Kick About, Destroy, Bind
Chapter 5: El Aumento de las Sombras
Las Noches
"Well, look at you," the figure said and reached up and lowered the hood.
Grimmjow's eyes widened when he saw the long, flowing green hair spill out like a waterfall. Hazel eyes looked into his own blue eyes and he saw the familiar smile.
"Nel?" he whispered.
"Hey Grimm, long time no see," Nelliel Tu Odelschwank said.
"Jesus Christ, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" he asked, smiling.
"No…just trying to scare ya."
"Well…you scared the shit out of me, Nel. Uh…would you mind pointing your rapier somewhere else?"
"Why? I kinda like ya like this."
"I thought you said you were a Masochist."
"Well…I can also be Sadistic at times," she said in a seductive tone and then laughed.
"What the fuck happened to you? Hell, we missed you."
"I'll explain later," Nel said, sheathing her rapier. "For now…where're Starrk, Lilynette, and Harribel? I didn't see them earlier."
"They're gone."
"What do you mean 'gone'? Don't tell me they died," Nel cried out.
"No…no…no…they're alive. They just left. They're on their way to Karakura Town to warn them about Aizen."
"What…what happened while I was gone?"
"Aizen betrayed us. He almost killed Ulquiorra and Harribel during the attack on Karakura Town and Starrk shot him. Anyways, Ulquiorra, Harribel, and Starrk are trying to raise the alarm and get allies to fight against Aizen."
"Then…what are you doing here?"
"I'm acting as their spy. They need someone on the inside to keep them informed."
"Hmm, it seems that a lot has happened since I was gone," Nel said. "Well…at least Aizen doesn't know about you being a double agent."
"Yeah, no shit," Grimmjow said, smirking at her. "So, where are Pesche and Dondochakka?"
"They're waiting for me back at the cave I'm using as a hideout. Those two…saved my life…"
"Nel, did something happen?"
"I said I'll tell you later, but right now, you need to tell me exactly what's going on."
"Alright, where do you want me to begin?"
"How about…after I left?"
Gotei Headquarters, Fort Seireitei
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya walked down the hall with his Lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, by his side. The report they got from Karakura Town was enough for Captain General Yamamoto to call an emergency session. The Gotei was immediately put on High Alert and rumors were abounding that a deployment to the Borderlands was very likely.
"What is going on?" Captain Hitsugaya asked himself.
"Captain, are you talking to yourself again?" Rangiku asked, wiping the sweat off her enormous bosom with a cloth.
"Never mind, Rangiku," Hitsugaya said.
"You know…it's not a good sign when you begin talking to yourself."
"Just drop it, Rangiku."
"You're no fun."
"Look, we have a duty to perform, and if the latest reports are true…"
"I know," Rangiku said, becoming serious. "Do you think that's why the Captain General called an emergency meeting?"
"There's no question about it."
They reached the large double doors that led to the Captain's Meeting Hall. The doors opened and they entered. Hitsugaya saw that all of the other Captains, except for Aizen and Kenpachi and Sui-Feng, and their Lieutenants, except for Yachiru and Omaeda, were already gathered. Standing in front of them was Captain General Yamamoto with the Captains from the even-numbered squads on his right and the odd-numbered squads on his left. Toshiro and Rangiku made their way to their spots in between Captains Kyoraku and Kurotsuchi. As soon as Hitsugaya was in his position and Rangiku was against the wall between Nanao and Nemu, Yamamoto called the meeting to order.
"I have called this emergency session of the Gotei Captains and their Lieutenants because of the recent reports from Karakura Town," he said. "It would appear as though three of the most dangerous Arrancars we faced only four months before have returned to the Gensei Provinces."
"Who are these Arrancars?" Captain Komamura asked, his wolf-like face looking worried.
"They are none other than Ulquiorra Schiffer, Tia Harribel, and Coyote Starrk," Yamamoto said.
The Captains and Lieutenants looked at each other. Murmurs arose at that news. Kyoraku and Ukitake looked at each other. Other than Captain Hitsugaya, they were the only ones to face any of the three Espada mentioned.
"However, so far, they only caused a slight disturbance in Kagamino," Yamamoto continued. "It is unclear what their intentions are, but Ichigo Kurosaki mentioned that he sent members from the Visored Squad and the Xcution Squad to investigate and apprehend the Arrancars.
"However, we have a much larger concern. It deals with the recent assassination of two Chief Justices at the Central 46 Rotunda."
"But that's impossible," Captain Shusuke Amagai said. "Isn't the Central 46 Rotunda supposed to be one of the safest places in all of the Gensei Provinces other than Fort Seireitei itself?"
"It is, however, even the most secure fort can be breached," Captain Ukitake said.
"By the way it sounds…" Captain Kurotsuchi said. "It would appear as if 'Shadow Lurker' is involved somehow."
"Indeed, and that is why I have decided that the Gotei should investigate this matter. Captain Kuchiki, since your sister is working on this matter with Ichigo Kurosaki, you are to go and help with the investigation."
"Yes sir," Captain Byakuya Kuchiki said, giving a simple nod of his head.
"Likewise, Captains Kyoraku and Ukitake, you are to go as well. You had dealings with Coyote Starrk before and I want you to interrogate him when he is captured."
"You seem rather sure that he'll be taken," Kyoraku said, lowering his Panama hat slightly over his face.
"I am confident that they will be apprehended," Yamamoto said.
"There has also been word that the northern Borderlands may be in danger," he continued. "Captain Kenpachi Zaraki is already fortifying Fort Zaraki, but Fort Kusajishi is too isolated from Fort Zaraki for Captain Zaraki to oversee its defenses. Captain Amagai, you are to go to Fort Kusajishi and oversee its defense."
"I understand sir," Captain Amagai said.
"Uh…sir…has there been any word from Captain Aizen?" Lieutenant Momo Hinamori asked.
"We have not received word from him as of yet. However, he is most likely still tracking the other Espadas and hasn't had time to make his report. Likewise, we have not received a report from Captain Sui-Feng yet."
"That's surprising," Captain Kyoraku said.
"Do you think we should send someone to find out what happened to her?" Captain Shuhei Hisagi asked.
"There is no need," Captain Yamamoto said. "I am confident that she will report back to us in a few days time. Regardless of whether or not something has happened to her, she will always complete her mission.
"Now, that is all. This meeting is adjourned," Yamamoto said.
Las Noches
Sui-Feng sat on the bunk in her cell. Omaeda was snoring away in the cell next to her. She could not believe that she had been captured so easily. Now, she was surrounded by enemies and her Lieutenant was too busy taking a nap to help come up with a plan to escape. Of course, he would most likely be useless at doing that as well. She heard the door to the cells open and looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Well…I'm glad to see you're awake," Ggio Vega said.
He was carrying two bowls filled with some kind of broth with small pieces of meat and vegetables floating around. He looked at Omaeda and smirked as he pushed one of the bowls into his cell. He then looked at Sui-Feng. Their eyes met, and she could see that he was enjoying this.
"You know…you're lucky to still be alive," Ggio said. "I guess Lord Baraggan wants to keep you alive a little bit longer. That way you can witness the Gensei Provinces fall."
"The Gensei Provinces will never fall," Sui-Feng said.
"Oh please…of course they'll fall. 'Shadow Lurker' and his pals already hold positions of power and even have control over some high-ranking officials."
"What are you talking about?" Sui-Feng asked, still trying to do her duty.
"Nuh-uh…I ain't sayin' another word. It's supposed to be a surprise."
"Why keep it a surprise from me? I'm only going to die."
"Ah…still tryin' to do your duty? Nah, you won't die like that. Lord Baraggan wants to see the look on your face when you see who was behind the whole thing. Now…eat," he said and shoved the bowl of broth through the bars and across the floor.
"I'm not hungry."
"Oh…do you want me to force it down your throat? Lord Baraggan wants you alive and he told me to do whatever it took to make sure you stayed alive."
"What about him, then?" she asked, pointing at Omaeda's sleeping form.
"You are a cold bitch," Ggio smirked. "Do you really want him dead?"
"He's a useless idiot who only thinks about food, money, and his fucking dog."
"My…you are cruel. After all, you got him into this mess in the first place, didn't you?"
Sui-Feng knew that he was right. Even though Omaeda was a useless fool, he was also loyal. When she was given the mission, he offered to go with her and she actually agreed to let him come. In a way, Ggio was right. If he did die, it would be her fault. She had let her guard down long enough for Baraggan's Crimson Dragons to capture them.
"I…I guess you're right," Sui-Feng said, hoping that she was making the right move.
"Huh? You…you're actually agreeing with me?"
"Well…I wouldn't go that far," Sui-Feng said, smiling.
"Whatever, just be glad that I got babysitting duty for ya and not Cuuhlhourne."
Urahara Shop, Karakura Town
Kisuke Urahara looked at the reports that Yoruichi was able to retrieve from Gin Ichimaru's office. However, there was nothing in them about a deal with Tosen. Nor did he find anything that could shed light on the assassinations of two Chief Justices.
"Maybe we're looking at this wrong," Tessai said.
"What do you mean?" Urahara asked, looking at the large man sitting across from him.
"Well…what if there's a third party involved?"
"You mean like someone from one of the Privatized Squads?"
"Yes," Tessai said, nodding his head. "It would make the most logical sense."
"Hmm, the only Privatized Squad that I can think of that could have any chance at assassinating two Chief Justices in the Central 46 Rotunda would be the Kage no Tanken Squad."
"Then that might be the best place to start. Don't they have a central headquarters like the others?"
"That's the problem, they don't. From what I gather, they have contacts all over the Gensei Provinces who know how to get into contact with them. However, getting in contact with them is extremely difficult. The best way to get in contact with them is to let them come to us."
"Are you sure that's a good idea, boss?"
"No, but what other choice do we have? Besides, if we continue investigating, then one of them will turn up."
Pinkerton Agency Offices, Karakura Town
Tsukishima sat behind his desk. The electric light lamp gave off its soft luminescent glow as he read the file that Gin gave him on Yoruichi Shihoin. He already knew most of the information he received, but it was always best to go over it again and again. That way, you didn't miss a thing. He knew that as Captain of Squad 2 in the Gotei she had been head of the Onmitsukido Squad.
"Have you found out anything new, Hanza Nukui?" he asked, without looking up from the files.
"You are good," the assassin said, stepping out from the shadows. "I only just arrived and you noticed."
"It's my job," Tsukishima said. "Have you found out any new information?"
"Yes, Aizen has gotten Rudobon to side with him and he is on his way to meet the Plateado Brothers, Arturo and Mordred. Then, he'll be heading back."
"I see. If he can get the Plateado Brothers to side with us, then we'll have control of the Hueco Mundo Privateers. Already, two-thirds of the attack plan is in place."
"What attack plan?"
"Never mind," Tsukishima said. "Anyways, have you been following Yoruichi Shihoin as I asked?"
"Yes, and I have another one of my men, Jin Kariya, following Kisuke Urahara."
"What have you found out?"
"It's as you suspected. Yoruichi Shihoin and Kisuke Urahara are still investigating the Hogyoku United Bank."
"I see. Then they must be eliminated, but not right now. There's another individual I want for one of your assassins to take out. I believe that Aizen has made a mistake in ignoring him. He could…become a threat."
"Who is it?"
"It's a former Espada currently living outside the border town of El Atormentado. He is something of a weapons expert. I believe that some of your men may have had a run-in with him."
"Are you talking about Szayel Aporro Granz?"
"Yes, I am. I think that Starrk wants to get him to side with him. If he does…"
"I understand. I'll send Jinnai Doko, Genga, and Mabashi out to pay him a little visit. They'll be more than happy to get rid of him."
"Good, and remember, don't fuck this up. It's important that we get as many loose ends out of the way before we launch the final stage."
"When would you like me to take care of Yoruichi and Kisuke?"
"I'll let you know. There's a chance that someone else may have acquired their services."
"What do you mean?"
"I looked over the files that you retrieved from the Chief Justice's office. There was mention of a joint-investigation. That usually means that another party has a similar investigation going on, either that or they're working with another agency. However, I believe it to be the former. Someone else is investigating Tosen. However, as soon as we find out whom this third party is…"
"I understand. I'll make sure that I have my best assassins on it when the time comes."
"I'm glad to hear it," Tsukishima said. "Now, you may leave."
When Hanza Nukui left, Tsukishima sighed and sat back down behind his desk. He took out a sheet of paper that he kept hidden under the false-bottom of the top drawer and opened it. He looked at the sheet and took out a fountain pen. He then proceeded to extend the list. When he finished, he looked at the names:
Ichigo Kurosaki
Isshin Kurosaki
Ryuken Ishida
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto
Shinji Hirako
Kugo Ginjo
Coyote Starrk
Tia Harribel
Ulquiorra Schiffer
Szayel Aporro Granz
Yoruichi Shihoin
Kisuke Urahara
?
Kaname Tosen
When Tsukishima looked over the list, he nodded. He folded the paper and put back under the false bottom. He knew that it was necessary, but he felt a little sorry that Tosen would have to be eliminated. He was just drawing too much attention and that was putting him, Aizen, and Gin in a rather fragile situation.
"Sorry, Tosen," he whispered as he closed the drawer.
Kurosaki Clinic, Karakura Town
Isshin Kurosaki sat at the table. His good friend, Ryuken Ishida, sat across from him, fingering the glass of whiskey before him. They looked at the third man who was sitting with them. The only reason the third man was there was because he hired Kisuke to investigate Kaname Tosen. However, unlike the now-deceased Chief Justice who did the same, he was careful about leaving tracks.
"So, Kisuke decided to keep up with his investigation?" Isshin asked.
"Of course, he did," Ryuken said. "He knows the risks, but he was always a risk-taker."
"That's true," Isshin said, taking a drink of whiskey. "How's your son doing by the way?"
"He still has that limp," Ryuken said. "However, he can handle a gun again."
"Then that means that he can fight when the time comes?"
"Yes, but I would rather keep him out."
"Do you think it will really come to that?" the third man asked.
"It seems likely," Isshin said. "Three Espada are in the Gensei Provinces, heading towards us."
"Which three Espada?" the third man asked.
"Let's see. From what I heard, they're Ulquiorra Schiffer, Tia Harribel, and Coyote Starrk. Also, I've received reports that the Arrancars are gathering in larger numbers than before," Isshin said.
"So, 'Shadow Lurker' is on the move," the third man said. "However, I don't think those three Espada will give us any trouble."
"What makes you say that?" Isshin asked, curious.
"Because…I met two of them before," Davis Murphy said.
The Sabaku Desert
Mila Rose watched Starrk. He was crouched on top of a tall pile of rocks, staring into the desert. He had been that way for most of the night.
"How long is he gonna be like that?" she asked. "It's creeping me out."
"That's because you're not used to it," Lilynette said, taking a bite from the roll she held. "He does it quite a lot. Sometimes he just stares out there for hours on end without even blinking."
"When he does this…is he, ya know, waiting for something?" Apacci asked.
"He's waiting for the wolves," Harribel said.
The three turned to look at her, but Lilynette only nodded in agreement, smiling. Even though the Diamond Sisters had ridden with Starrk for about two years, they never really noticed this odd behavior before. Most likely because he was not comfortable with doing it with them watching and would go off somewhere to perform this ritual. Harribel remembered that it took about a year for him to be comfortable enough to let her see this.
"Man, you must have really gotten to know Starrk," Mila Rose said.
"Yeah, we rode together for four years before you gals came along," Harribel said.
Starrk's head cocked up and he grinned. He drew a deep breath and let out a long howl. Lilynette grinned and she let loose her own wolf cub howl. As though in response, the air was filled with howling wolves. Sung-Sun was surprised to hear so many wolves at any given time. She assumed that there must be at least twenty packs in the area. However, she was surprised that none of their horses were panicking.
Apacci, however, put her fingers in her ears and groaned. She hated the sound that wolves made. Mila Rose looked around, to make sure that they weren't being surrounded. Harribel only laughed and shook her head. She knew that it would get some taking used to, but they would eventually.
"Alright, let's get going," Starrk said as he mounted Okami.
They were about to leave when a wolf leapt into the middle of the road and barked at them. It was looking at Starrk with its golden eyes. Starrk dismounted and approached the wolf. He let out a series of howls and snarls and barks while holding out his hand. Harribel had only seen Starrk do this twice before and she did not know what to make of it.
"Uh…Starrk, what are you doing?" Apacci asked, confused and a little frightened.
"It's alright," Lilynette said. "He has a…connection with wolves."
"You mean like Perrin Aybara?" Sung-Sun asked, referring to one of her favorite series of novels.
"Uh…I guess," Lilynette said, not knowing what she was talking about.
They watched as Starrk and the wolf were continuing to converse. Then Starrk gave what sounded like a series of commands and the wolf nodded its head to show that it understood. As it bound away, Starrk looked back to his companions.
"Well, what the hell was that all about?" Mila Rose asked.
"We…may have a problem," Starrk said. "Ulquiorra got word back from his spy in Las Noches. Apparently Aizen has told the other Espada that we were the ones who betrayed them."
"What?" Harribel asked, shocked.
"Wait a minute. How the hell do you know that?" Apacci asked.
"The wolf told him," Sung-Sun said, as though it should have been obvious. "Like I thought, he does have a connection with wolves, just like Perrin Aybara."
"I suppose," Starrk said, knowing what she was talking about since he also enjoyed the Wheel of Time series. "Ulquiorra has the same connection with bats. The animals can converse with each other, but when they try to converse with humans…most just don't take the effort to listen."
"Enough of that," Harribel said. "What's this about Aizen?"
"Oh…well, Aizen told the other Espada that we were the ones who betrayed them. Most of the Espada and Arrancars are starting to believe him thanks to Zommari. Also, Baraggan rejoined him. Hold on," Starrk said when he saw that they were going to ask him more questions. "I think that Baraggan only rejoined him to have an opportunity to take his vengeance on Aizen. However, he has decided to kill us as well, so we can't exactly consider him friendly."
"Is that all?"
"No, there's more. Aizen has gotten the Privaron Espada to rejoin him and he's currently seeking to recruit the Exequias Army and the Plateado Brothers. If he gets hold of the Exequias, then he can come down from the north and take out the northern Gotei outposts. If he gets hold of the Plateado Brothers, then he can easily gain control of all of the major mercenary forces in the Hueco Mundo Wastes and the Borderlands."
"Holy shit, he's building an army," Apacci said.
"Yeah, but…why didn't he do this before?" Harribel asked.
"I think…he knew that he wouldn't be able to get the resources he needed to bring down the Gensei Provinces without…" Starrk began and then he stopped.
"What is it?"
"The Espada…we were nothing more than the opening pieces to his schemes to bring down the Gensei Provinces. If you want to bring down a nation, what's the best way to do it?"
"Oh…oh God," Harribel said as the realization came over her. "You weaken it from within and then you can invade from the outside."
"That's right. I wondered why they became what they are now. Tosen became a Chief Justice in Central 46, thus giving them a foothold in the legal and political system. Gin became President of Hogyoku United Bank, a foothold in the economic system. Aizen became a Captain in the Gotei, a foothold in the military," Starrk said.
"That means that it's a simple matter of getting the pieces in place before he can begin," Sung-Sun said.
"But…what does that make us?" Apacci asked.
"We're the pieces in the middle," Starrk said. "We can either be the first ones crushed, or we can do something unexpected and at least slow Aizen down."
"Well…let's make sure that we don't get crushed," Mila Rose said.
"What about Szayel Aporro? Was there any news on him?" Harribel asked.
"Ulquiorra found Szayel Aporro and he talked with him. However…"
"What?"
"Szayel Aporro has, for the time being, decided that he won't get involved."
Sheriff's Office, Karakura Town
"'The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed,'" Rukia read.
"What are you muttering about?" Renji asked from his desk.
"Oh…I was just reading this book I bought. I just fell in love with the opening sentence."
"Huh, let me see that," Renji said.
"Oh…sure," Rukia said and handed the book to him.
"Huh…Stephen King…never heard of him," Renji said handing the book back.
"Really? Wow, Renji, you must have been living under a rock."
At that moment, Ichigo walked in. He hung his hat one of the hooks on the wall. He ran his hand through his orange hair and sat at his desk. He sighed as he opened the file on his desk and took out three of the sheets. He examined each one and then looked up at his deputies.
"Do we have any new information on the movements of the three Espada?"
"Not yet," Rukia said.
"But we stationed Kensei and Mashiro at Junrinan," Renji said. "If their keeping on their course, they should reach Junrinan sometime today."
"Unless they decide to go around it," Ichigo said, but he thought that they would go through Junrinan. "What about Ulquiorra?"
"We seem to have lost him," Rukia said.
"No surprise there," Renji scoffed. "He's up to something, but we don't know what."
"He'll turn up," Ichigo said.
"How do you know?" Renji asked.
"If the other two want us to know where they are, then chances are that when the time is right, so will Ulquiorra."
As Ichigo was finishing, Akon rushed in. The three looked at him, wondering what bad news he just received. However, he was actually grinning. He held out the telegram to Ichigo. Ichigo took the telegram and Akon eyed each of them in turn.
"Hey, guess who's coming back to Karakura Town," Akon said.
Senkaimon Express Rail Station, Karakura Town
Uryu Ishida leaned on the silver-headed walnut walking stick as he waited for the train from Fort Seireitei to arrive. The wounds he received from Ulquiorra still hurt sometimes and his dad told him that he have the limp for the rest of his life. However, just because he required the aid of a walking stick did not mean that he could not use a gun.
He and his father were the last of the Quincy Squad, a band of soldiers who would travel deep into the Hueco Mundo Wastes to track down the most dangerous Arrancars. However, the Quincy Squad was almost completely destroyed in the Desatoya Mountains at a place called Dagger Creek less than five years ago. Victims of Rudobon's "Reign of Terror" along the Borderlands before he was driven back at the Calaveras Mountains in the north.
When Uryu found out that his grandfather was killed at Dagger Creek, he swore vengeance against Rudobon and against the Arrancars. He could not believe that only about five months before, Arrancars had taken one of his best friends and he helped in the raid against Las Noches to free her. Then, only a few days later, he was almost killed defending Karakura Town against the Espada. If he hadn't received medical attention as soon as he did, he would most likely have died.
"Hey, Uryu, how are you?" Chad asked from beside him.
"Well…aside from still being in pain…I'm doing just fine. Where's Ichigo?"
"He's coming. He just needed to get her a Welcome Home gift."
"Well, that's sweet of him."
"Hey Chad, Uryu," Ichigo said as he was making his way to them on the platform.
Chad and Uryu turned and saw Ichigo dressed in his usual jeans and white shirt with black coat. He was carrying a bouquet of flowers. Neither was surprised to see Renji and Rukia with him. Uryu smiled at the thought of the whole gang being together for the first time since the battle against the Espada. He allowed his thumb to trace the figure of the Archer, the official symbol of the Quincy, imprinted on silver head.
They heard the sound of a train whistle coming. They turned and saw the train coming into the station. Each of the passenger cars had a black butterfly on the side, the emblem of the Jigokucho Rail Services, which was owned by the Senkaimon Rail and Transport Co. As the cars slowed to come to a halt, Ichigo, who loved trains as a kid, read the name emblazoned on the engine: "THE FLYING PUSSYFOOT".
"Who ever came up with a name like that must have had problems," he said.
As the train came to a stop, the conductors on the platform went to each car and put down their stools for the passengers to use when disembarking. Ichigo noticed that his dad and Yuzu, one of his younger twin sisters, were racing along the platform while his other younger sister, Karin, only leaned against the wall, hands in pockets and shaking her head. Ichigo wanted to hit his dad, but no amount of hitting would ever put a drop of sense in him. So, he just stood by while his dad and Yuzu were making fools of themselves.
He turned and saw the one who they were waiting for standing on the platform talking with two other passengers. One was a woman with blonde hair while the other was a man with light brown hair. All three sported the same energetic looks. However, Ichigo stood at the orange-haired woman who was talking with them.
"Well that was the most fun I had on any trip," she said. "It was nice to meet ya…uh…I'm sorry I forgot your names."
"Isaac and Miria," the two said together, in perfect sync.
"I have to agree with that. There's an old saying from the Orient that goes 'When two people break bread, they are friends for life'," Isaac said.
"Not to mention when they share bean paste," Miria added.
"You're absolutely right, Miria, my dear."
"Orihime," Ichigo called out as he and the others made their way towards her.
"Ichigo," Orihime said. "ICHIGO!" she cried out and ran towards him.
Ichigo and Orihime hugged each other. Rukia looked slightly down-cast and Renji only put a hand on her shoulder. Chad and Uryu remained silent. Isaac and Miria looked at the group that was called the "Karakura Six" after the Espada attack and then at each other and grinned.
"Hey, Isaac."
"What is it, Miria, my dear?"
"I think those two are lovers."
"I think you're absolutely correct. Now then, we arrived at our destination. What's the next step in doing a train robbery?"
Las Armas, Border of the Hueco Mundo Wastes and the Gensei Provinces
Dordoni sat on his horse between with Cirucci and Gantenbainne while Presagio de la Muerte, who said that his name was actually Alejo, looked at them. His skull mask hung from the saddle horn. His face was as hard as stone and his blue eyes were cold as ice. The four watched as Aizen and Rudobon made their way into the small border town.
"So, this is where the Plateado Brothers are?" Dordoni asked.
"This is where all of the mercenary gangs in the Wastes and the Borderlands are centered, tonto," Alejo said. "And the Plateado Brothers are the heart and soul of the mercenary gangs."
"Ha, you're such a dumbass, Dordoni," Cirucci said. "Of course they'll be here."
"If Aizen succeeds in recruiting them," Gantenbainne said, "then he'll be able to summon the other gangs to his cause. And the Plateado Brothers will send out the call."
"Correct, tonto," Alejo said. "If the Plateado Brothers send out a call, then none of the gangs can refuse it. That's the power they wield."
"Then why send Rudobon with him?" Dordoni asked.
"Because, if they see that he has the Exequias Army behind him, then the Plateado Brothers will seriously consider his request."
Central 46 Rotunda, Karakura Town
Davis Murphy sat with his fellow bankers in the audience balcony that overlook the Central Court. Below, the 46 Chief Justices, each representing one province in the Gensei Provinces, were looking over Tosen's proposal and presenting arguments for and against it. He could see Chief Justice Kaname Tosen sitting next to one of the newly-appointed Chief Justices.
"How long will this take?" one of his fellow bankers asked.
"They're about done with the arguments," another said. "The last one was Chief Justice Iustitia. They're going to take the vote."
"Chief Justices," the Minister of the Rotunda said. "You have heard the arguments for and against the proposal before you. When I say 'Nay' or 'Yea', those who are voting in that direction, please raise your hands. Remember, the vote must be by a majority. If there is a tie, then the proposal will be tossed."
"So, what have I missed?" someone asked.
Davis Murphy looked over to his left and saw Kisuke Urahara sitting next to him. He was dressed in a green suit, but he wore his green and white hat. His hands were folded over his walking stick.
"Just the debate," Davis whispered. "They're about to take the vote."
"I'm sorry we couldn't get the information in time."
"I know. However, you and Yoruichi should keep investigating. I uncovered something rather disturbing in the bill that I think you two should hear."
"Alright, we can discuss it tonight."
"Should I come to the shop or…?"
"The shop will be fine."
"Alright, I'll be there. Ah, they're getting ready to vote."
"I will now take the votes," the Minister said. "If you vote 'Nay', raise your hands."
Chief Justice Iustitia, who was an older man with a sever face raised his hand and said, "For our fallen brothers, Verum and Justin." There was a murmur at the mention of the two slain Chief Justices. Four more hands rose into the air and after a brief moment, five more.
"I have ten 'Nays'. Now, I will take the vote for 'Yea'."
Kaname raised his hand and said, "For Justice". As if it was a signal, all of the other hands except for two rose.
"That is 34 'Yeas' and two 'Abstains'. The proposal passes," the Minister said and struck the gavel on the wooden bench.
Many of the bankers in the balcony cheered and applauded before making their way out. However, Davis only shook his head and remained seated. Kisuke looked at the man and then down at the floor below. Neither saw the man who lurked in the shadows smile at them. Gin Ichimaru made his way down from the balcony and out the Rotunda smiling. He now knew who the third party was. He would inform Tsukishima who would then contact Hanza Nukui.
"The shadows are rising," Gin whispered. "The storm is coming. It's time to put the next stage of our plan in motion."
Las Armas
The bar was empty and quiet. The shadows hid the four men from prying eyes. Aizen and Rudobon were on their guard while the other two seemed more relaxed. One had jet black hair while the other had his hair dyed turquoise. However, both looked young and rather handsome. They both wore jeans tucked into dark brown boots. The black-haired man wore a crimson shirt and a black jacket. The man with turquoise hair wore a white shirt, a bolo tie with a piece of quarts embedded in the ornamental gold slide, and a light grey vest.
"Aizen," the turquoise-haired man said. "Your proposal sounds very risky. Why should my brother and I help you in this matter?"
"Arturo, I understand your concerns," Aizen said. "However, the saying goes, 'The bigger the risks, the bigger the reward'. Am I not right, gentlemen?"
"That is how the saying goes. However, what good are the rewards if you're dead?" Arturo Plateado asked.
"Brother, think about it. Rudobon is already on our side," Mordred said. "This is the opportunity that we've been waiting for. You said that you always wanted to see Fort Seireitei burn. This is our chance."
"Mordred, I know what I said. However, that does not mean that I allow my lusts to cloud my judgments like you. If a man always obeys his lusts, then he winds up dead with nothing to leave behind except for perhaps a few bastards along the way. But they hardly ever leave anything behind worth remembering."
"Arturo," Rudobon said. "I agree with your concerns. However, if you always follow caution, then you do nothing worth remembering."
"Rudobon, while my brother and I admire your exploits against the Gotei, I cannot agree with you on this matter. It is too risky and your plan calls for me to summon all of the mercenary gangs within the Borderlands and the Wastes. The only time that is possible is…"
"Is tonight, during the Festival de la Luna," Aizen said. "The Festival formed to remember when…"
"I know what the Festival reminds us of," Arturo growled, and then sighed. "I will announce my decision tonight at the moon's zenith. Until then, consider me against this proposal."
"I understand. Just remember, that the part I have for the mercenaries will help bring down the Gotei for good," Aizen said.
"I will keep that in mind," Arturo said and left.
"Just to remind you, my brother may say he's against it. However, I'm all for it. I know it may not make much difference, but I'll have my half of the gangs go with ya," Mordred said as he left.
"You'll only have to wait one more day for an answer from them," Rudobon said and he got up.
"I know, and that pushes my schedule back," he said.
"It's only a minor setback," Rudobon said and departed.
Aizen struck the table with his fist.
Kurosaki Clinic
"Are you sure it's alright for me to stay here?" Orihime asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Plus, dad would insist that you stay here instead of in a hotel," Ichigo said.
"Well…I was planning on staying where I used to live."
"Well…uh…you can…tomorrow."
"Ichigo, are the others planning a surprise for me?"
"Well, you see…uh…yeah, they are."
Orihime giggled at that. She always loved surprises, especially when they were from her friends. She looked at Ichigo. It was funny how even though he was sheriff, he always got flustered whenever he felt uncomfortable. There was a time when she hoped that his discomfort was because he liked her as much as she loved him. However, when Rukia came…he changed. She began to wonder if he and Rukia was a couple yet, but didn't want to ask him. She still held out hope, even though her own feelings towards him were changing.
"Orihime, listen, there's something you need to know."
"I know, Captain Unohana told me before I left."
"That's right. I forgot that you were training with her for these past few months. So, I guess you already know that…"
"Ichigo, you must promise me not to hurt any of them."
"What?"
"Promise me that you won't hurt any of the Arrancars who are heading our way."
"But what if they mean us harm? I have to think about the well-being of Karakura Town and the Gensei Provinces. Arrancars threaten that, and I have to do whatever it takes to make sure they don't succeed."
"Have you ever thought that maybe not all Arrancars are cruel and sadistic like we were taught?"
"Orihime, what's gotten into you? Have you forgotten? They…they kidnapped you, and we rescued you. We fought to save you. You told me that you wouldn't mind seeing them all die. So, tell me, why this sudden change towards them?"
"You…you'd never understand. Look, those seven Arrancars are not going to cause you problems. If you want to chase after someone, chase after 'Shadow Lurker'."
"I wish I could. Unfortunately, I don't even know who 'Shadow Lurker' really is. Hell, you were in Las Noches and you only saw him once, and even then he stayed in the shadows."
"That's right," Orihime said. "But…I…I thought I heard his voice when I was training with Captain Unohana at Fort Seireitei. Of course, it could have been my imagination. But what if it wasn't? What if 'Shadow Lurker' is in the Gotei?"
"Orihime, that's impossible. The Gotei is not filled with idiots and Yamamoto is no idiot."
"But, you said that you don't know who 'Shadow Lurker' is. What if the same is true with the Gotei? They could easily allow 'Shadow Lurker' into their midst and not even realize it."
"That's enough!" Ichigo yelled. "I've had enough of this, Orihime. My main concern right now is getting those Arrancars, especially Ulquiorra. He kidnapped you and he almost killed me. If it wasn't for Aizen, I would be dead."
Orihime looked at Ichigo and lowered her head. She remembered how Ulquiorra rode to the abandoned cabin where she and Captain Unohana found the others. She remembered how weak and helpless he looked and how he said that he was sorry. She only heard him say "sorry" in his monotonous voice, which was weaker than it had been.
Before, she would have agreed with Ichigo. However, thinking back to that day when she helped to heal Ulquiorra and seeing Starrk with Harribel and Grimmjow embracing Lilynette as she cried, she just couldn't see them as monsters anymore. They were like the people who lived in the Gensei Provinces.
When she heard that Ulquiorra, Starrk, and Harribel were in the Gensei Provinces, she knew that she had to return. She had to make it clear to Ichigo that they were different. They were not the monsters that he came to believe them to be. They were not like Nnoitora, with his lecherous grin and groping hands, or like Baraggan, with his arrogant boasts, or like Yammy, with his uncontrollable rage. However, it became clear to her that Ichigo would continue to view all Arrancars as monsters.
"I'm sorry," Ichigo said. "I…I shouldn't have yelled at you. It's just that seeing you again brought it all back. I thought I was over it, but I guess I wasn't."
"Ichigo, you need to just learn to forgive them. Not all of the Arrancars are evil. They're just trying to survive, like us. But they don't have the resources that we do, and so they do whatever it takes to survive."
"I know. I…I forgot what I've been telling Rukia and Renji. I've been telling them that it's odd that Ulquiorra, Starrk, and Harribel would be here and want us to know it."
Orihime smiled. She realized that perhaps Ichigo was beginning to understand what she was trying to say. The Arrancars on whom so much attention was being focused on were not the real threat. She had an idea that they were coming to help the Gensei Provinces. She hoped that Ichigo could see that.
"I'll tell you what, Orihime. I won't hurt any of those seven. However, I will arrest them, just to be on the safe side. Maybe then we can get some answers. Is that alright?"
"Yeah," Orihime said, smiling.
"Anyways, it's nice to have you back, Orihime."
"It's nice to be back."
Las Noches
Sui-Feng thought that she heard something. Her eyes opened and she sat up, thinking that Ggio was coming back, but there was no one in the hall outside. She looked around her and saw something unexpected. Omaeda was on the ground, digging at the areas around the bars between their cells with his spoon.
"Omaeda, what are you doing?"
"Oh…uh…trying to escape?"
"I can see that, but why are you digging there?"
"Well…uh…you see…there was some kinda tunnel in my cell already, but I'm too big to crawl through. I thought that it might be a way out."
"Wait, there's a tunnel…in your cell? How the fuck did they miss that?"
"Well…it was covered with the bedding."
"How did you find it?"
"Well, I was trying to sleep when I felt part of the bed sagging a bit. I got up and felt on the mattress. When I felt it sink a little, I moved the bedding in case there was some kind of hole or whatever. That's when I saw the tunnel. It looked big enough for a small person to get through, but I'm too big."
Sui-Feng wondered about that. She never thought of looking for a pre-made tunnel to get away before. She looked around and noticed the pile of rocks against the wall. She went over to it and moved one of the stones. Part of the wall tumbled down and she saw herself looking into the entryway to a tunnel, but this one was big enough for Omaeda to get through.
Even though Omaeda was an idiot and a pig, he had stumbled across something that could help them escape. His first thought was to get her over to his cell so that she could escape. He did not think of what might happen to him when it was discovered that she was gone. There was no way she was going to leave Omaeda behind.
"Omaeda..."
"Yes?"
"Keep digging until you've cleared enough room for you to crawl through."
"Huh, but why?"
"I found another tunnel. This one is big enough for both of us."
Omaeda's eyes widened and he began to dig faster. Sui-Feng looked at the tunnel and began to wonder: Who made these tunnels anyways?
Hueco Mundo Wastes
Pesche sat at the entrance to the cave where he, Dondochakka, and Nel had been hiding for ten months. His long, stringy blonde hair hung down below his shoulders and his grey eyes sparkled like pieces of flint. He looked over at Dondochakka, a rather large, brown-haired man with brown eyes, who was sitting by the fire preparing dinner.
"Nel's been gone for a while," Pesche said. "Do you think something might have happened?"
"Nah, Nel can take care of herself, don'tcha know," Dondochakka replied.
"But, what if something like…ya know…happens again?"
"Hey, if we broke outa prison just ta be there ta help her then we can be there again. Know what I'm talkin' about?"
"N-not really," Pesche said. "But, we knew that something was wrong then. We don't know about now."
"Well, it was her idea to go out on her own…without us. That means that she'll be fine, don'tcha know."
"Whatever, I just don't like the idea of her going out on her own. What if she encounters Nnoitora?"
"Then I would kick his ass," Nel said as she reached the cave's entrance.
"Hey, welcome back, Nel," Dondochakka said.
"Well…how's it lookin'?" Pesche asked.
"Well, most of the Espada have returned to Las Noches along with their fraccions, but…"
"What is it Nel?" Pesche asked.
"Grimmjow told me that a lot's been happening since we've been away. It seems that Aizen was only using us."
"It's just as you suspected," Dondochakka said.
"Yeah, and Aizen had the Espada attack Karakura Town on their own and then betrayed them."
"What? But…wait a minute…" Pesche said. "You said that most of the Espada have returned to Las Noches. Who's missing?"
"Ulquiorra, Harribel, and Starrk as well as their respective fraccions are not at Las Noches."
"Starrk and Harribel aren't there? What happened? They're…they're not dead, are they?"
"No Pesche, they're not dead. They're on their way to Karakura Town to warn them that Aizen is moving again."
"Nel, what should we do?" Dondochakka asked.
"Easy, we're going to help them in whatever way we can. However, for the moment we can only help out here. Grimmjow told me that they're getting set to move out. When they move out, we'll move out as well."
"But it's just three of us," Pesche said. "Not including Grimmjow and his buddies. We'll be outnumbered."
"But at least we can do something. Grimmjow, Starrk, Lilynette, and Harribel are like family to me, and I intend to make sure that they survive. Regardless of whether we can really make a difference or not, we're still going to try. We're still gonna stand by our friends. That's what being in the Gamuza Clan means."
Las Noches
Omaeda was struggling through the gap that he made. Sui-Feng kept an eye on the hall, to make sure that no one was coming their way. She tried to pull Omaeda, but his fat ass kept getting stuck.
"Omaeda, raise your ass."
"Huh?"
"You heard me, stick your ass in the air. Then plant your feet as close to the gap as you can. On the count of three, I'll pull and you push with your feet. Got it?"
"Uh…I think so," Omaeda said.
He moved his feet forward as far as he could. He raised his lower torso to make more room to move his legs and feet forward. When he moved as much as he could, he planted the toes of his feet in the dirt.
"Alright, you actually understood my directions. Now then, on the count of three I'm gonna pull and you're gonna push with your feet. Ready? One…two…THREE!"
When Sui-Feng counted three she pulled, using Omaeda's arms as grips while Omaeda pushed with his feet. It wasn't easy work, but the force created by Sui-Feng and Omaeda was just enough. As Omaeda's fat ass got to the bars, he wiggled slightly and that extra wiggle was enough for a small portion of his ass to get under the bar. The rest was like pulling a cork from a bottle of wine. When Omaeda's ass popped free, Sui-Feng fell back while Omaeda's face was planted in the dirt.
"Alright, that's the hard part," Sui-Feng said, getting up and brushing dirt from her clothes.
"Ouch, my butt hurts," Omaeda moaned.
"Stop complaining. We're getting the hell out of here. We need to report back as soon as we can."
Omaeda got to his feet and swayed slightly, rubbing the back of his pants, trying to get feeling back into his massive ass. Sui-Feng rolled her eyes and removed the blanket that she put over the tunnel's entrance. She looked at Omaeda who was gaping at it wide-eyed. They both smiled and raced into the old mining tunnel that Dondochakka uncovered eight months before.
Urahara Shop, Karakura Town
Davis made sure that no one was following him as he made towards the Urahara Shop. When he arrived he saw that the two child-employees on the front area, taking their break.
"Excuse me, Jinta, Ururu, is Kisuke in?"
"Oh, hey, Mr. Murphy," the red-haired boy, Jinta, said. "Yeah, he's in. Ururu, show Mr. Murphy the way."
"But Jinta, it's your turn to show our guests in."
"Now listen, Ururu, I'm getting tired of your complaining. The boss put me in charge. Don't you remember?"
"Oh…yeah…I guess I did," the black-haired girl said. "Mr. Murphy, if you would follow me please. Mr. Urahara has been expecting you."
"Thank you, Ururu," Davis said, chuckling.
While most guests would find their behavior rather rude, Davis knew that they always argued about everything. That included who would show a guest to Mr. Urahara. At first he was a bit confused by it, but Mr. Urahara explained that those two just liked to argue with each other. In a way, he couldn't help but think of Captain Ukitake's seated officers, Kiyone and Sentaro, when he first met them.
When they arrived to the secret panel that led to Kisuke's office, he was not surprised to see the tall, heavy-muscled man standing before it.
"Ah, Mr. Murphy, Kisuke informed me to expect you tonight. Please, go in. He's waiting for you."
"Thanks Tessai."
When Tessai opened the secret door, Davis stepped in and saw Kisuke with Yoruichi at the small table they used for meetings. Davis sighed and walked towards them. He knew that they needed to know about what he found out.
"Mr. Davis, good evening," Kisuke said.
"Good evening, Kisuke, but please call me Davis."
"Sure thing, Davis," Kisuke said with a slight chuckle. "So, what did you want to talk with us about?"
"Well, it has to do with the proposal that just passed. I found a rather small item that was just tucked away in the midst of the wording. It was so cleverly hidden that at first it doesn't register. However, on closer reading, it sticks out like a sore thumb."
"Well, what is it?" Yoruichi asked.
"You know that banks use the Senkaimon rail lines to transport gold and cash to their various branches. Well, under the new law, cash can still be transported by this means, but not gold."
"Okay, but what does this have to do with anything?"
"That's the thing. I think that whoever is involved wanted this proposal to pass because of this one detail. Now, look at the line that the new law says that banks can only use to transport gold."
"It says that it's the Garganta line, but that's…" then Yoruichi understood.
"It's not a part of the Senkaimon lines. It's the only privately-owned line in all of the Gensei Provinces. Guess who owns it."
"Gin Ichimaru and the Hogyoku United Bank," Kisuke muttered. "So, that's the evidence we needed. It was staring at us this whole time and we missed it."
Junrinan, the Gensei Provinces
The town of Junrinan was called the "First and Last Town" in the Borderlands. The reason was because of it was near the Garganta Pass, the gateway between the Borderlands and the Gensei Provinces Proper. As a result, it was the largest town in the Borderlands and a major center of trade. Many of the rails that traveled through the Kabe Mountains or through the Borderlands converged at Junrinan.
Each day, hundreds of travelers would pass through this bustling town. As a result, the Gotei established a strong presence in the town to make sure that no one caused any trouble. Since the Espada's invasion of Karakura Town four months before the number of Gotei soldiers stationed at Junrinan tripled. These soldiers became known as "The Gatekeepers".
Jidanbo Ikkanzaka walked through the streets. The crowds seemed to part for him and many waved at him. He smiled and waved back. Whenever a child approached him, he would always reach into the pouch he carried with him and pull out a piece of candy for them. Whenever he saw someone having problems with their cart, he would always go out of his way to help them. As a result, Jidanbo was one of the most popular and most trusted Gotei stationed at Junrinan.
"Hey, Jidanbo," someone called out.
"Oh, hey, Kukaku, it's been a while. Hey, where's Ganju?"
"My idiot brother is keeping a look out for the Arrancar who are supposed to be heading our way," the woman said.
Jidanbo knew that the Shiba Family were often employed for either doing the fireworks display during the major festivals such as the upcoming Día de los Muertos. However, they were also employed to patrol the surrounding Sabaku Desert.
"Did those two…you know…Visoreds hire you?"
"They did and they gave us instructions not to try to apprehend them. They mentioned that the Xcution Squad will be handling that little bit of work."
"I see. Maybe I can help. Do you know who you're looking for?"
"Hey, that'd be great, Jidanbo," Kukaku said, laughing. "I have copies of their photos here," she said and reached into her pocket.
She brought out a few folded sheets of paper and handed them to Jidanbo. Jidanbo opened them and felt something hit his stomach. He recognized three of the seven photos. Kukaku saw Jidanbo's expression and looked confused.
"I…I've seen these three before," he said and held out the sheets with the faces of Starrk, Lilynette, and Harribel. "They're…they're good people. They…they wouldn't hurt anyone."
"Doesn't matter, they're still wanted by the law. However, the Gotei doesn't need to know about this. Ichigo will be fair with them, besides he told them not to harm them in any way if they come quietly."
"They will," Jidanbo said. "They wouldn't let us know where they were if they weren't going to come quietly."
"I think you're right," Kukaku said.
"HEY, SIS," someone cried out.
Kukaku looked and saw her younger brother, Ganju coming towards them. Kukaku shook her head when she saw that he was riding his favorite "steed", the boar Bonnie. She really wished that her brother would ride a real horse and not just some over-sized boar with the words "FOUR-WHEELED DRIVE" painted on its side. It was really embarrassing.
"Ganju, how many times have I told you to get rid of that thing and get a real horse?"
"But sis, you know I hate horses."
"I don't really give a shit, dumbass. You're embarrassing the Shiba name. If Kaien…" she stopped, realizing that she had mentioned their dead brother's name.
"Kukaku, I'm sorry," Ganju said.
"No…don't apologize. I should apologize to you," Kukaku said. "I forgot that Kaien actually liked watching you ride that thing. Anyways, what is it?"
"Oh, I saw six of the Arrancars coming our way. The only one missing was 'Night Bringer'. They'll be here tomorrow morning."
"Alright, let the Visoreds know."
"Right sis," Ganju said and rode off down towards the hotel where the two Visoreds were staying.
"Jidanbo, you better get back to making your rounds. Don't worry. We're not to going to fight them."
"Thanks Kukaku," Jidanbo said.
"Yeah, whatever Big Guy, just get going. We don't want to cause a panic now do we?"
Jidanbo shook his head and smiled. He walked away, thinking about why those three were in the Gensei Provinces again. The only reason that he could think of was that something must be going on. When he first heard about the Espada invasion, he immediately rode to the Garganta Pass, but by the time he got there, the Espada were gone.
He remembered how his brother, Jirobo, disgraced the uniform they wore together by taking a child hostage just to get Starrk and Harribel to surrender. Yet, Starrk had seen his brother's fear and did what needed to be done to ensure that no one was accidentally killed and that included Jirobo. However, the physical pain was nothing compared to the shame his brother felt. When he was forced to surrender his uniform, Jirobo went into a self-imposed exile and suffered a complete nervous breakdown that sent him to a mental hospital in the East. Jidanbo would try to take time off whenever he could and visit his brother who showed very little improvement.
Despite his brother's state, Jidanbo did not blame Starrk or Harribel. He used to blame himself for not doing anything to stop his brother. However, the more he thought of it, he came to realize that it would have happened eventually. Even though Jirobo always tried to pretend to be tough, he was always the first to panic when something got out of hand. Now, he understood that no one was really to blame for his brother's condition except for his brother. He allowed his fear to cloud his judgment and he was paying the price.
"Hey Jidanbo," a child called out.
Jidanbo emerged from his thoughts and looked at the child and smiled. As the child ran towards him, Jidanbo brought out the box of Chappy's Fruity Chews in his pouch and dug out a couple of pieces. He smiled seeing the child's joy at the candy and the hug he received. Seeing people happy was the reason he enjoyed his job and did his best at it.
Las Noches
Sui-Feng and Omaeda emerged from the tunnel and saw the groups of horses tied up. They looked around, but did not see anyone. She gestured for him to come on, but she was cautious. Something was not right. She saw their two horses tied up next to the horses that belonged to the Crimson Dragons, but there was no one standing guard.
"Omaeda, be careful," Sui-Feng whispered. "Something's not right."
"Got it," Omaeda whispered.
They reached their horses and were about to untie them when they heard someone coming. Sui-Feng reached for her guns, only to realize that she and Omaeda no longer had their guns. She turned and saw Ggio grinning at her.
"Well now, this is a surprise," he said, grinning. "How did you get out?"
"Shit, you knew about the tunnels, didn't you?"
"Yeah, we knew," a gruff voice said and Baraggan emerged from the shadows.
"Omaeda, get on the horse and run while you can," Sui-Feng whispered.
"But, what about you, Captain?"
"Don't ask questions, just do it. Now…RUN OMAEDA!"
Omaeda ran to his horse, which was already untied. He mounted it and rushed away. Baraggan did not look concerned, but only smiled. He raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. There was a burst of gunfire from a cluster of rocks as Nirgge took his shot at the fleeing Omaeda. Sui-Feng turned and her eyes widened in horror as she saw Omaeda slump and fall off his horse.
"O-O-OMAEDA!" she cried out.
"Now, now, none of that," Ggio said and grabbed her.
He saw tears streaming from her eyes and felt sorry for her. He wanted to comfort her in some way. However, he knew better than to do anything that would go against Baraggan's wishes. Sui-Feng's sorrow for her Lieutenant was replaced with rage. She turned to face Baraggan and glared at him.
"YOU BASTARD!" she shrieked. "Why? Why? Why did you kill him?"
"Because," Baraggan said, smiling. "I want to see you suffer."
The Hueco Mundo Wastes
Patros Plateado and his brother Paulo rode together towards Las Armas to visit their nephews for the Festive de la Luna. Their gangs trailed behind them, keeping an eye for any sign of a Gotei Patrols as they got closer to the border town. Patros's Lieutenants, Aldegor and Menis, rode just behind him while Paulo's Lieutenants, Demoura and Fisher, rode ahead of them.
"It's quiet," Paulo said.
"I know," Patrols replied. "But we have to keep a look out. There have been rumors of Gotei patrols from Fort Zaraki coming out this way."
"You shouldn't worry too much, brother. We're still in the Wastes and no Gotei patrol out this way for months, regardless of rumors."
"Still, I don't like it. Why do our nephews have to set up base on the border between the Wastes and the Provinces?"
"Because, that way they can show that they have control over the mercenary gangs in the Wastes and the Provinces' Borderlands. It's a…symbolic gesture."
"I don't care about symbolism. I only care about practicality. They should have set up base further south, away from two Gotei forts."
"Well, at least…" Paulo began, but was interrupted by the sound of gunfire.
Demoura let out a roar of pain before falling from his horse. Fisher brought out his rifle and started shooting in the direction that the shot came from. Paulo looked at his fallen Lieutenant in horror as he saw blood blossom from the dead man's chest.
"GOTEI!" Fisher screamed before another gunshot blew his head off.
Paulo and Patros dismounted and took refuge behind their horses. Other members of their gangs were doing the same. Patros was scanning the landscape ahead and saw them. Ten figures dressed in dark blue stood on top of a rock outcropping and were firing at the group.
"Shit, the rumors were true," Patros growled as he reloaded his revolver.
"Sir, we should try to…" Menis began when another gunshot rang out.
They turned as they saw a man falling to the ground, shot in the back. Menis and Aldegor turned to shoot in that direction. Patros turned and saw that they were being surrounded. However, there was a gap between the Gotei soldiers, and if they could ride fast and hard enough and give enough covering fire, they might be able to escape.
"Paulo, we have to get the fuck out of here."
"I know, brother," Paulo said.
The two brothers looked and saw that sixteen more of their men were dead. Some of the others were trying to make a run for it, but were shot down. However, those who rode for the gap were not being shot at, at least not yet. Patros and Paulo smiled at each other. They still had a chance.
"Menis, Aldegor, get on your horses and round up as many men as we can. We're gonna make a run for it," Patros said.
"Yes sir," they said and got on their horses.
"Come on, brother, let's get…" Paulo began, but another gunshot roared and Patros watched as his brother's back arched.
"PAULO!" Patros screamed.
"J-just g-g-go," his brother gasped.
Patros screamed and he mounted his horse and fired at the Gotei who were surrounding them. He gestured at Menis and Aldegor, who had managed to get 50 of their riders gathered together. The group rode hard and fast. They continued to fire at the Gotei, who shot back from the boulders and hedges they were using for cover. Patros felt a bullet enter his shoulder, but ignored it. By the time they rode through the gap, there were only 37 left to ride to Las Armas.
As soon as the group was gone, the leaders of the Gotei patrols stood up and strode to where Paulo was trying to crawl away.
"Well now, look at this," Nnoitora said, grinning. "A little fish is trying to get back to the water."
"That's enough," Aaroniero rasped from behind his mask. "Aizen only ordered for one brother to escape, but not both."
"Indeed," Zommari said.
"Master Nnoitora, should I contact Aizen on the field phone?" a young, blonde man wearing an eye patch asked.
"What kind of stupid question is that, Tesla? Of course you tell him we were successful."
"You…you're not…" Paulo began.
"No," Zommari said. "We are not Gotei."
"Yeah…we stole these fuckin' uniforms from the corpses of a bunch of weak-ass babies who were patrollin' the Precipice Mountains," Nnoitora said. "Of course, ya won't be tellin' anyone."
Nnoitora took out his holstered pistol with a grinning skull engraved on the grip. It was his second favorite gun, behind his rifle, Santa Teresa, which was strapped to the side of his horse. He cocked the hammer and placed the gun against Paulo's head and pulled the trigger. Paulo's body jerked as the bullet traveled through his head and became still.
"Well…that takes care of that," Nnoitora said as he took off the Gotei jacket.
"Loly, Menoly," Zommari said, gesturing to two young women dressed in Gotei uniforms.
"What is it?" Loly, who had long black hair tied into pigtails, asked.
"Loly, don't be rude to Master Zommari," Menoly, who had short blonde hair, said. "What do you wish for us to do, Master Zommari?"
"Get Wonderweiss to bring the wagon," Zommari said.
"Right away, sir," Menoly said.
Zommari then gestured for the head of his fraccion to approach. As he watched him approach, Zommari found himself wondering what he might look like without those scars. He already knew who gave him those scars, but not the circumstances behind them. The head of his fraccion stopped and bowed.
"What does my master wish from me?"
"I need you to make sure that it looks like they were in a shootout with a Gotei patrol. Then we came and slaughtered the Gotei. Can you do that, Dorian?"
"Of course, sir," Dorian Semental, the former "Stallion of Hueco Mundo" said.
"It was truly divine providence that caused that patrol to cross our path," Zommari said. "That means that God is on Lord Aizen's side in his endeavors and no one can stand against the will of God."
Las Armas
The mercenary gangs arrived in trickles and then a massive flood. Arturo looked over the crowd gathered in the square, surrounding the giant wicker man with stuffed men dressed in stolen Gotei uniforms surrounding it. He looked up and saw that the moon was nearing its zenith, the time of the burning was approaching and he had to announce his decision before then. He raised the ceremonial pistol and fired a single shot into the air. The crowd below looked up at him and he was not surprised to see Aizen and his group watching him.
"My fellow Arrancars and Borderlanders," he said. "This year marks the 150th year of our time of Exile. It was 150 years ago today that the Gensei forced our fore-fathers into the Borderlands and the Hueco Mundo Wastes. Since then, they have refused to recognize those who live in the Borderlands as actual citizens of the Provinces and have called those who were forced into the Hueco Mundo Wastes after the Great Uprising 'Arrancars'.
"However, that name, 'Arrancar', has become a label of pride for those who survive in the Wastes. Those of you who are Borderlanders, we call you 'Arrancars' because, like us, you were driven from your homes and your lands. There is no shame in being called 'Arrancars', but rather a deep source of pride. We have suffered and we are still alive."
The crowd below cheered. Gunshots were fired into the air. Many raised their torches as though saluting him.
"Yes, you all have something to be proud of. This is what the Festival de la Luna reminds us. Even though we lost what we once enjoyed in the Provinces, we survived and we endured. Now then, I want to draw your attention to our guest, Souske Aizen. He has come to my brother and me with a proposition. As you can see, the Great General Rudobon has sided with him. His proposition is to help them bring down the Gensei Provinces."
Cheers rose. Many shouted that they should leave right away. Arturo allowed their cheers to die down before he began again.
"I know that you wish this. However, you know me. I believe that it's best to tread carefully on the side of prudence and so I told him that I would announce my decision tonight. My brother, Mordred, has told me that we should. However, I still wished to think about it and I have reached my decision. My decision is…"
At that moment there was a great commotion. Arturo looked and his eyes widened when he saw his Uncle Patros riding in, barely managing to stay on his horse. Mordred rushed from the balcony to make his way to their uncle. Arturo followed shortly after, his long tan coat trailed out behind him.
"Uncle Patros, what's happened?" Mordred asked.
"Gotei," Patros said as Arturo approached. "Ambush…Paulo…dead…Paulo…"
"Menis, Aldegor, what happened?" Arturo asked the two Lieutenants.
"We were ambushed," Aldegor said. "The Gotei nearly had us surrounded. They killed your Uncle Paulo, and almost got Patros, but he'll live. He was only shot in the shoulder."
"Alright, take Uncle Patros into the house and into bed. Somebody, get the doctor to take a look at him," Arturo ordered.
"Yes sir," one of the mercenaries said, and rushed to get the doctor.
Arturo watched as Aldegor and Menis carried Patros into the house. He then turned his attention to the moon. It was now at its zenith. As his brother approached, Arturo closed his eyes. He knew that the time had come. He pushed his brother aside and grabbed one of the torches. He held it up for everyone to see.
"Hear me," he said. "Before, I would have said that I refused Aizen's offer. However, the Gotei has attacked us. They killed my Uncle Paulo and have wounded my Uncle Patros. You see this torch," he yelled and threw it onto the wicker man, which began to be consumed by the flames. At once torches touched the hollow men, which also began to be consumed by the flames. "Watch, my brothers and sisters. Do you see how these flames consume the wicker man and the hollow men around it?" he asked as he walked amongst the burning figures.
"Tonight, we watch the representatives of the Gotei and the Gensei Provinces burn. However, as we stand here watching these representatives burn, know this: WE WILL SEE FORT SEIREITEI BURN!"
As the cheers rose, Aizen smiled, knowing that the final pieces were in place.
"WE WILL RIDE WITH AIZEN!"
End of Chapter 5
A.N.: I wanted to give the Wheel of Time series and The Gunslinger plug-ins since they're part of my overall inspiration for the story. Starrk's ability to talk with wolves and Ulquiorra's with bats was completely inspired by Perrin Aybara from the Wheel of Time. I also want to give a shout-out to the film "A Fistful of Dollars" where the scene of the ambush on Patros and Paulo was drawn. The Patros in this story is pretty much the same as the fill-in character in the Arrancar arc in the anime. As for Omaeda's death, originally I was going to have him survive, but decided not to.
Also, I want to welcome Isaac and Miria from "Baccano!" to the story, even though they'll only pop up again a couple of times (I just had to include them since they're one of my all-time favorite anime duos and I actually found a way to make them useful). Also, in case you're wondering what Isaac and Miria's steps for doing a train robbery are (Which they go over in Episode 2 of "Baccano!):
1. Get on a train
2. Reach your destination
3. Do a Robbery
4. Get back on the train
5. Make your getaway