Holy shit, can it be? Can that prick, InhumanNexus, finally be back from his hiatus to deliver a brand new chapter of Breaking Routine?
Maybe.
I'm back, kiddies. The past two years, I've been in the wonderful*(not really) country of Germany as part of an overseas Tour of Duty for the U.S. Army. Cool, huh? Wrong. I'm less than sixty days out from returning back to the States, where I will be stationed at none other than Fort Campbell, Kentucky, at the good ol' 101st. Why should this matter to you? It shouldn't. Merely an explanation to my disappearance, and, perhaps, an insight into my future availability.
I had so many things planned for this pet project of mine, and some of those ideas are probably lost to time. But some are coming back to me, and new ideas are being formulated. And since I'm forever looking for more things to do to occupy myself in ways OTHER than sitting at a TV screen with a controller in hand, I figured I'd get back into writing.
I will say right now - the romantic aspects of this story are now foreign to me. I had my own projections and wants when I first started writing that helped with the writing process, so it may be a bit for me to get my muse back. After all, I was an obsessed otaku when I began writing this story four years ago, when I was sixteen. Other than that little disclaimer, there's very little I have to offer.
I will also add, a flaw of mine that I did all too willingly was take up too much space with Author's Notes. That will be corrected. So, no more Review Corner. If you have questions you want answered, I still encourage you to leave a review all the same, but also feel free to PM me.
That's it. Without further ado, chapter eighteen.
(Las Noches)
The former Cuarta walked, hands resting firmly in-pockets almost lackadaisically, only accentuating the apathetic stare forward that was all too characteristic of the ashen individual. Even in the wide, empty, hallways that made up Las Noches - akin to what one would expect peering into an ant farm, the deliberate stride of Ulquiorra Schiffer would almost fall silent. Unless you were consciously aware of his presence, only then one might be able to hear the soft footfalls.
Despite the chaos that had taken place not even a full seventy-two hours prior, that Ulquiorra had also been involved with directly, very little seemed to have been affected in the shadow palace of Aizen and his Arrancar. After all, it was not as if the place had been bustling with life prior to 'The Divide' - as it was so affectionately being dubbed by the remaining Espada. The only physical change to Ulquiorra, which would be hidden from view, was that his chest no longer possessed its previous, bold, "4'. Now, with the change of the Espada hierarchy, as well as the revealing of his true abilities, the number had since been replaced by a "1". Perhaps it irked the Arrancar . After all, sporting a "4" was its own advantage. He was not one to question Aizen however, and so the stoic Hollow only took his new rank in stride, ready and willing to perform any necessary responsibilities that it would come with. At the moment, it was only business as usual for the new Primera, with his destination fast approaching. With the open doorway in sight, Ulquiorra slowed his deliberate stride and turned into the room, joining those grouped inside.
Inside the room was none other than Aizen, with Gin and Tosen at his flanks. The three were usually together when business was conducted, not that Gin and Tosen -really- had any true decision-making authority in the trio. They stood in front of a sight Ulquiorra had seen a few times before, but not too recently. In front of the former Shinigami was a hunched figure, wrapped to mimic mummification. Closer inspection, and an astute sense of observation, showed the figure to be rather lanky in body composition, as well as incredibly tall were they standing completely. Curious as it may have been, this was not the reason for the former Cuarta's visit.
"Ahh, Ulquiorra-san, rise, rise." The sickeningly gentle tone that Aizen so expertly spoke with announced Ulquiorra, whom which fell to a knee to render all the due respect his leader deserved. The ex-Shinigami did not turn away from his work, keeping his back to Ulquiorra as he continued, "I do hope you are here to observe. Is it not exciting to witness ascendance firsthand?" Now, Aizen turned -just- enough to be able to peer at the Arrancar out of the corner of his eye, that thin strand of brown hair rustling ever so slightly in unison with the smooth movement.
Ulquiorra stood up upon receiving the okay to do so, his hands returning to his pockets habitually. Less for appearance's sake, and more for the Arrancar to ensure he made no unnecessary movements with the limbs in Aizen's presence. "It is as you say, Aizen-sama, but I must regret to inform you my intrusion is not one of an enthralled onlooker. There has been a development I felt was necessary to inform you of personally."
Whether or not Aizen was genuinely interested in what Ulquiorra had to say, let alone the chance of already knowing the news yet to be spoken, the ex-Shinigami turned more completely, at least giving the appearance of his undivided attention, the slightest raise of his brow. Gin, too, glanced over at Ulquiorra, those snake-ish slits peering at the Primera, accentuated by the splitting grin that always graced his features. Tosen needed not move at all. It was not as though the man had a gaze to be directed at will, after all. "Is that so? Very well; there is no need to keep me in suspense." Aizen gave the okay to continue with his words.
"Per your orders, both myself and your Cuarta, Szayelaporro, have doubled our efforts to keep the town of Karakura under close surveillance." Ulquiorra began, uttering the name of Szayel as well as the pink-haired Arrancar's new rank, merely for formality's sake. "Less than an hour ago, several reiatsu signatures, easily identifiable as that of the taicho class of Shinigami, appeared. Two appearing in a duo at first, another flaring at a few sporadic intervals. The latter of which I speculate to be a less than tactful representative of the Second Division." Ulquiorra paused -just- long enough to offer a period for questions, comments, and concerns from the three ex-Shinigami, which was utilized by Tosen first.
"An attack by the Seireitei?" He asked simply, though a furrow to his brow hinting at his disbelief to such an event. Gin's grin widened slightly.
"A poor one if so. I don't know much, but three hardly constitutes an invasion force, no?" The white-haired man asked the gathered, amusement laced in his words. "Not like they wouldn't know of all the ex-Espada in Karakura."
"Arrogance is a trait the Seireitei is more than familiar with. It is, perhaps, not too unbelievable." The ex-Taicho of Ninth Division added to Gin's words. A frown followed - a deeper one than what usually graced the darkened man's features.
"Continue, Ulquiorra-san." Aizen's voice followed, silencing both Gin and Tosen in their brief debate and motioning for the Primera's continue.
"Szayelaporro-san was already observing the reiatsu signatures of both, who he identified to be, Kurosaki and ex-Tercera, Harribel. Naturally he felt it worth reporting to me when the signatures quickly grouped together in proximity to one another."
"Oh my. They had it out, did they?" Again, Gin cut in, his grin becoming wider if such a thing was even possible at this point.
"Negative. At least, there were no indications of such. The signatures lingered amongst each other for a fair amount of time, before the two unknowns disappeared via, what Szyaleaporroa-san labelled, a Senkaimon. The isolated signature we did not pick up again after its initial flaring, though I feel it safe to speculate it, too, returned to Seireitei." And with that, Ulquiorra was finished, his monotonous stare glancing idly between the three men.
"They merely spoke, then. No hostile actions given from each faction. Could it be the forming of a truce?" Tosen speculated, this time giving the motion of 'looking' at Aizen, whom had not changed expressions or stature throughout the report.
"It may be as such, Tosen-san. Curious. I calculated Yamamoto-sotaicho to not risk interaction with Kurosaki and the wayward Arrancar." While his brow furrowed ever so slightly, that smile remained, showing that he was not alarmed in the slightest. Or, if he was, it was expertly hidden.
"Should we take premature action before they make any further attempt for co-existence, Aizen-sama? It could prove most troublesome to face both Kurosaki and the Seireitei on a united front." Ulquiorra offered his tactical appraisal respectfully, to which Aizen motioned against with a casual flick of his hand.
"There is no need to be so jumpy, Ulquiorra-san. While unexpected, certainly, this hardly changes plans. Either way, the destruction of both were our objective. While we will not have the convenience of a weakened enemy, this complicates matters not." Aizen turned back to his previous work, conjuring up the Hogyoku from within his robes now, encased in what appeared to be glass. Ulquiorra only watched silently. "If anything, I view this as a splendid opportunity to test my work further." And with an almost carefree movement, the sphere was placed at eye-level of the hunched figure. A slight surge of reiatsu, and the Hogyoku came to life, a transfer of energy from Aizen crackling into the figure.
The mummified humanoid contorted and shifted in ways unnatural for a few moments, before it stopped suddenly, once again shaping to be that of a human form. The cloth unwrapped at a quick pace, revealing none other than Nnoitora Gilga. The Quinto breathed ragged for a few seconds, a sheen of sweat covering his nude form, fresh despite the wrapping that had encompassed him.
"Nnoitora-san. I see you did not succumb to the unnatural procedure. Good, good." Aizen began, staring down at the Arrancar, appearing quite pleased. "How do you feel? Well, I do hope." Not that he particularly cared, though he was interested in the outcome. Nnoitora appeared mostly unchanged, until the man seemed to become aware of his surroundings again. He said nothing, remaining kneeled and quiet for a few moments, before that sickening smirk split open on his face. His pupils were dilated with pure excitement, and as he began to stand, he found himself unable to keep his reiatsu under control. The ground cracked and contorted, an unnatural distortion appearing in the air around him as one would see surrounding a heated object. Standing tall, he easily had more than a couple of feet on all present, not that it was any different than before. Now, coupled with the dramatic increase of reiatsu he exhumed, it was quite the intimidating sight. Nnoitora let his tongue drag out to taste at the sweat that ran down and fell past his lips. Where before there was a "5", now a "2" was visible, before the appendage slithered back into his mouth.
"My, my. How scary." Gin commented, always one to provide his less than appropriate comments from the side. He was ignored, with Nnoitora looking around, then at his fists as they clenched and unclenched in barely restrained excitement.
"How exciting~." The Segunda's smirk was full-blown. He had little more to say than that, unable to put his true bloodlust and anticipation into words.
"Excellent. You seem unharmed. Do keep an eye on any deformities that may or may not appear." Aizen's interest in the situation, despite it going according to his intent, was low. Already, other uses of the object in his hand came to mind, each more exciting than the last. "Fetch Zommari-san before you begin to distract yourself, yes?"
"And maybe put some clothes on?" Gin added as Nnoitora began his fast stride out, the lack of control over his new reiatsu level leaving sizable impressions in the stone floor on his way out. "Success, I'd say."
"Success, but a tame experiment." Aizen almost shrugged carelessly, were he so emote. "Not that it is particularly needed, but a boost to our soldier's abilities felt necessary. Quality will certainly make up for quantity. And I am forever-curious to the capabilities of this wonderful construction." Aizen held up the Hogyoku for his examination, something he had done many a time, but always willing to do so again in the hope of noticing something he hadn't before.
"Any change in your orders, Aizen-sama?" Ulquiorra spoke up once more, having remained silent during the procedure and Nnoitora's exit.
"'Wait-and-see', Ulquiorra-san; no changes." Aizen answered, hardly taking his gaze off of his devices. "If that was all you had, then, by all means, continue with your daily proceedings."
"Hai, Aizen-sama." And with that, Ulquiorra was all too willing to pivot and leave the three to their doings. He could feel Gin's continued stare, and that grin, on his back until he was out of peripheral.
(Karakura Town/Urahara Shoten)
"Tell me again why we're not going ape-shit-fuck-jacked right now on those Shinigami." Urahara should have guessed Baraggan would have been less than tactful with the situation when he left the aged Arrancar alone. Or, well, perhaps he was every bit of tactful but it was merely causing excitement in the rowdier of the defected Arrancar. Hunched over in his normal, aloof, manner, the jovial shopkeeper turned at the waist and peered at Grimmow from behind his fan.
"As usual, Grimmjow-san, your eloquence inspires me to be all I can be." He 'admitted' with that twinkle in his eye that added to the sarcasm of his statement, further serving to aggravate the already perturbed ex-Sexta.
"I'll inspire my foot up your ass." The Arrancar growled out, shoving his hands in his pockets, flexing his shoulders back to strike that 'big' pose in his attempt to further intimidate the shopkeeper. Of course, Urahara merely gasped in offense, folding his fan together.
"Your sexual advances are not welcome here, my holed friend. Apologies." Before Grimmjow could splutter a less-than-veiled threat in return, Urahara continued. "And to answer your asinine question-"
"Listen, you fuck-."
"We -don't- want war with the Seireitei. They sorta have this thing called 'superior numbers and resources'." The blonde man waved his arms to and fro with the emphasized statement. The fan collapsed again, with the man 'hiding' behind it once more. "Comprende?" Grimmjow only growled as Urahara walked away, followed behind his small gang with their unusual devices in hand - the same devices they had used to expand the Training Room originally for the defected's arrival.
"He's gotta point, yanno." Grimmjow didn't even have to turn to identify the speaker. "Second hole where your brain should be, eh, Grimmjow?"
"Luppi-fuck, I swear I will-"
"What? 'Inspire your foot up my ass'? Don't threaten me with a good time." While not -actually- homosexual, the form of comment usually succeeded in tripping up the violent Arrancar, leaving further room for words spoken against him. "Besides, as much as I hate Shinigami - no offense-."
"None taken~." Urahara's sing-song voice could be heard past some boulders.
"-we do need all the help we can get. For now. Maybe not. I don't know. Either way." The sound of tunneling and arbitrary construction noise could be heard as, apparently, Urahara had begun his work. What work that was, exactly, he did not reveal. "Better than fightin' both Aizen and the Seireitei at the same time, at least."
"Maybe to you, pussy." Grimmjow, without too much to offer in a conversation of tact and strategy, settled for insulting Luppi again.
"You are what you eat, dick." Luppi countered with a mischievous smirk.
"Alright, that's it, you just lost your face and upper body privileges!" And at that, another fight/spar broke out, with Luppi laughing at Grimmjow's expense as he made to defend himself against the Sexta's assault. From the sidelines, the way sidelines now as a matter of fact, Loly, Menoly, Apacci, Sun-Sun, Mila-Rose, and Ggio watched, some more amused than others at the confrontation.
"Fools." Sun-Sun chastised from behind her sleeve, her gaze soft and uninterested at the display of testosterone that had broken out seemingly at random.
"Hey, whatever you gotta do to amuse yourself, I guess." Apacci shrugged her shoulders, making her own comment on the matter. "Something I do with Ichigo-kun every~ chance~ I~ get~." The horned Arrancar brushed closer and closer to her sister's shoulder as she couldn't help but somehow turn the situation into an opportunity to make fun of Sun-Sun. "Amirite, amirite?" A couple of less than gentle nudges accompanied the pestering. Sun-Sun sighed long and slow, clearly performing a manner of calming exercise mentally.
"How To Amuse Yourself, by Apacci." Mila-Rose's voice cut in from off to Sun-Sun's other side. "Chapter One: Whore Yourself Out To Shinigami. 'Ten out of ten. Not like Apacci herself, who stands confident at a solid two'." The jab succeeded in distracting Apacci from Sun-Sun, as she stormed around the olive-haired Arrancar to get to her second sister.
"Two more than you, gorilla." She growled, squaring up with the third of the former Tercera's trio. Mila-Rose was all too willing to oblige her sister's want for a fight, chest-bumping into Apacci's face to push her back.
"Two bigger boobs than you." Apacci's face reddened in anger at the assault. All hope for peace was lost as the situation further degraded into the inevitable scrap between the two girls. Now, on the sidelines again, Loly, Menoly, Sun-Sun, and Ggio watched the second fight break loose.
"Well... okay then." Ggio's tactical appraisal of the situation was spot-on, as usual when it involved Apacci and Mila-Rose.
"All jokes aside, I'm a little worried about Ichigo-kun." Menoly finally spoke, glancing between the three alongside her with her lone eye. Ggio shrugged his shoulders, not tearing his eyes from the scuffle.
"Ichigo-senpai ain't exactly defenseless. Add that he's got Starrk-sama and Harribel-sama with him, and I think he's more than alright." It was not entirely intended to comfort Menoly, but it worked all the same.
"Yeah... guess you're right." She sighed through her nostrils in a calming manner.
"You worry too much, Menoly." Loly spoke up now, adding her two cents to the concern now.
"Like you're not worried either, Loly." Menoly snorted, training her eye on her sister. Loly, having been caught, averted her gaze, 'hmph'ing.
"So? I can't worry?" Menoly held her hands up in mock-defense.
"Of course not, no."
"Ichigo-kun can kick serious ass, especially Shinigami ass. I'm sure of it." Loly continued her earlier train of thought, though perhaps also to comfort herself alongside her sister. "He hasn't even been gone that long, either."
"To my understanding, as lightly described by Baraggan-sama, there is peaceful contact attempting to be made between Kurosaki-san, Starrk-Sama, and Harribel-sama and the Shinigami. From what I know of the three, they will be more than successful if the Shinigami are open-minded to it."Sun-Sun offered her own opinion of the matter, her gaze sliding from her quarreling sisters to Loly and Menoly.
"Not sure I care for that." Ggio frowned, his brow furrowing, though not entirely willing to make an argument of the matter.
"We will need all the allies we can get for this war, Vega-san." Sun-Sun pointed out calmly.
"Hm." Was all she got in reply, though slightly acknowledging of her words. Sun-Sun looked back at Loly and Menoly.
"In the end, if something unfortunate occurred, I am certain Urahara-san will become aware of it and inform us. There is no need for concern or to be anxious, Loly-san, Menoly-san." She was right, both Loly and Menoly felt, and their shoulders lost their tension slowly, Loly's more than Menoly's.
"Yeah, guess you're right." Menoly admitted, the corner of her mouth upturning as she took on a more casual demeanor.
"Naturally." Sun-Sun's tone adopted the slightest of humor to it, and one could see the amused glint in her eye if they paid attention to it. Silence fell over the small group, with only the sounds of two skirmishes, as well as a background construction, to break the silence. A few moments passed without words spoken between any of them, before Loly broke the silence with a simple,
"I'm still really bored, though." There was a unanimous hum of agreement.
(With Ichigo)
"Sure they bought it?" Starrk, surprisingly, decided to be the one to break the hush that had befallen the three on their trek back to the Urahara Shoten. His hands were in his pockets, and he was slightly hunched - a darkened tone to the skin underneath his eyes as he kept his blank gaze forward.
"There was no deception to be bought, Starrk-san." Harribel answered calmly, her stare looking past Ichigo to eye the ex-Primera. "They seemed pleasant enough as well. I feel it is safe to say this will prove fruitful for us, though I am not one to be certain."
"I don't know much about Unohana-taicho, except that she's really kind. She's the taicho of Fourth Division, which is pretty much the medical corps of the Seireitei." Ichigo informed the two of them. Starrk didn't have much of a reaction, other than the slight nod of his head. Harribel's brow raised in curiosity.
"A medic, then?" She asked simply. Ichigo nodded.
"Pretty much. Even after my friends and I attacked the Seireitei, she helped out with our injuries. She's alright, definitely." Ichigo stated confidently.
"And the other? The man?" Harribel asked. Ichigo scratched the back of his head as he formulated the answer in his mind.
"Ukitake-taicho? I know him more than Unohana-taicho, but only a little. We chatted a couple of times in Seireitei and he's pleasant enough." A nod followed to affirm his own words. "The Old Man definitely sent the best two for peaceful negotiations. Honestly, I think we'll be fine. Ukitake-taicho and Unohana-taicho will give their report fair, I think. It's really just up to the Old Man to decide if he wants to be peaceful with us."
"And what are the chances of that, do you speculate?" Harribel questioned further, her gaze quite unwavering from the orange-haired teen.
"Hard to say... he seemed to be a bit of a hard ass to me. I'm sure he's got the best of the Seireitei in mind, though." Ichigo shrugged his shoulders, letting out a sigh as he did so. "Short answer; I don't know. Our chances aren't 'bad'?" Harribel seemed content with that answer, or, if she wasn't, she didn't voice any further concern. The mock-interrogation came to a convenient end as they walked up on the Urahara Shoten.
"Shall we inform Urahara-san?" Harribel asked the other two, allowing Starrk entrance into the ship first, who kept a fair stride to the secret entrance to the Training Room.
"I've done enough work for today, I think. Pretty tiring stuff." Harribel's flat stare followed the man, whom could surely feel it on his back. He ignored it though and began his quick descent into the underground chamber.
"We can, yeah. Sure he already knows somehow. He's sorta magic like that."Ichigo joked with a light chuckle, motioning for Harribel to go first.
"He has... curious methods, yes." The women agreed simply.
"Understatement."
(Training Room)
"OH WOW, AN ALL NEW TUNNEL COMPLEX THAT JOINS THE MAIN ONE. HOW LONG HAS THIS BEEN HERE?" Urahara shouted both over the sound of the fighting that had broken out not too soon to Ichigo and Harribel's arrival, as well as in a mock-attempt at surprise. Ichigo could only deadpan - both to Urahara, as well as they fights between Grimmjow and Luppi on one end of the room, with Apacci and Mila-Rose going at it on the far end. He made sure to wave to Loly, Menoly, Sun-Sun, and Ggio as he re-entered the room, the ladies whom were proceeding over to Ichigo and Harribel at a steady walk. Ggio remained, favoring to watch the fight between Apacci and Mila-Rose in masked amusement, as well keeping himself close to intervene if things got too out of hand.
"At least wait until Ururu and Jinta leave with their equipment before you try and be clever, Urahara-san." Ichigo stated, his tone and expression remaining deadpan and unimpressed.
"It -is- cool, isn't it?" Urahara's eyes twinkled from behind his fan as he shot a look back at Ichigo and Harribel, whom which was eyeing the new tunnel curiously. "I take it things went well, yes? Did we make new friends today, hmm?" With the appearance of Yoruichi in her cat form from behind Urahara, casually cleaning herself shamelessly, Ichigo could infer that, somehow, he already knew how things went.
"It was Ukitake-taicho and Unohana-taicho. They just wanted to talk. Yeah, things went well, I think." Ichigo summed up for the man.
"Splendid!" Urahara waved his fan to cool himself off, clearly excited at the news. "And what of the Vaizards?"
"Undecided for now." Urahara nodded, not at all surprised at the outcome.
"They're a reclusive bunch, but I think they'll come around. In the meantime-!" He closed his fan and pointed to the very recently carved hallway, darkened still for now. "-I think it's safe to assume things will be getting much more crowded here." Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Harribel was curious as well and was the one to ask,
"You believe the Seireitei will send Shinigami to stay with us?" She asked simply, glancing between Ichigo and Urahara.
"Wouldn't be the first time. They had Shinigami stationed here before, before Kurosaki-san here beat them up." Urahara joked, to which Ichigo snorted and looked away from the two of them.
"They started it." He stated simply, frowning.
"And how do you think that will go?" Harribel ignored Ichigo's comment, as well as Urahara's accusation against the teen.
"Difficult to say." The shopkeeper glanced up in thought. "If I know Yamamoto-sotaicho, he'll be rather forward this time with his intentions, as well as his show of force. But, again, difficult to say. I'm sure we'll find out. Probably later today, too."
"Think so?" Ichigo asked, now looking back at Urahara.
"Know so." The trademark fan was collapsed once more and Urahara peered at the two from behind it once more. It was now that the four we joined by the girls.
"Ichigo-kun!" Loly made sure to get said human's attention as they approached. It worked. Ichigo turned and offered her, and the other two, a small wave as well as the slightest of grins.
"Loly-chan, Menoly-chan, Sun-chan. How's it goin'?" He asked kindly, raising his left arm to allow Loly the room she wanted obviously as she approached. The two hugged briefly, before Loly seemed content to hang at his side. It was now when Urahara chose to slink away, having finished his business here, and not entirely interested in intruding on the four. Harribel followed suit, but did offer a casual,
"I will inform the other Espada, Kurosaki-san." Ichigo managed to shoot a nod at her before she departed, effectively leaving the four of them alone, with Yoruichi cattin' off elsewhere, tail swinging back and forth.
"Bored. Everything went alright, yeah?" Loly asked from underneath his arm, peering up at him.
"Yes, we were all most curious as to the outcome of your negotiations." Sun-Sun spoke up, though her gaze mostly fixated on Loly as she rested ever so content in Ichigo's grasp. "They went well, yes?" She directed her eyes more clearly on Ichigo now as she questioned.
"Pretty sure. Harribel-san and Starrk-san had my back in case things went bad, but I wasn't worried. We had a chat with them and they left peacefully. They just wanted to know the full story." Ichigo answered Sun-Sun with a curious look in his eyes, not entirely missing the brief stare she had given Loly. He didn't ask, though, instead turning to Menoly as she spoke up.
"That's good. At the very least, nothing bad happened. For now." She offered a small smile to the duo in front of her. It was oddly comforting to her to view her sister happy. Then again, everything was still such a stark contrast to how she had been not just a couple weeks prior. Though, she, too, noticed Sun-Sun and would be sure to bring it up with the pale Arrancar later.
"For now." Ichigo agreed. Now, he turned his gaze to Grimmjow and Luppi, and then the fight between Apacci and Mila-Rose that was slowly being broken up by Ggio in the distance. "What happened here?"
"It all started when Grimmjow-sama... walked out of his room." Loly almost deadpanned in her own telling of the events that had transpired. It wasn't -that- untrue.
"Aah. That makes sense." Despite the scene, Ichigo snorted. Hey, at least things were lively for some. Though, it was rather obvious that the two, or at least Grimmjow, were serious in their intent to cause harm.
"How much longer you plan on staying, Ichigo-kun?" Menoly asked, earning Ichigo's attention once more. Said human pondered. It wasn't that late. It was actually still early afternoon. There was no harm in sticking around, especially if it meant being in the presence of... his girlfriends? He still didn't know.
"I can linger a few hours, if that's alright?" Menoly smiled and nodded.
"Of course."
"Baka." Loly jabbed his side with a fist - kinda exactly like a punch. Ichigo snorted and rubbed at the offended area with his free hand. While not giving a verbal cue, Sun-Sun was not opposed to the idea either, even though she would remain still and silent almost awkwardly alongside Menoly. Finally, Apacci, Mila-Rose, and Ggio joined them. Apacci was mock-affronted at Loly's proximity to Ichigo and proceeded to latch to his other side, previous quarrel forgotten with Mila-Rose.
"Ohey, Ichigo-kun~." She purred at his side. "Did'ya miss me? I know you did, no need to be embarrassed."
"You're bleeding, Apacci-chan." Ichido deadpanned at the shorter girl. Mila-Rose snorted from her spot outside the group.
(Seireitei)
Something that had been taking place increasingly in the past few weeks, the Division Leaders of the Court Guard Companies stood gathered once more in meeting, with First Company Head, as well as the leading Shinigami in Seireitei, Genryusai Yamamoto standing at the helm, hunched over that inconspicuous cane. His stature would seem pathetic and rustic, but everyone present far than knew better. A few taps to the ground of said cane, and any side-chatter amongst the gathered taicho was silenced.
"I would request all present to withhold their appraisals until both Ukitake-taicho and Unohana-taicho conclude their report to the Court Guard Companies." Yamamoto's 'request' was formal, but his authority was absolute, and none would dare be the one to break the silence until due prompt was given. The aged Shinigami's eyes looked back and forth at the two ranks formed at his left and right, insuring everyone's attention was gathered. Pleased, his gaze looked inward, now resting on Unohana and Ukitake as they stood on line in the center, facing him. "The floor belongs to the two of you. Please, describe the nature of your assignment, followed by a complete report of everything that transpired." The two nodded in unison.
"Hai, Sotaicho." Ukitake was the first to speak, signalling his volunteering to begin. "Unohana-taicho, myself, and Soi-Fon-taicho were tasked with descending into the World of the Living to ascertain the true intent behind the actions of one Kurosaki Ichigo. It was myself and Unohana-taicho that were to make contact with the human face to face, with Soi-Fon-taicho providing additional security in the event things got out of hand." Soi-Fon nodded slightly, affirming his words. Of course, she wasn't sure to keep it to herself that she had been found easily by her ex-taicho and practically held hostage by her until the meeting was over.
None of it was news particularly to any of the gathered, but it was merely formality's sake for it to be reiterated. That, and odds are one or two of the gathered had long since became uninterested in the events and went to their own devices, so a touch-up wouldn't hurt. With Ukitake done, his throat clearing in part to signal his finish, and as well to bite back a brewing coughing fit, Unohana took over.
"It is as Ukitake-taicho says. Speaking highly of Twelfth Company's, and Kurotsuchi-taicho's, excellent work at tracking and keeping the area well under observation, we were able to emerge into the World of the Living in near proximity to Kurosaki-san's location. Within sixty seconds of our departure, we had already made contact. Though while initial report indicated he was in the presence of an Arrancar, we found Kurosaki-san alone." Yamamoto looked to Soi-Fon for any form of explanation, to which she replied,
"I speculated that the Arrancar, upon sensing our presence, was attempting to break contact and rally their allies. When I made to intercept, I was caught off-guard by ex-taicho of Second Company, Yoruichi Shihoin." Soi-Fon reported simply, doing her best to maintain her professional composure, despite reporting a rather embarrassing event.
"She engaged you, Soi-Fon-taicho?" Yamamoto asked simply, barely a raise of his brow to go along with the query.
"Negative, sotaicho."
"I see." Yamamoto looked back to Unohana and Ukitake. "Proceed."
"Right away, Kurosaki-san recognized me, and he made no hostile motions against us from the get-go." Ukitake started up again, his composure returning, as well as him feeling the need to describe the meeting himself. "Myself and Unohana-taicho made sure to inform him our intentions were peaceful, as well as our willing to take matters into our own hands should he make any such attempts against our persons. He was not alarmed to the warning, instead informing us of the misunderstanding that had been taking place."
"And what was that, Ukitake-taicho?" Yamamoto pushed further, not exactly one to be kept in suspense.
"Ukitake-taicho, and myself, proclaim Kurosaki-san to be not a threat to the Seireitei." Unohana's declaration was received with mixed reactions. Some surprise, some excitement, a couple reserved, and one unnamed taicho of Twelfth Company uncaring. "Our initial reaction to the data presented was Kurosaki-san being in league with Aizen and his Arrancar. When, in fact, it would appear there was a divide in Aizen's ranks which led to several high-ranking Arrancar to defect and state their willing to assist Kurosaki-san, and us should we be open to it." The only thing that held back the initial reaction was Yamamoto's first words spoken. Though, the gathered taicho did exchange glances with each other. Even Yamamoto himself was rather taken aback. Safe to say it was not something he predicted.
"Is that so?" The old man straightened his posture slightly, rolling his shoulders back.
"Hai, sotaicho."
"It would be prudent to infer you met with these Arrancar?"
"We met with the former Primera and Tercera; the first strongest and the third strongest of Aizen's army. From their words, they also shared the original second, sixth, and ninth strongest defected, as well as a handful of Arrancar of the fukutaicho class and lower. I, personally, felt no hostile intent from them." Ukitake finished once more, now done with the report, and glancing back and forth to his peers, whom which obviously had their own comments to make. Yamamoto saw this and, in further need of his own deliberation, stated,
"The floor is open for discussion."
"So Kurosaki's got himself his own army now, is what you're layin' down?" Naturally, Kenpachi Zaraki was the first to speak, having the least amount of any real self-control of those present. His dangerous, trademark, smirk was wide and very obviously projected his excitement. "So we got ourselves a buncha new targets, eh?" Hitsugaya snorted, the smaller taicho dwarfed quite comically alongside the taicho of Eleventh.
"The entire point of this report was to get across the bullet point of - Kurosaki is not a threat." The white haired boy corrected Zaraki with a flat tone, though the sarcasm was still there. Zaraki scoffed.
"Like you're not still butthurt." Hitsugaya ignored the jab.
"So, Kuchiki-taicho was correct all along, hm?" Shunsui Kyoraku spoke now, a grin emerging from the five o'clock shadow he usually sported, even though it was actually half past fifteen. "Go figure." For his part, Byakuya took the silent compliment in stride.
"It would seem so. Curious. I labelled Arrancar, while intelligent, to be rather incapable of free thought - though not entirely due to a fault of their own. I speculated a mere deformity of brain development, perhaps even caused by Aizen himself. Most curious." Mayuri's interest was merely scientific, and his hypothesis was well ignored by the others, and Mayuri's gaze and interest had long since left the meeting at hand.
"We still have the issue of multiple Arrancar of taicho-class roaming the World of the Living at free whim. Despite any apparent peaceful intent of their behavior, it is still a delicate situation that, I feel, requires definitive direct involvement on our part." Byakuya spoke up now, his tone calm and composed, as expected. Despite being the first to come to Ichigo's defense, it was still prudent to be alarmed, or cautious at the very least.
"I agree with Kuchiki-taicho." Soi-Fon backed up the taicho of Sixth's words whole-heartedly.
"Always so untrusting." Shunsui clacked his tongue, appearing quite bemused. "Thought you liked the boy and trusted him?"
"Kurosaki-san has earned my trust, yes, the Arrancar have not. They are not one and the same, Kyoraku-taicho." Byakuya corrected without a gaze cast over at the Eighth, whom only shrugged and conceded,
"Maybe, maybe." Though, he knew the logic to the Kuchiki's words. "So, what do we do?" It was the sum of all concern at the meeting, put rather lackadaisically by the person most qualified for such a question.
"I say we pursue peace with them." Ukitake stated confidently. "Allies are allies, despite origin. While not looking a gift horse in the mouth, as humans say, being uncooperative and abrasive is not the answer, I feel."
"Seconded." Unohana settled for a plain agreement, still standing at Ukitake's side.
"Third." Byakuya followed suit.
"Fourth." Shunsui now.
"Fifth." Hitsugaya.
"Sixth." For the first time, Komamura spoke up now, having been more than reserved throughout the entire meeting. Whatever had been thinking to himself was voiced in that quick agreement.
"Tch." Zaraki finished with his own manner of agreement, though one could argue it was a vote either way. Soi-Fon remained silent, as well as Mayuri, though for admittedly different reasons. Now, more than half of the Court Guard Company Taicho were in agreement, with the final decision, of course, resting on Yamamoto, who looked between the taicho quietly, his mind wracked with scenarios and outcomes.
Seconds passed by slowly as the aged Shinigami thought to himself, having heard the banter between the taicho gathered. He knew where everyone's decision was, but also knew they'd obey any orders given regardless. The internal debate lasted longer than most the gathered had seen the old man take, before it eventually came to an end. Yamamoto opened his mouth and spoke once more, the attention of the taicho being drawn instinctively.
"Kurosaki, and his Arrancar, are to be declared allies of Seireitei until such a time comes where they prove otherwise." It was a rather surprising declaration, but it was met with a chorus of agreement. A few taps to the floor with his cane silenced any words before they could be spoken. Yamamoto was not finished. "Upon the conclusion of this meeting, Zaraki-taicho and the majority of Eleventh Division will prepare for an extended deployment into the World of the Living, with Ukitake-taicho and a team of his choosing, and a handpicked team of medics from Fourth Division, attached." -This- was the clincher that took everyone by surprise. It was rather unprecedented, of course. Sure, the Hitsugaya Advance Team was sent, and that had several taicho and fukutaicho level members, but this wasn't a small team sent to assist some wayward humans. This was an all out occupation force. "The situation is delicate, gentlemen, but we must act. If we are not careful, we will have an enemy to face on two separate fronts, and one with the means to enter both Hueco Mundo and the Seireitei directly if they so chose to." Yamamoto, of course, referred to Urahara. He had got Kurosaki and his companions into Seireitei once already. "In the event hostility is displayed, we will have a foothold in the battlefield necessary for quick action. While on the ground, the task force will do their best to remain both vigilant and forever involved in any dealings Kurosaki and his Arrancar perform. Are there any questions?"
There wasn't. The orders were more than clear.
"Furthermore, the Seireitei is on alert until further notice. There will be no consumption of alcohol or similar impairing substances so that every member of the Court Guard Companies are prepared for a quick reaction. Anyone found breaching this order will receive the appropriate disciplinary action." Yamamoto gave a pointed look to Shunsui, who looked rather distraught. "Inform your divisions, taicho. Dismissed." And with that, the meeting was adjourned, and the taicho quickly dispersed to carry out their orders.
(Author's Note)
Short, sweet, to the point. The point, you ask? More to inform you I have returned, with also a bit of a tease of what to expect in the coming updates. This chapter was considerably shorter than my usual publishes, by about 4k or so, but I think it's served its purpose. Don't think so? Then lemme know in a review. But, I assure you all, things will pick up as they were going to originally. The original outline for this story I had planned saw this story easily hitting 40+ chapters.
Some of you may have noticed a certain lack of certain characters. I.E., Lilynette, being an important one. Grimmjow and braggan's Fraccion? Baraggan? Everyone else? Not to worry. The next chapter will be a big one, I promise. Keep an eye out for it in the next couple of weeks or so.
So, that's about it. One thing I will keep doing, just because I personally find satisfaction in sharing, and I've always enjoyed knowing, what sort of musical inspiration, if any, was drawn for any sort of writing or art project. So, that will continue, and here it is.
Music Inspiration for this Chapter;
Band: A Day To Remember
Song: Right Back At It Again
So here I am.
I'm right back at it again.
Just like I've always said,
"If you're too cool for school
I ain't here to make no friends."
Be sure to leave your reviews as you see fit. My inbox is always open as well.
Additional Information for the Masses: While lacking the partially-psychotic ranting that had become a tradition as an addendum to my chapters, this chapter was beta'd by the ever faithful Lazruth.
A.K.A. the one who puts up with my bullshit
A.K.A. the one who, you know, spoon feeds me gentle compliments to mask an overall goal of his own
A.K.A. plz hlp me