LOCK PLEASE.

[Zexaeon]

Byakuya's eyes now fixed coldly upon Mateo. This one was not a Hollow. He was not a Shinigami. He was something else. But the arrogant way he spoke...

 

"A tool? Hardly. I keep no tools in my midst. My mindset is simple." he informed the Hostile Spirit, who was clearly misreading the situation. "I simply cut down all who stand before Soul Society. Regardless of your motives, your desires, or your actions, regardless of your species, regardless of your beliefs, if you oppose Soul Society, then I shall execute you."

 

Hopefully, that would drive the point home. He didn't want Jo as a tool. He could care less if she ever came back to his side. She was only relevant if she planned on standing in his way.

 

He now directed his speech at Jo. "It is not my place to forgive you. You must find forgiveness on your own. However, I am fully willing to turn a blind eye to you, should you stand aside." Translation: I don't want to kill you. Don't make me.

 

"You, however," he stated, looking up at Mateo. "You quite obviously carry hostile intentions. I will give you your only warning - a battle with me will only be a death sentence to you." he announced, his typical bravado returning.

 

 

-

 

 

Ryujin maintained a calm posture as he flooded his own body with flames, manifesting his awesome might into his blade. "Dura, have you already forgotten what I told you? Overconfidense will result in death. Or have you already forgotten the thrashings you received by my hand in the past?"

 

"Don't get too cocky yourself, Old Master. Dura is quite powerful in his own right." Kagetsuki.

 

"I am aware. Don't worry - I'll only enjoy a little combat. I'll be back soon enough - you two go back, while I cover you."

 

"As you wish, 'Old Master'." Shirayuki replied before casually floating off, Kagetsuki right behind her.

 

"And now, Dura, let me remind you of the might of Ryujin Jakka!"

 

 

-

 

 

Gran's eyes widened behind his mask as he avoided Zaraki's wide slash, only to realize that it was aimed at Eric instead.

 

The Decima Espada had not seen such a tactic coming. "N-No-!" he yelled out, still piecing himself together, just before Zaraki's intense blade made contact with the remains of his mask, slicing it in two pieces.

 

The fragments clattered to the ground as the sludge slowly lost all shape, falling into a puddle. Eric's voice echoed out from the mask pieces. "You...bastard. I guess you got me. Heh..." and with that, the two pieces shattered into dust.

 

Gran sighed from his position, flying above Zaraki. "That's one Espada defeated, I guess. What a shame." he remarked, morosely. "Vaya Con Dios." he muttered to the slowly disappearing sludge, making a quick motion over his chest.

 

"I didn't want to do this, but I think I have no other choice but to use my best attack now. I don't think it'll be enough - you're too strong, Captain - but I think I should at least try it. Sorry in advance."

 

 

-

 

 

The smoke from her release clearing, Mileya's new form was now visible. Her chest and legs were now covered in a bee-striped armor, two buzzing wings appearing on her back. At her waist, and extending from her posterior, was a large Wasp abdomen, tipped with a stinger. Two bony antenna had appeared on her head, her earring remnant now gone. Flying around her were four multi-colored Wasps, each buzzing dangerously.

 

"Go!" she cried, as two of her wasps raced forward in a streak of color, stingers trained on Yoruichi's sides as Elena exposed her damaged stomach. Mileya herself Sonido'd above Yoruichi, diving downward with her own stinger aimed at the woman's head

 

 

-

 

 

"You called me, your majesty?" Alexander asked, casual smile on his face as he slowly sauntered up to his King's throne. "I take you finally found me a nice opponent, hmm?"

 

He couldn't wait. He'd been sitting idly for a while now, awaiting his dispatch orders. He knew his king wouldn't let him down.

[Guest]

//There he goes he had to threaten me!// Mateo quickly pulled his string back three time, shooting out three arrows that seemed to be made of a white reiatsu. Usually his attacks were made of a purple or crimson reiatsu, it sorta suprised him to see the color white. "You attack Jo then you threaten me! I can't stand the egotistical types and your the worst of them all!"

[Signosis]

"If they were telling the truth about bringing you back to a Shinigami, why didn't they do it before I came to find and help you? They only want you back as a Captain because your nothing but a tool to them!"

 

Jo looked at him, her eyebrows raised. It was something to take into consideration, but she let it go. It was Zaraki Kenpachi's desicion on why she was promoted, and it really wasn't her choice to question why.

"Also what about the friends you made here? You learned first hand that almost every hollow is just misunderstood and there are more people than just me who would be upset if you leaved."

 

Jo closed her eyes and cringed slightly at that, her shoulders hunched, her head lowered.

 

"Mateo! Shut the hell up! Quit trying to make my desicions for me!" Jo barked at him, her left eye cold, the right eye full of flame.

 

"I simply cut down all who stand before Soul Society. Regardless of your motives, your desires, or your actions, regardless of your species, regardless of your beliefs, if you oppose Soul Society, then I shall execute you."

 

'Sounds like the Byakuya Kuchiki we know.' Jo thought, her eyes sliding to him. 'Besides, if I were to be used as a tool, I think I would have been in his squad, not in Ichigo's.'

Jo tilted her head as he spoke to her.

 

"It is not my place to forgive you. You must find forgiveness on your own. However, I am fully willing to turn a blind eye to you, should you stand aside."

 

"Yep, that's Byakuya Kuchiki alright," Jo muttered, grinning. "Him and his cryptic speaking, yep yep!"

 

Jo giggled slightly as he spoke to Mateo, and he aimed to attack Byakuya. She then quickly ran to him, hugging Byakuya. She glared at Mateo from over her shoulder.

 

"I refuse to take part in this fight!" Jo declared. She didnt' want to see the bloodshed of both sides of her friends.

 

...This was going to last awhile.

[Dad]

He glared into the old man's eyes. They had once been allies, but the powers of corruption and greed took over Dura's heart, and manifested a being of chaos. He didn't want this, but he liked it. Their past battles rang through his head, wins and losses in all. He knew Ryujin was not to be taken lightly, but he also knew what to expect; nothing but the best.

 

"Come Ryujin!" Dura raised his arms, glorifying his home. "We do battle in the darkest depths of Hell!" Slamming a palm to the ground, Ryujin and Dura were surrounded by flames, and sent spiraling deeper into Hades. As they approached their destination, chained and tortured souls reached out for them, crying out for help. Keyonshi was there, screaming to be let loose.

 

Dura chuckled ignoring him. And without warning or speech, he used his Sonido to get behind Ryujin, and kick him hard in the back, followed by a blow of the hilt of his Zanpaktou. "No need for my Ressureccion is there?" Dura boasted. He knew that even if he died tonight, he had on last escape.

 

---

 

Zaraki held out a wide palm, as his Zanpaktou returned to his hand. "I understand Gran Bel. What's say we not end this as enemies. Just opponents eh?" Zaraki increased the reiatsu surrounding him, prepping for Gran Bel's ultimate attack. He held his sword with two hands, in front of him, ready to take the only decent Arrancar's life.

 

---

 

She was surrounded, but she wasn't the goddess of flash for no reason. Yourichi vanished, and reappeared bouncing off the heads of the homing bees, slicing at them with a quickly drawn dagger. "I doubt they'll stay down for long," she thought, staring at Mileya. "And the Fraccion. She's picked up decent speed. Without my left arm, I may be in trouble."

 

And she was. Caught off guard, Elena drove a kick to home plate in Yoruichi's stomach, sending her flying into an old catacomb, collapsing on top of her. "Goddess of Flash? She may be fast, but her combat techniques are--unh!" A mighty right hook caught the back of Elena's head, causing her to topple over. "When did you--? Never mind! You're starting to tick me off!" Elena tossed a flurry of red bala blasts at Yoruichi, who began dancing side to side, evading them.

 

---

 

Kiron's eyes were still fixed upon Amago's face. "Alexander, my good man. See to it that the Captain of the 10th Division enjoys a slow and painful death." Kiron continued frowning, picking up what remained of Kaien's body. "Leave no trace of him, Alexander." With that, Kiron vanished.

 

Amago was screwed! He had used up so much of his reaitsu on a Royal Guard (who was equivalent in abilities to that of a Captain), and now he had to face an Espada? Ryuu whipped to his side, curling around him, as he leaned against a tree. He sighed, standing up right. "Let's do it." He called.

[Guest]

Mateo nodded as he stopped his arrows right before they would of connected with the two. "If that is what you really want I will respect your wish." The spirit started to sheath his bow as he Sonido'd away from the two. //She will choose one day but it's not my right to try to convince her in anyway. I might as well try to help Kagetsuki with her wish to get the contract done with.// Standing outside what was the old squad two building Mateo quickly took a seet and started to think, where could Shina be?

[Zexaeon]

"An arrancar, even an incredibly powered one, who fights without his Ressurecion is like a Shinigami who fights with the power of my Shikai. So if you will not release yourself fully, neither shall I. I shall reduce the whole of Creation to Smoldering Ahes. I am, Ryujin Jakka!" The mighty spirit called out his own release command, the sword in his hand (which technically, was himself) erupting into a glorious rain of fire.

 

"You've improved in the department of speed, Dura, as evidenced by that kick you just dealt me. But you already know I can assess new situations in an instant, and properly adjust to fit into them. Don't think you'll land that same technique a second time."

 

The old master swung his sword above him, his own fires more mighty and devastating than any the tortured souls around him had yet to face.

 

With a forward burst, he swung the doomsday weapon down upon his mighty foe.

 

 

-

 

 

"So, you're my opponent, hmm? Tch, I wait all this time for a suitable opponent, and Lord Kiron hands me a Shinigami who's already half beat. Ah well, it doesn't matter. I'll just ask him to find me someone better when I'm done.

 

Allow me to introduce myself - I am Alexander LeSandro, the Primera Espada." he let those words sink in for a moment with a grin decorating his features. His scarlet-colored eyes and dusky blond hair seemed to glow for a moment with a thrill of excitement.

 

"Aside from Lord Kiron himself, you're dealing with the most powerful Arrancar in the Seireitei. I hope you've made peace with your higher power."

 

In a flash he was beside Amago, standing with hands in pockets, sizing him up with a playful glance. Even the fastest objects in the world can appear to temporarily move in slow motion when the beholder has no way of escaping it - this was what Amago now experienced with Alexander's fist; despite obviously moving in a lightning quick motion, Amago's eyes saw the fist slowly drawn from the Espada's pocket, just before it collided with his cheekbone and sent him reeling, skidding through the air.

 

"You have a decent build, powerful Reiatsu, a good gleam in your eye, and a nice-looking sword. You'd probably make a good opponent if you weren't already beaten up so badly." Alexander mocked. "So here's your challenge, Taichou. Make me draw my sword. Right now, I'm convinced I can handle you bare-handed. Prove me wrong."

 

 

-

 

 

Mileya was disappointed that Yoruichi had managed to dodge - so, she was hiding some of her speed after all. With a flick of her wrist, she called her two fallen wasps back up from their defeats, the servants rising up beside her along with the other two again.

 

Yoruichi was doing a good job at evading the many balas, she had to admit. But how would she fare against a concentrated stream coming from two different locations and not just one? Especially if the second stream was from Mileya's released powers.

 

Hovering above Yoruichi's general direction, she aimed her stinger downward. "Buenas Noches." she announced the name of her technique, as a rain of rapid-fire Balas bursted from her stinger, raining down to intersect the stream that Elena was firing, the two streems creating a X-shape in the air.

 

And Yoruichi was right in the middle of it.

 

 

-

 

 

If your life is in danger, I want you to return to me.

 

"Sorry, Lucas-sama..." Gran muttered regretfully. "I can't follow your orders, just this once. I owe it to Zaraki to finish this."

 

Gran ripped off one of his wings. Then he ripped off the other. His tail followed. Then his Imp-shaped helmet. Bleeding all over from the action, he held the various pieces of his Ressurecion in his hands, appearing as though he were in his normal form again (with the exception of his claws, which were still present).

 

"Here I go, Captain." racing at Sonic speeds, he flew upward, arranging his pieces in a square formation around Zaraki, the wings, tail, and Helmet all glowing. Gran took Center-Stage above it all, aiming his hand straight down.

 

"El Sangre, Quintos Ceros!"

 

Each piece, along with Gran's hand, launched an extremely wide, blood-red Cero downward upon Zaraki then, the five humongous beams colliding into one another to create a tremendous field of destruction, all around.

 

The Blood, The Five Zeros.

[Dad]

Dura looked up at the flames of Ryujin. It was remarkably beautiful in this hellish domain. BUt now was not the time to be dazing off. Dura stood where he was as the flames engulfed him. "I do believe you are mistaken my friend," he said walking forwards through the flaming pillar. "Not even your flames can turn me to ash. What is it now that you seem not to understand? Your King, he in all his spiritual glory are locked within my realm.

 

And I'm sure you know, only he may drive me back. Back into the hole I crawled from." Dura wiped his hand in front of him, embracing the fire further. "But I will do you the honor of releasing my blade." He pointed it directly at Ryujin as he moved closer.

 

"Unleash Devastation; Fiend Negro Del Cráneo."

 

Covered in a black and blue flame, Dura fell to his knees in pain, as he attempted to release his blade. "What? What is this? This pain?! Grah!" His head was ripping apart. His skin began to shed. His flames exploded with Ryujin's engulfing them both (though Ryujin felt nothing), and as the smoke cleared, Dura lie there, smoking and confused. He was still the same. His blade would not obey.

 

And behind him, a hooded figure dressed in a blue and purple linen cloak grabbed Dura by the neck, and lifted him. "Did you call for me, Dura? You cried out my name, 'Fiend Negro Del Cráneo', correct? Why is it you beg for me to lend you strength, when you bind the free and attempt to corrupt the innocent with my powers?"

 

He tossed Dura aside and pinned him with three large black lances. "Ryujin. It's been a while," he said bowing.

 

---

 

Amago rubbed his cheek. "Hmm. Well, at least I can stop hiding," Amago said aloud. "Ryuu and I don't appreciate you mocking us. But I can say I'm impressed with your speed. I am Amago, Captain of the 10th Division. And you," he said whipping Ryuu about. "Shall witness just how cold this beast can be." Ryuu lunged forward, roaring with pride.

 

It's eyes were glowing a bright red, staring directly into Alexander's. It's body was long, so wrapping itself around Alexander was not a problem. Catching him would be.

 

---

 

An eerie sound emitted behind Yoruichi. She knew it anywhere. "More bala blasts?! Damn it!" She shot high into the air, propelling upwards using the explosion of a bala blast, but was knocked down when she mistook the angles which were being fired at her. "I can't win," she thought. "Even with my speed, these two are far advanced. Taking on a Fraccion resurrected and an Espada, who's strong enough as it is, is too much for me.

 

This is one battle I can't--" A large blast, about the size of a stretch limo, crashed down into Elena, who was approaching the downed Yoruichi for the kill. Elena wiped her face, lips bleeding.

 

Yoruichi stared in the direction of the blast. "Wha-- there's no damned way. I watched you die in front of me." His kimono waved in the wind, ignoring Yoruichi, as he vanished an kicked Mileya in the back, knocking her off balance slightly. "And you said she talks too much," he said helping Yoruichi to her feet.

 

Flash Back. . . .

 

"I am Keyonshi the Possesor," he said climbing from Ichigo's slowly evaporating body. Zaraki tackled the demon into the basement, and Yoruichi was brought inside. While everyone was busy, no one had noticed the pile of goop that was once Ichigo's body, being contained by the hooded figure.

 

"A hair. The boy is lucky." He arrived home shortly and placed the container in a long glass tube, which connected to a tall metallic chamber, filled with lights, buzzing hotly. He placed the hair inside the chamber, and sealed it tight.

 

End Flash Back. . .

 

"I have to thank him," Ichigo said staring blankly into the sky. Yoruichi nodded as he told the story told to him by the hooded figure. "His name was Spanish. I forget it. . . Cráneo something. . . ah well. I hope to see him again. As for now," he pointed his sword at Mileya.

 

"I'll be taking you on." He lunged at Mileya.

 

---

 

Zaraki smiled. "Now that's a technique," he uttered bracing himself. He knew what he had to do. A familiar sound, as low as it was, caught Gran Bel's ear. Zaraki's reiatsu roared as he removed the patch from his face, and a dark expression, brightened behind him, ushering him forwards. His sword glowed brightly, cutting into the beam, as he hurdled forwards. "Gran Bel!"

 

He pushed on, burning his skin, slowly being torn apart by the mighty Cero. Finally, he was at the tip of the source of the large beam, slicing through it, steadily, and he had his sword meet Gran Bel.

 

---

 

Kiron looked over his shoulder, unworried about Alexander. He knew that Amago was no match for Alexander. He hovered quietly over the Second Squadron's barracks, lifting Kaien into the air, enchanting his body, and erasing it from existence. "Good bye my friend." He watched as Kaien's spirit particles faded.

 

Under him, he could feel a familiar reiatsu. "I thought I left him with Dura?" He was furious. He let out a roar of rage, and barreled into the Second Squadron's barracks, right above Mateo's head, punching downwards with extreme force.

[Guest]

Kiron's reiatsu poured down onto Mateo has he felt his face hit the ground hard. //funk, I thought he would be too busy to come after me!// The spirit appeared above the squad two building, spitting dirt out of his mouth and brushing the rest out of his hair. "You little douche, I was loyal to you yet you killed me, I was happy to serve you Keron!" The spirit drew his bow and quickly let loose a rain of small silver arrow in his former King's direction.

[Zexaeon]

OOOC: Coming up is a five-part post. =o

 

 

IC:

 

 

Pain. Searing pain. All down his midsection. Gran's barely open eyes could see the ground. He was laying down. He was sure of that. But he felt...well, honestly, he couldn't feel much of anything.

 

In fact, he felt as thought he wasn't even being held together. This wasn't entirely untrue - Zaraki's blade had almost cut the arrancar completely down the middle. He was barely still in one piece; however, he was also right at death's door.

 

"Captain. I..." he had difficulty finding his voice, but he did his best anyway. "Sorry...I couldn't give you a better challenge. My Espada...he's Lucas Angel, and he's the most skilled Swordsman among Kiron's army. If you fight him...tell him it was an honor, serving him. Would you do that for me?" he asked, barely clinging to life in hopes of obtaining his answer.

 

All around him, the pieces of of his body he had ripped off were scattered about. It had truly been a last ditch effort, on his part. Too bad it had failed.

---

Ryujin's sword was slowly lowered as the figure had appeared. Throwing his head back, he laughed a large, hearty laugh. "It has been a long time indeed. I was wondering when you would finally awaken. Nearly 200 years, it's been, hasn't it?"

 

Ryujin dismissed his sword - himself - as he approached the pinned Dura. "Count yourself lucky your blade is so merciful. It is by his might alone that my flames did not touch you. And yet, your arrogance likely led you to believe it was your own strength, wasn't it?"

 

Turning back to Cráneo, he smiled. "Your Shinigami has been running around, abusing your power for the last two centuries. Of course, in that time, he's become a Hollow, an Arrancar, and then a demon. I wish you wouldn't take such long naps, Cráneo. You miss so much." he informed him, patting his shoulder.

 

"Of course, I gather you've already caught up on what you've missed, based on the pressure I can feel from Kurosaki in the other world."

---

Byakuya raised an eyebrow at the Arrancar woman, who saw fit to throw herself on him. However, he supposed he should be grateful - her actions had caused the other fellow to call off his attack on the Captain, and he had shortly thereafter taken off.

 

Calmly prying himself free of Jo's grasp, he resealed his Bankai, which still danced around the area, back into its solitary blade.

 

"I take this to mean you are abandoning your alleigance to the enemy? In that case, take care of yourself. I have other matters to attend to." he informed her with all of his usual stoic attitude.

 

He was gone in an instant.

 

Jo was now left alone, simply to mull over her thoughts. Or at least, that's what she thought. A small scuffling of feet caught her attention.

---

Mileya was quite obviously shocked to see the appearance of someone new. Clad in black, a thin, equally black blade gripped tightly in his hand, looking at her sternly.

 

Then he launched himself at her, announcing that he would be the one to fight her. She didn't really have too much time to react as his blade slice through her right shoulder, a powerful kick delivered to her gut.

 

Spewing up some fluid from the rough contact, she was sent flying backward, her arm dangling loosely with its severed tendons. A crash landing into the nearby Squad 4 barracks stopped her descent, and she struggled to get back on her feet.

 

However, the orange-head wasn't leaving her any breaks, and he was quickly back in the action, appearing in front of her to swing down upon her head.

 

One armored arm raised to block the blade, her other still useless, so instead she brought up her knee in an effort to counterattack/

 

"Get away from me!" she shreeked, using her knee's leverage to back herself up, her Wasps flying to her side.

---

Alexander didn't display any sign of emotion beyond amusement, even as Amago made his forward lunge. Ryuu was quite a fearsome Zanpakuto...but it's blade, in its current, worn-out state, wasn't a huge threat.

 

Alexander held up his right arm to block the blade, letting it wrap around his arm, and then suddenly yanking hard on it, knocking the 10th Captain off his footing, dragging him straight toward the Espada.

 

Alexander caught him, softly, before the Captain could fall. "Now now, that type of attack won't do. It lacked creativity, and didn't have enough reiatsu behind it. Try again." he scolded, lifting Amago up and tossing him away, letting Ryuu unwrap itself from his arm.

 

"This time, put enough pressure behind it to cut me. And come up with a better attack. Do it, or I'll kill you." he yawned.

---

Lucas felt like his heart had stopped. His single visible eye widened, nearly to twice its size. His hands were shaking, his fists clenched so tightly that blood was drawn from the palms.

 

"Gran....Bel. You...you...." his head was hanging, his back shaking, his whole body seeming to vibrate. His body pulsed with spiritual energy for a moment, and his face was lifted again, revealing his eye to be dark, hate-filled, loaded with killing intent.

 

His face, however, hadn't changed a bit. Usual, serious Lucas. That eye told the whole story.

 

A quick buzzing noise, and he was gone. And behind him, the building he had stood upon began to rumble away.

[Dad]

Zaraki came down from the skies and got on a knee beside Gran Bel, grabbing his hand tightly shaking it. "I will Gran Bel. I just hope your Espada is as respectable as you were. And if ya decide to come back in another life, look me up. 'Cause if ya don't," he said smiling. "I'll kill ya again." He slowly shut the Fraccion's eyes, and stood up.

 

In the distance, a crumbling building caught Zaraki's eye. "Smells like trouble. Heh." He dusted himself off and awaited the quickly approaching enemy."

 

---

 

Cráneo smiled as Ryujin patted him on the shoulder. "Yes, two hundred years sounds about right." He lowered his hood, revealing his slick black and blue jet hair. It was short, and most of it pointed behind him. His hands were wrapped tight in a thin white bandage. His robes were down to his ankles, matching the color of his hair. They were similar to Shiro's, but longer, and more soothing.

 

"Long naps eh? I think you're rubbing off on me," he said chuckling. He turned Dura over and got down to his eye level. "Dura. Your reign of power. . . it has come to an end. And as Ryujin has stated, yes I am merciful. But I don't believe the billions of lost souls you have tortured over these many years are as such. Come Ryujin," Cráneo said picking up Shiro's unconscious body.

 

"We should not interrupt their feast." Cráneo opened a portal to their own realm, stepping inside. And as Ryujin joined him, he snapped his fingers. The bounded souls of hell were free from their prisons. The flames died out, and the caverns began to collapse. Dura's frightened eyes glared at Cráneo, begging for forgiveness.

 

"Please!" he cried out. "I can change!" Cráneo shook his head. "No Dura. You can't." His screams echoed throughout the collapsing caverns of Hades, as Cráneo shut the portal behind him.

 

---

 

He showed no signs of stopping. He kicked Mileya's knee to the side, and used Zangetsu to slice her Achilles Tendon on her left leg. He held the blade close to her face and uttered fearsome words. "Getsuga Tenshou."

 

Meanwhile, Yoruichi had her 'hand' full with Elena, who uttered a cry of dismay as Ichigo rained down upon her. "Mileya. . " she said gasping. She turned to Yoruichi with a cruel look in her eyes. Her ears glowed red, and she held out a palm. Firing several hundred more bala blasts while charging forwards at Yoruichi, who dodged left and right, quickly. AS Yoruichi got easy, playing dodge ball with Elena, Elena got furious.

 

---

 

Dodging the first arrow with ease, Kiron noticed it's explosive impact. And with several more coming right behind it, he didn't feel like getting his armor dirty. He leaped above them and glared Mateo in the eyes. "I didn't have a choice you foolish boy. Dura's will is--" a strange sense hit him. His master. The only being he would answer to. His reiatsu was gone.

 

"Dura. . . is dead?" He lowered his head, thinking. "This cannot be." He looked back up at Mateo and shot him a dirty look. "What did you have to do with this Mateo?" He asked calmly.

 

---

 

Amago sighed. "I suppose I should try harder," he said nodding, 'thanking' Alexander for catching his fall. He planted his feet solidly in the ground, and whipped Ryuu in to him, and pulling backwards, tossed the beast forward, as it snapped wildly. It burned the ground below itself, as it ripped at Alexander's body.

[Signosis]

Jo watched as Mateo left and sighed, resting her head upon Byakuya's shoulder for a moment, till she felt his hands upon her shoulders, pushing her away. She blushed light as she grinned up at him sheepishly.

 

"Sowwy." She mumbled.

 

"I take this to mean you are abandoning your alleigance to the enemy? In that case, take care of yourself. I have other matters to attend to."

 

"Thank you, Byakuya," Jo said before he disappeared to go fight whomever was next to die. She sighed and looked to the ground.

 

What did this make her, now that she wasn't an Arranacar, Espada, nor Shinigami? An outcast?

Jo looked to the sky, sighing yet again -- but her attention was now directed to the sound of feet running towards her. She turned towards the sound, her head tilted slightly in confusion and curiousity.

[Zexaeon]

Before she had even been completely sure of what she was doing, Shina had hurled herself into Jo's chest, arms wrapping tightly around the Arrancar's body.

 

"Jo..." she muttered, head bowed, seeming altogether very tired. "I...I was looking for you. All over the place. I tried to follow our connection, but, I don't know, something felt off. Then when I finally found you, I saw my Captain, and I didn't know what to think - I was worried. But then, you saved him, didn't you? You decided not to fight him...so I was right. I knew there was no way you could change. I've been losing so much sleep over this..."

 

She giggled half-heartedly. "And I see Mateo is still alive. I thought so. I've been able to feel him, constantly, for about as long as I've felt you." Shina pushed a small bit of Reiatsu into that spot in her chest, feeling it rushing through the invisible thread that tied her to the two of them.

 

"As long as I can send my Reiatsu to you both, I know you're alive and well." she smiled up at Jo now, looking altogether relieved. "I'm just really glad you're safe."

 

 

-

 

 

As the two of them stepped back into the realm of spirits, they were greeted by a strange collection of surprised faces. The people saw Cráneo, and immediately their confusion began to change into smiles.

 

"You're kidding me. Already? This is unexpected." Katen Kyokotsu spoke up out of the group. "And to think, we thought we were going to have put Dura down ourselves, at this rate. Well, you waking up early is a welcome surprise, at any rate."

 

"Indeed it is." the large, powerful voice of Hyourinmaru added. The great, blue-scaled Ice Dragon looked upon Cráneo with what might have been appreciation (it was hard to tell with a face like his). "The fact that you've awoken early means things can progress at a much faster rate than previously anticipated."

 

"Ah, yes, I didn't tell you yet." Ryujin said, turning his face to Cráneo. "Kagetsuki has signed a Contract with a living being. We now are allied with a Spirit who can freely interact with the living world. This is a great asset to us, in our efforts to purge the world of the evils that plague it."

 

 

-

 

 

"Yes, yes, that's the spirit!" Alexander cried gleefully, leaping back out the blades, his clothes ripped and his skin damaged. "That's the kind of intensity I was looking for! A couple more hits like that, and I'll be forced to draw my blade on you. But...for now, let's settle for this."

 

The Espada then focussed a challenging glare into his eyes, as a Cero ball began to generate right in front of his right eye. "Cero!" he called as the violet beam launched, Alexander's joyous laughter ringing in the air.

 

 

-

 

 

Mileya could see the black streak, the Getsuga Tensho, as it headed straight for her. It was hopeless. She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the end.

 

The sound of buzzing caught up to her hearing, however, as the sound of a damaging explosion quickly followed. Peeking her eyes open, she could see someone standing in front of her, sword drawn and held out, and to her right, the building she was currently crashed into was completely destroyed.

 

Opening her eyes all the way, she could see who it was. "Lucas-sama! What are you-"

 

"Be quiet. You violated orders. I told you to come back to me if things got too dangerous for you." he replied with heat in his voice.

 

"L-lucas-sama..."

 

"Mileya. Go back. I'll handle this." he ordered.

 

Mileya nodded, standing unsteadily, as she began to flutter off. Lucas fixed his furious glare upon Ichigo, letting huge amounts of his Reiatsu leak out from himself as he stared. "You. Your name. Give it to me."

 

Gran Bel... his death would need to be avenged. No question. Lucas would see to it that Gran's murderer fell to his blade. But Mileya was still alive. Lucas needed to get her out of the fight, before she died too. Once she was safe...then, then he would deal with vengeance.

 

But keeping thid Shinigami's name was still valuable. It would give him someone to come after when he was finished with Gran's killer.

 

 

-

 

 

Kagetsuki's voice echoed into Mateo's mind as the Arrancar-turned-spirit faced Kiron. "Ah, it appears he's noticed. Mateo, you'll be happy to know that Dura is now dead. You can tell Kiron that you, at least directly, didn't have a thing to do with it. I am not entirely sure how Kiron is going to react. I'll offer you guidance depending on this reaction."

[Dad]

Cráneo stared up at Hyourinmaru. He was still in amazement at the big beast, proud to be his dear friend. Katen was always the friendly one. He shook his hand gratefully. "Well hello all." He turned heads. His early return was unprecedented. "Glad to be home." He strolled around Hyourinmaru and took a seat near Zangetsu.

 

"You okay old man?" Zangetsu nodded, smiling. "Okay then, good. That Kurosaki of yours is lucky I like him. I sensed a friend in trouble, and besides. Dura was starting to. . . anger me." His fists glowed, and he caught himself, calming down.

 

"Now then. A link to the real world? This could give us great advantages," he said standing beside Hyourinmaru now. "What say you old friend? Won't you gather a Shinigami and lend him your strength? Kenpachi and the others could use the help." Cráneo turned to look behind him, where Zaraki's Zanpaktou spirit stood quietly, hidden in the shadows.

 

Zangetsu turned to look as well. He glared back, forcing Zangetsu to look away. Cráneo ushered the others to stay back. He approached the Spirit quietly. "Why did you give him your name? We, all of us, had an agreement. That man was not to develop Shikai. And because of what you've done, he could become a potential threat. That man is not just a Shinigami."

 

The man scoffed, and gave a mighty roar. He turned his back to them and began walking away.

 

---

 

"Whoo! Hot one!" Amago leaped high into the air, just barely avoiding the Cero. "I like you!" he said diving forwards, with a ferocious look in his eye. He opened Ryuu's mouth wide and lunged, bringing him downwards, his mouth above Alexander's head.

 

---

 

Ichigo glared. He could easily tell by the man's reiatsu, that this was an Espada. "My name? Kurosaki Ichigo. And in return I expect yours, Espada." He slid back awaiting the mysterious Espada's response. He knew he had a tough one on his hands. He had to show his face later. It would be the only way he could thank Cráneo. Losing was not an option.

 

---

 

Elena shot forwards and slashed at Yoruichi's shoulder. Again, she missed. "You've got to keep up sweetheart. With your Fraccion fighting else where, you're done for." Elena stopped and smiled. "You're really under estimating me Yoruichi." She pointed her sword at Yoruichi's head. "Your speed no longer means anything to me," she said coldly. "Usere - Zorra Hábil!"

 

Elena gained extremely sharp claws on her hands, and smaller fox paws on her feet. Her hair began to grow, wrapping around her, like a mane. Six fox tails sprouted behind her, each tipped with a crimson flame; her head was encased in a fox mask with eye-slits and she elegantly moved to attack.

 

She was gone. She reappeared in front of Yoruichi, who moved to parry, but was struck from behind. "What? There's no way she's that fast!" Yoruhichi's body echoed of a buzzing sound, as she too went to increase her reiatsu, and spiritual energy.

 

They sped off, locking blows in mid air, dashing away to the skies above Seireitei.

[Signosis]

Jo gasped, surprised by Shina coming out of nowhere and nearly tackling her. Jo embraced her happily, her arms wrapping around her lower and upper back.

 

"I...I was looking for you. All over the place. I tried to follow our connection, but, I don't know, something felt off. Then when I finally found you, I saw my Captain, and I didn't know what to think - I was worried. But then, you saved him, didn't you? You decided not to fight him...so I was right. I knew there was no way you could change. I've been losing so much sleep over this..."

 

Jo groaned, feeling terrible as she hugged the girl tighter.

 

"Oi Shina...," Jo mumbled, her lips resting on her forehead. "I'm so sorry...."

 

"And I see Mateo is still alive. I thought so. I've been able to feel him, constantly, for about as long as I've felt you."

 

Jo smiled half-heartedly at her, then gasped slightly at the pressure. She really couldn't ever get used to it.

 

"As long as I can send my Reiatsu to you both, I know you're alive and well. I'm just really glad you're safe."

 

"I'm glad that you're safe, Shina." She cupped her cheeks, staring into the girl's eyes. "Stay that way, please. I don't wanna see you hurt."

[Guest]

The spirit smirked, Dura was killed which made one of Mateo's goals complete. "Maybe I did maybe I didn't but I'll tell you this, hes dead and your alone like the afraid little man you really are!" He had remembered what Kagetsuki had said about telling Kiron what fully happened but he knew that the Hollow king's evil would just become equal to Dura's if he wasn't stopped. //He can't be allowed to live..... Kiron is just too big of a problem for too many.//

[Dad]

Kiron lowered his guard, ignoring Mateo's smug remarks. A glimmer in his hand sparked, and he fell to his knees. His head was spinning uncontrollably, a sharp pain running through his body. It were as though flames were devouring him, every inch of his body. He yelled in horror, gripping his Zanpaktou tightly. He tossed and turned violently, screaming wildly in excruciating madness.

 

The flames gripped him, but he forced himself up. They doused themselves, and Kiron could finally be heard breathing heavily. He picked up his head, looking around, as though he were lost. He drew his Zanpaktou now, examining every inch of it. He turned it every way, glorifying it. "Does this belong to me?" he asked aloud.

 

Beneath him a shattered building stood, but only briefly. All throughout Seireitei, he could see the destruction. "Did I cause this? Again the spark caught his eye, and he was once again on his knees. He couldn't move or think, or breathe. He didn't even know who he was.

[Guest]

Mateo had a puzzled look on his face, it seemed like Kiron lost his memories completely. "Yes you did this, your the king of the damned Hollow!" The spirit conitnued to stare at the confused Hollow, seeing that he was in pain. "You don't remember anything do you? You have been King of the Hollows for a little bit over a month now, you killed your father and took control of the organization not to long ago."

[Dad]

Kiron looked to Mateo in confusion. "Then please, explain to me," he said with a duo-voice. "Why you had not finished me off, as you became an Arrancar Mateo? Your foolish pride got ahead of you. But I must thank you. You have shown me that only so many are wise; and only so many can be tru--GRAHH!" The flames covered him again, as he writhed in and out of control.

 

His body twitched as they attempted to gain control over one another. But it seems Kiron had the upper hand. "This is still my Kingdom And I shall rule it until death!" he said, still in a duo voice. Whomever this was, they had other plans. "That doesn't mean I'll waste precious time with you. The Head Captain is my only concern." He gave Mateo a grimacing smile and vanished.

[Guest]

Mateo shook his disappointingly. "He's going to get his head ripped off in his current state, guess it doesn't concern me if he's already going towards his death." The spirit returned his bow to the little holder on his back, looking around the Seireitei. //You know that if I was King in his place things wouldn't of been like this and none of theses deaths would of happened.// A dark reiatsu sparked around his feet as he thought more of about what could of been.

 

"You know you could still take that place."

 

A voice rang through Mateo's head, echoing as he quickly spun in place. "Whoses there!" The spirit wasn't sure if he was losing his insanity or not.

 

"You already forgot the sounds of your real self huh? That spirit wrapped you around her little finger, yet at the same time she gave us more power then you realize. You could become King with this kind of power you fool!"

 

A ghost-like figure of Mateo's Arrancar self appeared in front of him, shaking it's head.

 

"It's up to you however if you want to take your rightful place, from what you are now I really can't control your mind to do so. Just think about all the power, all the things you could do if you allowed yourself the chance to take Kiron's place!"

[Dad]

Over his shoulder, Kiron watched Mateo speak with an apparition of himself. "Stupid boy. He still has yet to realize what lies at stake." As he stopped, Zaraki stood below him, unaware of his spiritual pressure. He turned back, Mateo now out of sight. "I don't suppose it would be fair to kill the Captain Commander when he wasn't looking."

 

A flash of light blinded him temporarily. "No, it wouldn't. But who gives a damn what happens to your enemies and how right? At least that's what you were thinking." Zaraki glared at him from his brow.

[Guest]

"Maybe your right...." Mateo sonido'd to where Kiron's reiatsu seemed to be. He appeared a bit off to the side where the Commander Captain was standing over Kiron.

 

"Don't let the Shinigami take away your right! Kill Kiron before your destiny is denied!"

 

The spirit simply nodded as he disappeared, only to reappear to punch Kiron sqaure in the face. Mateo then turned to Kenpachi and smirked. "Sorry but I need to give Kiron here a bit of my rage, after all he did kill me once." The spirit gave the hollow king another punch to the face as he returned his focus to him.

[Dad]

Kiron's neck cracked as he turned it back to Mateo, and he cackled insanely. "Not bad. But next time, put a little kick behind it! Haa!" He gave a kick to Mateo's chin and sent him reeling backwards. Turning to Zaraki, he drew his Zanpaktou, their reiatsu colliding, lighting up the sky. "I don't want the boy to have the glory. So what's say me and you get this over with quickly Captain?"

 

Zaraki chuckled, matching Kiron's reiatsu, when a sudden gleam caught his eye. "I see you're a shard wielder." Kiron closed his hand into a fist. "That may be, but I won't have to use it to kill you." Kiron and Zaraki smiled at each other, vanishing, locking blades in the air.

 

Zaraki was sent flying, crashing down below. "Come now Captain! I'll kill you easily if you don't fight back!" Zaraki yanked his arms flee, wiping the scar from his eye. "How can you say that Kiron," he began asking. "When you haven't even seen my Shikai?!"

[Guest]

"Keep me from having glory!? Wrong choice in words!" The spirit coughed up some fluid after recovering from Kiron's kick, followed by him pulling out his bow. He targeted the so called King and let loose a rain of arrows with lightning speed. "How dare you count me out you patheic scumbag!" Mateo was again pissed and just wanted to rip head of the shoulders of the King, even if the captain got in his way.

[Dad]

"Heh." Kiron smirked at Zaraki's comment, and flashed away. He had soared higher, again above Mateo and the Captain. "Such long distance fighting. And I'm pathetic. Huh."" Ignoring Mateo, he looked back at Zaraki. "Shikai, Captain? You're foretold to never gain such power. But even if you did gain it, my shard alone would crush you!" Zaraki grinned, exploding from the building, and landing a vicious blow Kiron's chest.

 

"You talk too much." Zaraki looked at the glaring Mateo. "The boy must be in it for the power. Arrogant fool. He'll end up destroying all of this place with us still in it. And there won't be an escape route if he does anything stupid. I don't suppose you'll be getting in my way then kid?" He tripped Kiron, who countered with a kick to Zaraki's stomach, and they both backed away. But not for long.

 

Kiron charged forwards, and played leap frog with Zaraki, hopping over his head, and hitting him in the back with the hilt of his Zanpaktou.

[Guest]

"Don't tell me your going to let them get away with that now."

 

Mateo let his rage build up a bit more, taking the small blade out of it's hilt and combining it with the bow to form a scythe, along with the disappearance with the string. "The maybe I'll get a bit closer!" The Spirit Sonido'd in front of Kiron, spinning his Scythe in a slashing movement, giving him a good offensive front along with a defensive base.

 

"Just remember if the Shinigami gets in your way do what you must to take care of him! Clear your path to become King!"