Battles Within Hell


Ichigo, Renji, Rukia, Uryū, and Kokutō entered the first section of Hell, which was composed of blocks and blue roads hovering over a void.

"Lady and Gentlemen, welcome to Hell." Kokutō announced. "What you see here is the entrance."

The group looked out at the seemingly never ending void.

"It's a lot different than I thought it would be." Renji muttered.

"You mean it's your first time here as well?" Uryū asked. "I thought Soul Reapers managed Hell."

"We don't actually manage it." Rukia corrected. "We just oversee the place. Anything that has to do with Hell is usually left to just a handful of Soul Reapers."

Renji wiped his forehead. "The air in this place is awful, it's nearly unbreathable." he noted. "It would be hard for someone with weak Spirit Energy to survive in this place."

"Hang on girls. I will find you." Ichigo muttered.

"Okay, well if we want to surprise them, then we better get a move on." Kokutō suggested, jumping from the platform, with the rest of the group following.


As they ran down the blue pathways, other souls watched them from the other platforms.

"Who are they?" Uryū asked. "Are they humans?"

"No, they're Sinners as well." Kokutō answered. "Just like me, though they've been here a lot longer. They've given up on fighting."

"Is that really an option for them?" Renji asked.

Kokutō nodded. "You'd think that people in Hell wouldn't fight back, would you?" he questioned. "The reasons for not fighting is almost diabolical, it's so they can live with the feeling of helplessness. But, despite that, some of us continue to resist the despair and continue to fight." he added.


As they continued to run down the pathway, one very large being that walked on all fours with an elongated skull-like heads and a large piece of armor on its right shoulder appeared from the void and looked down on the group, it's eyes glowing yellow.

"Well, it looks like the Powers That Be have noticed that you're all here." Kokutō informed.

The group looked at the large being next to them and picked up their pace, only for more to appear on all sides. As they chased them, they managed to grab a few of the Sinners and devour them, blood staining the lower halves of the skulls.

"What is that?" Ichigo asked, noticing the hulking figures surround them.

"That's a Kushanāda, one of the guards of Hell." Kokutō answered. "They keep watch over us Sinners, chase us down, and then devour us."

"If they eat you, don't you then die?" Uryū asked, somewhat confused.

"No here in Hell, even if we're eaten, we come back to life." Kokutō replied. "Here in Hell it's we Sinners are reputedly devoured and born again, until our spirits are completely broken. But keep in mind, it's the same for you guys as well." he added. "Once you've been killed, you'll be bound in chains and never be allowed to leave."

As the group ran down the blue pathway, a shadow of a hand loomed over them as a Kushanāda came up on their trail. They barely dodged the hand that came down and jumped on higher platforms to avoid the other Kushanādas coming towards them.

"How many of them are there?" Uryū asked, noticing the large number of Kushanāda surrounding them.

"We have to break through, no matter how many there are!" Ichigo reminded.

Seeing as how fighting was their only option, Renji and Rukia released their Zanpakutō and Uryū summoned his Quincy bow, firing a few dozen arrows, combing them with the attacks of the two Soul Reapers.

"Here it goes." Ichigo said, jumping in mid-air, being surrounded by black and red Spirit Energy. "Bankai!" he prepared his 'Getsuga Tenshō', and suddenly, his Hollow mask materialized without warning. He released his attack, destroying the Kushanāda, as well as the majority of the path ahead.

Ichigo collapsed on his knees and caught his breath, the other rejoining him.

"Are you crazy!" Rukia berated. "You can at least give us a warning if you're going to Hollowfy!"

"What were you thinking Ichigo!" Uryū yelled. "That blast that took out the guards nearly wiped us out as well!"

"Really? I'm sorry." Ichigo apologized. "Of course, I didn't know, the mask appeared on it's own."

"You sure?" Renji questioned.

"Was that a Hollow power you just exhibited?" Kokutō questioned, slightly confused at the nature of Ichigo's attack.

"Yes it was." Ichigo answered, turning to face Kokutō.

"Interesting, the air in this place must've summoned your deepest instincts." Kokutō deducted. "If you're not careful and let you're guard down, your powers will consume you." he warned.

Kokutō and Ichigo ran on the path to the left of the group, with Uryū standing there, a pondering expression on his face.

"What's wrong Uryū?" Renji asked.

"I know what Ichigo can be like when he's out of control." Uryū remembered. "And if what Kokutō just told us is true, then Hell is a very risky place for Ichigo to be."

"Then, we'll just have to keep an eye on him, and hope his Hollowfication doesn't go out of control again." Rukia stated.

The three nodded in agreement and followed Ichigo and Kokutō as they continued on with the pressing matter of rescuing Yuzu and Zakuro.

"Hang in there a little bit longer Zakuro." Renji thought as he ran as fast as he could. "I'm on my way, just please stay alive until I get there. That promise we made to each other still stands, even now. Stay alive…for me."


As the end of the path came into view, everyone noticed there was nothing on the other side.

"Everyone get ready to jump!" Kokutō warned, jumping off the ledge.

The others followed suit and jumped into a purple fog that served as the entrance to the next level of Hell.


Jumping into the vast, smoky chasm below, they plunged through the clouds into Hell's next level, an endless expanse of sea with many small stone islands circling the equator. They landed on one island shaped like a flower, Ichigo landed on top of a skeletal statue, Kokutō and Uryū landing on the edge, while Renji and Rukia landed in the center.

"This is strange." Uryū noted, looking around. "Where are we?"

Renji looked up and noticed a skeleton of what resembled a Kushanāda. "Maybe it's a graveyard for those big guards." he guessed.

"So where's Yuzu and Zakuro?" Ichigo asked, looking over at Kokutō.

"They're not here." came the voice of Gunjō, the same Sinner who originally kidnapped the two girls.

He appeared near where Uryū was, still donning the mask and cloak.

"Give me back my sisters right now!" Ichigo ordered.

"Easy there darlin'." Taikon giggled. "I'll give you what you want." he jumped down from above, making Ichigo move from where he was.

Due to his size, when Taikon landed on the skeleton, he crashed right through it. "We can accommodate you." he added. "You scratch our backs, and we'll scratch yours."

"I say you're crazy." Renji rebuked, unsealing Zabimaru.

"We can discuss this better without these cloaks." Taikon ripped off his cloak, revealing himself to be a largely obese man, wearing a lavender outfit, had four purple dots on his exposed belly, and really short blonde hair. He introduced himself.

Gunjō ripped off his cloak, revealing a lean body in a teal outfit with bandages covering his face. He was the second to introduce himself.

Garogai revealed himself to be a large brute with green, braided hair. "Welcome to Hell." he greeted.

"That welcome is conditional." Gunjō added. "The uninvited ones should leave while they still can."

Ichigo gripped his blade and charged forward. "Give me back my sisters!" he yelled again, firing off another 'Getsuga Tenshō'.

Taikon dodged the initial attack, only for Garogai to step in. Rukia fired a Hadō spell at him and Gunjō used the smoke as a cover for his attack, which Renji blocked. When Uryū fired a few of his arrows, Taikon intercepted them, and a mouth appeared on his hip and devoured the arrows.

"That was very yummy." Taikon giggled.

"Heads up guys!" Rukia warned. "Hadō #33 Sōkatsui!" she fired the blue fire, only for Taikon to absorb it.

When he returned the attack, everyone dodged to make it safely out of the way.

"Be careful, their powers without their cloaks is even greater than they were in the World of the Living." Kokutō warned.

"You're kidding." Uryū sighed.


Soon, an all out brawl erupted, with the rescue team on the loosing side. The commotion of the battle caused part of the island to break apart. The attacks landed full circle and they ended up on the ledge part that was still in tact.

"Ichigo, your sisters are still pretty far down the road." Kokutō informed.

"Go on ahead Ichigo, we can handle this ourselves." Renji said, with Uryū joining him.

"If you stay here, you'll just get in our way." Uryū added.

"What the hell do you mean by that?" Ichigo questioned.

Rukia held her hand out. "It's better to let Renji and Uryū handle it." she agreed. "C'mon, let's go."

Ichigo took her hand and stood up, and the two Soul Reapers followed Kokutō. They jumped off the edge of the island, landing in the water. However, Rukia diverted an attack from Gunjō, and decided to stay back and fight him while Ichigo followed Kokutō.

"I better defeat him quickly." Rukia noted, dodging Gunjō's oncoming attacks.


Up on the ledge, Uryū was facing off against Taikon.

"So, you've decided to take me on directly, is that it?" Taikon asked, almost giddily. "You must have some kind of death wish."

Uryū closed his eyes and scoffed. "Actually no, it's quite the opposite." he replied, opening his eyes and readying his bow. "I've decided my pride as a Quincy won't allow me to loose twice to the same adversary." he fired off a few arrows at Taikon and the two moved at high speeds during the rest of their fight.


Renji smirked and held his blade low. "Bankai!" he yelled, engulfed in red Spirit Energy. Hihiō Zabimaru appeared behind him and shrieked. "I owe ya one big guy, remember our last battle?" he asked, "This time, I'm gonna teach you a lesson."

Using his Bankai's strength, Renji threw Garogai into the water, creating a massive wave.


Plunging through the bottom of the sea, Ichigo and Kokutō descended upon a large wasteland with pools of yellow liquid dotting the ground.

"We're almost there." Kokutō informed. "Once we cross here, we'll come upon the place they're using as a hideout."
"And you're sure that's where my sisters are?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes, and it's a good thing your friends stayed back to fight, that means they'll be less at the hideout." Kokutō added.

"I hope you're right." Ichigo sighed. "Hang on girls, you're big brother is here. I'm on my way."


Zakuro coughed again as her body slumped against the side of the cage. "Hang on a…little bit…longer, Yuzu." she said, coughing after every other word. "I know they'll be here soon."

The light blue glow of Mūndoragon began to fade as the scythe slowly returned to a regular sword. Zakuro held her blade and closed her eyes, "I'm sorry girl." she apologized. "Forgive me…" she sheathed her blade and tightened her grip around Yuzu, who was unconscious in her arms.

Zakuro was breathing heavily and sweat coated her forehead, making her hair stick to her face. There were tears all over her shihakushō and blood stained the areas surrounding them.

She ran her hand over Yuzu's head and shoulder, "I'm sorry Yuzu, I should've let you go and let them take only me." she apologized, tears welling in her eyes. She kissed the top of Yuzu's head. "But don't worry, I'll make sure you get out of here, even if it means I don't."

Zakuro coughed again and struggled to catch her breath. "Hurry Ichigo, I can't last much longer. I'm giving all of my Spirit Energy so Yuzu can be safe. I can't keep it up, please big brother, hurry." she whimpered.


Ichigo used his flash step to save Kokutō form being drowned by the yellow liquid, moving him a ways away.

"You alright, Kokutō?" he asked.

"Yeah, but what about you?" Kokutō questioned. "That was a Hollow mask you were wearing just now."

"Yeah." Ichigo confirmed. "I've gotten used to it though."

Kokutō winced from the burn that was on his arm where the Kushanāda attempted to grab him.

"Hang on, let me help you." Ichigo offered.

"No, in Hell we're used to this kind of pain." Kokutō informed. "Never mind me, you just need to focus your energy on saving your sisters."

As Ichigo helped Kokutō to his feet, he asked why he was concerned with saving Zakuro and Yuzu.

"You said it once before we came here, saying you sold your heart to darkness." Ichigo reminded. "Saying you sold your heart to darkness. It was for someone who was related to you, wasn't it?"

"Yeah." Kokutō answered. "I had a younger sister once, and I loved her. But, I was responsible for her death." he informed, looking away. "She died because I was a good for nothing brother." he locked eyes with Ichigo. "Promise me that you'll save your sisters. You can't let them go through the pain and terror that my sister had to endure." Kokutō stood up on his own, grunting in pain. "But on the other hand, that might not sound very convincing coming from a guy who was condemned to Hell for his sins." he walked away.

Ichigo blinked in confusion and picked up his black sword. "I promise Kokutō." he thought. "I will save my sisters, because I am responsible for their safety." Ichigo looked far ahead, and narrowed his eyes. "Don't give up girls, you're big brother is gonna rescue you, no matter what it takes."

"Let's go Ichigo!" Kokutō called.

"Right! Coming!" Ichigo yelled back, running to catch up with Kokutō.

The two slowly climbed down a cliffside, preparing to enter the next level of Hell.


High above, the water-like sky burst as Hihiō Zabimaru came thundering down from the level above, reeling through the air before tossing Garogai away. Renji attacked with his blade a second time, and Garogai gripped the skeletal serpent's jaws, pulling them apart, which brought Renji's attack to a forceful stop.

"No good." Garogai grunted. "You're too weak." he swung the blade away from him.

"Oh, I'm not done yet!" Renji rebuked. "Nothing's gonna stop me from saving my girlfriend. I can sense her Spiritual Pressure weakening so I need to end this battle quickly." "Hikōtsu Taihō!" he yelled, and the skeletal serpent skull fired a red blast of energy, sending Garogai crashing into one of the pools of yellow liquid.

Renji landed with his Bankai surrounding him. "That's what you get for standing in my way."

Garogai emerged from the pool and got out, breathing heavily.

"Damnit." Renji cursed

"You, are gonna pay, for that." Garogai panted.

"Is he injured from landing in that yellow goo?" Renji thought. "If that's the case, then let's try it again." Renji fired the same attack again, but Garogai punched the accumulating energy before Renji could fire the attack. creating a massive explosion, which sends the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru flying.

As Renji stared in shock, Garogai, sent him flying upwards with a punch, and stomped on Renji after he hit the ground.

"This is the end." Garogai said, preparing to punch Renji again.

"You're right, it is the end." Renji agreed. "For you that is." he slammed the handle of his Bankai into the ground. As the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru, glowing red, float upwards, Renji, used his attack, Higa Zekkō, bringing down all the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru down on Garogai, crushing him.

Renji got to his feet and smiled, "You never should've underestimated my Zabimaru." he informed. "That's what you get when you put my girl's life on the line." he added. Renji looked out ahead and sighed, "Please hang on a little longer babe, I'm almost there. I'll get you out of here, because there's no way I'm loosing you. Not like this." he clenched his hands into fists and sealed his Zanpakutō, sheathing the sword.


Elsewhere, an innumerable arrows shower upon Taikon, as he and Uryū enter the level and land on the ground.

"You're wasting your time." Taikon taunted, absorbing the arrows. "So, what do you say? Shall I give you the 'Kiss of Death'?"

Uryū pushed his glasses up, "I think I'll pass, thanks." using the Quincy equivalent of flash step, known as Hirenkyaku, cut part of exposed skin on Taikon, putting his plan into action.

"That's not gonna work on me." Taikon taunted.

"We'll see what you say after you check out this little number." Uryū replied, placing a Seele Schneider, which is a small blade composed of Reishi, in his Quincy bow. He fired the blade and it stopped in mid air, inches from Taikon.

Then, two squares, meeting at right angles materialized around Taikon, their vertices marked by the Seele Schneider, followed by a blue box. Uryū called the move 'Gert Schneider' which surrounds an opponent with high density Reishi.

"But how? I should've absorbed all your Reishi." Taikon reminded.

"I didn't use my own Reishi, that box is created by your own." Uryū informed. "The cuts on your body made by the Seele Schneider released all the Reishi you absorbed." he pulled out a small capsule and flicked it on the hilt of the small blade, creating a massive explosion.

The box began to shrink and, as Uryū turned his back, Taikon was destroyed. The explosion caused a cloud of purple smoke to form as a result.


Not far from there, Rukia was facing off against Gunjō.

"Taikon." Gunjō muttered, looking over at the explosion.

Rukia took his distraction as an opening to attack with her Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki. However, Gunjō countered by wrapping his tentacles around Rukia's waist and hung her upside down, squeezing her tightly.

"It's seems that both Taikon and Garogai have failed." Gunjō noted. "Strange, but this doesn't affect our plans in the least."

Rukia attempted to slice the tentacles with Sode no Shirayuki, but Gunjō broke the blade in two. He then proceded to squeeze the life out of Rukia, who's slumped after a minute or two.

"Good, very good." Gunjō chuckled, lowering Rukia's body eye level to his own. "Now to finish off-"

He stopped when he noticed small snowflakes falling around him. Rukia stirred and opened her eyes. "San no mai, Shirafune." she choked out, the tip of her blade reforming from behind Gunjō, and connecting with the rest of the blade. Gunjō choked as ice began to enclose around his body, and Rukia was freed when the tentacles shattered.

She fell to the ground, panting.


"Rukia!" Uryū called, running over to her.

"I'm fine, don't worry." replied the female Soul Reaper.

Gunjō chuckled. "You are actually better than I thought you would be." he complimented. "I was intending to take you down with me. See dying was actually part of the scenario the entire time. Everything's going according to plan."

"What was that?" Uryū asked, shocked.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Renji added.

Gunjō's body was slowly becoming enveloped in ice. "Sorry, I'm afraid I can't tell you that." he apologized, as his body shattered. His dark chuckled echoed.

"What's going on?" Rukia gasped. "What have we gotten ourselves into?"


As Ichigo and Kokutō approached the fourth level of Hell, a stairway shrouded in mist took them through a number of tiny houses with one wall missing and a flame flickering inside. Ichigo looked around and tripped, crashing to the ground.

"You alright?" Kokutō asked, extending his hand for Ichigo.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Ichigo replied, taking Kokutō's hand.

The two continued down the path, which took them out of a rock that had a waterfall of yellow liquid that poured into the deepest levels of Hell. The landscape was composed of granite rocks and black sand dotted with rocks.

"This sand is strange." Ichigo noted. "I sense Spiritual Pressure."

"Well, that's because it's not sand." Kokutō informed. "This is actually crushed bones of millions of Sinners. They get reputedly crushed by the Kushanāda, until their spirits are broken." he added. "Their bodies are completely burned away by the flames of Hell. Ultimately, this is where it all ends. There is no freedom for any of us."

"Freedom?" Ichigo repeated. "But you guys went to Karakura Town."

"The Kushanāda's reach extends there as well." Kokutō said. "In the end, we're all trapped here. Each of us tormented by some unrelenting agony." he grunted and shook his head. "Listen Ichigo, if we manage to save your sisters, can I ask you to do me a favor?"

Ichigo blinked in confusion. "What is it?" he asked.

"Can you, free me from Hell?" Kokutō requested. "More than anything, I want to be reborn, so I can see my sister again. So I can apologize for what happened to her."

Ichigo pondered the thought for a few seconds, before replying. "Alright." he agreed. "If it's within my power, I'll free you from Hell."

"Thank you, Ichigo." Kokutō replied. "Now we'd better hurry. You're sisters are just over that hill." he pointed to a hill not far off in the distance.

"Yuzu. Zakuro." Ichigo muttered, his brown eyes quivering. "I'm coming." he then took off in the direction that Kokutō pointed, with him trailing right behind.


When Ichigo reached the top of the hill, he was shocked at what he saw in the distance. He could easily make out the bodies of his sisters, Zakuro and Yuzu lying unconscious in a small cage, dangling from a large skeleton with rods impaled in it above a pool of lava.

"Yuzu! Zakuro!" Ichigo screamed, charging towards where his sisters were. Using his flash step, he flew towards where his sisters were being held, landing on a rock near the center of the desert.

As an orange gleam shone from the top of the skull, a bolt of fire flew right at him. Ichigo slashed the blast with Tensa Zangetsu, and as he saw another one coming, he jumped over it and onto one of the fingers that came up from the sand.

The figure standing on the skull was Shuren, the leader of the group. "Welcome, Ichigo Kurosaki." he greeted.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes and gripped the hilt of his Bankai. "Let my sisters go, now!"


Inside the cage, Zakuro's eyes fluttered open. She, slowly, moved her head to look out behind her.

"Ichigo." she muttered, smiling. She tried to move her body, but her arms and legs felt like lead and she could barely keep her eyes open. "Damn, no, not now." she mentally cursed. "Not this feeling again." she struggled to lean against the cage, but her body slumped against the railing, and her eyes drifted shut.


Kokutō joined Ichigo and held his sword, a black blade with a zigzag shape. "Stop the lecturing." he spat. "Are you gonna take on the both of us by yourself?"

"Who said I was by myself?" Shuren questioned. "Sinners cannot die once they're in Hell. Kokutō, you should know that by now."

Kokutō glared at Shuren, narrowing his eyes. Then, he gasped, "We're too late."

Shuren smiled and called out the names of the three Sinners who lost to Rukia, Uryū, and Renji earlier. Three streams of lava burst from the pool below the cage that held Zakuro and Yuzu, took on the form of the three Sinners that were called. Ichigo and Kokutō stared, wide eyed, in shock, the Sinners groan and growl as they reincarnate themselves.

"They were given the critical assignment to separate you two from your three friends." Shuren informed. "Then they died willingly, so that they could return here."

"Impossible." Kokutō gasped. "Then, how could they get back here so fast?"
"Not so smart, are you Kokutō?" questioned Gunjō, who jumped into the air. "Now you'll pay for your ignorance." he slung his tentacles toward Kokutō, who dodged each blow.

"Kokutō!" Ichigo yelled.

"Don't worry about me!" Kokutō rebuked, dodging Gunjō's onslaughts. "Rescue your sisters! There isn't much time left before they become part of Hell for all eternity!"

Taikon appeared in front of Kokutō. "Now, why would a Sinner, like yourself, be friendly with a Human?" he asked.

Garogai came crashing down, making the fight three against one. Shuren, on the other hand, began a fight with Ichigo. Both fights were intense, creating clouds of smoke where attacks made contact.


Through barely open eyes, Zakuro watched it all unfold. "If only I were stronger." she thought, moisture welling in her dull brown eyes. "I could be helping them, instead I'm trapped up here and can't move at all. My body feels heavy and this air is suffocating me to where it's hard to get a breath." her breathing was shallow as she struggled to keep her eyes open. "I'm sorry…Renji, I don't think I can keep our promise." her eyes began to drift close once more.


Shuren fired a flame spear towards the cage that held Zakuro and Yuzu, and Kokutō deflected the blast, saving them. However, Gunjō's tentacles wrapped around him and impaled him.

"It's over now." Taikon giggled.

"That's what you think." Kokutō rebuked, tossing his sword towards Taikon, who only swallowed it.

Kokutō pulled on the chain connected to his sword and sent Taikon flying into the lava pool. "Now say goodbye!" Kokutō grunted, diving into the lava, taking Gunjō with him.

Ichigo heard Shuren attack once more, and dodged the flurry of flame bolts Shuren threw at him.

"If it's a fight you want then I am your opponent." Shuren said, chuckling.

Once the smoke below cleared, a blue light of Spirit Energy surrounded Ichigo. "I don't care if you're my opponent, I don't have time to play games with you." he declared, donning his Hollow mask for a split second, before firing his 'Getsuga Tenshō'.

Shuren dodged the blast, but the attack kept going, penetrates through the many levels of Hell, quaking the blocks at the top level.

Shuren laughed, "Yes, that's the power we're looking for." he yelled, from atop the skull.

Ichigo prepared to attack again, but stopped when he realized that he could hit the cage his sisters were trapped in.

"Your hesitancy shows that you're conscious enough to realize what would happen should you attack." Shuren informed, smiling. He blasted a flame bolt, which split as it hit Ichigo's chest, exploding behind him. "I won't hit you with a fatal blow, at least, not yet." Shuren said, chuckling. He continued firing flame bolts at Ichigo, creating smoke clouds that obscured the view.

Using the smoke as cover, Ichigo donned his Hollow mask, making Shuren even more excited.

"Now, destroy the Gates of Hell, Ichigo Kurosaki." Shuren ordered, firing more attacks.

With his Hollowfication now activated, Ichigo was more powerful, and he used this increase in strength to make Shuren's attacks rapid and unfocused. Ichigo's final attack was an enhanced 'Getsuga Tenshō', which rocketed off into the distance as soon as it hit Shuren.

Exhausted after defeating Shuren, Ichigo deactivated his mask. He turned to the cage, "Let's get you girls home." he told them. As he ran towards the cage, Kokutō's blade stabbed him through the chest. Ichigo collapsed as the his attack finally exploded.


The wind blew near Zakuro and she flinched at the intensity. Her eyes opened once more, only to see her brother collapse on the ground.

"No, Ichigo." she whimpered, her eyes quivering. "Don't give up, please brother. Don't…" tears fell from her eyes.


Kokutō, nonchalantly, walked up to Ichigo and looked down at him. "That must've hurt." he said. "You okay?"

Ichigo stared up in shock at Kokutō.

The Sinner reached down and yanked his blade from Ichigo's chest, causing Ichigo to yell in pain.

"Oh please." Kokutō scoffed. "That wound should be nothing to you, right." he raised his blade over his head and stabbed it into the ground, next to Ichigo's head.

"Why did you?" Ichigo choked out.

Kokutō grinned evilly. "Why did I stab you?" he finished. "I wanted to see how you'd react." he answered. "Like I said before, here you come back to life, even if you die."

A spurt of lava flew to the ground, as Shuren tried to revive himself. Kokutō walked over and slashed at the lava figure.

"Stay outta this you hot mess." he grunted. "Just stay dead for a while."

"You're a traitor." Ichigo accused.

"A traitor to whom?" Kokutō questioned. "Everything went according to my plan." he informed. "All you have to do is cooperate with me and the game will be over. You see, the last step is for you to Hollowfy and help me out, just like you promised."

Ichigo struggled to get up, but couldn't. "But that story, about your sister." he reminded.

"That story was entirely true." Kokutō admitted. "My sister was murdered. So I made sure the person that murdered her died a slow and painful death."

Shuren tried to revive again, but Kokutō stomped on the lava formation. "Quit bugging me you bastard!" he yelled. "At the time it felt good, of course it was only temporary. It couldn't bring back my sister. I lived with that pain every day, it was the worst thing I ever felt!" he screamed. "The only way I could feel better was to make people experience the same agony I was going through! But was that enough?"

Kokutō removed his bandages, revealing that half of his face was severely burned. "Was that enough reason to send me to Hell for all eternity?!" he ranted. "I tried countless times to escape, and each time a Kushanāda crushed me, and sent me back to the depths. But then, I saw you in battle with Ulquiorra, and I knew that in your Hollowfied state, you would be strong enough to break through Hell's barriers." Kokutō informed. "I passed that information to other Sinners, and my plan started to take shape. I will do anything to get out of here, and if that means turning the World of the Living into a living Hell, so be it."

Ichigo gritted his teeth and glared at Kokutō, enraged that he was double crossed and played right into his hands.


"Ichigo!" Rukia called from a distance. Once she saw him on the ground, she rushed towards him. "Ichigo, what's happened?!"

In a flash, Kokutō slashed her across the abdomen, incapacitating her. Uryū appeared a second later, his bow ready to fire.

"So you were with them after all." he deducted.

Kokutō used one of his own Hell Chains to block Uryū's arrow, and then lashed him across the stomach.


Zakuro whimpered at the sight of her two friends being cut down. "Rukia. Uryū." she whimpered. Her eyes widened when Renji appeared, his sword ready. "No Renji, not you too."

Renji swung his sword, only for Kokutō to block it, leaving Renji wide open to an attack. Kokutō pierced his abdomen and slammed him down into the ground, where he laid still.

"Renji. No, Renji. Please Renji, don't die." Zakuro pleaded, wanting desperately to call out, but couldn't even muster up the strength to move her hand. She was completely helpless.

Ichigo charged forward in a rage, black Spirit Energy surrounding his blade as he slashed at Kokutō, who only provoked him further. In a blinding rage, Ichigo fired another attack, and it was heading straight for the cage dangling above the pool of lava.


In a flash, Kokutō grabbed both Zakuro and Yuzu from the cage before it fell. He held Yuzu under his arm and Zakuro lay at his feet.

"Oh what a shame, guess your sisters couldn't handle the atmosphere." Kokutō announced. "A chain has already begun to form on the young one here." he held up Yuzu, and a chain was growing from her chest.

Zakuro's eyes were wide and tears streamed down her cheeks, "I'm sorry Yuzu, I failed you." she thought.

Kokutō looked down at her, grinning. "And I can say this one is well on her way to joining us as well." he slammed foot down on Zakuro's sternum, causing her to scream out in pain.


Hearing the piercing scream, Renji lifted his head and saw Kokutō's foot resting on Zakuro. His deep brown eyes widened as he saw her body gradually stop moving.

"Zak, no." he muttered. "Don't die on me now baby, don't you dare die on me." he pleaded, struggling to lift himself up from the ground.


Kokutō set Yuzu down beside him and lifted his foot off of Zakuro. Then, he reached down and grabbed the collar of Zakuro's shihakushō, pulling her to her feet and lifting her up a few inches above the skull. His grip moved to her throat, and his grim tightened.

"You're a feisty one, aren't you?" Kokutō questioned, grinning. "To have survived this long in your state."

"This was part of your plan all along, wasn't it?" she choked out, gripping his arm with what little strength she could muster.

"Smart and beautiful." Kokutō chided, darkly. "Yes, and now that I have what I want, there's no need for you anymore." he gripped the hilt of his sword. With a sadistic grin on his face, he ran her through the chest, the tip of the blade protruding from her back.

Zakuro's eyes widened as she coughed, blood dripping from her mouth. "Damn you…" she cursed, struggling to breathe.

Kokutō smirked. "Been there sweetheart." he replied.

Kokutō removed his blade and gripped Zakuro by the collar of her shihakushō, looking into her brown eyes, watching the life drain from them. "Because I'm so nice, I'm gonna grant you you're dying wish." he said, in a sarcastic tone. "For playing your part well in getting your brother here, you can die in the arms of the one you love."


He released his grip and sent Zakuro skidding across the ground, a trail of blood marking her path. She landed on her side, just inches from where Renji and Ichigo were.

"Zakuro!" Renji called, reaching for her body.

Ichigo's eyes widened at the sight of his sister in her current condition. His anger only intensified as he realized he failed in saving either of his sisters.

Renji pulled Zakuro close and turned her on her back, holding her in his arms. Blood ran in streams down her chest from sword wound. Her orange hair fell behind her and her skin was very pale.

"Ren-Renji…" Zakuro choked out, looking up into his eyes.

Renji sighed. "Yeah, I'm here now." he said in a low voice. He tucked hair behind her ear. "You're gonna be alright now babe, I'm here. I've got ya." he smiled down at her and gently rubbed her shoulders. "You're safe now, I'm here."

Zakuro, using her little bit of strength, reached up and caressed his cheek. "I knew-I knew you would-come for me." she choked out.

Renji kissed her forehead, "Of course I would. I'll always be there for you." he lifted her body so her head rested in the nape of his neck. "I promised you that I would protect you." he reminded, rubbing her upper back.

It scared him when he felt the blood running down her back as well. He could feel how cold she was, and breathing was slow and shallow. Renji reached into his pocket and pulled out Zakuro's lieutenant badge, and gently tied it around her left arm, where it belonged.

"Renji I-I can't- can't breath." Zakuro rasped, coughing. Blood ran from her mouth as she took shaky breaths.

The lieutenant held her close, running his fingers through her hair. "Shh, it's okay. I'm here. You're safe baby." he whispered, kissing her forehead. "I'm not gonna let you die down here. Please Zak, don't die on me."

Tears fell from Zakuro's eyes. "I-I failed Yuzu." she whimpered, turning into Renji's chest. "I promised that-that I'd protect her-and I-I failed." she sobbed. "It's all-all my-my fault."

"Shh, Zak, easy now." Renji soothed, rocking her. "We're gonna get you guys home."

Zakuro shook her head. "No, it's no use. I can't-I can't."

"Yes, you can." Renji rebuked. "Hang on for me, just for me." he begged, laying his head on top of hers.

Zakuro gripped the cloth of his uniform collar, fisting it tightly. "I-I love-I love you." she choked out, tears continuing to fall.

Renji moved Zakuro's loose hair out of her face. "I love you too." he replied, gently placing his lips over hers, holding her body tightly against his. "Oh Zak, I love you so much."

She whimpered, "Renji-I'm sorry." she apologized. "I-don't think-that I can-keep the promise-that we-that we made." her eyes began to close.

"Keep your eyes open." Renji ordered, caressing her cheek. "Eyes on me babe, keep your eyes on me." he looked deep into her eyes, which were now a dull brown.

Zakuro took a shaky breath and sighed. "I'm cold." she whimpered, turning into her boyfriend's chest. "Ha, how oxymoronic." she chuckled. "I'm in a desert, in Hell, and I'm cold."

"Shh, save your strength." Renji told her, tightening his grip, rocking her. "You're gonna be okay. I'm not letting you die here." he laid his cheek on top of her head. "I refuse to let you go. Zak you're everything to me, I can't loose you."

"Renji, I've reached my limit." Zakuro informed. "Mūndoragon sealed herself a while ago, without my command." her voice was low when she said that.

Renji gasped and tightened his grip on Zakuro. He knew what that meant; when a Zanpakutō seals itself without it's master commanding it, that means the master is close to death. Renji's heart constricted as the reality of the situation was setting in.

Zakuro looked up and saw moisture welling in Renji's eyes. "Can I-have just-one more-" she choked out, coughing. "just one more kiss?"

She tilted her face up as Renji leaned down and placed his lips over hers, holding her cheek, wiping away a tear that fell. She reached up and gripped his forearm, tightly holding the cloth of the sleeve. Her hand was shaking as she kept her firm grip. Renji pulled away and brushed his nose against Zakuro's.

"I love you…Renji…" Zakuro whispered.

Her brown eyes dulled and they slowly closed as her body slumped in Renji's arms, her hand that gripped his forearm, fell and landed at her side, still. Renji held Zakuro's body close to his, clutching her as tightly as he could. He held the body of the girl he fell for in one glance.


Seeing his sister's body slumped in Renji's arms is what pushed Ichigo over the edge. He Spirit Energy flared as his anger rose.

Renji hunched over Zakuro, shielding her from the immense energy wind. That's when he noticed something form over the sword wound.

"No, I'm not gonna let her be a part of this place." Renji said to himself. "I'm not leaving her here, she's going back home. Even if it means I don't."

Renji held Zakuro's body close to his and planted his lips over hers. Soon, a thin light of red Spirit Energy surrounded him and Zakuro, destroying the black plate that began to form where Kokutō had stabbed her. Zakuro's hair flew up for a few seconds before falling back down again.

When Renji pulled away, Zakuro took a deep breath, her back arching, before slumping back in his arms.

"That should be enough to keep her alive long enough until she reaches the World of the Living." Renji thought.

When Renji focused his attention back on Ichigo, he witnessed his transformation into his fully Hollowfied form. Ichigo's hair was long and straight reaching down to his waist, a Hollow hole, decorated with markings stretching from across his chest and shoulders, retractable claws on his fingertips and toes, small, furry red tufts, two starting from his collarbone and stretching around his neck and one each on his wrists and ankles, and white skin. His Hollow mask covered his entire head, and had four spike-shaped marks, two of them stopping by the forehead and the other two stretching past the eyes and teeth, going past his chin and joining with the marks on his chest and it had two long forward-pointing horns, with black strips extending from their center towards the tips. He was holding Yuzu under his arms, and his rage was taking over.

Hollow Ichigo charged his Cero to its maximum power and fired it directly at Kokutō, and it broke a few of the his Hell Chains.

The chain links fell to the ground and Renji realized that, that is what Kokutō wanted all along. He held Zakuro close to him and knew what he had to do to save the three of them. He bound Zakuro's hands together using Bakudō #4. Hainawa.

"I'm doing this for you babe, I hope you know that." he thought, clutching her body tightly.


Hollow Ichigo fired another maximum powered Cero and it destroyed more of Kokutō's chains. The explosions from the Cero created a massive explosion which reached up all the way to the top level. The Gates of Hell shattered because the shockwave caused by the attack was much too powerful. This caused a massive jet of fire to blast into the sky of Karakura Town.

Kokutō declared he had one chain left, laughing darkly. "Just one more chain left!"

"Don't let him provoke you like this!" Renji cut in, jumping into the air. He used his sword to slice off one of Hollow Ichigo's horns, and then he laced Zakuro's arms around his neck, her body resting on his back. "Ichigo, you have to return to the World of the Living!"

Renji positioned his hands and a bright blue charm appeared in the shape of two concentric diamonds. The insignia snaked its way down the his arms and glowed with a golden hue. "This is the only way Zak, I hope you can forgive me."

The charm slammed down on Zakuro's back and it enveloped her, Ichigo, and Yuzu in a blue light.

"I promised that I would return you home safely, and that was the only way I could." Renji thought, focusing his eyes on Zakuro. He held his hand out and the back of it brushed against Zakuro's cheek. "I guess then, this is…"

"Goodbye, love." Renji said aloud as he fell to the ground.

He watched as Ichigo's Hollow armor began to crumple away and as he floated upwards, out of Hell. The special Kido spell took the remainder of his energy and Renji collapsed, his eyes closing.