I think it's only far to warn you Mr. and Mrs. Readers that there will be at least light lemon tones throughout the remaining chapters of this story. Sorry if they ruined how you felt about the story or characters but... I hope you enjoyed the story thus far anyway.
Chapter 22: Breathe, Soar, & Roar
Several hours passed when the sunlight finally woke Ishida again. He checked the bed finding it empty. He exhaled ready to drift into sleep again when the tea kettle whistled. Ishida put on a robe leaving the bedroom.
In the kitchen, Rotondo was pouring two cups of tea when his ears rotated toward the Quincy. "Good you're up," the bear said carrying the cups to the table, "I was worried you wouldn't before I left."
"Left? You're leaving," Ishida asked.
"Yes, we only had a one day pass," Rotondo sounded chipper, "Hopefully Garland found something helpful. But if not at least my belief in Baldo will be."
"You're in a good mood today," Ishida lifted his tea.
"Thanks to you," Rotondo smiled, "Which is what I wanted to talk to you about. Have a seat."
"I don't think I can," Ishida rubbed his shoulder, "The bites are gone?"
Rotondo cleared his throat. "I, um, I healed you with some Kido but wasn't sure the effect it would have everywhere else," Rotondo's voice saddens, "I'm sorry about last night."
"It's okay. It's natural for your instincts to come through."
"No, it's not okay," Rotondo answered upset, "It justifies why Squad 14 was disbanded and validates why nobody would join. If I can't control my instincts around the people I love then I really am an animal."
"If those people can't see past the fact that you're a bear then they don't deserve to know the real you," Ishida finished with a realization, "Wait? Did you say you love me?"
"Maybe," Rotondo looked away possibly blushing under his black fur, "I mean if you could find it in your heart to love a beast like me."
Ishida walked over and hugged the bear who smelled a bit like coconut. The Quincy kissed Rotondo's cheek. "Is it weird for a Quincy to love a Soul Reaper?"
"Only if it's weird for a Soul Reaper to love a Quincy," Rotondo let go of the embrace, "I wish I could stay a while longer.
"I promise next time I'll be gentler working out my frustrations."
Ishida laughed rubbing his butt, "Yeah, next time."
Rotondo walked to the door. "Oh," he turned tossing a bottle of shampoo to Ishida, "I used all your coconut shampoo so I borrowed that from your neighbor but don't tell anyone."
"Don't tell anyone," Ishida waved the bottle in the air, "You stole it?"
"No, I left her the empty bottle."
Ishida's hand slapped his forehead. "You what? I'm going to get in trouble," Ishida yelled, "Why did you use the rest of my shampoo anyway?"
"I needed it to get us out of my fur," Rotondo innocently smiled.
Ishida laughed. "I can't stay mad at you. Go save, Baldo. I want to see you again real soon."
"I'll see you later Yuru," Rotondo waved disappearing through the door.
Invigorated by his night with Ishida, Rotondo hummed turning to Urahara's shop. He was surprised to find Garland, Tessai, and Urahara waiting outside for him.
"Where were you," Garland asked, "We missed our scheduled return window."
"Sorry. I ran into Ishida and lost track of time catching up," Rotondo bowed apologizing before looking at Garland. "Were you able to figure out a way to help Baldo?"
"I think we've come up with a sound strategy," Urahara said opening his hand held fan. "Though it's insanely dangerous, forbidden, and only you two can do it."
Rotondo smiled, "Sounds like its right up our alley." The bear followed with, "What is it?"
"Why not tell him Master Garland," Tessai said.
"Master," Rotondo looked questioningly at Garland.
Garland smiled, "Remember when we helped Baldo train…"
Surrounded by darkness, Baldo ran through the emptiness unable to tell whether he was getting anywhere.
"Dad," Baldo yelled into the darkness. "Rotondo? Garland," his voice echoed without response. "Draco," the silence remained undisturbed. Baldo trembled, "Twig, I'm scared."
"As you should be," a voice answered all around him.
"Algera," Baldo growled.
"Oh you recognize my twisted voice already," the voice relished in her surprise. She continued, "Normally, I am able to absorb and take control without my host knowing."
"Host," Baldo's eyes narrowed, "So you are a parasite after all."
She laughs, "Yes, my awaken form is a cloud of dust that enters another's body. Once I'm inside I take over the host's body by manipulating their mind until I assimilate their consciousness. I'll continue until I am the only one remaining.
"There's no stopping me. No defense and no way for your friends or family to help you," Algera shrieks in laughter, "You are powerless against me."
"Guess again. I know your weakness. Breathe… Bankai, Draco Dragoon, Fire," Baldo shouted but nothing happened.
Her voice echoed in victorious laughter, "Don't you get that I am in control. I've sealed away your spiritual power until it's mine.
"You've lost control of your body, the defenses of your mind, and your consciousness will break. It's only a matter of time."
"No, I don't believe you," Baldo shouted into the nothingness.
"Allow me to demonstrate," she laughed as Baldo's arms and legs shook moving involuntarily before falling heavy and cold like steel.
"I won't let you," Baldo screamed countering, "I promised. I have to tell my dad something. I promised when I got better. I promised!"
"Give up. You're in a place they'll never be able to reach you or you them," Algera argued, "You're friends and family have abandoned you."
"No, you're wrong! They'll never abandon me," Baldo yelled into the darkness, "Because they are part of me."
A new sensation spread across Baldo's left arm. It was a warm and calming feeling that made Baldo feel back in control.
"A part of you," the Espada's voice laughed echoing all around him. "Let's see how much a part of you they are," her laugh pulled glimpses of Baldo's family into view.
Baldo's eyes widen in terror as his family appeared bloody and with broken or missing limbs. Slashes and cuts streamed blood down their faces.
"You killed us," the images each took a turn saying before vanishing back into the darkness.
"Why did you cut me, Baldo," one of his cousins asked with the top half of her head missing.
"I'm sorry," Baldo repeated collapsing to his knees. As new images passed in and out of focus, he continued repeating, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I killed you."
Baldo sobbed then an image of his father appeared. The furry wolf stood without saying a word locking his golden eyes with Baldo's.
Captain Komamura's eyes projected the love, gentleness, and kindness Baldo saw every day. This image did not direct blame, anger, or despair at Baldo.
Reaching down his hand, Baldo clasped it as a sensation of warmth filled Baldo like before.
"Thanks, dad," Baldo stood leaning on his father for support. "I have something to tell you."
Now the wolf's eyes projected sorrow as the captain faded leaving Baldo alone once again. Baldo's hand balled into a fist, "Right, dad."
"Your will is strong," Algera's voice echoed, "Let's see how long it will take to break!"
The nothingness around him transformed into Ashdum Park and Baldo was forced to relive the Hollow slaughtering his family and eating their souls. Once again Baldo runs toward the chaos.
He reaches the pavilion to hear Gena crying while being protected by his motionless mother. The Hollow heard the baby's cries too. Baldo raced the Hollow repeating, "Get there! Get there! Get there!"
Baldo appeared in front of the Hollow but was sent flying into the pavilion by a punch. Blood spurts from his mouth.
"Fool. I have the power to control minds. Do you really think I could not alter memories," Algera laughed somewhere in the park. "You cannot win. You don't have your zanpakuto's powers remember."
"Shut up," Baldo wiped his mouth running back toward the Hollow. It raised its claw again toward Gena. Baldo repeated, "Get there," over and over.
"Impossible," Algera yelled, "How!"
Baldo held Draco in his stick form and blocked the descending arm. After knocking the Hollow backward, Baldo cradled Gena in his left arm. He looked confidently, "I am Draco's power."
'Thank you, Draco,' Baldo thought destroying the Hollow. 'I'm glad to have you back.'
'I never left,' Draco replied.
'I know but I just needed to hear your voice.'
'We have a ways to go before we're truly reunited.'
'Right!'
"Why can't I hear your thoughts," Algera cried out.
"Because THIS IS MY MIND," Baldo shouted, "I AM THE ONE IN CONTROL OF IT!"
"Don't underestimate me just because you've unlocked some spiritual energy," Algera growled.
All of Baldo's family members rose transforming into an army of Hollows except for Gena who remained a baby in Baldo's arm.
"You killed us," the Hollows chanted. As their attack started Ashdum Park faded and Baldo ended up surrounded by the darkness once again. However not alone, he held Draco's twig form and Gena.
Hollow claws would appear either cutting or being defended by Baldo before becoming one with the darkness again. Their taunts of dying by his hands grew louder. The darkness transformed into the woods where he met Rotondo and Garland.
The psychological attack continued as he watched Rotondo struggle futilely while ensnared in the bear trap and Garland being cut down due to Baldo's helplessness.
"Garland," Baldo yelled.
Though both visions showed Garland and Rotondo killed, they did not join the attacking Hollows. Instead Rotondo's eyes filled with sorrow and Garland smiled before fading like Captain Komamura.
Two little wolf cubs appeared growling at the Hollows. Baldo intercepted a Hollow running at them. "Timber! Luna!" Baldo exclaimed as he swung Draco's wooden body like a Bo staff as if empowered by nature itself.
The forest changed into the Jersey woods as Baldo ran followed by the wolf cubs still holding Draco and Gena. He protected the children from the Hollows still blaming Baldo for their suffering. The Hollows combined into each other transforming into a Menos Grande.
Charging and firing a Cero, Baldo's eyes widened when his father stepped in front of him. The wolf captain absorbed the blast then countered slashing the Menos in half.
Baldo knelt crying beside Captain Komamura who smiled turning to dust like Kageroza's Mod Soul. The scene faded and Baldo reentered the darkness carrying his cousin and Draco while Timber and Luna followed on his heels.
The darkness didn't last long as Baldo found himself battling the Hollows in the Rukon district. Backed against a well, Baldo heard crying and spotted Marcus with knees curled to his chest.
"It's okay. I'll protect you," Baldo said kindly. The boy looked up at him. Baldo squatted down, "Climb on my back and hold on."
Marcus obeyed returning with Baldo back into the world of darkness. The cubs positioned at his feet while holding Gena sleeping peacefully in his left arm and Draco in his right with Marcus draped on his back.
Baldo's family appeared in Hollow form surrounded them chanting, "You killed us" over and over causing Baldo to bow his head.
"Do you have anything to say to your family, Baldo," Algera appeared before Baldo reminding him of a dust cloud with green hair. She continued her taunt, "Being responsible for killing them twice. It's your spiritual energy that drew the Hollow on the day of the reunion allowing it to feast on their souls.
"Then you ran away killing them one by one as they tried forgiving you and making you part of their family again," Algera laughed, "Do you have anything to say?"
"Yes," Baldo trembled, "I am sorry. I am sorry I killed you all. I'm sorry I could not save all of you the day of the reunion."
Gena cried.
"I'm sorry. I ran away and abandon you. I was scared and didn't know how to help you. I'm sorry I disappeared in the moonlight."
Timber and Luna howled.
"I'm sorry. I became a monster that frightens you destroying the bond that once connected us."
Marcus began trembling.
"I'm sorry but since those days I promised to use all the strength within me to protect the innocent," Baldo looked at Algera with enough resolve to make her gasp.
"Do you really think you can defeat me and your family all alone," Algera laughed regaining her composure, "Kill him THOMPSON CLAN!"
"Maul, Ursa Minor."
"Howl in the moonlight, Fenrir."
"Roar, Tenken," the final voice rang out as a sword smashed into the nothingness causing a shockwave of spirit pressure.
When it settled, Captain Komamura stood before Baldo wearing his Squad 7 haori. Turning Baldo found Garland and Rotondo positioned like a triangle around him.
"D-dad? Garland? Rotondo," Baldo gasped.
"Sorry we're late Captain," Rotondo said, "We had trouble finding the place."
"How?"
"We'll explain later," Garland answered.
"Now let's end this and go home," Rotondo added as he and Garland ran toward the Hollows.
"Baldo," Sajin said, "Ichigo and the others told me the burden you've carried your whole life. Let us shoulder the burden with you."
"D-dad," Baldo whispered.
"We'll handle your family," his father ordered, "While you defeat Algera."
The Squad 7 Captain ran forward engaging the Hollows. Baldo turned to Algera who smiles and laughs.
"Do you really think you'll be able to defeat me holding all those children," she shrieked rushing Baldo.
Algera attacked Baldo but directed her critical strikes at any one of the four children. Baldo dodged, countered, or absorbed the hit in an unprotected area shuffling the youths out of the way.
Algera laughed backing away, "With those children burdening you, you are no match for me. I will kill you then take control of those animals," she mused, "It's futile."
"Your arrogance proves how little power you possess. You could never control my memories of them," Baldo replied breathing heavily, "You could never possess them."
"Oh," she smiled.
"You underestimate Rotondo's strengths of friendship and love. Garland's bonds of loyalty and trust and my father, Captain Sajin Komamura, convictions for gentleness, kindness, and compassion," Baldo said, "And you underestimate my desire to protect them and the innocent.
"To think you can control one of us is pure foolishness as all of us are one. We are the beasts of the Seireitei," Baldo roared.
"Beasts that are to be hunted and mounted on my wall," She came at Baldo, "With those burdens all around you, you have no chance of winning!"
"Calling them burdens proves how little in control you were," Baldo held out Draco, "These children are the manifestation of my spiritual power."
"How little in control I am!"
"Breathe… So my lungs fill with air so I may stand…"
Marcus began to glow.
"I am the most powerful Espada ever created. My strength is absolute!"
"Soar… With the strength and speed so I may fight…"
Timber and Luna gained an aura.
"I will destroy you and prove how powerful I am."
"Roar… Enduring my hide so I may shield…"
Gena's cry became sunlight.
"Now die," Algera's voice filled with bloodlust.
"So I may protect the innocent," Baldo yelled, "Bankai, Draco Dragoon!"
Draco erupts into spirit energy creating a whirlwind of flames surrounding Baldo. Marcus transformed into Draco's head. The wolf cubs became the dragon's claws and wings. Then baby Gena changed into Draco's body and tail.
When Baldo emerged from the flame, he bellowed the most ferocious roar that it shattered the darkness. Instead flames engulfed the battlefield swallowing everyone.
Rotondo looked at his hands, "It's not hot? Why isn't it hot?"
Garland remained silent as the Hollow masks began shattering slowly changing the monsters back into Baldo's family.
"Baldo's creating it," Sajin stared at the blaze engulfing Algera and Baldo. His voice was filled with concern, "He's choosing who it burns."
A hand tugs the captain's haori from behind. Turning, Sajin towers over Baldo's mother. She smiled warmly with a tear in her eye, "Thank you for loving my son."
Sajin's own eyes fill with water. "He holds the same special place in here," Sajin places his fist over his heart, "As you have in his."
"No," she smiles, "It's not our place anymore. It's yours." Sajin cries, "He can finally let us go." She and the family start fading. "Love and protect him."
Sajin clasped her hand and knelt on one knee, "Everyday with every breath I take. Forever" Baldo's family disappears.
The wolf's attention returns to Baldo when Algera screamed in pain. The fire subsided leaving only a human form of Baldo in the air. He slowly fell unconscious into his father's arms.
"No, not again. Not again, Baldo," Sajin pleaded.
"She's still in him," Garland said approaching beside Rotondo, "She's weak but alive."
"If only there was a way for him to breathe fire," Rotondo said fearfully.
"Breathe fire," the wolf captain stroked Baldo's face. Sajin bent forward kissing Baldo's lips thinking 'Tenken give me the power.'
In response, a low constant flame escaped the wolf's mouth finding sanctuary in Baldo's. Just as Baldo freed his father three years ago, Sajin slowly raised the temperature of the flame coursing through Baldo's body.
A rush of heated air exhaled through Baldo's nose gently warming the wolf's cheek. Sajin pulled back seeing Baldo looking at him.
"Best kiss ever," Baldo smiled.
"I don't know. That one from three years ago was pretty memorable," Sajin joked half heartedly.
"Dad, I'm sorry," Baldo said. He continued when the wolf looked questioningly at him, "I got blood all over your kimono."
Sajin erupted in laughter pulling Baldo into an embrace, "I'll have to stop wearing them around you."
Baldo returned a laugh then looked at Garland. "Is it over?"
"Yes," Garland smiled wagging his tail, "She's gone."
Sajin held Baldo staring into the boy's eyes, "Let's go home."
"Best plan I heard all day," Rotondo cracked a shoulder blade then winked at Baldo, "Other than rescuing Baldo of course."
Baldo laughed and agreed. Garland began a long complicated chant that caused all of them to glow than vanish from the world of flame.