Chapter 15
Plans
By Demon-of-Cats
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, the Tite does. I own my OC's and OOC's
Warnings: This is AU and has some spoilers.
No Flames please, but constructive criticism is welcome.
Komamura stood tall. The battle would soon progress and he knew that something strange would happen. All of his senses screamed it. Below him the fake town lay. The battle would be difficult, he knew this. He glanced toward where Moria stood, worried over her in this battle. He hoped she would be alright.
Moria caught Komamura's glance as did both those next to her. Ikkaku simply shrugged and Yumichika chuckled, mumbling something that Moria didn't catch.
"He is awful worried about you Moria," Yumichika said, "Any reason?"
"None you need to know yet Yumi," Moria said back.
"Does is have anything to do with the ring on your left hand?" Ikkaku asked after several long moments.
Moria smiled but didn't confirm or deny that statement.
Ikkaku and Yumichika both shook their heads and then looked up at the sky. Something was happening. A giant rip appeared and then opened forming a portal to Hueco Mundo and Las Noches.
Aizen and Gin appeared in the portal. Both former Captains surveyed the area and then Aizen called the Espada to his aid.
Then the battle was in full swing.
During the fight Matsumoto tried to jump Gin. Gin turned to her and seemed not to know her. He grinned and released his zanpaku-tô cutting her through the shoulder and sending her out of the fight.
Instantly his face showed how distressed he was over this. When his blade had touched her he suddenly knew who it was.
"Rangiku," he mumbled and then was attacked again. He was quickly dragged into the fray again.
Eventually Aizen was forced to retreat after loosing so many of his Espada and their Facción. He was angry over this but knew he could return to Hueco Mundo and rebuild his army.
When they returned to the soul society the Captains immediately went into a meeting, excluding Unohana who was treating the casualties.
Yamamoto called for silence and then began the meeting, "Aizen did the unexpected today. He retreated. This was not something that we planned for, although I suspect that we should have. Captain Kuchiki, how did the retrieval team that went to Hueco Mundo do?"
"It was a success," Byakuya said, "Orihime Inoue was brought back safely. Several members of the Espada that stayed in Las Noches were killed as well."
Yamamoto nodded and then spoke, "We do not know when Aizen will attack again. It is too soon to say that he will leave it at that. For now I want two Captains guarding Karakura town at all times. It will stretch us thinner but, I believe it is necessary. Captain Hitsugaya and the away team from before will continue, any other volunteers?"
Tôsen began to step forward but he was beaten to the punch by Byakuya.
"I will go General," Byakuya said.
Yamamoto nodded and said, "Pick a ten man team to go with you. Residences will be found for you all I suspect now-"
The doors to the meeting room opened and a member of the Secret Remote Squad ran in and bowed, "I'm sorry for the intrusion General Yamamoto. But a message has just come over from the King's dimension."
All the Captains turned toward the man.
"Bring it here," Yamamoto said.
The man hurriedly handed the note to Yamamoto and then left the room. Yamamoto inspected the scroll for several moments and then opened it.
Instantly the paper burst to flames and was thrown to the ground. From the smoke and ash a translucent figure appeared. He wore a soul reaper's gi that was well taken care of. On his shoulders there were ties and knots showing his rank to those who could make the intricate knotting out. His face was half covered by a mask that almost seemed opera or masquerade-eske. Out of the top of the mask a long piece of cloth covered the rest of his head, effectively hiding his hair and ears from those present.
The man looked around several times and then turned to Yamamoto, a grin on his features, "Well Genryûsai, quite a party you have here."
Yamamoto harrumphed and then, after dropping to one knee, said, "Reiô. It is good to see you again."
The rest of the Captains followed suit with Yamamoto, dropping to one knee and bowing their heads.
Reiô looked about and then said, "Stand everyone. I am simply trying to find some things out. For one is the Ôken safe Genryûsai?"
Yamamoto stood and nodded then said, "However, Aizen plans to create another."
Reiô frowned and then said, "What of the Visoreds?"
"They are criminals no longer but we cannot accept them in-"
"You can and you will accept the Visoreds into your ranks Genryûsai," Reiô growled, "If you do not I will come and see to it myself that they are accepted, even if a new squad has to be created for them."
Yamamoto nodded slowly.
"Now, since that is settled let us talk about what to do with Aizen," Reiô said, "In the ash of the scroll that was given you Genryûsai there will be a seal. When Aizen attacks Karakura again, drop that seal to the ground. However, wait for him to appear before you drop it."
The figure began to dim then and Reiô chuckled, "It seems that I am almost out of time. Take the precautions that you see fit Genryûsai. Keep that seal with you at all times until Aizen shows again."
With his final words the image of Reiô disappeared and the scroll was completely ash. Yamamoto dusted the ash away and revealed a small golden seal, about the size of a quarter. He rolled it in his hands and then placed it someplace safe on his person. He then looked around, noticing that several of the Captains seemed confused.
Yamamoto cleared his throat, bringing the attention of the Captains onto him, "I suspect that each of you had your own conversation with Reiô. It is an old technique passed down through the royal family. You don't have to share the information if is on a private matter. However, if it has something to do with the upcoming battle, speak it now."
Each Captain spoke in turn, some had nothing to say others had plenty to say. When Yamamoto spoke he told them of what was to happen. He also spoke of what would happen with the Visoreds. Many had objections but Yamamoto silenced them saying that Reiô's word was law, and Reiô himself would enforce it.
There was silence in the room as everyone considered. When Yamamoto called for everyone to be dismissed they all left to go to either their posts or somewhere else that they were asked to go.
Komamura left at his normal point and then hurried to his home to see Moria. He reached the door and noticed her straightening the room. The words that Reiô had spoken to him were of assurance. They said that Moria would be fine in the upcoming battle and as would he.
"You planned to marry her after the battle that just took place and all your plans are set," Reiô had said, "Then still do that. There is no point in waiting for after the second battle. I do not know how long it will take for him to return, but it will take two months at least to recreate the Espada. That is enough time for the wedding and a little more. Don't wait for uncertainties."
Komamura had nodded to him, thanking him for his kind words.
Presently, he walked into the door of his home and was greeted by his fiancé. She was smiling and he lifted her into his arms bridal style.
"Are we going to have to postpone the wedding?" Moria asked and kissed Komamura.
"No," Komamura said, startling her, "We are not going to postpone it any longer. We have a couple months at least before Aizen attacks again."
"It's not an extravagant affair either," Moria mumbled, "Just a very simple ceremony with a few guests."
Komamura nodded. He had insisted on inviting some of the Captains to the wedding, including Yamamoto. There were others he wished to invite and did so, as she had done. Even with them both inviting people, the guest list didn't go over 20.
"Shall we send the invitations the-e-en?" Moria asked without being able to hold back a yawn. She was trying to stay awake for a little longer even though it was so late in the evening already.
"I'll send them out," Komamura chuckled, "You go get some sleep."
"Phoohie," Moria muttered and snuggled into his neck.
"The wedding is only two weeks away. I'll send out the invitations. You rest up."
"You rest too."
"I will."
"Goo-o-od."
"Goodnight Moria."
"'Night Sajin."
Komamura watched as she drifted off into her dreams. He enjoyed watching her sleep. When her dreams were peaceful he could always tell because she would smile deeply and sometimes muttering his name. Sometimes she would talk in her sleep. He would sometimes talk back to her, just to see if she would answer him. They'd held a conversation like that once.
He chuckled and then carried her to her room and bed. He laid her on the bed and covered her over with a blanket, carefully wrapping her so she would remain warm all night. She smiled, as if in thanks, and he left the room to prepare for the wedding.
End Chapter 15