CHAPTER 34: Jealous Deer

Apacci and the others crowded into the cramped confines of the cave. It didn't take a moment for Sung-Sun and Mila Rose to start verbally berating each other. He felt like a father watching over a bunch of rowdy kids arguing for candy.

Cirucci scrutinized Kazuya with piercing eyes, as though attempting to decipher his very essence. "...How do you feel?"

"Thanks for your concern, but I'm doing fine." He glanced down at the egg cradled in his lap. "Except for this. What in the world is this?"

Cirucci snickered. "I have no idea. Do you want to consult Doctor Szayel of Las Noches? He might solve your problem."

"I'll hand you over to him while I'm at it. He will love tearing apart a half-assed abomination of a goth chick."

"Last I recall it happened when I was fighting you. You are the reason I am an abomination."

Despite her accusatory words, she didn't blame him for anything. She had torn her wings and extra limbs out of her volition. Blaming him for her decision would be unfair, especially for an action taken when they were mortal enemies.

"Just kidding. You're not an abomination." He grinned, eyes twinkling. "You're the second most beautiful Hollow in the world. Harribel is first."

Apacci nudged Cirucci out of the way, pushing her closer to the entrance in a fit of jealousy. Her resentful gesture raised a chuckle out of him.

"Apacci, I'm glad you didn't act recklessly this time."

In the deepest recesses of his mind, he could picture Apacci ripping her mask apart in a frenzy, the moment anything befell him. She cared about him, otherwise, she wouldn't have risked her life to protect his possession.

Apacci lowered her head, her voice a whisper. "It wouldn't have made a difference."

Tearing her mask would bring her on par with Mila Rose, who was also struggling in the net of his Reiatsu.

He reached out, affectionately rubbing her crest. "You did well."

"Hmph."

Sung-Sun's serpent-like tongue flickered and licked the eggshell before slithering it across his cheek. "A similar taste."

Mila Rose's laughter roared. "So, the skull has truly become a mother. Who's the father, though?"

Kazuya's hand flew to his mouth, feigning shock. "Did your kiss do it? I… You better take responsibility for this."

Mila Rose found herself at a loss for words, her mouth agape. She'd intended to gain the upper hand with the egg, but Kazuya had effortlessly flipped the situation back onto her.

Sung-Sun poked Mila Rose's face with her tongue. "I warned you this was useless. You can't triumph over superior beings such as Kazuya and myself. Inferior beings should just admit defeat and bow before us."

"You…" Mila Rose clenched her sword. "I'll kill you!"

"Ara. Don't resort to violence."

"Aaaargh."

Sung-Sun slithered out of the shadowed cave, Mila Rose hot on her heels with her Zanpakutō. Cirucci followed them to make sure Mila Rose didn't end up killing Sung-Sun.

"They will never change," he muttered, shaking his head. "Just to set the record straight, what I said was a joke. I'm still very much a man. I'm talking to you, Harribel. Don't start treating me like a girl."

"I know. I know…" Harribel exhaled a soft sigh. "I might not join in your banter but I can understand your sense of humor."

They severely underestimated her observation skills.

"Why does it matter?" Apacci inquired. "Man or woman… she treats all of us with the same affection."

Kazuya's face twitched. Apacci was aware of his interest in Harribel, yet asked such a weird question. It was very much an attempt to poke the hornet's nest. He was way too exhausted to deal with her right now.

Before he could respond, Harribel intervened. With her sword arm, she slapped Apacci's back, a resounding thwack echoing through the chamber.

"Let him rest. Come outside."

"Hey, don't hit me!"

Harribel continued striking Apacci's back until she drove the deer out. Looking over her shoulder, she sighed. "Kazuya, don't indulge Apacci too much… let her learn to walk before she runs."

Kazuya tilted his head, waiting for an explanation. Harribel gave none whatsoever and left the cave.

'What did she mean? Come to think of it, she still hasn't told me about that favor.'

Being quiet and observant, Harribel rarely shared her feelings and mostly kept to herself.

'I'll think about it later.'

Kazuya collapsed onto the frigid sand floor, the mysterious egg nestled securely against his chest. He checked his status for any new ability.

[General Information]

Name — Kazuya Ishihara

Gender — Male

Race — Hollow (Vasto Lorde Arrancar)

Reiryoku Level — Great Level (Captain-Class Plus)

Alignment — Neutral Evil

Affiliation — Unnamed Faction

…

Racial Abilities

[Cero: Reiryoku offensive technique

Mastery level - High.]

[Sonido: Movement technique

Mastery level - High.]

[Descorrer: Limited Spatial Distortion technique.

Mastery level - Basic.]

[Hierro: Reiryoku defensive technique.

Mastery level - Basic.]

[Resurrección: Zanpakutō release.

Mastery level - None.]

[Pesquisa: Perception technique.

Mastery level - None.]

Innate Abilities

[Silvery Voice]

[Oppression (Aspect of Death)]

[Crumbling Heart (Hollow)]

[Regeneration]

Acquired Abilities

…

'Phoenix symbol, ridiculous healing power, and now an egg.'

Despite his demonic appearance, all signs showed he wielded the power of a mythical phoenix or something similar.

'At least I received some decent clothes,' he mused, focusing on the silver lining of his transformation, as was his nature. 'Also Hierro and Pesquisa.'