A/N The reason I am posting this chapter now instead of on Tuesday (Yes I know this is the second time I've done this but I don't expect complaints…) is because of the way I have chosen to structure the next two chapters (Which includes this one). Essentially if I only posted this chapter next Tuesday and waited a week… people may have gotten a tad upset with the cliffhanger at the end of this chapter, but you'll see what I mean.
Disclaimer: I do not won Bleach, or any of its characters, and I make no money off of this.
Chapter 14
Las Noches: Orihime's room
"Your meal is ready girl." Ulquiorra's voice sounded from outside the door.
"Come in." Orihime replied, prompting the green eyes Espada to enter the room with a servant who had been carting the meal towards the room.
"Those cloths ironically suit you well." Ulquiorra commented, having noticed Orihime wearing the white arrancar clothing that she had been provided with.
"Thanks… oddly enough I'd be inclined to agree." Orihime replied, giving a sad smile as she did so.
"I feel that it is my duty to inform you that you will be receiving a guest in the coming hours, if only for a short period of time." Ulquiorra abruptly stated, causing Orihime's eyes to widen in surprise.
'A guest?' Orihime thought, wondering who could possibly need to see her.
"Who is it?" Orihime asked.
"That will be a surprise." Ulquiorra replied as he exited the room, leaving behind a still surprised Orihime.
'I have a bad feeling about this.' Orihime grimaced in thought as she continued to eat her meal.
Sands Outside of Las Noches
"Itsygo you have to get up!" Nel cried out as she pulled on Ichigo's Soul Reaper uniform.
"Five more minutes…" Ichigo mumbled, rolling over as he did so.
'Nel has an idea.' Nel thought as she moved to Ichigo's side and brought her mouth just inches from his ear.
"ITSYGO!" Nel screamed at the top of her lungs, waking Ichigo up instantly.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Ichigo exclaimed as he put his hands over his ears in an attempt to stop them from ringing.
"What was that for Nel?!" Ichigo yelled with mock anger, a tick mark appearing on his forehead.
"Nel thinks we need to get going to Las Noches now!" Nel cried out, reminding Ichigo of his purpose.
"Sorry… you're right. Let's get going Nel." Ichigo said before grabbing Nel and flash stepping onto Bawabawa's back.
"Pesche, Dondochakka, come on, we need to get going!" Ichigo called out from atop Bawabawa.
"Coming." Pesche and Dondochakka said in unison before racing to get on Bawabawa.
As soon as they were all on Bawabawa, the snake-like hollow charged towards the entrance of Las Noches, which was only a short distance from the area they had been shot out of.
'Now that I think about it I probably should ask Nel about what happened back there.' Ichigo thought as he recalled the events that had led to the group escaping the Menos Forest.
"Hey Nel…" Ichigo began, getting Nel's attention, who had been staring off into the vast desert.
"What is it Itsygo?" Nel asked with a smile.
"What exactly was that back there… I mean how did you deflect those ceros?" Ichigo asked, becoming even more curious as Nel only continued to smile.
"Nel can absorb spiritual energy that is shot in a concentrated blast at Nel because Nel's mouth can hold it and then Nel can shoot it back." Nel chirped.
"B-but… I mean, how can you do that?" Ichigo asked, his expression matching his confusion.
"Nel has just always been able to do that." Nel replied while shrugging her shoulders.
'Maybe one day you'll find out the truth Ichigo.' Pesche and Dondochakka thought similarly as they listened to the conversation between the two.
"Nel's saliva can also heal wounds, wanna see?" Nel chirped, opening her mouth very wide and preparing to jam her hand down her throat.
"What? No, don't do that!" Ichigo shouted, effectively stopping Nel from activating her gag reflex.
"Why?" Nel asked with the innocence of a child.
"Because it's just disgusting!" Ichigo shouted, prompting Nel to pout.
"So Itsygo thinks Nel is disgusting?" Nel pouted as she turned her back to Ichigo.
'Dammit!' Ichigo thought in annoyance.
"N-no, no, of course not Nel. What was I talking about, that's not gross." Ichigo replied, treading carefully so as to not hurt Nel's feelings.
"Then why doesn't Itsygo want to see Nel's powers?" Nel questioned, sending Ichigo a death glare.
"W-well you see… I just don't want you to waste it and tire yourself out is all." Ichigo replied in a shaky tone, prompting Nel to entrap Ichigo in another death hug.
"That's so nice of Itsygo to think about Nel like that!" Nel cried as she began to swing Ichigo from side to side in her grip.
'Well at least I'm used to this to the point where I can breathe.' Ichigo thought, deciding not to resist Nel's death grip at the risk of upsetting the arrancar once more.
Las Noches: Espada's Meeting Chambers
The members of the Espada sat as Aizen entered the meeting chambers with Ulquiorra, Gin, and Tosen in toe. Each took a seat with the exception of Gin and Tosen who stood at Aizen's side, waiting for the meeting to proceed.
"Greetings my dear Espada, now before the meeting commences let us drink tea." Aizen greeted in a cheerful tone, a smile larger than normal gracing his features.
"Lord Aizen if I may ask, why is it that this meeting was so abruptly called?" Starrk questioned, noticing Aizen's cheery demeanor.
"Why I'm glad you asked Starrk…" Aizen began in a tone of amusement, confusing many members of the Espada.
"You are all aware of the presence of Orihime Inoue in Las Noches and the power that her abilities hold." Aizen continued, getting nods from various members of the Espada.
"A few days ago I had Ulquiorra deliver a message to the Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki." Aizen stated, causing each and every member of the Espada to suddenly become interested in the happenings of the meeting, either out of interest, or out of hope that they would get to kill something.
'Please reveal the plan, please reveal the plan.' Gin chanted in thought, while remaining outwardly calm and impassive.
"The boy was informed that we had taken the girl and brought her here to Las Noches. He was asked to arrive here in a period of three days upon entering Las Noches via a garganta, which Szayel was so kind to provide." Aizen continued, prompting a realization to hit Szayel, but causing the other Espada to grow confused.
'I was ever so curious as to why he had me make that ridiculous contraption.' Szayel thought as he realized what purpose the device served.
"What device was this Lord Aizen?" Halibel asked, voicing the thoughts of the other Espada.
"The device was something that would open up a Garganta at a chosen location whilst simultaneously reassuring that once a being entered it, the Garganta would close and the device would disappear. Oddly enough, it also masked the spiritual pressure of the wearer, something that confused me greatly when it was requested that I create it." Szayel explained, causing even more questions to be raised at the situation.
"The question you should be asking Lord Aizen is why go to such trouble." Szayel stated.
"Well Szayel, the boy did in fact enter Las Noches as I was informed of the devices activation. He is in fact nearing the entrance of Las Noches as we speak." Aizen replied, shocking the group of Espada, with the exception of Ulquiorra who knew what had occurred thus far.
"Why bring the boy here?" Starrk asked, still not getting that part.
"The plan was quite simple, I desire to speak with the boy, and therefore Orihime's kidnapping had a double purpose." Aizen began, glancing at Gin whose eyebrow twitched.
'I knew it!' Gin thought as he tried to stop himself from screaming his thought at the top of his lungs.
"He was told that if he did not comply she would die, if he told anyone where he was going then she would die, if he did not make it here in a three day period then she would die. These conditions essentially assured the boy's cooperation." Aizen explained.
"That's all well and good Lord Aizen…" Szayel interrupted, bringing everyone's attention to him.
"But I can't help but notice that you haven't quite answered the Primera's question." Szayel continued, causing Aizen's smirk to increase in size.
"Oh, I would think his being forced here would be rather obvious… I intend for the boy to join us." Aizen replied, causing each and every Espada's eyes to widen in shock, even Ulquiorra who had no idea of this part of the plan.
"You can't be serious Lord Aizen!" Grimmjow exclaimed, getting up from his seat and slamming his hands on the table at the news.
"Although I won't be as uncouth as Grimmjow… I do believe that the boy has proven to be quite a trouble maker. After all, he did kill Patros without the use of his Bankai." Szayel argued, his point reflecting the beliefs of several of the Espada.
"Oh the boy is beyond a threat Szayel, in fact he has recently dispatched of the guardian of the Menos Forest alongside a majority of his hollow army." Aizen stated, shocking the Espada further.
'What?' Everyone in the room save Aizen thought similarly.
"If the boy is as dangerous as you say, and the fact that he is a Soul Reaper, how is it that you expect his to join us?" Szayel questioned, sending a slight glare at Aizen.
"Willingly of course." Aizen replied, his smirk of content never fading.
"I beg your pardon Lord Aizen, but having encountered the boy, I would have to conclude that the likelihood of his joining us is quite low." Ulquiorra respectfully commented, recalling the brief fight the boy had put up when he was told of Orihime's kidnapping.
"We have Orihime Inoue. If he came all this way to save her, regardless of his reasons, then allowing the girl to die due to his actions is something he clearly will not allow." Halibel reasoned, backing up Aizen's logic.
"Yeah, but the question is will the kid really listen." Starrk thought aloud.
"Regardless of how you feel about my plan and what my intentions are, the boy is not to be touched upon his arrival to Las Noches." Aizen stated in a tone of finality, staring at Grimmjow and Nnoitora whom he expected to make a scene.
"I won't stand for this! Even if he joins I refuse to accept another Soul Reaper as a comrade!" Nnoitora shouted out of rage.
'They never seem to learn.' Aizen thought in amusement as he prepared to make an example out of Nnoitora's outburst.
"Now Nnoitora, I must have heard you incorrectly…" Aizen began, his tone threatening and ominous, prompting everyone in the room to realize that this was not negotiable.
"You wouldn't be going against my orders, because that would indeed be a shame." Aizen continued, bringing his spiritual pressure down on Nnoitora like a ton of bricks, sending the Espada crashing to the floor for a brief second before letting up a moment later.
"Oh and Nnoitora, I have taken notice that Ichigo Kurosaki has found some… company, during his travels. He seems to have stumbled upon a group of arrancar. Oddly enough, one of them is a small child who calls herself Nel Tu from what I've observed." Aizen stated causing Nnoitora's and Szayel's eyes to widen in both fear and shock.
"Don't you think it odd that she resembles a childlike form of someone that I once knew? Her mask seems to have changed though…" Aizen trailed off.
'What the hell is going on?' Everyone else in the room thought similarly.
'He can't possibly know.' Szayel thought in disbelief, but the look Aizen was giving him told him something else entirely.
"The skull mask, green hair, and even the appearance of the other two arrancar that follow her seem to be familiar to me." Aizen continued with a knowing grin.
"I can't quite put my finger on it, but regardless Ichigo's company shall not be harmed as well, despite some… feelings of resentment towards them." Aizen said, sending a glare at Nnoitora and Szayel respectively.
"Now do any of the rest of you have an opinion on Ichigo Kurosaki joining us?" Aizen questioned, as if daring any of the other Espada to make a comment.
"Hahahahahaha… no Lord Aizen, you've made your orders quite clear and I for one have no intentions of disobeying." Szayel replied with a grin of his own etched on his face, causing Aizen's smirk to return.
"Very good, you are dismissed." Aizen stated, prompting the Espada to leave the room.
"Ulquiorra would you be so kind as to greet our… guests… at the gate once they arrive?" Aizen asked, prompting Ulquiorra to respectfully bow.
"Of course Lord Aizen." Ulquiorra replied before using sonido to head for the gates.
"Well, well, Lord Aizen. Don't you think it may be a bit of a stretch to have another Soul Reaper join us?" Gin asked, his grin even wider than normal due to his being right about Orihime.
"I never said anything about a Soul Reaper joining us Gin." Aizen replied cryptically, a smile of content etched on his face as he exited the meeting room.
'What the hell?' Gin thought angrily, not appreciating the lack of knowledge on his part.
"Gin, are you alright?" Tosen asked.
"Why do you ask?" Gin questioned through gritted teeth.
"Your spiritual pressure fluctuated just now." Tosen explained.
"I'm fine… now if you'll excuse me." Gin said as he exited the throne room.
"I wonder what that was abou…" Tosen said aloud before a ridiculously loud sound interrupted him.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Gin screamed from outside the meeting chambers.
'I wonder what kind of a hobby I'll have to take up once my plan comes to fruition.' Aizen thought as the echoes of Gin's scream reached him.
"Gin, was that you?" Tosen questioned as he exited the throne room.
"How could you tell?" Gin asked in a sarcastic tone.
"I am blind not deaf." Tosen replied in all seriousness.
Urahara's Shop: Yoruichi's Room
"Yoruichi, I've almost finished calibrating the senkaimon and we should be able to travel to the Soul Society within the hour." Urahara said as he entered Yoruichi's room.
"That's good to hear." Yoruichi replied in an emotionless voice.
'Well I guess I'd have to get her to talk eventually… may as well be now.' Urahara reasoned in thought.
'Although if I end up making her upset…' Urahara thought, grimacing at the unpleasant memory of being kicked in a very, very, sensitive area.
"Something else you need Kisuke?" Yoruichi asked, noticing that he had been standing in the doorway for at least a minute.
"Yoruichi…" Urahara began in a serious tone, deciding to go with his gut.
"If Ichigo isn't in the Soul Society… I need to know what level your… feelings to him are at. More importantly I need to know if you'll be able to handle it if we found something that we don't want to hear abou…" Urahara said before being cut off.
"Don't bring those thoughts into my head Kisuke!" Yoruichi screamed, getting up from her seat on the bed as she did so.
'This isn't good.' Urahara thought as covered the area he expected Yoruichi would target.
'Wait what?' Urahara thought as he saw Yoruichi's expression sadden as she sat back down on her bed.
"I-I'm sorry… Kisuke." Yoruichi replied in a low voice, just above a whisper.
"Yoruichi… what is Ichigo to you?" Urahara questioned, trying to choose his words carefully.
"If we're going to have this talk now Kisuke…" Yoruichi began, turning her head to Urahara and giving him a glare that sent a chill down his spine.
"Then I would suggest that you choose your words wisely." Yoruichi warned, causing Urahara's skin to pale slightly.
"I-I uhhh would n-never ever make fun of you Yoruichi." Urahara stuttered out, grimacing at what Yoruichi would do if she was truly angry with him.
"Good." Yoruichi replied.
'Well I guess I had to talk sometime…' Yoruichi reasoned in thought as she released a sigh.
"Well… to be honest Kisuke, I don't really know what he is to me." Yoruichi replied in an uncharacteristically sad tone.
"Then if you can't tell me exactly what he is to you, then tell me how he became… whatever he is to you." Urahara said, stifling a grin at seeing that Yoruichi seemed to have feelings for her student.
"I guess in order to explain why I feel the way I do about him, I'd have to say that the basis was when we were in our old training area during our mission to the Soul Society." Yoruichi began.
"At first, it was just infinite amounts of fun to tease him because of the way his face lit up whenever he saw me naked." Yoruichi said, smiling at the memory of the hot springs and when she revealed herself to Ichigo.
'Don't say a thing, don't say a thing. If you value your manhood don't say a damn thing.' Urahara said as he stifled the onslaught of jokes that popped into his head.
"Moving on." Urahara said, his voice cracking as he did so.
"Oh, sorry…" Yoruichi said as she rubbed the back of her head, having gotten lost in her memories.
"After that, I guess I just admired what kind of a person he is… I mean one side is an immature kid who refuses to listen to his teacher." Yoruichi said through gritted teeth as she recalled an injured Ichigo disobeying her orders by leaving to rescue Rukia.
"At the same time though, he is brave, compassionate, and he would gladly lay his life down if it meant that he could save the ones he cared about." Yoruichi continued, smiling pleasantly at Ichigo's numerous good qualities.
"During the week that I trained him while you were gone, I teased him in the same manner I always have but somehow through it all, I guess you could say that I learned something about what he thought of me, and when he admitted those things to me I felt… happy, even if I can't quite explain it." Yoruichi said, giving off a dazed smile.
"What exactly did he tell you?" Urahara said through gritted teeth, practically killing himself by not saying any jokes about her and Ichigo.
"Well, after Ichigo beat me in that game of tag for a day off…" Yoruichi began, checking to see if Urahara was about to laugh at her being beaten by Ichigo due to being called gorgeous.
"How exactly did he win again?" Urahara asked, mentally slapping himself at his lack of self-control.
"He called me gorgeous and I was so stunned by it that I momentarily paused and he tagged me. Do you find that funny Kisuke?" Yoruichi said in a warning tone while giving Urahara a death glare.
"N-not at all…c-co-continue please." Urahara stuttered out, trying his best not to laugh.
"Anyway I was a… little… upset at the way he won because I… may have been, just a little bit, disappointed that he seemed to have said that just to win the game." Yoruichi continued, checking to see if Urahara was giving off any indication of laughing.
"After that, I beat the crap out of him and even with how dense he is, he caught on to the fact that I was angry. He asked me what was wrong, and long story short he admitted to me that he thought I actually was attractive and that he never meant to hurt me." Yoruichi said, noticeably blushing as she recalled the feeling she got when Ichigo admitted that to her.
"During the day off, I offered to take him to the hot springs that we have in the training grounds, something I thought would be funny because I expected him to spaz at my suggestion…" Yoruichi began.
"He however seemed to have forgotten what happened… so I decided to remind him." Yoruichi continued, a mischievous smirk gracing her features.
"So I went down there and teased him, but he ended up admitting, probably absentmindedly, that he actually liked my body." Yoruichi stated, stopping as she noticed the pained expression on Urahara's face.
"So you and Ichigo were alone… you were naked… and he admitted he liked your body?" Urahara asked, clearly struggling to contain himself.
"Yes, why do you ask Kisuke? Could it be that you have a comment?" Yoruichi asked in a warning tone that made Urahara reconsider his decision to continue.
"Nope, not a one." Urahara replied, balling his fist in an attempt to lessen his annoyance with not being able to joke about this.
"Good… so he ended up leaving after that and as you know we watched a few movies because we had time to kill." Yoruichi continued before being cut off.
"And that's when you pulled a dating trick and picked horror and romance so you could snuggle with your…" Urahara began, making a lovey-dovey face as he did so, only to stop upon noticing Yoruichi's glare.
"Ehem… sorry, continue." Urahara said as he regained control over his urge to mess with Yoruichi.
"Anyway… when we were, as you say, snuggling, I purposefully made a lame excuse during the romance movie and I'll even admit I was slightly worried that he would push me away like he always does when I tease him… but much to my surprise he said he had no issues with me snuggling into his shoulder." Yoruichi stated, smiling at the memory.
"I fell asleep and Ichigo carried me to my room…" Yoruichi said before being cut off.
"That wouldn't have been bridal style would it?" Urahara teased, paling as Yoruichi sent him another glare.
"Actually yes, anything to say?" Yoruichi asked, prompting Urahara to shake his head.
"I woke up as he walked up the steps and when he dropped me on my bed, well I don't know what came over me. All I know is that I wanted Ichigo to be there next to me that night… so I grabbed him and once again he surprised me by staying with me." Yoruichi continued.
"I remember waking up in the middle of the night as we lay there, our bodies so close together and our legs intertwined. I looked up at him and smiled… I just felt… I just felt happy." Yoruichi said, smiling brightly as she remembered the feeling.
"I see…" Urahara quietly responded.
"That's all you got?" Yoruichi asked with a raised brow.
"Well I have an idea of what you are going through… but it's too soon given the fact that ironically enough Ichigo is the first guy you've shown any actual interest in." Urahara replied, shrugging his shoulders slightly.
"Kisuke… I just want to thank you… you've been like my big brother for as long as I can remember… thank you for being such a good friend." Yoruichi said, smiling softly at Urahara, who returned the gesture.
"You've been like a little sister to me Yoruichi, and I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you… and in all honesty it is I who should be glad to have a friend like you." Urahara replied in all seriousness.
"That's sweet Kisuke… now because you were so well behaved, I will allow you one joke." Yoruichi said, deciding to throw him a bone.
"So when are you and Ichigo going to lose your virginities to one another?" Urahara teased, unfortunately saying the one thing Yoruichi did not want to hear.
"Ah!" Urahara yelped in a high pitched voice as a foot once more connected with his sensitive area.
"What was that for Yoruichi, you said I could have one joke?" Urahara whined, releasing large amounts of overdramatic tears as he rolled around in a fetal position.
"Whether or not Ichigo and I end up together… that doesn't mean what I would do with him is any of your business." Yoruichi replied in a cold tone, a light but unnoticeable blush adorning her face.
"Now come on, we need to get going." Yoruichi stated before she began to drag Urahara to the training grounds.
Las Noches: Enterance
"Itsygo!' Nel shouted, waking Ichigo up from his current nap.
"Yeah Nel, what is it?" Ichigo asked tiredly while rubbing his eyes.
"We're here Itsygo." Nel chirped as Ichigo woke up.
'Finally… at least I made it in time.' Ichigo thought as he released a sigh of relief.
"So this is the entrance to Las Noches." Ichigo though aloud as he gazed upon the massive gate that appeared to be at the center of one of the four wall segments that made up the area of the palace.
"Nel, thanks for your help but it's time for me to leave." Ichigo said as he got off Bawabawa and headed towards the gate.
"If Itsygo thinks he is going to leave Nel all alone out here than Itsygo is crazy." Nel stated as she jumped on Ichigo's back.
"Nel, you really shouldn't co…" Ichigo said before being cut off.
"Nel wants to be with Itsygo because Itsygo protected Nel and now Nel doesn't feel safe without Itsygo." Nel sobbed out, releasing a torrent of overdramatic tears as she did so.
"Alright, I guess I really don't have any problems with that… just don't get lost, okay?" Ichigo sighed, accepting that he would never be able to get rid of Nel if she didn't want to be away from him.
"Don't forget about us, you know what I'm talkin about?" Dondochakka said as he and Pesche came up from behind the two.
"Yeah, If Nel is going then we're going too." Pesche declared.
"Alright you two, but stay close." Ichigo ordered.
"Wait, wait, wait, where did Bawabawa go?" Ichigo asked noticing that the large arrancar was nowhere to be seen.
'Dammit need a good excuse.' Dondochakka and Pesche thought in a panic.
"Oh uhhhh, Bawabawa can dig himself into the sand and he-he'll be here when we get out… yeah that's it, he'll be here when we get out." Dondochakka explained in a shaky tone.
"Itsygo." Nel said from her position on his back, distracting Ichigo from his skepticism.
"Yeah, what is it?" Ichigo asked.
"Go faster!" Nel shouted as she pointed to the front of the gate.
"Wait a minute I'm not giving you a piggyback ride." Ichigo complained, prompting Nel to send him a glare, even if he couldn't see it.
"Itsygo doesn't want to make Nel sad dos he?" Nel pouted, prompting Ichigo to sigh and run as fast as he could towards the gate, followed by Pesche and Dondochakka.
Several Minutes Later…
"That was fun Itsygo!" Nel chirped, jumping up and down after Ichigo had placed her on the ground in front of the gate.
"You two could have slowed down for us." Pesche complained as he and Dondochakka arrived at the front of the gate a few moments later.
"Quit complaining, at the moment I need to figure out how to open the ga…" Ichigo said before the sound of the gate opening interrupted him.
'Guess if they were expecting me…' Ichigo reasoned in thought as the massive gate spread open, revealing a familiar arrancar to be standing at the entrance.
"You." Ichigo spat as he glared at Ulquiorra.
"Yes, it is indeed me Ichigo Kurosaki. Now come, you are expected by Lord Aizen." Ulquiorra stated as he began to survey the group.
'That childlike arrancar must've been the one Lord Aizen had mentioned… her description matches that which Lord Aizen gave.' Ulquiorra thought as his eyes came to Nel and her brothers, all of whom where gasping and pointing shaky fingers at Ulquiorra.
"That's the Quarto Espada, Master Ulquiorra Cifer." Nel cried out, extremely terrified of the arrancar.
"From your reaction it appears that you are afraid, but you have no need to be…" Ulquiorra began, causing Nel and her brothers to grow confused.
"Lord Aizen has ordered that you and your… companions… not be touched during your stay. I am merely here to escort you." Ulquiorra explained.
"Now if you'll please follow me, Lord Aizen…" Ulquiorra began before being cut off.
"I'm here and now I demand to see Orihime before I even consider speaking with Aizen." Ichigo stated in a tone of finality.
"I had thought as much… but I suppose that a bargain is indeed a bargain…" Ulquiorra trailed off.
"I have been authorized to show you that we have indeed kept our end of the deal and that the girl is indeed quite alive. Now follow me." Ulquiorra said, turning around a she finished.
"Let's go you three." Ichigo ordered as he began to walk after Ulquiorra, followed shortly by Nel, Pesche, and Dondochakka.
"So you're the Quarto huh?" Ichigo asked, making idle conversation as the group walked the halls of Las Noches.
"Yes, of all the Espada my power is ranked fourth." Ulquiorra replied.
"So, where is it that you believe your power fall on the spectrum of Soul Repapers?" Ulquiorra asked, equally as curious as to the power of the boy.
"Well… I really haven't fought all of the captains, but I've beaten two or three of the stronger captains." Ichigo replied absentmindedly.
The group walked in awkward silence for several more corridors, nearing Orihime's room as they continued to walk.
"I feel compelled to ask you this…" Ulquiorra began, breaking the awkward silence.
"Why is it that you have come here?" Ulquiorra asked, curious as to what his answer would be.
"That seems a bit ridiculous of you to ask… I came here because of Orihime." Ichigo replied, as if the answer was obvious.
"That much I can tell… but why go to such lengths for one person… you were intelligent enough to get out of the Menos Forest and nearly land a blow on me when we first fought… so I assume that you realize as long as she remains you do as well." Ulquiorra replied.
"So that begs the question, are you a fool, or a fool with a purpose?" Ulquiorra asked.
"I happen to be neither of the two… just a fool who protects the things that matter most to him." Ichigo stated with conviction, surprising Ulquiorra slightly.
No conversation followed as the group neared Orihime's room, stopping directly in front of the door.
"We are here, Ichigo Kurosaki." Ulquiorra stated before knocking on the door.
"Who is it?" Orihime asked from behind the door.
"Your guest has arrived girl." Ulquiorra replied, prompting Orihime to open the door from the other side.
'Wonder who it is.' Orihime thought as she opened the door, only to gasp a second later as she saw who her guest was.
"I-Ichigo." Orihime exclaimed, wondering if what she was seeing was real or not.
"Yeah Orihime, it's me." Ichigo replied in a soft voice.
"P-please come in." Orihime said, trying not to stutter at the sight of the one person she wanted to see more than anything else.
"Uh… who are they?" Orihime asked, confused as she saw three odd arrancar enter the room.
"This is Nel and these are her… ehem… brothers… Pesche and Dondochakka." Ichigo said, pointing to the arrancar as he called out their names.
"Why is that one looking at me like that?" Orihime asked, not comfortable with the glare that Nel was giving her.
"Nel wants to know what your relationship is with Itsygo." Nel replied, causing Orihime to blush profusely at the request.
"W-well I-I ummm… he and I are… ummmm." Orihime rambled, causing Ulquiorra to grow slightly amused.
'Not good!' Orihime mentally panicked, her blush increasing as she became more flustered.
"Nel, I told you to drop it." Ichigo said, trying to back Orihime up.
"Humph." Nel grunted out, turning her back to Ichigo.
"Ichigo… I can't believe your actually here." Orihime stated as she regained her composure.
"When I found out that Aizen thought my powers were a threat… I lost all hope that I'd ever see you again… I-I'm just so happy." Orihime said as she began to cry tears of joy.
'So that's what she was told… better not tell her how they got me here.' Ichigo thought as he pulled Orihime into an embrace.
"Did Aizen have you use your powers at all?" Ichigo asked, pulling out of the hug so as to face Orihime while still holding her slightly.
"He had me heal the arm of one of the Espada… I think it was the one whose arm you cut off. He said that my ability to heal nearly anything was just too big of an advantage for the Soul Society and said that I would remain here." Orihime replied, causing Pesche's and Dondochakka's eyes to widen in shock, believing that they had gotten a possible opportunity.
'If she can heal anything…' Pesche and Dondochakka thought, giving another a look so as to reassure themselves of what they had to do.
"Excuse me, Orihime right?" Pesche asked, deciding to speak for the two.
"Y-yes, what is it?" Orihime asked as she wiped the remaining tears of joy from her face.
"You said you can heal almost anything, right?" Dondochakka asked, becoming deadly serious, something that confused Ichigo.
'I didn't even know they could be serious.' Ichigo thought in surprise at the tone the two were using.
"Yes, my healing ability can regenerate mostly anything, provided there is something left of it." Orihime replied.
"Do you think… that you could heal a shattered hollow mask?" Pesche asked his tone full of hope, causing all of the room's occupants other than the two arrancar to grow confused.
"I've never tried but I think I could do it." Orihime replied, tapping her chin in though.
"Why do you ask?" Ichigo questioned in a serious tone, becoming confused as Pesche and Dondochakka nodded to one another.
"Ichigo, it's important for you to know that we aren't Nel's brothers… we are her fraccion." Pesche said, causing Ichigo and Ulquiorra to widen their eyes in shock.
"What did you just say?" Ichigo asked in disbelief.
"You heard right, we are her fraccion… my full name is Dondochakka Birstanne and his full name is Pesche Guatiche." Dondochakka said, causing Ichigo's confusion to deepen.
"B-but only an Espada can have fraccion… right? And Nel is just a kid." Ichigo said, reinforcing his disbelief.
"Her real name is Mater Nelliel Tu Odelschwank, and she is the former Tercera Espada of Aizen's army." Pesche explained, causing Nel, Ichigo, and Ulquiorra to widen their eyes in shock.
"Th-that's impossible, she's just a kid." Ichigo exclaimed as he pointed a shaking finger at Nel, who looked confused beyond belief.
"Her mask was cracked by Nnoitora Gilga, another member of the Espada who hated Master Nelliel. He tore off our masks in order to goad her and somehow managed to crack her mask. The end result was that the three of use lost our adult forms, and Mater Nelliel lost her memory. Ever since then, we have acted as her brothers." Dondochakka clarified.
'This is a most interesting development… now at least Lord Aizen's words have meaning behind them.' Ulquiorra thought as he recalled what he had said to Nnoitora.
"So we ask you Miss Orihime, please heal Mater Nelliel's mask." Pesche pleaded, hoping that she would answer in the affirmative.
"But Pesche, Nel doesn't remember anything." Nel said, as confused as Ichigo at the whole situation.
"Nel, if what they say is true… than that explains a lot… but first, I need to ask you something. If this would turn you back into your true form… do you want that?" Ichigo asked in a soft tone.
"If Nel will get to be with Itsygo then Nel doesn't care." Nel replied in an innocent voice eliciting a nod of understanding from the orange-haired Soul Reaper.
"Orihime… can you please heal her mask?" Ichigo asked in an equally as soft tone as he turned to Orihime.
"Yes Ichigo, of course I will." Orihime replied encasing Nel within a golden shield, beginning to heal the gash on her head.
"The spiritual pressure on the wound has faded greatly so I should be able to regenerate her mask and also heal the scare on her face." Orihime stated as the mask began to heal.
'This should at least be interesting.' Ulquiorra reasoned in thought as he watched the child's mask being reformed.
"Just a moment more Nel." Orihime said as the scare on her forehead had completely healed, leaving only a small crack on her mask left.
"Nel feels funny." Nel said as her mask became whole again. Once this happened, a mass of pink smoke appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and engulfed the green-haired child.
"Nel, are you alight?" Ichigo asked with concern as the smoke subsided.
'What?' Ichigo, Orihime, and Ulquiorra thought similarly as they saw the form of the well-developed former Espada. She had long green hair, torn brown clothing that covered her waist and upper legs, as well as most of her upper body. Her eyes were Hazel, and red markings appeared on her face just above her nose and stretched under her eyes. A sword could be seen in a green sheath, appearing to be a standard sized zanpakuto with a light green hilt.
'That number on her back… she was indeed a member of the Espada… and her spiritual pressure is indeed quite strong, nearly as strong as mine.' Ulquiorra thought as he observed the number three tattooed on the woman's back.
"Nel?" Ichigo exclaimed as the woman turned to face him, a stoic expression on her face.
"Ichigo!" Nel screamed as she ran over to Ichigo and began to capture him in a death hug. The only difference being that Ichigo was now suffocating between the arrancar's well-endowed chest.
"Nel what are you doing?!" Orihime cried out, a blush on her face as she observed Ichigo's position.
"I'm so happy Ichigo, just so happy!" Nel cried out, tears of joy forming in her hazel eyes.
'Well that was quite an unexpected turn of events.' Ulquiorra thought as he released an inaudible chuckle.
"As amusing as this is, I believe I should notify you that you are suffocating him." Ulquiorra pointed out, prompting Nelliel to release Ichigo from her grasp, sending him flying to the floor gasping for air.
"Air… air… need air… couldn't… breathe." Ichigo said through pants, a heavy blush on his face as he was completely aware of what was suffocating him.
"Ichigo." Nelliel said, bringing Ichigo's attention to her.
"Yes Nel?" Ichigo asked, noticing the genuine smile that Nel was sporting as she looked directly into his eyes.
"I may not remember everything from my time out in the desert… but I remember you." Nel began as she walked closer to Ichigo, still staring into his deep brown eyes.
"You saved me more times than I could count… your risked your life for me without even a moment of hesitation… and it is because of you and your friend that I was able to regain my true form. What's more, it didn't matter that I was a hollow and you were a Soul Reaper." Nel continued as she halted directly in front of Ichigo.
"Ichigo… you are the reason that I'm still alive… I'd like to return the favor and never leave your side. I want to protect you and help you the way that you have helped me." Nel stated, her smile increasing in size as she gazed into Ichigo's eyes.
"If you'll let me." Nel added, bringing Ichigo into an embrace as she finished.
"Of course Nel… I have no problems with that." Ichigo replied as a smile formed on his own features.
"Awwwwwwwwwwwwww." Pesche and Dondochakka cooed simultaneously, causing Nelliel and Ichigo to break from their embrace. Both were blushing slightly having forgotten that others were in the room for the moment.
Las Noches: Throne Room
"Lord Aizen, Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions have been brought to the room of Orihime Inoue." Tosen sated as he bowed to Aizen.
"Very good Kaname, I would ask you to send them here to the throne room and have Ulquiorra take the guests to the observation room." Aizen ordered.
"Them, sir?" Tosen asked, unsure of whom Aizen was referring to.
"Yes, I wish to speak to both Ichigo Kurosaki and Orihime Inoue once they arrive." Aizen clarified, prompting Tosen to flash step away after giving a slight bow.
"Gin." Aizen said, getting the attention of the ever so curious subordinate.
"Yes, Lord Aizen?" Gin asked in an innocent tone.
"Gather the Espada and take them to the observation room… the time will soon come for my plan to be fully revealed." Aizen stated, not missing the look of anticipation that Gin sported as he finished.
"If nothing else the conversation we will have should be… entertaining." Aizen said as Gin left the room.
"Oh goody, entertainment." Gin chirped as he exited the room to gather the Espada.
"Oh one more thing…" Gin began as he popped his head out of the door's side.
"Yes Gin?" Aizen asked, his ever-present smile still marking his features.
"Are they allowed to bring there fraccion?" Gin questioned, hopeful that the more arrancar in the room the greater the entertainment value.
"I see no reason not to allow this." Aizen answered nonchalantly.
"Then I'll be on my way Lord Aizen." Gin stated before flash stepping away to do as he was asked.
Las Noches: Orihime's Room
"Orihime… I'm sorry to ask this, but may you do something else for me?" Nel asked, looking at the redheaded human girl.
"W-what do you need me to do?" Orihime asked.
"Can you heal the masks of my fraccion? Both of their masks were torn off when I was attacked by Nnoitora Gilga, and I just want them to be as they once were." Nel said sadly.
"Of course I can, just give me a moment." Orihime replied, setting up her shields around Pesche and Dondochakka.
"Thank you for this… we will never be able to repay you for your kindness." Pesche said as both he and Dondochakka took off their fake masks and placed them by their sides.
"If there is anything you ever need us to do… just name it and we'll help you out, you know what I'm talkin about?" Dondochakka piped in.
"Just stand still, your masks are already starting to reform." Orihime said, noticing the mask fragments becoming whole again.
Like it did with Nel's transformation, smoke began to surround the two. The sole difference being that this smoke was gray in color. As the smoke subsided two relatively tall Numeros class arrancar could be seen, zanpakuto and all.
Pesche now had long straight blond hair that stretched to the middle of his back. A standard sized zanpakuto with a light purple grip could be seen at his side within a dark purple sheath. His skin had become white, giving him the appearance of a human, and his mask covered the left side of his face, covering his eye but stopping just above his mouth and extending slightly down his neck. The mask itself was gray in color, and standard in appearance. Pesche's eyes took the color of yellow on the side covered by his mask, and sage for his uncovered eye.
Dondochakka's appearance was no less an improvement. His hair was short and black, only slightly touching his shoulders, and his skin was a slightly darker shade of white, appearing more-tan than that of Pesche's. He was larger than Pesche and his sword took on the appearance of a slightly longer than normal zanpakuto with jagged edges and a yellow grip. His sword appeared in a sheath which was on his left hip, light yellow in color. His mask took the appearance of a battle helmet that encircled the back of his head and covered the sides of his skull, leaving his face visible, and his hair able to escape through the tiny creases on the sides of the helmet. His eyes were a deep brown, and radiated loyalty.
"Lady Orihime… thank you…for what you have done here today." Pesche solemnly said, still having the same voice as before the healing of his mask.
"That goes double for me. You know what I'm talkin about?" Dondochakka piped in, equally as thankful as Pesche and like him having an unchanged voice.
"Pesche, Dondochakka… I can't believe that after all this time… it's really you." Nel exclaimed as she gazed upon her fraccion's true forms for the first time in many years.
"We are here to serve you Master Nel." Pesche and Dondochakka said simultaneously as they kneeled before the green-haired former Espada.
"Ichigo Kurosaki… we would gladly dedicate our lives to helping you just as Master Nel has… without you this would not be possible." Pesche stated, still in a kneeling position.
"I don't want you to dedicate anything for my sake. I don't want any servants, but if you want to be friends… that I will gladly accept." Ichigo replied with a slight smile.
'If ever there was a perfect person… this is him…' Nel and Orihime thought similarly, smiling at Ichigo's reply.
"This is quite an interesting turn of events." Ulquiorra commented as he stared at the former Espada and her fraccion with interest.
"Who exactly are you?" Nel questioned, becoming serious once more.
"You seemed to know my name when you were a child. How much is it that you have retained from your… journey?" Ulquiorra asked in his forever emotionless voice.
"I remember my time since I met Ichigo… that is about it… but I do believe I remember calling you by your name… what was it?" Nel replied, tapping her chin as she tried to remember the Espada's name.
"I will save you the trouble. My name is Ulquiorra Cifer and I am the Cuarto Espada." Ulquiorra stated.
"Getting back on track, you are to see Lord Aizen now, Ichigo Kurosaki." Ulquiorra stated as he turned to face Ichigo, causing Nel to narrow her eyes at the green eyed Espada.
"Actually Ulquiorra…" Tosen began from the doorway, getting everyone's attention.
"Lord Aizen has requested the presence of both Ichigo Kurosaki and Orihime Inoue." Tosen finished.
"Why exactly does Aizen want her there?" Ichigo asked defensively as he narrowed his eyes at Tosen.
"I can understand your need to be cautious given the circumstances that brought you here, but I myself do not know." Tosen replied.
'Circumstances?' Orihime thought in confusion, having realized that she did not ask Ichigo why exactly he was here.
"Ichigo, what circumstances is he talking about?" Orihime asked, not getting what the former Soul Reaper captain was referring to.
'Although it would be interesting to see him struggle…' Ulquiorra thought as he debated whether or not to spare Ichigo from explaining what had happened.
"Lord Aizen will most likely explain once you arrive, however I advise that you not keep him waiting." Ulquiorra replied, deciding that a lengthy explanation on Ichigo's part would likely lead to a delay in their arrival to speak with Aizen.
"I'm coming to." Nel abruptly declared.
"Us to." Pesche and Dondochakka said in unison.
"I am afraid that Lord Aizen wishes to speak to them alone, you three along with Ulquiorra are to go to the observation room where you will be able to view the conversation." Tosen replied, prompting Nel to glare at him dangerously.
"Nel…" Ichigo began as he put his hand on her shoulder, causing her to stop glaring at Tosen.
"It's fine. Just… go with them… for me." Ichigo said in a pleading tone. Nel gave a small smile and nodded.
"Very well, now if you'll be so kind as to leave your sword in the room we ca…" Tosen said before being cut off.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, you really expect me to walk into the same room as Aizen unarmed?" Ichigo exclaimed, obviously believing this to be a trap.
"As a matter of fact I do, now leave your sword or it will be forcibly taken." Tosen replied, prompting Nel to place her hand on the hilt of her sword as she glared at the blind man, her fraccion following her lead shortly after.
'Dammit… I just know I'm going to regret this… just hope I live long enough so that I can.' Ichigo thought in frustration as he stabbed his sword into the floor of the room and followed Tosen without uttering another word.
"Wait for me Ichigo!" Orihime cried out as she ran to catch up to the two, leaving Nel and her fraccion still in the room with Ulquiorra.
"We were told to go to the observation room, so I would ask that you follow me." Ulquiorra said as he turned to face the three arrancar, who still had their hands on the hilts of their swords.
"Do not worry…" Ulquiorra began, causing Nel to drop her death glare and look at him.
"I highly doubt that any harm will come to the boy." Ulquiorra reassured, bringing Nel some source of comfort.
"Now we must be on our way." Ulquiorra said before leaving the room, Nel and her fraccion in toe.
'I have a bad feeling about this.' Nel thought before leaving the room and following Ulquiorra.
'If all of the Espada are in the same room… then Master Nel is likely to run into Nnoitora.' Pesche and Dondochakka thought with worry as they realized the likelihood of a conflict between the two.
Soul Society: Other end of Urahara's Senkaimon
"Ah! It feels so good to be back in the Seireitei." Yoruichi stated as she exited the Senkaimon, Urahara in toe.
"I'd enjoy being her more if I wasn't currently trying not to puke my guts out." Urahara grumbled, earning a glare from Yoruichi.
"You should have restrained yourself." Yoruichi replied, causing Urahara to grit his teeth in annoyance.
"Alright, I guess we should ask Soifon since I'd assume the head of the stealth force would know if Ichigo were in the Soul Society." Yoruichi reasoned, eliciting a nod of agreement from Urahara before they both Flash Stepped towards the second division barracks.
Soul Society: 2nd Division Barracks (Moments Later)
"Feels odd being in this barracks without my captain's haori, even after all these years." Yoruichi commented idly as she entered the barracks.
"We seem to have company." Urahara stated right before the two were surrounded by a large man with a lieutenant's badge and a company of stealth force squad members.
"Halt! Who goes there?" Omaeda bellowed, drawing his zanpakuto to seem more threatening.
"I am Yoruichi Shihoin, this is Kisuke Urahara, and we are here to speak to Captain Soifon." Yoruichi answered, prompting all of the stealth force squad members to panic.
"I'm so sorry mam! If I had known it was you, I would have never even considered drawing my blade." Omaeda shouted, bowing one his knees repeatedly to the Flash Goddess, along with the other squad members.
"Please don't tell the captain!" Omaeda begged, fear dominant in his voice.
"Looks like my little bee speaks of me often." Yoruichi stated, a grin of mild content etched on her face.
"You'll have to forgive me but the captain is at a meeting and she said that it was incredibly important." Omaeda said, still in a bowed position.
"All the more reason for us to crash the meeting." Urahara chirped before using flash step to head over to the squad one meeting room, shortly followed by Yoruichi.
'What the hell just happened?' The squad members wondered confusedly, trying to make sense of the two showing up and leaving without an explanation.
Outside the Throne Room of Las Noches
"We have arrived at the doors to the throne room." Tosen said as he stopped in front of a large door.
Tosen opened the colossal gate, allowing Ichigo and Orihime to enter before following them inside. The three stepped towards the throne and stopped directly in front of it. The first sight that greeted them was Aizen with unmistakable look of content etched on his face, annoying Ichigo to no end.
"Welcome to Las Noches, Ichigo Kurosaki." Aizen greeted as Ichigo stopped in front of the throne.
A/N You see my point about the cliffhanger, couldn't really leave you guys hanging in the wind for a week just thinking about what happens when Aizen and Ichigo talk. The next update will be Tuesday and it will hopefully not interfere with my vacation (Meaning it won't so don't worry)
BleachFan21: Glad you liked it! I tried to be a little funny with it despite the seriousness of the situation. Well, I can only hope that when the role of Ichigo's hollow is revealed people won't see it coming, for better or for worse, either way I guarantee I will have to do some clarifying. Also for your question on Yoruichi, yes she is but I assume you want to know what my reasoning is. READ THIS FOR EXPLANATION ON YORUICHI BEING A VIRGIN. Okay, so Yoruichi was likely a child when she first entered the Soul Society, as evident by her and Urahara meeting and children. Before becoming clan head, she was likely the primary heir. I don't know about your opinion, but to me they make it seem as if the Soul Society's nobility functions much the same as the nobility of medieval Europe or something along those lines (clearly a different culture but you get the point). As a result, since Yoruichi was by all means royalty on some level, she was likely not allowed to really date, though she most likely had suitors. I picture this as being, married first, sex later. This is likely how nobility goes in the Soul Society, the bride remains "pure", at least for nobles. As for Yoruichi liking to tease people, that is in my opinion just part of her personality, which fits considering she doesn't like nobility or the way they act, something that shows. Even when she became clan head, she was not married, and she was a Soul Reaper captain, not much time or ability to date or anything along those lines. After leaving the Soul Society, the only men she really had to choose from were Urahara, and Tessai, both of which are quite a bit of a stretch mostly because of the fact that they live together. I don't care who you are but living with an ex… not going to work out.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan: I know exactly how you feel man. I seriously debated if I wanted him actually dead or not. I thought the way I did it was fitting if he was ever going to die, but I still somewhat regret it since I like his character. He reminds me a bit of Ichigo.
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark: Well… that is something I can't give away since we're so lose to revealing what will happen, how it will happen, and why things won't go exactly as they were supposed to.
sami217: Thanks! Really happy people don't hate me for killing off Ashido.
Mexican ninja1996: Hope you don't hate me again for lying, but given how this chapter ended can you blame me? Also in regards to Halibel… MAYBE ;) they will do more than "interact".
TheFuturisticEnigma: I agree with the fact that it would have been cool, but complicated. Well, the curiosity continues, and you find out next chapter. See how nice I am by not posting this on Tuesday and then making you wait another week? ^^
friaku: Yeah, in that way he reminds me of Ichigo. I liked how I wrote it but I was a little iffy on how everyone would react to it, overall it seems positive.
EyeHeartOC's: I try :) Also now you don't have to wait, and on top of that I don't leave you with the cliffhanger of this chapter for a whole week.
eragonfan117: Thanks, hope you like this chapter as well.
Mas2009: Thankfully this is not as bluntly stated as the other "critique" I received so I thank you for not dropping the F bomb every other word like the other guy did, but here it goes! I do apologize if to you the last two chapters felt to filler-esque. The role of the last two chapters though was to introduce Nel, and allow more time for other events to unfurl while keeping the reader entertained with fighting. If I didn't add these two chapters in, the flow of the story would have been greatly diminished. By this I mean A happened and then two seconds later B happened. Plus in a few chapters you will find out why I didn't have Aizen just drag Ichigo into the throne room without giving him a choice.
QuesWexQuas: I assume you play DOTA 2 as Invoker ^^, either way here goes on your reviews. Overall I guess I just have to say thanks! As for your question about Nel. At this point yes she is an adult, but for the harem list, that is a dearly kept secret that will be revealed at some point in the future and is likely subject to little change at this point, but hopefully people will like it.
TheEvilEye: Well now you know he wants Ichigo to join him, as for what happens next… not telling, even if you might be able to guess :P
Ryden Purrson: Thanks, hopefully it wasn't too OOC, but either way any pairings in Bleach make it NOT CANON, which is somewhat bothersome to me even if the manga/anime is quite good in my mind. Hope you like this chapter, and all the one's to come. Also, she's not "madly in love" at the moment, she doesn't know what she is, nor will I tell you, who knows, she may not even really be "in love" with Ichigo ;P