Grimlocked Chapter 8: We Are One
"Hold still!" I slashed, locking my scythe with Banshi once again. With the re scheduled execution, we couldn't waste much more time.
KA-PEW! A blast of blue light exploded on the far side of the cave as Ichigo sparred.
"So that's the Getsuga Tensho that Zangetsu told me about", Banshi glanced over there for a moment, before breaking my weapon again. I threw it back at him and ran in the other direction. I picked up another and lasted not any more than a minute. None of these weapons came relatively close.
"Where's all of that power I had before?" I said to myself quietly as I stepped back and my foot touched something. I looked back to see a black cylindrical device about the size of a short sword's hilt. A bright turquoise circuit on both sides was the only thing that opposed its black majority. I picked it up and held it for a moment before pressing one of the circuits.
On that same end, two blades snapped out of the top, connected by a centerpieces as a double edged sword without a hilt. A glowing blue core existed in the interior of each blade. It was two and a half feet long, small compared to other standard Zanpacto, but it was extremely lightweight. I held it just above my arm and passed it over my wrist. I watched in amazement as the blade cut through the hair on my arm without me having to hold it in place. Refined cutting power! I don't know why, but I liked this sword. I wanted this sword.
"Don't get slow on me!" Banshi came in for another strike and I caught the scythe between the tips of the blades one handed. His robotic eyes widened in surprise, "What?"
"I'm liking the looks of this!" I shoved his scythe back and slashed at his chest, tearing his robes. He used the back of his scythe with that shove I gave him to loop back around and knock the blade from my hand.
"That was…unusual", he said pondering on how that tiny little blade took time to get rid of. But he shook it off and came at me as I grabbed another scythe to combat him. But I lasted only two minutes. I reached for another and swung at him and our weapons clashed again. Banshi and I both gasped as we saw that my weapon wasn't that scythe I grabbed, but rather that sword from before!
"It's probably just a glitch", he said before knocking it away a second time. I reached for a large sword and struck again, only to find that it was again the short sword!
"I think I found the weapon after all", I said with a grin, coming at Banshi with renowned speed.
"That's impossible!" Banshi said as he tried to fight me off, "That's not the sword! Why! Won't! It! Break?!" he hammered my sword with blow after blow, but it never broke.
"I plan to prove otherwise. I like this blade! This is the one!" I dashed forward, and we traded blows. Slowly, but surely, he was becoming accustomed to my rapid paced fighting style. We both staggered at the same time. We both struck at the same time, and even dodged at the same time.
Now what? He knows my every move! It's like I'm fighting myself! Three strikes, later, a lightbulb lit up in my head, and my sword glowed, pulsing in response. I was right in what I thought before, my Zanpacto really was in front of me this whole time! But it was not where I first expected.
I thrust my blade forward to catch Banshi's scythe. But this time, I sent a shockwave into his blade! He growled as the vibrations stunned him, forcing him to pull back.
"That is not the blade!" he told me, "Stop going against the rhythm!" We went at it one last time. I slashed with my sword, but pressed the button that retracted the blade in an instant. Banshi's strike wasn't designed to be a chain attack this time, and he missed, forcing him to put extra effort into stopping the blade.
By then it was too late, I threw the now extended blade and pinned his foot to the ground. While he was stunned, I got up close and drove my hand into the glowing core in the center of his chest.
"What…what are you doing?!" he groaned, "This isn't how it's supposed to work!"
"Don't even think about telling me that!" I barked, "How can't you see it?! You and I fight in the exact same way! We act the same. When I fought you, I found that I was fighting myself! I saw near perfection between soul reaper and Zanpacto! You and I are one in the same! Our powers and strengths are shared! It hit me a moment ago: if I want my Zanpacto to upgrade, I have to upgrade as well! The Zanpacto I needed to win this fight all along was you!"
Banshi looked at me in silence before he cut the act, closed his eyes, and smiled, "Ash, you lucky bastard. You passed." In an instant, every one of Banshi's test weapons disappeared. All except for the sword In Banshi's foot.
"What?" I reached down and removed the blade, "This….is my bankai?" I looked up to see that Banshi's manifested form had disappeared.
"No, I'm afraid not. It appears that you liked that sword so much, and vice versa if I might add, that it forced an override in my systems and force me to make this my sealed form", the sword spoke, the lights flashing with each syllable.
"But why not the scythe?" I asked.
"Hey, we've already got a scythe as a shikai. Besides, you needed something smaller for special occasions. Now, hold the button over your chest and let's do this thing!"
I followed and said the word that I've been wanting so badly to say.
"Bankai!"
That word echoed through the cave. Then there was silence.
"What's going on?!" Banshi said beginning to panic, "Nothing's happening!"
"Wait, I haven't gotten bankai?" I looked at him.
"No, no, no! We did everything right! My bankai isn't working!"
"How can it not be working?! Can you find out what's wrong?!" I began to sweat.
"Alright, let's remain calm! I'll just try and diagnose the problem. Let's see…checking bio-mechanics... wait, INSUFFICIENT HARDWARE?! What the hell?! I'm a spiritual exo-organic life form, not a computer! Why do I have an insufficient hardware?!"
"Translation?" I asked.
"It says that I….we, lack the physical requirements. I'm afraid that this glitch that removed my previous sealed form…..has cut us off from Bankai. But regardless of whether or not we're on top of our game, we have to go out there. In the meantime, I'll be working on a solution to our problem."
.
I didn't see how we could possibly fix the problem.
Regardless, I heard news about a Ryoka being held in the Squad Eleven barracks. So Mom gave me orders to go and check it out.
"I can't wait to see the 'bubbly-bubbly' thing!" A childish voice said from inside, "Mr.…"
"Oh I don't expect you to remember that. Just plain old Maki-Maki is fine!"
"Maki-Maki. That name's really weird!" the girl's voice giggled.
"What do you mean it's weird?! You're the one who came up with the nickname!" the man said in annoyance.
But I turned my attention to a very familiar girl sitting in the middle of the room.
"So, Orihime", Ikkaku said to her, "Why don't you tell us what's going on?"
"She's so gorgeous", Yumichika said perplexed by the girl.
"You think Ichigo's still alive, or what?" Ikkaku said.
"I hope he's still alive. He must be, I'm sure that he is", Orihime said.
Kenpachi chuckled, "He's alive alright. In fact, I'm certain of it. He's alive and he's getting stronger even as we speak. As a matter of fact, I'm going to help you out. I get the feeling that if I stick with you, I'll see Ichigo again soon."
"You know that Carrot top all too well, Kenpachi!" I said standing right behind him.
"What the?!" Ikkaku jumped back all of a sudden upon seeing me, "Who are you?! How did you get in here?!"
"It's okay, Ikkaku. He's Miharu's student", Kenpachi said smiling at me, "I heard that you went at it with Kuchiki again and you even fought his bankai to a draw with only your shikai! I knew I liked you for a reason. What brings you here?"
"Ryoka checkup. It's good to see you again Orihime", I looked to her.
"Thank goodness, you're safe", she sighed, "And Ichigo?"
"If Kenpachi is helping out, then I guess there's no point in holding back. My Captain and mother, Kozuki, is planning to break Rukia out, with the help of Joshiro and Shunsui. I saw Ichigo not long ago in the secret training grounds, and last I saw him, he was training to achieve bankai."
Kenpachi slammed his fist against the wall and smiled like the Grinch, "THAT'S MORE LIKE IT! That kid never disappoints! I can't wait until this Rukia is broken out and I can fight him again!"
"Enough babbling!" Banshi's mechanical voice spoke from his blade, "If they're working with us, we need to get them caught up with the plan!"
.
(A few hours later)
"I think it's probably that way", Orihime said before Yochiru hit her head.
"NO! IT'S THIS WAY! Kenny knows it's this way too! Don't you Kenny!"
"Perhaps we'd be better off listening to Orihime. After all, the lieutenant is not exactly known for her accurate sense of direction", Ikkaku complained, drawing a mean look from the little girl.
"Perhaps you should shut up, cue ball head!" she spat at him.
"I'm gonna kill her for that!" he began to unsheathe his blade.
"Come on. Keep your cool now. I have to admit Ikkaku, you were kind of asking for that one", Yumichika deadpanned.
"Enough of all the bickering! I'm just gonna go with my instincts", Kenpachi growled.
"No way! I heard that your sense of direction is even worse!" I deadpanned, "I'll show you guys how it's done! Echo to the skies, Banshi!" I rocketed into the air, "Take the fourth path to your right and take your third left right after that! From there, just take the only right and the prison's right there!"
"Atta boy, Ash!" Kenpachi told me as they took to the path.
.
"You're late", Yamamoto told me as I landed in the execution grounds.
"My apologies head captain, but a fight broke out between Kenpachi and the captains of Squads Seven and Nine", I explained, "I don't think they would have even noticed me if I interfered."
"Let them have at it", Yamamoto grumbled, "They will face the consequences later. Now the time has arrived. Let us begin the execution!"
Byakuya entered the grounds, drawing Rukia's attention for a moment, but he looked away, too ashamed to even look at her.
"Why were you late?" Mom asked me quietly as I took my place beside her.
"I told you the truth. Captain Zaraki has sided with us, and is keeping the other captains at bay. But are you sure this will be enough?"
"We still have a special guest watching us as we speak. When things get ugly, he'll take care of things", she whispered to me.
"I hope you're right."
"Rukia Kuchiki. Do you have any last words before your execution?" Yamamoto asked.
Rukia just smiled and gave the head captain her last request as the Sokyoku powered up.
"Agreed! Your last request shall be honored! After your execution we shall allow the ryoka to return home, unharmed."
"Thank you so much, Head Captain!" she sighed with relief. Three blocks floated up, lifting Rukia up to the stand with her arms spread out, as though she were about to be crucified.
Several masked figures stood by the Sokyoku and began the ritual, causing the Sokyoku to burst into flame. My eyes widened as the giant weapon began to change shape. Wings formed at its side and a beak formed at the blade's tip. In moments, a phoenix was formed.
"The spearhead of the Sokyoku has taken on its true form, in order to render the ultimate punishment!" Yamamoto exclaimed, "When the prisoner's body has been pierced, the sentence will have been carried out!"
I know that Rukia was about to die and all, but I was focused on the Sokyoku itself. I felt its power up close and I craved that power now more than ever!
And now more than ever, we needed a miracle.
The Sokyoku roared and lunged forward. I looked away, not willing to see that we had failed.
BOOM! The sound hit my ears. But the Sokyoku was still trying to plow forward, and Rukia was still alive! All of the captains looked up to see a cloaked figure facing Rukia, while blocking the Sokyoku with a giant blade on his back.
"Hey", he said calmly to Rukia.
"You idiot!" Rukia screamed, "What's it going to take for you to finally realize?! You can't defeat my brother! He'll kill you for sure this time! I'm not asking you or anyone to save me this time! I'm resigned to my fate! GO AWAY!"
I smiled in joy, "Ichigo, you son of a gun!" I said almost out loud. The phoenix roared and backed up again.
"Ichigo! You'll be torn to pieces!" Rukia cried in protest.
"NOW!" Mom cried out as a set of ropes strangled the giant bird. The other ends stretched to Shunsui, Ukitake and Mom.
"It's about time you showed up Uncle Josh!" I said as I rushed over to one end with Mom.
"It took a while to break the seal, but this ought to do it!" Josh placed a shield with the clan symbol on the front.
"Stop them!" Soifon screamed, "They'll destroy the-OOF!" I fired a shockwave at her as she tried to approach and I whipped out Banshi.
"Even Valero?!" someone gasped.
The masked men dashed forward to fight. But suddenly, one tumbled to the ground, then another until all of them were shot in the shoulders.
"What is that?" Soifon's lieutenant looked around in panic. Another shot rang out.
"A sniper! With S.E. rounds! But that means…" I gasped looking around until I spotted a dark figure standing on one of the buildings half a mile away. In his hand was a sniper rifle, "It's…Dad! I can't believe it's you!"
"Don't be so surprised to see me Ash!" his voice came in over the nearby hell butterfly "Your mom gave me the call, I just had to help!"
"Thanks for coming Enrique", Mom said over the connection as the seal breaker lines lit up like dynamite fuses and destroyed the Sokyoku.
But I saw the pieces fall in slow motion as their power drained.
"Ichigo! Get her out of there! Bring it down!" I called. I whipped out Banshi's sealed form and held him in "guitar mode" as I strummed out a badass guitar riff
[Plays the guitar solo at the beginning of Ichigo's theme, "Number One"]
The substitute soul reaper stabbed Zangetsu into the stand below him, splitting the entire thing down the middle!
"I'm going to say this for the second time. I've come here to rescue you." Ichigo said to Rukia, now in his arms as the dust cleared.
"You…you morons", she almost cried, "Byakuya's going to kill you all! We can't run forever!"
"I beg to differ", I smiled "But we have you to thank. In our chase to find you, Ichigo achieved Bankai! Heck, even Renji found his Bankai! If we have to fight, at least now we'll have a fighting chance."
"We're not just going to let you throw away your life for nothing", Ichigo said "Hey! It's about time, Renji!" The redhead was on the far side of the execution grounds.
"I wasn't going to just let you save Rukia by yourselves."
"Here you go! Ready?" He raised Rukia in the air and hurled her, quarterback style towards the Squad Six lieutenant below. I facefaulted at this.
"Ichigo! We're trying to save her life, not end it!" I yelled at him.
"Yeah! What if I didn't catch her?!" Renji barked in an almost comical fury.
"What are you waiting for?" Ichigo asked, "Take her far away from here! Protect her with your life! That's your duty!"
Renji thought on his actions for a moment before he nodded and dashed in the other direction with Rukia in his arms.
"Why didn't you just have me fly with her?" I asked.
"Renji's spent more time in the Soul Society than we have. He knows the ins and outs of the Seireitei to an extent that we may never know."
"Huh. I never saw you as the strategic type. Well planned", I complimented him.
"Valero!" Soifon yelled at me, "What is the meaning of this?! Why do you side with the ryoka?!"
"I was with them long before they even infiltrated the Seireitei. It's nothing personal, I really like you guys. It's just that Rukia doesn't deserve to die. If you all can't see that", I whipped out Banshi's sword form, "Then you'll all have to go through me! And I will not be stopped by any captain! Banshi and I won't disappoint."
"You little traitor! I trusted you!" she growled, but was tackled aside by a blur of orange. Definitely Yoruichi. Soifon would have her hands full. Yamamoto had gone after Mom, Ukitake, and Shunsui. Three lieutenants went after Renji, only to be taken out by Ichigo, who didn't even use Zangetsu. But Byakuya appeared right beside him and sliced, only to be blocked by Ichigo's blade.
"I can see your moves, Byakuya Kuchiki!" he said. Their spiritual pressures began to rise.
"TIME OUT!" I jumped between them, forcing them to pause, and I moved the three lieutenants out of the way. That Squad Two lieutenant had to be rolled aside. But I decided to help out the girl with the short silver hair, Isane, who I picked up in a bridal carry.
A loud grumble sounded and I jumped back as some sort of stingray flew over the other two and swallowed them whole!
"Now you may begin", a soft voice said, and I looked to see the captain of Squad Four, Lady Retsu. The duelists began to go at it again as the stingray flew to the medic captain's side.
"Are you going to be my opponent?" I asked, "I don't want to, but I will if I must."
"No", she replied calmly, "I'm merely here to reduce the casualties as a medic. My Zanpacto", she motioned to the giant sting ray, "has a stomach with strong healing properties to anyone inside. Medical transport if you will. Besides, as for you, there's no point in harming someone who saves your allies."
"Oh, thank goodness!" I sighed with relief, "Look, I'm sorry I had to cause so much trouble. I really do like the Soul Society, really I do. I just can't watch Rukia die."
"Not many wanted that, but unfortunately, that isn't even Yamamoto's call. The council decided that", she said as I handed her Isane.
"Ash!" a familiar voice said as a hell butterfly landed on my shoulder.
"Captain Toshiro. What is it?" I asked.
"It's Momo! She left her cell last night and now I'm certain that Gin is behind all of this!"
"Gotta go!" I waved to Captain Retsu and I took off running with the butterfly cupped in my hands, "Toshiro, there's something bugging me about this Aizen situation. I have suspicions that Sosuke knew he was being targeted and set a trap. I have a feeling that the corpse left on that wall was nothing more than an illusion."
"That's impossible!" he said sternly, "No Kido ability can do that."
"Toshiro, I've seen Aizen in action before. His Zanpacto's power is a flawless illusion that manipulates all five senses, starting from the moment that one looks at his blade. I've seen him shut it off prematurely before, and that revealed his trick. But even then he didn't have the sense to modify his illusion to echolocation….yet."
"But why would he do that?" Toshiro asked, "Why would he go so far as to fool his own comrades?"
"To be the ultimate spy. Rule number seventy-eight of James Bond: the best agents can fool their allies to even further trick their enemies", I suddenly perked up, "Momo! I sense her spiritual pressure! A mile northwest of your position!"
"Sejo Tokyorin! But that area's forbidden to even the Head Captain! Wait…of course! That explains it! Get to Momo and bring your A game!"
"I'm packing a little something along for the occasion!" I flew in and landed silently at the top of the steps.
Down in the cavern below, I saw Gin, leading Momo into one of the tall structures. They were speaking, but I couldn't hear what they said. But she appeared to come here on her own will.
"There's someone here to see you", Gin said to her and I felt a very familiar spiritual energy in the room. Immediately, I blindfolded my eyes and put my shades on to hide it. I relied on my seismic sonar to give me a layout of the ground below. Sure enough, a figure flashstepped into the doorway with his sword drawn.
"Captain Aizen?! Is that really you?!" Momo said before rushing forward into a hug…..with nothing. It was an illusion. The real Aizen stood right behind the fake. A kind expression crossed his face as he spoke softly, in an attempt to console the crying Momo. He must not trust Gin still, and probably wanted to fool him, and used this chance to further realize the illusion. But I felt sad. In order to maintain peace, he couldn't let Momo come too close. It was comforting to know that he was….
K-SHUNK!
That sickening noise interrupted my thoughts. I was praying that what I just sensed was merely an illusion. But it wasn't. Momo gasped for air and dropped to the floor in her own blood!
The one who stabbed her was Sosuke Aizen.
My breath was quick and shaky. No! This isn't possible! He cared for Momo and even stood up to Gin, who he knew was plotting to kill him!
That was unless that Aizen I saw before was an illusion of a different type. He was with Gin this whole time! It was all an illusion that was decades in the making!
Aizen then looked up with a sadistically calm smile that chilled me to the bone, "You can come out now, Ash."
I gritted my teeth and flashstepped to the ground, "Damn you. How long was it?"
"Don't jump so suddenly, Ash. You just asked me three different questions at once you know. I knew from the moment you entered that you were watching. Second, I've lost track of how long the Soul Society didn't know about me. Third, I knew from the very beginning who you really are, Ash Kozuki."
"Kozuki?" Gin said genuinely surprised, "So he was Miharu's son all this time? You could have told me about that Sosuke. I might have taken the boy more seriously."
"That would have hampered your cover, Ichimaru", Aizen pushed up his glasses.
"Enough! I was on to you from the start, Gin, and you know it! You can't keep a secret if you tried!" I snapped.
"Well that's not fair of you!" Gin scratched his head with a frown (as opposed to that creepy smile), "You hardly even know me!"
"You, on the other hand, I didn't see coming in a million years", I pointed to Aizen, "I respected you, almost above my Sensei. Ironically enough, you didn't deserve it!" I flashstepped over to Momo, picked her up, and backed away to the previous point, "And Momo. I've seen the way she admired you. You were a father in her eyes, Aizen! You were her life! And you throw away her life like she's some sort of expendable!"
"I would have preferred not to kill her", he replied, "But she knows too much. And in the end, most people are expendables anyhow, especially the weak."
I laid Momo down, instantly snapped out Banshi, and dashed for Aizen in a rage. But Gin jumped in the way.
"How about I give him a go, Sosuke?" he grinned.
"Not a chance, you clown! I'm not afraid of you anymore!" I slammed my spiritual pressure onto our battleground and even caused Gin to waver.
"I've heard about this spiritual pressure. It's from your father, isn't it? I've only seen one this strong in Ichigo and Kenpachi", Gin sneered.
"Shut up!" I growled, "Echo! Banshi!" Banshi assumed scythe form and left a scratch on Gin's throat.
"That was a cheap shot", he mused, "I was wondering what happened to your Zanpacto."
"Hey, Toshiro!" Aizen said in a mildly pleased tone. The young Squad 10 Captain ran inside in a rush.
"Aizen? Are you alive or is this some trick?!" Toshiro growled.
"No trick! It's really me, Toshiro", then he muttered to Gin, "He's returned sooner than expected. I hope you have an explanation."
"Sorry sir. Izuru must not have been able to keep them occupied", Gin sighed.
"What are you talking about?" Toshiro asked.
"Oh, nothing really. We were just discussing the finer points of strategy. The breaking down of an enemy's fighting power to be specific."
"Stop asking questions Toshiro!" I said leaping back to him, "I've seen enough to know that these two are threats to the Soul Society. And by the way, you may want to keep your promise to Gin. They…." I couldn't finish. But Hitsugaya got the message.
"Momo… where is she?" he asked and I motioned to her behind us.
"I shouldn't left her lying around", Aizen sighed, "In fact, I should have cut her up into little pieces and hidden her where you'll never find her."
"SHUT THAT FILTHY TRAP, AIZEN!" I roared at him, striking with Banshi.
"Impale him!" Gin said as his Zanpacto extended and threw me back a hundred yards and into several structures. I used Banshi to slow me down. The only reason I survived that was because Banshi took the hit, and even then I was knocked out cold.
.
I forgot how long I was out, but I woke up to Isane, Lieutenant of Squad 4, trying to shake me awake.
"What happened?" I asked, but I gasped as I saw Toshiro on the ground bleeding. Ice surrounded his fallen body. His Bankai.
"Careful!" Isane stopped me, "You were hit rather hard. Just let me finish healing you."
"Thanks", I muttered, "Where did they go?"
"The execution grounds!" Dad stated over the hell butterfly, "I have reason to believe that he's after Rukia!"
I thought back on what happened a moment ago and I forcefully stood up, "Then Saddle up! Look, if anyone has the ability to go up against Aizen, it's me! I might not have Bankai yet, but Banshi's power is the only thing that can get around Aizen's illusions! I have to fight him! Echo through the Skies! Banshi!" I blasted through the hole in the roof and set my sights on Sokyoku hill. But I made sure to blindfold myself and put on my shades. I couldn't let Aizen know about my immunity to his power. I had to catch him by surprise!
Suddenly, hundreds of spikes shot up from the execution grounds to see the captain of Squad Nine with the others, and I was forced to drop low. That was an attack from his zanpacto.
Scattered around, I saw Ichigo and Renji, and the captain of Squad 7, all barely conscious.
"So you're still alive?" Aizen said, "But I'm afraid that you're too late." Rukia was in the middle of a glyph which was pulling some sort of violet crystal from her chest. That thing had an almost demonic power.
"How fascinating", Aizen said picking it up, "I didn't expect it to be so small. The Hogyoku. But sadly I have no further use for you. Kill her Gin" he held her up.
"Shoot to kill! Shinso." He said as the blade leaped forward to kill. But by this point, Rukia was now safely in the arms of a bloodied Byakuya who collapsed soon after the blade was removed.
"Byakuya!" I gasped silently, but then I growled "Aizen!" I turned to him, "You and I have unfinished business! I challenge you to a duel!"
"You?" he chuckled, "You were knocked out by Gin with no trouble at all."
"But I have an advantage over you Aizen. Several actually. You fight without true purpose. I'll be honest, I've never killed a man in my life. However, in killing you, I'll resolve to right the wrongs you've done!"
"Be honest. You can't even hope to beat me unless you're at the level of a captain. And you can't become a captain because you don't have Bankai yet", he sneered.
"Sosuke, I believe this boy might be up to something", Gin smiled back to Aizen, "He seems rather serious, and in a very different way from when he fought Byakuya. Perhaps he has a hidden strength that we were unaware of."
"Very well then", Aizen stepped to the side suddenly. I knew that there was a fake in his place, "But I promise that you won't even make it past the first strike."
I played along, pretending that the illusion was the real thing. Aizen dashed forward, and I saw Gin's head turning to follow the fake (yes, my echolocation is that accurate). I smiled I sliced forward and Aizen flashstepped to my right. I then aimed my left arm at his place of next reappearance.
"Hado Number Eighty-Eight: Hiryu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho!" I set a blast off in his face. His eyes widened in surprise as he flashstepped out of the way. When I sensed him again, His right shoulder was smoldering and his glasses had cracked.
"You", he glared at me, "You can see through my perfect hypnosis."
"Not exactly. I saw nothing. In fact, I haven't even set eyes on the real you back when you wounded Momo. The last time I laid eyes on the real you was two days ago." I removed my shades to reveal my blindfold, "I saw you training with Momo before I was made a lieutenant. I knew how your shikai worked from the beginning, and I saw through your faked death! It was very convincing though, but not perfect as you so claim. If it was truly perfect, then Kaname beck there would be following the fake, just like Gin was. I can read your every swing, every step, every blink of your eye, all without even throwing you a glance. Aizen, my powers are superior to yours!"
"Hado Number Ninety: Kurohitsugi."
I gasped as I failed to notice the incantation. I couldn't sense it. What was happening?
"No!" a familiar voice cried out as I was shoved aside and a sickening slicing sound pierced the air. I looked back to see my mom drop to the ground in her own blood. I now saw the remnants of a kido iron maiden dispersing.
"Disappointing, that was even worse than the last shot", Aizen sighed.
"Mom!" I rushed forward to her side. Even with my sonar, I could barely feel her heart beating. I trembled as I got back on my feet with and turned to face Aizen. "You sick bastard. You betrayed your lieutenant. You betrayed the Seireitei. You hurt my friends using cheap illusions. And you had the gall to hurt my mother!"
"Sentiment is only going to make you weak", Aizen walked forward, "Besides, I don't even need my shikai to beat you."
"Is that really true? Then let me show you otherwise! Echo through the sky! Banshi!" I took off and skimmed over the Sokyoku grounds until I found a piece of shrapnel from the blade itself. This one was half the length of my sword, and still had a good amount of power in it. I landed back in my spot I held before.
"You're right, Aizen. I can't achieve Bankai because my Zanpacto isn't in proper hardware condition. But that changes now!" I held this piece to my chest.
"Wait!" Banshi warned me, "What are you doing?!"
"I'm giving you the hardware you need! I told you before, you and I are the same. You have my blood in you from training! You are a machine with human blood! I have to mirror you if this Bankai is ever going to work! That is what bankai is! We have to become one being! I am no longer afraid! I hope you know how to augment this thing!" I said as I stabbed my heart with the Sokyoku shard!
"ASH!" Rukia cried and everyone gasped.
"This is madness!" Kaname exclaimed.
Time slowed for me. My vision went white for a moment. But I felt no pain. I felt nothing at all. I was praying that I had made the right move.
But then I found myself kneeling while using Banshi to stand me up. He was clicking and whirring down there. I reached for my heart to find that the metal had merged with me. It was even in my heart. But I was still alive. And I could feel the sokyoku's spirit energy (a small fraction of it) flowing through me.
"Banshi! What's our status?" I asked.
"My hardware has been upgraded! Bankai is now fully accessible!" Banshi cheered, "Ash you mad genius! You did it!"
I got off of my hands and knees and roared with excitement. My spirit energy made the ground beneath me crumble!
"Ash! What have you done?!" Rukia asked.
I let my laugh die and I smiled at her, "Nothing that won't help the plan run smoother. Aizen, I'm done holding back now. Listen up and face the music Aizen! Here comes my.…" I pause for a moment as I spun Banshi around and placed the tip of his blade over my heart, "BANKAI!"
A shockwave exploded around me and my body sparked with electricity as Banshi fused with me. My body changed to metal and my veins became circuitry. My face changed into one that was vaguely similar to Banshi's other than the slicked back, spiky hair on my head. A pair of speakers were embedded in the palms of my hands. My entire form was similar to his, the only difference was that I was now much sleeker.
My form rose from its kneeling position and my mask opened as I looked to everyone. The blindfold was still on somehow
"Grimlock: Symbiosis Banshi!" I exclaimed in an electronic voice.
"All systems are operational, Ash!" Banshi said through the speaker system, "We're combat ready!"
"Thanks!" I responded.
"Fascinating!" Gin said, "You've actually managed to impress me!"
"A symbiotic cybernetic bankai", Aizen inspected me at a distance, "I believe this might be a first."
"Alrighty then. Let's see what this thing is capable of!" On the inside display, several different battle modes were listed, "So many weapons to choose from!" I sensed movement to my right as Aizen sliced at me. But my metallic hand grabbed the blade with ease. "Sosuke, you don't interrupt a guy when he's rolling through his playlist! Bring on the hertz!" the palms of my hands sent sound into the sword at a pitch that made the sword vibrate, and hard too.
"The hypnosis!" Rukia said, "It's dispersing!"
"I see what you did", Aizen glared, "You used a sound wave at point blank that triggered my Zanpacto's resonant frequency. Any Zanpacto's powers become nullified at their RF. You're just lucky that mine falls in range."
"I guess you are a little smarter than you look!" I taunted him, "But lucky for me, I made my choice. Banshi, how about a little dubstep to set the mood?"
"Copy that, Grimlock!" a dubstep beat played on the audio and my form changed, becoming thinner. Neon cartridges formed around my wrists I hadn't changed much other than the fact that my feet were now pointed stilts, and I was now floating a little ways above the ground.
"Let's step it up!" I said as I darted around faster than ever before (not nearly as fast as Ichigo's Tensa Zangetsu, but much faster than any normal flashstep). I went for Aizen's neck, but he blocked my strikes with his own sword. He was smiling as though he was enjoying himself. I knew I was. If you actually tracked my movements, you'd find that I followed to the flow of the song I played. As I struck, turquois neon lights trailed behind my hands, like streamers. It added something of an electrifying touch. In summarization, my Dubstep Grimlock form was a cyberpunk kung-fu master.
"Alright, let's turn up the bass. Give me a fat beat here to give this guy a beat down!" Suddenly, I rolled to the ground as my form bulked up to a being the size of the Hulk!
"Just for the record", Banshi clarified, "despite the album, that's Heavy Metal Grimlock, Heavy for short. Bass is a different factor entirely."
"Can we discuss the terminology after we kick this guy's ass?" I said rhetorically as I tried to smash Aizen into the ground like a railroad spike. A good old fashioned seismic boom ramped up the power of each punch. My attacks kicked up dust, which swirled around in the directions that Aizen flashstepped. In using my sonar to detect these fluctuations, I could pinpoint a pattern even easier.
"I honestly hope have something better than this, Aizen!" I said as I slammed the ground and a loud bass blast turned the area around me into a crater. But Aizen was now far out of my range. I attempted a flashstep, but found that I wasn't even half as quick on my feet as I was without the bankai. So my flashstep was slow and easily readable. I shook the ground beneath us one more time and I switched back to Dubstep Grimlock.
"I'll be taking that!" I said as I got inside of his reach and grabbed the Hogyoku from his hand before flipping repetitively to a safe position. "It's game over, Aizen! I don't know what this thing does, but it won't be in your control!"
"Those were some interesting observations", Aizen pushed up his glasses, "Even I have to admit that your Bankai is phenomenal. In terms of powers, I'd even say that you were my perfect bete' noir. And
from what I know of your life in America, you even have experience in battle too. But regardless of your skill, there is still something that tips the scales in my favor." His hand flickered to reveal an almost invisible line that connected his hand to the crystal in my hands! "That difference is the concept of strategy."
I gasped in fear as I tried to get rid of the Hogyoku, but Aizen had fired a pulse of spirit energy through the wire and the Hogyoku shocked me with an electric charge. I was forced to drop the crystal as Aizen casually reeled it in. That numbing sensation coursed through my body before retreating to a spot over my right eye.
"Perfect", Aizen smiled, "It appears that I'll have a chance to test its power early. Your right eye was infected by a Menos Grande. In truth, the conditions couldn't possibly be any more perfect." All of a sudden, my eye began to burn and I was forced to remove the blindfold and eye patch as the pain grew. But I saw how the mask itself was growing!
"What are you doing to me?!" I fell to my hands and knees.
"The Hogyoku was designed to break down the barriers between soul reapers and hollows, in order to create an ultimate fighting machine. Make, no mistake, this is the end for you, but I want to see just how much holofication by the Hogyoku affects the psyche. But I would like you to know that you have made an imperative contribution to my studies. And for that I thank you."
"You coward!" I tried to crawl forward, but I buckled over facing the others. The mask began to close over my eyes, to form a faceless mask. I ordered my body to move without success. I looked over to see Mom, still breathing, but barely alive. It…it was my fault she was dying. I was getting too cocky and she saved me.
I began to shiver as I felt something I rarely ever felt: genuine fear. I felt hollow on the inside as I thought of this, and I began to wonder if there really was a hole in my chest. Those "chains" had tied me down for the final song, no encore this time.
.
"How pitiful."
I suddenly woke up in my inner world and I looked around to see that I was chained to the side of a building. Dark clouds filled the sky and it began to rain what I assume was blood.
"Don't deny it", a voice said. It was my voice, only it sounded much more sinister, more like a chilling breeze, "You want to cut loose. Don't you?"
"Who's there?" I looked around, but saw no one.
"Time is at the essence. You may have fought well, but you could never fight in a solo. Perhaps it's time for a duet."
.
All of a sudden, my chains snapped and I woke up with my metallic hand gripping the blade of Aizen's Zanpacto.
"So you still have some fight left in you, Ash?" Aizen raised an eyebrow.
"Death Metal Grimlock", that voice rasped through my lips. A fiery orange spirit energy surrounded me as my form turned black with bloody stains covering the frame. In my right wrist was a chainsaw blade that dragged against the ground. A horrifying screech of a guitar rift tore through the air as the game turned demonic.
My body stared at Aizen before letting a wicked cackle explode from my lungs. I/it instantly disappeared, reappearing behind Aizen with a splash of blood. He ducked out of the way, but suffered a severe strike to the right side of his back. But Aizen seemed to ignore the pain, now merely looking upon me with concern. But I knew with my sonar abilities that the injured one was indeed the real Aizen, not an illusion.
I laughed again and we met with clashing blades. My saw sparked against his Zanpacto.
"So much untapped power!" I said (not my possessed body). This power rushing through me was intoxicating!
"Ash?" I heard a voice call out, and I looked to see Mom, awake now, but watching with horror. My possessed form kicked debris at her with a strike with his spinning blade.
"Ash!" Ichigo screamed at me, "You have to stop! That's a hollow that's controlling you! If you keep this up, it'll eat you alive! Hurry!"
"This isn't a duet", I growled at the hollow, seeing the oncoming danger, "This is an uncalled-for solo!" I forced my hand to my growing mask.
"Let me finish him!" the hollow screamed at me, "That Ichigo kid may have succeeded in dispelling his, but I will not follow him!"
"You were finished the moment you treated my mother with that sort of disrespect! Get out! And stay out!" I tore through my mask, forcing it to shatter completely (with the exception of that piece over my eye of course).
"Deactivate Death Metal Grimlock!" Banshi said as I reverted back to my original bankai form, "That was too close! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine", I stood back up, "I'm ending this fight right now!" I began to activate my next form.
"You certainly are a persistent one. No one has been able to wound me like that in years. Let's end this."
"Hado Sixty-Three: Raikoho!" a woman's voice called out above us, and I looked to see Jidanbo, the giant at the gate, and a woman scantily dressed in red. The later of the two fired a lightning based kido at us! I dodged out of the way and saw that Aizen was being held in place by Yoruichi and Soifon, both had blades at his neck.
"This is another face I haven't seen in quite some time", he mused.
"Don't do it", Yoruichi growled, "If you move even so much as a muscle…"
"Then we're going to cut off your head!" Soifon finished.
"That's more like it, Soifon!" I cheered.
"Kukaku!" Yoruichi turned to the girl on Jidanbo's shoulder.
"I had a little free time on my hands. So since I was out, I figured I'd check in!"
"Well, that sure was flashy", Gin smiled, "What should I do?"
"You shouldn't even move!" Rangiku said, with her blade against his throat.
"Sorry, Captain Aizen. I got caught!" Gin said in a joking manner.
"This is the end!" Yoruichi told the rogue.
"Did you say something?"
"Don't you get it? There's nowhere left for you. There's nowhere left for you to escape to!" suddenly we were surrounded by the other captains and their lieutenants. They all growled in their own ways.
"I'm sorry to do this, but the time has come", Aizen said calmly.
"Soifon! Get away from him!" Yoruichi gasped. A column of yellow light enveloped him, Kaname, and Gin. The top stretched through a portal with dozens of Menos Grande trying to crawl out! But I saw something else, a giant eye behind them all, dwarfing each and every one!
"They're coming through!" Soifon's lieutenant gasped. A loud CRACK sounded and one of the menos was knocked aside by a powerful kido shot.
"I'll hold them off!" Dad said, now right beside us as he whipped out a deck of cards. While in the field, he was one heck of a shot, but his signature weapon was his pack of playing cards. Each one was metal plated just enough to allow durability and flexibility. Each of them was infused with his own spirit energy, and he could control almost all of them freely. He snaked the cards along his arm before firing them off at the menos to distract them.
"Hado Eighty-Eight: Hiryu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho!" I said without an incantation, firing the blast and killing two menos.
Inside of the barriers, the ground beneath each captain lifted them up to the portal.
"You're just going to run away?! Is that it?!" the Squad Seven Lieutenant growled.
"Stop!" Yamamoto commanded him, "That light is a weapon by the name of Negacion. It's a technique that the menos use when rescuing their fellow hollows. Once enveloped by that light it is impossible for those within or without to interact. It's an isolated world inside of the beams. Those you have fought the menos know it well. Once that light fell upon Sosuke Aizen, It became impossible for us to reach him."
"KANAME!" Komamura roared at the blind captain, "Come back Kaname! Have you forgotten?! You once told me why you became a soul reaper! Wasn't it to carry out your justice?! Where is your sense of justice now?! I don't see it!"
"I thought I made it clear to you. My eyes can only see one path, and that is the path with the least amount of blood. Justice is always there. The path I follow is justice."
Joshiro stepped forward to glare at Aizen, "You've joined with the menos! Why would you want to do that?!"
"I need to keep reaching higher", he replied, simply.
"Have you become that corrupt? Have you?!" my uncle growled.
"You're blinded by your self-righteousness. From the beginning, no one has ever stood at the top. Neither you, nor me, nor the gods. But soon, that unattainable vacancy at the top will be filled", Aizen removed his broken glasses and brushed his hair back, "From now on, I alone will stand at the top! Goodbye soul reapers. And goodbye, Ryoka Boy", he said to Ichigo, "Even I have to admit that for a human, you were quite amusing."
"You bastard!" I flew up to the portal to confront him, "You can run away like this all you want, but know that you have made it personal! You made an enemy of one of the few who can best your powers! The next time we meet, I will be the one to kill you not just with my blade, but your own!"
By this point, Aizen was now safely in the hands of a menos grande which was retreating into the portal. But Aizen raised his hand, ordering the giant to stop, and the menos brought its hand closer to me, so Aizen could talk to me face to face. I removed my blindfold to have my first look at the true Aizen.
He gave me a smile, "I almost forgot. How rude of me. There is no doubt in my mind that you were the greatest test subject by a longshot. It has been over a century since anyone has wounded me more than I have wounded him. You saw through my perfect hypnosis with your sense of hearing, which still should have been under my control from the beginning. And you saw through my faked death. I don't know how you could possibly be so strong, but I plan to find out. And I personally hope that you grow stronger still."
"Was that supposed to be insulting?" I growled.
"No, I am serious, probably more so than I've been in the past three days. Your talent is true. I want to see this power again sometime. So by all means, grow stronger, Grimlock. Grow to your maximum potential. I know for a fact that you won't disappoint me or your comrades. Farewell, for now."
And with that, Aizen, Gin, and Kaname, all disappeared with the portal. I clenched my fists tight enough to pop my metal knuckles. My spiritual pressure was released at full strength and I roared in rage at the fact that Aizen had won this battle, despite my efforts.
(Squad Four Barracks)
"For the last time, Isane, I'm not injured that badly! I was basically in a suit of armor the whole time!"
"No excuses!" she insisted, "You went head to head with Captain Aizen. Regardless of how well you think you feel, chances are that you suffered other injuries. We have to give you treatment under Captain Retsu's orders. Besides, regardless of whether or not your Zanpacto augmented it, you did stab yourself with a piece of Sokyoku shrapnel."
"Alright", I grumbled, "I'll stick around for a little."
It was roughly four hours since Aizen escaped the Soul Society. As it turned out, the orders from Central 46 were fakes that Aizen had given. And since the 'ryoka' aided the guard in stopping Aizen, their charges were dropped. For now, everyone was still healing from the entire raid.
"Momo", I said quietly, "How is she?"
"She's in ICU right now. But we expect a full recovery in time", Isane promised.
"That's not entirely true", I drooped "Momo wasn't just injured physically. Aizen wounded Momo emotionally. I'm afraid that a broken heart is something that takes much longer to heal, that is if it heals at all." Isane drooped as well as she thought about this.
I tried not to stare at her. I don't exactly know why, but just about every young woman or teenager in the Court Guard Squads turned out to be a knockout in the looks department. Isane was no exception. She was much taller than the other girls (and myself too). She had a moderately curvy build, and was…well endowed, not as much as Rangiku, but pretty close. Come to think of it, she was pretty close to the opposite of Rangiku. The redhead was very outgoing and bodacious in many ways, a real eye-catcher. Isane, although of a similar build, was much more modest and reserved.
"Hey there Ash!"
"What the?!" I jumped in surprise. Isane was spooked and almost slipped and fell on my face, but she caught herself. The suffocation that would have occurred would probably have been a blissful way to go down.
"Be careful Yochiru!" Isane complained.
"Sorry!" she said cheerfully, "But I had to be quiet in case Ichigo was in here. Have you seen him?"
"HELP!" As luck would have it, our favorite substitute soul reaper came dashing into my room with a look of absolute panic, "Kenpachi's at it again! I need somewhere to hide!"
"Too late", another familiar voice said and the wall was blasted down by a killer spiritual pressure, causing everyone but Yochiru to jump, "I've already found you!"
"We're in recovery you moron!" Ichigo raged comically at the Squad 11 captain, "And there's no way in hell I'm battling you again!"
I cleared my throat and caught their attention, "I don't think you realize this, but there's a door here, Captain Kenpachi."
"I prefer to make my own", he smirked "It's much more convenient. As for you, Ichigo, I'll let you off this time. But once I'm done here, I'm coming for you." He flicked out part of his sword with his thumb and Ichigo screamed, dashing out of the room as fast as his flashstep could carry him.
Kenpachi laughed, "Ah. That never gets old. In any case, I'm surprised that you managed to get out of all of this while staying in good condition. I mean, after seeing what Aizen could do to Captain Komamura and Hitsugaya, I'm beginning to wonder just how you did it."
"Well, it's just that my Zanpacto's power was the perfect weak point to Aizen's. That guy makes it to where a battle is based entirely on how you use your spirit energy, not how much you use. I was just lucky that I figured out how he plays the game."
"Don't give me that bull. Fighting is all about how much you put in. Besides, I heard that you even stabbed yourself with a shard of the Sokyoku without a second thought. Even I would have hesitated with something that dangerous." He reached forward and tapped over my heart with his index finger, "I was right in what I said before. You've got more guts than almost anyone I've ever met, especially among humans. I like it!"
"Sorry, Captain", Isane stepped in, "But we need to finish the procedure."
"I see", his smile weakened a little, "I guess I'll be on my way then", he stood up and walked out of the hole he left in the wall, "And by the way, Yamamoto's calling a captains summoning tomorrow night at ten, and he wants all available lieutenants and Ichigo there. But he wants you in particular to be there more than anyone else."
"What for?" I asked.
"You'll find out. Remember that you proved yourself as a fighter today. Just know that no matter which squad you're part of, you'll always have the full support of Squad 11." And with that he left.
.
(One day later, Outside of the Squad 1 Barracks, 10:00 PM)
I stood alone with a sense of nervousness before the door that lead to the conference hall. I had made sure to wear my full soul reaper uniform with my lieutenant badge on my right arm instead of my neck like before. And I was asked to remove my eye patch this time.
Yamamoto had called this meeting and wanted me, more than anyone else, to be there. It must have been of great importance. I had to look my best.
The lock clicked, and the doors opened up. Most of the remaining captains were present, including Mom (thanks to Orihime), along with most of the lieutenants who weren't in critical condition. Sadly, Momo was not among them. The other lieutenants stood on both rows at the end that was closer to the door. Ichigo was with them.
"Welcome, Ash Valero, or rather I should refer to you by your true name, Ash Kozuki, son of Lady Miharu", Yamamoto said, causing some of the other captains and lieutenants to take on surprised expressions, "Thank you for being here tonight."
"It's always an honor, Head Captain", I bowed.
"Now that everyone available is present, let the meeting commence", Yamamoto tapped his cane on the ground and the doors closed behind me.
"Our first order of business is Aizen, Kaname, and Gin's defection from the Soul Society", Yamamoto continued "According to the report from Squad 10, the council of Central 46 has been assassinated as a whole two days ago, by someone within their numbers. It is obvious that Aizen was responsible for this, through use of his Zanpacto's power to infiltrate their numbers and influence their decisions. And recent events give reason to believe that he was responsible for the order to execute Rukia Kuchiki to begin with. Until Central 46 has been restored and thoroughly investigated, we will be taking command."
"That is a little bit too obvious, Head Captain", Squad 12 Captain Mayuri cut in, "What we should be worrying about is the lack of captains heading squads three, five, and nine! Not many meet the qualifications."
"You catch on quickly", Uncle Josh smiled, "In fact, that's our main order of business."
"Correct", Yamamoto nodded, "Many of the soul reapers here lack at least one property that is required from a captain. Thankfully, with Miharu's return, we can temporarily fill one of those positions. Miharu?"
Mom cleared her throat before speaking, "I already told you before that I chose not to head a Squad of my own when offered. However, given the situation, and if it is only temporary, I consent to take my post at whichever squad you see fit."
"Very good", Yamamoto said, "I will have you preside over Squad 9, in Kaname's place, seeing as you fit the traits of that particular squad."
"Alright, two left", Soifon nodded with a smile.
"However," Yamamoto continued, "it is imperative that the second be Squad 5, Aizen's former squad. Originally I would have placed Miharu in this position. But recent events, ironically, have allowed one new candidate to come to light." There was a pause.
"Well, don't leave us hanging", I said, curiously "Who is it?"
As this was said, Yamamoto stood up
"I know that this may come to everyone as a surprise, but I am convinced that this is the best choice. I have concluded that the new captain of Squad 5….", he opened his opened his eyes. I was expecting for him to look towards his candidate, but his eyes just kept staring right down the aisle…...and right into the eyes of the new candidate "…..should be Ash Kozuki."
.
It took me a moment to realize that he just said my name. Byakuya's eyes went wide in shock. Almost everyone chattered in surprise for a moment and I took a step back and tripped on the steps behind me in surprise.
"Easy, tiger", Banshi said as he manifested behind me and caught me at the last second, stood me back up, and went back into his sealed form.
"What the hell is gramps thinking?!" I said in English.
"You shouldn't assume that I only know Japanese, child" he said in flawless English, and I paled as white as a hollow's mask.
"Sorry! Look, with all due respect, Head Captain, let's all try to be rational about this!" I almost stuttered, "I mean me as a captain?!"
"What? Are you saying that you don't want to be a captain?" Byakuya said surprised.
"No, no, no! I would really love to be a captain! That would be a dream realized! But I'm questioning why on earth I, of all people, would fit the bill, especially after what happened at the execution."
"What happened there increased your likelihood of being chosen", Yamamoto explained, "The execution has been ruled out as Aizen's deceptive handiwork. Your rebelling party did try to stop the execution, and that alone saved us from a great loss. But out of everyone, in the Seireitei, you were the one person who saw through Aizen's illusion, thereby saving countless lives. You are more aware of potential dangers and disruptions than almost anyone else", (SEE? I told you all before that my hyperactive fight or flight was good for something!) "I have faith in the other reports from your vouchers."
"Vouchers? Someone else gave you the idea? Kenpachi?" I asked.
"Not exactly", Zaraki replied, "I was going to suggest you, but someone else beat me to the punch."
"And that would be….."
"That would be me", a deep voice grumbled and I looked to the right to see the captain of Squad 7. Only now did I actually realize that he had a fox's head underneath that giant mask he wore beforehand. I hid my surprise.
"Captain Komamura? I wasn't expecting you" I raised an eyebrow "Look I'm grateful that you see me as the right guy for the job, but I'm pretty sure that I'm too young for this position."
"And Toshiro isn't?" he asked, "He's easily younger than you."
"Should I tell them Sensei?" I asked and Mom nodded, "I hate to break it to you, but I was raised in the World of the Living for a reason. I'm half soul reaper and half human. As such, I've aged like a human. I'm only sixteen." Toshiro's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Despite the fact that I'm further along in physiological aging than Captain Hitsugaya, he's lived at least six of my lifetimes. While he's trained all that time, I've only known about my soul reaper powers for maybe three weeks!" Almost everyone was surprised, with the exception of the ryoka crew, Mom, Dad, Joshiro, and Yamamoto.
"That may be true," Komamura nodded, "but there is an advantage to this though. You mature faster than any soul reaper could. That is partially why you and Ichigo have become so strong in so little time. Moreover, I personally witnessed your ability to learn and progress, and it's faster than any full soul reaper could achieve. Just within three weeks, you gained enough skill and enough power to hold out against Aizen as an equal. And we both know how fast he dispatched me. More than that, I saw what you did with the Sokyoku shard. You took a chance and risked your own soul's destruction without any hesitation at all in order to protect your allies. That courage and loyalty together is something that we in the Court Guard Squads sorely need in a leader."
I thought on this for a moment then sighed, "Look, I appreciate all that you had to say about me. But…I'm still human. I still have my teenage years ahead of me. I….I'm just not ready to say goodbye to the world I was raised in."
"Ash", Toshiro said, "There's still one larger reason that we need you. I know that you care for-"
"MUTE!" I yelped and knelt down and touched Banshi's sealed blade to the ground. I had shut off all sounds from coming in or out of the bubble around Toshiro and me, "You were watching?!"
"With the Squad 3 assumption in my head, I couldn't let Momo just walk around unsupervised", he said calmly.
"Well don't just blurt it out!" I facefaulted, "I don't want these guys to get the wrong idea!"
"Alright! Just unmute us so I can get on with my explanation!" I did so.
"Sorry about that", I explained to the confused listeners, "Sensitive subject."
"Look, we need you because Squad 5 is now the least protected. While Squads 3 has its lieutenant, squad five lost its captain and its lieutenant! At this point, the entire squad and Momo are all vulnerable!"
My heart skipped a beat. I remembered how harshly she had been treated. Out of all of the lieutenants, she was easily the most vulnerable, even when she wasn't wounded like she was now. She was an ally in need.
In need of me.
I smiled weakly, "Well, I've tried, but guess there's no point in trying to get out of it now." As I said this, my soul reaper garb was replaced by Banshi's grey and neon hoodie and dark jeans, "Very well. Head Captain Yamamoto, I'm up for the task. But I ask two things if I comply. I hope that you will consider."
"We are listening", he replied.
"First and foremost, if I am to be watching over Squad 5 I would prefer the rank of Reserve Captain. I'll take the position of Squad 5's captain until a suitable substitute can be assigned, then afterwards I can maintain the rank of Reserve Captain until another squad needs me, if their captain is away on a mission or otherwise. In fact, we need a Reserve Squad to assist all of the existing ones when needed. But I'll discuss that little chestnut later." I paused and Yamamoto nodded for me to continue.
"Second, I'm not entirely ready to leave the world of the living behind just yet. But I want to do what I can for the Soul Society as well. So I've come to a solution: Why not live in both?"
"Both?" Yamamoto raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Seeing as I have responsibilities in both worlds, I need to travel back and forth constantly. I'm alright with this, but I need a convenient means of accomplishing the task. So, if you will allow it, I would like to ask for access to a private senkaimon, one that only I, or those you authorize, will capable of using. One that keeps track of when, where from, and who goes through it, for security reasons of course. I would request that we put Squad 12's Department of Research and Development to begin a means of creating it. Using this, I can jump from earth to my duties here in the moment I'm needed. With that being said, those are my requests. I hope that you will consider." I knelt, holding my blade to the ground in front of me like a knight of the Round Table (that's basically what the thirteen captains were, when you think about it).
Yamamoto thought in silence for a moment before he said, "Very well. I find that your requests are reasonable. But know that in doing so, you'll have to singlehandedly monitor two lives at once. This may prove to be a difficult task."
"With all due respect, sir, how hard can it be? If I didn't have this in mind, I wouldn't have asked. I'm sure that I can handle the job."
"All in favor of this promotion please say 'aye'" Yamamoto started, followed immediately by a collective 'THIS IS SPARTA' style "AYE!"
"Then it is settled", Yamamoto stood up, "Ash, your virtues have brought you a great blessing, and an even greater responsibility. By the power invested in us, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads of the Soul Society, I grant you the title of Reserve Captain! The custody of Squad 5 is in your hands, and all that you have requested shall be granted."
As he finished, I felt a light tickle on my shoulders, and I looked to see a swarm of bright blue particles collecting on my back: reishi, in its purest state. It gradually collected and formed a long white sleeveless robe/vest that tightly, but comfortably, clung to my current attire. A perfect fit. I looked at the reflection in a mirror to see that my coat had no number on the back. Instead there were two calligraphic symbols in the diamond, "soldier" and "friend".
"Way to go, Ash!" Ichigo began to clap, followed gradually by almost everyone else. My friends from the world of the living, the lieutenants, and even some of the captains, came forward to congratulate me.
I looked back to Head Captain Yamamoto for a moment, and for the very first time, I saw him crack a hint of a smile.
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A celebration was held that night in one of the great halls. Ichigo was either laughing with his friends, or arguing with someone in a comical way over the tiniest of things.
I found that consoling. It was a sure sign that everything had gone back to normal, and that all my friends could simply be themselves again.
"What do you mean you can't drink?!" Rangiku questioned, consuming half a glass of saki, "You're a captain now! And even Toshiro can drink!"
"Where I come from, the consumption of alcohol is illegal for anyone below the age of twenty-one. We both know how Toshiro and I fall in terms of age."
"Are we in your homeland, or even your home world?" she questioned leaning in to give me a hug, a squishy pillow-soft hug, "Besides, age is just a number. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Hey, Ash!"
"Let go! Quick!" I muttered and we separated as my dad came by with an ice chest.
"Took me a while to smuggle these in, but they're the same." He opened it up to reveal my favorite soda.
"Dr. Pepper!" I cheered, "Rangiku, give this one a whirl, and don't shake it!"
She popped it open and took a sip, shivering with delight "Delectable perfection!" she said, "Toshiro! You have to try this!" she ran off to her captain.
I laughed, but stopped when I looked to the balcony to see a familiar figure standing away from the party and looking out to the night sky. Byakuya.
I walked out there and saw how he was standing by the railing with a glass of saki in his right hand, half full.
"Captain Kuchiki?" I asked, approaching.
"What do you want Valero?" he asked coldly, "Did you come by to brag about your promotion? Or are you here to annoy me in some other way?"
"No. I'm done with that", I said to him calmly, as I took my spot beside him by the railing, "I just wanted to talk."
"Hmm. Never pictured you as the diplomatic type."
"I'm sorry."
"What?" Byakuya almost did a double take.
"I was wrong about you Byakuya. A couple of days ago I would have labeled you as just plain evil for the execution situation. But then when the order was dropped yesterday, you rushed to Rukia's aid in an instant. You did what you thought was right."
"Where are you going with this?" he asked.
"I'm just putting the pieces of the puzzle together and find out just who you really are. You're analytical in everything you do, but when the law comes into play, you side with it. I've just been thinking that the truth is that you didn't do anything because you were worried about making things worse. Maybe you were just afraid of making the wrong move."
Byakuya's eyebrows shot up as I said that, confirming my suspicions.
"Thank you", he told me "I guess if you hadn't shown up, then Rukia and a lot of us would be dead right now."
I smiled at him and stepped back, "Well then, I believe it's time we buried the hatchet, and maybe start out on a new slate."
"No more challenging?"
"Yes. Besides," my eyes gleamed, "now that all of this happened I have Aizen as my target. He'll keep me plenty occupied, I assure you."
Byakuya smiled lightly as I extended my hand and he took it in a firm handshake, "Let's start from the beginning. Shall we?"
"My name is Captain Ash Kozuki. I look forward to working with you, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki."
(End of Chapter 8)
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MWA-HA-HA-HA! Beowulf returns with my longest chapter yet! 12,034 words! NEW HIGH SCORE!
First off, Congratulations Ash on your bankai and your promotion!
Second, I know that Ash already should have been affected by Aizen's Zanpacto (now that I've done further research on the former captain). But I've already worked out a way that it can work.
******SPOILER ALERT!******
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The only reason I didn't make Ash the full Squad Captain was because Shinji is reinstated as captain. So until that time comes, Ash will fill in for him.
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******END SPOILER ALERT******
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Anyway, you all know the drill, favorite, PM, rate and follow! Only if you want to of course.
Now since it's his special day, I'll let the new captain do the close out. Take it away!
["Thanks!"]
["This is Reserve Captain Ash Kozuki and Beowulf the Novelborn signing out!"]