Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach!
Yonda: I'm glad you liked it. About the aspect, I am still unsure about what I will pick but regardless it won't matter for a while anyway as I do not intend to reveal it just yet. It never hurts to keep some things a surprise.
Ligerheart: Yea well I just wanted to make sure Orihime's powers were revealed properly for both Ichigo and Nel to see. Injuring Sado in such a way seemed to be the easiest way to achieve that goal! =p
RyumaOmega: That is what I intend to mold Ichigo into eventually. A compassionate person who will kill only if necessary. However he will be able to 'turn off' his emotions in battle so to speak, obviously not to the point where he'd instead be a mindless killing machine but I believe that'd be obvious!
As for the Bounts, no they will likely not be introduced in the story. I merely mentioned them because they are another race, like the Quincy that was recorded in Soul Society's history.
About a possible harem. As I have stated at the very bottom of this new chapter, no. Simply no, I'm sorry but I have no intention of adding more then one woman into the pairing. As for Rukia though, you'll read more about her in this chapter. She is still in Las Noches and she might never get out, who knows, I certainly don't, yet. But one thing I do promise is that she will eventually play an important role in the story.
vanhelsing425: If I had to change his aspect I don't believe I personally would change it to fear. It's not because I don't believe it's a potentially good aspect but more so because I often go for something with a deeper meaning. Much like I've done with choosing the Aspect of Life as Ichigo's Aspect of Death.
I'm glad you liked the way I've been trying to portray Ichigo. Ironically the way you described it is pretty much exactly or at the very least scaringly similar to how I've been hoping to project him. So I'm incredibly glad that's how you perceived him as as well.
As for the Aspects of Death, I didn't exactly 'bring it up' though, atleast not myself. I merely took it from Canon as each Espada in the manga and obiously the anime too eventually holds an Aspect of Death as well.
For now I am still not intending to give Ichigo a Fracción, yet. I have
however started to think about it. I believe it could still add to the story and so I have started to seriously consider it. One thing I can tell you however is that in no possible way would I ever consider Tesla as a Fracción. I'm sorry! But I just don't like him! :P Perhaps you'd be interested to note that Ggio Vega and even Wonderweiss are both a bit higher on the list of 'Fracción to be considered'.
Lastly, Kidou. You would be right, had you said, Hollow cannot use Kidou. Arrancar's aren't hybrids for nothing. They do not gain Shinigami powers for no reason. Ofcourse it is not in any way officially stated that Arrancar could use Kidou. However considering the fact that Shinigami with Hollow powers, meaning Vaizards, can use techniques such as Cero, I believe it would be safe to assume that Arrancar can learn Kidou. The one condition being that they have someone who can properly teach it in the first place.
drKannibal: I'm glad you liked the way I've been trying to portray Ichigo. Ironically the way you described it is pretty much exactly or at the very least scaringly similar to how I've been hoping to project him. So I'm incredibly glad that's how you perceived him as as well.
As for the Aspects of Death, I didn't exactly 'bring it up' though, atleast not myself. I merely took it from Canon as each Espada in the manga and obiously the anime too eventually holds an Aspect of Death as well.
For now I am still not intending to give Ichigo a Fracción, yet. I have
however started to think about it. I believe it could still add to the story and so I have started to seriously consider it. One thing I can tell you however is that in no possible way would I ever consider Tesla as a Fracción. I'm sorry! But I just don't like him! :P Perhaps you'd be interested to note that Ggio Vega and even Wonderweiss are both a bit higher on the list of 'Fracción to be considered'.
Lastly, Kidou. You would be right, had you said, Hollow cannot use Kidou. Arrancar's aren't hybrids for nothing. They do not gain Shinigami powers for no reason. Ofcourse it is not in any way officially stated that Arrancar could use Kidou. However considering the fact that Shinigami with Hollow powers, meaning Vaizards, can use techniques such as Cero, I believe it would be safe to assume that Arrancar can learn Kidou. The one condition being that they have someone who can properly teach it in the first place.
Gagboy: Firstly, about the Espada's numbers. The [3] for example is merely referring to the same [3] at the bottom of the page which translates said word for you. A [2] standing behind the word Primera does not in any way mean I believe Primera means second Espada.
Next, yes Ichigo does have a vest slightly resembling Harribel's. His collar however is just a little bit lower and obviously he has no sleeves so I can assure you the end result would look quite different still.
Then, considering the fact that Aizen called off his entire original plan concerning his betrayal of Soul Society and changed it all so he could reach Ichigo in Hueco Mundo as fast as possible to 'raise' him up as his most powerful Arrancar. Yes, Aizen gives Ichigo preferential treatment, albeit usually he would do this subtly.
Next, it's not that Ishida can't identify Ichigo's mask fragments as in he wouldn't recognize them. But more as in they are hidden. Since you mentioned Harribel's vest earlier you should realise that it covers her ears as well. Ichigo's being only slightly looser in turn covers his ears too, atleast partially. Since his mask fragment are a pair of earrings it isn't all that odd Ishida failed to identify his mask fragment.
Lastly, Ichigo was never 'lying' to his old friends. He has lost his memory regarding everything happened before he awoke in the cave Nelliel had taken him to in Hueco Mundo. All he could remember was a blue flash but other then that he doesn't remember dying or turning into a Hollow and nor does he remember anything from his life among the living. Wether this will remain throughout the story, well I'm afraid you'll have to read to find out. =)
Minato Uzumaki: I am still considering my options in regards to Inoue's powers. I am currently unsure what to do with them right now but I am definitely keep all options open for the time being.
Chapter 6: Secrets of the Past.
It was a week after their mission to the real world and Ichigo was walking through the halls of Las Noches on his way to his quarters to lie down for a rest. He had just returned from his almost daily meeting with Aizen. Over the last weeks they had covered various subjects concerning Shinigami. Aizen had talked about Zanpakutou and their spirits. He had talked about Shikai and even Bankai and had Tousen introduce his own. Ichigo had to admit he was impressed, it were formidable weapons. Another subject they had covered was an in detail explanation about every current Captain and Vice-Captain in Soul Society.
After their talk they would move outside for roughly an hour or two of Kidou practise. Over the last week Ichigo had improved tremendously in that field. After having mastered both Hadou #31 - Shakkaho and Hadou #33 - Soukatsui without the incantation they had moved on to the Bakudou.
Starting out with the lower level ones like with the Hadou he had again quickly risen up into the higher levels of Kidou. Ichimaru had come to check up on his progress once or twice as well and commented that he must be a true prodigy in the Art of Kidou to rise up into the levels at such an astonishing rate.
Currently he had mastered Bakudou #1 - Sai, Bakudou #9 Geki as well as Bakudou #30 - Shitotsu Sansen and could cast all three of them effortlessly without using the incantation.
Then there were the current Hadou and Bakudou spells he was working on but had not yet mastered. He did however master each of these spells with the use of incantation but he still had a way to go before he'd be able to use them as well the other spells he had mastered. They were Bakudou #37 - Tsuriboshi, Bakudou #61 - Rikujyoukourou and Hadou #63 - Raikouhou.
His current thoughts however had strayed elsewhere. Earlier that week he'd had a rather peculiar conversation with Nel.
[Flashback:]
Ichigo was sitting in his couch with Nel's head resting in his lap as she snored softly. Ever since she'd slept in said position once she'd taken an instant liking to it. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Ichigo wasn't sure about that, that meant that she ended up on his couch an awful lot of times daily. Because when there was something Nel wants no force in this world or the next would deny her the pleasure of that.
He was shaken from his thoughts however as a soft and sleepy voice came from his lap. "Ne, Ichi?" Nel mumbled, seeing as she took the effort of talking to him when she was obviously very tired he figured it must be important so he proceeded to pay close attention to what she was going to say next. "Is there anything important you would want, like really badly I mean. Something you'd do anything for?" The question surprised Ichigo so much his jaw dropped.
The truth be told he had been thinking about something for a while now. And he thought that if there was one thing he wanted really badly this would indeed be one of the few. It was something that had been on his mind ever since their mission the last week. Those three humans seemed to recognize him, no not seemed, they recognized him and that was a fact. Even more so Ichigo had an inkling he was supposed to know them as well but couldn't recall anything about them other then their last meeting and that which Aizen had told him.
Yes if the truth were told. Ichigo wanted to regain his lost memories. And not just for the reason stated above. There was a another reason for it as well. He wanted to find out who had caused those wounds to him, back when he first arrived in the Menos Forest when Nel had found him.
The truth is Ichigo found that he didn't enjoy causing pain or death as much anymore as he did when he was a complete Hollow. But he thought that was quite a good thing in the end. However Ichigo knew there was one person he did want to kill, no matter how few of the Hollow within might remain. He vowed to kill whoever had humiliated him to such a degree.
Realizing he had not yet answered Nel's question, he turned to look down at his lap and found her face looking up at him expectantly. He smiled.
"Ah. If I would get to choose, I would wish to regain my memories. Both from before I arrived in the Menos Forest as well as from before I died." He told her softly.
At this, Nelliel smiled and turned her head again to once more bury it into Ichigo's stomach. Without realising it himself Ichigo began stroking her hair as he once again lost himself in his thoughts.
[Flashback End:]
As he rounded a corner he came across a very pissed and battered looking Nnoitra. When Nnoitra's eyes found him the thin man instantly glared at him but surprisingly didn't say a word.
Ichigo quickly deduced Nel must have something to do with it and so he decided to check up on her. Sensing her reiatsu signature had just arrived at her quarters he passed by his quarters and continued on his way to hers.
When Ichigo arrived at the door to her quarters he raised his hand to knock but stopped when the door opened in front of him to reveal the figure of Nel before he even got a chance to open the door. Just as about Ichigo was about to greet her she jumped him. Throwing her arms around his neck she proceeded to hug the living the daylights out of him while shouting incoherrent words that much resembled something along the lines of 'Ichi'.
After she had let go Ichigo tried his best to look annoyed at her but he failed drastically when he looked into her innocent, smiling face. He returned the smile and they moved to sit down, it appeared as if Pesche and Dondochakka weren't around, which was rare they weren't often seen without Nel.
Sitting down Nel once again leaned into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. Ichigo had gotten used to this over the last week and if he was being honestly then he would admit that he truly didn't mind. He might even go as far as to say that he did sort of like it.
Deciding to break the silence Ichigo asked her a question. "What did you do with Nnoitra, Nel?"
Nel's eyes visibly narrowed at the mention of the Sexta Espada. It wasn't the world's best kept secret that Nnoitra despiced Nel for the sole reason that she was woman who was higher ranked then a man. Nnoitra wasn't too worried with letting others know of his opinion either. Nel for her part had acted admirable Ichigo thought. She had never once risen to his taunts however from what Nelliel told him she had had to fight him once. And that was on the day of the very first Espada meeting, she had beat him effortlessly back then but Nel believed he was biding his time waiting for a chance to strike at her when she would least expect it.
"It was nothing," Looking into his eyes however she could see he didn't buy her lie for a second, sighing, she continued. "Nnoitra was being his annoying self again. I beat him up when he attacked me. He attempted to use his resurrección and I had to use a bluff to talk myself out of it. You know I'm not allowed to release inside of Las Noches and while I'm certain of my powers I am not sure if I can take Nnoitra's released form without releasing myself."
Ichigo smiled, she was being honest at last. "If Nnoitra bothers you again, just spike your reiatsu briefly. I'd notice and be with you in seconds, I believe I can take Nnoitra without releasing." He told her.
At this she turned her head on his shoulder to look him straight in the face and smiling at him teasingly. "Oh? Did the great Kurosaki Ichigo, Primera Espada just promise to protect me?" She asked batting her eyelashes.
Ichigo for his part groaned. He should've known she would jump at the chance to tease him.
Nel for her part chuckled inwardly. He was so easy. However she decided it was time to show him that which she had been wanting for him to see for a while. Getting up she looked him in the face before giving him a quick kiss on his cheek. Ichigo instantly blushed at this causing Nel to inwardly do a little victory dance. "Thank you Ichi, you know I was just messing with your head. I appreciate it." After this she smiled softly at him causing his blush to dissapear and be replaced by a genuine smile.
"Come with me, there is something I want to show you." She told him before hastily pushing him out of the door. Leaving him to follow her with a confused expression on his face.
During the little time on their way to the lower levels of Las Noches Nel couldn't help but get slightly nervous. She wasn't certain how Ichigo would react to this. On one hand she hoped he would be happy but she knew that wasn't an entirely realistic scenario. After all Nel had been keeping this a secret from him for a short while untill now because she simply hadn't realized the significance it held to him.
Ichigo at the same time was getting confused. It wasn't often Nel or him would leave their quarters for anything. The only times they went out was to meet with Aizen, the Espada, or to find themselves a meal whenever they didn't feel like having one brought over. This time however, Nel had told him she wanted to show him something. He was confident it was important to Nel so he followed her without protest but he couldn't help but wonder in slight anticipation as to what it could be.
As if on cue, Nel stopped in front of a door at the end of a long hallway in one of the lowest levels of Las Noches. She looked at him with an apologetic expression for reasons Ichigo did not understand. Grabbing a key that was hanging on the wall next to the door Nel inserted it and unlocked the door.
"I want you to know, Ichigo. That had I known, I would've told you sooner." She said as she opened the door and pushed Ichigo through.
Ichigo for his part was confused. Firstly it was Nel's last words and the apologetic expression that was clearly etched onto her features. Secondly, right now he was located in a very small, dark room, the only light came from a small window opposite of the door.
As he scanned the room more thoroughly though he was startled to find a couple of purple-colored eyes looking at him intently. The eyes were dull and lifeless. They looked like the sort of eyes of a person who had given up on living, who would live her last days and accept whichever fate was bestowed upon them.
However as the owner of the lifeless eyes locked eyes with Ichigo and took in his facial features her eyes widened in shock. Life reappeared in them as her jaw dropped.
"I-Ichigo?" A woman's voice asked, shocked.
Ichigo for his part was rooted to his spot the moment that word left her mouth. He didn't know how to react to this, it had just happened again, he met another person who knew him but he himself couldn't for the love of God remember who she was at all. One thing however was certain, this person was not a human, no, Ichigo was certain this person was a Shinigami. He could tell by her reiatsu. But if that was true she could be only one person. Ichigo however decided to bide his time for now and see how things would turn out.
"Y-yes?" He stammered unsure of what to say and having lost his ability of speech almost completely.
At his respons the girl got up quickly threw her arms around his neck and hugged with more strength then such a little girl could possibly posses muttering words of 'I'm sorry'.
Ichigo meanwhile having gotten over the main part of his shock decided to take in her features. She was a small woman, incredibly so and she looked no older then a young human girl she couldn't be taller then 4'9 Ichigo reasoned. She had pale skin and black hair with one bang falling in between her eyes.
But the truth is those weren't the main things he noticed about her. She looked pale, exceptionally so and he was sure this wasn't just because she simply had a pale skin. He could see red marks around her neck as if she'd been bound by it. On top of that he could spot bruices on every exposed part of her body, her face, her arms, her thin legs. The rest of her body was covered by a dirty and ragged piece of the standard Arrancar uniform, though shorter. The little girl's legs would actually be exposed almost untill the knee and she uniform no longer held any sleeves, they looked mostly as if they were torn off.
What Ichigo remembered next shocked him. 'Ne Ichi, is there anything important you would want, like really badly I mean. Something you'd do anything for?' He remembered Nel's exact words from back then just a couple of days earlier this week. Nel had known and it seemed this was the reason she wanted to know. Perhaps she'd known his answer already before he knew it himself? Or perhaps she'd simply hoped. 'Ah. If I would get to choose, I would wish to regain my memories.' Those were the first words of the answer he'd given her, and he'd meant them. He quickly realised Nel was helping him regain his memories by letting him talk with someone from his past. He supposed it was a good idea but he still had yet to start talking. The girl was looking at him expectantly and so he decided to break the silence.
"Listen..." He started unsure of how to continue. "I'm not sure how to say this but I'm not exactly the person you think I am."
At his words her eyes took on a sad look but she motioned for him to continue nonetheless.
"I only know my name, it's all that I know of my past life. Any memories from my life itself and a certain event that I believe transpired after my death are gone or atleast hidden." He admitted sadly.
Her face took a grief-stricken look when he'd mentioned he died. "S-So it is true then Ichigo? You're dead?" She asked, silent tears streaming down her face.
Ichigo felt incredibly sorry for her. She was being held a prisoner here and when he entered her cell her character was completely devoid of any life. However when she had recognized him life had almost instantly returned to her eyes in a renewed vigor. After he'd just mentioned that he died and suffered from memory loss her face was consorted with guilt and she quickly looked away, not being able to meet his eyes.
"Ah. I'm sorry." He said, at which she started trembling visibly. "But, listen," Ichigo started again, he felt truly sorry for this girl, he was sure her life down here in these cells was horrible if going by the bruises on her body was any indication. She didn't look well fed and that was not to mention what could have happened that caused her to end up here in the first place. Perhaps if she had something to do it would make things easier on her and it could if he was lucky help him regain some of his memories he hoped. "Perhaps you want to help me out?" He asked, and at seeing the confused expression on her face he continued. "I told you I lost my memories, but I would very much want them to return. Perhaps you can help me with that? You knew me during my life didn't you? And perhaps it'll give you something to do as well. I would come by daily to have a little talk with you, I'm sure you wouldn't mind the compandy, would you?" He added with a smile, trying to reassure her. He could see the expression on her face changing instantly. It had gone from lifeless to guilty, to confused and now seemingly to happiness and excitement.
She nodded vigorously in an answer to his question. He smiled at her and made his way over to the door. As he looked back he could still see her sitting in the corner of the dark cell, smiling.
"I'll be back tomorrow then, Shinigami," He said before opening the door and walking through it. Before he got through it entirely however her voice rang out albeit weakly.
"I'm not...Shinigami." She started before continuing. "I'm, Kuchiki Rukia."
At those words, his world went black and chaos ensued for Ichigo.
=0=
Ichigo stood on a street in a residential area in what appareared to be Karakura Town. In front of him, leaning against a lamp-post was the same Shinigami that was lying in the cell he'd visited just now. She appeared to be bleeding heavily from a wound on her chest area, he could see the wound was clearly in critical condition.
As he took in his surroundings he saw a Hollow rampaging on his right, crying in agony most likely because of the wound that seemed to be inflicted on his mask.
"Do you want...to save your family?" The shinigami's voice called out.
"Ofcourse!" I replied without hesitation, but it didn't seem to be me who was speaking entirely either. "Is there a way!?"
"There's only one," she said softly as she grabbed the hilt of her Zanpakutou. "You...must become a Shinigami!" Her voice called out, much stronger this time as she raised her sword at him, holding it up by planting the hilt in her lap.
My face consorted in shock and confusion. A Shinigami, that wasn't right, I am a Hollow, no I was a Hollow. Before he could delve further into his already confused thoughts her voice rang out again.
"Thrust this Zanpakutou through your heart and I will pour my powers into you." The Shinigami stated. I was more confused then ever, stabbing myself in my heart, like killing myself? Then again, it wasn't as if I had much of a choice, after all if I did't do this that...Hollow...will kill us all regardless. Those were the thoughts running through Ichigo's mind currently and they confused him because they didn't feel like they were his.
The Hollow roared a battle cry in the distance, it wouldn't be long now. "I don't know if this will work," The Shinigami admitted, "but there isn't any other way."
Strengthening my resolve I made my decision. "Give me the sword, Shinigami." My voice rang out.
The Shinigami looked him right in the eyes at this before speaking the words that had marked the start to everything. "I'm not Shinigami," She started again in the business like voice. "I'm, Kuchiki Rukia." She finished, a lot more softly.
As Ichigo heard the Hollow dash out towards them he grabbed the blade of the Zanpakutou and positioned it right over his heart. Looking her in the eyes, he spoke once more before thrusthing the Zanpakutou in his heart.
"My name is...Kurosaki Ichigo!"
=0=
When Ichigo regained consciousness the first thing he noticed was a weight pressing against his chest as well as the fact that he had somehow ended up in his private quarters. Slowly opening his eyes he could see a head was resting on top of his chest. He identified said head as Nel with her hair spread out all over her face and his chest Ichigo had to admit though she looked incredibly cute. Wait, cute? Where did that just come from? Cute was not a word that was ordinarily in the Primera's dictionary. Regardless he had to admit he even enjoyed the soft melodic snoring originating from the same source.
A couple of minutes later Ichigo decided he should stop delaying the inevitable and so he gently tried to shake Nel out of her nap. Unsurprisingly once her eyes fluttered open she instantly started complaining.
"Mhm, stop, lemme sleep." She whined in a perfect imitation of a child not wanting to get out of bed as he was woken by his mother.
Ichigo chuckled slightly which seemed to work. As soon as Nel laid eyes on the source of the chuckle she shot op violently, a worried expression in her eyes.
"Ichigo!" She called out. "Why didn't you wake me sooner? What happened? How are you feeling?"
At the barrage of questions Ichigo had to think for a moment. As soon as he remember just what had happened before and after he'd lost consciousness his eyes widened.
He remember. He remembered! Kuchiki Rukia, the Shinigami that gave him his powers in his previous life. He remember it as if it were yesterday. He remembered the vision clearly and found it odd that at the time of witnessing the event it was like watching a movie through a stranger's eyes rather then watching something he had experienced before. But now, after waking up he realised he knew exactly what had happened. Even more so he remembered how it had happened and why, which he realised was not something that was even included in the 'vision' as he had chosen to call it. On the other hand, he could not for the love of God remember what had happened after he had thrust the Zanpakutou inside of himself. It was safe to pressume he had indeed gained Shinigami powers and defeated the Hollow attacking them one way or another. But how had his life proceeded from there on? He vowed to find out no matter what it took. Kuchiki Rukia, she could show him his past and if she could, he would repay her the debt he would owe her one way or another.
"Ichi?" Nel's quiet voice called out to him. He'd been staring off into space for the past minutes now and it was obvious she was starting to get a little worried.
"I'm sorry Nel, I was lost in thought." Without thinking about it Ichigo reached out to her and pulled her in a tight embrace, surprising Nel who had to supress a blush at the sudden boldness of his actions.
"Arrigatou, Nel," He started. "I remember, I remember how I gained Shinigami powers. Arrigatou, you have no idea what this means to me."
Nel was caught off guard by his words. She could hear he truly meant it and that it did indeed matter a lot to him just as she had suspected. Despite that she had not expected him to show his gratitude so openly. But she was glad, and so she tightened the embrace with a smile on her face.
=0=
Kuchiki Rukia sat in her small dark cell and for a change she had a smile on her face. Although admittedly she was a little bit worried.
Think back on the day's events she actually chuckled. Kuchiki Rukia had chuckled for the first time in weeks, ever since she had been taken to Soul Society she had not laughed even once.
When she'd been taken to Las Noches she believed she would die. When Aizen extracted the Hougyoku from her she was surprised she didn't feel any sort of pain when his arm entered her body and soul. She was even more surprised when, instead of getting killed on the spot she was sent to the lower dungeons and was locked up. She was glad about it at first, even though she had accepted the fact that she was going to die when her sentence was announced back in Soul Society it didn't mean she was ever happy about it.
But as time passed slowly and when the only light she even got was when the bossy Arrancar brought her food she was slowly starting to wish she'd died after all. The Arrancar in question had even beaten her up quite severely a couple of times for no reason at all, the last time having been just a day or two before.
Her one light in the darkness had come just over a week ago. A green-haired Arrancar had curiously unlocked the door and looked into her cell. Upon seeing the Shinigami she had entered and instantly sat down in front of her. Said Shinigami had been scared of her for quite a while as the only Arrancar she had seen before would bring her food and beat her for no apparent reasons. However as the Arrancar began to talk to her she found that she wanted to reply to her questions, her seemingly innocent nature proved to be genuine after all. The Arrancar who had later introduced herself as Nel had continued to come by daily and occassionally multiple times a day. Rukia had remembered one of her visits in particular.
[Flashback:]
Nel was sitting next to Rukia as they were both talking about their past lives and the events that lead up to their current situations. Nel could tell Rukia was having a hard time telling her about it, despite how much she had claimed she liked Nel's company Nel could tell she didn't trust her completely. Which she understood. The girl had been through a lot and from what she had heard of her past so far she hadn't had an easy life.
They were interupted however as the door slammed open and an angry looking blonde Arrancar with a mask fragment covering his eyes and forehead entered the cell.
"Get up! You filthy Shinigami, it's grub time and hurry it up before I-" He instantly stopped as he noticed the Arrancar sitting next to the Shinigami. Green hair. A red mark spread horizontally across her face just beneath the eyes. A cartoon-like mask adorned on top of her head. Yes, there was no question about who this person was.
As he realized this he instantly kneeled down in front of her and started kissing her boots. "Neliel-sama! My apologies for my rudeness. I was merely speaking to the Shinigami filth, ofcourse none of those words were intended towards you!" He practically pleaded her to believe him.
Nel in the meantime ignored the man, stood up and walked over to the plate he had been holding. On top of it was nothing more then a dry piece of bread. Bread which even seemed to be outdated, it looked disgusting and Nel was disgusted with this person for bringing this to a prisoner as food.
"You, stand up." She practically commanded and he obeyed her instantly. "What do you think this is?" She asked indicating the piece of bread. As the man was starting to open his mouth Nel interupted him again. "I care nothing for your words. Bring us the biggest most luxurous meal the cooks of Las Noches have to offer for two people and have it brought here instantly. Tell them those are orders of the Tercera and there will be consequences if they aren't obeyed."
The Arrancar meanwhile was baffled. Him, a luxurous meal with the Tercera Espada? He didn't know what to say. "Y-You want to have a meal with me? I'm just a lowly Numerós and-" And that's as far as he got.
"You idiot! I have no intention to dine with an uncivilised barbarian such as yourself. The meal I talked about is for me and Rukia." She stated pointing at herself and the Shinigami which seemed to surprise the man. However before he got a chance to reply, Nel continued her tirade.
"Well what are you waiting for? Are you that lacking in the brains department that you can't even comprehend your own language?"
"B-But she's a-" He started.
"Enough! You have your orders, now get out of my face before I have you executed on the spot!" Nel bellowed in righteous anger.
The blonde Arrancar was gone from the room before either of them could blink.
[Flashback End:]
As Rukia remembered that day she could honestly say now that it had been hilarious. And the meal she had gotten out of it had been amazing. She had thought at first that Las Noches, being located in Hueco Mundo only held the most disgusting of food. However she changed her stereotype view of Hueco Mundo as soon as that meal had appeared in front of her.
It had been delicious and it was exactly what she needed. She trusted Nel, which now she had learned was not her full name, completely. Although she was curious to know what kind of rank Nel held to command such respect, if there even was such a thing as ranks among Arrancar. And so when Nel had come to her a few days later stating that she wanted her to meet a dear friend of hers she was hesitant at first. But she knew Nel would do nothing to harm her, if she trusted this friend then he couldn't possibly be so bad. And so she had agreed.
When no more then two days later a person she did not recognize at first appeared in front of her. She thought it must be the person Nel had mentioned, though she was a bit suspicious of why Nel wasn't with him. When she recognized this person however she couldn't comprehend what she was seeing. The person that had been starring in her nightmares ever since she was forcefully removed from the real world, appeared to stand right before her. She would be the first to admit that he looked completely different yet exactly the same. His clothes seemed to be the regular Arrancar outfit only with a tight sleeveless vest with a high collar which hid his face up to and including his mouth from view. His hair was slightly longer though Rukia couldn't know exactly how long as this too was hidden behind the collar. But his eyes and facial features remained the same. She was certain that standing before her was Kurosaki Ichigo and the only coherrent word she could form at the time was his name.
As Ichigo stated his situation and purpose she was sad yet at the same time she was glad. She would make it up to him, she would make him remember no matter how much he would hate her. When he left she decided to tempt fate. She had heard how people suffering from a form of memory less could be helpd to remember by imitating certain events. So when he bid her goodbye and adressed her as Shinigami she took her chance. She said those very same words to him that she had said when she had first met him when he was still alive. And she believed it had worked, atleast she got a reaction. His eyes glazed over after they had widened at her response and he soon lost consciousness.
Thinking back on it she couldn't wait for Ichigo's next visit. If he was as trustworthy as he had been during his life, she would take him up on his word and expect him tomorrow. And while he may be a Hollow now, she vowed to make up for her mistakes nonetheless.
=0=
Urahara Kisuke was sitting in his underground basement watching as Yoruichi and Isshin were sparring with one another. Both of them had been training fiercely ever since their crushing defeat at the hands of Aizen's lieutenants.
Isshin had been ashamed more then anything, for more then one reason as well. First of all he had lost to Tousen before the battle had even started. And the second reason was because indirectly it was his fault that Yoruichi had gotten injured as severely as she had. Had it not been for Isshin losing to Tousen that quickly Tousen would've not been able to assist Ichimaru. Nonetheless both Urahara and Yoruichi had managed to convince him of the fact that he wasn't the one to blame.
Yoruichi on the other hand had been in some sort of shock for the first few hours after she had regained consciousness. It wasn't just the fact that she had lost. Ichimaru was a true prodigy after all and his skills certainly hadn't dulled in the last century. Yoruichi's on the other hand, certainly had. But no it wasn't just that. More importantly Urahara believed she had been shocked by the amount of pain she had been in. Yoruichi had been wounded before but the way she had been mangled by Ichimaru was something she had never experienced before. Seeing and feeling your own get severed in such a brutal way was something you just needed to get over in time. Yoruichi's way of doing this was to make sure she kept improving and do everything within her power to keep it from happening again.
Yesterday had been a hectic day. Urahara Kisuke had been fooled by a pair of two Arrancar. He had felt a strong Hollow-like signature appear in the middle of Karakura Park but he was sure it was something the three teens could easily handle. He had no idea however that they were being lured in a trap. He was quite ashamed of himself in the end, he had been fooled by one of the most basic tricks in the book and he hadn't even realized it untill it was too late.
From what information Urahara had gathered from the three teens he was positive it had been Ichigo who attacked them but for as far as Urahara had been told Ichigo had stepped out after he had temporarily taken out Sado. The woman had then taken over and if Urahara wasn't mistaken she had been toying with them all the time. It wouldn't surprise him if they were sent not to kill but instead to find out more about the powers of the three teens. After all, Aizen had not seen them fight in Soul Society. On the other hand he had been told that Ichigo was ordered to kill them. It could've been a bluff to bring out their full potential though, it was a fact that the majority of people would fight better if they knew their life was on the line.
Urahara wondered just how powerful these two Arrancar had been though. If Ichigo's Hollow form was anything to go by, his power would be truly devastating as an Arrancar that much was for sure. One thing was for certain though, none of the two had shown even close to their full potential during the short skirmish yesterday.
He was brought out of his musings as he heard someone descending the metallic stairs down to his basement. He had an inkling as to who it could be. Waiting for his suspicions to be confirmed he was soon rewarded.
"Urahara-san," Yasutora Sado's voice called out.
Turning his head to face the large boy he found said person kneeling on the ground in front of him, Inoue Orihime was standing behind him, slightly embarrassed by Sado's manner of greeting it appeared.
"Urahara-san, please!" Sado called out. "Please, train us!"
Urahara had expected this. He had been waiting for it for a while in fact and it'd taken a lot more then he had thought it would. He'd thought they'd have come for him after their adventure in Soul Society but it appeared as if he'd been wrong again and it'd taken a lot more then just that.
He was interested though. Not only by their powers in general no, he also wanted to know just how strong they could become. After all, they were still humans. As Aizen had said, even Shinigami have a limit and so logically the same goes for humans. The question however was, where the limit lay.
"How about Ishida-san, doesn't he wish to be trained?" Urahara asked, already knowing the answer.
"It appears he's being trained by someone else Urahara-san, he called us earlier and he too advised us to seek training from you." Sado stated.
Urahara had known Ryuuken had actually started training his son. Both Urahara and Kisuke were surprised to hear of this but they accepted it without question. Even if his methods were almost as 'unorthodox' as Urahara's, if one person could bring out the potential inside of Ishida Uryuu it would be his own father. It would only be fair of Urahara to train his other two friends so that, when the time came, they could all stand together.
"Yasutora Sado, Inoue Orihime, I accept your request. I will train you on the condition that you do not complain about my methods." Urahara explained.
Gratitude and relief was visible on their face. As well as slight apprehension. They knew it wasn't going to be easy, but they would give their all to improve. Ichigo would've done the same for them after all.
=0=
The next day Ichigo and Nel both arrived at Rukia's cell early in the afternoon. They had decided it they'd go together from now on, just in case something similar to last time happened.
As they entered and sat down next to eachother, opposite of Rukia they noticed said person was smiling. She did look a lot better then she did yesterday and she appeared rather anxious. As if to prove his point she started talking mere seconds later.
"Ichigo..." She started but paused unsure of how to continue. "I realise you're not exactly the same person that I knew but I know that down there somewhere that person is still there.
Before you start asking questions about your...previous life, though I would like to warn you. Most of the bad things that happened to you were because of me and even though it is largely my fault you ended up the way you are now I want you to know that I am truly sorry for everything and that I did enjoy our time together in the real world very much. And, I like to think you did as well." She explained quietly.
Ichigo could only stare at her in response. Whatever it was she did, he didn't believe it could be that bad. From what he remembered now she had offered him her Shinigami powers out of necessity, if she hadn't they both would have died. He realised she was feeling incredibly guilty though and if she helped him remember he promised himself he'd help her get rid of that guilt of her.
"Shiniga-" Ichigo interupted himself as he realised it wouldn't be right to keep calling her that. She had a name and in the past he had ofcourse called her by that, and so he should do so now as well.
"Rukia," Ichigo started. "There is no need to feel guilty, I may not remember the entire story but I remember how and why you shared your Shinigami powers. You offered me a choice and I chose to take you up on your offer. Had I not taken you up on it I would've died, that much is certain."
Ichigo could see the words did reassure her slightly but he guessed it would take a lot more then that to completely get it out of her system. She'd probably been feeling like this since her return to Soul Society and it must've only increased when she found out he was in fact a Hollow now.
"Perhaps not. But that is not up to you to decide, not yet atleast. I do not ask for your pity I ask for your forgiveness and that is not something you can give me before you remember everything." Rukia said.
"Very well. If that is how you want it to be then that's the way it's going to be." Ichigo said, shaking his head with a slight smile on his face. "Just know, that if you do this for me I will be eternally grateful. It does mean a lot to me."
Ichigo chuckled at the dumbfounded expression on her face. He had an idea why that was. "I suppose you're not exactly used to interacting with Hollow are you, Rukia?" He asked, smiling.
Rukia meanwhile, still couldn't do much more then stare at the Hollow in front of her. Her old friend Kurosaki Ichigo. He'd become a Hollow and subsequently an Arrancar but she was starting to realize that there still parts of him hidden inside there somewhere, and they would surface every now and then.
"You should know that becoming an Arrancar does not only increase your power but generally one also becomes more intelligent and actually starts to feel emotions other then anger and hate." Ichigo explained.
Rukia's eyes widened at this. She had expected pretty much all Arrancar to be the same as Hollow. Which is why she had at first been so surprised to find that Nel was actually a very pleasant woman albeit a bit childish at times. Secondly she had noticed Ichigo was actually fairly pleasant company up untill now as well. He wasn't rude, angry or hateful. After yesterday it is not what she had expected of him either but it still didn't cease to amaze her. The fact that she was basically socializing with Hollow was after all something unheard of back in Soul Society.
"Ah. I understand. It's just a little hard to get used to." She started. "But enough of that, what do you want to know, Ichigo?"
=0=
Walking back from Las Noches lower level after spending close to three hours with Rukia, Ichigo couldn't help but think back on it.
He had learned a lot from Rukia. For example he learned that his family was very important to him, he had a father and two sisters and Rukia told him he had seen his mother die in front of him a couple of years earlier and that he'd always blamed himself for her death. Rukia explained how his mother died and the resulting confrontation with his mother's killer after he had taken Rukia's Shinigami powers.
Rukia also told him about Sado, Inoue and Ishida. It seemed as if Sado had been his best friend for a while now. While Ichigo had never explained his the relationships he had with his friends in detail she had gathered that much herself.
Inoue seemed to be a person he had been steadily growing closer to when he had saved her after her brother had turned into a Hollow.
Ishida had been someone who disliked Ichigo greatly merely because he was a Shinigami. The 'natural enemy' of a Quincy. Their dislike had been mutual but it appeared they had bonded when they succeeded to drive of a Menos Grande and many dozens of other Hollow together. The cause of all those Hollow in the first place had been a 'friendly contest' which eventually got a bit out of hand.
Ichigo had felt a bit bad because apparently his former friends still cared for him greatly. They didn't understand however. Aizen had given him that which he longed for most at the time. Aizen had helped him gain power and in return he would serve Aizen. If Aizen had indeed given the order to kill them, Ichigo was afraid he would've had no choice despite how much he disliked killing in general. One would think his old friends would realise that the Ichigo they knew was gone though. He'd become a Hollow, evolved into a Vasto Lorde, swore loyalty to Aizen Sousuke and had finally become an Arrancar and an Espada. Even though they were not aware of all of those points, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out that he was no longer on their side.
Looking to his right, he found Nel calmly walking by his side. She had been mostly silent throughout his conversing with Rukia. He appreciated the gesture for he believed she'd done it because his past was something that was his alone. It wasn't something she could really help him with. Regardless, her silence was starting to freak him out as he laid a hand on her shoulder to shake out of er thoughts a loud voice interupted him.
"Well, if it isn't Aizen's dream duo," The annoying voice of Nnoitra rang out. Ichigo took a quick look at his surroundings, they had arrived outside not long ago, intending to take a shortcut to their quarters. If it came to it this place would suffice for a quick battle.
Looking over to Nel he saw annoyance flash across her face briefly again. One would've easily missed it, but he knew her too well for that.
"Nnoitra," Nel's voice rang out. "What is it that you want?" She asked, annoyed.
"I want a fight to the death! And I want it now, Nelliel!" Nnoitra yelled, raising his huge axe-like weapon into the air.
Nel meanwhile, closed her eyes and shook her head in disgust. Sighing she made to unsheathe her Zanpakutou. Before she got the chance to however, a hand stopped her. Looking up, she met the face of Ichigo looking at her.
"Let me-" He started.
"No, this is my fight Ichi. You should realise that. Don't bother to interfere, this will be over shortly." She cut him off rather rudely.
Ichigo knew she had a point but that didn't mean he had to like it. He'd wanted an excuse to beat Nnoitra into the ground ever since he first laid eyes on him.
"Well!? Are you ready Nelliel? Are you sure you don't want our dear Primera to help you!?" Nnoitra asked her mockingly.
Slowly, Nel unsheathed her Zanpakutou before holding it up and pointing it towards Nnoitra. As she raised her gaze towards Nnoitra she said only a few words before dissapearing into a buzz of sonido.
"Three minutes, this will be over in three minutes."
=0=
And another chapter done. Personally I had a lot of trouble writing this one. I have tried my best at reintroducing Rukia into the story. This is vital as she will play an important role later on. I hope the way she was brought in again was satisfactory though as I certainly didn't find it as easy as I had hoped.
As you have read our three human friends have started training as well. They will become more powerful, exactly what kind of level they can be expected to reach however I do not yet know.
Next I noticed I have received a lot of comments and questions concerning an Ichigo/Harem 'pairing'. Personally I don't really like those all that much but more then that I don't believe it will fit in well with my story and I prefer to have him remain faithful, so to speak. So no it's not likely that'll ever happen, sorry to dissapoint those who may have hoped it would.
Lastly I'd like for all of you to take note of the fact that we're starting to reach a sort of turning point in the story. Ichigo is starting to figure out most of his emotions and desires. He realises he wouldn't want to kill his friends but hides this again by covering it up with the fact that he has sworn loyalty to Aizen and thus will have to do as he is ordered.
Again thanks for reading another chapter and I ask you to review and let me know what you thought of it once more!