Disclaimer: I do not own Rockman.EXE or Bleach
Hikari Shinigami
Reviews:
Aki Kochou- You'll see more of Recca although mostly as a spirit rather than a human.
Beta the Second- This is the quickest update that I could do given recent bugs. I refused to post until that was all cleared up.
Spellcaster Hikaru- Recca getting his hands on that Gigai will be explained in this chapter. Enzan will have some powers, but I haven't decided on Laika yet. If anyone has any suggestions for him I'd be glad to hear them.
Anime Ryu and Okami- Yes, actually the name does have meaning or atleast the best that I could do. Recca- means raging fire while Ryu- means dragon (Japanese). Sorry if my translation is off any.
Firehedgehog- Thanks and I tend to vanish a lot. Mostly because I oversleep.
Musically Gone- I had to give Saito a fun and wild side. It gets boring seeing the same old bookworm goody-good. How often are people really that good?
Thoughts "blah"
Spirits talking "blah"
Chapter 7
On the outskirts of Akihara chocolate brown eyes slowly opened and then quickly slammed shut due to the brightness. "Looks like I made it back." His back hurt and the sheath digging into his back wasn't helping any.
Lifting himself up he heard glass crunching and looked down. He winced when he saw the source. Apparently after coming through into the human world he'd landed on the windshield of someones car. "Someone is really going to be happy about this one. He he, I don't think their insurance covers Shinigami collisions."
"I concur." said a well known voice.
Netto didn't even lookup as he greeted, "Hello Recca. How long have we been here? Where are the others?" When the red head didn't respond the Shinigami turned around and saw his Zanpakuto blade down where the driver would've been. Behind the sword the spirit sat on the top of the car refusing to meet his wielder's eyes. "Please tell me." Netto asked gently.
Recca knew that the teen was concerned, but there was nothing that they could do. "Netto-kun I'm sorry, but our friends didn't make it through the portal. Rukia and Ichigo are still trapped in the Seireitei."
Immediately Netto jumped to his feet ignoring the pain that shot through his body. "Then we have to save them."
Recca sighed. He knew that this was coming and getting his wielder to understand and accept it was going to be nearly impossible. Then again it was Netto's determination that Recca most admired about the Shinigami. "Netto I know that you are not going to want to hear this, but you will listen to me on this…"
Netto recoiled completely surprised by Recca-ryu's sudden change in demeanor.
The red head realized that he'd come on a little strong, but he really didn't have a choice if he wanted Netto to remain free. "Netto opening a door out of the Seireitei is possible, but we lack the ability to open a door into the Soul Society."
"So what you're telling me is that we can break out, but we can't break in?" Recca-ryu nodded and Netto slammed his fist onto the car setting off the alarm. Both gave it a funny look and muttered, "Now it goes off."
The spirit moved in front of Netto and said, "I would help you in an instant if it was possible, but we can't go back. The only way back in would require a Hell Butterfly which we don't have."
"Where could we find one?" asked Netto refusing to give up or heed his sword's warnings.
Finally Recca snapped, "NETTO! No one in this world possesses a Hell Butterfly except the Shinigami that have already been dispatched to recapture you. If you stay here and/or get caught then you will have betrayed Rukia and Ichigo." He saw the hurt register on his wielder's face and added, "They wouldn't want you to throw away your freedom in a vain attempt to save them. Trust in your grandfather to save them. Besides they won't be executed…"
Surprise replaced frustration and he asked, "What makes you say that? Didn't they say that our two friends were Capital offenders?"
The spirit nodded. "Yes, but Ichigo is like you and they know it." Recca smirked at the questioning look that his wielder sent him. "Kurosaki is from a Shinigami bloodline just as you are from such a bloodline. As for how I know…let's just say that a frosty shrimp told me."
"In other words you were spying on them and I'm guessing that the 'them' would be high-ranking Shinigami." said Netto as he put the sword back into its sheath and started walking around the city.
The spirit chuckled and mischievous glint in his indigo eyes. "Sometimes walls really do have ears." He ignored Netto's blank stare and disappeared back in Netto's Zanpakuto.
"Well that was an interesting experience." He started wandering around heading towards the more populated areas of the city. "I hate to admit it, but I really can't do anything to help Ichigo and Rukia at all. I don't know enough about Shinigami or thei- our world to be of any use."
As the young Hikari walked through the streets of Akihara he heard a racket coming from a nearby golf course. With no other destination in mind he decided to check it out. Remembering that no one could see or hear him he walked inside to snoop around.
At the third hole Netto couldn't help but spot spiky orange hair. "That's Kin, right?" He walked up behind them and listened in.
"No, boy that's not how you hold it. Let your old man show you how it's done." said a man the young Shinigami didn't recognize. The man had brown hair and was obvious pissing Kin off if his death grip on the golf club was any hint.
What was even more amusing was when the mod soul pulled back the club and took a swing at the man's head. To Kin's misfortune he missed and Netto chuckled weakly.
Kin ignored Isshin looking at the Shinigami standing in front of them. "Hi Kin." greeted Netto saddly. "I…I was separately from Ichigo and Rukia."
"First off it's Kon, NOT Kin." growled momentarily forgetting about Isshin's presence.
"You know talking to yourself is a very unhealthy habit or," Isshin started smirking and finished, "Or do you still have an imaginary friend?" Still grinning he turned to where Netto was standing.
Netto swore that the older brunette looked him straight in the eyes for a brief second before turning back to Ichigo's body. "He saw me…but how? Ichigo and Rukia said that it was impossible for humans to see me." The look in Isshin's eyes scared Netto and he quickly some distance between himself and the human.
Pointing an accusing finger at the father and shouting, "He sees me. Kon I'm telling you that this guy can see me."
"I don't have any imaginary friends old man!" Kon glared at Ichigo's father and was tempted to raise the club for a second attempt. He quickly moved next to Netto and while using his hand to hide his mouth whispered, "What happened?"
Refusing to turn his stare from Isshin or remove his hand from his Zanpakuto he explained what happened. He included the conversation between himself and Recca-ryu which Kon agreed with. "I should be trying to save them, but I don't know how. Is there anyway that you can think of to sneak in?"
Kon shook his head and noticed the suspicious looks Netto was giving the elder Kurosaki. "The best thing that you can do is lie low for awhile. You'll have Hunters after you by now and they won't stop until they find you."
"How can you expect me to run and hide when our friends lives are on the line?" shouted the frustrated Netto. He knew that he lacked the knowledge to do anything and he blamed his father for that. "I might need to pay him a little visit later."
In a growling whisper Kon said, "They will be fine. Right now you need to look after yourself." Before he took another swing at Isshin he said, "Have faith in them and your grandfather."
Despite the enjoyment watching Isshin make a fool of Kon's every attack Netto couldn't stand to be there any longer and decided to go cool off.
In Hueco Mundo a gathering of Hollows were discussing where to find the tastiest souls. One was even bragging that Shinigami have the best tasting souls and were as addictive as any drug.
Three exceptionally strong Hollows were thrown on top of the others which nearly started a brawl. "Now gentlemen is that any way to act towards your fellow Hollows?"
"Who are you?" demanded one of the stronger Hollows just before his skull was crush and his throat ripped out.
"The last being that you will ever see." said the visitor. The new Hollow clearly demanded respect and the stronger Hollows were intrigued. "Glad to see that everyone enjoyed the show. Now let's get onto business shall we."
When it was obvious that everyone was giving him their undivided attention he continued. "For those of you who don't know me you may call me Phantom." Immediately another Hollow snickered and he immediately fell over missing his head. Phantom growled holding the bloody mass, "Disrespect me and you life expectancy shrinks exponentially."
Slithering around he studied all assembled. "Well it seems as though I've finally found Hollows of some real merit. I'm sure that all of you are wondering what I'm talking about. To put it bluntly…I'm here to recruit."
"And why should we work for you?" asked one of the moderately strong Hollows.
Phantom's mask seemed to grin as spoke, "I may look like some of you, but I far stronger. Besides wouldn't you all rather enjoy the taste of Shinigami over that of mundane human souls?" Many nodded in agreement and he situated himself in the center of them. "Then follow me and we shall enjoy such delicacies."
Before more could be said Regal showed up and crawled over to Phantom whispering something into his ear. "It appears as though our time has come sooner than I thought. Let us make our preparations."
The gathering of Hollows cheered at the prospect of devouring their immortal enemies. Phantom was pleased with his new followers and soon he would have his revenge on the one who had betrayed him. "Of course the others will eventually die, but Netto will suffer for the depth of his treachery."
Back in the Soul Society Renji and Tadashi arrived at the same time. "Hey pops where have you been?"
Tadashi glared and countered, "Partrolling and where have you been?"
Renji noticed the blue device hanging around the younger Shinigami's neck. "Now what the hell is that thing?" He started he reach for it when he heard the unmistakable sound of a sword leaving it sheath.
"If you value that hand you will pull it back now." warned Tadashi. The cold look he gave Renji left no doubt of his seriousness.
"I would appreciate it if did not threaten my Lieutenant Hikari." said Byakuya as he entered the room with Toshiro.
Tadashi returned his blade to its protective sheath, but kept his eyes fixed on the retreating hand. Once back at its owner's side Hikari turned to his Captain and groaned. "I know that look and it's never accompanied by good news. Judging by the bored look on Captain Kuchiki's face I'd say that it was my grandson and his friends."
Renji muttered, "How can you tell that? That's how Captain Kuchiki always looks."
"Did you say something Abarai?" asked Byakuya. The piercing stare he gave his Lieutenant shut him up.
"No, nothing sir." responded the red head. Quickly changing the subject he asked, "Well what happened with the human and Rukia?"
Hikari noticed the sneer when Renji said human, but let it go in favor of an answer from his Captain. "It would seem that aside from the perverted human…your grandson and Rukia attempted an escape. Only Netto got away when his, get this, Zanpakuto stole a gigai."
Both Lieutenants' mouths hit the floor. They stood and still couldn't believe that a Zanpakuto pulled something like that.
"Are you sure that you two haven't been hitting the Sake a little too hard? Well I guess that the shrimp wouldn't be served." Tadashi stepped back when Renji said that and the red head found himself frozen from the knees down to the floor.
Byakuya's mouth twitched slightly while Hitsugaya glared daggers at the red head. "Think before you speak fool."
"What else do we know sir?" asked Hikari.
"Your grandson got knocked through an open portal and is somewhere in the human world right now. We recaptured the other two although Kurosaki has been demanding 'The Playboy Channel'." Hitsugaya finished rolling his eyes and muttering something about 'beaten prisoners'.
"Who was beaten?" asked Renji momentarily forgetting about the ice holding him to the floor.
"The human of course. It would seem that Ms. Kuchiki has a thing for the idiot and they are both too stubborn to admit it." Toshiro shattered the ice and as an afterthought added, "Kinda sad really."
"HOW DARE THAT FILTHY HUMAN STEAL RUKIA'S HEART? IT SHOULD'VE BEEN ME THAT SHE LOVED, NOT HIM!" Renji grabbed his blade and tried to depart only to be stopped by his Captain. "Sir?"
"We shall see if that is truly the case or simply an infatuation with a dead love." replied the raven haired Captain as he left.
Renji decided that now was a good time to research the Enzan boy since he knew that he wouldn't be allowed near the prisoner anytime soon.
Toshiro gave Hikari a detailed account of Netto's escape and as expected Hikari immediately returned to the human world only this time with his Captain by his side. "He's got potential Hikari and I'd like to see what he can do."
"Is that all sir?" asked the taller Shinigami.
Hitsugaya looked away and said, "Family is the most important thing and I doubt that you want this Phantom getting his hands on Netto."
Tadashi blinked back tears and said, "Thank you sir."
Back in the human world Netto decided to check in on his friends. He knew that it was risky since the Soul Society would probably have them staked out, but he owed it to them.
The first place that he visited was the place he dreaded most…SCHOOL! Inside he found many children mourning for someone who he quickly realized was him. Salty tears dripped from his eyes as he saw his friends wearing all black, but what hit him the hardest was seeing Meiru.
She seemed so…robotic. She didn't smile, talk, or even look at anyone. It took all of his willpower not to rush over to her and hold her, to offer all the comfort that he could give her. It shattered his heart when he saw the dead look in those once beautiful eyes. It was if she had lost her very soul.
Determined to set things right he waited patiently for the bell to ring and then followed Meiru to her next class which was Physical Torment 101 also known as P.E. Netto knew that he didn't have a chance of being alone with her, so he made an opening by following Meiru into the girl's locker room.
"Wow it's so much cleaner than ours. The pink really needs to go though." he thought to himself as he averted his eyes from most of the girls present. It really didn't surprise him when he found himself staring at Meiru while she changed. "Is that a black thong?" Blushing madly he turned his head until he felt sure that Meiru had some pants on.
Slowly everyone started to exit to the gym. Netto took this opportunity to grab Meiru's arm and prevent her from leaving. She attempted to jerk away and started to scream when Netto did the only thing that he could do…he placed his lips against hers knowing that while she couldn't see or hear him she could feel his body.
Slowly he pulled back expecting her to have recognized him. Instead she slapped him and started struggling again. She fought him until she lost all of her strength and then collapsed crying.
Netto pulled her off of the floor and into his lap gently stroking her hair. He saw her mouth start to move and leaned in closer to hear what she was saying. "Why did you kill Netto? I loved him."
"She really did lo...like me." he said to himself. He knew that he'd cared for her, but that didn't mean that the feelings were returned. He tried talking to her in vain hopes that she could somehow hear him, but that plan fell through.
A light bulb went off in his head and he opened the palm of her hand. "Let's hope that this works." He began to trace his finger over her palm and hoped that she would understand.
'I am Netto.'
Her eyes widened and she through him off of her before dashing out of the door. Ordinarily she wouldn't have been able to do that, but she had caught the young Shinigami off guard. His emotions had left him open and she had taken that advantage.
Netto chased after her only to find her in hysterics shouting that 'the monster was here'. Even though Netto knew that she didn't believe it was really him it still hurt being called a monster. His eyes widened when the instructor began evacuating the gym and picked up the phone.
"Oh shit! You've gotta be kidding me." he thought as he departed. What struck him as odd was that a Dimensional Area hadn't been setup over the gym. Sci-Labs had sensors precise enough to do so. The only two explanations was that the system was down or being used elsewhere.
Back in the Soul Society Renji was pouring through records of the living looking for Enzan Ijuin while also searching through the law section for a sneaky way to help the boy get the power to avenge his friend.
The whole time he kept thinking, "Evil humans and their infernal machinery. Always have to complicate things and get in the way."
It didn't occur to him that he was basically following in Rukia's footsteps or else he would've never made that promise to Enzan in the first place.
Finally he located information on Enzan's family and found a minor notation off to the side. Squinting to read the small print he saw a sign that he knew and hated. "So he's one of them, but he couldn't see me. I wonder why that is."
Before he could get more the alarms went off and he rushed off to find his Captain. Along the way he heard lower rank Shinigami talking about how 'the escaped prisoner had caused a scene in the human world'. "That must be the Hikari kid that we were sent after. If he really did cause that big of a scene then it's likely that we'll be dispatched to cleanup and recapture him."
Once reaching Byakuya he found his prediction to be correct. Kuchiki and Renji were being sent along with a few Trackers and a small clean up crew. "Oh the joy of babysitting." he thought entering the portal to the human world. "Here we go again."
Author's Note: Leave me some feedback and tell me whatcha think.