It was hard to miss Ichigo's overwhelming presence at that point. Grimmjow could practically taste it, pressing heavily into his tongue.
With legs pumping faster than they ever had before, Grimmjow only had one thing on his mind, his concentration so focused it was rather incredible. It was as if every sense, every atom in his body was pointing towards the substitute Shinigami, his nerves screaming. Find 'im, find 'im, find-!
From the corner of his eye, he spotted it. That large, pulsing black figure from before. It was silent this time, merely watching. But he could have sworn he saw its body morph into an arrow, as if to confirm that it wanted him to go as fast as he could. I'm goin', dammit, he spat back, gritting his teeth. I'm goin' as fast as I can!
Renji's head pounded the further in they went, as if his body were fighting against him. I can't do this, not now! He fought back, his muscles burning.
Even if he wasn't there, he could feel his captain's eyes burning into his back.
Bring her back.
Sand flew as he picked up speed, red hair flying behind him as he ran. His speed nearly matched the Espada's, who seemed focused on one thing and one thing only.
Bring her back… there's no other option.
The overwhelming feeling of dread that had settled in Uryu's gut only grew worse the closer they came. Despite the heat of the lower level, he felt a cold chill spread through him, forcing him to run faster.
I can sense him, he thought, but I can't sense Rukia. Is she…?
Uryu shook his head, forcing the thought from his mind. He knew it was too dangerous to think like that, especially now. She's fine, he told himself. She's always stronger than we give her credit for.
His eyes swiveled to his left, noting Amelia's steady pace a few steps behind him. That heavy feeling continued to sink, pressing against his shoulders.
The smell of blood hadn't vanished from the air, no matter how far they ran.
Don't think about it, Amelia thought, panting slightly as they ran. Focus on the target. But she found focusing on anything in that moment to be a monumental task. Her muscles were screaming, nerves throbbing as she ignored her body.
Funnily enough, her left side had completely gone numb, with any mild discomfort blocked out for the time being. Focus on why you're here… just…
Her vision wavered, images dividing into hazy halves. Why… why am I here? Why'd I come here? A terrible, chilling pang hit her gut, nearly making her vomit again. It was an acrid taste.
It all happened in the blink of an eye.
The ground erupted in a curtain of sand and fire, the sizzling sound of magma shooting out from the sand and turning quickly to trails of lava. The world shook violently, threatening to swallow the group of four beneath ripples of melting sand and ash. All four, fortunately, were sound enough to react, jumping upward and watching as vague shapes and figures emerged from the chaos.
The first and most notable thing that came from the eruption site was a creature that resembled a man, crawling on its belly, fingers interlocking with scorching hot rock. It bore no mouth, nose or eyes, but it had a notable head, torso, and arms. It was comprised of molten rock, dripping as it moaned in unintelligible pain. Each motion looked excruciating, creaking sounds coming from its limbs.
The lava eventually drained away, revealing the pungent odor of rotting flesh. Skeletal remains quickly regained blood, meat and flesh, revealing the first of the welcoming committee.
Golden eyes, filled with rage unimaginable, gleamed in the dull light, lashing to and fro as they searched for their target. Pink hair, tangled and singed, dragged along the sand, with bruised hands pushing the body upward. It was a man, or what was left of one, his breathing something between a death rattle and maniacal whimpering. Szayelaporro Granz stood on shaky legs, the former glory of his pure white Espada robes now tattered and ragged on his thin frame, an entire sleeve long gone. He was out for blood, hands shaking.
Not too far off, sand crunched beneath weighted footsteps, metered and slowed, as if there was no rush whatsoever. What started as a shadowy, tall figure quickly turned into another Espada, stripped of his former glory. Though shattered and etched in failure, Aaroniero Arruruerie stood tall, shrunken heads bobbing in crimson liquid. Empty sockets winced, shrinking as they emerged into the light. Lava dripped from their gloved hands, singed uniform rustling wildly in the wind.
"Fool," the top head screeched, observing Granz as he stood up slowly. "I offered to give you some semblance of dignity before arriving."
The bottom head nodded fiercely. "And now they have seen you in a compromised position. How unfitting for our supposed superior."
"SILENCE!" Golden hues distorted behind a cracked mask fragment. As Granz snapped his head in venomous rage, his elongated hair shifted, sticking to his newly reborn flesh. "I will not be spoken down to by a sentient fish tank!"
"Now, now, there's no need for bickering."
Green eyes looked past the two Espada, watching as their new guests landed back onto the sandy landscape, standing unsteady and uncertain. He felt his lips part into a satisfied smirk, his hands raised. Shuren had experienced far too many failures in one day; addressing at least one of them head on gave him some sort of peace. "Focus your energy on those before you rather than those beside you." He ignored their putrid stink, stopping a foot or so in front of the pair, staring out at their opponents.
"Presuming I'd listen to anything from a ragged Togabito like you is laughable!" Granz spat back, hunching over as he spat out his venomous rage. "Don't act like you are in charge of me just because you chose to-!"
A ball of raging flames shot through the air, hitting Granz square in the chest, knocking him back a bit. His feet slid, body hunched over in pain as he tried to regain his composure. In between coughing fits, his head shot up, glaring at the hand that hovered behind Shuren's half-turned body.
Shuren didn't turn his head, leaving a decrepit Granz unacknowledged. "Watch your tone, Espada," he said, his voice smooth. "I could easily submerge you into the pit of reforming sinners if I desired. Don't force my hand."
Crossing their arms, Aaroniero gave a slight harrumph of displeasure. "Then why did you bring us back here?" the top head demanded, bobbing impatiently.
"We owe you no allegiance," the bottom added. "What purpose do you have for us?"
With a dangerous smile, Shuren finally turned his head, firelight gleaming in green irises. "I thought you'd never ask."
Silently, four other figures emerged from the faltering sand, standing alone the newly formed dunes. Their expressions ranged from disinterest to ravenous bloodshed. Taikon was beside himself, blowing exaggerated kisses towards the ragtag group across from him. Grunting, Garogai lowered his head, grunting in a low tone as he prepared to charge. As he cracked his knuckles, Murakumo smirked, his head raised as stared them down. Gunjō, however, stood still, his tendrils twitch ominously as he waited for Shuren's command.
"You'll find that, here in Hell, there are only two choices," Shuren continued, sparks dancing between his fingertips. "You must either ally yourself with the strongest bastard you come across, or you hope to god you can avoid the Kushanāda's grasp long enough to find cover. And often enough, the latter is nigh impossible. I could have left the two of you to fend for yourselves out here, but I decided it was best to acknowledge what little worth you had left and take you under my wing." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "You will now have an opportunity to show me just how grateful you are."
Pink energy shot out, aiming for Shuren's smug expression, only to miss and slice through the putrid sky. Shouts could be heard on the other side, the group of four dancing erratically on the edge. Smoke billowed around them, the remnants of Granz's shoddily formed Gran Rey Cero fading away and leaving him a shaking mess on his knees.
Lifting his hand, Shuren stopped the others from converging on the fallen Espada, his face frozen in his twisted grin. It was enough to leave Aaroniero mildly perturbed, taking a step back.
"Perhaps this will give you a new perspective." Reaching down, Shuren grabbed the tangled mess that was Granz's hair, dragging him forward and pushing him in front. The Espada struggled and thrashed, but paused once up front, his eyes widening a bit. "Tell me, my friend; what is it you see out there, across the way?"
His face twitching uncontrollably, Granz's tattered lips parted, his teeth chattering as he tried to speak. It was unclear whether he was overcome with excitement, or fear, or perhaps both; but it was clear he was transfixed on one figure in particular, watching her every move.
"You see, I'm giving you another chance to enact your own revenge," Shuren whispered in his ear. "I watched her eviscerate your body like a wild animal, leaving you mutilated down below. It must have been devastating for you to think a girl like her could get away with something so… humiliating." He laughed as Granz practically drooled, the Espada's face sporting an unstable grin. "Perhaps this will persuade you to help us."
Granz didn't need to say a word, his expression answer enough. He looked up at Shuren, nearly giggling with unadulterated joy.
Shuren glanced back at the apprehensive Aaroniero, head leaning back. "And of course, you would have another chance with the Sexta Espada as well." He waved his free hand towards the group. "I'm sure he'll be more than thrilled to see you again."
Uncrossing their arms, Aaroniero took a few steps forward. "Do we get our zanpakuto back?" the top head screeched, giving Shuren a look of disgust.
"It'd be difficult to take them on without one," the bottom head added.
Shuren snapped his fingers in Gunjō's direction, who immediately appeared by Shuren's side, two blades intertwined in his tendrils. Then, without a word, the Togabito dropped the blades into the sand, taking a step back into line.
"But of course," Shuren said. "I'm not an unreasonable man."
Upon hearing his zanpakuto drop in the sand, Granz fell away, crawling for it and greedily pulling it close. "Ah, Fornicarás!" He looked to be on the edge of tears, cradling his weapon close to his chest. "Let's finally rid ourselves of this pest, shall we?"
Stepping around him, the others began to slowly close the gap between themselves and the group of four, lingering carefully as they tried to intimidate.
"We don't have time for this," Uryu said aloud, looking to the other three. "One of us has to make it to Ichigo. Three of us should be more than enough to take these Togabito on."
Renji shook his head, pointing to the enemy that began to steadily close in. "They've got two Espada with them! They outnumber us, seven to four." He unsheathed his zanpakuto, gripping the hilt with both hands. "You telling me you like those odds, Uryu?"
"I sure do," Grimmjow interrupted, weapon drawn and ready for battle. "It'll be fun. More bodies for me, anyway."
"We'll be fine." Even though her voiced hitched at the end, Amelia looked determined. "As long as one of us reaches Kurosaki, we'll be that much closer to getting out of here."
Exasperated, Renji glared at Uryu. "And just who do you propose we send, then?"
"Since you're so apprehensive, how about you reach Ichigo?" Uryu countered, meeting Renji's agitated glare. "Tactically, the three of us should be able to hold our own while you find him."
Color draining from his face, Renji's grimace faded, leaving him to look haunted. Terrified even. "Maybe you should -."
"What's the issue, Shinigami?" Amelia unsheathed her sword, her eyes never leaving the encroaching line of Togabito. "I thought you'd be chomping at the bit to find Ichigo and Rukia."
"Quit yer quiverin' and get yer ass over there, Ladybird," Grimmjow added. "We ain't got all day."
Squashing any chance Renji had of wheedling his way out of this decision, Uryu patted him on the back before joining the two Espada. "Don't worry, we'll be fine. Just be sure not to get caught halfway there."
That's not the issue, Renji wanted to say, but he clamped his lips shut. "Fine." Taking a deep breath, he straightened his back, observing the openings he had. "I'll meet you three in a few, then?"
"It shouldn't take us too long," Uryu called back, giving Renji a wave. "Tell them we're on our way when you get there."
His throat tightening, Renji nodded. Rukia… I… Banishing the though from his mind, he vanished before he could get cold feet. I'm on my way, Rukia.
Shuren didn't even flinch when Renji disappeared, his steady gait consistent with each lift of his heel. "My, my!" he called, lifting his head as his voice raised. "The numbers aren't in your favor, especially after your friend left the three of you alone! How callous, and here we were excited to greet you!"
A small, unamused huff of laughter came in reply. "Oh, don't worry about that," Uryu called back, the blue light of his Ginrei Kojaku flickering as he drew his arm back. "We'll still give you a fight worth having!"
"Don't make promises you can't keep, Quincy!" Taikon called, his voice taunting him in a seductive tone. "With your numbers, it'll only be a matter of time before we swallow you three whole!"
"Quit yer squealin', piggy!" Grimmjow roared, his head reared back to reveal a feral smirk. "I ain't got time for yer noise!"
Amelia's eyes locked with Granz, who was chomping at the bit, sauntering down the hill as he made his way toward her. "Looks like you got so scared of us you managed to drag some corpses behind you," she called. "Didn't know you found us so intimidating!"
Shuren laughed raucously, readying another tumultuous volley of flames. "Consider this more payback for the damages you caused." Green eyes narrowed. "We don't take to kindly to our property being burned to the ground. It takes some time to erect such a formidable fortress here in Hell."
"I guess we'll just have to settle the difference," Uryu replied. He nodded towards Amelia and Grimmjow, who promptly vanished, descending with blades raised.
It was a mash of chaos and confusion, individuals scrambling to pair up with their opponents of choice, crawling over one another as they salivated over the chance to tear into each other. But Shuren knew who his opponent would be, eyeing the Quincy as they closed the gap.
Fire exploded on impact, nearly concealing Uryu from view. The Togabito held his breath, hoping that the ambition Quincy hadn't been caught up in the inferno, only to breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing him release a volley of arrows.
Ah, this should be good…
The ground shook beneath their feet, leaving Karin uneasy. As rubble fell from the cracked and caved ceiling, she turned back, seeing Rukia lean against the wall, ducking down as chunks of stone pelted her. Yuzu's body, wrapped in Karin's jacket, lay beside her, her covered face dusted with rubble as well.
It was so dark this far in the ruins, but her eyes grew adjusted to it, watching and waiting for… something. Hiding behind a boulder, she peered out, listening for anything that mingled with the chaos that was outside. The ground shook again, her breathing hitching for a moment as she tried to suppress a startled cry.
She heard it, coming from the darkest corner. Shuffling feet, tapping along the floor, growing louder as it came her way.
Karin looked back at Rukia again, who seemed to register what was happening as well. Rukia lifted a hand silently, as if trying to tell her to stop, but Karin ignored her. Gripping her Quincy Cross tightly, she jumped to the next sizable boulder, readying herself for an attack. Her numb brain sparked, anger pooling. She wasn't sure who this was coming their way, but she'd be damned if she let them get the upper hand. Blue light sparked in her hands as she readied her weapon before peeking out from behind the stone.
"I know you're there, kid. You're not a great hider."
Kokutō's voice echoed, mocking her as he stopped in his tracks. Their eyes locked, his hand on his hip as he spoke. His other hand shifted his drawn blade, twitching as he itched to use it. His exposed face was half hidden in the darkness. "You should've learned to hide your presence better, but it looks like you won't be alive much longer."
Her breathing shaky, Karin lifted her weapon, the blue glow of her Heilig Bogen lighting her face. "Stay back!" Her fingers gripped tightly. "I won't miss this time."
His head hanging back, Kokutō laughed at her, patting his bandaged shoulder. "Oh? What're you gonna do, shoot my other shoulder, kid? Good luck with that."
"Karin, stop!" Rukia called, shuffling a bit as she tried to stand. "Get back!"
"Don't move, Rukia." Karin took a step in her direction, blocking her from Kokutō's view. "You're in no position to fight, anyways."
Raising his blade, Kokutō rested it on his shoulders, leaning forward casually. "Aw, look at you! You're just like your older brother." His face twitched, a strange flash of emotion passing over his eyes. "Thinking you can save your friends. But it's hopeless down here. I mean, look at your twin sister." He nodded towards Yuzu, his blue eye narrowing. "You'll end up just like her soon enough. It's too bad your difference in power tore you apart too soon."
"SHUT UP!" Karin's voice echoed. The light of her weapon flared, sparking as her rage manifested. "Don't you DARE talk about Yuzu! She died because of you and your friends! And I'll make sure you PAY FOR IT!"
"I'M ALREADY DEAD!" Kokutō shouted back, his face tightening into a snarl. "I've been dead for centuries! You can shoot me! Hell, I'll stand here and let you hit me! But I'll be back soon enough, and I won't be as gracious. So why don't you just accept that YOU'RE POWERLESS TO STOP WHAT'S COMING!?"
"Karin…" Rukia groaned in pain, reaching for her zanpakuto. "Karin, get… get away from him. I'll take-."
"You can't even stand up, Shinigami," Kokutō snapped, lifting his blade off his shoulders. "I doubt you could do anything to help her to begin with."
"Rukia, let me handle this!" Tears were already streaming down Karin's cheeks, her eyes wide. "I have to!"
Taking a few steps towards her, Kokutō chuckled, running his free hand through his tangled, white hair. "That's right, Karin," he spat. "Avenge your sister! Tear apart the whole world while you have the chance to! I'd love to see how far you get! Maybe you'll get farther than I ever did!" He shrugged, lifting his blade. "But I doubt it."
"This isn't just for Yuzu! It's for Ichigo, too!"
His grin faltered, brows furrowing. "What?"
Shifting her feet, Karin's head lowered, easing her erratic breathing. "I'm going to make sure that Ichigo makes it out of here alive, too!" she said. "Even if… if we have to both explain what happened to Yuzu to our dad. We're both getting out of here! I can at least save him, and Rukia, and everyone else who came to help us." She lifted her bow higher, the arrow aiming for his head. "Even if you come back, I'll make sure you go down again and again till we're safe!"
In that moment, despite all that happened, Karin watched as something took hold of Kokutō. His shoulders tightened, drawing close to his body. His teeth gritted, any trace of assurance he had in his stance vanishing. He looked… jealous. Angry. As if she had reminded him of something he'd tried to forget a while ago. "Then what the fuck are you waiting for?" he growled. "You better shoot to kill, KUROSAKI!"
Her fingers released, the heat of the arrow dissipating as it flew away from her fingertips. The world slowed around her, her feet moving too slow, his body lunging at her.
A weapon used in fear can maybe hit the target once. But it will never be affective.
Ryūken's words rang loudly between the beating of her heart, her body turning away from his as she tried to run; to gather Rukia and Yuzu and run.
Kokutō cried out in pain and in rage, the thud of his body hitting the stone floor echoing behind her as she approached Rukia.
A weapon is only as sure as its user.
"I've… got Yuzu!" Rukia winced, cradling Yuzu's body in her arms. Her zanpakuto sat in in her sash, pressing into her side. "Let's go!"
"Are you sure you can run?" Karin said, gripping her arm. "You don't look so-!"
"Just run! I'll be right behind you!" Adjusting her hold on Yuzu, Rukia shot a look over Karin's shoulder. "We have to go!"
Adrenaline shot through Karin, her legs pumping as fast as they could. She barely noticed that she was going faster than usual, avoiding obstacles with relative ease. She only had one goal in mind: get to Ichigo. Make sure he's safe. Get out of there as fast as they possibly could.
Something came out from her left, knocking her down and sending her flying. The pain that shot through her body was blinding, her screams filling the air. As she hit a wall, she could taste the blood that filled her mouth, streaming down her chin. She had no idea what it was, but as she opened her eyes, her blurry vision revealed a hunched, ragged Kokutō, blocking Rukia's path. His breathing was audible, a mix between a growl and a wheeze.
Karin knew she had hit him, but only managed to severely wound him.
Shit…
"Nice… try," Kokutō spat. His words were garbled, as if speaking through water. He coughed, spitting on the floor. "But you're little… friend there missed… her kill shot."
Get up! Karin's brain was screaming, her aching head heavy. GET UP! GET UP! GET UP, NOW! Her body shifted to the side, nearly falling as soon as she stood. Reaching up, she felt her face, feeling the large gash that went up her cheek. Her heart nearly stopped as she realized it had been his blade that knocked her back, coming dangerously close to her eye. The pain was unbearable, the gash nearly going straight through to the inside of her mouth. Her legs shook as she started to move, holding a hand over her cheek. He hadn't noticed her yet, all of his attention on Rukia.
Zanpakuto drawn, Rukia had set Yuzu gently on the ground, prepared to fight. "Maybe," she replied, "but I can assure you that I won't miss." Holding her blade out before her, turning it clockwise. "Dance, Sode no Shirayuki!" The temperature plummeted, delicate flakes of white emerging in the air as a white ribbon formed a semi-circle around Rukia's hand.
Karin tried to call out, but it was difficult to do between the blood and pain.
"Some no mai…"
The blade began to glow, ice crystals forming in the air as she quickly slashed through the air, drawing a circle with the tip.
"TSUKISHIRO!"
Before Karin could react, a column of ice shot up from the ground, overshadowing Kokutō and cutting through the ceiling. Stone crumbled around them, forcing Karin to duck down.
After several agonizing moments of waiting for the chaos to end, Karin could hear ice shattering. Moving through the darkness, she crawled upward, gasping for air and coughing as dust coated her tongue. Between the dust and glimmering ice pieces, she could see Rukia's silhouette, panting as she stood at the ready. A pang of fear filled Karin's gut, her eyes searching for signs of Kokutō. She got him, she thought, her shoulders drooping. She…
Chains shot out of the column of shattered ice, enveloping Rukia and lifting her in the air. Rukia's cries echoed, startling Karin into moving. SHIT! She fumbled with her cross, stumbling over rubble and stone. They missed again. Calm yourself, she scolded herself. You need a steady hand, dammit!
"SLOPPY!" Tossing Rukia away, Kokutō pushed through the wreckage. "Pathetic on both ends! Now which should I pick off first?"
The ground shook again, much worse this time. Karin slipped and fell into a crevice, skinning the back of her calves on the way down. Crying out again, she felt another kick of rage fill her again. Kill that bastard! KILL HIM ALREADY! Her body was on fire.
Shouts of a far-off battle could be heard in the distance, weaving around the rubble and past Karin. "HEY!" she screamed, climbing up again.
Kokutō's head snapped, coughing up another thick clot of blood before spitting out. His milky eye was visible now, the scarred flesh on his face wrinkling in rage as he realized she was still alive.
"Looks like you're not so good at aiming, either!" Her words slurred, but they were clear enough. Leaning against a boulder, she formed a shaky Heilig Bogen, her grip on the arrow iron type. "Guess we both need to aim higher!" She could see the spot where she hit him last, a large, gaping wound near the throat. It was a wonder he could still speak, let alone stand.
The smile on his face was horrible, a sound coming from his throat that resemble a laugh but was much closer to a failing car engine. "You think you're so smart," he rasped. "God, I'll be happy when the rest of you Kurosakis… are fuckin' dust beneath my feet!"
Amagai was frozen, staring down at the spot where Ichigo had been standing. The Kushanāda had gone stiff, unmoving as it awaited its next command. The longer he waited, however, the deeper his brows furrowed, his smile fading. He looked upset, glaring at the Kushanāda.
"Lift it," he demanded.
The being didn't budge, its golden eyes staring down.
"I SAID LIFT IT!"
Slowly, the giant blue-gray hand lifted, sand sifting between its giant fingers. The ground was obscured by dust and smoke, drifting away as the wind picked up.
"Dammit, this wasn't how it was supposed to be," he muttered, vanishing as he flash-stepped away, appearing in the epicenter of the handprint. "He was supposed to-."
"Supposed to what?"
Black metal lashed out, narrowly missing Amagai's neck. The Captain dipped down, turning on his heel to face Ichigo.
Their blades clashed once, twice, pulling back as they desperately tried to cut through either wielder. "Well," Amagai said through gritted teeth, "I suppose that explains why it didn't work!"
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" With another swipe, Ichigo pulled in closer, slashing through the air with feral rage. "Quit screwing with me, you bastard!"
He could barely hold back his laughter, dodging a flurry of attack after attack, watching as Ichigo's fury unleashed around him. "Oh, look at you!" Amagai's voice cracked as he effortlessly parried and sidestepped, reveling in Ichigo's frustration. "You look so lost, so confused. It's almost comical! You've been left in the dark about so much in the past few months that I wouldn't know where to begin!"
With a roar, Ichigo unleashed a churning stream of an uncalled Getsuga Tensho, its haunting wail echoing across the desolate landscape.
"But… I suppose you should know who you're up against," Amagai called, his voice echoing in the dying roar. "It would only be fair."
A/N: Hi guys :)
It's been a hot minute. Just a heads up about my free time/schedule/etc.
I'm currently doing a ton of new things, including training for a new position at my job, writing for an event, among other things that are popping up in my life. I have no idea if it will further delay my schedule for writing as is (currently at least once a month), but if I take longer to post new chapters, that's why. Things are hectic, but not in a bad way. So just be aware. I'm not planning to go on hiatus right now, but if I push over a month to get a new chapter out, just be patient (but you guys usually are and I appreciate it).
Anyways, enjoy!