(A/N: All right I'm all fired up. Here we go. Let's get this cracking out. Thanks again to Xerosonic for his contribution to this)
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss
3rd Person pov
6th Division
Asch was sitting in front of his desk in his office, sorting through two piles of papers in front of him. Most of the work came from the other day when Renji was taken out. "Ok so all the work concerning Renji is done and now I just need to get through all of the other work I need to sort through." Asch said to himself as he shuffled through more of his paperwork in front of him on his desk. A knock on the door came and a file was slipped underneath his door. Asch gets up and walks up to his door to pick up the file he was given indirectly and sits back on his desk. He scanned the paper thoroughly to find out it was a casualty report concerning earlier today. His eyes widen as he saw the few words he never thought would be written.
Sosuke Aizen: Deceased. Momo Hinamori: Incarcerated.
Asch sat back at his desk, hands on the side of his head after a few moments of stressful thinking as he looks down to the floor and his elbows on his desk. Was I wrong about him? Asch thought to himself. It doesn't make sense for him to be responsible for all this and then just die like that. Unless he was behind something else and those Ryoka got to him. Asch continued to rummage through all the possibilities he can find for himself. No, that can't be right. He shook his head. Those Ryoka don't have the capability to kill a captain level Shinigami just like that, especially if it's Aizen. Could it be that there is another at work here?
A knock on the door is heard that drove Asch out of his deep thoughts on the subject about Aizen. "Asch, A letter is here for you. No sender information though and the seal is rather vague." One unranked officer said behind the door.
"An admirer perhaps?" he said out loud to himself as he rose from his chair. He walks up to the door and opens it to see his subordinate holding the envelope to him. "Thanks." Asch accepts the letter and the officer salutes. With a nod by the unseated officer he leaves Asch to himself. Asch then closes the door, walks back to his desk, and sits down. He opens the letter to read its contents; it was a shocker to him as he read through it.
To Asch,
If you're reading this then it means I'm already dead. I know you thought that I was out to get you, but in reality it was the opposite. There is a powerful force at work, one of which I have been hunting down, but it looks like I bit off more than I could chew, and they're after me. When we met the first thing to cross my mind was "This individual is strong". I knew that, if you caught wind to what was going on around, you would get caught in the crossfire and possibly wind up with the same fate as me. That's why I distanced myself from you. I didn't want you to see me like the others of Soul Society did so that you wouldn't come to my aid. Seek out the truth Asch. I know you can do it. Become a hero. The Seireitai is in need of one.
-Aizen
Asch sat in his chair in awe for a few moments, his gaze not averting from the contents of the letter. However after those few moments, Asch crumpled up the paper in his hands and lit it on fire with the candlestick on his desk. He watched as the letter becomes nothing but ashes on his desk.
Unbelievable. Asch said in his head as he rose up from the chair with disgust in his facial expression. Did he actually think I would believe such a lie like that after so long of investigating him? I have been on his tail for so long. There is no way that I would let this make amends just like that. Asch continued in his thoughts, now finding new inspiration to go by. I know his tricks, or at least some of them. The letter got my mind out of the gutter so now I can focus more on my investigation. Asch stopped again, mostly to think on Van and how he plotted his scheme in the past. Could it be that he is mimicking the way Van plotted? Although not exact, the reference is still there.
Asch, with his new suspicions, grabs his sword and exits the premises of his office and out of 6th division. If that's the case then he's staging his death most likely. And if that's the case then there might be a few accomplices. Dammit, how come I haven't seen this sooner! Asch hurried along the path away from his station and stopped halfway, thinking more on his latest thoughts. Momo Hinamori, Gin Ichimaru, Rangiku Matsumoto, and Kira Izuru, those are my likely suspects as of now due to their relation with Aizen. Although I have my doubts on Momo personally, I can't dismiss them either. I have to tread lightly now, and not make myself so conspicuous.
Asch places his index and middle finger to his forehead and concentrates in getting in contact with Luke. Hey Dreck. Can you hear me? There were a few moments of silence before Asch broke the silence himself. HEY!
What is it Asch? Luke asked with sincerity. Although that alone got Asch a little ticked off since he knows Luke wasn't paying attention.
You know about Aizen's death right? Asch asked him as he continued to move.
Yeah, hard to believe, Luke commented.
Good, don't believe it, Asch said outright, I sense a bad omen looming around here. I can't say much more, but I just wanted you to know so you don't screw up somehow, Asch told his double.
Figures you would. I didn't expect things to wind up like this anyway. I have my own doubts about what's going on. Things just don't add up. Luke added. I'm going to go see Momo shortly now about what happened.
At least you're thinking clearly. See what you can find out through her while I'm taking care of some other business. Asch requested.
Hey! I'm not interrogating her, got it? Luke shot back rather upset to Asch's request. However Asch had no time to continue the conversation, rather he had no point, and disconnected with Luke.
At the very least If he plays his cards right I can get a better picture on Momo's position in all this. Asch thought as he continues onwards.
"There you are Asch." Nanao's voice called out from behind him. Asch turned around to see her walk up to him until she was a couple feet from him. "I've been looking for you."
"You're here to tell me about Aizen's death? No need, I already got the report about it." Asch said to Nanao rather bluntly. "But I doubt that's the only reason why you are here."
"W-Well I was nervous about what's happening after what happened to Renji being that he's your lieutenant, so I thought I'd go see if you are doing alright." Nanao stuttered nervously while looking away.
"If you're talking about my work load then I assure you that I'm fine." Asch said to her with a grin, but it dropped when he added, "However, ever since our lieutenant is gone the whole squad went into an uproar." Asch admitted while shrugging his shoulders. I can't let her catch on that I am suspecting more things to come; everyone already has enough to worry about. "Also, Luke is on his way to go see Momo now that she is incarcerated. I was talking with him not to long ago."
"Oh, you mean with that telecommunication thing right?" Nanao asked. Asch's hand quickly met Nanao's mouth the moment her sentence finished to keep her hushed down while he also places his index finger near his lips.
"Keep it down, I can't have everyone knowing about our relation. You're the only exception to the rule." Asch told her as he removed her hand.
"Sorry." Nanao pouted, she shook off the sentiment for the moment and looked back up. "Anyway I should return to my duties now. Thanks for the heads up."
"No problem." Asch said with a slight grin and ever so boldly gave Nanao a gentle kiss. Nanao wrapped her arms around Asch's neck deepening the kiss.
"Don't go getting yourself killed now, got it?" Nanao asked him sharply with pursed lips as she lay her hands flatly against his chest, "Or else I'll never forgive you."
"I know," he said, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Just be careful ok? Promise?" she asked.
"I promise," Asch told her, patting her on the head.
"Anyway, I should get going," she said parting from him, "With all the hustle and bustle going on now isn't exactly the time for romance."
"You make a good point," Asch said.
"See you later then," Nanao said and walked away.
"Yeah see you," Asch said headed out in his own direction.
Elsewhere…
Luke made his way to the facility that Momo is locked up into after her recent outburst earlier concerning Aizen's death. Although Luke can sort of understand why she became irrational against Gin, to him it was still rather foolish to pull your blade to your superior if you've got no ground to stand on. Although Luke also believed that he would have done the same if it was someone he respected greatly. Either way Luke knew that as a close friend to Momo he had to go talk to her.
As he drew nearer to her cell door he ran into Rangiku on the way. "Rangiku? What are you doing here?"
"Oh Luke. I was here to pay Momo a visit after what happened. Things really turned messy back then when we found Aizen." Rangiku noted.
"I know, I read the report concerning his death and the events that occurred. I thought I might have a word with her as well," he said.
"Well I know you two are rather close friends." Rangiku smirked. "A little cheering up from you might do her some good." Rangiku then walked up to Luke and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Listen, she hasn't gotten any sleep for a while and she's very stressed so please go easy on her. Although I doubt I need to tell you that of all people."
"Don't worry, I'm here as a friend not as a soldier." Luke assured with a smile. Rangiku returned the smile and removed her hand.
"Then I'll be off now. Take care Luke, I'll give Paruna your regards." Rangiku said and then left.
Luke took the few moments he had to recollect himself before going in to see Momo. After a deep breath he entered the room quietly to see Momo sitting by herself. Rangiku was really does look like a mess. Luke thought as he strode forward.
Momo then took notice to Luke and turned to face him. "L-Luke? What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you. I was worried after reading the report on what happened." Luke said as he walked up the cell's bars. "You doing alright? I know Rangiku came here since I ran into her when she left, but I wanted to check on you myself." Momo didn't have a response for him and all she did was look to the floor. Luke took the initiative and walked around to the cell door and opened it with the key that was granted to him. He enters and shuts it behind him so that he could kneel down next to her. "Listen, I'm your friend here, not a soldier. I told Rangiku the same thing as well you know."
"Luke." Momo exhaled, not knowing what else to say. She clenches her hands that were placed on her lap and her eyes began to swell with tears. The next thing Luke knew, Momo wrapped her arms around Luke's waist so suddenly and began to cry our hoarsely. Luke could do nothing but bring her closer and slightly stroke her head. "Why, why did this have to happen?" Momo wailed.
"It's alright, I'm here for you. You can let it all out." Luke convinced.
A few hours later
The road to the Shrine of Pentanence
Ichigo and Ion rose from the sewers after Ichigo recovers from his battle with Renji. They look up from where they came out from and saw the stairs they were in front of before they got caught up in the fight before.
"Alright then, we should get going." Ichigo told the group. Ion nods and begins to run up the tall stairs that lead to the upper level. When they reached the top, Ion had gotten really tired and fell on his knees panting as he tried to catch his breath. "Hey are you alright?"
"Y-Yeah. I'm just out of energy at the moment after so much running. I'm not used to this kind of physical labor." Ion said with a sweat drop.
"Don't push yourself alright. We need to get to Rukia as fast as possible sure, but we won't get anywhere if you tire yourself out so fast." Ichigo told Ion as he extended his hand to help Ion to his feet. Ion accepts Ichigo's generosity and rises to his feet once again with a smile. Sadly, that smile immediately dropped into shock and fear as a huge surge of spiritual pressure appeared all around them. The force made Ichigo shake uncontrollably to this immense power. Ion on the other hand, had already crumbled to the force since he was already weakened to begin with. Damn, this spiritual pressure. Who the hell is here! Ichigo shouted in his head as he grabbed Ion, placed him on his back, and started to run on. I got to bring distance between us and them.
Kenpachi's location
Kenpachi sits upon the roof on one of the buildings overseeing the ground below where Ichigo and his group will eventually pass by. He gives off a slight smirk as the bells in his head give a slight jingle. He's here. Kenpachi chuckled. Two of them though, which one could it be? Kenpachi took a close inspection at the two individuals. That other one is Ion huh. Then the one I'm after is…
Ichigo's Location
"Ichigo-san, you can put me down now. I can run." Ion told Ichigo as he leaped off his back and ran beside him, although he was still having trouble breathing. "Thanks for the breather."
"No probl-"
"You." Kenpachi's voice spoke into Ichigo's ear and he immediately froze in place. Ion too, the spiritual pressure had a large spike of intensity. Ichigo slowly turned his head around to see the person that was chasing them all this time. Kenpachi was sitting on the roof of another building, peering down on Ichigo. To Ichigo, if fear was a drug then he was being injected with it for every second Kenpachi and Ichigo locked eyes. "Hey, how long are you just going to stand there?" With those words being shout from behind him. Ichigo could feel his own heart being torn to shreds by a blade. But then he realized that there was no blade, just the sheer intent of Kenpachi killing him being injected into his conscious.
What the-? What was that? I know I was stabbed just now, but there's no wound! Is his want to kill that strong! Ichigo questioned frantically in his head.
"You're Ichigo Kurosaki correct?" Kenpachi questioned as Ichigo turned around to face him face to face.
"How do you know my name?" Ichigo scowled in demand.
"Come on now, I believe Ikkakku told you all about me." Kenpachi said to Ichigo in response.
"Ikkakku? Wait a sec. Then you're-"
"Heh, that's right. I'm Captain of Squad Eleven, Kenpachi Zaraki!" Kenpachi told Ichigo with enthusiasm. "I'm here to fight you to the death."
"I-Ichigo-san!" Ion called out.
"Huh?" Kenpachi looked to the side to see Ion. "Oh you're Ion Hakutan of 4th division right? Although I have nothing against 4th division so you can go. Besides you're a friend of Luke so I'll you're ok in my book. All I want is Ichigo."
"Wait a sec-"
"Go Ion, I'll take of this." Ichigo said reassuringly, although he felt dead scared himself.
"B-But-"
"GO NOW!" Ichigo yelled at Ion to entice the idea into him. Ion was hesitant at first, but then accepted Ichigo's order and ran ahead of him, leaving Ichigo alone with Kenpachi.
Ion ran as fast as he could to get farther away from the battle that was about to take place. I just need to get to the shrine of Pentenance, and then I can get Rukia out. Ion thought to himself as he pushed himself harder into running faster. He stopped though when he heard explosions in the background, following with the sound of rubble falling from great heights. He turns around to look in the distance to where Kenpachi and Ichigo are fighting. "Ichigo-san, please be alright."
8
th Division groundsAs Nebilim continued her search for Ichigo's friends, to confirm their locations and their well being, Chad had just run into an encounter with the Captain of Squad 8, Kyoraku Shunsui. Nanao, having been involved in the spectacle, had just dumped a whole bunch of flowers on top of her captain.
"Sorry but I don't have time to stand around and watch your routine so could you please move?" Chad asked Shunsui.
"Hey come on, can't you try to loosen up a little and try to have some fun. Life's too short to take it so seriously," Shunsui said replacing the flower bucket with his umbrella hat.
"I've asked you nicely," Chad said growing irritated, "I'm in kind of a hurry. You seem like a decent enough guy so if there's any way to avoid it I'd rather not fight you."
"Then I guess we have a slight problem," Shunsui chuckled, "Neither one of us is anxious for a fight, but of course I just can't let you through either."
At this point Nebilim had found herself within the same vicinity as the two men. She stood on a rooftop; her location perpendicular to the middle of the distance between Chad and Shunsui. She looked at the spectacle that was unfolding and sat down to watch and enjoy. If necessary she might need to give either individual a hand. She knew Shunsui was a reasonable individual so to fight to keep an invader alive wouldn't be an issue and she couldn't exactly decide to go all out against a captain since her excuse of a rage drug wouldn't exactly work on someone as perceptive as Shunsui, not to mention he outranked her, so her story would lose credibility. If she tried to help the captain however by fighting Ichigo's friend she'd have to find someone to show where she stood her ground in all this. She could tell that this Ryoka's spiritual pressure was significantly weaker than Ichigo's if she didn't use enough restraint she would wind up killing him. Such was not a problem for the 8th Squad captain since he hardly ever got serious.
When she saw Captain Kyoraku pull out the sake she sighed to herself, that's so like him. Unfortunately her sigh had been audible enough for Chad to hear her and he fired an energy blast straight outright at her. Caught off guard, but still rather quick on her feet, Nebilim dodged elegantly and landed next to Shunsui, standing firm.
"Well now this is some rather interesting company," Shunsui said turning his head to look at Nebilim, "What brings you by Lady Nebilim?"
"I just happened to be in the area," she said, "I was going to just watch and spectate your encounter with this Ryoka when I was attacked, can you believe his nerve?" she acted, acting like a distressed damsel.
"Now, now, it's okay, don't be upset," Shunsui said soothingly and handed Nebilim some sake, "Here have a drink."
"Why thank you," she said taking a small shot and then wiped her lips. "What should we do about him?"
"Well you know how I hate to fight, would you like to do the honors Miss Nebilim?" Shunsui asked her.
Well here's what it boils down to, guess I've got no choice, "Sure, not a problem," she said and walked in front of Shunsui, "Just sit there and drink your sake as you watch, this'll be over before you get completely intoxicated."
"That's quite a bold statement," Shunsui said, "but knowing you, you could probably do it."
"Heh," Nebilim let out a cocky grin.
"So Nebilim was it?" Chad asked her.
"Yes," she said, "I am the Head Researcher Assistant Gelda Nebilim of the 12th Division's Department of Research and Development. I am also they're 3rd seat."
Chad seemed to have his tension eased a bit, I just clobbered a 3rd seat with one punch, this shouldn't be too difficult.
"Now then are you going to make the first strike or will…" Nebilim didn't get to finish her sentence as Chad let out an energy blast in her direction. She and Shunsui gracefully dodged.
How is she so fast? Chad wondered, She's on the same level as that other guy I fought, so this should be easy.
Nebilim used Shunpo to move to Chad's other side, "Hado 33, Sokatsui!" she fired the blast of blue energy at the half-Mexican. He used an energy blast to counter and then rushed at Nebilim to attack up close. She jumped and angled herself behind him, like a predator jumping down from the trees about to strike it's prey and kicked Chad hard in the back sending him flying. "What's the matter?" she asked. "Is this all you can muster?" she asked him.
Chad grumbled under his breath and sent another energy blast straight at the white haired researcher. She deflected it with one hand. The next thing he knew Nebilim was on the rooftop behind him, standing on one foot only, "Try this one on for size, Hado number 35 Hiyen Taiho!" (Cold Flame Cannon) The red and blue missile of spirit energy blasted towards Chad. He fired off another energy blast and managed to overpower Nebilim's attack. He's good, she thought to herself and moved so that she was behind Chad again, but not good enough! She pushed on his back with her hands, adding spiritual power into her thrust sending Chad flying. The half-Mexican stabilized himself and stood ready to face her again.
"Come on, is this really the best you can do?" Nebilim asked scratching her hair with her right hand, "You're lucky I stepped in as opposed to Captain Kyoraku you'd be a bloodstain on the pavement by now."
She hasn't even drawn her sword, how is she this powerful, does the division determine the strength of a Soul Reaper? Are 12th Division members more powerful than 8th Division members? Or is something else going on with this woman?
The next thing Chad knew Nebilim had him in a chokehold, a position he'd been in before, but not on he could break out of this time, "Listen, I'm going to let you in on a little secret," Nebilim whispered into Chad's ear, "I've already met up with your pal Ichigo and the Soul Reaper accomplice you guys have, I'm on your side about Rukia's execution. I don't want her to die, but I can't just abandon my duties as a Soul Reaper that's the only reason you're not on the ground right now. Also if you're wondering about my rank you should know that I've just about reached Captain Class at this point there's no availabilities so that's why I haven't been promoted at all. I'm going easy on you to let you live kid," Nebilim explained to Chad, "If you want to continue to let things get physical just keep resisting, or you can do the smart thing and play dead. Even if you were to defeat me, which you won't, you'd still have to deal with Kyoraku over there. It doesn't matter who rescues Rukia only that someone does right?"
"How do I know if I can trust you?" Chad asked.
"Because I wouldn't be telling you this otherwise," Nebilim told him, applying more pressure.
Chad grunted. "Even so I simply can't put myself in your hands like that. If you are telling me the truth, then you must beat me. If I die then I know you're lying, but if I live then I know you are being honest."
"Well if that's the way its gotta be then that's the way its gotta be. Let's try to make this convincing then," Nebilim said slyly and threw Chad in order to get rid of him. She followed his movements exactly knowing where he would land. This'll sting, but you'll live. She said to herself and held up her hand in a cup shape, palm facing the sky as a lance of spirit energy formed into it, "Hado number 40, Sora Ransu!" (Sky Lance) She through the lance timed exactly so that it would slam right through Chad the moment he landed. She managed to gut him a few centimeters to the right of the center of his abdomen. Blood spurted out from behind the wound as the lance acted like a plug.
Well this isn't exactly what I thought she meant, but at least it's not fatal…Chad said as he fell to the ground quickly losing consciousness.
"Not bad," Shunsui said walking towards Nebilim as she approached Chad, her Kido having disappeared, so he was now losing blood fast, "Remind me to continue to stay on your good side." He looked down at the wound she had inflicted, "You aimed away from his vitals on purpose, that's not like you," he said.
Nebilim thought of a way out of Shunsui's suspicions quickly, "With what's happened with Captain Aizen if the Ryoka know anything it's best to leave them alive don't you think?" Nebilim asked.
Shunsui broke into a smile, "I was actually thinking to do the same thing, great minds think alike I suppose. Why don't you patch this big lug up and I'll take him to 4th Division, you've got something you need to take care of right?" he winked at her, but not a flirtatious wink, it was like he knew about her ulterior motives.
"Yes thank you Captain Kyoraku," Nebilim said, well at least this guy will be safe. She told herself as she bent down to heal Shunsui, Sorry I had to get rough with one of your friends Ichigo, but he'll be fine later. She finished her treatment and then made off to continue her search of investigating the Ryoka, Three down, however many left to go. She told herself.
To be continued…
(A/N: And so Ion heads off to help Rukia, leaving Ichigo behind, and Nebilim strikes down Chad in Shunsui's place. Asch continues his investigation, despite Aizen's death and Luke comforts Momo. Seems like everyone's doing something. What will happen next time? You'll just have to wait for the next chapter of Noble Flames. Plz Review. And don't forget to subscribe and fave if you haven't)