Chapter Eleven: Unexpected Meetings
*Months Later, Hueco Mundo*
"How much, how much, how much time has passed now I wonder?" Yoshiro thought himself as he and his pack wandered through the endless, eternally moonlit desert. The fox hollow had tried to keep track of his time in the hollow world since his death and turning. He was able to at first, but time had a nasty habit of seemingly being so much longer than it actually was. At some point, he wasn't sure when he simply lost track, or perhaps a subconscious part of him just stopped caring. He wasn't sure which, but it ultimately didn't really matter in the end he supposed.
The dynamics of the group had changed a bit understandably with the inclusion of Grimmjow and his followers. Though one constant still being Yoshiro was the unofficial leader of the group. Somewhat ironic considering Ulquiorra was technically the strongest amongst them. Though the bat-like hollow had no interest in leading the group, so the responsibility fell to Yoshiro. Not that he minded in all honesty, while he never really considered himself the leader type. He wouldn't shrug away from the responsibility if so many of those who trusted him asked of it.
When it came to everyone else in the group things were pretty straightforward. Grimmjow's followers were the weakest of the pack, not they were necessarily weak. In fact, they were stronger than a good amount of others of their respective class, but they were simply weaker than the others including the twins. A fact they tried to argue at first until they sparred against the sisters and got beat, badly at that. The sisters were a fair bit more powerful individually than anyone of Grimmjow's followers. However, the real kicker was the fact the twins had much better synergy and teamwork. Not all that surprising really when one gave it thought. Grimmjow grumbled about how he was gonna have to kick his subordinate's asses into better shape.
Then Grimmjow stood above the sisters in strength though there was a note to that. While he was no doubt stronger than either of the sisters individually, the twins together. Could give the panther hollow a pretty good run for his money in a manner of speaking. Something Grimmjow found surprising and had some respect towards the sisters as a result of their strength. Grimmjow was seemingly indifferent towards Ulquiorra but recognized the latter's power as a Vasto Lorde. His interactions with Luppi were a different matter on the other hand.
For reasons that escaped Yoshiro the two almost immediately acted aggressively towards each other. Yoshiro, in one of the few displays of being the stronger hollow that he was. Put his foot down in a sense about the matter before things became violent between the two. Both Luppi and Grimmjow were surprised by the display but got the message. Yoshiro would not tolerate any sort of pointless in-fighting within his pack. So the two just settled on throwing the occasional insult here and there.
Now the relationship between the fox and panther hollow was something interesting. Since joining up, Grimmjow and Yoshiro had taken up sparring with one another regularly. Mainly in the efforts in helping the panther become stronger and potentially become a Vasto Lorde himself. While Yoshiro had taken up sparring with Luppi and Ulquiorra on occasion. There was something about doing so with Grimmjow that was just different. While he did tone himself down to a proper level, so he didn't just one shot the panther hollow. There was just something different in the energy and feelings of it all. That made him feel so different in comparison to when he did it with his fellow Vasto Lordes.
Perhaps, it was the panther's battle-loving fervor and ferocity along with the sheer intensity he exuded in a fight. Yoshiro didn't really know himself in all honesty but sparring with Grimmjow brought out another side of him somehow. He always felt his inner battle-lusting nature come out of him when going against the panther. Something in all his time of fighting even back when he was still a living human never happened. Sure he fought plenty but there was always some sort of purpose for it, like protecting himself, someone else, or survival. There was none of that here it was just a fight no more, no less. Maybe it was that lack of any sort of worry that allowed that battle-loving side to come out? By the end of it, Yoshiro and Grimmjow both were fully enjoying themselves to the fullest. The two of them laughing like a pair of hyenas in their enjoyment had become a common occurrence in their spars.
Yoshiro and Luppi had also kept their relationship strong. The two took time at points to spend time together away from the others now and again. They had developed an unsurprising habit of keeping snuggled up together when they slept or when simply relaxing. Thankfully, everyone else didn't seem to be perturbed in any matter by the relationship between the two. The twins were supportive, Ulquiorra while still not quite understanding the concept of relationships in general yet. Ultimately, had no ill-feeling about what his fellow Vasto Lordes got up to. Grimmjow and his followers were indifferent to it all or as the panther himself put it. "Why the hell should anyone care how you choose to live? The strong can live however they damn well please."
All in all, things were going pretty well though there was still one thing that forever tugged at the back of Yoshiro's mind. The whereabouts of Sung-Sun, Mila, his mother, and of course Apacci. It was a thought that had plagued him since he first arrived in the hollow world and always would. At least until he ran into them again in some way or discovered some definitive answers about them. While having everyone else around was great he wouldn't deny it. While he wouldn't say it out loud, he desperately wished to see them once again. No matter how long it would take, though preferably sooner the better.
If only he realized just how soon that wish was to come true.
As the pack traversed its way through the Hueco Mundo. Ulquiorra who was out front since had the best sensing ability suddenly stopped. Everyone became interested since he only ever stopped when he felt something truly of note.
"What is it?" Yoshiro asked his friend as he approached, the bat hollow merely pointed off in a certain direction. Taking the cue, Yoshiro reached with his senses to feel what Ulquiorra had felt. He felt five powerful signatures four felt like Vasto Lordes and the other felt like something he had never felt before. His eyes widened in the realization of what he may have been feeling. He focused more on the four Vasto Lordes and then recognized at least one of them without a doubt.
"Holy shit it's them." He spoke in a whisper
"What do you mean?" Luppi questioned
"Those Vasto Lordes in the distance, there's no mistaking it. One of them is Apacci I know the feel of her reiatsu. Which means the others have to be my mother and the rest. We found them at last!" That sent a shockwave of surprise through the whole pack. Yoshiro kept his attention on Apacci and the others he realized something was wrong. The way their power was fluctuating could only mean they were fighting intensely. He briefly put his attention on the odd power signature and discovered just how strong it was. A whole mix of emotion was running rampant in his system, but he already knew what had to be done.
"Luppi, Ulquiorra with me and we're going to go back them up against whatever the hell they're fighting. Grimmjow you lead the rest and catch up to us as quickly as you can." Yoshiro ordered and everyone nodded their heads in understanding seeing how serious the situation was. Then the three Vasto Lordes took with all the speed they could muster.
Apacci was not in a good at the moment, correction she was fucking pissed. This guy who called himself an 'Arrancar' had shown up to fight them all. Apparently, he had been the hammerhead hollow that they had wounded before leaving Barragan's place the last time they were there. They didn't think too much of the guy even with his new looks. So, the four of them went at him, four Vasto Lordes should be able to handle any single opponent. Well, long story short, shit went sideways fast.
None of them could believe how much stronger he had become by turning into what he was now. He could tank a good deal of what they could do to him and proceeded to beat them into the ground. Not that battle had been completely one-sided, the battle had been brutal all the way around. As strong as their enemy was, he was still fighting four Vasto Lordes and took his fair share of punishment. Still, it hadn't been enough and the four of them were barely keeping up and looking like hell.
"You four put up a strong fight as expected." The hammerhead Arrancar sneered down at them. Despite his words, he was rather low on power himself. Fighting the four took a lot out of him. In all honesty, he was only winning because they had been caught so off guard and surprised. By all the strength and abilities he now had as an Arrancar. Had they been more aware of what he could do from the start, he wouldn't be standing right now. Not that it mattered now, it was time to claim his prizes. He'd eat the snake and deer-looking ones first and save the lion and shark ones for later. To have some more personal fun before he got bored and ate them too. "Now it's time to devourer you, I'll start with the tasty-looking deer." However, before he could take a single step forward. Something happened absolutely no one saw coming. A foot collided harshly into the side of his head.
"DYNAMIC ENTRY!" The person responsible shouted as their foot connected and sent the Arrancar flying like a rocket. Once the mysterious individual landed on the ground Apacci got a better look at them. The person was a Vasto Lorde and male, who stood just under six feet. He had white hair, mocha-skin and he was clearly a fox hollow. His mask and the nine large fluffy tails made that abundantly clear. What struck her as odd though was something about him felt very familiar. Though she couldn't quite figure out why. She became even more surprised when two more Vasto Lordes appeared. One had a very bat-like appearance and the other had some kind of tentacles on its back.
"Who are they?" A battered Sung-Sun questioned aloud.
"Frankly, I could care less about who they are and am glad they seem to be on our side." An equally beaten-down Mila replied.
A little further off, Halibel was propped up on a knee trying to regain her bearings. While she said nothing, mentally to herself she was thankful to these mysterious Vasto Lordes. Though why did she feel something reminiscent about the fox-like hollow?
Yoshiro saw the weird-looking hollow start to get back up on his feet after his surprise kick. He immediately addressed his companions for the next course of action. "Something about this guy doesn't sit right with me. Regardless, he looks pretty rough already let's work in tandem and put him down quickly. Ulquiorra you distract him, Luppi, try to catch and hold him down with your tentacles. Then I'll move in and go for the killing blow."
Unbeknownst to everyone around another figure was watching everything unfold with keen interest. After seeing the new Vasto Lordes appear and sensing other strong hollows approaching, he decided to make his move.
Hammerhead was pissed as he stood back up on his feet, he saw the three new Vasto Lordes in front of him. He knew he had no choice but to somehow make his escape as much as it infuriated him. Before he could make his move, however, someone appeared in front of him, someone he recognized.
"You have served your purpose and are no longer required." The man spoke in low town only Hammerhead could hear. Before the Arrancar could say or do anything, he suddenly felt a searing pain across his chest. When he looked with what little of his remaining strength did he see he had been almost been sliced clean in two. With that final realization, Hammerhead fell to the ground and ceased to live.
"Okay, I didn't see that one coming." Yoshiro mouthed to himself as he studied the newest arrival. He could tell right away the individual was a soul reaper, which made him keep up his guard. The man wore a Shinigami uniform with a white haori over it with five on the back. His blade looked like a standard katana with a hexagon-shaped tsuba and a green handle. He was a mild-featured man with brown scholarly hair enhanced by square glasses, along with soft brown eyes. The man sheathed his blade and turned to put his full attention on all the hollows in front of him.
"Now with that nuisance out of the way, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sōsuke Aizen, Captain of the Fifth division of the Gotei 13. A pleasure to meet you all." Aizen spoke in a disarming one could even say a charming tone of voice.
"Careful kit, I get the feeling there's something much more to this man than he appears." Yoshiro's inner hollow quickly warned him.
Yoshiro couldn't help but agree with that statement, his instincts were on edge with the man in front of him. He couldn't shake the feeling despite his disarming appearance, he was probably far more powerful than any of them. Why else would he seem so utterly confident when staring down so many powerful hollows. So much about this guy just felt off and yet seeing how he wasn't threatening. He felt it would be unwise to pointlessly provoke something with him.
"What would a random soul reaper captain want with us?" Yoshiro asked Aizen, it was obvious the man desired something from them. The question at hand is what exactly he wanted.
"Straight to the point I see, I can respect that," Aizen spoke casually as he continued. "My purpose is simple I seek strong hollows to recruit to my service to overthrow the current ruling powers of soul society."
That answer was rather surprising to all the hollows present. Genuinely curious now about this, the fox hollow continued to question. "Why exactly would a Shinigami seek to go rogue and overthrow things?"
Aizen gave a smirk before speaking in a knowing tone. "Because I seek to right the injustices of soul society. Despite being the afterworld where spirits are supposed to find peace. It's anything but peaceful for most souls that live there. I seek to stop the senseless never-ending mass slaughter between soul reapers and hollows. I seek to bring a true sense of equality and balance to the world and the only way to do that. Is to overthrow the current ruling body of soul society and replace it. For you see the thing that sits on the throne and currently rules, is far more disturbing than any hollow or demon for that matter."
No one said anything for a few moments thinking about what Aizen had said, Yoshiro was then the first to speak. "As interesting as that all sounds, why should we stick our necks out for your little revolution? Not like what you're talking about affects those of us in Hueco Mundo all that much."
"A fair question on your part, you see for your loyalty I can grant you far greater power than you currently have. Power to more adequately protect and care for those you hold close to you. Both here in Hueco Mundo and perhaps in other places as well. You see I've been planning my revolution for centuries now and soon I shall possess the item I need to make it all possible. With it, I will be able to make you all Arrancar's, essentially hollows with Shinigami-like powers. The hollow I cut down in front of you was an Arrancar. However, he was still more of a beast if anything. With the item I seek, the Hōgyoku, I can make you all far more powerful than he was with it. And even allow you to become something very akin to what you were when you were still just normal living humans." Aizen smoothly explained.
Now that was a very intriguing bit of information to Yoshiro. While the whole thing about gaining more power was neat, he didn't care that much for it. The notion of regaining a good deal of what he had when human. Now that was the thing that really caught his attention. He had always missed his loved one back in Karakura and had on a few occasions thought about traveling there. Though he had always decided against it out of fear. Fear that those who could see him would shun him for what he was now. They would reject him for being a hollow, they would see him as simply another monster.
The idea of such rejection honestly scared him more than the idea of being killed a second time. But the idea that he could become his old self or at least close enough to it. To where he could see everyone in Karakura again and shown them despite how he's changed. He was still more or less the person they've always known. That notion enticed him more than anything else. Plus, there was a part of him that couldn't help but relish the idea of pulling one over on the Shinigami. In the biggest way possible no less. While he didn't fully trust this Aizen guy and probably never would. He couldn't find it in himself to argue that much against the deal Aizen was offering.
"I imagine you all need some time to consider my offer," Aizen spoke, gaining their attention. "If you choose to accept, then head towards Las Noches where I've taken over and built my base of operations. I do hope to see you all when the time comes, for now, I bid you farewell." With that said, Aizen departed in a burst of shunpo that was too fast to follow. As he traveled along Aizen couldn't help but smile to himself. He knew that they all would come to him, the bait he laid couldn't be ignored. What caught his interest the most however was the fox-like Vasto Lorde. For he knew exactly who it was after all.
"The Abe boy has progressed even further than I had anticipated." Aizen mused to himself. "I thought that he would only be a high-level Adjucah at this point, instead he's a Vasto Lorde. He's progressing farther along than my initial calculations had predicted, excellent. With Rukia Kuchiki to begin her assignment in Karakura in a few days. The final major stages of my plans will soon begin in earnest, I wonder if Ichigo Kurosaki will show such surprising growth?" A cold smile made its way across the traitorous captain's face. "When the time comes it will be interesting to pit Abe and Kurosaki against one another. It should prove rather entertaining if anything else."
"Well, that was something, to say the least," Yoshiro muttered as then turned to face his mother, Apacci, Sung-Sun, and Mila. The four were back on their feet and standing together and eyeing Yoshiro and his companions. "Ulquiorra, Luppi, you two keep back here. It's probably for the best I approach them by myself, things are going to get rather emotional."
As Yoshiro walked off, Luppi surveyed the women in the distance from him. His mate had described his mother and her followers enough to where he knew who was who. His eyes landed on the deer-like woman, Yoshiro's original mate and the person he still held feeling for. "So, that's Emilou Apacci I can see why Yoshiro fell for her. I'll have to get some time with her and discuss how we wish to handle our mutual like for Yoshiro." Luppi mused mentally.
"Despite the unexpected appearance of the soul reaper that killed the enemy. Your assistance is nonetheless appreciated, who may I ask are you?" Halibel stated as the fox-like Vasto Lorde stopped in front of them. She couldn't help but notice he seemed rather nervous for some reason.
"I guess I should have expected that wouldn't recognize me with how much I've changed. After all, none of us have seen each other since Karakura." Yoshiro replied.
Halibel was caught off guard by fox hollows reply, what did he possibly mean by that. She thought a brief moment before it hit her like a ton of bricks, her eyes widening in shock. His hair was white now but his visible skin held a complexion like hers. Combined with his knowledge of Karakura he could only be one person. The others were in equal shock as the realization hit them as well.
"No fucking way!?" Mila mouthed
"As unlikely as the possibilities were, the proof is standing in front of us," Sung-Sun said
Apacci was still in too much shock at the moment to say anything.
Halibel after taking a moment to get emotions in check asked a simple thing. "Is that really you Yoshiro? Is that really you, my son?"
"Been a long time mom good see you and the others again. Sorry for making you all worry so much." The fox hollow chimed.
Halibel wouldn't be believing it if he wasn't standing right in front of her. Losing her son a second time and the manner of it had nearly destroyed her in grief. Seeing him again was both joyful and a relief no words could properly explain. Then a small ping of sadness hit her as she suddenly realized her son was a hollow now, just like her. She never wanted the harsh life of hollow for her son not by any means. She had always hoped her son would live a long happy life in the living world before passing on to soul society. While his relationship with her and the others would have complicated things. She was sure considering some of their connections, something could have been worked out. She mentally sighed as she realized should be thankful she had her son back in any capacity. Especially when someone takes everything into account. However, before she could do anything else, a certain deer finally made her own choice.
"OOF!" Yoshiro choked out as he was suddenly tackled to the ground by Apacci. Who was situated on his waist, as he kept himself propped up on his elbows. Next thing he knew Apacci wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly to her chest.
"I almost can't fucking believe you're really back, but you are!" Apacci choked out as a few tears of joy streamed down her face. She stopped hugging him and placed a hand on either side of his face and looked directly at him. "Do you have any god damn clue how much I've missed you!?"
"I have some idea I da-" Yoshiro's words were cut off as Apacci suddenly crashed her lips against his. She kissed deeply, fiercely, and passionately. Yoshiro for his part didn't even bother resisting, knowing how a part of him always missed her. He felt Apacci's tongue try to gain entrance into his mouth, he gladly allowed it. Soon enough their tongues were at constant battle with one another as they vigorously made out. They had to part eventually, breathing heavily with a trail of saliva briefly connecting to their tongues. A coughing sound was heard that drew their attention. Grimmjow and the rest apparently arrived at some point.
"Hey Grimm, how long have you been there by chance?" Yoshiro questioned
"Long enough to see you and the woman come about two steps away from fucking one another for all to witness." The panther hollow snarked.
"Right then," Spoke up Yoshiro as he and Apacci stood back up. "we have a lot to catch up on."
"Indeed and we can discuss it on the way to me and the girls home. It's not too far from here but one thing first, however." Halibel said as she then walked forward and wrapped her one normal arm around her son. Bring him into a motherly embrace. "Regardless of the means of how it has happened, I'm glad to have you back, son."
"I'm glad to have you and the others back to mom," Yoshiro replied as the two parted.
"As Lady Halibel said, it's good to have you amongst us again." Sung-Sun chimed with a smile.
"And look at you! You're even a Vasto Lorde as well!" Mila spoke enthusiastically "You've been a hollow for maybe roughly two years? That's gotta be some kind of record? You're pretty powerful too at that, Lady Halibel and batboy are the only other Vasto Lordes I can sense that seem stronger."
Interested by her comment Yoshiro reached out with his senses to confirm and Mila was right. In fact, if he had to place himself and the other Vasto Lordes in order by strength. It would go his mother, Ulquiorra, himself, Mila, Luppi, and Apacci were essentially tied, and then finally Sung-Sun.
Soon enough the massive group of hollows began to travel. Along the way, Yoshiro introduced the others and explained all that happened. As well as filling Grimmjow and the others on their unique meeting and offer by Aizen.
"Wow, you certainly did a fair bit in a short amount of time Yoshiro," Mila commented.
"I would say so," Apacci replied in a mixed-sounding tone.
Yoshiro wasn't surprised by her tone though he was surprised she hadn't blown gone off on him. The moment he had mentioned the relationship between him and Luppi. The fox hollow himself wasn't really sure how to go about handling the situation, so he figured just to take a chance.
"I understand that you're upset with me Apacci." Yoshiro bluntly stated as they all continued to walk along.
Apacci didn't reply right away but did after a few moments of thought. "Actually, though a part of me feels like I should be upset, I can't be. When you really get down to it and look at the details. The fact that we found each other again after such a short time. Hell, the fact found each other at all, to begin with, in this place. Is essentially a miracle in its own right. I can understand that you would want to share comfort with someone who would be willing to do so. Such things are an extreme rarity in the brutal desolate hellscape, that is Hueco Mundo. I'm not upset Yoshiro; I'm just processing the fact. You share the same feelings of affection for him as you do me.
"I have a suggestion if you'll entertain me Apacci?" Luppi stated who had been surprisingly quiet until now.
"What would that be exactly?" Apacci questioned in return.
"Once we reach this little home of yours, I'd like us to talk, just the two of us, and try to come to an understanding of sorts. What say you to that idea?" Luppi suggested.
"Alright fine, but I promise nothing." Apacci retorted still not entirely sure about it all.
"Understood"
"With that handled for now, perhaps we should discuss the offer made by this Aizen?" Sung-Sun suggested
"What's to talk about? I've already made up my mind, I'm going and my boys will be joining me." Grimmjow announced
"While I won't force any of you to make a choice, I too have already made my decision on this. After taking some time to rest I will be heading to Las Noches as well. I refuse to not have the strength to protect those I care about. If I must sacrifice some of my personal freedom to gain that strength, then so be it. It's a sacrifice I am more than willing to make." Halibel said making her course of action clear.
"Well shit, looks like I don't really have a choice now." Yoshiro thought to himself. "While I have my concerns about serving this Aizen guy, regardless of the fact I don't trust him. No way in hell, am I just gonna let the people I care for. Go join up with this shady Shinigami and not be there to watch things. I'm not too surprised mom is going after the encounter with the hammerhead Arrancar. No doubt Sung-Sun, Mila and even Apacci will go with her. Luppi, Ulquiorra, and the twins are sure to go wherever I go. I still have reservation about this but looks like fate is playing against me here."
"I do believe this's ultimately the best move kit." Yoshiro's hollow spoke within his inner world.
"How so?"
"Because by becoming an Arrancar, becoming part soul reaper. You'll be able to begin accessing the true depths of your potential. Yes, you're strong as you are but you can be so much more. And in turn, you can use that strength to help those around you that you care about. Plus, don't forget you can regain things that you lost upon dying and turning." The hollow woman explained.
"When you put it like that, I really can't say no." Yoshiro thought before speaking out loud. "I'll be going to and I imagine you'll be coming with?" He said as he looked to Luppi, Ulquiorra, and the twins. All of them simply nodded to confirm that they would be going as well.
Within his inner world, the tall fox-like hollow woman looked down at the covered and chained up well. "Once the kit becomes an Arrancar, it will be safe for you. Safe for the kit for you to awaken and be free of your self-imposed imprisonment."
Back out in Hueco Mundo, the group had made it to Halibel and Tres Bestia's home. "We shall rest here for a while and then make our way to Las Noches." The shark-like woman stated as everyone made themselves comfortable. Except for Luppi and, Apacci that is, who went off together to talk in private.
"You sure it's wise to let them be together out of your sight like that?" Grimmjow questioned as he sat across from Yoshiro.
"I trust they won't start fighting each other hopefully, anyways. Though it wouldn't hurt to be ready to move if we suddenly hear the sound of walls being blown out." The fox Vasto Lorde retorted.
"If that happens, you're on your own there, I enjoy a good fight, but I'm not crazy. Like hell, I'm tossing myself in-between a pair of feuding Vasto Lordes."
An hour passed, and Yoshiro was starting to get a little nervous. While he hadn't felt any fluctuation in their energy or the sound of anything being destroyed. He was becoming concerned that the two were somehow managing to strangle one another in complete silence. Thankfully his fears were quenched when the two reappeared, looking perfectly fine. They then proceeded to take a spot on either side of Yoshiro, each wrapping an arm around one of his.
"I'm going to assume that the two of you worked something out?" Yoshiro inquired.
"Yes, to make a long story short, we agreed that we would share you." Luppi stated, "We figured you would find that agreeable."
Yoshiro blinked for a few moments as he processed that information. "I have absolutely no objection to this." He finally replied
Apacci chuckled at that before speaking up. "We knew you'd have no problems with it. While it will take some time to get used to, we decided this would be the best way to go. We understood you wouldn't want us fighting over you. So congrats, you have both a girlfriend and boyfriend!"
Yoshiro wrapped his tails around the two of them in a snug embrace. "I couldn't ask for anything more. Once we get into a rhythm with things, I'm sure everything will be just fine. We're going to have something really special between the three of us, I do believe."
A day later, everyone had taken off in the direction of Las Noches, after few days of travel. Las Noches came into view, pretty easy to see considering the assortment of giant white buildings huddled together. It was an impressive sight, they all had to admit. It was impossible to tell where it started and where it ended. Taking a minute to view the sight, they all continued on their way. Onwards to Las Noches, none of them truly knowing, just how much things will come to change in just a few months.