Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Revelation and Elevation ( Chapter 11 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

I know it has been over a month since I updated this story. (Stands straight, puts hands behind back, looks forward bravely, then falls to the ground, crouches in foetal position, while covering head.) I'm sorry. I apologise and will try to update more regularly. Now if I can find some way to make money without going to work…..

 

Reasons abound, but you don't want to hear them, aside from the fact that my muse became distracted and kept trying to make me write smit, I mean smot, or do I mean smut? I resisted. (Yes, I know some of you would like that, but while my muse may be obsessed, I am trying to…oh, forget it. You won't believe me anyway.)

 

Revelation and Elevation

 

Collected as evidence by Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

These are the transcribed notes of telephone conversations between Captain Ukitake and three people on this day XXXXXX. I only managed to record the Captain's half of the conversation.

 

First conversation between the Captain-General and Captain Ukitake

 

“Hello, Captain Ukitake here. Sir, yes, of course, I have time to talk to you. How may I help?”

 

“Yes, the deputy, Ichigo, was here earlier and he does intend to rescue his friend from the Arrancar. I must agree that there is little chance of trying to dissuade him.”

 

“Oh, um yes. They were here also, asking for permission to marry and they did talk to Ichigo. As to the other question, I prefer not to comment.”

 

“I'm sorry, Captain-General. I don't think I heard you correctly.”

 

“You know? But earlier you forbade them from going to the Arrancar stronghold and assisting the deputy. I remember it clearly.”

 

“I see, if we send them, they may cause a disruption and make Aizen less able to prepare for the attack. Will that work? There will only be the three of them?”

 

“The Quincy and Sado are going also? That changes matters. I know their powers are great, but won't they be at a massive disadvantage? It will mean only five against twenty Espada, not to mention the other Hollows and Arrancar. What about Captain Kuchiki? He will not be pleased if his sister enters into this dangerous mission.”

 

“You've already spoken to him? You've directed him to assist and he agreed? Of course he did. You are the Commander, and no one would dare question….”

 

“Yes, I did protest against Rukia's execution and took action, but it wasn't directed against you, Sir. That would be incorrect. I thought a mistake had been made and unfortunately my response was in direct violation of your orders. I apologise for questioning your decision. We were all misled by the traitors. I'm pleased that all was explained before matters deteriorated further. My respect and admiration for you remains unchanged.”

 

“Yes, Sir. I will cease the sickening praise and grovelling. I thought it was appropriate, but if you do not enjoy it, I will stop. What action do you wish me to take?”

 

“Yes, Sir. I will request that Captain Kuchiki set up the Senkaimon for Rukia and Renji to travel to the human world tomorrow. Thank you Captain-General. Good-bye.

 

 

Second Conversation between Captain Kuchiki and Captain Ukitake

 

“Hello. Captain Kuchiki?” How nice to hear from you.

 

“Yes, I've heard from the Commander. I was speaking to him just before you rang.”

 

“Rukia and Renji did visit me. They plan to marry in a week? I didn't know it was so soon. I don't know if they will be back in a week. We can start planning but I think we may have a little more time than that.”

 

“I have some items you might wish to give them before they leave. I'll send them over tonight.”

 

“Yes, I agree it is quite strange that the Commander changed his mind, but he has his reasons and I will not question him. He has requested that you set up Senkaimon tomorrow in order for them to meet Urahara.

 

“It is short notice but the deputy Shinigami is planning on leaving very soon and it is better if they all travel together.”

 

“I concur that he is an impetuous fool, but very loyal. That loyalty saved your sister.”

 

“Perhaps I am trying to remind you. Good night.”

 

Third Conversation between former Captain Kurosaki and Captain Ukitake

 

“Good evening. I understand your powers have been restored. Is that true?”

 

“Congratulations. I don't suppose you're interested in returning….”

 

“No, I understand. It's very clear where your loyalties are.”

 

“Yes, I know you're astonished that I'm contacting you. I have an important matter I must bring to your attention.”

 

“No, not that. It's more important than that. It's that charm you made, remember the one? You and Kisuke Urahara worked on it before the Seireitei was created.”

 

“Yes, that charm. It's no longer in Soul Society.”

 

“Do not raise your voice at me, former Captain Kurosaki. I did not allow it to cross to the human world. I thought it was lost. It's quite legendary and dangerous. You remember its abilities, don't you? You created if after all. Do you still have the user manual?”

 

“You left it here? Where?”

 

“You're not serious! At least that makes it easy for me to retrieve.”

 

“Who has the charm? Your son currently holds the charm.”

 

“Moderate your language; I didn't give it to him. I tried to persuade him to give it to me, but he's as stubborn as you. He intends to take it to Las Noches when he goes to save his friend.”

 

“Yes, I am aware of the potential danger and ructions this could cause, but I could not disclose my reasons for wishing to take it from him. Oh, yes, he's very interested in who created the charm.”

 

“No, I didn't tell him because you're keeping your identity secret. I thought you might use your persuasive ability, such as it is, to convince him to leave it behind, or you could accidentally take it from him.”

 

“I'd hoped he would return tomorrow. At least he indicated he might when I promised to provide information about the uses of the charm. However, as he is your son he may prove to be too impatient to wait for the information and decide to depart without further contact.”

 

“He's left already? Blast. Then there's nothing more I can do.”

 

“I beg your pardon? No, that is impossible.”

 

(Hello Rukia. I didn't see you there.)

 

“Somebody is waiting to talk to me. I must go.”

 

“Yes. I'll contact you later.”

 

End of Conversations

 

On her return home Rukia had spoken to her brother briefly and then remembered that there were a few matters that remained unresolved. It was imperative she have the answers before she left on the morrow. She returned to her Captains office and seeing the light was still on, decided to ask the questions she felt required answers. Hearing only silence in the room, she had quietly tapped on the door and entered, only to overhear the last conversation.

 

Captain Ukitake finished his call and thought for a few minutes before saying anything. “I didn't hear you knock,” he observed, the tone of his voice not containing the usual gentle warmth. “I didn't expect to see you again this night.”

 

“I understand, Sir, but I had a question I wished to ask. I did not intend to overhear a private conversation,” Rukia was unsettled at the attitude of her Captain. He seemed unhappy with her. She hadn't meant to listen to the conversation, but the mention of Urahara caught her attention and she had listened avidly. Her mind was having difficulty in absorbing the new facts.

 

“How much did you hear?” Captain Ukitake sighed, awaiting the response.

 

“Um, Sir, is Ichigo's father really a Shinigami?” Rukia asked the question that came first to mind. It seemed so peculiar. She knew the man and he'd appeared to have no reiatsu, no ability to see spirits and was seemed unaware of the changes in his son. To be honest she had thought he was of low intelligence, even though he was a doctor, because of the way he behaved. She liked him because of his generous nature and he was kind and very loving to his daughters, but this revelation seemed too strange.

 

Sighing loudly he answered, “Yes, he is, or was, a Captain of the Gotei 13.” The Captain looked weary as he spoke, wearied by the long day, his illness, or the questions, Rukia could not tell.

 

“And he created the charm with Urahara? How did you manage to stay so unmoved when Ichigo asked?” Rukia persisted. The more information she had, the better she would be prepared. Even though she was aware that her Captain did not wish to answer her questions, she felt unable to stop posing them.

 

“Isshin and Urahara created the charm, for some reason I've never discovered. When Ichigo was asking about the charm, I mentally prepared for the inevitable questions. He knows Urahara and knows the position he held here, so I schooled my features to show no sign of surprise. However, you are not permitted to inform anyone of these matters. If you do, I will withdraw my permission for your marriage. It is best if Ichigo does not know the true identity of his father, until such time as Isshin is prepared to tell him.”

 

Hearing these facts confirmed, dumbfounded Rukia. It explained so much about Ichigo and his extraordinary abilities. Suddenly many of the unexplained events made sense to her and she nodded mechanically in agreement with her Captain's request. “I won't tell anyone, not even Renji.”

 

His face relaxed into a smile and he sat in his chair indicating that he wished her to sit. “Why did you return?”

 

“I don't think Ichigo is going to come back tomorrow,” she began remembering her sudden need to talk to her Captain without anyone overhearing.

 

“I can confirm that. He's already on his way to Los Noches with Uryu and Chad. I imagine you will be joining them shortly?”

 

“Tomorrow, I think,” said Rukia as she gazed abstractedly out the window. She was angry with Ichigo for not waiting. The idiot always went charging off without thinking about consequences and usually ended up in some mess. They would have been so much stronger if they had joined forces and entered Hueco Mundo together, but it was too late for that. The fear she was trying to ignore at the thought of going to the Arrancar stronghold gnawed at her mind, interrupting her concentration. “How dangerous will it be if Ichigo does take the charm with him?”

 

Watching her Captain's face, she saw his eyes take on a far away look. Opening her mouth to ask her question again, she saw him shake his head slightly and she remained silent, waiting. The minutes stretched on as her impatience grew. She sighed and shifted in her seat and then unconsciously tapped her foot on the floor. Hearing the noise, she looked down in surprise and stilled her foot.

 

“The problem is we are only dealing with theories. Urahara and Isshin deduced that because of the combination of power within the charm, that it might reach its full potential in Hueco Mundo. I'm pleased Miss Inoue cannot invoke its powers there. The potential of the charm combined with her unique abilities in that environment could… It's not important. She cannot use the charm again, unless a set of special conditions and events occur and they are as likely to happen as Aizen, Ichimaru and Tosen returning to beg for forgiveness,” Captain Ukitake smiled slightly at that possibility.

 

“What could happen, Sir? Why did you say it's not important?” Rukia felt he was withholding something important.

 

“Rukia, I cannot tell you. It's theoretical, there is no proof and if you know you might worry. While you are in that place you will need to focus completely on remaining alive, helping your friends and defeating the Arrancar. Other matters should not distract you,” the Captain was firm in his answer.

 

Rukia reflected on what she now knew. Her knowledge about the charm had increased, but only a little. She knew no more about why it was made and what it could do than she did before. Even now she did not know how to invoke it. Frustration mixed with a helpless sadness rose within her, roused by her apparent lack of ability to obtain the information she required. How could she help Ichigo use the charm if she knew nothing? From his attitude he would use it if it could help rescue Orihime, no matter the cost to him.

 

“I would strongly urge that you do not allow your friend Ichigo to invoke the charm while in the Hueco Mundo. As he is part Hollow and part Shinigami, in that place, it could mean death for you all,” the solemnity in his voice was unmistakable. He was worried about the consequences if the charm were used.

 

“But, Captain, I know so little. Can't you tell me anything? How can I persuade Ichigo not to use it if I don't have a good reason? It's impossible. You know how obstinate he can be,” Rukia's voice held a plaintive tone she did not expect.

 

Smiling gently at her, Captain Ukitake removed something from under some paperwork and handed it to Rukia. She looked at the small booklet in her hand and gasped. “You had this when you were talking to Ichigo and you didn't give it to him? That's not very fair.” Reading the title of the booklet had stunned her and made her question her Captain's motives.

 

“It's not the user manual. It's only The Short Guide to Seireitei Charms: Volume 2. The Kurikaesu Charm. Its History, Owners and Warnings relating to it's use.,” he remarked casually. “I'm often amused how some of these short guides have such long names.”

 

Quickly leafing through the booklet, Rukia skimmed some of the pages, finding out how to invoke the charm and some of the history, but much detail was lacking. There were numerous warnings scattered throughout the book, well, not really scattered. They were present on every other page in bold print. She let out the breath she hadn't realised she was holding after reading one of the warnings. The charm was dangerous!

 

“I heard you mention a user manual, Sir,” her voice strangely loud in the silence of the room.

 

“I can obtain that manual, but Rukia, you must understand that I cannot give it to you. I am not really sure about allowing you to take that booklet with you. As it contains so many warnings, I believe it may persuade anyone who reads it that the charm should not be invoked,” the intensity of his voice convinced Rukia that the Captain was apprehensive.

 

“It doesn't mention any of the charms abilities except that it can keep repeating the same 4 hour period. When you were talking to Ichigo you mentioned that was only one use. What about the others?” Her curiosity was not yet satisfied. The little she had read had hinted at things, but nothing was clearly stated. “Isn't there an Idiot's Guide to the charm? Something that makes it very clear what the uses are, what you shouldn't do and a chapter on troubleshooting?”

 

Captain Ukitake coughed and taking his time, sipped water. Rukia noticed a red spot of colour on each of his cheekbones and this made her wonder. “The closest thing to that would be the manual. I understand that the troubleshooting chapter ended up in a separate volume of 300 pages, as did the warnings. I will need assistance to carry it once I retrieve it but that will be after you leave. You may think I am deliberately trying to frustrate you, Rukia, but for the safety of everyone on your mission to rescue Miss Inoue, I would direct you to prevent your hot headed friend, Ichigo, from using the charm. I know I am repeating myself, but this is important. I do not wish to appear rude, but I think you should return home and sleep. The day has been long and you are planning to go far tomorrow. Please keep safe. It would be unfortunate if my future Assistant-Captain died before she was elevated to her new position.”

 

Rukia's eyes grew round at the last comment. “Wh.. What are you saying, Sir? I'm not sure I heard you correctly.”

 

“When you return to the Seireitei, you will be appointed as my Assistant-Captain. The position has been vacant for too long and since your near execution, your abilities have been reassessed. I cannot think how they were ignored before this and I am disturbed that you were denied the seat you are clearly capable of holding. I need someone who can handle the responsibility and is brave enough to know when to follow and when to disobey the orders of her superiors. The Captain-General has permitted me to make this decision. I hope you will accept your new role.” No smile lit the face of the man who was speaking. He was in earnest and this assured Rukia that he was not trying to give her false hopes.

 

It took a moment for Rukia to comprehend the offer that was being made. She knew her abilities were not to be compared to that of a Captain, but to be promoted to Assistant-Captain had been something to which she had not aspired. “I would be honoured to be your Assistant-Captain, more than honoured, delighted,” she replied gravely in tribute to the serious nature of the offer, and her acceptance.

 

Captain Ukitake's face relaxed into a small smile. “Good. Hurry back because I think I will need your help soon. Once you return, I will work with you, advising you how best to achieve bankai. It may be a slow process, but if you have someone to assist you, it may make the process easier. We all need to increase our skills.”

 

Rukia was pleased she was sitting down. Assistant-Captain; bankai; getting married to Renji and going to Los Noches. This was overwhelming her, and all but one of these was something pleasant, something she had never hoped for. A few minutes and her steadiness returned. “You are correct, Captain. I will leave. Thank you for your faith in me, Sir. I will try not to disappoint you.”

 

She paused at the door, concerned at a random thought that had crossed her mind. “If I'm an Assistant-Captain, will that mean I'm ranked higher than Renji because I was adopted into a noble house? Will my brother withdraw his consent to our marriage?”

 

Her Captain laughed softly. “His approval has been given, and in these circumstances, I do not believe your brother would dare change his mind. He might end up with Captain Zaraki as a brother-in-law, if you carry out your earlier threat. I am sure he would prefer Assistant-Captain Abarai in that role.”

 

Leaving the office she found herself captured by the arms of a man who pressed his mouth against hers. He kissed her with passion and in the darkness her arms stole around him as her mouth opened under the questing tongue. The feeling made her blood heat and she pulled his face down closer to her own, extending the kiss.

 

When he finally released her mouth she said, “Oh, Assistant Captain Hisagi, finally you have recognised my existence.”

 

“Rukia, you're a rat. How many Assistant-Captains have you kissed,” Renji said, his hand straying underneath her shirt, to her breast his fingers touching her gently, his palm warm against her flesh.

 

“Let me see,” she pretended to consider, but found her attention was not focused on answering the question. “There's you and um, Hisagi, oh no, I only thought it was him. Then there's you. Does a deputy Shinigami count?”

 

Renji made an agitated sound at the last comment and his hand was abruptly removed. “You didn't kiss the kid, did you? And he doesn't count as an Assistant-Captain.”

 

“No, I didn't kiss him. Anyway, why are you here and acting like this? I thought you wanted to keep me pure for our wedding night. Not that I'm complaining,” she hastened to add while hugging him.

 

“I followed you. I was hanging around outside your house thinking about something you said and wondering if I should obey you or your brother. Then I realised I was going to marry you, not your brother,” Renji explained, his arms encircling her once more.

 

Rukia wondered what she had said. She'd said a lot of things to Renji about wanting to have sex with him, but which one did he mean? “Does that imply?” she didn't want to continue.

 

“Well, no and yes. We don't have to...” Renji said.

 

“No you do not have to and you will not. Renji, return to your quarters, now. My sister is tired and requires rest and I do not believe she will find rest in your lecherous embrace. I have told you to wait until you are wed and while you are not marrying me, heaven be thanked, you will still be my Assistant-Captain. I will permit you one chaste kiss before you leave, but that is all. I will escort my sister home.” Byakuya's voice interrupted.

 

Rukia's mind exploded with curses as Renji gently pressed his lips to hers. Why did fate hate her so much? With reluctance she released her hold of Renji and followed her brother home.

 

 

Feeling perplexed, Orihime swayed on her feet. The farewell to Ichigo had forced her to acknowledge that it was unlikely that she would ever return home. Noticing her tears had fallen onto his cheeks, holding his hand in hers as she hesitated about kissing him, healing him and leaving the charm in his hand, had made her focus only on him. When she had written in her diary, it had seemed possible that this was only a temporary situation; she would return to the human world once Captain Aizen had tested her powers and found them lacking. The moment of reality when she had bid farewell to the halcyon days had been brief and she had quickly thought of something else.

 

The longing and frustrated love overwhelmed her as she silently decried the chain of events that had brought her here. She had wanted to press her lips to Ichigo's mouth once more, and had again shown her cowardice. It was possible that her kiss may have summoned the Hollow forth, but it struck her that her decision indicated a lack of faith in Ichigo's abilities to be able to overcome the monster that dwelt within him. Kissing him would have at least allowed her to take the imprint of his lips on hers into this strange and horrid new reality.

 

If the threat had been to her life only, she would not have hesitated; she would have accepted her death gladly, if it preserved the life of her friends, of Ichigo. With the threat being against others, she had no choice. It seemed likely that the Arrancar had observed her and knew that she would not be able to tolerate any harm being caused to those she cared for.

 

Ulquiorra did not talk to her as they had left the human world. He strode ahead, his hands by his sides and expected her to follow him without question. After he ignored her one attempt at conversation she had remained silent, unwilling to annoy him.

 

Now she was being led into a large, cold and frightening room, crowded with Ichigo's enemies: the Arrancar. They looked at her mockingly as she passed and her nervousness increased. She resolved to believe that this was not happening and she was again alone in the hotel room with Ichigo. As she remembered those moments, her cheeks flushed and her longing for him increased. If only that darned Hollow had not interfered. She jumped as a voice addressed her and she was returned to the harsh reality of being the only human in a world of Hollows and Arrancar.

 

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Author's Note:

 

Writing this chapter was a little odd. It was originally going to be told from Orihime's viewpoint, but I thought I would reveal who had created the charm. That part of the chapter kept growing as I kept having ideas to expand what was already written instead of adding to Orihime's viewpoint. That happens sometimes, but not to this extent. It was meant to be a half Rukia, half Orihime chapter, but Rukia managed to steal most of it.

 

As for the next chapter, it's problematic. I have about 5 ideas but they won't mesh together. A decision must be made. Yes, I will make a decision. Decide I will. Will I decide? My head hurts. (Not really).

 

Please review. If I don't receive reviews I become disenchanted and I prefer enchantment. XD

 

Thank you to Trynia Merin for your kind words.  

 

MS