Well, here's Chapter 14. Not much of a wait compared to Chapter 13 eh? But, now that I've got this chapter done, you SKOM fans may be happy to know I'll be working on Chapter Five :D Just so you know, it doesn't actually take me weeks to make a chapter . I just... ya know, don't start working on it for a week... or two... Review Corner!
Umbra8191:Well... here ya go, foo!
Sentiment Remains:You will wait no longer!
Orchamus:Let's just say my plans for Ichigo and Soul Society may fit to your liking... and that's all I have to say on the matter 0_o
darkmachines:Well, like I told you in the PM, sorry that I will be disappointing you with your favorite characters :/ Hope the rest of the chapter can make up for it... in some way
King of the Fallen:Glad you liked the twist. Thank you for your comments and enjoy!
Techpriest of Tzeentch:I can only say I hope this story isn't fallin under that dislike *nervous :D*
halberd42:I know what you mean with A Protector's Pride :P When the Winter War is over, I may end up doing that.. but who knows? Nothing can go on forever. You can try, but just look at what that did to Friday the 13th, Halloween, Pirates of the Caribbean(sp?), Saw, et cetera :P
OpenSourceArtist:Glad to the chapter met expectations. Please enjoy
Kaiser969:I have plans for the Gotei 13. Enjoy the chapter, will ya? :P
Naito Writer:Those mistakes weren't intentional(Duh). What I mean is, my beta fixed everything, but I forgot to use the DocX document he sent me and used the one I sent XD
Farmer Kyle:Glad you liked the chapter. Should I ever need help, I will be sure to ask. Please enjoy the chapter, eh?
TsukiakariNoMichi:Glad you liked it :D I, too, love harem fics and the idea of them. Hope you enjoy
Inverness:Again, sorry for the long wait of Chapter 13 :/ Hope this one is more reasonable.
bloodyemperor:Thank you very much. I love the idea of Ichigo as a master, too :P
gagboy:Indeed Bl
Desuse:Well, now you can find out. Haha, no, sorry to say I am not writing an adaption to Bleach as Tite Kubo's right-hand man. Wouldn't that be something, though? IT would mean this story would have a graphic novel
DualX:Er, sorry? D: Glad you like the story though
Awesome Sauce:Erm, yes! As intended! ... :D
alchemists19: I love odd pairings. They make Fanfiction after all, in my opinion
:I will try... mysterious person :O
Yakedomaru:Oh, haha! Non-Hollow hole! Oh that slaps me on the knee*Turns to Ulquiorra* Can you believe this guy? he said-*Ulquiorra:-_-* Aw, cheer up emo... thing :D I will happily mention your story! Update it soon!
Seiei:I can't help but agree with all those points :/ I'm trying extra hard to make sure I don't screw up with this story. It's one of a kind, and screwing it up would make it a one of a kind screw-up, no?
W-Fangmetal:That is a great idea, it will be used. But not with Orihime's disappearance, I'll include it though and make it believeable
god:Yeah, well... I hate Rangiku :D But that's beside the point. Mayuri was going to take Lilynette for his own sick desires of experimentation, Rangiku was merely trying to keep an enemy from escaping... if that's any consolation, I doubt it though :/
toaneo07:Thanks much :D Enjoy
Anonymous:Thank you! Here's the next chap!
iampieman:Well, they did notice :O Hitsugaya only reported it in the last chapter after a few times... or something. About Mila-Rose... Neeuu. As in, she will not be a part of the Harem, sorz to say :/
Grinja:I agree with the Yoruichi thing, perhaps she will do that in the story later on? I can difinitely see a particular few exploding at her for it :P Cat-fight...*slow :D* A pun!
Well, enough with the stalling to prevent you from reading a chapter im not ENTIRELY sure about. But, hey, sometimes you gotta write stuff you don't like to make the story flow, eh? At least, that's my experience.
(Hueco Mundo)
Crash!
Ichigo emerged through the Garganta with a loud crash, landing in Hueco Mundo for the first time. Standing up straight, he took in his surroundings with both curiosity and suspicion. He had landed in a long hallway. It was pure white and seemed to be very well constructed. Supports potruded from the walls on both sides of the hall. To his right, he could see there was a left turn meters away. To his left, the hallway extended until the brightness of the hall itself covered the path, making it undiscernable.
"This is Hueco Mundo?" Ichigo asked himself, blinking in surprise. "I expected it to be a little… slimier." He scratched his head, pondering it briefly. He then shook his head. Now wasn't the time. He needed to get moving. As much as Urahara had urged him to try and control his reiatsu, Ichigo found that he couldn't. So, anyone who was even decent at sensing reiatsu would be able to find him. First things first, he needed to-
"Huh? Who are you?" A deep voice questioned. Ichigo turned around fully, just in time to see an Arrancar round a corner completely and stare down at him. "Intruder! You picked the wrong place to break in! Demora will crush-!"
"Getsuga Tensho!" Demora's monologue was silenced as the blast of reiatsu from Ichigo cut him in half vertically. His body fell in two pieces, before fading away. "Well, that was easy." Ichigo admitted, shouldering Zangetsu. Well, time to get moving. Ichigo turned and began to dash off down the hallway, sheathing Zangetsu back on his back while he was at it.
Shortly after, Ichigo came across a large chamber. Ichigo stopped once inside to look at it for a few seconds. He then saw a staircase on the other side of the chamber. He smirked, then began to run towards it.
"Where do you think you're going, intruder?" Ichigo was forced to stop running as another Arrancar appeared in front of him. Ichigo glared at the challenger, who only looked back at him with a cold indifference.
"Out of my way." Ichigo ordered simply, deciding to take a different approach. After all, this one looked a little better than the last one. A Getsuga Tensho at this range probably wouldn't do anything.
"Out of your way? I'm afraid it won't be as simple as it was with Demora. Not I. Not Aisslinger." The Arrancar identified himself with that statement.
"I'll say it again, Aisslinger, move or I'll kill you." Ichigo threatened darkly, reaching back to grasp Zangetsu.
"You cannot order me around, Shinigami!" Aisslinger sonido'd to catch Ichigo off-guard quickly. The next thing he knew, he was flying into the wall to the left, courtesy of a shunpo/left round-house kick combo from Ichigo. "Impossible." Aisslinger grunted out, pulling himself from the concrete.
"Sorry, I have to get moving, so-." Ichigo began, but was cut off.
"Do not patronize me!" Four, bird-like, hands appeared from under Aisslinger's robe, each sporting several claws. "Una Tiorotea!" With that yell, blasts of reiatsu began to fire from Aisslinger's claws. Ichigo stood there with a neutral expression.
Suddenly, in an untraceable flurry of movement, Ichigo swatted all of the blasts away with Zangetsu. Before Aisslinger could react, Ichigo's blade was at his throat. Aisslinger sweat at Ichigo stared at him. To his surprise, Ichigo retracted his blade then began towards the stairs.
"You would turn your back to me after defeating me?" Aisslinger questioned suspiciously. "I can collapse this underground passage."
"Go ahead." Ichigo said over his shoulder casually. "I'll be out before then. If you really want to kill yourself, go ahead." With that, he ran up the stairs, not looking back. Aisslinger's lone eye blinked once, before he slowly retracted his claws back into his robe.
(Hueco Mundo/Surface)
Ichigo reached the top of the stairs quickly enough, taking his first steps into the sands that made up Hueco Mundo. He looked to his left, then to his right. There was nothing but sand as far as he could see. It confused Ichigo, but then he turned around.
In front of him was a fortress of unimaginable scale. Ichigo openly gaped at it. It was huge. It was messing up his sense of scale. Several other buildings littered the area in front of him, as well as dead trees. They were dwarfed dramatically compared to the large structure.
"Wow. That's uh… big." Ichigo deadpanned. He closed his mouth and shook his head. He rolled his arms in a brief warm-up, before he took off in a sprint towards the structure. He shouldn't be wasting time admiring the scenery. He had something to do.
(Las Noches/Espada Meeting Room)
"We have intruders." Szayel said simply as he, and the other nine Espada, entered the room.
"Intruders?" Zommari asked, making his way to his seat.
"An anomaly was detected in underground passage twenty-two." Szayel explained, adjusting his glasses.
"Oh? They picked an awfully far away place to break in." Baraggan grunted out, taking his seat.
"You can say that again. It would've been fun if they had broken right into the Throne Room." Szayel said in disappointment, taking his own seat.
"Haha! Excellent!" Nnoitora exclaimed with his trademark smirk. He, too, sat down.
"Nnoitora, keep it down. I'm tired." Starrk told the Quinta, almost climbing into his sleep in his usual fashion. One by one, the other Espada took their seats and waited. It didn't take long for the doors to open again. This time, it was Aizen, Gin, and Tosen.
"Ah, good morning my dear Espada." Aizen greeted them all, confident as usual. "We're under attack." He stated without a moment's hesitation. "But first, some tea."
"Does everyone have a cup? Good. Please pay attention while you enjoy your tea." Aizen told them, eerily pleasant. "Kaname. The projector please?"
"Yes, Aizen-sama." With a flip of the lever, the center of the table opened and an image was shown above it. It showed Ichigo, sprinting at full speed towards Las Noches.
"There only one intruder." Aizen started. "Ichigo Kurosaki." This received mixed reaction.
'Kurosaki? What is he doing here?' Harribel asked herself, narrowing her eyes. Out of the corner of her eye, she was Starrk looking at her with a sideways stare. Grimmjow looked surprised and tensed up upon seeing the image. Aaroniero and Baraggan kept their cool and didn't have a visible reaction.
"This is our enemy?" Aaroniero's high voice questioned. "This boy?" His low one ended.
"When you said we were under attack, I was thinking an army." Baraggan stated gruffly, trying to mask his surprise and with indifference and disappointment. "This is just one kid."
"What a fool." Szayel grinned, leaning forward to examine the hologram. "The Soul Society is sending one boy to combat us?"
"Kurosaki is no longer affiliated with Soul Society, though I would not underestimate him." Aizen warned them all. "He was the leader of the Ryoka that infiltrated and defied the Gotei Thirteen."
"Hm… there were four of them, then." Zommari pointed out. "Where are the other three?"
"I assume Chad Yasutora and Uyru Ishida are currently in the World of the Living. Orihime Inoue, on the other hand, was kidnapped earlier today by Ulquiorra." Aizen told them all for the first time. Again, Harribel and Starrk shared a look. This was surprising to hear.
"Heh, so he's here to rescue his girlfriend? I like it." Nnoitora's smirk widened, if that was even possible. "He looks weak though."
"Again, I would urge you to not underestimate him. Kurosaki has already bested Grimmjow." Aizen told them all, looking at Nnoitora. This was rather shocking news. Just from this, it was known that half of the Espada were no match for Ichigo.
"Tch." Grimmjow grumbled, shoving his hands into his pockets. It was obvious he wasn't happy with that little statement.
"While you should not underestimate him, there is no need for alarm. Please, return to your palaces and wait for further orders, or for him to attack you. Continue as you would" Aizen instructed them. He then looked at Starrk and Harribel. "Of course, you two may visit each other, as you have done so increasingly this past month."
He knew. Harribel saw it, Starrk saw it, and Baraggan saw it. They were all very weary now, and on guard.
"Yes, Aizen-sama." Harribel said, nodding her head. They needed to get out of here, out of Las Noches. Fast.
"You are all dismissed." At the simple order, the Espada quickly dispersed. The ones that left the quickest were Harribel, Starrk, Baraggan, Grimmjow, and Aaroniero. Aizen regarded the five with a smirk, doing nothing except watching them leave.
(Five Minutes Later/ Loly and Menoly's Room)
The door to Loly and Menoly's room was thrown open in slight panic. Loly and Menoly both jumped in surprise, they turned to see that it was Apacci. She was a little disheveled, and was out of breath. Meaning she had pushed herself to get to their room. Remembering their last conversation about Ichigo's situation with Soul Society, they feared the worst.
"A-Apacci? What is it?" Menoly asked wearily.
"It's Ichigo!" Apacci panted out. Loly and Menoly both held in a breath. "He's alive!" They both let out a breath in relief. "And he's in Hueco Mundo!"
"What?" Loly blinked in surprise at the sudden statement.
"Harribel sent me to come get you both. We're leaving Las Noches." Apacci told them both, calming her breathing to a manageable level now. Loly and Menoly shared a look. "No time. Come on!" Apacci beckoned them both frantically. The two sisters took the hint and, without another thought, followed Apacci back to Harribel's Palace.
(Harribel's Palace)
"Harribel, we need to get the hell out of here." Starrk told the Tercera, gravely serious for a change.
"I know, Starrk." Harribel replied. "We can't act irrationally, though. I would like to know why Aizen hasn't gone after us yet."
"He must not think we're with it." Grimmjow tried, looking from the Primera to the Tercera.
"That is not it." Aaroniero told them all. "I believe Aizen is merely waiting. He wants us to make the first move."
"I think you're right." Harribel nodded. "As much as I don't want to play his game, I'm afraid we must act and leave Las Noches. We are unprepared to act in any other way."
"Harribel-sama." Apacci announced her, as well as Loly and Menoly's entrance, with the statement.
"Harribel-sama, what's going on? Why is Ichigo in Hueco Mundo?" Menoly asked warily.
"He is here to rescue Orihime Inoue. Ulquiorra kidnapped her earlier today." Harribel explained. She was surprised to see both Loly and Menoly's expression harden dangerously, but didn't comment on it. "We also have reason to believe Aizen is aware of our plans."
"What?" Lilynette almost yelled in surprise as she entered the room with Sun-Sun. Sun-Sun also looked shocked, but kept her composure.
"What does this mean?" She asked, slightly nervous at the implications. If Aizen wanted to, he could kill them all easily.
"Baraggan has gone to retrieve his Fraccion personally. He will return with them, then you are all going to wait for orders." Harribel said very seriously. Starrk narrowed his eyes.
"And what are you going to do?" He asked suspiciously.
"There is only one thing I feel I can do." Harribel told him. "I will go and assist Kurosaki-san." This statement caught the others off-guard.
"Are you sure that's a wise idea?" Aaroniero asked Harribel cautiously.
"Of course not." Harribel replied immediately, causing Starrk to raise his eyebrow. "The logical thing to do would be to sacrifice the one ally, so that the rest of us may escape." When it looked like a four of the young ladies present were about to go off at her, she continued. "But I refuse to do so. I will assist Kurosaki-san. Grimmjow."
"Hn?" Grimmjow grunted questionably.
"Please retrieve Inoue-san." Harribel requested, much to the horror of Loly and Menoly. Grimmjow only grunted, scowled, and turned to leave. "Please be discreet."
"If I want too." Grimmjow replied, before leaving sight.
"I must hurry. I can't help Kurosaki for long. I will tell him the change in plans and will help him get here." Harribel told them. "Hopefully, Baraggan-san will be here by the time I get back."
"Well… good luck." Starrk shrugged, not feeling up to talking Harribel out of it.
"What should we do if Aizen were to show up?" Aaroniero questioned.
"Try and make it to the World of the Living." Harribel ordered. This received silence from the Novena, something Harribel took as an affirmative. She then turned to Starrk. "Starrk-san, if it looks like trouble is coming, please see to the safety of my Fraccion." It was the most emotional thing Starrk had ever heard her say, so the only thing he could do was nod solemnly.
"I will."
"Thank you. I will return, hopefully with Kurosaki-san." Harribel said, turning to the others.
"Hopefully?" Loly asked suspiciously.
"I cannot guarantee anything." Harribel answered with a stare. Before anything else could be said, Harribel disappeared.
(With Ichigo)
"I'm Nel Tu!"
"I'm Dondochakka!"
"Pesche Guatiche! Together we are the…"
All three of the Hollows struck dramatic poses as one.
"The/Phantom Thief/Great/Three/Neldonpe/Brothers!"
Ichigo stared at the three. "Huh?" The three in front of him turned on each other and began argueing.
"I thought we agreed on 'Phantom Thief Neldonpe' the other day?" The small girl asked the other two. The large one shook his head.
"I wouldn't accept anything other than 'The Great Desert Brothers'!" He announced.
"No! It has to be 'The Three Brothers'!" The slim, bug-like, one whined to the other two. Ichigo could only face palm at the antics in annoyance. He had encountered the three a half an hour ago. He had attacked them in misunderstanding, but when he had apologized, said where he was going, and made to leave, they offered to give him a ride to Las Noches. It beat walking, so he accepted, but the eccentric rambling was getting on his nerves.
"So, what's your name?" Ichigo now realized Nel was in his face. He leaned back quickly in surprise.
"Ichigo Kurosaki. Deputy Shinigami." Ichigo informed the three of them a little awkwardly.
"Oh! That explains why you have a zanpakuto and are wearing that-!" Nel suddenly paled considerably. "W-wait. A-a Shinigami?"
"Yep."
"…." An awkward hush fell over the four of them, until- "AAH! A Shinigami! Baddie!" Nel started yelling, waving about frantically. "I should've known! Arrancar don't want to go to Las Noches! He'll kill us!"
"Wait, I'm not going to kill you." Ichigo tried to assure Nel. He then sensed something and saw movement in the sand up ahead.
"The Shinigami may not kill you, but I will rip you to pieces." A giant slowly rose up from the sand, glaring down at the five of them. "I, Runuganga, Guardian of the White Sand."
Ichigo stared at the giant in surprise, while the other three gaped in fear at the large monster.
"I just received word from Las Noches that there is an intruder in Hueco Mundo, but I'm shocked to find you pests helping him. That is inexcusable." Runuganga said gravely.
"No! It's not what you think!" Nel tried to talk her way out of it, waving her hand back and forth. "We were just-!"
"Move." Ichigo ordered sternly, standing up. "Getsuga Tensho!" Ichigo's attack flew up and cut Runuganga's head in half vertically. "Ok. Moving on."
"A surprise attack? You cheater!" The three accused him, pointing.
"Hey! I just saved your butts! Besides, it was an attack from the front, so where's the surprise?" Ichigo asked them, looking back over his shoulder at the three. A swishing sound caught his attention. He looked back at Runuganga.
"You attack without warning and without remorse." Runuganga's head closed together again, looking as though he had never been attacked. "Intruder, that is even more inexcusable."
"What was that?" Ichigo yelled back at Nel, pointing up at the sand giant.
"What? Runuganga is made of sand." Nel answered calmly, as though a giant sand monster wasn't about to smash them.
"Made of sand? What're we going to do then? Don't just stand-!" Ichigo was cut off as Bawabawa jerked to the right to avoid an attack from Runuganga. "Screw it! Just run!"
"Bawa! Turn around, Bawa!" Nel told the large worm, smacking it on the head repeatedly. Runuganga began to reel back, his mouth opening slowly. His mouth down to his stomach suddenly opened, exposing rows of razor sharp teeth.
"You will not escape!" He shouted to them. Ichigo stared blankly.
"OK, that was the scariest thing I've ever seen." The sand underneath them suddenly gave way to an ant lion pit, sinking Bawabawa. "Crap! Nel, does this guy have a weakness?" He asked the young girl, grabbing hold of her.
"What? I can't tell you! You're a baddie!" Nel replied, clamping both hands down on her mouth. Ichigo began to pinch at her cheeks painfully.
"Are you kidding me? He's going to kill you too!" He yelled at her.
"Water! It's water!" Nel answered fearfully.
"Water? In a desert?" Ichigo practically deadpanned.
"Yes!"
"Where are we going to get-?" A light mist sprinkled against his face.
"Cascada."
A pillar of water came down on Runuganga, crushing him and sending wet clumps of him everywhere. The four of them watched in shock as the water stopped coming and seeped down into the sand. Ichigo looked away from the spot Runuganga had been and tried to find the source of the attack. A good twenty or so meters away was a woman, just sheathing her zanpakuto on the sheath resting horizontally on her back. Ichigo couldn't identify the person, but Nel was shaking.
"T-t-the T-Tercera Espada!" Nel stuttered out, shaking in fear. "H-Harribel-sama. She's going to kill us!"
"Wait. The Harribel?" Ichigo double-checked what Nel had said. When she nodded, he sighed in relief. "Phew, lucky break." He jumped down off of Bawabawa, much to the other's confusion. Ichigo jogged toward Harribel. "You're the Harribel I've been hearing about, right? Boy, am I glad-."
Spalsh!
A water ball struck Ichigo in the face, soaking him and sending water up his nose. Ichigo tripped forward and began hacking up the water comically.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, despite your reason, it was foolish to come here. Alone, least of all." Harribel scolded, staring down at him.
"*Cough* Give me *Cough* a break." Ichigo managed to wheeze out, oxygen returning to him. He managed to stand up warily. Harribel sighed.
"Despite the stupidity, this does work out for us." Harribel told him, causing Ichigo to blink in confusion.
"Huh? How?"
"Aizen has discovered our plan." Harribel told him seriously. "I do not know why he as not attacked any of us, but we must leave Las Noches as soon as possible."
"Then why are you all still here?" Ichigo asked suddenly, surprising Harribel. "If Aizen could attack at any moment, then you all should leave as soon as possible."
"While I… appreciate the concern-." Harribel regained her composure quickly. "-I refuse to leave until you can accompany us."
"I don't intend to leave with Orihime." Ichigo told her seriously. Harribel knew a few select women that might fight that annoying.
"If Grimmjow was successful, then Orihime should be back at my palace as we speak, along with the rest of our allies." Harribel informed Ichigo.
"Really?" Harribel nodded. "That's great! How do I get to your palace?" He asked a little sheepishly.
"I will take you there." Harribel told him. Ichigo nodded. Harribel looked past him at the three Hollows cowering atop the large worm. There was something strangely familiar about them, but Harribel didn't comment on it. "I will only take you, though."
"Oh, right." Ichigo said in understanding. "Give me a sec." He turned and went back to Nel and the others. "Hey guys, thanks for the help, but Harribel is going to show me the way from here."
"What, why?" Nel can show you the way!" Nel argued, tearing up.
"No, you can't. It's dangerous, even for Harribel and I." Ichigo told her seriously. He noticed her expression and sighed. "Look, I'll try and come back to see you again, ok?"
"O-Ok." Nel sobbed. When Dondachakka and Pesche began to try and comfort the girl, Ichigo turned again and went back to Harribel.
"Alright, let's go." Ichigo said.
"Very well. Follow closely." Without further warning, Harribel disappeared using sonido. Ichigo soon followed her with shunpo.
(With Grimmjow)
Grimmjow walked casually through the halls of the large tower, his hands in his pockets, regarding everything and anyone he walked past with a frown or scowl. He was nearing his objective. This 'sneaking' business didn't really suit him, though he couldn't argue with the fact it was better than attracting the attention of Aizen. He needed to hurry though. From what he had heard at the Espada meeting, Ulquiorra would probably be the one in charge of keeping Orihime guarded. And if he knew Ulquiorra, he knew that the Cuarta would be around every couple hours to check on the woman. It'd be all the better not to attract his attention either.
Following his Pesquisa, Grimmjow rounded a corner. The room Orihime was in should be just up ahead. This was going smoothly. Grimmjow smirked. When he reached the door, he didn't stop walking. He kicked the door inward, startling Orihime a great deal.
Orihime jumped at the sudden intrusion of the Sexta. "Bwah! W-what are you doing? Knock! I could have been changing or something!" She scolded frantically, accentuating her point by flailing her arms. Grimmjow almost sweat dropped.
"Quiet." He ordered sharply, silencing Orihime. "Quickly, come with me and don't talk." Grimmjow told her, gesturing with his head.
"What?" Orihime blinked in surprise. "Where?'
"What did I just say?" Grimmjow growled. "Kurosaki is here in Las Noches." Orihime's eyes widened in shock. "He's here to rescue you."
"R-really? Why do you need me?" Orihime asked fearing the worst.
"Aye, aye, aye! I'm helping you escape!" Grimmjow snapped. "I'm guessing Harribel or someone else has already led Kurosaki to Harribel's palace, waiting for us."
"Really? Wow!" Orihime seemed amazed. "You mean there are good Arrancar? Like good guy Arrancar?" She seemed absolutely thrilled. Grimmjow stared at her blankly. Why Ichigo wanted to rescue her, he'd never understand. "Let's just go already!" Orihime exclaimed, excited.
"Come on. I don't think anyone knows I'm here yet." Grimmjow told her, preparing to leave.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that, Grimmjow."
Grimmjow cursed. He turned around. Yep, just as he had guessed. It was Ulquiorra. He was standing in the doorway, looking at him with the same neutral expression he regarded everything.
"What were you intending to do with my captive?" Ulquiorra asked. Though, even Grimmjow knew Ulquiorra already knew that answer to that question. So, Grimmjow said nothing, deciding not to humor the Cuarta. "Nothing to say for yourself?"
"What's the matter, Ulquiorra?" Grimmjow smirked wildly. "You're awfully chatty today, aren't ya? Woman, I'd find a place to hide if I were you." Orihime barely had enough time to put up a Santen Kishun before all hell broke loose.
(Harribel's Palace)
"Ichigo-sensei!"
"Oof!" Ichigo had barely been in the palace for more than a second before he was glomped by the smaller Arrancar. Lilynette was literally handing from him, her arms wrapped around his neck tightly, her chin resting on his shoulder so her mask fragment wasn't touching him.
"Y-you're alive!" She cried out, absolutely relieved. Even though Harribel had told her earlier Ichigo was alive, it was so much more comforting to see him in person, breathing and perfectly alright.
"Lily-chan, it's ok. I'm fine, see?" Ichigo said soothingly, leaning down so that her feet were on the ground. After a few more seconds, Lilynette released her grip and leaned back. Ichigo grinned as her expression turned calm.
Lilynette wanted to kiss him, right then and there. Forget who was watching. She wanted to, but she didn't. Despite her, rather obvious, affection, she found she couldn't. Who knows how Ichigo might react? She only nodded at him somberly and pulled away. Ichigo was now aware of the others in the room. The first people he recognized were Loly, Menoly, Apacci, and Sun-Sun. Mila-Rose was off to the side, her arms crossed.
"Hey, guys." Ichigo greeted with a cocky grin. They looked happy to see him, but Loly and Menoly had an additional look on their faces. Was it… annoyance? Before he could ask them if anything was wrong, Harribel spoke.
"Kurosaki-san, allow me to introduce Aaroniero Aurrurrie and Coyote Starrk." She introduced, gesturing to the person wearing a long mask, standing up completely straight and at attention and the man who was resting on a couch, regarding him with half-lidded eyes.
"Bout time I get to meet you." Starrk said, shrugging slightly.
"You're the Primera, right?" Ichigo asking, feeling under whelmed.
"Yyyep." Starrk dragged out.
"Please to make your acquaintance, Kurosaki-san." Aaroniero greeted respectfully.
"Novena, right?" Ichigo asked, raising an eyebrow to clarify.
"Indeed we are." The deeper voice of Aaroniero replied. While caught off guard, Ichigo managed to keep his cool and nod.
"Baraggan-san is back at his palace with his Fraccion, though he should arrive soon." Harribel explained. Ichigo nodded. He crossed his arms in thought.
"Then we're just waiting for Orihime-?" Loly ground her teeth together tightly. "-and Grimmjow?" Ichigo asked, not noticing Loly.
"That is correct… I must confess I expected him back by now." Harribel said, looking off to the side in annoyance. It was quiet and slightly awkward for a couple of minutes.
"I'll go find them. Where are they?" Ichigo asked suddenly. It wasn't Harribel who replied.
"What?" Loly asked Ichigo. "Why?"
"I have to make sure Orihime is alright." Ichigo answered her seriously.
"Why her?" Loly asked fiercely. It was obvious she hadn't gotten over her dislike of Orihime. But Ichigo didn't understand why Loly disliked Orihime so much.
Wait a minute. Did Loly spite Orihime because… she's jealous? It seemed ludicrous, but in the end it made perfect sense. Now Ichigo understood. All those encounters between her and Orihime back in Karakura Town make sense now. But wait, could the same be said for Menoly? Forget it, Menoly wasn't the one acting the most rebellious right now.
A knowing smirk appeared on Ichigo's face and Loly didn't like it at all. He took a couple steps forward and titled his head.
"Loly-chan… are you jealous?" Ichigo asked mischievously. Loly's face immediately went red in embarrassment.
"No! What are you talking about?" Loly tried to convince him, and everyone else. "Why would I be jealous of her?"
"Because you're afraid this Orihime will take, what you think, is rightfully yours." Harribel told the girl with a slight tone of humor. Everyone else seemed taken aback by this act of mischief from Harribel. The other girls laughed as Loly gaped at the Tercera and spluttered to try and deny this blatant truth. Ichigo's smirk turned into a warm grin.
Ichigo closed the distance between him and Loly. Before she could say anything in her blushing stupor, Ichigo had tilted her head up with his index finger and thumb and had planted his lips on hers. Loly's eyes widened in shock, her blush intensifying ten-fold. Apacci and Menoly watched contently, not really minding, surprisingly. Lilynette, and even Sun-Sun, were fuming. Lilynette more obvious than Sun-Sun. The main reason being the realization that they were the only two who hadn't kissed Ichigo.
After a few seconds, Ichigo pulled away, leaving Loly disappointed. She had been fully prepared, and wanting, to continue to the next level.
"I wouldn't be worried about that." Ichigo told her, appearing to be rather calm and confident, despite his bold move. Loly tried to calm herself, and succeeded to a certain extent, but she was still shaking in excitement. She leaned forward slightly to whisper,
"D-does this make us…?" She trailed off, unsure. Ichigo shrugged half-heartedly.
"You tell me." He replied. Loly only nodded, feeling rather pleased at the revelation. "I'm going to go rescue my friend, ok?" Ichigo asked her. Loly could only nod again. Ichigo leaned back away from her to speak to the others. "So where should they be?"
"The Fourth Tower." Harribel answered immediately. "You are going alone?"
"Yeah. This is my mission. I don't want anyone else placed in danger." Ichigo answered, reverting back to his serious attitude.
"In that case, the rest of us will depart to the World of the Living." Harribel told him. Before anyone could protest, Ichigo said,
"Good idea."
"What? You can't stay here alone!" Lilynette protested.
"I'll be fine. I got Grimmjow to watch my back." Ichigo chuckled lightly, though Lilynette didn't seem amused. "I'll be fine. I want you all to go to Karakura Town. It'll be safer there than here. Besides, if I'm going alone, then you all would just be sitting here in enemy territory waiting for me, when we're all going to Karakura Town in the end." He explained.
"His logic is sound." Aaroniero concluded, unmoving. That was all he said, too, waiting for a response.
"I agree." Starrk said from his spot on the couch.
"What?" Lilynette almost shouted at Starrk. "Then I'm staying!" She protested stubbornly, crossing her arms.
"Absolutely not." Starrk told her, fully awake. He stood up and opened a Garganta. He gestured to it, looking at Lilynette. She sighed dejectedly, but did as she was told. She went into the Garganta, followed by Starrk.
"Menoly-chan, can you lead everyone to the Urahara Shoten?" Ichigo asked, turning to look at her. Menoly nodded.
"Of course."
"Kurosaki-san, if you can, please try and meet with Baraggan after finding Grimmjow and Orihime." Harribel requested.
"Got it, I'm going then. Good luck." With that, he disappeared with Shunpo before anyone else's opinions could be heard. Sun-Sun sighed, slightly annoyed with Ichigo's irrational thinking, but didn't comment.
"Come on, no point in sitting around here." Apacci spoke up, shrugging. "He'll be fine. He's only gotten stronger since his fight with Grimmjow. I'm sure of it."
(With Grimmjow)
"Attempting a De Negacion on me? You are getting desperate, Grimmjow." Ulquiorra taunted smoothly, causing Grimmjow to snarl.
Grimmjow knew he was in trouble. He was tiring fast, while Ulquiorra looked mostly unfazed, more annoyed than anything. Grimmjow glanced over at Orihime to make sure she wasn't dead.
"Fool." Grimmjow's eyes widened as the roundhouse kick to his temple caught him unaware.
Crack!
The force of the kick sent him into, and through, the wall to his left. After a few barrel rolls, Grimmjow came to a stop. He managed to get up in time to see Ulquiorra step through the new hole in the wall.
"How illogical, Grimmjow. Betraying Aizen-sama, allying with a Shinigami. Despite your usual attitude I expected more rational thinking on your part. I give you too much credit sometimes." Ulquiorra patronized the Sexta calmly.
"Shut it, Ulquiorra." Spat Grimmjow. Orihime unshielded herself and peeked through the hole in the wall to continue watching the fight. This time, Grimmjow didn't avert his eyes from his opponent.
Suddenly, Ulquiorra appeared on Grimmjow's left, swinging his zanpakuto horizontally as if to cut Grimmjow's arm off. Grimmjow quickly made to block the attack with his own zanpakuto.
Slice!
Grimmjow's right arm was lopped off mercilessly. The limb falling limply to the ground, still clutching Pantera. "You rat!" Grimmjow cursed Ulquiorra loudly. His right arm was his sword arm, being his strongest. So, as a result, he was unarmed and defenseless.
"Goodbye, Grimmjow." Ulquiorra said his farewell morbidly, raising his zanpakuto to behead Grimmjow.
"Getsuga Tensho!" A sword stroke, powered with a Getsuga Tensho, struck Ulquiorra in the side, catching him off-guard. It sent the Cuarta flying off to the side, crashing into the wall… and the wall beyond that one. "What's the matter, Grimmjow? Getting tired?" It was Ichigo, shouldering Zangetsu, smirking.
"Can it, Kurosaki." Grimmjow growled out. He wouldn't admit it, but Grimmjow was thanking his luck that Ichigo had shown up. If he hadn't, he'd be dead right now. "He's not going to let us take the woman without a fight."
"That's alright." Ichigo said calmly. "I'm not the one that's going to take her out of here now."
"Huh?"
"Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime cried out, jumping through the hole in the wall happily and running towards Ichigo and Grimmjow.
"Orihime, are you ok?" Ichigo asked, concerned slightly.
"Oh, yeah! Don't worry about me!" Orihime tried to assure him sheepishly.
"Ok, Grimmjow, can you back me up?" Ichigo asked, turning to look at him.
"I'm missing an arm you moron." Grimmjow replied, annoyed.
"Orihime, can you-?" Ichigo started, turning back to her.
"Yes! I'm on it!" Orihime declared, rolling up a sleeve.
The rubble two rooms over shifted, before Ulquiorra stood up from the pile of rocks. His clothing was cut open where he had been hit, but he was unscathed. Though, it was due to his regeneration. He patted the dust off his shoulders, before walking forward, back into the room the other three were at.
"Kurosaki, hm? I don't believe we have met." Ulquiorra pointed out, not really caring about the fact. When he looked at the three, he narrowed his eyes. Grimmjow had two arms again. There were also no signs of battle on him. It was Orihime.
"Ok, Grimmjow! You're all better!" Orihime announced happily.
"Feh… thanks." Grimmjow grumbled, gripping his zanpakuto tightly.
"Kurosaki-kun, what should I-bwah!" Orihime suddenly cried out in surprise as she was grabbed from behind and put on someone's shoulder.
"Got her, Ichigo-senpai!" It was Ggio. Ichigo smirked. Right on time.
"Get her to the Urahara Shoten, Ggio." He told the Arrancar, not looking away from Ulquiorra. Ggio nodded.
"You got it. Kick his ass." Ggio said, smirking. He opened a Garganta.
"Where do you think you're going, Fraccion?" Ulquiorra asked, looking at Ggio, past Ichigo and Grimmjow.
Clang!
Ulquiorra blocked a vertical slash from Ichigo. Ggio escaped.
"There's nothing you can do it about it. Sorry." Ichigo told him, slightly annoying Ulquiorra. A subtly-placed Cero caused Ichigo to retreat quickly to avoid getting hit by the surprise attack. He landed back next to Grimmjow. "Alright, Grimmjow, back me up." Ichigo told the Sexta, getting in an offensive stance.
"Forget that, you back me up." Grimmjow retorted, sneering.
"Hey, I'm the hero here. I'm the one who gets a sidekick." Ichigo turned on Grimmjow.
"Sidekick? I'm not anyone's sidekick, least of all you!" Grimmjow turned on Ichigo. "If anything, I'm the one who gets the sidekick."
"You were on the ground crying two minutes ago." Ichigo pointed out, holding back a laugh.
"Look here, you dandelion piece-of-shit-." Grimmjow started, before he, and Ichigo, both jumped back to avoid a Cero, courtesy of an annoyed Ulquiorra. "Just forget it! I'm going to attack! Don't get in my way!"
"Same!"
"Alright, Ulquiorra, let's get serious." Grimmjow placed his hand on his Zanpakuto. "Grind, Pantera!"
"Bankai!"
Both Ichigo and Grimmjow's reiatsu skyrocketed. Ulquiorra looked between the two of them. He sighed.
"Troublesome."
(End of Chapter/Derp/Author's Note)
There you be having it. I sincerely hope you enjoyed it, though I am expecting a little criticism :P But, I'm a pessimist. I expect criticism after every chapter... I'm just voicing it this time. I have nothing witty to say this time :/ So, I'll just move on to the Musical Piece
Nothing really inspired me this time, but I'll just throw a suggestion for you to listen too, eh? :D
Avenged Sevenfold:
Song:Desecrate through Reverance
Album:Waking the Fallen
Avenged Sevenfold's first two albums, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet and Waking the Fallen, are mostly screamo. They've gone to be a more Hard Rock/Metal band now, but the older stuff is actually pretty good. Hit it up on dat one video site, eh?
Now, for some story suggestions, eh?
A couple-week-old story, this one. Pairing is ApaccixIchigoxLoly. It's an Arrancar Ichigo fic that I am very interested in.
Story:Grateful Mistakes(YOu will find it in the Ichigo K. & Apacci filter)
Author:Yakedomaru
Now, another story. From what I've been able to guess, it will be IchigoxLoly. Set after Ichigo lost his powers, Harribel, her Fraccion, Loly and Menoly all go into the World of the Living to meet with Ichigo... that's all I really know at this point :D
Anudder ting! I have a new poll up on my Profile Page. It's a biased poll on what you guys want to write for my next pairing :D
Well, hope you enjoyed! Please read and review, Constructive Criticism is welcome, but flamers will be hunted down and beaten up by me personally, I assure you.(TM)
(UPDATE) You remember that whole OC thing, right? After sleeping on it, I realized that was a terrible idea! So... no OCs. Some of you may be happy. I'll just come up with a college-educated plan for later down the line. Gots it? Goods.
And now, for my beta's rant :D;
Alirght, now people are probably going to laugh at me for this. Clothing. Why is it that lately, people are putting characters in outfits that I'd expect to see on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" or some other horrible fashion show? If it's not something that a really bad Final Fantasy final boss reject would wear, it's a black-on-black-on-black-on-black-on-black outfits.
You ever notice? Not one person in ANY game or anime wear clothing of the exact same color. Even if they're wearing, say, all black, it's different shades. The worst things I've ever seen are a Naruto fic where Naruto dressed up like a punk rock fan, spiked bracelets and Korn t-shirt included, and a Bleach fic where Ichigo was found to be wearing a gold, fur-trimmed captain's coat with the kanji for "God" written on the back. Seriously, what the blueberry fuck muffins is up with that shit?
Then there's the combat boots. EVERYONE seems to be wearing the things. Yeah, I like wearing them. But when, say, an ASSASSIN is wearing steel-toed combat boots (black, of course!) THEN I start to get pissed. You ever try to sneak anywhere in those things? I have, and unless you have cotten on the bottom of them, you'd get less noise from a gaggle of high school cheerleaders! FUCKING SUITABILITY PEOPLE! Just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD.
Look, I don't mind a character's outfit being a little fancy or different so long as they don't go over the top and they don't contradict what the character does. If they're an assassin or ninja, no steel-toed combat boots. If they're a close range fighter, no style's that would make Lady Gaga's meat dress look public presentable. Just try and make sure that you understand how the outfit affects everything from movement to combat.
And for those that think that talking about suitability of clothing makes me gay? May 1000 fleas infest the hair of your crotch, may your arms be too short to reach, and go eviscerate yourself with a spoon. Fucktards.