Notice: I again, only own this particular story (AU).

Arc Two: Chapter 26 – What was that? The Seireitei's State of Emergency.

Everyone in the Seireitei felt the massive spikes in spiritual pressure – the telltale signs of a battle between Captain level combatants. Then in a matter of minutes, one spiritual pressure (recognisable to the Court Guards), dropped to nothing.

Some thought it was a fluke. That was until...

A transmission beamed into the Squad One barracks – where Head Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto stood in wait for the news. Cane in both hands, planted to the ground, with eyes closed in quiet contemplation.

This was news that he dreaded – for this meant more than just a simple invasion from young'un's causing trouble. This meant that at least one of the invaders – these Ryōka, were highly dangerous.

"H-Head Captain, sir." This particular child (according to Yamamoto), was none other than the current Third Seat of Squad 12. A youth barely older than a century. Yamamoto opened his left eye lid, to gaze at this boy.

Clearly he was distressed.

"Get on with it Third Seat Akon. I do not have all day."

"R-Right...well, I assume you felt the massive spikes in spiritual pressure...and that one of them was..."

"Be swift and concise, Third Seat!"

This jolted Akon out of his stupor, and he immediately complied with the order.

"My Captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi...is dead."

Yamamoto could hear an audible gasp, from his normally respectful Lieutenant, Chōjiro Sasakibe. Yamamoto looked to his side. His gaze quietly admonishing his faithful right hand.

Sasakibe nodded, as his head sunk low.

"...And do we know of the assailant? Their powers, their purpose in coming here to break the peace of Soul Society?"

Akon gulped.

"I just got a debrief from Lieutenant Kurotsuchi, and she said that the assailant, was a human woman."

"Hmmm..." This was unexpected. No human woman should have the power to stand up to, let alone kill a Soul Reaper Captain. There was certainly more to this.

"This woman, immediately incapacitated her with reishi arrows, pinning her to a wall. So the Captain confronted her directly."

Again, an unusual move by Kurotsuchi. He was usually wiser than this, if he was confronting someone superior. As for the reishi arrows, surely it was not them?

"After a short fight, the Captain then goaded the woman."

Akon was sweating now. He knew that his Captain was a sadistic man, a far cry from Kisuke Urahara, who was a man of science, but also of ethics and morality. Even so, he'd keep the secret for now. It really wasn't his place. He'd leave it to Lieutenant (now temporary Captain), Kurotsichi to handle this.

"I see..."

Akon gulped, and continued, "then the goading went too far, as the woman became enraged and transformed into some kind of...blindingly bright, winged creature."

A transformation, hmmm? That does not sound like the Quincies I know. Or at least not that specific description. I do remember a unique form they wielded, which could run out of power very quickly. Doubtless, that is it.

Head Captain Yamamoto was mulling over this news. It was a sure blow to the power of the 13 Court Guard Squads, to lose a Captain this early in an invasion. Even more so the technical prowess of Kurotsuchi, which would be sorely missed. However, Squad 12 remained, and with it, the technical expertise inherent with Squad 12 and the Research Institute.

"Have you recovered Captain Kurotsuchi's body, Third Seat Akon?" The elder Soul Reaper's low tone, reverberating in the air. A distinct ring of authority and seniority.

"Yes sir. We are analysing the body for insights into the attack used on him, but..."

"Out with it." Yamamoto thumped his cane on the wooden floors of his barracks. A distinct action signalling Akon to quickly speak.

"...all we found was traces of her spiritual pressure which confirms she is a Quincy and a soul."

I see. A dead Quincy that made it to the Soul Society. The irony is not lost on me.

It was nearly 1000 years, since the last time he caught wind of the Quincy. Yhwach (self proclaimed Quincy King) himself was the very last one he battled, and since then the Quincy of the Human World (those who did not join the rebel cause), have largely kept their distance from the Soul Society.

A silence fell over the Squad One barracks, with the only sound being the static generated from the holographic view screen. Akon decided to break the silence and continue his report.

"Sir, we do know that this Quincy woman and her pupil are looking for Rukia Kuchiki. The woman told Lieutenant Kurotsuchi herself and asked for directions."

Yamamoto's eyes widened. Could the criminal be in collaboration with the Quincy? This would certainly add to the list of offences, against her name. But why would any Soul Reaper work with the Quincy? Perhaps the young criminal could elaborate, if asked by someone she trusted in the Seireitei – like her elder brother.

The elder Soul Reaper, tapped his cane on the wooden flooring – ready to make his proclamation.

Back with Chad, Orihime, Shunsui Kyōraku and Nanao Ise

"C-Captain!"

"Yes, I know." Shunsui Kyōraku bowed his head low. The large rim of his hat framing his eyes.

He distinctly felt Captain Kurotsuchi in combat with an unknown (likely an ally of the two young ones in front of him). Whoever he was facing off against, they were extremely powerful. Possibly too much for even someone like him to handle.

Then in a matter of minutes Kurotsuchi's spiritual pressure became unstable and then...vanished altogether.

Well, I have a decision to make here. First, I'll ask these children to co-operate, then take it from there.

"...tell me, young ones."

Both Orihime and Chad snapped to attention, realising what he would likely ask of them.

Well, they at least have some common sense and survival instincts, to go with that youthful vigour.

"Would you happen to know who that was, facing off against Captain Kurotsuchi?"

Chad was nervous but opted for silence. A single, long, bead of sweat, dripped to the pavement floor.

I doubt now that Mrs. Kurosaki has killed one of them, that we'd be offered clemency by the Soul Reaper's. Regardless of what this guy might say.

Orihime was even more nervous, looking between Chad and the soul reaper's. Both youths were unsure if they should answer.

Kyōraku's Lieutenant, Nanao gritted her teeth. Her posture shifting, clearly agitated.

"My Captain is asking you two nicely, so you better answer if you know what's good for you, Ryōka!"

"That's enough, Nanao. Let me handle this!"

Kyōraku held out his hand – a clear signal for his Lieutenant to stop.

She almost looked ready to attack these kids...

Nanao snapped out of her state, shocked at the stern words from her Captain.

"B-but, Captain!"

"No buts Nanao. These kids might be allied with whoever attacked Kurotsuchi, but they did not attack him." He sighed, clearly feeling the centuries catch up with him.

Man, is this how Old Man Yama feels when scolding us?

Chad realised this might be their only opportunity to get out of there alive. Him and Orihime were nowhere near the level of a Captain (at best he could possibly take down that Lieutenant). And regardless of what training Orihime did with Mrs. Kurosaki, she just wasn't built for the harsh realities of combat.

"I can tell you that we do know who that was, who fought that Captain. However, what guarantees would we have if we told you anything, we'd be able to leave alive?"

Chad was starting the negotiations. He wasn't used to this...not at all. He's never even debated before, let alone bargaining for one's survival.

Kyōraku spoke up, "none actually, but you only have a few options here. None of them are really good."

"S-So...would you s-still l-let us l-leave, if w-we told you anything?" Orihime was starting to become a nervous wreck. She could feel the hostile intent from the Lieutenant opposite her. Regardless of what the Captain said, she wasn't sure the Lieutenant would listen.

"Probably not. You'd both have to be taken in for questioning. The amenities wouldn't be great, but at least you'd both be alive! Sounds good, yeah?" Kyōraku held out his hands, in as welcoming a fashion as he could muster. These two were still kids, teenagers. They had their whole lives ahead of them. He didn't want to be the one to take that from them. He'd of course fight for their release back to the human world (he wouldn't allow those old coots from Central 46 to get them).

"Chad? What do you think?"

"I don't know Orihime. This is a real tough one. Even if we fought to just get away, I doubt we could outrun this guy."

"Then we should surrender?"

Chad thought on this for a bit. They could surrender, and maybe this Captain would be able to speak on their behalf. But, that wasn't much of a guarantee, especially with that Central 46 bunch (whom Yoruichi warned them about).

"That's not much of an option – especially with what they've already done to Rukia – who's one of their own."

Orihime realised that their only real option, was to just make a distraction and escape. Perhaps Chad could make a smokescreen with his fist attack, and she could-

"So, what's it gonna be young ones? I'm pretty sure my offer is your best bet."

Time seemed to slow, as Chad and Orihime made their choice. To the disappointment of Kyōraku.

Now or never.

"EL...DIRECTO!" Chad fired off a blast aimed at the pavement. The result of which would throw debris in the air and making their intended smokescreen (and a nice crater). Then immediately after, Orihime conjured a large barrier to (hopefully) protect them from a direct pursuit by the Captain or his Lieutenant.

Nanao was surprised by the power from this human boy. She had to shield her eyes from the dust and debris.

Kyōraku sighed, realising he'd have to chase after these kids.

What a pain...

"Nanao, give chase but don't hurt them! We'll need them alive."

His Lieutenant nodded, and quickly made after them. Until...

SMACK!

Nanao slammed right into Orihime's Shun Shun Rikka barrier. The bright orange barrier ringing with the impact.

'Whoops, shoulda told Nanao to keep an eye out for traps.' The Captain sweat-dropped.

Soul Reaper 101: keep an eye on enemy movements – especially when they use a smokescreen.

"Uhhh, you okay there?"

She was currently on the ground, a little disoriented but okay otherwise. Patting herself down, she rose back up into an upright position.

Kyōraku noted she had to pick up her glasses. Luckily she used kidō to reinforce the specs, otherwise they would've shattered on the ground.

"Y-Yeah, but what was that I hit?"

She looked up to see a bright orange wall, shimmering just in front of her.

"What the? That's not kidō."

The wall of energy was fairly large. Wide enough to close off the thoroughfare to their part of the Seireitei, and high enough where regular jumps wouldn't scale it.

Shunsui walked up to his subordinate, and began to examine the wall of energy.

He touched the wall, and it felt...a little like a kidō barrier. It also shimmered as he traced his finger over it.

Strange wall...Kurotsuchi would've liked to examine this thing. Alas, I'm not so inclined.

"Hmm...probably best to just go around it – just in case it's got explosive capabilities."

"R-Right." Nanao nodded, as both her and Shunsui disappeared.

Damn it, shoulda learned some sort of super speed skill like the others.

Both youths were running for their lives. Down the cobblestone roads and narrow causeways of this part of the Seireitei. With some spirit enhancements, they could augment their running speed, but to nowhere near the speed of a Shunpō user.

Orihime's barrier would give them a few minutes at best to run away, but that's all they could really do. Neither could use Shunpō or the Quincies, Hirenkyāku, so they were at a very clear disadvantage. However, they could set up multiple barriers, to make it more difficult for the Captain and his Lieutenant to catch them. Hopefully, with his energy blasts they could-

"Found you~"

Chad and Orihime, snapped their eyes forward and saw Shunsui right in front of them.

"B-But how!?" Orihime was stunned. She was sure they did well enough, to buy them more time then this.

Both teenagers skidded to a stop. Ready in their own battle stances.

"How you say? Easy, I'm a Captain." He then sighed, and drew his swords. A long sword and a short sword (tachi and wakizashi).

"Looks like I'll have to be a little more forceful in my approach."

A few seconds later, Nanao appeared behind the teens, blocking off their only real exit.

"You'll go no further ryōka. My Captain was gracious with his offer. Now we will use force to capture you." Nanao was in no mood for any more traps from these invaders. Her head still smarted from hitting that barrier.

"Orihime, looks like we'll have to fight. Back me up!"

"R-Right!"

Yoruichi felt the massive explosion of energy from Masaki and the disappearance of Kurotsuchi's own spiritual pressure.

Well...that complicates things, even if the slime ball did deserve it.

In her cat form, she was perched, on some building near the southern part of the Seireitei. She observed the spiritual pressures around the Seireitei. Who was on the move and who fought who.

Aizen is almost certainly watching. That monster will likely be interested in little Ichigo due to his hybrid powers (even if unrefined). Honestly, he's just as predictable as Kisuke-

A comparison which sent a small shiver down Yoruichi's spine. Her friend, Kisuke and Aizen, were actually similar in more ways than she cared to admit.

And with Kurotsuchi gone, the Old Man will likely be out for blood. Will probably use both the Captains and my old Stealth Force (Onmitsukidō) to hunt us all down. Mayuri must've set Masaki off with something, for her to outright kill him. And that explosive power – clearly it's a power greater than what most Captain's possess.

She was just about to lick her paws when...

Chad and Orihime!

"SANTEN KESSHUN! I REJECT!"

Orihime threw up a last second barrier to protect Chad from Kyōraku's strike, before casting her attack spell (Koten Zanshun) at the fast approaching Lieutenant Ise.

Shunsui was a little caught off guard, but sliced through the barrier pretty easily.

This barrier she can use is interesting and her ability to react is exceptional for a human. Same as the-

"EL DIRECTO!"

Shunsui weaved around the destructive fist attack. He then proceeded to use a light kidō to knock Chad off his feet – sending the teen hurtling across the pavement.

The resulting explosion caused from the fist attack (El Directo), had the benefit of stunning Nanao just long enough, for Orihime's Koten Zanshun, to cut into her right shoulder.

"Geh!" Nanao stopped midway through her attack to clutch her shoulder. Fresh blood dripping on the stone floor.

"You okay there Nanao?" He asked his subordinate.

"F-Fine Captain. I was just...caught off guard."

That's twice now Nanao...what's going on?

Shunsui was a little worried for Nanao. First, she ran off without discerning the smokescreen trap. Then she gets stunned by an explosion from one of their attacks. Uncharacteristic behaviour from his otherwise calm and collected Lieutenant. Though maybe...

Several metres away, Chad rose back to his feet. Slightly off-balance from skidding and rolling across the pavement, Chad realised, that Orihime was by herself, sandwiched between the two Soul Reaper's.

It looks like Orihime injured the Lieutenant, however the Captain is completely unharmed. Is there that much of a gap between a Captain and Lieutenant?

As for Orihime, her breathing was rapid, as she didn't expect to actually hit the Lieutenant. It was the first time, she actually hit someone who could bleed (that hollow Chandelier didn't count).

Her body was shaking with adrenaline. Making it difficult for her to think straight and steady herself for the inevitable counter-attack.

"Not bad Ryōka girl. To think a human could even injure me. I really was caught off guard...but not any more!"

Nanao disappeared from Orihime's sight – using her flash step to manoeuvre around the girl. Orihime made for a rolling dodge, a mere moment before a kidō enhanced blow would've connected. Then she put up another barrier, to block a direct attack from the Lieutenant. On her knees, with her hands held up in a defensive stance, she knew she was quickly running out of options.

We both are but, we gotta hold out! Hopefully one of our friends will come to the rescue!

In the opposite direction from Chad and Orihime...

Two cousins and their tag along-hostage (named Hanataro), were racing across the upper side of the Seireitei – trying to find an access man-hole to the underground water (and sewerage) system. That was until the group sensed the plight of their friends Chad and Orihime.

"Chad! Orihime!" Ichigo gritted his teeth. He could feel their spiritual pressures, clashing with two Soul Reaper's. One of them certainly a Captain.

"Damn it!" He knew he couldn't go back to rescue them. He just hoped they could either escape or hold on.

Ganju reassured his cousin.

"I know how you feel Ichigo, but we have to believe in those two. Remember they have Yoruichi helping them out too!"

He's right. I'll just believe in them. We have our mission.

"Surrender, Ryōka and maybe you'll be in one piece if you do."

Orihime was exhausted in this battle. Not that she wasn't fit, but the difference in spiritual pressure between her and her opponents was staggeringly high. That made a big difference in how fatigued she was now.

She peeked to her side to see Chad winded as well.

"I again suggest surrender. Please, don't make this harder than it has to be. I promise, we won't hurt you further or kill you." Kyōraku tried to placate the youths. He gave a glance to Nanao, that directed her to control herself. She got the message, and her posture relaxed somewhat.

Chad huffed out a response.

"I'm just not sure we can believe you, seeing what you've done to Rukia."

Orihime chimed in, "exactly! Why imprison and aim to execute her? She's the best Soul Reaper I've ever met and someone I could call...a friend!"

Friend huh?

The senior Soul Reaper sighed, realising he'd just have to forcibly bind them. He nodded to Nanao to get ready to use some bakudō (binding spells) to subdue their opponents. But first...

"GAH!"

In a blur of motion, Shunsui appeared in front of Chad. Startled, Chad made to punch his assailant but was immediately struck by a flash of light. One which froze him in place.

I...can't...move!

The flash of light was actually a Shiberiyubi (Numbing Finger) spell. This made it a lot easier to use a low-level bakudō to bind him – "Hainawa." A golden tangle of energy wrapped around Chad like electric bindings. This low level spell was made more effective, in combination with Numbing Finger. Of course, he could've used other spells, which would've put the boy to sleep, but they needed to be awake to hear what would happen to them.

Speaking of...

"Hōrin!"

"G-h-hhaaa!" Orihime dropped to the floor, in a similar (but distinct) electric-like binding to Chad. Nanao had opted to wear down Orihime, before using her binding spell. This took a few minutes as the girl was surprisingly tenacious.

"That looked like it was a little rough, Nanao."

Nanao was a little embarrassed by her poor showing in this battle. The girl wasn't that strong, but because she was a little careless, the battle dragged on longer than she wanted.

"N-No...I..."

Shunsui lightly chuckled, "never mind. Learn from this. Now..." He looked to the young man who was still paralysed, but whose eyes were starting to move. "...I think we should grab these two and head back over to the barr-"

Before he could finish his words, a bright flash blinded everyone in the vicinity.

"I-I can't see!" Nanao yelped.

Shunsui was able to shield some of his vision, and saw what looked to be the silhouette of an...animal? Regardless he yelled out for them to stop.

"Stop whoever you are!"

He got an unexpected reply, "No...I don't think I will Captain."

A few seconds passed and the bright light faded...

Shunsui and Nanao rubbed their eyes, to clear their haze and found that both the kids were gone.

End of Chapter Notes: Yep, this Chapter is much longer than my usual length. For a few reasons actually. 1st. Chad and Orihime deserve a nice chapter and a half to themselves. 2nd. It's a nice way to create space between this part and last chapter. 3rd. I didn't want to split it. 4th. I'll probably be going on a small hiatus for this series.

Answers to Guest Reviews:

Thanks to the Guests (like RG-Guest) for your insights. I didn't actually get notified about the reviews, but have since read them all. Thanks again for your comments,

I can also see some wanting me to go in "certain" directions.

This story will progress by my current outline, and what I feel fits 'organically' in the story. It's going to be slow going as many pieces are barely even considered to have a board to be placed on - for example, my hints at the other branches of Soul Society, Yhwach and the Sternritter etc. It's going to be choc-full of stuff - but the main focus will be on Masaki and her family.