Author's response to the unknown reviewers:
To Metalhead1000:
Thanks as always. I hope you enjoy the twentith chapter of this saga.
To ZeroShihoin:
I'm glad you are enjoying the story and all it's elements. I will take your thought into consideration, and I thank-you greatly for the donation.
To AFROTHUNDA!
Well...I guess your sorry? Anyway it's cool, so no worries. Here's number twenty so I hope I don't overload you.
Author's announcement:
To all you lovely ladies, Handsome Gents and everyone else in between, I just wanted to say, I am still accepting ideas for Unohana's bankai, so feel free to send just about anything, even if it seems kinda dumb to you, it might be the greatest thing since sliced bread for me, so far I'm only at three ideas: Two my own, one from ZeroShihoin.
Let's see anything else...umm...oh well two more announcements, I'm gonna put up a story challenge on my P-file for all you Naruto ff writers, who might be reading, so I'll try to have that up Asap. For everyone else the other announcement is that, I am considering making a branching path to this story. It would be my first ever villian wins, in which Ichigo joins Aizen back in chap. 5. Obviously I can't start it because of spoiler reasons, but I am considering it, so just FYI.
Hmm...that's it I guess. So enjoy the stories third day of the invasion...ok I can't help it have a 'spook-tacular' halloween.
Ganju: Hey, Hanataro would you look at this, we actually got here early.
Hanataro: It seems your right Ganju-san. Hmm…I wonder what we should do to entertain the guests.
Ganju (smiles): Oh I got just the idea. [Pulls out a microphone] Karaoke.
Hanataro: Where…did you get that from?
Ganju: Oh from Kisuke. [looks at Hanataro and sizes him up] You know something I just realized that you and I, we're kinda like Keigo and Mizuiro.
Hanataro:?
Ganju: Yeah, I'm definitely the Kojima, and your probably the Asano here.
Hanataro (shrugs): Whatever you say Ganju-san.
Ganju: What the!
Hanataro (ignoring): So are you going to sing or what?
Ganju (grins): Oh yeah, I got just the song. And you're going to help me sing it!
Hanataro: But I [gets handed microphone] ok.
[plays song Macho man by Village people]
Ganju [starts bobbing back and forth]: Body…wanna feel my body? Body…such a thrill my body.
Hanataro [starts rubbing his chest, as he bobs back and forth]: Body…wanna touch my body? Body…it's too much my body!
Ganju [starts to flex muscles]: Check it out my body. Don't you doubt my body. Talkin' bout my body. Check it out my body.
Hanataro [snaps fingers]: Every man wants to be a macho, macho man, to have the kind of body, always in demand. [Points at Ganju who's jogging in place] Jogging in the mornings, go man go! Workouts in the health spa, muscles glow. You can best believe that he's a macho man ready to get down with anyone he can!
Hanataro/Ganju [clapping hands]: Hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
Ganju: Macho, Macho man
Hanataro: Macho man
Ganju: I've got to be a macho. I've got to be a macho!
Both: Macho, macho man. I've got to be a macho. Owww!
Ganju: Body, body, body wanna feel my body? Body, body, body gonna thrill my body. Body, body, body don'tcha pop my body. Body, body, body it's so hot my body!
Hanataro (shouting as anime tears fall down from his eyes while he clenches fist): Every man ought to be a macho, macho, man. To live a life of freedom, machos make a stand. Have your own life styles and ideals. Possess the strength and confidence, life's a steal! You can best believe that he's a macho man. He's a special person in anybody's land.
Both [throws hands to the left and right]: Hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey! Macho, macho man! I've got to be a macho man! I've got to be a macho man!
Hanataro: Macho macho man!
Ganju [pulls open shirt]: Dig the hair on my chest!
Both: Macho macho man! I've got to be a macho man!
Ganju: I've got to be a macho!
Hanataro [points dramatically while holding microphone]: I say do you dig my big thick moustache?
Both: Macho, macho man! I've got to be a macho!
(else where)
Blackout2010 (looking around): Where are those two?
Soifon: Well Uryu is already in place, I'm sure they'll turn up eventually. Worse case scenario we have stock footage.
Blackout2010: I guess…(sigh) we need to invest in a better communication system to let people know when we move locations for shooting.
Kisuke: No worries, I'm sure their having fun and are safe. Hahaha!
Ichigo: You know something don't you?
Senna: Public menace to soul society. Aizen doesn't even compare to him.
Infil-Traitors: GS/HY Finest Hour!
(Day 3)
(morning: Uryu)
Releasing another volley of spiritual arrow, the enemy shinigami's body stiffened as it collapsed to the floor and remained motionless. Uryu having dealt with yet another opponent, allowed himself to breath in a fresh cooling gulp of the morning air. Plucking his glasses off he cleaned them, with a special rag from his outfit's pocket, to get rid of the buildup of moisture from his sweat, hot breath and the early morning dew. Taking a second to examine his glasses he seemed satisfied with the result, and after carefully rubbing his eyes to stave off fatigue he adjusted them back on his face.
"I better get out of here." The intelligent man warned to himself since he'd been causing mayhem for the greater portion of the night and needed to find some place to rest before continuing in the mission of retrieving the Hogyoku and saving Rukia.
Disappearing in a burst of speed, he failed to notice the figure that had arrived in time to spot the Quincy leave. The man kneeled down checking the man's pulse, and when he found nothing stood up and looked solemnly on the body in recognition for his bravery. The man then turned and followed after the Quincy determined to defeat him.
The man didn't have to travel very far, as after a few minutes the archer took notice of his guest and stopped to engage the nuisance.
When Uryu felt someone tailing him he stopped his Hirenkyaku and landed in a medium sized corridor, and adjusted his bow. As the man landed, Uryu shot out a small barrage of arrows forcing the man to flip backwards to dodge the attack. The man had dark black hair with a band-aid running from across his nose to his just below his left eye, with a large imprinting of the number 69, directly across from the three claw like scars on his right side. His hakama's sleeves were exposing his muscular shoulders and attached to his side was a standard katana. Uryu's eyes widened at what he spied wrapped around the man's shoulder as he rose up from his crouching position
'Another Fuka-taicho and this time with a Zanpaktou, just my luck.' He thought smarmily
"So you're the one who's been causing all kinds of trouble for everyone here, well, you and the eleventh that is." The fuka-taicho divulged, making Uryu raise an eye brow, very curious as to who managed to convince an entire division to help out.
"For the record most of them attacked me, but…I guess it doesn't matter since I put them in their place." He quipped, as he pushed his glasses up, a dangerous shine reflecting off them
Shuhei scowled "Maybe, all I've got to say is that you're lucky. I'm gonna have you singing like a cannery for all the information you got, after I'm through with you. If it wasn't for that I'd make you pay to the fullest for what you did!"
"I've already defeated one fuka-taicho and she wasn't too difficult." Ishida commented casually "Can't be that hard to beat another."
"Your arrogance will be your undoing, I am Shuhei Hisagi, Fuka-taicho of squad nine, prepare yourself!" he yelled as he took a karate stance
"By the honor of the Quincy, I, Uryu Ishida, will turn you into reishi particles soul reaper!" Uryu returned just as passionately as he launched a stronger reishi arrow at his opponent who blurred in a flash step and threw a mid-section gut punch.
Using the bow's frame, Uryu side stepped and changed the trajectory of his strike away from his body, and pulled the string of his bow and launched another arrow at close range. Sensing no way to dodge at this close Shuhei flared his spiritual power as the attack collided face first leaving a burn mark on his forehead where some blood came out of.
Though he was injured, it was now Shuhei with the advantage, as he was still within arm's reach, so with a quick twist around the fuka-taicho kicked Uryu in the ribs, and as he flinched from the blow swung his arm back around and socked Uryu in the face twice, and finished with an uppercut which sent him backwards.
Colliding back into the ground the Quincy leaned upward despite his fatigued bodies protest, and wiped the blood that flew out of his mouth and down his cheeks as he pulled out a small round object, and threw it at the feet of the Shinigami, who reflexively covered his body as it shot out small but very sharp needles.
As the needles were shot out, Shuhei blinked in surprise when they whizzed by him and a few even touched him without harming him. 'That's it?' he questioned, it then hit him what it was meant to do, turning his gaze back up he was slammed by a full barrage of Quincy arrows launched at a blistering pace 'shit it was a distraction!' he learned too late
As the arrows continued raining on the man's body forcing blood out of his wounds, the man felt little choice but to go to the extreme, and crouched down to minimize the number of arrow strikes while reaching for his weapon "Reap, Kazeshini!"
The blade hearing the command of his normally reluctant master all too happily morphed into it's dual scythe and chain form. With renewed power Shuhei threw the weapon through the barrage of arrows, and slashed apart some of Uryu's clothing, as the Quincy wisely pulled back as his hard trained eyes saw something heading in his direction and wouldn't risk letting himself get sloppy now.
With the attack temporarily stopped Shuhei moved more offensively as he threw his other scythe and started to direct it like a puppet master. Uryu ducked under the spinning pin-wheel like blade and fired his bow against the second approaching disk.
The energy arrow collided against the spinning scythe and was sent veering away, but just as Uryu was going to relax his attention on that object, he raised his arms up as he blocked a haymaker from the seriously focused Fuka-taicho. Shuhei slid his foot forward across the white floor and grabbing hold of Uryu's arm, kneed him in the stomach and threw him over his shoulder.
Uryu tried to correct himself as he was tossed to the side and launched a powerful shot at point blank range knocking Shuhei off his feet and back a couple of feet. As the Quincy crashed to the ground he adjusted his glasses and started to pant, while his vision started to blur. 'Damn, why now?'
Rubbing his eyes he wasn't pleased to see Hisagi standing back up less than a few yards from him. "You don't seem to be at full strength, Quincy." He said calmly noticing the fatigue and small circles under his eyes lids "I told you your arrogance would be your undoing, and I was right."
"You haven't beaten me, Shinigami." He resisted as he pushed himself back up
"Yes, I have." He disagreed as he pulled his arms apart the two chains responding. In a domino effect the chains tightened up and sprung up from the ground around Uryu, entangling around his body tightly preventing him from escaping. Turning in one swift motion Hisagi swung the two weapons over his head and brought it down behind where he once stood, as he did this the chains followed the motion and sent the bound Quincy skyward and forced the enchained archer into the ground after a good thirty or so foot drop.
The loud metallic noise of the slithering chain wrapped around the unconscious man was matched in tandem with Hisagi coming to inspect his quarry. Kneeling down he still felt a pulse within the man. "Looks like there won't be any blood on my hands today, kid. But…" he lifted the man unto his shoulder to begin his journey to the fourth division "you're going to pay for your crimes, one way or another."
(Soifon)
The light of a new day filter through the window and into the assassin's room, revealing the Haori-less Taicho inside sitting behind her desk, her fingers steepled together as she contemplated things. She had been up the better part of the previous night overwhelmed by her thoughts. The one that held the least amount of priority, at least in comparison to the others, was Subaru's odd behavior yesterday. The woman's strange outburst just kept replaying in her mind over and over again, each time it just seemed worse and worse to the Taicho almost like she was hiding something. Her suspicions only grew further when she had heard the somber apology as Kujo exited. She had wanted to talk to Subaru about it when she returned from the outing, but was instead greeted with the hell butterfly detailing where she was, her failure in recalling all the out posted spies because of her injuries, and her apologies for said failure.
The captain frowned darkly at the predicament she put herself in. Now that she was switching sides and taking a chance with Ichigo, she wasn't entirely sure of what to do. Since Subaru and Shinjiro would fiercely object to siding with Ichigo, and against Soul Society in general; especially after all that had happened up to this point. She leaned back in her chair and stared at the ceiling, sure she wouldn't doubt they were both very loyal to her, and while Subaru might be easier to convince to follow her, you know IF the bluenette overlooked the ever so 'slight' drifting apart from one another in their interactions as of late; Shaolin also really didn't see any good way that the husband of the spy would go against all that he believed in, on little more than a whim with little factual evidence or something to incriminate Ichimaru, even for them.
Closing her eyes and letting out a frustrated sigh, she diverted her attention away from the seemingly unsolvable problem, and turned her attention back to the bigger problem that faced soul society, the death of Sosuke Aizen. In the sense of fairness and her own measure of personal comfort, she first examined Ichigo Kurosaki, despite not believing him the culprit at all.
She knew that Ichigo was much stronger than she last remembered, much to her chagrin and embarrassment over yesterday's events. But even adding in the fact she wasn't acutely focused on fighting, Aizen wouldn't be if he encountered the traitor Ichigo. Plus adding in the fact that Aizen was dead possibly hours before Ichigo arrived anywhere near the vicinity, only complicated matters, since he should be the strongest member of the 'traitors' since the others would only be humans turned reaper, and he wasn't even remotely harmed which completely shot the idea dead.
Speaking of Aizen, Soifon didn't recall sensing any serious spiritual particles linger at the scene indicating a struggle, which meant either: A) he was alone at his time of death and died for a medical reason that was never mentioned or revealed, B) he was killed somewhere else and then his body was put up there, or C) someone with immense control over their spiritual power killed him before he could react which didn't make sense, unless it was someone he recognized. With these conditions she was able to come up with a short list of potential people: Retsu Unohana, Gin Ichimaru, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and the unknown entity that invaded along with the traitors.
With Retsu, Soifon was at least able to come up with a semi-reasonable motive; what with the constant degradation of Masaki Kurosaki's honor, and with her immense spiritual power, control over it, and renown by other captain's regarding her fighting abilities; it wasn't entirely unfeasible for her to kill Aizen if he least expected it.
'No…that doesn't work.' she shook her head disagreeing with the notion. Since the only basis would be if Unohana was vindictive and going under the premise of what had happened recently. But going by what Ichigo said to be true along with the report she had from the first mission to the human world, detailing Masaki's disappearance and the hollow marks, along with the mass influx of injuries due to the 'rebellion'. The question became 'When would she have the time?'
To be able to deal with all the injured and then just happen to have the strength left over to kill a fellow Taicho, was ludicrous in and of itself. This also didn't so much as account for the fact that there would be innumerable amounts of witnesses watching her either leave the barracks to fight or doing her assigned duty in performing life-saving operations, which made things even more unlikely, knowing that the ability to create clones was an Onimitsukido only ability, which even at Soifon's skill level only lasted maybe five or ten minutes. Still the captain would leave the good doctor on the list for the sake of potential if nothing else, but she made a very VERY distant fourth.
Bringing her to the number three choice: The 'unknown entity'. This one gave much more freedom of thought, allowing her to fill in quite a few blanks. From what Omeada had reported it was a Human/Shinigami who possessed abnormal strength and power, as well as a Zanpaktou, he had also single handedly wiped out half the invading force, which sent a shiver down her spine when she read that in the report and then confirmed it with her eyes in a head count. The sheer uniqueness of this opponent filled the ever present question of ability, but it greatly lacked in others.
For one, was the simple ability to navigate the Seireitei without guidance and defeat a Taicho 'quietly'. This fact alone, only solidified Ichigo innocence, since if they were working together to destroy Seireitei, and kill the spirit king. Why didn't they do this in the beginning? It would be much more productive to strike as one. Another flaw in the idea would be way of death, since there was no struggle that could have possibly meant Aizen knew the person and lowered his guard.
But then, a huge question came up immediately to Shaolin which took the form of 'If Sosuke Aizen knew someone who had the ability to kill a captain, outside the sacred walls of Seireitei and in the Rukongai districts, why didn't he ever bring it up?' It went completely against the kind natured man's dedication to the safety of others, not to mention the huge amount of misgiving that could be perceived, should such a thing be discovered through the same deductions she was doing now. The final problem was the fact of time, the person showed up several hours after Ichigo had presumably entered, and it entered alone, hell it even mentioned what it's enemy were, but why do that if they had the same agenda of destroying Soul Society? 'It'd make much more sense to lead us to believe that there is an army of those things outside. Waiting to attack us instead of what actually happened.'
The woman sighed as she rubbed her temple; there were just far too many unknown or chancy variables. Even then it didn't answer the question of Ichigo still being guilty beyond doubt. The woman leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes "Alright, so maybe Mayuri is also a traitor."
It was no small fact, that the leader of squad twelve had very questionable morals. Couple this with the fact that he had a plethora of inventions at his beck and call, spent a good amount of time in the maggot's nest for god knew what, and you had the poster child of a deranged psychopath as the end result. Putting aside her justified bias and paranoia of the man, he did have a legitiment case of killing Aizen. The man could very easily whip up some kind of invention similar to that ruby gem that affects sensory skills, and his Bankai had poison properties so it could kill from a distance or subtly without his noticing, and it had been a while since anyone had so much as heard from the twelfth.
"Hmm…but why leave Aizen's body, wouldn't he take it for research or something?" she asked herself, the very important question and could only come up with a negative since that would be sloppy by Mayuri's impeccable standards. She scratched her head "(sigh) he's probably more of an acid decompositionist." She mocked condescendingly
"Which leaves Ichimaru." She spat out rather venomously. Right now this guy was her primary suspect, since his Zanpaktou did have the ability to kill from a distance. He certainly also had the unsettling attitude, along with that strange conversation with Aizen, possibly hours before his death, and lastly what Ichigo had told her about him, how he was part of a much larger scheme going on behind the scenes.
The woman closed her eyes and mentally cursed Ichigo for not giving her much else to go on, but would admit from his viewpoint, he couldn't entirely risk putting her endanger; since if she acted remotely out of line, the real enemies would notice and would hide away, until Ichigo was annihilated. Soifon's eyes then softened at the thought and then hardened them back up with an icy will, 'Not while I draw breath.' she promised, forcing the depressing thought out of her mind while she returned back to focusing on Ichimaru. "He certainly fits what's needed, but there's no hard evidence. Hearsay holds little water even if I told Yamamoto-Sou-taicho."
Her musing was interrupted when the silent flapping of the hell butterfly landed upon her desk, attempting to gain the woman's attention to it's important message. The girl looked at the bug neutrally and picked it up with her index finger hearing the message encoded
Emergency Taicho's meeting, regarding the situation. Come immediately.
"I see." She said with an evident scowl, releasing the bug by raising her hand away from her. "Maybe I'll get the insight I need to continue, at the very least I can speak to Hitsugaya-Taicho." Pushing herself out of her chair she grabbed her hanging Haori, and headed out to a war torn Seireitei.
(Meeting hall: Taichos)
Stepping into the commander's presence, Soifon was surprised to see that a good number of Taicho's were missing from their spaces. Keeping her head down she walked into her position and gave her full attention to Yamamoto, who banged his cane to start the meeting. "Thank-you all for getting here as expediently as possible, as you may have noticed some Taicho's are missing from assembly. These being Retsu Unohana, Shunsui Kyoraku, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Sosuke Aizen, who has unfortunately passed away and is being looked into, and Kenpachi Zaraki who I will discuss a bit later."
"Where may I ask are the other three, Yamamoto-sama? I feel it would be beneficial for all of us if they were present." Sajin said steadily, turning his covered head in the direction of his retainer
"Yes, you bring up a good point, but I will explain why…" Yamamoto nodded his head conceding the point "The reason Shunsui Kyoraku isn't present is that his division had quite the human and property damage. He is currently there to make an accurate account of who is left, resources, and retrieve any information on the enemy's strength from witnesses. He also is ensuring the division is back on its feet, while keeping a firm eye over the area. Retsu Unohana is not here as she is examining the body of Sosuke Aizen for the cause of death, results are inconclusive as of the moment, but she assures that she will have something by the end of the day. As for Mayuri, all has been quiet with the exception of the sounds of battles being fought. It is unsettling to say the least. Still I had sent a summarized report of what I am about to inform all of you on to them, but first I wish to ask, do any of you have any new information on the situation at hand?"
Byakuya Kuchiki stepped forward to address the assembly "My fellow Taichos, I have noticed a strange pattern in the enemy's movements. Judging from various areas under attack, as well as having a brief glimpse of a potential enemy, I have come to the conclusion that their objective has something to do with our prisoner: Rukia Kuchiki."
Ukitake side stepped a bit and gave a questioning gaze to the loyalist "What does Rukia have to do with anything?"
"As I said, I am unsure. But from what I've seen so far, it may lead to some insightful answers. Rukia Kuchiki as we all know was an active conspirator with the Kurosaki's prior to her capture. It is only now that the enemy shows itself, meaning she must have some specific purpose, as execution is the only course of action for being accused if treason, which also leaves the traitor's possible fear of interrogation obsolete since they would lose nothing in letting her die as we haven't gained anything from her. Furthermore, I have reason to suspect my fuka-taicho of also being a traitor, due to circumstances. I'm going to be checking in on him before today is over, and see what I can find out."
"I don't mean to interrupt." Gin chimed in, raising his hand upwards softly to flag them down "But I have an idea that builds off what you just said."
'This should be good.' Hitsugaya thought grimly "What would that be exactly, Ichimaru-Taicho?
The man turned to the boy prodigy and subtly smiled harder "Well, I propose we set up a trap."
"A trap?" Sajin repeated
Ichimaru nodded his head care freely "Yeah, a trap." He pointed to Byakuya leisurely "If this hypothesis is even remotely good, we can end this in one go. Don't ya see? If we were to saaaay, stage the execution to occur two days from now, and let it leak out, that way they'll hear about it, I bet they'll show up to gallantly save the poor girl."
"Is this insipid idea a joke?" Soifon fired away, giving a showing of questioning the man's sanity 'What are you up to? Why so loyal all of a sudden?' She questioned to herself trying to figure out his angle
Gin shook his head repeatedly in disappointment "No, no, no. You misunderstand you see, we're going to be lying in wait. We'll have our squads positioned around the execution grounds, with some of us visible to make it legit and others hidden to spring the trap."
Byakuya raised his eye brow "I assume you have a solution to the possibility of traitor within our midst."
"Hehehe, sure do ice man." He answered cockily, which made 'ice man' narrow his eyes at him in return "Ya see, we're going to have the Sou-taicho pick a spot he wants us to guard, and he won't tell the others which person gets what, so some might be at the execution ground others might be hiding away." His voice dropped down to a childish tone "The poor enemy won't know until its tooooo late," then it got harder again, sending a creeping chill through the air around him "and they'll be dead by then."
Yamamoto eyed the man, and thought over the course of action he had proposed. While it was going at straws at best, it would unquestionably quash the rebellion inside Seireitei if it worked, as the enemies' primary objective would be unachievable since the spirit king could no longer be harmed, if the girl Rukia was instrumental to their plans. "Very well. At the moment it is all we have to go on, and with the recent and unfortunate death of Sosuke Aizen still being looked into, the enemy cannot be ignored. I will send you a hell butterfly later on this evening detailing where I wish you and your squad to be two days from today. Now without further ado, allow me to bring to your attention a matter I had mentioned earlier."
The crowd looked back to the ancient captain expectantly and gave their full attention "In regards to Kenpachi Zaraki, I must inform you that all of the eleventh division has seemingly gone rogue. The captain and his men have been attacking any and all Shinigami they have come across without discrimination. I am going to assign captains: Tosen and Komamura to find Zaraki and subdue him."
"As you wish, Sou-taicho." Kaname said 'time to put an end to that beast'
"You may rest easy knowing we will not fail."
Nodding his head the old man banged his can against the wooden floor "Very well, you are all dismissed."
The company of Shinigami understanding their orders moved to leave. As the captain of the tenth exited the doorway to make his journey back, his path was obstructed by the only female at the meeting.
"Hitsugaya-Taicho, may I speak with you at my office, preferably now?" The woman requested coldly leaving little room for argument
"Fine." He muttered as they disappeared in a blur of flash step
Since the second division wasn't far away from the first they arrived in very short time. Following the woman into her office, Hitsugaya sat down in the chair and kept an even, frigid, gaze at the woman. The faint words of the spy, revealing the woman's clandestine affair with his close friend, rang quietly in the back of his mind. "I'm a very busy man, so what exactly is it that you want Soifon-taicho?" he cut straight to the chase
"I wished to inquire as to how your 'investigation' to the traitor is coming along. Have these past incidences finally brought you around or do you remain ignorant?" she asked trying to keep up appearances while probing for any information
Toshiro bit back some unsavory words, finding it hard to see what Ichigo must have saw in her "I highly doubt you are even the least bit interested, further more you are wasting my time which could be better spent preparing my division, instead of on your petty amusement Taicho."
The woman narrowed her own eyes, since as long as she was playing interrogator, she wouldn't accept defeat "You misunderstand, I have reason to suspect you'd turn traitor at a moment's notice, given your sympathies to our enemy. I wouldn't be surprised if you tried to stab soul society in the back when we weren't looking." She lied, knowing much better of the caliber of man she was dealing with, or so she hoped.
The white haired boy scoffed and rolled his eyes "Aren't you hiding your own sympathies for the rebellion? Particularly for a certain Kurosaki, Soifon Taicho?" he alluded to their relationship prior to all this invasion and betrayal
The message however was understood to the woman in another way for the briefest of moments, and it was only due to quickly diverting her thoughts; that she was able to drown out what had happened yesterday with the certain Kurosaki in question. A small misunderstanding within the context, she closed her eyes and lightly bit the inside of her mouth to stop from reflexively grinning out of embarrassment and just a smidge of content "I was merely trying to cross your name off my list of suspects. By knowing what you know, it will be easy to re-establish trust and order within the squad's ranks. So as to better stabilize the Seireitei, and not attack each other by accident." She leaned closer to the man and gaze a dangerous glare, and spoke lower "Unless you have something to hide, Taicho."
Hitsugaya blinked apathetically as he looked at the woman, deeper in his own thoughts than present company. "I've come to the conclusion that Rukia Kuchiki is in fact the 'enemy's' objective, but not on the grounds of destroying Soul Society rather more at Ichigo's insistence." The white haired boy moved to one side in his seat "Think about it, we both know he wouldn't leave someone high and dry. He's also quite ardent in protecting people. So for him, saving an innocent bystander who was wrongly accused of a crime she didn't commit would be second nature for him."
Soifon nodded her head as she knew he was that kind of person, once you got to past his thug face and really learned about him, which in turn correlated with his plead of innocence, and his willingness to die when she had been poised to claim his life the other day. "I see. Is there anything else?" she pressed more
"I currently have a lead, but I have nothing more to disclose at this time, especially to someone like you." He answered unwilling to divulge such information to one who might screw this up, and was undeserving of his trust which easily shown in his eyes.
Shaolin noticed the hard tone and unmoving gaze, and resigned herself to knowing that she wouldn't be able to get anything else, no matter what she might try. It was a very simple truth that anyone could see. Toshiro saw her as an enemy to his cause, and if she tried to break from the continuous pattern most people, the boy, saw of her, it could very well lead to a witch hunt over what happened to the 'real' Soifon-taicho, effectively landing her in the maggot's nest, on the run within the Seireitei or any numeral worse position to achieve her goal: assist Ichigo. "I understand your reasoning, and some-what apologies in forcing you here. Thank-you for your time. You may go." She dismissed casually
Toshiro mentally raised a flag from the slight switch in attitude from the captain. Rising up from the other side of the desk, he gave a nod and exited in contemplation over what he witnessed and resolving to look into it after chasing down Gin
(Senna and Subaru)
"All right, you should be ok now Ms. Onna." The silver haired fuka-taicho of squad four, Isane Kotetsu, said to Senna, as she pulled back her hands cutting off the healing kido from the woman who lay in the bed.
Senna smiled appreciatively "Thanks for everything, will I be able to return to duty?"
Isane blinked her eyes as she pulled her head back not expecting that question. She then shook her head "I'm afraid not, you had some very extensive wounds, and while we've been able to close them up. I could not in good conscience send you out there again. I'd like to run a few more tests first, but it can wait till later after you've had something to eat and plenty of rest."
Senna's smile dropped a fraction, and she looked into the doctor's grey eyes. As the two made eye contact, Isane's face turned to shock when she saw the amber eyes of Senna turn an eerie gold in color. Unfortunately, due to her sudden lurch backwards from the change in color, the Fuka-taicho leaned too far back in her chair and fell out, her head colliding against the linoleum floor.
"Are you alright!" Senna yelled as she flipped the covers off her and got out of the bed, her bare feet stepping against the tile floor until she could hunch over beside the woman and examine her, concerned for her health now in the strange role reversal.
"Oww…that wasn't smart." the woman winced out as she touched the point of impact. Turning her head she grabbed the hand that Senna had extended out, to get back on her feet and off the floor. Once again looking back in the face of Senna, the woman was surprised to see that the strange gold hue was gone; all that remained was her normal light brown eyes. "Thank-you," She said weaker than she had anticipated which wasn't lost on the girl, to make up for her blunder she closed her eyes and gave stupid smile "My eyes were just playing tricks on me, that's why I freaked out, sorry ."
"Freaked out?" Senna asked, since that statement and the way she said it, just seemed to ooze weirdness.
Isane scratched the side of her head sheepishly since it was a personal thing, but continued since it would help her bond with her patient, and increase the much needed morale of the Seireitei's members "Y-yeah, you see I have odd nightmares."
"Like what exactly?" the Miko asked, feeling mysteriously obligated to find out what was the cause of the nightmares were for the enemy healer 'Hey, Miroku, do you have something to do with this?' she asked suspect number one
The dark priestess grinned lecherously enjoying the sight and area specific plumpness of the doctor 'For a hotty like her, I certainly wish I was. I'd deeefinitely give her something to scream, about every tense, mysterious, and dark stormy nights. Hoooh, Doctor, Doctor, give me the new, I gotta a bad case of wanting to fuck you.'
'Why am I not surprised you'd say that about such a tall, but friendly and kinda cute girl.' Senna replied absentmindedly, unaware of the look of intrigue on the hollows face from what she just said
'Sounds like someone's a little jealous.' She said back slyly, highly amused by her servant's choice of words, and knew it was a nice perk
'Shut up, you perverted idiot.' She silenced tuning out Mirokumaru, and directed her attention back to the woman who seemed to be finishing her story
"-and that's the reason why I don't like fishcakes or their minions the seaweed cowbell people." The unaware woman finished bubbly, happy to get that off her chest to the surprisingly good listener her patient made.
"Yeah, I understand." She said evasively to avoid the girl from catching on to the fact she had zoned out "I'm sure you'll beat it one day." She raised her fist encouragingly despite her lack of reason and enthusiasm
"Thank-you." The large woman said gratified, not really looking too into the other woman
The knocking on the door hailed the attention of the two ladies "May I enter now, I need to speak with Ms. Onna in private." Subaru said from the other side of the door, having been asked to leave for medical purposes close to thirty minutes ago, and was beginning to run out of patience since they were in a hurry to leave.
"Oh, I completely forgot about you!" Isane said in surprise as she moved over to the door and opened revealing Subaru who was holding a small paper bag "I'm sorry about that Kujo-san, you may enter but, if any doctors come to check in on her, you will need to vacate again. Those are the rules."
Subaru nodded "I understand." 'and we'll be gone by then'
The silver haired fuka-taicho smiled, believing that the rules would be observed, and walked around the Onimitsukido member, closing the door behind her to give them the privacy requested. The spy waited a moment to make sure that she didn't feel her superior officer's imminent presence, before trekking over to the closet on the far end of the room. "Are you ready to leave Ojou-sama?" she asked as she pulled out the stored Asauchi, while slipping the medical supplies she pilfered from earlier into her pocket.
"Yeah, but what's the exit strategy?" she asked as she put her socks and sandals on
"We're going to have to sneak our way out. There are tons of hostile enemies waiting outside and inside the building. If we were to simply blow a wall down with kido or your Zanpaktou, and escape we'd be killed immediately, or if we're lucky get captured and then sent to the second division's torture chamber for interrogation." She affirmed the situation for what it was, her face then lost a few shades of color as a soul crushing reality became known to her "Actually I retract that last part, Soifon would be interrogating us, and I'd really rather not let her see or know I'm a traitor so soon, if it can be helped or avoided at all." She raised her head to look at Senna giving her a grim look "I can only imagine what she would do to you, if she found out you are Ichigo-sama's sibling, what with their current rocky/non-existent relationship."
'I have the imaginative capability in Mirokumaru, but I get what she's saying.' Senna sighed as she adjusted her weapon back on her waist "Well, then we'll just have to not get caught."
"Easier said than done, I don't exactly know the layout of squad four like the back of my hand, we also need to be wary of Kotetsu-fuka-taicho as well as Nanao-fuka-taicho." Subaru countered as she handed Senna's distinctive ribbon back to her, who gladly accepted it and fixed her hair back up in a spiked tuff
"Right, but once were out, we can head to your squad to lie low. That way we'll be safe, as searching for a particular spy in a division full of assassins and spies, who dress alike, will be like searching for a needle in a haystack." She said chipperly as she was ready to head out
"If our strange luck holds out that is." The knife wielding spy replied back as she opened the door to peek out into the corridor.
Looking to the left and then over to the right, the woman used her index and middle finger to beckon Senna to follow her out. Closing the door behind her, the two walked semi-casually with Subaru in the front, to stop Senna if she saw any doctors or brawlers and keep their presence to a minimum.
Coming close to an intersection, the spy held her arm out signaling for Senna to wait. Seeing that she stopped moving, the spy got close to the wall and sidled to the edge of it to peer around the corner. Seeing it clear, she removed herself from the wall and called Senna close to her. The pair went down the hall quietly to avoid detection they were about halfway down, when one of the doors opened up behind them.
The two women quickly straightened up and removed their hand's from their weapon's, to minimize suspicion. "Ms. Onna? What are you doing wandering around outside of your room?" the voice of the doctor asked of the patient he helped heal yesterday
"I..was just ahhh…" she looked around as Subaru got closer to her to take out the doctor, "stretching my legs!" She quickly bent down and patted both her legs, and spoke with a nervous smile "I was in bed for so long that I almost forgot how to walk, ehehe nothing like good old exercise to get the blood flowing aagain!"
The fourth division doctor sighed, ignoring the other woman who was walking closer to him "While it is good to see you ready to return to duty, we need to do a few more-Mmmph!" he tried to scream as Subaru quickly disappeared behind him and put him in a sleeper hold, while covering his mouth to muffle the noise. The man struggled for a few seconds, flailing his arms about and trying to make a loud noise to get someone's attention, but ultimately the spy was able to hold out rendering him unconscious from asphyxiation.
"Good distraction." Subaru thanked as she removed her arms and hands from around the man's neck, mouth, and underneath his shoulder
"Thanks." She said respectfully, and then looked down at the knocked out person. Snapping her fingers a burst of inspiration came over her. "Subaru-san, can you help me carry this guy?"
"Sure, I was just about to ask you to help me hide him."
"Let's put him back in my bed and cover him up, that way nobody will know I'm gone yet." The female Kurosaki suggested
Picking up the body, the pair shuffled back to Senna's room and dumped the doctor in the bed and covered him up with the blanket the division provided for patients, and placed the 'do not disturb' sign on the outside of the door, keeping out everyone except Isane and Unohana.
Returning back to their exit plan, the women made it down a dozen or so hallways, and came to the conclusion they were going the wrong way, which forced them to back track whilst avoiding other Shinigami who were rushing back and forth through the building or blocking certain pathways.
"How do the doctor's find their patients in this labyrinth?" Subaru uttered bitterly, as they were losing time and they didn't seem to be getting any closer to the exit.
"I understand your agitation, but getting worked up isn't gonna do any good." Senna said almost sagely
Subaru looked over her shoulder with a look of honest appreciation "True." She uttered, which Senna flashed a smile as the spy turned around again to stay focused on find their way
"Hurry take him to room 307 stat!" yelled the voice of Isane Kotetsu, which made the girls panic since it sounded very close to their current position, and the rapid sound of fast approaching feet and screeching of the wheels of beds told them they needed to hide immediately. Subaru grabbed the priestess's hand and entered into one of the doors and flipped the switch below the knob locked it behind them.
The two remained by the entrance as they heard the noise grow louder and louder. The sounds of commands being given outside made it apparent they might be in here for a bit. "Ahh, finally I was wondering when you were gonna get back here." A loud voice yelled from the bed, the figures body covered by a lime green sheet that was attached to a railing that went around the edge of the bed. While Senna and Subaru couldn't see the person, the voice made it clear that the person was unquestionably a man. "Can you get over here and adjust these damn straps their too tight, even for restraints. Tch, bet it was Byakuya who told you guys to make'em so tight."
In curiosity and caution, the women walked over to the bed and Senna pulled the curtain back, revealing a red haired man's, with an open black hakama, numerous tattoos on his body as he was being held down by seven leather straps pinning him to the bed, each with a small lock on them. Senna reflexively took a step backward when she saw the man's face, garnering Subaru's attention at her frightened backpedaling as the man looked at the two of them.
The man looked dumbly for a second then his face contorted in anger, at recognizing the teenager's face "Hey, I know you!" he then started to thrash around in his restrains "Guards! Guard get in here we've got assa-"
He was cut off as Senna leaped forward and put both her hands over his mouth to muffle the noise. As Subaru reached for her knife to kill the man, Senna looked over her shoulders and shook her head no to the action. Seeing that Senna wanted to do something else the spy hurried beside Senna and held down the man's lower body to stop his thrashing, knocking away the remote control that could be used by patients to call the doctor with her hand.
They stayed on top of the man for several minutes, doing their utmost to quiet him down. Senna looked into the eyes of the man and said "No one is going to be coming. So let's be civil and we'll let you go."
Both people shot her a look of confusion "You can't be serious Senna! He'll try to kill us!" Subaru tried to shoot down the plan to release the gagged man
"He doesn't have his Zanpaktou with him," Senna pointed out "and I'm not going to unrestrain him to talk to him, after all he got put in this for a reason. I'm just going to let go of his mouth so he can speak."
Subaru looked into her eyes and asked one question which would make or break this side trip "And if he starts yelling for help again?"
"…" Senna lowered her head so Subaru couldn't see her face, and removed her hands from Renji's mouth and pulled out her Asauchi "then I'll kill him and we'll leave." She said as she gripped the sword firmly, revealing her commitment
Subaru and Renji let the words sink into the both of them for very different reasons. Finally after what felt like an eternity, the spy removed her hands from the man's legs and backed off acquiescing to her Ojou, while Renji wondered just what made this girl change so much since he had last saw her in the human world.
Senna muttered a quiet thank-you, and then turned back to the fuka-taicho while her sword returned to it's sheath "It's been a while hasn't it?" Senna asked with a friendly smile "You remember me right? I'm the girl from the human world? We fought the night you took Rukia-chan."
"Tch. Yeah I remember you alright." He answered with no small measure of contempt "You're the reason my friend is gonna be executed you goddamn harpy!" he accused to a certain amount of correctness
Senna winced at the harsh truthful words, but persevered "You're right. I am the reason that Rukia is going to be executed." She admitted composedly "But that's why I'm not just going to sit around and do nothing. I'm going to save her."
Renji leaned his head forward a bit and gave an odd look, wondering if he needed to get his ears checked. Pulling his head back against the pillow he let out a cold laugh at seeing her look so serious about it "Haha…What kind of BS are you trying to pull here! You save Rukia? You couldn't even save yourself, last time we fought!"
"Ojou-sama…" The third seat hissed seeing that this was getting nowhere
The Miko looked over her shoulder to her partner "Just wait." She commanded, and was about to turn back around but paused midway through, and turned her gaze back to her partner's face "And why do you keep calling me 'Ojou-sama'?"
With a bowing of her head the woman answered "It is the most fitting word that closely matches your position in the hierarchy of power. If that is not acceptable, I will try to think of another word that will please you. "
"You don't need to put up such a barrier between us you know. I trust you and you trust me, we're friends…aren't we?" Senna asked quickly putting a mouth on Renji's face to stop him from talking, not that he had any real commentary on the situation
"Hardly. We're acquaintances at best." She refuted truthfully giving her side of their interaction and her perception "It's only because you are my mistress –well technically future mistress-in-law- that I don't really expect you to add –san to my name, even though it would be appreciated. However if you were expecting friendship between us, I think it's a little too early to say that or…it just wouldn't happen." She explained almost like a robot would
Ms. Kurosaki sighed sadly "That's cold…" Senna huffed unable to think of any other way to put it.
"Yes, but I respect you enough to not lie to you needlessly."
"And what happened yesterday, was that a lie?" she inquired into when she was feeling down, and now starting feel like she was being used to meet an end
"I'm-…no. I was trying to being as sincere and as nice as possible," the spy clutched her arm and diverted her eyes guiltily "but, I'll even admit, that's not really my strong suit, Ojou-sama."
"(Sigh) I guess that's an improvement." Senna muttered to herself "Fine, but I expect you to call me Senna-sama from now on, eventually working towards Senna." the ribbon wearing Kurosaki replied as she turned back to Renji, and took her hand off his mouth to allow him to reply "Sorry about that Mr.?"
"Why should I tell you?" he barked, now free to breathe through his mouth again
"Fuka-taicho Abarai, O-Senna-sama." The spy behind her stuttered to correct herself
"Right Abarai-san," she said as she brought a chair next to the bed to sit down on "Firstly, I'm not entirely the same person you met back in my world, when you took her away. Secondly I could have had my…" she stopped then looked at Subaru and nodded her head own head as if agreeing with herself before turning back "guardian borderline friend here kill you, but I wanted to ask you why you're restrained. What exactly did you do?"
The man moved his eyes to look at Senna's face, and then promptly diverted them away from her to the opposite side of the room, allowing himself a moment to consider something, before returning them back to Senna "I fell out of favor because of Rukia."
"Fell out of favor?"
"Rukia is a close friend of mine, so with the whole rebellion thing, I was a natural suspect since we had grown up together. Then I got beat by one of your guys who spared me for some reason, after which I blacked out, then woke up here restrained. The doctors interrogated me, so when I told them mostly what happened, they didn't believe me and left me here to rot." Renji accounted, taking a deep breath he stared at the ceiling "For all that happened I suppose things could have been worse."
Senna nodded "You're right, you could have been killed."
"mmmm." He affirmed with a grunt
"But you weren't." she cut in with a small but open smile "And that's what's important." She leaned forward and rested her arms across the straps and placed her head on her arms, moving her eyes to the left to keep him in sight "I…have to say, speaking with you now, you don't seem like the bad person I originally thought you were. But I still don't understand, why didn't you bother to help her? You said she was your friend!"
The man closed his and let out a scoff, moving his body to force her off him and back into the chair "Heh. Don't judge me, but I didn't really figure it out until after I was beaten. I realized that I was afraid." He opened his eyes, as he recalled the memory against his opponent "I should have acted sooner, but I didn't. I was too busy looking out for my own skin and wanting to surpass my Taicho. That I forgot my original dream, to become a soul reaper so Rukia and I could make a better life for ourselves."
"I see." The female Kurosaki said as she leaned back in her chair and clasped her hand together in her lap, with a melancholy look. Turning her slightly head to the right she looked at the wall with a pained smile "I know what it's like to be helpless, to feel like you're at the end of your rope. I felt it when my brother fought the monster Grand Fisher, I felt it when I fought you, and I felt it again after fighting Nanao." She turned back to the man with a frown now "But I'm going to push myself to the day that I die to protect my friends…and Ichigo." The girl stood up and grabbed one of his hands firmly "You said you didn't know why you got spared, right? Maybe it was so we could meet today."
Renji raised an eye brow "What makes you say that?"
Senna tilted her head to the side and smiled childishly "I'm a Miko and I know fate prefers to work in mysterious ways."
"hehe," the man chuckled lowly since his body was pressed tightly against the restraints "guess that's one way to look at it."
"Subaru-san, do you think you could pick the locks on the restraints? You did mention that you are a spy and ex-thief, right?"
The raven haired woman shrugged as she looked to Renji "My happening to have the tools needed to free him depends on whether or not, he's going to try anything after we get him out."
The fuka-taicho rolled his eyes at the remark "I'm not gonna do anything to you guys. I promise to help save Rukia after that we'll go our separate ways. Deal?" he said barely able to turn his arm upward
Senna grabbed it "Deal. Subaru get him out."
Walking to the side, Subaru kneeled down beside the bed and pulled one arm through the sleeve of her shirt while using her other arm to lift her shirt up so she could see. Grabbing her lock pick set, she pulled down her shirt and started to work. After several minutes and a few broken locks later, the man was freed from his confinement.
Rolling off the bed, Renji shivered a bit as his feet touched the cold floor. The man let out a groan as he moved his arm in a small circle to work out the kinks in it. Casting his eyes down, he found his sandals waiting just underneath his bed. As he slipped them on, Senna got out of her chair to get beside him, while Subaru pressed her ears against the door to check if anyone was out there.
"Thanks Abarai-kun. We'll save Rukia-chan for sure."
'Abarai-kun? That's a bit forward for a first association, eh what the hell.' Renji thought "Sure whatever, and just call me Renji, calling me by any form of my last name sounds too formal for my taste."
"Alright, Renji." She accepted quickly, then gave a small glance around the room for the man's weapon "So where's you Zanpaktou?"
"It's in that cabinet over there, but it's got an electronic lock and I don't know the password." Renji said jutting his thumb over his shoulder to the wall past his bed
Walking over to the lock, the amber eyed girl inspected it and quickly dialed in some numbers, which was met with a buzzer sound "Hmm, so it's a four digit password."
"You can crack it?" Subaru asked earnestly, not expecting such a skill from the girl, boosting her opinion of her
"Sure I could," Senna said aloud but inwardly added 'eventually'
"Then please do that, I was afraid we'd have to kidnap someone."
Senna sweat dropped and turned back to the lock 'let's see…how about…0-0-0-0' typing in the number she was met with another buzzing sound 'ahhummm four corners? 1-7-3-9?' another buzz
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Renji asked full of skeptism now as the buzzer went off for a third time
Senna twitched at the question "Of course." [Buzz] and started to twitch even more
"Senna-sama…[Buzz]it's ok if you don't know, [Buzz] Please stop trying [Buzz]!" The third seat said with a sweat drop, which was shared by Renji
"I almost [Buzz] got it [Buzz] ok!" she said much more frustratedly, as her anger from the annoying buzzer started to grow her eyes flickered in color. "Open, damn it!" she exclaimed her anger boiling over.
Pulling her fist back, she hit the cabinet as hard as she could which dented the metal inwards, shocking both the team mates by the sudden display of great strength. Pulling her hand back to wallop it a second time she noticed a small piece of paper on the inside of the cabinet which was now visible. She leaned in close to see it had some numbers written on it "ahh, see like I said, I'd get it. It's 4-9-1-3 easy. Hehe." She said with a nervous chuckle, as it beeped positively, she was about to grasp the handle to open it when a wave of fatigue washed over her, and the world started to spin. "ugghh." she groaned out as she started to fall backwards just barely being caught by Subaru and Renji.
"Are you ok?"
"ughh, my head hurts all of a sudden…" Senna replied in a daze, her eyes glowing a very faint yellow which wasn't noticed by either Shinigami "Hey Subaru-chan," she asked as she faced towards the confused woman "have you always looked that pretty?" she said with half-lidded eyes, giving a dreamy appearance
'Huh!' the woman brought her head back a bit, a faint tint of pink on her cheeks, from the compliment? "Are you feeling ok?" she asked, since that statement came out of left field to the spy
Again as quickly as it came it, the gold rims of her eyes disappeared back into her bright amber hue, allowing Senna to rapidly blink before open her eyes fully again "Y-yeah, sorry, about that. I don't really know where that came from, eheheh." she laughed off as she started to get back to her feet and return to get the Asauchi for their newest addition
Renji however was smirking up a storm, which didn't go unnoticed by the girls, and stopped them midway in helping Senna get up "Oh, don't mind me, keep going." He said perversely, back waving with his free hand to the girl, which earning an irritated look from each of the girls.
The two women broke eye contact with the man and looked at each other and hardened their gaze, then they both nodded.
"Subaru." she issued a fully understood command with but a single word
"Of course, Senna-sama." She said as she disappeared and re-appeared behind the man and grabbed both his arms behind his back, leaving his front exposed. As Senna rose she up, she forcefully flipped her sheath into Renji's crotch, then pulled away to deliver a strong right hand to the area a second time, and finished it off by delivering a spin kick to his lowered face, as Subaru flash stepped away, knocking him into the wall in excruciating pain.
"Let's go." Senna commanded with a smirk knowing she'd delivered justice to the handsome but perverted man who was busy clutching his body
"As you wish." Subaru replied following the Ojou out the door with her head bowed submissively, and her arms folded behind her back
Five minutes of recovery time and a thousand apologies from Renji later, the trio finally managed to escape the medical wards of fourth division and were currently on route to the head quarters of the Onimitsukido: the second division.
(Team Ganju)
"Ok, this should put us near the third division and the tower." Hanataro said as he pointed to the manhole above the trio, having finished leading them to this spot and was ready to take a temporary back seat.
Shinjiro walked between his two allies and gripped the seventh rung of the ladder that led up to the surface "Remember you guys wait here, while I lure away some of the enemies up ahead." He instructed looking directly at them to make sure they were listening to him and his words
Ganju hardened his eyes and nodded fiercely "Got it, and good luck, Servant dude."
"We'll see you later, Taiga-san. Stay safe till then."
Shinjiro smiled back at them "Alright, I'm off." and started to climb the ladder, each of his steps making a damp clanking sound. Reaching the end, he poked the lid up a fraction so he could see his surroundings, seeing no one around he popped it open to slide it towards the side and climbed out fully. Now back on ground level he put the lid back on the opening and ran up ahead. It didn't take long for the man to find a small crowd of Shinigami, and with a few taunting words, have them chasing him in the direction of squad two's forest.
Hearing the loud clanging of the metal lid being run over by multiple feet, Ganju and Hanataro presumed Shinjiro had successfully led some of the Shinigami away, so that they could rescue Rukia. As the green clad warrior pried off the lid, he beckoned Hanataro to follow, since the coast was clear.
The men ran as fast as they could through the corridors and up the stairwell. Stopping to make sure that the coast was clear up ahead, Ganju really couldn't believe his luck as it seemed that the Samurai had really lured away quite a few of the enemies, leaving the place seemingly deserted.
"Coast is clear, Taro. Do you know where to go from here?"
"Yeah, I remember the way, since squad four has to clean the penance every now and then." The timid healer answered as he walked down the corridor leading to the stairs that would take them to the upper levels.
Making steady progress through the otherwise abandoned building, they arrived at the high bridge stretching out to the tower, which was guarded by about four Shinigami.
"Halt." One of the Shinigami yelled as he reached for his Zanpaktou
"Not a chance reaper!" yelled Ganju who slugged the Shinigami in the face sending him to the ground
"Quick call back up!" another guard yelled only to be silenced when Hanataro blasted him with a kido spell throwing in a heart-felt apology for his action.
Picking the enemy reaper back up, Ganju smashed his fist into his gut, and then wrapped his arm around the man's head in a head lock and dropped back, sending the man face first into the bridge knocking him out.
As Ganju tried to get back up he found himself on the opposite end of a Zanpaktou ready to come down and slice into his torso. Bracing himself for the strike, he was indeed surprised to see his opponent knocked backwards by Hanataro shoulder tackling into the man sending them both into the ground.
Not one to waste an opportunity Ganju quickly got up pulling his cleaver in the process and threw it at the fourth Shinigami who made a move towards them. The weapon struck the man in shoulder staggering him, as Ganju rushed in and punched him in the face, and used his bigger body to forcefully press the man against the penance door to pull out his weapon. Re-sheathing the weapon, Ganju kicked the man in the gut, forcing the guy to double over, and utilizing his strength lifted the Shinigami above his body and threw him over the railing, his screams echoing all the way down.
Allowing himself to look around, and saw that all the enemies were gone, Ganju wiped some sweat off his face and grinned mischievously "ahh, man. I'm always up for a good brawl." He said "how about you Hanataro?" he said turning to his counter-part, and saw him on one knee almost praying.
"-we hold the fallen within the highest of reverence." He finished reciting to the downed enemies, as he got up and looked solemnly at them.
"You alright?" Shiba asked as he got beside the glum looking kid
"Yeah, I just wish nobody had to die, it's even worse since I'm supposed to save people's lives."
"Hmmm…yeah, I guess I see where you're coming from." Ganju said as he tapped his chin thoughtfully "But if you think about it, they're not dying in vain especially if you use their death's to fuel your determination in something."
"Fuel my determination?" Hanataro asked casting a confused look to the muscular man
Ganju nodded "Yeah, think about. Your buddy, Ichigo. He's out there fighting too. He could even be killing people at this very moment. How do you think he's feeling about it, fighting people he called friends at one point?"
"Just like me." Hanataro answered
"Exactly. But he believes in his cause, and knows that he has to do this for a greater good. I'm sure that everyone we've all fought so far would agree with us, if they knew the truth. So he's carrying their ideals in protecting Soul Society inside him and is using that to keep pushing forward despite how bad it might get." The man placed a hand on the combat medic's shoulder "He's protecting his friends, I'm sure you've got friends you want to return back to as well right?"
Hanataro nodded his head in understanding "Yeah, Isane-san, Unohana-taicho, Ichigo-san and the rest of the 'traitors'" he then smiled brighter than before "I have good friends in Soul Society who need my help."
Ganju locked his arm around Hanataro and gave him a noggy to the head, almost like an older brother would to his sibling "Yeah, and what about me huh? Ain't I in your circle of friends?" he asked rubbing his hand back and forth repeatedly
"ahh, oww, yes, oww, you are oooh now please stop aiiie, your gonna give me eeeah, premature baldness!" the boy exclaimed flailing his arms up and down, desperately trying to break the vice grip around his neck to little avail
"Yeah, I thought so." Ganju said smugly as he let the boy go, who rubbed his hair with his hands to ease the burning sensation while calling Ganju a big meanie. "You ready to do this?"
"Yeah," Hanataro replied as he grew serious, since they were so close to rescuing Rukia.
The two men walked to the door and using the key found on one of the reapers body's opened the door. The poked their head through the door and walked in to the large dimly lit cell that had a spiraling stair case reaching all the way to the top, and a lone window across from the entrance providing a view of the Seireitei for the criminals within. Laying down with her back turned to them, their mark was dazedly staring out the window.
"What do you want of me now?" the girl in the white kimono asked, her face hidden by the darkness of the room and beam of light behind her "I've already told you I know nothing."
Ganju grinned stupidly "That's fine by us, because we're busting you out of here toots." He declared proudly
On his words the imprisoned Shinigami turned around from her spot and looked at the men in confusion that soon gave to horror, though they couldn't see it since her face was hidden by the darkness of the room and the ray of light behind her silhouetted her body "The actions your doing are criminal! Who, what made you do this!"
"Ichigo did." Hanataro said as he clenched his hands together enthusiastically, thinking the girl would be relieved upon such news
He was greatly mistaken.
"Ichigo! As in Kurosaki! Then you…he, your all traitors?" she said backing up fearfully
"Well," Ganju started as he scratched the back of his head, trying to word his answer "were not ALL traitors. Sides your totally innocent anyway, at least from what dandelion head mentioned when we going through the sewers." He then placed his hands on his hips and shook his head "I gotta tell ya, that guy must be in love with you or something, cause I don't see why someone would go through all this just for a single girl, even if she is the key to saving the universe or some crap."
Rukia reddened at the insinuation "We are not in love or any kind of relationship like that!"
"Ganju, stop it you're embarrassing her." Hanataro chided as he elbowed the larger man in the side
"All right, all right." He said defensively raising his hands up in front of him "let's get her to the sewers and then afterward, you can head back to your place and let loose the butterflies." He said turning his back to Rukia and heading for the door, sensing no movement he looked over his shoulder "Come on, shake a leg, times a wasting."
Hanataro moved over to Rukia and kneeled down beside her, throwing in a reassuring smile "You're not hurt are you? Can you walk?"
"I…yes, but," she looked away "I'm no good, I'll get you all killed just like Senna and Kaien. You should stay away from me and flee now while you have the chance." She pleaded
Hanataro however would have none of it "That's not your decision. Whether you think your good or not, doesn't change the fact that people worry about you. All those people you mentioned, would they want you to suffer for something you didn't do? Wouldn't they tell you to fight for what's right Rukia-san?" he placed both his hands on her shoulders "Sometimes we gotta do things we're afraid to do. Take me for instance, I'm scared out of my hakama and want to run away as fast as I can," he said with a good intentioned smile "but I'm only gonna do that if I know your following right behind me." He removed his hand and placed it before her "Ichigo's my friend just as much as I'm sure he's yours. Why shouldn't you trust a friend?"
Rukia blinked unsure of what to say. She briefly allowed herself to think back on her time in the world of the living, her first encounter with Senna that set this in motion, Ichigo and her's first argument, the Quincy Uryu, being part of a TV show, getting the bounty from Urahara, the fated encounter between Ichigo and the hollow who killed his mother. She recalled all of it, the good and the bad. As the last memory played she looked at Hanataro "You're right. I guess maybe I do have some more living to do." She said as she stood up fully
"Hey, are you done kissing in here yet?" Ganju yelled as he walked back into the room with a peevish look, mostly likely from the time they were wasting
"We're coming Ganju." Hanataro said patiently, while the green clad Shiba grumbled a 'whatever' under his breath, and turned to leave. "Come on, let's go."
As the pair followed behind their leader, Hanataro turned around to close and lock the door, when he felt it. A strong powerful spiritual pressure fell all around him, clearly not directed at him since the strength behind it would squish him again the wooden bridge. With a panicked look, he turned around staring past the obvious frightened form of Ganju and Rukia to see the source of the spiritual power.
The source was a pale man, with sharp black hair with three adorning ornaments in it placed in a neat row. Around the man's neck was a silver scarf. The man himself had a cold almost condescending look as he peered at the enemy before him. The man's hand was touching the hilt of his Zanpaktou which was revealed by the wind that blew open the important piece of the man's attire aside from his Hakama
The Haori. The Haori of a Taicho of the thirteen court guard squads.
"Hmmm, it seems both my hunch and Ichimaru's insight were rather…precise." He said calmly to himself, almost unwilling to let his mind register the presence of his foes "I had sensed a great migration of spiritual power here earlier," he then looked specifically at Rukia who fell to the ground quickly from his reiatsu "It's good thing I came to check up on you, Rukia."
Ganju quickly reached for his cleaver and clenched his fist tightly, moving his body just enough to charge the man "Hey girly-man, stop messing with her, and get out of our way before I make you break more than a nail!" he yelled unwilling to be intimidated by this individual
Byakuya turned his gaze to Ganju "What insolence. But I should not be surprised. A savage barbarian such as yourself would be allied with a traitor."
"I'm no savage, 'primadonna-chan', I am Ganju Shiba second warrior of the Shiba clan!"
The captain's eyes widened just a fraction, as did Rukia's for different reasons, but returned back to their cold empty state before the revealing "I see. So you are a member of that clan. So you must be the brother of that one man, Kaien Shiba."
"Yeah, I am." He replied with his teeth barred
"How unfortunate. While I detested the man's unruly behavior particularly to those of higher standing, as well as his gratuitous use of his heart instead of his head, I did respect him to some small degree." 'after all he could do what I could not.' "So I will give you a proper sending from this world into his. Ganju Shiba of the former noble house Shiba, my name is Byakuya Kuchiki, current head of the Kuchiki clan, be sure to tell your brother when you arrive." The man then unsheathed his sword and held it vertically to the ground "Scatter, Senbonzakura."
Ganju took half a step back to brace himself when the weapon started to disintegrate from it's sheath
Hanataro and Rukia however knew the dangers of a captain releasing their Zanpaktou against an opponent, especially the one considered the greatest one of the recent decades.
"Ganju, look out!"
"Shiba-san, please surrender, Lord brother please stop at once!
Ganju looked over his shoulder at Hanataro "Hanataro you just be sure to cover me, got it."
"I- alright!" he yelled as he drew Hisagomaru
Ganju quickly turned around to see that the weapon had fully disappeared from sight leaving only a hilt behind in the male Kuchiki's hand. He glanced around his surroundings to make sure there wasn't any kind of trick ready to surprise him from a blind spot.
Byakuya merely tsked and pointed his sword at Ganju, while the invisible to the opponent's eyes, blades rushed towards their unwary target. Within a moment Ganju started to see sakura petal floating down in front of his eyes, at first it was one at a time, then it started to fall faster and faster.
Tssh…
He looked down at his hand that carried his knife to see a narrow sliver on his tricep, while blood started to pour out of it. Then he heard it again the sound of tearing, only this time it was on his entire right side. Soon the sound of fabric and skin tearing blasted in full volume as the man's body exploded in a fountain of blood. The man crashing down to his knee for and instant as he saw Byakuya's sword reform before him.
'Damn. I lost,' the man admitted as his vision started to blur, while memories of his family started to flash before him, as fell forward 'Kaien…..ku..ka….ku…'
Ganju's body finally collapsed against the brown wood that had been stained red by his spilt blood.
"Ganju-san!" yelled Hanataro who ran next to his friend and slammed Hisagomaru against his body to heal his wounds. Only instead of hearing the sound of hissing from the regenerating wounds, he was met with the sound of a depressive 'boop'. "Ganju-san…" he whispered to the corpse of his strange attired yet courageous friend
"I hope this will set things into perspective for all of you. This is no fairytale, I will kill you all where you stand, and you wouldn't be able to so much as touch me." The Taicho said in an elitist tone as he gazed apathetically at the scene before him "Rukia, I hope you take responsibility for your actions." He then pointed at Ganju "That man threw away his life for you. His blood is as much on my hands as it is yours, I suggest you keep that in mind before you make another escape attempt. To try and obscure justice and the laws of Soul Society is a futile endeavor. You cannot change this fact, as much I can."
"You're wrong!" Hanataro shot back as he pulled away from the body, teary eyed "She doesn't deserve this!"
Byakuya narrowed his eye to slits "Do not act to try and command me, boy. Even if you were right, justice without power is impotence."
"And power without Justice is tyranny!" The healer answered, he then made a motion with his sword arm for Rukia to back up, while simultaneously thrusting his free hand out "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! Hado 63! Raikoho!" Hanataro yelled launching the strongest spell he knew. The lightning ball crackled and then shot free from the hand colliding against the Taicho and blew up in a large explosion.
No longer possessing the strength to fight against the insane spiritual pressure due to large amount used in his attack, Hanataro collapsed down fully to the ground pressed tightly against it. His labored breath became hitched in his throat when a familiar voice spoke "Congratulation, traitor." Byakuya said coming back into view, looking unscathed by the fully enchanted attack of the seventh seat "You've managed to get dust on my Haori." He re-raised his sword perpendicular to the ground and closed his eyes "Now allow me to return the favor by rendering you to dust." As he uttered each syllable the weapon turned a bright pink and separated once again into it's deadly petals
Hanataro looked on as the attacks came closer, then closed his eyes tightly "I'm not scared because I believe in you Ichigo." He whispered as he was consumed by the thick cloud of blades, as the attack blew past his body, he was in mid-fall backwards. His blood shooting out from his entire body, spraying the fear frozen Rukia on her white gown and face. 'Isane-san…Uno..hana-tai..cho. Forr give me...I, let…everybody down.'
As the lifeless body of the seventh seat fell against the wooden flooring, Rukia closed her eyes and looked away. Believing once again, she'd been the cause of her comrade's untimely and avoidable death. Because she wasn't strong enough to face her own fears and demons, she didn't want any more people dying for her ever again.
Arriving on the scene, a white haired man with a white Haori similar to captain Byakuya Kuchiki with just longer sleeves, and whose usual calm compassionate face was riddled with worry, looked to see what was causing the flux of spiritual power. As he continued to look on he covered his mouth and eyed the scene with tragedy in his eyes
"Ukitake-taicho." The stoic man of sixth acknowledged to his peer "What brings you here?"
"I felt a large release of spiritual pressure nearby here." He then looked from the unflinching man and back to the massacre before him "I'm guessing you did this…"
"My hypothesis was correct. I had presumed Rukia was their target, this merely solidifies my statement and makes Ichimaru-taicho's action all the more valid to carry out."
Ukitake looked at Byakuya incredulously "Can you at least sound like you have emotions?"
"I do, but I try not to let it show, and I suggest that you take my advice."
Jushiro was about to respond when he broke down into a coughing fit, to his surprise Byakuya was the one who lent him a shoulder, though he did wonder if it was because he was the only able bodied person still around. "Are you ok?"
"I'm (hack) fine."
"Good." He said quickly as he pulled away from Ukitake and went over to where Rukia was. The girl looked at the approaching man, and straightened herself up as much as she could, prepared to meet death with dignity. The woman's older brother stopped directly in front of her with his sword in his hand, giving her a cold look, that for briefest of moment looked hauntingly solemn. Raising his sword arm up, Jushiro was about to object when he saw the man sheath his weapon and pick up the body of Hanataro Yamada, then flash step over and pick up Ganju, and start to walk back to Jushiro.
"I trust you will be able to lead her back to the cell despite your condition." He queried with the two dead men lurched over his shoulders like a sand bag
"Yes."
"Thank-you, I would also ask that you send a hell butterfly to the Sou-taicho and inform him that I will be guarding Rukia Kuchiki until a certain day."
"I…understand, and those two bodies?"
"I'm going to deliver these leftovers, of wasted tissue and bloated innards, personally to Captain Retsu Unohana." And flash stepped off leaving the sick man to counsel the near traumatized woman before leading her into the cell. With his task done, he returned back to his head quarters for his medicine and rest briefly paying mind to a hell butterfly from Shunsui. The man needed his rest for the long upcoming struggle.
(Senna's team)
Coming down another corridor led by Subaru, the team found themselves outside the second division. Walking as casually as they could, they were immensely surprised to find the building almost deserted. The third seat continued to lead the way until they came to a training field "Senna-sama, you and Abarai-san go wait in the forest over there for me. I don't know how far your identity has spread and it's only a matter of time before they discover you missing from the ward. Stay hidden until I have some new information to go on."
Senna nodded "Alright, but be careful."
"I will." The spy then turned to Abarai with a hard glare "If something happens to her, I will make you pay. And if I fail, Ichigo-sama won't."
"Yeah, thanks for letting me know ya trust me." Renji barked as he walked off
Subaru watched them for a moment longer before heading back inside. No longer having to fear being caught, the spy made her way to the office of her Taicho. Having learned her lesson the first time around, she knocked on the door, since she saw it was barely cracked open.
Kujo felt a barely noticeable rise in spiritual pressure, then heard the words 'enter' from the occupant mouth. Pushing through the door, she saw the desk in front of her empty, then felt a presence beside her. Turning her direction, she found herself looking at Shaolin with her released Zanpaktou, almost ready to strike.
"I have returned back." Subaru muttered, feeling mixed about standing in front of her again
"I am pleased to see that you are ok." Soifon said removing her gauntlet-stinger Suzumebachi from her hand, while the gesturing for the woman to take a seat.
"I apologize for having failed you." Subaru said with a bow
"You don't need to apologize. You're safe that all that matters."
Subaru stood up and gave an almost questioning look for this strange switch in attitude, it wouldn't last long as she needed to retrieve whatever information she could "Have I missed anything?"
Shaolin steepled her fingers together as she rested her elbows on her desk "Yes. Subaru, you are to stay here, and assist me in recalling all our surviving soldiers."
Subaru frowned since that might have thrown a big monkey wrench in things "And why do we need to recall our troops. We need to capture the bastard Ryoka before any more damage is done."
"Exactly, that is why we are going to prepare an ambush on the day of the execution which will take place two days from now." Shaolin replied though inwardly she wasn't happy to see that she was right, in the fact that Subaru probably wouldn't support her new allegiance
'Two days!' Subaru went wide eyed over the information 'So soon? Is this…' she needed to know now "Tell me, is there any other news?" she said hurriedly
"Yes, we have recently suffered a loss."
"'a loss'?"
The Taicho nodded "Yes, Sosuke Aizen was found dead earlier today…we have…reason to believe that it's because of the traitors." She threw in a half-lie at the end
The woman's eyes widened as her heart began to beat faster "Where…how did he die?"
"In the courtyards, he was impaled upon a building by a sword."
As Shaolin watched her surrogate sister's expression from her words, she quickly went rigid in posture, and had a very vacant look in her eyes, like she was way off in her own world "I understand." She said mechanically, her fists clenched at her side "Excuse me." She then turned around to leave only to find her path barred by a concerned Soifon
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Don't you dare lie to me, Subaru." The captain said dangerously
"I really don't want to talk about it."
"Do you know something?" she asked, when the spy looked away full of guilt. She snapped again "Answer me Subaru!"
The spy looked back at the older woman and as calmly as she could clasp her hand "I was scared…I was reminded of a horrible nightmare. In it you died…you were impaled upon a building."
The older woman frowned softly, not expecting that "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"Partially because I didn't want you to worry about me. You had too much to deal with at the time." 'And partially because you would never believe me.'
"I'm sorry for trying to force it. But you should never be afraid to tell me things. So is there anything else?"
Subaru pulled her hand away from Soifon, almost widening the gap between the two of them for some reason "It's not important at the moment. Excuse me, Taicho." She pushed herself past Soifon to head back to the door, only to be stopped by Soifon
"I know we've had our differences recently…particularly about Ichigo Kurosaki. But don't isolate yourself, I'm here for you."
Subaru smiled bitterly at the woman's words which disturbed the Taicho "No, I'm always there for you, Soifon-taicho."
'Soifon-taicho' she repeated to herself, it was so cold and unfriendly in nature that it left a sour taste in her mouth. The woman reflected back on her attitude towards her friends and subordinates. She quickly came to the conclusion, she was going to need to take more active steps in those regards, otherwise she might lose everything again. "I…yes." She said awkwardly "The ambush point is going to be in sector 2-74, west of the Sokyoku execution grounds, we'll discuss more tomorrow."
"Very well ma'am." She acknowledged the coordinates and walked out the room, not giving a second look back in fear of cracking under the insurmountable pressure she was under.
A gesture not missed to the Taicho as the door closed. Raising her hand up she hit the door "Damn it. I pushed them away too far." She removed her hand and looked at it, then clenched it again as she closed her eyes "They'll never go along with it. I just hope they can forgive me and understand my actions in the end."
As the second division third seat left the office in her own misery, she returned back to the area where she had left Renji and Senna. The closer she came to the area the more she heard the distinct shouting between people and decided to follow it. Coming underneath the canopy of the forest's entrance she spotted Senna and Renji with her husband of all people. Senna seemed to be playing the peacemaker of the group while Shinjiro held his arm out defensively and was backing up to give the fuka-taicho a wide berth.
"Will you stop Renji, he already apologized!" Senna fussed back to the stubborn red head. That was when she saw Subaru approaching "Look, she's back ok! Let's all take a deep breath and calm down."
Renji took a step forward and turned his attention to the new comer of the group "Hey, how come you didn't tell me your damn husband was the guy that I fought and got hospitalized by!"
"I already told you, she didn't know!" he said back not appreciating that he was yelling at his wife, and had to fight Muramasa's coaxing in wanting to gut the man
"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. Everyone be quiet. Subaru-san what's wrong? You look really subdued." Senna asked with her arms touching both men's chest telling them to give the spy the floor
The spy took an inhalation and lowered her head in defeat "I just finished up meeting with Soifon-taicho. It was difficult to say the least, especially to lie to her face, even if it's for her own good."
Senna walked over and placed a reassuring hand on the androgynous girl's shoulder "It'll be all right, you'll be able to make up when this is all over."
"No, Senna-sama. That has become an impossibility at this point." She said frailly and then turned to the rest of them "Abarai-san, Shin-kun, Senna-sama. I bear news, earlier today Sosuke Aizen was murdered, his body impaled upon a building and left out in the open. I'm sure you all know what this means."
'That means the rest of the captain's are gonna go full force!'
'It's the end of the line now…'
'That creep Ichimaru betrayed Aizen?'
"They have also moved Rukia's execution date to two days from now. Not only that, but they've decided to make a trap for us. If we don't show up, Rukia Kuchiki will be executed without question and the Gotei 13 will be able to focus solely on us, and if we do show up we run the risk of being annihilated." She proclaimed, grimly giving the situation for what it was
"So what are we gonna do?" Senna asked "We can't just rush in, we'll get killed. We need a plan."
"That's why you should just follow me." Another voice called to them
Looking around the team spotted a familiar black cat slinking towards them giving them a mischievous grin "Come on, little rebels. I'll take you to the place where Ichigo is training, and from where we'll launch our operation."
(Unohana)
The captain of squad for sighed as she wiped away the sweat from her forehead, she been running around all of yesterday treating all the ones with the severest injuries, while directing the lesser wounded patients to other doctors. Then today she had been performing every known medical diagnosis, procedure and applied every theory she could from her vast library of medical knowledge unto the corpse of Sosuke Aizen, and kept getting negative results.
Spiritual scanners, Blood testing, medical forensics and inspection of the wounds. Just nothing. It was almost like she was examining thin air, even though she could touch the body. She removed her latex gloves and looked at the bloody but peace filled face of Aizen, she had done everything she could that was specifically geared towards Aizen, in the hopes of a positive result. "It's almost like being told to examine a dog when I am clearly no veterinarian." She muttered to herself, she looked over at the clock, and couldn't believe she'd been inside this room for as long as she had been, though it was probably because someone was keeping an eye on her.
The rumbling and loud crashing, as well as yelling of someone not being allowed into the morgue, called the coil haired healer's attention to the door, and the person who entered "Kuchiki-Taicho."
"Greetings, here are the corpses of two traitors I had slain that tried to rescue Rukia earlier." He said coldly dropping both the bodies on the ground callously
Retsu looked at the two men, and felt a stab of pain seeing the body of her seventh seat Hanataro Yamada. "I see. It is most unfortunate. I trust they went quickly."
The male captain turned around "I personally think that they deserved more pain for betraying Soul Society. We are the only source of balance in the afterlife which makes their crime that much worse, by trying to dismantle us and condemning every soul to death. For their folly in such a reckless and selfish endeavor, I would wish for them to burn at the Sokyoku, but to do such thing would sully that sacred ritual."
"That's cruel don't you think?"
"Is it? I am doing my duty efficiently. I wonder if I am really the only person in soul society who is actually looking at the bigger picture here. The law is created is for a reason, in ideal times, it protects the citizens from tyranny, while maintaining the communities valued goals. I am willing to put aside my personal feelings on a matter, for the greater good."
"Then may I ask you something, as one fellow citizen to another?"
"And that is?"
"If you were given the chance, and not need to worry about the law. Would you save your sister?"
"…in a heartbeat. I promised Hisana." The sixth Taicho whispered so low that Unohana couldn't hear, then spoke louder as he vacated the room "I will not as I had made a promise to myself. I will ensure all criminals face their judgment."
Unohana studied the man's answer as he left, and let it go unable to blame him. She looked back down at Hanataro and gently put him on a table for examination, and then a spot in the morgue. "I'm envious of you Hanataro-kun." The woman said as she retrieved a new pair of gloves "You were able to fight for what was right. I'm sure Isane as well as Ichigo would be proud of you for being as brave as you were." She then patted the boy's body lightly "Rest in peace Hanataro-kun."
Ganju/Hanataro: Ebony and Ivory lived together in perfect harmony.
Ganju: Side by side on my piano
Hanataro: Keyboard oh lord why don't we!
Blackout2010: What are you two doing?
Hanataro (embarrassed): Oh? Oh nothing. J-just a sweeping the floor. [starts to sweep] sweep, sweep sweep.
Blackout2010 (backing away): Okay… (weirdos)
Ichimaru: Till next chapter folks!
(B.T.A.T. Halloween special)
"You ready Shaolin?" Ichigo called out to his female companion who was in the room putting on the last of her secret costume. Today was the thirty-first of October, Halloween and it was decided that everyone should dress up to celebrate the event.
So that evening Ichigo's ordinary black uniform was ditched for a verdant green tunic and cap. A leather brown belt went around his waist with another leather going diagonally wrapping around one of his shoulder, which held a sheath in his back with a long silver sword with a purple hilt that extended outward like wings. He also had a metal shield that had a bird in the center and three triangles pressed together. According to Senna, he looked exactly like a guy named Link…whoever that was.
"…Alright. I'm finished." The woman said from the other side of the door. The clicking of the door lock and turning of the knob, garnered his attention. What stepped out was a medium sized white billowing fabric with two holes in the front which had a pair of grey eyes looking out of them.
"Uuhh? What exactly are you?" Ichigo asked hesitantly as he looked at the costume Shaolin had on, that fully covered her from head to toe "And what is that?" he then looked harder at the linen "Is that a blanket or something?"
"No, it's not a blanket, Ichigo." She said sternly, and with a hint of embarrassment "It's a bed sheet."
"You're gonna walk around as bed sheet? That's ummm…" when he saw the glare he decided to put it delicately "original…"
"Don't patronize me. What you see before you is two weeks of creativity, in making the most fearsome costume around. A human's vision of a ghost." She scolded at her impromptu outfit or in this case protective covering
"…you mean a bed sheet over your head?" Now Ichigo couldn't help but smirk "And this took you how long to think this up again?"
"SHUT UP! I worked really hard in coming up with this as quickly as I did!" She, from what Ichigo could tell, since he couldn't see physically see her, crossed her arms in front of her and looked away "It's not like I'd do this for my health."
"Hahaha. Well when you look away like that, I don't know about fearsome, but you certainly look cute."
Shaolin wasn't buying it though "Don't think you can talk your way out of this buster."
The woman was staying adamant until she felt the verdant green clad man pull her 'ghostly' body close to her in a hug "Well I don't have to butter you up. It's the truth to me."
"…" the eyes moved back to Ichigo for a second, examining him before looking back down the hallway "Judging by your get-up, you seem to be creative. Maybe next year I'm might ask for your assistance...if I feel like it." She said in a huffy tone
Ichigo just grinned as he pulled her in a little closer, which was no doubt making the woman squirm her wants conflicting with the mood "Alright my friendly ghost you win. But for now let's go meet with Sis."
The two retracted from the hug and headed out from the Building. As they stepped outside into the festive night air, which they had to stop and double take when they saw a guy with blond hair walking upside down in the sky, they saw a girl leaning against a wall. She was in a full white Hakama with black socks and sandals. Wrapped around her hip was a Zanpaktou and over her eyes was a pair of clear sport-glasses that had a bony design.
Hearing the footsteps the woman glanced over and waved, as she approached to see her brother in his green costume, and Shaolin in her ghost gear. "Hey guys, cool costumes." She looked at Ichigo "The hero of time." then to Shaolin "And the original ghost!"
"You see Ichigo! Senna can appreciate the finer arts as well as my creativity." Shaolin said proudly, jabbing into her companion who looked away and muttered whatever "So Senna-chan, what exactly are you supposed to be?"
The girl smiled amicably as she pulled her sleeve up revealing a large black dot obviously done by marker "I'm an Arrancar and this is my hollow hole." She then leaned closer "But don't tell anyone since they're spoilers, because the Arrancars haven't shown up yet."
"Oh right." Ichigo muttered and then recalled his first canonical Arrancar experience "How's Grimmjow doing? Still in a foul mood?"
Senna sweat dropped "Weeell…"
(Flash back)
The female 'Arrancar' walked through Karakura town on her way to Soul Society when she heard the loud crashing from one of the apartments above the street. She stood still as she overheard what was taking place.
"That fucking punk ass author!" the voice of the Espada roared as another loud crashing was heard, more than likely from one of the rooms objects meeting the wall
"Calm down." Said Shawlong
"Don't tell me to calm down, Shawlong! Aggh! Bull shit reason why I can't be out there. All because of fricken spoiler!" Yelled the irate Espada "Tch. Everyone knows that if I were out there now, the viewer rating would double easily, I'm that god damn sexy."
"Maybe that's the reason why, bro." Illfort pointed out
"Or maybe because you have a nasty habit of punching the living crap out of people at night." D-roy snarked
"Oh really?" the voice of Grimmjow said dangerously "Well how about you help me vent some 'frustration' D-roy!"
"Hey, hey ,hey! Get back man I was j-just kidding…dah! Oww ouu, ahh wahh, aghh, I uugghh surre- ahhh!"
As the sound of fist continuously hitting against something else, and the sound of laughter rang out from the room. Senna felt it would be best to leave before something happen to her
…or worse for D-roy.
(flash back end)
"That guy is totally nuts." Ichigo said profoundly
"hmm, well good luck fighting him. You might need it." the amicable ghost beside him said nonchalantly "Anyway, let's go see what everyone else is doing."
The trio turned as headed towards Squad four knowing that maybe seeing some friendly faces would give them, a more enjoyable evening. The three talked for a while and when the subject of inner hollows came up, Ichigo and Senna remained oddly quiet, which perplexed the bed sheeted-Taicho, as she knew that they were supposed to be conjoined at the hip.
"Seriously where are they? I feel an immediate need to know for my own personal safety with two crazed lunatics on the loose." Shaolin said fearfully, and still got the stony silence from both Kurosaki's who looked away still not wanting to think about the two of them
As they rounded the corner, two individuals jumped out of the shadows
"Ooga boga boga!" they yelled, while trio immediately three punches forward and nailed the surprisers in the face knocking them down.
Ichigo looked down, his mind coming back off autopilot, and saw Hanataro Yamada and Ganju Shiba, who were both wearing tattered clothing and had life-like scars and cuts all over there body. "Oh geez, you guys ok?" Ichigo couldn't help but ask as he helped them to their feet
"Yeah we'll be fine." Ganju brushed off as he tilted his head to the side to work out a kink
"So what you guys supposed to be?"
"Who us?" The sturdy Shiba said as he pointed to him and the healer "Why were Zombies of course."
"Y-yeah, b-b-brains…brains!" Hanataro said meekly, which earned a frustrated look from Ganju
"Come on, you gotta say it with more gusto! You gotta say it with pride! Like this (ahem) BRAINS! BBRRRAAAINS!"
Hanataro chuckled nervously "W-Well we got a long night ahead of us." He then looked at his watch "Oh geez we've got to hurry, it's almost dinner time. Bye guys!"
"Later." The trio said as the men limped off further into Soul Society.
"Can we go check out Unohana-san?" asked Senna as she wanted to see the kind doctor and what she was dressed as
Not much else to do, the hero, ghost and arrancar continued until they came to the looming hospital that was the fourth division. Under the black night sky it seemed really ominous, and the decorations they had provided wasn't helping. Seeping out from underneath the floor of the door, and from the second floor window was a chilly light fog, their was also some kind of recording of strange animal noises. Ichigo took a step forward to the building when a loud cracking of thunder broke through the air
"…" Ichigo looked back at the girls "When Unohana says 'here at the fourth division your life is in our hands'…does she mean that literally?" he had to ask as he felt more than a little nervous now. Which judging by the stiffening of the women's posture, he wasn't alone in.
"I'm sure it's p-perfectly safe."
From above them a female voice said in a murderous undertone "The bodies of Hanataro Yamada and Ganju Shiba are missing from the morgue…tell me…do you know where they are…?"
A frantic woman's voice responded "I-I-I d-d-d-on't kn-know. Ahh m-m-miss w-why ar-are you grabbing you s-s-sword?"
"So you lost them? A shame, you're going to have to make it up. So you." A small pause as the voice grew even darker "can replace them."
A loud bloody shriek pierced the air as the trio looked upward and were visibly shaking. The scream died within a matter of seconds, while the team took the moment to compose themselves.
"On second thought, why don't we come back later." Senna said awkwardly "M-maybe when it's lighter out."
"That's a good idea. I don't think I want to imagine how scary Unohana-taicho can be this evening." Soifon chimed as the two girl turned around and started to walk away.
Ichigo looked at the building, and started to turn away when a dark thought occurred to him 'She said Hanataro and Ganju escaped the morgue…and they claimed they were zombies…so does that mean…'
A plethora of loud screams and shrieks could be heard to the west of his position, from what he could tell the exact direction they came from, so the Onimitsukido member quickly caught back up with his traveling companion, not wanting to let them out of his sight.
Giving the fourth division a wide berth, the trio headed southwards at Ichigo's insistence. Now having regained their nerves, they walked at a much more leisurely pace. Turning around a corridor they came across Subaru who had changed out of her usual uniform and was wearing a white lab coat around her body..A stethoscope was wrapped around her neck and a small blue pair of glasses on her face. She was conversing with another taller woman with blond hair tan skin and a pink ribbon in her head. She was wearing a yellow high collar shirt with a pinkish-red dress on top of it. She had a pair of matching gloves and boots, and had a pink bag in her hand
As the trio approached the two, Subaru and the woman took notice, and one started to smirk while the other hung her head.
"Greetings." Subaru said with a low bow, while her partner did a very small curtsy
"Nice to see you, Subaru-san." Senna replied to the spy "Guess you're a doctor?" she looked at her female companion "Whose your friend?"
When Senna said this, Shaolin coughed forcibly, stifling what sound like a giggle, while Subaru started to smirk even more as she looked at her companion, who was glaring back. "Yes, 'Peppermint' do introduce yourself." She then extended her hand to the team "No need to be rude."
"Am I missing something?" Ichigo couldn't help but ask seeing the grins of individual enjoying an inside joke
"Oh..n-nothing, Ichigo." Shaolin said, her eyes diverting back to the blond girl "N-nice..hehe..t-to see you again …peppermint-…c-chan hahaha!"
Peppermint narrowed her eyes no doubt cursing her, while Ichigo was wondering what was up, Senna took a good look at the woman, and felt she'd seen her before "Have we met?"
The woman sighed "It's me." The woman said in the voice of a friend
"Wait." Ichigo looked back and squinted a bit, then had to stifle his own laugh "S-shinjiro!" The mortified samurai lowered his head and gritted teeth, from the waves of laughter "Oh man, you gotta tell me how you talked Sempai into this!"
"Traitor." Shinjiro whispered under his breath, while Subaru spoke up
"It's a long story so I'll give you the synopsis. Back when we were alive, we made a…bet of sorts. I won, and now every third or fourth date, Shinjiro and I have, he would dress up as peppermint, and would accompany me." She then casted a sly look at her cross-dressing husband "Plus this makes us even for ragging on my cooking."
"If you guys breathe a word of this…" Shinjiro threatened with a visible blush, since he was fine with doing this provided it never got out.
"Come on you two, p-promise him." Shaolin pleaded as she clenched her sides, while Senna was wiping away tears from her face
"O-okay, okay. I promise to never expose 'peppermint'-chan's secret!" Ichigo managed to huff out while the samurai glared even harder
"Lips pfff are sealed."
"Good. Hehe now do you see Shinjiro, your secret is safe." Shaolin uttered
"…" Shinjiro looked over the assembly and then crossed his arms with a frumpy face "Not a word."
Subaru then grabbed her husband's hand "aha, anyway we'd best be off." She bowed slightly "Stay safe you guys."
"Later." The three waved as the strange duo wandered off to another section of the Seireitei.
Seeing that no one else was around, the team wandered a little more to the east, to see if there was anything to do. Coming around the corner, the team bumped into a tall man with white hair and red eyes. The man was wearing a black shirt with a brown over coat and red tie. He also had a scar on his chin, and in his hand was deck of cards that he was shuffling constantly.
"So we meet again Ichigo." Jin Kariya said with an appreciative smile
"Kariya." Ichigo acknowledged "I'm surprised you showed up."
"He's hasn't been introduced to the fic, isn't he a spoiler?" asked Shaolin
"Who the hell is this guy?" Senna asked extremely confused "I don't remember reading about this guy!"
The bount user glared slightly at that last comment "Firstly, I am not a spoiler, I am a cameo appearance." His smile then returned back to his scarred face "I'm sure you all remember me from the glorious Bount Arc, we had some good times."
"Not really." The hero of time said briskly
"Sorry, but I'm drawing a blank." answered the ghost
"Ok, that is sooo a lie! There was no bount arc!" the arrancar replied
The white haired man sighed "Nobody appreciates me." He then turned around "Whatever, I'm sure I'll find better company. Enjoy your screen time for one day, it will be mine." He threatened
As the man walked away Ichigo looked up slightly "Heads up." He warned
A giant thunder bolt came down and struck the man, eradicating him entirely.
Senna leaned forward a bit, and frowned sadly "Even he didn't deserve that…even if he was lying about meeting you."
"That's…" Ichigo ready to point out the hypocritical humor in it but then shook his head defeatedly "never mind. Let's just pretend it never happened." He said with a depressed undertone
"Ah, the central nuclei." A smooth voice called from behind the masquerading Shinigami. As they turned around, they all groaned when they saw Gin and Kaname walking forward, casting flower petals to the ground, for Aizen who was in a black tuxedo and matching cane.
"And what do you want?" Ichigo uttered, less than enthusiastic about the man's presence
"There's no need to be hostile." Aizen replied with his hand held out gently, while his gait came to a halt, the man's two assistants stopping their petal throwing. "Surely, we could both lay aside our differences, for but a day. After all everyone knows that I could kill you with but a thought, on any minute, of any day, should I so wish."
"Uggh…" Ichigo groaned distastefully
Senna let out a sigh and spoke up "So? What exactly are you supposed to be?"
The bed sheet's eyes moved over to Senna "It's obvious Senna. Considering the running gag with him." She then pointed presumably her arm to him "He's supposed to be God."
"I will ask that you don't take that tone when addressing me. I just as easily corrected your Siblings when I encountered them earlier today, Gin stop laughing," he chided as the man had been laughing every so often "As I was saying corrected them just as I easily do you, little miss hide myself." He said with a knowing stare, making her glare back at him daring him to say anything else. Sosuke then turned to Senna "As for you my dear. I am actually THE mayor."
"Of?" asked Ichigo
Aizen's eyes immediately lit up, and spoke passionately "OF THE UNIVERSE!" he declared while the trio face palmed, Ichimaru chuckled harder, while Tosen sniffled reverently at the declaration.
"Why am I not surprised?" Ichigo muttered in annoyed tone at the man's groan worthy statement.
Recovering Senna cast a faint look to Aizen "Hey, since we aren't at each other's throats, can I ask what's the name of your plan? The one you always say 'everything is going according to plan'."
"The plan?" Aizen said with a raised eye brow, then huffed and smiled gently "Simple. Aizen's General Opposition Destruction."
"G." Said Ichigo
"O." Senna called out the next letter
"D." Shaolin said after Senna
"Aizen is god?" the trio said at once stringing the acronym together
"Really? I was going to entitle it originally as Aizen's Killing All Meddling Instigators"
"Aizen is Kami (God)?" Ichimaru said genuinely surprised by that outcome
"It never ends!" Senna yelled frustratedly
Well regardless of name theme, we must be off." The head man said
The trio moved out of the way, as Ichimaru and Tosen walked in front of the guy throwing more petals as he walked by. The former with a huge grin. Once the omnipotent ruler of all things walked by the trio's face lit up and they had to stop from chuckling, when they saw a note written and attached to the back of Aizen's tux
[Kick me, I'm an asshole!]
[Sincerely Kujo, Taiga, Urahara, Shihoin, Kyoraku, Ishida]
Resisting the urge to do so the team walked towards the direction of the first division. About half way down to the destination, having left 'godly' company far behind, did they run into the devious pair of hollows "Well well, Hichigo. It seems we found a rather delectable treat."
"You're certainly right. I especially like the outfit, twin bands is packing."
"Ooohh, you two." Ichigo groaned audible, as he looked at the trench coat wearing Hichigo, and the skimpy attire wearing of Mirokumaru, who after looking behind them had a few practically nude Shinigami behind them "Who the hell are they!" he yelled as he pointed behind them
The hollow pair looked back "Oh them, they're our 'treats' for being quite the naughty pair." They said smugly making Senna and Ichigo burn with embarrassment
Trying to save the situation from turning any worse, Shaolin spoke up "S-so what exactly are you two supposed to be. Your owners didn't really elaborate."
Mirokumaru cast a very seductive glance at Senna who was doing her best not to make eye contact, let she get eaten alive "Soooo, I'm your property now am I? I must say that's rather…dominating of you. Hmmhmmhmm. Ooohh, well what do you have to say."
"Just answer her question and leave us alone."
"You're no fun, Sen-chan. You've been a student of the prudish light side for too long." The dark woman pouted, then shrugged. "Well why don't you go first brother dearest."
Hichigo smirked an infernal grin, and then reached for the buttons of his trench coat and jerked it open proudly, while Ichigo threw his gaze away. Senna looked at his body then downwards slowly getting on tips of her toes as she elevated her position. As for Shaolin…there was some red on the front of her protective sheet and it was certainly not ketchup.
"You see, king. Women like me. I'm a frreee kinda guy." He said as he switched his stance where his right foot was leading
"Just close your goddamn trench coat, before they lock you up. And you know what they do to guy's in prison who are just like you."
"Hell yeah, I know. I turn people into my bitches and whores while I run the goddamn joint. Ain't shit I can't do, King." Hichigo bragged as he closed up his jacket ending the peek show for the girls, and Ichigo much to his relief.
"Whatever. And you?" Ichigo replied dryly as he looked at the blushing Mirokumaru who'd also been watching the show
"Haaah, lord brother, I am little more than a two bit harlot in your presence."
"You got that right." The two women flanking Ichigo said aloud equally annoyed
Ignoring the statement she turned behind her "and these are our legion of toys. We're actually on our way back to Senna's home for a…Halloween bash." She then leaned forward to them and whispered seductively "You're more than welcome to come."
"No, thanks." Ichigo declined quickly
"Ichigo, Shaolin, I'm gonna spend the night at your place." Senna chimed knowing her place wasn't going to be 'minor' safe until mid-afternoon tomorrow…maybe.
"Maybe it's best that I didn't find out." Shaolin said as she placed a hand against her head
Hichigo shrugged as Mirokumaru pulled back with a frown "ehh. Whatever more for us. Let's go. Come on meat holes and flesh vibrators, we got things to do!" he yelled to the crowd behind them who dumbly nodded and chanted 'yes master'
As the two hollows started to walk by with their followers Mirokumaru stopped and looked at the trio, more specifically at Shaolin "So why exactly are you wearing a bed sheet over your costume? Isn't that double dipping?"
The hollow was privy to see that the bed sheet ghost stiffened while the hero of time and the arrancar cast a look at their fellow trick-or-treater "What you didn't know?" she said "Thought it was obvious." She then turned "Ahh I gotta go, my orgies leaving, tata!"
The hollow departed in a burst of speed leaving Shaolin under the scrutinizing gaze of her friends. Turning around slowly she saw the looks that inquired to what was meant by the hollow's words. "Ahh…w-well…I did kinda lie about my costume." She said nervously
"Okaaaay." Ichigo said with a cringe "You're not gonna tell me you decided to be a nudist. I deal with Yoruichi enough in canon."
"No way, I couldn't do that!"
"So then what's the problem?" Senna asked
The woman under the sheet swayed back and forth, mentally trying to come to a decision "We promise we won't laugh."
"I-it's not that I'm afraid you'll laugh." She said with an audible frown, despite her face being covered "Well…ok it's kind of a lie. It's just that Yoruichi-sama, picked it out and…well I couldn't refuse. She said that if I wanted to 'play the servant', I should look the part…." The white head of the specter turned away "and she said I looked cute."
"Still not seeing the problem." Senna pointed out
The blanket wearing girl slumped forward "I couldn't bring myself to show it to everyone in the world! After I put it on and looked in the mirror, I got hyper-conscious, but I couldn't take it off because their a support strap out of reach, so I threw this on top, and decide to ride it out."
Ichigo gave a sideways glance "If you needed help I could have done it, and if not me, I could've gone to Senna."
"…true. But I couldn't be sure Senna wouldn't try to take a picture with her cell phone, which Matsumoto might see later on."
Ichigo and Senna did agree that, Senna might have taken a commemorative group shot, and if the costume was, whatever it was, enough. Humiliate the captain.
"Come on, loosen up Lin-chan it's Halloween, no point in angsting over a costume. You knew know we might like it, right Senna?" Ichigo coaxed a little curious about what the deal was
"Yeah, Yoruichi seems to have a good eye for things." Senna agreed catching the statement ball
The ghost of the group mulled the words over, then looked around the corridor and saw no one except them. "Fine, but you better not laugh or else!" she threatened with death, as she turned around and disappeared behind a corridor.
It only took a second for her to change, but her voice called out to them "All right close your eyes and no peeking!" she commanded, which the pair shrugged and covered their face
"Alright, we're covered." They said
A token silence fell on them, then the heard the clattering of heels walking towards them. "Alright you can look." spoke Soifon
Moving their hands away from their face they saw the second division captain looking away from them with a flush face, as she was decked out in a black and white French maid outfit with a small black bow tie in the center. Running up and down her legs were stocking and instead of her normal sandals she had slightly elevated heels. She had a pair of white gloves and a frilly maid's moppet atop her head.
"Stop. Staring." She gritted out, trying to kill her nervousness which had been boiled over at this point
"A Tsundere/Kuudere maid is really popular in some circles, Shaolin-chan." Senna offered her counseling "Besides it doesn't look like Ichigo's complaining."
"Huh?" Ichigo muttered brought back to earth "I…ahh…umm.."
Shaolin eyes widened for a second then grew sad "I didn't think you'd like it." she turned around and started to walk off "just forget you saw it. I didn't want to wear it anyway."
"Can you stay like that?" Ichigo blurted out, making both women look at him, which he rubbed the back of his head to ease up the stare "I thought your outfit was really bold." He claimed which made the maiden's cheeks turn a slight tint of pink "I don't know about a regular maid, but if you were a Meido (ninja maid/battle maid), I think it suit's you well."
Shaolin silently looked at Ichigo then walked past the man, with a neutral look as she strode on by "Very well. I suppose we are a bit far from the division to warrant a change. So let's be off."
Ichigo watched her continue to walk and then turned to Senna "I doubt she's mad, but I can't say she was too happy. What do you think?"
Senna tilted her head to the side "Tsundere…hmm you're probably still fine." And then followed after the maid
"Tsundere?" Ichigo asked himself, mulling the term over "Isn't she always hot-cold?" letting the matter dropped he ran back up to the group
With the now revealed maid, the team kept walking until they saw Kyoraku, Urahara, Yoruichi and Jushiro huddled together whispering something.
Her cat like senses hearing something approaching the goddess of flash turned to see her students. "Hey come on guys, you can help too!" she said, waving her arm back and forth beckoning towards her.
Ichigo and Senna watched as Shaolin immediately appeared at the woman's side. The two cast a faint look at each other a certain amount of fear in each of them, but both complied. Once the other parts of the team arrived, Yoruichi wasted no time in handing them a couple of eggs and a roll of toilet paper.
"What is with these things, Yoruichi-sama?" asked Shaolin naively, while Ichigo and Senna had a fair idea to what it was for.
"We're gonna trash Yamamoto's division." Kisuke said from behind his fan
He was then hit by one of Shaolin's eggs "I was not speaking with you, you pathetic waste of gutter trash! I was speaking her Excellency!" she was about to turn back to Yoruichi to ask for an explanation behind these actions, but stopped and then looked back to Kisuke with murder in her eyes "You bastard!" she hissed "How could you put up Yoruichi-sama to this base action! I'll rip your throat out!"
"It was her idea!" Kisuke tried to defend moving between Kyoraku and Ukitake to use as human shields
"Then you try to blame her flawlessness to cover your skin!" she was then physically restrained by Ichigo who lifted her off the ground "Your days are numbered!" she yelled as she struggled against her captor, her legs fluttering back and forth rapidly "Let me go, Ichigo-kun. This enemy to all women must be annihilated!"
"Calm down!" the strawberry cried out "Hey Senna!" he looked at his lazy back up "help me here!"
Senna shot a begrudging look "But why? I totally agree with her. He peeps on women, sells videos by black mailing, which I am a victim of, and…ummm…ahh.." she struggled to come up with another reason "oh! And looks suspicious!" she proclaimed using the fact that the ex-Taicho was dressed as a burglar to help her cause, which made Ichigo dead pan
"Yoruichi?"
The goddess of flash, who was decked out in her old Onimitsukido uniform, let out a laugh and walked to the kicking maid "Calm down," she said placing a finger against Soifon's forehead which brought her attention to the forefront "It really was my idea. Just a little harmless fun, little bee."
"I…I don't know. It doesn't seem like the right thing to do…" she replied feeling uneasy about it, since in her mind it was vandalism
"Don't worry about it so much, Lin-chan." Ichigo chimed in, making the woman turn back to him "It's like she said, a little harmless fun. No one is going to get hurt, and we didn't have much else to do."
"Well…"
"I think it would make an excellent prank. It'll be our secret memory!" Senna said enthusiastically
"I…fine. I guess a little fun isn't too much to ask." Shaolin replied, finally giving in to the peer pressure "But!" she held up one finger "if we get caught, we're pinning the blame entirely on Kisuke's shoulder.
"What!" the blond burglar hollered
"Agreed." Everyone else replied ignoring the man
"Alright let's go." Shunsui said as everyone flash stepped off, leaving the genius by himself
"That's…that's just not fair!" and disappeared after him
(1st division)
Kisuke caught up with the group and after telling everyone the plan. They began to put it in action. Ukitake and Kyoraku backed up to the ends of the corridor, and crouched down waiting for the signal, while Yoruichi, Soifon, Ichigo and Senna stood in front of the building with Eggs and rolls of Toilet paper.
"Let's get started!" Kisuke yelled
On cue, the quartet hurled their eggs and rolls of paper at the building, staining the pristine walls a bright yellow, while the white pieces of paper clung unto the roof tops and draped over.
"EVER YEAR IT'S THE SAME AND I'VE HADIT UP TO HEAR WITH YOU INSOLENT BRATS!" the voice of the Sou-taicho hollered from his window on the second floor to the pranksters below.
His anger then hit a new high when most of the four (save Soifon) did rude gestures, like giving raspberries and waving their butts in his face. The elder man climbed through his window to give these whippersnappers a good taste of his cane.
"Move, Move!" Kisuke signaled as he, Kyoraku and Jushiro flash stepped to where the old man was standing, catching him completely off guard
The three of them raised their weapons, Kyoraku and Ukitake's cannon firing a flurry of pillow feather on the sides of the old man, while Kisuke fired his squirt gun soaking the man, and simultaneously making the feather's stick to his person.
The joint assembly couldn't help but laugh at seeing their leader, standing drenched, covered in feather on the roof of his headquarters which was painted yellow with eggs and had draping of toilet paper.
"You…Insolent…" the man started to shake while the laughter amongst the group started to get replaced with fear "Reduce all creation to ash, Ryujin Jakku!" he yelled while his cane turned into a fiery saber
"Head for the hills!" Yoruichi yelled as she led the retreat with everyone else following closely behind
The team kept running as fast as they could, still hearing the crackling of the blazing sword behind them, letting them know to NOT stop.
"(hah) (huff) oooh…" Jushiro passed out from running his illness flaring up
"Jushiro!" Shunsui called out as he collapsed, he then turned his eyes away from behind him and looked at the rest of them "Jushiro took one for the team."
"DWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" the loud scream from behind them, letting everyone know that they would be next if they didn't do something.
"Everyone split up, Yo-chan with me, Shunsui try and double back for Jushiro, you three get out of here." Kisuke directed
The group then split up at the next intersection. When Yamamoto came to the four-way intersection, he looked as the group members had each gone down one. Deciding to punish the most he went down the one with three people.
"I'm going to make you three scrub my whole barracks clean when I catch you!" the enraged Yamamoto hollered to the fast running trio
"Your fucking kidding me!" Ichigo yelled looking back and seeing him about fifty-feet back, cursing his luck
"He sounds really pissed!" said Senna
"I knew this was a bad idea!" The maid cosplay Shaolin said ferverently, wanting to take back getting involved
"Senna can't you fly us out of here!" asked Ichigo, hoping to take to the air and avoid being turned to into a burnt crisp
"I can't lift all three of us at the same time and out run him with the extra weight. I'm not that strong yet!" Senna said in a panicked voice
"Then we just need to keep running!" Shaolin yelled, closing her eyes to pour on the steam
They continued running as hard as they could, putting more distance between them, but still sensing him just a few seconds behind. As they turned around a corner, the three saw another division barracks "Quick inside he can't use his sword in there!" Ichigo commanded as they quickly entered the building.
The ancient Shinigami next came around the corner, covered in sweat "(huff) (huff) You will need to do better than that." He took a step forward when he had this strange sensation to move
Not one to ignore it the Captain jumped backwards as the wall erupted in a violent force, as a man in an undertaker's gear complete with a large black hat appeared from the smoke "So it's the old man whose been going all battle happy today." The sadistic voice of Kenpachi Zaraki proclaimed, as his grin took a certain shine to it "Never thought I'd live to see the day. Let's go Sou-taicho!" he yelled as he lunged forward
(Ichigo and co.)
Busting through the door, the maid, the arrancar, and the hero took everything in the immediate entranceway and used it to barricade the door. With the door successfully blocked and able to with stand force entry, they turned around to see the division and paled.
In the opening foyer was a visage of hacked limbs with fresh blood on the skin with bone sticking out, large spider webs that had hints of blood on it with spiders the size of pumpkins looking back to the trio. Near the staircase was actually in fact a pumpkin though it had a face carved into it, and had a sword going through the side of it. To make it even less inviting, a loud bloody scream for help could be heard deeper within the building.
The trio was less than amused
"Anyone else feel like wanting to get the fuck out of here now?"
"This is a horrible nightmare! I'm going to wake up any moment now, in my bed, safe and sound!"
"I think I'll take my chances with Yamamoto-Sou-Taicho and Zaraki-Taicho outside…"
As the trio began to assess the situation before figuring out WHAT to do, a small voice piped up "Huh? Is someone there?"
From out of the hallway a girl with pink hair and wearing an equally pink princess robe with butterfly wings extending outward from the back, showed up.
"President Yachiru?" the black and white clad maid whispered out
"Hmm?" the girl tilted her head like a dog, and then remembered she was supposed to be a 'hostess' "Hi, Maid-chan, Hollow-chan, Green-chan!" she then walked over to the stair well and came back with some cue cards "(ahem) my name is super fairy princess Yachiru Kusajishi, and I am very pleased to make your a aqu…aquint…aqueen…"
"Acquaintance?" Senna helped the struggling girl
"Yeah that!" she replied as she diverted her head back down to read the notes "I'll be your guide through the eleventh division…wait I messed up. (ahem) I'll be your guide through the 'slaughter house'." She said chipperly causing the trio to sweat drop, at the comical if not tragic scene of the destruction of innocence before them "Please follow me, and keep your hands and legs at arms…arms reach! So not to lose…them!" she then looked back at them with a wide smile having finished reading the note cards, expecting some form of praise or compensation for her troubles, but was met by face palms, gestures to ward off headaches, and closing eyes with trying to wrap their brains around this stupidity
"Soul society isn't a child friendly environment." The arrancar girl replied behind her hand
"What is-I don't even…"
"I knew the entire eleventh division were barbarians, but this stunt goes above and beyond my expectations." Shaolin said, glad she didn't have to deal with this level of insanity every single day.
"Hey, your supposed to be saying 'good job super fairy princess Yachiru Kusajishi'! It says it right here on the note card!" the pink haired wonder ball out cried, holding the green cue card out as if to prove her point
The trio seat dropped "Good job super fairy princess Yachiru Kusajishi." They said together which pleased the young looking girl
"AHAHAHAHA! Fight me harder old man!" the voice of Zaraki declared from the other side of the wall, while the barricade blocking the door shook violently
"Oh man…" Ichigo groaned, not wanting to deal with the both of them.
"We need to get out of here." Soifon said affirmatively
"I have an idea." said Senna as she walked over to the pouting princess, who was sad from missing out on watching Kenny have fun, and got on her knees "Say super fairy princess Yachiru, do you like candy?" she asked gently, which instantly got the girls attention as she started salivate at the mere mentioning of the word. Senna reached into her pocket and pulled out a stick of taffy, quickly having to move her arm up beyond the girl head, as she dived for it, and was now munching her arm trying to reach it "Do you really want it?"
"YES,YES,YES,YES,YES,YES,YES,YES,YES,YES!"
"Ok, if you take us to a safe exit, one that's far away from Zaraki-san, I promise to give it to you."
"Ok, hollow-chan. Yachiru will guide you!" the pink candy eating machine promised as she led the wary trio deeper into the slaughter house.
They passed through most of the 'house' until they reached the 'execution ground', where Yachiru showed them a hidden door. Handing over the promised candy, the group quickly left and made a B-line for the second division, to avoid meeting something else or heaven forbid Mayuri on this night.
"Finally safe." Senna said as she walked under the welcome doorway to the second division, the captain and fourth seat/pending fuka-taicho following close behind feeling equally relieved, that the night was over.
"I'm so glad this over and done with." said Ichigo putting his grip on the night to rest as they made their way to Senna's temporary living quarters.
"Well at least things are never boring around Seireitei!" the bubbly amber eyed girl chimed, despite having feared for her life on more than one occasion
"I guess…" Soifon added, seeing that special nights like this would be something she'd try and avoid in the future. She didn't want to imagine what happened on new years.
Reaching out and grabbing the knob of her door, Senna looked over her shoulder and waved the two goodbye. With their third member gone brining them back down to the two of them, Ichigo and Shaolin made their way back the captain's office.
Pushing open the door, Ichigo flipped the light switch so they could see while the captain closed the door and placed the lock in it's spot. As she turned around she saw Ichigo leaning back in one of the chairs in the room, a quiet aura about him "So what's on your mind?" Shaolin asked
"I'm seriously hoping that the Sou-taicho didn't recognize us." The strawberry harped, not wanting to imagine the old man waltzing straight up to the second division and demanding their immediate appearance or facing Ryujin jakku
"I'm sure we'll be fine, at the very least we can feign ignorance."
"I guess." Ichigo replied as he moved his eye back to the woman, a smirk forming on his face "At least you'll be safe, I doubt he'd believe you'd be running around dressed like that."
The woman narrowed her eyes dangerously at the boy "You're on thin ice. As I said there was this one strap that I couldn't reach, since the dress is in the way." Her hand subconsciously going to the hem line, where the problematic zipper was underneath.
"I'm not complaining you know." Kurosaki said chipperly "I do think you cute." He then got out of his chair and wrapped his arms around her waist "But I guess you wouldn't believe me, since I am you boyfriend."
"No, no I wouldn't." she said sadistically, her smirk reflecting her demeanor
"Well, I'm sure Omeada would agree with me, if you really wanted to ask him."
"Ha! I'm sure the man would probably make another Hentai doujinishi, this time based on my maid costume. I'd rather not be a part of that work of fiction, thank-you very much!"
Ichigo chuckled at the joke "True enough, then again. I'd kill him if he tried it." he then looked back at the worked up maid "But you got to admit he's definitely got an eye for models."
The woman's expression softened a fraction as her piercing stare looked into Ichigo's accepting eyes. She looked away mentally working out if she should say it, glancing back into Ichigo's face. 'Mine as well.' The woman then gave a sideways glance, not totally looking at him "Thank-you for the compliment…..master."
The male soul reaper was taken aback for a moment, and then smiled more as he moved his hand and ruffled her hair playfully "You looked so moe saying that, you know that 'French Maid Lin'."
A tick mark formed on the woman's head as she tackled him to the ground "Shut up, Fairy Boy Kurosaki!" she yelled lightly hitting his chest, as Ichigo laughed out loud teasing her more and more.
Yeah, for them it was definitely an interesting Halloween.
For all you guys and girl out there I did in fact see, a fanart of Ms. Fon in a maid outfit before, I will try and locate it, but for now I will upload 'peppermint' just for personal chuckles amongst you. Later!
