Author's note:
As of writing this author's note this story has reached over 800 views. To be honest I am incredibly flattered that this story has achieved such a response. To the person who didn't think Uryū could blend in with his Quincy outfit I think he could blend in quite well. With his outfit and the Quincy cross that he has he could easily be mistaken for a priest or some such. Now I know that the pairing of Kenpachi and Karasuba might have been pretty transparent but who else could survive the other? As it is I will be following the Sekirei story line albeit LOOSELY. People may get winged in different orders and the outcomes of certain events may be slightly different. Starting with this chapter I will answer some questions and comment on a few of the reviews here if I feel it won't give too much of the story away. I will limit myself to three each time just because if I responded to all of them we would never get to the story.
To Tahaku: Thank you very much for your thoughts on this story. I can't promise I'll use them all but you've given me things to think about adding in.
To RD: I completely agree with you. Just this morning a sword popped out of the middle of my cereal. Thankfully I was able to parry it away with my spoon.
To animecollecter: I already have a few people slotted for certain people. As it is I already have plans for Tsukiumi. As for Kazehana there is a poll up to see who should be her Ashikabi. I feel I can make any of those under the poll have a unique relationship with Kazehana.
To all who reviewed I thank you very much, keep reviewing and as always I own nothing except for any original characters, which as of this chapter consist of an unnamed relatively dull security guard from chapter 1. Also the poll for who gets Kazehana is still up. As it is only a few people have voted so far I would like to have more input on it, you can place two votes for who you want.
Tōshirō Hitsugaya was troubled. The sound of hammers sounded throughout the Seireitei as they diligently repaired the buildings Kenpachi and the Head Captain had destroyed in their fight. Their sound even managed to echo into the hall in which Tōshirō stood with his fellow Captains.
The sound of a door slamming closed marked the entry of the one of the last Captains to join them. The 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku came walking inside slowly. A pink coat covered in flowers covered his white Captains coat. A slight wispy goatee complete with mustache covered his chin and wrapped around his jawline.
"Sorry I'm late everyone," Shunsui said an apologetic smile on his face. "But I was taking a nap and Nanao refused to wake me up."
"DON'T YOU GO BLAMING THIS ON ME!" Nanao's voice shouted, only slightly muffled from coming through the door.
"Now, now," Shunsui said turning to face the door. "Don't get all upset my lil' Nanao. Everyone makes mistakes."
"Captain Kyōraku," The Head Captain said his voice seemed to reverberate around the room. The old man with two scars crossing his forehead could be very intimidating, even if he was missing one arm. A cane in his right hand was pointed at the pink coated Captain. "Please take your place so the meeting can finally begin."
"Alright," Shunsui said lazily getting into his place in the meeting.
"Now that we are all here," Head Captain Yamamoto stated. "Captain Kurotsuchi you have the floor."
"Thank you," Kurotsuchi stated giving a slight bow. The man who appeared to be some sort of gothic clown stepped forward to address the entire room. His white Captain's coat billowed around him as he moved forward. "As you know recently Captain Kenpachi and Head Captain Yamamoto had a small sparing session that leveled half of the Seireitei. What you may or may not be aware of is that soon after awakening from the blow to the head he suffered Kenpachi went to the World of the Living."
"He probably went to challenge Kurosaki again," Tōshirō said speaking up. "He seems to do it every other day now that his powers are back."
"That was my original hypothesis as well." Kurotsuchi responded. "However it came as a great surprise that when his spiritual pressure spiked it was not in Karakura Town as I assumed it would but in Shinto Teito."
"Why would he be all the way over there?" Captain Komamura asked the group. His canine face had a confused look on it.
"I can probably answer that," Suì-Fēng responded stepping forward. The black haired woman stepped forward. Recently she had lost the dual braids that fell down her back. Instead she had her hair cut at the shoulders. "For many years the existence of a secret sect in the 2nd Division has been debated. Until it was never deemed necessary to reveal itself. Today I tell all of you that the existence of the organization Deep Cover does in fact exist."
A general out roar of Captains trying to talk over one another permeated the air. Tōshirō simply stood by and waited. He had heard the rumors of such a division as well but had never given them much thought. They worked under a separate division he was not a part of. Even so he would be lying to say he wasn't curious as to where this was going.
"ENOUGH!" The Head Captain said banging his cane against the ground. The room slowly became quiet. "Suì-Fēng please explain what you know."
"I won't go into to many details as you all have no doubt heard the rumors," Suì-Fēng said to the group. Tōshirō nodded in response as did many other Captains. "The basics are this. Deep Cover's job is to infiltrate the World of the Living and investigate any possible threats to Soul Society. This is the first time in many years that one of them has been deployed. They are composed of three individuals. I deployed one of them when an organization known as MBI appeared a few years ago."
"Why deploy for a simple company?" Tōshirō asked.
"Because this company had technology that was way too advanced." Suì-Fēng responded. "After doing some investigation the operative reported that he was close to break through but he would need to go quiet for a few years to get in deeper with the company. That is the last report I personally received."
"You make it sound like he sent a report through someone else." Captain Kuchiki said simply. The long black haired man stood silent and respectful the entire time the arguing had been going on.
"In a way he did," Suì-Fēng responded. Tōshirō noticed something flicker across her eyes.
'Was that admiration?' Tōshirō thought.
"He managed to get in contact with Yoruichi in the human world." Suì-Fēng admitted her eyes going far away.
Tōshirō shook his head. 'I'm not sure what goes on between those two. I don't know if they are lovers or an affectionate student with her teacher.'
"And he brought the message to you." Kurotsuchi stated. It wasn't a question.
"Yes," Suì-Fēng responded her eyes focused again. "He said that a man they believed to be Deep Cover called them and informed them that he was tracking several Captain level spirit pressures that had only recently appeared. Then the line went dead. Since no word has been heard from him sense it is safe to assume that he perished."
"Anything else?" The Head Captain prompted.
"After Yoruichi gave me the information I made a judgment call and decided to ask her to investigate it. Since Kenpachi's spirit energy spiked it is safe to assume she also brought Ichigo and possibly the other humans with her." Suì-Fēng responded. "And that Kenpachi tracked them down and fought with Ichigo."
Silence filled the air as the Captains absorbed this information.
"I have decided on what is to happen." The Head Captain said breaking the silence. "As Seireitei is currently under reconstruction and keeping you all hear would be a waste of resources it is my decision that the following members go to the World of the Living and investigate the various Captain level spirit pressures. Byakuya Kuchiki, Suì-Fēng, Shunsui Kyōraku, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Jūshirō Ukitake. Your Lieutenants can decide if they wish to join you. You all will be in specially designed gigai's that will help mask your spirit pressure. You may come into contact with Captain level spirit energy, so I have decided to lift the restriction on sealing your power. Your gigai's should function in a similar fashion to a seal anyway. Finally you aren't to reveal yourselves to the people around you, unless absolutely necessary."
Tōshirō felt the tremendous headache coming on from what he knew in his gut was going to happen.
"Who will be in charge for the mission?" Kurotsuchi asked.
"Considering the unique nature of the mission, that is to say that we have little to no information as to what is going on, you are free to work independently from one another." The Head Captain responded. "I do this because I know you each work differently and to force you to work together would simply cause dysfunction as to who would be in charge. You all are capable of acting mature when you need to." Tōshirō saw the eyes briefly flicker to Shunsui. "I have every confidence that you will do well on this mission. You may leave when you are ready. Dismissed."
The Captains began to file out each either muttering to themselves or to another about what they were planning on doing. Tōshirō sighed as he stepped outside from where the meeting took place.
"Captain!" Rangiku Matsumoto shouted running up to the short white haired Captain. Rangiku's strawberry blond hair was in a new style that was shorter, stopping short of her shoulders and curled near her chin. Her ample bosom bounced with every step she took. It was common knowledge among the Tenth Division that when Rangiku got drunk, as she often did, she often claimed that her breasts where suffocating her.
"What is it Matsumoto?" Tōshirō sighed out.
"When do we leave?" Rangiku asked eyeing her shorter Captain.
"Who said you were going?" Tōshirō asked raising an eyebrow. "For that matter how do you even know I'm going somewhere?"
"Don't be like that Captain," Rangiku responded whining. "All the Lieutenants found a spot nearby that has just the right acoustics to listen to the Captain's meeting."
"Well you're staying here," Tōshirō ordered not wanting to deal with Rangiku.
"Actually Captain," Shunsui said walking up to them. "The old man said that it was up to the Lieutenants to say if they wanted to go, not the Captains."
"I'll go pack my bag," Rangiku said running off before Tōshirō could object.
"You did that on purpose," Tōshirō said focusing on Shunsui.
"Yeah," Shunsui admitted walking away. "But you have to admit that even if you left her behind nothing would have gotten done anyway. At least this way you can keep an eye on her."
'I suppose he's right,' Tōshirō thought as he watched Shunsui round a corner. Tōshirō started walking to his barracks. 'Anyway I suppose I should start packing. Maybe I'll even bring along some paperwork so that I'm not so behind when I get back.'
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Ichigo was having a weird day. It was the morning after he, Chad, and Musubi had moved into Izumo Inn. At supper the night before Ichigo, Chad, Musubi, and Miya were the only ones present. Miya had explained that two other tenants lived with them but one was currently out working at a host club and the other was bar hopping in town. After that Miya had outlined the fighting, obscenity, and illicit sexual acts rules she had, which was to say that all were prohibited. After that they had said their good nights and gone to bed.
The weird part started shortly after Ichigo awoke from his sleep. His room was filled with killing intent. Ichigo instinctively reached for his Substitute badge. Before he could touch it the killing intent disappeared.
Shaking his head Ichigo rose up and began to get ready. Changing quickly it wasn't long before Ichigo was ready to leave the room, but something caught his eye. A small black dot in the corner of his room seemed to be moving. It was partially hidden behind a nearby end table.
A normal person wouldn't have even noticed it but after years of sneak attacks from his dad Ichigo had learned to pay attention to anything that might give away his father. Ichigo walked closer to the little black dot. Sweat started to form on the dot as Ichigo got closer.
Ichigo squatted down in front of the end table. Looking closely at the dot caused a tick mark to start to form on the back of his head.
"LANDLADY!" Ichigo yelled out loud.
"Yes Ichigo?" Miya's sweet voice asked right behind him.
Ichigo gave a start as he twirled around to face her.
"WHY THE FUCKING HELL IS THERE A CAMERA IN MY ROOM?!" Ichigo demanded his tick mark throbbing.
"Obscene language is prohibited, Ichigo. Well I can assure you that it wasn't my doing." Miya said her smile never slipping. "But I can assure you that I will find whoever placed it here and punish them accordingly. After all," Killing intent that matched that of what Ichigo felt earlier filled the room. "Illicit acts in Izumo Inn are prohibited." A demonic visage leaking a visible killing intent slowly appeared over Miya's shoulder.
A ripping sound was suddenly prevalent throughout the room. When Ichigo turned back to where the camera was only a small hole in the wall was evident.
"What the fucking hell just happened?" Ichigo asked his tick mark fading.
Ichigo moved to one side as he sensed a small increase in Miya's killing intent. A cracking noise filled the air. Where Ichigo had been standing was a small dent in the floor. The cause was the wooden handle of a broom. Following the handle up he saw Miya gripping it firmly near the bristles. The Hanya mask now occupied most of the room.
"I already told you once today," Miya said picking up the broom. Her smile never faltered. "Obscene language is prohibited. Now breakfast is getting cold."
Miya left the room soon after the Hanya mask following. 'I really hope she never meets Unohana,' Ichigo thought shuddering at the thought of the dark haired Captain and Miya meeting.
Ichigo soon followed Miya out the door. Chad was just coming out of his and Musubi's room. His face was a bright red which looked unnatural on the half-Mexican.
"You alright?" Ichigo asked worried about his friend. Chad just stared into space not seeming to hear him. "Hey Earth to Chad."
Ichigo waved his hand in front of his friend's eyes. Chad slowly blinked.
"Wha…?" Chad said shaking his head.
"What's the matter?" Ichigo asked really worried. He had never seen his friend so distracted. "You seem to be a million miles away. Does it have something to do with that killing intent I sensed earlier?"
"Ichigo," Chad said slowly. "Women are strange creatures."
"Why do you say that?" Ichigo asked lifting an eyebrow.
"I woke up with Musubi snuggled up against me in only her underwear." Chad said softly.
Ichigo was quiet.
"Ichigo," Zangetsu said speaking up. "Chad's building is shaking just as bad as your dad's did. Musubi's is shaking as well. If this keeps up you'll pass out from shock."
"Um….." Ichigo said not knowing how to respond.
"Let's just get to breakfast." Chad said the blush on his cheeks shining.
"Yeah," Ichigo said shaking his head. "Let's get down there."
They walked down the stairs and made their way to the dining room.
A man neither had seen before was seated at the table. He had a white button up shirt and black sweats on. His head had a mop of hair on it that reminded Ichigo quite a bit of Tōshirō's. He currently was completely absorbed in the newspaper in front of him.
"Hey," Ichigo said sitting down across from the man. Chad sat to his left.
The man looked up from the paper. Seeing the new arrivals he quickly folded the paper and placed it next to him.
"Hey, I'm Kagari." Kagari said extending his hand toward Ichigo. Ichigo took it giving a brief shake. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Musubi walk in the room and sit next to Chad. "So you're the new residents Miya was telling me about."
"Probably," Ichigo said shrugging. "Unless she had other people turn up early this morning or late last night."
"Nope you are them," Miya said coming out of the kitchen. Giving a genuine smile. The Hanya mask was no where in sight. "Why don't you tell us about yourselves? I didn't really ask many questions last night because I didn't want you to have to be asked the same questions over and over."
"Isn't there one other person missing?" Musubi asked. "I thought that you said two others lived here. If Kagari is one of them then who is the other?"
"That would be me," a sleepy voice came fluttering from behind Ichigo. A girl in a light pink frilly shirt that revealed a good amount of cleavage stood by the open door. Matching panties completed the ensemble.
Ichigo quickly turned away as he felt the blood rush to his face. A small trickle of blood slowly flowed out of his nose.
"Uzume," Miya said softly. A fake smile covered her face. Killing intent flooded the room. A Hanya mask floated through the table right where the bacon was as Ichigo was about to grab a piece. Somehow a piece of bacon got lodged in it's mouth. "How many times do I have to tell you not to come to dinner dressed like that?"
"At least once more it seems," Uzume said her voice getting softer as she left to put on more clothes. The Hanya mask followed her out of the room.
Ichigo thought he heard a soft laugh but dismissed it when it didn't come again.
"Chad, Ichigo," Kagari said getting the boys attention. "You have a little something on your upper lips."
Ichigo quickly grabbed a napkin and wiped the blood from under his nose. He noticed that Chad did the same. Uzume in a pink shirt and tight fitting jeans slipped into the room and sat down next to Musubi. Ichigo's face slowly returned to normal.
"Well as you heard my name is Uzume," Uzume said smiling. "I'm pleased to meet you both."
"Thank you," Musubi said smiling. "We're happy to meet you too."
"Do you often go around without clothes on?" Ichigo asked.
"Why?" Uzume said raising an eyebrow. "You hoping to get a better look pervert?"
Ichigo felt his face turn red again.
"NO!" Ichigo asked waving his hands in front of himself.
"You saying you don't find me attractive?" Uzume asked a hurt look appearing on her face.
"No," Ichigo said. "Yes, no. Chad a little help here?"
"Just be glad it isn't Yoruichi." Chad said stoically.
"Who's Yoruichi?" Miya asked as she dished herself some food. Everybody else quickly followed suit. Musubi's pile of food dwarfed everybody else's piles.
A black cat suddenly wormed through the door. Ichigo's eyes fell on it. A wicked gleam seemed to pass through it's eyes. Without warning it hopped up onto the table and pranced across to Ichigo. Ichigo sighed.
"This is Yoruichi." Ichigo introduced them. "Yoruichi this is Miya she is letting us stay here so please behave."
"Meow," Yoruichi replied innocently.
"Stop acting so innocent." Ichigo demanded. Turning to Miya he explained, "She is a real trouble maker."
"How could anything this cute be trouble?" Musubi asked suddenly reaching forward and squishing Yoruichi into her chest.
"ACK!" Yoruichi sputtered sounding like she was going to cough up a hair ball.
"Be careful Musubi," Miya said smiling. "You might just choke her to death if you aren't careful."
"Oh no," Musubi said quickly pulling Yoruichi away from herself. Yoruichi took large gasping breaths. 'Evidently Musubi is stronger than Yoruichi expected,' Ichigo thought amused.
"Is she alright?" Uzume asked.
"She'll be fine," Ichigo said taking a bite of food. 'Not too bad.' "She has been through worse."
"Well anyway getting back on topic," Miya said as Musubi put Yoruichi down beside herself. "You were going to tell us about yourselves."
"I'll start," Musubi said opening her mouth. "I'm Musubi and I'm a fist type Sek-"
She was cut off as unexpectedly Uzume put a hand over her mouth. She quickly whispered in her and let go. It was weird but Ichigo didn't feel it was his place to ask so he let the matter drop as Musubi continued.
"As I was saying," Musubi began again. "I'm Musubi and I'm a fist type secretary."
Ichigo felt a sweat drop roll down the back of his head at the terrible save.
"What about you?" Kagari asked nodding to Chad.
"I'm Yasutora Sado, but you can call me Chad." Chad responded simply. "I'm from Karakura Town."
When he didn't elaborate further Uzume nodded toward Ichigo. "What about you, bro?"
"Ichigo Kurosaki," He replied simply. "From Karakura Town as well."
"What did you guys do there?" Kagari asked.
"Went to school," Ichigo shrugged. "An acquaintance of ours got us into a college in Shinto Teito, so we're here for a while checking things out before we start going to school here."
"What about your current schooling?" Uzume asked.
"He managed to pull some strings and allowed us to graduate early." Ichigo lied fluently. He didn't know what Hat and Clogs did but he had assured them that any school they missed would be negligible.
"He must be a good friend of yours then." Miya said smiling.
"He is." Chad said simply. "Although Ichigo would never admit it."
"That's because he's an arrogant pervert." Ichigo countered.
"What's his name?" Miya asked.
"Kisuke," Ichigo responded. If they searched for that name they wouldn't come up with much, however if they searched Urahara they could find his store pretty easily. He wasn't sure why he was being so cautious but he stuck with it.
"Meow," Yoruichi said getting Ichigo's attention.
"You want to go for a walk?" Ichigo asked.
Yoruichi nodded.
"Alright," Ichigo said standing. "Thanks for the food landlady. It was delicious. See you later Chad."
Ichigo thought he saw a slight blush on Miya's face but it disappeared before he was certain. He shrugged it off and walked outside following Yoruichi. He continued to follow her as she went out the front gate. Ichigo quickly found himself in an alleyway. Yoruichi hopped up on a nearby trash can.
"What have you found out?" Yoruichi asked.
"I have a basic understanding of Ashikabi and Sekirei, but I don't know who's behind it or why." Ichigo admitted.
"I might be able to clear up a few things." Yoruichi said. "After we split up I went around town trying to find traces of these creatures. Well I found a girl and a young boy after about an hour of looking. The young boy was kissing the girl and bright pink appeared from the back of the girl's back in a flash of light. I followed them to a house. I slipped in behind them. Soon after he got a call on his phone. A man came on and stated the basics."
"What did he say?" Ichigo asked.
"He said that by becoming her Ashikabi he was now part of a 'game' as he put it." Yoruichi made a growling noise in her throat. "The boy threatened to leave. The man said that if he left Shinto Teito he had a device that would deactivate her in essence killing her. He went on to say that the game was a secret from the public if they told anybody not already involved then they would deactivate the Sekirei."
"Shit," Ichigo moaned closing his eyes. "So he has a shit ton of hostages meaning I can't just go cut his ass in half."
"No," Yoruichi responded. "I have more news."
"What?" Ichigo asked opening his eyes.
"Several of the Captains from Soul Society are in town with some of their Lieutenants." Yoruichi stated.
"Which ones?" Ichigo groaned.
"I don't have an exact list, but the ones I saw were Tōshirō, Rangiku, Byakuya, Renji, and Shunsui." Yoruichi listed off.
"Great," Ichigo moaned. "Is there anything else?"
"The guy I was following got a text right before I was going to leave. It was something about a Sekirei in an overgrown park being the prize to whoever could get to her first." Yoruichi told him.
"I have to go protect her." Ichigo said starting leave.
"Don't worry Ichigo." Yoruichi said flash-stepping in front of him. "When I ran into Tōshirō, Rangiku, Byakuya, Renji, and Shunsui I told them what I knew. Byakuya and Renji told me that they would let the other three handle it and left. Tōshirō, Rangiku, and Shunsui are headed there now. I doubt that two Captains and a Lieutenant will have too much trouble."
"I suppose," Ichigo said hesitating.
"Besides," Yoruichi said. "All of us are supposed to stay under cover. Those three have good enough Kidō that even if they are attacked they should be able to hold off most of the attackers."
"I suppose so," Ichigo said sighing. "I just hope that they stay safe."
"What will you do now?" Yoruichi asked.
"I'll go back to the Inn and tell Chad what I found out." Ichigo said sighing. "After that I'll call Urahara and ask if he has a way that I can contact the other Captains. I don't want to be surprised if they drop by unexpectedly."
"Who was that girl next to Chad?" Yoruichi asked.
"She's the reason we learned what we did about Sekirei and their Ashikabi." Ichigo informed her. "Chad was the one that Winged her."
"Really?" Yoruichi responded surprise filling her voice. "I thought you would have been the first to get a girl."
"Why's that?" Ichigo asked raising an eyebrow. "We didn't even know about Sekirei and Ashikabi until we got here."
"There are more girls than just Sekirei," Yoruichi said cryptically before flash-stepping away.
'What did she mean by that?' Ichigo asked himself as he started to walk back to Izumo Inn.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Evening at the Botanical Garden
Tōshirō stood with Rangiku and Shunsui on a building overlooking the Botanical Gardens. Plants twisted and turned. They looked like they were writhing in pain but had gotten frozen in time. Whoever had created this was powerful. The only thing Tōshirō could think that could recreate the image before him was Space Time Kidō.
They had spent the majority of the day placing Bakudō Barrier Kidōs all around the garden which would prevent any humans from entering. It had taken them all day but they were ready. Shunsui lounged on the edge of the building, while Rangiku stood by Tōshirō.
"Captain," Rangiku said slightly nasally. "Why did we place all those Barrier Kidōs around if we were just going to go in anyway?"
"Because," Tōshirō said sighing. He had already explained this to her five times. "If what Yoruichi told us is true then others will be coming for her. We need to make sure that as many as possible stay outside as possible or do you want civilian's walking in on us as we try to take the girl away?"
"That doesn't sound like it's in the best interest of the girl," a voice said from behind them.
Tōshirō and Rangiku whirled to face three different people. Two women were wearing S&M outfits of different colors. A man with a scruffy beard and leather jacket with a white shirt underneath stood between the two women.
"Who are you?" Tōshirō asked glaring at them.
"Names Seo Kaoru," The man said. "The one in blue is Hikari and the one in purple is Hibiki."
"What Sekirei are you?" Hikari asked pointing at Rangiku.
"My name is Rangiku Matsumoto." Rangiku responded blinking in surprise.
"What's your number?" Hibiki asked.
"My number?" Rangiku asked confusion painted on her face. "Are you talking about my seat? Because if you are I'm 2nd seat."
"N-n-number t-t-t-two." Hikari stuttered out.
"She's not number two." Seo said shaking his head. "Her hair is the wrong shade."
"Then why did she say she was number two?" Hibiki asked.
"Maybe she was hoping that we would run in the presence of a higher number and leave these two to Wing that poor girl." Seo pointed out.
"If I may interject," Shunsui said slowly standing up. "It appears we have likeminded purposes. You don't want that little girl to be Winged I believe the term was and we don't like to see little kids hurt. So I propose that we all work together at least until that little girl is safe."
Seo glanced them over. "What assurances do I have that you won't try to Wing the green girl yourself once we get to her?"
"Would it help if I said some of my colleagues would probably kill me if I brought home a little girl?" Shunsui asked.
"Not really," Seo said. "But it gives me something to think on."
Suddenly a blinding headache broke through Tōshirō's head. A raw scream tore from his lips. Images flashed through his mind. A small girl in a green dress, with long light blond hair that fell to her mid back. Tears filled her eyes. A voice called out, "Help me big brother." Silence filled him.
Tōshirō shook his head to get rid of the after images.
"Sorry Master," Hyōrinmaru stated in Tōshirō's mind. "I have been trying to keep the voice out but it kept getting stronger until it overwhelmed my control for a brief moment. I have complete control again."
"Thanks for trying Hyōrinmaru," Tōshirō told his Zanpakutō. "I appreciate it, but if another message like that comes through please allow it through. The woman was asking for help."
"I see," Hyōrinmaru said a slight hint of self-disgust came through his words. "I will make sure it does not happen again, Master."
"It is alright." Tōshirō told his blade. "We will save her, thus there was no reason to apologize. You were just trying to protect me."
No words came from Hyōrinmaru but Tōshirō could sense that the sword was slightly comforted by his words.
"Are you alright?" A voice asked above Tōshirō. Looking up Tōshirō could see it was the man called Seo.
"Yeah," Tōshirō muttered. "I just saw a girl that looked like she was 8 years old. She was calling for my help."
"I guess that settles that." Seo said shaking his head. He looked at Shunsui. "We'll help you."
"What changed your mind?" Shunsui asked.
"Let's just say a little bird changed my mind." Seo said walking away. "You guys get in there and find her. I'll cover you from here."
"There is no need to do that." Shunsui said smiling. "The entire thing is warded against people. Only we can get in."
"Really?" Seo asked raising an eyebrow. "Then what do you call that?"
A raised finger pointed down at the one spot in the entire line of foliage that could allow a person to enter. A single figure carrying a scythe entered the brush.
"That shouldn't be possible," Shunsui said irritation lacing his words. "The barriers we made were supposed to keep human's out."
"Well Sekirei aren't human," Seo said looking at him strangely. "So what made you think you'd be able to get through it?"
"A discussion for another time," Tōshirō stated as he leaped off the building. If he had been a normal human he would have broken his legs with such a jump. Being in a specially designed gigai meant that he hit the ground running.
He ran forward, toward the only opening in the tree line. As he passed the threshold he heard something moving behind him. Turning around he witnessed the opening behind him close shut, cutting him off from Rangiku and Shunsui.
"Shit," Tōshirō berated himself. "I shouldn't have let myself get caught up like this."
Taking a calming breath Tōshirō reached out with his senses and looked for the spirit threads. Finding the location of the nearest one he rushed after it. If it was the scythe wielder then he would stop her. If it was the girl he would save her.
Quickly dodging trees as he ran Tōshirō closed the gap between himself and the opponent rather quickly. Breaking into a clearing he saw a sight that made his blood run cold. A brown haired girl with a black gown and white sleeves had her scythe held to the girl Tōshirō had seen flash through his mind.
"I'm number 43, Yomi." Yomi said facing Tōshirō. "As small as you are kid you should run along. My Ashikabi already called dibs on this little one."
"I'M NOT A KID!" Tōshirō shouted his eyes growing colder. Killing intent started to seep out of him.
"What are you? 10? 11?" Yomi asked raising an eyebrow oblivious to the killing intent. "My Ashikabi has a cousin about your age. If you play nice then maybe I can set up a play date for you."
Tōshirō took a deep breath and let his killing intent loose. The area was quickly filled with it. It felt like one should look around and be able to see the bloodiest battle field in history, yet only grass remained.
Yomi took a step backward pulling the little girl with her, finally realizing something was off. "What's going on?"
"You have two choices," Tōshirō said softly. "Either let the girl go now, walk out of here, and never let me see you again or I save the girl from your corpse."
Faster than he thought possible of a human Yomi was leaping at him. Her scythe flashed forward.
Tōshirō ducked underneath her swing and shot a fist out at her abdomen.
Yomi quickly twisted to the side letting the blow flow past her.
A foot shot out at Tōshirō from his left. He quickly threw up his left arm to block it. The solid flesh on flesh blow sounded throughout the clearing. Tōshirō jumped back. His arm was numb from where her foot connected. She may have cracked a bone.
Tōshirō grimaced. 'If I was out of this gigai I could mop the floor with her. She would barely register as a seated Shinigami, but I don't want to reveal my powers quite yet against such weak opponents.'
"If you're just going to stand there, then I'll attack for you." Yomi stated as she swung her scythe in front of her. A large vacuum of air suddenly rushed forward.
Tōshirō jumped above the vacuum of air. He saw Yomi smirk as she jumped toward him. It was Tōshirō's turn to smirk. At the look on his face Yomi frowned but kept coming. She cocked her scythe back ready to deliver the finishing blow.
Tōshirō raised two of his fingers to point directly at Yomi. Yomi was blocking the girl's view from the ground. He could use Kidō. He waited till she had almost reached him.
"Shō." Tōshirō whispered.
A look of surprise crossed Yomi's face as instead of reaching the kid she was instead shooting toward the ground. She hit the ground back first. The air rushing out of her lungs. Tōshirō wasn't done though. She had called him a kid. You did not do that if you wanted to continue having a nice day.
He place a hand behind his back and whispered, "Shō."
He went shooting at where a dazed Yomi lay on the ground. Bringing his fist back he brought it down directly in her face. He felt the satisfying crunch as her nose broke. Tōshirō looked at the lady underneath him. She was out. Would be for a few days at least, but she would live. A bright light coming from the back of Yomi's neck suddenly filled the clearing.
Turning Yomi over Tōshirō couldn't make out anything wrong with her, so he let her slump back to the ground. Turning to the little girl in the clearing he expected her to be cowering in terror. What he didn't expect was for her to run at him and tackle him to the ground.
"Big Brother!" The young girl cried from on his chest. "I knew you would come and save me. I knew it."
What Tōshirō wanted to say was get off, but what came out was, "What's your name?"
"Kusano," Kusano replied happily. "What's yours?"
"Tōshirō. Could you please get off?" Tōshirō asked the young girl.
"One quick thing first." Kusano said grinning. A slight blush had risen to her face.
"And what is tha-" Tōshirō tried to asked but was interrupted by Kusano's lips. A bright light filled the clearing. If Tōshirō squinted he could see brilliant green wings sprout from her tiny body. Flowers slowly poked up through the ground. Kusano pulled away just as quickly as she had kissed him.
"You are my Ashikabi now Tōshirō." Kusano happily said pulling on his arms. "Now let's go play."
'I'm NOT going to hear the end of this from Rangiku.' Tōshirō thought as Kusano drew a tic-tac-toe board in the dirt on the ground.
Author's note:
Over 5840 words this chapter of story. A total of 19 pages long on Word. In answer to your questions about this chapter that I can feel coming. Yes Tōshirō was an obvious choice to take Kusano. I didn't feel right pairing her with anybody who was so much visibly older than her. So instead the Captain who is over 100 years old but looks about Kusano's age *dodges sword being held by a pissed Tōshirō* was going to be the best bet. Next yes if Tōshirō had been in his soul form he would have mopped the floor with Yomi, but I wanted to have at least a half decent fight in this Chapter and the first bit is for setting the stage with the other Captains arriving. I also separated Tōshirō from the rest for two reasons first I didn't have anybody currently available to fight them outside the forest that wasn't Mutsu and he would have been just a tad too strong to have fighting at this point meaning he would have forced the Captains into their soul form and I'm not ready for that except Kenpachi and Yachiru. Second and finally since I didn't have anybody to occupy Shunsui and Rangiku they would have tag teamed Yomi and once again wiped the floor with her. I also didn't write the Karasuba and Kenpachi fight I know most of you are itching to read, but I figure that something may happen in the next Chapter or two the involves them. Also I would like to point out that I am getting Hyōrinmaru's personality from his personality during the filler arc where all the Zanpakutō came to life, he called Tōshirō Master in it and was always respectful and formal to him. As always thanks for reading. Please review if you have time. Also the next Chapter may take a while as I have finals coming up and need to study. Thanks for understanding.
John Hinde *Runs away from a still pissed Tōshirō*