Drunk Lightning

by TheFaroh

They met on the battlefield. Two opposing sides in a war. Can friendship blossom between the two? Perhaps something more?

1. Dancing Lightning God

This is what happens when I have too many ideas for long ass stories swimming around in my mind but my lazy ass can't actually be bothered to write 50 plus chapters dedicated to a simple idea. This is my first Bleach fanfiction so I apologize if any characters are OOC. If this concept interests you, please let me know if you are willing to write out the story. Anyways, I hope y'all enjoy this for what it is.

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Sounds of battle echoed across the fake Karakura town. Aizen had finally made his move. After today that traitor would be defeated or they would all be killed. Should they all fail, at the very least he'd know he'd tried and fought with everything he had.

Upon arriving he had seen Captain Hitsugaya and his Lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto squaring off with Arrancar. One of them being an Espada. Finding Histugaya to be one of the more...reasonable and respectable members of the Gotei 13, he had decided to take the fight over for the young captain. Allowing him to assist his Lieutenant. It also gave Yujiro an excuse to not see the stupid old geezer Yamamoto. Hell, he could practically feel the old man's gaze on his back when he made his arrival.

Yujiro fought back a scowl at the thought as he stood in the sky, floating above the fake city streets facing his opponent. A rather charming female with blonde hair with three braided locks and dark skin, the bottom half of her face covered by her white jacket. Some of her mask fragments still peeking over the collar.

Yujiro, the former Shinigami, was on the younger side. Slightly younger than Byakuya. He had cobalt blue hair that reached down to his neck. The bangs that framed his face had streaks of purple. He wore a shihakusho with the sleeves ripped. His right arm was covered in tribal tattoos. Covering the old tattoo of the division he had been apart of during his days as a part of the Gotei 13. His left arm had a golden bracer around the bicep. Slung around his right shoulder was a gourd filled with sake.

"Are you sure it was wise to send the Captain and his Lieutenant away?" The female Espada asks. Narrowing her eyes. Her arms crossed under her bosom.

Yujiro scoffed, "Heh." He reached for his dual zanpakuto that sat horizontally on his lower back with a smirk. Drawing the long blades out as he spoke. "Well that's what happens when you're confident in your abilities."

Fully drawing the dual tachi's out from their blue sheaths. Flipping them backwards.

"Reverse grip huh?" She observed. There weren't many swordsmen she'd encountered that used that style. Drawing her own zanpakuto from her back. Twirling it around in her hand.

Halibel sensed his spiritual pressure. He was strong, that much was obvious. However, it was oddly... soothing. Although underneath all of that was something dark lurking bellow the surface.

No matter how violent it may be, the tercera, Tia Halibel was not intimidated in the slightest. Now was not the time to be lost in thought.

Yujiro's violet gaze zeroed in on his opponent's zanpakuto. It was a weird looking weapon. It wasn't very long, but it was wide and hollow in the middle. Something he planned on using to his advantage if he ever got the chance.

"I hear you Espada are pretty powerful. Dunno what your rank is but for your sake, I hope you can fight back. Though if your reiatsu is anything to go by, I'd say that won't be an issue." The smirk on the young former shinigami's face growing slightly. Eagerness could be heard in his raspy voice.

Halibel scoffed as he kind of reminded her of Nnoitra. She knew his type. The type that loved killing.

Utterly disgusting.

Tia said nothing as she used her sonido to maneuver behind the young Ex-Shinigami. He whirled around as fast as he possibly could to block an overhead strike. Their zanpakuto clashing. With his left blade being used to block her attack, he swung his right arm towards her stomach. The blade collided with her skin, sparks flying. His eyes widening as he jumped back only to find Halibel sonido to his right and thrust her zanpakuto towards him. Going in for a stab at his ribs. Yujiro managed to bring his right blade up just in time to block. However the sheer force of the strike sent him flying through a building.

"Crap." He thought as he steadied himself in mid air.

"Idiot! Use your Shikai you dumbass!" He heard Rakurai yell to him.

"I know dammit!" He answered back. Gripping his blades tightly he expanded his senses. Searching for his enemy as he got ready to activate his Shikai.

Just as he was about to activate his Shikai, a blast of gold energy came from the rubble of the building he had been flung through.

Using his flash step he managed to avoid the cero. Opening his mouth to utter the command again, he stopped again as Halibel suddenly appeared above him for another overhead strike. Her zanpakuto in her right hand. Swinging the odd looking sword downwards, Yujiro brought up his left blade to block. Metal clashed against metal. Yujiro once again opened his mouth to command his Shikai again. Unfortunately Tia had swung her right leg into his side. Sending him down into the pavement. Blood flying out his mouth as he fell towards the street.

The attack had enough force to cause a large crater. Kicking up dust as a result.

Halibel floated above, looking down towards her opponent. Expecting him to fly through the smoke in an attempt to catch her.

"Annihilate, Rakurai!" He commanded. Gaze hardening.

Through the smoke, a streak of blue lightning shot it's way to her. An impressive burst of speed. However the tercera was able to keep up with it's movements. With mild surprise at the display of speed, Tia twisted her body out of the way. Without warning the streak of lightning shot off to her left side.

Tia managed to track the bolt with her Pesquisa and raised her left hand. Charging up a golden cero at the tip of her pointer finger. Keeping her gaze on the lightning bolt. Her green eyes following the Shinigami's path.

The bolt of lightning began picking up speed. Zipping around the Shark Queen. Still even with the increased speed she still didn't have that much trouble tracking it. Though she didn't know how much longer that would last. She kept the cero still charged up at her finger.

Tia whirled around just as she sensed his presence behind her, she thrusted her left arm forward and fired off the cero without hesitation.

Time for both Yujiro and Halibel seemed to slow down. Much to the Shark Queen's surprise, she saw the lightning bolt suddenly vanish from her line of sight just as she fired off the cero.

Combining flash step with his lightning proved to be a useful trick.

Sensing the former Soul Reaper's presence above, Halibel looked up to see her opponent flying downwards. With just enough time to bring up her zanpakuto, she blocked an overhead strike. However, the momentum he had built up caused her to be sent flying down. In her case however, she managed to land on her feet. The ground underneath her cracking from the impact. A spiderweb of cracks forming in the concrete from the force.

"Damn. Speed is my forte and she's still able to match me. Quite a scary woman." He commented as he looked down at her. Lightning dancing around his body.

She definitely didn't look worried at all. With a burst of lightning, he flash stepped down to the street. Standing a few meters away from her.

His Shikai had changed his Zanpakuto's appearance quite a bit. The swords had grown even longer, becoming a pair of Odachi. Along the broad side of the blades we're streaks of blue. They seemed to be glowing. Lastly, the most notable change was that blades had become serrated. Blue lightning dancing around both blades.

Yujiro slightly narrowed his violet eyes at her. Giving a confident smirk.

"She's strong." Rakurai's deep voice rang out in his head.

"I literally said that as I sensed her spiritual pressure."Yujiro snorted. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the painfully obvious statement.

"You know...I hope she hits you really hard." Rakurai was not appreciating Yujiro's smart mouth.

"She's already done that. Besides, we're supposed to be workin' together remember? Lend me your strength." Yujiro bent his knees a little. Getting ready to pounce at the Arrancar.

"...But you're the one who...Ah nevermind." Rakurai gave up. Yujiro could hear the spirit facepalm in his head.

The lightning around Yujiro's blades intensified. He swung both his arms. Sending arcs of lightning at her, forming an X formation. Once again she vanished, using sonido.

Sensing her presence In front of him, she appeared with her right arm drawn back. Going in for another stab, he tilted his head to the right as she thrusted her arm forward. Taking some strands of hair off his head. Giving her no time to retract her arm, Yujiro slid his left blade in the hollow opening of her zanpakuto. Pinning it against the wall of the house right next to them. Grinning in slight victory, he let the electricity flow out of his blade.

Halibel growled as she was zapped with a million volts of electricity. As she was being zapped, he swung his right arm in a horizontal swing. Firing off a arc of lightning. The attack connected with it's intended target. Making the sound of a thunderclap.

Tia stood in a cloud of dust that was mostly cleared up with some burn marks on her. Sparks of electricity still surrounded her.

That attack clearly did some damage to her but not as much as Yujiro would have liked. If anything, it seemed like the attacks had just annoyed her. Her sea green eyes narrowed.

Just what the hell was her rank?!

"Yeah...you are so screwed." Rakurai said to his wielder.

"Thanks for believing in me." Yujiro unpinned her zanpakuto from the wall and kicked it behind him. Keeping his gaze on the arrancar.

Again the tercera Espada vanished with a sonido. He twirled around, lightning coating his zanpakuto, getting ready to fire off a lightning bolt at the strange looking weapon on the ground.

However the Espada played him like a fiddle, suddenly appearing to his left and sending a vicious kick to his ribs. Yujiro spat blood as he was sent flying to the house he had previously pinned her zanpakuto to. Crashing head first into the nice looking house, he slid across the floor, stopping in what he guessed was the kitchen. He couldn't actually see due to the smoke.

Outside, Halibel kicked up her weapon and grabbed it mid air. "A clever trick, but not clever enough."

Yujiro brought an arm up to his face, wiping blood from his lips. Tightening his grip on both blades as he flash stepped towards his target. Taking a horizontal swipe at her head as he got close. Her response was leaning her head back and swung her zanpakuto diagonally. Intending to cut him in half and end the fight. Yujiro raised his left arm and swung downwards hoping to pin her blade to the ground. Time seemed to slow for both warriors, at the very last second, she turned her blade around, the broad side of her sword slamming into his gut. He growled as he once again was sent flying away.

As he flew back towards a skyscraper, he flipped himself and aimed his feet towards the large towering construct. Landing against it, he kicked off with enough force to blow a hole in the wall. Breaking the sound barrier as he flew back down towards her. He flipped the blade in his right hand, holding the sword properly this time, he thrusted his zanpakuto down. Gracefully, the tercera Espada moved out the way, Yujiro's zanpakuto stabbing the concrete beneath. Keeping himself up, his grip tightened on his zanpakuto, he swung his left leg at her face.

Once again the Espada avoided his attack, leaning back and swung Tiburón up. Yujiro twisted himself mid air. Earning a cut on his left bicep. Bending his knees, bringing his knees to his chest, he shot his legs out, she brought up a arm just in time to block, slamming both feet into her forearm. Sending her skidding back a couple feet.

Yujiro pulled his zanpakuto out from the ground, flipping it backwards, and shot himself forward. With lightning buzzing around his blade, he began spinning around as he flew towards his enemy. Becoming an electrified Ex-Shinigami buzzsaw with the intention of cutting her in half vertically.

Halibel flipped herself over the black and blue blur, watching him vertically slice a house in half. The lightning intensified as he shot himself back at her once more. Spinning faster. Coating his entire body in lightning as he spun, he spun even faster, leaving a long thin trench mark in the concrete.

Halibel's eyes narrowed as her zanpakuto glowed gold. Cocking her arm back, she tightened her grip on Tiburón. "Ola Azul."

Her arm was thrusted forward and the gold energy was sent flying towards Yujiro.

"Dodge!" Rakurai yelled at Yujiro.

"I know!" Yujiro was sent upwards, lightning trailing behind him. Halibel's attack narrowly missing him.

However, Halibel had already prepared another attack. Gold energy forming in the hollow area of Tiburón.

As Yujiro shot downwards Halibel turned herself to the right, thrusting out Tiburón. Immediately, Yujiro stopped spinning, Tiburón narrowly missing his left side. The former shinigami reached out and wrapped his arm around Halibel's and swung his free arm at Halibel's gut. The blade collided with her stomach. Sparks flying. Yujiro's violet eyes widened in shock.

"What the hell is she made out of?!" He yelled in his head. Utterly distraught at the fact that his Shikai couldn't pierce her skin.

Just as Yujiro was about to electrify his zanpakuto, a foot slammed into his chest, knocking him away.

"Damn Hierro." Yujiro snarled.

Rakurai decided to say, "I think it's time you used your Bankai, You're just barely keeping up with her and the attacks you do manage to land aren't doing much of anything. At this rate, your going to lose."

"Using my Bankai already huh? She's still in her base form...Thank God Bankai isn't our trump card." Yujiro exhaled. Smirking as he got ready for what was to come.

"You could always let me handle the fight..." Came the other voice in his head. Sounding eager for the bloodshed and carnage that would ensue.

"Not necessary." Yuji shot back. Tuning the evil voice out he exhaled.

"Okay Espada. You've put up a good fight so far but can you keep up with this?" Yujiro smirked. Ignoring whatever the evil voice had to say in response to his thoughts.

Halibel already knew what was coming. Determined to end this quickly, she thrusted her zanpakuto out again. Firing off another Ola Azul at him. Hoping the attack would connect and leave him open for a fatal strike to end the battle.

"Bankai!" She heard Yujiro yell. Just as soon as Ola Azul impacted, a flash of lightning flew upwards. Creating an explosion. The clouds above darkening as lightning flashed in the sky. She felt his spiritual pressure rise. She sighed.

Halibel eyed the smoke carefully.

As the smoke cleared up, she saw him standing. His appearance hadn't changed much at all except for two things. For one, he had lightning coating his legs, up to his knees. Second, his hair spiked up slightly. Lightning buzzing around his body. There was less lightning buzzing around his body than in his shikai state. Tia's gaze hardened.

"Raijin O Odoru."

Tia narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the enemy facing off against her. "That's your Bankai?"

"Ahh c'mon! Don't sound disappointed now." He chuckled. "After all, the party has just started."

And then suddenly, with a flash of lightning, he vanished. Tia suddenly felt millions of volts of electricity flow through her. A kick to her right side sent her flying away. As the woman flew across the sky, she expanded her Pesquisa as much as possible. Focusing solely on the former soul reaper.

With a flash of lightning, he appeared above her, sending a double fisted blow down her which she just barely managed to block with her forearms. As she steadied herself in mid air, her zanpakuto glowed gold. Sending multiple Ola Azuls at Yuji.

Momentarily, he was surprised that she could fire multiple Ola Azuls rapidly like that. Once again he vanished with a bolt of lightning. Her Pesquisa just barely able to track him down.

Yujiro appeared before her, knees brought up to his chest, prepared to spring a vicious dropkick at the tres Espada. He held out his right arm with his hand open, as if he was going to grab something. A bolt of lightning shot down from the dark clouds above towards his bare hand, grabbing the lightning, his legs shot forward.

Tia jumped back as the attack made contact with her stomach, reducing the force of the blow. Although it didn't protect her from the millions of volts zapping her.

Yujiro swung his arm forward. Throwing the lightning bolt at her.

Halibel managed to use her sonido to evade the attack, leaving the sleeve of her jacket singed.

At this point, she knew she couldn't keep fighting him like this. Not at this level. Behind her mask, she gritted her teeth, tightening her grip on her own zanpakuto. Something caught her attention. Halibel's eyes widened slightly. Sung-Sun, Mila Rose, and Apacci's reiatsu had vanished completely. Yujiro seemed to sense it to, although he didn't recognize who the reiatsu belonged to. Though he could sense the geezer's reiatsu. The Shark Queen exhaled. Reaching for the zipper of her jacket, she began unzipping it. Revealing her rank and mask. "It would be incredibly foolish to continue this battle without my resurreccion."

Yujiro didn't fail to notice her tone becoming laced with anger.

Yuji's jaw dropped upon seeing the number 3 tattooed on her breast. Utterly speechless for a second.

"Three huh? Wow...I didn't know what I was expecting, but three definitely wasn't it." He scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

The young former soul reaper felt pride flow through his chest at this feat. Unfortunately he didn't allow himself to revel in it too long.

"As if I would just stand back and watch you get stronger." He smirks and prepares to spring forward towards his target. He dashed forward.

"Destroy Tiburón."

Water in the shape of a heart consumed her form. The sudden increase in her spiritual pressure causes Yujiro to pause. His eyes widened.

"Oh shit." He sighed. Jumping back to a safe distance.

Keeping his eyes on the Espada, Yujiro held out both hands. Two bolts of lightning shooting down and impacting his palms. Grabbing the bolts he pulled them down, now having a pair of dual lightning swords.

"Well...If I die here at least it's to someone strong. No complaints about that." He smirked to himself.

Halibel stood across from Yujiro in her released state. The smirk he had faded away the more he stared at her.

"Aw man...why does my opponent gotta be such a pretty woman?" Wonders Yujiro as he gazes at the Espada with a small frown. Whatever wounds she had from before had been healed.

"Don't tell me you don't plan on fighting back just because you find her attractive..." Rakurai groans. Yujiro could hear his zanpakuto spirit facepalm.

Yujiro snorted in response, "You think I'd just let her attack me just because she's an attractive female?"

Halibel's already strange zanpakuto, had taken the shape of a shark tooth. She raised her weapon, and swung down. Sending an arc of water flying towards Yujiro who could only raise his arms to cover his face.

The arc of water slammed into the young lightning user. Sending him crashing into houses and buildings. Soaring through the air he opened his eyes as he felt Halibel's presence behind him. Quickly he spun clockwise and swung one of his lightning swords. With her free hand, Tia managed to grab him by the wrist and sent a foot directly into his chest. Sending Yujiro crashing into a roof of a school below him. He crashed through all five floors of the school building and slammed hard into the ground. Seemingly landing in a classroom on the first floor.

"Wow...they really went all out with the interior huh?" Joked Yuji after opening his eyes and scanning the area. Wondering why they put all this much effort into a fake city.

With a groan of pain, he managed to stand back up and looked upwards to see a blast of water falling from the sky. He cartwheeled out of the way only for a second one to splash right in front of him. Halting his progress as he landed on his foot. A third and final one slammed into his side and sent him rolling across the messy classroom.

Halibel appeared beside him with a sonido. Her arm drawn back. Ready to impale the young reaper with Tiburón. Planting his hand on the floor, he swung himself around, kicking out his right leg at her head. His leg seemed to tear through the Espada's skull and she completely vanished.

"Crap!" He realized what happened. Flipping himself back up and kicking off a wall, he saw her appear with her arm stretched outwards. Had he been a second slower he would've been impaled.

"Damn after image." He cursed under his breath.

As he sailed through the air he made eye contact with the tercera Espada. Clearly she was capable of tracking his movements in this state quite easily. Everything about her has definitely been improved with this transformation.

"Class is in session huh?" Yuji joked again, landing on a teacher's desk on a crouch position, he shot forward. Obliterating the desk completely. Lightning trailing behind him he zig zagged his way towards her. He shot around her, going right. Now zig zagging around the entire classroom. Steadily gaining speed. Her eyes followed him easily. He muttered curses under his breath.

Yujiro suddenly appeared above her. Right leg raised for a devastating axe kick. He sent his leg down to which she responded with a spin counterclockwise. Snagging him by the wrist, she tossed him the the wall and out into the street. He flipped himself mid air and landed on his feet and skidded away.

Tia balled up her fist and flew towards him. Breaking the sound barrier, she drew back her fist and launched a punch at Yujiro, hitting square in the chest. Halibel could see that he jumped back just before the impact. Even so the punch still produced enough force to send the former Shinigami crashing into a nearby train station. Laying on his back with blood trailing down his lips. Shakily, he stood back up and wiped the blood from his mouth.

Had he taken the full brunt of that attack his chest would have caved in. He stood on shaky legs inhaling and exhaling.

With a sonido she reappeared right in front of him with Tiburón pointed down. Tia swung her weapon up, which Yujiro narrowly dodged with a spin. Earning a cut on his lips. He send a roundhouse kick at his opponent. Tia ducked under the attack and sent a blast of water at him. The attack splashing against his side. Packing enough force to knock him onto the train tracks.

Reappearing with another sonido, she had her right arm drawn back and thrusted it forward. Impaling him through the chest. His eyes widened.

His body vanished with a explosion of electricity. Shocking her with millions of volts.

He flash stepped beside her, putting both lightning blades together. The blade extending about nine feet. He swung the blade horizontally. "Raiden!"

The attack connected. The sound of a thunderclap rang out. Halibel rolled across the tracks. Burns could be seen on her body. As the arrancar stood back up, Yujiro cupped his hands and aimed them up at the sky. A bolt of lightning fell from the sky. Grabbing the bolt with both hands he swung downwards with all of his might. Sending an arc of lightning at Tia as she was still recovering from that previous attack.

Impressively the tercera managed to evade the attack. Using a sonido to reappear on the platform. Swinging Tiburón, horizontally, sending a arc of water jetting for Yuji.

"Scared of getting close now huh?" The azure haired reaper taunted as he ran forward and corkscrew flipped to avoid the attack.

At the apex of his flip he sent a kick down at Halibel. Tia twisted her body and aimed Tiburón at the annoying Shinigami. Firing off a blast of water at his back. The attack seemed to phase through him.

She then realized something was wrong. Tia rolled away just as soon as she sensed a presence behind her. Tia whirled around to face him, he had his arm stretched out, his hand open, a blast of electricity was fired off.

"You aren't the only one that can produce after images." He mocked as he kept the large blast going. Obliterating anything in it's path.

Anything except the tercera Espada.

A large blast of water collided with his back. Successfully knocking him off the platform. Yuji charged lightning in his palms and shot two bolts of lightning down at the ground. A clone of the former Shinigami made from lightning appeared. The clone even had lightning coating his legs. Yujiro cracked his knuckles with a smirk.

Both Yuji's dashed forward. The real Yuji vanished with a flash of lightning, reappearing behind the tercera. The one in front of her, sent a high kick at her face. The Yuji behind her, jumped and aimed a flying kick at her back. Aware of the presence behind her, she whirled around. Successfully dodging both attacks. Sensing her presence off to the right the clone grabbed Yuji by the collar and swung him around and tossed him to the side. The reaper jetting for the Shark Queen.

Halibel's zanpakuto began glowing gold. She swung Tiburón up. Firing off the gold cero. A trail of lightning shot around the gold cero.

The lightning disappeared and Yujiro spun clockwise, going in for a elbow to her side. Tia avoided the attack and sent an uppercut to Yujiro's chin. Sending the young Shinigami flying away. The clone flew towards her with a haymaker aimed at her face. Tia vanished with a sonido.

"La Gota." Tia reappeared behind the clone and shot a blast of water that resembled a shark tooth. Her attack hit it's intended target. Triggering an explosion of lightning.

Tia snapped her fingers. Opening up a Garganta in the sky above.

Slamming into the ground, Yujiro rolled into his stomach and pushed himself up. Coughing as he did so. Running a hand through his hair. "I dunno what's more difficult, getting an actual solid attack on her, or trying not to stare at her boobs."

"Seriously? That's why you're getting your ass kicked? You idiot. Pay attention!" Rakurai chided his master.

"You know I didn't mean that literally...Well it was a half truth." Yujiro shook his head. Spitting blood onto the concrete beneath his feet.

Turning back to face the Espada, he spotted three Gillian walking towards him.

"After all of this she summons mere Gillian? I feel insulted." He smirked as he held out both hands. Lightning falling into his palms. Yanking on the bolts, he ripped them from the sky. He expanded his senses in an attempt to sense where the tercera Espada was. Unfortunately she seemed to be masking her presence.

"Let's do this." Welcoming the challenge, he sprinted forward with a suave smirk.

Jumping up in the air he flipped his lightning blades backwards. The first Gillian reached out to grab him while the other two began charging up ceros.

The first Gillian's hand was sliced to ribbons. Yujiro spinning around like a buzzsaw. Cutting up along the giant Hollow's arm. Becoming a streak of blue. He continued his trail up, electrocuting and cutting along the the bicep and making his way to the Hollow's shoulder. Still spinning, he shot himself forward before the Gillian could respond, splitting the Menos' head open.

The Menos fell and faded away. Becoming spirit particles.

Yujiro became engulfed in lightning. Streaking towards the second and third Gillian. Both Hollow's fired off the ceros that they were charging. The lightning condensed and the attacks clashed. Unfortunately for the two remaining Gillian, Yujiro tore through the ceros like they were nothing. The bolt of lightning shot through the second Gillian's face. Leaving a gaping hole that allowed anyone present to see Yujiro streak towards the final Gillian behind it.

Yuji did not seem to slow down his attack. He shot through the final Gillian's head. Tearing off the right side of it's head.

The former soul reaper slid across the sky. Eventually coming to a stop as he scanned the area with his eyes and tried to sense Halibel's presence once again.

"Nice trick using the Gillian as a distraction. But you can't fool me. I know you're still here Espada." He called out.

"Maybe you should summon more. Like 100 more." The young swordsman narrowed his purple eyes in slight frustration. He sighed. "Where the hell is she?"

His gaze veered downwards and saw a blast of water shaped like a shark tooth jetting his way. "Shit!"

Having enough time to flash step back, he took the opportunity to avoid being hit. Only to be met face to face with the tercera with her left arm held out towards him. A golden cero charged up at the tip of her pointer finger. She fired off the cero. Yujiro quickly responded by swatting her arm with his own. Sending the cero upwards. The cero flew up in the sky and exploded. Turning the sky gold for a split second.

Halibel sent a kick to the right side of his head. Her strike successfully forced Yujiro's to head whip to the side and was sent flying away. With a sonido, Tia chased after her target. Before Yujiro could hit the ground he was kicked upwards. The attack breaking the sound barrier. Soaring past the clouds, he gritted his teeth. Feeling blood dripping down his temple. He opened his eyes as he continued his ascent. Putting both blades of lightning together. He saw Tia suddenly appear above him with her weird zanpakuto aimed directly at him. Deciding to use the momentum to his advantage, he flash stepped towards her, and swung his elemental weapon at her diagonally.

"Raiden!"

At the same time, she managed to fire off a torrent of water. Both attacks from the fighters connected with their intended targets. Halibel was electrocuted as the water splashed against Yujiro's face. Blood gushing from his nose.

Yujiro descended downwards towards the pavement. At this current height with this momentum, the fall would be bad. He steadied himself, turning himself over so that his feet was pointed towards the ground. His descent slowed and eventually he stood in the sky. He let out a sigh of relief.

He turned his head and looked up to spot the arrancar. He could vaguely see her figure recovering from his attack. She started descending downwards. The elemental shinigami took a deep breath. Reiatsu flaring around him. Lightning dancing around his figure. Yuji directed all the lightning towards his hand and aimed down at the ground. Shooting bolts of lightning at the ground. The lightning began to morph, taking the shape of a bird. Once it was completed the bird stretched out it's wings. The wingspan taking up two full city blocks.

"Inazuma Fenikkusu Bakudan!"

"Phoenixes are made out of fire." Tia spoke as she floated above.

Yujiro went red faced and a vein throbbed in his forehead. "I know that! Nobody asked you!"

"Pfft! No you didn't!" Laughed Rakurai in Yujiro's head.

Yujiro's eye twitched as he heard that other voice laughing alongside with his zanpakuto spirit. "Screw all of you!"

With a growl he sent the lightning bird flying at Tia. The tercera aimed a finger at the bird and began charging a cero at the "Phoenix." She was forced to move her head out of the way of a lightning bolt flying her way.

Yujiro smirked as he lowered his left arm.

Tia growled in irritation as she vanished with a sonido. Reappearing beside Yuji, she grabbed a fistful of his azure locks in attempt to toss him away. Yujiro's hand shot up and he grabbed her wrist. Letting electricity flow from him to her. Zapping the Espada.

"Whaddya say we take this attack together Espada?" Yujiro devilishly grinned as he willed the "Phoenix" to make it's way towards him.

He swiftly maneuvered behind her and wrapped his arm around her neck. Watching his bird fly closer.

As Halibel was being zapped she managed to grab his forearm. What she was about to do was dangerous but had no other choice. Charging up her energy to form a cero again.

This caused a massive explosion sending both fighters flying back. Rolling across the street. In the explosion Yujiro lost control of his lightning "Phoenix" and it discharged. Obliterating an entire city block.

Both Espada and Ex-Shinigami groaned as they stood back up to fight again.

"Time we switched gears..." Yujiro rasped as he took the gourd off his shoulder, which had miraculously survived the fight, off of his shoulders. Popping the top open, he hastily began chugging the alcohol. Sake running down his lips. Panting, Tia stood up in time to see Yuji toss the gourd aside. Wiping his lips. The tercera sporting some burns on her face and arms.

"You just don't know when to give up, do you Shinigami?" Panted Tia. Standing up straight.

"Ex-Shinigami." He corrected her. Venom flooding his tone. His gaze hardening.

"I think playtime is over Espada." He brought his right hand up to his face. "From here on out I'm going to use everything I have to kill you. I'm sorry but Aizen can't be allowed to win."

Black and white energy began zig zagging towards his face and he swiped his hand to the left. The lightning coating his legs and dancing around his body turned black and white. A bull like hollow mask appeared on his head. A pair of horns jutting out the sides of the head pointed upwards. There were tribal markings on the mask, starting from under the left eye, stretching down. His eyes turning a piercing gold.

"So...that was the darkness I sensed from you." Tia said. Narrowing her sea-green eyes at him. "Your Bankai...You can fire off lighting from your body. However you choose to charge it with lightning from the clouds above to give it extra power. The lightning coating your legs allows you to move and kick a lot faster than you normally would."

"...Smart gal..." He hiccuped. His voice distorted. He swayed side to side like a drunk. Feeling dizzy. Causing Tia to arch an eyebrow.

Without any warning, he charged forward. Arms flailing behind him. It looked absolutely ridiculous. If Tia was any less serious , she would've laughed. The burst of speed was impressive for sure. However the Espada prepared herself for this the second she saw the mask. Clearly she needed to use everything she had if she was to put him down for good.

Tia swung Tiburón horizontally hoping that his drunken stupor would cause him to be decapitated.

How wrong she was.

She saw him duck down. He was incredibly low. Chin almost touching the floor. And then he shot up. Shooting a vicious uppercut at her. With her free hand, she swatted his hand away. He cartwheeled around her.

The way he bent himself was utterly ridiculous. It looked like he was about to fall over. Whatever sense of balance he had was completely thrown out the window.

And yet he didn't fall. Using a fighting style he had dubbed "Drunken Hollow Fist."

He laughed like a little kid as he launched himself with his hands at her. Twisting himself mid air, he aimed his feet at her. He began launching a series of kicks at her. She jumped back and slammed Tiburón into the floor and sent a torrent of water jetting at him.

"Weeeeeee!" He shouted happily as he flipped over. A stupid looking grin split his face. Launching another flying kick at her. Aiming for her head.

With only milliseconds to react, she used sonido. His foot slammed into the ground. Leaving a crater.

Clearly whatever Halibel was expecting, it wasn't this.

She reappeared behind him. He instantly began backflipping his way to her. She swung her zanpakuto and sent an arc of water at him. Just as he landed on his hands, he slipped. Falling onto his side. Halibel's attack completely going over his head as he slipped under. Almost chipping the horn on his mask.

She charged forward and thrusted her zanpakuto at his head. However he moved his head to the left slightly. She could hear what sounded like snoring.

If she had known about this she'd had tossed the damn alcohol away!

Gritting her teeth she drew her foot back. Gearing up for a strong kick to his head to shatter the fucking mask. Hopefully it would sober him up so his movements weren't so unorthodox.

She swung her right leg and instantly he responded by flipping himself back. He landed on his feet, bending himself backwards. Almost to the point of falling again. He skidded along the street. Eventually he lost his balance and fell on his rear end, laughing like he had heard the world's funniest joke.

"How irritating..." Tia growled in frustration.

Tia had dealt with her fair share of annoying opponents. The drunk Shinigami in front of her was clearly gunning for first place.

He dashed at her, the distorted drunken laughter coming from him suggested he had an absolutely idiotic smile on his face. He dropped low and attempted to sweep her off of her feet with a kick. She jumped up and saw him sloppily transition into a handstand. He pushed down and suddenly threw himself up. He sent a roundhouse to the left side of her face, she responded by ducking under. He kept his spin going and sent yet another roundhouse at her ribs. Jumping over him she aimed Tiburón at his face. She could see a right hook being thrown her way. She almost managed to fire off a water blast only to be met with a white and black bolt of lightning striking her.

She fell down to the asphalt below, but managed to flip herself and land on her feet before she could impact the ground.

Unfortunately for Tia she wasn't given time to recover. A right hook had slammed into her face. It wasn't exactly a very powerful blow, but it would be enough to daze most foes. Halibel wasn't anything like most foes. With as much strength as she had, she slammed Tiburón into his head. Pieces of the bull like mask shattered and sent the elemental Shinigami tumbling away. The left side of his face now exposed.

If that hadn't sobered him up then two more hard blows to the skull should do the trick. With any sort of luck, the second or third strike would kill him. She could only hope. She took a deep breath and used a sonido to close the distance between them.

Tia's intention was to fire off a water blast at him while he was on the floor. Hoping to leave him on the ground long enough for her to shatter the mask. The instant she appeared in front of him, she was forced to dodge a sweeping kick at her face. Ducking under his leg. He vanished with a flash step and Tia opted to use a sonido.

They disappeared and reappeared all in various different locations in the area. Clashing together. Strong enough to send shockwaves throughout the area. The sound barrier breaking in random places. Finally, they met down in the middle of the street, their forearms clashed. Yujiro leaned back slightly, allowing Tia to push him back a little. Yujiro sent his head forward, slamming into the Espada's. Glaring at one another. Tia didn't budge at all, although she didn't see his free hand fly towards her neck. Punching her in the throat. Pushing her away. Yujiro thrusted his hand forward and shot a black lightning bolt at the tercera Espada.

By the time he fired off the attack, the Shark Queen had already recovered from the previous strike and rolled to the left. Dodging the bolt completely. Tia ran forward, Yuji sent a high kick with his right leg aimed for her chin. His foot seemed to go through her. Before he could make any sudden movements, something collided with the back of his head and sent him tumbling away. Breaking the mask off completely. Tia stood on one foot for a second, placing her other foot down.

She knew she wasn't out of the woods yet, but she felt slightly relieved knowing the troublesome mask was destroyed. The dark lightning returned to it's normal shade of blue. His eyes reverted back to normal and his voice was no longer distorted.

Yujiro kept rolling across the street. Soon coming to a stop by the sidewalk. Blood trailing down the sides of his head. He pushed himself back up only to feel water splash in his face. Sending him rolling away once more.

He stopped thankfully, however he was panting heavily. Clearly reaching his limit. Halibel, despite her condition could still fight if she needed to.

Yujiro stood back up shakily, the drunken sway was gone.

Halibel shook her head, "In all honesty, I truly have no desire to kill anyone. Just stay down. You're reaching your limit."

"Heh...Never thought I'd hear a hollow say that...If you don't want to kill anyone, why swear loyalty to a snake like Aizen?...He manipulated Soul Society for hundreds of years and I'm pretty sure he has no qualms with betraying you lot to..." He panted out.

"...He saved me once. I swore loyalty and his presence allows for peace in Hueco Mundo." Tia answered.

"...How can you be so sure he won't betray you like he did us?"

"..." The Shark Queen had no response for that one.

"I'll continue this fight because I know that Aizen winning won't be good for any of us. Even if I can't beat him, I can still play a part in his downfall." Yujiro grinned. "That's good enough for me."

"Fool..." Halibel sighed. Shaking her head in disapproval.

She flew towards him, breaking the sound barrier. With all of her strength, she launched a devastating kick to his ribs. Yujiro screamed as he felt his ribs snap. Blood flying out his mouth as he was sent flying away. He crashed through the side of a building and landed on his back, hitting the concrete. Creating a large crater in the concrete. Almost taking up the entire city block.

"Damn..." He coughed out.

Tia appeared in front of him. Her green eyes locked firmly on him. His eyes were closed. The lightning covering his legs began to disappear. Tia narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

It was an obvious trap. Tia could only guess what the annoying Shinigami had planned, but she wasn't going to fall for it.

Tia chose to not get close to him. Tiburón began glowing gold. Getting ready to fire off the cero. Hoping this would be the final blow. Opting to keep her distance just in case. Not denying the possibility of it being a trap. The tres Espada swung, launching the cero at her enemy. Resulting in a bigger explosion than what she expected.

The explosion packed enough force to send her skidding back.

She dug her feet into the ground. She shielded her face with Tiburón. "An explosion like that shouldn't be this powerful...Unless..." Her eyes widened. Sensing a presence along with a surge of energy being charged behind her, she whirled around as fast as she possibly could in her state.

"Damn lightning clone!" She yelled in her head. Cursing his ability.

She saw the bull mask on his head,with a bloody hand aimed at her, black and white lightning dancing around his hand, charging up a...

"Gran Rey Cero!" Black and white lightning crackling around the attack.

The explosion that spawned from the Gran Rey Cero was massive. Taking out multiple city blocks. Reducing them all to rubble.

Yujiro stood before the giant cloud of smoke that had been kicked up. Panting. Not sure how much longer he could keep fighting. He stood on shaky legs.

"Goodbye Espada..." He huffed out. His mask fading away. Barely keeping himself standing.

A fist came out of the smoke and slammed into his jaw. Blood spewing from his mouth. Yujiro staggered back. Falling onto one knee, he looked up in shock to see the Shark Queen standing. She had burns on her face, arms, and legs. Glaring at him. Her regeneration working on healing the burns. Blood trailing down the side of her head. She was panting heavily.

This woman was truly frightening. Even adding his own lightning to the Gran Rey, he couldn't put her down.

"Y'know...if I wasn't fighting for my afterlife right now... I'd say that I'm in love." Yujiro joked to himself. Trying to make light of the situation. Also genuinely amazed by her strength.

"Now's not the time to be joking!" Rakurai snapped at Yujiro.

"I think it's the perfect time to be joking!" Yujiro countered.

Halibel gritted her teeth and used sonido to ascend above. Leaving Yujiro to wonder. "...The hell is she doin'?"

Once she was high enough she took a deep breath and prepared herself to use everything to end this fight once and for all. However, Yujiro didn't simply just sit and watch, despite the fact that the muscles in his legs were screaming at him to rest, he put his mask back on and flash stepped upwards. He could see her with her zanpakuto pointed down.

Using her Pesquisa to track him, she aimed down at him.

"Cascada..."

Yujiro's eyes widened as he realized he probably wasn't going to make it in time. Whatever she was about to do wasn't good. He put all of his energy into one final flash step. Hoping to tackle her. Just as he was close enough to her, something stopped both of them...

Well not something, someone...

There was no mistaking who it was. The charismatic smile. The slicked backed hair. The eyes that could see through a person.

"Aizen! You fucking snake!" Spat Yujiro angrily.

Halibel's eyes widened. Obviously not expecting Lord Aizen to come and assist.

"My...you're language is as colorful as ever. Yujiro Inazuma Yamamoto." Aizen's smirk grew as he added that last part. Taking great amusement in how the last name stoked the flames of rage inside the young reaper.

"Rakurai...Truly an amazing zanpakuto. With an impressive Bankai. You even have been blessed with Hollowfication. Yet for all your power and skill with this zanpakuto, you are doomed to be forever stuck in Yamamoto's shadow. Never living up to his expectations. Neither in his eyes or anyone else's. A useless attempt in trying to walk your own path. You truly are Soul Society's problem child. Yamamoto's greatest failure."

A low growl rumbled from Yujiro's throat. Clenching his fists tighter. Fingernails digging into his skin. His glare intensified. Black and white lightning buzzing around his body intensely. "You just love hearing the sound of your own voice..."

Not caring if it was no use, Yujiro gave into his rage. Yujiro swung his fist with a distorted snarl, going for a haymaker, aiming for Aizen's face. Then suddenly an explosion of red liquid filled his vision.

"The hell?..." Yujiro descended downwards. As he fell he could see that Kyoka Suigetsu was drawn. Blood on the blade. Cutting him from his hip to shoulder. His Bankai faded away. Turning back into the dual swords on his back.

"Son of a bitch..." His eyes soon caught a brief glimpse of Aizen cutting down Halibel.

Yujiro's back slammed into the roof of a building. The battle in Fake Karakura town raged onwards.

The pain coursing through his body made him feel like shit.

He could see Tia's body fall a few feet away from him. No longer in her resurrection state.

"Can't end like this!..." Yujiro spat. Blood spewing from his mouth.

Growling in pain he crawled over to her. Leaving a trail of blood. "Not yet...Me and you still have some unfinished business...This ain't over 'til one of us beats the other..."

With a growl, he pushed himself up despite his body protesting against it.

"You need rest you fool." He heard Rakurai suggest.

"Not a chance...Still ain't a winner yet..." He argued back.

"You both aren't even at a hundred percent. Do you want a fight like that?"

"You of anyone should know...I don't fight fair...I use any and everything I can think of to win. Wether it's honorable or not. If she dies before we can finish this I'll be pissed. If there's one thing I don't like, it's unfinished business."

He finally stood up and staggered his way towards her. With a groan of pain, he bent down and slung her arm over his shoulder. He began making his way towards a door that lead to a staircase. This was going to be a long and painful trip. He knew of a place that they could go to. They just needed to get there.

"You better not die on me damn it..." He fell forward. Landing face first. Finally going unconscious.

---

Yujiro opened his eyes to see that he was on a battlefield. His eyes scanned the area, it was a place reminiscent of Japan during the Edo period. He lay next to a Sakura tree. Thousands of rusty swords were embedded into the ground. Scattered around the battlefield.

"If I'm here after a fight, then I know I'm pretty fucked up right now." He said to nobody in particular.

"Yeah. You are." Rakurai's voice filled his ears.

Yuji turned around to see his zanpakuto spirit.

Rakurai appeared to be a young man who wore golden samurai armor. Azure colored eyes. A black Kabuto covered his head.

"You actually did decent this time around. 'Course if you had let me take over then it would've been over within a few minutes." Came the evil voice.

Yujiro turned to see an inverted version of himself. Black hair, white shihakusho, golden eyes, pale skin.

"If you had beaten that Espada by some chance, you would've started attacking everybody." Yujiro scoffed at the claim.

"It would've been a glorious bloodbath! Just think about it! That female Espada, Aizen, and the old geezer's heads all placed on a stick. While I sit on a mountain of corpses!" Laughed Yujiro's hollow side.

"Pfft. You wouldn't even push Aizen at all. If I struggled that much with that Espada, I doubt you would've done better." Yuji rolled his eyes. "In any case, how long have I been out?"

"About an hour or two...I couldn't see everything but I saw the mountains in the distance get obliterated. Then there was a huge explosion followed by a large amount of black energy. The reiatsu was impossible to sense. I don't know who was fighting though. Urahara managed to patch you up." Rakurai explained.

"And the Espada?" Asked Yuji.

"I would imagine that her regeneration is trying to work but I don't think it'll be enough." Answered the zanpakuto spirit.

"...Let me go."

"You're in no shape to-"

"Let me go Rakurai. I know what I'm doing."

A few seconds of silence passed as Rakurai and Yujiro stared at each other. Neither one of them backing down. With a sigh Rakurai relented.

"...Fine."

"Thanks."

Yujiro opened his eyes to see the blue sky. The pain still present. He tried to sit up and bit back a growl of pain.

"Ahh so you're awake." Said a very familiar voice.

Yujiro turned his head towards the voice. "Kisuke."

"Just got back a minute ago to check on you. You're not fully healed yet." Answered the shop keeper.

Yujiro looked down at himself and saw the bandages covering his torso. He also felt the bandages on his head and nose.

"Did...Did Aizen win?"

"If he had do you think we'd still be alive?"

Yujiro was about to answer but he paused. Catching onto Kisuke's meaning.

"...So we won huh?" He allowed himself to smile. Letting out a sigh of relief.

Kisuke nodded positive.

"We won but there are some of us that are in pretty rough shape. Yoruichi is unconscious but she'll live." Replied Kisuke knowing that Yujiro would ask about Yoruichi.

The young reaper smiled in relief. "Thank goodness. Anyone else? How's Ichigo?"

"Ichigo beat Aizen. At the cost of his Shinigami powers. I'll explain that part later. Everyone else is going to be okay...The one with the most injuries is old man Yama himself..." Kisuke went silent for a second. Letting everything sink in.

"..." Yuji closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "It's probably for the best."

"Huh?" Kisuke arched a eyebrow. Not exactly surprised that Yuji seemingly ignored the part about Yamamoto.

"It's probably for the best that Ichigo lost his powers. He's a good kid and all but he deserves to enjoy his youth and the rest of his human life. Same thing goes for his friends honestly."

"Well, I certainly can't argue with that." Urahara scratched his chin.

"Did you heal her?" Asked Yujiro. Gesturing to the unconscious combatant lying down.

"The Espada?" Questioned a not so surprised Kisuke.

"Yeah." Yujiro nodded. "Me and her have some unfinished business."

"I was afraid you'd say that. You know once she's healed she could attack again." The former captain warned. Giving the young swordsman a knowing look.

"Kisuke you should know me by now. When it comes to fighting, I generally don't care how I win. But killing someone who is unable to fight back, after having our fight interrupted like that doesn't sit well with me. Besides...she isn't an enemy anymore. The war is over. She didn't even want to fight. If she's reasonable, she won't fight."

"Wow...so you do have standards huh?" Said the shop keeper jokingly. Looking surprised.

"Oh shut the hell up! My standards are just different than the rest of you!" A vein throbbed in Yujiro's forehead.

"You want me to heal her because you believe that she's no longer an enemy, or because you have the hots for her? Or both?"

With a groan Yujiro rolled his eyes. "Just because I tired to get with two human chicks before doesn't mean I try and get with every female I see. I'm no Casanova. Turns out they weren't even my type. First one was way too bitchy and feisty for my taste. Serious attitude problem. The second one had no interesting qualities whatsoever."

"Okay, well, if that's what you want then I'll do it. But if she wakes up and reacts violently, we'll have to kill her. And if anything bad happens because of that, it'll fall on us both."

Yujiro sighed. "I'll take full responsibility if that happens. I'll tell them that I was the one who healed her and by the time you showed up, she started attacking me."

"Awfully generous of you. By the way, I do recommend getting those injuries checked. Best see Unohana and get them properly treated. Unless you want to feel like crap for two weeks straight." Suggested Kisuke as he pulled out some bandages.

Yujiro began slipping his arms into his sleeves and shook his head negative.

"Last time I got patched up by that woman, I had nightmares for three days straight. No thanks." Yujiro shuddered at the memory. Sweating bullets at the thought of seeing that demon again.

Kisuke clamped a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh.

With a wince, Yujiro tossed a small piece of debris at the back of Urahara's head. "Shut the hell up and get to work dammit!"

"Ow! I'm sorry!"

Patching up the Espada was easier than healing Yujiro. The Espada's healing factor was quite impressive. While not a medic, Kisuke knew the basics. The only real problem for the Espada was the deep cut combined with the injuries she'd sustained before Aizen's betrayal. All he needed to do was make sure she didn't lose any more blood.

"Well. That's all I can do for now." Urahara sighed as he stood up. "I'm gonna go check in on Ichigo and the others."

Yujiro nodded. "Thanks Kisuke."

"Oh! Before I go... maybe you should talk with old man Yamamoto. He isn't exactly a young spring chicken anymore. And he did take some pretty serious injuries in the battle today. You might miss your chance to speak with him. I know you're on slightly better terms with him now after Rukia's botched execution, but it could still be better." Offered Kisuke.

Yujiro turned to reply but Kisuke had already flash stepped away. Yujiro's eye twitched in annoyance.

"Tsk. I hate it when Kisuke does that." Yujiro scratched the back of his head. "The geezer doesn't need me to worry 'bout him. Besides...I have plenty of time to talk with him. Geezer still has a couple hundred years left. With his strength, he's not going to die in combat anytime soon." Yujiro spoke to himself more than anything.

An untold amount of minutes or hours passed. The sun was beginning to set. Turning the sky a beautiful shade of orange. He pondered over everything that has happened today. He took out a cigar and a lighter and began smoking. The tercera Espada didn't seem like a typical hollow. He remembered the sudden change in her demeanor when he'd sensed those sudden drops in spiritual pressure. He couldn't understand why. It also seemed she didn't exactly possess any desire to kill him either. That was the most unusual part for sure. No doubt that she had given him something to think about.

He took a drag from the cigar and stared at the skyline. Blowing smoke from his mouth.

His train of thought was cut off when he heard some noises from his side. He turned towards the Espada who was starting to stir awake.

She opened her eyes to see Yujiro staring at her with an unreadable expression. Cigar between his lips.

"You're that...Shinigami..."

"Ex-Shinigami" Emphasis on the "ex" part. How many times do I need to repeat myself?" His eye twitched. Taking another drag.

"Did you...heal me?"

"I suppose you could say so."

"...Why? We're enemies."

"A couple reasons. The war is over. Aizen lost. Didn't see a reason to let you die."

He watched her eyes widen. Looking at her now, he found her eyes to be... beautiful and he averted his gaze quickly.

"Aizen...lost?" She whispered. Almost not believing it.

"That is what I said, isn't it?" He quipped.

"...Good riddance." She snarled remembering his betrayal. Ignoring Yujiro's smart remark.

"You didn't answer my question...Why heal me?"

"I did. I told you the war is over. We're no longer enemies." Was his reply. Puffing out smoke.

"I'm a hollow, an Arrancar. You're a Shinigami. We're enemies by nature."

"God dammit." He facepalms. Annoyed with her referring to him as a "Shinigami" and the fact she was clinging to basic beliefs such as that.

"Well there's more to it than that. To be perfectly honest, I saved you because you and I have a score to settle."

"So you are going to kill me...That's why you healed me? To claim the kill for yourself? To brag to your friends that you slayed the tercera in combat?" She glared at him and reached for Tiburón.

"Woah woah! Easy! I didn't say anything about killing..." He threw his hands up in defense. "Uh well maybe I did earlier but...not now." His shoulders slumped.

She glared at him. "You attempted to trick me once before."

"During the battle yeah...and it didn't even work. My original plan was to detonate the lightning clone once you got close and then fire the Gran Rey Cero for good measure, but you fired off a cero from a distance instead of using your zanpakuto to end it." He laughed nervously.

"Though if I'm honest, I doubt that would've been enough to kill you looking back on it." He added on.

The fierce glare of the Shark Queen still remained. Yujiro sighed and dragged a hand down his face.

"Aye look if you don't want to fight me you don't have to. Me, personally, I'm just not satisfied with the ending that's all." He scratched the back of his head.

As he looked at her, she still had her hand around her zanpakuto. Ready to draw the blade at any given moment. He opened his mouth to speak but shut his mouth. Instead, reaching for Rakurai and let the dual zanpakuto drop to the floor. Right by his feet.

He walked towards her, fighting through the pain. He reached out his hand towards her. "I...I think we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Yujiro Inazuma."

Tia looked at the hand as if it was some sort of foreign object. Was he really offering her friendship? Friendship with a shinigami?

Ridiculous.

She offered her name instead of reaching out. "...Tia Halibel."

Yujiro awkwardly withdrew his hand. Deciding to change the subject.

"During our fight...uh there was a sudden drop in some spiritual pressure a good distance away from us..." Yujiro said to her.

"My fraccion."

"Uh pardon?"

"My fracc...they're my friends. I sensed their sudden drop in spiritual pressure as well. I need to go find them to see if they're okay."

"I could...I could help if you want. Are you sure you're okay to move though? Our fight was pretty intense."

"I can move around just fine. If anything I probably won't be able to fight as well as I could for a day or a couple hours at the very least. I don't need your pity. I'm not some weak woman."

"Definitely not weak." He quipped in his head.

"It's not pity. There's probably still a bunch of Shinigami roaming around looking for injured or dead squad members and maybe a few hollows that they missed. If you get spotted it won't be pretty. If I'm with you, I could hopefully end any potential conflict. If you really don't want to fight then it would be a good idea to have me walk you over there at least." He tried to reason with her. Hoping she would listen.

She stared at him for a moment. Weighing the options. Just what was he planning?

Though having him assist and make sure a fight doesn't break out would be a nice thing. She needed to stay on guard if anything happened.

"...Very well." With a degree of hesitation, she agreed eventually.

The less Shinigami that knew that she survived, the better.

Yujiro gave a genuine smile. "Alright. Let's go then. It would be best to mask your presence."

She nodded in agreement. He strolled back to his zanpakuto and bent down to retrieved his weapons.

"From what I remember sensing, your fraccion were fighting Rangiku and Hitsugaya...though I think I remember sensing the damn geezer enter the battle..." Yujiro felt his heart drop into his stomach. He did not have a good feeling about this. Fearing her reaction. He opted not to tell her that her fraccion were likely dead.

He saw her nod and she grabbed his collar and used a sonido to get down to ground level.

"...So you're the grandson of that ancient Shinigami."

Yujiro almost laughed at Yamamoto being called "ancient." Once the amusement died down he chose to reply to her.

"Uhh yeah guess you could say that..." A bit of bitterness in his voice. He looked around scanning the area for any soul reapers that might give them trouble. He expanded his senses. Yuji decided to speak more freely in an attempt to make the trip less awkward.

He held out his hand, his hollow mask forming in his palm. "Everything was going great until this happened."

"You were one of the Shinigami Aizen experimented on."

"Yeah. The geezer was my hero for a while. Inspired me to become a Soul Reaper just like him. I wanted to be a hero and inspire kids just as he inspired me. In the end, I found out that the geezer cared more about duty than family. I thought maybe, just maybe he'd understand, give us a chance and listen to me since I'm his grandson but nah." He kicked a tiny piece of debris away.

She said nothing as she listened to his tale. He was doing a decent job of hiding how his injuries affected him. But she could see the look of pain with every step.

"I think it worked out for the best though. Can't imagine myself being a captain and sucking up to Central 46. Being a captain isn't as appealing as it once was. Kisuke let's me do pretty much whatever I want so as long as I don't do anything stupid, I appreciate that kind of freedom..." He stopped talking and she saw him begin to sweat.

"Oh. Shit."

"What?"

Footsteps could be heard coming towards them. Biting back a growl of pain, Yujiro messily slid in front of her and she raised an eyebrow.

"Yuji, it's so nice to see you again. It's been a while." Said a very friendly voice.

Tia could see his back straighten.

"Would prefer it if I didn't have to see you again for the next couple hundred years!" He almost said out loud.

"Uhh... C-Captain Unohana! What a pleasant surprise! Didn't expect to run into you!" Yujiro cheered with a forced smile. "What are you doing here?"

"I finished healing most of the Shinigami with the more serious injuries. I'm looking for anyone else who might need healing. The rest of my squad are doing the same." She stopped talking and looked at him. "You're in need of medical attention Yuji. You're not properly healed."

"...Fuck my afterlife!" Yujiro screamed in his head. He could hear Rakurai laughing in his head.

"Ahhh they're nothing but shallow cuts! They'll heal in...a...few..." He tried to play it off but trailed off as he noticed her face becoming more and more serious as he kept talking.

"Yuji, why are you hiding an Espada from me?"

Yujiro's heart almost exploded in his chest at the Captain's words. Causing him to gulp.

Unfortunately for Yujiro, Tia didn't even attempt to assist, she walked around him and stood by him, facing the captain. "Thanks a bunch!"

"This is-"

"Tia Halibel." She cut him off.

Yujiro side eyed her before continuing. Not liking being interrupted. "She doesn't want to fight anymore. She just wishes to look for her comrades and go back to Hueco Mundo in peace...That's not gonna be a problem now, is it Captain Unohana?" Yuji stared at the Captain. Waiting for her to respond. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he gripped the handle of Rakurai. Halibel could hear his heart thumping in his chest.

"If she poses no threat then I don't see an issue. I can heal her as well." Offered the Captain of squad four.

Tia was about to interject and say that she doesn't need it but Yujiro spoke up first.

"Yeah that'll be great. Thanks Captain Unohana." He gave a light bow. Holding back a wince. Breathing a sigh of relief.

"Come now, we'll find a spot that we can use to hide from the others." Retsu began walking away.

Yujiro looked at Tia and gestured her to follow.

Halibel felt a little annoyed that she didn't have a say in this. Though looking at it logically, the Shinigami would be more likely to believe him than her. She crossed her arms and followed. Tapping her finger against her forearm.

As they walked Yujiro was staring at Tia from his peripheral vision. He had been taught that hollows we're bad and yet so far, Tia didn't seem so bad in his opinion. Sure she was trying to kill him a few short hours ago. But she'd expressed multiple times she had no desire to do it. Nothing he'd seen had contradicted that fact. It brought back a memory from long ago. During his time in the world of the living, he had seen a picture of two humans, two soldiers on two opposing sides of a war, shaking hands after the fact.

"We may have these fancy abilities, but we're not too different from humans at all." Yujiro thought to himself.

Tia on the other hand wouldn't be surprised if this was all a trap. With this many Shinigami around, and a captain present, the best chance she would have is to open a Garganta and make a run for it. But she couldn't just leave Mila Rose, Apacci and Sung-Sun. If there was even a chance that she could save them then she would take it.

Unohana had found a nice house to heal in, going down to a basement and proceeded to heal their injuries to the best of her abilities.

To Tia, Unohana seemed like a nice enough person. If she was honest, she didn't know why the polite Shinigami scared him so much. Though she did find it rather amusing.

Healing Yujiro was easy enough for Retsu. He was completely obedient and listened to her without question during the process. His injuries were serious but not life threatening.

Tia was thankful for her regeneration. It made the process go a lot more smoothly. That combined with the fact that Unohana was a skilled medic made it all the more easier.

"There, all done. Yujiro you shouldn't do anything too strenuous for at least a week." She informed the young reaper.

"Yes ma'am." He nodded.

"Take care of yourselves. Halibel, I hope you find your friends."

"...Thank you." It took a moment for Tia to gather her thoughts for a reply.

"You're not going to tell anyone she survived, are you Captain?" Yujiro questioned the medic.

She shook her head negative as she began walking away. "As far as I'm aware, all the Espada died today. There were no survivors."

"Didn't need to make it creepy." Yuji felt his skin crawl. Looking towards the Captain as the door shut.

"Is she the one?" Asks Halibel.

"'Scuse me?"

"The Shinigami that gave you nightmares." Tia replied seriously.

To say Yuji felt embarrassed was an understatement. His face went red and he looked away. Covering his face with his hands. "She must think I'm so lame right now!"

"You heard that?" He growled. Once again hearing Rakurai laughing at him.

"I was fading in and out of consciousness when I did."

"That's so embarrassing..." He shook his head and opened the door. "C'mon let's find your friends."

She followed behind him and they stepped outside. It was dark out. Yujiro expanded his senses. Searching for any shinigami they might need to avoid.

"Why does that particular Shinigami scare you?" Tia asks out of curiosity.

"She just gives me the creeps." Yujiro answered her question. "I don't know why but she just manages to make my blood run cold. I don't think I want to know why either."

They walked until they found a very large crater in the ground. Rubble scattered around.

"This heat...yeah this is the geezer's work alright. To think he didn't even use his Bankai..."

That was all the confirmation Tia needed. She descended down, sliding down into the crater.

Yujiro sighed and descended to. Although due to his injuries, he wasn't nearly as graceful as Tia was. Assisting Halibel with her search. They searched through rubble for what felt like an eternity. Tia heard him groan in pain and turned to look at him. He was struggling to lift up a large piece of debris. In his current condition he shouldn't be helping her at all. A small part of her felt bad for having him do this. She sighed and walked over to him. Bending down and placing a hand on it.

"You don't need to help with the actual search you know. Just taking me here was good enough." Halibel told him.

"You're right. To be perfectly honest...I...I dunno why I'm helping this much in the first place. I guess you showed me something different. And also because you don't seem like a bad person." Yujiro answered. Feeling unsure about his answer or how to even reply to that.

"..." Silence was Tia's response.

"C'mon let's move this thing out the way."

She nodded and they both pushed up. The debris now falling back. There was ash scattered around. Halibel sighed and closed her eyes. Clenching her fists.

Yujiro turned away. Assuming that Tia probably wouldn't want to be seen like this right now.

"They're gone. I knew it. If they had survived I would have sensed something." She grabbed a small piece of debris and crushed it with her hand.

Yujiro didn't know what to say to her. Not knowing how she would react. He was surprised she didn't snap his neck in a fit of rage.

"Do you hate me?" He asked.

"What?"

"I'm the geezer's grandson. You don't hate me for it?"

"A parent's actions don't reflect on the child. I know that. It's a battlefield. They knew this would be the outcome the moment they signed up for this. People die in war...and yet..."

"It still hurts doesn't it?" Yujiro finished for her.

Halibel nodded.

"When I first became a shinigami...I was pretty young. I was a Shinigami for a while before I was kicked out." Yujiro began. Looking up at the sky.

"I remember seeing some officers higher ranked than I was be saddened by the deaths of their comrades. In this line of work, you're bound to go through that at some point. Thinking about it now, I guess that's why I'm glad I never became a captain. I would've started treating those under me like they were nothing but pawns to be thrown away. I've seen some Shinigami become numb to it all. Becoming a person like that scares me." Yujiro looked down. Tia stood silent as she listened.

"You could think about it all you want. Think about how if you were there, you would be able to save them. Fact is, the past is the past. You can't change it. That's why the best thing you can do now, is continue onwards. Don't let their sacrifice be in vain. Think about the lessons learned today and apply them. That's all you can do. It's all any of us can do really." Yujiro finished.

Tia stared ahead. Closing her eyes. Letting his words sink in. "Perhaps I..." She struggled to get the words out. "...misjudged you Yamamoto."

"If you're not gonna call me Yujiro or Yuji, please at least call me Inazuma." He pleaded.

"Very well. I appreciate your assistance and your kindness Yujiro. Perhaps not all Shinigami want to kill us."

"I kinda was thinking the same thing about you. I guess there is a difference between Hollows and Arrancars. A big difference." Yujiro gave her another genuine smile.

This time she reached out and he did as well. The two shook hands.

"You were right about Aizen. You warned me that he might betray us and look what happened."

"Hey, he's beaten now. We won't have to worry about him for a long time, I hope."

"I guess so."

"You know, some humans keep ashes of their loved ones. If you'd like I can find something to store the ashes of your fraccion. Maybe you could store it in a place that has special memories of them." Yujiro offered the tercera.

"I'd like that. Thank you." The tres Espada nodded.

"I'll ask Kisuke to help with that. So, what are you going to do now? Go back to Hueco Mundo?"

She went quiet for a moment.

"I don't know."

Yujiro is quiet for a moment before offering, "You know you can always stay with me, Kisuke, Tessai and Yoruichi. You could live peacefully with us. Hell we could even help you live amongst humans if you want. It may be annoying but once you get used to it, it's really no issue."

"I appreciate the offer but I don't know. There is a lot to think about." She paused to think for a second. "I think I'll head back to Hueco Mundo for now. I'm going to look for a place to store their ashes. After that, I may take you up on your offer soon."

"Okay. Take care of yourself Tia."

"You to Yujiro."

He watched her enter the Garganta with a smile.

"I guess everything did work out for the best."

---

A Month After Yhwach's Defeat.

If anyone had told Yujiro that there would be a foe that was just as strong or stronger than Aizen, he wouldn't have believed a single word.

However the war against the Quincies had shown that there was always going to be some powerful foe to fight against. A lot of things have changed since the war against Aizen. The visords were allowed back into Soul Society. Some even regained their position as Captains. Ichigo ended up getting his powers back and became more powerful than ever. The already scary Kenpachi Zaraki had not only attained Shikai but also Bankai. The kind Captain Unohana had died.

The death of Yamamoto was the biggest change. Leaving Captain Kyoraku had become the new Head Captain.

Yujiro remained in Kisuke's shop with Yoruichi and Tessai. Although that was about to change as well.

Yujiro put on his backpack and his large straw hat that obscured most of his face. Slinging his gourd of alcohol the young warrior walked out the door. A new chapter of his life was beginning.

"Yoruichi! Kisuke! I'm leaving now! Tell Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu I said bye! I'll visit whenever I can." He called out. Closing the door behind him.

He turned to look at the figure waiting for him with a smile. He tipped his hat. "Tia. Good to see you."

"Are you ready?" The Shark Queen asks as he walks over to her side.

"Yes ma'am." He nods and she reaches out, placing a hand on his face, tracing the scars on his face with her thumb.

The war with the Quincies had left their marks on a lot of people. Yujiro decided to keep the scars he gained in the war as a reminder of everything.

The war had been Hell for a lot of people. Especially Yujiro. The death of Yamamoto, Tia being captured and his Bankai being taken away. Leaving him only with his Hollow abilities. Eventually he'd gotten an improved version of his Shikai and Bankai.

---

Flashback.

During the war.

A blast of blue lightning blasted through the door. The Quincies inside were stunned. Two of their own had been caught up in the blast. Frying them completely. Killing them. The group of Quincies stared where the blast of electricity had come from. Revealing a particularly angry Shinigami with a patchwork face.

The Soul Reaper stood with two large scythes. Wielding the two weapons backwards. Hanging off his shoulders was a Captain's haori. Anybody who might have been behind the captain could see that it had belonged to the former Captain Commander, Yamamoto.

The thing that spooked a majority of the Quincies the most wasn't the fact that the Shinigami was angry. It was the fact that clearly the blue haired Soul Reaper was holding his anger back. A silent rage.

"Attack!" One of them shouted.

Electricity cloaked the scythes and a large volley of arrows had been fired at the Soul Reaper. The arrows tore through an after image.

The Quincies didn't have time to look around, before they heard a scream from the back of the group.

They all turned to see one of their comrades get their head severed by one of the two scythes. A spray of crimson following soon after. The Shinigami grabbed the head and flung it at the nearest Quincy to his right. He then swung his left arm and sent a wave of electricity towards five more Quincies.

He vanished again and reappeared in front of the Quincy who had dodged the severed head with both arms drawn back. Flipping his scythes to hold them properly. Swinging both arms down the blades dug deep into the Quincy's shoulder. Making him scream in pain as red liquid filled the air. The blades dug deeper and then were twisted before finally being yanked out.

"Run!" One of the remaining Quincies had shouted. The rest of the group beginning to run for the exit.

Unfortunately for them, the Shinigami had no intentions of letting them escape unscathed.

"Don't run away now. You lot started this war." He told them as he reappeared in front of them. Cutting them off.

"Please! Let us-" He was cut off by a scythe piercing the top of his skull. Yanking the weapon out, the Shinigami kicked the Quincy away.

One of the remaining Quincies gathered up the courage to brandish a sword made from reishi. Charging forward he intended to impale the enemy with a thrust of the reishi sword.

The Shinigami merely swung his left scythe outwards. Impaling the Quincy's forearm. Any scream of pain was cut off by the right scythe being swung. Splitting the man in half from hip to shoulder.

The remaining Quincy turned to run but ended up having his foot cut off at the ankle. He screamed and fell forward. His face smacking the ground. Any attempt to crawl away was promptly cut off by a scythe impaling his calf. The blade exiting the shin and embedding itself into the ground.

The Shinigami walked over to the Quincy and crouched down. Grabbing a fistful of hair and forcing the Quincy to look him in the eyes.

"Is she here?" The question was delivered with a strangely calm tone.

The Quincy gulped. "W-Who?"

"Tia Halibel. Former Tres Espada." His violet eyes narrowed. His fingers digging into his skull. "Don't even consider lying to me either. If you do I'll skin you alive." With his free hand, he placed his fingers on the man's neck. Checking his pulse.

The Quincy hesitantly pointed towards a door behind him. "T-Through there! She's alive! Please don't kill me!"

Yujiro paused for a moment. Taking in the information. Removing his hand from the Quincy's neck. Picking up his scythe. He exhaled. His grip tightening on the scythe in his hand. "I won't kill you."

"Oh! Oh thank good-" He stopped talking as the scythe was pressed against the right side of his temple.

His eyes widened as his heart began thumping faster in his chest. "Wait! What are you-"

"You said not to kill you right?" Yujiro pressed the scythe forward slightly. Piercing the flesh and bone.

Yujiro electrified the scythe. Frying the prefrontal lobe. Focusing the electricity on a single spot. Rakurai was about to speak up but then said nothing. Knowing his words would fall on deaf ears.

Once he was finished, he stood up and withdrew the other scythe out from the man's leg. Proceeding to walk through the door.

He flash stepped through the place. Heading deeper into where they held Tia captive. He stopped upon seeing her. A rod had been stuck through her right leg. Arms held up by chains.

Quickly, he sliced through the bars that separated them and knelt down before her. Cutting her chains and then dropping his weapons for a moment. Checking for a pulse. "Thank God."

Yujiro soon wrapped his arms around her neck and brought her head to his chest. Letting tears fall from his eyes. Yujiro stood there for an unknown amount of minutes holding her. Tia was alive. Nothing else mattered at the moment.

He then removed the rod from her leg. Letting out a breath of relief as he watched the wound slowly close up. His dual zanpakuto had reverted back to their sealed state. Resting on his back. He slung Tia's arm around his shoulder and began to make his exit.

He had just made it outside when he heard someone talking.

"You're a monster. Quite scary I must say." Said a teasing voice.

Yujiro took a deep breath. Keeping himself from snapping. Sensing a Quincy behind him. This one was slightly stronger than the group he'd just slaughtered. Setting Tia down on the floor gently.

"If it meant Tia's safety, I would gladly butcher anyone who stands in my way." Black and white reiatsu began radiating from him. His hair had started to become more wild and crazy looking.

"Never in a million years would I think a Shinigami would fall in love with a disgusting Hollow." Spat the Quincy. Sounding disgusted.

Yujiro gritted his teeth and snarled in response. Turning to look at the Quincy. Eyes slowly turning from purple to gold as a shadow fell over his face. "Bankai."

A flash of black and white lightning flew up. The lightning vanished, revealing Yujiro's improved Bankai. A pair of silver gauntlets with purple accents covered his hands and arms. Each of the fingers had claws. Curved blades were attached to the forearms. Much like his old Bankai, lightning cloaked his legs. Black and white reiatsu zig zagging towards his face. Swiping his hand. He summoned his new mask. It covered the top half of his head. Two horns jutting from the sides of his head, pointing upwards.

"You're lucky she's alive." Yujiro growled. Voice becoming distorted.

"Lucky am I? Yet you're still going to kill me?"

"If she died, I wouldn't kill you. I'd make you beg for death." Yujiro replies bluntly.

It was then the Quincy felt fear. Sweat dripping down his temple. He gulped and took a step back.

Yujiro shot his right arm out. The curved blade on the forearms shooting out. Connected by a chain. Stabbing the Quincy in the adams apple. Blood flying out. Yujiro pointed a finger at the helpless Quincy. Black and white reiatsu charging at the tip of his finger. Grinning darkly as he added electricity to it. "Cero Oscuras."

---

Thankfully that nightmare was over.

Yujiro's hair had also gotten longer. Keeping his hair in a rat tail. Tia seemed to like it so he decided not to cut it. He now had a patchwork face. A scar running horizontally. Stretching from the left side of his face, to the bridge of his nose and reaching the right side of his face. There was another scar that ran down his left eye. And finally the last scar was on his forehead, another horizontal scar that connected to the scar on his eye. She was thankful that he didn't die.

Tia snapped her fingers and the Garganta opened up. The pair began walking and they heard a few voices.

"Halibel, be sure to take care of him. I know he can be a handful! Sorry about any trouble he might cause." The two turned to see Yoruichi with a playful smirk. Accompanied by Kisuke who was nodding in agreement.

Tia responded before Yujiro could snap back. "I'll be sure to keep him on the right path."

"Tia! Don't agree with them!" Yujiro barked at her.

All Tia could do was simply smile behind her mask. She gently grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him along into the Garganta.

The two made their way through the Garganta and into Hueco Mundo. Heading for the palace known as Las Noches. It was in need of repairs due to the Quincy invasion.

There would likely be some that would oppose having a former Shinigami in the halls of the city sized palace. Especially after how Aizen betrayed the Espada. However being the Queen of Hueco Mundo, Halibel was sure she could talk some sense into some of them. Nel for one, wouldn't mind at all.

Upon arriving inside, Yujiro received some dirty looks which he played off with a suave smirk. Tia and Yuji walked to Tia's room and during their trip, they ran into a familiar face.

"Damn. So the rumors were true? You went and got bedded by a Shinigami?" Asked none other than Grimmjow.

"If you got a problem with that Grimmjow, we can always fight. Not that you're much of a threat to begin with. You're just the runt of the litter." Quipped Yujiro. Giving a smirk of amusement upon seeing the sexta's reaction.

"We can fight right now fucker!" Snapped the blue haired Espada.

Getting up in the sexta's face Yujiro challenged him. "Yeah! I like the sound of-"

"Enough." Said Halibel with a tone of authority. Already beginning to feel an ache in her head. Ending their childish squabbling.

"Can you two try and have a normal conversation without it degrading into a barbaric argument about who's stronger than who? Just once?" Tia narrowed her eyes.

"Sorry about that Tia." Yuji walked back to her side.

"Heh. Whipped." Grimmjow snickered to himself. It took all of Yujiro's restraint to not kick the sexta's teeth in.

"Grimmjow, leave." Ordered Halibel with a stern gaze.

It took a second, but the Panther Lord walked away muttering under his breath about blood and destruction. Yujiro and Tia resumed their walk to Tia's room. They stopped walking when they made it to the door.

"Are you sure about this? You can always go back to the world of the living if you'd wish." Halibel asked him. Opening the door and stepping inside.

"First off, we're already in Las Noches. Second and most importantly, I believe your goal of wanting to maintain peace in Hueco Mundo is respectable. It's a motivation that I gladly support. Why would I go back?" Yujiro followed her into the room.

"I'm just worried about the others. Some don't like having a former shinigami in the palace."

"Seeing that you're the Queen of Hueco Mundo and I have your approval..." He smirked at that, causing Tia to roll her eyes. "...their opinions don't mean anything. They can always talk with you about it. Or me." Yuji told her as he took a swig of sake.

"Valid point."

"Want some?" Yujiro offered her a drink.

"Later. Don't get drunk already. It would be nice to have you assist in repairing the damages caused by the Quincies."

Yujiro nodded, taking off his hat and began unpacking his things.

"It's rather strange isn't it?" Asks the Shark Queen as she walks over to the balcony. Stepping outside and looking out.

"What is?" Yuji questions as he stops and walks over to her.

"When we first met, we were trying to kill each other." Tia comments.

"Yeah. You're right." Yuji gives a smirk. "But y'know what? If I could go back in the past, I wouldn't change anything."

"Really? Not a thing?"

"Nope. Everything worked out in the end." He shook his head.

"You and Aizen both view sacrifice differently." Yuji suddenly changed the subject.

Tia could any turn her head to him. The look in her eyes told him that that statement was obvious. But she allowed him to continue. Wondering where this was going.

"I've thought about it for a while. Aizen chose to gain from sacrifices. You choose to honor those who sacrifice themselves. I think there is a middle ground between the two. You can gain from sacrifices while also honoring those who give their life for a cause." Yujiro explained himself.

Yujiro didn't say it out loud but he'd thought, if he were to fall one day in battle, he'd want Tia to gain something from it. Wether it be more power, an ally, whatever. So as long as it benefits her, he could be happy with that.

"That might be the wisest thing you've said since I met you, Yuji." Tia told him cutting off his train of thought.

"Hey..." Yujiro's eye twitched.

Behind her mask, Halibel smiled and turned around to go back inside, taking Yujiro by the hand. "You should finish unpacking your belongings. I'll head back to the throne room. Meet me there when you're finished."

Yuji nodded with a hum. Starting to resume his task. Before she left, Yujiro called out to her. "Before you go, I gotta say something..."

She turned her head to look at him. "I'm listening."

Yujiro opened his mouth to speak and shut it. Opting to walk over to her. He looked into her eyes and said "I'm sorry..."

"...For what?"

Yujiro looked down and shut his eyes. "I couldn't protect you from the Quincies. I was too weak to do anything." He then bowed. Feeling ashamed.

A few seconds passed as he felt her place her hand on his cheek. Making stand straight and look up at her. She pressed her forehead against his and started speaking. "It's not your fault Yujiro. None of us were prepared for their invasion. I don't blame you for anything that happened. All we can do now is learn from our mistakes and apply them going forward."

Yujiro smiled at that. "...You're right. Thanks Tia. I promise you, something like that won't happen again."

Tia nodded. "It won't." She promised to.

Yujiro kept his smile. "I'll see you in a bit."

"Remember what I said, no drinking yet." Halibel told him as she walked out, leaving him to continue unpacking. He rolled his eyes in response. From his backpack, he took out a Captain's haori. Belonging to the former Head Captain. Yujiro decided to hang it up on the wall. The young man closed his eyes and clasped his hands together. A silent prayer. He opened his eyes and took a step back, examining it. Yuji smiled feeling satisfied.

"All finished." Yujiro looked at the haori once more and sighed. "You probably wouldn't approve of having your haori here of all places. You probably wouldn't approve of me staying here either. We've had our fair share of disagreements and fights but I do miss you. You stupid old man." A somber smile splits his face.

Once he was done he walked over to the door and his eyes caught a medium sized black box. The ashes of Tia's fraccion. Yujiro gave a small smile.

The former shinigami walked out the door, sensing Tia's spiritual pressure and following it.

As he walked down the hall Rakurai spoke up. "You shouldn't be here. It's not safe."

"Stop being such a wuss about it. I want to help Tia maintain peace in Hueco Mundo. So I'm gonna do it. You can nag at me all you want but I'm not changing my mind." Yujiro countered back.

"I'm just worried about your well-being. You are my master after all."

"We're equals." Yujiro told his zanpakuto spirit. "Besides nothing bad will happen. Tia is a fantastic woman. Nel is a sweetheart and Grimmjow is...well...Grimmjow."

"You just want an excuse to stay with Halibel, don't you?"

"That's also a reason." Yujiro didn't even try and deny it. "When I said that I wanted to help Tia here I was being honest."

"Don't be surprised if Arrancar try and kill you at any moment."

"Think they'll risk Tia's wrath?"

"I suppose there are some who aren't that stupid. Maybe Grimmjow."

"Grimmjow may make threats and do a bunch of stupid shit but he'd never actually try and kill me. Well not on purpose."

"Very reassuring Yuji."

Yujiro rolled his eyes and continued his trail. This new chapter of his life looked promising. He couldn't wait to see what the future holds.

---

Wow this is by far the longest chapter I've ever written. Sorry if the ending was a bit weak. I hope you all enjoyed the one shot! I originally intended to just write out the aftermath of the battle but I thought showing Yujiro and Tia's full fight made it better.

Hopefully this inspires more Halibel fics. She's cool as hell honestly. I feel like being the grandchild of someone like old man Yama has some potential for a cool story tbh.

If there are any of you who'd like to take this concept and turn it into an actual story then please contact me on Twitter, @TheFaroh98. Hope you all have a good day!