Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach!
Ligerheart: I'm glad you enjoyed the fight scenes. It took me forever to get those the way I wanted and even then it still wasn't good enough for me! Anyway I'm afraid you must've misread because Nnoitra is still very much alive. However not to worry, I dislike Nnoitra as much, probably more then you do!
As for the reason Rukia was taken hostage. Well let's just that I have my reasons for that and they will most certainly be made clear in the future.
And no Isshin did not get Zangetsu because it was his son's weapon. Don't forget Ichigo didn't actually possess Zangetsu yet untill after his training with Urahara nor did he get in contact with his Zanpakutou spirit prior to that event.
And lastly yes. Ishida, Sado and Orihime were absolutely useless in Soul Society, as intended. I did not want to make some big long drawn out invasion. It's been written too many times and we've all seen it already in Canon. An invasion as quick as mine though would inevitably mean they would get to face Captains and as the training Orihime, Sado and Ishida were doing was interupted by the news of Ichigo's death they would not stand a chance against a Captain. Truth be told the only reason I allowed them to come along is because their friend died! =)
Chapter 3: Final Evolution.
Aizen Sousuke was sitting in Las Noches' throne room currently awaiting the arrival of the person who had kept them up to date about the happenings in the realm of Hueco Mundo for the past years.
Thinking back to everything that happened the last couple of days he realised some rest would be in order. For even Aizen Sousuke needed to sleep sometimes. But not just yet, Aizen thought.
As Aizen looked at the small crystal-shaped object in his palm he had to admit Urahara Kisuke was a genius. How such a small, seemingly insignificant object was all Aizen needed to realise his ambition. He could clearly remember how he had the extracted the Hougyoku from Kuchiki Rukia's soul. Surprisingly and at first much to Aizen's annoyance the Kuchiki girl actually survived the removal procedure. Urahara was a brilliant man indeed. Aizen had been tempted to simply have her killed but decided she might have her worth at one point or another. And so he had her imprisoned.
As the door to the throne room opened Aizen slowly looked up to see his agent in the Hollow world walk inside. As said agent approached Aizen's throne and bent down upon one knee Aizen smiled. Vasto Lorde were truly marvelous, they were generally a lot stronger then the average Shinigami Captain. The one in front of him currently looked quite a lot like what Aizen would imagined the Devil himself would look like. He was of average heighth, bare chested with his Hollow hole located where his throat should be. Two large black bat-like wings folded across his back with a large slim tail with a spike at the end. His hands ended up in sharp claws more then fingers and he had two huge white horns adorning the top of his head.
"Rise, Ulquiorra," Aizen started, "What news do you bring?"
"As you know there are roughly a dozen Vasto Lorde class Menos in all of Hueco Mundo, Aizen-sama," Ulquiorra started. "Most of them however are not sympathetic towards your cause. They encourage war against the Shinigami, however a war against the Shinigami side by side with another Shinigami is something they cannot fathom or accept."
"I see," Aizen said, "As expected. Have you managed to sway any of the Vasto Lorde to our cause at all?"
Aizen would've sworn he just saw Ulquiorra smirk. The usually emotionless Hollow just smirked. Aizen would've chuckled had the situation been less serious.
"Ah. Aizen-sama," Ulquiorra started, with the smirk Aizen suspected he'd noticed earlier indeed, "I have spoken with one of the older Vasto Lorde as well as one other senior Vasto Lorde among their group. Both are willing to join however the older one has one condition."
Aizen frowned at this but remained silent and motioned for Ulquiorra to continue.
"While he realises he will be under your command he will refuse to take orders from anyone weaker then himself," Ulquiorra explained.
At this, Aizen smiled. That was just the kind of attitude he could appreciate. "So, Ulquiorra, do these two Vasto Lorde have any names?" Aizen asked.
"Their names are Barragan Luisenbarn and Stark, Aizen-sama,"
"Very well, Ulquiorra. Make sure they have arrived in time for the initiation in three days. I will then create the very first of my Arrancar." With a wave of his hand he dismissed Ulquiorra.
As Ulquiorra left the throne room Aizen felt it was about time to pay a little visit to Kurosaki Ichigo and Nelliel Tu Oderschvank.
=0=
Running through the Menos Forest on his way back to the cave he and Nelliel shared he couldn't help but grumble about the fact she always had to be right. Everything she'd told him so far had been spot on without a single inaccuracy in her assessments.
Normally he wouldn't mind someone being right at all. Even more so he'd go as far as to say that he despised people telling him lies of half-truths.
In this case however he wished she had been completely and utterly mistaken. After the dozens of Adjuchas he had consumed, of which each of them could've easily consumed hundreds of souls as well his head was bursting from all the voices inside it. It was maddening at times. Luckily however he could without too much trouble tune out the majority of them so that it wouldn't be more then a soft although rather violent hum.
As he reached the cave and entered it he found Nelliel staring at him with a pretty serious expression. He could only guess at the reason for that particular expression but he had a pretty good idea what was the reason for it.
Over the last couple of days they had had some serious conversations and at one point Nelliel brought up something about a wandering Vasto Lorde recruiting the other Vasto Lordes and other powerful Adjuchas to server his master in a war against the Shinigami. Yet, apparantly his master a Shinigami himself. Nelliel told him the main reason she was alone at this point was because she, like one or two other Vasto Lordes had done, had left the group so that she would be harder to find. She knew how things would go eventually, the Vasto Lordes would either join the Shinigami, or they would be taken out. If you're not with me, you're against me.
As he got closer to her he nodded his greeting once and quietly sat down. She, ofcourse, immediately responded.
"Hey little Adjuchas!" She exclaimed while smiling brightly.
God she could be so annoying at times. If he could make a single wish he would wish for a proper name. Not being able to be called by your name was actually pretty annoying.
"So tell me, Nelliel." He started, "You left the Vasto Lordes because you did not want to be found but you realise that sooner or later they'll come looking for you. And as you said, they'll pull out the 'if you're not with me, you're against me' card. Which inevitably means that you'll die. Because no matter how powerful you may be, this Shinigami has other Vasto Lordes under his command. And sooner or later you'll fall."
Nelliel sighed. "Yes, that's about right. And just where are you going with this?" Nelliel asked, annoyed.
"Well," He continued, "If you can't beat them, why don't you join them? Is it because you'll have to take orders from a Shinigami? Is it because you'll have to fight?"
As Nelliel looked down to her feet she slowly started speaking. "No, it's nothing like that. As a Vasto Lorde living in the Menos Forest I have to fight too. I fight to fill up the void inside my soul no matter how hopeless it may be. And personally I couldn't care less about taking orders from anyone be it a Shinigami or a Hollow, as long as they are powerful enough I would obey them and even swear my loyalty,"
"Then what is the problem?" He asked, perplexed. "Because it looks to me like there really isn't one,"
"It is because I don't believe they're after me," She told him, with a meaningful look in her eyes. He immediately understood what she meant. However before he could even consider what she had just said the air around him started to shake and his breathing became shallow, he felt himself being pushed towards the ground by the greatest and heaviest reiatsu he had ever felt untill now.
He felt himself being lifted up by Nelliel, who ran outside and instantly halted again. Some words were spoken but he could not hear what was said or who it was said to due to the crushing force on his entire body including his ears.
Then suddenly as if it was never there to begin with, it dissapeared. As he opened his eyes he was met by Nelliel's face wearing a serious expression. He turned his head to see a Shinigami in white clothing standing there, a gentle smile on his face.
He moved to sit up straight against the wall of the mountain their cave was located in.
"Speak of the devil," He muttered.
The Shinigami however, pretended as if he hadn't heard a thing.
"Kurosaki Ichigo, Nelliel Tu Oderschvank." He started, and that did catch their attention. "My name is Aizen Sousuke and I have a proposition for the two of you."
Nelliel was the first to recover from the shock of hearing her 'little Adjuchas' being adressed with a name.
"Kurosaki Ichigo," She tried out, and she found it sounded pretty good. "Sounds good, so that's his name then?"
Aizen on the other hand was a bit confused at this, even though it didn't show on his face. He didn't know his name? Was he suffering from some form of memory loss perhaps?
"Ah. It is, were you not aware of your own name up untill now, Kurosaki Ichigo?" Aizen asked.
Ichigo meanwhile was getting more interested in this man by the second. Just minutes ago he had been complaining about not having a proper name and now this Shinigami comes marching up and adresses him by his name? How in the world did this man even know about him?
"No. I have no memories left at all apart from the ones I have gained in the last few days. The only thing I remember before then is being engulfed by a huge streak of blue light, before waking up in this cave where Nelliel brought me." Ichigo explained.
Ichigo had to admit. As he stood in front of this guy he didn't think it was such a bad person. Atleast, what he meant was this person was no worse then the regular Hollow. Hollow, Shinigami, does it truly matter? But damn it all to hell if there was one thing Ichigo wanted to know is how this man knew his name and what more he knew. And he wanted to know it right now!
"Tell me, Shinigami." Ichigo said. "How do you know my name and what else do you know of me?" He asked through gritted teeth.
"Calm down, little Adjuchas," Nelliel warned him, obviously not used to the fact she had just been introduced to his actual name. "Aizen Sousuke state your proposition and we might consider it. However I suppose that if we refuse our alternative will be death?" Nelliel asked with narrowed eyes.
Aizen chuckled slightly at this. Causing Nelliel to growl at him. "No, not at all Nelliel Tu Oderschvank," Aizen started. "You are free to refuse my offer however I believe that you especially will be interested to hear my conditions."
Unconvinced, Nelliel raised her eyebrows. Motioning for Aizen to continue.
"This offer is open for the both of you, Kurosaki Ichigo and Nelliel Tu Oderschvank," Aizen started. "If you are to accept I will remove the barrier in your soul that separates Shinigami from Hollow." Aizen stated, dead serious.
Nelliel's jaw dropped. Was such a thing even possible? Would that mean she would turn into a Shinigami? Or something in between? Would she finally, after all these centuries, get rid of the everlasting emptyness she felt within her soul?
"This means you will be neither Shinigami nor Hollow. You will be Arrancar. And yes Nelliel," He stated as if reading her thoughts, "you will finally be rid of the everlasting emptyness in your soul that is the bane of every Hollow's existence."
Nelliel could hear herself gasp. She would be rid of the emptyness within her soul and it would never return again? It sounded like a dream come true and Nelliel knew she would do absolutely everything for that to happen.
"Will our evolution come to a halt?" Ichigo asked. Aizen inwardly smirked at this. Just as he had hoped. The boy does seek power.
"Yes, the evolution process inevitably stops at whichever stage you became an Arrancar at. Depending on how far along in your evolution you are the power increase in becoming an Arrancar will be bigger or smaller as well." Aizen explained, just as he noticed Ichigo was about to speak again, he quickly interupted him.
"However, in your case we have made an exception Kurosaki Ichigo," Aizen said, "You see, we plan to 'train' you up to Vasto Lorde by supplying you with powerful opponents at the very bottom level of Las Noches. After you finish the Menos evolution and have become a Vasto Lorde, I will allow you to become an Arrancar." Aizen finished.
"You should also realise though that the one condition to this privilege will be that you serve under me untill either yourself or I die"
Ichigo smirked. This guy sure liked conditions. But in this case he truly didn't mind. Turning his head, he locked eyes with Nelliel. Both of them nodded simultaneously.
"We accept your proposition," They said at the same time.
Inwardly, Aizen grinned.
=0=
Kuchiki Rukia was lying on her bed. The bed she was currently lying on was also the only piece of furniture in the small cell. She couldn't really tell time in here but she guessed about a day had passed since she was put in this cell.
Inadvertently she started thinking back to the day she was abducted. She remember watching helplessly as Urahara, Isshin, Yoruichi and Tessai were all brutally taken down. She could clearly remember Yoruichi's screams of agony in particular. She was sort of glad when Tousen-taicho, no, Tousen came up to her and put her to sleep. She didn't know what happened to Ishida, Sado and Inoue but she wasn't sure if she wanted to know. If what happened to Yoruichi was any indication she didn't think she did.
Thinking of Inoue, Ishida and Sado eventually made her thoughts stray back to Ichigo. She was truly sorry for what she did to him. It was her fault he died and thanks to Aizen she didn't even get to attone for her sins. Thinking back on her time with Ichigo did made her smile though. It was much the same like thinking back on her time with Renji back in Rukongai, despite how tough they had it during that particular time, in the end they had a lot of fun. The same went for her time with Ichigo, despite how short it may have been, she'd had a lot of fun.
=0=
As Kurosaki Ichigo walked into Aizen's throne room with Nelliel by his side he couldn't help but notice that Aizen was not the only person in the room. On his right was a black man wearing a pair of dark shades dressed in a sleeveless robe that clung pretty tight to his body. Next to that man was a was a person with silvery hair falling in bangs over his ears and forehead, he wore much the same outfit as Aizen himself did however the most defining feature of this person was the foxy grin that seemed to be stuck on his face.
"Ohayo, Ichigo, Nelliel," Aizen greeted them. Ichigo was about to wave his hello when Nelliel grabbed his wrist and forced his arm back down. Sending him a meaningful look she turned towards Aizen and made a slight bow.
"Greetings, Aizen-sama," She greeted. With another look at Ichigo she indicated he should do the same.
Ichigo realised his mistake, albeit a bit late. This was the person he'd pretty much sworn allegiance to. Power came with a price-tag after all. He obediently mimicked Nelliel's earlier bow and greeting.
"Nelliel, Ichigo, I'd like to introduce you to some of your comrades." Aizen started, as he stood up and started moving in the direction of the black skinned man. "This," He said as he stopped in front of said man. "is Tousen Kaname and this gentleman next to him," Aizen continued pointing towards the man with the foxface, "is Ichimaru Gin. The both of them are to be treated with respect. In my absence it will be they who are in command."
As Aizen continued walking in the same direction Ichigo noticed a table with three more people seated at the end of it. Assuming those were another three people he was going to be introduced to he simply followed Aizen at a leisurely pace.
"This" Aizen said, having arrived at the table, and now pointing at a man with a black moustache, with his hair done into a pair of horns and seemingly had a fragment of a Hollow mask on his forehead. "is Dordonii Alessandro Del Socacchio. The current Tercera Espada."
Ichigo and Dordonii shook hands as Aizen moved to continue along the table. Ichigo however chose this moment to speak up.
"Tercera Espada?" He asked.
"The Espada are the very best of my forces, Ichigo. The ten strongest Arrancar will be allowed into the Espada. The Espada will possess certain privileges as well. For example being able to pick your own Fraccion." Aizen explained.
"I see, and I suppose their number refers to their strength? Which would make the first Espada the strongest, whereas the tenth on the other hand would be the weakest." Ichigo reasoned.
"Exactly, Ichigo. Now let us move on." Aizen said.
Nelliel meanwhile was emerged deep in thought. Something wasn't right here. Aizen said the Espada were his ten strongest Arrancar. Yet this Dordonii who was said to be the Tercera or third Espada wasn't all that strong. As a matter of fact Nelliel knew she could beat him without breaking a sweat. There was more going on here then Aizen let on.
Meanwhile Aizen had finished introducing the other two members of his current Espada. One was a purple haired woman named Cirucci Thunderwitch who was said to be the Quinto Espada and the last one was a rather odd looking man with a red afro-style haircut and a goatee. His name was Gantenbainne Mosqueda and he was the current Septima Espada.
"Now Ichigo, Nelliel," Aizen said and motioned for them to sit down at the other end of the table, "let us have some tea, and talk."
"Aizen-sama. I am curious, what is this method you talked about, when we spoke of my 'training' so to speak." Ichigo asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"As curious as ever I see, Ichigo." Aizen said as he smiled. "Very well then. I shall tell you. I have allowed several thousand promising Adjuchas level Hollow to reside at the very bottom level of Las Noches. On this bottom level, we have a pit in which one could, organize fights for example." Aizen explained.
Ichigo could see the direction in which this conversation was going. And heck he was liking it.
"As you can probably tell by now. We will put you, along with a couple of dozen weaker Adjuchas in the pit. Tell them that if they win, I promise them power. If you win, you get to devour them. As simple as that really. I am confident you will become a Vasto Lorde after five days spend in the lower levels of Las Noches." Aizen explained.
"Aizen-sama," Nelliel spoke up, gaining the attention of the two of them. "I am not stupid, but neither are you. Ichigo does not know how far the road to Vasto Lorde truly is. But I have personally experienced it. You cannot possibly evolve within your five day limit by devouring only mere Adjuchas no matter how powerful they may be." Nelliel stated.
Aizen chuckled. "Whoever said it would only be Adjuchas? No, I have a special treat ready for him-"
"You are expecting an Adjuchas to beat a Vasto Lorde? No matter how strong the Adjuchas or how weak the Vasto Lorde, that is something that cannot be done, and you are well aware of this I believe, Aizen-sama." She interupted.
"Nelliel, I have Ichigo's best intentions at heart, believe me," Aizen told her gently.
"Aizen-sama, I think it is time for me to know how you knew my name and what else you know about me," Ichigo said in a tone that let Aizen know it was important to the young Adjuchas.
"Very well, Ichigo," Aizen began. "A little over two months ago. A Shinigami stationed in Karakura town gave her powers to a human boy for reasons that were unknown to the higher echelons of Soul Society. Said human boy managed to drive a Gillian from the living world back to Hueco Mundo a mere month after he first laid hands on a Zanpakutou. The boy piqued my interests so I had him watched.
Now not long after the incident with the Gillian. Soul Society found the whereabouts of the Shinigami who gave away her powers and they proceeded to capture her to take her back to Soul Society. The boy however fought the Shinigami who came to retrieve her and lost." Aizen explained.
Ichigo had a puzzled expression on his face, he was certain the boy Aizen was speaking of was him but Aizen hadn't finished the story, there was more to it he was sure. He motioned for Aizen to continue.
"The last thing I heard about was the fact that a well-known exiled Shinigami took the boy to his home and the next thing I heard the boy died, turned into a Hollow and fled to Hueco Mundo," Aizen concluded.
Suddenly everything clicked in Ichigo's mind. The reason why Aizen seemed to have kept tabs on his human self. A human boy with Shinigami powers who managed to drive of a Gillian a mere month after he begun as a Shinigami. A Hollow who skipped an entire part of an evolution and started out as an Adjuchas rather then a normal Hollow. And the final piece, Hougyoku and Shinigamification. Aizen realised his dormant potential as a Shinigami must be just that, dormant, hidden somewhere in his soul. By breaking down the barriers between Shinigami and Hollow his potential would be realised.
"I see realisation has dawned upon you, Kurosaki Ichigo," Aizen commented.
"Ah. It has," He replied. "Although I would still like to know what exactly your intentions with me are."
Aizen smiled. He had expected the question. Although Ichigo had realised his own potential he ofcourse could not have known what Aizen meant to do with it. "I intend to grant you the rank of Primera Espada. I believe you are the only Hollow with a potential worthy of such a rank." Aizen said.
=0=
Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni-soutaicho stood at the head of his nine remaining Captains, ready to start this Captain's meeting at a moment's notice.
The psychological damage suffered in the divisions that were led by the Captains-turned-traitor had been shocking. Division members who had complete faith in their Captain felt betrayed, used and discarded.
Fifth Division in particular was hit very hard. Aizen Sousuke generally was a very popular man in the Gotei 13. He was liked by practically everyone and his own Division pretty much worshipped the ground he walked on. However that was not the biggest difference between the Fifth and the Third or Ninth Division. No, the biggest difference was that Fifth Division Vice-Captain refused to acknowledge the fact that Aizen Sosuke had betrayed Soul Society. She had not left the Lieutenant's Quarters in the last three days and to top it all off she had left the rest of her Division to rot and to fend for themselves.
Ninth Division on the other hand was training harder then ever. Hisagi Shuuhei, Ninth Division Vice-Captain had been hit hard by the betrayal of his Captain, Tousen Kaname. But instead of closing himself of from the rest of society he trained harder then ever, vowing to surpass his Captain and show him true justice.
And last Third Division under Vice-Captain Kira Izuru. Kira had needed a full two days to himself before he was able to show himself in public again. Although Ichimaru Gin was not the most popular Captain in Soul Society Kira was fiercely loyal to the man. Being betrayed by the person you hold in such high regard is a low blow indeed. Regardless after those two days passed Kira managed to get his Division back together and much like Hisagi he has been working very hard as of late.
This, however was not the reason for the current Captain's meeting. This Captain's meeting would discuss the fate of the ryoka since Central 46 had indeed been murdered in it's entirety just as Aizen said they had, Yamamoto had personally decided they would not reinstate a new Central 46 before the matter with Aizen was resolved and dealt with in it's entirety.
At that moment however the door opened and seven people walked in. Inoue, Sado and Ishida got in line next to Juusanbantai-taicho[1] Ukitake Juushirou. While Urahara, Yoruichi, Isshin and Tessai got in line next to Nanabantai-taicho[2] Komamura Sajin.
"Seeing as everyone is in attendance," Yamamoto began, "we will hereby begin with this Captain's meeting."
"During this Captain's meeting," Yamamoto continued, "we are to discuss the fate of the ryoka who invaded Seireitei. Speak now, explain your actions and perhaps your lives will be spared."
"We came to Soul Society and consequently the Seireitei to stop Aizen Sosuke from obtaining the Hougyoku," Urahara said. He had told the others earlier this day that if they wanted to live, they would have to go with his story. Stating the fact that they came here to rescue Kuchiki Rukia from execution, even if it was Aizen who scheduled the execution and not Central 46 would not do any good.
Seeing the puzzled looks on the faces of the other Captains Urahara continued.
"The Hougyoku is an item that distorts the barrier between Shinigami and Hollow. Basically allowing Shinigami to wield Hollow powers and Hollow to wield Shinigami powers thus creating hybrids. This item was made by me and I was aware of the fact that Aizen was after it." Urahara explained.
"So, then this entire mess is your fault, Kisuke?" Kurotsuchi Mayuri asked him, grinning.
"That depends on the way you look at it I guess. Is a blacksmith responsible for the people killed by the swords that he made?" Urahara asked, knowing the current Twelfth Division Captain would have no answer on that question.
And as predicted Kurotsuchi-taicho quickly dropped the subject. Ukitake however decided to ask the next question. "How did Aizen know where to find the Hougyoku and what does this object have to do with Kuchiki Rukia?"
"When I was banished for experimenting with Hollowfication which resulted in the Hollowfication of four Captains and four Vice-Captains I placed the Hougyoku in an unsuspecting soul in Rukongai on my way out of Soul Society. Said soul happened to be Kuchiki Rukia who later became a Shinigami. On that same note I would also like to add that it was not I who experimented on Hollowfication at the time. It was Aizen's actions that caused the Hollowfication of four Captains and Vice-Captains.
As to how Aizen discovered the Hougyoku was located in Kuchiki-san's soul I do not know. What I do know however is that he was the one who sent Kuchiki-taicho and Abarai-fukutaicho out to retrieve Kuchiki Rukia because, I believe, he was afraid he'd lose sight of her again." Urahara explained.
"Hmmm, you are dismissed," Yamamoto told them, "you will at a later date be informed of your sentence. For now I must ask you to remain within the First Division. We will have to consider this new information before we can come to a decision."
=0=
Yoruichi was walking around the First Division's Training grounds thinking about the past few days. Yoruichi realised she had been lucky, very lucky. She thought as she stretched her brand new arm. She hadn't believed Kisuke at first when he told he they could fix her arm up. She even went as far as to get mad with him because she thought he took pity on her for permanently losing her arm.
Afterwards however. Kisuke told her that he believed Orihime had the power to 'reject events'. So restoring a lost arm is not even such a big deal in her case. Yoruichi was amazed which ofcourse Kisuke immediately noticed. He claimed Inoue's power 'defied the realm of the Gods' which Yoruichi thought was true in a sense. The ability to reject events from happening was truly astonishing. They would definitely have to try their best at hiding Inoue's powers from Aizen, for he certainly would want to have those at his disposal should he ever find out about them.
=0=
Nelliel currently stood in one of the bigger courtyards of Las Noches, surrounded by Hollow of every caliber. All were waiting to be 'rewarded' by Aizen. If she knew Aizen however he would not even bother to look at half of the Hollow assembled here. He would probably spend a good couple of hours converting more and more Hollow to Arrancar if even that.
She wished Ichigo was here with her. It's not like she missed him or anything, Hollow were incapable of any form of true emotion so that was impossible. But she had gotten used to his presence and it felt a bit boring without him by her side.
Ichigo had gone down to the lower levels of Las Noches yesterday morning to start his so called 'training'. Nelliel thought it was rather barbaric but on the other hand she could understand Ichigo's desperation. As an Adjuchas the voices drive you completely insane and the worst part is that they will never stop unless you manage to evolve into a Vasto Lorde. A privilege reserved only for a very small amount of Hollow. She'd gone to watch him for a while though yesterday and she couldn't say it was exciting to watch. Ichigo may only be an Adjuchas but Nel was certain he was the most powerful Adjuchas she had ever come across. Back when she was an Adjuchas her powers hardly registered compared to his. She didn't even dare to think about how powerful he would become when he would evolve into a Vasto Lorde and finally when Aizen would turn him into an Arrancar. Despite his strength she did feel a slight pang of sadness for him. She got the impression he was being raised as a mere weapon, a tool, something to be used and discarded once it's use has ended.
As the door to the courtyard opened however, Nel's thoughts were interupted. Aizen, Ichimaru and Tousen stepped inside and took their seats on the raised platform. Aizen in the middle, Ichimaru on his right, and Tousen on his left.
As Aizen sat down on his throne he raised his hands for silence, the murmurs in the courtyard quickly quieted down. "Will Nelliel Tu Oderschvank, Barragan Luisenbarn and Stark, please come forward?" Aizen announced.
Upon hearing those three names however, the courtyard burst out into loud yelling. It would be obvious to an outsider listening that the sudden eruption of noise in the courtyard was all about the three names just mentioned.
As Nelliel rose up to the stage people started whispering and pointing. Meanwhile the crowd in front of the stage started parting for the two remaining Vasto Lorde. As Stark came in sight people reacted similarly to Nel. When people caught sight of Barragan however the vast majority went as far as to stop talking at all and take a couple of steps back. It was obious Barragan's regime in Hueco Mundo had been a harsh one.
As Stark and Barragan joined Nel on the stage she nodded to them. Stark waved at her, Barragan on the other hand didn't even acknowledge her. As all three turned their attention to Aizen they could see the small diamond-shaped object he was holding in his hand. Aizen however seemed to be waiting for something as he didn't react to their presence in front of him. As if on cue a large black figure descended on the stage, landing right next to Nelliel. As the three already present Vasto Lorde took a better look at him they realized it was Ulquiorra. Stark and Barragan had been convinced by him to join forces with Aizen. Nelliel simply knew him by name. He was another Vasto Lorde after all, there weren't many in Hueco Mundo but the ones that were were more then aware of eachother's existence. Some living in groups and others on their own.
Aizen who had by now, risen from his throne, looked at the four individuals gathered in front of him. They were all powerful Aizen knew. He was confident each and every one of them was more powerful then the average Captain in Soul Society. Add to that the Shinigamification Aizen was about to grant them and there would be no Captain that could stand up to them apart from perhaps the Commander-General. He was certain he currently had four members of his future Espada standing in front of him.
Shifting his gaze towards the crowd in front of him he smiled. "Brothers and sisters. I have called upon you today to witness the creation of the first four Arrancar."
Aizen had to admit that he was unsure if the Hougyoku would work for him yet. It was supposed to take three months to awaken. However from Urahara's research Aizen had gathered the Hougyoku could be awaken briefly by a person who possessed about twice the reiatsu of the average Shinigami Captain, simply by pouring his reiatsu inside the Hougyoku.
Aizen stopped in front of Ulquiorra. As Aizen started to pour his reiatsu into the Hougyoku his power could be felt throughout the entire courtyard. He supposed this was another nice side effect from having so many people attending this little ceremony. The rumors of his supposed weakness would instantly be squashed after those who felt his reiatsu here today would spread the word. As the Hougyoku awakened Aizen quickly brought it in contact with Ulquiorra's forehead.
A bright green light formed around Ulquiorra, obstructing him from view. The light slowly intensified and started emitting a soft buzzing sound untill finally it died down. Before them stood a slender yet fairly muscular male Arrancar of average height with fairly short black hair. His Hollow hole remained close where to his throat would be and the remainder of his Hollow mask was formed on his head in the form of a broken helm. As he stepped forward Gin handed him a change of clothes and motioned to the door at the far end of the stage.
Next Aizen repeated the process with Nel and before he realized it a beautiful rather well endowed woman stood before him with long light green hair flowing all the way down untill her back untill her waist and a crimson line that stretches horizontally across her face right below her eyes. Her Hollow hole was located just above her chest a couple of inches below her neck and was rather small in overal size. Lastly the remains of her Hollow mask seemed to form a cartoonish skull on the top of her head. She too, took a change of clothes and headed for the door on the other side of the stage.
Aizen repeated the same thing with both Starrk and Barragan. Starrk looked like an above averagely tall man with dark, wavy and unkempt hair which was parted down the middle. The remains of his Hollow mask consisted of a bottom jaw positioned as a necklace. His Hollow hole was located right below the tip of his mask fragment on his sternum. What was unusual however was the fact that Starrk was not alone. Next to him stood a young-looking female Arrancar. Her mask fragment taking the form of a helmet much like Ulquiorra's only hers was actually intact the left horn was cut and she appeared to have sort of eyepatch extended from her helm over her left eye. A red flame-like pattern could be seen sported on her mask fragment and she had light green hair with a pink eye.
Barragan looked like an elderly Arrancar, which he was, with a large white mustache and white hair. He did look rather short. The remnants of his mask took the look of a five-pointed crown just above his forehead. His Hollow hole seemed to be located a few inches below his chest. Despite his aged appearance he looked rather stocky and muscular and was sporting a fair selection of his own battle scars.
As they headed down to the door at the other end of the stage with their own selection of clothing, Aizen, Ichimaru and Tousen made to follow them. There was one thing they were all sure of, after having felt the power of these four new Arrancar, the first of the Espada had been born today.
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[1]Juusanbantai-taicho : Thirteenth Squad Captain.
[2]Nanabantai-taicho : Seventh Squad Captain.
Another chapter finished. As you can probably see the next couple of chapters are going to be in preparation for a bigger event. Let me know what you think! R&R!