Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to the wonderful Tite Kubo-sensei, while my OC… well, naturally belongs to me. This is my first Bleach Story, and as usual this is going to be slightly different from the Bleach canon. Just wanted you all to know that.

Thoughts

Speaking

Hollow Speaking

Zanpakutou Speaking

An Arrancar's Tale

Chapter 2

The three companions continued their journey towards Las Noches, their destination and their final goal. The journey itself was uneventful, and Toshi was able to learn more about his companions as they conversed along the journey to alleviate boredom.

Both Loly and Menoly cannot really remember as to when they actually came to Hueco Mundo, or as to when and how they became Hollows, but the thing they do remember is that both of them had been together since their arrival.

Toshi thought for a moment and then said. "I see… does that make you both, twins or sisters or something? Because really, that is what I think you both are, from the information that you had just given me."

Both Loly and Menoly looked at each other, and then Loly said rather thoughtfully. "You know, Toshi-san… now that you mention it, neither Menoly nor I really thought about that ourselves. We have been here so long together, that we might have as well been sisters. At the worst case, we are best friends that will never leave each other's side. Right, Menoly-chan?"

The other female nodded in agreement. "Hai, Loly-chan." She said softly, and turned to Toshi and said a little shyly. "Both of us are friends, Toshi-san… and Loly and I, already consider you as our friend as well."

Toshi fell silent after listening to his female companions' words. His next words were warm, and if he had a human face, he would have smiled at the warmth and sincerity that he could feel from them. Truly, he was glad that he had met the both of them, as their words had made him feel so much better, since his arrival in this dreary desert realm.

"Thank you for your kind words, Loly-san, Menoly-san…" He said warmly to them. "You don't know how much that means to me, since my arrival here. I am truly blessed and fortunate to meet both of you, and I too, am glad to consider both you my friends as well."

Both females suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, and Loly said. "Ah yeah… sure thing, Toshi-san…" Her tone was one of embarrassment and shyness, and it showed by the soft clicking of her feet as she shuffled around for a bit. "A… anyway, let us go to Las Noches shall we?"

Toshi just nodded sheepishly and replied. "Well, I suppose so, Loly-san... let us go then."

The three of them resumed their journey through the deserts of Hueco Mundo, and after some time, Loly said rather excitedly. "Look Toshi-san! There is Las Noches… we have finally arrived!"

She gestured excitedly, and Toshi had to admit, Las Noches was in itself a rather impressive structure. It was a white domed palace like structure, which stretched for quite a bit. This was where he is supposed to gain more power, and in a way, regain his human appearance. Hollow Night Palace indeed…. this place is so large; I doubt any structure in the mortal realm could be as vast as this. Whoever lives in here is sure to be impressive, as well.

As soon as they arrived at the gate, two guards, wearing an all white uniform blocked their way. The three of them noticed that the two guards had some kind of broken mask fragments on their faces, signifying that these two had probably gotten the power that they had been looking for.

One of them said sternly to them. "Halt! State your business here in Las Noches!"

Toshi stood in front of the guard and said politely to the guard. "Greetings sir… I and my two companions mean no harm. We are merely here, because we heard that a group of Shinigami came here to Hueco Mundo, and that he offers us great power, to be stronger than we are right now. We seek that power, to be honest."

The guard looked thoughtful for a moment, but considering the three Hollows that had come to receive the gift that the Shinigami had granted him, it wasn't surprising. After all, the news of a Shinigami coming from Soul Society to offer the Hollows an increased boost of power had indeed spread far and wide through Hueco Mundo, so it was natural that these three would come here as well.

That, and out of the three, the lead Hollow was an Adjhucas class Hollow, and the two behind him were Menos class Hollows. All of them have significantly higher power levels than him, and he wasn't going to risk his health, nor his newfound power and life by denying these three entry.

"Very well then, you three may pass…" The guard replied as he stood aside. "Just ask for directions, and I am sure my fellow guards would direct you to where Lord Aizen is, where he will turn you three into an Arrancar like me. Until then, I bid you all a good day."

Toshi thanked the guard and the three companions soon found themselves traversing the maze that is Las Noches. If he had any reservations that this was a palace, he had no such thoughts right now, and it was some time before they found the room that they were supposed to go.

Soon they were standing in front of a pair of gigantic double doors, and they hesitated for a moment, before the doors slowly creaked open, and a gentle voice, yet full of authority came from the interior of the open doorway. "Please, do come in my brother and sisters… let me take a good look at you. After all, it is your intention to seek me out, for the same reasons that your fellow brothers and sisters did, correct?"

The three companions were taken by surprise as to how the owner of the mysterious voice would know that they were outside the door, and of their intentions upon arrival at Las Noches. But then again, they recalled that other Hollows like themselves had come here before them, and it was entirely possible that whoever the owner of the voice was expecting them. Then again, it was also possible that the person had sensed their reiatsu, and so was expecting them to arrive.

They were hesitant at first, but seeing that they had come this far, they might as well proceed. They soon entered the room and there seated upon a throne of white marble… or what seemed like it was a man. Toshi noted to himself that the walls that made up Las Noches were also white, and made from the same material as the throne, he deduced.

The man was wearing a white jacket, white hakama and a black belt, and his brown hair was slicked back neatly. He had a benevolent look in his eyes, or incredible cunning, Toshi couldn't tell for sure. But one thing he does know is that this man was a formidable person. He then noted that there were at least two or three others in the room.

One was an old gentleman, who was rather muscular and well built despite his apparent age. He had scars on the left side of his chin and across his right eye. The remains of his mask were on top of his head, forming a five pointed crown, which made him look like an old and wise king. His outfit consists of a regal white coat with fur lining, short sleeves and three fur stripes running down the bottom. He also had an armband on both his wrists and a belt that consists of three thick chains attached to a metal disk that had a sun emblem on it. Toshi was surprised by the old Arrancar's appearance, since he resembled his paternal grandfather, if you take away all the scars, and the fact that the old gentleman was a Hollow.

Another was a male Arrancar, though he was younger than the first. He was also muscular, and had long wavy black hair that went to his shoulders, and a goatee that marked his features. His clothing was almost the same with every Arrancar that Toshi had met during their journey to this room, but the only difference was, he had his collar upturned. His zanpakuto, which was hung on his waist, was secured by a black sash that reminded Toshi of one of those matadors in Spain, for some reason. His Hollow mask consisted of a bottom jaw that he wore like a necklace. His hollow hole could be clearly seen underneath his mask.

What made Toshi feel surprised was that the way he presented himself. The way he slouched as he seated, made Toshi think that the man was in a state of perpetual boredom… it was as if he didn't care whether he was here or not. For some reason, he reminded him of a certain pineapple haired Nara genius in that anime show about ninja back when he was alive.

The third person was a short and slender male, who was slightly muscular. He had short messy black hair, though his expression was what Toshi would describe as melancholic. His skin was pale white, almost silvery in appearance, and his eyes were green and had slits as pupils, making Toshi wonder if he was a reptilian Hollow, before he became an Arrancar. There were teal lines that ran vertically down his eyes, making the impression that he was crying, and the perpetual frown completed the melancholic look that this male Arrancar had.

He was dressed in the same fashion as any normal Arrancar, with a slight difference. His coattails seemed to be slightly longer than the others, and his Hollow mask resembled a broken helmet on the right side of his head.

Last but not least was the final occupant of the room. Unlike the others, the last member was female. She wore the Arrancar's standard uniform, though adapted to suit a female's body. She had long wavy teal hair and the remains of her mask were a skull mask with horns that were perched on top of her head. She was quite… well gifted and had a figure that most human would kill to have, and Toshi found himself a bit entranced by her look, oblivious to the annoyed chittering of his female companions behind him.

The brown haired person then said once more. "Welcome to Las Noches, my brother and sisters… since you have traveled all the way here to seek me out, I suppose I have to reward you three for your diligence. Come forth, and receive your gift, one by one."

The three companions hesitated for a moment, before Toshi stepped forward and the man held a grey colored gem in his hand, and touched it to his mask, saying a single word. "Kujiku (Break)".

A rush of power soon surged into Toshi, like nothing he had ever felt before, and he felt heat spreading through his body, and he cried out as his body was changed once more, and he collapsed onto the floor, prompting a worried cry from his two female companions as they scuttled forward to see if their friend is alright.

"Do not worry, my sisters…" The brown haired man said calmly in a gentle voice. "Your companion is alright… look, he has been reborn."

He then pointed to the figure that lay on the ground and was slowly getting up. If they were able to blush, Loly and Menoly would have done so at the sight of their friend in his Arrancar form.

He was of medium height, and was lean and muscular, slightly taller than a certain green eyed Arrancar that was in the same room. His hair was neatly trimmed and combed, and his hollow hole was in the center of his chest, where his heart should be. His hollow mask, or what is left of it, is a left jawbone that clung to his lower cheek, and a gothic number 32 was found on his right hip. Of course… the fact that he was naked did not register in Toshi's brain after some time.

His first sensations was strange, as he looked at his human hands, and he kept still, still getting used to the feeling of regaining his human appearance… until he felt a bit chilly, and he looked down, and blushed.

"Um, could anyone get me some clothes? It's a bit… drafty." He said with embarrassment, earning a short booming laugh from the old Arrancar, who got up from his seat and handed him the standard Arrancar uniform and said warmly, despite his rather stoic and grumpy appearance. "Here you go m'boy! And welcome to Las Noches."

Toshi blushed as he took the clothes from the old Arrancar and quickly put them on and then said in a reverent and polite tone. "Arigato, oji-sama."

Barragan Lusenbarn was surprised. He had been called many things, from Barragan-sama, to O-sama, to gramps by many Arrancar, though the last was rarely used, since the tone used to refer him as such was hardly respectful. But this young Arrancar, barely into his 30s in appearance, had called him grandfather, but in a very respectful and polite tone… but he could tell that was an affectionate note behind those words as well.

Feeling curious as to why it was so, he decided to satisfy his curiosity, and then asked the young Arrancar. "Tell me young one, why do you address me as grandfather? I know I am old, that is obvious… but I sense that there is a more personal reason you addressed me as such."

Toshi nodded and then said politely. "Forgive me if I have shown you any disrespect, oji-sama. It's just that you resemble my paternal grandfather, whom I love and respect very much in appearance. If that offends you somehow, I will address you with the proper designation from now on."

There was a silence, before Barragan chuckled and said with some amusement. "So that is why you addressed me as such… well, my boy, I normally would expect people to address me as Barragan-dono, or Barragan-sama… but I think I can make an exception for you. After all, it's not every day you find yourself addressed as grandfather so reverently. By the way… it seems that your companions have been converted as well… though I would recommend that you do not turn around for the moment, for the sake of your health, m'boy."

"After all, it would not do for me to lose a grandson this early, due to an unintentional accident." The elderly Arrancar said in an amused tone that made Toshi blush. He knew exactly what his grandfather figure here was mentioning about. If their transformations were similar to his, they were most probably naked and intentional or not, he wasn't feeling up to being bashed for being a pervert, even though he had no such thoughts.

It was some time before a female voice called out to him. "Ano… Toshi-san? You can turn around and look now… we are both decent." The words were spoken shyly, as Toshi turned, and Barragan chuckled at how his 'grandson' reacted to seeing his female companions.

Loly was slender with black hair that has two pigtails on either side of her head. She had light pink eyes, but what really caught his attention was her outfit, which consists of a white schoolgirl themed skirt, white half-sleeves worn from the elbows down to the wrists, and what appears to be thigh-length black-colored, white-outlined boots. She also wears a white-colored, black-outlined shirt that ties to her neck, reveals a fair portion of her stomach and breasts, reveals her arms from the shoulders down to the elbows, and not much else except material to barely cover her chest. A bold 33 was seen on her left elbow, and the remains of her hollow mask covers her left eye, which still has some teeth, and what seemed to be a hair tie.

In comparison, Menoly's Arrancar uniform is more conservative, which consists of a white dress with a modest v-neck, an upturned collar and sleeves reaching her elbows, a black sash around her hips and shoes identical to that of Loly. There was a gothic 34 that was on her left shoulder, though it was well concealed by the uniform that she wore. The remains of her hollow mask were identical to Loly's though it was on the opposite side, and without the hair clip, though there was the segmented choker, which Toshi guessed was part of her hollow mask as well. Her eyes were emerald green and her hair was blond, though it was short and spiky, with four flicks hanging over her mask remnant.

Despite himself, the words 'kawaii' left his lips, which made the two girls blush. Barragan chuckled and said. "Oho… so my grandson has found himself two pretty ladies of his own, eh? Good, good… do let me know when you three get together… I can't wait for the great grandchildren that are going to come after this." His tone was jovial as he teased the three youths.

"O, Oji-sama!/Barragan-sama!" The three people yelled in embarrassment, an atomic blush marking their faces, and Barragan laughed heartily at their madly blushing faces. His laughter was rather infectious, and even Aizen smirked at the new Arrancar's embarrassment, while Neliel just giggled. Ulqiorra however, remained his stoic self, not understanding why this scene was unfolding before him.

After the laughter had died down, Barragan turned to Aizen and then said. "Aizen-dono… as you can see, this new development… I would request that my 'grandson' and his two companions should be accommodated within my area in Las Noches… so that they will be close to each other. My fraccion and I will bring them up to speed in their combat training, so that when the time comes, they will be ready."

Aizen smirked to himself as he thought. So… Barragan has formed an attachment with this new Arrancar… how interesting. Then again, this will be useful… this new boy and his companions would be the key for preventing Barragan from taking any action against me in the future… yes, the boy would be my insurance against a rebellion. I have always known that Barragan was disgruntled when I replaced him as the ruler of Las Noches… and now, the key to keeping him in check has fallen into my lap. This would be… an interesting time for all.

He nodded and then said pleasantly. "Of course, Barragan… how can I refuse the request of someone who has found someone that sees him as a beloved grandfather? You may lead them to your estates."

Barragan nodded gratefully and said. "Arigatou, Aizen-dono." He then turned and said. "Well now young ones… follow me, I will lead you to where you all are supposed to live from now on."

The old Arrancar soon rose to his feet, and then started to walk forward, and he opened the door of the chamber, and started to make his way back to his estates, where he and his six fraccion resided, his new 'grandson' and his two female companions following closely behind.

End of Chapter 2

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