Soul Society
There was a rather odd, motely herd of soldiers waiting for their war to begin. They had come here in the dying embers of dawn to receive orders to either invade Hueco Mundo or standby and wait for Aizen to attack their kingdom.
Either way it would be a battle that hadn't been seen in generations.
They couldn't be more different. There were men, women, a child, even a dog. Some were noble born scions of proud ancient houses distinguished only by either their history, their honor or connection to the Royal Family, others gutter rats from the Rukon District who became Shinigami in their source of food and shelter. But all were members of the Gotei 13 stormtroops, nearly all fanatically loyal to protecting the Soul Society from Aizen's deprevations. The leading Captains themselves being distinct in their white Haori showing their squad's jet-black sigil stitched into the back and proudly displayed.
The sun brightened up the Cyan sky, creating palpable waves of heat that their Shihakusho absorbed like a dry towel cleaning up water. They were at Sokyoku Hill, the sight of many final acts of justice against traitors of the divine state. It also was large enough for each squad to be in formation.
In front were Head Captain Yamamoto, his pleated beard swinging in the wind, as his west loving lieutenant stood by his side. In rows of two in descending order were squads two through thirteen. Some were anxious, soft faced, green graduates that had yet to stain their blade with anything other than the blood of bestial hollows, while others were more rough along the edges. Most however were somewhat in the middle.
They were chatting amongst themselves when the Captain Commander finally gave the orders. Silence was the only response then.
"Shinigami of the Gotei 13!" Yamamoto roared, his booming, authoritative voice traveling along with his suffocating Reiatsu in the wind.
"The threat we face is greater than any foe we've faced in over a thousand years. Some of you may remember, other's may not. However, they have underestimated one thing. And that, is the will of the Soul Society. The demonic abominations the traitor has created have no sense of honor, of respect, or comraderie. The idea of shedding your blood, of sacrificing your very soul to protect something greater then yourself is something unknowable to them. That is why we will show no mercy to Aizen, his fellow traitors, and the hollows surrounding him! They are worth no more than the cockroaches beneath your feet. And you must treat them as such. Let them know that the arrogance of setting a single foot inside the Soul Society will be was punished with their flesh and bones. The war begins now!"
Cheers went up from the soldiers, mainly from the lieutenants and lower. The captains were completely silent and Soi Fon even whistled as loud as she could to get the rookies of her usually respectable stealth unit to quiet down.
"A team led by Captain Unohana will invade Hueco Mundo, to rescue Ichigo Kurosaki. We owe him a great debt that must be repaid, regardless of his immature actions." Yamamoto nodded to Unohana and she stepped forth, her lieutenant, the best of her squad, the third seats of the 13th division (They were both good great at kido), and the captains of Squad 6, Squad 11, and Squad 12 close behind.
Kurostuchi grinned widely, his yellow teeth being reflected along with his blue and white Pharoh like outfit from the sun. He had managed to convince Yamamoto to force Kisuke Urahara to give him and his Squad the plans of his Gargantua opening spell in exchange for rescuing the substitute, and his friends.
Of course, much to Mayuri's irritation Kisuke had smiled, made fun of his outfit and said "Try not to screw up the spell!" Kisuke was an asshole like always's.
Kisuke Urahara, you'll rue the day you freed me. I'll make you see that I've surpassed you even it takes a million years… Kurostuchi turned to his daughter. "Nemu! Tell the drones to bring forth the gate. And be quick about it!"
"Yes, Mayuri-sama."
Kurostuchi smiled even wider if possible. Once he had gotten the spell, his tinkering creativity got the best of him. The scientist was filled with pride for his creation, it could be something more useful to those simpletons then a gigai. He asked himself, what if he could create a senkaimon that could travel to any world? If a gargantua could tear the fabric of space between dimensions, why hadn't it been studied sooner? Not only would Shingami be able to enter anyplace they needed regardless of time, or security but they don't have to use Kido to open it! Plus, the tear was customizable along with the gate.
Being carried on an enormous cart was the grotesque monstrosity of a gate. When Isane and Kiyone saw It they visibly gasped and turned green. The portal appeared to be a malleable combination of mashed together wiry tendons, bloodshot eyes, pulsating tissue, and bits of bone.
"Ughhh! Can't the captain make anything that isn't gross or weird?" Kiyone said her hands covering her mouth.
"What was that?"
"Uh-uh nothing, nothing at all!"
Mayuri scowled and reached for the remote. He really wished his work wasn't as censored and rejected as it was. Sure, when there was some attack or minor threat, he was given more freedom. But even that was a bit restricted. Perhaps this would be the break he needed.
Unohana secretly threw Isane an amused look. She couldn't stand that the wretched clown led Squad 12. Everything about him disgusted her, but it was his inhumane treatment of souls that got to her. He was everything that was a anthesis to her rule as a healer, and if she hadn't taken an oath he'd be dogfood by now.
Finally, everything was prepared and ready to go. As the gate opened, they could see the ivory sand dunes of the hollow desert in front of them, staring back at them endlessly. Unohana went in first followed by her lieutenant and strike team.
But before the other three captains could follow, the portal disappeared. It was like watching water going down the drain
"WHAT!" Kurostuchi pressed the button on the remote repeatedly, his shock turning to an annoyed fury. "Nemu! What's going on? Did you fuck up my creation?"
"No, Mayuri-Sama." The usually monotone tone of Nemu Kurostuchi had a hint of fear. "There appears to be some interference-"
SLAP
Nemu recoiled from the smack but before he could do anymore the head captain interrupted.
"Enough! Captain kurostuchi, know your position. If your machine has been broken, then I suggest you fix it quickly. While I do not doubt Captain Unohana's combat expertise, I'd rather not create any unnecessary casualties." He turned to the three remaining captains. "You three will join the army at Fake Karakura Town. Perhaps this is a blessing. Now it'll be neigh impossible for Aizen's forces to win any sort of victory!"
Kenpachi sighed, disappointed that he had to wait to fight. Suddenly Yachiru peeked up from his shoulder. "C'mon Kenny! If you just sit there all mopey, Gramps will send you away!"
"Ugh, you're right." Kenpachi ran but not before Yachiru excitedly waved back to Nemu. Nemu in turn shyly smiled and meekly wave back. Mayuri was irritated enough without Kenpachi's pet corrupting his creation. So, he grabbed Nemu by the ear and shunpoed to his other masterpiece.
Yamamoto inclined and noticed that Byakyua was standing still. With impossible grace he kneeled and bowed before the head captain.
Yamamoto-sama. I ask you're permission to go the World of the Living and ask Urahara-san to-?
"Absolutely not." He slanted his head to the left, slight curiosity engraved in his ancient features. In a thousand years, he had mastered the ability to read the expressions and feelings of most souls, whether wicked, decent, or neither. Byakyua Kuchiki was no exception, and in spite of his usual unearthly icy stoicism and almost divine arrogance, there was an ever so brief hint of fear, regret and anger.
"Tell me Kuchiki is it care for your sister and lieutenant that makes you doubt my orders?"
"No, Head Captain. Lieutentant Abarai and my adopted sister's disobedience will dishonor the Kuchiki Clan if they die. I'm am simply wiping away the stain before it appears."
"Any dishonor will be your doing. You were the one who permitted that they disobeyed by escaping without punishment or response. Their death's are on you, Byakua Kuchiki."
Byakyua eyes were filled with shock but quickly returned to their normal emotionless gaze. "Let me remind you that as head of one of the four noble families we hold precedence over the Gotei 13 and the Central 46. You cannot disobey."
Yamamoto gave the young prince "the look", the stare of dread, that soul piercing gaze that imbedded itself into his soul. It sent ripples and waves of uncontrollable fear into his heart and the hearts of enemies and foes alike.
"Your power and the power of the noble clans are meaningless in wartime. I have allowed the Sereitei and Gotei 13 to be made this way because any other alternative not only could risk upsetting the natural order but bring chaos back to the Soul Society.
"However, in times of conflict I am the ultimate authority as I have the experience and power to protect that order. Now I suggest you do as I say. I will not permit any further disobedience regardless of what seed you sprouted from."
Byakyua had no choice it appeared. He bowed then used flash step to get into position, full of unease in his heart. It would be his fault if she…
If she…
Unohana… Bring back Rukia. I don't know what I'd do without her…
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Inside Szayel's Lab
The scientist admired himself in the mirror covered room, unable to choose which outfit to ware for his Play.
Should it be the pinstriped short sleeved shirt with the fingerless gloves and half cape? How about the knee high Tabi? The half jacket? Should he wear the normal hakama or the cutoffs? The normal sash, the sash with pearls or opals? There was so much to choose from!
He wanted this to be perfect. The morsels who stumbled into his palace were an amusing bunch if very, very, very annoying, plus were packed full of data he had yet to digest! He may need that data for his special project and maybe even a few new ones that suddenly sprang into his mind.
Oh, he wished he had access to Aizen's laboratory. He had been there a couple times but Aizen didn't let him take a look at his research. He probably thinks I could turn on him, however idiotic that is. Well, at least I can do whatever I wish with my work.
So many inventions, so many projects, so many creations, so many fond memories had come from this place. The orchestra of screams, moans, cry, choking death rattles, crushed bones, and voided bowls had been turned into a sympathy, an lustful theater that had yet to be matched, even his vague, murky memories of being a Adjucha to his first cautious, agog experiment as a lowly numero. He would hate destroying this place with his release. Aizen had let them design it to their exact specifications, even if the languid slaves of the refuse known as untamed Gillians and Adjucha's had to die of overwork
But the lab was more important. The lab was where all the magic happened, where he was happiest the most, where he felt truly orgasmic. As long as he had information and data he could consume and defeat anything in his pursuit of sadistic knowledge.
He was expecting some goodies from that ugly Aranncar with the mask still on his face. From what he could tell all the ninth, seventh, and all of the privarion Espada were dead, their corpses just waiting to be dissected. They would make a great hoard along with the Quincy and intruders. Their powers were all unique and needed necessary testing. He'd probably have even more once Aizen had destroyed the scum and took his place on the throne of god.
Well their god. Szayel had no deity to pray to. Humans and Shinigami were such gullible beasts to believe in any sort of higher power, any force that cared about it's experimental leavings. It was the hollows who knew the truth. The only true gods were the ones with power to shape their destiny without fear of reprisal or empathy, to change the world in their image, to have control over death and creation like Aizen, Barragon and himself.
Suddenly, eureka struck him. The cape! It was simple but quite fabulous! He settled on his normal outfit but with a half cape.
Suddenly he felt an alarm go off. It was both a sound and sensation, as Granz had started a final trial with a type of polyp that was made out of the souls of Menos . When laid it set out spores that acted as a motion sensor to Reiatsu and it was psychologically linked to Szayel and served as a wireless reciever and alarm, alerting Szayel of any unwarranted use of his lab. But this was also part of one of his most recent experiments…
To be exact it came from a device that could open, and close a gangatua anywhere, even it someone was trapped in the tear. It was much more civilized then simply tearing one open with his own hands.
And what the invader's didn't know was that Szayel had planted some of polyp's in the gargantua to get information on his fellow hollows. Spiritual pressure. Right now a large group of powerful beings were stepping into the tear.
Tsk, tsk, I was gonna give them credit for managing to open a gargantua, but it appears they believe i'll just let them invade Hueco Mundo. Aizen would kill me if he found out I let a couple captains waltz and rescue those riveting yet verminous insects here.
Behind one of the mirrors was a gilded elevator that led to his lab. Szayel opened it and awaited the pleasure of once again hearing the screams of his test subjects.
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Outside Aaroniero's Palace
Chad had been used as a pack mule since middle school. The teachers would ask or he would volunteer to carry or hold cleaning supplies and their personal belongings. Even the heaviest load had never been much of a problem for him. Rukia was no exception.
His friends and classmates were shocked at his herculean strength, so he was equally praised and insulted.
Her petite child like frame and blood loss made her as light as a feather. Even with his stiff shoulders and taunt biceps Rukia still weighed only slightly over a hundred pounds.
This was for the best. After his victory Chad had decided to carry the unconscious young women towards Renji And Uryu for help. Renji hopefully knew the healing kido that needed and he had no doubt with Uryu's father being a doctor that he knew better first aid then he did. That and his stitching may be in handy this time.
But the only person who could really help them was Orihime. Her ability not only repaired injuries but brought back stamina as well. And seeing her smile or go on one of her infamous rants… Well, they seemed to make the worlds problems a bit lighter.
They'll find her, they have to find her. They will tear this whole citadel asunder if they had to, to save her. And if they found that Aizen or his beasts had hurt her in anyway, Chad decided that in that case he may forget his oath.
Chad been looking down running for the past ten minutes, not really paying attention to his surroundings. The artificial sun seemed to create a slight warmth with very little but still noticeable draft.
Hmm. Aizen must have his palace temperature controlled. Probably based on his own likes or preferences. Chad noticed that along with the monoliths and cubes was an enormous figure in the distance. But apon taking a closer look after his shaking halt he realized that it was one of those statues made by naturally by erosion. He could tell by its color that it was sandstone. But as he inched closer the ground started to shake.
What the hell? A deep, scratchy, rumbling sound came roaring from the stature as the earth split and cracked towards the giant. At the last moment, before the burrowing monster reached him, Chad jumped away, creating a small crater exposing the mask of the evil spirit. But as Chad leapt in the air, Rukia came tumbling from his shoulders. Chad panicked but used his momentum to flip and catch Rukia before landing on his feet.
However this didn't go without injury. Chad had put all his weight on his left leg, so while the limb absorbed most of the blow, it also fractured his foot.
Chad had no time to let the pain sink in though. Towering above him was a monster made out of sand like Runuganga. However, this creature was significantly more human like, having a horn covered rentangular forehead, a beak like nose, no eyes but eyebrows, an enormous cleft of a jaw with banana shaped teeth and finally armbands, shoulder pads and rondels made out of bone. It unhinged its jaw, exposing a second inner mouth and dived like a whale toward Chad and Rukia.
Chad once again jumped out of the way in the nick of time, and slid towards an enormous nearby red cylindrical building and gently set Rukia down beside it in a shady part. Chad ran towards, his pace moderately gimped by his slightly lame leg. He closed his white fist and tried to strike the hollow right through the middle but the sand parted before he struck his target. Before he knew it his fist was through the hole.
Why did he do that? Chad got his answer when the hole in the creature closed like a beartrap.
Oh shit! Chad just barely prevented his hand from being crushed, jerking his arm backwards and sidestepping. Some of the grains had scraped part of the skin of his forearm, the flayed parts stinging as it met the air. As Chad was wondering how to beat it, he heard Rukia's grunting voice.
"Juhaku!" Behind the monster was a trail of ice slowly infecting the ground and chasing the monster. Before it knew what was happening, it was frozen from the leg up, its face being confused as his face turn to frost and icicles growing from his arms.
Chad stared at Rukia dumbstruck. She looked haggard, and had to steady herself with her sword but she seemed alright.
"What are you waiting for?" Rukia yelled.
Chad didn't waste a second. He punched the creature in the abdomen, briefly cracking it in a hundred different directions before it shattered and turned to mist.
Out of the fog came Rukia Kuchiki. Chad gawked at her. Her robes were still covered in blood, and her back was completely stained
She smiled sadly, obviously relieved. "Chad… You're alright." She put all her weight on her sword, nearly slipping. Chad went to her but she stood up straight.
"I'm fine. Just… The healing Kido took a lot out of me." She walked towards Chad her back straight but she was clearly pained. Chad urged her to sit down, but Rukia just laughed it off.
"You seem to have taken quite the beating yourself! Hear I'll heal you."
"No, your wounded enough. You need rest, I'll- Eugh!"
When Chad tried to pick up Rukia, his wounded foot sent a jolt of pain through his entire leg. Rukia rushed to him, squatting down then murmuring a spell, that made an aura that surrounded his wounds. Chad tried to refuse but his muteness betrayed him.
"So, who did you fight to get all those battle scars?" Rukia inquired breaking the silence.
"It was a Espada. He was about to kill you, but he nearly killed me. Took everything I had… How about you?"
Rukia looked a bit stricken, a gloomy look was transfixed on his face. Chad was about to say something but Rukia sighed and after a pause she responded.
"It was a Espada too. But it had come from a hollow that had taken someone really close to me…"
"I'm sorry-"
"Don't be. At least know I can be certain that he is at rest." Rukia sighed and sat down. "How did you close my wounds without Kido by the way?"
Chad blushed. He was greatly embarrassed about the whole situation. Before and after defeating Zommari, he kinda panicked about the best way to wrap up Rukia's wounds. He had to strip Rukia out of her kimono in order to wrap the ripped strips of her brown cloak around her stab wounds. He had tried his best to pay attention to her bandages as well as be a gentlemen but it got really hard.
"Well I know first aid our class made us learn it." His deep voice rumbled on, slightly more pitched as he attempted to avoid Rukia finding out.
Rukia looked at him suspiciously but then something happened that took them both by surprise.
Their stomach's started growling.
Damn, we didn't think to pack any food. Chad regretted this lack of hindsight but Rukia snorted, amused.
"Don't worry me and Renji brought food with us." She reached into her robes and hidden on her person was a small compact lunchbox. They probably give those out to all Shinigami.
Though Chad doubted that they came standard with rabbits drawn in them...
"Here, nii-san told me to bring this with me." He handed him an odd chocolate covered cookie in the shape of a weird mascot. I guess siblings think alike.
It was quite serene for the both of them, just taking time to recover from their near death experiences and eat together. The first moment of peace in their time here. Chad didn't intend for it to last for long. Neither of them would forgive themselves if Orihime died or was hurt while they standing idle but with their injuries healed and energy recovered, he felt that no one could stop them.
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Who's this author who updates in in a short amount of time? Has Revolver Otacon been replaced by a body snatcher?
Tons of awesomeness, tons of cuteness, tons of character development, but no Inoue sadly. For the Princess of Las Noches she sure doesn't like showing up in her own story!
(:
Can't wait till the next chapter! See ya soon!
Update: Didn't like the last few sentences so I cut it. Abei13 agreed with me. I'd love to see you review!