Sorry for the wait.
Allow me to explain. I did have the next three chapters done, but I felt that I had left too much unexplained and the truth is, I have changed a lot and needed to show this. For this reason, I wrote a small chapter after this, in between my other, already done chapters and for that reason, held off on this one.

Next chapter is rather short and has no Ichigo, but I will follow it up with the next chapter a day or two after. It is a necessary chapter though, otherwise, way too much is passing in the background and it will leave you guys confused, especially when you see characters acting differently later on.
I also got a kick of Bleach motivation back, thanks to a few recently update Bleach stories, so there is that.

I have to say, even though I am skipping most of the early stuff of the invasion into Soul Society, there is going to be a lot before and after the execution. Ichigo really got around, but his actions also affected others quite a bit and I need to show that. I'm already 4K into the execution part and have realised, that I'm going to need to cover four or five different streams of activity, so there is going to be a lot happening at the same time.

Furthermore, exams are next month so after they're all done, I can seriously sit down and write.

Also, I set up a so check that out as well, as I'll post chapters forty-eight hours earlier there.

Enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Bleach anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou talking'

"Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Chapter 6 – Influence

The Arrancar were journeying at a fast pace towards Las Noches. Nel was still in her newly released form and for some reason, couldn't revert out of it yet.

The group did not speak as they travelled; Ulquiorra had nothing to say and Nel wasn't in a particularly talkative mood now either. Pesche and Dondochakka were still rather apprehensive about returning.

Eventually, the group arrived at the white castle. The group slowed their pace now and walked towards the Espada meeting room. Ulquiorra could sense all the Espada were gathered, but interestingly, Sosuke Aizen's presence could be felt as well.

'Welcome back, Ulquiorra. Also, welcome back Nelliel, it has been a while.' Said Aizen amicably.

'Indeed it has, Lord Aizen.' Said Nel respectfully.

'I trust your absence was fruitful.' Said Aizen smoothly.

'It was, so much so, that I wish to display what I have learned.' Said Nelliel, with a smile.

'By all means, shall we go outside now?' Offered Sosuke, to which Nel nodded.

'Very well then. Everyone, if you please, gather your Fracción and have them join us outside in ten minutes. I believe that our dear former Espada has something new to show us.' Said Aizen, before multiple bursts of static were heard and everyone left, leaving Aizen alone.

'Ichigo Kurosaki, just how interesting are you?' Muttered Aizen fondly, before he too headed outside.

-line break-

Ichigo groaned as he sat up. Looking around, he saw the familiar skyscrapers, only now, they were free of any cracks and damage. This time though, he saw two new figures, who seemed to be mildly glaring at each other. One, was a tall man in dark clothing, with long black hair and sunglasses. The other figure though, caused Ichigo to freeze and wonder if his mind had snapped.

'Ichigo! Just look at you, you've grown so much.' Said a fair skinned girl, with light, wavy brown hair.

The woman's hair reached just to her shoulders and she had a cheerful smile on her face. She was wearing a simple school girl uniform of a dark blue colour, a red ribbon resting on her chest and white flaps going over her shoulders, resting against her chest and shoulder blades. Her eyes were a warm brown, which Ichigo knew were the same shade as his own.

'M-mother?' Uttered Ichigo breathlessly.

'Yep, in the flesh, or soul at least. Now come and give your mom a hug.' Said the soul of Masaki Kurosaki.

Ichigo stumbled forward, slowly walking towards, what he was trying to convince himself, was an illusion. This couldn't be real. It couldn't! As Ichigo neared the smiling figure, he hesitantly outstretched his arms. Masaki smiled at this and quickly stepped towards Ichigo and hugged him tightly, her head resting on his chest.

'It's okay Ichigo, I'm here.' Masaki said softly.

Ichigo flinched slightly, before wrapping his arms tightly around his mother and slowly, but steadily, started to cry into her shoulder.

Masaki smiled sadly at this and simply allowed her son to release the pain he had been bottling up inside, for close to a decade.

The tall figure that Masaki had been staring at before, merely watched, choosing not to speak.

Ichigo couldn't believe it. His mother was here. For years now, Ichigo had just wanted to see her one more time. For what, Ichigo always changed his mind. He wanted to hug her forever. To apologise for what he did. Cry his heart out and beg for forgiveness. Tell her all about his friends and his sisters. Make her proud with what he had accomplished so far.

Most of all though, he just wanted her to be there with them all again.

'Come on Ichigo, I'm here now, there is no need to cry.' Soothed Masaki, as she ruffled her son's hair awkwardly.

Ichigo didn't let go at first, still releasing the pain in his heart, before finally deciding to break the hug and look at her.

'You look so young.' Said Ichigo.

'Well, this is what I looked like when I was sixteen. So, Ichigo, what do you think, isn't your mother a real cutie?' Chirped Masaki, causing Ichigo to blush and awkwardly splutter.

'Feh, you really are a weird one, aren't you? Teasing your son.' Said Zangetsu, as he appeared, taking off his new mask and crushing it, turning it into blue spirit particles.

Masaki pouted and glared at Zangetsu.

'Hmm, so it's you. How annoying.' Commented Masaki.

'Oi! If it wasn't for me, you would have shown up all bloodied and probably traumatised orange over here even more.' Retorted Zangetsu.

'Why do you look like that anyway mom?' Asked Ichigo curiously.

'Welllll that's a really, really long story. To explain things really quick though, he and I have met before.' Said Masaki happily, pointing at Zangetsu.

'What about him?' Asked Ichigo, pointing at the other person in his mind right now.

Surprisingly, Masaki gave a small scowl, something which made Ichigo realise he must have gotten it from her.

'He is…' Started Masaki, before the man spoke up.

'Call me Y.' Said the man.

'Y huh? You really aren't that creative, are you? Commented Masaki, with a bored expression.

'I believe I am rather… creative… actually.' Quipped the old man.

'Okay… so what's going on? How are you here mum?' Asked Ichigo curiously.

'When you consumed Grand Fisher, you got her soul, as well as a bunch of others, but she resisted the purification and decided to join us all in your mind.' Explained Zangetsu.

'Yep, so don't be thinking naughty things now, or I'll know.' Sang Masaki, much to Ichigo's embarrassment.

'Oi! He is already enough of a prude, don't make my job any harder than it is already!' Shouted Zangetsu.

'No! My Ichigo is too young to be thinking about stuff like that now!' Shouted Masaki childishly.

'He's a teenager woman! That is when they ARE supposed to think about this sort of stuff!' Retorted Zangetsu in annoyance.

Ichigo just stood there awkwardly, as the two bickered over what were acceptable thoughts for a fifteen-year-old teenager.

-line break-

'Well Nelliel, what do you want to show us?' Questioned an aloof Aizen.

'I'm here to regain my spot among the Espada, but, before that, I am here to give Nnoitra exactly what he has always asked for, a fight to the death.' Snarled Nel viciously, surprising everyone who remembered her.

'I see… Nnoitra, do you accept this challenge?' Asked Aizen curiously.

'Of course! This is the perfect chance to prove that I am head and shoulders above Nelliel!' Shouted Nnoitra in anticipation.

'Very well then. Everyone else, please come with me to watch from a distance.' Said Aizen, before disappearing, along with everyone else, bar Pesche and Dondochakka.

'Lady Nel, are you sure you want to do this?' Asked Pesche worriedly.

'Yeah, you don't have to do this for our sake.' Added Dondochakka.

'Don't worry, this needs to be done.' Said Nel sternly.

'Please be careful.' Said Pesche, with Dondochakka nodding, before the two left as well.

'Heh, so those two wimps stuck with you, did they?' Questioned Nnoitra.

Nel's gaze hardened at the insult to her Fracción, her new tail twitching behind her in irritation.

'What's the matter, did I hurt your feelings Nelliel!' Mocked Nnoitra.

'Take your Resurrección form.' Said Nel firmly.

'You've gotten arrogant Nelliel! Do you really think you can beat me so easily?' Goaded Nnoitra.

'You have ten seconds.' Warned Nel.

-line break-

'Who is this chick anyway?' Asked Emilou Apacci, a tomboyish Arrancar with heterochromia.

'She is the Espada who you master replaced numerically.' Said Ulquiorra.

'Since when do you speak to anyone?' Taunted Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, a blue haired Espada, with the remains of his Hollow mask on his right jawbone.

'I suggest, for once, you pay attention, I believe something interesting will happen now.' Insulted Ulquiorra apathetically.

'What makes you say that, Ulquiorra?' Asked Aizen calmly.

'This form Nelliel is in… it isn't her normal Resurrección, in fact, before today, I didn't think I would ever see anyone achieve it as well, forced though it may be.' Said Ulquiorra, surprising everyone who heard him.

'Do you mean to say, this is some sort of special Resurrección?' Asked Starrk, a lazy brown haired Arrancar, sleepily.

'Yes.' Said Ulquiorra simply.

'Preposterous! I have never heard, nor seen, of such a form.' Grumbled Barragan Louisenbairn, who possessed the appearance of an elderly man, with a white moustache and white hair.

'I have had it for years now and you have not noticed.' Said Ulquiorra simply.

'Ulquiorra, do you mean to say that you have been hiding your true strength?' Asked Aizen curiously.

'Yes, forgive me, Lord Aizen.' Said Ulquiorra, as emotionlessly as ever.

'It is quite alright, although, now I am curious to see it in action.' Commented Sosuke, before focusing his attention back on the fight.

-line break-

'Come on then Nelliel, it's been ten seconds!' Shouted Nnoitra cockily.

'Are you sure you won't heed my warning?' Questioned Nel seriously.

'Like you could even scratch my Hierro!' Taunted Nnoitra, before his chest suddenly sprayed blood everywhere, from a long gash, which went from his right shoulder to left hip.

'That, was your last warning.' Declared Nel from behind Nnoitra, her sword held out to the side, red dripping off green.

'I will kill you NELLIEL!' Shouted Nnoitra in rage, as he gathered his energy and entered his Resurrección form, growing an extra set of arms out, as his oddly shaped weapon split apart, now resembling a multitude of pincers, one held in each hand.

'Before we end this Nnoitra, let me tell you one last thing.' Said Nel in a clam tone, which infuriated Nnoitra, hating that she could be so calm, less than a metre away from him, when he had taken his Resurrección form.

'You never did care enough to learn what my aspect of death was, so before this ends, let me enlighten you.' Said Nel.

'I don't give a shit, you pathetic woman!' Spat Nnoitra enraged, charging at Nel.

In a flash, it was over, both had swung their weapons at each other and only one of them had struck true.

'It is mercy, Nnoitra. Unfortunately for you, I have none left to give.' Whispered Nel, as Nnoitra's arms fell to the floor with a thud.

As his blades slammed into the ground, moments later, his head rolled off and joined his arms on the sandy desert of Hueco Mundo.

As Nnoitra's torso bled out on the ground, Nel felt a sudden pull and before she knew it, she had retaken her original humanoid form. The only exception, being the forward pointing horns, still present on her childish mask, and now, in addition to Gamuza, her original blade, she still possessed the green Japanese long sword from before, held at her waist as well, in a black sheath.

-line break-

'Very well then. Everyone, we shall adjourn back to the meeting hall. Ulquiorra, I would like you to explain about this second form if you do not mind.' Said Sosuke.

'Of course.' Said Ulquiorra, who, unlike nearly everyone else, was not surprised in the slightest of what had just happened.

After a series of static bursts, everyone had returned and took their seats, the Fracción of the Espada standing behind their respective leader. Nel and her Fracción chose to stand for now and Ulquiorra stood next to her as well, facing the table, with Aizen at the end of it.

'Now then, Ulquiorra, would you please explain this new form to your fellow Arrancar?' Requested Aizen.

'Of course, Lord Aizen. It is a form beyond a normal Resurrección. It is called Resurrección: Segunda Etapa.' Said Ulquiorra simply.

'I see… and how does one achieve this form, Ulquiorra?' Questioned Aizen, as a few of the Espada focused on Ulquiorra intently.

'I only knew of one way before today: to completely embrace one's aspect of death. To become it completely.' Said Ulquiorra.

'I see. Although, you say knew, as though there is another way, care to explain?' Asked Aizen.

'From observing Nelliel recently, I believe there is another way, even if it was not brought about voluntarily.' Said Ulquiorra, as he glanced at Nel, meeting her gaze.

'Which would be?' Asked Aizen, with a smile.

'To completely disregard one's aspect of death, to wholly go against it.' Answered Nel.

'I see.' Said Aizen calmly, before removing a small orb from his robe.

'I believe, that in light of things, your rankings may no longer be appropriate. As I do not wish for a bloodbath between my strongest Arrancar, I will allow the Hougyoku to decide your new rankings.' Explained Aizen.

Aizen pushed some of his Reiatsu into the orb and it glowed, bathing the room in a purple glow before fading.

'*sigh* I had hoped for a lower number.' Commented Starrk tiredly, glancing at the three on his hand, after he had removed his glove.

'Speak for yourself, this is bull, I didn't change at all!' Shouted Grimmjow in irritation.

'You speak for yourself as well.' Spoke Yammy with a scoff, noticing he now had a two instead of a ten.

'Would you all call out your new rank, starting from nine, since the Hougyoku has decided it prefers not to have a double digit ranking among the Espada?' Requested Aizen, with a hint of amusement in his tone.

'Noveno.' Said Aaroniero Arruruerie a masked individual.

'Octava.' Intoned Szayelaporro Granz, a tall, thin, pink haired man.

'Séptima.' Said Zommari Rureaux.

'Sexta.' Said Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez.

'Quinto.' Said Tier Harribel, an olive skinned blonde.

Barragan merely grunted in annoyance, indicating he was the new Cuatro.

'Tercera.' Yawned Coyote Starrk.

'Segunda.' Said Yammy Llargo, an extremely muscular man.

'Primera.' Said Nelliel, drawing a few surprised looks.

'Cero.' Said Ulquiorra, getting even more interested looks, as everyone stared at him.

'I see. Ulquiorra, I suppose there must be a reason you held back, if you've had the potential to be the top Espada all this time… would you care to divulge it?' Questioned Aizen.

'…once you have accepted emptiness, everything becomes boring, without meaning almost. I wanted to see things, not from the top, but rather, from the middle… I've heard that to sit upon the throne of heaven, is to be lonely forever.' Said Ulquiorra, getting a raised eyebrow from Nel and a somewhat quizzical gaze from Sosuke.

'So why do you now choose to reveal your power?' Asked the Shinigami curiously.

Ulquiorra didn't reply for a minute, which caused Aizen to become even more curious for his reason.

'…I want to see if I too have a heart.' Said Ulquiorra simply, getting confused looks from most of the Espada, a surprised look from Nel and an interested gaze from Sosuke.

"Ichigo Kurosaki… you truly are a fascinating individual." Thought Aizen in surprise, at just how much the human had affected his new, top two Espada.

Everyone gathered suddenly felt a huge influx of energy, before it suddenly disappeared.

"Very fascinating." Thought Sosuke Aizen, with a small smirk.

-line break-

While Masaki and Zangetsu argued in his mind, Ichigo looked at the black clad figure.

'So, who are you exactly?' Asked Ichigo curiously, unheard by the spirit of his sword or mother.

'I am a part of your powers.' Said the figure, who wished to be referred to as Y.

'But isn't Zangetsu the manifestation of my Shinigami and Hollow powers? What are you then?' Asked Ichigo in confusion.

'There are more than just two sides to you, Ichigo.' Said Y, with a hint of amusement in his tone.

'Zangetsu said the same thing… but I don't know what he means.' Confessed Ichigo.

'Then perhaps, you should ask her.' Suggested Y, pointing at the other Kurosaki in Ichigo's mind.

Ichigo looked towards his mother, who seemed to be growling at Zangetsu, who was returning the gesture in kind.

'Mom, who is this guy?' Asked Ichigo loudly, getting the attention of the two bickering spirits.

'Him? Why? Aren't you happy to see your mother?' Pouted Masaki, deflecting the question.

'Feh, just tell him already woman, you know he is as much a part of his soul as I am, no matter how much you don't like it.' Scoffed Zangetsu.

'Hmm, that's odd coming from you, have you warmed up to…Y?' Asked Masaki curiously.

'Fat chance! At the end of the day though, we're both a part of Ichigo and we both have the same goal, even if we have different ideas for how to go about achieving that.' Said Zangetsu, with a frown, as he looked over to Y.

Masaki looked at the Zanpakutou spirit briefly, before looking at Y, then, finally looking at her son.

'*sigh* Fine, I suppose you deserve to know.' Said Masaki sourly.

Ichigo would have commented, but decided to remain silent for now.

'Well, Ichigo, to start off with, I suppose I will start from my death and work back from there.' Started Masaki sombrely.

'Before you start blaming yourself, it wasn't your fault, I can tell you that much, in fact, if certain events hadn't happened, I would have destroyed Grand Fisher back then.' Said Masaki sternly.

'W-what do you mean, how?' Asked Ichigo in surprise.

'Well, Ichigo, it isn't only Shinigami who can destroy Hollows.' Said Masaki plainly.

Ichigo stared at her in confusion, before his face slowly adopted a look of shock.

'No way…' Gasped Ichigo.

'Yes Ichigo, I'm a Quincy. As are you.' Said Masaki.

Ichigo looked at his mother in muted shock.

'Yep, hear that, you are a complete mongrel, Shinigami, Hollow and Quincy.' Said Zangetsu with a smirk.

'How though, that doesn't make sense?' Questioned Ichigo.

'Well, Ichigo, that is a long story… but I can tell you this much, you got you Quincy powers from me, even though you haven't accessed them yet.' Said Masaki, before giving a quick glance to Zangetsu.

'And… you also got your Hollow powers from me as well.' Continued Masaki.

'Wait what about my Shinigami powers then?' Asked Ichigo curiously.

'Welllll did you know that Kurosaki was actually my maiden name?' Questioned Masaki teasingly.

'Huh? What do you mean?' Queried Ichigo in confusion.

'You know how you always think Isshin is too stupid to even be human?' Asked Masaki, with a smile, to which Ichigo nodded.

'Turns out, you were right after all, because Isshin was actually… oh wait, if your Hollow powers are activated, then I should say, is, a Shinigami.' Cheered Masaki happily.

'Goat chin is a Shinigami?' Mumbled Ichigo in shock.

'Who cares, do you not realise how much power you have?' Questioned Zangetsu, with a bloodthirsty smirk.

'The amount of power he possesses, isn't as important as what he chooses to do with it.' Commented Y.

'Tch, of course you'd say that, you can always just recharge whenever you want.' Spoke Zangetsu with disdain.

'And you can always consume more Hollows.' Retorted Y.

'Why didn't he save you then?' Mumbled Ichigo.

'Because, due to something that had happened about two decades ago, your father lost his Shinigami powers.' Said Masaki, having heard her son.

'Yeah, to be honest, that's kind of my fault. His powers were being used to suppress the Hollow aspect to my powers.' Added Zangetsu.

'Although, like I said, I could have handled it… but something happened that day and it caused me to lose my powers.' Said Masaki, with a frown.

'Yeah, isn't that right, Y?' Said Zangetsu mockingly.

Ichigo turned to face Y and noticed he was frowning.

'To be fair though, I suppose it isn't this Y's fault.' Added Masaki sourly.

Ichigo was feeling entirely overwhelmed at this new influx of information and didn't know how to react.

'I believe this is becoming too much for Ichigo.' Said Y curtly.

Both Zangetsu and Masaki looked at Ichigo and noticed his face appeared strained.

'Hmm, you may be right… well, in that case, you should go back now Ichigo, we can always tell you the rest later, or you could ask Isshin, whichever you prefer.' Said Masaki happily.

Ichigo merely nodded mutely, before closing his eyes and disappearing from the sight of the spirits inside him.

'What kind of a stupid name is Y?' Asked Zangetsu.

'It was either that, or A.' Replied Y.

'What, didn't want to try Q?' Quipped Zangetsu, with a grin.

Y merely stared at Zangetsu blankly.

-line break-

As Ichigo regained control, he noticed he was once again, on the sands of Hueco Mundo.

'…Alright, let's see if this works.' Muttered Ichigo, still in his newest Hollow form, as he raised his Reiatsu output tremendously, before swiping his hand down, tearing through the air.

'Man I wasted a lot of power there.' Muttered Ichigo.

'Yeah, and you didn't have to. You better train for this. Wasting your energy like that might not hurt you too much, but there is no sense in risking it and as a result, not having enough when you really need it. We aren't going to hold your hand forever.' Commented Zangetsu.

"Yeah, yeah.' Said Ichigo, before entering the rip in the dimensions he had just made.