AN: And we're back! Took awhile, but I finally got Komamura vs. Cortez started. Hope you all like it!

Chapter 11: Two Loyal Soldiers

Cortez Orgulloso looked up at the black smoke coming out of the top of La Torre and sighed, disappointed in himself, his men down on the ground, and the efforts of the men up there defending the junk formerly known as Sentencía. "I don't know what happened up there," he began calmly. "But whatever happened up there does not bode well for us."

"Indeed, perhaps next time you won't underestimate our capabilities, General Orgulloso." Komamura glared at Cortez.

Cortez shook his head. "I have underestimated no one." He insisted. "I'm well aware of your capabilities, Captain. As does His Majesty."

Cortez looked at the smoke once again. "We knew from the start that Ichigo Kurosaki would make a beeline for the cannon because he possesses the capabilities to do so, what with him being in possession of a power that grants flight. Which is something quite rare might I add."

Komamura allowed Cortez to continue his speech. "Flight is rare in worlds like the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo because of how dense it is there in terms of things like reishi, unlike the World of the Living," Cortez continued. "That very reason was why His Majesty placed Sentencía at the top of La Torre and out of reach for you all."

"But you all knew that Ichigo had the capability to reaching the top." Komamura reminded him.

Cortez nodded. "Yes that's true," he said. "I'm sure you're well aware of this by now, Captain Komamura, but in case you don't, allow me to explain it right now. Ichigo Kurosaki is one of the only real threats to our plan along with your Head Captain."

"You have a great deal of confidence in your army." Komamura surmised.

"No, just a great deal of confidence in my king," said Cortez. "Attack him with as many as you wish, the results will be the same. His powers…his powers are almost godlike."

"Do you know what happened to the last man with almost godlike power?" Komamura asked, referring to Aizen.

"He failed, His Majesty shall not." Said Cortez. "Aizen was a fool, to wrapped up in obtaining power that he didn't have the ability to control."

"He didn't? You weren't there, with that power he had, it was a miracle that we survived." Said Komamura. "If anything, he had complete control over that damned creation of Kisuke Urahara's

"I don't think you understand what I'm talking about," said Cortez. "The Hōgyoku is a being with a will of its own. It can think for itself to go along with its almost unthinkable power. Do you really think that a being like that would willingly tether itself to someone? It matters very little how powerful someone is, that device Kisuke Urahara created will never allow itself to be subjugated. Not when it has the power to think for itself to go along with its other amazing powers."

Komamura glared at Cortez again. "Back to my previous statement," he said. "you all knew that Ichigo could reach the cannon."

Cortez nodded. "Yes, we knew," he said. "But in reality, he really shouldn't have survived up until this point. If everything went according to plan, he would've died with that Abarai fellow."

"But that didn't happen."

"Yes, it didn't," said Cortez. "But, that doesn't mean we didn't prepare when we found out he's still alive."

"What are you talking about?" Komamura asked angrily.

"Oh come now, Captain Komamura, I'm sure you know that while your colleague, Ichigo Kurosaki possesses an impressive skill in making allies, he also possesses a knack for making enemies as well."

"And right now, up in that room, as we speak," Cortez continued. "An enemy with a grudge is confronting Ichigo Kurosaki, hoping to end his life in the most painful way possible."

Grimmjow's face was still contorted into comedic shock. Ichigo was quite surprised himself. "Well," he began. "I was definitely not expecting that to happen."

Grimmjow finally recovered and returned to his regular, angry self. "You bastard!" He screamed. "Do you have any idea what you just did?"

"What I did?" Ichigo retorted. "Hell no, that was all you!"

"Yeah, only because you kept jumping around and dodging like a little coward!" Grimmjow insulted Ichigo.

"Dodging is a survival instinct, not cowardice!" Which was quite true.

Grimmjow pointed a finger at Ichigo. "Okay than, lets keep testing those survival instincts of yours you orange-headed bastard!"

With that, Grimmjow fired another Cero at Ichigo.

Cortez chuckled lightly at the blue flash of light that came out of the top floor. "That boy doesn't know the meaning of the word restraint." He said, referring to Grimmjow.

"Are you ready to fight or not?" Komamura asked, becoming slightly impatient.

Cortez sighed. "Terribly sorry," he apologized, readying his rapier. "I tend to get sidetracked quite a bit. While the King and Queen appreciate my loyalty, I've more than once been criticized for my laid-back approach to everything."

"You don't seem laid-back." Komamura noted. "You were quite serious about not letting any of us through."

"I am laid-back, Captain," Cortez insisted. "That calmness, I'll admit, comes from knowing that you cannot best me."

"I see," Komamura readied his Zanpakutō. "Than I suppose it's time to teach you humility."

"And I shall teach you pain."

"Now roar, Tenken!" Komamura shouted.

Cortez looked up in surprise and barely blocked the giant, blade-wielding arm with his rapier, displaying an impressive amount of physical strength in spite of his lean frame. "Interesting ability," Cortez mused. "If it wasn't for my reflexes I might've been in trouble."

Komamura brought the arm back and then swung it horizontally, forcing Cortez to leap into the air. Komamura than followed up with a quick jab, that Cortez managed to block with his rapier, once again displaying surprising physical strength. Cortez was soon pushed back onto the ground, gritting his teeth as he tried to match Komamura's monstrous strength.

I should've figured a man of his stature would have this much strength, Cortez thought. I'm going to have to change my tactics. Lets see if he can match my speed.

Cortez placed some distance between himself and Komamura. "It's my turn now, Captain!"

Cortez vanished with Sonido. Komamura was surprised. His movements are difficult to follow. He realized.

Komamura blocked a timely stab from Cortez. Such speed, as is expected from such a high-level warrior. Komamura complimented Cortez in his mind.

Cortez vanished again, and Komamura blocked a swing towards his neck. Cortez gritted his teeth in annoyance. Getting past that giant arm and blade is going to be quite a challenge. Cortez admitted. At this rate, I may actually be pushed towards using Resurreción.

Cortez vanished for the third time. Starting to get agitated by Cortez' tactics. Komamura waited for him to appear again and then punched him square in the jaw. Cortez grunted in pain and was sent flying backwards. The General quickly got to his feet. "Your reflexes are impressive. I suppose an animal like you has impressive survival instincts." Cortez gave Komamura a back-handed compliment.

"I must survive," said Komamura. "I must survive so I can continue my service to Master Genryūsai."

This actually caught Cortez off guard. The General gasped in shock at Komamura's words. "I see," he said. "So there is a man whom you are unquestionably loyal to as well."

Komamura was surprised by Cortez' choice of words.

The remaining members of the invasion force arrived in La Torre. Isane, Hanatarō, and Nemu set Love, Momo, and Rangiku down against a wall. "Isane, how are they?" Akio asked.

"They'll need immediate medical attention." Isane reported grimly. "Hanatarō and I will take care of that, you all do what you have to do."

Akio shook his head. "That's not good enough." He said.

Everyone looked at Akio. "Tetsuzaemon, stay here and guard Isane and Hanatarō while they heal the others."

Tetsuzaemon was surprised. "But sir, our manpower…"

"Will be just fine." Akio finished. "And I refuse to put the medics of our force at risk. So you will guard them."

Akio looked at Tetsuzaemon sternly. "That's your duty from here on in Tetsuzaemon, protect them with your life."

Tetsuzaemon realized Akio was right and nodded. "Yes sir," he said. "I won't fail you."

Akio nodded. "All right, from here on in we should expect an attack at every turn, be on your guard."

"Forget that, the object of this game is simple," said Ikkaku. "Get to the end and kick the bad guy's ass."

"Ikkaku is right." Said Yumichika. "We have a clear shot to the top floor."

"No, you two, Akio's the one who is right," said Kenpachi, surprising everyone. "If you let your guard down here, than you'll die a dishonorable death at the hands of a stupid trap."

"Traps or not, we have a score to settle with these guys." Hiyori said, starting to run.

"Wait, Ms. Hiyori!" Nemu called out for her new friend as she ran after her.

"Oh well, I can keep my guard up and still have a good time!" Kenpachi started running as well.

"Dammit, everyone's too impatient." Muttered an annoyed Akio.

Everyone started running except Ikkaku and Yumichika, who were both stunned by the sudden display of hypocrisy. Suddenly the floors opened up, sending everyone falling to a much lower level, screaming. Ikkaku and Yumichika gasped upon seeing this. "Dammit!" Ikkaku shouted in anger. "Those bastards are lower than low!"

"How truly ugly." Yumichika said in agreement.

"Will they be okay?" Isane asked as she began her treatment of the injured.

"They'll be fine." said Ikkaku.

"Indeed, the captain won't die from something like that, and that goes for everyone else as well." Added Yumichika.

Yumichika turned to his lifelong friend. "Well, what do you think, Ikkaku?" He asked.

"We have no choice but to continue the mission." Ikkaku decided quickly. "Lets go, the others will catch up quickly, there's no doubt about that in my mind."

Komamura looked at Cortez curiously. "What exactly do you mean by those words, General?" Komamura asked.

Cortez didn't respond for a moment. After a minute of silence, the mustached general finally replied. "I never would've guessed I'd find some common ground with a Soul Reaper. This day has been quite interesting."

"Answer my question!"

Cortez sighed. "You said that you had to survive so you could continue your services to Master Genryūsai," he began. "I take it this man is Head Captain Yamamoto himself?"

"The very same man." Komamura replied.

"I see," said Cortez. "What is your relationship with that man? What could possibly warrant unquestionable loyalty to him?"

Komamura couldn't help but frown as all the memories of discrimination came rushing back to him. "Master Genryūsai saved my life," he revealed. "As I'm sure you might have figured out, this form is anything but pleasing to the eyes of regular humans."

"Yes, that's true," Cortez muttered. "I doubt humans would be so accepting of a wolf with human features."

"I was an outcast. When I became an outcast, I grew to despise my appearance. So, to get rid of the shame I felt for my face, I placed a bucket over it. But…I was still an outcast, no matter how hard I tried to shed that label." Komamura continued.

"And yet you became a captain to protect the very beings who rejected you, why?" Cortez asked curiously.

Komamura looked at Cortez in slight surprise. "It sounds like what you've been through justifies hatred. Justifies a need to slaughter those who wronged you in an act of revenge."

"If things had continued the way they were at that time, I might've gone down that path," Komamura resumed his tale. "But Master Genryūsai came to me one day."

"He told me," Komamura continued. "That he wasn't afraid of me. He told me that he only saw the soul on the inside, and not the soul on the outside. I was so delighted at that point. I finally met someone who didn't fear me for my appearance."

Cortez kept listening. "We talked for a little bit longer, but Master Genryūsai finally had to leave. But before he left, he told me he saw great potential in me, and that if I could tap into that potential, I could destroy people's outward perception of me. He told me to become a Soul Reaper."

Komamura let a lone tear slide down his furry cheek as he continued. "He bent the rules so I could become a Soul Reaper. He argued endlessly for my rights. Do you see now? That is why I give him my loyalty unquestionably! I live solely to repay my debt to him now!"

"I see. I suppose it's similar to myself and the King."

Komamura was surprised once more by Cortez' word choice. "I wasn't an outcast. But I had no idea what my purpose was. I had no idea of what I could believe in. Can you even imagine what that's like? Just existing, not having a purpose in life. I was a wanderer, looking for a purpose. And then, when I met the King, I saw a man who had all the answers. He gave me a purpose. That is why I give him my unwavering loyalty. That is why I intend to make sure his peaceful world is created. Because I believe in what he's doing and what he's doing has given me a purpose."

"I believe in the world that he will create and I believe that it will come with your kind's destruction!" Cortez shouted. "So do not begrudge me, Captain, for this is something I must do!"

Cortez' spiritual pressure started to skyrocket. Komamura's eyes widened in surprise. This spiritual pressure is phenomenal. He thought in shock.

"Charge, Caballero!"

A.N: Yes, I know, the old pitfall trick is a bit stale at this rate. But trust me on this, it's either that, or everyone runs up the stairs and exhausts themselves. Do you really want that? I didn't think so. Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Stay tuned, because Komamura vs. Cortez is about to heat up. ND2014 signing off.