Vad

(n.) Wild, untamed; uncontrolled, unregulated

Hello everyone, we are back with chapter 54. As always thank you guys for the super wonderful support last chapter. This will be one of the last chapters in the new Winter War arc, so I hope you all enjoy the coming battles and read on!

Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo

X = Used to indicate change in perspective or timing/scenery.

Zangetsu-Ossan speaking.

Shiro speaking.

X

Ichigo stared at Los Noches where it towered before him; white walls almost crystalline in the hues of the moonlight, as the clash of battle roared behind the gathered Captains sharp and horrid. Kenpachi, Renji, and Kensei manned the first line of offense against the hollows, the three serving as their generals as the forces of Soul Society encroached upon Los Noches' territory in a bloody battle that rung with finality and lingered in the air like a fraying rope, or the light at the end of the tunnel.

Grip tightening on Zangetsu's hilt, Ichigo quietly glanced at the Captains surrounding him, the final invading force. For a finale to the war between Los Noches and Soul Society, the Captains sent to deal with the Espada and the self-proclaimed King of Hueco Mundo, while the division Shinigami battled the hollows as a partial distraction. It sounded far grander than Ichigo felt it actually was, war lacked any true honour and majesty to be sung of, it was war.

Byakuya was the epitome of serenity and grace beside Ichigo; hair pulled into an elegant tail, and Kenseikan gleaming in the moonlight, he looked all the part of the noble Captain. As if sensing his gaze, the Kuchiki heir turned his attention to Ichigo with a raised brow eyes half alight in amusement and seriousness. The orange-haired Captain simply smiled in reassurance, eyes fond where they gazed at the Captain of the Sixth. Said Captain rolled his eyes in like-fondness before returning to face the behemoth of an enemy before them.

Shinji was on Ichigo's left, the picture of calm and relaxed as he slouched with an imitation of a grin dancing across his features. Underneath Ichigo could see fear and worry clouding amber eyes like a stormy night, sparks of lightning, vibrant gold, flashing throughout the storm, tempered and tamed by experience and will. Silently Ichigo hoped the Captain would be alright if they were to face Barragan again however unlikely the odds of such seemed. Shinji would be perfectly fine otherwise, there was little that could truly affect the nonchalant Captain, and his arm was healed well enough; or at least Isane had reluctantly given the blond the all clear after one too many minutes spent with his pestering.

Ahead of the three Captains stood the Soutaicho, presence flaring in the winds that whipped across the desert in a near sandstorm, reaitsu pulsing bright and warm a near tangible presence. The Soutaicho had arrived the day before, stepping through a Soul Society made Garganta even as Shunsui reluctantly took leave of the base camp. The Captain of the Eighth had been unwilling to leave his soldiers, to leave the frontlines and the battle, he had felt a sense of responsibility for the invading force. But the drunkard of a Captain knew the old man was needed to deal with a hollow of Barragan's capabilities, and that Soul Society couldn't be left bereft of a leader if the hollows were to invade in a sense of perceived weakness.

The past few days had been a flurry of orders filtered through Soul Society, passed between the two forces. Word of victory, and invasions, and the utmost urgency that the Soutaicho departed to Hueco Mundo to deal with Barragan. Ichigo's heart had beat like a crescendo in his chest when he had read the missive detailing the victory (or at least an assumed victory) against Harribel, his lieutenant, Kaien, and Ukitake had battled against the fierce Espada and held their own, even with Jushiro's condition and Kaien's lack of both legs.

That pride had been half consumed by worry the next moment when he read that Rose and Love were in the Fourth, though with no critical injuries. Starrk was an opponent not easily defeated and would be difficult for many of the Captains but Ichigo held no doubt they had fought well.

Pulling his thoughts away from the troubles of Soul Society, Ichigo drew on a breath tinted with the taste of copper, and the presence of hollows and allowed his concentration to centre on the coming battles and the future. The two Captains around Ichigo straightened imperceptibly as if sensing the tense air that settled around them like a mantle, like the breath before the executioner's blade fell.

With an almost intangible signal, the Soutaicho drew Ryūjin Jakka the blade glinting in the light and sparking crimson. Wordless he stepped forward and with an elegant slash broke through the impassive walls of Los Noches, rendering the ancient stonework aside with a crash and the jarring sound of rubble crashing in the distance. From the now very visible, large hole in the wall, a draft of cool air wisped out, bringing it with it a violent chill as a shadow appeared in the entrance. Large and foreboding the presence lingered in the shadows watching but hardly waiting. Ichigo resisted the urge to groan and instead drew on Zangetsu's strength, imbuing his body with energy.

Yammy stepped out of the shadows of the new doorway alone and imposing where he towered against Los Noches, a small blessing Ichigo supposed. The Espada studied the gathered Captains with obvious distaste and disrespect as if they were nothing more than insignificant ants gathering in the sand for which the Espada could crush. While Yammy had always been powerful, his intelligence had never been something to boast of.

"Well, what do we have here, seems like some scum decided to blow a hole in Los Noches."

The hollow stated with a guffaw, beady eyes sharp and cruel where they studied the small group of Captains. It was a look Ichigo vindictively wanted to erase, painfully from the arrogant Espada's face, but he resigned himself to drawing Zangetsu quietly from the sheath, Byakuya miming the motion beside him.

At the release of their zanpaktou, glinting in the din of the battlefield still roaring behind them Yammy tipped his head back and laughed, great bellowing harsh laughter like ice grating against stone. The hollow subsided after a moment and taunted with a leer, "Pathetic Shinigami, you think you can win."

They remained silent and stoic in the face of Yammy's boisterous and foul amusement. Eventually, the hollow calmed and stepped further out of the shadows of Los Noches pushing the four back into the open sands as he seemed to swell, a living giant casting shadows on all before him. Ichigo wondered if Yammy would attempt to defeat the four without the use of his resurrection if he would simply fire cero after cero and continue to believe in his own power. Such a path would certainly lead to failure considering the Captains he was facing, though anything but victory wasn't an option for the Shinigami.

He almost wished for Ulquiorra to appear, to at least tell the oaf of the opponents Yammy was facing and their obvious skill level, but Ichigo took small mercies as Shiro's cackles resounded through his mind. Yammy studied them all for a moment more, before with a bellow and the quick draw of his blade the hollow charged them. A great lumbering charge that reverberated through the sand and cast the image of a wild bull frothing at the mouth. The four Captains split with the wind, Byakuya and Ichigo to the left, while the Soutaicho and Shinji darted to the right.

Unsure who to fight the Espada bellowed once more and, following Ichigo's never-ending luck, turned and swung at Byakuya and Ichigo. Wordlessly the two slid into a low stance near shoulder to shoulder, Senbonzakura overlocking Zangetsu to form an x shape as they shouldered the weight of the large blade together.

They held off Yammy for only a minute before the Espada of rage was bellowing at Shinji who had drawn a wicked slash down the spine of the Espada who had left his back open to the enemy. The Soutaicho watched from a short distance, knowing if they needed help he would step in, but preferring to let his Captains handle the manner.

Ichigo and Byakuya swiftly broke apart, and while the fool was distracted with Shinji, who was taunting the brute with bright eyes and a cocky smile, Ichigo channeled reaitsu through his fingers and to his blade letting it spark with the reaitsu as he gathered it all and with a sharp slash sent a small Getsuga Tensho careening towards the large Espada. It crashed into Yammy, burning out against his back and the injury there with a brilliant spark. The Espada roared in pain and anger and turned to face them once more, features twisted in fury and hatred. The Espada moved his blade in front of him reaitsu swelling and pulsing in thick drowning waves as his form seemed to shift and shimmer in the night sky, beady eyes alight with wicked pleasure as the hollow's reaitsu continued to swell.

"Be Enraged Ira."

Yammy called out with a snarl and an explosion of reaitsu that rocked the sand and sent gusts of wind billowing about the plane. Ichigo muffled a few expletives as the Espada began to grow, form twisting and swirling grotesquely in a violent storm of reiatsu and sand. Silently Ichigo thanked the Espada that they were far away from the battlefield and far enough from Los Noches as the Ninth Espada's form continued to grow and take shape into something monstrous.

Ichigo could feel Byakuya and Shinji's tangible shock as the Espada finished transforming, the gigantic almost centipede-like body whirling around to face the three of them with a leer. Before they could register, the sudden reaitsu was pressing like waves all around them, as the new creature in front of them, a bright burst of crimson shot towards the three, a hurtling star of death, broke them of their shock.

The Captain of the Tenth stepped easily forward in front of his comrades, Zangetsu snapping up as he dug his feet into the sand, a mildly pointless endeavour, considering the rather lacking grounding properties of sand. Ichigo let the vast burst of reaitsu dissipate against Zangetsu's blade with a hiss, Shiro's bloodlust humming against the blade, as he slid back a few feet at the force of the cero.

In the background, as the cero finally dissipated, Ichigo felt Byakuya release his Shikai, the familiar sakura petals danced upon the air around them and surged forward to surround Yammy in a swirling deadly storm. Ichigo stepped out of the sand gathering around him with a huff and rejoined his comrades, silently he let his reaitsu surge once more towards his blade. With an exhale he released two quick-fire Getsuga Tensho that slammed into Yammy with all the force of a hurricane, caught unaware as he was distracted by the thousands of tiny blades in the process of slicing through his Hierro.

With a ripple of reaitsu and a faint dizzying sensation that spread and disappeared as quickly as the wind, Shinji stepped forward, Sakande spinning fluidly at his side. Byakuya appeared beside Ichigo as they watched confusion warp Yammy's features as he swung towards them, or what the hollow likely saw as the three standing in front of him, but only ended up charging in the opposite direction, looking some mind-warped being swinging at nothing.

Yammy continued to strike at the sand, the small grains surging into the air in great curtains and tangling with the sakura blades still hanging upon the air. Ichigo watched tensely, wondering how long the illusion would hold as Shinji continued to taunt the hollow, earning a rapid flurry of strikes burying deeper and deeper in the sands as reaitsu roiled like a storm-swept sea.

With an angry roar, one that was purely animalistic the hollow charged a cero, the air going acrid as reaitsu gathered around the large Espada. With a great bellow, the large monstrous Espada turned in a full circle crimson reaitsu burning the sand in a fiery beam that was pure catastrophe and anger surging out around the hollow and destroying all in its path for miles.

The three Captains carefully dodged out of the way of the scorching reaitsu even as Ichigo shot forward low to the ground ducking carefully under the sizzling ray of doom. It caught at the tail end of his shihakusho, burning through at some places only to encounter his own Hierro as Ichigo slid easily through the sand. When he was in a close enough proximity to Yammy he let reaitsu sharpen Zangetsu's blade to the fine point of a diamond as he whipped into the air with a burst of Shunpo.

The beast of an Espada turned his head to look where Ichigo would have been standing in the inverted world he was trapped in, eyes glaring and gleeful at the opportunity to crush him as the Espada bellowed insult after vile insult. Ichigo wondered if the Espada had even realised he was trapped in an illusion as the rage-filled hollow slashed forward, his many legs moving in grim tangent.

Pulling his reaitsu forward like a cloak around himself, Ichigo chose the area he would attack and charged towards the hollow, falling through the air, wind pulling at his features even as sakura petals danced around Yammy's head temporarily blinding the creature and distracting it. With a burst of reiatsu Ichigo cut through two of Yammy's legs with a sound that was bone and flesh and everything else falling apart but not.

The two great legs fell with heavy thumps, the sound echoing upon the desert as if beckoning greater silence. Yammy wobbled precariously, leaning drastically to one side even as the hollow roared and cursed, clumsy and yet deadly, the Espada continued to launch bala in all directions his rage permeating the air like spores.

Shinji stepped forward in front of the great beast, even as Ichigo moved to the other side of Yammy, swinging Sakande gracefully and casually with an ever-present cheshire grin the blond taunted the rampant Espada. Mildly Ichigo wondered if, through the power of rage alone, the less than bright Espada would break through the net of Sakande's inverted world.

With a roar Yammy charged Shinji, actually charged in the right direction, though Ichigo doubted he could see at all and was merely following the inherent instinct that drove all hollows once more, he had reverted only to basic instinct, nothing of human-like intelligence or cognizant thought remaining though there had always been little of such. Sakura petals blossomed around the creature even as Ichigo charged an overpowered Getsuga Tensho and with a breath that tugged on his composure and Zangetsu, Ichigo released the energy swelling under his skin.

The two forces crashed into the Espada with a wave of sand blurring their opponent temporarily from sight, as they waited tense and silent. Knowing that the attack wouldn't be enough to take down the crazed Espada, Ichigo shared a quick look with Byakuya and Shinji, making a short motion with his hand that received quick nods of acknowledgement.

With a mighty roar, that pierced and chilled all those who listened, and a tremble of the earth the dust cleared and Yammy appeared, larger than before, the many legs gone and in it's place a wide plain served as the Espada's chest, horns peaking from Yammy's head and the lack of wounds appeared stark against the sky. Reaitsu crowed and screamed with the Espada even as chopped laughter began to filter the air, chilling a deafening.

Ichigo studied the Espada with cold hard eyes, as the Ninth Espada's attention swung towards the three, and with great lumbering strides, the Espada thundered forward the land shaking with his movements. The three Captains quickly darted out of the way, Shunpo fast and light over the sand, long familiar with its tread after consecutive days on the field. Silently Byakuya darted forward, Senbonzakura following his motions in sweeping waves, as Shinji wrapped around the other side of the Espada.

Concentrating Ichigo took a breath and focused on his reiatsu, on picturing the kido he would cast within his mind. Peripherally his attention remained on the battle and the distraction the two weaved around the Espada even as his focus dwelled deeper and deeper as the Bakudō began to take shape, glowing and surrounding him in rich reaitsu.

Instincts screaming in warning Ichigo glanced up a second too late as a large tail swung towards him, blindingly slow in a drawn-out moment as Ichigo's movements felt as if dragged by molasses tugging at every appendage. He ducked the large extremity, the wind billowing and ruffling over and around him like the gales of a tornado with the passing overhead of the tail. Ichigo rose to his feet reaitsu still surrounding him, only to stop stone still as Byakuya's cry rang through the air and Ichigo took the split second he had to pull his Hierro and blut vein around him.

The large arm impacted Ichigo with all the force of a charging horde of hollows, slamming into his chest and drawing his breath out of him even as the pain and injury from such an attack were rendered near non-existent. The Captain of the Tenth tumbled and rolled over into the sand flying backwards as the grains surged around him. Desperately Ichigo dug Zangetsu into the sand halting the slide of his body slowly as the force of the attack dispersed.

Pulling himself out of the sand with a drawing heaving inhale of stale desert air, Ichigo shook out the sand clinging to him like younger sibling, covering his shihakusho and beaded into his hair. Idly he pulled aside the sleeve of his shihakusho to see a large bruise, reds and purples forming a lovely mosaic, already beginning to form, light and shallow as it was. The clash of blades and a roar drew Ichigo's attention once more to the battle.

Ichigo glanced at the Espada with a near growl where Yammy was once more occupied with Byakuya, whose reaitsu was raging upon the Espada sharp and cold fury. Cloaking his presence with a tug of reaitsu Ichigo moved forward gathering the Bakudō once more, he let reaitsu flow to his hands, pulling on his vast reserves he studied the Espada and ignored the harsh panting as he tried to retain air in his lungs, instead focusing on the incantation and the desired results, allowing his reaitsu to shape it with his will.

The Bakudō finally charged to its maximum capacity, which with Ichigo was hardly an insignificant amount, the Captain of the Tenth flared his reaitsu, bright and calling, taunting and filled with vindictive joy. Yammy pivoted roughly, tail sweeping out and nearly missing Shinji, Ichigo stared the hollow down eyes glowing and called out, "Wall of iron, tower formed from hate, forge molten iron and neatly finish in silence! Bakudō number seventy-five Gochu Tekkan."

With a burst of reaitsu, five pillars slammed into Yammy, nailing him to the ground and preventing movement as the hollow thrashed and struggled against the great weight bearing against him. Ichigo panted as he maintained the kido, continuing to feed reaitsu into the pillars as Byakuya moved forward swift and deadly, features graceful in their lethality as Senbonzakura moved with a swift motion and ended the battle.

With a soft exhale Ichigo released the kido, the large pillars disappearing in bright fluttering feathers of reaitsu as the body slammed into the sands with a shockwave that rippled through their feet and sent sand flying in a great palisade of light. A moment later, after the dust had literally settled, the Soutaicho stepped forward studying the three Captains with warmth, dark coals glowing with pride. Ichigo coughed and mustered a weak smile even as he filtered reaitsu into a minute healing kido and moved his way to Byakuya who was studying Ichigo with a delicate mix of worry, and the urge to bash one's partner over the head for worrying them.

Ichigo just waved weakly, and Shinji guffawed, the sound loud and free, as he sheathed Sakande, the blade's pleasure at seeing battle humming faintly on the air around them in a low vibrating sound, almost like a feline purr. The Soutaicho studied the body for a moment, lying on the sands like the end of an American monster movie, larger than life and just as inertly terrifying. Elegantly the old man unsheathed Ryūjin Jakka and with a wide sweep started a fire, crimson flames flickering and devouring over the remains, disposing of the body and crystallizing the glass around them from the sheer intensity of the heat.

As the body of the Ninth Espada was rendered to dust the invading force of Captains paused for a moment to catch their breath sharing quick reassuring glances ascertaining one and other of life as Shinji tossed Ichigo a canteen, full of water rather than sake and drawled, "Well that was one way to start an invasion."

Ichigo chuckled and shook his head at the blond's casual summarization and tossed the canteen to Byakuya who caught it with a faintly amused smile. They stood in silence for a moment more, replenishing their reserves of reaitsu and taking the moment to recover from the battle before they collectively moved swiftly across the sands, towards the large hole, and still standing Los Noches, cool air taunting and warning of the coming battles.

Briefly, Ichigo glanced over his shoulder, aware of the war raging on two fields, the sea of ebony, ivory, and among it all crimson like a beacon of death. The Shinigami were fighting with a great fervour, blood staining the stands even as they forced back the hollows, ever closer to the walls and shelter of Los Noches. The fall of one of their most powerful leaders had likely disheartened the creatures of instinct and provided a change in the ceaseless tug of war that had been the flow of battle. Nelliel could likely do little to stop the swift flow of war overcoming the forces of Hueco Mundo.

Byakuya rested a hand briefly on Ichigo's shoulder pulling his attention from the battle behind them and grounding him in the war in front of them. His eyes were warm and fond once more, asking if he was truly okay, even knowing Ichigo's stellar reputation for surviving the most particular wounds. Ichigo nodded imperceptibly and tilted his head with a smile before his eyes strayed to Shinji and the Soutaicho striding ahead of them and passing through the hole in the wall, striking figures as they were swallowed by the darkness of the entryway.

Nodding once more at each other the two younger Captains followed their superiors into the darkness. Los Noches was always the same, though in this timeline it lacked the overbearing blue sky, one could never destroy the lingering sense of something else, something ancient, and the strange hues of shadow refracted through the white walls.

Ichigo slid to the front of the group with ease, having mapped the place for the reconnaissance mission, and his own intimate familiarity with the building. One came to know a place very well when they destroyed or fought in half of it. The others made no signs of protest as Ichigo's eyes observed their location and the best path to the throne room.

The air was tense and oppressive hanging over them like an imminent summons as they glided like wraiths through the halls, senses open and spread out as they searched for any nearby presences. Shinji sidled behind Ichigo with a faint eerie whistle that both amused Ichigo and made him roll his eyes as he glanced back at the blond with a raised eye knowing the blond likely wanted something.

"Who do ya suspect we'll meet on our little rendezvous?"

Shinji asked, quiet as if the silence prompted a lack of speaking but still holding the blond's ever-present amusement. Ichigo shook his head slightly and shrugged mutinously but thought honestly about the question before replying with another half-shrug. It was easier to say who they wouldn't encounter, primarily the deceased Espada such as Zommari, Nnoitra, and now Yammy, as supposed to those still alive and kicking within the palace. Though Ichigo supposed it was likely Harribel was still too injured to fight so she would likely remain out of sight.

The Captain of the Fifth was unperturbed by Ichigo's silence, crinkling his brow for a moment he casually responded, "I doubt it would be the Second Espada, your little lieutenant, dear older brother, and Ukitake apparently did a number. I wonder if the bastard who put Love and Rose in the Fourth will appear. Love, and I quote, said, "Man he was just too lazy to finish us off." I wonder if he'll be too lazy to fight."

Ichigo valiantly resisted the urge to laugh, or maybe giggle in a not at all crazed manner hearing the other Vizard talk about Starrk and the Espada's reluctance to complete any action. He was more than thankful Starrk had respected his wishes and refrained from killing Love and Rose, though Ichigo knew some of Shinji's complaint likely held a fraction of truth. The act of refraining from killing the Shinigami helped to forge the already burgeoning idea that the Espada, at least some of them, weren't mindless killing beasts, and were following Barragan through necessity alone.

Squinting briefly at the intersection before them, corridors branching off in an endless maze of white, Ichigo mentally ran the area through his mind, and let his senses drift searching for any Espada he would prefer to avoid lingering in waiting; the labs were one place he would stay very clear of. Though it seemed the only Espada within the boundless walls were, Starrk, Ulquiorra, Harribel, Grimmjow, and perhaps Nelliel, he could sense her nearby, but as usual, her presence seemed to drift everywhere an endless game of tag. That was of course excluding Barragan who was a category all his own.

Decision made, Ichigo led them forward through one of the narrow winding corridors that seemed to threaten to close off around you, and Shinji after a minute of the lingering silence that tangled at one's heels with ghost whispers piped up, "I mean imagine fighting one of the crazed bastards, just like Kenpachi?"

Ichigo rolled his eyes and murmured about knocking on wood (which always earned him a strange glance), and challenging fate, right as a door set in the wall to the left slid open with a hiss of shadows, and wild feral reiatsu spilt out into the hallway.

The other Captains tensed even as Ichigo glanced over his shoulders and pointedly stared his friend down, Shinji only shrugged haplessly as one must do in the given situation. Grimmjow appeared from the shadows with a cocky grin, one that never slipped or even cracked minutely at the sight of the four Captains, the cocky bastard. The blue-haired Espada leant against the frame of the doorway all sinew and casual predator, a nasty scar still healing down the side of his temple and the hilt of his blade peeking from the sash of his obi.

Grimmjow's eyes roved over the four with a vibrant light, as if assessing who would provide the most entertainment to the ever bloodthirsty Espada. The cat-like hollow's eyes passed over Ichigo with a barely there wink, and the blatantly obvious desire to fight Ichigo, who only shook his head imperceptibly, before passing over the others with mild interest.

Before the Fifth Espada could challenge one of them, Shinji stepped forward with a bloodthirsty smile, Sakande shining through in the wicked glimpse of a Cheshire grin, eyes near ochre with the Vizard's hollow side. Grimmjow grinned wide and manic at the blond who only smiled in return the tension between the two swelling and building like a storm, radiating out through the hallways.

"Don't worry I've got this, you three go on ahead."

Shinji called out over his shoulder, confident and sure as he continued to stare the Fifth Espada down. Grimmjow studied the blond for a tense second as if weighing his merit and power, before a wide predatory grin settled across his features, lighting his eyes up like a madman.

The blond glanced once over his shoulder and nodded, eyes connecting with Ichigo, they conveyed a sense of promise depths serious and burning with determination before they disappeared in a blur of Shunpo and Sonido. The lack of their vibrant presences rang like a stark wound, a reminder of empty space once valued. Carefully Ichigo let his senses track the two, following them as they exited the main part of Los Noches and appeared in what was considered one of the training areas, which were really areas without proper floors and tall walls, with a few layers for support.

Nodding to himself Ichigo whispered a prayer for the both of them, even knowing that they would be fine, Grimmjow had a willpower near enough to match Ichigo's, and Shinji wouldn't fall easily. The more pressing concern was how much blood they would lose in beating each other into bloody pulps, though at least the two adrenaline junkies would have fun, and that was what the Fourth was for.

"Do you think Hirako will be okay?"

Byakuya asked quietly, glancing at the repeating walls that dripped on and on like an intravenous, slowly filtering into your mind and dulling the senses. Ichigo nodded with a muffled scoff and responded, "He'll be fine, bloody, but fine. Though we probably will want to avoid Kisuke, and Sosuke afterwards. Kami knows how the poor scientist Espada in their hands is fairing."

The Captain of the Sixth conceded with a nod and an amused shake of his head, the Soutaicho behind the two remained quiet and serene, assured of their battle and the survival of the Gotei 13's Captains. Ichigo continued to lead them forward, disrupting the silence of the walls, drawing ever closer to the throne room.

The Captain of the Tenth faltered minutely in his sure path as he sensed Harribel, a minute present drifting like a fine mist, or the aftertaste of rain and lacking one of her Fracción. A part of Ichigo wanted to desert Byakuya and the Soutaicho, knowing they were beyond capable of taking care of themselves, the piece of Ichigo intertwined with the core of who he was, the part that thrived on protecting others wanted to check on Harribel's state.

Instead, he forced his attention forward, knowing the Espada would be fine, she was forged of a finer steel than any number of Shinigami and Quincy Ichigo had met in the long years of his life. Ossan rumbled contentedly in agreement of his decision, even as Shiro's energy thrummed beneath Ichigo's fingers echoing the desire to feel the adrenaline of battle that always lingered in war.

Ulquiorra's appearance was far less flashy than Grimmjow but still adhered to the quiet Espada's secret sense of drama. The apathetic Espada drifted from the shadows from one second to the next, the beat of a heart, tendrils of darkness lingering and tugging at him, and forming great wings of darkness.

The third Espada studied them with blank all-seeing eyes, staring into Ichigo's own for a moment with clear understanding before drifting to observe Byakuya and the Soutaicho like one observed the world turning. That tightly wound reaitsu, loose like a rope waiting to be used drifted through the room, and Byakuya wordlessly stepped forward Kenseikan glinting as his reaitsu, the breath of spring a storm mighty and powerful, swept out to meet Ulquiorra.

Byakuya pivoted a half step, gaze locked with Ichigo, promise heavy and leaden in his eyes before they shared a nod, understanding passing easily between the two. Then Ulquiorra and the Captain of the Sixth were gone with only a soft sigh to mark their venture. Ever the dramatics the two were likely fighting above Los Noches, where they could all be seen, and hopefully avoid causing greater increments of damage to the vast palace.

Ichigo could only find amusement at their antics as he glanced at the Soutaicho who glided forward to stand beside Ichigo, eyes honest and sturdy where they gazed into Ichigo's own. The orange-haired Captain nodded once, murmured about one on one battles and inevitability before leading them forward; the throne room taunting and bright like a blitz on their senses.

Their walk was quiet, and Ichigo mentally prepared himself, for the fight against Starrk, but also for the dull realisation that at the end of the long night in Hueco Mundo the war, so-called the Balance War would come to a close. An infinite finish, and yet never ending in the minute circles of Shinigami and hollow. It was an almost strange sense to imagine a war drawing to an end without extended loss of life or damage. And the prospect of an unsteady peace between the two forces was like a beacon of promise, assuring Ichigo that he was succeeding however slightly.

For the third time as they walked silently through the halls of Los Noches, an Espada appeared, pulling the two Captains to quick attention. Starrk was alone where he stood in front of two ornate doors, that towered above their heads with carvings like renaissance marble embossing the large frame. The first Espada studied the two of them with a lazy half-smile, hand resting idly on his katana, even as Ichigo could sense Lilynette lingering nearby, likely on Starrk's orders.

"You see I'm supposed to stop the both of you from entering, but I don't really think that's possible hmm?"

Starrk rumbled, that deep voice ruff with disuse stated nonchalantly with an obvious glance at the Soutaicho who remained impassive at the sight of the Espada before them. The First Espada's reaitsu drifted throughout the small antechamber, wild and feral, sharp and biting, with an undercurrent of loneliness, the lone wolf, or coyote Ichigo supposed as he pivoted a half-step to glance into the Soutaicho's eyes.

The Captain of the Tenth nodded once, an acknowledgement and promise all wrapped up swiftly into the movement. The Soutaicho nodded slowly in response and Ichigo stepped closer for a sparse moment eyes warm and fond he whispered, "Be careful of Barragan, he is cunning and guileless in his old age."

Yamamoto nodded eyes flickering to life with an old flame, powerful in its ancient mannerisms, leaving Ichigo to grin at the hint of a smile escaping the confines of the old man's beard. The three paused suddenly as a large sound ripped throughout the air, accompanied by a violent burst of reaitsu that scattered across their senses like an echo through a canon. Ichigo sighed and muttered about prideful cats and posturing before he turned to Starrk with an easy inviting grin. The Espada grinned once, sharp and feral then he nodded and stepped aside from the magnificent doors leaving an open pathway to Barragan for the Soutaicho.

"Take care old man."

Starrk called over his shoulders, as he turned away with a swirl of his white cloak, Ichigo rolled his eyes at the hollow's lack of tact and blatant dislike of Barragan, even as with a nod he vanished and Ichigo followed. The two opponents disappeared in sharp bursts of Sonido and shunpo, leaving the Soutaicho alone to face Barragan.

They appeared in one of the many training areas, sand soft beneath the soles of Ichigo's sandals, and the skies of Hueco Mundo bearing witness to the coming battle. Lilynette lounging on a few pillows tucked in the shade of the entrance waved to Ichigo once, before returning her attention to whatever was in her hands, from the distance it looked like an assortment of bones.

With a huff of amusement, Ichigo returned his attention to Starrk and tamped down on Shiro's gleeful bloodlust at the prospect of a fight knowing that the hollow would be happy enough with the battle, even as Ichigo mentally readjusted the seal over his reiatsu. If he was to battle Starrk away from the prying eyes of the rest of the world, then he would fight the Espada properly, Starrk deserved all the measure of Ichigo's considerable skill (all his reaitsu was a bit too much).

"It's been a while Ichigo."

The Espada commented lightly, drawing his katana with a short simple motion, Ichigo nodded with an exasperated expression and replied, "Yes like we weren't fighting on the sands of Hueco Mundo a week and a half ago."

That wasn't what the coyote-Espada meant and they both knew it, fighting on the battlefield was like a stage duel, every move carefully choreographed. Ichigo's wry statement earned a chuckle, though with Starrk the sound was more akin to harsh barking laughter. The peaceful aura between the two slowly drained, as they studied one another, their stances, their blades, their will glowing in the half-light of Hueco Mundo, to be filled with a tenseness seeped not in life or death but the challenge.

There was nothing, figuratively, riding on the outcome of their battle. They had both duelled each other before, and no matter who won Soul Society would likely hold the greater victory over Los Noches, and Ichigo would walk out of Los Noches, Starrk, however, was the one who's future lingered on the decision of the Soutaicho regarding the Espada.

With a hiss of metal against sheath, Ichigo drew Zangetsu, the weight of the blade familiar in his hands where it glinted as if shining from within. Reaitsu swirled around him and his pulse lit with adrenaline, the ache in his chest subdued for the moment. A slightly predatory grin slipped onto Ichigo's sharp features and Starrk barred his teeth as his own blade howled into the night.

With a sparse breath, and the whispers of the wind over sand like an ancient language the two sprung forward blades clashing with the jarring snap of metal against metal, sparks lighting the air with the clash. With a hum of Sonido, Starrk disappeared, an after image lingering in his place, even as Ichigo whirled around Zangetsu snapping to attention. Starrk's blade whipped overhead to crash against Zangetsu, the strength of the coyote-like Espada bearing into his arms.

Ichigo huffed and his lips pulled back in an imitation of a snarl as he shouldered against the blade pushing against his arms, the two forces of immense strength weighted against each other. With a whisper of reaitsu lingering like the storm in the air, gathering along his sealed blade Ichigo released a wordless Getsuga Tensho. The bright arc of blazing ebony slammed against Starrk's blade forcing him away as he slid back in the sand, katana diverting the large ripples of power to either side of the Espada, scorching the sand into a crystal mosaic.

The Captain of the Tenth charged forward as the last of the Getsuga Tensho dispersed, Zangetsu clashing against Starrk's blade as the Espada grinned at Ichigo eyes alight and alive in a way the normally sedate Espada's eyes never reflected. Ichigo's pulse raced with the same excitement, and every sense felt as if magnified in the face of battle.

Starrk grunted at the weight of Zangetsu, the situation reversed for a moment, before the Espada ducked dropping to a crouch he slid back a half step before popping up once more. Ichigo followed the Espada swiftly, Zangetsu catching against Starrk's blade as they shoved against one another for a moment. With a wink and a wolfish grin Starrk dropped his blade from where it was locked against Ichigo's zanpaktou and swiftly brought it up again, swinging out to the side and in towards Ichigo's neck, the air singing with the movement.

Zangetsu snapped up to the side as Ichigo slid into a low stance, their blades clashing with a jarring wail. The two opponents stared one another down for a tense moment before Ichigo dropped Zangetsu and in the next moment let the blade fly upwards to clash with Starrk's katana.

They exchanged a rapid flurry of blows, metal flowing from one movement to the next as Ichigo dodged a swift overhead strike and responded with a slash to the unprotected Espada's side. Starrk ripped around catching the tip of Zangetsu on his blade as they slid against each other, edging closer to Starrk's torso before the Espada slipped away with a burst of Sonido and launched a wordless cero.

The bright blue energy cut through the night like a comet as Ichigo caught the force of it on his blade, holding it only for a moment before he ducked and whipped around to face Starrk who appeared with a familiar hum, katana slicing in a clear jab. Ichigo stepped in close to the Espada's defence catching the blade and sliding forward. Starrk growled at the tactic and halted Zangetsu with his hand, Hierro preventing any deep cut even as Ichigo's zanpaktou released a thin line of crimson.

At the sign of first blood, the battle seemed to rise in intensity as they continued to trade blow after blow. Ichigo sliced forward only to take a step back as Starrk's katana cut a clear path towards his chest. The young Captain dodged and whipped around Zangetsu singing as it cut through the air.

Up, left, to the right, sliding through the sand, dodge, move forward, it became a near endless mantra inside Ichigo's mind as they continued to fight, centering himself only in the battle, the feel of Zangetsu in his hands, the bite of his muscle, and the feel of opponent. Their katanas cut through the air with increasing skill as the two opponents moved in a lethal dance where it felt as if each move was preordained and yet unknown.

The Captain of the Tenth let out a hiss as Starrk scored a gash on his bicep, the sting of the cult mild even as Ichigo retaliated kicking out at the Espada and releasing a small Getsuga Tensho. Starrk dodged the two attacks, the Getsuga Tensho clashing with the far wall as the Espada straightened katana alert at his side. Standing half a pace from Ichigo the two stared each other down, their breaths loud and mingling in the night air as tired grins surrendered their features and reaitsu whipped about them.

Lilynette wordlessly stood from her place in the shadows, studying the two with an expression Ichigo couldn't name but was some like mix of fondness and annoyance, she glided to Starrk and traded a silent look with the First Espada. Ichigo tugged on Zangetsu, felt the reiatsu that was as much Ichigo as it was his spirits gather and pulse, Shiro's bloodlust and glee, Ossan's pleasure at seeing battle as they prepared.

The two opponents nodded once at each other in wordless agreement, and their reaitsu skyrocketed in bright spirals of the sky and the night as Ichigo released his Shikai, and Starrk his resurrection. Zangetsu's dual blades slipped comfortably into Ichigo's hands, reaitsu pulsing and vibrating along his arms, as across from him Starrk rolled his shoulders, fur ruffling in the breeze as the Espada cocked his guns, loud and tremulous in the silence.

Starrk grinned once, feral and challenging as the guns in his hands rose and were pointed firmly at Ichigo. Then gunshots rang through the air, loud and bright, as the vast array of bullets of reaitsu charged towards Ichigo. Dodging under the first bullet, Ichigo charged forward, deflecting each bullet off of Zangetsu's smaller blade and the outside of Shiro's blade as he moved closer to the Espada. Starrk increased the rain of fire so that it fell like a hailstorm around Ichigo as he paused in his charge letting Zangetsu weave and whirl around him stopping the sea of cero in their path.

Starrk charged forward as Ichigo defended against the rain of fire, continuing with his hail of bullets as he moved in circles around Ichigo trying to attack his unprotected back. Ichigo watched the afterimages of the coyote-Espada carefully as he whipped around and Zangetsu sung in his hands, before with a grin Zangetsu locked into an x formation and he released a Getsuga Jūjishō. The large crescents of reaitsu slammed into the Espada who let out a rough growl as his guns crossed over his chest to deflect some of the force of the attack as Starrk slid back in the sand at the force of Ichigo's reaitsu.

The Captain of the Tenth gave the first Espada no time to recover from the attack as he charged forward. From the curtain of sand, Starrk stepped forward and caught both of Zangetsu on the beams of reaitsu that jutted from his guns. The two opponents strained against one another before Ichigo released the trench knife portion of Zangetsu and swept the blade to the side on a path towards Starrk's neck.

The Espada growled and leaned back, even as one of the beams of light disappeared and at point-blank range, Starrk sent out a hail of reaitsu. Zangetsu's longer blade rose to catch the hail of bullets even as Ichigo stepped forward against the immense force, Hierro catching some of the stray bullets even as others left thin gashes.

A Getsuga Jūjishō ripped through the sea of reaitsu and slammed into Starrk who caught the assault with a snarl, eyes flashing gold, the hollow ducked and charged the hum of Sonido drifting listlessly in the air as the Espada circled around Ichigo before homing in on his right.

Ichigo caught the Espada's blades against his own, only to hesitate momentarily as the howling of wolves echoed into the night, and the spiritual creatures appeared around them. Starrk took advantage of the momentary pause and pushed forward, even as the wolves surrounding Ichigo leapt forward.

Launching a rapid burst of Getsuga Jūjishō around himself, Ichigo deflected Starrk's rapid swift movements, Zangetsu shifting in his hands, as he reversed the trench knife and stabbed a wolf, careful to avoid the ones with Lilynette's conscious. Reaitsu exploded surging upwards into the air, billowing around Ichigo, even as Starrk thrust forward once more.

They engaged in another quick flurry of blows, blades sliding against one another as the two opponents whirled around each other, Shiro's blade snapping forward even as Ossan's blade swept up to defend against Starrk's thrust forward. Starrk batted aside the strike, shifting fluidly to the side before whirling with a grave and deadly grace to slash both blades towards Ichigo. The orange-haired Shinigami ducked and pivoted thrusting from his lower position with the trench knife even as the longer blade whipped around. Starrk twisted in mid-air catching the longer blade with one of his own as he dodged the trench knife and his eyes flashed.

Ichigo let out a hiss of pain as a wolf latched onto his extended arm and began glowing, across from the orange-haired Shinigami, Starrk smirked breath leaving his lungs in great heaving gasps. Ichigo had only a second to tighten his Hierro before the glowing almost transparent wolf exploded, obliterating the sands around him and sweeping over Ichigo.

The Captain of the Tenth stumbled out of the explosion, shihakusho a bit seared, and his skin a bit worse for wear. Ichigo pushed the minor injuries aside as he funneled his reaitsu around him, letting it spark upon the air he sent an overpowered Getsuga Jūjishō towards Starrk who flinched eyes a touch wide with shock even as the hollow braced for the attack and the wolves surrounding Ichigo all charged at once, Ichigo grinned in a vaguely bring it on motion.

He sliced and whirled, slicing through the wolves as they exploded left and right around him, Zangetsu singing in his blood and humming in his mind, as if they were one movement. The Captain turned instinctively and caught Starrk's blade where it slammed into Ichigo's own, an excited laugh bursting from Ichigo's eyes as the final stretch of the battle drew on in a literal storm of blades.

They moved across the sand back and forth, near two pinpricks of light, blades whipping overhead, to the side, as they spun, dodged and forced their blades against one another. In a quick movement Ichigo slid under Starrk's open defence and while Shiro's large blade held Starrk's two blades at an impasse, Ossan's trench knife snapped forward to rest lightly against Starrk's neck.

The coyote-Espada chuckled, the noise ruff with exertion as their panting filtered into the air, and their eyes glowed. With a nod, Starrk surrendered and Ichigo lowered Zangetsu's blades and stepped back, with a slow drawn out motion he sealed his zanpaktou and analysed his wounds. There were more than a few scrapes, a collection of bites, and a spattering of bruises but Ichigo was certain he would survive.

Starrk across from Ichigo took a deep breath and glanced at their surroundings. After a minute Ichigo followed the Espada's example and observed the glass curved into mosaics around them, the deep holes and mountains where the sand had been displaced.

Ichigo let out a soft chuckle at the sight and after a moment sunk to his knees settling into a cross-legged position. Starrk observed Ichigo with a roll of his eyes before he padded over, still all lethal grace and plopped beside Ichigo with a huff and a small bark of laughter.

Lilynette re-emerged into existence a moment later, with a crack like a Garganta. The second half of the First Espada studied the two of them with accusing eyes, amusement hidden beneath it all, but sat on the sand as well. Their breaths mingled the night air as Ichigo let his senses drift to check on his fellow Shinigami and their opponents.

"Anyone dead?"

Starrk asked casually and nonchalantly already knowing what Ichigo was doing. The orange-haired Shinigami shook his head and responded, "Only Barragan."

The two shared a look followed by a grin and let the silence linger as Shiro's happiness vibrated through Ichigo's system in warm waves, and the ache of his muscles and the quiet of Hueco Mundo surrounded them.

X

Thank you all for reading I hope you all enjoyed the battle between Ichigo and Starrk, it wasn't as intense as the battle last chapter, but it was definitely something. I may still write the battles between Byakuya and Ulquiorra, Shinji and Grimmjow, Barragan and the Soutaicho on the side (not part of the main story) if you guys are interested? Thank you all for reading, reviews/comments are always appreciated. Till next time!