Ch102- Rejoice!
A sudden influx of Reiatsu washed over him, interrupting his musings. "Ichigo is going all out, isn't he?" He chuckled lightly, recognizing the distinct blend of Shinigami and Hollow energies. Without wasting a moment, he moved with high-speed, leaving the confines of Starrk's room and arriving at the edge of Hueco Mundo.
The scene that unfolded before him was one of sheer chaos. Ichigo, in his Hollow mode, was engaged in a fierce battle with Ulquiorra, who was in his second form. The air around them was thick with the intensity of their fight, a storm of Reiatsu swirling wildly.
The left side of Ichigo's face was transformed to resemble that of his inner Hollow, White Ichigo. His left eye had a black sclera and a yellow iris, and dark streaks ran down his face and neck, converging at a single, forward-pointing horn on the left side of his head. His Zanpakutō’s larger blade was a startling white, its stark color a testament to his Hollowfication.
Opposite him, Ulquiorra was a figure of menace. His second form was nothing short of terrifying - a winged beast draped in darkness. His slender, bare torso was decorated with black patterns, stretching down from his Hollow hole. His waist was shrouded in black fur, mirroring the fur that enveloped his arms and legs. A fur-lined tail swished menacingly behind him, used as an additional appendage in his battle. His hands were tipped with claw-like extensions and his feet resembled talons. The changes extended to his eyes as well, the irises of which were yellow, while the sclera had turned a haunting green.
The two young women stood huddled together, their eyes wide with shock and fear as they beheld the spectacle before them. Yuzu, her typically gentle features drawn tight in concern, clutched the fabric of her shirt nervously. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of confusion and terror as she watched her elder brother engage in a fierce battle.
Karin, on the other hand, wore an expression of betrayal and disgust. Her jaw was clenched tight, her fists balled at her sides. Seeing her usually carefree and reckless brother as a fearsome Hollow, the very creatures they had been taught to fear, was a harsh reality to face.
Just as their emotions were threatening to overwhelm them, a familiar figure appeared next to them. His sudden appearance startled them, their heads jerking up to meet his gaze.
"Kai!" they exclaimed in unison, surprise and relief flooding their voices.
Kai offered them a reassuring smile, his hand gently coming to rest on their heads. His eyes were calm, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos. "What's up with the sad faces?" he asked, his tone light in contrast to the tension in the air.
Yuzu was the first to respond, her small hand reaching out to point at the raging battle. "Is that...our brother?" Her voice was small, almost hesitant as if she feared the confirmation.
Kai simply nodded, his gaze moving to the battlefield. "The one and only."
Karin, however, still looked troubled. A flash of distaste marred her features as she looked at her transformed brother. "He...he's a Hollow?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly.
Kai responded with a gentle pat on their heads, his eyes softening. "What difference does it make?" he began, his words slow and measured. "Who says Shinigami are good and Hollows are bad? Your actions decide your nature, your nature does not decide your actions."
His words hung heavy in the air, leaving the girls in silent contemplation. He continued, his voice steady. "There are plenty of Hollows that fight against the urge to devour innocent souls. And there are enough Shinigami and Humans that are worse than Hollows. Don't you agree?"
The girls stared at him, an awakening understanding in their eyes. It was only a few months ago when their lives had been thrust into the world of the supernatural. They learned the horrifying truth that their mother had been slain by a Hollow. And here they were, bearing witness to their own brother evolving into the entity they had been recently taught to dread. Despite this, they recognized Ichigo, not as a monster, but as their beloved sibling.
"He is here to save you and protect you. Does anything else matter?" Kai concluded, his words resonating with a profound truth. He offered them a reassuring smile, the warmth in his gaze grounding them amidst the turmoil.
Yuzu nodded, a determined spark igniting in her eyes. "You're right," she murmured, her gaze softening as she looked at Ichigo. "He's still our brother."
Karin, although still somewhat troubled, managed a weak nod. "Yeah...you're right." She clenched her fists, steeling herself. "He's still Ichigo."
Satisfied with their responses, Kai let his hand drop, standing beside them as they watched the fierce battle ensue. There was a newfound determination in their eyes, their faces set with resolve as they cheered for their brother.
The atmosphere was tense as the final battle ended with Ulquiorra disintegrating into thin air. The shockwaves of the clash still resonated in the surroundings. Dust particles gently floated downwards, covering the desolated landscape like a light snowfall. The figure of Ichigo, their brother, once transformed into a dreadful Hollow, now stood before them as the same gentle soul they'd always known.
As his transformation faded, so did the menacing aura that surrounded him. He fell to his knees, wincing as if he'd just been relieved of a great burden. His eyes, full of pain and regret, sought his sisters. He was visibly concerned about how they perceived him, having just witnessed his terrifying form. But to his surprise, Yuzu and Karin didn't retreat. They dashed towards him, their faces lit up with relief and gratitude.
"Ichi-nii," Karin's voice cracked as she threw her arms around him, her stern demeanor melting away. "Thank you."
Yuzu followed suit, her tiny arms wrapping around him as she murmured, "Thank you, Ichigo."
The warmth of their embrace eased the lingering tension in Ichigo's body. His face softened as he returned the embrace, tucking them close to his chest. He let out a sigh of relief, the sound barely audible over the breeze. Glancing over the top of their heads, his gaze met Kai's. There was gratitude in his eyes, a silent thank you for helping his sisters understand and accept his transformation.
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