Here's hopin'...

You stride toward the Head-Captain. Your punishment is to be decided and Nel's fate hangs in the balance as well. She allowed herself to be taken to the Soul-Society and is following behind you. Unlike here though...you didn't let yourself be disarmed. As you approach the Captain's turn their attention to you.

Several of them seem less then enthusied by the Espada walking behind you. You stop before him and kneal. "Valentine Frost...you have been causing some trouble."

"Only after I was shunned by the Shinigami, Head-Captain. But I have news."

"The other's have explained."

"Did they mention the existance of another Hōgyoku. One my brother has created?" The Captains murmur amongst themselves. Apparently Captain Kurosaki had felt the knowledge immaterial...or left it for you as a bargining chip.

"Is what you say the truth?"

"Every word of it. My brother wishes to resurrect the Espada using it. He's far more devious the Aizen, I guarentee it, Head Captain. He's going to use it to overthrow the Soul-Society and bring you to your knees before him. And if I know him...he will succeed if no one opposes him."

"Why should we believe you?"

"What do I stand to gain by lying? Furthermore, he extended an invitation to me. As bad as he is...he still cares for blood."

"And did you accept it?"

"**** begets more ****. I realize that now...and why it has taken me so long to realize this I've no idea. I find it shameful to have taken so long to remember something my father hammered into my head as a boy. However..." You stand and face him. "At the end of this I will be the last man standing between my brothers and I, Head Captain."

You take a deep breath. "Even if that mean's defying your orders to slay them. I will show them that one must affect a change from the inside, through a peaceful means. It is the only way to assure no grudges are formed." He stares at you for the longest time before actually laughing.

"You have spirit and morals." You thank him, fighting to keep a tremor from your voice. "And you, girl? Who's side do you stand--"

"Always and forever, Valentines. I too wish a world where fighting is not needed. Where our kind may exist peacefully side by side. Arrancar and Shinigami are not too different. We have good people and bad people, as does every race."

"I see. You have retained some of your former self." She nods and stands. "The laws that govern the Seireitei...were written many years ago. Since that time, many events have occured that have questioned my belief a few of them. The law states...it is forbidden for any Shinigami to attempt to aquire Hollow-like powers." He looks from Ichigo to you.

"And yet, before me stand two such examples. Men who have done nothing to the Soul-Society. I find myself wondering...should those Hollow's who seek peace...be slain? It is a rareity to say the least. I believe, that we should offer shelter to our friends who seek only to co-exist with us."

"Head-Captain--"

"Quiet, Soifon." She crosses her arms across her chest. "Hollow's who seek only peace, and unity...who do not devour Human Soul's...what should we do with them?" You're not sure if he's talking to himself or to everyone. "We will give you shelter, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. And all Hollow's who are like you."

She bows her head and thanks him. "However...with this change in the rules perhaps a new Squad should be added as well. All in favor of making Valentine Frost a Captain...speak now."

The room is silence for several long moment's before Captain Kurosaki raises his hand. "I'll nominate him."

"Me too." You look back at Captain Zaraki. "The kid's got guts...and he's tough. That's something we need."

Unohana raised her hand and smiled at you. Shunsui smiled and raised his hand. Next was Jūshirō who smiled at you as well. The final vote came from, to your surprise, Soifon. "Very well. What say the remaining Captain's?"

"I approve." You look at the slim Tōshirō Hitsugaya. "He was strong enough to achieve Bankai in less then one day. It's more then enough in my opinion.

Shūhei Hisagi, current Captain of the Ninth Division nods and approves. "His loyality to the Soul-Society was so great he turned away his own brother to protect it. He's got my vote." You look around the room as no one else makes a move. Apparently no one else likes you.

You're about to sigh when finally someone votes for you. You're surprised to find it's Byakuya Kuchiki. "I thought you hated me?"

"Dislike or not...I cannot think of a more qualifed person for the job." You smile and thank him respectfully. He nods his head, letting his stoic mask wear off for a moment.

"Very well. You have been approved...but I feel that as the new Captain we must employ a second method as well. Your abilites with Bankai will be tested...pick your opponent." You scan the room silently...it would probably be best to pick someone who you can out manuver...but that wouldn't sit right with you.

Your gaze scans the Captains stopping briefly on Zaraki before wheeling back around to look at the Head Captain. "I pick you...Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto." The room is so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Is that so?"

"Sometimes...you've just gotta go for broke. If I picked anyone but the strongest, it just wouldn't sit right with me."

"Heh! Look's like I was right! The kid's got guts!"

"Very well...we'll head to the training grounds now..."