I'm here with the next chapter! It took forever just to finish this chapter. Sorry it took so long. I have been working in a musical, and it has been taking up most my time. Chapters will be taking up a few weeks to write…sorry.
Not to mention the school work…
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Bleach. (Haven't written one of these in a while)
Thank you reviewers:
Umbra8191, Silvdra-zero, Lykaos, marc, Cindar, ZxZ Fic Hunter, Taeniaea, ArashiKage Naruto, GenoBeast, SaCcHaRiNeD ChIld, chutverslehaut, 43, and NiteMistris09X.
Now you can read.
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Naruto had woken up to find Wonderweiss was holding Naruto's arm. He tried to move, but the boy had an iron grip. Naruto frowned not being able to leave the room, or the bed. He realized he had slept without having nightmares for once in his life. Naruto smiled, he felt rested. Naruto liked having the feeling of being cared about. He wasn't so lonely. He looked over to Wonderweiss, to see the boy's eyes were open. Naruto felt a little awkward having the Arrancar just staring at him. "Umm, Morning." Naruto said with a sheepish smile. Wonderweiss let go of his arm and sat up from the bed. The Arrancar got off the bed, and walked to the door. "Bye?" Naruto said, hearing the door shut. Naruto really didn't understand the kid completely, but he strangely understood. Naruto got up as well, and made his way to the bathroom. Taking a quick bath, and dressing himself, he left his 'palace'. Naruto was going to have to find more to do now. Surely, he could go bother the other Espada members. Hopefully, he wouldn't have any more run ins with Nnoitra. "What should I do?" he mumbled to himself. Walking into the great hall, which there was nothing great about it, he saw Szayel walking in the other direction.
"Naruto!" Szayel called, and Naruto froze. Somehow, Szayel knew whenever Naruto was around. He turned around and gave Naruto a smile, "It's good to see you again." Naruto shivered a little. Szayel walked over to the hollow, "I knew I would eventually find you. You always seem to wander around." Szayel grinned. No matter how much Naruto tried, he was still looking at Orochimaru. "I'm guessing you have nothing to do. Why don't you help me at the lab?" He suggested. Naruto knew if he refused Szayel, it would only make the situation worse.
"I don't have anything better to do." Naruto said with a forced smile. Szayel grin increased. Naruto followed the grinning pink haired Espada, wondering what he was going to do today. It was very awkward walking in the silence of the hall. "So, how have things been since I have left?"
"Well, considering when you left more than one fourth of Las Noches was destroyed, rather well." Szayel looked at Naruto in the corner of his eye. Naruto glared at him a little, "Oh? Did I strike a nerve?" he chuckled, "I'm just teasing you." Naruto wasn't too sure that was the only reason. "Las Noches has been dreadfully boring." He placed his hand dramatically on his forehead. "My research has been wonderful though. I'm coming closer to my goal."
"That's good." Naruto said. Naruto knew very little of Szayel's work, but he could tell he was up to no good. Naruto once walked in on something disturbing. Szayel used one of his own fraccion for an experiment. This was before Aizen told him he could no longer have any more Arrancar go 'missing'. Naruto didn't understand until he saw what he was doing. Szayel had dissected the Arrancar and was 'examining' everything. The amount of blood everywhere was sickening, and then the dark smile Szayel gave him. He shuddered.
"Are you alright?" the 8th Espada asked, turning his head. "If you are not feeling well I can give you a check up, if you want." He grinned at Naruto. The hollow shook his head. "I wouldn't want you to be unwell…" Naruto then felt a headache come on. He mentally cursed, those two were fighting again, but why did they have to choose now of all times. Naruto grimaced a little. Szayel stopped walked and turned to Naruto. "You don't have to hide your pain." His grin disappeared, replaced with a frown.
"No really I'm fine. Just a headache." Naruto always used that excuse, but all the Espada knew what was really. Naruto didn't like people worrying over him, but usually no one even cared. Naruto remembered how they found out. It was the third year of being apart of the Espada.
Flashback
Naruto was having one of those horrible days. His head was pounding, the worst in a long time. A meeting was being called today, and all the Espada had to come. He hated meetings. Naruto always sat at the very end of the table, opposite of Aizen who was the head. He awkwardly sat listening to the meeting receiving a glare from Nnoitra and Yammy. Grimmjow gave him a sneer once. For Espada members, they weren't the most mature Arrancar. The rest of the Espada just listened to whatever Aizen was talking about; Naruto couldn't concentrate because of his headache. Aizen noticed this and looked at him. "Would you like to repeat what I just said?" Aizen said in a calm voice, though he was entirely inpatient with Naruto.
"Excuse me, Aizen-sama, but I don't know what you just said." Naruto clutched his head, trying to lessen the throbbing. Aizen's eyes narrowed. Nnoitra grinned at the misfortune that Aizen saw him. Yammy snorted a bit. Coyote was just glad it looked like he was paying attention, he rather not get yelled at. Baraggan and Ulquiorra just looked at him for a brief moment. Nelliel sighed. "I apologize…Aizen-sama." Naruto grimaced a bit. Aizen noticed Naruto's strange behavior.
"Is something bothering you?" Aizen asked Naruto. The hollow didn't want to bring up the constant fights that happened in his mind. It make him appear crazy, or even more so. Naruto was going to shake his head, but Aizen saw through him. "Lie to me and you will be punished." He gave him a stern warning. Naruto sighed, and was about to speak. Naruto felt like something snapped in his mind, which was not a good sign. He let out a glass-shattering scream, and held his head. Aizen eyes widened.
"Stupid bastards!" Naruto yelled, gripping his head so hard his nails dug into his skin. Naruto's hollow was acting up again, as well as the Kyuubi. Both of them were killing him. He stood up from the chair, and wanted to slam his head against the wall. The Espada watched as Naruto shrieked again. Aizen stood up from his chair, and walked over to Naruto. He wasn't fazed by the loud cries Naruto gave. Grimmjow covered his ears as well as Coyote, and Yammy. Nnoitra just kept grinning. Ulquiorra had the expressionless face, and watched. Baraggan irritated at the noise. Nelliel sadly watched from her seat.
"Naruto." Aizen grabbed the hollow's head with one hand, "Look into my eyes." He commanded. Naruto did so, and his arms fell to his sides. His eyes turned blank. Aizen closed his eyes for a few moments, and released Naruto's head. Naruto's eyes turned back normal and he blinked. "You did not tell me about them." Aizen looked down. Naruto looked down ashamed.
"Who are you talking about?" Nelliel asked Aizen. Naruto sighed a bit, and hoped they wouldn't think he was crazy. It was true that he embodied more than one person, and he had no control over them. He kept the two locked away, but he couldn't do much else.
"Naruto forgot to mention. He has a demon living inside him, as well as an alternative hollow." Aizen said to the Espada members. "His headaches are caused from the two fighting." Naruto hated the two others in his head.
"It seems number zero is more messed up than I thought." Nnoitra snickered, Nelliel gave him a glare, but he didn't notice.
"Weirder shit happened." Grimmjow mumbled. Naruto didn't understand their acceptance, or rather they did not care. It was the true that the Espada did not care for Naruto that much, but that was life. It was better than being lied to.
"Next time you have this problem, I or Szayel will deal with it." Aizen told him, "Szayel may not be a member of the Espada, but he is a capable with things like this. He can deal with those two." Naruto nodded.
Flashback end
"Those two at it again?" Szayel asked the hollow. Naruto didn't answer. "Why do you choose a painful way of taking things rather than just tell me?" Szayel eyed Naruto. The blonde haired hollow didn't like when others became concerned over him. Not like he couldn't trust Szayel, well not completely. It was like that with everyone. Espada preyed on each other's misery. Szayel was no different. Naruto found himself in some deep shit around the mad Arrancar. Szayel was sadistic, and Naruto was in some cases the victim. "Naruto." Szayel gently took hold of Naruto's chin, and lifted it. "Look into my eyes."
"Wha-" Naruto eyes turned blank. Szayel's eyes changed from amber to a deep red. This type of technique would be dangerous on anyone but Naruto. The person invaded one's mind, and numbed the mind in a way that could send one into a coma. When used on Naruto, it would only cause the other two inhabitants to become paralyzed. This wouldn't work if the target is not close enough, or looking into his eyes. Szayel blinked, and Naruto blinked as well. "Did you?"
"You should thank me." Szayel said, "Instead of suffering I spared you the pain. You owe me a favor now." He grinned darkly. Naruto sighed; it would end up like this. "Good, now off to my lab." The pink haired Espada lead Naruto to his 'palace', which was a giant lab. Naruto remembered going here a few times, something happened each time he went. First time, surprise tests. Second time, seeing the mutilation of one of Szayel's fraccion. Third time, Szayel 'accidently' put Naruto into his testing chambers were he put various monsters to fight. Forth time, Naruto was stupid enough to visit, and ended up in an electric chair. This was his fifth time going. It was going to be something he would regret.
"What are you going to make me do this time?" Naruto asked, dreading the very thought of what Szayel might make him do this time. Szayel stayed quiet, not a good sign. "You going to put me in the electric chair again? Or is this the testing chambers?"
"None of those. I simply wish to know you better." Szayel said with a dark smile. Naruto didn't believe him. By getting to know Naruto better, it was probably testing on him to see how he was genetically different. Upon getting into the lab, Naruto saw the entire place was dark, humming of machines, bubbling of liquids, and strange beeping noise. Szayel walked over to his chemistry table and examined the vials carefully. Lifting each one into the air, near the light. "How was the Soul Society? Not too dreadful?" Naruto's brow rose.
"It was hell." Naruto stated. "The shinigami placed me in a dark cell for days. Then they wanted to put me in the dark Underground city for all eternity." Naruto brooded, "They are liars, and I hate them..." Szayel glanced at Naruto from the corner of his eye before looking back at the vial. "but…" Szayel placed the vial down before looking at Naruto. "Some of them acted like they cared…and I felt…happy."
"You are quite naïve." Szayel announced. Naruto frowned, "You can't trust everyone." Szayel told him. Naruto thought he understood what Szayel meant. Szayel was talking about something entirely different. He was talking about Aizen, but wouldn't go farther on that subject. Unless he wanted to end up dead. Though Szayel wouldn't mind being killed, he could test regeneration technique. If it didn't work, well that would be too bad. Maybe if he tested it on one of his fraccion. He had already done that, all of them ended up dead. To ensure the regeneration happened, he would need something to stabilize it. Naruto's blood would work just fine, the problem was, how was Szayel going to get any? He chuckled to himself; surely, he would find a way.
"I know I am naïve…but I can't help it." Naruto stated, "Although I am a hollow, I still feel very human…having my memories unlike others. I feel like I can trust people." Naruto claimed. Szayel sighed and shook his head; he looked at his zanpakuto, and unsheathed it. Looking at the shining metal, he turned around and walked towards Naruto. Naruto felt unsteady suddenly. Szayel grinned madly.
"You really trust people?" He smiled darkly and brought the blade to Naruto's throat. "Do you really trust me? After all, I love to test things out." He tilted his head to the side. "Can you trust a man who wants to find a way to kill you? Who wants to harm you?" Szayel's eyes narrowed. A smile creeping on his lips. Surely, he could get blood this way.
"No." Naruto answered truthfully. Naruto looked at his reflection of himself on the zanpakuto. "I still don't trust anyone, but I like my family here." Naruto looked up into the Espada's eyes. "You are my family." Naruto said. "Despite wanting to experiment on me, I still think you as family. I really don't know why…" Szayel drew back his zanpakuto and placed it back in his sheath. He had mixed feelings with the answer.
"You are incredibly foolish." Szayel commented, "Believing in others, and not trusting them. Seeing someone who tries to kill you as family? You are surely messed up in the head." Szayel went over to a machine and pressed a couple of buttons. "I don't understand you child."
"No one really does." Naruto laughed. Szayel smirked and took out a syringe and needle. He knew that Naruto would try to resist, but that was the fun part of his research.
"Now, I would like to draw some of your blood."
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"You wished to speak to me?" Aizen looked at Ulquiorra with one brow raised. Usually Ulquiorra didn't bother Aizen. Aizen was the one that had to call for him. Ulquiorra was acting a bit different lately. Aizen noticed this the day he called for the retrieval. Ulquiorra looked either deep in thought or a bit frustrated with something. Aizen never understood Ulquiorra very much. He never really knew his Espada, they were just tools. He didn't have emotional ties to anyone or anything. Not like Aizen wanted any. Sure, he had what people called 'friends' but if they perished it wouldn't be that big of a deal.
"Hai, Aizen-sama." Ulquiorra nod his head slightly. "I was wondering what you were going to do with Naruto." Aizen was a bit surprised to hear this from Ulquiorra. "I have my own theories, but I want to hear it from you." Aizen's eyes narrowed a small amount. He wasn't angry, but curious. Ulquiorra never questioned him, or spoke to him unless needed. Aizen then wondered what he was exactly going to do with Naruto. Surely, he had a great weapon. He had the upper edge in the game now. The question was, how was he going to use it?
"Naruto is a very powerful ally, and I will make good use of him." Aizen answered vaguely. Ulquiorra was not pleased, at all, with Aizen's answer. For some reason, Ulquiorra was concerned with what Aizen was planning to do with the hollow. The 4th Espada member wanted to know what was going to happen, but Aizen was one to keep things to himself. This was a smart thing to do. "Why do you wish to know? This is unlike your usual behavior." Aizen said with his eyes narrowing.
"I am curious, what would some one like you do with such power?" Ulquiorra said, not threatened by Aizen's gesture. Aizen was not thrilled by Ulquiorra's curiosity. The 4th Espada had a tendency to look for the answers if not given, which lead to problems. Ulquiorra always put his nose where it didn't belong. Making Aizen wonder if he should get rid of him. However, Ulquiorra was incredibly loyal, unlike many of the others. Tia was the most loyal, but Ulquiorra saw a close second. Though Aizen knew not to trust his Espada, after all they were only tools.
"Naruto will be able to take care of any enemy I do not wish to deal with. He will be the one to destroy any army that stands in my way." Aizen explained a little less vaguely. "If the Soul Society is to interfere, then Naruto will take care of them. I don't want to waste more time on the useless shinigami. They have filled their role." He stated. Ulquiorra wondered what if Naruto did not want to do any of those things. Naruto did have the power to kill Aizen. The question was did Aizen really acknowledge this?
"What if Naruto does not do what he is told? What if Naruto does not become your pawn? What if Naruto tries to defy you?" Ulquiorra asked. He felt a bit conflicted asking the question. He felt as if he shouldn't have. This feeling of concern grew, when Aizen face darkened. Aizen walked towards Ulquiorra. The 4th Espada looked at the zanpakuto pointed at his chest. Aizen had a remorseless expression on his face.
"Then I would deal with the problem, just like anything else." Aizen smirked, "Naruto would just be a little harder to deal with." Aizen sheathed his zanpakuto and walked past Ulquiorra. "But every problem is easily dealt with. With the right circumstances." Aizen was talking about how Naruto trusted him. Aizen could easily manipulate this. Ulquiorra felt an odd burning feeling, it didn't hurt. The burning felt like it was more of adrenaline rushing through his body. Ulquiorra felt as he wanted to stab Aizen. Ulquiorra didn't run on impulse, which was good, or Aizen would have killed him. Ulquiorra would have to ask Naruto or Inoue what it was. "Anymore questions?"
"No, Aizen-sama." Ulquiorra said. The Arrancar bowed his head. "I will leave now." Ulquiorra walked away from Aizen. Aizen watched as Ulquiorra left the room. Aizen would have to make sure to keep an eye on the 4th Espada. He wouldn't want him to tell Naruto anything unnecessary.
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Naruto had lost a little blood. It was enough for Szayel and his research. Naruto had to ask himself why he had to call the Espada his family. It was rather stupid. The Espada had to be the most dysfunctional family in the world. If considered to be a family at all. Maybe Naruto should have called everyone inmates; Las Noches looked more like a jail. Naruto looked over his shoulder to see in Szayel followed him, sometimes he wonder if Szayel stalked him. It would make sense. Szayel would bring up random things about Naruto, more disturbing than interesting. Naruto didn't know how Szayel could know so much about him. For instance, Szayel knew about his actual eye color, age of when he died height in millimeters, inches, centimeters, of when he died. Even his current height. Naruto never told anyone these things. Except Toshiro, but Szayel never spoke to Toshiro. Naruto then got the strange suspicion that whenever Szayel numbed his mind that things from his past would come up. Naruto Szayel had his ways of studying, and he discovered what he wanted to know.
"If it isn't Naruto-kun." Naruto stopped spacing out to see Gin. Naruto could sense Sai, and it bothered him. He missed everyone. Sai and Naruto may have fought, but Naruto consider Sai one of his precious friends. Naruto wished he could have saved everyone. Gin kept the grin on his face, but he could tell something was bothering him. Gin felt a little conflicted. In one hand, Gin was going to pester him, but in another hand, he wanted to tell him to cheer up. It was strange how he wanted to connect more this hollow he just met. He had better things to do. Finding a way to kill Aizen before he actually got to the spirit king. It was proving more difficult the more power Aizen received. The fact Aizen got Naruto to join the Espada wasn't helping. Naruto seemed to be a very powerful person; Gin would have to be careful around him.
"I would appreciate it if you stop grinning. It reminds me of someone from my past." Naruto said with a sharp tone. He really didn't want to face his past for the moment. Gin was a little surprised that Naruto told him to do that. Naruto told him his name was Sai, but now he told Gin to stop reminding him of that person. Though grinning was natural for Gin. His grin only increased and Naruto scowled.
"Oh?" Gin would tease the boy for a bit. "Does it remind you of Sai?" Gin tilted his head a small amount. Naruto glared at Gin, and Gin was happy of the response. Naruto sighed agitated with Gin. Gin reminded him a lot of Sai. This only made him want to punch Gin in the face. Then Naruto remembered what Sai's one regret was not being able to him smile one last time. Naruto recalled the smile Sai gave him. Gin could tell Naruto was spacing out.
"Do you remember your regret?" Naruto asked out-loud. The hollow wished he hadn't asked. Gin raised his eyebrow. Naruto must have been thinking about Sai. Gin couldn't understand why he was so bipolar with the subject. "Never mind." Naruto added. It was foolish for Naruto to think that Gin was Sai. They were two complete different people. When you died, you forgot everything about your past. Then again, Naruto didn't know that for sure. He died and became pale, unsure, and very confused.
"If you're talking about Sai, then I don't know what he would have regretted." Gin told him. Naruto walked past Gin. Naruto didn't want to deal with Gin for the moment. "Someone not in the mood for a little teasing, hm?" Naruto kept quiet as he walked away.
"If I have anything to say to you, Gin, it would be you will not succeed in whatever you are planning." Naruto stated. Gin flinched a little, but didn't respond to the comment other than that. "I'm sure that Aizen wouldn't be too happy with your plan either." Gin kept his usual grin on. Naruto soon disappeared from Gin's view. Gin would defiantly have to an eye on Naruto.
"Such a strange hollow…" Gin shook his head before continuing his path to his room. He felt as if he should be talking to Naruto more often. It was odd.
XXXX
Naruto could sense a strong presence calling to him. He stopped and looked around. Why did it feel so familiar? Thinking about the energy more he got an image of someone who died even before the war. He froze. "It couldn't be…" he ran, following the energy. Why was this person here? Why didn't he sense it before? Naruto could feel it was weak. He ran past the rather calm Coyote.
"What are you up to?" Coyote asked himself. Coyote thought it was annoying that he felt as if he should follow. He sighed and walked in the direction where Naruto had run. Coyote had to choose today to leave his 'palace'. Lilynette had been nagging to stop being so lazy, so he went for a walk. It seemed that Naruto was running to the prison chambers where they held the shinigami they caught. Naruto ran down the stairs and tried to open the door. Seeing he needed a key, he growled. Using a small amount of strength, he broke the handle and pushed open the door.
"Haku." Naruto said as he saw someone sitting in the darkness. The place smelled horrible, like there were rotting corpses. He was correct. There were corpses, but a person who was still alive sat in the corner. Fear emitted off the living person. Naruto walked towards the person. "You're a shinigami." Naruto said, as he was less than two feet away from the person. The shinigami looked up and eyes widened.
"You're Naruto…" the shinigami gasped. Naruto was sickened to see another shinigami. Why did it have to shinigami that reminded him of Haku? The more Naruto looked at the shinigami the more he got angrier. This person didn't even look or act like Haku. Why did his life have to be so cruel to remind him of the people he once knew? Naruto Compared to Haku, this reincarnation was pathetic.
"Why…why do these people keep coming back! You're all supposed to be dead, not haunting me!" Naruto yelled. His head began to ache only fueling the fire. He grinded his teeth together. All the reincarnations kept pulling back his memories, driving him insane. He wanted to kill all them, so he would never have to face them. Out of rage, Naruto picked the Haku reincarnate by the throat.
"I-I'm s-sorry…" the shinigami whispered. Naruto's eyes widened when he heard the shinigami speak those words. "I-I didn't mean for this to happen…" the shinigami choked. Naruto didn't understand what he was talking about. Naruto always thought that pink haired girl would end up being Haku, but he was wrong. "T-This is my fault…that you were captured…" the boy said. Naruto smirked.
"I left the Soul Society on my own." The boy's eyes widened, "Aizen showed me were my true friends. The people that really care!" Naruto told him. His grip on the shinigami's throat only tightened. Hearing the boy cough his smirk turned into a grin. For some reason he found satisfaction in straggling the kid, unlucky for him. Naruto pulled back his other free arm. Naruto would only have to deliver one regular punch to kill this shinigami. His grin faltered a little. Instead of seeing the shinigami's face, he saw Haku's face. His fist was shaking, eyes wide from seeing Haku.
"Naruto…" said Haku with a small smile. Naruto growled and tried to move his fist, but it stayed in place, shaking like a leaf. This was just a trick of his mind. Haku wasn't there, it was the shinigami. Then why couldn't he kill him. He couldn't remember why this was so familiar. His memories were disappearing. He growled and brought back his even further, trying to fight himself. Why was the world against whatever he did? It always loved to prove he couldn't do something. Making him the freak, the crazy one. His limbs were numb, mind burned. His free arm fell to his side, and he dropped the shinigami. The kid coughed a couple of times and scooted away from Naruto. The hollow growled and punched the wall, causing the wall to crumble under his fist.
"Damn it!" Naruto yelled eyes ablaze. "I have all the power I need, and yet I can't use to destroy the past that haunts me!" the shinigami shivered watching Naruto. The hollow still saw the shinigami as Haku. Naruto grabbed his hair with both his hands, and wanted to pull it out. He had the worst headache, but it wasn't the two fighting this time. Images of memories he forgot were flooding his mind too fast. It hurt, like hell. Naruto was the wall for support, the shinigami not understanding what was going on only watched. "Why the hell must I be the one to be haunted, cursed, hated!" Naruto yelled.
"Naruto." Coyote said. Starrk was standing near the doorway. He knew that this was going to be troublesome. Naruto released his head, not being able to identify the person who said his name, attacked Coyote. Coyote caught the punch with his hand. Lucky for him Naruto was weak at the moment. Naruto eyes told Coyote everything he needed to know. They were unfocused, wide, and shaky. Communicating Naruto was suffering from another attack of the mind, whether it be the two, or something else entirely. Naruto began to see whom he attacked. It was Coyote Starrk, but the aura of
Nagato lingered. This produced an image in Naruto's mind. The battle he had with the man, or his puppet. Then talking to Nagato for a brief moment. Naruto remembered Nagato. Even when Nagato destroyed his village, he sacrificed himself to bring it back. Naruto panted, as his mind began to settle.
"S-sorry…" Naruto said between breaths. He didn't know whom he was apologizing to, Coyote or Nagato. To Naruto it didn't matter anymore. He was beginning to give up trying to figure out if these people really were. Coyote saw the shinigami sitting far away from the two. "I…I keep seeing things…" Naruto explained. Coyote sighed, why did he have to take care of the hollow? Naruto's body was weak, trying to recall any memories he lost. To no avail, Naruto didn't remember anything that was lost. He closed his eyes for a moment, then that moment turned into a minute. He opened his eyes as much as he could. His body still very fatigued from the sudden lapse.
"Kid, you really out did yourself this time." Coyote mumbled, he could tell that the hollow was too tired to do anything on his own. Sighing, he picked up the hollow and carried him over his shoulder. Naruto couldn't argue with Coyote for the moment. "Aren't you supposed to be the strongest?" Coyote added. For now, Naruto didn't feel like it. Naruto felt like he was the weakest. Coyote looked at the shinigami, who only watched. "Strange that everyone I meet has a nickname. Even in these circumstances." Coyote walked out of the room with Naruto over his shoulder. Lilynette popped out randomly, as she always did.
"What the hell was that?" Lilynette asked looking at Naruto and then back at the cell. Coyote shrugged a bit. Lilynette not very happy with the response, she scoffed and crossed her arms. "Jeesh, Naruto is even more wacked out than I originally thought. He is a lot different than he was thirty fifty years ago." Lilynette observed that Naruto was actually still awake. He must have been drained of all energy with whatever he dealt with. "What are we going to do about that shinigami? Aizen doesn't seem like he's going to do anything…" Lilynette asked her other half. Coyote kept quiet, still thinking about what happened. "Hey! I'm talking here!" she yelled.
"For one thing, we won't tell Aizen what happened." Coyote stated. Lilynette eyebrow rose, "I don't know what he would do. If Aizen thinks Naruto can't kill the people that hold these strange nicknames…" Coyote stopped, and Lilynette nodded. She understood what would happen. If Aizen found someone useless, he got rid of it. Not that Lilynette cared about Naruto. She thought of the times they chatted and bothered Coyote. It was fun, but she didn't care…or did she? "We will keep this to ourselves."
"Yeah, I get it." Lilynette said, "Let's just hope that this doesn't happen often…or Naruto is going to end up in deep end."
"Yes." Coyote looked at the kid slung over his shoulder. Naruto was a wild card, and Aizen didn't care for wild cards. It was a little shocking that Aizen wanted Naruto back in the first place. Coyote remembered how Aizen told everyone what he thought of Naruto many years ago.
"Naruto…" Aizen said with a frown, "Naruto means nothing to me. He is a weapon, a weapon that fights for me. If he doesn't fight for me, then he is trash, and all trash must be thrown away."
Coyote sighed. He was sure Aizen thought that about everyone. Starrk had gone covered for Naruto more than once. Lying to Aizen multiple times to cover for mistakes Naruto made in the past. Good thing Coyote had a good poker face. Naruto was an interesting person. Coyote really didn't like talking to many people, but Naruto it was different. When Naruto was more mature in the past, it wasn't so bad, but these days Naruto acted much more different. He seemed much more childish and dark. It bothered Coyote. "Come on, we have to get Naruto back to his room." Lilynette nodded.
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Naruto became more aware of his surroundings. Sitting up from the bed, he realized it was his 'palace'. He felt as he passed out, but he knew what happened. Coyote took him here. Naruto sighed. His limbs were still shaking a small amount. "That's what I get for chasing people that are dead." Naruto reminded himself. He moved his legs over to the side of the bed. He wanted to forget the things of his past. It never ceased to come up and screw him over. He placed his face into the palms of his hand. Would it be like this forever? Seeing things that only wanted to take what little of his sanity was left. He frowned. Was there any way he could lessen his curse? "It's pointless." Naruto told himself. While his memories may remind of his past, they were the only thing that truly belonged to Naruto these days. His memory was the only thing left for him. It haunted him, and hurt him as it faded. He was indecisive about everything. Would he rather have the memories linger, or make them vanish as quick as possible? Naruto sighed and dropped the subject, and tried to think of something else. Going through topics in his mind, he found one that interested him.
Did he want to become an Arrancar?
Naruto brought his knees up to his chest, wrapped his arms around his leg, and laid his cheek on top of his knees. It was a good question. Would he, or would he not? Aizen asked him about it many years ago, but Naruto said no. Things were different now, and Naruto was in another circumstance. Taking in a deep breath, he thought about it. Naruto wondered what being an Arrancar would be like, being more human. Yammy told him it was better than being a hollow, though it was mainly about food. Sure, Arrancar still devoured souls, but they could consume human food. Or so he heard. Naruto wanted to look more human. He already had human features, but he was pale. His eyes intimidating and he had the appearance of a child. He longed to be what he used to be like. Blonde, blue-eyed, tan, and older. It was a pain in the ass to be treated like a kid. He smiled at the thought of looking like he once did.
If he did want to be Arrancar, how would he do it? It required the hollow's mask, and Naruto's was repressed heavily. He didn't know what would happen if he let the mask on. It was already bad enough that he went berserk from it once. Maybe it was different if it didn't force its way out. Naruto could barely control himself with the mask and hollow restrained. Not to mention bringing up the Kyuubi. He growled a little, it wouldn't be easy. He would have to willingly let his mask complete, and then rip it off without going on an all out rampage. Aizen told Naruto, he and the Espada would help him from destroying everything.
Naruto didn't know what to do. He wanted to know what another ones thoughts were. He couldn't ask Grimmjow, because he really wasn't good at advice. Yammy wouldn't help in the situation. Baraggan would be annoyed on why he asked. Nnoitra would beat the hell out of him for no reason. Ulquiorra was most likely busy. Naruto didn't want to ask Szayel, on account he would try to experiment on him. The newer members of the Espada, he didn't know. Coyote probably didn't want to talk to him. Lilynette was always with Coyote, and she didn't give advice at all. Naruto sighed. There was Tia. She was good at helping when she wanted to.
Tia was generally nice. She didn't talk very often to Naruto, but when they did it was nice. She wasn't that bad to hang around either, but something prevented him from ever going to her. Her fraccion. Apacci, Sung-Sun, and Mila. They weren't as bad as Loly and Menoly. The three fraccion didn't like him very much. Naruto wondered if they were envious of him, because Tia said they were good friends. Whatever the reason it prevented Naruto from visiting. They all had bad attitudes around him. He frowned, and then moved his legs over to the side of the bed.
"I can't believe I am doing this."
XXXX
Upon entering Tia's 'palace', he saw two things. One, Apacci was the only one of the three that was there, and two, Tia was in the room. Apacci couldn't bug him in Tia's presence. He was relieved. Apacci gave him a sneer, but he ignored it. Tia glanced over at him, Naruto walked over to her. "Tia." Naruto said, the 3rd Espada gave him her full attention. "I need some one else's opinion." He stated. She nodded, showing him he could proceed to what he wanted to know. "I have been thinking. Aizen asked me many years ago if I wanted to become an Arrancar…I want to know…should I?" Tia looked at him for a moment. Naruto wondered what she would say.
"Oh so the little hollow wants to know if he should be become an Arrancar?" Apacci mocked him. Naruto scowled at her, and Tia merely stayed quiet. Maybe Tia didn't want to talk to him. "Maybe you get a little taller shrimp." She smirked and Tia sent a cold stare at Apacci. The fraccion lowered her eyes and mumbled an apology. She glared at Naruto though.
"Come with me." Tia said. Naruto followed. Apacci growled a little, and Naruto knew she was going to give him a hard time later. Tia led Naruto to her room. Down the blue hued hallways, Naruto looked around. Tia's palace reminded him of the ocean, the way the walls were large fish tanks. The small hollows were fish and swam around. The the water reflected on the walls making you feel as if you in the water. On upon reaching her room she opened the door and allowed Naruto in first. Tia tended to talk privately with Naruto. None of her fraccion dared to enter her room. "Make yourself comfortable." She said with a quiet tone. Naruto sat himself down at one of the couches near the only female Espada. "Naruto…"
"I know, Tia." Naruto interrupted the woman. "I really don't even know if it's possible for me to become an Arrancar." Naruto looked at his pale hands, "But…" he eyes gave Tia the impression of regret. Naruto looked at his pale skin and sighed. He wanted to become his old self. Looking into a mirror, he only saw failure. It was consuming him. Tia kept quiet and looked at Naruto. He was still staring at his hands. "Being an Arrancar…"
"What would it bring you?" Tia asked the hollow. Naruto didn't reply. Tia disliked seeing the hollow so uncertain. She noticed that whenever he saw himself, Naruto grew sad. "I believe you should become an Arrancar." Tia stated. Naruto looked away from his hands and at Tia. His mouth open a small amount. He looked surprised. "I believe it would be the best for you…"
"There's the possibility that I would kill you…it requires using my mask." Naruto feared using the mask, but he really didn't understand why. The mask only made him more powerful. He killed whenever he wore it. Killing was fun…wasn't it? The mask wasn't that evil…was it? He shook his head. "It really don't even know if I could let if form all the way without going crazy…and then I might…" he paused, "Kill one of you."
"Do you think that any of us would die that easily? If Ulquiorra faced you alone, and survived, I believe that we will be fine." She told his with a cold voice. Naruto only nodded. Tia could tell that Naruto was still unsure. "Do think Aizen-sama would let that happen?" Tia asked him, "Aizen-sama is powerful. He would not allow you do something like that." She crossed her arms. Naruto sighed, it was true. Aizen wouldn't allow it at all; he was supposed to care about his Espada. "You do remember he saved my life, correct?" Tia never let Naruto forget that. Tia cared for Aizen only because she felt indebted to him.
"Yes, I remember." Naruto nod, "You always bring that up." Naruto pondered for a moment. He felt the same way about Aizen, indebted. No one else really cared for him. Until Aizen came around and brought him back in. "So you really think I should become an Arrancar?" Naruto questioned her. Tia gave him one silent nod. "I'm still not sure…"
"Why did you bring this up?" Tia asked him, wanting to know more on his thought process. "Of all times."
"I wanted to forget."
"Forget what, exactly?"
"Forget everything!" Naruto growled, standing from his seat. "It's painful!" Naruto shouted feeling anger seep out. "It's painful, remembering things, people, and places from your past. Then never being able to see them again!" he clenched his hands into fists, "I standing next to a glass wall. Only being able to watch..." he felt his eyes sting. Tia only watched, "Aren't hollows supposed to have no feelings at all? Aren't they supposed to not remember anything from their past?" he paused and looked at his hands, "Why do I have to be so different?" he asked. Why was it always him that had to be the odd one out? The monster. The deceived. Why must he be cursed? "The more power I have…it feels like the more I forget…about everything…and I want to…" he took a breath air, "forget…"
"If you feel so strongly about this, then why must you ask?" Tia stood and walked over the hollow. She placed a hand on his shoulder, "I don't understand why you are so different, but…" she didn't know what it felt like to be hurt. "If it hurts you so much, then I would advise you to become an Arrancar." She stated. Naruto looked up into the woman's eyes. It looked like she cared. Another memory burned into his mind. The woman he talked to as an enemy. Konan. Nagato's friend and greatest ally. He wondered if Coyote ever saw Tia as a friend, but the again, nothing in this world was like his.
"Ok." Naruto said. He had a childish expression and he looked back up to her, "Would you come with me to tell Aizen?" he asked the woman sheepishly. Tia was a bit amused by how he acted. She sighed and walked to the door. Naruto followed. When the two of them made it to the main entryway, he saw Apacci, Mila, and Sung-Sun there. The three of them glared at him. Tia gave her fraccion a cold stare and they backed off.
XXXX
Aizen was walking the halls of Las Noches, he was rather happy that things were going smoothly. Though Ulquiorra recent visit concerned him, he paid little attention to it. He had things to do, and plans to fulfill. He would need to get the spirit key soon, before the Soul Society could recuperate completely. Aizen knew for a fact that the shinigami were stubborn. They wouldn't go down without a fight. Especially the Gotei 13. His Espada managed to hurt two of the Gotei 13, but there were 11 more. Aizen had the upper hand in this battle now. With the Soul Society in ruins due to a surprise attack, and the naïve hollow fighting for him Aizen was ahead. Aizen knew not to be lounging for too long or the shinigami would be back. They were a pain. Aizen wanted to send back another attack, but things weren't as simple as that. He had an army of Arrancar, but the numbers weren't as great as the shinigami. Maybe about 500 Arrancar in his army, while there were over 700 shinigami. Most of them were weak, but it was the same with his own army. The surprise attack may have disabled over 200 of the shinigami, that brought them about even. Aizen knew that things were in his favor, but that was only for the moment. He would have to act soon.
"Aizen-sama." The leader of the Arrancar his head turned to see Tia and Naruto. It was odd to see two of his Espada members together by will. He assumed that they despised one another. Naruto walked closer to him, "I have something ask of you…" Naruto said. Aizen eyebrow rose and he turned to look at Naruto fully. "Do you remember what you offered me so many years ago…about becoming an Arrancar?" Aizen felt a smile creeping onto his face. He never expected Naruto to want to become an Arrancar. His day was getting better.
"Yes, I remember." Aizen stated.
"Would it be ok if I took up the offer even now?" Naruto asked.
"Of course." Aizen paused for a moment, "You do realize that this is a permanent choice?"
"Yes." Naruto said, "I will need your help in order to do this though…because of my condition." Naruto frowned.
"Do not worry about that. I will make sure your condition will not get out of hand."
"Thank you Aizen-sama."
"What are friends for?" Aizen smiled at the hollow. Something he didn't do unless he needed to. Naruto bowed, Tia bowed her head as well.
"When will this take place exactly?" Naruto asked.
"Today it will be inconvenient. Tomorrow, however, we will help with your transformation." Aizen told the young hollow, "I will have the Espada help as well."
"Once again, thank you."
"My pleasure." Aizen smirked darkly.
XXXX
Konan-Tia
Nagato-Coyote
Haku-Hanataro
Note: I know, at least some of you, were suspecting Haku was going to be Yachiru. I thought it was too obvious, and well it wouldn't be as fun to write. I know Hanataro seems to be a really unlikely candidate, but I think it's more interesting this way. There will be a chat between the two, and there will be more connection when Haku meets back up with Zabuza.
Yes, Naruto characters will meet up with other ones, like Kiba and Anko. Currently I am on several dramatic scenes with a few of them, but haven't been able to type lately.
This chapter was longer than I thought it would be, but whatever. More for you to read.
R&R! It makes me happy.
Until next time.