~FIREFLY KNIGHTS~

Bleach Copyright Tite Kubo

Firefly Knights Copyright Illand Girl

'For those that need a Guardian.'


Chapter 32:To Break The Chain


"Sakurai!" Tōshirō shouted at my back, but I didn't slow down. "Dammit, Sakurai slow down!"

"Hurry up little captain!" I called back, using sonido to burst forward. Tōshirō used Shunpo to glide along behind me. "Rangiku is on her own! We have to help them-"

A hand grabbed the back of my shihakushō and pulled me to a staggering halt. I squeaked, nearly dropping down had the strength of Tōshirō's single arm not been enough to hold me up. He frowned at me; eyes narrowed as he dragged me down to his level. The level of force surprised me.

"Calm. Down." He urged through gritted teeth. I opened my mouth to argue, to remind him of urgency, but Tōshirō cut me off. "Rangiku it a very capable lieutenant, and I trust in her being able to take care of herself and Inoue."

He let go of my shihakushō slowly, eyes burning into mine as he continued.

"I understand your urgency, but you must be careful, Sakurai." He looked at me so intensely that I was becoming confused. "You must be careful not to charge in head first into these fights."

I scoffed, feeling like a child being scolded by their younger sibling. Why was I being told to slow down when there was an obvious rush?

"What's that supposed to mean?" I challenged. Tōshirō sighed, closing his eyes for the briefest of moments, then his gaze was back to peeling away layers of my soul. His frosty personality becoming more evident as time passed.

"You have a track record of leaping before considering the consequences, and in this case, lives are at stake." He measured me by standing taller, his shoulders squared up and urged me to do the same. "Can I trust on you to keep your head?"

Where was this coming from? It seemed so out of pocket for Tōshirō, as if he expected me to fly off the handle suddenly. I swallowed, looking down at the short boy.

"I had your back when we faced Aizen, didn't I?" I bore my eyes back into his, seeing reluctance in them. With great resistance, the boy relented, his eyes softening and showing the fatigue of an old man.

"We should go." He said, stepping around me. "Stay close to me."

He was gone in the blink of an eye, and I followed at his heels. The scents grew closer and I grew more agitated. I could smell Rangiku's riatsu climbing as another dark riatsu clashed with hers. It was so much stronger, immediately reminding me of Ulquiorra's scent. This one, it was wild, smelling like raw meat and salt. My nose crinkled, I opened my mouth to tell Tōshirō, but another scent came flying at us.

"Left!" Was all I could say as Tōshirō blocked an attack from another arrancar. I kept moving, smelling the carnal scent brushing against Rangiku's. In a single moment I was beside her, then extending my palm to catch a punch from her assailant.

The collision rattled my arm. An echoing slam sounded from the impact. I held strong, staring up at the man belonging to the carnivorous scent. He was tall, wearing an open jacket to show off his abs. A bone mask in the shape of a jaw covered one side of his face. Blue eyes zeroed in on me as the blast settled. My arm twitched, but never gave in as he held forcefully against my palm. The cat eyed man glared at me, eyes narrowing as he sized me up.

"Naomi." Rangiku sounded shocked. It didn't last as another arrancar attacked her, pushing her away from me. That one was below her level, unlike the one in front of me. His smell was powerful, almost on par with Ulquiorra's. As if the words from Rangiku's mouth triggered something, the man sneered at me, pressing harder. I felt Espejo's growl rip from my throat as I kicked at the man. He blocked it, sneer turning into a grin as he loomed over top of me.

"There's no way." His deep voice mocked me, eyes sizing me up as if I were prey. Like a wild cat would eye a gazelle. "Such a little thing. And you stood against Ulquiorra?"

I frowned, feeling insulted despite myself. My left hand was free still, and I pointed it towards the arrancar before he could realize it. Purple light glowed at my index and middle finger as I shot a cero at him from point blank range. His eyes widened; the blast hit him in the chest. It would not do great damage, but it was enough to force him back and away from me. The arrancar moved away a short distance, his collar singed but he otherwise looked the same as before. His glare simmered as he growled from deep in his chest like a caged cat. I could imagine a tailing swishing as well.

"I can understand the confusion," I conceded, stuffing my hands in my pockets. Up in the open air we were exposed to the breeze that blew by and subtle sounds of swords clashing. Inhaling softly, I could sense both the little captain and Rangiku were deep in battle. "Even Aizen can't sense my riatsu. And you don't even have half his power."

The insult wasn't lost on him as he snarled at me, his scent flickering upwards briefly before he reigned it in. It changed his face in a slow, methodical fashion. His eyes went from enraged, to thrilled. The transition reminding me of how large cats began to circle their targets, tail twitching in deep thought.

"So you're the brat that Ulquiorra couldn't cut huh?" He mused as he curled his hands like claws would appear at the ends of them. "I'm going to enjoy cutting you to pieces!"

He lunged for me, but I blocked him with the back of my right hand. His strikes were powerful, as powerful as Ichigo's hollow was during our fights. It rattled my arm, making me wince.

"My name is Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez! I'm arrancar number 6!" He punched me again, aiming for my forearm. My eyes widened slightly; was he trying to break my arm? He punched it again, that last one I felt. Grimmjow laughed and hit again. I winced, seeing Grimmjow's grin widen even more. "Show me that power of yours, Naomi Sakurai!"

"Don't you dare take anything from this mutt!" Espejo shouted in the back of my head, riled up and ready for a thrill. With a shout, I released her, using my free hand to punch at Grimmjow when he reared a fist back to meet mine. Our knuckles collided mid-air, causing a blast that knocked us both away from each other with a resounding boom! I skidded back, keeping my balance in the air as horns grew on the top of my head. I felt colder, heavier, and knew anyone in the vicinity could feel it too.

Grimmjow, if affected, said nothing. That wicked grin waned slightly as he watched me carefully. I let a breath out, seeing steam rise from my mouth as I tried to keep calm. Getting worked up this fast was a bad choice with an enemy this strong. Ichigo was the one with the strong attacks, I was a defensive type. Which meant I had to hold this guy off until the others were ready to join me and defeat him. Espejo grunted and grumbled in the back of my mind.

"We can kill him." She whined, but the thoughts were lost to me as Grimmjow attacked again. I blocked, even as he increased his blows his hammering attacks didn't break through my Hierro. Had I not had those sparring matches with Ichigo's hollow it may have been a different story, but right now I could sense his strikes and amplify my defense when I needed it. This angered Grimmjow as he attempted to strike harder, but as he kicked at me, I grabbed his ankle, he was locked in place as I went to draw my zanpakutō and slice his leg.

Red glowed from his palm. A cero. I reached out, dropping Espejo mid-draw, absorbing the strike with my left hand. Grimmjow looked irritated, but not surprised as I pointed two fingers at him. He created a second cero, meeting me with my fingers pointed into his palm. Our cero collided, creating a smokescreen for me. At the last second, I let go of his leg and allowed the blast of his original cero out from my right hand. That one took him by surprise as it came flying at him. The large man was knocked back by his own strike, blood dripping from an open would on his forearm that he tried to block with along with a gash along his left brow.

"Fuck!" He shouted, wiping the blood away. His eyes zeroed in on me, at the lack of wounds I had. I expected him to get angry, furious even, but the look in his eyes had changed. There was something akin to a large predator staring at a hunk of meat that I didn't like at all. Zaraki looked at me similarly. It made my skin crawl with nerves as I forced myself not to react.

"I'll admit, I didn't expect much from you," he slowly drew his zanpakutō, the air changing around him. "But you're turning out to be more fun than I expected!"

"Hm, I'm guessing Ulquiorra told you all about our last encounter then? Or was it Aizen?" I asked. Grimmjow chuckled.

"Like I give a fuck what anybody else says." He pointed his sword at me, I eyed the tip carefully. "I do what I want. And what I want is to see just how strong that Hierro of yours truly is!"

I sniffed the air, sensing a change in scents. One arrived while one vanished. Distantly, I could smell my favourite scent rapidly approaching us.

"Seven has become six already." I said, narrowing my eyes. "You're all going to die if you don't leave here."

Grimmjow paused, like he hadn't realized his comrade was dead. Then he smirked, teeth baring.

"You don't get it, do you? This hunt, this kill. It's all I care about." He squared himself up, lowering his head while keeping eyes on mine. Like a tiger about to pounce. "You are my prey!"

He lunged for me, but much like the time with Yammy, I could smell summer and chocolate flying through the air at us.

"Bankai!"

I smiled, feeling relieved as my shoulders lost some of their tension. Ichigo clashed with Grimmjow mere feet from me. The blue haired arrancar looked shocked, likely not sensing Ichigo until he was right next to him.

"Looks like I'm right on time for once." Ichigo said, his back square and shoulders looking broader than the last time I saw him. Grimmjow jumped back, sizing up Ichigo. I took that moment to step around my boyfriend, looking up at him. However, I noticed the disheveled look about him and frowned.

"You look like you came from training." I scolded. He chuckled, eyes staying on Grimmjow.

"Sorry, I meant to come home sooner Nao, but I had to get it right. I'm so close to it." He said, sounding confident. "The moment I felt your riatsu I knew I couldn't sit on my hands and wait it out. I am your sword after all."

I felt warmth bloom in my chest at his words. Yes, he was my sword and I his shield. My senses wandered to the battles around me. Some were not fairing as good as they could've been. Ichigo seemed to notice this as well. That, or he realized why I had gone quiet.

"Go help them, you can leave this guy to me." Ichigo sounded way too confident, which worried me more than if he were nervous about the fight. I frowned, looking between the two. However, I wouldn't lie and say I was more suited to this. It would just end up being a game of cat and mouse where Grimmjow tried to wear me down slowly.

"His riatsu isn't as strong as Ulquiorra's, but he packs a powerful punch. Don't let your guard down." I conceded. Grimmjow sneered at the slight.

"My riatsu? You think high and mighty of yourself for someone who plays it safe in a fight." Grimmjow snapped. Ichigo stepped in front of me, blocking Grimmjow's sight. I swallowed, smelling the rise of his riatsu.

"That's enough. You don't get to disrespect Nao like that." Ichigo said cooly. I bit the inside of my cheek as they lunged for each other, clashing in the middle. Once. Twice. They blasted each other away, moving their battle higher in the skies.

My eyes followed them for a short time, but finally I turned my back on their bettle to focus on everyone else. I closed my eyes, sensing everyone around me. Rukia was on her way here after winning against another. Tōshirō and another were fighting. Renji had his own battle. Rangiku as well. Oddly enough they smelled... smaller, weaker than I remembered. Was this why I had a hard time sensing them before? It seemed like Yumichika was with Ikakku, the latter smelled like he had just dealt a finishing blow, but they were half way across the city and didn't smell like they were on the precipice of death.

A sudden change in the lieutenants and captain close to me caused their powers to sky-rocket back to the way I remembered them being. However, in the same breath, I could smell something else in the air.

Something felt off. What was it? Taking a deeper breath, I tried to focus harder.

Two were dead- another died. Three were close to me... wait. There were seven. Where did it go? It was here earlier. All of them were together here. How did I lose track of that one?

"Naomi!" Rangiku called, snapping me out of my focus. I looked to her, realizing I had my horns on display and allowed them to dissipate. She watched, momentarily distracted, then refocused on me. "Captain said to make sure you didn't get too far away. Please come with me."

My nose twitched as I thought of the seventh scent. It wasn't familiar but it was strong. Where did it go? I followed Rangiku though, smelling more arrancar falling and less scents in the air. We made it back to Tōshirō, who had defeated his opponent. He looked horrible, with blood dripping from his snow-white hair. The little captain was panting, surprising me. He was so much stronger than that arrancar, how was he this wounded?

"Sakurai. I see you stayed out of trouble." He said, ignoring his condition. I made to kneel beside him, about to offer to heal him, but he jerked away, looking off to the side. "I am fine."

"Captain please!" Rangiku insisted, looming over the small boy. I felt rejected, but noticed the awkwardness of how he wouldn't meet my gaze. As if by perfect timing, Orihime rushed up the steps to meet us on the roof.

"Orihime can heal you." I said, voice neutral, not wanting to say more. Tōshirō looked up at me, then down again. He nodded once. The ginger looked between us all, looking uncertain, then approached the boy. I stepped away to give her room for the process, always impressed by her abilities. My gaze travelled upwards as I felt the dark riatsu of Ichigo's hollow rise up. However, he seemed to be hesitating on using his hollow. I watched; brow furrowed. Rangiku stood next to me. She looked bruised, but was in much better shape than Tōshirō.

"Always hard, watching others doing the battling." She said, sounding understanding.

"I don't mind watching," I said honestly. "I just hate waiting."

She laughed humorlessly, placing a hand on my shoulder. I looked up, about to smile, when I froze again. I could smell something akin to seafood and saltwater hanging in the air. My pulse raced as I realized my mistake.

The seventh one.

"It's here." I said, feeling the blood rush from my face. My eyes snapped to Ichigo, panicked on how to tell him.

"What- Naomi? What's wrong?"

If I was correct, that riatsu was hanging over Ichigo's house right now. His sisters, his father. How were they going to defend themselves? And that thing smelt like it was in the same field as Grimmjow-

I grabbed Rangiku's shoulder and looked her in the eye.

"There's a seventh, and it's at Ichigo's house!" I said, trying to run towards it.

"Sakurai!" Tōshirō called. My foot stamped as I came to a stuttering halt. "Remember what I told you. Do not leave by yourself!"

I bristled, turning to glare at him.

"I will not stand by just because you think I'll get hurt." I turned back to the direction of Ichigo's house, about to move, when Tōshirō spoke again.

"I understand your concern, but Sakurai, we have to-"

"I won't let them hurt any of my family." I said lowly, using sonido to sprint away before he could stop me. I could hear him shouting at me, could hear him cursing as Rangiku attempted to follow, but I flew away faster than she could keep up with, and passed straight over the carnage from Ikakku's fight as I followed the seventh scent to Ichigo's house.

Much like Grimmjow, I came flying in head first. The arrancar spun to block my attack, the collision resounding in the skies above the Kurosaki Clinic. He was small, his eyes the same shade as mine despite having none of the same characteristics. He giggled when we collided, as if he had been excited to find me.

"Oh good! Here I thought nobody would find me! I was thoroughly dismayed to find out that I would be given the task of kidnapping." He grinned slyly at me, his palm still holding my fist as his fingers tightened around it. "But it looks like you're ready for a fight, little soul reaper."

He let me go and I immediately made space. He smirked proudly, looking like the cat that ate the canary.

"Just who were you supposed to kidnap?" I asked, noticing the way his mouth opened slowly to show perfect white teeth.

"Oh you know. Any of your loved ones. I was told the girl with strange powers would be an ideal target, but since I was supposed to be incognito, I went for the more obvious ones." He spoke of Orihime, but his eyes looked down at the clinic, half closed in thought before they slowly slid back to me. "Tell me, what does Lord Aizen want with you children, hm? You don't seem his type, if he even has one."

I snorted, lips quirking.

"Probably his own reflection." I murmured. The arrancar's eyes widened, then he laughed loudly.

"My my! You must be this Naomi Sakurai that I've been hearing so much about. Ichimaru wasn't lying when he said you had a cheeky attitude." My thoughts flickered to the silver haired man, but they quickly came back to the fight at hand. "All the more disappointing that I'll have to tell him I killed you."

"You won't." I assured, preparing myself. However, it was once again interrupted as another presence made it onto the field. A cold, memorable presence with a strange scent. Black tea and black licorice. Powerful, dominating, and yet tempered. Above us, Ulquiorra stepped out from one of those black holes he arrived in before. It closed behind him, along with his only exit. His emerald eyes locked onto mine, before surveying the other arrancar.

"Luppi, you were supposed to do your tasks quietly and not engage." He spoke calmly and without any emotion. Luppi didn't seem to have the same restraint, an air of superiority in his tone as he replied with a shrug.

"Well not all of us like to be drab and dull, Ulquiorra. Some of us like to enjoy ourselves." The smaller one replied. A sense of dread washing over me. Nobody was nearby, and even if they were, none of them would be able to take both of these guys on together. I swallowed a lump in my throat, trying to figure out how the fuck I wasn't about to die.

My eyes glanced to the Kurosaki clinic below, to my family. My family who loved me very much. Who invited me into their home and took care of me when I had nothing to give. I took a deep breath in, exhaled, and steeled myself for what was to come. Ulquiorra watched me as if he were entertained, not moving from his position. Would they strike together? I didn't like how I was in between them as well. This was not a good position to be in at all for a two against one battle.

"Look at that, the mighty mouse is scared into submission." Luppi laughed. I snapped my gaze to his, glaring. He took a step closer, I refused to move, he took another three. With a deep breath, I prepared to release Espejo as I drew her from her sheath. There was no point holding back, not when I was outclassed and clearly out numbered. Not now when I had no one to fall back on.

Luppi struck at me, gaining all of my attention as he parried his zanpakutō with my own. The arrancar laughed loudly as we got in a lock.

"You're shaking. I can sense it. You changed your tune the moment that guy showed up, hm? Don't worry, he'll be the least of your problems!" He swung to kick me, but I raised my Hierro in time to guard. The sound hammered through the midnight air and echoed off the buildings. I grunted, but didn't give in as I slashed at him. I caught him across the face, cutting through the diamonds that lined above his brow. He cursed, skidding back as he tried to minimize the damage.

"You damn bitch!" He seethed. My attention was momentarily forgotten though as I tried to find where Ulquiorra was. Why wasn't he attacking me? He wasn't in the skies any longer, his scent trailing down to the ground. As I turned to look, I nearly fainted at what I saw.

Karin.

She was standing inside her gate, eyes wide as she stared up at us, at me. Our eyes locked, but then I turned to see Ulquiorra standing in the street. Karin's gaze did the same, as Ulquiorra stared at her. She looked terrified, taking a step back. Ulquiorra took a step forward.

"Come with me, little girl." He said, impassive as ever. Maybe it was the way he said it, or the fact that it was Karin he was going after, but either way, I snapped. Luppi lunged at me, and without looking I slashed at him. I don't know what I hit, but I sent him flying. In the next moment I landed on the fence between the two. It splintered and cracked under the pressure. Karin gasped, her footsteps stammering as she backed up a bit.

"Go back inside, Karin." I said, my voice dropping an octave. "Stay away from the doors and go back to sleep."

"Naomi? What- What's happening? Why are you-"

"You ask too many questions, little girl." Ulquiorra said, looking down his nose at Karin. It was like I didn't exist to him as he stared at her. I landed between them frowning as his emerald eyes snapped to mine.

"You don't get to talk to her." I warned, sensing Luppi approaching. This was it, a Hail Mary prayer that I could take them on. I had to, especially with the way Ulquiorra was looking at Karin. They'd take her to Aizen- and then what? I didn't want to think of what might happen to her there. Aizen may not have been an animal, but clearly the soldiers he controlled were not above wonton violence.

I heard Karin slowly shuffle backwards.

"Don't die, Naomi." She said, her voice shaking. I nodded, but couldn't bring myself to assure her. Luppi was flying closer, I prepared myself as Ulquiorra stared me down. Why wasn't he moving?

Another scent burst into my senses. So much like Ichigo's that it confused me for a second, until I remembered Ichigo was miles away. It slashed through the night air and clashed with Luppi. Against better judgement, I took my eyes off Ulquiorra to look up. What I saw was honestly the last thing I expected to see that night.

"Mr... Kurosaki?"

Isshin chuckled, easily holding off Luppi. The small arrancar glared, growling when the large man didn't move an inch. My eyes roamed over Isshin, noticing the soul reaper uniform, the white haori draped over one shoulder. The same one the captains wore in the Soul Society.

"You didn't think I'd leave you out here by yourself, did you Naomi?" Isshin said, batting away Luppi like he weighed nothing. I felt hope flicker in my chest as I watched Isshin look down at me. "I can't let my third daughter do all the heavy lifting."

I was so happy I could cry. I took a deep breath, watching Ulquiorra out of the corner of my eye.

"You and your son have a knack for showing up right when I need you." I admitted, the relief heavy in my voice. Isshin chuckled again.

"Always," he assured, lowering to be closer to me, but his eyes never left Luppi. "Though I must admit, I am not at my strongest yet. But I can deal with this one."

I stared at Ulquiorra, watching him carefully. Why wasn't he attacking? This was so strange how he was just letting me sort things out. Ulquiorra didn't say anything as I took a deep breath. Isshin sensed it. He must've, from how he was acting.

"You've become strong, Naomi." He assured in that warm fatherly tone that made me feel safe and acknowledged. "You just have to defend until I finish this one off. Can you do that for me?"

At his words, I felt my strength return to me, and not just blind stubborness. I could do this; I could defend myself and the girls. I turned my back to Isshin, taking a slow breath.

"Of course, Pops, can't let you have all the fun though." I held Espejo tighter. Ulquiorra's gaze never left mine as he stared straight through me with those emerald eyes. Isshin chuckled, gripping his sword tighter as well.

"That's my girl." He vanished then, clashing somewhere else with Luppi. Ulquiorra waited patiently, still silent as I took one more deep breath.

"Have you prepared yourself then?" He asked. I nodded, frowning. "Good, I would hate to have you claim you are not as full strength."

In a blast, his riatsu changed. I felt a chill seep into my bones as it increased drastically. As if to intimidate me despite the man not moving an inch. It fell like rain all around me.

"I wish to see what sort of powers you possess. Naomi Sakurai." The rain continued, seeping into my chest and making the life slowly zap from me. How could a being like this exist though? Was this what it felt like to be around me? When it stopped, Ulquiorra had the same dull expression in his eyes.

"I hope you do not disappoint me."


If there was fear in Naomi's eyes, Ulquiorra couldn't see it. Not since he called to the tiny human girl. There was plenty of resolve, defiance. Ulquiorra found it irritating as he struck her. Naomi was not easily moved. Her Hierro was stronger than the last time they had met. Or perhaps she had a better grasp of his abilities?

Regardless of the reason, he saw no purpose in trying to hold back. He blocked a strike from Naomi, but that infernal rebounding technique kept blasting him away. She took deep breaths, calming herself each time he gave space. It was aggravating to try and keep close, and he resorted to dodging her strikes when he could to keep the pressure on. Ulquiorra wanted to force her hand. He wanted her to perform a release prematurely.

He caught her zanpakutō, surprising her. His hand shook with the force, but he didn't waver.

"You are stronger than I initially expected," Ulquiorra mused. "But you lack experience, and it is obvious your eagerness gets in your way."

Her eyes narrowed, her horns appearing above her head as she used a stronger rebounding technique to try and shake him off. When he didn't move, her eyes widened. He held his opposite hand out, pointing a finger at her.

"Bala."

It shot her in the shoulder before she could react. Naomi grunted, momentarily stunned. It was more than enough time for him to kick her away. She did raise her Hierro, blocking the damage despite flying off as Ulquiorra let go of her zanpakutō.

"You can't let him do that! You can win Naomi!" Espejo snapped, sounding anxious in Naomi's mind.

'I'm trying.'

The battle continued. Ulquiorra continued to up the pressure, trying to make her cave. Some minutes later, he wondered if perhaps he was using the wrong motivation to encourage her. His eyes glanced to the small girl hiding under the ledge of the roof to her house. Karin gasped when his emerald eyes locked onto hers. It was the correct choice, as Naomi's riatsu flared in response.

"Look at me!" She grunted, using all of her power into a rebound that surprised him. It shot him fifty feet away even as he tried to resist it. When he stopped sliding, Ulquiorra brushed his clothes from invisible dirt.

"So, you care very little for your own safety, but greatly for trash such as that?" He looked at her with half-lidded eyes that were brimmed with disappointment. "Why am I not surprised? You humans are so boring."

Naomi raised two fingers to him, shooting off a cero. He dodged it easily, shooting back his own cero. She absorbed it, annoying him. He had been hoping she would be blinded to her own techniques, too afraid to lose focus to think correctly, but she seemed partial to that particular one.

Five minutes into their brawl, Ulquiorra questioned why she hadn't released her zanpakutō. It became obvious moments later though, as he noticed her cocking her head towards Isshin's battle. She was waiting for him to finish so that she would not have to fight. He frowned, agitated that his plan was falling apart.

"So, you have decided not to fight me. Hm," he raised his riatsu, seeing Naomi's eyes widening as she sensed the increase. "You hope to hold on by a thread, to pray that someone will come save you."

Naomi's chest felt tight as a deep sense of dread filled her. This must've felt similar to her own release. It was true that she was trying not to release her zanpakutō, but it wasn't just because of her hoping to stall out the fight. In truth, she knew the effects of her release, and feared putting others through that. She feared for Karin, who was still watching them battle.

Ulquiorra held his blade in front of him, his riatsu climbing rapidly.

"But no one is coming for you, Naomi Sakurai."

Something flared in Naomi's chest as she watched black flames engulf the arrancar. Cold burning gripping her heart.

"Enclose, Murcielago."

He spoke softly, his riatsu falling like rain and hitting everything close to them. Karin collapsed from the pressure despite the duo being up in the sky as they fought. Isshin glanced over to Naomi, feeling guilty that he was not as strong as he needed to be in order to help. It didn't look like any of the member of the Gotei 13 were about to intervene either.

'Hold on, Naomi.'

Naomi looked on as massive black wings spread behind him. His hair grew, his white jacket becoming a cloak, and his bone helmet seemed to become complete. His entire presence changed, feeling like he was overwhelming her just by standing there.

"No one will save you." Ulquiorra continued. His words hit something inside her chest. Memories of her time running from Akito vividly in her memory. The burning ache clenching around her heart like an icy fist. Her breath hitched. "You are all alone, and you cower rather than fight."

Ulquiorra was impossibly fast in this form, striking Naomi from the side before she even registered that he was there. He had to admit, her instincts were strong. Had she not raised her Hierro, he may have taken her head clean off with that strike. Naomi crashed into a building before she even knew what hit her. When she scrambled to stand, her eyes were wide. How had he become so much stronger? It was night and day compared to his sealed form. She felt doubt creep into her then. How was she going to compete with that? Even released?

"Shut up." Espejo snapped. Naomi flinched, brushing debris from her hair. Ulquiorra was in front of her and striking before she finished a single stroke, his clawed hand grabbing her throat. Naomi raised her guard on instinct alone, glaring into Ulquiorra's eyes despite the obvious danger.

"Karin is counting on you. Isshin, Ichigo, that shrimp captain, all of them." Espejo shouted into her mind. Ulquiorra produced a green bolt from his free palm, raising it to strike her. Her heart slowed as she grabbed the hand holding her throat with her right hand and raised her left as he struck. Ulquiorra changed the angle of his attack at the last minute to avoid her palm, slicing across her stomach and cutting her shallowly instead of impaling her. The scent of burning flesh and the shock of it made her see white as she released his previous cero onto his own skin. It singed his wrist, but he didn't let go.

"You cannot lose to him!" Espejo urged, causing the next line to snap in Naomi's mind. Her riatsu skyrocketed as she grabbed at the lance with her right palm. Her smaller hand sidled up to his, surprising Ulquiorra as he looked down at it. Naomi grunted, squeezing the bolt. In a single wave of riatsu, it shattered, the rain and heavy flow now coming from her. She reached out, resummoning Espejo, and in a single stroke she swung at him with all she had. Ulquiorra could sense this attack was different. Stronger. He chose to dodge, surprised when the slice cut through his skin. Even unreleased? This was a change.

Naomi stumbled as she was released, taking small panting breaths to calm herself down. He surveyed her, watching as the waning certainty began to dissipate. What was it that compelled her to make such a foolish choice as to fight him?

'You have to fight him! Release me!' Espejo cried. Naomi hesitated, but the hollow snapped back at her. 'Do it or let him take the kid!'

She looked down at the streets below them, knowing that the released state would be hard for many of these souls to deal with, but Espejo was right, she no longer had a choice. So, she raised her zanpakutō in front of herself, holding the blade flat to her palm outstretched in front of her. The raining riatsu became a torrent, smothering him.

"Reflect, Espejo."

The rain knocked smaller souls to the ground with many of them dropping into a coma. Ulquiorra watched as the black flames engulfed her, producing a rather odd-looking creature.

'Espejo, a mirror.' Ulquiorra thought, thinking of Kyoka Suigetsu as he stared at the mirror floating in front of her chest. Naomi groaned, the sound guttural and aching. Her eyes turned a brilliant green as she glared at him, looking exactly as Lord Aizen described her to. But was she as brilliant as he was hoping her to be? He watched as she licked her palm, before it retreated beneath her wrap, sizzling noises could be heard. Was she healing?

"So, you choose to fight for this trash." He mused, summoning another lance. In a blink she was gone. His eyes widened as he looked beside him. She was there, striking at him. He blocked her, slashing at her with his lance. She caught his wrist, above her head, surprising him again. They were in a lock, stagnant for only a moment. Then Ulquiorra raised a leg to kick her, but the mirror blocked for her as purple light collected in her right fingers. Ulquiorra narrowed his eyes, concentrating his own blast to return fire with his hand holding her striking hand.

Their cero collided, knocking them both away from each other. On the other side of the damage, Ulquiorra stood calmly. He waited for the smoke to clear. However, as he stood, one of those guttural groans left Naomi's lips once more. It sounded... inhuman. Lower than natural. What was that noise?

She grunted, sounding like herself, but as the smoke cleared the arrancar could faintly see more bone fragments forming around her jaw. The helmet was further complete than when they had begun the fight. What did that mean? He glanced at her eyes, noticing how dark her sclera looked, like wisps of black were taking over. Naomi looked worn out, tired after such a short amount of time. But Ulquiorra did not think it was because of her battling. Her Hierro was dense, which made it quite heavy and difficult to carry around. Supplementing that by hardening and softening based on movement made it easier long term, but it was a temporary fix as the effort was still taxing.

"Are you done now?" He asked, looking the same as the moment their match begun in Naomi's eyes. Just what was he? His riatsu was strong, but not as powerful as Ichigo's, yet she felt like she was barely keeping up with him. She remembered Karin then, and composed herself. Ulquiorra noticed, thinking he needed to push her harder.

So he did. He dove at her, giving no room for her to breathe as Naomi dodged, blocked, and rebounded where she could. She did her best, at least Ulquiorra would think so. For a teenage girl who only learned to fight a few months ago, Naomi Sakurai was exemplary. He would say he understood the fascination Lord Aizen had, but in the same breath, he could not understand why. She was not exemplary compared to trained swordsmen of the Gotei 13, at least from the Lord's perspective. Ulquiorra did not question it further though, knowing full well Lord Aizen's mind was a place not easily treaded upon.

He found an opening in her guard, summoning one of his Luz de la Luna to throw at her. Naomi dodged, barely skirting around it, as he lunged at her with a second lance. This one would surely hit his target. But apparently Naomi was full of more surprises than even Ulquiorra had expected.

Naomi had presumed he would take the bait, thinking little of her battle hardiness. However, she had learned from Aizen that your opponent could be led around the battlefield. So, when Ulquiorra lunged at her with that glowing lance, she pulled Espejo from her mirror. The zanpakutō glowed as if emitting light. Naomi prepared herself, holding the flat side to meet Ulquiorra's attack. Kisuke's words echoed in her mind.

"You know, I think that attack deserves its name to be said. Unless you still don't know it."

Oh, she knew it, she knew it well. Espejo cried out, glimmering as she made contact with Ulquiorra's attack.

"Shuhariki!"

The collision caused a massive explosion as riatsu rained freely around them. Light blinded them both as Ulquiorra was forced to close his eyes.

Even from a distance Isshin was knocked around by the blast as Luppi stumbled. Miles away, Rangiku turned as the cold chill in her chest became worse. She looked on, watching a bright light emit from the battle above the Kurosaki clinic. The blonde swallowed, closing a fist as she took a step towards Naomi's direction.

"Rangiku."

She hesitated, looking to her captain veiled beneath Orihime's healing shield. Tōshirō was watching as well, sitting up as he stared off at the battle.

"Captain I-"

"Call for a barrier to be placed around Sakurai." He said firmly, eyes sharpening. It surprised Rangiku. This was absolutely not what her captain had told her to do this morning.

"But you said earlier... we were supposed to-"

"And now I'm telling you there's no point." He hissed, trying to temper his emotions. Orihime glanced between the two, trying not to be obvious about listening in. What was happening? "Sakurai does as she wishes, and we must be prepared for the fallout."

His eyes drifted to the other fight still taking place between Ichigo and Grimmjow. They'd been going at it harder ever since Ichigo felt Naomi's release. He looked back to the battle across the way, to where Naomi was fighting like hell. He gripped his haori that rested in his lap tightly, doing everything in his power not to jump up and run to help her. No, Naomi had fought Aizen and lived. She would not be taken down by a foot soldier.

Yet he still felt this horrible pit in his stomach. If Ichigo were to complete his battle, then perhaps it would be alright. Captain Kuchiki had said the two together would take on most of the captains combined. He hoped that wasn't an overstatement.

'Don't die on me, Sakurai.'

When the light died, Ulquiorra opened his eyes. On his initial survey, he thought nothing had changed. Naomi looked exhausted, struggling to keep her balance in the air, coughing and heaving as she tried to breathe. He watched her, confused what the attack had done other than tire her out. Ulquiorra felt sluggish as well, as if he'd done battle with thousands of hollows and not this one little girl. He lifted his right hand, pausing as he felt weight in it.

When he looked down, his zanpakutō sat in his hand, wholly undisturbed. His eyes widened as he tried to flap non-existent wings. Nothing was there. He was back in that unreleased form again, his body taking shape like a human's.

'What is happening to me?' He questioned, staring at his naked, clawless palm. Then the reality of the situation set in and he finally understood the fascination with Naomi Sakurai.

"I see," he barely whispered, looking up to the tired woman. His eyes roamed over her, taking her in in a new light. "When you assist Ichigo Kurosaki, you are not simply squashing his spiritual pressure. No, you force it to attack itself."

Naomi's eyes narrowed at his as she stood up, taking slower breaths. Ulquiorra found her fascinating as he watched her.

"You possess the ability to turn an enemy against himself. By forcing him to attack his own spiritual pressure, you cause it to collapse in on itself. And you do this by using your own spiritual pressure as a guide. A mirror." He looked down to his naked palm once more, flexing it a few times. "You could deflect any attack, no matter the size, as long as it is in your range of spiritual pressure it can be done. That is why you are so dangerous. It is also why your Hierro is so potent."

Naomi didn't say anything, having recovered enough to defend herself should he choose to strike again. He wanted to know the extent of her strength, wanted to push its boundaries and see its limits. He felt compelled to use his true strength, felt a desire to show her his true form.

"Show me, Naomi. Show me this power that holds even Ichigo Kurosaki in check." Black flames engulfed him, burning his clothing away as he felt his body transform. His wings emerged; his hollow hole enlarged, bleeding black against his skin. His fur grew from his lower body, a long tail emerging. Naomi's breath hitched as she pushed the assaulting riatsu from her system. It burned her, feeling cold like ice and so empty. Filled to the brim with despair. Her eyes widened without her even realizing it as she gazed upon Ulquiorra's true state of being. His riatsu on full display, his strength unbound. She swallowed, watching his yellow eyes lock onto hers.

"Segunda Etapa." His words flowed from his mouth smoothly. Naomi almost didn't hear him. "Most arrancar have only one release, but I have found a way for a second release. Most unfortunate for you."

She didn't move at first, feeling wholly outclassed. Which became apparent when he struck her in the side of the head without her realizing he had moved.

'So fast!'

It was a brief thought, before she went flying across the city, crashing through buildings. When her rag doll smash finally came to an end, she was confused, struggling to right herself, Ulquiorra gave her no chances to fix it as he came at her again. She couldn't even guard, getting smashed around and the absolute snot beaten out of her.

"Surely you can defeat me, Sakurai." He said, following up with a slash from his claws. They cut across her face and body, slashing clean through her robe. She cried out, Ulquiorra didn't care as he kicked her and sent her crashing into another building.

Naomi's body burned as she struggled to right herself. She couldn't keep up with him at all. It was exhausting, as if fighting speed itself. She grunted, attempting to stand, but Ulquiorra kicked her into another building. This time she laid down and didn't move. Her body refused to even let her try. Ulquiorra loomed over her, watching for any signs of fight. When she gave none, he stepped closer.

"Surely this is not it?" He felt almost disappointed. This was his task to complete, but he expected her to have more fight considering her attitude before. When Noami didn't move, he nudged her onto her back. Her eyes were glassy, half aware as she stared up at the sky. Ulquiorra stopped, half expecting a surprise attack. When none came, he continued to stare at her. Such a small thing she was, hardly imposing despite her strength.

The pitter patter of feet running down the sidewalk reached his ears. He turned to look over his shoulder, seeing the tiny human girl from before. Why was she here? Why was she staring at Naomi with such devastation?

"Get up!" Karin shouted, tears pricking in the corners of her eyes. She knew what would happen next. She knew it without seeing it, that something similar happened to her mom, had happened to Ichigo before.

"Naomi, you have to get up!" Her cries did something, it would seem. Naomi shifted on the ground. But when Ulquiorra looked at her again, her eyes remained glassy and unseeing. Her mouth moved, as if to form words, but nothing came out. Karin's bottom lip wobbled as she stared at the pale man with terrifying eyes. She swallowed, her knees shaking, her fear locked her in place.

Ulquiorra turned to Karin, taking a step towards her. Her little heart nearly gave out just from being under his gaze, her legs finally failed moments later.

"Naomi..." She whimpered. Then, as if all her strength and hope was formed into one sentence, Karin shouted with as much firmness and bravery she could muster.

"Naomi you can't die like this!"

'...Die?'

'Am I... Dying?'

She felt cold, but this form always felt that way. Especially with Ulquiorra standing so close.

'Karin... Why...'

"Is this really how you want to die? Like a dog being put down in the dark? Confused and alone?" Espejo's words from back in the underground hall lifted to the surface. That, along with all the fear, the uncertainty, and the rage.

'Alone... I... don't want to die... Alone...'

Alone. The creeping fear and anxiety of that feeling of emptiness and fragility. She always ran from it as fast as she could, but now she was in the dirt, lying in a pile of rubble. As far as backup was concerned, Naomi was completely and entirely alone. She could feel others riatsu, smell their scents, but they were so far away. A shaky breath left her lips, and in that moment, she remembered Karin was right there. Probably feeling as alone as she felt.

"Karin..." Her name was breathless on her lips. Ulquiorra glanced down at the beaten woman, then across at the tiny human.

'Perhaps she needs the proper motivation once more.' He thought, turning to step towards the kid. His ankle was caught, and as he looked down, he saw Naomi's fingers attempting to still his leg. He blinked, impressed by her resolve, but then he kicked her and sent her flying again.

Seeing the person Karin considered a big sister flying down the street from a single lazy kick, the young girl felt a spike in her fear. She looked up at Ulquiorra as he took another step towards her. It was a mistake coming out here like this. She should've stayed inside; what did she think she was going to accomplish?

Karin's breath caught in her throat as she saw her dad fighting another monster overhead.

"Karin! Get back inside!" Isshin urged frantically, attempting to get to her but being blocked by a laughing Luppi. He growled, forced to fight again.

Ulquiorra walked slowly, purposefully. He stared at the small girl as she pushed herself back a single shaky foot. Terror was written on her face-

He stopped, sensing something from his right. A purple cero flew at him. He raised his wing to block it, but the attack didn't disperse. Ulquiorra was taken by surprise when he had to use his arms to block it, and even then, the blast had to be redirected upwards instead.

When he looked at where Naomi had crashed to a stop, she was no longer laying in a heap. Slowly, with great effort, the girl stood up. Fragments of her bone mask grew. The nose elongated, still chipped at the snout, but the mandible developed slowly and firmly. He watched for a brief moment as the light in her eyes changed. That low, inhuman growl left her lips, her sclera painted black against neon green cat eyes.

Then he felt it, the heavy dense fall of riatsu against his skin. It dragged him down, making his whole-body light up and burn all at once. A guttural groan escaped her lips, as if she was in immense pain, but it ended in that same inhuman growl. Ulquiorra's eyes widened as he realized the hackles on the back of his neck were standing up straight.

"You won't die here."

Naomi's pupils thinned into slits as she pulled the mask down over her face. It disappeared, only showing the skull instead. Ulquiorra watched as the mirror cracked, before it shattered into tiny pieces, raining like dust across her ashen skin.

"I won't let you die alone."

Ulquiorra struck at her, getting across the distance before Karin could blink. His clawed hand reached out to strike her-

She caught his hand, surprising him. Naomi reared her head back, then lunged forward, ramming her head into his. He crashed into another building, then through three more before coming to a stop. Ulquiorra pushed himself from the rubble, eyes immediately finding Naomi as she slowly walked towards him. He could hear her breathing as it echoed beneath the mask, sounding like an animal. She stopped, then lifted her head and roared, resembling a human less and less.

As he thought this, a bright light slid down from the heavens, creating a square around him and Sakurai. The child was outside the barrier, as was the other soul reaper and Luppi. Not that Naomi noticed, nor did she currently care.

"I won't let you die. I won't let you die."

Ulquiorra thought the barrier useful. No one could interact with them now. It was convenient and meant no more distractions. He could finally get the girl to give her absolute effort.

"Now you show yourself." Ulquiorra said, watching the girl in front of him that resembled beast more than human as she crouched as if to crawl on all fours. He lunged again; this time aware that she could keep up. The battle resembled more equality now as he used his full capacity to attack her. Naomi's eyes darted to follow him, a growl low in her throat as she blocked and dodged, but also fought back.

She kicked him, like a bovine would, catching him in the ribs. The resounding crack stunned him momentarily. He hadn't expected that to hurt as much as it did. He winced, getting knocked away again. Ulquiorra grunted, holding his wounded side until he felt it heal up. The bone mask looked complete now, but as she made to step forward, something stopped her. The pieces of chain all over her body rattled, tightening as she attempted to move. A high-pitched shriek like that of a hollow left her lips. She grabbed at the cloak, ripping it from her body. It showed the flesh beneath, along with what other developments had begun.

Her body was completely ashen, her shihakushō had transformed into fur that clung to her skin. Her hair like a tail was draping down her back legs, claws similar to his own developed on her hands and feet, cutting through her shoes. Her body was covered in chains though, far more than the broken ends he had seen dangling from her arms in battle. She looked to be wrapped up in a never-ending coil of chains. Some broken ends dangled freely while others wrapped around her tightly, squeezing her.

Naomi reached to her chest, grasping the chains so tightly that she cut herself in the process with those sharp claws. Ulquiorra's eyes narrowed, uncertain what those chains were. She tugged, pulling the chains aggressively. They rattled but remained. She tried again; this time they gave a bit more. Another guttural grown slipped from her mouth, solidifying her animalistic state, and on the third try she broke free. The chains shattered, falling from her body and dissolving.

It was as if all hell had broken forth from her. The raining riatsu climbed higher than before. Ulquiorra grunted, confused how such a thing could happen. He had to act, fast.

He summoned a Lanza del Relámpago and took aim. Part of him expected Noami to dodged. She didn't. She absorbed it through her left hand, then lunged for him. It felt very much like a dance between two Vasto Lorde. Ulquiorra took every chance he could, but Naomi caught him by his wing, her claws breaking his wing membrane like it was made of butter. She opened her right hand and launched his own attack at him. He shifted, barely in time, to evade serious damage. The attack sliced straight through his right arm, wing, and shoulder, but it evaded his vital organs. She followed up with a slash from her claws, cutting his left arm open as he attempted to block the attack.

Ulquiorra crashed to the ground, his body already healing. Moments later, he rose, tested his arm, then looked up to see Noami staring at him. The inhuman growl leaving her lips again. Was this even Naomi anymore? Or had the hollow taken control. He didn't know, didn't care.

She raised a hand, pointing a cero Oscuras at him. The black attack outlined in purple grew at her fingertips. His eyes widened minutely before he dodged, the attack hit the barrier and caused it to ripple. Naomi closed in, getting so close she must've had a death wish as he used his tail to wrap around her throat so he could pull her back as he struck. He cut across her skin, but it was as if she was so one minded, she didn't care. She slashed at him immediately after, drawing blood. He grunted, feeling the strike cut across his chest and abdomen. Even if it immediately healed, she was able to wound him several times now, which should've been impossible for a human.

She followed up with a kick, shocking him as he went flying. He righted himself before he crashed to the ground, but his eyes watched her as she stood tall. An inhuman presence oozed from beneath the surface, and Ulquiorra knew Naomi was no longer his opponent. The riatsu was different, darker. It did not attempt to heal itself, though he wondered if it could even feel pain. It's riatsu rose again, surprising the espada.

'Again? It is impossible.' He thought, thinking a new strategy quickly. He'd have to be quicker, lest Naomi become too powerful for him to defeat. It never occurred to him that the girl might overpower him. He created another Lanza del Relámpago, taking aim and firing right away. Naomi dodged, then opened her palm, the dust on her skin from the mirror reforming into a blade. Ulquiorra fired another attack, this time she batted it away like she had with his attack earlier.

A bright light emitted from the strike; the blast was so powerful that it ripped the street below, blowing away entire houses and shattering the barrier around them. It burst into dazzling shards, giving no contest to the combination of both their attacks. Ulquiorra found cover beneath his wings, attempting to hide out the impact. Isshin and Luppi were knocked away, giving Isshin the opening he'd been waiting for. Karin was swept out into the street again from her hiding place, tossed into garbage cans before flying into a fence. She cried out, seeing stars.

Naomi growled, head twitching like a glitch as her eyes flickered.

Ulquiorra readied another strike, thinking that attacking her head on was a mistake. She was more than capable of blocking any of his strikes, and there was no chance of reasoning with her or tricking her psychologically now. Not with this... thing. His eyes drifted to the child that was still against the fence. She blinked, startled as she realized his gaze rested on her, and scrambled off to one side, hiding behind a fence line. Ulquiorra created another lance, grasping it tightly as he raised it above his shoulder. Naomi snorted, steam blowing from the skull's nostrils as she coiled on all fours.

He aimed for the child.

Naomi lunged.

For a moment, he wondered if Naomi would truly protect the girl. This beastly other form did not appear human, or capable of remorse, nor did it seem to feel pain. He watched out of the corner of his eye as the creature lunged for him instead of the child.

'I miscalculated.' he thought, preparing a defense that would not raise in time. This creature was too fast now, keeping him on his toes. In slow motion, he watched the beast's head tilt to watch the stray bolt shoot across the street.

'Ka... Ka... rin... Karin...Karin!'

The beast jerked as Naomi's consciousness returned. She struggled to turn her body, finding it much slower. The hollow refused, pushing towards Ulquiorra.

'What... no! Karin-'

'We can kill him.' Espejo whispered, fixated on Ulquiorra. She took another sprinting step, but as if time had slowed, Naomi resisted.

'He'll kill her. He'll kill them all!'

'He'll kill us, Naomi. Don't you understand? This is our chance! I won't let you die.'

Naomi metaphorically dug in her heels, struggling to gain her control, struggling to resist the strength of the hollow. If they attacked now, they could kill him, but Karin would die.

'You're going to kill her!'

Espejo pushed, ignoring Naomi as she took another step towards Ulquiorra. Her body completely froze though as Naomi's riatsu bottomed out, then came crashing down over the hollow like a tsunami. She struggled for a grip, gritting against the onslaught. She held on, refusing to lose.

'I won't let you die!'

She was ripped away as Naomi used everything she had to get control, shoving at the hollow harder than she thought she could and overpowering her much like she would with Ichigo.

'YOU'RE KILLING HER!'

Naomi moved, appearing in front of Karin, her antelope mask cracking as she pushed the hollow from control and took the reins. She held her left arm out, hoping to absorb the attack.

It worked, partly.

Her riatsu was too low to absorb all of the strike, part of the attack landing on her arm, shooting a horrible burning sensation up her arm and across the left side of her body. Naomi barely raised a Hierro in time to stop herself from dying.

The pain was unbearable. The explosion stung her eyes and all she could taste was smoke and blood on her lips. She thought she screamed, but it was lost in the booming noises that followed impact.

Karin stared up, only seeing the back side of Naomi who had rushed in front of her. She couldn't move, still comprehending everything from her dad up in the sky to Naomi being able to transform into one of those things.

Ulquiorra watched the dust settle, revealing a still living Naomi. Barely.

She was bloody, her skin sizzling and peeling in some places. She held a wide-eyed expression, but the eyes were blank as she stood there. Was it really standing? She didn't seem aware of her surroundings at all. Her left leg wobbled once, then completely gave out as she fell face forward in her own blood.

Karin gasped as Ulquiorra appeared by Naomi's head. She froze, feeling her very soul crumbling under the pressure. His eyes remained on Naomi, impassive and unyielding.

"You had the perfect opportunity to defeat me, and yet you chose to save such a meaningless life in exchange for your own. You humans will never cease to perturb me." His eyes lazily glanced at Karin and the girl thought she was about to die. Ulquiorra's expression didn't change as he stared for a moment longer.

"Now it's time to go, little girl."


Grimmjow knocked a punch into Ichigo's gut that would've sent him flying, had he not also struck the blue haired arrancar with his free hand in the chest. They both knocked back, coughing. Grimmjow grinned widely, amused.

"Your defense is not nearly as strong as that chick, but you pack a punch, kid." His eyes were wide and crazed as he held his sword in front of him. Both had landed small strikes on the other, bloodying them both. But Ichigo was in worse shape, having come from training and already tired. But there was no way he would leave Naomi to face these guys on her own. Even after Shinji explicitly told him not to bother, he left.

Ichigo scoffed.

"That's kinda the point. She's defense and I..." He raised his sword above his head. "I am the offence!"

He fired off a Getsuga, surprising Grimmjow as he was caught in the blast. It scarred up his chest and his arms that were raised in defense. The arrancar sneered, walking off the attack like it was nothing, irritating Ichigo. However, Ichigo hadn't finished. When Grimmjow lowered his arms, he was shocked to see a mask over the carrot top's face. His riatsu changed too, feeling far too much like a hollow's. Ichigo was already lunging for him, and before he could react, Zangetsu had sliced through Grimmjow's left arm like butter.

The arrancar was stunned, not expecting such an attack. Ichigo's mask shattered the moment his swing ended, but the damage was done as they split apart. Grimmjow shouted, clasping his bloody stump.

"What the fuck are you?!" He grunted, shocked. Ichigo was panting, looking exhausted. Grimmjow yelled once more, barreling at Ichigo. The ginger blocked, but he was launched down into the street below.

"Ichigo!" Rukia called, finally on scene.

"Stay back!" He urged, struggling to stand. Holding the mask took all of his energy right now, and his recovery needed a lot of work, but with Grimmjow down one arm he stood a decent chance at defeating him in a fair fight.

Rukia surveyed the scene, noticing that Ichigo's fight had moved around quite a bit.

Grimmjow was seething, pissed that this fucking brat had managed to pull a fast one on him. He felt enraged, gripping his zanpakutō with his right hand.

"Grind-" he was cut off as someone appeared beside him.

"That's enough, Grimmjow." Ulquiorra said. "The mission is complete."

'Who's that guy?' Ichigo wondered in between pants. His white uniform had blood on it, the jacket ripped on his left side and his coattails singed. Then Ichigo's eyes landed on what was draped over his shoulder. A woman, from the looks of it, with black hakama that was ripped and bloody. As Ulquiorra turned though, Ichigo got sight of the person.

His chest froze, the air knocking from his lungs. She was covered in so much blood- when had her fight ended? He had sensed her, but he thought- he was so sure-

"Naomi..." He strained out, taking a step forward. "Naomi!"

He saw her fingers twitch, realizing she was alive, barely. He growled, something deep inside of him burning at the sight as Ulquiorra looked down at him with an impassive and indifferent gaze.

Rukia saw everything, but one look at Ichigo's body and she could immediately tell he stood no chance at defeating both of these arrancar. They knew it as well, showing no interest in the boy other than Grimmjow's sneer.

"Give her back..." He felt his blood rushing as he only saw red. His sclera turned black, pupils molten gold. He wanted blood for what they did to her. "GIVE HER BACK YOU FUCKING-"

Something hit him across the back of his head, a burst of spiritual pressure blasting him and knocking him out. Ichigo fell forward, Rukia struggling to catch him as he slumped over. Grimmjow scoffed, sensing no fight anymore as Ulquiorra stared at Ichigo's prone form for a moment longer. What was it that drove humans to act so irrationally, he wondered. It didn't seem like he would get an answer though, and so he turned and opened a Garganta and stepped in.

Grimmjow glanced at Ichigo, weighing the odds of waking the bastard up, when Ulquiorra turned back to look at him.

"Grimmjow." He called. The blue haired arrancar sneered, but turned to follow the other espada. Still, he glanced back one more time, seeing Rukia looking up at them to be sure they left, before following along the path back to Huecho Mundo.

Rukia stared, eyes wide, her hands still and calm despite her erratic heart. She had panicked, knocking Ichigo unconscious in a bid to save him from dying to those arrancar. He would've, and she knew it. Ichigo had grown, but those two- Rukia shivered as she remembered the feeling of Naomi fighting the black haired arrancar. Her riatsu was heavy, denser than Ichigo's and she struggled.

"So, they finally made their move."

Rukia jolted, looking from Ichigo's unconscious body to Kisuke Urahara as he waltzed down the street. All at once rage filled Rukia.

"You- Kisuke Urahara! Why didn't you help us if you were so close?" Rukia snapped. Kisuke adjusted his hat, shadowing his eyes as he looked at the result of the battle. Ichigo was cut up and would need Orihime to heal him at this point now that Naomi was compromised.

"It wouldn't have made a difference." Kisuke assured, though his voice was somber. Rukia's eyes widened, shocked at his words.

"Wouldn't have made a- just what are you saying?" She stood, momentarily forgetting Ichigo on the floor. "Did you know that they would take her? Answer me!"

She demanded him to speak when he looked away. After a beat of silence, Kisuke let out a long sigh.

"Surely you figured it out Rukia. I mean, it was obvious." He looked at her dead in the eyes as he spoke again. "The moment she showed her hollow to Aizen, she sealed her fate. Even if I had intervened, he would just send more."

"That's bullshit." They heard from another voice. Both looked to find Renji wandering over to see the aftermath. "No offence to her, but Naomi's not any more special than Ichigo. So why wasn't he taken? You've said it yourself, his attack power is greater than hers."

"To split them up, probably." Kisuke mused, looking down at Ichigo. Rukia stepped closer.

"You know something Urahara. Tell me. Why was Naomi the target?" She asked firmly, not backing down. Kisuke groaned, as if asked to perform house chores at the end of a long day. He tilted his head back to look up at the sky. After a long pause, he looked back at them, adjusting his hat as he spoke.

"Maybe he decided Ichigo would be too difficult? Dunno," he gave them a simmering look. "But what I do know is that if he took Naomi, then Aizen considers her and Ichigo a real threat."

"Anybody could tell that." Renji said, crossing his arms. "Everyone can see the rapid growth. Those two will surpass old man Yama before they reach adulthood at this rate. But that's not the full truth, is it, Urahara?"

There was silence as Kisuke looked away. Renji frowned.

"I could understand if it was a delicate subject, but you look like you really don't want us to know something. So, tell me, why Naomi Sakurai?" Renji demanded, pushing and prodding as much as he could. Kisuke was silent for a long pause. Then, he looked up at the moon.

It was full tonight.

"I dunno, maybe she piqued his interest or..." He tilted his head, glancing at the two soul reapers. "Maybe someone owed him a great debt."


Wow that chapter took so long to finish! Honestly the editing part takes forever and I will still find mistakes. (Shoot me now) I wrote this in one sitting and spent a few days editing it. Ick. Anyway, yeah. Naomi's control isn't as squeaky clean and tight as she's making it to be, and when push comes to shove, hollows do what hollows do best!

Vex Florez : I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Cheers!

mydoggeorge11: Viola, a new chapter

Mesmerizing Mermaid: Lmao yeah one day ngl, Ichigo is a stubborn man but everybody has thier limits! Also yes, Isshin is THE GOAT OF A FATHER and I really hope this chapter didn't make him seem any less! We get to see more Isshin next chapter!

Thank you for reading, I hope you're having a lovely summer.

Cheers.

Iland Girl