Author's Note:
Okay everyone good news and bad news. Good news is that the powers will finally be revealed in this chapter. The bad news is that it will end on a major cliff hanger and it will take a while to get to the actual reveal. It will be heavy with characters that have been relatively minor so far as I need them to start taking on a life of their own. For those that may be wondering I plan to follow a mixture of the anime and manga(I learned recently that in South Korea they are called comics since "manga" refers to "adult" comics if you know what I mean(which I pray all of those reading this are old enough to understand)). It will become evident to those that know the difference. To those that don't it doesn't really matter. Enjoy. I will warn now that I added a very creepy, disgusting description in this chapter. I wanted to show that Shakkin who until now was only a faceless character behind the scenes was a force to be dealt with and was very brutal. Now for a few acknowledgments.
MWkillkenny84: First off may I say this. You killed Kenny! You bastard. (Not intended as an insult really. It's not everyday I can make a South Park reference like this, so I jumped at the chance. Sorry.) I have read one Bleach Sekirei crossover that did have Orihime as a Sekirei although I can't remember who's this was or the name as I read it a while ago and my memory sucks worse than a black hole. I'll admit the idea is pretty good and if things were different I might do it, but I don't think I'll use it because in order for it to happen it would go against what I have planned as far as how Aizen fits into everything. Please forgive me for this.
It Pennywise: To be honest I was on the fence about if Uryū should have Uzume or if Ichigo should. I talked it over with my roommate while college was still going on; we discussed it for a few days. Eventually we decided that Uryū would fit better to calm her. Kind of like the affect Chiho has in cannon. If it was Ichigo she would probably have ended up causing more trouble. Which would be fun but at the same time he has enough problems to deal with.
Telron: Thanks for the praise. I wanted to have a plausible way for Yoruichi to get in on the action that didn't have her acting like all the other women. It also gave me a chance to delve into Soul Society politics slightly. It was fun to imagine what the politics could be like when it concerned Ichigo. As for the last bit here it is.
I have to say that I had a tough week. One of my dogs died. His liver failed as far as we can tell. We have no idea what could have caused it. Now onto the credits:
I do not own Bleach or Sekirei. It would be cool if I did but I don't. Please enjoy.
/
"Remember your part." Shakkin said over the computer link he shared with Minaka. The lower part of his face was all that was visible. His jaw was narrow and pointed. A pencil thin white line ran across his jaw. Minaka had always assumed it was a tattoo. "It is vital that you let a few Sekirei escape."
"Why let them escape?" Minaka responded. He had learned early when dealing with Shakkin that he needed as much concentration on him as possible. Minaka often enjoyed playing the blathering fool that many thought him to be. He was a genius, but when he played the fool people let their guards down allowing him to influence them better than if they were wary. With Shakkin he couldn't afford to act the fool, besides Shakkin knew he wasn't one.
"Because," Shakkin said raising his hands into an arch under his chin. "If nobody escapes the people will panic. Even in The Art of War it states that you should never back an enemy into a corner with no way out. If even one gets away then it gives the others a slim hope of getting away and they won't be as tempted to turn on you. A sliver of hope is better than no hope in our case. If they have no hope what is to stop them from turning on you?"
"I can't let them go easy though." Minaka mused aloud. He worked with Shakkin. It was a lucrative deal. Minaka had all the chaos he could ask for and Shakkin got what he wanted. It should have made Minaka happy. Instead it left Minaka with a bad taste in his mouth. It wasn't what they were doing to the Sekirei. They were tools after all that he had found hibernating in a technologically advanced ship. They existed to be used and when broken tossed away.
What left the bad taste in his mouth was Shakkin. In all the time they had worked together they had never met in person. Shakkin preferred proxies to do his work. The one time Shakkin had done something personally it made Minaka nervous. It had been when a spy Minaka hadn't been aware of had almost succeeded in leaking information.
(Gruesome description ahead. NOT for the faint of heart.)
At the time he had been sitting in his office looking over and double checking his plans for when he would introduce which turn of events in the Sekirei plan, so it came as a shock when a severed head shattered through his window and landed on his desk amidst a spray of broken glass. Even now the bloodstains still wouldn't come out.
The head had been barely recognizable as such. Scratches scarred it so badly it was impossible to tell if it was male or female. Eyes had been plucked from their sockets leaving gaping holes behind, staring at nothing. Bits and pieces of the head's face had been removed, almost like birds had taken turns ripping the flesh free. The ears were in tatters. The nose bent at an impossible angle. What was left of the mouth was twisted in a silent grimace of unimaginable pain. It had not been a quick or easy death.
(End description.)
The message had been clear. 'Mess up again and this could be you.'
Ever since Minaka had cracked down on security. He had hackers that could rival some Sekirei working to check every background they could. It had come as a great shock therefor when Shakkin's name was nowhere to be found. Most false names at least had a bank account in which some money was stored. Shakkin had nothing. If anything this told Minaka one thing. You can't afford to play the fool.
"Of course not," Shakkin responded bringing Minaka back to the present. "We need them to think they've won a great victory. If they don't have one soon then they will try to find a real victory instead of one we can work with."
"The biggest question is how we should do it." Minaka said shaking his head. "We can't let a powerful one escape but if we don't send the Disciplinary Squad after them they will be suspicious."
"I have somebody working on that." Shakkin said a sad smile split his lips. "They got word to me just recently that a situation that would be perfect is coming. All you have to do is send the Disciplinary Squad where I tell you to. I will send somebody too, to make sure all goes well. I will contact you when you need to move your people. Don't tell anybody of this."
"Agreed," Minaka said smiling. "Now what should I do about this mad man you had me hire?"
"Has he finished on the handcuffs?" Shakkin asked his voice thoughtful.
"Yes," Minaka said his smile turning cruel. "We had someone low level test them on a Sekirei we knew was close to Kenpachi. We promised him that if he put the handcuffs on her that she would be easy to Wing. Kenpachi made him a cripple for life."
"Not bad," Shakkin said nodding thoughtfully. "I want him working on a way to magnetize metal without having to touch it. Tell him it's so you can pick up metal without having to have a good grip on it."
"Sounds easy enough." Minaka said his voice neutral. Why does he want all this? Handcuffs that neutralize powers and now the portable equivalent of a forklift that only works on metal.
"Well get to it then," Shakkin growled. His voice demanded respect and his orders would be carried out, by either Minaka's willing cooperation or his corpse would do it. The screen blinked black.
That was what made Minaka the most nervous. It wasn't the threat. It was Shakkin's personality changes. One moment he was calm and thoughtful. The next he would be willing to rip off a head. Minaka rubbed along his neck at that thought. Minaka was thankful that Shakkin seemed aware of these personality shifts and only seemed to talk to Minaka when he was calmer.
"Honey," Minaka said pressing a button on his telephone that called to his former lover. "Please send Mayuri to me. I have something I need to discuss with him."
"Fine," The voice sighed over the phone. "I'll get him right away."
Minaka pushed his crazy grin onto his face. Mayuri was someone he could fool.
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Miya was at the end of her rope. A tick mark throbbed on the back of her head. The cause sat before her slowly poking and prodding her with a pencil. The two were alone. Tea cups sat beside each other on the porch as Miya tried to focus on the sunset despite Urahara's poking and prodding.
Urahara was strange. Coming from a Sekirei that had to put up with Matsu's constant need for illicit experimentation that was saying something. The entire way home Urahara had asked probing questions that seemed complete nonsense. She had responded as politely as she could but then he had intentionally started to use inappropriate language after seeing that it was one of the few things that truly annoyed her. Whenever she brought out her Hannya mask he wasn't intimidated as most were. He instead poked the Hannya mask relentlessly while writing notes as he ignored her.
"Mr. Urahara," Miya said her voice so sweet it sickened even her. Killing intent like she hadn't released in decades flooded the porch. The Hannya mask that normally appeared was nowhere in sight. She knew Urahara was immune and he would use it as an excuse to ignore her. "If you don't stop, I may have to kill you."
"More than a few people have tried." Urahara said a fan suddenly in front of his face. Miya had a hard time suppressing the urge to grab his head and slam it into the ground. Takehito would have been proud of her restraint. "You however aren't the normal woman you seem to be are you?"
"I am a simple inn keeper." Miya said as innocently as she could manage. "My question is what kind of shop keeper has people trying to kill him?"
"The devilishly handsome kind." Urahara said striking a pose. Miya let her killing intent slowly fade. He isn't worth the time it would take to kill, Miya told herself. Although a little voice in her worried what Ichigo might think of her should she kill his friend.
"Miya?" A hand waved in front of her face.
Miya blinked. Then looked at Urahara his face concerned.
"What were you saying Mr. Urahara?" Miya apologized only half caring that she missed what he said. "I was lost in my own thoughts."
"I was asking what happened to your husband." Urahara said looking forward. His voice while serious was still light. Miya felt a pang of guilt travel through her. Takehito Asama had been her husband. She had loved him deeply. The time they had spent together was the happiest she had ever had. He had shown her that killing like she had been was wrong. When she left MBI she had tossed Totsuga No Tsurugi away, vowing to never kill unless absolutely necessary. She had loved him like no other.
Now she found herself reacting to Ichigo. She had known it was possible but dismissed it. She unlike the others had not been adjusted to the same degree do to her adult nature. She had been told that the odds of finding an Ashikabi were about one in eighty billion, that she would react to. Longer odds than being struck by lightning. Twice. There wasn't even that many people alive in the world.
"He died a hero," Miya said feeling her stomach twist. She was still trying to figure out what she felt about Ichigo. She either had to kick him out and stay away from him or let him Wing her. She would feel terrible kicking him out. Since all her tenets besides Kagari were now in some way tied to Ichigo's group she would have to kick them out too, so they wouldn't have an excuse to meet at the Inn. She tried to tell herself that was the main reason she hesitated. She didn't want to loose those that were the closest thing she had to a family, but she couldn't lie to herself. She would miss Ichigo the most. But each time she saw him she couldn't suppress the feeling she was betraying Takehito.
"To many seem to do that." Urahara said his voice sad. Miya looked at him, but his face was already hiding behind his fan. "When did it happen?"
"A few years ago." Miya said trying her hardest to keep her voice light.
"I'm sorry," Urahara said his voice genuine with care. "How long are you going to stay hidden?"
"What do you mean?" Miya asked careful to keep her voice light and carefree.
"I heard it in how you talked to Ichigo." Urahara said looking at the sky. Hues of red, orange, and purple filled it as the sunset. It was the type of beautiful sunset you only heard about in stories. "You tell others to do chores. You ask Ichigo. At supper tonight when Ichigo complimented your food you blushed. You did not blush as much when Karin complimented it moments before. You love him, but you don't want to admit it to yourself."
Miya felt like she had been kicked in the gut.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Miya said her forced smile stuck on her face.
"Deny it," Urahara said waving a hand absently. "I can guarantee that Ichigo hasn't noticed yet. For all his strengths, of things involving the heart he is extremely ignorant. Just keep something in mind."
"And what would that be Mr. Urahara?" Miya asked her voice kept even.
"Would Takehito want you to tear yourself up over Ichigo?" Urahara asked standing up. "Even if he can't see why, Ichigo is very good at seeing pain. He can see that you are tearing yourself up. It hurts him that he doesn't know how to help you. You not acting is causing him pain too. Are you so selfish to let Ichigo experience the pain he is now, just so you can avoid a little yourself? At least think about it."
Urahara walked away leaving Miya to her thoughts.
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Renji tried his hardest to not scream in frustration. It was late afternoon and the sun was beginning to set. Sharing an apartment with Byakuya was among the least pleasant experiences Renji had ever had. At first Renji didn't think it would be so bad. His Captain wasn't crazy, obsessed with fighting, or heartless.
Instead it was an intense rigidity that drove him insane. In a leader it was an admirable quality, but when you had to share a room with the man it grew tiresome. Every time Renji tried to make a joke even to just pass the time easier Byakuya just looked at him like he had no idea what Renji was saying. Did his rigidity make him a bad person? No, but he needed to learn how to relax more. That said Renji conceded that he needed to take his own advise. He had almost lost it this last time. Renji had told a harmless joke about a fisherman and a hobo to pass the time and Byakuya had merely pointed out that fish couldn't talk. He had nearly punched him. Unfortunately that would be against the law of Soul Society and considered treason. Instead he had left earlier than normal.
Instead of following his Captain around all day Renji instead decided to wonder around by himself and take a break every day. Every afternoon Renji walked around the deserted neighborhood. It had been relatively uneventful today. Until that is the object of his frustration had appeared before him.
A girl in a long kimono stood looking up and down the street as if unsure which way to go. Her black hair was held by a small ribbon behind her head. All of it could be over looked if it wasn't for the huge blade she carried.
It was almost as large as the girl herself. It was roughly the shape of a diamond with the broader points rounded. She carried it by a large irregular shaped hole in the middle of the blade. Only a single edge held the traditional shape of a blade. One edge had another irregular chunk missing. Another edge was serrated. The final edge had the blade wrap around a circular cut in the blade.
As she turned in the street Renji saw her hand shift on where she held the blade. What he had come to recognize as the Sekirei symbol stared at him. In all truth it had been obvious by the fact a tiny woman was walking around a large city carrying a huge weapon like that.
"Sir," The woman said reluctantly catching his eye. Her cheeks burned a bright red from embarrassment. "Could you possibly help me?"
"Sure," Renji said simply. She was cute, even pretty. She might even be prettier than Rukia. Wait, why'd I think that? "What do you need?"
"Well," The girl said fidgeting. "I was hoping that you knew a place to live. You see I was recently turned out and I need to find an out of the way place to stay."
"Sure," Renji said turning. He tugged at the collar of his shirt. He suddenly felt a little warm. "You can come with me to where I am staying. I'm sure that the land lord will be able to find you a room somewhere."
"Thank you so much, sir." The lady said from his left. Her voice was quiet. "What is your name?"
"Renji," He replied. "Renji Abarai. What's yours?"
"Himeko," She replied shyly.
"Well Himeko," Renji said trying to make conversation. "Why aren't you with your Ashikabi?"
"How do you know about that?" Himeko asked her eyes were suspicious despite a nervousness in her voice.
"I'm not part of MBI," Renji assured her. "I just happened to run into a few friends that have Sekirei."
"It is against the rules to tell civilians about the Sekirei Plan." Himeko said softly.
Renji glanced at her. Her shoulders were slumped in on themselves like she was trying to make herself smaller.
"They don't particularly care for rules." Renji said giving a short laugh. Himeko looked at him like he was crazy. "Besides I can take care of myself."
She was quite for a moment. "You are a nice man." Himeko eventually said. Renji was starting to get the idea that she was stuck on one setting. Shy and respectful.
"Thanks," Renji said. He couldn't come up with a better response. "I can't help but notice that didn't answer my question."
"I am so sorry," Himeko apologized quickly. Something in her face made Renji look at her. Her face was flushed in embarrassment. It was a very deep red. Her breathing was shallow.
"Are you alright?" Renji asked concerned. He slowed his pace to help her catch her breath.
"I think so," She said between breaths. "I'm not with my Ashikabi because I don't have one."
"I was under the impression that a majority of the Sekirei were already Winged." Renji half asked half stated.
"We are still in the First Stage," Himeko said. Her breath was coming out faster. Renji slowed down more. He was starting to get very concerned for her. "Only a few more need... to... be... Winged."
Renji stopped completely. Himeko not seeing that he had stopped ran into him, causing them both to fall. Renji felt like they were falling in slow motion. He fell with his back toward the ground. Himeko following him right above. Her sleepy expression turning to one of panic. Her blade fell out of her hands. With a solid thud Renji hit the ground, Himeko's blade beside him made a clanging noise. Her body body fell atop his. Himeko's lips brushed his.
A bright light filled the air. Himeko pulled away at the same time wings sprouted from her back. They were simple wings with little to no frill on them. The light began to fade away. Himeko's face remained beet red. Steam rolled out her ears.
"I-I-I-I," She stammered suddenly leaping off Renji faster than a Flash Step. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen."
Before Renji could respond she sat down in the street and began to cry. Tears flew in all directions. Renji got to his feet. He was not used to crying women. It was as foreign to him as Orihime's cooking.
"It's okay," Renji said squatting down beside her.
"No it's not," Himeko said between sobs. "It wasn't supposed to happen like this."
"What do you mean?" Renji asked frowning.
"I wasn't supposed to be Winged like this," Himeko said sobbing. Her face was so red Renji worried she had popped a blood vessel.
"So that was Winging," Renji murmured to himself. "Am I that bad a choice?"
"It's not that," Himeko said protesting profusely. "In fact you are very nice, it's just..."
"What?" Renji prodded.
"I didn't expect it to happen like that." Himeko said blushing. She looks cute like that.
"Will you relax and let me be your Ashikabi then?" Renji asked offering her his hand.
Himeko took it shyly. Renji pulled her to her feet.
"Thank you," Himeko said blushing. "I will let you be my Ashikabi if you let me be your Sekirei."
"Sounds like a deal," Renji said smiling.
"Where do we live?" Himeko asked picking up her blade with ease.
"Huh?" Renji said as eloquently as he could.
"Once a Sekirei is Winged it is the responsibility of the Ashikabi to provide for her." Himeko explained. "So where will we be living."
"Shit," Renji cursed. "Byakuya is going to kill me."
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Higa Izumi paced the floor of his office. He was worried. He had sent one of his Sekirei Oriha to search out the Ashikabis of the North and get as much information on them as she could. If he could get just a little bit of black mail on one of them he might be able to break up the group and make it much easier in the future.
Higa held no delusion that if he played fair that he would win. Of those controlling the major parts of the city only himself and the West had no Sekirei in the single digits. If his sources were correct however there were still three attainable Sekirei of single digit level floating around the city somewhere. If he could get his hands on any of them it would drastically increase his odds.
His biggest threat used to be the South. He had the most Sekirei under him along with Number 5. The West while noisy in some regards wasn't in nearly as good a position. In order to attack him in as few numbers as he had he would have had to march either through the North or South.
It was the North however that worried him now. In a matter of days several high ranking Sekirei had been Winged by unknown individuals scattered throughout the city. According to his spy in MBI they had even managed to find Sekirei Number 2. They didn't know who it was or where they were.
The North also had several Ashikabis. Higa had 'persuaded' a few Ashikabis from his area of town to accept his hospitality. At first he had hoped that he could do the same with the North, but with reports of multiple Ashikabi working together in some form of a pact that lost most of it's sting. If he had one under his control the others may vary well come after him to free their 'comrade'. The resulting war would leave them weakened.
The only option left was to break them apart but first he had to get a little information on those in the pact. So far every hacker he had bought and paid for had only turned up one male name and two females which Higa doubted were part of it. The hackers had found apartment records for them with sudden cancellations.
The door to his office opened. Oriha walked into the room. A troubled expression on her face.
"What did you find out?" Higa asked his patience already as thin as it could get. She was supposed to be back hours ago.
"I could not get his name but I met with one of the Ashikabi." Oriha reported slowly.
"Damn it," Higa cursed. Can't she do anything right? "You need to do better than that."
"He knows about my Norito." Oriha said.
"Tell me everything that happened." Higa demanded narrowing his eyes. In the end Sekirei were tools to be used and discarded should they no longer be able to preform their duties. Oriha in particular was starting to fail just a bit to often.
"I followed them as best I could, but they spotted me." Oriha explained her expression pained.
"Damn it!" Higa cursed furious. "I told you to stay hidden."
"I tried my hardest," Oriha said trying to excuse herself.
"Fine," Higa said, his voice tense. "What happened next?"
"He confronted me," Oriha explained. "He knew who you were and he told me to stop following them."
"Why is that?" Higa asked not getting his hopes up. If she found out that maybe she isn't completely useless.
"The direction he was walking would have lead him directly to your hospital." Oriha said.
"You're guessing." Higa said dismissing the information.
"I was but I stopped by the hospital later to see if anyone with his description stopped by." Oriha said smiling. "He stopped by and asked for an order of equipment."
"Wait," Higa said his eyes narrowing. "I was there earlier making sure an 'investment' was being taken care of. I saw a group outside talking with her. What did this Ashikabi look like?"
"He was tall," Oriha said putting a finger to her chin in thought. "He had bright, messy orange hair."
"I saw him." Higa said stopping her from going on. He had been talking to Chiho's father at the time in the hospital. He was feeding Higa with inside information from MBI. He had walked to the window and pointed out Chiho. The people around her caught his eye. He had watched them as they separated from Chiho and a man with white hair and left. "Did they say anything out of the ordinary."
"I heard them talking about helping a Sekirei and Ashikabi escape from the city." Oriha said.
"That is interesting." Higa said his eyes narrow. If they were helping Sekirei to escape they were a larger threat than he thought. If they could do it would be one less Ashikabi that could 'volunteer' to help me, but nobody with their numbers are capable of getting through all of MBI security. "Is there anything else?"
"He didn't seem frightened of me." Oriha said frowning. "It bothers me. He knew I was a Sekirei yet he wasn't afraid of me. He even said that he would fight me in the future."
Higa felt a bit of him go cold. Even with knowledge of a Sekirei's moves it would be suicidal for an Ashikabi to face one in battle. They were just not strong enough. Even a brain type was physically stronger than an Ashikabi.
"He is a fool," Higa said shaking his head. "Even so... Oriha, I am going to send you to one of the exits to the city. I'll send my other Sekirei to the others. If they show up you are to help the Disciplinary Squad. If you fail don't bother coming back. I have no use for useless Sekirei."
Oriha colored with his words but Higa couldn't find it in himself to care. They were but a means to an end. His real goal was to topple MBI. With Sekirei who were designed by MBI it was poetic justice in a way. He would destroy MBI with their own weapons.
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Hayato Mikogami was having fun. How could he not? He was involved in one of the largest games in the world. It was fun and exciting. It was like a real life game of Pokemon.
Hayato had had a very sheltered life. His parents had controlled everything he had done. It had been stifling. It wasn't until Mutsu had come into his life that he had been able to do anything besides what they told him. Mutsu had quickly become Hayato's best friend.
"Hayato," Mutsu said calmly. He was dressed in his usual attire of a black shirt open in the front with a few cross straps keeping it together. His orange scarf hung limply from his neck. "Did you hear me or should I repeat the information?"
"No need." Hayato said smiling. "So some one wants to get out of the game. This will liven things up a little."
"I am surprised," Mutsu said a single eyebrow raising. "I thought you would be angry someone was breaking the rules of the game."
"Oh I am," Hayato said his smile still in place. "But it is also a part of a game that when someone breaks the rules they get penalized. I for one am excited to see those that break the rules penalized. You said you knew one of those on the Disciplinary Squad."
"Yes," Mutsu said voice stiff. "Why I told you that I can't remember. Her name is Karasuba. She is Sekirei Number 4. She is very violent. If we were to fight it would be to close to say who would win."
"So a few nobodies will have no chance to escape." Hayato said feeling reassured. He had been going back and forth on sending Sekirei to stop them.
"In that case you should go get some sleep." Mutsu said.
"I'm not a child Mutsu." Hayato said hotly.
"You are a teenager who controls a large portion of the city." Mutsu pointed out. "The city could burn or thrive with the decisions you make. You need to be rested so you can think clearly."
"The sun isn't even down." Hayato said his voice sounded winy even to himself. He had to admit that Mutsu did make a good point.
"If our sources are correct you may need to make plans tomorrow morning that effect the entire city." Mutsu said standing still.
"Fine," Hayato sighed. "At least I'll get to hear about the fight in the morning."
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"So you all know the plan," Matsu said to the group. They all sat outside. Dark had already fallen. Ichigo's family was already in bed.
Kuno, Shigi, Uryū, Chad, Tōshirō, Rukia, Orihime, Kuu, Musubi, Uzume, and Ichigo all nodded. Tsuki had argued against it and had decided to not take part in it. Kazehana was out drinking with Matsumoto. Ichigo was very conscious of Kon in his pill form in his pocket.
"I'll say it once more," Matsu said seriously. Ichigo had to revise his opinion of her. She was naturally a brilliant strategist. She chose to be perverse to release her stress from her life. Hiding for years couldn't be easy on a person. She was a lot like Yoruichi in that regard. The thought of the woman had Ichigo look around. He wanted her to be a part of the plan. She could be invaluable. She sat in her cat form a few feet away. "Chad, Ichigo, and Musubi are to help escort Kuno and Shigi across the bridge where a man named Tessai Tsukabishi will take them to a secure location. I still think that you should have more people along."
"We can handle it," Ichigo said trying to put her at ease. "Besides if all goes as planned the others are going to need as much help as they can get."
Matsu shook her head. "It is part of being a brain type that I think of the odds. The odds for you guys to not be discovered is minimal. Your guys best option if you are discovered is to hold out until the distraction team composed of Tōshirō, Rukia, Orihime, Uzume, Uryū, and Kuu, to get to you guys. I wish we had more fighters."
Ichigo had to suppress a laugh. If they were discovered the proverbial shit would hit the fan. Besides, if they were found out the Sekirei would be more interested in fighting Ichigo, Chad, and Musubi that they wouldn't pay attention to Shigi and Kuno. At least that was the plan.
"Okay," Matsu said nodding to Uryū. He had been put in charge of the distraction team since he Uzume was supposedly the strongest of them. They couldn't correct Matsu or they might blow their cover. "Distraction team head out now. Cause as much chaos as possible. Ichigo, your team leave in ten minutes."
Those in the distraction group left. Isshin stuck his head out the door to the porch. Two lumps rose almost comically from his head. One had been caused by Ichigo when he had attacked him at supper. The other had been caused by Miya for his fighting. Ichigo knew the only reason he didn't sport a matching one was because Miya knew about the mission later. She had promised to hit him after he got back instead.
"You guys ready?" Isshin asked for once serious. "This could get ugly if what I heard from Tōshirō is right."
"You mean Kenpachi being with the Disciplinary Squad?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes," Isshin said. Matsu looked at the pair. Ichigo had told her that Kenpachi was a former mercenary they had ran up against before. Part truth part lie. Ichigo didn't like lying but until they knew what the Sekirei were they couldn't risk saying anything that may set off an implanted Kidō.
"We'll deal with it in time." Ichigo said trying to sound up beat. Kenpachi was good enough to give most Captains a run for their money. If what Tōshirō had said about Karasuba was right it would be hard with them alone. With the other two Sekirei in the Disciplinary Squad it would be even harder.
"I just wish I could help more," Matsu complained. Her face was down cast. Ichigo felt his heart wrench in his chest.
"I know somebody who may be able to help," Isshin said slowly. Ichigo narrowed his eyes. What are you talking about? "What is the exact problem?"
"I don't know how you can fix it, but if you really want to know I can't leave this building." Matsu explained. "MBI is searching everywhere for me. If I step outside I risk being discovered."
"Give me a few days and I may be able to help out." Isshin said smiling. "Anything to help out my little Ichigo's girlfriend."
Ichigo did not think he just acted on instinct. One moment Isshin was standing in the doorway the next he was flying down the hallway. A crash sounded throughout the Inn. Like clock work Miya appeared in front of Ichigo.
"Ichigo," Miya said her smile never slipping. Killing intent flooded the room. The Hannya mask slowly peaked around the corner of the door, looking no doubt for Urahara. Not seeing him it went and hovered over Miya's shoulder. "Violence is not permitted in Izumo Inn."
"I'm sorry Miya," Ichigo apologized. "When I get back feel free to punish me, but now I have to help Shigi and Kuno to escape."
"I'll think of a suitable punishment by the time you get back." Miya said smiling. The killing intent slowly faded. The Hannya mask faded with it. "But you seem to be incurring interest on your punishments. Best to pay it off quickly."
"I'll be sure to do that," Ichigo said as the extraction team began to leave. "And thanks."
"Whatever for?" Miya asked confusion on her face.
"For being a good landlady," Ichigo said walking away. "And I know it isn't easy for you to see us put our selves in harms way, but none of us feels comfortable with letting Minaka continue like this."
"But why do you fight?" Miya asked. Her voice was curious. "Those you hurt have family and friends."
Ichigo paused. "Because if I don't fight they will hurt my friends and loved ones. My family, my friends from Karakura Town, everyone here in Izumo Inn. I won't let them get hurt. If that means I have to fight then I will do it."
"But why do you fight for Shigi and Kuno," Miya asked so softly only Ichigo could hear it. "You only just met them."
"Because," Ichigo said smiling ruefully. "If we don't who will?"
Miya smiled at that. "Promise me something Ichigo."
"What?" Ichigo asked frowning.
"That when you get Shigi and Kuno across the bridge you'll come back," Miya said her smile bright. "You have to pay rent after all. You also need to explain something to me."
"What do I need to explain?" Ichigo asked.
"You need to tell me how Kon was in your body and you were outside." Miya said her smile never slipping.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Ichigo lied with a straight face.
"I didn't ask you to explain now," Miya said her smile deepening. With no warning she was next to Ichigo. Ichigo started back in surprise. A blur to one side drew his attention. Ichigo ducked. He miss calculated the speed by a few milliseconds. Miya's metal ladle landed squarely on his head.
"OUCH!" Ichigo exclaimed against his will. "I thought you weren't going to hit me until I got back?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Miya asked. "I didn't hit you. You merely bumped into my ladle. Besides it is not polite to lie to your landlady."
"I'll tell you later," Ichigo said walking to the door.
"Just remember Ichigo," Miya said smiling. "Kon seems to stay here quite a bit. If you do not tell me I may have to find someone willing to tell me."
"You have my word," Ichigo said sighing. I wish she didn't force my hand but they deserve to know. "I will tell you anything you want to know about me."
Ichigo left the Inn to catch up to the extraction team, but not before he barely heard Miya say, "You had better keep it."
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The streets were deserted. Animals and humans shared one instinct. The instinct of fleeing danger. The ability to sense when something bad was about to happen. Most people decided tonight that it would benefit their health to stay inside and away from the windows.
Only a single group walked the street. Three men and two women. Ichigo kept his eyes glued around them. Occasionally he saw Yoruichi flicker in and out of the streets in her cat form. Musubi, Kuno, and Shigi looked at her. Ichigo couldn't blame them. Yoruichi was acting very un-cat like. The group was silent. Roaring noises echoed through the city. Ichigo wasn't sure what it was Uryū and the others were doing but it was working.
The bridge was only a few yards away. A line of MBI stood before them. Some leaned against the bridge smoking, others were reading newspapers. Most had guns strapped to their belts. Those that didn't had batons. There were about thirty men total. MBI had men stationed across the city, most were incognito still. MBI wasn't ready to announce what was going on in the city to the public yet. Those on the bridges were just to keep the Sekirei and Ashikabi in. Not anybody else, yet.
"How do you want to do this?" Ichigo asked Chad. He crouched behind the corner of a building. The others joined him.
"We can't sneak across." Chad observed. "We wouldn't be able to distract this many."
"So we fight our way through." Ichigo said nodding. Matsu had tried to get them to take Uzume for this very reason but Ichigo had argued against it. Uzume would have been a good addition, except that in order for the distraction group to work they needed as much visible destruction as possible. With her, Kuu, and Musubi were the only ones who could use their powers openly. Musubi wasn't able to use the quite the same large scale abilities as the others. She was a hand to hand expert.
"Musubi," Chad said turning to his Sekirei. His voice was unnaturally filled with concern. "How many of them can you take by yourself?"
"Musubi will be able to them all." Musubi said smiling. Chad smiled back at her.
"Well just to be safe you won't face them by yourself." Chad said. "Ichigo which side do you want to take?"
"I'll take the right." Ichigo said walking out of the alley. "Shigi, Kuno, you two stay back when we start."
"I'll get the middle." Chad said his stoic tone back.
"Musubi will get the left," Musubi said running ahead of them.
"Wait Musubi," Ichigo yelled after her. "We have to attack together."
She didn't even slow down. Ichigo looked at Chad.
"Does she always rush like this?" Ichigo asked.
"You do the same thing," Chad said looking back. "Besides does it really matter? They are going down anyway."
Ichigo looked back to Musubi. She had already made contact with the first of the men. He was walking toward her saying something. A sharp jab from her right fist sent him flying over the side of the bridge. Musubi began swirling through them as if dancing. Sharp jabs delivered at just the right time sent both guns and batons skittering over the side. Ichigo looked at Chad and shrugged. Chad shrugged back. Both men broke into a run.
Ichigo entered the swarm of men and women. While not as strong as in his physical form as his Shinigami form he was still stronger and faster than these guards. Not a single shot rang out. Chad and himself were to fast and watched to carefully. When Ichigo saw one reach for a weapon he was the next to go down. Soon only himself, Chad, and Musubi still stood.
"Shigi, Kuno," Ichigo said loudly. "Come on."
A noise suddenly made itself known. The whooping of helicopter blades filled the air.
"Shit," Ichigo cursed. Shigi and Kuno were still to far away and the helicopter was coming closer. Ichigo looked at Chad.
"Secrecy just went out the window didn't it?" Chad asked shaking his head.
"I think it did." Ichigo said reaching into his pocket. Kon in pill form had been remarkably silent through everything. He pulled out the little red pill. "Take care of my body or I swear I'll ship you back with my sister."
Ichigo popped the pill into his mouth. He felt suction as his soul was sucked out of his body. Ichigo quickly grabbed the earpiece from his body before Kon ran to the end of the bridge.
"What is going on?" Ichigo heard Shigi ask.
"Just follow me and hide." Kon said grabbing the back of his shirt. "This is going to get ugly very quickly."
"Ichigo," Musubi said stepping closer to him. She poked at his arm. She made contact. Ichigo had half hoped that she wouldn't be able to. Most humans could walk right through him. The first time it had happened Ichigo had felt nauseous, but he had grown used to it. "Why are there two of you?"
"We'll explain to everyone later." Chad said sighing. His right arm slowly turned black. Red lines ran through it. It broadened into it's usual shape. Musubi was suddenly by Chad poking his arm.
"I remember this," Musubi said continuing her poking. "I saw it when we first met and you became my Ashikabi."
"Yes," Chad said smiling at the shorter girl. Affection laid thick in his voice. When did he get so close to her? "Now can you help fight these Sekirei?"
"Of course," Musubi said smiling. "Musubi shall do her best."
The helicopter stopped right above their heads. A white and black figure jumped out of the helicopter. A flash of pink was all the conformation Ichigo needed. The figure crashed to the ground in front of him. A large dust cloud obscured it. A slight stirring of the dust was all the warning he had.
Kenpachi launched himself out of the cloud directly at Ichigo. Their blades met in the clash of steel. His eye patch was locked firmly onto his face. His face had a manically grin on it. Yachiru sat comfortably on his shoulders.
"ICHI!" She shouted happily. "Kenny kissed a bunch of girls!"
"Yachiru you know I've been looking forward to this." Kenpachi said his grin never slipping. "Go sit with those out of the way."
"Okay Kenny," Yachiru said grinning and gave a mock salute. "I'll sit over there. Have fun."
"Do we really have to do this?" Ichigo managed to growl out as Kenpachi tried to push him back.
"Yes," Kenpachi said his voice happy.
A loud noise sounded behind Ichigo.
Ichigo risked a look behind him. A woman with gray hair and gray coat stood nearby. The Sekirei symbol was imprinted on her back. A sword swung from her hip. Two other women propelled down ropes to the ground. One had gray hair and the other had pink. The gray haired one was taller than the shorter pink hair. She also had visible claws extending from her hand. The pink haired one had gloves on her hands. They all wore the same coat as the first one. Chad and Musubi stood in front of them.
The one with the sword started forward.
"I got him," Kenpachi said over Ichigo's shoulder. "Karasuba, why don't you fight that guy over there."
"No I think I'll go with little Musubi," Karasuba said a creepy smile on her face.
Kenpachi backed up and relaunched an assault on Ichigo. His rapid strikes came one after another. Ichigo blocked a strike to his left. Kenpachi surprised Ichigo by throwing a strike with his off hand. Damn it, Ichigo cursed himself. Since when does Kenpachi use his fist to fight.
Ichigo rolled with the blow. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Chad fighting against the pink haired Sekirei and the Sekirei with claws. He was doing well. He didn't have any wounds yet, but he was to slow. Each time he tried to get a solid hit they would flow around it. Ichigo wondered for a second why he wasn't using any of his more destructive moves. He doesn't want to catch Musubi in the crossfire. The bridge wouldn't be able to take it either.
Musubi seemed to be at least holding her own but something was strange. It hit Ichigo with cold when he realized what it was. Karasuba is barely trying. It's like when I first met Byakuya. I wasn't even in the same league. Musubi isn't near as powerful as Karasuba.
"Chad," Ichigo shouted trying to get his friend's attention. Chad broke combat with his pair of combatants long enough to look at him. "Musubi is in trouble."
Chad looked at Musubi and a look of understanding passed through him. He started to fight toward her while fending off attacks from both of his opponents.
A flash of steel brought his attention back to Kenpachi. Ichigo brought Zangetsu up to block. A shock wave rippled through his arm.
"Ichigo,"Zangetsu called. "He has gotten a lot stronger than when you last faced him."
"I can see that," Ichigo said swinging at Kenpachi's exposed abdomen. A flash of blood rewarded him for his efforts. In exchange Ichigo felt the sharp bite of Kenpachi's sword along his thigh. Looking down briefly revealed that it was not a major wound and wouldn't do much other than serve as a minor annoyance in the long run.
"Ichigo," Matsu's voice came in over his earpiece. "What's going on?"
"Bit busy," Ichigo grunted ducking under a blow that would have taken his head.
"Why are there two of you?" Matsu asked her voice almost frantic. "I thought I saw it the other day but dismissed it after we went to meet your family at the train station."
"Matsu," Ichigo said slipping past a horizontal slash from Kenpachi. Ichigo took the opportunity to cut into Kenpachi's side. He laughed loudly as he retaliated with a series of frenzied strikes. "I'll tell you later. Busy staying alive now."
Ichigo tuned out what she said after that as Kenpachi managed to slip past his guard and get a deeper cut on his left arm.
Ichigo backed away as quickly as he could. The cut wouldn't affect him much but it would wear at him. If left untreated it could be a problem, but that would take hours. Orihime would be able to get to him in time to save it. A scream pierced the air. It was Chad.
Ichigo looked at him. Chad's face was grief stricken. He stared out to where Musubi stood. Ichigo felt his body go cold.
Musubi stood her eyes blank. Karasuba's sword stood out from her back. As he watched Ichigo saw her Sekirei crest disappear from her neck.
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Author's Note:
Well here is the dreaded cliff hanger I warned you guys about. Yes, yes, I am evil for putting it here. Did I plan to put it here yes, but it was also due to the fact that this is one of the longer chapters and I wanted to separate it. The next chapter will be mostly fighting. Now I feel I should explain why I had Miya have her own little part in the chapter. I felt I needed to humanize her just a bit. Put her feelings into perspective. The Renji bit for many of you may seem like it came out of the blue and I chose one of the most random Sekirei imaginable. Well the main reason I chose her is because she seems she would be able to even him out a little instead of him being so impulsive. Also with Hayato he is very hard for me to write for. He respects his Sekirei but he doesn't tolerate failure. He comes across both cruel and kind in both the Manga and Anime. Higa is much easier. He just hates Sekirei. To him they are a means to an end. I will admit that it has been a while since I've seen Sekirei so I had to get a refresher in their personalities. I used the wiki to refresh my memory. So if they seem a little OOC I'm sorry. Also I did play around with which stage they are in. Why? Because if it was in the second stage they probably wouldn't have let Isshin and Urahara into the city and this starts on the same day they arrive. It just takes place later in the day.
Here is John Hinde saying: Have a good day and damn it I'm tired.
P.S. I will write the first chapter of the next story to see how interest is. Originally I had only planned on it being a two story crossover. Then I added one. Now I'm adding a fourth. It will be a Bleach/WoT/Naruto/One Piece crossover. The main reason for the number of stories is that even if you don't know Wheel of Time you should still find interest with the other characters. The characters involved will be:
Bleach: Ichigo, Chad, Uryū, Orihime, Rukia, Yoruichi (After time time skip and but right before the thousand year blood war arc(Eventually plan on having a few antagonists from here))
WoT: Most of the cast (Beginning of the story line and loosely follow this time line. Some changes will be made.)
Naruto: Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, Sai, Hinata, (After time skip right after The invasion of Pain arc. Sasuke and his team along with Tobi will also function as antagonists.)
One Piece: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Nico, Franky, Brook (After time skip(Black Beard will also act as an antagonist. For those that know WoT this antagonist makes arguably the most sense))
It will take place in the WoT world. The category I will place it under is Bleach/WoT. It's name will be "A Crack in the Wheel". Pairings are not yet finalized for this story. I will not bash any of the characters. I see to much bashing in Naruto stories and will steer clear of it as much as possible. If you have ideas for pairings in that story please PM me. (Take note that there is actually a way to have a small harem that was actually put into the Cannon version of WoT, so multiple pairings are possible but they will not be nearly as large as this story. 2-3 MAX.)