Chapter 19: Liberate

It was Uryu's idea to take Nemu to breakfast and his Shinigami goddess didn't hesitate to come along when he asked her if she'd join him.

The food was heavenly and new to Nemu. Only after having rice and various cereals, which in Nemu's opinion were not all that bad, for a morning meal were they able to taste the finer foods of the Morning variety. Their duties had prevented them from having any real food in the past month or so which they didn't mind, but considering the special occasion of the day, they just had to get out and celebrate. They enjoyed their meal to the fullest and Uryu paid like the gentlemen he was.

The two walked now, hand in hand, down an empty street in the late morning light. They continued on in comfortable silence until a large spike of riatsu caught they're attention.

They stopped almost at the same time, Uryu tilting his head a bit, "Seems like they're here." He then turned his attention to Nemu who had her head down.

"So is he," Nemu stated with depression in her voice.

Uryu responded by tightening his grip on her hand in reassurance, "It'll be okay. We just need to remain calm and talk things out."

Nemu continued to look at her feet, "But I'm not sure he'll remain calm."

Uryu new she was right. The chances of Mayuri taking this easy were slim, very slim, and for the first time in his life the boy genius hadn't a damn clue what to do. So in his moment of hesitation, he just kept walking, and Nemu followed.

One thing did come to mind though as they started their journey again. The Quincy knew that what ever happened he would always protect Nemu and try his best to stay with her. To reassure her, he swung her forward causing her to yelp at the sudden movement. He brought her towards himself so that she pressed up against him, his arm snaking around her lower back, "No Matter what happens, Nemu… I love you."

Nemu smiled that smile he only got to see and giggled a little, "I love you too Mr. Quincy." The old name that she used for him had somehow, over time, become a pet name of sorts.

Uryu's face light up as he initiated a long passionate kiss.

They had only gotten so far into their activity when the town ahead of them erupted into a bright light. They both broke away from each other and stared with wide eyes.

"That's Karakura, isn't it?" Nemu asked.

"Yeah…" was Uryu's only answer.

Within a few moments, the light had disappeared to revile the town was safe and sound, but something wasn't right. The two stretched out to find any sign of human presence but found none. "They're all gone," Nemu stated.

"Could we be too late? Did Aizen succeed?" Uryu's questions were laced with worry and self doubt.

They began to walk hurriedly towards the small town, Nemu changing into a Shinigami as fast as she could and Uryu letting his Quincy Cross drop from his wrist in preparation for anything that might come.

"Well, I guess you're not as good at detecting spiritual presence as my studies have shown, boy!" Came a voice that could only belong to a mad, power hungry, scientist.

Within an instant of hearing the familiar voice, Uryu turned as fast as he could and ignited his bow, aiming an Arrow toward Mayuri.

The painted figure of Nemu's father walked slowly towards them from his position behind them, "My, my, Quincy. A little hasty are we? Here I am just saying hello and you do well to pull your weapon on me. How disturbing."

Nemu stood behind Uryu, not sure what to do. Her eyes were wide with surprise. Never in her life had she failed to feel the presence of her Captain. Never did he try to hide it from her. She knew there was something more to him being here, so she hid behind her lover. Hiding from the man she feared the most.

Uryu's eyes narrowed, "you and me both know you're here for more then that you Bastard, so out with it."

Mayuri cackled, "Yes… You were always observant Quincy. It's why I admire you…" His clown looking face then darkened, "It's also why I loath you." His advanced stopped a few short feet away from the two lovers. "But if you would be so kind to hand over my Lieutenant, I won't pester you anymore. She must be punished for her insubordination."

Mayuri's statement was so nonchalant that it made Uryu's blood boil, "Insubordination? Do explain Captain!"

The evil scientist's face drew back at the retort, "Are you so naive to forget that I have surveillance bacteria inside both of your bodies or did your head get scrambled back in Hueco Mundo? I've been quite aware of your activities with my daughter from the start. I gave her specific orders not to participate in such… human activities."

Uryu's anger grew as he listened to Mayuri's explanation. He had forgotten about the bacteria, remembering the situation a month or so ago.

Uryu lay helpless next to Renji as Szayel readied himself for his final blow. He was irritated yet happy they had been saved by that abomination of a Shinigami, Mayuri. His heart was filled with even more hope when he saw Nemu had accompanied him.

At the moment, however, the Captain and his Lieutenant looked worse for the ware. His pride had been hurt by his unlikely hero when they arrived earlier, being informed of the various surveillance bacteria within him, allowing the scientist to come to the conclusion that his powers were not sufficient enough to fight an Espada level Arrancar. Nemu seemed to remain indifferent to the jeers from her Captain but little did the Quincy know that she wanted nothing more then to run to him and sooth his pain.

The two 'creatures' fought an odd battle but a battle none the less, Mayuri seemingly sacrificing his daughter in order to win one single battle. Uryu was infuriated and worried for the then bonnie form of Nemu, though his downdraught thoughts were washed away by the un-orthodox revival of his secret admirer.

Renji and himself were quickly healed after that, running off to catch up with the others along with their new companions. They revived Rukia with the help of Unohana and her Lieutenant then went on to rescue Orihime. The larger group split up into two as they escaped, the Captains and their Lieutenants Returning to Soul Society and them to the Human Realm. Nel and the others went back into hiding within the never ending desert of Hueco Mundo.

Nemu hesitated for a moment before whispering into Uryu's ear, "Maybe I should go with him. It would avoid conflict."

Uryu moved his head to the side a bit so that one of his eyes met hers, "Nemu… You don't have to take this anymore."

Mayuri started to walk closer, beckoning his daughter with his hands. "Come Nemu, I promise I won't be too... hard on you. I can't make promises though."

Nemu closed her eyes and took a deep breath, finding her resolve. "Father, I'm sorry but I can't allow you to do with me what you will anymore."

Mayuri stopped abruptly, surprise on his face. "What did you say you ungrateful little whore!?"

"You heard her!" Retorted Uryu.

"Quiet you insolent boy!" Was the mad mans reply.

Nemu look up from behind Uryu, bringing her self forward to stand beside Uryu instead of behind him like a cowered would. "You heard me father. I'm loyal to you as my Captain and I'll follow you into the depths of battle, but you can not treat me like another one of your experiments. I'm a living entity, not some test dummy!"

For once, Mayuri was so aggravated that his red flushed face shown through his clown like make up. He put his hand on his sword and began to draw it, "Fine… if my own creation won't obey me then I'll just have to kill it."

Nemu drew her thin Katana and Uryu readied his bow. Mayuri stopped again and chuckled, "This time I'll make sure that I kill you boy... Ban-k…" His eyes suddenly widened as he stepped to the side, avoiding a large blue crescent flying towards the clown faced captain. He turned to see Ichigo walking towards the Party, sheathing Zangetsu. The orange haired Shinigami stopped within talking distance of the group, crossing his arms over his chest. "Mind tellin' me what's so dangerous out here, Cap'n, that has you pumpin' out riatsu like your about to release your Bankai?"

Uryu and Nemu stared over at Ichigo who seemed so utterly cool in dealing with the man. Even with back up, they remained alert, never letting down their guard. "Kurosaki?" Uryu whispered to himself, unable to comprehend why his rival was even in their vicinity or how he even detected Mayuri's riatsu.

The Quincy's question was soon answered when Byakuya shunpoed in right next to Ichigo, "Indeed." Kuchiki stated, looking to Ichigo. "And try not to kill them next time."

A tick mark appeared on Ichigo's head at the scrutiny of Byakuya. "What ever," Ichigo sighed, looking to Nemu and Uryu. "Please explain the situation."

Uryu motioned for Nemu to tell Ichigo and Byakuya the situation while he kept a bead on her father. She nodded and walked over to the two, bowing when she reached them. "Captain Kuchiki and Ichigo Kurosaki, I am sorry to bring you into this but for as long as I've known my father has been abusive and over reactive causing him to punish me too harshly. I wish to emancipate myself from him and be treated as a person, not as another one of his experiments." She bowed even lower, "This is all I ask for."

Ichigo looked from Nemu to Uryu who gave a nod, confirming Nemu's tale. His eyes then moved to Mayuri, "Is this true Captain? Have you miss treated your subordinate?"

The clown faced captain was still in shock from the attack the boy had made on him. His eyes moved between Ichigo and Byakuya, searching for an answer. "How is it any of your business, boy?"

Ichigo's eyes began to glow blue, his riatsu rising. "When it involves my friends… It becomes my business." He announced in an intimidating fashion. Byakuya continued to stare down Mayuri as well in his normal stoic manor.

Mayuri weighed his options. If he fought he would certainly lose, for he was outnumbered. If he told the truth and surrendered he might be put back into that miserable pit Urahara had rescued him from. "I treat her as I see fit, though I have been known to get out of hand." He admitted, figuring anything was better then death. He still had so many experiments to conduct.

Byakuya stepped forward towards Mayuri, "You're very lucky Captain that we need as many men as possible, other wise I'd kill you where you stand." He stopped just in front of Mayuri, allowing his height to help with his intimidating speech. "Starting now, you will treat your daughter as any other person. If you deviate from this new ruling I will take this up with the head captain." He looked back to Ichigo for a minute before returning his gaze to it previous position, "Or I might just sick Kurosaki on you." Through out the statement his voice remained stoic and cold.

Mayuri nodded, glad to avoid confrontation in addition to keeping the incident on the down low.

Uryu put away his bow and walked over to Ichigo and Nemu, putting his arm around her. "Thanks, Kurosaki."

"Don't mention it." The orange haired Shinigami said as he scratched the back of his head, moving his eyes to watch Byakuya return to his side. The raven haired man glanced at the couple and their comfy position.

"Come along Nemu," Mayuri called from his place behind the group. "We must prepare for war." He started to walk down the street, his back turned to the group.

Nemu looked up into Uryu's eyes, "I have to go love."

Uryu nodded, bending down for a light lingering kiss, "Be safe. Remember I love you."

Nemu nodded lightly, a wide smile on her face. She slipped from Uryu's arms and moved to catch up with her captain.

Ichigo smirked at Uryu, "Didn't know you had it in you Uryu."

Uryu eyed his friend, "There is still much you have yet to find out about me Kurosaki."

"I will pretend the disgusting show of affection I just witnessed never happened." Byakuya stated before turning on his heal and shunpoing away.

Ichigo sighed at Byakuya's statement and shook his head, "Don't mind him… Come with me, I need you to be my acting Lieutenant. The old man put me in charge of Aizen's old unit."

Uryu started to walk away with Ichigo, "Acting Captain. This old man seems to have no sense about him."

Ichigo rolled his eyes, "Very funny."

"Excuse me." Meiyotou commanded, though, not loud enough for the gathering of a thousand odd Shinigami of the Third Division to hear.

Karin stood next to the acting captain, Kira on her other side. "Um, maybe you should try yelling it?"

Kira nodded at the suggestion, "Yes. That seems like a good idea."

Meiyotou shrugged, taking a deep breath. "EXCUSE ME!"

The other division members quieted and looked up to the unfamiliar face, giving him odd looks and he folded his arms over his chest. "My name is Meiyotou Takahashi. Some of you may remember me as the Seventh's former lieutenant; some of you have never seen me before. However, that's beside the point. I will be acting as your Captain from now on." He paused a moment as he let the group take in the news. They seemed to be indifferent to him, most of them recognizing the man's last name from long ago.

Moving his eyes to Karin and moving his hand in her direction he began to speak again, "This is Karin Kurosaki, your acting third seat."

Karin gave a small wave with her right hand, the left moving to scratch the back of her head in embarrassment. Whispers started to move through the ranks about "Another Kurosaki."

"And you all know Kira," Meiyotou continued. "Our mission in the upcoming battle is to be the third wave of attack in defense of the four pillars surrounding this town. We will team up with the Twelfth but you are not to accept orders from them. Captain Kurotsuchi and I will coordinate out attack so there will be no need for any cross over orders. Under stood?"

The division gave a loud acknowledgement.

"Good," Meiyotou smiled, "Seated officers please step forward."

They did as ordered.

"Please take your squads and set up a war ready camp. That means watches and Kido defenses… lets get to work."

The seated officers, including Kira, gathered their squad members and set off to set up camp.

Meiyotou turned to Karin, "Later tonight we'll go around and meet our men. It'll show we seem to care and will earn us some respect."

Karin shrugged, "Alright. You're the Captain."

Meiyotou chuckled, leading them over to a small building, "Indeed I am."

Karin and Meiyotou had waited for the activity in the war camp to settle down before heading out to inspect the work that their subordinates had completed. It was dark out now and paper lanterns hanging from the porches of buildings lit the way through the long street they were assigned to.

Between the incident with the head captain and getting the division settled in, Karin was so worn out that the last thing she wanted to do was walk around and meet a bunch of rowdy division members. Plus, she was really starting to miss Toushiro. 'God I'm ridiculous.' A blush formed on her face.

"Can't you do this by your self? I don't feel so good." Karin whined as they walked around the camp and spoke to a few individuals.

"Oh no, dose Karin miss he precious Shiro?" Meiyotou teased.

"Shut up…" Karin fumed.

Music erupted from the porch on a barracks building next to them. It was a strange kind of music, brutal and loud, Karin categorizing it as something her brother would listen to. None the less, it was loud enough to draw both her and Meiyotou's attention toward it.

A long back haired and bearded man sat in a lawn chair sipping a margarita. He wore aviator sunglasses making him look like the traditional rock star. He was about six feet tall and a bit over weight but not so much as to get in the way of his agility. Perhaps it was all just muscle.

Meiyotou looked him over and sighed, "And you are?"

The man cupped his free hand to his ear in a universal signal that he could not hear the previous statement. Sitting up and turning down the music, he stood up and saluted. "I'm sorry what did you say, Cap'n?"

Karin rolled her eyes, "He asked what your name was, soldier."

He stepped back after noticing Karin, "Wow your small for a third seat…" He shook his head returning his attention to Meiyotou, "My apologies Cap'n. I am fourth seat MaikuSwanson, or just Mike if you wish." He gave them both a grin.

Meiyotou nodded, sizing him up and probing his Riatsu. Karin was to angry with the fourth seat to notice anything but his annoying grin. "Why I ought to…" Karin fumed and started towards the fourth sea, Meiyotou grabbing her by the back or her Kimono to prevent her from harming the man.

"Calm down Karin…" Meiyotou stated, "Nice to meet you Mike. You're an American aren't you?"

Mike nodded, "Was anyways. Don't remember much from my life." He then bowed to Karin, "I'm sorry ma'am. I was only kiddin'."

Karin broke free from Meiyotou and brushed off her shoulder. "It's fine… Just don't be such and idiot."

Meiyotou nodded, "You're serious about your job. I like that but you have a fun side too. Very important to moral, keep up the good work."

The fourth seat nodded, "Thank you, sir."

Just then a hell butterfly landed on Meiyotou's shoulder. He hummed in concentration and looked to Karin, "Go with Mike here and get ready for battle. There seems to be a small Arrancar presence that just appeared in the south west."

Karin looked to Meiyotou, "You can't be serious. It's too early for an invasion."

Mike looked up into the star filled sky, "We'll see Miss Kurosaki, we'll see."

Kenpachi and Soifon sped towards the detected riatsu, the latter some what annoyed at having to speed along at the slower speed of Kenpachi due to his inability to learn Shunpo. She hoped that these Arrancar were just a scouting mission a nothing more. Their Lieutenants followed the best they could, Yachiru ridding her Captain's back as usual.

They stopped in front of the invading party, a rag tag team of what appeared to be one hollow, two Fracción, and Two Espada. One Espada had a ridiculous Orange afro, the other was what appeared to be a female with green hair and rather large… Gifts.

Kenpachi recognized the Women's mask, "You're that women who tagged around with Ichigo ant ya?"

Nel nodded, "Indeed. My name is Neliel Tu Oderschvank." She motioned to the afroed man, "This is my comrade Gantenbainne Mosqueda." Gantenbainne nodded to the four Shinigami, letting Nel continue. "These are our subordinates Bawabawa, Pesche Guatiche, and Dondochakka Bilstin."

Soifon stepped forward and crossed her arms over her chest, "And what, may I ask, brings you here?"

Nel sighed looking down, "As much as I hate fighting… " Her gaze returned to Soifon, "We wish to join you in the war against Aizen… we wish to be your allies."

A/N: Sorry it took a while, I had to think some things out. Next chapter might take a while to and I hope that little flashback explained what happened in Hueco Mundo. As always thanks for the reviews and until next time, R and R.