and neither are the States," Milton said. "The Soul Reapers on those continents would most likely hunt us down and we would still have to be on the run. Don't you remember what happened to us in London?"
Ambrose sighed and nodded.
"Yeah, I remember."
"Anyways, I'm tired of running," Milton said. "If it comes down to a choice of running or fighting, then…then I may decide to fight." He looked at the gold head of the cane he always carried with the face of the singing woman on one side and the skull on the other. "And may the gods help those who try to destroy us," he whispered.
"MILTON! MILTON! THEY'RE BACK!" Emily cried out from the catwalk above them. "THEY'RE BACK!"
"Thank you, Emily." Milton walked to the entrance and saw Howard coming in. He thought that Charlotte was just going to wait outside until the storm came, as she usually did. "Well?"
"We may have a problem," Howard answered. "Two Captain-Class Soul Reapers arrived."
"I see. I trust they didn't see you."
"No sir, they did not. At least, I think they didn't. If they did, then they were smart enough not to show any sign."
"Alright, thanks Howard. Emily, would you be so kind as to tell Charlotte to come inside. I've made up my mind."
"Alright," Emily said and she did a back-flip from the catwalk.
He looked at Robert who looked as though he was about to have a heart attack. But Emily was an expert when it came to using her Gigai and she landed on her feet and immediately sprinted out.
"She has way too much energy," Robert said. "And she's extremely careless. No matter how many times I've told her not to do that, she still does it."
"She's still a teenager. Don't expect them to listen to you," Sylvia said.
Milton smiled and then saw Emily running back in. He frowned when he saw that she looked to be in a panic.
"Emily, what is it?"
"It's Charlotte. I can't seem to find her."
"What are you talking about?" Howard asked. "She should be right outside. She told me to go on in since she wanted to watch the storm arrive. You know how she is when it comes to watching storms."
"Maybe she wandered off somewhere," Milton said, but he was frowning.
Karakura Town
Byakuya Kuchiki walked down one of the streets, unnoticed by most of the general public although some did notice him. He paid them no heed. He didn't pay any attention to the cars that roared past him or the dogs that barked at him. His focus was on the mission at hand.
He and Kyoraku had decided to search for something that could help them track their quarry. He hoped that Kyoraku hadn't merely given an excuse in order to go out with Yoruichi and Kisuke for drinks. Overhead, the sky was becoming a light grey as the storm clouds began to move in. From somewhere behind him, he could make out the sound of thunder.
He used flash-step to get to the top of one of the buildings. He looked around him, getting a good view of the city's layout. He saw that he was getting closer to the industrial area where, if he remembered correctly, Shinji Hirako and the Visoreds had hidden. From what he could recall from the reports, Captain Hitsugaya's advanced team had not reached that area yet.
He wondered if he should investigate it, but then remembered what happened to Kenpachi. If one of them could take out Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, then it was difficult to say what else they were capable of. He was about to head back to the shop when he saw someone else on the rooftop whom he hadn't noticed, looking at the coming storm.
His eyes narrowed as he felt the Reiatsu. It was similar to the other Mangiatori, but it was also different. Byakuya hesitated for a moment. His order had not been specific on what to do should he encounter one of them. He knew that he had to proceed with caution. His hand went to the hilt of the Zanpakuto and he was starting to draw it when she spoke.
"There's something about storms that tell a lot about a person."
Byakuya finished drawing his Zanpakuto.
"You're not going to ask me any questions? I see that Milton was wrong about you leaving us alone."
"Why are you here?"
"So, you decided to ask the most obvious question in the world. Of course, it is multi-dimensional. I could say that I'm on top of this building to get a better look at the coming storm. I could say that I'm here in Karakura Town in order to find a safe place. I could say that I'm still here in the Living World because I know that the so-called 'Heaven' of the Soul Society sounds more of the same bullshit as here. And all of these things would only be partially true."
Byakuya raised his blade.
"You were following me, weren't you?"
Charlotte turned around and faced him. She straightened her black leather jacket and smiled.
"That would make the answer completely true."
"I see. You are a threat against the Soul Society, and must therefore be eliminated."
There was a flash of lighting followed close behind by the roar of thunder. Raindrops began to darken the roof surface. Charlotte lifted her face to it and allowed the rain to wash her Gigai's face. The rain framed Byakuya, repelled by his Reiatsu.
"I would hate to not feel the rain falling on my face." She raised a hand. "I would hate to be unable to feel the wind or smell the scent of a storm. It's like I said before. You can tell a lot about a person from how they respond to a storm. And you come across as someone to be wary of."
Byakuya watched as the winds began to change. Instead of blowing in a relatively uniform direction, it began to whirl. He looked up and saw that the clouds were starting to form into a funnel that seemed to want to descend towards the woman's hand.
"Is this your ability?"
"That's right. Now, let me show you what kind of person I am."
Kurosaki Residence
Ichigo watched from his bed as the rain began to fall outside. He still felt weak, but he was glad to be strong enough to walk around. He sighed as he picked up the glass of water on his bedside table and picked up his copy of Heart of Darkness and the pen he was using to make notes. He opened it to the page he was on when there was knock on the door.
"Ichigo, you have a visitor," Karin's voice called from the other side.
"Oh, who is it?"
"Guess," Lilynette's voice called out from the other side.
Ichigo smiled. He had never met her when he went to Las Noches, and had only met her counterpart very briefly, but Lilynette was already kind of becoming a third sister for him. He remembered that she had taken it upon herself to try to help him and he felt indebted to her for that.
"Alright, Lilynette, you can come in."
The door opened and Lilynette came bounding in with two cans of soda in her hands. She held one out to Ichigo.
"Here ya go. I'm sure you're tired of drinking nothing but water."
"Thanks." Ichigo took the can and popped the top and took a sip.
"Don't worry. I'm not here spying for your dad, even though he did approach me about it."
"Why does he keep doing that?" Ichigo muttered. "Every time he thinks I'm hiding something, he always tries to find out what it is."
"He's just worried about you. It may be annoying but still…"
"I know. So why are you here?"
"I simply wanted to ask you something."
Ichigo felt nervous about that.
"What is it?" he asked, doing his best to remain calm.
"What would you do if I told you that Orihime has gotten over you?"
Ichigo was shocked by the question.
And what does she mean by "Orihime has gotten over you"?
"I should have known. You really are dense."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying that Orihime has had a crush on you for a long time. But now, she's sweet on someone else."
Ichigo felt something trying to surface at that. He saw Lilynette looking at him as though studying him.
"Well," she said. "I got the info that I needed."
"What do you mean?"
"I merely came here to see how the temporary bond is doing."
"And?"
"It's holding, and that's the good news. The bad news is that it's starting to break. I recommend that you do not get too…emotionally unstable."
"I'm a guy. We don't get 'emotionally unstable.'"
"Wow, that wasn't sexist at all. You guys like to pretend you're all macho and emotionally detached. But in reality that is nothing more than a mask to try to hide your insecurities."
"What are you, a shrink?"
"Nah, I'm just a Soul Reaper," Lilynette said and smiled. "Like I said, try to avoid situations of extreme stress or where you may feel anger. If you do, do not hesitate to punch something, just not the person. If you keep it pent-up then it will only cause the bonds to weaken even quicker."
Streets of Karakura Town
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't find her," Howard said.
Milton sighed and looked at the sky. The storm was becoming even stronger and then he saw it.
"Oh no," he whispered.
"What is it?" Shirley asked.
"She's getting ready to use her Risveglio. We have to go. We have to stop her before she hurts someone."
"What if she's facing one of those Soul Reapers?" Robert asked.
"That's all the more reason to stop her. Ambrose, go back to the hideout and keep an eye out on Harper and Emily. Make sure to keep them safe in case there are other Soul Reapers around."
"I understand."
"Robert, Shirley, Howard, I want you to come with me."
Milton hoped that they wouldn't be too late.
Roof Top
The wind whirled around them as they faced each other. The rain spiraled to the roof top.
"Shall we begin?"
Byakuya did not say anything. Instead he only held his Zanpakuto in front of him.
"Scatter, Senbonzakura."
"Rise, Venti Perso."
The tempest broke in a symphony of rain, wind, and cherry blossoms.
End of Chapter 12
Shinigami Cup
Charlotte: Before we begin, what do you say that we just watch the storm for a bit?
Byakuya: Why?
Charlotte: Well, don't you think it would be more dramatic to have our fight accompanied by the most amount of lighting and peals of thunder and rain as possible? It would really make it a lot more dramatic. Wouldn't you agree?
Byakuya: …
Charlotte: Good. Glad to see that we're on the same page.
A.N.: Thank you for reading and please review.