One Tin Soldier

Chapter 29: Came an Answer

Harry stepped back and away from the loud posturing from the wizards that thought they had a say in the planning.

It had been pure chaos when Ichigo and his companions had stepped out of the Veil. It didn't take long for the Captains of the Gotei Thirteen to gain control of the situation. Two of them were obviously more scholars than fighters. They were the ones that took charge. At least that's what it looked like to Harry.

However, what caused most of the young wizard's amusement was Dumbledore.

The elderly wizard couldn't seem to make up his mind on whether to stay at the Department of Mysteries or follow those going to Azkaban. Harry had the feeling that the old wizard couldn't decide who he was the most afraid of – Harry, Ichigo or the Captains. If only he knew...

Harry had already decided to stay behind at the Ministry, mainly because he wasn't really needed at the prison. In fact, he was certain he would be in the way. No, he'd better stay at the Ministry. Just in case he was needed to run interference between the Unspeakables and the Captains who remained behind.

"I will be staying here," Harry affirmed the moment he was asked what his preference was. "I would just be in the way at Azkaban, and probably spoil certain people's fun if I went." He gave a pointed look to the very tall captain wearing an eye-patch and spiked hair who was grinning manically at Harry's cousin, Ichigo.

"Wise decision young man," Captain Ukitake agreed, turning to his fellow soul reapers. "So are we decided?"

"I think we are," commented Captain Kyoraku, pushing back his straw hat. "You and I, along with Lieutenant Nanao and Rukia, will be staying at the Ministry and going through records."

"I will be staying as well," stated Captain Kuchiki. "My lieutenant, Abarai will be going to the prison with the rest of the force." He gave a bored look to his red-haired lieutenant who just shrugged.

"I remain as well," Kisuke Urahara chimed in. "I want a look at their research before it's destroyed."

"We'll be staying with Harry," Sirius said, giving a look at Remus who gave a nod back. Personally, Sirius would've loved to return to his former prison cell and destroy it, but he had vowed never to step foot in that hell-hole ever again. Remus was just glad that harry was being sensible about this and not going.

"I think I will go with you then, to Azkaban," Albus Dumbledore said, finally deciding the lesser of the two evils. Harry was simply relieved that the old fool would be out of his hair.

"So the rest of us will make the assault," Captain Hitsugaya confirmed coolly.

"Che. This is getting' boring," snarked the tall, one eyed Captain Kenpachi Zaraki. "When are we leaving?"

The pink haired girl on his shoulder giggled. "I hope Kenny has a good fight."

"Are you sure you want to take her with us?" asked a concerned Madam Bones. "Azkaban is no place for a child."

"Che. She's safe enough," Ichigo answered instead, looking over at the child. "If he can take her to Hueco Mundo without trouble, she won't have any problems at your prison."

"They should be afraid of her," piped in a tall, bald Soul Reaper.

"What I want to know is – how are we going to get there?" asked Renji.

Ichigo glanced at Albus and exchanged a knowing look with Renji Abarai. The teen wouldn't put it past Dumbledore to try something stupid.

Harry saw that the other two – Ikkaku and Yumichika – were also eager to get going and gave a slight shudder. He was thankful he'd decided to stay out of this fight.