Chapter 10- Unwelcome Assistance
Meanwhile in the Dangai, Ichigo, along with his friends bolted towards Hueco Mundo, intent on helping the others.
"Be ready. Gate gaurdians are sure to be waiting for us before we get there." Urahara warned the group.
Soon a bright white light pierced the darkness of the Dangai as the gate began to open. "There it is!" Urahara shouted again and the group picked up speed.
But as they neared the exit, the light suddenly vanished as the gate slammed shut. Ichigo and the others came to a screeching halt, wondering what had happened. But their questions were answered when several soul reapers appeared around them.
Ichigo immediately pointed Zangetsu at the nearest reaper. "Step aside and let us through." He demanded.
The guards simply laughed and shook their heads. "Sorry, but Central 46 has denied any further entry into Hueco Mundo for the time being. Nobody is allowed to enter." He said in a menacing tone.
"Well in that case I guess we'll just have to force our way in." Urahara said unsheathing his own zanpaku-to. The fighting soon commenced with swords clashing and sparks flying. Battling back his opponent, Urahara turned to Ichigo.
"We don't have time for this. If we stay here too long they'll call for backup." He warned the group.
Glancing to his left, Ichigo could see Rukia fighting two reapers at the same time and Uryu and Chad fighting two more. Orihime stood back, wincing with each sound of sword-on-sword grind.
"Hado No. 33 Sokatsui!" Rukia bellowed, blowing one of her opponents away with the kido.
"La Muerte!" Chads opponent went flying across the Dangai with a forceful crash.
Uryu fired several arrows, but his opponent met each one easily and flash-stepped to get in close. Uryu couldn't move fast enough as the sword sliced him in the arm. Leaving a deep, bleeding gash.
"Uryu!" Orihime screamed and began rushing towards the fight. That same soul reaper then flash-stepped in front of Orihime, cutting her off.
Glancing again, Ichigo saw Orihimes predicament. Elbowing his opponent in the temple, Ichigo quickly flash-stepped to defend her.
"Getsuga-Tenshou!" He shouted, hitting the soul reaper square in the chest, sending him flying also.
"Thanks." Orihime gasped. Ichigo returned a smile and Orhime ran to help Uryu who was bleed pretty badly.
"Dance, Sode No Shirayuki!" Came Rukia's voice as she released her shikai. "Second dance, Hakuren!" A wave of ice and snow enveloped her unlucky opponent.
Meanwhile, Urahara had already dispatched his opponent and was waiting for the group to finish. "Hope everyone's alright." He said gesturing to Uryu's arm.
"I'm fine." Uryu winced as Orihime healed him. "Lets go."
As the group assembled at the gate they each looked at each other. Ichigo turned to them at stuck his right arm out to them. "Lets promise that no matter what, we'll make it through this and we'll meet back here…together." Everyone could feel the resolve in his voice. It was actually inspiring.
Rukia was the first to place her hand over his, followed quickly by Orihime, Uryu, Chad and even Urahara put his hand in. "Alright, lets do this!"
Urahara reopened the Hueco Mundo gate and the group jumped down into the dark and dead desert. Upon landing, Ichigo and the others could sense very faint spiritual pressure. It was far, but it was there. "Over there!" Ichigo yelled pointing to their right.
Without hesitating the group bolted towards the area. After running for what seemed like hours, they finally came within sight of the massive fortress. Now that they were closer, Rukia could easily make out her brothers spiritaul signature. "Nii-sama is in there." She said to herself.
Cautiously, they entered the fortress and met up with Captain Sajin and Yamada who was healing a grievously Captian Mayuri and Vice-Captain Izuru. "Help them out Orihime." Ichigo said quickly seeing the hurt men.
An organge glow filled the room as Orihime went to work on the captain. Captain Sajin looked surprised to see them. "What are you guys doing here?" He asked with curious intent.
"Thought you could use some help, and by the looks of it, we weren't wrong." Urahara stated, gesturing towards the wounded. Sajin just sighed.
Suddenly the room began to shake and a massive explosion sounded in everyones ears. They instantly recognized Kenpachi's spirtiual pressure as well as Byakuya's. "Nii-sama!" Rukia shouted, twisting around in circles, trying to locate his position.
She bolted towards a doorway when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning slightly she could see Ichigo staring at her. "Ichigo…let go…I've got to help him!" She argued and tried to free herself from his grip. Without much success.
"Calm down Rukia…We'll find them together. If we get separated, it'll make it much more difficult for all of us." He replied. Another rumble shook the room.
"I suggest we get going then." Urahara broke in. Ichigo nodded. "Alright then. Orihime, you stay here and take care of them." She nodded. "Be careful Ichigo." She replied in a much sincere tone.
Nodding back Ichigo and the group sprinted off to find the other captains. Somewhere, deep inside, Ichigo had a feeling this wasn't going to be an easy fight. Not by any means.