Kick About, Destroy, Bind
Chapter 8: Pride on the Blade
The Hueco Mundo Wastes, Six Years Before
"AAAAAAAAAAAH!" the young man cried out as he was thrown backwards.
The stick he was using to practice with flew out of his hands and landed in the sand. The man he was practicing with walked towards him and pointed his own stick down at him.
"You're dead," the other man said.
"No I'm not."
"Oh how are you not dead? I have the weapon and you don't."
"I can still do…THIS!" he shouted and flung a handful of sand at him and charged.
However the man dodged and the youth felt the stick scrape across his back.
"There, now you are dead, Grimmjow," the man said.
"SHIIIIIIIIT!" Grimmjow cried out.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," the man said, "everyone 'dies' during their first attempt against someone like me."
"Not me," Grimmjow snarled.
"Yes…you," the man said as he retrieved his skull mask from the rough wooden bench. "I just showed you that you could be killed. Now, I want you to reflect on what you did wrong."
"What do you mean? I did everything that the instructors showed us."
"Not quite," the man said and got up.
"Then show it to me. What did I do wrong?"
"You were too eager. You attacked without looking for any openings and I gave you plenty. Now come on, before I tan your hide."
"Yes sir," Grimmjow said and followed his instructor.
As they walked, Grimmjow looked at the other recruits who were training. Already fifteen of those who came with him were gone. Some died in accidents while others were sent away and now there were only eleven others from the group he arrived with. He had no idea how difficult the training would be, but he viewed it as an opportunity to better himself. However, today he would find out if he made it or not.
He looked at the tall gallows and saw the bell that usually tolled for Assembly. It was badly dented from years of abuse and the elements had caused it to lose its once brilliant luster. He saw a steward rush onto the platform and began pulling the fraying rope that was tied to the clapper and began to swing it. The sound was like an old army commander, dull and yet it still held its voice of command.
Immediately, the others began to gather at the old arena that served as their Assembly Hall.
"All possible recruits are to head to the floor of the arena ," someone shouted from one of the makeshift platforms.
"Come along," Grimmjow's trainer said and led him down the steps. "I must get to my position with the other officers," he said and rushed to the center where the other officers were beginning to gather.
Grimmjow looked in awe at the men who stood in the center. They were men he only heard about in stories and one of them was training him to become a better fighter. He stopped when he saw the man in the middle. It was the man he adored above all others and who he wanted to follow. He looked at his hero in reverence and knew that he would either be permitted to join or he would die of a broken heart.
"Recruits, line up," his hero commanded.
The recruits immediately obeyed and his hero nodded in satisfaction. The officers then approached him and whispered to him. The hero would either nod or frown and say something in return. Grimmjow saw his own instructor talk with his hero, but he could not make out any reactions. Then the second-in-command stepped forward.
"If I call your name, please step forward," he began and called out some of the names of the other recruits.
Grimmjow knew that this was it. He would either join or he would be sent away and survive in the Hueco Mundo Wastes on his own. The second-in-command paused as Grimmjow's hero whispered something into his ear. The second-in-command nodded.
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez." Grimmjow stepped forward. "Those of you who haven't been called are to leave immediately. Those who have been named line up again and await your final examination."
They lined up. The second-in-command looked towards his commander who nodded.
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, please step forward."
Grimmjow stepped forward. He could feel the sweat running down his brow as his hero approached him. Grimmjow forced himself to look into those black eyes and he knew that he must never look away.
"You've got spirit," his hero said. "Yes, it's there, but it's still raw and unrefined. You'll serve under my command. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," Grimmjow said.
"I see that Skullak Tuma, my third-in-command, has trained you well. Alejo, make sure that our new recruit gets a proper uniform and a proper welcome."
"Yes, El General," Alejo said.
"Hear me now, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. I Rudobon, El General de los Huesos, welcome you to the Exequias Army."
Dagger Creek, Five Years Before
Gunshots rang out through the once-peaceful grassland. The Desatoya Mountains seemed to loom above the killing ground like watchful spectators.
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez ducked behind one of the boulders that lined the gently flowing creek whose waters were now becoming like wine with the blood of the dead. Rudobon ducked behind a tree and gestured with his revolver for the other Exequias to move forward. Grimmjow looked around the boulder and saw the white and light blue uniforms of the Quincy Squad among the large outcropping of boulders across the creek.
"Those bastards think they got us pinned down," Alejo said as he joined Grimmjow and smiled at him.
"Well, we're pinned down," Grimmjow said.
"I know, but Rudobon knows what he's doing."
"I know he does, but I don't see it."
"Just watch," Alejo said and gestured for Grimmjow to look at Rudobon.
"Wait a minute, where's Skullak?" Grimmjow asked.
"Who do you think he's waving to?"
Grimmjow looked at Alejo as though he went mad. At that moment there was a cry coming from further to the left. Grimmjow looked and saw Skullak rushing at the large outcropping with his division of Exequias. The Quincy Squad was caught off guard and they quickly turned to the left to try to pin that group down.
"Now," Alejo said as Rudobon gestured for the Exequias to advance. "But be silent about it until we get on the other side of the creek."
Grimmjow nodded and saw that Rudobon had maneuvered his small force to form a pincer maneuver. It helped that they were able to get the Quincy Squad to retreat to the outcropping of rocks, but the odds were still in the Quincy favor as far as numbers. As soon as Rudobon crossed the creek, he drew out his sword and rushed at the outcroppings.
"NOW!" Rudobon roared and the Exequias behind him roared in triumph as they attacked.
Grimmjow laughed as he saw the Quincy soldiers try to maneuver back to pin down Rudobon's force. They thought that Skullak had the larger force since he and his men went all out in yelling out their attack, but they realized too late that Rudobon had the larger group.
Grimmjow fired his revolver and saw a young soldier who was trying to aim for Rudobon fall dead. The bullets flew around them. Men fell. Blood drenched the stones and dry grass. Grimmjow saw an old man standing among them, shouting out orders. He wondered how such an old man could still maintain his composure, even in the face of certain defeat.
"Surrender old man," Grimmjow growled. "Surrender and you just might live to see another sunset."
However, the old man must have seen what was going on for now he ordered that half of the men who were trying to pin down Skullak to pin down Rudobon. Then, Grimmjow saw what they were doing.
"Shit, he's going to try to flank us," Grimmjow said and laughed. "Yeah, now this is exciting."
Sure enough, with a gesture of his hand, the banner-man waved their white flag with the blue Quincy cross. Almost immediately, a force that had been kept in reserve for the Quincy rushed out of the canyon and straight for Rudobon's flank.
"Shit, they kept reserves," Grimmjow growled.
"Just keep steady," Alejo said as he took aim and fired. Grimmjow turned his attention to the reserves and fired as well.
"If we keep this up, we'll end up in the crossfire," Grimmjow growled.
"Did you forget something?" Alejo asked with a grin as he adjusted the skull helmet he wore.
"What are you talking about?"
"Skullak," Alejo said. "He knows what to do in these situations. I bet that old man thought that the smaller force was not worth the effort for the time being."
Grimmjow turned and did not see Skullak or his men. Then he saw something crawling on the ground. He always wondered why the Exequias wore dust-covered uniforms and skull helmets. Now he saw why, they could be used as camouflage on dry dusty surfaces and on rocky ground.
"Pay attention," Alejo said and pulled Grimmjow down as a bullet whizzed past where his head had been. "Do you want to get killed?"
"Not really," Grimmjow said.
"Then pay attention," Alejo said and fired his revolver at the rock outcropping. "Make sure that you don't waste ammo. Make them think that you're nearly out."
Grimmjow nodded to show that he understood. Then he heard gunfire coming from the rock outcropping. The old man straightened and turned. His face betrayed surprise and shock as he saw Skullak's forces climb among the rocks and shooting his men.
"NOW!" Rudobon shouted. "Three-fourths to their reserve and one-fourth to the keep."
"Come on, we're attacking the keep," Alejo said and dragged Grimmjow with him towards the rock outcropping.
Forces clashed. Grimmjow saw many drop their guns and begin to fight with knives and bayonets and even their fists. This was no longer a battle. It was a brawl, and he loved it. Grimmjow reached into his pocket and brought out the makeshift fist-punch he made out of a piece of wood with nails driven through with distance enough between them to accommodate his fingers.
Grimmjow re-holstered his revolver and leapt up wielding this makeshift weapon. He was always one who preferred to use his fists in hand-to-hand combat and he was using his training to his advantage.
The fight did not last much longer. Skullak divided his forces to block any retreat that the Quincy Squad might attempt and eventually all of the Quincy soldiers were dead except for a few at the top of the rock outcropping who were fighting with their sabers. The old man still held his ground even as the younger men fell around him. Eventually there were only two figures at the top: the old man and Rudobon who was fighting him with the Blade of Hueco Mundo. The bone hilt with its cords of leather and rings of metal seemed to glow with a fierce light while the blade itself seemed to vanish in the bright glow that it reflected.
Grimmjow rushed forward just as Rudobon slashed the old man across the chest. The old man staggered and fell to his knees. Grimmjow looked at the old man in awe.
"What's your name?" Rudobon asked.
"I am Captain Soken Ishida, High-Commander of the Quincy Squad."
"You fought well, Soken Ishida," Rudobon said. "Do you have any regrets?"
"Everyman has regrets," Soken Ishida said and looked at Rudobon. "I regret that I will not be able to see my Grandson, Uryu Ishida, to grow into a man. I regret that I cannot look him in the eye again and tell him how proud of him I am."
"I see," Rudobon said. "Do you have any last requests?"
"Yes, that if you and my Grandson's paths cross that you give him a message for me."
"Whisper it to me," Rudobon said and knelt beside the old man who whispered something that Grimmjow could not make out. Rudobon nodded and stood up. "We have annihilated the Quincy Squad today. This brave warrior before me has proven worthy enough to die by my hand and with the Blade of Hueco Mundo," he said and held the sword up. The Exequias Army became silent and those who still had their masks and helmet on took them off. "His blood shall not stain the Pride on the Blade. Honor this man as he passes from this life into the next. Let him see your faces so that you may gain the honor of battling him in the afterlife," Rudobon said as he took his own mask and helmet off and put them by his feet.
"Why honor him?" Grimmjow muttered. "He's our enemy."
"He fought with valor and honor," Alejo said as he tucked his helmet under his arm. "Such men deserve honor and praise regardless of what side they are on."
"Say your last words," Rudobon said, "before I give you the honor of dying by the Blade of Hueco Mundo."
"Für den Stolz und die Ehre der Quincy," Soken Ishida said, his voice firm and strong.
Rudobon nodded his head and turned his attention back to his men.
"This man's name is Soken Ishida. Remember it," Rudobon said and ran Soken through with his blade giving him a clean death. "I shall remember it."
Bosque de Cráneos, Three Years Before
"You're what?" Grimmjow asked.
"I'm cutting you loose, Grimmjow," Rudobon said as he sat picked up the bottle of warm beer.
"I don't understand," Grimmjow said leaning forward. "Why are you cutting me loose?"
"Grimmjow, do you know what the Exequias Army is?"
"It's the best force in the Hueco Mundo Wastes."
"But what makes it the best?"
"Easy, you strike hard; you strike fast; you strike together."
"Exactly," Rudobon said. "The Exequias Army is the best because their hearts beat to my own heart. We are united in everything. However, I've been watching you and I noticed that you beat to a different heart beat than my own."
"What are you talking about?"
"You were made to lead; not follow. You were meant to become an Espada and not a mere Fraccion."
"Are you fucking joking? What do you mean I was meant to become an Espada?"
"Grimmjow, I've met many people in my life. I even served under Francisco de la Muerte, one of the first Espada. Most of my tactics I learned from him including the most valuable lesson: have someone who's your polar opposite stand beside you. For me, it's Alejo and Skullak. While I was all for attacking regardless of what happened, Alejo was all about patience and taking your time while Skullak was about planning and finding your opponents' weaknesses. I never regretted accommodating their recommendations in my attacks.
"That's why, unlike so many of the Espada who come and go over the years, I have remained as one of the Ten Espada, but now that time is nearing its end."
"What are you talking about?"
"What makes an Espada?"
"Well…I suppose it's being on the Gotei's Top Ten List."
"Wrong," Rudobon said. "If that was the case, then the so-called 'Shadow Lurker' would be considered an Espada. However, people like Shadow Lurker, who never show their face or reveal their name, could never, NEVER be an Espada. An Espada is someone who shows their face and gives their name without fear. Now, there are new gangs running around. Each one wants to make a name for themselves by becoming an Espada.
"That's the thing about the Espada…we're only good for the moment. When our time is done…it's done. Ever since the Battle at Dagger Creek, the Gotei has gotten bolder and now the Exequias Army is being put on the run. Soon, however, we'll be making our own push at the northern border."
"Then let me join," Grimmjow said.
"No," Rudobon said. "You need to use your time to gather your own gang and take what is rightfully yours. You are to take my place among the Espada someday."
"NO! That will never happen," Grimmjow said. "You'll always be an Espada."
"I won't," Rudobon said. "Already, five members of the Espada have been replaced in the Top Ten and they no longer have a gang to follow them. Aaroniero is still feared, but because of the injury he sustained, he is forced to work from the shadows and wear a mask, but he still maintains his pride and he is still feared. Baraggan, the so-called 'King of the Wastes', his Golden Age is over, but he still believes it lives on. As a result, he is able to maintain at least some followers who continue to believe him to be an Espada.
"No, most of the new Espada are those who rose by their own right. Ulquiorra 'Night-Bringer' Schiffer got his title from shooting a high-ranking officer, but he did it in front of his men and he even gave his name. Nnoitora Gilga massacred a Gotei Border Patrol and he raced through the Borderlands shouting it out and offering to duel anyone who dared to come after him. However, there's only one new Espada whom I respect."
"Who is that?"
Rudobon sat down and pulled out one of the make-shift drawers in his desk made from bone-wood. He took out a sheet of paper and looked at it.
"I served with him during my time with Francisco de la Muerte. He was Francisco's right-hand man until Francisco massacred an entire village in the Borderlands and killed all of the men, women, and children. That kind of killing did not sit well with him and so he left. I remember when I first saw him I thought that he could not amount to anything; that he was too soft. I was wrong in my judgment about him. If there's one thing that I regret it's this: I never got a chance to truly ride with him."
Rudobon put the piece of paper on the table and pushed it towards Grimmjow. Grimmjow looked at it and saw a man with shoulder-length hair and a faded goatee.
"Los Lobos," Grimmjow said as he read the name.
"Yes, Los Lobos," Rudobon said and leaned back in his chair. "He's different from other Arrancars and Espada. He never killed unless he was forced to. He was merciful to those who fought against him and the poor and women and children, but God help those who mistreat such people. I saw him get angry with a man who raped the children who were under his care and he sent a pack of wolves out on him."
"Bullshit," Grimmjow said.
"I know how it sounds, but it's what I saw," Rudobon said. "The pack tore that man into pieces and Los Lobos took the time to help the children find new and better homes. When I saw him do acts of kindness, I thought him some kind of saint, but when I saw him send the wolves after that man I thought him some kind of demon.
"At first, Francisco listened to his advice, but then Francisco became even more arrogant. He allowed the title of 'Espada' to go to his head and he continually brushed him aside. That was when Francisco lost his dignity and became nothing more than a butcher. When Los Lobos left, the gang died out. I went my own way only three days before Francisco and the few followers he had made an attempt to invade the Gensei Provinces. They were all shot down like dogs."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"It's important for the role that you're meant to play," Rudobon said and looked at Grimmjow. "When you become a leader, you listen to what those whom you trust tell you. You make the final decision, but you don't make it rashly. Don't surround yourself with a bunch of ass-kissers and cowards for those kinds of men will only get you in trouble. Instead, surround yourself with those who are willing to tell you the Truth, even if you don't want to hear it.
"Also, if you can…if for some reason your path crosses with his," Rudobon said and tapped the picture. "Ride with him."
"I…I understand sir," Grimmjow said and looked at the picture. "What was his true name? The poster doesn't say."
"Of course it doesn't say since when this poster was made he was only known as 'Los Lobos' to those in the Borderlands and Gensei Provinces. It was the nickname that we gave him on account of how he could make wolves do his bidding. His true name is Coyote Starrk."
The Hueco Mundo Wastes, Three Years Before
Grimmjow went flying back. The large man stood before him and laughed.
"So, you think that just 'cause you followed Rudobon you can push the rest of us around," the man said as the small cluster of men behind him only watched.
"Bastard," Grimmjow muttered as he got up.
"I got news for ya," the man said. "Rudobon ain't an Espada anymore. He got his ass whooped in the Calaveras Mountains only a few days ago."
"You're lying."
"I ain't," the man said and grinned. "He lost the respect of the Hueco Mundo Wastes after his defeat."
"The Exequias Army…IS NEVER DEFEATED!" Grimmjow roared and launched himself at the man.
The man only stood aside and rolled one large hand into a fist. As Grimmjow flew past him, he brought his fist down on his back. Grimmjow went sprawling onto his belly.
"HA! Looks like you're another fan of the old Espada. You better listen up. The days of Rudobon are over. The days of Shadow Lurker have begun."
"Shadow Lurker…ain't an Espada," Grimmjow growled as he got up. "He's nothing more than a coward who refuses to show his face or give his name. He ain't no Espada."
"You fuckin' piece of shit," the man said. "Shadow Lurker IS an Espada and he's the best one around. He's done more damage against the Gensei Provinces than all of the others combined. Shit, you must be one of those who believe that Starrk's the Primera Espada. HA! Don't make me laugh. Starrk's nothing more than a pussy who refuses to kill and that AIN'T NO ESPADA!"
"Damn you…" Grimmjow growled and faced the man.
He was about to launch himself at him when he heard Skullak's voice come into his head.
"Keep in mind Grimmjow. You're opponent always has a blind spot. If you can find it, use it to your advantage. It could be anything such as behind or to the sides, but it can also be from rage. If you can, make your opponent stupid with rage, but make sure not to fall into it yourself. Keep calm, but make your opponent angry. Anger makes a man make foolish mistakes that you can use."
Grimmjow smiled at him.
"So, you think that men like Starrk don't deserve to be called Espada, eh?"
"That's right."
"Tell me something. If that's the case: then why aren't you an Espada?"
"Huh?"
"You heard me. You like to boast about how this is the 'Age of Shadow Lurker', so what does that make you? I bet you like to being Shadow Lurker's bitch. I bet you like to bend over for him and let him fuck you in the ass like the bitch you really are."
"You…piece of shit."
"Tell me something…oh dear, I don't know your name."
"I'm Antonio Petro, the meanest and baddest gang leader in the Hueco Mundo Wastes. Ain't that right?" he asked and turned to his gang who only stood where they were.
"If that's the case, then why aren't you on the List of Espada?"
"Huh?"
"Come on…you can't call yourself the 'meanest and baddest' gang boss around if you ain't on that list. Yet, I see that Starrk's name is on that list. Yet you called him a pussy. I guess that makes you nothing more than a whining li'l bitch sucking dick in some brothel somewhere."
"You…fucking…SON OF A WHORE!" he screamed and launched himself at Grimmjow.
Grimmjow smiled as he drew out his dagger and stepped aside. As the man came running at him, Grimmjow stabbed him in the gut with his dagger. The man stopped and looked at the dagger in his gut.
"You know something," Grimmjow said. "I could handle you calling Starrk a pussy since I've never met him before. But for you to dare to mock Rudobon and the Exequias Army and everything that they did…well that I will not tolerate," he said and yanked the dagger free from the man's gut. "As for pieces of shit like you…" Grimmjow smiled as he slit the man's throat. "Shit like you makes me sick."
He cleaned the dagger's blade on the Antonio's shirt and looked at the man's gang. One of them, a tall, thin man with a stern face stepped forward and looked at the body.
"You wanna join him?"
"We do not," the man said and looked at Grimmjow. "What's your name?"
"I'm Grimmjow."
"I'm Shawlong."
"Nice to meet ya, now if you excuse me…"
"Wait a minute," another said and stepped forward. "We…we want to come with ya."
"What are ya talking about…uh…?"
"Yylfordt Granz," the blonde-haired man said. "My brother is Szayel Aporro Granz, the new 13th Arrancar."
"Huh, so why aren't ya with him?"
"Let's just say that my brother and I have our differences," Yylfordt said.
"Why should I let ya join me?" Grimmjow asked.
"It's 'cause you killed our old boss," the largest of the men said. "I'm Nakeem."
"I'm Edorad," the other man said. "This is my cousin, Di Roy."
"We want to join ya," Di Roy said. "Cause you're strong and you have the possibility of becoming an Espada. We want to follow a man like that."
"Is that so?" Grimmjow asked and looked at them. "Let me ask you a question. What do you think of my hair?"
"What are you, a fucking peacock?" Edorad asked.
"Tch, only an idiot worries about their hair," Di Roy said.
"It could be longer," Yylfordt said. "Long hair is quite fetching."
"What does it matter what your hair looks like?" Shawlong asked. "If you're only going to worry about your hair then maybe you're the wrong person to follow."
Grimmjow smiled.
"I just needed to know if you would be honest with me," Grimmjow said and smiled. "Alright, you may come with me. If you remain honest with me and trust me…I'll help you all achieve the honor of being the Fraccion of an Espada."
Inuzuri, Two Years Before
Grimmjow looked at the train station below them. It had only been less than a year since he formed the Pantera Gang, but in that time, they quickly rose to the rank of 12th Arrancar. If he could go up two more spots, then he would officially become an Espada. So far, it looked as though it would happen.
"Grimmjow, I believe that we should pull back," Shawlong said.
"Why should we?"
"I got word that Inuzuri got a new deputy this morning. His name's Ichigo Kurosaki and his father is Isshin Kurosaki, he used to be a high-ranking official in the Gotei before he retired to become Sheriff of Karakura Town."
"Huh, a Kurosaki," Grimmjow said and grinned. Like so many Arrancars, he knew that the Kurosaki family was one of the Gotei's favorite families and as a result each of their children would be sent to Fort Seireitei to be trained by a Captain. "Good, that means he got some Gotei training then."
"Yes sir," Shawlong said. "However, we don't know what kind of training. We should back-off until he leaves."
"That won't be necessary," Grimmjow said. "However, I would like for you and the others to be careful. If one of them has Gotei training, then the others must have some as well."
"What about you?"
"HA! You should know me better than that, Shawlong. It ain't fun unless there's some risk for me. If I get hurt, then you have my permission to say, 'I told you so.'"
"As you wish, sir," Shawlong said.
"Besides, I want to see what this new Kurosaki is worth. Alright, let's get ready. Di Roy, I want you and Nakeem to take care of the overall robbery. Edorad, you and Yylfordt will come in from behind and cover Nakeem and Di Roy. Shawlong, you and I will attack from the front and then when we get closer, I want you to join Edorad and Yylfordt. Do you understand the plan?"
They all nodded in agreement. They went over the plan time and time again. Grimmjow would be the most at risk, but that was how he liked to play. He smiled, if he could pull this off, he knew that the Gotei would have no other choice than to put him in the Top Ten and his gang would become the Fraccion of an Espada.
"All right, let's go!" Grimmjow said.
Grimmjow led the way and the Panteras followed. Grimmjow gestured for the group to split as ordered. While Di Roy and Nakeem raced to the left with Edorad and Yylfordt behind, he and Shawlong broke right.
"You ready for this?" Grimmjow asked.
"As ready as I could ever be," Shawlong said. "I still think this is a bad idea."
"I know you do, but that's what makes it fun."
They drew out their guns and by the time the officials who were overseeing the loading of the train realized what happened, the Panteras struck. Grimmjow and Shawlong made quick work of most of the armed men they saw. He saw Di Roy and Nakeem dismount and climb onto one of the boxcars and began to work on the safe. Edorad and Yylfordt were laying down the covering fire and helping to keep any officials pinned down.
"Alright, which one of you is Ichigo Kurosaki?" Grimmjow growled as he scanned the platform while laying down covering fire.
"I need to reload," Shawlong said.
"Then do it," Grimmjow said and smiled as he saw a boy with orange hair move and he knew that this was Ichigo Kurosaki. "KUROSAKI!" he shouted in triumph.
The boy turned and then dashed to one of the crates labeled Getsuga Tensho. He reached inside and brought something out. Grimmjow laughed as he aimed his revolver at him. That was when the boy turned and threw something with a tail of sparks coming out of the end. Grimmjow did not have time to react when he was blinded by a flash of bright light and pain roared through his body.
"GRIMMJOW!" Shawlong shouted and grabbed what remained of Grimmjow's vest to keep him from falling off.
"BOSS!" Di Roy shouted and began firing into the crowd.
"ABANDON THE JOB!" Shawlong shouted. "RETREAT!"
The Panteras immediately got back to their horses and laid covering fire as Shawlong held onto Grimmjow and Grimmjow's horse and raced to the others. He looked at Grimmjow and saw that a deep gash ran down his chest. Blood poured out of him, but Grimmjow was still alive. Shawlong knew that it could have been a lot worse. If the stick of Getsuga Tensho Explosive had detonated a moment later, than Grimmjow would most likely have been killed.
"Damn it," Shawlong snarled.
"Sh-Shawlong," Grimmjow moaned.
"Take it easy," Shawlong said as they rode off. "You're gonna make it."
"Aren't…aren't ya forgettin'…somethin'?"
"Damn it, Grimmjow," Shawlong said and smiled. "I told you so."
Los Desamparados, Two Years Before
They were called the Gamuza Clan and they were about as well-known as Los Lobos and the Blood Star. They had fifteen robberies under their belts and only two murders to their names. That wasn't too bad for being the Third Espada. The price on their head was now $54,000,000.
Nelliel Tu Odelschwank looked at the poster that showed her with her arms around Pesche and Dondochakka and giving them rabbit ears. She thought they picked the right picture for them. Her hand rested on the hilt of the rapier that hung beside her.
"Not bad…not bad at all," she said and scanned the rest of the WANTED posters. "Damn it, Starrk's bounty went up again," she muttered.
"Hey Nel, watchya doin'?" Pesche asked.
"Checking the bounties," Nel said. "Ours went up again, but so did Starrk's and Blood Star's."
"I don't see Shadow Lurker on their, don'tcha know," Dondochakka said.
"That's because he's not an Espada. Huh…look at this…Nnoitora's up to the Eighth spot now."
"Hey…there's a new one," Pesche said and pointed.
"Hmm, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and the Pantera Gang," Nel whispered. "Huh…he's cute."
"Are ya lookin' at my photo, Nelliel?" someone sneered from behind them.
"Nnoitora," Nel said and closed her eyes. "What do you want?"
"What do ya think I want? I want a rematch."
"Not gonna happen," Nel said.
"What did you say?"
"You heard me. It ain't gonna happen. You'll only lose to me again."
"Oh…is that a fact?" Nnoitora asked as he placed a hand on his rifle, Santa Teresa.
"I'm sure," Nel said and looked at him. "Why do you insist on fighting me?"
"Why do you insist on following me?"
"What makes you think I'm following you?"
"Because, Tesla told me that you stopped by a saloon a while back and asked where you could find me. So…tell me…why are you following me?"
"You're my cousin," Nel said. "Shouldn't I show concern for my own kin?"
"You know damn well that I can take care of myself," Nnoitora growled. "I don't want your pity."
"I never said I pitied you. I said that I'm only concerned for you," Nel said. "You just rush into a fight without thinking of the consequences."
"And look at where that got me," Nnoitora said and pointed to his poster. "I'm…an…ESPADA!"
"I know," Nel said. "Now I have even more reasons to worry about your safety. Face it, Nnoitora. You're outclassed on this list."
"So are you," Nnoitora said.
"I know. That's what makes us different. You would risk your own life just to get to the Primera spot while I know better. I know that I can't possibly compete with Starrk or Harribel. You should back off."
"I won't," Nnoitora said. "You'll see. Someday, I'll show all of ya that I'M THE STRONGEST!" he shouted and rode off.
"What's his problem?" Pesche asked.
"He's being an idiot," Nel said and sighed. "He never did want to know his limits. Damn it, why do I have such an ambitious idiot for a cousin?"
"Is that such a bad thing?" someone asked.
Nel turned and saw a blue-haired man bringing his horse in close to look at the Wanted posters. Nel saw that he wore a sleeveless vest that he kept open to show his well-muscled chest and the scar that ran down it.
"I don't remember asking for your opinion," Nel said.
"I know. But I sometimes can't help myself when I see a pretty girl."
"You…you think I'm pretty?" Nel asked and narrowed her eyes.
"Are you kidding me? Of course I think you're pretty. Only an idiot would think you not pretty."
"Yeah, I get that all the time," Nel said.
"So, who are these two?"
"They're Pesche and Dondochakka," Nel said and looked at the man. "They're my companions."
"Dat's right," Dondochakka said. "Nel's like our li'l sister, don'tcha know."
"Exactly," Pesche said.
"So…how did you meet these two?"
"That's…personal information. And I never give out personal information to people who I don't know."
"Damn, I knew I should have introduced myself. I'm Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez."
"Y-you're Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez?" Nel asked, somewhat taken aback. "You're the new Tenth Espada?"
"Damn right I am," Grimmjow said and looked at the posters. "Good, they even included my Panteras. Huh…I'm surprised that Aaroniero is still on here."
"His price went up about another $500,000 last week after he attacked and killed a Gotei Lieutenant named Kaien Shiba."
"You're dodging," Grimmjow said.
"What are you talking about?"
"I told you my name and then you distracted me from learning your name."
"If I recall, you're the one who mentioned Aaroniero."
"Yeah, but you asked me if I was the new Tenth and that caused me to see if they included my Panteras on the Wanted poster."
"How typical," Nel said and grinned. "If you're going to act like a five year-old, then I might decide not to tell you my name."
"Look, I'm sorry if I offended ya," Grimmjow said. "It's just that…well…I saw you…and…and…oh Hell. Shawlong's right, I'm not any good at this kinda thing."
"Nel," Nel said.
"Huh?"
"My name's Nelliel Tu Odelschwank, but you can call me Nel."
"Nel, are you sure you wanna trust him, don'tcha know?"
"I'm sure Dondochakka."
"Well if you insist," Dondochakka said.
"Would ya like us to leave ya two alone?" Pesche asked.
"That'd be great," Nel said. "C'mon Grimmjow, I know a place where we can get something decent to drink."
The Hueco Mundo Wastes, Two Years Before
Grimmjow and Nel rode through the canyon. Their laughter echoed into the night sky. The sound of their horses' hooves seemed to roar like thunder. They were the only two since they left their gangs back at the small ghost town named Stone Creek. It was nice to sneak away from the others every now and again.
It had been less than two months since he met her and already Grimmjow knew that she was the one for him. He decided that tonight would be the night he would ask her.
"I think this is a good spot," Nel said and pulled on her horse's reins.
"Ya think so?" Grimmjow asked.
"Yeah, I mean look at that view," she said.
Grimmjow looked and saw that the canyon ended in a drop, but the view of the basin below them was spectacular. The white sands seemed to shimmer like star dust in the light of the crescent moon. The bleached trees reminded him of his time at Bosque de Cráneos when he was still in the Exequias Army.
"Did I really think that it was all there was?" Grimmjow asked himself.
"What did you say?" Nel asked.
"Nothing," Grimmjow said.
"Liar," Nel said smirking a little as she unrolled a blanket.
"Fine, don't believe me," Grimmjow said.
"Aw, did I hurt your feelings?" Nel asked and Grimmjow could hear the sarcasm in her voice.
"Nah, I was just remembering my time with the Exequias Army," Grimmjow said. "I was younger then and I thought that the Exequias Army was all there was."
"What do you think now?"
"I think I was naïve to think that and now…now I know there's more to life than being with the best and strongest."
"Oh…and what is there?"
"There's being the best and strongest."
"Damn it, now you're sounding like my cousin, Nnoitora. Why do guys think that they all have to be the best and strongest and beat each other up when they're not fucking a gal in their spare time?"
"Are ya finished?"
"Yeah."
"Good, because I wasn't done," Grimmjow said and draped an arm around her shoulder. "Being the best and strongest is not all there is either."
"Oh…did you come to some kind of revelation?"
"I guess," Grimmjow said and looked at her. "You came into my life."
Nel blushed as she looked at him. She then turned her head aside.
"I never told you how Pesche and Dondochakka found me; did I?"
"You didn't."
"It was when I was a kid. We were in the same orphanage and the headmaster…he…he would beat us and he…he…"
"Was he eaten by wolves?" Grimmjow asked remembering something that Rudobon told him.
"No," Nel said. "Why do you ask?"
"It's something that Rudobon told me. He told me about the headmaster of an orphanage who would abuse his wards and got torn to pieces by a pack of wolves."
"There are always people like that," Nel said. "I'm sure that the headmaster at the orphanage I was in wasn't the only one who liked to show off his authority by using abuse, but he wasn't eaten by wolves. Anyways, Pesche and Dondochakka were in the same orphanage and they…they did what they could to protect some of the others and they suffered for it."
"Is that how they got all of those scars?"
"Yeah. They got most of those while trying to protect me since I was so small back then. One evening, a group of us decided to run away. I couldn't begin to tell you how much of a relief it was to get out of that orphanage. We ran. We were free. We were hunted down like wild animals."
"He…he sent a posse after you?"
"He…oh God he was still awake when we ran. I don't know how he found out we were gonna run. He just knew and he…he shot at us. The fucking bastard shot at us," Nel said and cried.
"You don't have to say any more," Grimmjow said. "If it's too painful…you don't have to say anymore."
"I do," Nel said and she snapped her head up to look at him. Grimmjow backed away a little when he saw the fire that came into her eyes. "I have to get this out. You would have no idea what I saw that night. I saw some of my friends fall as their backs were torn open by bullets and he…he was laughing. He kept crying out, 'This is your reward for being born Arrancar.'"
"My God," Grimmjow said. "Was he…did he serve in the Gotei?"
Nel nodded.
"He did. He stood on the porch of the orphanage and was shooting at us while wearing his Gotei uniform. Ever since then, I've hated that uniform and anyone wearing it. That uniform killed many of my friends."
"No, it was the man wearing the uniform that did that," Grimmjow said. "Not everyone who wears a Gotei uniform is evil and not everyone who is an Arrancar is good. You have to remember that you survived. That's what being an Arrancar means: you have what it takes to survive. So, you escaped the bastard. What happened next?"
"We fled into the Hueco Mundo Wastes. I knew that I had family there because of a letter my mother left me before she dropped me off at the orphanage. It said that when I got older to go to the Hueco Mundo Wastes and visit her sister's family, the Gilga. That's how I met my cousin, Nnoitora."
"You mean the one who's always boasting about how he's the best and strongest?"
"That's the one," Nel said. "I guess you could say that he loathed me at first sight. He would always challenge me to fights and I would always beat him. I guess…that only intensified his hatred of me. However, he didn't mind it if Pesche or Dondochakka beat him."
"Probably because he hated the idea of a girl beating him," Grimmjow said.
"That's probably it," Nel said. "At any rate, my time with the Gilga family was the happiest time I had in my childhood, but happiness must always come to an end."
"Does it?"
"That's how it seems to be for me," Nel said. "The end came with this rapier," she said and withdrew it from its sheath. "Toda Lucha tiene un Propósito," she said and traced the words on the medallion. "All Struggle has a Purpose."
"I don't get it. What does your rapier have to do with it?"
"It belonged to the headmaster of the orphanage I was in," Nel said and sighed.
"You went back?"
"I did. I went back to confront him. I was becoming a woman then and I thought that I should confront him."
She closed her eyes and remembered what happened that day.
The Orphanage, Nine Years Before
"Stay here," Nel said to Pesche and Dondochakka.
"Are ya sure?" Pesche asked.
"I'm sure."
"We suffered too, don'tcha know," Dondochakka said. "We should confront him too."
"I know, but…I have to do this alone."
She walked up the steps to the porch were four years earlier the man who ran this place shot at them. She refused to look at the open ground that surrounded the orphanage in fear of seeing traces of that night like the remains of a child's shoe or doll or even splatters of dried blood on the ground. Instead, she focused her eyes on the door ahead and knocked.
There was no response and for a moment she hoped that the man died. However, there was no such luck. The door opened and she looked into those dark green eyes that she hated the most. He still stood tall and straight as he ever did. His silver hair was combed back.
"May I help you?"
"Mr. Nigami?"
"Yes, I'm Mr. Nigami. How may I help you?"
"I wish to discuss something with you."
"I see. Come inside. Would you like for your two associates to come in as well?"
"No, that will not be necessary," Nel said and entered the orphanage for the first time since that night.
Mr. Nigami closed the door behind her and looked at her. He turned and pressed his back against the door and turned the lock.
"So…what did you want to talk about…Nelliel?"
Nel turned and looked at him in surprise. Mr. Nigami smiled and walked towards her.
"Did you think I wouldn't recognize that green hair or those hazel eyes? Did you think I wouldn't recognize Pesche or Dondochakka? Four years may have passed, but I could never forget one of my wards."
"Then I guess you know why I'm here."
"Oh…I know," he said and launched himself at her.
Nel tried to avoid the attack, but Mr. Nigami's reflexes were still razor sharp. He struck her on the side of the head and Nel went sprawling. He stopped and looked at her. His smile was even wider than before. He brushed his silver hair back and walked towards her until he stood over her. He bent down and picked her up. Nel looked into those eyes and saw the fires of lust and hatred burning in them.
"Oh…I've wanted to do this for so long," he said and licked his lips as he carried her into the master bedroom. "Ever since that first time with ya…oh God…the hunger…the hunger…"
Nel gritted her teeth. There was no way she was going to fail. She wouldn't let Pesche or Dondochakka get involved. This was why she resolved to do this alone. She would not let anyone know her secret. That she had been taken by force and violated by Mr. Nigami only two nights before they made their escape.
He threw her onto the bed and stood over her. He looked at her and grinned as he walked to the wall where he hung his prized possessions. He looked at it and then reached up for the rapier that he prized more than anything else.
"This rapier," he said unsheathing it, "belonged to Antonio Gamuza. I'm sure you know that name, Nelliel Tu Odelschwank."
Nel didn't say anything.
"Well, ANSWER ME!" he shouted and struck her across the face. "You know that name because you're part of his family line and I know that everyone related to that…that Arrancar knows his name since they take such great pride in it."
"Fuck you," Nel said.
"No, I'm gonna fuck you," Mr. Nigami said as he brought the blade closer to her. "Now, be a good li'l girl and spread those legs. I know that all of you Arrancar gals spread your legs for anything. Yeah…you Arrancars are all nothing more than whores and butchers." He brought the blade closer to her blouse and began to cut away the buttons.
"What about your wards?" Nel asked.
"They're all taking their naps," he said and grinned. "They won't wake up for quite some time."
"You killed them?"
"They were all Arrancars. Arrancars don't deserve anything else."
Nel felt rage build up inside her. She balled her hand into a fist and as Mr. Nigami cupped one breast in his hand she struck him. Mr. Nigami let out a cry of surprise and the rapier fell from his hand. Nel let out a scream struck him in the stomach. He let out another cry and struck her in the stomach. She went flying back and struck the brass bed frame. Her vision shimmered slightly and then everything came back into focus.
"You bitch," he snarled as he approached. "You fucking bitch…I'm…gonna…teach you…manners."
Nel felt something under her hand. She didn't care what it was so long as she could use it to do some damage to this bastard. She grasped it and thrust out. Mr. Nigami stopped and looked in surprise at the rapier that had skewered him. Blood blossomed from the entry wound.
"You bitch," he said as Nel withdrew the blade. "You cut me."
"Oh…you haven't been cut yet," Nel said and thrust the blade again. This time the rapier dug into Mr. Nigami's shoulder. He grunted as he staggered back. "Why?"
"What are ya talking about?"
"Why did you shoot at us? We were just kids."
"Oh…that," he said and smiled. "You were all Arrancars. All Arrancars deserve to die."
"What did we do? What did we do to deserve that?"
"You were born Arrancars," he said and smiled.
"You…FUCKER!" Nel shrieked and launched herself at him.
Mr. Nigami tried to get out of the way, but he couldn't compete with Nel's fury. Nel grabbed him and threw him onto the bed. He landed hard and the foot of the bed collapsed. Nel jumped on him and brought the rapier down into his chest.
"WE…WERE…JUST…KIDS! WE…WERE…JUST…KIDS! WE…WERE…JUST…KIDS!" she screamed over-and-over again. With each word, she brought the rapier down on him and out. "WE WERE JUST KIDS!" she screamed for one last time and thrust the rapier through his throat.
"Fucking…Arrancar…" Mr. Nigami gasped as blood poured from his wounds.
"That's right," Nel said and looked at the rapier. "I am an Arrancar."
She wiped the blade clean. She thought of just getting rid of it. Instead, she grabbed the scabbard and re-sheathed the rapier. She clung to it as she walked to the rooms where the orphans slept. When she opened the door, she saw the children in their beds. She knew she would find nothing but corpses, but she had to check. With each child she checked, tears flowed from her eyes.
The Hueco Mundo Wastes, Two Years Before
"Shit," Grimmjow muttered.
"I know," Nel said. "We buried the children and burned that damned place to the ground. When the papers came out, do you know what they said? They said that Mr. Nigami was a fucking hero who died to defend those children from an Arrancar attack."
"What?"
"Those fuckers would actually say that a person like Mr. Nigami died a hero because he's one of their own. If something bad happens…they blame Arrancars. If someone goes insane and kills people…they blame Arrancars. We're all nothing more than Gamuzas to them," she said and looked at the blade.
"Like in Antonio Gamuza?" Grimmjow asked.
"Something like that," Nel said. "But 'Gamuza' was just the word he adopted in order to hide his true last name. He decided on 'Gamuza' because he felt that the Arrancars were being used as little more than scapegoats like the legendary figure Gamuza who was pierced with many arrows because the people believed that he was responsible for their sorrows when in reality they were the ones responsible.
"No, Antonio Gamuza's real name was Antonio Tu Odelschwank," Nel said. "I'm his grand-daughter and I take pride in that fact. He tried to show the inhabitants of the Gensei Provinces that they were responsible for their own troubles, but none wished to face that fact. Instead, the Gotei massacred an entire town and they blamed him for it."
"Did they really do that?"
"Who knows what really happened?" Nel said. "However, since the town was made up of people who were empathetic to the Arrancars, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the Gotei were involved.
"So, now that you know that I've killed in cold-blood, do you still want to be with me?"
"That hasn't changed," Grimmjow said. "Besides, you killed someone who deserved it."
"Are you sure about that?" Nel asked. "If that's the case then why do I still have nightmares about him? Why do I still dream that someone else took over me that moment? Why do I wonder if there was some other way it could have gone?"
"It's because you're better than…than animals like him. That's why you can feel regret. Shit, I've killed people too and some of them I regret killing. But, you do what you have to in order to move on."
"Then kiss me," Nel said.
"What?"
"You heard me. I want you to kiss me. It might help," Nel said.
"Do you know how long I've wanted to do that?" Grimmjow asked and pressed his lips to hers.
As they began to undress each other in the dark, a wolf began to howl.
The Hueco Mundo Wastes, One Year Before
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Nel screamed and hugged Grimmjow.
"Huh…what?" Grimmjow muttered as he was still getting up.
"She said 'Happy Birthday'," Nakeem said. "Are ya deaf?"
"Shut up, Nakeem, I'm still getting up," Grimmjow said and yawned.
He saw the rest of his Panteras along with Pesche and Dondochakka sitting around the fire. Shawlong, however, was leaning against a boulder and sipping at his morning cup of tea. Grimmjow got up and put on his vest. He allowed his hand to travel the scar that Ichigo Kurosaki gave him last year.
"One of these days, Kurosaki," he growled. "I'm gonna repay the favor."
"Come on, Grimm-Kitty," Nel said. "Hurry and get your breakfast before it's all gone."
"Coming, and don't call me 'Grimm-Kitty'," Grimmjow said.
"Why do you call him, 'Grimm-Kitty'?" Edorad asked.
"When he's asleep, he sounds like a purring kitten," Nel said.
"I thought his snoring sounded familiar," Di Roy said and they all laughed.
"Yeah, yeah, just don't make it a habit," Grimmjow said. "I have my reputation to keep."
After breakfast, Grimmjow went to look at the sunrise as the others got ready to move out. He saw Nel coming to join him and he moved over to make room. Nel sat next to him and as the sun began to rise, she held out something to him.
"Grimm," Nel said and pushed small wrapped package into his chest. "I gotcha a present."
"What is it?" Grimmjow asked as he took it from her.
"Go ahead, open it," she said.
Grimmjow tore into the paper and saw a silver medallion engraved with a large cat prowling the desert under a crescent moon. The inscription "Moler el Mundo para el polvo" was engraved along the edges.
"Wow," Grimmjow whispered. "Thanks Nel," he said and put it on. He looked at how the silver stood out against his chest and the long scar. "This is…awesome."
"I'm glad you like it," Nel said. "I figured that you would need some kind of memento. Most of the Arrancars carry something with them that shows what they're about. This one just happened to catch my eye."
"Thanks, I'll always wear it."
Nel smiled and looked out. However, her smile faltered when she saw two riders approaching.
"Shit," she moaned.
"What is it?" Grimmjow asked and looked at the two riders.
Both were wearing eye-patches. One was tall and thin with long greasy black hair while the other was shorter with closely-cropped blonde hair.
"NELLIEL!" Nnoitora shouted. "Ulquiorra told me that I would find you here."
"Just what were ya doing with Night Bringer?" Nel asked.
"Easy, Shadow Lurker is gathering the Espada to him," Tesla said.
"Shut up, Tesla," Nnoitora snarled. "Yeah…Shadow Lurker is looking to recruit the Espada and since you're currently on that list…"
"Why should we go with you?" Grimmjow asked. "What makes you think we would even want to have anything to do with Shadow Lurker?"
"Who the fuck are you?" Nnoitora snarled.
"He's Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and we are the Panteras," Shawlong said.
"Ah then we've hit pay-dirt. Two for the price of one," Nnoitora said. "Tesla, tell them."
"Yes sir," Tesla said. "Shadow Lurker is looking for recruits to help with an attack on Karakura Town. He wanted whoever found Grimmjow and the Panteras to tell them that the boy who gave him that scar is their sheriff."
"WHAT?" Grimmjow asked.
"You heard right," Nnoitora said, grinning. "Ichigo Kurosaki is the new sheriff of Karakura Town. This would be wonderful payback for what he did to ya. Wouldn't ya agree?"
"Grimmjow," Shawlong said. "The Kurosaki boy defied you and you swore revenge. As soon as you do, you can cut all ties with Shadow Lurker. However, this may be the excellent opportunity to get revenge."
"I know," Grimmjow said. "But the idea of Shadow Lurker giving me orders just makes me sick."
"I understand," Nel said. "However, from what I've heard, Shadow Lurker will never quit until he gets what he wants. Right now, he wants us and he'll continue to chase after us if we don't decide to follow him."
"Damn, he's one of those types," Grimmjow said.
"Nnoitora," Nel said.
"Huh?"
"Why did you decide to follow Shadow Lurker?"
"Are you joking? It's because anyone who brings Karakura Town down will be known as the best and strongest among Arrancars."
"But you'll have to share it," Nel said.
"I can deal with them afterwards," Nnoitora said and grinned.
"I see," Nel said and shook her head. "I'll go…just so that way I can keep an eye on you."
"WHAT?" Nnoitora shouted. "I don't need…YOUR FUCKING CONCERN!"
"Yet, you do," Nel said.
"Are ya sure about this?" Grimmjow asked.
"I'm sure," Nel said.
"Fine, then I'm coming as well," Grimmjow said. "Panteras, if you want to go your own way, you may."
"Fuck that," Edorad said. "We're coming too."
"Yeah, you kept your word to us," Yylfordt said. "It's time we make our own vow."
"I agree," Shawlong said.
"What are ya talking about?" Grimmjow asked.
Immediately the Panteras fell to one knee. Their heads were bent.
"Grimmjow," Shawlong said. "I, Shawlong Kufang, speak on behalf of the Panteras. We swear to follow you and to support you in your decisions. We will follow you wherever you go, even if it means our deaths. We, Shawlong Kufang, Yylfordt Granz, Di Roy Linker, Edorad Leones, and Nakeem Grindina, swear this upon our names and our blood. If we fail to uphold our vows, then we will find our Pride on the Blade broken."
"Are ya sure ya want to swear that?" Grimmjow asked.
"We're sure," Yylfordt said.
"Fine, then I accept your oaths," Grimmjow said.
"Tch…'Pride on the Blade'," Nnoitora snarled. "Do you idiots still believe that nonsense?"
"It's not nonsense," Pesche said.
"Pesche, Nnoitora has never once bothered to learn the importance of Pride on the Blade," Nel said. "He doesn't understand that it's the most sacred thing to a true Arrancar. That's why he does not understand what it means to be an Espada."
"What are you talking about?" Tesla asked. "Master Nnoitora knows that to be an Espada, you have to be the best and strongest."
"It's not, though," Nel said. "To be an Espada means to know the code of Pride on the Blade, the importance of being true to yourself and others."
Las Noches, One Year Before
"Again, niño," Dordoni said.
Grimmjow watched as Dordoni was teaching Di Roy how to use a sword. Sometimes a battle could be won with just a sword and he wanted to make sure that all of the Panteras became familiar with it. He watched as his Panteras were practicing with the other Privaron Espada, those who used to be Espada but were since replaced. He watched as Yylfordt and his brother, Szayel Aporro, were getting into a fight over something. Grimmjow shook his head. Yylfordt wanted to learn swordsmanship while Szayel Aporro was busy tinkering with another one of his "inventions" or "experiments".
"I see that those two will never get along," Nel said.
"No, they won't."
"I heard screaming coming from Szayel Aporro's lab."
"He's been trying out a new drug that Zommari developed. It's something called Brujería. Ya know, I still can't figure out how Zommari became an Espada."
"Most of the Espada become that way either through committing assassinations or forming an army and attacking the Borderlands or by doing robberies or some combination. Zommari, however, became that way by weakening the Gotei through addictive drugs. He always boasts about how one day his drugs will bring down all of the Gensei Provinces."
"That sounds like a lame way to bring down the Gensei Provinces," Grimmjow said. "Hell, there's no fun in it."
"Yet it could be the way to bring it about," Nel said and frowned.
"I doubt that."
Grimmjow looked back to where the Panteras were training when he saw Baraggan coming towards them.
"Shit, the 'King' approaches," Grimmjow moaned and stood up.
"Huh, I wonder what he's doing," Nel said.
"Why doesn't he have his Crimson Dragons with him?"
At that moment Baraggan turned and made his way towards them. Grimmjow and Nel looked at each other.
"We better show him some manners," Nel said.
"No shit," Grimmjow said. "The last thing I want is for him to complain about us not showing him the proper respect."
They stood up straight as Baraggan approached. He stopped and looked at them.
"We got new recruits coming," Baraggan growled. "They're nearing the entry. Everyone's to gather to greet them," he snarled and walked away.
"Well, that was pleasant," Nel said as they watched Baraggan's retreating back.
"Fresh meat eh," Grimmjow said grinning. "Perhaps we should give them a proper welcome."
"Just go easy on them," Nel said. "We don't know who they are."
"They're probably just some green-horn Arrancars who want to join the fun," Grimmjow said and the two made their way to the entrance to the basin.
"We heard," Shawlong said as the Panteras approached them.
"New recruits," Di Roy said and grinned.
"Just go easy on them," Pesche said.
"Someone's coming," Yylfordt said.
"I hope I can use one of them as a test subject," Szayel-Aporro said. "Zommari wants to begin seeing the effects of Brujería mixed with other drugs."
"I don't think you'll be able to use any of them that way, Freak," Cirucci said.
"Oh…and what makes you say that?" Szayel Aporro asked.
"Lord Aizen's with them," Gantenbainne said. "And so is Ulquiorra…holy shit…do you think…?"
"It's the only possibility," Dordoni said.
"What are you blabbing about?" Grimmjow asked.
"Aizen sent Ulquiorra to find…but…does that mean they found…?" Nel gasped.
Grimmjow looked and he saw Aizen leading the new recruits. Ulquiorra rode next to him but behind them came four women, three following a blonde darkly-tanned woman who was riding next to a little girl. At the head of this group, looking more like a leader than Aizen was a man with shoulder-length brown hair and a faded goatee.
"No…no way…" Grimmjow whispered.
"My dear Espada and Arrancars," Aizen said as he came to a halt. "As you are aware, the position of Primera Espada has been vacant here in Las Noches."
"You should have appointed me the Primera," Baraggan growled.
"I am pleased to announce that position is now filled. I would like to introduce you to the Primera Espada of Las Noches and the Hueco Mundo Wastes, Coyote Starrk."
Las Noches, Eight Months Before
"Hey Grimm," Starrk said as he carried his plate of fried bread and baked beans to where Grimmjow was sitting.
"Starrk, pull up a rock and sit a spell," Grimmjow said and smiled.
"Don't mind if I do," Starrk said and sat down. "Where's Nel?"
"Oh…she went off somewhere," Grimmjow said. "Where are Harribel and Lilynette?"
"Probably with Nel," Starrk said and the two laughed.
It was weird for Grimmjow to actually be sitting with the legendary Los Lobos, a man who Rudobon admired and respected. At first, Grimmjow thought that Starrk would turn out to be a braggart like Baraggan or Nnoitora or Yammy, or a serious know-it-all like Ulquiorra. However, he never expected for Starrk to be the type of guy who would sit down with the Fraccion and just talk with them. It took a couple of weeks for Grimmjow to work up the courage and introduce himself to Starrk.
He was glad that he did.
"So, where's Aisslinger?" Starrk asked. "I haven't seen him for a while, or Luppi for that matter."
"I think they're busy on a mission with Zommari in the Borderlands," Grimmjow said.
"Brujería," Starrk muttered as though the word was venom.
"Yeah," Grimmjow said.
He didn't know much about Brujería, but he knew that it was something dangerous. He forbade his Panteras from ever touching it. Starrk felt the same way about the drug as Grimmjow did. They saw what happened when someone went through withdraw from the drug. So far, no one who took the drug a single time ever returned to normal. If they got off it, their movements became hindered and their thought processes became slower. Brujería was a drug that destroyed the mind and the body and that was the effect that Aizen seemed to want. Then, when it was mixed with peyote and became the drug Amor, it could be lethal if taken in too-large quantities.
"What would Aizen want with a drug like that?" Grimmjow asked.
"I don't know," Starrk said. "But it's not an honorable way to wage war. What makes it even worse is that he doesn't care who gets their hands on it. It's one thing for an adult to go for something like that since it's their choice, but to introduce it to a child…I can't stand by that."
"I know," Grimmjow said. "Nel's becoming out-spoken about it. She's thinking of going to the Gotei and informing them of it."
"I thought she hated Gotei," Starrk said.
"She does, but that doesn't mean that she'll just stand aside and let something like Brujería and Amor be used to weaken our enemy."
"She has a strong Pride on the Blade," Starrk said. "You two were made for each other."
"I know…in fact," Grimmjow said and brought out the ring from his vest pocket. "I'm thinking of asking her to marry me."
"That's wonderful," Starrk said. "Perhaps we can make it a double wedding," he said and brought out a ring from his coat pocket.
"Harribel?"
"Harribel," Starrk said and smiled. "Of course, that is if I can get up enough courage to ask her."
"Hell, we can ask them tonight at the dance. I say that we do it at the same time," Grimmjow said. "That way you can't chicken-out."
"I could say the same for you," Starrk said and the two laughed.
On top of one of the cliffs, Harribel, Lilynette, and Nel were sitting. They ate their own meals and were laughing.
"So…so then, Grimmjow, he just…he just panicked and started shrieking like a little girl," Nel said.
"He reacted that way…to a rabbit?" Lilynette asked, unable to believe what she just heard.
"Yeah…can you imagine…the great Grimmjow scared…of a RABBIT?" Nel said and laughed.
"I can believe it," Harribel said. "Starrk had a similar reaction when he saw an armadillo."
"No way," Nel said and burst out into laughter.
"Of course, he said he wasn't afraid," Harribel said.
"Men are funny that way," Nel said. "They act tough, but deep down they're shaking in their boots. I know that Grimmjow's that way when it comes to asking me to marry him."
"Whoa, how do you know that?" Lilynette asked.
"I found the ring," Nel said and gave her mischievous smile. "He doesn't know I found it, but I did. When he finally asks the question, I'm gonna act surprised and shout, 'HELL YEAH I'LL MARRY YA!'"
"Starrk's thinking of proposing to me as well," Harribel said. "I don't need to see the ring to know that he has one for me."
"So romantic," Lilynette sighed.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," a raspy voice said.
The three jumped a little and turned to see Aaroniero behind them. He was dressed in a black suit with a ruffled white shirt and a dark purple velvet ascot. His silver mask shone with the light of the setting sun.
"What do you want, Aaroniero?" Nel asked.
"Aizen would like to see you, Nel," Aaroniero said.
"We'll come too," Lilynette said.
"No…just Nel. He's waiting at the Sunset Point," Aaroniero said and he walked away.
"That guy gives me the creeps," Lilynette said.
"I know," Harribel said.
"I should tell Pesche and Dondochakka where I'm going," Nel said.
"Come to think of it…I haven't seen them," Lilynette said. "They said that they would play with me this morning, but I couldn't find them."
"You know…now that you mention it…I haven't seen them since last night," Nel said. "Hmm, maybe they got sent on a mission."
"But, wouldn't they have told you if they had?" Harribel asked.
"True," Nel said. "I'll ask Aizen about it when I see him. Anyways, I'll see you tonight at the dance," Nel said and waved to them.
Nel began to whistle "La Distancia Para un Duelo" as she walked along the cliff-edge. She could see someone standing at the Sunset Point, which was a part of the cliff that formed the Western Wall of Las Noches that stuck out like the prow of a ship. She slowed down since she saw that the figure was not Aizen. Her hand went to her revolver and she put her left hand on top of the rapier she kept with her. As she came closer, the figure turned to face her.
"Well, you made it," Nnoitora said and grinned at her.
"What do you want?"
"I want that rematch."
"How many times do I have to fight you before you realize that you can't beat me?"
"So, are ya gonna duel with me?"
"I hope you don't mean for real," Nel said.
"Of course I mean for real."
"That's not gonna happen."
"Why not?"
"You're my cousin, Nnoitora. I don't have any reason to fight a member of my family."
"Is that so? Hmm, interesting…I don't see your two henchmen with ya."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh…ya know…the big guy and the blonde guy who keep tagging along with ya," Nnoitora said and grinned as Nel jumped slightly.
"Pesche…and…and Dondochakka," Nel said as she turned to face him.
"THAT'S IT!" Nnoitora said and slapped his knee.
"Where are they, Nnoitora?" Nel asked.
"Don't worry, I haven't done anything to them…yet," Nnoitora said.
"Where are they?"
"So…now do ya have a reason to duel with me?" Nnoitora asked.
"Damn it Nnoitora, tell me where they are," Nel said.
"They're in a nice holding cell," Nnoitora said and smiled at her. "I'll tell ya what. If ya win the duel…they go free and I leave you alone."
"Fine then," Nel said. "I agree to that since I'm gonna win."
"Don'tcha want to hear the terms if I win?"
"That's not gonna happen, Nnoitora."
"Oh…don't be so sure," Nnoitora said.
Before Nel had time to react, Nnoitora straightened his right hand and a pistol that was hidden in his sleeve appeared in his hand. Nel reacted, but unfortunately not fast enough. Nnoitora fired and Nel felt something hit the side of her head. She staggered and her foot slipped on the edge of the cliff. As she fell to the sandy ground below, everything became black.
Nnoitora walked to the cliff's edge as the last light of the setting sun was giving way to the sun and moon overhead. He looked down and saw Nel's body lying at the bottom.
"So…did my li'l device work?" Szayel-Aporro asked as he approached.
"It did," Nnoitora said with a grin.
"I'm glad to hear it. You will talk to Aizen about giving me a position with the Espada in exchange for my help, right?"
"Of course I will," Nnoitora said as he took off his jacket and revealed the hidden mechanical holster that Szayel-Aporro made for him to hide the small pistol. "And he'll keep his promise to give you a position. Shit, he kept his promise that I would be the one to take care of that bitch."
"It's too bad that she made such a fuss about going to the Gotei and warning them about the drugs," Szayel Aporro said. "If she hadn't then she would still be alive," he said and walked away.
"Whatever," Nnoitora said and he grabbed his riffle from the rock he leaned it up against when he first arrived. He traced the gold lettering on the butt of the gun that surrounded the grinning skull. "Estamos hechos para Sufrir," he said and sighed. "Nel, you're wrong. All struggle does not have a purpose. The truth is: We are made to Suffer," Nnoitora said and walked away.
The Hueco Mundo Wastes, Eight Months Before
Far below the Sunset Point, Nel stirred, but she could not move. Her head ached more than it ever had. She opened her eyes and saw the stars begin to shine above her in the early twilight hours. She heard running footsteps coming towards her.
"Nel," Pesche said.
"Oh God, Nel, we're glad we found ya, don'tcha know," Dondochakka said.
Nel tried to speak, but she just couldn't.
"Don't try to speak," Pesche said. "Oh Nel, we're so sorry for failing you like this. We…we were taken by some of Baraggan's men and put in one of the holding cells. We weren't there very long since Dondochakka leaned against one of the walls and uncovered the entrance to a mine shaft that must have been covered-up."
"Yeah I mean talk about a Deus-ex-Machina, don'tcha know," Dondochakka said as he knelt besides Nel.
"Now, I know we shouldn't try to move ya, but it's not safe here," Pesche said. "Dondochakka you're gonna have to carry her, but try to keep her body as straight as possible. This may be a bad idea, but we have to get out of here as soon as possible."
"I know, but…what if we make it worse?"
"That's a risk we'll have to take. We have to make sure that she survives and if we leave her here, then she'll definitely die."
"I know," Dondochakka said. "But, where are we gonna take her?"
"I've got a pretty good idea about that," Pesche said. "Now come on."
Dondochakka lifted Nel as gently as he could in his large hands and did the best he could to make sure that he didn't do anything to make her wounds worse. Nel didn't mind. She was alive. Nnoitora's little pistol did not do as much damage as the fall had since it was extremely inaccurate and had only grazed her head.
She looked up into Dondochakka's face and smiled. She knew she would be in good hands and there was a chance that she would someday be reunited with Grimmjow.
Las Noches, Eight Months Before
"Hey, have any of you seen Nel?" Grimmjow asked a group of Arrancars.
"No, we haven't," one of the Arrancars with long, wavy purple hair and was wearing a very tight pair of jeans with sparkles on the leggings made to look like roses, said.
"I'm sure she's around," another, a large bulky man, said.
"Thanks for nothing," Grimmjow snarled as he walked away from Nirgge and Cuuhlhourne who only looked at each other and nodded.
"Well…anything?" Harribel asked.
"No one seems to know where she is," Grimmjow said.
"I know. I asked around and no one has seen her," Lilynette said.
"When was the last time you saw her?" Grimmjow asked.
"At around sunset," Harribel said. "We were talking when Aaroniero told her that Aizen wanted to see her at the Sunset Point."
"Wait…why would Aizen want to see her at the Sunset Point?" Grimmjow asked.
"I don't know," Harribel said. "Maybe you should talk to Aizen about this."
"That's what I intend to do," Grimmjow said and began to march towards Aizen's cabin.
He saw Starrk rushing towards him.
"I talked with some of the other Espada," Starrk said. "Aaroniero told me…"
"I know…Aizen wanted to meet her at Sunset Point," Grimmjow said.
"Yeah," Starrk said. "However, I didn't see Nnoitora or Szayel-Aporro around."
"I'll take care of those two later," Grimmjow said. "They might know something. Well, at least Nnoitora might know something. Szayel-Aporro was probably too busy building one of his li'l toys to be involved."
"I'll go with ya," Starrk said.
"No, I'll take care of this myself," Grimmjow said. "You go ahead and do what you said you were gonna do."
"Nope," Starrk said. "We said that we would propose together. That's what I intend to do. I intend to propose to Harribel the same time you propose to Nel. The sooner we find her…the sooner we can do that."
"Thanks Starrk," Grimmjow said and smiled as he clapped the man on the shoulder. "Just…get back to Harribel and keep an eye on her. Chances are that if something happened to Nel, then something could very well happen to her."
"Alright, but be careful," Starrk said and marched off.
"You know it," Grimmjow said and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" a monotone voice called from the other side.
"Open up Ulquiorra, it's me, Grimmjow."
"Do you have an appointment with Lord Aizen?"
"No…I don't have an appointment with Lord Aizen. I need to see him about Nel."
There was silence and then the door opened. Grimmjow looked into Ulquiorra's emerald green eyes.
"You may come in," Ulquiorra said and moved to the side. "Lord Aizen has been expecting you."
"Why would he be expecting me?"
"I figured that you found out that I called Nel for a private conversation on top of Sunset Point," Aizen said as he got up from his desk.
"Aizen," Grimmjow said. "I found out that you called her to meet you at Sunset Point. I want to know why you called her there."
"I was going to talk to her about her relationship with you. I understand that you and she have been very close."
"Yeah well, so are Starrk and Harribel and I don't recall you ever calling her to a private conversation at Sunset Point."
"That's because I already had that conversation with her while we were travelling here," Aizen said. "At any rate, I don't know what happened to Miss Tu Odelschwank. When I arrived at Sunset Point, she wasn't there."
"I see," Grimmjow said. "Did you see anyone coming from there?"
"I did not," Aizen said. "However, I will send out a search party in the morning to look for her. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
"Hey, wait a minute…" Grimmjow began.
"I hope that she's alright," Aizen said.
"Now wait a minute, I still have questions," Grimmjow said, but he was pushed out by Ulquiorra.
"Lord Aizen does not know where Miss Tu Odelschwank is," Ulquiorra said. "I would advise that you do not waste his time on such trivial matters."
"You BASTARD!" Grimmjow cried out as Ulquiorra shut the door in his face.
"Well, well, is the poor li'l Kitty missing Nel?" Nnoitora asked.
"Just the insect I wanted to see," Grimmjow said and turned to Nnoitora. "You did something to her, didn't you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Nnoitora said and grinned.
"You did, and I'll find out what it was you did to her. When I do…"
"I would advise ya to watch your temper," Nnoitora said. "Ya never know what trouble it might get ya into."
"Mark my words, Nnoitora, I'll find out what happened to Nel."
"As far as I'm concerned," Nnoitora said. "Nothing's happened to her. I'll tell ya what. I'll talk to Lord Aizen about it."
"I already tried to talk about it to him. And all that he told me was that he didn't know what happened to her and that he'd send out a search party in the morning to look for her."
"There ya go," Nnoitora said and smiled. "Problem solved. Besides, I know Nel and she can take care of herself."
Las Noches, Four Months Before
"Well, what did he say?" Di Roy asked.
"We're riding out," Grimmjow said. "However, he said that none of the Fraccion is to come with us."
"Wait a minute, so what does that mean?" Nakeem asked.
"It means that we are to stay here," Shawlong said.
"No way," Yylfordt said. "That's crazy."
"I agree," Edorad said. "What's the point of just having the Espada go attack Karakura Town?"
"I don't know and I don't like it," Grimmjow said. "He's dodging it like he did when Nel vanished."
"He said that Nel and her two Fraccion ran away," Shawlong said.
"AND DO YOU BELIEVE THAT?" Grimmjow said.
"Of course I don't," Shawlong said. "So, what would you like us to do?"
"I want you to wait for me outside of Kagamino. If things go sour, I'll join up with ya as quick as I can. That's a promise."
"What if you're unable to make it for some reason?" Shawlong asked.
"Of course he'll make it," Di Roy said. "He's had so many opportunities to die and he hasn't died on us yet."
"That's right," Edorad said. "I say that we continue to trust Grimmjow as he trusted us. If he says he'll meet up with us, then he'll meet up with us."
"I know," Shawlong said. "It's just that I can't help but worry."
"Don't worry, Shawlong," Grimmjow said as he fingered the medallion around his neck. "When I make a promise, I always keep it."
End of Chapter 8
A.N.: I wish to thank darkmachines for allowing me to use his OC Skullak Tuma and for his continuous reviews on this story.
Wow, we're nearing the half-way point. The next chapter will take us back to the present time of the story. I should note that the time designated in the sub-section headings are in terms of prior to the events of the main story. Likewise, there are some things that are being set up for future chapters. Starting next chapter, Aizen's plan will be taking effect at lightning-speed. There will be three more flashback chapters on top of at least six chapters of the story itself.
Thank you for reading and please review.