The next three months passed by like a breeze for the Espada who spent his time developing his abilities and control, attempting to utilize his power in many different ways. He'd even attempted to use some of his Resurrección abilities—while not going as far as to test his soul splitting, He'd attempted to use his Colmillo, to some success. He could now (somewhat) create short swords and daggers using his reiryoku which he thought might be useful in battle.

As for his control, it improved immensely compared to the past 5 months. And while he was too afraid to actually test his control on any Hollow, he still believed that he could at least suppress his reiatsu to the level of an Espada.

Still powerful? Yes, very much so. Was it better? Much better.

And so, so immersed in his training, his brain did not even recognise the passing of time until he accomplished something extraordinary. While training to feel his reiryoku pool better, he managed to sense something. Amongst the millions of millions of souls that made up his being, he felt a presence. It wasn't conscious or even alive.

Starrk believed he sensed the part of himself that Lilynette became.

It was during one of these days where while the Former Primera Espada was meditating in his cave, finally grasping control over his chaotic energy after so long, that he felt something that nearly made him falter.

But months—years of training and experience helped him stay focused, his brain multifunctioning in order to comprehend what was happening. Starrk was sensing a powerful presence nearing him—him! The guy thousands of miles away from any key locations in Hueco Mundo.

It left him feeling kind of frustrated that his efforts had been for none. Just like with his reiatsu before.

It was the presence nearly identical towards that of a Hollow yet it held hints of Shinigami reiatsu—An Arrancar—He quickly concluded.

'Why would an Arrancar be this far away from Las Noches though? This place is over five thousand miles away from the palace.' The Espada pondered with his eyes close, as he focused on keeping his reiatsu under control in order while trying to analyse the presence.

Because while he could detect presences easily, with his reiatsu how it currently is, identifying and recognising reiatsu signatures was quite difficult for him with his reiatsu getting in the way.

For all he knew, it could be someone like Yammy or Ulquiorra approaching after sensing him nearby. He could tell they were "Captain-Level" but that was a vague term. So it was very important for him to concentrate.

Suppressing his reiatsu was still quite a difficult task but it was becoming easier and easier by the week. So he tried drawing in as much of his reiatsu as possible at the moment, a bead of sweat forming on his brow at the effort he had to exert at that moment.

It took a while, but luckily since the Arrancar seemed cautious, Starrk could take his time.

Finally after 5 minutes, his senses became clear. Once a crimson blur, the Arrancar now felt more like a flickering red flame in his mind's eye, the picture becoming clear.

It wasn't quite Espada but felt more akin to the level of a Fracción.

So Starrk opened his eyes from his meditation, shifting his body weight to get out of the stance, his vision momentarily blurring at the swift movement, nausea welling up within him.

Shaking off the feeling, Starrk stretched his stiff muscles, having been in the same position for days on end. Finally standing up straight, he smiled at realizing that he'd been able to keep in over 20% of his reiatsu suppressed without losing focus.

His Pesquisa warned him that Arrancar was nearing the cave entrance, their presence standing out amongst the desolate and abandoned area.

They were probably attracted to the reishi dense atmosphere that his presence caused to the area. After letting his reiatsu out for long enough, it began to effect the surroundings. And while it may have allowed weak and tiny hollows to survive without eating entirely, his presence kept them from populating the area.

Most Hollows and Arrancar knew that reishi dense areas would attract Hollows or be home to powerful Hollows like Vasto Lorde. So most would either avoid them, or run towards these rare areas.I

Their reason for approaching was unknown. Starrk had no clue since he had nothing to work with other than they're (probably) cautious of him. He speculated they either wanted to fight or were simply curious. Starrk didn't know.

The Arrancar was moving faster than the speed of sound, a speed average amongst powerful souls. One misconception on speed is that most mistake combat speed and reflexes for travelling speed.

Because yes, while powerful souls are capable of reacting and fighting at speeds surpassing the speed of light. Most souls can't go beyond Mach 100 when travelling, even when using movement abilities.

Finally arriving near the mountain I destroyed a few months ago, Starrk noticed them slowly approaching the area. It was pointless trying to hide with his reiatsu basically turning him into a lighthouse on a hill, they would find him even with the various rock formations concealing the cave entrance.

They stood dead still at the entrance, their reiatsu flickering erratically. So they I were being cautious. He realized.

After several minutes, the sound of their footsteps echoed into the cave, our breathes the only other sound in the area.

It was as if time seemed to stand still as we waited for the other to make the first move. 'I'm probably just being anxious but I'm not going to take any risks. They might just be that good at suppressing their reiatsu.'

Standing at the cave entrance was a familiar petite figure. While the Primera's mind found them familiar, my brain took a few moments to recognise them.

A short, petite Arrancar with neck-length, dishevelled hair that blocked their features stood at the entrance of the cave, seeming on edge as if she was entering a lion's den.

Taking his time to observe the Arrancar who had yet to notice him, he watched with amusement as her heterochromia eyes finally flickered over to Starrk, his form concealed in darkness without his reiatsu to provide light in its suppressed state.

So, with no clue of her motives, he silently observed them, making sure to keep a firm grip on his energy in order to not scare off the already anxious Arrancar. This was his first time seeing anybody, Hollow or Arrancar in over five months, Starrk was going to take the time to bask in their presence, friend or foe, because while his training kept him distracted, he was still a lonely person.

"..."

"..."

An awkward silence fell upon the two Arrancar, neither seeming to know what to do or say.

The dreadful silence lasted for nearly 10 minutes before the woman's patience seemed to run out.

Snapping at Starrk, she shouted out her frustrations, "Just come out already! Are you seriously just going stand there?! I don't have time for this bullshit!"

Her hotheadedness, combined with the clarity of her features, finally jogged the Espada's memory.

He wasn't particularly close or even acquainted with her during his time as an Espada, though they had passed by each other occasionally.

'It seems my observations were correct…' Starrk noted yet the former Espada made no move to obey. 'And she doesn't seem to know its me.'

His voice was gruff, having not spoken in months outside of the occasial technique, "You are... # %#&$ $*#$# ."

Several hundred miles away, a few hours earlier, lone figure was racing through the endless desert at neckbreaking speakings, skilfully avoiding rocks, hollows and the occasional tree.

(Unknown POV)

As I raced through the barren wasteland that was Hueco Mundo using Sonído, skillfully avoiding annoying Hollows looking to try and consume me for power.

While most of the time I would've killed those pathetic excuses for hollows in an instant, I was on a mission for Harribel-sama and didn't want to disappoint her by failing.

In Las Noches, there weren't many Arrancar since most of the dumbasses went and got themselves killed, including some Espada. We all knew of Aizen's defeat, and that he was sentenced to over 10,000 years in that Shinigami prison—That immortal egotistical bastard dared strike down Harribel-sama after everything she's done for him!—so Harribel-sama took control over Las Noches, despite the fact that she refused to rule Hueco Mundo(which she deserves much more than Aizen or Baraggan!) so that the remaining dumbasses don't end up killing each other.

My mind went back to my path and I noticed a wide ravine coming up and skillfully crossed it in less than an instant. I grinned wickedly when I noticed I knocked a bear Adjucha into the ravine "Hahaha! Dumbass!"

I cackled as I sonído'd pass, avoiding rocks and hollows.

The mission I was given was simple, find powerful Hollows and recruit them to join Harribel-sama's cause. Same with Sung Sun and Mila Rose. We split up and went in different directions across Hueco Mundo.

I went East, Sung Sun went South, and Mila Rose West.

So while I sped across the forever-stretching desert, I made sure to look out for powerful Hollows to recruit.

My Pesquisa was alert and ready for anything

Hours passed, and as I engaged in my hunt, I relished the chaos I caused—dispatching Hollows with merciless precision, their cries echoing into the void as I cruelly consumed some of their weaker brethren to bolster my power. I reveled in the thrill of the chase, the taste of their fear mingling with the satisfaction of each kill.

Suddenly, my Pesquisa picked up a distinct presence, something more potent than the usual riffraff I'd been encountering. It sent a shiver of anticipation down my spine. I halted mid-stride, focusing intently on the energy signature that flickered in the distance, like a beacon calling to me.

I darted in that direction, heart racing, ready to confront whatever powerful Hollow awaited. The thrill of the hunt surged within me, and I could already imagine Harribel-sama's approval once I returned with my prize.

"A surge of reiatsu surged through the air, so potent that it stole the breath from my lungs, leaving my eyes wide in shock as I fell to my knees.

My Pesquisa took me they were far away, yet this pressure was still this potent. The need to flee nearly overwhelmed me and I nearly did as such but Harribel-samas words came back to me:

"This task I have given you three is dependant on our survival." The calm, cold voice of the stoic Espada reached my ears, seemingly emotionless. Despite this, I knew how kind and sympathetic she truly was deep inside.

"Las Noches is in a vulnerable position and it is risky residing in Hueco Mundo with less than half of our forces, we never knew when the Shinigami might try to get rid of us. You may go." She turned and left, leaving the Tres Bestia to their tasks.

Snapping back to reality, I noticed my trembling hands and clenched my fists so hard, blood seeped from my palms. I tried desperately to distract myself by observing the reiatsu.

'It surpasses most of the Shinigami that were present during the battle of Karakura! Wha- I-It rivals Aizens!' My mind raced with endless possibilities such as:

—What if this was Aizen and his defeat was just one of his illusions?!

—What if they're aiming to kill Harribel-sama?!

—What if they're trying to rule over Hueco Mundo like Aizen was?!

And many more as I struggled to comprehend what was going to happen to me. I calmed down a bit once I realized this was an Arrancar—maybe they're an ally—she tried to think hopefully.

And then suddenly the powerful reiatsu seemed to disappear briefly before returning back several times weaker, as strong as the Quinto Espada—Nnoitra Gilga.

I let out a shaky breath and reluctantly followed the reiatsu at memories of all that Harribel-sama has done for me. This led me to a large rock formation—a cave. I noted

The reiatsu flared violently once more before settling down to the level of the Segunda Espada.

Before I knew it, I was reluctantly standing before the entrance to a large cave where my Pesquisa was telling me they were.

I prepared myself, hastily wiping off the sweat that formed on my brow.

I walked up to stand at the entrance with trembling legs, looking into a cave devoid of light, the only thing noticeable was glowing blue eyes.

I noticed couldn't quite make out their features in the darkness of the cave but they seemed familiar. The figure stood silently in the middle of the cave, not moving a muscle as his eyes moved along my figure, making me feel uncomfortable and I had to once again fight the urge to flee.

We stared at each other for several minutes, observing each other before my patience quickly ran out, temporarily forgetting about his immense strength, I voiced my frustrations and snapped at the mysteriously powerful Arrancar.

"Just come out already! Are you seriously just standing there?! I don't have time for this bullshit!"

'Harribel-sama chose me for this mission. And this guy has the nerve to make me wait?!'She huffed

The Arrancar continued to stare at me, his gaze now feeling deadpan. "Well?! Aren't you gonna show yourself? Don't make me beat your ass!"

"Why don't you come here..." The Arrancar finally replied, his deep voice reverberating in the cave like a distant rumble as if he hadn't spoken in a long time.

"And why should I?" I knew I shouldn't have been this rude to someone who could probably kill me in an instant, but my anger and frustrations took control of me and I found myself ignoring the fact.

"Because if I don't stop concentrating on controlling my reiatsu, you'll die from my very presence." He replied, his voice now sounding smoother. "You are a fairly powerful Arrancar, not quite a Espada—a Fracción. And a female one based on your frame and voice. There are few female Fracción. The most likely is that you serve and belong to Tia Harribel."

My eyes went wide in shock at his supposed observations, the guy hadn't even seen me and he still managed to figure out that much?!

"W-Wha- H-How d-did you...?!" I stuttered and took a step back, fear overtaking me. Yet he still did not move—she didn't want to believe it at first but maybe he was telling the truth. "You.. Who are you?!"

I flinched but held my ground, forcing myself to step forward as I steadied my mind. 'How do you know that?!' My voice came out sharper than I intended. 'What are you planning?! If you try anything against Las Noches, I'll kill you! I won't let you get anywhere near Harribel-sama!' My hands tightened around my Zanpakutō as it slipped into my grasp, the cold metal brushing against my palms slick with dried blood.

I held them in a defensive position. I knew it was futile to try and fight him but I wasn't going to let him do anything to Harribel-sama, even if it cost me my life.

I felt all my fear vanish and give way to fury.

"You're quite impulsive." His voice rang through the cave, a cold calm that sent shivers down my spine.

His words caused anger to well up within me and I yelled out. "Fuck you, bastard!" I spat and released my Resurrección, "Thrust upwards, Cierva!" Reiatsu surged and covered my form and dispersed to reveal my body covered in brown fur, sporting deer-like antlers above my brow, my feet were replaced with deer-like hooves, and a small tail emerged from where my tailbone would be located. My heterochromatic eyes changed to an amber color, with a red outline around them, with small lightning bolt-shaped markings on both sides of my face.

My Zanpakutō disappeared.

"That's impressive. Except it not going to do anything to me." The arrogant bastard responded, not showing a hint of fear or surprise.

"Hah?! We'll see about that!" I lunged forward, my hands forming into fists. I began to charge up a crimson red cero in my mouth as I dashed towards the unknown Arrancar.

(Third Person POV)

As she neared, Starrk finally saw her features, "Emilou Apacci, huh?" She froze once she heard the male state her name, her fists inches away from his form.

Unfortunately for her, the Fracción lost control of the cero with the shock, and the beam rocketed straight towards Starrk, slamming into his face and resulting in a violent and crimson explosion that sent various rocks and dripstone scattering in all directions and caused a dustform that covered the Espada.

The force of the explosion was enough to send Apacci flying into a damaged cave wall and out of her released state, quickly scuffling to her feet.

The attack caused Starrk's concentration to momentarily slip and his violent reiatsu caused the dust to dissipate, which revealed an unharmed Primera Espada whose expression was briefly that of rage because snapping back to normal in a heartbeat.

"The sight of him was enough to make her heart momentarily stop before Apacci's face paled, becoming whiter than Ulquiorra's at the sight of the supposedly 'dead' Primera Espada.

"Ho- Y-You. I-Al-alive..!" She stuttered, fear overtaking her mind, as she stood frozen in disbelief.

"Th-This isn't real- Y-You are s-supposed to be d-dead..." Her mouth was dry

The Espada in question simply sighed, struggling to maintain his usual stoic demeanor as a deep anger welled up in his chest at her actions and denial. Fortunately for her, he had impressive control over his emotions and quickly controlled himself.

"Why are you here?" He asked, changing the subject so as to not get even angrier.

The shocked Arrancar was snapped out of her fear-induced daze, her heterochromatic eyes struggling to meet the Primera's own grey digits.

However, once she finally worked up the courage to do so, she felt fear overtake her at his powerful reiatsu, feeling compelled to answer, she stuttered out; "H-Harribel-sama o-ordered me to recruit p-powerful Hollows to join L-Las Noches..." She choked on fear and her gaze dropped to the floor, her usual rude and short-tempered behavior nowhere to be seen, "...s-since most o-of our f-forces were k-killed during the w-war."She finishes

Starrk looked at the Arrancar with a scrutinizing gaze, "I see. So Harribel is alive after all..."

Thoughts flooded his mind momentarily.

To Apacci, his voice seemed more firm and powerful compared to before his defeat. 'He's different.' and that was what terrified her so much.

The Primera finally seemed to relax and sat down, getting back into his meditative position, as he looked at the Arrancar, several meters away.

"Tell me everything that's happened since my defeat." He ordered, his reiatsu calming down until it reached the level of a Vasto Lorde—bearable for Apacci.

And so that's how Coyote Starrk and Emilou Apacci spent the next few hours discussing the events that took place after his defeat. They discussed Aizen's betrayal, the conflict between the Gotei 13 and the Visored against the traitors, Tōsens death, the battles with the Shinigami Head Captain, Aizen's confrontation with Isshin Kurosaki, Kisuke Urahara, and Yoruichi Shihōin, Aizen's subsequent evolution, Gin's betrayal, and finally, Aizen's ultimate defeat and imprisonment.

"I see. That's a lot to take in... Wait, did you just say Tōsen had a Resurrección? You mean to tell me the Visored have that ability?" Starrk's voice was filled with surprise, which did not happen often.

The other Arrancar, still trembling with fear but managing to steady her voice, quickly responded, "I-I don't know for certain. I wasn't there for the fight. We heard about it secondhand—from that Orihime girl when she healed Harribel-sama and the rest of us."

Starrk nodded reluctantly, the detail having piped his interest, "But this might mean that Arrancar could develop Shikai or at the very least use Kidō." He trailed off, his mind racing.

Apacci was caught off guard. The idea hadn't even crossed her mind when she first heard the story, but instead of voicing her thoughts, she chose to stay silent.

What struck her even more was how much he had truly changed. His reiatsu had multiplied several times over, but it wasn't just his power that was different. His entire demeanor had shifted—gone was the laziness she'd heard about. Now, he was more talkative, engaged, and surprisingly invested in what was happening around him.

She sat several feet across from him on the cold, cave floor as he maintained his meditative stance.

Starrk's mind began to organize all the information his mind had just received and he realized just how dangerous the Hōgyoku truly was,

'Glad that orb wasn't used on me.' he thought in relief. Starrk, unlike most Arrancar, didn't need the Hōgyoku to go from Hollow to Arrancar. He evolved from a Vasto Lorde to an Arrancar on his own(through the splitting) and is one of the few natural Arrancar to exist. The only other being...Ulquiorra.

"Apacci. How many of the Espada are dead? Outside of Harribel and Grimmjow." His voice was grim as he addressed the tomboy Fracción.

Starrk's words cut through her throat and she struggled to get her thoughts in order, before finally answering, "O-Only three—sorry two Espada remain. All of them are dead except for Grimmjow and Harribel-sama. It's three if you count Nelliel—it turns out she was aliv-."

The Arrancar trailed off, her murmuring stopping once she felt an immense pressure that pushed her to her knees.

Starrk's reiatsu rose astronomically, rising to its full potent output becoming visible bright, blue flames that seemed to fuel off of his emotions. Apacci's instincts seemed to take over her as she sonido'd backward several meters, likely avoiding certain death, having barely gotten away.

Starrk's eyes were filled with sorrow at the news that so many died. Firstly more than half of the Numerós are dead, and now a fifth of the Espada remain. His camaradas—'friends'—dead.

"Fuck." She cursed, spitting out the word like poison.

"...Leave before my reiatsu kill you..." He murmured so quietly, that if it weren't for her animal-like hearing, she wouldn't even be aware that he was speaking.

So Apacci vanished, trying to get as far away from the Espada as possible—feeling immense fear overwhelm her at his display.

Later, she would come to regret her haste as she would struggle to retrace her step to find the cave after reporting everything to Harribel who would then ask for the location she found him.

The sorrow was brief, just like Starrk's sorrow over Lilynette's sacrifice. He was an Arrancar—a Hollow, not a human.

After the events, Starrk would begin to have more and more impulsive occurrences where he'd let his emotions control him.'At the very least, it helped him understand his emotions.' He'd later think.

Starrk continued his journey in order to satisfy the determination he felt at every waking moment—because to him, he felt it would honor his camaradas and Lilynette.

"Why the hell am I so emotional..?"

(Chapter End)

Author's Note: Before you ask no, Apacci will not be a love interest and no, this will not be a harem. I'm just using her as a plot device so Starrk's can get all caught up with the Winter War and to introduce him to other characters and allow the story to progress. Speaking of ships, I'm not sure if I'll add any. But I might change my mind.

Thanks for reading.