Chapter 29: Hurtful Goodbyes

Author's Note:

This chapter begins to make use of the M-rating in a more explicit sense. There is a lemon/sex scene in this chapter, which will be marked appropriately with bold font for readers who would like to skip it.

Karakura Town

Candice stands in front of a door to an apartment, sighing, "This should be the right place…"

The woman rings the doorbell, waiting a moment as she hears shifting inside.

The door opens, revealing a girl with brown hair, tied into a ponytail, and equally brown eyes, wearing casual clothing.

The girl raises a brow at the woman, frowning, "Who are you?"

Candice sighs in mild disappointment, "Sorry. Looks like it's the wrong address, I'll just—"

The girl interrupts, "No, wait! You're that hottie who was with my kid brother on TV!"

Candice sweat drops, "You mean Keigo?"

The girl smiles with a lot of enthusiasm, "Ah, so you are her! I'm Mizuho Asano! It's good to meet you, future sister-in-law!"

Mizuho shakes Candice's hands with great vigor, causing the woman to raise a comical brow.

Mizuho offers to let Candice in, "Come on in! It's dangerous outside today! Keigo should be back soon though. In the meantime, the two of us can do some sisterly bonding!"

Candice's eye twitches as she is too stunned to respond, following Keigo's sister inside.

1 Hour Later

After an hour of Mizuho spewing forth about her type of man-one with a shaved head, as well as her asking Candice questions that seemed a bit too personal for her liking, Keigo walks in through the door.

"Mizuho, I'm home—", Keigo cuts himself off as he notices Candice, causing his posture to stiffen.

Candice waves at Keigo lazily, "Hey..."

Keigo replies automatically, without moving, "Hey… it's been a while."

Mizuho then casually regards Candice again, "So, anyway, what kind of man is your fav—"

Keigo flips the table the two girls are sitting at comedically, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE CHATTING IT UP WITH MY SISTER?!"

Candice looks up at Keigo blankly, "Well, I was hoping to talk to you but—"

"Oh, we were just having some girl talk, bro~ You understand, Candy and I will be sisters soon, so I've got to get friendly with her!", Mizuho explains jovially.

Keigo's jaw drops, "S-s-sister?"

Keigo looks at Candice for explanation but the woman shrugs, "She thinks we're getting married soon. Anyway..."

"MARRIED?! I'VE NEVER HAD A GIRLFRIEND, LET ALONE KISSED A GIRL! I'M NOT READY FOR THIS KIND OF COMMITMENT! I'M TOO YOUNG FOR MARRIAGE! I'VE STILL GOT A GOOD TEN YEARS AS A BACHELOR! I-"

Suddenly Keigo's body spasms as sparks of electricity can be seen bouncing off his skin before he drops to the ground.

Mizuho's eyes widen as Candice shrugs, "He must've gotten electrocuted somehow... he'd probably attract a lot less electricity if he'd calm down, and I don't know, listen...?"

Mizuho is silent, raising a brow of question, however, her brother gets the message, opening his eyes and sitting politely across from Candice, "Yes ma'am..."

Candice sighs, looking down dejectedly, "I'll be leaving for a while... I may not be coming back."

Mizuho gives a look of concern as Keigo blinks once before giving her a serious look, "It's about Yuzu, isn't it?"

Candice gasps lightly before looking away guiltily, "How do you know...?"

Keigo sighs, closing his eyes, "Well, I haven't seen her, Chad, or yourself for over a year… and also, I can see things... that others can't. Like what really went down today…"

Candice purses her lips and stares at the ground, "It was my fault..."

Keigo's eyes widen, "Wait, WHAT?! HOW?!"

The green-haired woman explains, dejectedly, "Well, Chad is somewhere in town. You'll likely see him sometime soon. As for Yuzu… she made a choice a year ago. She changed her mind today because of something I said. No doubt she ran back to her uncle…"

Candice lets out a brief sigh, "I respect her decision… I'll be heading back to my home country once this is all over. I'll be out of her life, like it should be…"

Keigo nods slowly, his gaze softening, "I see…"

They are both quiet for a while, Keigo shifting awkwardly.

Mizuho gives her brother a look before giving him a quick nudge to the back, whispering, "Ask her if she's okay."

Keigo's eyes widen as he gives his sister a curt nod and asks, "Hey, uh… are you alright?"

Candice, previously absorbed in her self-deprivation, breaks out of her trance as her eyes widen, "I didn't think you were the type to pick up on those types of things…"

Keigo is quiet for a moment, staring dumbly at Candice which prompts his sister to slap the back of his head with her sandal.

Keigo whines, "MIZUHO! What was that for?"

Mizuho snaps, "You're supposed to comfort her right now!"

Keigo sighs, sitting upright before looking at Candice, who looks at the scene in mild interest, "I don't know exactly what's going on with you or Karakura lately, but I know you'll pick the path best for Yuzu. I'll support you no matter what."

Candice looks away with a slight blush, making Keigo sneer, declaring, "I've charmed you yet again, haven't I? I can't help it, I'm just that way with the ladies ~."

Candice cracks a smirk for the first time of the day, "You wish, boy! You've still got a long way to go before you have game enough to make me flustered!"

The two have a lively chat before Candice leaves, wearing a resolute expression, "I'll make sure she comes back to Karakura, no matter what…"

Keigo nods with a smile, "I know."

Candice then walks through the door, leaving the apartment.

Mizuho glares at Keigo questioningly, "Are you just going to let her go?"

Keigo turns to his sister before raising a brow, "What do you mean? She said this is something she has to do?"

Mizuho huffs, "Really? Because if a guy my type confided in me like that, I'd never let him go… certainly not alone. An Asano never quits…"

This seems to awaken something in Keigo, as he widens his eyes.

The boy then runs down the hall towards his room, prompting his sister to question, "What are you doing?"

Keigo responds with a shout, "Packing!"

Mizuho smirks in satisfaction, her job complete.

Along River Bank, Karakura Town

Candice stands in the grass right next to the river, staring down at her reflection in distaste, hissing, "You look good, but that's all you'll ever have going for you, Candice…"

Suddenly a voice calls to her, "Indeed. You are quite the failure, Catnipp…"

Candice spins on her heel looking back at the new arrival with widened eyes, "You—"

Before her stands Jugram Haschwalth, wearing his silver and white Sternritter uniform, complete with a hat and cape.

His green eyes peer out at her from under the bill, "It's time to go home. Your punishment awaits you…"

Candice hisses at Haschwalth, "You can't scare me anymore! I don't care if you kill me, just make it quick…"

Haschwalth scrunches his brow, not expecting this reaction.

After a moment, a familiar young voice calls down to them, causing the woman's eyes to widen. Haschwalth narrows his eyes, noting the difference from a moment ago—now full of fear and desperation compared to the acceptance in them a moment ago.

"There you are, Candy… I didn't… think you… were that… fast…" Keigo huffs and puffs out of apparent exhaustion, throwing his suitcase to the ground, as he rests his hands on his knees in support.

Haschwalth then smirks ever so slightly, his back turned to the boy on the sidewalk further up from the river, as Keigo's gaze turns to him, with a confused expression before looking to Candice, "Hey, um... who is that guy?"

Candice walks around Haschwalth slowly, walking up the hill with the blonde man following her.

The woman opens her mouth to answer the boy, however, Haschwalth cuts her off, "My name is Jugram Haschwalth. I am Ms. Catnipp's associate. We're busy, if you can tell... you'll have to come back later..."

Keigo then wears a serious expression, "Is this about... those explosions that happened?"

Haschwalth raises a brow before looking at Candice for an explanation. Candice has a desperate look in her eyes that Haschwalth can tell she is trying her best to hide, having known her for years.

The blonde man maintains his slight smile, "Ah... I see. She cares for the boy. In that case..."

Haschwalth answers Keigo's question, causing Candice to shudder as he does, "Why yes, it is. I take it that means you can see spirits, boy?"

Keigo nods which causes Candice's heart to drop, "No-no-no-no! Please, don't-!"

"And your calls earlier… I take it that must mean you know Ms. Catnipp on a personal level and that she has special... talents?", the blonde man questions with a dubious look in his eyes.

Keigo nods again, which at this point makes Candice start to speak out desperately, "Haschwalth, please! I'll do anything you want, just leave him out of this!"

The boy flinches at this as Haschwalth glares down at the woman coldly, "You should've thought of that before you allowed the girl to get captured."

Candice's eyes widen in horror as she steps back from the man. Haschwalth takes a medallion from his pocket.

Before anything else happens, Keigo steps between the two Quincies, glaring at the man, "Are you talking about Yuzu?"

Haschwalth raises a brow at the boy's serious stance, as well as how he seems to stand protectively in front of Candice, "Ironic... the one with no power shows no fear... no matter…"

The blonde nods, "She's been kidnapped by foul spirits... we can discuss this more at our destination..."

Keigo snaps, still wearing his stern expression, "Who says I'm going with you? I don't trust you at all. Also, it doesn't look like Candice wants to go with you, and I won't let you force her into that."

Candice's eyes widen at the boy's words. Perhaps, in a different context, her expression would express a feeling of being deeply touched by the sentiment, but the current situation only allows for feelings of fear and desperation.

Haschwalth suddenly, faster than any can see, strikes Keigo in the gut with his knee, forcing him to double over on the ground unconscious.

Candice rushes to the ground, defensively holding the boy's head in her chest so that the other man can't get to him as she growls, "You-!"

The woman cuts herself off, however, as shadows creep around the pair.

Haschwalth glares coldly at her, "This is your punishment, Catnipp. Remember, His Majesty told you you'd wish you had died... well, I'll ensure that comes to pass…"

Candice's expression is full of despair as the shadow completely envelopes her, leaving no trace of either of them.

Haschwalth looks down the street intently for a moment, before turning and walking away.

A Few Hours Ago, Karakura Outskirts

Bambietta starts to tense up, staring wide-eyed at Haschwalth.

The man approaches her slowly, remarking, "Calm yourself, Basterbine. You have not yet said anything that would cause me to feel inclined to execute you… yet."

Bambietta calms her breathing, her shoulder slumping slightly as Haschwalth continues, "I have come to collect you and Catnipp, seeing as Yuzu Kurosaki has been captured… however, it is interesting to hear that you harbor feelings for the former Substitute Shinigami…"

The woman looks away guiltily, "I don't—"

The blonde glares seriously at her, "If the feeling is in fact mutual, that is good… I want you to convince him that he is on our side of this. I cannot risk his being loose-lipped."

Bambietta widens her eyes, looking at the man in confusion, "How do I do that, sir?"

Haschwalth raises a brow, "You know exactly what I mean. You can even feel free to tell him everything, if you feel so inclined. Just slip this around his wrist when he's distracted. Multiple Sternritter helped develop this over the last year. It will allow us to keep tabs on him while also gradually pumping him with suggestive reiatsu, compelling him to act in accordance with our best interests. Of course, it leaves no unique reiatsu signature, as it will bond with his body…"

Bambietta stares at a silver bracelet that the blonde man holds. There is a star shaped emblem on it, suggesting its ties to the Wandenreich.

The woman takes the bracelet from Haschwalth as he gives it to her, inspecting it more closely.

A moment later, she gives a dejected sigh as the man starts walking away, "Very well, sir..."

Present, Urahara Shoten

Bambietta sighs as she stops in front of the doors of Urahara Shoten, meeting the gaze of the smug shopkeeper, "Welcome, Ms. Basterbine! What can I do for you? Perhaps you've a hankering for some of my candy?"

The woman scowls, "I'd never take food from a Shinigami! Besides, the boy should've already told you why I'm here!"

Urahara places a hand on his hat, hiding his eyes from the Quincy, "Harsh words… they're in the third room down the hall to the left."

Bambietta huffs before going down the hall as instructed, immediately opening the door to find Ginjo lying on a futon, flanked on each side by Riruka and Yukio.

Ginjo smiles at the woman jovially, "I was wondering where you went, Bambi—"

"I need to talk to you in private… what I'm going to tell you cannot reach ears other than your own.", the woman explains, wearing a serious expression.

Kugo returns the gaze with a serious one of his own, "Alright… Yukio, Riruka: you know what to do."

Riruka sighs, gathers three hearts in her hand before sending one to Yukio, Ginjo, and Bambietta, "I permit you."

The trio are then transported into a Dollhouse sitting not far from the futon.

Inside Riruka's Dollhouse

Bambietta frowns at Ginjo after glancing at Yukio, "Why is he—"

She cuts herself off, her eyes widening as Yukio pulls a brand-new Gameboy out of his pocket, stating casually, "I'm rich, remember? I replaced my game in less than a day. Urahara is an extremely observant and dangerous man… we'd ought to take as few risks as possible with him…"

Bambietta shrugs, "Well, just don't listen in while I'm talking with Kugo…"

Yukio sends a look to Ginjo, who nods with a serious expression, "Just do it. I have a feeling you won't want to hear this anyway…"

Yukio nods slowly before activating his Fullbring.

Inside Yukio's Gameboy

Bambietta and Ginjo find themselves in a virtual world, with dark pixelated blocks surrounding them. There are occasional pillars here and there as well, one not being too far away from them. The woman rubs her arm awkwardly for a moment, dreading the incoming conversation. As she eyes the cross around his neck, an idea comes to her head.

"You shouldn't have been able to use my powers like that…", the woman begins.

Ginjo tilts his head, "Like what? Your ability was just explosions, right?"

The Sternritter casually explains, "My powers make whatever they come in contact with a bomb—but it doesn't work with air—it must be something more tangible. So, when you missed your attacks on that captain, the bombs shouldn't have worked…"

The Fullbringer shrugs, "Well, I wasn't really thinking about it that much when I fought, but I do recall focusing my reishi in the tip of my sword… I think…"

The woman's eyes widen briefly at this, "Focusing…? I never thought of that before…"

Ginjo then regards the woman in front of him more seriously, "Anyway, I can tell that you're stalling… what do you really want to talk about?"

Bambietta looks down at this and seems to hesitate for a moment, before seemingly steeling herself, staring directly back into the man's eyes, "It's about the Wandenreich… everything."

10 Minutes Later

Ginjo sighs, rubbing his forehead, "I see… that's a lot to take in… I was confused when you said you knew I was the Substitute Shinigami… this certainly explains why…"

Bambietta nods, maintaining her serious expression, "Initially we wanted to secure your allegiance through manipulation, but it later grew into something else… we need your help, Kugo… I…"

The woman blushes lightly as she grabs his hand, "I need you… won't you come back with me?"

Ginjo looks into the woman's pleading eyes with a somber look in his own.

He looks away, breaking the contact as he walks away towards a nearby pillar, "I can't do that… Kurosaki needs my help… I need to—"

Bambietta cuts the man off, the shadow of her bangs hiding her eyes, "I never gave you permission to take my powers… yet you stole them anyway. I can't let that slide, Kugo."

Ginjo doesn't look back at her, "Sorry… I'll do anything to make it up to you, but right now Kurosaki takes priority—"

Suddenly, the pillar next to Ginjo goes up in a blue explosion. Bambietta glares menacingly at the man as he looks back at her, "I don't want to talk about that right now, Kugo..."

Ginjo, with wide eyes, nods slowly as Bambi huffs, "You can return the favor right now… Fuck me."

Ginjo's eyes widen as his mouth hangs ajar, "Excuse me, what?"

The man meets the Quincy's predatory gaze, a light blush on her face, "You heard me."

Ginjo protests, "You mean right now? Are you insane?!"

Bambietta then closes the distance between them before Ginjo has time to react, grabbing his wrist and pinning him to another column as she glares up at him angrily, "I'm done waiting. Every time it's always 'later' or straight up 'no' with you! It's not fair! You act like you're into me and then you always say no! I'm tired of it!"

The shouting dies down and after a moment of heavy breathing, Bambietta gives Ginjo puppy dog eyes, "Do you not like me?"

Ginjo's gaze softens a degree as he can see genuine hurt in Bambietta's eyes, "I… I do… but with Kurosaki as one of their prisoners, I—"

The man tenses up as he can feel something behind him explode into pieces. He dares not look back at it.

Bambietta looks at the man as a predator does to prey, "Shut up, Kugo… I already told you, I don't want to talk about that right now."

Ginjo remains tense, slowly questioning, "Let me get this straight… you want me to have sex with you… to take your mind off of that?"

The black-haired Quincy sighs, "Yes… you're pent up too, Kugo, I can feel it…~"

Bambietta smirks seductively as she looks down at the bulge lightly poking against her.

The woman then throws Ginjo to the floor before mounting him, slowly unbuttoning her shirt while licking her lips seductively.

(LEMON SCENE, SKIP IF Y'ALL WANT)

The man gives a guilty look, as his manhood now pokes into the woman's butt, "Well, how else is a guy supposed to react when an attractive woman approaches him, mounts him, and starts talking about sex in a seductive tone? I still think we should wait—"

Ginjo stops as Bambietta suddenly grabs one of his hands, moving it until it is placed firmly on her bosom.

The Fullbringer's member twitches at this, something that is not missed by the Quincy, who gives a satisfied smirk, "I won't take no as an answer anymore, Kugo…"

The woman lets Ginjo's hand fall as she removes her black top, revealing a black lace bra which holds her sizable bust.

Ginjo gawks as the woman slowly slips off his pants, leaving his member to stick out. The woman proceeds to stroke it with her hand, the soft touch causing Ginjo to moan. This prompts Bambietta to smirk as she crawls forward slightly, removing Ginjo's shirt now.

The man curses mentally, "Shit. I want to resist, but it feels too good—"

Ginjo's thoughts are cut short as the woman presses her rack against his now bare, toned chest. The feeling of the skin-to-skin contact causes both of them to flinch in pleasure.

Bambietta shifts positions, sandwiching Ginjo's cock between her shin and thigh. The woman takes note of the mixture of pain and pleasure on the man's face.

The black-haired Quincy tilts forward a bit, whispering into Ginjo's ear, "I'll take the lead, Kugo… just sit back and enjoy it…"

Ginjo gives in to the feelings of pleasure, the scene becoming a blur to him.

Bambietta releases the man's member from her leg before sliding it into her pussy, letting out a loud pleased moan of her own as she allows the member to fully enter her.

The woman proceeds to passionately ride Ginjo, who has one hand placed on her bust, which she is holding up with her own, and another held firmly against her ass. A short while after, both Ginjo and Bambietta let out moans of pleasure as the man feels the woman climax all over his crotch. Thereafter, both of them fall limp, fully satisfied as Ginjo's consciousness slips away.

(LEMON SCENE END)

In Riruka's Dollhouse

Yukio sits next to a plushie with a large blush on his face, trying his best to ignore the moans of pleasure coming from his Gameboy. The boy suddenly gets an idea, pulling a music player out of his pocket before placing the earbuds in his ears, successfully blocking out the noise.

Some Time Later, Urahara Shoten

Ginjo awakens, back on the futon where he was before, somehow feeling more sore than he was when he first awoke, particularly in the crotch area, "Ugh… what happened?"

The man feels something around his right wrist that was not there before, eyeing a silver bracelet with a star on it.

Ginjo sighs, closing his eyes in mild annoyance, "So, I wasn't dreaming…"

The man starts feeling his neck, prompting his eyes to widen, "She gave me a hickey?"

After a moment, Ginjo's eyes widen, seemingly recalling something, before narrowing his eyes solemnly, "I see… so that's how it is…"

The Fullbringer looks to the ground dejectedly, "So long then, Bambi…"

Minutes Later, Underground Training Area, Urahara Shoten

Hiyori, wrapped in bandages, sits lazily on a rock next to Urahara, who is currently explaining the state of things. "Your friends are helping these humans train so they can successfully raid the Soul Society…"

Hiyori snorts, watching the group training a distance away, "They won't have a chance against the captains."

The shopkeeper nods, "I agree… that's why this training is essential."

The girl peers at Urahara before looking away carelessly, "Whatever… Send them to their deaths if you wanna, Kisuke. I'm not gonna stop you."

A distance away, Chad falls to his knees in exhaustion before Kensei, who begins to lecture the boy, "You hit decently hard kid, but you're too slow… far too slow."

Nearby, Tatsuki flails on the ground as Mashiro holds her in a vice grip around her neck, forcing her to stay grounded.

The green-haired woman states with a hint of disappointment, "Aw… you're not as strong as I thought…"

Kensei glances at the woman, "Let her go, Mashiro. We're switching partners."

Mashiro does as requested, causing Tatsuki to gasp for air.

Kensei states authoritatively, looking at Chad, "You will need to adapt and get faster to keep up with Mashiro here. She is a bit more agile than I am. Practice using that Bringer's Light of yours and you may be able to keep up with her… as for you…"

The white-haired man shifts his gaze to Tatsuki, "… your punches and kicks have precision and speed, but they lack the firepower necessary to contend with a captain. Training with me could force you into fixing that. If you can't do that, then you aren't cut out to go to the Soul Society!"

Tatsuki glares at Kensei, spitting to the side, not bothering to dust off her white Karate Gi as she gets up before assuming a combat stance, "I'm ready when you are!"

Kensei smirks, holding his fists in front of him in a combat stance as well.

Nearby, Hachi examines Orihime's barrier with great interest, "Your healing powers are the strongest I've ever seen… your barriers are also exceptionally power, even compared to my own, and that counter shield technique—what made you come up with that?"

The orange-haired girl sheepishly rubs the back of her head, "Oh, well one time when Tatsuki and I were training, she suggested I should try and mix my defense with some offense somehow… Mr. Urahara gave some suggestions as well, and after a bit more training I was able to perfect it!"

Hachi nods his head, "It is reassuring to know that your group will have such a talented healer on their side… you will have to watch out for everyone else, their lives will be in your hands."

Orihime's eyes widen slightly before she wears a serious expression, "Right. I'll save as many lives as I can!"

A distance further away, Shinji stares dubiously at Yukio and Riruka, who wear mildly concerned expressions, before sighing, "Welp… I can say you two aren't meant to be battle-hardened warriors… you'd both lose to even a fifth seat Shinigami in a one-on-one confrontation…"

Yukio, with Kon on his shoulder, and Riruka both look down, seemingly expecting this.

Shinji sighs once more, "…although, you both possess powers that could be disastrous to even captain level Shinigami if deployed alongside a powerful ally or two, say, like that guy over there."

Yukio, Kon, and Riruka shift their gazes to where Shinji is glancing, finding Tsukishima keeping up with Rose with his Shikai.

Rose flings his whip once more at Tsukishima, which the Fullbringer parries with relative ease. Tsukishima takes a fighting stance, seemingly preparing for a follow-up attack, but pauses before assuming a casual stance, looking at something behind Rose. The musician follows the gaze to see Ginjo walking towards them, a slight limp in his stride.

Tsukishima gives his friend a knowing, amused look, "Good to see you out of bed, Kugo. I heard Ms. Basterbine stopped by earlier. I trust she motivated you to train with us?"

Ginjo blushes lightly, rubbing the back of his neck, "You could say that…"

The suspender wearing Fullbringer chuckles, "I'm honestly impressed with that woman. I never would've thought anyone could get you flustered!"

Ginjo sighs, wearing a frown, "Shut up…"

The man then stares off distantly, causing Tsukishima to frown before backing off.

After a moment, the Fullbringer leader nods, "Alright…"

Ginjo shifts his gaze at Tsukishima, "Let's get training, then."

The other Fullbringer glances at Love and Lisa, who both sit lazily on the ground. The two Visored give each other a look.

Love sighs as he closes the manga he was reading before getting up off the ground, "I guess I'll be your partner…"

Orihime glances at Ginjo, remarking, "You should take it easy, Mr. Ginjo. I was able to heal most of your wounds but not all of them."

Ginjo raises a brow, regarding the girl, "Oh yeah? Who might you be? I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you…"

The doe-eyed girl's eyes widen slightly before she gives a quick bow, "I'm Orihime Inoue, it's nice to meet you!"

The ramen enthusiast gives the girl a smile, "Kugo Ginjo. Thanks for saving my life… I'll have to treat you to some ramen soon."

Orihime gives the man a friendly smile, "Really? I love ramen, especially when it's free!"

Urahara gazes over the scene of the Visored and Fullbringers training before glancing to a far-off corner of the training area intently, "It won't be long now before preparations are completed… I hope you're ready to face them all again, Yoruichi…"

Ichigo's Memory

Ichigo finds himself in front of a grave, wearing a scowl on his face, "Mother shouldn't have died that day… it should've been me…"

My mother died?! HOW?!

The boy's thoughts are interrupted by his father, Isshin, dressed in a red collared shirt, slapping the boy upside the head, "Quit it with that look, boy! You'd make your mother sad if you looked at her like that!"

Ichigo's eyes widen, gazing at his father, "Oh… you're right, I'm sorry."

The boy glances at his sisters, who are standing next to him, each praying quietly. Ichigo clasps his hands quietly before closing his eyes, mimicking his sister's actions.

After a while, the boy can hear his sister, Karin, calling out to him, "Ichigo… hey Ichigo!"

The boy turns to regard his sister, looking down at her in mild confusion, "What is it, Karin?"

Karin growls at her brother, "Are you going to sleep all day or what?!"

Ichigo's eyes widen before everything around him fades to black.

Hueco Mundo

"Hey Ichigo! Wake up already!", Loly continues to call to the Vasto Lorde.

Ichigo shakes himself awake, glaring at the female Adjucha in front of him, "What is it, Loly?"

His tone is annoyed, which usually is enough to get her to back off a bit, although this time that is not the case.

Loly states in a serious tone, "He's back…"

Ichigo tilts his head, taking in the surroundings of the dark cave they are currently residing in, "Who's back?"

Behind Loly, Menoly clarifies, "Ggio Vega. For some reason, he's been standing at the front of the cave the whole time you were asleep…"

Ichigo rises to his feet, grumbling as he rubs the back of his neck, "Why couldn't you two deal with him?"

Menoly explains, dejectedly, "Well um… we're not very confident in our ability to beat him… isn't that right, Loly?"

The centipede huffs, "Well, I just don't think it's worth the effort! He'll back off for sure if Ichigo is there to confront him."

Ichigo groans once more before suddenly appearing before Ggio, who waits quietly at the front of the cave, not even bothering to hide this time.

Ichigo snaps, annoyed, "What do you want now?"

Ggio is silent for a moment before asking in a relatively passive voice, "Why am I still alive? Why didn't you kill me?"

The dragon Vasto Lorde sighs, "I don't want to do things Barragan's way—I want to do things my way. Just because I defeated you doesn't mean I have to kill or devour you."

Ggio demands, genuinely confused, "But that is the way things are in Hueco Mundo! You could've at least fed me to your followers, but you didn't even do that! WHY?!"

Ichigo casually remarks, "I can still feed you to them… but what's the point? It doesn't sit right with me… nothing will change if the only thing I ever do with my enemies is kill them."

Ggio is speechless, too stunned to talk as Ichigo looks back at the girls, giving a motion with his head before all three walk past Ggio, heading further into the desert.

The tiger turns around and watches them leave wordlessly, before looking to the ground and shaking his head, "What the hell am I doing...? One of Lord Barragan's generals shouldn't be thinking like this..."

Author's Note:

In the manga, Bambietta was, in my opinion, presented in such a way that suggests she is emotionally fucked—perhaps as a result of being abandoned as a child(?) Regardless, the relative peace of living in the living world worked to mellow her out quite a bit, although, unlike Candice, Bambietta has no issue still taking on the role of an evil villain, so long as it doesn't harm her friends. Bambietta ultimately, I would say, is quite needy deep down, seeking validation from others, specifically the Bambies, and gets mad when she is ignored or written off. The idea here is that Ginjo didn't do either of those things, listening to her whenever she talks (whether with the intention of manipulating her or not is irrelevant), which led to her falling for him over time. The same could be said for Ginjo, although more out of an appreciation for Bambietta's bossy and straightforward personality, perhaps, as opposed to him being needy, because I definitely do not think Ginjo is needy! Now, I would've focused more on this relationship if the story was mainly about them, but it's not. (I can however make a separate crack fic at some point about them, if there is interest)

Again, I want to reiterate that I do not mean to 'fix' Bambietta (or Ginjo for that matter) through their relationship, in fact, it might end up making them worse in some ways potentially later on (should they have the opportunity to reunite), seeing as they both have sadistic tendencies. Regardless, love is love, even if it is between 'villains'.

On that note, the next chapter will focus on Sora's adventures as an Adjucha in the months leading to the time skip.