Chapter Sixteen

2nd Limo

Heading to Ishida Villa

'Umm..I know we were already introduced. But, again I'm Sam Winchester. And this is my brother Dean. I know he didn't make a good first impression, he is usually more..umm..well-behaved than that.' Sam said trying to break the awkward silence in the car. It was a bit weird for him to be sitting in a car with his brother and two of the women he groped. Only Dean would be able to grope three different women at one time. Sam shook his head.

'Shaddup, Sammy. I don't need you to make excuses for me. It was an accident. They do understand that. Right?' Dean stated looking at the two women across from him.

'Of course we understand, handsome. And I can't speak for the other two, but I have to say that enjoyed our little encounter. Didn't you?' Matsumoto teased winking at the man across from her.

'Umm..okayy.' Dean said as his face turned a light red in embarrassment.

'Oh, this is a first. Dean speechless. If I ever need to keep him quiet, I should have you over.' Sam joked as Dean glared at him. The two female soul reapers laughing at his discomfort.

'Oh, please if you are ever in need of company, please do not forget to invite me as well.' Yumichika said with a smile at Sam who turned a bit red.

'Yes, umm. Well, can you tell us about the Soul Society.' Sam said clearing his voice, changing the subject before Dean could comment.

Inside the 3rd Limo

'So, you have been with the Winchester Organization for quite some time?' Toshiro questioned the large demon hunter sitting across from him.

'Yes, for almost 20 years.' Hawkins answered the young white-haired man.

'So, you know Winchester-sama and Singer-san?' Toshiro leaned forward with interest.

Hawkins smiled at the anticipation he could see on the young captain's face. Watching the admiration in his eyes, the young man reminded him much of Dean and Sam at that moment. 'Yes, for about the same amount of time. When I was first recruited into the organization, it was John and Bobbie who showed me the ropes of demon hunting. I could not ask for better teachers.'

'I only met them a few times, but I must admit that I was quite impressed with their knowledge and skill. I would have like to have spent more time speaking with both of them. I believe I would have learned much.' Toshiro stated.

Ah, well I don't know if you will find me a competent replacement for John and Bobbie, but I promise to teach you all I can about hunting demons.' Hawkins replied.

'Do not worry Hawkins-san; I have no doubts that I will learn much from you and the others as well.' Toshiro reassured the demon hunter. 'But, if I may? I am curious about something.'

'Of course Captain Hitsugaya.' Hawkins said. It was a bit strange addressing a man seemingly younger than him but held the equal ranking of commanding officer in the military. But, he would have to get use to it, from what he read, the man might look younger than him, but was in fact older, way older than he was by decades. Must be interesting to live in that Soul Society.

' What is in the case you have with you? I have been quite curious since watching you carry it into the car. Actually I noticed that each member of your group carried one, though your is larger.' Toshiro asked with interest.

'Ah, yes. This case would catch any person who isn't use to seeing it. So, you're curious about what I have inside it.' Hawkins patted the case next to him with affection. 'This holds my favorite girl after Lady Len.' Laughing slightly. 'Let me introduce you to her.'

Toshiro looked on confused. 'Girl? He had a girl in there?' He thought to himself. 'Hawkins-san must have been kidding.'

'This here is "Lady Faithe"' Hawkins said as he opened the case next to him, smiling as he heard the young white-haired captain gasp next to him. 'Yes, she does take your breath away when you first see her. Though she is not fully together, you should see her when she is and in action. She is amazing to watch.' He stated as he caressed the weapon in the case.

Toshiro had never seen anything like it. He knew it was a real world military weapon, he had seen quite a few pictures on the TV at Urahara's Shop, but nothing quite like this one. Did one really use a weapon like that? It seem cumbersome. Though, he did have to admit that it was quite remarkable. How did one use this?

'This is what we here would call a Barrett M82A1 sniper rifle. The nickname given to this weapon is "Light Fifty", but me, well I call her "Lady Faithe" because she has never let me down when I really needed her in a fight, I have a lot of faith that whatever target is in her scope she will not miss and she hasn't, not once." Hawkins explained. 'I know she seems quite bulky, with her main piece being quite long and once I put on the barrel is about 1448 mm and weighs about 12.9 kg, it seems like a bitch to carry, but with a shooting range of 1800 m, she is worth the trouble. Oh, she is not meant to be used close range, like some of the other weapons that we will training you all on, but if you need to kill a target that is more than a mile away, "Faithe" will surely get it done.' Hawkins explained to the soul reaper who looked on amazed at the weapons people in the real world used to kill their enemy.

'So, we will not be trained in using this type of weapon?' Toshiro asked disappointment apparent in his voice as he continued to admire the remarkable firearm. He would not have minded much learning how to use such a weapon.

Hawkins could not help but smile at the fascination in the young captain's face. 'Well, we haven't fully decided the training that we will put you guys through, but I don't see the harm in perhaps instructing a few of you in the use of a sniper rifle, since we aren't quite sure what kinds of demons we will be coming up against here. So, being better safe than sorry might be the best course. But, I will have to clear it with the organization before anything could be done. I won't promise anything, but I don't see the harm in bring up the fact that it may be a good idea to teach you guys how to use long-range weapons.'

Toshiro could not help the wide smile that he threw towards the demon hunter. 'That would be excellent, if you could. Hawkins-san.'

Ichigo and Rukia shared a look of surprise; it was the first time that they had seen any type of excitement in Captain Hitsugaya's face. He was usually so calm and composed to the point that he looked bored. One of the things that Ichigo felt Toshiro shared with Byakuya.

'If, it would not be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind if I could also be part of that training?' Ichigo asked in eagerness. 'I've seen this rifle on television in movies and stuff but never the actual thing. I would like to really try it out.'

Hawkins laughed, 'Yes, she does tend to get guys going, doesn't she?' He joked, only Ichigo getting it while the others looked puzzled. "But, I don't mind if any of you would like to try her out.'

'Ummm, that is a very scary looking weapon. I hope not to offend you, but I would rather not.' Hanataro squeaked out. Looking a bit frightened.

'Oh, I am not offended, young man. If that is how you feel, its best not to try her out, with this kind of weapon you have to have confidence when using her. If not, she is not going to do her best for you anyway not to hurt your feelings; I don't think you would be able to handle her weight or her kick when she fires. I get a feeling you are going to find yourself on your back looking up at the sky every time.' Hawkins smiled at the young soul reaper.

'Oi, don't worry about it Hanataro. I don't think that this is your field anyway. It's sad that they didn't bring anyone that could do any type of training in healing and such.' Ichigo reassured him.

'Oh, is Hanataro a medic?' Hawkins quickly asked.

'What is this medic, you speak of?' Toshiro questioned back.

'That is what they call a healer in the real world military. Not a full-fledge doctor like my father, but someone who has enough medical training to take care of soldiers injured in battle and such.' Ichigo answered.

'Oh, then yes. That is what you would call 7th seat Hanataro.' Toshiro replied.

'Well, then this young man won't be left out. Though, they don't look like it, Pennington and Bluebell are certified medical doctors. They will also be doing on the field triage training. I am not sure how you guys fix each other up when you are in a battle situation, but I can tell you that the injuries that some of your men may end up having will be very different from what you've experience before, so we thought it best that some of your medics or healers, in this case, be trained in how we demon hunters patch up our injuries. I can tell you that the injuries in a fight with demons and such are something that will happen.' Hawkins informed them.

'Oh, yes. Then I think I will enjoy learning from your Pennington-san and Bluebell-san. My captain has always told us that we will not be able to fully understand the real world unless we actually live in it. I believe she will also be very interested in their training as well.' Hanataro sighed with relief. Now he didn't have to feel so 'useless'. He had to wonder why his captain had wanted him as part of this protection squad, when he wasn't a fighter. It was a bit uncomfortable and scary to be around so many of the best fighters that Soul Society had, he was beginning to feel inadequate around them. He looked at Rukia-san and could not help but wince when he thought of her brother, Captain Kuchiki. Around him he also got more clumsy and talkative, which seem to irritate him and when he tried to stop, he begin to stutter, which made it worse. Geez was he scared of Captain Kuchiki.

'Yes, I believe I understand a bit of what you are saying. Captain Urahara showed us some of the 'videos' that were taken by your organization and having seen the creatures that attacked Vice-Captain Kuchiki and Vice-Captain Kurosaki are unlike anything we have seen before. So, any training that you can provide in keeping our men safe is a good thing.' Toshiro nodded his approval.

'You know Captain Hitsugaya. I think I like you. It's going to be very interesting getting to find out what kind of demon hunter you're going to make.' Hawkins laughed, as Rukia and Ichigo smiled at the young white-haired boy's embarrassment.

Inside the 4th Limo

Sitting inside the car Bluebell and Ashcroft looked at the two young men sitting across from them; they glanced at each other and smiled. He looked at the one with the '69' tattoo his face, there had to be an interesting story behind that one. Both knew that these men were not use to being around others much. They both were quiet and brooding, though the blond one looked almost gloomy. Bluebell thought that an expression of deep depression did not suit one so young. But, he knew from the reports that looks could be deceiving. These two were probably decades older than him, and he had to admit they look good for their age. Bluebell chuckled at the thought, which brought both their attention to them.

'Oh, so if I am not mistaken, you are Vice-Captain Hisagi and Vice-Captain Kira.' Bluebell said trying to break the uncomfortable silence and make the two men across from him more at ease.

Vice-Captain Hisagi, who found it difficult to be in the company of strangers, that was bad enough, but now he had to speak in English, though most captains and vice-captains were taught the language, it was quite different to actually use it with people who spoke it regularly, he could not help but answer stiffly. 'Yes, I am Vice-Captain Hisagi of the 9th Company of the Royal Court Guard in Soul Society.'

Kira watch how uneasy Hisagi was speaking to the two demon hunters and despite feeling the same thing, he could not leave him to try and deal with them. 'And I am Vice-Captain Kira of the 3rd Company.' Giving the men a tight smile.

Ashcroft could see the tough time the two men were having trying to be friendly. Guess these two did not have much practice being sociable. 'I am Phillip Ashcroft and this guy is Jacob Bluebell. We did not have a chance to say so earlier what with the goings on, but we would both like to say 'nice to meet ya'. He said as he put his hand out.

Kira and Hisagi share a look of nervousness, both not knowing what that hand meant or what to do.

Jacob noticed the look and smiled. 'Forgive him, we tend to forget that our way of meeting someone in the Western world, let alone here in the real world is quite different as someone from the East or Soul Society might do it. This is called a handshake, it's the typical way we Westerners greet each other.' He explained gesturing to the man with the '69' tattoo to put out his hand. Waiting as he did this and grabbing it to slowly move it up and down. 'It is an honor to meet you both.'

Kira seeing the exchange, followed their example and shook the hand that the man Ashcroft still held out.

'Sorry about that, didn't mean to offend you or anything. I do tend not to think twice about things that may seem normal to me but strange for other.' Ashcroft apologized.

'It is alright Ashcroft-san. I too at times do the same.' Kira worriedly replied.

'No worries.' Ashcroft answered.

'Ashcroft-san, if I may ask a question?' Hisagi said looking at the large man across from him.

'Of course Vice-Captain Hisagi.'

'We were able to watch some of the videos where your organization fought these demons. And as much as we also have fought battles of our own, yours are much different from ours. These creatures, these demons though they seem not as menacing as the hollows we fight, that I believe is not the case. The way you fight these demons are more direct then we are use to doing. You many times fight hand-to-hand or with weapons that we are unfamiliar with. That being said, do you truly believe that in the little time that we may have, can your organization have us ready when the fight with Aizen and his demon allies comes?' Hisagi questioned quietly as Kira also looked on interested in the answer this seasoned demon hunter would give.

'Vice-Captain Hisagi, we too have seen some of the videos that your Commander-General Yamamoto sent us. You have many exceptional fighters, and quite a few brilliant battle strategists with just those two things along, Soul Society is well ahead then where we thought you guys would be. All you guys need do is get use to our method of fighting as well as how demon hunting needs to be planned and I have no doubts that in the end we will come out victorious. Don't get me wrong and I am not going to sugar-coat it, the battle between us and this Aizen with his demon allies will be hard, bloody and not everyone will come back from it, but we will win.' Ashcroft told the two soul reapers determination echoing in both his eyes and voice.

Hearing this man tell them they would win with such confidence help to ease a bit of the anxiety that both Hisagi and Kira had in their hearts, a stirring of slight relief going through them.

Yes, maybe with the help of Winchester Organization their world would return to some sense of normalcy and maybe just maybe both Kira and he could finally, finally leave both the sense of failure, betrayal and dishonor behind them. Failure in not seeing what was happening to their captains and get past the betrayal and dishonor that these captains did to their companies. He and Kira did not like to talk about it, but when they could see it in each other's eyes, the hardship they both dealt with because their captains abandoned their companies betraying all that it meant in being a member of the Royal Court Guard. Not that any other Royal Court Guard Company ever said anything against them, but they could feel the distance and looks of suspicion casts to both the 3rd and 9th company members. And if it battling against his former captain to remove the sense of shame from his company and give them back their sense of honor and loyal for Soul Society, so be it. He would win. There was no other choice. Hisagi knew that Kira felt the same.

'Thank you, Ashcroft-san. I hope that I will be able to meet up with your expectation.' Hisagi gave a small smile, as Kira nodded in agreement next to him.

'I have no doubts, no doubts.' Ashcroft reassured them.

'So, in keeping with our conversation a bit. Why don't you both tell me exactly what it is your companies responsibilities are and we'll tell you guys a bit of what we have planned..' Bluebell said seeing that the two men were a bit more comfortable with them.

Back at the Tokyo International Airport

Airport Hanger

'Okay, that's the last of it.' Pennington called out as he assisted the airport staffer in closing the van door and securing it.

Nodding at his men and bowing at the airport staff for their help, Parker walked over to the black long-haired captain who stood silently throughout the whole process.

'Excuse me, Captain Kuchiki. The transfer has been completed; we are ready to leave whenever you are.' Parker said.

Byakuya turned slightly to the man who spoke to him. After watching the three demon hunters loading their equipment, he had to admit that despite what had happened earlier, when it came to completing their tasks, they were quite professional. And because of this, he could give them some respect. 'Thank you, Parker-san, since everything seems to be in order, then shall we.' Not waiting for an answer he began to move towards the car, taking for granted that the others would follow.

Parker smiled slightly as he gestured to the demon hunters to head to the car, nodding to the other two soul reapers to follow.

Ikkaku acknowledged the nod, walking towards the limo stopping when he noticed that Renji was not behind him. 'Renji, come on. What are you waiting for?'

'Are we expected to ride in the same vehicle with my captain and the three demon hunters? I mean I am going to ride with Kuchiki Taicho?' Renji asked looking nervously at the car.

'Of course we are. How do you expect to get where we are going? It's not like you haven't traveled with him before while on a mission, which is what this is.' Ikkaku answered shooting a puzzled look at Renji.

'It's not the same thing. Yes, it might be a mission, but are we expected to talk to them? What do I talk about? And what if I say something that will irritate my taicho. I don't have anything in common with him so what do I do.' Renji stated.

'If you are so worried about it, then don't say anything, Baka. What makes you think we even have to talk? In fact, I don't think Kuchiki Taicho is one to make idle conversation anyway.' Ikkaku answered looking at Renji as if he was an idiot.

'You want to sit in a car for the next hour without talking at all, that would be worse then trying to make conversation.' Renji said.

'Just shut up and get in the car, Baka. Your taicho is waiting.' Ikkaku retorted walking toward the car where a very irritated Byakuya waited with the three demon hunters.

'Ah, damn it.' Renji whispered trying not to look at his captain as he reaches the car.

'Hey guys, you ready to rock and roll? Let's hit the road, don't like to keep my boss waiting too long. He gets annoyed when I do.' Butterfield said with a smile.

'I know exactly what you mean.' Renji whispered as the driver opened the door. Quickly glancing at his captain and noticed the raised eyebrow, knowing his captain had heard him. He couldn't help but be a bit embarrassed at being caught.

'Shall we, gentlemen. I believe we have kept everyone waiting long enough.' Byakuya stated as he gestured to the three demon hunters to enter the car first.

'Oh, please you first Captain Kuchiki.' Parker bowed.

Raising another eyebrow at the deference being shown to him, he just nodded and climbed into car.

Parker smiled at the others as he climbed in taking the space next to the quiet captain and watched as the others took the seats across from him.

'So, where are we headed?' Parker asked as the car pulled out of the hanger.

'We will be spending the week at Ishida-san's villa located right outside the city.' Byakuya said. 'I believe that your group will need at least a week in the real world. What is planned after that will be explained to you once we are at the villa.'

'Thank you, Captain Kuchiki. I appreciate the fact that you would tell me that much now.' Parker said quietly smirking when all he received back was a nod. He wasn't surprised, this captain was not one to speak without purpose or reason.

Parker looked across at the other two demon hunters and nodded his head knowing they shared the same thoughts. They had been together too long as a team not to thinking alike. He sat back and thought about what the next week would be like and what it would bring between his lady, Len and the silent, dignified captain. Knowing his little lady, with her independent, outspoken, take no prisoners attitude; it would surely send sparks flying when these two came together. Parker could not help but let out a small chuckle. Seeing the captain raise an eyebrow, Parker suppressed it into a cough and turned to look out the car window. {Yes, I am very glad I came on this job. It is going to be very, very interesting mission. Yes indeed.} Parker mused.