Hello everyone :)
Here comes Chapter XIV
Disclaimer, reminder and warnings as per usual.
Friendly reminder: this story will be slightly AU and some characters might be OOC. For anyone who is not into YAOI, please do not read any further, this is not going to be your cup of tea :) Although, by now, I am sure most of you know what you're getting into x3
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters, they all belong to Tite Kubo-Sensei etc., etc.
WARNINGS: Spoiler alert for anyone who is not up to date with the manga and only watched the anime! Somewhere along the way might contain but is not limited to include dark themes, suicidal thoughts, heavy sexual contest, yaoi (again xD) and some other themes not suitable for under-age reader. Read at your own risk and discretion! And if you don't like, please don't hate too much :3
Everyone I'm sorry! I feel this is the longest chapter to be posted yet. Who knew having an energy draining vampire in the house could freeze hands over and over again? I sure didn't (
Had to use and abuse each and every blissful second the monster was away. As a form of redemption, I went ahead and made an extra-large chapter :)
I'll do my best to get another one out soon. Hope I'll be forgiven.
Chapter XIV
Meanwhile in an unknown cold and obscure place.
A lone figure about 6'2'' was nervously pacing in a small room lit by torches and decorated with filigree. The chamber features a small throne on a platform. The throne at the moment empty as though waiting for the rightful heir. In front of the throne was a large closed window draped by thick white curtains. Behind the throne, stood the pacing figure and a few steps back was a black teak wood double door.
The person moving back and forth was an unusual one. You could not tell who the individual was due to its concealing attire. The being was clad in a long satin cloak with long sleeves and a hood. It was form fitting at the sole exception of the sleeves. Towards the hands the sleeves were wider. The mantle was a three-color one-piece item changing shades down-up. The bottom part up to its knees was a dark cobalt blue turning aqua from the knees to about mid-chest, from there it became white. The sleeves were formed in a similar way, while the hood was white.
The entire cloak had cracked details of a midnight blue giving the mantle an eerie impression. The two zippers could seal the whole cloth if desired as the white gold fastener stretched from bellow the neck down to the bottom. Though, it seems our individual has the top part open to the collarbone, while the lower zipper is raised up to the waist allowing for free and unrestrained movement.
Since the zippers were open in such manner, the clothes underneath became visible. The unknown one wears a pale turquoise tight silk shirt, black velvet skinny trousers and black mid-calf tidal style pointed toe leather boots. On its hands were white winter leather gloves.
The face was covered by a midnight blue mask with crackled paint details and cobalt blue embossed swirls surrounded by aqua splashes at their edges. Around the eyes the color shifts from its midnight blue tint into navy blue. There are no lips, only a minor bulge where the nose stands. The white gold ribbon trim around the rims finalizes the mask giving a regal and refined effect.
A loud knock on the double doors made the figure stop in its strides.
The being spoke in a distinctively masculine muffed voice "Come in."
The door opened to reveal a gentleman with light brown swept back hair and a full mustache of the same shade. He has thin eyebrows, shallow cheeks frozen in a stoic emotionless expression and thin-framed glasses in front of his dark brown eyes. His attire is completely white. A double-breasted calf-length trench coat with six silver plated buttons. Each button carved with the Quincy Zeichen. The coat is tied at the waist by a white belt adorned with a decorative buckle. Beneath, he wears a white high-collar shirt and blue tie, as well as white trousers and shoes.
The newcomer lightly bowed and spoke in a calm, deep and refined tone. "Soren-sama, I bring you the reports on the latest missions."
The previously pacing man motioned with his hand for the other to continue. "What is the status Robert?"
The now, dubbed Robert continued with his relaxed tone. "The recruiting unit sent to the Human World has returned with no new additions. It seems many families are reluctant to using new methods. All have expressed the desire to release the seal on his Majesty, but refused to leave the World of the Living for the Wandenreich*. Some even dared to insinuate that a cooperation between us and the Shinigami should be established. Needless to say, regrettably, there were disagreements and those who opposed the units were disposed of accordingly."
The still cloaked Soren only nodded in agreement. "A shame that we have to use such harsh measures. However, it is inevitable. Should the Shinigami figure something out, the entire operation may fall. What about the Kurosaki manor and the reincarnation of Kurosaki Masaki? I hope she was safely retrieved."
The stoic Robert was not so calm anymore. He was being to feel a cold sweat encompass his entire body. This was the report he had wanted to leave for last. He took a silent deep breath and informed the other of the results.
"Sir, the five men brigade has returned with negative results. From the received data, they arrived at the Kurosaki manor and were immediately confronted by the Head of the Family along with a number of Gemischt. We can only presume our inner informant had been discovered. Since the Kurosaki's were reluctant to hand over Lady Masaki, a fight commenced. The whole household was brought to the ground."
Soren's figure revealed nothing, but the tone in his stifled voice spoke of upset and trepidation. "What of the girl? They were to bring her alive and unscratched."
Robert started to lightly tremble, but kept using a tranquil tone. "The leader claims no traces of Lady Masaki's reiatsu could be felt anywhere near the manor. They went as far as to search every nook and cranny as well as destroying the mansion in an attempt to force out anyone hiding. By the end of the research, Lady Masaki was not located. I am afraid, there is nothing left of the manor."
Although any emotions were hidden by the clothing and mask, Soren's upset mood could be felt through the entire palace. "Fools! The lot of them! How could they destroy the mansion if the target was not acquired? They may have even accidentally hurt her or worse!"
He started to pace again, processing the new intel. This was so not going according to his plans. He needed Masaki. No! He wanted Masaki back by his side. The fact that she was also the last known person to have the orb was just an added bonus. He had to calm down. There must be something he could still do. A sudden idea hit him.
"Robert, you said they had not been able to sense her presence at all, am I right? There is a chance she may have been taken away from the manor prior to our arrival. Especially if our spy was found out. I want you to send as many platoons as necessary. They are to explore each and every single property belonging to the Kurosaki family. Make sure they understand they must find her and bring her here unharmed. Failure to adhere to this order will not be tolerated."
Robert bowed in respect yet again. "As you wish Soren-sama. I will see everyone available is sent immediately. Should I appoint Master Haschwalth as the head of the operation?"
Soren abruptly stiffened. "No. I would prefer for him to stay. He is the only one capable of protecting the fortress and the Wandenreich. I will leave the decision in your capable hands. Oh, one more thing Robert. I want you to go back to the Kurosaki manor and double check the accuracy of the statement. Triple check if you must, just make sure to report any leads or news right away."
"Yes, Soren-sama." He bowed once more and left Soren-sama to his thoughts.
Soren was outraged and started to pace all over again. He should have thought better than send those idiots. How in the world had Juhabach managed to utilize the Quincy as an organized army? It must have been a miracle. He approached the throne. Just before he could place his hand on it, he was met with a dark reiatsu barrier. Heh, figures the throne would reject him, since he was not the rightful king.
But that would change. He would get his Masaki back and use her and the orb to reign over everything. Hueco Mundo, Soul Society and the World of the Living will all be under his rule just as it was meant to be. To think he was stopped by that brat! Heh, he did make sure the kid would never get to be reborn again. He certainly did go boom. He was gone, forever. Ah, among all the memories he regained, that one was his favorite. The look on the freaks' face was even better.
Yes, he would rule it all and this time no one would stop him. He had his doubts about these Quincies. Some were difficult to deal with, while others were immature. Most of all, he had no intentions of letting Haschwalth out of his sight. Should the guy catch wind of his plans or his past, he may have some difficulties. He had been truly lucky. The 'Heika' got sealed away just a few days before his real intentions were discovered. Pretending to be interested in unsealing their Majesty had been the greatest idea he had ever had. Like this, he was able to keep an eye on their progress regarding the Heika and could easily pretend to lead them toward a mutual goal.
He had told the brainless simpletons that Masaki would be the key to finding the emperor. Hah! They had fallen for it. Unfortunately, it had not been easy to locate or even capture the girl. Her reincarnations were always random and hard to detect. The last one in 1927 did not even live for long and yet she was reborn again in 1968. Now a fourteen years old girl was evading them.
Che. He was fortunate enough to retain some of his Hollow side. In his previous life, his mother had been infected by a weird mask-less Hollow. Had the beast not had a hole in its chest, it could have passed for a Shinigami. He inherited the monster inside and subdued it. When Masaki was pregnant most of his powers disappeared. Apparently, they were taken by the child within her. He was left but with the residue and capability of contaminating others.
That one skill became very useful. Those who he tainted had no idea they had a sleeping Hollow within. Thanks to the injected Hollow, he was able to feel and see everything the victim could. It was a neat trick. There was only one downside. He could only successfully taint Shinigami. The first time he tried it on a Quincy, the poor sap died in a rather painful way. He was able to blame the death on a random Hollow, but it had been a vital data.
Prior to joining these Quincy in Wandenreich, he made sure to contaminate a large amount of Shinigami. Mostly new recruits. He had chosen newbies, because he was sure some if not the majority would visit the Living World. By doing this, he had additional sets of eyes in the outer world. In case one of the infected Shinigami passed by or noticed Masaki, he would be able to tell right away. Allowing for an easier discovery and capture. The best part is the fact that now he had perfect spies who were not even aware of working for him.
Yes, he would get Masaki and by default the orb. With the orb he would be able to ascend even further and become the sole sovereign of all worlds. His mask hid the large smile which stretched on his face. He could not wait to fulfill his destiny.
Robert Accutrone silently closed the heavy double door behind him and visibly relaxed. He had expected the meeting to have gone worse. He had not even managed to inform Soren-sama of the Ishida desertion. All considered, he would leave it for another time.
He was met by a tall young man with a thin build and long blonde hair descending past his shoulders to nearly his waist. The man's arctic blue eyes further heightened by blonde eyelashes. His eyes showed wisdom far greater than the appearance he held. He was wearing a black tight long sleeve silk dress shirt, white gloves, white fitting trousers fastened by a black belt and black dress shoes. The outfit was complimenting the casual manner in which he walked. Undisturbed, unperturbed. The complete opposite to the inner turmoil, which was known to none but the young man alone.
Recognizing the young man for whom he is, Robert bowed out of reflex and greeted. "Good day Master Haschwalth."
He received a nod of acknowledgement along with kind words. "Good day to you too Robert. What news do you bring from Soren-sama?"
Dark brown met arctic blue, soon overpowered by the intensity in those cold eyes. Robert knew he stood no chance against the Grandmaster.
"Soren-sama has requested all available units to search all properties belonging to the Kurosaki household. Lady Masaki must be found and brought here unharmed and in good health by any means necessary. I am to go through the remains of the previous assignment in hopes of finding any leads as to the young Ladies whereabouts."
Another nod was the only sign he had been heard. "Should I join the platoons?" was the blank inquiry.
Robert had expected the question and answered honestly. "Soren-sama has requested for you to stay behind and protect the Wandenreich."
A lone sigh escaped the young one. "Understood. Would you wish for me to inform and organize the search? You could proceed to your task immediately. Do you have in mind anyone in particular who could lead the party?"
Roberts' relief was evident on his face. "It would be highly appreciated Master Haschwalth. And no. I was given the choice, but I am sure you will do an even better job at selecting the right person for the task."
Yet another nod was his only clue of being heard, before the young man turned his back and left through one of the many hallways. Once out of sight, Robert exhaled loudly and moved to a different section. He had a destroyed mansion to inspect.
He could only imagine how the other felt. He had not been outside the Wandenreich since he came here all those centuries ago. Among all the Quincies, he is by far, the most respected. Everyone knew, in the past, he had been selected as the adviser to his Majesty as well as the second in command. Even though those were titles earned a long time ago, they were and are still held in high regards and acknowledgement. No one was able to surpass his intelligence and skills.
Robert himself was one of the few survivors from the first period. Back then they lived in the World of the Living in the Royal Castle. The castle a square structure with the ground floor and three flats. Each of the four outer corners was enclosed by a round tower where guards and soldiers lived. The towers themselves were situated in one of the four sides of the world.
Therefore, there was the North, East, South and West Tower. Situated at the top floor of the towers was a single door made from the Emperors reiatsu. These doors were portals leading to the four segments of the kingdom ruled by his Majesty. Should the Heika give the order, the soldiers were mobilized and within seconds could reach their destination.
The North tower, also known as the Polar Tower, was in charge of the colder portions of the kingdom. The East or Blossom tower took care of the part of the kingdom reigned by eternal spring. Most of the flower beds from which the kingdom prospered were located in that area. The South or Summer tower overlooked the orchards and its surrounding villages. The West tower commonly referred to as the Tower of Knowledge took you to the capital city of the kingdom where you could gather all the culture, education, justice and politics pertaining to the realm.
The center of the castle was open with a grand inner garden and the Main Tower of three floors, where the Heika himself along with the Grandmaster lived. Even from afar, the Main Tower radiated power and security as the highest structure of the palace. At the top of the perfect square four-sided roof levitated the Quincy Zeichen, the symbol of their proud race.
The Main Tower was truly a representation of strength and wisdom. He along with many of the servants where surprised by its' length. Although it had three floors, the tower was quite taller than the rest of the palace, which greatly confused the servants. The ground floor was an open space leading to the upper levels. The first floor belonged to Master Haschwalth, the second to his Majesty and the third was an open space surrounded by thick glass and a throne from where the Heika could overlook the rest of the castle as well as what occurred in the realm. Nothing escaped his sight.
That was a time of relative peace. A few occasional Hollow attacks would happen. Back then, Heika would dispatch the soldiers to force the Hollows out of their kingdom, leaving the tedious job of eradicating them to the Shinigami. Naturally, this system could not function properly due to the low number of Shinigami. Therefore, his Majesty saw to it that all units were trained even more and soon they were forced to take care of Hollows themselves.
It was surprising that Shinigami found the balance of the Worlds to be at risk only after they managed to keep everyone safe. Ungrateful lot.
He was appointed as the head butler and in charge of the castle. A most challenging duty. What with the strongholds, the residence and the emperors' tower all composed of three floors, the three gardens and lake. He sure had his hands full at all times. The ground floor of the central building was divided into the front and back entrance.
The front had always been the easiest to manage since there were majestic staircases leading to the upper levels of the castle. At each level a regal tapestry decorated the walls, each showcasing a different region of the kingdom. On the ground floor moving toward the first, the tapestry showed the vast flower plains and myriads of orchards from the two regions. The one in between the first and second floor, displayed the villages with their orchards and the capital city in perfect balance. Knowledge and work. The third one represented the capital city along with the cold regions. It seemed like the spirit of the capital city was warming the normally freezing province. Lastly at the top of the third floor, the Polar and Spring kingdoms were united. The tapestry represented the cycle of life, nature and seasons as well as the protection granted by his Majesty.
No region was at any given moment abandoned or forgotten. When the cold was too much to bear, his Majesty took it upon himself to offer warmth by raising a barrier around the area. When the harsh weather destroyed the corps and flowers in the spring region, he overlooked the process of re-growing and would lessen taxes until the county could stand on its own again. Should there be prolonged periods with no rain in the south, snow turned water would be brought from the cold mountain peaks. All provinces had their representatives who would bring reports to the Capital. From there a solution was made and performed with the Heika's directions. High positioned officials were exchanged by vote every month, while lesser administration was changed every three months. Those selected could not return to their former power positions for at least two years.
Back to the castle. At the front, there was a table on each floor with a host and two assistants who could tend to guests. They were to cater to the visitors needs and guide them to the appropriate room. The back door on the ground floor considered of the kitchen, laundry and staff quarters. From there servants had sliding doors leading to the rest of the palace. Same went for the guard and soldiers who could move with ease on the sides. The doors were practically invisible as they became part of the moving furniture or walls. The first floor was reserved and used for studies, meetings, gatherings and dinners. The second floor was dedicated to training. You could say it was a wholesome gym. The third and top floor was the residence floor. This was the place where the family members lived. At first it was empty space, but became eventually very populated and lively.
Originally his Majesty and Lady Serena* had difficulties in birthing heirs, until one June 9, when two beautiful baby girls were born. The back-haired and more serious Katagiri-sama and the cheerful and free-spirited brown-haired Masaki-sama. It was both a happy and sad day. One life was lost for the benefit of the two young souls. Lady Serena did not survive past giving names to her daughters. His Majesty had not been the same ever since. He did make sure the girls were raised with carrying and love. But his smile was forever gone.
Katagiri-sama was the first to marry the Ishida heir. Though first to marry she was second to bring to life a baby girl, Akemi-san*. A bright little lady indeed, with blonde hair and full of compassion. At a much later time, a male heir to the Ishida household was born, with the name Tatsuya*. Even though Katagiri-sama took the Ishida family name, Akemi-san inherited the Kurosaki last name, while Tatsuya-san got the Ishida name. It had been Katagiri-sama's decision as she had wanted to reassure her father his lineage was not lost. That one decision was soon embraced by all family members and became an unspoken law that should there be a last heir to one family's name the first born would inherit the surname of the diminishing family, while other children would be bestowed with either name.
Masaki-sama, on the other hand, had chosen a Shinigami. It had been a most peculiar situation. His Majesty, after many disputes, did accept Soren-sama. Together the two had the first male heir, Ichigo-sama. Born a year before Akemi-san, he was a Gemischt of races, something unheard of until then. With hair the color of the rising sun, he radiated a positive aura that could be felt by all around him. He had been blessed with the powers of the King. He was able to share his reiatsu and powers with those who were worthy. But the most mysterious ability was the child's unusual fast learning streak as well as his positive influence over others. The small ball of sunshine had been able to even restore the smile on the face of his grandfather. Yes, there had been no doubts in any of the staffs' minds, Heika had regained the capability to laugh thanks to Ichigo-sama.
Robert Accutrone had been so lost in the past that he had neglected to notice he had already reached his destination. Having been guided to the destroyed mansion thanks to his learnt shadow skill, his first impression was a feeling of shame at the sight before him.
'Such a shame the unit destroyed the mansion. It must have been yet another masterpiece. Heika always had an eye for simple yet regal architecture.'
He put those thoughts aside and concentrated on the task at hand. At first nothing caught his attention. Besides the meager reiatsu residues from the platoon, nothing felt out of place. He could tell exactly how the fight went, not by the left overs, but by the desolation in front of his eyes. The five had started at the side entrance to the left, intent on a quick operation, where they were met by the opposition. Once the family refused to hand over Masaki-sama, the group assaulted and eliminated the front lines. The more experienced Quincy continued their attack from the left, while the two newbies were sent to gather intel to the right. It must have been a huge mess, not that what was in front of his eyes was any less chaotic.
He moved through the ashes and remains. There was no trace of Masaki-sama. Once he finished searching through the rubble, he decided to take a walk around the premises. That was when he realized the barrier was gone.
'Impossible. The report clearly stated they had never come in contact with the barrier, so, how is it gone?'
He approached the area where the barrier proudly stood before. He tried to feel for anything. He became agitated when he realized he could not understand how it was removed. Which lead him to believe it must have been either another Quincy from the outside. A very skilled Quincy. The alternate option was that it was removed from within by a family member.
That would be a more accurate probability. However, as per the unit, the barrier had been there when they left.
'Could it have been Masaki-sama herself? But if so, where could she have been during the invasion? The brigade must have been capable of sensing her if she was hiding within the mansion.'
Still baffled, he decided to look even further. He soon came to an opening in the ground of sorts. Something felt wrong. There were minor residues of Hollow reiatsu. But more notably, Masaki-sama's reiatsu. It felt as though she had passed through here not too long ago, perhaps a day or so ago. The platoon did join forces with other regiments and came a day behind schedule. But at least this was proof that Masaki-sama was well. The Hollow remnant must have been caused due to a curious Hollow searching for food or something alike. There were no signs that a battle occurred and the reiatsu did disappear without any more traces. He would simply skip the Hollow and concentrate on Masaki-sama's reiatsu.
Jut as he thought, the leftovers brought him to the barrier only to dissipate completely. He presumed Masaki-sama lowered the barrier and exhausted herself. She must have gone on foot from that point onward.
Certain of his deductions, he pulled a small device from his pocket. He had to contact Soren-sama and Master Haschwalth to request for additional men-power. They could start the search for the young Lady from this point. She couldn't have gone too far.
At the heart of the Wandenreich, Haschwalth had already organized the units and sent them to the World of the Living. He had assigned Bazz-B as the leader of the groups. He knew Bazz, was a hot-headed individual, but he could always count on the other to restrain himself in lieu of their long friendship.
He glanced in the direction of the throne room and closed his eyes. Just how long would he have to keep this farce? Ever since he had first met Soren, he had disliked the man with such fierce passion. When Masaki-sama married the guy, his dislike grew to hate. He had no idea as to why. The other had never done anything wrong, but Haschwalth had always felt the need to keep an eye out for Soren. When the little Denka* was born, he hoped his uneasiness around Soren would diminish, instead it intensified tenfold.
He exhaled. He was looking forward to the Heika's return. The circumstances of the Hollow's admittance into the household under the human guise, the Denka's disappearance and his Majesty's sealing were all shrouded in mystery, along with Soren's death. He was sure all events had been connected one way or the other. Although, he had never found out how.
He exhaled yet again. Heika had been kindhearted. The war with the Shinigami had been a surprise. Yes, they were attacked first, but the Emperor had always tried to negotiate with them and always tried to find a peaceful solution. Why the change of heart when the Denka went missing? It will forever remain an unsolved puzzle.
The vibration of his communication device brought him out of his mussing. He had not expected any notification until much later. He was even more surprised to find out the speaker to be Robert.
"Master Haschwalth, this is Robert reporting. I have discovered Masaki-sama's reiatsu. It would appear there had been an underground passage within the manor. I followed the lead and was brought to the barrier surrounding the mansion. The barrier is gone along with Masaki-sama's residual reiatsu. I believe she must have exhausted herself in removing the obstacle and moved forward on foot. I would like to request a unit to be sent my way to start our search around the nearby area."
Haschwalth was more then pleased. Leave it to Robert to figure something out of nothing. "Very well, I will instruct the groups accordingly. And Robert, there will be no need to inform Soren-sama. I will personally give him the news."
The unsuspecting man never could have guessed that had been a lie. "Thank you very much Master Haschwalth."
Haschwalth did proceed to inform the rest of the men in the Human World of the change of plans. But refrained from informing Soren. He was hoping to find Masaki-sama on his own. If she was truly the key to unsealing his Majesty, he would find a way of doing so without Soren's knowledge. He had a feeling that Soren was not trying to release the Heika because of the goodness of his hearth. There must be a different motive behind the action and he would do his best to remove the veil concealing the masked man.
Hahaha who saw that one coming? I made Masaki and Katagiri sisters ^.^
For the record, Serena, Katagiri and Masaki became popular names among Quincies in general, at least in my story. So, the two girls are not sisters at current times. Katagiri is also not a reincarnation of the previous one. Just a lucky girl to have a nice name :D
I think I managed to 'reveal' a little bit more about the background story. Hope you like it :3
Looking forward to any and all criticism, by now I'm getting the feeling you don't hate and for that thanks :3
*Wandenreich* for all those who are not up to date with the manga = Japanese for 'Invisible Empire'.
*Serena* = a late Latin name meaning 'clear, tranquil, serene'
*Akemi* = Japanese name meaning 'bright, bright sea, vermilion bright' and some more variations of bright depending on how you write it and which Kanji you use.
*Tatsuya* = another Japanese name meaning 'sign of the dragon'. So cool! I wanted to have a dragon without the classical 'Ryu'. I think I've nailed this one x3
*Denka* = just like Heika is the Emperor or 'Your Majesty', Denka is used as honorific for a prince or princess. It's used for non-sovereign royalty, similar to 'Highness'. It can also be used by itself as a way of saying 'Your Highness'. Personally, I think it's cute :3
Quick recap: English is not my mother language so if I made any mistakes or any errors, please let me know. I am the writer and the spellcheck person all in one. I know this is getting old. But better safe than sorry xD
Wishing everyone an amazing day/night ahead and an even brighter tomorrow, whenever that time comes :D