Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Daydreams Come True ❯ Ikkaku Madarame ( Chapter 16 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

Ikkaku Madarame

 

“What are we supposed to be looking for?” Yumichika asked for the seventh time.

 

Madarame and Yumichika were standing on a rooftop in Seireitei, not doing very much. They were both unwilling to do very much. The night had been too long already. The sun was rising and they had not slept. Madarame looked at the horizon. It had been some time since he had witnessed a sunrise. It was pretty, but unimportant.

 

“Intruders or an intruder. You heard the announcement, in fact you told me about it, because I was asleep. Why are you asking me? Maybe giant cockroaches invaded the baths. Or a feather drifted past the gate. Or someone is playing a joke. Or the Captain-General wanted us to have a test run to see how we will react when we are invaded. Or the ryoka found another way in. How do I know? It's an emergency. Want to get something to eat?”

 

“You're not taking the emergency very seriously, Ikkaku.” Yumichika yawned, covering his mouth prettily with his hand. His eyelids fluttered as he yawned and stretched.

 

“Neither are you. I bet our Captain is having fun, running around looking for intruders, but I don't know if he'd believe it, either. We haven't managed to find him to ask. I know he's looking for someone new to fight. I get the feeling he's getting bored. None of the other Captains will accept his challenges. You know he recently tried to fight Captain Kuchiki, but Captain Ichimaru stopped him. I think our Captain would like to fight both of them now, but they've both refused. Yeah, the Captain needs someone new to fight. I'm scared of how he's going to treat the next batch of graduates from the academy. The 4th Division are threatening not to heal more than five 11th Division shinigami a day; at least Iemura said that to me. I think he's scared of me, `cause he was shaking as he talked to me. If these ryoka don't manage to get into Seireitei, I think our Captain may just go through a gate to find them. Don't know how the Captain-General will react to that. Not that it matters.” Madarame was rubbing his head tiredly. “I think I need to take a rest. We've been up all night. Haven't had much sleep recently. All the alarms and other stuff.”

 

“I think it's the other stuff that the problem, not the alarms. Drink more water and less sake. You need more sleep. You are looking less attractive because of the lack of sleep.” Yumichika looked at his friend appraisingly as if considering his appearance. “Your eyes look tired. If you're not careful you'll get crow's feet. And you squint too much in the sunlight.”

 

“We've been up all night. Of course I look tired. What the hell are you talking about?” Madarame punched his friend in the shoulder. “I'm looking less attractive. To whom? To you? Do you think I care? Crow's feet? You come out with rubbish sometimes. I'm here as a fighter, not to match your ideas of beauty. How many times have we had this conversation? I don't want to talk about it again.” He drew his brows together in a frown and scowled at his friend. Ideals of beauty were unimportant to him.

 

“Scowling and frowning are not attractive either. You should listen to me. I do know what I'm talking about.” Yumichika pouted prettily at Madarame.

 

“Can that. Are you hungry? We've been running around for hours and found nothing. I want some breakfast. Will you come, or will I go by myself? You might want to freshen up. You've got some dirt on your face.” Madarame said the last sentence intentionally. There was no dirt on Yumichika's face. If he thought there was, he would try to find a mirror and water.

 

Yumichika quickly drew a small mirror from the sleeve of his shirt and examined his face worriedly. “Why didn't you tell me before? You know I always want to look my best. I can't see any dirt. Where's the dirt?” After a few more minutes of gazing intently at his reflection, he replaced his mirror. Putting his hands on his hips he stared hard at his friend.

 

Madarame smiled at him, baring his teeth. He waited for the explosion he knew was coming. It always amused him to bait Yumichika. He was never sure what the reaction would be. This time it would be anger, but sometimes he was surprised by Yumichika's laughter.

 

“There was no dirt, was there? You're just trying to persuade me to go to a tea house because you're bored. It's an emergency and you're bored already. You've done this before.” The eyes gleamed with anger as they surveyed Madarame.

 

“But think of your complexion. You need to drink water to keep your skin hyderated, don't you? I know you've mentioned it before. We've been searching all night and you haven't had any water in all that time.” Maybe this reminder would provide more weight to his request. If Yumichika did not agree soon, Madarame would just leave him and eat alone. He preferred company when he ate. Running around in pursuit of invisible invaders was no fun. The conversation was not much fun either. Madarame yawned and did not cover his mouth.

 

“You've got bad manners. At least I covered my mouth. You can be so coarse.” Again taking out his mirror, Yumichika considered his reflection for a few more seconds. “You're correct. I do need some water. The word is hydrated, not hyderated and you should know that if you actually listened to me instead of permitting anything and everything to sidetrack your attention. Okay. Let's go eat, if you're that hungry.” He looked at the sky as if considering if it would rain. A few seconds passed before he made an amendment to his acceptance. “You can pay as it's your idea.”

 

Grumbling slightly, Madarame led the way to a small, tea house situated nearby. It appeared clean. Because of the emergency, it was deserted. He was pleased that no one was there to observe his dereliction from duty. Running around with no direction seemed stupid to him. Normally he'd be following his Captain, but he didn't know where he was. He'd been in an emergency meeting when the alarm sounded. Two emergencies so close to each other. It was suspicious.

 

If Yachiru was with Captain Zaraki, he'd probably be lost for some time. He should never listen to her directions. She would always make the wrong choice. Did she do it on purpose? He remembered hearing her chuckle once when he was with them and she'd steered the Captain into another dead end.

 

Sitting down on one of the low chairs, he quickly ordered tea, water, rice, soup, spicy tofu and vegetables. The table was clean, the chairs were comfortable and the waiter did not appear stupid. The tea house was plain, mostly unadorned. There was little in the way of decoration except for a battered shield and jagged dagger hanging on the wall and an aged scroll of poetry on the facing wall fluttered in the breeze from the window. It was as good a place as any to pass the time. The tea, quickly delivered, was hot and fragrant. Madarame sipped it approvingly. He'd been thirsty.

 

“No meat? I thought you normally had meat. I was looking forward to eating meat, or some fish.” Yumichika pouted slightly at his friend as he sipped his tea. He'd already drunk a large amount of water. He dabbed at his lips after sipping the tea.

 

“If we have to keep running around, meat would be a bad idea. I want something easily digested; otherwise I'll be uncomfortable if I have to run. If I have to fight, I want to be awake, not sleepy after a large meal. You were the one who told me that too much meat was a bad idea in the first place.” Creasing his forehead, he observed Yumichika quizzically. He was sure it had been his friend who had told him that only recently. He wasn't imagining the conversation, was he?

 

Smiling guiltily Yumichika admitted, “Yeah, I did tell you that, but I'm hungry too. I thought since you were so insistent on eating you might order meat. It would give us more excuse to stay here as the meat would take longer to cook.”

 

Madarame nodded slightly. This happened too often. Yumichika would pretend to be reluctant to eat and only gained enthusiasm once he'd coerced Madarame into paying. It usually evened out some way as Yumichika would often pay even after he'd made Madarame agreed to pay. He stated that it was the principal that mattered. If it was Madarame's idea he should accept that it was at his expense.

 

Gesturing to the waiter, Madarame requested an omelette in addition to the rest of the order. “Will that suit you? Eggs provide energy. They don't make me slow.” He smiled slowly awaiting his friends' reaction. He knew Yumichika loved omelettes, not as much as he loved meat, but very close.

 

“If that's all you're prepared to compromise, I suppose it will have to do.” Yumichika's words did not sound pleased, but his face expressed his satisfaction at the addition to the meal. “I'll pay this time as you are being moderate. I still regret the meat. Do you want some sake?” Yumichika smiled slyly at his friend. Madarame didn't often refuse the offer of an alcoholic beverage.

 

“Not this early in the morning after running around all night. I need to be awake. Maybe later.” He paused as he remembered something mentioned earlier. Wanting confirmation he asked, “Are there even ryoka in Soul Society? Have you heard?” Madarame had not heard all the gossip and speculation. He'd been busy, sleeping when all the events had taken place. If he had the choice, he'd still be sleeping.

 

“Didn't you feel the passageway open? I heard that Ichimaru actually fought one of the ryoka, but didn't kill him.” Yumichika's eyes gleamed as he updated his friend. He was smiling gleefully as he spoke, obviously enjoying the gossip. “Ichimaru was being interrogated by the other Captain's for the reason he didn't kill the ryoka. I wish I'd been there to hear what was said. They were still asking questions when the alarm went off. I heard that this ryoka defeated Jidanbo. One person told me the ryoka is really big with orange hair and a bad attitude. He's almost as tall as Jidanbo and as wide as the gate. He nearly beat Captain Ichimaru and then hurt Jidanbo. At least that's one story. Another one I heard was that the Captain hurt Jidanbo and the ryoka he fought is only a kid with orange hair and a big zanpaku-to. I'm not sure which story I believe. Do you think he came here to join 11th Division? Why would ryoka try to invade Seireitei? Do they think we have treasure or something?” Yumichika seemed interested in the rumours. It had been a long time since there were ryoka. A very long time since there were new trials for them to face. There didn't seem enough hollows to go around whenever they were allowed to enter the human world to fight them.

 

Madarame remembered the last time he'd gone to the human world. It was true he'd gotten into a few fights, been drunk a few times and had delayed his return, but he'd defeated many hollows. It had been a lot of fun. He grinned at the memory. Women, food, fighting, sake, what more could he want?

 

In contrast, Seireitei seemed a little tame. Nothing was going on here. No real intrigues, just lots of gossip and the occasional fight. Like his Captain, Madarame was a little bored. There wasn't enough fighting. He sometimes feared he might be losing his edge. It was true he was comfortable, but he'd prefer comfort with a little more excitement. At least he was lucky in his Captain. Captain Zaraki was not boring and genteel like Captain Aizen, or a complete weirdo like Captain Kurotsuchi. He'd puke if he'd have to serve under one of them. They were nothing. The 11th Division was the only division which he was prepared to join. To join another was to admit defeat, that you were not worthy to join the elite. He sometimes wondered what drove a person to join 4th Division. Yumichika constantly mentioned how unattractive he found the number when written down, but in addition to that, medicine and garbage disposal? What a combination. While thinking about it, Madarame admitted at least most of 4th Division looked relatively normal. Not like the freaks that populated 12th Division.

 

The food arrived and Madarame was pleasantly surprised. The vegetables dish contained more than three varieties of vegetables. They were not over seasoned, bland or overcooked. With his rice bowl full, he decided to eat leisurely. As soon as they finished eating, there would be no excuse to remain sitting. Not that there was any excuse to be eating, but he could always argue that they had expended a great amount of energy and needed to eat in order that they could continue searching. It sounded reasonable, if not convincing. He ordered more tea and rice.

 

He ate slowly, savouring each mouthful but did not touch the omelette. That was for Yumichika who had served himself a large portion. Madarame contented himself with the vegetables, spicy tofu and rice. The crunchy texture of the vegetables was satisfying between his teeth and the soft texture of the rice and spiciness of the sauce of the tofu provided an interesting contrast. He hoped the vitamins would do something to dispel the minor hangover he was experiencing. It was possible Yumichika was correct. Maybe he should stop drinking so much. Not because of the crows feet or other stupid comments. He did not enjoy the hangovers that resulted from participating in so many drinking competitions. He blamed boredom for both. If only something happened every so often that would make him interested in the events around him. The politics and game playing annoyed him. He knew Captain Zaraki became frustrated at the increasing pressure to play the stupid political games. What was the point? To make someone else feel superior? It was all garbage.

 

Yumichika ate quickly, but delicately. No crumbs or particles of food were allowed to remain near his mouth. Nothing was allowed to fall and stain his uniform. Madarame smiled as he watched his friend eat. He'd mocked him many times about his fastidious table manners. Yumichika had retaliated by pointing out some of the habits he found disgusting when Madarame was eating. Sometimes Madarame would deliberately annoy his friend by eating with his mouth open. It depended how much he wanted to irritate him. In reality, he hated watching people eat with their mouths open. He thought it was nauseating to see the half masticated food churning around in someone's mouth, but the fun in repelling Yumichika more than made up for his aversion. Today, he decided not to play that particular game. He'd pick his teeth later. That always riled Yumichika. Or he'd slurp his tea loudly.

 

Thinking about it further, Madarame decided not to do anything to annoy Yumichika. If he did, it was likely his friend might decide to become earnest in seeking out the intruders, or at least give the appearance of being in earnest. Instead of skulking around, avoiding being deployed, they'd be found and given an area to search. That would mean work and pretence. He served the last of the rice and vegetables as Yumichika poured more tea. They had talked little as they ate, but he knew his friend was thinking of something he'd mention later. As long as it wasn't about imaginary giant ryoka or crow's feet.

 

Deciding he didn't wish to move just yet, another pot of tea was ordered and slowly consumed with the soup.

 

“We really should go and join the search; otherwise someone will notice we're missing.” Yumichika was finally voicing his thoughts.

 

“Nope. I'll only do that if I can find our Captain. Otherwise we might end up trailing behind some loser, like the kid or helmet head. Neither of them have a sense of humour and I've yet to see helmet head crack a smile.” Madarame was not even slightly tempted by the suggestion. He'd prefer to go home to bed.

 

“Of course you haven't seen him crack a smile. He wears a hel… Oh, yeah. You're non sense of humour again. Ha ha. Very unfunny. When will you make a joke I can really enjoy?” Yumichika pulled his brows together and pursed his lips as he looked at his friend. A cloud passed over the sun, momentarily throwing a shadow over his eyes.

 

“When you finally develop a sense of humour. We'd better be on our way. Keep moving, so we won't be found.” He gestured for the bill and Yumichika paid as he had promised. They wiped their hands on the wet towels provided by the waiter.

 

A few minutes later and they were back on the rooftops of Seireitei trying to work out which direction they should take.

 

“Let's go back to 11th Division. At least that way we can see if the Captain has returned.” Madarame believed that this was the best option. If the Captain wasn't there, he could slip off to bed if he was quick. A long sleep would be welcome. He did not expect there would be anymore alarms today. The last alarm must have been a mistake, or a prank.

 

Yumichika was quiet as if considering his answer. His eyes were on the sky. Suddenly he appeared vigilant and pointed. “Look. There.”

 

A loud noise assailed Madarame's ears and he looked in the direction that his friend was pointing. Something was streaking through the sky toward the Shakonmaku. It was hard to distinguish its shape, but it looked a little like a comet with a tail, but comets were not normally seen during the daytime, and they were not this small. The object in the sky was making the noise as it descended.

 

“Hey, do you think it's possible the intruders are finally arriving? I wonder if that thing contains the giant cockroaches you mentioned.” Yumichika was staring at the object shooting through the sky.

 

“It better not be cockroaches. I wonder if it will burn up before it hits the soul shield membrane. Let's track it. At last something interesting is happening.” Madarame smiled widely at the sight. This could mean the beginning of something, or nothing.

 

The object descended closer and then hit. Both shinigami gasped at the impact and watched closely as it split into four parts.

 

“Yumichika, one of the parts seems to be falling in our direction. Let's get a little closer.” Madarame was anxious to be the first to see what was descending at such speed into Seireitei. They ran across the rooftops and waited as the object crashed to the ground.

 

Madarame rubbed his eyes as two ryoka stood in the pit of sand where they landed. Two ryoka! He smiled at his friend who returned a smile. They were in luck. No one else was there to take the fight or the glory. Madarame looked at both of them, assessing which one he wanted to fight as he did the lucky dance. It was a relief when the ugly guy ran off and Yumichika followed. Now, he could concentrate on the one dressed like a shinigami.

 

The first few preparatory strikes against the kid startled Madarame. He was good. Maybe this was the guy who had fought against Ichimaru. He had the orange hair Yumichika had mentioned. His zanpaku-to was large too, ridiculously so.

 

As the battle progressed Madarame began to feel uncertain. The kid managed to cut him while executing a move he hadn't expected. When the kid admitted that Kisuke Urahara had trained him, Madarame almost felt like cheering. A challenge at last! He'd heard about Urahara's prowess as a fighter and often wished he'd had a chance to watch him fight, or even fight against him. Ichigo was a novice, or acted like a novice sometimes, but fighting him would pass the time. That he was actually partially trained and a student of Urahara's was a bonus. Fighting the kid was better than skulking around.

 

As he continued to fight, Madarame began to experience some concern. Changing the form of his zanpaku-to had some effect, but the ryoka seemed to be able to adapt to his moves quickly. If he had been taught by Urahara for only 10 days he must have natural abilities. Or the former Captain was a great teacher. Madarame was beginning to sweat. He was still enjoying the fight, but his certainty was ebbing.

 

Changing the form of the zanpaku-to to the bladed sansetsukon was almost a sign of desperation. The boy wouldn't know that, but Madarame knew. Usually he defeated his opponents with the spear, but not this time. Even that change did not succeed. He battled hard, using all his skills, refusing to hold back. He would beat this boy, he would not admit defeat. The 11th Division did not permit cowards to stay within its ranks. In the final minutes of the battle he thought he had won. Ichigo was wounded, but wouldn't quit. Madarame approved. To quit a battle was a loss of pride and honour. He would not quit. One thing he noticed was the increase in Ichigo's reiatsu as the boy fought him. He'd never experienced that while engaged in combat.

 

From starting the battle with the knowledge that he should win, to suffering a profound loss was humiliating. How could he have lost so quickly and completely? Unconsciousness was preferable to the recognition of his inability to beat the ryoka.

 

When he recovered consciousness the kid was still there, wanting information. What he wanted with the prisoner, Madarame didn't know, or care. He didn't know her and despised the noble families who lorded it over the other shinigami. The Captain of the 6th had insulted Captain Zaraki, something Madarame would not forget. It was the work of a moment to impart the information. That was partial payback, plus it was information he could pass to his Captain. He knew something no other person did; the reason for the invasion of Seireitei.

 

The shame of being defeated and not dead reminded him of another battle he'd failed to win. That fight had resulted in him becoming a shinigami instead of wasting his time in Soul Society. It was the earlier fight that introduced him to his Captain and in Zaraki he had found someone he could admire. His strength and abilities had impressed him more than he could express. Admiration did not come easily to Madarame. Kenpachi Zaraki had refused to kill him, just as the kid had refused to kill him.

 

After Ichigo left, Madarame waited. The wounds he'd reopened were bleeding. There was pain, but to admit it was weak. The reason he was not moving was because of the wounds, not because moving hurt. He'd fought on through greater pain in the past. Lying comes easy when it's used to recover lost pride. He knew people would be there soon if they had been tracking where the fragments fell. As he waited, he wondered if he wanted to be taken to 4th Division. If only he could be certain that Captain Zaraki would visit him. The Captain would be interested in combating Ichigo. He shut his eyes as he heard people approaching. If he appeared to be unconscious he wouldn't have to answer any questions.

 

“Hey, isn't that Ikkaku Madarame from 11th Division? He looks injured. I wonder how that happened. Ikkaku, wake up,” a voice urged.

 

Madarame did not respond. He felt distant from his body and the voice seemed to be fading into a void. “Great. First I pretend to be unconscious. Next thing I am,' he thought blearily as his mind was overtaken by the dark oblivion.

 

When he awoke next he was lying in a bed. Looking down he noticed his wounds were bound and blood was no longer oozing from the cuts. Smiling wryly he remembered the plans to sneak off and sleep. Now he had a valid reason to be asleep, he wanted to be awake. Talking to his Captain was his intention.

 

He asked a nurse what was happening, had all the ryoka been caught, but she would tell him nothing.

 

“You should be concentrating on recovering. What is happening outside is none of your concern. It is not a good idea to become overexcited in your state of health. Rest now and I'll bring you some broth later. Don't ask me any more questions. We're very busy and I haven't time to talk to you. Anything that happens outside the 4th company relief station is none of my affair,” was her response as he asked his question again.

 

Pretty girl, the nurse, but stubborn. The realisation struck him that there was no point in questioning her further. Either she didn't know or didn't care. The nurse left the room after reminding him to remain still. She didn't wish to bind his wounds again.

 

Closing his eyes, he wondered how Yumichika was faring and if he would visit him soon. He was sure his friend had defeated the other guy. After all, Ichigo had admitted he was the strongest of the invaders. The ugly guy would be easy to beat. Madarame relaxed in the clean sheets of the bed and enjoyed the unfamiliar sensation of just being immobile. There was nothing else he could do. He didn't wish to be scolded by the nurse again. Drifting back to sleep he wondered why Ichigo was interested in the prisoner.

 

A hand slapped his face, shocking him awake. What was happening? Where was he? As he groggily opened his eyes he saw the unwelcome visage of Kurotsuchi looking at him. The Captain noticed his eyes opening and immediately started a barrage of questions about how he obtained his injuries.

 

“Who fought you? How come you survived? Are you a coward, scared of death? Describe your attacker.” One demand for answers swiftly followed another. The Captain had a lot of questions.

 

Madarame felt no inclination to answer. Why should he? This guy was not his Captain. He didn't even rate as a Captain in Madarame's opinion. At first he'd disliked the man because Zaraki held him in contempt. Now he was developing a healthy independent hatred. The threats, the display of power from the 12th Division Captain left him cold. So, he could make a hole in the wall! Big deal. If he was well, Madarame could make a hole in his skull.

 

Responding to the questions, he lied. He refused to look at the Captain as he replied. Seeing that face made his gorge rise. Why should he give this person information? It would be of no benefit. Why was the Captain there? Why did he want this information? What did he plan to do? He was almost prepared to accept death rather than talk to him, but he did not wish to die at the hands of a man he disliked so much, without at least fighting him. The Captain was ignoring the nurse and his Assistant Captain, intent as he was on obtaining information at any cost.

 

His ears picked up the familiar footsteps of his Captain. Kurotsuchi did not hear him approach intent as he was on his own interests.

 

Madarame almost laughed at reaction of the 12th Divisions Captain to the arrival of Captain Zaraki. Seeing his Captain tower over the other Captain was heartening. It was comical how quickly Kurotsuchi left. It reinforced the idea he'd been forming that the Captain was a coward, picking on the weak and unprotected. The way he treated his Assistant Captain was contemptible. Poor girl took it without complaint. It seemed wrong.

 

With a sense of relief Madarame told his Captain about the fight. The relief was mixed with a sense of unrest. Ichimaru had defeated the boy without killing him. He'd been defeated by the boy who had refused to kill him. Did that mean his abilities were less than the Captain of the 3rd Division?

 

Madarame admitted his loss. The words soured his mouth. He experienced no fear that his Captain would be disappointed, or treat him any differently, but in his own eyes he had failed. The abilities the boy had displayed were formidable, but he was a kid, not a real shinigami. It was not possible he had attended the academy or had the correct training. The only thing that lightened his mood was that the Captain showed an interest in fighting Ichigo. The smile that lit his Captain's face said more than words. The smile was reflected by Yachiru who was always happy when her Captain was happy. A new challenge always pleased the Captain. Zaraki knew the destination the ryoka were heading.

 

Madarame relaxed again. He would live to fight another day. One day he would get even with the white-faced freak. There were many ways, but wouldn't turning his Assistant Captain against him be one way? Maybe he could enlist Yumichika in the plan. The girl, Nemu, was pretty enough and might even be pretty enough for his fastidious friend. They'd look good together. It might provide her with some joy in her unhappy life. Turning her against her `father' would be something to pass the time. He'd think about it later, form a plan.

 

Smiling to himself after his Captain left, Madarame wondered when his Captain would meet up with Ichigo. Watching those two battle against each other was something he wanted to witness. There was no doubt in his mind that his Captain would win, but the fight would be spectacular.

 

Author's Note:

 

Now the requisite hint for the next featured character. Logically it should be Yumichika, or Ganju. Or maybe Uryu. Orihime? But when have I allowed logic to dictate the choice? Kon? My hero, Zaraki? Ichigo. (Again???? So soon?) I've just had a really random idea. Okay, think random. Does that make it any easier? It will not feature a giant cockroach (shades of Kafka). That would just be wrong and not canon.

 

Thank you to yuwa, again, who reviewed the last chapter:

 

Please review.

 

MS