Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Vacant Rules ( Chapter 17 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

Vacant Rules

 

He found it hard to believe she had said `yes.' Even though he hadn't intended to ask Orihime to marry him, it had seemed like the only thing he could do to prove that he was serious. Until now he'd been a creep, he realised, not thinking about her or how she felt. Rukia had warned him that he had to stop making the girl guess about his feelings or she might give up on him. Considering whether it would work out was a waste of time. It had to be a success. This was Orihime he was planning to marry, not some average girl.

 

Isshin might go mental, not a long journey for his father, when Ichigo told him that he wished to marry at such a young age, but waiting seemed like a stupid alternative. “Renji waited 40 years before finally tell Rukia how he feels about her. 40 years is a long time to act like an idiot, but knowing Renji it seems likely that he'll keep acting the way he knows best. Rukia might change him, but I don't think there's a lot of hope. They grew up together and during that time she didn't manage to make him see sense. It's unlikely she will be able to make much difference now. But they seem to be happy with each other as they are.”

 

There were many obstacles to getting his father to agree and it wasn't possible to ignore all of them. He'd have to think of a way to sweeten his father, make him think the marriage was a good idea, somehow. 16 was young, and it dawned on him that the best way to convince his father was to get Yuzu and Karin to support him. When the girls tried, they could get their father to agree to things that he would normally dismiss as being misguided. But how to convince the girls? Karin was very sensible and would see more reasons than Isshin to put off the wedding.

 

Why did he have to worry now? He wasn't even sure if they'd get home safely from this place. The important fact was that Orihime had agreed. After everything they had been through he now understood what she meant to him and he wanted her in his life, permanently. She deserved to know how he felt. For too long he had denied his emotions for fear of waking the Hollow within. Even as he had mouthed `I love you,' to her he had carefully watched to see if there was any answering stir within from his inner shadow. When nothing happened he allowed the joy at her response to envelop him. Orihime would marry him and the Hollow hadn't interfered. Life was suddenly good and worthwhile, even if he was in Hueco Mundo.

 

As he held her and kissed her he wanted to forget about Aizen and the Hyogyoku and go home. They'd achieved what they set out to do, rescuing Orihime, and there didn't seem any reason to hang around this place. But he stopped thinking quickly, becoming caught up in the kiss and the feel of his future wife hugging him in return. Something was annoying him though through the joy and passion. It was the touch of a finger poking him in the shoulder over and over again and he knew it wasn't Orihime. Reluctantly he stopped kissing her and said loudly, “Leave us alone, can't you?”

 

“As much as I admire you ability to forget the current situation, I think I should draw the possible risks to your attention,” was the unwelcome reminder from Uryu.

 

Ichigo shrugged with indifference not wishing to listen to the expected lecture. It was his future that he was planning and it had nothing to do with the Quincy or anyone else. “So, we'll only be 16. It doesn't matter; we'll take precautions, study hard, graduate and go to University together,” Ichigo said grumpily his eyes fixed on Orihime's face. “It's none of you business any way, so butt out.”

 

“I'm not talking about your questionable wedding. I speak of the welcoming party now approaching,” the tone left him in no doubt that their troubles were just commencing.

 

“7. I think 7 people are headed in this direction. Are they Arrancar? I can't tell,” Rukia said squinting at the fast approaching figures.

 

“It'd have to be Arrancar or Hollows. Is there any way we can leave and go home before they get here?” Ichigo asked.

 

“Ichy, you won't leave me behind?” Nel questioned, a quaver in her voice that tugged at him. He hardly knew the kid, but he still felt the need to protect her from enemies who wanted to hurt her. She had taken something from her mouth and dropped it in his pocket.

 

“I don't belong here, Nel. You can go with Rukia back to Soul Society. So, how do we get home?” Ichigo answered, trying to ignore the stab of guilt as he dismissed her question.

 

“We never discussed that with Urahara, did we?” Chad asked, reminding them that they had been solely focused on following Orihime, but none of them had thought further than that.

 

Uryu's face fell. “I knew there was something I omitted to find out,” he said with a hint of anger in his voice.

 

“Don't worry, kids. We asked and we know how to get back, but there's another problem,” Renji said, his face split by a grin as he looked at the forlorn teens. “What would you do without us?”

 

“What is the problem, Renji?” Orihime spoke for the first time since she'd agreed to marry Ichigo and he turned to her, a dizzy smile on his face. He couldn't prevent it. It just felt good to look at her and know that she had agreed to marry him and spend the rest of her life with him.

 

“The rest of my life?” he thought suddenly. “That's a long time.”

 

“We need time to set up the path back and we don't have enough. I think we have to be ready to fight,” Rukia said, her eyes fixed on the figures that were approaching very fast.

 

“Orihime, you stay with Nel and the others. Protect them. We'll defeat these guys and go home,” Ichigo commanded her. “Use your shielding power.”

 

“No, Ichigo,” was her amazing answer.

 

He turned to look at her, really look at her without the haze of relief and pleasure that had influenced his view of her until now and noticed she had changed. There was a new determination in her face that gave her features more character and strength. Her hair seemed to gleam in the moonlight with deeper red tinges and her posture had changed; she held herself straight appearing self-assured instead of her normal apologetic posture. Her eyes were strong and compelling and even more beautiful to him. The strange clothes she word were a dark grey and mimicked the Shinigami uniform to some extent, except she was wearing a long skirt instead of the divided pants. The clothes defined her femininity and made him long to hold her in his arms once more.

 

“That's a luscious morsel you've agreed to marry. So, are you going to wait until after the wedding, or will we have her soon? Soon, I hope. I like this place you've brought me. Seems sort of homey, nice outlook.”

 

Hearing the voice in his mind, he stiffened. After all the work and all the sacrifices, his Hollow had only being laying dormant. He had not conquered it; all the advice from the Vizards had been of no use. He rocked on his feet as he felt the strength of the Hollow stretch within him. In the Seireitei and the human world, that type of strength had never been demonstrated, or imaginable. He tried to force the Hollow back down, into the dark place it inhabited, but a fierce struggle began between the two of them.

 

“This place suits me fine. I think I'll stay here, with my own kind. I'll keep the girl for amusement, but you Kingy, you have to go. It's been a real pain sharing this body with you and all your mortal morals.” The Hollow sounded convinced that there was only a matter of moments before he was the victor.

 

“I had you under control. You'd gone quiet. Why now? Why here?” Ichigo had to ask as the internal struggle continued. A slight touch of panic overcame him as he noticed the strength seemed to be increasing as he fought back.

 

“Fool. I was influencing you all this time. You gave into that dumb impulse to come here without preparation and took no notice of the advice to leave the charm behind. It's a good thing you didn't because that's helping me, giving me more strength to fight you. I know that you were unprepared when you went to save Rukia, but this excursion makes that effort look like you'd actually had some serious strategy. If you'd waited, the old man would have come through eventually, but you had to act the hero,” the Hollow cackled loudly in his mind.

 

“Stop it,” Ichigo commanded feeling his strength begin to falter. He gritted his teeth and pushed the fear that was beginning to rise to the back of his mind. Suddenly he noticed he was in the familiar place with the clouds racing overhead as the building lay titled under his feet. The sky was no longer a sunny blue, but a darker shade with storm clouds gathering over head. The figure that stood in front of him smiled and slid a thick tongue over its lips.

 

“Why should I? With that charm I could rule Las Noches, take over the Seireitei, and become the God that the world is waiting for. Why deny me when I'm so close? The little girl put the charm back into your pocket at the best time for me. It's the one thing that can help me win and take control of this body, permanently.” The Hollow was exerting both physical and mental pressure on Ichigo, trying to push him out of the body.

 

Ichigo fought back, aware that much of what the Hollow said was correct. He thought after Nel had swallowed the charm that would make things that much easier, but for some reason she had managed to get it back and placed it in his pocket. Why had she done that? Was she jealous of Orihime?

 

That creature had gained more strength and it was probably due to the place they were in. The soul particles available had a different quality and strength. He had been feeling stronger since he'd arrived, but maybe that strength hadn't been his, but the damned thing which shared his mind and occasionally his body. He seemed to be drawing strength from somewhere else, maybe the charm.

 

The internal debate made him deaf to the conversation that was occurring without and he found he couldn't move or take his eyes from the hated, pale replica of his face.

 

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“I think Ichigo has a problem,” Orihime said, so attuned to his moods had she grown that she noticed he had suddenly become silent and immobile. Even the time apart had strengthened her sensitivity until she could almost guess that his Hollow was again trying to gain ascendancy. It worried her that so soon after their reunion the creature had again re-surfaced and tried again to gain control. She couldn't take her eyes from him and her anxiety grew the longer she looked at him. Touching him had no effect and he didn't respond to her voice.

 

“He is a problem,” Renji said and smiled indulgently at Rukia.

 

“I believe that Orihime is referring to something in addition to his normal issues,” Uryu interjected as he observed Ichigo closely. “What do you suggest is troubling your future husband?”

 

“It's the Hollow. I think it's trying to take over,” the tears in her voice could not be ignored. “Every time I've seen him recently, the Hollow tries to take over. It seemed to start when I used the charm on him. He had some control, but once I used it he's been constantly struggling to remain in control. It's all my fault!” Even though she wanted to appear brave, the pain at causing the person she loved trouble hurt her and she began to cry.

 

A pair of comforting arms embraced her, drawing her head down to a shoulder. “It's not your fault, Orihime. You are partially right about the charm, it did compound the problem, but it would have happened eventually. Don't cry. With Ichigo caught up by his internal demon, we need all the fighters we can get,” Rukia was speaking to her with the softness and kindness she often concealed. The sweetness of her friendship was making Orihime feel stronger. “I know it hurts, because you love him and can't help him, or so you think.”

 

“But you can help him,” Chad added eagerly as he patted Orihime on the shoulder. “Stand with us against our enemies, defeat them and then we can help Ichigo. My friend has enough strength to retain control while we deal with these adversaries.”

 

Wiping her eyes, Orihime nodded. She knew they were right. Her fear that she didn't know how to exercise control over her new powers, or even how to summon them she quickly dismissed. Doubting her abilities would only make any action more difficult and it was going to be hard enough. “Do we have a plan?” She asked while her eyes were fixed on Ichigo, hoping for a sign that would indicate his victory.

 

Uryu turned wondering eyes on her. “A plan? What a good idea.”

 

“Plans are for sad losers, not fighters,” Renji forcefully delivered his opinion while sneering at the Quincy.

 

“A plan is a good idea, but I don't think we have time.” Rukia was no longer comforting her friend and her eyes were fixed on the approaching enemies. “Orihime, can you shield us from the worst of the attacks and then let it down so we can fight back?”

 

“I need to move fast. Do not attempt to shield me,” Uryu said as the bow appeared in his hands.

 

“Don't bother shielding me,” Chad said. “It will hold me back and I need a lot of room to work.”

 

Renji smirked at Chad in agreement. “Zabimaru doesn't like confined places either. Don't shield me, girl. I'll take my chances. You better keep a close guard over lover boy there.”

 

After a heavy sigh Rukia added, “I really should face them, not hide and be protected. Orihime, can you protect Ichigo, Nel and the others? We'll fight better knowing they are safe.”

 

Orihime nodded. She hadn't had a chance to explain that her powers had changed and her friends expected the same sort of protective and healing abilities from her while she wanted to stretch herself, check out some of her new skills. There was also the problem with what happened the last time she had tried to shield which had not worked out as expected. Giving another quick glance at Ichigo she sighed silently as she summoned her powers and gave them instructions.

 

“And that's it?” Even though she hadn't summoned him Tsubaki had appeared and fluttered aggressively in front of her face. Now he was larger, he was even harder to ignore, not that he permitted her to ignore him, ever.

 

“That's what I was asked to do,” Orihime began apologetically only to find him tugging harshly on her hair.

 

“Told? You let people tell you what to do, woman? You have us, your powers and you're pretending you're still a weakling. I won't stand for it. Let me fight!”

 

Orihime felt a conflict of emotions in her breast. She wanted to do what she was told, that had been one of the first things her parents had taught her before her brother had saved her from their uncertain care. Being obedient was easy, it created fewer complications, but she wouldn't have escaped if she was acting obedient. She would still be sitting in that cold room, waiting for that arctic Arrancar to visit her again to take her to visit Mr Aizen once more. If she was still being obedient she would have agreed with any of Mr Aizen's suggestions and her mind hesitated to consider all the consequences that would have created. Despite her attempts at control, she shuddered at the thought and cast another comforting glance at her love. All the resolutions she had made, the decisions, and now she was slipping back into the learned behaviours. She was better than that!

 

Ayame was close to her ear. “Orihime, I don't want to scare you, but I think you should take the charm away from Ichigo. Nel had swallowed it but she put it back in his pocket just before the Hollow resurfaced. I don't know much about Hollows, but I can feel that it's stronger and something seems to be helping it. I fear it may be the charm.”

 

Guilt again assaulted Orihime. Without considering what she was doing walked over to Ichigo and removed the charm from his pocket, placing it in her own. It was slightly damp and sticky and touching it made her feel slightly unclean. Ichigo stiffened when she came close, but relaxed slightly as the charm was removed. He was still locked in his internal conflict and she walked a few feet away from him, trying to remove the influence. “I wish I'd thought of that. Why am I so foolish? That charm has only caused problems for both of us. Maybe I should give it to Mr Aizen and let that curse work on him. But with the way my luck is it will help him. I wish I'd never seen the charm!” Looking at Nel she wondered why she had swallowed the charm and then replaced it. Was she on the side of the people who inhabited this place? Was she the childlike person she appeared to be?

 

“Oh, for the sake of sense woman, focus. You're supposed to be shielding these people and sending me to fight. I want to have a go at those two witches who wanted to harm you. Come on, let me at them,” Tsubaki urged as he leaned close to her face. He has a malicious smile on his face that left her no doubt that he would cause them as much pain as possible.

 

Until now, Orihime had not actually seen who was approaching, but now she noticed that both Loly and Menoly were part of the group that were drawing ever closer. If she'd had the choice she would have preferred not to see them again.

 

“They don't look very well, do they?” Hinagiku's eyes were amused as he observed the two Arrancar. They were moving slower than the others, lagging far behind as they stopped regularly. Their clothing was slightly torn and their hair dishevelled. They no longer looked as threatening as they had always seemed to Orihime.

 

Baigon harrumphed and pointed at the other Arrancar who were approaching. “They might not pose much of a danger, but we have to consider the others. The other five are not injured and seem eager for the fray.”

 

Orihime finally summoned enough courage to look closer at the approaching force. She had feared that Grimmjow would be a member of the party, or Mr Aizen, or worse Mr Ichimaru, had come to fight, but she could see neither of them. Her heart sank as she saw the austere, green eyed Arrancar who had been her guard leading the group. He stopped, motioning for the other to wait and then he addressed them. “I'm only here to retrieve the female. If she comes willingly, then you may go with no impediment.”

 

“Forget it, freak,” Renji said, his zanpakuto in his hand as he pushed his chin forward insultingly. “Why would we do anything you said?”

 

“It means you will avoid a fight and live a little longer,” was the cool response. Ulquiorra observed them and his normal expression did not change. He placed his hands in his pockets, appearing unimpressed by the people poised ready to fight him.

 

“We're here to free our friend. Now we have her, we will leave,” Chad said, his strong voice speaking the words they were all thinking.

 

“Your relationship to the woman is unimportant. Send her back,” the Arrancar demanded his voice and face not changing. “She made a bargain with Lord Aizen.”

 

“It's broken,” Orihime objected. “You both lied to me and if the basis of an agreement is a lie then the deal never existed.” She was sure she had read that somewhere, but even if she hadn't it sounded like it made sense. She didn't care; she didn't want to go back. Mr Aizen might try to kiss her again and that was not an attractive thought.

 

“An interesting approach to law. I think you can justify your viewpoint,” Uryu agreed as he pushed his glasses up his nose. “But I believe we would have some difficulty in bringing the case before a court.”

 

“What are you talking about? We're here to rescue Orihime, not to jabber on about court cases,” Rukia seemed astounded at the way the conversation was heading.

 

“You're just trying to delay your eventual defeat,” said a female with short dark hair and a frilly short skit. “I can't believe this force is so pitiful,” she said as she turned to the other Arrancar holding her body upright while a sneer drew up the corner of her mouth.

 

A tall elegant looking man with a slight moustache inclined his head to one side. “What does it matter? It might provide amusement for a space of time and fighting a new force can be a pleasant diversion.” A small smile split his face. “I would like to entertain one of the ladies in the dance of combat.”

 

“Aw, can it Doldooni. Your fake charm doesn't impress anyone, least of all me,” said an Arrancar with what appeared to be an afro. Finally noticing his hairstyle made Orihime giggle, and ashamed she covered her mouth only to almost burst into laughter again when she looked closely at his clothes. The hairstyle and clothes made him look like an escapee from a 70's bad taste disco. The way he spoke only reinforced that idea. Would she start hearing the Bee Gees or some other ancient group from that time in the background? If it happened, would the Arrancar start dancing? A sudden image of them responding to the song `I Feel like Dancing' crossed her mind and she had trouble trying to prevent the laughter erupting from her mouth. She felt ashamed that she was imagining such silly things at this time.

 

“Be silent Cirruci and Gantenbein. You are here to fight, not get to know your foes too closely,” even while the words were harsh, Ulquiorra's tone sounded indifferent.

 

“We want to fight the girl,” Loly and Menoly had finally caught up to the others and stood supporting each other. “Give her to us so we can show make her hurt the way she hurt us.”

 

The accusation made Orihime feel guilty. She had hurt them, though it hadn't been her intention.

 

“I can't believe you're listening to them,” Shuno whispered into her ear. “They were going to hurt you, but I don't think that logic would make much impact on them. They don't seem to have much intelligence.”

 

“You, fight anyone? I reckon Pesche could defeat you. Why don't you be good little girls and sit down while we get down to business,” Renji said smirking arrogantly at the swaying females. His stance had a swagger to it as he eyed their abbreviated clothing until Rukia noticed and pulled his hair.

 

“Why'd you do that?”

 

“Do you even have to ask?” Rukia glared at him and then cast a disparaging look at the females.

 

“As you insist on fighting then let us commence. Once we defeat you, we will return home,” Chad said stiffly as he summoned the power which transformed his arm.

 

Uryu held up his hand and addressed Ulquiorra directly, his expression severe. “So how do you propose we continue? One force attacking the other, individual combat, or we select our strongest fighter to meet yours to determine the outcome by one battle?”

 

The question startled Orihime. Didn't people normally just attack each other without trying to work out some acceptable form? The Arrancar also seemed to find the request unexpected and some of them began to protest.

 

“Let's just fight.”

 

“Watch other people? How dull!”

 

“Your offer intrigues me, Quincy. You are a Quincy, aren't you?” Ulquiorra disregarded the comments made by his companions and seemed to be observing Uryu closely with interest.

 

Instead of replying, Uryu nodded and stood proudly in front of them almost as if he was inviting their gaze. Orihime wondered who would be selected as their strongest fighter. Normally it would be Ichigo but as she glanced at him again she noticed he still seemed to be locked in the struggle. If there was some way she could help him she would. She didn't dare approach him, fearful that it would cause further problems.

 

“So, what's a Quincy? They're all garbage and not worth any time. Let's just kill them, take the girl and go.” the final member of the group said. Orihime looked toward him and stiffened. How could she have overlooked this large man until now? Seeing him here with Ulquiorra brought back bad memories of when Chad had been hurt, Tatsuki nearly killed and Ichigo, standing frozen as he fought with his Hollow.

 

“Be calm Yammy. I let you join because you said you wanted a fight and now you're complaining about the quality of the opponents,” Ulquiorra's sardonic comments seemed to sting the Arrancar.

 

“But you told me he was garbage,” he accused jerking his finger at Chad. “You said the girl was too until Aizen sama decided he wanted her here. So if these other people are with them they must be garbage too,” Yammy said and waved a dismissive hand at them.

 

“I can't believe you're talking to them,” whined Cirruci. She flicked her hair back and looked at Uryu with a slight hint of interest. “You. I'll fight you and then we'll see that you haven't got the skill or strength to remain.”

 

“No.” Ulquiorra's one word stopped all the other comments that were beginning. “Let's make this a little more educational. Quincy, I will fight you. However, I want to see her fight,” he indicated Orihime.

 

She could not hide the astonishment that flooded through her.

 

“She has changed and I want a demonstration of her new power. Maybe she will finally be worthy of joining those who serve Lord Aizen.”

 

“She can't fight,” Renji said dismissively.

 

“Yes she can. I fought her, remember, you saw us in the Seireitei and Orihime can fight,” Rukia said and glared at her love. The fact that she was defending her friend seemed to astonish Renji.

 

Her mind raced and stung by the easy refutation of her abilities, Orihime decided to try to bargain. She didn't trust them to keep their side of the deal, but it might give Ichigo enough time to recover. For some reason she felt something warm, no burning against her skin. It seemed to be in her pocket and placing her hand within she noticed it was the charm that was emitting the heat.

 

Knowledge sparked within her mind and she finally knew what it was she had to do and what she could do. This was important for everyone and there was a way to do this easily, if her new power could help.

 

“I will fight,” she said, her voice firm. That made her feel braver that she could speak without showing her fear. “I have one condition.”

 

“”What is it?” Ulquiorra seemed disinterested.

 

“If I win, we can leave here without any delay,” she swallowed deeply before she continued. It was important she keep her mind set on winning otherwise her courage would dessert her.

 

“And if you lose?” Yammy asked this time. He smiled and the sight of his smile did not make her feel any more confident. The expression made her feel less sure of what she was planning.

 

Shaking, but trying not to show it, she answered this question. “If I lose, I will come with you without complaint. But my friends must be given free passage back to their homes.”

 

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Author's Note:

 

I didn't realise it was so long since I updated this story. Now I feel very embarrassed and contrite. Sorry. I would try using the puppy dog eyes to gain sympathy but they don't work for me. (They certainly don't.)

After buying the lemons I found they were limes. Yes, shopping with my eyes shut makes it much easier to buy less chocolate. My muse demanded limonade for a change, disappointed at the lack of lemons. I dumped the rest of the lime in a nice strong vodka and tonic and gave her that also. It helped. (You bet it did. Why have I been wasting my time with lemonade?)

Poor Ichigo and Orihime. Every time they meet or even reach an understanding the Hollow intervenes. (giggle) But then if Ichigo manages to overcome the Hollow it will make him stronger, won't it? If Orihime fights, will she win? I wonder. (No, you don't wonder. You know. Now stop teasing the poor readers.)

Please review.

MS