Sorry for the wait lmao. Video games have been taking up my free time.
Updates for this story might slow down for a bit.
With the TYBW anime dropping tomorrow I want to see what new content they're going to add specifically for Yhwach's invasion of Hueco Mundo. Seems like they're going to expand upon that. I don't see this portion of the story reaching 20 chapters. I honestly thought this story would've been longer lol. I think we would've started the TYBW by now tbh.
Yeah there will be a sequel to this story titled "Hurricane" which will cover the Blood War. It'll drop when the final chapter of this story drops.
A Decision Is Made
It hasn't even been a full day since the sudden arrival of Tia Halibel in the Soul Society. She sat in her cell awaiting her sentence. Whatever that may be. At the very least her cell had a nice view of outside.
A gorgeous blue sky with the sun shining. The polar opposite of Hueco Mundo's black sky. Tia actually found herself enjoying the view the cell offered. It was a welcomed change.
Things definitely didn't go according to plan. All she wanted was to just simply wanted to reunite with her fraccion and return to Hueco Mundo.
But of course things were not that simple. Her former opponent, Yujiro had saved her life, assisted searching for her fallen fraccion and even argued with his Grandfather, the Head Captain of the Gotei 13 on her behalf. It was a strange turn of events for sure. She doesn't exactly know what to make of the entire situation.
Tia hears footsteps beside her, she turns to see Yujiro holding a tray of food.
"Uhhh. Here. I brought you this. I dunno how you eat with the mask on but..." He stops talking as he slides the tray under the bars. He noticed that her Zanpakuto was missing. No doubt they confiscated it.
Tia stared at the tray then back at him. "You are quite reckless."
Yujiro snorts in amusement. "I don't need to hear that from somebody stuck in a jail cell."
"You were about to hit your leader in the back of the head."
Yujiro looks away with a evil smile on his face. "Wouldn't be the first time." Feeling proud of himself. Wonderful memories flashing through his mind.
"You're lucky you're not dead."
"Guess we have something in common then eh? Oh I almost forgot." Yujiro reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a small black box. Holding it through the bars of the cell. He starts explaining to her. "Some humans keep the ashes of their loved ones. Sometimes they spread the ashes. I don't know if you have a place that has fond memories of them but if you do, you can find that special place and spread their ashes there if you wish."
Tia raises an eyebrow.
"I couldn't find the rest of their ashes. Sorry. The clean up crew had already started cleaning stuff up once I got there."
She stands and makes her way over to him and accepts it. "...Thank you, Yujiro."
"It's no big deal."
Yujiro looks around, spreading his senses out for any incoming Shinigami. He gestures for her to come closer. He starts whispering. "Worst case scenario, If they do decide to execute you, I'll sneak into the geezer's office and steal your zanpakuto, once I meet up with you, you'll use that portal thing and we'll go to Hueco Mundo."
"Why're you doing all of this?" She looks at him with a puzzled expression. Waiting for his answer.
"Because you're not all that bad. You Arrancar are capable of feeling, making friends and being something more than beasts controlled by your instincts. And I don't want this outdated system to do anymore wrong. Not if I can do something about it."
"You don't need to look after me."
"I know. You're only here 'cause of me. So I guess I feel obligated to do so."
She remains silent for a second. "Well you seem hellbent on helping. I doubt there's anything I can say to you to make you change your mind."
Yujiro offers a toothy grin. "You already know me so well Tia. You don't mind if I call you Tia, do you?."
Tia shakes her head. "Tia or Halibel doesn't matter."
"Alright." Yujiro nods and starts to walk away. He stops, looking back at her. "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst yeah? See ya later Tia."
"Perhaps I..." Halibel fights to get the words out. Causing him to stop and turn around. "Perhaps I misjudged you."
Yujiro arches an eyebrow. "Hm?"
"At first I thought you were just another Soul Reaper. You have my respect. Thank you for everything."
"Don't thank me for everything just yet. We're still waiting on the Central 46 and the fossil's decision." Yujiro rubs his temple. "Honestly, I'm really sorry about this whole mess. I wish there was a much cleaner way of handling this. Ain't much I can do aside from yelling expletives at them. Well I gotta get going, gonna be late for breakfast. Take care Tia." With that he runs off. Leaving Tia alone with her thoughts.
As Yuji made his way to the mess hall, his mind went over all the things that he wanted to do today. Assuming everything with Tia went well, he'd visit Ichigo, then check in on Shunsui and Jushiro.
On his way to the mess hall, he heard some commotion up ahead.
"Ha!" A Soul Reaper and his friend laughed. "Look it's Hanataro! What're you doing here huh? I bet your ass wouldn't have lasted two seconds during the battle in Fake Karakura Town or the Hollow's invasion here!"
"Hey come on...I'm just trying to go get some breakfast..." Hanataro tried to defend himself.
"Oh? Hungry are ya? Well how about you fetch me my and my frend here some lu-"
"Ahem!" The sound of someone clearing their throat caused the two Soul Reapers to look over to the source.
The two Shinigami that was bullying Hanataro began sweating. Eyes popping from their sockets.
"Yujiro!" Hanataro feels relieved.
"You idiots better leave." Yujiro tells them. Letting his Reiatsu spike slightly. "Unless you want to lose your ability to walk again, I'd leave him alone."
"It's Yamamoto's grandson! Oh shit!" Both Shinigami starts running away. "Forgive me sir! It'll never happen again!"
Yujiro smiles as he watches Hanataro's bullies fade into the distance. "You alright?"
"Yeah. Thank you."
"C'mon. Let's go. I think it'd be better if you stick with me." The lightning Soul Reaper suggests.
Hanataro nods and the two begin walking. Feeling grateful for the save. "I heard what happened."
Yujiro looks at the medic with a questioning look. "Huh? What're you talking about?"
"You and the tercera. Word has been spreading around."
"Really?"
"Yea. I heard most of the members in my division talking about it."
"And?"
"...Not a lot of people agree with what you did... They've been saying you should've killed her instead."
Yujiro snorts and rolls his eyes. Stopping in front of the mess hall. "Well if anyone has a problem with it, they can always talk to me about it."
Yujiro opens the door stepping inside, holding it for Hanataro to walk through. As the two step inside, eyes soon fall upon the grandson of Yamamoto. A large portion of them giving him weird looks. Some of the others were preoccupied with their food or they simply didn't care. From what Yujiro can see, he doesn't spot any familiar faces. The Soul Reapers he's friends with must've already ate or something.
"Cowards." Yujiro smirks as he and Hanataro get their breakfast. Carrying their trays with them.
The both of them sit at an empty table. From the look on Hanataro's face, it was obvious he wasn't comfortable with all of the hostility in the atmosphere.
"Hey." Yujiro calls him. Catching his attention. A confident smirk on his face. "Don't worry about it. Nothing bad is gonna happen. Besides most of the people in here haven't even learned their Shikai. They couldn't touch me even with my eyes closed."
"Uhh Yujiro..." Hanataro trails off.
"What?"
Hanataro points behind him. Making Yujiro turn around. He's met with a bunch of angry looks from the Shinigami inside. Yujiro says nothing as he lets his reiatsu flare up a bit. A smug grin on his face as if he's saying "try me." Making them turn back around. Turning back around to face Hanataro.
"Don't antagonize them Yujiro." Hanataro chides the younger Yamamoto.
"They're not gonna do anything." Yujiro snorts as he begins eating his food. "Grandson of the Captain Commander, remember?"
"Yeah but still..."
Yujiro stares at his drink for a second. "Guess this name is good for something huh?"
"Even if they tried to do something, they couldn't. I'm the strongest person in this room right now."
While it was true Hanataro doesn't seem satisfied with that response.
"Hey." Yujiro says as he takes a sip of his drink. Feeling grateful that they finally started adding coffee. "Do you know how Ichigo's doing?"
"From what I know, he's still unconscious. He should wake up soon though. I don't know when exactly. That was crazy though, he took down Aizen..."
Yujiro hums. Finishing his food. "I'm jealous. Would've loved to finish that bastard myself."
"He's in Muken now right?"
"Yeah. I think they're still deciding his sentence. If you ask me, the old man should just incinerate him. Giving him a sentence is foolish."
"At least we won't have to worry about him for a long time though."
"True. But there's no telling what he'll do when he gets out. I doubt Aizen would let all those years of planning go to waste just because he failed once." Yujiro sighs. Thinking about the possibilities.
"Well there's nothing we can do about it."
"I hate that you're right." Yujiro sighs and stands up. Taking his coffee with him. "I'll see ya later Hanataro. If anyone else gives you trouble don't be afraid to tell me."
"Uhh will do. See you later Yujiro."
Yujiro waves goodbye then leaves the mess hall. Upon making it outside, a Hell Butterfly flys towards him. Yujiro holds his hand out, accepting the message. Already guessing what the message was. The butterfly resting on his finger for a couple of moments.
Once the butterfly flys away, Yujiro sighs. "Well, better get it over with sooner rather than later I s'pose." Beginning to make his way to the Captain Commander's office. Finishing what was left of his coffee.
Upon making it inside Yamamoto's office, Yujiro can see Halibel and the old man himself. He greets Halibel with a nod. Tia responds with a nod of her own. He then forces himself to bow in front of the Captain Commander.
As the Head Captain begins speaking Yujiro's eyes drift off towards the door to Yamamoto's room. A place that he hasn't been in for quite some time. A random but strangely fond memory playing in his head.
450 Years ago
"How many times must I tell you Yujiro?! Ryujin Jakka is no toy!" Yamamoto scolded the young boy. The both of them standing in the Head Captain's room.
A much younger Yujiro crossed his arms, looking away as Yamamoto lectured him.
Yujiro had been busted trying to steal Ryujin Jakka again.
"Aww c'mon Gramps! It's your zanpakuto, it only responds to your command!"
"You must wait until you get your own."
Yujiro starts to explain himself. Looking up at his grandfather. "I don't have my Zanpakuto yet, I figured I could get some practice in with a real one."
"You can always practice with the wooden swords in the squad one dojo."
"But those swords are lame! I want to practice with a real Zanpakuto!"
"You'll have to wait until you're old enough to enter the academy. Once you get in they'll give you an Asauchi to practice with."
"Ugh." Yujiro's shoulders slumps. Disappointed that he'll have to wait that long. "Fine..."
"Next time you do something like this, it's going to be 2,000 push ups instead of 500." The old man replies sternly.
"Yeah. I'm sorry. I won't do it again Gramps." Yujiro says as he lowers his head. Something catches his eye mere seconds later.
On the wall behind Yamamoto is a strange painting, Yujiro walks over to it and stares at it with curiosity. "Hey Gramps, what is this painting?"
Yamamoto walks over to his grandson. Standing by his side. Closing his eyes. "That, is a painting of a Fire Demon, that caused terror in Soul Society long ago."
Yamamoto had just recently gotten the painting made for him.
"A Fire Demon? So cool." Yujiro smiles a bit. "Where is it now Gramps?"
"It vanished long ago. No one knows where it is."
"Eh? Really?! Then it's still out there?!"
"Possibly."
"Then it could still comeback right? I need to train then!"
Yamamoto looks at his grandchild confused.
"Just watch Gramps! When that Demon comes back ypu won't have to do anything! I'll defeat it for you and protect the Soul Society!"
An almost unnoticeable smile makes it's way onto the older man's face. Placing a hand on his granson's shoulder, he encourages him."You have much to learn child. You will need many years of training."
"Yujiro!" The sound of Yamamoto's shout and his cane hitting the floor echoes throughout the room.
Yujiro flinches. Snapping him out of his daze. "Huh?! What?! Sorry sir!"
"Were you paying attention to anything that was being discussed?" Asks the Head Captain. Already knowing the answer to that question.
"Yes sir." A blatant lie with a straight face. Both Yamamoto and Tia could see right through it.
Yamamoto opens his eyes. His gaze falling on Yujiro. Making the younger Yamamoto sweat a little. "Then repeat to all of us what I was saying just moments ago."
"Uhhh...You said...uhh" Yujiro scratches the back of his head. Sweat dripping down his temple. Feeling completely embarrassed. "I...I dunno sir..."
Tia shakes her head while Yamamoto closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
"I had said, that after talking with Central 46, it has been decided that the tercera Espada, Tia Halibel will be granted leniency. For the time being she will remain here in the Soul Society." Yamamoto explains much to Yujiro's surprise.
"Wait..." Yuji blinks. Not exactly sure if he heard that correctly. "For real?"
"You may have your Zanpakuto back Espada." Yamamoto doesn't reply to him, instead he turns to look at Tiburón, resting on his desk.
Tia remains silent as she approaches her weapon, soon placing it on her back. Returning to her spot next to Yuji.
"Further more, starting today, you both will be assigned to assist with the search for missing or dead Shinigami. During our battle with the traitor Sosuke Aizen, Arrancar and Hollows invaded the Seireitei and attacked. The Shinigami that remained here successfully defended the walls of the Seireitei. The west and east were the sides that suffered the most damage. It has been reported that there are small pockets of Hollows outside those walls. You are to eliminate them if they are spotted. Effective immediately."
"...Yes sir." Yujiro bows.
Tia turns around, walking out with Yujiro. As they exit Yujiro casts a glance over in the direction of the Central 46 compound.
"Times are changing you idiots. Maybe one day, Soul Society may not need you ass hats anymore. If that day ever comes," Yujiro grins darkly. His hand gripping Rakurai. "You lot better pray that I'm not here."
"Yujiro?" Tia calls out.
"Huh?" He answers.
"I'm waiting."
"Sorry, just thinking about something." He begins taking steps. Adjusting the gourd of sake on his shoulder. "C'mon I'll show you around."
"Are you sure you're in any shape for this?"
"Aww you're worried 'bout me?" He teases. Placing a hand on his chest.
Halibel just glares at him in response.
He snorts in amusement. "Relax, I'm joking. I'm still not at a hundred percent yet but I feel a little better. Working with these injuries is probably my punishment for being disobedient I've been through worse." Yujiro answers her. Rolling his eyes. "How about you?" Now noticing the bandages that were on her torso are gone.
"I'm well enough to fight again. A bit sore, but I can manage."
Yujiro nods as he starts walking. "We're going to have to head into the Rukongai. Before we go to the East Wall, we'll head to the Squad Eight quartermaster." He uses his flash step, Tia following behind, holding back her own speed.
"For what?"
"The weather in Hueco Mundo is always the same right? Well, here in Soul Society it's different. Very different. Seasons change. We're in winter currently. Weather is probably going to get a lot worse. We should consider ourselves lucky that it hasn't snowed yet." Yujiro says to her as they arrive.
"I can handle cold weather Yujiro."
"No doubt you can. Although for you this is new territory. I don't wanna hear any complaints about how cold it is. And I definitely don't wanna see you shivering. So we're here to fetch the both of us cloaks."
Tia goes silent at that. Knowing he's right. "So tell me about the Soul Society outside the Seireitei."
"Hm?"
"Since I'm staying here and working with you, searching for injured Soul Reapers, It would be helpful to understand more. Aizen only briefed us on the rankings in the divisions. Didn't elaborate on anything else aside from the Gotei 13."
Yujiro nods. "The Rukongai is the place where Souls live after they've been sent to the Soul Society." He explains to her. "It's split into 320 districts. 80 in North Rukongai, 80 in the West, so on and so forth. The closer to the number 80 a district is, the more violent it is."
Tia nods in understanding.
Yujiro puts on a watch, a pair of boots and a pair of gloves, followed by his cloak, passing one over to Tia. She looks a bit hesitant to put it on but does so anyway. The wind soon blows. Their cloaks billowing in the wind.
Yujiro looks up at the cloudy sky and snorts. "Of course, out of all the days for it to potentially rain or snow..." He turns to look at her. Warning the tercera. "If it starts snowing or raining a lot, we're going to be in trouble."
"Snow?"
"Uhh" He doesn't exactly know how to explain what snow is to her at the moment. "You'll see what it is soon enough. Let's just hope that we don't get caught in it."
"Sounds like we should hurry then."
"I don't think it'll be that simple. But we can try." The two vanish and begin making their way to the East Wall.
By the time they get to their destination, they spot Lieutenant Isane and a couple Shinigami carrying a critically wounded Shinigami on a stretcher. Upon seeing Isane Yujiro was about to call out to her but decided against it. Understanding that those precious seconds could save the wounded man. The group flash steps away.
Yuji and Tia step forward. Making their way towards the open gate.
"You." Yujiro calls a random Shinigami by the gate. Bandages covering his eye. Catching his attention. "We're here to help. Give us a status update."
"Y-Yamamoto sir!" He stutters a bit. Yuji's eye twitches but he makes no effort in correcting the man on his name. He spots Tia and gives her a weird look then Yuji clears his throat. Causing the man to speak "We've found a couple Shinigami. Finding more dead than alive unfortunately. There's a group of 7 Hollows somewhere that way." The man points forward. He begins speaking again. "Some more of our guys are scattered out searching, if you find any injured, bring them to any Shinigami that you see."
Yujiro hums in acknowledgement. The Soul Reaper speaking again. "Those ollows have done a good job of avoiding us so far. They're pretty low level hollows though. So they should be easy for you."
"Alright. We'll assist with the search. Thanks for the information." Yuji looks over at Tia. "Let's go."
The pair begin making their way into East Rukongai. All of the houses they can see are destroyed. Reduced to a pile of rubble. Tia used her Pesquisa to track any faint reiatsu signals in the area. Keeping her eyes sharp. Yuji also expands his senses. Most of the people that were living here have been evacuated to somewhere safe.
Of course the ones who were escorted out were the people that lived in the peaceful districts. The ones living farther out were left behind.
It's been three full hours and they haven't found a single person or hollow yet. Yujiro has been keeping an eye on his watch. They began their search at nine, and it's currently twelve in the afternoon. Yujiro sighs as he realizes that there are definitely going to be Soul Reapers that may never be found. Yujiro looks up at the sky. Noting that it could snow at any second now.
"I see something..." Tia warns. Drawing Tiburón from it's sheath.
"Oh?" Yujiro draws his blades. "Where is it?"
Tia sonido's without a word. A hollow then crashes into the ground. A few feet in front of him. Tia lands and splits it's head open with a vertical slash of her Zanpakuto.
Sensing a hollow behind him, Yuji whirls around, evading getting his head bitten off, then drives his blade through the side of the hollow's head. Twisting the blade, he swings horizontally to his right. Splitting it's mask open. The spirit soon fading away. Becoming purified spirit particles. Yuji flicks the blood off of his blade before placing it back inside his scabbard.
A low level hollow trying to sneak up on him was comical. Having trained with Yoruichi he learned the basics of stealth.
Yujiro looks to see Tia drive her blade down. Stabbing another hollow in the head. She twirls Tiburón in her hand. The blood flying off before she sheaths it on her back.
"Y'know...she's really good with that blade. That's kinda attractive actually." Yujiro thinks to himself. He hadn't been able to truly appreciate her skills with a blade during their fight since he'd mostly been focused on surviving.
"Something wrong?" She asks him.
"Huh?" His eyes widen. Caught off guard, he blushes in response. "I'm fine!" Shaking his head he walks forward. "How many was what? Three? That means there's four more left."
"Strange." Tia tells herself as she watches him walk off before following him.
Tia and Yujiro continue walking forward. Scouting the area. Tia spots something out the corner of her eye and checks it. Finding someone's hand. Tia begins to lift the rubble. Hearing the sounds of rubble shifting, Yujiro turns around spotting the tercera. Approaching to assist. Once the two clear it, they spot a female Shinigami with long brown hair unconscious. Laying face down. Yujiro turns her over and checks her pulse.
"She's alive." Yujiro then checks the back of her collar for identification. "Squad eleven huh? No surprise." Yujiro smirks and then picks her up. Slinging her arm around his shoulder.
Yujiro looks around and spots a lone Shinigami in the distance. He whistles, catching the man's attention.
He's a gruff looking Shinigami. Most likely another member of Zaraki's division.
"It's you..." The lone Shinigami says. "The one who brought this thing here."
"Excuse me?" Tia raises gives him a glare. Her arms folded.
Yujiro holds his free hand up. Stopping Halibel. "Instead of worrying about that, you should be worried about this." Yujiro uses his head to gesture to the unconscious Shinigami he's carrying. "She's alive thankfully. Just knocked out. Take her back."
The Shinigami and Yujiro give each other dirty looks. The gruff looking man mutters under his breath as he carries the female Soul Reaper back into the Seireitei.
"Asshole." Yujiro spits in his direction. He doesn't know if the Shinigami heard him or not but it doesn't matter.
"You know that sticking up for me is going to make things worse for you right?"
Yujiro shrugs. "Word about what I've done has spread already. Nothing I can do it about it now." They begin walking again. "I already have friends here. This isn't going to change their opinion of me. What the rest think doesn't matter in the end."
"I see." Is her simple reply.
"I know they already don't like you because you're an Arrancar." He looks at her. "But try to at least not get in any trouble or don't do anything that'll make you look worse."
"Aren't you the same person who just yesterday, was extremely disrespectful to your commander, who also happens to be your grandfather?" Tia finds herself amused by his words. As she spoke his grin grew more.
Yujiro tilts his head with a smug look on his face. Closing his eyes and starting to speak again. "Yeah that's me. Other officers might get mad at you if you're disrespectful but not me."
He continues on with his statement. "If I were a Captain, I'd encourage you to be a little more disobedient."
"You sound like you're proud of it."
"Kinda. Don't really know if the headaches I get after are worth it though. I know not many people stand up to the geezer. He's stuck in his ways. His way of doing things are outdated anyways." Yujiro turns his head, looking towards the Seireitei.
"We should try and find the rest of those hollows before it.-" He's cut off when he sees snow falling. It's relatively light but he knows it'll probably become worse. "Well here's the snow I've warned you about. Hope you enjoy it 'cause we're going to look for some shelter."
Before the conversation can continue, both Yujiro and Tia spot a medium sized Hollow on top of someone's house. The house was badly damaged from the fighting.
The hollow was chewing something. Black blood dripping from it's mouth. It's reiatsu suddenly spiked.
Red spiritual energy swirling around it's body, shooting up into the sky.
"It's evolving." Tia states as she draws Tiburón once again. Golden energy gathering in the center of her Zanpakuto. She uses her sonido to get in close, the hollow still evolving, she swings horizontally. Decapitating the hollow. The red energy dying down.
"Damned thing must've eaten the rest of the Hollows spotted here." Yujiro says as he watches the Hollow fade away.
As Tia returns to her previous position, the cold wind blows once more. Making them both shield their faces.
"It's really starting to come down now." Yujiro watches the snowfall become more heavy.
"How bothersome..." Halibel snarls. Keeping her head low to keep the snow from getting in her eyes.
Yujiro laughs at her annoyance. Looking around for some shelter once he's done laughing at her displeasure. He can feel her glare on his back. Paying her no mind. He looks past the trees ahead of them, spotting a cave.
"We can use that for some shelter."
Halibel eyes the cave suspiciously. "Past experiences in Hueco Mundo have taught me that caves can be dangerous."
"You're not scared are you?" Yujiro gives her a mocking grin.
"Don't be an idiot." She crosses her arms. Giving him an unamused look.
"It'll be fine. Absolutely nothing to worry about." He responds. Smirking as he confidently walks inside. The Espada following behind him. It's extremely dark inside.
Yujiro turns around and sits down. Looking at her. "See? I told ya. Nothing to worry about." He clasps his hands behind his head, leaning back until he feels something soft and furry. "Huh?"
Yujiro turns around, the fur rubbing against his face. "The fuck is this?" He touches whatever the thing is. It was incredibly soft. He starts poking it.
"Don't touch it." Tia pinches the bridge of her nose.
Yuji's about to respond when they hear a growl. Causing the swordsman to back off. Jumping back next to Tia.
The thing uncurls itself, turning around to face the two unwanted guests. Revealing itself to be a huge bear.
"Ehhh?!" Yujiro's eyes pop out of their sockets comedically. "A bear?! Seriously?!"
"Typically people are supposed to be familiar with their homes." Tia takes a jab at him. Feeling irritated.
"You think I spend my free time just randomly wandering around walkin' into caves and shit?!"
"No, but I expect you to know about these types of things." She keeps her arms crossed. Expecting him to take care of it. Leaning against the wall.
Yujiro smiles as he unsheathes a blade. "Don't s'pose you're willing to share this space with us huh?"
"Obviously not..." Tia huffs.
The eyes of the bear are bloodshot. Releasing a snarl it charges forward. Opening it's jaws, preparing to sink it's teeth into Yujiro's neck.
"Sorry big fella, but we need a place to stay for now." Yujiro rolls forward, stabbing the beast in the neck. Twisting the sword, he then pulls the blade out, blood coating the steel. The bear falls on its side as it dies.
"You're not going to get rid of it?" Halibel asks as she watches Yuji push the corpse against the wall. Flicking the blood off his sword.
"Not in this weather," Yujiro jumps on top of the corpse, sitting down. "It's pretty damn comfortable to. I was expecting to have to sleep in the floor, but this is way better."
"There is only space for one person." Expecting him to suggest that they sleep together.
"I'll sleep on the floor. No biggie."
Tia arches a brow at his choice of words.
"I mean it's no big deal."
Yujiro looks outside, noting that the snow has picked up somewhat. He releases a deep breath. "I'll be right back." He jumps down and starts making his way to the exit.
"Where are you going?"
"We still need a fire. It'll be better to do it now while the snow still hasn't piled up too much. I'll be back quick." Yujiro states as he draws both of his Zanpakuto.
Lunging at the first tree he sees, he starts chopping it down with Rakurai. Gathering all the wood he needed, he raced back inside. Shaking off the snow. Causing Tia to stare at him. Feeling annoyed at the fact that some of the snow had flew towards her.
"Oops. Sorry."
"Just start the fire Yujiro..."
He gave a nervous chuckle. Setting the fire wood down. Taking out his lighter and starting the fire. Smirking in satisfaction. Feeling the warmth from the flames. Yujiro sits down. Leaning against the wall. Tia takes a seat across from him, the bear behind her. The fire in the middle of both of them. Yujiro fishes for a cigar in his pocket, using the fire in front of him to light it. Setting Rakurai on the floor.
Tia casts her gaze outside. "It's really not going to stop anytime soon?" She wonders.
"Doesn't look like it." Yujiro holds his arm up. Looking at his watch. "It's 5:00 PM." He reaches for his gourd l, setting down right next to him. "Are you thirsty?"
Tia scoffs. "I'd prefer something like water instead of alcohol."
Yujiro laughs a little. "Well you can always go find a pond or something. I'm not helping you though."
"You don't like the weather now?"
"I prefer winter over the uncomfortable summer heat. Winter just gives me an excuse to stay inside, train and drink." Yujiro says as he takes a small sip of his sake.
Tia watches with dread as he drinks his the sake. Grimacing behind her mask as she remembers the last time he drank it. "You're not going to get drunk are you?"
Yujiro smiles at that. He shrugs. "Probably. I only started drinking once I found out that being drunk enhanced my movements."
"Speaking of that, you're sword style is rather... unusual."
"My reverse grip?"
She nods. "It's not used by many because of how restricting it is."
"I chose to use reverse grip because I don't want to fight like other Shinigami here. Especially the old man."
"If you don't mind me asking, why?" She grows curious about the subject.
"I don't want to fight like the others or do things the way they do. I'm my own person. If I fight like them then I'm just another Shinigami."
"You're one of the Soul Reapers that Aizen experimented on."
Yujiro looks at her in slight surprise.
"It's not difficult to figure out. You possess Hollow powers and you have a grudge against the higher ups in Soul Society."
"You got it." Yujiro said. Huffing out smoke and then continuing on. "Before all of that, everything was going so well. I barely made it out of the academy, and decided to go to the twelfth division. I, like the rest of the Vizards got caught up in Aizen's schemes. I tried to explain everything to the old man but he didn't believe me. On that day I learned that the geezer would put duty before his own family. It wasn't until we were exiled that I decided to change my fighting style to reverse grip. After that I learned to control my Hollowfication and then trained for my Bankai."
Halibel found that rather fascinating. "So you spent all that time training. No wonder your Hollow abilities are strong. Were you planning on striking back at the Seireitei?"
Yujiro snorted. "We did. Ichigo decided to invade the Soul Society when Kuchiki's younger sister was sentenced to execution a couple months back. That was when Aizen made his move."
"Using the chaos caused by you and the Kurosaki boy as cover. He's a clever bastard."
"You can say that again." Yujiro takes another sip of sake.
"So after launching a vengeful strike back at the Soul Society, they accepted you back?"
"Sounds weird I know. I guess it's because of the threat Aizen posed. Nobody expected such a thing to happen."
"What made you want to come back here?"
"I missed being a Shinigami again. I told my mentors, Kisuke and Yoruichi that I did miss doing my job. They told me that I should go back and that it would be good for me. I would be the first official Shinigami with Hollow powers to be accepted into the Seireitei." Yujiro looks at Rakurai. "It was tough watching souls run away from the hollows that chased them and not be able to do anything. After everything that's happened, I'm thankful that I have him by my side." He holds up one of his swords.
"Your zanpakuto?"
Yujiro nods. "Rakurai and me have been through a lot. It might be a strange thing to say about a sword but he's my best friend."
"Your zanpakuto have spirits of their own do they not? It makes sense that you and your zanpakuto would be that close."
"You know you surprised me. When we fought, I definitely wasn't expecting to see a black Cero."
"Impressive as your hollow powers are, you still have a lot to learn."
"Clearly." Yujiro sighs. Taking a drag from his cigar. "My inner Hollow told me that a while ago. Once I unlocked Gran Rey Cero I thought I had mastered my Hollowfication for the most part. Finding out that there's more to Hollowfication is exciting to say the least."
"Aizen deemed you all as "failed experiments." I heard him say once that he was aiming for you all to have access to the Resurreccion abilities we Arrancar have. Apparently Tosen was the only Hollowfied Shinigami that possessed it."
"Woah! Seriously!? I can use Resurreccion with enough training!?" Yujiro summons his mask in his palm looking at it. Letting his imagination run wild with the implications. Imagining what his Resurreccion would look like.
The Espada nods. "As far as how to get a Shinigami with hollow powers to be able to use Resurreccion, I don't know how aside from using the Hogyoku." Tia pauses for a moment and elaborates. "My only guess would be to consume souls like a hollow. Because of how different the biology is between a Hollow and a Shinigami I don't know how well that would go for you. As I said earlier, Aizen used the Hogyoku, forcibly removing our masks, turning us into Arrancar. He most likely used the Hogyoku on Tosen as well. Ulquiorra was the only natural born Arrancar among us to my knowledge."
"The idea of eating souls doesn't sound very appealing to me. Don't know if Central 46 or the old man would appreciate that either." Yujiro grimaces at the thought. "No offense."
"None taken. I do appreciate the fact that I can consume regular food now instead of being forced to eat souls."
Yujiro looks down at the tiger mask again. "I have a ton of training to do. Thanks for the information Tia."
"Seeing how you have helped me so far, it's only right that I do the same." The tercera tells him.
"You don't really need to do that..." Yujiro scratches the back of his head sheepishly.
"Consider it a thank you for what you done to help me."
"Well if you really want to thank me..."
She can already tell where this is going.
"You and I need to have a rematch."
"You're not going to let that go anytime soon, are you?"
"Nope."
"... Alright but not now. One day we will."
Yujiro smirks in triumph. "And next time, I'll win."
An hour.
A full hour had passed since Yujiro began drinking sake. Tia had hoped that since he wasn't fighting at the moment, that he would be a little more...tolerable.
How incredibly wrong she was...
It was just as bad as she feared it would be.
It all started when Yujiro had started feeling tipsy shortly after their conversation about him acquiring the Resurrection ability. A few minutes after that he became drunk as hell. Every couple minutes he'd start laughing at absolutely nothing like a complete moron.
Then it was the airplane noises...
The Godforsaken airplane noises! Tia didn't know what the fuck an airplane was, but she didn't want to find out. Not after this terrible experience.
She was pretty sure the airplane noises would haunt her in her sleep.
"Ayyyeee Tee-uhh" He slurs as he stumbles his way towards her.
"Lord give me the strength." Tia can only sigh as she stares up at the ceiling. Why did she have to put up with this shit?
"Where'd all the juice goooooo?" He wraps his arms around her shoulders. Leaning his head against her shoulder.
She felt her cheeks heat up from the contact. She really should punch him. A full force haymaker right to the face would solve all of her issues right now. Although he wasn't in his right mind currently. So it wasn't exactly his fault.
"You drank it all." Tia tells him as she tries to break free from his grasp. She's successful after a few seconds. Thankful that violence wasn't necessary.
"I did?" He hiccups.
"Yes, you did."
"When?"
"A little while ago."
"Why?"
"You were thirsty."
"Ohhh yeahhhh I wuuzz." He giggles. His cheeks flushed. He wraps his arms around her shoulders again. Leaning his head against her shoulder once more.
"What have I done to deserve this?" She wonders. Most likely had to do with the fact that she used to eat souls as a lesser hollow. Safe to say she wouldn't do that ever again. Her train of thought is cut off when she hears him snoring. Turning her head to look at him. He's fast asleep.
Her eyes drift off towards the bear behind them. She gently breaks free from his grip and stands up. Picking him up, being careful to not wake him. She slowly walks over to the dead animal and lays Yujiro on top of the bear. Assuming that he would like his Zanpakuto close by, she goes over to the two long katanas. Picking them up and going back to the bear's corpse. Placing them next to Yujiro's unconscious form.
The blonde Arrancar looks outside or at least she tries to anyways. Noticing all the snow that has piled up by the entrance of the cave. Covering the entrance. Leaving them with no way to look outside.
Tia removes Tiburón from her back. Setting it on the floor. She lays down on the floor. Laying on her back. Staring at the ceiling. She closes her eyes, allowing sleep to take her.
Is it me or are these chapters getting longer? Jesus Christ lmao.
With the return of the anime tomorrow I just HAD to get a chapter out! Idk when I'll have the next chapter out, I have up to half of chapter 9 written out. Just need to look them over for corrections.
Take care!