Helpless

Byakuya stepped between Yamamoto and Zangetsu's standoff, calm and collected as always. "This confrontation is unnecessary. Kurosaki Masaki was captured while being escorted by a Kuchiki representative. This is a severe blow to the Kuchiki credibility, one that must not go unanswered. In light of the current situation, Zangetsu, I wish to hire your wielder to continue the investigation as he sees fit. The amount to be paid may be negotiated at a later date. Is this acceptable?"

Zangetsu's eyes did not leave Yamamoto's. "It is."

Nodding, Byakuya turned to the sōtaicho. "The investigator the Kuchiki has hired has uncovered evidence that implicates one or more noble families. Due to the delicate nature of the relationships between noble families, and the newly discovered possibility of corruption within the Central 46 that would hinder the investigation, the Kuchiki requests aid from the Gotei 13."

Yamamoto's reiatsu lowered significantly. "Very well. Let us go to the Central 46. Should they decline to help, as I have been requested by the Head of one of the Four Noble Families to aid in an ongoing investigation, I shall declare martial law."

Zangetsu lowered his blade and nodded silently.

"I must call for an emergency meeting of the Central 46," Yamamoto continued. "I shall meet you at the entrance to the Central 46 Assembly Hall. Kuchiki-taicho, you will escort Kurosaki's Zanpakutō there."

"Hai," Byakuya accepted. Yamamoto promptly turned on his heel and Shunpo-ed away.

Byakuya began walking down the path away from Sōkyoku Hill. Zangetsu joined him a moment later, his sword vanishing into reishi that were quickly absorbed by the sword spirit. "You have my thanks, and my wielder's," he said quietly to Byakuya as they began walking in the appropriate direction.

The 6th Division taicho looked at him regally. "I am merely doing my duty," he replied coolly. "Part of Kurosaki Ichigo's role as investigator is to keep me informed of all pertinent information to the case. Tell me of the artifact you mentioned."

"As you wish. The artifact is an orb that appears similarly to an orb given to my wielder by the Shiba. The Shiba orb was used to break through the spiritual barrier around the Seireitei, whereas this orb displays Kurosaki Masaki's current surroundings. Both merely require the insertion of reiryoku to create the effect," Zangetsu summarized.

"I assume you have not investigated the Shiba yet."

"No. The artifact was given to Ichigo with the message that he could not contact any civilization. An additional issue is that the Shiba are difficult to locate – they move frequently, as noted by Shihōin Yoruichi."

"True," Byakuya acknowledged. "I shall have some of my servants attempt to discover their current location. What can you tell me about the handwriting of the messages?"

"The handwriting is still the same as the first, which you and Yamamoto say belongs to Soifon."

Byakuya gave Zangetsu a glance out of the corner of his eye. "I see you share the same disposition towards suffixes as your wielder."

Zangetsu inclined his head, but said nothing in return, and the two of them continued towards the Assembly Hall in silence.

Ichigo frowned. "Zangetsu wasn't kidding about slow reiryoku recovery," he muttered. He had hardly regained any since he'd materialized the sword spirit. Repeated Shunpo use had gotten him much further, almost to the West 50th District, but it had also drained him enough that even Ichigo could feel the difference.

The Vizard had a feeling the only reason he was regaining any power at all was because his Hollow side could feed on the power lingering in the air. I could also eat something, I guess, but I don't know what is and isn't edible in a forest, and I'm not allowed to go shopping… Not that I have any money that Soul Society would accept.

Just then, his stomach rumbled – he hadn't even eaten breakfast, and now it was well past noon and Ichigo was dealing with power depletion. Great. As if I needed more problems. That's just not fair. But Ichigo would not call Zangetsu back – the Zanpakutō was busy doing what Ichigo had asked. Sighing, the Substitute Shinigami decided to descend to the ground and walk for a bit to try to find an isolated spot that he could stay in for the time being.

If it was just reiryoku, I would go to Hueco Mundo, Ichigo thought bitterly. But I don't know what'd happen if I did that while Zangetsu's here, and I don't want to risk anything happening. Plus, opening a Garganta would definitely be detected. He sighed as he landed on the soil of the forest floor, shaking his head. No, I have to stay somewhere in Soul Society. Hurry, Zangetsu.

"Something wrong, Ichigo?"

Ichigo nearly jumped out of his skin before turning around to see… a black cat. "Yoruichi?"

"Who did you expect?"

"No one, that's the point!" Ichigo sighed, before remembering the situation. "Quick, get away! If I'm detected talking to anyone then Mom'll be sent to Hell!"

"Then you won't be talking to anyone," Yoruichi sounded rather smug. "I'm a cat remember. You'll just be talking to yourself."

Ichigo breathed a sigh in relief. "Alright then, just keep your voice down, ok? I'm not sure yet how they're tracking me, though I'm sure they are… somehow…"

Yoruichi jumped onto Ichigo's shoulder and lowered her voice appropriately. "So, fill me in. Kisuke told me your mother was captured and the threat about Hell."

Ichigo quickly related the events of the day. "So, I've got Zangetsu materialized and trying to find out where a noble could get that much Sekkiseki."

"Hmm, you say the orb looks like the Shiba's variety? Show me. Make it look like you're just going to look at your mother again." Yoruichi's voice was little more than a whisper. Ichigo did as bid and channeled the barest amounts of power he could into it, triggering the image. Masaki had set down the book and was instead writing in a journal.

Peering closer at it, Ichigo could barely make out what she was writing. She'd apparently been at it for a bit, as the page was full of notes. Of all things, it seemed to be a letter to him!

Ichigo, I don't know when you'll be able to read this, but my captors told me that you'd be able to see me and my surroundings whenever you use something they gave you. I hope it's clear enough for you to read this. Just in case it is, I'm writing this to tell you everything I know in the hopes that you'll be able to use it somehow to find me.

I don't know who captured me, unfortunately, and I was blindfolded until I got in this room. I still don't know how I got into this room… I can't find any doors or windows, or secret latches from this side. But they must be getting in somehow, as the books and journal wasn't here when I first arrived.

The walls are thick enough that I can't hear anything from in here. The silence alone is enough to drive someone insane, but the note I found on top of the books says that I'll be released within a few days, assuming you do as they say. Ichigo, if you're reading this, I hope they aren't making you do something terrible.

I can't imagine you to have many enemies, so hopefully there's not many to search through. The only ones who knew where I live now were the Kuchiki, and the Berean noble families, along with your friend Urahara. I told Kuchiki Byakuya myself, and he doesn't seem upset with you, so I don't think it's them.

I don't know how the Berean family found me, but they did and told me they were in charge of safeguarding forbidden knowledge and using their records to provide advice for the Central 46 when they need expert opinions. They wanted to update their records on Shinigami-Hollow hybrids, but now I'm not sure if that was all they were after.

Masaki had paused there for a bit, tapping on the desk lightly as she thought, which gave Ichigo plenty of time to read what she'd written thus far. Finally, she sighed and wrote down one more thing. I hope that helps. I'll write more if I think of anything else. Good luck, Ichigo. With that, Masaki stood from the desk, leaving the letter open just in case, and moved to the bed and lay down. She looked at the ceiling with a strange expression that Ichigo had never seen on her face before. It wasn't fear, nor was it hope. It was more like…

"I bet she feels so helpless right now," Yoruichi murmured. "Unable to do anything but wait."

Yeah, helpless is the word for it, Ichigo agreed silently. Without a word, he turned off the projector.

"I can see how you would think this is a Shiba-style Kidō orb, but I can tell you that's not the case," Yoruichi told him a few moments later. "The Shiba specialize in fireworks and earth-based Kidō, as you probably recall, and their barrier orb was originally created to shield them from accidents. The barrier itself is relatively mid-level, but the infusion into easily-used objects took prodigious skill. Such skill, in fact, that they had to have them commissioned from the Kidō Corps until they learned how to do it themselves. In comparison, what we just saw was an extremely difficult, high level spell that bypasses even Sekkiseki. Very few people indeed could have made that orb, and they would almost certainly know who it went to."

"Can you find them?"

Yoruichi smacked Ichigo's ear with a paw, making him hiss and instinctively reach up for his abused sensory organ. The black cat jumped gracefully to the ground. "Who do you take me for, Ichigo?" she hissed softly, but more teasing than anything else. "I was the leader of the Onmitsukidō, and Head of the Shihōin. I can find anything and anyone. Don't get into trouble while I'm gone." With that, she sauntered away through the forest easily.

Ichigo sighed again, but this time in appreciation. Thank Kami for friends in high places. Maybe this'll be resolved quickly. And then… His fists clenched as he contemplated what he'd do when he knew who was responsible. … they'll pay most dearly.

Zangetsu and Byakuya finally arrived at the entrance to the Assembly Hall, where they waited patiently for Yamamoto's arrival. Several minutes later, he appeared in front of them in a flurry of Shunpo, where he promptly pushed open the doors and walked in. His companions followed silently.

Inside, there was an obvious place for them to stand to address the council, and they did so. Zangetsu took the opportunity to surreptitiously look around – there was little light, and where the members were sitting, there were plaques numbering from 1 to 46 obscuring sight of their faces.

"Why have you called this emergency session of the Central 46?" one of them asked – Zangetsu was unable to tell whom, which he supposed was the point.

He stepped forward to address the query. "I request access to the Daireishokairō, to view recent records of Sekkiseki purchases made through the Pokire family."

"And how is this an emergency?" a different voice demanded critically. "And who are you? You do not dress as a Shinigami."

"I am not a Shinigami, but I have been hired by the Kuchiki family to investigate the matter of a kidnapping and assault," Zangetsu replied strongly, not bothering to answer the latter question.

Murmurs arose from the circle of unknown Central 46 members. "Kidnapping and assault? On the Kuchiki?" a third voice whispered disbelievingly. "Kuchiki Byakuya, elaborate on this man's testimony."

Byakuya inclined his head. "Very well. One of the Kuchiki servants was escorting an esteemed guest. They were assaulted, and his charge kidnapped. The investigation indicates that my guest, whom I wish to remain anonymous at this time, is being held in a location surrounded by Sekkiseki. I require access to the records to determine potential leads to the investigation."

There was silence for a moment, and then an old man's voice rang out with the weight of authority. "I believe I speak for the Central 46 when I say that such an act against a Noble Family cannot be tolerated. It is our job as the government to aid the members of our society, and such a situation is exactly the reason why those records exist at all. I move that we allow Kuchiki Byakuya and his investigator access to the Sekkiseki records. If any among our esteemed members disagree, let them speak now."

"I disagree," a decidedly younger man's voice called out immediately. Zangetsu made careful note of his voice, wanting to be able to identify it later should he hear it again. "I find myself suspicious, Kuchiki Byakuya. Why would you disguise the identity of your guest, when it is your guest that you are attempting to rescue from a supposed imprisonment? How do we know that this guest is not an enemy of Soul Society?"

The air tangibly grew thicker with reiatsu, though Byakuya's expression did not change. "I suggest being more careful with your words, Councilman," he uttered in a volume only just above a whisper, yet the words echoed in the chamber. "For I do not tolerate fools who dare to accuse me of betraying Soul Society. I am Head of the Kuchiki, and taicho of the 6th Division of the Gotei 13. And you should all be intimately aware of how little effort it requires for a taicho to… eliminate… that which we do not tolerate."

The threat and reference to Aizen's massacre of the previous Central 46 sent the room once more into silence. Zangetsu half-expected Yamamoto to have intervened or countermanded the noble, but there was silence. He allowed himself a half-smirk before raising his voice to address the hidden members before him. "Are there any other objections? I ask solely so we can get to the point – this investigation is something of a time-sensitive matter."

After a few moments of silence, a more feminine voice regally spoke, "It seems there are no further objections. The Central 46 grants Kuchiki Byakuya and his investigator access to the Daireishokairō to access the Sekkiseki records. You will be monitored to ensure you do not access any further information."

Byakuya gave the slightest of bows, before a door that had gone unseen in the shadows opened with a creak. Inside was a lighted path, and the noble began walking purposefully into it. Zangetsu followed a step behind him.

Yamamoto silently took one more glance around the room, before quietly leaving. He was glad he did not have to enforce martial law… he hoped that this incarnation of the Central 46 would continue to display rational judgment and not go the way of the former members.

Ishida paced in Ichigo's room – none of them had left, hoping that any minute Kurosaki would emerge with news one way or another. It was difficult to imagine that anything could hold him up – he'd defeated Aizen after all. But as the hours had passed, Ishida's thoughts took a darker turn. It was obvious, now that he'd thought about it. There was hardly better bait than Kurosaki's mother to draw Kurosaki back to Soul Society on short notice. Had he fallen into a trap that he was unable to leave?

Ishida shivered as the memory of Kurosaki's Resurrección flashed. He shook his head. No, nothing can stop Kurosaki when he's got something important on the line. Then he mentally slapped himself. I can't get involved, even if I wanted to. I swore on my Quincy pride. "Hmph. It's obvious that this is taking longer than expected," Ishida pointed out. "There is no point in us standing here and waiting for his return. Kurosaki will be fine. So we should enjoy what's left of our day."

"Ishida-kun!" Inoue sounded almost scandalized in her disbelief. "How can you say that? Kurosaki-kun's mother…!"

"… will be fine," Ishida insisted. "And besides, even if you wanted to help, how would you get there?" he pointed out harshly. "You can't enter the Senkaimon the way Kuchiki and Abarai can – you'd need matter-reishi converters, remember? And the only one we know of is with Urahara, hundreds of miles away!

"On top of that, Soifon is the suspect, and none of us save I could possibly match Soifon in sheer speed and brutal efficiency, and I'm already sworn to focus on the living world!" Ishida reminded them. "Face it, there's nothing we can do but have faith in Kurosaki! He will return victorious, and we will deal with the fallout later! Right now, it's pointless to just sit around waiting! In fact," he added almost as an afterthought, "we're hurting him by staying here. By all of us staying here, we're drawing attention, and if they decide to check in on us, they're going to find no reason for it with Kon in his body. The best thing we can do for him is go out, try to relax a bit, and hope he comes back before dinner!"

There was a moment of silence following Ishida's sudden rant, before Renji sighed. "I don't like it, but he's right," he admitted. "We'll feel a Senkaimon or a Garganta appear anyway, and Ichigo doesn't have to come back to this room."

Inoue bit her lip – she hated not being to help. But despite wanting to run off and help Kurosaki-kun with all her being, she knew that the Quincy was right. With a struggle, she put on a fake cheerful grin, closing her eyes in a way that she hoped looked happy so the others wouldn't see how conflicted she felt. "Right," she chirped. "Kurosaki-kun will be fine. C'mon, Rukia… let's go get our swimsuits!"

Rukia reluctantly let herself be dragged away, but not before exchanging a significant look with Renji. Neither of them were happy about the situation, but Rukia knew that if history was any indicator, Ichigo was about to get into a lot of trouble. And if something could give Ichigo trouble now that he had transcended the existence of Shinigami…

Renji heaved a mental sigh. I had hoped that things would quiet down after Aizen died. Should've known better. With Ichigo, things will never be calm, will they?

Urahara sighed, having just purified another Hollow. He, Ururu, Tessai and Jinta had been out all day, purifying Hollows! There was something going on, and his vast intellect was trying to determine what it could be – the attacks were all by weak Hollows, and they didn't seem to be coordinated in any one place. It was obviously a distraction, but by whom? And for what purpose?

And then his keen senses picked up that not-quite-Hollow that had been popping up. Well, that answers that question. Shunpo-ing quickly over, he took a good look at the intruder. As expected, it did not appear to be a Hollow… Instead, the entity seemed to be garbed in a black cloak with white rectangular buttons, and a strange light-bulb-like mask. The mask almost made Urahara conclude it was a Hollow variant, but the mask did not appear to have a mouth, and the mask itself WAS whole, so it was unlikely to be an Arrancar either.

But there was that nagging sense of familiarity as well. Deciding to simply ask the creature and hopefully get some answers, Urahara jumped down in front of the entity right before it could try to kill the terrified man it had been hunting. "Hello there," he greeted cheerfully. "And who might you be?"

"… You're not her," the creature said in disappointment. "I could've sworn hunting would bring out that girl again. Oh well, you'll make a good test too." He raised his arm, making something metallic clink underneath his cloak, and fired something out of it.

Urahara Shunpo-ed up on top of the building to his side instinctually, avoiding having a dozen strange slug-like things land on him, where they promptly exploded. He frowned – that reminded him of something. "Yare yare… I was hoping for a civil conversation too…"

"You're fast," the being complimented in a way that sounded too much like Kenpachi for Urahara to be comfortable. "Maybe you'll be a better challenge than I thought, while I wait for that orange-haired boy and that bitch."

That was more than enough information for Urahara to finish connecting the dots. "I would think that I'd be a challenge for a Hollow that was sent to Hell already," Urahara rebuked, drawing Benihime. "How did you escape from Hell, Shrieker?"

Shrieker laughed. "That's for me to know, and you to guess at! But I'm out, and it's time to test my newfound power!"

"I don't think so," Urahara decided, his voice cool. "Bakudō 63: Rikujōkōrō."

Shrieker suddenly found himself bound in place with six bars of light holding him still. But he began laughing. "You really think you've won?"

Urahara's eyes widened minutely as he leapt away from where he'd been standing, just before it exploded. But the air was filled with more of those blasted leeches!

Shrieker cackled as the air exploded far better than any fireworks display he'd ever cared to see. And the bars of light vanished as well, which simply was enough for Shrieker to think that that fight was over. "Now then, where was I…?"

"Dead." Urahara materialized right behind him, Benihime already mid-swing. Shrieker ducked, and vanished in his own high-speed technique. Urahara's eyes narrowed as he considered the new data and decided on a new plan. He tracked Shrieker easily – his eyes were trained to follow the likes of Yoruichi, the Goddess of Flash – and aimed quickly. "Hadō 4: Byakurai."

Lightning flashed, and in the bright light Urahara disappeared and reappeared above Shrieker, silent as the assassin he used to be, and swung down with Benihime.

Easily slicing into the cloak and feeling it connect with flesh, Urahara was certain that he'd finish the Hell-bound soul momentarily as Shrieker was sent screaming towards the ground. But then a strange red swirling portal appeared underneath him, and he sank into it, his screams transforming into laughter. "Fool!" the damned soul called out triumphantly. "I'll come back and get my revenge!" And then he was gone.

Urahara landed lightly on another building. Now he had the answers he had sought, but they only gave more questions. He frowned pensively. Somehow, someway, souls bound to Hell had found a way to leave. He needed to get in contact with Mayuri and coordinate resources – this was bigger than either of them, and both of their formidable intellects would have to work together to find how the residents of Hell could escape, and then eliminate that possibility. There was precious little time – there would surely be some truly terrifying souls who would take the chance to return to the living world!

Just then, a Hollow appeared on his spiritual sense, and Urahara let loose a rare curse. Reaching into his robes, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed as he Shunpo-ed to the newcomer and slaughtered it in an instant. "This is Kisuke. Tessai, something's come up. I need you and the kids to take care of the Hollows for the time being – I need to get in contact with the Gotei 13."

"Understood, sir."

"Thank you." And then Urahara flickered away back to the shop, down to the basement, and began to make an inter-dimensional call with the equipment he'd stored there just in case such an emergency happened.

The call connected, and the video brought Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni on screen. "Urahara Kisuke."

"Yamamoto-sōtaicho. We have a problem. The Togabito have found a way out."

In the shadows of another dimension, a young man with dark purple hair worn in a long fringe looked up to see someone else approaching. Though the figure was shrouded in the darkness as well, the first man allowed himself a smirk as he recognized his companion. "The mission was a success, I assume?"

"Yes, Shuren. I have already disposed of Shrieker," the newcomer answered, his voice subservient but proud.

"Excellent, Gonjō. We will soon make our move. Gather the others and be ready to enter the living world by tonight."

"As you command." The shrouded figure bowed and faded back into the shadows. Shuren smiled in triumph as he held up a lantern that glowed with the image of a mask with twisted, forward-pointed horns as a Cero fired itself from it. "Kurosaki Ichigo… You will soon free us."