Disclaimer: Bleach and Ben 10 do not belong to me.
Once again, thank you to Pyromania101 and Vandenbz for proofreading my chapter.
Strike Back Part Two
As Bawabawa trekked along the sand, Uryu and Renji informed Rath of the situation.
"So Soul Society just brushed Orihime off as a traitor?" Rath growled. "Not cool!"
"My captain, however," Renji spoke up, "Allowed us to sneak into Hueco Mundo since he knew Ichigo was going there anyway."
"When we find Nelliel, will she help us get to Orihime?" Uryu asked Pesche.
"I'm sure she would," Pesche said. "Even though we just met you guys, Lady Nelliel is really fond of Ichigo. If this Orihime girl is important to him, Lady Nelliel will help."
"Good," Uryu said. "If she has regained her power like you said, it would certainly be helpful to have a former Espada on our side."
"And maybe if you guys ate some of those Spirit Fruits," Rath said in a surprisingly calm voice, "That could help you too!"
"Spirit Fruits?" The other four all asked at once.
Rath rubbed the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Look… Aizen tricked me into making this Oasis full of fruits that boost the eater's spirit pressure."
"What?!" Renji cried before clutching his stomach as he hacked up more blood. "The Espada had something like that this whole time?! And you helped them?"
"Hey, lemme tell you something, Pineapple Man!" Rath snarled. "I thought we were doing it so Hollows wouldn't need to eat each other to survive."
The other four stared. "What?" Uryu asked.
"I wanted to help Hollows so they wouldn't need to eat people anymore," Rath said, looking glum. "I wanted to make Hueco Mundo a better place for people like Starrk and Harribel."
"Starrk and Harribel?" Renji repeated.
Pesche and Dondochakka gasped, flinching dramatically with their arms in the air.
"Y-you mean the Primera and Tres Espada?!" They exclaimed.
Uryu and Renji's eyes bugged out. "You know two of the top Espada?!"
Rath nodded. "They're my friends."
"Friends?!" All four cried at once before Uryu and Renji were reduced to coughing fits yet again. Pesche had leapt into the air, possibly for dramatic effect, and nearly flew off Bawabawa had Dondochakka not grabbed him by the leg.
"At least," Rath said quietly, his ears drooping, "I hope they still are."
Uryu shook his head, hair whipping in the wind. "We'll worry about that later. Right now we need to find Nelliel."
"You're right!" Pesche shouted even as he flailed in the air. "Full speed ahead, Bawabawa!"
Bawabawa shot forward like an express train, Pesche wailing as he flew even harder in the wind while Dondochakka struggled to keep him anchored.
"At least wait until you're secure!" Uryu shouted at the Arrancar.
Rath looked ahead, pointing. "Uh, I see something up ahead!"
Uryu's head shot to where Rath was pointing, eyes widening. "I sense Ichigo! And he has Orihime with him!"
Renji struggled to sit up in Rath's arms. "He's got her already?!"
"There's two others I don't recognize," Uryu frowned. "I'm guessing one of them is Nelliel and the other… most likely another Espada. What's worse, the possible Espada is overpowering Nelliel."
"No!" Dondochakka and Pesche wailed. "We won't reach her in time!"
"Let me tell you something, Pesche Guatiche and Dondochakka Birstanne!" Rath said, gently placing Renji and Uryu on Bawabawa's back before standing up. "You might not make it in time but Rath can!"
Crouching low, Rath leapt into the air, soaring like a comet towards the fighting. His eyes narrowed as he looked down at the figures below, surrounded by the debris of a previous battle. Three of them were hard to make out but Rath could've sworn that he saw specks of orange and green. One figure, however, he immediately recognized and his mouth curled in a snarl.
"Nnoitra!"
As gravity took effect and Rath found himself shooting down towards the Fifth Espada, Rath bellowed, "Sheer Cosmic Drop!"
Everyone present looked up and Rath smirked at Nnoitra's eye widening before the alien hero slammed into him. The two rolled across the ground in a tangled mash of limbs.
"Let me tell you something Nnoitra Gilga, Fifth Espada! Rath is not in the mood right now! So stay down if you know what's good for ya!"
"W-who are you?"
Rath rose to his feet to take in the others that had been near Nnoitra. One he recognized immediately: Orihime. She was staring at him with eyes wide and mouth agape. Standing beside her was a tall boy with spiky orange hair and donned in a different Soul Reaper uniform from Renji. It was a form-fitting, black longcoat. In his hands was a katana with a pitch-black blade and a crossguard made of four bent prongs.
In front of them was a woman with long green hair and a curvaceous figure that would've given Harribel a run for her money. The fact that she was essentially wearing tattered rags as an improvised skirt and shirt, which did nothing to cover her long, slender legs and the under parts of her chest certainly didn't help. She had a crimson line that ran along her nose and a scar on her forehead. The most prominent feature though was the skull on her head, with curved horns and part of its left teeth missing. She was no doubt Nelliel.
"I'll ask again," she said in a stern but soft tone. "Who are you?"
"Hey, easy!" Rath said. "Nelliel, right?"
The woman's eyes narrowed and she held her sword out in front of her. "Yes."
"Pesche and Dondochakka were worried about you so I went ahead."
Nelliel's eyes widened. "Pesche? Dondochakka? They're alright?"
"Yeah, we had some trouble with Szayel, but…"
Rath was cut off as he spun around to catch Nnoitra's blade. The Fifth Espada had risen to his feet and tried to attack Rath while his back was turned. Now that the hero had a good look at him, he saw Nnoitra's body was not only lined with a cut across his chest and numerous bruises on his body, but his clothes were also singed and a good chunk of his spoon-like hood was missing.
"Let me tell you something, Nnoitra Gilga, Fifth Espada!" Rath growled. "You're looking pretty roughed up. Guess this girl kicked your butt pretty good, huh?"
"Don't you mock me, Tennyson!" Nnoitra growled, trying to pry his weapon free but Rath's hold remained unbreakable.
"Wait… that's Ben?!" cried a voice behind the hero that he figured was the orange-haired guy.
"You got a problem with that, Orange Man?" Rath shouted.
"W-wait, Ben!" Orihime cried, flailing her arms even as the guy beside her scowled. "This is Ichigo Kurosaki! He's a friend of mine!"
"Oh… right. Sorry about that. Hey, Uryu and Renji are okay. They're on their way with Pesche and Dondochakka. Should be here right…"
"Lady Nelliel!"
Everyone turned to see Bawabawa shooting towards them. Ichigo grabbed Orihime and dove to the side as the large eel Hollow skidded to a halt. Pesche and Dondochakka jumped off of him and landed in front of Nelliel, bowing.
"Lady Nelliel," they said reverently.
"Pesche," Nelliel smiled as she looked between them. "Dondochakka."
"We are at your service, Lady Nelliel," Pesche said.
"As always," Dondochakka added.
Seeing they weren't in any danger, Ichigo Kurosaki looked over at Orihime. "Hey, Inoue? Are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine, Kurosaki-kun. I," she paused when she realized that Ichigo's arms were around her. Her face reddened and she started trembling. "I-I-I…"
Ichigo tilted his head. "Inoue, what's…?"
"Stop ignoring me!"
Rath howled when Nnoitra kicked sand into his eyes. The Espada swung his blade again only for Rath to catch it with his teeth. Nnoitra's eye widened as Rath grabbed him by the shirt and slammed him into the sand.
"You guys get out of here!" Rath shouted at them. "I'll hold him off!"
"What?!" Ichigo shouted.
"Why are you interfering with our battle?" Nelliel asked, though she seemed more curious than annoyed.
"Let me tell you something Nelliel, former Third Espada! Orihime needs to erase the Hogyoku from existence, right?!" Rath shouted. "I'll buy you some time."
Ichigo turned to Orihime in shock. "Inoue, you were going to…"
Orihime fidgeted for a moment before letting out a sigh, steadying herself. "Yes, Kurosaki-kun. That's what I had planned to do."
Rath cringed. "Was I not supposed to say anything?"
Nnoitra suddenly leered, eyeing Orihime in a way that made Rath grit his teeth. "You wanted to do what, Pet? So naughty of you. What would Lord Aizen say if he found out? He might have to punish you!"
Roaring, Rath lunged forward to grab at Nnoitra, who held his weapon out in front of him. Grabbing it, Rath and Nnoitra grappled.
"I'll admit, I was hoping you would do something like this, Tennyson!" Nnoitra chuckled. "Aiding these intruders means you've betrayed us, right? That means Lord Aizen shouldn't have any qualms about me killing you!"
"I've already kicked your butt once, Nnoitra Gilga!" Rath bellowed. "Want some second helpings?"
"Ben, be careful!" Orihime called out. "He ate some kind of fruit when Nelliel attacked him earlier and it made him stronger." Rath froze.
Nnoitra cackled. "That's right, Tennyson! Those wonderful fruits you helped make have increased my power even more! New alien or not, this time I will win! Once I'm done with you, the rest of these insects will be easy pickings!"
As the Arrancar and alien struggled with each other, Pesche went over to Nelliel and whispered in her ear, "Lady Nelliel, we think maybe eating some of those fruits can help your power stabilize."
"Is it possible?" Nelliel asked. Despite her calm demeanor, there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"It should, but where are these fruits?"
"Ben mentioned something about an Oasis," Dondochakka spoke up. "It shouldn't be hard to find!"
Nelliel lifted a hand, her eyes full of contemplation and then determination. "Yes, let's do it."
"None of you are going anywhere." They all turned to see Nnoitra's Fraccion, Tesra, coming towards them. "I won't let you."
"You truly want to take on all of us?" Nelliel asked as she raised her blade, a katana with a light green hilt and a guard composed of crescent moons stuck together at the back.
"The Soul Reaper is injured, the girl's powers are unfit for combat, and your power is fluctuating, no doubt due to that crack in your mask."
Pesche and Dondochakka stepped forward. "We'll take you on."
"Pesche," Nelliel started to object.
"We couldn't protect you before, Lady Nelliel but we can now. Find this Oasis and eat as many fruits as you can. Also, Uryu and Renji are badly hurt. They need help."
Orihime gasped. "W-where are they?"
"Up here!" Renji called from atop Bawabawa. "Don't forget! We also need to find Chad and Rukia!"
Orihime and Ichigo's eyes both widened. "You're right!" Ichigo exclaimed. "Let's go!"
"I already said," Tesra raised his blade, "You're not going anywhere. Crush: Verruga!"
An explosion of power kicked up sand, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. Once everything settled, they saw that Tesra had become a large, warthog-like creature. His mask now completely covered his face, even sporting tusks. The exclamation point designs that had been on his uniform were now on his chest. A large scar covered his right eye where his eyepatch used to be. Ichigo and Orihime eyed him warily, Nelliel frowning as she lifted her sword, but Pesche helped up a hand.
"We said we would protect you, Lady Nelliel. Please trust us."
Quietly Nelliel lowered her sword. "Be safe."
"We will, Lady Nelliel," Dondochakka said. "We're not the same Arrancar we once were."
Nodding, Nelliel turned to Ichigo and Orihime, holding out her hands. Staring at them in confusion for a moment, they both slowly took one… only to cry out when Nelliel shot into the air and landed on Bawabawa's back.
"We'll come back for you!" Nelliel called down to her Fraccione. "Hurry, Bawabawa!"
On command, Bawabawa turned and started shifting across the desert.
"You're not getting a—" Dondochakka slammed his mace into Tesra's side, knocking back the larger Arrancar. He suddenly grunted in pain as he felt something slice into his arm. Raising it, he saw a thin gash along his forearm.
"They're not your opponents, Tesra," Pesche told him, Ultima now in hand. "We are!"
"Lord Nnoitra will hate me for letting them get away," Tesra said quietly. "But if you wish to interfere, I suppose I should dispose of you first!"
Shouting at the top of his lungs, Tesra charged at the two former Fraccione, who yelled back as they charged to match him.
Rath battered away Nnoitra's weapon before throwing a fist right at Nnoitra's only eye. The Espada tilted his head before striking Rath in the face. Rath kicked Nnoitra in the gut before uppercutting him. Nnoitra's Hierro gave him some defense but the powerful shockwave from Rath's claw still launched him skywards. Rath jumped up, grabbed him, and spun them around so they'd plummet to the ground together. "Polaris Piledriver!"
The two crashed into the sand.
As the group rode atop Bawabawa, Orihime tended to everyone's injuries as they compared notes, her healing shield forming a dome over all three of her friends.
"So you guys ran into the Eighth Espada, huh?" Ichigo commented.
"Szayelaporro seems to specialize in studying his opponents first and then engaging them after creating a countermeasure in advance," Uryu said. "Although he never took into consideration that Ben would get free."
"More like he never expected Pesche and Dondochakka to be smart enough to actually free Ben," Renji said.
Nelliel, her hair flowing in the wind, frowned at his words. "Pesche and Dondochakka are eccentric but they are far from stupid."
Uryu and Renji flinched at her sharp tone, still trying to believe this woman in front of them was the little girl they had met earlier.
"Fair enough," Uryu conceded. "If it wasn't for them, we never would've gotten free from Szayel."
"Is Ben going to be okay?" Orihime asked, looking in the distance where she had seen sand blast into the air.
"He said he had beaten Nnoitra before so he should be good," Renji reassured her.
"Yes but that was before Nnoitra ate that spirit fruit," Uryu pointed out.
"Well Ben's got that Ultimate Swampfire form, remember?" Renji said.
"Ultimate forms?" Ichigo asked.
"We don't know much about it either," Uryu admitted. "Szayel captured Ben the moment his device ran out of power so we didn't have time for explanations."
"And when he was Rath, he was more interested in learning about Orihime's predicament."
Orihime lowered her head sadly. Ichigo noticed this immediately. "What's wrong, Inoue?"
"Ben wanted to help me," She said quietly.
"Szayel," Renji seemed hesitant now. "Szayel had apparently put Ben through what he called a 'game' and… kept distracting him by threatening your life."
Orihime gasped, becoming even more downcast at this newest development.
"Idiot! Why did you tell her that?!" Ichigo demanded hotly, grabbing Renji by the front of his uniform.
"She had a right to know," Renji defended himself, though there wasn't much force in his words.
Ichigo looked at Orihime, guilt plain on her face. "Inoue," when she raised her head to look at him, he smiled and said softly. "We'll come back for him. He tried to help you and saved Uryu and Renji. We won't leave him behind."
Orihime looked at him, Ichigo's smile never leaving his face. Slowly she nodded, eyes full of determination. "Right."
"That must be it!" Nelliel cried.
Everyone looked to where she was pointing, eyes widening to see the Oasis in all its glory. The lush plant life and glistening lake were a marvel to see.
"I know Ben mentioned an Oasis," Uryu said as he adjusted his glasses. "But to actually witness it…"
"It's beautiful," Nelliel gasped.
"How is this possible?" Ichigo asked. Orihime finally dispersed her shield and Ichigo leaped off Bawabawa to examine the plants. He brushed one of the leaves, blinking at the texture. "How can this place support life like actual plants?"
"It's possible that Aizen did something to the sand," Uryu suggested.
Nelliel plucked one of the fruits and slowly took a bite. Her eyes shot open at the taste before slowly devouring the fruit down to the stem. "It's delicious." She gasped as she felt her spiritual pressure increase. "It works!"
Ichigo plucked himself a fruit and cautiously bit into it, his body rigid. "This, this is pretty good."
"Fascinating," Uryu said as he too grabbed a fruit. "And to think Ben created these with the intent of Hollows eating these instead of other spiritual beings."
Ichigo, Orihime, and Nelliel stared at him. "Those were his intentions with these fruits?" the latter asked quietly.
"This might sound crazy but he says the First and Third Espada are his friends," Renji mentioned, earning more stunned looks from the peanut gallery. "He said he wanted to make Hueco Mundo a better place for Arrancar like them."
"Is… is that why he agreed to help Aizen?" Ichigo wondered. "Was he doing it for the Arrancar?"
"It would seem that way," Uryu answered grimly. "He seemed upset at the possibility that the two Espada might not be his friends after all."
Nelliel grabbed three of the fruits and started devouring them like they were her last meal. Shocked by her actions, and appetite, it took Ichigo a moment to regain his voice. "Nelliel?"
"We don't know how many fruits Nnoitra possibly ate, let alone the remaining Espada," Nelliel said after taking a moment to wipe juice off her lips. "I just met him but it's obvious that this Ben Tennyson is a noble person. I won't let him fall to the likes of Nnoitra."
"We should eat up too!" Renji said as he bit into a fruit. "We need our strength to help him, Chad, and Rukia!"
Nodding, Ichigo and Uryu started plucking more fruits and started eating. Ichigo then spotted Orihime simply standing to the side and watching them. Gently he plucked another and handed it to her, Orihime nearly jumping at the gesture.
"Here Inoue," Ichigo said.
"Oh no, Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime flailed her arms wildly, a light blush on her cheeks. "You should focus on feeding yourself! I'll just get in the way!"
"No you won't," Ichigo said gently. "Besides, it can make your shields stronger and help you heal faster."
"O-oh. R-right." Orihime slowly took the fruit from Ichigo's hand, her blush increasing as their fingers nearly touched, and started nibbling at the fruit.
"Not to mention you deserve this just as much as we do," Ichigo said as an afterthought.
Orihime squeaked before digging into her fruit a little faster.
"Come on," Ichigo said. "Let's finish eating and then go help Ben!"
Nnoitra swung his blade down at Rath, who quickly sidestepped. "Sirius Buttkicking!" He yelled, kicking Nnoitra in the side and knocking him back.
"One of your attacks is called Serious?" Nnoitra said in bafflement.
"It means Sirius, like the star!" Rath roared, lunged at the Arrancar with both his claws aimed.
Nnoitra rolled out of the way, kicking Rath when the large feline crashed into the sand. Rath skidded across the ground, quickly collecting himself before crouching on all fours and dashing towards his opponent. Nnoitra stuck out his tongue, a Cero starting to charge at the tip. Rath kicked off the ground, shooting towards the Espada with surprising speed. With a yell, Rath slammed one fist on the top of Nnoitra's head and the other under his chin, forcing the Arrancar to bite his own tongue. Nnoitra's eye comically bugged out as his Cero dissipated. With another roar, Rath reared his head back and slammed it right into Nnoitra's own forehead.
"Lord Nnoitra!" Tesra cried out, only to hiss in pain as he felt Pesche slash him in the leg. Rounding on the smaller Arrancar left him wide open to Dondochakka who struck him in the chin with his mace.
"Pay attention, you know what I'm talking about!" Dondochakka shouted.
"We're your opponents now!" Pesche said.
Growling, Tesra's eye flashed red before he unleashed a Cero at the duo. Yelping in shock, the other two Fraccione dove in opposite directions as the blast struck the ground, blowing sand everywhere.
"We better wrap this up before he decides to interfere with Ben's fight, Dondochakka" Pesche said.
"I couldn't agree more, Pesche," Dondochakka nodded his massive mask. "Let's finish him off!"
"You two think you're a match for me?" Raising his fists, Tesra charged at them.
Pesche raised his head and blasted more of the same semi-transparent liquid he had launched at Szayel earlier. Tesra roared in disgust and frustration as a good portion of it got in his eye and face. As he struggled to wipe the liquid off, Pesche jumped on top of Dondochakka's head as the larger Arrancar crouched down on all fours. Getting down on one knee, Pesche held Ultima horizontally as purple light began gathering around him. Dondochakka opened up his mouth as yellow energy began building up before him.
Blinking rapidly as he wiped away the liquid, Tesra's eye widened when he saw the two charging a Cero.
"Take this! The technique we developed during all those years of training!" Pesche shouted at him.
"Cero Sincretio!"
Pesche formed a purple orb the same time Dondochakka formed a yellow one. Energy surged between them, kicking up wind and creating a dazzling display of colors. Tesra was transfixed as the two orbs merged together in a chaotic blend of yellow and purple. By the time Tesra realized what was happening, the blended Cero shot towards him. Nnoitra's Fraccion barely had time to throw his arms up as he was engulfed in the light.
Both Rath and Nnoitra turned their heads at the explosion behind them. "Tesra!" Nnoitra cried at the pillar of smoke created by the attack.
"Oh, like you actually care about that guy," Rath said darkly, remembering all the times Nnoitra shouted at the other Arrancar for assisting him.
As the smoke cleared, Tesra was revealed. He was back in his sealed state, his body singed, his clothes shredded and he was clearly wobbling.
"L-Lord… Nnoitra," Tesra coughed before collapsing.
"Tesra!" Nnoitra yelled again.
Pesche fell off Dondochakka, barely managing to catch himself as both he and his teammate panted for breath.
"We-we did it," Pesche breathed
"It still takes a lot of energy, you know what I'm talking about?" Dondochakka said. "Maybe we should've asked Lady Nelliel to bring us back some of those fruits."
Pesche would've replied when he realized that a shadow had overtaken them. Confused as to why everything got dark he looked up…
"That was an impressive attack."
Behind his mask, Pesche paled, his body trembling.
Dondochakka looked up as well, his jaw dropping as sweat built up around his forehead.
Towering over them was a mountain of a man dressed in the uniform of a Soul Reaper which was partly opened, revealing several bandages around his midsection. He bore a long scar that ran down a straight line on the left side of his face. A black eyepatch covered his right eye. His black hair was done in spikey strands that stuck out in all directions, with little bells at the end of each tip. In his hand was a long, thin sword, its blade chipped all over. A manic grin was on his face as he leered down at the exhausted warriors.
"That means you two are pretty strong right?"
"S-S-Soul Reaper?!" The two cried in a panic, especially in their tired condition.
Rath spun at those words, seeing the large Soul Reaper. Like Captain Hitsugaya, he was wearing the same white coat, only it was torn at the sleeves, meaning he was a captain. Though at the moment, all Rath cared about was that his new allies were in possible danger.
"Hey!" Rath shouted, drawing all their attention. "Let me tell you something, Spiky-haired Soul Reaper! I'm gonna start calling you Spiky Man, Spiky Man! You leave those two alone!" Then, forgetting all about Nnoitra, Rath lunged at the newcomer.
The moment the Soul Reaper spotted Rath, his manic grin grew larger as he raised his sword and something like recognition flashed in his eye. Claw met blade, the force of Rath's strength clashing with the captain's spiritual pressure. Wind kicked up and sand flew everywhere.
"It's you," the captain said with something like glee. "The one Captain Hitsugaya talked about. Ben Tennyson, right?"
With a heave, he pushed Rath away, the alien hero landing perfectly on his feet. Hearing a noise behind him, Rath ducked, causing Nnoitra's weapon to shoot overheard at the captain, who managed to block it with his thin sword. Nnoitra, who was holding onto his weapon's chain, leered at him.
"Who are you?" he inquired.
The colossal man's grin threatened to split his entire face. "Captain Kenpachi Zaraki of the 11th Squad."
"Nnoitra Gilga," Nnoitra grinned back. "The Fifth Espada."
"Let me tell you something, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki of the 11th Squad!" Rath roared. "I heard Soul Society wasn't going to help Orihime! So why are you here?! Spill your heart out right now!"
"Uh, Ben?" Pesche spoke up timidly, hand raised like he was trying to catch a teacher's attention. "I think you mean 'Spill your guts?'"
"Those too!" Rath shouted back.
Suddenly, a little girl with pink hair popped up on Zaraki's shoulder, wearing a Soul Reaper uniform in her size. "We were always going to invade Hueco Mundo!" she chirped. "Kenny came here when the hole was ready!"
"Yachiru," Zaraki said sharply to her. "Get out of the way."
Nodding, the little girl hopped off Zaraki's shoulders and started putting distance between the combatants and herself.
"So I get to kill Tennyson and a Soul Reaper captain?" Nnoitra chuckled.
"If you both want to fight me go ahead!" Zaraki said, swinging his blade.
Nnoitra went first, bringing his weapon down on Zaraki, who blocked yet again. Rath took advantage of this distraction to ram Nnoitra with his elbow. Then he was forced to block Zaraki as the Soul Reaper captain slashed at him. Nnoitra fired a Cero at both of them, forcing the two to separate as the beam shot past them. Zaraki brought his sword down on Nnoitra, eye widening in surprise as his blade slid down the Espada's body without so much as a cut.
"Let me tell you something, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki of the 11th Squad!" Rath yelled even as he tried backhanding the captain, who nimbly dodged despite his large body. "Nnoitra's Hierro is supposedly the strongest in the Espada! You won't cut it!"
"Supposedly?!" Nnoitra exclaimed, trying to strike the alien hero in the back, and through him Zaraki, with his arm. Rath leaped up and Zaraki struck Nnoitra's arm, unable to cut it but at least redirecting his attack away. "My Hierro is the strongest in the Espada!"
"You gotta hit him so hard that Hierro won't work!" Rath yelled even as he dodged and weaved through Zaraki's slashes. Rath and Zaraki both ducked as Nnoitra swung in a wide enough arc to hit them both at once.
"Is that right?" Zaraki said as he looked Nnoitra over. "If I keep cutting away at you, I'll eventually cut your Hierro?"
"That is not what I said!" Rath scooped up sand and threw it in the captain's face. As the captain tried wiping the sand out of his eye, Rath tackled him, grabbed him in a bear hug and threw him at Nnoitra, who was too caught off guard by the sudden attack to defend himself. Zaraki took advantage of the opening to slash Nnoitra again, only grunting in annoyance when his blade failed to cut again. Both let out a great "Oof!" when Rath tackled Zaraki, who in turn tackled Nnoitra. Rath then slammed both fists on each of their heads. Zaraki and Nnoitra both moved to strike Rath at the same time, knocking him flat on his back before they started attacking each other.
"What the… Captain Zaraki?!"
The three combatants and the three spectators turned to see that Bawabawa had returned, his passengers staring down at the fight in surprise and confusion.
"So there you are, Ichigo," Zaraki said casually, as if a three way battle was perfectly normal. For the captain of the 11th Squad, it probably was. "At least you're not dead yet."
"B-but I thought Soul Society wasn't getting involved," Ichigo stammered.
Zaraki scoffed. "That bastard, Kisuke Urahara," Ichigo's eyes widened, "Had been given instructions by the Captain-Commander when it was decided the final battle would be in winter."
Rath tilted his head. "Winter? What?"
"One of those orders," Zaraki went on, "Was to stabilize the Garganta in its optimal state so the captains could travel to Hueco Mundo safely. Initially they said it would take about three months, then we heard that girl over there," he eyed Orihime, who squeaked in surprise when attention was put on her, "Had been kidnapped."
"Captain Zaraki," Renji whispered.
"I told them I would be enough," Zaraki finished, slight annoyance on his face.
"Wait," Uryu spoke up now. "Does that mean…?"
"Normally I have no interest in getting involved with barbarians."
Everyone turned to see another Soul Reaper, and a captain by the look of his uniform. This one had white face paint with a black cross at the center, covering everything but his nose and some of his lower chin, making him look like a creepy clown. A golden frame encircled his head, covering his ears, and stopping past his chin like a decorative beard. His hair was styled like curved horns, making the ensemble resemble the appearance of a pharaoh. Standing beside him was a woman wearing the Soul Reaper uniform but cut at the knee, showing off her legs. Her black hair was tied in a long ponytail.
"Captain Kurotsuchi!" exclaimed Renji.
"But that one right there," the new captain said, pointing at Rath, "Is a marvelous specimen and I can't risk you damaging him too much."
"Let me tell you something, creepy clown Soul Reaper!" Rath shouted. "I'm gonna start calling you clown man, Clown Man! Anyway, Rath is nobody's test subject. Get out of here before I smear your stupid face paint all across the desert!"
"My, my, this one has quite the mouth on him," the captain said. "It seems this transformation does in fact impede his personality."
"How do you know about that?" Uryu shouted and there was a hint of bitterness in his tone.
"Hmm? Oh, I saw it through the observation bacteria I had put in your body," the captain said nonchalantly.
"What?!" Uryu cried. "When did you put those in? Were… were they seriously from our fight way back when? How much have you actually observed? Are you listening to me?!"
During Uryu's rant, Captain Kurotsuchi's eyes had started rolling in different directions. "Do be quiet, Quincy. I'm not interested in you anymore." He turned back to Captain Zaraki, Nnoitra, and Rath. "Like I said, Captain Zaraki, that boy is to be my new test subject. Hand him over and you can go back to fighting that Arrancar. Despite being one of the Espada, it seems that he's nothing more than a mad beast like you so he has nothing to offer me."
"What did you say?" Nnoitra hissed.
"Piss off, Kurotsuchi!" Zaraki retorted. "We're fighting right now!"
Captain Kurotsuchi sighed, his hand going to his zanpakuto, which sported a pink hilt and several leaf-like protrusions sticking below the blade. "Typical. You really are like a mad beast who's had a piece of meat dangled in front of him."
"Who are you calling a mad beast?!" Rath yelled. "I mean, being a giant tiger technically makes me a beast but that's not the point!"
"You want to fight me too?" Zaraki said, raising his blade.
"I'm sick of waiting around!" Nnoitra snarled, lifting his sword again.
"So noisy," Kurotsuchi commented as he lifted his sword.
"H-hey!" Ichigo yelled. "Wait a second!"
Rath's ears picked up something moving through the air and his eyes widened. "Everybody scatter!"
Everyone looked at Rath in confusion before something massive struck the middle of where he, Zaraki, and Nnoitra had been standing. Wiping some sand off his fur, Rath snarled as he rounded on whatever had landed. "Now what?!"
A new, muscular figure rose to its feet. Rath paused when he saw the figure had a gaping hole in its torso and a very familiar body build. Standing before him was what could only be described as Four Arms if he wore white, bone-like armor that completely covered his body and a skull mask over his face. Even like Four Arms, the new creature had four glowing yellow eyes that made him look haunting.
"What the hell is that?" Renji asked even as he drew his zanpakuto.
"A Hollow but," Uryu frowned as he summoned his energy bow, "Something's different about this one."
"Where the hell did you come from?!" Nnoitra demanded. "Who are you?" The four-armed Hollow turned his head towards Nnoitra but then looked away, focusing squarely on Rath.
"Uh, do I know you?" Rath asked.
"You should," said an all-too familiar voice that made Rath growl and his fur bristle.
"Szayel!"
Sure enough, the Eighth Espada was standing nearby, looking fully restored and once again sporting that smug demeanor of his.
"I knew he wasn't finished," Uryu said bitterly.
"So that's Espada number eight, huh?" Ichigo turned to Orihime. "Inoue, put up your shield."
Orihime wordlessy created an orange barrier around her as Ichigo, Uryu, Renji, and Nelliel readied their weapons.
Detecting movement, Szayel turned his head. His eyes narrowed when they landed on the former Third Espada. "So you have regained your true form, Nelliel? No doubt you helped yourself to some of those fruits from the Oasis."
"I take it you had a part to play in its creation, Szayel," Nelliel said calmly. "It seems even someone like you can create something beautiful."
"Ah yes," Kurotsuchi said, an eerie smile on his face that made him surprisingly even more disturbing. "That Oasis which contains fruits that have been enriched with spiritual energy; I must sample that as well."
"Let me tell you something, Clown Man!" Rath called out to him. "You stay away from that Oasis before I bend you into a Soul Reaper pretzel!"
"Szayel!" Nnoitra addressed the other Espada. "Is that Hollow your doing?"
"Indeed it is," Szayel said as he ran a hand through his hair. "Though sadly I can't take all the credit. Ben was such a great help as was Grimmjow."
Ichigo, Orihime, Nnoitra, and Rath were all taken aback by the revelation; everyone else looked at the Eighth Espada with confusion, or in Kurotsuchi's case, disinterest.
"Grimmjow?" Nnoitra frowned. "What does he have to do with this?"
Szayel smiled as he slowly looked over at Rath. "Rest assured, Ben. That arm Grimmjow had ripped off of Four Arms was put to good use."
Rath felt as if he had been hit over the head… and it actually affected him. "No."
"That's right," Szayel threw his arms out with grandiosity. "That is an artificial Hollow I created… combined with Four Arms' DNA!"
Rath's jaw dropped, Nnoitra's wasn't far behind. Ichigo and his friends all gaped at the four-armed Hollow, who was simply staring at Rath. Zaraki and Kurotsuchi were both looking at the Hollow with intrigue, but their eyes showed they had different ideas for the Hollow.
Rath's fists shook, his whole body was shaking. Veins were visible through his fur and his muscles bulged so much that they looked ready to explode.
"Sadly, it took quite a lot of trial and error just to create this prototype," Szayel said, putting on a mock look of disappointment, even cupping his cheek for extra effect. "Perhaps alien DNA clashes with Hollowfication, or perhaps Four Arms' DNA specifically. Until I research more of his species, I'll never know for certain. Oh well." He smiled again. "Something else for me to research when we go back to your universe."
"Universe, you say?" Kurotsuchi seemed to be salivating. "Now I must claim this specimen as my own."
"Stay out of this, Szayel!" Nnoitra ordered. "This fight's mine!"
"I was gonna say the same thing," Kenpachi said. "But I don't mind if that Hollow joins in. If it helps me figure out what else this Ben kid is capable of, then go ahead."
If Ben was in a more rational state of mind, he would have tried to find another solution to this predicament. But he was not in a rational state of mind. He was in the form of his most easily angered alien within his arsenal. Learning just how badly he had been played was too much for him to handle. Throwing back his head, Rath let out a roar that seemed to make the very air shake as everyone turned towards him.
"B-Ben?" Orihime spoke up nervously.
Rath slammed down the Ultimatrix dial again, Szayel and Nnoitra both tensed as he did. Spikes popped out as Rath's body was bathed in a green light. After the surge died down, everyone saw that Rath was now not only far more muscular, he was now sporting two claws on both wrists, and out of his elbows, more prominent claws came out of his fingertips and toes, and three large spikes had emerged out of his back. His face had gained far more unkempt fur and a great mane of black fur around his shoulders, altogether giving him a savage look.
"Ultimate Rath!" he yelled, stunning everyone, even Szayel and Nnoitra who had seen his Ultimate forms before.
"Fascinating," Kurotsuchi said, wiggling his finger as he studied Rath over. "An instantaneous evolution of some kind. Can all of his transformations accomplish this?" His grin grew. "Hueco Mundo is a treasure trove and he's the crown jewel."
"Let me tell you five things everyone! Rath has been lied to! Rath has been used! All he wanted to do was help others in need and look at what happened. SO RATH. IS ANGRY! You wanna fight? Rath will gladly take you on!"
Zaraki bursted into maniacal laughter. "Yes! That's more like it!" He suddenly grabbed the eyepatch and peeled it off, revealing a perfectly normal eye. Energy gathered around him, creating an aura of yellow light.
"If you're going all out, Ben," Nnoitra said as he lifted his weapon, "So will I! Pray: Santa Teresa!"
"This is getting out of hand," Renji held up his Zanpakuto. "Bankai!"
Nelliel drew her own sword. "Pesche and Dondochakka are down there. I need to help them."
"Oh?" Mayuri tilted his head as Renji activated his Bankai and Nnoitra entered his Released State, slowly lowering his own zanpakuto. "Perhaps I can be content with some observation after all."
"Ah, a fellow scientist, eh?" Szayel chuckled. "Observe to your heart's content as you witness my finest creation!"
The same black liquid from before shot out of his back. Those familiar with the move prepared to dodge—only to gasp when all of it concentrated on the Hollowfied Four Arms. The moment the liquid came in contact with his body, five extra clones appeared.
"This is bad," Uryu said.
"Way to state the obvious," Ichigo said as he shifted into a guard stance.
"Nemu," Mayuri said. "From my data I observed through the Quincy, it seems the boy cannot stay transformed indefinitely. This battle might be sufficient enough to eventually revert him back to his human form. Once that happens, secure him for further study."
"Yes, Lord Mayuri," the girl said with a slight bow.
"Oh? I'm afraid I can't allow that," Szayel said, eyeing the Soul Reaper deviously. "Ben is my subject. You won't have him."
Kurotsuchi leered back. "Ah, Szayelaporro Granz. Your subject eh?"
"Yes," Szayel answered smugly. "So if you wish to steal what is rightfully mine, I'll have to kill you."
Zaraki yelled as he swung his blade against Nnoitra, who slashed at the Soul Reaper with his scythes. Ultimate Rath was about to lunge at both of them when two of the Four Arms clones struck him in the gut, knocking him back. Nnoitra saw this as an opportunity to attack his human rival and slashed. Ultimate Rath parried the scythe and slashed at Nnoitra, who blocked it with one of his other scythes.
Zaraki appeared behind him and slashed him in the back. Nnoitra spun around when he saw that not only was there a tear in his shirt, but that there was a trickle of blood running down his back.
"So my blade has become adjusted to your spiritual pressure," Zaraki grinned before he was slugged in the face by one of the Four Arms. Nnoitra slashed at it with one of his blades but the clone managed to catch it with its upper arms and then struck Nnoitra with its lower pair. The other three stuck Ultimate Rath simultaneously, their combined strength managing to stagger even him. Snarling, Ultimate Rath scooped up a handful of sand and threw it in an arc. The clones did not even try to wipe the sand from their eyes but at the moment, all Ultimate Rath could think of was attacking, body-slamming the middle clone while clotheslining the other two at the same time.
Ichigo stared at the melee before him in confusion, yet maintained his guard. Not once did any of the clones attack those atop Bawabawa. They seemed content to be duking it out against Ben, Zaraki, and Nnoitra.
"Why aren't they attacking us, too?" Renji voiced Ichigo's thoughts, his Bankai coiled around him defensively.
"Szayel is probably trying to force Ben to run out of power so he can capture him again," Uryu guessed.
"So why are they attacking Nnoitra too?" Ichigo asked.
"It seems Nnoitra has a grudge against Ben," Nelliel had returned, Pesche and Dondochakka in tow. "Maybe the clones are to make sure Nnoitra does not take advantage of Ben's vulnerable state to finish him off."
"Shouldn't we help?" Orihime asked.
"Not yet," Nelliel replied gently. "Ben…" She looked over at Ultimate Rath, who threw one of the clones at another before lunging to skewer both Zaraki and Nnoitra, who blocked his attack and pushed him away. Once they realized they inadvertently helped each other, they immediately slashed at each other again. "Ben is angry right now."
"No kidding," Ichigo quipped.
"If we try to intervene, he might attack us in a blind rage," Uryu noted.
"Not to mention Captain Zaraki will be furious if we interfere with his fight," Renji added.
"At this rate they'll kill each other!" Ichigo said fiercely.
"We have to find a way to calm Ben down," Nelliel said.
"Maybe if we knock him out?" Renji started to suggest.
"Look out!" Ichigo cried as one of the clones soared toward them, though its position indicated that the creature had been accidentally launched towards them. Renji deployed his Bankai to intercept the incoming projectile, batting it off to the side. The Four Arms clone hit the sand, only to pick itself up and leap into battle once more.
"Ben's aliens are pretty durable," Uryu said. "What kind of force would be necessary to knock him out without causing him actual harm?"
Renji tapped his chin, "Kido might work."
"Too bad we don't have a Soul Reaper here who is actually efficient at Kido," Uryu muttered under his breath, though both Ichigo and Reji heard him, glaring daggers. "Wait! Rukia! We might have no choice but to leave Ben here and hope for the best while we get Rukia and Chad. Then she can use Kido!"
"Then I will stay here and assist Ben if absolutely necessary," Nelliel offered.
"Why isn't it working?!"
The group turned to see Kurotsuchi and Szayel facing off against each other, Nemu lying on the ground and looking battered behind her captain. In Szayel's hand was a familiar looking doll, showing that he had used his ability on Kurotsuchi. Several of the doll's organs had been crushed in Szayel's hand and yet the captain didn't look any worse for wear.
"Ah, you weren't here earlier for my explanation," Kurotsuchi said with an eerie chuckle. "I had witnessed your ability earlier through the bacteria I had injected into the Quincy. I always prepare myself before a battle, so I made sure that I replaced all my organs and tendons with dummies."
"Impossible!" Szayel yelled. "It hasn't even been an hour since I used my Teatro De Titre! You couldn't have possibly been able to do so!"
"And yet the fact that I'm still standing is proof I did," Mayuri said gleefully.
One of Szayel's wings, which had been buried in the sand, shot up behind Nemu and wrapped around her.
"You should be more aware of your surroundings, Captain Kurotsuchi," Szayel said, regaining some of his smugness. "You weren't paying attention to your subordinate at all!"
"What do you hope to achieve by this?" Nemu asked, unbothered by her injuries and the fact that she was hanging in midair by Szayel's tentacle. "Even though you've captured me, I will serve no purpose as a hostage."
"Be quiet you!" Szayel yelled, his smugness shattering.
Another roar drew everyone's attention. Nnoitra had now sprouted all six of his arms, slashing wildly at Zaraki, Ultimate Rath, and the Four Arms clones. Ultimate Rath slashed at his opponent's scythes, shattering them before slashing Nnoitra across the stomach. The Espada gurgled as blood poured out but all it did was make him cackle madly as he created new scythes and started striking in a frenzy. All six Four Arms struck him at the same time, forcing Nnoitra to block them. But with their extra appendages, they pried the blades away and punched him at the same time. Actually winded by their combined strength, Nnoitra fired a Cero, forcing them all to leap into the air. When they hit the ground, they created a dust cloud, blowing sand everywhere as the other three combatants were blown off their feet by the sheer force of the impact.
"My, my," Kurotsuchi said as he grabbed his zanpakuto again. "They're really getting out of hand. Perhaps it's time I put a stop to this."
Fear clutched Uryu's heart. "Wait! Don't…!"
"Bankai: Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō!"
Feeling another surge of power through the air, Zaraki, Nnoitra, and Ultimate Rath all turned to see a humongous creature that resembled a caterpillar with a golden baby head and arms. It sported a red cape and a halo hovered above its head. The caterpillar monstrosity opened its mouth and a purple miasma began pouring out.
"Everyone get back!" Uryu shouted. "It's poison!"
"Bawabawa!" Nelliel shouted The giant eel began rearing back to put distance between them and the mist.
Szayel panicked as he felt the poison course through his body, purple spots forming on his skin. "I-I can fix this! I can counteract it. I just need time…" Then he realized the caterpillar monster was looming over him, eyes wide. He barely had time to cry out when the beast chomped down on him, the Eighth Espada disappearing into the monster's giant mouth, though one lone tentacle, the one holding Nemu, stuck out of the Bankai's mouth.
The Four Arm clones created by Szayel's power all promptly exploded, leaving only the original who didn't so much as flinch.
"That takes care of him," Kurotsuchi said before looking over at the other combatants. "Now for all of you."
"You're seriously trying to kill us, Kurotsuchi?!" Zaraki yelled at the other captain.
"I'm simply trying to stop you from killing my specimen, Captain Zaraki."
The Four Arms clone turned toward the clown-faced Captain, pointing all four arms. The captain was actually taken aback as a massive red Cero began forming in between its arms.
"It can charge that strong a Cero?!" Nnoitra exclaimed.
"I'll try to stop it," Nelliel said, crouching low.
"Nelliel, that Cero will be too big for you!" Ichigo yelled.
"I'll stop it!" Renji declared as he raised the tail of his Bankai, which stretched to its full height, a red sphere building up in its mouth. "Hikotsu Taiho!"
Ichigo raised his zanpakuto, black energy like living shadows gathered around the blade. "Getsuga Tensho!" He swung his sword, launching the darkness at the Hollow.
Uryu aimed his bow. "Heilig Pfeil!" He unleashed a great multitude of light arrows.
Nelliel opened her mouth, pink energy building up before she fired her own Cero.
The attacks combined in a massive explosion of red, black and pink, forming a pillar into the sky.
"Did we get him?" Ichigo asked, trying to peer through the smoke.
As the smoke cleared, the Hollow Four Arms was revealed, its bony armor scorched but otherwise still standing.
"It must've used the force of its own Cero to reduce the damage of our attacks," Uryu said bleakly.
"Hey!" Zaraki yelled, kicking up sand at them with the force of his swing. "Stay out of this!"
"This thing was created from Ben's DNA, right?" Nnoitra raised all six blades. "That means he's mine!"
Kurotsuchi's Bankai opened its mouth, unleashing another spew of poison. Growling in frustration, Zaraki, Nnoitra, and Ultimate Rath leaped backwards to avoid the miasma. Ultimate Rath's eyes widened when he saw his Hollowfied clone just standing there. "Hey! Get out of the way!"
The clone did not acknowledge him, causing Rath to watch as the creature's body became coated in purple spots, not once reacting as the poison coursed through it. Ultimate Rath felt something inside him die at seeing his Hollowfied counterpart collapse—the only reaction it gave—as the poison was surely killing it.
"It didn't even try to escape," Renji said quietly.
"Did Szayel strip that poor thing of any sense of self-preservation?" Nelliel asked with a deep frown.
"Damn it, Kurotsuchi!" Zaraki snarled. "That was my opponent you just killed."
Ultimate Rath walked over to the clone. Its body didn't even so much as twitch. It truly was dead. Did the creature have a mind of its own or was it never more than an empty drone for Szayel's commands? All the anger inside the evolved hero died and now he was the one who felt hollow inside.
"The fact that the creature did not even try to escape shows it to have been a heavily flawed prototype," Kurotsuchi said nonchalantly. "Though I will certainly enjoy seeing how the Hollowfication process was able to affect an extraterrestrial body."
"I believe I already said that if you want to take my samples from me, I'll have to kill you."
Everyone flinched when they heard the voice of the Eighth Espada.
"So you had another trick up your sleeve, Szayel," Nnoitra said, eye darting around the courtyard. "Where are you?"
A scream drew everyone's attention to the mouth of Kurotsuchi's Bankai, where Nemu still dangled from Szayel's tentacle. She kicked wildly as her body convulsed, her stomach suddenly expanding. Just then a smaller tentacle that branched off the main one was revealed. A small slit opened up, revealing tiny teeth.
"Allow me to show you the greatest power Fornicaras possesses," Szayel's voice came out of the mouth. "The ability I have the greatest amount of pride in: Gabriel! The power to impregnate the enemy… with me!"
Everyone, even the battle-hardened Zaraki was caught off guard by this.
"I penetrated the body through the navel," Szayel explained. "And laid an 'egg' in the intestines. That 'egg' will steal everything from the mother and grow rapidly."
Nemu stopped screaming, her body completely still.
"And soon," Szayel's voice said tauntingly, "The mother dies."
Before everyone's eyes, Nemu's skin began to collapse, as if her body was aging to a skeleton.
"L-Lord May-mayuri," Nemu wheezed before tilting her head back as Szayelaporro Granz oozed his way out of her mouth, fully formed and fully restored.
Orihime's mouth flew to her hands as Ichigo, Renji, and Uryu felt their feet stuck to Bawabawa's back, their bodies like stone. Nelliel shot Szayel a look of contempt as the resurrected Eighth Espada rose to his feet.
"Now, shall we start this over?" Szayel said tauntingly, "Mayuri Kurotsuchi? It seems you killed my prototype. I'll admit that your poison was not something I could've prepared for. Oh well, after I kill you I can improve my next specimen."
Nnoitra scoffed. "So you had an ability like that this whole time, Szayel?"
Szayel just laughed. "Indeed, Nnoitra. By impregnating the enemy with myself, I am able to continuously reincarnate into a new life. It is like that of the immortal phoenix: once it grows old, it throws itself into its own flames. From those flames it is reborn as a new life. Understand? That is what it means to be immortal, perfect."
"Tch," Nnoitra looked away. "Sounds to me like you're just scared of death."
"Scared of death? Not at all, Nnoitra, for death is part of my life cycle yet not divided by it. An existence such as mine, that cycles through death and rebirth without interruption, is what's known as the perfect life!"
With a great howl, Ultimate Rath leaped into the air, plummeting towards Szayel, who quickly sidestepped with Sonido.
"Let me tell you five things, Szayelaporro Granz, Eighth Espada!" Ultimate Rath roared. "One: you're nothing but a heartless monster! Two: I'm sick of hearing you talk! Three: You're gonna pay for what you did to that poor Hollow and that girl! Four: I'm gonna beat you so hard you'll never be reborn! Five: You're done for!"
"That last one was rather anticlimactic don't you think? Sadly I wish I could've seen more of what my creation could've done against you but even I hadn't counted on all this chaos. Let's try something else," Szayel said before flicking a finger. Kurotsuchi's gigantic bankai loomed over Ultimate Rath.
"Did-did he just…?" Ichigo muttered.
"Should my flesh become devoured, it will fuse with that which ate it and invade its nervous system," Szayel said. "I'll admit that I don't know the construction of Soul Reapers' zanpakutos but if I can control the main driving force then the construction is irrelevant. Even a Bankai is a slave to my will!"
The baby monster reared back as its chest opened up, revealing rows upon rows of blades.
"I discovered that this Bankai could do more than spew poison and devour targets," Szayel chuckled. "All these abilities combined make it a dangerous power indeed. Let's see how you handle a Bankai other than Tosen's, Ben!"
The baby caterpillar monster soared towards Ultimate Rath, to try and run him through.
"Szayel!" Nnoitra roared, about to charge at the Bankai before finding himself blocking another slash from Zaraki.
"I've got a feeling that kid won't lose," Zaraki said. "But we were getting nowhere so how about this? Whoever wins between us gets to fight him."
Nnoitra's grin returned in full force. "Fine by me."
Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo was right on top of Ultimate Rath, who wasn't making any attempt to defend himself.
"Ben! Run!" Uryu urged.
"Ben, please!" Orihime cried.
"It's ugly but it still looks like a baby," Ultimate Rath said gently. "I really didn't want to do this but it is trying to kill me." Ultimate Rath held up a claw. "Sorry, ugly caterpillar baby. I'll try to make this quick." Ultimate Rath jumped up, soaring over the baby's head and aiming towards its back, both fists outstretched. The moment all four of his claws came in contact, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo exploded, the force nearly knocking back Szayel and Kurotsuchi. Ichigo's group shielded their eyes from the short sandstorm it created.
"W-with one attack," Renji whispered when he saw that Kurotsuchi's Bankai had crumbled apart. "He destroyed the captain's Bankai."
Szayel looked more annoyed than worried. "No doubt that ultimate form is very powerful but how fragile was that Bankai in comparison? Honestly, I had a feeling Ben would win but I was hoping for far more of a fight."
"I was thinking something similar," Kurotsuchi said, suddenly walking towards the Espada. "Though my thoughts are more towards you. Do you have any other abilities you wish to show? Your Gabriel ability is certainly intriguing but it can do other things, right?"
Szayel scowled, which only brought a look of disappointment to Kurotsuchi.
"Really? Nothing else? What a shame. You pride yourself on being a perfect being and yet that's all you can do. Oh well." Kurotsuchi went over to the wreckage of what had once been his Bankai, scooping up his zanpakuto, which was surprisingly intact. "In that case, would you like to be the test subject for my newest drug?"
Szayel shifted into a defensive stance, but Kurotsuchi only chuckled.
"No need to be on guard, because the drug has already been administered."
Szayel halted but everyone noticed a look of confusion in his eyes.
"I prepared the inside of Nemu's body with various drugs," Kurotsuchi went on. "If you eat her or invade her body, it's possible for you to receive one of them."
"What the hell?" Szayel panicked. "Just what kind of drug is this?!"
"Hey!" Ultimate Rath shouted. "After what you did to that girl, you don't get to say anything! But seriously, what drug are you talking about, Clown Man?"
Kurotsuchi held up a strange, round container with a long tube. "The place where he laid his 'egg' or whatever it was had been prepared in advance. It's not a poison or anything. Why don't we call it a 'super human serum?'"
"Superhuman serum?" Uryu eyed the vial uneasily.
"In a battle between master swordsmen, it would appear as if their blades have stopped moving, right? This phenomenon is considered an elongation of temporal perception."
"Get to the point already!" Ultimate Rath shouted.
Kurotsuchi scowled at him. "Fine. Basically this is a drug that forcibly enhances one's senses to their utmost limit. If this drug is used on someone, bullets will appear to stop, even if that person was an infant." He looked back at Szayel. "For you, who have become superhuman, Espada, my movements must appear dull and sluggish." He held up his sword. "Does this sword look as if it's moving?"
Szayel didn't respond, a vacant look in his eyes as Kurotsuchi stepped closer to him.
"That's the amazing thing about this drug," the captain went on. "The heightening of a master fighter's senses take place when weapons clash, but this serum can amplify that effect hundreds, thousands, or even trillions of times over. The proper dilution for this drug is one part per two-hundred and fifty thousand. But since I used a special undiluted dose on you, right now one second should feel like a hundred years."
The clashes of Zaraki and Nnoitra's blades might as well be miles off; everyone else was transfixed by what Kurotsuchi was saying.
"In other words, to your superhuman senses, the scene of this sword drawing closer to you would appear to be a movement crossing hundreds of years at a leisurely pace. Yet, since your body is not superhuman, it'll trail behind your superhuman senses at an incredible distance."
As Kurotsuchi drew even closer, Szayel held up a hand to block him. Kurotsuchi slowly stabbed through his hand and continued.
"Your body lags behind the movements that your incredible senses perceive. Even if you manage to stop it with your hand, you won't feel the blade piercing it for a hundred years. Why, even as I talk to you right now, who knows when the words will actually reach you. But there's no need to hurry. So, until your bodily fluids turn to sand, you can calmly and gently taste the sensation of my blade taking a hundred years to pierce your heart. Now then," He proceeded to impale Szayel right through his chest. "See you in a hundred years."
Aside from the initial, feeble attempt to defend himself, Szayel did nothing as he was stabbed in the heart. He stood there, staring off into space with that vacant look in his eyes. Even Ultimate Rath was unsettled by what he had witnessed.
"You are one seriously crazed-up fruit loop," Ultimate Rath said, devoid of all his anger. "Maybe Aizen didn't completely lie to me after all."
There was a flash of green light and Ultimate Rath changed back into Rath before another green light flashed and Ben was standing back as his normal self, eyes never leaving Szayel. Despite everything the Eighth Espada had put him through, his fate was one of the bleaker ones Ben had ever witnessed.
Kurotsuchi's eyes lit up and his smile grew when he saw that Ben was normal again. Before he could do anything there was the familiar sound of Sonido and Ben felt a pair of slender arms wrap around him, pressing him against something large, round, and surprisingly soft. The world became a blur and the next thing Ben knew, he was on top of Bawabawa; with Ichigo, Uryu, Renji, Orihime, Pesche, and Dondochakka staring at him. Ben then noticed that Nelliel was the one who pulled him away from Kurotsuchi—and was pressing her chest up against him in the process. His cheeks reddening at the realization, Ben shook his head to address the group.
"Now's not the best time for proper introductions but," Ben held out his hand, "Ben, Ben Tennyson."
Ichigo shook it. "Ichigo Kurosaki. You already know Inoue, Ishida, and Renji."
"We were not properly introduced," Nelliel said with a bow of her head. "Nelliel Tu Odelschwank: Former Third Espada."
"Pleased to meet you," Ben smiled at her before turning to Orihime. "I'm sorry, Orihime. I meant to come get you but Szayel caught me. Turns out Aizen had been prepared in case I did try to stop him."
"So did you really help him because of the Arrancar?" Ichigo asked.
Ben rubbed the back of his head. "Aizen was going on about how Soul Society was corrupted and hunting down Hollows instead of helping them. He made it seem like he was taking over Soul Society so he could do everything over with a brand new start."
"You truly wanted to help Hollows?" Nelliel asked softly.
"I've spent time with the Espada to know there are good Hollows and Arrancar," Ben said firmly. "Starrk and Harribel are the best examples. Starrk was just lonely and Harribel refused to gain power by sacrificing others; they deserved better. Then I found out Aizen was having me spend so much time with them so I wouldn't try to figure out what was really going on."
Nelliel put a hand on Ben' shoulder, smiling encouragingly at him. "You truly are a noble person, Ben Tennyson. That beautiful Oasis is a step in the right direction."
"I'm sorry you were tricked, Ben," Orihime spoke up, slowly dropping her shield.
"Don't be, Orihime," Ben said with his own smile, though it quickly dropped. "I'm not just concerned for myself though. If Aizen isn't really trying to make Hueco Mundo a better place, I have no idea what's going to happen to the Arrancar once he doesn't need them anymore."
Nelliel frowned in contemplation. "I… I don't like the idea that Aizen was using us all along and yet," she looked over at Ichigo, "I'll help you in any way I can."
Ichigo blinked. "Nelliel…"
A yell caught everyone's attention back to the fight between Zaraki and Nnoitra as the two crossed blades again. Both were panting for breath and bleeding profusely yet their faces were full of savage excitement.
"So Szayel's finally done for, huh?" Nnoitra said idly, spotting the other Arrancar. "Guess he was finally outsmarted."
"Less obstacles in the way to fight Tennyson," Zaraki said, blood running down his chest.
"Right!"
Zaraki slashed, Nnoitra blocked with the handles of all six scythes. He kicked, impaling Zaraki with his feet. His vicious smile only widening, Zaraki stabbed forward, slicing Nnoitra's shoulder. Rearing back, Nnoitra landed on top of some of the larger rubble, slicing a chunk off and sending it falling towards Zaraki. The Soul Reaper effortlessly cleaved it in two, only for Nnoitra to be right behind the debris, blades raised.
"Uh, shouldn't we be doing something?" Ben said.
"Not until the fight stops," Renji answered.
Ben was about to comment on whether Zaraki should use his Bankai until he remembered Aizen's notes about how Zaraki was the only captain who didn't have Shikai or Bankai. How was the captain supposed to get out of this one?
With another yell, Nnoitra managed to slash Zaraki at his collarbone, the captain staggering a little at the wound. He brought a hand to the cut.
"Huh… I really am gonna die at this rate."
Ben leaned in. "Now what's he doing?"
"Dying would be a real bitch," Zaraki said. "Well then, guess I have no choice."
Nnoitra shifted his body, wondering what trick his opponent was up to.
"It's been awhile but," Zaraki said, "I guess I have to give that Kendo shit a try."
That statement was clearly not what Nnoitra expected. "What?"
"It was something the old man nagged at me about when I first joined the Thirteen Squads," Zaraki explained. "It's not my style and I don't really care for that 'way of the sword' shit they were preaching at me but it did convince me of one thing: did you know that a sword is more powerful when you swing it with two hands instead of one?"
"Well duh," Ben spoke up. "That's kinda obvious isn't it?"
"Of course that's obvious!" Nnoitra shouted as he ran at Zaraki. "Anyone who can fight knows that!"
"Oh really?" Zaraki said as he grabbed his sword with both hands now. That single action alone was suddenly causing Ben's stomach to tighten and a shiver to run down his spine.
"Do you truly know,"Zaraki said as Nnoitra got closer. "How big the difference really is?"
He lifted his zanpakuto above his head and brought it down with such force that sand erupted from all sides, the blade itself slicing Nnoitra from his shoulder downward.
"Whoa," Ben said, seeing Nnoitra go down so quickly. Just what was this guy capable of if he did gain his sword's power? Ben decided he was not that eager to find out.
"Nnoitra," Nelliel said quietly as the Fifth Espada fell, all of his left hands having been sliced off by the attack.
"Oh, so you're still alive. Tough little bastard aren't ya?" Zaraki said, impressed. Resting his sword on his shoulder, the captain turned around and began walking away. "Later."
Grunting in pain, Nnoitra struggled to push himself up. "H-hold it!"
Zaraki paused, turning his head. "What now?"
"Where… the hell… do you think you're going?" Nnoitra demanded with a wheeze.
"What are you? Stupid?" Zaraki asked. "I ended it right there with that attack. I don't have any obligation to finish off some bastard who can't even fight anymore."
Nelliel shook her head, a melancholic look on her face.
"Is that right?" Nnoitra said, wobbling as he pushed himself up with his intact right arms, using his topmost one to close his wound as best he could. "In that case, then this isn't over yet. 'Cause I can still fight!"
Zaraki didn't so much as bat an eye, simply regarding the wounded Arrancar.
"What's wrong?" Nnoitra asked tauntingly. "Say something!" Zaraki just stared at him, which only riled the Fifth Espada up even more. "Say something! You scared of me, Soul Reaper? Huh?!" His two lower arms formed new scythes as he charged.
Zaraki scoffed. "What a pain in my ass." But his smile quickly returned and there was something like admiration in his eyes. "No choice then."
"No, no choice at all," Nelliel said quietly though Ben caught her words as Nnoitra leaped at Zaraki. "There was no other way Nnoitra would ever be satisfied."
Zaraki brought his blade down once more, and Nnoitra along with it, all but one of his scythes still clutched in an arm. As the Espada fell to his knees, he strained to turn his head over to the group on top of Bawabawa, his eyes connecting with Nelliel's. No words were spoken but something passed between them as Nnoitra's eye rolled back and he fell for the last time. Ben watched as one of his main rivals in this new world passed away. He wasn't sure how to feel considering everything Nnoitra had pulled and yet he couldn't help but wonder if Nnoitra finally got the fight he truly wanted.
From the spot where he had collapsed earlier, Tesra had witnessed everything. His own eye shed a tear for his late master. "Lord Nnoitra…"
Zaraki grinned down at his dead opponent. "That was a helluva fight, Nnoitra. I hope my fight with Ben will be just as good."
Ben slumped. "Oh no."
"Oh no, you don't!" Kurotsuchi said as he stepped forward, followed by… a surprisingly alive and fully healed Nemu. The rest of the group stared in surprise; when had Kurotsuchi healed her? How did he do it? "You're not damaging my specimen."
Zaraki tore off the tattered remains of his coat, leaving his torso completely bare. "Hey human girl!" Orihime flinched at his words. "Heal my wounds! I want to fight Ben at full strength."
"Are you listening to me?!" Kurotsuchi yelled. "He's mine!"
"Can we just get out of here and help your other friends?" Ben whispered to Ichigo.
"Well, I should heal Captain Zaraki's wounds fir—"
Orihime's words died when their group got a new member. Everyone turned as one to see Coyote Starrk standing amongst them.
"Starrk?" Ben jumped back. "What?"
"That's Starrk?!" Ichigo raised his blade.
"Starrk?" Nelliel asked in surprise.
"Nelliel? Been a long time. This day is just full of surprises."
"Starrk? What are you…?" Ben started to say.
"I'm sorry," Starrk said as he put a hand on Orihime's shoulder. "I don't like doing underhanded tactics like this but it's Lord Aizen's orders."
"Starrk, wait," Ben started to say when Starrk grabbed him by his jacket.
"You're coming too."
Ichigo, Renji, and Uryu all moved to attack but Starrk disappeared in a burst of Sonido.
"They-they're gone," Ichigo was in a daze. They had just gotten Orihime back and now…
When Ben's vision finally cleared, he realized they were in Aizen's throne room. Starrk took a few steps back from him and Orihime, seeming to avoid eye contact with them.
"Welcome back, you two."
Ben rounded in the direction of Aizen's voice. The Soul Reaper was standing at the top of a giant flight of stairs that seemed to lead only into darkness.
"Aizen," Ben clenched his fists, anger boiling in his gut.
Aizen simply smiled as he descended the stairs. Orihime trembled as he got closer and closer to them. Ben stood protectively in front of her.
"What's wrong, Orihime?" Aizen asked, having the gall to look unsettled by the look of fear in her eyes. "Why such a heartbroken expression?"
"Get away from her, Aizen!" Ben's hand went to the Ultimatrix.
"Bakudo Number One: Sai."
Ben felt as his arms had gained minds of their own, locking them behind his back. Ben strained with all his might but his arms wouldn't budge. "Dammit, not again."
"Calm yourself, Ben," Aizen said in such a soothing tone that it made Ben sick how it nearly affected him. "I won't hurt either of you in fact." He was right in front of Orihime and cupped her chin, the poor girl frozen with fear at his touch and proximity. "Smile, Orihime. Everyone is sad when the sun darkens."
"Aizen, I swear," Ben said as he struggled to pry his arms apart.
"All you have to do is smile and wait here for a little while, Orihime," Aizen said before moving away from her and re-ascending the stairs. "Just until we return from destroying Karakura Town."
Slowly Orihime looked up at him. "Destroy… Karakura Town?"
"What?!" Ben shouted. "Why would you do that? What does that town have to do with anything?"
"Why, Karakura Town plays a very important part in my plans," Aizen said as what appeared to be a Garganta opened at the top of the stairs. "The Soul Reapers didn't tell you how I intend to reach the Soul King, did they?"
Ben glared at Aizen, whose smile grew about a centimeter.
"Quite simply, the Soul King lives in a separate dimension from the rest of Soul Society. In order to reach him, a special key needs to be created: the Oken, otherwise known as the Royal Key."
Orihime flinched, recognition mixed with terror on her face.
"That doesn't explain what that town has to do with it," Ben said but Orihime's expression was enough to tell him that he wouldn't like the answer.
"In order to create the key, one needs a hundred-thousand human souls and an area saturated with spiritual energy covering nearly four kilometers."
Time came to an abrupt halt as the entire room began spinning. Ben wanted to puke his guts out, he wanted to fall flat on the floor, he wanted… he wanted…
He wanted to break Aizen in two.
"Aizen!" He roared, straining as hard as he could against the Kido spell. "You fucking monster!"
"That was the first time I ever heard you use such profanity," Aizen said, that infuriating smile still on his face. "I guess spending time with us has influenced you; to an extent at least. I must've truly upset you."
"When I get out of this," Ben's face contorted in a rage so great that Orihime unconsciously took a step away from him. "I'll tear you apart!"
"Calm yourself," Aizen said again, lowering his voice. "A monster, am I? Don't worry, Ben. When I'm through, you will see who the monster truly is."
"Please understand, Ben," Tosen spoke up.
"Understand what? Everything Aizen told me was a lie! Even if Soul Society is corrupt, nothing could justify killing all those innocent people. I thought you were about justice, Tosen!"
"I am for justice," Tosen said firmly. "And as I once told Grimmjow, murder in the name of a great cause is justice."
"What cause could that possibly be?" Ben shot back.
"You will understand, Ben," Aizen said and Ben's anger reached a new point at the fact that the traitorous Soul Reaper was looking at him like a parent lecturing a child. "I intend to take you with us. You shall serve as my witness."
"Us?" Ben looked over at Gin and Tosen, Gin looking down at him with that same snake-like smile.
"Not just them," Aizen said before looking over at something behind Ben.
The hero turned around as best he could to see Baraggan, and Harribel had gathered along with the Fraccione. Lilynette was also present by Stark's side. It all clicked in an instant; Ben felt as if he had been punched in the gut then stabbed in the heart, with the blade twisting for good measure. He looked back and forth between Starrk and Harribel.
"You knew?"
Starrk, discomfort on his face, brought a hand to his forehead. Lilynette looked completely miserable, constantly looking over at Ben but then turning her head whenever she laid eyes upon him. Harribel closed her eyes and lowered her head. None of her Fraccione could look Ben in the eye.
"How long?" Ben choked out.
Aizen was the one who answered. "Since before you ever came here."
All his anger and all his strength evaporated. Ben fell to his knees in a daze. Baraggan harrumphed as his Fraccione sneered and chuckled at Ben's anguished state. Lilynette made a move to approach him but Starrk held her back. She snarled, preparing to strike him but froze at how downcast he seemed. Redder threw back his head and laughed, Virgee chuckled, Findor had a smirk upon his face. Poww and Parduc remained stoic; though there was a hint of smugness on their faces that they allowed to be seen. The only one who seemed remotely troubled by all of this was Charlotte, who did not partake in any of his comrades' mockery.
"Ben," Orihime went over to Ben's side, gently putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Starrk, Harribel," Aizen said, the two Espada looking up at him. "I shall leave Ben in your care. Prepare for departure."
Nodding silently, Starrk and Harribel approached Ben who was still in a daze from the bombshell Aizen had dropped. Orihime stood protectively in front of Ben, ready to cast her shield.
"Get away from him!" she said, an uncharacteristic anger in her eyes. "Haven't you hurt him enough?"
Harribel and Starrk paused in their steps, their respective groups flinching at her words.
"We-we weren't going to hurt him," Lilynette said meekly.
"My, my, what sudden courage you have, Orihime," Aizen said. Orihime looked towards him and for the first time ever, her face was set in hardened determination. Aizen could see she was still afraid as her body slightly trembled, but she was fighting against the fear for Ben's sake.
"Stop."
Ben slowly got to his feet, staggering a little to retain his balance while his arms were incapacitated. "I'll go with you, just leave Orihime alone."
"Ben…" Orihime started to say.
"It's okay, Orihime," Ben said, giving her a faint smile she could see right through. "I'll be fine."
"She will not be harmed," Aizen said. "You have my word."
"Like that actually means anything," Ben shot weakly but Aizen was simply amused by his retort. He looked at Orihime. "Your friends will rescue you, Orihime. I know they will. I'll get out of this and then I'll do everything I can to protect your home."
"Why are you still wasting time with this boy, Aizen?!" Baraggan finally spoke up. "He'll obviously never go along with your plans. Kill him and be done with it!"
Starrk and Harribel turned towards the Second Espada but he simply scoffed at their actions.
"I have something else in mind for Ben, Baraggan," Aizen said. "Now as I said, prepare for departure."
With a grunt Baraggan left, followed by his Fraccion. With a sigh Starrk followed, Lilynette shooting another look at Ben before following her other half. Her arms folded under her chest, Harribel went next. Like a condemned prisoner awaiting execution, Ben followed after them. Orihime watched dismally as Ben left, her heart going out to her newfound friend, praying for his well-being. "Ben…"
Barraggan's group went to a different hallway from the others. Apparently there were different departure points they were going towards. Why? Ben had no idea.
The silence was maddening as Ben trekked behind the two Espada and their subordinates. Ben felt he might as well have been shackled. Finally he could bear it no longer, took a breath, and spoke.
"It's funny," Although Harribel and Starrk continued moving, Lilynette and Harribel's Fraccione slightly jumped at Ben's words. "Lilynette got onto me for keeping information about my Ultimate aliens and now I find out you guys were keeping a secret from me."
Lilynette bit her lip as she looked down at the floor. Apacci wrung her hands, Mila Rose tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword, and Sung-Sun pressed her hand against her mouth.
"So… this whole time," Ben said, bracing himself for the worst. "Did that mean anything to you? Were we really friends?"
"Yes!"
Ben nearly fell backwards at Lilynette's scream as she turned to face him, her eye watering. "You are our friend! I know… I know you have every reason not to believe that but you are! All the fun we've had, all the times we spent together, that was real! Please," she whimpered. "Please believe us."
"At first we didn't really care about you," Apacci said quietly. "We just saw you as some worthless human and possibly another obnoxious male."
"But after everything you did for us, we do see you as our comrade," Mila Rose added.
"But how could you go along with Aizen's plan?" Ben asked desperately.
"It is the only way," Harribel finally spoke up. She finally turned around and when Ben looked into her eyes, he was stunned to see the emotions dancing within them. "If there was another way to make life better for us, we would take it without question. For whatever value it may hold for you, you do have my word."
"But the Oasis, it…"
"It is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen in my entire life," Harribel said softly. "But sadly, it's not enough."
"What do you mean not enough?"
"The Soul Reapers," Harribel replied. "They won't care if we found an alternative food source. All they'll care about is how strong we'll become. In time they would try to exterminate us on the chance we'll become a threat. With Lord Aizen in charge, the Soul Reapers will leave us in peace."
"I don't like it either," Starrk said, hands in his pockets. "But I owe a debt to Lord Aizen. I do wish things could be different, Ben."
Ben took several breaths to calm himself down and clear his mind. When he raised his head again, he could see the devastated look on Lilynette's face, as if trying to silently convey she was telling the truth. Harribel's Fraccione weren't looking much better either.
"I have no right to ask this of you," Harribel spoke up again, drawing everyone's attention. "But if you bear any hatred towards us, please direct your hatred towards my Fraccione upon myself."
Said Fraccione were horror-stricken at her words. Starrk's eyes widened at his fellow Espada. "Lady Harribel!" Apacci started to object.
"The three of you were so happy with Ben," Harribel said, shutting up her subordinate immediately. "The joy you had, the comfort, the peace; I don't want that taken away from you."
"Lady Harribel," Apacci said again, pleadingly.
"Therefore, I do not wish for Ben to hate you," Harribel said quietly. "If I must shoulder that hatred for your happiness and Ben will allow it, then so be it."
"Same here," Starrk said, now shocking Lilynette. "If you want to, hate me instead of Lilynette."
"Starrk, no!"
"We betrayed his trust, Lilynette," Starrk said.
"B-but Lord Aizen said he would help Ben understand," Lilynette said, her voice choking up.
"There's a chance that nothing Lord Aizen says will convince Ben, he's strong in his convictions like that," Starrk told her. "If that's the case, at least one of us shouldn't be hated if that's possible."
"Starrk," mumbled Lilynette.
Ben took this all in as Lilynette and Harribel's Fraccione looked at him, apprehension clear on their faces as they feared what he would say next. Starrk and Harribel were willing to let themselves be hated if it meant those closest to them were spared? The tears in Lilynette's eye… did they really see him as a friend after all?
"I could never hate you."
All of them turned towards Ben, even Harribel was surprised, her eyes slightly widening.
"I get it," Ben said gently. He looked at Starrk and Lilynette. "You guys have been lonely for a long time, right? Aizen came and gave you the means to end your loneliness." He looked over at Harribel's group. "You four had to always keep your guard up just to live and then Aizen comes along and offers to make Hueco Mundo better. I get why you would follow him and why you would go along with this plan. If there's anyone I hate, it's Aizen."
"Ben," Harribel whispered.
His spirit and strength restored, Ben grinned. "So I promise you all this: when I get out of this, I'm gonna kick Aizen's butt six ways to Sunday! Then I'm gonna do everything I can to make Hueco Mundo the place it should've been!"
All six Arrancar stared at Ben in amazement at his new resolve. Harribel stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. Slightly stooping so the two of them were eye level, aqua green eyes stared into emerald green ones. She spoke so softly it was like a whisper. "What could we have possibly done to deserve someone like you?"
"Can you hear me? Members of the invading force?"
Ben's head snapped up at the ceiling when he heard Aizen's voice, which was becoming more and more irritating by the second.
"First, allow me to convey my respects to you, for having felled so many Espada."
"Aaroniero and Zommari are dead too," Starrk said as Ben's quizzical look.
So that was four of the Espada dead. Starrk, Baraggan and Harribel were here; that just left Ulquiorra, Grimmjow and Yammy. Ben wondered where they were.
"But more importantly; we will now commence our invasion of the human world. I am placing Orhime Inoue in Tower Five. If you'd like to rescue her, come and take her back. She is no longer of any use to me."
"What?!" Ben shouted.
"Her ability is indeed incredible, the 'Rejection of Fate' is a power that far exceeds that which is permitted to humans. The higher-ups of Soul Society understood the significance of that ability. And that is why her abduction served as a means of evoking such a sense of crisis in Soul Society that they would prioritize their own defenses rather than that of the living world."
"Wait a minute."
"She was also bait to lure the Ryoka, including Soul Society's newest military asset, the Substitute Soul Reaper, to Hueco Mundo."
"Plans within plans," Ben muttered to himself, remembering Szayel's words.
"Moreover, I have successfully imprisoned, in Hueco Mundo, the four captains who came to provide reinforcements."
Ben could only imagine how Orihime and her friends were reacting to this news. Aizen just couldn't resist rubbing salt in the wound. That made him all the more determined to bring that lying monster down.
"The most wonderful thing about the Thirteen Court Guard Squads is the fact that the captains of each squad hold power as the primary military strength is Soul Society. But three have defected and four are imprisoned. Those simple numbers show that Soul Society's military strength, as of right now, is cut in half. This will be too easy: we will annihilate Karakura Town, create the Royal Key, conquer Soul Society and then, when that is over, we will deal with you at our leisure."
Ben was just hating Aizen more and more but he wisely kept his thoughts to himself. Though the troubled looks on his friends' faces showed they could tell what he was thinking.
"One last thing before we depart. In regards to our dear friend, Ben Tennyson, I shall be taking him with me. He shall witness my triumph in person. For I wish to show him something that I hope will bring enlightenment to our friend from another universe. I will take him to the Soul Palace where the king resides…
And I will show him the true evil of Soul Society."
"True evil of Soul Society?" Ben repeated. "Now what is he up to?"
"He said you would understand, Ben," Lilynette spoke up.
Ben squirmed his arms, still finding them tightly bound by that spell. It wasn't as bad as Szayel's trap had been but his arms would not budge. Still, since he had actual leg room, he might find some way to activate the Ultimatrix.
"Guess that's our cue," Starrk said as a Garganta appeared in front of him. Rather than go through the same one, another formed in front of Harribel.
"Ben, please accompany us," Harribel said. At Starrk's inquiring look she answered. "We have the numbers in case they try to bypass us and go for Ben directly."
"Makes sense," Starrk said with a shrug before entering his Garganta.
Apacci and Mila Rose were on either side of him, holding him gently as they entered their own Garganta.
"It'll be alright, Ben," Mila Rose told him as they walked through. "And thank you for everything."
Ben smiled. "I'm not done yet, Mila Rose. I meant what I said."
"We'll see," Mila Rose replied as another Garganta opened ahead of them.
Before them lay Karakura Town. Seeing an actual human civilization again made Ben think of Bellwood. Now more than ever, he wished Kevin and Gwen were here with him.
As they stepped out of the Garganta, Ben realized they were in midair. He briefly panicked until Mila Rose and Apacci both locked arms around him, holding him up.
"We'll find a place to set you down, Ben," Sung-Sun told him.
"Girls," Harribel said. "If possible, stay behind and look after Ben."
"Lady Harribel?" Sung-Sun asked.
"Even though Ben said he did not hate us… I will do what I can to keep your hands clean of bloodshed. If the Soul Reapers attack you, defend yourselves, but only if necessary."
"Harribel," Ben said, gritting his teeth as he strained his arms again. He had to break free and take Aizen down. If he could just convince everyone Aizen was the only enemy…
"If Karakura Town is in Soul Society," Aizen said. "Then we will annihilate all of you and then make the Royal Key in Soul Society. It's as simple as that."
"Huh?" Ben then noticed a group of figures floating in the air a good distance away. The rest of the Court Guard Squad, which meant they had been waiting for Aizen. Had Aizen said they weren't in the real Karakura Town? Maybe that bought Ben some time before things got out of hand. He just had to escape.
Somehow.
To Be Continued…
When I first wrote my story, my plans had been that the Espada didn't know about the Royal Key until Aizen actually invaded Karakura Town. It wasn't until recently I wondered if maybe it would be more interesting to see what would happen if the Espada always knew. Hope I did a good job.You'll notice that I had Orihime and Ichigo be very formal with each other but at the same time Orihime is fine with addressing Ben by his first name. I always felt that Orihime and Ichigo were very respectful to each other, plus Orihime being shy due to her crush on him. Meanwhile, Orihime acts more casual towards Ben due to her interactions with Ken how similar the two are.
Man, this is the longest I've written in a long time. I also hope you all liked it.
Btw…slight spoiler but I'm not done with Szayel's little project.
And now, the battle in Fake Karakura Town. See you all in the next chapter!
