As Aizen prepares to advance on Soul Society, Ichigo and the others are confronted by a strange trio of Arrancar...

Bleach 340: Duel in Karakura

The three Arrancar stood floating in the sky in front of them. The middle was the tallest. He had a large 'O' shaped Hollow mask around his neck, with spikes jutting off it. He was quite large and had small arms and legs, but they were quite wide. The one on his left was taller than the other but not as tall as the middle one. He had a large A as his mask; however, it came off both arms instead of his head. His arms were the longest and had sharp red claws. The third wore a short blue cape which reached the top of his lower back. His Hollow mask was fashioned like a B but was very small and on his chin. The middle one spoke first, in a deep, booming voice.

'I am Arrancar 12, Omegias!' he bellowed. He stepped back as the other two bounded forwards.

'I am Arrancar 14, Alpheias!' he cried, the other one shouting at them the moment he had finished.

'And I am Arrancar 17, Betalica!' he exclaimed. Ichigo and Renji looked at them dumbly.

'Eh?' Renji said.

'Don't you think you guys are a bit eccentric?' Ichigo asked.

'How dare you!' Omegias stammered. Alpheias moved next to him and whispered.

'He must be that Soul Reaper Aizen-sama went on about.' Omegias nodded. He cleared his throat.

'I'm afraid; circumstances and all that we must dispose of all of you.' Omegias grunted.

'There's no point in even fighting back really.' Betalica sneered. Omegias jumped in front again.

'After all I am the twelfth Arrancar!' he exclaimed. The other two leapt up behind him.

'We are honoured to work behind you Omegias!' they cried in unison. He turned to them.

'My friends, it has been a while since I have seen such loyalty…' he carried on speaking whilst the heroes looked at each other.

'Who are these jokers?' Ichigo asked.

'Was it really worth all the commotion back in the Seireitei?' Renji said sceptically. Rukia shook her head.

'Well, whatever sort of creature they are they are still Arrancar.' She sighed. Chad nodded.

'She's right.' Uryuu said, pushing up his glasses. Omegias was still in his speech. Ichigo brought out Zangetsu.

'We could finish these quickly.' He said.

'And that, fellow Arrancar, is how-,' Omegias said. Ichigo leapt up behind him.

'Getsuga Tenshou!' he threw a black blast at the three Arrancar. It hit Alpheias square on the chest sending him falling backwards. The other two dived to the side. Uryuu appeared in front of them and blasted a group of arrows at them. Omegias stood his ground and used his colossal arm to deflect them. Betalica was struck in the back and he toppled over, falling into Chad who grabbed his cape.

'My cape!' Betalica cried as Chad tore it off before punching him in the chest. He spat blood and Rukia appeared behind him before stabbing him with her blade. It went through his back and became stuck. The Arrancar laughed and head butted Chad. He crashed backwards, bleeding. Orihime leapt to his aid and started to heal him. However, Alpheias appeared suddenly in front of her.

'Hey there lady.' He snarled. Ichigo was doing battle with Omegias, he swung his sword at him but Omegias brought up his arm and the blade ricocheted of it. Ichigo rebounded backwards and kicked back, flying towards him. Omegias grabbed his blade and swung him around. Suddenly something struck the Arrancars foot and roared, releasing Ichigo.

'Finally decided to help huh?' Ichigo called out to Renji.

'What, I had to get a flashy entrance didn't I?' he smirked. They began fighting again.

Betalica was laughing at Rukia who was trying to dislodge her sword. She sighed.

'Enough of this.' She snapped. The Arrancar stopped laughing.

'Eh? What can you do!?' he jeered. She closed her eyes.

'Dance, Sode no Shirayuki.' There was white mist surrounding her sword.

'Hey is it me or is it getting cold?' Betalica joked but couldn't stop himself shivering.

'I'm afraid it's over.' She said. Betalica noticed the ice spreading throughout his body.

'What the hell is this!?' he tried to tear himself from her sword but it only shattered the frozen sections of his body. 'Omegias! Help me!' he cried. Arrancar 12 was still in battle.

'Farewell, Arrancar 17 Betalica.' She whispered and ripped her blade from his body, shattering him into pieces…