Kick About, Destroy, Bind
Chapter 15: Resolve
Karakura Hospital
Mizuiro and Keigo hitched their horses in front of the hospital. The sky above was beginning to take on the shades of dark blue and deep violet. They could hear the sounds of rioting coming from somewhere nearby. Doctors in white coats and nurses hiking up their dresses so that they would not trip over them ran to incoming carts with patients.
"This isn't good," Keigo moaned.
"Come on," Mizuiro said. "We were told to get this information to Kisuke."
Keigo looked at the two sheets of paper that Mizuiro brought out of his coat pocket. He still couldn't understand how their boss, Tsukishima, could be involved in a plot against the Gensei Provinces. However, there was the evidence before him.
"We need to tell someone," Keigo said.
"Who do you recommend? We don't know who else we can trust. If Tsukishima's involved, then we have to assume that anyone could be his eyes and ears."
Keigo moaned as they walked to the front doors that were left wide open. They saw men carrying stretchers with people who had been caught in the chaos. They rushed to the front desk where one of the orderlies was shouting out directions to the staff.
"NO! TAKE HIM TO EMERGENCY CARE IMMEDIATELY!" the orderly shouted from where she sat.
"Uh…excuse me," Mizuiro said.
"Hold on…NO TAKE THAT ONE TO SECONDARY! HE JUST HAS A BROKEN ARM! TAKE THE GUNSHOT VICTIM TO PRIMARY! What do you want?"
"We're looking for Kisuke Urahara. Do you know where he is?"
"How the fuck do I know? He checked out only a few minutes ago."
"What?" Mizuiro asked.
"You heard me. He checked out along with Dr. Ishida, who only woke up, and Mr. Davis. I don't know where they went. I don't care where they went. All that I know is that there are a lot of people who need help. HEY! HEY! THAT ONE NEEDS TO GO TO OPERATION RIGHT NOW! FIND DR. FIELDS AND TELL HIM TO GET HIS ASS TO OPERATION! I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF YOU HAVE TO DRAG HIM OUTA BED!"
"So, what are we gonna do?" Keigo asked.
"We need to head to the Sergio Ranch," Mizuiro said. "That's where they'll most likely be heading. Come on."
The two made their way out of the hospital, not seeing the Pinkerton Agent watching them.
Pinkerton Agency Offices
"Sir, we just received word. Agents Keigo and Mizuiro were at the hospital looking for Kisuke Urahara."
"I see," Tsukishima said, smiling. If they were asking for Urahara, then that must mean they have those documents, he thought. "Which way were they heading?"
"They're currently trying to get out of Karakura Town, but with the streets being in complete chaos right now…"
"Good. Make sure that our fellows are watching the roads out of town. Make sure that neither one gets out."
"Shouldn't we just use the chaos to get rid of them?"
"I'll deal with that part myself. Your duty is to capture them and bring them to me. As soon as the crowds realize that the Gotei officers are powerless against the chaos, send the agents out to keep them under control."
"Yes sir."
Tsukishima turned his attention to the streets outside.
Come high noon tomorrow, he thought, I'll be the one calling the shots.
Streets of Karakura Town
Tessai tried to keep to the back roads in order to avoid the crowds of people who had taken to the streets. The sounds of breaking glass and gunfire filled the early dawn.
"The Gotei officers here are going to have their work cut-out for them," Davis said.
"Agh, it's too loud," Ryuken Ishida moaned.
"Well, at least you're up," Kisuke said. "Tessai had to virtually carry you out."
"I was bitten by a Death's Head Viper," Ryuken said. "Of course I'm going to wake up with a headache."
"Aren't you worried about your son?" Tessai asked.
"I'm sure he's fine. If he's not then it's his fault," Ryuken said, rubbing his head. "Now shut up and get me some kind of tonic for this damn headache."
"Is he always so harsh when it comes to his son?" Davis asked.
"Yeah, but that's because he was never good with displaying his emotions," Kisuke said. "Tessai, do you know the way?"
"Yes sir," Tessai said. "We only have to go down one of the main streets for a bit and then we'll reach a back road that will lead out of Karakura Town."
Kisuke nodded.
"Just get us out of here undetected. The last thing we need is for any of Aizen's cronies knowing where we're going."
Sabaku Desert
Rudobon looked at the map spread on the ground. The light from the small lantern was enough for him. So far they met with little resistance after the word about Fort Seireitei got out. He was not surprised to find that some of the outposts were completely deserted except for those who decided to stay to fulfill their duties, only to find a quick death.
"Sir, we should get moving," Alejo said. "The men serving under Kenpachi Zaraki will not let the fall of Fort Seireitei stop them."
"I didn't think it would. When we reach the Garganta Pass I'll have three squads of Exequias to guard it to prevent Kenpachi and his men from attacking us in the rear. As far as I can tell, there are no more Gotei outposts to pose a threat to us except for the one at Junrinan. That's where we'll meet up with Skullak's forces.
"How long do you think it will take for us to reach Junrinan?"
"I would probably say tomorrow afternoon and we should arrive at the Garganta Pass that evening, so long as we don't have to fight the Gotei stationed at Junrinan," Alejo said.
Rudobon nodded and folded the map. Alejo picked up the lantern and blew it out.
"It's almost over," Rudobon said. "I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed."
"Well, let's see how it ends," Alejo said.
Rudobon looked after his second-in-command and nodded to himself. In only two days, one way or another, it would all be over.
Senkaimon Goods Station
Ichigo did not stir from his position on the cell's floor. He felt too tired to even try to move. It was as though the past few hours had been a living Hell for him. He had seen his own father and one of his best friends murdered. He could not understand why Rukia had picked him to live. It was his fault that they were captured. It was his fault that Fort Seireitei had fallen. It was his fault that Renji and his father were dead and that Rukia was now nothing more than a marionette being controlled by the strings of Euforia Absoluta.
You know, you could end it, the harsh voice whispered. It's easy. All you have to do is just take your belt and…
"No," Ichigo snarled.
You must realize that there's no real hope for you. You're alone. They all abandoned you because you're nothing more than chicken-shit.
"I know, but…"
"But" nothing… Why don't you just do everyone a favor and die? That way you won't have to endure any more suffering. You already failed at so many things. You failed to protect Orihime that time four months ago. You failed to protect Central 46. Oh…and nice job on protecting your friends and family. Face it. You're pathetic. You're nothing.
"I know. I know. I know," Ichigo moaned.
GIVE UP! That way you won't have to fail anymore. Wouldn't that be nice?
Ichigo didn't say anything. Instead, he only covered his ears as his childhood bogeyman went into a fit of shrill, insane laughter.
Junrinan
"GANJU!"
"WHAT?" Ganju shouted to his sister.
"Be careful with those crates you idiot. They're filled with explosives. If you cause even one of those crates to go off and ruin my shop, I swear to God I'll beat your fat ass to a pulp."
Szayel Aporro finished putting the crate that held his Fornicarás Rifle onto the cart. He found it odd that his two, twin, fat horses, Lumina and Verona, were hitched on either side of Bonnie the Pig. Tonight the words "FOUR HOOF DRIVE" were painted on the giant boar's side. He could not understand how the idea of using a boar as a horse could ever enter anyone's idea.
This is just great, he thought. Ulquiorra drags me into something I would rather stay out of. I get shot at by three idiots who held a grudge against me. And now, I'm stuck with two psychos, one into explosives and another who uses a boar as a horse. And now I'm heading into danger and not out of it. Maybe I should have just gone home when I had the chance. But then again, Aizen could have posted people there and they would have killed me just as I was going through my front door. Damn you, Ulquiorra. If I die because of this, I'm going to make sure to haunt you to an early grave.
"HEY, PINKY, ARE YOU READY?" Kukaku shouted.
"Yeah," Szayel Aporro said.
"Good. Ganju, do you know if Jidanbo is still going with us?"
"The last time I checked he was," Ganju said. "But…what if…?"
Kukaku sighed. While she was busy loading the explosives they heard shouting coming from outside. Somebody was going around town shouting that Fort Seireitei had fallen. She did not understand why anyone would think they had an obligation to go running in the streets, shouting out the worst news. The idiot had caused a panic and now people were starting to pack their things and getting out of town. Of course, none of them ever thought about where they would go.
"Jidanbo gave us his word," Kukaku said. "He won't break his word even if Judgment Day was here. Pinky, get your ass moving. We're getting outta here."
"I would appreciate it if you don't call me 'Pinky,' and if you would ask politely."
Kukaku stopped and glared at Szayel Aporro. He swallowed hard and tried to find someplace to hide.
"First off," she said. Her voice was low and ominous. "I can call you whatever I want to call you. Just remember, I can still spill your little secret. Is that clear…Psycho Pink?"
"Yes," Szayel Aporro squeaked while nodding his head vigorously.
"Let's see if you really understand. Who's in charge here?"
"You are."
"Good, that's one-for-one. Now, what's your name?"
Szayel Aporro thought hard about it. He really didn't want to say the answer she was looking for, but he didn't have many options. He sighed in defeat.
"Whatever you want it to be," he moaned.
"Well, what do ya know? You really are a genius," Kukaku said, grinning. "That's right Pink-Boy. From this moment on, your ass belongs to me and I can call ya whatever I like. Now, move your ass…please."
Well, Szayel Aporro thought as he climbed into the cart, at least she said "Please."
Gin Ichimaru's Suite
Gin looked over to where Rangiku still slept. Dawn was approaching and she would soon hear the news. In the meantime, he wanted to let her have some last moments of peace before the end game began. He sighed as he made his way over and pulled the blanket over her naked body. Rangiku let out a tiny moan and shifted a little.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Looking at Rangiku reminded him of why he decided to join Aizen in his vendetta. It also helped him to decide that what he had planned was for the best. Gin knew that out of all of the conspirators, Kaname had been the only one who was absolutely committed to helping Aizen achieve his goal. However, Gin had plans of his own.
He shook his head as he made his way carefully to the door.
"You're leaving again."
He stopped and turned to where Rangiku was sitting up with the blanket concealing her breasts.
"I…didn't want to disturb you."
"So you decided to just leave without telling me, like you did before? Why?"
"I don't really know," Gin said.
Rangiku looked at him. She could tell that he was hurting. She never thought that leaving her the way he did so many years ago had also hurt him and he spent most of that time wondering if he did the right thing. However, that did not change the fact that he hurt her.
Not this time, she thought. He's not going to get away with hurting me like that. Damn it, I deserve answers.
She got out of the bed, ignoring the fact that she was naked. She was too angry to care. She made her way to Gin and slapped him across the face. He looked at her in surprise.
"Rangi-"
"Don't," she said.
She stood in front of the door and crossed her arms over her large breasts. Gin looked at her and tried to resist the urge to say what he wanted to, and failed.
"So, is this one of those role-playing sex games I've been hearing about?"
"BASTARD!" Rangiku shouted and slapped him again. "This isn't funny. I need to know and I'm not letting you out until you tell me the Truth. Why did you leave me without at least saying 'Goodbye'? Do you have any idea how much you hurt me? I felt like a whore…no, worse than a whore since you didn't even pay me. But I'm not going to let you do that to me again. I refuse to allow you to hurt me again."
Gin sighed and shook his head. How could he tell her? What should he say? If he told her, then it would hurt her even more. He didn't want to hurt her.
Damn, I should have just walked away, Gin thought. Why didn't I? Is it because I still need her to help keep my resolve?
He knew the answers, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her.
"I…have my reasons and they're still the same."
"Tell me," Rangiku said. Gin looked at her and shook his head. "Why can't you?"
"It's because it would only hurt you even more. I know that I hurt you before. I don't want to hurt you anymore and if I tell you then I would only cause you more pain. Please, just…let it go. I'm not worth the pain."
Rangiku looked at Gin. She sighed and moved aside. She knew that was the only answer she would receive from him. She tried to fight back the tears as Gin put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry," he whispered again.
"Just go," Rangiku whispered. "I don't want to see you again."
That last part hurt him. It was like feeling a thousand scorpions sting him. He took his hand off her shoulder and opened the door.
"Goodbye," he whispered and walked out of the bedroom.
Rangiku stood against the wall and then collapsed. She allowed her tears to flow.
Karakura Town
Giriko rode through the back streets. After informing Tessai about what occurred at the hospital, he decided to look for any of the Gotei officers to tell them. He took out his pocket watch and saw that dawn was only less than an hour away. He hoped that the others got to the Sergio Leone Ranch alright.
"EVERYONE, KEEP ORDER!" someone shouted.
Giriko straightened in the saddle. He rode forward and saw that one of the main streets was ahead of him. A crowd was gathering and he noted that most were carrying whatever they could.
They're trying to get out of here, he thought. But where would they go?
He rode forward and saw that the Captain trying to keep everyone calm was the young Captain with short, messy, silver hair.
"LISTEN, WE ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION!" Toshiro shouted. "HOWEVER, WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUR DUTY!"
"WHAT CAN YOU DO?" someone shouted. "THEY'RE COMING TO KILL US ALL AND THEY HAVE HUNDREDS! THERE'S NO HOPE!"
"FOOL!" Toshiro shouted. "AS LONG AS WE STAND UNITED AGAINST THE INVADERS THEN THERE'S STILL HOPE!"
"WHAT AUTHORITY DO YOU HAVE? THE GOTEI HAVE FALLEN!"
Giriko wanted to help the young Captain. However, before he could act, he saw members from the Pinkerton Agency making their way forward. He was instructed not to attract their attention and so he didn't do anything.
"Captain Hitsugaya," one of the agents said. "We have been instructed to help with crowd control in any way that we can."
Giriko saw Toshiro's eyes narrow and knew that he didn't trust the Pinkerton Agents either. He could tell that they were up to something, but didn't know what. All that he knew was that Tsukishima was up to something.
Senkaimon Goods Station
Silence surrounded Ichigo like the sands of the Hueco Mundo Wastes. He tried to focus on the sound of the wind or the soft cries of his sisters from somewhere nearby. However, he could not focus on any of those things. The only thing that he could focus on was the figure lying across from him. Black and yellow eyes glared back at him. Icy blue lips peeled back in a snarling grin revealing rotting teeth.
They're coming for ya. They're coming to kill ya and your sisters. What do ya think about that?
"I think you should just shut the fuck up."
My, aren't we getting a little too uppity for our own good. Ya know. I ain't gonna leave ya alone until you admit that you've lost.
"Shut up. You're not real. You're not real," Ichigo said, shutting his eyes. "You're not real. You're not real."
Am I real?
The voice had changed. Ichigo opened his eyes and saw Renji lying on the ground where Hichigo laid. Blood pooled around his head like a grotesque halo. Ichigo shook his head and closed his eyes.
"You're not there. You're not there. Not there. Not there. Not there."
Why can't you accept the fact that you failed? Rukia's voice asked. You're a failure. You can't even control your mind. You've lost your resolve. Why don't you just end it? You can join us.
"You ain't dead."
Oh, but we're all dead here. Isshin's voice said. These are the halls of the dead.
"No, no, no, no, no, no…."
Laughter filled the air and he could feel cold, slimy hands on him. Then they were gone. Ichigo opened his eyes and he was alone.
Dawn's light shone in through the barred windows across the hall. He couldn't hear anything except for the singing of birds. He could not believe that after what happened the night before that birds could possibly be singing. However, when he closed his eyes, the bird songs sounded too much like the laughter of the dead.
Sergio Leone Ranch
Apacci sat by Mila Rose's grave. Her fingers ran over the smooth white stone embedded in her revolver's grip. She sighed as she re-holstered her revolver.
"Hey, can I join you?"
She turned and saw Hanataro standing nearby with a cluster of wild flowers in his hands.
"I…I know I didn't know her, but…"
"It's alright," Apacci said. "Please, sit down."
Hanataro laid the cluster of wild flowers and sat down. Apacci could tell that he didn't know what to say. Hearing about Fort Seireitei falling must have been tough on him as much as it had been for the other Gotei officers who were there.
"I…uh…I just wanted to make sure you were alright," Hanataro said.
"Why do you care? The only thing you know about me is that I'm an Arrancar. And the only thing I know about you is that you're Gotei."
"I know," Hanataro said. "But…is there even a Gotei?"
Apacci sighed. She knew that he had a point. Fort Seireitei stood for everything that the Arrancars fought against. It was the uniting symbol for the Gotei, a symbol of strength. Now, it was gone. The Arrancars never had anything to truly unite them. In some ways it was a good thing, but in others it wasn't.
He's lost everything that he knew, she thought. He's lost about as much, maybe even more, than I did. Yet, here he is, trying to comfort someone who only a few months ago was his enemy.
"I'm sorry," Hanataro said. "I guess…I never realized some of the things that we did."
"Well, the Gotei did do a lot of shitty things to us, but none of them were your fault. A part of me wanted to celebrate. I mean, the Gotei did bring us to this, but then… Shit, Mila Rose wouldn't want me to celebrate the Gotei's destruction. I forgot that not all of the Gotei are our enemies."
"Do you think I'm your enemy?"
Apacci smiled at Hanataro's question and only rubbed his head.
"You're alright," she said.
"There you are," Nanao said. "Hanataro, we got word. The situation in Karakura Town is getting under control."
"Well, that's good. I knew that the Captains could get it under control."
"That's the problem," Nanao said. "The ones who are handling the situation is the Pinkerton Agency."
Karakura Town
Mizuiro and Keigo made their way through the emptying streets.
"Something's not right," Mizuiro said. "Earlier there was chaos and now…"
Keigo nodded. He looked around.
"What is it, Mr. Asano?"
"I don't know. It could be my imagination."
"What is it?"
"Well, I think we're being followed."
Mizuiro looked around and his eyes narrowed.
"That's because we are," he whispered. "Keigo, we're gonna have to split up. Here, take this sheet of paper," he said and handed Keigo one of the two sheets that Starrk and Harribel took from Tsukishima's office. Keigo took it and folded it before putting it into his vest pocket. "Ride as fast as you can to the Sergio Leone Ranch. Don't stop. Whoever's following us can follow two targets. Now GO!"
Keigo rode off down one of the side-streets while Mizuiro rode as hard as he could down the main street. He could hear shouting coming from somewhere behind him.
Oh shit, he thought. There must have been more than one.
Keigo used the maze of side streets in a desperate attempt to lose his pursuers. However, he was in a mad panic. He didn't know which way he was going. However, he didn't realize that it was a good thing. The agents who were sent to follow him became confused at the route he took and decided to head to the streets that would lead out of Karakura Town. Keigo, however, didn't realize that he was heading towards the Central 46 Rotunda.
He rode as hard as he could and then he saw someone ride in front of him, blocking his path. His horse reared up, tossing him from his saddle. He landed hard on his back and moaned in pain. He looked at the tall man dismounting his horse. He stroked his bushy mustache and seemed to smile.
"I am terribly sorry," Giriko said. "It seems as though the Pinkerton Agency is after you for some reason. It's a good thing I found you first."
Karakura Hotel
"What do you mean?" Ukitake asked.
"I mean that the people of Karakura Town have lost their faith in us," Byakuya said as he pressed the damp cloth to his forehead. "I tried to maintain order, but I got hit with a rock for my trouble."
"This isn't good," Kyoraku said. "Have you heard anything from Renji or Rukia?"
"No, and that is disturbing," Byakuya said, doing his best to maintain his composure. "I'll go to the Goods Station and see if they're still there."
"Alright, Unohana, please go to the Ranch. The others should be there," Ukitake said.
"Alright," Unohana said.
"You should go with her," Kyoraku said. "I'll take care of things here and then head out as well."
"Wow, that's quite surprising," Ukitake said. "You're normally the one who wouldn't offer to take care of things."
"Yeah, well, it just makes sense. I would hate for a lady to go off by herself. And don't start arguing with me, Captain Unohana. You know you want to take a ride with Ukitake after your little ride last night."
"KYORAKU!" Ukitake cried out while Unohana blushed.
"Now is not the time," Byakuya said.
"Actually, now is the time to be making jokes," Kyoraku said. "When things get dark, it's always good to share some laughs."
Pinkerton Agency
Tsukishima stood in front of the window and watched as the sky turned into a sapphire blue.
"Sir, we caught one of them."
"Thank you, please send him in," Tsukishima said as he fingered his dagger.
"Yes sir," the agent said.
Tsukishima turned as Mizuiro was brought in. He gestured for the agents to leave. After closing the door he turned to face Mizuiro.
"Please, have a seat."
"Why am I here?"
"I know that you've been working with traitors against the Gensei Provinces," Tsukishima said. "However, you probably didn't realize that those you were working with were traitors."
"W-what are you talking about?"
"Ah…so you didn't know. I have evidence that reveals that the Captains who came here knew about the attacks and were working with Coyote Starrk to help bring it about," Tsukishima said as he took out a thick file from one of the cabinets.
How long did it take you to make that? Mizuiro thought.
"You doubt it," Tsukishima said.
Mizuiro looked startled at that. He looked at Tsukishima who was looking at him. He looked at the sheet of paper that his agents took off of Mizuiro when they captured him. He was not surprised that it was only the sheet with the list of names. However, the list that could point things back to the Great Betrayal was still out there. He wasn't too worried about it since most refused to acknowledge it as fact.
"Now, Mizuiro, I want you to listen very carefully," he said. "I understand that you believed your friend Tatsuki and that you trusted her. However, you must understand that Miss Arisawa is not who you think she is."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's all there in the file," Tsukishima said. "I was surprised when I read it. It turns out that some of the evidence brought against Ichigo and Isshin Kurosaki may have been fabricated."
"Are you suggesting that Tatsuki would falsify evidence? Why? What would she have to gain?" Tsukishima glared at him. "How do I know that you didn't falsify this information?"
"You're upset. You don't…"
"I do know. I know that you're involved with a plot against the Gensei Provinces. The name Aizen came up and I know he's Shadow Lurker and that you're involved. I think that you're going to deny all ties with Aizen and betray him. That way you could gain more power than anyone could possibly imagine. You'll have all of Karakura Town wrapped around your finger and they'll follow you. You're using Aizen just as Aizen thinks he's using you."
"Do you have any evidence of this?"
"We have the testimony of…"
"…of two Arrancars, no, two ESPADAS!" Tsukishima roared, grinning. "Do you really think anyone would believe them? You know. I was really hoping that you would back down. I was hoping that you would have the sense to say that you believed me. I would have let you leave here alive. But…it's unfortunate when it's discovered that someone you trusted could betray you."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying that it's such a tragedy. You bought into their bullshit so much that you decided to help them regardless of evidence to the contrary. You just couldn't take it and so…"
Tsukishima grabbed Mizuiro's gun and fired it into the wall. Tsukishima drew his own gun and shot Mizuiro in the head.
"…and so…I had to kill you in self-defense," he said, and smiled at Mizuiro's corpse as he placed Mizuiro's gun in his hand. "It's such a pity."
Senkaimon Goods Station
Byakuya did not see anyone. He kept his eyes and ears open. However, all was silent. He made his way carefully among the cars and stopped. He rushed over to the first corpse on the ground. He knelt beside the body of someone dressed in a suit. He reached into the man's pocket and saw that the man was one of the Pinkerton Agents who was sent here.
What is this? He thought.
Byakuya turned his head and saw the red-hair of Renji Abarai. His mouth dropped open slightly and he felt uneasy. He got up and rushed to where Renji's body laid on the ground. He tried to find any sign of any other bodies.
Oh God, Rukia. Please…don't let Rukia be dead.
However, he couldn't find Rukia. He found Isshin's body, clutching a gun, along with the corpses of two more Pinkerton Agents. His mind tried to work out what happened. His mind told him that a gun fight took place here and Renji and Isshin were casualties, but something didn't feel right about it.
This was staged.
He couldn't figure out how this could be. However, he knew that someone with a fiendishly clever mind was behind this. There was only one person he met in Karakura Town who could have thought of something like this.
"Tsukishima," he whispered. "You were somehow behind this, but I don't know how."
He looked at the station. His instincts told him to go in. The odds were not good that he would find someone, but he had to make sure.
Holding Area
Ichigo got up. His face was pale and his eyes were glazed. He looked at the bars and then at his belt.
I'm finished.
Yes you are. You no longer have anything to fight for.
Yuzu and Karin…I still have…
How do you know they're not dead?
They can't be dead. They're the only family I have left. Without them I…
That's right. You don't have a reason to keep fighting. Why don't you admit defeat? End it all.
Yes, I have to…I have to end it all.
Ichigo unbuckled his belt.
"I have to end it," he whispered.
He looped the belt around his neck.
"I have to end it."
He looped the end of the belt through the bars and tied it as tight has he could.
"I have to end it. I have to end…"
He allowed himself to fall forward. The makeshift noose tightened.
"ICHIGO!"
He felt hands pulling him back. He couldn't understand it. He was the one who was supposed to die. So why was he being denied? He felt arms wrap around him and he looked down. Tears filled his eyes.
"Y-Yuzu," he whispered.
"What the Hell were you trying to do? Why were you doing that?"
He turned and saw Karin staring at him.
"K-Karin," he said. "I…I…I…"
He couldn't finish. He felt someone loosen the noose and lift it over his head.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, this is not the way I would have expected you to act. Why would you want to do this when your sisters need you?"
Ichigo turned and saw Byakuya looking at him. He couldn't say anything. He couldn't tell of how he failed. Tears filled his eyes.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"Ichigo, where's Rukia? Tell me where my sister is."
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry…"
It was the only thing that Ichigo could say.
"Alright," Byakuya said. "Come on. We're leaving."
Central 46 Rotunda
Tsukishima looked out over the crowd of those gathered. His agents stood at attention. Expectant faces looked up at him. He knew that the Gotei dogs must be out there and if they were, they would be in for a surprise. He sighed and looked at those assembled on the steps and in the streets.
"Citizens of Karakura Town," he began. "We are living in the darkest times that we have known. A little over five months ago, the ten Espada tried to invade Karakura Town and they were driven back. Now, Fort Seireitei has fallen.
"I ask you. Is this coincidence?"
Tsukishima looked out. People were muttering among themselves. He maintained his composure, fighting the urge to smile. They were scared and looking for answers. He would provide them the ones he wanted. Mizuiro had come too close to figuring it out. He wondered about that, but then decided that he merely guessed. However, guess or not, it was too close to his plans.
"NO!" someone shouted.
He looked and saw one of his men in the crowd. Tsukishima looked at the crowd. It was exactly what he expected. Mob mentality was so easy to manipulate. All that one had to do was yell out an answer at the right moment. If you did it too soon, then the more reasonable minds would wonder about it, but if you did it too late, then the masses wouldn't understand. And his man had got it at the right moment.
The cry went out.
"As much as I would like to say that is not the case, unfortunately, I cannot. We have been tracking the identity of who Shadow Lurker could be. While Ichigo and Isshin Kurosaki were not Shadow Lurker, and were therefore innocent on that matter, they were still traitors. They were part of a conspiracy that I never thought possible.
"I have just received word from my agents who were in Fort Seireitei and managed to escape that the true Shadow Lurker was…Souske Aizen."
The cry went up. There were shouts of denials. However, even the denials were hesitant.
"Alas, it is true," Tsukishima said. "I never would have thought that the 'Hero of Karakura Town' would be the vilest figure the Gensei Provinces have faced. Unfortunately, his vile deeds were not done alone."
"WHO ELSE?"
"TELL US!"
"LET'S STRING 'EM UP!"
"He would need people on the inside," Tsukishima said. "I regret to inform you that those insiders were some of the Captains in the Gotei. My sources were only able to get one name, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki."
The crowd went wild at that. Some were shouting his immediate execution and others were saying that if Byakuya was involved then the others must be involved as well.
Ah, the masses, Tsukishima thought. How I hate them and yet love them.
Watching from the refuge of the shadows of one of the side-streets, Kyoraku listened and watched. He frowned and knew that the others would have to know about this as soon as possible. He turned his horse and made his way out of Karakura Town. However, Tsukishima's betrayal of Aizen could be used to their advantage. They just needed to find out how.
Sergio Leone Ranch
Starrk stood on the porch with Harribel. They watched Byakuya approaching. He had hitched his horse to a small cart and was leading it onto the ranch. He sighed and ran a hand through his brown hair. Things were not looking too good. Orihime and Ulquiorra were still recovering. Two fighters had fallen before the war even really began in Karakura Town. Now, it looked as though there was more bad news.
"Bel, I think the time has come," he said.
"Are you sure?" Harribel asked.
"Yes."
"Alright, I'll talk with the others."
Starrk nodded. When Harribel went to gather the others, Starrk looked at the approaching figures.
I don't know if we can pull it off, he thought. However, we can't back down now.
Fort Seireitei
Aizen watched as the last of the Bala-Class Shooters were put onto the trains. The remaining men in his forces boarded the train.
"Sir, I got a message from one of Zommari's men," Gantenbainne said.
"Well, what is it?"
"He said that Tsukishima just named you as Shadow Lurker to Karakura Town. He's preparing the citizens to fight against us."
"I thought so," Aizen said, smiling. "That means that things are on track."
"Sir?"
"He thinks that he's using me, but I'm the one using him. I knew that he would most likely betray me. Send a message to Zommari's agents. Let them know to let Tsukishima continue his little coup. When we arrive, we'll bring it crashing down around him."
Gantenbainne nodded.
"As you wish," he said. "I also received word from the Arrancar Army. They will arrive at the Garganta Pass tomorrow evening and be ready to march on Karakura Town at dawn the next day."
"That means they'll be a little early," Aizen said, smiling. "However, they will keep the forces in Karakura Town busy while we attack from the rear. Not even Tsukishima could prepare them for that."
Sergio Leone Ranch
Ichigo sat on the porch. Yuzu and Karin were outside with Lilynette, who was doing her best to help them grieve for their father. Based on the sounds coming from outside, she was succeeding. He heard footsteps and saw Starrk approaching.
"What do you want? Are you here to gloat?"
"Why would I want to gloat?" Starrk asked. "I'm not going to beat around the bush with you. I don't have the time for that. I just…"
"Why don't you just say it? I'm a fool. I failed. Renji, Dad, Rukia…their blood is on my hand."
"I thought that Miss Kuchiki was still alive."
"She might as well be dead. That bastard, Zommari, injected her with Brujería in something he called 'Euforia Absoluta'. She's not Rukia anymore."
Starrk looked at Ichigo and shook his head.
"So, what are you going to do about it?"
"What can I do? I failed. I can't…"
"DAMN IT, KUROSAKI! Are you really that stupid?" Starrk asked. "You can't change the past, but you can change the future. You can fight. You can stand up and do what needs to be done. You still have your sisters and as long as Rukia is alive there's always a chance that you can protect her. Now, I need to know. Will you fight?"
"I…I don't know if I can."
"You can. You think you're a failure? You're only a failure if you don't try. If you try and fail, then all that you can do is learn from your failure and rise above it. Tell me, Ichigo. Are you a failure or are you a fighter?"
Ichigo looked at Starrk.
"Why are you trying to get me to help fight your battle?"
"Is it just my battle? I would think that you would understand. Aizen seeks to destroy the Gensei Provinces for vengeance. Who do you think will suffer for his vendetta? Didn't your father die in his vengeance? How many do you think lost their loved ones already? If you don't think that this isn't just my fight, then you're a bigger idiot than I thought. It's our fight."
Ichigo looked at Starrk and then to the two graves.
An Arrancar and a member of the Visored Squad, he thought. Both died fighting against Aizen's vendetta.
"I see," Ichigo said.
"Do you?"
"I do. I see it now."
Dad, you tried to tell me, but I was too arrogant to listen.
"Then tell me. What is your decision?"
Ichigo looked up at the sky. He looked at Starrk. Their eyes locked and Starrk knew that Ichigo had his resolve.
"I have decided," Ichigo said. "I have a promise I need to keep. I will fight."
End of Chapter 15
A.N.: The end game is fast approaching. Very soon, decisions will have to be made, but all sides have crossed the Rubicon by this point.
The next chapter will be a flashback chapter.
Thank you for reading and please review.