Chapter Seven, here ya go... ya savages. I kid, I kid. I love all you faithfull readers. In this chapter, we'll see more of Harribel and Stark and their plans. Also see a little more of Apacci, Sun-Sun, and Mila-Rose, with some Menoly thrown in there! Allright, let's end that so I can get to the reviews
Review Corner:
Nightkill:Luppi will be in the story! And that's all I have to say :P
marc:Your suggestion has been noted. And Yes, they will get stronger
DBZlover:Your suggestion will come into play this chapter... the training bit at least
darkmachines:Barraggon... Hmm, I dunno. I'll have to sleep on it
Seiei:Yes, that little fact will play a major role in most of the relationships... among other things
Grinja:Personally, I can't wait till I can start writing out the more intimate scenes between Ichigo and his harem, but don't tell anyone. I might get caleld a pervert
darknessbounty:Yes, I am pretty awesome, huh? Thanks for your comments, they made me smile... that sounded creepy
Guyshuriken:I thank you for your concern. YOu do have a point... however, as a 16 year old, starting summer break, and only having a part-time job, I have many hours of the day to do whatever. Might as well type out, huh?
TRIedge3:Thank you very much for your comment. I brightened considerably upon reading it :P
god:Yes... there will be lemons, and nel will be in the story. What role she will play is being thought of
nxkris:I love your idea on Ichigo mastering his Vasto Lorde form... hehe
Mas2009:I still don't know about Harribel being in the harem, but I'll still think about it. Here's your update
Kaiser969:I'm glad you enjoyed the fight, it was fun typing out.
bloodyemperor:I'm glad someone thinks I'm typing out Harribel good. I was sure that if there was a character i'd screw up, it'd be her
Dark Dragen:Life chose this day for me to update!
(Stark's Palace)
"The Sexta, Grimmjow, has joined us, Stark-san. Tomorrow night he will be going into the World of The Living to try and make contact with Kurosaki." Harribel informed the Primera.
Stark rubbed the sleep from his eyes, thinking. It was close to evening here in Las Noches. Of course, that was only time-wise. The artificial sun still shined brightly, but Stark felt he should be sleeping right now. He sighed. "Remind me why we're trying to get in touch with a Shinigami." he said.
"This particular Shinigami, from what I've heard from Apacci, is trustworthy and powerful. I have never met him personally, but I trust the word of my fraccion, who heard it from two Numeros who spent a lot of time with him."
"That's great, but how do you know how strong he is? Not even you and I can take Aizen, and with someone who's not, at least, as strong as us can't be much help."
Harribel said nothing for a couple seconds at this. He had a point and, come to think of it, she didn't know how strong the Shinigami was. "I don't know how powerful he is, to tell the truth. But one of the reasons I am sending Grimmjow to meet him is to find out. Naturally, Grimmjow will never accept help from someone weaker than him. He will, most likely, attack Kurosaki. How it ends is how I will determine his strength."
"Hm." Stark replied with the same neutral look on his face. He looked over at Harribel, turning away from the view of the dunes. "What are you going to do until then? Have you met with Aaroniero?"
It didn't surprise Harribel or Stark that Grimmjow had joined, as he was always looking for a good fight. He was the first on the list that she and Stark had decided on approaching. There were some other Espada that might be willing to join them. Next on the list they composed of potential allies was Aaroniero, the Noveno. Harribel shook her head. "Not yet. I will go do that after I meet with my fraccion when we're done."
Stark raised an eyebrow. "Your fraccion?"
"When the time comes to make our move, the other Espada and their fraccion will assist Aizen. I do not wish them to get in harm's way, but they want to help. So, I will be training them until then." She paused a couple seconds. "I want them to each be at least at Decimo level."
Stark raised both eyebrows in curiosity. "You're going to attempt to get three fraccion to Espada level?"
Harribel nodded. "Stark-san, I suggest you do the same with Lilynette. You know how she is, she'll try to help and get herself killed." She noticed this made Stark furrow his brow in thought. She could tell that the thought of Lilynette dieing worried and saddened him, even if he didn't show it.
"Yeah, Ok." Stark said with a sigh. "It'll just be annoying to try and improve her."
Harribel nodded at this. It almost made her chuckle. Almost. She turned and made to leave, but before completely doing so, she looked back and spoke again. "I will be back to speak with you in a couple of hours."
Stark didn't reply verbally, or even turn around. He only brought a hand up quickly in a 'goodbye' manner. Harribel sonido'd away, leaving him to his thoughts. "Lilynette, did you get all that?"
Lilynette walked out onto the ledge from the doorway nearby. The expression on her face was seriousness, something slightly uncommon to see.
"Yeah." She said nothing for a while. Then, she spoke up again. "Why are we going to betray Aizen-sama?" Stark sighed, knowing he would've had to answer this particular question at one point or another, and he knew it would take a while to give her an answer she would accept.
"Originally, I thought Aizen came to Hueco Mundo to recruit Arrancar has allies to fight the Shinigami, but now I know he was only looking for pawns. He said that the Shinigami were going to get what was coming to them for what they've done to Hollows."
Lilynette interrupted him at this. "That's good, right? Shinigami hunt and kill us every chance they get." Stark shook his head.
"No. Shinigami hunt the bloodthirsty monsters we all were at one point to protect innocent lives. As arrancar, we have regained reasoning and no longer need souls for nourishment. Neither I, or you, have been wronged by them."
"Maybe you're right, but that still doesn't answer my question."
"The point is, Harribel and I have decided that we won't be simple pawns for Aizen in a war that means nothing to us." Stark told her. He turned and made his way past her, intending to go get some sleep.
It seemed Lilynette was content with the answer and didn't speak of it after he was done, but, before he left, she did ask "Are you really going to train me, Stark?" At his nod, she whined out, "Awww, lame!"
(Harribel's Palace)
The moment Harrible re-entered her palace, she was surrounded by her fraccion right away. They all had expectant looks, all wanting to hear what she might have to say about their plans. Without giving them a chance to ask a question, Harribel spoke. "Grimmjow has joined us. Tomorrow night he will go and find Ichigo Kurosaki."
This received no complaints from them all. Though, she did notice that Apacci had brightened slightly at the last part. Something that made Harribel curious. She didn't ask, however, and moved on. "I'm going to the Noveno's palace in a few minutes."
Sun-Sun spoke up with a raised eyebrow. "You're going to try and recruit Aaroniero? Why?"
"We need all the help we can get, Sun-Sun. Not only will another espada be helpful, but Aaroniero's abilities may prove invaluable if used properly." Harribel told her.
"How do you know he will join?" Apacci asked.
"From what I've gathered, Aaroniero is intelligent and sensible. I believe he knows what the arrancar's fate will be when this war is over, and if he believes that there's a chance at killing Aizen should he defect, then he will." Harribel answered, at which Apacci nodded, understanding.
Mila-Rose spoke up next. "Is there anything we can do to help, Harribel-sama?"
Harribel shook her head. "The recruitment can only be done by myself and Stark. The other Espada won't take fraccion seriously if approached with the idea of defecting." The three looked disappointed at this, but brightened when Harribel continued. "However, when I return from Aaroniero's palace, I will begin training you three to be able to hold your own in the coming fight."
The three fraccion each had their own reaction. Mila-Rose looked excited at the prospect of getting stronger, Apacci was similar, except there was something else that Harribel couldn't figure out that was coming from her. Sun-Sun only looked content, though she had lowered her sleeve slightly. Harribel turned to leave the palace once more. She stopped, thinking. She looked back and said "If there is something that you three would like to do while I'm at Aaroniero's, then please meet with the two Numeros, Loly and Menoly. If we can get them to join, then it'll be a great morale booster for Kurosaki."
The three nodded at this, the only one looking genuinely interested at this assignment being Apacci. Harribel sonido'd away, leaving them alone.
Mila-Rose turned to the other two. "Not exactly what I had in mind." She said, looked slightly annoyed.
"There is logic in Harribel-sama's order." Sun-Sun told her in her usual condescending tone. "From what Apacci-san told us, it seemed that Kurosaki held feelings for the two. Having them on our side would only increase the chances of Kurosaki joining."
Mila-Rose scoffed. "We don't need the help of a Shinigami." Apacci couldn't help herself.
"You're just scared that he'll mistake your ugly face for a regular Hollow and try and Konso you." She said with a smirk, pleased with herself and her witty comment. Mila-Rose was not amused, but gave a smirk after a moment.
"It's so hard to hear you with your head so far up your ass, Apacci. Oh wait! You don't have one! You're just a flat piece of cardboard." She retorted, emphasizing the word flat, knowing that it was taboo with Apacci. It worked as Apacci got a dangerous look in her eye.
"Why, you... you freak! At least I don't look like some sort of... slutty gorilla!"
Mila-Rose suddenly lashed out and grabbed Apacci's head, bringing her to eye-level. "You're dead." She said in a sinister voice. Sun-Sun sighed and turned away at the scene.
"You two are both freaks."
"Shut up, Sun-Sun!"
(Aaroniero's Palace)
It was always very dim in the Noveno's palace. He disliked sunlight due to it preventing him from using his powers. Out of all the Espada, Aaroniero was the most... odd. There were actually two Noveno Espada. They were two skulls that lived in a tank of liquid that supported their life. From the tank, they both shared the same body. It was hard to explain to someone who had never seen him before.
Harribel entered the palace confidently, not flinching when the massive door closed behind her, cutting off the sunlight. After a couple seconds of letting her eyes adjust to the darkness, she proceeded forward. She didn't know the habits of the Noveno all too well, so she had no idea where she would find them. Though, due to him being an Espada, he would probably sense her. Her idea was confirmed when the sound of water bubbling came from behind her.
"Tercera, what can we do for you?"
Harribel turned and saw Aaroniero standing there respectfully, standing at attention, both of his hands clasped together, his sleeves meeting each other at his waist. Harribel began pleasantly.
"Aaroniero. I've simply come to talk to you."
This received no physical movement from him, but he did reply,
"Talk/talk?"
Harribel nodded. "Yes, there is something I would like to discuss with you." Again, Aaroniero made no movement at her statement. She could tell, though, that he was most likely suspicious of her.
Suddenly, he walked past her, speaking as he did so. "Before we begin, please allow me to make your visit more comfortable."
Harribel nodded and allowed him to walk off to the side to a compartment she noticed, slightly concealed in the wall. He opened it and retrieved two cushions from it. He closed the compartment and walked back to her, though he walked past her this time. As he passed, he set down one of the cushions in front of her. He stopped a few meters away from her and set his own cushion down. He waited for her to sit before he did so.
Harribel couldn't help but be impressed and humbled at the Noveno's hospitality. He was probably the most level-headed and sensible of the Espada, even close to that of the Cuarta, Ulquiorra. It helped that he seemed to be genuinely respectful towards her, and not just because she held a higher number. It seemed he, like her, respected those who had intelligence. She spoke up, deciding to beat around the bush a little.
"So, Aaroniero, before we begin may I ask what you've been doing as of late?" Harribel asked him. Instead of her arms crossed, like usual, her hands rested on her knees as she sat on the cushion.
"Waiting/waiting."
She received the simultaneous answer bluntly. It was an answer she expected from the Noveno. He wasn't one for small talk, even less so than Stark was. So, she decided to begin.
"Aaroniero, what is your opinion on the war that Aizen-sama will be starting with the Shinigami?" The equivalent of a sigh could be heard from the Noveno.
"You wish me to defect from Aizen-sama?"
Harribel's eyes actually widened at this question. How in the world did he know? Aaroniero noticed this look and answered the question she had asked herself.
"I am aware of the recent incident involving the two Numeros'. When one of your fraccion befriended them, I figured Aizen-sama's orders would reach you shortly. After the two Numeros left, you payed a visit to the Primera, along with your Fraccion. While your occasional visit to the Primera is not out of the ordinary, you have done so three times in the past three days. Not only the Primera, but the Sexta, Grimmjow, was led to your palace by your fraccion earlier today. I did not know why you have been becoming so social, Tercera-sama, as you usually stick to yourself and your fraccion. Your visit and your question allowed me to reach the conclusion of you defecting from Aizen-sama."
Harribel could only stare at the Noveno. She was treading dangerous waters now, at least he had made no hostile movements towards her, or tried to make a break for it. This gave her some hope. Before she asked him what he was going to do, there was something she wanted to know. "How do you know all this? And how did you manage to come up with the answer?"
"You forget, Tercera-sama, that my main ability is to absorb Hollows. Absorbing Hollows and the souls they had consumed not only increases my strength, but also my intelligence."[1]
It now made sense to Harribel. Aaroniero's ability to absorb Hollows and Spirits gave him their strengths, and every memory of their's. It made perfect sense that all of those thoughts would make him smarter over time. She proceeded with her next question. "What are you going to do now, Aaroniero? Will you join me, Stark, and Grimmjow? Or will you go to Aizen with this?"
It was silent now, Aaroniero thinking to himself. The only sound that that was being made was the bubbling of water coming from the Noveno. After a couple minutes, he answered. "Aizen will damn the arrancar should he reach his goal. He has already sentenced several Hollows, and arrancar, to their deaths to simply prove to us that he is stronger than us. When we are no longer any use to him, I fear that nothing will stop him from completely eradicating Hollows. To prevent the collapse of the universe, it would be in my best interest to assist you in your plans."
Harribel was pleasantly surprised at how this had turned out. She had secured another ally, which was good. And someone as intelligent as Aaroniero would be invaluable to them. She stood up from her cushion, Aaroniero following her lead.
"I'm pleased that we have reached a consensus."
"Likewise/likewise, Tercera-Sama."
When Harribel turned to make for the exit, to go to Stark and tell him of her success, Aaroniero spoke up once more.
"Tercera-sama, I have a request." When Harribel turned to hear him out, he continued. "Should we be successful in your plans, may I personally destroy the dome of Las Noches?"
Harribel raised an eyebrow, but understood the reason behind the request. She nodded at the Noveno . "Of course." She promised. Aaroniero nodded in thanks and allowed her to leave without any other questions.
(Stark's Palace)
A couple of sonido's was all it took for Harribel to, once again, reach Stark's palace. She wasted no time in entering and making her way to where Stark would be now. Asleep in his room. She felt a familiar presence appear behind her and turned to address Lilynette.
"Lilynette, would you mind waking Stark-san for me? There is something I need to inform him of." Harribel asked the small arrancar, who grinned.
"With pleasure, Harribel-sama!" Lilynette replied mischievously. She jumped happily and skipped upstairs to Stark's room. Harribel only had to wait about thirty seconds before Lilynette came skipping down the stairs again, the same mischievous grin on her face.
"Done!" She gave a peace sign.
"Thank you." Harribel walked past Lilynette and proceeded up to Stark's Room. When she entered, she saw Stark hunched over the side of his bed, clutching his throat and coughing. Harribel had to admit to herself that the sight was humorous, but she began.
"Stark-san, Aaroniero has joined us with only one condition. He wants to be the one to destroy the dome that surrounds Las Noches should we be successful."
Stark nodded in understanding. "I figured he would join us. Who's next?" He asked Harribel, blinking the sleep out of his eyes briefly.
"Next, we agreed on recruiting the Privaron Espada. I will approach them at a later time, though. I must begin training my fraccion." Harribel told Stark, who waved his hand slightly and fell back on his bed, trying to go back to sleep. Harribel stopped him, however, with her next words. "I would suggest you start training Lilynette."
When Stark groaned, Harribel turned to leave, nothing else to say to the Primera.
(Harribel's Palace)
"Harribel-sama, how did your meeting with Aaroniero go?" Sun-Sun asked Harribel respectfully, both her and Mila-Rose standing at attention upon their masters entrance.
"We have secured another ally, Sun-Sun. Where is Apacci?" Harribel asked her, glancing around.
"She left to go talk with Loly and Menoly shortly after I broke up her fight with Mila-Rose." Sun-Sun answered, annoyance flashing across her face saying this. Mila-Rose only huffed. Harribel was pleased, however.
"Good. It seems she understands the value of acquiring their support." She told them with a nod of her head. Sun-Sun spoke up again, furrowing her brow in thought.
"If I may say so, Harribel-sama, I believe there is some sentimental motivation for Apacci-san. I would like to suggest that she be the one to meet with Kurosaki. Not only do I think things would go much smoother, but I would also like to judge her reaction to receiving it." Sun-Sun said respectfully and intelligently. Harribel said nothing for a few seconds, thinking over what her fraccion had suggested. She spoke up again to answer.
"Grimmjow will be the one to meet with Kurosaki." Sun-Sun looked disappointed. "But should we need to contact Kurosaki afterwards, I will send Apacci." Sun-Sun nodded, perfectly content with this. She would still get what she wanted either way. With that out of the way, Harribel continued. "Now then, Sun-Sun, would you please bring Apacci back? I would like to start you three on your training regimens."
Sun-Sun bowed respectfully and sonido'd out of sight.
(Las Noches/Infirmary)
Menoly had been alone in the infirmary this time, still recuperating from her injuries. It looked like she was healing nicely, as she moved around a lot more. Even now she sat up on her bed to speak with Apacci. Their conversation wasn't anything special. Apacci was simply trying to soften her friend up with pleasant talk before she began hinting at what Harribel and Stark had been planning. It had started with a simple greeting, small talk about things in Las Noches. Apacci had asked a couple of questions about some of the things in the World of the Living carefully, trying not to remind Menoly too much of Ichigo. It seemed to be working, as Menoly was talking with a small grin, her hands clasped together at her waist.
Apacci was hoping that she could get through to Menoly in the end. She figured that Menoly would be the easier of the two Numeros to talk to about Ichigo and Harribel's plans. Whether Menoly, or even Loly, was aware of it, Apacci could tell that Loly was taking their situation the hardest. She had been prone to fits of rage at the simplest of comments and whenever someone even hinted Ichigo's name, that was it. You couldn't talk to her for a few hours, as she would leave after giving an excuse through clenched teeth.
When Menoly finished up her answer to Apacci's most recent question, she frowned slightly and asked, "Apacci, are you even listening to me?"
Apacci blinked at this, her thoughts being cleared from, her head.
"Oh, sorry. I spaced out." She told Menoly, scratching the back of her head sheepishly. Menoly stared at Apacci briefly.
"Is there something else on your mind? You look really distracted." She asked.
Apacci frowned at being found out, but answered anyway.
"Yeah. I was just thinking about something." She paused to think things over. Apacci knew she might have to be very careful with this. The only consolation was that it was Menoly she was talking to, who might be able to think more rationally about it. She grew annoyed when nothing came to mind on how to start, so she quickly said, "It's nothing, but, when you get out of her, do you want to come and visit the palace and, you know, just hang out?"
Menoly seemed to grow calm at this and replied, pleasantly, "Oh, yeah, sure! That'd be great, I've never met the Tercera. The nurse said that I may be able to leave after another day."
Apacci grinned at this. Maybe with Harribel's help, she could get her point across to Menoly. "Sweet, you think Loly-?" The static sound of a sonido was heard behind her, cutting Apacci off. She turned and saw Sun-Sun there, standing up straight, one of her sleeves covering her mouth slightly. She looked at Apacci, then Menoly, then back at Apacci and said "Harribel-sama would like you to return to the palace."
Apacci sighed and nodded. She turned back to Menoly. "Sorry, Menoly, but I gotta go."
Menoly nodded and waved her off with a slight grin, but was disappointed that her friend would be leaving. "No problem." Sun-Sun turned to look at Menoly.
"Oh! So you're Menoly? It's nice to meet you, finally. I'm Sun-Sun, one of the tercera's fraccion with Apacci-san." She said with a slight bow of her head, being respectful.
Menoly nodded her head politely. "Nice to meet you too." She responded. With nothing else to be said now, Apacci stood up to leave. Sun-Sun disappeared from the room, Apacci following after her with a small wave at Menoly, who sighed and laid back down on the bed.
(Karakura Town/Kurosaki Clinic)
Ichigo had been listening intently to what Toushiro had been explaining to him, in detail, over the past hour. It was certainly valuable information. Aside from the Menos Grande, he didn't know there were other classifications of Hollows. There were Gillians, Adjuchas, and Vasto Lorde. Gillians and Adjuchas could be defeated by Captain-Class Shinigami, from what Toushiro had told him. It came as a shock when he was told Vasto Lorde were more powerful than Captains. If the Hollows had pledged their loyalty to Aizen, than odds are some of them might be Vasto Lorde. After all, Aizen didn't seem like the kind to accept help from vastly inferior beings. He also learned about the arrancar. Apparently, that's what Loly and Menoly were. Hollows that took off their masks to gain power and Shinigami abilities. Now he understood why they had zanpakuto.
"That's all I was instructed to tell you, Kurosaki." Toushiro said, getting Ichigo's attention again. "We are going to be stationed here in Karakura Town until the battle begins. With the appearance of two arrancar, both ranked as low-captain level, Yamamoto-sotaichi thought it would be best to give the Deputy Shinigami assistance."
Ikakku chose this time to speak up in a taunting manner. "What the hell, Ichigo? You let two low-level arrancar defeat you?" Ichigo narrowed his eyes slightly, but answered truthfully.
"They... caught me off guard." He was quiet now, deep in thought, something Rukia noticed. Ichigo snapped out of it and spoke up again. "So what're you guys going to stay? You all can't stay here. There's not enough room."
There was a cry of "What?" It came from Rangiku, who almost looked offended at what Ichigo had said. She tried to pout cutely. "Not even for me?"
Ichigo blinked in surprise. "Especially you. What, did you think you guys could just show up and make yourselves at home?" He asked them all, annoyed. Rangiku blinked at this, then brought her hands up to unbutton her blouse. Right away, Ichigo knew what she was trying to do. Both his gaze and tone hardened into something that was close to anger.
"Stop." Ichigo told her, surprising her and everyone else. He closed his eyes and calmed himself down. "Rukia can stay here, but that's because she has before and is the one I trust the most." Rukia brightened at the statement. Renji spoke up when Ichigo finished.
"No problem. I want to see Urahara anyways. There are some questions I have for him." He stood up and waved goodbye, before exiting out the window. Ikakku and Yumichika spoke up shortly after he left,
"I didn't expect, or want, you to give us help. We'll find our own beds." Ikakku told them all, exiting out the window, followed by Yumichika. Rangiku sighed in an over-dramatic way.
"Then the captain and I'll go and stay with Orihime." She said, standing up and shouldered her bag. Ichigo nodded at this and said nothing else as they left. He stood up and looked over at Rukia.
"You can try and talk with my dad to let you stay here. Or you can just hide in my closet like last time." He told her. Rukia seemed to grow serious. She crossed her arms and asked,
"Ichigo, there's something troubling you. You've been acting differently than I remember. Is it because of those two arrancar that attacked you and Orihime?" At Ichigo's frown and narrowed eyes, Rukia guessed that was it and continued. "So, just because two Hollows got the better of you-?"
"Shut up." Ichigo snapped, cutting her off. Rukia did just that, looking at him in surprise. Ichigo saw this and sighed. He tried to explain himself. "That's not it, Rukia. It's not important. Ok?" He said to her, trying to drop it. Rukia wanted to press the matter, but decided against it. She changed the subject and asked,
"What are you going to do now, Ichigo?"
"I'm going to try and get some sleep. I've got another long day tomorrow." When he said this, Rukia remembered that Renji had told her something about him training and that was why he was absent from school. Before she could ask him the details on his training, they both suddenly sensed something nearby. When the reiatsu in the area skyrocketed, both their eye's widened. Ichigo spoke up,
"That's-!"
"Yes. It's an arrancar."
(Grimmjow and Fraccion)
"Grimmjow-sama, are we really going to meet with a Shinigami?"
Shawlong Qufang asked Grimmjow the question that everyone of the Sexta's Fraccion was thinking. Grimmjow sneered at the question,
"I am. The tercera seems to think we should." You could tell he didn't agree with her. Ilfort Grantz was the next to speak.
"So, this is really going to go down? We're going to betray Aizen-sama?" At this, Grimmjow nodded and smirked.
"We are, but we're not going to need a Shinigami's help. I'll kill him, and then tell Harribel that he wasn't worth anything." Grimmjow stood up from his crouched position. "Now, open your pesquisas. All the way."
They all did as they were instructed and opened their senses to find anyone with the reiatsu of Harribel's description. There were several Shinigami in the area, apparently, but only one really stood out. Grimmjow spoke up again, the same smirk on his face.
"Found him. I'm going to go meet him. What I want you six to do, is intercept those who try and get in my way. Got it?"
There was a unanimous, "Yes, Grimmjow-sama." Grimmjow sonido'd away, leaving his fraccion to wait. It took only a minute of waiting before they all sonido'd away as well, each sensing someone different that were closing in on Grimmjow.
(Ichigo and Rukia)
"Do you know where they are, Rukia?"
Ichigo asked her, turning back to look at her. They were both in Shinigami form, both ready to fight at a moment's notice. Rukia shook her head.
"One of them is getting closer! Judging from his reiatsu, it's the strongest one. Hitsugaya-taicho and the others are coming to help us. No, wait... dammit, the other arrancar stopped them. It's just going to be the two of us."
Ichigo stopped running, Rukia doing the same. If the strongest one was coming to them, then might as well get ready. Ichigo reached back and grabbed Zangetsu's hilt, but made no other moves. Rukia did the same with Sode no Shirayuki. It only took a couple of seconds before,
"There you are."
They turned and looked up into the air and saw Grimmjow standing there, an arrogant smirk on his face. Ichigo could tell that the arrancar had already labeled them both as weak, something he couldn't wait to prove otherwise. A drop of sweat came down Rukia's face as she stared at Grimmjow. Grimmjow didn't give them a chance to talk. "I don't know what Harribel sees in you! You look weak as hell, Ichigo." He told Ichigo, who narrowed his eyes.
"How do you know my name, and who's Harribel?" He asked. Grimmjow laughed.
"Doesn't matter, Shinigami! I'm going to kill you, and that'll be the end of it!" Grimmjow let out his reiatsu in a show of strength. Ichigo wasn't affected at all, the same couldn't be said for Rukia though. She stiffened and tried to hold her stance, but was failing miserably. Ichigo looked at her.
"Rukia, get out of here." He said this seriously. Rukia looked like she was going to protest, but when she the look in Ichigo's eyes and the way he wasn't affected by their opponent's reiatsu, she reluctantly nodded.
Grimmjow made no move when he saw the weaker of the two Shinigami retreat, leaving his target alone. Ichigo unsheathed Zangetsu and got ready to fight. Grimmjow did the same, unsheathing his own zanpakuto with a wicked grin on his face.
"Let's do this, Shinigami!"
(Las Noches/Harribel's Palace)
"Harribel-sama, Grimmjow left with his fraccion a while ago. I do not think that this is a good idea." Sun-Sun told Harribel carefully, trying to not sound like she was second-guessing her master. Harribel only nodded.
"I understand your concern, but this is to both try and get Kurosaki on our side, and to gauge his strength." She said.
Apacci spoke up next. "You mean Grimmjow is going to attack Ichigo? What if Ichigo gets killed?" There was an unmistakable amount of concern in her tone, something intrigued both Harribel and Sun-Sun. It was obvious that Apacci was concerned about something other then losing a potential ally.
"If Kurosaki dies, then it will mean he is not as strong as I predicted." This uncaring answer caused Apacci to become slightly tried to convince Harribel,
"Couldn't you have sent someone else?" She pressed, trying to convince Harribel.
"No, Apacci. Stop arguing and let things be." Harribel told her intently. Apacci said nothing else. She turned to leave, obviously upset over something.
(End of Chapter/Author's Note)
Annnnnnnd there you go, Chapter Seven. Hope you enjoyed it, it was fun to write. Got to see a little more of Harribel and her fraccion, and Harribel and Stark secure another ally. Hopefully you all like the way I potrayed Aaroniero. I liked typing him... them out. Sorry, but I don't have anything else to say, other than the note...
[1]Aaroniero consumed Hollows and, by default, the souls they had consumed, gaining their abilities and memories. Consuming so many Hollows should have increased his intelligence to near Vulcan-Level, right? It's just my opinion that I will stick by.
Allright. Sorry to say, but there was no particular Musical Piece that helped inspire this chapter. However, just so I can leave you with a song, I am going to tell you a little somethin. To me, there are two type of people. Those who are logical, and those who are emotional. Menoly, to me, is the logical, Loly, the emotional. Usually, Logical people will look at a situation and try to think of a rational way to deal with it. Emotional will usually become angry, or sad, depending on the situation.
Out of the two, Loly is taking it the hardest. Something I will illustrate in Chapter Eight. So, without further ado, here is the musical piece that helps me write and think of Loly.
Band:Skillet
Song:Comatose
Comatose. I'll never wake up without an Overdose of you. I don't wanna live, I don't wanna breathe, less I feel you next to me. You take the pain I feel(Waking up to you never felt so real) I don't wanna sleep, I don't wanna dream. Cause my dreams don't comfort me the way you make me feel.
And to this, I say good day. Till next chapter.