Legacy of the Moon
Arc II: Dawn of Dreams
Chapter 33: The Dream Weavers
"Use me… use my spirit energy… to fix what the powerful Espadas lack. At least a part of me will remain alive in them and I will be able to contribute to this war against those Infernal Demons, please I beg you…" Zommari said in a sad and desperate tone.
"No Zommari-san… what are you talking about?" Orihime said in a sad but scolding tone.
"He has a point though… we need Stark, Halibel, and Nelliel in their best forms, only then we will have some chances against our enemies," Ulquiorra murmured.
"Are you sure… Zommari?" Sesshomaru asked him one last time.
"Yes, Demon Lord… I am ready for my last duty," Zommari said in a weak but determined voice.
"Very well then… let me see what can be done about it," Sesshomaru responded before he left the barrack in order to find Kisuke Urahara.
Later that day, evening
Area of Squad 10…
Sesshomaru spent the rest of his noon in the Kuchiki Manor talking to Byakuya and as soon as it was evening, he approached Urahara and Yoruichi who were in the Area of Squad 10 along with Isshin. The former captain of Squad 10 just finished a long conversation with Toshiro and Rangiku about the present condition of the squad as well as about the old times when he used to be the captain. Now the moment all three of them were about to leave, they saw Sesshomaru coming towards them.
"Hey, Sesshomaru… what a pleasant surprise, you are looking all fine now," Yoruichi said to him while smiling.
"Yes, I am almost fully healed," the Daiyokai replied.
"That's great!" Isshin murmured while Urahara simply smiled towards Sesshomaru with his fan covering half of his face.
"I need your help urgently with something very important," Sesshomaru said to Urahara, "it is related to the Espadas," he added.
"What is it?" Urahara responded seriously.
"The Espadas are no longer in the condition of facing Infernal Demons," Sesshomaru replied.
"But aren't they healed? Except for Zommari, I have heard healing is no longer working on him," Isshin responded to the Daiyokai.
"Stark holds back in fights because Lilynette is always at risk with him… Tia's sword has fallen significantly weak after the battle against Aizen while Nelliel is not in her actual form," Sesshomaru answered him.
"Hmm… I see" the Shinigami in sandals and hat murmured upon listening to all the issues.
"What do you think Kisuke?" Yoruichi asked him.
"I have researched about all of them before the battle… I think the separation of Coyote-san and Lilynette is possible but there can be consequences. Tia-san's Zanpakuto can become better than ever and I exactly know what to do for it. Nel-san's condition can be fixed easily… but to accomplish all this, we need sacrifices…" Urahara replied to everyone.
"What kind of sacrifices?" Sesshomaru asked him.
"I am not sure about the Tia-san's Zanpakuto repair… but for Stark and Nelliel we will need an averagely powerful Arrancar or several weak Arrancars for the transfer of spirit energy otherwise this won't be possible," the Shinigami in sandals and hat explained in a serious tone.
"Zommari has volunteered," Sesshomaru replied.
"Hmm… so, he knew that this could be fixed if he sacrificed for others," Urahara responded.
"What are you going to do with him? Isshin asked him.
"Nel-san is not actually a child, she is a full-grown adult but because of the heavy loss of her spirit energy along with an injury in her head, she is forced to live as a child. Fixing her Hollow Mask alone won't do… we will have to provide her with ample boost of spirit energy before we fix her Hollow Mask and thus we will need Zommari to transfer his spirit energy into her," Urahara explained.
"What about the situation with Stark and Lilynette?" Sesshomaru asked him with curiosity.
"They are two separate beings in normal terms but in terms of spirit energy, they are the same. Hence, we need to separate them when they become one i.e. during Coyote-san's Resurreccion form. However, there can be serious consequences…" Urahara said in a serious and stopped eventually.
"What kind of consequences?" the Daiyokai asked insistently.
"One of them can die because the separation can deprive at least one of them of spirit energy, depending on their combined spiritual structure. It is also possible that both of them run into a life-threatening state due to the heavy loss of spirit energy and then we will need an ample supply of spirit energy for both of them," Urahara explained the risk.
"So, Zommari again… do you think he will be enough to supply spirit energy to both Nelliel and Stark?" Sesshomaru asked him.
"He is not alone… I have heard that Findorr has survived and currently he undergoing treatment while being a captive of the Soul Society," the Shinigami in sandals and hat replied while keeping his fan over his mouth.
"What about Tia Halibel?" Yoruichi asked Urahara with curiosity.
"Her case is least risky… all we have to do is repair her Zanpakuto while she is in Resurreccion form and for this, we are going to use the spirit energy and Hollow Mask remnants of Findorr because he is an Arrancar with a water-type Zanpakuto just like Tia-san. However, this may break the balance of Hollow nature and Shinigami nature inside her and then we will need a water-type Zanpakuto of a Shinigami to fix that," He replied to her.
"Oh! So, you mean… the Zanpakuto of Kaien Shiba which Noveno Espada has been using all this time. I have heard that we have retrieved it from the Hueco Mundo," Yoruichi responded with a slight shock.
"Yes, you got it right Yoruichi-san," the Shinigami in sandals and hat responded with a smile.
"I don't think Kukaku will ever agree… that sword must be very important for her," Yoruichi muttered to him.
"Don't worry, I will talk to her personally about it and convince her," Urahara replied.
"Besides… what will happen to Zommari and Findorr after these processes?" Isshin asked him.
"They will not survive this," the Shinigami in sandals and hat replied in a serious and dark tone.
"I see… " Isshin responded.
"What about all the arrangements that you need for these processes?" Isshin asked him further.
"Mayuri Kurotsuchi's laboratory exists," He replied in a funny manner with his fan covering his lower face.
"Do you think Soul Society will agree to all this?" Sesshomaru asked him.
"Yes… they definitely will, Soul Society has a history of agreeing to cruel and unethical decisions for the greater good," the Shinigami in sandals and hat replied him, "but we have to hurry," he added.
"But why Kisuke?" Yoruichi asked abruptly.
"Because soon Soul Society will ask all the outsiders to leave to their respective places and now Hueco Mundo is under the dominion of Orkos who is working with the Infernal Demons… hence, Espadas have no other place to go except the World of the Living while these processes are possible either in Mayuri's laboratory or in Szayel Aporro's laboratory," He answered.
"In that case, we need to get to work immediately because we have to explain this and probably convince the Espadas for this" She responded.
"Yes, I will go to Kukaku's place right now," Urahara replied.
"I will ask Ichigo to convince Nel's Fraccions," Isshin muttered.
"I will talk to both Stark and Tia," Sesshomaru said in a serious tone, "thanks Urahara," he added before he left.
"He's so…" Yoruichi mumbled with a smile while looking at him.
"He has good intentions regardless of who he is or how he acts," Isshin muttered, and then everyone left to finish their respective tasks.
Later that evening, nearby Squad 6 Barracks…
As decided, Isshin approached the area of Squad 6 in order to have a word with Ichigo who was still hanging out with Rukia and Renji. He stood at some distance away from their group and called for Ichigo in a loud voice, "Hey Ichigo, come here… I want to talk to you about something."
"What happened, Dad?" Ichigo replied as he rushed towards him while Rukia and Renji were simply watching them from the distance.
"I have an urgent and very important task for you," Isshin spoke further.
"What is it, Dad?" Ichigo responded.
"Urahara is going to operate on Nelliel so that she can regain her true form as an adult and for this I want you to convince both Pesche and Dondochakka," Isshin explained to him.
"Hmm… so that we can use her in the war against those demons of hell?" Ichigo replied in a strict tone.
"Nobody is using anyone, Ichigo… we all are in the same boat and we want to help her so that she can help herself and her Fraccions in their time of need. Soon, Soul Society will ask all of us to leave and Hueco Mundo is under the control of Orkos now so where do you think Arrancars will go?" Isshin replied with slight annoyance.
"I understand, I will talk to her Fraccions then," Ichigo replied in a low voice before he took his leave.
Outskirts of the Soul Society…
Sesshomaru had sent a confidential message to both Stark and Halibel through letters. He wrote them in the Kuchiki Manor and thus they were delivered to them by the servants that Byakuya assigned for him. Now he was on the outskirts, waiting for Stark and Halibel to come at the time mentioned in the letters. Soon enough both Stark and Halibel arrived there all alone just as Sesshomaru wanted them to come. Initially, they were surprised to find each other but it didn't take them long to realize that Sesshomaru must have called the both of them.
"What is it, Lord Sesshomaru?" Halibel asked curiously.
"Is something wrong?" Stark asked him with concern.
"I discussed a few things with Urahara lately and we have taken some decisions but I want to know your opinion on it," the Daiyokai answered them.
"Hmm," Stark responded in a serious manner.
"Tell us about it, Lord Sesshomaru," Halibel replied.
"Tia… Urahara has suggested a way to fix your sword and make it even better. According to him, Findorr can help us in achieving it. He is an Arrancar and his Zanpakuto is also water-type just like yours. The powers of his Zanpakuto will be transferred to yours to repair your sword and if needed then there's one more water-type Zanpakuto of a Shinigami that was retrieved from the Hueco Mundo. Its powers can also be transferred to yours," Sesshomaru explained to her about the process.
"I remember that Zanpakuto, it's a trident. Noveno Espada had it but it seems he left it behind before he was abducted," She replied in a serious tone.
"What will happen to Findorr in the process?" She asked.
"He will die," Sesshomaru replied in his usual cold tone.
"Hmm… this is a nice offer, Lord Sesshomaru… but I can't simply take someone's life to fix my sword," She responded while looking down slowly.
"It's not just about fixing your sword, Tia… but sooner or later we will be facing the Infernal Demons and it is not safe to fight against someone like them with a broken Zanpakuto," Sesshomaru replied to her in an insistent tone.
"He is right, Number 3… you have to be at your best if you want to survive against foes such as them because it is the only way to keep those safe, who are dear to you. Think about your Fraccions and anyone else who is precious to you," Stark said to her in an attempt to make her understand.
"Hmm… I understand," She replied in an agreeing tone while looking towards Sesshomaru.
"The next decision is about you Stark," Sesshomaru spoke while looking towards him.
"Hmm… I wonder what it is," the Primera Espada murmured.
"Urahara researched all the Espadas before the battle started to find their weaknesses and based on this research, he has suggested that you should be separated from Lilynette. This way you won't need her in order to unleash your Resurreccion. She can be at a safe place while you are fighting against powerful foes and you won't have to hold back in the fights," Sesshomaru explained to him.
"This sounds too good to be true but I don't think this will come without any price or a risk," Stark responded to him.
"You are right! This process involves a significant level of risk because it can lead at least one of you into a life-threatening situation," the Daiyokai replied.
"Hmm… how can we avoid it?" the Primera Espada asked in a serious tone.
"According to him, an ample supply of spirit energy from an Arrancar can save both lives," Sesshomaru answered him.
"I don't think Findorr's spiritual pressure would be enough for me and if the division of energy between I and Lilynette is in equal ratio then he might not even be able to save Lilynette's life," Stark responded in a disappointed manner.
"Findorr is not the one whose spiritual pressure we are going to transfer to you," Sesshomaru replied.
"Then who?" Stark asked with a slight shock.
"Zommari… he has volunteered for this," the Daiyokai replied.
"No way… why is he volunteering for something like this?" Halibel asked abruptly.
"Because his condition is not good… he will either end up living as an insignificant Arrancar or he will simply die soon because of the damage that he has sustained in the battle," Ulquiorra answered while appearing there out of a sudden.
"Ulquiorra…" Stark looked at him.
"Hmm… how did you find us?" Sesshomaru asked him.
"I felt the spiritual pressure of the three of you while I was passing by… I thought I might be needed to explain Zommari's condition because I was in the same ward," the Cuatro Espada answered.
"What has happened to him?" Halibel asked curiously.
"He used a technique in the battle which makes use of his core spirit energy and makes it vulnerable for some time. That infernal demon attacked him right at that moment due to which he has lost his Zanpakuto and his spiritual structure is permanently damaged," Ulquiorra explained to him.
"I see…" Stark responded sadly while Halibel was speechless to know this.
"And if Zommari's spirit energy won't be enough then I will supply my spirit energy to both of you," Ulquiorra said to Stark.
"Thank you, Number 4," Primera Espada replied slowly.
"But last time you disintegrated by the overuse of your spirit energy, isn't it?" Halibel asked him.
"Yes, but after my revival I do not feel the same way and I tested it by using my spirit energy to new levels in the fight against Aizen and nothing happened," the Cuatro Espada answered her.
"My Tensaiga cures all imperfections in the natural functioning of its target upon revival," Sesshomaru said to both of them after which Ulquiorra realized why he was able to use so much of his spirit energy without facing any consequences.
"I want you to make two promises to me," Stark said to Sesshomaru in a serious tone.
"What is it?" the Daiyokai asked him.
"First is… if there are any complications then save Lilynette before me," the Primera Espada mumbled.
"And second?" Sesshomaru responded.
"If I couldn't survive the separation process then take care of Lilynette the way you took care of Rin," Stark spoke in a heavy voice.
"Hmm… alright! I promise this," the Daiyokai replied.
"Thank you so much… Lord Sesshomaru," Stark replied while looking into his eyes.
"Both Orihime and Roka will be present throughout the processes so that any complication can be prevented," Ulquiorra spoke as well.
"How did you arrange everything when you didn't know that we were going to carry out these processes?" Halibel asked him with curiosity.
"I anticipated this much and somehow the news reached me," the Cuatro Espada replied.
"Besides, Nelliel will also be operated on along with you two," Sesshomaru said to all of them.
"I see…" Halibel responded.
Now all of them remained there for some time to calm down the storm in their mind but soon they decided to leave because Halibel and Stark didn't want their Fraccions to get suspicious and worried about them.
On the other hand, nearby Squad 6 barracks…
Ichigo had arrived in the barrack in which Nel and her Fraccions were staying. All three of them were quite surprised to see him so late in the evening. Nel immediately got up from her bed and hugged him tight.
"Pesche… Dondochakka… I want to say something serious," He said to all of them in a low voice, "Urahara-san wants to operate Nel in the upcoming days," Ichigo added abruptly.
"What?" Pesche, Dondochakka, and Nel all three replied at the same moment and with similar shocked expressions.
"Yes… so that she can acquire her actual form which she lost years back," He replied them in a serious tone.
"But there can be problems in doing so?" Pesche said with concern.
"It could be dangerous for her, isn't it?" Dondochakka asked him.
"I know it won't be easy but… Urahara-san is doing it so he will take care of it… he won't let anything happen to her," He replied to them with flickering confidence.
"Nel is up for it," Nel said in a determined tone.
"Ohh!" Ichigo looked at her with a slight shock.
"Yes, Itsigo… if it means that Nel can protect you, Pesche, Dondochakka, and all of my friends then Nel is ready for it," Nel said with immense innocence and determination in her tone.
"Nel-Sama!" Pesche whispered slowly.
"Hmm… finally we will have you back," Dondochakka murmured slowly.
"Don't worry Nel, we won't let anything bad happen to you, I promise," Ichigo replied with a smile.
"Nel knows Itsigo," she responded with a smile.
To be continued…
