Hey to those are still interested in this fic! After much consideration, I decided to continue with this fic. As a reader myself, I am aware of how frustrating it is to read an unfinished story. Although I'm not sure how often I can update this story as it is quite a complex plotline (as you'll notice in this chappie) but I am aiming to finish this before my Cupids story is completed (whenever that may be!). I don't expect there will be many chapters before the end though.
Anyways, despite the length of time, I would like to thank all those who took the time out to write me a review: 1SuperKawaii, vicky73, SunRises, DRUON, silverquen, xxUlquiorraLoveRxx, L, sereas3791, Dani Rose Ventra, bunny18, obsessed dreamer, Sherry-Chan141, bloodblueBlazingdragon, ReckoningDay, round and round we go, bluerose, lobsterstarfruit and special thanks to AkuRokuTurkTrainee for reviewing every single one of my chapters. I think only one reader, Vicky (who deserves much of my appreciation too!) has ever done that! Thank you all! x
DRUON: I'm amazed at how evil I have made Urahara in this story. A little more about him will be explained in this chapter, though I think it proposes more questions than answers...! =p x
Silverqueen: Lol I don't like sharing either but then when you have Byakuya, I'll get to cosy up to Ulquiorra. Mmm... yummy! Sorry for the long wait! X
L: I actually miss writing lemons though I think my ideas would probably be to smutty for FF! X
Sereas3791: Forgive me for being so cruel because I think I've left you another cliffy with this update too!
Dani Rose Ventra: Thank you for the lovely compliment! And I am sorry for the long long wait but I will try to finish this story x
bloodblueBlazingdragon: Sorry for the wait. I lost quite a lot of motivation for this story. Hope you are still reading and enjoying this story x
ReckoningDay: Thank you for the review and sorry for the long wait! X
bluerose: Hope you'll enjoy this update too and sorry for the long wait! x
So here is the update, only 17 months since the last...!
King's Gambit
'You're blocking my way.'
'That's the whole point, Kurosaki,' Uryu spat back, clearly standing in between the front door and Ichigo.
'I want some fresh air.' Uryu pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose and smirked.
'Do you think I'm an idiot?'
'Eh?' Ichigo raised an eyebrow.
'You're going to save her, aren't you? Don't even try to lie.' Unable to answer him, Ichigo only opted to look to the side.
'Urahara-sempai knew you would waver and ordered me to place you under house arrest.' A look of genuine worry washed over Ichigo.
'What is Shishou planning on to do to her?'
'It's too late for those sorts of questions now.'
THUD!
Without warning, Ichigo locked the back of his arm under Uryu's chin; pinning him against the door. More confidence pumped through him as he remembered he had already defeated Uryu once before. Never had he intended to hurt Rukia but he convinced himself that it was all for the greater good but he was definitely not going to let her die.
'What's going to happen to her!'
He couldn't contain the rage in his voice. Uryu took advantage of Ichigo's emotions running wild and jabbed him in the stomach. As Ichigo was distracted with the shock of the punch, Uryu placed quick digs all over him before pushing him with great force from behind to sendng him flying into a wooden table, subsequently breaking it and everything that was sitting on it too. He walked a little closer as ichigo slowly tried to sit up, cursing Uryu will all sorts of colourful words.
'She's a fucking vampire! What do you think will happen to her when Sempai sends them all to Hell!' Ichigo's eyes widened as he realised that Kisuke was not going to spare any vampire despite what he promised him.
'Rukia..!'
He scrambled along the wooden floor onto his feet and ran out of the house as fast as he could. Although he was running so fast like his life depended on it, he knew that it was all redundant. Kisuke had probably had got the Skeleton Key and everything was all over anyway. This was also why Uryu didn't get in his way anymore. He could even sense Rukia's spiritual energy evaporating which meant all was going according to plan.
Rukia...
Please..!
RUSTLE-RUSTLE
Collections of woodland debris pushed around as Ichigo raged down the forest. He could smell Rukia or perhaps to be more accurate, he could smell the overwhelming essence of her blood – that was not a good sign. Worryingly, he couldn't sense her spiritual energy – definitely not a good sign. He came to a halt to where her blood was the richest but no Rukia was to be found. All that remained was a pool of blood mixed in with some grey matter.
'Wh-What happened?'
'Sempai's medication altered her DNA composition,' Ichigo flinched at the sudden voice of Uryu, 'removing the pureblood's virus; turning her into an ordinary vampire.'
'Where is she?' Ichgio attempted to get to the point but forced a sigh out of Uryu.
'Do you have any idea what the daylight does to a normal vampire?' Uryu considered how ironic his words were in that it was certainly not normal to be a vampire full stop. Ichigo's eyes widened, turning to its attention to the grey ash-like matter...
Rukia...?
Am I already too late...?
'Aizen-sama, I have some important news.' Yoruichi was quick on her feet and barged through to the great Assembly Hall.
'Yoruichi, which part of "Do not disturb" confuses you?' Tier's displeasure was evident despite her softly spoken words. Both her and Aizen gave clear instructions that they did not want anyone spoiling their quiet game of chess.
'My apologies, but I bring bad news.'
'It can wait,' Tier threw back at her.
'We have trespassers, Aizen-sama.'
Yoruichi emphasised the last part, making it clear that she wasn't going to listen anyone else's orders, after all, Tier was only a Jaegerjaquez, the fifth, and more importantly, the weakest pureblood family line. However, Aizen seemed to have a slight soft spot for Tier so Yoruichi wouldn't go as far as to overrule her, much irk to Yoruichi. Although Tier often wore a daunting entire jawbone made out of bones, compared to the half that Grimmjow wore, she was very pretty couples with blonde plaited hair. Aizen, as the king, attracted many of the female purebloods.
'Is that so?'
What a flimsy line from Aizen. The king had clearly heard her but seemed less amused or maybe he was too immersed in his game. He took charge of the black pieces and seemed to be at the most disadvantage. Tier took her white king and swiped the black castle which rolled dead on the side. Aizen was the first to have a man down.
'How long are you going to stand there?' Yoruichi exchanged looks with Tier's; boring into her green eyes. It was quite an intense moment like two animals fighting to be the alpha female.
'Gate one has been breached,' she informed of Kisuke's presence within the castle. As if acting immediately to the newly informed data, Tier picked up her king and moved it forward.
'No, it was opened,' Tier said plainly as Aizen moved his right bishop wide to the side so that the white king could close in on himself.
'What do you mean? Like he was welcomed in?' Yoruichi's eyes furrowed in deep thought; staring hard at the right bishop.
Is their game mimicking reality?
Do they know who the bishop is...?
How did they...?
'Yoruichi, it would be rude if old friends did not greet one another,' he suggested.
'Hai, Aizen-sama,' she said before bowing and taking her leave. Aizen smirked as he moved his queen diagonally in line.
'Check...'
'Mmm, and I thought I was your queen...' Tier making a slight roll of the eyes towards Yoruichi.
It was darker than dark. Someone had killed all the lights in the castle all of a sudden. Kisuke understood that meant the vampires had learnt of his presence. It was to be expected but still a little earlier than anticipated. But of course he came prepared. He'd be a fool to think he could take on the entire clan himself. Night cascaded lurking tree shadows across the floor and walls; creating a smokescreen somewhat. Only the moonlight, little there may be, shone through gaps between the curtains giving away the approaching black cat although Kisuke didn't fall under such innocent delusion.
'Well, well, well,' Kisuke managed a reluctant smile, 'it has been a long time...'
POOF!
Yoruichi had amused herself long enough and transformed back into her true form. It was often easier to sneak up on people or carry out confidential work in her cat form. Indeed, she knew that Kisuke would see right through the disguise since he had already seen it on so many occasions. Nevertheless, she just wanted to reminiscent on old times or perhaps she was just toying with him as usual.
'My, my, you sure don't age well, Kisuke,' she oozed her usual playful self. Like two predators they continued to walk towards each other while they sized up one another before their battle to the death. Neither of them intended on playing the victim.
'Unfortunately, growing old is an unavoidable human condition. What makes life so beautiful is that it is fleeting.'
'That's what I loved about you – you always had such a laid back view on things.'
'I thought you were only interested in my inside knowledge on the Soul Society or maybe it was my part in terminating vampires?' Kisuke no longer had the patience for small talk; his bitterness on the past clearly still evident.
'Although I was plotted to get close to you by Aizen-sama but my feelings for you were tru-'
'Spare me the lies!'
Talking wasn't going to resolve things. How many years had it been since the betrayal? After 10 years he must have stopped counting. Too many years were spent longing, then hatred and slowing brewing over a plan for revenge. Was today the day he finally could achieve it?
'You used me for information, framed me for betrayal and tossed me to the side when I no longer had any use to you.'
Recapping on the details was only making him angrier. He unsheathed his sword which was conveyed in his walking stick and a fiery red light swished along the hall bringing up parts of the wooden floor and carpet fibres with it. Being as agile as her transformation, Yoruichi managed to dodge the attack whilst showcasing her backward somersaults up the red velvet fabric. Her manoeuvres were effortless but then his attack was straightforward and slow which were easy to defend like there was no real meaning behind it. Was he holding himself back?
She crouched low with one hand on the floor and the other resting on her knee to steady her balance. Puzzlingly, he remained still; holding his sword to the side.
'You were free to join our alliance. It was you who refused.'
Back then, Aizen welcomed Kisuke with open arms but Kisuke was certain he only wanted to use him for his knowledge in medicine and science. Kisuke's aim was to cure vampires but Aizen's goal was to create some sort of vampire hybrid and that would definitely be the end of humanity. So he rejected the allegiance outright.
'And you left me for dead!'
Another few red lights filled with spiritual energy threw down the hall but again with no real sense of attack behind them. The attacks were no match for Yoruichi's renowned speed. She was simply skipping around them. It was as if he had no intention in harming her. Was that possible?
She bounced around the walls as Kisuke simply tore up the rest of the fittings and structure; deliberately missing her. She used her famous flash-step skills to quickly tuck behind him and her long arm stretched out as she released long white bands; curling them around Kisuke's sword and lightly yanking it to stop him temporarily. Her body leaned close and her voice was only a whisker away.
'Why do you think Aizen-sama hasn't issued your death warrant, Kisuke?' Her whispers cut him like a knife, ruling him speechless.
'Who do you think protected you from him?'
He narrowed his eyes; already with a speculative answer in mind. Of course the subject had cropped up several times over the years. There wasn't much benefit for Aizen with Kisuke living not when you weighed it against the odds of having him killed especially when there was a chance that he could 'cure' vampires. At his weakest moment, Kisuke found him believing or maybe even deluding himself that Yoruichi had possibly played a part in keeping him alive. Was his resolve; his heart wavering? Could he fool himself that her feelings for him were genuine once more? Or was it just another cunning game plan of hers? Was he reeled in another dangerous cat and mouse game?
A black shadow pounced from behind them and slashed Yoruichi up along her back; compelling her to the floor in agony. She struggled as she turned round to see her attacker but astounded to find Kisuke there with his sword drenched with her blood.
Fool me once – shame on you. Fool me twice – shame on me.
'It can't be! You were right in front of me! How-'
'You mean this?'
Kisuke uncurled his hand to showcase a small black ball. It wasn't until when he pressed his lips against it and blew into it that his secret was revealed. As the ball grew bigger it became more apparent that it was some sort of blow-up doll donning Kisuke's exact image. It was a complete replica of him.
'I call this my "portable gigai" which I can use as a decoy, although I have only used it to escape the housework.' Typical of him to throw in a joke even during battle yet he noticed Yoruichi giving a slight smile.
'Well, I am impressed you can still find the funny side of this after losing all that blood.' A smile was brought to his lips. Revenge did taste sweet.
'Who says I'm bleeding?' His eyebrows twitched at the remark. Slowly, he could see her shrinking, sort of like from the inside, just like a balloon...?
K-POW!
There wasn't enough time for him to defragment what was going on. It was Yoruichi's turn to unleash a surprise attack from behind. Her punches were hard and fast. There was so many of them coming from all directions he lost count. Obviously, he didn't remain standing up for long and ended up kneeling on the floor.
'I'm afraid you're not the only one with a new toy,' she hissed with pleasure.
Despite his coughing fit and increasing pain (girl can certainly throw a good swing) he just had to look up for some reasoning. Was he just suffering from concussion or were there really three versions of Yoruichi standing in front of him?
'H...' He struggled to catch him breath. 'H-How...?'
After another series of croaky coughs he spat out some blood onto the floor. The great force created by Yoruichi's attack managed to knock the skeleton key out from Kisuke's underarm and it slip along the floor. Howver, he was distracted by a small gentle hand taking a white folded handkerchief to wipe away the redness of his chin and lips. His grey eyes widened at the sight.
'You're supposed to be dead!' That wasn't quite the greeting Rukia was expecting but it was a priceless reaction nonetheless.
Carefully, Aizen picked up his castle from the side and placed it in line with the black king. It was cornered by Aizen's queen also. 'Check mate,' he summarised. A tall silhouette lurking in the shades caught his attention.
'Have you any indifference of me using Rukia as a gambit, Uliquiorra?'
The pureblood stepped into the light but still Aizen could never entirely work him out. Oh, how well he played his part – forever emotionless and elusive. But could he really have no qualms as to Aizen sacrificing Rukia in order to lure and capture Kisuke?
'Unohana-sensei had cured Rukia of her poison.' It was uncertain whether Ulquiorra was asking a question or simply making a statement.
'That is half correct. I was well aware of Urahara Kisuke's plan for Rukia. It was so embarrassingly obvious.'
'Aizen-sama has a mole placed amongst Urahara Kisuke.'
Now that was a definitely spoken like a statement. Aizen's spy had given him the antidote long before Rukia was first poisoned but Aizen wanted to lead Kisuke on and pretend things were going his way. And before he knew it Aizen would turn the tables around and attack him. Though how Ulquiorra figured out his plan was a little mystery.
It even shook Aizen himself a little. He was so impressed that he even smiled for him. It always amazed him how perceptive Ulquiorra was. It begged the question, "how much more does he know?" but then how much did he actually need to know? It was partly worrying how Ulquiorra kept unravelling his secrets. It made it difficult for him to control his empire and Aizen demanded a lot of it. Maybe it was just his imagination running wild but he had an inkling feeling that Ulquiorra was up to something suspicious. Though what it exactly it was he wasn't so sure.
'You're supposed to be dead!'
'I hate to point out the obvious to you, Urahara-sensei, but I am a 300 year old vampire. How do you kill something that's already dead?' Rukia toyed with him as she walked away and picked up the skeleton key.
'Oh, you think with this?' She tossed the metal object into some lonely corner and quickly forgot precisely where.
'You see,' she continued with her taunt, 'there is no such thing as a Skeleton Key. Only a special hex can be used to open the Ninth Gate to Hell. The other stuff was all myths passed down by purebloods to deter the likes of you from destroying us.' Suddenly, he began to laugh out loud.
'What's so funny?'
'So it's true that I have someone working undercover for you demons. Thank you for letting me know who it is!' The girls exchanged puzzled looks.
'I didn't say any-'
Rukia let her sentence drop off when she noticed Kisuke bringing a black cube-like object. She had seen this once before but frantically tried to remember where.
'Wait! Stop him!' She realised what it was when Kisuke crushed the object into his fist but it was all too late. It emitted a burst of emerald green light, stunning their vision before it engulfed Kisuke into nothingness.
'Why did he have the Kuchiki Caja Negacion?'
'Clearly, we're not the only ones who have a spy...' Yoruichi answered regrettably.
Ooh so it is a little short compared to other updates but I had to stop there because all these twists were too overwhelming for one chappie =p And the plot thickens still. Can you guess who the spies are?
I enjoyed the chess scene the most. Did you like my reference to the characters within the game? e.g. referring Rukia to the castle but also to mirror the fact that the castle's security had been breached =p
Most relieving thing is that Rukia is still alive – yay! However, there weren't any ByaRuki moments here as it didn't quite fit with the plot =p
Anyway,fee free to drop me any reviews/comments/ideas you wish to share. It will definitely spur me on for the next update! Ja x