Chapter 59

Más Conquistadores II

Aaron, having a good hunch what came next, didn't flinch when Ichigo unleashed his Bankai. Black energy swept across the skies of Karakura Town. Alhough Aaron thought it ridiculous, Ichigo felt stronger than ever. The power swirling about didn't shake Grimmjow nearly as much. He actually grinned.

"Bankai again, eh? Same old shit. Remember how hard I kicked your ass the first time we fought?"

Ichigo countered, "Don't forget it was this Bankai that gave you that scar."

Grimmjow smirked no longer. Aaron, meanwhile, didn't think pissing off an Espada was such a good idea.

Then again, it's Kurosaki we're talking about here. So, these two really have fought before. No wonder Kurosaki was in such a hurry to get here.

He hoped that also meant Ichigo knew what he was getting into fighting Grimmjow alone.

"I wonder if that hurts…"

His eyes trained on the stump where the Grimmjow's left arm should have been.

"What happened to your arm?" asked Ichigo at nearly the same time.

"Heh. I threw it away. I don't need two of 'em to kill you."

"...Is that right?"

Aaron's eyes widened when Ichigo's spiritual pressure took another climb. He really did have to brace himself now.

"In that case, there's no need for me to hold back, Grimmjow."

"You'd die if you did, Shinigami!"

The pose Ichigo took threw Aaron for another loop.

He's going to Hollowfy already?

Genuine shock came over Grimmjow once dark energy burst from Ichigo's being. Aaron made haste to Flash Step to a safe distance.

"He's overdoing it...like usual…"

Wide-eyed, Grimmjow got a load of Ichigo's mask. "...What the fuck is that?!"

"Sorry. I don't have time to give out explanations."

Ichigo vanished into thin air. Alarmed, Aaron wasn't sure how, but Grimmjow managed to block Ichigo's Zangetsu at the last possible second. The sheer force of the blow shattered nearby windows. Miraculously, Grimmjow managed to hold his ground.

That wasn't to say Ichigo didn't have him right where he wanted him.

"Getsuga Tenshou."

The point-blank attack spawned an incredible explosion, one that threatened to sweep away everything around it. That included Aaron. He grit his teeth, planting his Zanpakutou into the ground to hold himself down.

"Maybe save some for the rest of the Arrancar, Kurosaki."

#

Sasune and Konoka arrived on the battlefield at long last. The scene before them didn't disappoint.

"That's them?" asked Konoka, pointing to the various figures in the distance.

"The Arrancar? Either that, or they're out of season trick-or-treaters," replied Sasune. He took heed of the Shinigami around as well. All of them had clearly seen better days. "Looks like we arrived just in time."

On second thought, he felt running wasn't such a bad idea in light of how bleak things seemed.

"Don't even thinkin' about runnin', Pretty Boy, unless you want me to break your neck."

"...Fuck."

He sighed. Going around saving Shinigami really wasn't how he yearned to spend his day.

"The things I do for love," he grumbled. "Alright, what the hell is going on over there?"

Out of the three Arrancar on the scene, one in particular stood out. That had something to do with them ensnaring each of the Shinigami in what Sasune could only assume were tentacles.

"Yeah, I've seen this hentai before. Who's the hot chick?"

"Don't care. You deal with her."

"Huh? Where are you…?"

Konoka sped toward the remaining foes before Sasune could stop her.

"Uh...have fun?"

The Arrancar she entrusted him with busied cackling at their ensnared prey. They stopped when Sasune made his presence known.

"Oh? Another one? You don't look like a Shinigami to me."

Slipping on his glasses, the Quincy replied, "If you're trying to insult me, congrats."

He counted the number of writhing tentacles coming from the Arrancar's back.

Eight, huh? Is this an Arrancar's release then?

"Shoo. I'm not interested in small fry," the Arrancar told him.

"Funny. Neither am I."

His foe smirked, amused by the reply. "...Luppi Antenor. I'm the Sexta Espada."

"More like the sexy Espada. ...Shit, I said that out loud." Sasune cleared his throat. "Sasune Ishida. The pleasure is all yours. Sorry about the arrow I'm about to put in your head, by the way."

He formed his crimson bow to do exactly that. The sight of it caused Luppi's eyes to grow with curiosity.

#

"Hey, ugly."

Konoka wasn't sure who she meant. Neither of the Arrancar before her were all that pleasant to look at. The huge one grinning at her especially got her skin crawling. The other resembled a child. If he had any inkling of what was going on, Konoka couldn't tell. He busied staring off into space.

"I'm gonna pound both your faces in, so who wants to go first?"

"And who the hell are you?" Yammy Llargo stepped up to the plate. "Ah, who cares? Luppi hogging all the fun was pissing me off. Since you ain't collapsing from my spiritual pressure, I guess you ain't trash."

Konoka gripped her emerald necklace. "Nah, but you're gonna be."

Green light illuminated the park. It drew Wonderweiss Margela's attention away from a fluttering dragonfly, and he shifted his head in confusion.

"Neat trick," Yammy noted as he beheld the dazzling, golden armor adorning Konoka. "What kind of Shinigami trick is that?"

"Sorry. I don't speak troll."

Konoka twirled her double-sided glaive before charging in for the kill. Much to her shock, however, her blade bounced harmlessly off of Yammy's skin. He reached out to grab her, but a swift use of Bringer Light moved her to safety.

"The hell was that? You trying to tickle me?" Yammy said.

Annoyed, Konoka mumbled, "Alright, so you're a tough troll."

#

"And this clown is supposed to save us?"

Yumichika Ayasegawa, countless injuries aside, managed to spit out a laugh at the prospect.

"If you wanna die, be my guest," Sasune replied. He spotted Rangiku, or more specifically, her ample bosom. His tongue just about rolled out of his lips. "My lady, do you require assistance? Never fear! Your shining night, Sasune Ishida, is here! Ah, but you're being ensnared by a beautiful, albiet nowhere near as shapely, lady. What to do? What to do?"

Lifting an eyebrow, Rangiku came around to Yumichika's line of thinking.

"Should we tell him?" asked Ikkaku Madarame with a smirk. "No, it'll be more fun when he figures it out on his own."

"What are you talking about, baldy?"

Sasune didn't have time to find out. From the corner of his eye, he noted a mob of tentacles about to plow through him. Some well-timed arrows knocked them off course, with another volley freeing Luppi's victims.

"How revolting," Yumichika said with a look of absolute disgust. "I'd rather die than suffer such an undignified rescue. Somehow, this guy is even more repulsive than the Espada."

"...You're welcome," Sasune snarled. He scooted close to Rangiku, leading her to inch away. "Do you remember me, my love? I fell for you the moment our eyes locked!"

"Uh…?"

"Marry me!"

"Uh…?!"

The color drained from Rangiku's bloodied face when he took her hand and planted a sweet kiss on it. Yumichika felt like puking, whereas Ikkaku couldn't stop laughing.

"Sorry, I'm afraid I already claimed that sexy body of hers," said Luppi.

The comment was music to Sasune's ears. "So, that's how you girls play, eh?"

"That's an interesting weapon you have there. By the way, I'm a guy."

"Yeah, you're a guy alright. A hot, sexy guy that I'd like to take to the movies one of these..."

Sasune gagged despite drinking nothing. Ikkaku howled even louder.

"...One sec."

Sasune wandered off. Everyone quickly understood why, recoiling at the sound of him puking up his breakfast.

"Who is this guy?" wondered Yumichika.

Rangiku, rubbing her tainted hand on her robes, answered, "I don't care. Just keep him far, faraway from me."

Though taking a tremendous effort, Ikkaku managed to spit the remainder of his chortles out.

"Not...funny…"

A queasy, purple-faced Sasune reemerged. He waved his hand to show he was alright...not that anyone cared.

"You know," he began, positively fuming, "I was already gonna kill you, Arrancar, but I think I'll rip your freakin' dick off before then!"

"Oh?" Luppi licked his lips. "Interesting. Let's see if you can stop my eight-way attack again."

"...Great. More hentai." Sasune crafted an arrow and pointed it straight at Luppi's heart. "I'm not really a fan of yaoi."

#

Konoka swung her glaive for the fences. Considering she was putting all of her strength behind her blows, she was understandably baffled at Yammy blocking with his bare hands.

"What's with the toothpick?" the Diez Espada wondered. "You ain't gettin' through my Hierro like that!"

"Didn't I say I don't speak troll?!"

Konoka thrust her staff into Yammy's neck. Other than making him cackle, she didn't accomplish much.

"And didn't I just say that shitty stick can't…"

Emerald light flood Yammy's shrinking pupils. Wonderweiss was again drawn to the battle, wowed by a massive explosion. Konoka came out of the smoke unscathed, a credit to the durability of her armor. Much to her annoyance, the same could be said for Yammy.

"Alright, I kinda felt that one, like a mosquito bite!"

"...I'm gonna rip your heart out."

Konoka's senses alerted her to a surprise attack. Despite this, her blood still spilled. She hollered in pain, clutching a deep gash on her right side.

"I forgot about you," she said to Wonderweiss, panting. His hand dripped with her blood, the same hand that had nearly put a fatal hole in her. "Two-on-one, eh? ...Can't say I ain't used to gettin' jumped."

"Oy! Wonderweiss! Stay outta this! I'm finally having fun over here," said Yammy. Wonderweiss only gave his compatriot a vacant stare. "Right. Forgot you're a total freak."

Konoka thought him one to talk.

Damn. This...is bad. That guy might've only clipped me, but he clipped me good.

So good that her vision started to blur. She leered at the gash in her armor, unsure how Wonderweiss had gotten through it so easily.

"Giving up already, small fry?"

Konoka took her focus off Yammy for a split second. That was all it took for him to sneak behind her and drive his fist onto her skull. She plummeted like a meteor, landing with a sickening impact.

"What a waste of time," said Yammy with a yawn. "And here I was hoping to have an excuse to release my Zanpakutou."

#

Grimmjow too was in trouble. Blood poured from every inch of him, courtesy of Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshou. His onlookers thought it a miracle he remained upright.

"Bastard!" he growled Ichigo's way. "This ain't the power of a Shingami! Just what the fuck have you been doing this past month?!"

Ichigo offered another Getsuga instead of spilling his secrets. Grimmjow employed his Zanpakutou to fend it off, only for Ichigo to zip behind him and ready another.

"I told you—I don't have time to explain."

The combined offensive sent a battered Grimmjow hurtling toward the ground. Ichigo shot after him, intent on ending things.

"Looks I really didn't have to jump in," Aaron mused. "I really wish he wouldn't..."

Something hit him like a truck. Pressing his hand against his head, he picked up on Konoka's spiritual pressure, or at least, what was left of it. "Konoka…?"

His head whipped around as if she was close by. While he couldn't pinpoint her location, he could tell she was near a number of alarming energies.

"Sasune's there too. Why the hell are they…?"

His mindset returned to the battle when the falling Grimmjow fired a defensive Cero. Ichigo had to stop his pursuit to deflect it. Grimmjow used the opening to go on the attack. Ichigo, whirling around, blocked with ease. He did the same when the Arrancar resorted to hacking wildly.

"Dammit! Die already!"

"It's over, Grimmjow!"

Ichigo could taste victory. He shoved Grimmjow back and created an opening.

One final swing.

Everyone present knew that's all it would take. For a fleeting moment, Grimmjow showed a genuine look of fear.

That fear transformed into shock when Ichigo's mask abruptly shattered.

"You're damn right it's over, Shinigami!"

Grimmjow, unwilling to look a gift horse in the mouth, slashed a paralyzed Ichigo across the chest.

"KUROSAKI!"

Aaron watched his friend tumble.

And tumble.

And tumble.

Even worse, Grimmjow tumbled after him. The Arrancar readied to carve through his thorn in the side.

A blue Cero put a stop that, nearly blowing his head off.

"I'm tagging in!"

Aaron, Seigetsu in hand, made a beeline for Grimmjow.

The sight of his mask prompted Grimmjow to declare, "What the hell?! You've got the same powers as this punk!"

"Something like that..."

Aaron swarmed on his opponent in the blink of an eye. Grimmjow might have held off Seigetsu, but Aaron's herculean strength came close to breaking his remaining arm.

"Fuck you! I came here to fight that other bastard, not you!"

"Like I give a damn. Way of Binding Number Sixty-Three! Locking Bondage Stripes!"

Thick, yellow energy ropes coiled around Grimmjow.

"Dumbass. You think this'll hold me?"

Aaron, holding out his hand, replied, "Do all Espada talk as much as you? Way of Destruction Number Fifty-Eight. Orchid Sky."

His blue tachi spun like a top. It moved faster and faster until it became a blur. It crafted an enormous twister, one that swallowed up a cursing Grimmjow. It threw him through several buildings.

"Shit, shit, shit!"

He fired a Cero behind him to slow himself down. The hard concrete streets of Karakura Town made for a bumpy landing, though he considered it better than being trapped in a whirlwind.

"Bastard!" he spat as Aaron approached him.

Removing his mask, the object of his ire said, "I don't have time for this. I need to go and help my friends. Run or die. I don't care which."

"The hell did you just say?! You think I'd run from the likes of you?!"

"Like I said, I don't care. You…"

Aaron froze. While he might have held out his Zanpakutou threateningly, he didn't think that any reason for Grimmjow to sweat bullets.

"What the hell are you doing here?!"

It finally clicked to Aaron that Grimmjow wasn't speaking to him. By the time he turned around to greet their new guest, the person in question had already cut him down.

"Aaron Higuchi, correct? It's a pleasure to meet you. ...Or I suppose I should say it was."

Time seemed to slow to a crawl. As Aaron fell, he got a full glimpse of his attacker.

He refused to believe it.

The sneering face staring back at him might have been slightly concealed by a hood, but there was no mistaking it.

"K-Kana…?!"

#

"Okay, how about we skip to the part where you stop kicking our asses?"

Sasune wiped the blood out of his eyes and pretended every inch of him didn't hurt.

"If you whip me with those dumbass tentacles one more time, you're gonna owe me dinner!"

"Oh, sorry," Luppi replied coyly. "You all just make such easy targets. Is this really the best a bunch of Shinigami and...hmm. I actually don't know what you are, four-eyes."

"Ditto to you."

"If you two are done flirting," said Yumichika, shaking his head, "we still need a way to beat this clown."

"I'm still not cool with ganging up on him like this," Ikkaku made clear. "This is boring."

"Right, because dancing on the edge of death is 'boring," replied Rangiku scathingly. She leered toward the ground, gritting her teeth. "Assuming the Captain isn't dead, we could really use his help right about now."

"Never fear, my lady!"

"Oh no…!"

Sasune ignored the loathing in her voice. "I, the world's greatest Quincy, shall see that no harm befalls you! ...Well, no more harm anyway."

Luppi, frowning, noted, "I feel like I'm being ignored."

His spinning tentacles clobbered everyone as punishment. Though reeling, Sasune managed to fire a number of arrows. Luppi wrapped his arms around himself, blocking them.

"Ugh. This a drag. No offense."

Luppi raised an eyebrow, not getting it. He shrugged the remark off and spawned deadly needles at the ends of his tentacles.

"How dull. I came here thinking I'd have some fun, but…"

He blinked. In the midst of his taunting, Ikkaku caught him from behind, wrapping his arms tightly around him.

"I ain't good at this 'teamwork' thing, but I think I'll make an exception in light of how much you're pissing me off."

"And what exactly is this supposed to do?"

Luppi readied to tear him limb from limb.

"Growl, Haineko!"

Before his tentacles got the chance, a thick cloud of ash surrounded them. Luppi hastily covered his mouth, his head shooting all around.

"What...is this?"

The ash swirled, becoming a powerful twister. It cut at his skin the moment he moved. From the storm, an irate Luppi spotted Rangiku smirking at him.

"I'll pay you back for handling me so roughly."

"Damn you! You think this is enough to stop me?!"

"No. That's why, I'm here."

Looking like death itself, Yumichika came into plain view. Unlike Luppi, who could hardly move, Yumichika had no issues maneuvering around the spiraling ash.

"I can control who and what Haineko's ash effects," Rangiku explained.

Yumichika, drawing his sword, added, "A neat trick. I suppose you're a Vice-Captain for a reason."

"Hurry it up, Yumichika! This shit's getting in my eyes," voiced Ikkaku. "Hey, if you can control the ash, then get off of me already."

Rangiku let out a few mischievous giggles. "Oh, sorry…"

"Sorry my ass, you bit…!"

"Shut the hell up already!" snapped Luppi. "It's not like you can even attack me without cutting through your friend!"

"So? What's your point?"

Yumichika's ice cold reply chilled Luppi to the bone. The Arrancar realized he was serious.

"If I die alongside you, it just means I wasn't cut out for the Eleventh Division," Ikkaku stated, glowing with pride. "Let's make a gamble—which one of us makes it to hell first?"

"D-DAMN YOU!"

Luppi flailed his tentacles all about. Unable to see straight, it got him nowhere.

"Is that genuine panic I see?" Yumichika relished every moment of it as he inched closer and closer. "Here's a tip for you and the rest of your Arrancar brethren—never underestimate the Gotei Thirteen."

"ENOUGH!"

Luppi spun his tentacles again, this time employing them to blow away Rangiku's ash. Crying out in a blind fury, he thrust his arms at his opponents, ensnaring them once more. The sight of their astonished faces caused him to roar with laughter.

"I'll admit you had me nervous there. However, I think it's time I twist those heads of yours clean off!"

A sadistic smile spread across his lips as spikes grew from the ends of his free tentacles. He inched them toward his soon to be victims and couldn't wait to hear their bloodcurdling screams.

Despite looking death straight on, Yumichika chuckled. "Look down, imbecile."

"What?"

"I got you."

Luppi, puzzled, did indeed look down. His eyes widened at the glowing sword in his chest. He spotted Yumichika's Zanpakutou still at its owner's side, leaving him even more bewildered. He could actually see his energy pouring out of the wound.

"That's not a sword," someone announced from below. "Quincies only use arrows, after all."

Luppi gazed at awe at the glimmering pentagon around Sasune. The same 'sword' rested at each point of the shape. Luppi's leaking energy was clearly fueling it, growing brighter as he grew weaker.

"Seele Schneider. I stole them from my good for nothing father while he wasn't looking. All you need to know is that it's the weapon that's going to help end you. And the technique that will finish the job," Sasune whipped out a silver tube, "is called Sprenger."

He tipped the tube over, spilling its contents onto his seal.

Luppi didn't even have time to scream.

Everyone ducked for cover as explosive pillar of energy enveloped the Sexta Espada.

#

"What the hell is that?"

Yammy gazed up at the column of light as it rose higher and higher.

"Don't tell me Luppi went and lost," he muttered. Comrade aside, the idea amused him to no end. "Stupid prick. That's what he gets for talking so much crap."

"You...would know…"

Yammy, looking ahead, spotted a huffing and puffing Konoka return to the fray. Her armor was chipped and broken in various places, and blood oozed down the side of her head. Her Maternal Gift was snapped in two, though that didn't stop her out from holding it out threateningly.

"So, you're still alive and kicking. Not bad for trash."

Konoka heard static, which coincided with Yammy disappearing. She didn't have to wait long to figure out what happened. Suddenly standing in front of her, he wrapped one of his giant hands around her throat.

"Heh. I'm gonna break you neck like a twig."

Konoka, dropping her weapon, scratched and clawed at his arm to no avail. His strength was unprecedented, even for the Red-Haired Beast. Gagging, she quickly found herself fading.

"That won't do. I can't have you manhandling one of my most loyal customers."

A wave of scarlet energy came short of severing Yammy down the middle. The huge gash it left caused him to release his victim. Konoka would have slammed into the ground if not for the timely intervention of her savior.

"Good afternoon, Miss Mitsumi. Funny meeting you here."

"Ura...hara?"

"The one and only!"

It had to be Kisuke Urahara. Konoka didn't know anyone else who could sound so chipper during such dire circumstances. He laid her carefully on the ground before facing a furious Yammy.

"How the hell did you cut through my Hierro, bastard?!"

"My, my. That isn't a nice thing to call someone who came all the way here to see you."

"SCREW YOU!"

Yammy drove his fist toward Urahara. However, he only split apart the ground. Urahara stood behind him without so much as a scratch.

"Let's try this again. I'm Kisuke Urahara. I run the Urahara Shop, a mom and pop candy store. Why not stop by later if you have some free time?"

He snapped to attention just as Wonderweiss struck from the rear. He fended the boy off with the same technique he used against Yammy. Wonderweiss, cackling like a fiend, skidded to a stop.

"You're a durable one, aren't you? Strange too. You all picked a hell of a day to come out."

"Stop talking shit, old man and watch out!"

Urahara heeded Konoka's warning, dodging the almost unseeable bolt of energy slung his way.

"Whoa boy! That one surprised me! Tell me...what was it you did just now? I don't believe I've ever seen it before."

"OLD MAN!"

Konoka was too late the second time. The same attack nailed Urahara in the back of the head. He toppled over a smoldering wreck.

"GAHAHAHAHAHA! I'll tell you what it was!" Yammy proclaimed. "Bala! You harden your energy and fire it! It's not as strong as Cero, but it's twenty times faster!"

He gave Urahara a whole platter of Balas, launching them rapid fire.

"Chew on this! Try dodging, asshole! Bet you can't! GAHAHAHAHA! Die, you bucket hat-wearing prick!"

"Shut...the fuck up...already," Konoka groaned. Trying to stand proved to be a bad, and excruciating, idea. "Old man…"

"Are you truly concerned for me, Miss Mitsumi? I'm touched."

Yammy spun around. He clenched his teeth at the sight of Urahara, who was once again no worse for the wear.

"Your master is gonna get mad at you for making such a mess of things!" he chimed in a singsong tone. Yammy took a swipe at him, only for Urahara to Flash Step to safety.

"H-How in the hell did you…?!"

"Survive? Hmm. ...Why not take a guess?"

Yammy shook in a burning fury. "Are you mocking me?! Don't turn my questions back on me, asshole!" He unleashed yet another Bala. "Ha! Idiot! I'll smash you into…!"

He grew as rigid as a statue thanks to the Zanpakutou pointed at his throat.

"I've seen you fire off more than enough of those by now." Urahara no longer sounded, or looked, like he was playing around. A dangerous glint flashed in his small, gray eyes. "I'm afraid you won't be hitting me with any more of them."

Red energy issued from his blade and swept Yammy aside like he was a mere piece of garbage.

"You're shitting me," Konoka uttered. "You're tellin' me...a bum like him can actually fight?"

#

While having already traveled across the Dangai once before, an apprehensive Orihime had to admit the place still gave her the creeps. Her nerves told her it would close around her any moment now.

"Nervous?" Kana asked, dashing beside her.

"A-A little…"

"Don't worry. Those Arrancar jerks might've gotten the jump on us before, but we're ready this time. They're going down!"

Kana flexed her muscles. While they might have been small, Orihime wasn't foolish enough to doubt her confidence.

"Besides, Captain Hitsugya is on the job. I bet those freaks are already crying for their mommies."

With a frail smile, Orihime said, "Maybe you're right."

"Wait for us, ladies!"

A pair of Shinigami joined them.

"We'll guide you!" one of them energetically noted, looking more than a little happy being with a pair of beautiful women.

The other, far more composed, explained, "Captain Ukitake just wants to make sure Miss Inoue gets back to her world safely."

"I had the situation under control…" a pouting Kana noted.

"Forgive us. We know this is a bother."

Kana, though still annoyed, couldn't complain with having a few more blades around. The bad feeling that hung over her while in Soul Society had returned in full force.

No, I need to stop it

Her friends were alright. No way they would lose to the likes of the Arrancar. Panicking would neither help nor make her move faster.

Besides, Rukia went ahead, and she wouldn't let anything happen to…

"I didn't expect a whole army, but I thought Soul Society would be smart enough to give you more than three escorts."

Everyone stopped. Reluctantly, Orihime turned around. A tear in the dimension—a Garganta—opened.

"It would appear they never consider you're most vulnerable while traveling."

The opening ripped enough to reveal an imposing figure. With his hands in his pocket, he stepped into the open, his cold, green eyes sizing up those in front of him. Kana, bewildered, noted a pale-faced Orihime shaking in her boots.

"I...take it you're acquainted? Alright, who exactly is tall, white, and freaky?"
Kana got the eerie sensation that their guest was staring right through her.

Jeez! His spiritual pressure is insane! Is he an Espada then? How the heck did he get in here so easily?!

It was a struggle to even move her hand toward her Zanpakutou. His energy was simply that encompassing.

Leering around, Ulquiorra Cifer remarked, "The lack of resistance is a bit anticlimactic. Having these irritating walls taken care of though is convenient since I have no urge to rush things."

"Who are you?!" One of the Shinigami cried. "An Arrancar?!"

Ulquiorra lifted a hand out of his pocket. The gesture might have appeared casual, but Orihime knew better.

"H-Hold on! You have something you want to say, right?!"

The right side of the man beside her burst into bloody chunks. It happened so abruptly that Orihime prayed it had only been her imagination.

"Yes, Orihime Inoue," said Ulquiorra, lowering his hand. "We need to talk."

Kana, shuttering as she stared at the fallen corpse of her comrade, tossed her fears aside.

"Mitarashi, no!"

"You're gonna pay for that, you son of a…!"

A second Bala not only cut Kana off, he blew her off her entire left arm.

"W-Wha…?"

Orihime watched as she toppled over, stopping short of screaming at the top of her lungs.

Things had become an absolute nightmare.

"Santen Kishun!"

A barrier spread over her comrades. With that out of the way, she turned back to her remaining one, who seemed frozen in fear.

"RUN! Please!"

"B-But…!"

"I'll be fine! Go!"

He never got the chance. Ulquiorra blew him away too. The man's blood splattered against Orihime. Though she lost control of her breathing, she still had enough sense left to extend her healing field over Ulquiorra's latest victim.

"What an interesting power," the Arrancar noted as Kana's arm reformed. Even the men he had blown to bits were slowly regenerating. "You can heal them even if almost nothing is left."

"You…"

"Don't speak. Don't say a word. You needn't do anything but come with me. You will agree. Anything less and I will kill all of your friends."

Those friends appeared with the wave of Ulquiorra's hand. At least, their images did, displayed on monitors behind the Arrancar. They were battered, bloodied, and seemingly on their last legs.

"You will agree," Ulquiorra echoed. "You are now a prisoner. You have no rights. The only thing you are in control of is whether or not the noose around your friends' necks tightens. This is not a negotiation. It's an order. My liege is in need of your abilities. I have orders to bring you back alive. The same can't be said for your allies. Decide now."

Orihime thought that unfair. There was no decision to make. Biting her bottom lip, she questioned how she could feel so powerless. She had shed her blood, sweat, and tears over the past few months to face down the very enemy before her.

And yet, as her arms slacked at her sides, she could do nothing, nothing at all.

"A-Alright, I'll…"

"Forget it, pal! You're kinda hot...in a creepy, goth sorta way, but she ain't interested!"

Wheezing, Kana stood. She stretched her left arm, both amazed and a bit off put at how good it felt.

"Your powers really are something else, Orihime. ...I could've taken this asshole with one arm though."

"Mitarashi, you have to run!"

"Nah, we're passed that point. Just tend to those guys." Kana drew her blade, the side of her mouth twitching in ire. "I didn't catch your name, pasty. You know what? I don't care!"

She dashed toward him...

"You are Kana Mitarashi."

...only to freeze at her own name.

"And how exactly do you know me? I've got enough fanboys as it is."

"You really do resemble Arashi Mitarashi. Nonetheless, you're nothing but trash."

Out of all the names Kana thought she would hear, her brother's was the absolute last.

"...How the hell do you know that name?! Answer me!"

"I have no reason to, especially when you're about to die."

"You first."

Kana could at least take comfort in one thing.

They clearly weren't talking about the same Arashi.

"Wanna see something cool?!"

As if ripping something, Kana ran her fingers down her face. Ulquiorra, normally calm and collected, displayed a measure of surprise at a Hollow's mask covering her visage.

"I've been meaning to try this out," Kana stated in a warped voice. "You seem like a pretty good punching bag."

"You have the same power as those boys. No matter."

He wasn't so nonchalant about the development once blue light filled the Dangai. Kana held a Cero in the palm of her hand, and she wasted little time in unleashing it upon Ulquiorra.

END