Next Chapter! Thanks for the wonderful reviews (Rukia Death Kuchiki, Romance Junky, Hatake Tsughi, Revolation, Nejisakura, Powerful-pheonix)
I think reviews are the best way to help an author gear their writing. I looked at my story stats today (just figured out how) and i was flattered to see how many people read my story (and past chapter).
Please review if you read (of course if you want to!). Don't tell me Naruto readers are much better at reviewing ;)
Warning: Cliffie ahead! Read at your own will!
Rukia stood at the base of the never-ending tree. She peered upward, until she could see the darkness engulfing the treetop. She knew that above those twisted branches was the desert of Hueco Mundo.
"We came in around here. Somewhere…,"she mumbled to herself. "I just can't remember where!" She peered around, looking for some remnants of the hole in the ground she had made upon their arrival.
"We have to climb back up there?" Renji moaned. Ichigo scowled.
"Shut up! Of course we do! How else do you think Urahara will find us?" she rolled her eyes at her tattooed friend.
"I know, I know," he agreed sadly. "It's easy for you to say, you aren't lugging him around," he gestured toward the unconscious Ashido.
Rukia chewed her lip, it was going to be difficult to drag him to the top. "Sorry," she replied softly. She turned to peer upward, once again. Finally, she settled on shattering the forest's ceiling, revealing the dark sky above. They could escape this horrid forest through the opening, and shield their reiatsu once they made it above.
"Move back," she warned, as she lifted her face to the darkness above. She closed her eyes, and began to recall the incantation, "Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws." A shot of blue fire extended toward the forest's ceiling; a faint echoing was the only evidence of the collision between sky and fire.
A few pieces of earth gently fell to the ground, followed by a massive avalanche of debris. An echo ripped through the air, as Ichigo saw the heavy tree limb crashing toward Rukia. She seemed to be unaware of its rapid descent.
"Rukia!" he yelled. He quickly moved from under Ashido's arm, using his shunpo to reach Rukia.
Her eyes widened at his sudden, baritone call. His arm quickly wrapped around her waist, as he flashed her away. The tree branch hit the ground with a crushing acceleration, smashing into bits of nothingness. Rukia stared at the crater in the ground—the only reminder of the branch's existence.
"You need to be more careful," he chastised her, his arm still locked around her waist.
She seemed to notice his embrace, her face reddening as she pushed against him. "I was watching, you idiot! You distracted me!" She quickly pulled away from him.
"Hey, bastard! You could have warned me you were going to do that!" Renji bellowed as he awkwardly adjusted to the new weight on his shoulder. He glared at Ichigo angrily.
Ichigo didn't reply, instead scowling darkly at Rukia as she met his glare with equal intensity. She had seen that branch, but had forgotten about it when she heard him call her name. It was as if the falling branch was so insignificant next to Ichigo's need for her. She blushed more furiously at the thought of his arm around her waist. He could have pulled her away by her arm! As she glared at Ichigo, she could see a faint light flickering across his face.
"The desert!" she huffed, looking toward the small light that exuded from the tiny crevice in the ceiling. She could see the sharp tip of the moon as it hovered over the desert above.
Ichigo looked to where she was staring. "We are going to climb up there? Through that?" he asked, unsure of how they would accomplish that feat.
"Yes, idiot!" she replied, matter-of-factly. She nimbly leaped upward, launching herself up the trunk from branch to branch. She hesitated, looking down on her two companions and their incapacitated luggage. "Well? What are you waiting for?" she yelled down to them.
"It's not that easy for us, midget!" Ichigo pointed toward Ashido's unconscious body.
Oh. She had forgotten about that. She considered using a forbidden kido to teleport Ashido, but quickly cast the thought aside as Icihgo helped Renji leap upward. She continued ahead, scanning the vast expanse for any foreign reiatsu as she reached the silent desert. She squinted into the darkness that surrounded her as the moon shone down on her from above. She heard Renji and Ichigo hoist themselves through the mandmade opening.
"Careful!" she barked as they practically tossed Ashido's body onto the white sand.
"Say that after you've carried him this far!" Ichigo retorted, dusting the sand from his uniform.
Renji fell, outstretched, onto the sand. He was breathing heavily. "How much longer until Urahara opens the gate for us?"
"One hour," she replied, using the moonlight to help her see the hands on the tiny watch. "Let's move elsewhere, so I can set up a suitable barrier for protection. Just in case anything has detected our presence."
Renji complained as he stood, his back aching from carrying the comatose shinigami. He didn't know this man, and he already disliked him. He knew it was unfair, but carrying his body through Hueco Mundo was not a joyride, either. He grabbed the man by his feet, dragging him, as Ichigo smirked.
"Hey! " Rukia howled, "Renji!" She glared warningly at her friend, who grudgingly attempted to lift Ashido's body. "If you do that again, you're dead meat!"
"Yeah, yeah," he shrugged, rolling his eyes. Ichigo couldn't help but laugh. It was cut short by Rukia's violet warning.
"Let's just head a little over that way," she indicated with her hand.
"Good, and then you can carry him," Renji snidely remarked.
"I will," she retorted, as she flounced past him. She made it a few yards before stopping completely. Her hands balled into fists as her shoulders went rigid.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked as he noticed her sudden halt. "Rukia?" he said softly.
"I—I feel….something," she replied hoarsely. Shit! she thought, we had been too careless!
Suddenly, the crushing spiritual pressure forced the three to their knees, as Ashido's body limply fell to the ground. Rukia's eyes wandered over the desert-covered land. She could only see the sparse trees dotting the white sand as it shimmered dangerously in the moonlight.
"What the hell is that?" Ichigo growled. His body felt the strain of the intense pressure forcing him to the ground. He fought his body's desire to cater to the energy's will.
As if waiting for the question, the sand in front of Rukia split open with a loud roar. Two bulky figures stood before them, their arms crossed over their chests.
"Well, well, what do we have—" one began.
"Here, you ask?" the other replied. "I think they are—"
"Intruders. Indeed," the first one finished, as its red eyes narrowed behind its snakelike mask.
"What the hell are they?" Ichigo breathed.
"Adjuchas," Rukia replied calmly. "Similar in power to the one we met in the forest, earlier." She knew that it was risky to fight one Adjuchas—let alone two. It would be difficult to battle two Adjuchas, especially if they were captain-level in strength. She could feel her palms sweating as she unclenched her hands.
"Let's kick their asses and keep moving!" Ichigo growled, as he tried to rise to his feet.
"Down, shinigami!" the second Adjuchas barked. "What do you think Remus?"
"I think this should be an easy defeat, Romulus," the first snarled, gnashing his razor sharp fangs of his mask.
A sudden sense of dread rose in Rukia's core as she realized their murderous intent. Something was…off with this situation. She scanned the two muscular Adjuchas: their masks were similar, as were their hollow holes. It was if they were mirror images of one another. She thought about how they complete each other's sentences--perhaps they also complement one another with their fighting skills? She allowed herself to speak, "There is someone else."
Romulus' red eyes widened in surprise, "This one…"
"…is quite intuitive, yes, dear twin," Remus completed his sentence. He studied the female shinigami through narrowed eyes. Like his brother, his body was slender and muscular, his hands and feet were reptilian-like, with sharp claws growing from its digits.
"Do you think we should tell her?" Romulus questioned.
"We will kill them anyway, so what harm could it do, brother?" Remus sneered at the three. "And they brought us easy prey," he eyed Ashido. "What a gift!"
"Yes, yes, just remember to share!" Romulus hissed, his tongue darting from between its fang-like teeth. He looked to Rukia, "Shinigami, you feel our Queen. She is our protector, and we are her guardians."
So there was another Hollow! That must be the immense spiritual pressure we had just felt, she told herself. Not only would they have to battle these two, but there was a potential third opponent.
"Where is this…queen?" Rukia asked slowly.
Their hisses hurt her ears. "Do not address her so simply, Human! She is here, with us. She is watching over us. She is the new ruler of Hueco Mundo!"
"What about Aizen?" Rukia dared.
Remus laughed, "Aizen is no more--Hueco Mundo ruled by a Shinigami. How destesting. A new dawn has begun!"
Before she could hatch another question, Ichigo flew past her, his zanpakuto drawn. "Ichigo!" she screamed. "No!" It was too late, he was furiously swinging Zangetsu at the Adjuchas twins, daring to take both on at the same time.
"Don't start without me, Ichigo!" Renji roared. "Howl!" he bellowed, releasing Zabimaru's shikai.
Rukia felt her stomach sink as the two men left Ashido helpless to battle the Adjuchas. She watched as the Hollows warded off their hot-headed attacks. She grumbled as she rose to her feet, thinking about what to do next. Before she could formulate a plan, Remus—or so she thought—plunged into the sand, head first.
"What the--?" Renji huffed, as his opponent disappeared. He circled the area, Zabimaru drawn and ready to strike.
"Quit playing around, Renji!" Ichigo yelled, as he lunged at Romulus.
"But the bastard disappeared," he whined. Suddenly Rukia saw a slight bulge in the sand and took advantage of the situation. She launched herself over the sandy surface, plunging Sode no Shirayuki into the sand. She felt a give as her sword sliced through the Adjuchas' skin. She was tossed aside as the reptilian hollow burst from the sand below both her and Renji. She skidded along the cool surface, her skin being rubbed raw from the impact. Renji landed headfirst next to her.
"Rukia, I can handle myself," he spat the sand from his mouth.
"I was taking advantage of the situation," she replied quickly. "We don't know what to expect from these two. They could each be as powerful as a Shinigami Captain," she warned.
Renji met her gaze, understanding the severity of the situation-at-hand. He nodded, "You're right. I should be more careful." Their conversation was cut short as Remus screeched as his severed hand dangled from his limb. He landed heavily next to Romulus, the impact creating a sand wave that launched Ichigo backwards.
"You bitch!" he hissed as he glared at Rukia. "I'll kill you. Heal me, brother!" The two stood in close proximity, their backs to one another.
Rukia watched his wounds slowly mended. So that was it! They would never be able to fatally wound one of them while the other was in close proximity. "Renji!" she whispered, "we have to separate them!"
"What?" he replied, his confusion evident on his face.
"I think they can heal one another when they are close to one another. I think that's what is unique about their power. If we can separate them far enough apart, perhaps you can finish each of them off."
Renji calculated Rukia's instructions, smiling at the thought of defeating the annoying creatures. "Gotcha," he murmured as he stood to re-enter the battle. "Hey Ichigo, don't hog all the fun!"
"Quit being a lazy ass and help me!" Ichigo bellowed as he used his shunpo to move behind Remus, slicing through his back. Sure enough, the gaping wound healed before their eyes.
So Rukia was right, Renji thought as Ichigo's eyes widened in confusion. "What the--?" he began.
"How about a little one-on-one?" Renji asked, as he flashed to Ichigo's side.
"These humans are quite—" Remus began.
"Bothersome, yes." Romulus answered.
"Shut the hell up!" Ichigo yelled, as he swung his massive zanpakuto fiercely.
"Rukia!" Renji yelled, as she was placing a kido barrier around Ashido. "How about a little help, Kido Master!"
She immediately understood his insinuation. She summoned Way of Destruction No. 58. "Orchid Sky!" she murmured as she wordlessly incanted the spell. The tornado-like wind blasted the Adjuchas nearest Renji away from his brother. Renji had been prepared for the attack, quickly placing himself between the Hollow and his twin.
"Gotcha now, Romy," Renji hissed.
"It's Remus!" the Hollow snapped.
"Either way, I do not care. It's your end now," he boasted. "Bankai!" he commanded. He was immediately surrounded by the bone-like structure of Zabimaru. "I don't have time for this!" he roared.
"Quite intimidating, I must admit," the Adjuchas sneered, as he attempted to disappear into the sand.
"No you don't!" Rukia calmly replied, as the Adjuchas collided with the icy ground of Tsukishiro. "Your time here is over. Rest in peace," she murmured as she slashed through the air with her sword, leaping skywards. Before the Adjuchas could respond, he was overwhelmed by the pillar of ice. The ice column shattered, along with its trapped victim. Rukia landed softly, sheathing Sode no Shirayuki as she did so.
"Not fair!" Renji whined. "I was about to finish him off!"
"Then do it faster," she reprimanded him. "We don't have much time!"
"I would have if you wouldn't have interrupted. Just because you were training doesn't mean you should interrupt someone else's fight, you know!"
"You shouldn't toy with your prey," she haughtily replied.
"Mind your own business!" he yelled, his eyes bulging. He recalled his bankai, the snake skeleton disappearing into thin air. "That was a waste," he mumbled.
The sound of Ichigo's command brought them both back to reality. "Getsuga Tensho!" he yelled as the Adjuchas screamed, "Brother!" He managed to dodge the crescent-shaped wave of energy, as he launched toward Ichigo with his claws outstretched.
"I'll kill you Shinigami!" he hissed in his blind rage. Just as he was about to sink his claws into the stunned Ichigo, a sudden force propelled him backward. Ichigo immediately looked toward Rukia as she stood, her finger pointed toward Ichigo. Their eyes connected in a moment of understanding, as her hand fell back to her side. She would not interfere anymore. It was Ichigo's fight now.
Thanks, he mouthed, as he instantly slashed the large sword at the ground, crushing the land before him. The remaining Adjuchas was blown backward and smothered in the second wave of Getsuga Tensho's attack. He roared in frustration and agony. Before he could free himself from the rubble, Ichigo was upon him, slicing his sword through the snake-like mask. The fated brother immediately disappeared into thousands of tiny fragments of spiritual energy as Ichigo raised his sword over his head, placing it behind his back.
"That was close," he sighed, rubbing his head as he slowly walked back toward Rukia, Renji, and the unconscious Ashido. Suddenly, a thin blade pierced through his left shoulder, as his eyes widened in surprise.
"Ichigo!" Rukia and Renji yelled in unison.
"I—what?" Ichigo replied, confusion edging into his voice. The blade retracted as he was tossed aside. The humanoid form cackled as it stepped over Ichigo's injured body.
Rukia's eyes followed the newcomer. This was the source of the intense spiritual energy that they encountered earlier! This was the 'Queen' that Remus and Romulus had spoken of. She casually stood, her hands on her wide hips, as her ragged, scant attire barely hid her skin. Her hair was a grayish blue color, worn long and spiky as it fell stiffly down her back. Around her eyes were the bony remnants of her former hollow self, a black scar covering her nose and part of her cheeks. Her black lips curved into a sickly smile, as she examined the sharp, nails that she had plunged into Ichigo's warm chest. Each of her fingers were covered with the sharp tips, which Rukia was sure could cause excruciating damage. Her dark eyes gleamed with pride as the bright red blood dripped from her fingers.
This must be her hollow form, Rukia thought, as her mouth became dry in panic. She could see Ichigo attempting to push himself off the ground as the sand was stained with his blood. Stay down, you fool! she silently screamed. Stay down!
She lithely stepped over Ichigo's body, using her foot to push him back down to the ground. "I should never have sent those idiots to do a job I could handle," the female voice purred. "This is going to be…quite delicious," she hummed.
"An Arrancar?" Renji whispered, his mind racing. He could see Rukia nod from the corner of his eye. Shit, this is NOT good, he told himself. He remembered the Arrancar that they had met in Hueco Mundo. They had almost lost their lives. And, right now, Ichigo was holding onto his by a thread.
The Arrancar studied the two Shinigami with her black eyes, the same seductive smile spread on her face. "You two make a cute couple. Shame I'm going to kill both of you," she shrugged.
"Bring it lady!" Renji said, defensively changing his stance.
"Ooh, I like your spirit. Maybe I'll keep you as my pet. A ruler could always use a pet," she teased.
"Ruler?" Rukia echoed, stalling for time. She had to think, and quickly.
"Yes," she arched an eyebrow, her onyx eyes gleaming. "I rule all of Hueco Mundo. I am its new Queen."
"Hah," Rukia scoffed. "There is nothing to rule!"
"Tsk, silly human. What would you know?" she rebuked. "We Arrancar are quite few, I admit, but those that are surviving are strong. We have waited for that insufferable Aizen's reign to end. Now, we can return to our former glory. Too bad you won't be able to see it," she took another step. Her eyes widened momentarily, as she felt a hand around her ankle.
"Who said anything…about dying?" Ichigo spat, lifting himself to the ground. The Queen spun on heel, the back of her hand hitting Ichigo across the face. The impact sent him reeling backwards as his mouth filled with blood. He smiled, his teeth stained red. "I am not done, yet," he warned.
Renji attempted to take advantage of the situation, as he used his shunpo to attack. He stood there, in wide eyed amazement as the Arrancar disappeared from her former spot. Sonido! his mind screamed. Before he could react, he could feel her behind him.
"My pesquisa tells me that you are quite powerful. Pity. You would have been fun to toy with," she purred, as she brushed her fingers along his side.
"Renji!" Rukia yelled, as she saw the Arrancar deftly sink her deadly fingertips into his side.
Renji's eyes went wide, as he realized that he no longer had control over his body. He fell to the ground, his body numb and slowly going cold. The Arrancar Queen quietly stepped over him, as looked down upon the redheaded human. "Shame," she whispered, picking up his limp body and throwing it in Rukia's direction. "I'll let you say goodbye," she cackled.
Rukia immediately knelt next to Renji's lifeless body. "You fool, what were you thinking?" she growled.
"Shit," he replied. "I can't move. Is this a poison?"
"I'm not sure," she shook her head. Her eyes meeting the careful gaze of the Arrancar. She attempted to use any healing kido she could think of to help her childhood friend. "Shit, I'm not good at healing kido," she admitted.
"Don't think about going into the Fourth Division," he said softly.
Rukia could see the movement in her periphery. The flash of black and red. "Bankai!" she heard his strained voice ring out.
Her head shot up, "No!" she yelled.
Ichigo stood on the other side of the Arrancar, who slowly turned toward the voice. "Oh? You're still alive?" she mused.
"Don't underestimate me!" Ichigo challenged, his zanpakuto taking the form of a slender long-sword.
"New sword?" she hissed, eyeing the katana appreciatively.
"Getsuga Tensho!" he bellowed. The sand beneath the Arrancar rumbled as the powerful attack spread out around them. Rukia grabbed Renji by his arm, dragging him from harm's way—closer to Ashido's weakened body. She had momentarily forgotten about him. She stretched the barrier around Renji as well, before stepping away from the minute protection.
The Arrancar Queen laughed heartily, "That's it? That's the best you can do? I'm disappointed, really!"
"Shut up!" Ichigo called, placing his hand in front of his face. This time, he managed to stun the enemy with his Vizard appearance. He used his accelerated shunpo to take her by surprise, as he plunged his zanpakuto into her stomach.
She laughed hysterically, "The odds!" She gripped the sword with her hands, pulling the sword toward her. She plunged her sharp talons into his chest.
Vizard Ichigo stumble backwards, the paralysis beginning immediately. He pulled his long sword with him, as it slid effortless from the hole in her abdomen—her Hollow hole.
No, no, no! Rukia thought. She was frozen in place by fear.
"Let's see how she holds up from my attack!" the Arrancar hissed, her black eyes falling on Rukia.
"No! I'm not done!" Ichigo yelled, as he struggled to his lifeless feet.
The Arrancar's hair grew around her as she ignored Ichigo's challenge. "Needle Barrage!" she breathed, her eyes wide with pure joy.
Rukia's mind stumbled for the words of the kido incantation to shield herself, but her mind went blank. She looked at Ichigo as he struggled to rise from his helpless position. He met her gaze frantically, "Rukia!" His hollow mask was deteriorating, his eyes turning from yellow to their normal hue. Before she could respond, he was in front of her, shielding her from the attack.
"What? You could still move? After my attacks?" the Arrancar mused. "Amazing!"
"You alright?" he whispered to Rukia, as he stumbled forward a step.
"Yes," she whispered, panic rising in her throat.
"I only wanted to protect you," he said softly as he collapsed. She outstretched her arms, catching him as he fell. His head rested on her shoulder. "I'm sorry," he whispered into her small frame. "I only wanted you to talk to me," he admitted. He didn't need to elaborate, she understood.
"I wanted to protect you for once," she replied softly. "This is not your fault, Ichigo," she replied as he clung to her Shinigami uniform. Blood ran from his forehead onto her chest. She could feel the warmth through the fabric as she held him close, rocking him as he became weaker, his muscles no longer listening to his commands.
"I…feel so…weak," he murmured. "Get out of here, save yourself," he whispered.
"How precious!" came the shrill cackle.
Rukia could feel the tears stinging her eyes as she glared at the woman. She could feel Ichigo growing weaker. Her chest burned with rage.
"Are you crying?" the Arrancar spat. "How weak! To cry over a man! You are not worth my pity!"
She could feel the blood pounding in her ears; her heart racing with anger. She could see the tiny icy crystals forming over Ichigo's black uniform as the surrounding energy froze from her sudden emotional change. He had done it again! He had protected her. She felt the hot tears fall down her cheeks as she softly laid Ichigo onto the ground.
"What are you doing?" he asked weakly, his breathing becoming more labored.
"I'm going to fight!" she replied coldly. "I'm going to protect you this time!"
"Don't be stupid, save yourself. Run!" he pleaded.
"Yes! Run little girl. Run far away!" the Arrancar Queen screeched, before a round of hysterics. "This is absolutely beautiful. Raw emotion. It almost makes up for you killng my twin pets!"
Rukia clenched her fists, her eyes burning violet fury. She stood, as Ichigo looked up at her helplessly. "Don't," he whispered.
"Thank you Ichigo," she replied, looking at him softly. "For teaching me how to care. For showing me what friendship and trust is. For being there. But...I'm tired of being the weak one. I'm tired of being protected. Thank you," she whispered, one last tear silently falling down her cheek. "You mean more to me than you will ever know."
Ichigo followed Rukia's movements with his eyes. "What is she doing?" he heard Renji panic. "Shit! No, Rukia!"
Rukia's back was to him, but she could hear his pleads, "I have to do this, Renji...you've been a good friend, and I thank you…" her voice trailed off. She raised her face to the self-proclaimed ruler of Hueco Mundo.
"You are going to challenge me? You challenge me?" the Arrancar hissed, her lust for conquest spreading across her face. "I'll gladly kill you. Then I'll kill your friends," she promised.
Rukia met her crazed gaze with one of equal determination. "I do not fear my death, so long as I save my friends. Death comes to us all, and if I can save those closest to me, then it is a small sacrifice." Her knuckles were turning white from her conviction as she clenched her zanpakuto hilt forefully. No, I will not allow you to take away all that is precious to me, she silently promised. I will be strong. I will face this challenge, regardless of whether I live or die. I am ready, she wordlessly promised herself. She closed her eyes, preparing herself for the battle that lay ahead.
…I am here… came the weak reply. Trust me…
Who? she silently searched out the familiar voice. It was a new feeling overcoming her.
Do you not know me? I am with you, always, Rukia. Trust in me…
Rukia's eyes fluttered open, a new light shining in them. She swiftly unsheathed her zanpakuto as the sand swirled around her. The wind blew through her hair, as a new confidence overtook her.
"Bankai!" her voice rang out.