Kick About, Destroy, Bind
Chapter 12: Día de los Muertos
Hanging Dog, The Borderlands, Eight Years Before
"Hurry, Renji, or we'll miss it."
"I'm coming, Rukia," Renji called back. "Daddy, I'm going with Rukia to see the fireworks."
"Alright, Renji," Lieutenant Carson Abarai said. "Just make sure that you stay close. I'll be talking with Captain Ginrei Kuchiki if you need me."
"Alright," Renji said. "Hey, wait up Rukia."
He ran to her and they ran to one of the surrounding hills, laughing.
Abarai Residence, Karakura Town
Renji woke up and looked at the beam of sunlight streaming into his room. He got up and rubbed his head as he made his way to the shower which he had installed two months before. He took off his clothes and reached for the knob to turn on the cold water. He watched as the water came out of the shower head and he sighed before he stepped in and allowed the cold water to hit him like a thousand needles.
It had been two days since Ichigo and Isshin were arrested and he and Rukia were forced to stay low. However that did not stop people from looking at either of them as though they were some slimy insect. And now the Sheriff's Office was under the control of the Pinkerton Agency.
"How did it come to this?" Renji asked himself and pounded a fist against the tiled wall.
Karakura River
Rukia sat on the shore. She picked up another stone and tossed it. She watched the ripples as the stone sank beneath the river and sighed. She missed being with Ichigo and Renji and the questioning that the Pinkerton Agents put her through had been extremely harsh and they even asked her about her brother and even if she had any involvement with Kugo Ginjo or Shinji Hirako. She was just glad it was over and didn't care if she was restored as a Deputy.
All that she cared about was trying to find a way to prove that Ichigo and Isshin were not Shadow Lurker and that they must have been the victims of some kind of fraud. However, she knew that most would not listen since they felt safer believing that Ichigo was Shadow Lurker. It was as though they forgot about what happened only four months before when they defended Karakura Town from the Espada.
"Hey, are you Rukia Kuchiki?"
She turned around and saw a group of young men glaring at her. She had been through this before and knew what was coming. She stood up and looked at them.
"Yeah," she said as she remembered the first time this happened to her.
"So…how does it feel knowing that your old boss was a traitor?" another asked.
"Yeah, I bet that you're a traitor too. I bet you sucked his cock while planning ways to overthrow the Gensei Provinces."
"Yeah, I bet she likes Arrancar cock. Well, we should teach her what patriotic Gensei cocks are capable of."
This was not new. She sighed and struck the one who dared to suggest that they rape her in the throat. He collapsed, gagging and his hands were clutching at his throat.
"You…you fucking bitch," the leader said, his eyes were wide.
"Now listen to me, assholes," Rukia said, her rage roaring to the surface. "Four months ago we saved your asses from the Espada and this is how you say thank you when false allegations are made against the one who stood up against the Espada and nearly lost his life? Maybe we should have just stepped aside and let the Espada drag your worthless asses through the street. Maybe we should have just let them burn this whole fucking town to the ground. But you know what…" she said and pushed the leader of the group who was looking at her as if she was insane. "WE DIDN'T! WE SAVED YOUR WORTHLESS ASSES! SO DON'T FUCK WITH ME ASSHOLE OR I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!"
"You…you wouldn't dare," he said, but he wasn't sounding so sure.
"I would. After all, I'm nothing more than a traitor, right? My boss is arrested with his dad so what do I have to lose? Honestly, why do I even bother with idiots like you?" Rukia asked. "You believe what you believe because it brings you comfort and you never give thought of as to whether or not it's true. That's the definition of stupidity."
"Well…uh…" he stuttered, but Rukia just stalked off.
She just wanted to get away from it all. She remembered how frightened she was when the first group of assholes like that cornered her, she had been frightened. She remembered how it was the day when Tsukishima came to arrest Ichigo and Isshin and not quite three hours later she was being harassed by the very citizens who only four months before were cheering for them. It was amazing how much group mentality was the equivalent of a weather vane. It continually shifted depending on what people wanted to believe. For them, it didn't matter what they thought even a day before or what they would be thinking an hour from now. It was all about staying in line like sheep or cattle.
"They're all nothing but cattle," she whispered as she walked through the streets.
All around her people were preparing for Día de los Muertos. She saw the colorful streamers hanging over the streets and the booths being set up. There were fake skeletons hanging from porches and the stuffed men were being made for the bonfire. She ignored the glares that she got or the whispers that rose whenever she passed, but there weren't too many of those today since most people were too focused on the festivities to come instead of making sure to at least hint that she was a traitor or an Arrancar.
She stopped when she reached the Sheriff's Office and looked at it. She saw some of the Pinkerton Agents leaning on the porch and watching a group of children who were beating at a stuffed man with a picture of Ichigo's face that was hanging from a nearby tree. She gritted her teeth at the sight and at the posters that declared "SHADOW LURKER CAPTURED!" with a photo of Ichigo and Isshin on it that were still hanging all over town.
"Fuck them," she whispered. "Fuck them all. Why should I care what happens to them now? We saved them and now they've betrayed us."
Fort Seireitei
Aizen walked down the hall to General Yamamoto's office. So far, everything was going according to plan and Tsukishima's maneuvers to remove the Kurosakis from the board were brilliant. He had been worried when he heard that Tsukishima intended to make the Kage no Tanken's involvement known. However, instead of it becoming a hindrance, it became a golden opportunity for Tsukishima to prepare things on his end. Now, things were all set on Tsukishima's end.
"It's time for things to going on my end," Aizen whispered and smiled.
Fort Zaraki
Captain Kenpachi tapped a finger on the desk and frowned as he read the report. Ever since that diversion in the Precipice Mountains he had been wondering about the information. So, he sent Maki-Maki and some of the other members out to find out what they could. However, he knew that everyone would be getting ready for the Día de los Muertos celebrations, but what worried him was that he hadn't heard anything from Captain Amagai in Fort Kusajishi in a while.
"Damn it, what's going on?" Kenpachi growled. "Yachiru, get Ikkaku for me."
"Sure thing Kenny," Yachiru said and rushed out of the cabin.
Kenpachi sighed and looked at the files he had. So far they had been told that Rudobon and the Exequias were in the Precipice Mountains, but that proved to be a diversion. When he returned he wanted to see if anything happened and Maki-Maki only told him that they got a telegram from Fort Kusajishi informing him that they were having problems with the telegraph machine and would probably not be able to contact them for at least a week and that had been signed form Lieutenant Kibune.
"Something's not right," Kenpachi snarled as he looked at that message.
At that moment, Ikkaku rushed in with Yachiru firmly attached to his bald head.
"AAAAGH, GET OFF OF ME!" he shouted.
"Yachiru, good work," Kenpachi said. "You can let go of him now."
Yachiru yanked her mouth off of his head with a popping sound like a cork being pulled from a bottle.
"Okay," she said and jumped down.
"Thanks Captain," Ikkaku said. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yeah, I need you and Yumichika to visit Fort Kusajishi. I want to make sure that everything's alright."
"Sir, it will take us a full day to get there."
"I know. I'll be preparing the men to march out in case something went wrong."
"Where are we going?"
"Karakura Town," Kenpachi said and showed Ikkaku the message he got from Captain Kyoraku that morning.
"Wait, this can't be right. Are they saying that Ichigo's Shadow Lurker?"
"Yeah, and that ain't matching with what I know of the kid. Something's going on. I felt it when Aizen was here and I think he's somehow involved."
"Yeah, but…"
"Ikkaku, get Yumichika and get outa here before I throw ya out."
"Yes Captain," Ikkaku said and saluted.
When Ikkaku left, Kenpachi picked up the telegram where Ikkaku left it. Kenpachi was glad that Kyoraku made sure to mention that he didn't feel that the idea of Ichigo being Shadow Lurker was right. Kenpachi knew that if you had to choose whether to go with your head or your gut, you went with your gut. Instincts often times picked up on things that rational thought alone missed. And his gut was telling him to go to Karakura Town.
Senkaimon Express Holding Cell
Ichigo sat on the cot and looked over at his dad. His dad however, had his head down and his hands folded. He couldn't be sure, but it looked as if Isshin was a sleep.
"Dad," Ichigo said.
"What is it?" Isshin asked, not raising his head.
"Was what Tsukishima said true? Did you kill the Arrancar that killed Mom?"
Isshin looked up and sighed. He looked away and nodded his head.
"I…went against orders," Isshin said. "I had a buddy who fixed everything for me, or so I thought. Apparently we missed on important detail…the records. Everything else was set. He stopped the train for me halfway between Karakura Town and Fort Seireitei. I snuck on board and killed the 'Big Fish' whose name was Fisher Grand."
"Why? Why would you do that?" Ichigo asked.
"It was because I wanted to make him pay. An investigation was launched but it wasn't very thorough. Fisher Grand was nobody when compared to the problems we were facing from the Exequias Army and Aaroniero had robbed a train outside of Junrinan that was carrying medical supplies to Kagamino. Those things took priority. That was one reason why I took matters into my own hand. I knew that if the Gotei got Fisher Grand, then he would just be sitting in prison for a long time before being brought before a court.
"I just felt that each day he was alive was another day that Masaki couldn't rest in peace. So, I made sure he didn't spend another day alive. You must think I'm horrible for doing that."
"No," Ichigo said. "I would have done the same thing."
"Ichigo…if you really feel that way then I'm glad I did it. That way you wouldn't have to bear the burden. I never really felt relief from it. I only felt shame."
"WHY? He was an Arrancar. He killed Mom. Why should you feel shame?"
"It's because it wasn't justice. It was only revenge and I felt an urge to just go on a rampage and kill every Arrancar I came across. Then…I realized something. After I killed Fisher Grand and began plotting how I was going to go on my li'l rampage, I realized that none of it would bring Masaki back. When I realized that, I began to realize that I never thought of who would take care of you or your sisters. Masaki would not want me to live a life of hatred and bitterness. She would have wanted me to take care of you guys and raise you right."
Ichigo looked at his dad and their eyes met. He could see that Isshin was able to let go, but he had never been able to. He remembered how he struck Lilynette and a pang of guilt and shame rose at that memory.
"For God's sake, Ichigo, she's about your sister's age. What do you think Yuzu or Karin would think if they saw you like this?" Rukia had asked him.
"They wouldn't think much of me," Ichigo whispered. "But still…they deserve to pay for making Yuzu and Karin cry."
"Ichigo…it wasn't the Arrancars who made your sisters cry. It was Fisher Grand who killed Masaki," Isshin said. "I made the mistake of falling into the 'Us vs. Them' mentality that has plagued both the Provinces and the Wastes. I realized that mentality can only bring suffering and harm. If you want to know who to blame, we can start by looking in a mirror."
"That's bullshit, Dad," Ichigo said. "The Arrancars butcher us and we fight to protect ourselves."
"Do we? I'm not so sure who started the whole cycle, but one thing's for sure. Both sides are at fault for the suffering. Neither side is truly good or evil. Good and evil are nothing more than two sides of the same coin," Isshin said. "That's what I've come to believe. It doesn't matter what side you're on. What matters is who you are as a person. One day you may be my enemy, but the next we could be sharing a beer and looking at photos of our families. It's when we forget that simple truth that we truly become 'evil'."
"So, you're also siding with the Arrancars," Ichigo said.
"Even now…" Isshin said as he shook his head. "Even now you refuse to believe what Starrk told you."
"How did you…?"
"Rukia told me. Ichigo, if there's one thing I regret is that I didn't see just how much your heart has hardened. Your heart is so hard that you refuse to see what's before your eyes. You willingly blinded yourself and I'm wondering what it's going to take to open them again."
Inoue Residence
"I'm back," Orihime said as she opened the door.
"Hey, welcome back," Lilynette said and rushed to help carry in the bags.
Ulquiorra got up from the chair and only stood.
"Is there anything new developing?" he asked.
"Only that the celebrations for Día de los Muertos are beginning," Orihime said and reached into her bag. "I got something for you, Lilynette," she said and held out the chocolate slab for her.
"Thanks," Lilynette said, her eyes glowed with delight.
"Where are the others?" Orihime asked.
"Starrk's taking a nap," Lilynette said. "I'll go wake him up."
"No need," Starrk said as he stepped out of the guest room and yawned.
"Welcome back," Harribel said as she left the room after Starrk. "I'll get Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun."
"There's no need," Orihime said. "There's no new development."
"So, Ichigo's still off the board," Starrk said and sighed. "If only he listened."
"I'm sorry," Orihime said. "I thought he would. He was always so open before."
"It's not your fault," Harribel said. "He never showed you that side of him that we saw. Nobody can ever really know a person."
"Yeah," Orihime said and sighed. "I never thought that he was capable of…of hurting a child," she said and looked to where Lilynette was eating her chocolate. "I guess I didn't know him as well as I thought."
"That is because it is an impossibility to truly know a person," Ulquiorra said and he looked out the window.
Orihime found herself wondering what he was holding back. Over the past two days, she tried to get to know him, but he always dodged anything that got close to something he wanted to keep hidden. She wanted to know what was behind the mask that he put up.
Sabaku Dessert
"I suppose I should wish you a happy Día de los Muertos," Ggio said. Sui-Feng turned and looked at him as he rode beside her. "I've always been wondering about something. What exactly do you celebrate on Día de los Muertos? Do you celebrate the victory that the Gensei Provinces had at the Garganta Pass that pushed us back to the wastes? Do you celebrate those murderers who nearly wiped out the Arrancars? What is it?"
"We celebrate those who came before," Sui-Feng said. "It's to celebrate those who died to protect the average citizen from bandits and outlaws."
"In other words…you celebrate murderers," Ggio said.
"Don't you also celebrate murderers?"
"We call them 'Revolutionaries'."
"And we call them 'Murderers'."
"Then I guess we're even on that level. However, this Día de los Muertos will be the day when the Arrancars emerge victorious."
"I suppose we'll see," Sui-Feng said.
"You're still defiant? I must admit that I kinda like that side about you."
"Are you saying that you like me?"
"Uh…well…uh…oh look, Avirama and Cuuhlhourne are coming back from patrol," Ggio said and pointed.
"You're dodging," Sui-Feng said.
"No I'm not."
"Yes you are," Sui-Feng said and smiled as Ggio's face turned bright red.
"Well…uh…alright…I admit it, I was dodging," Ggio said. "I'm sorry. I'm just not good at this kinda thing."
"I highly doubt it would work," Sui-Feng said. "I'm a member of the Gotei and you're an Arrancar."
"I know, but…a part of me just won't accept it."
"If you really feel that way, then help me," Sui-Feng said.
"Are you asking me to betray Lord Baraggan? I…I can't," Ggio said and he turned away from her.
"Why not?"
"It's because I owe him for saving my life," Ggio said.
Fort Seireitei, Five Years Before
"Rukia," Renji called out.
"Oh…hey Renji," Rukia said smiling as she turned toward him. "Hey Ichigo, you go on ahead and we'll join you."
"Sure thing," Ichigo said and he began to whistle as he walked.
"You didn't have to do that," Renji said. "I mean, Ichigo's my friend too."
"I know, but I needed to talk to you…in private."
"Uh oh…did I do something wrong?"
"No, it's just that I…. Look Renji, I know that we've been friends for a long time and when I was younger I…"
"Rukia," Renji said, his heart started pounding so hard that he thought it would burst out of his chest.
"Renji, I…I think I'm in love with Ichigo. I hope you can keep this a secret."
"Of course," Renji said smiling. But he felt as though his heart would shatter to countless tiny pieces. "I guess you're afraid that he'll turn ya down."
"That's right," Rukia said and let out a slight giggle. "I guess you understand what it's like."
I do, Rukia, he thought.
"Well, come on, we better get going. We don't want to be late for dinner."
"Yeah," Renji said.
They were walking down the hall when they saw one of the Captains approaching them. Renji and Rukia stopped and saluted Captain Kyoraku.
"Captain Kyoraku, sir," they said.
Kyoraku looked up and frowned. He looked at the telegram and then looked at Renji.
"Rukia, you go on ahead. I…I need to talk to Renji."
"We've been friends for years," Rukia said. "Why shouldn't I hear what you have to say?"
"Rukia, it's alright. Go on ahead and let Ichigo know that I'll be a while."
"Fine," Rukia said and stalked off.
"What is it?" Renji asked.
"I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your father…he was killed while on a mission."
Karakura Town
Renji opened his eyes. He watched as a group of families made their way to the carnival that was set up in the fields outside of town.
Why was I thinking about that day? There was nothing good about that day, he thought.
He got up and just started walking. He could hear the sound of laughter and the bands playing. The sound of poppers and bottle rockets filled the air. He could see the smoke from the explosions in the air and sighed.
"Well, I thought I would find ya here."
He turned and saw Captain Kyoraku walking up towards him. He lifted his Panama hat up from over his eyes and looked at Renji. He was not surprised to see Lieutenant Nanao Ise walking besides him.
"Captain Kyoraku," Renji said and saluted, "Lieutenant Ise, what…what are you doing here?"
"We were looking for you," Nanao said and straightened her glasses. "We wanted to make sure that things were fine with you and Rukia."
"Also," Kyoraku said and looked around. "I talked it over with Captains Ukitake and Unohana and they're in agreement."
"What do you mean?" Renji asked.
"We agreed that in order for us to deal with what's to come then we need Ichigo and Isshin to help us."
"But…they're locked up. They're going to be put on the next Senkaimon to Fort Seireitei."
"Well, they'll be loaded on boarded tonight, but the train won't leave until tomorrow. What do you say about breaking them out?"
"Won't you guys be helping?"
"We can't," Nanao said. "We have to oversee the celebrations tonight. However, you and Rukia don't have to do that. You're free to do whatever you want and if you decide to go down to the train station and break the prisoners out…"
Renji smiled. They were saying that nobody would be on duty tonight at the train station and so Ichigo and Isshin could be freed.
"What about Kugo and Shinji?" he asked.
"We already talked with the members of the Visored and Xcution Squads," Kyoraku said. "They're going to break them out tonight as well from the Pinkerton Offices. As soon as you can, head out to the old Sergio Leone Ranch. You can stay low there until the time comes."
"Alright, I'm in," Renji said. "Ichigo's my friend and I know there's no way he can be Shadow Lurker."
"Excellent," Kyoraku said. "Although, after this, we may all be fugitives. I hope you understand the risk."
"I do," Renji said. "But I'm going to do what's right in this situation and what's right is getting Ichigo out."
They did not notice the person watching them from the shadows of a nearby cluster of trees. As Renji and Kyoraku and Nanao went their separate ways, the figure stepped out and smiled. He made sure that his hat hid as much of his badly scarred face as he could.
"Master Zommari will love this," Dorian Semental, the former "Stallion of Hueco Mundo", said.
Inoue Residence
Ulquiorra sat in the arm chair and looked at the picture in the silver Heart Box that he kept with him. He still had dreams about Sora telling him to watch out for his sister. He knew that he should tell her, but he was afraid. He was afraid that she would hate him for killing her brother. He allowed his fingers to run over the picture of the smiling girl and sighed.
"Whatcha got there?"
His eyes flew wide and he saw Lilynette looking at him.
"It is nothing," Ulquiorra said. He was about to put the Heart Box into the inner pocket of his jacket, but Lilynette grabbed it. She looked at the symbol and looked at Ulquiorra in surprise.
"This has the mark of the Gotei on it," she whispered. She opened it and looked in surprise at the picture inside. "Ulquiorra…what…how…this doesn't belong to you does it?"
"No," Ulquiorra said. "Please, do not tell Orihime about this."
"But…why not?"
"It belonged to her brother," he said and fell silent.
"But where did you get it? Did he give it to you? Did you serve with him? If that's the case then Orihime will want to hear it."
"NO!" Ulquiorra cried out and grabbed the Heart Box away from her. "You…mustn't…tell her."
"You still haven't answered my question. Why not?"
"It's…complicated," Ulquiorra said and looked defeated. "I don't…I don't want her to…to hate me."
"Why would she hate you?"
Before Ulquiorra could answer there was a knock on the door. They looked at each other and saw Orihime rushing in. Her eyes were wide in surprise.
"What is the problem?" Ulquiorra asked, regaining his usual monotone.
"I forgot," Orihime gasped. "It's…it's Tatsuki. She always comes to visit me."
"Is she a friend of yours?" Starrk asked from behind her.
"She is, but she's…she's in the Pinkerton Agency."
Fort Seireitei
"This sucks," Cirucci said from her cell. She looked over to where Dordoni was tossing a pebble he found on the ground up into the air and catching it. In the cell across from her, Gantenbainne was singing an old Gospel song. She was glad that they stuck together through so much. For her the two men with her were like brothers, but sometimes she dreamed that the one whom she truly belonged with was out there. Of course, for her those were just wishful thinking and she highly doubted that "Mr. Right" was out there. "I'm so bored," she sighed and crashed backwards onto the cot.
"Well, don't you look comfortable?"
Cirucci straightened and saw Mordred Plateado leaning against the bars and looking at her. She scowled at him.
"What do ya want?"
"Oh…I just came to see how you three are holding up.
"We're doing just fine," Gantenbainne said. "So…what's Aizen up to?"
"Yeah, when do we strike," Dordoni asked.
"Well…I would really like to tell ya, but I need…something in return," he said and looked at Cirucci.
"Fuck you, pervert. I ain't showing you my panties."
"Aw, and you want to know what Aizen's up to. But you're not willing to pay the price."
"That's enough, Mordred," Arturo said as he walked down the hall.
"Sorry, bro," Mordred said. "I was only playing with 'em."
"Honestly, you really need to learn self-control. This is not the time to be playing jokes," Arturo said and sighed.
"Whatever you say," Mordred said.
"Anyways, it's going to happen tonight during the Gotei march," Arturo said. "We'll send someone down to free you and the other prisoners. Your job will be to secure the Senkaimon station."
"What's Aizen doing right now?" Dordoni asked.
"He's getting the word out of course," Mordred said.
"That's right," Arturo said. "Tonight, we'll get our revenge against the Gotei."
Sabaku Dessert
Grimmjow looked over at Shawlong and nodded. Shawlong nodded back to show he understood and rode to deliver the message to the other Panteras. Grimmjow sighed and rode up to where Baraggan led the army of marching Arrancars. He took a look at Ggio and the prisoner and smirked.
Looks like Ggio got himself a li'l crush, he thought. He shook his head until he was riding just behind Baraggan.
"What do you want, Grimmjow?" Baraggan asked.
"Sir, I'm going to patrol our rear and make sure no one is following us."
"Very well, but Aizen wants to make sure that all of the Espada are here. Cuuhlhourne, go with him."
"Yes, Lord Baraggan, I, the lovely charming solicitous courteous delightfully funny Charlotte Cuuhlhourne shall do as you command."
"Uh…there's no need," Grimmjow said.
"Is there a problem?" Baraggan asked.
"It's just that I can take care of myself. There's really no danger to me. If we are being followed, then I can easily take care of it."
Baraggan looked at him and sighed.
"Very well," Baraggan said. "Go on your little patrol."
"Thank you, sir," Grimmjow said and saluted.
As Grimmjow rode away, Baraggan turned to Cuuhlhourne who was pouting.
"Follow him. He's up to something."
"Yes, Lord Baraggan," Cuuhlhourne said and clapped his hands in glee.
Further back, Aisslinger watched as Grimmjow rode past. He remembered his contract with Luppi and so he went to where Luppi was eating.
"What is it?" Luppi asked.
"Grimmjow rode past," Aisslinger said. "He's heading the same direction he did the last time he went out."
Luppi looked at Aisslinger and smiled.
"Is he now? That's very interesting."
"Whatever," Aisslinger said as he walked away.
I knew you were up to something, Luppi thought. Now it's time to find out what it is.
Inoue Residence
Tatsuki stood at the front door and was about to knock again when Orihime opened the door.
"Oh…Tatsuki, I'm sorry. I was taking a nap."
"I didn't mean to wake you," Tatsuki said. "May I come in?"
"Uh…sure," Orihime said and laughed. "I'm sorry but the place is kinda cluttered."
Tatsuki shook her head and one corner of her mouth lifted up as she looked at the entryway. She knew full well that Orihime kept a nice clean place unlike Keigo whose place always looked as though a tornado ran through it. But it wasn't as clean and tidy is Mizuiro's place the times she went there.
"So, how have you been?" Orihime asked.
"I've been…handling things," she said. "What about you?"
"Oh…things are…are alright."
She's lying, Tatsuki thought. Shit, she must have been really shocked to hear about Ichigo. And I'm responsible.
Tatsuki shook her head. She had only been doing her job. So why did she feel as though she made a mistake telling Tsukishima about the Heart Box. Ever since that day, she wondered why she did what she did. She could have just stayed quiet and Ichigo would still be Sheriff.
You did it in hopes that it was all a mistake, she thought. You hoped that Ichigo wasn't responsible for the deaths in the Rotunda.
But when she saw Mizuiro carrying those blood-stained boots one word crawled through her mind and seemed to push everything else out of the way: GUILTY. The evidence was there and it all pointed to Ichigo and Isshin. But after thinking about it, something didn't add up. That feeling of uneasiness grew when they arrested Shinji Hirako and he confirmed Ichigo's story about being unconscious in an alley during the period of time that Central 46 was being slaughtered. However, they just dismissed it and that was something that you never did. You never dismissed something just because it didn't add up with the evidence. Instead, you pursued it because sometimes the evidence lied.
"Tatsuki, are you alright?" Orihime asked.
"Orihime, I think I made a mistake. I…I'm sorry, but I was the one who brought the evidence to Tsukishima. I'm responsible for Ichigo's arrest."
Orihime looked at her and put her hand over her mouth. Her eyes were wide and she shook her head.
"You…you were the one?"
"Yes, but I swear I only did it because I hoped that it was all a mistake. But…but when I saw those boots…"
"Tatsuki," Orihime said and put a hand on her shoulder. "You only did what you thought was right. I can't hate you for that. But you know that Ichigo would never do any of the things that Shadow Lurker has done."
"I know, but…but when I saw those boots I immediately judged him guilty. I just…I couldn't even stand to be in the same room with him. A part of me just wanted to hit him and spit on him. Why? Why would I want to do those things?"
"Tatsuki," Orihime said and shook her head. She didn't know what to say. However, she had to know before she decided on whether or not to bring the others in on this. She knew that they needed information on the Pinkerton Agency and Tatsuki could tell them what they needed to know. "Tatsuki, I need to know something. Do you think that Ichigo is Shadow Lurker?"
Tatsuki thought about it and then shook her head.
"No," she said. "He can't be Shadow Lurker. There's no way that's possible."
Orihime smiled and hugged Tatsuki.
"I'm glad. Listen to me. You remember the Arrancars who escaped from prison the night before Ichigo was arrested?"
Tatsuki nodded and then her eyes widened.
"Orihime…are you saying that…that…?"
"Tatsuki, they're not bad people. They want to help us and I think it's time that they talked with you. It's alright," she said to a closed door. "I think we can trust her."
Tatsuki stood up and wanted to run. She had heard people talking about that night and how some thought that they saw Orihime helping the Arrancars. She had even beaten up some of the other agents who even hinted at it. Now, she was seeing that those rumors were true. When the door opened Tatsuki wanted to scream, but she remained silent for Orihime's sake.
"I hope you're right," Apacci said as she came entered the sitting area. "Damn, she looks like she's about ready to bolt."
"That's probably because of how ugly your face is," Mila Rose said.
"What was that?" Apacci said through gritted teeth.
"Didn't you hear me?"
"Yeah, I heard ya, bitch."
"Would you please stop bickering," Sung-Sun said as she looked at Tatsuki. "You're causing Orihime's friend some discomfort."
"I'm sorry about them," Harribel said. "I'm sure that you must know everyone here."
Tatsuki nodded.
"Well, that spares us from having to do introductions," Apacci said.
"Indeed," Ulquiorra said. "After all time is short."
"What…what do you want?" Tatsuki asked. She tried to sound tough, but she thought she sounded more like a frightened child who has just come face-to-face with the monster living in their closet.
"That's simple," Starrk said as he sat down at the table. "We need to know some things about the Pinkerton Agency and one person in particular."
"Who is that?" she asked, but she had a pretty good idea of who they must want to know more about.
"Shukuro Tsukishima," Ulquiorra said. "We need to know what type of person he is and who he keeps in contact with."
"Why?"
"We think that he may be working with the real Shadow Lurker," Harribel said.
"What do you mean by, 'the real Shadow Lurker'?" Tatsuki asked.
"Ichigo Kurosaki is not Shadow Lurker," Ulquiorra said. "The real Shadow Lurker is Souske Aizen."
Tatsuki looked at them. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Aizen was a hero in Karakura Town. He helped to fight off the Espada. There was no way that he could be Shadow Lurker. It didn't make any sense. However, what was even worse was the idea that the man she worked for was working for Shadow Lurker. If that was the case, then she had aided the enemy by helping them get rid of a major obstacle. If Tsukishima was a part of it, then he used her.
She tried to process what she had been told and found that it still didn't make sense to her. She wanted to run out of Orihime's apartment. She wanted to get out her revolver and shoot them all. Her head began to feel dizzy with what was going on. However, she looked at Orihime. She sighed and shook her head.
"Alright, let's hear what you have to say," Tatsuki said.
She listened to everything that the Arrancars told her and a feeling of dread came over her.
Karakura Hotel
Hanataro made his way carefully with the tray of tea for Captain Unohana. He always felt nervous whenever he had to walk up stairs since he was rather clumsy when it came to steps. He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the top of the stairs and he made his way to Unohana's room.
"Captain Unohana, I have your tea," he said outside of the door.
Isane opened the door and shook her head.
"You know you didn't have to do that," she said. "The hotel has staff people who do that."
"I know, but…it's just that it's become a habit of mine," Hanataro said.
"It's alright," Unohana said as she appeared in the doorway. "I really appreciate it, Hanataro."
"Thank you, ma'am," Hanataro said and blushed. He carried the tray to the small table next to the loveseat and set it down. "Will Captain Ukitake be joining you as well?"
"Not today," Unohana said as she sat down. "He's talking with Rukia about our little mission for tonight."
"Oh, do you think she'll do it?"
"I know she will," Unohana said and smiled. "We can only hope that we're not too late. Anyways, I received an interesting report from the Squad 4 members stationed throughout the Borderlands. It would appear as though many of the Gotei stationed in the Borderlands are suffering from withdrawal from an unknown substance."
"What do you think it is?" Isane asked.
"I think it might be this drug Brujería that I've been hearing about," Unohana said. "Do we know anything about it?"
"It's addictive," Isane said. "It appears as one use is enough to get you hooked and withdrawal is extremely tough."
Unohana sighed and frowned. She knew that drugs like opium and morphine could be useful to help ease pain, but they could also be addictive. However, they paled in comparison to Brujería. Brujería was not just addictive, but it also acted faster on the body to the point where the body actually believed that it needed it in order to function properly. Ever since it first emerged a couple of years before, she made sure that as much research on the drug was done so that way she would know how to handle a case where it was involved.
"But they still haven't been able to trace it," she said.
"No, we don't know where it came from," Isane said. "However, we know that at least one in every three soldiers in the Gotei stationed in the Borderlands are addicted with the majority being close to the border with the Hueco Mundo Wastes."
"That must be where it's originally from," Hanataro said. "It makes sense. However, we don't know what plants are used to make it."
Unohana nodded. The theory that Brujería originated in the Wastes made a lot of sense. However, as to what it actually made from was a complete mystery.
"Yes," Unohana said as she sipped her tea. "However, there are other matters that require our attention. The Squad 4 Healers have been trained in how to handle such cases and I have complete faith that they will help the poor souls who are going through it to be as comfortable as possible. However, we need to prepare to break those who are unjustly imprisoned to get out. Chad is talking with the remnants of Xcution and will help them break Kugo Ginjo out of prison while Yoruichi is talking with the Visoreds on how to get Shinji out.
"Hanataro, I need for you and Isane to go with Kiyone and Sentaro to the Sergio Leone Ranch and get things set up there. Make sure that you use the field telephones and keep them on dial 4 to reach us here. Can you do that?"
"Yes ma'am," Hanataro said.
"Of course," Isane said.
"Good. I have complete faith in you to get things ready for when they bring Kugo, Shinji, Ichigo, and Isshin there. In the meantime, I must get my dress ready for tonight. I want to make sure tonight is special for Ukitake," she said and smiled as she glanced into her cup of tea.
Abarai Residence
Renji looked at the photo that he kept with him. It showed him and Rukia and Ichigo smiling at their graduation ceremony from the Gotei Academy. He smiled at it. He remembered a time when it was just him and Rukia. They had fun playing together as kids, but they never really felt complete until Ichigo came along with his goofy smile and his orange hair. He smiled and put it back into his pocket.
He then picked up the other photo he kept with him which showed his dad in his officer's uniform. Renji remembered how his dad was strict most of the time and rarely smiled. However, there were times when he would come down to one of the empty lots that Renji liked to play at with some of the other kids and would play baseball with them.
He decided as a young child to be like his dad. He wanted to be as strong and courageous as he was and so he entered the Gotei Academy and was surprised to see that Rukia enrolled as well. However, her family may have had something with that.
The Kuchiki family made it a tradition that every member received Gotei training and many at least became Officers while a few became Captains. The family used the profits they made from Chappy's Smiles to make it possible to continue sending each Kuchiki generation to go to the Gotei Academy.
However, those first few months at the Gotei Academy, Renji only saw Rukia for herself. And that was when he realized that loved her. However, when Ichigo entered the Academy, he felt Rukia's attention going more towards him. However, instead of growing apart from them, Renji found himself becoming closer to them. By the time they graduated, they were inseparable. When they came back to Karakura Town, they developed a bond with Uryu and Chad and Orihime who were old friends for Ichigo.
He smiled remembering how their gang of three became a gang of six. He sighed and got up and looked out the window. Below, he saw children running through the streets with sparklers. Adults were dancing in the street. However, his eyes drifted to a group of boys who were surrounding an old dog that looked starving and was missing a foot. He saw one of them reach into a paper bag and take out a lump of raw meat while another brought out a cherry bomb from his pocket. He had seen this kind of thing before. Hell, he even did it once as a kid, but the memory always made him wince. He watched as the kid tucked the cherry bomb into the raw meat with the fuse sticking out. He didn't have to be close to know that the kids were snickering as one brought out a book of matches. When the fuse was lit, the kid tossed the bit of meat toward the dog. The dog limped towards it and sniffed at it. Renji wanted to open the window and warn the dog away from the bit of meat, but he knew it would do no good. When a dog was starving, it would be willing to eat anything to survive and that included a bit of meat with death in it. The dog bent down to eat when the bomb exploded. He watched as the dog's head was reduced to a shower of bone, teeth, blood, brain, and fur.
The kids were laughing and he heard one of them shout, "TOO BAD IT WASN'T AN ARRANCAR!" They laughed as they ran away from the ruined corpse of the dog.
Renji felt a chill run down his spine. He felt himself go numb and his legs became jelly. He began to gasp for breath.
Oh God, he thought. Is that how they see us? Is that really how they see us?
Fort Seireitei
Aizen walked down the hall. Outside, the celebrations were just getting started. He knew that the alcohol would flow like the Senkaimon River. The sounds of the small fireworks like Poppers and Lady Fingers and Bottle Rockets reminded him so much of gunfire.
He smiled as he made his way to the meeting room where the heads of the various divisions of his forces were waiting for him. He opened the door and looked at the men and women gathered. They all had their own reasons for joining him. Some wanted power. Some wanted to use the situation to get wealthy. Others did it because they really believed they were doing the right thing. Others did it because they felt like outcasts and needed someone who would grab the line to keep them from becoming lost in the endless stormy seas of life. He looked at them and they looked to him.
"I am glad that you could all make it," he said and smiled. "Tonight, we act and we make our dreams come true. Then, we will head to Karakura Town to crush the last of the Old Ways and prepare for our New World."
Sabaku Dessert
Grimmjow looked around him until he saw her. He smiled as he made his way to Nel who smiled and rushed towards him. They embraced and their lips met. He ran his hand through her hair and his blue eyes met her hazel eyes and they drowned into each other.
"Nel," he whispered.
"When are we going to act?"
"Tonight," he said. "They won't be guarding the Bala Shooters as well tonight."
"I'll make sure to tell Dondochakka and Pesche," she said. "They're ready to go."
"Good. Listen, Baraggan is going to attack Junrinan in tomorrow and then we'll be heading to the Garganta Pass to meet up with the Exequias Army and Kage no Tanken's forces. The watch is smallest at the moon's zenith, so make sure you're ready to go by then and I'll have my Panteras ready."
"Alright, then we'll…"
"What's going on here?"
Nel and Grimmjow separated and saw Cuuhlhourne riding up towards them.
"Cuuhlhourne, what are you doing here?" Grimmjow asked.
"Lord Baraggan gave me orders to follow you," Cuuhlhourne said.
"Cuuhlhourne," Grimmjow said as he reached for his gun. "Don't tell anyone about this. Please, I don't want to kill you."
"Look, I'm gonna have to tell Lord Baraggan about this. I'm sure he'll understand, but…" he stopped when he saw Nel. His eyes became wide and he pointed at her. "You…you're supposed to be dead."
"What…what did you say?" Grimmjow asked.
"I said that she's supposed to be dead. Aizen gave orders that she be disposed of before she told the Gotei about Brujería and Amor."
Grimmjow looked at Cuuhlhourne and his mouth gaped open. He grabbed Cuuhlhourne by his tight vest and pulled him from his horse. Cuuhlhourne went down with a yell and landed on the ground. He got up and looked at Grimmjow who had his revolver drawn and aimed at Cuuhlhourne.
"Who else…who else was involved?" Grimmjow snarled.
"Grimmjow…you were plotting to betray us, weren't you?" Cuuhlhourne asked and smiled as he slowly reached for his own revolver.
"WHO ELSE WAS INVOLVED?" Grimmjow roared.
"Let's see," Cuuhlhourne said. He knew that making Grimmjow this angry would cause him to miss his hand reaching to draw his revolver. "Lord Baraggan came up with the basic plan and Aaroniero served as errand boy. In the meantime, Szayel Aporro helped with the hardware and Nnoitora did the actual job. What did you think Nel when he just shot you without any warning? I'm curious about how your boyfriend's going to react…WHEN I DO THE SAME THING!" he cried out and drew his revolver.
Nel cried out and Grimmjow reacted out of pure instinct. His finger pulled the trigger and the next thing he knew, Cuuhlhourne was flying backwards. He watched in horror as the back of Cuuhlhourne's head burst in a shower of bone, blood, and brain while a blood flowed out of a perfect circular hole in the center of his forehead.
"Oh…oh shit," Grimmjow whispered. "Oh shit. This is not good."
"Grimm, you need to get back to the main force," Nel said. "You need to get back and tell them…tell them anything."
Grimmjow looked at her and nodded. He knew that he shouldn't just leave Cuuhlhourne like this, but he didn't have much of a choice.
"You shouldn't have followed me," he whispered. "Damn you, Baraggan. His blood is on my hands because you sent him out after me."
"Grimm, never mind that now," Nel said and looked around. "You need to get back. Someone else might have followed you."
"You're right," Grimmjow said. "I'll…I'll tell them that Cuuhlhourne was ambushed by a Gotei patrol and by the time I got here, he was already dead and I couldn't take the time to bury the body in case they came back and realized that something else was going on."
"You do that," Nel said. "Now go. Go before it's too late."
Neither realized that it was too late. Hiding in the midst of a rock cluster, Luppi looked through a looking glass. When he saw Grimmjow shoot Cuuhlhourne, he looked up and he smiled. He always wanted to become more than just a runner for Zommari. He hated the way that the others looked down on him. Now, here was his chance.
"Traitor," he hissed under his breath when he remounted his horse and rode back to report to Baraggan. The whole way back he muttered the same word under his breath: "Traitor." He smiled. If there was one thing an Arrancar loved, it was when someone uncovered a Gotei agent in their midst.
Inoue Residence
"Do you think she'll go with it?" Mila Rose asked.
"I hope so," Harribel said. "We need to find something that will help us understand what Aizen's up to."
"Or what this Tsukishima guy's up to," Apacci said. "He may be acting on his own and Aizen doesn't even know it."
"That's always a possibility," Starrk said. "I wouldn't be a bit surprised."
They heard a knock on the door. To the room they were in. They looked at each other and knew that she must have come to a decision. Ulquiorra got up and opened the door. Tatsuki looked at them and sighed.
"I'll help you," she said. "However, I'll need to bring two others on board. I would like it if Lilynette came with me if that's alright. She won't be as intimidating for them as…as the rest of you," she said.
"Lilynette, would you like to do this?"
"Sure," Lilynette said. "Don't worry. I can take care of myself."
"I know you can," Starrk said and smiled. "Who are these two others?"
"They're friends of mine from the Pinkerton Training Center. Their names are Keigo and Mizuiro and they're also friends of Ichigo. If what you told us is true, then that means that we were used in some way and I hate being used against my friends."
"Miss Arisawa, it's good to know that we have someone like you on our side," Harribel said.
"I'm glad to help if it means getting Ichigo and his dad out."
"He has two sisters," Starrk said. "Is anyone watching them?"
"Yeah, I'm having Riruka watching them."
"Is she the one from the Xcution Squad who carries that stuffed pig she names Mr. Pork with her?" Harribel asked.
"That's her," Tatsuki said and laughed. "I guess that means she introduced you to Mr. Pork if you know about that."
"Yeah, she did on the way over here," Starrk said.
"That means she likes ya," Tatsuki said. "Did she tell you that she calls her revolver the 'Love Gun'?"
"Yeah, she did," Apacci sighed. "She's kinda weird."
"You have no idea," Tatsuki said and laughed. "Anyways, I want you to meet us in front of the Pinkerton Offices at 10:00 tonight. Everyone will be busy with the fireworks."
"Sounds like a plan," Starrk said.
We're not alone anymore, he thought. We won't have to stand alone after all.
Junrinan
Szayel Aporro Granz paced in the hotel. He didn't know what was holding things up. He only knew that he was annoyed. He arrived in Junrinan yesterday and they were all informed that Karakura Town was under emergency lockdown for some reason.
"Such incompetence," he muttered. "I bet that a part of the rail came too loose and they just found out about it. They have to make more rail then they have to get workers to wherever it is and replace the track. Damn it and they even closed the Garganta Pass so I can't get a cart and head there myself."
He heard rumors of what was going on. Some were saying that the rail must be in a state of disrepair that they had to close the rail lines. Others were saying about how the Garganta Line being robbed was part of it. Others were even hinting that Karakura Town was destroyed by Shadow Lurker. Rumors and theories were all that they were and Szayel Aporro was becoming annoyed with them.
He decided that he had enough of hiding in the room. He got his coat on and put on his hat and tried to cover as much of his pink hair as he could and he put the sunglasses over his golden eyes. He locked the hotel room behind him and walked to the front door. He glanced over at the proprietor who was sitting behind the desk and reading Look Homeward, Angel.
Szayel Aporro stepped outside and took a deep breath of the fresh air. He saw that people were gathered at the booths. Children were either shooting off fireworks or eating candied apples. He saw teens sneaking off in pairs and thought that they were probably off to some secret place for a little rendezvous. He shook his head. It was hard for him to believe that only a few days ago he was nearly made Swiss cheese by a group of assassins who wanted to get back at him for getting away from them.
"Damn it, Ulquiorra," he whispered. "If you hadn't come and visited me, I would be safe at home working on one of my inventions."
He looked up at the bright blue sky above him and sighed. He walked into the street and wondered which way he should go. He looked around and was relieved not to find any Gotei on patrol. However, something hanging on the Sheriff's Office caught his eye and he made his way to see what it was. When he read it, he took a double-step backwards and looked around. He closed his eyes and looked at it.
It was a Wanted Poster, but he had seen many of those before. However, it was what was on it that caught his attention.
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
"THE LOS LOBOS DUO"
COYOTE STARRK AND LILYNETTE GINGERBACK-CAPTURED/ESCAPED
REWARD: $300,000,000
CAUTION: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
"BLOOD STAR" AND THE "DIAMOND SISTERS"
TIA HARRIBEL "BLOOD STAR" AND THE "DIAMOND SISTERS" FRANCESKA MILA ROSE, CYAN SUNG-SUN, EMILOU APACCI-CAPTURED/ESCAPED
REWARD: $200,000,000
CAUTION: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
"NIGHT BRINGER"
ULQUIORRA SCHIFFER-ON THE LOOSE
REWARD: $150,000,000
CAUTION: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THE WHEREABOUTS OF THESE OUTLAWS, PLEASE CONTACT SHUKURO TSUKISHIMA AT THE PINKERTON AGENCY OFFICES IN KARAKURA TOWN.
CAPTURED!
"SHADOW LURKER"
ISSHIN KUROSAKI AND ICHIGO KUROSAKI
CAPTURED ALIVE BY THE HEROES AT THE PINKERTON AGENCY
TO BE SENT TO FORT SEIREITEI TO STAND TRIAL FOR CRIMES AGAINST THE GENSEI PROVINCES
"Holy shit," Szayel Aporro muttered as he read the bottom. "How did that happen? How did Aizen get people to believe that the Kurosaki brat was Shadow Lurker? Ulquiorra, you have some explaining to do."
That was when he felt a hand fall on his shoulder. Szayel Aporro yelped and turned around and saw that he was facing a giant in a Gotei uniform. The giant smiled as Szayel Aporro's hat slipped slightly and revealed some of his pink hair.
"I thought it was you," he said. "Come with me, Szayel Aporro Granz."
"Wait a minute, who are you talking about? I'm not this Szayel Aporro Granz."
"Yeah right," a woman said as she stepped from behind the giant. "Nice work, Jidanbo, but let's make sure nobody knows who he really is."
"Are you sure we should be doing this, Kukaku?" he asked.
"I'm sure. So tell me, Szayel Aporro. When you just mentioned Ulquiorra's name, I take it that means that you're on Starrk's side."
"Uh…I guess. Look, I'm only doing this because assassins were sent to kill me and I really, really want to live."
"I understand," Kukaku said and looked around. "I wonder how people will react to find out that an Espada is in their midst. Now, we can do this one of two ways. Either you refuse to help me and I cry out your name and feed you to the crowds, or you can agree to help me and I'll keep quiet and you get to live a little longer."
"What do you need?"
"I understand that you're trying to get to Karakura Town, right?"
"Yeah, that's where Ulquiorra told me that Starrk was going. He was going to try to persuade Ichigo to help them, but it doesn't look as though that's going to happen anytime soon," he said and jerked a thumb at the poster.
"No it doesn't," Kukaku said. "However, that doesn't mean that the rest of us can't help out. Jidanbo insists that those Arrancars need as much help as they can get and Captain Kyoraku seems to agree. He gave me a massive order to get to Karakura Town and I don't have any way of transporting it until the trains get running. Fortunately, I have a cart large enough, but not enough hoof power. I could really use the assistance of your two horses. Hell, you can even transport whatever you have with you as well. So…do we have a deal?"
Szayel Aporro looked around him. He could refuse her, but if he did then he would probably be hanging from a tree in less than ten minutes. He looked around and nodded.
"Good boy," Kukaku said. "Now, come with me and we can work over the details."
"Sounds good," Szayel Aporro said and sighed. "Damn you Ulquiorra. What did you get me into?"
Sabaku Dessert
Grimmjow rode hard. He had to make it look good and that meant going at a full-out gallop. He knew that Nel would continue to follow him and he hoped that they could take care of those Bala Shooters before Baraggan reached Junrinan.
If he could succeed then he would be able to throw a wrench into Aizen's plans. However, that brought up the question of what Aizen was having Rudobon and the Exequias Army doing or what the Mercenaries were up to. However, he couldn't focus on those things at the moment. He could only focus on what he knew.
He could see the moving line of the Arrancar Army ahead of him. He smiled a little and cried out.
"GOTEI! GOTEI!"
Fort Kusajishi
"Shit," Ikkaku muttered when he saw what waited for them at Fort Kusajishi.
The gates were wide open and he saw bodies hanging from the walls. Each of the bodies was stripped naked and the carrion eaters picked some of them clean and others were becoming leathered in the heat. Each body had a sign hanging from around their necks with a single word: TRAITOR. Ikkaku and Yumichika could not understand what it was about, but they saw grave markers that looked to have been made about three days before.
"Ikkaku, what do you think happened?"
"It's obvious that they must have been attacked," Ikkaku said. "Look at this. Some of the graves are only about three days old."
"Who do you think buried them?"
"It's hard to say. What bothers me is that those bodies were labeled as 'Traitors', but why? Whoever did this buried some of the bodies but left others out for the vultures."
"Ikkaku, we need to check on the cannons. Fort Kusajishi was the major depot for cannons in the northern Borderlands."
Ikkaku looked at Yumichika and rushed inside. He did not see any of the cannons in the yard. All that he saw was a skull hanging from one of the hitching posts. Ikkaku knew the sign all too well.
"The Exequias," he whispered.
"What did you say?"
"Yumichika, a hanging skull is the emblem for the Exequias Army," he said and pointed to the skull. "They…they did this."
"We need to tell Captain Zaraki. We need to stop Rudobon from whatever he's up to."
"I know. But I think we might be a little late. The Exequias have a three days head start on us and they move fast. Even if they have cannons with them, they always move fast."
South Borderlands
Skullak watched as the Gotei fort in the valley burned. He made sure that the order went out that the women and children were not to be harmed nor were they allowed to plunder any of the towns. They would only take from the Gotei forts and so far the Exequias Army was doing as he ordered.
"Sir, we got a message from Rudobon," one of his officers said.
"What does he say?"
"He says that they just took out a Gotei base outside of Stone River."
"That means that in a couple of days he'll be at the Garganta Pass," Skullak said. "Tell him that we should reach the Garganta Pass at around the same time he does."
"Yes sir," the officer said and rushed off.
Skullak frowned as he watched the burning Gotei fort. He didn't like how easy this was. When he heard that it was because most of the Gotei in the Borderlands were addicted to Brujería and Amor and were going through withdrawal, he felt even more ashamed of each "victory." There was no real victory here. He just hoped that the Gotei in the Gensei Provinces would actually be able to fight.
"What's the point?" he asked. "Why did we agree to do this? There's no honor to be had."
He knew that Rudobon was thinking along the same lines. They were tempted to just turn around and ride back to the Hueco Mundo Wastes, but they accepted Aizen's offer and they were paid. When the Exequias Army took a job, they did whatever it took to complete it. He shook his head at the thought. That meant that they had become little more than Mercenaries.
He sighed and looked ahead and he thought he saw the land covered in grave markers and the rivers running red with blood. He saw sparks flying through the air and becoming raging fires when they touched the ground. Then the vision was gone and he only saw the fire burning from the Gotei fort and the group of refugees making their way to whatever future they had.
Fort Seireitei
"Alright then," Aizen said as he rose. "You all know your assignments."
His officers nodded their heads. He smiled at them.
"Then we officially begin Operation End of Hypnosis," he said. "This meeting is adjourned."
Karakura Town
Rangiku Matsumoto was glad that she was off duty today. It gave her an opportunity to just enjoy the festivities. She watched as people made their way to the cemetery to pay their respects for the dead. Some of the older people were sitting on the porches and taking it all in. She thought that they must be remembering a time when Día de los Muertos was about the treats and games and fireworks and longing for those days.
She watched as a procession came down the street playing celebratory music. She saw that the men at the head were waving corn stalks around and a group of women behind them were waving bundles of wheat to celebrate the completed harvest. Then behind them came men carrying the stuffed men that would be burned. Behind them, came the Fool Men in their brightly colored clothes displaying their abilities at acrobatics and juggling. She loved watching them and clapped along with the music which was now going into a wild dance.
She thought she knew the song and began to sing.
Bring in the barley
Bring in the corn
Bring in the wheat
Harvest's done
Harvest's in
Now dance
Dance under the Harvest Moon
Harvest Moon grinnin' down
Harvest Moon grinnin' down
Upon the face of the lass
Lying on the grass
She clapped faster as the song became faster.
Sow the oats
Sow the seed
Into that virgin soil
Grind and grind
Pump and grind
To get a rich harvest
In nine months' time
"Rather vulgar don't you think?"
She turned and she gasped as she looked at the silver-haired man next to her who was smiling at her.
"Gin, is that you?" she asked.
"Guilty as charged," Gin Ichimaru said. "It's been a while. How are things in the Gotei?"
"Things are…good," Rangiku said. "I suppose I should ask how things are in the banking business."
"Boring as ever," Gin said and they burst out laughing.
"It's been a while since I last saw you," Rangiku said. "You never wrote. You never wired. You never came to visit. I thought that you died."
"Oh come now, I had my reasons for leaving so soon."
"Like what?"
"Well…business."
"Bastard," she said and hit him in the arm. "I thought that you ran off with some bar maid. When I woke up…you were gone. I thought it was something I did."
"I'm sorry, Rangiku. It's just that I needed to get away from Fort Seireitei. The whole environment was just too…militaristic for my taste."
"Then why didn't you go east? Why did you go west?"
"It's because the west has much more to offer in terms of opportunity than the east. The east is so over-developed that I would probably not get very far trying to start up a bank. At least here, I knew I had a chance."
"That doesn't excuse you for not writing to tell me you were alright."
"I know. I made a mistake and I'm sorry. Do you forgive me?"
Rangiku glared at Gin and then chuckled as she shook her head.
"How can I stay mad at you, Gin?"
"Are you free for dinner tonight?"
"Yeah, Captain Hitsugaya gave me the night off."
"That was nice of him."
"I know. So, yes…I'm free for dinner tonight."
"Then stop by the Hogyoku United Bank building tonight and I'll take you to a really nice restaurant."
"I would love that," Rangiku said and smiled at him.
Karakura Town, Four Months Before
"RUKIA!" Renji shouted.
The fires surrounded him as he searched for Rukia. The building was getting ready to fall and he had to find her before that happened. He heard struggling coming from one room. He rushed in and saw Zommari jumping out the window. He looked down and saw him limp away and firing at any of the Gotei soldiers who tried to stop him. He turned away and saw Rukia crawling on the floor. She was clutching the small Deringer pistol she kept with her. She coughed and looked up at Renji.
"Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine," she said and got up. "Fucker surprised me."
"Damn it, Rukia. Why did you come in here?"
"I thought it was that Aaroniero bastard," she said. "Turned out it was only that Zommari guy. Fucker tried to inject me with something," she said and pointed to the hypodermic needle on the floor.
Renji debated about whether or not to try to reach it, but a falling timber decided it for him as it crashed on the needle. Whatever was in it was nothing good. He heard rumors about how Zommari's specialty was developing drugs that were extremely addictive. However, none of that really mattered at the moment. The main thing was getting Rukia out.
"Can you walk?"
"Damn right I can," Rukia said. "So shut up and let's get the fuck out of here."
"Yes ma'am," Renji said and smiled as he followed her out.
Karakura Hotel
"Renji, wake up."
Renji opened his eyes and looked at Rukia who was sitting next to him.
"Oh…did I fall asleep?"
"You know you did," Rukia said smiling. "Anyways, sorry about that," she said and turned to Captain Ukitake.
"That's not a problem," Ukitake said and smiled. "I'm sure that you've had a rough couple of days."
"You have no idea," Rukia said and frowned. "Where's my brother at right now?"
"He's questioning the suspects at the Pinkerton Agency," Ukitake said. "He made it clear that under no circumstances are you to try to rescue Ichigo."
"What do you say?" Rukia asked.
"I'm gonna say that he can tell you not to make a rescue attempt, but that's not going to stop you. No matter what I tell you, you're going to try to rescue him."
"Damn right," Rukia said.
"Rukia, do you understand the risks this will bring?"
"I do, and I'm still gonna do it."
"I see. In that case, I'll tell you what you need to know."
"Captain Ukitake," Renji said. "Why would you be willing to do this?"
"You both need a plan. You can't just rush in. You don't know how many will be there and you don't know where to go. However, I know those things," Ukitake said. "I made sure to make inquiries at the Pinkerton Agency."
"Alright, so tell us," Rukia said.
Ukitake sighed and opened the schematics for the Senkaimon Express Station. He searched the pages until he found the one he was looking for. He turned it so that Rukia and Renji could see it.
"This is the Goods Station. It's located about five miles away from the passenger station. That's where they have their main offices and it's also where they keep prisoners before they're shipped to Fort Seireitei. That's where they're keeping them. The agent I talked to mentioned something about five men being on guard duty tonight."
"We can take care of them," Renji said. "We raided Las Noches and got Orihime out without problems."
"You need to keep in mind that these men are Pinkerton agents and they're not exactly going to be friendly if they catch you. They have orders to make sure no one sees the prisoners unless they're sent from the agency with direct orders from Tsukishima. And don't even bother trying. If you came with orders signed by Tsukishima they will turn you away. They have been given direct orders not to allow either of you anywhere near Ichigo."
"Damn it," Renji moaned. "There went my plan."
"Renji, there are other ways of getting close. You can borrow some of the dynamite that they keep there. There's an Explosives Shed," she said and pointed to a small structure on the schematic that was labeled "EXPLOSIVES". "They keep one nearby in case they need to use dynamite for something or if someone's shipping explosives they can use it for storage."
"That's right," Ukitake said. "You can create a diversion that will reduce the number of guards inside the building at the time. However, it will only buy you so much time before they decide to move the prisoners."
"I don't get something," Renji said. "They're keeping Ginjo and Hirako in the Agency Offices, but Ichigo and Isshin are being kept there. Why is that?"
"They're going to be shipped to Fort Seireitei in the morning," Ukitake said. "Before, they were being kept in the Pinkerton Agency Offices, but they were moved late last night. It's not unusual."
"Oh," Renji said and looked at the schematics. "There are a lot of places in here where we can hide. I'm sure there are plenty of boxcars to hide in."
"Yes, but those boxcars can also be used to trap you. So, be careful."
"We will," Rukia said and smiled. "But, we can't make any guarantees."
"Well…just make sure to come back unharmed for your brother's sake," Ukitake said. "He would not forgive himself if anything happened to you."
"I thought you said that he told me not to do this."
"He did, but he also knows that you would still go ahead with it. In fact, he was the one who gave me these schematics. Now, I'll leave you to look over them and come up with a plan."
Sabaku Dessert
"I was too late to help him," Grimmjow said. "I'm sorry, Lord Luisenbarn, but Cuuhlhourne is dead."
"I see," Baraggan said and leaned back. "That is distressing news. Did you see which way these Gotei soldiers went?"
"Hey, I rode back here as fast as I could in case they decided to come this way. I ain't a fuckin' psychic. I can't read their minds."
"I suppose you can't," Baraggan said. "Alright, Grimmjow you may leave, but I have one final question for you."
"Oh, and what might that be?"
"How did Cuuhlhourne encounter them while you didn't?"
"What do you mean? He was probably fuckin' ambushed or they were coming from the north or south and they saw him, but not me. I don't know."
"Then you wouldn't mind if I examined your revolver."
"What do you mean?"
"Did you fire at the soldiers?"
"No, I told you that by the time I arrived, they were gone. Cuuhlhourne had his revolver drawn, so he probably got a couple of shots off."
"Then you wouldn't mind me checking your cartridges," Baraggan said and drew his own revolver. "Or are you going to force me, the Lord of the Wastes, to pry it from your cold dead hands?"
Grimmjow looked at the revolver and sighed.
"Fine," he said and drew out his revolver and handed it over.
"Good Kitty," Nirgge said and laughed as he took the revolver and handed it to Baraggan.
"Don't call me 'Kitty'," Grimmjow said.
"Why not? Isn't that what you like Nel to call you?" Nirgge asked.
"Shut up, you idiot," Avirama said and hit Nirgge on the head.
"Hey, where's Poww at or Ggio?" Grimmjow asked.
"Ggio is watching the prisoner," Avirama said and crossed his arms. "Poww is on an assignment to check on something that Luppi told us about."
"Tch…what did Luppi talk to you about? How much Brujería is being wasted or how much money we're losing from clients?"
"Something else," Baraggan said as he opened the cylinder. He dumped the cartridges into his hand and looked at them. "Grimmjow, why is there one that looks as though it's been fired?" he asked and held it up.
"What does that matter? I probably shot it off by accident and didn't even realize it."
"I find that hard to believe," Avirama said. "I mean. You mean to tell me that you fired off a shot and didn't even hear the gun go off? Tell me, can ya hear this?" he asked and clapped his hands to the side of Grimmjow's head close to his ears. Grimmjow flinched and Avirama smiled. "Well, ya ain't deaf."
"Look, I panicked and I…"
"Grimmjow, it won't work," Baraggan said and smiled. "We already know."
"What…what do you mean?"
"Ah, he's back," Baraggan said as they saw Poww's horse ride up to them. "Poww, what did you find?"
"He's dead alright with a gunshot wound to the head. However, his revolver had not been fired."
"I see," Baraggan said and turned to Grimmjow. "Nirgge, tell Ggio to bring the prisoners."
"Yes sir," Nirgge said and glared at Grimmjow. "HEY SHRIMP," he called out. "BRING 'EM OUT."
Grimmjow turned and his went wide. Ggio was not ushering Sui-Feng towards them, but rather his Panteras.
"What is this?" Grimmjow asked and turned to face Baraggan.
"This…is your trial," Baraggan said and grinned. "Luppi, come forward."
"Yes sir," Luppi said as he stepped out from behind a large boulder. Grimmjow turned to look at Baraggan to ask what was going on. However Baraggan raised a hand and he saw Nirgge aiming his revolver at the side of his head.
"Grimmjow, don't try to speak," Baraggan said. "Luppi saw the whole thing. Now tell me, what have you and Nel been planning?"
Karakura Town
The sun was beginning to sink behind the horizon. Fires began to be lit and the sounds of the celebrations began to increase. Renji and Rukia made their way through the crowded streets. They were glad that no one was demanding to know where they were going. Instead, they were all focused on the celebrations. They saw that many of them were in costumes for the Masquerade Balls that would be held later that night.
They made their way through the crowds. However, the further they got, the easier it became to travel. Soon they were able to run through the streets.
"Rukia, are you sure you want to do this?"
"Of course I am," Rukia said. "But you can turn back if you want."
"No, I just wanted to make sure."
"What? That I was still willing to do what it took to save the man I love? Renji, what kind of stupid question is that? Wouldn't you be willing to do whatever it took to save someone you loved?"
"Of course I would," Renji said. "I would do anything to save…" he stopped himself and shook his head. "We're committed to this. I'll see it through."
"Good," Rukia said. "Now, come on."
They ran through the darkening streets. Behind them, the sounds of celebrations rose into the air. Soon, the period known as Noche del Incendio, Night of the Fire, would begin. High above, a full moon was began its reign in the sky.
Hogyoku United Bank
Gin Ichimaru looked at the photo and sighed before he put it back into the drawer. He looked at himself in the full-length mirror on the inside door of the wardrobe. He made sure that everything was in place. He reached for the phone and debated as whether or not to call Tsukishima to let him know to begin the next phase without him. He knew that he should, but he decided that Tsukishima probably already knew. His eyes and ears were everywhere and they reported everything to him. He knew that he was probably seen with Rangiku by at least ten different agents.
He pulled back his hand and sighed. He could never tell Rangiku why he left her without any word. He walked away from the desk, but before he reached the door, the phone began to ring. He turned and sighed and reached for it. He hesitated, but knew that he would have to take it. He picked up the phone and sighed before he answered.
"This is Gin."
"Hello Gin," Tsukishima said from the other hand. "I understand that you just reconnected with your old flame. I trust that you'll have a good night tonight. Don't worry. I can easily carry out tonight's phase by myself. However, just make sure that you're ready for tomorrow's announcement."
"I will," Gin said. "I take it that Aizen is ready as well?"
"He is. Operation End of Hypnosis is about to begin on his end. Now, go have some fun tonight. You deserve it."
"Thanks," Gin said. "We're nearing the end, aren't we?"
"We are," Tsukishima said. "Have a pleasant evening."
"I will," Gin said. "I'll be one of the few people who will," he said and hanged up the phone. He sighed and made his way out of the office. He looked at Rangiku who was dressed in a lovely blue evening dress with rhinestones lining the top. "I'm sorry, but I had some last minute business to take care of," he said.
"That's alright," Rangiku said. "You didn't keep me that long."
"Good," Gin said. "Now then, let's get something to eat."
Inoue Residence
"I got a call from Tatsuki," Orihime said. "So far everything's good. Keigo and Mizuiro have agreed to help in whatever way they can."
"That's good," Starrk said.
"Sung-Sun, make sure that you pack enough explosives in case we need to make a quick getaway," Harribel said.
"Yes ma'am," Sung-Sun said.
"What about Lilynette?" Starrk asked.
"She's fine," Orihime said. "Tatsuki dropped her off with Yuzu and Karin."
Starrk nodded. He hoped that she would be safe there. He would never forgive himself if something happened to her and he wasn't there to prevent it. He looked at the clock and saw that it was 5:15 PM. He sighed.
"Starrk, let's get going," Harribel said.
He nodded and looked at Orihime.
"Will you be alright?"
"Do not worry about her," Ulquiorra said. "I will be here."
"Anyways, Isaac and Miria will be back when they've had enough of the festivities," Orihime said. "Then they'll be back to crash on the couch."
Starrk smiled a little at that. Isaac and Miria were odd, but they were good people. Without them, they would probably have still been in prison or most likely hanging from a sour apple tree.
"Well, then you'll be in good company," Starrk said.
"Also, I have Enraku watching over me," Orihime said. "He's been with me since I was a baby and he…he reminds me that my brother is watching over me."
Starrk smiled, but he was curious about why Ulquiorra tightened-up the way he did whenever she mentioned her brother. He couldn't understand it, but thought that he probably never would. Ulquiorra kept many things about him secret. Starrk wished that he wouldn't. He thought that if Ulquiorra could open up, then maybe he would understand that happiness required the risk of loss. He decided that perhaps it was time for Ulquiorra to take off that mask that he tried to maintain.
"Ulquiorra, I need to speak to you real quick," he said.
"Very well," Ulquiorra said and approached Starrk. "What do you wish to discuss?"
"In private," Starrk said and led him to the small room at the end of the hall.
Ulquiorra cocked his head slightly in the way he often times did whenever he was confused about something. He followed Starrk and they went into the room. Starrk turned on the light and closed the door after making sure that no one followed to eavesdrop.
"What do you wish to discuss?"
"Ulquiorra, it's obvious that Orihime's trying to get to know you. So, please, just try to open up to her."
"I do not understand. I am being myself."
"That's the problem. You're not."
Ulquiorra looked at him and made his way to the door.
"If that is all that you wished to speak to me about, then it was a waste of my time."
"Ulquiorra, you try to be cold and uncaring, but that's nothing more than a mask that you put on. Hell, even Apacci can see that you like her and you know how she can be when it comes to other people's feelings."
"Indeed, and it appears that side of her still holds and has spread to the rest of you. Orihime Inoue means nothing to me."
"Then why did you save her from Loly?"
"Who told you?" Ulquiorra asked as he spun around.
"Orihime told us while we were laying low in that cabin. It's obvious that you do care for her. Why do you insist on wearing that mask?"
"And why do you insist on pursuing this matter? Why are you so eager to change me?"
"Is it really changing you if it's restoring you to who you truly are? Deep down, you're nothing like the cold, calculating, uncaring, stuck-up, kiss-ass that we all thought you were. If you were, then you would still be with Aizen. Face it Ulquiorra, you're not fooling anyone."
"I do not wish to discuss this anymore," Ulquiorra said and he opened the door. "Now, you better get going before it gets to be too late."
"Fine, but…think about it, Ulquiorra. Orihime wants to know you because she cares for you. I suggest that you show her some courtesy and open up to her. However, if you need some proper motivation, consider it repayment for her saving your life. Now, it may be painful for both of you, I don't know, but you'll feel a lot better."
"How do you know?"
"Bel and I have shared many of our darkest secrets with each other and it only helped us grow stronger and become closer. Sure there are things in your life that are meant to be kept just to yourself, but if it's keeping you from growing closer to others, then perhaps you should just let it go. And confessing it is the best first step."
"And how much do I owe you for this session?" Ulquiorra asked.
Starrk looked at him in surprise and began to laugh.
"Oh man…I never thought I'd live to see the day when Ulquiorra actually told a joke. I'll tell you what. That'll due for the fee for today's session."
Starrk continued to laugh as he left the room. Ulquiorra shook his head. He could never quite understand Starrk's sense of humor.
Sabaku Dessert
Grimmjow fell to the ground, gasping. His face bloodied and bruised from the hits he had received. Baraggan looked down at him, scowling.
"Nirgge, give him another ten," he said.
"Yes sir," Nirgge said and lifted Grimmjow by the color of his vest. He struck Grimmjow another ten times in the face and chest. When he was done he allowed Grimmjow to fall to the ground again.
"Now tell me, what were you and Nel planning to do?" Baraggan asked again.
"I…I ain't talking."
Baraggan frowned. He turned to Avirama and nodded. Avirama nodded to show that he understood and took out his hunting knife.
"Do you see this?" Avirama asked and displayed the blade. "I ain't gonna use this on you. I'm gonna use it on one of them," he said and gestured to the Panteras with the knife. "Now, you're gonna tell us what you're planning or you're gonna hear one of them scream for a little while."
"Grimmjow, don't worry about us," Yylfordt said. "I'm sure we can take what he dishes out."
Grimmjow smiled and shook his head. He knew they were trying to act tough for his sake, but Avirama was too well-trained in "motivating" people to talk. However, Avirama would try to make it as quick as possible. He could tell that Avirama didn't like the idea of torturing people who had become comrades for him. Even Baraggan was feeling uneasy about the situation. He knew he couldn't hide it anymore.
"I'll confess," Grimmjow said and looked at Baraggan. "I've been spying for Ulquiorra."
Gasps rose from the crowd of Arrancars. Mutters rose as well and there were some who were muttering for an immediate execution of the traitors. Some were shaking their heads or looked away, but Luppi looked ecstatic.
He helped weed out a traitor, Grimmjow thought. He thinks he's gonna be rewarded.
"Grimmjow…is this true?" Avirama asked. Grimmjow could hear the tremor in his voice.
"I'm sorry, but it is," Grimmjow said. "My Panteras weren't involved. Just let them go and punish me."
Baraggan stood up and looked at the army.
"LOLY, COME HERE WITH YOUR WHIP," he roared.
Loly rushed forward, laughing as she brought the whip she would have used against Orihime. She knelt before him and displayed the whip. Each of the cords had bits of glass and stones in it. Baraggan looked at Grimmjow and then nodded to her.
"GIVE HIM TWENTY LASHES! THEN PREPARE HIM FOR IMMEDIATE EXECUTION BY BALA!"
"With pleasure," Loly said and smiled. "Menoly, strip off his vest. I'm about to make pretty boy here a whole lot prettier."
"Yes Loly," Menoly said.
She made her way to Grimmjow and took off his vest. She stepped back as Loly stepped forward. She gave a practice swing with the whip and nodded at the sound it made as it swung through the air. She smiled as she swung the whip. Grimmjow felt the bits of glass and stone and bone digging into his back. He cried out as his flesh was torn.
"Aw, did Kitty-Cat get a little boo-boo?" Loly asked and began to laugh. "What a PITY!" she cried as she swung the whip again. "YES! YES! YES! SCREAM! SCREAM BITCH! SCREAM BITCH! SCREAM! SCREAM! SCREEEEEEEAM!" she roared as she continued to swing the whip. Most of the Arrancars cringed, but Luppi was laughing. The sight of blood excited him as much as it did Loly. With each lash, Grimmjow cried out in pain. "SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM!"
"LOLY, THAT'S ENOUGH!" Menoly shouted. "You're above twenty now."
"Aw…already? That's a shame," she said and brought the whip down one more time.
The Arrancars backed away from her in case she decided she wanted to tie any of them to the whipping post. Grimmjow collapsed to the ground. He found that he could barely move. He felt a pair of hands lift him up. He looked as Nirgge and Avirama thrust him against the rock wall. Grimmjow began to slide down. The feel of the rock wall digging into his raw wounds was extremely painful. He cried out and straightened.
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez," Baraggan said. "You are accused of conspiring with the Gotei and the Traitors Starrk, Harribel, and Schiffer. You are also accused of the murder of Charlotte Cuuhlhourne. On both counts you are guilty by your own admission. Therefore, you are sentenced to death by Bala.
"However, your Panteras will be spared. However, they must submit their loyalty to me," Baraggan said. "If they deny you and submit to me, then I will forgive them of all involvement."
"Grimmjow…" Edorad said and looked at him.
"Do as he says," Grimmjow said. "Don't be a bunch of idiots. Just…do as he says."
"I will not," Shawlong said and he stepped to stand beside Grimmjow. "I made a vow to stand beside you no matter what. I'm going to keep my oath."
"I will as well," Edorad said and he stepped to the wall. "I always keep my promise."
"If you think we're just gonna abandon ya now, think again," Di Roy said.
"No shit," Nakeem said. "We've been through too much together."
"That's right, we're your Panteras," Yylfordt said. "We followed you this far and we're gonna follow you to the depths of Hell."
"No…you'll die," Grimmjow said.
"Then we die," Shawlong said.
"So be it," Baraggan said. "LET IT BE KNOWN THAT GRIMMJOW AND HIS PANTERAS ARE HEREBY SENTENCED TO DEATH. Now, who shall be the executioner?"
No one moved. Baraggan looked at his Crimson Dragons, but none of them made a move. The Luppi stepped forward. His face was beaming with a desire to kill. Luppi gazed at Grimmjow and smiled at him.
"I will," Luppi said. "After all, I uncovered his treachery. I should be the one to pull the trigger."
Many of the Arrancars nodded in approval, but others scowled at him. Grimmjow felt that Luppi only wanted to do it in order to feel as though he was a true Espada. He had a feeling that those who were scowling at Luppi were thinking the same thing. It was not unheard of an Arrancar killing an Espada and taking the title of Espada on himself. However, it was frowned upon because many felt that just killing an Espada did not entitle an Arrancar to the title of Espada.
"Very well. Their blood shall be on your head," Baraggan said. "WONDERWEISS, BRING UP THE BALA SHOOTER."
"HWAA YAAAAA GAAA" Wonderweiss said as he drove one of the carts up.
On the back, a Bala Shooter stood on its stand, which was bolted to the cart's bed. Grimmjow watched as Luppi climbed into the cart and stood behind the Shooter. He got one of the clips of bullets out of the crate that lay next to the mounted gun and loaded it. Grimmjow looked at his Panteras and sighed.
"Gentlemen," he said. "It was a pleasure to ride with you."
"It was a pleasure to ride with you, Grimmjow," Shawlong said and smiled.
"READY!" Baraggan roared.
"Let's face this like true Arrancars," Grimmjow said.
"AIM!"
The Panteras nodded and faced forward. Grimmjow looked forward and closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Nel," he said.
"FIRE!"
In the distance Nel heard the roar of gunfire. She stood up.
"What is it?" Pesche asked.
"Grimmjow," she whispered and tears began to roll down her cheeks.
Outside the Senkaimon Goods Station
Renji and Rukia made their way to the top of the hill and looked down at the goods station below them.
"Okay, so Ichigo and Isshin are being kept in there," Rukia said and pointed at the office building to the far side of the sea of boxcars.
"It's pretty well lit," Renji said. "That means we'll have to be careful."
"Right," Rukia said and dug out her pocket watch. "It's currently 5:57 PM. The fireworks begin at 7:00 PM. If we want the distraction to work, we need to set it off before 6:50 PM. Any later and they'll think that the fireworks just started early. And we need to make sure they see it."
"I'll take care of that part," Renji said. "I'll set off the explosives at 6:49 PM. In the meantime, you get as close to the office as you can and get ready to knock out anyone who tries to get in your way. I'll rejoin you as quickly as I can."
"Alright," Rukia said and looked at the lights below. Renji looked at her and sighed.
"We better get going. Time passes quickly," Renji said and he began to rush to the station. Rukia followed close behind.
"Hang on, Ichigo," she said. "We're coming."
Inoue Residence
Ulquiorra paced the room. Everything was coming to a boiling point. He knew that the others felt it. While he felt relieved that they had some allies, he felt that things were happening too fast and people would die. No matter what they did, it wouldn't do any good.
"Why even bother?" he asked. "We are too late no matter what we try to do."
"Ulquiorra, are you alright?" Orihime asked as she knocked on the room's door.
"I am quite well, Little Girl," he said.
"May I come in?"
"Very well," Ulquiorra said as he opened the door.
Orihime walked into the room and looked at Ulquiorra. However, she wasn't smiling as she usually did. He knew that didn't mean anything good.
"I've been talking to Harribel," she said.
"I see," Ulquiorra said.
What are they trying to do? Do they really think that I can open up to her and everything will be alright? I can't. I won't. If I do, then I'll lose her. And I don't want to lose her.
"Ulquiorra, I need to talk to you."
Karakura Town
Captain Hitsugaya made his way to the telegraph office. He knew that Momo would want to hear from him, but this was the first opportunity he had to take a breather. He was glad that Captain Kuchiki agreed to take his place in overseeing the crowds since he was not interested in the festivities.
He opened the door and saw the two telegraph operators, Akon and Rin, sitting at the table. Akon was drinking a glass of wine while Rin was enjoying a bag of Chappy's Choco-Caramel Chews. They turned and stood up and saluted.
"Oh…Captain Hitsugaya," Akon said. "We weren't exactly expecting you."
"At ease, I just need to send a message to Fort Seireitei. May I?"
"Of course, sir," Akon said. "I assume that you know how to use it."
"I do," Toshiro said as he sat down.
He looked at the machine and smiled. When he started out in the Gotei, he was a telegraph operator and it felt good to be behind it again. He had enough of the armies of secretaries who believed that a Captain's duty should not include delivering and taking messages. While he was annoyed that his Lieutenant would rather get drunk instead of doing her share of the paper work, he was even more annoyed with not being allowed to sit behind a telegraph.
"So, are you sending a message to your girlfriend?"
"No, she's more of a sister to me," Toshiro said and smiled. "She's the only family I ever really knew."
Fort Seireitei
Aizen looked at himself in the mirror. He admired how the uniform looked on him. He made his way to the door and stepped out where the other members of Squad 5 were standing ready. Most of them had no idea of what their Captain was planning for tonight.
"Captain Aizen," Lieutenant Momo Hinamori said. "The troops are ready for your inspection before we head out to the parade ground."
"Thank you, Momo," he said. "Have you heard anything from Captain Hitsugaya?"
"No, not yet, sir," she said and bowed her head.
"I see," Aizen said. "I'm sure he has to help with overseeing the festivities tonight."
"Yeah, that's probably it."
Aizen looked at Momo and smiled. He found her rather annoying with her constant tailing him to see if he needed anything done. Yet, she had good intentions. He tried to find a way to fit her into his plans, but she was more loyal to the Gotei than to him and was therefore worthless.
"I'm sure he's doing just fine. Now, then let's do our inspection and then head out."
"Yes sir," Momo said and followed her Captain down the line.
Karakura Town
Captain Ukitake sighed as he watched Captain Kyoraku drinking with some of the other celebrants. He sighed as he smoothed down the ascot he wore. He hoped that Kiyone and Sentaro were behaving themselves.
"Well, you're looking rather handsome."
He looked up and saw Unohana coming towards him. She was wearing a dress of purple silk with her hair tied back by a dark blue ribbon. She wore a necklace of a thin gold chain with an ornate bellflower made from small chips of emeralds and chips of blue sapphires hanging from it. Ukitake felt as though he could not breathe. He was looking at true beauty and he wanted to embrace her.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered.
"Do you really think so?"
"I do," Ukitake said and stood up.
"Well…thank you," Unohana said and blushed.
The music, which was once fast and festive, became slow and subdued. Ukitake held out his hand to her. She looked at him and smiled.
"May I have this dance?"
"You may," Unohana said and took his hand.
The Northern Borderlands
Rudobon and Alejo watched as their branches of the Exequias Army continued to move south. The lines of the Cero-Class Canons stretched back for hundreds of yards.
"Alejo, I want to have men check the canons to make sure they can be fired. If they can't, then leave them. We're leaving too long of a trail behind us."
"I understand, sir. However, Aizen made it clear that after tonight the Gotei will not be a major factor."
"Then Aizen's a fool. As far as I'm concerned, if a factor is not fully eliminated then they'll always be a factor. At any rate, both branches are on track to arriving to the Garganta Pass to meet up with the Arrancar Army."
"Sir, what about Aizen? Isn't he supposed to be leading us?"
Rudobon closed his eyes. His hand gripped the bone hilt of his sword. It was true, Aizen was supposed to lead them, but instead he was in Fort Seireitei doing his part. In the meantime, Baraggan was in charge of the Arrancar army. He saw the potential problems rising to the surface.
"There's too much division," he said.
"Sir?"
"Alejo, should we just retreat? Should we head back? Or should we continue forward?"
"We continue forward," Alejo said. "It's true that our forces are technically divided, but as long as we don't try to order the Arrancar Army, then we shouldn't have any problems."
"I agree. However, as soon as we crush Karakura Town, we leave. We will never have anything to do with Aizen again." He sighed as he looked over his forces. "Alejo, I may have made a mistake in agreeing with Aizen. I should have asked you about it first."
"Sir, you did what you thought was best. This way, the Exequias Army will have a chance at reclaiming its former glory. How many other Arrancars have ever received that opportunity? Right now, we can't have any doubts. We move forward."
"Yet, we may be marching to our own deaths," Rudobon said. In the distance they could see fireworks being shot in the air. "They celebrate their dead this way," he said. "Who will celebrate us when we die?"
"Those who come after will always remember those who died in glory."
"Yes, but war is nothing to glorify. They never tell how much the commanders want to shit their pants or to drop everything and run away. They never tell about the screams of the dying and the wounded. They never tell about how you continue to see the faces of those you killed. I have taken countless lives and I can still see their faces and I can still hear their screams. One can never truly escape from that.
"Tell me, Alejo, what are we fighting for?"
"We're fighting to protect the Arrancars from the monsters in the Gotei who raided us time-and-time again and killed without discretion."
"But aren't we doing the same thing? Aren't we monsters as well?"
"I…I don't know," Alejo said. "I never thought about it."
"That's because we maintained the 'Us vs. Them' that has enslaved all of our sides in this cycle. Maybe I'm just coming to realize it."
Alejo didn't know how to respond to Rudobon's words. Instead, they both watched as the night sky began to bloom with colorful flowers. As they watched, Rudobon muttered something under his breath. It was something that had been on his mind for some time and only now could he find voice for it.
"We are all nothing but sparks floating on the wind, hoping to burn the world before we burn out."
The Senkaimon Goods Station
Rukia made her way carefully around the boxcars that stood empty. Every once in a while she could see the main office building where the holding cells were. She stopped whenever she heard footsteps nearby, but the night shadows were providing a good source of hiding spots and hardly anybody was around. She could feel her heart beating fast.
She continued to make her way forward and could see lights shining in the downstairs area where the holding cells were and figures moving around inside. She tried to count them and could make out five. She hoped that Renji had the diversion set up. She looked around and made her way forward. She could see the figures clearly and she stopped as she saw one of them heading towards the door. She decked behind a pile of lumber just as the guard stepped out. She peered over the pile and watched as the man lit a cigarette and looked around.
She hoped that the man would stay where he was or at least walk in any other direction than her own. She took out her pocket watch, but it slipped from her fingers and fell to the ground and made a soft noise as it struck the gravel. She ducked, but her feet slid a little and made a slight crunching sound.
"Hello. Is anybody there?" the man called out.
Shit, Rukia thought as she heard the footsteps approaching. Then, she heard a cat calling from somewhere nearby. The man chuckled and walked back to the office. She took a risk and peered over the lumber and watched as he made his way to the office.
"Hey, did you see somebody?" one of the other men asked.
"Oh…Dorian, no, it was just a frickin' cat or a rabbit."
"A cat or a rabbit?" the man named Dorian asked. "It wasn't one of our expected guests?"
Expected guests, Rukia thought. I wonder who he's talking about.
"No sir," he said. "And Zommari said they might come including the one Lord Aizen wants to use."
"Oh really," Dorian Semental said and looked to where Rukia was hiding and waved. "I…see…you…Little Bunny Kuchiki."
Rukia's eyes became wide.
IT'S A TRAP!
She was about to run to find Renji when she felt someone grab her from behind. She felt hot breath and the cold metal of a mask against her face. She winced as she saw the scrollwork that ran along the mask's silver lips: "Se esconden en las Sombras", "Hide in the Shadows."
"Hello again, Bitch," Aaroniero said in his raspy voice. "It's been a while."
Inoue Residence
"Ulquiorra, I need to talk to you," Orihime said.
"What do you need to talk about?" Ulquiorra asked.
"I need to know what you're hiding from me."
"What are you talking about?"
"Every time I try to talk to you about how you became this way, you keep dodging. You keep saying that you did things that you're not proud of, but everyone can say that. So why don't you tell me?"
"It is complicated," he said, his voice was shaking slightly and Orihime noticed it.
"You're afraid. Are you so afraid that you did something that would cause me to hate you enough to just abandon you?"
"That's…none of your concern."
"Damn it, Ulquiorra. Why aren't you letting me in? How can I possibly love you when you're not letting me into your heart?"
"It's because…you…you wouldn't understand."
"Ulquiorra, I need you to tell me the truth. What caused you to become so…cold and…and uncaring?"
"That's none of your concern."
"Of course it's my concern," Orihime said. "It's my concern because I love you."
"Why? Why would you love someone like me? It is foolish for someone like you to love someone like me."
"For God's sake, Ulquiorra…TAKE OFF THE MASK! I know you don't really mean it. So…just take off the mask that you've put on to protect yourself."
Ulquiorra looked at her and saw the tears in her eyes. He closed his own eyes and gritted his teeth. He began to wonder why even his dreams were telling him to take off the mask. He knew what lied under it and it was nothing that could be loved or pitied. He was a demon. And when you got down to it, who could love a demon? He reached into his coat pocket and touched the cold silver of the Heart Box.
"Are you sure you want this?" he asked.
"I'm sure. No matter how painful it may be to face I will always love you."
"You won't," Ulquiorra said. He pulled out the Heart Box and held it to her. He looked at her as she took it. "You won't."
Orihime looked at it and then at Ulquiorra.
"You know, Starrk told me that he suspected you had Gotei training. "If that's all…"
"Open it," Ulquiorra said. "If you really want to know who I am, then open it."
Orihime looked at the side and found the button to open the latch. She heard the soft clicking noise that it made and she looked at him.
"Ulquiorra, no matter what's in here, I'll always love you. By giving this to me, you're opening your heart to me."
Ulquiorra only looked at her and shook his head. Orihime opened the Heart Box and looked at it. At first she was confused and then her mouth fell open. Her eyes were wide and tears were welling up in them. She looked at him.
"Where…where did you get this? This was…this was Sora's. This was my brother's. So tell me, where did you get it?"
"Orihime Inoue…Little Princess…yes, he was right in calling you that," Ulquiorra whispered.
"What are you saying?"
"Have you ever wondered how your brother died? Have you ever wondered why other families received a visit to inform them that their loved ones would never return to them? Have you ever wondered why his Heart Box was not found on him, but the others who did have Heart Boxes still had them?"
"No…no…this is…this can't be," Orihime muttered.
"I was right. I was right to hide it from you. Now that you know, you'll hate me. You'll cast me out like the demon I really am."
"Ulquiorra…what are you saying."
"Orihime Inoue, the one who killed your brother was me," he said.
Orihime stared at him in silence. Outside, the fireworks began to paint the sky with their bright blossoms.
The sparks that had been floating in the air landed in the dry brush and became a roaring fire.
End of Chapter 12
A.N.: Okay, so this was originally supposed to be one chapter, but then I realized that so much is going on during this time period that I had to divide it into two separate chapters so this chapter is Part 1 and the next chapter will be Part 2. When I was writing Chapter 11 and decided that Ulquiorra was the one who killed Sora Inoue, I knew that he would confess it sometime in this chapter. Now, I'm rather familiar with the cliche of fireworks being shot off during a first kiss and I wanted to use that in terms of Ulquiorra finally telling Orihime what he's been hiding from her.
Anyways, the next chapter is officially the one I'm dreading writing the most. I should warn you ahead of time that one will contain a lot of deaths so be prepared. As for what happened to Grimmjow and the Panteras...Chapter 14.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading and please review.