Chapter Four: Reina de Fiebre
Paqueña stood in her household with a serious look on her face. She had been thinking about what she was going to do with herself once she helped her son.
Paquena: What will Lord Aizen think? No, what will Ulqui say...No! Stop it, Paqueña!
She hit herself in the head with her palm.
Paqueña: Ulquiorra will forgive me no matter what I do; it will just take time. He loves me too much to abandon me just because of something like this. He may not like me for some time, but I can deal with that. I suppose it's just the punishment I'll have to take for doing a good thing.
A hard knocking suddenly began at the door. It jarred Paqueña back to her senses. The petit Hollow made her way to the door and opened it. Before her was Momo Hitsugaya. The child was trembling and trying to choke back a sob as she held herself.
Momo: (in a wavering voice) Is…Is Aledjandro home?
Paqueña could guess who the girl was. She didn't want to risk Ulquiorra coming down and shutting the girl out, so she whisked Momo in without response. She led the girl over to the sitting room, where she draped a throw blanket around the girl. She walked up the stairs to Aledjandro's chambers. As she entered, Aledjandro gave her an inquisitive look. Her face was that of the stern maternal figure he sometimes doubted the existence of. His mother's strange mood told him what had happened. Paqueña put a finger to his lips to silence him from a question. The two of them left the room and went down to join their third party. Aledjandro ran down to his mate to embrace her. He was surprised when the girl he practically doubled nearly knocked him to the ground. The girl clung so tightly to him he began to wonder if his skin would rupture.
Aledjandro: What's happened?
Momo: *muffled shriek* My father wasn't happy! *Sob* I tried to talk to him but he just got angry! *sob* And I, and I, I...I ...I! Aledjandro! I want to be a Hollow! I don't want to be human anymore! *Cries out again*
Paqueña bent down to try and comfort the girl. She stroked Momo's hair back from her face. Aledjandro still rocked her back and forth in his arms. Paqueña patted Momo's shoulders.
Paqueña: That's a very dangerous thing you desire, and there's hardly anything I can do once I've done the thing. If you change your mind, we can't help you. Do you understand?
Momo: Just do it!
Aledjandro lowered his face down into her trembling shoulder and spoke very close to her ear...
Aledjandro: You must be sure. We should wait until you're in your right mind, because you're hysterical now. I just don't think...
Momo: PLEASE! *sob* Just let me do this! I want to be with you, and I don't want to be here! It's so simple, my mind won't ever change! Just do it!
Aledjandro shushed into her ear and stroked her head.
Aledjandro: You mustn't cry so loudly. My dad will wake up, and he's not going to be happy when he finds out about this.
Paqueña: We will have to work quickly if we want to do this before Lord Aizen comes for us.
Aledjandro: Right
_
Toshiro laid face-down on the cold linoleum of his house. He had been blankly gazing at the broken pieces of pottery that had been his plates. It had not been a moment after Momo had ran before he already regretted what he had done. He had stopped crying now, but the pain in his gut hadn't left. He had lost her, and it was entirely his fault. She was the only thing he had left in the world - his single memory of happiness, his one reminder of happier days - and now she was going to ruin herself. He blinked as he thought of his wife, of her last dying moments, of the things that he said, and most painfully, the things he didn't say. He regretted the last thing he had said to her now. Staring at the love of his life in her final agonies, he had told her what their daughter's name was going to be, and then he had told her he was going to take care of her. He had always been proud of that; that should have been the last thing she had heard him say. He promised her something he knew she would have wanted more then anything; Momo had always dreamt of their beautiful family. The things he had said to her painted the picture she had hoped to have created herself. Now he felt ashamed as he lay on the floor. All those wonderful things that were said seemed to crumble in their falseness, like a single piece of paper with all his hopes written on it in someone's unrelenting, uncaring fist. He hadn't done a thing to stop her from doing exactly what he and his love had so feared she would do. He closed his ears and shuddered. Failing to follow through with someone's deathbed request, let alone his love's, seemed to deserve a fate similar to the torment he was in now.
Toshiro looked down at the frozen layer of ice that now incased his body. He shook, realizing how cold his malice was. He wondered if maybe this was what his victims felt like before he impaled them.
His somber solemnity was interrupted by the rummaging noises throughout his house. Rangiku and the rest of 10th Company were yelling for him.
Toshiro: Please don't find me. I deserve to freeze for what I've done…who I've let down…
Rangiku stumbled over some ice spikes to discover her captain, lying in waste on the floor.
Rangiku: Toshiro! Oh my God! What happened! Where's Momo! Is she alright!
At first, Toshiro was unresponsive; how could they not know what had become of the only happiness he found in life's harsh quarters? His teeth clenched, and he began to cry again; his tears froze as they hit the bitter ice.
Rangiku: Toshiro?
She climbed over another ice maze so that she was next to him. She bent down and pried the small man off the floor. The ice ripped some of his loose captain uniform, but the rest of him seemed separate from the ice. Rangiku helped some of the others move him out into the night. The moonlight was a fitting medium for the tragic scene. Rangiku looked at the miserable Captain.
Rangiku: Okay, Toshiro. I take it you really don't want to talk to me right now, but I need to know where Momo is…
Toshiro chuckled lowly. He turned his head so he didn't have to face his Assistant Captain.
Toshiro: She's alright...I missed…
Rangiku: What? Toshiro, you're not making any sense! Now, where is your daughter?
Toshiro: My guess is with those damn Hollows.
Rangiku: Why do you say that?
Toshiro: She seems to imagine herself in love with their eldest son…she's going to become a Hollow so she can be with him.
Rangiku: Holy crap!
She pointed at some of the company members.
Rangiku: Get over to the Shiffer family home and kick some Hollow ass! Retrieve Momo Hitsugaya ASAP!
Toshiro nearly burst out laughing, his voice cracking in his sadness.
Toshiro: It won't do any good. She would have been there at least an hour now…whatever they're going to do has already happene—
Rangiku slapped him.
Rangiku: Whether she's a Hollow or not, she's still your daughter, isn't she? Pull yourself together and let's go get her!
Toshiro: You don't understand. I almost hurt her; I chased her out of my house - her home. Whatever she's done is my fault. I forced her to do it.
Rangiku: Oh, shut up! It ain't important what you said two seconds ago! We're parents, and we're allowed to change our minds. Now get up and let's go get Momo back! You can tell her sorry when you see her!
Toshiro blinked a few times and pondered the idea of getting to tell Momo sorry; it was a sweet, blissful thought that hadn't happened upon him yet, and he liked the idea. Toshiro stood up and brushed himself off.
Toshiro: Alright…Have it your way.
Rangiku and the rest of the company bowed and waited for him to lead. Toshiro nodded and took off as fast as he could toward the Shiffer holding area.
Back in Hueco Mundo…
Grimmjow was sharpening his sword, waiting for orders to rescue the family. He had been happy to get out of babysitting, which had turned out to be more like lion taming than anything to do with children. He sighed and watched as the top three Espada walked regally down the hall.
Grimmjow: Kings amongst kings…those stuck up pricks will get theirs someday. I may not be the one to knock them off their golden pedestal, but I'll sure as hell be laughing anyway!
He paused and reflected for a moment.
Grimmjow: I guess my words are well chosen. I, unlike humans, who created the expression, will live to see the day they fall. For all I know, I may be immortal…Huh! An eternity of this…war, death… fighting…I guess all that's good and fine, but being told to do it kinda sucks! What do we need that stupid Soul Reaper Aizen for, anyway? His breakdown sphere is slipping into disrepair, his leadership is questionable…Hell, in comparison with some of us, or rather all of us, he's not even that strong—
Aizen: Grimmjow.
Grimmjow turned his head slowly over to the man before him. Grimmjow had been perched up atop a high pillar where he could observe the happenings in his wing.
Aizen: It's time. Stark, Hibel, and Barragan are ready to go. You said you wanted to come, right?
Grimmjow yawned, exposing large feline bicuspids.
Grimmjow: Yah, I'm coming. Just gimme a second.
He jumped down and strutted off. He hardly gave Aizen any respect as it was, but this whole exchange had been particularly rude in Aizen's mind.
Aizen: Grimmjow, show some respect or—
Grimmjow: Or what?
He smirked and walked off to find his fellow Espada. Aizen scowled and pondered the arrogant Espada's words. It was nothing, he decided. Nothing important…
Aledjandro held a shaking bundle of sheets to him. The girl within them was still in a massive amount of pain after having her very species changed. Her soul felt light and weak within her flesh, and for the first time she had become aware of how warm her flesh had once been. She snuggled her head to her lover's chest. Aledjandro had complained when she had chosen to recluse within the blankets, but given what had just happened to the girl, he wasn't surprised. Her molecular design had been tampered with; she had the right to be this way. He himself had never thought about the fact that his body heat stayed at 54 degrees; he supposed the change would be very odd for her.
Aledjandro: How's your head?
Momo: It hurts, just like the rest of me…*chuckle* Don't worry about it…
He rubbed her shoulder again to try and warm her up.
Aledjandro: I don't quite know how this transition works, but I imagine it kinda like a swimming pool…it's cold at first, but our bodies get used to it.
Momo: Yah…Hay, Al, when will those friends of yours get here?
Aledjandro examined the sky.
Aledjandro: I'd say within moments.
Momo: How can you be sure?
Aledjandro closed his eyes and hummed softly. A small smile twisted on his face.
Aledjandro: I can hear someone screaming.
Momo closed her eyes tightly. It seemed odd to her, but she hadn't yet realized that it was now a good thing when Soul Reapers died. She shut her eyes and waited. She felt the sudden incredible spike in spiritual pressure, and knew: they were here.
Toshiro skidded to a stop. He was not but a block away from the Shiffer residence, but he could already see the hovering shapes of the Espada. A glimmering yellow light came down and struck the building he knew his daughter was in. Too late.
Toshiro: No! NO! How can I keep failing like this? Now she's truly lost…What was I even doing here in the first place? How could I have helped her?
He began to silently cry again as he fell slowly back to the ground. Rangiku grabbed his arm to try and stop him from falling into utter despair. She held him up while he ranted incoherent moping.
Kisuke Urahara ran up to the scene, accompanied by Jushiro Ukitake, Kenpachi Zaraki, and Byakuya Kuchiki, and at least half of their respective companies.
Kisuke: Looks like we just missed them…dammit...
Jushiro: How can you be so calm? We've just lost our best bargaining chip!
Kenpachi: Hay! What about Momo? She was supposed to be in there! Isn't that right, Matsumoto!
Rangiku: Yah, so I guess you got my hell butterfly.
Kenpachi: Bet your ass I did, and too late! We've already lost her!
Gin popped up out of nowhere without his company. His stride carried a certain aura with it that made everyone stop their arguing and turn their attention to his less-than-snazzy entrance.
Gin: I'd prefer if she didn't do any ass betting without my consent, Captain Zaraki.
Kenpachi; And you! You're just as bad as they are! Hell, you're worse! You betrayed us AND them!
Byakuya: That's enough, Captain Zaraki. Captain Ichimaru is now a loyal Soul Reaper with good information.
Kenpachi: Yah, old information! Lotta good that does me now – plus, I've got a company member to save!
Gin: Really, so I guess I won't tell you how to save her, seeing as how it's old information and all.
Kenpachi raised an eyebrow and his expression melted away to an inquisitive frown.
Kenpachi: What do you know?
Gin: Oh, nothing. Just something about the hollowfication process, that's all.
Kenpachi: And what would that be?
Gin: I-
Kisuke: It takes fourteen days for the process to become complete. Or, at least, the way that I think they try to do it. The process can still be stopped so long as her mask hasn't grown in yet. At that point, they'll turn her into an Arrancar, and it will be all over.
Byakuya: Why does it take fourteen days?
Kisuke: The way the Hallows would hollowficate someone is different from the way that I gave Ichigo an inner Hollow. That was a fluke, but sadly, the only example I can offer. Ichigo went from being a human to a Hollow to a Soul Reaper. What happened to Momo would have involved stopping at Hollow; there would have been a much slower destruction of her chain of fate. The chain will be completely gone after fourteen days. Until then, I can still reverse most, if not all, of the changes. We must get to her before then.
Kenpachi: That's great research, boy, but last time I checked, we didn't do so hot when we stormed Las Noches.
Kisuke: Our objective is much different this time around. Last time, the point was to destroy Paqueña and her children; round two is exclusively about bringing Momo home. It's much simpler.
Toshiro gazed at the aurora of goldenrod light as the last of it departed, and what had sat there was nowhere to be seen.
Toshiro: At least there's still hope…Momo, I will save you. Even if you hate me for it, I have to!
Ulquiorra breathed in the new surroundings. His home world…He had almost relaxed when he noticed the bundle in his son's arms. He immediately scowled and walked over to the pair. He tossed the blanket to the side, and exposed the shaking, pale girl under it. She was dressed in one of Paqueña's nightgowns, which was the same whitish-gray as the girl's skin. Bits of pink touched her skin where her fragile veins lay; her blue eyes were in unearthly vibrant contrast to her white hair and skin. Ulquiorra pondered if the color was for real, or if his presence had scared her that badly.
Ulquiorra: Aledjandro, what is this? Another stray cat you picked up in the alleyway?
Aledjandro: This is Momo Hitsugaya…My mate.
Momo: Mate?
Aledjandro: Well, girlfriend in your terms.
Momo: Oh…
Ulquiorra: Yes, I know that. But what is this thing doing here?
Aledjandro: She has decided to stay with us, father.
Ulquiorra became even more menacing. He kneeled next to the two of them, eyes blazing with white fire. However, his calm remained, for the most part, quite lethargic.
Ulquiorra: I will see no such thing.
Aledjandro: We can't just send her back! She's already turning into a Hollow!
Ulquiorra's eyes widened at this. He stood up to his full height, and in a single flash had unsheathed his Zanpaku-to. It was held erect towards Momo threateningly, barely quivering.
Ulquiorra: Then she will die.
Paqueña bounded to their side as she entered the room.
Paqueña: ULQUI!
Ulquiorra turned his head in anger. For once, his eyes didn't have the familiar tenderness associated with his wife.
Paqueña stood there pouting. Her lower lip bulged; her left eye twitched slightly. Her pupils had narrowed, and worst of all, her brow had furrowed. It was indeed the legendary face; which, on Paqueña, is so horrible in contrast to her normal looks one can hardly stand the sight of it.
Ulquiorra: Paqueña. Stop this. Now.
Paqueña: No! Not until you leave them alone. He just wants to be happy!
Ulquiorra: He will be happy - just not with her.
Paqueña: And what would you suggest? An incestuous relationship with one of his sisters in a couple of years?
Aledjandro/Momo: Eeewwww…
Ulquiorra: No. Just not this.
Paqueña: If not this, then what?
Ulquiorra: …
Paqueña: It's not like people like me show up everyday. Not everybody finds someone like I found you…
Ulquiorra scowled.
Ulquiorra: I don't like this.
Paqueña: No one said you had to like it…just allow it.
Ulquiorra turned to the children. He scowled.
Ulquiorra: Get out of my sight.
Aledjandro took that as acceptance and removed Momo before his father changed his mind.
Paqueña smiled. Ulquiorra turned back to her; he smiled back at her. He touched the side of her face, letting his fingers trace the dimple of her cheek bone. She chuckled. Ulquiorra closed his eyes, feeling calmness return to him. His hand slid loosely down her jaw one and down her neck. His finger parted her skin at the collar bone. He set his head to the ground in a fist.
Ulquiorra: I suppose the girl was your work.
Paqueña: Either we gain a daughter or lose a son.
Ulquiorra: I stand with my word - I'll never consider her family. I despise letting her stay in the same house, no matter its size. So long as she stays with my son, my eldest, strongest…my beloved son, I just can't allow it. She will be hated.
Paqueña let her torso fall slowly onto Ulquiorra's lap. She turned her head away from his body, and snuggled in to get comfortable. Ulquiorra grunted softly at her presence.
Paqueña: Why does her presence here bother you? At first, I thought it was just because she was human, but it's something else…isn't it?
Ulquiorra: She had a family…a powerful, strong family, like ours…just smaller. I know as a father that if my daughter was stolen from me, I would go to the ends of the earth to get her back, and kill whoever got in my way….
Paqueña shifted to look up at him.
Paqueña: Ulqui, your daughter was stolen, and you did go a whole dimension to get her back…
Ulquiorra: Which is why I'm concerned…Paqueña, if this girl is going to have a family coming after her, my family is going to be put back in danger. I can't stand the idea of that. This was supposed to be the last time we had to be in danger for some time. Now, because she is here, we plunge right back into the fight.
Paqueña sat up and faced him. She gently set her hands on his shoulders, rubbing her thumbs on the tense flesh below them. Paqueña leaned her head forward on him. She fidgeted and scooted in to him until her lips pressed his exposed ear lobe.
Paquena: Then we will fight…you will defend our family as we always knew we would have to do…And me…I will do what I have to. I don't care what that is, I'll do it.
Ulquiorra quickly wrapped his arms around her lower back.
Ulquiorra: I don't want to force you to use her again! Paqueña, you lose part of yourself when she's fighting.—
Paqueña: I lose all of myself.
Ulquiorra: All the more reason to never do that! I loathe the idea of losing our children, but the idea of being parted from you is too much. Paqueña. Please don't…Think of your family…think of me…
Paqueña: Our family can't recover from death, but I'll be fine. Just let me do what I need.
Paqueña stood up. She brushed herself off. Ulquiorra blinked in confusion before noticing the reason for her sudden breakaway - Grimmjow was approaching.
Grimmjow: Hay, Ulquiorra! Dinner time! Your kids are already fed. The Espada are having a meeting over food; got any idea what it's about?
Ulquiorra stood up and walked down the hall with a brisk pace.
Ulquiorra: ¿Por qué tan poco después nosotros hemos llegado? Quizá es la chica... Estoy que Señor seguro Aizen pensará el mismo como I. Si yo no puedo hacer su hoja sin Pequeña está enojado, entonces quizá Aizen puede. (Why so soon after we've arrived? Maybe it's the girl...I'm sure Lord Aizen will think the same as I. If I can't make her leave without Paqueña being angry, then maybe Aizen can.)
Aledjandro set Momo down on his bed, and she scooted up.
Momo: You know, you don't have to carry me…I can walk.
Aledjandro: I just worry…there's lots of stuff around here that could hurt you. Plus, I can think of a few Espada who would use you for target practice.
Momo: Oh… EEEEEEK!
She pointed at the door as she jumped with surprise.
Aledjandro turned around casually. Yammy stood there, just as surprised to see her as she was to see him.
Yammy: What's that thing doing here!
Aledjandro: Calm down, both of you! *ahem* Yammy, this is Momo. Momo, this is Yammy. He's one of my closest friends, and favorite sparring partner. Yammy, this is my mate.
Momo twitched at the word "mate" again. Yammy scratched the back of his head and slumped.
Yammy: How'd you clear her with your father?
Aledjandro: It was a close one, and I still worry, but my mother's working pretty hard to keep him happy. I think he'll come around.
Yammy: You'll get a few new siblings first; your father would be hard pressed to let this slide.
Aledjandro: *chuckle* That's true, I guess…
Nnoitra pushed the white curtains of Aledjandro's door to the side. He walked in with his lips tightly pursed together.
Nnoitra: Hmm, so the rumors are true…you did bring home a little human wench.
Aledjandro: Really now, because I thought I brought home a respectable Hollow in the making.
Nnoitra: Regardless of what you call her, she's still here.
Momo (to Aledjandro in a soft voice): Who's this guy?
Aledjandro (to the whole room): This is Nnoitra, a sexist pig for the ages, and an utter moron. Pay him no mind, but don't hesitate to throw juicy tomatoes at his ugly mug.
Nnoitra: You assume my opinions are my own.
Aledjandro raised an eye brow.
Nnoitra: Lord Aizen sends word that you and your…*ahem* female are both to report to the Espada meeting dinner, which is, of course, starting now.
Aledjandro: And I'm supposed to just trust you?
Yammy: Actually, Al, that's why I'm here. Aizen told me that if you didn't believe him, I was to give you the same message.
Aledjandro sighed, and stood. He helped Momo to her feet.
Aledjandro: Then we'd better be moving…I'd hate to be late.
The Espada meetings were always stressful for the members. Normally, they meant someone was going to be replaced, or some battle was coming. Grimmjow enjoyed it all, naturally, but as far as Ulquiorra was concerned, he hated the whole ordeal. Then again, being Espada Quatro as he was, it was unlikely anyone was going to surpass him soon.
The Espada took their places. Aledjandro and Momo sat in two seats that had been set out next to Ulquiorra. Paqueña stood at the end of the table. Momo had to note how regal she looked. She really was a queen amongst them. The room's feeling ranged from relaxed to cocky, but she was serene and content. Aledjandro thought about what was on Momo's mind, and what she puzzled over. Aizen took his seat on the opposite end of the table from Paqueña, Aizen-named Slug Woman.
Momo: Okay, does he just like that spot, or is he trying to keep his distance?
Aizen: My espada, I'm glad we've all gathered without much difficulty. I understand that some of you seem to have problems following directions, so I'm glad you all were able to read the map.
Ulquiorra: My Lord, Aledjandro's actions were rash and unacceptable. Whatever you should choose to do is understandable.
Aizen chuckled and smiled at Ulquiorra's hurry to bring the issue up.
Aizen: Ulquiorra, don't be so quick to assume. I'm not upset about our new visitor – in fact, she's more then welcome. Actually, Aledjandro behaved admirably. He may have disobeyed me, but he did so for good reason…he's *chuckle* found love!
Ulquiorra: …Would you please explain your decision, my lord? I don't quite understand.
Aizen: Certainly…Ah, Paqueña…dear Slu- Paqueña, how long have you been here?
Paquena: Nineteen years, my Lord.
Aizen: And in those nineteen years, how many Vasto Lordes Arrancar have you given birth to?
Paquena closed her eyes.
Paquena: Five.
Grimmjow: Getting tired, Ulquiorra?
Aizen: With the four Vasto Lordes amongst us already, we have more than a third of our goal…the Breakdown sphere is a hit-and-miss process. I think the whole thing would go so much faster if we had yet another female helping the process…don't you think?
The room tensed. Momo gasped, and her cheeks went crimson.
Paqueña's nose flared, and she abruptly stood up, knocking the ornate chair she had been sitting in over. It landed with a loud "clang!" on the marble floor. She threw her hands down on the table, sending a shockwave to Aizen. Her eyes narrowed.
Paqueña: So is that what you think of my family? Part of your process?My children are my own, and because I wanted them, not because of anything you have planned!
Aizen: Oh, come now, Paqueña. You don't think it's convenient that you spent all your time around the number four Espada, the same Espada who later became your mate? You two were compatible from the start. It was just a matter of putting you together.
Paqueña clenched her fists, now becoming truly enraged.
Paqueña: And how…how would you know we were compatible?
Aizen: Because you are a female, and he is a male. Raw instinct was to bond, to take hold eventually…and it did.
Ulquiorra could have beaten Aizen to a pulp at that moment. He was really considering it, too. But then Paqueña sat down. She brushed Aizen's remark off, but it was clear she was thinking about something. He'd wait until he knew what, then he'd act.
Aizen let the room eat their food for a few minutes in silence. Aledjandro was trying to eat normally for Momo's sake, but the attempt was short lived. He was hungry.
Finally, Aizen finally spoke again.
Aizen: I have noticed that some of your children seem to be progressing quite quickly, Paqueña. I would be interested to see one of them in particular fight one of the Espada for their title.
Paquena's eyes shot up from her food. The room was silent. Ulquiorra swore he saw a slug wriggle from beneath her dress and flop to the floor.
Paquena: Which child would you subject to this?
Aizen turned to face Aledjandro. He smiled a greasy, evil smile that Aledjandro knew hid venomous intent.
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?
Aledjandro's mouth fell open. Ulquiorra stood up.
Ulquiorra: No. I will not allow this. There's no way in hell I will fight my own son. He's not near my level yet! Have him fight someone lower then me! *eyes shift to Grimmjow* Someone much lower.
Aizen: No, no, I'm quite sure he's at least at your level. If you don't feel comfortable, we'll have him fight Barragan.
Barragan sipped his soup without sympathy. Paqueña, however, stood up with the rage she had suppressed earlier escaping.
Paqueña: That's enough! I will not let my son fight anyone! He is not ready!
Aizen: Might I remind you that I am the leader at this assembly? Whether you are "royalty" or not, at the end of the day, you're just a peasant woman capable only of spitting out babies…and I am a king. Aledjandro has defied me for the last time, and I will not stand for it anymore! His woman would have only produced half-breeds anyway—
Ulquiorra: Wait…don't make him fight Barragan. I will do it…
Paqueña: What? Ulquiorra?
Aizen: …Good. In the morning, we will meet in the practice hall, and we shall all witness his…execution.
Aizen stood up and left the room smirking.
Momo: So this is how it all works. Deception, then attack…insult and praise. What a way to live…oh, Aledjandro! What are we going to do? They'll kill you!
Aledjandro stood up. He nodded to his father with a grim understanding. It seemed like he had already accepted his fate. Momo watched with horror as Paqueña shook her head. Fat tears rolled down her eyes, and her mouth hung open in terror.
Momo: Oh, God! He really is going to die!
Paqueña ran off to another room. Ulquiorra followed his mate, head hung. Aledjandro exited as well, and Momo decided to follow. Neither of them were hungry anymore.
Grimmjow leaned back in his chair, thinking about what was going on. The whole thing seemed opportune. Aizen had dug his own grave - if Ulquiorra and Paqueña moved against him, it wouldn't take much to push the other numbers below them to side with him, too.
Ulquiorra sat on the windowsill next to his bed. He had been there over on hour waiting for Paqueña to come back, but so far, she hadn't showed. He regretted what he was doing, but not seeing her would make it even worse.
Paqueña slowly entered the large room that they had shared during the entire time they had known each other. Her white lace gown trailed on the ground as she walked; it had innumerable dark spots on it. The long lace train and short puffy sleeves made her look awkwardly formal. Ulquiorra gazed at her for a few moments. Paqueña bit her lip and ran to his arms. Ulquiorra embraced the tiny woman. She began to sob and yell. She pushed the top of her head up under his chin. With her right fist she pounded slowly on his chest. The hand shook as it paused with every loud sob. Ulquiorra had always felt inept at these moments, but currently he just felt helpless. It wasn't that he didn't know what to say to her; it was that there simply no words to console her. Either he perished, or their son did.
Ulquiorra: I have thought about it…tomorrow morning, I will fight Aledjandro…and I will let him win…
Paquena: NO! NO! I won't let you! I WON'T *sob* Please! Don't do that! Don't you dare leave me! If I have to live alone without you I won't be able to last long! I WON'T LEAVE MY CHILDREN, ULQUIORRA!
Her sobs escalated, and she went limp, holding herself up by wrapping her arms around Ulquiorra's neck. Moans littered the air, and it took all his strength of Ulquiorra not to join in.
Ulquiorra: …What do you wish of me? Do you want me to kill my own son…?
Paquena: NO! I want you to figure something out! I want you to live!
A knock came at the door. Ulquiorra looked up to see what was going on. Grimmjow walked casually into the room.
Grimmjow: I think I might be able to help you two, but I'm going to need some help in turn.
Ulquiorra: What do you suggest?
Grimmjow: Oh, nothing…I just think maybe it's about time we Hollows took things back into our own hands. Things were horrible before Aizen came along…we do owe him and all, but….
Ulquiorra: But what?
Grimmjow: Why do we need him anymore? Paqueña gives us new Espada *loud cry*, we are more than capable of coming up with our own plans…we have our forces, so why do we need him?
Ulquiorra: He keeps order amongst us.
Grimmjow: Yah, at the price of your son and family…So sad, so sad…
Paqueña: So you want us to revolt against him. At the drop of a pin? We aren't prepared, and we aren't organized! Nothing! Tell me how the hell we could do this!
Grimmjow: What better way to avoid suspicion than to give no time for suspicion. I think it'll work, or at least we can retreat to the human world, which would spare you and your son.
Ulquiorra: For how long?
Grimmjow: Longer then you've got right now.
Paqueña turned to Ulquiorra. Her look pleaded with him; she didn't need to persuade him, though. Ulquiorra's mind was made up. He hated Aizen - he hated him with every ounce of hatred he possessed; he had since dinner. This whole thing was perfect.
Ulquiorra: Have you spoken with anyone else about this?
Grimmjow: Everyone except the top three. They're all in. Though I must say, they were a bit harder to convince than you.
Paqueña: He's been using us for years for his own dirty work! Using me! *sob* I hope that bastard gets his just desserts!
Ulquiorra: Then all that's left is to round up my children and tell Aledjandro.
Grimmjow: I'll get on it. Get packing. We fight, but if we have to run, I'd rather not come back.
Ulquiorra: Good.
Aledjandro sat back-to-back with Momo on his bed. They hadn't spoken since dinner.
Aledjandro: You should go get my mother…get her to take you home.
Momo: Aledjandro, I came here to be with you. I'm going to stay with you, no matter what that means.
Aledjandro turned his head.
Aledjandro: Someone other than me has to love you. Go home, find them, and live your life. Don't think twice about me.
Momo: That'll be impossible! You're all I can think of!
Aledjandro: Yah, I know the feeling, but the fact is, we weren't thinking when we did this…when I did this…Tomorrow, I die. And where does that leave you?
Momo: Aledjandro!
Aledjandro: Momo, I won't fight my father, but I would prefer to die with a sword in my hand. When I get done here, I'm going to fight Barragan. I'll die, and you'll go home. You have to promise me that's going to happen.
Momo: Ale—
He kissed her, cutting off her words. She kissed him back. She pulled him onto her and fell backwards onto his bed.
Momo: …If you're going to die, you have to tell me…
Aledjandro leaned over her, with hands on either side of her head. His elbows locked, waiting for her next move.
Aledjandro: Anything…
Momo: If I want to be your mate, what do I have to do?
Aledjandro: Hell, girl, why couldn't I have met you a year ago?
Aledjandro kissed her again with more passion. Momo giggled and the two of them rolled off the bed…Well, you can guess where this is going. Teenage sex and death…Wow, what is this, a Marilyn Manson song? XD…
An hour or so later…
Aledjandro walked down the hall that he knew led to the wing Barragan inhabited.
Aledjandro: I hate to leave her like that, but if I really did say goodbye it would be harder…How could I have fucked up this badly? My father was right…even if all the conflict stops with the Soul Reapers, we Hollows will never be safe. Now she's got nothing except me…soon she won't even have that! How could I have done this to her? If she had just stayed with her family, she'd be fine right now! IF I HAD NEVER TALKED TO HER THAT DAY, SHE WOULDN'T EVEN MISS ME!
Aledjandro rammed his head up against a wall, but to no avail; his Hollow mask took the brunt of it.
He glanced across the hallway to the large set of doors; the entrance to Barragan's room. He took a deep breath and pulled the fluff of his Mohawk back with one hand. He leaned his head back and flopped against a wall. He slid down it until he sat on the ground with his knees bent out in front of him. He buried his head in his crossed arms. He glanced down at the sword on his hip. He picked up the weapon, examining its flawless shine. He pointed the sword at the door.
Aledjandro: Alright, then…let's see just how strong we really are…
He abruptly stood up. He drew his sword back over his shoulder and swung it at the large granite handle. The handle split cleanly in two and went flying to the side. The lock on the door shattered. Aledjandro raised a leg up and beat the door in with one swift kick. He walked into the room, sword at the ready. The entrance was dark. Barragan had probably been aware he was coming. Aledjandro straightened up out of his stance. With a sigh, he spoke.
Aledjandro: I don't think I pose any real danger to you, so what point does giving me a blind death serve? I'd like to face the Hollow who takes my life, if I might have that request.
Barragan suddenly appeared at the other end of the room, with a sneer.
Barragan: It was foolish of you to bring that girl back. You knew full well Aizen would be angry.
Aledjandro: HA! So that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I've been so reckless lately I wasn't sure anymore.
Barragan: You are still just a child. Why do you waste your life by coming before me? Why not beg Aizen for forgiveness?
Aledjandro: Sorry, but begging doesn't feel quite my style anymore.
Barragan: Is that so?
Aledjandro: I'm not here to discuss my fate. I've already made up my mind. Fight me, and kill me…if you can.
Aledjandro smiled a cocky shelf assured smile. Meanwhile he was desperately trying to hold his shaking hands still. Barragan closed his eyes, and couldn't hide a slight smile.
Barragan: If that's really what you want, I'd be more than glad.
He charged forward, drawing out his sword with a deft hand. Aledjandro clashed with him, but wasn't strong enough to par him. He was sent went flying back, hitting his head on a bead post, and flipped backward over the top of the post. He quickly jumped off the bed and took another stance. Changing his attention to his sword, Barragan swiped his Zanpaku-to back and forth in front of him until he was satisfied he had a good grip. Like a buffalo stampede he came charging forward; this time, he broke Aledjandro's guard. Aledjandro's eyes widened as he felt the excruciating pain of Barragan's attack. The sword barley skimmed through Aledjandro's abdomen, but it was enough to partially sever important abdominal mussels. He reeled backward, bringing his sword up in a vain attempt to stop the next attack. Barragan sheathed his sword suddenly. He pulled his right hand into knife-hand position. He swung the hand up, then down again onto Aledjandro's collar bone. The boy barley had time to block the hand, resulting in a very shallow slice to Barragan's exposed forearm. However, Barragan didn't seem to feel the attack as he pulled his hand back to his shoulder. Then he thrust his elbow into Aledjandro's wounded abdomen, causing the slashed flesh to bleed profusely. Aledjandro went flying backward over some trucks and screens. He landed finally with his back up against a wall. The wall behind him cracked, making a loud echo throughout all of Las Noches.
Meanwhile…
Ulquiorra had just arrived in the hall which Aledjandro's room rested in. He threw open the doors and became quite puzzled to discover the diseased, barely clothed girl sitting in one of Aledjandro's sofas. He shook it over and faced her.
Ulquiorra: Where is he?
Momo squirmed, curling herself up into a ball before breaking out in short, staccato cries.
Momo: I don't know! I woke up and he was gone!
Ulquiorra: Did he say anything before he left?
The girl's eyes met Ulquiorra's for the first time, and they were full of fear.
Momo: Yah! He said he was going to die…*sniffle* And that he was going to fight someone named Barragan!
Ulquiorra: NO!
For a brief moment, true horror clutched Ulquiorra's face. Then he turned and sprinted down the hallway in the direction of Barragan's chambers.
Momo: Wait! D-don't leave me!...I can't walk…!
In the main chambers of Aizen's throne room, Grimmjow had gathered the other Espada, numbers 10-5. Grimmjow smiled from atop his pillar. Yammy paced as he waited for Ulquiorra and Aledjandro to arrive. Paqueña entered the room, escorting her humanlike children. In one hand she held a pet cage, which was apparently how one carries a large group of Arrancar in condensed form. She handed the cage over to Yammy.
Paqueña: Any sign of them?
Yammy: No, none at all—
Grimmjow: They'd better hurry up. I don't know how long I can wait!
Paqueña: You'll wait as long as you have to!
Her words were laced with venom uncommon for the joyful and petite female. Grimmjow shook it off and looked the other way. Aizen, Heibel, and Stark entered through one of the dark side doors. Aizen's features were stern in the poor lighting.
Aizen: And what, pray tell, is this little meeting all about?
Grimmjow jumped down from his pillar so that he was the closest to Aizen.
Grimmjow: I'll be frank. I've grown tired of you and your commands keeping me down all the time.
Aizen: The same commands that were yielding victory?
Grimmjow: Humph! Think of it how you like! Before long, the way things were going, we'd be another Soul Society! Isn't that right, Captain?
Aizen: Eighteen years under my command, and now you decide to rebel. Why, when we are so close to victory?
Grimmjow: Right when we could still win, even without you.
Aizen began to sweat slightly. His hands clenched into fists. He began to contemplate exactly how well he had treated the Espada he had brought with him. He still had a chance, so long as he had those two, but if they turned on him as well…then he'd be dead before he knew it.
Grimmjow cracked a smile.
Grimmjow: So, are you going to get lost, or do I have to tell you you're unwanted more clearly?
Aizen's eyes darted as he looked for an escape rout. He smiled and exhaled.
Aizen: So, how long have the Espada been taking orders from their sixth highest member? It just seems like an odd post to draw command from.
Grimmjow opened his mouth to retort, but was cut off.
Ulquiorra: Need a higher opinion?
Everyone turned their head to the newcomer. Ulquiorra briskly walked into the room. He passed Aizen, careful to scoff at him as he did. Ulquiorra approached his wife, greeting her with a short-lived smile. The Espada Quatro stopped next to his children; he turned to face Aizen with an icy, turpentine laced gaze.
Ulquiorra: Add me to the list. I agree with…Grimmjow. As much as I dislike him, I, too, grow tired of your influence on my family.
Grimmjow raised an eyebrow with surprise. He shrugged and turned back to Aizen.
Aizen: Tell me, Ulquiorra, where is Aledjandro?
Heibel leaned forward.
Heibel: I've sensed him in proximity to Barragan. I believe they've engaged in battle.
Aizen raised up his voice so everyone in the room could hear.
Aizen: So, do tell, how is young Aledjandro doing against the Espada Tres?
Heibel: *scoff* Poorly. He's close to death, and completely drained of power. He'll be gone before long.
Ulquiorra stiffened and managed to form his face into further disgust. The corner of him mouth raised into a more or less snarl.
Ulquiorra: Is this some kind of retribution for exiling you?
Aizen: *Laughs* Exile? Who said anything about exile? I'll be going nowhere; it's you who'll be leaving. After all…*gestures to Espada Uno and Dos*…I've got all the power.
Grimmjow: We outnumber you!
Aizen: Hardly! There may be physically more of you, but you miss the point of numbers. In greater numbers, there is greater power, more overwhelming power, and that, you fools, is with me. Take this to your graves: Espada Tres has the same amount of Retsu as all seven lower Espada. Espada Dos has twice the amount of retsu as the third, and Stark…*laughs* Stark is three times more powerful than all of you combined!
Grimmjow began to feel nervous.
Grimmjow: Shit! Can they really be that strong? I've never seen them fight before, so I guess it could be true…but there's no way they're that good! He's gotta be bluffing!
Grimmjow: Alright prov—
The walls around the group shook as a large amount of retsu suddenly filled the area. In one corner of the room, Kisuke, Kenpachi, Toshiro, and Ichigo materialized into the dimension from the Soul Society. The Espada all turned their heads in annoyance at the untimely disturbance. Aizen raised an eyebrow.
Aizen: Could they have planned this? No…it's just a coincidence. There's no way Ulquiorra would arrange an alliance with them.
Ichigo drew his sword abruptly, pointing its tip at Aizen. He glared down at him from the higher elevation of the steps they had landed on. The terrain of the room was choice. There were steps coming from all the different entryways, the flooring was solid limestone, and the roof was strong enough that it wasn't going to come down with the first Bankai. And there were plenty of exits. All of the members of the room began to think at once; if there was going to be a battle, this is where it would go down. Ichigo stepped forward from the other present Captains.
Ichigo: I'm not sure how up-to-date all of you scumbags are, but after you killed Captain General Yamamoto, they put me in charge. So, as Captain General, I extend my warmest offers to go to hell. Then again, out of the spirit of just coming into this scene, might I ask what the hell's going on first?
With that, Toshiro darted from the group. He ran down one of the halls coming off the room. He found Momo's spirit pressure and wasn't about to let it get away from him.
Toshiro: I screwed up then, but I will not lose her now!
Toshiro was gone within moments. No one bothered to go after him. Everyone did watch him as he went though, so most of the room was too distracted to notice the gleam in Paqueña's normally innocent expression.
Paqueña's eyes drifted slowly across the floor before they finally met up with Ichigo's form. She could feel the palpitations of her heart becoming more erratic as he spoke; she could tell that Haqueña was getting angry. Paqueña leaned on her mate to try and stop herself from falling over from the sudden gush of retsu. People watched as little strands of their hair began to blow and flutter violently. The circulation of retsu between Paqueña, Ichigo, Stark, and Heibel was starting to become overwhelming. Ulquiorra was one of the first to sense it. He grabbed onto Paqueña's shoulders to try and stabilize her, but he could see she was already in the shakes of transformation. Her arms twitched and clenched as her headdress began to form. The Espada, excluding Heibel and Stark, all got as far away from Paqueña as they could. Yammy removed the children from her side. Ulquiorra still kept muttering "no" as the little female in front of him lost the last of her composure. Her eyes turned a blank shade of red, and a toothy, cynical smile twisted her pleasant features. She shook Ulquiorra from her like he was a ragdoll; Ulquiorra went tumbling to the side, landing hard on his left shoulder. She spoke in a low, sensual voice that sounded something like a purr or a growl.
Haqueña: Get off of me, you fool.
Ulquiorra looked up with panic at the thing that was no longer his mate, but rather her other, much more dangerous side. He slowly pulled himself to his feet.
Ulquiorra: Please, please! Come back to your senses!
Haquena: Oh, shut up, you useless quack. I have no time for you!
Her gaze reverted back to the reason for her presence, Ichigo.
Kisuke: So, this is what she became after all these years…I thought I got rid of her with the slugs, but that was apparently still the wrong part of her. Dammit, she's so strong!
Ichigo quickly put on his mask and gave control of his body to his own inner demon. Hichigo smiled at the sight of Haqueña, and the two of them began to pace around one another.
Hichigo: 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!
Hichigo smiled his normal insane smile. He sheathed his sword and crossed his arms.
Hichigo: Oh? And what would that be?
Haqueña lunged forward as he sheathed his sword with her own blade, which came out of nowhere. Hichigo drew his blade in a quarter of a second but was still too slow to stop a small slash from the tip of Haqueña's solid retsu blade. The scratch left a thin line of blood on his cheek bone.
Haqueña: YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!
Her voice thundered in a roar infrequently graced by her throat. Hichigo kept on smiling; the two of their swords were still locked, both of them putting an incredible amount of retsu out to keep the other at bay. Hichigo's footing began to slip slightly. He let it happen; he put less pressure on his blade, letting his best line of defense from the raging female in front of him fall. Haqueña dug her blade into the left side of his chest, unflinching as drops of Hichigo's blood splattered onto his face. Hichigo smiled as her anger kept steady. Then he dropped his weapon entirely to the ground. There was a magnificent thud as Haqueña's energy hit him full on in the chest, her blade digging into him, ripping through flesh and converting it into confetti; but that was not her true aim. Her psychotic grin widened as her blade got ever closer to the moment where she would cut out his heart and bite into it while her opponent watched helplessly. Hichigo leaned into the swipe, towering over the still tiny form. Haqueña slapped a blood soaked hand on his chest, digging her nails in, trying to push his away. Hichigo reveled in her discomfort of their current proximity. The onlookers just watched in amazement more or less. The retsu that was coming off of the two of them just from confronting each other in a game of chicken could have flattened most of the people in the room had it been in attack form. Haqueña finally yelped and jumped back away from Hichigo.
Hichigo: So what's this mess all about?
Haqueña: Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, myself and some of the other Espada have grown tired of Aizen. We want to throw him out.
Hichigo: Want some help?
Haqueña: From you? No.
Hichigo: Well why not? I offered. Besides, I won't be sticking around too long. Toshiro's going to get his baby, then we'll be on our way…you'll be heading out before we are at this rate.
Haqueña: I hate you so much.
Hichigo smiled again and blew a quick kiss. Haqueña scoffed and rolled her eyes. The two of them turned to Heibel and Stark.
Hichigo: You take her, I'll take him.
Haqueña: Switch when we get bored?
Hichigo: Sounds good to me.
Heibel and Stark both glared at their opponents. The onlookers weren't sure about the outcome of this battle, but they knew they had better get back. Yammy grabbed Ulquiorra by the arm to try and get him to step back.
Ulquiorra: No. I want to stay with her.
Grimmjow: Okay, but get the fuck out of the way or you'll really "leave her!"
Ulquiorra stepped back. Hichigo and Hequeña let loose their retsu just as Heibel and Stark released theirs. Everyone not amongst them found themselves digging into the ground to keep their footing. The energy from the room was so great it was becoming hard to keep consciousness. Ulquiorra shielded his eyes but still tried to keep track of his mate. With the light coming off the four of them, it was impossible to see. Ulquiorra felt himself begin to panic. Grimmjow finally grabbed Ulquiorra and pulled him behind a wall for cover; the rest of the Espada and Soul Reapers had found their way to the same spot.
Grimmjow: Give it up! She's gone! Haqueña's taken her over! If they make it out of this, you'll see her again. If you don't make it out, it won't make any difference if they win or lose! Go find your son! Do something, but don't get in their way!
Ulquiorra stood up with some difficultly. As soon as he was fully up, he lost his footing and was thrown against the far wall. He moved along that wall until he found the door to get out into the surrounding hallways. Grimmjow nodded as he became sure what Ulquiorra was doing.
Grimmjow: He'll go get Aledjandro!
He had to yell over the noise in the next room.
Kisuke: And then what? What are you going to do?
Grimmjow: I don't know! Leave, I guess! What's your plan?
Kisuke: Come back to the Soul Society with us, all of you!
Grimmjow: That's a trap! Why would you want us in your dimension?
Kisuke: Because the enemy of my enemy is my friend!
Grimmjow shook his head and laughed at the irony of it all.
Grimmjow: When you're right, you're right!
Toshiro had stopped out of frustration. He had been running down halls for the past ten minutes and had not found anything that led him closer to where he knew his daughter was. He finally drew his sword and thrust it into a wall in the general direction Momo was. He channeled all his retsu into an attack and let loose. Ice grew on the wall from his sword, quickly growing to enormous magnitude. The whole wall froze over. Toshiro let loose the rest of his energy; spikes came up from the ground, ripping the frozen walls from him to Momo to small fragments like snow.
Momo had to duck out of the way of some of the ice that came flying at her. When she realized what was happening, she couldn't believe it; she recognized the ice at once. Looking up over the protective shield of Aledjandro's bed, she saw her father was standing about 100 yards off. Toshiro stood there searching for her, his eyes scanning relentlessly, hoping he hadn't overdone it and hurt her. Momo stood up and walked around the side of the bed so she was in clear view of him. Toshiro perked up when he saw her. He sighed and flash-stepped up to her. Momo didn't know quite what to do, so she just cried. Toshiro flung his arm around her, burying his face down into her short white hair. He felt himself choke up, but didn't let tears overcome him quite yet; he still had something to say.
Toshiro: Momo, I am so…*choke* sorry. I didn't ever want to hurt you. Ever! *sob* Please, please don't hate me for what I've done…*sob*
Momo clung on to his Captain's uniform as he spoke. She could only barley reply "yes" as she nodded with her face under his chin. Toshiro began to cry freely now, and every now and then he would mutter "thank you".
Momo: Who are you…*sob* *choke* always talking to when y-you say *sob* those things?
Toshiro smiled with calm satisfaction as he himself reflected about the matter.
Toshiro: Sometimes the gods, most of the time…your mother…always about you.
Tears ran down his cheeks, gathering in the corner of his mouth, which was strangely in a smile. Momo chuckled through another shivery-gasp.
Momo: I love you, too.
Hichigo almost "grape-vined" forward as he let out a battle cry. His body twisted oddly as he swung his sword with little grace or accuracy. Stark barley had time to get out of the way before Hichigo plunged the weapon into the wall behind him. Stark's eyes widened as he realized Hichigo was already free of the wall and back for his head again. Stark drew his own sword.
Stark: Looks like speed won't be enough with this guy!
Hichigo jumped in the air, doing a double axle as he flew. His sword twisted back and forth as he moved. The blade hit the ceiling, putting gashes in it that caused rock to fall down over Stark. Stark dodged those, too, using his speed to his advantage. He charged forward to meet Hichigo this time. Hichigo cackled as he saw Stark turn before his eyes could no longer track his speed. Hichigo raised Zangetsu over his head as he jumped backward away from the Espada.
Hichigo: Getsuga Tenshō!
He whipped his arm about as he forced Stark to weave back and forth. The attack, which hit the ceiling, caused more boulders to fall in Stark's path. The huge rocks broke, producing flying projectiles; the small rocks hit Stark's arms and face, leaving welts and bruises, but not enough to deter him.
Hichigo: Have it your way!
Hichigo put both hands on his sword and began to laugh as he channeled at least a fifth of his retsu into his attack. He swung the sword over his head, twirling it as it span. He finally swung it like a bat just as Stark was only three feet from him. The room went midnight black with the blast. The roof split up and out like pie crust as the retsu flooded the area. Stark held his place in front of Hichigo by releasing an equal amount of energy behind him. The force of this new explosion of power caused all of the building behind him to rip from its roots and tumble off into the desert. An enormous draft of air consumed the room, mixing with the spirit pressure which was practically choking all the onlookers. Once the display of energy was over, Hichigo stood just how he had in front of Stark. Stark stood there, now covered in tiny scratch marks that tattered his clothing with little red veins of color. Stark glared down his enemy. Other than the tiny wounds, he was completely unharmed by the blast that had literally shattered Las Noches.
While all this was happening, Heibel and Haqueña were in fierce combat as well. Heibel charged forward headfirst at Haqueña. She dodged to the left, avoiding her and doing a no-armed cartwheel. Heibel drew her sword twirling back to slash at Haqueña; Haqueña pressed a hand on either side of the blade, pushing it to the side. Heibel tried a low kick once her attack was blocked, but Haqueña brought her elbow down hard onto Heibel's clavicle, following through with the blow, bringing her body into an upside-down vertical position balanced on Heibel's shoulder. Haqueña used the arm not in use to chop the back of Heibel's neck. The other wise, small motion turned out to be so powerful that Heibel flew forward ten feet. Haqueña flipped, following her train of motion back to a fighting stance. Heibel caught herself with one foot. She got her bearings, then twisted her body around, lunging her sword straight forward into Haqueña's abdomen. Haqueña roughly grabbed the blade and its edge; she tore the tip out of her, mixing her and Hichigo's blood on her white clothing. Haqueña swung her upper body down and counter-attacked with a flying butterfly kick, which landed soundly on Heibel's head. Heibel rolled with the hit to decrease its damage. The two of them slid a few feet apart from each other. Haqueña re-drew the sword that had been hovering at her hip. She pointed it at her opponent. Heibel smiled and swung her arms to a low energy stance as if to say "hit me with your best shot, bitch." Haqueña's mouth made another twisted, psychopathic smile.
Haqueña: La Mano Derecha De Reina! (The Queen's right hand)
The blade seemed to sing a note so high that it didn't even seem human. The hand that held it began to pour out acid, which moved down the blade until it covered it with a viscous coat of jelly. The coating hardened as the noise got louder and higher. Finally, a low rumble began, and after about five seconds, the blade seemed to contract, then expand for a moment as the space around it began to shake. A burst of energy suddenly erupted from sword; the plume of its cloud stood at least thirty feet tall and ten feet wide as it traveled at the speed of sound over and through Heibel. The blast stopped after traveling 100 yards, leaving little red dust particles in its wake. Heibel lay on the ground, cooked by the acidic cloud of retsu that just mowed over her body. Haqueña returned the blade back to the nowhere that it came from. The sword seemed to come apart into more of the little red sparkles that now drifted through the room.
She looked around, scanning the area to find out how Hichigo was doing. Her eyes widened as she saw the enormous Getsuga Tenshō coming her way. She quickly flash-stepped as far away as she could. Her body hit the ground hard as she barrel-rolled into another, hopefully safer, room.
The sound from the blast lasted longer then the actual attack. For at least a minute everyone just sat there trying to figure out if they were dead or not.
Haqueña marched over to Hichigo. Her eye caught the body of Heibel, which was now up and moving over toward Stark. Stark and Heibel, within moments, were both healed and back to perfect health.
Hequeña: What do we do?
Hichigo: Now we run like hell.
Haquena: Good plan…
Both of them quickly turned and flash-stepped out the nearest exit just as the two Espada behind them started to go into their released forms. The pair ran past the others who had been hiding behind what use to be rubble.
Kisuke: Where are you two going?
Hichigo: Less talk, more run! All my people! When there's angry Espada who heal really fast, you gotta go!
Kisuke: We're all your people now!
Hichigo/Haqueña: WHAT?
Kenpachi: We'll fill you in later! Let's go!
Kisuke: Which way are Ulquiorra and Aledjandro?
Grimmjow: South!
They all hopped up to their feet and bolted for the next exit. Just as they left, the entire area around them went white with explosion.
*A loud, animalistic cry is heard in the background, and the screen cuts to blackness.*
Aledjandro coughed on his own blood as he lay face-up on a piece of wrecked wall. He had been fighting Barragan for the past fifteen minutes, and was now fairly sure he was half-dead.
Aledjandro forced one of his broken arms to support his weight so he could stand. He cringed and coughed up more blood as a broken rib bit into his stomach. He nonetheless stood up. He could barley hold his sword up with the hand that had been grazed by Barragan's sword so many times it was hardly recognizable as a hand and not just a piece of hand-shaped ground-up meat. His knees buckled and shook under his own weight.
Barragan looked amused by the mere child in front of him. He had survived much longer then he had first thought; showing resilience and persistence uncommon for even a Hollow. He refused to give up for some reason. Barragan blinked and sighed and scowled through thick eyebrows. He lunged forward, yelling at the top of his lungs and aiming for Aledjandro's chest cavity, expecting this to be the killing blow. Barragan was careless; within a millisecond, he would have killed Aledjandro, but Ulquiorra got in the way. The blade hit Ulquiorra's skin like it was armor. The sword deflected off the side, flying out of Barragan's hands. Ulquiorra grabbed him by the throat, holding the man above the ground. Barragan struggled and heaved but to no avail. Ulquiorra was pissed; he glared up at the man who now seemed old and fragile, but he still felt no sympathy.
Ulquiorra: Basura…
Ulquiorra cracked Barragan's head to the side, killing him instantly. He dropped the former Espada, then turned around to face his son.
Aledjandro: You came to save me?
Ulquiorra: Of course. You are my son.
Aledjandro collapsed onto the ground, unable to support himself any longer.
Ulquiorra put an arm under Al's shoulder, having to practically drag him along in order to move fast enough.
Toshiro and Momo rounded a corner, finally finding their group of people. Everyone was running from large plumes of flame and flying rock. Paqueña was back to herself, and Ichigo had gone back to being himself. Yammy was carrying Grimmjow over his shoulder, and everyone was screaming.
Momo and Toshiro, in short, were confused.
Just then, Ulquiorra and Aledjandro came out of one of the nearby hallway. The group all joined up and caught there breath.
Ulquiorra (To Paqueña): Why are you with them?
Paqueña: They are our new allies.
Momo: *Screech* What happened to Aledjandro?
Ulquiorra: He attacked Barragan, but I took care of it.
Ichigo (to Kisuke): Why are we allied?
Kisuke: They're strong and have information.
Grimmjow: Why am I being carried?
Everyone: …
Yammy: It's called comic relief, and you're an easy character to make fun of. You could be The Joker any day of the week.
Aledjandro: *moan* Somebody, please! Just get me out of this exploding hellhole!
Kisuke: Right!
With that, he and Ichigo opened up their escape dimension back to the Soul Society.
The next day…
The Esapda spent the night in the Soul Society hospital, where they licked their wounds and weighted for Aledjandro to get out of surgery. Naturally, the world seemed to be buzzing with the news - news of alignment with some of the Espada. Thus, Ichigo had been answering questions around the clock. He had finally gotten word that Aledjandro was out of surgery, and decided to go see just how friendly the Espada were going to be.
Ichigo had a spider plant in one hand and a get well soon card in the other. He realized how silly this was to be doing, but he supposed he'd be there for anyone else in the Soul Society. He walked out into the visitor's room, where Aledjandro sat with his humanlike family and extended Espada relatives of sorts.
Dionisio: So you really lasted fifteen minutes with Espada Tres?
Aledjandro: *chuckle* It seemed way longer.
Lagarato: So, what does that make you? Like, number five!
Nnoitra: Come on now. No way he's better then me! Besides, Ulquiorra's the one who killed him.
Ulquiorra gave off a low rumble that was actually a chuckle for him. Paqueña seemed pleased with this, so she kissed him on the cheek. Ulquiorra was somewhat surprised by the sudden attack and turned slightly pink.
Yammy sat over in a particularly large grouping of chairs, where he looked after Chiquita, who was laughing and giggling and playing with the enormous "Yammy Fingers." Ambrosio sat at his mother's feet, drawing some sort of strange animal with crayons. Ichigo turned his head as Momo Hitsugaya passed him on his right. She yelled to Aledjandro, and ran to him; she hugged him around the neck.
Momo: Thank goodness you're alright! I thought you might have…
She let go of him, and looked him in the eye.
Momo: Well, I didn't think you were serious when you ran off like you did.
Aledjandro smiled and stroked her hair.
Aledjandro: Kinda hard to tell with the mask and blank eyes?
Momo smiled back.
Momo: yeah.
She blushed and hugged back onto him. Toshiro walked into the room with his Captain's jacket over one arm. He didn't make much noise at first; instead, he listened to what they said. He glanced up at Aledjandro's parents, who were sitting in the chairs right next to their son. He nodded to the family. Ulquiorra only grunted with recondition, but Paqueña smiled and motioned for him to come join their group. Toshiro smiled, but shook his head to say no.
Aledjandro let go of Momo, holding her at elbow-length instead.
Aledjandro: Momo, I've been thinking really hard about what we did…this whole Hollow thing, and all…I don't want to lose you, but I don't want to take you away form the things you love either. Please…I would feel better if you asked Mr. Urahara to reverse the process and turn you back into a human.
Momo: But, Al, what if you have to leave…what about…
She gestured over at Ulquiorra. He raised an eyebrow back.
Aledjandro: What will be will be. For now, things should stay the way they are. I care about you more then anything; even if I do have to leave you some day, it won't be for long. And I think…
He looked over at Ulquiorra.
Aledjandro: We can work something out with the family.
Toshiro chuckled. The pair turned their attention over to him.
Toshiro: I didn't believe you when you told me at first, but he really does care for you…even if he is a Hollow, he's alright with me.
Toshiro smiled at his daughter. She beamed with happiness as she looked from her father to her lover, then back to her dad. Ichigo decided now would be the time to walk in. Ichigo calmly strolled over to the group. Paqueña looked at him then began to shake and cower. Ichigo bit his lip, knowing what this was about. He set down the plant next to Aledjandro, who didn't seem to notice his mother. Ulquiorra did, though, he immediately became hostile.
Ulquiorra: What's wro—
Paqueña stood up with a hard gaze. Her helmet began to unravel. She calmly transferred over to Haqueña again.
Haqueña: Eighteen years you have mocked me. No Name, or whatever they call you now…eighteen years I have suffered knowing I will never get your mark off my body.
Ulquiorra: What are you saying?
Haqueña: I bore this man a son once, a son I haven't seen since.
Ichigo looked down at the ground.
Ichigo: I know this excuse is getting tired but…it wasn't me.
Haqueña: I know, and I hate you all the same.
A serious dun-dun-dun moment people. With a lot of answered questions! I have said it before, this is an eight chapter saga. This was chapter four, which means…
Halfway done, bitch!
Chapter five preview…
Aledjandro: So, tell me, Nanba, who exactly is your mother again?
Rukia: A long time ago, I loved him. Sorry, Renji…you always knew that.
Renji: It doesn't matter now, though. He's who he is…we are who we are. I will love you no matter what went through your head eighteen years ago!
Ai: Nanba? How much do you really trust me?
Nanba: You mean on a scale of one to ten?
Ai nodded.
Nanba: Well right now, right this second, I'd say about a nine.
Ai: And what happens at ten?
Nanba blushed and softened up a bit.
Nanba: At ten…*whispered* I hope to have a ring on your finger.
So much drama! But, hey, it was an action chapter, so give me a break! I have to have interludes or I get tired.
And now, because I'm celebrated being halfway done…an interview…
Interview with Paqueña, take 1 *beep*
Paqueña: Hay, I'm Paqueña Shiffer! Most of you only know me from this fanfiction in which I am the darling mate of my beloved Ulqui! Who, for the record, started hiding when he heard we were doing an interview…but, anyways, I am here to answer all the strange, freaky questions the director and co director can think up! Let's get it on!
Q. Where did you come from?
A. I have no idea, this is the bane of my existence. Can we move on?
Q. Does Ulquiorra wear boxers or briefs?
A. Neither! Take that how you will.
Q. What's the hardest part about being the mother of 58 children?
A. Finding time to play with them all!
Q. What's with the "Pie Sug"?
A. Oh, that's an old joke from when I first showed up. I couldn't speak quite right at first, so whenever I ate pie and threw-up a slug, I started screaming "Pie Sug!" Someone always had to force me to swallow it again or else I wouldn't stop screaming.
Q. What's your favorite recreational activity?
A. Sex…what, you think I have time for anything else? If I'm not making children, I'm taking care of children *o*!
Q. How do I make the face?
A. It won't be as good, but here's what you have to do: puff your lower lip out as far as you can, squint with both eyes particularly the left one. Then raise your left eyebrow as much as you can. Then sit and wait.
Q. If you weren't married to Ulquiorra, who would you be married too?
Ulquiorra: Hay! I protest this question! I don't think it's fitting! Besides, we're mated, not married. Much more permanent…
Paquena: OO! There you are! I was looking all over for you! I figured this question would flush you out!
Ulquiorra: Darn…a trap.
A. I would like to marry Grimmjow…well, he's, um…Ulquiorra, stopping looking at me like that! I'm trying to answer a question!
Well looks like our interview needs to be cut short, due to "mate intervention". See you next chapter!