A/N: The Quincy finally show up in this chapter! Alongside some other fight scenes and you'll see the Segunda's Resurreccion (but not its full power, just its release). Also how do you guys like Charlotte's last name? I intended her to not have a Japanese or Spanish name because you don't see that very often in bleach, plus her last name is just for giggles.
'Italics' = Thoughts
''Italics'' = Zanpakuto Speech
''Bold and Italics'' = Inner Hollow Speech
''Bold'' = Vizard with mask on
Ichigo opened his eyes and stared at the white ceiling, blinking in confusion before memories of yesterday reminded him of what had transpired. He battled with Yamamoto for several hours before Yamamoto ended the fight due to the late hour, allowing me to be taking to the fourth division for rest and repairs - as if I was a machine.
At least he could take pride in the fact he'd done quite a few blows to the old man himself, which had increased as the fight progressed. He sat up then, wincing slightly as one of my ribs ached dully. The old man could throw a punch.
''Ah, your up'' The smoothing motherly voice of Unohana said as she walked in the room with unrivalled good timing.
''Yeah, I just woke up'' I say and move to get up, only for her to appear by my bedside and gently put a hand on my torso ''I'm fine, Unohana-san''.
''While that may be the case, Kurosaki-san, you should avoid too much strenuous activity for the next few days, am I clear?'' She said, putting on a 'smile'.
I grunt an affirmative, not really caring about her creepy smile, sure it was unnerving but if she was to attack me then it'd only make me stronger for my next fight. With that thought in mind I slip Zangetsu onto my back and head out of the fourth, though I only got like ten feet from the division when a bloodthirsty Reiatsu crashed down on me, and for once I was happy it did.
''Yo Ichigo!'' Kenpachi grinned madly as he entered the street in a sprint, scaring away any nearby Shinigami.
''Hey Ichi!'' Yachiru cheered.
''Yo'' I greet the madman and his surrogate daughter ''You here for a fight, Kenpachi?''.
The man grinned ''Hell Yeah''.
I felt a faint smirk tug at my lips ''Then what are we waiting for?''.
Yachiru didn't even need to be told, she jumped off her captains shoulder and watched from a respectful distance. Kenpachi cackled madly before he charged me, swinging madly.
That day I came to like something about Kenpachi; he never asked useless questions, like why you were injured or if your okay, as long as you can stand and swing your sword he's a happy camper.
''Why did we come up here?'' Starrk asked as he sat down on the tallest pillar of Las Noches,me sitting opposite of him with Charlotte to the side, forming an odd triangle.
''Because its nice and peaceful'' She puffed her cheeks out at them.
''More like lonely'' Starrk murmured.
''Well your not lonely up here, you got Lily-chan-''.
''We're originally part of the same soul'' I added.
''-and you've got me too! So don't go all mopey on me'' She finished with a playful huff.
He sighed ''So, what do we do?''.
She moved and sat on his lap with a Cheshire grin ''Firstly close your eyes''.
''Why do I feel like I'm being molested'' Starrk muttered tiredly, the height difference meaning he could look over her head and still be distance between her head and his chin.
''Hush'' Charlotte said ''Next place your Zanpakuto on your lap''.
''Can't do that with you sitting here'' Starrk grunted.
''Lily-chan can do it, since your the same being you'll do it at the same time'' She retorts and I nodded determinedly as I lay her Zanpakuto on my lap ''Now just breathe and relax, then eventually you should feel an odd tug or falling sensation, which is a good thing''.
Lilynette followed these instructions to the letter, determined to do this to get Starrk to actually do something. After almost ten minutes of utter silence, a warm breeze caught both Starrk's and Lilynette's attention, when they opened their eyes they were surprised to see they were no longer at Las Noches. Instead they now stood in a forest, the trees split by a long strip of short-cut grass where we stood. The two walls of trees had bushes, vines and other foliage amongst them. The sky was a sunny blue with the occasional cloud in it.
''Welcome, Coyote-san, Lilynette-san'' A woman spoke, making both of us jump and spin around to face the other direction the infinite path lead. In the middle of the path behind us stood a woman of around 5'10, shoulder-length wavy dark brown hair with the occasional stripe of light green in it. She wore the same outfit as our Resurreccion but the black skin-tight pants where of a more feminine design, having a few bits cut open to reveal soft slightly tanned skin. Her white shirt was left open slightly at the front, allowing one to see her chest-
''Oh come on!'' I cried indignantly, pointing an accusing finger at her ''Even you have bigger boobs than me?!''.
The unnamed entity blinked, then chuckled softly ''Hehe, don't worry Lilynette-san, you'll grow some one day''.
I felt my eyebrow twitch ''I've been a kid for fifty years! FIFTY YEARS! How much longer do I-''.
The rest of my sentence was muffled as Starrk put a hand over my mouth, making me grab his arms to pull it off, even going as far as to bite it but he didn't budge.
''Who are you?'' Starrk asked, equal parts cautious and curious.
The woman smiled ''My name is Los Lobos, it is nice to meet the both of you''.
Apparently my partner wasn't fazed in the slightest ''Nice to meet you too I guess''.
With his part apparently said he removed his hand from my mouth and lay down on the grass, closing his eyes. Both of us sweat-dropped at that before I turned to the spirit, walking right up to her.
''How'd you get them to grow so big?'' I whined, poking her exposed breast with my index finger.
Los Lobos squeaked and batted my hand away in embarrassment ''Don't poke them! That's rude! And to answer your question they just grow by themselves really''.
I eyed her suspiciously ''Doesn't that mean that Harribel would have like boobs so big they're bigger than me? I mean I'm pretty sure she's lived longer than me''.
Starrk spluttered as blood ran from his nose freely, but was subsequently ignored.
''Um... I think they have a limit to how big they can grow?'' Los Lobos said uncertainly ''Anyway, the discussion on your chest size can wait for another day!''.
Starrk opened his eyes ''Finally''.
''Oh yeah, I almost forgot'' I say sheepishly ''We came because Charlotte-chan asked us to find you so we could learn how to use the second release... uh...''.
''Segunda Etapa'' Starrk filled in.
''Mm, I'll teach you'' Los Lobos smiled warmly ''Go out into the desert of Hueco Mundo; we need an empty place where you can manifest my body in the real world, then we'll fight to see if you're worthy of Segunda Etapa''.
Despite the warm tone she first spoke in, she ended in a teasing tone with a hint of deadly foreshadowing. I shivered and nodded, Starrk lazily but hastily copying.
''H-Hai''.
Harribel stood several miles from Las Noches, breathing heavily as the numerous cuts on her body slowly took their toll on the shark empress. Ten feet in front of her was Tiburon, her unmasked face smirking tiredly. I stood off to the side on a rock, keeping my Reiatsu supressed and my senses extended despite the fact I was feigning sleep. If any Hollows appeared with the intent to kill the weakened Tereca Espada, I would intervene.
Without looking I could sense Harribel restart clashing with her Zanpakuto, her tooth-like sword versus the fin-shaped spear likely making it difficult for the shark empress. It was why their Zanpakuto embodied their Segunda Etapa forms, it was because you would have to become stronger and stronger so that you could match up to the sword spirit who was wielding a higher power than your own, the result being you were stronger overall.
Suddenly something pricked at my senses, it was very subtle and almost undetectable, like a gentle gust of wind. Only through years of experience and being in the war ten centuries ago did it save me from being impaled through the head by the blue Quincy arrow. I growled and flared my Reiatsu, alerting Harribel to see me drawing my sword. Tiburon disappeared in a flash of white and black, Harribel appearing by my side.
''What's wrong?'' She asked, her voice tired but tense.
''We're being invaded'' I reply. A small, mocking chuckle came as five figures appeared in front of me in a blur of Hirenkyaku. I didn't recognise the man but I noted the Sternritter clothing immediately, making me tense up.
''My, you have good sensing skills, Arrancar'' The man at the front mocked. He wore a slight variation of the normal uniform, having a pair of round-framed glasses, white trousers, black boots and a white top fastened by a belt buckle. He also had a short white cape and the usual hat.
''Who are you, Quincy?'' I ask in my usual lazy manner.
The man smiled arrogantly ''Quilge Opie, Executive Hunting Captain of the first Jagdarmee, and who might you be?''.
''Hans Marauder, Fraccion of Lady Harribel'' I lied smoothly, stepping in front of Harribel so they wouldn't see her shocked face ''Lady Harribel please return to Las Noches and warn the others, I will handle it from here''.
Surprisingly she was sharp enough to not complain, merely giving a rushed nod before disappearing in a burst of Sonido.
''Hmph, we did not receive any information about her gaining a fourth Fraccion'' Quilge narrowed his eyes.
''She found me in the desert and saved me, so she has my eternal loyalty'' I feign bravery, when on the inside I was smirking at his idioticy, you can't trust another mans word ''Who are the other four?''.
''My fellow Sternritter'' The man smiled and my eyes narrowed, this could prove to be difficult ''However I will give you the honour of dying by my blade. Bazz B, Gremmy, go after her. The other two stay back''.
''Hai'' A man with black hair covering one eye intoned, while a hooded figure merely nodded before both took off after her.
''Let me put you out of your misery, Marauder-san'' The man smirked as he disappeared in a burst of Hirenkyaku and appeared behind me, clearly intent on chopping my head off.
However, I was not the Tereca Halcyon for nothing, I had fought a damn war already and was used to such tactics.
I ducked under the blade and lashed out with my own, scoring a deep gash across the Sternritter's chest. His eyes widened in shock and I lash out with remarkable speed, piercing his abdomen with a thrust and tearing a good chuck of his stomach out with a twist of the blade. To seal the deal, I charged my Reiryoku around my wrist and thrust it at his face, sending and wordless Bala and ending his existence before he could even cut me.
One of the two men widened their eyes ''I-Impossible!''.
I turn to the duo ''I'm afraid I lied, I am not the Tereca's Fraccion, I am Hans Marauder, Tereca Halcyon Espada, sixth strongest Arrancar in Raika-sama's army''.
The first was a dark-skinned man who looked more ape than man, his muscles were larger than possible and his canines were quite prominent. The other looked like some sort of superhero, wearing what I think was a luchador mask with a star on it and a weird cape and all with a kid following him around.
''Alright, so who are two weirdos?'' I ask nonchalantly, dodging to the side to avoid the large ape man who came out of a burst of Hirenkyaku, apparently shocked that I dodged. Without hesitation I lashed out, severing his right arm from the elbow down and cutting his chest. He roared in pain but was silenced when I give a swift kick to his side, cracking several ribs and sending him sprawling away.
''My name is-'' The mask-wearing guy started, but I interrupt him with a slash, cutting his torso and barely not killing him.
''I didn't mean your names, I meant are you Sternritter?'' I asked and the man nodded vigourously, opening his mouth to speak which I silence permenantly with a Bala ''Tch, your pretty shit for some Sternritter''.
I turned to the kid and in a swift slash, bisect him into two and totalling up to three corpses, one guy left to kill.
Suddenly the ape-like man from before appeared before me, looking even more ape-like. He opened his mouth and roared, sending literal shockwaves towards me. I barely managed to Sonido out of the way, readjusting my position and charging a Cero at the tip of my katana. The beast moved to leave but I stopped him with my Cero, killing him and downing the last of them.
''Is this the power of the Wandenreich?'' I asked myself before snorting ''They were more powerful a thousand years ago''.
With that in mind I Sonido towards Harribel, who had now reached Las Noches with both Quincy hot on her tail.
I skid to a stop outside Las Noches, where Barragan, Nnoitra and Grimmjow stood with Maria and Xenolith. They noticed me immediately and nodded their greeting, getting straight to the point.
''We're under attack'' I inform.
''Yes, Raika-sama detected them the second they entered Hueco Mundo'' Maria calmly informed, not at all bewildered at how she did it ''I'll go deal with the two incoming, Harribel-san get some rest inside and take command over the Fraccion of all Espada until said otherwise, Xenolith-san you guard the rear of Las Noches. Grimmjow-san and Nnoitra-san you go to the left side of the building, Raika-sama presumed that they will attack on all sides. Barragan you'll take the right side of the fortress. Lets go!''.
With our duties set everyone moved out, some more begrudgingly than others, but we all took off in several bursts of Sonido.
''Cifer-san'' Rin murmured quietly, breaking me out of my concentration.
''What is it?'' I ask, slightly irritably because Murcielago was being stubborn.
Without warning she used Sonido to appear beside me, she grabbed my arm and Zanpakuto and used Sonido again, clearing fifty feet from where we last were. Not a moment later a person shot down and crashed into where we stood, cracking the roof slightly and making a mess Aizen-sama won't like. Rin wordlessly handed me my Zanpakuto as she drew hers without hesitation, her face gentle but had a touch of fierceness to it.
''We're being invaded, I can sense the others fighting'' Rin whispered as four other people land where we once stood, albeit without making too much of a mess as the first. The only notable details of the five invades were that they all wore white clothing, a hat and a belt buckle. Two of them had blonde hair, one long and messy while one was a bowl cut and a child, while two others had black hair and the last (the initial one) had pink hair.
''Heh, looks like you missed'' The long haired blonde sneered at her companion, who merely frowned at Rin.
''You're quite fast''.
''Thank you'' Rin smiled lightly despite the situation ''What are your names, Sternritter-san?''.
The long haired blonde smirked ''Candice Catnipp, the T-''.
''Don't tell them!'' The short girl barked irritably ''I'm Liltotto Lamperd, the G''.
''Hypocrite'' The busty black haired girl scoffed ''Bambietta Basterbine, the E''.
The (Admittedly) creepy black haired girl smiled eerily ''I'm Giselle Gewelle, the Z''.
''And I'm Meninas McAllon, the P'' The pink haired one smiled ''Who are you?''.
''Ulquiorra Cifer, Cuatro Espada'' I answer.
''A-And I'm Rin Hiotsume, the Segunda Halcyon''.
They give her a weird look ''Eh? Halcyon?''.
Before Rin could answer the busty blonde barked ''Who cares?! We're ordered to kill them, so we kill them!''.
I narrowed my eyes.
All of a sudden the pink haired girl appeared before Rin, fist already cocked back to punch. With surprising speed Rin jumped to the side and avoided the punch and immediately retaliated, slashing down at the offending hand. It impacted and hit a strange blue vein pattern before cutting straight through it and severing the arm from the elbow.
With surprising ruthlessness she double kicked her stomach and sent her flying back to her shocked friends and pointing her index and middle finger at them, in an instant a white ball of Reiryoku appeared ''Cero''.
The attack fired with a higher-pitched screech than normal, all five girls immediately cleared the area with a high speed technique, though everyone - including me - underestimated the explosions radius. It covered almost a quarter of Las Noches, forcing me and Rin to jump back to avoid it, making my eyes widen.
''Who are these invaders?'' I asked, finally suppressing the awe I felt.
''Quincy, part of an army called the Wandenreich, these five are part of the Sternritter - the equal to a Shinigami captain'' Rin explained hurriedly as the Cero fizzled out, revealing all of the 'Sternritter' to be fairly wounded, though their whole bodies were covered in that vein pattern again ''Those are Blut Vene, like Hierro if not stronger''.
''I see'' I respond calmly ''Lets go''.
Despite holding more authority than me, she nodded meekly ''H-Hai''.
We both took off in a burst of Sonido, appearing in front of the shell shocked girls. Bambietta, Candice and Liltotto immediately starting getting out of the way with Giselle following.
Meninas wasn't so lucky.
She was busy using some kind of healing technique on her wound, making skin covering it and turning it into a stub and stopping the bleeding, the vein pattern appearing again. Rin appeared in front of the woman and with a blank face and zero hesitation she swung down, her katana cutting the woman in two and making blood spurt out.
''Shit!'' Candice barked, backing away from us. I Sonido'd behind Liltotto, my sword flying towards her but she spun and blocked it with a glowing blue sword made from Reishi, judging from the smell in the air. I press my blade harder, using the advantage that I was taller and stronger built than the petite girl, who was now visibly struggling against me. She was saved however when a lightning bolt came towards me, forcing me to dodge back from it.
''Quincy; Vollstandig!'' An irate tone practically screamed and suddenly Bambietta was engulfed in a bright blue light pillar, ending in a Quincy cross. A pair of wings sprouted on her back and a pentacle appeared above her head like a halo, her Reiatsu also raised to a level worthy of a captains Bankai.
''What?'' Rin squeaked, obviously not understanding ''I didn't know Quincy had a release besides Letzt Stil''.
Candice snorted, apparently having got her confidence back ''That technique is a relic of the past, unlike Letzt Stil, Quincy Vollstandig is far more powerful and we don't lose our powers when we use it!''.
Rin appeared beside me ''You may want to release your Resurreccion, Cifer-san''.
Nodding at the advice I held my blade in front of me ''Enclose, Murcielago''.
I watched in mild awe as Ulquiorra transformed into his Resurreccion, the air became slightly depressing just from his Reiatsu. However his release also triggered the Quincy, who in unison cried (at varying pitches);
''Quincy; Vollstandig''.
The four Quincy now stood with various types of wings on them, all either glaring at us or merely blank faced because I killed their friend. I blurred behind the smallest girl and slash at her wing, I cut through it but it regenerated immediately and I was forced to evade a sudden bolt of lightning. Ulquiorra generated a green lance and engaged the surprised Candice, who had fired the lightning. She turned to him with her fingers crackling with electricity, which I used to my advantage as I appeared behind her and slashed at her back before moving to attack Bambietta.
The quick and deadly attack successfully distracted Candice enough for Ulquiorra to slash at her torso, making a huge vertical gash across her chest and sending her sprawling back. I bobbed and weaved out of the way of oncoming arrows, swinging and clashing blades with Bambietta.
''STAY FUCKING STILL!'' She bellowed at me, pushing me back and throwing a bomb, which I avoided easily.
''Cifer-san'' I called out, making the man take pause and Sonido nearer to me ''Can I please ask you to fall back? I don't want you to get caught up in my next attack''.
''Very well'' He said, staying in Resurreccion and disappearing far back to the edge of the rooftop, almost halfway across Las Noches.
''Thank you, Cifer-san'' I whispered to myself before turning to the remaining four ''I'm sorry, but I need to end this now, is there any chance you could retreat?''.
''FUCK YOU!''.
I smiled sadly at the four ''I tried, I wish you luck in the next life''.
I raised my blade to the sky, gold and white Reiatsu gathering around me as the wind picked up, forming rings around me from the current. My sword made a high pitched humming as the whole blade glowed and I was raised from the ground by a feet or two when I spoke.
''Soar, Sanacion'' I whispered and was engulfed in a roaring light (Tran: Healing Will).
The top of Las Noches exploded as a spire of golden-white Reiatsu shot to the moon, almost making it seem like a sun had appeared. The Reiatsu was warm and gentle but powerful, shaking the very air. Rin emerged from the pillar as it began to dissipate, her regular katana had now morphed into rapier style sword, the guard growing four feathery protrusions on each compass angle and was gold. The blade shone in the moon as she held the sword in one hand, the other hanging at her side.
Her outfit had changed too, revealing a lot more than her normal Arrancar outfit. Feathers formed into a mix of a bra and mini shirt, covering her breasts and wrapping around her back. A skirt of feathers went down to mid-thigh level and her feet became bird-like, becoming white bone and having three toes and one at the heel of her foot. She grew a pair of feathery white wings, as tall as her torso and giving a mighty flap, dispelling the remaining energy.
''Pretty~'' Giselle cooed making the literal angel blush.
''I'm afraid I'll need to kill you'' Rin whispered and she pointed her blade at them, where a black and gold-tinted orb formed and was a stark contrast to her current appearance ''Cero Oscuras''.
All four girls yelped and used Hirenkyaku to get away, but like last time the blast still caught up to them, even if they learnt from their past mistakes. The four burst out of the dome of energy, burned and scowling. Rin was abruptly in their face, blade already swinging at them. Bambietta hastily raised her Reishi sword to block, only to be surprised when she was sent careening into the roof of Las Noches. Rin appeared before Giselle and pierced her stomach, twisting it and making the sword glow softly.
''Cero'' She whispered again, making whatever powers the creepy Quincy had obsolete as Rin and the other Sternritter were engulfed in a dome of gold and white. It fizzled out quickly, apparent courtesy of Rin, but the effects were the same. There was no trace left of Giselle besides the blood on the Segunda's rapier.
She didn't miss a beat before attacking Liltotto with intent to decapitate, forcing the young girl to retreat and fire hails of Quincy arrows at her, only for them to be dodge or blocked my her wings. Candice appeared behind the Arrancar, Bambietta following as they both primed their attacks and fired, sending several large bolts of lightning and a dozen bombs. The explosion rocked Las Noches to its core, probably crumbling some of its roof.
To everyone's surprise, when the smoke cleared it showed Rin's wings wrapped around her like a shield. They uncurled and in an instant she was off, striking Candice in the stomach with a ruthless kick and sending her near the edge of the roof. This was followed when Rin brutally bisected the Quincy, severing her torso from her waist down. She cried out in obvious agony, even as she fell off the roof to her inevitable doom.
The two remaining Quincy, Bambietta and Liltotto, where obvious more than a little worried, judging from how they'd barely touched her. This was proved once again as Rin appeared behind the younger Quincy, brutally piercing her throat with the sword and slashing the rest off, leaving the tiny Quincy to choke on her own blood.
''YOU BITCH!'' Bambietta roared as she threw bomb after bomb, only for Rin to easily dodge each explosion. Each bomb dodged made the Quincy woman all the more frantic as she backed up, her stupidity leading her towards the edge where her friend found her own doom. The fight ended then and there with a swift swing, Rin shattering the Reishi sword and nearly bisecting the woman as she fell over the edge, a look of pained shock on her face before she disappeared.
Twenty seconds later a loud 'Phoosh!' was heard as her body impacted with the sand below and Rin sighed, deactivating her Resurreccion and her clothes reforming in a flash of light. I Sonido over to her, my own Resurreccion gone.
''Impressive'' I comment idly, for whatever reason making her cheeks light up like a bonfire.
''T-T-Thanks'' She stuttered, before gesturing to where explosions could be seen in the distance ''They'll need our help''.
I merely nod, and we took off in a burst of Sonido towards the others.
Maria raised her weapon just in time to block the Reishi sword of Cang Du, the sword making a loud clang as it impacted against the pole of my hammer. With relative ease I push him back, the other Sternritter apparently content to watch.
I use Sonido to get behind the Sternritter, only for him to avoid my swing. He had learned quickly that, despite being called 'The Iron', my physical strength exceeded his defensive abilities and allowed me to break a few ribs with a mere impact of my weapon.
''HEY MARIA-CHAN!'' His voice cried, much to my irritation. Hayato landed in front of the surprised Cang Du and backhanded him away, while the Halcyon looked at me with a Cheshire grin ''Raika-sama is getting impatient, mind if I take over this fight?''.
''I don't have the authority to tell you otherwise'' I grumbled, making his grin widen to the point it almost split his face. Cang Du appeared behind Hayato and attempted to bisect him while firing arrows, only for Hayato to ignore the arrows and backhand Cang Du again.
''Sorry Quincy-kun, Raika-sama is running thin on patience'' Hayato grinned as he began charging a Cero ''Hayato Grinda, Primera Halcyon''.
Cang Du widened his eyes before they narrowed and his Reiatsu flared ''Quincy: Voll-''.
He didn't get any further as Hayato appeared before the man in a light-speed Sonido, his hand flat and like a knife through the throat of Cang Du. Blood ran down his hand and out of Cang Du's throat, surprise locked on his dying face. An explosion of white Reiatsu emitted on the roof of Las Noches where Ulquiorra and Rin had been, followed by Rin lowering her power level.
I turned to the hooded Sternritter ''How many Sternritter did you send up there?''.
The boy grinned ''Five''.
''Hm'' I hummed, it was good enough reason for Rin to release her Resurreccion. I watched as Hayato removed the Sternritter's head from his shoulders, leaving his body to hit the sand with a squelch as it slowly began disintegrating. Hayato appeared before the hooded Quincy and punched the kid in the face, making him go shooting into the sand below and creating a sonic boom.
The boy got up with his grin in place ''Die''.
Only a second passed before a low bang echoed as Hayato's chest was blown open by an invisible force, yet the Primera only grinned ''Oh that's interesting, mind telling me how you did that?''.
The wound healed quickly but the Sternritter looked flabbergasted for a moment before his eyes narrowed dangerously, undeterred the Primera asked ''You know, its quite rude to not introduce yourself''.
''Gremmy Thoumeaux, the V in Visionary'' He said with a touch of smugness ''My power is imagination-''.
''Ooohh that's interesting'' Hayato interrupted rudely, intentionally riling up the Sternritter ''But I'm afraid you'll need something better to handle me''.
Instantly hundreds of swords of all kinds surrounded Gremmy ''Do not underestimate me, Arrancar''.
''Its you who's underestimating me'' Hayato smirked as he appeared in front of the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder and leaning in to whisper in his ear, the boy too shocked by the speed to react ''Imagination is a frightening ability, but insanity far surpasses that''.
His Reiatsu flared and surrounded the two of them, Gremmy practically suffocating under the pressure as his eyes widened and pupils dilated. He began to tremble, and not from the Reiatsu I was sure. I had seen him do this before to some weak lieutenant a millennium ago, the poor sod.
Gremmy began panting as his trembling turned into full blown shaking as he fell to his knees, his hands curling into fists repeatedly. He only lasted ten more seconds before he began mumbling to himself, fingers raking through the sand relentlessly to no avail. He began grinning and laughing madly, rearing his head back as his laughter turned insane, blood gently flowing out of his ears, nose, mouth and even his eyes. His eyes rolled into the back of he head as his cries became shrill, his throat gradually becoming raw no doubt.
Then his head abruptly exploded internally, large quantities of blood shot through all orifices on his head as he lost the life in his eyes, his body crumpling to the ground after the Primera literally shattered his mind with Reiatsu alone. I turned around to lock eyes with the spectating Cuatro Espada, Rin off to the side. The message my eyes conveyed into his shocked ones were clear;
This is the power of the Primera.
In a collective burst of Sonido, Grimmjow, Nnoitra, Hans, Barragan, Starrk, Charlotte, and Xenolith all appeared around us. Grimmjow and Nnoitra had little to no damage on them, Barragan was nearly untouched, Hans was also untouched, Starrk had a few small cuts and Charlotte was bloody (though clearly not her own blood) and Xenolith had his fists drenched in blood. Without missing a beat conversation started.
''We got ambushed by a Sternritter and a literal army of Quincy'' Charlotte said, unnaturally serious as she gestured to Starrk and Lilynette.
''We fought five of the Sternritter on the roof'' Rin reported meekly while gesturing to Ulquiorra ''I didn't want to take too long, so I released my Resurreccion''.
''I killed three of them and chased two down, only for Hayato-san to kill 'em'' Hans said lazily.
''I had only an army of Quincy and what I assume to be a commander of sorts, though he didn't wear this 'Sternritter' uniform'' Barragan grunted.
''Same here'' Grimmjow nodded ''We just had a hundred or so Quincy to fight, that was it''.
''Sternritter...'' Xenolith said slowly with a numb nod before leaving abruptly in a burst of Sonido.
''Oh my, it seems like you didn't kill your Sternritter Rin-chan'' Hayato grinned as he straightened up ''Three of them are still alive, two of them barely... I think Xenolith-kun is going to play with them''.
Not a moment later he returned with the three of them, badly bleeding and barely in one piece each, several deep gashes showing where they'd likely been bisected or nearly so. Blut Vene covered their bodies as they stared in fear up at us, though the last one was grinning madly.
Xenolith grabbed the one with antenna-like flicks of black hair on her head ''Friend...''.
Not even bothering to explain what he meant he disappeared in a burst of Sonido, taking the girl with her as she giggled madly. The remaining two were between stunned and scared, glaring weakly at Rin who hid behind Ulquiorra, despite the power difference.
''Hm... so Yhwach has decided to make Las Noches his first target? Ridiculous'' A regal voice admonished as Raika appeared before he two Quincy, Aizen himself still in Las Noches ''In fact I think I'll send you back to him with a message; target Hueco Mundo again, and he'll find himself being the one invaded''.
With that Raika snapped her fingers ''Szayel, open the portal''.
Two black portals opened below the surprised girls, making them fall into the darkness with an undignified squeak. Raika looked into the hole and gave a mocking salute before turning to us, the portals disappearing.
''Resume your training for Segunda Etapa'' She ordered ''We must prepare for war, then we shall show them what it means to fight against the Hollows''.
''Friend...'' Xenolith murmured again patted Giselle on the head, who was now more-or-less fully healed.
''We're the best of friends~'' Giselle sang as she got up and did a little dance, completely uncaring of the situation she found herself in.
Oshiro walked into the room, stopped, took a moment to observe the scene before speaking ''Why did you abduct a Quincy, Xenolith?''.
''We... friends...'' He slurred, wrapping an arm around Giselle to show this.
''...okay'' He said flatly ''As long as you keep an eye on her, Raika-sama is fine with it''.
With that, he left the Diez and Quincy Prisoner-come-Fraccion to their own devices.
After the badly wounded Bambietta and Candice left his chambers, Yhwach sighed in a mix of irritation and anger. He hadn't guessed that Raika would revive her Espada so early, and he paid the price. Only his Schutzstaffel would be capable of taking on anyone above the Sexta, possibly including the Septima post-release.
He would resurrect the fallen Quincy of course, he still had use for them... but it was more than a little irritating that Giselle was not only alive, but apparently in good health after unintentionally betraying her comrades for the Diez Espada, or as it now seem Diez Halcyon.
''I do not believe we would win against Raika on her home turf'' I mused ''And if we turn our aim to the soul society, she is more than likely to join in... leaving Las Noches undefended... then again there are the aggravating 'Scalebane' she has guarding the place... Haschwalth''.
''Hai?''.
I grinned darkly ''Prepare to launch our attack on the soul society in seven days, I shall revive the fallen Sternritter. While I regain my energy you are in charge of preparing the assault, do not fail me''.
Haschwalth merely nodded before falling silent again.
[2 Days Later]
Grimmjow grinned tiredly up at Oshiro, who was dragging him towards his room after the Espada refused to be carried. He had done it, after several god forsaken hours of boredom he fucking entered his inner world, mainly just an overgrown forest-come-jungle, where he found a bastard who looked like him in his Resurreccion form, only with blue tuffs of fur on his wrists, ankles, and neck and other minor changes.
He fought the bastard, Pantera, for ages, so long that Oshiro was sure it reached the two day mark, and he won and was ready to rub it in everyone's faces. With an uncaring flop, Oshiro dumped the Sexta Espada on his bed and turned to leave, but not before saying;
''Good job''.
And then he left, leaving sleep to claim the panther king.
[6 Hours Later]
''WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE SEGUNDA ETAPA?!'' Grimmjow bellowed at the Tereca, Cuatro, Quinto and Septima Espada.
''CALM THE FUCK DOWN!'' Nnoitra shouted back.
''I achieved it before Raika-sama was awakened'' Ulquiorra stated ''It should be of no surprise that trash such as yourselves have taken this long to earn it''.
''SHUT UP!'' Both bellowed.
''Yare, Yare'' Gin grinned as he entered the meeting room ''What's all this commotion about?''.
''Ulquiorra got the second release without even needing to be taught!'' Grimmjow roared, still enraged.
''Ooh, interestin' Ulquiorra'' Gin grinned ''I wonder why Rin-chan is still teachin' ya?''.
''She is assisting me in perfecting my second release'' Ulquiorra intoned.
''Ooh?'' He grinned wider, glancing at the shy Halcyon with a seemingly permanently embarrassed blush on her face ''Don't you enjoy 'er company?''.
Ulquiorra turned his head to look at the now-furiously blushing Halcyon ''I find it pleasant''.
Not noticing that nearly everyone was gaping at the Cuatro he turned back to Gin, completely missing how Rin now resembled a red lightbulb and you could almost see steam blowing out of her ears ''Why have we been called to a meeting?''.
''We're making another move on the living world'' Raika said as she entered the room with Aizen, her guard and Tosen behind them as all five took their seats, along with Gin.
''Do we get to fight?'' Nnoitra grinned, getting a nod and amused smile from the Queen.
''Yes, we will be launching a large-scale attack on Karakura town in three hours. Our goal is to use the large-scale fighting to capture a human girl by the name of Orihime Inoue, she possesses a form of healing which reverse time in a small area, removing any wounds and possibly bringing people back from the dead in minutes. Not only that but she holds many emotional ties to the people in the town, meaning by capturing her it will cause an uproar of chaos amongst them''.
''Ulquiorra Cifer and Rin Hiotsume, you two are in charge of capturing Orihime Inoue'' Raika continued, getting two nods ''The ones who will participate in the fighting are; Tier Harribel and her Fraccion, Nnoitra Gilga and his Fraccion, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Zommari Rureaux. Oragon Nimizemi and Oshiro Cielo are to remain hidden and as back-up if the situation goes awry, and to create further destruction if the human has not been captured during this time - your Fraccion are allowed to join you. Are we clear on this?''.
''Hai'' Everyone said as tea appeared from nowhere.
''Good, now onto more languid topics'' Aizen smiled, making nearly everyone in the room internally sigh.
[Three hours later]
''Why do I have a bad feeling about today?'' Ishida murmured as he, Sado and Inoue walked home from Urahara's.
''I feel it too'' Sado agreed ''But the Shinigami have put another captain on standby, so we will be fine''.
Inoue opened her mouth to speak, but a crushing pressure slammed it shut again as the trio widened their eyes. At the sound of ripping they turned their gazes skyward and were horrified to see not one, not two, but five Garganta open in the sky above. A total of ten Arrancar walked out with their gazes meeting theirs, some wearing (to their growing dread) victorious grins, silently saying that they might be looking specifically for them.
''Lets get to Urahara!'' Ishida barked, grabbing Inoue and placing a hand on Chad and disappearing in Hirenkyaku.
He only got a block away when a Cero struck not far in front of him, forcing him to halt his advance and even backtrack and watch with angry pity as he heard the humans crying out before they died. To their relief however in a collective burst of Shunpo the advanced team arrived before them, forming a circle around them, this time with the addition of Byakuya Kuchiki.
''What are you doing here, Arrancar?'' Toshiro growled icily.
''Orihime Inoue'' Grimmjow grinned as he pointed a finger at them, a Cero already having formed ''Cero!''.
''El Directo!'' Chad yelled, firing his energy attack and meeting the Cero halfway, like before causing it to detonate prematurely and creating a veil between the two forces.
''We need to get you out of here, Orihime!'' Rukia shouted as she grasped the girls arm, taking off in a burst of Shunpo towards the Urahara Shoten, Ishida and Chad following as best they could.
The smoke split in two with the slash of a sword from Ulquiorra, his empty gaze darting towards the Shoten halfway across town ''Rin''.
''Hai'' Rin nodded as both took off in a buzz of Sonido.
''Your not getting to them!'' Renji roared ''Howl! Zabimaru!''.
Before the segmented blade could go anywhere Grimmjow appeared before them with a wide grin, grabbing the edge of the blade and yanking it towards him and by extension, Renji. When he got close enough he head-butted the pineapple with enough force to send him crashing to the street below.
''Bala!'' Two separate cries called as Matsumoto, Yumichika and Ikkaku were forced to dodge the red bullets, before Kaminari and Mizu landed in front of them with smug grins, Tesla silently appearing beside them.
Nnoitra appeared before Byakuya and swung, clashing blades with the captain who visibly struggled against the massive weapon. Toshiro made to assist him when Tier appeared in a buzz and forced him to engage her, leaving none of them available to help Rukia and Inoue.
And so the invasion began.
''Bastard!'' Renji growled as he got up from the small crater, glaring in rage at the smug Sexta Espada.
''Calm down pineapple, just because you don't get laid doesn't mean ya need to take out that rage on me'' He burst out laughing at his own joke, holding his sides for emphasis while Renji growled again, when a voice came through his earpiece.
''Lieutenant Abarai, Gentei Kaijo has been granted, reinforcements will arrive momentarily!''.
He gave a grunt of appreciation as he smirked at the Sexta, pulling his Shihakusho back slightly so the seal was visible before bellowing ''Gentei Kaijo!''.
Grimmjow barely batted an eye as his red Reiatsu glowed ferociously around him, even as he followed up with ''Bankai!''.
Grimmjow, again, barely batted an eye at the large snake made from bone, instead scowling at his bad luck that Kurosaki hadn't appeared yet.
''Oi pineapple!'' He barked ''Is Kurosaki anywhere around here?''.
''He'll be here shortly'' Renji said as he swung, sending the baboon snake at the Arrancar, who just made a 'Tch' sound before firing a Bala at the creature, enough to knock it to the side and send it sailing past him. What he didn't expect was it to coil around again and attempt to bite him/impale him with spikes. With a deeper scowl he jumped over it and narrowed his eyes at the now-smug Lieutenant.
''Grimmjow!'' A familiar voice roared and he reared his head up, smirking widely at seeing not only Ichigo standing in a Senkaimon, but also Zaraki, Soi Fon, Kyoraku and Ukitake.
''Yo!'' He grinned, deftly side stepping a sneak attack from Soi Fon ''Heh, Bitch''.
''Crush, Gegetsuburi!'' A fat man suddenly cried, wearing the lieutenants badge of the second division. He swung his large morning star flail at the Sexta, who scowled and punched through the Zanpakuto, unknowingly repeating a process from the Sokyoku hill. He jumped back to avoid the large baboon snake and barely avoided a roundhouse kick from Soi Fon, attempting to grab her ankle but missing by inches.
Ichigo went in the direction of Rukia and Inoue, Kyoraku and Ukitake took over for Toshiro, who went to help fight Kaminari and Mizu. Zaraki fought against Nnoitra while Byakuya tried not to hit the berserker with his Shikai.
''Sting all enemies to death, Suzumebachi'' Soi Fon said as her Zanpakuto formed into a stinger-based gauntlet ''Why have you attack the living world, Arrancar?''.
Grimmjow scoffed as he drew his sword ''Orders are to capture Orihime Inoue''.
Soi Fon narrowed her eyes ''I see''.
Grimmjow took off in a burst of Sonido, appearing behind the petite captain and attempting to slash her back open, only for her to pivot out of the way and successfully land a precise kick to the side of his head, sending him tumbling for only a moment before he regained his stance, glaring at his three opponents.
''State your name, Arrancar'' Soi Fon commanded.
''Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez'' He grinned ''Sexta Espada''.
''Soi Fon, captain of the second division'' Soi Fon smirked as she appeared before the blue haired man, knee going for his stomach. He dodged it and lashed out with a kick which she dodged, followed by her grabbing his ankle in an attempt to gain an advantage. She was fairly surprised when he twisted his body and smashed his elbow into her forehead, making her unconsciously lose her grip and giving him an opening he needed. He cleaved a long slash from waist to hip and was about to follow up, if not for the snake ramming into him.
It opened its jaws making a red ball form, but before the unnamed technique could fire Grimmjow stabbed his sword in it, making it pulse dangerously before exploding wildly. Grimmjow burst out of the smoke cloud only mildly burned, while Renji's Bankai was busy reassembling itself.
''Grimmjow, time is running short, finish up your fight'' Oshiro spoke through the hidden communicator.
''Tch, bastards.'' Grimmjow growled as he held out his blade in front of him, his Reiatsu rising rapidly ''Grind! Pantera!''.
''Give it up woman'' Ulquiorra stated as he landed in front of Inoue and Rukia, Rin landing behind him shyly.
''Please?'' Rin added ''We won't hurt you unless necessary...''.
Rukia stood in front of the woman ''Never!''.
''If you do not, then Karakura town will be destroyed'' Ulquiorra stated making both women widen their eyes.
''Maa, Maa'' A relaxed but sharp voice spoke, making all gazes turn to the side where Kisuke and Yoruichi walked onto the street ''If that's the case, then we'll have to intervene''.
Ulquiorra regarded the man for a moment before saying ''It does not matter if you engage us, for we aren't the ones tasked with the destruction of the town''.
Kisuke lifted his hat and sharp grey eyes stared into bright emerald before Ulquiorra spoke ''This is your last chance, Orihime Inoue, come with us... or this town and its human inhabitants will die because of you''.
''Don't listen to them Orihime!'' Rukia shouted as she glanced back at the busty teen, slightly worried when she saw she was paler than normal and trembling.
''Choose woman'' Ulquiorra stated, impatience seeping into his tone.
''I-''.
''GETSUGA TENSHOU!''.
The abrupt cry took everyone off guard as Ichigo had appeared behind the Arrancar, Bankai already activated as the black and red Getsuga Tenshou shot out, aiming for Ulquiorra. Rin appeared before her comrade and drew her sword in a flash, and in a single swift motion slashed the Getsuga in two halves so they shot passed them. Without missing a beat the gentle girl placed a hand on Ichigo's chest, time seemingly slowing down for everyone as they noticed the glow her hand held.
''Cero'' She whispered and everyone stared in horror as a beam of pure white energy shot through Ichigo's chest, carving a whole straight through his heart and lungs.
''Kurosaki-kun!'' Inoue cried in horror as his body tumbled back from the force of the energy attack.
''That was his fault, he could've hurt us'' Rin said quietly and tilted her head to the side, avoiding a blue arrow ''Quincy-san will be next if you don't choose''.
''I... let me heal Kurosaki-kun first!'' She blurted, but her eyes shone with rare determination.
Ulquiorra turned his head to Rin, who nodded and spoke ''On the condition that you drop your weapons; Urahara-san must drop his cane, Shihouin-san must turn into a cat, Quincy-san must drop his Pentacle, Kuchiki-san must drop her Zanpakuto and Human-san must sit down''.
The effect was instantaneous as they quickly followed through with their orders, Rin and Ulquiorra stepped away from Ichigo's now comatose body and Inoue wasted no time in erecting her healing bubble, leaving a tense silence for almost five minutes before Ulquiorra abruptly stepped in. Ichigo's body now had his lungs and heart repaired as well as bones and muscles, now skin was healing.
''It is time woman, he can be healed through Shinigami methods'' Ulquiorra stated as he and Rin stepped beside the woman, who reluctantly dismissed her healing bubble. Ulquiorra opened a Garganta with a tap of his finger and led Orihime into the portal, Rin guarding them. Once they were inside the portal it shrunk to a small rectangular window, preventing anyone coming inside.
''Goodbye for now, Shinigami'' Ulquiorra said before the Garganta shut, immediately followed by one opening in the skies above, releasing Negacion down upon all the Arrancars as they floated up into the sky, mocking the Shinigami below.
''Damn you, Aizen'' Kisuke growled lowly to himself.
When the Garganta reopened in Las Noches, myself, Rin and Inoue came out, our feet landing on the cool ground outside the throne room
''Aizen-sama is waiting for us'' I droned and both girls nodded so I begin making my way to the throne room, Rin walking beside me as Inoue stared at the ground. The three of us reached the end of the hallway and I push the large doors open, revealing Aizen and Raika sitting in their thrones with the royal guard, Gin and Kaname behind them.
''Welcome back Ulquiorra, Rin'' Aizen smiled amicably ''And welcome to Las Noches, Orihime Inoue''.
''You are dismissed, Ulquiorra and Rin'' Raika pointed out and both of us nodded, walking out of the room. Once the large doors shut with a loud bang Rin spoke quietly, but with a slightly shaky (more-so than normal at least) voice.
''That human... is scary'' She whispered.
I tilt my head at her ''How so?''.
''She healed Kurosaki-san's wounds, regenerating a heart and two lungs after at least ten seconds after I fired my Cero'' She said as we walked ''She might be able to bring back the dead in minutes''.
''It is a powerful ability, but she has the Reiatsu level of an average Shinigami - she cannot even match a lieutenant, therefore meaning even if she could bring back the dead, she could only do it so many times before she passed out from exhaustion'' I replied.
''Still... its scary, especially in the hands of a human'' She said as a Garganta abruptly opened and the combat team stumbled out, others worse than others. Grimmjow only had his battered Hakama pants on and he was slouched, his body full of needle-sized holes and bruises. Nnoitra was somewhat better off, having hundreds if not thousands of cut marks on his skin but not penetrated. Harribel was littered with cuts and bleeding openly, her Resurreccion clearly having been used judging from her Reiatsu.
Mizu and Kaminari were both the best off out of the whole group with only gashes and cuts, whether that be because of their strength or the fact they were only facing lieutenants. Oragon and Oshiro walked out of the portal unscathed but Oragon was smirking victoriously, silently praising apparently.
''Heal them, Rin-san'' Oshiro said and the meek Segunda nodded, holding her hands out and giving off a soft white glow, gradually healing their wounds. In two minutes flat all traces of their wounds were gone, though the fatigue from the short but vicious fighting remained unfortunately.
''I'm going ta bed'' Grimmjow grumbled as he disappeared down the hall in a burst of Sonido, Nnoitra following with his Fraccion to their own rooms.
''Thank you'' Tier said, nodding to Rin who blushed at the praise before the tanned Tereca left in a burst of her own Sonido.
''Thanks Rin-chan~'' Mizu smiled and waved as Oragon silently left, making both Fraccion chase after him loyally.
Once they left she was immediately tackled by Charlotte Explode-o, also resulting in making a crack on the wall from the impact ''Hey Rin-chan~''.
''Ow...'' Rin pouted at her friend ''That was mean Charlotte-chan''.
The purple haired girl merely gave a wide grin before finally noticing me ''Hey Ulquiorra-kun!''.
I gave a nod of greeting before turning on my heel, intent on returning to my room. I only got halfway down the hall before Rin abruptly cried out a 'AH! Charlotte-chan! Give it back!', so I looked over my shoulder to see an... interesting scene. Charlotte had Rin's white shirt in her hands, holding it above her head while Rin tried to reach it with one hand, the other covering her chest as she jumped repeatedly.
Apparently noticing that I had turned around she let out a loud 'Kya!' noise and turned away from me, look over her shoulder at me with something between a glare (Which hardly looked like one) and an embarrassed look. I turned away again and Sonido'd out of the hall, down to my room.
If only to give me the peace to figure out why I felt odd when I looked at Rin, something I hadn't felt before.
''So~ How's it going with Ulquiorra-kun?'' I grinned at the flushed Rin as we sat down in my room, my Fraccion not here.
''W-What do you mean?'' Rin blushed shyly, playing the innocent card.
''Ne, Rin-chan... you know that I know you like Ulquiorra-kun'' I grinned, making the girl blush darker and hide her face in her hands ''So how far have you gotten with him?''.
''...I haven't done anything'' She said quietly as she looked up at me, her eyes soft ''He's really cool... but he doesn't seem to understand emotions very well...''.
''Well he said time in your company was pleasant! Apparently he's never said that to anyone! That counts for something'' I grinned at her ''Maybe take your shirt off for him? We're hollows by nature, so instinctually-''.
''Rin-chan!'' She whined ''He's not a pervert!''.
I grinned ''You don't know that''.
Rin merely sighed ''It'll take some time, but I am not taking my shirt off unless he asks!''.
I grinned so wide I probably resembled Hayato ''So you'd 'mate' with him if he asked''.
''...yes'' She said, her eyes distant.
''Oh? Don't go dreaming up fantasies about him with me around, after all wait until your in your own room'' I teased.
''RIN-CHAN!''.
Neither of the Halcyon noticed how the Cuatro Espada they were talking about had paused outside the door, he had listened curiously before turning and taking off in a burst of Sonido. The feelings from before were more prominent, clearly now relating to Rin Hiotsume, and how they... changed... when they got near the end of their conversation.
In his head, Murcielago was already making plans for the Segunda and his wielder.
A/N: How was that chapter? It mainly focused more on battles and all that along with a bit of fluff near the end. For those who haven't figured it out yet, the main pairings are Ulquiorra x Rin(OC) and Starrk AND LILYNETTE x Charlotte(OC) - who saw Lilynette coming into this? I considered having an OC pairing with Grimmjow but I didn't want to add too many female Espada and Maria isn't interested.
Gin x Seresuto is a possibly a side-pairing, but if I do decide to make them a pairing it'll be a side one.
That leads me to one question; do you guys wanna see a lemon, if so specify what pairing of the three you wanna see. The next chapter will take anywhere from a few days to weeks so you'll have some time to PM me.