Chapter Fourteen: Karakura Memories
Yoshiro sat in the main living area of his mother's palace thinking about recent events. It had been some time, and everyone was making final preparations for the coming fighting against the soul society. News had reached them the Bounts had been dealt with. Soon enough it would be time for them to strike. The training was an almost everyday thing with the dramatic improvement of everyone's Arrancar powers and abilities. He hadn't told anyone of his discovery of being part Quincy, not even his mother. He felt something like that was better kept to himself currently. He had been trying to activate his Blut with no success so far. Being an Arrancar made it very difficult to utilize any Quincy-specific techniques. Adelphie further explained when it came to Blut. If he was still human, he'd be able to use it automatically without training. Granted, once he found a way over the wall being a hollow presented and he could use Blut. He could utilize its full potential without having to train it at all.
As Yoshiro sat contemplating things by himself. Everyone else was currently out dealing with their prep for the coming war. He suddenly noticed his mother walk in and take a seat in a chair nearby deep in her own thinking. A sudden thought he never had before crossed his mind. He wondered if he should really ask it but ultimately decided he needed too otherwise it would constantly nag him.
"Hey, mom" He suddenly spoke up.
Halibel broke out of her own thoughts suddenly, looked at her son. "Yes Yoshiro?" she asked wondering what her son wanted.
"What were things like for you and dad and everything?" He replied with curiosity.
Halibel was caught by surprise by the question but decided that he had the right to know. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking.
"You see," she began "to really explain that well enough I would have to start at the beginning of when we first met and go from there. Your father was on a long-term business trip to Honolulu. At the time I was working as a bartender at a high-class bar on the island. I remember first seeing him, tall, well built, well-groomed. With his black hair in a slicked back undercut style and cerulean blue eyes. Along with a smile that could make anyone blush a bit at its sight. Dressed in his suits, he cut a very dashing figure. More so than anyone else that came by my place of work. At first, it was just simply he would come to the bar when he was done with work, and I would serve him. Nothing unusual about it all, one thing that caught me right away was how he treated me. Most men and the occasional woman, who came to the bar would simply look at me for my beauty and not for the person I was. He however was different from that."
"He treated me as the person I was, not just some pretty face behind a bar counter. I suppose that was when I first started to build interest in him. After some time we began speaking in conversations as friends whenever he showed up. For me, it was all very refreshing to talk to someone like that. We would talk about our interests, our days and such, pretty standard things. This continued for a while then the end of the year celebration on the island happened. The day before I mentioned I had the celebration off from work. He just simply in the most nonchalant way asked me if I would like to join him for the celebration."
"That actually worked?" Yoshiro interjected with some surprise.
"Oddly enough yes, I was so immune to others trying so desperately to ask me out. That having one ask me in such a manner came as a surprise to me. Plus, I had started to know your father well enough to already know he was different from any other person I had met. So I decided to join him and see where it went. We met up the next day it was the early afternoon. I have to admit, he was nothing short of a gentleman the entire time. He was completely honest, sincere, and always treated me with proper respect. Ultimately the night ended with us in each, other's arms watching the end of the year firework display on the local beach."
"It all built up from there I assume?" Yoshiro chimed in
"Essentially, as cliché as it may sound. I had my work schedule changed so I was off work roughly the same he was. We would spend our afternoons together, one time I got him to join me surfing, it was my favorite activity in life. I remember how many times he comically fell before he got the hang of it. Eventually, he was able to surf and we were sharing the waves together. It was a wonderful time; it quickly became our favorite activity to do together. Besides one other particular activity as you can imagine."
"When did the major tipping point come?" Yoshiro questioned not wanting to think about his parent's sex life. Which got an amused chuckle out of Halibel.
"Four months after the end of year celebration, we had grown very close by then. He had recently finished his business on the island and was preparing to head back to Japan. I thought that was to be the end of our time together. We went to the beach together for what I thought was to be the final time. He surprised me with something I wasn't expecting in the slightest bit. He had it already sitting at the beach ready for when we arrived there. It was a brand new surfboard in the style I preferred, it was yellow and white with the image of a shark on top of it. The real surprise of it all was what was sitting in the middle of it. It was an engagement ring, a golden band with a simple diamond on top of it. When I turned to him in my shock, he asked me to marry him."
"You clearly said yes, otherwise I wouldn't be here." Yoshiro piped up.
"Of course, I made what preparation I needed and left for Japan with him. We married in a ceremony in the spring under blooming Sakura trees. I must admit I was the happiest I had ever been. Our marriage was an enjoyable one, I was able to get a bartending job at a place like what I had before. Thankfully, everyone was kind to me and didn't care I was a foreigner. We did typical marriage life things, vacations together, dinner parties with friends, and so on. Of course, your father made sure to find a beach to properly surf at for us. Then about six years into our marriage we received the best knew ever."
"You found out you were pregnant with me." The fox Arrancar stated.
"Exactly, we were both overjoyed at the news. It was all we could ever talk about with each other. We went over names and such, we repurposed a room in the house all ourselves to be a proper baby room for when you were born. Doctors said the pregnancy was progressing perfectly fine every time we went. A few weeks before I reached my due date your father was sent out on an important job for his work. He argued it but ultimately, I told him it would be fine for him to go. Then a week after he left, I went into labor."
Yoshiro said nothing he just listened more intently.
"I was rushed to the local hospital by an ambulance when I arrived in the delivery room. Everything seemed to be fine at first but soon complications arose. My body wasn't quite reacting as it should for a proper normal birth. The Cecariane section could not be done due to certain surgical risks. So despite dangers, we had no choice but to go through the natural birth. I'll spare the details of the specifics, suffice to say while I eventually delivered you successfully. The overexertion and damage done by the process, was too much for my body to handle. I was able to hold you in my arms and see you with my eyes for a few moments, I smiled, gave you your name, and was able to tell you what I thought would be for the only time. Just how much I loved you. Then as a nurse took you away, the last of my strength faded and I died." She finally finished with a somber tone at the end.
Halibel looked over at her son and noticed he was sitting on the edge of the couch. His sunglasses off, his face in his hands, she could see the streak marks of tears on his face. Before she could say anything, she heard him mumble out.
"It's because of me," He was choking up "I'm the reason you died, I killed you that day." On those words he lost any remaining composure, arms dropping to his lap, he hung his head as tears streaked down his face. "It's all my fault."
Halibel was in mild shock from what she was seeing, her son had always been one to do a good job at keeping his composure most of the time but here he had none whatsoever. As he sat there crying and blaming himself for her death. She realized at that moment just how much her death must have been weighing on him for so much time, how much pain, how much suffering he was throwing on himself and keeping it locked away. Now it was all flooding out in front of her like a wave. All over something that wasn't even really his fault at all.
She immediately walked over to him sat next to him and brought him into a caring hug, with his face resting against her shoulder he then gently wrapped his arms around hers and tears continued to fall off from him.
"It's not your fault." She gently said "it has never been your fault, I have never, nor will I ever blame my death on you. What happened to me was simply an unfortunate accident. You were not responsible for it, so stop putting such unnecessary pain about it upon yourself. I have no regrets about the sacrifice I made that day. You're my child and I would make that sacrifice for you again without hesitation if I must." She calmly finished.
Yoshiro stopped his tears at his mother's words and started to regain his composure. He looked up at his mother, his eyes still puffy from the crying. He simply gave a soft smile looking as though a great weight had been taken off his shoulders.
"Thank you, mom." He said quietly. That has weighed on me for a long time. Thank you for taking it off of me." Suddenly Yoshiro felt exhausted. Noticing this Halibel decided to have him relax on the couch for a bit. He did so and was sleeping soundly in no time. Halibel stood up and took a few steps away and quietly said.
"You can come out now Apacci, Luppi."
Apacci and Luppi walked out from the hallway leading to the living area with a sheepish look on their faces.
"You heard enough of everything I imagine," Halibel said kindly.
"Yes, my lady." Apacci replied "I had no idea such things weighed so heavily on him. Sometimes I forget for everything he has been through so far, he's only Eighteen years old technically."
"So do I" Halibel spoke
"It really puts things in perspective about him when you really think about." Luppi chimed in. "He's the youngest here and yet he carries far greater weight on his shoulders than most of us."
With that said Apacci and Luppi walked over and carefully laid themselves on top of Yoshiro as he slept. He instinctively in his sleep wrapped an arm around each of them. With their head resting on his chest listening to his steady soft heartbeat. They soon fell asleep as well. Halibel merely watched the scene with a gentle smile hidden behind her mask and walked away. The three would remain that way for the rest of the day.
*Three days later*
A meeting had been called for all the Espada to gather in the main chamber. Yoshiro and his mother walked together towards the meeting place.
"You think this going to be about us finally starting this war with soul society?" He asked his mother.
"More than likely, or at least a discussion what our initial plans to start it will be." She replied.
They then entered the chamber, only Ulquiorra, and Grimmjow was there. They shared brief nods of acknowledgment and took their seats. Yoshiro sat in between his mom and Ulquiorra, right across from Grimmjow.
"How's it going, guys?" Yoshiro inquired towards his friends.
"Same old boring shit since we became Arrancar. I hope we finally start this war; all this waiting around has me antsy. Even training spars are starting to get boring." Grimmjow spoke in his usual gruff manner.
"I can't argue that all this sitting around is starting to get rather dull. You can only train or fuck so much to kill time before even that starts to lose its appeal." Yoshiro casually retorted.
Grimmjow cackled at that, Halibel sighed, Ulquiorra was indifferent. Having long since grown to understand his friend's casual attitude towards such things.
After about ten minutes all the other Espada had arrived and took their seats as well. Yoshiro shared some quick hellos with Starkk and Aaroniero. Then Aizen along with his two personal lackeys showed up. Aizen took his seat, and the meeting started.
"Welcome my dear Espada." Aizen began "I called you here for our first operation that will mark the start of our fight against the soul society. Tosen if you would please."
Tosen just nodded his head and pulled a lever which revealed a large screen that began showing images.
"We shall start here in Karakura town. You see there is a person of particular interest I wish to know more about. A human with soul reaper powers by the name of Ichigo Kurosaki. This mission will also serve as our grand reveal to soul society. I have already decided on the two Espada to send for this mission. Ulquiorra I have selected you." The bat Arrancar just nodded his head. "And I have selected you as well Yoshiro, seeing how you had lived in Karakura almost your whole life it makes sense to send you there on this mission."
Yoshiro was stunned at this revelation. Not just the fact that apparently, his old home was a part of this. Even more shockingly that Ichigo, the person he still considered a little brother. Was, somehow a soul reaper? Then there was the fact Aizen had a particular interest in him. It was all so much to have to take in at once. He snapped out of his surprise when he got a slight nudge from his mother. "Yes, I understand Lord Aizen." The Quinta spoke trying to keep the surprise out of his voice.
"You are to leave tomorrow for this mission. Also, keep track of anyone else you may find while you there who may be of any particular interest. Your main objective however is to test Kurosaki's power. That is all for now unless of course, anyone has any questions?" He finished putting his stare on Yoshiro.
The fox Arrancar knew he was being baited but he frankly didn't care. He needed further clarification on all this. "If I may Lord Aizen, but why Karakura and Kurosaki in particular?"
Aizen gave a slight smirk before giving his answer. "Kurosaki led an invasion of soul society to rescue a fellow soul reaper named Rukia Kuchiki. In that time he gained Bankai in record time and defeated two Captains himself. I wish to know how much of a threat he could pose as someone with such rapid growth. Even more so since his battles against the Bounts. As for Karakura my plans to create the Ōken, the key to the soul palace. A spiritually rich area with the proper number of souls must be sacrificed. Karakura town is the ideal location for such a thing." Aizen replied smoothly.
"Sacrifice… Karakura town and practically everyone in it!" Yoshiro thought in horror. He was glad his sunglasses were hiding his widened eyes. He never would have called that was Aizen's plan.
"That will be all for now, you're all free to go." Aizen proclaimed, Yoshiro still processing everything. Stood up from his chair and left with a quick burst of Sonido to his palace.
Upon arrival into the main lounge, he was greeted by Apacci, Luppi, and the twins. They could all tell right away something was very wrong. Though before any of them could get say anything, Yoshiro summed up his current feelings.
"FUCK!" The Quinta exclaimed in frustration. "This's goddamn ridiculous!"
"Yoshiro what's wrong!?" Luppi questioned in concern.
Yoshiro took a few deep breaths to calm himself. "Aizen just explained his plans, he's going to destroy Karakura. Also apparently Ichigo became soul reaper somehow and a powerful one at that in record time. He's sending me and Ulquiorra to test his strength to gauge his threat level."
"Oh, shit" Apacci mouthed, it now made perfect sense why Yoshiro was suddenly in a foul mood. She too couldn't help but feel some reluctance about this, she came to like Karakura a lot herself. Not to mention while their time knowing together was short. Ichigo and the others had grown on her rather quickly.
"It's all Bullshit!" Yoshiro growled as he punched a wall leaving a good crack running along the surface.
"Don't go destroying the place now." A familiar voice spoke up. Yoshiro turned and noticed it came from Starkk. Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, Aaroniero, and his mother were also there.
"What brings you all here?" Yoshiro snarked in return.
"Your ass took off from the meeting so fast as soon as it ended. Figured it was for the best to see what the hell was up with you." Grimmjow snarked back.
"Son, I know you're upset at the revelation of what Lord Aizen's plans are but you must calm yourself." Halibel stated trying to placate her son.
In an unexpected display, Yoshiro ripped his sunglasses off and glared at his mother. "Please don't tell me you're actually ok with this!? Karakura was your home too!" Yoshiro snapped in his aggravation towards Halibel. Which caught everyone by surprise, Yoshiro never acted that way towards his mother.
Halibel gained a stern expression as she replied in a firm tone. "Yoshiro, calm yourself now!"
"Calm down!? How the fuck am I supposed to calm do-" Yoshiro's words were cut off when he suddenly found himself pinned against a wall. His mother holding him against it with a forearm. With a very unamused look on her face. "Enough! Reign yourself in Yoshiro or I shall do it for you!" Halibel practically ordered in response to her son's outburst. She began raising her spiritual pressure, her body glowing a golden yellow as she did. While she didn't wish to get any more physical with her son. She would if she had to before he did something rash while his emotions were getting the better of him.
"The Tercera speaks the truth, Quinta. You mustn't let your emotions get the better of you." The Novena spoke up with their dual tone of voice.
"I must concur with the others." Ulquiorra stated in his monotone voice. In truth, he was genuinely concerned for Yoshiro. While he didn't really care about Karakura, he understood why the Quinta did. Still, Yoshiro had to be kept from doing something foolish.
Yoshiro stopped with his struggling and his shoulders slumped in defeat. After a few more minutes of calm, Halibel released him. The Quinta looked at his mother with a somber expression. "Are you really ok with this mom?" He asked sounding rather exhausted all of a sudden.
Halibel closed her eyes to gather her thoughts and took a deep breath. "Yoshiro, while Karakura was a home to me for some years. The only thing I ever had any real attachment to it since my death. Were you and your father, he's gone and you're here with me. I know this's hard for you to hear but nothing is left in Karakura for me."
"Yoshiro you can't be thinking of doing something as foolhardy as turning against Lord Aizen?" Ulquiorra interjected.
Yoshiro leaned back into the wall and stared up at the ceiling and gave a tired sigh. "No, I couldn't do that for a multitude of reasons. "The biggest thing is that even I did that and somehow convinced you all to join me. We still wouldn't have the strength needed to beat Aizen. We couldn't ally ourselves with soul society either, considering what I read about how they treated the Bounts. They'd kill us on sight at worst or use us until Aizen was stopped. Then slip the knife in our backs at best. I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't one could say. My only real option is taking the path that's the least damning."
"And that would be?" Starkk questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I can't stop Karakura's destruction but at the very least I can keep alive everyone from there that I care about. When the proper opportunity arises, I'll secure them here in Las Noches. Right before the sacrifice of Karakura happens, it's the only real path I can take."
"You believe Lord Aizen will permit that?" Ulquiorra questioned
"A small handful of souls being taken away won't affect the creation of the Ōken. I know it, you know it, we all know it. Aizen won't give a damn at all."
"A fair point," Ulquiorra replied "Whatever your decision, you'll have me at your side."
"Thanks," Yoshiro chimed as he gave a quick look around the room. "I'm going to head off to bed. Tomorrow is the mission to Karakura." The fox Arrancar didn't bother waiting for a response before he headed off to his chambers.
Yoshiro lay in his bed wearing nothing but a pair of gym trunks and boxers, still in thought. So lost in thought he was, he didn't notice two figures joining him in bed until they snuggled up against him. He saw Apacci on his left in just her underwear, Luppi on his right in pajamas that complimented his effeminate figure.
"How are you doing?" Apacci asked caringly.
"Been better in all honesty but it is what it is." Yoshiro merely replied.
"Just remember we're here for you Yoshiro," Luppi said softly
Despite his troubles, he couldn't help but smile at his mate's care for him. "Thank you two, I'd be a much bigger wreck without you and the others."
"How about we take your mind off of things for a while? It will make you feel better and makes us feel good too." Apacci said playfully with a coy smile.
"And what would that involve by chance?" Yoshiro replied with a husky tone. He wouldn't argue against doing something to take his mind completely off his troubles, for even a short time.
"I think I have a pretty good idea." Luppi purred as he gently trailed a hand down Yoshiro's chest all the way down to his waist. Yoshiro's breath hitched at the pleasant and gentle feel. As Luppi's hand snaked its way under his clothes and found its mark. Apacci leaned in and locked her lips with his as they kissed heatedly, their tongues swirling around with each other. Soon enough the three were lost in the throes of passion that lasted most of the night.
The next day Aizen, his personal lackeys and, all the Espada with their fracción. Were gathered in the main chamber, while Ulquiorra and Yoshiro stood in the center of the room. They opened a Garganta, and they walked in. The whole time Yoshiro was working on preparing himself. They emerged in one of Karakura's parks from what Yoshiro could tell. There were lots of people there and not that any of them could see the two.
"Feels weird being back here after so long, after so much has changed with me. I wonder just how much has changed here?" Yoshiro mused as he looked at his old home for the first time in a long time.
"Keep focused on the mission Quinta," Ulquiorra replied.
"Yeah, yeah I know. Just let me have my moment of nostalgia dammit!" Yoshiro retorted. "Well, then I suppose we should make our presence known." Yoshiro let out a massive burst of spirit energy. All the normal humans just fell unconscious from it.
"That should do the trick, anyone with any spiritual awareness will have felt that. From what info we have on him, Ichigo should come running our way soon enough once he feels it." Yoshiro chirped
"Indeed, we'll just need to wait is all"
"You know, as much hesitation as I have about all this. I can't help but feel somewhat excited about being back home. Maybe see a few old faces before we have to take off other than just Ichigo. Though I'm really not thrilled he was dragged into all this nonsense. Not much that can be done about that now sadly."
Suddenly a female voice broke out of nowhere. "Yoshiro Abe? Is that you?" Yoshiro and Ulquiorra looked to the source of the voice. They saw a teenage girl, she had black hair and brown eyes, looked tomboyish as well. Yoshiro stared at her for a moment trying to remember, then it hit him.
"Tatsuki Arisawa! Is that you!?" He called out in surprise. Mainly just by how much she had changed. She was still a tomboy, which frankly was why he was able to recognize her. Despite the fact, she was no longer an older kid budding into a teen. She was now looked like a young adult.
Tatsuki was stunned by who she was seeing. She hadn't seen Yoshiro in years, no one knowing what happened to him exactly. He just upped and disappeared one day out of the blue. She and the others were emotional wrecks when it all first happened. Hell, to this day he was still listed as a missing person by the police. She was so stunned she couldn't even speak for a moment. Next thing she knew Yoshiro was approaching she noticed he looked different. His hair was the exact same as she remembered, his eyes were covered by sunglasses. She wondered what the hell was that thing on his face and the tattoo on his neck? Not to mention he was in all white with a black trim uniform of sorts and had a wakizashi on his back at the waist.
Yoshiro stopped in front of her, he took off his sunglasses and tucked them away. He studied her more and shook his head a bit. "Kami, you've grown a lot since last I saw you. I can only imagine how much the others have changed too."
Tatsuki started to get over her shock. Responded by giving him a slap across the face. "Where the hell have you been!?" She roared as her emotion began to surface. "Do you have any idea how sad we were!? How upset we were that you had gone!? Do you have any idea how much we all cried over you!? Now you show up almost three years later like this! What happened to you!? What the actual hell is actually going on!?"
Yoshiro looked somberly at her; the slap didn't hurt thanks to his Heirro. Though it still made a clear point of her feelings. Not that he could blame her, he had expected such a response from at least a few of the people he knew. Though he couldn't help but wonder how the hell Tatsuki was spiritually aware? He knew for a fact she wasn't before his sudden death. Questions for another time he decided.
"That's a very long story Tatsuki time I don't have at the moment," Yoshiro stated but before he could continue. A new voice suddenly made its presence known.
"Tatsuki! Are you okay!?"
Yoshiro looked to where the voice came from and saw the two individuals approaching. One was a very tall and very muscular guy and the other was a very curvaceous young woman with long auburn hair. It took a moment for him to make the connection, but he did.
"Is that Chad and Orihime?" He mouthed in shock at how much the two had changed. "I almost don't believe it."
As the two human teenagers approached and stood next to Tatsuki. They took a good look at the person who addressed them. It took a moment but then the realization hit them.
"It can't be!?" Chad spoke in surprise, his visible eye wide. Orihime was so stunned by what he was seeing. She couldn't even form words at the moment. "Tatsuki, is this some sort of trick by chance?" Chad questioned
"No, it's really him, it's Yoshiro." The tomboy answered
Before anything else could be said or done, Orihime suddenly latched onto Yoshiro with a tight hug. She buried her head into his shoulder and cried. "We all missed you so much, I missed you so much! When we lost you, it was like losing my brother all over again!" Orihime choked out.
Yoshiro brought his arms around and gently embraced her. using one of his hands to stroke her hair to soothe her. "I'm sorry, I really am. What happened to me wasn't my choice at all. Believe me, if I could've I would have avoided what happened to me."
Orihime pulled away and began to cease her crying as she looked at him with a smile. "You're back now and that's what matters! We can all catch up with one another! Everyone else will be so happy to see you, once they get over the shock!" Orihime beamed happily. That really stung at Yoshiro's heartstrings, he knew what he was about to say next. Was going to completely crush her hopes about things. Yoshiro sighed as he prepared to speak.
"This's going to be very hard for you all to accept but the only reason any of you can see me right now. Is because you are three spiritually aware enough to. The fact of the matter is, by standards of this realm I'm technically dead." Yoshiro said to his old friends.
The three looked at him in shock and then horror as they discovered he was right. They were so caught up in their surprise they didn't realize it at first. Now that they actually focused they could all sense his spiritual energy but that wasn't what horrified them. It was what the aura he was giving off felt like that did.
"Why do you feel like a hollow?" Orihime asked with trepidation.
"That's because I am a hollow Orihime." The Quinta replied "Technically I'm an Arrancar, a more evolved version of a hollow. Though still a hollow nonetheless at my core." He then pointed at his fragment. "This's what remains of my mask after becoming an Arrancar." Then pulled up his jacket. "And this is my hollow hole."
All three stared in absolute horror, then Orihime began crying again and shaking her head. "No, not you, not you, you can't be a hollow!" She exclaimed almost hysterically. "Sora becoming a hollow was bad enough, I can't believe you're one too!"
Seeing they were having trouble accepting the truth. Yoshiro opened his mouth but instead of words, there was a roar. The unmistakable roar of a hollow. All three teens felt as though their blood froze at that moment. The look of unmitigated horror on Orihime's face peaked as she fell to her knees sobbing. "It's not fair, it's not fair, why you? Why did you have to suffer such a fate?" She choked out between sobs.
Before anything more could be said or done a new presence made itself known. The one Yoshiro and Ulquiorra had been waiting for.
"The man of the hour has arrived at last it would seem," Yoshiro spoke with nervousness.
The next thing anyone knew standing in the park about Fifteen yards away from them was a certain orange-haired soul reaper. He was standing there in a black and red uniform that was tattered at the bottom, holding an all-black blade. Not to mention a scowl on his face that was practically a trademark of his. Yoshiro couldn't keep himself from cracking a small smile. Even with the situation like it was, he was glad to see Ichigo again. He was no longer that lanky-looking young teen. He had grown into a tall, strong-looking person.
Ichigo came running as fast as he could in Bankai form when he felt the massive burst of hollow energy coming from the park. Ichigo almost couldn't even believe it, how hell could a hollow be so powerful? He didn't think such a thing was even possible.
When he arrived at the park, he was caught by surprise by what he saw. He saw Orihime standing on her knees next to someone. The person was in almost all white style clothing, mocha skin, blond hair, green eyes. Why does this guy seem so familiar? Then it struck him like a ton of bricks, he nearly dropped Zangetsu out of shock. The one who had helped him with the initial pain of his mother's death. The guy who became a part of his family as an older brother to him and his sister, a second son to their father.
It was Yoshiro Abe.
He remembered when Yoshiro had suddenly gone missing years ago without a trace. He had been saddened and angry over the fact someone had apparently done something to him. Another person he cared so deeply about he failed to protect just like his mother. Yoshiro had been someone always willing to lend a hand and help if the need arose. Ichigo had genuinely always looked up to him as someone he could mold himself by. Now here he was suddenly back out of the blue and apparently at the center of what was currently happening. Then Ichigo noticed the differences in his appearance, most notably the unmistakable piece of a hollow mask. He felt his heart clench at that, he didn't want to believe it. How could Yoshiro have become a hollow?
"What the hell happened to you, while you've been away from here?" Ichigo suddenly asked solemnly.
"Long story short, I was killed by a hollow, then said hollow that killed me turned me into one. Since then I've been surviving as I've had to. Now I'm an Arrancar, an advanced form of hollow.
Ichigo's eyes went wide from the statement then he suddenly felt a sense of sadness of that fact. Then he finally noticed all the unconscious people and remembered Orihime sobbing on the ground. Ichigo suddenly felt anger rise up and replace his shock.
"What the hell did you do to Orihime!? Are you responsible for hurting everyone else here!?" He asked in barely restrained anger.
"First off, yes I am responsible for everyone around the park but I didn't kill anyone, they're only unconscious. Orihime just didn't react very well to the truth of things. Let me get to the point I'm here on orders from Lord Aizen." Yoshiro replied back
"You're working for that bastard!? Why!?" Ichigo yelled in anger and surprise. The Yoshiro he knew would never work for someone like Aizen.
"I don't have the time to explain the full story. Let's just say doing so gives the best chance to keep the people I care about safe." The fox Arrancar replied. Ichigo's eyes widened at that, he wasn't expecting that kind of answer. "Ichigo I'm on orders to fight you to properly gauge your strength."
The soul reapers scowl deepened at that. "I'm not fighting you Yoshiro! I don't care what orders Aizen gave you, that bastard can go to hell!"
Yoshiro sighed at that; he was hoping he wouldn't have to force Ichigo into a fight. He began gathering white energy in a hand until it formed a ball, he then held it directly towards Karakura. "I can't go back without completing my mission. Either fight me or I launch this cero into town, your call." The blond spoke with complete seriousness. He was bluffing his ass off of course. Though if he knew Ichigo as he remembered him, his protective nature wouldn't allow taking the chance.
Ichigo instinctively gripped Zangetsu tighter as his anger rose again. He almost couldn't believe Yoshiro was seriously threatening such a thing. "Fine, I'll fight you dammit!" Ichigo roared "I don't know what the hell being a hollow has done to you!? But the brother I remember would never make such a threat!"
"I had to do some pretty extreme things to last so long in a place like Hueco Mundo. In the hollow world, survival is key above all else and survival doesn't come without changes." The Quinta replied as he dissipated the cero and put distance between himself and the other teens. "Ulquiorra, make sure those three don't try to interfere in the fight please." The Cuarta merely nodded and used Sonido to appear next to the teens. He paid no real attention to Tatsuki or Chad but his eyes lingered a few moments on Orihime. Before he put his focus on the fight that was soon to come.
Yoshiro reached out with his Pesquisa to gauge Ichigo's strength. He wasn't all that impressed by it. "He could give Yammy andAaroniero some trouble with his level but he's nowhere near the levels of Quinta and up. Hell, Grimmjow could probably kick his ass silly. Why is Aizen so interested in him I wonder?" He thought to himself.
That was all the time he had to think when Ichigo suddenly appeared before him and tried to slash him, he easily dodged it and countered with a punch to Ichigo's face that sent him flying back. Yoshiro then charged him and delivered a kick to his gut that sent him flying in the air. Before Ichigo could recover Yoshiro appeared above him and delivered an elbow to his back that sent the orange-haired teen flying into the ground hard. Yoshiro landed some distance away and simply watched as Ichigo staggered up onto his feet.
Ichigo was pissed, not just because he was losing the fight badly but mainly because he knew his opponent wasn't even taking him seriously. That annoyed him more than anything. "Fight me seriously damn it!" Ichigo roared.
"No point in it Ichigo." Yoshiro retorted "I'm just here to test you, not kill you. Using my full power on you would be massive overkill. Not that I would want to kill you. As much as I've changed, I still consider you my little brother after all."
Ichigo was taken back by the statement but quickly refocused himself and began focusing as much energy as he could on Zangetsu. Yoshiro took notice of what he was doing and smirked.
"Going to hit me your full strength, are you? Good, show me just what you have to offer Ichigo!" Yoshiro said with some excitement.
"Let's see how well you handle this!" Roared Ichigo "GETSUGA TENSHO!"
A mass wave of Black and red energy came barreling towards Yoshiro. He merely hardened his Heirro and waited for the blast to hit. It connected at his torso and exploded, the shockwave sent dirt, dust, and debris everywhere.
Ichigo watched his attack hit, he was breathing a bit heavily, having put everything he could into the attack. He watched as the dust and dirt began to settle, his eyes went wide from shock. Yoshiro stood there not having moved at all. The only evidence of his attack was Yoshiro's now tattered vest that revealed his hollow hole. Other than that there wasn't even so much as a scuff mark on his body.
"No, th- that can't be I put everything I had into that attack," Ichigo spoke in shock.
"Sorry Ichigo, while that attack wasn't too bad, sadly against me it's nowhere near enough to do anything," Yoshiro replied with mirth before rocketing forward. His speed was beyond anything Ichigo could track and the next thing he knew. Yoshiro had planted his fist clean in his gut knocking him clean off his feet. Yoshiro quickly grabbed him by the back of his head and slammed him clean into the ground. The earth shattered and shook violently from the force. Ichigo felt the fight quite literally knocked clean out of him. His vision was blurry and he could barely keep his grip on his blade.
Yoshiro hoisted Ichigo up by the neck whispered into his ear. "This isn't good enough Ichigo. If you want to survive what's coming. More importantly, help keep those you care about alive by the time everything is said and done. You need to get stronger than this. Because as you are right now, everyone around you is going to die!" While his words were harsh and he was lying to a degree, he knew it was the best way to motivate Ichigo. Then something very odd happened, Ichigo's energy suddenly took a different feel. To his surprise a very hollow-like feel at that, then something began forming on Ichigo's face. It looked to be some kind of hollow mask with red tribal-like stripes. That covered half his face as his eyes turned to look like those of a hollow.
"No fucking way, how do you have an inner hollow!?" The blond muttered more to himself if anything. This was the last thing he would've expected from his little brother figure. Ichigo's now black and yellow eyes locked with his emerald and a psychotic smirk spread across his face. His instincts kicking in he quickly jumped back to avoid a sword slash. "Well shit, you actually managed to dodge that," Ichigo spoke in a now distorted voice. "That already makes you better than that stick up his ass Kuchiki."
"Just who the hell are you and how are you a part of Ichigo!?" Yoshiro demanded as he narrowed his eyes. This hollow that inhabited Ichigo was giving off vibes as Nnoitra did. Something about that really rubbed Yoshiro wrong.
"Who am I? Who am I!?" The hollow cackled in mad glee. "I have no name and to answer your other question. I've been dormant inside kingy since he was a baby growing inside his precious mommy. Not that any of it really matters at this moment. That fool Ichigo was too weak and now his body is mine for the time being. Once I'm finished here, I'm going to enjoy having all sorts of fun with it." The hollow finished with a sneer and a lick of his lips. Something that felt so wrong coming from Ichigo's face.
Yoshiro took a deep breath and stared at the hollow possessing Ichigo with a hard look. "Good thing about the orders I'm here on. I'll be able to beat you into submission before have to leave."
"You think you can? Don't make me laugh!"
Now it was Yoshiro's turn and laugh he did while he raised his spiritual pressure. His body gained a noticeable white glow to it in the process. Ulquiorra was unaffected by it, though the others found themselves all on their knees from it. While the hollow's grin gave way to a look of uncertainty. "You have no idea just how outclassed you are. I'll admit your energy is higher than it was when Ichigo was in control. You still can't touch me."
Yoshiro blitz the possessed Ichigo and planted a kick firmly in his gut. He then followed up with a rapid series of punches. The Quinta then quickly gripped his opponent's throat with a hand firmly. Then Yoshiro slammed him harshly into the ground. Once, twice, three times he did this never letting his grip up for a moment. "You really thought you had a chance against me? After all that talk too, way to be pathetic to the max." The fox Arranacar hissed.
"Yo-, you bastard. I'll make you pa-, pay for this!" The hollow growled in between gasping for air.
"I highly doubt someone as sad as you ever could. Now time to give Ichigo his body back!" Yoshiro wrenched a fist back and slammed it into Ichigo's hollowed face. The half-mask shattered into pieces and the orange-haired teen's eyes returned to normal. Yoshiro then appeared next to Ulquiorra and the others while dropping Ichigo unceremoniously on the ground. "Well, that was rather disappointing in my opinion." The other teens were in utter shock seeing Ichigo be manhandled so easily. He was the strongest of the Karakura gang by a hefty margin after all.
"Sōten Kisshun, I reject!" Orihime suddenly yelled out as three little creatures suddenly appeared and formed an orange barrier around Ichigo.
"Are, are those fairies? Are those literal fucking fairies!?" Yoshiro exclaimed in genuine surprise. "And are they somehow healing his injuries like no big deal?"
"So it seems though I believe something more substantial is happening with the woman's strange powers." Ulquiorra retorted as he paid close attention to Orihime's unusual abilities.
Before anything else could be done, two new individuals suddenly appeared. One was a dark-skinned woman with purple hair, in a tight bodysuit wearing a type of orange jacket. The other he knew perfectly well; he'd never forget that hat and clogs.
"Urahara, this is certainly a surprise to see you. It's been some time, hasn't it?" Yoshiro politely spoke up.
Kisuke studied the Arrancar in front of him trying to figure out how this one knew him. Sadly nothing came to mind. "Afraid I don't recall ever knowing an Arrancar before." He chimed.
"Last you saw me I was still a human." Yoshiro piped up "Remember you helped me and Apacci some years ago?"
Kisuke and Yoruichi both had shock hit them when they realized who it was before them.
"I see now," Urahara spoke solemnly "you've changed quite a lot since last we saw each other"
"Looks like our biggest concerns about him became true," Yoruichi spoke
"Sorry, but I don't recall ever meeting you miss" Yoshiro spoke looking at the dark-skinned woman.
"Oh you wouldn't," The werecat replied, "you've seen me in my cat form after all."
"Wait one second here!" Yoshiro suddenly yelled, "You mean you were that black cat at the shop the entire time!?"
"That's correct boy," Yoruichi replied, "might I say, you have very skilled hands." She finished a bit playfully.
Yoshiro had the most incredulous look imaginable on his face. Having no idea where to go from that one. Thankfully he was glad to have Ulquiorra around who spoke up.
"Quinta, it's time to leave we've already finished our mission. We're not here to fight everyone who shows up." He spoke in his usual tone as he opened a Garganta back to Las Noches.
"Catch you all later" Yoshiro spoke as he entered the Garganta, putting his sunglasses back on as he did. He turned to Urahara and spoke a bit sadly. "I know we're on opposite sides now but for whatever it's worth. I still do appreciate a lot what you did for me and Apacci that day."
He didn't wait to see what the shopkeeper's response was. As the gateway closed on them. Back in Karakura, Urahara stood in very deep thought about what had just transpired in front of him, not knowing exactly what to make of it just yet.
"Things just keep getting wilder and wilder." The shopkeeper muttered to himself as he then focused on Ichigo.
Yoshiro and Ulquiorra returned to Las Noches and gave their report to Aizen and the rest of the Espada. More or less saying that Ichigo wasn't someone to be worried about at all. While the fact he had an inner hollow was a surprise, it didn't really amount to anything past that. The two were praised for their work, and everyone was dismissed. As Yoshiro began leaving his mother approached him.
"Yoshiro," She spoke softly "are you alright?" Halibel knew her son was physically fine; it was emotionally she was concerned with. She knew he was very good at keeping a face when needed but she could tell when something was bothering him.
"I'm fine for the most part mom." He said quietly with a somber look. "Being back home after such a long time was weird. Especially after all that has happened. I just need time to think about it is all."
"I understand if you wish to talk. You can always come to me." Halibel only received a nod of understanding from her son as he then departed to his own palace. As she watched him walk off, she couldn't help but wish she could do more to ease his worries.