(A/N: So it's been a while since I updated this, blame Xerosonic for his Writer's Block in doing one of the scenes for this chapter.)
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss
Two Years Later
3rd Person pov
In the time that had passed since Kyoraku's party in honor of his 290th anniversary of being a captain nothing major had happened. Nanao and Asch had started a rather healthy relationship between the two of them and Luke continued to just be friends with practically every girl in his general vicinity. As for Ion, he was still oblivious to the feelings that Kotetsu Isane held for him. Yes quite a long time had passed in Soul Society and today was a very important day in its history. Today was the day of the expedition that Nebilim had planned. Nebilim's pov
I was monitoring everyone's activities from the surveyance room in the main research laboratory. Captain Kurotsuchi and Nemu were out in the field as they had desired while I headed the main front, connecting everyone via hell butterfly and radio signals. Akon and Rin were very diligent in their assistance of things I needed, mainly refreshments since I didn't want anyone besides myself near the main computer.
"Here's your ice cold lime soda Nebilim-sama," Rin said handing it to me on a coaster.
"Thank you," I said, taking the drink off the coaster and leaning forward back towards the computer while sipping the drink through a straw. When I had my current fill I put the drink in the cup holder of my chair. I then put my headset on and spoke into the microphone, "This is Gelda Nebilim of the Department of Research and Development. I am checking to make sure all teams are present and accounted for. Unit 1 do you read me?"
"This is Captain Soi-Fon, unit one is present and accounted for," Soi-Fon returned to my inquiry. She, Nanao Ise and Tetsuzaemon Iba were heading the first unit in West Rukongai sector 25.
"Unit 2 do you read me?" I asked.
"This is unit two everythin's peachy kin over here Nebilim-san," Captain Gin Ichimaru and Izuru Kira of the 3rd Division would both be heading Unit 2. There scouting area was the 64th District of Northern Rukongai.
"Unit 3 do you read me? Am I coming in clear?" I asked.
"You need to calm down Nebilim-san, everything is perfectly fine over here," Captain Unohana said and let out a small laugh. She, her vice-captain, her 4th seat and her 7th seat were heading the 3rd Unit. Their location was the 58th Sector of East Rukongai.
"Y-yes ma'am," I answered. "Unit four do you read me? Unit four come in!" Damn it! Pick up Aizen.
10th District South Rukongai
"Tell me again why I'm stuck with you?" Asch grumbled as he and Aizen trotted along the forest path together.
"Because I specifically requested your companionship from the Head Researcher Assistant," Aizen answered.
Once again I get no say in things, Asch grumbled under his breath.
"I understand you'd rather be with Ise-fukutaichio," Aizen guessed why Asch was so unenthusiastic at being paired up with him, "but don't you think it would be best if your mind was focused on the battlefield rather than on her?"
"Why you…" Asch didn't like Aizen already, the fact that the man was now insulting Asch's ability as a Vice-Captain was a little infuriating.
Aizen held up a finger to pause Asch from his line of thought as a consistent beeping sound went off, "Yes Gelda?" Aizen answered the Head Researcher Assistant's call to him, "Yes I can hear you loud and clear ma'am," Nebilim disconnected after hearing Aizen's approval. "This way Asch," Aizen walked towards a specific direction.
Asch sighed, "Yes sir," he grumbled bitterly.
12th Division
Okay so unit four was doing okay, "Unit 5 come in unit 5."
"This is unit 5 what is it Nebilim-san?" Tosen asked me. He, Hisagi Shuhei, and Badaq Largo were heading the 5th Unit out in 71st West Rukongai.
"Just checking to make sure you're reachable," I said, "How's everything look?" I could hear laughter in the background from Shuhei.
"I fail to find what exactly is so funny Hisagi," Tosen said to his vice-captain. The laughter ceased, "To answer your question the mountain air is rather calming out here." Figures he'd give me some form of answer, Captain Tosen was always quite polite.
"Right thanks," I disconnected from unit 5 and contacted unit 6, "Unit 6, are you there? Unit 6?"
"This is Unit 6, I read you loud and clear Nebilim," Hitsugaya answered. I had sent him, Matsumoto Rangiku and Paruna Gina to the 15th Sector of North Rukongai.
"Good to know, I've got your location marked, your very close to the deposit, keep an eye out for it," I instructed.
"Will do," he answered.
Only 3 units left, "Unit 7 do you copy?" I was starting to pick up static. "Unit 7 pick up!"
"Yeah what is it?" Kenpachi answered. His group was the largest. He had his vice-captain and his 3rd, 5th, 11th, 15th and 16th seat with him. His group was patrolling, or rather supposed to be patrolling the 18th Sector of East Rukongai, but they were far off target.
"No reason to be rude, I'm checking to see if every unit can hear me?" I shot back.
"I wanna talk to Professor," I could hear Yachiru in the background. I have no idea what makes her to decide to call me professor, but I didn't argue, it's rather cute.
"I'm handing the receiver to Yachiru," Kenpachi said.
"Wait hold up, before you do you guys are way off target your about 10 clicks west of the correct sector," I said.
"I told you, we're lost," I could hear Zenith complain.
"We are not lost," Yachiru shouted out him.
"Yes ma'am, sorry ma'am," he apologized.
"Hi Professor," Yachiru said brightly.
"Hi Yachiru how are you?" I asked talking to her as if I would when I had been a teacher.
"We can't find what you sent us out here for even though we're taking all my shortcuts," Yachiru said as though she was bored.
"Hmmm," I said and tapped in a few keys and altered the hell butterfly in their group so that it would act on autopilot towards their destination, "Just follow the pretty butterfly okay Vice Captain Kusajishi," I told her.
"You got it Professor," she said happily, "Follow the hell butterfly Kenny," she said.
Chuckling I went and contacted Unit 8, my own superiors, "Unit 8 are you there. Captain, am I coming in clear?"
"I can hear you just fine Gelda, what is it?" he asked.
"Sir, are my readings correct you and Nemu already seem to be at the target," I said.
"That computer is mine so unless it's caught some kind of virus from you fiddling with it then it should be correct," he answered. I had sent him and Nemu to South Rukongai 80, how they had been the first to reach their target was beyond me.
"Sir, if you don't mind me asking just how did you reach it so quickly?" I asked.
"Ah yes, last year I went and checked out your originally found deposit, the one Unit 7 is tracking down and I created a small device to track in onto its spiritual composition," he answered.
"Sir why didn't you tell me you had done something like that this mission would be going a lot smoother if you had?" I asked, rather pissed off he hadn't told me.
"Don't take that tone with me," he snapped, "and as for why I kept it to myself you never asked for such a thing to be done, this is your expedition after all, isn't it?"
This is why I plan to kill you, I thought to myself.
"Are we quite finished?" he asked, "I am trying to put together the lab set up so this deposit can be properly analyzed as you requested, I have very little time for idle chatter."
"Yes sir, my apologies," I said and transferred my hailing frequency to contact the last unit, Unit 9. "Unit 9, are you there?"
"Yes we're doing just fine," Captain Ukitake answered. Unit 9 was composed of Captain Ukitake, Luke, Sentaro, Kiyone and Rukia.
"How's your health?" I asked him.
"Fine at the moment though that's mostly because I haven't had to do much walking Sentaro and Kiyone thought enough to carry me on a stretcher during any up hill climbs," he answered.
"You guys are close to your target you should probably take out the map," I said.
"I'll let Luke know he's up at the head of the group right now," Ukitake stated.
"Thank you," I said and reached for the hang up button so I could take a five minute breather to check up things here at the lab.
"Gelda before you go," he said and I stopped, "Just what are these spirit deposits for and why are they so important I don't recall you covering that in the debriefing."
"Sir in this case ignorance is bliss," I said.
"I'd like to know anyway if you don't mind telling me," he said, "If there's even a chance of my unit walking into a dangerous situation I want to know about it."
"All right then," I said, not wanting to be like my own captain, "These spirit deposits, 9 in total 2 in each district with a 9th in 70th North Rukongai, your location, are highly dense reishi crystals that contain their very own strand of spiritual pressure. I found several dying hollows in the area when I found the first one. After dispatching them, and while investigating, I found it very easy to communicate with my Zanpakuto. I find that a thorough analysis of these things may, in turn, help us to improve the Gotei 13s ability in Zanpakuto commune by twelve percent and efficiency in hollow repulsion by fifteen percent. It also may make it possible to open a gateway between this dimension and the dimension of Zanpakuto.
"I can see why you would be so interested in this, but is that everything?" Ukitake asked.
"Not quite, these deposits also seem to attract hollows the same way souls do, but for lesser classes the spiritual pressure of the crystals alone is enough to kill them off. Recently though, there have been no attempts of devouring by Menos or any other form of hollow. Not to mention that the crystals seem to have gotten larger since I first found them. I also found that all these deposits are share a seismographic resonance. They send out waves deep beneath the surface and the resonance seems to converge at the center of the Seireitai, more specifically, beneath Sokyoku Hill," I told him.
"That is rather interesting," Ukitake said, "Is there a reason you didn't share this at the briefing?"
"I had already gathered so many willing volunteers from my article I was afraid to discourage anyone from turning away or, worst case scenario, Central 46 shutting down my project for one reason or another. Rest assured none of you are in any danger so long as I have command of this terminal and I can reach you all as I've just run my check," I stated.
"Well we won't let you down," Ukitake said.
"Thank you, Gelda Nebilim out," I said and hung up. I removed my headset wiped my brow took another sip of my soda and went to exit the room, "Man the station till I get back," I instructed.
"Yes ma'am," Akon and Rin said simultaneously.
10th District South Rukongai
3rd Person View
Aizen and Asch waited at their target location when all of a sudden Aizen picked up his head and walked away.
"What is it?" Asch asked.
"I thought I saw something of interest, wait here and don't abandon your post," Aizen cautioned.
"Hey, wait a minute. Oi!" Asch called out, but Aizen was gone. Damn it where the hell did he go now? Asch cursed in his head as he sat back. This better not be another set up. I know he's up to something. Asch got frustrated at the fact that Aizen left and rose up to scope out the area around the station to make sure things are cleared. As he took his time to stay alert while looking around, roars coming from the distance could be heard which caused Asch to turn to the direction of them. He then started to walk back because the last thing he wanted to do is start a fight with a bunch of hollows when that could get him in some deep trouble considering the scenario he's in. However as he continues to walk away, he could hear the cries of civilians getting attacked in the same direction. He was hesitant on what to do, abandon his post and save them, or leave them for dead and tread carefully since he is under Aizen's eye. The civilians cries get louder and the sound of blood gurgling noises are added in, that clinched it for Asch and he ran off to fight them off.
His heart was pumping a little faster in disappointment in himself. He knew that his duty as a soldier was to protect the civilians come first beyond anything else. He ran fast and steady, until he arrived into a destroyed town where hollows left and right were wrecking the place even more as the other souls try to escape. At that moment the hollows took notice at Asch as he drew his sword and released his Shikai. "Alright then," Asch began to say to himself. "Come and get some you pieces of trash!" All the hollows did as he said and rushed out after him in a swarm. Most of them were low level so he cleaved through those rather easily until he eventually met some higher leveled ones. Although there were few of those so with the lack of numbers to support a good regard of strength they were disposed of easily as well. After finishing off the last of the hollows that caused the trouble he turned to the town's people that he had rescued from their destruction. One short brunette colored haired girl dressed in rags walked up to Asch and glomped on to his left leg which caught him by surprise since he just finished fighting.
"Thank you Mister." The young girl said with a smile on her face as she removed her head from Asch's leg. Asch couldn't help but smile back to the young girl and patted her head. She gave a giggle and ran off back to her mother that was standing in the back behind a wooden pole in the ground. The girl turns to wave back before the two of them left. Asch scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, it's not like him to be so sentimental about civilians before, but he felt a feeling of satisfaction in the back of his mind. Unfortunately that feeling fell short when he heard an explosion in the distance; it came from the direction of his campsite. Asch turned to the direction of his camp to see a large bright light engulf the area, which caused everything to appear black and white for that brief moment due to the light's intensity, which blinded him as well for a few seconds.
Dammit what the hell, Asch thought to himself shielding his eyes when it cleared Asch made haste back to the campsite when he got there Aizen was near the crystal which was broken into several pieces.
"I thought I told you not to abandon your post," Aizen said without looking at Asch as he put his sword away, "Because of you disobedience several hollows attacked this crystal and destroyed it. I was lucky to arrive back when I did," Aizen massaged the large chunk of the crystal that was still fused into the ground, "or there would not be much left of this beautiful work of nature." Aizen removed his hand and looked at Asch, "I hope you realize this is due to your inability to follow orders. I do hope Central 46 and your Captain will be lenient when they find out what's happened here."
Asch scowled, "Forgive me, but there were civilians in the nearby village that were getting rampaged. I had to act."
Aizen spoke calmly, "Sacrificing civillains is necessary in times such as these and I gave you a direct order, let us not forget, not to leave your post."
"Orders over the lives of civilians? Isn't that a contradiction to what a soldier should be?" Asch's rage was increasing.
"First of all Asch remind yourself that the citizens of Rukongai aren't exactly civilians they are just souls that commune in the circle of life. If you want to protect civilians you need to look at the several living areas throughout the Seireitai. I don't know what military you served under when you were alive, but in the respect of the Gotei 13 when an order is given it's word is absolute unless at the crossroad of amoral conduct. Given that, in giving my order, I could not have known that those Rukongai citizines were to be attacked, then your choice to disobey my order on your own puts you up on the chopping block as opposed to myself when Central 46 looks to who's responsible for the destruction of this once magnificient crystal," Aizen explained.
As much as he hated Aizen Asch wouldn't dare speak back to a superior officer in rank. He growled under his breath and then subsided his anger, "Fine, I'll take the heat," he said, "I'd rather do that then to betray my morals as a soldier." Asch's thoughts however were exactly the opposite of what came out of his mouth and what his facial expression read, I can't believe I have to swallow down this bull shit rather than chew this guy out as harshly as possible. I never trusted this man from the beginning. Everything about him is just questionable. Ever since I first came across him there has been nothing but trouble, as if he was trying to get rid of me.
70th District North Rukongai
As Kiyone and Sentaro assisted Ukitake in setting up camp near the large, Luke and Rukia scoped out the area together to make sure things are cleared. Nothing seems to be amiss at the moment, even though Hollows were said to flock to this area due to the crystal's influence. With their scouting done, Luke and Rukia made their way back to the campsite with a sigh of relief and satisfaction. When they arrived Ukitake was laying down on a portable bed with Kiyone and Sentaro fanning him.
This sight only causes Luke to face palm. "Figures." With his action done and hand down back to his side, Luke walks up to Ukitake's side. "I guess I should take charge for now huh Captain?"
Ukitake looks up to Luke with his skin even paler. "Yes, forgive me for troubling you so much." He coughs a bit after finishing his statement. "I'll just rest a bit before taking command again."
Luke nods and turns to the two 3rd seats, "Alright then. Sentaro, get Captain back on his feet ASAP while I finish prepping things here. Kiyone you're with me." Luke ordered. Both saluted without bickering this time since they know it's not the time for it, which gave Luke a breather.
One hour later
The camp has been fully set with no drawbacks at the moment. Ukitake managed to get back up on his feet so the number of hands was back to normal. While Luke took a breather at the tent he pitched up with Rukia, The others are talking with Nebilim about something that happened earlier. The bed he was laying on is on the right side from the entrance and the piles of paperwork and such are on the opposite side of him.
Luke yawns as he stretches his arms and legs to rid of him of his tiredness. "Well, breaks over." He gets up and attaches his Zanpakuto that was sitting on the side of the bed to his side and walks out.
"Oh fukataicho, you're awake." a familiar voice called out to him. Luke turned to see that it was Rukia "You had a nice rest?"
"Yes, I feel refreshed after so much working since our hands got cut short." Luke commented as he reflexively scratched the back of his head.
"Fukataicho!" Sentaro's voice called out as she rushes out to them. Luke turns and Sentaro stops mere inches from him panting like crazy. He hands him a slip of paper. "I thought you might want to take a look at this." Luke began to scan the paper with the details on past events. His eyes suddenly stopped when he went through Asch's status. It was saying that his position was compromised by unknown means and that the crystal that was there was destroyed in recent events.
What the hell happened with you Asch? Luke thought in his head.
There was an attack in a nearby village and I left my post to help. Asch said cutting into Luke's thoughts, rather bitterly as well. I got a bad feeling about things so watch yourself. At that moment Asch cut his connection with Luke and his mind fell silent.
Damn, I hope things don't go bad over here. Luke thought. But when he finished with his inner thoughts, roars from different directions could be heard, signifying that a swarm is on its way onto their location. Sentaro and Rukia immediately jumped up in surprise and placed their hands on their Zanpakuto's. Luke did the same. Damn it, things just got harder. "Rukia, go give Ukitake support. Sentaro go to the other side of the camp and fend off the hollows. I'll defend the crystal." With a nod from them both they vanished using Shun-po. Luke did the same and stood on top of the crystal to look out into the distance. He could feel the presence of several targets forming against them. Most of the hollows were above an A-rank, which he found odd. However one felt out of the ordinary, it was then he identified an Adjuchas in the area as well. Crud, why is there so many!
"Fukataicho!" Kiyone's voice called out from below near the foot of the crystal. "What do you see!"
Luke gritted his teeth. With Ukitake's health at risk and not enough combat ability at their disposable, they're in a tough bind. "No choice. Pull out Ukitake and Rukia from the area. Get Sentaro as well and get to safety. Once you do get some reinforcements"
"What about you!" Kiyone exclaimed in worry. Luke drew his sword and released his Shikai. "Luke!"
"I'll stay behind and keep them at bay. We can't let these guy's take this area. Go now! That's an order!" Luke barked with a strong tone of enforcement. Kiyone didn't like what she was told, but left anyway to do as she was ordered. Luke stood tall as the others left the area, ready to fight the onslaught. Luke took a stance as three Hollows jump up to him from below. He immediately cleaved them down and leapt up into the air to slash four more that were trying to surprise him from the air. The fighting continued and Luke was on a killing spree with no troubles, until the Adjuchas appeared in front of him. It had a leopard like build only with a brown body. "Perfect, all I need to do is take care of you and then I'm golden." Luke smirked as he leapt forward to make the first strike. The leopard ducked, revealing two more Adjuchas behind it. "What! Where did they come from!" Luke exclaimed in his head. Supposedly the first Adjuchas flared his reiatsu while the others suppressed it so they can sneak in. Both of the new hollows were of the same build of the first only that one is purple and the other green.
With a roar the two new hollows charged a Cero from their mouths and the third did the same. Luke stopped his frontal attack and shifted himself to guard the attack he couldn't evade. The hollows fired a barrage of Cero's at him and Luke braced himself for impact. He took the front of the blow heavily and was shot back until his back collided with the crystal's surface, coughing up blood. He fell to the ground in a sitting position and slowly began to lose conscious.
Luke, Get up! Nenshou Shikon called out to him. This fight isn't over and if you don't rise now you are as good as dead! Luke remained unresponsive as the Adjuchas drew closer to him. Suddenly, a light began to shimmer from the crystal's surface and it covered Luke in a veil. This light? There was a brief pause before He spoke again. Listen to me Luke; we got a lucky break now so let's take it while we can. You can get more strength but you need to stand! Nenshou growled under his breath. Luke responded that time and rose back on his feet, slowly. Luke then motioned his sword to rise above his head and flames engulfed his arms and legs. Don't lose yourself.
There were no words after that, no warning, just flames that coiled around Luke like a snake until he was unseen. The Adjuchas Leopards took a few steps back; even the other hollows stopped their charge as Luke's spiritual pressure skyrocketed. After a certain peak the flames died away mostly except for the ones around Luke's arms and legs. Those too died rather quickly. First the flames around his arms revealing brightly orange colored metallic gauntlets on either arm that ran up to Luke's elbows. The gauntlets terminated at the ends in two metal spikes that jutted out on his outer arm. Coating the gauntlets were several red sharp spikes randomly located along them. Luke's sword remained relatively unchanged. The flames around his legs died away revealing long metallic greaves running up Luke's legs past his knees. They were sported of a whitened color with a golden hue around them. Luke's Shihakusho was no more; rather he was wearing what he had worn when he was alive in Auldrant. His eyes were alive with determination. A fire burned within them, but a bright blue and white battle aura seemed to consume his spirit. Luke stepped forward, which caused the green leopard to charge forward for a reaction. Faster than the eye could blink Luke disappeared, then reappeared past the attacking hollow as it stopped short. It was not moving anymore as it stood like a statue. After a few moments a breeze blew past and the hollow that froze slowly split in half completely from the middle at the head to the tail and disintegrated. The purple one then began to charge another Cero in response to its fallen comrade. But Luke countered by shoving his hand into the creatures jaw, forcing the Cero to backlash inside the hollow and the energy caused it to explode from the inside, completely wiping all trace of the second hollow in a cloud of smoke. As it cleared Luke was walking forward to the last one that set up the ambush against him. The last Adjuchas took a few steps back, knowing that Luke could destroy him in many ways that he can't describe. Before he got a chance to make another move, Luke, just as quickly as the first time, disappeared from in front of him, appeared again above the doomed hollow and slammed his palm that carried a white glow into the creature's backside. The force of the blow destroyed the hollow in an instant without a trace.
Luke levitated above where he destroyed the last hollow and rose higher to overlook the area that was swarming with many other hollows in the area. However the hollows didn't even make a move since Luke laid his empty eyes upon them. Luke had been almost completely taken over by his own power, unintentionally of course, but that didn't change the fact that he was a lethal weapon to anything that breathed or moved. Suddenly the sky began storming and giant Ice spears rained down from the sky. Luke's mind registered his former superior, Captain Hitsugaya's, Bankai. Said captain flew over to Luke's location clad in the "armor" given to him by using Hyorinmaru's Bankai.
"Fon Fabre-fukutaicho," the child prodigy spoke, his expression wasn't filled with delight at seeing his former direct underling unharmed. Rather it was of unwavering seriousness, "I was wondering who that massive rise in reiatsu came from to see you in this form you've entered your Bankai's raw state haven't you?"
Luke, completely taken over by his Zanpakuto made no response, just turned his attention to the young captain.
"I had a feeling something like this may happen, those hollows have been attacking all of the spiritual deposits as of late when I was sent crashing into one of them while using Bankai I became full of vitality. These spiritual deposits are very in tune with the world in which Zanpakuto hail from. On that note I figured that those who were close to unlocking their Bankai would possibly do so at some point, but would be unable to control it. The raw power of one's Bankai is more powerful than the successive times because the Zanpakuto spirit and the user itself merge and become one entity, but the fusion isn't natural and therefore emotions become repressed, the ability to pick out friend from foe becomes hazy and your spiritual pressure rises to new levels if only briefly," After his speech Hitsugaya swung his sword out in front of him at an angle, "Nebilim-senpai has been coordinating the teams to work with the hollow threat. That said, I can focus on knocking some sense back into you."
As if understanding Luke's body readied its sword.
"I see you seem to comprehend the situation, in order for you to regain control of yourself we must fight and as your former Captain it is an honor for me to fight with you on common ground," Hitsugaya charged, "Luke Fon Fabre!"
Wordlessly Luke charged at Hitsugaya and upon collision there was an explosion of fire and ice.
"You're technique has improved since you were my subordinate," Hitsugaya said pushing his sword so that both blades moved to his left, "and though I do not have full control over my own Bankai, I still have enough control to defeat you Hyoryu Senbi!" Swinging in a counterclockwise motion Hitsugaya send a crescent ice wave in Luke's direction. However, the red haired Shinigami cut through the crescent with ease and made to attack Hitsugaya. The captain was able to block, but Luke's force sent them down towards the ground, That was careless his Zanpakuto is a fire type, most of my techniques will prove to be ineffective against him and those that are could kill him and I'm only trying to knock him unconscious.
The two combatants slammed into the ground. Hitsugaya's ice flowers that acted as his Bankai's timer only had 4 petals remaining, there had been 9 before the crash.
Damn, his raw power is overwhelming, Hitsugaya thought as Luke swung his sword in preparation for Hitsugaya's next attack. I need to think of something quick or else
"Source of heaven, earth and everything in between, ruler of all the elements inscribe upon us the will of your divine power and execute these defilers of your holy name," A voice came from behind Hitsugaya, "Hado number 89, Sankaku Hakai!" (Triangular Destruction) Suddenly three small spheres of spirit energy formed around Luke and created a triangle by connecting to each other and then trapped Luke in a barricade before an explosion erupted from within the artificially made forcefield creating an upheaval of Darkness and Lightning. Hitsugaya just stared wondering if Luke would be all right. "He'll live," the voice behind him said.
Histugaya turned around, "Ah Nebilim-senpai what are you…"
"I left 12th Division in Akon, Hiyosu and Rin's care. After what happened with Asch Central 46 and the Captain Commander stepped in. This expedition of mine has resulted in a great failure," Nebilim spoke with a straight face. The explosion ceased and Luke fell to the ground unconscious with a thud.
"I'm sorry to hear that,"
"On the contrary," Nebilim went over to Luke to pick him up, she set him up piggyback style and walked back towards Hitsugaya, "Even though this was my expedition and I was the one who led it, who do you think will take most of the blame?"
"Captain Kurotsuchi I presume," Hitsugaya said.
"Exactly, this will be treated as his failure not mine," I said.
"You almost seem happy about that fact," Hitsugaya said.
"Am I? I hadn't noticed," Nebilim said and shunpoed out of the area.
The next day
4th Division
Luke's pov
I could feel a warm glow around my body. Hazily my eyes opened to the sight of a medical room. I was in 4th Division, but how did I get here, the last thing I remembered was landing against that spiritual deposit.
"Ah the expedition!" I bolted upright. A hand was placed on my chest pushing me back. It was Ion.
"You shouldn't try to move," he said. I looked around the room to see that Rangiku, Paruna-sensei, Rukia, Kiyone, Sentaro, Ukitake and Yachiru were all here as well.
"Um, why is everyone here?" I asked blinking.
"Baka we worried about you!" Rukia shouted, "You told us all to head on out and then the next thing we knew you were being admitted to the recovery ward!"
"According to my captain you somehow tapped into your Zanpakuto's Bankai, he and Head Researcher Assistant Gelda had to knock you out and she carried you all the way here," Rangiku said.
"Huh, Professor Nebilim did that?" I asked.
"After what happened with Asch and Captain Aizen Central 46 and the Captain Commander got involved in the expedition and called it off. Miss Gelda was sent out to deal with the massive hollow outbreak. The reason for the attack is under investigation. The Head Captain and Central 46 are at odds at whether or not the attack was natural or not. Also Asch is on a sentencing trial," Captain Ukitake stated.
"Trial?" I asked. I tried to contact Asch by thought but he wouldn't answer. "Damn it, thanks Ion. I'll be back later!" I shouted and made my way to Central 46 on my shaking body. I was still in recovery but I had to know what was going on with Asch.
Central 46's chambers
Asch's pov
I stood in the center of the Central 46 chambers as the members of the council spoke to me, most likely to judge and condemn me without a second thought. "Do you understand why you are here Asch Fon Fabre?" One of them asked me.
"According to me, it's because I left my post defending a village from attack," I said sourly.
"The situation is far more critical than that, if this were simply a disobedience of a direct order your captain would be the one to reprimand you, that sort of thing happens every day. However, you are of a vice-captain's rank and in disobeying your orders your mission ended in failure. In the code of the Gotei 13 the mission must always take priority. Had you been able to defend the crystal and the civilians you would not be standing here right now. Do you understand what we're saying?" Another member spoke out.
"Basically I'm in a hell lot of trouble," I said saving my breath.
"Your ambiguity and attitude will get you in trouble one of these days Asch Fon Fabre. What we are saying is that we believe you are unsuited to be a vice-captain," Another member stated.
I figured as much, I thought, "So then I am being demoted?" I asked.
"Yes, normally we would thank your lucky stars that your captain is the one handling the severity of the demotion. However, you serve the 6th Squad so Captain Kuchiki may not be so lenient. If it were up to us however the fact that you caused a Gotei 13 wide crisis and forced us to play a hand in the procedure would result in your immediate expulsion. You should be fortunate this is not the case," I was told.
"Tch," was all I could say.
"Though it would do little to change the situation do you have anything to say for yourself?" the leader asked, "Speak now or sentencing shall commence!"
"All I can say is how disappointed I am to the system. Nothing more," I spoke honestly.
There were several incoherent murmurs before the Central 46 leader spoke up again, "Then by the power invested in us you Asch Fon Fabre are sentenced to demotion within the ranks of the Gotei 13, please remove your armband and leave it before you go."
"Understood," I said and removed my lieutenant's armband and let it hit the ground.
"Very good, council dismissed," there was a loud bang of a gavel. As the members of Central 46 retreated further into their domain I walked up the stairs to exit out of the door that had just opened. As I walked into the Seireitai streets I happened to run into, of all people at a time like this, Dreck.
"What do you want Dreck?" I asked angrily
" I heard you got court-martialed so I just wanted to see what's going on," he answered.
Always poking in my business, "As you can see, everything is already in order. Now out of my way," I brushed passed him when all of a sudden he grabbed my arm, "The hell are you doing?" I shouted.
"I'm not letting go until I get answers. What the hell happened to you in there?" he asked.
So like him, I mentally grumbled, "You really want to know?"
" We're in this together aren't we?" he asked sounding innocent
"Together?" I said through clenched teeth. I shoved him away. God he made me sick, "Since when did we agree that we are working together! You know what, fine, I'll tell you. I GOT DEMOTED!" I shouted and just started venting, "I left my post to go help a small village getting attacked by Hollows, and it so happens that I was paired with that god damn Aizen who has it in for me. I bet that bastard planned this from the start!"
"H-hold on a second Asch-" Dreck started stuttering.
He was not going to interrupt me, "NO! You wanted to know, so I'm going to pour every ounce of what happened on to you," I growled, "Hollows attacked a nearby village not far from me, at first I ignored it, but the screams got to me and I," I paused, "I ran to fight them off. I succeeded and the villagers-," I remembered the looks on their faces and calmed down, "They were so relieved, I couldn't forget that little girl's face when she thanked me so earnestly..."
"Asch…" the way dreck said my name was so sentimental I wanted to throw up. I didn't need his pity.
"Not long after, an explosion was heard at the campsite i was stationed at, the area was destroyed," I growled loudly, "And that bastard was standing in the middle of the area, preaching on how I disobeyed him and abandoned my duty, I had half a mind to tear him to shreds."
Dreck didn't seem to have anything to say.
I looked down at the ground, "I-I'm just sick of all this, I can't stand this damn Society anymore, if I get kicked out I think I'm better off. Nothing here is Morally right. What am I supposed to say to the one's that died. I may be a dead man myself, and I could act cold," I paused, "but does that mean I'm not human?" I looked at Dreck, "and aren't you the same way, you are my replica aren't you? You should know what I mean at least."
I grabbed Luke by the collar and shoved him up against a wall, "Well Replica? I'm waiting for an answer. He gave me the silent treatment, "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you broken? You asked me didn't you, you should know me better then anyone else here, and yet you say nothing?" I raged.
"Asch listen, you got to calm down. You can't let your anger get the better of you, you're saying too much about us in the open," he responded in a whisper.
"What do you mean Luke-fukutaicho is your replica Asch-fukutaicho?" I no longer hold that title, I thought and shunpoed away without a second thought.
Luke's pov
"A-Asch!" I called out.
"I'll go talk to him," Nanao left the area in pursuit of Asch if anyone could talk some sense into him she could.
"Momo: Luke-fukutaicho what did Asch-fukutaicho mean when he called you a replica?" Momo asked.
So they overheard huh? Brilliant, I thought "I-It's just an insult he came up with a while back because we look so alike he always said he was superior in combat and I'm weaker."
"Well he's wrong I think Luke-fukutaicho is smarter, cooler and stronger than Asch-fukutaicho will ever be," Momo said getting all worked up.
"Momo," I sighed with a smile. She was completely missing the point to what was going on, but it meant a lot that she thought of me so highly.
10th District South Rukongai
Asch's pov
I came back here just to escape from the Seireitai, I needed some place to cool my head, and after what I did here I figured I'd be welcomed. The damage from the hollows was being repaired and the area seemed to be functioning normally. "So things are at ease here..." I whispered aloud to myself.
"Oh Mister!" that little girl from before came running up to me, "Hi!" she said cheerfully.
I bent down on one knee, "Hey, you doing alright?" I asked her.
She nodded and then hugged me, "Thanks to you!"
I was a bit shocked at first; I never usually got this sort of praise when I was in the oracle knights. I returned her hug, "I'm glad," I said.
" I thought I'd find you here, who would've thought you had such a sentimental side,"
"Yeah, funny isn't it," I said saracastically. I got up to my feet, "Go to your parents now, I'm going to need some privacy," I told the girl.
"Ok say see you later mister," she said and ran off.
"So is there something you needed to ask me?" I asked Nanao without turning to face her yet.
"I was just concerned about you is all, am I not allowed to be? We have been going out for the past two years now Asch" she told me.
"Hmph," I grunted. I looked out at the villagers finding some form of comfort in seeing them all working hard. Then I sighed.
"Something wrong?" she asked, and then added, "By the way what happened to your armband?"
I didn't answer.
"I heard from Rangiku, who heard it from Ukitake when everyone was watching over Luke that you were at a sentencing trial, what happened?" she always had to push.
"Let me ask you something, what do we fight for in the Gotei?" I asked her.
"We fight to help departed souls pass onto the other side and to purify corrupted souls that's the backbone of our work. Sometimes, like yesterday, things are a little different," she answered standing next to me.
"Then what about the ones that were already here?" I asked.
"We have given them paradise by either purifying them or sending them to the other side, they must live that paradise for themselves. Some join our ranks, others support us, and some hate us. Even amongst our own there are two groups of mentality. Some believe, as it is dictated by Central 46, that Rukongai citizens are not our problem and no one really seems to act on any given problem until the Seireitai or our own people are threatened," she paused, "However, I do not believe that. My mentor, Captain Kyoraku's former lieutenant, Lisa Yadomaru, gave her life protecting people like these. What are we then, but the guardians of the Soul Society, though the law may say otherwise, when it comes down to it that is what we really are…at least I would like to believe so."
I sighed with relief, "So then, i'm not the only one?" I turned towards Nanao.
"No of course not, many believe that is what we are," she exasperated and then said timidly, "but because of Central 46's influence very few openly pick to save lives rather than obey orders."
"Figures as much. I already had a taste from them besides today," I said recalling when I had been dragged into when Kurotsuchi subjected me to being a lab rat.
"I don't know when or why Central 46 was put in place, they make things too confusing. Even my Captain and Luke's Captain talk about always doing the right thing ahead of whatever the law may state and they are two of the oldest captains in Soul Society," Nanao said.
"Well, to answer your question, I was demoted from my position. Since it's Byakuya thats handling the paperwork I probably might get shoved to an unseated position," I smirked trying to shrug off the severity of what I was facing.
Nanao smiled slightly to comfort me, "Should that happen 8th Division would re-welcome you with open arms. 4th seat would be the highest position we could offer I know it's not as high as you were but..."
"That doesn't matter," I said.
"Really I always hear Luke having aspirations of becoming a captain one day, don't you have the same?" she asked me.
"No we've had different goals. In fact, I've never really had one," I said.
"Then why did you become a Shinigami, what did you hope to gain by joining the Gotei 13? A sword swung without purpose is a sword swung in violence not honor. I do not believe you are a man without honor Asch, so tell me why did you become a Shinigami, what is the will reflected in your sword?" she asked me rather seriously.
"A reason," I reminisced, "I used to have one a long time ago. I used to wield the sword for someone I admired greatly. Until," I paused thinking of Van, "that same man betrayed not only me, but many of the people he trusted. In the end, I lost my reason, and I died because of it. Same thing applied to Luke," I said.
"So then what was that reason that you used to have?" she asked me, "What were you fighting for? What did you believe in?"
"It was to prove myself to someone...but in the end I never met his expectations," I answered.
"So all this time in the Gotei 13 what has been driving you, if you have no purpose for being one why be a Shinigami?" Nanao wanted to know.
I walked forward a little, "Call it childish, but I believe it was to surpass someone. A man who I deemed worthy at one time because I was weaker then he was. My sword was swung to get stronger. At first, I really believed that was my reason but now...my sword is heavy with doubt on myself."
"Who is it that you try to surpass?" she asked me.
"That damn replica,"
"A replica?" crap had I said that out loud? "Earlier you called Luke your replica, what did you mean when you said that?"
"Uh, I..." I sighed and avoided making eye contact with Nanao, "Back at Auldrant, they were making clones of others. Back then Luke was my replica, my replacement."
"So that's why he looks so much like you," she said plainly and then added, quite worked up, "Wait a minute, replacement, replacement for what?"
"He was supposed to be the one to fight, the one with the power, and the one to die in the end. Although things didn't go as planned after I caught on with what was happening," I said.
"Do you have dreams of going back to Auldrant Asch?" she asked me.
"No," I said.
"Why not?" she asked me.
"My life is finished there, I am no longer needed. My life is here now in Soul Society," I answered.
"Asch," Nanao said.
"I should go," I said, "I should find out what my captain has in store for me as a demotion."
"Asch wait," Nanao said before I executed Shunpo.
"What is it?" I asked.
"If you ever need anything," she blushed, "My door is always open to you."
"Y-yeah thanks," I said and made for my division.
When I reached my captain's office I knocked on the door.
"Come in," I heard my captain's voice. I opened the door, "Oh Asch, I was wondering when you would show up. Please have a seat."
I sat down in the seat in front of my captain's desk and waited and watched as he finished working on the scroll he was scripting. After her finished he stood up, "Walk with me," he ordered.
"Yes sir," I said and followed him. It didn't take me long to realize we were headed in the direction of the Kuchiki mansion. I wondered what we were doing here, but I didn't say anything. I followed my captain until we reached a burial site. There was a small stream behind the casket that was covered in moss. There bushes of wildflowers strewn about the area and hedges clipped into interesting shapes. The name on the casket in the area, I could read when we walked over to it read Sojun Kuchiki. "I heard about the circumstances regarding why demotion papers were sent to my office. You probably think I'm going to demote you so low you would receive an unseated position. Such is not the case," he said.
This was unexpected.
"My father," he ran a hand over the overgrowing moss, "died on a mission once. He was a lieutenant for this squad under my grandfather Ginrei. He died as a result of disobedience of a direct order, however, in exchange for his life, he protected many innocent lives. At first I couldn't understand it. The Kuchiki family, one of the four noble houses betrayers of the law, but according to my grandfather, my father had said that before he made his choice against my grandfather's orders his last words were, 'it was the right thing to do.' He began to walk away from the casket and back inside, I followed him, "At first I couldn't understand my father; my grandfather seemed to though. Years passed and eventually I found myself captain of this squad. Around the same time I had come to know a rather plain, but elegant woman by the name of Hisana Sayuri," we walked out into another garden, "Eventually she became my vice-captain and became a very important part of my life. I was in love with her, but the law of the Kuchiki family forbade me from marrying outside nobility. But I did it anyway, because despite it being against the law. I believed that marrying Hisana was the right thing to do," my captian walked over to the casket and looked down in despair, I walked over to it as well 'Hisana Kuchiki' was written on the casket, "5 years after our marriage Hisana died."
"Captain…"
"Unless I am mistaken, usually I am not, you chose to save the lives of civilians other than to follow orders because it was the right thing to do correct?" he asked.
I merely nodded.
"I wish I could simply disregard Central 46's demand to have you demoted, you've been a good help to me in the time you've been my vice-captain. However, I made a promise to my parents' graves that I would never break the law again. Therefore, since Central 46 didn't say how severly you had to be demoted. Consider yourself now my 3rd Seat Asch."
Only one seat…only one seat?
"You can see yourself out correct?" he asked.
"Uh yes," I said. I made my way back to the Division barracks and transferred my things to the 3rd Seat office. Maybe there is a morality to this place after all, I thought, my own Captain has found a way to live in this unjust system and still places his faith in me. I won't let his faith go to waste. Maybe one day I'll get my position back…one day.
(A/N: Hooo boy that was a lot to write. Special thanks go to Xerosonic for his help in creating the chapter and being Asch and Luke in a lot of parts. Normally at this time I would go over the highlights of the chapter, but since the chapter was so long and I am so F***ing tired I'm not going to bother. Goodnight everyone. Review plz, and don't forget to subscribe and fave if you haven't done so.)