"Urgent message for the captain of squad 2!" the messenger bowing on his knees called out across the wooden steps of the squad 2 barracks.
Soifon rolled her dark grey eyes as she pushed herself up from the sitting position she had been in. Amaya's brow furrowed as she too stood from the wooden floor. The two had been locked in conversation; Soifon wanting an update on Amaya's mission into the human world. It seemed Soifon hadn't had the same opinion as Linake and the others; Amaya had been praised by her captain for bringing back the human woman by any means necessary.
"What is this about?" Soifon demanded, her brow lifting tightly creating a crease of frustration to appear above her nose.
"I have a message signed by the head captain and the captain of squad 12; Mayuri Kurotsuchi. All captain's are to report to squad 1 for an emergency meeting, the meeting will start at two o'clock." The messenger read from the scroll of parchment in his hands.
" Emergency meeting?" Amaya commented from the doorway.
Soifon turned her head, allowing Amaya a view of her profile as her upper lip lifted with a sneer.
" I doubt it has anything to do with you. If that was the case it would be a private meeting." Soifon stated.
"You! What more can you tell me? There has to be a reason we are being summoned." Soifon continued, turning her grey gaze back to the messenger.
The man lifted his head, daring to look straight at Soifon before he parted his lips in hesitation.
"Spit it out already, I don't have time to stand here and wait for you." Soifon demanded.
" Y-yes, Captain Soifon. All I know is that the Espada, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and Kisuke Urahara have both arrived within the soul society. There was a lot of commotion within the squad 12 barracks very early this morning." The man revealed.
"Kisuke!? What the hell is he doing here!?" Soifon growled before turning to look back at her subordinate.
Amaya stood with her hand resting against the doorway for support, the look on her pale face giving away the woman's state of mind.
"Grimmjow..." Amaya whispered lowly.
Soifon twisted on her feet, her gaze narrowing at Amaya as she dismissed with messenger with a wave of her small hand. Without another word the man descended the stairs, no doubt on his way to alert another captain of the two o'clock meeting.
" Is there anything you didn't tell me, anything I need to know about before I go in front of the head captain?" Soifon asked as she walked closer.
Amaya shook her head as she forced her body to stand straight up. If Grimmjow really was here, why hadn't he come for her yet? Surely the animal wouldn't be pacified by merely being able to see Karina again. Could it really be that simple? Or had Mayuri not given him the option of retaliation?
"No. I told you everything that happened, word for word." Amaya answered.
"Fine. If that is the case I don't see any reason for you to join me. I will keep you posted on what's expected of you. You're dismissed." Soifon replied before walking passed her.
Amaya turned her head, her soft blonde hair moving with her across her back. Slowly, Amaya lifted her left hand to the side of her bruised cheek-there had been one thing she kept out of her report; the fact that Karina Reiko had been able to land a punishing blow.
"Sosuke!" Amaya whispered as she took off down the small staircase and hurried her way back to her room within the squad 2 barracks. Before Amaya had even made it the threshold of the large wooden building Sosuke's tall frame emerged through the large door. He turned his head to the left, and their gazes locked. Amaya didn't open her mouth to speak; not having to in order to communicate with her husband; the mental link they shared always tethering them together.
" He's here! Grimmjow; he came for her!" Amaya felt her shoulders slump as a wave of emotion filled her; inside she felt almost hollow. Every minute of Soifon's praise had made Amaya feel nothing but deep seeded shame; could Linake's words have been the truth? Was she really unconsciously turning into a jaded version of her Captain?
"It will be alright, Amaya." Sosuke's deep voice penetrated her mind, allowing her body to relax enough to keep walking.
Sosuke lifted his right hand, cupping the side of her bruised cheek.
"Captain Kurotsuchi most likely took precautions to keep him from retaliating." Sosuke offered, a slight smile spreading across his lips.
"But why would he still be here? Wouldn't they have forced him to return to Hueco Mundo?" Amaya countered as she shook her head.
To anyone who happened to pass by, the couple would look as if they were standing there staring at each other, but everyone would know a silent conversation was happening. Amaya wasn't stupid; she knew that to some her and Sosuke were still seen a threat to the soul society.
"I don't know that answer. I am sure Soifon will have more to tell you once she returns." Sosuke offered.
"This doesn't make any sense to me. All I wanted was to prove that I could complete this mission on my own. All I seemed to do is fuck everything up!" Amaya rambled; her emotions getting the better of her.
"You don't have to explain yourself to me. I understand you better than anyone else ever will." Sosuke replied.
"Sh-should I go and apologize to him? Tell me, Sosuke, was I...wrong?" Amaya asked as she rested her forehead against his broad chest.
"The fact you felt the need to ask gives you your answer." Sosuke countered, lifting his right hand and caressing her back.
Amaya lifted her hands, grasping the black fabric of Sosuke's Shihakusho as fresh tears of guilt slipped down her cheeks. It was one thing to try and prove your strength; it was another to do it at the expense of someone weaker than you. Grimmjow hadn't stood a chance against her, not with her ability to read his movements, yet, instead of acting peacefully like she would have in the past; she'd been clouded by her own ego-Just like Linake had accused her of.
"This isn't me...Why do I feel like this? Why do I feel so weak?" Amaya cried.
" Being close to death does have negative effects on some people. You got sick, and through that you felt weaker than you could ever remember. I think it's time you realized that part of you is still human." Sosuke retorted.
"Sosuke..." Amaya whispered aloud; allowing the words to pass across her tongue as her tears fell freely.
" I've been waiting for you to release your emotions for quite some time, My sweet Amaya." Sosuke soothed as he wrapped his arms around her protectively.
Amaya let out a whimper at his endearment; it had been so long since he'd called her that, so long she couldn't even remember the last time-was this his way of telling her that she hadn't been acting like the woman he fell in love with? Sosuke didn't comment on her inner thoughts, instead, he continued to hold her, a sense of happiness filling him at the sight of her raw emotions finally coming back to the surface. She was his again...his sweet Amaya.
The afternoon sun cast a harsh glare across the dirt pathway as Kenpachi and Linake walked back towards the squad 11 barracks hand in hand. Kenpachi's captain's haori now back across his wide shoulders, proudly displaying his status of captain. Linake didn't think she would ever be able to look at him wearing his haori without flashes of the white material being bunched up between her palms as he thrust into her. Just simply seeing him walk with it on was already making her wish for another date night. Linake shook her head, trying to clear her lusty thoughts as the couple turned the corner. There in the distance they both spotted their children playing in the dirt with Ikkaku and Yumichika.
"Great...now I'm going to have to give them both a bath!" Linake grumbled even though she was smiling from ear to ear.
Kenpachi chuckled, squeezing Linake's hand tighter as they hurried their pace. Kenpachi tilted his head, his brow tightening as he realized what was really happening. A pang of emotion shot through his chest making the massive man laugh. Linake paused on the pathway, a harsh breath catching in her lungs as she watched her son helping his sister take wobbly steps over to Ikkaku's waiting arms.
"Th-they have her walking!" Linake smiled through the welling of her tears; the mother within in her overtaking her emotions.
"Mama! Papa! Come look!" Takeo called out, a wide proud smile smugly written across the four year old's face.
Kenpachi and Linake hurried forward, both taking in the sight of Akio's achievement. Even though Takeo was holding her hands, it was Akio who was picking up her feet. With each step the little girl's brow furrowed even deeper, as if she were stuck in deep concentration. Her blue eyes filled with what looked like determination.
"Fuck..." Kenpachi whispered; thinking he couldn't remember the last time he'd felt such pride-probably when Takeo took his first steps.
Linake pulled her hand from Kenpachi going down on her knees in front of her daughter she reached her arms out.
" Akio! Come to Mama! Can you walk to Mama?" Linake smiled.
Akio let out another sound that sounded more like a gurgle than an actual word as Takeo lifted her, turning her to the direction of their mother.
"You're such a good big brother, Takeo." Linake praised her son, getting a smile in return.
"She might be gettin' a little tuckered out, she's been doin' this for a while now." Ikkaku stated, not wanting to push the child too much.
Linake nodded her understanding as her baby girl walked right into her arms. Linake captured her in a bear hug lifting the little girl into her arms before planting a giant kiss to her chubby cheek. Kenpachi walked forward, lowering his hand he ruffled Takeo's hair. Takeo lifted his head, smiling proudly up at his father. Linake couldn't help the lump of emotion filling her, just seeing all of the men in her life coming together to raise a family; that was what squad 11 had become...a family.
"Urgent message for Captain Zaraki!" A messenger called out, breaking up the heartwarming moment.
Linake's smile faded as she turned her head seeing the messenger going to his knees. Kenpachi's frown matched Linake's as he too turned to investigate. The couple shared a look before Kenpachi addressed him.
"What?!" Kenpachi spat.
"I have a message signed by the head captain and the captain of squad 12; Mayuri Kurotsuchi. All captain's are to report to squad 1 for an emergency meeting, the meeting will start at two o'clock." The messenger repeated for what felt like the millionth time.
"Fuck..." Kenpachi spat with a sigh as he turned to meet Linake's gaze. Neither one of them had to guess as to why they were meeting. It was time; time to make the upcoming battle known to all of the captain's of the gotei 13.
"I'll stay here with the kids. It's best that you head that way now." Linake stated; even though she wanted to go with him. Ikkaku stood to his feet, dusting the dirt off of his Shihakusho.
"Should I come with, Captain?" Ikkaku asked.
Kenpachi nodded.
"Might as well, I'm sure everyone else will bring their lieutenants." Kenpachi answered.
Yumichika stood to his feet, also giving himself a good dusting as Kenpachi took a few steps forward. Linake tilted her head back giving Kenpachi access to her mouth over Akio's wild black hair. Kenpachi leaned in, pressing his lips over hers roughly; a lingering taste of the passion they had just shared with one another.
"I'll be back as soon as I can." Kenpachi told her, allowing the left side of his mouth to lift a little.
Linake nodded, allowing herself to smile at him before Kenpachi gave her his back. Linake stood for a couple minutes on the dirt pathway just watching Kenpachi walk with Ikkaku at his side; two of the strongest men she had ever known in her life preparing for yet another war.
"Come on. Why don't we get these two cleaned up and ready for a nap." Yumichika offered.
Linake turned her gaze to him and shook her head.
" I can manage. Thank you for watching them for us." Linake insisted.
Yumichika laid his palm on her shoulder, his violet gaze narrowing at her.
" I love these two like they are my own, you need to know that it's never an issue for me to look after them for you and the captain. Now, let's try this again." Yumichika retorted.
Linake found herself letting out a deep breath as Kenpachi's earlier words rang true-I do have a lot of help, don't I? Linake lifted her right arm, gently elbowing Yumichika in the ribs before the four of them made their way towards home.
Kenpachi and Ikkaku made it to the white buildings of squad 1 with minutes to spare. It was closing in on the hour, on the moment of truth. It seemed like Mayuri had decided to let everyone in on what was about to go down. Kenpachi let out an irritated growl as he and Ikkaku walked through the open doors. Turning his head, Kenpachi eyed the squad 1 lieutenant.
Nanao met his intense gaze; her eyes speaking of her worry as the threat of another war waged down on their shoulders. Kenpachi found himself wanting to say something comforting, but knew it wouldn't come out right. The only woman who could see the comfort from his barks was Linake. Instead Kenpachi turned his head forward, his expression not giving an inch as to how he felt. Kenpachi turned the corner, coming into the crowded great hall.
Rukia Kuchiki craned her neck, looking up at him, giving him a small smile as the two of them took their place in line. Kenpachi could tell by the way the woman's fists were balled up at her sides that she already knew more than most. It made sense, Byakuya had been there when that human woman had been brought in. The room was full of chatter as everyone found their place, each captain standing with their lieutenant at their back closer to the wall. Shunsui cleared his throat, and silence fell. All eyes turned to the leader of the gotei 13.
Shunsui let out a weary sigh as he looked around the room, taking in the expressions of the men and women who had been by his side for years. It was one thing to fight against an enemy they knew, to fight against something blindly could end up being a disaster.
"I guess beating around the bush isn't going to solve anything..." Shunsui started, his somber facial expression giving away that the news was bad.
"What's this about, head captain?" Kensei Muguruma asked; his thick arms crossed over his chest.
" We have a bit of a situation that's been brought to our attention. I wish I could tell you all that I knew more about it, but, I really don't know much at all." Shunsui stated before turning his head towards an open door at his left.
All eyes seemed to follow his movements, each captain taking in the dark green Kimono that filled their vision as Kisuke Urahara stepped into the crowded room.
"What the hell is he doing here!?" Soifon challenged.
"Hello, Soifon." Kisuke smiled; knowing it would only agitate the petite captain of squad 2 even more being polite to her.
"I wish I could say I just stopped by to catch up; but, that isn't the case." Kisuke stated.
"Well someone needs to open their mouth and tell us what's going on!" Lisa interjected.
Kisuke lifted his head, his shadowed eyes gleaming with his amusement. In other circumstances he would say he was happy to be seeing everyone again.
" The human world is about to be under attack." Kisuke blurted, allowing a couple minutes for the words to register across the room.
"Attacked by what? Hollows?" Isane asked.
Kisuke turned his head, meeting the squad 4 captain's gaze.
"If only it were that simple. It looks like this is something else...something we've never seen before." Kisuke admitted.
"So what the hell is it?" Kensei snapped.
"Well, for lack of a better term...aliens." Kisuke answered, feeling a bit sheepish for even saying the word out loud.
"Aliens..." Lisa repeated, her facial expression giving away how unimpressed she was.
"Seems to me like someone's been reading too many Manga's." Lisa scoffed.
"This isn't a joke, Lisa. No matter how much we wish it was." Shunsui interjected.
" You're really serious?" Shinji asked, his smile fading from his face.
"As a heart attack. We saw the pictures and the satellite feed, something is heading towards earth, the thing is, the human's don't even seem to see anything wrong." Shunsui answered.
"The craft they are using is most likely being cloaked with some form of energy or device, it appears that beings with low or no spiritual pressure are not able to see it." Mayuri explained.
"So we don't even know what it is we're fighting?" Isane asked.
"I'm afraid not." Kisuke answered.
" I don't have much to go on, as it is I myself am quite at a loss of what to prepare for. The questions are countless. Will the enemy be large, or small? What will it's weaknesses be? Hard skin, soft skin? Will blood be an issue, could they be poisonous to us, or us to them? As you can see, so many factors to take into consideration." Mayuri continued; choosing to keep Ayumi's vision to himself.
"Shit...so we're pretty much walking in blind." Kensei sighed.
"What about the humans? How will be be able to fight with them around us?" Toshiro asked.
"We'll have to do the same trick we used before. Although the hard thing is going to be pinpointing their landing. It could be anywhere on earth." Kisuke stated.
"So we're going to have to keep a look out and hope for the best placement?" Lisa added.
"Pretty much." Kisuke answered.
"What about the soul society? Do you think these things will try and invade here?" Isane continued.
"We don't know for sure, Isane." Shunsui admitted.
"What do you propose?" Isane pressed.
Shunsui let out a deep breath before he took a few steps forward.
"Captain Kurotsuchi and I think it's best to have anyone who is heavily experienced in hand to hand combat within the human world. Squads 11 and 9 will be up at the forefront. While squads 8 and 7 take the next side, 5 and 6 will be next, the list just goes on, all we can do is position everyone the best we can. I'd like members of squad 2 to be co-mingled; officers of the punishment force will have to follow the commands of the captain closest to them." Shunsui stated.
"What do you mean? Why can't I lead my own men?" Soifon interjected.
"This isn't about your leadership, captain soifon, this is about strategy." Shunsui countered.
"I wish to make a request." Byakuya stated.
Shunsui turned his gaze to the squad 6 captain, his brow lifting.
"What would that be Captain Kuchiki?" Shunsui replied.
" I wish for my squad to co-mingle with squad 13. It will make them stronger having Rukia in their command and Renji as my stand in." Byakuya stated; making everyone in the room start to whisper under their breath.
" Brother, why would you request such a thing?" Rukia stepped forward, shaking her head.
"I wish to stay behind and guard the soul society; to guard Ichika." Byakuya stated.
Rukia's lips parted at the reminder of her daughter.
"Come to think of it, we do have a lot of children and a couple others who are not combat material. It wouldn't hurt to have someone of your skill stay behind just in case." Shunsui sighed.
"Captain Zaraki, would Linake we willing to assist captain Kuchiki?" Shunsui asked.
"Linake's comin' with us." Kenpachi stated; casing yet another wave of hushed murmurs to fill the room.
" I see." Shunsui replied, even though his eyes couldn't hide his sadness.
Kenpachi knew that others wouldn't understand Linake's reasons for wanting to fight; but he wasn't going to take away her piece of mind, she wanted to be at his side, that's where she would be.
"I am more than capable of looking after the children." Byakuya stated with indignation.
"I wasn't trying to imply otherwise. I just figured you'd like some help." Shunsui replied.
" What about Ayumi? Would you oppose of her being there to keep the children settled while you keep a watchful eye?" Mayuri offered.
" That would be fine." Byakuya answered; knowing well enough the squad 12 captain was only trying to find a safe place for his wife as well as his daughters.
"I don't have any objections. Captain Kurotsuchi and I will draw up the official transcripts for each squads placement. For now, I would suggest all squads ready themselves for battle. We are estimating a time frame of less than forty-six hours from now." Shunsui stated.
"And what about the Espada?" Soifon retorted, her knowing gaze locking onto the head captain.
"What Espada?" Toshiro exclaimed.
Shunsui allowed his eyes to slip closed, wishing things could be kept under a tighter seal sometimes.
"Grimmjow has agreed to fight. In fact, the queen of Hueco Mundo has agreed to help us in exchange for the treatment of the virus." Shunsui admitted.
"What? You can't be serious!" Toshiro interjected.
" What makes you think we can trust them?" Soifon started.
"And what makes you think that we cannot?" Mayuri interjected; turning his gaze to the squad 2 captain.
" You expect us to go to battle with our enemy?" Soifon scoffed.
" If it wasn't for Grimmjow and Nelliel, neither me or Yoruichi would be alive right now." Kisuke countered; making the room come to a pause.
"I'm sure we don't need to remind you that this isn't the first time our sides have joined for a common goal...survival." Kisuke continued.
" You better hope you're right, Kisuke Urahara. If they end up causing us even more trouble, I'm holding you responsible." Soifon berated.
" Tch, Pipe down!" Kenpachi barked, his green eye narrowing in on the squad 2 captain.
Soifon's brow furrowed as she turned her head, her expression looking almost sheepish as Kenpachi let out a growl.
" All this fussin' over somethin' that doesn't mean dick. Either pull your head out of your ass long enough to do what needs to be done or sit the fuck down!" Kenpachi challenged; causing the room to fall silent as Soifon took a step back, her mouth twisting from the effort to hold her tongue, something the squad 2 captain would normally never do.
"You're all dismissed. Let's try and get a better handle on ourselves, take the time to meet with your squads, prepare them...for war." Shunsui ordered.
Karina purred in Grimmjow's ear as his rough hands trailed across her back; pushing the light pink soap across her flushed skin. Her body felt boneless, floating within the steaming hot water. Grimmjow had kept her on his lap after the intensity of their reunion. Karina laid with her head tucked between his neck and shoulder, enjoying the way it felt to be bathed by him, even though a part of her couldn't believe he was actually doing it.
Grimmjow seemed like such an intense man, the type that didn't have a thoughtful bone in his body; truth was, he had stung her deeply on many occasions in the short time they had been involved-am I just setting myself up for a major fall here? I mean, what do I really have going for me? He's an Espada...and I'm so painfully human! Do I dare even allow myself to get closer to him? I already can't deny him when he touches my body; what's going to happen if I dare to let the bastard touch my heart?
Karina felt her body squirm a little upon his lap at the thought; her human emotions playing havoc with her mind all over again. It was easy for a male to separate his heart from his groin, she'd seen it first hand on many occasions, and they too had claimed to be human.
" Whatever it is you're thinkin' about, let it go. I don't want you tense in my arms." Grimmjow demanded her.
Karina forced the tension in her body to relax, hearing the man's voice, so rough, so commanding. It was almost refreshing at times, knowing that he had such authority. Karina half expected him to feel ashamed of himself for losing against Amaya; but Karina could never find the man weak in the slightest; Amaya could read his mind, without that ability she would have been shred to bits! Does that mean he really does care for me...at least a little?
Grimmjow let out a growl from deep in his chest, raising his left hand he buried it into her sopping hair and pulled back. Karina let out an involuntary moan; deep down she had always loved a dominate man, even though she didn't quite meet the criteria of a submissive. Grimmjow met her gaze, pools so blue it made Karina's heart skip a beat, seeing him like this, so close up, so personal, it was hard to remember he wasn't human, only the bone across his jaw served as the reminder of their separation.
"I'm gonna have to take off soon." Grimmjow blurted; making Karina's heart pound in another way entirely.
"W-what do you mean? You just got here." Karina replied; her brow furrowing in confusion. Is the bastard going to bail on me now that he's had a second helping?
"I need to go back to my home; to Hueco Mundo. It's the deal I made with Kurotsuchi in order to see you again." Grimmjow answered; feeling like a jackass for admitting it to her.
"Deal? of course...there had to be strings attached in order for him to let you in here..." Karina realized.
"It's not really that simple. It's pretty complicated, Karina. I have history with Kurotsuchi, he saved my life even though he didn't have to. I helped him get revenge on some men who tried to hurt his wife." Grimmjow explained.
Karina's lips fell open, her shock at the situation written across her face.
" My god...why would anyone want to hurt his wife?" Karina whispered.
"They were sick men. The kind of men even I had fun watching die." Grimmjow answered.
Karina shifted on Grimmjow's lap; not sure how to respond to such an accusation-He'd watched them die? Who had killed them?
"Kurotsuchi has a side to him you never want to see, I'll just say that." Grimmjow chuckled.
"I can't believe your laughing while you tell me this." Karina stated.
"You'd laugh too if you'd seen it. When we found em, the main guy, he was trying to force himself on a woman." Grimmjow explained.
Karina felt the blood leave her face at Grimmjow's explanation; just the thought made her skin crawl-good riddance! The world is better without them!
"I hope that woman is okay now." Karina spoke lowly.
"She is. She's here with Kurotsuchi now." Grimmjow answered.
Karina met his gaze, her heat doing a somersault in her chest-Could Mayuri's words from earlier have been a warning? All that talk about character...it had felt as if he'd been trying to tell her something.
"You need to let Kurotsuchi examine you." Grimmjow continued, switching the topic back to her.
Karina's body tensed at the thought, not sure if she had as much faith in the man as Grimmjow. Grimmjow lowered his hand from her hair, gripping her jaw in his palm before he covered her lips with his, a kiss so powerful it made her toes curl. Karina found herself panting when he pulled away from her; something no male had ever been able to do to her.
" Your body might be changing, Karina. Kurotsuchi is the only one who can help you now." Grimmjow whispered across her lips.
"I'll let him on one condition." Karina heard herself speak, even though a part of her already regretted it.
"What's that?" He asked.
" I want Linake with me." Karina whispered.
Grimmjow's brow lifted, his lips lifting into a smile-My woman's made a friend already?
"Linake, huh? Name doesn't sound familiar to me." Grimmjow admitted.
"She's very nice. She helped me heal my arm and explained a lot to me. She said she met you once a long time ago, but it wasn't for very long." Karina explained.
Grimmjow's brow furrowed, trying to look back into the past for some kind of recognition. Amaya he remembered, who couldn't remember the human wife of the man who had taken over Hueco Mundo.
"She's married to Captain Zaraki." Karina offered, thinking he was trying to remember something.
Grimmjow's mind zeroed in, remembering the night he'd come to ask for help and ran into a terrified Ayumi. The woman had run from him, thinking he was going to hurt her, little did she know, he had been the lesser of the evil's that night-it pisses me off, but I'm glad I was able to chase those assholes away from her. Grimmjow let out a sigh as he pushed his memory forward remembering Zaraki had kissed a woman goodbye before escorting him to the head captain...tch, the pregnant woman.
"I think I remember her now." Grimmjow replied, the side of his lips lifting into a smirk.
"Do you think Kurotsuchi would respect my terms?" Karina pressed.
" I don't see why not, why don't you ask him?" Grimmjow retorted.
Karina let out a sigh at the thought of asking the man anything. He was so sarcastic it was almost painful trying to decipher a joke from his disdain. Even so, it was something she would ask for; deep down she could feel something was changing within her and it wasn't just a side effect from having amazing sex with an Espada. It was deeper than that, something attached to her soul.
"Linake was human once, I think having someone around who understands what it's like to change will help me." Karina explained.
"I get it. But I ain't the one you have to convince." Grimmjow stated.
Karina nodded her head, realizing they were wasting what time they still had together.
"When do you have to leave?" Karina asked, feeling as if her heart were going to pound straight out of her chest.
" At dawn." Grimmjow answered.