BLEACH: THUNDERING BLIZZARDS
Wave 1
Heavy and rapid footsteps were heard heading to Captain Yamamoto's quarters. A Soul Reaper ran in and knelt before the mighty Captain. "Captain Yamamoto! Hollows have invaded the Soul Society!!!" the amateur reported. "We've had worse. But this must still be taken care of. Send in the Eleventh Squad, they will see to it that every Hollow is destroyed." the eldest Shinigami commended. "Yes Captain Yamamoto!"
In no time at all, Squad 11 was taking down the surprising number of Hollows. Ikkaku had challenged his friend Yumichika, whoever killed the most Hollows would buy the victor anything he wanted. "That's number 25 Yumichika! You better step it up a notch!" Ikkaku roared energetically. "I am right behind you Ikkaku, don't tire yourself." the Shinigami pretty boy retorted wittily.
Yachiru was taking care of a few Hollows. "Hey guys! It'd be great if Hana-Hana was here!" she said. The four all agreed, not having to say anything. "Grow Hozukimaru!" the bald Shinigami declared, summoning his more powerful zanpaktou. Yachiru spoke of a comrade who was just as an important person to Ikkaku as his friend Yumichika.
They grew up in Rukongai together, watching each others backs. She recently went away for training with Kisuke Urahara. And they all knew the reason why. Deep inside her mind laid a berserker. And the last time it showed up…a fellow comrade almost died.
*Flashback*
A Menos Grande had managed to get into the Soul Society. Like usual, Squad 11 was sent to get rid of it.
"Ascend Nekokami!!!" Hanayuki proclaimed, her duo-bladed sword separating into smaller, thinner blades and setting themselves on her fingertips. "What a truly beautiful shikai." Yumichika sighed, the blades were a golden color. Ikkaku looked up and noticed his friend's features had changed. Her pink eyes now had slits for pupils, giving her a feral appearance. And her canines had elongated, revealed from a sadistic bloodthirsty grin.
"Hanayuki?" Yachiru asked curiously, noticing her friend was not the same. A demonic roar was heard from her throat as she lunged at the Menos Grande, who stretched its mouth open, preparing to fire its Cero beam. Within seconds, the large Cero was fired. Worry was smeared across the four's faces, most notably, Ikkaku's.
Once the ray cleared, they saw that Hanayuki was high above the overtly large Hollow. They could read her expression, even from the distance they were. Pure psychotic killer. Her claws bared, Hanayuki dove down to the Menos. Everyone battling could hear her crazed homicidal laughter echoing through the city.
Hanayuki perched herself on its outstretched nose, in an animal stance. The Menos yanked its head up, firing Hanayuki into the air. It opened its mouth to fire another Cero. But, in the blink of an eye, Hanayuki fell the Menos Grande in a single stroke! Right beside the colossal corpse was Hanayuki. Her back faced her comrades, and she was shaking.
Even though Ikkaku sensed danger, he slowly approached the snowy haired woman. "Are you gonna be alright Hanayuki?" He asked cautiously. Suddenly, this feral Hanayuki turned around and launched herself at Ikkaku, claws and fangs bared. The man was barely able to block her attack with Hozukimaru. He now saw her up close, and it was rather unnerving. Her eyes were unblinking, and cat-like. A wide, fanged grin seemed permanently etched on her pale face.
"What's wrong with Hana-Hana?" Yachiru asked, peeking over Kenpachi's shoulder, her usual spot. Hanayuki, launched at Kenpachi, roaring loudly. Yachiru leapt down off her human perch, sensing 'Kenny' was going to deal with this situation. Right as Hanayuki met Kenpachi, his zanpakuto was holding her back.
But, the force of the impact made the mightiest Soul Reaper skid back a foot or so! "Kenny!!!" Yachiru cried out as a single claw impaled her friend's bicep. Kenpachi's face was slightly contorted in pain. Ikkaku had seen enough. "Hana! Stop it now!!" He growled at the female.
Her attention turned to the bald man who challenged her. Her smirk grew and twitched as she lunged at him, her sharp elbow slamming into his stomach. "Stop it Hana-Hana!" Yachiru demanded as Ikkaku fell to the floor holding his injured stomach. Yumichika noticed the look in Hanayuki's eyes. "No!" he exclaimed quietly. The feral Hanayuki was flying toward little Yachiru, right hand drew back ready for attack!
Yachiru was like a deer caught in headlights…Yumichika was running to intercept the blow. Feral caught this out of the corner of her eye and fired a kido blast, making the man slam into the wall. And then all Yachiru felt was extreme pain in her abdomen. Feral pierced the little girl's stomach with her claws. "Hana?" she cried out softly, tears in her eyes.
Kenpachi then picked Feral up with ease, slamming her into the nearby wall. "Ikkaku, Yumichika! Get Yachiru to Unohana now!" Zaraki commanded, and they did not have to be told twice. He held Feral by her throat, the rabid Soul Reaper clawing at his powerful arm, guttural growls coming from her. "You attacked your fellow comrades, and possibly killed one, your lieutenant no less! Go back to whatever Hell you came from!" the behemoth of a man roared, launching his fist to the girl.
Ikkaku and Yumichika were sitting beside Yahiru's bedside. Ikkaku had multiple bandages wrapped around his torso with strict orders from Retsu Unohana to not to anything too strenuous. Yumichika had some internal bleeding and almost suffered a concussion. But, Yachiru was damaged the worst. Massive lacerations to the stomach, major blood loss. Unohana said she was extremely lucky, the claws just barely missed her vital organs.
"Just what made Hanayuki act like that?" Ikkaku asked, groaning in pain, holding his side. "This may be a long shot but, she only went feral after she released her zanpakuto. Could her sword itself be that powerful?" Yumichika wondered, talking softly to not upset his extremely sensitive headache. "Is that possible?!" Ikkaku exclaimed in disbelief, trying to keep his voice down.
"I don't know. I will do some research later." Yumichika said, his eyes not leaving the small lieutenant. Soon, they could sense the energy of their Captain. The giant man entered the room, Hanayuki was not with him. "Captain, you're okay! But…what about Hanayuki? You didn't have to…kill her did you?" the two injured men asked in worry. "I didn't kill her. Just knocked her out. She's in another room. How's Yachiru?" he asked.
"Unohana says she will be fine. She also stated that she was lucky that none of the claws reached her vital organs. I think I know why Captain Zaraki." Yumichika said, making direct eye contact with his Captain. "Alright, let's hear it." He said, grabbing a chair and sitting down.
"Well, I believe that Hanayuki was seeing what was going on but couldn't stop the feral being who attacked us. So, maybe she was able to somewhat control that the claws wouldn't deal any more damage to Yachiru. I also noticed that where she attacked you, Ikkaku and myself, they were not serious. In short, she tried gaining control after she defeated the Menos Grande. After all, she's never harmed us before. What also makes me think this is right when she started attacking us, yes there was a crazed look in her eye, but I also noticed a hint of sorrow and terror." Yumichika explained.
Ikkaku nodded in agreement. "You're more then likely right. Captain, I wish to check on her." he asked, he always cared for Hanayuki and he knew this wasn't right. Hanayuki cherished her friends, she would never harm them. "Go ahead, I think she's still knocked out." Kenpachi said, moving his chair right beside Yumichika's. Ikkaku bowed and left. "Sir, I also have a theory about her sudden attack." "Go ahead and explain." He sighed. "Perhaps her Zanpakuto is too powerful. I wish to do some research on this matter." he said, complete seriousness in his pale purple eyes. "Go on, I will need to talk with Yachiru when she wakes up."
Ikkaku arrived at Hanayuki's room, she was laid out on a cot, she looked completely exhausted. He sat beside Hanayuki, setting Hozukimaru next to Nekokami. 'All that from a sword? Is that possible?' He wondered, remembering her face during that fight. "He may be right. You've never acted nor battled like that before. Hana's not the type to just slaughter." Ikkaku concluded. She was childish yes but she took fights and battles seriously. She rarely killed, saying that death is a very heavy thing.
He looked to Hanayuki, her breathing was normal. He noticed her long hair was down as well, curling in several different ways. He saw bruises on her neck, more then likely from Kenpachi holding her against the wall so she wouldn't attack anyone else. He was brought off his train of thought when he heard the girl groan. Her eyes opened, showing they were her normal eyes. Hanayuki looked over to Ikkaku and sadness immediately filled their depths. "Hey Ha-"
"Ikkaku! I'm sorry! I didn't mean for this to happen!!" She cried, wrapping her arms around one of her best friends. Ikkaku hissed in pain but wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her. "I know Hana. Calm down ok." he said, patting her head. "How can I!? Look what I did to you! And- Oh my God! Yachiru! Where is she?!" she panicked, looking up at Ikkaku. They way she looked almost broke Ikkaku's heart. She was in despair, tears almost falling from her eyes. "I'll take her to her. If you wish to see her." he told the girl.
She looked down a bit, she looked extremely nervous and scared. "What's wrong Hana?" he asked "Captain Kenpachi…he may…"she gulped down the rest of her sentence. "I think he'll give you a chance. Cling to me like you like to do so much, take your time." He said, trying to reassure her, she was just like a scared child. Ikkaku stood up, picking Hanayuki up as well. "Come on, I'll be right by your side the whole time." he said in a comforting voice.
"It will be up to you Yachiru, if she stays or goes." Kenpachi said to his lieutenant. "Ok Kenny. I wanna hear Hana-Hana out though." she said. Yachiru looked to the door and in walked Ikkaku with Hanayuki. The albino's gaze saw the state her friend was in and froze. Yachiru saw tears fall from her eyes. "My God, Yachiru…" Hanayuki broke down, falling to her knees. "I will accept any punishment you deem appropriate. Just please, Yachiru, don't hate me! I tried…I tried! I really did!" she cried, tears splattering the floor. Yachiru saw this and frowned.
The small girl hopped off her cot and walked over to Hanayuki. "Please don't hate me…I didn't know…" she sobbed. Yachiru placed a tiny hand on the top of her head, getting Hanayuki's attention. "Stop crying Hana-Hana. I'm not gonna let Kenny kick you out. I'll come up with your punishment." she said, smiling a little.
The conversation ended and Hanayuki ran off to the Squad 11 barracks. They assumed she wanted to be alone. But, when they woke up the next day. They found a note on the door that led out of the barracks.
'I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys this in person. I am leaving to the Real World to train, I have to learn how to control this thing. I'm not sure when I'll return, just don't worry about me too much. And Yachiru, think of a good punishment while I'm gone. Love you guys and hope you have many excellent battles!'
*Flashback end*
'That's been a bit over a year! She missed out battling the Bounts!' Ikkaku growled in his mind as he just defeated his thirtieth Hollow. There was a good few left. "How're there so many." Yumichika groaned. All of them except Kenpachi were panting from exhaustion.
"Already tired Ikkaku? That's not like you!" A sweet voice called out. 'It can't be!' Soon, a figure landed in front of him, drawing its sword. As the duo-bladed sword was drawn, the slash sliced through, cutting every single Hollow that remained. "Amazing…"Ikkaku breathed out as the wind settled down.
The figure turned around, sheathing her zanpakuto. "Hiya guys!" A smiling Hanayuki cheered, waving frantically. "Hana-Hana!!!" Yachiru cheered, tackling the woman with a bear hug. "Hey Yachiru." Hanayuki said, hugging back.
The group returned to their barracks. And tea and sake was served, celebrating the return of their comrade. "Its wonderful to have your beauty grace our barracks once again." A slightly drunk Yumichika slurred, wrapping an arm around Hanayuki's shoulders. "Thanks Yumi!" she smiled wide. "So, where've you been all this time?" Ikkaku asked, taking a big gulp of sake, never taking his sharp eyes off Hanayuki. "Well, I've been training with Kisuke Urahara all this time." she said, looking away from Ikkaku, hiding her blush.
Hanayuki was getting settled back in, right now she was in the gardens of the Squad 11 Barracks. She was sitting beside the small pond, gazing at the moon. She inhaled the fresh air as she laid back against a tree. She heard a deep voice clear its throat. "Oh, hi Ikkaku." she said, looking over her shoulder at the new arrival. Ikkaku came and sat down beside Hanayuki, she noticed he was kind of stumbling. "Ey, Hana." he slurred deeply, she could smell sake on his breath. "Ikkaku…" something made Hanayuki feel uncomfortable.
"Ya wanna know somethin? I've really missed you." He said, his voice still slurring. "I've missed you too." she said truthfully. Ikkaku lost his balance and fell, taking Hanayuki with him. She ended up landing on top of him. "Ikkaku, you're drunk, you should be in your quarters." she said, getting up. Ikkaku sat up, snaking an arm around her waist. "Sshh. Let's stay like this for a bit." He hiccupped, laying his head on her's.
Ikkaku was rocking his body back in forth. "Ya missed mah birthday ya know." He pointed out. "I-I'm sorry?" she didn't know what to say to his comment. She felt Ikkaku cup her face in his hand, making her look him in the eye. "I know what I want." he said clearly. Before she could respond, Ikkaku slid his lips against hers! They had only kissed for a few seconds when Ikkaku had passed out, his head on her chest.
Hanayuki smiled. "He looks kinda cute." she giggled softly. 'Should take him to his room.' she thought to herself, picking his body up quite easily thanks to her newly gained strength. After placing Ikkaku in his bed, she went to her Captain's quarters. She knocked on his door. "Come in." he grunted. "Captain Kenpachi, I need to tell you something really important." she said, kneeling before him. "Go ahead. Just stop actin so goddamned formal!" he groaned.
"While my training with Urahara did help me gain some control, he advises that I only use Shikai under the most dire circumstances. So a repeat occurrence does not happen again. So, I learned some new techniques but…a good deal of them involve Kido. I need to know that you're ok with me doing so, being the only real rule we have is using physical attacks." she explained.
Kenpachi was sitting on his bed, head resting on his palm. "As long as they are physical, you have my approval. You used one of those in today's Hollow fight didn't ya?" He asked, receiving a nod. "Then those will be allowed but only cause of your situation." "Thank you Captain, and good night." she said, bowing and leaving her Captain's room.
A few days later, Hitsugaya, Matsumoto, Ikkaku, Yumichika and Renji were called into High Captain Yamamoto's office. "You summoned us High Captain?" Hitsugaya asked, bowing respectfully to his elder. "Yes, I need you to travel to the Living World. We have learned that Aizen, has been creating beings called Arrancar. From what our Information Department has found, they will look human, and are incredibly powerful. I need you to help combat this threat." He explained. Ikkaku spoke up. "If you do not mind me asking sir, do you know where Hanayuki is?" he asked. "I sent her and Kakuya Kimawari to scout the situation out. You may find them in Karakura Town." he said. The group bowed and left to make their preparations.
A powerful being had entered the Living World. "Dammit Ulquiorra! Cause of you, this whole things become one big fucking mess!" the man growled, running a hand through his wild light blue hair. His piercing blue eyes darted around his surroundings. This man was the Arrancar Grimmjow Jaegerjaques. And he was not happy at all. He was waiting to see if any of his fellow Arrancar would follow him to finish what Ulquiorra failed in doing.
Grimmjow was getting a bit impatient. "Ahh what the Hell, I'll be able to tell when they show their asses. I hate staying in one place too long!" he groaned, floating through the dark skies of Karakura Town. He could sense a nicely strong spiritual pressure coming from the north. As he got closer, he determined they were two, and very strong.
"Seems as if you were wrong in your assessment, damned weakling." Grimmjow hissed, biting his lip in frustration. He was now above the area where he sensed the pressures. "Now where are you?" he wondered out loud. He looked towards an old style Japanese house and saw two girls. It seemed one was training. He moved a bit closer, a bit curious.
One girl, he assumed was a child had long orange hair with some black bangs in a pony tail. Her eyes seemed to be glowing and she was sipping what must have been tea. He then turned his attention to the other woman. Her snowy white hair was long and in pigtails. She was wearing a tucked in soft pink t-shirt and pretty short black shorts. He could faintly hear their conversation. "Hana, you can take a break ya know." the child said, taking another swig of her drink. "No way Kakuya! I have to be prepared! Besides, I'm learning better control even now!" the woman said, spinning her body, kicking her leg high into the air.
Grimmjow smirked wide. He liked what he was seeing from this Hana chick. 'Look at those legs!' He could also practically see the force of the kicks. His eyes then darted to the kid, she pulled something out of her pocket. "Hana, Ichigo needs us." she said, popping something into her mouth. "Okay! Bout time we got some excitement!" the woman said, bouncing with glee, and did the same as her friend. 'Soul Reapers eh?' he said to himself as the girls ran off. Grimmjow then felt his fellow Arrancar descend into this World.
Hanayuki and Kakuya arrived at the scene where Ichigo and Rukia were. "What's up Ichi?!" Hanayuki asked cheerfully, hugging the Substitute Soul Reaper. "Get the hell off me!" Ichigo growled. "Aww, fine!" She pouted. "Act more grown up, this is more then likely a serious situation." Kakuya scolded. "You need to uhh…de-mature! How can you be so serious?!" Hanayuki groaned. "Whatever. So, what's the deal Ichigo?" Kakuya asked, crossing her arms.
"I just defeated one these Arrancars. We may not have to worry after all. I killed him with one strike." Rukia reported. "That's awesome Rukia! I bet your Zanpakuto is just gorgeous!" Hanayuki said, her pink eyes shining brightly. "It sure is! So pwetty!" Rukia's gigai cheered. "What the?" Kakuya and Hanayuki asked, looking at the happy-go-lucky gigai.
"Its Chappy, my Substitute Soul." "Really? You chose Chappy? She's too girly." Hanayuki stated, receiving wide-eyed expressions from her friends. "What?" They never answered. The whole area was now quaking, a strong spiritual pressure was now present. "What the hell happened here? D-Roy's been killed?" Everyone looked up to where the voice came from.
Hanayuki was stunned at the man she saw. "Heh, aww well. In that case, it looks like I'll have to kill all of you." The man spoke, confidence was strong in his tone. "Let me introduce myself, I am Arrancar 6, Grimmjow." Hanayuki could tell he was absurdly powerful. 'I think I'm in love!' she squealed in her head. This Grimmjow guy, was all she wanted in a man. Rugged, strong body, a deep voice. She would have swooned.
Kakuya pulled Hanayuki to the side. "Go find Ikkaku, we can take this guy." she practically ordered. "Fine. Bye eye candy." "What was that?" Kakuya asked, giving her partner a strange look. "Oh nothing, I need to get some candy on the way home! I'm going now." she said quickly, using Flash Steps to find Ikkaku.
She found him easily enough. She landed elegantly beside Yumichika. "Oh, hello Goddess." Yumichika greeted, smiling charmingly. "Hey Yumi. So who's Ikkaku going up against?" Yumichika shrugged. Hanayuki changed her sights on Ikkaku, the first man she came to love, and still does.
"So, what's your name, big guy?" Ikkaku asked the large man. "I don't have to bother telling a dead man my name." the Arrancar spoke confidently. "It seems you and I operate quite differently. I believe its just good fighting etiquette to tell your name to your opponent. They at least need to know who will kill them." the Arrancar's face didn't change. "Allow me to introduce myself. Third seat of the Zaraki Corps, Ikkaku Madarame! You don't need to tell me yours, just remember mine. it's the name of the man who's going to kill you."
It was at that instant Hanayuki remembered why she was crazy for Ikkaku, bald head or not. He's strong, dependable, courteous and at many times wise. In her eyes, he was handsome, his voice always comforted her.
Ikkaku took a stance, preparing to attack this Arrancar. He launched himself towards the large man, attacking with both his sheath and Zanpakuto. All his attempts were blocked however. Ikkaku dodged a clumsy kick with ease. "What's your problem? Why not use your Zanpakuto?" he asked, grinning all the while.
"We Arrancar have iron skin that no sword can cut. It acts as our armor. With a sword like yours, I can take you bare-handed." he explained coolly, not feeling remotely threatened. Sensing the challenge, Ikkaku lunged at the man. But was blocked by the Arrancar's zanpakuto.
"I see you can at least tell when you're about to lose an arm." Ikkaku said, his grin growing wider. "You go Ikkaku!" Hanayuki cheered, her heart fluttering. Ikkaku just glanced back briefly, smirking. More banter was exchanged, and Hanayuki could not take her eyes off Ikkaku. He was graceful, powerful and fast. The normal eye wouldn't be able to see the two combatants movements at all.
Ikkaku had tormented the Arrancar, Edorad, to where he released his Zanpakuto, and it was very impressive yet too flashy. Hanayuki was starting to worry for Ikkaku. 'He can beat him! No problem…' she tried reassuring herself as Edorad Leones explained the difference between a Shinigami's Zanpakuto and an Arrancar's.
"This is my true form!" Edorad roared, swinging his new and overtly large fist, launching fire that engulfed Ikkaku! "Ikkaku!!!" Hanayuki cried out, she tried running to him but Yumichika stopped her. "You know you can't do that Hana-chan. It would be an insult to him." he told her, his face was dead serious and cold. He got out a phone and spoke of special preparations to limit the number of souls destroyed by the battles with the Arrancar. "Also, please make preparations for Ikkaku Madarame's military funeral." Hanayuki felt tears come to her eyes as Yumichika spoke.
Hanayuki was almost to tears as she had to watch Ikkaku get beaten by Edorad. Yumichika noticed this and pulled her into an embrace. "It will be alright Hana-chan. If he dies, take some happiness in knowing this is how we planned, fighting." he said, trying to comfort her. "And if that happens, you may take revenge and rip him apart." he added, whispering in her ear.
Yumichika made Hanayuki stay in her spot, not able to see Ikkaku in pain. She saw his glowing fist collide onto Ikkaku. 'No. Please don't let him die!' she cried and prayed. The dust cleared and Ikkaku wasn't hurt at all!
"Never thought there'd be this much of a difference in our power. No helping it I guess. Since everyone else is busy fighting as well, no one'll notice. I didn't wanna use it in a place like this! Watch closely, but don't tell anyone!" Ikkaku said, getting up and putting Released Hozukimaru together. "BANKAI!!!" A powerful wind picked up as Ikkaku's bankai was revealed.
"Did you say 'Bankai'?" Edorad asked, looking somewhat nervous. "Did I stutter? Bankai" the clouds dissipated and Ikkaku was visible, a large, wide grin on his face and his mighty, impressive bankai revealed. Two large blades were held in his hands, connected to a central floating blade with a dragon-shaped gauge. Hanayuki was in awe as Ikkaku handled it with extreme ease.
"Ryuumon Hozukimaru!" Ikkaku declared, taking a strong fighting stance. "That's impressive." Edorad smirked. "Don't bullshit me. I haven't released enough reiatsu to impress you." Soon, Ikkaku's reiatsu was like flames. "Decide if its impressive or not…AFTER YOU'RE DEAD!!!!" Ikkaku roared confidently, leaping into the sky, Edorad following suit.
Both Yumichika and Hanayuki were impressed by his handling of his bankai. "HE SLICED HIS ARM OFF!!!!" Hanayuki was leaping with joy as Ikkaku continued his fight. "Power. That's all Ikkaku is, pure power." she sighed dreamily as Ikkaku battled on. She also noticed something strange, the dragon crest on the central blade was partially glowing red.
Ikkaku held the large central blade over his head and started spinning it at a fast pace. His reiatsu was increasing!
"Looks like you've noticed huh?! Unlike me, Hozukimaru's a lazy bum. I finally force him to go bankai and he's still half asleep! I gotta force him awake to use his real power…by slashing up my enemy or letting him slash me up! The dragon crest turns red as he starts waking up. When the dragon crest turns completely red, then Ryuumon Hozukimaru's destructive force will truly be at its greatest!" Right as Ikkaku finished his explanation, the crest was completely red.
"Let's do this!" The two charged at each other and their power collided… 'He won. He had to have won!' Hanayuki prayed. If he wasn't alive, she would kick his ass and then tear Edorad apart!