(Aaaand I'm back, so I know I've been skimpy lately with updating this, but you can blame that on my writer's block, my house losing internet etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss

Luke's pov

My hands shook as I read the name in the newspaper. Professor Gelda Nebilim, Jade's teacher, was here in Soul Society. I wonder, I wonder how long she's been in the Gotei for. If Jade was only a kid when she died, and if I multiply that many years it's been since then by three. She has to have been in the Gotei close to half a century or more. I have to meet her, I told myself. I left my office and sprinted down the hallway until I reached an area under clear blue sky before Shunpoing just outside of 12th Division's jurisdiction. It was then that I realized the dangers of walking into the boundaries of this division as images of Kurotsuchi waft through my head. Even after 8 years I still hated that guy. Now that I had an armband clarifying me as the 13th Division Lieutenant, currently woven around my upper right arm, I'd draw a lot of attention, most of which unwanted, to myself if I just stormed right in. I didn't even know where to start looking.

"Well what'd you know the rumors were true, ol' Luke Fon Fabre went and became a Vice Captain," I heard someone nearby say. I turned left to see a guy with a bald head leaning up against the wall holding his sword in one hand, in its scabbard, resting it on his back. He looked familiar.

"You're…"

He shook his head in disappointment, "You don't' remember me, that's a shame Luke. Vice Captain Kusajishi wouldn't be happy to find out you've forgotten your roots."

A light bulb suddenly went off in my head as I recognized the individual before me, "Oh now I remember you, Ikkaku Madarame, you were my 3rd Seat when I was in 11th Division right?"

"There you go," he smirked proudly, "So what brings you around to these parts?"

I was currently on the borderline between 12th, 11th and 13th Division, I guess it would make sense that someone as high ranked as Ikkaku might be skulking about the alleyways, but still, "Wait, what are you doing here?"

"Me? I was just on my way to volunteer myself for Head Researcher Assistant Nebilim's project," he answered, "Okay you're turn what are you doing here?"

"Um I'm just here to meet Professor Nebilim," I said.

"Professor?" Ikkaku said and then laughed, "Oh wow, it's been a long time since Nebilim taught anybody anything, why the heck are you referring to her like that?"

"I uh, she's from the same living world sector I'm from," I said rubbing the back of my neck.

"You don't say," Ikkaku smirked, and then added afterwards, "Although if you're here to meet her I take it you never met her when you were alive. So how do you know her enough that you want to meet her if you're not here about the project?" Ikkaku asked me.

"Um, I know her through a friend," I said.

"Fine, I won't press, anyway, since you know nothing about the project do you want to know?" he asked, "You might piss her off if you walk in ignorantly," he advised.

"I guess, go ahead," I said, really though the more I could put off walking in there the better.

"So here's the story, Head Researcher Assistant Nebilim found this large deposit of raw spirit energy, it's her belief that there are deposits like this all over Rukongai. However, these deposits could attract massive amounts of hollows in the process, even the one she already dug up. So she's asking for volunteers to help her out, set up stations and all that jazz," he explained, "Since be posted somewhere means I could get to fight hollows I'm here to sign up Yumichika and myself up for the expedition."

"How come he's not here with you?" I asked.

"He said something about not wanting to see the ugliness of the Research Pavilion, not to mention Kurotsuchi gives him the creeps," Ikkaku rubbed the back of his scalp.

"He's not the only one," I said. At that point though something hit me, "Wait if you're here to see Professor Nebilim why were you just standing around here?"

"The Head Researcher Assistant isn't the type of person I can just walk in and talk to off the fly, I was mentally preparing myself," he said.

"Is she that wound up?" I asked.

"Not really, but she's all business sometimes, if you catch her in a bad mood it's like trying to have a verbal debate with Captain Unohana," Ikkaku responded.

I shivered.

"Anyway talking to you has sort put me in a good mood let's go in," Ikkaku marched forward and then stopped, "Aren't you coming? Or are you nervous too?" he asked without turning around.

"Um actually is there a secret way in, I kind of don't want to have to run in with Kurotsuchi while I'm there," I said.

"The captain took some new recruits with him on a field trip, that's why I came today," Ikkaku said, "He won't be back in his office for a couple more days."

"Oh that's a relief," I said shunpoing to land at Ikkaku's position, "Let's go."

When the two of us arrived in the Research lobby Vice Captain Nemu was at her desk as per usual. Ikkaku walked right up to her, "We're here to see Head Researcher Assistant Nebilim," he said.

"Gelda-sama is currently engrossed in her work right now may I take a mes—"

"Now, now Nemu you know it's impolite to turn away guests," I heard a friendly voice call out as someone came down the stairs. It was a Shinigami with white hair with no style or form and red eyes. She had a book underneath her left arm and a Zanpakuto at her hipside. The handle looked like it was golden and the cloth around it was red. The guard was a stretched out hexagon and attatched to the hilt was a piece of black string. I recognized Professor Nebilim just from her facial appearance.

"Ah mistress," Vice Captain Nemu flushed, "I thought you were busy please forgive me," she bowed in apology. Professor Nebilim walked over to her, overshadowing her. Vice Captain Nemu flinched in a way that indicated that she thought Professor Nebilim would hit her.

The professor put out her hand and pat Vice Captain Nemu on the head, surprising her, "It's all right Nemu we all make mistakes."

Wow, Professor Nebilim's really nice compared to Captain Kurotsuchi, I smiled.

" Now then, which one of you gentleman will I have the honor of meeting with first?" Professor Nebilim said turning her attention to Ikkaku and me.

Ikkaku looked at me, "You're the superior officer," he gestured.

"No, that's okay, I'll probably be a while, you can go first," I told him.

"Suit yourself," he said.

"Excellent, follow me," Professor Nebilim said to him and both walked up the stairs to my right, possibly to her office.

I decided that while I waited I'd talk to Vice Captain Nemu, "Why did you flinch?" I asked her.

"Pardon?" she asked looking up from her work.

"When Prof—Head Researcher Assistant Nebilim came over to you, you looked terrified," I said.

"I don't want to talk about it," Vice Captain Nemu looked back at her work.

Something's up, and I'm going to find out, I told myself.

I decided to change my tact, "Head Researcher Assistant Nebilim is really a nice person isn't she?" I asked.

"Yes, Gelda-sama is an invaluable member of the Research Bureau, if it weren't for her and Mayuri-sama this division would fall apart completely."

"That doesn't make any sense," I said, "You're a vice captain shouldn't you be a little bit better than the Head Researcher Assistant?" I asked.

"I…"

Before she could finish Ikkaku came down the stairs, "She's waiting for you Luke hop to it," he said.

"Yeah thanks," I said as he walked out the door.

"It's best you not keep Gelda-sama waiting," Vice Captain Nemu said.

"Yeah," I responded and casually made my way up the stairs. When I got there Professor Nebilim was engrossed in doing something on her computer. The door was open, but I waited outside.

"You can come in if you'd like," she said, "you don't have to wait out in the hall."

Taking that as a sign of me being welcome I walked into her office. After I did she hit a button on the computer and it went to standby mode,

"Nice to meet you," she said turning to face me, "Judging by your armband I take it your Ukitake's new Vice Captain," she said, "Honestly I never thought he'd replace Kaien Shiba till Rukia left the division."

"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked.

"Oh never mind, forget I said anything," she said and walked towards the center of the room to narrow the distance between us, "What's your name?"

"I'm Luke, Luke Fon Fabre," I bowed.

"My that's a pretty low bow to an inferior ranked officer Luke, I'm flattered," she said.

"Huh?" I asked.

She laughed, "Still not used to being a Vice Captain I see? No matter you'll get used to it after a while, I know it was hard for me to get used to being a 3rd Seat and saddled with the responsibility of the Head Researcher Assistant after being a 5th Seat for almost a decade. Oh I haven't even properly introduced myself, Gelda Nebilim," she held out her left hand, "You are left handed right?"

"Ah yeah," I said shaking her hand, "How did you know?" I kept my sword sheathed across my back, so it's not like it was obvious.

"You keep your armband on your right arm, most Vice Captains wear on the left to prevent it from flying all over the place as the sword arm swings violently, the armband tends to loosen," she explained. She had a really keen sense of observation, "So what did you come here for, obviously you're not here about the project if you let that 3rd seat of another division go first, no matter how humble you might be."

"I uh…" I couldn't think of what to say, "I wanted to meet you." I said.

Professor Nebilim laughed lightly, "Well you've met me. Now what? Is this some sort of personal visit?"

"Sort of," I said and then thought of something to say, "Does the name Jade Curtiss mean anything to you?"

The reaction I got was that of surprise and shock before Professor Nebilim returned her look to one of seriousness, "Luke shut the door," she said.

"Y-yes," I said and turned around to close the door. Professor Nebilim cast a Kido spell on it to lock and soundproof it.

"Where did you hear that name?" she asked.

"I uh…" I couldn't think of how to begin.

"Is Jade here?" she asked.

"What? No," I shook my head, "I…suppose I should start at the beginning," I said.

"That's a good a place as any. Take all the time you need, I'm in no rush to get back to anything."

"Thank you," I nodded and proceeded to tell Professor Nebilim everything about what had happened on Auldrant all the while she just listened intently. I told her how I knew of her, and about Dist and Jade and Fomicry. When I finished Professor Nebilim closed her eyes as if soaking all the information in.

"I see," she said, "I must say I'm rather disappointed in Saphir for not letting go,"

"Huh, you're not happy that Jade was trying to resurrect you?" I asked.

Professor Nebilim turned around, "No it's not that, I'm glad Jade thought of me enough to try and make up for what he did, him and Saphir both, but I'm glad he finally moved on, for Dist to cling to the false hope of wanting me to return, I wouldn't trade these past six decades in the Gotei for anything."

I was amazed, "You've been in the Gotei 13 that long?" I asked.

"Yes, and I've learned quite a lot, made all sorts of allies, rivals and enemies. I've seen captains and vice captains come and go and so much more," she answered.

"Then answer me one thing," I said, "Is it true that the only way to return to the world of the living is through a mission outpost?"

"You're thinking of going back to Auldrant aren't you?" she asked. Based on her tone I wondered if she was going to tell me to abandon that idea, "I can't blame you I suppose you're still young, and there's that promise you always want to keep. It's been so long since I gave up on wanting to go back."

"Huh?" I was interested at hearing this.

"In the beginning I was just like you, feeling that my time in Auldrant was cut short, of course I didn't blame Jade for that in the least. However, as I spent time here in the Gotei, after being picked up by a recruitment outpost, I began to love life in the Soul Society, and soon I began to think of going back to Auldrant less and less despite the fact that the time passing in Auldrant was a third of my time spent here. I've enjoyed this after life, I wouldn't trade these past 60 years for anything, but you don't seem like you would turn out like me," she turned back around, "You could spend a century here without going back and still you would think of returning to Auldrant. And so, as a friend of Jade's I'll help you and your friends "

"Really?" I asked.

"On one condition," she said.

There's always a catch, "What is it?" I asked eagerly.

"Obviously you would've approached me sooner if you had known about me, especially when Kurotsuchi called you here about that experiment and so I have a favor to ask. I'll help you if you help me with two things. They're not hard and I just want your cooperation, your friends too if they'll agree."

"What is it?" I asked, just wanting to know what she wanted.

"The first thing is mutual effort for mutual gain, as you know, captains are the ones who employ the missions of individuals to the world of the living," Professor Nebilim walked over to the computer and then turned around facing me with her hands spread out over the keyboards, "And as you also may have gathered from your encounter with Kurotsuchi eight years ago that 12th Division is in dire need of a revolution, a new change in leadership. Kurotsuchi's reign of terror must be ended."

"Your vice captain said though that without you and him that the Department of Research and Development would fall apart," I informed Professor Nebilim.

"Nemu is only half right," she responded, "It's true that in order to function at optimum efficiency that the research bureau requires a leader and a subordinate of maximum intelligence. However, as you know Captain Kurotsuchi is the second head of the Department of Research and Development. The question is, what happened to the first?"

"You're talking about Urahara Kisuke right?" I asked.

"Correct," she answered, "He was banished 100 years ago on the premise of treason. The conducting of illegal hollowfication experiments. This is a process that creates an imbalance within the soul and makes it part plus and part hollow. The hollows have developed a similar process to this in which has been noted by the department as Shinigamification in which they become like us, they obtain Zanpakuto and their mask isn't entirely whole. The only records of this are found within the 12th Division electronic archives, within Kurotsuchi's selective files. It is my belief that Central 46 had been fooled, it was not Urahara Kisuke, but rather Mayuri Kurotsuchi that conducted the illegal hollow experiments."

"But why would he do such a thing?" I asked.

Professor Nebilim said nothing and walked past me, "Did you know that Captain Kurotsuchi, a little around a century ago was a detainee in the Maggot's Nest?"

"He's an ex-convict?" This was a surprise. I knew Kurotsuchi was twisted, but still.

"Yes, Urahara said he needed Mayuri's genius to help start the Department of Development and Research. However, ever since Urahara went out of the picture Kurotsuchi let all that power go to his head. He conducted experiments and studies that which skirted the boundaries of the law and he's never taken punishment for any of them. Would you like to know what he's doing right now with those new recruits?"

Part of me right now felt like I just walked into a big mess. Professor Nebilim and I started this conversation on an awkward introduction and suddenly I find myself talking to her in a way that makes it seem like she's been plotting against Kurotsuchi-taicho ever since she got into the 12th Division. I was scared to ask, but I did so anyway when I asked, "What is he doing?"

Professor Nebilim silently walked over to a drawer and took out a red file and handed it to me. It was a case report she had filled out herself depicting sightings and examinations of Menos in Rukongai 44. Many of which she eliminated and studied herself, "Captain Kurotsuchi learned of my study two weeks ago and forced me to turn over the rights to him, as his subordinate I had to and then moved my focus to my spirit deposit research, but that's another topic entirely. The point is, is what Kurotsuchi plans to do now that he's taken over my research. He plans to take all those students straight out into Rukongai 44, he's going to let the Menos attack the students and he is going to watch as he collects data."

"That sick bastard!" I shouted, "We gotta do something!"

"And what exactly can we do? You're a vice-captain already stained in Central 46's eyes as having problems with Kurotsuchi and I'm his subordinate if we go out there the only thing that's going to happen is that we're both going to get a slap on the wrist for violation of procedure," Professor Nebilim told me.

"We're talking about human lives here," I emphasized.

"I understand your pain, but there is nothing we can do, I've been in this position as Head Researcher Assistant for the last 30 years, I am not going to risk it all now," the professor said.

"Then what do you plan to do?" I asked her.

"I was getting there, patience is a virtue Luke Fon Fabre," she stated and took back her research folder, "Now then the point I was getting to was simple: I've been on the road to try and achieve Bankai for a long while now. I've almost completed the training," She put one hand on the handle of her Zanpakuto near the guard and massaged the other side with her opposite hand, "My Zanpakuto is very powerful and therefore fully mastering the Bankai and Shikai for one such as myself who had no more talent than your average student in the beginning obviously I would require a much longer time to master both Bankai, Shikai and everything else, as opposed to someone like you who is naturally gifted. Nemu believes that without both Kurotsuchi and myself that this Division would fall apart. That's not exactly true. Only without a proper leader would this division fall apart. If Kurotsuchi were taken out of the picture I could easily rise to the occasion. I plan to usurp power from beneath him and take 12th Division as mine to command. The only thing I ask from you Luke is for you to help me. If at any time I need your help in bringing this tyrant to justice I want you to help me. Will you?"

Her ultimatum was revealed at last. My answer was simple, "Of course I'll help you. You didn't even need to ask. I've wanted to bring that guy to justice ever since I got landed in Central 46. I'm sure Asch will be willing to help out to. I'd even be happy to vouch for you to Ukitake when you need approval to be a captain."

Professor Nebilim smiled and put a hand on her chest, "Thank you Luke that means a lot to me. However, besides helping me in eliminate Kurotsuchi, there is one more thing I need to ask of you."

"What's that?" I asked.

"You know about my project right?" she asked.

"Oh yeah Ikkaku told me about it, the expedition right?" I asked.

She nodded, "Yes, I know it's selfish of me to ask since I'm already asking you to put your neck on the line to help me conspire against a Gotei 13 captain, but I was hoping I could ask for your assistance in the expedition."

"Not a problem," I said, "If not for me, I'll do it for Jade, he'd want me to help you. Also if you don't mind me asking, why are you looking for volunteers, why not research the best people fit for the job and send out pamphlets like when Kurotsuchi needed me and Asch, this Division has that kind of power doesn't it?"

"You pay attention, but the reason I choose to do it this way is because going behind other people's backs makes me sick. I am accountable for the welfare of each person that goes on this expedition with me, therefore I want to make sure that they themselves are willing to do what is necessary not just because I say so, but because they know it to be the right thing to do."

"Where did you hear that philosophy?" I asked.

"Head Captain Yamamoto, before I was transferred here to 12th Division because I knew that research was my calling I was the 6th seat of the 1st Division," Professor Nebilim answered.

"No way," I was amazed at this, "You were in the Head Captain's squad. That's awesome."

"It's a whole different ball game in 1st Division then it is anywhere else, we are expected to be examples to the rest of the Gotei. The Head Captain, and even Vice Captain Sasakibe set those examples very well," Professor Nebilim said.

"So since I'm volunteering, what exactly is it that I have to do?" I asked.

"You will receive your job description as part of your paperwork when the expedition has an expected arrival date. I've been given permission to have it, but Central 46 has not yet given me the day to which it will happen until I collect enough people. I can't tell you how many, protocol and all that, but anyone you can find to help would be greatly appreciated," she said.

"I'll talk to my friends and Captain Ukitake and see if I can convince them to help participate," I said.

"Once again Luke, thank you, this means a lot to me," I said.

"It's nothing really," I said. Suddenly a device started going off. Professor Nebilim walked over to it.

"Well what do you know it's getting close to sundown already," she said.

"Wow it's that late already," I scratched the back of my head.

"You should head back to your division," she said, "Hopefully I'll see you around, I don't like to stay in the lab a lot so hopefully I'll see you around the Seireitai."

"Yeah sure, see you around," I said. With that I exited Nebilim's office and headed back down the stairs before leaving the 12th Division and heading back to my office.

(A/N: And that, as they say, is that. At least for now anyway. So Luke and Professor Nebilim have formed an alliance to pull Kurotsuchi down from his high. Yes, Nebilim believes Mayuri is responsible for what happened with the Vizards. Aizen is smart enough to erase all traces that he was involved or accused making even the sensible and level headed Professor Nebilim overlook him. What will the Professor do as far as bringing down the tyrannical madman is concerned and what about Asch, Ion and Largo, will Luke they become a part of hers and Luke's two person scheme. For answers to all these questions and more you'll have to wait for the next chapter of Noble Flames. Coming soon to a web page near you. Please don't forget to review. And also Subscribe and Fave if you haven't already).