Hello everyone :)
Chapter XVII
Usual disclaimer, reminder and warnings. Nothing new, but needs to be written.
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
Hope you're enjoying so far. I'll try to be good and get us a little protector soon. In the meantime, here comes part 17
A little heads-up (courtesy of my overjoyed Muse) Isshin will still be in the story. There is no Bleach without him and his goofiness, so worry not :)
Chapter XVII
Shirosaki's patience was running thin. Ossan was not waking, the girl was barely standing the reiatsu and if something was not done and fast the whole place would be swarming by Hollows and Shinigami.
Therefore, his best solution was to hit Ossan right in the face and scream at the top of his lungs.
"WOULD YOU JUST WAKE THE BLOODY HELL UP OSSAN?! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US CAUGHT?!"
The poor man jumped out of bed while simultaneously attempting to punch whoever had startled him. After living for as long as he did, sending blows around while sleeping was just second nature. Shirosaki, on the other hand, had expected nothing less from Ossan and was able to block. He grabbed both hands to prevent any additional retaliation. He spoke in a calm baritone, trying to appease the upset man.
"Oi! It's just me, relax." As an afterthought he quietly added: "Stupid Ossan."
It took Juhabach about a minute to even his breathing out and couple of seconds to compose himself. His eyes met Shirosaki's, getting stuck in those gold pools. No wonder Ichigo had fallen for Shirosaki. Just the thought of Ichigo reminded him of his memory turned dream.
"Shirosaki. My apologies. I must have fallen asleep. Did we attract unwanted attention?"
Shirosaki scoffed lightheartedly.
"Well, you tell me. After all, that is your specialty. I know you raised a barrier for Masaki-chan, but did you put one for us as well? If not, we should consider moving. The sooner the better."
Shirosaki's words were like a stab at Ossan's pride. He had forgotten to place one for the two of them. A silly and most unwise slip-up from his side. For one Shirosaki who has spent all these years at Ossan's side, the expression of mortification which came over said man, was invaluable. He rarely got to see the mighty Quincy King brought down. Heh, for a change it was not caused due to his actions.
The men were interrupted by a light know on the door frame. A shy Masaki first peeked through the opening and then entered the room, wanting to make sure everything was alright and no harm had occurred to Kurosaki-sama.
Her concerned look was all it took for Ossan to return to normal.
"Good morning Masaki. You must have been scared. I am sorry to have frightened you. Please do not worry, it was just a bad dream and nothing else."
Relief was so obvious on the young one, only further confirmed by her next words.
"Oh! I… I understand Kurosaki-sama. I guess this means you can have dreams and nightmares too, right? Just like anyone else."
Although it was not every day his pride was insulted directly, Ossan let it pass this time. But only because it was Masaki who asked with all the innocence she possessed.
"Indeed. At the end of the day, I am just another person."
'Oh boy. Could this day get any better?' Shirosaki was barely containing his glee. He knew how sensitive Ossan could be when his pride was in question. However, it seemed little Masaki could get away with no repercussions. The fun he could have by exploiting this juicy information.
A loud rumble caused the whole room to go silent. It was Shirosaki's turn to be mortified. His stomach was protesting, begging to be filled. There was food waiting in the other room, getting cold while emitting a most delicious smell. The aroma was driving him nuts. That along with the need for the 'supplement' proved to be a bad combo.
It was Masaki who broke the silence and awkward situation.
"Oh, right! Breakfast is getting cold. We were about to dig in. Kurosaki-sama, do you wish to rest a bit longer or would you like to join us?"
'Saved by the little girl's enthusiasm.'
Shirosaki pretended nothing happened. Looking sheepishly around the room. But not moving from his spot. He couldn't jeopardize himself more than he already had. Thus, he opted to pretend he was waiting for Ossan to make his move.
Back on the bed, Ossan was enjoying his share of fun on Shirosaki's account. Though, he decided to be merciful, at least for now, and answer Masaki's question.
"I will be more than glad to join. Thank you, Masaki."
Masaki's joy was simply contagious. The energetic soul was, literally, jumping on her spot and rushed back to her own room, eager for breakfast. Shirosaki took the chance to speak with Ossan again.
"Oi. If you are awake and all, I could really use a supplement. You got some of those or should I go to Hueco Mundo to get a refill?"
There was no hesitation in Ossan's movements and he finally raised from bed. Rummaging around his belongings he pulled out a small silver tube, which he threw at the Hollow. Shirosaki's reflexes were too attuned to miss such a slowly moving item and caught the tube with ease.
"You should know better than anyone else, Shirosaki. I am always prepared. There will never be a day when I don't have at the very least one Ginto ready at hand. It's simply unfathomable. Should such a day ever come, I will be the first to throw my pride and title away. Because, even should I retire, I would still keep a few on my person. Therefore, it's not likely to happen."
The tone he used was rather playful which could only mean one thing, Ossan had gotten over whatever plagued his mind and was ready for action. Shirosaki sneered at the other in his usual way and proceeded to join Masaki, Ossan overshadowing him and moving toward the main entrance instead of joining them.
By the time Ossan reached the door a knock could be heard. Shirosaki was not worried, since Ossan was already at the door he must have figured out who the visitor was. Shirosaki crossed his fingers, praying it was not the crazy Getabōshi or the kitty-cat from last night. His wishes must have been heard, for it was Soken who was let in.
"Good morning Heika, Shirosaki-san and of course Lady Masaki. I hope your rest was peaceful."
For his greeting, Shirosaki sent him a sharp glare. The girl had no idea they had met yet. Which became obvious by Masaki's inquisitive question.
"Good morning Ishida-sama. Huh? You already know Shirosaki-san here? But, he did not come with us last night! Do you know each other from before? If so, how come he did not come to visit you with us?"
Shirosaki would have said something alike 'See what you have done?', but refrained from doing so. Instead he squeezed Masaki's shoulder in an attempt to gain her attention. Succeeding, he spoke gently.
"Yes, Soken-san and I have already met. I did not go visit because I had some very important things to do which I could not put aside."
He whispered the next part in Masaki's ear, so that only she could hear him. "Besides, even though Ossan and I have been around each other for long, I never feel comfortable around hunters. But don't tell him that. Also, since I'm part Hollow the Ishida's don't like me very much, except Soken-san. He could end up in trouble should his other relatives find out. This is a big, big secret, you know. You can keep a secret, right?"
Masaki giggled at Shirosaki's words, satisfied with the explanation. It did make sense. She remembered how Kurosaki-sama asked her not to tell Shirosaki-san he considered him family. Now she had to keep Shirosaki-san's and Soken-san's secrets as well. It was funny. Everyone liked each other a lot, but did not want to admit it. She started wondering why. Was it a grown-up's thing? Another notion that caught her attention was the word 'hunters'.
She animatedly whispered back into Shirosaki-san's ear. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. But who are hunters? I don't remember seeing any hunters around the Ishida's."
Shirosaki snickered, it was so easy to distract the girl, but he did murmur back. "That's just the way I call all Quincy. It was a way to irritate Ossan from time to time and now it's a habit of mine."
Masaki chucked again. The other two Quincy in the room had been quiet up to that moment. Soken more out of astonishment at the Hollow's behavior and Masaki's casual conduct around said Hollow. It was fascinating to see, what was considered, a dangerous creature as Shirosaki, act like a regular person. It was truly mesmerizing.
Ossan on the other hand, knew Shirosaki for a while and could easily tell the Hollow was jesting around while simultaneously diverting Masaki's attention. He presumed Shirosaki said something along the lines of not wanting to be close to 'hunters' as he called his kind, which would then prompt other questions from the inquisitive young one.
He did break the little back and forth muttering of the two.
"Now, now you two. It is inappropriate to leave us out of your conversation. How about we enjoy our breakfast before we start our chit-chat? Soken-san, care to join us?"
Masaki took the opportunity to share around the huge breakfast around, not waiting for an answer from their guest. Luckily, she ordered a large amount of food. She liked the many different colors, scents and variations the hotel offered. Therefore, she had ordered a bit of everything.
She saw Shirosaki handling a little silver container and could not prevent her next question.
"Shirosaki-san what is that?"
Besides Ossan, all eyes were on Shirosaki and the Ginto he was trying to open up. He gave Ossan a harsh glare, which was simply ignored. Sighing he looked back at Masaki with a softer expression.
"You could say it's a food supplement. I need to mix the liquid inside this container with my food every now and then."
The girl nodded in understanding, but noticed the small engraving. It was a Quincy Zeichen. She then recalled the many pictures she stumbled upon in her Quincy studies.
"Wait, isn't that a Ginto? If I remember correctly, a Ginto collects ones' energy and condenses it in a liquefied state. It can be used in lots of different ways. Like Gritz where the reishi surrounds the opponent in a coffin thingy. Then Heizen gouges and purges whatever is enclosed in the space within the tossed Ginto… Wolke can help you if you're falling or need to stop hitting the ground. It cushions the impact making it more bearable. Hmm, there was something else it could do… What was it...?"
Soken took the initiative to enlighten the spirited young girl.
"Sprenger. For this you need to combine a Ginto with five Seele Schneiders. Using your bow, you fire the five Seele Schneiders and create a pentagon-shaped star on the surface. Once this is done and a seal appears. Throw the Ginto on one of the Seele Schneiders while saying at the same time the word 'Sprenger'. This way you activate the spell causing a massive explosion within its borders."
Masaki's eyes sparkled with awe and respect toward the elderly male. His explanation was so simple and easy, nothing like her tutors. She had always had a hard time following their lectures. She hopped Ishida-sama would be gracious enough to teach her even more.
Ossan continued his meal as thought they were discussing the weather and not a weapon of mass destruction. Whereas Shirosaki sweat-dropped. He remembered vividly just how dangerous that specific technique really was. He suppressed the shudder that the memory brought forth. He had no intention of experiencing Sprenger on his own skin.
He finally opened the Ginto in his hand and poured its content all over his food. It was either that or risking going to Hueco Mundo or, the worst option, pay a visit to Soul Society and steal food from the Rukongai districts. He was not mad enough to walk around Seireitei.
Although, the meal continued in a serene quietness. Shirosaki could sense Ossan's apprehension. He would have not felt it had he not been with the guy for as long as he did. The taste of anxiety was tangible to his refined senses.
Only after the meal did Ossan bring out the matter which bothered him.
"I believe now would be a good time as any to bring a subject up. Masaki, could I ask you to pack? Shirosaki you too. We should change place at the soonest. Due to my negligence this morning, there is a distinct possibility our location has been given away. As a precaution, I suggest to make haste."
Masaki and Shirosaki stood together and moved to do exactly that. Soken remained sitting and Ossan took his leave to take care of his belongings. It took no more than a couple minutes for all three to be ready. At that point Soken stood and made his proposition.
"Heika. As it was discussed last night. Masaki-san is welcomed to stay at our home and so are you. Shirosaki-san, however…"
Shirosaki jumped in on the conversation, with his well-known smirk. He wanted to alleviate the burden from Soken's shoulders. That and he wanted to make sure the smart girl would not get suspicious.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. That's no place for a Hollow. Besides, it's not like I would want to approach you hunters. I like staying away from your kind. A distance of several miles should be more than enough."
Masaki seemed disappointed. She met the Hollow recently and had only a few opportunities to get to know or talk to him. But in that short time, he gave her the vibes of an older brother and she became very fond of him and his quirks.
Shirosaki saw the look the girl had on her face. In the past, he would not have cared much, but seeing her so down did not suit the little one, so he tenderly grabbed her hand, making the girl look at him with attentive eyes.
"Come on squirt. It's not a big deal. I'll still get to see you every now and then. Like these guys could stop me if I wanted to pay you a visit. Besides, I have the feeling you'll be so busy you won't have the chance to miss little old me."
Masaki was not fully satisfied, but understood and agreed. The group proceeded to the main lobby. Ossan took care of the bill, while Shirosaki assisted Masaki to the parking lot and the car, having already snatched the keys from Ossan. When everything was settled in the truck, Shirosaki quietly spoke to Masaki.
"You know what? I think you owe me a pendant, Masaki-chan. Think I could have it back?"
Masaki had completely forgotten about the necklace Shirosaki borrowed her to ward off Kurosaki-sama's power. She placed a hand on the precious pendant and used the occasion to give it a proper look. While under the heavy reiatsu, she neglected to inspect the item with more details.
It was most certainly not something she would chose for herself since it was a black dragon holding a white moon. But somehow it fit the Hollow perfectly. What with his dangerous nature and snappy temper, he was the personification of a real dragon. The way the crescent moon was held, on the other hand, displayed a gentleness she would never associate with the powerful mystical being. It reminded her of how nice Shirosaki-san could actually be when he wanted. The way he woke her up the other night from her nightmare, the reassurance he gave her and even this morning when he helped her.
Yes, these actions were not expected, but still happened. She wondered once again, if Shirosaki-san had a sweetheart. Was it the influence of such a person who reigned over the mighty beastly side of Shirosaki-san? Or did Shirosaki-san change his volatile attitude for the sake of another?
So many questions, yet no way of getting them answered. She did not posses the knowledge on how to ask without sounding presumptuous or worse stepping all over the males' feelings. Therefore, she would remain silent and create her own stories and versions. That could be fun. She could already picture so many different scenarios thanks to the many books she had read.
In the end, she was so occupied with her thoughts, she missed how Ishida-sama sat at the passenger seat, or better yet how she found herself placed in the backseat of the car. Kurosaki-sama and Shirosaki-san discussing something outside the car.
Standing outside the car, Shirosaki made a few suggestions of his own.
"Oi, Ossan! How about you take Masaki-chan and Soken-san to the Ishida's. Once you guys settle down, we really need to discuss a few things."
Ossan thought about it for a couple seconds.
"Hmm, a good proposition. Do you have any particular location in mind?"
Shirosaki thought about it for a bit, only to come up with an easy solution.
"How about Getabōshi's shop? You know the guy from last night? As you told him, if we are to work as a group it would be good to put all of our cards on the table."
A hum accompanied by a quick nod of the head was his response.
"In that case, I'll meet you there at the earliest. Do try to stay out of trouble."
Shirosaki snorted in mock offence. Him getting in trouble? Why on Earth would Ossan think something like that. He waved the other off and ushered him toward the car.
"Ok, you've had your fun, now get going. Not sure if you feel it or not, but there is a strong reiatsu getting close and fast. Judging from the feel of things I don't recon it's a friendly fellow. So, get in gear and get the hell away from here."
Ossan followed Shirosaki's words. He entered the vehicle and felt for the reiatsu. It was familiar. It took him a moment or two, but he did recognize its owner. Bazzard Black, more commonly known as Bazz-B. A hot-head and Haschwalth's childhood friend. Ossan would have considered showing himself, but refrained from doing so. Shirosaki's words that the reiatsu did not feel friendly raised a red flag in his mind. It would be prudent not to reveal himself to anyone but Haschwalth until he could be certain of the situation in Wandenreich. He drove off at high speed.
Meanwhile, Shirosaki lowered his reiatsu and hid behind a nearby wall. Deciding it would be good to peak every now and then to see who came and what they wanted. A guy of average height showed up, dressed in a white cotton shirt, white long pants and white shoes. Sheesh, could this guy get any whiter? Shirosaki at least had on his uniform a splash of black. Honestly, besides the green eyes and the ridiculous pink Mohawk haircut, this guy was completely and totally covered in white. Even the buttons and belt for heavens' sake!
Wait, wait, wait a moment! A long pink headed dude? He remembered one of the guys at the palace with a similar color. It was something with a B… His specialty lied around fire, which was why he was one of the top dogs in charge of the North Tower Unit. He used to make fun of Ichigo for his hair. Heh, like he was any better.
The man turned around a few times, apparently looking for something. After some time, he pulled out a device and started talking to it. Considering all the breaks in between, he must be receiving some kind of feedback.
"Hey Jugo do you copy? Yeah, I reached the area. Am I on the right spot? Can you check the coordination's again? … So, you're sure this is the place? … Nope, can't feel anything here. The hell do you mean I suck at sensing reiatsu? … If you think you're so good, why don't you get your sorry ass here instead? … Yeah, Yeah! The mighty Soren needs you to babysit the Wandenreich. … Stupid fucker! You know, if the guy was to drop dead, none of the Sternritter would bat an eye. You should consider just taking over and kicking him out."
The guy paused to take a large intake of breath.
"Anyway, there is nothing here. If there was, it's gone. We probably got a reading on a higher leveled Hollow getting into it with the Shinigami of this city. … Now that you mention it, no I can't sense the Shinigami. … Hah! See? They probably took each other off. … What? You mean the search for the girl?" A loud sigh followed by more chatter.
"Still nothing. I swear Yokohama is not even that big of a city and yet we found absolutely nothing. I'm telling ya, since leaving the manor no one was able to get even the slightest reading on her reiatsu."
Another pause, where he must be receiving more orders or hopefully complaints. The male continued with less heat in his words.
"Honestly, I don't understand why we're bothering in the first place. That retard Soren can go on and on about how she is the key to finding his Majesty, but I don't buy it! You know what? I think that's a whole load of bull! For centuries we, the Sternritter, have been unable to find and release the seal on the King, but a little kid is suddenly supposed to guide us to him? Right, I know, I know. I'll keep my mouth shut in front of his grace the Regent Lord Soren-sama. Anyway, tell the fucktard I'm going back to Yokohama to continue our search there. Over!"
The device was placed back in one of the pants pockets and the Mohawk headed man puffed out while cursing up a storm under his breath. Something to do with 'Stupid childhood friends not heeding advice' and 'Lazy pompous regal asses doing nothing while making them run all over the globe'. There was more to it, but to the hiding Shirosaki, it was all incomprehensible gibberish. Before long, mister pink sweet pea clad in white was gone with the Quincy's classical Hirenkyaku.
'Now, that is what I call gathering intelligence. Sweet, sweet juicy information. Wait till I tell Ossan!'
Shirosaki was about to rush to the candy store, but desisted from using any powers. He would walk there. It was not that horribly far away. Better safe than sorry. On the way he made sure he was not being followed. He noticed a black cat trailing behind him, but let it be.
'Che! The kitty-cat is back. Didn't she say she would be gone for a while? Meh, whatever.'
He arrived relatively fast in front of the shop. There was no need to announce himself as the ever-cheerful shopkeeper was already at the threshold. Shirosaki was sure the cat lady somehow informed him of his arrival. The annoying Getabōshi clad in his usual green and white combinations, hat, sandal and cane stood and pulled the damned paper fan out from the left sleeve and covered his face yet again. Curses! He just came and was ready to bolt away.
"Ah, good morning Yoruichi-san and Shirosaki-san. I must confess, I did not expect to see you for a while Yoruichi-san. Although, I will admit it doesn't surprise me. On the other hand, Shirosaki-san I was under the impression I wouldn't be seeing you here any time soon."
Shirosaki rolled his eyes at the other's antics.
"Don't play with me Getabōshi. I did say I would visit, didn't I? I never said at what time. Besides, I just need to crash for some time. At least until Ossan gets here. There is a lot at stake to be fooling around."
Urahara closed his fan with an unusually serious look on his face. If Shirosaki did no know any better, he would say he was in front of a complete stranger. However, he already knew enough to say it would not last long. True to his predictions, the shop owner lowered his hat covering his eyes for about two seconds, only to raise it up and wave the fan around.
"Ma, ma, Shirosaki-san. So somber. How about I show you around my humble abode? And let's not forget I did offer a discount for any purchase if you became a regular customer."
Shirosaki counted from ten to zero in his head. Temptation. He was suppressing the urge to blow Getabōshi with a Cero. He could start with a Bala and then finish him off with a Cero. No! Even better, he could go all out and crush him with a Getsuga. Damn it. The allure was hard to resist. He had to also deal with his Hollow urges, which was not helping him at all.
'Ossan you better settle down and get yourself here pronto! Else, you may find a hole instead of a store.'
He grunted loudly, making sure he was heard by both Getabōshi and kitty-cat.
"Look here Getabōshi, I'll give you a fair warning. When I am in a good mood it's easier to control my temper. I was feeling rather good about myself, before seeing you. Now, I know it may be hard on you, but you should consider controlling the level of annoyance you put on my shoulders. In short terms: piss me off and I'll be blowing you so far away, you'll never reassemble yourself."
Just the idea of whacking the other male was enough to pull a sinister smile on Shirosaki's face, one capable to send chills down Urahara's spine.
'Oh, he is good. I'll have to remember to keep an eye out for mood swings. Other than that, it should be exquisitely entertaining.'
Not deterred in the least, Urahara motioned for the Hollow to approach.
"Now, now. I'm not that bad once you get to know me Shirosaki-san. And why are you calling me Getabōshi? So unfair. I at least call you by your name. Or are you giving me permission to bestow you with a nickname? How about Whitey-chan or…?"
He never got to finish his sentence, as a blade was pressed at his neck. The murderous glare on Shirosaki's face spoke enough. Urahara's thoughts were running a mile per second.
'Note to self, nicknames are a sore subject. New attempts should be prevented at all costs. An extraordinary display of speed. I am not sure Yoruichi-san herself was able to keep up.'
Urahara swallowed, but resumed with a jovial atmosphere.
"I presume no nicknames then. How about I offer you some tea as a peace offering? I promise this one will not be tempered with."
Shirosaki removed his Zanpakuto from Urahara. Point proven, quite literally, he responded with a deceivingly kind smile.
"Sure, tea will be fine. But I will accept it as a peace offering only if you add some cookies. Do we have a deal?"
Call him a masochist all you want, but Urahara was enjoying himself.
'It's been a while since we've had any excitement on our hands. Oh, yes. I was right. Shirosaki-san is indeed a lot of fun.'
Using his fan as a pointer, he urged his two guests inside.
"Of course, Shirosaki-san. Come in. Make yourself at home. You remember the lovely room we've had our conversation last night? Well, we shall be using the same room to get better acquainted. Please follow me."
Yoruichi did not need any other prompting and moved right behind Urahara. Shirosaki took a few calming breaths, before going after the two. He was not looking forward to spending an extended period of time with the crazy man. He hoped Ossan would join them soon. It was much easier when he was around.
A black void opened to his left. Once again, his wish was answered. Two fulfilled requests in the same day? He must have collected some decent points with Madam Karma. Ossan came out of the darkness along with Soken. Shirosaki could not remember a time he had been happier at seeing Ossan.
"Took your sweet time. Everything alright at the hunters? Masaki-chan is all settled?"
Hey! He was not going to tell Ossan just how relieved he was at his arrival. Might cheer himself up by pressing a few of his buttons, before he had to deal with the nut case that was Urahara Kisuke.
"Yes, she is fine and adapting well. I took care of documents and formalities, she will be officially adopted into the Ishida family within the next few days. I am surprised you are not already inside. Did something happen?"
Same old Ossan. Not much fun. Quick and straight to the point.
"Yes. There is the information I owe you from yesterday along with new gathered data from the Quincy who came at the parking lot. You know, the one I mentioned before you left? Got some info while spying on the guy. Uh! I have this feeling, we will be spending most of our day here today. That does not make me very happy. But hey! We've got a job to do, right? Now let's get going before Geta… Urahara-san gets all over us with that fan."
Not waiting for a retort, he was not expecting, Shirosaki entered the shop. Ossan gave Soken a quick look and followed the Hollow, Soken right behind.
Another chapter, another stepping stone ^ . ^
Looking forward to any and all criticism, by now I'm sure you don't hate and for that thanks :3
Ginto = Japanese for Silver Tubes. A Quincy item which conserves reiatsu and condenses it in a liquefied state. Can be used in many different ways.
Gritz, Heizen, Sprenger and Wolke = Quincy techniques using Ginto. Explained above in the chapter x3
Reminders: English is still 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, not an easy job. I know this is getting old. But better safe than sorry xD
Wishing everyone an amazing day/night ahead :D