Perspective

Inoue Orihime groggily woke up in an uncomfortable position. She blinked, seeing the earth practically flying before her eyes. "Eh?" The memories came back to her then. Oh, right, going to go save Chad 's grandfather.

"Ah, you're awake," Yoruichi greeted from behind Inoue, who suddenly realized that she was being carried over the woman's shoulder. They came to a stop so Yoruichi could set the busty human down.

"Where are we?" Inoue asked after being set down.

"Right now? We should be in District 62, though we're close to were asleep for quite some time," Yoruichi responded. "At dawn, I changed from my cat form into my human form and began to carry you here. Remember, our target is District 80."

Inoue nodded her understanding. "Shall I start to fly us again?"

"Hell no!" Yoruichi said sharply. "You're still recovering from reiatsu depletion, and we need to pick up some food for us."

Inoue looked down. "Right," she whispered.

The cat-turned-human immediately realized she had sounded a bit harsh. "Listen, Orihime, you've done nothing wrong; we needed to see how far you could go using your shield for flying, and we found out. But it's never a good idea to use a large amount of reiatsu immediately afterwards, and we do need to eat to regain our strength," she explained.

Inoue nodded. "Right," she said again, this time a bit more cheerfully.

"Alright then, let's go to the nearest village. It should be in this direction," Yoruichi mused, shifting into her cat form and leading the way.

Cazador frowned as he sat down, leaning against a nearby quartz tree within Menos Forest. "These Adjuchas are weak," he muttered. "I haven't needed to even use Sonido, and my Cero is like a one-hit kill." He glanced down at himself. "None of them can even cut me when I let them. Is this how Kenpachi feels all the time? Surrounded by weaklings who cannot even focus their intent enough to cut through my Hierro?"

He sighed. If this keeps up, I might as well let Ichigo take over again. At least in our Inner World, I can fight Ichigo, and he always puts up a great fight. He shook his head. The last few times Cazador had attempted to garner the location of a Vasto Lorde to fight, his opponents had known nothing, or at the very least not divulged any information.

"Wait a minute!" Cazador jumped to his feet. "That Ashido guy said the Vasto Lorde and stronger Adjuchas were above Menos Forest, living on the surface." He looked up. "Only question is… how do I get up there?" Maybe if I use a Getsuga Tenshou and try to slice my way to the surface?

I wouldn't recommend trying that, Ichigo warned. We have no idea how thick the barrier is. We know it's not particularly thin, as Hollows come in all sizes, and we haven't seen or felt a single tremor come through. Who knows? It could be miles thick!

Cazador frowned again. You've got a point. Perhaps Ashido knows.

Good idea, but how're you going to find him, baka? Menos Forest is huge, and we already saw that he's incredibly skilled at Shunpo. He could be anywhere, even places we've already looked!

He's gotta have a place to stay to rest, Cazador reasoned. He is a Shinigami, and unlike Hollows, Shinigami need to rest and eat to regain their strength.

Point, Ichigo conceded. Unless he has more than one of 'em, which would make sense if the Hollows have figured that out.

Do you have a better idea? The Hollow challenged.

…No.

With a smug smirk, Cazador used Sonido to disappear in a random direction, reaching out with his spiritual sense to find another Adjuchas to interrogate.

Aizen peered over his interlocked fingers at his Quinta and Sexta Espada. "So, Kurosaki Ichigo has become a Hollow? A powerful, fully transformed Arrancar no less?"

"Yes, Aizen-sama," Nnoitra replied. "Unless he has a twin or something."

"But he has no memories of his former life?"

"None that we could tell, Aizen-sama," Grimmjow answered. "He didn't remember me at all. And the mask fragment was definitely from the one when Kurosaki fought me, so I'm positive that it's him."

"This could be the break I have been waiting for," Aizen mused. "That's one less taicho-class Shinigami blocking the way to Karakura town…" He smiled. "No, not yet."

"Aizen-sama?"

"I don't believe he has lost all of his memories for good," the master manipulator began. "Or perhaps Urahara Kisuke is trying to plant a spy in our midst. I believe a test is in order. Grimmjow, Nnoitra, you are dismissed. Ulquiorra."

Grimmjow and Nnoitra both bowed lightly to Aizen before slowly leaving, wanting to listen. The Quarta Espada walked in expressionlessly, not the least bit perturbed at having been caught listening by his master. "Yes, Aizen-sama?"

"I have a new assignment for you. Kidnap at least one of Kurosaki Ichigo's friends, and bring him or her here to Las Noches." Aizen's smile grew slightly. "Perhaps the woman, or the weakling from your memories, the one with the strange arm. I leave the method to you."

"I hear and obey, Aizen-sama." Ulquiorra bowed and walked from the room.

"Che," Grimmjow scoffed under his breath as Ulquiorra passed him. "Apathetic bastard…"

"Perhaps," Ulquiorra agreed at a normal volume in his emotionless tone. "But you will never surpass my power, no matter how hard you strive."

Grimmjow growled, but knew better than to try to fight Ulquiorra this close to Aizen. "One day I will prove you wrong. And that day is coming, I swear it!"

Ishida Uryuu pushed his glasses up his nose as he set his books inside his backpack. There was no more pain when he moved, and if his intuition was correct, then he was fully healed. Getting up from the hospital bed experimentally, Uryuu nodded to himself. He began to unwrap the bandages from his arms and hands. While the skin felt a little tender, there was hardly a scar on his body from where he'd been wounded. Even his fingers looked as though he hadn't abused them in that fight two days ago.

"Excellent," the Quincy murmured, continuing to unwrap the bandages around his legs, to find much the same condition as on his arms – tender to touch, but healed enough for the moment. He pulled on his school pants and looked at himself in a nearby mirror by a sink. After a few moments' consideration, he left the bandages around his abdomen and pulled on his shirt. "Time to train."

Uryuu confidently made his way to the training room where he and his father had had their fight. He was proud that he had at least managed to wound his father, but Uryuu refused to let his growth end there. Letting his Quincy cross fall from his hand so it hung from his wrist, Uryuu summoned his Quincy bow in his right hand. Keeping his dominant left hand at his side, he aimed the bow in a random direction and focused his mental energies, gathering more reiatsu.

It was easy enough to form an arrow, but keeping it aloft against the bowstring was difficult without using his left hand to hold it there. A bead of sweat trickled down Uryuu's forehead as his focus was split, trying to maintain the bow, the arrow, keeping the arrow aloft, and pulling it back against the bowstring. The arrow inched back slowly. It took a few strain-filled minutes, but the arrow was finally in position. With a thought, Uryuu released the arrow.

The arrow flew true, but it was not as strong, nor as fast as arrows he could fire when using both hands. Uryuu frowned. My father must have truly impressive mental discipline to fire so many powerful arrows at one time with only one hand. As much as he hated to, Uryuu was growing to respect the man's power, even if he didn't respect his father as a person.

Uryuu, in his concentrated focus on his task, had no idea that Ishida Ryuuken was watching from behind a corner, observing Uryuu's progress. Ryuuken shook his head, smothering the smile that threatened to form on his face. Impressive, Uryuu. It took me years of training under your grandfather to progress to the point where I could fire arrows one-handed. Yet after only one training session, you've already grasped the concepts. Perhaps you do deserve that title of "genius."

Once more, Uryuu raised his bow and summoned an arrow. "This is similar to the Sanrei Glove training," he murmured to himself. "The Sanrei Glove trained my focus and power to be able to absorb and shape reiatsu despite the glove producing an artificial repellant to reiatsu. This one-handed firing will train my focus further. Perhaps when I have mastered it, I will be able to use one hand to fire arrows, and one to use the Quincy silver tubes in tandem." Uryuu narrowed his eyes in concentration as he slowly managed to pull back the arrow using only his power. "I refuse to be left behind! Not by Kurosaki, not by Tou-san, not by anyone!"

He released another arrow and immediately began again. Flashes of memories ran through Uryuu's head: Kurosaki defeating that Menos Grande shortly after gaining his powers, Kurosaki's Bankai, his Hollow mask granting that insane level of power, Kurosaki fighting head to head with that incredibly fast Espada, the bitter acknowledgment that Kurosaki was stronger than he was. More flashes, from much longer ago: those disappointed, stern looks from his father, his grandfather dying before his very eyes… "I will prove my worth," Uryuu whispered to himself as he struggled to pull back the arrow. "That I promise, on my Quincy Pride."

"He's awake!"

There was a veritable stampede as everyone in the farmhouse rushed to see the newly awakened Oscar Joaquin de la Rosa. They looked at the recovering man, smiling to see him alert. "Welcome back, old man."

"My children," Oscar murmured with a smile. "I am glad to have returned, but I know not how it happened. Please, someone, tell me what has happened since I was taken?"

"Those bastards were going to execute you right in front of us, in this building we have worked so hard together in," Lonace told him, his voice as tight as his fists. "But a man named Sado Yasutora heard of this and came to warn and help us. He claims to be your grandson."

Oscar's eyes widened visibly. "Yasutora? My boy, is that you?"

The crowd of men and children parted, allowing Chad to pass. He'd been in the back, nervous with anticipation. "Abuelo…"

Oscar smiled. "Yasutora, it is you. I am glad to see you again. Come give me a hug."

A lone tear of happiness trailed its way down Chad's face from his right eye as he kneeled by the bed and hugged his Abuelo. "I have missed you, Abuelo."

"I have missed you too, my boy. You've certainly grown into a veritable giant!" Oscar replied as he got a good look at him. "How did you find me? Did you die?"

"No, Abuelo, I still live," Chad answered. "So much has happened since you left the living world, it is a long story."

"I eagerly await your telling," the old, now armless man said with a smile. "I see we've grown in number during my time away. I'm proud of you all, thank you for continuing my dream. One day, we'll make this district the most peaceful in all of Soul Society!"

The men all cheered. "We're going to go tend the fields now, Oscar. We'll be back soon," one of the men told him informatively before they filed out. Chad remained behind.

They remained quiet for several moments. "How are you doing, Abuelo?" Chad asked, looking guiltily at where his grandfather's arms should have been.

Oscar caught where his grandson was gazing. "I won't deny, losing my arms is a blow to my pride," he said softly, "and I fear becoming a burden to the people I have tried so hard to protect."

Chad smiled. "A friend of mine is coming to restore your arms. You'll have them back soon."

Oscar looked shocked. "It sounds like you truly do have much to tell."

Chad nodded. "The story begins shortly after your death in the living world. I moved back to Japan…"

Some time later, Chad finished telling the tale of how he'd become friends with Ichigo, how he had awakened the latent powers in his right arm, and their rescue of Kuchiki Rukia. He described the tight-knit group that had formed around Ichigo, Ishida, Inoue and himself, and the revelation of finding his powers were similar to a Hollow's. Chad related his insecurities of suddenly being unable to uphold the vow he and Ichigo had made to each other, to fight for each other, to watch each other's backs. He explained how Urahara had pointed out that it was likely that Oscar was in Soul Society somewhere, and Chad finished with his search for his Abuelo.

"… After some time searching with Yoruichi-sensei, we found clues pointing towards the North 80th District, and we came straight away, keeping our ears to the ground for more information. After arriving, I found out from one of the local gangs that you were being held hostage, and I rushed to save you, only to find that you had already been removed from the prison to be executed," Chad revealed. "A boy held in prison there told me where to find this place, so I rescued him from there and came straight here, with time to spare." He fell silent.

"There is more," Oscar said after a moment, observing Chad's posture. "Something painful."

"There is." Chad swallowed. "When they came to execute you, and I saw that you had been tortured, that you arms had been taken from you, I… I snapped. I showed you my right arm, El Brazo Dereche del Gigante. My left arm also transformed." He closed his eyes and activated his left arm. "El Brazo Izquierda… del Diablo."

Oscar leaned back against the bedframe in surprise. "Of the devil?" he queried. "Why that name?"

"While my right arm draws power from my will to defend, my left comes from my will to attack." Chad's eyes shut tightly beneath his long shaggy hair, fearing his Abuelo's response to what he was about to say, but unable to keep from saying it. "In my rage, I transformed my arm for the first time. And I killed everyone but three Shinigami, in wrathful vengeance of the injustice they had inflicted upon you. And then I told them to run, to fear always that I would come for them, to live their lives in terror that I would come to exact my revenge. I broke my vow of never raising my fists for anything but defense of others!" Chad looked up, hot tears of shame trailing down his cheeks as he deactivated his arm.

"Yasutora…"

"I gained the power I was looking for, but at the cost of what? My humanity? My conscience? I have betrayed you, Abuelo! You spent so long teaching me to use these strong arms of mine to protect others, as you protected me from the beating I so rightly deserved all those years ago! But here, I have become a killer!" Chad released a choked sob. "I wanted to kill them, I felt satisfaction when I did! What does that make me?!"

"It makes you human."

"What?" Chad gasped. To his surprise, Oscar was looking at him with kind eyes.

"It is human to feel strongly for those you care for, Yasutora. You saw them and saw people who had inflicted a great deal of suffering purposely and willfully on others. More than that, you saw someone who you respected and loved brought to the verge of death. It is natural to desire revenge, and to take it when your emotions were at their darkest. But look at how you are now, feeling sorrow for taking lives. You are no monster, no devil. You are my boy, Sado Yasutora." Seeing his grandson's self-doubt still lingering, Oscar decided to try a different tact. "This Kurosaki Ichigo… if his family had been taken by Aizen's forces, and tortured to demoralize him, how would he react?"

Knowing that his Abuelo was trying to teach him once more, Chad thought hard about the scenario. "… I think he would snap," he finally said. "Ichigo would unleash his full power and kill them all in a dark rage, or die trying."

Oscar nodded. "And knowing that your best friend, your comrade-in-arms, your nakama would have done the same thing you did, can you honestly say that such actions are inhuman?" Chad shook his head negatively. "I thought not. I too, have killed someone," the old man admitted quietly.

"What?"

"I was young," Oscar recalled. "Cocky, foolish. But strong, very strong. Much like you were once, my boy. I was part of a gang, and we took pride in our petty thefts, our muggings… But then something happened, and everything spiraled out of control." His eyes glazed over, reliving the event. "We'd just managed to rob a small-time store when suddenly my mask was ripped off from behind me and I was punched from behind. The owner of the store had anticipated the robbery and had been lying in wait. My parents didn't know anything of my activities, and I was suddenly afraid of what would happen if the owner revealed my identity to the police." He closed his eyes. "I am not proud of what happened next. As if thinking along the same lines, two other gang members pounced him and held him against a wall. Our leader handed me a gun… And I killed that innocent man, fear overwhelming me."

"What happened next?" Chad asked quietly.

"I had nightmares for weeks. On some days I thought of turning myself in to the police. Others I tried to rationalize killing him, tried to ease my guilt, with failure. We never told a soul, but I quit the gang not long later. I was always seeing the man's face everywhere I looked, my hands never felt clean; I couldn't take anymore. A couple of months later, I saved a young child from being run over by a car, and I felt a little better. I realized then the true purpose of strength is not to establish one's dominance, but to protect."

Oscar shook his head to clear it of old memories. "I am very proud of how you have grown, Yasutora." Oscar smiled. "You have become a man strong not only in body, but in character. Your left arm, El Brazo Izquierda del Diablo, you said it was made from your will to attack. Something you must understand, Yasutora, is that protection is not made up solely of defense. No matter how strong the shield is, without eliminating the threat the shield will crumble."

Chad recognized the argument from when Inoue had had her own troubles accepting the will to hurt others, and scolded himself for not remembering it. He hugged his grandfather again. "Thank you, Abuelo." Both men could tell that Chad was thanking Oscar for many things in that simple sentence, but neither said anything more.

A knock on the door interrupted the two of them. Chad opened it, to find Inoue and Yoruichi. "You arrived quickly," he said in surprise. "Abuelo, this is Inoue Orihime; she's here to heal your arms."

"It's a pleasure to meet a beauty such as this," Oscar said with a grandfatherly smile. "Please, call me Oscar."

Inoue smiled back. "You ready?" At the nod, she brought her hands to her hairpins. "Souten Kisshun!"

Mere minutes later, Oscar stared in wonder as he stretched his arms. They felt as strong or stronger than when he'd lost them. "That is truly an amazing power," he murmured in awe. "Never stop reaching for the sky, young lady; you have the potential to do much."

Inoue blushed prettily. "Thank you, Oscar."

"No, thank you, Inoue," Chad said earnestly, going so far as to bow lightly in her direction.

"Chad! There's no need to bow to me!" Inoue protested, flustered. Chad rose and smiled at her.

"Chad, it is time; you must return to the living world," Yoruichi suddenly said. "I got a status update while I was there; Ichigo's gone missing and Uryuu's training with his father. You have gained the power you sought for; it is time to protect your town with it. The Onimitsukido are coming to fetch you."

"Go, my boy. Your friends need you," Oscar ordered gently. "I'll be here next time you come around."

Chad smiled. "I will see you soon, I hope."

"I'm sure you will."

With that, Chad, Inoue and Yoruichi headed out. "Chad, we must make haste back to Karakura," Yoruichi emphasized. "Aizen could attack at any time, now that Uryuu and Ichigo are not available for combat. I will carry Orihime-chan; follow me as fast as you can!"

Before Orihime could voice a complaint, Yoruichi had suddenly picked her up and dashed off with godlike speed, proving once again that she deserved her title as the Goddess of Flash. Chad frowned, transforming both of his arms and began using Paso Del Viento. To his satisfaction, he was much faster than when he'd only used El Brazo Dereche del Gigante. He was not as fast as Yoruichi, but the Shunpo master slowed her pace enough for Chad to keep up.

"We'll arrive at the Seireitei in a couple of hours at this rate," Yoruichi called out as they passed a district. "Think you can keep up the pace?"

"It shouldn't be a problem," Chad replied honestly. "With this second arm, I feel like my power has grown enormously!"

"Good; I feel you'll need that power soon."

Cazador was unsurprised when he saw Ashido suddenly appear in front of him in an impressive display of Shunpo. "What is it you want?" Ashido asked tonelessly.

"I want out of Menos Forest. Show me how to reach the surface," Cazador requested.

"Very well." Ashido Shunpo-ed away, and Cazador followed using Sonido. Eventually they came to a stop near a tall cliff. Ashido pointed at a small, difficult-to-see tunnel high up the cliff and to the left. "The way to the surface is there; you may find your way blocked by Adjuchas, however."

Ask him if he wants to come with us, Ichigo suggested. It's always useful to have an ally.

Cazador thought about it for a few seconds. Then he gave a mental shrug. "Oi, Ashido. Care to join me? You might grow even stronger up there."

"No. I will remain down here. I seek to reduce the number of Hollows that travel to the living world, and the most common of them are simple Hollows and Gillians," Ashido explained shortly.

Cazador shrugged. "Alright, if that's your thing. Thanks for showing me the way out." He Sonido-ed up and into the tunnel before anyone had a chance to stop him. Time to chow down on the more powerful Adjuchas, and maybe a Vasto Lorde!

Be careful, Cazador. Vasto Lorde are supposed to be even stronger than taicho-class Shinigami, Ichigo cautioned.

Right, right. The Arrancar found himself at the end of the tunnel quickly enough, and looked around. Endless sands, as far as the eye could see, except in one direction. In that direction was a palace-like structure. "I take it that's Las Noches?" Cazador murmured. "It looks pretty far away; must be enormous."

"It is."

Cazador blinked, before instinctually blocking a strike from his side with Zangetsu. His opponent appeared to be quite similar to a bear, except the claws were much sharper, and the fur looked like it was made of needles. Despite having been caught unawares, Cazador grinned. "You're stronger than those idiots in Menos Forest."

"Of course I am!" the bear roared, firing a patch of needles from his chest at Cazador's face, forcing the Arrancar to dodge. "Sate my hunger, you wannabe!"

"I think not," Cazador said with a smirk, using Sonido to appear behind the Adjuchas and slicing into and through the bear's left shoulder, cutting off the arm. Snatching it up, he took a bite from a non-needle-coated part and then killed the bear-like Hollow before it could attack. He paused, passing judgment on the Hollow's strength. "Better," Cazador finally determined. "But not strong enough, and still ruled by hunger. Must not have been an Adjuchas long."

Indeed, Ichigo agreed, having dispatched the Adjuchas within their Inner World easily with a well-placed Getsuga Tenshou. That one was all strength and no speed. So, Cazador, pick a direction.

Cazador frowned. Well, we know what's in the direction of Las Noches. Aizen's Arrancar, made up of Adjuchas, perhaps a Vasto Lorde or two. Some of Aizen's servants, I imagine.

Yeah, Ichigo agreed. We could go that way and start taking some of those servants out, but that would draw Aizen's attention back to us. Question is, is the benefit of killing and eating those servants worth the risk?

Maybe. I… Hold on. Cazador blinked. Not too far off, to his right, he could see what appeared to be a child being chased by three Hollows. "What the hell?" He used Sonido to dash over and check it out. Quickly noticing a Hollow mask remnant on the child, he realized. "A child Arrancar?" he asked incredulously.

"Who're you?!" the thin, purple Hollow with white body armor, gloves, and insect-like head – complete with mandibles – demanded.

"Cazador de la Luna," Cazador greeted. "I don't suppose you guys are with Aizen?"

His words visibly brought all four Hollows in front of him into a state of terror. "Nel-sama, be ready to run, don'tcha know," the large one with black polka-dots and an enormous tiki mask whispered to the young Arrancar. "We'll distract him and meet up with you later."

"Yeah," the first one agreed. "We'll handle this Espada."

Cazador laughed aloud. "I'm no Espada!" he corrected with a manic grin. "Just an Arrancar that doesn't like Aizen. See, I'm not even wearing that damned white outfit! Tell me, who are you?"

All four Hollows, including the child-like Arrancar, sighed in relief. "I'm Pesche," the purple one introduced. "The polka-dotted one is Dondochakka, and our master here is Nel Tu-sama. The big guy here is Bawabawa." The enormous blind-looking sandworm seemed to smile and nod at its name, making incoherent noises that seemed to indicate a "Nice to meet you."

Cazador nodded. "How did Nel here get chibi-sized?" he asked curiously. "I thought all Arrancar had adult bodies."

"Yeah, how did Nel get like this?" the green-haired Arrancar asked in a childish voice. Nel was quite small, with jaw-length hair and a crimson line that stretched from one side of her face to the other under her eyes. Nel's Hollow mask remnant was the front part of a skull, but it was on the top of her head, worn akin to a hat. There was also a long scar between her eyes and reaching up to where the Hollow mask remnant was cracked. The crack was quite long, and it appeared as though some of the mask's teeth had been forcibly broken. Cazador found himself curious about it. What happens to an Arrancar if his mask remnant is further damaged?

Maybe that's the reason Nel turned into a child? Ichigo theorized. We know that removing some of the mask allows Hollows to acquire Shinigami powers by becoming Arrancar, and the Arrancar's Hollow powers are stored in a Zanpakuto. Perhaps taking too much of the mask off results in losing too much Hollow power to sustain one's previous form?

Well, it's safe to assume that Nel was transformed through the Hougyouku, Cazador pointed out, watching in mild amusement as Dondochakka and Pesche tried to placate a stubborn Nel without giving away her history. Perhaps the mask was damaged after, and Aizen put a Kido on her to keep her this way as an experiment? Too see if the Arrancar could acquire more Shinigami power if the mask was taken off further?

Feasible, Ichigo allowed.

"So, I see you don't want her to know about who or what she was before she was transformed," Cazador finally observed. "Why is that? Maybe Nel will stop bugging you if you tell her why."

Pesche bowed his head, reluctantly answering. "Nel-sama… before you became the child you are now, you were a soul who desired for peace and goodwill, but were forced to fight, bringing you sorrow."

"We tried to keep your past from you so your memories would not return, so you would not be forced to fight again, don'tcha know," Dondochakka explained.

"Nel was an Ethpada once, wasn't Nel?" the Arrancar asked quietly, her lisp making itself known.

They spent several moments in silence. "… Yes," Pesche finally confirmed. "You were betrayed and backstabbed by two Arrancar, one of them an Espada of lower rank. They broke your mask further, and you transformed into the Nel you are today. Then Aizen and all of the Espada left you for dead."

"Please, don't ask any more," Dondochakka pleaded. "We kept your past from you to protect you, don'tcha know."

"But how's Nel supposed ta protect her fwends?" Nel insisted. "Nel wants ta keep her fwends safe too!"

Ichigo felt for her; they seemed to have the same wish to grow stronger, not for themselves, but for their precious friends. Cazador didn't quite understand; he sought power for himself, to become the strongest. However, he had come to respect Ichigo, who had grown as strong as he had so far in his motivation to protect.

"I dunno about you, but I think it's rather stupid to keep her weak like this." Cazador looked up as he stated his opinion. "The Espada are growing stronger and Aizen won't be happy till he has everything. He'll kill or subjugate you if you're not strong enough, and then look how happy you'll all be."

"Nel shouldn't have to fight!" Pesche insisted, the yellow eyes behind the mask narrowing angrily at the newcomer.

"Maybe, but isn't that her choice to make?" Cazador pointed out easily, not worried about the reiatsu Pesche was leaking. He's not strong enough to give me too much trouble. "Just because you have power doesn't mean you have to fight, but it certainly makes it easier to survive if someone brings the fight to you. And it sounds like if you tried, she'd recall her power quickly enough."

"Aren't you happy this way, though?" Pesche asked Nel desperately.

The former Espada smiled at her friend. "Nel's vewy happy with her fwends. But if Nel was an Ethpada, then Nel must have enemies." She looked down and used her toe to draw circles in the sand of Hueco Mundo. "Nel has to gwow up sometime."

Both Dondochakka and Pesche looked down at this. "Alright, Nel-sama… We will help you remember who you once were," Dondochakka relented.

"Your full name… is Nelliel Tu Oderschvank, former Espada Tres," Pesche revealed.

Cazador and Ichigo had the same bug-eyed expression upon hearing that. Former Espada TRES?! Ichigo exclaimed, sputtering. Sweet Kami above!

No kidding, Ichigo's Hollow agreed dumbly. This brat… used to be stronger than me? But her reiatsu level is so low! So much lost power, for a mere crack in the mask?! Note to self: never, ever let my mask be damaged!

Nel's reaction was a bit louder. "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"

I should have stayed in Soul Society and done the damn paperwork. Histugaya Toushiro sighed. Suddenly, the interdimensional communication device they'd built rang. Toushiro quickly answered, looking at the large two-way viewing monitor. "Yamamoto-soutaicho!"

"Hitsugaya-taicho," the wizened commander greeted formally. "I have some news that I felt you may be interested in."

"Yes, soutaicho?"

"I recognize that it is difficult to be away from Soul Society at this time, and even more so as I have denied your request for reinforcements to compensate for the disappearance of Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki Ichigo and the Quincy, Ishida Uryuu," Yamamoto began. "However, this may lighten your spirits somewhat. Hinamori Momo-fukutaicho has awoken, and would like to speak to you." He stepped away from the monitor and allowed the image of a slightly-ill looking girl to step forward.

The girl was about 5 feet 3 inches tall, with her black hair pulled into a small bun, although she let some hair frame her face on either side. Her eyes were kind and soft, looking as though she deserved to be a healer instead of a fighter.

Momo! Toushiro thought in surprise. "Shouldn't you be in bed? You don't look like you've fully recovered yet."

Momo smiled weakly. "Hitsugaya-taicho, I'm almost completely better. I've been asleep for a while."

"That you have," Toushiro conceded, his memory flashing to checking up on his childhood friend as she lay in a coma from Aizen's sudden betrayal. He felt another flash of anger at the traitor before brutally quashing the emotion.

"I wanted to apologize," Momo said quietly. "I shouldn't have attacked you that night, and I should have listened to you… You were right, and I wasn't thinking clearly."

Toushiro looked slightly away to his left, trying not to show his embarrassment. "Don't worry about it; it doesn't bother me. It was a trying time for all of us."

The girl smiled, this time a bit more genuinely. "Thank you for accepting my apology, Hitsugaya-taicho."

While Toushiro tried his best to look cold and aloof, his eyes still betrayed a hint of concern to his long-time friend. "You should get back to bed now, if that's all you needed to say, Hinamori-fukutaicho. The way you look now makes you look like a little kid. You need to get more rest if you want to grow older."

Momo snorted. "You shouldn't be talking, Hitsugaya-kun!"

"It's Hitsugaya-taicho," Toushiro reminded her softly, trying to gently remind her that the soutaicho was still in the vicinity, and it was best to keep to formalities for the moment.

That seemed to remind her of something else, however. "Hitsugaya-taicho… are you going to fight Aizen-taicho?" Momo asked quietly.

"If it comes to that, yes," Toushiro answered honestly. "Hinamori-fukutaicho, Aizen betrayed us. Everything we have seems to indicate that he was the leader of the rebellion, and I doubt he's going to stay in Hueco Mundo."

"That can't be!" Momo exclaimed, her eyes watering as she shook her head in rejection of the idea. "Not Aizen-taicho…"

Toushiro's eyes softened a little. I need to get through to her. The Aizen we knew is dead, or never existed to start. "Hinamori… I've gotten more information since I arrived here in the living world. I've heard some things about what he did over a hundred years ago, long before Ichimaru Gin or Tousen Kaname became taicho. I don't think either of us ever knew the real Aizen," he finished quietly.

"What did he do?" Momo asked, fearing the answer.

"… He experimented in giving several Shinigami forbidden Hollow powers, and then framed another Shinigami. Due to Aizen's actions, they were all to be executed, but they managed to escape. Aizen was never suspected."

Momo's eyes hardened. "Who told you such dreadful lies?!"

"They are not lies," the hard voice of Yamamoto interrupted as he reappeared behind Momo. "It is a point of shame that we were fooled by Aizen's deception, and we attempted to execute Urahara Kisuke, taicho of the 12th Division and founder of the Technology Bureau. Urahara managed to escape to the living world with the aid of Shihoin Yoruichi, and made himself untraceable using a modification of a recently-invented gigai. The Shinigami who acquired the forbidden Hollow powers also escaped." Yamamoto's head bowed slightly, the closest he would come to expressing sorrow. "We lost many strong Shinigami that day, and Urahara has rejected my invitation to rejoin our ranks."

Momo's eyes were wide. "But, why?! Maybe Aizen had a good reason!"

"If so, he should have come to me," Yamamoto said firmly. "He did not, and therefore should have been executed one hundred years ago. Hinamori-fukutaicho, return to your quarters and rest. That is an order."

Momo's posture slumped in defeat. "Yes, soutaicho." She left quickly.

"Yamamoto-soutaicho, you're in communication with Urahara-san?" Toushiro asked, slightly surprised by the development. He'd always seen Yamamoto as a die-hard traditionalist, and not sending a squad to acquire and imprison Urahara was rather unusual. All rogue Shinigami were captured by the 2nd Division, and Toushiro knew that Soifon held no love for the ex-taicho, though he was unclear on the details.

"Indeed. The reason I have not sent you any more forces, Hitsugaya-taicho, is to lure Aizen to the living world. Urahara-san is now collaborating with us for a special project I commissioned, that will allow all of the taicho and fukutaicho to fight at their full power in the living world without interfering with the humans there," Yamamoto revealed. "We shall face Aizen's forces in the final battle there."

"What about the Seireitei then?" Toushiro inquired with a frown. "If all of us are going to be in the living world, what would keep them from infiltrating Seireitei? If they are after the King's Key like we suspect, then it would not be prudent to leave the original unguarded."

"Of course. The question of who will stay and who will fight in Karakura is one that is still being debated, but Aizen will die in this battle, even if I have to unleash my Bankai to do it," Yamamoto uttered darkly, opening his eyes beyond the slits he normally kept them at.

Toushiro couldn't repress a shiver of unbridled fear. He'd seen Yamamoto's Shikai a couple of times over the years, and that was scary enough. As an ice-type Zanpakuto wielder, the phrase "Reduce all creation to ash, Ryuujin Jakka!" had given him nightmares the night he'd seen it. That much fire and raw heat could remove almost all moisture from the air very quickly, rendering Toushiro's own Bankai almost completely helpless. Yamamoto's Bankai must be downright terrifying.

Yamamoto's eyes narrowed again to their usual slits and he continued normally. "Soifon-taicho has met with Shihoin Yoruichi and two of the Ryoka. Curiously, Kurosaki Ichigo was not among them. Do you have an explanation for this, Hitsugaya-taicho?"

Toushiro looked directly into Yamamoto's face through the viewing screen. "I cannot know for sure," he lied coolly without hesitation, "but is it not possible that Yoruichi-sama set Kurosaki a task to complete and was training the other two Ryoka in the meantime? Nevertheless, I will consult with Urahara-san and see if he is hiding the truth."

Yamamoto nodded. "Good. The Ryoka will be arriving in the living world shortly. Do you have anything else to report?"

Hitsugaya nodded. "Now that Kurosaki is gone, fewer and fewer Hollows appear by the day. I suspect that Kurosaki's lack of proper control over his reiatsu is to blame, and propose that he receive additional training to rectify that weakness when prudent."

"Denied," Yamamoto immediately responded. "Kurosaki is strong enough to defeat mid-level taicho as it is, and has no real tie to Soul Society. We have already made ourselves potential enemies by attempting to execute Kuchiki Rukia. While Aizen's voice acted for the Central 46 in that instance, giving Shinigami powers to a human is still against our laws. Kurosaki refused to abide by those laws, and inspired many of my own forces to rebel. Though it was a good thing that he did in this instance, if Kurosaki grows too strong, he could become a threat as large if not larger than Aizen. I suspect that several of my own Shinigami would defect and join him in that event, which would cause a civil war far more disastrous than our current war."

You're not wrong, Toushiro thought to himself. "I believe I understand, soutaicho, but why have you not taken action against Yoruichi-sama if that is the case? She is believed to be training Kurosaki, after all."

"Shihoin Yoruichi does have positive ties to Soul Society, and maintains friendly camaraderie with Soifon-taicho. It is my intent that Yoruichi instill respect and trust for Soul Society into Kurosaki, so that he may one day join us as a member of the Gotei 13," Yamamoto explained.

Toushiro nodded. "I understand, soutaicho. He would become a powerful asset to the Gotei 13."

"Have you more to report?"

"No, soutaicho."

"Dismissed."

"Alright, go," Yoruichi ordered Chad and Inoue as they approached the Senkaimon, the gate back to the living world. "I'm going to stay here in Soul Society; Urahara has me supposedly training Ichigo, and I'm going to do some digging around. I'll return to the living world as soon as I can."

"Understood," Chad acknowledged. "Inoue, let's go."

"Right."

The pair began running into the Senkaimon, and entered the Dangai, a small dimension between the living world and Soul Society. It was a creepy dimension, consisting of only a single path, while the walls on either side pulsed and moved, as though they were inside a living creature. It was far too dangerous to touch the walls; they had a current of spiritual energy that attempted to consume anything that touched them, as Ishida and Ichigo had experienced firsthand during their first time in the Dangai. However, it served as a highly effective barrier to Hollows, who were often far too large, which made the Dangai an efficient way to traverse between the living and spirit worlds.

"Inoue, what happened to Ichigo?" Chad rumbled after a minute of running.

"He… he turned into a Hollow," Inoue told him, her voice cracking.

"What?!" Chad exclaimed.

"It's only temporary, according to Urahara," Inoue quickly clarified. "Everyone's confident that Ichigo will be back soon."

"I see."

"Interesting." Chad and Inoue froze, recognizing the voice. A few meters in front of him, a Garganta opened, and Ulquiorra stepped though, his usual uncaring expression still on his face. "Kurosaki Ichigo has become a Hollow? I had my doubts when Aizen-sama told me… thank you for your information."

"Ulquiorra-san, what do you want?" Inoue asked, a little afraid.

"I have been ordered by Aizen-sama to take at least one of you hostage, to test if the Hollow form of Kurosaki Ichigo truly has lost its memories of Kurosaki Ichigo's life," Ulquiorra explained matter-of-factly. "As I am still curious if your group can successfully defeat Yammy's Resurreccion form, I will grant you two a choice. Who shall I take?" He looked piercingly at the pair of humans with spiritual powers. "I will take at least one of you; the two of you combined could not hope to defeat me at your current level."

Chad and Inoue looked at each other. "I should go," Chad told her quietly. "My powers are like a Hollow's anyway; I'll likely be stronger in Hueco Mundo, and this could prove useful if Ichigo retakes control and attempts to free me."

Inoue shook her head. "No, Ulquiorra should take me. You're needed in Karakura to protect everyone. You're a lot faster and better at fighting than I am, especially as you got your new left arm. Besides, if Kurosaki-kun does try to save me, he's going to get hurt, and might need my healing. There are other healers on our side in Karakura, but none in Hueco Mundo."

Chad frowned, understanding her point but not wanting to admit it. "Would your hostage be expected to fight?" he asked Ulquiorra directly.

"No. If I understand Aizen-sama correctly, the hostage will be kept imprisoned within Las Noches. It would be counterproductive to put the hostage's life in imminent danger if we need the hostage to lure Kurosaki Ichigo's Hollow," Ulquiorra replied coolly. "Futher, if we were going to kill you, Aizen-sama would have asked me to simply kill you here."

Inoue nodded and stepped forward. "I'll be your hostage. Let Chad continue to the living world."

"Very well. Enter the Garganta. It will take you directly to your holding cell in Las Noches"

Inoue approached Ulquiorra and the Garganta, before looking over her shoulder. "See you later, Chad." Don't die before I get back.

Chad nodded. "See you later, Inoue." Don't you die either.

Inoue's eyes glinted with understanding before she took a deep breath and entered the Garganta. With a small gesture from the Arrancar, the Garganta closed behind her. Ulquiorra paused before creating another Garganta. "How interesting... I had expected her to show more fear," he murmured.

"Inoue's come a long way," Chad agreed. "I think she was afraid, but she was committed to this since you said only one of us could go on. We have faith that Ichigo will rescue her. If there had been no hope, then we would have fought you to the end."

Ulquiorra cocked his head to the side. "What is this faith you speak of?"

Chad paused to consider the question. "It's a feeling based on trust. When I say that I have faith in Ichigo, it means that I trust him to do everything within his power to accomplish something. In this case, to rescue Inoue."

The unfeeling Arrancar's eyes narrowed pensively. "How do you know he has sufficient power?"

Chad shrugged. "I can't know for sure."

"This idea of faith seems foolish," Ulquiorra finally said. "It is based on the fragile bond of trust and understanding of another's personality. You do not have the power to accomplish your own goals, so you wish someone else to accomplish them for you. How is Kurosaki Ichigo even to know of the girl's capture?"

"Perhaps it is foolish," Chad conceded. "But perhaps not." He activated his right arm. "This arm's power is based on my faith in my Abuelo's teachings; that strength's purpose is to protect. The stronger my faith and will, the stronger this arm's power is."

Now Ulquiorra's face changed very subtly. His eyes glittered with interest as he stepped towards Chad. "How curious; a feeling given physical manifestation through reiatsu manipulation?" He stopped in his tracks, his facial expression changing slightly once more, this one more of a grimace than anything else Chad had seen him express. "How unfortunate; Aizen-sama is waiting for me to report after having captured the girl. Tell me, boy, what is your name?"

"Sado Yasutora."

"I will remember you, Sado Yasutora. I feel I have learned something more about humans and emotions. Don't die before we have a chance to discuss more," Ulquiorra ordered flatly before opening a Garganta and entering it, the Garganta closing behind him.

Chad shook his head. I wonder, is it a good thing or not that Ulquiorra is interested in me? He began running again through the Dangai, rushing to return to the living world. Urahara must be alerted. Perhaps he can contact Ichigo.

"You were certainly quick, Ulquiorra," Aizen complimented mere minutes later, taking in the sight of the powerful Arrancar kneeling a few meters away.

"The Shinigami were foolish enough to let both Sado Yasutora and the girl into the Dangai without any reinforcements," Ulquiorra informed his master.

"I see. Out of curiosity, why did you not take them both?" Aizen inquired from his throne where he sat languidly.

"Alone, despair will overwhelm the female and keep her from fighting against her fate. Together, they may have encouraged each other and attempted to escape," Ulquiorra responded smoothly. "Also, news of her capture will demoralize their fighters, knowing that two of their fighters were completely helpless against one of yours."

"Well thought out as always, Ulquiorra," Aizen replied with a smile. "You are dismissed."

"Aizen-sama." Ulquiorra stood and withdrew from the room.

"Kaname, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Tousen stepped to the side into view from behind Aizen's throne. "I dislike taking hostages on principle," he said simply. "However, I can see how it follows the path of least bloodshed, by determining now if Kurosaki Ichigo's Hollow is a threat."

"Thank you for your understanding," Aizen said softly. "Now, to complete the test, this Cazador de la Luna must be notified of the girl's capture." He smirked knowingly, and with a snap of his fingers, an Arrancar appeared. "Ah, Rudobon."

"Aizen-sama!" Rudobon fell to one knee, silently swearing his fealty once again. Unlike all the other Arrancar, Rudobon's mask was still fully formed on his head, despite his otherwise completely human-shaped body. The mask itself was lean, with thin, wide slits of eyes, and long, slightly curved horns, but aside from that it looked fairly unremarkable.

"Please fetch Zommari Leroux; I have a task for him."