Chapter 19: Back to the start

It didn't take long for the group to put two and two together. Tatsuki had been captured by Aizen's forces and was now bait for Ichigo to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue her. Everyone knew that was what he was trying to do, but to Ichigo, he needed to save his friend. He just couldn't leave her there to whatever Aizen wanted to do to her, trap be damned.

Most likely Toshiro would report what happened earlier to his superiors. It's not like this whole thing hadn't gone sideways enough at this point. Not only has Aizen sent some of his espada out to the world of the living for who knows what specifically, but the boy Ichigo Kurosaki had gotten in the way. To top it all off, his lieutenant had went AWOL on them and even attacked her own allies to help that child. The head captain would have a field day with this.

As Toshiro and his group left, Ichigo and his group were back at the Kurosaki house trying to figure out what their next move should be.

"It's clearly trap." Halibel spoke what everyone was thinking.

"Obviously." Masaki spoke up as she could tell Ichigo was feeling distress that his friend was in danger.

"So what do we do then?" Thomas asked, confused on what to really do now. "If it's a trap, then wouldn't it be a bad idea to go to this Hueco whatever place?"

"Aizen will be expecting Ichigo to go to save Tatsuki without a moments hesitation." Yoruichi spoke while placing her hand on her chin. "I say, if he's expecting that, then we give it to him. Thin out his forces and take his home turf."

"But what about Tatsuki?" Ichigo stepped in, not liking any of this. "We can't just leave her there."

"Then why not just go there and save her then?" Yuzu spoke up, catching everyones attention. "I mean, Aizen's expecting Ichigo and maybe a few others to come to help him, so why not most of go instead?"

"That could work." Ichigo said with a smile. "All we really have to do is get in, get Tatsuki and get out. There's no way that I'm leaving my friend in Hueco Mundo with that wack-job."

"Then if that's the case," Masaki started as she sighed a bit but stood up straight. "Then as your mother, I'm coming with you."

"Same with us." Karin spoke as she placed her elbow on Yuzu's shoulder and they both smiled. "Can't have our big brother and our mom going into enemy territory by themselves."

Ichigo smiled to them, then noticed the other around him.

"Then I guess we're coming with." Halibel spoke with a smirk on her face as Neliel and the girls stood next to them at the ready.

"Same here." Yoruichi grinned as she crossed her arms.

"Well if that's the case," Thomas started. "I'm in as well." Wonderweiss, Hooleer, Meiko and Keiji stood next to him with smiles as well.

Ichigo was happy that his friends and family were here for him. That would make this all the better when they save Tatsuki from Aizen's clutches. Unbeknownst to them all though, Kisuke had not been far away from the house and could tell that they all were about to go to Hueco Mundo. For some reason he felt angry yet knew that if this was to happen, then at least Ichigo and his group will be out of the way when the war really starts. Whatever happens next would hopefully play out to his favor, especially when he retrieves the Hogyoku in the end.

With all of that in mind though, after and hour to prep themselves, Halibel opened up a garganta large enough for all of them to go through. Every arrancar was ready for battle. Thomas had worn some of his form fitting attire that he wore in training that consisted of a dark red shirt and blue pants. Yuzu, Karin and Masaki were in their appropriate attire. Yoruichi had worn her own attire along with having her zanpakuto strapped to her lower back. Ichigo was dressed in the same outfit as before and was ready to save his friend and hopefully end this once and for all.

[Las Noches]

Tatsuki had been sitting in the dimly lit room for what felt like hours now, still confused as to where she was. She sighed as a slight panic went through her body as she felt an intense presence approaching her room. She looked towards the door as it opened and a man with brown hair and a white outfit walked inside. He was flanked by a dark skinned man that had some kind of goggles over his eyes and a man with silver hair and a fox like grin on his face. The three stood in front of her.

"So, you're the one he is fond of?" Aizen started as he looked the girl up and down and saw and felt nothing all too special about her. Sure, she had a very small amount of spirit energy to herself, but it wasn't enough to even be considered a potential threat.

Tatsuki narrowed her eyes as she looked to the man. "What are you talking about? Who the hell are you guys?" She was angry but knew she could do nothing against any of these men and anyone else in this place. "And who's fond of me?" She asked that last question with as much courage as she could without her voice

Aizen smirked as he knew this would be all too easy for his plans. "Why, Ichigo Kurosaki of course. Don't you wish to see him once more?" Aizen spoke, enjoying the shocked look in her eyes as he and his cohorts turned and left the room.

Tatsuki wanted to question them but her voice left her as she always had this lingering feeling that Ichigo was still here. She clenched her teeth and shut her eyes as she felt sadness within her heart. If what this man said was true, then maybe she could finally see her long lost friend after so long.

I just really wanted to update this one. Short, I know, but the next chapter will have action a plenty for you guys. I'm debating on whether having Ichigo face off against Ulquiorra and Grimmjow, or just Grimmjow and then later on Ulquiorra. Maybe even having a completely different fight all together. Don't know yet.

Stay awesome out there and as always,

PEACE!