Chapter Text
Human World, New York City - November 1st
A space-time portal opened in the depths of an alleyway, but falling out of it was Tobishiki Ōtsutsuki falling into a dumpster.
The Ōtsutsuki himself was heavily damaged beyond measure, left arm and legs were completely obliterated which left whatever organs spilling out. Nearly all of his remaining torso, neck, face and hair were still crisply burning with a gaping large hole in between his abdomen and chest.
His right arm dislocated, nearly tearing off from the shoulder, with it's flesh tearing open, heavily internal bleeding and muscle fibers shredded.
Tobishiki panted and gasped in stuttering breaths, coughing up blood, his remaining arm trembling heavily as the nearly dead Ōtsutsuki could sense nearby humans, however the damage done to his body was fatal enough that his regeneration factor couldn't fix the necessary damages done to his body with him rapidly losing blood and his lungs collapsed from the combined forces of his and the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid's attack.
‘I don't have the required large amount of energy or strength… into Imparting Kāma onto a candidate vessel…!’ The dying and heavily weakened Ōtsutsuki frustratingly thought, unable to move his right arm. ‘One of the unfortunate and reasonable drawbacks of the Kama Seal… being the state that I am in. If I had the Kokugan, I could have- huh…?’
Soon enough the celestial being noticed the shadows moving with his remaining open eye, before seeing figures emerging out of them dressed in white military clothing, wearing goggles with the entirety of their faces masked.
Every single of them wielded blades, blades and swords that are spirit weapons as Quincy crosses were securely wrapped around their right wrists as well.
The dying Tobishiki could only watch with a widened gaze as the masked elite soldats approached him and the dumpster by extension.
The elite soldats rushed together in unison, leaping up and diving forward, before bringing down and stabbing their Reishi swords into the dying Ōtsutsuki.
Tobishiki’s eyes nearly bulged out, his heavily dying weakened state worsening as the remaining soldat who hadn't stabbed his blade yet, stood on top of the dumpster’s edge.
The last thing that the Ōtsutsuki saw was the remaining soldat who raised his blade and brought down Tobishiki's face as everything became black to him…
The Wandenreich, Silbern - November 10, 2001
Walking through the cold hallways of Silbern, was a blonde haired man who held a stoic expression and a calm demeanor as well. This man was the Grandmaster of the Sternritter, Jugram Haschwalth who was heading down the corridors with a purpose in mind.
It had been nearly nine days since the news of Aizen's defeat had reached, according to the recent Daten that the Wandenreich had received. It didn't take long for them to have Aizen be labeled as one of the Special War Powers.
That was not a subject to be taken as a priority for now. No, Haschwalth has important matters to check up on, matters that he was on his way to meet up with.
Those matters involved over what had happened during the day that Aizen was defeated. The Sternritter Grandmaster could clearly remember it as clear as day.
-Smoke, large amounts of it, had continued to rise out of the crater itself. But soon, there were shadows appearing and rising within the center of the crater itself.
Coming out of the shadows were five figures wearing cloaks that concealed and hid their Reiatsu, one of them being Jugram who immediately noticed the sight of Orion sprawled over the ground in a pool of his own blood.
The blonde haired man noticed the severe injuries that the young Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid had sustained including having his left arm severed from him. Haschwalth kneeled before the young teenager, closing his eyes. “You will be home soon, your Highness..” the Grandmaster calmly promised.
The four other soldats proceed to carefully lift Orion and put him on the stretcher as all of them including Jugram quickly leave the area, entering back through the shadows-
By the time they had returned back to the Schatten Bereich, back to Silbern and had Orion settled in a secure room, Haschwalth was surprised to find out that his highness had regenerated his left arm back at the end of the day.
Reaching the end of the corridor, Jugram stopped right in front of a door. His hand reached out onto grabbing the knob as he opened the door before walking into the room itself.
In the room, was a bed fitted to be in a hospital room. Laying on that very same bed was an seemingly unconscious Orion who was underneath the covers at the Very least.
“You seem to be awake, Your Highness..” Haschwalth spoke, slowly turning around before dipping his head in a small bow. ”It has been a long time since I last saw you...”
Pressing his back against the wall was Orion who looked to be wearing white hospital pajamas clothes while the Orion in the bed was a wood clone that the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid had made earlier.
Staring at the blonde haired man in front of him, Orion's shoulders slowly slumped before the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid letting out a ragged sigh. “Jugram..” Orion said in automatic greetings, before stopping, not even sure on what he could say to the blonde Grandmaster of the Sternritters.
Actually, if he hadn't focused deeply and sensed that he was indeed sensing Haschwalth’s Reiatsu, then Orion would have thought that he was dreaming at this moment.
To see and hear Haschwalth in the present time? The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid had indeed thought deeply about certain things after he had awakened up from his apparent 9 day long slumber.
“Jugram.. I.. where.. I don't understand..” Orion replied while admitting his confusions and uncertainties to the blonde haired man in front of him. “How..?"
“All will be explained once you meet his Majesty personally..” The Sternritter Grandmaster responded, turning away as he made his way out the room. “There's a fresh pair of clothes for you on the table. I shall be waiting outside once you are ready to meet with him.”
Once Haschwalth had left the room, The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid felt his heart almost stop for a moment upon hearing what Jugram had said.
Then it didn't take long for the memories of his father to come to the surface of his mind. For one instance, Orion certainly remembers that his father always disapproved of conflicts in his empire. Not to mention that The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki clearly remembers the impassive expression.
Gathering his thoughts together and organizing them in order, Orion slowly turned to face the pile of clothes that were waiting for him to get ready to dress up.
Having already made up his mind by this point in time, It didn't take that much time for Orion to grab the pile of clothes that were on the table.
The Quicy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid quickly changed into white trousers accompanied by a white shirt and socks. Soon he put a pair of black trench boots on his feet, along with putting on a long, white, double-breasted trench coat which is bound at the waist with a black belt.
Finally Orion put on a distinctive black, ankle-length cloak over his uniform as the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid made sure it was tightly secured in place before leaving the room.
Haschwalth, who had been waiting patiently outside, saw Orion leaving the room before closing it behind him. “Are you all set, your Highness..?”
“Yes..” The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid nodded in response. “Please lead the way, Haschwalth.”
Nodding quietly, Jugram walked down the corridor with Orion following from behind as the pair silently made their way through the wide halls of Silbern to the throne room. The palace certainly made Orion think about the old one of the Lichtreich, the one that served as his childhood home.
A bitter smile found its way on his face, The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid shook his head, knowing that it wasn't the time for him to look back on the past now.
But that doesn't mean that any of this was actually easy for him, no, it felt like suddenly walking for the first time. That's what it feels like for Orion, and yet he learned to pull through it.
Though, the child part of himself was anticipating seeing old faces again, if possible. Orion knows that there's probably faces that he wouldn't recognize here anyways.
The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid mentally prepared himself for those kinds of possibilities, he didn't want to find himself overwhelmed nor did he want to show any kind of vulnerability to anyone.
And so, the stoicism on his face didn't budge or crack as Orion continued to quietly follow Jugram.
The two Quincies had made it to a pair of large doors that lead into the throne room. Jugram took a step forward and opened the door with ease, before heading inside followed by Orion.
Upon entering the throne room with Haschwalth, Orion felt the wind leave his lungs as the young Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid saw the emperor's appearance. Jugram walked up to the emperor and knelt down from a distance, Orion following suit due to automatic muscle memory.
Sitting on the throne was the Quincy Emperor, Yhwach. The man had his eyes closed, though the slight twitches at the corner of his lips show that he acknowledged the two presences that have arrived here.
Even though his eyes were still closed, Yhwach recognized the spiritual pressure of his son. Perhaps knowing the potential his offspring holds, he knows his son will make a fine addition to the Wandenreich’s ranks. The emperor of the Wandenreich turned his head towards the son in question, his impassive expression giving nothing away.
“Nearly one thousand years later, we have reunited at last, my son who was lost in darkness.” Yhwach, even though his eyes were still closed, was thinking about how his son physically looked around now. “Ideally we could have met sooner if Tenenbaum had succeeded in bringing you here to the Wandenreich. Alas, it seems that not everything goes according to plan..” The emperor spoke in a soft voice, full of sorrow for the loss of his daughter.
An uncomfortable silence fell upon the throne room. Yhwach waited patiently for his trueborn son to digest the information, which was followed by the Grandmaster Sternritter.
Swallowing quietly, Orion glanced at Jugram whose expression remained indifferent. The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid was a bit surprised to see his father react this way; now with the mind of a teenager, Orion recalled back that his own father cared little about his 'children' who he had called the Quincy of the Lichtreich back then.
‘Did something change…?’ The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid silently thought to himself, quietly asking himself that question. Even though it looked like nothing about his father had changed, Orion could tell that something did change within the emperor.
What had changed a part of his father is something the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid wanted to ask but held himself back from doing so. He didn't need to look at Haschwalth and see the ever stoic gaze on the blonde's face.
No, Orion knew that familiarity wouldn't serve him here, he acknowledged that he was facing the Quincy King and his “other half” so to speak. And he himself was here as the Quincy Prince, well, he will be as soon as he reclaimed the role he was born into and had been in for the first 9 years of his childhood.
Haschwalth remained quiet while kneeling down in front of his Majesty alongside His Highness, the blonde Grandmaster Sternritter subtly glanced at Orion out of the corner of his eyes.
Observing closely on the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid's expression, Jugram didn't feel a hint of worry or concern. From reading the Daten, The Sternritter Grandmaster knows that His Highness wouldn't be an enemy to them.
Unbeknownst to Haschwalth and Orion, The Quincy Emperor of the Wandenreich was deeply thinking on the circumstances that have led to this moment, the moment that he had been waiting for.
The emperor was satisfied, satisfied with having his trueborn son at his side once more. Yhwach didn't want his son to respect him as ‘His Majesty’ like most of the Sternritters did, no he wanted his son to respect him as a father instead; to build a strong relationship between parent and child.
The Yhwach from a millennia ago would have scoffed and belittle at such things that wouldn't provide any use in achieving his goals. However, the current Yhwach acknowledged that a part of him had changed, only a small part but not entirely all. And along that line of thinking had made the emperor reflect deeply with careful observation.
Memories flickered through Yhwach's consciousness, leading him upon remembering the time of where he had forged an empire, the Lichtreich which united the Quincy and the northern territories under its banner.
The emperor grimaced upon also remembering that the first invasion of the Soul Society, from nearly a thousand years ago, had been a failure which greatly cost much. Back then, Yhwach had been so driven, too eager, to achieve his original goal, to free his father from the shackles of his humiliation, to have the world return to its original state, where there were no boundaries dividing the world into three. It would have been a world without the fear of death…
However, the realization of doing so would mean that those in the human world, even the Quincy wouldn't survive the transition to the world he was trying to make, it would mean the end of his son, his son which bore his blood and flesh.
The emperor couldn't help but feel disappointment at himself from the past who had been willingly doing anything to achieve his goals, even if it meant sacrificing his son. Whether ironically or not, the flames of his defeat at the hands of Yamamoto from nearly a thousand years ago, had made the emperor realize and acknowledge the care he has for his trueborn son.
This doesn't make much of his plans, for Yhwach would make sure the Soul Society will be destroyed when the time for war comes and when the Wandenreich wins, The Quincy will take the mantle that the Shinigami had held on for this long.
Speaking of which, this line of thinking didn't come from a place of arrogance, the emperor was confident about the fact that the scales of the upcoming war had tipped greatly to their favor, due to the fact that his son has returned back to where he rightfully belongs.
Turning his attention back to the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid, Yhwach maintained his impassive expression, showing no emotion. “Now my son, we have much to discuss..” He stated, the sound of his tone was stoic and authoritative.
“Indeed we do.” Orion respectfully replied, lifting his head up, his gaze meeting the emperor's. “Father..”
Kurosaki Clinic - December 24th, 2001
“C'mon which sweater looks good on me for tomorrow?!”
Isshin's voice cried out as the former Shinigami captain was holding up two ugly Christmas sweaters, while looking at both Masaki and Yuzu who sat on the couch with an disinterested looking Karin.
“It looks fine on whichever one.” Masaki responded, laughing lightly at her husband's so-called distraught.
“My darling wife, please help me out!” Isshin begged, kneeling down in front of Masaki before turning his attention to his two daughters. “C'mon sweeties, help Daddy out!”
“Both of them look alright either way.” Yuzu happily replied, while just sitting next to her and her sister's mother. “Just like mommy said.”
“What..?!”
Karin rolled her eyes, grumbling while staring at the TV, which was playing Christmas movies, in front of the couch.
Just coming down the stairs, Ichigo had a frown on his face. The strawberry hybrid grumbles underneath his breath, not bothering to pay attention to his father's antics today.
The strawberry hybrid had a depressing look while quietly heading out of the clinic as it was clear that there was a lot on his mind.
It has been practically a month and a couple of days since Aizen's defeat. Back on December 1st, Ichigo completely lost all of his powers as a hybrid, especially after finishing saying goodbye to Rukia.
After what happened with the whole thing, the strawberry hybrid's own mother gently explained things to Mizuno, Chizuru, and Keigo. It was something that ichigo was graceful for. Because honestly, Ichigo didn't know where to start if he was the one explaining things to them.
But when the news of Orion's apparent demise came, it struck a hard blow to everyone who was at least close to him. It left a unique kind of blow to ichigo, combined with the loss of Zangetsu and Old man Zangetsu as well.
Since then, what was left of Orion was buried in the cemetery. Both the Kurosaki and Ishida families attended the funeral, including the friends who are in the know as well.
It was an event where no one spoke, instead remaining in silence. It was a troubling time, even after the funeral, everyone was struggling to accept that Orion was really gone now.
Honestly ichigo was worried about Inoue, and so did the others. Tatsuki could see through the facade that her best friend was putting up, so as not to worry everyone.
The strawberry hybrid didn't know what to do, but the black haired tomboy had beaten him to the punch and was already leaving with Inoue while talking to her. Ichigo didn't hear what they were talking about, but he had a good guess on what it had been, really.
It was probably for the best at the time, there was nothing ichigo could think of to say anything reassuring, not when he was still struggling with accepting that Orion was.. was dead. There were only high-end emotions boiling beneath the surface of Ichigo's skin, so much so that the strawberry hybrid often himself nearly bursted out but managed to hold back with a surprising amount of restraint that he didn't even know he had.
The whole time, there was nothing but memories of him, Orion and Uryū playing within his mind. The moments ichigo had shared with Orion, all of that time, now seemed to be the only times now.
There was nothing that could have described what Ichigo felt that day.
His family, especially his mother and his sisters were practically the whole world to him. To see them in a depressed and sorrowful state for the past few days was too painful for Ichigo, practically a punch to the gut. It was a known fact his family was everything to him, and Ichigo promised to himself to live up to his name, the number one protector.
And now.. a member of his family was dead. How can Ichigo call himself a protector if he couldn't prevent Orion's death?
Ichigo shook his head, no, he knew that Orion wouldn't want him to mourn over him forever. The strawberry hybrid could already imagine him saying something like this; ‘Do not focus on the past, on what could have been, just focus on the present and keep moving forward, idiot..’
Now that almost brought a smile to Ichigo's face, since that would be something that Orion would have said to the strawberry hybrid. Of course, that wasn't enough to wash off the pained gloomy look on Ichigo's face.
Soon things began to move on, with the days seeming to be longer than usual even. That was when some important matters were brought up, especially to Ichigo's mother.
After finding out Isshin's powers as a Shinigami had been restored for who knows how long, Ichigo had seen his mother had kicked his dad's ass for keeping secrets again. It led to the Matriarch of the Kurosaki family to both literally drill and scold it into Isshin that he wasn't even a part of the Gotei 13 or a Shinigami anymore.
From there, a look of deep shame had appeared on his dad's face, something that made Ichigo glad about the fact that his mom wasn't a pushover. To be honest, the strawberry hybrid finds it frustrating for his own father to even act this way.
Ichigo loved his father dearly, even if he didn't like to show it that much, but there's a limit to how much he can take his father's bullshit. The strawberry hybrid didn't have a high opinion of the Gotei 13 or the Soul Society, for many reasons, some he couldn't properly name.
These days, Ichigo had been busying himself at school and at least helping his two sisters with their training by providing whatever advice he could offer to them.
Despite the loss of all of his powers, Ichigo still has a ton of his own Gintō tucked away in storage. So, the strawberry hybrid wasn't completely defenseless, at least for now, anyways. Ichigo didn't want anyone to think that he was helpless, with him now being powerless.
No, he didn't want to be looked at with pity. No, at this point Ichigo really couldn't handle the fact of being treated as if he was fragile or something. But The strawberry hybrid knows that he'll probably live the rest of his life as a normal human then, that should be fine… right?
Internally sighing, Ichigo shook his head, eventually leaving his thoughts before noticing where his aimless stroll had carried him.
It was the exact same riverside where his mother and himself apparently had both met Orion and Tenenbaum, years ago.
Looking up at the night sky, Ichigo's brows furrowed together as the strawberry hybrid had a frustrated look in his gaze. Standing where he was, the cold silent night continues onwards.
“I thought you would be here.”
Ichigo subtly turned his head, to see that the voice belonged to Uryū. The Ishida heir was wearing winter clothes, approaching the strawberry hybrid with a sharp look in his eyes behind his glasses.
“Oh, hey Uryū..” Ichigo mutters out in greetings, finding himself unable to at least sound normal in his response.
Uryū narrowed his eyes at the strawberry hybrid's response. The bespectacled Quincy sighed before glancing up at the sky. “I see, you haven't seemed to move on from that pitiful state you're in, Ichigo.” He cooly stated.
Annoyed by Uryū's words, Ichigo glared at the Quincy. "Mourning isn't something that is easily quick, Uryū.” The strawberry hybrid snapped with a growl. “Especially not when it is Orion who..” The words died in Ichigo's throat as the teen found himself unable to say them.
Visibly affected by Ichigo's words, Uryū's hands clenched tightly into fists as the Ishida heir didn't respond back, instead was glaring down at the riverside. It was clear that Uryū was still having a hard time processing Orion's apparent death as well.
Something that Ichigo noticed quickly, the strawberry hybrid looked away with a pained look before letting out a shudder. “Look.. I.. I don't want to fight, especially not tonight...” He admittedly said, closing his eyes. “It just… everything had happened so fast and…”
Sighing faintly, Uryū looked at the strawberry hybrid. “I know, Ichigo.” The Ishida heir pushed his glasses up before continuing in a calm demeanor, albeit there was a hardened look in his eyes. “But we must face the reality that Orion is gone now. And now it's only us..”
Frowning, Ichigo didn't say anything but just looked at Uryū. The strawberry hybrid knew that the Ishida heir was right, but how can he even move on? No, it doesn't feel right to do so. The bond and memories that they had with Orion, was something that couldn't fade away into the distance at all.
‘Bond.. huh..?’ Ichigo dryly thought with a hint of remorse and anger at his failure for not being able to prevent Orion's death (again this time), a far away look had entered his gaze while distantly staring ahead as Uryū didn't say anything else, remaining silent as well.
The two teenagers remained in silence, but the intent to be there for one another as family, was enough reassuring comfort for either of them as well…
The Assembly Hall, Silbern.
In the Assembly Hall, both the soldats and the Sternritters of the Wandenreich stand at attention in rows upon rows.
Standing on the stage was Haschwalth, the Schutzstaffel and Yhwach who sat on a throne made out of reishi as well. Taking a step forward, Jugram had his gaze upon everyone gathered here. “Everyone, raise your crosses and salute his Majesty!” He spoke, his voice carrying authority and command to those below his rank.
Soon that was what every Quincy did, saluting by raising their crosses. After observing for a few lingering moments, becoming satisfied with this, Haschwalth took a step back, letting the Wandenreich’s emperor take the stage without hesitation.
With his eyes closed, Yhwach raised his hand, effectively gaining his loyal subordinates attention. “I have an announcement to make to all of you, for an newly arrived Echt Quincy has come to join our ranks.” The emperor revealed before subtly turning his head to the side. “Step forth, my son.”
Entering onto the stage from the right side that was hidden in pitch black shadows was Orion who walked across the stage, his ankle length cape flowing behind him, before stopping and remaining standing by Yhwach's side.
This caused slight mutters among both soldats and Sternritter at the appearance of the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid. Many of them were tense, especially upon sensing Orion's Reiatsu that was being emitted right now.
Many of the high ranking Quincies, namely the Sternritters in question, had their gazes aimed at the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid immediately. Some of them had either had looks of caution, stoic, confusion or curiosity.
‘Is that..?’ Bambietta narrowed her eyes, immediately recognizing the one walking onto stage. ‘Wait a moment, It's that guy from last year..!’
“This is Orion Ōtsutsuki, one of the last surviving Quincies from the World of the living. His arrival here means more than all of you could ever imagine. For he is my son, my true son born with the same flesh and blood that I bear.” Yhwach revealed, before continuing on with a cunning smile. “As from this day forth, he shall retake his rightful place as my successor and heir.”
The emperor's words of declaration sent ripples of shock across the crowd, causing whispers to rise up even among some of the Sternritters themselves as well. Many voices overlapped each other, and yet few were clear enough to be heard among them all.
“Him..?” A pink haired Sternritter tilted her head to the side, curiosity leaked into her tone.
“His Majesty’s Son..?!” Bambietta among those who was flabbergasted or downright shocked to learn that his Majesty had a son.
Standing among the other Sternritters, Bazz-B stared intensely at the sight of Orion as there was a mixed look of something in the redheaded Sternritter's eyes themselves. ‘It’s really him..’ Bazz-B thought silently with the edges of his lips twitched upwards for a moment, before narrowing his gaze at Haschwalth’s direction.
Those who have been on stage with his Majesty, had remained silent and stoically watched the commotion unleashed like a tidal wave.
Despite witnessing the various reactions coming from some of the soldats and Sternritters of the Wandenreich, he managed to remain stoic while Orion didn't show any reaction on his face as the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid continued to observe everyone that was in his sight of view.
“Silence, there will be no objections, I won't stand for it. In time, my trueborn son shall prove his capabilities and his powers to you all.” Yhwach continued to speak, silencing those in the process. “In the remaining years of waiting to come, We will succeed in destroying the Soul Society and reinstating the Honor of The Quincy... That is all.”
With that Yhwach stood up from his reishi throne, beginning to leave both the stage and the hall despite the fact that he had his eyes closed, followed by the Schutzstaffel, Haschwalth and Orion as the door closed behind them, both echoing out and signaling their departure.
None dared to leave the Assembly Hall just yet, due to still processing the shocking news that had been given by their Majesty just now…
Silbern - Wörtlich Hall
In Wörtlich Hall, many of the Sternritter were here, of course there were some that were absent, but most of them gathered here for reasons that were only known to them and to themselves only. Many of them were either alone by themselves or were in small groups placed around.
“His Majesty has a son this entire time, huh? Hehehehe.”
An Sternritter’s voice, albeit it was an old man's voice, asked, though his tone sounded a bit amused which was accompanied by the large smile on his wrinkled face.
“Ugh, Shut it, fatso..!” An angry voice barked, belonging to Sternritter ‘Q’ who has a nasty look on their face. “I can't believe someone like you is ‘The Love’, how ridiculous is that…!”
Most of the Sternritters, or at least the ones with common sense, shared a feeling of disgust aimed towards PePe Waccabrada for obvious reasons. In fact the majority of female Quincies, especially those with lower rank, had avoided PePe like the plague. Some of the male Quincies of the Wandenreich barely tolerated PePe’s presence, some outright avoided speaking to the old short Sternritter ‘L’.
Whether they like it or not, PePe was a part of the Sternritters. It was something that many, (mostly the female Sternritter Quincies), had to begrudgingly push aside their murderous intent due to His Majesty's law about Infighting.
Among the Sternritters, there was a specific tension that many didn't dare to pop just yet. But the question was there, in the back of their minds, waiting to be spoken out. Especially concerning today's announcement, personally delivered by His Majesty then.
Certainly the name Orion Ōtsutsuki echoed within their minds. Instantly some connected the dots especially between Orion Ōtsutsuki and the deceased Lady Hitomi Ōtsutsuki.
Unable to take the silence any longer, one of the Sternritters finally spoke up and broke the silence within the Wörtlich Hall itself.
“Riiighhttt… since when did his Majesty have a son?” A green haired female Sternritter questioned with a skeptical look on her face. “Like a trueborn son, I thought the known one, from a thousand years ago, is dead..?”
“Hey now, we shouldn't doubt His Majesty's words, Candice.” Askin calmly said in a laid-back tone, joining in on the conversation. “After all, if this Orion is the same Orion from a thousand years ago, then it just means we have our beloved Quincy Prince back. It isn't that far stretch, I mean, Bazz-B and Jugram are nearly thousand years old themselves..”
“Tch..” Hearing this, Bazz-B scoffed at Askin’s words but didn't say anything, instead just glaring at the Sternritter's direction.
“In any case, we should be happy about the fact that his Majesty's son has rejoined our ranks.” Askin continued on, turning to face the rest of the Sternritters in here. “After all, he's going to be our future emperor. I thought you ladies in particular might be happy about that.”
Narrowing her eyes, Bambietta’s expression darkened from where she was standing. “What the hell are you saying, Askin?” she demanded, her right eyebrow twitches aggressively, showing her explosive temper surfacing.
“Bambi, I know exactly what he means!” Giselle gave off a loopy smile before turning to look at Candice. “Why don't you make a move on the long lost prince, like you did with the other soldats?”
“Gigi, I'm not some kind of slut that throws herself at every damn guy here!” Candice snapped, glaring at the Sternritter ‘Z’ with a growl. “So why don't you stop treating me that way, you bitch!”
Watching this unfold silently, BG9 didn't for a moment until they did. “I think all of you are avoiding a certain topic here, which we haven't addressed as of yet.” The Sternritter calmly said in a dull yet slightly distorted tone, to their fellow comrades. “Have you read the recent update to the Daten? Especially about His Highness’s Abilities."
“Hmph, are you talking about His Highness's battle against Tobishiki Ōtsutsuki, the one that was detailed in the reports..?” Cang Du, Sternritter ‘I’, asked with little change in his stoic expression as the Quincy stared at BG9.
BG9 nodded towards Cang Du before looking back at the rest of the Sternritters. “Based on our current information about the Ōtsutsuki, a single Ōtsutsuki should have been enough to deal with most, if not all the current Captains of the Gotei 13.” BG9 paused before continuing onwards. “The data from the Daten clearly suggest that our highness may potentially have the chance to be a Special War Power.”
“Potentially..?” One of the other Sternritters mutters, almost as if the word wasn't the right one to describe their Highness.
Suddenly the hall's entrance door opened, as every Sternritter in Wörtlich Hall immediately quieted down, simultaneously looking at Orion who was coming through the doorway, followed by Haschwalth as well.
“Well now, if ain't the damn fabled prince gracing us with his presence!” Bazz-B grinned, approaching the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid. “You damn brat, where the hell have you been all this time?”
“Bazz..” Orion stopped, looking at the redhead Sternritter with conflicting emotions in his eyes before sighing deeply. “Still have that ridiculous mohawk?” He asked with a hint of humor, leaking into his voice.
Almost immediately, Bazz-B’s grin fell while he scowled at the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid. “You brat, you really haven't changed a bit, have you?” He growled out, itching to grab him by the collar. “Still got that damn attitude.”
“Please address his highness with respect, Bazz-B.” Jugram spoke up, taking a step forward while staring at the hotheaded redhead. “It would be wise for you to heed my words..”
“Oh yeah?” Bazz-B taking a step forward as well, not backing down while glaring at the blonde Grandmaster. “Who the hell says I'm going to listen to you, Jugo?” He grinned viciously in a threatening manner.
Haschwalth gripped the handle of his broadsword. “Calm down, Bazz..” The blonde haired Quincy stoically warned the redhead.
“Enough, you two.” The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid quietly said, his Mangekyou Sharingan flashed within his eyes, which resulted in providing an aura of intimidation. “I won't allow infighting to happen, if it even happens to be between you both.”
There was a tense silence that followed after that, with every Sternritter watching from their seats or spots.
Bazz-B let out a tsk, glaring at both Haschwalth and Orion. “Whatever, the hell do I care for..” He scowled before turning and stomping away from the pair.
Jugram raised an eyebrow at this, but maintained his stoic demeanor while Orion ignored the wide-eyed looks from some of the Sternritters here.
Admittedly many of them were surprised to see the hotheaded redhead Sternritter backing off. But then again, it wasn't just Haschwalth alone that Bazz-B was facing.
“Never thought that Bazz would back off that easily..” a small blonde female Sternritter, who was Liltotto Lamperd, popping a lollipop into her mouth.
Tilting her head, Meninas McAllon looked at Liltotto. “Do you think it's because of his Highness’s presence?” The pink haired Sternritter asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“Who cares about Bazz..” Candice snorted, rolling her eyes as the green haired busty Sternritter.
‘Hmph, this is so stupid to even talk about…’ Bambietta mentally scoffed rather angrily, before the explosive Sternritter glanced at Orion's direction. ‘His Majesty’s son, Huh?”
Remaining where he was, Orion quietly just watched those that he saw, the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid had an air of caution around him. The young teen didn't dare to leave Haschwalth's side, not yet at least.
Upon shifting his gaze to see a particular group of female Quincies, a flicker of recognition appeared within his eyes before disappearing entirely in the next moment. A mixture of feelings, mostly bitterness and curiosity, had swelled before rising within him.
Orion muses that those five were probably having a so-called “girls’ day off” back then, the day he ran into them with Orihime. Well whatever the case, it wasn't his business to get himself involved in.
Although, the Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid noticed that none of the current members of the Schutzstaffel weren't here. Orion didn't say anything, instead he refocused his attention on the Sternritters that were here. As he did so, it was then that he heard Sternritter ‘D’ question which was aimed at Haschwalth.
“Tell us, Grandmaster, why bring his Highness here..?” Askin asked, leaning against a pillar, watching everything that had unfold. “I doubt it's to give him a tour.”
“I brought his Highness here because soon he'll join the Sternritter in time..” Jugram calmly explained, his impassive expression remained unwavering. “His Majesty wanted His Highness to get used to Silbern’s layout as well..”
That got the Sternritters muttering quietly to each other, hearing that someone like Orion would join their ranks in a month? Clearly, that arose some opinions but many of them wisely didn't voice it.
Technically if His Majesty's son joined the Sternritters, then his designation would be the letter ‘A’, the same as his Majesty. The question was, would it be a powerful one or not?
Keeping quiet this whole time, Orion knows that he must prove his worth to the Quincies of the Wandenreich. The Quincy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid had to remind himself that this isn't The Lichtreich, something that was painfully clear even in his heart as well.
Pushing down the anger and rage within him, Orion clenched his hands into fists, knowing that he must put aside Orion of the Kurosaki family and now must take on Orion Ōtsutsuki, the Quincy Prince. Something that was easier said than done, actually.
But the intentions of growing stronger, of flourishing in the care of the Wandenreich, was something that Orion knew that he could never pass up. The Quicy-Ōtsutsuki hybrid also realizes that he couldn't afford to be pushed around in any form or manner. Then again, he does realize his position does offer him a few benefits but he couldn't afford to use said position or status to get his way of things.
No, he was better than that, he knows he is. Something that was also reassuring in it's own weird way as well.
With that thought securely stored somewhere within the depths of his own mind, Orion knew that a new chapter in his life was just beginning then…
To be continued…