Changing of the Guard

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ccc Hueco Mundo ccc

            “It’s sudden, I know.  But surely a ruler of the realm of Hollows can appreciate the severity of the situation.”  Kyoraku no Jiro Sakuranosuke Shunsui, Captain Commander, second son of the Kyoraku family.  He stood at the base of her tall throne, disarming in his manner and unconvincing in his urgency.  His smile was suave.  His smile was irritating.

            “tch!  He’s smiling too much,” Apacci growled while looking down at him.  She poised herself to lunge and kill.  “Who does he think he is, trying to summon Halibel-sama as he pleases?!  The Shinigami have gotten too full of themselves!”

            “Quiet, Apacci,” said Mila Rose out the corner of her mouth.  “This is Halibel-sama’s decision.  When she gives the order…”  Her hand was already atop the pommel of her broadsword.

            “Both of you, be quiet,” Sung-Sun instructed, glancing over at them.  “It’s unworthy even of you to make an unseemly ruckus during these deliberations.”

            “What’s that, Sung-Sun?” Apacci raged much too loudly to be an aside banter.  “How about you stop mumbling behind your hand and say it to my face!”

            Sung-Sun simply turned away, uninterested yet somehow pleased with herself.

            “Stupid!”  Mila Rose yanked at the scruff of Apacci’s top to keep her from assaulting the snake woman.  “Now you’re being totally disruptive!”

            “You’re the one yelling now!  Lemme go, Mila Rose!”

            “Even in the middle of the night,” Sung-Sun mused alone, intentionally, “you both act like wild beasts howling at the moon.”

            “What’d you say?!  You serpent bitch!”

            A hand raised before the threesome could come to actual and inevitable blows.  That single, solemn gesture was enough to quell and pacify them.  Halibel, without removing her fixed gaze on the Captain Commander and his kneeling second, sat peacefully.

            Her ability to rein in her frenzied subordinates…  “I envy you,” Kyoraku half-laughed.  “There are many in Gotei 13 who do not get along, and it’d take more than…”

            “You,” said Halibel, her low tone echoing in the hall.  Kyoraku’s regaling halted, his humor faded.  The silence ensued, waters steadying while something dangerous lurked underneath.  Nanao kept her head bowed, but she was conscious of the placement of her Zanpakuto.  Normally, she relied on Hado spells; now she had to learn to rely on her mother’s cursed sword.  If she could strike down a messenger of heaven, she could protect her captain from the ruler of Hueco Mundo.

            “You are the one who killed Coyote Stark.”

            A slight dip from Kyoraku’s head, acknowledging the accusation.  “I am.”  He did not revel or deny it.  He awaited Halibel’s response, the look in her eyes not reassuring.  If it was blood for blood, he had no choice…

            “Wars cause death,” Halibel said as if laying out a decree.  “But Aizen’s war is long ended, and the Quincy War is done.  I want Hueco Mundo to return to peace.”

            Kyoraku nodded slightly, stoic but his eye reflected relief.  “As would I.”

            “I owe no loyalties to you or to Soul Society,” Halibel went on.  “We’ve maintained a truce since the end of Aizen’s war because I seek peace and order.  When the Quincy forces invaded and demolished our home, you fortified your own and left us to die.”

            “The enemy was fastmoving,” Kyoraku swiftly countered.  “We hardly had time to meet them on even ground.  Surely you understand that there was just no way…”

            The hand came up, and just as her subordinates had, Kyoraku stilled.

            “The one who answered the call for help… was Kurosaki Ichigo.”  Her intense green eyes narrowed.

            The Tres Bestia exchanged minor glances.  Only Apacci’s blush was visible.

            Kyoraku’s expression didn’t change, though.  He granted the Hollow matriarch her time.

            “Without pause, he came to our aid, saving the lives of those who were his enemy, putting himself at fatal risk.  It is a sacrifice that I cannot ignore, nor would I fail to repay.”  She stood up suddenly, her congregation of three rallying at her side.  “For all your flaws, you Shinigami have chosen wisely for Reio.  I will meet with Kurosaki Ichigo at his behest.”

            Kyoraku decompressed with a relieved sigh.  “That’s good to hear,” he said.  “I was worried you wouldn’t be so agreeable.  This is a relief.  You have such a mighty presence, Halibel-san.”

            Halibel, over her fierce Hollow mask, watched him with placid grace.

            “hehe!  Perhaps, if you are so amiable, we could share a drink some time!  Attractive women make the sake taste better.”

            He was one against three raging Arrancar women and a niece who grabbed his ear and twisted harshly.  He gave a sharp howl, but ended with laughter, saying he was only partially serious.

            “As if Halibel-sama would degrade herself, drinking with a scoundrel!” Mila Rose fumed, her fist shaking ahead of her, Apacci next to her vowing to shave his head!  Sung-Sun was very vague on what punishment was in store for a man who trespassed on Halibel-sama.

            But Halibel was unfazed.  The offer was inconsequential and the topic, finished.  She rounded her throne, measured steps echoing loudly, the three yellow tassels of hair swishing softly.  “You may tell Kurosaki Ichigo I will meet with him.  I look forward to expressing my gratitude for all he’s done..”  Mila Rose followed, but not without a curt flourishing of her cape.  Sung-Sun went after, not giving the Shinigami a second glance.

            Apacci stamped at the edge of the platform, glaring down at the pathetic Captain Commander.  “Count yourself lucky, you hairy ape!  If it wasn’t for Halibel-sama, I would’ve cut you in half!”

            Despite the threat, Kyoraku beamed at her.  “Well, if it’s to a pretty girl like you, I can think of worse ways.”

            Apacci staggered at the compliment, lost for words at this unexpected compliment.  Normally, she only got them from herself!

            “Well…”  Kyoraku sucked his teeth, easing his posture, smoothing back his hair.  “The offer is available to any one of you who wants to drink in the Seireitei.  I promise it’ll be the best Soul Society has to offer.”

            “grr!  Like I’d want to with a goat-faced old man!” Apacci snarled, swinging her fists before storming off, bow-legged with rage, griping the whole time about Shinigami audacity.

            Accepting the insult with a bashful “My, my, so fierce, Arrancar women are not to be played with”, he smiled at Nanao; she looked troubled by the confrontation.  “Are you ready to go, Nanao-chan?”

            “hmph.  The sooner, the better.”

            The two of them acknowledged Halibel’s departure with a courteous nod and then made for the exit, where their escort in Las Noches awaited them.

            Perky and preppy.  Enough skin showing that Nanao had to scrutinize the placement of her Captain’s gaze.  He peeped the woman’s naked thighs, and Nanao not-too-subtly elbowed him to correct his decorum.

            Bouncing breasts, always a vision.  Her skull mask over luscious green locks.  Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck clasped her hands in front of her, her smile stretching.  As Urahara had asked her, she played the role of envoy for Hueco Mundo; Halibel accepted it, if it made Nel happy.  The former Tres Espada had more attachments beyond the realm of Hollows.

            “Is it really true?” she asked the Captain Commander, bouncing on her toes.  “I can go to Ichigo now?  He’s awake?  Thank goodness!”

            Kyoraku snickered a little.  “Ichigo-kun has certainly grown a fan club of pretty girls.  He’s not wasting his youth at all, is he?”

            Nel seemed not to hear the comment, giggling to herself.  “Will I be able to go?  I know Reiokyu is off limits, but if Ichigo is awake!  Oh, I want to see him again!  It was so brief last time!  I need to see that he’s alright!”

            “He was just fine when I saw him earlier,” Kyoraku said to ease her anxiety.  He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder; the red shoulder pad.  “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you as well.  Just be sure you and Halibel-san use this.”  He reached into his floral kimono to produce a curious golden disc the size of a small plate.  On it was grafted a cartoony version of Urahara giving the double peace sign.

            Nel accepted it, turned it over, and looked at Kyoraku for an explanation.

            “Different worlds require certain passes,” said Kyoraku.  “That is a mimicry of the Vanderreich’s Gate of the Sun.  For those carrying that disc, you can transport to the Reiokyu directly, without the issue of needing the Oken.  Urahara-tencho made it for just such an occasion.  I suppose he knew loneliness was the most destructive thing to someone with power.”

            For a moment longer, Nel observed the medallion.  She wasn’t sure how it worked, but was sure she could trust a novelty from the eccentric shopkeeper!  She laughed, holding it to her breast.  “I can’t wait to see Ichigo again!”

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ccc Soul Society ccc

            Rukia waited on the sundeck outside the Fourth Captain’s barracks – now an untenanted room.  Behind her, Kiyone – friend and supportive Third Seat of a Squad also bereft of a Captain – wailed.  “I think I did it wrong, Nee-san!”

            “Th-That’s alright!”  Isane pushed in, skirting Kiyone sidelong to amend the issues of less-practiced healing kido.  Kiyone was more of a combatant.  Maybe it was too soon to let her practice on an actual patient, even if it was treatment for a simple case of excessive drinking.  It was now uncertain whether Renji was simply black-out drunk, or comatose from a variant of Shakkaho.  Kiyone’s practice was more medicinal than channeling her reaitsu to heal another person.  She rambled to her sister – healing Renji’s charred face and blown-out hair – that she thought it was like an injection!  Fire the healing reiatsu all at once.

            “It’s fine, Kiyone!” Isane said, trying to hide her panic.  “Just-Just get some water for him!”

            That much, Kiyone could do, and she jumped up rigidly – “Right!” – and hammered her feet around the corner.  “Excuse me, Lieutenant Kuchiki!  I’ll be right back!”  Her footsteps were loud, but receded.

            In spite of the calamity and torment of Renji inside, Rukia couldn’t help but laugh a little to herself.  It was possible.

            It was possible for things to get a little normal.

            But…

            And that dissolved her smile.

            But what about Ichigo?

            Her eyes turned back up to the near-full moon, heavy in its glow, lighting up the Soul Society.

            Really, for Ichigo, there was no normality to return to.  His choice, but he cast away the life he could have had; should have had.

            But – and she could not help but smile fondly in retrospect – she figured he would not have had it any other way.  The hypocrite.  All the resignation when he had first became a Shinigami, reluctant to save even one soul…  Now he’d give up everything to protect everyone.

            “You fool,” she said quietly.

            “hm?  Did you say something, Lieutenant Kuchiki?”

            Rukia lurched, forgetting that she wasn’t alone.  She spun to Isane, whose green Kido was doing a much better job at mending Renji’s face than Kiyone.  “N-No, nothing!  I was just…!”  She stopped herself before she could, in panic, speak a bit too much of her mind out loud.  She sealed her lips and gave the inquisitive Isane a masking grin.  “I was just thinking that Renji shouldn’t drink so much when there’s now so much more to do, now that Ichigo’s awake.”

            Isane’s eyes softened, drifting down before she gave a nod and returned silently to her work.  The healing light hummed amongst the soft cricket in Unohana’s garden.  The atmosphere had grown heavy so quickly, Rukia awkwardly struggling to think of something to say.  No doubt it was hard for Isane to return to the routine of healer, without the guidance of her Captain to rely on.  A hangover was hardly a call for masterclass healing…

            “Th-There’s to be a meeting in the morning,” Isane declared, hooking onto the topic.

            Rukia looked at her, but Isane remained diligently at work.

            “Reiokyu… needs a new guard.  For Reio-sama.”  Though she tried to stay strong, the tall lieutenant balked.  “I suppose I should do my best, to serve Ichigo-san as Captain Unohana would.”

            Rukia felt for her.  So much responsibility, and so quick.

            “Rukia.”

            The low, commanding voice of her brother in approach.  He’d come out of nowhere, walking in from the garden, elegant and royal with his haori shifting in the nightly breeze.  Lieutenant Kotetsu immediately came to attention, forgoing Renji’s recovery, to show the Sixth Squad Captain the esteem deserved of his station.  “G-Good evening, Captain Kuchiki.”

            Byakuya, however, ignored the formalities, addressing his younger sister instead.

            “Y-Yes, Nii-sama!”  He had such a presence over women, with almost foreboding good looks; not that they were enamored, but his aura was stifling.

            “There’s an obligation for the Kuchiki clan, now that Reio-sama has awakened.”

            No doubt there was some waver in him to refer to Ichigo as Reio-sama, but he would not let it show.  That was her Nii-sama: stoic, collected, regal.  Rukia suppressed her gushing and gave a quick nod.  “Of course.  As head of the Kuchiki clan, you’ll be heading up to Reiokyu…”

            “No,” he cut her off.  “I haven’t the time nor patience to teach an unrefined stripling like Kurosaki Ichigo the decorum of his new station.  I am the Captain of the Sixth Squad, member of the Gotei Thirteen.  My duty is to defend the Soul Society, and by extension, the Reiokyu and whomever may reside up there.”

            Rukia did not mind his maneuvering.

            “So as representative of the Kuchiki clan…”  His finger extended to her.  “You will go in my stead.”

            At once, Rukia jumped from the platform, standing stiffly with her arms straight at her side.  “B-But, Nii-sama…!  I am just…!  I cannot represent…!”

            “You are a Kuchiki,” he once again interjected, stilling her objections.  He watched her face tighten; no comment on the proud flush nor the glossiness of her eyes.  “There is no issue with you going instead.”  And then, with his instructions given, he went in a wide turn; every movement pure pageantry and grace!  The two women were awed at how flawlessly his cloak billowed and his hair fluttered.

            “It seems that he still has a tendency to invade where he does not belong.  Ichibe will have his work cut out disciplining that meddlesome boy.”

            He was gone before Rukia or Isane could breathe again.

            And just in time for this diffusion of tension…

            “Nee-san~  I got the water~”  In one arm, the bucket.  The other hand brandished a bottle, Kiyone smiling toothily with mischief.  “And something leftover from Lieutenant Matsumoto~!  hee-hee!”

            Rukia turned red from the prospect of her Third Seat.  “N-Now, Kiyone-san…!”

            Seeing her unease from Byakuya’s appearance, Isane gave a reminiscent smile.  Though a bit awkward herself, she swept away from Renji – naught left to do but let him sleep off the drink – and joined the women on the deck for a calming moonlit drink.

            “I suppose,” she began, setting a hand on Rukia’s shoulder to calm and persuade her, “it wouldn’t hurt to have a little.”

ccc The Living World ccc

            “ah~♥  Thank you all for coming this late at night!  I know you probably want your rest after so much excitement~  Am I coming through clearly?”

            “Yes, we can see and hear you, Urahara-san.  Is something wrong with Ichigo?”  Chad didn’t dally, wanting an update after being in the dark, stuck in the human realm while Soul Society scrambled to mend whatever fissures Yhwach’s power had caused to reality.

            Urahara, sitting in front of the monitors in Reiokyu, Ichibe at his side, fanned the screen.  “No, no, not at all!  Kurosaki-san is perfectly fine, and more than that, he’s awake.  Oh!  But not awake at the moment, I’m assuming.  Reio-sama does need a schedule.”

            Gathered around Kon – the resenting conduit between World connections – were Keigo, Mizuiro, Karin, Yuzu, Chad, and Tatsuki; Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu were less involved, with Jinta complaining about company slowing cleanup.

            The shop owner then tilted, his friendly guise shifting to confusion as he peered amongst the faces.  “Oh, I was expected Riruka-san and Yukio-kun to be present.”

            “Well,” said Chad haltingly, clearly uncomfortable about it, “they’re not the types to come when called.  Yukio said he’d done enough for Shinigami.  And Riruka…”  There was a significant pause, like he was figuring out how to explain it delicately.  “She’s been… moping.”

            Urahara sucked on his teeth and tsked.  “Yes,” he pondered aloud, rubbing the stubble of his chin.  “She was rather upset when she had to be removed from Reiokyu.  Sado-san!  If you can relay this message to them, I’d very much appreciate it!”

            Chad gave a nod with an “mm.”

            “Excellent!” cheered Urahara in his overenthusiastic way.  “I hope they take the news of Ichigo’s recovery well…!”

            As Urahara rambled, Karin dropped her cheek in her hand.  “He sure likes to drag things out.  Why can’t he just tell us what’s going on with Ichi-nii?”

            “He said Onii-chan’s awake,” Yuzu whispered back to her, acting like they were in school, keeping her voice low and her attention to the front.  “Th-That’s good.”  Not that she sounded very convinced of that.  There were still so many things Yuzu didn’t understand about this whole Shinigami business, and even less of the position of Reio in the grand scheme of things.  All she really wanted was to see and talk to her big brother, let him tell her he was all right.

            “That’s enough talking about the people who aren’t here!” exclaimed Tatsuki to end Urahara’s account of some Yukio kid and Riruka brat.  “Tell us what’s happened to Ichigo!  If he’s awake, then why isn’t he back yet?  You said he’s doing fine, didn’t you?  He saved your world, now let him come back to his!”

            Urahara’s tone shifted, head tilting down until only a sliver of a solemn eye could see beyond the brim of his hat.  “I’m afraid it’s not that simple, Arisawa-san.  Something has happened to Ichigo that… complicates his ever returning to the Realm of the Living.”

            There was a unified reaction of shock and horror amongst those gathered, though Yuzu was the first to tear up, becoming a quivering mess of emotion; Karin braced her twin with one arm, furrowed her brow, and snapped at the screen, “What are you trying to say?  You want to keep Ichi-nii over there for yourselves?!”

            The odd voice of reason, Keigo instantly rushed to the front of the group, between them and Urahara; Urahara tried to look over Keigo’s shoulder, losing his seriousness.  “Now, c’mon, everyone, don’t act like that!” jeered Keigo, making a goofy face and pointing behind him.  “These Shinigami people always try to spook us before telling us that there’s a solution.  Isn’t that right~♥  Hat-n-Clogs-oyaji~”

            Urahara’s face faltered somewhat.  “O-Oyaji?”

            “C’mon, out with it~♪”  Keigo swirled a finger teasingly.  “You got some device or some special ticket we can use to see Ichigo whenever we want~  And even him staying over there permanently is barely in the realm of possibilities~  Just like that other old guy in the kimono told us~  You Shinigami sure like your pranks~”

            Awkwardly adjusting his hat, Urahara stuttered, “Well, this would certainly take the fun out of it if it were true… but… I’m afraid, for the foreseeable future, Kurosaki-san is stuck here.  Or rather, he is stuck in a place where you could not reach him by yourselves, even with the soul tickets Kyoraku-san gave you.”

            Now, while Yuzu gave up a wail that made Jinta fall over face first into the box he was carrying – He did not want to hear her cry. – all the others with the exception of Chad mobilized like they were going to affront the screen.  Kon gave a cry of fear, pulling himself back and screaming, “I’m just the messenger!”

            “So it was the plan all along!  To keep Ichigo over there for your own convenience!”  Keigo seethed, and then looked back at Mizuiro, losing his intensity for a moment to look like a whiny child.  “I told you they were like that, Mizuiro!  I was right!”

            Mizuiro gave him a dubious glance.  “This isn’t the time for that.”

            Tatsuki ignored their prattling, focusing her rage solely on the shop owner.  “You’re saying”—She held up the ticket that she kept in her pocket ever since it was handed to her, on the off chance that she was needed in any way to help Ichigo or Orihime—“that these are useless now?!”

            “Now, now,” Urahara tried to shush them with calming hands and smile, “I didn’t say they’re useless.  Kurosaki-san is in a place that you can’t get to easily.  But that’s why I needed to gather you all as quickly as possible.  The truth is… I may have a plan.”  He fixed his hat, only his grin showing on his face.  “One that will alleviate his responsibilities.  So, if you care to see him again, you’ll use that pass to get to Soul Society tomorrow morning, Arisawa-san.  It’s your chance to help him.”

            Tatsuki looked at the ticket, and then at Mizuiro and Keigo; the three of them were befuddled.

            “But be sure to pack for a long stay~♥”  Urahara snapped open his fan.  “It’s likely to take longer than a few days!  Goodbye♥”  With that, the transmission ended, and Kon’s head closed back up.  He pawed his cranium to make sure, and then gave a huge sigh of relief.

            “tch!  That Ichigo, always causing problems for me,” he griped, glaring and folding his arms.  Since when did the King Of Newyork become some glorified cellphone?!

            There was silence in the shop for a moment.

            “What do you guys think?  Can we trust him?” Keigo asked, uncertain about Urahara’s motives.

            “He’s not the most straightforward person,” Karin mumbled while helping sniffling Yuzu to her feet, “but… Ichi-nii always did say he was someone we could trust when there’s trouble.  And after Ichi-nii lost his powers, he helped keep our home protected.”

            Chad concurred with a stiff nod.  “He’s got a lot on his mind.  He can just tell us how it is at the moment.  But trust him.  He’ll do what’s right by Ichigo.”  Steadily, he moved through the group, Karin asking where he was going.  “To tell the others.”  He took one more step before pausing dramatically.  Something to say…  Something weighing on his mind…

            Slowly, he turned around, one eye peering out from behind his shaggy bangs.  “… Would you like to come with me?”

            The others followed his line of sight to Kon, and Kon recoiled defensively.  Quaking, a nervous plushie sweat covering him, Kon thought, This guy’s a weird one!

            “No way!” he ultimately screamed, jumping up, kicking and swinging his stubby arms.  “I wanna be caressed in the big, bouncy bosoms of a woman!  Not crushed against some sweaty, hairy dude who reeks!  Dammit!  Why can’t a pretty lady ever take me home?!”

            “hm…”  Chad turned from the outraged lion.  “That’s too bad…”

            “Dammit!  All of Ichigo’s friends are such weirdos!  Creeps and weirdo-hey!”

            “Yeah, yeah, and you’re one of them,” drawled Karin, grabbing Kon by the foot to carelessly carry him home.  Yuzu, in the meantime, was still sniffling while Jinta tried to force a lollipop into her hand.

            “Y-You can have this,” he got out with difficulty, “if-if you just stop crying!”

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ccc Hoohden ccc

            Oh-Etsu smiled big, all teeth as he watched his cup fill with more of that fine sake from Tenjiro’s stash.  The best didn’t come from the Gatoden!  Kirio was too much about portions and refreshment!  No, the best sake came from time and patience!  And that was what the Hot Spring Demon was best at!  Curating alcohol, seasoned for centuries, stored, brewed, all to perfection at a Soul King level!

            “Yyyess!  To Reio-sama!  Things are about to kick up here, right, honeys?!”

            “Hai~ Oh-Etsu-sama~♥” answered the bountiful ladies of his posturing palace.  They giggled amongst themselves afterwards.  “Ichigo-san became the Reio!”  “He’s so handsome!”  “Do you think he’ll visit us soon?”

            Oh-Etsu knocked back his drink, and then begged for another.  The serving girl happily obliged, for nothing pleased her more than to serve sake from her unending cup.  The powers of an Asauchi were an unending wonder!  Nothing gave them more satisfaction than to be used and aid their partner!

            At the same time, the male Zanpakuto working in the back may have some grievances about being out of sight all the time.

            “To Reio-sama!  May his reign last forever~!”

            “Hai~♥”

            Across from him, arms folded and entirely unamused, Mera watched in utter contempt as the Blade God behaved just like any other day.  “You’ve toasted to Ichigo twenty-six times already tonight.  I’d say it’s time you knock it off and get serious.”

            Oh-Etsu didn’t waste the toast for an instant, drinking in one grateful gulp and sighing loudly.  He then held out the cup for a refill, leering at Mera behind his glasses.  “chan-Ichi has given up quite a bit, Mera-chan.  I’d say the least I could do is drink to his health as much as I can in one night.  Things are going to get flashy in the morning, wouldn’t you say?”

            Mera wouldn’t say anything, instead answering with a stern stare.

            His cup refilled, he didn’t chug it and instead swirled the liquid gracefully.  “And it’s your choice… Mera-chan?”  The drink came up to his lips, but he didn’t drink.  The manner of the drink mattered and hinged on her response.

            She gave the smallest scoff.  “Of course.  He is Reio, and I would be honored, of course.”

            A sly tug at the corner of Oh-Etsu’s mouth.  “Well, guard him well, Mera-chan.”  The cup was raised high overhead.  “To Mera-chan!  And to her pursuit of happiness!”

            “Hai~♥”

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