Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Koruptsucki ( Chapter 10 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

From the simple to the unexpected, this chapter will bear very little resemblance to the canon, in other words, this does not happen in the manga. I'm afraid I lied a little in my last Author's Note, because it suited me and I do not like to be predictable.

 

My muse finally noticed my existence again and kindly decided to assist, after I force fed her some strong coffee.

 

Koruptsucki

 

As Rukia and Renji entered the room, Rukia had to suppress an exclamation of amazement. Sitting opposite her Captain was the orange haired person who had been the subject of some concern for her brother only minutes earlier. Ichigo turned and tried to smile at both of them, but his forehead was creased in concern and the smile appeared more of a grimace then any expression of happiness.

 

“Ichigo, how? Why? When? How the hell did you get here?” Rukia thought she was making the enquiry, but hadn't noticed her lips moving. Then she realised it was Renji who had asked the question.

 

Looking slightly sheepish, Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. “I had to see Captain Ukitake and he'd made arrangements that I could come back, if necessary. I had to talk to him in person before I…, um before I go…. Before I go to Hueco Mundo I want to find out what happened before Orihime left. I refuse to believe she went without being forced and I will not believe it unless she tells me herself.”

 

Rukia had never heard such passion in Ichigo's voice before, nor seen such pain in his eyes as he tried to maintain a grip on his emotions. She watched closely to see if the telltale black crept across his eyes, and, for a second, thought she detected a thread of the colour, but Ichigo blinked and his eyes appeared as normal again.

 

Captain Ukitake looked grave and gestured to some chairs. “Sit down. I think we have much to discuss and I want to be able to concentrate on the ideas and not crane my neck to look at your faces. Have some tea.”

 

There was a pause as they sat down and the Captain poured tea. Ichigo shifted restlessly while the formalities were conducted, obviously wanting to commence the conversation, but reluctant to appear rude.

 

“I'll explain it once more. Miss Inoue had to await the stabilisation of the Dangai passage to your world. We talked while the preparations were being made and she was intent on rejoining you and assisting in the fight against the Arrancar. Intent is a rather soft word for the focus that was evident in her demeanour. She was determined to fight the Arrancar; so determined in fact I almost felt sorry for any she encountered. Two shinigami were detailed to escort her to the human world and they returned, much disorientated with a story that is disjointed, contradictory and confusing. One asserts that Miss Inoue left willingly with the Arrancar after they breached the passageway. The other states that some type of threat was made and the Arrancar attempted to kill them both. The attack knocked him out and when he became conscious once more, Miss Inoue had vanished. They cannot agree on the facts.”

 

The silence was broken only by the sound of cicadas chirping in the gathering darkness outside, as the people in the office reflected on the information.

 

“Rukia, do you remember when I woke up the morning after the last attack, I was healed? I could feel Orihime's reiatsu in my room and I found this in my hand. She must have been in my room, there's no other explanation. I wanted to show it to you, to ask you about it but you were recalled before I could.” Ichigo held out the charm that Jidanbo had given to Orihime; the charm that had forced him to recognise his attachment to the girl who had touched his life.

 

Rukia took the charm from Ichigo, looking at it closely, nodded and then passed it to her Captain. “I know Orihime had this charm. Jidanbo gave it to her in thanks for healing him after the traitor, Ichimaru, cut his arm.” While she watched, her Captain turned the object over in his hands as if curious about its origins. His expression changed from curiosity to something almost like awe, as he looked at it closely.

 

“This is not some ordinary charm; I've read about this somewhere. Now what is it called?” He looked up as he thought, as if the answer would come to him quickly. “I thought it was a legend, but here it is, in my hand.”

 

“I wanted to ask Jidanbo how to use it. I thought if I used it I could prevent Orihime from being taken, I could save her; I want to save her; I have to save her. It's my responsibility to protect her.” The hoarseness in Ichigo's voice revealed the rawness of his pain at his inability to prevent the loss of Orihime.

 

“It wouldn't work that way, Ichigo.” The Captains' voice was solemn and sad as he pronounced the judgment. “This charm is very powerful, so powerful it can control the flow of time for a limited number of people, but it cannot change the universe, which is what you are asking. There are several ways to use the charm, but its use has been corrupted. In most cases people have only used it to repeat an episode in their life over again, and that is not all it can do. I know I have some text somewhere which describes how this may be used and I will find it. Once you have finished with the charm, would you kindly give it to me? I would like to do some further research on it and I wouldn't like it to fall into the hands of the Kurotsuchi or the traitors.” Mentioning the 12th Division Captain seemed to remind Captain Ukitake of some other matter. “Rukia, I have a personal matter I wish to discuss with you.” He seemed to hesitate as he placed the charm on the table.

 

“Did he send you a letter, Kurotsuchi that is, asking for your permission to marry Rukia?” Renji asked the question before Rukia could even open her mouth.

 

Stunned Captain Ukitake stared at Renji. “How did you know? I haven't told anyone as I thought it proper to discuss the matter with Rukia in private.”

 

Flushing slightly and feeling uncomfortable, Rukia summoned the courage to speak. “He sent a similar letter to my brother. I have respectfully asked my brother to convey my regrets and decline the offer. I don't understand why the Captain would seek to marry me.”

 

Ichigo looked from one face to another. “Someone wants to marry you, Rukia? Who? Not Renji?”

 

“Kurotsuchi, the Captain of the 12th Division. Did you meet him? He wears white make-up has a weird sort of beard. He's a creep. I think the Quincy fought him.” Renji explained briefly.

 

“Don't think I met the guy. Do you want to marry him, Rukia?” Ichigo asked the question with a touch of confusion.

 

“That loon? I'd marry Keigo before I'd marry him.” Rukia could not help herself from uttering her dislike of the Captain.

 

“Marry Keigo! Are you nuts? What are you talking about? I thought you liked R….” Ichigo shut his mouth before he inserted his foot into it completely.

 

“Oh, yeah, Captain Ukitake; can I marry Rukia? Her brother said it's okay, but only after Rukia threatened to propose to Captain Zaraki. It was funny.” Renji was casual in his request.

 

Ichigo's eyes bugged out slightly. “What?”

 

Rukia sighed and decided to explain. “Renji asked me to marry him and I agreed. When we went to ask my brother, he'd received the proposal from Captain Kurotsuchi. On hearing Renji ask for my hand in marriage, my brother decided I should accept the offer from Captain Kurotsuchi. I threatened to propose to Captain Zaraki if my brother tried to force me into the other marriage. Eventually, Byakuya agreed that I could marry Renji.”

 

Captain Ukitake was laughing gently at Rukia's explanation. “Propose to my brother Captain Zaraki. What would you have done if he'd accepted?”

 

Rukia blanched at the thought. “I didn't mean it. I respect the Captain, but um... What the hell was I thinking?” She looked at Renji imploringly. “I wouldn't have asked him to marry me, I was desperate. You know I didn't mean it.”

 

Renji picked up one of Rukia's hands and kissed it. “I know.” Turning to the Captain, he demanded, “Well, will you provide your consent?”

 

“Only if I don't have to make a speech at the wedding and you save Miss Inoue before you marry.” The words were stated bluntly as the Captain assumed an air of absolute certainty that they would agree with his ultimatum.

 

The last demand made Rukia gasp. “What are you saying, Captain? Your words convinced the Captain-General that Orihime is a traitor. It would be a direct breach of the standing orders if we attempt to rescue her from the Arrancar and we would be probably branded renegade, maybe even sentenced to execution and I don't want to go through that again.”

 

Captain Ukitake looked at Rukia with humour and raised an eyebrow at her questioningly. “Do you expect me to believe that you won't assist Ichigo in his attempt to rescue your friend? If I give you this as a direct order, the Captain-General will not blame you and I will be held responsible. Unfortunately, Renji, I am not your Captain and cannot give you the same order. You'll need some assistance to find a passage to Hueco Mundo and I think I may be able to help with that, but we still need to work out a few other matters. There is the matter of the charm, the unexpected marriage proposal and how to make it possible for Renji to accompany you on your mission.”

 

“Why do you want to discuss those things?” Renji only thought the last matter was important.

 

“An unexpected proposal of marriage from someone as particular as Captain Kurotsuchi intrigues me. How well do you know the Captain, Rukia?” Captain Ukitake asked the question, no smile visible on face. Instead, he looked perturbed.

 

“I'm not sure I've even talked to him. Maybe once in passing, but I always got the impression he did not find me very interesting. My brother suggested that the Captain wished to ally himself with a noble family as a means of gaining more authority, but it seems a rather peculiar reason. He has a Captain's power and position and until now I thought he was quite happy running his division like a mini-empire.” Rukia spoke thoughtfully; trying to remember any time she had spoken to the Captain in question. She could only remember one or two occasions and the way he'd had looked at her as they spoke, made her belief stronger that he did not seem to really want much contact with her.

 

“Is your brother giving a dowry? Will I get a lot of money for marrying you? That could be a reason.” Renji brightened at the thought of a logical explanation for the proposal.

 

“I don't know. We've never discussed marriage before today, so I couldn't say. Perhaps that's the reason.” Rukia seemed doubtful regarding the suggestion and Renji's face fell slightly. He narrowed his eyes and appeared to be thinking hard.

 

“Who is this guy? What's he do?” Ichigo sounded as if he were becoming interested in helping solve the question regarding the unexpected proposal, possibly because it was a welcome distraction from his bleak thoughts.

 

“He's in charge of research and technology,” Captain Ukitake explained quickly.

 

“Oh,” Ichigo fell silent at the response.

 

“Maybe he's just got the hots for you, Rukia,” Renji said looking at Rukia closely, admiring her well made frame. His eyes lingered on the area below her neck and he flushed slightly, looking away.

 

“It doesn't seem right. Even today when we were in the never-ending meeting, he hardly looked at me, except toward the end. I didn't pay much attention because I was so frustrated at the repeated questions.” Rukia was thinking about the meeting and they way the Captain had looked at her, with some consideration after voicing his disappointment at their inability to capture an Arrancar.

 

“When you say the guy's in charge of research and development, does that mean he took over when Urahara left?” Ichigo was again contributing to the conversation.

 

“Yes, he has that role.” Captain Ukitake smiled gently as he spoke. The smile was a contrast to the worried expression that covered the rest of his face. He seemed to be interested in the questions Ichigo was asking.

 

“Is he any good?” Ichigo appeared to have an idea that he was now following up.

 

“Not as inspired as Urahara, but mostly competent. He doesn't like anyone to interfere with his division or his examinations and he does take his research very seriously.” Captain Ukitake frowned as if he was trying to think of something that was just out of his reach. “Very seriously,” he said again, a speculative look forming in his eyes. He stroked his chin thoughtfully as he looked at something no one else could see.

 

Renji was frowning as he followed the conversation. “He was exasperated that we didn't bring back an Arrancar. I think he wanted to experiment on one. I've heard he likes to do that.”

 

“How could we catch one? Did you see how Captain Hitsugaya reacted when Captain Kurotsuchi insulted him? I thought he might say something reprehensible if the Captain-General hadn't intervened.” Rukia noticed Ichigo was looking confused and took a few minutes to explain about the meeting.

 

Ichigo's mouth quirked into a smile as he listened, but his face became serious very quickly. “Urahara created the thing Aizen took out of your body, didn't he Rukia?”

 

Becoming solemn at the question, Rukia nodded. She was beginning to get an inkling of a possible explanation for the Captain's sudden interest.

 

“Did he leave any plans for the thingamajig? Instructions on how to create it, or use it?” Ichigo persisted in his questions, apparently very interested in trying to obtain as many facts as possible.

 

“Everything related to it was destroyed, either by Urahara or on the orders of the Captains-General. It was considered too dangerous to leave any written record, or electronic copy. The only person who would know how it was created is the man who invented it.” Captain Ukitake was leaning forward, his full attention on the conversation, but he had to pause. Pulling a handkerchief from his sleeve, he coughed for a few minutes.

 

Rukia watched, concern echoing through her brain as the Captain continued to cough, his breath rasping and beads of perspiration forming on his forehead as a tear escaped his eye. There was silence in the room while the three friends observed the Captain carefully; Renji almost ready to leap to his feet to request medical assistance.

 

“I'm alright, really,” the Captain said wiping his face once the coughing fit had finished, noticing the anxious glances from the people facing him. He sipped his tea and quickly poured a fresh cup. “My throat was dry, nothing more.” He sipped more tea, draining his cup dry and poured another cup.

 

Feeling the need for some form of action, and to prevent a further coughing fit, Rukia rose, made a fresh pot of tea then brought it, some water and a soothing tincture to her Captain. She mixed the tincture in the water and indicated to her Captain that she would remain standing over him until he drank it. Realising when he was beaten, Ukitake quickly and gratefully consumed the mixture.

 

“Has the guy talked to Urahara, since he left?” Ichigo asked in a forced casual manner once Rukia had resumed her seat.

 

“I think I see what you are progressing toward, Ichigo. As Rukia's body held the Hyogyoku for two months, even in the protective casing, there may be some residual energy, something that might provide a hint about the device.” Nodding at the idea, Ukitake observed the substitute shinigami who was looking increasingly grave.

 

“I know this may sound strange coming from me, but I don't think the guy is ethical. Uryu explained what Koruptsucky did to his grandfather and the other Quincy's. We know Urahara is bizarre but this other guy is perverted. He'd use any method to get facts.” Ichigo looked toward Rukia as if fearful that she would consent to the marriage.

 

Renji laughed a little. “The Captain's name is Kurotsuchi, but I like your name for him. It suits him.” He became more serious and continued. “You're saying he wants to marry Rukia so he can use her as a guinea pig and do some research on the Hyogyoku.”

 

“Rukia has also been attacked and nearly killed by the Arrancar and healed by Miss Inoue. There is more than one reason that she would be of interest to the good Captain.” Captain Ukitake's voice was so dry, it was almost brittle.

 

“Yeah, and if she died after they were married, what would happen?” Ichigo spoke slowly and seriously, looking at his friend with disquiet. Rukia did not want to hear the answer.

 

“It depends. He'd be sneaky enough to start a rumour that she was sick; contagious even so no one could see her. After he'd finished his experiments, he'd tell everyone she died. I think that's happened before, without the marriage part.” Renji said thoughtfully, looking grim and he grasped one of Rukia's hands in his as if seeking assurance that she was there.

 

As the conversation had continued, Rukia felt her body become more rigid. Now she understood the measuring look she had received at the end of the meeting on their return from the human world. She swallowed, trying to ease the dryness in her mouth but it didn't help. Picking up a cup she gulped the tea within, and almost choked as it became stuck at the lump that had formed in her throat. Gasping, she waited a few minutes until her breath regulated and then swallowed the tea. These facts assured her that she would definitely prefer to marry Keigo or Captain Zaraki, or anyone, now this reason for the unexpected proposal was presented. Before this she had felt a mild disliked for the 12th Division Captain. This conversation had changed that emotion to fear.

 

She had to marry Renji, as soon as possible. Loss of virginity would not dissuade Captain Kurotsuchi from wedding her, even if he was told. It was highly possible if the marriage took place, consummation would not; as that was not his interest. Marriage to an assistant Captain, with the blessing of both her brother and her Captain would present a serious impediment to any further proposals.

 

Turning her attention to the conversation she heard her Captain say: “How do I pen a polite refusal? In the light of this discussion I may play with the truth a little and state that the proposal arrived too late as you had already become betrothed to some one else. It's not exactly accurate, but it will do.”

 

Rukia stretched her face into a smile, an expression she did not feel like wearing at the moment. “Please Captain, write the reply tonight. I don't think I will be able to sleep if this is still unresolved.” Her pleading tone did not go unnoticed.

 

“Don't worry, Rukia. There's no way I'll let that manipulative, evil little sneak get his hands on you. I'll kill him first.” Renji was quick to reassure her. He patted the hand he held reassuringly.

 

“You can't tell me you're scared of this man, are you Rukia? No one will force you to marry him.” Ichigo looked to the Captain for confirmation.

 

“As your Captain, I expressly forbid you to marry the Captain of the 12th Division, Kuchiki.”

 

Rukia started at the unfamiliar use of her surname but then slowly grinned. “If that is your order, sir, then I must obey. I know how much you dislike insubordination and I always respect a superior's orders.”

 

The room broke into laughter at her statement; even Ichigo managed to join in. “Yeah, right Rukia. You're the most obedient shinigami to ever wear sandals.” His tone was mocking.

 

“I'm more obedient than you,” she retorted heatedly. “And Renji,” she added after some thought. She felt a little insulted by the observation.

 

“I don't belong to a division and therefore I report directly to the Captain-General, and your Captain sometimes because he gave me the licence.” Ichigo sounded proud of his lack of division.

 

“So does that make you an honorary member of 13th Division? The fact that you don't have a division might be because no one wants you,” Rukia retaliated. She knew Ichigo was proud of the fact that he was not answerable to a mere Captain.

 

“Now, calm down. As Ichigo is still living in the human world, he cannot be allocated to a division. He works with all of us, equally. But you make a good point. If you are an honorary member of my division, I could also order you to go to rescue Miss Inoue.” Relaxing into the chair, the Captain steepled his fingers together and considered Ichigo. “If I am to be held responsible for Rukia, I may as well be responsible for you.”

 

Rukia looked at her Captain, again admiring his poise and logical though processes. “That only leaves Renji.” More than anything she wanted Renji to be protected from any strife that would ensure as a result of this insane mission; if they managed to return alive.

 

“If you don't mind, I will appeal to Captain Kuchiki and request that I be permitted to borrow Renji for a short time. I have been without an assistant Captain for some years and could claim that I require extra assistance while I continue my textual research into Aizen's plans. To further back this up, I could state that I need the assistant Captain to support Rukia in her training of our division for the coming battle, especially as you are skilled at kido, have achieved bankai, and both of you now have experience with the Arrancar.”

 

Rukia felt her mouth fall open and heard Renji snort as the plan was unveiled. “That's brilliant, Sir. But my brother may reject the claim stating that he also needs Renji's knowledge of the Arrancar to formulate an attack and defence plan.”

 

“True, but I will appeal directly to the Captain-General. I will send him a message now, and the message to your rejected suitor,” his eyes twinkled briefly as he looked at Rukia. “Now that's sorted out, I would like to again turn my attention to this charm.” Picking it up, he turned it over in his hands. “As I thought, there is writing, very small and worn. If it is the charm I believe it to be, I am unsure if I should allow you to take it with you.”

 

“Orihime gave it to me and I'm keeping it until I get her back. No offence, Captain, but for now, the charm is mine and it will stay with me. Every time I look at it, I can remember seeing Orihime wear it around her neck.” Ichigo paused and took a deep breath. “When I've finished with it, I will give it to you;, but can you explain a little more about its powers? Could I use it to help me?”

 

“Mostly it has been called Kurikaesu the Repeat Charm, but that is not its real name. I did read the name once, but for the moment, I can't recall what it is. Strangely enough the charm was created by fusing two different types of spiritual energy and adding a little human alchemy. It's powerful magic indeed.” Ukitake seemed to be lost in thought and Rukia waited for him to continue.

 

Ichigo was looking very interested in the facts being provided. For a few minutes there was silence and then, obviously feeling impatient, he prompted the Captain. “And?”

 

The Captain started at the sound of the voice in the quiet room, “And the spiritual power was obtained from both the reiatsu of shinigami and hollow.” He waited for the collective gasp to subside before he continued. “I have mentioned that the charm is old, and it dates back to the time before the Seireitei was founded. There was little control over the way magic charms were constructed and while there were people within Soul Society who used kido to battle hollows, the efforts were not unified. Who made the charm, I cannot disclose.”

 

“Why can't you tell us, Captain?” Rukia was very interested in finding out the identity of the creator of the charm.

 

“I have my theories, but that is all they are. If I provide you with incorrect information then I will culpable. The identity of the creator is not important at the moment and I do not wish to discuss the matter further.”

 

Again there was quiet in the room as the three friends observed the Captain, each one waiting for one of the others to persist in asking the questions.

 

“Why don't you?” Ichigo was the first to break.

 

A slight look of impatient worry crossed the face of the Captain. “It doesn't seem relevant.”

 

“Is the person who made the charm still alive?” Renji joined in the request for further facts.

 

Captain Ukitake seemed to be biting the inside of his cheek as Rukia watched his reaction to the question. “The person who created the charm is no longer with us,” was his careful reply.

 

Thinking about the remark, Rukia realised it did not provide an answer. It was an ambiguous remark and could mean the person was dead, or no longer in either Soul Society or the Seireitei. She wanted to pursue the topic, but did not wish to be disrespectful to her Captain, nevertheless before she could prevent herself, her voice was asking, “But is the person who created the charm dead?”

 

Her Captain gave her a stony look and pressed his lips together very briefly, seemingly unprepared to answer the question. “As far as I know, the person who created the charm is still alive in one form or another. I do not wish to discuss the matter further,” was the very reluctant response.

 

“I don't understand. No longer with us, but still alive?” Ichigo's eyes were fixed steadily on the Captain, as his hands clutched at the arms of the chair.

 

“I think he means the person may either be in the human world or is one of the traitors. Is that right, Captain?” Rukia asked the question with as much respect as she could display.

 

“Not one of the traitors,” Captain Ukitake said briefly.

 

“With that sort of logic, the person might even be a hollow or an Arrancar.” Renji's face was thoughtful as he made the observation.

 

`Or even Urahara,” Ichigo watched the Captain as he mentioned the name of the shopkeeper. The Captain did not react to his name, but that didn't mean anything.

 

“As I said before, it is unimportant who created the charm. The powers are important. I wonder if one of the reasons Aizen abducted Miss Inoue was because he believed the charm would be in her possession. When I looked into the records, I noticed he had accessed the file which contained some data on the charm, but he did not have access to my library which contains more information. There are still some things that can be found only in books.” A small self-righteous smile crossed Captain Ukitake's face.

 

“Well, tell me more about the powers and the real name of the charm. If it can help me save Orihime, I'll use it. I don't care if it has a bad effect on me, or reduces my life or even kills me. I've got to save her.” Ichigo's voice was strong but sounded a little shaky as he spoke.

 

Rukia looked at him. He was not coping well with the guilt he was feeling. A tinge of black did cross his eye and for a moment she was concerned that he would be defeated by the hollow, but he seemed to rally quickly and his eyes returned to normal. Watching Ichigo, she suddenly remembered her promise to her brother. Looking at the time, she realised her hour had expired. “I've got to go. I promised my brother I would only be gone an hour and I'm late.” She rose to her feet. “I apologise, Captain.”

 

“Will you escort her home, Renji? I would like to be assured that she arrives home safely. Ichigo, if you return tomorrow I will be able to provide the information you have requested. If you leave the charm with me, it will make my research easier.” The statement rang true, but Ichigo was already retrieving the charm and held it tightly in his hand.

 

“No, I'll bring it back tomorrow. Thanks, Ukitake.” He tried to smile, but again the smile was more like a grimace.

 

Leaving the office together, Renji placed a hand on Ichigo's arm. “We'll get her back. I'm sure she's safe.”

 

“I don't want to wait another day; I want to go now. Waiting won't make it any easier. Orihime's probably scared and unhappy.” Ichigo frowned, nodded at them both and left abruptly, walking toward the passageway home.

 

“I hope he doesn't do anything stupid,” Rukia voiced her wish aloud. She knew it was a faint hope.

 

“You're hoping Ichigo won't do anything stupid? In what alternate reality? I think we better be ready to leave tomorrow.” Renji seemed unworried at the thought.

 

“Damn. I would really like to know more about the charm,” Rukia bit her lip in frustration as she thought about the possible powers it might hold.

 

“Why don't you talk to your Captain before we leave? Get the information? Come on, walk faster, or do you want me to carry you?” Renji increased his pace as they walked toward her home.

 

“Only if you carry me to your bed,” Rukia said under her breath.

 

 

Author's Note:

 

The title of this chapter is, of course, a play on Kurotsuchi's name which Ichigo creates to make it sound like `corrupt sucky'. When I wrote in the last chapter that Rukia has received an unexpected marriage proposal, this was the basis. It seemed likely that Kurotsuchi would be interested in finding any information about the Hyogyoku. Whether there would have been any residue of the Hyogyoku in her body is a moot point.

 

The charm is making another appearance. Those of you who have read Orihime's Groundhog Day (OGD) will remember the charm and how it could affect the flow of time for a limited number of people. Any charm that could do that would be pretty powerful.

 

I know I haven't revealed the full power, or the creator of the charm, but that would make it too easy, wouldn't it? *evil smile*. I've hinted, but for now, that is all I will do.

 

Please review.

 

MS