Chapter Text
1983, Seireitei,
Kyoraku Shunsui is enjoying a relaxing night on the roof of the Kyoraku Clan’s Central Mansion when IT happens. The moon hangs full and large in the sky and the breeze is cool and wonderful as it can only be felt in Soul Society. He is just reflecting how much more he would rather be enjoying the evening with a bottle of sake and the delightful company of Juū-chan and dear Nanao-Chan, but, alas, noble business calls… and well, his family has never been fond of outsiders in the mansion even if it is Juū-chan... When he feels IT.
A loud roaring sound, like thunder but with no accompanying lightning as it should be for a prelude to a brewing storm.
Curious, he thinks, instantly going on guard and then. Then-
IT IS EVERYWHERE. A wave of reiatsu, all encompassing, so- so- vast and powerful it is nearly incomprehensible. His gut churns and he feels- feels- nauseous.
What eldritch being has woken up from its slumber? He is terrified, wild animal panic gnawing at his insides, like he hasn’t felt in a long time, not since he was a child, his blades summoned automatically in his hands, released in Shikai, Katen Kyokotsu humming in anticipation of a threat, both of them immediately at attention to attack.
But attack what? He thinks desperately, he’d felt Yama-jii’s wrath, he’d seen it visited on enemies, he and Jūshiro both, groomed to be his successors in the impossible event he fell, but even then- it hadn’t been like this- all encompassing. Unfathomable. Divine. Immutable. Indestructible. Deathless-
He couldn’t even pinpoint the source of it, it was so- So Vast- Yama-Jii, he reasons to himself, forcing himself to calm down, Yama-jii will know what to do- I need to get to him. He’ll tell us what to do but he can’t force his legs to move, nausea still too heavy in his gut and his body caught in the feeling of this- this- monstrous thing, that Exists, that is Awake-
And just as abruptly as it had come, it shuts off. Like a flickering candle, here one moment and then- gone.
His chest unrestricts and he takes a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding in.
He has to take a few minutes to compose himself.
Something flashes in his vision. Something like-
He blinks and shakes his head- It was nothing, he's just seeing things.
He doesn't wait for the summons and Shunpo’s straight to the Squad 1 Head Office.
—--------------------------------------------
Somewhere in Hueco Mundo,
A fledgling god looks at his twin.
“Never in my most stringent calculations would I have seen this happening, you know.” The counterpart says in a mild tone, his face giving away naught but mild amusement.
But the godling knows that the first hints of fear are blooming in his chest, just as surely as they did on his own once, “Mmm… I've certainly had more experience and that has led me to the not entirely regrettable conclusion that one cannot account for every possibility there is, especially when two impossible individuals are involved.”
“I wonder what it took. For you to become– this. Must have been interesting, certainly.” And then he grows serious, “Tell me, does our purpose remain the same?”
“It hasn't wavered, not once.”
The Other grows silent for a moment, then nods, “I see. That’s good. However–” He assumes a fighting stance, “I hope you anticipated this, I don't plan on going down without a fight.”
“I hadn't expected anything less. I know myself too well after all.”
And then they lunge.
—--------------------------------------------
Meeting Hall,
Squad 1 Head Office
The last of his wayward Captains finally makes his way into the Council Chambers, unusually tardy. Aizen Sosuke had always been one of the most punctual and meticulous men Genryusai had seen in his long life; he runs his division beyond reproach even if he is a bit more withdrawn than the other Captains.
“I apologize for the delay.” He says demurely in a soothing voice with the barest hints of strain, “It would appear that the- wave of Reiatsu caught me off-guard and it took me some time to gather myself, and then I had to administer immediate first aid to several of my squad members including Hinamori Fuku-Taichou.”
“Maa Aizen-Taichou.” Shunsui jokes weakly, still shaken, but he comports himself well, no one would be able to tell of his earlier terror save perhaps Jūshiro or Unohana. He looks to Genryusai “I believe it took us all off guard; allowances can be made in this matter.”
Genryusai simply nods his head in acknowledgement and begins.
“This Gotei Jyuu-San meeting is now called into order.” Yamamoto Genryusai, Sou-Taicho of the 13 Squad Guards, thumps his cane onto the ground and announces, “12th Division, what do you have to report.”
Mayuri Kurotsuchi shrugs in the insolent way of his, “All we know right now is that it was a powerful wave of Reiatsu, it shorted out all our meters. We have attempted to point to the source of it, but other than the fact that it appears to have originated from somewhere in Seireitei, we know nothing. And that it far surpasses any Reiatsu levels we have ever observed in Gotei-13’s history.” He grins then, grotesque and evil, not the slightest bit put off by the implications, which reminds Genryusai why he continues to put up with the man’s existence, “I’m putting in a formal request that Squad 12 be allowed to investigate this phenomenon. The results are sure to be- interesting.”
Everyone is silent for a moment digesting the fact that there could possibly be something out there which rivalled and possibly surpassed Genryusai’s power. Which it did. By leagues. This isn't something Yamamoto is capable of tackling, at least by himself and he has suspicions that even the formidable Squad Zero might have trouble dealing with this– thing. And that fact disturbs him. This thing is an incalculable variable. However, he isn’t going to add to the chaos by verbally confirming that particular fact, until the Entity presented itself as a threat and even then… Well. He has to remain a pillar of stability in these suddenly troubled times.
“Very well. Kurotsuchi Mayuri and the 12th Division are given the task to investigate this phenomenon, I also want Ichimaru Gin and his handpicked officers to assist him in gathering intelligence.” He nods, “I will now take all your reports.”
Kuchiki Byakuya takes this moment to speak, “If I may.” Yamamoto nods in confirmation to proceed. “I was in my office, taking care of pending paperwork when the Reiatsu wave was released. Several members of my division, primarily unseated officers, fell unconscious and suffered injuries. My fifth seat, Abarai Renji, came in approximately forty-five minutes after the Wave. However, he didn’t seem to be as affected since he was still capable of speech and using Hohou. He informed me that he had been in the 8th West District for personal errands where the shopkeeper he was talking to fall unconscious and experienced bleeding from the eyes, ears and nostrils. Thus, it can be safely assumed that the Reiatsu wave was felt as far as the 8th district at the very least.”
Unohana speaks next, “Several members of my division are injured as well, which I presume is the case for most of Seireitei. I will need to attend to them first so that they may attend to the rest of the injured.”
“Do we know of any reported casualties?” Yamamoto asks.
She shakes her head, “We aren’t sure as of yet, but it's impossible for there not to be given the fact that several lieutenant class Shinigami are so affected.”
“I want a report of the casualties within Seireitei as soon as you’re able Unohana-Taichou. And I am putting Ukitake-Taichou in charge of assessing Rukongai and dispatching aid should it be necessary, Kurotsuchi Mayuri you will assist them with any problems in reiatsu destabilization and intel should they require.”
“Hai. We will mobilize as soon as possible.” Jūshiro nods.
“Good. In addition, Shiba-Taichou, I want guards posted throughout Seireitei to prevent unrest.”
“It will be done Sou-taichou.” It is a testament to how dire the situation is that the usually laid-back man sounds very serious for once.
“Finally, I want you all to submit preliminary written reports about your respective experiences within the hour. Central 46 will be approaching us as soon as they are able, clamoring for answers, and I want to give them something. A more detailed report can be done the day after tomorrow. For now, go look after your division members. Dismissed.”
Having a renewed purpose, most captains exit the room without further ado, understandably in a haste to tend to their own wounded squad members.
Only Shunsui remains behind, knowing his mentor enough to realize that there are further orders for him. Yamamoto sighs warily, while he looks at him. The unspoken conversation lasted only a few seconds, but was clear enough. Throughout the meeting, Kenpachi Zaraki had a maniacal glimmer of joy in his eyes… They both understood what that meant. “Shunsui, I am counting on you to keep an eye out for trouble while I deal with Central 46.”
—--------------------------------------------
37 minutes & 53 seconds Post-Wave,
Hueco Mundo
A transcendent being looks down at his counterpart on the ground, bleeding profusely from several fatal wounds, but that isn’t what is killing him.
So, this is how it ends, The Other thinks, not a little bit bitter, doomed to burn up from the inside from his own Reiatsu. He has to admit, the seal on his power was ingenious. Using his own spiritual pressure against him… He wonders what Hell is going to be like.
Surprisingly, there is no arrogance, gloating or condescension on The Victor's face.
The Victor sits down on the ground beside him, which takes him by surprise, but what is even more shocking are the words he says, “I am sorry that it comes to this, but needs must. You have to disappear for me to assume your place.”
A bolt of annoyance flashes through him, he is not long for the world and he would at least prefer an honest conversation before he goes, “Oh come off it. You’re not the least bit apologetic. I know I wouldn’t be.”
Instead of being annoyed, the man once again surprises him by laughing, “Alright, alright. Of course. You’re right. I am not sorry, but it was necessary.”
“We could have worked together instead, you know.” He says, though it was a lie.
His own face returns a knowing look, “You and I both know that’s not true.”
A beat of silence, and then-
“I have someone to protect now, I feel I should share, you deserve to know at least. You couldn’t possibly understand the importance. I don’t blame you. I couldn’t either, not for a long time. But. He is precious to me; I can’t risk him.”
He is burning. He is burning up and it hurts- He can feel himself fading.
“Is he strong?” He asks, just to distract himself and a little bit out of curiosity. He’s been alone for so long and now he’s dying and it’s not fair. It’s not fair-
“Even stronger than us once upon a time. But we’re evenly matched now though. Soul-Bonded.”
“Is he worth it?” He whispers.
“So much more than we hoped for.” And then The Godling smiles, private, quiet, not for show, The Other doesn’t think he had ever smiled like that. Maybe once, when he was Small, but not for a long time now, “And he is good. Good for us. For the world. He understands us.”
It seems too good to be true, and the pain is nigh unbearable now, he has minutes left, “We’re not alone anymore?”
“And we never will be again.”
The Other makes a confession then, in a moment of weakness, “I think I am a little afraid.”
After all, he reasons, is it really confession if it’s to himself.
“Of dying? All things are, it’s instinct, built to keep us alive. I have learnt we are not weaker for it.”
“Kami!” He groans, “We’re sentimental now. This is- horrible. What next? Tea with the Visored? Befriending the Arrancar?”
The Victor winces, “While I hope not, it most certainly will happen if my beloved has his way.”
“You’re henpecked!” The Other accuses, but it is without heat, perhaps dying is making him sentimental too, it would have been nice, to have someone who understood. His vision is getting blurry now, darkness is creeping into his vision.
“Mmm.” The Victor makes no attempt to deny it.
“It’s almost time now.” He says, pointlessly.
“Yes.”
“I didn’t want to go like this but- it’s not so bad. Will you fulfill our purpose?”
“It will be done.” He pauses, “You won’t go to Hell you know? I’m going to stop that from happening to Shinigami now.”
A sliver of calm courses through him, “Oh. That’s a relief, I suppose.” he closes his eyes, making his peace with his fate, “I think..., I’m.... going to sleep now.”
“Rest.” The Victor says, “The Void awaits, all will be well.”
Soon enough, there is nothing on the ground but the sand blowing in the wind and a lone figure standing tall, looking pensively at the sky.