Chapter 20: Desert race

[Hueco Mundo]

The large garganta opened up in the outskirts of a ruin and the massive group of fifteen leapt through on the sands of Hueco Mundo. For the ones who had never been to this land before, it was a shock to the system for a second, especially Thomas who had heard of the place from Wonderweiss before but never expected this. The desert looked like it stretched on for miles in all directions and the crescent moon above loomed over them like a pendulum.

"So this is Hueco Mundo." Karin started while looking around for a moment. She turned to Ichigo. "You used to live here all this time Ichigo?"

Ichigo turned to his sister and nodded as he smiled. "It was a little lonely at first, but then I ran into Neliel and the girls and we stuck together."

Masaki was happy to hear that and sighed in relief. "Alright, where exactly would Aizen have Tatsuki held in, if any of you would know?" She directed her questions mainly to Halibel and Neliel, since they were the more seasoned out of everyone else.

Halibel thought for a moment. Where exactly could Aizen set up his base that was large enough for his own army to inhabit? That was when it hit her and she snapped her finger. "Las Noches is the most likely area he would be."

"Las Noches?" Yuzu asked her.

"It used to be a castle a long time ago." Neliel answered her. "But then hollows decided to try and take control many times and it just self-imploded."

"If that's the case, then where would this Las Noches be?" Yoruichi asked them, surprisingly eager for a fight so she could cut loose.

It was Hooleer that got their attention as her body began to stretch upwards. She went as high as she could and looked around for a time to survey the area and find their destination. Everyone down below waited patiently for a time until she stopped moving and pointed in a direction. The group looked over and could faintly see a large structure in the distance.

"That must be it I suppose." Thomas spoke up.

"Then we should get there quickly and save Tatsuki." Ichigo spoke up as he summoned his large wings from his back.

Everyone agreed though judging by how far it was and how a few of them weren't as fast as Ichigo or Yoruichi, getting there would take some time. That is until Neliel whistled loudly.

"What was that for?" Apache asked her as she raised an eyebrow.

"Just calling in an old friend." She responded as she looked over the sands to see something approaching them fast.

At first, they all wondered just what was approaching. Could it have been an enemy or a hostile hollow? Whatever it was it was fast, really fast. Neliel was giggling under her breath as whatever she had called out towards them made its way to them ever so closer. After a moment, it became visible to everyone, and they really couldn't believe what they were seeing.

"Is that a giant worm?" Keiji spoke up, jaw practically on the floor.

"Yep." Neliel answered as the 'giant worm' stopped in front of them. "Everyone, this is Bawabawa." Neliel spoke as she turned toward the group. "He'll help us get to Las Noches in no time."

She jumped up on top of the smiling Bawabawa and motioned for the others to join her. At first no one made a move, still stunned at seeing the large creature, but then after a while started to pile themselves on his back. The only ones who didn't were Ichigo and Yoruichi, both able to move faster on their own anyway. After everyone situated themselves, Bawabawa made some noises and raised over at top speed towards Las Noches.

"Neliel can be a little out there sometimes." Yoruichi commented as she stood there on the sand as Ichigo floated, ready to catch up.

He turned towards her and smiled. "I know right. It's why she so much fun to hang around."

Yoruichi laughed a little and the two raced their way toward the fading group. They caught up to them in no time and decided to stay in step with Bawabawa so no one gets left behind. As they were speeding off towards the structure, Ichigo was very eager to see Tatsuki and bring her back home safely. He would do that for any of his friends in general, but she was his very first friend. There was no way he would let her suffer whatever that whack-job with his stupid slick hair had for her.

[Las Noches]

Tatsuki was currently in a room by herself, forced to dress in a white uniform that fit her body well. She still had no idea why or even how she got here, but from what that guy from before informed her, Ichigo was alive and on his way to save her. She didn't want to believe that at first. I mean, he died years ago when they were both just kids, how could he still be alive after all this time? What was this place she was in Who was that man, and why did he sound like he had everything under control? She didn't know, but one thing was for sure, If Ichigo was alive, she had a few choice words for him when she sees him.

I know, there was no action and it was short. That's my fault, but I figured this chapter could just be a short one for now. The next chapter though will be a pretty lengthy fight scene.

Stay awesome, and as always,

PEACE!