Chapter 9: What Lies in Wait

The sun was setting. Nemu dropped lightly on top of a thatch roof cottage. From her investigations, this was Mr. Kanonji's "headquarters". It didn't look very much like the HQ of anything. Just a simple cottage in an open field. But Nemu knew not to drop her guard. She kept her hand on her blade and peered into a windowless opening in the roof.

It was difficult to see in the dark, but she could hear heavy snoring. A sweet odor wafted to her nose.

Nemu slid through the opening and dropped down inside the cottage. Her eyes adjusted to darkness quicker than most thanks to Mayuri-sama's upgrades. The culprit for the sweet smell were sugary pastries and candies scattered about. But she could see no sign of cooking ware. He must have bought them from town. There were also several unmarked boxes. Nemu would catalog those in a minute. She turned.

Don Kanonji snoozed in the corner. His long lanky frame a shadows sprawled out on a couch. He didn't appear to be armed.

Nemu approached silently, her hand still on the hilt of her sword, to get a better look at he man that peeked Mayuri-sama's interest.

Don Kanonji jumped up suddenly and pointed a vicious finger at Nemu's face. "Bwahahaha! I got you wicked fiend! I was only pretending to be asleep so you would fall into my trap!"

Nemu jumped back to open the distance between them and pulled her katana free.

"Whoa! Hold on little ninja guuurl," Don said waving his hands quickly. "I don't wanna fight you. You're one of those Shinigami right? That means you're a force of good like me."

He pointed a thumb to his chest proudly.

Nemu eyed him suspiciously. Force of good? What did that mean?

"Oh I know. You're one of my fans come to bring me more sweets right?" Don said. "Well no need to be shy. Don Kanonji always has room for his fans."

Nemu had no idea what delusion this man was living in, but it was already irritating her. She at him in a flash, his guard no match for her, and pressed her blade against his bobbing apple.

"I have come under orders of Mayuri-sama to investigate why you have supplied Division 12 with defective Hollow."

"Whu-whaat? You talkin' bout those bad spirits guuurl? I don't know what you mean by defective. I just defeat em and the save the day. Anything else about em I don't know, I swear."

Nemu stepped back. "Then I will examine these packages," she said and begin opening them one by one.

"Wait wait you silly guuurl! You can't do that!" Don's protest had no effect.

Each box was full of what looked like sparkling blue soul candies. Nemu knew better. These weren't creations of Mayuri-sama. Nemu picked one up for closer inspection.

"No don't touch it guuurl!" Don panicked and rushed to Nemu. Too late.

The candy sparked and sent a shock down Nemu's arm. The force of it knocked her back to the other end of the cottage. She held her bleeding arm silently and observed.

Cracks branched their way around the marble sized crystal. A black mist rose from it.

"Just stay back there guuurl. Don Kanonji will handle this bad spirit," he said confidently. He grabbed his cane and smashed the crystal.

"Evil spirit begone!" he shouted.

Black mist poured out of the shattered container and filled the room. Nemu appeared at Don's side, ready to fight. "Quick guuurl. Escape and don't look back. Let the hero handle this."

Nemu ignored him. She could sense the presence of a strong Hollow in this mist. It would better to fight in not such close quarters. Mayuri-sama would likely want this man alive for interrogation, so she could not use him as bait.

"Show yourself bad spirit! Face the power of the New Century's Premier Spiritualist!"

Nemu grabbed Don by his collar and burst through a wall to the outdoors. The solid black mist poured out after them. Nemu threw Don down, sending him skidding backward on his bum several feet.

A fierce roar echoed in the field. The cottage exploded. Bits of wood flew past Nemu's face, cutting her in several locations. She didn't budge. A huge black creature with a bone mask and body like a hyena rose up 2.5 meters from the wreckage. It stared at the two for a moment to contemplate who to eat first.

The hyena smiled at Nemu.

Don Kanonji stammered next to Nemu. "What's this? Such a big bad spirit. I haven't fought something like this. It was much smaller when I defeated it."

"It seems its incubation period increases its spiritual energy. Mayuri-sama will want to examine this alive," Nemu dashed forward.

"A-alive? No way guuurl!" Don shouted after her. "It's too dangerous to try to take it alive. The village isn't far from here. People could get hurt!"

Don Kanonji raced after Nemu. She withdrew several kunai and tossed them with deadly precision to bind the Hollow.

The creature roared again. The kunai bounced off the sound waves and fell harmlessly to the ground.

Nemu studied it for a moment before approaching from a different angle. The Hollow slashed out a claw at her and knocked her to the ground. Just as it hovered over Nemu and leaned close to devour her, Don Kanonji shouted.

"Golden Kan'nonball!"

The Hollow turns to Kanonji and watches as a tiny ball of light slowly waft its way to it. Just as the orb touches the creature, it explodes with a surprising amount of power. The Hollow cries out, jumping away to lick its wound.

"Now's your chance guuurl. Weren't you going to do something?"

Nemu stared at Kanonji. "I was. You're in the way," she said blankly.

The angered Hollow's roar reached an ear piercing screech. "Mortal souls have no power over me," it cried.

Nemu watched with greater interest. This Hollow could speak? If this was indeed a lower class hollow, it should not have the capability. Was this a result of being defective? Nemu wanted it alive for her captain even more.

She ran forward and tossed several kunai at the creature's mask.

"That will not work foolish mortal," it said in a voice like nails against glass. The Hollow opened its mouth and deflected the aerial attack once more.

Nemu withdrew two vials from her sleeves and jumped into its mouth.

The Hollow paused for a brief second, shocked that its prey had willingly been eaten. It turned to Don Kanonji who stood silently.

"Haha…now for yo—" the Hollow stopped. Something didn't feel right. It began to choke and gag. It could feel its spiritual particles disintegrating.

"What? What is this?" it cried.

Don Kanonji crossed his arms and laughed. "Bowahahaha! You are the foolish one to think a hero would ever give his or her life up so easily. Bad spirits will always fall to good!"

The Hollow struggled to stand, but it was loosing itself. It shrank and began to revert to dark mist once more until even that was absorbed by a reformed crystal.

Nemu dropped out of the final dissipating mist just before the Hollow reverted. The vials in her hands were empty now. She turned to the crystal and picked it up with tweezers before depositing it into one of the empty vials and stuffing it in her sleeve.

"Good work guuurl. It always makes me proud to see a fan inspired by my courage," Don Kanonji grinned. "I'd be honored to call you my sidekick."

Nemu stared at Don for a moment. If anything was going through her mind, she didn't voice it. Instead, she put a sleep hold on him and tossed him over her shoulder. Mayuri-sama would be very interested in studying both of these things.

Orihime's clinic was very popular in Rukongai. She had several throughout soul society, but her headquarters was located in Inuzuri. It was unfortunate that she was currently there. The message Chad sent her from the clinic in Kusajishi, the 79th North Alley, disturbed her. She wouldn't be able to get up there in time to investigate, but Chad was certain this was not an isolated event. He had seen evidence these creatures in the west and east alleys. But the attacks were random and unpredictable. They had been too few and far between for him to consider it organized. Now was different. The attacks were not done by Shinigami or bandits or even Hollow. He didn't know what they were and his description was difficult to comprehend.

"Be careful, Inoue," he cautioned before untapping the communication node. "It is likely they will appear in the South soon. I will head that way as quickly as possible."

It was the most talkative Orihime had heard Chad been in a long time. He must indeed be concerned. Should she notify Rukia? Her friend likely already had much to deal with. She could inform Sora-niisan, but there were no com-nodes in Seireitei due to the wall that acted as a signal barrier. She also didn't dare stray far from her clinic. What if those creatures attacked? Who would be around to help them?

What could I even do to help…? She wondered.

Chad said it had looked like hollowfication. She didn't have much experience in treating that. It wasn't like reversing a wound. Besides, Ichigo had been the only one she had known personally to maintain his senses after undergoing hollowfication. Who was to say that any of these victims would be themselves long enough for her to attempt treatment?

Still…she had to try.

"Orihime?" Sora's voice called from the bottom floor of the clinic.

Orihime perked up. "Nii-san? Up here."

She hurried to meet her brother at the stairs and ran into his open arms. "Nii-san? What are you doing here?"

Sora smiled and released his sister. "Matsumoto-san gave me time off to come visit you. She said you might need me for something."

His smile faded to concern. "Is everything alright? You look pale."

Orihime was always amazed at how her brother could read through her façade. "Am I really that obvious?" she asked sadly. "I was just thinking about you actually. Yasutora-kun just contacted me. I was wondering if I should warn the squads."

"Slow down," Sora said. "Just start from the beginning ok? Tell me everything."

By the time Orihime had finished, Sora was sitting on a chair trying to remain calm. This was indeed a serious matter. And his sister had contemplated handling it on her own? Sora took a deep breath.

"Hime-chan…Would you like me to report this to the Gotei? I have a bad feeling about all this."

Orihime thought for a moment. Things didn't usually turn out pleasant when the Gotei 13 got involved in the wilder districts. From Orihime's experience, Shinigami were resented around these parts. Ever since the rebellion in the east over 150 years ago, tensions have been tight. It had only been a minor uprising, too small scale to honestly be considered a rebellion, but it had caused many to question the power of the Seireitei and noble families. Orihime was trying her best to appear the neutral party, but with most of her friends being Shinigami, it was difficult.

"Actually…Could you…give me a few days?" she finally said not looking into his eyes. "So far, I haven't seen signs of what Yasutora-kun spoke around here. If these things have attacked in the South, it's been deep in the 80th Alley."

"So you want me to wait until something happens here?" Sora grumbled.

"No. I just need some time to look into this myself. If the Gotei get involved, even I won't be able to stop them," she said sternly.

Seeing his sister had made up his mind, Sora let out another heavy sigh. "Fine. You got three days. That's when the Lieutenant meeting is. I'll bring it up then."

"Thank you, nii-san," Orihime relaxed.

They spent the rest of their time together catching up and trying to remember happier times. When Sora left, Orihime immediately jot down her thoughts.

"Keichi Kurosaki. Hollows and Quincy attack Shinigami students? Mysterious attackers. Hollowfication experiments?" It couldn't all be a coincidence that these incidents happened one after another, could it? Somehow, this reminded her of 200 years ago. Ichigo…did this have anything to do with him?

The sky warm colored sky gave way to dark hues. Kami glanced at her cell. 7:30pm. She was just around the corner from the meeting place, a dingy old fashion shop that looked forgotten by time. It was odd, the little wooden structure, nestled between an old refinery and an unused waterway. This location was at a higher elevation than much of the Karakura City Kami knew. She could see some of the backdrop from where she stood. The city lights were already flickering on, illuminating the sky and hiding the stars.

But the old shop stayed dark. Was it even in business? She doubted it. What could a place like this possibly offer? The name of the shop had faded long ago and she could see cobwebs hanging from the doorway.

Kami was still a little early. It was a perfect opportunity to scope the place out. Just as Kami began to circle the place, she heard a deep voice behind her.

Kami spun around, her hand flew to holster hidden within her cloak. No one was there.

"Relax pup," the voice sighed wearily. "I'm down here."

A black cat sat at her feet licking its paw contentedly.

Kami flew back several feet, her hand forgotten on the holster. "A cat? A talking cat?"

"That's what it appears to be. But I have a name you know," it stood and looked at her out of the corner of its eye.

Kami stared, stunned. Finally she said the name hesitantly. "Kamineko? Ha…I guess it is some kind of joke then?"

"Believe what you will child, but we have no time to waste on puns. You may call me Yoruichi if that sounds better," Yoruichi said testily.

"That goes for your little friend as well."

"Friend?" Kami looked at her oddly. "I didn't bring anyone. Just like you said."

Yoruichi looked over her shoulder to see Rin peeking around the corner.

"You!" Kami pointed an accusing finger. "I knew you were following me," she charged forward, her finger guiding her like a javelin.

"Who the hell are you?" she shouted.

Rin yelped and covered his head instinctively. "I-I I'm Rin! I was j-just t-told—."

"You really should calm down girl. He's harmless in that form."

Rin stared at the black cat. "You know what I am?"

Yoruichi grinned. "Hmph. You must not know who I am. Perhaps you'd recognize another name then. The Goddess of Flash."

The cat stood on its hind legs. As it rose, it transformed into a dark skinned woman with long purple hair and golden eyes. She grinned viciously and stood with her arms crossed over her nude breasts as if she were examining a new recruit.

Both Rin and Kami cried out. Rin blushed furiously. Kami hurried to offer her cloak and cover Rin's eyes at the same time.

"Y-you're a woman?" they said simultaneously.

Yoruichi frowned. It was never the reaction she wanted. "Follow me," she said, ignoring the cloak and entering the dirty building.

It was dark inside. Oppressively so. Light had always been an important part of Kami's life. She bumped her shin into a low table, but from the sounds of it, Rin was faring much worse.

"Careful fool," Yoruichi muttered. Then to herself she mumbled as she rummaged through Kami could only imagine. "Now where did I put those…?"

After a few moments, when Kami's eyes had begun to adjust to the darkness, Yoruichi was dressed in an orange and black shinobi outfit. She sat cross legged at the head of the table. Kami and Rin were on either side of her.

Kami was still glaring at Rin. She didn't know who or what she was, but she had a feeling she wouldn't like the answer. And if this meeting was suppose to be confidential, why was Yoruichi letting him sit in? What part did she play in all of this?

"Well I guess I can kill two birds here," Yoruichi said languidly.

Rin whimpered. "No it's a figure of speech kid," she rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, both of you are involved in something bigger than either of you can handle. Either directly," she glanced at Kami, "Or indirectly," she turned her golden eyes to Rin.

"Kami you are currently researching the whereabouts of a friend of yours correct? One you believe to have become a shinigami?"

Kami gapped. One of the biggest questions that had been eating away at her was cast off of this stranger's lips like it was a simple matter.

"And Rin, your Captain is involved in researching the recent Hollow invasion a week ago that led to the deaths of several shinigami, isn't that so?"

Rin glanced at Kami and nodded.

What? Kami slammed her hands on the table and stood abruptly. "I see then. You're a shinigami aren't you spy?" Kami spat her words toward Rin, but she was sure she could include Yoruichi in that accusation. No human could do what she had just done and Kami could sense something distinctly different about her. She wasn't like any shinigami Kami had encountered. She had to be cautious.

Yoruichi didn't move. But her eyes guided Kami back to her seat. "Let us put personal bias aside little Quincy girl. There are more important things at hand. Or have you forgotten that many of your own comrades had suffered from the Hollow."

"Even more have suffered from the hands of Shinigami. Including the hands of one you suppose is a friend of mine," her words where hot enough to melt iron.

Yoruichi stayed cool. "All the more reason for us to meet now before someone makes a greater mistake. One that will cost millions of innocent lives."

Kami fell silent, but she was still seething. Surrounded by shinigami and now it looked like she'd have to cooperate with them? If her father wasn't already going to kill her for her past mistakes, this would definitely do it.

"My associate and I have been researching something for the past few centuries. But after he crossed to Soul Society a few months ago, I lost contact with him. I was told if something big happened around here, to inform get this to the 12th division," Yoruichi pulled a parcel out from under the table and pushed it to Rin.

"You're making my job a little easier. We figured Kurotsuchi would be monitoring the Quincy, but we didn't think he'd but a tail on the very same one we needed," she flashed a grin.

Rin stared down at the package sheepishly.

"Don't speak as if I'm not here," Kami said crossly. "Who is this Kurotsuchi? Why are my people being monitored?"

Rin spoke this time. "There's really no point in hiding it. Captain Kurotsuchi just figured that Quincy may have gained some new powers since their revival and wanted to keep an eye on one. He finds humans very interesting," Rin offered a tentative smile. He hoped that last statement sounded harmless. But if Kami had any idea what his captain did to those he found "interesting"…

"And what is this thing you and this associate have been researching?" Kami turned her attention back to the cat woman. She could interrogate Rin more later.

"Hopefully you'll never need to know. What I want—what we need from you is to ensure that the Quincy will lay low. Trust me, it will be for the best of both sides."

"Oh? And just let shinigami and hollow run rampant?"

"You're aware that the Hollow have gained new abilities. As have the Quincy. Do you think this is a coincidence? Even humans have become more attuned to the spirit world. They may not understand what is going on, but they can sense it," Yoruichi's eyes flashed seriously.

"You should know better. Both of you. The worlds are beginning to meld together. There are those from every group who would like to take advantage of that."

Kami paused. It was the third time she stared in disbelief at Yoruichi. "Melding? You mean…?"

Yoruichi nodded. "The veil was weakened over 200 years ago in an effort to contain a great evil. You're familiar with that number aren't you? It dates back to your ancestor. There was no way of knowing what might have happened afterward."

Rin was leaning closely now, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and interest like a boy around a campfire hearing a ghost story.

"You're talking about that time Karakura was moved to Soul Society?" he gasped. "But…what happened? Aizen was defeated and everything went back to normal as far as I know."

Yoruichi shook her head. "That was on the surface. It's what was under the earth that changed. Something got loose…that's all we're really sure of. We still don't quite know what it, or they, are capable of. At least I'm not. That's why Kisuke went to Soul Society. He figured he'd find the answer there."

"Oh! Urahara!" Rin suddenly recognized who he was speaking to. "Then what's in this package?"

"I don't know, but he's sure Kurotsuchi will be able to handle things."

Kami was out of the loop. "Wait wait. What are you two talking about? What does any of this have to do with the Quincy? Or my…association with Keichi?"

"The fact that you remember him at all means you're an important player, Ishida. There is no such thing as coincidences," Yoruichi said. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Kami's mind was whirling in confusion. But there was one thing she could not deny. A lot of crap was happening very quickly and one name kept popping to her mind. Ichigo Kurosaki. No…it couldn't be a coincidence. Her research had proved that much.

"So Keichi…is he that guy from the past then?"

Yoruichi shook her head. "No. At least not right now. But who he or what he is doesn't matter. It's very important that his power doesn't fall into the wrong hands. You saw it personally right? It's unnatural for even a Shinigami. I'm very certain that the forces in motion will be vying for him."

Kami looked down at her hands folded on her knees. That guy. He was always causing trouble wasn't he? Even now…

"I he's going to be a tool for the Shinigami, will that be good or bad?"

Yoruichi thought for a long moment. "It's like I said, there's bad people on all sides. Let's just hope the good ones get to him first."

After a few moments, they decided to leave. Rin waited outside for Kami.

"Yoruichi-san," Kami said at length. "I think picking me to tell the Quincy anything was a bad idea. I mean, I'm not really in charge. The only one who can make such demands is my father. And right now, even if he does believe what I tell him, he'll think it was a trick."

"Most likely. I have no way of assuring you it's not after all," Yoruichi said honestly. "But your ancestor was pretty resourceful. I'm sure you'll think of something."

Kami turned away, but turned back a second later. Yoruichi was gone.

"Umm…Ishida-san," Rin called. "I'll walk you back…if you don't mind."

Kami turned a glare at the Rin. "You just want me to protect you in case a hollow attacks."

Rin shook his head. "N-no. This gigai completely seals my reiatsu. I was just thinking you might wanna talk. If you're worried about your friend and all…I could tell you what's going on in Soul Society."

"Oh? Like a double agent?"

Rin nodded. "I-I guess."

Kami must be getting tired. She had been up all day. She replied a lazy, "Fine…just don't keep peeking at me from shops across the street. It's really creepy."

Keichi – Maggot's nest – Yoruichi? – Urahara? – Ulquiorra? – Break out?

The guards' rough hands pulled Keichi from his dreamless sleep. His muscles were too tired to struggle. Had they drugged him?

The large guards bound him with several bakudo. "W-where are you taking me?" his hoarse voice muttered through chapped lip. When was the last time he had eaten or drank anything?

The guards didn't reply. He hadn't expected them to.

It was dark outside. He must have slept the entire day in that cell. Perhaps it had been longer than a day. Keichi's sense of time was completely thrown off.

They shoved him in the back of a metal wagon that wobbled on spoke wheels. Keichi hit the iron floor with an "umph". He could feel bile rising in his throat. Hunger and exhaustion was finagling getting to him. Only his will power held it down.

Now what am I going to do? He asked, half expecting to hear an answer. Nothing. Perhaps the sekiseki stone had the effect of suppressing his ability to hear his zanpakuto. Keichi suddenly felt lonely. Though Akumegetsu was a bit wild and unruly, it was nice knowing that there was at least someone on your side.

After a long while, the wagon slowed to a stop. Men rushed in, different men from before, and pulled Keichi out with rough hands. These ninja-like shinigami, Keichi recalled from his studies, must be from the Onmitsukido. The manhandled him into a canoe. When Keichi naturally resisted the force, one kicked him in the solar plexus. Keichi doubled over.

His silent captors rowed across the moat to a deserted plot of forested land that rose out of the water like a spear. As they neared, Keichi could see more of these ninja standing guard outside a stone cave.

"This is the only entrance to the Maggot's Nest," the more muscular looking of the guards stated without as much as a glance to Keichi once they stepped on the land. "Here is where you'll spend the rest of your days. With any luck, you'll go mad and kill yourself before too long," he said with an evil grin.

Now was the time Keichi would have shot back with a smart retort, but his mouth was so dry…He wanted water more than a witty comeback.

The metal door opened slowly. A large dark cavern awaited him below. The muscular guard deposited his Zanpakuto before leading Keichi inside. Keichi glanced at the man who laughed.

"Oh? Don't get any ideas now. I alone am more than capable of handling you without a zanpakuto," he said before shoving Keichi inside.

Down the stairs and pass more similar doors as the first, they finally reached the massive cell. By now, Keichi's eyes adjusted to the thick darkness. Swarms of prisoners sat idly by. One pulled at his hair while he rocked back and forth muttering to himself, a woman wept in the corner, another man laughed and screamed while he beat his head against the stone wall. Others crawled over each other just like maggots crawled over carcasses. Some fought over crumbs, others lay down as if they awaited death. The place reeked of waste and death.

"Welcome to your new home," the guard grinned.

Closer inmates looked up at the "fresh meat". One prisoner, larger than the guard, approached. Half of his face was scarred to the point of being unrecognizable. His clothes were soiled and tattered and his long gray hair was decorated with bones. Keichi didn't want to imagine what kind of bones.

"Oy, Tsukaru, who's the new guy? Another punk piss off the old men?"

The guard replied. "Call me by my given name again Asarde and I will put you in solitary."

Asarde chuckled. "Right right. Anyway, want me to give him the special welcome?"

Tsukaru glared. "I don't want to know, nor do I care, what scum like you do here."

Asarde grinned maddeningly. He touched his scarred face reminiscently. "That's what you said last time you brought a prisoner here with your own hands. So this little guy must be something."

Tsukaru turned away. "Central 46 does have an interest him. Try not to kill him too soon."

Keichi looked up at Asarde with blank eyes. His body still shook with hunger, but he tried to stand firm.

"Feh…" Asarde spit. He tapped a pale woman whose hair had grown to her feet. She hurried off toward a boiling pot and pulled up a cracked bowl of gruel.

"You look like shit," Asarde said as she returned and handed him the bowl. "No point messing with someone that's on the verge of death. I'm what you can call the chief around here. I'm in charge of water and food rations as well as sleeping arrangements. As long as you follow my rules, we won't have any trouble."

He handed Keichi the bowl. "Eat it. It taste horrible and you don't want to know what's in it. But it will keep you alive."

Keichi hesitated. He reached for the bowl and nodded a thank you. Slowly he put his lips to the bowl. That was all it took. The smell of the "food" reeked. His head snapped back and he gagged, dropping the bowl on the ground and spilling its green and brown contents. Several people crawled toward the food and fought over solid pieces.

Keichi gagged.

Asarde grinned and walked away. "That was your ration for the day. Good luck here kid. You're gonna need it."

Keichi wandered through the Nest aimlessly. He would have been appalled at the horrors he saw if his brain could function properly. His eyes were distant like a man who was looking into the future and saw nothing. So this is where all his hard work had gotten him?

A baby cried. A woman hushed it. When Keichi looked up he saw that no one was around. In the corner, a young woman was trying to nurse a child. She looked at Keichi fiercely, daring him to approach and harm her child.

Slowly, Keichi came to his senses. The monstrosity of this place sank in. He clenched his fist and turned away. He would not die here.

"Hey! New guy!" a young man ran toward Keichi. "Whoa! What's with that scary look? I saw you come in. Wanted to greet you for myself. Show you that not everybody here is insane or evil, right? My name's Simon."

Keichi looked the tall, skinny, dark haired boy up and down. If this was a place where dangerous people were sent, then this person too could be dangerous.

Simon seemed to know what Keichi was thinking. "Oh don't mind me. I was born here. Just like that woman's baby. What's more, I got no spirit power so this place doesn't affect me like everyone else here."

He chuckled. "I don't have to eat that nasty looking stuff you spilled."

Keichi relaxed. "What was in it?"

Simon sobered. "Do you really wanna know? You can guess can't you? There's only 3 types of meat you'll find down here. Rats, bugs, and-" his eyes traveled over to the woman and her child. "Weaklings."

Keichi snapped and grabbed Nick by his collar. "Don't fuck with me! If that's the truth why hasn't anyone eaten you?"

Simon gained control over Keichi and slammed him into the ground. "I'm not as weak as I look. Those born here, the ones that don't need to eat to maintain their strength, they are the ones that survive the longest."

He eased off of Keichi. "Besides, I was sure to keep as much meat off me. I mean look at me? Not very tasty looking am I?"

Keichi coughed as Simon helped him stand and dusted him off.

"So tell me about yourself. Why are you here—um?"

"Keichi. And I don't know why. Guess I'm dangerous."

Simon crossed his arms. "Yeah…people never know why they're brought here. But you can't be too bad. After all, only the really scary people get put in solitary."

Keichi was only half listening. His head began to hurt and he felt like he was going to be sick again. His body was drenched in cold sweat.

"Hey man…you look really bad. Are you ok?" Simon's voice surrounded him. "You shouldn't pass out here. Someone might try to eat you alive if you do."

Keichi doubled over, throwing up what ever was left of his stomach at Simon's feet. A white liquid pooled out of his mouth and nose. It choked him. Keichi scratched at his throat trying to breathe. He heard screaming, but did not know if it was his own voice or someone else's.

Simon backed away. Terrified. "Uh…jeez ok."

He scrambled back toward the entrance to get the guards. Something was really wrong with their new captive and Simon hoped it wasn't contagious.

When he reached the door he could hear a woman's voice yelling at a guard. "Fool! Did you not get the order? That new criminal was to be put in solitude!"

"S-so sorry Captain Soi Fon," 3rd seat Tsukaru whimpered on the other side. "I'll do it now. No harm done really."

The door swung open so quickly, Simon barely had a chance to dodge.

"Outta the way rat. Where's that prisoner I just brought in?" Tsukaru ordered.

Simon's eyes were still wide with fear. "He's in the back getting sick. I came here as fast as I could. I think it's something really bad!" he tried to explain quickly.

Tsukaru shoved Simon away. "Shut up! Like I give a damn. You're all sick as far as I'm concerned."

Soi Fon followed behind him. Her face was set with severe lines. She glanced down at Simon. He had never seen her before. So this was the big boss, huh? She didn't look so tough.

A small group of scavengers had gathered around the heaving Keichi. They were arguing. One was badly injured, another lay unconscious or dead. When the guard and captain approached, the rest scattered. At the sight of Keichi, Tsukaru gasped. The white liquid that had been pooling out of Keichi's mouth had begun to solidify across his face like a hollow mask. Blood dripped from from Keichi's hand.

"What the hell? What the hell is this?" Tsukaru grabbed Simon. "What happened to him?"

Simon stuttered. "I-I dunno I swear. I was talking to him and he suddenly began to black out."

Keichi looked up with black eyes at Simon and Tsukaru. A predatory grin crept across his face. He leapt at them only to find his attack blocked by Soi Fon's matchless speed.

"Quick…get away from him or you'll become infected as well," she ordered. "Keep all the prisoners away."

She pushed Keichi back. "Just as I feared…" she frowned.

Keichi regained his balance and screamed. The cry echoed off the walls and shook the cavern. It was the unearthly sound of a hollow calling for back up. Soi Fon withdrew a pill and forced it into Keichi's gaping boned mouth.

Almost immediately, Keichi dropped to the ground. "There…that should hold you off for awhile. Now…to get you out of here before your friends wake up."

Soi Fon was no longer Soi Fon. Her image shattered like glass to reveal a scruffy blond man with a green and white hat wielding a cane. Urahara Kisuke knelt beside the unconscious boy and lifted him onto his back.

A hand grabbed Kisuke by the ankle. A woman, the same that had occupied the corner moments ago, had been infected. Two of the infected scavengers appeared as well and tried to restrain Kisuke.

"What? Hm…it's reacting sooner than I guessed. Must be because of those people…" he muttered as he kicked them away and dashed for the door. He couldn't leave these hollowfied victims inside. They would infect the other prisoners. But he couldn't use his zanapakuto in here either. Otherwise an innocent person might get hurt. If he could just lure them outside…

Tsukaru tried to intercept. "Who are you? What happened to Captain Soi Fon?"

"Outta the way!" Kisuke jumped over Tsukaru.

The victims were becoming more like hollow by the second. He glanced back to see they were still following, running on all fours like beasts.

The prisoners screamed and scattered away as far as possible. Asarde was in the group. He tripped and was trampled. One hollow smelled his freshly spilled blood and ran off course. It barreled toward Simon like a steam roller.

"No!" Kisuke shouted and tried to catch the hollow.

The other one jumped in his path. "Fine. You leave me no choice."

He sat Keichi down and pulled his cane free. "Awaken, Benihime."

Simon tried to scamper away on his hands and knees. The hollow jumped and pinned his prey to the ground. It licked its barred teeth and sniffed Asarde.

Asarde grabbed the most solid thing next to his hand. He slammed the hollow against the side of its mask with a femur. The femur shattered in his hands.

Simon, shaking, tackled the hollow off of Asarde. "Dad, go!"

But before he could turn and put on a brave face for his father, the third hollow appeared. It pierced a talon through Simon's breast. It raised his impaled body, still wide eyed and squirming, before ripping him in two and disgracing the useless corpse.

Asarde shouted and cursed at the things. He punched the first hollow in its mask, cracking the bone a little. The hollow reared back toward its partner.

Meanwhile, Kisuke had just dispatched of the second hollow and dashed to Asarde's side. "Get out of here now. I can handle these things alone."

"Those bastards just—"

"Now!" Kisuke shouted. A frightening look crossed his grey eyes that hid beneath the shadow of his hat. "Make sure no one else was infected."

Asarde hesitated then hurried toward the others.

Kisuke dispatched the last two hollows, careful not to use Benihime's explosive power. The first one, still reeling from its injury, went down quickly. But the second one that had killed Simon was faster. Wings sprouted from its back and it flew out of Kisuke's reach. A blue light appeared in front of its gaping mouth.

"Cero? Everyone get down!" Kisuke shouted. He jumped into the hair and released Benihime's Blood Mist Shield.

The Cero hit with a greater amount of force than the average hollow. The shield cracked, but it held. The force of the blast ricocheted off the ceiling and walls causing some stone to crumbled and plummet to the ground. The hollow was already following up with a second cero.

Kisuke dropped the shield and slashed the hollow in two. He dropped to the ground. The prisoners and guards were huddled together in a panic, both sane and crazed. Kisuke pressed his hat closer to his head and turned to retrieve Keichi. So much for just dropping in and saying hello to his past. It seemed his past wanted to greet him full on.

No one tried to stop him. They had enough sense to know he had just saved all their lives, whoever he was. Besides, he was going to take that "thing" away. Let someone else deal with it. It was no place for the Maggot's Nest.

In the depths of Hueco Mundo under the pale gray starless sky, a low rumble shakes the sands. At the same time, an earthquake in Brazil devastates a small town. West Rukongai's 70th district experiences a quake of equal magnitude.

Far below in a world no one stands, eyes hot as coals flicker and smile. Chaos was buried beneath the crust, but soon it would leash itself upon the world with vengeance. Time. That's all that stood in its way now. Time.

((Next chapter, I will try to clear up some more things. The hollowfication of Keichi may seem inconsistent with the process given by Kubo, but I promise to clarify via the "sandal hat guide". Also, there will probably be a bit of a time skip to speed some things up.

Sorry for the long wait to update ;^_^ I've been pretty busy lately and tired when not busy. Anyway, I hope you all are enjoying this. The next two story updates are going to be romance shorts. If you're not interested in that kind of thing, just sit tight for the next chapter of Bleach 200+. Now…to try something a little old and new to fill in things I don't think I'll be able to fit into the main story.

Oh and be sure to comment!))

Shinigami Golden!:

"Hey, Ikkaku," Yumichika pokes his head into the seventh squad captain's quarters. "Wake up!"

Ikkaku grumbles something and wipes the sleep from his eyes. "How many times do I gotta tell you Yumichika, I gotta nap before I get started on my work."

"Baldy!" Yachiru jumps in the room before Yumichika can explain. She lands right on Ikkaku's rear end.

"Argh! Dammit Kusajishi! I think you broke it!" Ikkaku holds his back in pain and squirms under Yachiru's weight.

"Aw…poor broken baldy. But I've come to play. You guys are the only ones that play with me anymore," she pouts.

Yumichika intervenes. He calmly crosses his arms over his lieutenant's badge. "Perhaps more people would play with you if you didn't play so rough?"

"Quiet Feathers. Fighting's no fun unless it's rough," she glares, still sitting on Ikkaku's back.

"Get off of me! I'll kill you!"

Yachiru leaps up and squeals with delight and runs around the room. "Yay! Come on old baldy come on!"

Yumichika's eyebrow twitches and he sighs. "Some things never change do they?" he asks himself.