(With Tatsuki)
Everything around her was burning, a field of flames that devoured everything in their wake. It was scorching hot and the air was suffocating with the heat. She thought she understood the power of the flames, wielding them in her hands and feet with every punch and kick, now she felt vulnerable to fire for the first time in so long. She was in her inner world after training to the point that her Asuachi became her Zanpakuto, now she searches for the name of her weapon. She went into her meditative trance, proud and confident, before finding herself in her current situation, feeling herself submit to the fires all around her.
'Is this really my world?' She thought in confusion as she felt her skin burn. 'How is this my inner world?'
"Fire does not always mean destruction." A voice called out as a massive bright red and orange hawk flew in above her. "It can mean that when control is lost, but it can be so much more." She spoke in a gentle tone that hid a fierceness to it. "Something you have yet to understand." Tatsuki stared at the majestic and beautiful creature, entranced by the dancing flames of its body. When it finished talking, she asked her questions.
"Are you my Zanpakuto spirit?" She started, staring directly into the bird's eyes.
"I am." She responded, quickly and simply. "My name is-." She spoke, but the final words were lost to Tatsuki.
"I guess you don't think I'm ready to learn your name." She said, somewhere between angry, insulted, and disappointed. "Figures it wouldn't be that easy."
"It's not entirely whether I think that, more whether you do." The bird said, earning confusion from her wielder. "You're still haunted from that day you first encountered the Arrancar." Tatsuki listened as the spirit continued. "You envy the others in your squad for being able to charge in without hesitation or fear, their confidence in their strength. You even believe you're weaker than Orihime." Tatsuki's eyes widened at that statement.
"That's-!" She began in anger, forcing the flames to become more intense and burn her harshly.
"What are you in this group?" Her spirit asked, still calm in spite of the growing inferno. "The girl that punches things, the straight martial artist. There's a small list of what Ichigo is not capable of, Uryu can keep up with him, Chad can do what you do and is able to tank almost anything, even Orihime is matching you as a fighter who can summon spirits to do most any task." Tatsuki could only listen, her fury feeding the fires around her as each statement reminded her of something she didn't like to think about. "You consider yourself the weak link. I'm not denying you anything, you are. You are a glass cannon, a tower built on a poor foundation. A single good strike will break you." She said as Tatsuki felt herself break out of her trance and onto her back, gasping for breath.
"Not a pleasant experience I take it?" Yoruichi asked, looking at her shaken disciple on the ground. Tatsuki didn't respond as she struggled to her feet, her short Zanpakuto blade in hand as she faced her teacher with a look of shakey determination.
"Again."
(With Chad)
"Enough." Chad said as he dispelled his Fullbring, his fingers rubbing his medallion and smiling at the progress they've made. He and the other Fullbringers returned to the world of the Living to continue their search for others like them and training their developing skills.
"This has been good progress Sado." Jackie said, examining her boots. Jackie's Dirty Boots enveloped her entire body, along with the ability to make them as dirty as possible on her own, as well as a new power. A perfect defense to match her offense, which unfortunately must reset every time she switches modes.
"As much as I am glad to enhance my own abilities, I must admit my skepticism to simply turning into a hulking brute." Giriko said as he looked over his new armor, white plating on his left shoulder and right thigh with a single arrow pointing up and down respectively on them. He was also curious about the many floating clocks floating behind him like a halo, wondering their meaning. "Maybe it has something to do with my contracts with time."
"Sado was stronger than you anyway." Riruka said, wearing bunny ears on her hat and wearing white armor on her legs and chest with large fist guards on her arms with yellow prongs and heart emblems on the fists. "Not sure how much help I'll be in a fight. All I seem to do is stick things in plushies."
"Ever thought that you could be the squad's jailor?" Yukio suggested, having come over to simply give them a new training area while the others worked. He gave them a copy of the training room under the Shoten where they trained themselves to unlock their potential. "That would be useful."
"No way! Jailors aren't cute!" Riruka denied almost immediately, earning a groan of annoyance from her fellow Fullbringers.
"Cute doesn't seduce the strawberry! Sexy does!" Jackie yelled out. "You should try being sexy!" They two women soon devolved to what amounted to pointless arguing while the guys did their best to ignore them.
"I could probably take them off your hands too if you wanted." Yukio suggested, causing Chad to shake his head.
"You're doing us enough favors by taking that Shishigawara guy." He said, standing up while the game room dissipated. "Things seem to be coming to a head out there anyway. The air itself feels tense."
(With Orihime)
"I got this." Orihime panted, covered in sweat, dirt, and bruises, while keeping her focus on two floating orbs. One that was fire while the other was water, both working in tandem against her. Flying at her side was the Shun Shun Rikka spirits, fully grown to human size in response to a proper bond with their mistress. Each shield was able to act independently with each able to split into multiple sprites. The balls of raging fire and swirling water reacted to her boast by starting their next attack. "Hinagiku! Lily!"
"Right!" The two defensive spirits called out as each turned into a shield to block a torrent of water or flare of fire. Keeping her will steadfast as she managed to hold the attack off, though she did feel a drain on her energy.
"Kenten Koshun." Orihime Recited as Baigon and Tsubaki turned into sprites and reassembled into Orihime's reflective blade. "Come on!" She yelled out, raising her blade to the elemental spheres, glaring at them confident and defiant. The fire and water dissipated to reveal androgynous humanoid figures, red and blue and dressed in their respective elements of fire and water. There was a playful glint in their eyes as the fire spirit charged first, a blade made of flames in it's hand as it charged at the budding exorcist. She blocked the attack and reflected the force and fire, only managing to make the spirit bounce back with it's twin attacking her from behind. She barely had time to react as a trident made of water found its mark and sent her tumbling with a torrent of water. Ayame was immediately at her side and restoring her to a healthier state. Orihime wracked her brain, trying to think of something while Tsubaki's five other sprites tried attacking the two elementals, which was proving ineffective.
"Elemental spirits are always upper echelon spirits," Shun'o explained as she joined Orihime's side, "perhaps you should stop and try again later." Orihime grit her teeth in anger, at the thought that she was still weak. She was next to useless in Soul Society, couldn't bring herself to fight the Arrancar, and wasn't even that involved with everything else that happened. She swore to herself that she was going to be helpful to her allies, useful to Ichigo, become someone that was worth standing by her friends. It was then she noticed something while Tsubaki's many attacks were flying around the two elementals. They got close but never touched, even flinching when they almost brushed against the other.
'Duh.' She mentally admonished herself before lifting up her sword again and charging into the fray. The two spirits noticed her and fired a sphere of their elements at her, making her stop as the attacks came to her. 'Gotta do this right.' She told herself as she focused. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the balls of fire and water came within range of her. She swung her blade at the ball of flames first. The second she felt the attack be reflected, she guided it towards the water elemental. Once she was satisfied with the alteration of the attack's reflection she repeated with the other sphere, just barely managing to catch it before it struck her. Time returned to normal for her as the attacks went to their elemental opposite, exploding into clouds of steam filled with ethereal screams. "Baigon, Lily! Santen Kesshun: Prism!" She called out, causing the two to split into their shield sprites and turning into a triangular prism, trapping the elementals inside. "Tsubaki, Koten Zanshun: Waltz!" She called out, determined to make this the finale of the fight. Tsubaki's six sprites entered the prism and struck with lightning speed to the two elementals, passing through both to ensure damage to each spirit. Orihime powered the attack for as long as she felt comfortable with before ending the assault and freeing the two, letting them drop in a weakened unconscious heap. She flicked her wrist and brought out two sealing paper charms before throwing them at the two. The papers attached to their head while Orihime finished her spell. "Seal." She said simply as the two were absorbed into the sealing tags. She watched as the paper floated to the ground harmlessly. She dropped to her knees and tried to catch her breath. "Did you have to make it so hard you two!" She cried out with a pout as mini versions of the elementals appeared before her.
"Yes. Yes we did." The fire spirit said as it looked at it's twin.
"You wanted to contract us, and you're the first person to make any use out of those six." The water spirit said, pointing to the Shun Shun Rikka as they shrunk down.
"We can't remember the last time someone realized their true strength. Had to make sure you were the real deal." The fiery one said with a chuckle.
"That's because there WAS no last time." Tsubaki said with evident anger. The two elementals merely nodding in response.
"Anyway, you passed our test." The blue spirit said with a bow.
"Ignis and Aqua, accept this contract." He said as a pair of rings, blue and red, appeared on Orihime's right index and middle fingers. "Be sure to get the other two soon master."
"I hope we get along." Orihime said with a smile before falling over from exhaustion. "Shun'o! Ayame! Soten Kisshun!" She called out, making the healing shields sigh.
(With Uryu)
"You're offering to help?" Uryu asked, standing across from Bazzard Black. "Why?" Bazz-B gave Uryu the message that he wanted to talk to him alone, having a bit more faith in a fellow Quincy rather than the hybrid cousin currently in Soul Society. They were back in the Funft Feld and away from prying eyes for Bazz's sake. He felt safer there, free to talk.
"I'll be honest, I still feel loyalty to his Majesty but I'm not so blind to simply accept whatever he does." The Heat said as he looked the mixed blood in the face. "What you said about Yhwach and what he did... it kind of hit a little close to home for me. So, in the event you are right about him... I'd rather be on a side that ensures I'll live." He said, earning a raised eyebrow from Uryu. The bespectacled teen looked up to the trees in thought, wondering how to move the situation to his team's benefit.
"Okay," he said after making his plan, "let's talk. What are some of the Sternritters' abilities?" He got the full overview from Tsukishima, but there was something else to this conversation for him. "Any new techniques we should be aware of, what makes a Sternritter? What is it about you guys that make you elites?"
"We have medallion seals that can take away a Bankai," Bazzard started, "a power-up state called the Vollstandig, and a letter Schrift. That's what we believe will tip the scales in our favor."
"Schrift?" Uryu asked, trying to press for more information.
"Yes, we drink in some of his majesty's blood which allows him to carve a letter onto our soul. That becomes our Schrift."
"So is that why only pure blooded Quincy were spared from the Holy Selection?" He asked, glancing to the trees.
"Yep, we were born with our power." Bazzard answered before looking confused. "Wait, was that it?"
"Yeah, you drink Yhwach's blood and he carves in your Schrift." Uryu said, trying to keep the Sternritter focused. "That's what you just said." Bazz-B looked confused before shrugging it off.
"Yeah... okay." He continued, though he was slightly shaken. "He carves the letter onto our soul and determines what that letter is for. My own is the H, which is for the Heat, and I can utilize fire and heat hotter than the sun."
"And he determined that?" Uryu asked again while glancing upwards.
"I was always a hot head and I just loved fire." He said with a nostalgic smile before looking confused again. "That's not right.... what was I..."
"How did you obtain this Vollstandig?" Uryu quickly changed the subject, knocking the H out of his confusion.
"Each and every one of us have used the Letz Stil and had our powers restored." He said, grimacing in pain slightly. "Trying to mimic that feeling of the Letz Stil, we try to manipulate the ambient Reishi to bring us to a higher powered state. Reaching out with every bit of ourselves to clothe ourselves in energy. There's a theoretical higher level, but no one even knows how to get to it. That or... no one thinks it matters now."
"Well, this has been interesting." Uryu said, trying to end the talk while looking at the trees. "I'll be sure to let Ichigo and the others know what you told me. You sure you're alright with spying on Yhwach?"
"Why not?" Bazzard scoffed. "He's not my king.... uh. Wait..." He said before grasping his head in pain. "Why did I say that?" Uryu placed a hand on the Sternritter's shoulder.
"That headache seems pretty severe. Maybe you should go lay down?" Uryu suggested, getting a nod from the Heat.
"Yeah... that... that sounds good." He said, stumbling for a second before disappearing in a burst of speed. Uryu waited for a couple of seconds before nodding and Tsukishima appearing at his side.
"Was that a success?" He asked the Fullbringer as he returned his bookmark to his book.
"It gave some credence to my theory, but I can't be too sure if it'll work or not." Tsukishima told him as he mulled over his personal findings. "I've always done some memories to suit my desires, but nothing on this scale."
"If it works, then Ichigo and myself will be better equipped to fight Yhwach." Uryu reminded him, stressing the importance of the test.
"You said Ichigo can manifest his Quincy powers, correct?" The reader asked the archer, earning a nod of confirmation. Tsukishima let a devious smile cross his features. "I might have an idea."
(The next day. Same day as Yamamoto's surprise test)
Uryu was flying through the air, sniping down masses of low level Hollows that came out of nowhere. That was a mild annoyance to what else was going on. According to reports, there were two instances of an unsanctioned Senkaimon opening, with an investigation finding three different gigais with Reiatsu suppression properties while the other revealed a trio with a carriage that was making a great effort to stay hidden. Adding to that was the recent information that Isshin got from the Commander, a scion of nobility was in danger of an illegal weapons dealers that could put all of Soul Society at risk. They just got their memories back and now they had another mess to deal with. To make matters worse, he was ordered by Isshin to look more like a Shinigami/Quincy... and no, Isshin had no reason other then 'because.' A black version of what he wore when infiltrating Soul Society with blue lines.... it was too hot for form fitting black.
"At least the squad is really coming into its own." Uryu remarked, watching the battalion of Soul Reapers cutting down the Hollows with ease. Even some of the Fullbringers were helping, Jackie backing up Chad as they crushed their enemies. "But where did that bait come from?" He said, thinking back to another unexplained Reishi buildup that was reminiscent of Hollow bait. "Are those three unknowns involved?"
"Excuse me!" He heard a young girl's voice call out to him. He looked down to see a person with a wide brim hat with a veil hiding her face wearing a pink floral kimono that seemed to be of high quality. "Are you one of the Soul Reapers of this town?" Uryu felt his eye twitch, not sure how he was supposed to feel about being called a Soul Reaper, but he dropped down to speak to the girl.
"My name is Uryu Ishida, and I am the 3rd seat of squad 15." The archer greeted her calmly. "Would I be correct in assuming that you are Rurichiyo Kasumioji?" The girl nodded before walking towards him.
"Since you know who I am, I require your assisstance in bringing me something to eaAAH!" She started, showing disregard to his position before tripping over her feet and onto the ground. "Owww~." She groaned as her veil came off, revealing her long blonde hair held back by a band and green eyes. Cute kid.
"That veil looked ridiculous anyway." Uryu quipped, making his way to the noble and helping her up. She quickly realized her situation before trying to look as dignified as possible to the Quincy and making her demands known as dozens more Hollows cried out in hunger.
"Now, bring me something to eat and quickly." She ordered, not realizing he wasn't paying attention as he scanned the sky. "Are you listening to me!?" The noble demanded furiously.
"People usually say please before asking for something." He said dryly as he spotted two Shinigami, not belonging to his squad, being chased by several Hollows. "And I don't play caterer to a selfish brat that can't say one simple word. I'm more of a tailor." He conjured his bow as took aim, trying to ignore the girl's whining about her hunger and demands for food. "Shut. Up." He growled, releasing part of his Reiatsu and quieting down the girl so he could focus. Two in front to avoid killing, roughly twenty Hollows behind them, closing in the distance from almost half a kilometer. Child's play without distractions. He released his shot and multiple arrows flew fast and true, grazing the two Shinigami to the limit of trimming their hair and light scratches. They landed in front of Uryu as he stood protectively in front of Rurichiyo. One had short hair and icy blue eyes while the other had a small patch of hair in the shape of a lightning bolt and looked bigger than Chad. "Rurichiyo Kasumioji, you are to be taken into the protective custody of squad 15 during your stay in the world of the Living." He said to the princess, earning a glare from the two likely bodyguards of the noble.
"Who do you think you are peasant?" The smaller of the two growled. They then felt a crushing spiritual pressure as someone they couldn't refuse came to the scene.
"He is one of my 3rd seats, and he is acting on my orders." The pair looked behind them to see the mildly annoyed captain of the 15th squad. "And I'm acting on orders from the old man."
(Illustrated Guide to Soul Reapers)
Zombie Thriller
"Maybe I should take some pain meds before going to bed." Bazz-B sighed as he made his way home, occasional throbs of pain hitting him as he tried to figure out what happened to him earlier with Uryu. "Man, what a headache. He reached his shared home with his fellow and pulled the door open.
"Cause this is THRILLER~! Thriller night!" He watched the scene in front of him, which he didn't think was real. Giselle was dressed like the King of Pop and doing the Thriller dance, in the hideout, with an army of zombie animal critters. He simply shut the door and started walking towards the hospital.
"Or I have a brain tumor. Better go check."
Training continues
Urahara and Mayuri were at the training site where Rukia, Hormura, and Shizuku were training to control their Hollow masks along with the other Vizards. The siblings were able to hold their masks for minutes while Rukia barely managed half of one. They were watching, gathering data, when an important question was asked.
"I thought you said you had a new training method for them." Rose asked, flinching when Rukia took a hard kick to the face.
"I told Hiyori about it earlier." Kisuke admitted, drinking some tea. "It's called, 'Grievously injure someone until they leave you alone, or get stronger and take credit for it'." Hiyori then kicked Rukia into a crater that was followed by a low groan of pain.
"Ichigo's going to kill you later." Shinji warned, happy to not be on the receiving end of Hiyori's tantrums for once.
"I know. Still fun to watch."