Yu-Gi-Oh! : Dragon Knight Reborn!
Created by: DragonKnight15
Hello to all, this is Chapter 3 of the first Arc of Volume 6: Battle in Hueco Mundo!
Intro: The Earth... is a great place where humanity and all other creatures live and learn to evolve little by little, but this great world has Darkness in it too. Evil beings who wish to conquer this world and everyone.
Only one being stood against them to show everyone the power of light and hope, but this great mythical dragon wasn't able to stop them. He gave his powers and hope to a human that was known by his name, the Dragon Knight!
Before this hero also met his end, he gave the legendary Dragon Sword and his hopes and dreams to the next knight, his youngest son who is destined to become a legend by the sides of his comrades and his love. This hero... is the Dragon Knight of Light!
(OPENING 1: Diver by NICO Touches the Walls from Naruto Shippuden)
Volume 6: Chapter 3: The Gentle and the Saint! The Sorrowful Reunion!
In the previous episode of DKR:
Arriving at Hueco Mundo with his friends, Yugi and Team Dragon Knight began their search or would have till they are distracted by a group of 'thieves' that they immediately befriended. With their information, Yugi and the others head out to the massive palace, Las Noches. With the help of the group, they reach there without needing Sonic's insane speed to take them one at a time. However, the group was attacked by a sand-like Hollow. Their attacks could not do anything but using Yugi's access to the Technological half of his Draconic power and Ed's alchemy knowledge, the group defeated and trapped the sand Hollow in a Fenton Thermos.
Arriving at the wall of the palace and breaking in, the group came across 5 hallways. Not able to feel which direction will lead them to Ichigo, even with Yugi and Naruto's senses; the only option is to split up and first group to find Ichigo to contact the others. With that, our heroes split apart and headed out.
Will they find her or will Aizen's army find them?
What will happen next?
And now the conclusion... last left off in the previous episode:
The Espada each assemble in the gathering room where Aizen is waiting for them with Gin and Tosen on his side. He's sitting on the top end of the large table, sipping on a cup of coffee.
"Good morning, Espada.'' Aizen proclaims with a calm, smirking face. ''It seems we have some intruders. But first, coffee. After all, the best meal is in the morning.''
Each of the Espada are aware of intruders, having taken their seat with a cup of coffee served for each. Most wanted to deal with the intruders, especially Grimmjow who can sense one of them is Kurosaki, stepping his foot over and over.
"So before we start, how were your days?" Aizen then asks his Espada with Yammy raising his hand. "Well I've been eating more so-"
''Enough wasting our time, boy!'' Immediately pissed about Aizen's nonsense, Barragan slams his fist on the surface of the table. ''Just send all of the other Espadas to deal with these intruders!''
Grimmjow and Nnoitra scoff that the former king still looks down at the rest of them but for once, they have to side with the old man.
''I could but also I won't.'' After sipping on his drink, Aizen responds with a small smile.
''One among our uninvited guest is the Dragon Knight.'' Gin reveals with a sly smirk. Each Espada makes a face, especially Szayelaporro with an ahegao-like grin.
''Kukuku, how predictable!'' Standing in the dark corner, Yami Marik chuckles sinisterly as he licks his lips. Maximilian snarls, not even surprised he would come as he says. ''The boy wants the woman back. The fool.''
''…'' The masked Arrancar just stands there silent though he lets out a deep hiss through his mask.
Aizen can tell his Espadas are all concerned, but more importantly puzzled why a mere human came here. He smirks, praising the naïve hero. ''Yugi Mutou-kun is an interesting one. He would appear in enemy territory to save his beloved. Foolish but admirable.''
Ulquiorra does not think the same; the boy is only asking to die empty and fade away with this action. All for a woman, nothing else.
''Then what do you want us to do about them?'' Nnoitra asks, itching to kill that weakling. Aizen doesn't need to think it over as he proclaims. ''Let them come to you.''
This shocks nearly each Espada with Zommari protests humbly to his lord. ''Aizen-sama, we have dealt with them before. Please allow me to personality-''
''I appreciate your concern." Aizen immediately interrupts him with a firm yet calm stare, ordering him. "But as I said, Zommari-kun, you will let them come to you.''
Zommari tries his best to not show a sign of weakness, simply bowing to his divine word. ''As you command, Aizen-sama.''
The other Espada also obey, well almost all.
''Tch, they'll just cause us problems. As the future king, I'll hunt those fools down.'' Grimmjow, more eager to fight Kurosaki and settle things with the Dragon Knight human, declares proudly as he stands up from his chair.
Barragan watches this and simply snarls. ''You're just a boy playing the idea of becoming a king.'' The old Arrancar lectures the so-called predator.
Now it's Grimmjow who snarls back, gazing back at the old geezer.
''If you got something to say, say it old man.'' The 6th Espada barks at the 2nd Espada, glaring calmly yet mad towards the up-starter "cub". He soon points to his crown over his head and tells him. ''Do you see my crown? That is proof of my title as King of Hueco Mundo. My word is absolute.''
Grimmjow just smirks at his meaningless words, calling him off and his stupid crown. ''Even a crowd can't define what a true king is.'' He then points his finger at him, smirking like a wild beast. ''And I intend to show you what that is, old man!''
Barragan just snarls again with a firm glare. Grimmjow smirks as he walks away until Aizen questions him firmly. ''Where are you going, Grimmjow?''
''Aizen-sama, you don't have to worry about them coming as I'll stop them in their tracks." Grimmjow answers him with a confident smirk.
"I am content of your reasoning…'' Aizen begins to say as he immediately releases his Spiritual Pressure, consuming the room in his power and all directly to Grimmjow, widening his eyes. ''But I wasn't done yet.''
He gasps heavily, struggling to breathe or move as if the gravity of this world is suffocating and squeezing him out of any air or life. It's like he's in the vacuum of space, drifting in nothingness as he drops on his knees. Grimmjow literally sweats, terrified like he's never felt before. Is this really… Aizen's power?
''Sit down, Grimmjow.'' Aizen says quietly as his Spiritual Pressure vanishes like it wasn't even there. "And finish your drink.''
Grimmjow breathes heavily, damp in sweat with a terrified face. He stirs towards the man, drinking his coffee with such calmness. It was unreal that this man would be that furious or rather how monstrous his power was. It both pisses him off and yet terrifies him. He has no choice; Grimmjow walks back calmly yet trembles back to his seat.
The other Espadas watch with only Nnoitra grinning and Ulquiorra not caring. Barragan, however, feels nothing but petty for the "cub" as he despises Aizen's way of thinking. He thinks of everything as a game he's already figured out and plays with all like chess pieces. It enrages him.
Aizen gazes calmly at his Espada and resumes what he was saying. ''As I was saying, you will all go back and stay in your position.''
He then adjusts himself, placing and crossing his hands and fingers in between each other as he says firmly. ''However, if they come to your area, have your fun with them.''
Now this pleased most of the Espadas, especially Aaroniero, Szayelaporro and Nnoitra. Starrk yawns, glad to avoid the fighting.
''Oh and Ulquiorra-kun." Aizen begins to tell the 4th Espada. "I need you to confirm something before you return to your position in guarding her, understand.''
''As you command, Aizen-sama.'' Ulquiorra responds with a bow. Aizen just eyes him with a glance of approval before he turns his sight to his 3rd Espada, speaking directly to her. ''Oh and Harribel-kun. I believe my hospitality with Ichigo Momomiya-kun has come to an end.''
''Then what do you wish of me to do with her?'' Tier asks her master with a stern voice. Aizen just stares at her, almost like he's piercing into her mind before he orders her, straight and forward. ''Get rid of her.''
Tier simply looks at him still calm but her right hand twitched.
''Will that be too hard for you?'' He asks her with a commanding voice. Tier eyes him and simply replies with a cold gaze. ''… No.''
Aizen smirks at this and proclaims. ''Then you are all dismissed.''
Without a second thought, each of the Espadas walk out right away, especially Ulquiorra who vanishes away. Aizen watches this, once more smiling as he says. ''Enjoy yourselves, my Espada.''
Soon they all left, leaving only Aizen, his commanders and the 3 special Arrancars in the room.
''So now we wait huh?'' Gin asks with a sly smirk, fully aware that Ulquiorra's mission is to scout Karakura Town before they commence their massive attack. Aizen smirks as he says before taking a sip of his cup. ''You know me well, Gin.''
Gin just hums with a smirk. Aizen then eyes Tosen and orders him. ''Keep an eye on Yugi and his friends, Tosen.''
''Of course, Aizen-sama. I shall send the Exequias to deal with most of them.'' Tosen follows his command as he advises to kill off a few of them. Aizen thinks for a moment and then smirks, accepting it. ''I will allow it.''
''…'' The masked Arrancar watches and then prepares to walk away until Gin appears out of thin air in front of him, wagging his finger at him before pointing it to Aizen.
Aizen now eyes Yami Marik and Maximilian, ordering them. ''You two may deal with Yugi-kun if he reaches any closer to his beloved.''
Yami Marik snickers eagerly with Maximilian nodding obediently. Aizen now eyes the masked Arrancar and warns him calmly. ''And you will wait until I say so.''
He eyes Aizen and simply nods before he vanishes before Gin's path. Aizen just smirks, able to tell he is impatient, badly wanting to kill Yugi but he will take his chance… or will try. Still, the journey will be enjoyable.
Whistling, Judai looks around at the long ended hallway. Rukia groans impatiently by his attitude that they're inside an enemy base with Usagi looking around cautious yet nervous.
''Can't believe how long these hallways go.'' Judai expresses surprise with Usagi adding with a loud, anxious voice. ''THEY'RE MASSIVE!''
''Less screaming, why don't you.'' Rukia asks her politely, not wanting the enemy to find them. Usagi quickly covers her hands across her mouth, nodding as if she doesn't mean it.
''S-Sorry Rukia-chan. I just…" Usagi begins to explain herself, frowning with concern. ''I'm just worry finding Cousin Ichigo-chan will be much harder!''
Rukia frowns of compassion and understanding; she would be too.
''You're not wrong. We'll have to be-'' She begins to suggest the next course of action until suddenly a figure instantly appears before them. The 3 look and stagger with Rukia uttering in shock. ''You!''
Usagi widens her eyes, staring at Aaroniero and his strange cylinder shaped head thing.
''Number 9 Fishbowl Head!'' Judai declares seriously, only remembering his Espada Number. Aaroniero doesn't respond to what he said, gazing towards Rukia. They felt her and couldn't help but be eager for this moment.
''How… convenient.'' The mixed male-female voice of Aaroniero proclaims before vanishing through Sonido but slower so they chase after them. Rukia falls for it, shouting madly. ''Hey wait!''
Usagi sweat drops, facing Judai and asks him. ''Trap?''
''Trap.'' Judai responds firmly. The two sigh and chase after Rukia.
''…'' Awkward silence since they started walking in this long path, Haruto stares concerned at both Shadow and Kaiba, not saying a word. The wizard tries to pretend this isn't an issue but this is rather off putting for once. Is he always like this too?
''Maybe I get what the others say about myself.'' He asks himself, actually how stoic the two are compared to him. He coughs, thinking saying something about the moment should be a good thing as he proceeds. "These hallways are long huh?"
Reaching a fork in the hallway that splits into two paths; Haruto takes the right path. Shadow and Kaiba, however, take a turn to the left, leaving Haruto shocked as he notices this.
''Seriously?'' He questions them with Kaiba scoffing and Shadow replying firmly. "You talk too much."
Haruto makes a face as the two just walk their own path. He sighs as he summons his Familiars to locate the others. Hopefully, he will not be needed but best be sure.
''I don't know if we're going the right path.'' Danny mutters, walking alongside Uryu… and Sonic and Ruby trying to play catch among each other. Oh and Pesche too since he likes Uryu as it annoys him and the Quincy remains calm even though he's irritated.
''Can't be helped.'' Uryu tells the young teenager. "We're in the enemy base. Whichever path we go; we will confront the enemy regardless."
Danny agrees, though he wishes the other two understand the dangers here.
''Sonic! Stop moving ahead!'' He yells at the blue hedgehog who dashes around like a blur with Ruby chasing after him with her Semblance speed.
''Hey, I'm just training with Ruby.'' Sonic explains himself with a grin, using this moment to help Ruby improve her reaction and reflexes. He doesn't like to brag, well he does but Sonic had to get used to his speed and how he ran ever since he began his long heated war against Eggman since he was a kid.
''Yea! We're just training!'' Ruby expresses with a smile, having the best time learning what the blue blur can show her. Danny sighs, not going to disagree with her. After all, he was like her too when he began his journey as a ghost hero.
''I'm not even going to disagree. Just mind your-'' Danny begins to say, giving her advice he had to learn the hard way but before he can, the floor trembles and a massive spinning Yo-yo like weapon pierces underneath them. This happens so fast that Ruby suddenly screams falling through the deep hole. ''WAA!''
Danny, luckily, backs away before the hole catches him and Uryu. Sonic zig-zags across the torn, falling debris of the floor to catch Ruby and the two land multiple floors below the others.
''Surroundings right?'' Pesche asks in a concerning yet joking tone. Danny gives him a look and sighs. He was going to check up on them but they have an Arrancar to fight.
Ryan hums, looking around the everlasting long hallway. He eyes Alicia who's traveling alongside her and the big buy too.
''I wonder if we're going the right way.'' He asks, pulling out his cellphone to open up a compass App and well the App couldn't read North to South at all. Alicia sighs at his need to use technology, pulling out her actual compass but even it doesn't read from any direction, just spinning around.
Ryan snickers as he eyes Sado and begins asking him, ''Um Sado-''
''Chad is okay too.'' The tall foreigner says as Ryan then speaks in Spanish. ''Cuanto lejos estamos?''
Alicia blinks heavily, not understanding what he just said but Chad did, uttering with a surprise expression. ''You speak Spanish?''
Ryan nods with a smile, explaining himself. ''Yea mate. A lawyer needs to know different languages.''
He also has a lot of clients of different languages, races and views but that has never stopped him from helping others.
Chad nods as he responds, not sure himself. ''I don't know how long we are in but we just have to keep moving.''
''Good point.'' Ryan responds in agreement with a big smile across his face. Alicia tries to smile but she has a bad feeling though as if they're being watched.
Kurosaki charges forward through the hallways, feeling Nel gripping on his shoulder. He smiles as the kid is rather affectionate towards others, especially him. He does wonder if she and her family are all alone in that desert. It's off.
Still, he doesn't ask her as he just says. ''Guess you like me huh Nel?''
"You bet I do, Itsygo!" Nel replies with a big grin. Ichigo just smiles, glad to hear it.
''Hey, where's the cool punchy guy?'' She then asks him, looking around and not seeing the other cool guy. ''Nwrubto!''
''You mean Naruto?'' Kurosaki questions her, sweat dropping. Nel nods, puzzled that she hasn't seen him among the group.
''Hmm…'' Ichigo hums in deep thought, assuming that Naruto was among one of the- And then hits him in shock. ''OH…!''
Kurosaki wouldn't be able to turn around until he's attacked by the enemy.
In the corner of the 5-way hallway that Yugi and the others were in, Naruto was sitting in that shady corner. He's been at this, gathering Natural Energy but lacking. For starters: he's still all too new to Sage Mode, he doesn't have the means to gather Natural Energy while on the move and not focusing and he hasn't had more practice on this. However, this world is filled with Spiritual and Natural Energy. It's grim, dark and filled with the ideal of survival and death but it is still Natural Energy and Naruto manages to fill up his Sage Mode at 100% again.
Leaping back on his feet, Naruto declares with a smirk and his toad eyes glowing. ''YOSH! Natural Chakra fully charged up at MAX! Let's-''
His epic moment is ruined when he finds himself alone.
''… Guys?'' Naruto, blinking with shocking pure white eyes, utters out in concern. He looks around to double check before sending on them and finds them split in multiple paths. Making a wide lipped expression, Naruto immediately yells out in horror. ''YOU LEFT ME BEHIND, YA KNOW?!''
He can't believe this as he runs off in a hurry to one of the hallways, running off in one of the paths before him.
Commercial Break:
Judai: So… you think we'll be fine handling the weakest among the Uber strong Espada?
Usagi: … WAIT, HE'S THE WEAKEST AND HE'S STILL STRONGER?!
One of the attacks of one of the Arrancars hits the path Yugi and the others were in, destroying the hallway. Dashing out of the smoke though, Riolu and Skitty both dash out as well as Masaya, temporarily transformed into the Blue Knight and Jenny.
''RIOFU!'' Riolu barks, zig-zagging across the debris with Skitty bouncing around with a combination of Defense Curl and Rollout while screaming. "NYAN!''
Yugi soon dashes out of the smoke, holding onto a blushing Anzu bridal style and carrying both Jonouchi and Honda around his suddenly appearing dragon tail. The two stagger heavily by this as Yugi dashes so fast around the debris that he lands swiftly onto a lower floor level before the debris hits the ground behind him.
Anzu is speechless, her face bright red while Jonouchi utters a dazed, confused face. ''N-Nice one…''
''Room is… spinning…'' Honda utters in the same dazed, his eyes spinning around.
Yugi sighs with a smile as his tail unwraps around them and fades away like magic. He sets Anzu on both her feet, smiling. "You okay?"
Anzu stares at him and just nods softly.
Yugi turns to Jenny and Masaya approaching them with the two mons as they look at their path, destroyed.
''Should we-'' He begins to ask if they should leap back up with Jenny answering him. "We should…''
Yugi agrees but he eyes his friends and asks them. ''But you guys might not like me carrying you all right back up.''
Jonouchi gulps, staring up at the destroying multiple floors.
"… Let's just walk on this floor." He suggests, thinking it's the safer path. Yugi also agrees as he pulls out the Walkie-Talkie phone device that Urahara gave him. He hands it to Jonouchi, asking him. ''Jonouchi-kun, hold onto this.''
''Really?'' The blond haired young man utters puzzled. Yugi nods firmly, having his utmost confidence as he says with a smile. ''Just put it in your bag and I'm sure.''
Jonouchi eyes the phone-like device and nods, stuffing it in his bag.
Anzu likes the idea as does Honda who honestly is scared to lose their only means of communication back to their world.
Now the group moves forward on the new floor until Yugi looks back upward, sensing a group of his friends are about to face an enemy. He clenches his hands, wanting to help them but he trusts in them to handle their foe. And not just them but everyone else too. He knows, no; he believes they will be fine.
Yugi smiles, running back to the others as he says mentally. ''Careful, everyone.''
Rukia pursues the Espada to his dark internal tower with Judai and Usagi following right behind her. Immediately, the door closed up and vanished too. Usagi sees this and freaks out, arguing upsetly. ''This is seriously a trap!''
Rukia notices it and just remains calm, trying to tell her as she grips onto the hilt of her Zanpakuto, readying what the enemy is going to do. ''It's to be expected. We still have to-''
''Yugi-san made it clear we're not here to pick fights so let's just-'' Judai reminds her of the mission but then Aaroniero suddenly speaks with a different voice. ''Rukia…''
This startles the three, especially Rukia who widens her eyes with a single drip of sweat running past between her eyes.
''D-did a different voice just-'' Usagi begins to question Judai who just nods, glaring cautiously.
Rukia trembles slightly before questioning the enemy. ''You… Who are you?!''
The masked Espada oddly chuckles as he begins to pull off the long cylinder helmet.
''Sorry, I wanted to speak to you without any of the Espada to see me like this.'' He begins to say, popping the helmet off his head and reveals a human head.
Both Judai and Usagi widen their eyes as this guy looks identical to Ichigo Kurosaki except his spiky hair is purple and his eyes are green. Rukia has a face of absolute stun, like empty or unable to register this man.
''Ha! Better.'' He proclaims with a rather happy smile, not of some enemy or sarcastic. He then looks at the Shinigami and replies with a small smile. ''Yo, Rukia. Long time huh?''
Rukia is just speechless, staring at a dead man; the man who trained her, who she admired.
''K-Kaien…'' Rukia utters horrified, not possible that he's here and alive. ''H-how?!''
Judai eyes her, seeing her face and confirms that this guy-
''Long story but I guess it's fate's funny way to let us meet again.'' Kaien just responds with a small smile. Rukia is stunned, lowering her guard that this is actually him.
''Do you know him?'' Usagi asks, really puzzled and yet concerned like this man's smile is… phony.
''He… He was my lieutenant.'' Rukia reveals, getting images of that night and how Kaien died by her own blade. ''I thought… I would never see him again.''
''Don't worry. Come on, we'll catch up with some food.'' Kaien announces with a smile. Rukia eyes him and takes a step forward towards him until Judai gets in her path, almost protecting her from him.
Rukia is startled by this while Kaien hums confused, questioning the human's action. ''What's wrong? I thought from what Aizen mentioned about your group; you're the more relaxed type.''
''Sometimes.'' Judai replies with a serious glare as his eyes flash the orange-green dual-colored eyes. ''Sometimes I don't get sway by illusions and fakes.''
Kaien's smile slowly turns into a firm frown. Judai still glares as he declares. upset. ''I don't know who this Kaien guy was but you using his personality, memories and appearance won't fool me.''
''… I'm not following. Look, I died but somehow I'm-'' Acting confused by his attitude towards him, Kaien begins to explain only for Judai to protest firmly. ''No, he's dead; you're just took what was him, working for that Aizen guy!''
Usagi doesn't say a thing but Rukia does, uttering just as confused. ''W-wait a second. Kaien might had to play dumb to get near the Espada and-''
''Rukia-chan, I know he's not your Lieutenant.'' Judai instantly protests her theory, narrowing his gaze towards her with a look of conviction. ''Because I see through him thanks to Yubel's powers. I know so.''
''… Y-you're crazy!'' Rukia responds with a yell, making a grim face as if she can't believe this. No, she shouldn't; it has to be Kaien. To her… his death has haunted her-
''No, Judai-chan is right!'' Rukia snaps out, staring at Usagi who's calm yet saddened about this. ''I haven't transformed but this handsome man; he isn't noble or good like his face is showing.''
The long blonde pigtail girl turns towards Kaien, feeling his evil that it's inhuman.
''He's a monster in the inside.'' Usagi proclaims seriously, standing beside Judai to protect their friend. Rukia doesn't understand this. Why would they-
''… Hahaha…'' Rukia staggers as she stares at Kaien, beginning to laugh almost in a cruel manner. He calms down, still chuckling, before he announces. ''Oh man. And here I wanted to talk about how great Kaien was and lower Rukia's guard with memory lane.''
He then forms a twisted grin, belonging to a psychopath, as he further says. ''Then I would have asked her to hunt down all of her friends to make it up for killing me, starting with Ichigo Kurosaki.''
That's the red flag Rukia needed to realize this isn't him. It still upsets her deeply while she raises her guard once again. Kaien just smirks, rubbing the back of his head.
''Oh well, can't be helped.'' He begins to declare, looking at Rukia. ''I am rather happy one of my selves found such delicious Shinigami after I filled it with his beloved. Ironic no? Thanks to you, I have such a delighted body.''
''Y-you…'' Rukia utters furiously with a cold gaze. Kaien, or rather Aaroniero, just grins evilly as he declares. ''Again, shame. I guess I'll have to kill you all.''
Rukia glares madly, his body trembling not of joy now but fury. To be lied to, to be mocked… Kaien's death will always be her fault… but his death, this Espada's death, will not be hers.
''Unforgivable.'' The raven haired woman utters with a furious look, vowing with determination. ''I won't let you get away with this!''
''Oh? Then go on, fight me.'' Aaroniero taunts her, unsheathing his sword. Unsheathing her Zanpakuto too, Rukia dashes through Shunpo and comes at the fake Kaien who smirks and vanishes with Shunpo as well. They dash around with almost unseen speed. Usagi panics, trying to look around while Judai can almost follow their movements.
Soon the two reappear, clashing blades as sparks fly out between them. Rukia grunts while the fake Kaien smirks and easily slashes her back. He then charges at her only for Judai to summon both Elemental HERO Clayman and Woodsman, blocking the swing with ease. Aaroniero just smirks, slashing deeper and shreds Woodsman apart first.
''Usagi-chan!'' Judai shouts at her, needing her help as the fake Kaien stops his attack on Clayman and flies right at Judai.
Gripping on her Cosmic Heart Compact, Usagi shouts as the brooch shines brightly. ''Moon Cosmic Power, MAKE UP!''
Her brooch shines brightly like sunlight. Aaroniero widens his eyes to see that light about to shine towards his direction and he instantly vanishes away to both Judai and Rukia's notice, finding that off. The Espada moves to the shadows, watching as Usagi has transformed into Sailor Moon.
''… Now I have to fight serious.'' Aaroniero mutters, twirling the sword and smirks towards Rukia. ''Watch as I use a move from the past.''
Rukia watches and sees the dark blue hilt gave it away, realizing what that sword is. ''That Zanpakuto.''
''Surge, Water and Heaven!'' The fake Kaien declares as he holds the sword upside down and begins to twirl it in his hands as it glows, transforming it instantly into a lance-halberd hybrid trident weapon with the middle of the three-bladed trident being a corkscrew/drill shape. ''Nejibana!''
Rukia panics in disbelief, not possible that he has a Shinigami's Zanpakuto but most of all Kaien's. ''That's not possible.''
Aaroniero snickers, reminding her. ''I told you, I merged with Kaien Shiba through absorbing the Hollow that you killed. Memories, personality, appearance and powers!'' He starts laughing at this.
''… My mistake only haunts me even now.'' Rukia mutters out, taking on a piercing sword position on the side of her body and chants. ''DANCE!''
Her sword engulfs in white and transforms. Rukia swipes her sword forward, its long ribbon wrapping around her, as she declares. ''Sode no Shirayuki and I will not lose!''
The fake Kaien just smirks, teasing her attitude. ''Cute, Rukia. But I know everything about your abilities and skills.''
He dashes even faster than Rukia responds, striking his trident-spear with her white blade. Kaien smirks as Nejibana's tips blast out a surge of water, blasting a stun Rukia backwards. She gasps, wet, as Aaroniero proclaims with a grin. ''I can't wait to break them and add you into my very being!''
He twirls his trident over his head, spinning rapidly as swirls of water surround and blasts upward; a whirlpool of water wrapping around him. Water flows freely from both the trident and the end before he swings it towards Rukia and unleashes a large wave upon her.
''Rukia-chan!'' Sailor Moon shouts, trying to run up to protect but both her and Judai are blasted by the powerful waves of water that Nejibana also unleashed.
Rukia quickly fires a blast of snow from her blade, converting the wave and freezing it into ice. The area becomes frozen as her breath shows signs of frost.
''SLOW!'' Rukia startles as the frozen wave is slashed apart by Aaroniero, charging forward at her. He thrusts the spear half of the weapon right at Rukia's chest only for the blade to get intercepted and blocked by Elemental HERO Ocean.
''What?'' He utters, summoning waves of water but Ocean pushes him back with his own trident and starts spinning it, absorbing the water and shooting it right back at him.
Rukia watches confused as Judai and Sailor Moon joins her, both saved by Judai summoning his hero.
''Close one huh?'' Judai says with a small smirk, causing Sailor Moon to gag up water. Rukia sweat drops, just thanking him. ''Thanks. Still, you two shouldn't-''
''Rukia-chan, you can't blame yourself about Kaien.'' Judai tells her right away, able to tell this is affecting her performance. Rukia just frowns. How can she? It's not like she killed an enemy; she killed someone who she respected.
''I-I can't.'' She expresses with Judai getting it but she's blaming herself for the wrong reasons too.
''Yes you can. You killed him to respect his honor.'' He tells her, recalling his own mistakes way back in the other dimensions. ''It doesn't compare to all the ones I killed and sacrifice when I let the darkness in my heart to consume me.''
He stares at her, able to read her pain and suffering and just smiles, reminding her. ''You did what you did because he asked you, no, he saved you didn't he?"
Rukia immediately widens her eyes. It still haunts her in both her weakness to kill Kaien when he was infected by that Hollow that killed his wife but also in letting himself be slayed by her sword.
"Kaien forgave you because you did your duties, because he wanted to protect you! That is what any person would do!'' Judai expresses, sounding rather heartbroken that she's kept such a secret to herself. He turns back at Aaroniero, uttering with such hate in his voice. ''He wouldn't want this monster to use his face and identity for his twisted sense of humor. That is not what the memory of Kaien Shiba should be, right!''
Silent by his words, Rukia takes a moment to take it all in and realize that Judai is right. As much as it pains her, as much as she shouldn't accept this; she must accept what Judai is saying, for her stake and Kaien's memory.
''… He wouldn't.'' Rukia proclaims with a face filled with determination. She isn't going to fail Kaien as she eyes Judai and Sailor Moon, asking for their help. ''You two back me up.''
''Right!'' The two responses with a smile. The fake Kaien just laughs it off, bashing away Ocean with a stronger swing.
''You think such nonsense like that will-'' Aaroniero begins to shout, charging at them but Judai responds fast, fusing Ocean and Clayman as he shouts. ''Go, Elemental HERO Absolute Zero!''
The fused Absolute Zero appears as he intercepts Aaroniero's swing. He just grins, summoning waves of water only for Absolute Zero's eyes to glow and the water is immediately frozen solid. This horrifies the Espada, enough for Rukia to dash around him and chant, holding her free hand forward. ''Bakudo #4: Hainawa!''
A yellow rope of Spiritual Energy manifests and instantly wraps around his ankle. Rukia pulls it hard, slamming him around the room and tossing him onto a wall.
Aaroniero grunts upsetly, standing up as he comments. ''Kido huh?''
''Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro!'' Rukia further chants as the yellow rope becomes 6 yellow beams of light that stab into his body. Aaroniero staggers by this, unable to move as Rukia begins to chant loudly, crossing her palms together. "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!"
Swirls of red energy manifests in her overlapping hands, forming a sphere of red energy as Rukia shouts. "Hado #31: Shakkaho!"
The sphere soon fires as a powerful beam of energy, instantly consuming Aaroniero in its red glow. However, the Espada grunts furiously and pours a mass amount of his Spiritual Energy, shattering the beams pinning around him and evades the blast with Sonido.
''Was that the best you got, Rukia?!'' The fake Kaien taunts the foolish Shinigami except when he turns to face her; he widens his eyes as Rukia is pointing her left index and middle finger towards him. Bolts of electricity fly out of her fingertips before she shouts loudly. ''Hado #4: Byakurai!"
She fires a powerful lightning bolt from her fingers right towards Aaroniero but he leans his head to the left and evades the blast. It hits the wall behind him and that causes the Espada to realize his mistake. He turns just as the wall behind him falls apart, crumbling, to see the ray of false sunlight shine through the hole. He doesn't let the light ever touch him, vanishing away instantly with Sonido.
This alarms Rukia, turning to her right to see the fake Kaien appearing away from the hole in the shadows.
''As I expected.'' Rukia mutters, starting to get it as Judai already figures it out. ''Sunlight right?''
Rukia eyes him and nods. Something always felt wrong when the Espada led them to this building and how dark this place was. In fact, when they fought him during that attack way back in Karakura; he refused to fight them in the open.
''We have to destroy the walls now!'' She soon declares, realizing what they must do. Judai smirks, getting the message as Clayman reappears alongside Burstinatrix.
''On it!'' Judai declares, fusing both his Heroes. ''Show yourself! Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster!''
Appearing is the fused HERO monster, taking aim with her rocket launcher arm. Aaroniero sees this and panics, swinging his trident-spear and unleashing waves of water at them. Absolute Zero intercepts them with his mere presence freezing the waves.
''Go! Rampart Shot!'' Judai commands as Rampart Blaster fires its rocket missiles, striking and destroying multiple parts of the building's walls.
Aaroniero watches horrified; his composure changes and freaking out. He breathes heavily as the cursive sunlight begins to cover his tower, his fortress into its damn light. It's driving him mad, shouting furiously. ''S-STOP THIS!''
He charges at him furiously only for Sailor Moon to suddenly kick him backwards. Using this moment, the Sailor Guardian grips her fingertips on her tiara; a bright golden disk forming as she grips on it.
''MOON TIARA FRISBEE!'' She shouts, tossing the energy disk like a Frisbee. With its blinding speed, the attack cuts through Aaroniero's right hand, causing the Espada to let out a shrieking scream as well as the light burning across his missing hand. He yells out in such agony, screaming. ''T-THE DAMN LIGHT!''
The pain and light is so much that his head and face begins to morph into Aaroniero's true face, freaking Sailor Moon as she could have sworn the head are two skulls in a long tube fishbowl. However, the form reshapes back to Kaien, gasping loudly and looking at his missing hand.
''As I figured.'' The Espada's red veiny eyes gaze towards Rukia, glaring coldly yet determined to kill this demon. ''Only a coward would use the face of those who died to toy with them.''
She squeezes the hilt of the sword, declaring strongly. "I will make sure your death is swift."
This enrages the Espada, hissing deeply as his face sweats. No-no… he can't believe things would turn so badly so quickly. And worst, the damn Shinigami and these weak humans have scared him. Unforgivable. Damn UNFORGIVABLE!
''You…'' Aaroniero utters coldly, restraining his voice but his pain and fury can't control himself. He widens his eyes and yells out with such hatred. ''YOU THINK THIS WILL BEAT ME!''
Suddenly his Spiritual Energy erupts as he shouts. ''DEVOUR!''
The arm that has its missing hand begins to erupt in energy, wrapping and consuming him. The three watches with caution to only widen their eyes; their eyes looking upward. What they see is that Aaroniero has grown massive or rather his lower half of his body has become a massive, purple blob-like mass resembling an incredibly bloated octopus-like demon with dozens of stubby tentacles, large red eyes, and large mouths complete with teeth. In the center of this mass there is a bubbling area that seems to boil and displays random masks from the thousands of Hollows. ''GLOTONERÍA!''
Sailor Moon sweat drops with a stunned, terrified face while Judai gulps with worry. Rukia just shivers slightly, feeling not just the Espada's powers but also numerous Hollows on top of him. What the hell is he?!
Grinning, Aaroniero starts laughing as his missing hand has gained a sucking tentacle arm.
''You will all die by the hand of the strongest Resurrección with the power that equals an army of 33,650 Hollows!'' The Espada proclaims with such glee and excitement, wanting nothing more but to devour all of them. The three watches with concern, not sure how they can beat him.
Yugi and his group continue walking the new path they had to follow and it's identical to the first one; long and with no end in sight.
''This stupid hallway is damn endless.'' Jonouchi complains by this place with Honda asking, just as annoyed. ''Just how long?''
Anzu sweat drops at the two and their impatience. They're literally trying to avoid getting noticed, assuming that's why Yugi doesn't want to use Burst Limit.
Yugi looks around, focusing his senses all to pinpoint Ichigo's aura but as he does; he pauses as the group follow the trail and enter a room. He eyes it, pretty shocked by the strong Spiritual Energy within here.
''There's someone strong here.'' He informs the others with Jenny nodding, breathing heavily. ''Feels heavy-''
Masaya agrees, feeling this pressure as his legs were trembling.
''Then let's avoid it and-'' Anzu begins to suggest avoiding that place but before she can, a rock is thrown at the group. It misses them, hitting the ground in front of them.
''Huh?'' Honda utters really puzzled as was Jonouchi until a voice calls out. ''UP HERE!''
They look up as a figure drops in front of them. It was some kid, way too small and young for her age but the part that surprised them was her Hollow-like features, confirming she's an Arrancar.
''So you're the intruders!'' The overconfident girl proclaims with a smug smirk while her hands are gripped on both her waist.
''Just some kid-'' Jonouchi begins to say, puzzled only for the little Arrancar to snap, similar to Edward and shouts loudly. ''WHO ARE YOU CALLING A KID?!''
She leaps at them only for Yugi to suddenly catch her so quickly that he puts her down.
''Easy, they didn't mean it.'' Anzu tries to reason with her but the little Arrancar tells her off. ''No one asked you, old lady!''
Anzu staggers heavily, replying loudly. ''O-OLD LADY?!''
Jenny tries not to smile as it's like little kids to say these things.
''Sorry, we're lost and-'' She tries to tell her but Yugi stops her, noticing the look of annoyance on the little girl. He's seen that face as he kneels down to the girl and asks her with a small smile. ''Say, you seem bored.''
This causes her to blink, grunting that some human saw through her.
''Well I'm bored because my stupid partner doesn't want to do anything. Just sleep and be lazy.'' She explains herself, always annoyed by his lazy nature.
Yugi just smiles as he suggests to the little Arrancar girl. ''How about we play a game?''
''A game? Really-'' She begins to declare excitedly only to stop herself and protests loudly, reaching for her sheathed sword. ''HEY WAIT, IT'S A TRAP!''
Yugi hums about It and replies with a small smirk. ''Could be but it's better than being bored about it right?''
The Arrancar hums, agreeing with him.
''Yugi, we really don't have time to-'' Masaya begins to remind him of their actual mission but Yugi responds. ''I'm trying to, feeling out Ichigo-kun's real aura and struggling. Can't waste energy just looking where she isn't.''
Masaya frowns, believing him as Ichigo has told him many times about Yugi's ability to read aura.
''That and I rather not upset the person pretending he's sleeping.'' The tricolor head then reveals itself, turning to a bunk bed. The others blink as a figure stirs to their surprise.
''So you noticed then.'' Walking out from the bed, Starrk reveals himself with a bored, blank expression. ''You got some eye, kid.''
The others become alarm, thinking he's an-
Just then they all begin to feel a surge of heavy gravity, so much so that they drop on the ground or most like Jenny and Masaya on their knees, except Yugi.
''W-what the?'' Jonouchi utters with his face literally crushed on the floor. He can almost feel that this pressure is almost deathly, like it'll kill them.
Jenny growls, theorizing. ''Feels like the gravity has been turned up a hundred times over.''
''And Yugi isn't even bothered by it.'' Masaya then says, staring at the tricolor head who stands there unfazed.
Yugi eyes the others and sweat drops, asking the older man. ''Um… Do you mind?''
The Espada hums before noticing it. He blinks and soon apologizes. ''Oh, my bad. Sometimes, I can't control my power.''
He lowers his Spiritual Energy that the others gasp loudly, freed of it.
''S-Starrk! You had them pinned-'' The little girl yells at him for releasing the enemy but Starrk bangs her head, softly enough, and tells her calmly. ''They're not a problem Lilynette, not compare to this human.''
Lilynette blinks, admitting that the human with the weird hair was unaffected. That's rather a first with the only other person unaffected… was Aizen.
''I have no reason to fight you guys.'' Yugi explains himself with the Espada responding with a yawn. "YAWN. Same."
"Besides…'' The tricolor head then proclaims, getting an idea to find Ichigo and figure out those who follow Aizen. ''I got a game we can play. Maybe a small wager?''
"…" Starrk doesn't reply, still bored but his eyebrow does raise with interest.
Yugi smirks as he declares. ''I call it Concentration.''
Jonouchi, Anzu and Honda blink with Jenny sighing, getting where this is leading towards.
As Yugi prepares to play a fun memory game to understand the seemingly bored Espada, will Judai's group survive against Aaroniero's Resurrección?
To be continued…
(ENDING 1: Motherland by Crystal Kay by Fullmetal Alchemist)
Next Time…
The battle against Aaroniero is about to reach its climax with his Resurrección unleashed. Will Judai's group be able to handle this while Ryan and Alicia are attacked by Aizen's execution squad, the Exequias.
Judai eyes the transformed Aaroniero: Hmm… this is new.
Sailor Moon worries: I… I really wish this was faked.
Rukia glares calmly: It can't be helped; we have to win this now.
Sailor Moon nods determined.
Meanwhile…
Ryan: Are we lost?
Alicia: I would hope not but we'll just have to be careful and not- *sighs* I'm just going to assume we'll be attacked. *eyes Ryan* Want to do the line?
Ryan: OH! Yes! Next time in Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn: Beyond the Failure! Light that Burns Sorrow!
Alicia smiles: Please remember to read, enjoy and review. See you all next time.
Author's Note: So I won't cover stuff from the former Espada fights, at all, even though Dordoni is really cool for a weirdo. I would have liked to but… TIME. Plus, Ichigo at this point is much stronger than his canon self at the time.
Anyway, time for the 9th Espada (to die basically) as he uses the Kaien card but Judai (just ask when fake Fujiwara pulled this off and he saw through him) and Usagi (able to feel evil) can see through his disguise and we don't have to make this longer than it has to be. Still applied to the dark cruelty of this.
Plus, we got to see how Yugi and his core friends handle the duo of Starrk and Lilynette. And who else better for Yugi to end some of the boredom?