Solace 11/12
Ukitake spent the next day pouring over the Seireite’s records; the image of Yylfordt bruised, bleeding and broken burned in his mind. That hopeless look on a lifeless face now replaced what was once a vibrant being full of potential and renewed hope; beginning to pull himself out of the confusion and pain he had during his life as a hollow; a man who was beginning to grow into the man that he could see buried beneath his mask.
It took longer than expected to find the documents he was looking for on the constructive nature of the material, he read over it carefully to soak in all the information, though he couldn’t find anything specific regarding sekkiseki and hollows.
Later on he meditated on the matter and milled about getting his Division paperwork in order.
If he can’t break out, I’ll lead him out. He decided knowing full well there was a possibility that his student would not be able to break through the sekkiseki.
…but there is still the matter of getting the execution order in the first place…how do I make it believable? There has to be a valid reason, he mused and continued to do so the entire day.
During his run between Division Twelve and Central that day, he realized the scientist’s results started to become repetitive; some of the same examinations he performed before were redone with the same results as before, the analysis was contrived and unnecessarily wordy, even for him.
His breath caught in his throat.
He’s running out of ideas…. It won’t belong before Kurotsuchi-san has no more use for Yylfordt! Something has to be done before he destroys him.
After dropping the latest test request from Central on Mayuri’s desk he leapt off, even before he had time to chastise the researcher about his student’s treatment, leaving the man strangely perplexed that there were no ill words exchanged between them, albeit grateful to be rid of him for the day.
He had to get to Shunsuei fast. There was no way he could convince Central Fourty Six on his own.
He paused outside the Captain’s office clutching his chest as he coughed up blood and staggered around, trying to remain standing.
…shit… he thought.
He supported his weight against the door shakily, eyes squinting, mouth drawn into a deep frown.
…weak…so weak…
He felt himself falling but opened his eyes when he felt strong hands catch him and lift him off the ground. He briefly heard Shunsuei’s voice as he sent Nanao away. He then felt himself being carried off and then laid into a futon.
He opened his eyes. He was in the Eighth Division captain’s quarters.
“If you’re not careful I’m going to request Unahona-taicho to confine you to a bed.” His friend smiled down on him, but his knit brows expressed his concern.
“I’m fine….I just…I haven’t eaten anything all day…” He spoke as he pulled himself to rest on his elbows.
Shunsuei shook his head and sighed then got up and walked behind him. He returned with a bowl of food, a pair of chopsticks, a tea kettle, and his sake.
“I hope you don’t mind some cold leftover rice. It’s not like I had any time to cook before you visited,” he said as he set the bowl on his lap and handed him the chopsticks before he set up the kettle and started brewing tea.
“I know you aren’t here on accident. What’s going on Jushiro-kun?” He asked as he placed out cups and poured himself some sake, then offered some to him, to which he declined.
Ukitake’s eyes narrowed. His lips drew tight. He exhaled hard and closed his eyes before he spoke.
“It’s going to happen soon. Kurotsuchi-taicho has started repeating experiments.”
Shunsuei handed him a cup of tea which he held between his palms, grateful to feel the heat from the cup. He took a sip then placed it back down.
“We have to convince Central to have him transferred to Sokuyoku Hill now, or I risk losing him for good.” He sighed heavily.
His friend sat down on the futon next to him.
“After you’ve rested Jushiro-kun, I think you’ve pushed yourself as far as you can go for now.”
He wished him a good nap before he left to return to his work in his office.
Ukitake laid back and rested his hands interlaced on top of his chest, gazing up at the thatched roof with worry. His rice and tea sat next to his side ignored like most of his meals have been since Yylfordt’s incarceration.
He’s right. I have pushed myself too far, but am I too late? He thought grimly as he reluctantly let sleep take hold of him, thankful at least, to be in a bed that wasn’t his own.
When he woke, Shunsuei was already there waiting for him, sitting patiently on the floor. Without a word they both got up and left. They hurried for Central as fast as they could.
Negotiations were long but to the point and they got what they wanted in the end.
They stopped to eat a quick lunch before Shunsuei followed him to Division Twelve and then wished him luck, bidding him good night before Ukitake went inside to confront the researcher.
Mayuri eyed him suspiciously, his yellow orbs narrowed to mere slits. A deep set scowl crossed his face. He didn’t like this one bit and the elder captain was not a welcome sight in his laboratory in the slightest.
“Central Forty Six wants it executed do they?” He paced.
Ukitake steeled himself to keep calm and serious. His hands were folded behind his back and he stood proudly as a messenger from Central handing down official orders, although it was no easy task.
He couldn’t help but feel like he was facing down a beast that would rather flay him alive every time he spoke to him, even more so now since he possessed something that he held dear. Although the scientist was not someone who ever liked parting with his toys, even if he had grown bored of them.
“Yes. They want him to be escorted to Sokyoku hill tonight and will be sending someone for him shortly. Have him freshly clean and clothed when they get here,” Ukitake spoke as authoritatively as he could muster.
“You wouldn’t have anything to do with this would you, Ukitake-taicho?” His yellow eyes drifted askance and he motioned with his hands in a half circle, making his grin more malicious. “…seeing as how I planned to rid myself of this nuisance today as I have grown tired of its’ plaintive wails and constant moaning about how it would be better off dead.” He rolled his eyes and looked at the ceiling.
“Although my assistant Akon has taken an interest in it…” He shook his head and looked back at Ukitake out of the corner of his eyes. “I considered giving it to him to do with what he pleases but I guess that option has been taken from me.” He turned and looked squarely into Ukitake’s eyes. “Hasn’t it?” He emphasized the last word with the corners of his mouth drawn down.
Ukitake’s expression went from sour to downright disgusted hearing him talk about Yylfordt like he was an object. He wanted to smash his face in despite his gentlemanly attitude. Instead he balled his fists, spun around and walked away towards where he knew his student was being held, followed close behind by a savagely grinning Mayuri.
He burst through the double doors leading to that particular laboratory and glared at the shriveled husk of the man he once knew. He barely moved, shivering in his glass cage, pulled as far into a fetal position he could get; emaciated, bruised, scars running the length of his body, a large patchwork of bruising and swelling focused on his private areas suggesting that whole lot more than just Central approved experiments were performed on him.
His eyes never left Yylfordt; his face twisted into a deep scowl, although he was furious at Mayuri for the decrepit state his student was in. How he wanted to make him pay…
He barked the execution order to everyone in the room, making sure all the lab assistants could hear him. They looked up from their work bewildered at the sudden change in the other man.
He turned on his heels and left hastily, his shikuhasho whipped around behind him. His fists were still clenched and his jaw clamped shut. Had it not been for his training, his noble upbringing and the other captain’s status he would have killed Mayuri right there on the spot.
He knew that for a fact and it sickened him to the core; which was exactly what that painted bastard wanted all along and he knew it.
Even though Yylfordt’s luck was changing for the better, he knew his work was far from over. There was still the question of his escape and how he would make certain that no one would expect his involvement with it.
There was also the question as to whether or not the man would take the offer or not. He looked so utterly soul crushed in the lab and Ukitake feared that he no longer had any hope left in him whatsoever. Also, he knew his student was nearly as much a shinigami at heart as any of they were and he wondered if he was now honor bound to die for the good of the Seireite, or so guilt ridden for having given vital information to the arrancar that waited for him in Hueco Mundo that he felt he deserved it.
Shunsuei stood at his side on the patio of his home and nodded as he handed him a list with the information he was able to gather on Yylfordt’s friends. His friend then set off to find them.
He sighed in relief, watching the man’s pink flowed kimono billow from behind him as he disappeared down his cobblestone walkway.
Yylfordt’s five friends sat around a table sipping tea provided to them on Ukitake’s porch. Each were a little confused over the hospitality, but it wasn’t until after they all had time to relax that the captain spoke up.
“I’m sure you all have an idea why I sent for you. It’s about Yylfordt-san.”
Their eyes widened, particularly Renji’s, who leaned forward on his elbows.
“Yylfordt’s alive?” He asked not quite believing it was possible.
“Yes, he was transferred to Research and Development to be studied and interrogated to the fullest extent about the reasons he came here.” He closed his eyes as he spoke, his friendly expression was replaced with a grim seriousness that the new recruits were unaccustomed to seeing from him. “You may have not met the Twelfth Division captain yet, or have enough of an idea of what he is capable of but Yylfordt will not stay alive either way, so I managed to convince Central to go ahead with an official execution on Sokuyoku Hill, as opposed to just putting him to death like they originally planned.”
“So in two days time he is to be executed ‘to serve as an example to others of his kind’. They don’t want to give the hollow any more time than they absolutely need to so I’m sure there will be a hell butterfly report about it at any time,” he continued.
“They’re what?” Renji snarled and leapt to his feet. “He’s been tortured since the day he ended up in Twelfth and they’re just going to kill him on top of all that! Hasn’t he suffered enough already?”
“Please calm down. Hear me out on this.” Ukitake held his hands up.
The scarlet-haired student twitched with rage but reluctantly returned to his seat.
Rukia looked up at him in a state of shock. Hanataro looked like he wanted to say something but seemed on the verge of tears and slid closer to Rukia for support. Ikkaku and Yumichika absorbed the information calmly and passed side-long glances at each other as if they were planning something.
He looked at the five fondly, his expression softening as he witnessed the mark of friendship that stayed strong through all this time.
“I gathered you all here because I will be getting him out of there tomorrow night. I need you to come up with a diversion for the day of his execution which will delay an investigation into his disappearance so I have time to get back and get everything in order. I…” His expression went serious again. “…may be accused of treason and put to death for this. This is why I need your help.”
He knew full well he might be suspected regardless, but as long as he had time…
They then talked over all the details until it was perfect.
The next day brought a lot of anxiety and anticipation. The waiting was unbearable and it was all he could do. He tried to busy himself with Division paperwork and menial tasks but it was all for naught. He worried too much about how his student was doing and whether or not he would still be alive in a few more days after helping the hollow.
It wasn’t until Shunsuei showed up carrying Yylfordt’s swords did he relax a little. He handed them to Ukitake who held them out for a moment and admired their build and the power that emanated from them.
“One day, he is going to need you,” he breathed, referring to the unsheathed Seireite issued zanpakuto. “Don’t let him down,” he said and then placed them both on his own sword rack.
His friend watched his almost ritualistic respect and behavior for the twin blades thoughtfully.
He leaned on the wall with his arms crossed. Only when Ukitake returned to where he was sitting did Kyouroku move towards him and join him.
“They’re ready. All they’re waiting for is you now. Kuchiki-taicho is running the guard shift at the Temple of Penance tonight. I convinced him to let me take his place during the night watch so that he could get some sleep. I doubt anyone would suspect me,” Kyouroku spoke.
He looked at him thoughtfully. “I’ll be there around three in the morning, which should be late enough most everyone is asleep.” He smiled.
“It’s a date then.” Shunsuei chuckled. “Can’t say I’ll be very lively… I’m sure you’ll be far more cognizant at that time than I’ll ever be.” He smiled then left glancing over his shoulder coyly as he made his way towards the doors.
“I’ll see you there…or not.” He tipped his hat, winked then slid the shoji to the estate shut behind him.