The War of Four: Recollection

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"I will always be watching over you..." This article, The War of Four: Recollection, is the sole property of Mangetsu and cannot be used, edited, or referenced without his explicit permission, with the exception of collaboration articles.

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The War of Four: Recollection - Act I

A Conquered Dominion; Eyes of the Tyrant

"How's she holding up, doctor?"

"She's stable. The nanogens injected into her bloodstream should be enough to heal and repair any internal damage done to her. Thankfully, all major injuries dealt were in fact internal, so as long as she takes it easy, she should be fully okay within a couple of hours..."

Voices. That was all Brina could hear within her blackened state of consciousness. Although she could hear voices, her mind could not identify or recognize them right away. Her consciousness was too muddled for that, and her body was too numb to move any of her limbs to make any movement. It was as if she had been freshly woken up from a deep sleep.

"Is she comprehensive enough to wake up and talk to us?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. She and the Grey's leader need to be notified of the developments, and I don't want to spend too much time explaining the same thing twice--"

Finally, however, she found it within her to let out a groan which silenced the two voices. As she found the strength to move her arms, the first thing she did was lift her hands up to her face. "Urk... oh, god..."

"Hey, she's waking up!"

"Heeey~ That was quick." Rushifa said, sitting in a seat next to her and in a leaning position, his hands folded together calmly as he spoke. "Alot quicker than I thought it would be."

"R...Rushifa...?"

As her consciousness became clearer, Brina soon heard the sound of rotary blades spinning just outside. She could feel herself moving, despite her body lying prostrate on something solid. When she removed her hands from her face, she could see a figure moving away from one side of her while another stayed on the opposite side. That and the one behind her would be the two she would recognize.

"Nnngh..." She attempted to sit herself up, only to be held in place by a hand grasping her shoulder. Instinctively, she turned her eyes toward the figure who did it.

"Easy, ma'am..." It was the one known as "Disciple", who was giving her a knowing look as she kept her from getting up. "You passed out due to the anesthetic effect of the nanogens we gave you. Although most of the injuries you sustained were fixed up, there's still some trauma detected within the affected areas. You'll have to take it easy."

"Kumiko..." Brina whispered, allowing herself to lie back on the bed. "Glad to see you're still alive in one piece. I was certain that with what was happening with our air support, you had gotten cut down by the Head Captain..."

"The HC is being taken care of." Rushifa said to her calmly, shuffling his hands together as he spoke. "And all other airspace is clear. Any of our guys left down there are home free."

"So, that's it...?" Brina turned a questioning gaze towards the man, hesitant to believe it after her own crushing defeat. "We managed to push them back?"

"Yep..." Kumiko was quick to give an acknowledging nod. "All remaining forces are on the run, captured or killed in action."

This earned a heavy sigh of relief from the Dragon, and her body allowed itself to relax. She closed her eyes. "All right, then. Pilot, have this bird take us to the 2nd Division's HQ. We'll hold up there and begin setting up defensive perimeters. After all this, I think our soldiers deserve a bit of rest..."

A chuckle from the pilot. "I heard that..."

It was within this space and time that something unexpected occured.

"Hey...that's odd," the co-pilot stated over to the other pilot, "weren't we combatting the Head Captain in airspace not too long ago? What happened to him?"

Unfortunately, the answer question would revealed within the instant his sentence finished. 

"Maam! I spotted the Head Captain again! He's hovering at 1500 feet and maintaining altitude! Shall I have permission to engage?!"

Kumiko was the first to respond to that. Her head snapped around to the co-pilots, her tone sharp. "Negative, negative!" She barked. "You saw what he was doing to our air support moments ago! We're backing off. He's not our target anymore!" She knew that it was suicide to engage such a powerful enemy, especially with a casualty on board.

"Understood! En route to Onmitsukidō HQ-Wait! Something's happening!"

Furuidenshō glared down at the smoking, burning ruins of what he used to call his home. He remembered the day the Captain of the Royal Guard was satisfied with his powers and the abilities to control him, and he also remembered his warning:

"As long as you have strength, there will be forces at work to triumph over that strength! Whether its by means of cunning or aggression, they will find a way to beat you, no matter how many times you win! When that happens...what will you do? Are you willing to purge that evil by any means necessary, or accept defeat like a dog?"

"I...I will...not...stand for this!" Furuidenshō growled out, his body crackling ominously and the air beginning to quake with his Spiritual Pressure. In fact, the whole sky and earth of the Soul Society began to quake of his Spirutual Pressure, as a maganimously vibrant light erupted from his being and discharged....

VRRRRROAAAAR!!!

...a terrifying pillar of Spiritual Power, enveloping and erupting from his very being, stretching to nearly twenty meters in gait, and discharged high into the sky and directly below into a section of the ruined Rukonagi district below. What occured in the sky was the start of a vicious spiritual storm, crackling and thundering in response to his power, as well as the explosion of his energy pummeling below. 

That, and the hurricane-grade winds that began to throw any proximate aircraft awry, and created dangerous weather for en route air ships, such as the one Brina would stand in. The co-pilot began to sputter out, "What the Hell is he?! He's erupting some kind of energy from his body while throwing winds at us! What is he, insane?!"

"Ah shit...." Rushifa said in a low tone as he grabbed one of the handle bars above him with his left hand, while his right hand took hold of the table that Brina lay on. "Looks like he's pitching another one of his fits again. Pilot, get us as far away from the pillar as you can." he finished, directing his last sentance to the pilot.

"Roger that! Breaking away!"

As the two pilots worked to keep the Wasp within the air, Brina shut her eyes tight. Her body tensed once more, the tension of the situation quickly getting to her. Inwardly, she prayed that her bird would make it through. It had been bad enough getting crushed by Sazuke and "marked" by Sui-Feng. But nothing would top getting killed in a aircraft crash.

"Nnngh... come on, you son of a bitch!!" The pilot snarled, struggling against the supernatural storm as he and the co-pilot fought his way through.

It was then, as suddenly as the pillar had been created it vanished. But within this sudden absence, a sudden electrical fissure discharged from Furuidenshō's blade, arcing wildly as it moved towards a condensed area of the Inner Circle's forces within the outer area of the Northeastern Rukonagi District...

SSSRK-BOOM!

...causing it to erupt in a spherical explosion, wiping out nearly a collaboration of two batallions within the area he destroyed, along with the living spaces formerly belonging to Rukonagi citizens. Furuidenshō shook his Zanpakutō hilt as he moved to strike another pocket of Inner Circle troops, blowing one after another as he aimed to eliminated everying around the Soul Society as he worked on purging the evil from without to within.

It was certainly a bad time for the pilots to relax.

The radio blared off, directing a statement towards Kumiko that made her blood freeze. "Disciple, the two battalions stationed within the Northeastern Rukongai District just flat-lined! What the hell is going on over there?!"

"It's the Captain-Commander!!" Kumiko reported back, her expression tense and alarmed. She had assumed that after the intense casualties that had ensued for their air support that he had been taken care of. But apparently, that wasn't a fate to cross them. "He just wiped out that entire area with just one swing of his sword--!!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

"--and he's pushing the offensive!! I need all remaining air support to zero in on hi--"

"I'm afraid that won't be necessary, Hamano-san..." Tsukishima's cool and calm voice cut through their intercoms. "The air support will not be enough to stop Shin'en's attack. You have done all you can do. Now, I think it's time that we end this little game. I have sent my puppets to his location to see how strong his resolve is. If it is weak, they will destroy him."

"And if it's not?!" Kumiko questioned.

A dark chuckle from the other end. "He'd better pray it is..."

"Now...this should be good..." Rushifa said with a dark smile as he heard his employer's words, knowing that this was only going to get better and better for his entertainment.

It was within the last, earth-shattering explosion that Furuidenshō felt what the unheard words meant. Looking just behind his shoulder, he quickly pivoted his body around to dodge an attack. Noticing the slight distortion within space, he knew it was Kyokko, and grasped the wrist of the extended arm he now detected. Swinging it around he hurtled it with impressive force, allowing him to see the perpetrator. 

"Shindō Takuji!" Furuidenshō growled, tightened his grip on the hilt of his Zanpakutō as he noted the black cloak garbed around his lithe and decievingly strong form, "I should've known they'd target the strongest Element-Weather-based user within the Gotei 13. I'm guessing they got more of you?"

"Yes," the shimmering form of Taiyō Ikidōri appeared, alongside Ryōken and Kōjaku, all of them appearing while radiating an alien Spiritual Pressure, as if they were filled with a foreign malice and contempt for the Head Captain that Furuidenshō never felt within them, "we all are. And we're going to put an end to your reign over the Soul Society, and establish the new order that is rightfully belonging there!" 

"Of course they'd choose the most talented of the Gotei 13 they knew that could be easily manipulated," Furuidenshō chuckled wryly as he spread his feet as he took a Kenjutsu stance, pointing his sword towards them, "four Captains of your caliber might actually be a challenge. Come then! Let's see what the puppets of the pupeteer can really do!" 

And then...they took off!

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

Shockwaves of Spiritual Pressure and explosions ranged high in the sky of the Soul Society. As the series of flashes and blasts of buffeting wind, one could see the elegant weaves and gestures of the Captains as they fought the Head Captain. With synchronized movements and tag-teaming tactics, they kept him on his feet, but the latter did not yet show signs of tiring. 

It would be a sight to see from all observers, it would truly be a magnificent battle to behold, as one master would fight four experts and would be contending on an even ground. 

In one moment, Shindō used Kirin to summon a series of lightning bolts to chase him, causing the Head Captain to move at instaneous speeds just to avoid them. Then, Kōjaku would move in and utilize a series of masterfully employed Kenjutsu strikes, keeping Furuidenshō on his toes long enough to have to absorb a kick from Taiyō tower-clog, shattering it with the extended palm...

BOOM!

...before discharging a vibrant and staggering blast of incredible proportions, scalding Taiyō to the point of unconsciousness. Knowing she was an expert healer, Furuidenshō made sure to breach the point of her pain tolerance so she wouldn't keep fighting or heal her comrades.

Ryōken didn't hesitate as he swung his water imbued trident, sending a geyser of cutting water towards his backside, intending on enacting some real damage. What happened instead, is the water and trident would strike a instaneously errected barrier, that would redirect the water and attack back upon the Captain, sending a Sokatsui in his direction. 

"AAAARGH!" Unfortunately, Ryōken wasn't prepared by the instaneous redirection and the follow-up Kidō, as an immense pillar of blue flames engulfed him as well, scalding him to the point of unconsciousness as well, sending him hurtling across the horizon and crashing down, through nearly a whole block of landscape within the Rukonagi Districts.

After sliding away from Kōjaku, he found himself facing a storm of sakura blossoms, all channeled with Shindō's electricity and aiming to initiate a storm of electricity from all angles as it surrounded him...

SSSSSRK!

"We got him!" Kōjaku crowed in accomplishment as it looked like the sphere compressed and Furuidenshō was overwhelmed. But Shindō's Tamenkyōme eyes told a different story. Reaching out, he grasped Kōjaku by the collar just in the knick of time as he pulled him back with a well placed Flash Step...

BOOOOOM!

As an immense, vibrant explosion ripped apart the manifested Bankai-grade blades along with the electrical forces imbued within them. What emerged from the rolling sphere of flames and energy, was a slightly tattered Haori-donned Head Capain, with not a scratch on his face. With a dark glare cast upon his face and an aura of silver Spiritual Pressure, he had all the looks of the intent to kill. 

"You honestly think just because you overwhelmed your colleagues with your teamwork, means a damned thing when it comes to facing against me? If fought against the infamous Shiroyasha, the Silver Flame of the Royal Guard, Ultharon! Whom have you faced?! The gap between our experience and power is the distance between the moon and the Sun!" 

"We shall see about that!" Kōjaku chuckled, raising his blade up in sync with Shindō, both of them knowing what would come next. 

"BAN-KAI!" 

VOOOM!

SSSRK-ROAAAAR!

Within unison, two pyres of Spiritual Power were discharged. One of golden-blue laced Spiritual Energies, while the other one appearing to be vibrant, electrical energy that caused the whole storm overhead to gain shape and form. When the stormhead discharged a magnanimously overpowering bolt of Spiritual Power, enveloping Shindō, the two revealed their respective Bankai forms.

One of a golden raiment, befitting of the finest of nobility with a circular golden guard on his golden trimmed Zanpakutō hilt. The other, enveloped in a thick-black-white aura of what appeared to be a twisted manifestation of a lightning angel, covering the sudden release of his Hollowfication. With the two's relased Bankais, and the other's Hollowfication, the thick and roiling Spiritual Pressures crackled and blasted all around the Head Captain. 

"How will you deal with us now, Head Captain Shin'nen?" Kōjaku chuckled menacingly, as he pointed his blade at his former superior, "you know the power of my Zanpakutō well, right? You know the power of Shindō? We are now transcendent beyond your power! You can't possibly-"

"You don't even know," Furuidenshō spoke lowly, raising his left hand in emphasis, a small orb of Spiritual Energy concentrated within its center, "how much I've been holding back. But now, I believe the curtain can finally be drawn...on your poor manipulated lives...forgive me..."

"What are you-"

But then, it happened. 

What Furuidenshō unleashed didn't appear like any form of Kidō he had released before. At its core, it took many different culminations of different numbered spells and interweaved them into a massive release. And then, it would be discharged...

BOOOOOOM!!!

...sending out a kilometer wide gait of a roiling blast that ripped the foundation of the eastern section of the Seireitei and the Rukonagi buildings within its direction. The blast looked like a fiery twister of lightning, surging forward with so much speed and force, they never had time to dodge. As the thunderous blast was released, Furuidenshō's coat was ripped off due to the stress, and his elaborate Kidō armor was revealed underneath, and his eyes looked focused and intending on ending this fight. 

When the blast finally receded, one could see kilometers of a carved, flaming trench that stretched on beyond the horizon. When Furuidenshō looked through the thick haze and smoke, he saw the two falling forms of his former comrades. Had they attacked, he knew he would've suffered injuries, but he knew he had to aim to hit them at full power. He did register as soon as they crashed into the ruined earth below that they were alive, but only because of reflex and protection they weaved in an effort to shield them.

"It is finished," Furuidenshō spoke, raising his blade as he prepared to kill them all before they could have a chance to rise again, "I will kill you now so you will no longer endager the Soul Society we all swore to protect. I'm sorry its come to this...my friends...!"

"He's going to kill his own mates?!" The pilot muttered, shocked at the display.

"Oh, well." Tsukishima's voice said casually and dismissively. "They were expendable to the very end. If he kills them, that would simply cripple the backbone of the Soul Society's defenses. Of course, if he is able to do it in time..."

I'd let him do it... Rushifa thought inwardly as he watched and listened. It was a good thought, letting Furui's arrogance over his power get the best of him, and therefore let him do something as foolish as weaken his own military's strength altogether.

Furuidenshō swung his blade, and then, something curious happened. 

A voice stopped his gait altogether. Words that he'd never forget. Words that haunted him and the Soul Society to this day. The words, that stopped his resolve to kill his comrades-turned-enemies all-together. 

"My my...you certainly are a lot more ruthless than I remember you to be," Sōsuke Aizen spoke, a thin mocking smile enamored on his fair features, as his discolored eyes locked onto the shocked features of Furuidenshō himself, "Furuidenshō Kakkotaru Shin'nen..."

Furuidenshō couldn't believe his eyes. The infamous and legendary threat the Soul Society believed to be dead in the wake of the Ultharon War. The one whom turned comrades against each other, experimented on colleagues, and attempted to destroy an entire populace to just ascend into the Royal Palace. The one, standing before him, with tremendous power...that he could plainly feel that shattered him to his core. 

For the first time since this war, and for over three centuries, Furuidenshō, was afraid. 

"Every man has his weakness..."

From where the Horsemen were, Tsukishima spoke with a calm yet satisfied tone as he continued to broadcast his messages to his troops. Although the rest of them expressed varying degrees of surprise at Shin'en's sudden change in attitude, Tsukishima seemed to have expected this. "For as you can see, in the face of the Soul Society's greatest enemy, even the strongest of their warriors falter. However, the repercussions will be far worse..."

For it was not just Aizen that had entered the field.

"I concur..." a dark, foreign sounding voice spoke aloud from Aizen's left. Here, it was a tall, well built man who appeeared to be in his mid to late forties, wearing a white trenchcoat and matching pants, black boots and gloves, along with a long, tattered black cloak over all of it that covered most of his form. He had a pair of black muttonchops, but was otherwise clean-shaven, and he had long black messy hair that stretched down to his lower back. 

It was a being Furuidensho hadn't seen in hundreds of years.

"However, from what I can see, I would call it more...desperate than ruthless." Juhabach finished, his glowing red eyes matching with his dark, smooth grin as he stared down his old enemy from centuries ago.

"Sōsuke...and Juha...!" Furuidenshō uttered out, his eyes suddenly capturing the image of an enemy he thought long to be dead. But, that had been a mistake for Sōsuke Aizen, one of which he shouldn't doubt himself now. Already he could feel an overwhelming hatred for the two rise to the surface, his eyes glazing over a silver light from his irises as he showed his commitment to kill them, "how dare you come back and show your faces after all this time! Siding with these bastards will only end in your own downfall!" 

"Now now, Furui-san," Sōsuke spoke in a reprimanding tone, keeping his smile intact while waving his finger towards him, "try to keep your voice down. We wouldn't want your comrades to believe you're losing your nerve, would we?"

"After all..." Juha spoke in a similar tone, raising an eyebrow as his grin remained. "A leader on the verge of breaking is all an army needs in order to utterly crumble. But then again..."

His eyes glanced over the ruined Seireitei, and then came back to Furuidenshō once more. "...you don't seem to have an army to speak of."

Unfortunately, Juha's last statement seemed to snap something deep within Furuidenshō. He could give a damn about what they thought or if he acted appropiately. As far as he was concerned, all of the battles he's fought were anything but appropiate. This is war, after all...

"ENOUGH!" Furuidenshō shouted out, in sync with a swing of his blade, streaming out explosive energies to be released simultaneously upon release...

BOOOOOOOM!!!

...sending an earth-shattering pyre that stretched a good twenty five meters in gait, stretching out like a missile as he roared out into the distance, detonating with incredible fury behind the two entities as he flourished around them, intending on reducing them to dust. 

However...what appeared behind the blast of energy, was Sōsuke Aizen and his associate. Sōsuke just smiled tauntingly, as he had merely raised his left hand in emphasis, blocking onslaught of destructive energies without even as much as marring his skin or his clothes. 

"Was that really all you had?" Sōsuke asked in a taunting, disappointed tone, "if this is all the great hero of the Ultharon War has to offer, I must've overestimated your abilities. Despite that Kidō you've thrown out before, you have nothing close to the abilities the Primera of the Espada Afilado possessed..."

"Th-The Primera?!" Furuidenshō suddenly asked in aghast wonder, not knowing what he meant. Did Sōsuke actually go to Hueco Mundo before this all happened? Was that where he found Juha, hiding this whole time?

"Juha-san," Sōsuke spoke to his colleague, looking to see if his condition was just as durable as his own, "I'll let you entertain yourself with the Head Captain. He's not in a position to prove a challenge to me at this time. Consider this...a present...for a rematch you've been aching for after all these centuries..."

"With pleasure, Aizen Sousuke." the unscathed Juha replied as he looked over to his ally with a wry grin. "I'll be sure to leave him partially in tact. I couldn't possibly hope to take all of the enjoyment of this....skirmish for my own. Just be sure you steer clear of any crossfire..."

He then looked back to the Commander with that evil gaze once more. "Because there will be Hell to pay for what this Shinigami wretch has done."

SHFT-BOOM!

"Shut your damned mouth!" Furuidenshō snarled in aftermath of his movement. Having moved with a Flash Step that far exceeded his previous limitations of the Ultharon War, he moved to Juha's front, stepping just below his reach before he launched corkscrewing motion of his left arm. The force utilized would be enough to blow his adversary back, if not send him stumbling in the wake of a follow-up exploding slash of his Shikai across his front. 

However, the impact of his fist connecting with Juha's chest would feel like a fist hitting a dense wall of pure steel. Juha's form remained stationary, as if he were protected by some form of incredibly durable defense cast around his body. He cast a dark look cast down upon Furui as he reached up...

...and then slammed his fist down on Furuidensho's back with mighty force, hitting him before the man's Shikai could come around to follow up on his attempted attack. The force of this blow would be strong enough to send him careening into the ground below at incredibly high speeds.

CRK-FWHOOSH!

Thanks to the Kidō armor, Furuidenshō didn't go far. As the force flung his body down a good dozen meters, Furuidenshō glared back up, flipping his body around before propulsing himself back up to face his nemesis. He then began to utilize a series of blindingly swift, even for his own caliber, Flash Steps to catch his opponent off guard. Moving through every angle possible, Furuidenshō continued to lay out the pressure, utilizing the splitting nature of his Zanpakutō, intending on severing the compacting bonds of the inflated-spirit-energized blood vessels and slice through his skin. 

The fluency of his gestures suggested that of an incredible swordsman, as well as one who practices his body to instinctively move into his enemy's blindspots and react accordingly to instaneous reactions made by his opponents. While Furuidenshō may be a young Head Captain, his experience and prowess in battle spoke volumes of his skill.

But by the time he had done so, Juhabach had drawn his own weapon; a Spirit sword shaped like a dadao. With one simple slash, the first of Furui's attacks were parried. Along with his slash came a cutting set of other slashes from Juha, matching that of Furuidenshō's own. It would be surprising, after all. Juha hadn't spent the past 450 years doing nothing.

"You must be quite infuriated..." the Quincy spoke with that same wry grin of his, their sword fighting still going on. "Or humiliated one. For the bulk of your military to have been destroyed from the inside out...is truely an embarrasing accomplishment. I can just imagine what Yamamoto would be thinking right now..."

Within the space of Juha speaking, Furuidenshō allowed himself to smile. He remembered the last time he fought this man. Having underhandingly stolen the power of his sensei, he wasn't prepared to face him down all those centuries ago, and now he was entirely confident. Apparently, he hadn't witnessed his triumph over Ultharon or what kind of powers he acquired over the last several centuries.

"You've dropped your guard down, Bach-baka!" Furuidenshō mocked the Quincy, as he backpedaled away from the man's last swipe, and snapped his fingers, "you honestly think I'd just sit there and parry with your sword swipes all day?! Touching my Zanpakutō was bad enough, but that many times..."

SNAP-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM...!

"...you couldn't possibly think that I wouldn't lace dormant Kidōs within it, would you?" He spoke in aftermath of the dozens of incredibly vibrant blasts, all stemming from the variant of Sōkatsui. While ordinarily, any Captain could demonstrate incredible destructive power from using such a Kidō, but Furuidenshō's employment looked like explosive fiery blasts of intense power that could rip apart a good few city blocks if they weren't so high in the air. They came both repeatedly and without quarter, as they were all laced from the man's sword and then launched indiscriminately and repetitively.

"You are truly a fool..."

Juhabach's next statement came out with a lowered smile. He had seen this manner of fighting before, used by this Commander's very teacher in their last fight. Using Kidou itself was a dire mistake on Furuidensho's part, especially when lacing it within Juha's own weapon.

A lesson that Juha would make him learn the hard way

All of the blasts began to come out, but they suddenley stopped midway, none of the capable of coming near him for some reason. Here, Juha's smile came back to normal as he glared at the Commander, pointing his weapon and all of it's laced Kidou right back at Furui's form. "You truly know nothing of Quincy's, do you?"

Then, his weapon, and the Kidou that was previously being discharged began to glow brightly, and then it all quickly formed into a massive, star like pinwheel that slowly began to spin around with it's center at Juha's palm.

"Kirchenlied: Windrad Drehendren!" he said aloud, as the massive star began to spin at much fast rates. Aimed right at Furuidensho, all of that collected and laced Kidou, along with Juha's spirit blade essence, began firing out at the Commander in the form of hundreds, if not thousands of human sized Heilig Pfeil. All of them came right for Furuidensho, aiming to lacerate him into bits until nothing remained.

There were various comments from soldiers who were watching from below.

"The whole sky's lighting up!!"

"Shit... I really don't get paid enough for these kinds of jobs..."

"I'm glad it's the Quincy and not us..."

Who could blame them for their comments? After all, compared to the supernatural powers fighting within the sky, they were nothing but ants. So it was natural that they would be relieved at the bane of their existence turning its attention to someone else.

"You shouldn't have tried that," Furuidenshō spoke lowly, waving his hand in emphasis as the Heilig Pfeil began their launch...

SSSSSRK-BOOM!

Within the wave of his hand, just as the storm of Heilig Pfeil were launching towards him suddenly lit up and exploded vibrantly, direction the force of the explosion itself back in Juha's general direction. The deft control of which Furuidenshō had over the fabric of Spiritual Energy of which was within his control, whether it was stolen or not, was showed in full testament to his abilities as a Head Captain. 

"...because to a Kidō Grandmaster...my heart is within my Kidō, and can never be stolen away. Unlike your artificial constructs, used only to destroy the bonds of life and death, my powers will never fade away," Furuidenshō opened his eyes, overshadowed by the bright vibrant series of blue-white energy separating the two warriors of the ages, "its something you can never understand, being the dark hearted monster you are, Juha Bach!" 

"Most impressive..." the Quincy said from a few feet away from Furuidensho. Having used a deft movement of Hirenkyaku to avoid the oncoming explosive force that was projected towards him. As of now, his suspicions of Furuidensho were becoming more and more confirmed. "But still a moot point. Regardless of how much "heart" you put into your Kidou, if such a thing were even possible, it is still spiritual energy. No matter which form of spell you use, I will always be able to use it for my own ends."

His gaze then narrowed. "Speaking of heart...when was the last time you saw Yamamoto in battle?"

"You know full well, Bach-baka," Furuidenshō spoke aloud as he turned around, regarding the dark cloaked Quincy while passively readying himself for whatever underhanded tactic he'd utilize, "it was the last time I fought you as well. I shortly set out on a sojourn to collect the knowledge and skills to fully master the Bankai I thought that I killed you with. Yamamoto was robbed of it by you during that day as well...and you were pitiful at wielding it against me!"

"And to think, it was that very sojourn that nearly cost all of Soul Society." Juhabach replied as he held out a hand in emphasis, smiling as usual. "When the God King of Hueco Mundo attacked this place with all of his might. If you had been there, perhaps Yamamoto would have been alive. Moreover, if you had arrived to his aid years before then, you could have stopped me from stealing his Bankai, a Bankai that could have stopped Ultharon in his tracks no less! But no matter. I plan on correcting your failure, as well as Yamamoto's, here and now..."

"If I worried about ever mistake I made, I'd never be where I am now. You certainly know how to carry grudges well, Bach-baka," Furuidenshō allowed himself to smirk, as he rose a brow in emphasis of his own personal joke on the archrival of his, "did being blown to kingdom come drop your ego so low, you want another round of humiliation?"

"No no, Shin'nen-San..." the Quincy grinned with glowing red eyes. "In fact, my defeat suffered years ago has taught me a few things. Gave me time to collect and rethink my means of bringing Seireitei to it's knees. You, on the other hand...will witness firsthand, what real humiliation is."

Shcink.....

A silver medallion came out of his sleeve and it's chain dangled on his finger. "I would ask you if you had ever seen Yamamoto's Bankai at it's full strength, but it would be useless to do so. You and I both know that he has only used it's full capabilities once, and that was against me, nearly 2'000 years ago."

He then smirked as he held the medallion up for Furui to see fully. "Would you like for me to show you?"

"That's it? You've been wasting all this time studying a power not your own? You really don't learn, do you, Bach-baka!" Furuidenshō snarled out, remembering the same posture that Ultharon held while using the Tamakujo. It was that same fury he held against an entity who used things not his own to control or his by right. 

With a lightning swift slash of his Zanpakutō, a geyser of bright, encompassing energy flew at him. The force would shred his reinforced body, as well as send what looked like a mountain peak sized column of explosive power against his enemy. All in an attempt to enact his plan to destroy Juha and undermine his plans...

Juha simply grinned, and spoke a single statement:

"Zanka no Tachi..."

Within saying that statement, a mighty burst of bright blue fire shot out and completely overwhelmed Furuidenshō's blast, all of it swirling around the Quincy like a mighty twister and then finally flowing within a single, burnt and rusted appearing sword in his hand. It's dark blue handle and gold tsuba were oddly in tact and normal, but the slightly blue tinted sword was all burnt as if it were put in a mighty fire. Every last bit of fire that was released, and all humidity and fire in Seireitei quickly came to the blade fully.

Pointing the blade at Furuidenshō and grinning with a sinister manner, he spoke in a dark tone. "Come then, Shin'nen. Let's see just how well you last in this little game!"

And within that sentance...

...He reappeared directly in front of Furuidenshō with an incredibly fast bout of Hirenkyaku, slashing the all but fatal sword towards the man's chest. If it hit, Furuidenshō would be blown into oblivion, and out of existance forever.

"Its...Sensei's...Bankai...!"

Furuidenshō's eyes went wide as he saw the enveloped energies and the flames of unmistakeable heat flow around him, allowing him to sift around the initial powerful wave of explosive force he dischaged. But Furuidenshō had sparred with his mentor's Bankai before, and he knew it was contorted and different. All he remembered was a black blade, that glowed orange like embers. He never actually saw a bodysuit of flames as hot as the Sun. 

But then, he knew what Juha meant about spending time and studying his stolen prize. As he saw Juha move with the Hirenkyaku maneuver, he knew all too well of the destructive properties lying within the blade. He knew his Kidō Armor might not be able to protect him from its almighty fury. But...

SHFT-SHFT-SHFT!

Within a triple prong of high-tier Flash Steps, Furuidenshō moved a good twenty meters behind Juha within the air. Swinging his blade towards him, it appeared as if nothing transpired wihtin the slash. But within the moment of his slash, the energies he laced within the sudden erupting Bankai, as well as the device itself, he knew he had his opponent within his grasp. Because within the waking moment of his slash...

CRRRK-BOOOOOOM!!!

The flames and the Spiritual Power exuded by Zanka no Tachi itself, turned into a giant bomb to be detonated at point blank where Juha would be. Even for all his impressive endurance, if a modified Bankai's power were to be turned into an explosive of the proportions Furuidenshō believed it to be, Juha would either have to forsake his newfound stolen power or die along with it. The power of the explosion itself turned into what looked like a tower of silver-blue energy that flowed down into the earth and up into the sky with a mighty shockwave that flourished the surroundings for a good several kilometers. 

"Your arrogance seems to know no bounds." the Quincy spoke behind the pillar, his voice giving the impression that he wasn't harmed, despite the magnificent power projected by the blast. With a single thrust, the pillar was all but destroyed in a brief bout of blue fire, with Juhabach remaining in place.

"That attack was certainly powerful, no doubt." he explained as he casually walked towards Furuidenshō. "But you see, I remember what your Zanpakutō is capable of, and against Zanka no Tachi, it will do you no good here. The flames that are held by this weapon are far too vast and powerful for it to be captured by that of your own. Didn't you learn that from Yamamoto?"

Furuidenshō's eyes widened in shock. Somehow, someway, Juha had withstood the explosion as he saw flames once again erupting from his being. But, that was just the thing...he knew the flames were doused and used for the explosion itself. So how did Juha survive? Narrowing his eyes, Furuidenshō pointed his blade while snarling, "Nice bluff, Juha, but you were never were present during my training with my master. My Zanpakutō is the only one in existance to have overpowered his own and was capable of surpassing it. No...you did something to your body to keep it from being consumed in the blast, something most likely my last adversary tried to do," Furuidenshō smiled confidently, "you hardened the joints and composition within your body to project as much Spiritual Pressure on the surface of your body to keep it from being damaged. Such fluent projection couldn't be achieved by the powers of a Bankai but a Quincy's Blut Vene...am I wrong?"

"Close, but not so." Juha continued as he continued his pace. "But I dont have time to explain how the abilities of my kind works to the likes of you. And now..."

He then came right above Furuidenshō, the blade pointed down and aiming to go straight through his head. "...your time is up as well!"

Furuidenshō smiled, before crouched lowly, while placing his left hand onto the surface of his blade as the back of it hugged his side, "Bankai..."

SHINK!

"...Fuhen Bunkatsu!" Furuidenshō shouted out, swinging his blade in a upheaving arc as he did so. What happened, would shake any observer to their core. 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!

During the swing of his blade, Furuidenshō released his Bankai's initial energies, sending enough energy up to swallow a mountain whole. It dwarfed his earlier Kidō by at least twice in mass, and its destructive properties would disassemble anything within its reach. The laws of elements or the heavens no longer applies to Furuidenshō's Bankai, it split and destroys anything within reach. 

However, within the wake of such awesome power, a hidden presence had approached to Furuidenshō's front...

SLICE-BOOM!

...and sent an earth-shattering slash of metal and force across his chest, breaking through the Kidō armored breastplate with ease as well as cause a geyser of blood to erupt from his waistline as his body was sent careening into the ground below. Within the wake of the immense shockwave created from Furuidenshō's impact, Sōsuke spoke aloud as he flicked the blood off his sword, "Tsukishima-san...I've taken care of your little pest problem, considering your men couldn't. Juha-san and I have secured your precious Seireitei for you," Sōsuke then spoke with a smile on his lips as he looked down at the smoldering cityscape below, "the Soul Society, is ours!"

"Hmph... so it is..."

Tsukishima's voice didn't sound too pleased at the subtle jab made within his direction. But he did well to dismiss it. He turned his voice towards the ones under his command, particularly the commanding officer. "All forces, the Seireitei's defenses have been neutralized. Maintain defensive perimeters and begin setting up blockades. After our forces are rejuvenated, we'll be knocking on his Majesty's doorstep in Yūrei."

A slight smirk came across Kumiko's face. "Move over, primitives..." She stepped up to the pilots' seats and looked out their windows to see the Wasps dominating the sky. Down below, she could see troops moving in to secure locations and clear out any remaining targets of resistance. Others were being captured and detained, presumably for interrogation and imprisonment. "This afterlife's going to be modernized..."

"Today marks the end of an era..." Juhabach spoke confidently, as he appeared next to Aizen. The Zanka no Tachi that he held was now sealed within his medallion once more and back in his pockets. His black cloak covered him entirely now, it's torn ends flourishing in the wind gently as he too smiled at the destruction of the Seireitei below him and his ally. "Yamamoto and his legacy have fallen at last."

Nice Day for a Hot Bath! Recouperation of the Weary

Angelika Hartmann was not in the best of moods as of this minute, despite having a breather from the chaos that had ensued within the Soul Society. Her efforts of eliminating Yashin had failed. She had been brutally beaten to within an inch of her life by Ryūketsu and nearly killed. She had to be carried in the arms of a Shinigami like some sort of damsel in distress - something that dealt a heavy blow to her pride. All in all, she had been treated like a casualty in war.

The only good thing she found out of it was that she was now relaxing like she was in any other home.

Currently, she was in a large room with enough space to hold a small group of people. The majority of that space was dominated by a pool filled with mist-shadowed waters. These weren't waters of the regular kind, but the ones that were known to heal and rejuvenate the body after times of great stress and injury. These were the waters that Angelika was currently sitting in - or more specifically, resting against the edge of the pool. The warm temperature of the waters was enough to ease what would've been her bitterness at the situation at hand. Her ponytail had been undone, and her old clothes had been discarded due to being soaked completely in blood. It was possibly one of the times she could consider herself the most vulnerable.

Naked in a bath with lots of other people nearby, even though she was currently alone.

She sighed heavily, closing her eyes and leaning her head back for a moment. She knew that for the moment, the Soul Society were allies. Of course, they could never truly tell what the Gotei 13 and the D.C.O. would do once all of it was over and done with. After all, it was most likely the V-14's presence that had caused the break in security for their forces. Who was to say a few of them wouldn't blame the mercenaries for what had happened to the Seireitei?

"I need a drink right now..."

"Hope you plan on getting one for all of us, then."

Angelika's eyes widened at the sound of Oliver's voice behind her.

She spun her head around with an instinctive and quick movement to look over her shoulder to see the man casually step in, a smug expression on his face. "Sitting all alone in a room without any clothes on. Didn't know you would make it that easy for me, Nazi..." He remarked with a jocular tone, chuckling afterwards. He used his foot to close the door behind him before approaching her with a casual gait, as if they were within any other situation.

Thankfully, Angelika wasn't the type to freak out, unlike other women who would've done so at the sight of a man entering a woman's bathing area. Instead, she gave him an annoyed glance before turning her head back forward. "The D.C.O. assured me that I wouldn't be disturbed by anyone."

"And you fucking believed that?" Oliver snickered. "Come on. As long as I'm here, you're going to be disturbed if I'm in that kind of mood." He stopped at the edge of the pool, squatting down to get down to her level as possible.

"They let you sneak in here?"

"More of like I just walked in like I owned the damn place. I don't think they noticed me, though."

An aggravated sigh came from Angelika, and she pulled one hand out of the water to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Holmes, if you just came here to annoy me, I'm really not in the--"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Immediately, Oliver took on a more surprised tone. He raised his hands up defensively, catching the German's attention again. "Calm down, boss. I may be an asshole most of the time, but even I know when to call it quits... regardless of contrary belief. I was trying to get you to relax..." As he looked outwards to the water, smirking a little. "Moreso than you probably already are."

After that, there was a silence that overtook the area. Angelika had closed her eye for a moment, slowly lowering her hand back into the water. Oliver looked at her curiously, tilting his head to the side. For what seemed like the longest moment, neither of them spoke. It wasn't an awkward silence, but rather one of pondering and comprehension. It didn't last long.

"So..." Slowly, she shifted her body around so that she could rest her arms on the pool edge, looking up at him expectantly. "Why exactly are you here?"

That was when Oliver's smile slowly faded into a more solemn and somewhat weary look. He took a pause before answering the question. "One of the D.C.O. was carrying your broken body here and telling me what happened. Ryūketsu had torn you up pretty bad. I think you got the worst out of all of the V-14's injuries, all things considering..." He resisted the urge to flinch when Angelika's eye narrowed into a glare.

"Get to the point."

Another silence. And then...

"...you're not alone."

Those three words took Angelika by surprise. Her anger was quick to go away, her eye widening. But Oliver continued speaking. "Being tossed around like a ragdoll... drowning in the mud with your foe holding you down and laughing their ass off... having no chance to regain your dignity whatsoever... trust me when I say I've been there. You knew that when you saw me lose my shit against Mōshin. It's not fun, knowing that you've been probed every which way and there's nothing you can do about it. But..."

Slowly, he shifted himself so that he was lying down on his stomach, completely level with her. His blue eyes stared into her lone one. "There's something that differentiates us from the rest of the ones who've been pushed on their back repeatedly. Time and time again, we've shown that we were fully capable of pulling ourselves back up. I've had to do it all my life, and I'm pretty sure that you needed to, as well. That's what makes up the backbone of a true leader, when you can pick yourself off of the ground and keep pushing forward. That's what gives the ones who follow you their own sense of morale, helping you every step along the way. When it comes to that, you've failed to disappoint."

It was scaring her to know that the normally hot-headed Oliver was speaking to her like this. Not only that, but he actually made sense within his words. In the time that had passed between them, she had actually allowed herself to forget the extent of her closeness with him as well as the rest of the Alpha team. She was more than just a leader to them. She was their closest friend, one of their most reliable weapons and possibly even more. Under that knowledge, her gaze started to waver a little, and she briefly found herself averting her gaze.

"Yashin's been using us as our puppets from start to finish." She muttered softly. "Even considering that... what else can I do?"

Oliver slowly shook his head. "I wish I could tell you, boss. But one thing you have to keep in mind. If you want to have at least a chance of winning this battle, you've got to keep pushing forward. Let them know that they have the upper hand, and they'll never let you get it back..."

Once again, a silence overswept the area. Slowly, Angelika lowered her head to the point of her face being shielded from view. But Oliver wasn't discouraged by this, looking down on her with empathy and understanding. He wasn't going to rush her through it. He could wait it out. When it came to the likes of his boss, he could afford to be patient...

"...why?"

It was in one of the most subtle ways possible. Her voice was still composed and calm, but there was the slightest hint of weakness within her tone that caught his attention. She lifted her head up to meet her gaze again, expressing a mixture of mild confusion and pleading. "In all of the years that you've been under my service, you never spoke to me like this. What could've caused this...?"

A small smile crossed Oliver's face. "You could say the bout I had opened my eyes in more ways than one. All that time, I gave all I could to you. My loyalty, my life and my service... all of it was put in your hands for any way you saw fit..." Slowly, he reached with one of his hands. His palm gently brushed against the side of her face, seemingly warmer than even the comfortable temperatures of the water she was in.

"But I would've never thought that you'd have the nerve to take my heart..."

What happened next seemed automatic for the two of them.

Slowly, Oliver closed his eyes and leaned in, with Angelika naturally following his lead. Their lips met in a slow and passionate kiss, one that overshadowed the first chaste one that they had. At that moment, the German moment felt her heart race furiously within her chest - a feeling that she thought she'd never be capable of. For the first time, she was starting to reconsider her thoughts about her being vulnerable and exposed at this moment.

Maybe, in times like this, it was okay to be weak...

Unfortunately, their privacy was going to be short lived...

CLICK-SHHHHHFT!

...as the door to the medical room opened, revealing what would've been a comical sight to any other observer. Kaien Shiba, a previous ally in other scenarios to both the Gotei 13 and now V-14, was standing there in a bathing suit. With a well-defined show of his muscles and the near bareness of his figure was only off-set by the cheeky grin on his face. 

"Hallo, gov'nor! I brought some company I thought you might-uhhhhh!" Kaien opened his eyes, widening them to enormous proportions as he gaped at what would've been a fantasy of his own. The currently nude, bathing Angelika was making out with Oliver, and he only wished he was alone. Because of the company of bringing along Asuka, she had to resist the urge to make a further fool of himself other than dressing up the way he was now...

It was at the sound of his voice that both Angelika and Oliver's eyes widened in complete shock.

They broke apart from one another, with Oliver snapping his head to look over his shoulder. Both of them froze in their place, locking stares onto the man and woman that had just entered the room. For the longest moment, no one moved. Asuka, in particular, was returning their stares with a shocked look of her own. It was as if both sides were staring within a mirror. Time might as well have been frozen at that particular moment.

But fortunately, Asuka made the decision to break it.

Her eyes squinted shut in two upside down U's, a pleased smile on her face. "Aww, look, Kaien! We interrupted a special moment..." She said lightly, folding her arms across her chest.

"...in my defense," Oliver said blandly, rolling himself over and getting up to a sitting position. "You morons left the door unlocked."

"...what's with the bathing suit?" Angelika deadpanned, returning to her dry and near-stoic demeanor as she regarded the Shiba clan member with a slight amount of suspicion.

Kaien couldn't help but clear his throat before scratching the back of his neck, "I was going to come in and see if I could join Miss Hartmann to cheer her up from what's happened recently. Builing up morale was always a strong suit of mine, but seeing as I am interrupting budding romance, ahem!" He cleared his throat once more, before winking at Angelika, "I'm just glad you found such a capable warrior as a lover. From what I am told, he was able to possess the will to manifest his sealed Zanpakutō and use it in such effectiveness that he beat the enemy whom had been giving you and your partner such a hard time! Such skill and passion is rarely seen in my line of work, especially under such pressure..." 

"I thought I made it perfectly clear that I was not to be di--" Angelika started with an annoyed tone, but cut herself off once she completely registered what had been said. She looked to Oliver in surprise, blinking a few times. She had always assumed that Oliver had been a "normal" throughout his Aethan days, based from what she saw in his service. For him to have suddenly manifested a Zanpakutō for usage against the enemy was one of the most shocking developments that she heard. "Wait a minute. You have possession of your own Zanpakutō?"

"....oh, right. I never did tell you about that, did I?" Oliver suddenly bore a sheepish look on his face, frowning lopsidedly as he looked away from her for a brief moment. However, he regained himself immediately, turning himself so that he was facing her once again. "I didn't spawn it just at that moment. I reawakened it, having kept it buried within me for so long. I never thought it would show itself now, of all times..."

"What happened?" Angelika questioned immediately, looking intently at him.

"Well," Oliver began to make motioning gestures within his hands as he explained. "You see, just like everyone else, Hyōryū and I were getting our asses kicked. The guy we were handling wasn't even breaking a sweat, and while we were trying to catch our breath, he takes Sis off guard and cuts her down. I got so pissed off right then, thinking that he killed her... pissed off that I couldn't do a thing about it... and then, something happened. All of a sudden, I began to feel this... presence within me, and I heard a voice speaking in my head. I couldn't recognize it then, but I do now. It was my Zanpakutō's spirit..."

He looked up briefly to see if the other two were listening as well, before he continued. "As she was speaking to me, I heard my own voice answering back to her. But I wasn't the one doing the talking. It was as if someone else was speaking to her for me, but all of what it said was true. She asked me what did I want, and I told her that I wanted the bastard destroyed. Before I knew it, I felt an energy leaving me... and when I regained my senses, I saw him lying like someone just beat the everloving shit out of him. I look to one of my hands, and I see that I'm holding the blade I never thought I'd see again..." All of this was delivered with an incredulity, as he was still overcoming his own surprise at the event.

"Your spirit was looking out for you, Oliver-san..." Asuka said gently, giving him a warm smile. "Be thankful that it surfaced when it did. Otherwise, I think you both would've ended up like Angel-chan and the others..."

This prompted Angelika to turn her attention away from Oliver and towards the two. "And what are the status of the others?" She asked, the question more pointed towards Kaien considering he was part of the ones that had saved them.

"Hmmm," Kaien cupped his chin and went into deep thought, before listing people off with his free hand, "well Hyōryū Fūsoku suffered a deep wound from that Fullbringer, but thanks to Senna's first aid treatment, she was able to get out of danger quickly. But to be safe, she's stationed in a healing pool proximate to your room, Miss Hartmann. As for the others, Shadō Kariudo endured a few lacerations and concussive damage across his body, but he should be fine after a Spirit Energy injection and some first aid. Besides those two, most of the others only suffered exhaustion and superficial wounds, all of which are being taken care of at this moment. And by the way this charming lady is doing, you can tell she's alright as well," Kaien made sure to wink and smile charmingly at Asuka, raising a thumb's up in emphasis of his approval of her health.

It was here that Angelika spared a glance towards the faint blush that spread across Asuka's cheeks, smirking inwardly.

"Oh, good. I needed something to tease you about..."

"Wait, so she's in--"

His cheeks tightening in a comically tense expression, Oliver swung his glance over to the room next to theirs. For a brief moment, he did nothing but stare at the wall. Then, he tilted his head up the sky and let out a groan. "God damn it, I should've made sure to check that room!" He complained. "I hope she didn't hear any of what was going on in here, because she's never going to let me hear the end of it!"

"But why?" Asuka inquired, tilting her head to the side slightly. "You should be happy if she heard. This is good news, isn't it? I'm sure that if she heard, she'd most likely be congratulating you."

That earned a scoff from Oliver."Pfft. She'd probably try and kick my nuts in for just coming in here, and that's considering she slapped me for an earlier ogle at Nazi. And that was right after Nazi voluntarily took off her shirt!"

"I had the front of my shirt torn and my bindings in tatters..." Angelika said dismissively with a wave of her hand. "I wasn't intending on giving you an eyeful..."

"Ahem! I'm leaving now!" Kaien coughed uncomfortably, his face starting to glow crimson as he turned on his heels and walked out, "I'll just have to find a vacant pool to go bathing in! I'll see you all later!"

"He had the audacity to attempt to join me, as he says, but he can't handle a little bit of talk?" Angelika thought, cocking an eyebrow slightly as she watched the red-faced man walk back out of the door and Asuka shut it behind him. Based from the amused expression on her face, she could tell that her former mentor was thinking along the same lines. The man was most likely a child at heart. Not to say that was a bad thing, considering that she already knew several adults who acted younger than their age...

She turned her attention towards the two remaining. "All right, you two should leave, as well." She said bluntly. "I'll meet back up with you when I'm done."

"What?" Oliver asked sarcastically, looking down to her as he slowly stood up. "You've got no clothes on and we already started kissing, so why avoid going the extra mile--"

Angelika silenced him with another glare.

"....oh, all right, if you insist. But you don't know what you're missing."

Asuka giggled, opening the door once more as Oliver approached her. "Come on, Oliver. You'll have plenty of time to speak with your new girlfriend later." She teased, earning a roll of the eyes from the blonde man and German. As he walked out into the hallway, she turned to look over at Angelika one last time. "Get well soon, dear..."

Then, she shut the door behind her, once again leaving Angelika alone in silence.

She stared at the shut door for a few moments more before settling back down in her previous frontward position. This time, however, the weight that had made itself comfortable on her back had lifted. Despite everything, the talk with Oliver had seemed to make everything a hundred times better. Not only did she get to see another side of him, but he had seen another side of her, as well. She could tell that they would be knowing each other in an entirely different perspective in the near future.

That was a development she could get used to.

"I'd better start thinking of what we're going to do next..." She muttered to herself, closing her eyes and allowing herself to sink under the waters.

Salt within the Wounds, Debrief of the Losers!

"It appears Captain Kasumiōji is supposed to make a full recovery," Captain Kukkyōna Hayate spoke aloud as he walked alongside his old rival and comrade, Noriko Nagasaki. They walked down the long hallway they were told they would meet the collective of their forces left, "her Lieutenant should also be recovering within a short time as well. However, I am unable to locate Tamiko or your Lieutenant along with my own in the Soul Society. I fear they may be captured or MIA at the moment..." 

It was more news that Noriko simply was unwilling to hear.

She had a scowl on her face as well as narrowed eyes as she walked with Kukkyōna. It was bad enough to know that the Inner Circle had hypnotized a good portion of their leading forces to turn traitor. But it was worse to know that those very same forces had not been recovered. Her fury had not subsided ever since she had been pulled away into the dimension, and she even passed a death glare towards some of the D.C.O. operatives who had attempted to converse with her. All in all, she was in a very nasty mood.

However, she made sure to keep it in a restrained manner.

"Why don't you tell me that my favorite puppy got cancer and got run over by an airship while you're at it?" She quipped, directing her gaze towards him. "What about the rest of them? Who's left standing?"

"Qilin and his Lieutenant along with my son have made it back. Fortunately, the D.C.O. was able to extract all of the V-14 organization back here for healing and recouperation. We even managed to defeat a few of the Inner Circle's forces while we were at it," stopping just short of the door, Kukkyōna locked his eyes with his pink haired rival firmly, "I know what you're feeling. If I had it my way I would've went after my Lieutenant and brought him back here with us, if possible, but we had no choice. The true bulk of the Inner Circle's forces had yet to have arrived, and with the Four Horsemen there, along with Sōsuke Aizen and the dark robed Quincy he brought with him, there wouldn't have been a chance for us to fight back."

"That doesn't exactly make the situation any better, Captain." Noriko answered tersely, her eyes narrowing a little. "It's like you said; the full bulk of their forces haven't even arrived yet, and still our side lost. The soldiers under my command didn't die like the soldiers they were. They were massacred like lambs to a slaughter, and all in the course of what? Several hours? Not weeks. Not months. Not years. Hours! Despite their best efforts, they weren't able to hold the fort for even a day before they were overrun. A few won't replace the hundred."

She turned her gaze away. "So save me your empathy. I, for one, am more focused on how we're going to make them pay."

"My best friend turned against me today, Nagasaki-san," Kukkyōna spoke in a still tone, but showed no hint of emotion as he opened the doors and walked in without hesitation, "trust me. The same rage within you burns twice as hot within me. We will make them pay, I assure you..."

As they entered, they would walk into a large dome-ceiling room with various black tiled walls stringing from various directions. The room was also constructed like a circle, with a ring-like array with various computers and monitoring equipment moving around, with a fifty meter radius from one end of the room to the other. The recess below was home to a large square table, home to various seated individuals as well as gathered by even more standing ones.

A view was being shown of the Seireitei in various 3-D angles of a holographic display. The other two remaining Captains were also present, along with Daisuke, Qilin's Lieutenant, and Sakura Keikai.

"...so, what would be the casualty report concerning this new development?" Qilin was asking, his arms folded across his chest as he looked at the monitors. He was standing beside a stone-faced Hachiro, with Tetsuyo flanking his other side. Unlike the majority of the rest, he as well as his Lieutenant seemed to have more of a casual attitude towards the entire situation, though it could easily be seen as an attempt to lighten things up.

"Possibly between two and two-hundred and fifty thousand plus." Hachiro answered grimly, having his own arms folded across his chest as he eyed the monitors. "As far as leading ones go, only Kukkyōna, Noriko, Qilin and I remain. Nozomi and her Lieutenant are soon to make a full recovery, but we haven't been able to establish contact with Gina, Furuidenshō or Yukiakari."

"As far as Lieutenants are concerned, only the ones standing here are the ones left, with the exception of Lieutenant Aizen." Tetsuyo added, his hands within his pockets. "Lieutenants Hachisu, Fiaresu, Sugiyama and Yabun have yet to respond to our attempts to contact them..."

"You can forget about Lieutenant Fiaresu," Kukkyōna spoke out as he approached the debriefing area of the room, with Nagaski in tow, "he was one of the few that turned on us within the Captains Meeting Hall. And from what I gathered from my Zanpakutō making contact with Ryōken's body and blade, it seems that it is Zanpakutō affiliated in the nature of which they've been afflicted by..."

"Th-Then my Captain didn't really...I mean...agree to this willingly?" Sakura asked, her eyes blinking and feeled with a bittersweet hope that her Shindō hadn't tried to kill her so whimsically.

"Your Captain may be many things, Sakura, but he's not a traitor," Daisuke placed a hand of reassurance on his fellow Lieutenant's shoulder, smiling brightly in order to cheer her up, "I'm sure whatever's happened, he can be snapped back out of it soon."

"I hope you're right," Sakura sniffled, smiling back gratefully for the encouragement shown to her.

"...oh, right." After realizing what he had said and acknowledging both his and Noriko's presence, Tetsuyo slapped a palm to his face out of slight embarrassment. "M-my apologies, Captain Hayate. I didn't mean to include Senshi-san within that list..."

"I felt it, too..." Hachiro said, directing his attention towards the two Captains that had arrived on scene. "Matter of fact, I doubt anyone within the room at that time could've overlooked the energy all of them were exuding. That certainly wasn't their signature going off. It was that of someone else's. They had to be under some sort of hypnosis during the whole thing." His eyes narrowed, and he averted his gaze away to think. "But what I'm trying to figure out is who could have the power to do so without even so much as interacting with them? All of the affected individuals were supposed to be on standby, resuming their natural duties here. We would have noticed anything suspicious..."

"Unless the suspect didn't have to." Noriko commented, placing one hand on her hip and letting the other hang at her side. "Maybe that was a power activated from far away, from wherever the source was at the time. After all, we've been facing enemies capable of manipulating the very fabric of space and time itself. A feat like long-range hypnosis would be measly and insignificant compared to that..."

"Manipulating memories...turning people against their comrades...who would have such a power, I wonder? Even if it was by a Zanpakutō, that kind of Illusionary prowess is a rare find indeed," Kukkyōna pondered, his hand cupping his chin as he looked onto the holographic display of the slowly reddening display of the once blue-white area of which the Soul Society used to be within their control. 

"Sorry for butting in," Kaien Shiba, the Sword Squad Captain walked in, flanked by Senna Kasumiōji, along with a handful of other D.C.O. garbed entities, "but I think we can give you a pretty good subject for whom might be responsible for your comrades' unintentional betrayal and change of character. Renji?" 

"Right," the former 6th Division Lieutenant stepped up, nodding to Hachiro and Kukkyōna respectively, "there was one such power available to a human, a Fullbringer at that, nearly 300 years ago. His name was Shūkurō Tsukishima, and was partnered with the conspirator former Substitute Soul Reaper, Kūgo Ginjō, both of which had died during the incident myself and my Captain, along with a few others, had dealt with them respectively. If he's back, it could explain the sudden shifts in personalities without warning..."

"We really are starting to suck at deciding who's naughty and who's nice." Qilin quipped, rolling his eyes and promptly Tetsuyo's receiving an elbow in response to it, courtesy of his Lieutenant. "Ow!"

"And that was three hundred years ago..." Hachiro summarized, his eyebrows furrowing in thought. "If he's capable of performing feats like this when he's not even in the area, then who knows what he's capable of when one's dealing with him up close. Considering that kind of power--"

"--he's a perfect candidate for being one of our illusive Horsemen." Noriko summarized, the scowl once again returning full force. "Great. We might as well be facing our own personal Hell right as of this minute..." She was directing her gaze from one person to another as she said this, making sure that every one of them got the message. But when her hazel eyes fell over to Qilin, she swore she saw something very peculiar flash briefly across his face as well as Tetsuyo's.

"Was he... smirking?"

CLACK-CLACK-CLACK!

"It doesn't matter what kind of Hell we've been thrust into! What matters most is our next steps," Kaze Sasayaki, clad in his white Gotei 13 Haori, with an elaborate black cloak underneath, clacking his cane nosily to attract their attention as he approached the lot of them, "we are currently lacking the majority of our military strength, along with our leaders. Separated or dead, it doesn't matter, we need to place into action our contingency plan-"

"With all due respect, Overseer, I don't believe she's ready for that kind of responsibility," Renji spoke out bluntly to Kaze, despite the protesting glare from Kaien and Senna, as he took a step forward to his unofficial superior, "she's talented and probably one our strongest agents, yes, but...is she really fit to fill in a gap that large? The Head Captain isn't even confirmed dead and you're already trying to-"

"Silence your tongue, Renji Abarai!" Kaze snarled at Renji, glaring at him heatedly with a pair of yellow-red eyes as he squeezed the skull handle on his cane to audibly painful levels, "do not disrespect her, nor the amount of work and training she's attained over these last few centuries! She, unlike any of you left, is the only one fit for the task at hand!" 

This was something that made the likes of Noriko and Hachiro quirk an eyebrow and glance at each other.

Choosing a Head Captain this quickly was one thing. But choosing someone from the D.C.O. instead of the Gotei 13's ranks? One would have figured that any of the Captains standing right now would've sufficed. Hachiro and Kukkyōna probably had better chances due to their veteran's status within the Gotei 13 as well as their immense power. So who exactly would have been better suited for the job than the two of them?

In the ranks of the D.C.O., Braeburn couldn't help but let out a brief and almost quiet snort of disdain.

"I take it from the silence and disgruntled unintelligible sounds you are making you aren't aware of the true purpose of the Deep Cover Ops, are you, ladies and gentleman of the Gotei?" Kaze growled out in annoyance as he locked his eyes from the Captains to Braeburn, "this was all approved centuries ago! I can't believe you all have gone dull over these times of peace-"

"What Overseer Sasayaki is trying to say," Kaien intervened, smiling briefly at his irate superior before looking over to Kukkyōna and the other Captains present, "to preserve numerical strength and members of the Gotei 13, the D.C.O. was constructed as a means in times of dire circumstances that we would need to temporarily assume positions of the lost ranks from KIA or MIA Soul Reapers. Captains and Lieutenants in particular," and he then looked over knowledgeably to Braeburn with a resigned sigh, "as well as the position of Head Captain. These last few centuries of honing our skills and preserving former members of the Gotei 13 were only so that we'd be ready for a situation such as the one we are currently having. Head Captain Furuidenshō Shin'nen himself agreed to this proposal, due to the situation we all had during the Ultharon War, so it may never be again that we are bereft of leaders or soldiers again..."

"But this is Hana we're talking about!" Daisuke decided to voice out his own concern, his eyes widened with the idea of the person whom he called friend and comrade to assume such a heavy burden, "I know she's strong, Hell, stronger than me or almost anybody, but leadership?! I don't know much about her or her training, but is she really qualified for such a thing?!"

"It does seem...precarious and...convienant that you would mention this now, of all times, Kaze-san," Kukkyōna looked over at his fellow Captain with mild suspicion, but kept himself composed and collected, "why wouldn't you want to volunteer yourself for the position of Captain? Certainly your intellect and strategic mindset is the best suited for the position-"

"I am not out for mundane things such as power, Captain Hayate," Kaze spoke back in a less irritable tone, turning his gaze to him, and the other Captains, "I am here to ensure the preservation of the Gotei 13, and the Soul Society. As much as I dislike people in general, they are necessary to continue to make certain the Balance is kept and chaos doesn't reign. Without skilled tacticians and warriors, we are nothing but sheep to the slaughter. We need to give Hana Yūgure the benefit of the doubt that she possesses all the tools and prowess necessary for the task. She won't be alone in this fight, as we are all needed to ensure this will end in victory instead of defeat..."

For what seemed like the longest time, no one spoke. All of them regarded Kaze with their own expressions. Hachiro and Noriko seemed to be pondering what was said within their own heads. Qilin and Tetsuyo passed a look to one another as if speaking with an unheard message. Braeburn himself was still rather disdainful, even after giving Kaze a rather nasty glare when the 12th Division Scientist had turned towards him. But all of them remained silent on the matter.

Then, Hachiro spoke.

"To be honest, Sayazaki..." He stated, initially giving Kaze a skeptical gaze. "I still think this is a bit of a stretch on your part." The skeptical look immediately faded, replaced by a subtly encouraging smile. "But I for one know you're a man who knows what he's doing, despite how he does it. If you think that this is the best approach, then I think it's all for the best." He gave a slight nod. "You as well as she have my arm."

Noriko gave Kaze a slight glare, but seemed just as complacent. "If this screws up, Sayazaki, it's all going to be on your head." She said bluntly. "And I'll be one of the first to tell those bastards to chop it off before the rest of us." The second sentence was one said out of her own brand of humor - rather dark humor, but humor nonetheless.

"The mad scientist has a point, for once." Qilin said lightly, giving a shrug of his shoulders. "As long as the Captain-Commander's M.I.A., she can be considered a good candidate just in case we aren't able to reach him."

"Y...yeah..." After giving all of them a somewhat hesitant gaze, Tetsuyo nodded in agreement as he scratched the back of his head. "Possibly the best idea we've had all day..."

"...meh." Braeburn grunted, folding his arms across his chest and turning away. "Not my call, anyway..."

"Glad to see the vote of confidence is with me," the chirpy voice of none other than Hana Yūgure spoke out, as she just had entered the debriefing room to hear the last spat of conversation between all the Captains. Despite that, she kept a confident stride in her gait as she approached them, walking down to stand next to Braeburn with a slight uppraised brow before turning to the rest of them, "but skipping official legalities, I wish to inform you of what information was acquired during the invasion..."

"What have you found out?" Senna spoke aloud first, but had obviously had the majority interest by the present company. 

"First off, I've found out that we were able to retrieve a good quarter of our Gotei's forces, along with near the entirety of the Onmitsukidō Militia and Kidō Corps. Apparently, Captain Tensai had ordered an immediate deployment of her forces to seek out and engage the enemies she had sensed before the incident within the Captains Meeting Hall. While they have suffered casualties, they had managed to retreat to D.C.O. HQ before the Head Captain began to rain down major destruction upon the Inner Circle forces. 

"Secondly, we aren't the first Society to be struck at by the Inner Circle," she looked around at the other Captains, D.C.O. and Gotei alike, before speaking gravely, "it seems that Aether's Capital city, Shinhae, fell victim to a synchronized series of well-timed bombardments and a number of splitting factions revolting within its confines. Apparently, a number of sleeper agents have been working for the Inner Circle to accomplish this feat. From all we know, only the Knight Commander and a handful of her closest allies had managed to escape the chaos and massacre with their own respective forces, and fled to the Stronghelm Family's Fortress..."

"Lastly, the main players at hand besides the Inner Circle were responsible for Furuidenshō's downfall showed themselves quite willingly: Sōsuke Aizen, and a dark robed entity that was identified as a Quincy, whom was wielding an unusual Zanpakutō signature."

"With all the energy out there, we might as well have had a front row seat to it..." Hachiro said grimly, looking towards Hana in acknowledgement. "The Quincy's name is Juhabach, and he's just as nasty a piece of work as Aizen is. Nearly responsible for the the Head Captain's death if it weren't for the intervention of his student. And just like our resident traitor, we all thought that he had been killed, too..."

"I'm getting a feeling that Buddha has a really bad grudge against the Gotei 13..." Qilin muttered. "What's next? Is Ultharon going to come out of his grave and--"

"DO NOT GO THERE!!!" Both Braeburn and Tetsuyo were quick to yell this at him, a mixture of angry and frightened expressions on their faces. Qilin sweatdropped, immediately raising his hands up defensively.

"Right. Sorry...."

"Within the last century he's popped in and out of the radar of creating hotspots for Quincy Order," Yūgana Sogeki, the Licht Ritter and second-in-command to the leader of the Licht Ritters as she and another Quincy entered the meeting, "he's considered one of the most dangerous threats besides the infamous war criminal, the Doctor, whom had also began popping up around the same time as the Inner Circle's most recent assault within the World of the Living..."

"How widespread is the damage?" Daisuke ventured a query, his eyes widened at the precedence of how massive of this Blitzkrieg style war the Inner Circle had just launched. 

"Nearly half of the world is now subjugated by the Inner Circle, and within an estimated time slot of twenty four hours they should control the rest of it," Saya Ishida, daughter of the esteemed Hiryū Ishida whom was leader of the current Quincy Order and inheritor of Uryū Ishida's Will, "they've been planning this for centuries, perhaps since the reorganization of the Gotei 13 in the aftermath of your Ultharon War, around the same time that the Quincy Order itself was established."

"So in other words, the whole existence is about to go under martial law soon..." Noriko summarized, closing her eyes and scowling. "Terrific."

"We can't do anything about the Material World, as far as the Gotei 13 and the Deep Cover Ops are concerned." Hachiro gave a heavy sigh after getting over his mild surprise, folding his arms across his chest. "I can guarantee that the D.C.O. expended quite a lot of resources just pulling us out of the fire, and even that wasn't enough to save everyone..."

"Its better than losing everything," Kaien pointed out, looking to Hachiro with an understanding stare as he crossed his arms over his chest, "if even one survived, the fight is worth it. There will always be casualties of war, and I am not exempt of that fact."

"Wait a minute!" Daisuke suddenly looked over to his father, as if an idea dawned upon him, "what about the Espada Afilado?! Surely the Primera could send some form of task force to aid us in this battle, wouldn't she? We are on good terms with her, despite with the Izanami incident, right?!" 

"That is a good point," Kukkyōna looked over to Hana, knowing now where chain of command currently stood, "with her as an ally, it would be much easier for us to mount a counter offensive without too many casualties for either of our factions. This will eventually reach her domain, with Sōsuke back as well as the Quincy Juhabach, they will recognize the threat they are being placed in..."

"Unfortunately, that cannot happen," Hana spoke with a melancholy tone, for the first time since arriving, "we used to have both probes and a communications tower linked to the Espada Afilado's city, Empresa, in order to guaruntee assured contact with them. However, it was only a day or so ago when we lost all outgoing and incoming transmissions with all of our probes and the communique tower. For all we know, they must've been under attack around just before we were..."

"Sending out some form of scouting party would be dangerous," Renji nodded in emphasis, pocketing his hands within his garments as he looked onto the Lieutenant, "not to mention probably a waste of time. If they were under attack by the same people as we were, Empresa is either a pile of rubble or under control."

"It would be better than just not knowing what's going on there! If no one else will go, then I will!" Daisuke threw out his hand in emphasis with the passion in his voice and the light of hope wihtin his eyes. 

"If you go, Daisuke, you probably will not find anything," Hana spoke with a stoic, presuming tone as she locked her hawk-like gaze upon him, crossing her arms across her chest, "but, I don't think it would be an entirely wasted venture. If your Captain approves of this, I will condone it, but I will be sending Braeburn with you as added measure of caution," Hana then turned her eyes to look at the said man, an idle sparkle in her eyes played out her mischievious side of her insistance, "cause I know he's been itching to get out lately, and you two are like brothers anyways..."

Sending Braeburn.

One of Braeburn's eyes twitched as he heard the statement, even as he looked over in time to see the twinkle in his girlfriend's eyes. It was enough to relieve at least some of his disdain at the decision of her being Head Captain. The reality of her now being his commanding officer and him being her subordinate hit him like a smack in the face. All of a sudden, he felt like he could relate to Daisuke being whipped by her in his own dating sessions with her. It was going to take quite some used to, and he doubted the rest of his comrades would let him hear the end of it.

He let out what was something between a groan and a sigh, shutting his eyes and slapping a palm to one half of his face. "I'm so not going to get used to this..." He complained, rolling his eyes and shaking his head briefly. This earned a set of chuckles from the rest of the cast, but it was most prominent from Noriko and Hachiro. Apparently, they were aware that there was something deeper between Hana and Braeburn then they showed on the surface.

"Better her than Kaze, I say..." The elder Captain said in amusement, unhesitant in taking a subtle jab at the scientist. He was quick to don a more serious expression, however. "If they do happen to find anything or anyone, what should they do? Considering that the Inner Circle may have complete control of Empresa, I don't think it would be a wise option for open engagement."

"They are to take Trans-Dimension cubes for immediate evacuation," Hana held up a cube-shaped device found on the waistline belt of her person, holding it up for everyone to see, "this is the standard method D.C.O. agents move to and fro from this dimension. It is faster than a Senkaimon or a Garganta, as it borders on the principles of Space/Time Kidō..."

"What if they find survivors? Should they try to evac them?" Kukkyōna asked inquistively. 

"That will have to be judgement based up to the Lieutenant," Hana spoke cooly with a closing motion of her eyes as she attaches her personal cube back onto the rim of her belt, "from what I've gathered, he seems to have more heart and at times, intelligence, on crucial matters. He's probably more adept at handing apocalyptic times than most of us are," Hana then cast a serious glint to Daisuke, fully knowing the hard choice he made during the Plinian Movement, "isn't that right, Daisuke?"

"Uh, sure," Daisuke averted his gaze from Hana, not really feeling as if he made an entirely huge impact besides trying to get to know the Punisher, "I'm not entirely certain if that is enough of a reason to assert I'm better at this than anyone...but, I thank you for the vote of confidence..."

"So we're sneaking in and pulling out any potential survivors before the I.C. find them, eh?" The Australian commented, putting on a small smirk before turning his head towards Hana. "Captain-Commander, requesting permission to take Abarai with us."

"Wait-a-minute-"

"Done."

"-b-but Han-, Head Captain!" Renji's eyes suddenly widened to comical proportions, the first time of him breaking his cool stoic attitude since anyone saw him, "why me?!" 

"You're one of the only ones present within the D.C.O. with the most experience with the layout of the landscape within Hueco Mundo, and its best if such versatile balanced fighters such as Daisuke and Braeburn can have such a heavy hitter at their disposal," Hana crossed her arms and smiled slyly, reveling at the position she put one of her former colleagues in, "am I wrong?"

"N-No its...just...ngh..." Renji bowed his head in a comical display of dread, "I still have nightmares of the last time I went there..."

"Well you can make new ones! Come now, it should exciting for you to stretch your legs out a bit," Hana spoke with a smile, trying to make light of Renji's predicament.

"Right...or possibly get caught in crossfire between the pissed-off Arrancars and whatever army they were being attacked by. Reaaaaaal fun, Head Captain," Renji spoke with a dry tone as he stared blankly at Hana, feeling as if he had been told off by someone he always wished he could do the same.

At this time, it was possible Braeburn forgot the reason he had ever been annoyed in the first place.

Seeing an opportunity to pick on his newfound ally in their mission, Braeburn put on a comically incredulous face with a grin to match. "What's the matter, Shiela?" He mocked, placing his hands on his cheeks. "Can't handle a little heat when the time calls for it? Maybe they'll be a kitchen they have in Hueco Mundo where you can stay and make sandwiches for me and Daisuke, huh?"

"Hey! Let's not forget that you've been charma's bitch this whole time, huh!" Renji pointed back in a rage, a pulsating vein protruding from his forehead as he waved his hand angrily, "I guess its no surprise that you're thrown into the frying pan again, huh big guy?!"

"Guys, try not to fight, please!" Daisuke raised his hands in emphasis of trying to cool down the situation, as well as dampen the laughter of the other Captains present within the debriefing room.

"I just hope that things don't go to Hell the moment we walk out the door..."

Infiltration; You Scratch My Back? I Scratch Yours...

"As the travelers followed Her, they found themselves within a wasteland."

It was not too later that the three had set foot on the sands of Hueco Mundo, slowly approaching their destination.

The one who was speaking was Braeburn, his tone cool and casual as he moved. Holstered in his hands was what the humans would've called a sniper rifle. It was somewhat humorous - despite having technology that was possibly more advanced than what the humans had, firearms were modeled off of weapons straight from the Material World. What Braeburn wielded right now was similar to the MK-14 Enhanced Battle Rifle, with the only real difference being the amount of power.

"One of the travelers had noticed where She had taken them." He spoke, presumably to his two compatriots. "With a look of bewilderment and fear, he graced upon her the question that they all had in mind. Why are we here? He asked. She looked down on his form and answered, My child, do you not recognize it? You have always been here. Even if we go back the way we came, there is no difference. This is your home. And thus, her followers were silenced."

"What the heck are you babbling about?" Renji asked in an irritated tone, garbed in a beige robe over his current garments instead of his crimson one, similar to the attire he had donned during his first visit to the desert world. 

"You'll get used to it," Daisuke spoke with a chuckle, looking over to Renji with an amused grin, "he's one of those religious people who likes to cite things to calm his nerves. He's probably getting anxious, knowing he's in unfamiliar territory..."

"Oh, a superstitious one, I see," Renji chuckled back, crossing his arms as he looked over at Braebrun as well as the gun he carried, "I guess he has less faith in his abilities if he's carrying that thing with him, huh? No wonder he prays so often..."

A scoff escaped Braeburn, and he looked over his shoulder at Renji. "Maybe I just like to be a little versatile. Mix things up a little, make everything a little bit more interesting." He answered readily. "Maybe you two like being a bland, one-track-weapon samurai when going into things like this. Not me. Besides..." He turned his attention frontward once more, using his eyes to sweep the area they were walking through. "You in particular, Daisuke, seem to have forgotten that I took daily walks through Hell just to learn more about it. This desert is nothing but a cakewalk..."

"You're wrong about that, Braeburn," Renji looked at him with a pair of serious eyes, speaking from experience as he spoke, "what you see is only the surface of this world. Underneath these sands is a nightmarish realm, with endless legions of Hollows, always devouring and always hungry. Its like a nightmare of demonic entities waiting to pounce on you. Exactly what about this place isn't like Hell to you? Its eternally midnight and its dry as the hottest sauna while being as cold as an polar cap." 

"You certainly are glum, Renji," Daisuke sighed, rolling his eyes before peering off into the horizon, "from what I've gauged so far, there seems to be an unusual Spiritual Pressure residing towards the direction that Empresa should be. I say we skirt the outlying perimeter, and see if there is any survivors hiding out somewhere before approaching it..."

"Let me see..."

Braeburn took the opportunity to lower himself and moving over what would've been a small mound of sand. He took up a crouched position and looked down the scope of his weapon. At the same time, he used his spiritual senses to reach out and feel the "unusual" spiritual energy for himself. As he scanned the area, he kept all of his senses readied. After all, they never knew if the enemy or the local wildlife was watching them or not.

"Almost got it, and... there."

Finally, he picked up something.

There were multiple trails of footprints within the sand, radiating the said spiritual signatures. At this, Braeburn lowered his sniper rifle and looked to his two compatriots. "I've managed to sight out tracks a few kilometers to our one o'clock. The signature is that of what would come from Arrancar. Think we might've hit our jackpot?"

"That area has nothing but catacombs," Renji noted, huffing in excess of his earlier irritation before nodding towards the area Braeburn scoped out, "a perfect place to hide one-self. They can go on for miles in any direction and are usually secluded. We should head over there while our Spiritual Pressure isn't noted..."

"Sounds like the place to look first," Daisuke said with a smile, looking to Braeburn and giving him a salute in emphasis, "lead on, Brae-san! Let's get there as expeditiously as possible!"

"Right..."

Under his "ninja" mask, Braeburn gave a slight grin as he raised himself up. To start off his movement, he took a few steps while slowly moving in a 360-degree turn. He kept his aim down the sights of his weapon, scanning for any potential hostiles. "Remember to keep it tight, people..." He warned them. "Although I haven't exactly been here before, anyone can tell areas roaming with wildlife when they see them. I can guarantee you that there's at least some of it roaming the more desolate parts of these lands. Since this area is richer in reishi than the Soul Society is, we can use its mist to hide our spiritual pressure in order to avoid detection. Keep that in mind, and we just might not have to fire one shot in order to complete this particular mission. Let's go!"

WOOSH!

With a Flash Step, he took the lead and raced to the entrance of the catacombs.

As Daisuke and Renji followed him promptly with Flash Steps of their own, they couldn't help but feel an eery silence over the landscape. Even as they covered a large amount of distance, they could barely sense any form of Hollow life or even the smallest of creatures, capable of sustaining their life by absorbing the ambient Spirit Energy within the atmosphere of the desert world. 

"This doesn't feel right," Renji spoke in between Flash Steps, his eyes looking back and forth as he noted the significant lack of Hollow life, roaming or grouped otherwise, "we should've at least come across some form of Hollow stragglers by now. Where are they?"

"Maybe they were wiped out? Maybe the enemy invasion force, Inner Circle at best, probably treated this more like a purge than a war," Daisuke spoke in a dark tone, his teeth grinding at the supposition, "they probably viewed them as nothing more than animals to be put down. The bastards...!"

"Maybe they just migrated elsewhere? I mean, Hueco Mundo is a lot bigger than the landscape the Soul Society covers," Renji tried to reassure Daisuke, looking around with a bit of uncertainty within his tone, "it'd be impossible to wipe every Hollow out. Such a feat would involve Hueco Mundo's destruction entirely..."

"Wouldn't be surprised if they were trying to pull that off as of this moment..." Braeburn's scowl and narrowed eyes was enough to express his own resentment and anger at the Inner Circle's view of Hollows. "Considering that they've taken over the Soul Society, Aether, and half the human world within a matter of hours, a population genocide probably wouldn't be too far off from their goals. I don't care who you are... no one deserves to be extinct..."

"I don't think they'd be that careless. I mean, population reduction or scattering would be understandable, but if they legitimately tried to scourge the entirety of Hollowity, the Balance could be disrupted and the World of the Living would collide with the Spiritual Realm. Wouldn't that be counterproductive to such a power hungry bunch as the Inner Circle?" Daisuke queried, not believing they'd wipe out all of Hollows entirely. 

"Well we'll just have to see now won't we?" Renji finished, nodding towards the entrance what looked like a massive and ancient alabaster stone carved catacomb entrance, with various holes and cracks showing various areas from which the Hollows would crawl in or out of the place, "I see it just ahead!"

"All right, gents..." Braeburn said, holstering his sniper rifle completely on his back. His eyes peered at what would be the main entrance. "At the very least, they have some form of detection in order to keep intruders out. So we'll just have to take it nice and slow, knock on the front door like we would a friendly neighbor..."

"So bust the door down then?" Renji joked, snickering slightly as they all three appear just a dozen meters away from the large, ruined-appearing catacomb entrance, "they might want to shoot first ask questions later, considering what we assume has happened, so we might want to be on our guard-"

"HIC! What's all the yammering outside about?!" A drunken voice could be heard, as a tall and recognizeably large man stumbled out of the largest and most door-like hole, with a bottle in hand and drool coming down his lips as he squinted at the three of them, "can't ya' read 'ta sign?! It says get the fuck off my property, bitch! Go away...mrgh..."

"Uhhhh," Daisuke sweatdropped as his eyes grew to the size of dish saucers, "that's not an Arrancar..."

His shocked expression was overshadowed by Braeburn's, whose face had turned pale. His eyes had dilated to the size of dots, and his mouth was agape. All in all, he was probably the most shocked out of all three of them. It was for good reason, too - unlike possibly the other two, he had seen this man before when he had been out with Hana that one day. So it was more than likely neither Renji or Daisuke would expect his response to the supposed stranger when he cleared out of his shock.

"Gee, Uncle..." He said, rolling his eyes. He reached up to his balaclava and lower face mask, pulling them both apart in order to expose his long black hair and slightly amused expression. "Is that really the way to talk to visitors? I mean, we did take the trouble in coming all of this way..."

It was when Braeburn's full visage came into Jack's view that his drunken stupor suddenly dissipated. 

"AH! Burnside!" Jack shouted with glee, moving with unanticipated speed and grappled his nephew with a big, bear hug, lifing him up into the air and spinning him around, "I can't tell 'ya how happeh I am to see ya's mug! Where ya been?!"

"B-Burnside?" Both Renji and Daisuke looked each other with wide eyes, before looking back with barely restrained humor within their grins, obviously enjoying their comrades' plight in the wake of discovering his uncle unexpectedly in the last place any of them would expect.

"GAK--!!!" The grin was immediately wiped off Braeburn's face when he was wrapped within the bear hug and had the life squeezed out of him. Briefly, his eyes comically bulged out of their sockets before returning back to their normal state. A wincing look was on his expression as he regarded Jack, barely noticing the grins on his teammates' faces. He knew he would probably be made fun of sooner or later.

"Ugh... I've been busy!! What do you want from me?!" He complained. "More importantly, what are you doing here? What kind of bounty you're seeking that'd lead you here, of all places?"

"Well, I did find a Shiela of my own," Jack spoke aloud, dropping Braeburn flat as he reared around and hollered to the catacomb entrance, "Lolipop! C'mere for a sec, I want to introduce you to my nephew!" 

"Lolipop?" Both Renji and Daisuke's eyes bulged as they looked towards each other before looking to the entrance, expecting some sort've prostitute to come out if having earned that name.

The sound of hysterical snickering would come first in response, which was abruptly silenced by the loud thwack of a punch and the immediate follow-up of a body dropping to the ground. As coughing could be heard, a figure stepped out of the shadows - someone that would've been considered a relic of the Winter War.

"Oh, you're very funny. I bet the Primera would love a comedian like you right now..."

It was a female with long hair tied in pigtails, a slender build, and bright-pink eyes. She wore a featureless, white and short-sleeved shirt with shorts that reached down to a third of her thigh. Her feet were bare and without any shoes - something that was possibly a common trait among the residents of Empresa. Of course, this was possibly justified considering that Arrancar had the luxury of having Hierro to protect their feet. Her arms were folded across her chest, and she was giving an annoyed glare to the man that had addressed her with the said nickname.

"Aww, c'mon Shiela! Don't be like that!" Jack waved with a blush on his face, apparently finding the girl in question a bit fetching, "you and me got along great, so you have to be as sweet as a lolipop!"

"She's probably not in any condition for joking right now," An unmistakable form of a fresh-battle-scarred Kogun Ōkami, walked out with his trademark toothpick in his mouth along with the large bundles of swords in each container strapped over each arm, while his real sword was sheathed on his waistline, "she's currently resting and shouldn't be disturbed. Now, why don't you tell us the reason for your visit-"

"We asked you that, actually," Renji pointedly mentioned, his eyes catching Kogun's immediately, "that is, unless you want me to go through you to see what's wrong with the Primera, or why a bunch of non-Soul Reapers, let alone non-Arrancars are guarding Arrancars..."

"Fair enough," Kogun nodded, looking to Braeburn as he spoke, "we came here under direct orders of our superior, Tome Kūgun, in order to protect the person of whom he holds close to his heart. Technically speaking, we've been looking for something to do, so fighting off against these fighters proved to be interesting, even if we didn't win..."

If Loly hadn't been interrupted by Kogun, she would've gladly retorted with a more snippy remark of "Do I look like Orihime Inoue to you?"

However, as the man was talking, she took this time to look over the trio of Shinigami more carefully. She began to recognize each and every one of their faces to varying degrees of memory. As it began to click in her head, her eye widened in realization and slight surprise. She placed one hand on her hip and let the other hang at her side, waiting for the moment to speak again. And when Kogun stopped...

"Wait a minute..." She said, furrowing her eyebrows slightly as she eyed Renji first. "I know where I recognize your spiritual energy now... you were one of the Shinigami who invaded Los Noches and fought with Szayel with that Quincy!" She remarked, switching her gaze over towards Daisuke. "And Carias did mention something about a orange and spiky-haired Lieutenant kicking his ass back in Yūrei!"

"Shit!" Renji furrowed his brows as he sweat dropped at seeing the ex-Numeros recognized him just by feeling his presence, "well yeah...sorry about that. No hard feelings right?" Renji asked in a hope that she didn't harbor any grudges with the former generation of Gotei 13 members, let alone the actual people who invaded Las Noches, such as himself. 

Daisuke had a slightly different reaction, "Findorr? Findorr Calius?! He's still alive?!" Daisuke asked in a slightly excited and aghast tone. The last time he had seen the blonde, spainard-accented Arrancar was when he fought him when the Ahijados attacked Yūrei's downtown area. Findorr fought with such aggression that Daisuke was forced to use his premature Jigoku Hashira technique, having defeated him but at the price of scalding his hands, "is he here now?!"

"These guys gained some popularity, huh...?" Braeburn thought to himself, regarding them both with a slightly raised eyebrow as he passed by them to shut the door.

"Yeah, yeah..." Loly closed her eyes and waved a dismissive hand. "Water under the bridge, hunky dory, all that other crap. I wasn't much of a fan of the guy, anyway..." She turned her body to look behind her, presumably at what had been the source of the coughing. "If you're not too busy laughing your ass off, you mind lighting the torch? We've got some visitors to take down to where the Primera is!"

"Ugh... you hit really hard, Loly..."

TCHVAMP!'

A spark, and a flame was ignited within the darkness. It was the flame of a torch, being held by the figure who had currently been laughing. She had spiky blonde hair, a green eye, and the remnants of her Hollow mask were where her right eye would've been in contrast to Loly's left. She seemed to be dressed in a more formal and Espada-like attire, as well. She had a slightly pained look on her face as she regarded her friend, who rolled her eye.

"Don't worry, I didn't hit you that hard. You'll still have children..." With that being said, Loly looked to the trio of Shinigami and nodded her head in the direction that led deeper into the catacombs. "C'mon. We've got a long walk ahead of us..."

"Yeah, let's get going-"

"We're not going with them, Wallaby," Kogun spoke immediately, his eyes casting a glint of intimidation towards the lesser ranked bounty hunter, speaking with a commanding tone, "our job is to watch the entrance of the catacombs, not to traverse deeper and leave it unguarded. Understand?"

"Y-Yeah," Jack spoke in a disappointed tone, looking over to Loly as he gave her a winning smile and a thumb's up, "I'll see you later, Sheila. Time to get back on the clock!" 

"Right!" Daisuke and Renji spoke in unison, both of them walking along with Braeburn as Loly and Menoly lead the way, deeper into the catacombs. 

"So," Loly began, following Menoly as the two walked. After all, she was the one with the torch. "Why exactly are you here, anyway? If they sent only you three in to reinforce us, the Soul Society must be getting pretty full of themselves."

"We're here to get you guys out." Braeburn explained, prompting the Sexta to turn around and start walking backwards so that she could look at him. "You're not the only one that's had their civilization overrun. The Soul Society, the Material World, and even other parts of the spiritual dimension... your enemies as well as our own have been planning this for quite some time. The bad news is... they have a really good chance of succeeding. I don't exactly know what that means for the Shinigami..."

His gaze darkened. "But from what I've seen so far here.... if they succeed, then I can guarantee that your race will be extinct within a matter of weeks." As expected, he saw Loly's eye flicker slightly with alarm before regressing to a more hardened look. The consequences had not been lost on her, apparently.

As they walked, Renji could already tell nearly the whole populace of Empresa, and her best warriors were within these catacombs. Hole after hole, wall after wall, Hollows of various conditions lined and squeezed as much space as they could while being as comfortable and alert as possible. He could already tell they had a lot on their hands and he could only imagine what they'd feel about leaving their home to hide in a foreign place.

"How is the Primera? Is she alive?" Daisuke prompted a question, not wanting to wait as they walked the long corridors of earth and plaster. 

"She's alive, all right... but she's not in the condition to speak right now."

As Espada and Fraccion led the Shinigami downwards, they would see civilian Arrancar leaning and sitting up against the walls that made up the hallway they were walking through. Some were acting calm and casual about it, speaking with one another in an effort to keep each other through this. Others had laid their head and arms on their knees in a posture of grief and despair, upset at having their way of life disrupted. Some of them, however, were quick to pass angry glares at the trio out of the pathological resentment they held for their kind. Even in these times, tension between the two races still existed to some degree.

"She had fallen back from her duel with Aizen when Tome reinforced her, giving her the chance to help defend Empresa. But it wasn't long before he came after her and struck her down while she was helping to kill his troops. Had it not been for some old friends, I think we would've been a headless army right now..."

"Dammit! So that's where Sōsuke was before he came to the Seireitei!" Renji growled in bitter frustration, barely paying attention to the few angry glares cast by the few Arrancars they passed by.

"Who saved her? I hadn't imagined the Crimson Knights to have blindly charged into a fight so out of their element, but who else could've been responsible for her rescue?" Daisuke asked aloud, wondering what old friends Loly had been speaking of. 

And then the mood would find itself going in an entirely different direction.

"Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!"

Directly from above the group, Braeburn in particular, a petite, teenage looking Arrancar with pink eyes and short green hair fell down and latched onto the McTavish's back. Revealing her comical, pirhana like teeth, she bit down on his head with great force, her hands gripping his shoulders very tightly to ensure that she wouldn't be easily shaken off.

The solemn Braeburn was quick to change his mood.

"AAAAAAAGHNYAAAADAAAA~!!!!!"

His yell caught the attention of nearly everyone there. His calm disposition immediately broke, and he started running around in circles while flailing his arms. "GET IT OFF!!! GET IT OFF ME!!!" He screamed, his voice conveying terror of rather humorous kind. He didn't even know who it had been that jumped him. But whatever it was, its teeth hurt. "I'M TOO YOUNG FOR HEADCRABS!!!"

There was no sympathy from either Loly or Menoly, who had started laughing at him.

"Look at him run!! Just like a chicken!!" Loly jeered.

"Keep running, I'm sure she'll get bored eventually!!" Menoly added.

"Wh-What the Hell is she?!" Renji thought with a pair of incredulous, twitching eyes as he looked on at the bizarre comical situation Braeburn got himself into.

"She looks like a little monster!" Daisuke pointed in comical fear, at the Arrancar whom began trying to eat Braeburn's head. Had the people of Empresa's sanity began to degrade back to their based instincts and already starting to eat anything non-Hollow on sight?!

The small Arrancar girl continued to knaw on her prey's head, making low and yet somewhat cute growling sounds as she did so. It would normally appear as if poor Braeburn was a goner...

"Oi...."

But then a bored and tired sounding voice came from a door in the hallway just a couple feet ahead of the group. Slowly walking out with a yawn, closed eyes and a scratch of his head was a tall man who appeared to be in his mid thirties. With messy brown hair, pale blue eyes, and a gotee on his chin, wearing a unique variation of the Arrancar's attire and a blue sword sheathed on his hip was a figure that most of the group would recognize through sheer visage alone.

"Whoever's making that noise....please quit. I've just now started taking a nap for crying out loud..." he finished with a half lidded glare from his open right eye and a raised eyebrow, his left eye remaining shut. This visage alone caused the attacking Arrancar to release her hold of Braeburn and back off initially, though as she came to the man's side she glared comical angry daggers at the group.

It was the first Primera; Coyote Starrk.

Unfortunately, Braeburn couldn't stop in time.

WHAM!

He slammed into one of the walls, fell back while spinning around, and landed face-first on the ground. A comical pool of blood had formed around his head, with his body twitching on occasion. Had it not been for the hilarity of the situation, anyone would've assumed him to be dead. Obviously, he wasn't. That much was told from when he got up with a groan, holding his head in pain.

"Gonna...kill you... use your small intestines as a necklace..." He snarled, returning Lilynette's glare with a twitching eye.

Of course, the two female Arrancar weren't surprised at his appearance for obvious reasons.

As Menoly composed herself, Loly looked at the Primera with a cocked eyebrow. "A nap?" She questioned, slightly incredulous. "I didn't know you even felt you had the time to sleep at this particular moment. Now that I think about it, I think you sleep as much as the current Primera does!"

"She does it too?" Starrk asked in a somewhat confused tone, blinking a couple of times. "Huh...guess that's the second thing we have in common..."

"You'd better watch what you say, Shinigami!" Lilynette said back to Braeburn with a clenched fist. "I don't like people dressed up as ninjas! Starrk! Help me bring this bastard down-OW!!!"

Pop!

Starrk simply popped her across the head with his hand, speaking still in that same tone of his. "Be quiet...."

"Ahem!" Renji voiced his presence by clearing his throat, looking over at the Primera with a serious gaze, "I assume you're one of the ones responsible for saving the Primera. What's her condition like, and how long do you think she needs to get back on her feet?"

"I dunno." Starrk briefly shrugged in a nonchalant manner. "I'm no doctor."

"We're here to evacuate as many, if not all of your people out of here. Nowhere familiar is safe from the Inner Circle or Sōsuke Aizen's forces," Daisuke announced to the Sexta and the ex-Primera, as he waved his arm in emphasis and spoke in a level tone that matched the current fire within his eyes, "if you stay here too long, you'll eventually be found..."

"No kidding..." Loly muttered. "It's a wonder how we could stay down here for so long without getting ourselves found out by those jerk-offs." The smile once again faded from her face, and she shook her head a little. She turned her attention towards Starrk. "How about you, Starrk? Up for taking a little walk to meet your successor?"

"Yeah, and could you keep your brat on a leash while you're at it?" Braeburn asked sarcastically, bringing himself to stand back upon his two feet. "I prefer to keep my head attached to my shoulders..."

Lilynette simply stuck her tongue out at Braeburn in response.

Starrk, in response, looked at the Sexta Espada and then down the hallway, before sighing and scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah I guess...I probably wouldn't get to sleep much anyways...."

Loly chuckled darkly. "I don't think any of us will after this..." With a nod towards Menoly in order to get her to take the lead, she continued walking closely behind with the assurance that they were following the both.

As they continued to walk, they would pass through areas that would become occupied with less civilians and more military personnel. There were armories contained with an arsenal that seemed like it would've fit for medieval times rather than modern times. However, despite what they seemed like on the outside, they had been heavily modified in order to combat more modern and high-powered defenses. Despite the ancient structure Empresa had based itself on, it was only suited that way to deceive their enemies.

As they passed by what appeared to be several medical areas, Menoly allowed herself to speak. "The Espada got torn up pretty bad, as well as a good majority of the Fraccion..." She said. "Loly, the Segunda and the Tercera are the only ones active as of this moment. As for the Primera herself, she's stable... but she's weak, at best. She still needs to preserve herself if we want her back at full strength..."

"I'm hurt, Menoly, but I'm not deaf," a voice broke out from one of the more secluded dens, serving as Genji Diablo's personal medical room. He sat there in a meditation stance, with his battle-worn, glistening scythe in front of his crossed legs and arms, while he himself was wrapped in bandages across his torso and arms, "I will be fit for battle within a matter of hours, these wounds are nothing but superficial. Its the exhaustion that got to me, that's all," Genjo looked over at Loly with a grin as he toothily remarked, "I wasn't shredded like beef through a grinder like you were..."

"Wow...cheery bunch you got here," Renji sweatdropped at the comment made by the wounded, yet still spiteful Espada Cuatro. 

Loly was prompted to stop, turning her head in the direction of the Cuatro and putting on a thin smile. "Keep talking, Diablo..." She said back, folding her arms across her chest and fixing an annoyed glare at the man. "Maybe you'll forget that you're still having to sit in a hospital bed and I'm the one who's walking around, good as new--"

However, she was abruptly made to stop when Menoly placed a hand on her shoulder, rolling her green eye. "C'mon, Loly..." She muttered dryly. "You'll have plenty of time to talk to your friend later. We might not even have a couple of hours left..."

"Do you think she can speak, or would you rather we wait?" Daisuke asked in the calmest tone he could manage, despite the inner turmoil of wanting to rush every Arrancar within these man-made halls and into the safest place he could find for them. 

The pig-tailed Arrancar gave a light snort. "You can try to talk with her... but as of right now, the one watching over her probably wouldn't be pleased that you're trying to wake her from her slumber..."

Starrk couldn't think of much to say at this point.

Seeing as how most all of his life has been spent either by himself or with his partner, Lilynette, socializing wasn't really something he could do like normal. At first, he kept his hands in his pockets and just walked with the crowd to where his alleged successor lay healing.

Nudge

Lilynette, however, pouted her lips and poked her elbow into his side, causing him to briefly flinch and look down at her with a raised eyebrow and annoyed face. She looked back up at him with a serious stare, however.

"Well? Say something you dolt!" her voice wrung in his mind.

"Like what?" he mentally asked her in return. "They're getting along fine without me interrupting. What else could I say?"

"Ask em' about Soul Society! Ask who that guy is that's guarding that Primera girl! Do something! As much as you complain about being lonely and isolated all of the time, you sure aren't in a hurry to make friends!" she retorted.

"...fine." was his only reply.

"So...." he started lazily towards Loly. "...who's this guy watching over her?"

"Hm?"

It was here that Loly looked to him with a somewhat surprised expression. She hadn't actually expected him to say much, considering who he was. But, she supposed the question wasn't entirely unexpected. Any one of them could've wondered who exactly was guarding the Primera as of this minute. After all, who would've been strong enough to be trusted with the Empresa leader's protection?

A slight smile crossed her face, stopping as Menoly stopped outside of a door. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough..."

Knock! Knock!

Menoly rapped on the door with her free hand. "Your Majesty!" She called out. "I don't mean to disrupt my Lady's sleep, but it's urgent! We have Shini--"

"No need to tell me who it is." The voice, feminine yet majestic and authoritative came from the other side. "My senses are working fine. You may come in, but do it quietly. She is still sleeping..."

"Alright," Daisuke nodded to his two comrades, walking quietly yet with purpose, as he came up to the doorway separating him from the Primera. Renji, and presumedly Braeburn, steeled themselves before entering the room and witness whom was watching over her, as well as the weakened proud warrior that is the leader of the Arrancar race. 

Before he could open it, however, the voice of the Cuatro Espada Afilado spoke out, "Be honored, Lieutenant, that you are to be graced with the likes of her grace and the one whom gave her form."

"I am," Daisuke spoke levelly, before looking over to Genjo, surprising the latter as he gave him a bow and a smile towards his direction, "and thank you," without further delay, Daisuke opened the doorway separating himself from the Primera and her guardian angel. 

When he entered he was somehow aghast. What he saw was both a heart-warming scene of maternal love and empathy, as well as a unique discovery. Seeing the Primera laying over on the lap of a woman that radiated a soothing and tranquil aura the Lieutenant had rarely felt in his life. And that was the other thing...the woman in question almost felt like a Soul Reaper, no, like a human, rather than the likes of an Arrancar or Hollow. 

He was quick to correct himself, however, as he bowed his head before the guardian angelic being that held a slight resemblence to the sleeping Primera herself, "Pardon the interruption, as I've come on the behest of the Seireitei's remaining forces."

Braeburn was completely shell-shocked when he walked in and felt the energy of the said woman.

This wasn't the aura of a Hollow, Arrancar or even a Vasto Lorde. Her aura seemed so... holy. It was as if he was standing not before just a being with immense power, but an angel or even a god. A bead of sweat fell down his face, and he felt himself freeze when she raised her head to look up at them. She had been running her hand through Casilda's hair in presumably soothing motions while she slept. It was indeed quite heart-warming to see the mighty leader subdued in such a manner...

Hell, he almost felt the need to bow.

But before she could do so, the woman spoke up. "I understand..." She said softly. "I could feel the destruction that the followers of our previous leader wreaked upon Empresa, and considering the relations the Espada have with the Shinigami, I was correct to assume that they would come to our aid... whatever the way."

"Um... madame..." Braeburn was quick to regress to a more polite and formal attitude, clearing his throat and looking a bit humbled. "Who exactly are you, if I may ask? From how the Arrancar referred to you, it seems like you're a high figure of government in Hueco Mundo..."

The woman gave a slight nod and smile. "My name is Nohemi de la Cruz, and I'm Casilda's mother."

When Starrk and Lilynette entered, neither of them carried the same level of formality that the others did, though Starrk did stand a little more firm in the presence of one so...unique amoung the Hollow kind. Truly, she was very powerful, but he didn't show any signs of feeling as a result.

Lilynette was different. Feeling such massive power being restrained in such an effortless fashion made her bones shiver. Despite that, the heartwarming scene that was present before her....well, made her heart feel warm.

"So...how is she doing?" Starrk asked the woman plainly. He didn't ask in a respectful tone, but he didn't ask in a disrespectful one either.

Nohemi's eyes expressed a bit of surprise when they fell on the form of the two halves of one mind. "Starrk and Lilynette, right?" She asked politely. "I'm sorry, you two must have been disturbed..." She turned her gaze down on the sleeping Casilda. "The medics did excellent work healing up the wounds dealt by Sōsuke. She will live, but she needs to rest in order for full recuperation. I thank you dearly for your efforts in preserving her life..."

"Yeah....no problem..." he replied with a rub of the back of his neck.

"We've come for that express reason, Lady de la Cruz," Daisuke spoke levelly, his stance coming down to sit on his legs and his hands on his thighs, assuming the traditional stance courteously accustomed to his culture, as his eyes locked onto the tranquil ones of Nohemi's, "we have a place prepared for your kind, all of the survivors, including yourself and your daughter, that you can take refuge for the duration of the war. We only ask in return that any available warriors, within your ability to call upon, will be available for when the time is right for a counterattack-" 

"Of course you need help," a voice broke out, taking away the focus from the currently maternal scene to a shadow on the far end of the medical center that had been arranged for the Primera. Wrapped in a fur-bordered coat with a collar of feathers, the man had an aura similar to the woman's but in a slight contrast. Instead, he felt like the tides of an enormous ocean within space, but held an ominious control and calm sensation among Daisuke and Renji. It felt as if the god and goddess of Hueco Mundo themselves were within the same space, and constricted it unintentionally just by existing, "the Soul Society wouldn't have sent its most compassionate Soul Reaper along with two like-minded comrades if it wasn't to persuade us with the offer of shelter..."

"If that's not the dad, I don't know who is."

Braeburn was one of many that snapped their heads in the direction of the new stranger. He was no stranger to the effects that the spiritual energy had on the audience (with the possible exception of the Arrancar halves). He had already gotten the impression that the Primera was powerful. So what level could these two possibly be on? At this rate, he could be very fortunate that at least they survived to be their potential allies.

Nohemi herself had a rather comically unamused look on her face as she looked over her shoulder at Jinete. "Keep doing that, and you'll be giving these poor people a heart attack one of these days..."

"If I stand in plain sight like that, it wouldn't be as dramatic, dear," Jinete chuckled with humor, smiling genuinely towards the three Soul Reapers as he bowed his head, "sorry about concealing myself, I wasn't sure what you were here for until now. My name is Jinete del Juicio, Casilda's father and Miss de la Cruz's husband. An honor to meet such esteemed Soul Reapers of this age..."

"Y-Yeah, sure," Renji spoke aloud with a sheepish smile, feeling himself slightly pale and sweating in the face of such overwhelming presences in such a enclosed space. 

"Regardless, I really don't think its up for us to decide," Jinete spoke with a shrug, before nodding over to his sleeping daughter, "its the Primera's decision whether her people move or stay. I'm just here to make sure she's safe and healthy, nothing more..."

"We'll wait as long as we have to," Daisuke spoke in a determined tone, but made sure to have an empathetic smile on his face as he looked to Nohemi's direction, "I'll understand if you want her to regain her strength first. I'd much rather speak with her about this, if its all the same to you..."

"If you're certain about that," Nohemi said, giving a polite nod to Daisuke. "Then I will respect your wishes. I assure you that you won't have to worry about waiting. She will wake soon enough..."

"Your Majesty," Menoly said, looking over at Nohemi with a slightly concerned expression. "We might not be able to wait for too long before their forces come and find us hiding down here. We have all available escape routes covered in the event that they attack, but moving the Espada are top priority..."

Nohemi simply closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly to the side. "You needn't worry about Casilda. I am a sturdy shield against any forces that attempt to stand between me and shelter. But in return, I trust you and the rest of the Espada to make our path as clear as possible. Who knows when he will come back..."

Menoly gave a respecting bow of her head. "Understood..."

"She's gotta point ya know..." Lilynette said plainly to Nohemi, propping a hand on her hip and looking at her with a confused and yet honest face. "Couldn't you like, speed wake her up or something? There's no telling when Aizen and his band of freaks will come back, or any of those Inner Circle guys for that matter."

Starrk flinched in annoyance in response to how flat out his partner was being.

However, Nohemi proved herself to be a rather patient woman, subduing the annoyed looks Loly and Menoly were throwing the girl's way with a subtle warning glance. Unlike Casilda, who carried herself in an informal manner, the mother acted as authority figures demanded. At the same time, she did her best to try and be flexible to any situation while still retaining stability. Any impatience was understandable.

She gave a sigh, looking down on Casilda before returning her gaze to the green-haired Arrancar. "As quickly as we need it, I cannot temper her healing process." She answered. "By the time the Espada's medics reached her, she had suffered grievous and life-threatening injuries. She needs time to rejuvenate herself, and if I wake her now, the amount of time for her wounds to completely heal will increase. I'm sorry for this inconvenience..."

"It won't be an inconvienance to anyone but the countless Arrancars that are going to get slau-"

CLAMP-WHAM!

"I thank you for the information!" Daisuke said with a sincere smile, though a slight twitch on his upper left brow could be detected as he grasped Renji's head and slammed it down, imitating what would look like a bowing maneuver towards Nohemi, "I will inform my superiors of the development and see about securing the borders of this place and perhaps moving you all without the need of her to be awake..."

"I certainly approve of this guy's style," Jinete thought with humor, noting the flailing arms from Renji as he was faceplanted onto the sand-ashen earth beneath their feet, "he certainly knows when diplomacy is necessary and not to be forceful. That, and he's being mindful about my daughter, which can go a long way in my book..."

"Very well..." Nohemi said, giving a slight nod. "Do what needs to be done in order to get my people out of this. Ever since the Great Schism, I'd never thought I'd hear myself say this to a Shinigami. But I am willing to put my trust in you and your efforts. Make sure you do not squander it."

This was the opportunity for Braeburn himself to give a full-body bow, lowering himself to one knee. One arm was folded within the small of his back while the other was across his chest. His head was lowered and his eyes were closed. "Your Excellency, the Gotei 13 is both a sword and shield to protect those in times of greatest need. We will not let you or the rest of Hollowity fall to the likes of these bastards.."

---

"And that's the situation they are in currently," Daisuke spoke towards a cube-shaped device, displaying the entirety of the assembled forces of the D.C.O. and the Gotei 13, "from what it sounds like, my best suggestion is to send either a number of devices of Kaze's design along with a few Kidō experts to activate a Time/Space transportation for the whole colony, or for Kidō Captain Hando to come to the most center point of the colony to evactuate them out in one go..."

It was here, that back within the D.C.O. debriefing and command center, that Hana looked over to the other Captains appropiately before looking back at Daisuke, "You've done an excellent job, Lieutenant. Wait for us to convene with haste before we employ either of your strategies. Head Captain Yūgure out..."

With the connection briefly placed on standby, Hana looked around at the much more crowded chamber than before, and crossed her arms as she walked around the circular-shaped holographic display of the seemingly endless sized catacombs the Arrancar population took shelter in. 

"Well, this is where we stand people," Hana spoke with a serious, calm tone as she looked to the other members of the remaining Seireitei's military, "we found the biggest bulk of survivors we're going to hope to find. Despite the unexpected assistance of Tome Kūgun and his Crimson Knights in finding more stragglers, these are of the highest priority. I'd like suggestions, strategies, and personal opinions of what our next step is to be before I make a decision..."

"Head Captain, ma'am. With all due respect, this entire operation seems highly... unnecessary."

Noriko was the first to speak out, leveling a serious gaze towards Hana. Her hands were folded behind her back. She stepped forward to emphasize her presence as she spoke. "The Espada Afilado is a hardened group that has seen war time and time again. As far as what the D.C.O. group has shown us, they've had a much higher success rate in evacuating both citizens and military personnel than we have had. Although they lost the battle, they did succeed in delivering much heavier casualties to the enemy than our forces had. Even if we didn't aid them, I can guarantee that they would have a back-up plan in order to keep the populace safe."

She spared a glance towards those around her. "In addition... these aren't just the regular civilians we're dealing with. These are Hollow, a designated and long-time enemy of the Shinigami ever since both sides came into existence. Bringing an entire city of their people would cause hidden hostilities to surface and tensions to break out. Risking that with our already weakened security isn't the most advisable thing to do."

"My thoughts exactly," Jōshōtsu, D.C.O. Captain of the Shadow Squad, looked to Noriko in affirmation before looking to the others, "we already have too many unknown variables to consider. The Hankami, their Daitenshi filth, the Ikiryō scum, and a bunch of mercenaries who have been recorded to have slaughtered hundreds of Soul Reapers along with their questionable leader. The animosity is high enough as it is, and one misstep could cause a tragic mistake within our strategies..."

"That kind of attitude is what led us to exiling Visoreds for their unintentional existence, and proposed execution! I will not stand for that kind unwarranted bigotry here, comrade or not!" Kaien voiced out his own opinion, standing nearly upon the opposite end as the other D.C.O. Squad Captain was, locking his passionate glare with the cool and composed one of Jōshōtsu's. 

"Regardless of what we think of them, Noriko-san has a valid point," Kukkyōna nodded to her while raising his tone on a higher volume enough to steer the other two Squad Captains from having a debacle within the same confined space, "we may not have the space nor the resources available to move such a large population. We were expecting to deal with hundreds, not the tens of thousands if not moreso. There is a big risk of having such a large group relocated to a place foreign to their kind. I think it would be better to just provide a means of defense or means of protecting themselves rather than relocating them altogether..."

"Not to mention that the Arrancar may not want to leave..." Hachiro added in his own voice after passing a slight glare to Jōshōtsu for his rather derogatory words towards the other races. "It may be for good intentions, but to them, we might as well be forcing them out of their home for our own personal gain. They fought, lived, and bled there as we did within Soul Society. I may not be a Hollow myself, but I can guarantee that at least some of them would rather die than abandon the place they were born in. Still..."

He pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose. "The Espada Afilado scratched our back and did their best in trying to prevent the Plinian Movement from happening. Even in the case that we can't get the colony to come here, it would be nice if we returned the favor. Considering how quickly the Inner Circle tore through our defenses, I don't think anything we can provide for them at this point would make any difference..."

"There is an adjacent dimension next to the one from which houses the D.C.O.," Hana spoke aloud, after hearing the majority's opinions, crossing her arms as she looked to Hachiro and the rest alike, "it is quiet and quite safe from any intervention from which the Inner Circle or Sōsuke Aizen could mount up. It is also very similar in make and feel to the atmosphere within Hueco Mundo," she then looked ot the others as she leaned against the holo-projector with both hands, "I'm not going to lie to you: it is a risk. But we've had the lowest unwarranted attacks of Hollowity in the past few centuries of her rule than any other form of government that had been established in the history of Hueco Mundo. If we lose her, no, if we don't show a form of support to their kind now, then we will have animosity guarunteed from their ilk that will be much worse in the event either of our races survive!"

Slowly, Noriko closed her eyes and furrowed her eyebrows, the reality of that statement fully understood. "Whatever you need, Captain-Commander..." She said in acknowledgement. "We're behind you 100 percent. If it means bringing an end to the ones that started this whole mess, we'll do whatever it takes."

Kukkyōna nodded as well, though he held a more stoic and understanding pose than his compatriot, "If it means we can save more lives and bring an end to this senseless war, then I will also vouch my support for this aciton..."

"A dimension similar to Hueco Mundo...?" Qilin questioned, cocking a slight eyebrow as he regarded Hana. "Sounds... very convenient to have...."

"Its a place only I and Captain Sasayaki know of," Hana spoke to Qilin directly, her eyes locking onto his briefly before turning to the rest, "now its a matter of how we're going to get this done. I think it would be swifter if he have the Kidō Captain transport himself to the colony and transport to the place I am speaking of. Less time spent on concocting devices and sending Kidō specialists that'd take hours longer than what their superior could have done in minutes. Captain Horikawa," Hana looked over to the personal superior of Daisuke, smiling as she spoke aloud in a determined tone, "tell your Lieutenant of the plan. We're going to move as fast as we can, and only hope they haven't been discovered yet!"

A ghost of a smile came across Hachiro's face - his own expression of gratitude for Hana's decision. "Right away..." He placed a hand to his earpiece, patching through to what would be the Shinigami trio's channel. "Lieutenant, you three just received the green light. The Kidō Captain's going to arrive and pull a rescue within one sweep. Make sure to hang tight and inform us of any updates of the situation..."

---

"Got it, I'll give the Espada Afilado the good news. Lieutenant Hayate out," Daisuke spoke with a bright smile as his hand came away from the auditory reciever within his left ear, looking over to Braeburn and Renji, whom the latter had also had a smile of his own on his face, "get ready to cover the entrances, we're going to have company soon and we're going to get these people out of here!" 

"Oh, thank Izanami. We're actually going to pull them out of here..."

Braeburn let out a sigh of relief, a smile of his own to match the ones that Renji and Braeburn wore on their faces. Inwardly, he had feared that they would have been turned down due to possible resource expenditure. But it seemed like Hana was being sympathetic towards their plight, too. It was very fortunate to have such people at times like these...

"Good." He said, giving a ready nod and unholstering his sniper rifle to hold within his hands. "I'll take the hallway. I'll be able to kill multiple targets with one Kidō bolt if they're within a narrow and confined space..."

It was here that the two Arrancar females looked to each other, hiding the slight feeling of relief that washed over their own shoulders.

"Nicolao should be done putting the finishing touches on his project." Loly said coolly, placing her hands on her hips. "I'll head to where he is and see if it can be brought along with us. Menoly, you head out and warn the civvies to get to the evacuation exits."

"Right!" With a quick salute, the spiky-haired Arrancar quickly raced off in order to perform her deed.

As Loly went to follow, she stopped out the doorway and looked over her shoulder at the Shinigami as well as the Arrancar fragments. "Good luck, you all..." She said. "You're going to need it." With that being said, she disappeared into the hallway and left the group within to their devices.

"I'll take point at the entrance just above the one those Crimson Knights are guarding," Renji volunteered, sprinting off to the direction from which they came, using his senses and the light that had been lit to maneuver his way back, "probably will avoid the bad air your uncle is making, Burnside, ahahaha!" 

"Where will you be?" Daisuke asked inquisitively to the masculine form of the two minds one soul Arrancar, wondering if he had a preference of what to do, "you going to be guarding one of the entrances or stay within the interior of the catacombs?"

"Ummm," Starrk scratched his head in a awkward sense, having not considered what he was supposed to do himself, "I guess I'll just stand guard here...?"

"We'll go where we want! How's that for an answer?!" Lilynette scowled at Starrk before she retorted to Daisuke, sticking out her tongue in emphasis of his prying. 

Sweatdropping, Daisuke couldn't help but laugh sheepishly as he took off towards the entrance where Renji ran towards, "You two take care of the Primera! You'll all be in the clear within the hour, I guaruntee that!" 

The War of Four: Recollection Act II

Extraction Time Impending! The Ominous Shadow of Corruption...!

However, unknown to those within the catacombs, a dark trio of shadows drove the edge of what would be a far distant sand dune. All of them garbed in black trappings, marking them as members of the Sennin Butai, with their unnaturally shadow-enraptured horses, allowing them to maneuver across the desolate desert world with ease.

What caught the middle rider's eyes was a burrowing of some sorts, something archaic and what they almost missed. Taking out a pair of binoculars, he saw what would look a small series of entrances into what would've been an ancient form of burial grounds for the Hollowity. What was more peculiar was the cloaking of Spiritual Pressure present among there, whereas most of the bountiful atmosphere's Spiritual Pressure was more vibrant and alive in comparison. 

"What is it, Kugyō?" The man on his left asked, in a deeper and dark monotone, as his own hooded visage looked towards the are of which he was gazing at, "you found some stragglers?"

"Perhaps," Kugyō, the assumed man who rode as their unannounced leader, smiling ferally as he felt chills running up and down his spine, "but there's something definitely more than mere Arrancar survivors..."

"Ohhh? Is it something of great worth or power?" The man on his right, speaking in a slightly effeminite tone, one more composed but just as sinister as the other man next to the aledged Kugyō.

"Most certainly, but I suspect it will not be flushed out so easily," raising his left hand towards the sands, sending a torrent of black smoke that seemed to radiate and quake the sandy earth beneath his soles, "but let's have some fun and see what its little guards are capable of. Wouldn't want to squash the bugs so easily, now do we?"

With that, the trio cackled in unison in a eerily similar parallel laugh, as the blackness seemed to spread and cover a much wider gait than Kugyō's palm appeared to have. Within moments, dark snarling creatures were birthed from the sands, taking on the appearance of jackal-like lizards with horn-like heads and spiked bodies, all of them teeming with Shinsei energy from their creator. 

However, even as dozens to hundreds of them were spawned, they remained and growled, awaiting for the oppertunity for which they'd descend upon the hapless hiding spot of the unknown number of Arrancars. It was only a matter of time...

---

Within a few minutes, a bright light was initiated as the Kidō Captain Hando appeared via Trans-Dimension cube, and his colorful cloak bristled within his entry of the catacombs. Looking around, he noted that he was directly within the approximated center of the colony, hollowed out and ready for his arrival. Nodding with affirmation, he placed either of his hands forefingers to his forehead, sending out a telepathic signal to all of those of relevant importance...

"This is Captain Hando, speaking. I have just arrived and made arrangements for the incantation necessary to move the colony and all those within. It will take me thirty minutes to make a large enough barrier to enrapture all those within the catacombs. When I tell you, I need everyone within the catacombs interior so that no one gets left behind, understood?" 

"Understood," Renji rang out mentally, as he stood out and watched from the small den he squatted in, having a plain view of the only direction from which enemies could be coming from. 

"Great! Can't wait to get everyone out of here!" Daisuke mentally acknowledged with cheer, his own form standing just a dozen meters behind from which the Crimson Knights' duo were taking point. 

"Thanks for waking me up for that note," Starrk mentally and audibly sighed as he leaned against the cavern wall, while his younger and feminine counterpart merely rolled her eyes and huffed, "but I'll make sure to be inside..."

"I've recently got into contact with the Quinta through the Sexta's report." Braeburn reported, taking up a prone position on the floor of a particular hallway. By then, all of the citizens had cleared out upon orders of the Espada still active. "He says that he has a gift hidden within deeper within the underground in order to assist assault and defense for the Soul Society. But he needs it to come along with the rest of them to the alternate dimension safely. Whatever it is, I wouldn't pass it up. In addition to that, squads from the Segunda's unit have been deployed in order to assist in the frontline defense. So make sure to watch your fire out there..."

"All the more reason to not let them take a single step in here," Daisuke spoke with determination, his form just a mere few meters away from the exit, "we just have to hold on for just a half hour. They don't seem to have detected us yet, so I think we're in the clear-"

VMMMMMMMM!

"-eh?!" Daisuke's eyes widened as he felt an ominous, yet unmistakable presence of a horrifying Pressure. The very pressure he felt frightened by Sakura when he locked his eyes upon her decievingly lithe form. The very same presence that layed within the grotesque, vulgar shaped towers that were nearly responsible for the ceasing of all life and existence: Shinsei. 

"What the Hell is that?! I've never felt anything like it!" Renji shouted above the ominous roar, even though it came from a multitude of forms coming towards their location, "its Sōsuke's gang! They must've found us!" 

"It is one of the physical gods that approach us." Nohemi's voice came within the communication, calm and cool. "He has formed his own energy into constructs in order to attack. He himself does not plan on appearing... at least, not right away or directly."

"I'll make sure to be on the lookout in case he attempts to sneak past the guard!" Braeburn called. "In the meantime, stay focused on those constructs!"

"Let's go, mate!" Jack shouted off to Kogun, whom nodded with affirmation as the two of them rushed off and towards the initial wave of attack. As they stopped a good fifty meters from the entrance, the enemy became visible. It sent chills up both of their spines as the pack of rat-like dogs charged towards them, snarling and howling as they approached. 

Clenching his fists and flexing his muscles, Jack pulsated with vibrant Spiritual Power that began to augment his physical composition. Within moments, Jack's skin turned red and his body crackled with Spiritual energy, with his physical power at its peak. As he yelled out, he rushed out with immense speed, bull-dozing through the first four of the jackal-constructs with his arms, using lariats to crush their bodies before moving in an erratic gestures common in his fighting style. 

The next dozen rushed around him, heading towards the nearest target that was Kogun...!

With a cool stare, Kogun twitched his toothpick in an upward angle, as he grasped four sword sheathes from either of his sword cannisters. As his targets moved in on his position, he unsheathed them at a rapid pace, grasping two of them in his hands, grasping one with his mouth, and the last one wedged underneath his left leg. When they were only a meter away, he moved...

SHINK-SHINK-SHINK-SHINK-SHINK-SHINK...!

...and swung in a manner so swift, all of the constructs seemed to have been sliced into dozens of finite pieces, allowing them to fall to the earth in a smokey haze from which they were born. Throwing the four swords in multiple directions, he charged them with his spirit energy, causing them to vibrantly explode upon contact with a number of targets. 

However, the sheer magnitude of their enemies hadn't yet been fathomed, as dozens more charged towards the pair and hundreds more skirted around them to assault the catacomb entrance. Their rat-like features along with their animalistic snarls and the unnatural Shinsei energies radiating from their core made them all the more deadly in appearance as they aimed to engage the border guard of the Espada's. 

Renji moved out next, shimmering from his position to land a good twenty five meters from the entrance, grasping the sheathe of his blade as the monsters approached at high speeds. With a thick, magnanimous aura of crimson Spiritual Power radiating from Renji, that'd normally push back some of the most resilient fighters a good distance, Renji uttered lowly...

"Roar..."

SHINK-WHOOOSH-BOOM!

"...Zabimaru!!!!!" Renji shouted out, as he released an incredibly pressurized burst of Spiritual Energy along with a swift slash, sending an elongated spiked series of blades across the horizon, causing a tidal wave of destructive force to exude from his blade, annihilating a good number as well as stagger a good number of the incoming sub-entities.

Even in this case, the other dozens of creatures crawled and leaped over their disembowled or shredded bretheren, rushing towards Renji with a mindless bloodthirsty desire to rip him apart. Twisting his hilt around, he spun the blade in a hyper tornado fashion, spinning the airborne creatures into an enclosing and constricting net of steel and elongated blades. Within a blast of smoke, Renji twisted the hilt once more and swung down with enormous force, his eyes widened as he yelled out with determination, striking the sands before him...

BWHOOOOOSH!!!

...sending a tidal wave of sand up into the earth, sending countless other creatures into the air to be shot down by the proximate Arrancars as well as show their bleeding forms from the sheer yield of Renji's attack. Renji smiled ferally as he retracted his blade, a series of clicks signalling the end of his first round of attacks, "Chew on that, big guys!"

Unfortunately, Renji seemed to have spoken too soon...

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM...!

"SHIT!" Renji shouted in alarm, as the pack came from the sands just below them, having somehow concealed their presences within the wafting sands of spirit energy beneath their feet. Even as they launched themselves and felt the wrath of enraged Arrancars and the rebuffeting resolved Renji, a good number shifted around their positions and rushed out towards the catacomb entrances...!

That is until...

"Jigoku Dangan!" 

...they found the first initial rush was consumed in an inferno bullet of pyrotechic condensed force, exploding into smoke and ashes upon impact of the attack. Daisuke held a protective glare in his eyes, his body exuding a thick aura of crackling crimson Spiritual Pressure, igniting part of the particular entrance from which he stood to protect. 

"Don't let up!" Daisuke roared out, swinging his fiery-lit nodashi to the side, raising his left fist into the air to the defenders of the catacombs, Arrancar and the like, "we will hold our ground! We will not be defeated! We WILL win!" 

In the case of the Arrancar defenders, things were not as a cakewalk for the attacking creatures.

All of them wore thickened armor, made of a mixture of bone and metal. In one hand, they bore shields of the same material and bearing size and design comparable to the human's riot shield. In the other hand, they carried whatever weapon of choice they had, whether it be a sword or a spear. Notably, they were at least the majority of the reason why Sōsuke's forces had taken heavy casualties, despite the outcome. They fought with a ferocity that could've shaken any warrior, regardless of their power or stature.

SLICE!

A sword cut through a construct and dissipated it into nothingness.

CRUNCH!

A shield tossed its enemies within the air, using the height to break necks and force them to disappear. And throughout the course of the fight...

"Enemigo en su dos!" (Enemy at your two o'clock!)

"Múltiples tipos malos por tierra nuestro frente!" (Multiple targets approaching our front!)

"Objetivos adquirido..." (Targets acquired...)

Various calls, commands and alerts were spoke by the Arrancar forces in what would be their own native language. It was a ploy in order to keep watching enemies from deciphering their strategies and plans, used in the defense against Empresa. In addition, they stuck together like a pack and watched each other's back in order to absorb and fight off the brunt of the attack. They were a well-formed unit, hardened veterans of war courtesy of their homeland.

They would fight to the death if they had to.

"Well that didn't last long!" Lilynette complained aloud, huffing and crossing her arms as she paced back and forth. Upon hearing the noise of battle outside of their location, she immediately had drawn her oddly shaped sword from her helmet and kept it at her side at all times.

"Starrk! Are you ready to-WHAT THE?!" she began, looking back at her partner before her eyes widened and her teeth comically grinded as she found his eyes closed and his form leaned up against a wall.

"YOU'RE SLEEPING?! NOW??!!" she yelled to him, before running up to him and punching his ribcage.

"Ow!!" he briefly shouted, looking down at her with a comical scowl. "I'm not asleep, dammit! I'm resting my eyes is all!"

"Stay focused! The fight is right outside!!" she yelled back, pointing at the door in the distant end of the hallway.

As the warriors, both veterans and new ones alike, fought with grit and substantial power against the horde of semi-sentient constructs, Kugyō looked towards the horizon of explosions and cries of battle ringing through the atmosphere. As his steed huffed and growled, stamping its sand-covered hooves against the ground in impatience, he looked side to side, gauging the looks of his colleagues.

"Shall we go...Senmitsuya? Daikonran?" Kugyō asked his partners respectively, both the tall lithe one and the muscular and rougher appearing one. Basking in a thick aura of their own Shinsei Pressure, all three of them reared their steeds back, laughing as they did so, before their mounts kicked off with enough force to send a tidal wave of sand in their wake, as all three of them charged into the battlefield.

As Jack managed to grapple another of the constructs, twisting its neck violently as he did, while throwing its body around like a flail, he noticed a sudden change in the wind pressure. Looking over his shoulder, he saw an oncoming trio of black enraptured entities, creating a demonic wafting black wave of darkness within their wake. Their presences caused him to nearly go white with stark fear, as he turned around and leaped, narrowly avoiding their powerful wake as they stormed past him and Kogun. 

Within the black smoke of darkness, a horde of constructs were born, sending nearly three times the collective of which they had to deal with. Doing this, forced Kogun and Jack to deal with them as the leaders of these mindless husks for creatures charged towards the catacombs. 

As Renji saw the incoming trio, his eyes widened as he felt them as the source of unholy Shinsei Pressure. Retracting his blade once more, then splayed it out before his opponents as he waited for the right moment, and then...shouted out the fated words that sealed his resolve. 

"BAN-KAI!" 

SSSSRH-WHOOOSH!

Within a spiraling vortex of daunting Spiritual Power, a tremendous shockwave was released from the stored up Spiritual Pressure within the twister that was formed from the amazing vibrant release of his Zanpakutō's truest form. After the crimson tongues and blue-white particles of spiritual energy dissipated, Renji was basked in a fur-outlined armor with bone-like avarices that acted like armor for his being. In his right hand was a bone-sheathe, holding onto a coiling, rippling skeletal snake with a crimson collar around the base of its neck. 

"'Hihi'ō Zabimaru!" Renji uttered lowly, before he flexed his wrist, causing the all the stored pressure within the bone-links to suddenly be released, sending an even more powerful shockwave, aiming to blow the horses back and their riders. 

But even as they did so, the riders simply extended their cloak-enraptured hands respectively...

BWOOSH!

...and blasted a wave of pressurized Shinsei energy around their fronts, easily deflecting the surprise attack, and allowing them to close the gap to Renji's vicinity. But Renji didn't let it phase him, as he thrust his Zanpakutō hilt forward, sending the large snake with an immense speed that had enough potential force to send a ear-piercing blast of force towards the three riders. 

The riders on either flank split with incredible versatility, with their unnatural steeds moving with unstoppable momentum, as they aimed to rush within moments past the Bankai-wielding Soul Reaper to their objective. The center one simply, hopped onto the back of his steed before jumping straight into the air, allowing his steed to be crushed by the sheer yielding force and the bone-breaking jaws. The steed dissipated into smoke upon death, revealed to be nothing more than another Shinsei construct, Renji looked up to see the rider's left hand outstretch...

BOOM!

...sending a rippling current of Shinsei energy that exploded, sending a barely guarded Renji, having reflexsively used the lower half of the bone-snake's body to form a Spiritually empowered barrier between him and the blast. However, Renji did find himself indented a good couple meters into the sand as a glassed crater formed from the sheer heat and energy exerted by his attack. 

As the other two riders swung and struck each and every Arrancar warrior that was proximate or on their way to the catacomb entrances, Daisuke could only grit his teeth at how effective and determined they were to get to them. Taking his Zanpakutō in both hands, he gathered a condensed formation of flames and spirit energy within the edge of his blade, standing at the center-most portion of the catacomb's doorway. As soon as they got within ten meters, he thrust his blade out with as much force as he could muster as well as discharge an incredible pillar of flames he made sure not to strike Renji with, should it be redirected...

"Jigoku Hashira!!!!"

VRRRRRROAAAAR!

The destructive gait of the flames screamed into the midst of the riders, flowing past them and narrowly overhead Renji and below the airborne Kugyō, directly into the horde of creatures that threatened to overwhelm the rest of the colony as well as Jack and Kogun. Within impact, an immense pyrotechnic explosion destroyed them all within an instant, sending the rest screaming and flailing for a good distance before dissipating into smoke once more...

The two at the entrance however, were not so easily affected...

"Was that suppose to hurt us?" The effeminite appearing one, Senmitsuya, whom bore a taller appearance that was at least a head taller than Daisuke, ran through the flames swifly, slashing out with a rapier blade in hand. After clashing with Daisuke briefly, the other one appeared through the flames, thrusting out his right fist into Daisuke's gut and thrusting him down the corridor roughly, causing him to bash and crack into the ceiling and walls respectively, "I can't believe the Soul Society actually thought they could save the survivors! Fools, all of them!" 

Daisuke would roll head-over-heels, barely getting back onto his feet, while surprisingly was only a handful of meters to Braeburn's left and a dozen meters away from the distant and waiting pair of Starrk and Lilynette. Gasping a few times, he felt his gut sting but realized he hadn't recieved too much damage, allowing himself to regrip his sword as he gazed down as the rapidly sprinting pair, heading their way...!

"!!!"

The Australian's eyes widened in surprise. While the area was succumbed in a majority of darkness, his senses could pick up the two approaching entities. His voice instantly blared up within the mental connection established. "All forces, be advised! Two hostiles have breached through the defenses and are approaching the location of the Primera! I repeat, defenses have been breached via hit-and-run!"

Using his senses, he locked onto one of the targets. He didn't need the dark to sight them out, having been well-prepared for this situation ahead of time. He kept his own signature masked, making sure that he wouldn't be seen or sensed out easily. His finger tightened on the trigger, and he waited patiently for them to come close enough for a sure shot. He didn't have to wait long, considering the rapid speed that they were closing in on him.

As Braeburn prepared to engage the approaching entities, Nohemi allowed herself to look up from where she was sitting. Her eyes cast themselves on Starrk and Lilynette. "They approach with zealous eagerness. Get ready..." She warned them, gently moving Casilda from her lap as to not disturb her sleep. After moving the Primera to a comfortable position, she slowly allowed herself to stand up. Her cloak covered the entirety of her body, providing a somewhat enigmatic visage.

"Yeah..." Starrk muttered to himself in a reluctant manner, standing up fully and turning to face the oncoming attackers with his hands in his pockets. He was really hoping he wouldn't end up fighting, but seeing as how he was protecting the current Primera, it was all but inevitable in the end.

"Heck yes!!!" Lilynette jumped up with her other fist in the air, grinning in a triumphant manner. "C'mon Starrk! Let's blow these guys to kingdom come!!!"

"Don't worry about our girl, Nohemi," Jinete spoke in a reassuring tone as she left, smiling in a knowing way, "they'd have to get past me if they are to get within an inch of my daughter's room..."

Over her shoulder, Nohemi gave a smile of her own.

"I know..."

"Get ready, Braeburn!" Daisuke held his fire-imbued Zanpakutō in front of himself, as he felt his enemies drawing in close to their position, "they're incredibly resilient so be pre-"

BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM...!

'-pared?!" Daisuke found himself on the recieving end of a series of Shinsei-powered shots, coming from what sounded like a high-powered side-arm. Forcing himself to duck to the recess within the corridor's wall, he felt himself barely avoid the rushing form that ducked and weaved in sync with the fiery shots that blasted good chunks  of the cave walls, intending on causing chaos to allow his comrade to sift through. 

The muscular entity appeared just below Starrk's form, having appeared with spectacular speed. Swinging up his left fist, holding what looked like a twin-pronged bone-vambrace. When it would reach proximity of its target, it would discharge a massive fissure of lightning that would illuminate the whole darkness filled earthen corridor, intending on crushing and electrocuting his target. 

One of them got past the sniper.

POW!

He began to return fire from his prone position, suppressing the more effeminate enemy. He had certainty that the former Primera could handle it. But right now, he had his own target to take care of. At the very least, they had their attention diverted for the time being. He gritted his teeth and let out a growl as he expended the clip.

"Hold still..."

"You missed..."

When the light cleared, however, the being's fist was not within or even on Starrk's person. Rather, the former Primera had executed a form of high speed movement that felt natural, well placed, and not Sonido, and caught the being's attack with an effortless grasp, preventing the resulting lightning attack from damaging anyone else in the room.

"What were you looking at?" he said to the being with a blank stare.

What happened next would be staggering.

Within the mere blink of an eye, Starrk's right hand was on his blue handled sword, and within that same, blindingly fast motion, he swung it across the being's chest with effortlessly exerted power. The swing itself was enough to shake the entire building, and whatever was in it's way would either be dead or completely ripped in half if it wasn't prepared. Following the swing was a massive cutting wave of power that would propell the foe down the other end of the hallway at staggering speeds.

Needless to say, Daikonran was certainly in a lot of agonizing pain when the sword made contact with his chest. Even though he had a substantial aura of Shinsei shielding him from the wound, the sheer friction aganst his skin caused the front of his cloak to be torn and blown apart in an incinerative manner. His body had also collided into the unaware's Senmitsuya front, sending both pairs directly out of the front of the catacombs, while causing the front of the archaic front to be ripped apart by the sheer cutting power sent their way. 

As Renji skidded away, sporting a few cuts and bruises while sweating under the immense pressure his opponent had created for him, he enraptured his form with his Bankai, barely in time to protect himself inadvertently by the cutting wave sent their way. Not to mention the flailing bodies that tumbled head over heels, in an almost comical manner before throwing their respective cloaks off their forms...!

"Tch! Who did that?!" Senmitsuya huffed, brushing some strands of hair off his brow as he looked towards the smoke-curling entrance to the catacombs. 

"Its...Coyote...Starrk, gak!" Daikonran snarled as he spat out a strand of blood out of his mouth as he readied himself for the next engagement, "he's protecting the Primera along with that brat that was supposed to be dead!"

"Hmmm, fascinating," Kugyō cupped his chin while his free hand was propped onto his hip as he looked onwards, his midnight hood partially covering his features even as he saw the entities within the cavern, "so, it seems nearly the entirety of the survivors are within. Ordinarily, I think it would be difficult to pass by them without fighting them one-on-one, but..." raising his left hand, still propping the other on his hip, as he smiled wildely. As he did so, a magnanimous pulse of Shinsei energy gathered at the base of his palm before swirling upwards, gathering both in mass and power, growing and swelling until it possessed the gait of a meteor. Its black-violet energies crackled and swirled around as he flicked his wrist...

VRWHOOOSH!

...sending it forward with immense speed, intending on collapsing the whole catacombs with one fell swoop as well as create such an immense explosion, it would rip apart the desert-roof canopy of the Menos Forest and decimate anything within a good square mile of impact. 

"...we can always pulverize them into oblivion! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Renji's eyes widened in sync, unknowingly, with Daisuke as the immense force of destruction raced to obliterate them all. Inwardly, they both thought it was the end and there was nothing they could do. Daisuke having experience with anything forged from Shinsei, would feel the power of Bankai as if it was a fly in the wind. Even Jack and Kogun could only look on in horror, wishing their superior was back by now, so he could at least help...in some way! 

Within the blast's race towards the location, it seemed as if the efforts for evacuation would be futile.

That is, until a miracle happened.

PWOOM!

A lone and brilliant white Cero, considerably large yet smaller than the meteor-sized ball being launched towards the shelter, was launched towards the center of the blast. Like a pin through a balloon, it ripped through and caused the attack to collapse inward on itself, exploding harmlessly where it had been stopped. The Cero would continue to go forward to the one who had unleashed the genocidal attack in the first place, its bright light threatening to consume and destroy down to the very molecule.

The culprit of the counter-attack stood with a hand outstretched briefly. Her cloak and hair billowed in the brief winds created by the Cero as she stood, her eyes leveled at Kugyō. Even against the power of the attack, she stood ever so calmly and naturally. "As long as I'm standing..." She said firmly. "So will they."

Nohemi had come to the rescue.

"Incredible....!"

Starrk allowed his eyes to widen upon seeing such a tremendous and yet effortless clash of powers unfold in such a short amount of time. In particular, he eyeballed the cloaked and yet graceful Nohemi, and how she easily dispatched what could be seen as a small planet with such little exertion truly had him thankful that he was on her side. As strong as he was already, there wasn't any doubt in his mind that Nohemi had much more to prove than he did.

"What the-?!" 

BOOOOOOM!!!!

Within the surprising movement of both the destruction of the Shinsei projectile and then the swift arcing of the Cero to lock onto Kugyō's location, a maganimous explosion occured, with an immense pillar of blue-white flames erupting in the wake of such incredible potency, as well as the focused power. Surprisingly, the Cero didn't move to a radius of impact that would harm Renji or the two Crimson Knights in the distance. 

However, they wouldn't be lucky enough to kill him that easily...

SHFT-SHFT-SHFT!

...as within three distinct Haya movements, Kugyō and his two similarly appearing colleagues, now all without their dark robes to reveal their black leather garments had appeared a good distance above Renji's location, with all of them observing their opponents below. Kugyō brushed away some of the hissing fragments of sand he had failed to dodge from his collar, glaring daggers below at the intriguingly powerful Arrancar below.

"It appears that this isn't going to be easy," Kugyō narrowed his eyes, smiling thinly at the proposition of a challenge, "Senmitsuya, Daikonran. I want you two to kill Coyote Starrk and his pet brat. I'll handle this unexpected challenger who thinks she can get away with humiliating me."

"Right!" Within a unison shout of acknowledgement, Kugyō's two colleagues employed Haya to appear a handful of meters away from Coyote. Both of which prepared to engage in battle and smiled toothily at the chance of double-teaming him. 

During this time, Renji took it upon himself to seal his Zanpakutō and retreat back along with the Crimson Knights to the interior of the colony. Standing next to Braeburn and Daisuke, along with Braeburn's Uncle and partner, they all watched onwards as their last few minutes would be able to witness a collosal fight between two superpowers, both of them of incredible skill and worth. 

SHFT!

Within one last movement, Kugyō appeared with a deftly placed Haya employment, landing a good five meters in front of Nohemi. Being within the same vicinity of her made Kugyō somehow even more exhilerated than before. With a wide smile only partially hidden by his silver bangs, he half-bowed in front of her before flaunting a hand towards her, "A pleasure to meet you. If you aren't the mysterious woman whom Lord Aizen has spoken to be Casilda Selestino's mother, then I don't know who you are to these Arrancars. You may call me Kugyō, if your not a fan of titles, but my Hankami title is known as...the Defiler," he then cocked his head at angle as he brushed his bangs aside, so his pale blue eyes with slit pupils could onwards to her fully, "but you can call me by my birthname, Jin..."

"So you know at least a little of who I am." Nohemi summarized, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she looked at him. The spiritual pressure that had revealed itself to the Shinigami had ceased to be, leaving nothing to sense. It was as if her reiatsu had suddenly vanished. "If you knew that, then surely you knew that I would be here in her place. Did you truly think that I would overlook an attempt to exterminate my race, to murder my daughter? You may be one of the Hankami. But you are most not one of the Chosen..."

Inwardly, she knew that she had to keep herself aware. If he could summon an attack like that and appear to still be stable, then there was little doubt that he would try it again just for an attempt at an advantage. She would have to keep herself alert and aware...

The Shinigami would not be the only ones that had stopped.

After the constructs' onslaught had ceased, the majority of Arrancar soldiers that had came out on top lowered their swords and shields in order to watch the display. They understood that from this point onward, there was nothing more they could do. They would simply watch and wait as their queen faced their enemy, waiting for the moment in where he would pay for his attack.

Coyote simply stared the two of them down in that same bored stare that he always gave to those who weren't of interest to him. His sword still at his side, he continued to look at them as he spoke plainly.

"I'm not into these sorta things..." he began, speaking plainly and loud enough for them to hear. "And I'd much rather not do anything at this point. So, if you two wanna go ahead and run, please do so. I won't stop you, and I certainly won't chase you."

SHINK-FZZZZT!

SHINK-CLICK-CLICK!

"If its all the same to you, we'd like you just to stand there and die," Senmitsuya spoke in an eloquent, menacing tone as he withdrew his two long silver, bladed guns, spinning them around his forefingers before arming them appropiately, "you may have caught us off guard initially, but you won't stand a chance against the both of us. Even if you were the former chosen Primera that Lord Aizen handpicked..."

"I don't care if you are as strong as those claim, I'm going to be the one to kill you, Coyote Starrk!" Daikonran charged his device, so much so, that his body began to pulsate with electrical energies. Imbued with an intense Shinsei pressure, combined with his associate, the two of them created an electrifying and heavy sensation across the entire air, overwhelming any form of Spiritual Energy within their vicinity. Both of them chuckled darkly as their eyes glowed red, fixating onto Coyote's cool ones. 

And then, they attacked...!

SHFT-SHFT-SHFT-SHFT!

With Daikonran moving with innate, passive speed exceeding his previous level by several times, Daikonran moved into several directions at once, seemingly to split apart upon mental command, and attack from several directions simultaneously. Within these movements, shockwaves of electrifying power were generated, sending up blasts of sand in any direction as he attacked.

Within the supposed openings within the attacks Daikonran launched, Senmitsuya began firing a series of guided Shinsei-pressured projectiles, intending on bullet riddling his enemy while moving at high speeds of his own, making sure his enemy wouldn't have any openings or could sense precise location, as Daikonran was doing, so he wouldn't be struck so easily. 

SHIIINK!

"Of course you would say that, being a mother of one of the most powerful entities within Hueco Mundo's history!" Kugyō snarled out, manifesting a parallel aligned dual-bladed katana out of a discharge of Shinsei energy, pointing it towards Nohemi with a feral bloodthirst in his eyes, "but it is as it always should be...the children will rise as the parents fall. And you, Nohemi de la Cruz, will most certainly..."

SHFT-BWHOOOSH-CRRRK!

"FALL!!!!" Kugyō shouted out, his body moving with immense speed and purpose, as he moved underneath her guard, swinging out in a horizontal slash. Within the lunge, he exuded a monsterous discharge that was in the shape of two skyscraper-sized black-violet outlined blades, shaving a good portion of the sand over the buried colony in its wake as it intended to bifuricate the ancient Arrancar cleanly. 

All Nohemi needed to do was swing her arm up.

When the blade of energy slammed into her, the resulting power enveloped her within its darkened visage. The size of the energy as well as the potency made multiple beads of sweat to fall down Braeburn's face as he observed. It was frightening to see such power unleashed, even within the lands of Hueco Mundo. "He's not playing around, is he...?" He muttered to himself, watching as the entities clashed against each other. Although he could assume that the fight with Starrk was going to be just as intense, the fact that the very Queen of Hueco Mundo was fighting sent a chill down his spine like no other. How would this turn out?

As the smoke cleared, Nohemi could be seen with her arm still out. The blade of Shinsei was resting on her forearm, having been stopped in its tracks. There was no sign of her getting cut or burned by the attack, and even her clothing and cloak had remained intact. She looked with subtle disdain as she gazed into those eyes so full of bloodlust. It was something that she had seen many times, but had never grown to appreciate. This Hankami was no different.

She swung her arm out with a natural gesture.

WOOSH!

A strong wake of physical force was unleashed, blowing Kugyō back several meters.

On Starrk's end of the field.....

Watching his opponents move with such precise speed and tactics couldn't stop him from wondering just how exactly it felt, fighting alongside an actual companion against an overwhelming force?

But no matter. If he dwelled on it for too long, he could end up getting hurt in some fashion. So...he moved.

"I guess we're going to play it like that then...." he squinted his eyes in focus and tightened the grip of his sword. "...don't say I didn't warn you."

With a single burst of Sonido, nearly four clones of Starrk appeared in his original place, and then all four of them were hit with the slew of attacks from his opponents. But it was here he actually struck.

Within the time it would take for them to grasp the situation, Starrk reappeared in front of the larger of the attackers. With the same blindingly fast and powerful force that he used earlier, he calmly and quickly stabbed his sword into the entity's chest, aiming on it going straight through his body and the resulting pressure wave blowing apart his body.

But wouldn't this leave him open for the other attacker to come in? Of course it would, but Starrk wasn't one to forget such things so easily. All he had to do was wait for the other being's next move, and he would end the fight there.

The Gods of the Old and the New, Divine Supremacy!

Kugyō found himself flipping head over heels, landing a good six meters away from his enemy from the amount of force projected towards him. He scowled as he noted that Nohemi was completely unharmed, let alone fazed by his attack. 

However, the Hankami offspring did find it enjoyable to test his limits in a sincere manner. After all, his own opponent didn't stand a chance against even a quarter of his true power. With the likes of her, a true ascended being, he could fight with the strongest of his abilities and see just how much he had yet to improve...!

SLAM!

"Let's see how you do against this?!" Kugyō cackled out, as slammed his left palm into the sands, sending an unholy geyser of black-violet hued flames into the earth, sending rippling shockwaves and tremors that could be felt for miles. What would come out of the sands, however, was no ordinary form of attack...

BWHOOSH-SNAP!

...as what erupted from the sands was a skyscraper sized beast, with its maw stretched out and waiting, and would be snapping with swift precision and ferocity at Nohemi's form, as it stretched up high into the pale black skies, looming far overhead. As soon as it settled onto all fours of its bestial, nightmarish feet, its animalistic eyes locked onto the Arrancar, and roared out...

VRRRROAAAAAAAR!!!!

...sending a Shinsei-pressurized shockwave with enough power to send back a sizeable tsunami-sized wave of pale sand, lighting it aflame with Shinsei energy, and ensuring it would flow directly overtop of the seemingly immortal entity before it and Kugyō. 

The static sound that resounded prior to the snapping jaws indicated evasion of the beast's attempt to snap Nohemi within her jaws. As her form re-appeared on the ground, she looked up at the construct with a composed yet stern stare. Even as it opened its mouth to let out a ferocious roar, she did not waver. As she felt the energy start to release itself, she closed her eyes and waited.

When the energy that would've hit her directly came close enough, it appeared.

A hexagonal barrier instantaneously formed to intercept that particular part of the blaze, protecting Nohemi from the sea of power. It glowed brilliantly, its light bright enough to blind anyone who dared to look directly at it. She herself had to turn away for a moment, closing her eyes and averting her head's focus from her enemy. But of course, she was far from allowing herself to let her guard down.

"The control of your enemy is quite remarkable!" She complimented, even in the midst of the attack. "It is a shame you squander your talents on pointless murder and destruction..." From behind her shield, she raised one of her hands out to point to fingers toward the construct. Her aim was once more at what would be the focal point.

THOOM!

She launched a Bala and dissipated the shield just before the projectile to collide with it, allowing it to sail towards the beast's chest. When it hit, it sank into the body before detonating.

BOOSH!

The construct itself would have a good portion of it destroyed, its foundation collapsing under the disruption.

The focus of the construct was enough to allow Kugyō the opportunity to close the distance between him and Nohemi. Appearing within a deft employment of Haya, he shifted into position, crouched behind Nohemi's backside while outstretching his left palm. Within the obliteration of the construct, he then let loose his attack...

VRRRRROOOOOOOOAAR!!!!!

...sending an enormous column of potent, destructive and corruptive violet-black Shinsei flames, intending on rending her natural defenses inert and pummel into the far sand dunes, if not burn her to a crisp from the immense blast released by his being. 

Once again, Nohemi was enveloped within a powerful attack.

The flames consumed her area, burning the sands and incinerating anything else within the scenery unfortunate enough to be near them. But through these flames, the hexagonal barrier that had appeared in front of Nohemi was now behind her. Once again, it had intercepted the attack for her, preventing her from actually turning around to face her opponent. This move was telling her that although he probably didn't feel it to its fullest extent yet, desperation was starting to set in. With that though, she almost felt sorry for the Hankami.

Almost.

"You're not a god, Hollow!" Kugyō shouted out, his eyes heatedly glowing red as he swung his blade around, sending another piercing blast of tremendous power towards her, "you cannot defeat me! I am the son of the Reaper and the Punisher! I am the vessel of their pain and anguish, as well as all of their vices! You cannot possibly outweigh the darkness within my heart with the hollowed one of your own!" 

SHINK-SHINK-SHINK-VOOM...!

Within every strike of his blade, an earth-shattering detonation of air pressure and violet-black Shinsei flames erupted, as he sent a dizzyingly array of attacks with ungodly power behind them. While doing so, he formulated a plan to send her defense off course, just like how she was concerned with his earlier attack he aimed to decimate the colony she so desired in keeping safe. 

Woosh...

Woosh...

Woosh...

For a while, Nohemi had taken to simply moving and side-stepping in order to dodge the attacks directed towards her. Each strike caused her cloak and hair to billow in the direction away from the strike itself, with the flames dancing around her. Although she still held that composed and cool expression, there was a bit of sadness reflected from it. Had he not said those words, the dance would've probably lasted longer. But Nohemi allowed herself to dodge for only a brief moment.

Then, one of her hands farther away from Kugyō moved to catch his wrist, effectively stopping the onslaught of attacks. The nearest arm was braced to her chest. She took the time to speak to him, and within those short words, her voice expressed that very same sadness to him.

"Is that all you have to offer?"

POW!

Then, she swung her nearer arm, her elbow crashing into his face with immense force. It would be the equivalent to a human getting hit by a freight train.

"GAUH-!" With the force utilized by Nohemi's elbow against his skull, he couldn't help but feel part of his being be exploded from the massive yield of physical damage done to his head. In fact, his head looked as if it ruptured and exploded in a violent grotesque display of the ruthless and unforgiving power bestowed by the goddess of the Pale Sands. 

The body then fell to its knees and flopped limply onto the ground, appearing as if Kugyō had been slain by his enemy and his form left to rot among the pale wasteland from which he fought ruthlessly upon. One of the Sennin Butai had been defeated both without decency and without effort. 

From that point forward, there was only silence.

Nohemi stared at the form with a calm serenity, her eyebrows furrowed and a thin frown on her face. Slowly, she lowered her hand so that the cloak would cover the entirety of her body in what seemed like an act of non-aggression. She reached out with her senses, trying detect whether or not he was truly alive. For one thing, all Hankami regardless of whether they were "chosen" or not were capable of absorbing massive amounts of damage before succumbing to it. In addition, she never allowed herself to kill anyone if she could help it, even if it was someone who was attempting to exterminate her people. She had made sure to hold herself back when she struck him, focusing on crippling him rather than ending his life.

She allowed herself to speak after studying his form for a moment, finding her answer.

"Hatred, bloodlust, anger, all of their vices. Is that all you can offer to me, to yourself, and to the likes of others? Do you believe that you can live solely on nothing more than death and destruction?" She paused for a moment, closing her eyes and letting out a small sigh. "I may not be a god... but even I understand that the Hankami are capable of much more than the elements that they were given by Lady Izanami herself. Kugyō, Jin, and the Defiler... there's a lot more you need to learn about yourself than you realize."

The Wolf vs the Twins! Solitude and Blasphemous Chaos!

As the blade moved to strike what Starrk would assume was his opponent, his senses and his sight would tell him otherwise. As the blade rushed towards the muscular chest, it appeared to have changed drastically and shifted to that of the lithe, petitte little girl that Starrk always knew of: it looked like Lilynette Gingerback!

But it was already too late, as the large pressure wave consumed her body and ripped her apart in a gorey appearance, splattering what would've felt like blood to the assumed dazed warrior. But it was within this fraction of an instant that the other made his move...

WHAM!

...as the real Daikonran discharged a mighty blast of Shinsei-pressurized-energy behind him, sending a rippling pillar of power that would kick up a torrential volume of pale sand in its wake. Moving with a deft Haya step, Daikonran appeared next to Senmitsuya, whom cocked his guns upwards as he explained, "My Shinsei based ability is within Blasphemy. I can make it so that my allies or enemies look and act as if they are the real thing, confusing my enemy's senses to charge for an opening. I have more than that, but that is where it stands, Coyote Starrk!" 

"Thanks for telling me."

But speaking to the Arrancar would prove to be their downfall.

Within a mere second of finishing that statement, Starrk appeared directly in front of both warriors with nigh unreachable speeds, unharmed by the previous slew of attacks. The blank, cold gaze that he always gave was ever present as his blade swung across both of their chests with force equvilant to that of which he used earlier against them.

And it didn't stop there.

Once the blade flew across their chest, the real Lilynette appeared behind both of them. Grinning widely, she placed her palms on the back of both recoiling warriors, and released a pair of massive green Ceros upon them. Despite her size, the blasts were both incredibly powerful.

How was this possible???

Having adjusted to their opponent's speed, they both parried the blasts with equal force, utilizing their own Shinsei aura to effortlessly shrug off any shock they normally would've shown. However, they hadn't expected the younger, feminine half to make her attack when she did...

"NNNNGH?!"

"AAAAARGH!" 

BOOOOOM!!!

WIthin a pair of synchrionized, emerald-lit explosions that created two enormous sized domes of rolling energy, a 360 degree angle of pale sand blew in every direction from the immense force created by the Ceros. Within the green flames, however, Daikonran and Senmitsuya were far from being dead. 

"I think that little girl was trying to hurt us," Senmitsuya blew away the smoke with a pulsatin of his Shinsei pressure, sending a billowing wave of sand and air pressure around him and his colleague. They both were enraptured in thick violet-black flames, making them appear more demonic than human, "she thinks that launching her big bad Ceros is going to harm us...!" 

"We'll show her...show that bitch and that lazy-ass what true terror is about!" Daikonran snarled out, his eyes locking onto the girl and Coyote, with a thick smile as his body coiled with intense Shinsei energy, sending out an overwhelming pulse of empathetic energy. Even for powerful entities such as Starrk and Lilynette, the pulsations would feel like an overdrive on emotional stimulus and feel chaotic, almost like an extreme case of a panic attack.

When this was happening, Senmitsuya raised his guns and fired...

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM...!

...firing dozens of thick, violet-black flames of Shinsei energy, moving with a mind of its own as they homed in on the powerful entities, moving with speeds that even matched their own. But instead of them being normal projectiles of energy, they had the heads of horned dragons, snarling out and flailing out large wings to enhance their speed even greater as they homed in on their prey. If touched by one of them, it would detonate in an intense blast of Shinsei energy that would overwhelm even the highest grade of spiritual pressurized defense, and would be even more difficult to counter with their own natural speed and strength. 

"Ooooooh nooooo!!" Lilynette comically and mockingly despaired, holding her face with both hands and spewing a waterfall of fake tears. "Big bad ugly's are gonna hurt me!!! What should I do?!!"

As they honed in on her, she grinned.

And then set into utilizing a series of Sonido bouts back and forth, her body formed into a comical dodging pose each time she did so as each blast sent her way, bending her form, ducking, jumping and several other movements as the blasts whizing around her dodging form and into the distance.

"Whoops! Sorry! Missed! Try again!" she mocked with each dodge, sticking her tongue at them each time as well. 

"You're grossly underestimating both of us." Starrk calmly said as he turned his form just a little to the left, letting one projectile that came for him easily miss and fly behind him, exploding in the distance.

Daikonran was nearly at the edge of his patience. Rushing forward, he created a series of afterimages as he charged his vambrace-tesla weapon in his left arm. Aiming to attack the girl, he moved and swung his left arm for the last position she was dodging into, throwing a powerful tesla-Shinsei blast into her vicinity and intending on catching her in mid-air. The violet-black blast would be enough to rend a good kilometer of the atmosphere into a sphere of electrifying energy and set even the seemingly indestructible grains of Hueco Mundo's sands to light aflame and glass over. 

When the blast came for her, Lilynette's eyes widened into big white saucers and she briefly flailed about in fright at what was heading her way. However, she quickly ducked her head under the blast, it's edge blazing her left horn on her Hollow mask remnant into oblivion, the energy from before crashing into the distance and creating an unholy amount of destruction.

As she recoiled back up, she glared at him angrily. "Hey! That could have really hurt me! You guys are too damn clumsy!!"

"How are you dodging them all?! It doesn't make sense!" Senmitsuya spoke aloud aghast at the sheer beauty in the movements in which Starrk preformed. It almost appeared truly boring for the ex-Primera to even attempt to move any faster than he has been, as his body shimmered in and out of the way of the draconic blasts. All of his shots had been potent enough to erect powerful geysers of violet-black Shinsei flames, roaring high into the sky while illuminating the dangerous glint within his enemy's gait.

"DON'T YOU DARE MOCK ME, YOU SECOND-RATE ESPADA!" Senmitsuya howled out, pointing his guns towards him and unleashing a deafening dual shots of power towards Starrk, crafting into the form of two skyscraper sized dragon heads. Enraptured in pure, dark Shinsei flames of violet-black coloration, the red-eyed apparitions of sheer destructive power barreled towards the ex-Espada, intending on consuming him whole before barreling into the horizon and exploding into a near-city-sized detonation.

"Honestly..." Starrk sighed. Knowing the size and power of these blasts, simply dodging to the side would do him no good this time. He would have to perform something a little more effort induced. "If you aren't going to fight for real, then you and your friend may as well turn around and leave..."

With a single burst of Sonido, one that was fast and strong enough to cause a recoil of sand and debris in his wake. The blasts just barely came within contact of him as he did so. He could certainly feel the power that the blasts radiated, but they had moved far too slow to do serious damage to him, as they normally would have.

When he reappeared a little ways ahead of where he was previously, he simply gazed on without expression. "...because neither of you stand a chance."

Suddenly, from right behind Senmitsuya, and instant and incredibly powerful blue Cero shot out from point blank behind him. Starrk appeared to have done nothing, not moved since finishing his statement, and yet a Cero of pure destructive power blew from behind the being just a few inches from his back. It was instantaneous; no warning had been given, no sign of it's incantation had been shown. It was simply a Cero that was displaced and aimed right behind him.

Such was the mastery of Starrk's Cero prowess, higher than that of any other Hollow to date thus recorded.

"AAAAAAAAAARGH!" The pain was overwhelming, as well as the brief bit of exhaustion wafting over Senmitsuya. Unlike Kugyō, he had not all of his Shinsei Pressure and when launching such collosal-sized attacks they indeed took their toll. When the Cero wafted over his body, it looked as if his clothes were incinerated entirely and his body looked more crispy than soft. With a soft, throaty gasp, Senmitsuya fell to the ground and appeared to have been destroyed by the unexpected blindsided attack. 

Within the moment of this occuring, a thunderous shockwave lasped over their battlefield, and the presence of Kugyō had momentarily vanished. When Daikonran looked over, he saw the limp form of his colleague fall to the sands and not get back up, after a gruesome death blow was given to him by the unknown lady of the sands.

"NRRRRRYAAAAAAH!" Pumped with unrestrained rage, Daikonran's body became enraptured in a thick pillar of lightning, causing a collosal blast of sand and glassed particles to fly in all directions. Within the moment of the discharge, Daikonran's speed kicked up several fold, moving at speeds that rivaled even the deft mastery Starrk has displayed, moving towards Lilynette with ruthless precision and tenacity, as he began to launch a barrage of inhuman strenghted martial artist strikes. The intent was to cause as much damage to the younger half of Starrk, before going off to target Starrk himself, so that the prior opponent would be emotionally imbalanced and allow the maximum potential of his Chaos-based Shinsei pressure to take control over him.

When Lilynette tried to leap back, part of the being's energy coated fist managed to scald the lower part of her torso, causing her to flinch and briefly gasp in pain. But as she back flipped, her head came back into view as she stuck her tongue out at him...

...and then another Cero shot out from underneath the fiend, blowing him high into the sky and creating a massive column of pure power that blew away some of the dark clouds in Hueco Mundo's skies.

Starrk sheathed his blade and sighed as Lilynette appeared next to him.

"Worked way too hard today..."

Joining his other counterpart, Daikonran felt himself shouting out a bloodcurtling scream of agony as his body became consumed in the searing heat of the magnanimously overpowering Cero that erupted beneath him. Falling down onto the earth, his body appeared to have been seared to the bone and twitch in small spasms from the nervous system's overload created by the Cero's heat. 

The invaders have been defeated....

Success Achieved! The First Battle won!

"Attention! Everyone withdraw into the catacombs immediately! I've just now completely enraptured the confines of the colony and all of its inhabitants with the barrier. I am ready to commit the Kidō Spell at any moment!" Kidō Captain Hando shouted throughout his telepathic link, urging the ex-Primera, Lilynette, and Nohemi de la Cruz to retreat into the confines of the cavernous corridors. 

Within this message, Daisuke and Renji awakened from the paled expressions and stupors they held from the immense fighting prowess their newly acquired allies possessed. They felt practically insigficant in comparison to such powers before them. Still, it didn't stop them from sprinting to the more concealed portion of caves within the depths of the pale sands. 

"Oh crap!!" Lilynette said in a comical panic, grabbing the half asleep Starrk and dragging him across the sands quickly.

"Hey! Give me a minute!" he complained aloud as she did so, 

"No you idiiot!" she shouted as she sped towards their destination, deeper into the confines of the cave as they caught up with Renji and Daisuke. "We're gonna get left behind if we don't move!!!"

"Move your arses! C'mon, let's go!" Braeburn's voice snarled, with its source moving along with them. "Captain Hando's not going to wait for us all day!"

As they moved, Nohemi allowed herself to grace Kugyō with one last look before turning herself away and walking towards the gate. She knew that she didn't have to worry about the placement of Casilda. Jinete would hear the message loud and clear, or he may have already beaten them there to it. She had been nearest to the catacombs, and thus she did not have to run like they did.

"I wonder how the Soul Society's visage is after so long a time...?"

It wasn't until Nohemi had crossed the threshold a glowing outline of emerald energies took place across the entire landscape from which the colony took up. Nearly several kilometers in total, the whole of the ancient catacombs along with all of its inhabitants were safely enveloped within the cradle of energy as it prepared to move them. 

"Get ready!" Captain Hando shouted, his voice carrying across the whole of the stone carved corridors as he made handsigns as he prepared the transportation part of the Kidō spell, "this will be quick, but I'd rather no one be standing straight up right now!" 

WHOOMF!

Renji and Daisuke, upon hearing this, plant their hindquarters down onto the ground immediately within the center of the currently uninhabited hallway they were in with Braeburn. With widened eyes of expectation and prepared nerves, they were now able to handle the immensely powered Kidō their comrade was about to utilize. They just hoped they wouldn't be rattled too much upon reentry...

"Hello dear," Jinete greeted his wife with a smile, as he leaned against the stone wall on her way back to Casilda's room, "did you get to have a workout, or was it just a has-been?" 

"He was strong..." Nohemi said, approaching him as she spoke. "But he still had a long way to go in order to be a threat..." When she stopped, she turned her head to look over at Casilda. A grateful smile crossed her face. "All in all, though, I'm glad to see you kept her safe and sound..." She turned back to him to give him a peck on the cheek.

Jinete could only return the gesture, cupping the side of her face with one of his caloused hands, looking into her eyes with sincere love as he whispered, "How could I not keep our pride and joy safe? I'd have nothing interesting to look forward to, if I didn't have you or Casilda in my life. Everything would pale more than the sands of Hueco Mundo in comparison to the happiness I have gained from having you two in my lives..."

And within that instant, a soundless lapse of light enveloped them all within mere seconds, transporting them across the spacial fabric of reality and away from Hueco Mundo altogether....

CLAP-BOOM!

...in the wake was a magnanimous sound of a thunderclap, as a deep chasm was left behind by the absence of the colony's disappearance, sand and all. 

However, within the moment of their absence, life was breathed into the three warriors that were assumed dead and certainly defeated...!

"That...hurt a lot," Daikonran coughed, his skin rapidly regenerating as well as replenishing any loss blood and tissue lost by the attack committed to him. Rolling his neck around, popping a few joints back into place, Daikonran walked over to the superheated area from which Senmitsuya was rising, his bare body also regenerating at a high rate, "to think that the lazy ass actually got stronger than what Lord Aizen told us about...freakin' smarts!"

"Indeed, this disturbance does give way to new possibilities," Senmitsuya sighed, his body glowing as new clothes were generated by the constructs his Shinsei allowed him to produce, "the Soul Reapers were more talented than we thought, as well as those Bounty Hunters, but those last two Arrancars were on a whole other level. Perhaps we should give this information over to Lord Aizen for him to study?"

SHFT!

"He probably already knew," Kugyō, being the last one to arrive, had the last of his facial tissue regenerate, as his whole brain and head was flawlessly healed, revealing a toothy smile as he sheathed his twin-bladed katana, "that's why he didn't tell anyone about the Crimson Knights, having been a part that accursed Black Blood Sect. He wants us to overcome some of these unknowns with our own strength and our own cunning, so we may become all that much stronger."

"So," Senmitsuya looked over at Kugyō with a thin smile of his own, calmly inquiring, "what's the plan?"

______________________________________________________________________________________________

C-CLAP-BOOM!!!

And just as suddenly as they were enveloped with light, they were reemersed with darkness and the natural lights within the stone-carved tunnel network that contained thousands of Arrancars and Hollows alike. When arriving, the outside appeared to have glimmered, almost brightened somehow. If one were to peer out of the entrance or exposed holes of the enormous pile the catacombs created, they'd see an endless sea of black sand and a sky filled with an endless ocean of sparkling stars. However, unlike Hueco Mundo, it had no moon to speak of. 

Daisuke had bumped his head into Renji's, unintentionally causing the other man to bump into Braeburn's head, as they all fell flat on their backsides from the sudden jarring transportation that was created. 

"Sonuvabitch!" Renji swore quickly, grasping onto his head in both spots he had been struck as he scrambled to get on his feet, "my aching skull! Ahhhh!" 

"Maybe residing in a passive stance wasn't what Captain Hando meant by sitting down?" Daisuke asked rhetorically as he rubbed his forehead as he struggled to get up himself, comically soothing his bump that was developed by the impact. 

"Ow!! You bloody klutzes!!" Braeburn complained, already having lost his own balance and having Renji's head crash into his own. He held a hand over his eye, with a comical vein protruding from his cheek. "You could've made me a cyclops just now with your left-foot balancing!!"

Starrk fell right down next to the trio on his back, his face in a comically pained expression as he groaned. "Hey...you two...please don't tell me to do anything....alright?" he said with a comical weeze. "I reeeeaally don't want to move from-MRRF!!!!"

However, before he could finish, the squeeling form of Lilynette fell down above him, her bottom landing right on his face as she shriveled, as if she were expecting to land somewhere else much harder. But she blinked a couple of times and sighed in relief. "Boy, I thought I was a goner there!"

"That is not how you kiss someone's ass!!" Braeburn's voice yelled.

Within the confines of the alternate dimension's shelter, Nohemi took only a brief glance away from her husband to take a look at her surroundings. But upon seeing that there was nothing important that had seemed to change, she disregarded it in favor of returning her gaze to Jinete once more. "You always were the charmer, weren't you...?" She asked, putting on a smile. Despite his calloused hands, she found the touch to be warm and soft - a lover's gesture. She began to move in again to kiss him...

But then, her ears picked up a Sonido movement, causing her to stop and direct her eyes in surprise.

It was a young girl with black hair tied up in a ponytail, one of her eyes bandaged over, and the standard Espada uniform for her attire. She had one hand folded behind her back and another holding what appeared to be a tea kettle with the spout exuding steam. She was standing over Casilda's sleeping form, looking down curiously at what was assumed to be her superior. She took no notice of either of the other Arrancar in the room, her focus only on Casilda.

Then, she spoke.

"It's tea time!"

Then, she poured the tea on Casilda's face.

Even in spite of her own strong Hierro, the sensation wasn't recieved all too well.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH~!!!"

"That isn't what I would call a good wakeup call," Jinete winced, from both the ear piercing scream and the visually painful experience his daughter just now experienced. Sighing, he turned around from his wife and walked over to Melina's backside, tapping his foot with an impatient tempo as he looked down with exasperation in his gaze, "just what gave you the idea to pour such scalding contents on my recovering daughter's face, Melina-chan?"

"At least she's awake," Daisuke sweatdropped, as he plugged his ears in unison with Renji, as they both got over their brief exasperated looks at the comical scene Lilynette and Starrk created, much to their chagrin. However, Daisuke could've done without the ear-piercing scream that rang throughout the whole colony, causing a few dozen denizens to rush out from being so proximate to the loud sounds. 

"Who the Hell had the idea of waking her up THAT way?!" Renji yelled out with veins protruding from his cheeks, balled up fists, and cheeks as he stared his bulging eyes towards the room from which he noticed a particular Arrancar walk in with the boiling kettle, "I swear to the Spirit King I will scalp her if she pulls something like that again!" 

Starrk, having inwardly gave up on the attempt to sleep or rest, lazily tossed Lilynette and her rump off of him. After coughing a couple of times and sitting himself up, he looked over to where Casilda was and picked at his right ear with his pinky finger. "What just happened to her?" he asked them in a nonchalant sounding way.

Casilda herself wasn't very happy with the wake-up call.

After abruptly sitting up and clutching her face, she threw her hands down to throw the innocent-looking Melina a furious glare, complete with eye twitching. "Okay..." She seethed. "Before I start gutting you for giving me the spicy-hot facial treatment, would you care to grave me with the reason why you poured scalding hot tea on my face?!" She swore she could hear her threads snap when Melina gave a shrug to both and her father.

"Cinco-san told me to do it. He insisted that you would've just woken up like any other person since you have that high density Hierro on you. I mean, we did try kicking you around that one time when we needed you, but all that did was make you snore louder..."

---

Off where he was, Nicolao suddenly found interest in innocently whistling.

---

Because her parents were in the room, Casilda decided to restrain herself from strangling Tierra's Fraccion right then and there.

After fixing Melina with a glare for another moment, she gave a heavy sigh and allowed her posture to droop. "So I guess I really am awake now. Things seemed so much better since the first time I woke up--"

"Wait a minute." The voice of Nohemi spoke up after she had gotten over her surprise at Melina's actions. "First woke up? We had assumed you were asleep the whole time..." Her surprised stare slowly turned into a slightly stern and maternal one when she saw Casilda abruptly freeze with a sweatdrop running down the back of her head. "Casilda..."

"Okay, fine!" Casilda gave a relenting sigh and a lopsided frown, not bothering to turn to face Nohemi. "I may or may not have woken up briefly prior to what I assume was the attack before..." She paused, looking a little sheepish. "...before I... decided to fall back to sleep again..."

"How much of this ordeal have you been conscious through?" Jinete spoke in a maternal tone of his own, sighing under his breath as he crossed his arms along with his expectant stare he locked onto Casilda's face, "it would've been helpful to know if you were awake earlier, you know?"

While Daisuke scrambled to his feet to see the Primera, Renji looked in the opposite direction, hearing a number of surprised and aghast voices from just down the corridor. Furrowing his brows, he went in the opposite direction as his Lieutenant compatriot, leaving Braeburn squatting in the same area as Starrk and Lilynette. 

With Daisuke just outside of the doorway, he patiently awaited a good point of entrance for which he wouldn't be disturbing the family reunion they were surely having, as well as the recovery of the incident that caused her to scream not moments ago. 

"I was extremely groggy, weak, and hoping that this would've all been a dream..." Casilda said in defense, folding her arms across her chest. "And I would've woken back up to see that I and the rest of the population isn't holed up within some catacombs, Empresa isn't burned down, and I'm not getting woken up by someone pouring hot tea on my face."

"Yeah, we all have those moments..." Melina said casually, causing Casilda's eye to twitch again. But this time, she chose to ignore it.

"What happened?" The Primera's expression turned from annoyed to concerned as she looked to her parents. "I could barely pick up foreign signatures outside of the catacombs when I nodded off again."

Nohemi gave a nod. "The signatures you felt were that of a Hankami that had attacked the catacombs. I as well as the others held them off long enough for the Gotei 13's Kidō Captain to transport the survivors of Empresa's attack to an alternate dimension. In addition, three Shinigami from their ranks have been wanting to speak to you in person."

Briefly, Casilda passed a humorous glance over her shoulder. "Is that why one of them is hanging by the doorway like a creeper?"

Daisuke's eyes shot wide open and his body fell into an immediate bow of apology, feeling as if he was spying in on royalty, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to pry or to be intruding! Please forgive me!-"

"Calm yourself, Lieutenant," Jinete waved a dismissive hand towards Daisuke, while retaining an amused grin at the comical display of apologies from their Soul Reaper counterpart, "this is actually a good time for you to speak with the Primera, now that she's awake and all. Come on in, don't be shy, I know you're taken, hehehe!"

"Th-Thanks," Daisuke blushed crimson at the mention of his relationship with the Punisher. He didn't know that even the entities of Hollowity had known about his involvement with her, as nearly every known Soul Reaper in every Society knew. Bowing his head in thanks, Daisuke walked into the room and kneeled to the ground into a passive resting stance, locking his eyes with the Primera's, "I don't think we've properly met the last time. My name Daisuke Hayate, the Lieutenant of the 9th Division of the Seireitei's Gotei 13. I've come to you relaying information you're probably aware of, but its imperative all the same: The infamous and elusive Mercenary Organization, the Inner Circle, has taken over the worlds of greatest importance, both of the Material and the Spiritual Realms. I've come to ensure of your civilization's continuity as well as the chance that you would aid us in a counterattack against the enemies that have done to both of our homelands," Daisuke then held his breath, keeping a cool and serious stare with the Primera, leader of the current Arrancar civilization and all those free of oppression or mindless anarchy. 

"Rise, Lieutenant." Casilda's voice had regained its firm and serious edge as she looked at Daisuke. She slid her hands within her pockets. "You don't have to bow to me like you probably would for your Head captain. You're not one of my subjects, after all..." She paused for a moment, giving him time to rise back up onto his feet before speaking again. "What you're telling me is that the Gotei 13 wishes to form a pact with the Espada Afilado, an alliance to deal with this so-called mutual enemy? Looking away from hindsight, that would seem like a moment of opportunity."

That was when her eyes narrowed slightly, and her stare became more stern. "But, I have not grown so forgetful that I would unwittingly dismiss the history we have had with one another. In the aftermath of the Great Schism, a war between two rifts of the old Hueco Mundo order, your forces came to destroy our civilization and clean up loose ends. Because of you Shinigami, we have had to fight to restore what had once been, to keep our society from falling completely into a cemetery for relics. With that in mind, I ask you this - what makes you assume that I will take the helping hand of you, especially when the leader of this attack was the very same man produced from your own ranks?"

As Daisuke rose to his feet, his bangs covered his eyes as he heard the stern, if not underlyingly bitter words that were spoken to him. But when he raised his eyes to stare back at hers, he spoke with assurance and clarity...

"I could say the same about Ultharon," Daisuke had a tint of anger held within his tone as he spoke, "a very entity that was born from your own race, that intended on slaughtering all of my comrades and family when I was just a lowly unseated soldier. But then again, Ultharon wasn't inspiring your people, but forcing them to fight in a war against their own will, wasn't he? Just like how Sōsuke Aizen betrayed your kind, he intended to wipe out the Soul Society and make himself some twisted god above all others. I don't believe Ultharon is a representative of everything within your own race as Sōsuke is ours. I believe that if we put aside our mutual differences and grudges, we can truly do great things, both in this dire hour and from here on. I don't believe Hollowity is all evil, just like how I don't believe all souls within the Spiritual Realms are all good. So I ask you, not as a Soul Reaper or a member of the Gotei 13, but as a man of my word," Daisuke reached out his hand, a clear sign for her to shake it should she approve of his terms, "will you help me save my friends and family, if I can help save yours?"

For a moment, there was only silence. Casilda stared at him with a stoic and unreadable gaze as he spoke retaliation against her, taking in what he said with the natural stride she had always carried herself. It was a reasonable explanation and answer to her question. Ultharon really wasn't their representative, and Sōsuke wasn't the Shinigami's. What reason could she have possibly had to deny this opportunity to destroy Sōsuke for what he did? Because of him and his minions, countless lives had been disrupted. If she wanted that opportunity, now was the time to take it.

Slowly, she closed her eyes and contemplated what he said for a moment more.

Then, she moved her hand out and grasped his in a firm shake. "Your fate is ours, Lieutenant Hayate." She spoke. "We will lend the Head Captain our hand in bringing down this power that threatens all of us."

As she watched this, Nohemi put on a proud smile. "You've really grown, Casilda..." She thought to herself, tilting her head to the side as she watched the Primera shake hands with Daisuke. "For a time, I assumed that you would've carried that grudge against the Shinigami for the rest of your life. I guess we've spent further time apart from you than we realized..."

"Whoo~!"

Immediately, Casilda and Daisuke would find an arm wrapping around each of their necks to pull them closer in a tight hug, courtesy of Melina. The former was obviously surprised at the action. "We're all friends now!" She said, clearly enthused at the agreement. "It's great! I can't wait to show you guys a tour around Empresa!"

"Hehehe, I guess we are," Daisuke chuckled with good humor, despite feeling a small blush working onto his face being so close to both of the respectively attractive women. It was all he could do was avert his gaze and remind himself of his commitment to Sakura...and the sincere love she had towards her...but thankfully he was saved by Jinete's intervention.

"Melina-chan," Jinete sighed, despite feeling his heart warm up from seeing Casilda's maturity and the Lieutenant's forthcoming nature, he couldn't help but roll his eyes at Melina's childish attitude, "Empresa is currently uninhabited by good people and inhabited by bad people. Exactly how is Daisuke going to get a tour in Empres-"

"YO! Daisuke! Burnside! Get a load of what Kaze built here!" Renji's voice echoed the large corridors and flowed into the room from which the small group of leaders and warriors currently resided within. 

Daisuke blinked, and could only peer down the corridor to see a frantic Renji in the distance waving his hands to follow him out of the catacombs, "Wonder what he found?

"You call me that again, and we're having chopped red turnip for dinner!!" Braeburn growled, having stood in the middle of the hallway when Renji called out to them. For emphasis, he had one hand on the hilt of his sword. However, it was clear that he wasn't actually going to draw it. He turned his gaze towards Daisuke when the Lieutenant stuck his head out, pointing a thumb towards Renji. "C'mon, Daisuke. You and the other Hollow just might like what you see out here." With that being said, he turned and began walking briskly towards Renji's location.

Quickly, Melina released Casilda and Daisuke before turning her gaze briefly towards Jinete's location, giving a sigh and motioning her hands out for emphasis. "Tour of Empresa..." She said matter-of-factly, though still sporting that cheery smile. She turned around and began walking jovially out the door in order to follow Braeburn, humming a tune to herself.

Nohemi closed her eyes and shook her head sagely, but moved herself as well. "If they replicated the catacombs, I have little doubt that they have did their best to replicate the capital city, as well..."

As Daisuke rushed out with Braeburn, along with anyone whom may have followed, Jinete could only roll his eyes at Melina, "Of course you were outsided earlier...it only makes sense that you would give away the big surprise I knew the Soul Society would make..."

Sure enough, as soon as they were outside, a chuckling Renji was found looking towards the horizon from which looked like an enormous city wall. In fact, all of the towers within that city had a beautiful architectural stunning appearance, while appearing elegant in simplicity in the nature of materials used. Then, Daisuke remembered the pictures and the readings from his D.C.O., it led him to his jaw dropping down and his eyes wide.

"Th-This looks just like Empresa!" Daisuke gasped aloud, looking onwards at the enormous structure from which he could already see the Arrancars moving towards as they exited the catacombs with both excitement and uncertainty.

Starrk and Lilynette both came out alongside the group, both with equally marveled expressions at the massive replica city.  "Whoa...!" the girl said with a bright smile, her eyes gazing around at the massive structure. "This is...just awesome!!!" "Man..." Starrk said as he looked at the place as well. "Sometimes I wonder how stuff in this universe works..." 

"Yeah, can't believe the boss went out of his way to make a home away from home for all these guys," Renji spoke with a slight hint of surprise if not admiration for the work Kaze did in replicating it with such great accuracy, just by overhead shots and information he gathered upon the great prized city of the Arrancars and Hollows alike.

"Kaze may be a dispicable bastard," Braeburn said, folding his arms across his chest. "But Captain Horikawa was right. He does know what he's doing..."

They would not be the only ones that would voice their own concerns and opinions - or at the very least, the more prominent ones involved.

"I can't believe this..."

Bernabe looked at the city with clear disdain, his arms folded across his chest and a scowl on his face. Under neat his clothing, there were bandages wrapped around his torso. But it was clear that despite his injuries, he was fit enough to be moving around. "Courted out and herded in to some pen like animals. What had Her Grace been thinking, agreeing to this?"

"Oh, it's not that bad..." Senkaku said, looking over the city himself as he stood beside his colleague. Out of the Espada, he had been one that suffered the least injuries. The slash across his chest, courtesy of his own will, was the only thing he had needed to worry about. Even so, it was minor at worst. "The Shinigami went out of their way to rebuild an entire city as best as they could for us. I doubt that there would be any malicious intent in doing so..."

Bernabe simply scoffed, fixing part of his glare at Senkaku. "Hah! You're going far too soft for your own liking, Tercera..."

"Or maybe you've grown too hardened..." Their heads spun around when they heard Nicolao's voice from behind them, His figure approached to stand between them, walking with a calm gait. He had his hands within his pockets, gazing at the city with a curious disposition. "Truthfully, though, I can tell it was hastily built. From here, I can see several bricks and stones partially out of place, and plaster is splattered a bit too much. I don't think they were expecting to save an entire city of Hollows..."

An annoyed growl escaped Bernabe's lips. "You're both letting your guard down so easily!" He snarled. "Have you forgotten that these Shinigami picked us apart in the aftermath of the Great Schism?! I tell you, this is nothing more than a means to attempt to exterminate us!!"

"I didn't know that you were so afraid of death, Bernabe. Did your particular foe knock the bravado out of you?"

All three males' snapped their bodies and heads towards an approaching Casilda, her hands folded behind her back. Bernabe, in particular, held a particularly surprised gaze as his superior addressed him. "Even if that were to happen," She said coolly, a slight smirk on her face. "Wouldn't you be prepared for it? You're a hardened soldier, a veteran of many battles and overseer of many conflicts. I trust that you'll see that particular consequences from a mile away, right?"

"O-of course!" The Segunda's response held a bit of stammer in it, courtesy of him being caught off guard. "It would be no problem. What I was concerned about is you, my Lady--"

"You needn't be." Casilda answered readily, the smile fading. "The decision I made was not made lightly. I am fully certain that this is the right thing to do." 

"Our Primera is both the oldest and wisest among our ranks," a bandaged, but walking Genjo arrived from behind Casilda to her right, his form back into what looked like a encompassing white robe with his hood, adopting it into his impressive Espada uniform. As he stopped at her flank, he made sure to glare at him fully with his multi-colored eyes at Bernabé in particular, growling lowly at his remark, "I don't care how traumatized you are from our last battle, or how what number rank you have. I will not hear you doubting our Lady Celestino's decision and make it as if you know better, Segundo Bernabé Lino!" 

As Daisuke marveled at the sheer mass of city, he couldn't help but look at the massive crowd of Arrancars looking out from their shelter. He couldn't blame them, at seeing such a reminiscent structure and being wary of its existence. After all, Soul Reapers weren't their favorite species and after what the fallen member of the Aizen Clan had done to their esteemed Espada, it was a wonder why even after all this time he didn't feel the seething anger that was justifiably their own...

"Lieutenant Hayate! I just have confirmation from Captain Hando that you've successfully managed to relocate Empresa's survivors," Hana's voice came along all three of the Seireitei's current agents present, "I'm going to come meet with the currently standing Espada Afilado and the Primera personally. She needs to have an indepth report, after all, of the current movements and strength of our enemies."

"Understood," Daisuke spoke solemnly, answering back as he locked eyes with Braeburn and Renji, "we'll sit tight until then, and make sure things are still kept on a civil level..."

"Yeah..." Braeburn muttered, frowning a little as he looked back at Daisuke. "At the very least, we might not have to, considering the top Four are here... even if some of them look worse for wear. We'll try to maintain a proper security until you relieve us..."

"Speak against me again, Cuatro, and I'll show you the very definition of what trauma is...!" Bernabe fired back, glaring in fury into Ginjo's eyes. He clenched his fists, possibly ready to begin a brawl right then and there. But fortunately, Senkaku was there to step in and prevent the stewing argument from intensifying.

"All right, all right, cool it!" He snapped, fixing a stern glare to both Ginjō and Bernabe. "We don't need to start fighting between each other. The Inner Circle's done enough for both of us, and look what happened because of it! For the sake of those under and with us, we've got to stand together. This is bad enough without arguments between us making it worse!"

"Tch..." Bernabe turned his head and gaze away. "Let's get one thing straight. I trust the Primera's judgement, but it doesn't mean that I have to trust those Shinigami. If they give off the slightest hint of attempting anything suspicious, I'll have their bodies quartered!!"

They seemed to have turned away from Casilda, who had a comically bored expression on her face. "Glad to know that you're willing to step up to the plate, Bernabe..." She said, turning herself away from the group. "Make sure to play nice. I'm going to take a breather--"

Whumpf!

She didn't get to finish that sentence before she found Melina's hands placed on her back and her form pushed along. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she attempted to halt herself. But the girl behind her had a surprising amount of strength. "W-what in the hell are you doing?! Stop it!!" She protested, but to no avail.

"You can't go anywhere until you stay hi to your senior!" Melina stated, attempting to put as much authority into her voice as possible. "After all, he did save your life, and you have to give them a token of appreciation!"

"I'm your superior, not the other way around!! Stop it, or I'll tell Tierra!!"

At that same time, Lilynette noticed the duo heading (forcefully) towards them. Looking up at Starrk with a nudge on his side, causing him to snap out of his slight daze and look down at her. "Look who's coming our way, Starrk."

"Hm?" he turned his head from her to the oncoming Primera and her subordinate. "Oh, yeah. There she is. So?"

"SO!" she went on with a pair of pirhanna teeth. "You should go meet her! You did save her life, after all! Who knows? You two just might get along, from what I hear."

"I dunno..." he stated plainly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "She's got alot going on. She'll probably just say hi and leave..."

"Only one way to find out!" Lilynette then went behind him and started pushing him towards the oncomers, his feet skidding along the ground as they did so.

"You know, you pulling and pushing me to different places is really starting to get on my nerves." he stated to her in an annoyed tone, a nerve vein popping up on the back of his head.

"C'mon, Starrk!" the girl complained. "You need some kind of companion. And what better companion could you ask for than a pretty girl like her?"

"Oh for crying out loud, don't pull that on me..." he started, but by that time, the two Primera were already halted and facing each other by only a few feet. Seeing the woman up close, he blinked a couple of times before speaking.

"Uh...hi..."

"Hey guys," Renji nudged both Braeburn and Daisuke, nodding towards the two Primeras being close and being pushed towards each other by their respective matchmakers, "it looks like our two fearless Espada leaders are going to attempt to elope..."

"Wonder if they'll actually talk casually around each other," Daisuke mused aloud, inwardly missing the company of his Hankami lover already. 

"Man, my rights are being viola-- huh?"

In her arguing with Melina, Casilda had failed to realize how close in proximity she had gotten with Starrk. But at the sound of his voice, she spun her head and met Coyote's gaze with surprise.

It was a brief moment of silence. Casilda only allowed herself to stare at the man, blinking occasionally to convey that she had not gone completely brain dead. However, she was inwardly and desperately trying to conjure up a few words. Having a small audience didn't help matters. She found herself folding her hands behind her back, giving a sheepish and awkward smile at him.

"Melina, I hope you've been catching up on your prayers..."

"Uh..." She began to say, trying her best not to look like an idiot. "So, I was told that you were the one that... saved me from getting killed back at Empresa..."

"Wow, really? Begin the conversation with "I heard that"? Real nice, Cassie..."

Melina had stepped back a little, having her own hands folded behind her back and giving an encouraging smile. However, she did glance over and raise one of her hands up briefly to give Lilynette a thumbs up.

Lilynette, in response, peeked out and gave Melina an 'ok' sign with her right hand, grinning widely.

"Yeah...that was me...." Starrk replied with his same calm expression, though he did rub the back of his head as he spoke to the woman, giving a hint of nervousness in his pose. "It was ah....looking kinda bad...so I figured I'd come in and...well, you know...."

What were their partners thinking, making them converse like this? It was clearly awkward for both of them to talk to one another. He was just as speechless as she was, and yet she could practically feel positivity radiating off of both of their "annoyances". Casilda wanted to grasp one of her own forearms and look away, but even she had standards. She refused to act like a bashful schoolgirl in the face of a fellow Arrancar. Sure, she may have felt like it, but--

"Wait a minute. Did he say "looking kinda bad?"

Right then and there, the Primera decided to drop her act.

"Wait a minute, "looking kinda bad"?" She repeated, giving Starrk a comical deadpan glare. "I was getting cut open like a Christmas Turkey, and you only say it's "looking kind of bad"? What kind of injury have you experienced to make it sound like mine look like a cakewalk?"

"Well there was an instance with a certain Captain..." Starrk continued, this time giving a comical sheepish gaze of his own. "...yeah I got cut open too. It wasn't all that pleasant..."

"Wasn't all that pleasant, you say?" Casilda repeated once more. "Gee, I wonder what could possibly be classified as "horrible" or "agony-inducing" for you!" By now, her sarcasm had taken over her speech and she had come completely out of her shell. It wasn't exactly the most ideal way of starting off a conversation. But the Primera found it a constant necessity to resort to such if things got out of her hands.

"I dunno." he retorted, raising an eyebrow at just how she was acting in response to a simple statement. Wasn't it kind of...obvious that he wasn't the type to be all descriptive, or even that realistic in terms of talking about material like they were covering.

"Well, i'm not sure about horrible, or agonizing..." he went on in a more calm tone, putting his hands back in his pockets as he did so. "But I do know what pain can feel like. And, to me, the worst kind of pain is the kind you get when you realize that you have no one else around you. No companions, no allies, not one form of friendly life around you when facing dire odds. When I saw you facing Aizen, and saw him wound you like he did, with none of your allies around, it reminded me of when I would face such power...and had none to turn to for help or comfort, no companionship. I knew what kind of pain that was, and before all this, I had only thought that I was the only one who experienced that feeling. But seeing it happen on someone else was something I couldn't bare to watch. No one deserves to die alone like that."

At the first sentence spoken, Casilda willingly dropped her sarcastic roll in turn for a more curious one. But with each word spoken afterwards, her expression slowly turned from curious to solemn and contemplating. It was right then that she knew that she truly would have been dead if not for him. The way he spoke was enough to touch her empathetic side with genuine compassion. This wasn't just someone from the usual brand of Hollow. This was someone that showed a much more... human... side to them. When she smiled again, it conveyed both a mixture of empathy and gratitude.

"...you didn't have to save me." She whispered, looking into his eyes. "You didn't have to go against your own leader for me. But... you did." She closed her eyes and gave a small head bow, placing a fist in an open hand as part of it. "I owe you my life, even if it isn't enough to express how thankful I am..."

Here, Starrk didn't really know how to act in response. Initially, at least. Upon seeing her look at him in such a calm and, dare he say it, attractive way, he couldn't help but let a slight smile come onto his face as well. Inwardly though....he didn't really know what to say. No one had ever bowed to him before, or showed him that kind of respect, done out of genuine gratitude rather than fear. But at that same time, he had to do his best, lest he look like a fool in front of her.

"You don't owe me anything..." he said to her calmly. "We're all in this together now...What I did for you is what we all should be doing for each other, especially against the odds pitted against us now. But..."

His smile widened just a little bit more, and he spoke in an honest tone. "...you're welcome, Lady Primera."

"...are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

As Nicolao directed his attention towards the two Primera interacting, he saw something that he thought he'd never see in his life - Casilda blushing. It was faint and extremely subtle, but he was keen enough to pick it up nonetheless. He couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow in disbelief as he, Senkaku and Bernabe watched. "All this time, I thought she was as hard as diamond. Now, I'm actually seeing her act like a girl. Am I dreaming?"

"You can just... call me Casilda." Casilda was saying. "You're my predecessor, after all..."

A slow smile came across the scientist's face. "Oooh, I wish I had a camera right now so I could take a picture of this moment!"

"Record what?" Loly's voice came from behind them.

"GAH--!!" In response, Senkaku nearly fell over from being startled, abruptly spinning around. Underneath his mask, his expression was one of shock and alarm. "Jesus Christ, give someone a warning the next time you do that!!" He complained, causing the Sexta to roll her eyes.

"You're just too jittery. Now what did I miss?"

"Apparently, our ex-Primera's about to get some tonight--" Bernabe began, only to have Nicolao abruptly slap a hand to his mouth, much to his chagrin.

"Sssh! Don't let them hear you, you twit!!"

"Nah..." Starrk replied in a modest tone, his smile slightly lowering. "I gave up that title years ago. But if you insist, you can call me whatever you wish."

"Good..." Casilda said appreciatively. "Guess that makes it easier on me, then..." Feeling much more relaxed than she was, she slipped her hands into her pockets. "It was nice talking to you, and I'm really hoping we can have a chance to do it again. See you around..." As she shifted herself around, she closed one of her eyes in a casual wink.

"...Coyote."

Then, she turned completely around and walked away from him, back towards her own compatriots. As she passed by Melina, she could see the "younger" Arrancar pump both fists in the air out of a feeling for victory.

What Starrk felt on the inside was something he'd never thought he'd feel as an Arrancar; a genuine attraction to someone. Obviously, she had some sort of interest in him, and he definately had some in her. Could this possibly mean...he had found his companion?

Letting out a low, relieved sigh, he scratched the back of his head and turned around to leave, wherever he may need to go. Lilynette, after finishing her fist bump with Melina, quickly caught up with him.

Certainly, something good had come of this invasion after all.

"Well," Genjo blinked a couple of times as he observed the whole event between the two Primeras, both of the old and the current, as they exchanged what would probably the most human-like equivalent of affectionate conversation, "that was certainly fascinating..."

"Huh, it looks like they're off to a good start," Daisuke remarked from a distance, not having to listen as he noted the pleasant way Casilda walked. Or, he thought he did, he couldn't precisely tell with so many onlookers in front of them..

"Yeah, that was...interesting," Renji yawned with boredom, losing interest about halfway through their targets' of interest conversations began, "next time let's watch stone chip away. I'm pretty sure its just as stimulating..."

However, the pleasant talk would be cut short as a sudden projection of light spontaneously appeared just to the Espada Afilado's left. It started as a small flicker, like a handful of fireflies that appeared out of thin air, and then turned into a series of streaming streaks throughout the space that caused a sudden vibration throughout the space all around it. And then...

WHRRRRR-CLAP!

...within the thunderclap that followed the light's brightness and maximum potency, a handful of figures appeared in the middle of the light enraptured sand.

"Sorry it took us awhile," Hana Yūgure spoke aloud as soon as the light and sound dampened to  normality and allowed her appearance and that of her comrades to be seen. Her body now enraptured in the appropiate trappings of a Shikhakushō, retaining a crimson-bordered collar/sleeves/skirt, along with a red ribbon-bound ponytail that allowed her hair to drape down her shoulders. With wide billowing sleeves that stopped just short of her wrists with the insignia of the First Division on the back of her white coat, she definitely looked a lot different from the clad black bodysuit agent that Braeburn or anyone would've known, "my colleagues insisted that I dress appropiately for my official introduction to all of you."

Kukkyōna, Kaze, Hachiro, Qilin, and Noriko were also present, wearing their respective Haoris and uniforms, along the distinguished D.C.O. Squad Captains alongside flanking or standing behind her. All in all, the sudden introduction and show of all the known leaders and warriors that the Seireitei had was a bit mindblowing. 

"H-Hana?!" Renji and Daisuke spoke in unison, hardly recognizing their comrade's new appearance at first and how well fitted she looked for the position. Not to mention her formality certainly put to shame the appearance of her currently Ninja-clad boyfriend, at least, in their minds...

All eyes turned towards the sudden appearance of the group with varying degrees of surprise.

But the one who would speak first was in fact the ninja-clad boyfriend, after he got over his curious intrigue of the Primera interacting with one another.

"Well!" He declared, folding his arms across his chest and regarding Hana with a quirked eyebrow. "Who knew that all this time while we were having fun, you were freshening up. I should've seen that one coming from a league away!" Nevertheless, he had a welcoming grin on his face that he regarded her as well as the rest of them with. "Glad you managed to make it, even if the enemy's forces are dealt with for the time being..."

"It's her..."

Senkaku's eyes widened in surprise before they narrowed in slight resentment, and a frown crossed his face. None of it would be seen behind his mask, though. Although it had been a while, he hadn't exactly forgotten the fight they had been in. He could still remember the constant boasting that she had called down to him with, claiming that his death was absolute. He had a habit of running into people like that, and he always hated it. And she had been suddenly made Head Captain? It made him grind his teeth.

"And they finally reveal themselves." Bernabe said, not hiding his own disdain as he glared at the group. "If all of this goes wrong, I'm going to cut your head off and bury the last nail in your coffin, Cuatro..."

"If you do that," Loly said in a bored tone. "Can I make a necklace out of his entrails for you to wear?"

"You two are insufferably childish," Genjo sighed as he rolled his eyes in emphasis of their negative comments forwarded to him and their newly arrived allies. 

Only the Primera and the Quinta remained silent, with varying degrees of curiosity on their faces. Casilda, in particular, seemed to be regarding Hana with the most attention. It wasn't a surprise, considering when they last met, she had been contending with her Tercera. What had happened for her to gain such a high promotion?

"I know what you're probably thinking," Hana spoke out with a smirk, propping her black-banded fists onto her hips as she looked at them all, not just the Espada, "technically this is a Proxy position I'm upholding, not permanent. So long as we rescue the Head Captain, along with the rest of our captured colleagues, he can have his rightful rank back. And no," Hana turned her stare to the three Soul Reapers already present, "this uniform doesn't make me look fat!" 

"Where did she get that idea?" Renji muttered as a sweatdrop crawled down his scalp. 

"She's probably used to showing her lithe body off that she's afraid that covering it all up may make her look heavier than what she really is?" Daisuke mused, shaking his head in confusion, "either way, it wasn't necessary to voice that out..."

Braeburn raised his hands in a casually defensive motion. "Well, I was going to say "formal", if it makes you feel any better..."

"Figures..." Casilda thought to herself. "I assume that Aizen had gotten to him, as well, if what the Lieutenant said was true." If this was truly the case, then she might as well make the initial greetings. She breathed out a heavy sigh, mentally preparing herself. Then, she put on a cool and casual gaze as she approached the new group of Shinigami, her hands in her pockets.

"At least we won't have to waste time looking for her." Noriko remarked, spotting out the form of the Primera walking towards them. "Here she comes now..."

Hana composed herself once more, wanting to make a good impression with the current leader of Empresa and its Espada Afilado. She locked a cool gaze with Casilda's, but allowed herself a small smile as she saw her approach. She had to admit, despite the fact she was an Arrancar, she was not only attractive but had a confident appeal that she could get used to. 

Once she approached, Hana bowed her head solemnly in respect, before raising her gaze back up to Casilda's gaze once more, "My name is Hana Yūgure, current acting Head Captain of the Gotei 13. Its a pleasure to finally meet you face to face in a much more formal manner, though I only wish it was under better circumstances."

Kukkyōna took initiative to step to Hana's left flank as Kaze stepped up to her right, both of them giving her a good meter of space so they wouldn't intrude on the two leaders' greetings and introductions. Kukkyōna couldn't help, however, to flash a curious look at Casilda, having once met her before back when she still called herself the masculine name of Cortez. He couldn't help but see a light within her eyes that he failed to see the last time he met and subsequently clashed blades with. 

"Oh, I know who you are..." Casilda took one of her hands dismissively before sliding it back within her pocket. "My Tercera was kind enough to tell me your name as soon as he could for future reference." As she spoke, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Senkaku and Bernabe moved up to flank her and mirror the movements of Kaze and Kukkyōna. Nicolao took a position at her side. "Nevertheless, it's good to finally meet and not have to point swords at one another."

Whatever expression Senkaku carried was concealed by his mask, and the posture of his arms folded within his sleeves revealed no emotion to anyone. However, Bernabe's level glare was clear enough, although it was carefully restrained.

"Agreed," Hana nodded with affirmation. Looking to the side at the obvious large structure from which she finally saw the Arrancars from within the catacombs start to approach, possibly relieve themselves of the compact and uncomfortable space that the tight caverns held, "to explain, when I thought of the idea that there might've been a large populace of your people that could've been rescued, I inquired my associate, Captain Sasayaki, to build a home away from home, so to speak," she gestured to both the large city replica to her side and then to Kaze himself, "we narrowly finished it before your retrieval was made, actually..."

"If you gave me another day, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference," Kaze muttered, but kept himself in a dignified posture as he locked eyes at Bernabe, finding himself smiling a toothy and unpleasant smile back at the glaring Arrancar, "though I can see I've already developed a critic among your midst..."

"Now now, Kaze-san," Kukkyōna spoke aloud to placate his tempermental companion, as well as look onto Senkaku's covered visage with a keen, stoic stare, "there's no need to hold petty grudges at a time like this. After all, this is a matter of cooperation, not a simple means of self preservation."

"...I have the upmost regard for your talents," Senkaku said, keeping his voice calm when Kukkyōna looked at him. But there was a subtle and well-hidden undertone of venom within his words. A very attentive person would've noticed it. Under the mask, his gaze shifted from Kukkyōna to Hana. "As well as sincere belief in my Lady's judgement. So if I were you, I would make sure not to squander the trust she has bestowed upon you, Shinigami."

It was here that Nicolao saw fit to interrupt, clearing his throat in an attempt to clear out possible tension. "There is no need for worry about the hastiness of this shelter's crafting..." He said smoothly. "Once everyone gets settled in, I will have my workers get to it as soon as possible. I guarantee that you'll have that day, Captain Kaze." Unlike his colleagues, his voice held a genuine respect for the ones he was addressing without resentment or bitterness.

"I won't," Hana spoke with a resolute tone back to Senkaku, before re-shifting her gaze back to Casilda, "I value my friendships and my alliances, moreso than many would consider, because those are the things are the most valuable in life. You can make a thousand enemies, but to make a true friend is worth boasting about."

Kaze looked over to Nicolao, allowing himself to smile in genuine pleasure at hearing someone take care in the refinement of his work, "Hmph, I'm glad to know there are some people who have exceptional talent within intelligence over brawn. From what I've been told, you managed to work on a particular...project...of interest. Might I have a look at it while your men and mine work on the further patch up work on New Empresa?"

Nicolao shrugged. "Of course. I will take you there myself. Can't say it's anything mind-blowing or anything you may or may not have seen before, but I dare say it might be a breakthrough for both of our respectable factions."

"There are many more civilizations within Hueco Mundo that are still devoted to fighting this new force..." Casilda said, retaking control of the conversation. "The fall of Empresa will alert them to set up their own defenses in case of invasion. I can only hope that they'll hold up well without the Espada Afilado at the helm..."

"Which reminds me, there were other fighters that have been reported from the acclaimed Crimson Knights Bounty Hunter's Guild, seen fighting alongside our three volunteers and your own men. It appears they didn't attempt to board with the rest of you," She looked around and stretched her consciousness to try and sense them, and found no trace of the supposed warriors, "I guess your friendly admirer, Tome Kūgun, had any intention of joining our little alliance. Shame..."

"Please do show the way," Kaze spoke with a hint of eagerness, as he began walking away from his proxy superior as he held his cane in his free hand, "I am quite anxious to be rid of simple formalities and get onto the real work and excitement that my position allows..."

"Oh, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!"

As Nicolao took the courtesy of leading Kaze along, Senkaku broke off from his bitter gaze for a more comical and exasperated one. This would be expressed by the sweatdrop on the side of his face. "He seems to be making friends rather quickly..." He thought to himself, watching the two as they conversed. He was a bit surprised that neither of their leaders bothered to stop them. It seemed that standing beside their respective boss was optional, at best...

"Good, because I don't think I could ever sleep with him in here..."

"Yeah..." Casilda deadpanned with an expression to match. "A real shame..." However, she was quick to her more serious side. "Look, while I can appreciate the casual conversation, I'm pretty sure that's not what you're here for. Right now, your Captain-Commander's M.I.A. and there's probably the bodies of mass numbers under your banner, courtesy of this new threat. So how dangerous is this so-called "Inner Circle"?"

Hana then narrowed her eyes, as she composed herself for what she was about to speak of, "The Inner Circle is the greatest threat to established order than the White War, Plinian Movement's goal for universal assimilation and destruction, and the genocidal rampage that had occured during the Ultharon War. From what we can tell, they've been extensively planning this war in the exodus of the latter incident, for over several centuries. In doing so, they've cultivated a number of powerful entities that can stand toe-to-toe with Lieutenant and Captain-class warriors with relative ease, and boast a large arsenal of highly advanced weaponry for their large army which we've yet to see the full bulk of its entirety. Not only that, but they've strategically sifted through sparse encounters with some of our most talented and powerful Captains and Lieutenants and were able to completely control them through an untold long distance without any appearing effort," Hana's brows began to quiver as she mentioned the last two things, "and they have a terrible knack for attracting two other terrors the world will never forget: Sōsuke Aizen and Juhabach, both of which had effortlessly defeated our Head Captain, Furuidenshō Shin'nen!"

"The Quincy leader of the Vandenreich was in on this, too?" Casilda questioned rhetorically, her eyebrows furrowing. "With him alongside the likes of Sōsuke, I can understand why both of us took severe casualties within a matter of hours. Although the bulk of my forces managed to cleanse out the majority of their numbers, there are still a handful of them that are either wounded or killed, Espada included." She briefly averted her gaze, her expression darkening slightly. "We're just barely holding on to our Tercera..."

"Are normal methods not working for her recovery?" Hana asked with a pitch of worry within her voice, realizing somehow that her newfound allies may have someone on the brink of death, "I need you to be honest with me with her odds of recovering or living, for that matter. Depending on your answer, I may be able to help her."

"Since when has she known anything about Medical Kidō?" Kukkyōna queried within his mind, shifting his gaze with a slight flicker of shock and piqued interest as he gazed upon his newly appointed superior, "how much of her skills and prowess has been kept concealed this long?"

"At this rate? She could die within twenty-four hours or less..." Casilda felt a shudder go down her spine as she spoke the words. "We've done the best we could, but... there's not more that even I can do at this point..."

"Take me to her then," Hana spoke with a serious edge in her tone, nodding to Casilda with assurance, "but you must make sure that we are alone when I treat her wounds. My methods are...a bit unorthodox in comparison to more modern or convienant forms of treatment. You'll just have to trust me and see for yourself, for I can't speak of it openly..."

"Whatever you need to do, Captain-Commander..." The Primera said solemnly. "Just make sure that it saves her life..." She closed her eyes, placing two fingers on her own forehead and focusing her mental telepathy. She would have to inform the ones there of this new development in order to ensure that everything went perfectly.

"Carias."

A somewhat surprised and startled voice was heard from the other end of the line. "M-my Lady? What is it that you require?"

"The Captain-Commander just arrived on scene and is going to try her hand at saving Tierra's life. But she needs just her and Tierra within that area. Make sure all preparations are set. Once I bring her to that medical room, I want you to clear out of there."

"Are you sure? Can you trust the Shinigami?"

"With my life. They've got their sights set on the same enemy that we do as well as the same goals. Attempting to deteriorate one another from success would only push us away from it. You needn't worry about that particular issue."

"As you wish..."

With that, Casilda cut the connection and raised her head back up to look at Hana. "My subordinate will be informing any medics of this situation and they'll clear out once their done with their duties in that sector. Follow me..." With that being said, Casilda turned around and walked away in order to start leading.

As Hana nodded in acknowledgement, following the Primera's lead to the catacombs from which some of the Arrancars were still residing within, Kukkyōna couldn't help but voice his query, "I wonder what Hana meant by unorthodox? I hope it doesn't do anything harmful to herself..."

"Me neither..." Noriko muttered, frowning as she observed the superior of both the Shinigami and the Arrancar walk away. "We already have one Head Captain down. We don't need another just because of some forbidden medical technique..."

"I doubt that she'd be that careless..." Hachiro said matter-of-factly. "Considering what we've seen out of her so far, she's proven to be a capable leader. I'm sure that she won't do anything that would result in crippling her own person for the sake of another..."

Pulled From The Brink, Back To War

By the time Casilda and Hana arrived to Tierra's medical room, Findor and the medics working on their patient had already cleared out. Despite whatever suspicions he held towards the Shinigami, Findor was quick to trust in the Primera's judgement - something that she was very grateful for.

When the two stepped inside the makeshift medical room, the first thing they would notice was the form of Tierra lying on the bed. When Casilda lay eyes on her, her heart almost stopped.

"By the grace of Izanami..."

Aside from the head, Tierra's body looked very similar to a mummy's. The entirety of her body was covered in bandages, albeit the only part of her body that was shown was the top of the torso and her head. She was also wearing a white hospital gown, in theme with the traditional Arrancar wear. There was a breathing mask covering her mouth, continuously feeding oxygen to her. Her skin had a deathly pale tint to it, expressing the stress of the ordeal she had went through. It was very clear that she didn't have long to live.

"Wh-What happened to her?" Hana spoke in a near whisper, as her eyes widened and felt a bead of sweat drip from her forehead and down her jawline. She cringed inwardly at seeing such a pretty face all bandaged up and wrapped tight like some form of nearly dead person. She at least wanted to know what caused the injury if she was going to treat it, so she turned her gaze to Casilda as she tried to remain serious and composed.

"Her body was crushed inward, courtesy of a mass amount of spiritual pressure." Casilda explained, her expression slowly shifting to a bitter one as she approached Tierra's bedside. "Most of her organs scanned looked as if they had just come out of a meat grinder. It's a wonder how she managed to hold on for so long..."

"Do you have any water? Its going to smoothe over the procedue once I begin," Hana asked Casilda softly, kneeling next to Tierra's bedside as she looked at Arrancar's face with a show of painful empathy on her own. Hana felt so crushed that such a beautiful woman was subjected to such a horrible occurance, and knowing how brutal the Inner Circle was, it was only by a miracle that the woman clothed in bandages was able to live.

"Hang on."

Boom!

Boom!

A Sonido in, a Sonido out, and Casilda was back with a bowl of warm water. She held it tentatively within both of her hands, kneeling beside Hana with it readied to hand over. "Just you and her in here, right?" She asked calmly.

"I wish you to watch. It wouldn't be right for you or her that no one recognizeable ne next to her side when she wakes up," Hana spoke with a soft smile, nodding reassuringly as she grasped the bowl with both hands. Kneeling down, she placed her hands over it and began closing her eyes, "try not to speak. I need concentration for this procedure..."

With a nod, Casilda closed her eyes as well as bow her head. She allowed herself to sit on her legs, folding her hands on her lap and falling into silence. It was to ensure that she wouldn't say anything on accident and disrupt Hana's concentration. However, her senses were fully active, and she would pick up whatever the D.C.O.-turned-overlord was doing.

"Hope I'm right about this..."

Hana began to reach deep inside of herself, pulling out the essence in which she had been taught and learned to harness the power she would need to heal this woman. She brought it up slowly, and surely, rising from the depths of her being until it began to soothinly rest within her body and around herself.

The aura was breathtaking. A neon blue glow emanated around her skin, bringing out an old and ancient feeling to the Spiritual Pressure that was being felt. If put to comparison, it would have a similar feel to that of Casilda's parents, but felt even older than the presence they projected as well. If there ever as an antithesis of the dreaded Dark Shinsei, it would the power Hana was exerting: Philosophy. 

Hana's eyes opened, showing the same neon blue glow that enraptured her sclera and pupils in a bright light, as she began to tug her energy around the water itself. The water seemed to dance at her fingertips, being pulled up by an unknown power as she weaved her hands in a graceful manner, streaming the energy around her into the water's essence itself. Once all of the water was out of the bowl and had been properly "filled", she spun the water around until it retained the form of a human body. 

Slowly and surely, Hana pulled the energy-lit water into the bandaged-covered woman and directly into her pores, thoroughly enrapturing her in its healing essence. As she held her hands out, still weaving them around in a meticulous manner, the color would slowly but surely return to Tierra's face and her breath would become less and less labored. If one could see the rise and fall of her chest, one could also notice all the dark and violet tinges to her bruised and broken body was being reformed back to its former beauty, even adding a little sparkling shine to it. 

As soon as she finished the process, Hana allowed the water to evaporate, and her body's aura slowly and surely dimmed down to her normal Spiritual Pressure signature. Smiling at her work, she nodded and looked over to Casilda with affirmation, "She should be able to wake up in a few minutes, but I suggest she stay in bed for the rest of the day. The exhaustion she'll be feeling is the aftermath of her recovery, that is all..."

Out of the news she had gotten and experienced so far, this must've been one of the best pieces she had seen.

Casilda breathed out a heavy sigh of relief, opening her eyes and looking over at Hana with a matching smile. She nodded in acknowledgement. "Thanks..." She said in appreciation, allowing herself to stand back up and look at the reformed Tierra. "Out of the Espada, Tierra's probably matching Senkaku in terms of undying loyalty. It would've been a shame and an offense to her if I allowed her to die like that, crushed and mangled on the sands..."

"You're a compassionate and caring leader, Casilda. Those are traits not many superiors have, and its something I'm glad to have in common with you," Hana spoke with an admiring tone, standing up as well as she nodded to Tierra, "I only hope I'm able to have the same kind of courage and experience when I become a true leader for my friends of the Seireitei. And I hope I can find subordinates so willing to fight without question because of their trust in people like you."

"Who knows?" Casilda's smile turned into a slight smirk. "You just might already have some..."

"You're probably right," Hana nodded, as he she looked with a smile at Tierra before moving to walk out of the room, "all my peers are now subordinates after all. And I'll never find a more dependable and loyal bunch in all of the Soul Society..."

---

Nicolao would lead Kaze into a completely open and darkened room. There was virtually no source of light anywhere within, but there was still the feeling of being within an open environment to give the implication that the room itself was very large. Of course, considering who it was that had constructed it, it had very good reason to be.

"This was worked over ever since I was commissioned into the Afilado, in the case that another event as disastrous as the Great Schism ever came into fruition again." Nicolao was saying, carrying a contained yet expressive amount of pride within each and every word. "Up until now, this monstrosity has never seen light beyond this very room. But after years of research, keeping it upgraded for the passing times, and making sure it was in proper maintenance, I've decided that this is the opportune time to make itself known."

Clap! Clap!

With two claps of Nicolao's hands, the lights abruptly turned on.

In front of them was a behemoth for an aircraft. It towered over the two, silent and yet carrying its own brand of menace. Nicolao strolled up to it, turning himself around to face Kaze.

"One underside cannon with any anti-material cannon that can reduce any defense, living or sentient, into a mess of ashes and carbon. Four turrets, two for each wing, operated by an A.I that can lock on and eliminate aerial targets with immense speed and accuracy. An anti-matter field that can vaporize any enemy projectiles that come too close... as well any enemies themselves. Hardened biomass replicating the strength of an Espada's Hierro. It is the nightmare among any enemy it crosses, the Boogeyman of every soldier and the perfect representation of the Angel of Death itself. I give you, the H-12 Alma!!"

Kaze blinked a few times at the towering airship, walking towards it with an innate curiosity. It wasn't the array of technology that Kaze was fascinated by. It was the fact that it had a bio-mechanical appearance, a hybrid of living tissue and machine, almost as if it was part of an unknown species within Hollowity that had been deformed and repurposed. 

As he clacked his cane against the ground to steady himself, he reached up with his left hand, running his palm across its surface to feel its texture and composition, as well as the innate energy within it, "Fascinating piece of engineering you have here. What is it made of?"

"Like I said, its plating is made out of hardened biomass, carefully preserved and reconstituted in order to suit the Alma's foundation." The Arrancar scientist said. "Some may think it to be quite brutish using the dead in such a manner. But I say to them, "What do you think fallen soldiers of Hueco Mundo want more than anything else? The death of their enemy!" What's left behind by the warriors who have fallen within our pale sands have been summoned here for that particular purpose. Individual combatants formed into one for the sake of gaining revenge of the enemy that wronged them."

He allowed himself to stand beside Kaze, looking on at the aircraft. "It is fueled by an artificial "heart" within the place where a mechanical engine normally is. This heart serves as the A.I. of the ship and is responsible for the radar and targeting systems. Without it, you might as well be operating this beast blind and deaf. Of course, pilots with a heightened sense of awareness can compensate for it, though it does take quite the mastery of all senses in order to do so..."

"If he only knew the things I've accomplished with my own research of utilizing the deceased for my own purposes," Kaze mused inwardly, smiling in understanding of how the construct was made and how it would be flown. He couldn't help but marvel at the feat of engineering this Arrancar scientist was able to achieve. Considering that he retained enough perception to see the minute impurities within his hastily built New Empresa, he couldn't help but wonder what other forms of technology he had come across.

"I wonder, I think I might've seen portions of the stone used for Empresa's design, but I substituted another mineral for its creation instead. What kind of components are utilized in Empresa's creation?" Kaze queried openly, turning his gaze to the youthful appearing Arrancar scientist, "I was always puzzled by the composition being so foreign to most constructs and buildings made in Las Noches or other Arrancar built fortresses..."

"Those types of cities were made out of stone, brick and other materials." Nicolao explained, turning his gaze towards Kaze. "But Empresa was built using a material that can only be found by digging deep enough underground - hardened reishi deposits. When there is too much reishi within an area, it sinks into the sands until it leaks into underground areas. There, it builds up, forming into a solid and malleable shape. After the Great Schism, most of it was destroyed by the Shinigami who invaded. But we managed to find just enough for the sake of building Empresa."

A small frown grew across his face. "After researching it, I found a way to fix it so that it would respond to the signature of a particular race. As of that moment, it had been formed to respond to and nullify the reiatsu of any Shinigami who had stepped foot within the area. Unfortunately, Aizen's overbearing power seemed to have sabotaged that function..."

"Tell me, was there anything strange about Aizen's footsoldiers? Anything out of the ordinary? I don't think Aizen would simply use common souls with augmented abilities like the Visoreds or Arrancars, after seeing they bore no fruition the last time," Kaze queried, cupping his chin as he thought about it himself, "physically and spiritually, what were those enemies like?"

"Hmm..." Nicolao had to look down thoughtfully for a second in order to ponder that particular question. "Well, considering that I had at least briefly been taking out of the running due to my injuries, I never got a chance to encounter them personally. But from what Senkaku informed me, their spiritual pressure... well, I myself couldn't actually classify what it is. The energy gave off seemed very distorted and warped, almost as if it had come from another race entirely..."

"It is as I suspected," Kaze sighed, looking forebodingly in another direction as he leaned heavily on his cane, "apparently Aizen had decided to go to one of the only places left to find a race willing enough to bow to his whims and carry out his plans. He's wandered into the Dangai-proximate dimensions..."

This made Nicolao quirk an eyebrow at him, abruptly turning his head around in order to look at the "elder" scientist. Through the information obtained within the White War, he had learned that Aizen had the ability to walk the Dangai without worry of getting knocked off the path and lost forever. But he hadn't know that there were several dimensions residing beside it. To hear that their enemy had garnered forces within that realm was both fascinating and disturbing.

"Do you happen to know of any specifics concerning these races?" He questioned.

"Its hard to know for certain which dimension he entered, per se, but I too have walked the Dangai Precipice World uninhibited by its natural...unhealthy...elements within its confines," Kaze spoke in a slight evasive tone, before redirecting his gaze to the mutual intellectual standing next to him, before continuing, "the Valley of Screams would've been one of those, but I believe even with his natural talents of enhancing one's strength or manipulating entities, he couldn't have harnessed their power to his satisfaction. No, he'd more rather stick to a race that'd worship his appearance and power, one that had their own powers that would counter those of the natural order of things within both the Material and the Spiritual Worlds. I believe he might've recruited...from the Shitai Rikugan," he spoke forebodingly, awaiting his mutual scientific partner's response before continuing. 

That was enough to click Nicolao's head into gear. His eyes widened in surprise and realization. "Of course!" He exclaimed, turning himself away for a brief moment. "What better army to pick than one with strong resilience, considerable power and a passive, docile nature? Entities there with that mindset would bound to be roped in by Aizen very easily. That way, not only would he have a powerful army, but he would also have an army who would follow him without question! They would follow him into the depths of Hell if he ordered it!"

"The Shinen are a religious, if not fanatically loyal to anything they appeal to as a god among them. With Aizen's newfound power, he could easily project the emanation of being such a deity," Kaze spoke aloud as he crossed his arms across his chest, staring back at his knowledgeable counterpart, "the strange thing is that they have a natural affinity to absorb and dispel Spiritual Energy at an alarming rate as well as regenerate at high speeds, faster and without effort in comparison to the Hollowity. They'd be one of the only ones capable of standing against your zealous warriors and be easy to be control by Aizen's generals, and himself."

"All the more exciting to find the counteraction to this little problem." Nicolao said, slowly turning himself back around in order to face Kaze. "Tell me, have your forces had any particular encounters with these troops? Considering that they're affiliated with the Inner Circle, I wouldn't be surprised if there were at least some melded in with the main assault force during the attack on your Seireitei..."

"Sadly, no. It appeared as if there were more of the wide variety of uniquely gifted mercenary forces of the Inner Circle than there was any form of an organized power, such as the Shinen, would be. Aizen only appeared nearly at the end of the battle for the Soul Society, after all," Kaze looked with a toothy grin at Nicolao, "his main army had suffered a great deal more casualties than he anticipated. So he instead went to recruit the one hated enemy that'd be a danger to any faction: Juhabach."

"The infamous Quincy leader of the Vandenreich joined forces with him?" Nicolao's eyes widened slightly at this. "I never would've thought that they would willingly coincide with one another, even if it meant the destruction of the Soul Society..."

"From what my intelligence has gathered over the years, Juhabach had a vendetta against prior generational head of the Gotei 13, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and tried to kill him many years ago before the Ultharon War had occurred. Apparently the currently MIA Head Captain, Furuidenshō Kakkotaru Shin'nen had stepped in sometime during the battle and supposedly killed him. He returned to settle his own vendetta against both Head Captains, in a hubristic irony that his revenge had come full circle..."

"We will most certainly have difficulty dealing with those foes in particular..." Nicolao summarized. "Are they any other top players I need to be aware of?"

"Besides the Inner Circle's Dragons and its Four Horsemen? I think the greatest threat among the Four Horsemen is their alleged member, Shūkurō Tsukishima. He was able to make only passing encounters with some of our finest, if not hot-headed, Captains and Lieutenants to hypnotize them by a form of Zanpakutō technique, when he wasn't even sensed to be in the area. Besides them, I'm not aware of any other forces as of yet that we are to deal with, but rest assured I will use any or all forms of resources I have been stockpiling for a catastrophe such as this," Kaze smiled a slightly menacing glint of ecstasy of comprehending on what forms of forces at his control he could utilize, "the Inner Circle will regret leaving me out of their target list, rest assured..."

Nicolao nodded, satisfied. "I, as well as the rest of the Espada Afilado, will lend you personal aid in whatever you may need, Captain Kaze..." He said coolly, giving a slight bow of the head. "I myself shall make it a top priority in dismantling the keystones within their forces and breaking their foundation piece by piece, however relentless the conditions are."

"Well, here's a cheer to your invention to be put to good use, as well as our collaborative genius and intelligence," Kaze, showing a rare exuberant smile, reached out his brown-leather gloved hand to shake Nicolao's, "may the smartest man find a way to outclass our enemies first!" 

And as he grasped and shook his Shinigami collaborator's hand, Nicolao's smile couldn't have been wider at that moment.

"I intend to."

The War of Four: Recollection Act III

Remembrance of Betrayal,  Humiliation of Dark Deeds Done!

It felt cold and dark...

Pain writhed along the surface of his skin as he could barely attain consciousness of his surroundings...

All he could remember was something snap inside of himself and then, it felt like he was wrapped in a quilt of darkness, always being smothered and suffocating. Like coiling snakes within his body, it felt like he was dancing to an unknown fiddle, hypnotically and unwillingly doing the bidding of some foreign dance. And then...he started to remember!

"GAUGH!" Shindō gasped out suddenly, his body drenched in cold sweat as he felt painful sores all over. Looking at his alabaster complexioned skin, he noticed numerous bandages patched along his limbs and chest, almost as if he had suffered a form of burn injury, to which he had little to no sensation of now. That, and the chains binding his wrists and ankles to separate ends, having him dangled over an immense space, as if it was a chasm. Blinking a few times he saw a vivid blue barrier glowing around him, and a number of other barriers with similar bindings holding them into place. As he recognized one of them, he gasped in horror, "Ryōken!" 

"S-Sh-Shhhhh! Not so loud," Ryōken groaned out, acting as if he was on a hangover as he squinted to meet his eyes through the distorted transparent blue fields of Kidō, "w-what the Hell happened? One moment I was standing attentively, waiting for orders, and then...everything just becomes like a bizarre trip-"

"Idiot!" Taiyō spoke aloud, though in a slightly wincing tone as she was to Ryōken's left in a Kidō cube of her own in the very same manner as they were, "it was...a...form of hypnosis...by one of the Inner Circles'...Horsemen..."

"Oh...so that's what that was," Kōjaku groaned out, feeling both drained and in pain, both from posture and whatever form of injuries he sustained while unconscious, "I guess it wasn't a dream after all, then..."

"We were played for fools! The Inner Circle had some form of trap laced within those idiotic mistakes of allies! They must've triggered it when they walked into the Captains' Meeting Hall!" Shindō growled out, desparately trying to wring his hands out of the spirit depriving chains, making him clack and rattle within his space-hovering, glowing cell. 

"That doesn't make any sense! If that was the case, why don't I see all the other Captains or Lieutenants here? If they had that kind of power, why not have activated it when we were all present and accounted for, before the battle even started?" Taiyō asked incredulously, still trying to make sense of what exactly happened to all four of them. 

"For that matter, I don't recognize this form of cell," Ryōken looked around at his particular cell, noticing only a small, hovering walkway leading into oblivion in either direction that passed their cells by in a parallel format, "or this place. Are we...really still in the Soul Society?!" 

"Out of all the people that have seen this prison, I'm surprised the Kidō Corps didn't tell you about this particular place."

A smooth and calm voice cut through the void that they were in. Although it seemed to be polite and pleasant, the words that were spoken made it very clear that whoever it was wasn't a friend. "This is a prison hidden within the depths of the Kidō Corps's HQ, designed to restrain empowered beings. It was quite a handy find within the wreckage, I might say..."

For a time, all four of them lost any form of bravado or hope, as the voice caressed menacingly into their ears. All of them recognized the voice, a voice that called them into a deep slumber and played them all like puppets, and possibly used them to do great harm to others. The very man held responsible for a similar foul playing incident hundreds of years ago, as a Fullbringer and not a Soul Reaper...

"S-Shūkurō...Tsukishima?!" Shindō gasped aloud, as he recognized the man's voice, desparately looking around to distinguish his being and recognize his appearance.

"Captain Takuji." Tsukishima returned the exclamation with his usual serenity. "I thought you, at least, would have been a bit happier to have been under my service, how ever short it was. I gave you a chance to be finally rid of those pests known as the V-14. Though, you did happen to kill your own Lieutenant in the process. Yet, even with my aid, you still failed to deliver..." 

"Shut your damned mouth!" Shindō snarled out, realizing he had nothing to lose considering his predicament, as he struggled against the chains to get close enough to bite the man's throat, despite the major gap in distance between the two and the barrier, "you're the one who placed us under that spell! I can't take your word for anything, you lying piece of shit! You can claim you've had us done all you want, but you don't have anything to convince me I would kill someone as skilled as my Lieutenant!"

"Nnngh..."

That was when the groan of a female within their realm sounded.

If they looked in that particular direction, they would see Gina's beaten and wounded form within another cube-shaped prison. She looked as if she had been carved into with a knife, with several red lacerations seen in the considerable rips in her clothing. Some bandages covered places where she certainly would have bled out from. But to an extent, she had been left unattended to. Because of the energy depriving barriers they were in, it could be safe to say that this was done for sadistic reasons.

Tsukishima's voice showed clear amusement and anticipation as it spoke out again. "Ah, so Captain Tachibana has awakened! Perfect. If you don't believe me, then I'm sure you'll believe one of the Captains who hadn't been hypnotized..."

"Wh-what..." Gina groaned, trying to gather her bearings. "Where am I...? What's going on...?"

"Gina! Are you alright?!" Taiyō called out, trying to see if she could gauge the severity of her comrade's injuries, "are you alright? Please tell me your condition...!" 

"You didn't even bother trying dress her wounds properly, did you, asshole?!" Shindō growled out in an unusual bout of passion as his eyes glowed red, almost unintentionally, as his Tamenkyōme was on the brink of activating before shimmering back to onyx, "I'll kill you!" 

"Now now, little brother," a haunting voice approached, taking into the form of the live and well black cloaked, obsidian Kidō armored form of none other than Seigi Takuji, bearing his own pair of cool and composed onyx eyes, "I see you still can't control your temper, regardless if you know you're beaten or not..."

"H-How?! What are you doing, Seigi?!" Shindō spoke in a shocked, if not alarmed howl of his own as he saw him, wondering if he was in some trance like they had been. Or if the haunting reality he had awoken in was that his brother finally showed his true colors!

"I joined the Inner Circle of my own volition, nearly a century and a half ago," Seigi spoke honestly, though held a little tone of malice within his words as he looked coldly at his own blood and kin with out remorse or pity, "because of that little attempt to overthrow the Clan, it just made it all the more easier for me to seize control over the Clan for my own uses...and the Horsemen's..."

"How could you do this?! What would your father think?!" Kōjaku shouted with anger of his own, grinding his teeth at the thought of someone he thought to call a like-minded individual among nobles had stooped low enough to join the likes of the Inner Circle. 

"You honestly believe I enjoyed playing father's little game of babying the next Clan Head? Or the fact I had to pretend to be a comrade to that pale haired fool, who thought he had a special bond with a girl who was rightfully the Takuji's property?! No, it didn't just irritate me," he then looked over to Gina's direction before spitting down at the walkway where he stood, "it sickened me!"

"Seigi-san..." Tsukishima greeted casually. "Just in time. You see, your brother is having a hard time believing that his Lieutenant died under his hand, and I was just about to have his fellow colleague admit to her demise. Isn't that right, Captain Tachinbana?"

"!!!"

That was enough to snap Gina out of her haze. If it weren't for that, she might've focused on Taiyō in order to relieve her concerns. She abruptly snapped her head up towards the direction of his voice, gritting her teeth as her wounds stung. Despite the growing aches, her eyes signaled defiance. "Yeah, I'll... I'll get right on that..." She said sarcastically, the pain not affecting her sarcasm. "Right after I stop breathing..."

"That might happen soon enough..." Tsukishima muttered, unphased by her refusal. "As a matter of fact, I was hoping you would say that..."

With that, he turned his voice to the other Captains. "You see, the Inner Circle's scientists have been doing a bit of modification to these prisons. Now, they serve another purpose - electrocution torture. Under normal circumstances, healthy or relatively uninjured individuals like you all would have a chance at resisting the pain. I left Captain Tachibana's wounds undressed for that particular reason. What would feel like electrocution to you will be one of the worst experiences one soul will ever have to endure. And since she refuses to admit her position as a witness..."

Then, it came.

TZZZZZZZZZZZZT!!!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH~!!!!"

Gina's cube lit up with bright surges of electricity, and she let out a raw and bloodcurdling scream as the currents tore at her wounds. She thrashed and struggled, but the chains binding her would not give her mercy. They held her there, allowing the bolts to race through and ignite every one of her nerves with neverending agony.

Ryōken winced in sync with Kōjaku. Both of which knew pleading with this man would be pointless. In the past they knew of him, both in passing as a Soul and a Human, he often expressed enjoyment in crushing people, buth physically and psychologically. This, was just a twisted show of a combination of both those dark traits he shared.

However, Taiyō wasn't about to relent so quickly...

"Stop it! You'll kill her!" Taiyō shouted in alarm, realizing the detrimental affects that she would have in comparison to the rest of their conditions, "take me instead! She'll last far less under that kind of voltage than I can! I'll prove a much more valuable tool for your sick amusement-"

"We aren't here for sadistic means, Taiyō-san," Seigi spoke cooly as he reigned in his gaze to Shindō, keeping an impassionate expression coldly facing hsi brother, "we're here to have my little brother accept the cruel reality of his defeat and his sins."

"GO TO HELL!!!" Shindō snarled out, pulling at his chains with such force they were groaning under the pressure, but barely budged himself forward. He looked more like a writhing animal than a man trying to be set free now.

Then, it stopped.

The elecricity currents ceased, lasting only for a very brief moment in truth. But it had done its job. They would barely see it, but Gina's body was shivering violently under the stress. She was sobbing, her head lung low and tears spilling out of her eyes. It was all very painful to hear - something with Tsukishima himself had anticipated.

"All you have to do is answer my questions, and it will stop..." He said calmly. "Now, did you see Captain Takuji kill Lieutenant Keikai?"

"N-no...?"

TZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!

Another wave of electricity tore through her, and once again Gina let out an agonized scream. But this time, the experience was brief and it wasn't long before the session ended. But this time, Gina was very willing to commit answers to her torturer.

"Y-yes... yes!" She sobbed, pushed to the point where she would say anything just to satisfy Tsukishima and make her stop. This was a lie, and Shindō's knowledge of her being alive had been true, of course. But he understood the results of torture, what it took to make someone break just the way you wanted them to.

"What is the current condition of the Soul Society?"

"The S...Seireitei's defenses have been neutralized... the S-seireitei itself has... been destroyed... any Gotei 13 personnel... captured, dead or on the run, and the Head Captain has been detained and placed in an unknown location..." The Captain stammered, her eyes shut tight in an effort to force out the pain. "P-please... n-no more..."

"That's a good girl..." Tsukishima cooed, almost as if he was talking to a dog who had just done a trick. "Was that so hard?"

It was then that they all had felt painfully aware of the situation beyond their insignificantly small cells. The Soul Society had been captured and her militaries were crushed and routed. All in a single day. And for all they know they were a part of the destruction, death, as well as the defeat and pain the their Head Captain was feeling now. Ryōken could only quietly sob, as he felt himself used and seen as nothing more as a reiteration of his cousin's dark deeds now born unintentionally in his own wake. 

Taiyō herself found no use in speaking further, she could only tremble under seeing her comrade in so much pain and treated as nothing more than a caged animal. She only wished that she could hold her, heal her, and soothe her in any way or form. She wished she could crush the man's hands and plunge them into his rectum and violate any of his internal organs before holding them up for display. She wished she had the strength to cry, but she couldn't even do that...

"Have you...no shame...harming her...gains you nothing!" Kōjaku growled out towards Tsukishima, his eyes bore nothing but disgust and disdain towards the Horseman, "you may have won the battle...but while there's even one of us left...one soldier...you will be stopped! History has a funny way of repeating itself...!"

"You are cut off from the Material World, Kōjaku-san," Seigi spoke level and blandly, his tone expressing no humor or patience for his captive's defiance, "your precious Substitute Soul Reapers won't come for you, and no alliance made, no matter how strong, can possibly repair the damage created today..."

"Hehehehehehehehe!" A dark, throaty laugh came from within Shindō's cell, causing Seigi to redivert his attention back to the chained, caged man as a sinister and venemous smile broke out over his face, "you made a mistake in keeping me a alive, brother. When I get out of this cell, I'm going to inflict such horrible pain upon you, that you will wish that you killed me while you had the chance! You hear me, Seigi?! I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU, AND EVERY ONE OF MY CLANSMEN WHO DARED TO FOLLOW SUCH A LOWLY PIECE OF ASS KISSING SHIT LIKE YOU!!!"

"Cute," Tsukishima quipped, placing his hands within his pockets. "But until that day comes, I hope you like your cell. It's where you and your colleagues will be staying for a very long time. But not to worry about unfair treatment... I'll make sure to deliver the exact same shock therapy for you as I did for Captain Tachibana. That will be something for you to do - keep yourselves sane during experiences of high voltage..."

He turned himself away from the window. "Let's go, Seigi-san. They need time to ponder their new position..."

After seeing the raw, unrestrained anger emanating from Shindō's glaring eyes, Seigi nodded and began to walk out with the Horseman having seen enough. Having fulfilled their purpose in tormenting the caged Captains and their precious Soul Society's condition there was nothing left to say. Nothing, but to leave them to rot and suffer...

"I see the cages are occupied," the voice of a sudden presence, arriving wtihout even the notice of Seigi himself, as he saw a black garbed woman standing in their way. With her mask pulled down, the distinctive traits she held with the very Captain that he had been allowing to be tortured for their amusement was eerily uncanny. That, and the fact she was one of Aizen's generals, rather than one of the Inner Circle's, gave way to a wave of apprehension to the new Clan Head of the traitor-lead Clan, "may I pass? Or do I need permission to see them?"

This apprehension was shared by the Horseman himself.

He stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening briefly at the sight of the girl. Although he didn't have much specifics on the girl, he knew that she was one of Sōsuke's most trusted followers. He could sense the power within her, having a hint of what she was truly capable of. For a moment, he regarded her with a stoic gaze, for he had been briefly been overtaken by wariness. Then, he allowed himself to speak with all of his "pleasantry" replaced by a polite and formal tone.

"You are free to pass, if you wish..." He said calmly, nodding over towards the window. "Stand in front of the window if you want them to hear you when you speak."

"Thank you," Murasaki bowed her head respectively, knowing exactly whom she was speaking to, before giving a slight stoic stare back at Seigi. After seeing what she wanted to see, she turned away and past directly between them, walking past the floating, shimmering Kidō cube prison cells that hovered over the blackened space that was  akin to oblivion.

After she walked past him, Seigi gave one last backwards stare before looking ahead, walking silently as if without interruption and hesitance to the exit of the bottomless prison from which they've utilized for their own ends. They were done here...

But Murasaki wasn't interested in the other Captains. In fact, she didn't even pay attention to any wayward glances by the captives or the fact who they were or how they mattered to her. No, she stopped before one cell, and one cell alone. The one that held the dangling and smoldering Gina Tachibana, Captain of the 3rd Division, and freshly tortured victim by the handiwork of the Inner Circle's Horseman, Tsukishima. 

Locking a vivid, stoic gaze at her bowed head, awaiting her to acknowledge the fact she had a guest, she wanted to look into the eyes of a person she had longed to see for years. Years that had seemed like a lifetime ago. A lifetime when she remembered when she was a little girl, laughing and giggling without a care in the world. A time, when she had a family...whom the woman was once part of, as she was. 

Through her muddled senses, Gina could pick up what was a familiar signature - one that she had thought to never see again.

She snapped her gaze upwards towards the window, her tear-stained eyes widening when she saw Murasaki's form. Within that moment, memories hit her. They were bittersweet, stemming back to a time when they had known each other very closely. Not as friends... but as family. What stood before her wasn't just some warrior, some old ally turned adversary. It was a person born of her womb, taken away from her care and into the arms of a man who had long ago fallen to the dark. She could only whisper one word, her voice hoarse and weary.

"M...Murasaki...?"

"It is me...mother..." Murasaki spoke lowly, almost as if the term for her maternal figure that she had adored as a child was a foreign one to speak aloud, "I have come to see you, and for you to...see me...after all these years. Its been too long, one who's bore me into the world," her voice coming out smooth and cool, yet holding a tinge of sadness within them. As if she could only speak in a low monotone, one of which she could hardly control, even when speaking to the one she had desired to see for centuries, "its...painful...to see you like this, mother."

Once again, Gina closed her eyes and bowed her head, averting her gaze away from her daughter. "I... I know, child..." She said softly. "After all these years, you would think... that I'd learn from my mistakes... but I guess I just haven't caught up yet... have I?" It was a poor attempt at a joke, one masked by her own weakness. She attempted to put on a smile, but it was weak and strained at best. It wasn't long before she dropped that faux joking attitude to regress back into frailty and weariness.

"I'm so sorry..." She whispered, putting effort into raising her head up and looking Murasaki in the eyes. "If I had been strong enough, you wouldn't have had to see me like this... and you wouldn't have had to learn his ways..." She breathed in, trying to keep herself as composed as she could within the situation. "A-At the very least... I'm glad you've grown... into a strong, young lady..."

It was within this moment, Murasaki felt a tinge of emotion well up within her chest. Promptly, she raised her right hand to clench at her heart, as if she had rarely felt something of this magnitude before. Not even as she fought and admired the Septima, or even when she followed in the footsteps of someone awe-inspiring and powerful as Lord Aizen, has she ever felt this strongly. Without her knowing, a tear snaked down her left ey, leaving a trail as it dropped off her chin and into the abyss that separated her from her mother.

Reaching out slowly with her left hand, she slid her palm against the vibrant energies that kept herself apart from her point of origin and her first form of love. She could only speak softly in return, still holding a semblence of a stoic tone as she always has done so, "I feel...pleased...to hear you say that. I want to know...how you have been...after all these years. In exchange, I will tend your wounds and make your stay...comfortable...as I can. Will that...make you happy...mother?"

For a split second, Gina was ready to refuse.

To have her wounds healed and leave the rest of her comrades unattended to was low and selfish, an escape from the burden they all should've bore together. But then again, refusing it would mean that they all would simply break and possibly be broken when and if a rescue team were to arrive. There needed to be at least someone to keep up morale, to keep her comrades from being demoralized. In addition, this may have been her only chance to have at least some sort of connection with her daughter. She deserved that much before she faded away within their prison.

Not to mention, she had seen the tear that fell down her face.

Although she put on a strained smile again, this one held much more relief and a little bit of spirit within. She nodded, sniffling a little. "Y...yes..." She whispered. "Yes, it would make me very happy, dear... thank you..."

A hint of a smile bore onto Murasaki's face. For a moment, she felt happy to have some private time to spend with the one she had adored and was born from. Perhaps with time, she hoped, she could regain a little bit of light that she had lost after so many years of absence away from her bright star. Only time could tell...

---

Restraining the Head Captain, was a much more arduous task...

Even utilizing the special technology available to them from the Inner Circle's Technology Department, and confining him there became a constant struggle, for both the prisoner and the captors. A massive bubble-like apparatus was constructed, holding Furuidenshō's arms to either side as well as his feet, keeping him restrained and allowed very little movement. Wearing nothing but drab prison-wear, the muscular yet clearly tended wound across his chest, the man looked far from weary nor broken. 

The specially designed apparatus was surrounded by an even larger machine, designed to use a special power dampener that'd absorb the Spiritual Power projected by the powerful entity, should he try anything funny and absorb a bountiful amount of shock. However, with every movement and roar from within the apparatus, the machine had run the risk of overheating from the sheer catastrophic quantities it had to disperse and absorb to keep him from escaping it. 

But even as the workers scrambled to keep their hostile captive in place, they all drew quiet as the four most notable and respected entities of the Inner Circle's ranks approached the apparatus. It was none other, than the Four Horsemen, leaders of the infamous organization that had nearly siezed total control over every known dimension within a day's time. 

As Kyōaka approached the bubble-shaped prison, he noticed the piles of heat sinks layed awry across the laboratory/prison, and the nervous looks on all of their faces. Chuckling, Kyōaka floruished his black gloved hand from his elaborately designed Horseman attire, "It seems our guest is not as broken as we thought he'd be! He hasn't been in there for more than half a day and has already began to cause most of my subordiantes to panic with him just throwing a temper, hahaha!" 

"Told you we should've worked on this ahead of time..." Suna grumbled, rolling his eyes and folding his arms across his chest. "These guys are working their asses off just keeping him contained." He spared a glance towards Kyōaka's subordinates before directing it back to Furuidenshō. "Don't you have some kind of sedative or something like that to keep him quiet? At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if your minions started keeling over due to heart attacks..."

After sparing a look towards her three colleagues, Shikyo sauntered over to stand directly in front of the bubble prison, her eyes looking on dispassionately even in the face of the wrathful enemy. "You brought this upon yourself, Shin'en." She said in a cool and subtly reprimanding manner. "You failed to see the signs and the seeds that we planted. Didn't the Mourning War give you some sort of epiphany? Wasn't it supposed to give the reminder that even the Soul Society is not invincible? Because from what recent events have told us, you have failed to learn your history. I hope you enjoy repeating it over and over, just like your predecessor did..."

"RRRRAAAH!" 

SSSSBWHOOSH-CRRRK-CRRRK-CRRRK!

Furuidenshō roared out in another bout of rage, a vibrant display of silver-transparent Spiritual Power burst throughout the bubble apparatus before being absorbed and dispersed by the large machine holding the Head Captain within. Five heat sinks discharged from the pressure, and some of the engineers backed away in fright at seeing a temporary face manifest from his outburst, with glaring red eyes. It almost appeared the equivalent of caging a Titan...!

"Looks like I'll have to get my hands dirty after all," Kyōaka walked up to the bubble, clicking a special recognition device that allowed him to open the bubble and allow the excess Spiritual Pressure waft the room. Nearly half of the staff fell to the their knees, with paled expressions at feeling the dense and monsterous atmosphere shift around them all. However, Kyōaka stood firm, and even reached out with a swift hand to grasp the powerfully caged man's jaw to direct him to his eyes, "you're going to be quiet and be a good boy, Furui-kun. Now behave!" 

Unbeknownst to everyone, a temporary flash of an unusual shaped symbol flashed over Kyōaka's left eye, sending a series of hypnotic signals into the bound man's eye and into his brain. Within a matter of seconds, Furuidenshō let out his breath and fell slump, letting his chains hold him up as he dangled loosely before them all. Taking a step back, allowing the bubble to fold back over, Kyōaka sighed with a chuckle, turning to his colleagues while showing a peace sign with the very hand he held the Head Captain's face with, "See? All taken care of!" 

As she was the one standing next to him, Shikyo would notice the sudden flash that came across her colleague's eyes. She would see it out of the corner of her eye, though she couldn't make out what it was. For the briefest of moments, she quirked an eyebrow and opened her mouth slightly in silent pondering. Then, she swiftly regressed back to her default expression of serenity. None of this was affected by the excess of spiritual pressure that had been released into the room. It did not affect Tsukishima or Suna either, with the former looking on with a slight smile on his face. It was a hint at just how powerful they really were, and what kind of threat the Gotei 13 was truly facing...

When Shikyo turned her attention to the fallen staff members, her eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. "You really need to be more careful doing that..." She muttered, her eyes looking over at Kyōaka. "I know they're your personal subordinates, but it's not like we can afford an endless supply of them any time soon..."

"Oh they're used to that kind of thing, pay no mind!" Kyōaka laughed off as the subordinates all got up from the intense pressure that had knocked the wind out of all of them, "I've often had to correct one of them myself and made an example and...well...you see the results! Its not like they shouldn't be exposed to power so out of their depth," Kyōaka then spoke lowly, narrowing his gaze to the three of them as he raised his hands in emphasis, "its what keeps the ants knowing they're ants, and who is their god..."

"Indeed..." Tsukishima said smoothly, looking over at Shin'en for a brief moment. "I'm glad you have things under control, Kyōaka-san. As I was subduing my own captives, I couldn't help but wonder if you were having any trouble with such a stubborn prisoner."

This earned the attention and word of Shikyo. "How are they holding up?" She asked casually, stepping away from the bubble and looking at the younger Horseman. "I hope in particular that Captain Tachibana hasn't passed away immediately under your sessions..."

"She's fine..." Tsukishima said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "At the very least, she will live. Though I can't say for certain how far her mental status has deteriorated, she will still be breathing." As he looked at her, he couldn't help but give a slightly mocking smile. "What is wrong, Ninaru-san? Showing compassion for the enemy?" His smile grew slightly wider when she saw her scowl a little, her eyes flickering with a bit of a glare. Her words showed little annoyance.

"It's not them I'm concerned about." She said, looking into Tsukishima's eyes with nothing but seriousness. "Captain Tachibana is the mother of Murasaki, and I can guarantee that out of anyone, she'll be one of the more frequent visitors of the Kidō Corps's prison. I'd be careful with how far you take your own entertainment, Shūkurō. We both know at least a little of how far her power extends, and even if she's one of Aizen's most trusted followers, she might not take it too lightly."

"Oh, let the girl come see what's done! Its not like she'll step out of line out of sympathy," Kyōaka chuckled in amusement, waving a hand in emphasis, "she's an emotionless shell, a tool for Sōsuke's ambitions and a warrior with no purpose but to slaughter her enemies. If you could see the way she walked, you'd know a woman who's been indoctrinated into being the perfect, obedient subordinate, unless you all think a mere thing as familial bonds could actually...break all of that in a few visits. You're obviously reading into her too much, Shikyo-chan," Kyōaka chided his colleague, chuckling as he began walking away from the prison-made laboratory that was holding their most powerful captive, and instinctively leading his comrades away from the defeated warrior, "let Shūkurō have his fun, I say! As I said...we should always let the ants know they are ants before their gods!"

"I'm only covering all of my bases." Shikyo said, cocking a slight eyebrow at Kyōaka. "He can have his fun if he wishes. But I only want you all to be aware of potential consequences. We can never be too sure... especially when it's someone of Aizen's care." She followed this up with a slightly solemn gaze, regarding each of them with it. It made Suna gain a subtle expression of apprehension, for he too was at least a little bit wary of Aizen's presence. Who could blame them?

"Now, if you'll excuse me..." The medic of the Horsemen continued smoothly, turning herself around and walking away. "I have casualties to attend to. Try not to overdo anything, Shūkurō, Kyōaka..."

"Yes, well with anyone under that man's thumb, I guess it would be prudent to keep things toned down a little," Kyōaka spoke aloud, looking to his colleague with a knowing glance, "after all, I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of Aizen if things go awry over something as simple as entertainment..."

"I didn't know you were the type to openly admit to being scared." Tsukishima remarked softly. "Aren't you supposed to be my senior?" The subtle jab made Suna snicker a little, much to his minor pleasure.

"There aren't many unknowns in this universe, Shūkurō-san, and Aizen is one of them. One of the only things I fear is the unknown, not the man himself," Kyōaka looked over at Tsukishima and Suna, "you should do well to remember this. If anyone can prove a greater threat in the universe to us, it is that man and his unpredictability. Watch him closely," turning his form while flourishing his cloak in the same movement, he walked away with purposeful steps as he spoke in finality, "and strike him when he's bowing at your feet..."

"Yeah, that's one thing that I'll certainly be doing..." Suna muttered in agreement, his smirk turning into a frown very quickly. He knew it, and the rest of the Horsemen knew it. Aizen himself definitely knew of their wariness, having once claimed trust not to be one of his ideals. Once all of this was over and done with, he knew the man would find a way to kill them in order to tie up loose ends. In that event, they would have to beat him to it. He just hoped that they could...

Taking Count! Footsteps Among The Ashes Of War

"What's your report? Did you manage to kill them?"

"Negative, my Lady. The V-14 were rescued by individual D.C.O. operatives before we could terminate them."

"Any details? Did anyone within your group sustain heavy injuries?"

"Choku-san was severely wounded with what appeared to be an outburst of raw spiritual energy. He was facing the two gunmen of the bunch, and we had assumed that they were "normals" he would be capable of dispatching quickly. But apparently, one of them was either hiding their power or had just awakened it in time to preserve their lives..."

Brina regarded Kameyo with a calm, serene, and yet serious stare as she listened to the report that her subordinate gave. Behind her were the other Fullbringers that had went with Daigomi in their fight against Asuka and her team, carrying varying degrees of emotion and body language. Currently, they were at the top of the stairs that would lead to the 2nd Division's HQ, currently being replaced by temporary forts and housing structures made for defense. As A.T.G. Wasps swept through the air for patrol, foot soldiers were stationed around the perimeter and within it to look out for any potential threats of retaliation. By now, the 2nd HQ had been thoroughly secured by the 43rd Sherman Regiment - a unit regarded as Brina's own personal special operations force.

"I think this has been happening all over the place..." Tenshina said, folding his arms across his chest and regarding his leader with a gaze of furrowed eyes. "Deep Cover Ops suddenly swoop in to save whatever they can before pulling out. There are troops searching for any potential hideouts, but we haven't been able to find any signs. It's like they just disappeared off the map..."

"I'm starting to think that was something to be expected..." Brina remarked. "They suddenly appear to us without any warning, pick up the wounded that they can only to vanish off the grid once again. If that's the case, then you probably won't find them anymore within the innards of Soul Society."

"They most likely are using a means much swifter and unknown than the known Senkaimons, used by Zanpakutō," Valeur suggested aloud, crossing his arms as he looked around in emphasis, "like a secret passageway, they would reserve its use at all costs until the moment was right for employment, and then close it back up from which they came. I bet they have a special key on select D.C.O. personnel..."

"Right! Like any of the grunts you scoured for supplies and intel had any! These are just grunts! Same as the other unseated members of the Gotei 13!" Choku snarled out, clearly in a bad mood as his fine white suit was marred with his dried blood and tattered from the point of contact from the Spiritual Powered attack. 

"...jeez, Choku. Did the hit you take hurt that much?" Tenshina asked with a bit of sarcasm. His tone, however, was a bit wary as he looked at his friend and colleague. He couldn't blame him. Everything had been going great, until the Deep Cover Ops had shown up. He could still feel the ache within his own back when he was slammed into the wall by Renji. It wasn't exactly the best of feelings, but that had only served to increase his wariness of the enemy. Choku, however, seemed downright furious at his own results...

"To be fair, you have no one to blame but yourself for those injuries." Kameyo told him, her crimson eyes looking over at him. "Underestimation of your enemy leads to nothing but a swift and torturous fall. I would have figured that you, out of all of us, should have realized that..."

"You obviously have never seen the true depths of the Black Eagle's True Power, have you, Kameyo?!" Choku growled as he looked at his fellow female colleague, his cracked lenses reflected a portion of light from the glare he refrained from showing Bokujin, "if you ever met a Captain-class entity, try taking that emphasis and doubling his power into a raw potent thrust of energy. That is what I felt as I was struck by his true strength, the strength everyone truly feared him for!" 

"It seems we all underestimated the tenacity of the Seireitei," Valeur spoke levelly, as he looked across the landscape, "during the course of our attacks, the Head Captain managed to distracted nearly all of the aerial support that was supposed to soften up the Divisions while most of our ground forces engaged the Gotei 13. Despite being leaderless and caught off guard, they managed to inflicted significant damage to our ranks, as well as allow the D.C.O. to lead most of the non-combatants away from the battlefield."

Slowly, Brina closed her eyes and furrowed her eyebrows in slight resentment of their words. It had been the very same mistake that she had made. She had underestimated Sazuke's extent of training herself. She never would've thought that physical strength would come so far, that her Shunkō would have risen to a level known as "perfect". It made her want to clench her fist to the point of both of her palms bleeding. Sazuke had pushed herself to the extreme, while she had paled in comparison. She thought she had prepared for that moment. She thought she had been ready to kill her most hated adversary.

But she had been wrong.

And now, she had this damned butterfly mark on her neck as punishment for it.

She took in a deep breath, opening her eyes and regarding the group with a calm and serene gaze once again. "In addition to the D.C.O.'s interference, there was someone who had managed to disable and cripple one of our airships via a hack. When that particular airship fell to the ground, the shockwave managed to disrupt electronics nearby the mountainside. It's going to take a while before they can get themselves back up again. They're scrambling to restore themselves to full power as we speak, but I'm having my doubts that they'll make it in the event of a counter-attack. We, in particular, don't want to make errors like we did this time. I want you all to be on your guard and keep yourselves and your weapons ready at all times. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am..."

"Right, that doesn't put us at a good standing as defenders of this heap of rubble, does it?" Choku asked with rhetorically as he looked around.

However, they weren't to be the only ones rendezvousing at the fallen Stealth Force HQ...

SHFT-SHFT-SHFT!

"So, this is the place, huh?" A calm, passive voice rang out as a black hooded-&-cloaked form of Yūyo Hakumei, arriving with Jadoku and Fuhai with either of them at her flanks. With the ghastly, flowing cloak she donned currently, witholding her usual long black hair with only her pale complexion seen from the shadows covering her eyes, she truly appeared to be like a Grim Reaper, "you really trashed this place up...or was that the work of the Grey's loose cannon for a leader?" 

"The Grey was responsible for this." Brina took the opportunity to speak up and tell the freshly arrived team about what had happened. "They managed to beat the 43rd here and set up explosives, which were then detonated by remote courtesy of their leader. I take it Yashin-san sent you here, then?"

As she spoke, Tenshina pursed his lips upon seeing and being near Fuhai once more. Inside of his mouth, his teeth gritted. Inside of his chest, his heart rate became a little quicker. But he knew better than to start something in front of his superior. So all he did was keep himself restrained, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. It wasn't exactly the easiest thing he could do at the moment...

Yūyo shook her head as she locked eyes with Brina, "No, Lord Shiyōnin asked me to lead these two to catch any wandering D.C.O. operatives and Gotei 13 members off guard. So far, we've captured five squads and killed a dozen. We've come back here to rest before we continue our search for any remainders..."

"Tch! I was hoping we'd find one of the missing Lieutenants of the Gotei, but so far, no luck!" Jadoku growled as Fuhai stayed silent. The latter seemed to be cotemplating something important, uncharacteristically from his usual boisterous and menacing self. Jadoku however, paid his partner no mind as he looked over at Bokujin with a grin, "how did you fair, Bokujin?! Did you score any big hits, or were you tossed on your ass? HAHAHA!" 

"Keep calm, don't get riled up. This isn't the time to get angry over anything right now..."

"If you have to know..." Tenshina grumbled, fixing a slightly irritated glare at Jadoku. "I was about to finish my target off when I had sudden interference. Considering that I had orders to engage the V-14 and not anyone else, I decided to pull out. That satisfy you, Jadoku? Because if you haven't noticed, I'm not in the greatest of moods right now." To be fair, he didn't want to be irritated at the moment. But he didn't like getting singled out in such a manner like what Fuhai had done. The boisterous greeting hadn't made that any better.

"Ohhh, you hear that Fuhai? I think I might've upset him!" Jadoku chuckled, causing Fuhai to chuckle along with him, but didn't bother raising his own voice. Jadoku looked over to sneer at Bokujin, but was suddenly cut off...

Tap!

...by a firm hand being placed on Bokujin's shoulder, as the stalwart Valeur stepped in and locked eyes with Jadoku and Fuhai, "I suggest you take your bragging of crushing ants somewhere else, from men who've contested with beasts of far greater worth than yours. Further to antagonize my comrades and I would dishonor our reputation. You don't want to challenge my honor, do you?"

"B-Bastard!" Jadoku began to growl, promptly causing Fuhai's lips to drop from its smile as he recognized him, but didn't deter Jadoku. Before he could make a gesture, however, Yūyo stared eerily calm at the man and didn't speak a word. The glance alone, conveyed the point, causing him and Fuhai to turn around and walk to a isolated tent to converse. 

"I apologize forthrightly, Valeur-san, Bokujin-san, for my comrades' poor manners. They had cornered a Lieutenant not too long ago but had managed to evade them both, but not before humiliating them in direct combat. I believe he was marked with the 6th Division from the badge on his arm," Yūyo explained, crossing her arms as she regarded both Bokujin and Valeur, "did you recognize any of the agents that was sent to extract V-14? That would be helpful in our next encounter, if we can determine any of their identities and fighting styles..."

"Glad to see that someone's got a mature attitude about themselves..." Tenshina thought to himself, his expression lightening a little once the two troublemakers had made their way away from them. He allowed his voice to speak out, his posture straightening out a bit more. "I had remembered that one of V-14's men had mentioned some "Daisuke Hayate" towards a guy who had that emblem on his arm. I'm guessing that was the guy they fought, and to be honest, it's not much of a surprise that they lost. That guy's a monster when he fights..." A slight shiver went down his spine when he remembered the extent of damage he had done to the V-14's leader, the burns that had come all the way to the inner organs. He could still remember the terrified look on her face as she struggled to live. That was possibly the worst memory to burned into his mind.

He would probably never admit it. But that man frightened him.

"There were ex-members from the old generation Gotei 13 that had shown up, according to what Tenshina-san and Valeur-san told me..." Kameyo added in, walking up to Tenshina's side. "Renji Abarai, Lieutenant of the 6th Division, and Senna, the former Memory Rosary, had shown up respectively. Other than that, none of them could be recognized."

"There might be more than what we've seen that are assimilated within the Deep Cover Ops..." Brina said, folding her hands behind her back. "The Grey leader and I had encountered former 2nd Division Captain Sui-Feng along with another high-ranking operative as they extracted Sazuke Tensai. I'm willing to bet that there are more remnants of the old generational Gotei 13 that have been recruited into the D.C.O., waiting to get back into action..."

"I see the Seireitei has changed after all these centuries. It seems instead of killing them off or exiling them, they managed to find an alternative branch of military operations for their more useful members to participate in," Yūyo spoke aloud in a stoic tone of understanding. Looking over her shoulder, she whispered aloud, "it would explain why there were reports of Gotei members draped in non-Gotei 13 uniforms that began causing havoc for our men in the fields, rescuing squads of actual Gotei 13 squads. Some of them inflicted heavy casualties with ease, and some of them were distinctive by our intel as prior generation troops..."

"It must have something to do with that special promotion that Captain Sasayaki had made shortly before he became a Captain. Something about coming up with a joint-operations between the Stealth Force and the R&D Department," Choku spoke aloud intuitively, pushing his glasses up in remembrance of past history within the Soul Society, "I read up that he became the head of this military branch, but it wasn't controlled by the Seireitei's Central 46 Courts or any other form of Military oversight. Technically they could be called a Black Ops that was recieving support by the Gotei 13, Kidō Corps, and Stealth Force without mentioning of the actual organization..."

"If the Deep Cover Ops were working behind the scenes during the fighting, I can guarantee that they would be the ones responsible for softening defense once the counter-attack begins..." Brina informed them. "Squads from the 43rd will be dispatched in order to defend areas of vitality. All other units will be deployed to reinforce and defend against the enemy's retaliatory assault. The other Dragons will be investigating further into the D.C.O. to see if we can find out about any potential targets of opportunity."

"We'll just have to keep looking through the wreckage. D.C.O. suffered losses as well, so some of them might have a form of information worth looking into-"

"Don't bother. I've already tried that," Choku said with a sigh, as he kicked at a smoldering corpse from a D.C.O. agent, "I tried dissecting some info out of him, and it turns out it had some form of remote recording device instilled within the Soul Sleep of his body. When it felt a proximity alert, it detonated and blew up all the insides and charred the flesh. Apparently they even plan on the deaths of any D.C.O. agent they send out..."

"Well you can certainly give credit to that Captain Sasayaki," A distinctive gentleman's voice broke out over the clearing, as Daigomi Bandai himself began to walk into their midst. After spending some time regenerating from the damage he was inflicted with, he made sure to find additional garments of similar make and fashioned them on before reappearing, "he doesn't mind defiling the deceased's remains. One of the said D.C.O. prepatrators was a dead Soul Reaper Lieutenant who caused me so much pain...Kaien Shiba himself!" 

Abruptly, all eyes turned towards the man who had arrived on scene.

Tenshina and Kameyo were sure to bow their heads out of respect for their leader, while Brina looked on with a serene and unreadable gaze. All of them would have varying degrees of surprise at the notice, but it would be the latter who would speak to him. "So in other words, they're resurrecting dead soldiers in order to make up for any numbers lost within the attack. Soldiers that have proven themselves to levels higher than the rest would be immediate selections and would save resources. So if there were any prominent beings among the dead, and if the likes of Kaien Shiba and the Memory Rosary had been reconstructed, then I wouldn't be surprised if Captain Sasayaki found a way to bring back anyone he wanted..."

"Y..." Tenshina's eyes dilated slightly in realization, apprehension consuming his person. "You mean--"

"Yep. I'm personally hoping that it's a far shot, but even the old Head Captain would have a chance of coming back from his grave. So let's hope that there happens to be limitations to this. It's just another reason why all D.C.O. personnel will be marked as top priorities..."

"If that was the case, why wouldn't they deploy him to support their Head Captain? It wouldn't be sensible to withold such powerful players just so they could rescue some squads of men. No. I think they were limited in resources and only select chosen dead entities were ressurected, so to speak," Daigomi spoke intellectually, running a new glove through his clean hair, smiling with a feral anticipation, "but I plan to make sure they are unressurrected when I'm done with them!"

"Don't underestimate our enemies. Doing so costs us a true victory over them," Choku spoke with a condenscending tone, not really caring that Daigomi had sent all of his subordinates to fight enemies with blind intel, "you ensured that when you allowed our victory to be a defeat-"

"How dare you talk to me that way you little-!"

"Quiet!" Yūyo held up a hand, her eyes suddenly closed and her voice suddenly raised an octave as she tried to focus, "Lord Shiyōnin has just made contact...he found something amidst the rubble within the R&D's laboratory!" 

Abruptly, all eyes turned towards her, with Brina's being the most inquisitive.

"Can you confirm what it is?" She said immediately, approaching Yūyo with a few steps. Her eyebrows were slightly furrowed as she regarded the young woman, but her gaze was calm and reserved.

SHFT!

"I'm here, no need to wait in suspense," Yashin placated, chuckling as he did so as he walked towards Brina. Retrieving his hand from behind his backside, he held up what looked like a black cube. A cube that would seem all too familiar to the Dogs that witnessed the instaneous retreat of the D.C.O. agents and Soul Reapers, "I found our key to the rabbit hole's doorway..."

The shift of attention was going to be very rampant today.

When Brina and Kameyo laid their eyes on it, their eyes widened only slightly in surprise. Tenshina's own expression lasted a bit longer than that, and he found himself staring at the cube with a mixture of curiosity and fascination. They all knew what the metaphoric phrase meant, and from the recent string of events, all of them had a pretty good guess at what the "key" was being used for. Tenshina was the first to voice it out, turning his attention to his comrades.

"So this thing is--"

"It's the key to the D.C.O.'s refuge." Kameyo said coolly, giving a nod of acknowledgement. "As I was coming back here, I noticed retreating operatives use it shortly before disappearing with wounded in tow. I can guarantee you all most likely saw it, too."

Slowly but surely, an anticipating grin crossed Tenshina's face. Suddenly, his tone became much more enthusiastic than it was before. "Well, this is very convenient!" He exclaimed. "Guess we'll be making a trip straight to their door soon enough! This is too good to be true!"

"...yeah..." Brina muttered, eyeing the cube with slight skepticism before raising her gaze to Yashin. "You did check this thing to make sure it's genuine, didn't you? They might have purposefully planted that there as a decoy..."

"I am not an amateur, with all due respect, Brina-san," Yashin spoke with certainty, placing it once more within the confines of his coat as he smiled, "it works. I made sure to run several tests to confirm it was the genuine object as my men dealt with some annoyances. While they, perturbing as it may seem, got away with the D.C.O. officers' aide I managed to decipher the encryption to the code to use this device to our wishes. However, I have no real knowledge of what dimension the Soul Society has set up their base as well as what numbers are going to be expected. Strategy should be discussed with the Four Horsemen, of how we should proceed, is in order..."

"Of course. Can't have our superiors wondering what we're doing, galavanting into an unknown void, now can we?" Daigomi spoke with intrigue, smiling in sync with Yashin's confident visage. Finally, he would be able to repay the favor and hurt some more people for the pain he had to endure against his opponents. 

"They'll be here soon enough to see the fruits of the labor themselves..." Brina said, folding her arms across her chest and giving a nod to each of her Dragon colleagues. "Lady Ninaru will be coming here in particular for a personal audience with me. So I'll be waiting here for the time being. Let me know of any updates in the situation."

"What does she want from you, Lady Brina?" Kameyo questioned, even as her Dragon turned around and began to swiftly walk away. Although they would not see the darkening of her expression, they would hear the composed venom within her words as she spoke them.

"To ensure that the error I made here won't happen the next time..."

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