Through Fire and Flames

by Voishen

This is the story of the next generation of Bleach heros the sons and daughters of Captains and Villains. Action, Romance, comedy, fight scenes included. UlquiorraxOc GinxRan ToshiroxMomo ByakuyaxHisana RenjixRukia and tosn more between their kids.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Toshiro's eyes dashed across the horizon as he ran. He could have cried out, but his decency stopped him. To his knowledge his daughter had been somewhere in the Soul Society during the attack that had left the entire area in ruins. The rubble was hardly discernable as the buildings it had once been. Toshiro dashed to the area he knew had, at one point, been fourth company. The cleared area now housed the entire medical staff, who were working at full steam to try and save the survivors. Toshiro dashed up to Unohana, who was currently applying pressure to a man's chest.

Toshiro: Captain Unohana! Have you seen my daughter?

Retsu: Yes; she's over with the left flank.

Toshiro: When did she get here?

Unohana: Shortly after the worst of it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to try and save this man's life, and I shouldn't be distracted.

Toshiro: Right. I'm sorry.

Toshiro flash stepped over to the left flank. Momo was sitting with a group of Soul Reapers who looked like they had sustained minor injuries. Toshiro sighed in relief and ran over to her. Momo barley had time to notice him before she found herself locked in his arms. Toshiro had his face buried in the top of her head. He was trying to control himself as his nerves slowly unwound. The only thing to do was sob, so he decided it couldn't hurt. Momo wrapped her right arm around her father, realizing she had made a mistake in leaving him.

Momo: I thought he was ashamed of me…Yet he's like this now. I must have nearly killed him when I left. Oh! I am such a fool!

Toshiro: I almost lost her…now she's alright. I can't think of what may have happened.

At this point, Toshiro became aware of the wetness around her left shoulder and, furthermore, the lack of her left arm. Toshiro let go of herand stumbled back in a panic. In his stupefied state, he almost passed out.

Toshiro: How…how…how did this happen?

Momo: I got hit by a falling building. There was nothing they could do; it had to be amputated.

Toshiro: But…but…but…where is it? Why is it gone?

Momo: Um…Dad?

Toshiro fell over backward, landing on some poor person behind him.

Byakuya practically threw some person out of his way once he spotted his son sitting with Taro. The two of them had been unharmed, and were now sitting on a piece of rubble, enjoying being in one piece. Neyoshi spotted his father, who was accompanied by Taro's father. The Captain and Second Captain both stomped up to their sons, about to yell, when Hisana and Rukia popped up in front of them. They both clung onto their children, singing praises and giving strangle-hugs.

Byakuya: Now see here! These two ran off right before an extremely dangerous event, then show up unharmed, and –

Hisana: Would you have preferred to find him dead?

Byakuya: That is not what I said.

Hisana: Be grateful he's alive and well. If anything, this bout of mischief might have saved his life!

Renji: That does not change the fact they left without telling us—

Rukia: Oh, put a sock in it before I throw a brick at you.

Renji: *whimper, grunt*

Byakuya: So, am I allowed to punish him at all for this?

Neyoshi/Hisana: No!

Renji (to Rukia): But, sweetheart…

Rukia: Nothing sweet about me at the moment.

Byakuya: Fine. I'll let this pass.

He turned to Neyoshi.

Byakuya: But if I find out you pull anything like this again, I will not be as forgiving.

Neyoshi: Thank you, father.

Rangiku and Gin had already found their children, who had been in the Soul Society throughout the entire attack. Rangiku was hugging her two children so tightly they were practically being forced into her bosom.

Rangiku: How did you survive? *sob*

Haburi pulled away from his mother (more or less, to breathe).

Haburi: When the attack started, I took Ai and we flew up as high and far away from the fighting as we could get. We didn't have much trouble.

Rangiku paused, then abruptly hugged her son and daughter to her cleavage once again.

Rangiku: Oh, you two are just so smart! *cat smile*

Ulquiorra could barley open his eyes; his whole body was numb; his back and neck felt like they were about to split open. His eyes shot open.

Ulquiorra: Paqueña!

Paqueña had been asleep next to him. After the Soul Reapers had retreated, the lesser Arrancar had got to work healing Ulquiorra. After they were done, he had been moved back to his bedroom. Paqueña hadn't left his side since. Shortly after she had been woken up from his unconscious state, she had discovered she had gone into labor.

Her daughter was born not long afterward. Ever since the ordeal, she had retired to sleep.

Ulquiorra rolled onto his side, then winced as he discovered a wound there.

Paqueña: Ah! Don't move, you silly! You're going to hurt yourself.

Ulquiorra: Are you alright?

Paqueña: Same way I always am after giving birth…

Ulquiorra flinched and grunted, realizing what he had missed.

Ulquiorra: Was it alright? Did anything go wrong?

Paqueña: Went off without a hitch. Everything was fine. Do you want to meet your baby now?

Ulquiorra: Uh…I suppose that would be alright.

Paqueña kissed his forehead and stood up. She walked out of the room, into the baby corridor. Ulquiorra smiled as he listened to her chirp at her newest child. Apparently, the baby had been asleep, too. He decided to pull himself to his feet. The initial standing was difficult, but he managed. He leaned up against one of his bed posts as Paqueña came walking back into the room.

She had the little thing in her arms, wrapped up in a yellow bumble bee blanket. Ulquiorra walked over to the two of them. Paqueña gently rocked the baby from side to side. Ulquiorra pushed some of the blanket to the side so he had a better view of her.

The tiny child had a soft sort of kitten fluff for hair. It was a deep black color, like his own. The remains of her mask looked like a crown…or, in a funny way, like a jaw from something that bit her head and died, but never let go. A row of teeth hung down flush to her skin around her forehead. The bone structure above it came to two sets of points on either side of her head. She was quite elegant as far as Hollows were concerned. Ulquiorra cracked a small smile at the idea that she would be just like him one day. She certainly seemed the type. He leaned his head up against Paqueña's.

Paqueña wiped some sweat from her brow and smiled at Ulquiorra.

Paqueña: Ulqui, I would like you to meet your daughter.

Ulquiorra: What did you decide to name her?

Paqueña: Chiquita Emperatriz Shiffer

Ulquiorra: That's beautiful….

Paqueña: Well, it's Spanish. All of our children have Spanish names, and you think they're all beautiful.

Ulquiorra: Well, except the Adjukans…who I named.

Paqueña: And a poor job you did, in my opinion.

Ulquiorra: Some of them just needed simple names. They can't all be fancy.

Paqueña: Whatever you say…

Ulquiorra: Although I do feel bad about yours.

Paqueña: Well, I am small…

Ulquiorra: I think you're just the right size.

Paqueña: Back then, you didn't. Besides, I've grown to like it.

Ulquiorra: Whatever you say, mi amor.

Paqueña leaned up against him, which surprised him slightly.

Paqueña: I love your Spanish…

The next day, the Soul Society had managed to use some very powerful methods and Kido to repair about 60% of the damage. Still, many were out of a home.

The Captains had yet to meet about the election of a new Captain General. Some were choosing not to out of respect. The Council of 48, when asked about whose duty it should be to decide the matter, agreed it was best the Captains should do it.

Nanba, Taro, and Neyoshi had been hanging out all day while a team was re-building Nanba's apartment complex.

Taro: So…your whole house got destroyed, huh?

Nanba: Yah, and all my stuff, too. It sucks! What about you? Did anything get broken with you?

Taro: Just some stuff got flipped, and a few things were broken. The windows were crushed, though, so we had to sleep in the hallways. Neyoshi, what happened to you?

Neyoshi: One of my summer homes got destroyed, but other than that, my house is fine. The maids already fixed everything.

Taro: (line eyes) Well, jeez…doesn't that just suck…

Taro: Rich prick!

Taroturned his attention back to Nanba.

Taro: So, met anyone nice, girl-wise?

Nanba: Well, I've seen some people, but I haven't actually met anyone.

Taro: Who'd you see? Maybe I could introduce you. I do know a lot of people around here, particularly females.

Nanba: Well, I'm not even really sure what her name is…

Taro: What do you know about her?

Nanba: I think she's Captain Ichimaru's daughter.

Neyoshi and Taro both froze.

Taro: You mean…Ai? Ai Ichimaru?

Nanba: I take it she's famous?

Taro: And infamous. That girl gets so much nookie she could fill in for an entire whore house.

Nanba stopped walking in front of a large pond that was part of a garden. He picked up a few rocks and started skipping them on the water.

Nanba: I figured she was that that type.

Neyoshi: Plus, she likes older men.

Nanba: She's, what, 17? I'm 19. I guess I'm older!

Taro: Not by that much, Nanba. She likes really old men…like….Ukitake old!

Nanba: Well, there's always a first time for everything.

Taro rubbed the back of his neck. Nanba skipped a rock 8 times.

Taro: If you really want to meet her, I can introduce you. She's a friend of mine.

Nanba stopped throwing rocks and turned to him.

Nanba: You'd do that?

Taro: *blows some air and scoffs* Yah! We can even go now. She just lives on the other side of this pond.

Nanba: Really? That's great!

Nanba started walking on the path that went around the whole pond.

Taro: Yah, I guess…how'd we even get on this topic?

Neyoshi fallowed the two of them.

Nayoshi: You asked.

Taro: Whatever.

Ai sat in her bedroom, reading a gossip magazine on Soul Society dirt. Her father was the editor, so she always got the prerelease copy. Suddenly, a rock hit her window. She got up and walked over to it. She flung the window open, ready to yell at some old suitor. She pulled her hair over her shoulder and leaned over the window ledge.

Ai: WHA— Oh! Hey, Taro!

Taro: Hey, Ai! Sorry about your window.

Ai: Believe me, you're not the first to do that!

Taro: So, listen. Me and these numbskulls were thinking of hanging out for awhile. You got any good reason you can't come with us?

Ai: Haburi, Momo, and I were all going to do the same in just a little while. I would have to bring them along, too.

Taro: Sure!

Ai: I'll get dressed and meet you down there.

She turned away from the balcony, hair swooping behind her.

Nanba: She's really something.

Neyoshi: I guess…

Taro: Don't pay any attention to him. He doesn't even get to choose his own wife. Betrothal and all…

Nanba: I see.

Ai came out the front door, escorted by her brother, who it was safe to say didn't look very excited. Ai walked over to Taro and gave him a hug. Nanba just stood awkwardly out of the way of the group.

Ai: Let's go pick up Momo before her dad gives her too hard of a time about the arm thing.

Taro: I imagine the Captain is pretty angry.

Ai: More like worried. She's his only daughter - it's a natural father thing. My dad does it too; they get really worried and it just comes off as anger.

Taro: Didn't he do that about the whole baby thing? Speaking of that, how are you doing?

Ai: Oh, that? You didn't get it? *chuckle*

Ai breaks into manic laughter. Everyone just stands there, finding her condition far from funny. She wiped a tear from her eye.

Ai: I'm not really pregnant! I just said all that stuff to get Izuru in trouble! *cackle*

Everyone's jaw hits the floor.

Neyoshi: You have got to be kidding. You put that poor man through that much hell, just to get a laugh?

Ai: …YES! *cackle* And it was great! Izuru will be under my father's foot for the rest of history!

Taro: Does your family know?

Haburi: Of course we do. She told us not too long after Dad got back from the hospital.

Taro: What did your father think?

Ai: He was ecstatic.

Taro's eye twitched. Neyoshi's mouth was open as he shook his head in disbelief. Nanba just smiled in a stupefied haze.

Ai: I don't think you understand the fact that there are no bounds to what my family will do to destroy Izuru.

Neyoshi: But…why?

Ai: I have no idea, but it's funny - I'll give it that. My father just doesn't like him. So, what about you…Nanba, right?

He blushed.

Nanba: Y-ya-yah! That's my name!

Ai chuckled and rolled her eyes.

Ai: I hear you have the opposite effect of my family.

Nanba: What do you mean?

Ai: Well, my family is very…together, and happy. I just kinda assumed, since you don't have your parents, your life would be the opposite of that.

Nanba: Th-tha-that's not the case at all! I do have a family! *laughs* And trust me, we are together too much for our own good! Me, Kisuke, Yoruichi, Jinta, Ururu! We're all very much a family. Maybe not your conventional one, but it still works.

Ai: I still kinda feel sorry for you.

Taro: That's what I said when we had this conversation.

Neyoshi: Well, it could be worse; he could have no one. Can't you two just be happy he has something to call family?

Ai (to Nanba): Doesn't it bother you that you have no idea who your mother is?

Nanba: No, it really doesn't…

Taro (to Ai): It's almost cold the way he acts about this.

The group was nearing Captain Hitsugaya's house, so Haburi went off to go find Momo while the rest of them talked.

Ai (to Nanba): So, you've never felt remorse?

Nanba: Not about this, at least. Why are you all so concerned? *chuckle*

Ai: It's just it's not really healthy to have feelings like that, that's all.

Nanba: That seems to be a favorite line in these conversations.

Ai: Sorry if I'm being redundant. It's just the truth.

Nanba: I really am just one of those accepting guys who don't know anything different.

Ai: I suppose. I will say, I've known quiet a few guys and none of them had that outlook.

Nanba blushed. Ai jumped up onto the wood side of a large plant box. She began trying to keep her balance on it as the two of them walked.

Nanba: Is that a good thing?

Ai: It just makes you different, that's all. It's not a good or bad thing… yet.

Nanba: Yet? What did that mean…*gulp*

Ai: So, Nanba, had any girlfriends?

Nanba: None to speak of.

Ai: That's weird. Except for Neyoshi, most of Taro's friends have had several.

Nanba: Well, I'm a new friend.

Ai: Ahhh…that explains it then.

Nanba: Wh—...why do his friends have so many girlfriends?

Ai: It might be the type of people they are. It might just be because they hang out with Taro, but between you and me…

She leaned forward to whisper in his ear.

Ai (in wispier): Taro frequently hooks his friends up with past girlfriends of his. Is it possible that the reason you are here with me today is because he's working his magic for you again?

Nanba gulped.

Ai (in wispier): I thought so…

She pulled away from him and began doing her childish balancing walk again.

Nanba: Do y— you…resent me for that?

She turned around to face him again so quickly her hair whipped around in funny patterns.

Ai: NO! I don't think badly of anyone for trying to get to know someone.

She put her hands on her hips.

Ai: Men today just don't seem to know how or what to say to a girl when they're interested, and those that do have tragically bad timing! What you just tried to do is so nice because this way I know what you're doing and I can help. There isn't much use in affection that you don't share with the person you feel it for. I'm glad that you're the kind of person who would go to the lengths to at least sort of expose what they feel.

Nanba: *twitch* *twitch* You figured all that out just from me coming to see you with Taro?

Ai: I told you before - I've been around the block a few times.

Nanba: Ho— how many times, exactly?

Ai: Enough…mostly with older men, though. You're way younger than them.

Nanba: So I've been told.

Ai: Look, don't take it personally, but men like you are just a little too innocent for my taste. I like somebody with experience. But you're nice. Really, you are.

Nanba stopped walking. He put his hands on his hips, turned his head and grew a cocky smile.

Nanba: You seem to know quite a bit about what you do and do not like, but you don't even know me and you've already counted me out. I don't think that's fair. Do you?

Ai stopped walking and turned around, slowly this time, as if she was thinking about something.

Ai: Okay, so you think you've got guts. Out of the some 240 guys I have dated - sometimes more then two at a time for the past six years of my life - guess how many of them I've decided I liked for a lasting relationship.

Nanba: (sarcastic) Very few?

Ai: None. Zip. Nada. I know what I like, and I don't see it in you, so don't bother me about it. You're a nice kid. I could stand to be your friend, so don't screw that up.

Nanba: Just taking a leap here, but those 240 guys or whatever, they were probably your type? So, if your type is so great, why hasn't it worked out yet?

Ai flinched.

Ai: Wha— *scoff* Stop acting so all knowing. They weren't the right guy. That doesn't mean they weren't the right type of man.

Nanba: Would it hurt to go out of your comfort zone, then?

Ai: Knowing what I just said, you would still be interested in me? You are really a n00b.

Nanba: Maybe I just like something about you. You're…I don't even know what it is!*chuckle*

Ai: *sigh* You're hard-headed, I'll give you that. I don't even know what the point of this was. This wasn't a date, and you weren't asking me out.

Nanba: I think the point was for me not to get rejected by you, 'cause you kinda said I sucked.

AI: *yawn* Did I, now? I don't seem to remember saying that at all.

Ai: Maybe he could work…he sounds just like my mother, so maybe he really does know something. Can't hurt if he's not right.

Nanba: WAIT, NOW YOU'RE DENYING WHAT YOU SAID?

Ai: What are you talking about?

Nanba: Wait, did I just win my point? Wow! This girl is strange! I expected this to be much harder then it was. Maybe she's just toying with me? That's got to be it; no one just changes their mind like that, that quickly! Then again, I hope in this case she does.

Ai: So, Nanba, nice to meet you. I'm Ai.

Nanba: Yah. Nice to meet you, too.

Nanba: I see where her reputation comes from.

Ai walked out in front of him. She opened up her arms and gestured for a hug. Nanba made a "quack" face and had absolutely no idea what to do. Ai rolled her eyes again. She walked over to Nanba. She pulled his head down to her breast level, wrapping her arms around his head and shoulders. Nanba blushed a dark shade of red. After a few seconds, he relaxed.

Nanba snuggled into Ai's cleavage.

Ai: You are welcome at my house anytime you want.

Nanba: Anytime?

Ai: Anytime.

Nanba: What if anytime happens to be all the time?

Ai smiled, a bit of blush tinting her checks.

Ai: Then the same answer applies…

Taro and Neyoshi had been talking about the involvement of mangos in ancient Japan while this had been happening, so they hadn't noticed anything odd. Haburi and Momo had walked out of the Hitsugaya residence. Momo glanced over at the two with a "WTF" face. Haburi waved it off as normal Ai behavior.

Momo (still staring): What did I miss?

The Captains were gathering in the main meeting area, where they were informed a decision about the Captain General had to be made. Several Captains were being represented by Second Captains due to deaths in the invasion. Amongst the group, Kisuke, Yoruichi, and Ichigo had come to watch the fireworks.

Komamura was running the order part of the meeting. He roared, the room went silent.

Komamura: This meeting is in order! Roll call! Captain General Yamamoto is taken from us. Soi Fon!

Member of 2nd Company: Deceased.

Komamura: Gin Ichimaru?

Gin: Alive and well.

Komamura: Retsu Unohana?

Retsu: Present.

Komamura: Captain (insert name of your favorite OC and/or character from another anime. This seat was never filled, and this story already has enough plot lines!) ?

(Inserted name's) lieutenant: Deceased. (Maybe it shouldn't have been your favorite…hee…)

Komamura: Byakuya Kuchiki?

Byakuya: Present.

Komamura: It will be marked that I, myself, am indeed here. Captain Kyoraku?

Shunsui: I'm here already! Can you not yell so loudly? Some of us spent the night "coping" with the loss of our houses! *belch*

Komamura: (under breath) Slob….

Komamura: Shuhei Hisagi?

Shuhei: Present.

Komamura: Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya?

Toshiro: Present.

Komamura: Capt—…Kenpachi?

Ikkaku: Sorry, he's alive but in the hospital. He's not happy about it either, so if anyone feels the ground shake, don't panic; that's why.

Komamura: That will be marked. Captain Kurotsuchi?

Nemu: Deceased.

Komamura: *nods head slowly* Jushiro Ukitake?

Jushiro: Accounted for.

Komamura: It will be known that another purpose of this meeting will be to fill these posts. I will ask now if there is anyone who wished to nominate an eligible contender for Captain General.

Shunsui: I'll nominate Byakuya Kuchiki. He seems like the type, plus most people here are terrified of him. I think he'd do a good job.

Byakuya: I will accept the nomination, although I do not believe myself to be the best candidate for the job.

Jushiro: Who do you suggest then?

Byakuya: Ichigo Kurosaki.

The room exploded with yelling and questions. Komamura sighed and roared to quiet them.

Byakuya: It doesn't really make much logical sense, but…his prior record with the Soul Society is undeniable. He destroyed all of our defenses, then fled our ranks when his name fell to shame. He's taken on Espada and won, and to our better knowledge, he's been living in a state of constant battle for eighteen years. All that has to qualify him as something.

Shunsui: You would say that even after what happened to your sister?

Byakuya: I didn't say he was a morally sound candidate; I just said he was powerful. The Espada fear him. If that's all we can say of a person, then he's still a great option.

Renji clenched his fists as the talk began again amongst the individual companies.

Renji: I can't believe they would even suggest bringing him back! Byakuya was just as angry as I was when it happened! Why, now, would he choose to nominate a traitor like him?

He shot a glance over at Ichigo, anger screaming within him as it dawned on him he had never properly taken his revenge on the man who had wronged his wife.

Komamura: *roar* Are there any other suggestions?

Jushiro: I was going to recommend Kisuke Urahara, but I'm afraid you might say I side with traitors (chuckle). Kisuke is a great leader, plus, he knows quite a bit about our enemy. Let's not forget that most of our enemy's weapons are his creation. Having him as our leader could give us an advantage.

Komamura: Kisuke Urahara, do you have anything to add to your recommendation?

Kisuke: *sigh* Yah. Why me? *whine, groan.*

Ichigo shook his head.

Komamura: Ichigo…do you have anything to say for yourself?

Ichigo: Well, if you're looking for an apology, sorry. I'm not the right person to ask. That side of me has gone crazy, and does things that I am not proud of. Because of that thing that still rests in my soul, I have managed to harm some of the strongest, greatest people I have ever met. I don't have an excuse to give you for why I let these things happen; but if I did, it would be that perhaps the other side of me is just too strong for me. During the years I knew the Soul Society, I got to know some of you; others, to this day, remain a mystery in my mind. You know me just as well. Because of this, I'm not sure if you're the kind of people who would elect me just on power alone. Those of you who do know me well enough to look beyond my past actions…I can only plead with you to try and consider what I may be like a few years down the line when I can no longer control myself at all. If I can change that much in a change of a mask, and this much over eighteen years, please try to think of how much I might differ from now to whenever my mind breaks completely. With that in mind, vote wisely; I can't say if electing me is a good thing or a bad thing. That's your choice.

Ichigo leaned back against the wall, signifying he was done.

Byakuya: He certainly sounds like himself…but, still, he does have a point.

Byakuya started to think about Ichigo's most recent fight, the clash with Ulquiorra.

Byakuya: Ichigo would never have acted that way, and he has definitely gotten stronger and more savage since I first saw that thing nineteen years ago.

Renji: I don't know if I could deal with that guy being in the same dimension as Rukia and I. The idea that he might one day snap and hurt her again…Arrrgggh! I can't take that!

Kisuke: He may be slowly losing his mind, but he still knows right from wrong. He's not gone yet, that's all we need for now. He still keeps his head when he's not in battle, which is all we need to make a good run at this thing.

Komamura brought forth a scroll, on which he wrote Byakuya, Ichigo, and Kisuke.

Komamura: Everyone, come and tally their vote on this scroll. We need to know the decision quickly.

Gin: Don't you think a decision like this shouldn't be made in such haste?

Komamura: I mean no insult to the candidates, but at the rate this war is going, I doubt it will be long before we need to elect yet another Captain General.

Gin sighed in what could be interpreted as a mix of frustration and curt.

Gin: Your confidence is overwhelming.

Toshiro was the first to walk forward, and the rest of the Captains were quick to follow. Some lingered longer to watch what the others were doing. After the Captains went up, the Second Captains followed. Once all 23 votes were cast (Ikkaku voted for Kenpachi, and three Captains are dead.) Komamura picked up the scroll. He frowned at the mess that was barley legible.

Komamura: I am going to assume the drawing of my tail was Captain Ichimaru's way of voting for Ichigo Kurosaki?

Gin: You would be correct in that assumption! Did I get it right?

Komamura: For the last time, I have no tail…The new official Captain General appears to be Ichigo Kurosaki with thirteen votes…and one tail.

Ichigo cringed at the news.

Ichigo: Dammit! I tried to explain to them what was going on, and they still didn't listen! Why did they have to go and be so stupid!

Hichigo (inside Ichigo's head): Hay, calm down, big guy. You're gonna hurt yourself if you keep worrying so damn much. Just relax! I'll behave and everything; all you gotta do is accept the job as the big cheese and we're on easy street with a good shot at Ulquiorra's head! The fucker is gonna die! This is the best way to do it, trust me. No, not me, trust yourself…take the damn job!

Ichigo: But what if we screw up again?

Hichigo (inside Ichigo's head): Didn't I already tell you? Do what I want and nobody gets hurt! You were an idiot and started to fall for that chick; I was just being kind and doing what you weren't man enough to do! After all, you know you enjoyed it when we grabbed her around the—

Ichigo: SHUT UP! I GET IT! Alright, I'll take the job…you win…

Ichigo: I'll accept to job. When do I start?

Komamura: Immediately.

The following night…

Nanba had been sitting in his bed for the past hour thinking about random crap. The not so random crap is as follows…

Nanba rolled over in his bed so his face was flat down in the pillow. Someone had once told his it wasn't smart to think about things before sleep, because it may cause insomnia. Then why was it pre sleep was the one time of day he thought seriously about things? Oh well, he was an insomniac too.

Nanba: I can't believe that all happened in one day! I met her, I talked to her…well, stuttered to her. I wonder why she changed her mind…Was it because of what I said? No, that was too corny to have made her change her mind. Way too corny. Why the hell was that the only thing I could think of? Oh, never mind. She was rude, almost condescending, but it wasn't because she thought little of me, was it? No, she just didn't want to waste her time with a meaningless relationship. She was just defending herself…

He sighed into his pillow.

Nanba: Damn it! I can't sleep…well, she did say I could come over anytime, sorta…

Nanba threw off the blankets and got dressed. As soon as he felt semi-presentable, he vaulted out the window and ran off to the Ichimaru house.

Meanwhile, Gin lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The dull white paint was terribly interesting at the moment. He clapped the tips of his fingers together every couple of minutes. Rangiku was next to him, hardly amused. Normally, at this time of night, they were already disturbing the neighbors.

Gin: Ran…if I tell you something very mean about one of our children, are you going to be mad?

Rangiku: *exasperated sigh* Finally! We get to the source of the problem! No, I won't be mad, just as long as you snap out of this.

Gin: Okay…it's just, I'm not sure, and I'll feel horrible if you don't agree.

Rangiku: Gin, just spit it out.

Gin: Well, you see, it was the other day with Izuru, then everyone keeps talking and I—

Rangiku: Gin, say it. Don't bore me to death with the details.

Gin's smile dropped into a frown to small for his face.

Gin: I think our daughter might be a slut.

Rangiku: Now he notices!

Ai sat brushing out her hair on the windowsill. She liked the spot because it had such a nice view of the pond in front of her house. And on this particular night, the moon made the water quite lovely. That aside, she knew the water to be filthy and algae covered; the romance was always spoiled by that. Still, she could dream. Ai stood up, throwing her brush to the side, careful to bowl over her pink Furbie; the stupid thing chattered as it fell on the floor. Ai flopped onto her bed. Suddenly, a rock flew through her open window, smashing the light bulb in her lamp. Ai sat up and ran over to the window again. She looked down, ready to chew out some old boyfriend. What she found was Nanba standing there, looking slightly embarrassed.

Nanba: I think I broke something. Tell me, did I break something?

He blushed at his error. Ai smiled at the boy.

Ai: The rock thing only works when there's a window in the way.

Nanba: Like I said, sorry. Do you want me to come up and help clean it up?

Ai laughed cheerily.

Ai: Sure.

Nanba jumped up to the window without much difficulty at all.

Ai: Didn't anyone ever tell you not to enter through second story windows?

Nanba: Nah, never.

Ai stood there in her beer-drinking championship's oversized T-shirt and lacy panties. Nanba was already blushing with embarrassment, so his blush could be explained at least. He figured he had best distract himself.

Nanba walked in and started to pick up the glass pieces.

Ai: Wow, you actually were going to help? I thought that was just banter.

Nanba: That was considered banter?

Ai: Well, it got you into my bedroom, didn't it?

Nanba: My intentions are completely honorable.

Ai: So, what were your intentions coming here?

Nanba stood up slowly, with broken pieces of glass in his hand. He looked at the ground and scowled with a sly smile on his face.

Nanba: Not entirely honorable.

Ai: Ah, so you are human.

Nanba: I was just hoping to get a nice conversation in, that's all. Maybe crack a dirty joke here or there.

Ai: Is that all?

Nanba: …Where do I put the pieces?

He gestured to the glass in his hand.

Ai went over and picked up a trash basket. Nanba walked over and placed the pieces in carefully.

Ai: I'll take a potato to it later.

Nanba blushed.

Nanba: Waaaaah?

Ai: *chuckle* That was not banter.

Nanba: Maybe I should get going before I embarrass myself too badly?

Ai: You were doing fine. Really, you were.

Nanba: Thanks, because I feel like an idiot.

Ai smiled and shook her head.

Nanba: What? Did I say something else stupid?

Ai: No, you're just a very cute, very innocent boy, and you're very funny.

Nanba looked another direction as his smile curved to one cheek.

Ai set down the trash can. She stroked one side of Nanba's face with the back of her hand. She slowly pulled that hand to the back of his head. Gently, she pulled his head to her. Nanba leaned forward, pressing his lips against hers. They both pulled away a second later.

Nanba: I should leave.

Ai: My mother's not screaming bloody murder, so my father's probably asleep. Why do you need to go?

Nanba: I've got people waiting up for me, too.

Nanba walked over to the windowsill and jumped out. He landed on the ground and started walking. He waved as he walked off. Ai smiled and shook her head.

Ai: He's different, alright…maybe different is a good thing, after all…

Nanba sauntered back into his house. This was notably a different house, which Kisuke and company had moved into. Kisuke had been given back his old job as Head of Research and Development. Kisuke himself was waiting leaning up against the staircase.

Kisuke: So, how'd the "break stuff" trick I told you about go?

Nanba: …Okay…

The course of Ichigo's first day as Captain General had went over with out a hitch. He hadn't figured out all of the people who were going to fill Captain positions, but he had hopes Kisuke and Yoruichi would take back their old jobs. Upon being asked, Kisuke took back his duties eagerly. Yoruichi, on the other hand, declined hers and wanted nothing to do with the whole thing. She instead asked to be allowed to work with Kisuke as a lab assistant. Kisuke wasn't sure how good of a job she would do, but he let her stay regardless. Ichigo, at the time, was going to meet with Kisuke in his lab to talk about weapons.

Ichigo walked into the room, which seemed to have become messy within the past hour Kisuke had been in it.

Ichigo: Hay. What did you want to see me about?

Kisuke pulled his head out of a cabinet he was stacking with miscellaneous jars.

Kisuke: That was some speech you gave today.

Ichigo: I wish I hadn't said it now.

Kisuke: Captain General never was a part of the plan?

Ichigo: No, not at all. I just got used to being a bum, too.

Kisuke: I was surprised Byakuya nominated you.

Ichigo: You're not the only one! You'd think he would known best why this is such a bad idea.

Kisuke: You don't even trust yourself?

Ichigo: It's not myself I have to trust.

Kisuke stepped down from his stool and walked over to an island countertop where he had some large, threatening boxes.

Ichigo: Komamura is my new babysitter. Did you have anything to do with that?

Kisuke: No, but I do agree. You could use a good mentor. Komamura knows a lot about the role of Captain General. He was fond of Yamamoto; I'm sure he's conflicted about allowing you to do this job. Watch out; he's got a mean temper.

Ichigo: I'm not worried.

Kisuke stopped what he was doing. He turned around and faced Ichigo. He leaned back on the counter.

Kisuke: Out of curiosity, how many people would you say in the world have any chance of beating you in a battle?

Ichigo: Four.

Kisuke: Who would that be?

Ichigo: Aizen, if he pulled out all the stops; Stark, Heibel, and the bad side of the Hollow Mother.

Kisuke: By that, you mean Paqueña?

Ichigo: No, Haqueña, the other side of her.

Kisuke: You would know her, wouldn't you? *shakes head*

Ichigo: Can we get down to something of actual importance? You're kind of wasting my time.

Kisuke pulled down the sides to the box he had been standing next to. The thing inside was a purple and black colored mesh, or what looked like tentacles with hard outer skin. At the top of it was a needle at least a foot long with a wire that attacked into the tentacle mess.

Kisuke: I call it…Kisuke's Big Boom Machine™.

Ichigo: What is that?

Kisuke: It's a bomb.

Ichigo: Oh. A bomb…Let's go onto something else and just what the hell are you doing with a bomb?

Kisuke: This is a very powerful bomb. In fact, it's powerful enough to destroy an entire dimension if used right. This thing is a world destroyer.

Ichigo: What do you mean, "used correctly"? And how long have you had this thing?

Kisuke: I invented it quite a few years ago; I've kept it inside Urahara Shoten, under the fireworks.

Ichigo: That didn't answer my more important question.

Kisuke: Well, Ichigo, you see…

Kisuke stopped and thought about what he was going to say.

Kisuke: I have a plan that may allow us to win this thing, but to make it work, you'll have to die.

Ichigo's eye's widened.

Kisuke: You activate it by sticking the needle into the arm you hold your Zanpaku-to with. Then, you channel your retsu just like your would for a Bankai. The energy gets built up in this thing. When it goes off, the intensity of the attack is multiplied by 10,000%. In just case, it would be enough to completely destroy Hueco Mundo, with all of our enemies in it.

Ichigo: That's a good plan, except for the part where I die.

Kisuke: No way of avoiding it. You see, it only works when it's lying like this, and I can't figure out how to focus the blast into a beam rather than just an explosion. The materials are just too unstable for me personally to do much work with it, lest I screw up and give it any of my retsu.

Ichigo: I'm not sure if I can sentence an entire dimension to death. Is there any other option?

Kisuke: Nothing I can think of that would be enough to kill all four of those people you said would give you trouble.

Ichigo: I understand. Thanks for the offer, but I don't think we're desperate enough, even now.

Kisuke: I was hoping you'd say something like that.

Ichigo: …?

Kisuke: You may not think so, but more people then just I think you'd be good at your job.

Ichigo: Oh…thanks. I'll keep that in mind…

Hichigo (in head): No fucking way am I blowing myself up! I'm not done living yet, and I don't care if you're the last Soul Reaper alive! You'll never be desperate enough!

Ichigo: One day, you might make me desperate enough to take that thing in a time of peace!

Nanba trotted along on his way to 10th Company the next morning. He felt quite capable of anything at the moment. Somehow, he had managed what, in his mind, was the hardest part. It hadn't yet dawned on him he knew virtually nothing about Ai, but it was soon to hit him…

Nanba rounded the corner of a building. Before him was Ai, talking to Captain Shuhei Hisagi. She was walking linked in arm with him, talking with a smile on her face. The Captain was bragging on about some recent conquest. Nanba suddenly felt like he was going to be sick.

Nanba: Wait, what is she doing with him? I though she was…could it really be true what they say about her? UHG! HOW COULD I BE SUCH A FOOL?

Nanba walked over to the pair with a bitter attitude uncommon for Nanba. Ai noticed him immediately and quickly looked to see what he wanted.

Nanba: So, what's this all about?

Ai: Oh. Nothing, really. The Captain was helping me on my way to my company; I twisted my ankle just like a colt's on the bridge outside my house.

Nanba: Really? How incredibly convenient that the Captain was there.

Ai: Well, Shuhei and I are very good friends; we've know each other for some time now.

Nanba turned his attention to the Captain.

Nanba: Is that so?

Shuhei: Yes, actually. You're overly jumpy today, Kurosaki. Maybe you should get to your company.

Nanba: Yah. Maybe I should.

His voice had a slight bitter grit in it. He glared at Ai, turned his head, and walked off. Ai cringed a bit.

Ai: Why do I feel guilty? I do this all the time! Oh, stop it, Ai! Stop acting like he was anything special. He'll be out of your head by tonight if I play my cards right with the Captain here.

Nanba walked off in a huff. Ai watched him as he left. Shuhei tightened his grip on her arm.

Shuhei: Wow, Ai. Was that a twinge of regret? Never seen that in you before. How long were you with that guy, a whole week?

Ai: No…just, well, not at all, really.

Shuhei: Huh. Weird…Well, let's go. I didn't get the day off to just sit around and talk about some other guy.

Ai: *scoff* Hold your horses. At least buy me lunch and dinner, first!

Ai: Is this really my type? Is this all I'm going to get in my life? Guys like meathead here?*sigh*

Nanba had been sitting in the kitchen of his new house all day. Yoruichi and Kisuke had been at work, Jinta and Ururu were off playing, and who knows where Tessai went. When Kisuke finally got home, he was alone; Yoruichi had left to go get groceries, apparently.

Kisuke closed the door softly. He knew Nanba well enough to detect when he was in a bad mood.

Kisuke: So, I take it this has more to do with Ms. Ichimaru?

Nanba: You have no idea…She, well, she didn't deceive me…she was pretty open with what she was going to do. She didn't really do anything wrong, but she…and I thought we would…

Kisuke sat down next to him.

Kisuke: Nanba…you're disappointed. It happens. The girl is obviously a slu—

Nanba: Don't call her that!

Kisuke: Okay, she's promiscuous. But the point is, she led you on. You've just got to learn to ignore prior feelings when girls do that.

Nanba: But she didn't lead me on! Everything she said, did, didn't do…! It was completely genuine! It's just…she's that way to every other guys she meets!

Nanba slammed his head on the table with frustration.

Kisuke: Maybe you should stop hurting yourself, because I think you need those brain cells to try to pay attention to me. SHE LED YOU ON! Stop trying to sugar coat it and get over her, already! Why is this so hard to understand? That girl doesn't feel the same way for you.

Nanba sat up and leaned his head on his fist.

Nanba: Not yet, she doesn't…*sigh* She didn't even have time to get to know me.

Kisuke: Clearly, you didn't get time to know her, either, or else you would be paying much more attention to me.

Nanba: …

Kisuke: Well, my advice, then, if you don't wan to do the things you should do, would be to go get to know her better.

Nanba: But she rejected me.

Kisuke: No, she found someone else. That's not the same thing as rejection. She's a two timer, that's all. What you would have to do is play the game and show just how far you're willing to go to stay with her.

Nanba: Yah think?

Kisuke: Well, if you're really serious about this…yah. But I personally think the first option I gave you was way better.

Nanba stood up.

Kisuke: What are you doing?

Nanba: Going to go tell her I'm not done yet.

Kisuke: Isn't now a little soon?

Nanba: If I wait 'til later, I'll lose my nerve.

Nanba walked briskly out of the house and down the street.

Kisuke: You've already reached your limit. You can't go ask that girl for more heartbreak, but I suppose he wouldn't believe me if I told him. Oh, well…he's got to learn somehow…

Nanba pulled himself up through Ai's window, this time without invitation or, for that matter, even announcing himself. Ai was sitting on her bed in her "sleep wear," curled up with a pillow and a comforter. Nanba landed down in the room with a thud. Ai shot awake, obviously surprised. Her eyes wandered over to where a certain orange-haired boy was staring at her.

Ai: …Nanba?

Nanba: Yah. Look, Ai, I want to talk about what happened today. I don't care what you do when you're not with me, but I do want to know that there is something between us to weather your behavior for.

Ai: What do you mean by something between us?

Nanba: You know…what you have with all those other guys.

Ai: Mutual desire to have sex and move on with our lives?

Nanba: O…kay…maybe not, then. How about a "like"?

Ai: Oh…You mean, like…affection? No, I have never felt that between myself and someone else, sorry.

Nanba's shoulders sagged and his mouth fell open.

Nanba: Then why did you kiss me?

Ai: I thought you wanted to be one of those guys I'm with everyday, just like all the other ones.

Nanba: NO! I want to be better then them! I want you to care about me! Why don't you get that I care about you?

Ai: …Do you even know what you're saying? You don't know anything about me. How could you possibly care about me like that?

Nanba: BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT A LIAR! You're not very nice, but you're not a liar, either. You tell people exactly what's going on, always; you don't hide things from people…You tell, even when people don't want to hear it. I didn't listen at first, but you kept your word, and now I hurt! I feel like a fool, but looking back, it's not your fault; it's mine! At first, you were just some gorgeous girl who showed up every once in a while…now, you're… honestly, one of very few people who doesn't lie to me. Everyone lies to me….About where I came from, about how everything's alright. All the false comfort, all the hidden meetings…one big pack of lies. People pity me because of my family problems, they take it easy on me, and I hate it! They think I want to hear all the false sympathy and they think that telling me it'll be alright will make me feel better! But it just hurts everytime they say it! Ai! If anything, you've just been good to me by scorning me like this.

Ai: But you should resent me. I'm with another man, and I led you on. I deliberately ignored your feelings…I hurt you, but you're not mad?

Nanba sat down next to her on the bed.

Nanba: It was yesterday when you told me my pent up feelings were unhealthy. I wrote it off as what everyone else says, but…you haven't lied to me yet. I believe you about that, I…I trust you in some funny way. The way you're treating me is almost kind. I guess the reason I'm here right now is because you keep saying you don't care about me, but you're concerned for me…aren't you? You do actually care, if only slightly? You haven't lied to me yet…don't lie to me now.

Ai: …. Nanba, I…

Shuhei walked into the room wearing a bath robe; he had been taking a shower during the time Nanba had been there.

Ai (to Nanba): You should go. Shuhei and I were just in the middle of something.

Nanba stood up, nodded to Shuhei, and left. Ai sank into a melancholy state.

Shuhei: That kid again? Geez, Ai, you're really into him. Why'd you say we were in the middle of something? I was just saying goodbye. You didn't have to send him away.

Ai turned her head so he could just see the corner of her glaring eye.

Ai: You should leave, too, and…Shuhei, I'd prefer if you stay away from me.

Shuhei: Aww…but who's going to give you all the love, affection, and pleasure you so desperately crave?

His sarcasm and cold nonchalance finally drove Ai over the deep end.

Ai: Don't kid yourself. You're shit to me, and you know it.

Shuhei: And what's he?

Ai: He cares…and so do I. Now get out.

Shuhei: Are you sure I can't stay for anoth—

Ai: 3.

Shuhei: What?

Ai: 2.

Shuhei: Umm…are we playing charades?

Ai: 1.

Shuhei: Seriously, what are you talking—

Ai: DADDY! THERE'S A STRANGE, NAKED MAN IN MY ROOM!

With that, Gin was immediately behind Shuhei with his sword to his neck. Ai moved a step to the side to give Gin a clear shot of the window. Gin kicked Shuhei forward with such force that he flew through the window, hitting his head on the upper sill as he departed.

Gin: How long was he here?

Ai: Too long.

Gin: Is that why you're so sad?

Ai: No. He didn't have enough of me to make me sad.

Gin hugged onto his daughter. Ai was beginning to tear up.

Ai: Dad…*choke* I think I might have really screwed up badly this time…! *sob*

Gin: Somebody mad at you?

Ai: No, he's just…just head over heels for me, and I have no idea what to do!

Gin rubbed her back as she choked back some more sobs.

Gin: Well, you always were into men who knew what they were doing better then you did.

Ai: But that was different! That…that didn't mean anything! Those people were all just…they just weren't important. This guy might actually be right!

Gin: All this in two days?

Ai looked up at him.

Ai: How'd you know?

Gin: I'm your father. I just know these things.

Ai: …?

Gin: Alright, your mother told me and I had Izuru spy, but it's the thought that counts.

Ai:*chuckle* *choke* Thanks, Dad…thanks.

Gin: You think he'll be good for you?

Ai: Yah. He…he's certainly something else.

Gin: Well, he can't be any worse than the others in my book.

Ai: Yah, but I feel like I'm such a horrible person because of all that. I just don't know what to do.

Gin: Shhh…Stop it…You're thinking way too much about this. Just go do what you would do naturally…and attempt to not have sex with anyone else. You should be fine.

Gin pushed some of the hair that was sticking to her tears out of her face.

Gin: You're a wonderful person, Ai. You've just lost your sense of innocence...and morality…and what's right and wrong…shutting up about that…If this guy is really right for you, he'll keep you in check. Don't worry.

Ai: Does Mom keep you in check?

Gin: Believe it or not, I used to be evil! I was Aizen's right hand man for years.

Ai: Really? what happened?

Gin: …Well, unspeakable events…and your mother. Let's leave it at that.

Ai: I think I'm going to be okay now.

Gin: You better be.

Ai gave her father another good squeeze, then let go of him. She walked back into her room and lay down in bed.

Gin: Good night.

Ai: You, too.

Gin closed the door. He walked back over to his bedroom and flopped down in bed next to Rangiku.

Gin: Nope, never mind. She's not a slut. I take it all back.

Rangiku: Hopeless!

Nanba was walking around the pond the next day. He'd been circling for at least an hour now. Thankfully, it was his day off, so he could afford to be lazy. He still couldn't stop thinking about what had happened the night before. He meant what he said, but she hadn't responded. So he sat thinking in the rain. A whistle broke the silence. He quickly turned around to see what was going on. In the middle of the bridge stood Ai.

Ai: Hay, you. I've been looking all over for you.

She twirled the umbrella she had in one hand.

Nanba: …You…you were looking for me?

Ai; Yah! I went to your company, your house…I even went and asked Taro where you were. And now I find you fifty feet from my house!

Nanba: Oh…

Ai: I wanted to talk to you. I thought I should wait, but I couldn't stand it.

Nanba: Yah, I got that feeling, too.

Ai: You're very sweet, Nanba, you really are. I'm not too good with sweet boys, but…to answer your question…yes. I do care about you. And not just because what I said a couple of days ago. I know it because, for the first time in my life, I feel like an idiot for what I do…for who I hurt. You're hurting me, I guess.

Nanba: *chuckle* I'm not sure if that's the right way to say it, but I get the point.

He walked onto the bridge next to her.

Ai: There's something between us…No name for it yet, but it's tugging on me. Nanba, I want to be a better person for you. Is that alright?

Nanba: I think I can live with that.

He smiled. Ai looked down at the pond that she stared at from her window all the time.

Ai: That water is inviting, yet disgusting.

Nanba: Really, now?

Nanba got a funny-yet-happy look in his eye. He promptly jumped over the rail. He landed in the water with a splash.

Nanba: Wow! This is totally disgusting! *laugh*

Ai: What did you do that for?

Nanba: I have no idea! But it was fun!

He grabbed her hand, pulling her into the water with him.

Ai: AAAIIIHHHH!

She clung onto him, trying to get a hold of something. She couldn't swim and she was in over her head.

Across the way, Taro and Neyoshi took this is a very comical stride. Closing his eyes and unable to resist a toothy grin coming over him, Taro began to sing.

Taro: Can you feel the love today…?

Neyoshi joined in with the next line, and proved he had a much better voice than his friend.

Neyoshi: The peace the morning brings…

Taro/Neyoshi: The world, for once, in perfect harmony…with all its living things…

Taro: Neyoshi, did you bring the butterflies?

Neyoshi held up a cage filled with beautiful, multi-colored winged insects.

Neyoshi: Got 'em.

Taro leaned in and opened the cage door. Immediately, the butterflies flew out into the crisp morning air, surrounding Nanba and Ai. One even landed on Nanba's nose; he smiled.

Nanba: This isn't so bad, now is it?

Each looked deeply into the other's eyes. There was a moment of pure bliss before…

Ai: It's gross! What are your feet in?

…Before Ai completely ruined the moment…

Nanba: I have no idea, but it's squishy!

Ai: EEEW! Nanba, let me out of here!

Nanba: Okay…fine.

He helped her get back up over the railing. Ai looked down at her soaked white kimono.

Ai: Not a word out of you.

Nanba laughed softly as he threw himself onto the bridge. Ai picked up her umbrella.

Ai: Now I need a towel…

Nanba: Wanna come over to my place and get dried off?

Ai: Nah, I'm okay. My house is just over there anyway. But…thanks for asking.

Nanba smiled.

Nanba: She really has changed.

Ai walked off as she waved to Nanba. Nanba shook his head and smiled.

Ichigo was sitting in his office, trying to figure out the paperwork system that Komamura had explained to him at least four times by now. Kisuke walked in.

Kisuke: Hey…I've been thinking about what you said the other day. About finding a different plan…

Ichigo: Great! Let's hear it!

Kisuke: Well, it's more or less a distraction for us to get some more time to train. Most of the companies aren't ready to defend themselves at this point, so any time at all would be a huge benefit. So, I was thinking…'Hey, Kisuke! Why don't we go back to the original plan and destroy the Hollow Mother, daughter included? Yes, that's a great plan, Kisuke! You are such a genius!'

Ichigo: I never really got why she was so bad. I mean, she's just a girl with a baby. What's the problem, exactly?

Kisuke: I believe you remember someone once saying that 20 Vasto Lordes level Arrancar could destroy all of the Soul Society?

Ichigo: Yah.

Kisuke: Well, over the past eighteen years, the Hollow Mother has given birth to five…plus at least three that were already in the Espada. The children are still young now, but one day, they will be extremely dangerous, especially considering their unique abilitie—

Ichigo: (panic) Okay! Keep telling me your plan!

Kisuke: I say we kidnap the female child of Paqueña.

Ichigo: How do you propose we do that?

Kisuke: I'll do it; don't worry about it.

Ichigo: And what purpose would kidnapping the five day old baby serve?

Kisuke: The Hollows know that if the child goes without its mother for more then a few hours, she will die. If we took her, we would be forcing Paqueña to leave and become our captive here, thus stopping the ever mounting number of Vasto Lordes.

Ichigo: But what happens if they try to take them back with force?

Kisuke: I am not above threatening the life of an infant. Aizen and the Espada value her, so using her as a bargaining chip should work.

Ichigo: You're sure?

Kisuke: Well, it will work long enough for us to postpone the inevitable. I think, at this point, that's all that counts.

Ichigo: I'll go with that.

Komamura looked between the two of them, shocked and appalled.

Komamura: Captain General, sir! This is insane! You trust this ill-conceived plan of his?

Ichigo: To my better experience, most of his plans are ill-conceived, but they work. Leave it be.

Komamura: Sir, with all due respect, this man created the monster that has turned you into what you are!

Ichigo cringed at the mention of it.

Ichigo: I'm aware of that. Kisuke, go ahead with your plan.

Komamura bowed his head.

Komamura: I fear the trust between these two is going to cloud Ichigo's judgment in the future… and now. This is going to end in disaster. I can just feel it.

1:18 am, Hueco Mundo time

Ulquiorra rolled over in bed. Paqueña snuggled back onto him. Ulquiorra grumbled, wrapping a loose arm around her.

Paqueña: Ulqui? Are you awake? *yawn*

Ulquiorra: Now I am.

Paqueña: What were you dreaming about?

Ulquiorra: Killing the evil dragon Grimmjow, then rescuing the princess Paqueña from the tower.

Paqueña: Nice.

Ulquiorra: Yourself?

Paqueña: Falling in love with an evil puppet that you were insanely jealous of.

Ulquiorra: That sounds like me.

Paqueña: Why did you wake up?

Ulquiorra: I thought I heard the baby crying.

Paquena: Well, she's not crying now. Do you want to go check on her?

Ulquiorra: Sure.

He pulled himself up out of bed and walked over to the baby's room. Chiquita's room (which could fit up to ten infants) was connected via double doors to the couple's room. Ulquiorra pushed the two doors open and walked over to the crib at the end of the line. He petted Ambrosio as he passed the boy. When he stopped in front of Chiquita's crib, his eyes widened. He batted the empty bumble bee blanket; the baby was gone! He quickly checked in all the other cribs to make sure he was not mistaken. He dashed out to Paquena.

Ulquiorra: OHZ NOEZ!

His wife lay on the soft sheets, mumbling absent-mindedly.

Paqueña: What? Did she throw up on herself?

Ulquiorra: PAQUEÑA! THE BABY'S GONE!

Paqueña shot up form her bed.

Paqueña: WHAT?

The two of them ran down the hall, waking up all the Espada with their yelling. Aizen was woken shortly after. All the Gillians searched for the child underground; the Arrancar looked everywhere aboveground; Ulquiorra personally trashed Las Noches looking for her. Paqueña was busy speaking to the children to see if they had heard anything. After an hour of searching, it was determined she was not in the dimension.

Ulquiorra sat down on the steps in Aizen's throne room with a thud. Paqueña stood solemnly by his side. Aizen was running his fingers through his hair, sitting on his throne. He had been in deep thought all during the search. Aledjandro was standing by a large pillar with his arms crossed.

Aledjandro: She has to be with the Soul Society.

Everyone looked up at him. The room had been silent so long the noise had been odd.

Aledjandro: I'll go to retrieve her immediately, just say the wor—

Aizen: Calm down, Aledjandro; you'll not be the one to go. And it will be done with more grace. They have us in a bad spot; Chiquita would be hard to replace. As long as they have her in their custody, we are at their mercy.

Paqueña: I'll go, then. That must be what they want.

Ulquiorra: Paqueña, that's dangerous.

Aizen: He's right. They may treat you badly.

Paqueña: They wouldn't dare, or else they'd bring about our wrath.

Ulquiorra: …I'll go with you.

Paqueña: Ulqui. We need you here to watch the children.

Ulquiorra: Aledjandro will do it.

Aledjandro: I will—!

Aizen: Silence, Aledjandro! You'll do just that. The Soul Society is prepared for Paqueña. If we send them both, it will be harder for them to take any action to them while they're there.

Paqueña: Then we have to leave immediately!

Ulquiorra nodded and stood up.

Paqueña: If we need help, what should we do?

Aizen: Just let your retsu spike. We'll be monitoring your progress.

Ulquiorra: How long should we remain there?

Aizen: Until I call for you. I'm not sure what will happen once you retrieve your daughter, so let's not make any plans.

Ulquiorra: Very well.

Ulquiorra put an arm around Paqueña, leading her off.

Kisuke handed Chiquita over to Yoruichi.

Kisuke: Here! For the love of God, take her! She's been crying like crazy and I have no idea what to do!

Yoruichi: I think she's hungry.

Kisuke: Okay, what does she eat?

Yoruichi: Isn't it your job to know that?

Kisuke: Well…yes, but I don't know what the babies eat.

A member of Research and Development ran into the room.

Research guy: They've arrived!

Kisuke: They've?

Research guy: Ulquiorra and the Hollow Mother!

Kisuke: Oh, shit!

Kisuke walked out of the room and over to where Ichigo was. Before Ichigo stood Ulquiorra and Paqueña. Ulquiorra had Paqueña under a very protective arm. Paqueña, on the other hand, looked quite capable of eating someone's face at the moment.

Paqueña: Where is my daughter?

Kisuke: I assure you, she is safe.

Paqueña: You…

Paqueña glared at Kisuke.

Ulquiorra: This must be the human she stayed with when we first met; she never spoke of him fondly. I wonder why?

Kisuke: Hello, Paqueña. I see you've done well for yourself. I'm sorry for harming you the other day, but you are a Hollow. There's nothing to be done about it; it's the nature of things.

Paqueña had stopped paying attention to him ages ago. Instead, she was locked onto the man to his right: Ichigo Kurosaki. Paqueña shuddered at his presence. She broke eye contact with him.

Hichigo (inside Ichigo's head): There she is! God, she hasn't changed at all! Still the same girl after eighteen years!

Ulquiorra tightened his grip on the woman under his arm. He couldn't help but feel threatened by the man in front of them.

Kisuke: I have to protect my people, so I'm sure you won't complain if I ask you to be restrained.

He gestured over to a large box which Komamura opened. Inside sat two sets of gantlets.

Kisuke: These will limit the amount of retsu you can use. Anything above normal living will be impossible - no fighting at all.

Ulquiorra: Fine.

Komamura walked forward, bringing forth the gantlets. He snapped them into place so they fit snugly on their wrists. Ulquiorra immediately almost collapsed with the sudden drop in energy. Paqueña caught him, helping him to stand while he adapted to the feeling. Paqueña herself didn't seem to be too greatly affected by the change. It probably had something to do with her slugs.

Yoruichi walked in with Chiquita, who was crying and whimpering. Paqueña immediately gasped and stepped to claim her, but was stopped in her tracks by the large frame of Komamura. Yoruichi walked over to Paqueña and gently handed her the baby. Paqueña snuggled and chirped at the tiny thing; Ulquiorra relaxed with relief.

Ulquiorra Where will our housing be?

Ichigo: First district…heavily guarded, of course.

Ulquiorra: Right. Well, let's get going. We need to tend to our daughter.

Komamura escorted the two out, followed by Kisuke and Ichigo.

Soul Reapers gasped in fear as they saw the two pass. Most of them didn't even have the courage to mock them. Ulquiorra made sure to glare down anyone who looked gutsy. Paqueña kept a cool, level head as she walked. Chiquita burbled and squeaked at her mother for attention. Paqueña smiled and rubbed her daughter's soft head. Ulquiorra patted Paqueña's shoulder. Paqueña looked up at him with question; Ulquiorra smiled at her reassuringly. Paqueña smiled back; as she turned her attention back to her daughter, Ulquiorra's smile immediately died. He'd only smiled for her, and even that was rare. The group neared a large manor, which had obviously been chosen to make them feel at home. It was near the ponds and in a slightly Spanish motif.

Ulquiorra: …That's all?

Paqueña: What were you expecting, Las Noches?

Ulquiorra: …No.

Paqueña: Be grateful. The last time I was here, I slept in a cell.

Ulquiorra: Yes, but I saved you from that.

Paqueña: I still was experimented on and tortured for a week.

Ulquiorra: Sorry.

Paqueña: I forgave you long ago. *giggle* I just wish you wouldn't be so negative.

Ulquiorra: You're saying this to a guy with teardrop markings?

Paquena: See? Humor! That's good!

That evening…

Paqueña stared out the window as she tried to get her stubborn daughter to nurse. Ulquiorra was sitting in the corner; he had been glaring out at the guards that had been on two hour rotation since they had arrived that morning.

Ulquiorra: By now the whole Soul Society must be aware of our presence.

Ulquiorra smiled.

Ulquiorra: That must be why the air is so tense.

Chiquita (in background): Waaahhgugu-gu-faffffa! *hiccup*

Paqueña finally gave up and set Chiquita down in her crib.

Paqueña: So what for starving! You little glutton, you weren't hungry at all!

Ulquiorra: You've been feeding her off an on all day…It's no wonder she's not hungry.

Paqueña: Are you saying I'm harassing my baby?

Ulquiorra smiled and shook his head. He looked outside and his smile immediately dropped. He stood up and leaned out the window so he could get a better look at the door. He glared and hurried down the stairs. Paqueña picked up the baby and walked after him.

Ulquiorra looked slightly disgusted when three Soul Reapers threw his eldest son into the house. They had literally had to carry him he was struggling so much, even with the retsu suppressing gauntlets. Aledjandro landed with a hard thump as he hit the ground. A Soul Reaper went to take his swords from him. Aledjandro flinched and proceeded to slam his forearm into the front of the person's knees. The bone snapped backward with the immense force; the other to Soul Reapers collected their comrade and exited quickly. Aledjandro pulled himself off the ground and snorted.

Paqueña: Aledjandro!

She went to hug her son, but Ulquiorra put a hand out to stop her. Paqueña was surprised.

Ulquiorra: Did I not tell you to stay with your brothers? Who is watching them?

Aledjandro: Lord Aizen, Grimmjow, and Yammy.

Paqueña: Well, that's not comforting at all…*sweat drop*

Aledjandro: Look, I just wanted to help. If you guy are going to escape at some point, I can be of use! I know the Soul Society like the back of my hand! I lived here for almost a year! Besides, there's no going back now!

Ulquiorra: That doesn't mean you did the right thing! I ask you one little favor – take care of your brothers. And what do you do? YOU LEAVE THEM ALONE WITH SHIT LIKE GRIMMJOW! *SCOFF x2*

Ulquiorra walked up the stairs.

Ulquiorra: This boy has no sense to speak of!

Aledjandro turned to his mother. She walked forward, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Paqueña: Give him some time; he'll come around. He just doesn't always think about what he says. He doesn't mean to be so harsh with you, but you are his eldest…I jus—

Aledjandro: Mom. It's okay. He's how he is, and it's fine.

Paqueña gave a weak smile.

Paqueña: Okay. Just…do what you will.

She turned to follow her mate. Aledjandro rubbed the back of his neck. Aledjandro walked over to the door. He leaned on the frame of it.

Aledjandro: The Soul Society…Finally, I get to come back.

He closed his eyes, taking in the reality of it all.

Aledjandro: Who knows how long, but at least I get to be here…

The next day…

Momo sat on a bench in the 11th Company's hangar. She had just become more depressed everyday since she had gotten back from the Urahara Shoten. She was extremely fond of Aledjandro, but it sounded like there wasn't a thing about him to like.

Momo: He used me for Aizen's stupid plans. He didn't care about me at all, but… I wish he did….Wait, what I'm I thinking? I barely even know him!

She looked over at Neyoshi, who, at the moment, was stuck upside down in a trash can.

Momo: Then again, the guys I do know are absolute idiots.

Kenpachi was snacking on his lunch of four hamburgers and a litter of chocolate milk. He had been observing the drop in morale in his youngest one-armed company member. Kenpachi shoved down the last of his food and walked over to the girl. He sat down next to her and was surprised to find not only was she not terrified of him, she barley noticed his presence.

Kenpachi: Ahem…. Ahem…Um…one-armed chick whose name escapes me at the moment…? *cough* I…um…just wanted to, uh…*cough*…HEEEEELLLLLLLOOOO?

Momo nearly jumped out of her skin with fright.

Momo: AAAIIIGGGHHHEEE!

Kenpachi: That's better. What's bothering you, kid?

Momo: What? Oh…um, nothing.

Kenpachi: It'd better be something if you ignore me when I sit down.

Momo: It's nothing, just…thinking about someone.

Yumichika was quick to butt in.

Yumichika: Wait, not that Natural Born guy?

Kenpachi looked at Yumichika, then to Momo.

Momo: No! Why him?

Yumichika scowled.

Yumichika: Well, maybe because you…I don't know…kissed him?

Kenpachi looked from Momo to Yumichika.

Ikkaku walked over to see what was going on.

Ikkaku: What's up?

Yumichika: The kid is trying desperately to deny her thoughts of Hollow Boy.

Kenpachi looked from Yumichika to Ikkaku, then back to Momo.

Ikkaku: Oh, that guy! I remember him. He was under Hitsugaya; I remember him saying it was a shame he was evil. He was supposed to be really good.

Kenpachi looked from Ikkaku to Yumichika, then back to Momo, wondering whose side to take.

Yumichika: Well, no duh! The guy was a Natural Born Vasto Lordes Arrancar! He had better be good! Maybe he was even holding back! I bet he was!

Kenpachi: Okay, stop it! You're making my eyes hurt! Ikkaku, leave! Yumichika, you, too!

Yumichika: Whatever…

He and Ikkaku picked up their Zanpaku-to and went to go spar.

Kenpachi: I don't really know much to tell yah about this whole thing, but whenever I get mad, I fight. I'm not sure if the same thing will help you, but it's worth a shot, I suppose….

Momo looked up from her knees at him.

Momo: You think so?

Kenpachi stood up. He walked out into the center of the room.

Kenpachi: Alright, everyone! Listen up!

He smiled.

Kenpachi: Tire training day!

Everyone cheered.

Momo: Wah?

Kenpachi: Come on, kid! Let's go have some fun.

Momo: But I do filing! I don't train with you people.

Kenpachi: Hay, who's the Captain here? Me, or you? You may have one arm, but that's no excuse for not having a brain. Come on! Let's go!

Momo stood up.

Momo: If you say so!

11th Company had moved out of the hangar, and into a large training field that was something like twice the size of a regular football field. All of 11th Company had tires tied to harnesses around their shoulders. The harness and the tire were connected by a rope. Everyone had different amounts of tires. Ikkaku was dragging five; Yumichika had three (more of his beauty stuff). Kenpachi, on a regular basis, dragged anywhere from 11-15 at once, but today he only had one, and Momo was sitting in it.

Momo: Are you sure this is safe?

Kenpachi: You'll be fine.

Momo: But won't my butt drag on the ground?

Kenpachi: Trust me; the next time you touch ground, you'll be getting off. Alright, everybody! Get going!

The members of 11th Company went off, dragging their tires. Kenpachi waited until they were well on their way. Momo screamed once his feet started to move. Before she knew what was going on, she was at least five feet off the ground, at the mercy of a madman. Kenpachi had decided to ditch the training course and, instead, run through the town. Momo went flying along, screaming her head off. He narrowly seemed to avoid being bombarded with walls, people, and newsstands. Kenpachi turned whenever she was about to hit something.

Kenpachi: What do you think?

Momo: This is INSANE!

Kenpachi: Good! But is it fun?

Momo stopped screaming.

Kenpachi: See!

Momo: I guess this is sort of entertaining when I'm not be flung, at least.

Kenpachi jumped up onto the roof of an upcoming hangar; Momo screamed at the sudden jump. Kenpachi took off running and jumping between buildings.

Momo: Don't you ever get tired?

Kenpachi: Hardly! Besides, you can't weigh more then 100lbs; you're nothing compared to my normal weight load!

Momo yelled with excitement and joy. She threw her arms up in the air and smiled.

Momo walked home that night after the workout of her life. Kenpachi had been real nice when she was sad, but afterward, he kicked her butt with training. Her single arm felt like it wanted to join its twin.

Taro ran up behind her.

Taro: Momo! Wait up a sec! I've got something I want to tell you!

Momo: What's going on?

Taro: It's your boyfriend, the Tiburon! My Dad says they just recaptured him yesterday. He's staying at that one Spanish house in the first district. I think they can take visitors.

Momo's eyes lit up at the news.

Momo: …Thanks, Taro! I'll go see him.

She had a spacey, distant tone in her voice.

Taro: You better get going; you've got it pretty bad.

Momo snapped out of it.

Momo: Got what pretty bad?

Taro: …Just go see him.

Momo: Right!

Momo ran off in the direction of her house, as she had just the perfect plan in mind.

There came a knock at the door. Aledjandro had been sitting, staring at a wall for the past five hours, so the knock shocked him.

Aledjandro walked over to the door. He looked out the peephole but didn't see anything. He smiled, for he knew few people who wanted to see him and were this short. He opened the door, then casually reclined against the frame.

Momo was standing there with a weak smile and a package. She wordlessly handed the package over to him. He took it from her, and immediately recognized the shape and wrapping style. He pulled the twine bow, then pulled off the container's lid; rice balls and chocolates. Aledjandro smiled.

Momo: I don't suppose, by some miracle, you can actually eat those?

Aledjandro set the container down on a coffee table. He stepped out of the doorjamb, closing it behind him.

Aledjandro: I don't want to talk in front of my family.

Momo: Oh…I understand.

The two of them walked away from the house. Momo and Tiburon finally stopped over in an area with enough trees for them to be relatively secluded.

Momo: I wanted to apologize for the kiss thing before you left.

Aledjandro: Don't. It was great.

Momo frazzled up.

Momo: Well, aren't you blunt?

Aledjandro: I wanted to apologize for not coming to see you sooner, but I didn't have a reasonable excuse.

Momo: What do you mean? I thought you were captured

Aledjandro: My parents wanted me to stay back with my brothers, but I snuck off to come here.

Momo: Why couldn't you have just snuck off? Why did you have to get captured?

Aledjandro: I don't like to hide. Plus, this is a lot easier. My family just thinks I'm stupid instead of a traitor.

Momo: *shakes head* But you're not a traitor. You're loyal to your family, aren't you?

Aledjandro: Yes, of course. I don't wish to betray them, but I do want to see you.

Momo: Thant's a very aggressive move, since we just met and all.

Aledjandro: If that's what you think, sure…but I can't help it. Maybe it's just my instincts or something, but my sense of everything about this is totally off. All I know is that I want to be around you.

Momo: Instincts? Like…?

Aledjandro: The more I explain it, the more it will sound wrong, so just don't ask.

Momo: You're pretty great yourself, no instincts needed.

Aledjandro smiled.

Aledjandro: I'm glad you think that.

Momo: What do you know about me?

Aledjandro: Don't get freaked out or anything, but a lot.

Momo: How much?

Aledjandro: Well, the stuff I know from your scent, from what I know, from Aizen's file on you and your father, from what little interaction we've had…That kind of thing.

Momo: Scent?

Aledjandro: I have really keen senses due to my Hollow traits.

Momo: What kind of Hollow are you, anyway?

Aledjandro: I have no idea at all…

An hour later…

Aledjandro and Momo were lying in the grass under the trees. Momo was half lying on top of Aledjandro's left side, and she had her head leaning on his chest. Aledjandro had an arm around her, his other hand behind his head. They had been sitting, talking for the past hour about their families and themselves.

Momo: My mother died giving birth to me, so I've lived with just my father for the entirety of my life.

Aledjandro: Ever miss your mother?

Momo: What's to miss? I never knew her.

Aledjandro: …I can't imagine life without my mother…she's everything in my family…No, my entire household. Without her, I'm sure there'd be nothing but chaos.

Momo: Doesn't your father help?

Aledjandro: Him? Pfft! Have you ever seen the guy? He would have no idea how to take care of us kids! Most of the time, I doubt he even cares for us at all.

Momo: I knew he was cold, but not that cold.

Aledjandro: When I was younger, though…*sigh*…he was the best…

Momo: Wait, you're contradicting yourself. He's kind to a young you, but not a young rest of your younger siblings?

Aledjandro: I don't know what happened. Right when I turned 11, all of a sudden he just got tense around me. He just lost all the love he had for me, us, my whole family…except my Mom.

Momo: That was right about the time the war started to get nasty. We thought you were ready to strike at anytime—

Aledjandro: *chuckle* We were…sorry.

Momo: Maybe he was just worried about you; maybe he just doesn't know how to show his feelings. My Dad does that all the time.

Aledjandro: I doubt he can be as cold as my Dad.

Momo: Oh, trust me; cold as ice.

Aledjandro: Were a lot alike, yah know?

Momo: I get that feeling.

Aledjandro looked up at the sky and noticed how dark it was getting. He sat up, setting Momo to the side.

Aledjandro: Oh, damn! I have to go! I have a curfew I need to beat.

Momo stood up, brushing herself off.

Momo: My dad will be worried, too.

Aledjandro rubbed the back of his neck.

Aledjandro: Ah, shit! I'm covered in grass stains!

Momo: A disadvantage of white?

Aledjandro: Yah, a big pain. So, listen, I'll see you around, right?

Momo: Yes! Tomorrow?

Aledjandro: Sure!

He leaned forward and kissed her. Momo hardly knew what happened before he was gone. Momo rubbed her lips and smiled.

Aledjandro almost had to slide to get into the house on time. he guards who were watching were amused, at least…Aledjandro brushed himself off and walked over to the fridge for something to drink. He opened the door, chugged the contents of some Hollow protein shake, then closed it. Ulquiorra was standing on the other side of the door. It scared Aledjandro so bad he almost spit out his drink. He wiped his mouth and choked down the liquid.

Aledjandro: *choke* Father? *choke*

Ulquiorra: Where have you been? I came down earlier and you were gone.

Aledjandro: I went to see a friend.

Ulquiorra: A human friend, I assume?

Aledjandro: Yah, I guess. I don't have many friends that are the other kind.

Ulquiorra: Other kind?

His words were beginning to sound like ice on an exposed belly.

Aledjandro: Hollow! I just mean, I don't know many Hollows my age, or any at all, really….

Ulquiorra: Is there a problem with that?

Aledjandro: Well, a person can only take being so lonely. I needed a friend, and I made a few here. Now I'm here again, and I'm going to visit them.

Ulquiorra shook his head and sighed. He looked at his son for the first time the whole conversation. It was an anger-laced death glare, too.

Ulquiorra: You are a fool, Aledjandro! Don't you know what will happen if you keep letting this happen! Those children may not be the worst of our problems now, but soon, they will be grown and you will be forced to fight them. Your so called friends will be forced to kill you just like any other Hollow. You are their enemy, and they are yours! You mustn't let emotional ties like friendship distract you from your goal! Our goal! Aizen's goal!

Aledjandro: That is just what is, isn't it? Aizen's goal!

Ulquiorra: What did you mean by that?

Aledjandro glared back at his father.

Aledjandro: When the day comes when I will have to fight my friends, I will lay down my sword and submit to death, for I will have lived a long, joyous life. My friends will not destroy me, for they value peace as much as I. When the day comes that they and I reach the front lines, there will be no more war.

Ulquiorra: You are a fool then. Truly, a fool.

Aledjandro: Maybe I am, but I'm not a lonely fool.

Ulquiorra: I thought you had done too good a job acting on your mission. You really did become a part of these people, didn't you?

Aledjandro: I did, and I'm glad. One day, I shall have you meet the girl I met here. She's very nice, and I hope she'll be my mate one day.

Ulquiorra flinched and walked off in anger.

Ulquiorra: I will never accept a human, a son mated to a human, or Hollowkind forbid, their offspring, in this house!

Aledjandro: We'll see what Mother has to say about this!

Aledjandro: If you go crying to your mother, I will—!

Paqueña: You'll do what?

Paqueña was standing on the stairs, looking down at the two of them.

Ulquiorra turned to his wife. He took on an easier tone with her presence.

Ulquiorra: …Nothing. I'll ignore it because it won't matter. I will not retract my decision.

Paqueña: Aledjandro, go to bed. I need to talk to your father about this.

Aledjandro: I think I'm old enough to hear the fate of this argument myself.

Paqueña: ALEDJANDRO!

Aledjandro jumped. He had never before heard his mother's voice have such a furious and lurid quality to it. Paqueña cleared some hair from her face.

Paqueña: Aledjandro, please let us be.

Aledjandro walked up the stairs past his mother and disappeared.

Paqueña: Ulquiorra, I know this is hard for you to accept. I understand completely. In the time we are in today, it's hard to have a son with thinking like Al's. But please try to be reasonable!

Ulquiorra: What reason is to be had? There is no honor in what he does! He thinks only of himself and his own happiness, not the cause for which we have worked so hard. I wish somehow he could just see things my way…!

He brought his fists up, and quickly let them sag and put that defeated, exasperated look on which he had worn so many times in the past.

Paqueña: …I love you, and I will always support you. But at the moment, our son needs me, and you, whether you like it or not. Let me go to him, let me help him. I can be more understanding than you. It seems that in this case, that's what needs to happen.

Ulquiorra sighed.

Ulquiorra: Do what you will. Perhaps you're right. In fact, go to him, but…Paqueña…

Paqueña turned her head to look back at him.

Ulquiorra: Try to make him understand how I feel.

Paqueña nodded her head and walked up the stairs.

Paqueña closed the door behind her as she entered Aledjandro's room. She walked over slowly and sat down beside him.

Paqueña: It was a brave thing you said today. I've never seen anyone speak to your father like that and not walk off injured.

Aledjandro: How brave can it be? He's restrained down to nothing. He couldn't harm me now if he wanted to.

Paqueña: What he said bothered you…didn't it?

Aledjandro decided to blinked slowly rather than respond.

Paqueña: Then what you did was still brave. Your father is used to an older way of thinking. Hollows and Soul Reapers don't mix; it's understandable. It's only our family, your generation that has to deal with the complications of being a Natural Born. You don't quite think the same way he does because you two are just not quite the same thing as each other. You're the perfect hybrid of Hollow and Soul Reaper; you could be both if you wanted, but your father just can't accept that because, in his mind, we are a Hollow family. Not a Hallow/Natural Born family.

Aledjandro: It's not that. I mean, it is that, but it's a much more specific problem. It's that girl of mine. What do I do about her?

Paqueña: Well, it all depends on how drastic you're willing to make this. The least you would do would be to leave her. The most you would do would be…

Aledjandro turned toward her.

Aledjandro: Would be what?

He shook her leg.

Aledjandro: What?

Paqueña: Hollowfication. It's dangerous and extreme, but if you were serious about this, it might be the only way to win any kind of acceptance with your father and still get to stay with her.

Aledjandro lay back down in his bed. His eyes darted around the ceiling.

Aledjandro: I'll think about it…

Paqueña smiled and walked out.

Momo climbed up the drain pipe outside her house. She fumbled with the latch to her window but found it was already open. She frowned and realized what was going on. She hoisted herself up into her bedroom; her father was standing in the doorway, waiting for her.

Toshiro: Where have you been all this time?

Momo: Out hanging with Tiburon…Aledjandro.

Toshiro shook his head.

Toshiro: Well, at least you were honest. Momo, I thought my reaction to your interactions with him would have given you a clue. That boy is as dangerous as it gets! He's a Soul Reaper killer, born and bred. There's no way to deny it, so don't.

Momo: Dad, he's not going to kill me!

Toshiro: You don't know that! What if his newfound affections for you are just another trick? He did it before; he could very well do it again now!

Momo sat down on her bed and pulled the covers over herself.

Momo: Good night!

Toshiro: Don't ignore me!

Momo: GOOD NIGHT!

Toshiro scoffed and shook his head. He stomped out of the room to leave her alone.

Toshiro: What would she do…let her think? No, accept it? Maybe…but I can't do that in this situation. The price I'll pay if I'm wrong is too high.

The next day. Momo ran down the streets, crying. She had thought of what her father had said all night long. She had remembered Mr. Urahara's words and Ichigo's. But she just didn't want to believe them.

Aledjandro had gotten up at the crack of dawn to run and tell Momo about his plan. He had already worked out everything. Momo would become a Hollow and come with him to Hueco Mundo where they would be happy together - his father would finally allow him to have his way, and his family would be happy.

The two ran up to each other. Momo clung onto him.

Aledjandro: What's wrong?

Momo: My father thinks you're going to kill us all.

Aledjandro: I would never harm you!

Momo: But would you hurt my other friends? Your friends?

Aledjandro: No, I wouldn't. I couldn't bring myself to do that.

Momo: But would you hurt them if they threatened you?

Aledjandro: What choice would I have?

Momo: It doesn't matter, anyway! You can't stay and this can't work!

Aledjandro loosened his grip on her so he could look down at her.

Aledjandro: Yes, it can! You could come with me!

Momo: Come with you? I'm human! I couldn't go to Hueco Mundo; I'd be dead within the hour!

Aledjandro: But you could stay…if you were a Hollow.

Momo: Aledjandro, that's impossible!

Aledjandro: No, it's not. It's been done before! My mother knows how to do it.

Momo: Is it safe?

Aledjandro: No, anything but, but if it does work, you and I would never have to leave each other. Wouldn't that be worth it to you?

Momo looked concerned, and she shook her head.

Momo: But…my home, my friends…my father. I can't just leave them like that—

Aledjandro: Then think about it. You have until tonight.

Momo: Only that long!

Aledjandro: Hey, it's better then answering right now.

Momo: Why tonight?

Aledjandro: I haven't told my father or mother yet, but before I left, I convinced Lord Aizen to send for us on the night when the moon in this world is the same as the one in Hueco Mundo. That's tonight. If your answer is yes, you will come to my home before dark, or else the beam that will take us home will not take you. The Espada will be guarding the outside, so you must be exactly on time.

Momo: I just don't know if I can—

Aledjandro: I'll understand your answer either way. I wouldn't dream of leaving my family either.

Momo: Aled—

Kenpachi: MOMO! MOMO HITSUGAYA! YOU'RE LATE FOR PRACTICE! YOU'RE RUNNING LAPS FOR THAT!

Momo: I have to go. Goodbye!

She kissed him and ran off to her company.

Aledjandro: Goodbye…

Momo close the front door of her house, a feeling of dread building up in her stomach. She turned her head to the kitchen; her father was washing dishes.

Toshiro: You missed dinner.

Momo: Did I? Kenpachi kept me late.

Toshiro: Really? Well, I guess that's as good a reason as any…

Toshiro was depressed. He hadn't even looked at his daughter yet.

Momo: Dad…Father, I want to go with Aledjandro. He's offered a way for me to live with him, and I want to go. More then anything, I want to go.

Toshiro: …

A tear ran down his cheek. Toshiro went back to doing the dishes, making barley a sound.

Momo: Please…say something…

Toshiro: …If he means more to you than your own father…

He broke the dish in his hand.

Toshiro: Then get out of my house. I don't want you here anymore.

His mood was undeniably…calm. Toshiro's expression hadn't changed. He just kept his gaze on the broken glass on his hand, and the fresh blood running down his arm. Momo's eyes widened.

Momo: Wha—

Toshiro: You want to leave? Go! GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!

He picked up another dish and threw it at his daughter. Momo screamed, and only just dove out of the way of the dish. Looking up, she saw another plate being flung at her legs. She jumped to her feet, barely avoiding another impact.

Momo stood trembling, unable to understand what was going on. Her father finally looked at her; his eyes reeked of fury, and his hand opened up; Momo could see the crimson skin trailing down his forearm. Momo's eyes were small. Toshiro spun around to the ice in the sink, it jutted up into huge spikes; the water in the pipes did the same. The water in the ponds not too far form there froze over and erupted in spikes. Jagged icicles flew up from the spots where Momo's tears had fallen.

Toshiro: GET OUT!

Toshiro's voice was made of pure venom. In desperation, Momo fled out the door, her tears flooding her eyes so she couldn't see anything as she ran. Spikes followed her, twisting into barely recognizable shapes as more and more tears touched the ground.

Back at the house, Toshiro turned around so he faced the sink, and not the vile cavern his rage had created. Shivering, he let out a cold breath of air that swirled in the iced atmosphere; never before had his ice been this cold…this unrelenting. He looked down at the frozen sink, full of broken dishes. All Toshiro could see in each plate was his broken reflection, the jagged cracks marring his face.

The tears running from his eyes were freezing as they fell.

Toshiro: I wish I was as strong as you were, but I'm not…and I've failed…

End of Chapter three!

Yes, I know. What a terrible way to end a chapter! Now, for the chapter preview!

Preview of Chapter Four…

Aizen: Aledjandro, you seem to be progressing quite aggressively. I'm not even sure how strong you are anymore. Why don't we have you fight your father and find out?

Grimmjow: If we all banded together, we could easily take out Aizen! So, why haven't we? We don't need him anymore!

Toshiro: I screwed up then, but I will not lose her now!

Hichigo (NOT IN ICHIGO'S HEAD BWAH!): Hello, Haqueña. Been awhile, hasn't it?

Haqueña spit at the ground.

Haqueña: Not long enough. I still haven't forgiven you for what you did!

*Gaspies* Chapter Four is a not such a romantic chapter…okay, yes it is, but it's starting to get good when we come back next, for…Chapter Four!...Which will be way shorter than Chapter Three! Thank God!