It took ten days to prepare for the excursion into Soul Society, mostly because Kisuke had to train Ichigo.

Orihime and Gremmy visited their older brother, Sora, at his apartment near the university during that time. Sora was studying to be a veterinarian at the University of Tokyo. Mother set him up in an apartment near the university and sent him a large weekly allowance so he was never short of money for whatever he needed / wanted. Sora had wanted to stay on the campus, but Mother firmly rejected that notion when it became apparent he would have to share a dorm room. She was surprisingly strict about him not having a roommate until he was in a steady relationship—something about harem rules?

That didn't stop some of Sora's friends from occasionally staying over due to unforeseen circumstances. There was a time when one of them had a busted pipe, and another had a helicopter crash into their apartment somehow?? Another had a bear that recently escaped from a zoo bust in and destroy everything. All very strange reasons that would inevitably result in them needing a place to stay.

When that happened, Orihime and Gremmy were forbidden from going over to Sora's until they were gone otherwise they would "probably walk in on something traumatizing for all parties involved."

Thankfully, that week Sora truly lived alone. He was happy that his younger siblings had paid him a visit and he ushered them in.

They enjoyed tea and some tofu doughnuts Sora made from scratch while Orihime and Gremmy explained the situation to Sora.

Sora thoughtfully chewed over the doughnuts. "I don't know you two... Mom said to never go to the Soul Society without her. Maybe you should call her?"

"There's no need to bother Mama," Gremmy disagreed. "We can handle the situation."

Sora's brow furrowed. He reached over and placed a hand atop Gremmy's head. "I don't doubt your capabilities, but Mom's never been wrong before. I know you both are amazing, and I understand you want to rescue your friend... I just think you should be more cautious about this."

"We don't want to interrupt Mother's work," Orihime quietly said. "Especially over something we think we can handle."

"I get that, I do, but—" Sora sighed. "I don't want you two to get hurt. Promise you'll give it some more thought, okay?"

"We promise," Orihime and Gremmy assured.

"Okay. Now that the serious stuff is done, get in here, you two. I need some sibling cuddles."

Gremmy and Orihime beamed. They scooted over to sit on either side of their big brother. He enveloped both of them, kissing the top of their head and squeezing them.

"I love you two," he said. "Please stay safe."

"We love you, too," said Orihime.

(◕▾◕✿)

When it was time to leave, Orihime and Gremmy headed over to Kisuke's shop.

Orihime was surprised to find not only was Ichigo there, but two more students. Uryū Ishida, and Yasutora Sado—Chad. She hadn't realized either of them were so close to Rukia. Orihime brushed her long hair out her face. "Mr. Chad, and Mr. Ishida, what are you two doing here?"

"Likely the same reason as you, Miss Suzuran," said Uryū as he adjusted his glasses.

Chad nodded politely to Orihime. He and Ichigo had become friends in middle school and they would hang out on occasion after school. Chad was a very nice boy, albeit quiet. Orihime liked Chad because of how kind he was to animals and her brothers. He got along best with Sora, and Sora always liked to dote on Chad whenever the two were together.

It was Chad who actually inspired Sora to become a veterinarian. Apparently, the two had rescued and nursed a baby bird back to life in secret throughout a term in middle school. Or so Orihime was told.

While it was sweet of Chad to want to help, Orihime couldn't help but worry. She and Gremmy were strong, but would they be enough to protect three others and rescue Rukia in the dreaded Soul Society?

Gracious, she might end up calling on Mother's kaleidoscope if they underestimated their enemies.

Hopefully not. Mother might actually ground her.

"We're all here to rescue Rukia?" Orihime glanced over at Uncle Kisuke.

"Mm-hmm," purred Yoruichi in her cat form, stepping out of the shadows. She jumped into Orihime's arms. "Hello, Kurosaki."

"THE CAT JUST SPOKE?!"

"If that's enough to startle you, you're gonna be troll-bait there in no time," Yoruichi scoffed.

"Troll-bait...?" Uryū warily asked.

Ichigo recovered after a few seconds of floundering. "Er... well... ehhh... are you all sure you want to come?"

"We're going," Gremmy flatly said, pulling the hood up on his white hoodie.

"All of us," agreed Orihime.

"You two, I don't—"

"Trust me," Kisuke cut in. "You're gonna want them to tag along. Hime's probably stronger than you by this point."

"What?"

Orihime smiled serenely. "I have... special abilities."

"You mean you're healing? I get having a healer around is good, but it'll be... really dangerous," Ichigo said hesitantly. "You're... you're my best friend. I don't want you to go into this thinking it'll be easy, or—'

Orihime reached forward and cupped Ichigo's face with her hands. She never lost her smile, or her gentle tone. "Trust me. Have faith in me. Rukia is our friend, too. We want to help her, regardless of the potential danger."

Ichigo leaned into her hands, plain worry on his face. "Okay. I do trust you, I just hate the idea of you getting hurt."

"I know," she said, and she really did. She and Ichigo had grown up side by side. He was a huge part of her life, and she knew he was as equally important to him. They had gone through a lot together. She truly did love him, about as much as she loved Gremmy and Sora. "Now, let's get going, shall we?"

(◕▾◕✿)

10 days before

Genryūsai was having a swell day. A fantastic day, really.

He had no work pending and was enjoying a secret walk. He knew his lieutenant would want to go over the new orders from Central 46—a weekly hassle he hated doing—so he slipped out when his lieutenant least expected it. He repressed his reiatsu, transformed into a cat—as taught to him by Rirī—and was shamelessly eavesdropping on the lower rank Shinigami talking shit. He made mental notes of which ones would get bonuses... and which ones would get sent on the suicide missions.

It was a great day.

"... Captain Kuchiki was in a foul mood today."

Kuchiki? Genryūsai's ears perked forward when he heard one of the Shinigami say that. Byakuya Kuchiki had achieved the captain almost two centuries ago and had quickly become one of Genryūsai's favorite. He was diligent, strong, and a stickler for the rules. Additionally, he was one of the few captains who would stand up to Rirī without being an ass about it.

Byakuya respected all the other captains equally, and that was something Genryūsai appreciated in him.

Best of all, Rirī had taken a liking to Byakuya and would feed him some of her special food—which was basically food with her reiatsu mixed in. It was well known in Soul Society that Rirī's special food would increase one's own reiatsu, so many Shinigami would vy for a chance at one of her meals.

Byakuya had enough reiatsu to stop his aging, a feat that had not been achieved by anyone else in his family. Genryūsai hoped that meant that Byakuya would stay around long enough to become a potential successor for Genryūsai.

Not that he had any intentions of retiring—or dying—any time soon, but he was reluctant to hand the position over to Shunsui or Jūshirō since both of them idolized Rirī and would let her get away with damn near anything.

The only other option was Sōsuke, but he wasn't really strong enough for Genryūsai to consider him.

Maybe that would change in a few centuries?

Either way, Byakuya was currently looking like a solid option.

"Oh yeah? How come?"

Genryūsai's tail swept side to side.

"Apparently the Central 46 put an arrest warrant out for Lieutenant Kuchiki. She's been sentenced to death—"

What.

Wha

WHA—

OH SHIT.

OH SHIT.

OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT.

Genryūsai popped out of his cat form and started sprinting for Rirī's signature.

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck—"

(◕▾◕✿)

Rirī

I breathed in the fresh air, a big smile on my face.

I had finished my paperwork. I had to do the bulk of it by myself with Rukia being gone, but that was fine. I hoped she was having fun in the human world. I'm sure she was getting along well with my children at least. My kiddos were such good kiddos!

Sure, Sora's harem could be annoying sometimes but he was learning to manage it. Hopefully, he'd find true love and break the harem curse in the next couple of years.

Since I was caught up on my work, I decided to head over to the 10th division barracks to spend time with Tōshirō. I was delighted to find the short captain was walking the halls, likely on his way to his office. It was odd not to see Rangiku with him. Then again it was a beautiful day and ever since I taught her how to turn into a cat she loved taking cat naps in the afternoon sun.

"Shiro!" I cooed, running and jumping on Tōshirō from behind—the ever popular anime glomp. "Are you free for lunch?"

"Rirī, did you finish your work for today?" Tōshirō tiredly asked.

"Mm-hmm."

He deadpanned, "Good for you. I haven't, so no."

I boo'd. "Then how about—"

"FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK—Rirī!"

"Uh," was all I could say as Genryūsai barreled out of nowhere, ripped me off Tōshirō's back, then proceeded to sprint in the opposite direction. I blinked, a little surprised by my oldest student's flustered state. "You okay, sweetie?"

"I am doing my best," he said. "I really am. I like this group. They're kind of irritating, but they can be reasoned with. I don't want them to die, Teacher."

"Aww, are your friends in danger?"

"Yes."

"From who?"

"You."

"Awww. Probably. Who am I going to kill—?"

"I will fight you," he whispered pleadingly as he continued to run away with me

That amused me. "To the death?"

"... I will fight you."

"Awww. You're so precious."

(◕▾◕✿)

Tōshirō

Tōshirō rubbed at his eyes as he watched Genryūsai carry Rirī off.

I'm too tired to chase, he thought. He returned to his office, unsurprised to find it filled with occupants. He had only left briefly to grab a report kept in the storage room. He pulled the scroll out of his sleeve and tossed it to Captain Shunsui.

It was an impromptu meeting between multiple captains about the upcoming Soul King festival, an event held once a century in honor of the Soul King. A handful of divisions were put in charge of it, except for the 5th division. Apparently the first time the festival was held Rirī had sabotaged it to such a spectacular degree she was forbidden from ever assisting with it again.

Her strange animosity for the Soul King was well known amongst the higher-ups. It boggled Tōshirō's mind. He didn't understand how she could willingly serve someone she apparently hated, nor why she was never reprimanded for her borderline treasonous acts.

That year the festival was being together by Captains Shunsui, Jūshirō, Sōsuke, and Tōshirō. So the four of them, in addition to their lieutenants, had gathered at Tōshirō's office to discuss the details. Captain Retsu had joined them because she had free time and wanted to offer her assistance.

Lieutenant Momo, Captain Sōsuke's lieutenant, poured another cup of tea for Sōsuke. Sōsuke took a sip before he said, "I thought I sensed Captain Rirī's presence?"

"Yes, she was outside for a moment," confirmed Tōshirō. "The Head Captain took her away. Anyone know what's going on?"

"Going on?" Shunsui repeated. "Did he look like he was going to scold her?"

"Haha, wouldn't that be cute?" Jūshirō smiled into his tea cup.

"Only you would find that cute," Rangiku said. "Captain, want some tea?"

"Please," said Tōshirō as he took a seat beside his lieutenant, Rangiku. Rangiku poured him a cup of tea after pouring another one for herself. "I... did not get that impression, although it was clearly urgent."

Momo looked concerned. "Urgent?"

Shunsui let out a hmm. "What happened?"

"Captain Yamamoto grabbed her and ran away while yelling—er—obscenities," said Tōshirō.

"Huh," came Jūshirō. "Last night wasn't the monthly moonshine—?"

"No, no, that's next week," said Shunsui. "It's too early in the month for Rirī to have slipped 'em something. Hmm."

"This is a curious situation," observed Sōsuke.

"What is curious?" asked Gin who entered the meeting room with his own lieutenant behind him.

What's Ging doing here? Tōshirō wondered. Is something really going on?

Gin was the Captain of the 3rd division and was not really one for social visits. The only captain he visited for non-work reasons was Rirī. If he had come to the 10th division barracks, that meant he was there to deliver more work.

"Rirī and Captain Yamamoto," said Tōshirō, eyes narrowed as he tried to gauge Gin's reaction.

"Ah. I bet I know why."

Everyone stared at Gin who grinned.

"Apparently the Central 46 just issued an order for Rukia's execution."

Jūshirō choked on his tea. Retsu had to hide the lower half of her face to keep her gleefully sadistic grin hidden. Shunsui jumped up from his seated position and sprinted out of the room and letting out a, "NOT AGAIN."

"Captain?!" his lieutenant, Nano Ise, cried in alarm.

"Not again?" Gin repeated, his grin slipping as he cocked his head in curiosity.

"Oh... just some ancient history," said Retsu lightly. "It happened over a thousand years ago."

"What happened?" Sōsuke asked, intrigued.

"That's classified. After the last fiasco, Captain Yoruichi—ah, the previous 2nd Division Captain—covered it up, and wiped it from written history. Only a handful who were alive then are still alive now," Retsu said, still keeping her smile hidden.

"Did something happen with the Central 46 and Captain Rirī—?"

Jūshirō cleared his throat. "We should... we should go find Rirī."

"I would guess that's what Captain Yamamoto already did."

"We should help. You know why," said Jūshirō, staring hard at Retsu with a knowing look.

"... Should I get the marshmallows?" she asked with a tone that barely hid her amusement.

"You're terrible," said Jūshirō, turning around and leaving.

"Wait, I don't understand—" said Tōshirō.

"Huh," said Gin. "Now I kind of want to break into the 2nd division barracks and see what happened."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Tōshirō dryly said at the same time Sōsuke said, "Don't do anything rash."

Gin grinned again. He pulled out a scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Tōshirō. "Speaking of the 2nd Division, Captain Suì-Fēng asked me to give this to you."

Tōshirō dubiously accepted it. Gin and Suì-Fēng had a terrible relationship. The two practically hated each other. He couldn't imagine why she would ask anything of him. Tōshirō couldn't keep the skepticism out of his tone. "Really?"

"I was the only other Captain around and well—" Gin nodded to the end of the scroll. Tōshirō noticed that it was stamped with a black seal, which meant only captains could carry or read it.

Ah. This must be about the previous mission.

He had partnered with Captain Byakuya Kuchiki several months ago when investigating a string of noble disappearances. The only thing that was left behind was a pink hydrangea flower. Looking further into it, a lot of the disappearances were similar to a cold case centuries ago. Tōshirō had put in a request to the 2nd division for copies of those case files.

I'll read through this later, he thought, tucking the scroll up his sleeve.

(◕▾◕✿)

Rirī

"My what is what," I repeated blankly.

Genryūsai had carried me to the edge of the Seireitei, and more specifically to my favorite park. There had told me some odd news.

"Your lieutenant has been imprisoned," Genryūsai informed me.

"The fuck. Why?"

"Central 46—"

I reached for my zanpakutō, then hesitated. "Wait—um—what's the exact charge?"

"She gave her powers to a human."

I relaxed. "Oh. That. Okay she'll be fine."

"Fine? She's probably going to be executed."

"Shall we make a wager, my dear? I bet that Rukia won't be executed, and you'll be the one to call it off."

Genryūsai stared at me for several seconds before he sighed. "Want to just tell me what you know and save me the trouble? I can tell the Central 46 to shove it right now."

"Oh, no, no, no. She must be rescued first."

He sighed again, rubbing his temple. "You're scheming something."

"More like going along with someone else's schemes."

"I have a feeling I'm not going to enjoy this."

"You definitely won't."

"Fantastic."

(◕▾◕✿)

There's a limit to how many pics I can use in Wattpad.

Answer: Rangiku! I wish she wasn't crippled by Aizen 'cause I think she woulda been a billy bad ass otherwise.

Question: Favorite zanpakutō / ability?

Reviews are love!