Welcome to the next chapter
Benny Farr; I am sure at least one of them would really enjoy it.
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, we shall be seeing it pretty soon. They did yeah and Aizen is up to something, what we shall be exploring quite soon. Bambietta has been through a good bit, more of which will be revealed pretty soon.
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, she surely was. Yoruichi does yeah. Yeah, he does have some knowledge. Sakuto does trust Yoruichi with his life. Yeah, Hiyori is meeting a fair few people lately that can clash with her. Giselle showed a cute side. We shall see what happens with Bambietta. Yeah, Sosuke is up to something. I am sure Sosuke still experiments with different type of Hollows. Sakuto has plans for that orb, and seems to understand about it. He has called it that. Lisa would do that. He could teach Nemu that. It would be nice if Shino is like that.
Guest 1; Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 2; Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 3; Thank you for the harem suggestions.
With those reviews out of the way, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 13
After dealing with the Hollow, and meeting up with the others of Shinji's group, Shinji included, Sakuto began speaking to them about what he believed to be true about the attack that Lisa had received, while they all listened.
Even Kensei did, which Sakuto took as a win since he knew for sure that Kensei wouldn't have done this beforehand.
"So you believe that he wasn't here for us then?"
Shinji asked for confirmation, and so Sakuto gave it him.
"Going on what I have witnessed, and data I have recorded, I'd have to say no. But to say on the safe side, its best to always be prepared, as there is no telling if anymore are running around. There have been some indications that it might be possible."
"So, you're saying there's more of those things running around?"
Hiyori asked incredulously, with Sakuto nodding his head in agreement.
"If you ask me for certain, I couldn't tell you. But, I do know deep down that it probably wasn't the last one. Fortunately, that last one was a prototype, based on what else I have seen over the years. There has been a few of those creatures like that, not exactly like that, but have taken inspiration of Hollow Shinigami combined. Though, not exactly like you guys, or Arrancar's either...sort of like unstable hybrids if I had to give them names. If at first you don't succeed, that is the mentality that my brother would have, and would still use these failed creations in different ways."
"It makes you shudder thinking what he's been up too, doesn't it? Failed creations, God I hope he has no completed creations."
Love murmured, Sakuto couldn't help but agree with what Love said as well, but was also prepared for any eventuality that could happen.
"So, yeah. I think that you guys are safe for the time being. It was rotten luck that it met Lisa-san. I'd say it probably got attracted to her spiritual powers while on its way to the real target, and decided to change target, that's all. Maybe it sensed like itself, she had both Shinigami and Hollow, or perhaps it liked power in general, it really is hard to discern for certain, but it would probably be one of those."
Shinji thought that would make sense, and now he himself was trying to figure out what could be the idea of this happening.
"I see, then we should be prepared as well." Shinji turned towards Hacchi. "How is that barrier Hacchi? We have to be prepared in case we have been found. Now that Aizen is spending time in sending his precious creations, these disturbing Hollows, failed or not, that even were attracted to Lisa, we've got to be more prepared than ever."
"I am in contact with Tessai-san and we're working on creating a stronger barrier together."
Sakuto slowly nods, as Kensei runs a hand through his hair.
"You saved Lisa, huh?"
Rather than say it aggressively, Sakuto was glad that his voice was more that of wondering now, showing that Kensei was making an effort to try and differentiate between Sakuto and Sosuke as people, and not trying to have his vision clouded anymore.
"I did yes, I couldn't let anything happen to you guys again. Even though it wasn't my involvement that night, I still feel for you guys, and don't want you to suffer by the hands of my brother any longer."
Kensei pulls back, and looks on with half lidded eyes.
Then he began rubbing the back of his head in a semi sheepish manner.
"W-Well, I guess that you did good. Lisa told us that it was inches from skewering her, so you've got my thanks for that."
The others in the room turned towards Kensei, surprised that only a few days ago, Kensei was Sakuto's biggest hater, now it seemed that he was truly grateful for everything that he had done for them, at least when it regarded Lisa and keeping her safe.
Mashiro gained a teasing look, poking the sides of his face, antagonizing him.
"Awww, are you getting soft in your old age? Is it that? Don't worry, I wont tell anyone~"
Kensei calmly but increasingly angrily let out a small breath as Mashiro kept poking his face.
He didn't want to have to deal with her.
"Mashiro, be quiet! I'm not even old you little twerp!"
"Waaah! You're mean! Meanie Kensei! Meanie!"
Kensei felt his eyebrows twitch, while Hiyori gave an amused look.
"Yeah, couples shouldn't hide these things from one another. Its the key to a successful relationship, be honest with your feelings Kensei. You know you want her, its not a secret you have to try and hide. And she wants you too. Join hands, and get married like Urahara, and Tessai are."
Kensei gave bewildered eyes to Hiyori, while she snickered.
Shinji then cracks his neck, but then paused, looked to Hiyori and whispered "Really, Urahara-san and Tessai-san are getting married?" which Hiyori 'confirmed' with a nod of her head accompanied with the sly smile, Shinji looking rather stunned, but happy for the pair of them, as he turned back to Sakuto once more.
"You have our thanks, Sakuto-kun. For Lisa-san and the protection of us as well. If that thing had gotten her, and then sent that information back to Sosuke, it would've been dangerous for us, and well, we don't want to have to go through that right now."
"Really, you don't have to worry about that, I'm glad to be of help." Sakuto smiled out. "So, yeah, I think that the Hollow came for another purpose. I can't say for certain what that is, but I don't think it was for you. Again, maybe it was, so lets keep precautions, and make sure that if you go out, go out at least with someone else. I'll also work with you Hacchi-san if you'd like with barriers, I've learned a trick or two over the years."
"My, it would be intriguing to see what your skill is with Kido after all this time. It would be most appreciated Sakuto-kun."
Sakuto bowed his head, while looking determined to help them out, no matter what would happen.
Returning back to the apartment for the evening, he found that Rukia and Nemu were already asleep, but Orihime wasn't. She was currently in a conversation with her elder brother via the large screen he had set up for her.
Deciding to not disturb them, Sakuto made his way to the kitchen silently, but Orihime caught the sight of him, and gently smiled.
"Ooh, Sakuto-kun. You're back. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything is okay. Sorry for worrying you. Calling your brother I see."
Sakuto waved to Sora on the screen, who did the same thing right back.
"Ooh yes, we're just about done now though." Orihime turned to the screen. "See you soon Sora! Love you!"
"I love you too. Get a good nights rest. Take care. You too Sakuto-kun."
Orihime waved as Sakuto gave a gentle smile.
Soon, the screen cut to black, so she turned towards Sakuto, and looked rather happy.
"Sakuto-kun, you sure everything is okay? You're being a bit quiet."
"Really? Haha, no need to worry, I'm fine. Just doing some stuff that's all. Nothing really important."
"So, what did you fight?"
Sakuto raised a brow.
"You could feel that?"
"I felt something was going on with you, what were you fighting Sakuto-kun?"
"It was a Hollow, but its gone now. Nothing to worry about."
Though he said that, not wanting to worry her, Orihime felt something more was going on, and decided to stand up, going towards him.
"You know Sakuto-kun, there is one wish that I wish deeply for. Do you know what it is?"
"Erm...for us to go into space and walk on the moon~"
He guessed and lightly joked at the same time.
"Yes!" Orihime happily exclaimed as she bounced up a single time, then dialed it back with a soft smile. "That is one of the wishes anyway. But there's something else, bigger than that I wish for. And that's power."
Sakuto was taken aback by her saying that.
"Didn't peg you for the power hungry type Orihime-chan. Looking to dominate the worlds again?"
He joked with her, while Orihime gave a big grin right back towards him.
"Something like that~ You know how it is, even Tatsuki-chan wants too as well~" She joked, then her face turned serious. "Actually, its because, I want to be able to fight alongside you. To make sure...you don't always have to take all of the burdens. Because...you have to do a lot, right?"
Sakuto gave a kind smile towards her.
"You don't have to worry about that."
"I know, but I still do. Because I care a lot about you, and the others. If I could help even more..."
"You really are sweet." Sakuto gently walked towards her, and placed a soft hand upon her shoulder, giving her his best kindest smile. "You know Orihime-chan, I have a theory about you. I don't know if this is true quite yet, but if it is, and I am leaning towards it is, then I am sure you would gain an intriguing power."
"Really? Me? What is it?"
Orihime was curious, so Sakuto explained.
"I can sense you've got still latent spiritual powers inside of you, waiting to come out. In time, I feel as if they will, and when they do, you're going to be rather happily surprised to say the least. I don't know how best to describe it, but that's how I feel within myself, and within you. I can't say exactly what power it would be, but something about your spiritual pressure, it gives me curious thoughts about the nature of what your abilities could be."
As he said it, he overlooked her for a few times, using his sensing ability to detect the wellspring inside of her, and wondered what would be needed for the push.
Orihime herself thought it would be a good thing if she did gain some kind of power.
"I hope that I do. I also want to help everyone out, like you do Sakuto-kun. Like with Yuichi-kun, and with Sora. With Tatsuki-chan as well, as I am sure many people. I want to be able to help people out too. Knowing about this world, and not being able to do much..."
"I can see why that would be disheartening." Sakuto wrapped his arms around the brightly blushing Orihime. "When the times right, you will show exactly how strong you are, both in mind, and in spirit. Trust me, I have known you for a good while now and already have seen the size of your heart, and the kindness that you naturally show, and your empathic side, it really is a delight to know someone like you."
Orihime couldn't hide the storm of redness that was blessing her face.
His words, and how he was so kind and gentle with her, always there to give her anything that she needed, she hoped one day that she could return all of the kindness that he had offered her.
The next day, Sakuto and the others went to school, doing their usual school work, and when it came time for lunch, Sakuto and the others were sat on the rooftop, including that of Chizuru who kept staring at Nemu as if she was some Goddess.
"Kurotsuchi-san, look what I've made! Its a bento just for you!"
Nemu looked over the bento, and then towards Chizuru with the blankest expression on her face. Even more so than usual.
"I shall accept the bento, though please do not misconstrue it as an invitation into advances towards me as I am currently seeking a sexual relationship with Sakuto-sama."
"Gaaak!"
Chizuru face faulted, while Tatsuki and Rukia gave curious eyes.
But then they saw what Sakuto and Orihime were eating, and developed worried faces.
"I cannot believe that fish like this could go with bean paste. Curry powder as well mixed in. Gives it an extra flare."
Orihime nods excitedly.
"Yes, isn't it good? Then afterwards, I made a new drink! Milk mixed with banana, and jasmine tea!" Tatsuki and Rukia cringed at that. "Please try it Sakuto-kun, I'm sure that you're going to adore it as much as I do!"
"Yes please~"
Tatsuki briefly thinks "She really has met her perfect match, someone with an iron stomach." as she watched Sakuto guzzle the drink.
Finishing it off, Sakuto let out "Aaah, delicious Orihime-chan! You are very talented~" something Tatsuki wasn't sure if she could agree with, but was definitely happy that her friend had found someone to share her love of very weird, and exotic things.
"Those two, a match made in Heaven for sure."
Tatsuki commented to Rukia who could only slowly nod as she took out her juice box.
She looked at it, blinked, and then turned it upside down, but couldn't see where she would be able to drink from it.
Seeing her confused face, Sakuto kindly took the juice box from her, and took the straw, poking a hole in where it should go, and passed it back to her without saying a word, Rukia looked rather astonished.
"So, there's ways to drink it like that. Astounding, I did wonder how they drunk those in the game that I am playing currently."
"Speaking of." Tatsuki grinned. "How are you coming along with that?"
"Oh, I have just secured the Student Council President as another party member. She likes to punch things it seems, I like her."
"Aah, so you're up to there huh. Yeah, that's a good part of the game too. Though my favourite part comes after that when they're in the desert."
"I see, they also go to a desert? I understand, then I should do my best in going to the desert as well."
This time, it was Sakuto and Orihime's turn to look towards Rukia and Tatsuki's conversation curiously, and wonder what it was that they were talking about.
But then, Chizuru gasped, and shot upright.
"Ooh my God! Look over there! Its four beautieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!"
Sakuto had already sensed them, as did the others, but they feigned surprise when they looked to see Liltotto, Giselle (who was doing the macarena for reasons unknown), Meninas, and Candice on an opposing rooftop, all dressed in school girl uniforms, and were waving towards the others.
"Geez, will you calm down Honsho." Tatsuki scolded, and then glanced at the four Quincy girls, raising an eyebrow. "Though they do seem to know you guys, they're waving over to you, right?"
Sakuto nods.
"Yes, they're our friends, they are pretty cool girls~"
Chizuru shot her eyes towards Sakuto, and tried to get up close and personal, but Nemu stepped in the way, and shook her head towards the young red headed glasses wearer.
"Are they in your damn harem as well?! Because if not, they can join mine!"
"Seriously, Honsho? Stop saying your weird crap!"
Tatsuki scolded once more, Chizuru gave defiant eyes.
"He is taking all of the fine ladies, whos for me?!"
"Someone that loves you very much, I am sure."
Nemu spoke up in her monotone way, Chizuru clasped her hands together, and cried tears of joy.
Sakuto cringed, and decided to see what the Quincy girls wanted, so he and Rukia slipped away to go and speak with them.
Getting to the rooftop they were on, Giselle continued to do the macarena, while Candice gave a flirty smile, Meninas waved happily, while Liltotto brought out what looked to be a lollipop, and sucked on it.
"So, what do we owe the pleasure?"
Sakuto wondered, Liltotto raised a brow.
"You know about Quincy abilities, right?"
"The traditional ones, and the more obscure ones, sure. Your unique abilities on the other hand..."
"Yes, well..." Liltotto looked a bit sheepish. "We do know of some of the techniques, but for one reason or another, none of us ever got to practice the higher stuff, so we were wondering..."
"Could you teach us please~?"
Giselle sang out, while Candice winked towards him.
"Of course, we would be so appreciative, especially me."
Meninas gave curious eyes.
"Always aiming to please, right?"
Candice sparked electricity around her form.
"I am sorry, what did you say?"
Meninas poked her face, irritating Candice.
"Its okay, I'll calm you down when you get a little too excited, okay?"
Candice looked bewildered, while Liltotto bowed her head.
"If you could teach us anything, then we'd appreciate it. We did ask Bambietta about it, but you know how she is."
Rukia slowly nods, and turns to Sakuto.
"I am also intrigued by the abilities of Quincy, I say that you do it Sakuto. Lets see what they can do."
Sakuto didn't mind, in fact he was thrilled that they had asked, as he knew they did have a lot of potential already, so seeing what else they could do, it was going to be a really entertaining for him to see what they could do when having been trained up.
"Well, if you're all for it, then I'll gladly share my knowledge with you. Oh yes, I believe Nemu-san and I have perfected the ability of the items we have worked on, which will give you girls the power to purify Hollows." Candice excitedly thrusts her arms up, and then latches onto one of his arms. "Excited I see."
"Of course, there could be many things that could happen during training, you know?"
Sakuto raised a brow, as Candice gave an approving wink, and nudged him with her arm, something that Giselle didn't appreciate.
However, Sakuto was happy enough to be able to teach them, and it would also give him a chance to study their unique abilities even more, something that he had to admit was undeniably entertaining to say the least.
A small time later, Bambietta watches her fellow Quincy come back from their time with Sakuto, and were each expressing their happy thoughts to one another at the same time, all the while showing appreciation for what he had done for them that day.
All but Bambietta seemed to be like this, and it made her question a few things on what was going on.
"I am sorry, have I missed something? You all seem cheerful."
"Remember when Sakuto-kun said that we'd be able to purify Hollows with some technology…?"
Hearing how casual that Candice was being, Bambietta had to ask about it once more.
"Wait, back up there Candice. Sakuto-kun now? Not Shinigami or anything like that?"
Candice shrugged her shoulders.
"Anyway, they've gone and done it. Perfected it, its the same as basically what Shinigami do. We've all decided that we're going to have our items modified so we can purify Hollows as well."
Bambietta was bewildered, and also scared at the same time.
"T...This is a trick, right? Shinigami wouldn't go that far out of the way for us Quincy. Considering on how they've treated us in the past, and how they treat us in today's society. So tell me that I am missing something here."
Liltotto nods her head.
"You are missing something. You're missing the point."
Upon hearing that, and beginning to see what Bambietta was up too, Giselle murmured "Here we go~" as Bambietta stood up, and scowled at all of them.
"Liltotto, don't start that again. I'm not going to go on a roundabout with you. I say something, you say something, we both don't go into any agreements. That's why, I have decided to show you all that the Shinigami aren't what they seem."
Liltotto raised a worrying eyebrow.
"What does that mean?"
"Exactly what I have said, they're nothing like they show themselves to be. They will betray you, and turn their back on you. They're cowards, and run away at the first sight of trouble, and I'll show you all as well how they will do that. Plus that damn snaggle-toothed girl that causes me problems."
Giselle gave a concerned face.
"Bambi-chan, don't do anything reckless. I don't want to have to turn you into a Zombie for life, you know? You don't have to worry about the Shinigami. I can attest to them, they're pretty good. Especially Sakuto-kun, he's so sweet, and energetic when it comes to being fun and light hearted."
Bambietta exhales, and stretches her arms.
"Just watch and I'll show you. Shinigami..."
"You told me about that one Shinigami and what he did to you, but these aren't like the one that you dealt with all those years before."
Liltotto said it with a challenging stare, as Meninas looked between them, feeling the heated situation that was going on.
"I have already told you why, and you know why. What's the point of repeating myself?"
"Because there's something else you've not told us. You always say that the Shinigami betray and turn on us. But, you've never backed up why you think that. Until you told me about your past a bit, and still, that was horrible...but, you can't paint these Shinigami with that same brush you paint that horrible Shinigami. It would be the same as if the Shinigami hated us, simply because we were Quincy. It isn't fair."
"Nothing in this life is fair, Liltotto."
Liltotto shakes her head, seeing that Bambietta was keeping it to herself, and then saw her walk off, making her intentions to not listen known.
"Geez, are we gonna have to stop her? She could ruin a good thing going on here."
Meninas glanced at Candice, seeing that she was irritated, and decided to speak up.
"She is our friend, after all. We have to help her out. But you are right, we will have to do something eventually...but I don't want to hurt her. I want to make sure that we can all stay friends with her. Gigi, can't you turn her into a Zombie? She'd comply then, right?"
Meninas was only joking, but Giselle took it very seriously.
Giselle placed her hands happily on her face, and gave a cooing sound, only to be shot down by Liltotto.
"No making people zombies Giselle." Giselle pouted. "Still, you are right. Its why we're going to be looking into Bambi, and her past. I've done some digging and I have found out a few things about her. But, I can't find where it was that she grew up. Seems she's hid that pretty well."
"Heh, then lets all do it. For that idiot Bambi." Candice began, showing a small but notable smile on her face. "After all, we really are a group. I'd hate for us to be split up now because of this happening, you know?"
The others shared Candice's mentality, knowing that this was the best way for them to go forward together and help out their friend in their time of need.
Day had turned into night, and back at the apartment of Orihime, Sakuto and Rukia currently were the only people in. Orihime had gone to watch Tatsuki practice, and Nemu said she wished to do food shopping, as she wished to find new foods that appeal to her.
"You know Sakuto..."
Sakuto raised a brow.
"Hmm? Something wrong?"
Rukia shakes her head briefly, then she folds her arms as she looks directly towards him.
"Not wrong, but its odd. Isn't it? You are my Vice Captain, and Nemu-san...she is also a Vice Captain , and yet, we sit together normally, and discuss things normally. I'd expect it from you as you're just like that with anyone, but its odd for me, someone that isn't a Vice Captain to speak as if we're on equal footing."
"The human world really is different from the Shinigami world, isn't it?"
Rukia agreed.
"So similar in ways, yet far apart in other ways. Can I tell you something?"
"You can tell me anything you wish to Rukia-chan."
He gently smiled out, so Rukia nods, and begins speaking.
"To be honest, I really do enjoy being in Karakura, its more relaxed than being in Soul Society. It is a shame that we eventually will have to go back. But it isn't like I hate being a Shinigami either or being in Soul Society, I have good memories there as well. You know what I mean?"
"Yes, I think that I do. Its good to have vacations and get away from stresses in your life. And being here, you can do anything you want. Even with that juice box today, I can imagine doing mundane stuff like that wouldn't really cross your mind back in Soul Society."
"Very true." Rukia admitted. "But, I also do like the Soul Society as well. But, I am sure you're happy to be on vacation away from Captain Zaraki, right?"
Sakuto took a deep dramatic breath.
"Ooh, yes. Its nice sleeping without thinking someone might try and impale you when you wake." Rukia held back a small laugh. "Plus, I also have to deal with that mad scientist back there as well, so its nice to be here. Though, I'm glad you and Nemu-san are becoming friends, its good for both of you."
"Surprisingly, yet its also nice to get to know her. She has intriguing insight to different situations, and we have even begun playing those video games together, and coming up with plans to defeat the enemies."
Sakuto was glad for them.
Seeing Rukia opening herself up more, and Nemu being able to find someone that she can speak about more things with, it was a beneficial relationship Sakuto was glad to see.
However, moments later, Sakuto felt something off, and made his way to the window.
Rukia twitched an eyebrow, soon following.
"Sense something?"
"Hollow activity."
Rukia pulls out her phone, and uses it to look for Hollows.
What she found was surprising.
"Sakuto, you might want to see this. Somethings strange is happening."
Sakuto walked over and looked at the phone, becoming astonished.
"So, I am sensing more than...but, located in that isolated area...who could've...we best go and check it out."
"Right, lets go."
Ditching their Gigai's, the pair left out of the front door, making their way to the strange Hollow readings.
Meanwhile, Bambietta, after having the dispute with her fellow Quincy, walked towards a different part of the town, a more rural abandoned area, and looked around at the different buildings surrounding her being.
"Seems like no one is around."
She mused aloud, and thought about what to do next.
She then took out what looked to be a tablet of sorts with strange markings on it.
"Right...so, according to my information, this should be a more local controlled one. Drawing in some Hollows, but not overrunning the area. Don't wanna drag innocent civilians into this, but if this helps me get stronger, then that's what I'm going to do. Summoning Hollows, time for me to fire at some targets, and increase my power."
Having decided what she's going to do, Bambietta looked at the tablet in the palm of her hand, and then began to crush it.
Thoughts of those she cared for entered her mind, and one in particular came to her mind.
A man, with Shinigami robes.
His cold piercing gaze that she could feel within her being.
Then, seeing him turn around and walk off, driving even more of a scared mentality within her.
When he looked back at her, it made her feel vile that her mind imagined his face being shown to her once more.
All of it caused Bambietta to stop, and look at the tablet on the palm of her hand.
"...Damn seems like I'm gonna have to try even harder...I wont be like you...you bastard…! They might not understand yet...but I will protect my friends...in the end, all Shinigami turn on you, and are cowards...just like you...you bastard."
Concern for her friends, was evident at the forefront of her mind.
She took in a deep breath, clearing the clouds within her mind, dispelling any thoughts that she would have, and prepared for what she needed to do next, so she used her fingers, and destroyed the tablet.
As she did, the pieces scattered all around her, as she heard the familiar sound of Hollows fill her ears.
"So, you're coming from up there, are you? Heh, get ready."
She looked up, and saw that holes began appearing all around her in the sky, connecting doorways for them to enter. But, she also saw that it was only around her, and looked at the scattered pieces of the ring, smiling to herself, seeing that the ring was working as she had thought it would do after doing some research.
Then she looked up towards the Hollows, seeing their disturbing appearances gazing down towards her, and she smirked, strongly cupping her hands together, pulling them apart, and summoning what looked to be like two orbs together.
"I see, so you want to fight me do you? Stronger than average Hollows, but that's what I was hoping for!"
With flicks of her wrists she sent them both into the sky, and slammed them into the enemies bodies.
Upon doing that, Bambietta saw the power detonate, generating two large explosions, sending out shockwave's that sent more Hollows that had been summoned towards different buildings.
Smashing deeply into them, generating wounds across their bodies, and in some cases, the wounds being enough to completely erase them out of existence, the young Quincy girl looked very pleased with herself.
"Two, really is better than one after all."
As she said it, another Hollow came shooting out towards her, so she stuck out her hand, and formed a sword of Reishi, splitting it down the middle with a single movement of her blade, and the two pieces fell beside her, with her in the middle, and she watches as they disappeared into nothingness.
Pleased with her ability beginning to increase, she saw another Hollow come in, and she went to strike it down, when it opened its mouth, and formed what looked like a ball of energy, Bambietta feeling the pressure of the power that was being shown as a result.
"...If there's more of you, then I'll show you true destruction!"
Though, she didn't back down, and didn't hesitate for more than a second.
She formed a ball of Reishi, and leapt up into the sky, tossing the ball into the air before her, then she slammed her leg against it, kicking it like a soccer ball, sending it flying all the way towards the Hollow, and collided with the sphere of energy that the Hollow had.
"Time for the explosion bastards!"
Infecting it with her own power, she caused the sphere of energy to turn into a bomb, which while still right near the mouth, detonated after a few moments, and the shockwave of the power that she released, ripped the Hollow apart.
As it did, Bambietta was pleased to see her power growing, only to see a fast moving Hollow coming in from the right hand side.
Flying on big bat like wings, the Hollow crossed the distance within moments, surprising Bambietta.
"Shit…!"
Bambietta turned her sword onto the enemy Hollow, and blocked an incoming strike, parrying the attack, and went to kick, when another Hollow pounced towards her, from the ground at high speeds, so she gritted her teeth, and slammed her foot downwards into that Hollows face, using her strength to fire it down into the ground.
But as she did, the bat like Hollow pushed past her sword, and came towards her body with long claw like fingers.
Bambietta kicked off from the air, and got higher into the sky, noticing that she did get a cut on her leg from that Hollow, making her wince more than usual.
"Damn Hollow, even a little bit of their Reiatsu seeped into my wound...still, it wont stop me."
Bambietta placed her hand downwards, and began gathering her Reishi.
Swirling, and growing stronger, she detonated a large explosion that encompassed the area. The shockwave rippled through the area, breaking away different parts of the terrain.
Bambietta was blinded for a moment, unable to see through the thick smoke that had risen from the destructive blast.
"Damn smoke..."
She let out a breath, but then became shocked when one Hollow, barely hanging on, shot a thorn through the smoke, and towards her.
Pushing her energy through her legs, the young woman shot away before being skewered by the attack.
"Shit!"
Only to be surprised when that same Hollow, which was falling apart, came at her with large teeth, ready to bit down upon her, causing her eyes to widen in shock…
Having sensed the attack, Sakuto and Rukia arrived to see that there was one Hollow that was attempting to bite Bambietta, so Sakuto thrust his finger forward, and exclaimed "Bakudo 1, Sai!" causing the decaying Hollows remaining parts of their arms to lock behind their back.
"Hah!"
Rukia used this chance to leap closer, and cleaved through the Hollow, speeding up the process on killing the Hollow, Bambietta widening her eyes when she saw that Rukia had protected her, and that caused mixed emotions to boil up inside of her.
"W-What the hell do you think you're doing?! I was about to counterattack!"
Bambietta snapped, Rukia becoming baffled, but didn't answer when she saw another Hollow coming for them, so she brandishes her blade, leaping at the enemy, and cleaved down the centre of the Hollow, taking it out.
Bambietta leapt down to the ground, as Sakuto took out his own sword, seeing several Hollows coming for him.
Without a pausing moment, Sakuto swung his sword out, and in that one swinging of his blade which was visible to the likes of Bambietta, in reality it was several swinging of his sword, his blade managed to cleave through several Hollows.
Rukia looked at Sakuto, who called "Lets do this, take them out Rukia-chan." to which the young Shinigami nods strongly.
"Understood, then please support me Vice Captain."
"Yeah, leave support to me. I've got your back."
Bambietta was vexed on what was happening.
She watched Rukia with little support from Sakuto take down a good number of Hollows, she felt like it surpassed twenty at least as more appeared from the openings in the sky.
Rather strong ones that usually didn't show up, but Rukia showed the fruits of her training, and her tenacity to never give up either to combat them with all of her might, Bambietta didn't know what she should think when seeing all of this unfurl before her very eyes.
When they finished their Hollow slaying, Sakuto saw Rukia turn to Bambietta, and could see that Bambietta, more than being angry, was confused and wasn't even sure how to handle what had just happened.
"Are you alright?"
Rukia extended the hand of friendship to Bambietta.
But, she shakes her head and scowls.
"Why are you here?"
"Well, I am..."
Rukia tried to express her thoughts.
Bambietta folded her arms aggressively, not having any of it.
"I didn't ask you to come here, I didn't ask for you to help me. I was doing fine all on my own."
As she said it, Sakuto felt something about this was off, so he began scanning the area, while Rukia continued her conversation with Bambietta.
"Perhaps you didn't, but we detected the abnormal Hollow appearance. We had to investigate, and terminate those, before they came to the town and began preying on normal humans, that's why we had to come."
"Hmph, Shinigami that don't run away. Its really shocking."
Rukia, seeing the closed off nature of Bambietta, went to speak up, when Sakuto did instead, holding up the remnants of a tablet that Bambietta used.
"Hollow bait."
Bambietta shot her eyes worryingly towards Sakuto, as Rukia tilts her head.
"Hollow...bait? Attracting Hollows, with that small item?"
"Yeah, Quincy use them when they wish to attract large amounts of Hollows. Though this seems to have been modified somewhat. These markings that I can see on the remaining pieces, and the way it happened rather quickly, with strong Hollows not normally summoned with these Hollow baits. But I guess that's where the modifications come in, right?"
Bambietta shows narrow eyebrows, while Rukia looks back to Bambietta, worryingly.
"What were you intending to do with this Hollow bait?"
Bambietta stood her group, showing no willingness to back down.
"Isn't it obvious? I summoned them, to hunt them, to grow stronger. To face you Shinigami."
"And this modification, short burst that doesn't last as long as normal Hollow bait, but attracts stronger Hollows than normal to one isolated area. Its a good piece of work, but used this way, it can be worrying."
Rukia turned back to Sakuto.
"How does this bait work Sakuto? I know it attracts Hollows, but for what purpose would someone have for this?"
Sakuto turned to Rukia, and began to explain.
"Usually, they can last a good while, and attract consistently weaker Hollows than the ones we came up against then. In the old days, Quincy used it for a few reasons. To go Hollow hunting, to train young, inexperienced Quincy with challengers that they'd reasonably be able to go up against. It had a few other functions as well, it really depends on what they'd need to summon them for. This one she's used, shouldn't have summoned Hollows of that level, I have to take it that it was a modified version of usual Hollow bait."
As he explained, Rukia was astonished, and couldn't help but wonder what Bambietta was up too.
"So what?" Bambietta scowled. "I did it, it doesn't matter, does it? No one was hurt."
Sakuto, feeling what Bambietta was doing, decided to speak up.
"This time, it didn't go wrong. What about the next?"
Bambietta looked bewildered.
"Excuse me?"
"Its as I said, this time it didn't go wrong. But what if Rukia-chan and I didn't show up? What if there was a Hollow mixed in, stronger than your current level? From what I saw, that scratch on your leg..." Rukia looked at Bambietta's wound, being astonished. "...For a Quincy, I believe its very dangerous to have Hollow Reiatsu within you, right? I can feel the wound has been infected with some of that Hollows energy, your leg must be feeling very painful right now. Its something I am worried about."
Bambietta didn't say anything, and lowered her head.
It seemed as if she was contemplating what it was that was on her mind.
So Rukia chimed in, voicing her own thoughts.
"If that's true Bambietta-san, then you're doing very dangerous things to yourself. To attain power, it isn't worth putting your life on the line. Sure, you can hate us as much as you want, that's something only you can decide about. But, I am asking you, to not endanger yourself, and this town. I do not wish to confront you, and tell you what to do, but I have to think of this towns safety as well as everyone else's as well."
Bambietta was taken aback, while Sakuto was proud of Rukia to put her foot down, while also offering an olive branch towards Bambietta, and giving her ways of not going down such a dark path by herself.
Bambietta took in a few sharp breaths, and tried to remain calm.
"This towns safety. Do you think that I wasn't handling this?"
"I'm sorry?"
Rukia asked in disbelief, so Bambietta gave a no nonsense stare.
"Its as I said, I was on top of this, and handling it. You cannot say that it was getting out of control. I would have won eventually. I got wounded, it happens, I was dealing."
Bambietta was sure of herself.
But, others weren't as sure, and Rukia voiced her own thoughts on the matter.
"Eventually you probably would have won yes, but what would have happened if the Hollows you fought, decided to go elsewhere, and find another person with strong spiritual powers while others distracted you? There isn't only you in this town to think about. I am sure you've also felt the spiritually aware humans here in this town. We have to also think about their safety. They don't have anything to do with this."
Bambietta turned her head away from Rukia, as Sakuto caught the look of guilt being on her face.
She then began to walk away, so Rukia extended her thoughts towards her.
"Bambietta-san, please heed this warning. I do not mean to try and antagonize you, but this kind of behaviour cannot continue. Innocent lives will be at stake, and we cannot have that. I know you didn't wish to harm others, its why you are out of the way like this, but please think about what I said, and stop this. We, are not your enemies."
Bambietta turned back towards Rukia, and gave a smirk.
"...I never would put innocents in harms way, but I wont stop trying to get stronger either."
With that, Bambietta took off, while Rukia exhaled, and placed a hand to her forehead.
"I don't know if I'm getting through at all to her or not."
Rukia expressed truthfully to Sakuto, who furrowed his brows in return.
"I do think you are, she was contemplating her actions. I think she's blinded to what could have happened, due to this past relationship she had with a Shinigami potentially, whether it was once good and then turned bad, or they had one interaction and it was purely negative. Once finding out who that Shinigami is and what they did to her, we can go from there, and hopefully finally resolve it."
"Even then...I didn't want her to brush it off, but I wonder what is best, if there is something else I can say that could make a difference...I know that some others might think of ways that would involve hurting her to stop, but I wish to avoid that if at all possible..."
Seeing Rukia beginning to doubt herself, Sakuto did his best to shut that down right away.
"You are in the right Rukia-chan. I know its a fine line to walk between wanting to understand, and thinking of protecting the others, while also understanding the oppositions side. You've also got to think of those within the town that she could have endangered, which you did expertly. I think you handled it gracefully, Rukia-chan. She is listening to you, her blinded ways are being doubted inside of her heart, I can see it clearly."
When Sakuto confirmed it, Rukia looked relieved for the encouragement that she received from him.
"Thank you. But now, it seems she is even more determined. How is it going with finding out information about her, and her past?"
"Well, I do have some leads, but really information is sparse about her, since Quincy don't tend to allow Shinigami to know their whereabouts these days. Though, Liltotto-san said she might have found where she came from based on some info she had, so its very possible once learning that, we can find out who. Even if they didn't record their time, there are ways to tell when Shinigami go to different areas in the human world."
"Yes, I understand, and I am glad that Liltotto-san got some information. Still, I think it would be good if we can find out sooner rather than later, before her negative feelings grow any further."
"We will find out, very soon."
Rukia was glad to hear that and knowing that nothing else could be done for the time being, they turned, and left for their home once more, getting more worried to how extreme Bambietta was going to take it to gain power and how much danger she'd bring to not only herself, but anyone around her.
Back within the labs with Sosuke, he was waiting impatiently, not the type to like sitting around and doing nothing at all, he wanted his subordinates to gain what it was he desired.
Soon enough, the doors opened, after being invited inside by their leader himself.
Behind Sosuke, two people stood.
One was a skeleton looking being, and the other was a blonde haired young woman with a bone like outfit.
Sosuke glanced out of the corner of his eye to the skeleton, and seemed somewhat amused.
"Have you found anymore interesting Hollows, Baraggan?"
Baraggan showed a less than enthused look as he gazed emptily at Sosuke.
"Tch, I am having others search for new Hollows, for...your army. I have yet to find any."
Baraggan said it in a way where he was displeased, while the young blonde haired woman stayed focused at the task at hand.
"And you, Harribel?"
"I have located two Hollows that appeared to be Adjuchas level, and I believe three Gillian class may prove useful."
"Good, they shall be evaluated, it seems you have done well, Harribel." In part to annoy Baraggan, Sosuke praised Harribel, who bowed her head a single time in respect. "That is all, you may leave for the time being, and continue the search."
"Yes, Lord Aizen."
Harribel bowed once more, and left the room, while Baraggan looked angered.
"..."
Baraggan said nothing, but chose to stare hard at Sosuke, who hid his amusement, and simply gave a single glance towards him.
"If you have complaints about these tasks I have given you, I would be happy to hear them. Until then, I wish for you to do as I have asked."
"All because you can't handle your little brother." Sosuke raised a brow as Baraggan spoke defiantly. "I have heard rumours about him."
"Have you now."
Sosuke remained disinterested, while Baraggan continued on with his tone being a mixture of harshness, which was being subdued as much as possible, and curiousness as well.
"Yes, and if you would like, Boss..." He said with gritted teeth at acknowledging Sosuke. "I shall take care of him."
Sosuke held back a smirk, and instead kept a calm face.
"You could certainly try."
It was a wound to Baraggan's pride when Sosuke insinuated that.
"Do you doubt my ability?"
"I simply do not doubt my little brothers, that is all."
Baraggan looked annoyed.
"Tch...I see."
Baraggan, with his pride being insulted like that, took his leave.
As he did, he passed by the young woman Harribel while he tightened his hand rather angrily at what Sosuke had said to him, Harribel on the other hand took a glance at him, narrowing her eyebrow ever so slightly, and then glanced inside of the room towards Sosuke.
Though she said nothing, she began walking away once more, closing her eyes for the briefest of moments, and then disappeared..
Taking in deep breaths, Sosuke read over a few different reports, what he had managed to gather for himself.
"Sakuto, really you are a mind I love to go against. Though, it also makes it difficult in executing my plans as well. But I am sorry little brother, I have to complete my plan, and attain that seat up in the heavens above. I am sure you would understand how I feel about this more than anyone, you also recognize my ideas, and what I wish for, for both you, and myself. Soon, you shall see."
Sosuke placed down the reports, and knew he would have to become even more serious, seeing how Sakuto had thwarted one of his plans once more, and now would have to go a little more drastic, but for Sosuke, he already had some plans beginning to set into motion.
End chapter!
So this chapter had a bit of Sosuke, and what he's been up to for a little while, and some hints to his future goals, including the introduction of Baraggan, and Harribel. Sakuto met with Shinji's group, and explained what he thought was happening, and helped them out. The Quincy girls, minus Bambietta, have decided to go to Sakuto for some training, recalling he had said he knew about their abilities. All the while, Bambietta is getting desperate for strength, even putting herself and others in danger, while Rukia and Sakuto do their best to help her out with the others as well, becoming closer to the truth, and seeing how drastic she is beginning to go in the pursuit of power.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel, Yoruichi, Hiyori, Lisa,