Author's Note:
I'mmmmm baaaacccckkkkkk!
Well based on the comments at least a few people enjoy the first arc of this story quite well. I feel quite happy that I was able to make something that people enjoy and look forward to. I hope I can continue to please. That said I'm still looking for OC's. Two have been submitted. I have quite a few seats left to fill. I have several filled myself but I need more. Feed me, Readers. Feed me. (Quote from the creepiest play I remember as a child that my school put on. "Little Shop of Horrors") Don't worry though I won't eat you. Unless you are made out of pickles. In which case I will find you and eat you.
Anyway, lately I've had several ideas for other stories running rampant in my mind. Some include a time/dimensional traveling Ichigo, Naruto and Sasuke in Kuoh Academy, Ichigo in Kuoh Academy, a chapter or two of A Crack in the Wheel, Ichigo joining a group of assassins, and Ichigo trying to avoid trouble at West Genetics. Those are some to just to name a few. I started a few of them on my own just to get some of the ideas down before they became forgotten. Once this story is done in another two arcs I will start to work on a few of them, but until then this story is the one being worked on. Unless I get writers block. Like I did for most of this month.
Now I suppose that just about covers it. Let's begin the second arc of this story!
I own nothing of Bleach or Sekirei. Unless they are willing to sell it to me for pennies. What? No? Well I suppose that was to be expected. I do own original characters that have been revealed thus far. When new ones submitted by readers come in I will say who submitted them and gave me permission to use them.
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"So what do we do now?" Ichigo asked the group assembled around him. The group sat in a coffee shop a few miles from Izumo Inn. It was a small place with a western feel. The walls were painted a warm pine green color. The sitting areas were couches and thickly padded recliners.
The group that surrounded him had made themselves very much at home. Ichigo sat in the center of a couch. A glass of hot chocolate in his hands. Rukia sat on one side sipping tea while Orihime was on his other sipping coffee. Yoruichi was sitting behind hind his back licking at some milk in her cat form.
To his left lay Urahara in a recliner with a sleepy look on his face. In a chair beside him was Isshin wearing a similar expression. To Ichigo's right was another couch. Sitting closest to Ichigo was Rangiku. Next to her was Karin. Both were playing with a certain Captain's hair that sat on the floor between them. Tōshirō had objected. A lot. But at the look in Karin's eye he had become silent and sat on the floor between them. He did keep muttering threats of death by paper cuts to Rangiku who just laughed.
Uryū sat next to Ichigo's sister. A look of extreme concentration covered his face as he looked out over steeped hands.
Chad sat directly opposite Ichigo. His stoic face gave away nothing as he sipped his hot chocolate.
They had invited Tatsuki and Yuzu but Tatsuki had declined saying she wanted to walk around the city a little bit. Yuzu had decided to stay at the Inn and 'play' with Kon who she found as he had been trying to sneak into the bathroom. He had played 'doll' and was currently being made 'pretty' by a combination of Yuzu and Uzume.
It had been almost two weeks since the successful rescue mission and everyone had had time to cool off and relax a little.
"What do you mean Ichigo?" Uryū asked. "As far as I'm aware our mission hasn't changed. Find out all we can about the Sekirei and stop whatever is going on."
"I'm just saying that we know the problem," Ichigo said frowning. "That crazy ass director of this place has a sadistic side to him and wants to see everyone in pain as they fight each other. Why can't Urahara just hack into whatever system allows him to hold Sekirei hostage and disable it so we can go kick his ass?"
"Because it isn't a system," Urahara said speaking up sleepily. "It is some form of Kidō as far as I can tell. Not possible to hack and I hesitate to try and break it because it might be possible that by breaking it any Sekirei under it's control will die."
"But we can't continue following this mad man." Ichigo said shaking his head. "If what I've heard from everyone is right this only ends when there is only one person left standing. I'm not sure about everyone else but I would rather not fight each other."
"Agreed," Uryū said nodding.
"Right," Chad said as well.
"But what is our next move?" Ichigo asked.
"According to Kuu," Tōshirō said speaking up. His voice was tense as the pair of women above him continued to play with his hair. "There are 108 Sekirei in the game."
"From what I was told by Tsukiumi those in the single digits are supposed to be monsters compared to the others. The upper five even more so." Uryū said speaking through his steeped hands.
"Matsu is Sekirei number two." Ichigo said simply. "And Kazehana is Sekirei number three."
"Musubi says that the woman that fought with her is Sekirei number four Karasuba." Chad said speaking up.
"Tsuki is number nine." Uryū added. "And Uzume is number ten."
"So in the top ten we are missing number One, Five, Six, Seven, and Eight." Yoruichi said speaking softly so as to not alarm anyone in the cafe. "Kisuke you have any information on the rest?"
"According to what I've been able to hack and to what Ichigo's beautiful Matsu has told me," Urahara began. Ichigo blushed at the mention of Matsu. If he denied it Matsu would somehow find out and be hurt by it. If he agreed he had a feeling Matsu would find out and insist on an experiment. It was far safer to say nothing and ignore it. "Number one is highly dangerous. Even MBI doesn't want to go near her. Number five is Winged by the guy known as the Ashikabi of the South. Six is still at large and Seven is damaged so she can't be Winged making it impossible to say if she has given her allegience to anyone yet. Eight was taken out years ago and is currently not in play."
"So the only ones still out there are One, Six, and Seven." Tōshirō said nodding.
"Do others know about this information?" Uryū asked.
"Matsu told me when I asked that she was not the only one capable of hacking into MBI." Urahara said. "In fact when I think back it was almost to easy to gain access to some of the information, such as who was Winged and who wasn't. It was almost like they wanted someone to find the information."
"So," Uryū said his voice had taken on a cold logical tone. "What we can assume safely is that the most powerful participants of the game will go after those three. Depending on how scared of One they are they may not go for her."
"Or him." Urahara added.
"There are male Sekirei?" Rukia asked her eyebrows raising.
"Yes," Urahara said still sleepily. "But they are much rarer than females. I know for certain that number five is a male, but he seems to be the only one in the top ten that is with the possible exceptions of One and Six. Still about one to two odds."
"Why are they the possible exceptions?" Rangiku asked speaking up.
"Well the only information I could get on One came from Matsu," Urahara said yawning. "All she said was the One was the strongest Sekirei and that even MBI wouldn't mess with One. She never indicated a gender. Just a number. When I looked up information on Six, information on gender was missing. I could not find a reference to gender anywhere. Just the name Homura."
"What are we talking about One, Six, and Seven for?" Karin asked. She leveled a glare at the Captain at her feet. "Don't you guys have enough girlfriends?"
"We aren't looking to Wing them." Ichigo said carefully. His sister's temper was legendary. "We want to protect them. One and Six have made it this far because they are most likely hidden and don't want to participate or they haven't found the right person yet."
Karin glared at her brother, but didn't contradict him.
"Anything else you have in your sleeve Hat'n Clogs?" Ichigo asked.
"It appears we are in the second stage," Urahara responded. "Which means they are in even worse position than before."
"How do you mean?" Chad asked.
"In the second stage, from what I was able to hack," Urahara said his voice slightly less sleepy. "The city closes. Nobody in or out. That includes humans so Isshin, Karin, Yuzu, and Tatsuki are going to be here through the entire thing unless we find a secret way out. The second stage ends when all Sekirei have been Winged."
"Damn," Ichigo cursed softly. "This is going to be a pain in the ass, but it just proves that we can't keep playing that bastard's game."
"Well what can we do?" Orihime asked worriedly sipping her coffee.
"We need to do something that nobody would expect." Uryū said. "Something that would put everyone off balance."
"Attack MBI!" Rangiku said happily.
"No," Ichigo said shaking his head. "If we do they could shut down every Sekirei. We need something else."
"Break the bond," Chad said suddenly.
Everyone in the room was suddenly paying attention. Rangiku and Karin had stopped playing with Tōshirō's hair that was set into a spiral like appearance. Uryū took down his hands and was waiting for Chad to continue. Rukia and Orihime sat quietly with their cups to their lips but didn't drink. Isshin and Urahara sat up straight and were waiting for Chad's reasoning. Yoruichi as a cat was hard to read but Ichigo got the impression that she was impressed someone had thought of that.
"If we find a way to break the bond," Chad continued. "Sekirei that were forcefully Winged will be set free."
"And they won't be strong enough to prevent us from beating the shit out of an Ashikabi that deserves it." Ichigo mused.
"Language Ichigo," Karin growled. A mini Hannya Mask floated beside her head. Ichigo really wished Miya hadn't taught her how to do that.
"We could also eventually strengthen it to block the signal from MBI for deactivating the Sekirei and we could invade them all at once." Yoruichi expanded.
"It is possible," Ichigo said aloud. "Zangetsu said that there is a way to do it but it would take time on his end."
The group got quiet at his response.
"You are trying to break the bond between you and your Sekirei?" Rukia asked softly.
"With the life I live," Ichigo sighed. "I don't want anyone to die with me. I need to break the bond so that when I die I'm not killing my friends too. Besides they only like me because of the damn thing. If it didn't exist or if it was with someone else they wouldn't like me like that."
"Idiot," Ichigo thought he heard Rukia mutter.
"Ichigo..." Orihime said softly.
"Should hit you..." Yoruichi said behind his head.
"DON'T YOU DARE TRY AND TAKE AWAY MY GRANDCHILDREN!" Isshin wailed anime tears streaming down his face.
"Shut it goat-chin," Ichigo sighed. He was in no mood to fight. "Just please don't say anything to Matsu or Kazehana. They'll probably rape me if they hear about what Zangetsu is working on."
The group remained silent for a long moment. The only sound were sniffles from Isshin.
"And if they feel the same way after the bond is broken?" Uryū asked softly.
"They won't," Ichigo said simply. When he thought about it he had come to decide that he did like those two. Maybe not as much as they liked him right now but he would definitely say they were close to him. In the end what irked him the most about their attentions was the bond. Even Matsu's insistence on experimenting didn't bother him as much as the fact she was only acting that way because some crazy asshole had programmed her to.
The atmosphere had taken a turn for the worse as Ichigo could feel those around him conflicted by their own inner emotions.
"I think I need to take a walk," Ichigo said slowly standing. "I'll see you guys back at the Inn."
Ichigo slowly walked to the exit of the store. He placed his empty cup of hot chocolate and left the building. He was quickly lost in the crowded streets. The area was a relatively nice one. Shops lined every corner. The people while not overly kind weren't hostile either.
Ichigo didn't really have a destination in mind. He just needed to walk. He passed stores randomly. Periodically he could see the symbol of MBI printed on a store window. Ichigo turned a corner and felt something hit him right in the chest.
"Ouch," A female voice said. "That hurt."
"Sorry about that," Ichigo said looking down. A petite green haired woman sat on the pavement rubbing her head. Her hair was cut jagged around her shoulders and blue green eyes seemed to sparkle beneath some jagged bangs. She had a simple yellow shirt on with matching knee length skirt. Ichigo offered her his hand. "Let me help you up."
"Thank you," The woman said taking his hand giving him a soft smile. With a small tug she was on her feet and no worse than when she fell. "You look like you are in a hurry. Where are you going?"
"Nowhere really." Ichigo shrugged. He sighed. "Just trying to think through some issues."
"Girl trouble?" The woman asked giving a knowing smile.
"Something like that." Ichigo said shrugging.
"Well if you aren't really going anywhere maybe you could walk me to my house and I could listen." The woman said giving a soft chuckle. "I am a pretty good listener."
"No thanks," Ichigo said shaking his head. "I like to work through my problems myself."
"In that case," The woman said giving him a smile. "You escort me to my house like a gentleman."
Ichigo felt slightly trapped. On the one hand Ichigo felt guilty for knocking her down and wanted to make things right. On the other was a desire to put as much distance between himself and women as possible. Eventually his sense of duty won out.
"Okay." Ichigo sighed. "Where too?"
"Just a few blocks," the woman said smiling as she started to walk. "You are such a handsome man. I just know that you are having girl troubles."
Ichigo felt his cheeks warm at the offhand compliment.
"Nothing I can't figure out myself." Ichigo responded shrugging.
"Well if it were me," The woman said simply. "Is it that you feel differently about each other?"
"Something like that," Ichigo sighed.
"Well in that case I would tell the girl that you aren't interested in her." the woman said smiling. "If you really aren't interested it will make the woman face the fact and move on with her life. If you are interested then if she actually is interested she will say something. If she isn't interested then you've just saved yourself a lot of heart ache."
"It's a bit more complicated than that," Ichigo said scratching at a spot on his cheek.
"Just consider it," The woman said pulling to a stop in front of an apartment building. "If you ever feel like talking come see me again. You can call me Gee by the way."
"I'm Ichigo," Ichigo responded politely.
"That's to long." Gee complained. A look of inspiration crossed her face. "I know I'll call you Bee. Because when you ran into me you looked like a busy bee."
"Ichigo is just fine," Ichigo said deadpan.
"Nope," Gee said smiling. "You are Bee. Come see me again."
With that Gee disappeared into the apartment a smile on her face.
"Damn it," Ichigo muttered. "My life hates me doesn't it."
"Cheer up King," Shiro said speaking up. "It could be worse. You could have a creature inside your body that wants to take it over. Oh wait."
Shut up bastard. Ichigo thought to his Hollow. Zangetsu any idea on how to speed up the process of unmaking the bond?
"I could attempt it," Zangetsu hypothesized. "But it would come at a cost."
What is it? Ichigo asked.
"During the time it takes you would be unable to use most of your power." Zangetsu explained. "I would be able to reduce the time from months to about two weeks, but you would basically be limited to a single half powered Getsuga Tenshō."
Do it, Ichigo responded. If things get ugly I don't want to hurt Matsu or Kazehana.
"What about when Matsu or Kazehana find out about this?" Zangetsu replied. "Won't they feel angry, betrayed, and hurt over your actions?"
Better than them being dead, Ichigo sighed as he continued on his walk.
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Go down the dark alley. I said. It is the fastest way to get to the Inn. I said. Tatsuki cursed her luck as a group of thugs stood in front of her.
"Give us your purse and we won't have a problem." The lead ugly said. He was tall man who was thick in the shoulders. Black that slowly turned into a bright green hair was put up in a Mohawk. His face was squat and looked more like a baby's than an adult. A section of pipe was in his hands.
Various other uglies in the alley voiced their support. Each looked similar to their boss. They had long greasy hair dyed poorly all shades of the rainbow. They were all big and thick. Each carried a section of pipe, bat, chain, or some other various weapon.
"Not going to happen," Tatsuki said dropping into a martial arts stance.
"You asked for it." The lead ugly said rushing forward swinging his pipe.
Tatsuki knew she would never be able to take Ichigo in a fight again, but these pathetic thugs were nothing. Ever since she had found out about Hollows and Shinigami she had wanted in, in some way. It would give her a way to use her skills for combat and actually make a difference.
She had been training her ass off ever since. She could now say with confidence that while she may not be able to take on more than a single Hollow at a time she could usually hold two off until Uryū or someone got to her.
As the pipe descended toward her head Tatsuki ducked under the blow that would have at least cracked her skull. At worst killed her. Her hands darted forward in a series of sharp focused jabs at his sternum. With the first hit she heard the air leave him. With the second hit she saw him drop the pipe. With the third she felt his sternum crack. She finished with a low sweep that brought out the man's feet from under him causing him to fall flat on his back.
She saw his eyes roll up into the back of his head. The group behind him all had frightened looks on their faces.
As casually as she could Tatsuki reached down and picked up the pipe. As one the would be muggers turned and ran. Tatsuki let the useless piece of metal drop. She was a hand to hand combat person. She could use things like pieces of pipe if she had to but she was nowhere near as good as she was with her hands. That said she had learned early that most people couldn't disassociate hand to hand with armed combat. One could be an expert in one but get their ass handed to them in the other.
"That wasn't to bad," A voice said behind her. Tatsuki turned and saw a figure dressed in black clothing. Messy white hair covered the head. A mask covered the lower part of his face. A black coat covered his form. He was kind of hot.
"You think so Kagari?" Tatsuki asked sarcastically. "Like you could do better."
"I think you have me confused with someone else," Kagari denied. "I'm Homura."
"That may work on the others but I'm not a complete idiot." Tatsuki said deadpan. "Besides I can see your white shirt sticking out from under the black clothes."
"Shit," Kagari said turning in place to look for the non existent slip. Finding nothing he turned to glare at Tatsuki who had to fight back a laugh. "You tricked me."
"Well duh," Tatsuki said rolling her eyes. "Now what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be at work?"
"In a way this is work," Kagari said shrugging. "I suppose that you've already been told about what's going on in the city."
"The Sekirei Plan," Tatsuki nodded.
"Well I am one of them." Kagari said shrugging. "Number Six Homura at your service."
"So what are you doing out here?" Tatsuki asked.
"Well I come out to try and protect the unWinged Sekirei." Homura said simply. "I hate what this has become. I try and make sure that those around the city find the Ashikabi they are meant to be with instead of being forcefully Winged."
"I take it that Miya, Matsu, and Uzume know who you are." Tatsuki said seeking confirmation.
"They do," Homura said simply.
"Have you tried searching for your own Ashikabi?" Tatsuki asked.
"At first I did," Homura said shrugging. "But I've kind of give that up."
Homura held up a hand in front of him. Tatsuki watched as it suddenly turned into fire. It wasn't suddenly coated in fire. It was fire. Homura put on a look of extreme concentration and slowly his hand reformed. He brought it back down to his side.
"As a fire Sekirei I am unstable." Homura explained a humorless grin on his face. "Eventually I'll break down and explode in a fire explosion. At first I had hoped an Ashikabi could stabilize me, but at this point and after so many failed attempts I doubt that I will be capable of finding one in time."
"Well what about just asking someone to become your Ashikabi so you don't die?" Tatsuki asked. The question tasted bad as it left her lips but she couldn't recall it.
"I won't do that," Homura said shaking his head. "When an Ashikabi and a Sekirei become a team the Ashikabi can change the Sekirei. Normally it isn't much. A slightly different tint to the eyes. A slight tweak to the personality. Nothing that would be noticeable. I am much more susceptible to it. With it I could become a female if that is what my Ashikabi wished. It also forces the Sekirei to take on feelings for the Ashikabi. I don't want to be forced to have feelings for someone. I need to react to someone, but I doubt I will."
"What about Orihime?" Tatsuki asked hopefully. "She can heal anything."
"I don't want the others to know," Homura said sadly. "I don't want to get my hopes up. Besides, I already made my piece with it. I-I'll see you around Tatsuki."
With that said Homura leaped. An impossible leap for any human. He cleared the tops of the buildings.
"Damn it I'm not done talking with you yet," Tatsuki shouted after him.
Damn it, Tatsuki cursed quickly stepping over the unconscious body of her would be mugger. She made for the end of the alley with one thing in mind. I have to help him.
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Byakuya walked through a small park filled with cherry trees. It was an odd feeling to be in this world. He hadn't bothered wearing his Gigai for the short trip. After Renji had brought back that woman Byakuya had grown increasingly irritated with their behavior. It was far to casual for someone you just met.
Byakuya had become so irritated with his Lieutenant's behavior that he had taken to walks early in the morning to clear his head. He had discovered this place almost by accident the day after Renji had appeared with that woman. She was strange and made Byakuya nervous to say the least. No human should be able to see Shinigami. Those around Ichigo Kurosaki were the exception rather than the rule. His stray power had influenced the girl Orihime, Chad was a Fullbringer, then there was the Quincy.
Byakuya felt a tugging on his cloak. He looked down. A little girl stood on the ground next to him. A white dress covered her form. Long blond hair fell to her waist. A potted plant was in her hands.
"Have you seen my big brother?" The little girl asked sweetly.
"No I haven't," Byakuya said uncertainly. "How can you see me?"
"With my eyes silly." The little girl said happily. "You remind me of my big brother a little."
"And who is your big brother?" Byakuya asked frowning.
"He is a little taller than me." The little girl said happy to have found someone helpful. "He has white hair and he sometimes wears a coat like yours."
Byakuya had a sinking feeling he knew who she was talking about, but he needed confirmation.
"You're a Sekirei aren't you?" Byakuya asked.
"Yup," The little girl said smiling sweetly at Byakuya. "Number 108, Kuu."
"Hey Kuu," A familiar voice called. Byakuya turned to see a short white haired Captain Hitsugaya walking toward the pair. "Captain Kuchiki, what are you doing here?"
"I am taking a walk," Byakuya said simply. "I find it relaxes me after spending time with Renji and his... friend."
"You know my big brother?" Kuu asked Byakuya happily.
"I work with him yes." Byakuya replied.
"What is your favorite part of this park?" Kuu asked smiling. "Mine are the flowers."
"She likes plants," Captain Hitsugaya explained. He had cupped his hands together as if he was trying to warm them. He was breathing into them.
"I like the cherry trees," Byakuya explained to the little girl. She reminded him of Rukia when she was younger.
"Cherry trees," Kuu said looking around. Eventually she bent down and picked up as small little brown rock from the ground. "What is your name?"
"Byakuya Kuchiki," Byakuya said.
"Byakuya Kuchiki," Kuu said smiling. "Like Rukia."
"You know my sister?" Byakuya asked frowning.
"They've been staying with us," Captain Hitsugaya said.
Kuu stooped next to the path and placed the little rock next to the path. She straightened and closed her eyes.
The rock began to shake. As Byakuya watch a small green stem sprouted and began to stretch up to the sun.
No not a rock, Byakuya corrected himself. A seed.
It wasn't just any seed either. It was a cherry tree seed. As he watched the tree grew into an adult cherry tree in full bloom. On the trunk was his name Byakuya Kuchiki.
"It's a thank you present for keeping me company until my big brother got here." Kuu said grinning.
"Thank you," Byakuya said smiling slightly. It was odd in a way. The child with her innocence had created a thing of beauty just for him staying with her.
"Well we should go Kuu," Captain Hitsugaya said smiling. He opened his hands to reveal a flower made completely of ice. Kuu took it gleefully and put it into her hair. "We will see Captain Kuchiki later."
"By Byakuya," Kuu said sweetly as she and Captain Hitsugaya left. "You are a really nice man."
Byakuya continued on his walk in a much better mood than he began. The sun seemed warmer on his back. He chuckled slightly as he thought of the irony. Some how Captain Hitsugaya had obtained a Sekirei that had abilities closer to Byakuya's than one of ice. In a way it made sense he supposed. Kuu grew beautiful plants. Captain Hitsugaya could create beautiful ice sculptures. Together they were like spring following the winter.
Byakuya turned a corner in the path that led down a part of the park that was blind to the rest. Off to the side he saw a tall woman sitting on a bench. A blank and slightly depressed expression on her face. Light brown hair reached down to her shoulders. A white kimono with a larger portion cut out for her head than necessary covered her body. A large portion of cleavage showed. Chains wrapped around her neck and held the kimono on. A black sash wrapped around her middle. What Byakuya had come to recognize as the Sekirei symbol was on her forehead in a bright orange.
Normally Byakuya would have kept walking. In hindsight he should have kept walking. Byakuya blamed that girl, Kuu. If she hadn't put him in such a good mood he would have kept on walking. Instead he stopped and said, "Hello."
"Hello," The Sekirei responded neutrally.
"Why are you simply sitting here?" Byakuya asked.
"Because I have no use." The Sekirei responded. "I can not find the one I am supposed to be with. I can never reach my full potential because I am... broken."
"Things that are broken can be fixed." Byakuya replied. She sounded so sad.
"I can not be fixed," The Sekirei responded. "I will only serve to hinder my Ashikabi."
"Come on," Byakuya said gesturing for her to follow him. "I have a place you can stay."
"I will only get in the way," The Sekirei responded unmoving.
"I never said I was going to be your Ashikabi," Byakuya responded. "I am merely offering you a place to stay where you can have a roof over your head and a belly full of warm food. Do you think this is unacceptable?"
"But I have nothing to offer in return." The Sekirei protested. Her voice never seemed to waver from that neutral tone. At least she was respectful.
"I am not asking for anything in return." Byakuya responded. "A girl already made me smile today. I feel like returning the favor."
"I am Akitsu," The Sekirei said standing. "And while I can not be Winged I pledge that from this day forward I will help you in anyway I can and act as if you were my Ashikabi."
"You don't need to do that," Byakuya assured as he began to lead Akitsu to the apartment. "Just stay out of trouble. Call me Captain Kuchiki."
"Of course my Ashikabi." Akitsu said nodding as she gave a short sharp bow.
I should have just kept walking.
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"And here you are little lady." Urahara said handing Matsu the device that would conceal her presence from cameras around the city. They were both sitting in her secret room.
"Thank you so much!" Matsu said happily taking the device. She could barely contain her excitement as she turned the device over in her hands. It was small. No larger than a book of matches. It was a bright red. Small little pulses of energy seemed to come off it. "How does it work?"
"Well it transmits a signal that will run a loop of the area around it." Urahara explained, his voice happy. Matsu knew the feeling. It was so nice to finally have someone that understood technology on the same level. "For all intents and purposes you won't even appear in the footage."
"How did you counter the longer range cameras?" Matsu asked curious.
"A trade secret," Urahara said winking. "But it operates on the same principle."
"What about digital or film cameras?" Matsu asked.
"Digital will disrupt the SD card and prevent your image from saving correctly." Urahara explained. "Unfortunately there is no counter to an older film based camera but that will work against a large company like MBI. They are used to having the biggest and the best. They won't have film based cameras anymore."
"Risky, but I like it." Matsu said smiling as she put the device in her pocket. "How do I start it?"
"It is continuously running," Urahara replied smiling. "Just remember to keep it on you when you go out. If it is to far away it won't work. It uses a new property to retrieve latent energy from the air and recharge."
"Thank you so much," Matsu said again. With this I can stalk my glorious Ichigo anywhere. Matsu barely noticed the stream of drool leaking out of her mouth.
"Matsu," Urahara said his voice serious. "What do you think about Ichigo?"
Matsu frowned.
"What kind of question is that?" Matsu asked both confused and slightly insulted. "He is my Ashikabi."
"That is what he is." Urahara said sadly shaking his head. "But what do you think of him?"
"That's easy," Matsu said her frown lessening slightly. "I love him."
"Have you told Ichigo that?" Urahara asked.
"Of course," Matsu said waving off the question. "I tell him every chance I get."
"Matsu," Urahara said slowly. "I've heard you offer to do experiments with him and telling him he is your Ashikabi, but I haven't heard you use those words."
"What is this all about?" Matsu asked slightly worried.
Urahara hesitated.
"Ichigo is looking for a way to safely remove the bond." Urahara delivered the earth shattering news with such a calm expression.
"No," Matsu said her mind reeling. "Why would he do that? Am-am I that bad in his eyes? It's not possible, but I suppose he could have the right connections to get it done."
"Matsu listen to me," Urahara said firmly. Matsu ignored him as she felt her mind spin thousands of miles an hour.
"I can be better," Matsu said softly. "I can change."
"Matsu," Urahara said again.
"Maybe-maybe if I talk to him about it I can change his mind," Matsu said tears leaking from her eyes.
"Matsu," Urahara said. Matsu felt him grab her arm. She looked at the man. His face was calm. She wanted to claw his eyes out for being so calm as her world crumbled around her. "He is doing this for you, not because of you."
"Huh?" Matsu eloquently asked. She felt like she was in the eye of the storm. In a moment the pain and misery would return.
"The first thing you need to know is that Ichigo is very protective." Urahara explained.
"I've noticed," Matsu said choking back a sob. This isn't right. I'm supposed to be Sekirei number 2. Matsu. Thinking like that didn't help at all.
"He knows that if he dies so will you." Urahara explained. "Ichigo lives a violent life. He feels he has to in order to protect those important to him. He knows he could die any day and he doesn't ever want to put you in harms way but by avoiding danger his friends and family are put in danger. You have become much to important to him to risk."
"I don't care." Matsu said adamantly.
"But he does." Urahara said gently. "It isn't just that."
"What else is there?" Matsu asked her world was already blown to hell and back. Might as well set it on fire too.
"He firmly believes that the only reason you are close to him is BECAUSE you are his Sekirei." Urahara said.
"That's ridiculous." Matsu said shaking her head.
"I agree," Urahara replied. "But it is hard to prove. From what I've been able to gather those that have been forcefully Winged begin to feel close to their Ashikabi."
"But when a Sekirei reacts it is because they are near the one that brings out the best in them." Matsu said slowly.
"Matsu, Ichigo is very slow when it comes to matters of the heart." Urahara explained. "The girl Orihime has been in love with him for longer than I've known him. He has no clue. Matsu instead of focusing on experiments you need to focus on making Ichigo realize that nothing controls how you feel about him."
"How would you suggest I do that?" Matsu asked feeling the world she knew slowly reform under her feet.
"Kiss the damned fool," Urahara said smiling. "Ask him to go on a date with you. Things that teens do."
"How old is he?" Matsu asked curious. She new she was older than Ichigo, but she was curious as to how much older she was.
"Older than he should be for his age." Urahara said sighing. "Physically he is about seventeen, but we forced a lot on him. I wish it could have been different, but he was the only one who could do anything."
"Wow he is young." Matsu said surprised.
"How old are you?" Urahara asked raising an eyebrow.
"A lady never tells that." Matsu said faking severity. "But I am much older than I look."
"Should have seen that coming," Urahara said chuckling.
"Is someone going to tell Kazehana?" Matsu asked remembering her fellow Sekirei.
"Rukia volunteered to tell her," Urahara replied.
"That's going to be a tough conversation." Matsu said simply.
"Does what I told you make you think any less of Ichigo?" Urahara asked.
"It makes me think all the more of him." Matsu said smiling at her words. A gleam came to her eyes. "Besides it's always the prude ones that make for the best experiments."
Urahara barked a laugh.
"If I may make a suggestion," Urahara said a gleam in his eyes.
"What?" Matsu asked leaning closer.
Urahara started whispering in her ear. The more he whispered the larger Matsu's perverted smile grew.
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"Kazehana," Rukia said pulling the large chested Sekirei aside. A bottle of sake was firmly gripped in her hand. "Can we talk really quick?"
"Of course Rukia," Kazehana said smiling drunkenly. "What do you need?"
After Ichigo had left for his walk the other Ashikabi had soon followed him stating similar reasons. Uryū had claimed that he wanted to shop for some fabric. Captain Hitsugaya had said he wanted to go back to the Inn to check on how Kuu was. Chad had just looked at everyone, shrugged, got up and walked out. That left a much smaller group.
They had immediately started talking about how to dissuade the Ashikabi from trying to break the bond. As much as Rukia hated to admit it the two groups, Sekirei and Shinigami, had grown on each other in their time together. Rangiku and Kazehana had become fast drinking friends. It was rare to see one without the other.
Matsu and Urahara had taken to each other like fish to water. They were always talking tech or debating on scientific theory. Rukia was actually kind of surprised that Matsu hadn't reacted to him instead.
Yuzu and as much as she may hate to admit it Karin had both become very close with Kuu. They were like big sisters to the little Sekirei.
Uzume had done nothing for the last two days but talk with Uryū about design. Tsukiumi had even gotten in on the action. She had at first been against Uryū spending time with Uzume but she had suggested that Tsukiumi could be the model to wear the clothes that Uzume and Uryū designed. She had acted reluctant but her eyes told a different story. In the end she had folded like a terrible poker hand.
The four Ashikabi were at completely different levels of acceptance as far as their Sekirei went. Uryū was third as far as accepting things. He was still highly uncomfortable with the idea of calling them anything other than his friends, but he wasn't trying to push them away.
Captain Hitsugaya and Kuu were spending quite a lot of time together. From the time he woke up to the time he went to sleep the little girl was all but glued to his side. Captain Hitsugaya didn't seem to mind much. He would talk with the Sekirei, play with her, and the first time she had heard it Rukia swore she must have been hearing things. Kuu had made Captain Hitsugaya laugh. Captain Hitsugaya was very up tight because he feared any sign of childishness would make those around him see him as a child. Kuu managed to break his icy shell and get to the warm part that until now had been reserved for only a few.
Karin had been furious at first but as time had worn on Kuu had worn at her defenses as well. Like creeping vines on an ancient wall. Eventually Karin had decided the best way to fight back was to spend as much time with Captain Hitsugaya as possible and since Kuu was almost always with him Karin had started teaching the young Sekirei several things. The trio had even started playing soccer in the back yard.
Captain Hitsugaya was second as far as accepting his Sekirei into his life. He wasn't trying to push her away and seemed to find excuses to be with her and with Karin. Although Rangiku had teased the young Captain about what Momo would say when she found out what was going on.
Chad was by far taking the Sekirei Ashikabi bond the best. He and Musubi were rarely without each other. Ever since their powers had been revealed Chad had started sparring with the Sekirei. He showed her how to use her power more efficiently. Chad and Musubi had walked around the City together. They had gone out to eat together. The only thing stopping it from being called a date was that they themselves just never said the words.
Ichigo was taking it the worst and it infuriated Rukia to no end. Ichigo was an amazing man. In the brief instances he forgot he was supposed to not like them and Matsu wasn't being a pervert he got along almost surprisingly well with Matsu and Kazehana.
Matsu and Ichigo would talk about the latest advancement in technology. Ichigo was surprisingly knowledgeable in that area. Granted he was no Urahara but he could still contribute enough to keep the conversation interesting. Ichigo had confided to Rukia that after learning how much MBI had eclipsed the rest of the world in healing technology he had been reading up on the latest advances to see if anything related to Aizen came out.
Kazehana and Ichigo had talked about each other. It was harmless things. Bits and pieces of their pasts. It took a bit of coaxing on Kazehana's part but eventually she got Ichigo to tell her a few of his worries. Rukia didn't know everything that Ichigo told her but from what Kazehana had let slip none of it was dangerous to Soul Society.
But eventually Ichigo would remember and he would walk away a cold look in his eyes. Rukia could barely stand the pain in their eyes. She could only imagine what she would feel if he did that to her. Most likely something violent and bad to Ichigo.
At the coffee shop things had changed though. Ichigo's speech about protecting Matsu and Kazehana had gotten to the heart of all the Ashikabi. None of them wanted their friends hurt and they would all go to extremes to prevent it.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Kazehana asked as the pair entered a private room.
"Ichigo," Rukia said simply. "This is going to sound bad but please don't freak out until the end."
"Okay," Kazehana said frowning as she took a swig from her bottle of sake. "Something tells me I'm going to need my sake more than ever after this."
"Ichigo wants to get rid of the bond," Rukia said quickly hoping that the quick method would be the least painful. Like ripping off bandages.
"Why?" Kazehana asked much to calmly. Her knuckles turned white on the bottle of sake.
"Kazehana you know those masked creatures." Rukia said slowly. "Ichigo's job is to fight them. He would never give it up. In fact he lost his powers for about a year an a half. The time in between was torture for him. He couldn't stand to see his friends go off to fight them when he couldn't. He could die at any time. He isn't afraid of dying himself. He is afraid you and Matsu will die with him."
Kazehana remained silent. She took a long swig from her bottle.
"Is that all?" Kazehana asked her voice slightly shaky.
"Not quite," Rukia said hesitantly.
"You really know how to lay it on a person." Kazehana said taking another swig. "What's next?"
"The final reason Ichigo wants to get rid of the bond is because he is thoroughly convinced that the only reason you and Matsu love him is because of the bond." Rukia explained. "He believes that without it you and Matsu would not feel that way. He hates the idea that it is forcing you to feel that way about him."
Kazehana looked at the bottle of sake and Rukia thought she might have a heart attack when she saw Kazehana put it down.
"That man really is stubborn." Kazehana said sighing. A soft smile crossed her face. "But he is a good man and I'm even more happy than ever that he is my Ashikabi."
"You aren't mad?" Rukia asked surprised.
"Oh I am mad," Kazehana said dismissively. "But I am only mad because I didn't see how difficult he is on my own. I should have seen how he would react to the bond. I assume someone is already talking with Matsu?"
"Urahara is," Rukia confirmed. "He is the closest one to her save for Ichigo himself. I figured I should be the one to talk with you."
"Thank you for telling me." Kazehana said nodding. "I assume there is a plan?"
"The plan is pretty simple." Rukia said simply. "I can't say everything because it isn't mine to tell but Ichigo has a way of getting third party help without us being able to stop him. This third party will break the bond. But we have a plan."
"What?" Kazehana asked obviously trying hard to ignore the secret.
"Well we can't stop the bond from being broken." Rukia explained. "But from what we've been able to tell when he breaks the bond that won't prevent it from being reformed. We just need to have him realize that we love him."
"We?" Kazehana asked smiling as she raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Rukia said feeling her cheeks warm violently. "After the bond breaks kiss him again, BEFORE you start reacting. In the mean time we each take him on dates and pretend to not know what he is doing. After doing it X amount of times he should get it through his thick skull and if not we can always beat it into him after this is all over."
"Sounds good to me," Kazehana said smiling. "You know I'm not really mad at Ichigo after hearing his reasoning. If it was me I would probably do the same thing. It is like a scene from an epic romance movie."
Kazehana's face turned wistful. She picked up the bottle of sake and took a long drink. Rukia sighed.
"So what is your plan for asking Ichigo out?" Kazehana asked smiling.
"I don't know," Rukia admitted embarrassed.
"Let me give some advice." Kazehana said smiling. "First..."
Rukia listened politely as Kazehana began listing the possible ways for her to ask Ichigo out. Rukia was hit by an enormous sense of irony. First she was listening to this woman give her dating advice when Rukia over one hundred years old. Second it was supposed to be the boy that asked the girl. Not the girl that asked the guy. Third that a woman who was interested in the same man as her was giving her advice on how to ask him out. This might actually end up working better than if we were alone.
"What are you thinking about?" Kazehana asked. "You seem much happier."
"I was just thinking that if all of us put our minds to it Ichigo doesn't stand much of a chance." Rukia said smiling slightly.
"No man is a match for a woman with her mind made up." Kazehana laughed. "And I've made up my mind on loving Ichigo."
Rukia her smile widen as Kazehana continued on with her advice.
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"What are you doing?" Ichigo asked as he got back to Izumo Inn. His face was beat red and he was very carefully looking everywhere but at the person in front of him.
"I'm sunbathing," Matsu said from her position on the lawn. She was wearing a skimpy red bathing suit. A striped blanket lay underneath her. "Urahara managed to finally build a device to mask myself from cameras and I'm taking advantage of it. It gets stuffy in there when you haven't been outside in I don't know how long."
"Don't you think that you are giving to many men heart attacks?" Ichigo asked gesturing over his shoulder. A line of men all in front of the Inn say on the ground clutching at their hearts. Paramedics were already treating them.
"I'm conducting an experiment," Matsu replied smiling perversely at Ichigo. "How few clothes I have to have on for you to stop being a prude and look at me. I guess I'll start having to remove layers."
She reached for a clasp that secured her top.
"NO!" Ichigo begged covering his eyes. A trickle of blood rushed out of his nose. "Anything but that."
"Anything?" Matsu asked her smile deepening. Ichigo had a feeling that he was going to regret saying that. "Then take me out for dinner tomorrow."
"I don't think-" Ichigo began but was interrupted by Matsu reaching for her top again. "Okay! Okay! I get the point. Tomorrow. Dinner. My treat."
"Good," Matsu said nodding. "Now I have one more thing to ask you."
"What?" Ichigo asked dreading the answer.
"Should I wear underwear or not?" Matsu asked with a straight face. "It would make experimenting after so much easier."
"Wear it," Ichigo said clutching at his nose to prevent blood loss as he staggered into the Inn.
"Welcome back, Ichigo." Miya said smiling happily at the Substitute Shinigami. "I understand you and your friends had a fight earlier."
"They told you about it?" Ichigo asked surprised.
"Just that it upset you." Miya said she hesitated. "Maybe you would like to talk about it over some coffee."
"I don't drink coffee," Ichigo said shaking his head. "I'll drink tea, but I prefer something sweeter."
"I understand," Miya said. Ichigo almost thought that he imagined the flash of disappointment that flashed through her eyes.
"Hey," Ichigo said before Miya could leave. "Matsu forced me to agree to take her out tomorrow afternoon, but I don't have many plans for later."
"I have to make supper that night." Miya said shaking her head. "But Yuzu is making lunch the next day and I don't think the others would mind if we are out doing a few errands."
"Sure," Ichigo said shrugging. "That will work."
"Okay," Miya said her smile brightening. She started walking to the door Ichigo just entered through. Killing Intent suddenly flooded off her. "Now if you'll excuse me I have to go remind Matsu that just because she isn't confined to the house any longer does not excuse her to commit illicit acts in the area."
Miya left the building. Ichigo could only shake his head as he heard Matsu's protests coming from the front lawn.
Ichigo made his way to the stairs of the Inn and almost literally ran into Orihime and Rukia.
"Watch where you are going, idiot." Rukia angrily.
"Sorry," Ichigo apologized. "What are you guys doing?"
"We," Rukia said slowly. Her face was still red with irritation. "Were actually planning an outing tomorrow night. He heard of a small restaurant not to far from here. It serves food from Norway of all places."
"W-w-would you like to join us?" Orihime asked softly. Her face was a brilliant scarlet.
"You okay Orihime?" Ichigo asked frowning. "You feel sick?"
"I just gave her some fashion advice," A new voice slurred from the top of the stairs. Kazehana stood at the top. A bottle of sake in one hand. A heavy blush on her face. Her posture was loose, as if she was a puppet hanging from a single thread from her head. He clothing was rumpled as if she had been sleeping in it.
The head of a disheveled Rangiku popped up behind Kazehana. Her hair was messy and her clothing was ruffled as if she to had been sleeping in it. A heavy blush was on the Shinigami's face as well.
"Are you two already drunk?" Ichigo asked deadpan.
"Don't be like that, Ichigo," Rangiku whined. "It's four o'clock in the afternoon. You sound like my cute Captain."
"I'm not like Tōshirō." Ichigo denied abundantly.
"It's Captain Hitsugaya," Tōshirō said annoyed appearing in the suddenly crowded hallway. Kuu clung to his arm. She was dressed in a wagtail costume. Karin stood on his other side looking at the short Sekirei with green eyed jealousy. "What are you doing already drunk Rangiku?"
"Well Captain," Rangiku said putting a finger to her lips. "We just got up from a short nap. Now we were going to ask Miya if she needed help with supper."
"You just got up from being passed out," Tōshirō interpreted. "And you were going to see if supper was ready because you got hungry."
"Why did you ask if you already knew the answer?" Kazehana asked drunkenly.
"Rangiku," Tōshirō said a tick mark on his forehead. "Since you can't seem to understand what I mean when I say don't cause Miya trouble by getting drunk, maybe you can understand this. I have a few stacks of paperwork that need your signature on them. If I catch you with a single drop of sake or other alcohol before it is done I will freeze you to the chair and it will take 'His' abilities to thaw you enough to stand again. Seeing as how he is very busy I will find paperwork for you to do until he finds time to visit."
Rangiku shivered at the threat. A second bottle of sake suddenly appeared in Kazehana's free hand.
"Ichigo you never gave Orihime an answer." Rukia said speaking up as Rangiku and Kazehana walked down the stairs and way from the group.
"Oh sorry," Ichigo said turning to the red headed woman. "Sure I'll go with you guys. I'm going to be running errands with Miya beforehand but I'll meet up with you afterward."
"Don't forget," Rukia warned eying him.
"I won't," Ichigo assured as the pair walked away.
"Ichigo," Tōshirō said speaking up.
"If this is about what we talked about earlier," Ichigo said referencing the talk in the cafe. "I need to do it. I can't let them be hurt."
"As much as I agree that I don't want Kuu to be hurt," Tōshirō said looking down at the small woman. "I don't think that any of them feel the same. Regardless of what I think we've decided that Urahara would try and develop the machine. That said we've all agreed that we will ask any friendlies before we do anything. After this is over Urahara will look for a solution."
Kuu looked lost. Which, if Ichigo had to guess, was the point.
"I know you guys don't agree," Ichigo said simply.
"It's not that we don't agree," Tōshirō denied. "It's just we want to go about it a different way than you. I have a... favor to ask you."
The last seemed dragged from him.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked curious.
"I want you to keep an eye on Rangiku for me," Tōshirō requested. It sounded like he had a Zanpakutō shoved down his throat. "I would do it but with her habits and the company she keeps I think it would be best to have you as an ally."
"What?" Ichigo asked confused.
"He's saying that because Rangiku likes to drink she goes out to bars a lot and because he looks so young he can't go into them to look after her." Karin said as she ignored Tōshirō's glare at the young comment. "You can pass for legal age in a pinch and since Rangiku usually likes to drink with Kazehana it would give you an excuse to look after her more than the others would have."
"He should have said that then," Ichigo said simply. He turned back to the Captain. "But why does she need to be looked after? She always drinks."
"The difference is in the reason for her drinking." Tōshirō said simply. "Before the incidents that occurred after you became involved with us she used to date Gin. She still drank even then but her drinking was because she enjoyed life. Now it is to mask the pain to the point she can no longer feel it. She may not look it but she still feels Gin's loss. I just ask that when she goes drinking you make sure they get back safely."
"I will," Ichigo said nodding.
"Thanks," Tōshirō said thankfully.
"We should go Tōshirō." Karin said speaking up. "We still need to teach Kuu how to tend the goal and we have to work on your foot work."
"Your sister is going to kill me with her constantly demanding I train for playing soccer. I've only played one game." Tōshirō complained.
"Don't whine." Karin said pulling the Captain's ear; earning her much protest. She began dragging him away with Kuu still holding his arm. "You agreed that you would help us at our next soccer match."
"Have fun," Ichigo called after the white haired Captain who was trying to make excuses, each of which Karin ignored.
Ichigo finally made his way up the stair to his room. Ichigo entered and sat down on the mattress. He rubbed at his eyes as he thought about how his day had gone.
"Finally back," A male voice said behind him. "You look like shit."
"Hey Yoruichi," Ichigo said not even looking. "I feel like it. I feel terrible about doing this, but I want them to be safe."
"You're an idiot," Yoruichi said bluntly.
"Thanks," Ichigo muttered.
"Well you are," Yoruichi replied. "Why do you really want them to be free of the bond?"
"I told you and everyone else." Ichigo said. "I don't want them to die because of me."
"No," Yoruichi said simply. "You don't what them to get hurt because of you, but you forget. Just because someone isn't bonded to you doesn't mean that they won't be hurt because of you. What do you think your family would do if you got hurt? Your friends? Everyone that loves you? Do you think all of us would be fine if you die?"
"But none of you would die." Ichigo said trying to make sense of her words. She had said 'love' but she must have meant the love of a friend or family member. The other was just to strange to consider.
"Ichigo," Yoruichi said sighing. "Haven't we all proved that we will be through Hell and back for you? If you died then odds are we would be right behind you since there is no way in hell that you would stop us following you."
"I need to think things over," Ichigo said softly. "I need a few minutes."
"Take all the time you need." Yoruichi said getting off the mattress. "I'll be around if you ever want to talk."
She was at the door when Ichigo said just loudly enough for her to hear, "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Yoruichi said back. "You can pay me back by taking me out for some milk sometime."
How did my life get to this point? Ichigo asked himself as the woman/cat left.
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Author's Note:
Well not a lot of action this chapter but some plot development for the second arc. If you guys remember Zangetsu had theorized that he could break the bond with the Sekirei but it would take to much time to be practical. With this new method it leaves Ichigo at a severe handicap. Basically he's only got a weak version of Getsuga Tenshō and he is limited in its use. For the next few weeks he is at this power level. I have a reason for why I want Ichigo weaker for a short time and it doesn't have anything to do with Ichigo being attacked. I have a few things for advancing the relationships. As for Akitsu, I was rather conflicted on where to place her since she needs someone that will look out for her and bring her out of her shell. I decided on Byakuya because they have similar personalities. Both are rigid. Finally why Ichigo is going for a way to break the bond. He is a protector, but he is also a fighter. In this case fighting can get those close to him killed, so he is looking for a way to protect them.
I would also like to say I am excited to say that with this chapter the story will have over 100,000 words, 83 reviews, 126 favorites, and 173 followers.
If you have any other comments feel free to PM me or leave a review. As a reminder I still need characters for the story. If you have any PM them to me.
This is John Hinde signing out.