Ichigo must choose, take his Inner Hollows advice and use him to aid him, or listen to the one Shinigami he has always stood by, Rukia? Meanwhile, in the depths of Las Noches, the remaining Espada gather before Aizen to discuss Karin Kurosaki and observe her power.

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Bleach 351: Ichigo's Choice

Ichigo stood by the Senkaimon, clenching his fists. It was raining. His entire dream earlier visible in his mind.

'What do I do…?' he muttered. He had his eyes tight shut, visualizing the dream. 'Why would my Hollow want to help me?' he opened his eyes slowly and looked at his fist.

'Is this what I've become?' he said. 'Has Karin's disappearance torn me up so bad?' he stared into the Senkaimon.

'Ichigo!' he heard a voice cry. He turned to see Rukia running towards him, the sound of her footsteps barely able to be heard over the thundering rain.

'Rukia…' he said quietly. He turned away, but couldn't hold back the smile.

'Why are you here?' she asked. He didn't answer. 'You were going to go after her, weren't you?'

He sighed and she grabbed his arm.

'Ichigo! What has possessed you to do this?' she asked.

'I know I can.' He said simply. 'I have the power to do so within me.'

Rukia gasped.

'You mean your Hollow does?' she said sharply. He tried to pull away but she wouldn't let go.

'Ichigo! You can't listen to him!' she cried.

'I have to save Karin!' Ichigo exclaimed. 'He is the only one who believes in me, and with his power I can do anything!'

Rukia let go of his arm and stared at the floor.

'You're not that strong Ichigo…' she said quietly. Ichigo stopped and looked at her.

'Rukia…' he said.

'Do you think that's what Karin wants? To watch you die?' Rukia asked. Ichigo looked at her, then at Zangetsu.

'I…' he began.

'And what happens when you do fall, Ichigo? Is that when your Hollow will aid you?' Rukia asked. Ichigo closed his eyes and suddenly a memory fleeted into his head.

'If you ever give me the chance…I'll drag you down and crush your skull!' Hollow Ichigo laughed. 'One last warning.' He said as he clasped Zangetsu. 'If you really want to control my power, make sure you don't die before I show up again!'

Ichigo gasped.

'So Ichigo. What'll it be?' Rukia said. 'You gonna let him take over when you're beat?' Ichigo turned to the Senkaimon.

'Okay Rukia.' He said. 'You win.' He sheathed his zanpaktou and sighed. He walked slowly away from the portal and past Rukia.

'Rukia…' he said slowly. She looked up at him.

'Yeah, Ichigo?'

'Thanks.' He said before continuing down the path. She smiled.

'No problem.' She whispered to herself.

The Espada gathered in front of Aizen, Gin and Karin.

'Welcome, my Espada.' Aizen said. They were sitting in their tall chairs, each one eyeing the small girl in front of them.

'Aizen-sama!' Barragan bellowed. 'You bring us another captive with I'm sure a very special talent. However, do you expect her to remain here or is it going to be merely another disaster?' the old Espada declared. Aizen smirked.

'Barragan. I am quite sure that whilst Orihime was valuable, Karin here will be far more useful.' He said softly.

'What can the girl do?' asked Grimmjow. Aizen grinned.

'Shall I demonstrate?' he asked. Barragan laughed.

'This should be entertaining.' He sneered. Halibel looked at him, narrowing her eyes.

'Do not be disrespectful.' She said dangerously. Aizen smiled.

'Now now Halibel, all is fine. It is understandable for you to be sceptical.' He stood up. He pulled out his zanpaktou and pierced Barragan in the chest. The old man coughed blood and died slowly in his chair. Gin smirked and Karin was shocked, her eyes wide. Aizen placed a hand on her shoulder.

'Please, show us, Miss Kurosaki.' He smiled. She moved slowly towards Barragans body, which once again, had not vanished. She placed her hand on him and a pulse was felt throughout the room. Stark opened his eyes slowly.

'That's new…' he yawned. Suddenly a red light flashed through Barragan and his eyes opened. Aizen grinned.

'Perfect.' He said. 'Now you all have witnessed the girl's power.' he held out his hand. 'We are all truly invincible.'

The Espada stood up.

'Espada. This power of revival distinguishes us from those in Soul Society. Not even God has the power to bring back people from the dead. They cannot hope to stop us now.' Aizen smiled menacingly as Karin was lead away.