Everyone had gathered inside the Kurosaki Clinic. The three Espada, along with Shinji was inside while the rest of their respective groups waited outside. Ichigo's injury was being healed by Orihime with her Shun-Shun Rikka and Renji had already been treated. Nemu was unharmed only worn out from protecting Uryu earlier.
"So does someone want to tell me what the hell is going on?" Grimmjow asked impatiently.
"Watch it Grimmjow, I'm just in the mood to kill something right now!" Karin growled with a hand on her Zanpakuto.
"Perhaps we should come clean before any more bloodshed happens." Kisuke said as Shinji nodded.
"Does this have anything to do why you had the Visoreds and I keep an eye on Karakura while Ichigo and his friends went to the Soul Society? All you said was for us to keep an eye on the town for a while." Shinji asked as Kisuke nodded.
"Yeah it does. What we're about to tell you cannot be repeated outside the confines of this room." Kisuke answered.
"Yuzu, Ichigo's other sister, has within her soul, the King's Key." Yoruichi answered, causing Shinji and all three of the Espada fall silent. Even Halibel was stunned.
"The Oken is within that girl?!" Grimmjow exclaimed.
"No, the Oken refers to the key made from one hundred thousand souls. The King's Key that Yuzu possesses is a key that is hidden within the soul of a human with a certain amount of spiritual awareness, such as Yuzu. When the carrier dies or the key is removed and used by the Soul Reapers to help defend the Spirit King, the key is placed within a different Soul. Yuzu was given the latter key." Yoruichi explained.
"So that's why you never said anything to us. You were afraid one of us was still working for Aizen and we would report back to him." Stark said as Grimmjow shrugged.
"Well come on, can you blame them? We're technically the enemy after all. They don't know if we can be trusted yet." Grimmjow said.
"So what do we do now?" Chad asked.
"It's all my fault this happened. I shouldn't have turned my back on my opponent!" Uryu growled as he slumped against the wall.
"You protected a friend Uryu, you cannot be blamed for that." Ryuken said as Tatsuki smirked.
"You mean his Girlfriend?" Tatsuki asked as Nemu and Uryu both blushed.
"I see." Ryuken said as he pushed his glasses up.
"But what now? What do we do now that Yuzu's been captured? We can't go after them can we?" Toshiro asked as Kaichou cleared her throat.
"Actually, we can." Kaichou said as everyone looked at her surprised.
"What do you mean Captain?" Momo asked curiously.
"After you left the Soul Society, Captains Kyoraku, Ukitake, Soi Fon, Kurotsuchi, and I started work on developing a device that will allow us to enter the Le Mort Regne. Kukaku Shiba was sent by Captain Ukitake to inform me that work had been finished and that they had successfully tested the device. It works perfectly and it is waiting for us in the Soul Society." Kaichou explained.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ichigo said as he stood up, startling Orihime.
"Sit down Ichigo, you're not going anywhere!" Grimmjow said as he pushed Ichigo back down into the chair.
"Watch me Grimmjow!" Ichigo growled.
"I meant you're not going anywhere without me. This is our chance to help prove that we're not spies for Aizen. Didn't one of you say just now that the key's carrier is changed after every use?" Grimmjow asked as Yoruichi nodded.
"He's right. What they don't realize is that even though she is the key, Yuzu requires her Zanpakuto to focus her powers and the Key cannot be removed by any known means. Killing her is not an option because the Key will die with her. But we cannot afford any kind of risk. I fear they may know of a way to get the key without her Zanpakuto. We need to get her back at all costs." Yoruichi explained.
"So does that mean we get to go too?" Grimmjow asked as the others nodded.
"We'll need some time to fill in the rest of the group and explain the situation to them, but we will help you out when the time comes." Shinji said as he and the Espada left the clinic.
"Then how do we get back to the Soul Society? We don't have time to wait for that…thing to be powered up." Rukia said.
"We have no choice Rukia. We have no Senkaimon to pass through on this side." Byakuya said.
"Then let's get to work on opening the Reishihenkanki. We'll need to move the second it's ready." Kaichou said.
"We should probably camp out at the Urahara shop so that we can be ready to go the second it's open." Isshin added.
"I can even set up a special Kido barrier that will help restore everyone's spiritual energy before we leave." Hanataro said.
"We're going to need that after getting hit with that Sangsue." Ikkaku grumbled.
"Then come on let's go!" Ichigo said as they all headed out and into the street. Karin paused as she entered the street. She turned and saw the Visoreds and Arrancar being filled in on the situation.
"You guys go ahead, I'll be right there!" Karin shouted to the fleeting group as she ran over to the Visoreds and Arrancar. They were busily discussing the situation with each other as Karin ran up to them.
"Hey, Shinji?" Karin said as Shinji turned to look down at her curiously.
"Yes Karin?" Shinji asked.
"I just wanted to say…thanks for helping me with my Inner Hollow. I probably wouldn't have made it without you guys." Karin said as Shinji grinned. Before he could say anything however, Hiyori slapped her across the face with her slipper.
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! STOP YAPPING AND GET WITH YOUR FAMILY IF YOU WANT TO GET TO THE SOUL SOCIETY ON TIME!!!" Hiyori shouted as Karin blinked then flash stepped away.
"She's going to make us all proud, I always believed in her you know?" Hiyori said with a proud smile.
"What are you talking about? You caused her the most problems." Shinji asked before getting punched in the face.
Meanwhile…
In a bright, sun lit world similar to the Soul Society, sat what appeared to be an Renaissance styled city. Most of the houses were small two story buildings with wooden shingled roofs. In the center of the city was a large brick castle that cast a shadow over the town like a giant sword. The castle looked like a classic medieval castle but with its central most tower about as tall as the Penance cell in the Seireitei. This tall tower had a flat roof, with battlements around the edge save for a spiral staircase that ran around the outside wall of the tower but leveled off halfway where a bridge connected to a single yet comparatively shorter conical tower with a single balcony that was accessible through a pair of French doors.
This world was Le Mort Regne, the home of the LeBlancs. Standing on the balcony of the tower, looking over the city stood a depressed Yuzu. She had been dressed in a beautiful white dress. The room behind her was fit for a fairytale princess, complete with a beautiful bed covered in white and blue silk. A dresser with various perfumes and makeup sets. There were also pieces of gold and silver jewelry resting on the tables. But this was no room; this was a prison, as the barred window on the wooden door would attest to.
Yuzu then turned her gaze towards the tall tower next to her own with a look of silent fear. She then heard the door open behind her and in walked a pair of identical LeBlanc women in their Fracture forms. They were both wearing long white sleeveless gowns.
"Greetings young Key girl. We shall be your caretakers until further notice." The two said in unison.
"I am Esile." "And I am Alusru." "Please feel free to call upon us if you need anything." They said.
"I want to go home." Yuzu said hopefully but the twins gave her a soft yet sinister smile.
"We're afraid that there are some things we just cannot do. You are to remain here for the time being." The twins said in unison as they backed through the door.
"Please feel free to contact us by pulling the bell rope here." They said as the one on Yuzu's left pointed to a rope dangling from the ceiling before closing the door behind them.
Yuzu closed her eyes before she began sobbing. She then looked up into the sky with a look of hope.
"Ichigo…please hurry."
Outside Urahara Shop…
"Uryu, might I have a word?" Ryuken asked as Uryu paused and sighed.
"Don't try and talk me out of this father. You're not going to stop me." Uryu said, without looking at him.
"I'm not trying to stop you. In fact I just wanted to wish you luck." Ryuken said as Uryu blinked and turned towards him with a surprised look on his face.
"What?" he asked confused.
"Uryu, what you are doing is dangerous and could very well mean the end of you. The reason I asked you not to associate with Soul Reapers was out of concern for your safety. A concern that any true father should have. I want you to know that no matter what our differences have been, that I have always cared for you even though I might not have shown it." Ryuken said as Uryu sighed.
"Then why…" Uryu said.
"Why what Uryu?" Ryuken asked curiously.
"Why didn't you yell at me for not protecting Yuzu?!" Uryu asked as Ryuken glanced away slightly.
"Because I probably would have done the same if our situations were reversed. You went in defense of the woman you loved. I cannot blame you for that, even if she is a Soul Reaper. But from what Isshin has told me about her, I can understand your reason for wanting to protect her. An abusive parent that treats her more like property than as a daughter results in a woman that's hard to refuse. You may not realize it son but your mother came from a similar way of life." Ryuken said as Uryu's eyes widened.
"What?" Uryu asked surprised.
"Your grandfather on your mother's side was a drunkard and would beat your mother when she was a child and a teenager. Her own mother had disappeared a long time ago. One day she was rescued when he was found dead in their home from mysterious circumstances. There was no physical sign of trauma and the medical reports showed that his heart just seemed to stop. But I know the truth." Ryuken said as he pushed up his glasses.
"What? What is it? How did he die?" Uryu asked.
"He didn't die…he was murdered." A voice said from behind. Uryu turned around to see Isshin standing behind him with a serious expression.
"Was it…was it you?" Uryu asked as Isshin nodded.
"Yes. I killed your mother's father. It was one of the few times that I exited my body as a Soul Reaper. Ryuken and I were roommates in medical school. Granted I had gotten Kisuke to give me a younger looking Gigai to help blend in better but your father knew I was a Soul Reaper. We were on somewhat neutral terms with each other but I could tell when he was distraught. One day I come in to our dorm room and see him sitting angrily on the edge of his bed and clutching a photo of him and the girl that would eventually be your mother. He explains to me that she's being abused by her father and that she was too afraid to do something. I talked him out of doing anything rash and I went personally to look in on the situation but in Soul Reaper form. Fortunately only the daughter was spiritually aware. Unlike her father who was spiritually aware only in a different sense of the word spirits. Well my chivalry got the best of me when her father hit her so hard she was knocked unconscious. He was dead before my sword even left his back. This is my deepest and darkest secret. I even performed the Konso on him to make sure he couldn't squeal. I told Ryuken what I had done and we made a pact of friendship…a pact that we would owe each other a debt of gratitude. If the Soul Society found out, then I'm dead. I committed murder on a human being as a Soul Reaper. Murdering a living human as a Soul Reaper is punishable by death." Isshin said as Uryu blinked in shock.
"So the reason my father seemed to listened to you when he confronted me for socializing with Soul Reapers was because of your pact?" Uryu asked.
"Ryuken and I have remained relatively neutral for the most part since then. We've kept to ourselves for years but we never dreamed of our own children becoming friends." Isshin said as Ryuken chuckled while smoking a cigarette.
"True. Uryu I was mad because you broke your word as a Quincy. When you make a promise on your honor as a Quincy, you're expected to keep it. But in some cases that honor can be restored by your actions. Your actions in trying to protect the innocent, even failing to do so in the process, is worthy of restoring that honor." Ryuken said as Uryu gave a silent smile and nodded.
"Oh and one more thing. This Nemu girl. She's a keeper." Ryuken said with a smirk while he extinguished his cigarette as Uryu blushed.
"Can I expect to see you on the front lines then?" Uryu asked as Ryuken shrugged.
"Perhaps…we'll see eventually won't we?" Ryuken asked as Uryu nodded.
"You better hurry if you want to join the others in time for the Reishihenkanki to open." Ryuken said as Uryu smiled and nodded again before hurrying into the shop.
"Isshin…I hope…no I know you will get your daughter back." Ryuken said as Isshin nodded.
"I know. Thanks Ishida." Isshin said as he turned and entered the shop.
End Chapter 47.
This Chapter begins the final arc known as the "Le Mort Regne" arc. The theme song for this arc is "D-Technolife" by UVERworld.
Also, I wanted to clear something up real quick. Some of you may be getting the impression that I have something against the French. I have nothing against the French. The reason I'm using a French motif for the LeBlancs is because Spanish was already being used for the Hollows/Arrancar/Espada (I have nothing against the Spanish either). I hope that settles things in that category.
LeBlanc Research Time…
Gin Ichimaru appeared again but this time in front of a chalkboard with the word Guerre Maitrise written on it behind him.
"Hyah, for our final LeBlanc Research topic, we will be looking at the leaders of the LeBlanc's. The Guerre Maitrise." Gin said as he pointed at a crude drawing of the three Guerre Maitrise.
"There are three Guerre Maitrise in the LeBlancs and they were each Quincy's in life that were killed by their fellow Quincy's for their radical views and deeds. They each have a unique role in the LeBlancs. The Executioner trains the weaker forces and chooses who the Sentinelles will be. All three Guerre Maitrise must be unanimous when choosing which of the Sentinelles will become Sept Gardeur. The General's role is to plan out the strategy for destroying the Soul Society and World of the Living. It was his idea to kidnap the Key girl. He's also designed some special device that has been classified to me simply as Plot Device number six-six-six. The Collector's role is to go and collect the souls of those who were killed by Quincy's and their arrows but since he has effectively been put out of a job recently, he has become more focused on preparing their plans." Gin explained as Rangiku, Toshiro, and Momo appeared suddenly.
"Ah so if this is the last edition, then now you have plenty of time to practice Bengara Koushi with us." Rangiku said as Gin's smile grew wider.
"So I do. And since we have a whole three pages available…why not give the readers a treat? Is that alright with you Captain Hitsugaya?" Gin asked as he tossed the pointer away and used Shinso to cut the blackboard away, revealing an empty stage behind them.
"I've got nothing better to do at the moment." Toshiro said with his arms crossed as he looked away from Gin.
"Oh cheer up Lil' Shiro. This is one of your favorite songs from the Bleach Musicals." Momo said as Toshiro sighed and nodded in agreement.
"Then as a personal thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading the story this far, we leave you all with this. From the Bleach Rock Musical, Dark of the Bleeding Moon, Bengara Koushi." Gin said as the music suddenly started. Rangiku and Toshiro headed onto a set of risers behind them with Toshiro behind Gin and Rangiku behind Momo.
Then Rangiku started. (Note: English translation is in parenthesis)
"Ja,ja furi ame ni nurenagara (Drip, drip getting soaked by the falling rain)
Shinobu omoi wo tamoto ni kakusu (I keep my hidden feelings concealed in my sleeve)
Anata wo matta ishidatemi (the stone paving where I was waiting for you)
Ochiru shizuku no hakanasai yo" (is the emptiness of the falling drops)
The Gin sang…
"Mieso de mienai onnagokoro" (Even if it seems like it you can't see a women's heart)
And Rangiku replied…
"Mieso de mienai otokogokoro" (Even if it seems like it you can't see a man's heart)
Then they both sang…
"Futari wa maru de bengara koushi" (The two of them are like lattice sliding doors)
And Gin added…
"Kawaii ano ko wa akantare" (That little girl is so shy)
Then Momo started singing…
"Ja, ja furi ame ni nurenagara (Drip, drip getting soaked by the falling rain)
afururu omoi uta ni yomu (I turn my over flowing feelings into a song)
tsuki mo iza yu hoo somete (the sixteen-day moon colors my face)
kyoumo made komu machioito yo" (The one I'm waiting for isn't coming again tonight)
Then Toshiro started…
"Miesou de mienai onnagokoro" (Even if it seems like it you can't see a women's heart)
And Momo replied…
"Mieso de mienai otokogokoro" (Even if it seems like it you can't see a man's heart)
Then they both sang…
"Futari wa maru de bengara koushi" (The two of them are like lattice sliding doors)
And Toshiro added…
"Tobira wo akete wa kure nai-ka" (Won't you please open that door)
Then Rangiku sang as she crossed over to behind Gin and Toshiro over to behind Momo…
"Kizuite atashi no hono kokoro" (Won't you please notice this heart of mine)
Then Gin turned and waved goodbye as he sang…
"Maido ookini hona sainara" (Thank you for everything and goodbye)
Then Toshiro sang…
"Kizuke yo ore no kono kokoro" (Please notice this heart of mine)
As Momo replied…
"Sonna me wo shite mianai de yo." (Don't look at me with eyes like that)
Then they all sang in unison as they moved down to a single file row at the front of the stage with Gin on the far left, Rangiku to the middle, left, Momo to the middle right, and Toshiro to the far right.
Ki ni naru futari wa bangara koushi" (Two always thinking of each other are like lattice sliding doors)
kofune ukabete doko he yara (Where am I being taken by this floating little boat)
ki ni naru futari wa bengara koushi (Two always thinking of each other are like lattice sliding doors)
kofuu ukabete kyoo mo yuku" (Today too I'm going, floating on that little boat)
They then all bowed in unison as the music slowly came to an end.
"Well…that was fun. Wouldn't you say Captain Hitsugaya?" Gin asked as Toshiro crossed his arms again, looking away from Gin.
"Perhaps." Toshiro replied.
"Were those translations accurate?" Momo asked curiously.
"As accurate as the Author could get. It's kinda hard to find the lyrics and their translations." Rangiku replied.
"That it is Rangiku. But for now I say Hona Sayonara and thank you for reading this far. But don't stop because there is still much more to come." Gin said as the four bowed in unison again.
"PLEASE KEEP READING AND REVIEWING!" they said in unison.
End
