The Dark Charter, Genesis

Meeting and Bondings of White Demons
It was a grey and bleak night in the vast silver dessert of Hueco Mundo.

Little to no life could be seen, save for the occasional Gillian that wandered aimlessly through it's area. Several can shaped buildings dotted the landscape, some standing straight up, while others leaned to the point of nearly falling down.

All in all, nothing was of interest to note.

Well...at least there was.

RRRRRRRRRUMBLE!!!!!!

The area suddenly began to shake violently, as if an earthquake had erupted out of nowhere. How was this possible? Earthquakes don't happen in Hueco Mundo.

At least not natural ones....

BOOOOM!!!!!

A massive column of dust, dirt and debris shot out into the ski, reaching nearly a kilometer before what appeared to be a large white spire shot out even higher in the middle of the sand geyser. At first glance, it appeared to be a rising tower, but then it slowly tilted to the right, moving like a massive string as a piercing and chilling roar shot out into the distant night.

CRASH!!!!!

It then slammed into the ground with a mighty crash, before moving through the sands like a massive train. It was in fact a massive worm Hollow, stretching out nearly a mile, and being nearly fifty feet tall as it quickly slid through it's path, threatening to devour any poor soul that gets in it's way.

Watching from a building in the distance a white haired man sat watching the horizon as he felt the sudden tremor. "What in the world was that?" Stroking his hair, he blocked his eyes from the oncoming sand being kicked up from whatever it was that tunneling toward his location. "Hm. If its an enemy, I should be prepared to deal with it so that it does not cause much of a bother to Harribel-sama. Even if she demotes me, I will prove that I deserve my position back."

RRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

The colossal creature then suddenly turned towards the man's position, shaking the horizon as it's massive tooth filled maw was revealed, teeth as sharp as blades as it came closer and closer to the building. Initially, it looked as if it was going to ram into the structure, but instead, it went around it's bottom and slowly climbed up the tall building like a spring, circling and circling it until it reached the top, it's head looking down at the man before releasing a massive and shrieking roar upon the man's form.

"Heh. Is that it?" The man flipped his hair as he drew his zanpakuto with his free hand and stared into the maw of the beast in front of him. "Speak your name if you have one beast! Or be prepared to be struck down for trespassing on this sacred ground." Zeliel readied himself as he began forming a cero at the tip of his blade of the beast were to begin bearing its fangs against him.

The creature sneered and drooled as if it was truly going to attempt to eat the man, but then it calmed down, slowly dragging it's bottom belly off of the tower's top. It's head was now fully off of the roof that the man stood on, but it's head was still level with it.

"Sacred ground?"

An empty and masked voice came from the creature, though it did not appear as if the creature had spoken at all. On the top of it's head, a hole slowly emerged, and out of the hole emerged a masked figure with wavy black hair and a typical Arrancar outfit. He initially came out with his back facing the white haired man, his hands behind his back, but then he slowly turned to face said being. A white mask covered his face, revealing only a single yellow eye that showed nothing but emptiness and dissatisfaction.

"I see nothing holy about this place, unless you are referring to yourself in some uplifting manner." he said to the being on the roof, not showing any intimidation nor hostility towards the man.

"Of course I am. Any land that I walk on is considered Sacred as it has been blessed by my very being. Go along with that, I'm very territorial and treat all of my land as my Queen. I will fight to the last to defend it, no matter who gets in my way. Although....." Zeliel sighed as he eyed the man and sheathed his blade. "You're an arrancar, so I suppose this time can be an exception." Flipping his hair yet again, Zeliel sat on a piece of the broken tower with his legs crossed with his hands folded across his lap. "However, I must ask you again. State your name and your business. Or else I may just have to have the Exequias detain you instead"

"A Queen?" the Arrancar asked curiously, tilting his head to the side slightly. "How very odd, I don't remember my King getting hitched with anybody. Who is she?"

"Your king? Bah! Don't make me laugh, no one is stronger than Harribel-sama. She rules all of Hueco Mundo as its beautiful Goddess Queen. Your faux King means nothing in the face of her true authority." Zeliel flipped his hair as he began glaring at the arrancar in front of him.

"So....Harribel's still kicking eh?" the Arrancar muttered, gently floating down onto the roof in front of Zeliel, his hands still in his pockets. "Could've swore the wench died in the Winter War. What kind of miracle prevented that I wonder?"

Smiling, Zeliel stood up off of the broken building he was on. "Its call willpower. She had enough to survive a weak attack launched by that pathetic excuse for a leader the former Espada used to have." Rubbing his chin and curling a strand of hair around a finger, Zeliel tilted his head. "You still haven't mentioned your name nor your purpose for being here. If you refuse to do so after this last warning...." Snapping his fingers a black haired man and a pink haired woman appeared at Zeliel's left and right respectively. "....I'm sure we could arrange a way for you to reveal the information to us."

"Ah yes you're right. How rude of me not to properly introduce myself to a high level being such as yourself." he said, putting his right hand on his chest and bowing respectively. "Name's Auron Giovanni, Master General of the High King's army. I felt the presence of a powerful being out here in these wastes and I wanted to come see it for myself. I assume that was you, no?"

Biting his toungue due to his recent demotion, Zeliel sneered away from Auron for a moment before looking back at the foreign Arrancar. "Yes it was I. Auron...was it? Who is exactly is this High King of yours? he must be a powerful individual to have his Generals be free to just follow random energy signatures in Hueco Mundo. There is definitely more to your story than meets the eye. Why would you simply come all out here for a simple being who seems powerful? In all of Hueco Mundo there must be dozens of powerful individuals."

"High King Caius Dragovich came into power not just a few months after the death of Barragarn Louisenbairn." Auron started, shifting his hands into his pockets. "I was the most powerful Arrancar that he could find within the area he came into. Of course he's far more powerful than I am, and I'm not much for royalty. So I swore my allegiance to him. I regularly come out here to find other beings of my calibur and recruit them into my cause. Of course your loyalty has already been given, so there isn't much for me to do here. Unless...."

"...Unless you would seek to join an even higher power? Your King should give in to the power of my Queen. She is the true ruler of Hueco Mundo." Zeliel smiled as his two aides looked on confused. "That or you seek an alliance? There must be some upcoming battle of some sort of something odd that would cause you to have to seek out more forces to join your army."

"Oh, it's much more than a battle, my friend." the Arrancar said. Behind his mask, one could tell by his voice he was smirking. "It's not like I need your aid or anything of the sort, but I don't want to see Hueco Mundo divided. What I'm seeking is something that could strengthen either of our forces should it come into our hands."

"Hm?" Zeliel looked on curiously as he listened to the man's words. "What exactly do you have in mind? I'm sure my Queen would be open to suggestions of her Kingdom's inhabitants."

"If my sources are correct..." Auron began, pulling out his right hand and looking at his rather elongated nails. "Your queen should be all too familiar with this target. His...or should I say "It's" name is Rushfia Sureiya, a hybrid construct of Soul Reaper and Arrancar powers and possibly one of the most dangerous individuals to walk the planes of existance."

Hearing the name, Zeliel froze in his place before stroking his chin as he regained his composure. "I have heard of that monster before from my Queen. An experiment gone wrong and the enemies of us all. Don't tell me you have found where that creature is hiding?" Zeliel began to get as excited as a kid in a candy store, starting to salivate at the prospect of a interesting fight.

Auron then put his hands back in his pocket, looking up at the sky. "Indeed I have. I thought that it would be best to go ahead and track him down. He's either a powerful asset or a pain in the ass. I'd rather get it over with now. You're welcome to come should you desire. I'm positive Cervantes won't try to eat you." he finished, directing his last sentance to his massive worm Hollow.

"Even if that beast of yours were to try, I would kill it from the inside. Heh." Zeliel laughed as he nodded toward his assistants. "I think I will come along with you after all. No need to inform the Queen about this mission until it is accomplished. I think it would be best if we simply capture the fool and please both of our masters, no?" Cracking his neck, Zeliel smiled wide as he let out a loud bellow toward the heavens.

"Agreed." Auron said as he opened a Garganta next to him. "Follow me." With that, he walked through the space time rift like gate.

Nodding, Zeliel followed Auron into the Garganta with his two assistants following closely behind him. "Its sime we handled business on our own."

First Encounter, Origin of Power
In the Human World

A man clad in red could be found training himself against a Menos Grande that appeared near a local city. "Heh. Looks like you're the first victim of today huh? Sorry for you, I just don't have the luxury of letting you do harm to these folks."

Looking down at the Crimson Shinigami, the Menos began charging a cero at the tip of its nose before firing, wiping out a large portion of the shrubbery and local fauna.

"Oi! Oi! What did I just tell you!? Arrrgggh! Come on man! Why can't you be a good little Hollow and just dissapear?" Scratching his head, the shinigami sighed as he drew his Zanpakuto. "Seems we have to do this the hard way don't we?" Running forward, the Shinigami proceeded to dodge wayward Cero attacks launched by the Menos and the fire still burning through the nature around him. "UUUURRRRRAAGGGHH!!"

Jumping up, the man sliced through a final Cero before bringing his blade down through the Menos' body, cleaving it clean in two. "Wooo!!" He cheered as he hit the ground, watching as the massive Hollow in front of him began to dissolve into nothingness. "Heh. Not so bad. Sorry pal. I did warn you." The man smiled, as he wiped the sweat from the heat off of his brow and looked back toward the town before feeling a foreign energy signature.

"That's a damn shame."

A voice appeared off to the man's left, revealing itself to be none other than Auron Giovanni himself, his hands in his pockets and his mask showing a hint of amusement. "I kind of liked that Menos. I named him Creig. Poor Creig, he is no more."

"Tch." Jumping back, the Red Shinigami made some space between him and the arrancar that appeared. "When did you get here? And how come I didn't feel you come around?" The man smiled as he brandished his blade and pointed at Auron. "So are you friend or foe?"

"I know what I'm doing. That's how I got here." he said, holding his arm out to his right side. "And you killed one of my favorite Menos. I'm certainly no friend."

"Well then. Looks like I can waste any time here either." Still feeling the effects of the heat, the man in red breathed in deeply before charging headlong toward the arrancar. "Take this!" As he slashed his blade in front of him repeatedly, he created several blades of air that aimed to cut through the arrancar's hierro.

WACHIING!!!!

Just as the man lunged forward, a green burst of energy shot out from Auron's right hand. When it dissipated, the energy materialized into a long broadsword with a wide end and two serated edges near it's tip. Holding it diagnally with the tip facing his lower right side, Giovanni managed to block the first strike with seemingly minimal effort, before parrying the man's weapon and beginning his own onslaught of sword strikes.

Being defended against, the man in red realized that this was no ordinary opponent. "Ahhhh. Seems you have skill. They often say the first blow is the deciding factor in any conflict. Yet you were able to parry my attacks like it was nothing. Heh. Looks like things are starting to heat up. What's your name? It would be a shame to not know it before things get too serious."

"Auron Giovanni." the Arrancar said plainly, pointing his serated sword towards his new foe. "And you?"

Smiling, the red cladded shinigami smiled as he placed his blade behind his head. "Heh. The name's Souji Koujaku pal. And since I know yours, Auron, looks like we can really start to heat things up. Eh.....no pun intended." Souji laughed as he pinted his blade back at his opponent. "Or....you're free to leave if you want to do that as well."

"Na." Auron stated, tilting his head slightly. "I came for a little something, but I don't mind getting in a good fight along the way."

<p style="text-align:left;">Charging, Souji swung his blade to cleave Auron's arm off. "Heh. I like the way you think pal."

<p style="text-align:left;">Quickly and with elegant, masterful grace, Auron brought his sword up to clash with Souji's, before taking the serated edges to his left to push Souji's to the left as well, before throwing his fist at the man's chest.

<p style="text-align:left;">Unable to dodge while be lifted in the air by Auron's movements, Souji took the fist to the chest with a large thud cause him to go flying back and impact into the ground. "Guah!" Wiping the dirt from his face, he smiled as he got back up. "Looks like you're not just a show-off. I'm liking this alot." Waving his sword in front of his face, Souji swung his blade creating several blades of air toward Auron's location.

<p style="text-align:left;">Quickly standing his ground, while holding his left hand in his pocket, Auron quickly set into parrying Souji's attacks. He was also liking this bout. Souji was far more of a competant fighter than the Arrancar anticipated, finding himself using effort to keep from being hit by the Soul Reaper's attacks. But of course, he wasn't about to be overwhelmed in his first single bout in weeks. Quickly ducking to avoid one of Souji's horizontal strikes, Auron twisted around and put a great deal of strength in his own horizontal strike, his blade aiming for Souji's waist.

<p style="text-align:left;">Instinctively turning his body, Souji parried the blade while gritting his teeth. The sparks flying off of the clashing blades was enough to signal to any onlookers the strength behind the arrancar's attack. As Souji held his blade to his side, he was moved along the ground creating a large trench in the process. umping back, he spoke across the trench to his opponent. "Heh. Not bad. But it looks like I will have to use this on you first...." Gathering reishi from the surrounding area into his zanpakuto, Souji smiled as he pointed his zapakuto at Auron. "Shikirijitsu!" As he spoke the command, a pulse of red energy came forth from his weapon in the form of several ripples all aiming to strike the opposing Arrancar.

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron peered curiously at the new form off attack coming straight for him. Was it offensive? It didn't look like an attack that would do any damage to him, but he was never one to underestimate his opponent just because of their appearances. He couldn't afford to take any chances. He pointed the tip of his weapon towards Souji. A cyan green sphere began to form at its tip before-

<p style="text-align:left;">VVVVRRRRBOOOOOOM!!!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">A large green Cero shot forth from the blade, creating a rather wide gate that flew towards the oncoming ripples of energy. Whether the attacks would be consumed or ignored remained to be seen. He was hoping that the Cero would at least devour the attack and slam into Souji's form with a massive orange explosion.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Heh." A smile creeped across Souji's now darkened face as he moved his free hand around in circles like maestro watching the red ripples dance around the large Cero like a ballerina. "You've already been seen and read." Souji's voice now had a cold tone to it as he continued to speak to Auron, narrowly dodging the large blast of energy in the process.

<p style="text-align:left;">As the Cero scorched the land as it passed by Souji, the Crimson Shinigami could be seen directing the pulse of energy to Auron's location before landing a clean hit! The Arrancar would feel a slight sensation, similar to a cold chill, run throughout his body after the red energy made contact with him, before his vision was seemingly cut into three as he began separating. "Heh. Looks like its taking its effects. Being a hollow, looks like you're in for a treat."

<p style="text-align:left;">Of course, Auron was slightly taken aback by the attack's effect, and how it completley avoided his Cero and made it's way to him anyway. The sensation going through his body was cold and strange, and it was made all the more confusing as his vision was split into three different parts, as if he was splitting into three different entities entirely. "Well....this is odd." he remarked, retaining a calm attitude despite the sensation. "Mind telling me what's happening?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Hm? Actually no I don't. You've just been subjected to one of my techniques. Once struck, you will be separated into a being representing your knowledge, emotion, and willpower. These three entities will then have to rely on...nah. I can't reveal too much to an enemy. Heh." Charging forward, Souji jumped up aiming to cut one of the Auron's down while he was still confused.

<p style="text-align:left;">TICK!!

<p style="text-align:left;">Just before he could however, a white figure suddenley appeared behind Auron and quickly swiped the side of her flat handed palm in his neck, making his head twitch somewhat before he fell to the ground, knocked completley out. The youthful appearing woman, with a strange helmet shaped Hollow mask fragment on the left side of her head looked at Souji with disspassion, before using Sonido to appear just in front of him, delivering a powerful palm strike into his chest with the force equivalent to that of a charging rhino.

<p style="text-align:left;">Surprised by the sudden appearance of a female in front of him, Souji could do nothing but take the strike head on, causing him to choke out a large glob of saliva as he tried to catch his breath. Nearly crippled from the single blow alone, Souji kneeled on the ground as he looked at her in confusion before using his zanpakuto to prop himself up. "I'm not done yet. Is that the best you got woman?"

<p style="text-align:left;">The woman simply hopped back, closing her eyes and retaining a calm expression. A strange tune echoed in her mind, letting it play to get her adrenaline pumping.

<p style="text-align:left;">Sssssszing!

<p style="text-align:left;">Slowly, and with a gentle sensation of elegance and frailty, the woman Arrancar drew her red handled sword with an eye shaped guard and two curved protusions from it's sides. She then pointed it at the man, slowly opening her eyes to reveal a beautiful emerald pair of orbs that peered at Souji with a dangerous and calm glare. Slowly, she raised the blade to where it's tip was facing the sky, and then-

<p style="text-align:left;">WOOSH!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">SCHING!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">-used a Sonido to appear just in front of the man, and then swinging her sword down upon his form

<p style="text-align:left;">A black haired youth suddenly appeared from the sky and landed in front of Souji, deflecting the woman's blade. "Tag out! Hahaha. Looks like you aren't going to be doing what you want so easily. I think its time I got into this fray while my friend here takes a rest."

<p style="text-align:left;">The woman's eyes widened briefly in surprise at this new person's arrival, but they quickly resumed to their original stoic gaze. As her weapon was deflected, she willingly reared it back, appearing as if she was going to strike him with it from the neck, but then...

<p style="text-align:left;">bwoosh!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">...she quickly thrusted her left palm towards the man's chest, intending on sending him flying away just like with Souji.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Dread, Asainan". The youth muttered as he quickly released his zanpakuto. Smiling as the palm came toward his chest, his body quickly became malleable and plushy, absorbing the impact of the blow. "Now now. I think its time you back off. This is a fight where your abilities and skills have now become useless."

<p style="text-align:left;">This time, the girl's eyes widened in even more surprise as her palm hit his chest like rubber, not doing any visible damage of any seeable sort. She quickly withdrew, hopping back several feet next to her comrade, who had now fully picked himself up off the ground, rubbing his neck in slight soreness. "Nice one sis....I think I'm going to need another massage after this." he said to her.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Pff." the woman scoffed, holding her blade up in a challenging point to the newcomer. "Brother, why must you always set messes for us like this?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Oi! Are you ready for round two? Or have you realized that you can't win and have decided to retreat?" The youth goaded his two opponents before being slapped on the back by Souji.

<p style="text-align:left;">Standing up by is partner, Souji smiled. "Nice one Kazuma. Now let's show these two just what we're capable of. Heh." Charging in tandem with Kazuma, they both proceeded to launch an aerial assualt.

<p style="text-align:left;">WACHTING!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">With another burst of green energy, another serated blade appeared in Auron's left hand, looking up at the descending group above them. "Cause I like getting into trouble."

<p style="text-align:left;">Boom!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">With a blurst of dirt, Auron charged towards the duo with incredible speeds, his blades held out to his sides as he quickly caught up to the duo and slammed his swords into both of theirs, causing a large gust of wind to shoot out to the ground below.

<p style="text-align:left;">Kazuma maintained his ground as he locked blades with Auron. "Not the best choice pal. You've seen what happens when fighting me." He cracked yet another smile as Reishi began pouring into his zanpakuto causing it to gain a reddish hue once more. "Looks like its time. Shikirijitsu!" The red glow left Souji's zanpakuto and began forming into ripples, similar to the ones he used before. However, instead of aiming toward just Auron, who was in an unfavorable posiition to dodge, Souji moved some of the ripples toward the female as well. "This time I'm not gonna take it easy..." Saying this, he nodded toward the ripples which were tearing at the ground sending dirt and sparks of reishi flying everywhere signifying that they would now produce physical damage as well.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Don't assume that i'm that foolish." Auron said lowly, seeing the ripples head right for him and his apparant sister.

<p style="text-align:left;">WHOOSH!!

<p style="text-align:left;">The female that was spoke of appeared behind Souji, slamming her foot into the man's back, while Auron twisted around and avoided the ripples of energy, spinning rapidly like a high powered fan towards Kazuma.

<p style="text-align:left;">Flying forward, Souji impacted into the ground for the second time that day due to this woman. "Oi! You and you're surpise attacks need to cut it out!" Swinging his blade in a vertical arc, Souji produced several ripples that went flying toward the arrancar woman. This time however, Souji was ready as he freed his left hand in preparation to control the attack should she try to dodge once more.

<p style="text-align:left;">Kazuma smiled as his zanpakuto became a large bell shaped shield that surrounded his entire body, deflecting Auron's attack. As he was pushed back, Kazu removed the armor as he looked at the Arrancar. "Is that all you got? Asainan's defense is perfect. Your attacks are now meaningless. Just give up and leave."

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron then withdrew a few feet, peering at his opponent's Zanpakuto ability with interest. Apparantley, it can adapt to an opponent's attacks and defends him appropriatley. It would appear that there was no way to breach it, but Auron had dealt with greater threats in his life. One mere Soul Reaper wasn't about to break that cycle.

<p style="text-align:left;">SIING!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">WHOOSH!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">VRRRRRRBROOOOOM!!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">He then reared back and threw his left sword at high speeds towards Kazuma, before using Sonido to appear behind him and unleash a massive green cero in an attempt to force him to only use one defense.

<p style="text-align:left;">The female Arrancar simply closed her eyes and held her sword out in front of her, holding it's bladed tip with her left fingernails. She then muttered several words to herself out of hearing range of others. The blade then began to glow with a radiant violet light and then she swung the weapon down at Souji, creating a violet arc of energy that was meant to sever the ripples and prevent them from reaching her, as well as do some damage to Souji as well.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Heh." Kazuma flicked his wrist as Asainan began to glow causing his own body to take on a gas-like appearance while the blade of the zanpakuto itself began transforming into a trishula, with the two protruding edges bearing a similar appearance to that of exhaust pipes.

<p style="text-align:left;">As the blade neared him, it passed right through him and lodged itself in the ground beside Auron moments before the Cero came into contact with Kazuma's blade. The energy attack edging closer at a rapid pace, Kazuma placed his zanpakuto toward the attack, absorbing it into the main piece and releasing the excess energy into the area in the form of exhaust. "I told you, its hopeless. We can do this for as long as you wish. I have all day."

<p style="text-align:left;">Souji sighed as he began moving his hands directing the ripples to condense and strike the female arrancar's energy wave head on. The resulting clash created a large burst of energy that swirled and swelled before dissapating into the air creating a shockwave causing a cloud of dust and ash to be kicked up. *cough cough* Breathing through the now raised ash, Souji yelled toward the female. "Hey, miss! I never acquired your name!"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Hm...." Auron peered, catching his other sword with his left hand. "It's just as I thought. Your Zanpakuto is capable of forming your body into a natural defense against an opponent's attacks. Very nice ability, I must admit...."

<p style="text-align:left;">CHICK!

<p style="text-align:left;">The Arrancar then placed the bottom of his sword to the bottom of the other sword, making it a double bladed version of itself that he held with his right hand, holding out his left hand. "...but no defense is capable of lasting forever...."

<p style="text-align:left;">Whhhhirrrrrrrrr.....

<p style="text-align:left;">A green sphere of energy began to form in his left hand, before he then....

<p style="text-align:left;">WHOOSH!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">VVVRRRRRBOOOM!!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">....used Sonido to appear just in front of the man, his left hand on the man's chest before he unleashed the Cero at point blank range.

<p style="text-align:left;">The female in the mean time, floated down in front of Souji, holding her blade at him and retaining a disspassionate gaze. "If you can hit me or impress me, I'll tell you."

<p style="text-align:left;">Confused at the man's attack, Seiya stood still as the Cero phased through his still phantasm form. "What in the world was that for?" He jumped back through the raining debris and cloud of dirt falling arund him and Auron in preparation for the Arrancar's next attack.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Impress you? Eh.....I guess I can try. Looks like I will have to get more serious with you." Charging at the female arrancar, Souji raised his blade before bringing his blade around his body causing him to take on a similar appearance to that of spinning top, aiming to throw the woman off balance, knowing the attack wouldn't likely connect.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Got you." Auron said lowly, as he held out his weapon with both hands, it beginning to crackle with green electricity. "My applause to you Soul Reaper, you're the first person to ever witness this attack in years...."

<p style="text-align:left;">"...Cero Ciphrado." (Spanish: lit "Cipher Cero")

<p style="text-align:left;">BOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">Suddenley, just in the center of the air a mere cenimeter from his chest emerged a massive explosion that tore through the skies. It was Auron's signature Cero variation, one that can implode up close upon a foe without actually being fired from the palms.

<p style="text-align:left;">The female Arrancar surprisingly held out her left hand, letting it bristle with indigo electricity before letting loose her own similar colored Cero towards Souji's form.

<p style="text-align:left;">Kazu's body began to mutate causing him to extend several rods from his back and into the ground as he became a conductor for the energy held within the Cero. As the extremely powerful connected, it was absorbed into the onyx colored rods protruding from Kazuma and went into the ground, causing it to crack and rumble before vanishing. As the display faded, Kazuma was left visibly exhausted from such a technique. *Huff Huff* "Is that...all....you got?"

<p style="text-align:left;">Still spinning, Souji's blade connected with the cero, sending him flying but not before he released a ripple of red energy spiraling toward the female's position, cracking through the ground. As he was about to crash into the ground, Souji flipped in the air using his free hand to catch and balance himself along the ground skidding to a stop. "Not a third knockdown. That would mean the fight's over. Heh."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Well now, it seems to me that the "hopeless" one is none other than the kid with the weird hairdo." Giovanni stated, walking towards Kazu slowly and with menace. "You know, your powers so far have demonstrated adequate defense attributes, but no offensive ones. When used in great quantities, your body begins to exhaust and wear out from loss of stamina. Quite the downside if you ask me."

<p style="text-align:left;">BOOM!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">The Arrancar woman then propelled herself around towards Souji with great speeds, avoiding his ripple attack, though only barely, and brought herself around for a horizontal sword strike to his waist.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Tch." Kazuma was stunned at how easily his ability was figured out. It was true that he no offensive techniques...yet. But he wasn't able to master the only one he had practiced and now was not the time to utilize it as it would heavily drain all the energy he had left and there was no certainty that it would hit. For now, he had to rely on his zanpakuto's ability. "Well, you talk a big game but I'm the one who hasn't taken any damage yet."

<p style="text-align:left;">CHING!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">The blade of Souji and the Arrancar woman clashed causing sparks to appear and fly off into the already scorched field. "Heh. Looks like its time to start the party...Shikirijitsu!" The red energy swelled in his blade before releasing itself as a massive explosion that aimed to engulf the two fighters.

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron kept walking, a green sphere of energy forming in the center of his mask as he continued closing in on his foe. "That's going to change very soon."

<p style="text-align:left;">VRRRRBOOOOM!!!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">The Cero was then unleashed upon Kazuma's form, Auron still walking as it was propelled forward.

<p style="text-align:left;">The girl's eyes widened in shock at his release, having to leap out of the pillar of explosive energy with her left arm sleeve ripped off and her left arm burned quite badly. She flinched as she held it with her right hand, despite there being a sword in it, the burn wound hurting from the touch.

<p style="text-align:left;">''"That was reckless, stupid girl!" ''she mentally scolded herself, first looking at her arm and then over to Souji, waiting for his next move.

<p style="text-align:left;">Slightly exhausted, Kazuma dodged out of the way of the Cero before tumbling to the ground. "Tch. Looks like you still have enough energy to keep going. Ha!" Standing himself up with his zanpakuto, Kazuma smiled as he looked at the crater caused by the Cero.

<p style="text-align:left;">Discarding the now ragged top of his robe, Souji tossed it aside, revealing his muscular physique and the tattoos adorning his body. "Heh. That was a little reckless but now you're caught in my web."Quickly placing his zanpakuto back in its sheath, he smiled. "Embrace, Kyūsaishami!" As he spoke the command, his zanpakuto was enveloped in spiritual energy and then took the form of an elongated Daitō having no crossguard and reversed colors. Souji's appearance also began to slightly change as his torn robe changed into a western style outfit with an eastern motif, consisting of a long haori similar to that of a captains in the Gotei 13, a solid black sleeveless shirt with matching pants that are slimmer than that of the normal hakama. On his feet now appeared blue armor plated boots and around his neck is now a matching bandana. Atop his head he wears a blue cowboy hat accented with gold. "So your name?"

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron, by the time the boy's robe had flew off of him and he spoke his words, had appeared behind Kazuma, his blades now held in an "X" shape and positioned to decapitate him as they both swung down at his neck.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Isabella." the girl replied plainly, letting her arm dangle to her side, knowing that she wouldn't be able to use it for a while now. Inwardly, she was fighting herself to not laugh at the man's new attire, but she held herself in a more sophisticated manner as she held her blade out to him to prepare for his next action.

<p style="text-align:left;">As the blades came toward him, a faint grin could be seen on Kazuma's face as he then lowered himself toward the ground before seemingly vanishing. Now appearing behind Auron, he threw a powerful fist towards the man's back. "Heh. I'm not gonna be done in that easily.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Isabella huh? That's a pretty name. Too bad I have to beat you here, welcome to my world." The last of his words echoed three times as Isabella would find herself separating into three separate individuals and being separated into three different isolated areas along with a different version of Souji residing in each of these realms. Souji's voice echoed in each of the three versions of Isabella as he spoke telepathically to her, "Welcome to my domain. The previous weakness you exposed is useless now, its time to for you to be exposed to my powers."

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron jerked forward a few inches, not taking serious damage or being sent flying due to his Hierro. He quickly whirrled around to begin a new onslaught of attacks, but noticed the predicament that his comrade was in. After jumping back a few feet, the Arrancar threw both of his blades towards Souji's back at high speeds, aiming to at least take the heat off of Isabella.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Mm!" Isabella gasped, finding her vision distorting and realizing that she was now completley open to Souji's attack form...

<p style="text-align:left;">A glove weilding Souji stood in front of one of the three versions of Isabella smiling. "Hmph. An Arrancar challenging me to a fight. -sigh-. That Souji is truly an odd one as this fight won't even be fair. Oh well....I suppose it can't be helped." A pompous attitude not usually shown, was clearly visible in this form of Souji who was now clad in a black cloak with eye shaped markings located all over. Turning to look over his shoulder he smiled as Auron's blades were flying towards them and simply vanished as they neared Souji's face and then re-appeared on the other side of the battlefield. "Pathetic."

<p style="text-align:left;">A white robed Souji with a dagger stood in front of a second Isabella. "I am Emotion. Show me what you have." Now falling silent, the monk-like Souji raised his fist with his dagger and stared coldly at Isabella.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Oh yea! Now here's where the party starts." A shuffling of feet and few flips would signal the arrival of the Willpower form of Souji. "Come on now, don't leave me hanging all alone. Get loose and get crazy. Its time for a brawl." A black scarf around his neck and a short black cape on his back caused this Souji to look more like a assassin rather than a brawler but the smile plastered across his face clearly showed that he was ready for battle.

<p style="text-align:left;">Isabella slowly stood up, awestruck and actually somewhat frightened at her situation. There were three of this man in front of three of her. They were all different, and yet she could see all three of them.

<p style="text-align:left;">She had no idea what she could do. Her brother couldn't help her, that much was certain. If anything, it would be a miracle if she could get out of this...

<p style="text-align:left;">"rablerabledabb....ouch...RABBLE dapble pable...."

<p style="text-align:left;">A strange muttering noise could be heard to the left of the fighters. Out of the trees fell a figure who went face first on the ground, then immediatley sprang back up and stumbled in their direction. He was wearing a grey robe, with several wrappings underneath it and a silver sash at it's waist. On his face was a white mask and his hair stretched down to his neck. In his left hand was a bottle of what looked to be moonshine, and on his back was apparently a banjo. On his left hip hung a strange sword with a black and blue sheathe, along with a crude wrapping around it's handle.

<p style="text-align:left;">"If you go out in the woods today you're...*hiccup* in for a big...surprise...." he continued finally getting closer to the group. "Hey...what's with all of this.....garbage? Shouldn't you guys or gals pic this shit up.....HA! just kidding. That was mean I know....*hiccup*"

<p style="text-align:left;">"....what the fuck..?"

<p style="text-align:left;">Was all Auron could muster, somewhat annoyed that their fight was interrupted by a drunkard, a drunkard that felt...strange.

Drifting Into The Shadows
All three versions of Souji turned to see this stranger, with the Willpower form of him starting to grin wide. "Ohhhhh? Now who do we have here? A new person for me to wage war against? Hahahaha awwww I'm starting to get all giddy!"

<p style="text-align:left;">Kazuma on the otherhand wasn't as enthused about the idea of someone else coming into the fray. "Tch. Yet another opponent?" Looking at Auron he nodded, "Is he one of your goons? I would say that you better go hide him elsewhere, seems like.....he isn't all there."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Hey....who're you calling a moneybag....? I'm not god I swear to drunk...." the figure continued, stumbling around a little more and placing his left hand on the sword to his left.

<p style="text-align:left;">Isabella's three forms all peered over to the figure in confusion and slight annoyance, not amused in the slightest that this being had barged in on their fight.

<p style="text-align:left;">"If he was one of my goons, he would be dead right now." Auron replied, still looking at the figure with suspiscion.

<p style="text-align:left;">Kazuma edged himself behind Auron with his blade raised. "Tch. Looks like you need to pay more attention to the fight." The words being spoken in tandem with him slashing downward at Auron's shoulder, aiming to dehibilitate the Arrancar.

<p style="text-align:left;">"I sense a tortured presence." The wisdom form of Souji spoke as it nodded to the other two forms of Souji and clasped its hands together, creating a plume of light resulting in both Isabella and Souji returning to their original selves. "Oi. Friend or foe?" Souji shouted toward the masked man.

<p style="text-align:left;">SNATCH!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">Holding up his left hand, Auron quickly caught the blow, of which was strong enough to penetrate his Hierro somewhat and let out a few drops of blood, and then threw him to his left near the newcomer. At this point, he was through toying around with Kazuma, for he believed that his target had potentially arrived.

<p style="text-align:left;">Isabella slowly stood herself up, letting her burnt arm dangle at her side as she also peered at the man, not wanting to say anything to him.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Friend....? Foe....? *hiccup* what's the difference?" the drunkard said in response.

<p style="text-align:left;">Running to catch Kazuma, Souji smiled at the stranger. "Heh. True enough. I suppose you're a friend until giving a reason for me to think otherwise." Letting his friend stand back up, Souji patted his friend on the head. "Stop getting treated like a rag doll would you? Time for you to get serious"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Heh. Guess you're right. Wouldn't do me any good to hold back." Kazuma sighed as he readied his blade looking at Auron. "Even though this new guy annoys me, I can't cut you any slack." Charging forward, Kazuma lunged at the Arrancar before stopping short of him and began to pivot on his left foot, bringing his blade around his body so that the spinning force added to the destructive force of his attack.

<p style="text-align:left;">TANG!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">Holding both of his swords in an x-shape, Auron blocked the strike despite skidding back a few feet in the dirt in response from the attack. He then pushed Kazuma's blade back and began his own relentless strikes from his dual blades, moving them around like rapid fans in quick and fluid movements.

<p style="text-align:left;">Whoosh!

<p style="text-align:left;">Isabella, in the mean time, used Sonido to appear just in front of the newcomer, her blade pointed just right in front of his face as she spoke to him in a defiant and resolve filled tone. "State your name to me, or I shall lop your head off in an instant."

<p style="text-align:left;">The newcomer at first just peered down at her, his mask hiding his expression, just before-

<p style="text-align:left;">SCHTING!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">His left hand then unsheathed his sword, the pommel slamming into her blade and forcing it up, before he swung it at her in a similar movement. She quickly arched her head back, just in the nick of time and her expression becoming one of surprise, but the stranger had put quite a great deal of force into the attack, as the gust of wind produced afterwords sent her skidding back from him several feet.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Alright alright..." the man began, throwing his empty bottle to the side and putting his weapon in his right hand. "...no more acting like a hung over drunkard to check stuff out. I have to say, I'm glad you actually thought I was drunk, quite the actor I am, no?"

<p style="text-align:left;">Laughing, Souji sped toward Kazuma's location, causing a large cloud of dust to kick up in the process as he blocked one of Auron's blade being pushed closer to the ground and resulting in sparks flying off of the collision while he did so. "Heh. Since Isabella over there has chosen him to spar with, I guess I can even up this fight a bit." Lifting his blade, Souji pushed Auron back a bit as he and Kazuma both jumped back before nodding at each other. "Time for that huh?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Ugh. Why would I want to? But I suppose it can't be helped." Kazuma charged forward first before going into a sliding motion with his blade at his side. Turning as he neared Auron, Kazu brought his blade around with the flat edge of its standard form facing the Arrancar before spinning around, revealing Souji charging toward them both.

<p style="text-align:left;">Jumping up, Souji landed on Kazuma's zanpakuto as he spun around before being launched forward at the Arrancar. "INAZUMA DRILL!!" As they both shouted these words, Souji began turning his body, transforming himself into a living projectile weapon.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Oh yeah, by the way..." the masked one began, pointing his blade at her. "Name's Rushfia Sureiya."

<p style="text-align:left;">...Rushifa Sureiya

<p style="text-align:left;">...Rushifa Sureiya

<p style="text-align:left;">...Rushfia Sureiya

<p style="text-align:left;">Her eyes widened in shock and slight horror at hearing his name, of which echoed in the girl's mind. This masked man, the rather well acted drunkard, was the man that her and her brother were looking for.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Auron!" she yelled out, backing up while holding her blade defensively as she spoke to her brother. "He's....he's here!"

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron then quickly and only barely rolled out of the way of Souji's drill like manouver, landing behind his sister. "You're...you're Rushfia Sureiya?" he peered curiously and cautiously.

<p style="text-align:left;">"...yeah." the being said, scratching the back of his head. "That matters so much to you two, why?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Looks to me as though this guy is some sort of game for their hunt. Heh. I suppose I can't just let them have their way with this guy, even if he's some stranger, that's still just wrong." Souji smiled as he began running toward Rushifa's location before being stopped by Kazuma.

<p style="text-align:left;">Tugging on his friend's hair, Kazuma sighed. "And where do you think you're going? To help this guy we don't even know? Hell, he could be more of a menace than these two. Don't go jumping to conclusions, we could have misread the situation completely."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Oh? In any case, that doesn't matter, an unfair fight is still an unfair fight, right? I can't let that happen now can I?" Souji replied as he raced toward the man's location, landing beside him he smiled. "Oi. How's it going? Can't let you enjoy all of the fun."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Fun?"

<p style="text-align:left;">Rushifa simply looked at his weapon, not glancing over at Souji and showing hardly any interest in him. "What fun is there to be had here? This masked Arrancar and his cute friend don't seem like they wanna fight me, which I can oblige. I won't fight someone who doesn't want to fight back..."

<p style="text-align:left;">His weapon then began to glow with a violet blue energy as Rushfia spoke to it, pointing it's tip at the two Arrancar. "Forge in my fire, the next link in the endless chain that is fate...."

<p style="text-align:left;">WAAZIINK!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">CHTING!!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">With a large flash of blue light, the weapon transformed from a daito into a large silver and black claymore, it's black handle running through a hollow space in the bottom part of it's blade.

<p style="text-align:left;">"...but I don't mind running them off."

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron then stepped in front of his sister, holding his weapons in a defensive fashion. Isabella herself initially blushed at hearing Rushfia refer to her as cute, but her expression remained serious.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Isabella." Auron began, stepping back somewhat. "We need to leave, now. I realize now what we're truly up against. We need to warn the king."

<p style="text-align:left;">Rushifa then held his blade above his head, the hollow space beginning to bristle with energy on the inside. "Getsuga..." he began, the energy enveloping the entire blade and some of it striking the ground around him and Souji. "...Tensho!"

<p style="text-align:left;">WHOOOOSHBOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!

<p style="text-align:left;">He then swung the blade down, releasing a massive and violent torrent of bluish violet energy at the Arrancar's, enveloping and destroying the very area that was in front of Rushifa.

<p style="text-align:left;">Auron blocked the attack with his blades, but he was sent careening into the distance, Isabella had narrowly used Sonido to disappear just in time to avoid the blast as well. A massive explosion tore through where Auron landed, his sister reappearing next to his barely scratched form.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Agreed brother, we should leave." she said to him in a shaken voice, still shook up from the force of the attack all together.

<p style="text-align:left;">Awed by the stranger's power, Souji laughed whole-heartedly. "Woooooo! That's some umph you've got there pal. Looks like you didn't need my help afterall"

<p style="text-align:left;">The still hiding Zeliel, jumped down from the tree he was perching on and began landing behind Auron and Isabella, Zeliel opened a garganta. "Tch. Looks like the prey has become the hunter. We need to regroup and inform of our respective leaders of this development. I'm glad I decided not to take part in this battle, gathered some decent battle info."

<p style="text-align:left;">With that, the Arrancars disappeared into the black portal. Isabella was the last to go, looking over at Rushfia with a slight hint of caution and curiousity, before leaving through the portal.

<p style="text-align:left;">Rushifa then held his blade on his shoulder. "Geez Ragnarok, I didn't want to put that much power into it..."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Oi! Rushi...er...Rusha...er...Rush! That was amazing pal! I didn't know people like you existed, you know, those who still weild the Getsuga, the power of the moon or whatever you call it. " Souji said as he examined the large damaged area caused by the previous technique. "Heh. So Mr. Mystery, what brings you around these parts?" The cowboy-esque shinigami disengaged his shikai as he placed it back in its sheath.

<p style="text-align:left;">The masked one simply looked over at him, letting his Zanpakuto seal back into it's daito form and still holding it on his shoulder. "Tch. It's not all that complicated to do. All you need to do is let your Zanpakuto gather as much of your energy as possible, and then you release it however you see fit. Anyone can do it, but I suppose that the Getsuga Tensho is different in some way, not sure how."

<p style="text-align:left;">He then sat down on the grass, stabbing his sword into the ground and looking off into the distance. "I was wondering around when I heard the commotion from you guys, figured i'd come and try to crash your party. I guess I did, didn't I?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Its not as simple as that to use the Getsuga, but I suppose you already know that. Don't try to blow it off as easily as that." Kazuma shook his head as he walked toward the duo. "As for crashing our 'party', hm. I suppose we should be thankful you getting us out of that mess. They were a bit stronger than we expected."

<p style="text-align:left;">"We? Psh. I could've taken that Isabella girl if Rush here didn't distract me. Heh." Souji chuckled as he sprawled himself out on the grass around the three men before yawning. "Oh well, I suppose they will be back. The way they were acting, they are definitely interested in you Rush."

<p style="text-align:left;">Nodding, Kazuma looked over Rushifa with curiosity. "Speaking of that. Would you happen to know why they are so interested in you?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"I dunno." Rushifa said plainly, scratching the back of his neck. "Every Arrancar I meet acts like that, well, except for one."

<p style="text-align:left;">He leaned back a little bit. "Oh yeah, by the way. You said that you didn't know that people like me, the ones who use Getsuga Tensho, still existed. What did you mean?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Oh? My apologies. By that I meant the former Substitute Shinigami of Karakura Town, Kurosaki Ichigo and his father, Kurosaki Isshin. They were the practioners of the Getsuga Tensho long ago. I did not think anyone else would be capable of utilizing such a technique anymore." Kazuma spoke as he gave Rushifa a once over.

<p style="text-align:left;">Slapping Kazuma on the back, Souji smiled. "Leave that all alone. Its not important. This guy saved our hides back there and that's what we sure focus on."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Bah." Rushifa scoffed, sitting himself back up. "I didn't save you guys. I just interrupted was all. If you two tried more, you would have lasted longer against those two, but most certainly not indefinatley."

<p style="text-align:left;">Snickering, Souji pointed at Kazuma. "Here that? Next time don't let him push you around accordingly. Try to take things seriously from get go and avoid all the hassle." Turning back to Rushifa, Souji's smile remained. "so regardless of whether you meant to save us, the fact is you still did. Thanks for that pal. So what are your plans now? If nothing better to do you could come back to our place for a little R&R"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Nah." Rushifa spoke, standing back up and putting his hands back in his pockets. "Whatever those two wanted, they were interested in me, which means it's likely that they'll come back. I go anywhere, and it's likely that that place will get hit. Thanks for offering though."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Now now. Don't worry about any of that. I'm sure we can handle that if it should arise. After the way they were scurrying away I doubt they will be coming any time soon. And I'm sure you could use a drink or something. so stop fussing and just come along." Souji smiled wide as he pushed Rushifa along towards town. Looking back he paused for a moment. "Well are you coming Kazu?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Hm? Oh. No, excuse me." Kazuma paused as he jumped up into a tree. "I need to go check myself out a bit. Go ahead and start without me. I may not be back for some time."

<p style="text-align:left;">Rushifa, not one for looking a gift horse in the mouth, simply sighed and let Souji push him along.

<p style="text-align:left;">Though it didn't seem like it at first glance, this small scuffle would soon result in the journey of their lifetimes.

Arrival to the Capital, the God King revealed!
The Garganta opened to the seemingly dreary and dead realm of Hueco Mundo, white sands stretched for miles, but to the left of the trio of Arrancar's, a massive wall could be seen. It seemed to stretch for at least several kilometers, and it's edges gave the impression that it was a circular structure.

"Well..." Auron began, putting his hands in his pockets and walking towards the structure. "...good thing we appeared next to the Capital, I hate having to walk too far ahead."

"This is your base?" Zeliel questioned as he looked over the massive structure. "I see. So your King is here? Hmm...I suppose I should tell him to move elsewhere as this is my Queen's Domain. Or maybe we can come to sort of agreement. Hahahaha" He laughed a hearty laugh as he followed Auron to the inside.

"Yeah...." Auron said in a deadpan fashion as he waved his hand gently at the structure once they were close enough. "...good luck with that."

WRRRRRRRRRRR....

Suddenly, the section of the wall opened like a massive gate, allowing them entrance. Just within the wall was a bustling city full of Hollow structures and buildings, with hundreds of both Arrancar and Hollow beings roaming it's streets as if it was a typical and average day.

"Welcome to the Capital."

"The Captial huh? Hahaha. This seems like a cozy enough place for my Queen to take over." Zeliel snickered as he looked around at the Hollow and Arrancar who gave him a dirty look back. "So what's with this place? Is your King just housing random beings here in order to form his 'army'? Pathetic. Most of those here would get cut down by my Queen's Knights."

"Hmph." Isabella scoffed, looking away from Zeliel as they walked. "Based on how you've made her out to be, I would expect her to have a city far better than this."

"Hm? My apologies Miss Isabella." Zeliel smiled wryly before continuing "She has own Kingdom, I just meant that she could always expand and take over more. We can always add more subjects to my Queen's power. If you ever want too join the winning side, let me know."

"There's no need to join your side." Auron cut in, finally arriving at the base of the tower. "Soon, Hueco Mundo will be as one great kingdom, devoid of civil war and strife."

The all stepped onto a platform, the square shape slowly sliding out of the ground and moving up to the top of the tower.

"Haha we'll see..." Zeliel laughed as the platform kept rising higher and higher. "....so where's this King of yours? I can't wait to see this magnificent being of yours."

They then reached the top. In the very center of the building's top side, was a floating chair that faced away from them. The hand of a white being could be seen resting on it's right arm rest. In front of the chair were two masked Arrancar, both holding down a tiger like Adjuchas that was shivering in fear of what was before him.

"Shh...." Auron whispered quietly. "He's busy right now...."

The being waved his hand gently, holding it out to the Hollow creature, speaking in a soothe and calm voice to him. "Do you accept this gift that I offer you...brother?"

"I...I...I don't....." the Hollow stuttered, shivering in sheer terror of what was in front of him. No doubt, this being carried a tremendous amount of Spiritual Energy. Isabella was forcing herself to keep from coughing under it's weight, feeling as if she had to jump off the building to get air.

"D-Do I...get a choice....m'lord?" the Hollow muttered.

"A choice.....hmmm...." the being calmly replied, moving his hand in a stroking motion at his chin as if in thought. "...Well I suppose we all have a choice. In this case, you have two choices..."

He raised up a single finger. "One, you can choose to answer my question with a descent and respectable option..."

He then raised up another finger. "Or, you can remain silent, and allow me to make the decision for you."

He then put his hands together, still out of view of the three Arrancar's behind him. "These are your options...brother."

The Hollow shivered a bit more, before finally bowing his head in submission. "Y-Yes, m'lord. I accept your...offer...."

"Excellent."

What happened next would be breath taking, or horrifying to those who had yet to witness it before.

The seated being extended his hand towards the Hollow, his flat palm facing the still shivering being. And then, it happened.

ssssssWHOOOOSH!!!!!

A clear white wave of energy overcame the Hollow, causing it's form to shine with a bright light. The wave of energy flushed into the being, his form shining and his voice shrieking, before it calmly stopped with a cloud of smoke.

The Hollow emerged from the smoke, no longer an actual Hollow....but an Arrancar...with a youthful appearing face and a white mask piece on his cheek. He felt his face at first with horror, and then to confusion. "W-What have you done to me?!"

"I have simply made you stronger for the future." the seated one said calmly, waving his hand gently. As he did so, the two Arrancar guards took the young Arrancar away, disappearing off of the tower and out of view.

"Yes my two Giovanni's?" the being asked calmly, not turning to face them. "What can I do for you? I see you've brought a guest."

"Magnificent indeed." Auron said to Zeliel calmly.

"Eh...." Zeliel shrugged, unimpressed. "He made an Arrancar. I've seen it done before, many times over. Now, if he were to be capable of making a Hollow into a Quincy then I would most certainly be impressed." Smiling the white haired arrancar waved away the feeling of awe in the air. "You both are mesmerized by his power. Spiritual Energy alone does not determine how powerful one is in actual combat. You can intimidate yes, but having such power always comes at a price."

"This applies to all forces, including your Tier Harribel." Auron said, walking up behind his king. "Hey Kiiiingy, we brought a little someone to meet you." he said in a casual tone, as if he'd spoken to the king as if he was an everyday friend.

"That I see." the being said calmly, waving his hand in view of Zeliel. "Do come closer, Zeliel. There is no need to remain out of view from me."

"I only remained out of view as I felt there was no need to be rude, not out of fear." Zeliel smiled as he stuck his hands in his pockets and started walking toward the being. "Nice place you got here. Too bad its in the Kingdom of my Queen. I'm not saying you have to leave, but maybe we can work something out."

"I have no intentions of instilling hostility between my brethren..." the being continued, retaining his pleasent tone. "Do tell me, how is Lady Harribel doing? It has been quite a long time since I have seen her in person."

"Ah! You know of my Queen? My, my. You aren't as dull as I had imagined." Zeliel said with a smug tone lacing his voice. "She is well, dealing with the simpletons in her Queendom maintaining a peace throughtout her lands. I must admit, it gets dreadfully boring at times, but all I do is for her."

"Yes I know of Harribel, though she will not recognize me." he said plainly, slowly, his chair turned around to reveal a ghost like being, with a mask on his face and a white robe dangling over his Arrancar attire, blue markings present on his mask's face and chest. His fingers were placed together in an elegant position. "Yes it seems the Shark Empress has made quite the name for herself, I always believed she would be destined for such a title, it suits her, though I never pictured her as the ruling type."

"Well of course she doesn't. You are some faux King who stumbled into her territory." Flipping his hair over shoulder before twirling it about his fingers while yawning. "And please don't speak so casually about my Queen. I presume she doesn't know much about you, or maybe she just doesn't care given how she has never mentioned you once. Oh well. Since I'm bored of you, I guess I will take my leave of you now."

"No, she doesn't remember me....but she remembers Rushifa Sureiya..." the being spoke calmly.

Having his attention caught, Zeliel stopped in his tracks. "Oh? That creepy bastard who could utilize the Getsuga Tensho? My Queen knows of him...." The last of his words mumbled to himself. "So, what is that smarmy bastard to you guys anyway?"

"A weapon. One that Tier made the mistake of showing mercy upon." he replied, pressing what appeared to be buttons on his armrest. Before him appeared a hologram of the masked Rushfia.

"He is a Soul Reaper Arrancar hybrid that was created by Tier's comrade, Szayel Aporro Granz, for the purpose of replacing the other Espada." the being went on, resting his arms on the armrests and leaning back casually. "Szayel was killed before Rushfia could be properly activated, and after a few months he was awakened by a group of misfit Arrancars, whom of which he later killed."

He then leaned his head on his hand, of which was resting it's elbow on the armrest. "Harriebel found him afterwords. I assume she told you the rest?"

"That smug bastard got away from her because my Queen didn't feel as though he should be killed as he hadn't done anything to actively provoke her." Sneering at the hologram, Zeleiel continued. "Tch. I don't believe that story though. Seems like something she was sying just to satisfy everyone's curioisty. Something about this guy just makes me writhe in annoyance."

"More than likely because he contains the powers of all of the previous ten Espada, including Harribel." the "king" went on, the hologram changing into that of the black claymore that Rushfia used. "His Zanpakuto, Ragnarok, is capable of absorbing the knowledge of a foe's attack, and allows Rushifa to use it in his own manner. Combine that with the fact that he has powers of several other notable warriors, including Ichigo Kurosaki, and you have quite the potent war asset."

The white being then peered in curiosity. "You seem to loathe this being quite alot, Zeliel, and not just because he gives you a bad impression..."

"Tch." Waving off the image of the man's blade, Zeliel had an grim look on his face. "This bastard has been the focus of my Queen for too long. WHY HIM!? He's just a shinigami! More than that he's just a amalgation of abilities, he's not even his own person anymore. Why does she care about him so much!? I'm the one fighting for the glory of her kingdom, yet she doesn't recognize me as nothing more than a simple privaron!"

In response, the being chuckled lowly, placing all of his finger tips against each other and crossing one leg over to other while sitting. "Possibly because he has more potential than you do, more than Tier, and possibly more than myself. A being such as Rushifa is confused, lost, and alone. Tier would certainly bring someone such as him into her care and mentorship, as far as I know."

"M-more potential than ME!?" Zeliel was visibly annoyed at the man's words buts hook them off with a sigh. "I've lost my composure. My apologies. Rushifa huh? Looks like I can simply prove myself by removing everyone's worry of such a being to begin with. If he's gone, then no one would worry anymore and I will gain my Queen's Approval."

In response, the king leaned back in his chair once more. "If you think that you can rid this world of his existance, then by all means. I doubt you would look for my approval for such a task."

He then raised up one of his fingers on his right hand. "But keep these two things in mind, Zeliel." he went on. "Firstly, Rushfia is no pushover. The more he fights, the more power he gains. Against one such as yourself, he could become far stronger than what he is now."

He then held up another of his fingers. "And secondly, as you just said earlier, Tier holds Rushifa in high regard. Think carefully about how killing him would look on you in her eyes."

Stopping in his tracks, Zeliel paused. "She would be upset at first, but I'm certain she would realize my greatness and finally recognize me as her perfect knight. And bless me with a position at side forever, fufilling any jobs she needs for me for the rest of eternity."

"Suit yourself." the being said in response. "Isabella, have Ivan come up here, would you kindly?"

WHOOSH!!

In response, the girl gave a slight bow and used her Sonido to disappear from view

"Oh? And who would this Ivan person be? Will be able to help me suppress Rushifa?" Zeliel sneered as he watched Isabella vanish from view. "If not, then I will simply go out and crush that pest before he even has the chance to grow stronger."

"Oh my dear boy, there is no need to be so rushed...."

A voice then emerged from next to the King, the latter not turning to acknowledge the newcomer who walked up to the others with his hands folded behind his back, and his pose carrying one of elegance and sophistication, though his face carried a rather amused smirk.

"So, this is the Privaron of Tier's Espada, eh?" he said to no one in particular. "My my, what a dissapointment, I was expecting one with a bit more flair, no offense my silver haired friend."

"None taken. I don't particularly care about trash that talks down to me. For all your talk, it just seems more as though you are simply a pompous fool. But no offense....friend." Zeliel replied in a sarcastic tone. "Who are you anyway?"

"Ivan Azgiaro, at your service." the man said, placing a hand on his chest and bowing slightly. "I am in charge of all of the things considered scientific that passes under my lord's domain. It appears to me that this Rushifa Sureiya is becoming quite the epidemic, but yes, the King has commisioned me to assist you on this little expedition." he said with a wry smile.

"Ivan huh? Well then just don't get in my way and everything will be just peachy." Zeliel barked out in annoyance at the man's seemingly smug tone. "Tch. In any case, since you all seem to be at the top of your game here. Where is Rushifa located at anyway?"

"Oh please." the Arrancar said, chuckling slightly. "I do not go out and hunt the desired target, that is the job of the other barbarians. No no my dear boy, you're going to deliver a little....supplement to Rushifa."

The Arrancar then pulled out a syringe that was full of a strange blue liquid and tossed it to Zeliel. "Should you ever engage that monster in combat, give him a bit of this, whether he is willing or not, and then bring it back to me."

"And why should I do what you want me to do without any inclination?" Zeliel sneered as he eyed the syringe in his hands

"Because if you do not, then any chance of us learning more about Rushifa and any of his weaknesses and or abilities will diminish." Ivan said simply, glancing over at his king briefly. "Plus, it's a good way to keep him under watch. We can't afford to allow an opprotunity like this to pass up."

Sighing, Zeliel resigned to his task. "Fine. I suppose this task is needed then after all. As long as we can kill this bastard I don't really care what we have to do to get rid of him." Sticking the syringe in his sleeve, he nodded toward the others. "Now then. How do we go about drawing him out?"

"Simple really." Nikolai finally cut in, resting his head on his left hand, the elbow of which sitting on the appropriate armrest. "We cause chaos, confusion, destruction. It will bring him out at some point. He's in a small town just a mile or two away from the area that you and Auron were in."

"Chaos? Hahaha. Simple enough. I could do that no problem. Just assign me a few of your men to contend with those others that he met and I'll get the ruckus started." Zeliel smiled as he begin twirling his earrings about his fingers excitedly. "Though, make sure that they are prepared for battle. I don't need any cowards coming with me."

"You'll find no cowards here, newcomer."

A new voice emerged from behind Zeliel, revealing itself to be a fairly average height Arrancar with black and red hair, his hands in his pockets and his eyes closed, keeping a cool and relaxed expression on his face. "We have been in Lord Nikolai's service for years, our resolve cannot waiver in the face of an abomination."

Eyeing the arrancar down, Zeliel smiled. "Good. Let's see if your bark is as ferocious as your bite. I wish to see the limits of your strength when you are fighting for your King." Opening a garganta in the center of the conversational area, Zeliel stepped close to it as he nodded causing two quick figures from the shadows to race inside before turning back to the arrancar who would be assisting him. "I hope you're ready as we leave at once."

Another Arrancar then appeared next to the red haired one, having orange hair and a faded bit of facial hair on his mouth, a relaxed grin on his face. "Who said you could start this party without me, Radec?" he said in a snarky tone towards the latter.

"No one." Mael said plainly. "Is there anyone else who is going to go?"

Nikolai peered a bit at the group. "Isabella." he said, causing the girl's attention to snap up. "Why don't you go with them? They may can use your expertise."

She hesitated initially, but she gave a slight bow in response. "Of course, m'lord."

"NOW then..." Zeliel announced loudly. "Are there anymore interruptions or are we free to go now? I want to rid our world of this pest." Smiling he stepped into the Garganta with the other arrancar, ready to create hell in the World of the Living.

Calm Before The Storm
Walking with Rushifa back to his apartment after Kazuma had left, Souji whistled as the traveled down the cobblestone path. Kicking up a loose piece of the brick around them, Souji began playing with it as though it were a soccer ball whilst walking net to Rushifa. "So, I must warn you. When we get there, you may be in for a bit of a shock. My roommate is a bit eccentric and has a tendency to make others feel uncomfortable."

"Just the effect I give others." Rushfia replied plainly, fiddling with the wrapping on his right arm.

Smiling, Souji kicked the rock into the distance before pointing to a nearby flat. "Well here it is. Welcome to my humble abode." Walking up the steps, he began to smile before receiving a kick to the face. "Mmph..Thwis az buay..." Removing her foot from his mouth, Souji continued. "This is my roommate Saori. Say he to our guest you spaz!"

Responding with a headlock, Saori jumped up placing a hand on Souji's head as she then flipped off of his body, one foot in front of the other, landing gracefully in front of Rushifa. "Hmm...what's with you? You completely reek. Go take a shower or something."

In response, Rushifa looked around him, and then smelled his arm before looking back at her. "I uh....I don't smell anything."

Shaking her head, Saori began pushing him inside of their apartment. "Of course you don't. You're always around yourself, so you wouldn't find anything wrong with your scent."

"Waitaminute." Rushifa said comically and quickly, feeling himself getting pushed around (again). "For the love of god don't put me in a bathroom, I hate water!!!!"

Sighing, Saori continued to push him to the inside. "Well even better of a reason. You hate water so you're probably pretty gross." Turning to Souji as they passed him, she glared. "You're next. you're just as bad asthis one is. All that soot on your face. Don't tell meyou were the cause of all that commotion outside. I should have known."

"No no no wait a minute, we just met!!!" Rushifa complained comically, flailing his arms about like a mad kid as he struggled to escape her grasp.

Gripping his arms, Saori's eyes glowed demonically as she began smiling while leaning in to whisper to Rushifa. "Even better. If we just met, then you should be at your best. That means you should get rid of all that disgusting smell. Its no use struggling." Her grip tightened as she continued. "This is gonna happen, just let it be. If you continue to fight back, I'll handle it right here, right now."

"Lady you need help, bad." he said casually as he effortlessly ripped his arm out of her grip and twirled around her back outside, one hand behind his back and the other one stuck out waving at them. "If the smell is so bad, I'll just stay outside." he said, smilling behind his mask.

Shaking his head, Souji smiled. "Eh...she's already there you know. When she actually cares about something, she's actually quite formidable."

Appearing behind Rushifa, Saori had a demonic visage. "I told you.....struggling is useless." Her legs intertwined with his, she readied herself for him trying to get away once more as a slight breeze blew through the area, blowing up her skirt. "KYAAAHHH!!!" Smacking Rushifa repeatedly on the head as she held down her skirt, she began blushing. "You pervert! Summoning the wind to take a peak like that!"

"Uh....you DO realize, he didn't do anything righ--" Souji started to say before being cut off by a glare from his blonde companion. "Nevermind Rush....you're on your own."

"Aaah!!!!" Rushifa yelled comically. Being slapped on his head several times. "The hell is wrong with this place?!" he yelled aloud.

Anger building, water began quickly rising from the ground around Saori before taking the form of a large sphere above the three individuals. "Downpour...." Angrily muttering the command, she motioned her left hand downward causing a portion of the sphere to rain down over Rushifa and Souji, creating aflash flood through thearea that threatened to literally wash the two men away. "Be cleansed!"

Rushifa, now soaking wet, emerged from the water comically. "Well that's better than the bath that I had in mind." he said in a deadpan fashion. "You done now?"

Shaking his hair dry, Souji cracked a smile through the mess of wet strands that hang over his face. "Well....I think so. She typically only does that right before she passes out from..."

THUD!

"...Embarrasment." Souji finished as Saori slammed into the ground. "Oh well. Let me grab her. We can talk more in a bit once we get inside." Picking up his roommate, Souji motioned toward Rushifa to follow him inside as he brushed the soggy hair from his face.

<p style="text-align:center;">Inside The Apartment...

Placing Saori on a nearby chair, Souji sat down next to her before pointing to a chair for Rushifa to sit on. "Heh. That was fun. Huh?"

"Oh yeah." Rushifa muttered, sitting on the chair calmly. "It's not everyday that you're greeted with a bigass ball of water on your head."

"Haha don't mind her. I warned you that she's a bit different from normal people." Souji chuckled as he spoke to Rushifa. "In any case..." Donning a more serious expression for the first time, he continued. "So those arrancar, do you think they'll be coming back for you sometime soon? If they do, we may have to try a little harder since Kazuma isn't here to back us up and I don't want Saori risking her life out there." Looking down at his roommate, he sighed. "Especially that Auron fellow. I owe him a good smacking around, but I feel as though he was holding back."

Leaning back slightly, Rushifa's masked expressions were those of serious ones. "I don't doubt it a bit. They aren't the first of the Arrancar's to come after me, and that Auron guy is no ordinary one. I could feel his Spiritual Pressure from at least three miles away from your fight with him, and that's what lured me there to begin with. He could definatley contend with the likes of a Senior Captain."

"Tch." Souji tensed up with the thought of not being able to beat some simple arrancar. "Really? Hmm...I don't like the sound of that." Snickering to himself, Souji tried to mask his laughter before it just blurted out of him. "I'm just kidding! I love the thrill of maybe not making it back from the next battle. Snrk! Besides, how can one get stronger if you run away from any potentially dangerous fight? Haha. Though....you are an odd one. Most people would stay away if they felt energy like that, yet you came strolling towards it."

"I like fighting." Rushifa replied plainly. "It's fun, it's exciting, especially if it's against someone as strong as that."

Raising an eyebrow, Souji smiled. "My. My. We're gonna get along quite famously. I do believe we are destined brothers in arms." Extending his fist toward Rushifa, Souji chuckled.

Rushifa looked at the fist briefly, before smoothly reaching out and fist pounding it gently. "Yeah...I guess so..."

He leaned back once more. "So....what's your story?"

"Me?" Souji smiled as he leaned back in his chair. "Well, I'm just your average, run-of-the-mill shinigami. I left Soul Society along with Kazuma when we sorta got in some trouble and had to beat it out of there before our execution. When we got to the Human side of things, we met Saori while we were on the brink of starvation. And she took us in. After that, we started protecting this town from various dangers, including this group of hollows that thought they were gonna overrun everyone here." Smiling, Souji pointed playfully at Saori. "Don't let this girl's appearance fool you...she actually fended off many opponents with her martial arts alone. But in any case, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask 'em now."

"And that Kazuma bro..." Rushifa began. "He seems a little bit like a sociopath to me. What's up with him? Do you know?"

Sighing, Souji shrugged. "Eh...he's usually like that around people he doesn't know. But when he loosens up, he usually more fun. I'm sure you got a glimpse of it before he put on his 'Ice Mask' persona. Haha."

"Ugh, I can't stand people like that, no offense to him of course." Rushifa sighed, leaning his head back on the chair's head part. "What's the point in hiding behind a cold side? No one has ever succeeded in life keeping to themselves. They have to be more open and willing to come forward if they want others to like them."

"He has his reasons...." Souji said solemnly before smiling back at Rushifa. "Anyway Rush, I'm sure when he gets back he will ease up. You gotta admit, your sudden appearance was sort of odd. Especially after the use of the Getsuga Tensho. Can't blame people for being wary now can we?"

"Seriously." Rushifa began, holding up his sheathed blade and examining it closely. "I don't see why everyone is so zoned out by that, you guys aren't the first. I mean, I was told that just about everyone could do it...."

Laughing hysterically, Souji smiled as he stood and grabbed a soda and tossed one to Rushifa, patting him on the shoulder in passing while returning to his seat. "Come on. You have to be yanking my chain. Everyone can use the Getsuga Tensho? No way buddy. That's a very unique double-edge sword and you're one of the very few that I've seen in a long time able to use it in actual combat and not get their arms blown off."

Rushifa caught the drink, but set it on a table next to him as he continued to look at Souji with surprise. "Well....this is weird. Ever since...well as long as I can remember, I was certain more than just myself could do it, and definatley more than those other two you mentioned earlier."

Caught mid-sip, Souji bore an inquisitive look on his face. "Oh? Would you happen to know any of their names? I'm quite certain that no one eles could do so. But then again, after my..er...leave from duty in Soul Society, a few new users could have emerged there."

"No I mean, it's so easy to use, at least for me, and I assumed that everyone was capable of it." he continued, putting his weapon down on the floor gently. "But in any case, what's Soul Society like? I've always wanted to go there myself."

"Oh..." Souji smiled weakly at Rushifa, before blurting out plainly, "Its horrible." A wide grin appeared on Souji's face before he yawned. "Don't ever go there, nothing good comes out of that place. If anything, I would avoid it if possible." Finishing his sentence, he grabbed at his head as a pain shot through him before he could continue on. "...Sorry. My mind just slipped there."

"...you alright there?" Rushifa asked in feigned concern, a little dissapointed at hearing that Soul Society was less than desirable to live in.

Shaking his head, Souji pepped up. "Yea. Yea...of course. I'm just peachy. Just a little headache from getting thrashed about moments ago. Haha." Laughing, he turned to see Saori sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "Afternoon sleephea-GUAH!" Before he could finish his sentemce his head was covered in a large bubble that threatened to drown him.

"Shush." Saori stated plainly as she held her fist toward Souji, maintaining the bubble around his head as she arched an eyebrow toward Rushifa. "Tell me something. How is it that you bear a similar feeling to that of the arrancar?"

SPLASH!

Dripping wet for the second time today, Souji watched as the bubble lost its form and sighed. "Bout time you put that fist away. Heh. But now that you mention it....." Looking toward Rushifa, Souji stared over his new comerade with curiosity. "..Its true. You do bear an uncanny resembance to the arrancar's presence. Its like you feel like one, but then you don't."

"Really?" Rushifa said in a hint of confusion. "I don't feel anything weird. Don't you feel it? A little burning in your chest?" he continued, pointing at his chest.

"Uhhh..." Saori and Souji both started as they felt their chest and then looked at each other smiled.

Tapping on his own chest and then placing it on Rushifa's, Souji flashed a charasmatic smile. "That's your heart buddy. Its what keeps you kickin', without we become monsters who have no morals."

Rushifa then, pulled down part of the wrapping on his chest just enough to see the center of his chest. In that spot...

...was a Hollow hole.

"You mean, you guys don't have one of these?" he asked in honest confusion.

A deadpan, dumbfounded expression was stuck on Souji's face. "Errr......what now? OF COURSE NOT!" Souji exclaimed. "How is this even possible? You don't feel Arrancar-ish. Hmm, wait a second. Where are you from again?"

Letting the robe return to normal, he leaned back in the chair. "I'm from..."

He stopped and thought to himself. "Huh, funny. I don't exactly remember. In fact, the first thing that comes to mind is me waking up in a big dark lab of sorts. There were three Arrancar there with me who tried to kill me, but I killed them and then from there..."

"A lab? Three Arrancar? Hmm..." Souji rubbed his chin in confusion. "Sounds like you need to explore Hueco Mundo. If anything, that sounds like something they would do."

"Oh yeah!" Rushifa suddenly said aloud. "Hueco Mundo, that's where i'm from, I think. At least, that's what Harribel-Sensei told me."

"BWHAT!? Harribel-sensei? As in Tier Harribel the former Tres Espada!? How in the world is that possible?" Souji shouted as he stood from his chair in surprise.

"Uh." Rushifa scratched his head slightly. "She was the one who found me outside the lab, took me in and all of that good stuff. Pretty much taught me everything that I know today, cept for Getsuga of course. Why all the shock?"

Saori looked on in confusion before sighing and going to grab a drink.

"Cause....you may have more in common with the Arrancar than I expected. In fact I didn't expect it at all. If you were taught by Tier, its no wonder you're so powerful and those other Arrancar seemed to be after you." Souji said as he eyed the spot where Rushifa's Hollow Hole was located. "Hm...do you remember anything else?"

Rushifa looked down, crossing his arms in deep thought. "Well, after a few months hanging with her and her gang, she told me to go find myself or some voodoo like that. I left for the human world for a few months, and now here I am, that's pretty much it."

Nodding as the story went along, Souji peeked through one of his eyes. "Oh? That's it. Hm. Looks like you have more of a mystery about you than I thought. Heh. Glad we met pal, cause you're certain to bring about some adventure."

"Yeah..." Rushifa said lowly, looking down at the floor. "Dunno if that's good or bad."

Patting Rushifa on the shoulder, Souji nodded. "Don't worry Rush. With friends like me and Saori, and yeah...even Kazuma, we will have each other's back no matter what may come our way."

"Thanks." he said plainly, standing up and nodding. "Now if ya'll don't mind, I need to get a little fresh air. I'm not used to staying in doors for too long." he said as he walked outside.

"I think I'll join you. Gotta stretch the legs after all." Souji said waving to Saori who casually dismissed them before taking a seat. "Ouch. That girl is always hot and cold with everyone." Taking a deep breath in once he got outside, Souji exhaled calmly. "Now this is great. I adore the outdoors. I often find myself relaxing best when I;m underneath the cover of the sky alone."

"I like the mountains." Rushifa replied plainly, looking out into the vast mountain range to their left. "They give me a strange feeling of...peace and serenity. It's like I can always rely on them for protection and guidence."

"Well that's what mountains are for. Protecting everything in its embrace from harm. Though I can't say I know much about the guidance thing as me and Kazu just go wherever we feel." Souji stated as a gentle breeze blew past the two men.

"Yeah well...." Rushifa went on, fumbling his sheathed weapon around his left hand. "What's the deal with Harribel? You acted like she was royalty or something."

Shaking his head, Souji sighed. "Not royalty, a monsterous being. From all the stories I've been told about the Winter War, she was truly frightening."

"She seemed pretty calm and good to me," Rushifa replied, putting his hands in his coat pockets. "Now the three other Arrancar that were with her, they were weird."

"You mean her fraccion? I heard they were quite deadly as well. But maybe that was just more of Soul Socie--URGH!" Souji grasped his head before he could finish his thought. "Um..what was I saying again? I got this huge flood of darkness that rushed through my brain."

"You mad bro?" Rushifa asked casually with feigned concern, briefly glancing over to him.

"I ain't even mad man." Souji replied playfully as he brushed his hair away from his face. "In any case, care to tell me more about your time with Tier?"

"Wasn't really anything special." Rushifa said plainly, looking around briefly. "She found me wandering outside of Los Noches, at least that's what I think it was called, and, unlike other Arrancars, didn't try to attack me. Said that there was something special about me that I needed to learn about. And then I agreed, and then we set into learning about each other and training. Everything that I know about fighting, she taught me."

Pausing before having any reaction at all, Souji nodded. "That explains much more. The Hollow hole, your strength, the weird air about you. It all adds up now, heh. So why did you leave that place? And if Tier was your mentor, why would other Arrancar be hunting you? Don't they all work together or something?"

"Dunno." Rushifa went on. "I decided I needed to find something else to do besides sit there in the desert with hardly anything to do besides killing the Hollows that attacked us..."

He shuffled his feet around some more. "I like to fight, but killing isn't my thing...I needed out of that place."

"Haha. I know what you mean. I despise killing my opponents, unless its a life or death situation. If they retreat then its still a victory." Yawning, Souji stretched out his arms as he began walking toward a nearby road. "Care to join me on a walk?"

"Sure." he replied, walking along with Souji on the road. "Where does this lead exactly, if I can ask?"

"Oh don't worry. I'm not trying to have my way with you in a secluded area or anything like that you pervert." Souji said in a joking manner. "It leads just outside of town."

"Um...ew." Rushifa said almost retractivley, taking a slight step to his left away from Souji while they continued walking. "Thanks for bringing that up. I'll be sure to fill you in on any nightmares I have."

"Oh what? Am I not good enough for you or something? Geez. So cruel!" Souji laughed as he began fake sobbing. "Been awhile since I could just relax like this. Saori has me doing chores, and Kazuma wants to train to get stronger all the time. Leaves little time to be free."

"Yeah well, just remember that..." Rushifa began, before...

SCCCCING!!!!!

He unsheathed his weapon, twirled around, and within an instant, slammed the blade into what appeared to be a massive ball of fire, before swinging the weapon to his right, sending the blast off into the distance with a loud explosion.

"We have company."

"Hm?" Souji grasped the hilt of his zanpakuto as he swung around to see a group of Arrancar floating above them. "Tch. You're friends?"

"Ha ha. Very effing funny." Rushifa replied.

The source of the attack was revealed to be an average appearing young Arrancar man floating in the air with several others by him. With orange spikey hair, a faded bit of facial hair on his lip and chin, and an excited expression on his face, the Arrancar had another large wad of fire in his left hand.

"Looks like we found em'." he said to his counterparts.

Shaking his head, Zeliel sighed. "What happened to quick and easy? I said to burn then quietly so that this was over before it started. No matter..." A smile showing his teeth covered Zeliel's face. "..Looks like we have the chance to rid ourselves of the pest right now. Everyone gather around the bug and destroy him!"

"Oi! Ghost-boy! Don't think you can just pick a fight with my friend here and expect to get away with it!" Souji declared as he drew his zanpakuto from its sheath and removed his arm from the sleeve of his kimono. "You Arrancar better prepare yourselves, Souji Koujaku is on the job and I won't let you escape as easily as you did last time!"

Waving Souji off, Zeliel directed one of the others toward him. "I have no time for a wild beast like you. I've come for your friend there. You can play with one of the others until they put you out of your misery."

Jigoku simply waved Zeliel off, tossing the fireball in his hand up like a ball. "Pfft. Ain't no picking and choosing here. And who the fuck says I take orders from a little freak like you anyway? If I wanna burn this whole country to the ground, i'll do it myself..."

He then cast a dangerous glare in Zeliel's direction. "...and maybe you along with it."

Isabella sighed, before flinching slightly at the still burning pain in her left arm, holding it with her right hand. The gesture caught the attention of Mael, who looked over with slight concern.

"Are you going to be alright, Lady Isabella?" he said calmly.

In response, the woman sighed once more. "It's nothing Mael. I'll be fine."

"Wanna try it flame boy?" Zeliel sneered as he glared at Rushifa while speaking to Jigoku. "We'll see just how far you get against a former member of the Numbers in the Holy Queen's Army. I will strike you down where you stand if you want to truly go at it." Focusing his attention back on Rushifa, he continued. "Now then. Pest. Do me a favor and die." His sentence ended with a Cero being fired from his eyes.

Charging toward the others, Souji looked back at Rushifa. "That one is all yours. I guess I'll handle the rest. Heh."

The Cero initially would obscure their vision of Rushifa, making it seem as if he would be engulfed by it.

vrrrrrBOOOOOM!!!!!!

...until Rushifa fired his own blue Cero at it, being much larger in size and gait as it threatened to over whelm the other projectile.

"Sorry, I don't do favors." Rushifa spoke plainly.

"Heh. A Cero? That's odd. Though..." Zeliel muttered as his eyes widened causing his silver Cero to grow both in size and power, seemingly ripping through the Cero fired by Rushifa. "Looks like, you don't have the same powers as us."

Jumping up toward the orange-haired arrancar, Souji brought his blade around his body and overhead, attempting to cleave the fire-hurling opponent in two. "UUUURRRRAAAGGGH!!"

Back at the apartment, a sense of danger shot through Saori like a bullet as she dropped the dishes she was putting away. "Souji....." Grabbing her coat in the process, Saori ran out of the home and began sprinting down the road as she looked at the clouds. "I have a bad feeling..."

Rushifa hopped back from his spot, narrowly avoiding the white Cero and it's following explosion as he peered up at Zeliel. "And by that you mean...?"

SNATCH!!!!

Holding up the hand that was previously engulfed in fire, Jigoku reached up and effortlessly caught Souji's blade, looking up at him with boredom. "And who the hell are you supposed to be?" he asked with feigned interest, before taking the man and slinging him towards the ground with a surprising amount of effortless force.

"By that I mean, you're a pathetic waste of flesh. The Queen should have never wasted her time on you." Zeliel exclaimed as he fired yet another Cero toward Rushifa.

Landing on his feet and skitting to the ground, Souji smiled at the Arrancar. "Heh. I'm the guy who's gonna kick all of your asses! Just you wait, I'll show you the power of a Shinigami."

Rushifa then swerved to the right once more, this time avoiding the Cero but feeling it's burn scald his left arm slightly. "The Queen? Which Queen?"

"The Holy Queen--Tier Harribel! You fool!" Zeliel snapped back angrily as he continued to fire his Cero in rapid succession. "I'll make you burn right here you piece of trash!"

Jumping up once more, Souji swung his blade at the arrancar that tossed him moments ago. "Why don't all of you come down here and fight me head on? I'll take on all three of you at the same time. Heh."

"She's the queen?"

Using what could only be felt as Sonido, Rushifa appeared directly next to Zeliel, avoiding the Cero's as he pointed his blade at the man. "Geez, and here I thought she'd keep me in the loop. Guess it's what I get for not visiting her as much as I should have."

Simply swerving to the left, Jigoku avoided Souji's swing, smirking. "Kid, I myself am way out of your league. What makes you think that you would be able to take all of us on by yourself, huh?" he asked casually, before extending his hand and releasing a massive wall of fire upon the Soul Reaper.

Not skipping a beat, Zeliel shifted his body into an attacking motion, sendind a spinning back heel kick towards Rushifa's head. "Not that it'll matter. You're dying here."

"Because..." Souji smirked as red energy began gathering within his blade. "You're too confident in your abilities." Shooting out of the path of the fiery blockade, Souji unleashed the red energy ripples toward the group of Arrancar, knowing at least one of them might be struck by the sudden attack.

Rushifa swerved his head to the right, barely avoiding the kick before sending his own left leg up to kick the man in his exposed area. "Why so desperate to kill all of a sudden? Tier isn't that mad at me is she?" he asked jokingly.

The crimson waves made their way towards the group, however, the one with the red hair, Mael, unsheathed his weapon and slashed it through the ripples, of which then flew into his blade and then he threw it back at Souji in the form of an energy ball.

As the energy was made from Souji's own zanpakuto, it simply dispersed upon making contact with him. "Heh. Looks like that guy is a bit more interesting." Flashing forward, Souji appeared next to the orange haired arrancar as he flashed a smile before flashing again and appearing closer to the one who deflected his attack. "You're superior to your friend there. So I'm gonna take you on instead."

Catching Rushifa's leg, Zeiel maintained an angered look on his face. "Why else would I be here? To befriend you? Don't make laugh." He finished as he tossed Rushifa toward the ground.

As Rushifa fell towards the ground, he stopped himself several feet below Zeliel before using Sonido to appear just a few feet in front of him once more, scratching the back of his head. "So...Tier sent you to destroy me...why?" he asked in a deadpan face, having a hard time taking the Arrancar seriously.

Mael, simply retained a calm and cool expression, his eyes still closed. "We aren't here for you, Soul Reaper. I recommend you leave this place and let us have at our buisness."

Not batting an eye, Zeliel fired a Cero at this point blank range while also preparing the energy needed for a Bala around his hands in case Rushifa were to somehow dodge the initial attack. "Because you're simply a nuisance that must be removed from existance."

"Heh. Well if you want to get to Rush, then you scummy Arrancar are going to have to go around me in order to get to him." Souji smiled casually as he quickly brought his blade around his side in the form of a poweful slash knowing that his opponent was prepared to stop it. While doing so, Souji gathered the red energy around his blade once more, prepared to release it in the form of Getsuga-esque attack as soon as the sword was blocked or dodged.

Rushifa then thrusted his blade forward, and stabbed it's tip into the Cero and thus causing it to implode, shredding into several shards of white energy and leaving Rushifa's form visible. "Doesn't answer my question. Why does Tier want me dead all of a sudden? It's only been three months since I saw her."

Mael sighed, letting his weapon glow with a bright red aura and slicing his sword upwards, once more dispelling the attack. As soon as that was done, Jigoku appeared behind Souji, grinning wildly and releasing a large wall of fire upon his form point blank.

Simply releasing the spiritual energy beneath his feet, Souji dropped down toward the ground with a smile as the flames continued on toward Mael. "Heh." He held a confident smile upon his face, but inside Souji was as confused as could be as to why his attacks weren't working.

"Simple. You've outgrown your usefulness." Zeliel stated plainly as he fired several Bala toward Rushifa and began utilzing his sonido abilities to appear above his opponent and launched a swift elbow and kick combination towards Rushifa's back, enhanced by the speed of Sonido and Spiritual Energy framing his limbs.

"Usefullness?" Rushifa said as he narrowly swerved to avoid the bala attacks, and then even barely having enough time to whirl around and block the combination of attacks, of which sent him flying across the air before skidding to a stop. "Uh, I don't think she really had much of a use for me. You sure you've got the right guy?"

But Mael had left his spot as soon as Jigoku attacked, reappearing directly behind Souji and releasing a Bala up close upon his spine.

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Souji was sent careening into the ground with smoke eminating from his back. Now bleeding, he used his zanpakuto to hoist his body back up as rubble fell from his skin. "Haha. Looks like this is going to be interesting dont'cha think?" Souji smiled as his voice rang with a sarcastic tone as he motioned toward all three of the Arrancar to come toward him at once. "I hope that's not all you have, cause its gonna take more than that to stop me." Souji finished with a golden glow appearing in his eyes.

Flying toward Ruhsifa, Zeliel fired several Bala followed by a Cero attempting to demolish the black-clad man. "Right guy? Ha. Not like it matters now. At this point, you're just in the way. You were just a pawn so she could keep her sanity and humanity. And now, I'm here to destroy the toy Queen Tier has wished for us all to be rid of."

"Getsuga..."

His sword then transformed into it's large black and silver claymore with a blue tint, swinging it around his shoulder and then swinging it towards Zeliel.

"Tensho..."

The massive wave of energy enveloped all of the Bala's that were fired and then clashed with the Cero to create a massive explosion middair.

"Yeah, whatever." Rushifa replied to Zeliel plainly.

Mael closed his eyes, putting his blade back in it's sheathe and then glancing over to Jigoku. "Jigoku, please rid us of this man's existance. I have no patience for those who defy their certain defeat."

"Be a pleasure." Jigoku replied with a toothy grin, forming another ball of fire in his palm and slinging it at Souji's form.

The Darkest Dawn
Flying too fast to avoid the Getsuga Tensho, the attack struck dead-on. "Guah!" Zeliel's mouth sputtered out a quantity of blood as he fell toward the ground landing with a loud thud on his back. Smoke clearing and rubble rustling, a figure could be seen moving among the debris.

"Ha. Looks like the pest has some pretty tricks. Too bad..." His sentence stopped as the wound on his body began re-sealing itself. "...Its gonna take more than an attack of that nature." Drawing his own sword, Zeliel charged forward propelling himself into a windmill motion that was inches away from Rushifa's skull.

"Certain defeat my ass! You can take that smary attitude and shove it up your hairy rear!" Souji shouted toward the confident arracar before being struck by the fireball and sent careening into the dirt.

"Crap....." Shaking his head as he regained his focus, he pulled himself up with sword and began charging toward the flame-weilding Arrancar as he gather spiritual energy into his zanpakuto and launched it in the form of a massive arc. "Shinkirijitsu!" The crimson attack, cut through the ground as though it were made of butter as it soared towards Souji's target.

Holding the Claymore up high enough, Rushifa blocked the powerful strike from Zeliel and countered with his own flurry of attacks.

Jigoku starred down at the oncoming attack. Ignorant of it's true capabilities, he unleashed another massive wave of fire upon Souji, hoping that the flames would dispell the oncoming attack.

Blocking the flurry with that of his own, Zeliel's placid smile could be seen through the gaps of the interlocking blades before Rushifa's large blade glanced his shoulder causing him to jump back. "Oh? That might be a problem down the road."

Jumping back into the fray, Zeliel remembered the syringe in his sleeve as he drew closer to the abomination that stood in front of him. "Tell me. Do YOU have any goals? Aside from being a destructive nuisance, what is it that drives you?"

With his eyes glowing a golden color, Souji's charasmatic grin flashed for the briefest of moments as the crimson wave of energy zoomed into the collection of fire, creating a large explosion of smoke and ash that perfectly hid Souji's movements as he jumped through the dark cloud launching yet another one of his crimson energy waves at the Arrancar.

"Aside from the fact that I'd like for people to quit trying to drive a sword in my chest, nothing really. Wander around, have a little fun, get laid sometime. The usual." Rushifa replied in a dead pan tone.

Spending enough time studying the World of the Living to know what all of that meant, Zeliel sneered. "Tch. You're just a wasted existance that needs to be stamped out before you become too much of a nuisance." Charging forward, he smiled. "Its good to know, I'm not getting rid of anything actually useful."

While his blade arm came down above Rushifa's person, Zeliel moved the syringe so that the needle was barely visible outside of his sleeve as he began a series of rapid palm thrusts toward Rush's torso.

Blocking the arm strike with his blade, Rushifa then felt the syringe go in his ribcage, causing him to flail about in comical pain. "OW! What the fuck was that?!"

As Souji launched his attack at Jigoku, Isabella appeared, behind Souji, her palm slapping into his back before a great amount of concussive spiritual energy was shot out in an attempt to send him flying from his previous spot.

"Heh. Good. Since I finished that, I no longer have to take it easy on you." Zeliel said as he slid the syringe back into his sleeve. "That was just a little experiment. But since I will be ending you here, I don't think you need the details." The white haired arrancar smiled as he began twirling his hair while wearing a twisted smile.

Flying to the ground, Souji shook off the immediate pain before realizing that the surprise strike to his back had caused the aim of his technique to completely miss the target and now the flame weilding arrancar was jumping down with a fist full of fire. "No time to dodge! Shi--"

THWACK!!

A man clad in black held his blade above Souji's person, deflecting the flame covered fist of Jigoku away. "How long are you gonna just sit there? I can't protect you forever, there's another one I think is more of a threat." Turning to look back Souji, a cocky smile flashed before returning to a more stern look. "Yo."

"KAZU!!!" Souji exclaimed as he picked himself and smiled at his friend. "Saori is probably gonna be pissed off at you. Where have you bee-"

Placing a hand over his friends's mouth, Kazuma sighed. "Save it for later. No time for explanations right now, we've finally evened up the playing field a bit. Right Akasha?"

"Akasha?" Souji questioned as he began looking around the area before his eyes widened suddenly. "WHOA!"

A pink-haired woman wearing a green school-girl uniform was now standing in front of the female Arrancar with her hair blowing in the wind. "Ha. This is it? Hm, I guess you're friend is pretty weak if he was caught off-guard by someone as talentless as this girl." Not batting an eye, she then turned her back to the woman Arrancar, before whipping back with a powerful kick that tore through the air itself.

Behind his mask, Rushifa let a sinister grin come onto his face, his right eye hole glowing with a piercing red light as he held out his left arm.

"Actually, I'm going to end you." he said as his fingers began to glow with a light blue aura, before five massive energy talons emerged from the finger tips, before he then threw them all at Zeliel.

"Desgraron!!!!"

Isabella scoffed, her blade glowing with a bright indigo aura as she bended her back down to avoid the kick, and then slashed the sword upwards to create her own torrent of wind that was followed by a powerful wave of energy.

"What the--!" Caught off guard by the sudden claw shaped attack, Zelile was violently forced back as the energy claws ravaged through his body, leaving his figure torn and ragged as it landed against a nearby boulder in the outlying field, creating a large pool of blood that dripped from his body. Standing as he coughed up blood, and lifted his torn appendages that dangled limply from severed ligaments. "Haha. The power of a former Espada? You truly were holding back before. Well I suggest I can no longer do so either." Drawing his blade, Zeliel's wounds began to heal, restoring his body to what it once was.

"Despidida, Nebulosa Bailarina!" As he spoke those words, Zeliel stabbed the blade of his zanpakuto into his hand before it enveloped him a bright light, slowly revealing him a new attire and weilding a massive claw. "Shall we continue?"

Smirking, Akasha shifted her body in mid-movement, curving her figure around Isabella's own. "You're gonna have to move alot faster and less predictable than that to get me." Placing a fist on Isabella's back, she sighed. "Let's see if you like how this feels seeing as you can dish it out." Then surging her spiritual energy, fired a blast of air through the Arrancar woman's body.

"Oh wow, a release form already?" Rushifa scoffed, pointing his large weapon at Zeliel. "I must've done something right there..."

Isabella's eyes widened slightly as she whirled around held the flat end of her blade against the fist, letting it take the blast full force of which sent the girl into a large forest, knocking down several trees before she finally crashed against a large rock, with several more trees falling on her as she did so.

"Heh. Is that all you have girly?" Akasha teased as she began walking toward the fallen Arrancar's location. "I'll leave the rest to you all. If that's all they're worth, I'm quite bored."

"You should be more careful." Zeliel whispered in Rushifa's ear as he began forming a Cero at the man's back. "I'm gonna make sure that you die here." Firing the enlarged Cero at such close range, left little room for the raven-haired fighter to avoid it completely.

Looking at the two arrancar, Kazuma sighed. "I'll take on the more prominent threat." He spoke as he glared up at the Arrancar who bested Souji just moments ago. "You don't stand a chance against him, not without your memo--" Kazuma stopped before flying up towards the Arrancar quickly bringing his blade to the man's side. "Draw your weapon. I'm not gonna fight you while you're unarmed."

''"Oh shit!!" ''Rushifa thought to himself in full surprise at his foe's newfound speed and power, the Cero slamming into his back full force and dragging his body along the ground in a large explosion, being quite close to Isabella's location.

TANG!!!!

Mael simply held up his left arm, the blade slamming into it's wrist but having no visible effect on the powerful Arrancar's Hierro. The red haired Arrancar simply opened his eyes to a half-lidded position towards Kazuma, showing an uneventful gaze. "There is no need to draw my weapon, not when my foe presents so little of a threat to me."

His eyes then turned a little bit to look over in Jigoku's direction. "Jigoku, rid me of this nuiscance. Our assignment is done."

The orange haired Arrancar then flew a powerful fist towards Kazuma's face.

"Oh? You think so huh? Then I suppose I can't hold back." Kazuma's eyes closed as a purple energy began emitting from his body in the form of a large wolf. He then pulled his blade back charging at Jigoku's fist before attacking the Arrancar in six different locations with a series of quick yet powerful and precise strikes all in what seemed like in an instant. "Did you hear that?...The howl of the lone wolf?" As he spoke, the Orange Haired Arrancar would find himself covered and in slashes.

Taking a couple of slashes from Kazuma's renewed power, Jigoku quickly hopped back, smirking as a Garganta opened behind Mael. "Yeah...we'll deal with these punks later. What about Isabella?" he asked to Mael, who in turn gave him a cold stare, refreshing his memory of their original intentions. "Oh, right." They both then turned to enter the black portal, supposidly not caring if Zeliel followed or not.

"...ah man..." Rushifa muttered as he picked himself up out of the ground, his attire burned and scarred from the attack as he saw the Arrancar leave. "Reckon what they're doing?"

"Pathetic." Zeliel said as he re-sealed his zanpakuto. "You're not even worth my time at this point. I will finish you at another date." Looking at the others leave, he sighed. "Bastards...." Before opening a garganta that he himself then stepped inside of.

"Hey get back here you cowards!" Souji screamed as he charged toward the retreating Arrancar, but he stopped as Kazuma began falling toward the ground revealing he had a large wound on his back. "Kazu!"

Using the last of his remaining strength, Kazuma sighed. "Looks like the training with Akasha paid off. But I couldn't wait for this to heal, I had to come help you out pal. Heh." He breathed in deep before falling unconcious.

"AH! KAZU! SOUJI!" Saori screamed as she then covered her mouth in horror. "Is he...is he...d-dead?" She began tearing up as she looked on. "And where's Rush?"

"Calm down. Kazu's just exhausted. But you're right....where is Rush?" Souji questioned as he layed his friend down.

In the forest, Rushifa couldn't recall the direction from which he had originally spawned, feeling as if he could go one way and not go the other and still not know where he was at. He prepared to go into the air to look, but he felt an odd spiritual pressure just to his left.

Crawling just under a tree and peeking his head up to look, he could see the female Arrancar from earlier, incapacitated (supposidly) and pinned under a large tree. Her face appeared to be bruised slightly, and her attire was also scarred to a small extent. The sun shined upon the small opening that she was in, it was as if she was in a romance novel or something of the sort. She was completley helpless.

"Hmmm" Rushifa thought to himself, sitting under his own tree with his back against it as he thought. "She was one of the bros who were trying to kill me and those others, so I could just leave her there and spare myself the headache...but then again...."

He looked over the tree once more, and groaned before going back under it. "...Man, what kind of guy just leaves a pretty girl under a massive tree and walks out with a clear train of thought?" he whined to himself, before picking up his massive Zanbato weapon and looked at it's silver edge. "Looks like we have our work cut out for us again, eh Ragnarok?"

He then got up and walked over to the large tree, placing his fingers on the woman's neck to feel a pulse. Thankfully, she had one that was rather steady, despite her condition. But who was Rushifa to judge? He then picked up the tree with both hands and rolled it away from his position as well as the woman's.

"Now then..." he began, stabbing his blade into the ground. "Let's get you someplace-AAGH!!!"

As soon as his blade was lodged into the earth, the woman immediatley spun herself around on her back and used her foot to trip Rushifa into the ground, before whipping out her own weapon and sitting on top of his chest with her knees, her blade mere inches from his eyes. "You're so guillable." she remarked in a low and cold voice."

"Whoa now waitaminute." Rushifa said quickly, clearly not expecting her to have recovered that quickly. "Let's not get carried away, it doesn't look like you're in much a place to be fighting."

"What do you mean?" she asked him in a demanding tone, flinching slightly out of possible pain.

"Well, look at that arm." He said, tilting his head over to her left arm to emphasize. Sure enough, her left arm's burn was now much worse than before, being not only burnt, but actually bleeding in some places, and she wasn't using it to hold her weapon.

"What about it?" she said, wincing slightly. "If I can...get rid of you, then it won't matter, all my problems will be dealt with.....ow."

"Aha, see what I mean?" Rushifa said back smiling behind his mask. "You need to get that looked at now. Get off of me and i'll help find a place. Souji and the guys may not mind."

"You....you would do that...for me?" the girl asked, this time in a more innocent and weary voice, her face relaxing briefly before tensing back up. "Be quiet! I'm trying to kill you...."

"...Nnnnnnah, I don't think so. C'mon get off and we'll get that looked at. I promise, I won't let anything happen." he said to her smoothly.

She looked at him for a few seconds, and then let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine." she said, slowly getting off of him and sheathing her weapon, before holding her burned arm as he got up. She stumbled a bit, causing Rushifa to reach out and take a hold of her to keep her from falling. As he held her and as they left the forest, Isabella could only wonder why this man, her original target, whom she had every reason to want to kill, was showing this much kindness to her, even after all her comrades had done...

...and she had to admit, it did feel good for a man to hold her like he was.

They then were out of the forest, Rushifa still holding onto Isabella's form to give her support. "I'm back!~" he said to them all jokingly.

"Hm?" Kazuma looked up weakily as Saori began performing a medical treatment on his back using her water skills. "Is he still here? That was the weird energy I was feeling on the way here with Akasha."

Nodding, Souji rubbed his shoulders trying to stretch himself out. "Yea. If Rush wasn't here I probably would've been killed." Waving to Rush from a distance, Souji continued. "Eh....uh isn't that the Arrancar woman who came the rest of the-" Before he could even begin to continue, he was face to well...rear with Akasha who landed in front of him.

"So she didn't die. Good. Gives me some time to interrogate her before we end her life permanently." A smile crossed the pink-haired woman's face as she glared toward the incoming duo. Flipping her hair and turning to Souji and Saori, a different kind of smile came across her face. "By the way, the name's Akasha Kurono, its nice to meet'cha all! <3"

"Hi~" Rushifa said to the new girl plainly, not showing any visible interest in her sudden appearance. "Oh yeah, guys? She needs some help, isn't feeling all that good if you catch my meaning."

He then looked over to Akasha with a serious glare behind his white mask. "...and we aren't going to hurt her, interrogate her, and most certainly not kill her. As of right now, her life is in my hands, and I don't intend to let anything happen to her, be it from friend or foe." This in turn caused the weary Isabella's eyes to widen slightly in response to his rather chivalrous declaration. Didn't she just try to kill him earlier?

Maybe this Rushifa wasn't as bad a person as she was led to believe...

"Boy. You're awfully and painfully confident for someone in their condtion not to mention you're already outnumbered. That in mind, we will be tying her up in order to retreive information from her. If you resist, you will be considered an enemy as well and will be dealt with accordingly. You've been blinded by a pretty face and have lost reason, she was an enemy not even 30 minutes ago. We don't know how she truly is, so geet your head on straight or..." Akasha drew her blade and pointed it at Isabella, "Meet a similar fate as hers."

Staggering to his feet, Kazuma was woozy from the treatment but noted that his wound was healed. Turning away from a silent yet visably angered Souji, he chimed in. "Akasha's right. The majority has it here. There isn't anywhere to run either. We will just be interrogating her. She won't die....provided she answers what we want her to."

"She isn't going to be hurt either." Rushifa replied to the lot of them. "It doesn't matter if she's an enemy. A warrior helps those in need, regardless of their alignment or beliefs. We would be no better than our enemies if we leave their wounded to die, or prolong their suffering. If one of you were in her place, wouldn't you want them to do the same to you? You can question her, but I want her wounds treated and no more harm to be done to her." he stated boldly, clearly not intimidated by the fact that their numbers were greater than his own.

He then looked over at Souji in particular. "You can consider this payment for me saving your life."

Souji sighed as he shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry Rush, but I don't know man....this one's out of my hands because she just saved my life as well."

Scoffing, Akasha shook her head. "You do reaize that your own warrior ideals contradict what you're saying don't you? As a warrior, if you capture an enemy you will do what you must in order to do what's best for the greater good, despite personal feelings. It seems as though this woman's pretty face has deluded your insight and has caused you to overexert your sympathy. Can you honestly tell me that if this were that silver-haired fellow you were fighting, that you would be proclaiming his safety in your sorry state? I don't thi--no...I know that you wouldn't be spouting the same nonsense as you are now. Act tough as you may, neither you or the woman are in any sort of condition to be acting combative. If she cooperates then she won't get hurt, its pretty simple really."

"Just what I'm saying." Rushifa replied. "Now let's go. The heat is freaking killing me."

Nodding, Saori quieted Akasha and pointed toward the nearby street as Kazuma began restraining Isabella. "Let's just get back to my place and we can sort all of this out then." Smiling, she then turned to help up Souji who was still recovering. "I do hope we have enough space though."

"I don't like this one...." Akasha sighed as she began making her way down the road.

Staring at the new woman's rear for a moment, Souji shook himself out of the trance as he looked over at Rushifa. "Haha, she's pretty cute, but wow is she a grinch or what? In any case, thanks for having my back today. Next time, let's put all of those bastards who attacked us in their place. We...er...minus Isabella." He laughed, extending a fist to Rush in the process.

Instead of fist-pounding him, Rushifa placed his right hand on the man's back warmly, looking over at him. "No, I should be thanking you, and these guys as well. You're the second group of people that i've ever encountered that didn't try to kill me. I won't forget this."

"Don't go getting all mushy on me man. Hahaha" Souji laughed as he stood before looking over towards the others. "We should probably catch up before they do some er.....weird things to your new friend. By the way...you can be honest with me, you have a thing for her don't you? I saw how you were holding her when you came back. What a sly fox you are. Heh."

"Who me? Nah." Rushifa shrugged it off casually, sticking his hands back in his arm sleeves like a monk would once more. "I'm just that chill of a guy where I can't stand to see a girl in her position. Though I didn't mind the pose I had her in bringing her out...."

"Uh huh. I bet hahaha." Souji couldn't help but laugh at Rushifa trying to 'play it cool'. "It's ok pal. Just be careful me or Kazuma don't snake her away from you. Well more Kazuma, despite his cold exterior, he can be quite the ladies man when he wants to be."

"Hurry up you numbskulls! We can't wait forever!" Saori could seen down the road a ways shouting to the two shinigami. "If you're late, no dinner for you!"

Still laughing, Souji began running down the road to catch up. "Hey Rush, last one there loses their Onigiri!"

"As if." Rushifa said plainly as he began to walk in his monk pose at a faster rate, looking rather comical as he did so. Inwardly, he couldn't help but feel a little odd as to why Isabella's allies would just leave her there with them. Did she do something before that made them upset?

He would find out soon enough it seemed.

Secrets Revealed! Rushifa Unmasked?!
Now at home, Souji and Kazuma were scarfing down the food placed in front of them while Akasha and Saori sat on the sidelines in astonishment. "You know...the food isn't going anywhere. You both can relax, no need to act like such savages." Akasha spoke, obviously annoyed at their behavior.

Looking over at Isabella, Saori sighed before throwing a smile in the Arrancar's direction. Gathering some food together, she walked past Rushifa and placed the plate of food next to woman. "I don't know what you eat, but I hope its too your liking." As she began walking away she stopped before turning around with a chuckle. "Oopsie. It would be kinda hard to eat while being restrained." Throwing away her caution, she untied the arrancar woman before returning to her own seat.

Isabella did nothing but retain a calm expression, not moving her hands or anything that was previously restrained. "I'm fine, thank you." she said quietly, not making a motion towards the food before her.

"You may want to eat to get your strength up." Saori said with a calm smile.

Gulping down a large plate of food, Souji laughed. "Rush. Get your lady friend to eat something, we don't want to be rude or anything. Maybe if you feed her yourself, then she'll be more accepting of it. Heh heh."

Rushifa was sitting quietly in a chair just in front of her, looking rather normal behind his mask. "You know, they do have a point. Eating something might just help after all the crap we went through..."

The woman then cast a dangerous glare on him, speaking in a low, quiet voice that carried a small hint of menace in it. "I'm fine, thank you."

This caused Rushifa to gulp and quelch comically. "Nada, she ain't gonna eat."

"Boy, she already has you whipped huh?" Souji chuckled before nearly choking as he caught a glance from both Akasha and Saori. "Er....I mean..you really respect her wishes. Yea, that's what I meant to say. Right Kazu?"

Sipping his drink, Kazuma shrugged. "Now now. Don't go getting me involved with your immiment death. I rather not side with stupidity and be killed because of it."

Cracking their fists, he two women neared Souji with an eerie aura about them both. "Now....Souji. I think you need to be disciplined." Saori muttered as she readied a swift fist.

"....Bastard!" Souji exclaimed loudly toward Kazuma before being pummeled by the two women.

"Now then. Isabella was it? Mind answering a few questions for us?" Akasha said as she straigtened out her outfit and sat in a chair in directly in front of the Arrancar.

"Depends on the questions, milady." the Arrancar said quietly once more, sitting upright and closing her eyes as she retained a calm and stoic expression.

"Oh my. Who knew you had manners." Akasha smiled sarcastically as she crossed her legs. "Well then let's start with the simplest of questions. What was your reason for coming here?"

"To find him." the woman said plainly, eyeballing Rushifa briefly.

"Why am I not surprised...?" Rushifa said to himself deadpan like.

Brushng off her answer without any interest, Akasha continued. "And what's so special about him? Does he have some of quality that makes all of you come seek him out?"

"Weren't you paying attention to him?" Isabella replied, her position and expression not changing. "A Soul Reaper capable of using Hollow powers without the use of a Hollow Mask? I imagine that my affiliation is not the only group interested in his abilities."

"You'd be suprised how many Shinigami have developed those skills over the years. Its not too surprising, so forgive me if I don't share the same enthusiasm as you and your cohorts for wanting to come and attack a random stranger." Akasha spoke as she closed her eyes followed by a heavy sigh,

Souji nodded and then stepped forward. "Well then Miss Isabella. I have a question for you. Who is your leader and what's his goal?"

"Yes, but not like Rushifa." she replied, then directing her next set of words towards Souji.

"Nikolai Dragovich." She said plainly, not looking over at him. "The true ruler of Hueco Mundo. His only goal is the domination of Hueco Mundo and to set the Hollow race as the pinnacle of the spiritual power."

Laughing at her casual response, Souji sighed "I'm pretty sure that's something we definitely don't want. Hollows as the epitome of what a spiritual individual should be? Heh. Looks like we have no choice but to stop this...Nichole was it? In any case, What is his location? And are those goons going to be with him?"

"More importantly, why did they leave you here without trying to retreive you?" Kazuma interjected revealing a more curious look on his face.

"I failed my end of the assignment." She replied in her stoic tone towards Kazuma. "My objective was to keep you all at bay, and I failed to do so. My lordship does not take too well to failure, as you can obviously see."

Obviously confused and annoyed, Souji slammed his fist into a nearby wall. "So one failure and he tosses you out as though you're garbage? What kind of leader is that!? i don't think that bastard is fit to rule until someone knocks some sense into him."

"Calm down Souji. No need to get heated, they don't have the same morals or mindset as we do. We can't think our same beliefs apply to one another." Kazuma interrupted as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder while throwing him an understanding glance.

"Dang." Rushifa said plainly, also taken aback that her leader would toss her aside so easily.

"This isn't the first time that I have failed him." Isabella went on, her expression not changing. "But since my brother is the head of the king's army, he's pulled more than a few strings to make sure I can stay. What transpired just earlier was my last chance, and I failed again. I am of no more use to Nikolai any longer."

"Wait a moment here now." Souji chimed in. "Who is your brother? Maybe he can pull some strings again or maybe we can cpature him as well."

"You say that as though that's as easy as walking through someone's front door." Akasha said in annoyance. "Now kindly remove your hand from my shoulder." Sneering as Souji realized where his hands were, she rolled her eyes and cntinued. "Now. Since you have 'failed' what are your current goals? Do you have any purpose now? Or are you simply going to end your own life?"

To Souji's first remark, Isabella scoffed. "No. The only one who has ever bested my brother is the king himself. As for my current goal, even if I did have one, I am in no position to decide. As of right now, my life is in your hands, and thus it is your decision."

"Challenge accepted! I'll best your brother in battle if its the last thing I do." Souji exclaimed in excitement as he clenched his fist and smiled before noticing the awkward glances everyone in the room was sending his way. "Or....er..back to what's important."

"Your life is in our hands? Well gang what should we do with her? Execute her? Torture her? Force her to eat Souji's cooking? Better yet, how about little miss Arrancar gains a damn will of her own and stop acting like someone discarded little toy?" Akasha shouted the last portion as she grabbed onto Isabella's collar, prompting everyone else to jump up prepared to stop a fight from breaking out. "Well....?"

Isabella did nothing but let Akasha grab her collar, at this point not really caring what happened to her.

"Set her down."

Rushifa's tone gained a serious one to it as he looked at the two of them. "I think we can decide what to do with her without invoking any form of violence."

"Violence? No, I'm just sick her broken doll routine. You can do what you want with her. I need some air anyway." Akasha tossed Isabella back to the chair before throwing a glance back to the woman as she exited the home.

Clapping her hands together, Saori smiled at everyone. "W-w-well....now that the tension is all gone, how about we let Rush decide? He was the one to find her after all."

Rushifa and Isabella looked at each other long and hard, before Rushifa finally spoke. "So...I don't suppose you could join us, could you?"

"What!?" Saori jumped up in suprise almost spilling her tea in the process. "Seriously?"

Souji started to laugh as he looked around the room. "Why not?! It fits perfectly, now everyone has a female to dote on. Its like our own little army is forming in this home. Though, we may have to invest in a bigger base of operations haha."

"If they have no quarrels with it." Isabella said plainly.

"Awesomesauce." Rushifa said as he casually stood up. "Now then, any of you wouldn't happen to know a gal by the name of Naomi Fuyumine, would you?"

"Er......not at all." Souji replied.

Shaking their heads, Saori and Kazuma shared a confused look. "Why would we? She some higher up of yours?" Kazuma retorted, puzzled by the sudden question

"Oh..."

Rushifa then went back to a casual stance, before sighing in slight reluctance. "...it's nothing. I ah....I need some air."

Turning and walking ouside slowly, he left the building, leaving them all to their devices.

"Er.....in any case welcome to the gang!" Saori smiled as she extended a hand toward Isabella

<p style="text-align:center;">Meanwhile Outside....

Sitting on the roof staring up at the sky, Akasha noticed Rushifa walking outside. Turning back to look at the sky, she sighed and closed her eyes. "Hey." A simple word escaped her lips, directed toward the man she had animosity towards just moments ago.

Rushifa simply looked up quickly to see who was there, realizing it was Akasha. "Oh, howdy. What's going up your boat?"

"Up my....boat? Is that some kind of sexual innuendo?" Akasha quickly hushed her laughter at the statement before sitting up and looking down at Rushifa. "What brings you out here? My money was betting on you staying inside and chatting up that girl."

"Hm? Na, I can't stay inside long for fear of going mad." he replied, stretching his shoulder out a bit. "And what are you doing? Spying on me maybe?" he joked.

"Don't flatter yourself. You came out here after I did remember?" Akasha smiled before continuing. "If you wanted to find me to flirt, you could have just said something before. But I'm pretty sure that girl in there is gonna get pretty lonely without you since you seem to be the only one she seems to even acknowledge." She finished with a wink before jumping down and joining Rushifa.

"Eh..." Rushifa replied slightly, glancing back at the house briefly before regaining his pose from before. "I dunno, I mean she's pretty, but still....I dunno. Alot of girls have been coming after me for a while."

"Oh look at Mr. Ladies man, most guys would love to have women coming after them from all sides. But you seem to have the opposite reaction." Stopping as she looked at Rushifa, Akasha gasped. "Oh my, excuse me. I didn't know you were like that. Here I was assuming you were in to women. Hahaha"

"Aha ha, I get it." Rushifa laughed in a stoic and sarcastic fashion. "Na, there are times when I just like being myself, and there are times when others were around. I mean, based on what that Arrancar in there said, I can kinda see why others don't want to be around me."

WIncing, Akasha sighed. "Are you gonna start into a whole over-dramatic, pity party monologue? If so, I should probably leave now or I may have to castrate you where you stand. Your choice really. Though, the second option seems to be less desirable to the men who I've met, but who knows! Maybe you're the exception to the statistic and really want to see what happens when you lose your manhood."

"Sob story? Nah just saying what I know. I can be a little dangerous when I don't want to be." He then looked over to her. "And what's your deal? Why are you interested all of a sudden?" he asked plainly.

"Interested? Not at all. Just thought I would entertain myself by getting to know one of these new people. When me and Kazuma met, he mentioned he had some interesting friends, but I have to say...you lot are a...different batch of people to say the least. I do enjoy the spontaneity of you all." She laughed as she began looking up at the sky. "So what's with you? You were awfully protective of someone who tried to kill you moments before. Do you feel some sort of kinship with her?"

"I feel that way with all Arrancars." he replied. "But...it kinda just kills me to leave someone like that for dead, even if they are my enemy. It just doesn't feel right for me to not help them when they clearly need it."

Akasha arched an eyebrow as she tilted her head in confusion and lsight annoyance. "Even if that means that once you treat them and they get better, they turn and stab you in the back?"

"Who's to say that they will?" Rushifa replied to her without changing his tone or posture.

Not batting an eye, Akasha returned the serve. "And who's to say that they won't?"

"It's all trial and error. If I help them and they're thankful and good about it, then all is well. If they stab me in the back...well, then I misjudged them and I go on. That's all there is to it, at least to me." he replied.

Sighing, Akasha shook her head in disbelief before shrugging. "Eh...? You really are an odd one Mr. Grinch. But, I suppose we are just meant to be on opposite sides of the pendulum. Who knows? Maybe one of these days, I will test your theory abou helping another with my own two hands." She finished with a wink before walking to the door. "Don't stay out too much longer, I'm sure that woman is gonna want to see you."

"Oh boy..."

Sighing to himself, he wasn't too hyped about getting a wink from another attractive girl. She was maybe like....the seventh girl that had done that to him? The first was the one follower of Tier after a few days of hanging out with them, and from then on they all seem to flock to him....

Sighing once more, he walked back inside, and to his surprise, Isabella, the once stoic and cold sounding girl was actually smiling and giggling with Saori at watching Souji and Kazuma goof around with one another.

"Oi! Oi! That was my drink!" Souji shouted as he lunged at Kazuma only to be stopped by a swift kick to the groin causing him to buckle in pain. "Dick move....."

Raising an eyebrow as he finished the drink, Kazuma snickered. "Oh? We were in the midst of combat for the delicious treat. Anything goes in combat hahaha." Obviously drunk, He then keeled over on top of his friend causing Saori to continue to laugh.

Standing off to the side, Akasha tilted her head toward Rushifa. "Well what do you know? These guys can certainly brighten up just about anyone it seems."

"They sure changed my outlook on comedy." Rushifa shrugged, folding his hands in his sleeves like a monk once more. "...and a few drinks can do that as well...."

Grabbing him by the collar, Akasha smiled. "Well then join the party!" She laughed as she tossed him into the heap of guys landing him close to Isabella, before joining in herself.

"Waitaminute!" he said, but it was too late as he was thrown into the fray comically. His head would buldge out of the massive cloud on occasion as he struggled to get out. "I'm claustrophobic!!! Ah!"

<p style="text-align:center;">Later That Night

<p style="text-align:left;">Sobering up, Souji looked over to a nearby corner to see Saori cuddling with a house-plant and Akasha cuddling up to Saori from behind. Arching an eyebrow he rubbed his eyes in disbelief before shaking it off as some random antics that occurred. "What. The. Fu--" Looking around he stopped mid-sentence. "Where the hell is Rushifa?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Right here."

<p style="text-align:left;">Rushifa was on the couch next to Souji, but he was upside down in the couch, with his legs held up in the air and his head on the front of the couch. "Man...I need to keep you guys away from alchohol..."

<p style="text-align:left;">Looking at his friend's funny appearance, Souji hid a smirk. "Blame Saori. Looks like her method for making friends, affected you as well. She drinks more than either me or Kazuma and become incredibly well....needy." Stretching as he looked around the room, Souji would spot his friend Kazu rolled up in a rug with various drawings on his face. "Sheesh! What in the world happened here? I need some juice. Want a glass rush?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"Nada." he replied, looking as if he were about to fall asleep. "My back is killing me and I don't feel like doing anything, thanks for offering though."

<p style="text-align:left;">"I know the feeling." Souji said with a smile before chugging a large gallon. "Hey. I do have a question. Tomorrow, what do you plan on doing with that girl? I mean her allies just came and went like it was nothing. Though, thinking about that....do you have any idea on as to why thet left so suddenly? They said something about their mission being over and then just vanished."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Plan?" Rushifa asked with slight confusion. "I dunno. One of them stabbed me in the gut with a freaking syringe and didn't tell me what it was. Maybe that has something to do with it. I'm sure not gonna chase them back to where ever they went, but meh."

<p style="text-align:left;">He then sat back up right in the chair. "As for Isabella, I'm not sure. I'll just keep her within range and see what happens."

<p style="text-align:left;">"A syringe!? Did they inject something into you or did they take something out? Either way you should've said something!" Souji sighed as he scratched his head. "In any case, you both can stay here for the time being until we figure out our next move."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Thanks." Rushifa said, stretching on the couch. "Oh yeah, during the little scuffle that your pink haired friend threw me in? My mask fell off, and I swear all the girls practically lost it...."

<p style="text-align:left;">"I think everyone lost it cause it the first time seeing you without your mask. Not to mention.....they were all plastered out of their minds. Hahaha" Souji smiled as he gulped down a glass of liquid, then made his way back to the common area before he sat on the floor near Rushifa. "Though, I have to admit. I think I was expecting something a little different when I first met you. You turned out to be a pretty cool guy you know."

<p style="text-align:left;">Rushifa then casually took hold of the mask. "Oh so everyone saw it? No point in hiding it now then."

<p style="text-align:left;">He then took it off and set it on the floor next to him, revealing that his supposed neck length hair was actually a wig attached to the mask, his real hair being gothic like and perfectly covering his left eye. His right eye being golden in shade, and a fairly youthful appearance on his face. The most notable feature on his face was a scar running along his nose.

<p style="text-align:left;">"You can't judge someone based on the outside, like they say." he commented with a sly smile.

<p style="text-align:left;">Shrugging, Souji smiled. "Well, if its a beautiful woman you sure can. Haha. Though you have to admit, if someone made an entrance like you did back then, what would you expect that person to be like? Or if every woman you met introduced herself like Saori did, wouldn't you think they're all bat-shit crazy? Am I right?"

<p style="text-align:left;">"True, but still, it's better to learn a bit more about someone, rather than base feelings on initial meetings." he replied.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Yea Mister Pretty Boy. I bet that's something you would say. Just one thing, Akasha, I kinda have a thing for her but I think she may have a thing for Kazuma since they just happen to show up together. But then there's you, so don't go using your looks to entice her either haha." Souji snickered as he looked over to see Saori and Akasha snuggling even more.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Well, you can't let something that hurt your chances." Rushifa replied, reclining in the seat once more. "Hell, she might have it in for you too. But all I know, is that just about every girl i've met has flirted with me in some way or another. These girls around here included."

<p style="text-align:left;">His jaw dropping, a look of surprise was covering Souji's face. "R-really? You didn't flirt back did you? That wouldn't be very good. But hey, I suppose I just have to overcome you with pure talent to get what I want. Haha. No worries, I'm sure one of these days I'll best you in battle.'

<p style="text-align:left;">"Yeah, maybe when my bones are cracked and I can't move you might..." Rushifa said, looking back up at the ceiling with a wry smile as he joked with his friend.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Heh. Someone's getting cocky. You're just lucky that I don't go all out against my friends. Haha." Souji smiled as he stretched out. "Let's get some rest, we're probably gonna need it for tomorrow."

<p style="text-align:left;">"Yeah..." Rushifa replied, leaning his head back on his recliner, sighing in slight anxiety.

<p style="text-align:left;">"Cause god knows what'll happen then...."

Severing Ties!
"Man that was boring as hell...."

Jigoku had both of his hands on the back of his head and his facial expression one of annoyance as Mael walked casually out into the palace belonging to his king with him.

"I wish ole' kingy had given us something better to do. Hell, maybe we could have sent the white haired guy over there by himself and wouldn't have to worry about it." he complained.

"You forget, Jigoku." Mael began without looking at him. "We, along with Isabella going over there, was simply what the King wanted. Everything worked out perfectly."

"I'm saying I wished it was more exciting. Those guys we were fighting we so weak! Hell, even Rushifa wasn't what I thought he would be!" he went on, looking back at Mael in annoyance.

"And you think you're powerful enough to defeat them on your own? Don't make me laugh. If your buddy wasn't there to watch your back, they probably would've extinguished the flame of your life. I could feel that much from where I was." Zeliel calously laughed as he pulled a syringe from a sleeve and tossed it to Mael. "Give that to your King or whatever, he wanted that for some reason."

"Oh yeah?" Jigoku retorted, glaring back at Zeliel. "What about your dumbass? You kept going on and on and on about killing the guy, and when you finally have the chance to, you freaking run off! What, it's no wonder that Tier slut kicked you out so quickly. You're a fucking wuss!"

Mael simply caught the syringe and placed it in his pocket.

Drawing his blade, Zeliel appeared near Jigoku. "You wanna say that again you stupid shit? I don't give a damn if you're feeling foolish enough to talk down to me, but if you want to speak ill of my Queen, I will cut you down where you stand. I will make your death so painful that you can only beg to be sent through every level of Hell for the rest of miserable existance."

Jigoku didn't even flinch, in fact giving the silver haired man a sinister grin as he appeared near him with his blade being drawn. "Well, looky here. We got ourselves a real tough guy, don't we Mael?"

"I suggest that tensions between you two be soothed, immediatley." Mael said to the both of them in a low, cool voice, "The last thing we need is a fight in his majesty's palace."

"Why the hell not?!" Jigoku retorted in an angrier voice. "Hell, we don't need this freak anymore! And his little whore Queen of his is about to fall under the King's boot anyways! Why don't we just ditch the little fucker here and now and be done with it?!"

"Because..." Mael replied, eyeballing Zeliel with a half lidded, almost sinister glare with his blood red eyes. "...that's not what King Nikolai wants for him."

Sheathing his blade, Zeliel frowned. "Pathetic. That smug attitude is gonna get you impaled one of these days before you even know it. Heh. A shit like you isn't even woth my time, your vile toungue couldn't even reach the Queen, you're pathetic power would be nothing in front of her."

Turning to Mael, Zeliel continued "Oh? You bastards still have more work for me? Well, well. Why don't you bring it on?"

"But of course..."

SHIGURK!!!!!

"...Mr. Zeliel."

Before the latter could react, the cunning red haired Arrancar reappeared directly in front of the silver haired Arrancar, before plunging the very same syringe that he had given him just seconds ago, into the very center of Zeliel's chest, pressing down on the button at it's other end and carefully extracting some life essence from Zeliel, as well as push a slightly paralyzing substance into his body

When it was done, Mael ripped the syringe out of his chest, before turning away from him. "Your buisness with his majesty is concluded, Zeliel. We no longer have any need of your talents." He then turned to give him a half lidded glare. "And I would think carefully about retaliating if I were you. You won't hardly be able to move for the next few minutes."

"You smug bastards....what did you do to me!?" Coughing and baely able to move, Zeliel sneered wildly trying to maintain conciousness as he looked upon the glaring faces of those in front of him. "You'll be sorry you betrayed me this day...just you wait. You'll get your comeuppance." Stumbling back, Zeliel ripped his hand through the space behind him opening a small Garganta. "I will.....be...back."

SLAM!!!

"Oh just shut up already!" Jigoku snarled, before slamming his foot into Zeliel's stomach area, sending him through the portal at a faster rate than the latter intended.

"Rather brunt of you, Jigoku." Mael commented, placing the syringe back in his pocket.

"Yeah well, little creep was getting on my damn nerves." The orange haired Arrancar replied, placing his hands back in his pockets and turning away. "Alright, lets get that stupid thing back to Ebern and see what happens."

"Right." Mael replied, before turning in sync with Jigoku to leave the area, on to Ebern's lab.

Back at the gang's house, early in the morning, Rushifa lay in the same recliner that he was in before he conked out, his head tilted all the way back on the seat. With a groan, he picked his head up and looked around, wincing in slight soreness from a rough sleep.

"...Ow. Not used to sleeping like that...." he groaned lowly.

Standing in the kitchen cooking breakfast, Saori waved over toward Rushifa. "Good Morning! I hope you slept ok. Mind waking the guys up? Akasha is already in the shower."

"Shhhh.....its too earlyand I want some eggs!! Or...just have Akasha come cuddle with me after she gets out the shower." Souji yawned as he finished his sentence before rolling back over. "Wake me when everything has been decided."

"Really...?" Sighing as she nodded toward the two sleeping bodies on the floor, Saori motioned towards Rush as well. "Would you mind?"

"Hm? Yeah..." he said with a low grown, slowly leaning forward and placing his foot on Souji's back, before nudging him rather hard like. "Hey~ It's been decided, you guys have to wake up."

"Leave me alone!!" Souji snapped, turning over and biting down on Rushifa's foot. "MMapphhhggregghh!!"

Shaking himself awake, Kazuma wiped the rool hanging from his mouth before wiing his eyes in confusion. "Er...what's going on here now? We're eating other for breakfast are we? Sigh....its far too early for all of this you know. At least wait till noon."

"Muy sawit...." Spitting out Rushifa's foot, Souji continued. "As I was saying...YOU wait till noon. I want my sleep. Stop waking me up!"

"Um, ow?" Rushifa said, more confused rather than in pain at Souji biting his toe. It didn't hurt him at all, when he felt like it really should have...

He then popped his neck into place with a couple of sound snaps, before looking over at Kazuma. "Hey....guy who's name I forgot, where's that Isabella chick? I have a feeling she isn't here, which won't be a good thing...."

"You...for--" Before Kazuma could he finish a sentence he was muffled by Saori stuffing a pancake into his moutth and taking over for him.

"Oh...she went to share the bath with Akasha. Well....Akasha forced herself into the bath wwith Isabella is more appropriate to say. She didn't run out screaming and I didn't hear anyone killing each other so I guess either its far too awkward to say anything or maybe she just didn't care. Either way they should be out pretty soon. Though...don't you think its a little too early for you to be after her? Tehehehe." Saori teased as she walked back to the kitchen

"Erm, well I was just making sure....you know...in case she was up to no good.....oh boy..." he finished, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "You reeeeeally shouldn't have told me that...."

Her back turned to the guys in the room, Saori laughed. "Oh? Why would that be? Did you plan on being the one to join her? Hmmm?" At the moment her senses felt a shock as she suddenly reached for a sharp knife, throwing it behind her and pinning Kazuma to a wall.

"Think you were slick huh? I had a feeling that you were trying to go sneak a peak." Saori began laughing before seeing Souji running. "Crap!"

"Go Souji!!" Kazuma exclaimed as he gave his friend a boost with a throw. "Enjoy the promise land for all of us!"

Flying down the way toward the batth area, Souji's heart was racing as he reached for the door. "I'm gonna mak-buah!"

SMACK!!

The bath's door came flying open as Akasha looked around while standing in a towel. "What's all the ruckus out here?"

"No...." Rushifa said calmly to Saori after the two men made a move. "...because now I'm not going to be able to focus for the rest of today."

"Um..." Isabella's quiet voice rung out from behind Akasha, also in a towel. "...is everything...alright out there?"

"Wow! Who knew such lovely skin could exist on an Arrancar!" Souji exclaimed as he marveled over Isabella's frame. As he lusted over her, his eyes were gouged by Akasha.

Holding her fingers in place, she was flushed red. "Where do you think you're looking?! Low class men like yourself aren't allowed to drool over us superiors." As she finished, she realized that Souji had both her arms locked in place causing her to frantically try to get him off. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!!?"

"GO RUSHIFA!! Grab the towel and grant all of us passage into the land of paradise!!" Souji yelled with a following solemn nod.

"How much did you drink last night exactly?" the black haired man replied calmly as he couldn't help but eyeball the two girls, but quickly turned his gaze away from them. "No thanks. I prefer living over getting my ass beat...."

This caused Isabella to giggle briefly, before clearing her throat and going back to her composure, waiting for Souji and Akasha to finish their scuffle before moving, due to fear that something might happen with the towel around her form....

Without Rushifa's assistance, Souji was left dumbfounded as to why he received no help in the final moments. Looking up at Akasha, he gulped as she grasped her towel.

"I do hope you're ready to die." Without giving Souji a chance to respond, Akasha clenched her fist before raising it to his jaw sending the blue-haired shinigami soaring through the ceiling of the large flat. "Now, where's Kazuma!?"

Flailing back towards the back door, Kazuma jumped to reach the exit before Akasha's fist came crashing down upon his back as she jumped several feat to punish the partner in crime. "Arggh!" Kazuma's voiced was barely there as he layed unconcious.

Now standing directly in front of Rushifa with a proud look upon her face, Akasha smiled before looking around. "Has it always been this cold in here?"

"Uhh....Akasha....you...." Saori was standing back next to Isabella, lifting up a towel off the ground. "You forgot to secure it back on before jumping.

This caused Isabella to cover her mouth and blush with a bit of embarresment.

"Uh..." Rushifa replied with a slightly wide eyed gaze. "...no...no, actually. It's ah...kinda hot in here now..."

"YOU PERV!!!!" Akasha shreiked before throwing a fist

THWACK!!!

<p style="text-align:center;">Later that day...

Now everyone was back in the main room, with the men all having ice packs on their faces.

Souji's jaw was finally going back down from the swelling caused by Akasha's vicious strike. "Well...now that the morning fun is over, Rush....what do you think? I mean...you think we should try to figure out how to take the fight to them before they come at us again?"

"I don't really care..." Rushifa comically said in a low voice as he held onto the ice pack next to the side of his head. "I think after earlier today, I really don't feel like fighting at all...."

"You can say that again." Kazuma moaned from nearby. "I'm exhausted and the day just started...."

Sighing, Akasha stomped down on the ground. "Come on you pansies. Get it together already. We have to take the fight to them before they come back ready for round two. I for one don't want to just sit on my ass all day waiting for something to happen, its time we settle things."

"What's the point?" Rushifa replied without moving, or changing his expression. "They just left, one of them even said that they'd fufilled their assignment or whatever the hell it was supposed to be called. After what we just fought, do you really want to go chasing after them?"