Requiem for the Hollow Rose Chapter 35: Demon of consequence, a Bleach + RWBY Crossover fanfic

Chapter 35: Demon of consequence

"….…..just leave me be"

There was no one she wanted to see more than the person standing in front of her. And yet, the moment she appeared in front of her, she found herself inexplicably turning away from her, even demanding that she leave.

"You know I can't do that" replied Masaki. The same voice, the same gentle, understanding tone. And as always, she could never turn away Masaki. With some effort, she looked up to her. Everything was just the same, down to the smallest of details, save for her expression that looked just as sad and miserable as her own. "After all, I'm only here because you want me to be here"

"…" It was painful, quite noticeably so. There was no way Ruby could bring herself to look at Masaki's face after her scuffle with Ichigo had led to. Masaki was the last person she wanted to confront right now and yet; her voice was the only thing she wanted to hear.

"Having an inner world is convenient, isnt it?" said Masaki, sitting down beside her. "It reflects your heart, your soul in its truest form, a place for your deepest thoughts, feelings and emotions to take shape. People often say that even if a person truly dies, as long as you remember them, they live on in your memories and in your heart. I wonder if this is what they were talking about?" wondered the wheat haired woman, looking up. "Things like 'Ah, I wonder what she would've said…' or things like 'I can already imagine my mom running at me with her flip-flops!' But you already guessed as much, haven't you?"

Ruby couldn't bring herself to say anything, not even to acknowledge Masaki's words. And the wheat haired woman didn't seem to be paying too much attention to that fact either.

"My poor darling. You've been through a lot, haven't you? First, let's get rid of these awful chains" she could hear her say, and with a few quick swings of her arm the chains binding her gave in, falling down. Ruby felt Masaki's arm pull her to her side, allowing Ruby to lean on her. She could feel Masaki's arm caressing her head. Even amidst the hellish landscape that the duo found themselves on, Masaki's scent was the only one that hung in the air. Though she knew that the woman by her side wasn't really her, and that all of Masaki's words and actions were nothing more than her inner world manifesting Ruby's deepest desires, she didn't care. Because at that moment, she wanted nothing more than to be by Masaki's side, and being told by her that everything was alright. That nothing mattered anymore. She wanted nothing more than to go back to those days where Masaki would softly hum to her as she lay on her lap whenever Ruby awoke from a nightmare. Even if it was only as real as one of Aizen's or Hell's illusions. Masaki's gaze was one that she couldn't bring herself to face and yet, her presence was the one that she wanted the most.

Soft, melodic hums could be heard all around her, as if she was in a concert hall. She recognized this melody. It was one of the many melodies Masaki would sing to her, and one of Ruby's personal favorites. It was the same melody she herself would sing to herself, the very same she sang to Yuzu during their times in Hueco Mundo. Though the melody was seemingly coming from everywhere, when Ruby tilted her head, she could see Masaki's visage closing her eyes and humming to herself, nodding her head in sync with the rhythm. Ruby slowly slid her head, allowing herself to slide right into Masaki's lap.

Yes. This was it. This is all that she wanted for now. She didn't want to talk about anything or think about anything else. Neither did her mother's faint voice reach her, nor did her daughter's troubled pleas matter to her. The enormous reiatsu that hung in the air didn't so much make her flinch, nor did Ulquiorra's reiatsu that was mixed in with the enormous reiatsu. Nothing would move her.

Nothing.

Not even the fact that the enormous reiatsu was unquestionably Ichigo's.

The fact that he was still out there.

The fact that…he needed her now more than ever before.

But none of that would perturb Ruby as she lay there in her lap. She was done. She had done more than enough, hadn't she? She just wanted her mind to slowly drift off into nothingness as Masaki's lullaby continued to resonate throughout her surroundings, unabated.

Nothing else stirred within the dark void, and nothing else moved. For an inexplicable amount of time.

…

"Sweetie…won't you go help him?"

Of all the things he'd expected to see today, this hadn't been one of them. Ulquiorra Cifer wasn't the kind of being who found meaning in anticipating, scheming or planning his actions. He as always one to go with the flow, wherever his life took him. Whatever came his way, he would deal with them, as and when they happened. This had been even more prevalent of late after Aizen had taken over Hueco Mundo. Now, all he did was follow the orders of a being much stronger than himself, as a hollow would. He had even less of a reason to think about his orders or actions, even less opportunities to voice his opinions to his peers and to himself.

All of which had changed in just the last six years. Six years out of who knows how many years he had lived as a hollow. Something which he still had trouble believing, the fact that his life would be so different so abruptly.

As he lay there, his body half buried in the sand haphazardly, in a posture very uncharacteristic of himself and a gaping hole in the roof of Las Noches, many thoughts were swimming across his mind. One moment, he was facing that morphed form of the boy and in the next he was barely able to get out of the way of the crimson beam coming out of the boy's horns. A cero blast that was undoubtedly more powerful than anything he'd ever seen on a hollow, including his own.

But the creature wasn't done. Just as he managed to avoid the first blast, he could feel the wind getting knocked out of him. The heavy impact on his left ribs told him that he'd just been kicked. But in reality, he felt as if he'd just been rammed against a wall, despite having his hierro. He could feel the rush of air and the pain from the blow slowly making itself known as he traveled further and further from the creature, unable to regain his posture.

Which was what brought him to his current situation. When he gazed up into the sky, all that was left was a gaping hole, exposing the bright sunlit skies of Las Noches to the nocturnal skies of Hueco Mundo. He was clearly more than 100 meters away from where he was initially. And yet, the hole in the ceiling could be seen even from here. That told him all that he needed to know about the blast he'd just avoided. And the speed at which he'd just been kicked told him more than enough about his opponent's speed. And the force of his kick was enough to send him flying several meters away.

All of this from a boy who was barely able to keep up with his sister who hadn't even used her resurreccion, let alone her scythe. From a boy who didn't manage to inflict a scratch on him. A boy who was now slowly coming his way.

His normally blank and empty mind was now bursting with life, bombarding him with thoughts and questions that he had no idea how to intercept. Why did the boy once known as Ichigo Kurosaki look like that, giving off so much hollow reiatsu that it was hard to believe he was ever human just moments ago? Why was a mere hollowfied human able to do what he just did to him? Not to mention, those moments he attacked him with no predictable warning whatsoever and the way the boy once known as Ichigo was moving towards him, slowly, taking his own time but surely like a predator stalking its prey, why did they remind him of his own self? Why did they look so much like a hollow? But the thing that stood out the most, was the fact that in between all that, the boy avoided the area where Ruby Rose lay, making sure that no matter how he moved and how he was attacked, no harm befell Ruby Rose.

As he lay there, contemplating what to do next, only one sentence escaped Ulquiorra.

"How ludicrous" he said to no one in particular. There was no emotion behind it and his voice sounded as jaded as it ever did. Not even he knew to what he referred to when he said that. Even so, if those that knew him watched him now, they would no doubt see that the Ulquiorra in front of them was no longer the same one they knew from six years ago.

The first issue was that he was inside Las Noches, where he couldn't release his resurreccion. The boy's power was blatantly clear. He didn't need his pesquisa to deduce that. He had no strong attachments to life per se, but he had no reason to relinquish it either. And he would do whatever it took to prolong it, even if the situation seemed hopeless. Fortunately for him, his enemy was moving at his own pace and wasn't in a rush to end his life. The hole in the ceiling helped too, for he could simply escape Las Noches without needing to blast it with a cero and risk slowing down. He also knew that the moment he set off towards the sky, his opponent would no doubt follow him. He would have a very small window to release his resurreccion and have any chance of countering the boy.

And that was provided he didn't get blasted away with another cero from Ichigo on his way up.

Before another thought popped up in his mind, Ulquiorra picked himself up from the dirt and dashed towards the ceiling without looking back. He poised himself to go straight to his segunda etapa release the moment he was out. Even without his pesquisa, he knew he had to go all out if he planned to survive.

By the whiskers of the Soul King, what now?

Not even a second had passed since she managed to placate the woman and her merry band of soul reapers in front of her this happened. Ever since Ichigo invaded Las Noches, it had been one thing after another. First Nelliel took the pain of setting these kids right and sending them right back, only for something to interrupt her. Then, one could only imagine her expression when she heard about Ichigo attacking Ruby out of nowhere. Right as she had half a mind to go put an end to things there, she was tasked in dealing with this captain in front of her with Grimmjow, who just happened to bolt off on his own without so much as glancing at her. The very same captain who also happened to be powerful in her own right. After all, she WAS the very same Unohana Summer had told them about. She was pleasantly surprised to know the once bloodthirsty captain of squad 11 was nothing at all like how Summer described her to be. Just when she thought she could clean up this whole big mess too.

There was just so much happening now that Nelliel had no idea where to even start. On one side, the sudden disappearance of Ruby's and Ichigo's spiritual pressures was eating away at her. Then there was that huge, almost unbelievable presence that she could feel even here. Looking around, she could see the shocked, silenced and fumbling looks on the kid's faces. Heck, even the two soul reapers by the kids' side were quivering in shock. The only ones that had any sort of composure were Unohana, the stoic looking captain and surprisingly, the pink haired girl.

"Alright, first, lets think" she told herself, drawing in a slow, deep breath. Messy thoughts were no good, she first needed to organize them and think how best to go about it.

Going anywhere near that huge spiritual pressure seemed like a big no no. Her instincts were practically flashing off all warning signs they could throw at her. For a hollow like her, doing anything against her instincts was a totally bad idea. But she'd long past learnt to think beyond her primal instincts. Their whole group had. Perhaps not Grimmjow so much, but the thought did bring a small smile to her face.

"If Summer baked a cookie for every time we told our instincts to…if the old Ruby were here, she would tease me for being so held back by my instinctual fears" her thoughts immediately went back to those days the little adjuchas known as Ruby Rose would get into all sorts of trouble because of that fact. The thought was both calming and renewed her determination to go and do what it took to save Ruby and Ichigo, even if it meant she would have to confront whatever it was that was out there.

She then turned to the group. First, she needed to calm them down and avoid panic. Panic was bad. Order is good. Assurance even more so.

"I'll admit…I've seen a lot of things in my life, but that trumps them all" she said nodding her head exasperatedly. "By the whiskers of the Soul King, it's just been one thing after another today" she sighed. "Just when I thought she'd finally gotten some peace and quiet, she gets herself into god knows what. I really wish Mr 'Oh-I'm-the-king-of-the-Menos-forest' hadn't ditched me here to deal with that all by myself, but hey, what can I say? Atleast I know you all will be in good hands. You have nothing to worry about though. In my life, I've seen things far worse. I'm sure it'll be just fine"

That was when Unohana understood. How was it that an arrancar, a hollow like her ever managed to handle things as smoothly, as peacefully as she did in bringing Orihime to Hueco Mundo. A hollow was a being that fed on human souls, a being that humans instinctively feared, a being that soul reapers had learnt to exterminate on sight without question for more than several centuries. And yet, Nelliel had such a gentle and calming presence. The human kids who were quivering at the spiritual pressure in the horizon had considerably calmed down, though they still appeared to be shaken. Even Rukia and Renji had clearer looks on their faces. With just a few simple sentences, Nelliel had managed to assure them and managed to envelop them in her warm comforting embrace that made them feel that things would just work out. That with Nelliel there, there was really nothing any of them had to worry about, regardless of what happened.

To Unohana, seeing Nelliel reminded her of the way Summer would watch over Jushiro and Kyoraku back in the days. And to Byakuya, who was equally impressed, looking at the way she calmed them down reminded him of his late wife and the way she used to assure him that no matter what happened, things would just be fine.

What really surprised both captains was the fact that there existed a hollow with such a humane presence.

Nelliel then drew her zanpakuto, her back facing towards them.

"What are you….?" Asked Karin.

"I'll go ahead and check things out. You guys are strong, but judging from what I can feel being this far away, I'd say this is too much for you guys to handle. You're with your captains now, they'll take you home. I'll go and check on Ruby and Ichigo. Right now, Ulquiorra should be there as well and he's way stronger than even I am. With his help, I should be able to do something" she said.

"Praise, Gamusa"

There was a light gust of wind, and the green haired beauty's body subtly transformed. Her hollow horns became longer and curved further. She had spaulders that covered her shoulders and neck, white elbow guards and gauntlets. Her entire took on the form of an ibex like centaur. There was also a white ring at the base of her tail. On her right arm was a double-sided lance.

The whole transformation was so subtle and clean, that all it did was stir up a light gust of wind near her. There was no spike in her reiatsu, nor anything to add to that effect, visual or otherwise. There was no doubt that Nelliel was much stronger than before, even if her reiatsu appeared to be the same.

"Amazing….when that arrancar transformed, her reiatsu spiked four to five times. It even blew away all the air around her. But when she did it…..it was almost unnoticeable…" remarked Tatsuki.

"Yeah…." Agreed Karin. "When Aaroniero used his resurreccion, you could feel it even if you were far away. But Nel's reiatsu doesn't feel any different…."

"A resurreccion is identical to a zanpakuto release. Normally, a lot of reishi is released when using shikai or bankai, and the process also leaves you defenseless in that instant you release your zanpakuto. This also puts an initial strain on your body. Being able to do it the way you did not only conserves reishi that would normally be lost, it also cuts down on the strain on your reishi reserves and your body. It simply shows how much control and mastery she has over her skills-"

"HORSEY!"

A pink blur sped past Rukia and Renji, landing straight at Nelliel's back.

"Wh..wha..!"

"Lieutenant!"

"HORSEEEEY! Let's go! Let's go and get Rosy!" she chimed with sparkling eyes, urging Nelliel to move on.

"Lieutenant Kusajishi, that is not particularly-"

"Rosy is that way,right? I wanna come with you!" she chimed, completely ignoring any and every other person around her.

"Yachiru-chan, you shouldn't be calling Nel-san that way-" started Orihime.

"It's alright" said Nel giving a smile. "Yachiru, things will be really dangerous out there. I'm not even sure what we're up against. You should try and stay with them. I promise you I'll do my best to make sure those two remain safe"

"But….but….I don't wanna! I wanna see Rosy!" she argued.

"And besides, I want to help you, Nel" said Yuzu. "We all do" Karin and Tatsuki gave a collective nod.

"And besides…I can't just leave Ichigo here" said Rukia.

"We have our duties here as well" said Byakuya, both as an answer to Nelliel and as a reminder to Yachiru so that she would stop being childish with Nel.

"I cannot leave without Summer. Now that I know she's out there, I cannot return until I have what I came for" said Unohana. Nel paused, considering the situation. Time was already ticking and she couldn't afford to waste anymore time on petty arguments. It didn't help that she had no idea what was actually happening. She gave a long sigh.

"Alright, point taken. I could use the help too. I just hope Grimmjow and your companion notice that something is wrong and join us too. Because something in my gut tells me that even with all of us and Ulquiorra together we might be hard pressed. But that still doesn't change the fact that none of you kids are getting involved. I want you all to stay behind captain Unohana at all times is that clear?" she said, looking at Orihime, Tatsuki, Uryu, Chad and even Karin and Yuzu.

"Hey, I can understand those guys but why us?! We're strong enough to help you know!" said Karin. "No offense" she then said, looking at the aforementioned humans.

"Nel-san, you yourself said that this will be difficult. I can't just leave you be when I see you out there fighting to-"

"Alright, alright fine" she replied slowly, her hand on her forehead. "I know you'll just end up following me and trying to interfere even if I said anything, so just please promise me you'll stay out of danger if it comes to it alright?"

Without even hesitating, they nodded. Nelliel knew they probably wouldn't remember her words anyways, just like a bunch of kids who would promise not to do something with a smile only to end up in trouble because of their mischief.

"Alright, let's make haste then"

"Well? What're you waitin' for, Grimmjow? Come on!"

"You don't need to tell me twice, big guy!" challenged the blue haired Espada, returning a maniacal grin. With a single lunge, he cleared the distance between them, slashing down across Kenpachi's body.

*SCCCHIIIIICK!*

Grimmjow paused in surprise when he noticed unexpected resistance in his blow. Yes, his attack did connect. It drew a good amount of blood even. However, it didn't completely go through as he'd expected. Stranger still was the fact that the grin on Kenpachi only grew wider and he hadn't even attempted to block Grimmjow's attack.

"Well whadya know? You can cut me from the get go!" he rasped.

"You didn't even try to block that one. Have you gone senile, Soul reaper?" asked Grimmjow.

"Where's the fun in fighting someone who can't even cut you with their blade? I just had to make sure you were worth my time, Grimmjow" he replied. "And I'm happy to say you pass. Since I let you have a free shot, it's my turn now!"

With a slash that was surprisingly fast for someone of his build, Kenpachi clashed with Grimmjow, their swords sparking and ringing everytime they traded blows. He was fast, but nowhere near as fast as Ruby or even himself for that matter. If Grimmjow had to rank it, his speed was about as much as Nelliel's.

"What's wrong, soul reaper?! How do you plan to cut me if you can't even connect?!"

*SSWHICCCKKK!*

A stream of red liquid sprayed out of Kenpachi's chest after Grimmjow's zanpakuto left another open cut. Just then, his arm grabbed his sword.

"!"

*SCHIIICKK!*

Steel met flesh, with Kenpachi's jagged zanpakuto drawing a thin line from where he was cut by his blade. Surprised, Grimmjow kicked his opponent squarely in his abdomen and forced his sword back from his arm. He inspected his wound, and was relieved to find that while the strike itself appeared to be deep, the damage he took was superficial. It appeared that his hierro absorbed a significant amount of impact.

"…and here I was, worried for nothing" taunted Grimmjow with a maniacal but somewhat disappointed grin. "Come on, you can do better than that, can't you soul reaper?"

Kenpachi stood silent for a while, his smile seemingly disappearing only for it to reappear. He rushed at Grimmjow again, who was now circling around, ducking and sometimes parrying Kenpachi's strikes which were now coming at him faster than before.

"More!"

*SWISSH* *KLAAANG*

"More!"

*KLAANG!* *KLAAANG!* *WHISSSH!* *SWIIISH!*

"That's it, keep it coming! More!"

*SCHHHHIIIICKKK!* *WHAAAACK!*

"Put some more backbone behind it when you're swinging that thing, soul reaper!"

A quick slash and a reverse kick sent Kenpachi flying backwards with yet another flesh wound on his chest.

*BZZZT!*

Reappearing behind Kenpachi, the blue jaguar forced the captain of squad 11 backwards with yet another powerful blow. Kenpachi went through the enormous slanted white pillar behind him, completely decimating the structure before coming out of the other end. The blue jaguar reappeared in front of him, clubbing his fists and beating down. Again, and again, and again and again.

*BOOOOOM!* *WHAAAACKKK!* BOOOOOMMM!*

"Come on! Don't tell me you got me all riled up for nothing, soul reaper! I was in a pretty good mood when I thought I'll get to fight someone fairly decent for once and here I am whopping your ass! Come on, get up!"

The crater in which Kenpachi lay grew bigger and bigger. Grimmjow knew all of his hits were connecting. He could feel his fists making contact with hard muscle and blood.

*SCHIIICK!*

Out of nowhere, the squad 11 captain's blade swung out at him and left a deep gash across his fists. Taken by surprise, Grimmjow stepped back several steps. From the rubble arose Kenpachi, badly bruised and injured with multiple cuts. And yet, the grin on his face didn't vanish in the slightest. The maniacal soul reaper cracked his neck sideways, ignoring all pain and discomfort.

"Now that was somethin', Grimmjow. It's been a while since anyone's put me in that shape. My bones and muscles finally feel awake. Finally, I'm having some real fun after so long!" he said, approaching him slowly.

The confusion on Grimmow's face was slowly being replaced by an – expression of relatable joy. The blue jaguar had no idea what happened, nor did he even care. All he knew was that his opponent was somehow much more resilient and stronger than just a few moments ago. Just as he himself put it, it was as if Kenpachi had just been jolted awake by the presence of an opponent finally good enough to entertain him in a fight. A feeling that Grimmjow could fully comprehend.

"Gu….Guaha…..GUAHAHAHAHAAHA! Well said, Zaraki! There wouldn't be any point to this if you couldn't do atleast that much! Fine! Let's both make the best out of this and give our shitty boring lives some much needed oomph!"

The two warriors charged at each other, clashing with much greater ferocity than before. As the 7th Espada suspected, Kenpachi was indeed much faster and striking much harder than before. He was able to break quite a few of their clashes and strike back, dealing significant damage. Grimmjow too was finding it harder and harder to deal enough damage to Kenpachi as their clashes went on. This fight was much too interesting for either party to settle using anything but their fists and swords. Zaraki had no other means to fight but using his zanpakuto, but Grimmow did have his ceros and balas. But to Grimmjow, attacks like that would be nowhere near as satisfying as pounding Zaraki using his bare fists and sword. And so, they continued to die the ground around them with sprays of blood and sweat. Until finally, Grimmjow was the one being pushed back with the number of injuries increasing on him while his own attacks were doing little more than leave superficial wounds on Zaraki.

"What's wrong, Grimmjow? I thought you said you wanted to make this worth our time? Don't get me wrong, I was having fun…..was"

"Keh heh heh….look at you getting all cocky after getting a few measly scratches. Still, that wasn't half bad, Zaraki. I think I'll show you after all. Don't go dyin' on me now" grinned Grimmjow, drawing his zanpakuto back in an iaido stance. He then clawed at the blade with his free hand.

"Grind, Pantera!"

Unlike Nelliel's release, his own was explosive and intimidating to those that would lay witness to it. The blue jaguar held nothing back in exerting is absolute presence, dominion and power. A release that was fitting for the one that was once known as the King of Hueco Mundo. Even those formidable enough to best him would think twice before engaging something that gave off such a powerful presence.

But not Kenpachi Zaraki.

With his grin growing wider as he witnessed the transformation, there was no doubt that anticipation and ecstasy for the upcoming fight were all that he felt. The powerful winds that were generated from his release made his hairs stand up on their end, along with his own adrenaline levels. The powerful reiatsu was like a strong gust of wind fanning his instinctual flames thirsting for battle. And Grimmjow's feral battle cry was like a call to his own soul, calling out to him to do battle.

Grimmjow's appearance had changed drastically, his form now looking very feline and predatory. He had sharp jagged teeth, his hands and feet morphed into feline paws with razor sharp claws, a slender whip like tail, long azure blue hair and his human like ears morphed into something akin to a cat's ears.

No further words were needed between the two battle hungry warriors. Words were a waste of time, time which they could be using to fight. Their fists would do all the talking they needed to do and communicate their intent and emotions. Until one of them was incapacitated.

Without waiting for the other, Kenpachi and Grimmjow lunged towards each other. One with his jagged zanpakuto held above his head and the other with his paw drawn back and above his head, intending to strike down with razor sharp claws. A mighty battle that had no other spectators apart from the participants themselves, none would stop either warrior until a conclusion was reached. Either the pink haired girl would lose her dearest one, or the ex-Rose huntress one of her dearest ones.

*VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!*

Or so it would have been if not for the titanic pressure crashing down on them from afar, stopping blade and claw inches away from their intended target. No normal interruption would've stopped two bloodthirsty warriors who had their attentions completely focused on the other. And no normal level of power would've made them reconsider their decision to stop instead of simply ignoring it and going back to their fight.

"Tch…..just when things were getting good…you're tellin' me something like that is out there…?" growled the Espada.

"Heh….it's not a spiritual pressure I recognize, and judging from your expression, you don't know it either, do you Grimmjow?"

Two warriors, both of whom lived only to seek out those stronger than them all so that they could enjoy the taste of battle and overcome them. To such warriors, when a presence like the one that hung in the air made itself known, there was only one answer to those that continuously sought out the strong.

"Looks like our match is going to be on hold for a while, Zaraki. After all, there's no way you can ignore something like that and pretend you have no interest in wanting to check it out, now can you?" said Grimmjow. "I can just see the curiosity oozing out of you"

"Heh, you took the words right out of my fuckin' mouth, Grimmjow. This battlefield is only big enough for the both of us. So, you stay put right here while I go an' take care of that" rasped Zaraki.

"Yeah right, you get all the fun while I wait? Not if I get there first! Try to keep up!" growled Grimmjow with a grin, flipping the bird before sprinting off.

"Heh!"

As Kenpachi Zaraki followed after him, he wondered if it was his lucky day today. Not only did he finally find someone worth cutting down, making his ordeal of coming to Hueco Mundo totally worth it, there was yet another monster out there that could give him more enjoyment and stimulus than he'd bargained for. And he had a feeling that he would get more than he asked for.

People often throw around expressions such as 'That's impossible' or 'There's no way I'm seeing what I'm seeing' and other such similar phrases to describe that which they cannot comprehend. And often those are met with skepticism, doubt and on the rare occasion, an empathetic reply from the listener who can only imagine the scenario being described to them. No matter what the case is, there was no possible way to meaningfully describe that which causes them to become speechless with shock. There was no possible way for one to actually fully comprehend such things without actually observing said phenomenon for themselves. Words cannot do it justice. Just like how a scene looks way different than how it appears in a picture. Or how a certain truth becomes impossibly harder to accept when experiencing it for themselves.

One could always try saying 'I understand how that feels' or 'I get what you mean', but that is truly impossible in the truest sense. Because a verbal account, warning or recounting cannot possibly give the same experience as actually perceiving something with your own five senses.

And that was exactly what was happening with Karin, Yuzu, Rukia, Renji, the humans and even the two captains. Nelliel being a hurry chose to rush ahead. She was ahead of them but within visible distance. The slowing pace of the group behind her was slowly increasing the distance between them.

It was already a chore to truly reach the epicenter where the reishi felt the strongest. With every step they took, the air grew denser and denser with reishi. At some point, the density of reishi that hung in the air surpassed even that of the arrancars some of them had faced in battle after their resurreccion had been released. It was at that point that the humans in the groups were struggling to even walk.

"Guys, I think you should seriously head back" suggested Karin. "You can barely walk!"

"N…no….!" replied Tatsuki. "I'm not…..going anywhere…until I see aneki…..and Ichigo…"

"We haven't even made it there and its already this strong. I don't think you should be…" added Yuzu.

"Not to mention…that hole…I'm seriously getting the chills here…." Said Rukia, looking at the gaping hole in the sky. It was obvious that whatever made that was immensely powerful.

"As soul reapers, it is our duty to ensure that no harm befall the humans due to spiritual beings such as hollows. Renji, as your captain I order you to send them back to the world of the living" said Byakuya flatly.

"As much as I love that idea captain, I have no idea how!" he replied.

"You needn't worry about that, I think Nel-san would be quite happy to send them back" answered Unohana. "The strength of the reishi here is already concerning enough"

"That's right, if humans like you linger around, we can no longer guarantee that we can keep you safe from harm. It will no doubt serve to hamper our own prowess as well. Taking both these factors into account, Renji, I once again order you to escort them back to Hueco Mundo. That goes for you too, Rukia, Yuzu Kurosaki. Karin Kurosaki" said Byakuya sternly. "Your presence is unneeded here"

"Up yours! I'm strong enough to handle being here, and so is Yuzu! We're not leaving without seeing Ruby-nee and Ichi-nii. I agree that Tsuki-nee and the others should head back, but you could atleast be a little nicer about-!"

Before the black haired Kurosaki could finish her sentence, the world and the skies turned green. A new pressure unlike the one from before slammed right on top of them. This one was clearly arrancar, with equal volumes of soul reaper and hollow reishi mixed into it. The rain of dense, green stained reishi that flooded out of the hole in the sky and poured over them like a sudden downpour of rain. The reishi rain was dense enough that it prickled their skin as it hit them, which spoke volumes about its strength.

When the rain fell, Nelliel jerked her head upwards sharply before taking off towards the source with Yachiru still attached to her back. It was hard to make out anything else considering the distance they were at.

However, what was weirder was the fact that as strong as the new spiritual pressure was, it was still many times weaker than the presence that continued to hang in the air since before they came. But it still hadn't changed the fact that even this new spiritual pressure was incomprehensibly strong.

"That's impossible….how can such a powerful spiritual pressure even exist…?!" exclaimed Byakuya in surprise.

"You're…..kidding…..right…..?" stammered Rukia.

"What the hell are we up against…?!" quivered Renji.

Orihime, Tatsuki, Chad, Uryu were all on the ground at this point.

"This spiritual pressure…its Ulquiorra's…..but…!" said Yuzu.

"Ulquiorra…..? You know to whom it belongs to?" asked Karin. Her twin nodded.

"Ulquiorra. He's the 4th Espada. I've sparred with him a few times but….."

"Wait…..wait, wait, wait! One thing at a time! You're telling me…..that belongs to an Espada and yet it's only their 4th strongest member?!" asked Karin.

"That's what I thought too, but I've never actually seen his released state. Onee-chan always said that his rank didn't reflect his actual power and that he was closer to being the most powerful of all the arrancars…now that I can feel his spiritual pressure, I can safely say that she wasn't exaggerating" explained Yuzu.

"But you said you fought him…." Asked Rukia surprised. "Are you telling me that she's that strong?! Not even….no, I'm pretty sure most of the captains in the Soul Society aren't this strong…..are you telling me she's at that level…?!"

"No, that's wrong Rukia onee-chan. I did say I sparred with him but I never actually managed to even the score. He would always be one step ahead even when I used my Bankai. And this was in his sealed state too. But then again, my bankai isn't really suited for something like-"

"Wait…..you have a BANKAI?!" exclaimed Karin, Renji, Rukia and Tatsuki in unison. Byakuya looked mildly surprised but was otherwise silent. Even Unohana raised her eyes, but mostly because she expected it.

"Ah…..um yeah….."

"When did that happe-"

"Children" came Unohana's soft voice, interrupting them with a soft cough. "It's good to catch up, but there are more pressing matters to address, wouldn't you agree?" she asked, silencing those around her. "I would say this is clearly enough reason to turn back, wouldn't you agree?" she asked, looking at the humans. "Though I understand your eagerness to save your friend and family, there are some thing better left to the adults. You can trust us, you know. Protecting you all is one of our sworn duties, one that takes precedence over any kind of personal mission we might have. Ichigo Kurosaki is also one of them. And though my wish to see Ruby Rose is a personal one, this time, you are fortunate that my wish and my duties align with each other. That is why you can be rest assured that no matter what happens, we will rescue both Ichigo Kurosaki and Ruby Rose. Just because you aren't directly responsible for rescuing them it doesn't mean you haven't done anything. Isn't the fact that you risked your lives to come all the way here enough? You have tried your hardest. For now, just leave this to us. Is that fine?" she asked. There was a silence, following which Orihime, Uryu, Chad and Tatsuki had no option but to comply.

To an outsider and even to those around her currently, Unohana was akin to a gentle mother assuring her children that in unpleasant times, she would always be there to make them feel better. Her voice was convincing, conveyed genuine care and assurance that things will just be fine, and that any pain they currently felt would be blown right out of the window.

But the truth of the matter was that she was holding herself back. Being bathed in such a primal and menacing spiritual pressure and then being in the vicinity of Ulquiorra's immense spiritual pressure, her body was trembling. Her old blood was rumbling, begging for release. It took her everything she had to prevent her hand from reaching out to her sword, flying straight towards the origin of the spiritual pressure and drenching her blade in blood. Reminding these children of their duties and her own was more for herself than them; it was a reminder of her own vow towards Summer and a reminder of her own resolve. She decided to focus her thoughts on resolving the current situation to break apart any further thoughts that called for her opponent's blood.

*FWUP*

Her long, braided hair swayed ever so slightly as the air around her shifted just a little. It was then that Unohana Yachiru truly realized the gravity of the situation they were in. About how much they…nay, about how much SHE had underestimated the conundrum their whole group was in. All noises died down around her; her companions were completely silent at this point. It took her a whole second to fully accept what had just happened. Her eyes were wide and her pupils contracted. Byakuya saw his life flash past him, and was paralyzed in shock. Renji and Rukia saw their end, and struggled to even breathe. The human children were completely out at this point, physically unable to witness anything that would come to pass for the next few minutes. Karin's skin went white, her face contorted from fear, stress and disbelief. Unohana no longer had any reasons to worry about getting the children to safety, rescuing and meeting her companion's daughter or even holding back her bloodlust.

Because standing right in between them, giving off the same reiatsu as the one they sensed all this time, was a horned, humanoid looking arrancar with a black hakama, skin as white as snow and tribal markings all over its body and face. The arrancar's face itself was completely covered by a white mask with two horns protruding from either side of its face. The mask itself resembled a human skull with the eye sockets being narrower than most skulls. The arrancar also had tuffs of red fur around its neck and wrists.

However, what really caught their eyes and what really blew their breath away was the familiar looking obsidian blade in its right arm and the upper half of its hakama that was strikingly similar to Ichigo's own.

BGM: Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni OST - Himitsu Ura

In his current state of delirium, Ichigo Kurosaki found it difficult to even maintain a sense of self. But the one thought that remained clear throughout was his desire to protect his sister. He could neither see nor sense her. But that mattered not to him. From within the core of his being, he wanted nothing more than to protect her. It was what maintained that little bit of awareness he still possessed. And it was the same feeling that drove his other self and all of his actions. They were united in what they wanted the most but divided still in how they sated their instincts.

Ichigo wanted to protect those dear to him with his power and would do just that.

His hollow would protect those his instincts made him protect by eliminating those that posed a threat.

It was as simple as that. Two souls of one body with the same desire but having very different interpretations.

When Nelliel started advancing towards the hole in the sky, her body shivered involuntarily like it never had. Deep within herself, she knew she felt fear. Her instincts, the one she'd always managed to subdue and overcome, was now practically begging to be listened, and Nelliel was tempted to do so for once. Even the usually-composed and cheery Yachiru was eerily silent, clinging onto Nelliel tighter as they went above.

When she reached the top, the first sight that Nelliel's hazel eyes witnessed was the form of a white humanoid arrancar with a face fully covered by a white horned mask holding a black winged arrancar by the throat, his left arm and left wing missing. Nel stopped in her tracks, not daring to move another inch. At this point, saying that she had goosebumps was a big understatement. It took her all her composure and wits to stay calm.

"That form….I've never seen Ulquiorra in that form. It looks quite different from the release state I've seen. This must be that hidden level Ruby spoke of. But…..unbelievably, even though it's obvious his current level is even higher than Starrk's…he's still in that state….just what in the world are we dealing with….? Where are Ruby and Ichigo…? What's going on…?" she told herself. Nothing made any sense, until she noticed the obsidian blade on the other arrancar's free hand.

"Wait…hold on…that sword…..that's…..that's Ichigo's zanpakuto, no doubt! And that hakama…..it's….the same….as Ichigo's….."

He thoughts slowly died when the realization of who the arrancar was hit her brain, and her eyes went wide.

Noticing the new arrival, the horned beast spared one last glace at Ulquiorra and casually flung him through the hole.

*FWIP*

"!"

When the beast flung Ulquiorra, she'd averted her eyes out of reflex for just a moment. However, in that tiny fraction of a moment, Nel found herself staring at a pair of glowing yellow orbs mere inches away from her own hazel eyes.

It was as if the shock flung the very soul out of her body. Every fiber of her being was trying its best not to shut down from the sheer promise of death this 'thing' projected onto her. This close, Nelliel and by extension Yachiru could feel the danger and presence this being exerted onto them in its entirety.

"C…cal….calm….calm do…calm down…calm….calm down….!"

But no matter what she tried, her damn body wouldn't move and stood frozen on the spot. The beast continued to staring at her, tilting its head lightly, sniffing the air around her but keeping its gaze at her at all times. It even went around and behind her head, doing the same to an equally stressed and paralyzed Yachiru whose fingers were practically digging into Nel's flesh. But even with its face turned away from her, Nel didn't dare move even an inch.

How foolish, how damn foolish. She cursed the very moment she ever thought it would be a good idea to go charging in.

"Do I….really live in the same world where something like this exists…..?! Is this…..really your brother…..Ruby…..?!"

And then, it was gone.

Just as quickly as it came.

A fact that left her just as stunned as before, despite the horrible presence no longer keeping her at bay.

The hollow's instincts compelled it to eliminated every and any being it saw as a threat. That was the only directive it followed. And so, it was blind to everything else.

A barrage of rapid fire questions went off in her brain, which told her what just happened.

Why did it attack Ulquiorra but not her and Yachiru? Because they weren't threats and he was.

Why would it only go after threats? Not to mention, why did it move so much like a hollow, even gauging its opponents in such a primitive way? Because it was behaving exactly like a hollow would. In that sense, this thing was more like a hollow than any sort of arrancar.

In that case, why did it just leave? There was only one possible explanation. It found something else that was a far greater threat than she and Yachiru ever could be. A bigger threat than Ulquiorra himself ever could be.

So then, what else was around that fit that description? Aizen? No. Ruby? No. Starrk? No. Tia? No. The kids? No chance. Karin? Yuzu? Impossible. They were strong, but not so much that this thing would leave Ulquiorra and go after them.

Then Nel gasped. There WAS one. She hadn't measured her reiatsu herself, but she knew that person exactly fit the bill. From Summer's descriptions and from how much of a threat Aizen considered that person to be.

"…Unohana….."

Yes. There was no doubt about it. That thing was after Unohana. In that case…..

"Ah…..!"

Nel gasped again violently. Because Unohana wasn't alone. Around her were Karin, Yuzu, the children, Ulquiorra in his defeated state and most importantly…Ruby. If two beings of that kind of power fought…

Any fear she possessed of this thing vanished instantly. Knowing the possible aftermath of the events that played out in her mind forced her body to move despite what her instincts told her. Because she knew that if she continued to do nothing, she would lament her existence for the rest of her life.

"Hold on tight, Yachiru" she said.

"It'll be fine…..Kenny will be here soon" she said.

"Yeah. I was just…shocked because it happened so suddenly. But I'm sure we can definitely do something working together. If what I've heard about Unohana is true, then she should be more than capable of handling this. Though we might not be on the same sides, both of us do want to keep those kids safe. With her help, we should be able to reduce the damage. It's only a question of holding on till then"

Yachiru merely gave her a small nod. Naturally she wasn't so foolish as to try and charge at that thing. But she didn't need to. If that thing was really only interested in taking out those it deemed a threat, it wouldn't directly come after her or anybody else. Therefore, she would use the distraction Unohana would create and use that to rescue the kids and the others away from their battle. Then, she could ask Orihime to heal Ulquiorra and together they could figure something out.

"Let's just hope Mr. King of the Menos Forest gets here soon. I could really use all the help I can" she muttered to herself before taking off.

They all had varying reactions but the same question as going through all of their minds.

Is this….really Ichigo….?!

It seemed impossible, unreasonable even. That a being this ominous, this menacing could be the same as the orange haired soul reaper. To Byakuya, who looked at him as a naïve boy with great potential with respectable morals, to Rukia, who considered him one of her closest friends, to Renji, who considered him a worthy opponent and fellow comrade to look up to, to Karin, who considered her brother to be one of her biggest role models and even to Yuzu, despite her lost memory, who considered him as a person close to her along with her onee-chan, it was inconceivable seeing him in that form.

"Ich…..Ichi-nii…?" muttered Karin. She knew it was probably the heights of foolishness to do ANYTHING that would provoke the thing in front of her. It was for the same reason even Unohana didn't move a muscle, instead opting to observe what the creature did next. But she just had to know. She just couldn't stay helpless without even knowing if the monster in front of her was really her older brother.

In the distance, they could see a figure crash down into the distance. Given that they were so far away, they couldn't tell to whom it belonged to, but the flickering reiatsu they felt from the falling figure told them that it was no doubt Ulquiorra's. And yet, despite the implications of such a thing happening, neither could do anything more than to make a mental note.

The arrancar itself said nothing. They could hear its raspy breath and low growls. It went over to Karin first, sniffing around her and then to Yuzu, who tried her best to put on a front but ultimately couldn't help but whimper from stress and fear, causing her to tear up. The hollow paused for a second when she did that, but continued unabated afterwards. When the hollow went over to Rukia and Renji, it growled at them in a low, menacing tone but left them be. That deathly reiatsu, that demonic form and the familiar sword that clung to its hand. Tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't want to acknowledge even now that this was the very same Ichigo she'd spend so many of her days with. What happened that caused things to go this way? Why did he transform into something this unrecognizable? It was a question that was there in everyone's minds, not just her own.

When it went over to Byakuya, the arrancar let out a snarl, bringing its sword closer to him. Byakuya's grip tightened, his eyes growing wider. His entire body tensed. He considered the best possible action he needed to take to ensure that his sister and his subordinate remained safe, along with the humans. Even if he were fated to die here, at the hands of this beast, he would fulfil his duty to the bitter end. If he could use himself as a distraction to give enough time for that to pass, he would do so hesitantly. But the moment that thought crossed his mind, the hollow passed over him.

Then, it went over to Unohana, who was merely observing it with raised eyes. The hollow locked eyes with hers. She was calm and collected unlike her peers around her, who were waiting to see what it would do next.

The hollow continued to observe her, sniff the air around her for a few long minutes.

*KLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG!*

Chaos broke loose.

In an inexplicable, tiny fraction of a moment, Unohana found herself flung backwards, the creature's blade locked with her own as the creature continued to push away at her.

In that instance, multiple things happened at once. Byakuya wasted no time in flash stepping as far away from the direction of the creature as possible, Rukia and Renji in his hands. Karin and Yuzu grabbed Uryu, Tatsuki, Chad and Orihime and flash stepped away just as Byakuya did.

The twins gently put down Orihime, Tatsuki, Chad and Uryu. They were breathing hard, as if still reeling in from everything that just transpired. Yuzu was holding her hand against her chest and Karin was gasping, shaking her head.

"That didn't just happen…no way….." gasped Karin with a terrified expression. "Oh god…."

Rukia inched closer to the twins with empathetic looks. "Are you both alright….?" She asked softly. Indeed, she was scared. Just as much as the twins had been. And though Ichigo wasn't her family, he was as close as it could be to be one. It hadn't been any easier for her to deal with the situation. And yet, looking at the twins in that state gave her the strength she needed to mentally prepare herself to hide her own fears and provide the comfort they needed. Which in turn helped her calm down.

"Hey…..Ruki-nee…..tell me…that wasn't Ichi-nii…..right? There's no way he could….." she choked. Rukia stroked Karin's and Yuzu's heads.

"It'll be fine" she said, "Ichigo…..he's strong. We still don't know what caused things to go this way. But I'm sure we'll find a way to fix things. If I'm not wrong, this is similar to what happened when Byakuya fought Ichigo. He recovered then, therefore he can recover now. Captain Unohana can handle it, she's strong. Let's just find a better place to regroup first and then we can think what to do next. Alright?" she said. The two nodded.

Nelliel, who was approaching them from the sky took a sharp dive when she noticed a certain figure lying in the sand.

"Ruby….!" She called out, galloping towards her.

"That voice…..Nel…?!" cried Yuzu, looking towards the sky. She could make out the ibex arrancar galloping away in the sky towards another direction, away from them.

"Did she just say 'Ruby'?" added Karin. She then picked herself up, preparing to move.

"Wait….Karin!" called out Rukia. "What are you…?"

"I'm gonna go and see Nel. If Ruby-nee is really there...then..." she said.

"Hold on! It could be dangerous! I can't allow you to just leave on your own after what happened!" insisted Rukia.

"Then come along with us, Rukia onee-chan! I'm worried about Onee-chan. She was with Ichigo onii-chan just a while ago...I...don't think he would've hurt her but...I just need to see..." she said. "And also..." she said, looking towards another direction, trying to catch a glimpse of his fallen body.

"And besides...Nel is there. We won't be alone" added Karin. "Ruby-nee will know what to do. She'll know how to bring back Ichi-nii. I'm sure of it" she insisted.

"Even so, we can't just leave Tatsuki, Uryu, Orihime and Chad..." insisted Rukia. The twins glanced over at them, noticing that they were still out cold but otherwise doing fine. It would've been easy if they were up and conscious. But now, if they planned to move, they would need to be carried. And that meant that those whose hands were full wouldn't be able to defend themselves if something happened and wouldn't be able to fight or provide assistance if needed.

A colossal explosion shook the entire landscape. In the distance, they could see a titanic wall of flames, debris and smoke rent through the horizon. It was as if the scenery itself was warping and tearing apart under the sheer force of the blast. Those watching could only watch in awe wit gaping mouths. But it was also the incentive they needed to move and regroup.

"That didnt come from Ichigo...did it?" asked Renji, his eyes wide. "There's no way right...? Oy...? There's no way anything can have that kind of power, can it?" he asked. Nobody answered.

"Captain Unohana is strong, but her strength lies in her technique, experience and wisdom. A kido spell that can do that level of damage may account for an explosion of that level, but if she were trying to hold back without killing him, she would not be using kido techniques of that level. This is likely Ichigo Kurosaki's current power, as unbelievable as it may be" said Byakuya. "It would do us best if we regroup with Nelliel Tu Odelschwank. If Ruby Rose really does possess the means to solve this crisis, then we should do what we can to help her. Let us move" he said. They all nodded, and Renji took it on to himself to support Chad and Uryu while Rukia supported Orihime and Tatsuki.

When they started to move, Yuzu instead stopped, her head facing down.

"What's wrong?" asked Karin.

"...I'm just going to check on something really quick" she said and started running in the other direction.

"Wait, what?! Yuzu! What do you...?!" called out Karin.

"I'll join you real soon! I'm just going to check on Ulquiorra real quick! Please just go on with Rukia onee-chan! I promise I won't take long!" she shouted back before disappearing with a quick flash step. Karin was left calling out to her with her arms outstretched before they slouched to her side.

"Urgh...memory or no memory, she's still the same old Yuzu" she sighed to herself exasperatedly.

"Karin..." called out Rukia. "We can't afford to be lingering around for too long. I'm worried for her but..."

"...Yeah. Guess I have no choice. I'll just have to trust that she keeps her word" she murmured to herself before joining Rukia and group.

His eviscerated left arm and wing were slowly regenerating. This kind of injury was not one that would stop him in his tracks. If he wanted to, he could've re-joined the battle a long time back. But as he lay there, looking at the sky, he wondered. Did he really have to? His opponent was way stronger than him, and he saw no reason to engage an opponent he knew he had no chance against.

Aizen had been stronger than him, and as a hollow who lived in Hueco Mundo, Ulquiorra simple fell into the natural order of things and saw that it was only fitting that he followed him. But now, he had been defeated. By another hollow no less. Normally, he would've been killed. But thanks to Nelliel's interruption, he'd been spared. If he'd been killed, it would've been as simple as that. He would've simply accepted that he had been defeated by someone stronger than him and nature simply took course.

But now, he felt he'd been stripped of the death he deserved. Stripped of the clear answer he possessed. Did he feel his life was meaningless? He did not know. Did he feel like he no longer possessed an objective? Perhaps. There were still things he wanted to see. Things he wanted to experience. But didn't that by itself tell him the he did, in fact, possess what one might call 'ambition'? In reality, he truly could not tell if he EVER possessed something as concrete as 'ambition'. Thanks to Ruby Rose he had been allowed the privilege of feeling and experiencing some of the things he'd always wanted to learn more about. And thanks to Yuzu, he'd been allowed to see what it was to be human.

Yuzu...

His thoughts went to the times he'd spent with the wheat haired girl. That stubborn, illogical and enigmatic girl had never failed to pique his interest. Her answers to questions he had would always be the opposite of what he expected of any sane person to have. And yet, she never doubted herself, never doubted her own resolve to do things her own way, even if they would lead to pain and misery later on. Even by human standards, he knew she was but a mere youngling. Barely old enough to even poke her head out of her nest. And yet, she possessed an insight far more impeccable than some of the other Espada, beings who were easily more than ten times her age. He wondered what she would do, what she would say in a situation like this.

Ruby had always mentioned how there were things one could learn by watching humans. Something he'd never considered in his entire life. But as he watched over her, he could see the truth in Ruby's statements. And though their interactions were usually short and brief, at times spent mostly in silence, a small part of him wished he could see how and where the girl's journey of life took her. Which of course meant that she had to survive.

"Ulquiorra...!"

The voice of a young girl rang out calling out his name. It took him no time to recognize the voice. Without a doubt, Yuzu Kurosaki was out here, calling out for him.

"Ulquiorra….! Where are you…..?!" called out the voice, a bit louder this time.

As ever, the enigmatic girl's actions made no sense to him. And yet, here she was, looking for him of all people rather than worrying about herself when her own brother was out there in that state.

"AH….! Ulquiorra!" she called out, finally noticing his fallen form. She started running towards him. "You're alright….." she said with a look of relief. Another explosion went off in the distance, and Yuzu clutched her hair when the powerful winds. Ulquiorra sighed, and straightened himself.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"Whaaaa?! I come all this way, worried about you and that's all you have to say?!" she said, pouting.

"Your concerns are unnecessary. As you can see, I'm not weak enough that I need you to worry about me. You are aware I can regenerate wounds. In that case, why would you foolishly come all the way out here, Yuzu Kurosaki? Don't you value your life at all?" he asked.

"Well, excuse me for worrying about you. Hmph! A thank you would be nice you know" she said continuing to pout. "And besides….I know you can't just magically heal all your wounds. There's no way you'd survive if you got hit by something like that…" she said, concerned and angry. "You look different…."

"What you're seeing is my second release. A state beyond my resurreccion. Not even Aizen-sama knows of this. But…even this was useless against your brother as he is now" he explained. Yuzu flinched.

"So…that really is Ichigo onii-chan….." she muttered.

"That is correct. I admit, I was quite surprised that a hollowfied human could be so powerful. However, it matters not. I have no reason to further pursue your brother. I was defeated, after all" said Ulquiorra. "However, you have no reason to worry about me, nor to linger here. Your sister should be in that direction. I can sense that your twin and your companions are already headed that way. Nelliel should be there as well. It would do you well to join them"

"That's all fine and all, but what do you plan to do?" she asked.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I have executed the order Aizen-sama gave me and have no further obligations. No, that isn't entirely correct. I was defeated by Ichigo Kurosaki after all. Therefore, my life is his to do as he pleases. Normally I should have been killed. That is the way of hollows. But thanks to Nelliel's interruption, I was denied even that fate. Therefore, my life is his to own and do as he pleases" he said.

"Good that she did, I'll have to remember to thank Nel when I see her and you're wrong! I know hollows have their own rules here, but your life is your own! If you really feel indebted to Ichi onii-chan, then help me! Help me save him and bring him back! With your power and with Onee-chan, I know we can…!" she asked him with pleading looks. Ulquiorra started at her with long hard looks.

"Please….!" She begged once more.

"…..very well" he said. The wheat haired girl immediately ran up to him, grabbing his arms with her hands, a huge smile plastered on her face.

"Thank you! I won't forget this ever!" she said, truly grateful to the 4th Espada.

"However" he said. "Do not expect much. I was there when Ichigo Kurosaki transformed. That isn't the sort of power a mere human can handle. It may be truly impossible for him to ever return to being truly human. Such power cannot come by without some sort of side effects. Giving up his humanity is the least I would expect. Even so, would you still risk your life to save him? Even if that is the last thing both him and Ruby Rose would've wanted?" he asked. But her face was resolute and determined. There was no hesitation there whatsoever.

"I see. In that case, I shall lend you my aid and I shall truly see this bond you share and what it entails"

Klang, klang, klang.

Their blades rang out as the hollow tried its best to cut her, its movements erratic and unpredictable. Just like a hollow's, she thought. But one holding a zanpakuto. It was putting her off. It had been centuries since she had been pushed around like this. Normally, she would have no trouble at all with an opponent that moved around like a mindless beast. But her opponent wasn't like that. It had reason but possessed the instinct and sense to move in inhuman ways. Attacks came out of nowhere. Its fighting style would switch between a soul reaper's and a hollow's, often with no real pattern. One moment she parried an unbelievably heavy blow, even stronger than captain Komamura's bankai that came at her as fast as Yoruichi Shihouin's strikes. And in the next, she was avoiding a cero blast that had enough power to punch a hole through a mountain.

"Bakudo #63, Sajo Sabaku!"

A glowing yellow rope tightly wound around the arrancar, immobilizing her opponent.

*VOOOOOMMM!*

A bright red crimson orb began charging at the tip of its horns, with the arrancar already breaking out of the bindings. Unohana quickly flash stepped right within the holow's striking range and swiftly sliced off its horn. The charged cero blast harmlessly exploded upwards. She'd hoped that would reverse the hollow transformation but no sooner had she cut off its horn it instantly regrew another one in its place. The same happened whenever she tried slicing into its skin or when she tried lopping off its arm.

"Instant regeneration…." She remarked to herself quietly. This thing was strong enough to break free of her kido spells and recover instantly when damaged. Plus, the air in Hueco Mundo was detrimental to her own abilities whist being advantageous to the hollow. The fact that she couldn't simply kill her opponent was a big handicap as well. Stalling was all that she could do, for she found no conceivable way to reverse Ichigo's transformation either.

And that wasn't even mentioning the fact that the longer she fought, the harder it was for her to hold back. Her old habits were surfacing. She was finding it difficult to suppress her bloodlust and the urge to engage in a full-blown carnage with this thing. With every attack she thwarted, the hollow was considering her a bigger and bigger threat, causing it to fight back even harder. In a sense, this thing's thirst for battle matched her own desire to fight. Which of course meant that she herself was forced to rely on her old habits to strike back even faster. All while holding back her urge to kill this boy.

"Unbelievable….." said Rukia, wide eyed. "I knew that Captain Unohana was strong but this is…!"

"And…that look on her face…is it just me or is something different about captain?" asked Renji.

Byakuya himself, of course, hadn't ever seen Captain Unohana's other side. He'd heard stories, naturally. His ancestors from a 1000 years ago made sure to leave no detail out when recording events. She was one of them. So naturally he knew about her. But this was truly the first time he witnessed tiny fraction of the one known as Unohana Yachiru.

"Ah there! Nell!" shouted Karin. The green haired beauty jerked her head upwards, noticing the new arrivals.

"Karin! You're all fine! Where's Yuzu? Ah…what happened to them?" she asked, pointing to the unconscious humans. When they got closer, they could make out Nel 'kneeling' down by somebody's side. When Karin got a closer look, she let out a gasp.

"Ah...Ruby-nee...! Ruby-nee!"

The dark-haired Kurosaki practically skipped along uncontrollably to Nel's side, falling to her knees and observing her elder sister lay there on the ground with a blank look on her face.

"Ruby-nee...! What's wrong...! Why's she...?" she asked, surprised by the condition her sister was in. From what Karin could observe, there was nothing inherently wrong with her sister. No wounds or trauma on her anywhere from what she could tell. And yet, the blank and lifeless look on her eyes told her otherwise.

Rukia and Renji first lay down Orihime, Tatsuki, Uryu and Chad by the side. They were slowly stirring awake.

"Orihime! Tatsuki! Get a hang of yourselves!" said Rukia, helping them up. Renji did the same with Chad and Uryu.

"Hrmm...where...?" murmured Tatsuki.

"My head...heavy..." said Tatsuki.

"What happened...?" asked Uyru.

"How long were we out...?" asked Chad.

"Long enough that you're safe now" replied Renji. "I'll say, I'm glad you're up. It was a pain in the ass dragging you all the way out here"

"...AH! That's right! We were...huh?" exclaimed Tatsuki, looking around.

"Relax. It's fine now. When Ichigo came close to you, you all passed out from the spiritual pressure. But it's fine now, Captain Unohana is taking care of him while we think of a plan" explained Rukia.

"Wait…..you mean to tell us that….that thing is really Ichigo…?!" exclaimed Orihime, looking at Unohana fighting him.

"Why does he…..look like that…?!" asked Tatsuki.

Before Rukia could answer, Karin's cries interrupted them.

"Ruby-nee! What's wrong…?!"

"Ruby….?! You mean she's here…?!" asked Uryu. Tatsuki didn't even wait before sprinting off towards Karin while the rest followed her.

"Aneki…!" gasped the raven-haired tomboy. In all of the times she'd spent with Ruby, this was the first time she looked so….defeated. So broken.

"So that's Ruby Rose…..…" commented Byakuya, looking at the 5th Espada.

"Wh….what's wrong with her face…" asked Renji, flinching.

"So this is Ruby…your bis sister….how horrible…..what are these injuries…..they look like burn marks….." said Rukia in a sympathetic tone, gently caressing her cheek and face. "I never thought…I'd ever see someone look so dejected, an Espada no less…what's wrong with her?"

"I don't know" answered Nel. "Maybe….something happened when she fought Ichigo. I can't imagine the mental toll that took on her. You four were everything to her. Being forced to fight Ichigo might have been the trigger for her current condition and his transformation" she theorized.

"Is there a way to…?"

"There you all are!" came Yuzu's voice.

"Ah Yuzu, you're bac- whoa holy shit! Why's that guy with you?!" cursed Karin audibly looking at Ulquiorra.

"What do you mean? I thought I told you I was going to bring him along" said Yuzu.

"Yeah sure but I didn't think you were actually being serious! That guy….isnt he…?!"

"It's fine, Karin-chan. He said he'd help Ichigo onii-chan change back to normal" she explained.

"He said what now..?!" exclaimed Tatsuki.

"I'm so confused…" said Renji.

"Ulquiorra…." Acknowledged Nel. "You're still alive I see. And…I thought I might've been mistaken at first but you really do look different"

"Yeah! He said it was his second release!" explained Yuzu.

"Second release?! There's a level of power beyond your resurreccion?!" exclaimed Nel. "Well, what do you know, Ruby was right all along"

"Rather than that, shouldn't you be more concerned about Ruby Rose, Nelliel?" he asked, looking at her.

"…..Right. Earlier, you said you'd help Ichigo. Is that true?" she asked.

"That is correct" he replied "This whole situation happened because Ichigo Kurosaki foolishly challenged Ruby Rose despite her reluctance. Their battle was brief but it was clear that Ruby Rose had the upper hand even without her resurreccion. But a slight mishap caused her blade to fatally wound Ichigo Kurosaki. This caused her to collapse from shock while Ichigo Kurosaki transformed into that" explained Ulquiorra.

"Ahhh dear lords….." groaned Nel.

"No…" whimpered Tatsuki.

"Onee-chan was already constantly in worry about leaving you…..us all in the world of the living. If something like that happened…no….." said Yuzu.

"Then she's…..probably, the guilt of taking Ichigo's life must have sent her into shock….." stated Rukia. "Can we even do something about that…?"

"I'm not sure" answered Nel. "If she can still feel her surroundings, which I think she can, she should've definitely sensed that Ichigo is still out here, alive. That she didn't kill him. But I'm afraid we can't do much about Ruby. I have tried waking her up but….I can't even get Summer or Crescent to respond. If she's really in there somewhere, then we have no choice but to leave it to them"

"Then what about Ichi-nii?" asked Karin. "Isnt there some way we can reverse….that?"

"Ulquiorra said he'd help onii-chan revert back to normal" explained Yuzu.

"Do not twist my words" interrupted the 4th Espada. "I said that I would lend you my aid. I never said I knew how to revert Ichigo Kurosaki's transformation. I still think it is a pointless effort. I was there when he transformed. This is not the kind of power a mere human can handle. As I mentioned, if he ceases to be human, I would not be surprised"

"What do you….there's no way that's….!" protested Karin.

"….it may just be possible" said Byakuya, gaining the attention of the rest. "Back then, when I did battle with Ichigo Kurosaki in the soul society, after using his bankai for the first time, a white mask formed on his face, similar to the one you see on his face now. However, at the time, the mask was only formed partially. Whatever was in control of his body at the time was even capable of conversation. It appeared to be a being inside Ichigo Kurosaki interested only in ending the life of its opponent and engaging in carnage. However, at some point, the being could no longer keep Ichigo Kurosaki's body in control and Ichigo Kurosaki inadvertently peeled off the white mask off his face by pure willpower. After that, Ichigo Kurosaki regained control. If my hypothesis is correct, his own willpower is the only thing that is capable of reversing his current transformation without any of us having to kill him"

Nelliel sighed. "It's always something like that, huh? Why can't it ever be something that doesn't depend on the victim itself?"

"Whatever it is, you guys might want to plan quickly. I just saw her slice off both of his arms" alerted Uryu. "Her expression has been growing more and more….disturbing. If their battle goes on, this will really become a messy situation"

Back in the sky, they saw that Uryu hadn't been exaggerating when he said what he did. Ichigo's body now had two stumps where his arms had been, only for them to regenerate instantly, surprising them.

"No way….instant regeneration!" exclaimed Nel.

"What's so surprising about that? I saw him do that a couple of times before too, but don't all Menos level hollow have that skill?" asked Uryu.

"It's not so simple" answered Nel. "When a menos becomes an arrancar, the first thing they give up is their ability to rapidly regenerate wounds in exchange for explosive power. That's why we take so much longer to heal wounds that would normally take us a few seconds and even then, we can't heal damage to our vital organs. But him…his transformation is very, very similar to a resurreccion and yet, he still has that level of high-speed regeneration"

"And because of that, they keep fighting with the stakes rising with each moment. Soon enough, one of them is going to snap and….." alerted Uryu.

Another loud klang drew their attention to the battle between the two. No longer did Unohana have the expression of the kind, benevolent healer of squad 4 that the soul reapers of the age knew her to be but rather one that would put Kenpachi Zaraki's battle hungry expressions to shame. It was as if she was one the verge of madness, just hanging on by a single sliver of reason. Though it was difficult to examine Ichigo's expression through his mask, his actions mirrored those of Unohana's.

"…Captain! That's enough! We'll handle things from here!" shouted Renji, but his cries went on deaf ears.

"I'll go and..!" started Rukia, but was pulled back by Nel.

"Don't" she said. "I already tried that and trust me, it'll be a miracle if you can get closer than a few hundred meters of them without being eviscerated by Unohana's sword strikes or getting blown to bits by Ichigo's cero blasts and powerful sword strikes"

"Then we can just stop them from here! Hado #63, Raikouhou!" cried Karin, her palms outstretched and glowing with the red veins of blut arterie. The blast was powerful, impressively so. Even Byakuya raised his eyes in surprise. By itself, the kido chant which Karin cast without even a full incantation was powerful enough to destroy a skyscraper.

*WHAAAAM!*

Without even looking, Ichigo swung Tensa Zangetsu towards the incoming hado blast. The shockwave generated from the wing was powerful enough to disperse Karin's attack with ease, generating enough force to create powerful winds that drove them all back.

"Aaaaah!"

"Kyaaaaah!"

"Fro….from just a single sword strike…..!"

The two continued fighting as if nothing had ever happened, their attacks only increasing in ferocity.

"How the hell are we supposed to stop a fight like that...?!" asked Renji.

"…onee-chan…I know onee-chan can…" said Yuzu meekly, looking back at Ruby.

"I know! Orihime! You can heal Ruby-nee! That way we can-" But the orange haired girl nodded her head. "Sorry Karin-chan, but I already tried that. She's not injured so my power didn't do anything"

And then, it happened. Literally out of nowhere. Uryu and Chad watched in horror as Ichigo's last strike landed just a bit closer than before, right next to Unohana's chest. It left a tiny, tiny scratch. Not even enough to draw blood. But at that moment, it was as if something in the air snapped. Perhaps it was the familiar sensation of receiving injury, something that hadn't happened in a thousand years. Or perhaps it was the fact that her opponent was skilled enough to do such a thing, which once again, hadn't happened in a long, long time. That single sliver of reason holding back her madness…had snapped.

*WSHICH! SCHICK! SCHASK! SCHWEIN!*

In an instant, both arms and legs of the hollow were separated from the beast's body. The beast let out a wail, squealing in pain and rage. Unohana's expression was absolutely warped at this point, with a twisted, satisfied smile adorning her face.

"N…No..!" shouted Nel.

Its dismembered limbs were already regenerating, but Unohana continued to hack away at them with godly speed and ferocity. The beast continued to fight back with ceros, but Unohana would slice away at its horns before it got the chance to do anything.

"!"

Even Ulquiorra watched wide eyed when Unohana delivered nine strikes at Ichigo, all striking at nearly the same time. At a speed in which even he couldn't follow. Tensa Zangetsu went flying, landing by the sands a few hundred feet away. And then, she swung her sword towards Ichigo's neck.

"…noo!"

*KLUUUUUNGGGG!*

Karin, Tatsuki, Rukia and Yuzu didn't have the courage to keep their eyes opened for what followed. But those that did not avert their eyes saw steel meeting steel and claw meeting claw. Stopping Unohana's blade within an inch of Ichigo's throat was the jagged blade of Kenpachi Zaraki. Ichigo's clawed hands were stopped by Grimmjow's own.

"Ah…! Grimmjow….!"

"Kenny…!"

It took Unohana a full second to even register the new arrivals.

"What's the meaning of this, Zaraki?" she asked, her tone threatening and low.

"After a thousand years, you finally show that face of yours. You can't blame me for getting' all excited, now can you? 'Yachiru'?" he rasped, a huge grin on his face. "It's my lucky day, first I meet that guy, and then him and then I finally get to see this part of you"

"KEENNNNYY!" came the excited and relieved squeal of Yachiru Kusajishi, who promptly ran up Kenpachi's shoulder and piggy backed him. "Kenny you're here! Something really scary happened, I thought….I'd….."

"Calm down and tell me slowly" he said.

"Ichi….he….when he became like that, I went with horsey thinking I'd find out if he'll be a good opponent for Kenny. But then….he…..I thought I was going to die…." She whimpered.

"…..'s that so? Well then, we'll have to do something about that, now won't we? I was havin' a hard time deciding whom I should cut first, but now, it wouldn't be fair if I let that thing get away with something like that, now would it?" he rasped. "And there you have it, sister. I'll give up on our fight for today. You should consider yourself lucky"

"Do not mock me, Zaraki" said Unohana "You have no place in my fight. Be gone"

"Whoa, look at you bein' all bossy and shit" he rasped. "You really have gone back to bein' like that, haven't you? But wasn't it you who said we have our duties? Well? You duty is to find her, isn't it? So you're the one who should get the hell out, sister"

"That's right! Re-chan! She's there! Ru-chan! The one you're looking for!" said Yachiru, pointing towards the ground.

"What…..?"

"See, right there!" pointed Yachiru towards the ground. Unohana slowly turned, looking at the spot in the ground where Yachiru pointed. Right there, in the midst of the large group consisting of arrancars, soul reapers and humans was a scarred woman lying on the sands, her hair strikingly identical to Summer's and those blank, lifeless eyes the same colour as Summer's.

"Captain" came the voice of Nel, who came up to her. Along with her was Ulquiorra. Nelliel knew she wasn't going to get a better chance than this to sort things out. "You should be there, not here. We'll take over things from here. You should focus on why you're here. By Ruby's side. By Summer's side. Don't you think?" she asked.

"…..Yes. Yes, you're right" she said slowly. "It appears I lost sight of my objective for a moment there. I owe you one, Captain Zaraki, Lieutenant Kusajishi, Nel" she said.

"No need for thanks. I'm the one who's grateful to you for handling him as he is all this time. But we'll take things from here. On that note, I'll leave Ruby to you. Grimmjow wont be enough to handle him on his own. But with Ulquiorra, I should be fine" she said, and the duo left to assist the blue jaguar.

"Heh, if ya get it, then scram and don't interfere. That guy is my prey now" growled Kenpachi. "Oy, Yachiru, go with her"

"Will you be fine….?" She asked.

"Who do ya think yer talkin' to? Of course, I'll be fine. I'm just going to slice up the guy before they can" he said, pointing his sword towards Grimmjow, Nelliel and Ulquiorra.

Grimmjow on the other hand, was having trouble restraining Ichigo, who at the moment wanted nothing more than to get past Grimmjow and go back to Unohana.

"Heh…look at you all revved up, Kurosaki. Look's like you forgot who kicked yer ass last time. Maybe this time I'll actually have fun!" he growled, charging up a cero in his right hand at point blank range. To his surprise and annoyance, the damage he did was superficial and Ichigo was merely shoved a few feet away from where he stood. Grimmjow tsked in annoyance, putting some distance between them out of reflex.

"That punk…he took on a cero in my released state like it was nothing…"

The hollow had no interest in any of its new combatants. It had its eyes only for Unohana, and was doing all it could to completely ignore Grimmjow to get to Unohana as soon as it could, who was already heading down towards Ruby. When Grimmjow tried attacking it with his claws, the hollow merely caught his hands, forcing them apart.

"What the hell is with this force…..!"

He tried wrenching his hands away but to no avail. Holding him right in front of his face, the hollow began charging another crimson orb.

"!"

*BAAANG!*

A green blast exploded right next to Ichigo's face, chipping off his horn. The blast cancelled itself harmlessly once more, which gave the blue jaguar and opening to free himself.

"As usual, you always charge in without a single plan, don't you Grimmjow?" criticized the 4th Espada's stoic voice. His right hand was outstretched, green sparks coming off from his curled knuckles.

"Tch….just perfect" groaned Grimmjow sarcastically, noticing Ulquiorra, Nelliel and Kenpachi. "What the hell is that form supposed to be?"

"I don't believe you are in a position to be making requests, especially when you need me to cover for you, Grimmjow" he said dismissively., charging in and kicking Ichigo away from Grimmjow. "I have enough distractions here as it is"

"I never asked for you to show up here, Ulquiorra, I can handle him myself" retorted Grimmjow.

"Oy oy, don't be forgettin' about me. Why don't you be a good boy and go sit down there, Grimmjow? I think I gave you enough time to fight that guy, didn't I? It's obvious you can't handle him, so I'll take him on in your place" grinned Kenpachi.

"Boys, focus! Incoming!" shouted Nel, whirling her lance like zanpakuto and throwing it in Ichigo's direction, who was fast approaching them. Using just his left hand, he caught the spinning lance and twisted it, stopping it dead in its tracks and breaking it apart.

"Good grief, this is going to be one long day….." sighed Nel. "Ruby…I hope you wake up soon…..I'm not sure how long we can allow this to go on…."

"Captain Unohana!" welcomed Rukia as the 4th squad leader landed right beside Ruby with a gentle tap. But she was deaf to the calls and chatter of her peers around her, her mind lost in its own thoughts. Though she'd long sheathed her sword, her arm was still shaking. She had been this close to losing it. This close, she told herself, and that too right in front of her, the daughter of the one she'd made a vow to. The daughter who looked so strikingly similar to her dear friend.

She hadn't heard the details from Nelliel, for they were interrupted before she could say anything. The only thing she'd heard was that Summer was alive, and was a part of Ruby. What did that even mean? Was it Natsuko whom she was looking at now? Or was it Ruby? If so, why didn't Summer ever come and visit her? Tell her she was still alive? Why was she lying down in the ground like that? And….

"Ah…."

Why….was she covered in such horrible scars? Perhaps it was her skill as a medical expert and healer that she could tell those weren't injuries. And stroking her hand across her smooth skin confirmed her theory.

"Is this…..Ruby….?" asked Unohana.

"…..yeah" answered Karin. "We tried everything, but nothing we did woke her up" she answered. "Do you….?"

"No…..I'm afraid not" she replied. "I can sense signs of life. So she is definitely alive. But I'm afraid I have nothing more"

"I see…." Said Yuzu, disappointed. Unohana was known as the best medical expert amongst the Shinigami. If she didn't have an answer, perhaps no one did. "Ulquiorra told that Onee-chan probably felt a lot of guilt when having to fight Ichigo Onii-chan and thought that she killed him by mistake. He said she went into shock after that happened"

The sounds of battle were growing more and more louder. The rampage that Ichigo was causing hadn't wavered since it began. The only difference was that even the combined forces of Kenpachi, Grimmjow, Nelliel and Ulquiorra wasn't as effective in subduing Ichigo as Unohana had been.

"Now that you are here captain" said Byakuya. "I shall assist them in bringing Ichigo Kurosaki back. I woe him a debt of gratitude after all. I leave them in your care" he said, disappearing with a flash step and joining the fray.

"Wait captain! I'll come too!" said Renji, doing the same.

"Brother! Renji! Wai— Ack dammit" she cursed. "Listen, you both stay with captain Unohana, alright? I don't think they'll be enough to handle Ichigo as he is now. I'm going to help them. But I don't want any of you to be anywhere around, got it? We'll handle it. Just watch after your big sister" she said, disappearing.

"But you both should go as well" said Unohana, surprising Karin and Yuzu. "Nothing we do from the outside had any effect on him. But…if what captain Byakuya says is accurate, then making Ichigo regain his senses should solve this. If he is still there somewhere, sensing his sisters' spiritual energies might be the stimulus he needs to regain reason. I would not normally recommend this but…"

"It's fine, Unohana-san. Even if you didn't tell us, we were planning to do it anyways" said Karin.

"Even after Rukia told you not to? Quite the naughty children, aren't you?" chuckled Unohana lightly. Karin looked away, embarrassed. "It is fine. The circumstances are different this time, so I won't call you out for it" she said.

"Then let me go to, please!" demanded Tatsuki. "I want to—"

"No, Tsuki-nee" said Karin, nodding her head. "You shouldn't. I'm not saying this because you're weak or something. But…he's not someone you can really handle now. Heck, even I'm not sure I'll be of much help. Our levels are just too different. I don't want to see you get hurt. But more than that, I don't want to see Ichi-nii hurt you, Tsuki-nee. I don't think he would ever live with himself if he came to know that he nearly killed you" she said. "For that reason, even I don't want to go. But if us being there helps him see reason, then….."

Tatsuki gave a very reluctant nod before retracting her hand.

"…..Thanks, Tatsuki onee-chan, Unohana-san. We'll be careful, I promise. I won't let anything happen to Karin-chan or myself or anybody else for that matter" said Yuzu, disappearing first.

"Summer-san…Ruby-nee…we can leave her to you right?" asked Karin.

"Of course" replied Unohana with an assuring smile. "She's very dear to me. I'll personally make sure that nothing ever happens to her. I'll be right here. Along with them" she said, pointing to Tatsuki, Uryu, Chad and Orihime. "You just focus on bringing your brother back. And I'll try my best to help Ruby in any way I can. I wish I could help but I do not want to risk losing myself again" said Unohana. "But I can certainly keep you all safe from harm" she said, waving her arms around and erecting a barrier around them.

"It's fine, Unohana-san. If you hadn't stopped Ichi-nii initially and worn him down, I don't think they'd be doing as well as they are doing now" said Karin, pointing to the fighting above. "But I'll leave Ruby-nee in your hands". And with that, she disappeared with a flash step.

Unohana then looked at Ruby, and gently caressed her face.

"Natsuko… it's me. It's been almost a thousand years. What have you been upto? Where have you been all this time? Why are you with your daughter? I don't know about you, but I have a lot of questions. A lot has changed after you left. Did you ever imagine things would ever come to this? If you'd told me that one day, arrancars and soul reapers would be fighting together to save your family, I would probably have reprimanded you for making such bizarre claims. Never did I dream that I would be a part of a scene like this" she said, bringing Ruby's body to her lap. "Can you feel it? Your family and my subordinates are out there, fighting with their lives to save your family. Don't you want to help them? Don't you think it's a pity that you're asleep when we've just met after 1000 years? Then, don't you want to wake up?"

Inside Ruby Rose's inner world, Summer Rose was in a corner, clutching her head with a deadpanned expression. Crescent went over to the ex-soul reaper, tilting her head and looking at her with a questioning look.

"Don't you sense it? It's Yachi's spiritual pressure. What the heck is she doing here…?! Uwaaah, if she finds out I'm here, I'm toast for sure" she said, sweatdropping. "Why, you ask? I mean…..I kinda did go up against Arturo when she told me so many times not to go and even when she let me go she looked pretty pissed" answered Summer. "And besides…..I….did hide the fact that….I'm alive after all….."

Crescent blinked.

"You don't think she'll be mad? You think she'll be happy? Hrm….but its THAT Yachi we're talking about. Are you sure?" she asked. Crescent nodded. "Well, if you say so. For some weird reason, I can sense reiatsu all around but not emotions. And I can't see anything outside either, when it should be possible. I can tell…that everyone's here…" she said. "But….."

Summer then look back at the void, her expression turning melancholy once more.

"Sweetie….you know, honestly, if you ask me, I think it's unfair for me to want you to help Ichi. As your mom, I think you've done enough. And its kinda his fault this time too. I know just how much you've been burdened and how well you've handled yourself under all that stress and worry. So I don't mind if staying that way will help you finally get a break from all the stuff you've been going through. Even if I need to stay away for that, I don't mind. If you locking yourself up there means you finally get some relief from your pain, regrets and guilt, I'll wait here. As long as it takes. Crescent will too. So don't worry…..ok?" said Summer.

Muffled sounds of battle, swords clashing and explosions filled the void in the distance, as if accentuating Masaki's question. Ruby averted her eyes, turning away from Masaki's gaze with a pained expression.

"That's unfair…" she said. "You know I can't refuse a favour when you ask me. Why?! I'm so tired, so dead tired, why won't you, of all people understand me? Don't I deserve any rest at all?...I'm sorry, Masaki. I just…..I can't…I'm just not strong enough….I'm just done…"

"Then…..are you just going to keep running away? Like I did?" asked Blake's voice, surprising Ruby. Where Masaki was a second ago was now Blake, her form, appearance and voice identical to how she remembered Blake from her memories. "I suppose that's not wrong either. You're in a lot of pain, and you're worn out. There's nothing wrong with running away from things you don't like. After all, that's why I did it. And even if you think I was giving up too easily, its not the same for you. You deserve it, like you said. You've done nothing wrong. You should run away if you ask me. Here" said Blake, grabbing Ruby's hands, urging her to get up.

"I…."

"No. That's wrong. You're not that kind of person" said Masaki's voice again, replacing Blake's form. "You're not one to run away. You're a brave and courageous lady who faces everything with your chest held high. Why else would you still hear their cries for help? If you were really running away, nothing else would matter to you. Because after all, you still want to help him, don't you?"

"But then why..?!" asked Ruby. "If I really want to help him genuinely, why does it break me so much?! It it's really such a noble thing to do, then why? Doesn't that mean all of my intentions and actions have been nothing more than a charade?! That I'm only doing all this out of a sense of responsibility and not because I truly care for them?! That's it, isn't it? That's why it hurts so much, doesn't it?!"

"Hmm….you think so?" came Weiss's voice. "Well, I've been in your shoes with the whole 'responsibilities and duties thing' so I totally understand what you mean. You had a debt to pay to her and you took care of Ichigo, Karin, Yuzu and Tatsuki out of a responsibility to her. Why is it necessary that you should come to like them? After they're being so hard on you, who's already been through enough? I think you're being unfair on yourself thinking that it's a horrible thing that you dislike Ichigo. It's only natural that you would feel that way when you killed him because you failed your responsibilities and not because you really love him or anything. What's there to feel guilty about it?"

"No…! You're wrong! I don't hate Ichigo! I don't hate Karin or Yuzu or Tatsuki! I love them! I love them like my own!" argued Ruby.

"But you still hate them for the things they do at times. Like not listening to you when you say certain things to them. Don't bother retorting back Ruby. You know its true. I'm the manifestation of your thoughts and your innermost desires and feelings. You're essentially arguing with yourself" said Weiss.

"…..then…is that it then…? I truly only did all this out of a sense of responsibility….? That's why it hurts, doesn't it?" Ruby asked herself.

"No sweetie. Why would you even think that?" said Masaki's voice again. "You love them. There's absolutely nothing to doubt there. Otherwise, why would your days with them, those days with me and even that one day when you met them in Urahara-san's place make you feel so happy and full of life? Because you love them, you adore them! And not because of me, you love them for who they are, but yes! You also get angry at them, you feel momentary bursts of hate and anger and loathing when they do things out of your love for them. But that's fine isn't it? Because even now, despite how much you realize you hate them for the things that led to this, you still want to help them. You want to help him. That in itself shows how much you love them!" replied Masaki.

"It doesn't matter…" said Ruby. "It doesn't change the fact that my love for them was ultimately the cause for what happened to Ichigo. It doesn't matter….I'm just tired. I'm sorry…Masaki…..I'm not the noble person you thought I was. I'm just a weak little woman, unable to protect the one she's indebted to, unable to keep her promise to you and even unable to protect her own, with all the power she had. After all, if I was really like you, if I really was selfless and genuinely cared about everyone…."

"You would've helped me back then when you realized I wasn't actually strong and just faked my way into campus, isn't that right?" said Jaune's visage. "You knew. That I was nothing but a weak little boy who didn't even have the guts to tell the truth to his friends. I was able to get by somehow because of Pyrrha, but even though you knew how weak I was, you didn't even bother offering me any help, did you? That's what you're saying right? I get it, I totally do. Once again, as Weiss said before, I'm not sure why you're putting blame on yourself for not being a total saint. After all, you can't just be truly selfless. Even when you think you help someone out of pure selflessness, you still gain the satisfaction of helping others. Even the most selfless person out there, like Pyrrha for instance, helped me because it brought her satisfaction in doing so. You were like that before, so what's wrong with being that way now? We all have our own circumstances. There's no reason for you to feel bad for not listening to those voices and going out of your way and help them, especially when you're in this state. Why should you feel bad for not wanting to help someone? I think you should just forget about them. You've done enough. More than enough to simply pat yourself on your back to tell that you did a good job. They, in fact, owe you one."

"Exactly. There's no reason for you to be like me, Ruby" came Pyrrha's voice after Jaune's form morphed into Pyrrha's. "I did so much for the people. I would do it all if it meant I could put a smile on their face. And yet, in the end, death is all that I got. And because of that, Jaune died too, because I went out of my way and helped him. If I had simply stayed quiet, he wouldn't have loved me, and gotten hurt because of our love for each other. That's why, I don't think you should be like me, Ruby"

They were speaking what was on her mind. Essentially, everything they said made sense to her. Because they were her thoughts given form, told by people whom she thought would be the ones who would say those thoughts to her. So then why? She was supposed to feel better. This was supposed to be the answer she was looking for. The answer that would bring her soul peace, understanding and tranquillity. Then why? Why was it that she still had this pit in the depths of her being? Why couldn't she just shut off everything and let her mind be at peace?

"Sweetie….." came Masaki's voice again. "You know why. The very fact that you can still hear their cries for help, their calls for salvation speaks for itself, doesn't it? And they're wrong. People change. You know that yourself. You've experienced it time and time again. You yourself have changed so much. And you make mistakes. But you've learnt from that. You've learnt from your master, me, your big-sis and everyone you've met along the way. Your love for Ichigo, me, your master, your big-sis, Nelliel, Grimmjow, Karin, Yuzu and everyone else you care for may end up hurting them or you. But…..I know. You'll hurt even more if you simply ran away without even trying. Because you love them"

"But what if my love for them is what kills them? Makes them hate me for the actions that I have to take because I care for them? And not just the people I love, what if I've only been under the assumption that I'm helping people when what I'm really doing is the complete opposite?" asked Ruby. "You have no answer to that do you? After all, you only now what I know. There's no way to know this unless you could tell what the other person is thinking"

"I see. So that's the depth of your resolve then" said a deep gruff voice.

"…..master…"

"What did I tell you, my stupid apprentice? You start doubting yourself, your actions, they WILL hurt you, more than the butt of a sword ever could. That's why people like me learnt to give up on our doubts and believe our actions to be right, even if they may be morally wrong. Because its your life that's the most important. You're a hollow. No matter what you become at the end of the day, you're still a hollow. And have you forgotten what I've taught you? That the moment you start doubting yourself, you'll kill yourself faster than the demons out there can do it. And look at you. Are you really asking that question despite having the ability to read emotions? Has your time in that damned hellhole taught you nothing?! All the things that you've seen, experienced and learnt to overcome, are you really still asking that question?!" bellowed Reiji. "Are you really telling me that you can't make a clear decision about what you want to do? Have you forgotten about your resolve when you cut down the demons that took the shape of your own friends and family?! Back then, you weren't the spineless, blind, stupid apprentice I see before me. But look at you now. The answer is right in front of you and you can't even see it with all your power and all the people around you. I'm disappointed!"

"No! You're wrong master! I'm not blind! I can't make a decision because this time, it's all real! If somebody dies because of me, they're gone for good! They aren't just illusions of Hell. No matter what I do, I can't just reverse my actions. There's no way to go back. That's why…..that's why..!" protested Ruby. "That's why….I tried so hard. I avoided my own family just so that my love for them doesn't hurt them. I killed myself, over and over, my emotions, my love for them, just so that they can be happy. But then why…?! Even though I did that to ultimately make sure that they don't end up like me, it should've brought peace to my soul"

"Is that so…?" asked Masaki's gentle voice once more, embracing her. "Contrary to all of your doubts, weaknesses and illusions in your heart, you still cannot let it go, can you? You still hear them. Those voices, calling out to you, depending on you. Wanting you by their side. Asking you to help them. And your desire to help them is just as strong. You may not have always had it. It could be true that your desire to help is only something you got after you felt utmost gratitude and respect for those you look up to. Even so, is that really all that bad? Is it really so bad that you start doubting your own humanity? No. That's not true. Even though you've lost me, lost Pyrrha, lost your innocence, lost your home, you still hang on to it, tightly without letting go. Even though you're so tired, your soul broken to the extreme, you…..are still not able to throw away your desires and feelings of wanting to help them. Not just your family, but anyone who asks for it. Then….wouldnt you say that's a good enough answer?" asked Masaki.

Ruby gasped.

"But you won't destroy yourself in the process. Both because you are a hollow, and because you love those around you very much. You can't stand to see them hurt because of you. And thus, you won't do something that causes you to burn yourself out and hurt them. But you still have the burning desire to help them. You simply believed such a thing was impossible because it seemed contradictory. That's why you had doubts. That's why they hurt you. Because you simply believed it was impossible. But…..does it really have to be? If you believe such a thing is possible, then wouldn't you think that…could be your answer? That's why you hear them. Even now, no matter what anyone says, no matter how much you question yourself, you still hear their calls for help. Despite how tired you are. Despite how broken you are. You always hear them and you will always hear them. And you will always seek them and respond to them. Because that is who you are. That is just the person you are"

There was a long, soulful silence around her. Yes…no matter what she went through, no matter what the universe did to her, no matter who they were. As long as they sought her help, as long as they needed it, she would always be there to help them. To embrace them. To make their woes her own. Just like those heroes of her fairy tales. Just like her master who took her in without care for who she was. Just like her mother who saved her despite what she was. Just like those in the legends. Her childish dreams now made real in the form of an answer that healed her soul. She, who was one who had seen and experienced suffering in many forms. The curse that made her feel the pain of those around her and forced her to share her own pain with others now felt like a blessing; one that matched who she was, one that accentuated the answer that healed her soul. She was one who could understand the pain of others better than anyone else. And she was one who would embrace that pain as her own. No matter how broken she was, no matter if she couldn't a single muscle, no matter if she was in the deepest pits of Hell, no matter if she had nothing but herself left, no matter if others hated her for it, no matter, no matter….always, always. Anywhere, everywhere. As long as there was but one person. She would always help them with all her heart. She would always…..embrace them, with all her heart. That was her truth. With that as her guiding light, she called out. In order to save her kin from the same darkness that once enveloped her.

With one last glance, she looked back towards the visage of Masaki Kurosaki.

"Ah…you're finally smiling…" said Ruby.

"If you are at peace, then I, who represent your thoughts and state of mind will be at peace too. This simply means you no longer have any doubts. But….he will blame himself. He's still out there, enveloped in the same darkness. Our Ichigo. You go help him, ok? I know you will. You're his big sister after all. And I know you will help him reach his own answer, his own truth"

"Yeah….I will….just you leave it all to me. I'll save him. I won't ask why and I won't worry if I'll hurt him or anyone else by mistake. And I'll still save him" assured Ruby. Masaki beamed at her.

"Can I…..see you again…?" asked Ruby.

"I'm inside you. I'll always be with you. Even if the real Masaki is dead, as long as you remember her, remember me, I'll always be there with you. Just like your mom and Crescent. Just like everyone else. Oh and that reminds me" said Masaki with a smile.

"…?"

"Your mom….tee hee, I'm not one to judge, but that is one strange name isn't it?"

"….!"

Summer and Crescent had no idea how long had passed outside. The sounds of clashing swords and explosions did nothing to ease their unrest but if things went quiet all of a sudden, it would either mean something extremely good or extremely bad. Which is why neither minded that sounds of battle were still ongoing.

*GLEEEAAAAM! CREEEEAAAAK! CRAAAAACKKK!*

Summer and Crescent yelped, becoming alert when the sudden noises broke their train of thought. Actually, it wasn't just noises. Their whole environment was shifting. The mass of gore, blood and bones around them was disappearing, replaced by the familiar wooden floors of the rose manor that usually made up their inner world. But no, that was wrong.

"No way…..all this light….there's no darkness anywhere…" remarked Summer. Indeed, nothing was hidden anymore. Before them stood a rose manor filled with splendour, containing many forest style hanging lamps that illuminated all the floors, chambers and even the endless garden outside the manor. And that wasn't even mentioning the scent of roses and plum blossoms that filled the entire space. The dark void in the center was breaking, light pouring out of it. With an loud crack and an outburst of light, the familiar figure of her daughter came into view. But even as she stood there, her head facing down and seemingly nothing different about her, Summer knew, that something had changed. The air felt different around her.

"D…darling….?" Called out Summer uncertainly. Crescent edged closer to have a better look. And when Ruby lifted her head in response, Summer Rose's jaw nearly hit the floor. Crescent was nearly on the verge of tears.

Gone.

They were gone.

All of them.

Every single scar that soiled her face and her body, gone. All that was left was her flawless, smooth skin without a single blemish. But more than that, what was truly breathtaking, was the peaceful and content expression on her face.

"Sorry to have worried you" said Ruby, her voice completely calm, tranquil and devoid of doubt or pain. "Mamma, Crescent" she said, hugging them. In all her life of million years, nothing, NOTHING had ever shaken her this much. "But yeah, I'm feeling a lot, lot better now. Thanks a lot for all those times you helped me out, and sorry for worrying you"

"Sweetie….you….."

"Kukuku….you know…..of all the names you told me…this one doesn't suit you at all" chuckled Ruby.

"…..ah…! Ruby dear…..don't tell me…..you….." asked Summer, her mouth agape. Ruby merely smiled. She then faced Crescent, kneeling to her height. "Let's go help Ichi. This time, let's do it together. You, me and mamma. What do you say?" she asked. Crescent fiercely hugged her mother, nodding vigorously. She then gently lifted Crescent, carrying her in her hand and offering her embrace to her mother. Summer, of course, wasted no time in bear hugging her daughter. Tears were flowing down her cheeks.

"I'm so happy…..so, so happy…..so much so that I don't even mind facing Yachi's wrath on the outside….ah…ahahaha!"

"Yeah….I know. But this time, we can truly do it together. Let's all go save Ichi"

"Yeah….go on, sweetie. Call me. No matter if it's Ichi or anybody else. I can finally be there with you, side by side. Go on. Call my name" she said.

"Yeah…"

"Embrace, Gueparda"

Holly hot damn, we're finally at this point! I know, there was a lot of stuff covered in this chapter, and I know, I'm quite late with this week's release. What can I say? I actually thought it would be easy to write this part but apparently not. Anyways, next chapter, A breeze of roses.

Just to clarify, no, the people that Ruby saw weren't actually there. They were merely versions of those people as Ruby saw them in her mind. Her inner world merely materialized them in front of her. It's basically the concept that we all have a mental image of the people we know and how we see them. An inner world simply gave her the means to materialize that picture and let her voice those thoughts. In her mind, she felt that in that situation, if Weiss was present, she would've said this, this and this. And so, her inner world did just that.

I hope I did justice to the fight sequences, I was a bit concerned about those. In any case, I hope you liked this chapter and I'll see you next time. Also, I'm thinking if its better that I respond to reviews here or via DMs. Do let me know!

Response to reviews:

Kragh: Thanks a lot! I hope it made sense here!

Cyan-Snake: I know what you mean. I could've written that better. But as you said, the main thing that I wanted to focus on was their development and if their actions made sense considering what happened before. And no, it's not like she's apologetic or anything for what was essentially Ichigo's fault. She simply accepts that she would help him regardless because that is what she wants to do.

Zacatac: Ah do you perhaps mean that my writing has changed when looking at the earlier chapters and now? That would make sense I suppose. But if you meant something else, I would love to know how I can improve it. As for the grammar, honestly I thought I was being quite careful about it. I will, of course try to make it better. Perhaps this is because my text is more conversational in nature than written text. As for Ruby, no, I don't plan to have a double resurreccion. No in the plans for now atleast.

firewyrm2: Yup, quite a few things have happened this chapter. The next one will be just as exciting, I hope!

Mobian: Yup. And a lot more has happened in this one. Yeah, kinda. Ulquiorra is helping them for now, but time will tell where his loyalties lie.

L4 of the WEST: I understand. That last bit was confusing I agree. Hope it made sense here!

Argorok: Thanks a lot! Well, it wasn't really Masaki, but just an image of her conjured by her inner world.

Spellflame: Nope, not quite! Hope it was clear who she was in this chapter!

Vedahzii: Ahaha glad you like it! Funnily enough, Yachiru's nickname for Ruby in the german dub is atombussen, which is where I got the idea from! And yeah, of course it changed to Horsey in this chapter. And yeah you're right. I wasn't going to top hollow ichigo as it happened in canon. But it's still something that needed to happen so it couldn't be helped I guess.

jaclea: Uh huh. I already have it planned out but worry not. It will make sense and within what people have already mentioned. I just don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil. All I can say is that it wont be short just because she's crazy strong and can pretty much tank anything. The remnant arc will have it's own moments and things that happen. Thanks a lot!

Xeno01: Ah, I just love the fact that people make a lot of theories about how things will go and I end up being restricted on how much I can confirm or deny without spoiling too much! Yeah, I have a vague blueprint for the quincies, but we still have the remnant arc where she needs to go to remnant first. You'll know soon. Always appreciate your comments and thanks a lot!

Lucian Naruto: Yeah but not just yet!

NEGATARO: Thanks a lot and it's fine, no need to apologize! You haven't made any mistakes or anything, I'm quite happy for your reviews and for reading the fic!

Zifryt: Yeah indeed. The real one is in the soul society. I'll focus more on Aizen and the war a bit later. For now, we need to resolve vasto lorde ichigo after all. Thanks once again!