Sorry Everyone. I screwed up labeling Chapter 10 and accidentally posted Chapter 9 twice. I've updated the posting and re-uploaded Chapters 11 & 12. We've reached the point of AU/Timelines and potential Spoilers. Enjoy!

Chapter 10: A Japanese Reunion

Baldo exits the freighter covered in a sheet he stole from one of the cabins. His clothes were torn and tattered mastering Draco's power.

Walking along the pier, Baldo felt the stares and heard the gawks of amusement and anger from the merchants, dock works, and fishermen.

"Haven't seen anyone dressed like that for ages."

"Stupid American's making fun of us dressing like a samurai!"

"And the stick? Acting like an old man. Despicable!"

Nearing the outside of the city, Baldo asked Draco, "So the spirit link let me understand them?"

"It lets you understand animals," Draco responded, "Why wouldn't it work on other people?"

"Good point."

"Why aren't you running?"

"There are too many people around. I'll be branded a witch if I just disappear," Baldo answered.

"The battle's almost begun."

"I'll hurry as soon as I'm clear of the city," Baldo stated, "Draco, how come people can see you?"

"Hmm?"

"If you're a zanpakuto then you should be impossible to see. Just like my Kido spells and the Hollows but everyone knows I'm carrying a stick," Baldo stares at Draco, "I was wondering why."

"I am a part of you. Since, you are alive I am alive," Draco responded, If you were a spirit, I'd be a spirit too."

"You'll stay with me when I die," Baldo asked.

"We are one. I'll stay with you always," Draco answered.

Baldo focused his energy to his feet, "Thank you, Draco" vanishing toward the spiritual energy.

Arriving at a sign reading "Karakura Town" Baldo became face to face with a barrier. He tested it for weaknesses until a white hair man with thin black mustache and Soul Reaper kimono appeared above him.

"Hey let me in," Baldo knocked, "I came to help."

The man appeared in front of Baldo and smirked, "This is no place for humans. Be gone child."

"Let me in. I can help, mister," Baldo pleaded.

"Mister? Boy, I am Chojiro Sasakibe, Lieutenant of Squad 1," he answered indifferent, "And I am not going to be responsible for getting a child killed."

"We don't have time for this," Baldo placed his fingers together placing the Lieutenant at the center of a diamond when he turned away, "Transference." Baldo swapped places with Chojiro placing the Lieutenant outside the barrier.

"Thanks Draco for given me the strength to endure that transference," Baldo ran into the city with only a slight wobble in his step, "Are you ready, Draco?"

"Ready Baldo."

"Good," Baldo's eyes narrow, "I know where we're heading first."

An explosion rocked the ground and a tall tower like object crumbled. The section of Karakura town around the tower began to change and a little girl appeared running through the streets by a muscled humanoid Hollow with a broken mask and human face.

"Come back. I need a snack of innocent spirit energy," the Hollow bellowed with laughter.

The little girl tripped and screamed as the Hollow loomed her way. Suddenly cans and rocks flew from an alleyway. Three high school kids ran between the girl and the Hollow.

"Leave her alone," the girl with dark hair stepped forward.

"Calm down Tatsuki. Do you really want to anger this guy," a brown headed boy asked cowering.

"Calm down, Keigo," Tatsuki turned menacingly at him, "He's going to attack a little girl."

"True," a cool and collected boy countered, "But this is a guy, Ichigo would need to fight."

"But Ichigo isn't here is he, Mizuiro," Tatsuki shot back, "If you two were so afraid then why'd you follow me into the street?"

"Because we're friends Tatsuki," Mizuiro said.

"Prepare yourself," Tatsuki pointed at the Hollow, "Your opponent is Tatsuki Arisawa, 2nd strongest girl in Japan."

"Very good. I am Espada 42, Jirya Hiro, and I'm hungry," the Hollow vanished.

A clash in spiritual pressure created a dust cloud that caused the trio to cough. When the dust settled, Baldo stood before Tatsuki blocking Jirya's fist with a sleeping Draco.

"Are you guys, okay," Baldo asked.

Jirya leapt backward creating distance. Baldo heard him muttering, "Where'd he come from? I can't sense any spirit energy. How'd he block my attack with a stick with no spirit energy?"

"How dare you interfere with my snack," Jirya raised his voice, "I am Jirya Hiro and I will kill you!"

Tatsuki watched Draco change from stick into a sword at the moment of impact and then back into a stick in a matter of seconds.

"I know you're the 42nd Espada whatever that is," Baldo replied, "But I can't let you harm the innocent." With a swing of Draco in stick form, Jirya was gone.

"Are you all okay," Baldo turned to Tatsuki's group. His eyes widen the instant they made contact with the little girl's.

"Yeah thanks," Tatsuki replied as Baldo passed her hugging the little girl.

"Oh Gena. You're okay. I can't believe it, Gena," Baldo cried.

The girl's eyes filled with terror "Let me go! Let me go!"

"Oh Gena," Baldo continued his embrace.

"My name's Maria," she shouted when Baldo squeezed a little tighter.

A fist struck Baldo's back, "Alright that's enough. She said her name's not Gena." Tatsuki was taken back when Baldo turned to her with tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Tatsuki, you made him cry," Keigo yelled a little frightened.

"I didn't hit him that hard," she looked at her fist.

Baldo released the little girl with a gentle smile, "Of course you're not. It's just that you reminded me of someone long ago." Baldo stepped past Tatsuki and others, "Tatsuki, is it?"

"A yeah," she whispered.

"Can you do me a favor and take Gena- I mean Maria home," Baldo put on as brave a face as he could, "It's going to be hard for me to fight knowing she's running around unprotected."

A tear rolled down, Tatsuki's face, "Of course."

"Thank you," Baldo half-smiled before vanishing.

"Who was that guy," Mizuiro asked.

"Who cares," Keigo added getting punched in the arm, "Tatsuki, what was that for?"

"He saved our lives," a steady stream leaked from both her eyes, "The least we can do is respect his request."

"Alright. Alright," Keigo walks to Maria. "We're going to take you home."