Chapter 10
Zera's P.O.V.
Since I was still helping Grimmjow walk and the other Arrancars had to follow me, I couldn't move as fast as I did when I was on my way to see Barragan. So it took even longer for me to get back to Ichigo and the others. It may have been weird, but the other Arrancars weren't saying anything. Must still be adjusting to their new lives. We finally got back to my cave, where we saw everyone waiting.
"Hey, I'm back!" I called out. That caught everyone's attention.
"Zera, what the hell took you...who are those guys?" Ichigo asked.
"Haha. Yeah, it's a long story. But first, Orihime, do you think you can heal Grimmjow here?" I asked. I expected her to say ok like usual, but when I looked in her direction, her face was completely red.
"Um, guys, what's wrong with Ori-" I tried asking, but when looked at everyone else, they all had the same expression.
"What's wrong with you guys?" I asked.
"Um, Zera, your friends, well, they're not..." Karin said, unable to say what she wanted.
Jeez, something must be wrong if it's messing up Karin this bad. When I saw her pointing in my direction and how she was looking at the people behind me, I was luckily able to figure out what the heck was wrong with everyone. Since the Arrancars were just, um, 'made', they had nothing on.
"Oh, right! You guys aren't comfortable with them not wearing clothes, huh?" I said.
"You're just now figuring that out!?" most of them shouted.
After that, they all got all the spare clothes they had and gave to the other Arrancars. Tatsuki was very strict when it came to the boys not looking at me and Harribel until we got some clothes on ourselves. Orihime also got around to healing Grimmjow.
"Why do we have to wear these?" Nelliel asked.
"It just calms them down." I said.
"Now that that's settled, Zera, where the heck did you go!? And who are these people!?" Tatsuki asked.
"Alright, alright. Ok, I'll explain everything." I began.
Once I said that, I explained to everyone that I left to speak with Barragan, that I created the nine Arrancar present, along with telling them their names, and I finally explained how I kill Barragan and that the Arrancars here would be helping us.
"So, you left to kill the king and you got nine Arrancars?" Uryu said.
"Yep." I said like it was nothing.
"Zera, how come you didn't take any of us with you?!" Ichigo shouted.
"It would've been too dangerous. Like I said, you guys don't know this place well enough yet. Besides, it all ended well, so there's really no need to complain." I explained.
"I guess, but still, that was just reckless." Ichigo said.
"This coming from the king of recklessness?" I deadpanned. That automatically made him be quiet.
"So, these are the friends you mentioned that would rule Hueco Mundo?" Stark said.
"Mainly Ichigo, Karin, and Yuzu there, but yes." I answered.
"Well, they don't seem like much if you ask me." Nnoritora said.
"You'll soon discover they're capable in their own rights, Nnoritora, so just be patient." I said.
"But why us anyway? Can't anyone be king or queen of Hueco Mundo?" Yuzu said.
"Yeah. Why were we just automatically picked?" Karin asked.
"Because of your Hollow powers. Chad's and Tatsuki's powers may be more based on Hollows, but you guys have more of a Hollow presence when Hollowfied." I explained.
"What about Rukia?" Ichigo said.
"She doesn't have as much experience with her powers. Not to mention she doesn't have the connection that you guys have to Hollows since you three have known me longer." I said.
"That is understandable." Rukia said.
"Glad that's cleared up. Anyway, we better get to work. This new empire won't build itself." I said. Luckily, everyone went along easily.
It has been quite awhile since the others and I made it to Hueco Mundo and began making our empire. We easily gathered a hundred, give or take a few extra, Adjuchas and ten new Vasto Lorde, who I may turn into Arrancars if the time comes. But now, Ichigo and the others had to be going back to the world of the living for school. I had the other Arrancars waiting back at my cave while I was with Ichigo and the others since I need to open a Garganta for them.
"Jeez, I still can't believe you guys need to go back." I groaned.
"We have to go to school you know." Ichigo said.
"You guys are like the royal family here. Can't you just drop out or something?" I said.
"Hehe. Sorry, but it's not that simple." Orihime said.
"You're just saying that." I grumbled.
"That's kind of what I did." Rukia added.
"Aw, you're gonna miss us being here, huh?" Yuzu teased.
"What!? No! I mean, I waited for you guys in the past." I said, muttering the last part.
"But you always came to us. Now we're the ones leaving." Tatsuki said. I just pouted while kicking up some sand.
"Actually Zera, maybe you could come with after all." Uryu said.
"Huh? Why?" I asked.
"Well, I need to make clothes made of spiritual energy for Arrancars and maybe you can help me make them." Uryu said.
"Really?! I can come help!?" I said like the little the kid I appeared to be.
"Yes. I mean, some of the clothes will be for you." Uryu said.
"Uryu, you're just trying to be really nice to her by letting her come along, huh?" Karin said.
"What!? No, I'm serious!" Uryu said. Even as he protested, I clung onto his arm.
"Either way, until we come back, you're stuck with me." I said with a wide grin.
"But what about everyone else here?" Chad asked. My gaze immediately snapped over to Rukia.
"Rukia, think you can handle looking after thing while we're gone?" I asked.
"What, me? What will I do?" Rukia asked.
"Nothing rash. For now, I want you to train with one of the Arrancars." I said.
"Train with one of them?" Rukia said.
"Yeah, your Hollowfication. Just because you can wear the mask, doesn't mean you've mastered it." I said.
"Well, I guess that's true. Alright then, count on me." Rukia said. With that, I let go of Uryu's arm and opened the Garganta.
"Ok Rukia, keep the Arrancars out of trouble, and train hard." I said before jumping in, letting everyone else follow me.
We all appeared right where we left, in our training grounds. Orihime and Chad left first to get Ichigo's, Yuzu's, and Karin's bodies. Once they did, we all left. Even though I said Uryu was stuck with me, I still stayed a Ichigo's, just as usual. Isshin was happy to see us, even though he was met with a foot to the face from Ichigo. The next day, I stayed with Isshin while Ichigo and the others went to school. That gave me a chance to fill him in on everything that we've done so far in Hueco Mundo. Once I was done talking with him, I decided to go to Kisuke's place since I needed to go and fill them in too. It didn't take me long at all to get there.
"Kisuke! Yoruichi!" I called out, entering the small building. The first person I saw was Tessai.
"Ah, Miss Zera. The boss should be right back." Tessai said.
"Thanks." I said. I waited for a few minutes before Kisuke came out. He obviously was sleeping in, again.
"Zera, welcome back. How have you been?" Kisuke asked.
"Kisuke! It's good to see you again." I said, running up to him.
"I see you haven't changed a bit." Kisuke said, rubbing my head. I just puffed my cheeks.
"Don't be a smart ass. Where's Yoruichi?" I asked, looking around.
"I'm right here." a familiar voice said. I looked down and found her in her black cat form.
"Yoruichi! Why are you in your cat form?" I asked, picking her up.
"It just makes things easier for me." Yoruichi said.
"That voice still gets me." I said, setting her down.
"So, how much progress have you made in Hueco Mundo?" Yoruichi said.
"Well, I've already killed Barragan, the king. I've got nine new Arrancars, a hundred Adjuchas and ten Vasto Lorde." I explained.
"Wow. Impressive. And Rukia?" Kisuke asked.
"I left her in Hueco Mundo to train with the Arrancars." I said.
"Will she be alright?" Yoruichi asked.
"I'm sure...Well, if she doesn't spar with Grimmjow or Nnoritora...But, those two like to fight with each other more than the others, so...Ah jeez, what have I done?" I finally groan.
"Hehe. Let's just hope for the best." Kisuke said.
"Yeah, no kidding." I said.
"So, what brings you here? I know that Ichigo and the others have school." Yoruichi asked.
"Uryu asked me to come and help him make clothes for the Arrancars and myself." I answered.
"I see. Then that means he'll be coming by any time now. Maybe you should stay here while you wait for him." Kisuke said.
"You wouldn't mind?" I asked.
"No, of course not. Make yourself at home." Kisuke said.
"Thanks!" I said. With that, I stayed at Kisuke for at least an hour or two before Uryu showed up.
"Kisuke, you here?" Uryu called out as he opened the front door.
"Uryu, took you long enough!" I said, jumping down from where I was sitting.
"Zera. Glad you're here, saves time." Uryu said.
"Uryu, welcome back. Zera told me that you needed some special material for clothes." Kisuke said.
"That's the general idea." Uryu said.
"Then just relax and I'll go and see what I have." Kisuke said.
"Thanks Kisuke." I said.
"So, how long do you think this'll take?" Uryu asked.
"No idea. I just hope we get this done soon. I'm now a little worried about Rukia." I said.
"Don't worry. At the very least, the others know not to kill her." Uryu said.
"That's not helpful at all!" I complain.
*Rukia's P.O.V.*
"Gah!" I exclaimed, being thrown into a random boulder.
Right now, I was training with Harribel to control my Hollow powers better. She and I were sparring, and the terms were I had to keep my Hollow mask on at all times. If it came off, we would take a small break until I could wear it again.
"Damn." I grunted as I stood up.
"Come on, Rukia. You can't expect to win like that." Harribel said. She was in her Resurreccion form and I was using my Shikai and was wearing my mask.
"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!" I said.
Unlike my usual attack, the ice was clear black. Just like when Ichigo's attack, my attack becomes black as well when I use my mask. My attacked missed Harribel as she jumped out of the way. She quickly countered by sending a stream of water at me. I moved just fast enough to avoid it, but I did get pushed away by the impact of it. I had to regain my footing before I could attack again. I was barely able to see Harribel charge at me.
"Some no mai, Tsukishiro!" I said. Just as she got in front of me, my attack created a pillar of black ice, incasing Harribel inside. It only held her for a few seconds, but I managed to put some distance between in that short amount of time.
"Hado number 31: Sokastui!" I said.
That attack hit where Harribel was standing and caused a giant cloud of smoke to form. I thought I had hit her for a few seconds, but then a fast stream of water hit me square in the stomach and sent me flying back and skidding across the sand. It also made me lose my Hollowfication, for like the fourth time.
"D-damn it..." I groaned. Harribel was soon standing above me.
"Well, you did last longer than the previous sparring sessions." Harribel said, lowering her hand to me. After a few seconds of heavily breathing, I grabbed her hand and she helped me get onto my feet.
"At least that means I'm making some progress, even if I keep getting beat." I muttered, dusting myself off.
"Haha! That's three loses in a row!" Grimmjow laughed. He and the other Arrancars were watching me and Harribel spar.
"At least it was a draw the first time!" I shouted.
"Which was mainly because Harribel didn't know your moves or your strength." Nelliel said. I couldn't argue with that so I just pouted.
"Alright, after taking a short break, we'll continue again." Harribel said.
"Huh!? We aren't done for the day!?" I said. I was already battered and exhausted. What are these Arrancars made of!?
"Not even close." Harribel said. I had to do my best not to fall over, because of exhaustion and from that answer. I probably won't last until Zera and the others come back.
*Soul Society*
Renji's P.O.V.
After the Captain and I returned to the Soul Society, things have been becoming really tense. I mean, Rukia's gone, there's an Arrancar out there, and not to mention the humans with Soul Reaper powers. There's even plans being made to invade Karakura Town just because of this one incident.
"Hey, Renji." someone called out. I turned around to see Ikaku, another Soul Reaper, coming towards me.
"Oh, hi Ikaku." I said.
"Any news on this Karakura Town thing?" Ikaku asked.
"Same news as before. We can't find their spirt energy any where." I said.
After returning the Soul Society, the Department of Research and Development searched for the Arrancar's spirt energy, but it was no where to be found. They then looked for the spirit energy of one of the people with spirit energy, still nothing. That was a main reason why the Invasion plan was still in planning.
"Well, they must be in hiding. What else could make sense?" Ikaku said.
"We all know that's probably the case, but we don't know where they could." I said.
"Man, this is starting to become a serious pain." Ikaku said.
"I know, but we can't just ignore a situation like this." I said.
"I'm just surprised your one of the people in charge of this kind of situation. Isn't Rukia a close friend of yours?" Ikaku asked.
"...Even if she is, she still has to be brought in." I said. He was right, but she was considered a criminal. What else could I do? I don't even know how the Captain feels about this. At the very least, I want to know she's safe.
"Well, good luck with that, I guess. See ya, Renji." Ikaku said, walking past me.
"See ya." I replied.