Captain Amagai stared in amazement and some fear as Ichigo accelerated against him. With his right hand, he attempted to deflect Ichigo with his green sword. Ichigo dodged the block and sliced Amagai's gut.
Amagai backed away and blasted Ichigo with a heavy dose of fire. The cut was not deep enough to affect him. Ichigo dashed away and accelerated towards him from another angle. Amagai blocked with his Bankai's hollow skull and swiped with his right hand. Ichigo clashed with the green energy blade.
"How are you able to keep fighting?" Amagai asked Ichigo.
"No time to explain," Ichigo said in an inhuman voice.
A sudden black swarm of energy hit Amagai knocking him several feet away. Ichigo shot up into the sky and let loose another beam that exploded the ground near Amagai's location. Even though he could not see through the dust, Ichigo landed on the ground and shot toward Amagai.
Amagai blocked Ichigo's strike with his Bankai. He was bleeding and panting but not hurt. Ichigo backed off and deflected his green sword. Amagai lashed out with his green sword and then hit Ichigo with a fire burst. Ichigo got some distance between them and considered another strategy.
"That mask. It must be the reason I can't seal your reiatsu," Amagai realized.
Amagai took up his Bankai with his left arm and rotated in the air. Small fireballs were hurled in the air toward Ichigo. With his fast speed, he was able to dodge the fireballs but wasn't able to get close due to the extreme heat of the fire around Amagai.
Amagai aimed with his green sword and sent out a stream of green energy toward Ichigo. The beam hit Ichigo's Bankai and caused an explosion before he could deflect it. Ichigo fell to the ground dazed, half of his mask gone.
Soi Fong glared at Yoruichi. She thought she had resolved her dispute with her former superior. "Have you no respect for our laws?" Soi Fong spat.
"Not the ones that mandate killing an infant," Yoruichi replied.
"It's not even formed, yet. It doesn't have a name," Soi Fong retorted.
"It has a soul and that's all I care about," Yoruichi argued.
White energy sparked off their frames as they increased their reiatsu. "I am better than you, Yoruichi," Soi Fong sneered and then sped toward her.
Yoruichi and Soi Fong clashed creating electrical discharges in the sky. Chad watched from a distance; it was like a lightning storm. Yoruichi blocked an aggressive kick from Soi Fong and then stopped another punch.
Soi Fong flash stepped forward and aimed for Yoruchi's chest with her stinger. Yoruichi flashed-stepped away and kicked her hard to the gut. Soi Fong swung her stinger at her lightly cutting into her cheek.
Yoruichi frowned as a butterfly appeared on her cheek. "You just don't get it," Yoruichi said displeased as she blocked a kick and grabbed both of Soi Fong's legs.
Yoruichi swung Soi Fong around in a circle and then cast her off. Soi Fong was thrown full force into a water tower blasting a hole through it. An irritated Soi Fong used her reiatsu to explode the water tower off her.
Soi Fong shot towards Yoruichi and clashed with her in physical combat. The two rapidly punched, kicked, and blocked. Their frames lit up the sky; their energy mixing together in one fast-moving ball of light. Soi Fong sliced a butterfly in Yoruichi's chest but was kicked back.
Soi Fong went in for another attack but Yoruichi playfully punched Soi Fong hard to the gut and then elbowed her back forcing her down. Soi Fong used her momentum to swing her foot down on Yoruichi's shoulders. Yoruichi took a hold of her leg and then threw her to the ground creating a crater.
Yoruichi grinned in amusement as a battered Soi Fong glared up at her. "Do you need any help?" Marechiyo asked his fallen captain.
"Back off! She's mine," Soi Fong spat.
Soi Fong shot up from the ground and leveled off with Yoruichi. "I will not hesitate to kill you," Soi Fong told Yoruichi.
"This is more than just the child, isn't it?" Yoruichi wondered. "I thought we got past this," Yoruichi said.
"You have betrayed Soul Society, yet again. I will not forgive you," Soi Fong told her.
Yoruichi shook her head sadly. Soi Fong accelerated toward Yoruichi for another attack; Yoruichi went into a mid-air spin. Soi Fong was suddenly kicked away by Yoruichi's spinning kick.
Yoruichi then followed Soi Fong in the air and held up her hands in a cup form. Soi Fong gave an alarmed look as Yoruichi shock-wave blasted Soi Fong into a skyscraper. Glass shattered and fell to the ground as Soi Fong hit it.
"Let me take over, Ichigo!" a voice raged in his head.
Ichigo ignored his Hollow's pleas and continued to strike at Amagai with beams of spiritual energy. Amagai blocked the beams with his Bankai and continued to blast him with continuous fire.
Amagai phased next to Ichigo and kicked him hard to the ground stunning him. Amagai then slammed his Bankai against Ichigo to the head breaking off most of his mask. Ichigo's yellow eyes glared at Amagai as he swung his sword at him but was blocked by Amagai's green sword.
"Your Hollow powers have allowed you to fight longer than I expected, but you are, after all, a Shinigami. You will tire and then you will die by my hands," Amagai said.
Rukia watched powerlessly as Ichigo was sliced a few times by Amagai's green sword and bashed about by the captain's Bankai. Despite his injuries and fatigue, Ichigo refused to give up.
"Please don't die," Rukia said softly.
A hurt Soi Fong pealed herself from the concrete wall of the skyscraper. Yoruichi appeared before her as if to mock her. "After all this, the difference between us…," Soi Fong muttered to herself.
"Captain Amagai will surely finish off Ichigo and Rukia. Your efforts are for nothing," Soi Fong said and then spat out some blood.
Yoruichi gave Soi Fong a somber look. "You were once a happy and delightful person but now all I see is anger," Yoruichi observed.
"I grew up," Soi Fong replied and launched herself at Yoruichi.
Yoruichi punched Soi Fong hard to the face stunning her. Soi Fong recovered and then sped towards Yoruichi using flash-step. Yoruichi expected a frontal assault but then Soi Fong appeared behind her.
Soi Fong rammed her stinger deep into Yoruichi's back. The severe pain sliced through Yoruchi's back. she turned toward Soi Fong and broke her right arm with a sudden move.
Soi Fong held her right arm in pain but was suddenly kicked hard to the gut and then backhanded to the ground. Soi Fong hit the ground with an explosive thud. Yoruichi grimaced as she felt the pain pulse through her.
Soi Fong found herself in the middle of a large crater; she couldn't move a muscle. She looked up and saw a hurt Yoruichi above her. Smirking, she watched as Yoruichi writhed in pain.
"I don't need to hit the same surface twice, just the same spot in the body," Soi Fong told her.
Yoruichi gave Soi Fong a horrified look and then saw her body gradually turn to dust. Yoruichi's fingers evaporated away and then within seconds her body tightened up and evaporated into nothingness.
Amagai smirked as he felt a spiritual presence fade. "Captain Soi Fong is victorious. Her opponent has been killed," he said pleased.
"Yoruichi?" Ichigo wondered and then sensed for her.
"I can't sense Yoruichi. It can't be," Rukia noticed.
"Captain Soi Fong is an excellent fighter. I am not surprised," Amagai smirked.
Ichigo felt a numbing sensation. His mind couldn't believe that Yoruichi was gone. "One life has already ended tonight. Let us not add more," Amagai pleaded for reason.
Ichigo clutched his sword in anger and glared at Amagai. "No, you took away one of my friends and now I am going to end yours," Ichigo said angrily.
A heavy swarm of black energy formed around Ichigo like an aura. The Hollow mask formed around Ichigo's face giving him an added boost. "He's all yours," Ichigo disappeared within himself.
"Yes!" Zangetsu screamed as his reiatsu exploded to new heights.
"I knew you would realize my strength," Zangetsu said to himself.
"What is this?" Amagai wondered confused.
"Poor Ichigo couldn't defeat you? He's more pathetic than I thought," Zangetsu said insultingly.
"A duel personality?" Amagai considered.
"I won't go easy on you," Zangetsu laughed and then sped toward Amagai.
Before Amagai realized what had happened, Zangetsu sped past him slicing off his left arm. Amagai watched horrified as blood sprayed from his left arm and then suddenly his Bankai fell to the ground.
Zangetsu spun around and sliced into Amagai's back causing him to fall. Zangetsu suddenly phased in front of Amagai and placed his sword in front of Amagai. A horrified Amagai couldn't stop himself as he fell on Zangetsu's sword which sliced through him.
Zangetsu smirked and raised the head of Amagai. "Don't worry, you won't be the last," Zangetsu assured him.
"You're a monster," Amagai coughed up blood.
Zangetsu frowned at Amagai's comment and then loaded a cero sphere in his hand. He then shoved the cero sphere into Amagai's face blasting off the Captain's head. Zangetsu took up his sword and whirled it free of blood.
Rukia stared at Zangetsu with shock and awe. Uncertain of Zangetsu's intentions, she took up her sword in a defensive posture. Zangetsu's right eye twitched slightly as he saw Rukia's fearful expression.
Zangetsu bowed gracefully before her. "Don't worry. I will never harm you," he told her.
"Who are you? Are you Ichigo's Hollow mind?" Rukia wondered.
"I am his better half. I can protect you better than that weakling ever could," Zangetsu replied.
"Please, bring him back," Rukia requested.
Zangetsu gave her a confused look. "As you wish," he relented.
Ichigo's eyes went from yellow back to a normal brown. He looked around and saw the dead captain in the distance. "It was like a dream," he muttered.
"Ichigo?" Rukia wondered.
"Are you okay?" Ichigo asked her.
Rukia nodded. "Good…good," Ichigo said and then collapsed in her arms.
Soi Fong required assistance from two Shinigami to get back to her feet. "At least she's dead," Soi Fong said referring to Yoruichi.
"What are your orders?" one of the Shinigami asked her.
"Where is Captain Amagai?" Soi Fong asked.
"He has been killed by the Ryoku Ichigo Kurosaki," one of the Shinigami reported.
"Impossible!" Soi Fong gasped.
"Vice-Captain Kira is organizing a retreat of all 3rd Division troops," the same Shinigami reported.
"He would," Soi Fong muttered.
"We need to assess our losses. Gather all of the wounded and begin an organized retreat back to Soul Society," Soi Fong ordered.
Ishida and Chad met at a street corner as 2nd Division troops were in full retreat. "How many Shinigami were you able to defeat?" Chad asked curiously.
Ishida adjusted his glasses. "Thirty-five," he answered.
Chad nodded thoughtfully. "Thirty-two," he replied.
"Do you know where Rukia and Ichigo are?" Chad asked.
"No, but I can find out," Ishida said and sensed for the two soul ribbons that would lead him to them.
"Found them," Ishida said grabbing a hold of two red ribbons.
Ishida and Chad ran up to Rukia and Ichigo. Ishida looked around and saw destruction all around him. "Must have been some battle," Chad considered.
"It's over for now," Ichigo told them.
"Where is Yoruichi?" Chad asked as he had lost sight of her.
"She has been killed," Rukia said mournfully.
"This is a heavy loss," Ishida commented.
Chad bowed his head sadly as if he had failed. "What's wrong, Chad?" Ichigo asked.
"I was the last to see Yoruichi," Chad shook his head.
"It's not your fault, Chad," Ichigo consoled him.
"We're playing a dangerous game, Kurosaki. They will come with more, next time," Ishida pointed out.
Ichigo looked around him and saw fires spreading throughout the city. "We need to take this battle away from the civilians," he realized.
"What are you suggesting?" Ishida asked suspiciously.
"We take this battle to Hueco Mundo. We rescue Orihime and if any of the Shinigami come after us, they will have to fight us and the Arrancar," Ichigo suggested.
"Are you suggesting we join Aizen?" Rukia asked shocked.
"No, we will have the Shinigami and the Arrancar destroy each other. It will be like killing two birds with one stone," Ishida smiled.
"If it will save Orihime and end this war in the living world, then I think we should do it," Rukia agreed.
"Tomorrow, we meet up at Urahara's place," Ichigo said.
The Next Morning
Urahara Kisuke's eyes were hidden underneath the shadow of his hat as he realized what had happened. His expression was controlled.
Ichigo, Rukia, Ishida, and Chad gave somber expression as the story of Yoruichi was told. No one actually witnessed her death, so little detail could be said of it. It was however acknowledged that 2nd Division Captain Soi Fong was responsible.
"They have lost one and we have lost one," Urahara said softly.
Urahara sighed deeply and looked over the group. "This only helps Aizen. We must end this war," Urahara told the group.
"It has been suggested that we enter Hueco Mundo and rescue Orihime. The Shinigami will not dare to follow," Ishida mentioned.
"Hueco Mundo is guarded by the Espada, each Espada is of a captain's level. Not to mention scores of various Arrancars. And then there are the three traitors to be concerned with," Urahara pointed out.
"Is there somewhere we can send Rukia where the Shinigami won't be able to find her?" Ichigo asked.
Urahara shook his head. "No."
"Her reiatsu, even now, is leaking out like a waterfall. The only way to seal that reiatsu was the Hogyoku," Urahara explained.
"Then what do we do?" Rukia asked.
Urahara pondered the question. "If you were to enter Hueco Mundo, you could rescue Orihime and then take Rukia to an isolated area where she would not be detected by either the Arrancar or the Shinigami," Urahara considered.
"Isn't that right…Grimjow?" Urahara asked the bored-looking Arrancar.
"It's possible," he allowed. "But everything inside Las Noches can be seen by Aizen," he added.
"Can you create a portal that will land them just outside Las Noches?" Urahara asked Grimmjow.
"Not a problem," Grimmjow answered.
"Good…prepare, you will be leaving tomorrow," Urahara announced.
Aizen watched amused as he saw how Ichigo killed Captain Amagai with ruthless efficiency. Ulquiorra stood at attention as Aizen experienced the images; his right eye was missing.
"He has grown stronger, I see," Aizen said amused.
"Yes," Ulquiorra agreed.
"It appears my old friend Yoruichi has been killed. Do you take any pleasure in this?" Aizen asked.
"The only pleasure I feel is that her death will further your goal," Ulquiorra replied.
Ichigo opened the door to his house and then blocked Isshin's kick with ease. Isshin tumbled to the ground as usual. "I was right next to Rukia!" Ichigo shouted at his dad.
"You have become stronger, I see," Isshin observed.
Rukia entered the house and smiled pleasantly to Ichigo's sisters who were watching the playful fight. Ichigo finally pounded his dad to the ground and then prepared to announce something important.
"Rukia and I will be gone for a few days…so that we can find her a new house," Ichigo announced.
"How thoughtful," Yuzu commented.
Karin turned away unconcerned and uninterested. Isshin stood up and gave Ichigo a serious face giving Ichigo the impression he might be caught. "Be sure to take a sack lunch," Isshin suggested.
Ichigo gave his ignorant father an annoyed look. "Fine, this shouldn't take too long," he said finally and went upstairs.
Rukia gave Ichigo a concerned look as he rested on his bed and stared at the ceiling. "Do you want to talk about anything?" Rukia asked.
"You mean how I am lying to my family all the time," Ichigo replied bitterly.
"No…the other thing," Rukia said softly.
"I have killed countless Hollows without any regret or guilt. I slaughtered them all and I enjoyed it," Ichigo admitted.
"But Captain Amagai was human. It feels like a nightmare," Ichigo said.
"You let yourself go, you gave yourself to your Hollow side to save me," Rukia realized.
"Yeah," Ichigo admitted.
Rukia grimaced. "Maybe I am being selfish," she considered.
Ichigo peered over at Rukia's demoralized face. "I will support anything you want to do but if you are going to keep this baby…I will protect you," Ichigo vowed.
"Do you ever question that?" Rukia wondered.
"No," Ichigo said simply.
"Thank you," Rukia said.
"Sure," Ichigo replied and went to sleep.
The Next Morning
Ichigo, Rukia, Ishida, and Chad met at the basement level of Urahara's Shop. The usually chipper Urahara gave a depressed look but kept his focus.
"Your only way back is through Grimmjow," Urahara warned.
Grimmjow smirked at that; their lives were in his hands. "Try to keep up," Grimmjow said insultingly.
"Be prepared for anything," Urahara lectured.
Grimmjow pinched the air and opened a dimension into Hueco Mundo. "Let's go," Ichigo said leading all of them inside.
A captain's meeting was called with all of the captains assembled before Commander Yamamoto. There was a noticeable gap in the ranks where Captain Amagai would have stood. Captain Shunsui bowed his hat in sorrow at seeing him gone.
Yamamoto slammed the tip of his cane on the floor to show his anger at the situation. "Captain Amagai was killed by none other than Ichigo Kurosaki. This is not acceptable! Not only have I failed to save the father but now the son too," Yamamoto said displeased.
"Captain Amagai must have underestimated Ichigo Kurosaki," Captain Soi Fong interjected.
"Silence! You all have underestimated these Ryoku and the power of Rukia's pregnancy. We cannot suffer another loss like this or we will be ill-prepared for the Arrancar Invasion in the winter," Yamamoto argued.
"What do you suggest?" Captain Shunsui asked.
"I have received reports that the Ryoku are in Hueco Mundo using the aid of an Espada," Yamamoto informed them.
"They must be trying to rescue their comrade," Captain Ukitake said referring to Orihime.
"Or defecting to the other side," Yamamoto said gravely.
"We must wait. The fates may be kind to us. If Rukia's pregnancy becomes unstable in Hueco Mundo, it will create a massive discharge that could destroy the Arrancar army as well as Aizen," Captain Unahana suggested.
Yamamoto nodded confirming the theory. "If Aizen utilizes Rukia's power, he may become more dangerous than he is at present," Captain Byakuya said softly.
"I have also considered this. Give us your report, Captain Mayuri," Yamamoto ordered.
"I have implanted harmless bacteria in the Quincy. It allows me to track his every movement and experience what he experiences. We can closely observe what the Ryoku are doing with these bacteria," Mayuri smiled.
"We will rely on data provided by Captain Mayuri and then make a decision accordingly," Yamamoto said ending the meeting.
Aizen, Gin, and Tousen calmly walked into a hall that sat all of the Espada members minus one. Aizen took a seat at the head of the table while Gin and Tousen stood at attention.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the Espada," Aizen said pleasantly. "We are under attack," Aizen added.
"But first, let's have some tea," Aizen suggested. "Has the tea made its way to everyone?" he asked them all as they were served by a lowly Arrancar servant.
"Now then…please listen to me as you drink," Aizen said with a more serious tone.
"Kaname, visual please?" Aizen requested.
Tousen complied and activated a window into the table. There was a circular viewing screen on the table for all to see. Ichigo, Rukia, Ishida, Chad, and Grimmjow were racing toward Las Noches.
"There are five intruders," Aizen informed them.
"These are our enemies?" Aaroniero asked unimpressed.
"What the? You said we were under attack but these guys are just youngsters," Barragan complained.
"They're not the least bit arousing," Szayel agreed.
"Do not take them lightly. These are the same humans that broke into Soul Society and challenged the Gotei 13 to battle," Aizen reminded them.
"One of them is the former Espada, Grimmjow," Zommari noted.
"They're here for their comrade, Orihime," Ulquiorra informed the group.
"How cute, they're here to rescue their friend. They look so weak," Nnoitra commented.
"Do you not hear Aizen? He said not to underestimate them," Halibel reminded Nnoitra.
"As you can see, we have five enemies. It would be foolish to underestimate them but there is also no need to make a fuss. Return to your chambers and act normally," Aizen ordered.
"We do not know what side Grimmjow is on. All Espada with a rank higher than six should avoid him," Aizen suggested.
"Let them come to you. Have no fear. Even if something were to happen as long as you walk with me, there will be no enemies in our way," Aizen ended the meeting.
Renji appeared before Captain Byakuya as he was at his desk. The captain had his back turned to him.
"Reporting for duty," Renji said lamely.
"Rukia has joined with the Ryoku in Hueco Mundo," Byakuya informed him.
Renji gave a stunned expression. "But that's crazy," he exclaimed. "We have to get them out of there," Renji pressed.
"I will be ordering you to remain here in Soul Society," Captain Byakuya told him.
Renji wanted to object but knew it would be no use. Byakuya turned around and eyed his subordinate. "Those in Hueco Mundo will probably be displeased to have a filthy looking boy wandering around by himself," Byakuya noted.
"Captain?" Renji wondered.
Byakuya stood up and walked towards his vice-captain. "The Commander will not be convinced to send reinforcements unless a Shinigami is in danger in Hueco Mundo," Byakuya considered.
"This cloak will assist against the sands of Hueco Mundo," Byakuya said showing Renji a cloak on a chair. "You could access Hueco Mundo through the 12th Division Headquarters," Byakuya continued.
"Are you trying to say…," Renji stuttered.
"Your orders are to stay here. Is that clear?" Byakuya asked with a serious tone.
"Yes, Sir," Renji said and then took the cloak.
Ichigo, Ishida, and Chad sped toward Las Noches but no matter how far they ran it didn't seem to get them any closer to it. The three eventually collapsed in exhaustion and wondered how they could get inside.
Grimmjow and Rukia strolled along the sands of Hueco Mundo. "Idiots," Grimmjow commented of the group.
"How do you get inside?" Rukia asked curiously.
"Simple, you have to connect with the sand. They can run forever but the sand is pulling them away from Las Noches," Grimmjow explained.
Rukia wondered at the fallen Espada. "Why do you help us?" she asked.
"I am not helping anyone but myself. There are some in Espada that are stronger than me, right now, but I will surpass them all. Their strength cannot grow like mine can. I see the same in Ichigo. I want to see Ichigo's limit and then beat him," Grimmjow revealed.
Rukia gave Grimmjow a concerned look. "You shouldn't worry until that day comes," Grimmjow told her.
"No one will kill him but me," Grimmjow promised.
"Thank you…I guess," Rukia replied.
"Whatever," Grimmjow said dismissively.
Suddenly, a large sand Hollow emerged from the sands and rose to the same height as a large-sized building. It towered above Ichigo, Ishida, and Chad and tried to drown them in the sand.
Rukia gave an alarmed look at seeing the three struggle. Grimmjow smirked and sat down Indian style as if bored. "What should we do?" Rukia asked.
"Water?" Grimmjow suggested as if it were obvious.
"Right," Rukia agreed taking out her sword. "Hakuren," Rukia chanted; a beam of light sliced through the air from her sword.
The skyscraper tall Hollow suddenly froze in place and stopped moving. "Shall we continue?" Grimmjow asked.
Rukia nodded; the two calmly walked towards Las Noches.
A royal messenger sped to the 1st Division Headquarters and bowed down before the commander.
"Abarai Renji, vice-captain of the 6th Squad appears to have disappeared from his squad's headquarters," the messenger reported.
Captain Byakuya and Ukitake gave looks of concern as the messenger continued his report. "The 2nd Division Secret Mobile Squads and the Patrol Division are widening their sphere of search to find him," he added.
"Damn kid," Commander Yamamoto muttered.
"Where could vice-captain Renji have gone?" Ukitake asked alarmed.
"Most likely Hueco Mundo. He has a personal connection to Rukia," Captain Byakuya suggested.
"In any case, it reduces our preparedness. What a waste," Yamamoto commented.
"Should we send out a squad to retrieve him?" Ukitake asked.
Yamamoto sighed. "We cannot risk more men for the sake of this one. We cannot allow his actions to change our strategy," Yamamoto decided.
"I agree. Renji is headstrong and rash. I have been patient in trying to tame his wild spirit," Byakuya replied.
"Have Captain Mayuri monitor his progress," Yamamoto said finally.
Rukia and Grimmjow casually walked over to Ichigo, Ishida, and Chad who were busy conversing with three unusual Arrancar. Grimmjow ignored the bickering of Ichigo, Ishida, and the Arrancar and considered the frozen Hollow monster.
A beam of red light suddenly shattered the Hollow monster into icy pieces. "Why did you do that?" Ichigo shouted at Grimmjow.
"Because I felt like it. Do you have a problem with that?" Grimmjow retorted.
"You'll alert everyone of our presence," Ichigo argued.
"Idiot! They already know," Grimmjow said stubbornly.
"Espada!" Nel cried out and pointed at Grimmjow.
"Who the hell are you?" Grimmjow asked rudely.
"He's with us," Ishida consoled her.
Nel wasn't overly convinced. "It may not be a good idea to hang out with an Espada," Pesche advised Nel.
"More Shinigami," Nel said excitedly as she pointed in Rukia's direction.
"It's okay. She is not here to hurt you," Ichigo told her.
"What about him?" Nel asked.
Ichigo looked over his shoulder and saw Renji walk up. "Yo," he smirked.
"Why is he here?" Grimmjow wondered.
"Renji, how did you get here?" Rukia asked alarmed.
"Captain Byakuya showed me the way and take this," Renji said giving Rukia a cloak.
"What is this for?" Rukia wondered.
"The captain said the sandstorms are bad in Hueco Mundo," Renji explained.
"You only took two?" Ichigo asked outraged.
"Idiot, there were only two," Renji shouted defensively.
Renji then noticed Grimmjow. "Is this really okay?" he asked referring to his presence.
"He's the only way to get back home, and he's willing to help us," Rukia explained.
Renji gave Grimmjow a look. "I still remember you sending those Arrancar on us," Renji accused Grimmjow.
"And I remember you nearly getting killed by one of my weaklings," Grimmjow sneered.
Ichigo got between the two. "Our mission is to rescue Orihime. We can kill each other later. How do we get there?" Ichigo asked pointing to Las Noches.
"Easy, climb aboard," Nel said referring to the giant Hollow worm.
"We're here," Ishida observed as they came to the wall.
"But what are we going to do about this wall?" Rukia wondered.
"We can break it down by force," Ichigo suggested.
Ichigo and Renji took out their swords as if to demolish the wall. "Let's go, Renji," Ichigo said excitedly.
"You don't run the show here, moron," Renji agreed.
Renji and Ichigo slammed their Shikais into the wall and after a few strikes, the wall fell back creating a large enough hole for everyone to go through.
Shortly, the group came upon a crossroads. "What a pain in the ass," Renji complained.
"This is typical in Hueco Mundo," Grimmjow commented.
"Do you know the way to find Orihime?" Ichigo asked Grimmjow.
"Yes," Grimmjow replied but offered no help.
"Then. which path should we choose?" Ichigo asked annoyed.
Grimmjow shook his head. "There are nine other Espada and each one has their own army. If we stay together, we will be overwhelmed. We will a greater chance of survival if we split up," Grimmjow said.
"We'll each take one path," Rukia agreed.
"We're up against the Espada here," Ichigo argued.
"I can take care of myself," Rukia replied annoyed.
"She's right. Our only chance is to divide up the Espada. Let us do the Shinigami chant," Renji said.
"What's that?" Ichigo asked.
"Is a tradition the Gotei 13 do before going into a decisive battle," Renji explained.
"We, at this moment head into a decisive battle. Have faith that our blades will not shatter, have faith that our hearts will not waver, and even if our paths should diverge, we all are a heart of iron. Swear that even if the ground beneath us should rent asunder, we will live and return to this place again!" Renji recited.
Ichigo, Rukia, Renji, and Chad brought their hands into a circle and broke at the end of the recitation. "How stupid," Grimmjow commented.
"It has some poetic value," Ishida allowed even though he didn't take part.
An Hour Later
Chad charged Nnoitra and punched the Espada as hard as he could with his left arm. After his fight with a fallen Espada, Chad's left arm had morphed into a new creation. It was white with a red stripe down his arm. It was smaller than his larger right arm but was more lethal.
Nnoitra bent over Chad after the blow. "Is that all you got?" Nnoitra insulted while laughing.
Nnoitra suddenly slashed at Chad with his large Santa Teresa, a large ax-like weapon with two crescent moon blades. Chad's right arm was sliced in half; blood poured onto the sand.
"You're not going to kill him off?" Telsa asked his superior.
"No point. How does it prove that I am stronger by killing thousands of weaklings?" Nnoitra said bitterly.
"I can still fight," Chad said weakly and charged the Espada for another attack.
Telsa appeared just in time and blocked the attack with his sword. Telsa then sliced through Chad's chest and allowed him to fall to the ground. Nnoitra threw his blade at Telsa nearly cutting off his head.
"Don't interfere ever again," Nnoitra said angrily.
"My apologizes," Telsa groveled.
"Let's go, there is another powerful reiatsu elsewhere and I want to crush it," Nnoitra said.
Chad bled out as he lay on the sands of Hueco Mundo; his left arm dissolved into a human arm. A beaten Gantenbainne looked up at a dying Chad. "I will pray for you now."
Rukia felt Chad's presence dissipate and wondered what had happened to him. Is he dead? Rukia couldn't worry about such things. She was alone inside Las Noches. She would have to rely on Chad's resilience.
A tall figure appeared before her with a mask over his face. It was not a Hollow mask, but rather a mask to hide the person's face. It had several eye holes for the figure to see. It watched her for a moment and then walked inside a dome structure.
Rukia cautiously followed the figure inside. Once inside, the figure pulled off his mask revealing his face. "It can't be," Rukia doubted upon seeing his face.
It was Kaien, her former vice-captain of the 13th Division who she had killed decades earlier. He had a face similar to Ichigo but had dark eyes and black hair. "Are you really Kaien?" Rukia asked uncertainly.
"Yeah, it's been a while. You're looking well," he said cheerfully.
"Man, these clothes are hard to move around in," Kaien expressed.
Rukia simply stared with an expression of doubt and uncertainty. "What's with that face? If you're going to cry, it will make me look like the bad guy," Kaien told her.
"Take a seat," Kaien offered.
The two sat down on the ground as Kaien told Rukia the story of what happened to him. When Kaien had finished, he gave her a more serious look.
"I'm glad it was you who found me. I have been secretly working as an Espada, I have a strategy to strike down Aizen," Kaien announced.
"But I am going to need your help. Come here," Kaien said.
"Yes, Sir," Rukia said convinced.
Kaien suddenly turned against her and pointed a sword at her face. Rukia dodged the attack just in time but Kaien's blade sliced her cheek. "It looks like you have gotten better," Kaien noted.
"Why?" Rukia wondered shocked.
"I am Shiba Kaien, the man you killed with your own hands. It's because of you I became fused with a Hollow and am now here. Why would you be surprised as to why I would want to kill you?" Kaien said.
"Are you ready to give your life as atonement for what you did to me?" Kaien asked with a hint of anger.
"I am but not right now. I can't give up my life because there is another life inside me that needs me," Rukia said.
"Oh? What do you mean?" Kaien asked.
"Kaien, I'm pregnant. I would gladly give my life if it would uplift your spirits, but I have to save a friend and keep this pregnancy safe," Rukia said.
Kaien simply stared at Rukia and was now the confused one. "Pregnant? Well, congratulations are in order!" Kaien said cheerfully.
Rukia simply stared. "I was just kidding. You don't have to give up your life to atone for your sins against me. Just bring me the heads of all of your friends. I am sure you know each of their weaknesses. You could probably catch them off guard," Kaien smiled at her.
A shocked Rukia pulled away from Kaien. "Kaien would never say such a thing. Not even as a joke," Rukia accused.
"Do I look like I am joking?" Kaien said seriously.
"You're not Kaien," Rukia suspected.
"What are you saying? I am Kaien," Kaien said as if it were obvious.
"Don't say that name ever again!" Rukia screamed.
Rukia's reiatsu shot up as her emotions flared. Kaien watched in stunned silence as a white aura flowed around her. The building they were in began to shake; Kaien gave Rukia a nervous look and backed away.
"Sode No Shirayuki," she called out her Shikai.
Kaien leaped out of the way as he avoided a wave of ice. Rukia watched as Kaien fell to another level in the darkness. Her wound on her cheek healed immediately.
"Your techniques don't work against me. Remember? I was there when you created them," Kaien reminded her.
"Is that the extent of your power?" Kaien mocked. "Nejibana," Kaien called out.
Suddenly, Kaien appeared with a tall trident weapon that manipulated an ice stream of water around it; Rukia knew the weapon well.
"Let's rock!" Kaien said excitedly and then went on the offensive.
Rukia dodged his attacks and blocked a few with her sword, but Kaien's trident was stronger and more lethal than her own weapon. Kaien was also using the trident at an expert level as before.
Kaien finally slammed Rukia to the ground with his Trident. An icy sea flowed around Rukia. Kaien whirled the trident with his wrists and prepared for another strike. Rukia dodged and blocked more of Kaien's rapid attacks but she knew she was losing.
Finally, Kaien knocked her sword away from her. "It's over," Kaien said as he was about to spear her.
"Soukatsu!" Rukia shouted as she aimed her right palm at his face.
Kaien stopped what he was doing and barely dodged the intense beam of light. The spell blasted through the dome's wall.
"That's quite an improvement. You didn't even have to do the whole chant," Kaien began but then suddenly phased away from the hole in the wall and back into the darkness.
"Hainawa!" Rukia continued.
An electrical beam latched onto Kaien keeping him in place. "Rikujou Kourou," Rukia added.
Suddenly several yellow binds hit Kaien all at once keeping him still. "Shit," Kaien spat as he realized he was trapped.
"Souren Soukatsu!" Rukia shouted and put her hands up, wrist to wrist with fingers extended.
The blast went past Kaien's head and demolished the wall behind him. Light immediately shined in. Kaien gave a look of shock and then started changing. Rukia watched in stunned silence as Kaien's face melted away revealing a large tube of red liquid and two Hollow heads.
"Damn," Aaroniero muttered. "I guess we should introduce ourselves," Aaroniero said with two voices. One was high pitched and the other one was lower.
"What the hell are you?" Rukia wondered in horror.
"I am the Ninth Espada, Aaroniero. Don't make me repeat myself," Aaroniero said annoyed. "That spell might have wounded me if it had hit me. You're a fool," Aaroniero insulted.
"I had to know the truth as to whether you were Kaien or not," Rukia said. "Now, I can cut you down without mercy," Rukia readied her sword.