Chapter Seventeen: The War Begins
"so we meet again Takeshi Kurosaki." Spat Baraggan.
"so this is what Aizen's decides to do for a first move? He sends this guy of all people at me. Then there's those other signatures I felt in town and near the house. Just what the hell are you playing at Aizen?" Takeshi muttered to himself.
Baraggan came down to the ground with his followers in tow, about 15 yards away from the fullbringer. He took a moment to observe the human, he could tell right away he was far different from the person he had once seen. All that time ago back in las noches. Not that it truly mattered to him, he was still but another ant beneath him. the old arrancar snapped his fingers and one of his followers dumped a large bag of bones that then combined into a throne of sorts. once he had taken his seat, he then addressed the human in front of him once more.
"where are they boy?" he gruffly demanded.
Snapping out of his shock, Takeshi focused upon the former ruler of hueco mundo.
"you'll have to be a bit more specific I'm afraid." He chimed.
"do not play games with me! Where's Halibel and her group of whores!" growled Baraggan. "not to mention the Shihoin woman. Aizen has managed to learn that you planted your seed in her as you did the lion woman.
Takeshi narrowed his eyes at that remark. "If you think I'm gonna tell you where there at. You're a damn fool." Takeshi said with an edge as he activated his fullbring. He wasn't sure how Aizen had found out about Yoruichi but at the moment that wasn't something he could dwell on.
Baraggan rose an eyebrow in interest at the power he was sensing coming from the human boy. "so Aizen wasn't overstating your power it seems. None the less it means little. You can't stand up to me. Now you will tell me where they are."
"what part of 'I'm not telling you.' do you not understand? Or are you just getting hard of hearing in your old age?" retorted Takeshi.
"how dare you speak with such disrespect to his majesty!" angrily yelled an arrancar with the hollow mask fragment resembling some sort of cat on his head.
Takeshi tossed a glance at the arrancar in question. "I'm sorry but you might as well shut it. I don't care what cannon fodder like you has to say."
"why you ba-" began the arrancar but was cut off by the fullbringer.
"Let me make something very clear here! When I stormed seireitei I knocked down four soul reaper captains. The simple fact is the old man is the only one who gives me any kind of pause for caution. The rest of might as well go drown yourselves in the river and save me the hassle." Spat Takeshi.
"to hell with you!" roared an arrancar with a beak like helmet for a mask fragment and red tattoos. As he charged forward at Takeshi.
While the arrancar was moving as fast as he could. To the silver eyed teen he might as well been moving in slow motion. All his training with Halibel having put him on a level well above a non-espada arrancar. Takeshi waited until the arrancar was right on top him before swinging a foot up into the arrancar's gut.
The arrancar in question was immediately stopped in his tracks. The wind knocked clean out of him. before the arrancar knew what was happening next, Takeshi grabbed him by the top of his head. Then the fullbringer proceeded to slam him headfirst into the ground.
Takeshi had to admit the feeling of asserting his dominance over the arrancar felt… satisfying to him. a part of him wanted him to show that these arrancar in front of him were foolish. his own hollow instincts telling him he needed to send a clear message of just who these idiots were messing with. Even if that meant getting a little bloody in process.
Takeshi kept his grip on the arrancar at his mercy, as he stared the rest of them down. "you know, I don't think you fools really understand who it is your messing with. While I admit this isn't normally my way of doing things. No one I know is here to watch so, I'm gonna show what's in store for the rest of you if you continue to annoy me." Takeshi said with an ominous tone.
Takeshi gripped the arrancar's head tightly with one hand and lifted him up. Pointing the arrancar's face in the direction of his allies. Takeshi called upon his hollow powers enough so just eyes would change and then focused his strength into his hand and squeezed tighter. The arrancar howled in pain as the pressure on his skull increased.
"consider the following of what happens to those who decide to fuck with me!" threatened Takeshi as he then brought his other hand on the arrancar's skull. Then with one single push of force with his hands. Crushed the arrancar's skull, blood and gore flew about covering Takeshi's hands and the ground around. Takeshi let the body drop to the ground with a 'thud'.
"Abirama!" yelled out an arrancar with long blond hair and mask fragment covering his right eye.
"so, I think I've made myself loud and clear here." Snarked Takeshi.
"you'll pay for that!" shouted the same blond arrancar.
"oh really?" mused Takeshi. "who's going to make me? Cause it sure as hell won't be you or the rest of your pals that's for damn sure. Though if you want to die so much be my guest. Granted you should probably discuss that with your boss first I think."
The arrancar in question growled out in frustration but was silenced by Baraggan before he could speak.
"enough of this." Spoke the espada. "all you attack at once and crush him."
Takeshi took a more serious look on his face, as he took a ready stance. "well then let's get down to business." Said Takeshi.
Baraggan merely huffed in response. "show me how well your master has trained you."
The war with Aizen had truly begun at last.
*Earlier at the Kurosaki home*
The Kurosaki family, Halibel, Tres Bestias, Chad, and Yoruichi. Were all hanging out together at the house, taking a break from training for the day. Ichigo had gone out with some other friends. While Takeshi had wanted to go out by himself for some personal time. everyone was currently gathered in the living room. Mila and Yoruichi were going over baby stuff. Chad was chatting with Apacci, while everyone else was gathered around watching a movie on tv.
"so what do you think for names?" asked Yoruichi.
"depends on the gender really and we don't know that yet. So I got nothing." Replied Mila.
"maybe but doesn't hurt to atleast try an-" Yoruichi's words hitched in her mouth when she suddenly felt multiple garganta's opening. She looked around and noticed everyone else had also felt it as well. "Halibel, any idea who just showed up!?" asked the werecat in urgency.
Halibel reached out with pesquisa to gauge the new arrivals. Her eyes went wide in surprise as she realized just who Aizen had sent to them.
"Aizen has sent other espada here to confront us. not surprising all things considered. He has sent three espada in total and their followers. One has arrived close to Ichigo's location. It's the Sexta espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and his followers. The next one right by Takeshi is the Segunda espada Baraggan Louisenbairn and his men." Spoke the Tercera.
"Baraggan!" cried out Mila. "we need to get to Takeshi. he can handle the Segunda's underlings. But Baraggan himself is way out of his league!"
"I'm afraid the final arrival nearest to us here is an even bigger concern." Said Halibel with concern. "that being the Primera espada Coyote Stark. He is the most powerful amongst all the arrancar."
Isshin immediately focused with complete seriousness on his face, switching into his soul reaper form. "here's what will do." announced the former captain. "me and Halibel will go confront the Primera. Chad and tres bestias go and support Ichigo. Yoruichi go to the shop and grab Kisuke to then go help Takeshi. also have Tessai come here to guard Karin and Yuzu, here at the house."
Yoruichi not needing to be told twice, immediately sped off as fast as she could.
"hold on! Can't we help in some way!?" spoke Karin.
Isshin immediately turned to his daughter with a stern look. "no, you and Yuzu and not ready for these kind of enemies. While you two have grown a great deal these three weeks since awakening your powers. you two aren't at a level needed to for this kind of fighting. I know you must feel frustrated by this but trust me as both a former captain and more importantly your father."
Karin grit her teeth and balled a fist in frustration but then felt a hand on her shoulder and looked to see Yuzu. Her twin had a sympathetic look, that told Karin all she needed to know as she proceeded to let a sigh of frustration.
"we understand dad." Said Yuzu. "please just hurry and help Ichigo and Takeshi."
"let's go!" spoke Isshin as everyone Immediately took off.
Isshin and Halibel quickly headed off together towards Stark.
"Halibel" spoke Isshin. "How dangerous is this guy?"
"He is the Primera for a reason Isshin. As I stated before his power is the greatest amongst the arrancar. Remember, I was only ranked as the third most powerful amongst the arrancar. Stark and Baraggan being the only ones who surpass me in strength." Halibel explained.
Isshin grit his teeth in frustration, knowing his eldest child was dealing someone even stronger than the woman next to him. which was saying a lot in all honesty. Isshin had become well aware just how strong Halibel was in the past few weeks. As he watched her train her sons in their hollow powers. her strength alone would take atleast of pair captains working together to properly handle.
While Isshin didn't speak his concerns out loud. Halibel could tell what was bothering him. "do not fret Isshin. I have trained Ichigo and Takeshi well. Their strength sits well above most others with potential to go ever higher. Ichigo will handle the Sexta espada. I know Takeshi is strong enough to hold against Baraggan until help arrives. I have faith in their skills and abilities, you must as well." She spoke trying ease Isshin's concerns.
Isshin gave a sigh, collecting himself. "I know." He said "as a parent I can't help but worry is all. I know I can't keep them from fighting in all this. They're in far too deep now as it is. I just don't want to lose any of my children. I went through that pain once when I thought I had lost Takeshi. The same day I lost my wife, I don't know if I could endure that pain a second time."
"it won't happen again." Halibel said as a matter of fact.
"so, what else can you tell me about Stark." Asked Isshin.
"well." Started Halibel. "Out of all the espada me and my girls always got along with Stark the best. In all honesty my only real compliant with him, is his tendency to be extremely lazy most of the time. outside of that however, Stark is easily one of the most levelheaded people in the espada who is also not fanatically loyal to Aizen. Allow me to speak to him when we meet."
"you think you can convince him to not fight us?" wondered the Kurosaki patriarch.
"possibly more than that in fact." Stated Halibel. "Stark's only reason for joining Aizen to begin with was his wanting to end his loneliness. Which is his aspect of death. If I can convince him that he can better end his loneliness elsewhere. We might just gain a powerful ally in the battles to come."
After a little more traveling, the Primera came into view. they both noticed a small green haired girl. She looked the same age as Karin and Yuzu to Isshin.
"who's the young girl?" questioned the former captain.
"that would be Lilynette Gingerbuck. The Primera's only subordinate and her presence here only raises my concern." Replied Halibel.
"what do you mean?"
"long story short, Stark is capable of activating the true extent of his power with her present. He would be formidable enough even if she weren't here."
Noticing the arrival of the Halibel and the soul reaper. Whom Stark had been informed ahead of time to be the father of the Kurosaki children. Stark decided to address them.
"been some time Halibel." Spoke the Primera. "how's it going?"
"Hi Halibel!" childishly spoke Lillynette.
Isshin couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at this. "uhhh Halibel, are these usually like this?" he questioned.
"Stark is well known for his very laidback way of things. Lillynette while quite childish mostly, still tends to be the more serious of the two." Replied Halibel.
"I admit it is somewhat glad to see the two of you again, however I wish our meeting was under better circumstances." Halibel stated to the two other arrancar.
"It's not too late Hali!" piped Lilynette. "Lord Aizen is willing to forgive you and your friends for your desertion."
"on what possible grounds?" Halibel asked out of curiosity.
"Halibel." Cut in Stark. "Lord Aizen is aware of what is going on with Mila-Rose and the Yoruichi woman. If you all willingly return and bring Takeshi Kurosaki with you as well as the Shihoin girl. He's willing to let all your past transgressions be water under the bridge. Think about it, how safe will you all really be here once soul society learns of you all? not to mention what's going between that fullbringer kid and your subordinate? Look, I'll admit while I am here on orders. I'm also here as someone who's genuinely trying to look after you."
"how does Aizen know of Yoruichi?" Retorted the Tercera. While she figured Aizen would have been able deduce what was happening with Mila. no one had expected him to have found out about Yoruichi or atleast quite yet any ways.
"Beats me Halibel, you know as well as me that lord Aizen has his ways about these things." The Primera replied.
Halibel took a moment to gather her thoughts. She took a deep breath and let a sigh. "I'm sorry Stark, Lilynette but me and others will not return to las noches." She said solemnly.
"Halibel….." said the green haired arrancar child with a sad tone.
"I simply do not trust Aizen. You know as well as I do that while Aizen may have made us swear loyalty to him. few of us truly serve him out of it, you included. He rules us more through fear of his power. I will not let the ones I care for near him as much as I can manage too. Especially what he has already done to some I care a great deal for. We both know all too well the sort of twisted experimentation he has performed on our kind. If he were to get his hands on those children. He wouldn't hesitate to perform or feel any remorse for whatever depravity he would subject them to for his own selfish goals. I cannot allow that to happen. No, rather I will not allow that to happen as long as I still draw breath. Not to mention Stark, what of your own reasons for serving Aizen?" Stated Halibel.
Stark simply raised an eyebrow at this, wondering where Halibel was going with things.
"you told me that you joined Aizen because you and Lilynette no longer wished to feel alone. So you came to los noches in order to be surrounded by people to quench your loneliness. However, how many of the others in los noches honestly care about the two of you? Aizen certainly doesn't, you nothing more but another pawn in his eyes along with everyone else. Do you think any of the other espada excluding myself have truly shared any real camaraderie with you? you may think you not alone in los noches but the truth is your living in an illusion, when you think about it. it's possible to be surrounded by many and still be alone if those around you lack any sort of real care for you." Halibel finished.
Stark was very quiet for a few moments, seemingly lost in deep thought. Lillynette looked back and forth between Halibel and Stark. With a look of contemplation.
"you know." Stark finally said. "you do make some good points about it all, when I finally think about it. the thing is though where would me and Lilynette even go? Los noches is the only home for us at this point."
"That's not true, you can find a place alongside me and the others here in the living world." replied Halibel. "me and my girls have all mange to make real bonds with the people here. Being here in the living world with the people here. We've gained more and feel better about things here. Then we ever did back in hueco mundo or los noches. You can truly be rid of your loneliness here, instead of living in the illusion Aizen cast on you back there. Yes while there is still the unknown of certain things, like what will happen once soul society discovers us here. I have full faith and confidence, that the bonds that me and everyone and else here have forged together. Will allow us to make it through whatever challenge we may come to face, safe and sound in the end of it all."
Stark went quiet once more as he was lost in thought again. He said nothing as he turned his head and stared up at the moon in the night sky for a few minutes.
"Stark?" Quietly spoke Lilynette.
Stark finally broke his silence. "what do say about all this Lily?"
Lilynette thought for moment herself trying to come up with the right words. "I….. I trust Halibel. She's never been one to lie about anything to us and if she is telling us all this. Then it has to be the truth, I think being here in the living world is way more exciting than being stuck in los noches or hueco mundo."
"hmmm." The Primera went to himself before running a hand through his hair and then looking directly at Halibel. "I feel like I might be going a little crazy for doing this but if Lily is on board with this idea. Well, then I am too Halibel."
Isshin and Halibel let out a sigh of relief. Both happy to avoid a fight with Stark.
"so what happens now?" asked Stark as he and Lilynette approached.
"Isshin, take Lilynette and head back to the house for extra security. Me and Stark will head out to support Takeshi. Ichigo, Chad and my girls should be enough for Grimmjow and his men." Spoke Halibel.
"But Stark I want to go with you two as well!" proclaimed Lilynette.
"No!" responded Stark "I brought you with me to begin with incase I needed to release my full power. In the event of a fight between Halibel and her friends here. Besides I have Halibel at my side to go confront Baraggan and save the fullbringer. You go with the soul reaper to where Halibel and others have been staying and everything will be fine, I promise."
Lilynette looked as though she wanted to keep arguing but suddenly a mass increase of reiatsu was felt.
"what the hell!?" cried Isshin.
"looks like Grimmjow released. Though I don't recognize the others." Chimed Stark.
"I do." replied Halibel. "I can sense that Takeshi has put on his hollow mask. Come, we must move quickly Stark!"
*With Ichigo*
Ichigo had been hanging out with Orihime, Tatsuki and a few other friends when he felt the various garganta's open around Karakura. He knew he would have no choice but to head to the nearest one and deal with whatever came out of it. he had to have faith the others could deal with whatever came from the other garganta's around town.
Orihime had felt the garganta's as well and knew right away something was wrong. Ichigo quickly explained to her what he was going to do and asked Orihime to head to his house to be ready to heal once the fighting was over. Ichigo wasn't a fool, whoever Aizen had sent was sure to be strong enough to put up a damn good fight. He had little doubt Orihime's healing powers would be needed by the end of it all. Tatsuki meanwhile agreed to keep an eye on the rest of their friends and keep them away from the danger.
With all that decided, Ichigo popped the mod soul Kon into his mouth and told him to escort Orihime to the house and wait there for everyone's return. not wasting anytime Ichigo immediately took towards the source of the closest garganta. As he approached, he could feel multiple energy signatures there, though he had to admit only one felt all that powerful to him. despite the seriousness of the situation, Ichigo couldn't deny. He was a little excited to put all the training with Halibel and his older brother to the test.
As he neared the area, he saw the arrancar in question to come into his view. One of them was a tall lanky looking arrancar, who's mask like some sort of helmet that covered most of his head. Another had long blond hair with his fragment that on top of his head. The third was a large, muscular arrancar with red and black hair. The fourth had an overly large mask fragment that covered his entire head and had cloth wrapped around a good portion of it. the other one was a rather fat looking arrancar with a mask fragment that covered the half of the front of his face.
The final one however, is who caught Ichigo's attention the most. He was rather tall and muscular with an open jacket that showed off his hollow located in lower abdomen. He had blue hair and blue eyes with blue line at the corner of his eyes. He had a mask fragment that covered the jaw on the right side of his face. judging from his level of reiatsu and the way the others were positioned near him. he was clearly the leader of the group. As he finally stopped not far in front of the group, they took notice of the orange haired soul reaper.
"Just who the hell are you and what do you want here!?" demanded Ichigo.
The blue haired arrancar looked over the soul reaper in front of him and simply smirked. "got here pretty fast." Replied the arrancar. "good, saves me the trouble of having to hunt your sorry ass down."
"answer my questions!" retorted Ichigo.
The arrancar in question scoffed in response. "fine I might as well let you know who the one responsible for killing you is. The name is Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez the Sexta espada!" announced Grimmjow. "these are my followers." He then proceeded to name of his followers in the order Ichigo had seen them in.
"Shawlong Koufang, Yylfordt Granz, Edrad Liones, Di Roy Rinker and Nakeem Grindina." Stated the Sexta.
Ichigo looked at the gathered arrancar with a look of contemplation. "so you all going to try kill me at once I take it?" Ichigo questioned.
"don't worry." Began Grimmjow. "I'm gonna be the only one to tear out your heart. They're just here to make sure no one else gets in the way. Aizen seems to think your hot shit, so I want see just how strong you really are." Snarked the blue haired arrancar.
"fine." Said Ichigo as he drew Zangetsu. "if you want me to kick your ass so badly, then so be it."
A feral grin spread across Grimmjow's face at the anticipation of someone offering him a good challenge. "show me what you can do, Kurosaki!" roared the espada.
However before they could start the presence of four newcomers made their selves known. All looked to who the new arrivals were.
"so Halibel sent her little bitches and one of your boy toys as well eh?" snarled Grimmjow.
Tres bestias and Chad had just arrived at the scene. The girls already had their weapons drawn and chad had his power activated.
"are you well Ichigo?" asked Sung-Sun.
Ichigo couldn't help but smile at his girlfriend's appearance. Even it did make him a little nervous to know she was going to be fighting. Granted Ichigo learned a long time ago, that Sung-Sun and the others were capable fighters. Despite his constant desire to protect those he cared about. he knew there was going to be time that they would have to fight for themselves without him to be able to help. While it made him a little un-easy for sure, he understood it none the less. "I'm fine Cyan, I need to take care of this guy. Could you and the others handle his mooks by chance?" replied the orange haired teen.
"but of course Ichigo." Replied the snake like arrancar. In her usual high class attitude. "me and the others will be more than happy to remove this uncouth riff-raff from our sights."
Ichigo couldn't help but smirk at Cyan's response. While Grimmjow and his goons just got pissed.
"enough of this shit!" yelled the Sexta. "Shawlong! You and the others take care of those bastards while I rip the orange haired fuckers face off!"
Shawlong merely bowed his head in response and turned to face the Tercera's subordinates and their human ally.
"kill them all but Mila-Rose, Lord Aizen has need of her. Once finished with them we must search for the Shihoin woman as well." commanded Shawlong. As he and the rest of Grimmjow's subordinates split off to engage each target separately.
That caused a wave of shock through the group. Realizing that Aizen had somehow found out about Yoruichi also being pregnant. Granted they first had deal with the trouble in front of them before they could be concerned with that bit of news.
"I'll take the human; he can't be that strong." Spoke Nakeem as he then charged at Chad.
Chad for his part merely watched unflinchingly as the arrancar charged off at him. Keeping his calm and collected demeanor, Chad watch closely as Nakeem approached him. as the arrancar brought his blade and made swing at the large fullbringer. Chad never breaking his composure for moment, simply ducked to avoid the blade strike. Rearing his black covered shield like arm back as he did.
"El Directo!" he cried as swung his arm forward landing a direct shot in the center of Nakeem's chest. The force of the shot being so great, Nakeem's entire body from the chest up was blown away from the shot. As the rest of now dead arrancar's body then flew back and crashed on to the ground with a thud.
"Nakeem!" cried out Shawlong, caught by surprise by how easily the human had killed one of his allies. He quickly broke out his thoughts and went back in assisting Di Roy in trying to subdue Mila-Rose.
Mila made a swing at Di Roy and forced the annoying arrancar back. she quickly had to move to avoid a strike by Shawlong as he entered the battle. Quickly moving back to make some distance between herself and her enemies.
"Surrender yourself, I'd rather not have to return you to lord Aizen damaged." Stated Shawlong.
Mila snarled in response. "He wants what's inside me! Like hell I'll let him have it! I'll gladly kill anyone who thinks to take what I have away from me!" roared the lioness.
"can we please knock this bitch out, so I can actually fight someone I can kill?" spoke Di Roy.
"fine Di Roy, I will release and end this quickly. Now then Snip: Tijereta!" spoke Shawlong as he was covered in a blast of yellow reiatsu which soon dissipated and revealed his release form.
Shawlong had grown armor that covers his arms and upper chest, while his hands transformed into long claws and his mask now extended down to cover the left side of his face, while the part of his mask fragment, extending out to his right, became a claw-tipped tail. His original mask fragment now extended downward to form a sort of half-helmet, and the side protrusion became mounted on the back of his head.
"I will ask once more Mila-Rose. Surrender yourself." spoke Shawlong.
"oh go fuck yourself already!" roared Mila. "Devour: Leona!" the lioness spoke as she was them covered in burst of orange reiatsu, which soon disappeared to reveal her own release state.
With her release, her resemblance to an Amazon warrior deepened. With two claws holding her breasts, an armored thong, an armor-like neck garment, and a pair of boots which extend to her upper thigh. She gained sharper lion-like fangs, an orange x-shaped mark on her forehead, and a long lion mane with gold highlights. She retained her broadsword like zanapaktou.
Shawlong and Di Roy both felt surprise by the strength of her reiatsu coming from her release. "so you have gotten a fair bit stronger in the time you've been away, despite your condition?" stated Shawlong.
"of course you moron!" snapped back Mila in irritation. "did you honestly think we've been just sitting on our asses in the time we've been here? Also don't you dare think just because I'm pregnant, I'm suddenly all weak. If anything it's only driven me to become stronger. Now I think that's enough talk, time for me to kill you two bastards." Finished Mila as she let battle lusting grin spread on her face. she always enjoyed a good fight. The fact she had free reign to kill Grimmjow's pain in the ass subordinates was a real nice bonus.
"care for a hand?" spoke chad as he appeared next to Mila. "sorry to interfere but I noticed it was two on one and figured to come even the odds."
"not at all Chad, I say we show these two just how big of mistake they made by challenging us." replied Mila.
"I'll take the one with all the armor and you get the other one." Said Chad.
Mila nodded her head in agreement. "fine by me. I always hated Di Roy the most out of Grimmjow's subordinates. Getting to push my blade through that oversized empty head of his will be a pleasure." Finished the lioness with a noticeable edge in her voice.
Chad gave a nod of understanding before charging off at Shawlong. Forcing the arrancar back a good distance from the others. Leaving Mila and Di Roy alone.
Di Roy arrogantly sneered at the female arrancar in front of him. "whatever, I don't need help beating some pregnant bitch."
Mila gripped her blade tighter and narrowed her eyes, as she let a dangerous snarl in response.
"what's wrong? Don't like what I'm saying? Too bad! I'm gonna kick your ass like the weak woman you are!" proclaimed Di Roy as he drew his blade and charged Mila.
As Di Roy neared his target, Mila suddenly disappeared in a burst of sonido to fast for Di Roy to track. Next thing he knew he felt a sharp pain in his gut as he looked down. He saw Mila's blade sticking clean through him. before he could react, he felt Mila grip his sword arm with one her hands. With a harsh twist and pull, the lioness ripped his sword arm clean off!
"AAAHHHHH!" Di Roy howled in pain as he felt his blood begin to gush out of him. he didn't even register the blade leaving his gut, suddenly he felt himself being whipped around. Next, he knew he was being held by the throat tightly with one hand, by a glaring Mila. Di Roy could only desperately gasp for breath, while at the mercy of the lioness.
"you really are a dumbass, aren't you?" hissed out Mila. "came charging at me without even releasing your own zanpaktou. I knew you were an idiot, but I didn't realize you were a complete moron." Mila tightened her grip as she continued. "I really hate people like you, you know that? looking down on my friends. Simply because were girls or not arrancar, you're such a damn fool you can't even realize how outclassed you really are. But you know what pisses me off more than that? You dare to question my own strength you little shit! Yes, I'm just another numeros in service to an espada. Yes, I'm a girl and yes, I am pregnant. However, don't think for a second that gives you any right to question the validity of my strength! The validity of my skill, the validity of my commitment to those around me! You insult me in the worse way by doing that you son of a bitch! You understand me!? Not that it matters much anyway, you're finished as it is."
Mila looked directly into the eyes of the barely conscious Di Roy. With the most predatory and venom filled glare she could muster. She gave a final squeeze of her hand with all the force she could. A Sickening, thunderous crack could be heard by all around the area. Mila simply let go of the limp body of the now dead Di Roy and let it drop to the ground without a care in the world.
*With Sung-Sun*
As Chad and Mila were doing their part. Sung-Sun was currently staring down Yylfordt Granz.
"well, well looks like I get the snake." Snarked Yylfordt.
"I'm sorry did you say something. I would've thought you being a cow, you'd be busy grazing in the nearest field." Retorted Sung-Sun.
"oh please Sung-Sun." began Yylfordt. "spare the dramatics and surrender. it's a known fact that you're the weakest of the Tercera's group."
Cyan raised an eyebrow at this. "And that automatically makes you assume that you're already better than me?" she questioned.
"I know I'm better then you." replied the blond haired arrancar.
"Just like how you know you'll never be better than your more successful espada ranked younger brother?" snarked the snake arrancar.
Yylfordt got angry expression on his face after that remark.
"oh my did I touch a nerve?" Stated Sung-Sun. "how unfortunate it must be to constantly be outshined by your younger sibling at everything. No wonder you found yourself in the company of someone like Grimmjow. After all you couldn't have chosen someone more undesirable. Granted I imagine you had little choice once your own brother no longer wanted you. due to your own short comings. How hard it must be to be rejected by your only family for being such a constant failure."
"shut the hell up you bitch!" growled Yylfordt as he charged and swung his blade.
Sung-Sun quickly drew sai like zanpaktou and caught the blond arrancar's blade with it. "someone's certainly feeling insecure about themselves." She chirped.
"do you ever shut your mouth?" barked the blond arrancar.
"oh certainly but seeing your reactions to my words at the moment. Is simply far too entertaining to pass up." Replied Sung-Sun.
"then I'll just have to shut you up myself than." He growled.
"you're going to die trying" Began Sung-Sun as she narrowed her eyes. "and we both know that."
Cyan brought up her free hand charged up a pink cero to hit Yylfordt at point blank range. The blond arrancar in question broke off and barely managed to dodge the beam of death. Moving back to make some distance.
"Skewer: Del Toro!" spoke Yylfordt as his body was engulfed in a burst of yellow reiatsu. After a moment his release form was revealed. Yylfordt's upper body enlarged and was now covered in armor shaped like a bull's head and torso, while his mask seemed to completely regenerate and gave him long, thin horns in the process. In this form, he now seemed to move on four legs. "you're done for!" he shouted.
Sung-Sun looked over her opponents release and was less than impressed by it. "oh dear is that really your release?" she questioned in a mocking manner. "how utterly brutish and unrefined. Even my fellow companion's releases are of much better quality then this poor display before my eyes. Allow me to show you how it's really done. Strangle to death: Anaconda!"
Sung-Sun's body was engulfed in a burst of pink reiatsu, which soon dispersed showing her form. she now resembled a nāga, possessing a female torso with a long, slender anaconda's tail from the stomach down. She gained three more pink dots under her left eye, and her black furry necklace becomes thicker and more feather-like. Her mask now extended around the back of her head and grew armor plating. Giving an appearance similar to a cobra's head.
"this is a true release." Chimed Sung-Sun.
"I'm sick your mouth!" roared Yylfordt as he took off at Sung-Sun. At a faster pace now in his release state. Attempting to gore the snake like arrancar with his horns. As he neared Sung-Sun suddenly whipped her snake tail like a giant whip and slammed the bull arrancar across the head with it. Yylfordt was tossed harshly into the ground with a loud crash. Not wanting to give him any kind of reprieve, Sung-Sun quickly charged another pink cero. She blasted directly into the bulls landing spot.
Yylfordt having been dazed from the hit to the head, only had time to look up right before his whole world turned pink. An explosion of pink engulfed the area where the bull arrancar was. The dust settled revealing the damaged form of Yylfordt.
The armor around his whole body was cracked and his helmet also had cracks and some bits broken clean off at around the neck. Sung-Sun seeing an opportunity, quickly used sonido to get in front of the downed arrancar. Quickly lifting up a sleeve, a snake shot out from it and clamped down on the exposed part of Yylfordt's neck.
"GAAAHHHH!" cried the bull as he violently shook his head trying to dislodge the snake. After a few attempts he succeeded in dislodging it. "what the hell did you just do!?"
Sung-Sun couldn't help but smirk a little. "I'm a snake you brute. What do you think a snake does when it bites its prey?" she asked.
"you bitch! You poisoned me! Didn't you!?" he yelled.
"very much so indeed." Retorted Sung-Sun. "quite a bit of poison too, considering how long my snake was latched onto you."
The bull arrancar growled in in anger and tried to charge but the poison had started taking its desired effect. Yylfordt stumbled and fell as his legs gave out from under him. his body began to feel weak and began to lose sensation in his limbs, as his vision started to blur. His breathing began to become labored as well.
Seeing that her poison had taken its desired effect. Sung-Sun moved over to the downed arrancar and began to coil her snake body around him. she looked down on her foe with uncaring eyes. Like a predator sizing up its meal and then began to constrict Yylfordt. She could hear as the bull could cry out in pain with what little strength and sensation he had left. As she coiled tighter and tighter around him, steadily squeezing out what little life remained. Then suddenly there was a loud burst of multiple crunching like sounds and Yylfordt Granz was no more.
*With Apacci*
Apacci stared down her target, with a grin of anticipation on her face. wanting show just how stronger she had become in the weeks of training with all the others.
"so, you ready to kick your ass kicked Edrad?" called out the deer arrancar.
"I doubt that Apacci, but I am interested in seeing just how much stronger you've become." Replied Edrad. "according to lord Aizen's info you and your companions have been training under three former captain ranked soul reapers. training under such people undoubtedly yielded results."
"let me show you!" Cried Apacci as she took off at Edrad. Edrad barely had time to attempt to avoid the strike. Avoiding the strike of Apaaci's chakram, he swung a fist at her. Apacci ducked thrust a blade forward, managing to put a gash the large arrancar's chest. Edrad quickly moved back to gain some distance.
"First blood goes to me!" spoke Apacci.
"Don't get to ahead of yourself." spoke Edrad. "this fight has only just started. Though I am glad though. It seems you are someone worthy to draw my blade on." he finished as he drew his sword.
With that said Edrad took off at Apacci. Apacci had to bring both of her chakram blades up in order to properly block his strike. The force of his strike forced Apacci back on her heels.
'fucker has me beat in raw strength as much as I hate to admit.' Apacci thought to herself. 'no matter, I can work around that.'
Apacci rushed Edrad with her arms reared back and thrust them both forward at once. Edrad brought his sword up and caught both chakrams in place.
"you can't beat me in raw strength Apacci." Said Edrad with Apacci's face only a foot or so away from his own. Their blades locked together.
"well aware of that. I did this so I could get a good close up for this!" yelled Apacci as a red cero built up at the end of her horn.
Edrad's eyes went wide as he realized to late what Apacci had planned for him. before he could move the red cero hit him at point blank range. Engulfing his upper torso and throwing him back. once the cero ceased, Edrad was still standing but his jacket was gone. He also collection of bad burns and cuts from the cero.
"a nice ploy, no more messing around on my end. Erupt: Volcánica!" Cried Edrad.
Edrad was engulfed in an explosion of fiery reiatsu. It went away after a few moments revealing his release form. His mask reformed into wings on either side of his face and his arms morphed to gigantic proportions while growing large extensions beyond his shoulders. Each of these extensions contain an exhaust spout of sorts.
"well shit, no reason for me to hold back either then. Thrust: Cierva!" yelled Apacci as her body was surrounded by a release of red reiatsu.
Once gone, it revealed Apacci's body to now be covered in brown fur, she now sported deer-like antlers above her brow, her feet were replaced with deer-like hooves, and a small deer like tail was now where her tailbone would be. Both her eyes changed to amber, and both eyes gained a red outline around them, with small lightning bolt-shaped markings on both sides of her face.
"now the true fight begins." Spoke Edrad as fire erupted from the holes in his arms and the rest of his arms took a fiery orange glow to them. he charged at Apacci, making swings with his giant fire enhanced arms.
While Edrad's release state still made him more physically stronger than Apacci despite her being in her own release. The big difference between them was the speed factor between them. True to the animal her hollow being was based on. Apacci was far faster and agile in comparison to Edrad. A fact she planned on exploiting to its fullest.
Despite Edrad's best efforts the deer woman in front of him kept evading his strikes. Her superior speed and agility being difficult for him to get around.
"you're gonna have to do better than that if you want to hit me jackass!" cried out Apacci.
"let's see how well you handle this then!" retorted Edrad. He charged power into his arms and they became covered in fire. He swung his arms around, slamming his forearms together. As this happened fire shot form his arms in a wall flames directly at Apacci.
"Oh shit!" cried the deer arrancar as she saw her world engulfed in fire.
Edrad watched as his attack connected and then exploded in huge burst flames. After a moment the blast subsided, no trace of Apacci could be seen. Edrad relaxed himself seeing he had destroyed his opponent.
"A good fight Emilou Apacci, I shall remember it." he spoke.
"awwww, how sweet of you." spoke a familiar voice from behind.
Edrad quickly whipped around in surprise, only for a hooved foot to slam directly into one of his eyes. His eye was crushed, like a cherry tomato from the strike. Edrad didn't have time to scream in pain before another hooved foot swung and repeated the same process on his other eye. Edrad was then able to scream in pain as he was now blinded and bleeding badly from where his eyes had been.
"Dammit how did you survive that attack!" Edrad howled swinging his arms wildly as he could no longer see his opponent.
Moving a safe distance away, Apacci then replied. "simple I used my fastest sonido I could muster to avoid that attack and get behind you without you knowing. Waited till the absolutely last moment to move. In order to sell my tactic as much as possible. Granted, I still got a little singed in the process in places, but it was worth it. now it's times to finish you."
Apacci built the strongest cero she could muster at the tip of her horn. Using sonido to get right in front of the blinded and defenseless Edrad. She let it loose point blank in his face.
"CERO!" she screamed as Edrad's head then became consumed by the cero blast. When it subsided nothing remained of the arrancar's head but a smoking stump of where his head had once been. Edrad's body immediately fell to the ground. Apacci simply smiled with glee at her victory.
*With Chad*
Chad brought his shield like arm up and blocked another strike from Shawlong. He quickly blasted a shot at the arrancar who quickly dodged his strike and moved back from the large teen.
"I must admit you have proven a much better challenge, then I would have expected a human to be capable of giving." Spoke Shawlong.
"I can see that. Humans aren't really known for being spiritually aware being that can fight with likes of soul reapers and hollows and such." Replied Chad. "no offense but there are others who need my help. So I'm going to end this now."
"and just how do you intend to do that?" Said Shawlong with a raised eyebrow.
"by showing you the full might of my 'Brazo Izquierda del Diablo'." Answered Chad as he reared his red and white arm back and began charging his energy with it. Chad's power began to rise dramatically as energy crackled around his being in response.
Shawlong's eyes went wide as he felt the sheer magnitude of the power being built before him. knowing such force would be enough to kill him, he quickly tried to retreat to re-think his approach. Unfortunately the large Mexican teen wasn't going to allow that to happen.
Chad suddenly appeared right in front of Shawlong with speed, the arrancar wasn't aware the human possessed.
"El Muerte!" Yelled Chad as he thrust his red and white arm forward and connected directly into Shawlong's chest. Shawlong's eyes practically popped out of his head when the attack connected. The sheer force of energy coursed through and ripped his body to shreds. An explosion of crackling energy exploded around the arrancar's being. When the dust and dirt from the attack disappeared, all that remained was a giant skull like shape in the ground behind the spot Shawlong had once been.
*With Ichigo as the other battles were taking place*
"You ready to die Kurosaki!?" taunted Grimmjow.
Ichigo scowled at the blue haired arrancar in front of him. he reached with his senses to try to get a better grip on the strength of his opponent. His training under Halibel having made him far more adept at sensing the energy of others. His eyebrow raised a bit once he felt the strength of Grimmjow's power. Something that didn't go unnoticed by the blue haired arrancar.
"what the hell's wrong with you?" questioned the espada.
"oh nothing really." Chimed Ichigo. "I just realized feeling your power, that trying to fight you in shikai is pointless. I'm gonna have to jump straight into bankai for you is all."
"damn right! Now show me what you got soul reaper!"
"however, let me add to my statement by saying. As strong as you are. You're still leagues below Halibel in strength."
That statement pissed Grimmjow off. "like I give a shit!" the espada roared. "I'm gonna kill you and when time comes. I'll teach that bitch who the boss around here really is!"
"I highly doubt that but to get back on topic. BANKAI!" Ichigo yelled as he was shrouded in a burst of black power. Which disappeared to show his bankai form. Grimmjow had bloodthirsty grin spread across his face, as he then drew his own blade.
"Let's do this shit!" Grimmjow growled as he took off at Ichigo in a burst of sonido.
Ichigo quickly spun around just in time to catch Grimmjow's blade with his own. Pushing the espada away, he then lunged to make swing of his own. Grimmjow moved to the side avoiding the blade strike by mere inches. The blue haired arrancar quickly spun on his heel and connected a harsh kick to Ichigo's chest.
Ichigo flew back with the air momentarily knocked out of him. The Sexta suddenly appeared right above him, blade ready to strike. Ichigo quickly used shunpo as quickly as he could to avoid the strike. The blade missing him by such a close margin he could practically hear the sound it made cutting through the air as it missed him.
Making some distance between himself and the espada. Ichigo quickly brought his blade back and focused his energy before swinging it around.
"Getsuga Tensho!" the orange haired soul reaper yelled. Launching the arc of black energy at Grimmjow.
The Sexta quickly brought his blade up to catch the strike. He was surprise when the attack actually pushed him back before exploding in his face. once the dust settled, Grimmjow was shown with his jacket torn up a bit. Along with various cuts and burn marks from the blast.
"you're stronger than I initially thought." Said the Sexta with glee and a wolfish grin. "good, I was hoping you wouldn't disappoint me. Lets' crank this up! "Grind: Pantera!"
Grimmjow was engulfed in huge blast of blue reiatsu. After a few moments it settled away revealing his release form. His appearance had become more feline and predatory. His teeth became jagged and sharp, his hands turned into black claws and his feet became black clawed paws, similar to that of a cat, along with a slender whip-like tail that's longer than his body. His hair became very long and flowing, and the markings around his eyes enlarged and extend to the tips of his ears, which became swept back and cat-like. He lost his distinctive jaw mask, which was replaced by a sort of a headgear upon his brow covering his forehead. His clothing changed to form-fitting white segmented armor. He now sported blades protruding from his forearms and his calves as well.
Ichigo could feel the mass amount of power Grimmjow now had rolling off of him. Ichigo quickly steeled himself and prepared for the arrancar's next move. While this was quite the turn of events, he still had a few tricks himself after all to use still.
"Hope you're ready!" roared Grimmjow as he disappeared in burst of sonido.
Ichigo never even saw him coming as he was caught off guard by the huge increase of speed Grimmjow now had in his release state. The Sexta's fist collided right into Ichigo's gut launching him back. the substitute landed harshly on his back but quickly propped him back on his feet. Just in time for Grimmjow to connect a kick to the side of his head. Which sent flying across the ground once more a good distance before skidding to a stop.
"what's wrong? You can't keep up with me anymore?" Taunted Grimmjow.
Ichigo pushed himself back up onto his feet, ignoring the pain in his head from the espada's last hit. "far from it Grimmjow!" roared back Ichigo. "if anything I'm actually kinda glad I got to fight you. it gives me a valid reason for pulling this out in a real fight for once."
The blue haired arrancar raised an eyebrow at this. "if you got something more to show me Kurosaki, then show me! If I'm going to kill you, I'm going to kill you while you're at your best!"
"not a problem." Calmly spoke Ichigo. Ichigo focused his power in a hand and swiped it across his face, donning his hollow mask. It's white and red demonic like visage. Along with his black and sickly gold eyes bearing down on Grimmjow. He spiritual pressure skyrocketing as his presence took on much more hollow like feel.
Ichigo stood on his feet strong and determined to put all of his training with Halibel and the others to good use. he wasn't worried about how long he could keep his mask on for. While he did struggle at first, Halibel and his older brother noticed he was trying too hard in forcing his hollow powers out. They theorized since he was primarily a soul reaper, his hollow powers did flow as naturally as they did for them. after a few pointers from Halibel, Takeshi and even Takeshi's own inner hollow. Whom had his brother pass the advice along to him, Ichigo figured out how to more naturally draw upon his powers. it made a complete world of difference. To such a point, now wearing his mask was as natural as breathing was by the end of their three weeks of training.
Grimmjow meanwhile couldn't help but grin in excitement. He wasn't sure why the soul reaper brat was able to wear a hollow mask and he didn't care. all he knew was, he was excited at the challenge before him.
"here I come Grimmjow." Spoke Ichigo in his distorted voice that projected through his mask.
Now it was the Sexta's turn to be caught off guard by his opponent's speed. As Ichigo suddenly appeared in front of him faster than he had anticipated. Ichigo swung his upwards diagonally. Grimmjow tried to move back to avoid but wasn't quite fast enough as he was sliced from the strike though not deeply.
Observing the cut on him, Grimmjow sneered at the soul reaper in front of him. "alright Kurosaki, no more pussy footing around!"
"bring it!" retorted the orange haired teen.
Blurs of white and black took off into the sky and clashed back and forth. To the untrained eye, you'd never even be able to see it as the two fighters constantly moved and struck at one another across the night sky. Strike for strike, cut for cut and blood for blood. It wasn't long before both fighters had collected a decent amount of wounds from one another.
They both broke off for a brief moment to catch one another's breath. While Grimmjow was enjoying the fight, he knew he would have to end this soon. As much as he hated Aizen, he knew better then to keep the ruler of los noches waiting.
He was snapped out his internal musings when he suddenly felt the presence of his subordinates disappear. One after another in quick succession. Something that didn't escape the orange haired soul reaper.
"looks like you're out of any sort of back up." Spoke Ichigo.
Grimmjow simply sneered at the remark. "whatever, they were weaklings anyway. Still I can't believe Halibel's little group of bitches have gotten that much stronger."
"not like we been sitting around doing nothing. Everyone here has been training like crazy to be ready for the fights that we knew were coming. Sounds you all came here underestimating us and you pals paid the price for that. you're going to as well." Stated Ichigo.
"fuck you, Kurosaki!" roared the Sexta in anger. "time to finish this! I'm gonna hit you with my most powerful attack, so be ready!"
"I'll be more than ready." Replied Ichigo as began preparing his final attack as well.
Grimmjow's claws glowed as he made a slashing motion. Each claw became a long, sharp blade composed of reishi. Ready to be swung at his target. Ichigo meanwhile had a massive twister of black energy swirling around him, ready to strike out with. Both warriors stared each other down for a brief moment before swinging their respective attacks at the other.
"Desgarrón!" roared Grimmjow launching his blades at the soul reaper.
"Getsuga Tensho!" Ichigo roared right back launching a massive arc of black energy at the espada.
Blue and black flew across the sky and collided with each other. each attack holding up the other as they tried to gain dominance on one another. Ichigo let out a grunt of focus as he focused more of his power into his attack. Then suddenly the blue reishi blades of Grimmjow's strike began to crack before completely giving.
Grimmjow could only watch in shock as the attack was broken and a massive blast of black destructive energy came barreling his way. At a speed to great for him to even be able to avoid it. the getsuga tensho struck him right in chest and then exploded engulfing his entire world in darkness.
Ichigo watched closely as the smoke form where his attack went off began to clear. He kept a firm on tensa zangetsu, incase he needed to make another quick move. Once the smoke cleared, he realized that wouldn't be needed.
Grimmjow was still standing but he had a giant gash across his chest. That was bleeding badly. He could tell that his breathing was ragged and he was no longer in his release state. Ichigo made a quick shunpo to be in front of the defeated arrancar.
"what…are you…waiting for?" spat the Sexta in between breaths. "finish it already."
"no point, you can't fight any further as it is." replied Ichigo.
"you bastard." Growled Grimmjow.
However both fighters had their attention pulled away when way off in the distance. On the other side of town, where Takeshi was fighting, a giant beam of silver went up into the sky before blowing up in massive display above Karakura
"What… the hell?" Spoke Grimmjow. "that was…Gran Rey Cero but…. no espada I know has a reiatsu color like that."
"that's because that was my older brother who used it." said Ichigo with some nervousness in his voice. He knew while his brother had learned how to use the attack. Halibel had stressed that due to the high destructive nature of it. it was only to be used when absolutely needed. If Takeshi had resorted to using it. that meant his fight was pushing him to his limits.
"so that… bastard can use…. hollow powers too?" chimed Grimmjow. "not surprising…. considering who he's fighting. He … would use something… like gran rey cero."
"what the hell do you mean?" demanded Ichigo.
"he's fighting the Segunda espada you idiot." Said Grimmjow finally getting his breathing back in control. "as much as I hate admit it. he's far stronger than me, hell he's stronger than that bitch Halibel."
That bit of news made Ichigo's blood go cold out fear for the safety of his brother.
"it doesn't matter if you go and help. By the time you reach there the Segunda will have already killed him in all likely hood." Spat the Sexta.
"Grimmjow!" growled Ichigo.
Suddenly a garganta appeared next to the two of them, surprising both combatants. Stepping out from it came Gin Ichimaru.
"well, well Isn't quite the sight." Spoke Gin as he turned to Ichigo. "Hiya Ichigo, nice mask. It really suits you."
"Gin!" growled the orange haired soul reaper.
"sorry Ichigo, don't have time to talk. I just came to grab Grimm here before he bleeds out to death." Said Gin, as then quickly drew Shinso and attacked Ichigo with it. Ichigo quickly jumped away and to the side in order to avoid the strike. Gin then quickly grabbed Grimmjow and dragged him into the garganta.
"this isn't over Kurosaki! Next time we meet I'm gonna rip your heart out with my own two hands!" threatened the Sexta right before the garganta closed.
Just as Ichigo was getting ready to head off to back up Takeshi. Tres bestias and Chad showed up. The girls had reverted back to their normal states and chads arms were both normal again.
"Ichigo what happened?" asked Sung-Sun.
"fought Grimmjow and won. Then Gin showed up and dragged him away through a garganta. I assume you saw Takeshi's gran rey cero blast?" Ichigo replied.
Sung-Sun nodded her head in confirmation.
"you should all head back to the house and watch things there. I'll go and back up Takeshi, I can already sense Halibel and someone else I don't recognize heading that way. I can sense Kisuke and Yoruichi headed that way too." Said Ichigo.
"the other one traveling with mistress Halibel is Coyote Stark, he's the Primera espada." Said Mila.
"why are they both traveling together that way. I imagine he was sent here in order to fight Halibel and force her back to Aizen?" questioned Ichigo.
"I can't say for certain as to that Ichigo but regardless you'd best get going to help your brother." Spoke Sung-Sun.
"see you all back at the house." Ichigo replied before he took off in a burst of shunpo.
"I don't like staying behind like this." Growled Mila in frustration.
"I know Mila but this's Baraggan we're talking about here. We'd be more of a hindrance then a help in the situation at hand." Stated Sung-Sun.
"Sung-Sun is right." Cut in Chad. "the best we can do is have faith that things will work out. Come on, we better make sure everything at the house is ok."
Mila instinctively put a hand over her stomach. "come back alive to us Takeshi."
*Earlier with Takeshi*
Takeshi quickly took up into the air to make distance between himself and Baraggan's subordinates, who in turn gave chase after him. All five of the Segunda's remaining men charged him all at once hoping to overwhelm him.
"Not going to work on me! Scatter shot!" yelled Takeshi as he swung Reaver around, releasing the barrage of energy shards. Baraggan's men were forced to split up from each other in order to avoid the attack.
Deciding to pick off his targets one by one, Takeshi's eyes quickly landed on an extremely tall arrancar with green marking on his face. with his mask fragment going around his chin. He looked to be the weakest of the group to him. Takeshi quickly moved up to the arrancar, who reared pack punch in response.
"someone as tiny as you won't get the better of me!" spoke the arrancar in question as he swung at the fullbringer. Takeshi disappeared in an instant right before the fist connected. The tall arrancar's eyes went wide when he realized his opponent moved faster than he could track. That shock turned to fear once he heard a certain voice behind him.
"you're too slow to be fighting me, I'm afraid." Spoke Takeshi.
Takeshi never gave the arrancar the chance to move in the slightest before he brought Reaver around and in one smooth motion. Sliced the arrancar's head clean off his shoulders.
"Poww!" cried out the blond long haired arrancar from earlier, as the body of the now named Poww fell from the sky.
"you bastard! You'll regret that!" roared a large arrancar with a helmet like mask fragment with tusk on the sides. That charged Takeshi from behind.
"Parduoc, stop!" spoke the small black haired arrancar from before.
"man you guys are really eager to be killed by me, aren't you?" mused Takeshi.
Parduoc charged at his target, fist clenched and ready to strike. Once in range he brought his fist around with all his force. Takeshi for his part didn't bother trying to dodge the strike. Instead he simply brought a hand up to catch the fist flying at him.
The moment Parduoc's fist collided with the fullbringer's hand, it stopped dead in its tracks. Like it didn't even register in the slightest bit. Much to the surprise of Pardouc.
Takeshi simply smirked a bit before quickly swinging Reaver cleanly down on Parduoc. Slicing the arrancar down the middle in the process. Takeshi let go allowing the two halves of the arrancar in question to plummet to the ground below. he turned to see the surprised faces of Baraggan's remaining subordinates.
"don't look so shocked by that little display." Chimed the silver haired teen. "if I could match up against powerhouses. Like Sajin Komamura and Kenpachi Zaraki. no way some low class mook like him was going to overpower me in the slightest bit. Now then who wants to be next?"
"Findorr!" yelled the short black haired arrancar.
"yes Vega?" replied the blond haired arrancar.
"me, you and Charlotte need to release if we are to have a chance here." Replied the now named Vega.
"understood." Went Findorr and the other remaining arrancar. A purple haired and muscular, drag queen looking arrancar nodded in agreement. All three gathered and drew their blades.
"Bite Off: Tigre Estoque!" spoke Vega.
"Carve Upon the Water: Pinza Aguda!" said Findorr.
"Glitter: Reina De Rosas!" announced Charlotte.
All three were concealed in a burst of spiritual pressure before there release forms were revealed.
Vega becomes more tiger-like. He gained red stripes on his cheeks and forehead, and his Hollow mask becomes slightly elongated at the back, with the saber teeth being slightly more pronounced. He also now had long blades on his wrist's.
Findorr now had large crab-like claws, which cover both of his hands. The right claw is very large, similar to a fiddler crab. The right side of his body was now covered with a carapace of chitinous composition, acting as a form of armor. At the other end of the tip of the claw, there is a string/rope-like connection from there to the right shoulder which stretches like rubber, allowing him to lift the claw.
Charlotte was now dressed in a white crop top with extended wing-like shoulder pads and a short pink cape attached to the back. He had white underwear with extended wings at the hips, and a pink flowing miniskirt. He had large, white, disk-like bracelets on his ankles and wrists, and he wears heeled shoes. He has a pink heart outline with a smaller heart above it, right above his crotch and he completes the outfit with a tiara with horns.
"Well then, this is something I'll say." Chimed Takeshi.
"you'll find us a lot harder to deal with us like this." Spoke Vega.
Takeshi couldn't help but snort in amusement at that statement. Something that didn't go unnoticed.
"what the hell is so funny!" roared Vega.
"oh nothing really, it's just funny seeing you act like that is all." the fullbringer retorted.
"you underestimate us!" replied Findorr.
"hardly you idiot." Spoke Takeshi. "have you forgotten who my mentor is? she was the Tercera and before that a Vasto Lorde. I'll let you in on a little secret about my training as of late with Halibel. You see lately she's only been training me while she herself is in her release state and you know why? Because I've gotten to such a point in my power, that she feels it's best for her to use it in order to push me to my limits as she trains me. So, that's why even though you all are in your release forms, I'm not worried. Because even with your release states you're all still below my level by a big margin. In fact, let me just show you just how far the difference between us truly is."
Takeshi focused his power in a hand ran it across his face and donned his hollow mask. He immediately felt the huge surge of hollow power course through his body. As he allowed himself access to the true depths of his power that he had at his disposal at the moment. He spiritual pressure spread out across the area and bored down like a weight on everything around.
Looking at Baraggan's remaining men, they understood just how big the power difference between them truly was. The Segunda for his part raised an eyebrow of interest at the power that was emanating from the boy.
"so the brat has access to hollow powers as well, most intriguing. Though his power is strong it's still nothing compared to my own. He's stronger than the Quinta I'd say but he's still fair degree below that of the Cuatro for the time being." Noted Baraggan to himself.
"now then." Spoke Takeshi in his hollow like voice. As he stared down the arrancar in front of him. "let's do this." He then disappeared in a blur and appeared directly above Vega with a raised leg. He quickly brought it down on the head of the tiger like arrancar. Instantly launching Vega with tremendous force directly into the ground below with a loud crash.
"Damn you!" roared Findorr as he quickly took his giant crab claw and gripped Takeshi at the torso with it. he smirked as he squeezed his claw with all the force he could muster. However his smugness quickly disappeared once he realized his efforts were doing nothing to harm the hollow/fullbringer hybrid.
"That all?" snarked Takeshi. "my turn now." Takeshi flexed his arms outwards, breaking out of Findorr's grip instantly. Before the arrancar could make another move, he quickly swung Reaver and severed the large claw arm off at the shoulder. He then quickly grabbed the limb mid-air and twirled it around and then proceeded, to stab Findorr though the gut with his own severed claw arm.
Findorr could only stare with a look of horror as his own severed claw arm was sticking through him, as he sputtered up some blood. Takeshi let go of the severed limb allowing Findorr to drop the ground below. he then turned his attention to Charlotte.
"now what do I do with you?" he chimed staring down Charlotte.
To Charlotte's credit while he was intimidated by the person before him. He managed to hold his ground. However, before anything else could be done. Baraggan appeared next to his subordinate, his massive axe zanpakuto in hand.
"Grab Vega and Findorr. They both still live for the moment and return to los noches. I shall punish you all for your weakness upon my return. after I deal with this ant before me." The Segunda gruffly ordered.
"yes your majesty it shall be done!" Replied Charlotte not wanting to waste anytime following Baraggan's orders and quickly took off.
Takeshi stared down the Segunda feeling rather tense about the situation. He knew that Baraggan was the real fight to be had. Sadly, he also knew it was fight more about survival until help arrived than actually winning. While he had made great strides in recent training, Halibel didn't sugar coat it. when she told him and Ichigo, that as strong as they had become. They both still were not at the level to directly challenge any espada that had been a Vasto Lorde prior to being an arrancar. Herself included, which she proved when she showed herself capable of dealing with the both of them at once herself in spar matches without too much hassle. Add in the fact that Baraggan was ranked higher in the espada then Halibel had been and pretty much equated to one singular deduction.
Takeshi was more or less fucked fighting Baraggan by himself as it was. Granted that wasn't going to stop form trying his best.
"I shall give you one last opportunity boy. Surrender yourself and those women and come to los noches." Commanded Baraggan.
"why? So I can become another experiment for that twisted bastard Aizen? So he can do kami knows what to Mila and Yoruichi? If you honestly think I would ever do such a thing, your dead wrong. Here's my answer Baraggan. Fuck Aizen and Fuck you, along with anyone else that follows that prick!" Spat Takeshi.
The Segunda grit his teeth in anger at the remark. "so be it then. I shall drag you and those whores to los noches by force!"
Takeshi not wanting waste any more time on talking charged the former king of hueco mundo with all the speed he could muster. Once close enough he swung Reaver at Baraggan. The Segunda easily dodged but what caught Takeshi by surprise. Was the fact he could actually feel his attack slow down as it went towards Baraggan.
Sadly he didn't have time to think much about since he received a hard fist to the gut which pushed him back a good deal against his will.
"what…the hell?" coughed out the fullbringer.
"did Halibel not tell you?" Baraggan scoffed. "how foolish of her. you see each espada governs over an aspect of death. Your masters is that of sacrifice, while mine is over time itself. One can push and prevail over many things, but none can truly conquer the power of time."
"that remains to be seen! Getsuga Tensho!" roared Takeshi as he released the arc of silver energy.
Baraggan looked at the oncoming attack like it was minor annoyance. As it neared him, he lazily swung his axe and destroyed it the with minimal effort.
"Well…. Shit." Spoke Takeshi as a rare felling of dread began to form inside him.
"face it boy, you cannot win against me." Spoke the Segunda right before he used sonido to appear directly in front of the fullbringer. "it is a pointless effort on your part."
Takeshi responded by swinging with his blade at the espada. Baraggan simply caught the blade with his hand like it meant nothing.
"such insolence comes with a price." Growled the espada.
Before Takeshi could even attempt to move. Baraggan swung his axe and dug it into the side of Takeshi right thigh and then ripped it violently out.
"AHHHH!" cried out Takeshi from pain of his leg being cut down to the bone. He could feel his blood gush out down his leg from the wound. However his cries of pain were short lived as Baraggan's fist collided with his face. the strike dazing him and knocking him back. he wasn't given a chance to recover when Barragan moved right back up in front of him and gripped Takeshi sword arm.
Baraggan gave a tight squeeze of his hand and crushed the bones in the arm as if they were twigs.
"GAAAHHHHH!" howled Takeshi in pain. Unfortunately, the Segunda wasn't letting up. The former reared back his fist repeatedly punch the fullbringer as he held him place.
Takeshi could feel bones break and crack with each strike. As Baraggan continued to beat him senseless. Then Baraggan ceased his assault, Takeshi limply hung in air by the grip the former king held him in. then with a flick of his wrist Baraggan tossed Takeshi back towards the grounds.
Takeshi was helpless as he crashed into the ground harshly. He whole body ached; the pain was unreal. It was taking everything his regeneration from his hollow powers had at the moment to keep him awake as it was.
"it's over boy." Called out Baraggan as he remained up in the air. "you cannot stand against me."
Finding what resolve he had left Takeshi prepared to strike back with his strongest move. "I'm not… done… yet." He huffed out as he put his palm out with his good arm and began forming a silver orb in it.
"so Halibel has taught you forms of hollow combat, has she? Impressive but no mere cero can possibly hurt me foolish boy." Spat the Segunda arrogantly.
While it hurt like hell still despite his regeneration working. Takeshi quickly took his other hand took some of his blood from his leg wound. And applied it to his cero, which immediately grew in intensity and strength. The silver orb now crackling with intense power after the infusion of his blood. Before Baraggan had time to fully register what Takeshi was doing the fullbringer/hollow hybrid let the attack go.
"GRAN REY CERO!" Roared Takeshi as the massive blast of silver energy rocketed off into the sky at the Segunda.
"WHAT!" was all Baraggan could utter before he was swallowed by the blast. The attack exploded in the night sky illuminating the whole night sky in a silver glow. The ground around shook like an earthquake had taken place from the sheer intense force of the blast.
Takeshi eyed the blast zone waiting to see what the result of it had been. The smoke in blast zone finally disappeared to reveal an injured and very pissed off Baraggan.
The Segunda jacket was torn apart and he massive gashes the bled across his arms and chest. There was also a collection of severe burns scattered across his person as well.
"That is it!" spoke Barragan in fury. "I do not care what Aizen's orders were. I will kill you as painfully as possible and I will then proceed to do the same to those whores that you love so dearly!"
Baraggan quickly moved to appear in front of Takeshi and gave a harsh kick to the fullbringer's face. Takeshi mask shattered instantly from the strike, as he flew back tumbling across the ground. Baraggan appeared over him and harshly stomped on a shoulder. Shattering the bone from the force of it.
Takeshi could only cry out in pain as he Baraggan beat him into a broken and bloody mess.
The Segunda was relentless in his assaulting of the fullbringer, while consumed by his fury. He stomped, punched and crushed the teen beneath him. by the time he finally relented, the boy had returned to his normal state and was a broken, bleeding heap on the ground. He was barely conscious, and his breathing came in raspy and heavy. As his now damaged lungs struggled to supply air flow.
"I am the king of hollow's boy! That includes you as well! Understand your foolishness in challenging my power! Now die like the miserable piece of trash that you are!" Growled Baraggan as he raised his axe for the final blow.
"Scream: Benihime!"
Baraggan quickly jumped back in order to avoid a blast crimson light that came rocketing his way. Before knew what was happening a blur of orange and purple grabbed the broken fullbringer and disappeared. Looking in the direction the attack came from he saw a man he knew from Aizen to be Kisuke Urahara. Next to him he saw one of his other targets, Yoruichi Shihoin. Who was currently cradling the defeated Takeshi in her arms.
"more ants to be crushed beneath my boot it would seem." Scoffed the Segunda.
"Kisuke we need to get him out of here and get him help quickly." Spoke Yoruichi as she protectively held Takeshi.
"I know, but I don't think our pal here is going make that easy for us." replied Kisuke.
"Baraggan!" cried out a new voice. All who could, turned to see Halibel hovering up in the air with a man who appeared to be another arrancar.
"so I see stark was successful in swaying you back to our side Halibel." Said the Segunda.
"on the contrary Baraggan, I swayed Stark to switch sides." Retorted the Tercera.
"What!?" roared the former king. "you would turn traitor as well Primera!?"
Stark simply shrugged his shoulders lazily in response. "what can I say? Halibel made a good argument."
Baraggan grit his teeth in frustration at this unexpected turn of events. before anything could be spoken a new presence arrived. Namely a certain orange haired substitute soul reaper.
Ichigo arrived at the scene of where his brother's fight had taken place and noticed everyone else already there. As well as someone he didn't recognize with Halibel. But what drew his attention was a beaten up and elderly looking arrancar. Ichigo knew right away that must have been the one his brother had fought. He then noticed the beaten and bloody form of his elder brother in Yoruichi's arms.
"YOU BASTARD! I KILL YOU FOR THIS!" roared Ichigo as his anger skyrocketed to new levels.
"another time perhaps." Spoke Baraggan as a garganta opened up behind him. "I grow tired of this mockery. Know this however next I show my face, that boy will die by my hands. Along with his precious whores and children. Mark my words." He finished as he disappeared into the garganta.
"You're not getting away!" yelled Ichigo.
"restrain yourself Ichigo!" spoke Halibel. "let him go for now. We will have another chance to deal with him in due time. for now we must focus on saving Takeshi."
This snapped Ichigo out of his anger as it was replaced by worry. He quickly moved to where his brother was. "we need to get him back to the house! Orihime is there and can save him with her healing!" Ichigo spoke with urgency.
Nothing more needed to be said at the moment, as everyone immediate took off back to the house. Yoruichi carrying Takeshi in her arms as gently as she could.
Takeshi could barely register the feeling of the wind on his face as they traveled. He saw the vague outline of Yoruichi through his blurred vision. His eyes closed as he finally blacked out from his injuries.