Bleach and Devil May Cry

[Blade X]

I do not own Bleach or Devil May Cry. Hope you enjoy it

Death meets the Devil

The phone was ringing while the sounds of a shower running stopped. A young man with a towel covering his white hair in black pants comes walking out, “yeah, yeah, I’m coming.” Said irritately. He picks up the receiver, “Devil May Cry, how can I help? Really now? Demon-like men with white masks covering their faces are causing trouble huh? How much is the payment for this? No, no, no, you see, you’ve got to make it worth my while to come over this instant.” Dante really was just playing but he wanted to see how much pay he could get if he just pushed a little bit. “Well then that’s just fine, I’ll come over right now and deal with the trouble. Just give me the address and be sure to get my payment ready.”

Dante threw the towel into his chair behind the desk and got dressed with a black vest and red coat. “Time to go to work.” He spun his guns, Ivory and Ebony before holstering them behind him. He grabs Rebellion and straps it across his back as he walks out. Dante breathes in the cool night air, “At least I get to break in my new bike.” He grinned and mounted his custom Ducati X999. He revs the engine and speeds off into the night with the moon lighting the way.

Meanwhile in Soul Society, alerts rang throughout the squad houses. Each squad’s captains and lieutenants flashstepping towards the First Squad’s house. There sat an old man with a large walking stick and a long white beard wearing a shihakusho - a white undershirt, a black kimono and hakama, and a white sash with a white haori with the Japanese symbol for one on his back. Beside him, stood his lieutenant and in front of him stood ten captains and thirteen lieutenants. The old man, Yamamoto-Genryusai spoke in a deep but clear voice, “Thank you all for coming so soon. There has been movement from Aizen’s group.” A few gasps and surprised looks but the fifth lieutenant, Hinamori had the most surprised look on her face. She had been recovering for the last few months and was deemed able to carry out her duties as a lieutenant.

A young short white spiky haired captain with emerald eyes is walking briskly towards a hospital ward and opens the door a scream is let loose. The young captain slams the door shut again and is blushing furiously. He stumbles over an apology and the occupant asks him to come in. He breaths a sigh of relief that Hinamori is dressed asks, “I heard that you requested to be put back on duty. Are you sure that you’re ready, Hinamori?” As she ties her hair into a tight bun, she thinks about how Hitsugaya and his lieutenant, Masumoto have helped her to recover her mental state. “I’m sure, Hitsugaya-kun. You and Masumoto have helped me so much. The only way I can be sure that I’m ready is if I go back to work, Shiro-chan.” She touch flick his nose playful and slightly annoyed, he responds, “But what if there’s still remnants of his influence over you?” She was packing her clothes with her back facing him. She had stopped when the question was asked but her voice became firm as she answered, “We don’t know about that till we face him, do we? Like you use to say to me when we were young and I was scared of the dark,” She mimicked a serious face, “Face your demons and the dark otherwise you’ll never be what you want to be.” Hitsugaya blushed slightly at the memory and the fact that she had remembered his words so well. He sighed and gave in, “Alright then but I want you to know that I’ll be there every step of the way with you.” Hinamori kissed his forehead and hugged him, “Thank you Shiro-chan.” He was red as beetroot, “Ew, bed-wetter germs” She chuckled and smiled, she felt so uplifted whenever Hitsugaya was around.

Yamamoto had noted her look and knew what was to be done if there was any problem. “Is there anything you would like to say, Hinamori-fukutaicho?” She quickly became serious answered, “No, captain-commander. Please carry on with the briefing.” Yamamoto smiled inwardly and knew Hitsugaya had done well to help one of their best kidou users recover. He cleared his voice and resumed, “There has been movement and we believe that the Arrancar have arrived in a small town in Japan. We suspect that they’re using that as a testing ground. I’m sending a small but strong force to deal with them. Hitsugaya-taicho will lead this force.” The spiky haired captain stood forward, “Yes, sir” Yamamoto continued, “In addition, Abarai Renji-fukutaicho, Rangiku Masumoto-fukutaicho and Momo Hinamori-fukutaicho will be under Hitsugaya-taicho’s command.” A man with a white bandana covering his tattoos on his forehead and long red haired tied up, a tall woman with revealing large chest assets, long strawberry blonde hair and Hinamori stepped forward. “Find out the enemies’ strength, aims and despatch them without discrimination.”

“Yes, sir!” They all moved out with speed towards the gate between the two realms as they geared up. Hitsugaya moved along side Hinamori, he felt like he needed to watch over her more carefully since this was her first serious mission. “Stick together, we’ll spilt up into two groups of two when we arrive at the town. Hinamori’s with me, Renji go with Masutmoto.” They agreed and proceed with speed and caution. The gate opened on the other side and arrived safely outside the town. Sounds of gunfire could be heard and they looked at each other, nodded. They approached the first building and immediately the wall, which Hinamori was at a second ago exploded with a figure flying back. He was wearing a red coat, black pants and boots, white hair. He seemed unfazed as he continued firing into where he flown from. As he was sliding along the ground, eyes trained on the monster that came flying out with claws posed to strike. The bullets flew straight into the creature’s face and mask. It landed just above the newcomer as he stood up and dusted himself off and holster his guns. The Shinigamis stared at him; Hitsugaya thought ‘who is this guy? He took on an Arrancar and destroyed it.’

The young man noticed the four people wearing shihakusho but one had a white haori over it while the other three looked like they were under his command. A strawberry blonde with her breasts nearly exposed, ‘Bet she’s as hot as she looks’ Dante thought. A shorter girl with a petite body frame and a taller guy with red hair and what looked like tattoos covered by a white bandana on his forehead. “A bit early for Halloween isn’t it? Go back home, they’re about killing at will.” He walked past the group into the town but Hitsugaya said, “Wait, who are you?” Dante turned round and looked at Hitsugaya in the eyes, “Name’s Dante, now scram kid. This ain’t no place for children or Halloweeners.” Just then a humanoid appear behind him with a white mask partially covering his face, ready to strike. But Dante grabbed Rebellion and slashed in one clean cut from groin upwards. “They just keep coming and coming.”

Suddenly Hitsugaya dropkicked Dante in the back of his head. “What the hell was that for?” As he stumbled from the hit and stared at the kid, ‘No one’s ever been able to sneak up on me like that.’ Hitsugaya responded, “One, I’m far older than you. Two, I’m with Soul Society and I’m a shinigami sent here with my friends and colleagues to gather Intel and despatch the monsters you see. They’re called the Arrancar.” Dante raised an eyebrow, “Well, I’ve seen my fair share of weird and crazy things. So I guess I’m gonna have to trust you on this one. But I want an explanation later.” Hitsugaya nodded and beckoned the others to come, “Renji, Masumoto take the east side of this town and clear them out. Find out what you can. You’re with us Dante.” But he shook his head, “Sorry, Hitsugaya, I work better alone. Tell you what, we meet back here and I see found out for you. Sounds good?” Hitsugaya eyed him with suspicion but agreed. The four shinigamis shunpo away in a blink of an eye and Dante whistled, ‘Wow, those people can move fast.’ Five Arrancars surrounded Dante and drew their swords. He smiled, “I was wondering when you guys were gonna come out. Now before we start this dance, mind telling me why you guys are here.” Dante rested Rebellion on his shoulder and waited for an answer.

One of the Arrancar spoke, “A human like you doesn’t need to know our aims, you will be dead soon.” Dante looked up the moon; it was high and clear tonight. “I guess I’m have to beat it out you guys.” The Arrancar chuckled and attacked Dante who dodged, slicing one of their arms off. “Sorry about that but I need some answers and I want them now….” The arm disappeared and the Arrancar turned round with his arm regenerated. “That’s a nice party trick. We’ll see how you like this for size.” Dante released a shockwave into the oncoming enemies as he charged with Rebellion in hand.

Meanwhile Renji and Masumoto raced through the east side of the town till they stumbled onto a towering figure that notices them and growls, “God damn shinigami, shouldn’t be here.” His hair was dreg locked with part of a white masked on his head keep his hair back. “Who are you and what are your objectives?” said Masumoto. The Arrancar responded, “Numero veinte, Eihei. You have no need to know our objectives.” Suddenly he disappeared for a second and appeared behind Renji and Masumoto, bringing a powerful punch, destroying the ground beneath it. As the dust cleared, both shinigamis had dodged the attack and had their zanpakutos drawn. “Masumoto….” Renji said. Masumoto replied, “ah….” Renji stood up and shouted, “Howl, Zabimaru!” His sword had broadened with fang at each groove and he attacked bringing, Zabimaru down as hard he could. “No way…that’s impossible.” Eihei had brought left arm up to block the attack. The blade fang had dug into his arm it only sunk in an inch. “You won’t beat me like this.” He grabbed the whip-sword and pulling Renji towards him and driving his huge fist into his body, sending him flying straight into a building. “Renji!” Masumoto cried out. She stood her ground and touched the communicator piece, “Requesting the limit to be lifted.” She dodged at the last minute as she saw Eihei had drawn his huge sword.

“Rangiku!” She turned and saw Renji thoroughly pissed off. He had blood coming down from the side of his head and said, “This is my fight. Leave it to me.” She bit her lower lip and reluctantly nodded. Renji walked forward with Zabimaru in hand and shouted, “Bankai!” A huge red light blasted towards Eihei who braced himself. The smoke cleared Masumoto saw Renji’s bankai for the first time, “Baboon King Snaketail.” Renji’s appearance had changed with fur and a skull on his left upper arm while his zanpkauto had changed into a skeletal snake. Eihei had looked at Renji, “eerr, fine then. Makes no difference, both of you will die.” He had taken a massive hit from Renji’s blast and small cracks could be seen forming along his skin. Renji swing and directed Zabimaru straight at Eihei who blocked the charging snakehead but was being forced back straight into a building, which collapses on top of Eihei. Renji pulls Zabimaru back out and it circles round him, forming a shield. Suddenly the wreckage blew apart as the towering figure of Eihei had changed and he grunted, “Anule sus ataques, Guardia de Ejército.” He was now covered in what seemed to be reptilian scales but was in fact shields. He pulled back arm and his shield had flipped over, now pointing towards Renji. ‘He couldn’t be?’ Eihei smiled and drove his arm to full length, “¡Corte la defensa!” His shields as if launched out like rockets had spread out speeding towards Renji but were closing in on him. ‘No way, forgive me Zabimaru. This might hurt.’ Renji started to swing his zanpakuto in a huge circle, gathering speed, forming a spinning shield. Most the shield pieces got deflected but a few had gotten through and one had cut Renji’s right thigh. Eihei pulled the shield pieces back as if control by strings on his arm. Renji had started to breath heavily and could feel the warmness of his blood running down his legs and soaking his clothes. “The next move will kill you, Shinigami trash.” Said Eihei. Masumoto looked worried but knew Renji’s past as well as anyone else. A former member of the 11th division, fight alone and to the death.

Meanwhile Hitsugaya and Hinamori came across two Arrancars dressed in white jackets, black sashes, and white hakamas. Both pair seem to seize each other up, Hinamori had initially run over to them thinking they were normal people but the partial masks on their heads reveal their true nature. “What’s your objective here?” said Hitsugaya tensely with his hand gripping his zanpakuto. “Che, what does a little shinigami know about Arrancars eh?” said one of the Arrancars arrogantly “My name’s Joushou Ouja.” The other merely, said, “Kurokuma.” He drew his zanpakuto out and attacks Hinamori with fierce speed and force that she just managed to block it with her own zanpakuto. Both fighters are sliding along the ground as Hitsugaya shouted, “Hinamori!” as he watched her. At the last second he dodged an attacked from Joushou, “You don’t have the luxury of taking your eyes away from me.” He charged at Hitsugaya with both men now with their zanpkautos out. Sounds of swords clashing were echoing through the air. All four fighters fought each other equally till Hinamori released her shikai, “Hajike, Tobiume!” Her zanpakuto blade straightened and produced several, jitte-like prongs along its length. As she swung Tobiume, a pink ball of energy charged and blasted it at Kurokuma. He remained unfazed as he brought his sword down onto the energy ball splitting into half, causing the two small balls to explode behind him. He bore his eyes into hers and said, “I shall respond in kind, since you have shown me your zanpakuto’s form. Destrócelos, oso Negro.” His form changed as his hands and feet were covered with white bear-like claws. Covering his head looked like a bear roaring. Hinamori looked at him wide-eyed and almost let her spirit power go but she recovered her and withstood the renewed spirit pressure coming from Kurokuma.

Meanwhile Hitsugaya ducked and dodged Joushou’s attacks while asking him, “Why did you come here?” Both warriors clashed and locked in a power struggle with each other, “Che, shouldn’t it be obvious to you? We’re here to have a party and enjoy ourselves!!” Joushou pushed harder and for a split second, there was an opening in Hitsugaya’s defence. Joushou took advantage and stabbed him in the shoulder. Hitsugaya groaned and grabbed the sword, “Wanton destruction and killing is it?” Hitsugaya increased his spirit pressure as the air around him grew cold, “Your miserable existence ends here! Souten Ni Zase, Hyourinmaru!” An explosion occurred with Joushou sent flying upwards as Hitsugaya swung his sword with an ice dragon forming and following his sword. He sends the ice dragon straight into Joushou who attempts to defend himself but only fails. The ice dragon catches Joushou and slams into the ground, encasing him in ice. “You little shit, you think you can beat me like this? Subida,” Hitsugaya cuts Joushou’s body across as he coughed and looked at Hitsugaya. His body disintegrates as Hitsugaya looks at Hinamori’s direction and he can feel both the enemy’s and her spirit pressure clashing. He quickly runs towards her, in case she might need his help but ‘Baka, if you help her. Then how can she truly know if she’s fit for fighting? Just watch her and don’t interfere,’ thought Hitsugaya. Suddenly a huge explosion is seen in her direction as Hitsugaya is taken aback but quickly shunpoes in fear for Hinamori’s safety.

[Blade X]

Hinamori shield her eyes from the explosion when she fired off a huge energy ball at Kurokuma. He was charging at her with his hollow claws. The dust had settled and Hinamori looked at Kurokuma had taken the full brunt of her Tobiume’s attack. He had his arms in front of him. He stood up and there were cracks in his hollow armour, “That was quite an attack, if I didn’t know better. There was malicious intent behind that one.” Hinamori stood in her battle stance with her on her opponent. It had been months since she fought in a real battle, sparring was one thing but to fight an enemy who intended on killing her was another. Kurokuma gather more power as it started to become visible round his claws. “Playtime is over, little girl. Cárguelos hacia abajo.” He moved with such it equalled shunpo before she knew it, Kurokuma was behind her and slashed her back as she fell. She could feel the pain rip through her body as she gripped her zanpakuto.

Hitsugaya arrived in time to see Hinamori struggling on the ground. He was about to get ready to attack when he intercom crackled to life, “Hitsugaya-taichou, the limit has been lift as per request by your fukutaichou.” He acknowledged the confirmation and he watched Hinamori stand up with her spirit power rising. Kurokuma noticed the changed in Hinamori, “ooohh, you still have spirit power left? Doesn’t matter you will fall regardless.” He gathered his spirit power once more ready and moved to attack her but she disappeared and slashed Kurokuma upwards. She swung her sword and unleashed a torrent of energy balls hitting him till his hollow armour shattered. He fell to the ground, still smoking from the attack. Hinamori stood there breathing heavily and almost fell to the ground but Hitsugaya caught her. “Baka, you push yourself too hard.” Hinamori smiled and liked how he always cared for her but never showed his feeling on his face. She whispered sorry and lean into Hitsugaya’s body; she fell asleep as he started to heal her wounds.

Meanwhile Renji was careless and really was struggling to stand his ground, Eihei on the other hand had only a few bruises on his shields. “I told you, shinigami trash you cannot defeat me, an arrancar.” Matsumoto had restraint herself from helping Renji. She was seen how this arrancar had been able to withstand Renji’s bankai and dish out punishment without trouble. Her intercom came alive, “Masumoto-fukutaicho, request approved!” She felt a great weight lifted from her body as she saw Renji notice the limit lifted. He smirked as he raised his spirit power and his Zabimaru, “This match is over.” Eihei looked unsure and confused by the new level of spirit power coming from his opponent. He raised his arms to fire his shields before he lost sight of Renji as the shinigami appeared behind Eihei and sent his bankai forward. Before the arrancar could react he felt the fangs sink into right shoulder as Zabimaru push drag and lift Eihei in the air. Renji then brought Zabimaru down onto Eihei causing the ground to give slightly and dusts to kick up. Renji looked at the area and saw Eihei try to get up but his shields had been smashed and his body started to disintegrate. He fell to his knees and started to lose consciousness from the lost of blood but Masumoto caught him and laid him down gently as she started to do her best to patch up Renji’s wounds. “He’s going to be fine taichou,” she said to Hitsugaya who had shunpoed to her location, carrying Hinamori on his back. She was still sleeping and looked content where she was.

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” responded Hitsugaya, “an arrancar had managed to push Renji all the way to bankai. Did he say anything of interest?” Masumoto said, “Ah, he said he was Numero veinte. He didn’t give anything on why the arrancar showed up at this place.”

“Well I managed to get something out of those, what you call them arrancars,” Dante came walking calmly towards the group. “Looks like you guys had more fun then I did. Anyways one of them mentioned that they were gonna be rewarded for defeating a human who could fight back. I’m guessing they were sent here as test subjects right?” Hitsugaya looked at Dante and nodded, “That seems to be consistent with what one of the other arrancars said to me.” He laid Hinamori down gently on the ground to give his back a break and he saw Dante looking at him expecting something. “I suppose that you want your explanation about shinigamis and how all this came about right? You better sit down then and listen.” Dante didn’t take his offer and listened to what were hollows and pluses, what the shinigami did, where Soul Society was and how events came to Aizen’s betrayal and the existence of arrancars.

“Well well, this just got more interesting. Not like my client’s able to pay me for my work but I’ll guess I could stick round and see how this turns out.” Dante smirked, “Can’t let this Aizen dude open up the gates of hell if he ever finds out how to.” Hitsugaya sighed and contact Soul Society about the current status of their mission. He stood up and offered his hand to Dante, “I must thank you for your assistance tonight. I think we might have had a tougher time if we didn’t have another warrior.” He look at Dante with serious eyes, there was silence between the two as Masumoto looked at both of them and sense tension in the air. “No problem, it’s more like luck I got called into this job.” He accepted Hitsugaya’s hand, “but you still look like a kid to me.” A vein popped up as the grip tightened on Dante’s hand and the air grew cold round them. Masumoto had just finished patching up Renji and she quickly got up to interrupt the pair. She led Dante away from Hitsugaya, “look, Hitsugaya-kun is a lil touchy about the whole kid thing. So it would good if you could just not call him a kid.”

Dante smirked, “If I do, do I get to know your name?” Masumoto smiled slyly and thought about how good Dante looked, “Rangiku Masumoto and yours is Dante correct?” Dante nodded and they started to flirt with each other till Hitsugaya interrupted them, “Ahem, Masumoto let’s go. We’ve got to take Hinamori and Renji back and report to the captain-commander. I suppose that you’ll have to come along with us, Dante. You can carry Renji for us then,” smirked Hitsugaya.

“Got no complaints there if I get to see a preview of what the afterlife looks like.” He picked up Renji and carried him on his back. Masumoto stood forward with her zanpakuto drawn out, she stabbed the air and twisted it, “unlock,” she whispered. Traditional Japanese doors materialize out of thin air and open revealing inner doors, which open as well. Five black butterflies flutter and seem to choose each member of the group, “what’s with these butterflies?” asked Dante

Hitsugaya responded, “These are hell butterflies that allow the shinigami and others accompanied by it to pass through safely into Soul Society.” He stepped with Hinamori on his back while Dante followed their lead into the bright light. The next thing he knew, he arrived a place with the sun shining brightly while shinigamis came forward to take Renji away towards somewhere Dante didn’t know as was Hinamori taken away as well. “Dante, follow me. We’re going to see the captain-commander. I think he maybe interested in what you said about Hell.”

The trio had arrived in the first squad building with the captain-commander listening to Hitsugaya’s report on events. He had both hands on his wooden cane looking intently at the newcomer with white hair, ‘a sword as tall as him and strange clothing. At least that ryoku boy had the decency to dress like a shinigami.’ When Hitsugaya had finish reporting on the mission, Yamamoto said, “very well then, Hitsugaya-taichou. You’re dismissed, I would like to talk to this newcomer here.” Both Hitsugaya and Masumoto looked each other and acknowledged their commanders’ request. Dante looked bored but he held his ground against the old man.

“So, I guess you wanna hear about Hell huh?” said Dante. Yamamoto had instantly disliked the young man for his frankness and lack of respect. He had thought perhaps this so-called devil hunter was strong willed and would not be easily frighten by Yamamoto’s presence. “Yes, I am curious as how this could implication our operations.”

“You make it sound like there gonna be some sort of war soon.” Dante said as he walked over to taken a chair and sat in front of him. “Alright let’s start from the beginning then, about 2000 years ago, my father Sparda had rebelled against the demonic army who had planned to invade the human world. He alone had sealed off that world to protect it but he sealed off his own powers in the process since he was a demon as well. Fast-forward to about 20 years ago, he sired twins, my brother and me. Over time he became a human and lived and died like a human.” And so he went on about the defeat of his brother and thwarting the forces of hell. “So I’m guessing that if this Aizen guy ever found out about how to open Hell, he could use the forces there in addition with your current arrancar problems.”

Yamamoto thought long and hard about this, the possible effects and strain it could have on the Gotei 13. He recently had the three fukutaichous of the third, fifth and ninth as temporary taichous till they could suitable replacements or the fukutaichous had shown their abilities to become a captain. He had thought about recalling the ryoku boy, Kurosaki Ichigo and request him to become a captain but it would be unethical and breaking the long tradition that he had established during his time. He sighed, “Very well then, I think it would be best if you stayed with Hitsugaya-taichou for the time being. This also means that you are to assist him in fighting as well, do you understand?”

Dante nodded and began to walk towards the door when Yamamoto said, “Remember this well, if you betray us in any way. I will issue an order to kill you on the spot.” Dante smirked and left the captain-commander to see Masumoto waiting for him, “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.” Masumoto smiled and told him to follow him to their squad building where he would stay for awhile. He noticed the first thing as he stepped in; there were sake bottles on the coffee along with a sofa, two desks with stacks of paperwork. “Don’t mind the mess around here, guess you’ll be sleeping on sofa for now.” Masumoto was about to walk out and go for a drink when she asked, “Dante, do you wanna come along and have a drink? Get to know the locals more.” Dante smiled and took his gun belt off and said, “Sure, sounds like fun to me.”

“Aren’t you gonna to put your sword away? Could get a lil rough with the people I drink with.” She looked at him seductively and like how he carried himself. “That just sounds like even more fun to me, Masumoto.” He was now close to Masumoto looking into her eyes, ‘she’s got pretty eyes’ thought Dante. Masumoto chuckled and led the way to the bar. As they approached the bar, it sounded like it was doing a roaring trade. The bar went silent as the pair entered, everyone looked at Dante’s appearance. Masumoto didn’t particularly cared about it and saw Ikkaku with his compatriots from the eleventh divisions along with Shuhei from the ninth squad and Iba from the seventh squad. She waved and led Dante through to them, “Ohio! Hope you boys haven’t started without me. This is Dante everyone.” There was an awkward moment as introductions were made.

Ikkaku eyed Dante’s sword, “That’s an interesting sword you got there. Hope it ain’t just for show.” Dante looked at Ikkaku who had a shiny baldhead with what looked at red paint at the end of his eyes, “I could show how sharp it could cut with your hair if you had any.” The bar went dead silence just as they were getting back to drinking. Ikkaku’s eye twitched and stood up with his sword in hand. “LET’S GO RIGHT NOW!” Masumoto stood between them with menacing eyes at Ikkaku, “I just got back from a mission. I came here for a good time, I hope that it’s not going to be spoilt now is it, Ikkaku?” He took a slight step back from Masumoto; he had heard the stories about how dangerous Masumoto could get if anyone managed to piss her off. He murmured a no and sat back down with an annoyed look as he down a whole bottle of sake.

Masumoto got back to her cheery self, “That’s better, let’s drink and enjoy ourselves everyone!” She could hold her drink like no other woman that Dante had seen. As the hours rolled past, everyone got steadily drunk. The bar owner called for last rounds as everyone laughed and accepted Dante into the group. “I gotta say Dante, you sure can hold your drink well.” Dante had started to sway a little bit with Masumoto hanging onto him, “Let’s just say I’ve have had a lot of experience drinking.” He noticed that Masumoto had pecked him on the cheek and promptly fallen asleep on his shoulder. “I think it’s time we went home, guys.” He stood up and carried Masumoto with both arms as he walked out he heard Ikkaku called out, “You should drop by the eleventh squad building sometime, we’ll have fun!”

The night air was cool as Masumoto had instinctively put her arms round Dante as she slept on. “Guess she’s had a good time.” By the time he arrived back the tenth squad house, his body was aching combined weight of Rebellion and Masumoto. He laid her down gently on the sofa and covered her up with a blanket, ‘Not a bad girl after all.’ Thought Dante as he laid Rebellion beside him and played with his amulet. The moon was shining brightly as he thought about everything; he leaned back on the wall and closed his eyes, ‘Didn’t think this job would get more interesting.’ He smiled and slipped in well-deserved sleep.

“MASUMOTO!!!” Dante had been startled and awoken up by the morning greeting by Hitsugaya who looked thoroughly annoyed with his fukutaichou. A vein was visible on his forehead while Masumoto who had grown used to her captain’s way yawned and got up like she was awoken up by a pleasant kiss. “Get yourself cleaned up now, there’s gonna be a meeting soon with the rest of the other squads. NOW!!!” She flinched and got up and mumbled something about him being short. He didn’t hear or rather let it slide as he turned to Dante who had gotten up and already stretched himself. “Follow us to the meeting but wait outside, I’m not sure that you would be allowed in. Make sure you don’t cause any trouble.”

Dante nodded and get his equipment, “So what’s the meeting about?” Hitsugaya shrugged, “don’t know yet, but I suspect it’s about the arrancars. Usually its just there’s a separate meeting with the fukutaichous but Yamamoto has requested for all taichous and fukutaichous to be present. MASUMOTO, we’ll gonna be late!!!” He shouted out as she shouted the acknowledgment about his complaint. Dante walked out into the corridor and took in the morning air and the bright blue skies. “Been a long time since I got time to look at the simple things in life. So is there anyone I should look out for who could be trouble?”

Hitsugaya instantly listed two captains that Dante should look out for, Zaraki Kenpachi, captain of the eleventh division and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of the twelfth division and Shinigami Research Institute. Both in their own right were sadistic and insane. “Well I’ve seen my fair share of freaks and insane people so I guess this won’t be any different. Let’s get going then,” Seeing Masumoto coming out of her quarters. As Hitsugaya said Dante was left on his own outside the meeting hall and he had quite a few stares directed at him. One particular female, petite body frame with her hair worn short with two long braids covered in cloth, had a scowled at him and looked ready to kill for the mere fact he existed but she thought better and went in followed by he suppose was her fukutaichou.

One particular tall man stopped and looked at him, with a scarred face and his hair outrageously spiked with bells on the end of them, he instantly wore a sadistic grin. “Ne, Ken-chan what you looking at?” A child with pink hair popped up clinging onto his shoulder; she looked at Dante and giggled, “ohio shiro-chan! Ne Ken-chan, you think he’s strong?” Zaraki nodded, “ah, he’s got definitely got a strong aura about him. Oi, what’s your name?” Dante stared at the man, ‘looks like a thug or leader of thugs but sure as hell he’s got a massive aura about him.’

“Name’s Dante, I assume you’re Zaraki Kenpachi?” Zaraki nodded and drew his sword instantly as the child jumped away and look like she settled into watching a good fight between them, “That sword ain’t for show is it, Dante? Draw it and let’s see how good you are with it.” Just as Dante was about to comply with his request, a woman with her hair worn as one braid in front with the taichou uniform said in a polite but firm voice, “Zaraki-taichou, I hope you weren’t going to make a mess and be late for the meeting were you?” Her voice didn’t have a hint of menace but her eyes betrayed her as Zaraki hesitated and sheathed his sword, grumbling as his pink haired child run after him, “Ken-chan!! Don’t leave me behind!!”

Dante chuckled, as he looked at the woman who had stop the fight before it even started, “I’m guessing a thanks is in order right?” The female captain bowed and introduction herself as Retsu Unohana. She bided him a good day as she walked into the meeting hall. Once again, Dante was left on his own waiting to hear what was going on. Meanwhile inside, Yamamoto was giving a briefing on the recent arrancar attack on Karakura Town. “However what was strange was the appearance of something else apart from the arrancars. It seems that demons were spotted,” a screen was rolled in, which flickered to life showing a hooded figure with a scythe raised over the camera, red eyes were glowing. “All possibilities will be search by the Research department..”

“I think there’s no need to get your researchers all worked up about it,” Dante had decided to walk in and listen in but the appearance of one of the sins surprised him, “a small gateway’s open somewhere in that town and it needs to be closed before it’s widened.” Yamamoto didn’t let his anger get the better of him; he looked at the devil hunter with discontent and allowed him to speak but Mayuri asked, “and how do you know this? How can you be so sure about this theory of yours? How do we know that you weren’t the one who opened it?”

“Professional pain in the ass, aren’t you?” retorted Dante, Zaraki chuckled “Look, I’m a devil hunter who done it for years and I’ve seen that particular demon before. About ten years ago, it’s one of the sins called Pride. If one of them is there, then all seven sins will be somewhere round. I suggest one thing for you, freak-face. Get your boys to start searching the area for a high concentrating of power that’s similar to a gate.” Mayuri was shaking with anger and his hand flew to his zanpakuto. As he was about to draw it, “Mayuri-taichou, is there a problem with listening to someone’s advice for once?” said Yamamoto.

“Whatever,” Dante turn his back and began to walk out, “take my advice if you want. I can’t make you but unless you want an additional problem on your hands. You’ll be looking for that gate and letting me know where it is.” He walked out with Zaraki literally struggling to hold his composure; he had liked the way Dante handle himself. Yamamoto thought long and hard about what to do next when a hell butterfly arrive and was read out by his fukutaichou, “Alert priority one, two high level arrancars have been detected and heading towards Karakura town. In furthermore, several other different spirit signatures have been detected, believe to be the new found demons.”

Everyone looked ready to be dispatched as Yamamoto said, “a expedition force will be sent to assist the representative shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo. Hitsugaya-taichou, Abarai Renji-fukutaichou, Rangiku-fukutaichou, Kuckiki Rukia-fukutaichou, third officer Ikkaku Madarame, fifth officer Yumichika Ayasegawa and the newcomer Dante will go to the real world.” A hell butterfly was sent to the eleventh squad house to inform Ikkaku and a handsome man with feather decorations on his right eye of their new mission. Hitsugaya bowed and accepted the mission as he announces the expedition force to meet at the senkaimon in an hour.

He briskly walked to and told Dante of their mission, “So I’m going have some fun huh? Guess I’ll go to the senkaimon since I haven’t really got anything to pack and all my equipment are good to go.” He jumped over the balcony and disappeared from sight as the taichous and fukutaichous walked past to deal with their own business except for one fukutaichou who stood behind Hitsugaya and hugging him from behind. “Promise me you’ll come back, shiro-chan.” He turned round and kissed Hinamori’s forehead, “Promise, Hinamori. I’ll come back.”

Soon the group of seven fighters walked through the senkaimon into a district of Karakura town. As soon as they landed Dante noticed a strange aura in the air like he’s known this particular feeling before. Hitsugaya was about to call everyone to get into their gigais when Dante cut, “Sorry Hitsugaya, I’m gonna go my own way for a bit. There’s something I want to go investigate.” It wasn’t like Dante would listen to Hitsugaya, just that it seemed politer to ask first. Hitsugaya noticed the strange aura as well, “alright but keep in touch with us,” Hitsugaya threw the intercom to Dante and he wore it on his ear. He nodded and set off south of their position.

“AAAHHH!!! Why is he allowed to go off on his own?!?!?!” Ikkaku exasperated. Hitsugaya turned to him with dead serious eyes, “he’s gonna stand out in the crowd with that ridiculous outfit of his and we’re gonna meet Kurosaki anyway. I’m not sure that it would wise for both of them to meet each other… I don’t know what Kurosaki would do if he met him without knowing that he was on our side.” Ikkaku settled down, knowing that it wasn’t wise to piss off the young captain. They got into their gigais and set off for Ichigo’s school.

Meanwhile somewhere along the riverbank, an orange-haired shinigami is fighting against hooded figures with scythes. “Damn it, they keep coming. What the hell are they?” He noticed that their bodies seemed to be made out of the sand. Suddenly out of nowhere, the demon behind Ichigo got shot to pieces. Dante spun his guns and crossed is his arms as he started firing into the demon horde. Ichigo seemed to be amazed that the rate of fire that this newcomer was going at. “I suggest you don’t just stand,” a gong being struck suddenly filled the air. Out of thin air, with bright blue eyes a massive demon came out with its scythe ready to come down onto Ichigo. He turned to block the strike and was almost overcome by the pressure but Dante came running at the new demon. He kicked the demon in the face and threw his sword into the body, thus pinning it down on the ground as it struggled to get out.

“Geez kid, you wanna start defending yourself more. Never seen anyone so amazed by my skills,” Dante smirked as Ichigo frowned. The huge grim reaper disappeared and reappeared charging at the pair. But Ichigo charged and swung his sword as both the demon and shinigami stood for a second. Suddenly the grim reaper’s scythe and the body spilt into two. Dante whistled as he picked up rebellion, “that’s something kid, I’ll give you that. Never seen anyone else manage to take out a Hell Vanguard like that.” Suddenly Ichigo turned round, still in his battle stance, “Who are you?” Ichigo didn’t like the aura round his would-be helper. It felt similar to the other things he just fought.

“Name’s Dante, kid. Demon hunter and support for the shinigamis.” Ichigo attacked Dante who just managed to block the strike but he could tell this guy had real power as he forced Dante back. “Whoa, kid calm down. I’m on your side.” Ichigo kept attacking Dante, “I don’t believe you! You’re like those demons aren’t you? You’re here to take me out!!” Dante couldn’t believe what the shinigami said, he countered the left strike and pointed the sword at Ichigo’s neck, “watch your mouth kid.” Dante looked at Ichigo in the eye with seriousness.

[Blade X]

There was a tense silence with Ichigo and Dante staring at each other with Dante’s sword pointed the formers’ neck. Suddenly, an explosion rocked through the town and both men who looked at the same direction felt a heavy spirit presence. Ichigo had run off before Dante could look back, “Che, kid can sure ran fast. Guess I’ll have to go over to help him.” Dante drew his pistol with lighting speed and blew out the brains of a Sin that was about to hit him, “Right after I finish you guys off.” He jumped and flip over to see two demons in elaborate light red clothes; he drew his other pistol and let rip a rain of bullets into the gathering demon horde.

Ichigo had been feeling strange spirit signatures all over the place; first with Shinji and that mysterious shinigami presence. He felt like he knew it somehow but he didn’t know whose it was, the second was today with a sort of wanton desire for destruction which was that things he fought. He could still hear gunfire and a small explosion in the direction of that strange he just left. The third being that stranger, his spirit presence felt similar to those things but less of the desire and now the arrival of two new powerful spirit signatures. He had to hurry, ‘something wasn’t right here. People were lying down on their faces.’ He had just arrived in time to stop this huge guy from hitting Inoue with Zangetsu.

“Sorry I’m late again, Inoue.” He looked back at her as she said, “Kurosaki-kun, I’m the one who’s sorry…. If I… If I had only been stronger….” Kurosaki cut her off and told her not to apologize and reassured her that she wouldn’t have to fight the two men in white clothes. He pointed his sword and shouted out; “Bankai!” there was huge column of light, which went up into the sky. Three groups of people saw this: Dante, Hitsugaya and co. and Urahara and co. The third group moved out leisurely while Hitsugaya’s group saw this. “Taichou!” Masumoto shouted, Hitsugaya acknowledged her and told the group to change course. He only hoped that he wasn’t too late in helping Ichigo. Dante couldn’t get away from the constant stream of Sins coming at him. He jumped back and sighed, “Guess playtime’s over kiddies,” Dante smirked and trigger his Devil form as he charged into the group demolishing them as quickly as he could.

The dust had settled as Ichigo’s appearance had changed and he was holding a black samurai sword, “Tensa Zangetsu.” He looked up at his large opponent had dark skinned with long, bushy sideburns and a thin ponytail, but aside from that, he was bald, an odd, ridge-lined cranium and red markings under his eyes. He told Inoue to get away from her and she didn’t hesitate to do so. She felt Ichigo’s spirit power more violent than she felt before. The huge guy asked his partner, pale skin, melancholic look and dark green lines descending from his eyes and wearing the same white uniform but with longer coat tails, if this was him. “Yes, although it’s hard to believe that he was drawn here from such a weak display of power, there’s no mistake. Orange hair, black bankai. Everything checks out perfectly. He is our target, Yami.”

Yami grinned and shouted lucky as he drove his fist to where Ichigo was at but he merely blocked it with his bankai and ask him if Chad’s arm was Yami’s handy work. “You owe him your arm.” His eyes were full of malice as he disappeared and cut off Yami’s right arm. Yami was in disbelief over Ichigo’s ability as they started to attack each other but Ichigo outpaced Yami by miles. His partner had been watching the fight, analyse Ichigo and the information told to him beforehand. Yami was soon bruised and bloodied, “You look a bit worn out, Yami. Do you want to switch?”

“Shut up, Ulquiorra!” retorted Yami as he started to draw out his sword. Ulquiorra questioned Yami if it was worth using his zanpakuto on Ichigo. His retort was the same as he was intent on using but he noticed that Ichigo was holding his face and shaking as if struggling with something inside him. Yami took instant advantage of it as he drove his foot into the mid section of Ichigo. Inoue saw this and run towards him but Ichigo tried to warn her off. Yami merely backhanded her as she flew back; Ichigo was still struggling with his inner hollow, as his body couldn’t move. Yami grinned and was about to land the final blow when a blood red shield blocked his punch. A cheery voice reached Ichigo’s ears, “I’m ever so sorry we’re late, Kurosaki-san.” A dark skinned woman with purple hair and a blonde haired man wearing traditional wooden sandals and a bucket hat in white and green stripes appeared with the latter pointing his slightly wider than normal zanpakuto at Yami.

“One after another…. Are they ever gonna learn their lesson? Well you’re gonna line up like that… That must mean you wanna die first huh!?” He drove his fist towards the pair but the woman had grabbed Yami’s wrist and threw him into the ground. Yami was shocked by her strength and the ease she had done it with. While he got up enraged, both woman and the man were facing opposite directions as he dropped a pouch sack with medicine in it. Yami reached for the woman but she was way too fast for his eye to keep track of her as she smashed her foot into his face and brought both fist down onto his head, causing the ground to break on impact. She tended Inoue who had half her face covered in blood, “Yoruichi-san….”. Yoruichi picked Inoue up and give her some medicine as Inoue asked how Kurosaki was; she said that he was fine. She felt a huge spirit pressure from behind her as she looked at Yami getting back up with his face bloodied and bruised.

“You’re certainly a persistent bastard aren’t cha?” Yami roared and cursed as he opened his mouth wide open. Suddenly crimson gathered into a ball. Yoruichi thought she would have no time to dodge the cero. He released it and a huge explosion lit up the sky. He grinned, “No one come dodge a cero from that close.” The dust blew away revealing a jagged line in the ground beside Yoruichi and Inoue, leading to Dante with Rebellion in his hand walking towards Yami. Urahara, who had tending to Chad, couldn’t get to his partner in time. Yami looked at Dante, “No friggin’ way, what did you do to my cero?” Urahara said, “I assume that whatever you used, it had equal power to the cero.” Dante smirked, “It’s called drive force.” Both Urahara and Dante now stood side by side in front of the women. Yami cursed his disbelief, as both men got ready to fire their respective powers. Dante said, “Fine I’ll show it to you once more, ass.” While Urahara smirked, “As will I. Cry, Benihime” A crimson energy wave erupted from Urahara’s swing as well as a colourless shockwave from Dante racing towards Yami. Ulquiorra appeared suddenly in front of Yami as he nullified both with his bare hands. Both men were shocked by the ease of which Ulquiorra had stopped them.

Suddenly Ulquiorra smashed his fist into Yami’s midsection. He dropped to his knees as Ulquiorra said, “Idiot, you’re getting in more than you can handle. Those two are Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihouin. The other one is unknown to me but he seems to be quite powerful and worth considering. At this rate, we’ll lose unless we escape.” He flicked the air and the area suddenly opened up like teeth revealing dark matter. Yoruichi said, “So you’re going to run away?” Ulquiorra smirked, “You’re one to talk, three fighters protecting two wounded humans and a wounded fighter. The odds are terrible. No matter though, we have accomplished our mission. The shinigami we were targeting has turned out to be nothing more than trash not evenly worth killing.” The teeth like doors closed as Ulquiorra looked down on Ichigo who was on his knees.

There was silence as Dante strap Rebellion on his back and started to walk away when Urahara said, “Thank you for your help.” He had taken his hat off and bowed as Dante smirked, “Yeah yeah,” he waved it off. “Anyways I’m off, party’s died down for now.” He walked off before Urahara could ask the hunter’s name. He turned round and sighed, ‘what a mess, Chad-san injured and Kurosaki-san seems to be somewhere else now.’ He picked up Chad and told Ichigo to follow them back to the shop to rest as Yoruichi picked up Inoue and travel back as well. As soon as the trio had been properly bandaged and now resting Urahara turned to his comrade, “Do you want to sit down and let me and Tessai have a look at your injuries?” Yoruichi let a smirk escaped as she sat down and took off her clothes allowing as Tessai was called in with the medical supplies. “How did you know that I was hurting?” asked Yoruichi.

Urahara responded, “It was just a guess so that I could actually look at your lovely body!” as he dodged a shoe thrown by Yoruichi. He got back up and got serious, “You felt that it, didn’t you? The spirit power flowing from their bodies, I figured that your body might be hurting from hitting the big guy.” Yoruichi flinched as Tessai started massaging her right arm, “It’s like trying to break through twenty feet of solid rock.” Urahara got up and walked towards the door, “Oi, where you’re going?” asked Yoruichi. Urahara said, “Just going to get some food. That’s all.” He took an umbrella by the door as the sky started to rain down heavily.

Dante met up with Hitsugaya and co. he was walking leisurely. Hitsugaya had questioned Dante about everything that had happened during the fight, “Give it a rest will ya? I’m tired and I wanna get some rest.” Said Dante wearily. He had told Hitsugaya not to bother looking for Ichigo since he was being taken care by someone else. When asked who it was, Dante had merely shrugged and continued. Aggravating Hitsugaya further as he gave up and looked up at the sky as he sighed. “I guess it’s no use trying to contact him now. Come on, let’s go find some place to stay for awhile.” Masumoto cheered and grabbed Dante’s arm as she dragged him and the rest of the group to find some place. ‘At least no one died today,’ thought Hitsugaya.

A few days later

Dante stretched as he breathed in the morning air. Everyone was still sleeping, ‘Guess it ain’t so bad sleeping rough.’ The first day in the real world had proven to be quite something a comical scene as Masumoto had only managed to get them a room where they all slept. Arguments over who slept on the bed till Ikkaku had accidentally let his wooden sword slip and it hit Hitsugaya. This didn’t go down well with the captain since he did called Ikkaku bald. What happened next had caused a ruckus, which saw the manager of the motel and break the door in to only witness his room turned into an ice room. The group had no choice but to run away. From then on they were sleeping under the bridge and keeping out of their gigais for the time being.

Dante yawned and really felt hungry, this was the longest he went without eating and needed to get some into his stomach. As he walked to eastwards, “going somewhere Dante?” said Hitsugaya. Dante stopped and yawned, “Yeah as much I love hanging out here with you guys, I need to eat like now unlike you guys. You guys can go without food like a month then you’ll eat.” Hitsugaya smirked and nodded, “go ahead then. Just make sure you meet us at the Karakura High School at 1:30 okay?” Dante waved his hand as he walked off in search for some food bar. Hitsugaya turned to the rest of the group and got ready in his gigai. He proceeded to awake up the rest of the group, particularly more effort into waking up Masumoto.

Soon the group made their way Karakura High School, drawing many stares with good reason. A bald guy with a wooden sword and red paint round his eyes was strange enough or instantly passed off as a gangster wannabe. Renji with his red hair and not well-concealed tattoos would have been also considered as a gangster or generally trouble. But it got stranger as Masumoto looked like a girl in her twenties with her breasts partially concealed with the shirt she was wearing along with a guy with a bowl hair cut with feathers and the short captain who looked nothing more than a middle school kid with white hair. They made their way to where Ichigo was, who looked quite shocked to see them all but even more with the appearance of his compatriot Kuckiki Rukia. She promptly pulled him into his shinigami form and led him away, while leaving Hitsugaya and co. to deal with the lifeless form of Ichigo.

Meanwhile Dante finally found a restaurant to eat in. It wasn’t too crowded and wasn’t too crap either. He drew a few stares due to the presence of his sword but he didn’t really care. He ordered some food and gorged himself like there’s no tomorrow. Just as he was about to start on his next meal, he put his fork down and sighed. The manager was confused by this suddenly stoppage but he jumped as the sound of breaking glass filled the air. Three pride sins had appeared and attempted to slice Dante where he was but all got filled with lead as Dante landed away from his table. “You guys just won’t let me have a meal in peace will you?” Slowly the restaurant got crowded with Sin demons bearing scythes and suddenly jumping at Dante all once but he summoned the power of Cerberus as a ice blue light appeared and ice shards rushed forward impaling most of the oncoming Sins.

The ice broke away as Dante stood up and had a three-part nun chucks linked by a central link. “Been a long time since I pulled out this bad puppy.” He started swinging the nun chucks furiously and suddenly spun himself in the air with the weapon hitting several of the Sins. Soon the floor was covered with sand and turned around with Ebony and Ivory charged with red lighting snaking along the barrels, “Jackpot” whispered Dante as two huge discharges of power burst forward decimating the remaining demons. The restaurant now echoed with silence as Dante holstered his guns and walked back to his last meal of the day. The manager shook in fear about what he just saw. Dante finished and left quite a huge tip as he walked out into the sunshine.

Meanwhile Ulquiorra and Yami walked into a darkened chamber with a man wearing the same white uniform as he sat on what seemed to be a throne. “We’ve come back to give our reports, Aizen-sama.” The room brightened instantly revealing the former fifth division captain, “Welcome back, Ulquiorra, Yami. Please give me your report in front of your twenty brothers and sisters, what you saw and felt.” Ulquiorra removed his right eye and held it in a grip, “As you wish, Aizen-sama” He crushed the eye as it shattered into dust. It seemed that the arrancars and Aizen were inhaling the dusting from the eye. Everyone seemed to do the same; there was some silence till Aizen said, “So you decided not to kill him due to his credulity as a threat?” Ulquiorra nodded and went on to explain how the powers would develop in Ichigo but ultimately destroying him if left alone.

Suddenly an arrogant voice said, “So you guys chickened out then.” Ulquiorra turned his head to see a man with light blue hair, and his eyes have blue/green lines below them, attire consists of a ragged white jacket with black inner lining, sleeves rolled up and collar turned up. “Grimmjaw….” Said Ulquiorra with a hint of contempt. “Regardless of whether he’s a threat or not but if there’s the word kill in your objective then, that guy should be dead.” He continued. “Looks like you got beaten up pretty badly there, Yami. You should have butchered him!” Yami pointed out there were three more fighters in appeared and it was the black woman who did it. Grimmjaw jeered and claim that he would have cut both of them without hesitation. This seem to trigger Yami to rise to his bait but Ulquiorra stopped him, “You should leave the talking to those who do, do it, Grimmjaw.”

Aizen leaned forward and said, “that white haired man in the red coat is quite intriguing wouldn’t you say Ulquiorra?” Ulquiorra turned back to Aizen and nodded, “Indeed, he had an interesting spirit power about him that I never felt before. It was so quietly strong that it felt like he could have possibly force us to draw our zanpakutos.” Aizen raised his eyebrows and responded, “He must have been quite something for you to say something like that Ulquiorra.” Suddenly the room went deadly silent, as there was a presence of new spirit signature in the realm of Hueco Mundo. Suddenly the entrance to the throne room is covered with an appearance of a gate with gothic designs. Soon a troupe of Sins jump through causing a few of the arrancars to request Aizen for clearance to dispatch this new threat but he merely looked on with interest. Then a man walked through the gate with a samurai sword in hand with white hair pushed back wearing a metallic blue coat.

He carried an air of superiority to those round him, something that Aizen seemed to notice. “I, the emperor of Hell wish to speak to the leader of this…. group.” The tension increased between the arrancars and the arrival of the new group who had easily penetrated the Hueco Mundo, which was to be said impossible for other beings to get in. Aizen remained where he was as he said, “I am the leader, Sousuke Aizen. Declare yourself and your intentions.” The leader of the demons looked at Aizen, showing no emotions as he stepped forward but suddenly an arrancar jumped forward to attack him. What happened next was too fast to track but only a few saw the movement. The self-proclaimed emperor had drawn his sword so fast that only three metallic clicks were heard. For a second, time seemed to stop then the arrancar become a fountain of blood as he fell to the ground and disintegrated, only leaving bloodstains on the ground. “Vergil, son of Sparda and emperor of Hell. We both have a common goal do we not? To conquer and rule the world with the power that we, respectively, have achieved.”

Aizen smirked, “So you proposed that we join forces to conquer and bring the world to its knees? You’ve misjudged my objective; I don’t want to conquer the real world. I want to overthrow the King of Soul Society and to achieve that I need to 100, 000 souls to create the key to pave the way to the King of Soul Society. However though, I think that you can aid us and as a reward, the real world is yours.” Vergil kept his composure, “I am no one’s aide nor am I a servant. You help us in opening the gates of Hell on world as we will help you gather souls.” Aizen understood that it wasn’t a suggestion but a statement he merely nodded and asked, “I would like to ask you of one thing, do you this man who has white hair, wearing a red coat, carrying a sword as tall as him?” Vergil seemed to become a statue to the question seemed have a slight smirk. He turned round to go back into the gate but he stop as the other demons went back, “I do know of such a man, however leave him to me. I shall deal with him myself. For now, take this minion with you. He will open the gates for us to come through.”

A flock of bats came through and merged together into a beautiful woman. She was like a Goth but she had an appeal about her, “Is thy bidding, my master?” Her eyes were ruby red with long black and pale skin, wearing a revealing outfit. Vergil merely responded, “Assist these gentlemen in opening the gates for us, Alexia Succubus.” She wrapped her arms round him and played with him, “Promise you’ll play with me if I do this for you, master.” She slowly licked his jaw line and Vergil remained emotionless, “Playful as ever I see. You know what the answer is, Alexia.” He walked on through the gate as it disappeared as Alexia turned round and bowed to Aizen. “This ought be fun eh boys?” She giggled but Grimmjaw, who exercised his self control during Vergil’s appearance, “We don’t need no bitch’s help!!”

Suddenly she appeared behind him with fingers changed into blades, “Mmmmm little boys shouldn’t be so rude.” She held the blades against Grimmjaw’s neck, “or they’ll get punished.” She whispered into his ear. Before he could turn to look at her she was gone and appeared next to Aizen. Aizen raised his hand to calm all the arrancars, “We should honour our guest.” She run her fingers along Aizen’s arm and whispered, “Love to be here for the honour but I’ll be going out to see what’s round the town.” She giggled and disappeared in a flurry of bats as they flew out and disappear. “I swear I’ll kill that bitch!!” Aizen sighed and turned his attention to Grimmjaw’s insolence, “She’s working with us for now, Grimmjaw Jaggerhead. And as such you’ll co-operate with her.” Suddenly Grimmjaw felt heavy and couldn’t turn his eyes away from Aizen’s as he mumbled a yes.

“Good, then once she comes back, I believe that we’ll see how strong Kurosaki is by you leading the next assignment.” He nodded and sulked off out of the chamber room as Ulquiorra in a rare moment questioned his decision over letting Grimmjaw lead the next assignment, “Don’t worry Ulquiorra, he will show us how strong they really are. I do not doubt that Soul Society has already sent more to support Kurosaki since your arrival. I’m just interested in seeing how strong they really are.” Ulquiorra bowed and apologize as he led Yami to have his arm reattached.

Dante sat on the roof with Hitsugaya, since Masumoto forced him to come along and stay with her. “So everyone’s being watch now huh? To protect those closest to you.” He laid back and watched the night sky, it was getting late but he felt something familiar in the air. Like something from home was close but he just shook it off, “Oi, Hitsugaya what do you plan to do after this?” Hitsugaya was puzzled by his question and he rephrased it, “what do you plan to do with that girl Hinamori after this?” The young captain turned bright red and stuttered, having no answer as to the question itself. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t know, I guess it would be nice to live with someone that you love for a long time.” He smiled as he closed his eyes, while Hitsugaya thought about what he said for the longest time.

Meanwhile Alexia appeared somewhere else with the knowledge, “well well, this is interesting. There’re more people with auras round the place than what was reported. Master’s brother is quite handsome but he can never compare to him.” She giggled as she faded into bats and disappeared into the night.

[Blade X]

The night air was still while the sky bore a full moon. Dante opened his eyes and sighed, “Guess time for work soon.” He got up and stretched as he picked up rebellion; breathing the night air, he looked south west of his position and told Hitsugaya to get up and ready. He took off without another word while Hitsugaya changed into his shinigami formed and soon joined by Masumoto. “Taichou …” Hitsugaya responded, “ah …” He drew his zanpakuto as both of them looked at the two arrancars before them. One had a long face and black hair, which is braided and usually hanging over his shoulder. What remains of his mask is on the top of his head, but a portion drops down covering part of his face. The other was in contrast short and quite fat. Suddenly both arrancars disappeared and reappeared attacking both shinigamis. ‘They’re fast…” Masumoto struggled to avoid the oncoming attacks while Hitsugaya had taken his battle to sky. The captain and the arrancar locked swords together, “Arrancar Once, Shawlong Qufang.” Hitsugaya pushed Shawlong back and responded, “Hitsugaya-taichou of the Tenth Division.” Shawlong smirked and charged at Hitsugaya again.

Meanwhile Ikkaku and Yumichika met a very large man, with long red hair; however, half of his hair is black. What remain of his hollow mask are merely the eyeholes, “heh, your day just got unlucky.” He moved to attack the pair but Yumichika dodge it while Ikkaku drew his sword and blocked the fist. It wasn’t enough to stop the driving force behind it as the new arrancar drove Ikkaku through a wall. Keigo who had been passing at the time was shocked and recognized Ikkaku but turned back to see who was shouting. The arrancar took advantage and punched him in the face. Ikkaku got faced and stared at Keigo menacingly, “I got a deal for you, I’ll protect you and get rid of this guy and you’ll let us stay at your place. How about that?” Blood started trickling down Ikkaku’s face as Keigo was puzzled, “huh?” Ikkaku grabbed his shirt and shouted, “It’s a yes or no question!!! Not a huh!!!” Keigo panicked and complied with Ikkaku’s request and he let go as he faced his opponent with zanpakuto and scabbard in hand. “I didn’t catch your name, big man.” His opponent smirked, “There’s no need for you to know my name since you’ll die soon.” Ikkaku sighed and got into his battle stance, “Looks like we have different ways of doing things. We let our opponents know the name of their killers as a final courtesy. If you’re a person who’s prepared to die in battle, then you should want to die knowing the name of the person who’s defeated you.” Ikkaku’s sword shone brightly in the moonlight, “Eleventh Division, Third Officer, Ikkaku Madarame.” He charged towards the arrancar as the night air soon began to be filled with clashes.

Dante had slowed down till he was standing on a rooftop looking out on the river, “How you come out now and let’s talk?” Suddenly bats flurry all round and formed into a single being, she giggled, “my my, at least you’re able to sense my presence. Looks like there’s gonna be some fun, sugar.” Dante smirked, “is that so?” Alexia walked round Dante and she traced his shoulders, “like master….” She whispered and Dante turned round and with his guns but Alexia had appeared on a water tank. “I think its time for a warm-up, don’t you think Dante?” She faded into a flock of bats as the shadows started forming into a black saber tooth tiger. “So you guys are here as well huh? I guess this party gonna get bigger and bigger.” He started letting rip a hail of bullets into a Shadow as it started to shimmer and shot out two spikes towards Dante who dodged it but he didn’t see the second Shadow pounced on him. “Up close and personal eh? Try this for size!” He trigger into his devil form causing the Shadow on top of him to be blown away but recovered. Dante stood up with red electricity snaking along his body while both Shadows now growled and started to shoot dozens of spikes at Dante. He caught the spikes with his hands and broke them. The Shadows ran towards him as Dante did it and slid on his knees under them. As he shot both of the dark creatures’ under belly as they felt the shots go through them. They fell and rolled, there was a low growling as they started to lose their shape and turned red. They rose up and formed a large mouth as it started to lunge for Dante but he caught the jaws just as it was closing on him. He ripped them apart and the dark matter started to dissolve. He returned to his human form and searched for aura, he opened his eyes and ran southwards.

Rukia and Ichigo had just finished off a cocky arrancar but they now felt a heavier spirit presence as a new voice announced, “che, so D-Roy got taken out like a pansy. Let’s see which one of you is strong.” Before Rukia or Ichigo could turn round to see, Grimmjaw had pierced her midsection, “Nope, this one’s weak,” He pulled his hand out covered in blood and shook it off as Ichigo shouted and charged at Grimmjaw who had dodged the swing with still one hand in his pocket. Ichigo couldn’t believe what just happened and decide he needed to finish this fight and get Rukia to Inoue. “Bankai! Tensa Zangetsu.” He charged forward once more to attack Grimmjaw who dodged and grabbed the black blade with his hand. Ichigo was shocked and got thrown four blocks before he jumped up but he saw Grimmjaw at the last second coming in to punch him. Ichigo had shunpo behind to slash him but he blocked the strike and started beating Ichigo. Finally he sent him flying towards the ground. “Don’t freaking depress me like this shinigami! You call that a bankai? All it does is increase your speed, am I right?” Amidst the dust, a swirl of black starts forming and Ichigo sends a Getsuga Tenshou towards Grimmjaw who raises his arm to block the attack as a huge blast engulfs Grimmjaw. The dust clears and a blackened line across Grimmjaw’s body is visible. He smirked, “What the hell was that? It wasn’t included in Ulquiorra’s report, shinigami.” Ichigo grinned, “Was that enough to take care of your depression, Arrancar?” He covered his left eye as he felt the hollow presence within creeping, ‘Shit, not now. Just a little longer.’ Grimmjaw laughed as he drew his zanpakuto, “Finally you’ve become someone worth killing!” Suddenly the ground started shaking.

The other shinigamis who had only finished their respective battles, Masumoto had to restraint Hitsugaya since he was still bleeding badly from his battle with Shawlong while Inoue also tried her best to heal him. Ikkaku smirked, “Guess there’s more fun to be had eh Yumichika?” He was bandaging Ikkaku’s wounds and he could barely feel his spirit pulse. “Ah but that’s going to have wait Ikkaku-san. You need to rest for a bit.” Meanwhile Renji could barely stand but was caught by Tessai, “Can’t have you injuring yourself further, freeloader.” Renji frowned as Tessai helped him back to the shop to be patched while Urahara held himself against the doorframe wondering what was going on. Dante stopped and triggered into his devil form, spreading his devil wings. He sped towards the source of the increasing spirit power, leading him out of town and then Dante saw the same woman before she disappeared, “You wanna tell me what’s your name and what you’re doing here?” Alexia smiled, “name’s Alexia sugar and the fun’s just beginning.” Suddenly the ground broke apart a tower rising out of the ground, Dante was shocked to see it was the same tower twenty years ago. “You shall meet my master soon, he’s eager to meet you Dante.” The sound of her laughter rang in his ears but he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder, “We should go head back first.” Dante turned, nearly Masumoto, “C’mon Dante, Hitsugaya wants to talk to everyone. The captain-commander will want to know what’s happening as well.” He sighed and holstered his guns as he followed Masumoto back to the Inoue’s place.

He looked round and saw everyone was still alive, “Can see some of you guys look like crap.” He smirked so that Ikkaku who responded, “I had a good fight, we still have to have our sparring match Dante.” Hitsugaya sighed while Inoue heal him but What caught Dante’s eye was that the blonde guy with hat and clogs from his first day in Karakura Town. Urahara seemed to notice Dante’s eyes were on him, “Ohio Red Coat-san. Forgive me because I don’t know your name. Or rather you didn’t give it.” Dante smirked and introduced himself. He noticed that Ichigo wasn’t round and asked where he was. Everyone had thought Ichigo was contact but Dante ran out the door to search for him. He could feel Ichigo’s spirit signature and honed in on him. He arrived to see both Grimmjaw and Ichigo staring at the tower, “I don’t blame you if you’re a little scared. That tower there was built on fear.” The next moment an arrancar door opened as Tousen appeared in white uniform but without sleeves. His dreadlocks were loose, rather than his previous tied up style. He put his hand on Grimmjaw’s shoulder, “We’re leaving Grimmjaw. Aizen-sama requires all Espada’s presence.” Grimmjaw cursed and complained but he followed Tousen anyway. Ichigo still unable to tear his eyes away from the tower is brought to earth by Dante, “Yo kid snap out of it. We’ve gotta go now. Hitsugaya’s group is waiting for you.” Ichigo just couldn’t shake off this shiver and asked Dante what he knew about the tower. But he merely remained silent and arrived back at Inoue’s place.

Everyone saw the pair and in particular, Inoue was relieved to see Ichigo alive. He was still holding his Zangetsu tightly as if scared of something. Inoue did something unexpected as she had finished healing Hitsugaya; she embraced Ichigo, which seem to settle him down. Hitsugaya coughed and asked Masumoto to bring in a large screen and it flickered to life with Yamamoto appearing. “Hitsugaya-taichou, you may begin the update.” Hitsugaya nodded but no one really saw that. “So far, there were no deaths during the battles but several casualties. The enemy’s power when ‘upgraded’ had exceeded our best expectations. But they were dispatched quickly after the limit was lifted. The information I had from the enemy would suggest that there’s ten arrancars who are the strongest among them, numbered according their strength. The second order is the Numeros, there are an unknown number of them and I suspect that Aizen can replace them easily. The last thing is the appearance of a tower, no information as yet but I assume that you know something about that tower, don’t you Dante?” He sighed, “Yeah I do know something that that tower. Twenty years ago, my brother and a guy called Arkham raised the tower that was called Temen-ni-gru. It’s a gate to the demon world. I had managed to seal that tower back then, but what bugs me is why is the tower here and how was it raised again?” Hitsugaya looked puzzled but Dante remained silent pondering over what Alexia had said.

Yamamoto cleared his throat and said, “That seems to be round the same time we estimate Aizen to be ready to wage war on us. Perhaps someone from the demon world has approached Aizen and offered them help.” Hitsugaya thought about this hypothesis and agreed, “it’s possible that has happened, but Hueco Mundo is suppose to be near impossible for anyone to get in. Even we shinigamis have trouble finding a path to it.” Urahara had kept silent during the meeting but now Hitsugaya and Yamamoto were looking at him. Yamamoto wasn’t particularly happy about Urahara’s presence but he was more useful than Mayuri was in all honesty. “Kisuke-san, what are your thoughts about this?” He was serious as he pulled his hat down slightly, “It’s highly probable that the two sides have met but there’s a chance both have different objectives. The demon world should have no knowledge about the Soul Society’s king. But Dante-san, I must ask you this, is there a possibility that your brother is still alive?” All eyes were on Dante who was staring out the window at the tower as if trying to see something in particular, “Yeah there’s a possibility alright, as far as I know only four people have some sort of knowledge on the tower. One died, my brother who’s in hell, another human demon hunter called Lady and myself. Vergil’s a tough guy to beat, I would be surprise if he were beaten. If I had to guess, he’s probably the emperor of Hell right now.”

The silence was deafening within the room, only Urahara stood up, “there’s no point in us just sitting about and just thinking. I’ll head back to my shop and rest; it’s been a stressful day. Renji-san, you’re welcome to come back to the shop if you want.” He agreed and went out of the room with Urahara while everyone else was still thinking about the coming war. Rukia got gingerly but still managed to hit Ichigo and told him to help her back his place. Yumichika helped Ikkaku up and went back Keigo’s place. Hitsugaya and Yamamoto start talking about the possibilities, which made Masumoto irritated as she decided to take Dante up to the roof. He was surprised by the gesture but he accepted it. They were just looking at the night sky, “not many stars out tonight.” Dante said. Masumoto agreed, “It’s cause of the lights in this town. Back in Soul Society, you could see stars every night. I would never get tired of them. Back when me and Gin…” She stopped suddenly and said sorry but Dante smirked, “So there was a guy in your life. Beautiful woman like you, you’ve got the pick of the litter. Choosing whomever you want,” Masumoto was about to stop Dante but he carried on, “I guess he’s one of a kind eh?” She smiled and Dante noted it wasn’t lust or her usual playfulness, but it was pure happiness.

But she couldn’t hold the tears anymore; she let the tears fall as she looked away in shame. Dante embraced her, “hey c’mon now, doesn’t suit you, crying. We’re friends right?” She held him close and tight, “But we’re more than that aren’t we?” She looked at Dante with her tear-streaked face as he wiped the tears away. “Masumoto, I think we are but there’s a reason why I’ve been alone for so long. Everywhere I go, people die and I don’t. I don’t know if I can take it when someone close to me dies.” She didn’t care anymore and kiss him on the lips. For the longest time, Dante felt so at ease with Masumoto’s arms round him and her warmth. She finally broke away, “If we don’t take that chance then, how would we know?” Dante smirked and nodded. He was never the type to love someone, flirt maybe but this was the first time he took a woman seriously. “You’re beautiful, Masumoto.” Hitsugaya smiled but stayed out of sight. He thought that perhaps his fukutaichou deserve it. After all she had to deal with the betrayal of Gin, which caused her to go into a sort of downward spiral with her drinking and getting into trouble more often.

The next morning, Masumoto felt like it was a dream, last night. But she saw that Dante sleeping next to her and she smiled, ‘I guess that I’ve moved on. I didn’t know he could be a romantic.’ She kissed him and he woke up as he yawned. He saw Masumoto watching him and smiled, “morning beautiful.” They both got up and got ready for the day ahead. Dante stretched and heard a few bones cracking; Hitsugaya came up to breathe in the morning air. “You look like you’ve healed well, Hitsugaya.” He nodded, “Yeah but I’ve got Orihime to thank for. Her healing abilities have come in handy.” Dante had thought for a second to ask for a sparring match against the young captain but he thought better of it. Hitsugaya began, “we might need more shinigamis in with the way this mission is going. There’s going to be a possibility that demons could start pouring out right?” Dante sighed as he looked at the tower, “Some have already started coming out but there’s a possibility alright. But we’ll have to see what has happened with last night.” Hitsugaya nodded, “I’ll go ahead and see if anything has changed.” He shunpo out of sight as Masumoto slip her arms round Dante’s waist from behind. He could smell the freshness off her. He smiled, as he turned round.

Ichigo had been lying in his bed, sulking about how he had not managed to fight with Grimmjaw evenly. He needed to get much stronger than he was now. Or everyone, especially Inoue and his family could be in danger. He couldn’t stand it if anyone of them got killed. He was resolved to get stronger and left the house without anyone noticing his absence. He came to a warehouse and heard Shinji’s voice as he walked in, “So you’ve finally found us. Must have been searching for us all day, haven’t ya?” Ichigo looked up and saw Shinji and seven other people with swords as well, “With that look in your eyes, you look like you’re determined to become one of us now aren’t you, Kurosaki Ichigo?”

Meanwhile in the Hueco Mundo, Alexia giggled as she watched proceedings below her. Look very much like a trial, “Grimmjaw,” Aizen spoke. “You were given the command of five Numeros and yet you’ve managed to lose them all. However you’ve seemed to have something interesting to tell us.” Grimmjaw in his usual stance, “yeah, you might have guessed he managed to make a mark on me. He’s got some power all right, there’s something about that attack that wasn’t rightfully his. It felt like a power from a hollow.” Aizen nodded, “very well then. That will be all for now Grimmjaw. Ulquiorra, come forward if you please.” He stepped past Grimmjaw and waited for Aizen’s instructions. “I want you to bring that girl. I’ve developed in interest in her abilities. Particularly her rejection of events ability.” Ulquiorra bowed, “As you wish Aizen-sama.” He turned and left while Alexia floated down beside Aizen, “My master wishes to speak to you.” Aizen nodded, “As I do with him, Alexia-kun.” The demonic gates appeared as Vergil walked through. Alexia went to her master’s side as he took her hand kissed it, “Well done Alexia, we have a gate ready to be opened at anytime. As for you Aizen, as promised a legion of demons for you to command and use for you wish.” He turned round but before he left, “Make sure you leave the man in the red coat to me.” Aizen nodded, “He’s yours to deal with as you see fit, Vergil-san.” As he and Alexia left Ulquiorra was called forward once more, “Aizen-sama?”

He smiled, “Zaera-Polo Grantz, step forward” An average-size arrancar with shoulder-length pink hair and reddish-orange eyes with rectangle glasses, wearing arrancar outfit is slightly different from others in that he wears shorter hakama that expose a type of sock covering his shins. His shirt is somewhat different from other arrancar, as well, as most arrancar have some form of jacket instead. The sleeves are unnecessarily long, covering the majority of his hand, and have extra seams on the chest area. He bowed, “Yes, Aizen-sama. What are your instructions?” Aizen leaned forward, “modify the demons’ weapons to collect the souls of those they kill. I’ll be sending them out on absolute destruction mission. Our goal will be much closer.” Zaera-Polo bowed and immediately followed by dozens of Sins and various other demons while Ulquiorra remained silent awaiting Aizen to speak to him, “Ulquiorra, you will carry the assignment given to you during the demon’s killing spree. Amidst the chaos and destruction, take her under the cover of shadow. Ulquiorra bowed and left while Aizen had called forward Tousen who had in his wake a young arrancar, “Yes, Aizen-sama?”

Aizen smiled as he saw the newest arrancar following his left hand man, “Tousen, have Luppi, Grimmjaw, Yami and Wonderwice accompany the demons on their attack. Two weeks from now, we’ll be closer than ever before.” Tousen nodded and left to inform the other arrancars of their new assignment.

[primer81]

that was really good props to you