Hell.
The place where all the souls of Hollows and evil humans went, sooner or later, to be punished for thousands of years before earning another chance in the world of the living.
Composed of nine circles, each one deeper, smaller and worse than the last, it was swarming with creatures suffering in different ways. Some physical, some psychological, but regardless of that, the stench of agony could be smelled from afar.
The two aquaintances were guided, by the mysterious servant of King Yama, to a weird kind of elevator in the center of it all.
Orihime was scared as she went through the depths of Jigoku. Despite of this, she didn't say a word to Ulquiorra in order to not make Kurokage suspicious.
"A wonderful sight, isn't it?" The servant asked the two with his inexpressive voice. "Souls suffering in cold to the left, souls suffering in heat to the right. In the end, they all suffer..."
They didn't reply anything.
"What punishment did you have to deal with, Ulquiorra?" He asked, trying to start a conversation.
"I don't remember being punished. In fact, I don't remember much of my stay here. It's like, somehow I have an empty space of memory between my death and my rebirth"
"Really? I wonder why that is... But in any case, don't you feel anything different when facing such a scenery? For example, I can feel how the human's shadow is soaking in fear"
"What?!" Orihime thought. "My... Shadow...?"
"Nothing. Hell is everywhere. It doesn't change much wether you're up somewhere or down here" The nihilist Espada replied.
"Interesting answer. However, there is a difference. Maybe you're right about most of the worlds up there... But there is one above them all which I don't think even you could call Hell"
"Is that so?"
"Yes. But I think Yama-sama would prefer telling you that. What right do I have to steal one of his topics for conversation?"
"Interesting..." Ulquiorra replied with the same plain voice that gave away zero emotion.
The elevator stopped at level 9, the deepest circle.
"We have arrived" He announced.
"Were the Dukes ordered to come as well?" Ulquiorra asked.
"Yes, but I sent my shadows to fetch them"
"I see"
Outside of the elevator was a long hallway of frozen statues.
"No way...!" Orihime muttered.
"Oh that" Kurokage noticed. "They are the worst kind of scum. The ones who pay for the capital sin that is betrayal. Although their bodies are frozen, they feel as if their flesh and bones constantly burned, but since their movement is restricted, they scorch in agony unable to do anything" He explained.
The revelation made Orihime tremble in fear and sorrow as she imagined the torture those souls were experiencing.
"That is exactly the reaction I was expecting. You don't look like a traitor to me though, so you shouldn't be worried..."
She was about to sigh in relief, when he completed the phrase.
"...Unless you're thinking of betraying Yama-sama. And that goes to you as well, Ulquiorra"
"I know" He calmly replied.
In spite of the calm in his voice, Orihime was at her limit. The dense aura of the place and the constantly growing spiritual pressure of the being they were about to meet made her experience a sense of bleak and despair she never imagined she would feel in her life.
After passing through the hallway, a giant door of bones was waiting for them. Kurokage created a pair of solid shadows that looked exactly like him and commanded them to open the gate.
Inoue was astonished by his ability. She had never seen a power like that, and the sole idea of her friends engaging in combat with people like him made her heart heavier.
Behind the gate, was a large throne room. Floor made of twisted black and white marble. Pillars of black marble ornamented with gold. Paintings of abhorrent creatures hanging in the white marble walls. And in the end of the room...
A giant throne made entirely of skulls. Some humanoid, some beast-like and some impossible to decipher where they came from, were carefully put together to create an intimidating yet comfortable throne for the King of Jigoku.
"Here they are, Yama-sama" Kurokage said while doing an exaggerate reverence.
"Good. Now we can begin. Stay, Kurokage. I want everyone to witness this" Echoed a voice from the other side of the room.
"Yes. Thank you, my lord"
Due to the distance, Orihime couldn't tell what the monarch looked like. All she could see, was that he was wearing a black and white robe.
Standing by through the long hallway, just like Shinigami Captains, were eight figures Orihime recognized as the Dukes.
The first one, with a black "VIII" tattooed on his left leg, was a really tall individual (about 2 meters) of grayish blue skin and had a long devilish face with three goat horns coming out of it. It seemed strange to her that he was wearing what seemed to be a ragged lab coat.
The next, with a tattoo showing "VII" on his left hand, was a white skinned Demon with humanoid body, wearing a black suit that reminded her of a funeral. His face however, was a black aura-like mass. Orihime felt as if the faceless being was staring right into her soul, despite not having eyes.
Moving on, the next Demon was a giant muscular being that possibly measured 3.5 meters. He had grey skin and his right arm showed a "VI" painted on his overly developed bicep. A black tunic with an iron belt covered the lower side of his body, but the rest was uncovered. His menacing demonic face had four black horns coming out of it like a crown.
The next one was probably the most strange of them all. It was a blank slate. Although it resembled a human in shape, it had no identifiable characteristics aside from that. It was a completely white being with a black "V" instead of a face, carved in what seemed to be its head. The feeling this creature gave Orihime was really weird as well. She felt as if that being was only a fraction of something much greater, but she didn't know why.
Entering what she thought were the "Big 4" of the group, was a Demon with a big "IV" tattoo on his right cheek and amazingly, looked a lot like a human, with long black hair, pale white skin, green eyes and humanoid body, though a single goat horn coming out of his head gave away his true race. He was wearing a beautiful grey Yukata and was holding a closed parasol in his hands.
The next one really caught her attention. One that for some reason had a head like a horse, a small unicorn horn and long white hair. His body was human-like and looked shockingly fragile, with thin complexity and lowly developed muscles. It came as a surprise that on the left of his uncovered chest was a "III" printed on his light-brown skin. The only thing he covered with his ragged black tunic was the lower part of his body.
In front of him, was another one with long white hair and the head of a unicorn, though his horn was a lot longer and his skin was blue. Also, his complexity was completely different as well, having developed muscles and a bigger body. On the right side of his chest, a big "II" was carved onto his skin with black ink. Again, only his lower part was covered by a ragged white tunic. She wondered if the two were related, possibly brothers.
The last of the Dukes, looked completely human. He had long red hair, blue eyes and fair skin. He even looked attractive, having muscular yet normal proportions. Also, he was the most elegant of the group, dressed as if he was the director of an orchestra. His tattoo wasn't in sight, though it was clear that somewhere in his body, a big "I" had to be proudly tattooed in his angelic flesh.
After passing the eight Dukes, came the three Princes.
The one on the left was the only female of the group. She had a curvy figure (which she proudly showed with a very revealing yet elegant dark-blue dress), pale blue-ish skin, orange hair and a beautiful face with yellow eyes, but instead of legs, she had a serpent's tale with beautiful scales of different tones of blue. She had a black rope necklace with a gem colored deep blue as the sea itself and on her left breast was the kanji for water (水) engraved.
On the center was a bulky Demon of probably the same size as the 6th Duke (if not a bit bigger) of red skin and excessively developed muscles. He was only covering his lower part of the body with a ragged brown tunic and his fists had dirty white bandages, which made him look like a martial artist of great prowess. His rough face was the most demon-like, having two large black horns coming out of his head, and his strong orange eyes were intimidating to say the least. Finally, he wore two necklaces like the one the female Demon was wearing, but instead of a blue gem he had a bright yellow colored gem, similar to amber, and a blood red gem hanging from the black rope, while his chest had both the kanji for fire (火) and earth (土) tattooed.
The last one of the Princes was a green skinned Demon of humanoid size, but troll-like face, having two pointy fangs coming out of his lower jaw, an excessively pointy nose and two little black horns that grew from his bald head. He seemed muscular, though not grotesquely so as the red Oni, and covered only his lower part with a light-gray tunic. The most amazing detail about him, was that he had two angel-like wings of light-green feathers. The last details were that his rope carried a green emerald-like gem, and had the kanji for wind (風) painted on the center of his chest. Orihime imagined that he was probably a Tengu.
Finally, sitting on the throne of Jigoku, was the King. Different from what she imagined, he looked a lot like a human. He had a normal body and size, fair skin and an attractive face with clean features. His eyes were not normal though. His left eye was of black sclera and white iris, while his right eye had white sclera and entirely black iris. On his forehead was the kanji for Aether (空). The robe allowed his upper chest and neck to be seen. Right under his neck, he had a black 888 tattooed, as well as two gems, one pitch black and the other clean white hanging from two rope necklaces. His beautiful black and white robe resembled the clothes of a God more than a Demon. His long hair was almost entirely white, except for a black piece that sticked out from the rest and he was holding a gold scepter with various ornaments.
"Ulquiorra" He spoke with a manly yet soft voice that reminded her of Aizen. "You have brought the human like I ordered. Certainly, you prove to be worthy of the position I gave you"
"Thank you"
"Continuing... Today is a day of celebration. The stepping stone of a plan I've been designing for eons. I... I was the first to be sent down here. It wasn't a place of torture like it is today, but neither was a place of joy. It was all black. Empty. Devoid of anything we know in existence... Until the first soul fell down here. In order to cease my loneliness, I gave that soul the power of immortality, as well as great power directly from my dark orb. He was the first Oni. My dear servant, Kurokage"
"Yama-sama...!" The servant seemed moved for the first time by his mention.
"And after him... More souls fell. Aching for the banishment they had suffered. Step by step, more Oni were born... And together, we built this place. After realising the growth of our home, one of the Gods that banished me descended upon this place to offer me a chance for redemption. He wanted to punish mortal souls with a more... Refined system. And so he wished for me and my dear Oni to be in charge of such a job. However, despite my contempt, in that moment, I accepted... Because I knew that angrily declining that order disguised as an offer would only lead to our destruction. But that didn't mean, that I gave up on the chance to regain paradise!"
All the Oni seemed to raise their Reiatsu as these words were pronounced.
I was banished from Takamagahara itself! I used to live in that paradise where only the highest beings could rest! I used to be a God! But now... No more lamenting. No more accepting the conditions of hipocrisy! No... Today we end this chapter of misery, to embrace an age of glory! And everything... Thanks to the power of this human. This... Woman, as they say on Earth. She has the key to begin our rebellion, the power to obligate time itself to step back and return what was once lost! My Kamibuki, with the ability to absorb every kind of energy, even that of the Gods! My divine Katana...! Was once sealed by Amaterasu herself, so that I would never be able to defy them! But now.. that's all history... But before continuing, woman, please tell us your name" He looked at Orihime with his godly eyes.
"Inoue... Inoue Orihime"
"Inoue Orihime. A beautiful name for our savior. I won't order you. I'll kindly ask you, to please... Reverse time on my scepter, until it becomes a sword"
"So that was it" Ulquiorra thought. "As convincing as his speech may be, she must understand that he was banished for a reason. It doesn't matter how beautiful are the words he has used, that doesn't change the fact that he is planning to take over Heaven from the Gods that protect her World"
"I... I can't do that..." She replied.
"Huh? And why would that be?" The King asked.
"Because... If I do that, you will hurt my friends, my World and all the things that I love!"
"What makes you think that? I haven't said anything about invading your World"
"Then why did you invade Hueco Mundo!?"
"Cause it is a desolate place full of evil Hollows. They even took you prisoner there, you think I don't know?"
"Believe it or not I... I have friends there!" She was referring to Nel and Ulquiorra.
"Oh really? A human and a Hollow being friends? How funny indeed. The offspring of Amaterasu with the breed of Tsukoyomi forming a bond of friendship... How utter nonsense... You were born to be opposites, that's written in the book of the Gods that created you, you can't change that" He mocked her.
"I don't care about that. Hollows might be different, but they are able to feel emotions and as such... They are able to understand us as well. I don't care about what's written, I care about my friends and the love we share!"
"Love..." Ulquiorra thought.
"How insolent...!" Kurokage muttered.
"But now, now... If you think about it, the fact that she is defying the Gods is a good sign. She is willing to fight them as much as we do, so... Don't you think it is clear what choice you have to make?"
"Even if you put it like that it is obvious. You will invade the Human World sooner or later. Maybe Soul Society! I won't help you..."
"*sigh* I guess you like doing things the hard way..." He said and in an instant he fired a black ball that exploded in Ulquiorra's body, damaging his organs.
"No! Cifer-kun!" She couldn't pretend anymore and decided to use her power to heal him. "Souten Kisshun, I reject you!"
"Inoue... No..." The Espada muttered.
Just as she finished healing him, the King gave an order.
"Kurokage"
"Yes, my lord. Possession!" His shadow extended itself to Orihime's and he started controlling her movements and power.
"What?! No!" She muttered as her hands were involuntarily directed towards the gold scepter.
"I know everything about your power, human. Even its limitations. But don't worry, after such a long time, there is no trace of Amaterasu's Reiatsu aside of the seal itself" Yama explained. "Now, reject the power that has concealed us in this Hell for an eternity!"
After a while, the gold scepter shattered in pieces, to let a Katana of two edges, one black and one white, fall to the ground.
"Perfect! It has returned to its original form... My dear Kamibuki: Lucifer"
"No..." She said in tears as she realised that her power had been used regardless.
"Who would've thought that you had a human friend indeed... Ulquiorra"
The Espada remained in silence.
"Shouldn't you say something to Yama-sama? You damn traitor!" Kurokage seemed truly angry for the first time, despite wearing a mask.
"I did my job. I killed and banished all Hollows from Hueco Mundo. There was not a single order about not becoming friends with the human" Ulquiorra replied calmly, despite having been seriously wounded moments before.
"You little...!"
"Leave him, Kurokage. I'm in a good mood" Yama said with a chuckle. "He's right. If he wants to be friends with the human, it's his problem. I even find it fascinating, though I believed you were the most heartless of the Hollows. In any case, you did your job, you brought the human and my Kamibuki is back so... You're free to go back to Hueco Mundo with the woman"
"Thank you, Yama-sama" He started leaving.
"However..." The King continued.
Ulquiorra looked back.
"If by any chance the Shinigami friends of this woman want to take back Hueco Mundo... You and the Dukes must kill them. That is an order. If you don't comply, I'll make sure to torture her before your very eyes before erasing her existence"
"I understand"
"Kurokage, open a Kimon for them to go back"
"Right away, Yama-sama"
"And, Ao... Find, the source as soon as possible" He ordered.
The 8th Duke nodded. "Of course, Yama-sama, I'm on it"
They all entered the Kimon and went back to the throne room in Hueco Mundo.
"You know what to do. And don't even think of asking me anything" Ulquiorra threatened the Dukes.
None of them said a word, and obediently went back to their palaces.
As soon as they left the palace, Orihime apologized:
"I'm so sorry, Cifer-kun! I... I didn't want that to happen"
"Don't be ridiculous. There was nothing you could do. I guess he knew you were somehow close to me in some other way"
"Still, what will we do now?"
"Wait. Your friends should come soon"
"You're not going to kill them, are you?"
He was silent.
"Cifer-kun...?"
"If by doing that I can somehow protect you... There's no other choice" He replied with a sad but determined look.
"No... No, it can't be like this. There must be a better way!"
"I won't risk losing you, Inoue... I have learned so much thanks to you... I've felt so much thanks to you... I... I don't want to see you suffer" He confesed.
"Cifer-kun..." She muttered with tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry... Inoue" He embraced her, just like she had taught him. She cried on his shoulder and he caressed her silky orange hair. "So this is what empathy is like..." He thought as he felt the same sadness of Orihime go through him.
~~~~X~~~~
After almost 1,000 days of training, the time to leave the Dangai had finally arrived.
"Phew... It was a long time here, wasn't it?" Ichigo asked Nel as they started disarming the tent.
"Yes. I don't think I'm gonna miss the place itself, though I will miss the nights we shared in it..." She replied, blushing.
"Nel..." He was surprised to hear such a line come from her, though it wasn't something so weird once he thought about it. They were adult enough to decide if they wanted to be together after all. "Don't worry, once everything is over, we'll see what we can do. Something is clear though. Anything we choose, we'll do it together" He said with a smile.
"Ichi..." She said his name out of pure love and contained the need to kiss him as hard as she could since they were out in the open. "I love you" She whispered.
"I love you too, Nel" He chuckled, though the idea of living with her was something he hadn't processed completely. He was still young, and hadn't finished school yet. How would he keep a woman, or even worse, a family once they decided to take that step? Could he live that way with Nel despite her being an Arrancar? With a scatterbrain due to all those questions, he sighed in relief that he hadn't gone further with her than just some snugs and kisses.
Harribel and Grimmjow had a similar feeling, though none of them really wanted to say it.
"Well, we did get pretty strong her after all, didn't we?" Grimmjow started the conversation.
"Yeah, I guess... Now comes the moment where we have to reconquer our World"
"Of course. Don't worry, Tier. We'll just go back, kick their asses and everything will go back to normal"
"You really think it's gonna be that easy?"
"Heh, no... I guess not. But, whatever it takes, we'll end up achieving it" He admitted.
"I'm glad to know that we are both determined at least"
"That's where we can't fail" He concluded with a smirk.
Once everyone was ready, Yoruichi gathered them all to open the Senkaimon.
"Very well... It's time to go back. I'm happy to see how much stronger you've all become, but never lower your guard. The Oni are an enemy we've never faced before and as such, we don't know how powerful or intelligent they may be. In any case, feel confident on your abilities, you are strong. Just, never look down on the enemy and always think of creative strategies to fight back"
Everyone agreed with a big "Understood".
Yoruichi opened the Senkaimon and everyone went back to Urahara's Shop, more precisely, the Training Ground.
"Woo, here they are! It's been a looooong time, hasn't it? I've been like, 12 hours waiting for you guys to return!" Urahara recieved them.
"Your sense of humor never changes, does it, Kisuke?" Yoruichi said in reply.
"Of course not, but you should know that well after all these years..." He smiled at the woman with a hint of nostalgia.
"Yeah, yeah... Anyways, I'm glad to see you again" She admitted.
"Is that... No way! Kurosaki-san looks just like when he went to fight Aizen for the last time. Longer hair looks good on you" He complimented his pupil.
"Thanks, I guess..."
"He's not lying though" Nelliel agreed.
"And Nel-chan! Wait... Is that one of Yoruichi's...?! Ungh!" He recognized the attire and bled a bit from his nose.
"Oh, this? Yeah, I didn't have clothes for training, so Yoruichi-san lent me this attire. It shows a bit more of skin than I'd like to, but it was perfect for learning Shunkou"
"Really?" The shop owner replied as he put two rolled napkins up his nose to stop the bleeding. "You decided to teach her in the end, Yoruichi?"
"Yeah. I sparred with her the first day and saw that she had potential. Her Shunkou is really strong. In fact, it burns almost as much as the flames of the Captain Commander"
"A fire Shunkou?! And how didn't her clothes get burned?"
"Actually... The first time-" Yoruichi started telling, but Nel covered her mouth.
"Nothing. It doesn't happen! It just doesn't!" She replied red out of embarrassment as she remembered the moment.
"No way... Ungh!" Ichigo muttered as he imagined the event and bled the same amount as Urahara a couple moments ago.
"Not again! Ichigo!" Nel said worried, to which Urahara and Yoruichi laughed.
"What are those laughing about? We should be getting ready to go to Hueco Mundo tomorrow" Uryuu pointed out.
"Just leave them be, we were in that place for very long, it's normal that they have a few laughs" Renji replied.
"I guess..."
"Shouldn't you go see your father?" Chad asked Ishida.
"No, I think I'll pass on that. I'll write a note and leave it on his desk"
"BOSS!" Pesche came running to Urahara.
"Pesche, Dondochakka! Good to see you again. I actually have a couple things upstairs I need you to..." Kisuke was about to make a request.
"Sorry, boss. But before that, what about our little request?"
"Huh? Oh... That. I'll bring it right away. Wait right here" Urahara went upstairs.
"Everyone looks happy to return" Love observed.
"Yeah, no wonder after such a long time in there. After that, I'd even go pay a visit to Shinji at the Gotei..." Hiyori replied.
"Are you sure that's not an excuse to see him?" Lisa asked, not sure about her true intentions.
"Oh, don't give me that crap! It's just, been a while, you know?" She blushed a bit and crossed her arms.
Hachigen kindly laughed. "We could all go visit the others when this is all over"
After a while, Urahara was back with a bag.
"Here it is, guys! I'm not sure if I nailed it due to your poor drawings, but this should make the cut" He said as he gave them the box.
"Hey! We did our best. Well, it doesn't really matter as long as Nel-sama likes it" Pesche replied.
"Let's give it to her right away!" Dondochakka proposed.
She was talking to Ichigo and Yoruichi when her Fracción approached her.
"Nel-sama!" Dondochakla called her attention.
"What is it, guys?" She asked curious.
"Here!" Pesche gave her the bag.
"What's this?" She said as she opened it. "Oh, they're just like the ones I used to have when I was an Espada! Perfect for combat..." She exclaimed surprised as she held the white clothes in her hands.
"Really? Let me see?" Yoruichi snatched them away from her. "Hm... They look good, but you won't be able to use Shunkou like that"
"Oh, you're right..." She said a bit disappointed.
"Wait, Nel. Ishida is good at making and fixing clothes. I'm sure he can alter them a bit so you can use them" Ichigo recalled.
"He's able to do that? It'd be great if he could!"
"Let's ask him. Hey, Ishida!"
"What is it, Kurosaki?" He answered to the call.
"You see, Nel has these combat clothes, but the design is not perfect cause she can't use Shunkou. Would you be able to change them a little?" He passed him the white clothing.
"Let's see. Wow, it is a really special material..." He said as he touched it.
"Yes. It's very elastic and it resists fire as well, which is perfect given the nature of my Shunkou" Nel agreed.
"I think I can do something. However, I need to take your measures and I'll also need you, Yoruichi-san, cause you know exactly what parts of clothing this technique destroys"
"No problem. We have to do our best so this girl can fight" She agreed. "Do you have everything you need?"
"As long as Urahara-san has a sewing kit laying around somewhere, yes"
"I'll go get you one! It's my clothing, after all..." Nel tried to help.
"No, I'll go. You don't know the place so well... You'll probably get lost. Don't worry, Nel, it's no problem" Ichigo replied.
"Really? Thank you, Ichigo" She smiled with joy.
After getting the sewing kit, Ishida did his work with the aid of Yoruichi. The result was great.
"It's ready. Try it on to see if it works" Uryuu said.
"Okay" She went behind a rock and changed into the modified combat suit. "How do I look?" She asked as she returned.
"Looks good to me. Good job, Ishida" Yoruichi complimented.
"It's nothing..." He grinned and proudly touched his glasses.
"What do you think, Ichigo?"
The clothes were now armless and her back was uncovered in the shape of an oval, showing the mark of Tercera Espada in all its glory.
"Like always. You look beautiful, Nel" He replied, gawking at her figure.
"Ichi..." She couldn't help but blush and hug him at the compliment.
"Wait, is Kurosaki?" Ishida had just noticed.
"You just realised? And here I thought you were the smartest of the group, Ishida! How disappointing..." Yoruichi shook her head.
"Oh please... How was I supposed to know?"
"They were sleeping in the same tent for almost three years!"
"And so were Chad and I!"
"Oh, Ishida... Don't tell me-" She smirked.
"It's nothing like that and you know it!" He angrily replied, though his face was red out of embarrassment. "I hope there isn't a doujin or fanfic of that..." He thought with grief.
"Ahahahahaha! I just love teasing you guys!"
"So I can see. Anyway, I think I'll go rest at home. Tomorrow starts another voyage and my job here is done. Give my congratulations to the couple..." He muttered as he looked at Ichigo and Nel a couple meters away.
"See you tomorrow, Ishida" Yoruichi said goodbye.
Nel and Ichigo noticed he was leaving so they waved a goodbye as well.
"See you later, Ishida!"
"Thank you for your help Ishida-kun. I loved it!" Nel showed her gratitude by spinning in one foot, proudly displaying her new suit.
"Glad that you liked it, see you guys tomorrow!" He replied, exiting the training ground.
"I think we should all go and rest. I want to see my family after so long as well, even if it was just a couple hours for them" Ichigo said.
"Of course. You must miss them a lot. I didn't really think about it cause Pesche and Dondochakka were always with us, but I imagine how you must feel... I'm sorry I didn't realise it sooner" She agreed with a hint of sadness as she thought about his feelings.
"Don't worry, I knew it was gonna be like this. Besides, they must be fine at home. Actually, now that I think about it, I think I should go see Inoue"
"Inoue-san... Right! I remember she was feeling blue when she left that time... What might have happened to her?"
"I don't know, but I'd rather go alone. Maybe it's something I did, though I can't recall doing anything that would make her upset..."
"I understand. In any case, give her my best wishes"
"Of course"
Urahara overheard the conversation and decided to tell the truth.
"I'm afraid to tell you that such a thing will be impossible..."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ichigo asked confused.
"Inoue-san disappeared hours ago. I traced her Reiryoku, trying to find her and it all disappeared in a crossroad, like she had just vanished"
"Inoue did what...?!" Rukia couldn't believe it.
"You gotta be kidding, Urahara. This has to be a joke of terrible taste!" Ichigo said with an upset voice.
"I'm sorry to say, I'm serious. Inoue-san was taken away"
"Fuck!" Ichigo lost his cool.
"Ichi..." Nel muttered worried.
"How could this happen?! WHY did this happen?!" He asked retorically.
"Do you know where she was taken, Urahara-san?" Chad asked calmly, though he was burning with rage just like Ichigo inside.
"There are two possibilities. One, is that she was taken to Hueco Mundo. The other..." He seemed to have trouble finishing the sentence. "...Is that she was taken to Jigoku"
Everyone was shocked to simply imagine such a dreadful possibility being a reality.
"But... Why did it have to be her?!" Ichigo still couldn't process it.
"Because she was the key for the Oni to start moving" A cold voice replied from behind.
"No way..." Grimmjow recognized it as well.
A Garganta opened to let Ulquiorra enter the training ground.
"You... You're the one... You're the one that took Inoue away, aren't you?! ULQUIORRA!" Ichigo flash-stepped towards him to break him into pieces.
The Espada could see his movements, but had a lot of troubke dodging Ichigo's fierce attack.
"He's at another level of strength" He thought.
"I will erase you" Ichigo said as he intensely drew his sword.
"Ichigo, no! You are endangering us all if you fight to your full potential now!" Rukia shouted at him.
"Tch! And we'll just let him live? After what he did to Hueco Mundo? After what he did to Inoue?! Where is she, dammit?!" He violently asked Ulquiorra.
"She's currently in Las Noches. You see, she already did her part, but the king of the Oni thinks that she's a perfect bait to pull you into Hueco Mundo and eliminate you all"
"Heh, so judging by the look of things, you came to finish us before we even go, didn't you?!" Grimmjow joined the quarrel.
"No, quite on the contrary. I came to warn you. If you enter Hueco Mundo, I'll be forced to kill you"
"So what? You think we'll just stand here while Inoue is in the hands of the enemy?! Give me a break!" Ichigo spat.
"I don't plan harming her in any way. In fact, I want to secure her life with my own hands. Her power is very important to me" Ulquiorra did not lie, though the power he referred to was different from the one Ichigo had in mind.
"Like I'd let you with such a reason!"
"*sigh* If you don't want to listen it's irrelevant to me. However, this is all due to ignorance, Kurosaki Ichigo. You don't understand the power of Yama-sama. He's not like Aizen, or even the Soul King. He's an Old God, one that was banished from Takamagahara. His power is far from your or my comprehension" Ulquiorra tried to explain.
"Then he's basically a God, that's what you're trying to say?" Ichigo summarized, simplifying the situation.
"In simple terms, yes. I don't think there's need to explain"
"No, there isn't. With that information I know exactly how strong I have to become to defeat him!" He pointed Zangetsu at Ulquiorra.
"Interesting... Your foolishness never stops to amaze me. Very well then, I invite you to Hueco Mundo to drown in your own pride" He challenged.
"I wouldn't wish for anything else. It's time we truly end that decisive battle!" Ichigo accepted.
"I'll be looking forward to turn that confident expression into a face eaten by despair and hopelessness..." The Espada concluded as he opened a Garganta to go back to his palace.
After he disappeared, everyone in the training ground was in shock.
"Are we really prepared for this?" Chad asked himself as he looked at his hands.
"Greater than the Soul King?" Rukia muttered astonished.
"Maybe we really can't do much..." Renji said defeated.
Ichigo, seeing how the morale of his friends was lowered was starting to feel scared as well, but something inside him told him that no matter what, he couldn't feel that way. They didn't have to question their possibilities, they simply had to do it!
"Hey! Snap out of it! Why those looks of fear? We trained for almost 3 god damn years to defeat him! And now what? You're just gonna tell me it's all lost?!" He reprimended them.
"Ichi..." Nel replied, surprised by his sudden initiative.
"We knew the Oni were on a completely different level from the start. We can't feel this way just because the enemy came to tell us ghost stories about a guy we've never met. Think about it, if he's so damn strong, why the hell is he still down there? Why didn't he just defeat the other Gods and take Takamagahara by himself? I understand your feelings, but this is not the moment to be afraid, guys! This is the time to step up and take action and mark my words: I'm going there with, OR without you... But I'd rather die than leave a friend behind"
That was his ultimatum. Everyone was shook by his words, but at the same time, they felt as their confidence suddenly returned. Once again, their hearts were filled with determination.
"Ichigo is right. We cannot step back now. Like hell I'd let these Demons have things go their way!" Hiyori agreed.
"Exactly. I'm not planning to throw all my efforts to the garbage just cause that traitor of Ulquiorra has a new boss with a bigger cock he can choke on!" Grimmjow added, clearly pissed by the event.
"Hey, Grimmjow!" Harribel reprimended him for his language.
"Sorry, Tier, but you can't deny it's true"
"In any case, I agree with that notion. We have sacrificed a lot to get here... It's time we take what we earned" She concluded.
Nel doubted for a moment, but then held his hand firmly.
"I will follow you everywhere you go, Ichigo. I don't even care about death, as long as I have you by my side" She declared in front of everyone, not caring about anything.
"Nel..." He was astonished by the weight of her words. It worried him that something could happen to her, but at the same time he felt relieved to have her by his side. "Just... Promise me that we'll come back together"
"Or else... We'll die together. That, I promise, Kurosaki Ichigo" She replied and with her arms wrapped around him, kissed him passionately.
Everyone present stood in awe as they witnessed the pure love an Arrancar felt for a human. The Shingami were by far the most surprised, since the sole idea that a Hollow could have feelings was nuts. That said, even the Espadas thought that the fact that a Hollow was able to love was meshuggah, given that they couldn't understand the concept and many didn't even know the name of that feeling. Despite it all, Nelliel proved otherwise, and that was enough to leave even Urahara speechless.
"Wow..." Was all the shop owner could say, and he was in fact the only one able to emit a sound at the moment in question.
"You gotta be kidding me..." Rukia thought.
"Hoooly shit!" Hiyori said out loud, not keeping her thoughts.
"This feeling... This is...!" Lisa seemed inspired by the scene.
After they broke the kiss they stared at each other for a while, with the impression that the world had stopped during those seconds that felt as if they were an eternity, one the two would gladly spend their lives in.
"Damn..." Grimmjow muttered in shock.
"Nel-sama, you're always a step ahead of me... Even in that" Harribel thought, wondering if she'd ever be able to say and do such thing to the man standing beside her.
Ichigo, noticing all the attention they had gotten, was berried alive, achieving that perfect tone of red.
Of course, Nel shared the same fate as soon as she noticed Ichigo's expression, but regardless of that, she knew deep inside her that there was nothing to regret.
"Well..." Ichigo continued, regaining his composure. "Is everyone ready to go?"
The group agreed with no objections.
"Count me in!" Renji replied, back to being motivated.
"I'll show you my new strength, Ichigo" Rukia said determined.
"I'll keep throwing fists for you" Chad said with a smile.
"We'll demonstrate the power of..." Pesche started.
"The dangerous desert duo!" Pesche finished, expecting his brother to say the same.
"The synchro-desert brothers!" He didn't, as expected.
Ichigo chuckled as he got the effect he desired with his little speech.
"Tomorrow at 11 AM I'll open a big Garganta, unless you guys can do better" Urahara said looking at the two Espadas, snce it was obvious that Nel would go along with Ichigo.
"Nah, it's more or less the same. I'll leave it to you, Shinigami" Grimmjow replied.
"Together, we are stronger. We will go together and we will win together, as a group" Harribel added.
"Very well then. Go get some rest and we'll see each other tomorrow!" Kisuke concluded.
Everyone went their own way after wishing their mates a good night.
Ichigo and Nel went to his house to rest before the big day.
"ICHIG-" Isshin was punched in the face and knocked out before he could even get close to his son.
Despite his actions, he was glad to see his dad after such a long time. "I'm home!"
"Ichi-nii! What happened to you?! You look taller, and your hair is longer and..." Yuzu felt something was by his side for a moment. Like something she couldn't see clearly, but it was a faint presence she couldn't explain.
"What do you mean, Yuzu? Ichigo is the same as always! He just didn't comb his hair..." Karin replied, trying to dismiss her sister's suspicions.
"Ah, is that so? Well it looks kinda... Cool" She replied, snapping out of her previous sensation. "Though it makes Ichi-nii look more like a delinquent"
"Really? Whatever... I know I'm not anyway. *yawn* I think I'm going to bed. Tomorrow me and my friends are going on a trip for some days, so I gotta rest. Good night to you all"
"Good night!" His sisters replied in unison as they picked up the inanimate body of their father from the floor to drag it to his bed.
Ichigo would have wanted to be more time with his family, but at the same time, he knew that it would be suspicious and that he'd end up worrying his sisters.
After getting everything ready, he and Nel got inside the bed, still nervous for what was to come.
"No matter what awaits us there, as long as we're together, I'm sure we can sort anything out" Nel said, trying to calm Ichigo, who was having trouble sleeping.
"I feel the same. You don't know how much strength it gives me just to know you're there for me..." He hugged her as he carressed her turquoise hair.
"Oh but I do... After all, you're my only one, Ichi" She purred.
"And you're mine, Nel" He kissed her one last time before the two closed their eyes and fell asleep as they shared a warm embrace.
~~~~X~~~~
Another very mixed chapter. I honestly don't know what to say after these ones, but I can assure you that they make me quite content with my own ability to connect it all at least.
Review:
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark: Good chapter. I enjoyed this! I really liked the beginning of this chapter, where Ulquiorra and Orihime discussed what bonds were and what they have to do with the heart. But I digress.
Looks like Grimmjow and Halibel have both achieved Segunda Etapa! Sweetness! And them being paired is confirmed! Cool! Looking forward to more interactions between the two. Although I wonder when Neliel will get her power-up? Then again, Orihime still needs to heal the crack in her skull.
Finally, I wanted to apologize if my last review offended you in any way. I was just wondering your opinion of things and all. It's actually a nice change of pace on how you look at things. But yea. Update again soon when ya can! Looking forward to the next chapter!
Reply: Digressing like always, or so I see, haha!
Like I said before, yeah, Nel needs to get her skull healed before being able to freely use her Resurrección. However, that doesn't mean she is unable to.
About your last review, don't sweat it, I wasn't bothered by it at all, I'm actually glad to share my point of view on these topics cause they are important matters in this community. Many readers and writers enjoy stories that are very poorly written if you take the actual essence of the original characters into account, which is why I do my best trying to give the reader the feeling of "Yeah, that's how he/she is!" in comparison to many other fics. Maybe I sound like an elitist when criticising other's work so harshly, but that's just how I see things.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Evhron out.
*Glosary:
- Berried Alive:
1. Being buried by berries while still alive.
2. In case of Ichigo, aquiring the tone of a strawberry on his face.
3. Amazing Djent/Experimental Technical Videogame Hip Hop Death Trap Metal artist.
PD: I changed counts to dukes, in case you noticed. It's a slight change but I did so because it matches better with one of the Satanist beliefs (cause there are many interpretations).