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 3

As they made their way along the corridors, Toshi looked thoughtful for some time, occasionally at the ceiling of Las Noches, before looking straight forward as he continued walking.

Barragan, noticing his honorary grandson looking at the ceiling and immediately knew what he was thinking about. "I see that you noticed the ceiling that looks like a clear blue sky… does it bother you, grandson?"

Toshi looked at Barragan, and shook his head gently with a smile. "No, oji-sama… it doesn't bother me that much, though I do admit that I am feeling rather curious regarding its purpose. Why is it there a need to put an image of a clear blue sky on Las Noches' ceiling?"

Baraggan just snorted a bit derisively. "It is that Shingami's idea for one, the one that you saw in the meeting hall earlier. To be honest, I do not like the idea of a Shinigami lording over us… I was the original ruler of Las Noches, and the God-King of Hueco Mundo before that fledgling came around. But that is in the past now." He paused for a moment before he said. "I do not know why such frivolousness is set up here… but according to Aaroniero Arrueruerie, a fellow Espada, it is said that is a simulation of the blue sky seen in Soul Society or on Earth, wherever it is. Anyway, that is neither here nor there. What is more important now is that you three meet with my fraccion."

The three of them nodded and continued following Barragan through the corridors until they came to another set of double doors. Barragan nodded to them, and he opened the door and motioned for them to follow him inside.

When they entered they saw six people that were inside. One of them, a long haired blonde approached them, and bowed to Barragan. "Welcome back, Barragan-sama."

Barragan nodded and said. "It is good to see you again, Findor… how are things in my brief absence?"

Findor Carias looked at his liege and said. "Everything is going well, my liege…" He then looked at the three newcomers and then said. "If I may ask, who are they, my liege?"

"Ah yes… I was about to introduce them to you." Barragan said as he mentioned for Toshi and his companions to come closer. "Findor, may I introduce to you to my new adopted grandson, Toshiyuki Kitano, and his companions… or should I say potential mates… Loly Airrvine and Menoly Mallia." The last part was said in that same teasing note again, which made Toshi and the two girls blush again.

"Mou… Oji-sama… I thought I told you to stop that." Toshi said with some embarrassment. "Please don't take what grandfather had said too seriously, Findor-san… I suppose he has too much time on his hands, and can't help but embarrass his grandson in every occasion he can."

Findor Carias just looked at the new Arrancar that Barragan had adopted as his grandson with a bit of surprise and curiosity. Normally, such a form of disrespect would incite some kind of anger from the fraccion present. But it has been a while since he had seen Barragan act so… carefree and amused ever since that Shinigami usurped his position as the ruler of Las Noches.

Even the rest of Barragan's Fraccion was glad with the change in Barragan's demeanor, Charlotte Cuuhlhourne mentioned how sparkling Barragan-sama looked now, and how marvelous he looks now that he is laughing more, which made Toshi and the girls sweatdrop about how he was spouting that flowery drivel, and al the while wearing some kind of skirt at the same time, while it was quite obvious that he was a man. They swore that they would do their best to avoid the man like a plague.

Both Nirgge Parduoc and Choe Neng Poww, despite their mild annoyance at how their new liege's grandson has slightly disrespected their liege, like Findor was glad that their liege was in a good mood once again, something that they had not seen since that Shinigami took over Las Noches.

Ggio Vega just grinned at the scene that was unfolding in front of him. It has been a while since something this fun and interesting has happened in Las Noches. Maybe because of he was a species of feline Hollow; he was feeling quite playful at the moment. He approached and then patted Toshi on the shoulder and said. "Well well, this is quite interesting. I never knew that an Arrancar, one that is newly minted like you could score with two pretty girls like them. I am impressed, new guy."

Both Loly and Menoly blushed slightly, though they shot a slight annoyed look at the newcomer. Even Toshi looked at the man that had patted his shoulder. The man was slim and had scruffy black hair with a short braided ponytail… and yellow eyes… just like a cat… and the remains of his Hollow mask, was like the top a Saber Tooh Tiger's skull, which he wore like a helmet.

Toshi looked at Ggio and he suddenly had an appraising look on his face for a moment, and he said. "You think so, nii-sama?"

Ggio was taken aback for a little, and then said curiously, though the smile never left his face. "Now why on earth why would you say that, new guy? Not that I mind you calling me that or anything."

"Well…" Toshi said with a slight embarrassed look, gently scratching his cheek with a finger, which made him look cure in Loly and Menoly's eyes, and said. "Back when I was alive, I was an archeology student and part of an expedition after all. I took paleontology as a minor, and well, I always admired great predatory cats… sabertooths especially… so you know where I am coming from when I acknowledge you as my nii-san."

Ggio's grin grew wider at that statement, and then said. "Hey, you're an alright guy, new guy. Stick with me, and I'll make sure that you'll go places in this outfit of ours."

A snort was heard and said. "You would do well to retract that statement, Vega… after all… you are the shortest amongst all of us… and in terms of power… yours is the weakest amongst us."

Ggio's eyes twitched and he glared at the speaker, which was one Nirrge Parduoc. "Oh, I beg to differ, elephant boy… I might not be as strong as you, but I got speed and power on my side. What have you got, brute strength?"

"Watch that tone, Vega…" Nirrge growled at the shorter Arrancar. "It would do well for you to cease provoking me, before you will regret it."

"Oh yeah, make me elephant boy!" Ggio said, grinning wildly. "Let's rumble…. I've been itching for a good fight anyway."

"Oh my… this is so dreadful… so not beautiful…this is horrible." A distressed voice caught their attention, though it creeped all of them out. "To think that my comrades would fight amongst themselves… this is so distressing." Charlotte said in a pose that SERIOUSLY creeped them out.

"You're the one that makes people distressed, Charlotte…" Avirama Redder commented, earning her an annoyed look from Charlotte.

"Don't speak ill of me, Redder… you're just jealous that I am so beautiful and your beauty can't compare to mine." Charlotte commented and Avirama snorted. "I'd rather be the same then to be as 'beautiful' as you are, Charlotte." He said sarcastically.

"That's it Redder…! You have insulted me one time too far!" Charlotte said growling as he powered up, before Barragan growled and said. "ENOUGH! You all should be ashamed, all of you. You all are acting like children… unbecoming of my Fraccion. Now I want you all to reflect about your actions, before I decide to punish you. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Barragan-sama…" The four of them said with an ashamed voice, which made Toshi and the two girls smile at how they looked like children that were scolded by a parent.

Barragan looked at them, and then said. "Now, the reason I am bringing my new grandson and his new companions here, isn't to make them part of our Fraccion."

That got his Fraccion's attention and Findor Carias, the strategist of the group said. "Oh? And why is that, Barragan-sama? I was assuming that you were intending to add their strength to ours. Then what purpose on you bringing them here to us?"

Barragan smiled at his strategist and said. "Well, Findor… I have never said anything at all about making my grandson a part of my Fraccion. What I merely said to that Shinigami is to train them so that they are combat ready, nothing more… so that is all that we will be doing. Though if bonds are made between them and you all, that is a good thing as well."

Findor smiled and nodded, since he understood that Barragan had really felt a soft spot for the new Arrancar, and he knew that all of them were going to be part of an interesting time.

For the next few weeks, Toshi and his female companions stayed under Barragan's roof, training hard with the Fraccion that was there. All of them had their own personalities, while all of them had things to teach them, they were especially close to a few of them.

Avirama Redder, while eccentric with his taunts and his weird ritual before a battle, was actually an alright fellow, since Toshi and the girls had learnt to defend themselves over someone that had an aerial advantage over them. Not to mention, he was one of the easiest to get along outside of battle along with Findor and Ggio in terms of attitude.

In Choe Neng Powe, they found that the giant man was actually a calm and philosophical man, and they enjoyed their time speaking to each other about a lot of things.

Findor Carias and Ggio Vega were considered their best friends amongst the Fraccion. The blonde masked hair man was always helpful, and being the group strategist, they had learn much about battle tactics with him, and learned to work as a team with his help. They mentally noted though that he does tend to say Exacta a little too much, and wondered if it was a quirk that Findor had for a long time.

Ggio was the cool older brother that Toshi had always wanted, though the girls were sometimes annoyed with him with his occasional borderline perverted comments. But in spite of that the girls still loved the braided man all the same.

Charlotte Cuulhorne… they didn't really dislike him at all… he's just a little creepy that's all with his outfit and his shouting beautiful… not to mention his attacks are a mouthful to pronounce.

Nirgge Parduoc… now this was someone that they disliked quite actively, not just because of his attitude towards them in general. He was arrogant and rude, and he did not make an effort to befriend any of them, and did the bare minimum to teach them combat skills, and he was the harshest when sparring with them.

Nevertheless after several weeks, all of them have improved quite a lot in terms of combat skills, and they managed to improve the strength of their Hierro, as well as their Bala and Cero during that time.

Toshi and his female companions soon met with Barragan and the elderly Arrancar said. "It has been two months since you have been here, grandson… how have been adjusting to life here in Las Noches?"

"I must admit it, Oji-sama… that life within these two months have been quite interesting and fruitful as well." Toshi said truthfully.

Barragan nodded and said. "I see, well I am glad that you feel that way. But how about your female companions? Have they made the same observation as well?"

Loly nodded as she stood beside Toshi and said. "Indeed, Baragan-sama… I could not have asked for a better training opportunity, though I feel confident that we should be able to defend ourselves against any other Arrancar that tries to take our position… or belittle females for that matter."

Barragan smirked as he said. "Indeed… my future granddaughter…" The last part was said in a teasing note that made Toshi and both Loly and Menoly blush again. "But surely after the training you two had gone through with my Fraccion, I would imagine that there would be less people that would do that."

Toshi looked thoughtful for a moment, and then said. "I wouldn't count out that possibility just yet, Oji-sama."

Barragan had a look of surprise on his face, and he asked out of curiosity. "Oh? And why would you say that, grandson?"

Toshi just shrugged and said. "It is not my place to say, oji-sama… though either Loly or Menoly would be able to give you an answer about the matter, since they are more familiar about what I am talking about."

Barragan nodded and looked at Loly with a questioning look, and said calmly. "Well, granddaughter… do you have anything to explain about this matter?"

Loly just wondered just how fast her status had become a granddaughter in the old Arrancar's eyes. Not that she minded the status, since during this time, she and Menoly had become quite fond of the Arrancar that probably wasn't too far from them in terms of age. And they remembered the way he defended them when the first time, even though he had nothing to gain for himself.

That had certainly put him in their good books, not to mention that during the two months, he had been helping them in addition to his own training, and even took the harshest blows that Nirgge had dished out during their group sparring sessions that were intended for them on his own, which often knocked him out, and sent him to the infirmary more than one time.

The female Arrancar nurses were bemused at how much Toshi was sent to the infirmary, but they understood where his injuries were coming from. It is no secret that not many people could dish out this amount of damage.

Barragan's Fraccion, one Nirgge Parduoc was one… the rest were amongst the Espada, which included the Octava Espada, Nnoitra Jiruga, Sexta Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaguez, as well as the Decima Espada Yammy Rialgo. The three Espada were heavy hitters, though in comparison, the nurses were not particularly fond of the Octava and Decima Espada for very obvious reasons.

The Decima Espada was an arrogant brute that just liked to pick a fight, and his idea of testing his strength whenever he has recovered from the 'spars' he had with some of the other Espada was to take it out on the nearest female Arrancar nurse that was tending to him, which usually resulted in her death.

As for Nnoitra Jiruga, a lot of the female Arrancars inside Las Noches disliked the tall and lanky Espada, not only because he is rude, he also is quite the pervert, with the way he openly appraises the female Arrancars with a lecherous look, not to mention he had a very chauvinistic attitude, especially if the rumors surrounding him and the Tercera Espada, Nelliel Tu Odelschwank were true.

The nurses also thought that it was sweet for Toshi to have two female Arrancars to visit him regularly when he was recovering, and during their own interaction with the young Arrancar, they were impressed by his attitude towards women, as well as people in general. For an Arrancar… he seemed human enough and quite selfless as well. That alone earned him some admirers within the infirmary staff, though they knew that the two female Arrancar that visited them had basically staked their claim on him with their body language whenever they were around.

Loly and Menoly also remembered the way Toshi defended them from the unwanted advances of some of the Arrancar that were attracted to them because of their body, and the beatings they got sent a message not to trifle with them. That alone made both of them feel even fonder for Toshi, something that they weren't keeping a secret from him, by the way they acted around him.

To their delight, it seems Toshi was also enjoying their company, and through the two months, they also find out that he had some indication that he also shared their feelings about them, something that made them glad.

Putting that piece of good news in her mind, Loly looked at Barragan with a respectful manner and informed Barragan about what she had heard the other female Arrancars had said about Nnoitra, as well as the Octava Espada's disagreement with the Tercera Espada.

Barragan looked thoughtful for a moment, and then nodded. "Very well then… I shall caution Neliel regarding Nnoitra… though it is the time where you are to decide where your permanent living quarters is, is it not?"

"Indeed it is, Oji-sama…" Toshi said respectfully. "I hope you do not mind my decision to live separately from you after you have graciously taken the three of us in after our awakening."

Barragan chuckled and said. "Why should I mind, grandson… these two months have been quite an interesting time, and though it saddens me to see you three will no longer be amongst us, but do promise that you should drop by time to time to visit this old man… with my great grandchildren preferably." He teased them again, which let him to laugh loudly at their embarrassed looks and outcries. Seriously, his grandson and female companions were so easy to tease sometimes.

He then waited for a moment before he fixed them with a curious look. "By the way, I never did ask you where you intend to live inside Las Noches. I hope that it is not too far from here, eh grandson?"

Toshi nodded and said in a calm manner. "It isn't really too far from where we live right now, Oji-sama… and I think you are quite familiar with the place, I believe."

"Oh, and where would that be, grandson?" Barragan asked inquisitively.

"It's a place that is called Tres Cifras… Oji-sama… somewhere I found when I was returning from the infirmary after some rather intense sparring sessions that went overboard." Toshi said calmly, looking at Barragan with a calm expression on his face.

End of Chapter 3

Author's Note: Whewww! As all of you requested, this is Chapter 3 of An Arrancar's Tale, that I finally finished. Toshi and the girls had met and bonded with Barragan's Fraccion, though they were especially close with Findor Carias and Ggio Vega, Ggio especially in Toshi's eyes. I also hinted that the Toshi/Loly/Menoly coupling is coming into play in this chapter, which would be the main coupling in this fic. I might consider adding additional females in the running, though Nel, Cirucci as well as Halibel… I dunno yet. My ideas is for them to act as Toshi and the two girls' big sister figures, but let me know if you want them part of the harem. For your info the girls I am considering for the Harem are Ying and Yang, though I have to find a way to insert them into the story, as well as Harribel's Fraccion. Let me know what you think about this as well.

Well, that's it for now… see you guys next chapter ok? Cheers!