Author Notes: I claim no rights or anything associated with the Bleach series and/or its characters. This story is completely my own idea as it is told from Ichigo's point of view. Some of the characters maybe a bit OCC so please don't hate! Please leave me your comments and reviews telling me what you think. Thanks!

OC characters: I claim no rights to any of the OC characters that I am using as they belong to other readers on fanfiction.net whom are allowing me to use them with their permission. Sasori belongs to ultima-owner, Ienzo Viristio belongs to Antex-the Legendary Zoroark, Rey Tiburon belongs to dark machines, Akira belongs to Akira Namikaze, Sjach Votastrix belongs to my daughter Christiana, and Phoenix belongs to me. Check out my deviantart page for pictures that I have done of Phoenix.

Key Guide: "regular speech", 'thinking to ones self', (translations), *mental speech*, italic-spirits/zanpakutos speaking, bold-hollows/Arrancars speaking, bold italics-attacks

Twenty Two- Ichigo's fraccion

It had been a week since we had brought Orihime back to Hueco Mundo. At first Sasori didn't appreciate the extra work I had given to him on looking after not only Nell but also Orihime. I had questioned Orihime if there was a way that her Shun Shun Rika (6 princess shielding flowers) could revert Nell back to her original form. Orihime activated her power allowing the six fairies to fly about the room. Nell chased them as they carefully looked over Nell. Sasori sat quietly watching me and Orihime.
"Not unless Orihime knows what the original form of her body is." replied Lilly.
"Sorry Ichigo. I thought for certain that I would be able to help you out." replied Orihime sadly.
"Ichigo-sama why are you so determined to return Nell to her original state?" Sasori asked. I had learned that Sasori had the power of puppetry as he used hollows and Arrancars alike in battle refusing to get his hands dirty. Aizen refused to acknowledge his skills. Sasori since then has had a distrust for the man. I had opened up to my fraccion telling him that I was actually a spy for the Seireitei. I ran my hands through my hair sighing softly.
"Sasori I told you not to use the honorifics with me. Ichigo is just fine. I need Nell back at her original form as I have a feeling that Aizen will make his move soon on the Seireitei. The Seireitei has acknowledged that not all hollows and even Arrancars are evil. The only Espada that I have learned to trust is Ulquiorra as he has begun to open up and show emotion since meeting Orihime. I can't help but to worry about Aizen's goals as he views himself as god. He will use anyone or anything just to get what he wants." I reply.

Suddenly someone knocked on my doors. I opened them to see a one armed Grimmjow along woman who had similar markings as Grimmjow as she had crystal blue eyes. She had shoulder length crimson red hair and light tan skin. She had what appeared to be a jaw remnant belonging to a fox. She wore a outfit similar to Grimmjow's but her top was closed but it showed off her hollow hole was in her abdomen.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, Lord Aizen requests your presence and bring your human." growled Grimmjow.
"What's a matter Grimmjow? Did you do something to upset Aizen or was it Kaname who took your arm?" I asked sharply. What I said pissed off the Arrancar that was with Grimmjow as she pulled her zanpakuto out of a crimson sheath with golden claws spilling over the sides near the top. Her zanpakuto was a short sword as two bodies one fox the other a cat laid on the guard as their tails protected her hand.
"I won't allow you to speak to Grimmjow-sama in such disrespect! Bring down hell.... Oni Kitsune (demon fox)!" she snapped out causing her zanpakuto to glow bright red unleashing her resurreccion. White armor covered her body as her jaw remnant transformed into a crown that sits on her forehead. A large bushy tail much like a fox that was crimson in color extended out of her tailbone. Sharp blades lined her shins and lower arms. Her ears became vulpine much like a fox. Her teeth grew out become fangs as claws lined her hands. The markings that surrounded her eyes lengthened as the stretched covering the tips of her ears.
"I don't know what I said to upset you but I will gladly put you in your place." I replied.
"Go ahead Akira show him your power!" Grimmjow stated. Akira smiled wickedly as she dashed forward.
"Cero Oscuras (black hollow flash)!" snapped out Akira. A large black cero formed at her finger tips as she fired it at me. Quickly Tensa Zangetsu formed in my hands as I used my reishi to cut her cero in half. I quickly grabbed Akira as I pushed her outside of Los Noches.

"Now we can fight without destroying all of Los Noches."
"Oni Kitsune Tatsumaki (demon fox tornado)!" snapped out Akira as she unleashed a powerful blast of wind at me.
"Getsuga Tensho (moon fang heaven piercer)!" I snapped unleashing a blast from my zanpakuto. It clashed with Akira's attack. Akira looked shocked that my attack was able to cause hers to sky rocket to the heavens.
*Seriously she has no clue to whom she is dealing with does she?* asked Shiro.
*I think she does but I don't think it bothers her a bit.* replied Tensa.
"Damn you..... Oni Kitsune Moretsu (demon fox firestorm)!" called Akira as she unleashed a powerful fiery wind blast from her zanpakuto. I could feel both Shiro and Tensa pouring their energy into me.
"Kuroi Getsuga (black moon fang)!" I snapped unleashing a powerful blast from my zanpakuto which caused my attack to destroy Akira's attack. "You are definitely strong Akira but I don't have the time or the patience to deal with you right now. Saigo No Getsuga (final moon fang heaven piercer)!" I cried out unleashing a powerful blast from my zanpakuto catching Akira in the blast. The attack hit Akira had as she fell to the ground. I quickly flash sonido over to Akira to see her revert back to her human form. I decided to spare her life.
"Wait!" called out Akira. I turned to her as she rose to her feet. "Allow me to serve you Ichigo-sama. Your power is far grater than even Grimmjow-sama's."
*I say let her. We can use her as she certainly is strong.* replied Tensa in the back of my mind.
"All right then Akira, wasn't it?" I asked as she nodded her head "You will have to obey my orders no questions asked. My first law is that you don't have to refer to me by title. Just Ichigo is fine!" I reply as Akira nodded her head that she understood.

Later on I was wondering down the halls with Akira by my side as I came upon a training arena filled with many Arrancars as a young slightly muscular woman stood in the middle of the room. She stood to be at least five foot ten inches tall. She had light tan skin and long elfin ears. Her appearance reminded me of books I have read about elves and drow. The only thing was instead of yellow or white hair, hers was red as it fell to her knees in length. She had a mask fragment that was in the form of a flame as you could still see her dark golden hazel eyes through her mask. She wore a slightly broad shoulder dress that was cut above the knees. The dress opened up from the base of her neck down to her waist exposing her hollow hole which was located in her rib cage. A long sword was strapped to her side. I watched from the doorway as she over powered any male Arrancar that fought against her.
*Her skill and strength can prove useful to us.* Shiro stated in the back of my mind. I watched as the female Arrancar stood up glaring at the fallen Arrancar before her.
"There is no one here that can best me in battle. Not even an Espada." she claimed.
*Proud ain't she? Or is she just that confident of her skill?* asked Shiro.
"Phoenix how come you haven't become a fraccion yet if your skill and power are this strong?" asked an Arrancar.
"Because I will only serve an Espada if they can best me in battle. Many of them won't even attempt to fight me as they think that I am a waste of their time." she answered.
*That sounds like a challenge to me King. Perhaps you should put her in her place and show her true power.* Shiro stated.
*Shiro for once we agree. I could use an Arrancar like her. I would love to see her skills and power in battle for myself.* I replied stepping forth. "I will take that challenge." I stated as I told Akira to wait for me at my chambers. "Tell Orihime and Sasori that you know follow me."
"Are you certain Ichigo-sama?" she questioned as I shot her a glare. Akira nodded her head as she took off.

The Arrancar parted before me a bit shocked. Phoenix smiled as waited for me to enter the arena.
"It will be an honor to fight someone of your caliber Ichigo-sama." stated Phoenix with a smirk as she rushed at me pulling out her zanpakuto. "Nenshou Shuuha (burning wave)!" she snapped unleashing a wave quite similar to my Getsuga Tensho (moon fang heaven piercer). I quickly dodged as Tensa Zangetsu formed in my hands. Seeing my zanpakuto materialize caused Phoenix to smile. Phoenix dashed forth as our zanpakuto clashed in a shower of sparks. "To-chi Kaen (torch blaze)!" she called out causing the blade of her zanpakuto to emit a blinding light.
"Clever.... but you have to do more than that to stop me. Getsuga Tensho (moon fang heaven piercer)!"
"Kaijin Tate (ash shield)!" Ash surrounded Phoenix like a shield protecting her from my attack. But she underestimated the power of my Getsuga Tensho (moon fang heaven piercer) that it destroyed her Kaijin Tate (ash shield) wounding her. By now my vision had cleared up from her To-chi Kaen (torch blaze). I could hear her curse to herself underneath her breath.
"Burn to ash.... Gogyou Mikon (wild fire)!" shouted out Phoenix as her mask fragment broke transforming into fire as it surrounded her changing her into her released appearance. Phoenix's body shrunk down to be four feet five inches tall as she looked more childish in nature. Short red bangs framed her face as the rest of her hair became fire. Her eyes became much larger but still retained their dark golden hazel color. Her outfit changed as it transformed into an armored top with broad shoulders that stopped at her waist. Her legs were now pure fire as her released appearance reminded me of a fire elemental. "Chiyu Arai (healing fire)!" she called out as fire spread to her wounds healing them instantly. "I won't allow you to beat me." she growled as a cero began to form in her hand. I could feel her combining the power of her zanpakuto into the cero. "Hinotama Bakufuu (fireball blast)!" snapped Phoenix as she unleashed a powerful cero fireball straight at me.
"Kuroi Getsuga (black moon fang)!" I snapped unleashing a powerful blast from my zanpakuto. I had cut her attack completely in half.
"Why won't you release?" she asked angrily.
"It's because my resurreccion is far different from yours. I won't need to release to handle the likes of you. Saigo No Getsuga (final moon fang heaven piercer)!" I unleashed a far more powerful blast from my zanpakuto as Phoenix tried to use her Kaijin Tate (ash shield) to protect her but my attack shattered not only her shield but also her release transforming her back to normal. I lept pinning her to the ground as my blade slammed down an inch from her face. "It's over Phoenix. I win!" I replied before I got off of her. Phoenix knelt in front of me sheathing her zanpakuto into a red orange scabbard with gold flames at the end. The hilt of her sword was red as it had a gold capped end. The gold guard to her sword had a dark red gem in it.
"I..... Phoenix will pledge my allegiance and loyalty to you Ichigo-sama." she stated humbly. My hand landed on her right shoulder causing Phoenix to look up.
"Please rise Phoenix and you don't have to refer to me by title." Phoenix nodded her head as the two of us left the training arena heading towards a bar within Las Noches.

We entered the bar as I wanted to treat Phoenix to a drink and to get to know her better. A slim, lean built young man sat at the bar flirting with several young female Nuermos. When he saw us enter he waved us over to come join him.
"Do you know him?" I asked Phoenix.
"Rey Tiburon. He likes a good fight as much as the next person. He very calm, friendly, and generally a nice guy when he isn't getting drunk or flirting with women." Phoenix answered. Rey had messy shoulder length black hair and piercing emerald green eyes. His shihaksho was a standard attire as it looked a bit similar to Ulquiorra's. His mask fragment was a jaw belonging to a shark that he wore around his neck. Both Phoenix and I went over to join Rey.
"Phoenix my love how have you been and who is your young gentleman guest?" asked Rey.
"Whatever it looks like to you it ain't that way." snarled Phoenix sharply.
"Ichigo Kurosaki. Espada number zero." I stated extending out my right hand. Rey took it shaking it with his left.
"Rey Tiburon. So your the vastro lorde that I have heard so much about. No offense Ichigo-sama but you don't appear at all what I have heard about you." I smiled at Rey as I took a seat next to him as Phoenix took a seat at my left.
"I guess that I have to take that as a compliment. Tell me Rey.... are you under anyone's charge for a fraccion?" I asked. Rey downed his drink looking at me and Phoenix.
"Wait a second you mean to tell me that he bested you in combat Phoenix?"
"Yes it is sad to say true. He didn't even have to release in order to beat me. You know how I am Rey, I will not blindly follow anyone until they prove themselves to me. Ichigo has earned my loyalty." Rey looked at me as I took a quick slug of water listening to the two of them talk. The look of shock stretched across Rey's face.

"So Phoenix how do you know Rey?" I asked.
"Training partners. Not once have been able to best Phoenix in combat." replied Rey.
"So Rey about the question that I asked. Are you anyone's fraccion? I am looking for a few good Arrancar to join my team." Rey proceeded to scratch his jaw thinking over my proposal.
"If Phoenix trusts you and sworn her loyalty to you then you must be very special and powerful. I don't understand why a vastro lorde such as yourself needs for any fraccion."
"I have my reasons as I can't reveal them here. I will only tell you if you agree to follow me and put your trust within me." I replied. Rey sighed softly as a soft smile caressed his face.
"Why do I have feeling that whatever you are planning Ichigo will change Hueco Mundo and Los Noches to its core? You have my sword and pledge Ichigo Kurosaki." stated Rey. Now I had at least five Arrancars that had sworn their devotion to me.

Once again I was summoned by Aizen as he detected a power close to my own. I was sent out to bring this hollow to become an Arrancar for Aizen's army. I quickly left Los Noches heading for the menos forest. Even I could feel and sense the power myself as it felt too similar to my own.
*King do you think its possible that you may not be the only human hollow here?* questioned Shiro.
*I didn't even think it is possible. But if this hollow is definitely the same as me then all the more reason to why I must recruit them. They will understand me better than anyone else.* I reply. When I entered the menos forest to have the menos retreat away from me. I could definitely feel the presence belonging to an adjuchas within the forest.
"Who are you and why have you come here?" growled out a male voice.
"I mean you no harm. I have come to seek you out as I was sent here." I called out.
"By the one who calls himself lord over us no doubt. I will not join him as I refuse to serve a man who sees himself as god! Gancho Toxicos (toxic hook)!" cried out the voice as I am hit by poisonous energy that is similar to the bala (bullet) only much stronger. My reishi flared out like black fire protecting me from the attacks after the first one hit. "You feel different from the others. Even the menos seem to fear you."
"It's because I am a vastro lorde. My power far exceeds Aizen's as he doesn't control me. I am my own being as I fight to ensure that my family and friends back home in Karakura are safe." By now an Arrancar who was as tall as Ulquiorra stepped out from the shadows. He wore an outfit comprised of red feathers that had dark purple markings on it. He wore a pair of tan pants which is fastened to the outfit by gold motifs. His mask covers about half of his face from the head to his lip as it looked like a demonic bird. I could only see his left aqua blue-green eye because the other was covered by his long messy steel blue hair that falls down to his chin. The rest of his hair seemed to frame his face with only a few strands hanging loose around his face. His skin was a light Caucasian color as around his waist hung a rapier within a red sheath. Attached to the golden hilt that looked like an eye was chains similar to the ones that was attached to Tensa Zangetsu and wrapped around my arm.
"I thought that I was the only one who could remember what it was like to be human." he stated in shock.
"What is your name?" I asked.
"Ienzo Viristio. May I ask how did you become a hollow?" asked Ienzo.
"My mother was killed when we were attacked by a hollow. When he tried to attack me while I was a spirit to devour me, I had transformed into the form that you see as I killed the hollow." I answered. Ienzo began to relax in my presence as he told me that almost the same thing happened to him as he was killed by hollow who returned back to Hueco Mundo but his presence took over the hollow. He still retained his memories and emotions. Ienzo agreed to come back to Los Noches with me if I would allow him to become my fraccion. Of I agreed.

Once we entered into Los Noches I found an injured Arrancar laying leaned against a wall. He looked badly injured. His creamy pale and pointed ears like an elf but no where as long as Phoenix's. Blue green hair that fell to his shoulders in length. He wore tan bandages wrapped his arms beneath black gloves on his hands. Blood dripped from his left eye. He wore a mask that covered part of his face of the right side as it had a jagged red mark running through it as attached to it was a tan sagmented horn. He wore a sleeveless white shirt with black lines running down the middle and around the sleeves. He had a pair of black pants with white lines running down them as white belt straps circled around certain parts of his leg. I couldn't just leave him there as I had to help him.
"Ienzo help me with him as we are going to bring him back to my chambers. I have two healers that can help him." I tell Ienzo. The Arrancar did as I asked as we picked up the injured Arrancar bringing him back to my quarters. Orihime gasped in shock at the state of the injured Arrancar as she began to treat his wounds using Soten Kisshun (twin sacred return shield).
"Who would do something like this?" she asked.
"Grimmjow." answered Akira. Everyone turned to the woman as she explained that Grimmjow would threaten his fraccion that if they ever displeased him that he would kill them. "His name is Sjach Vorastrix. He used to serve Grimmjow. I don't know what happened to make Grimmjow attack him in such a manner." stated Akira. Orihime treated his wounds carefully as he now had a scar running through his left eye (similar to Allen Walker's scar from the D. Gray-Man series). Once his wounds were fully healed Sjach began to regain consciousness opening his slitted lime green eyes.

"Where am I?" he asked slowly sitting up.
"Safe and amoung friends. I found you badly wounded in the halls as I brought you here to treat your wounds." I reply.
"Thank you Ichigo-sama. Allow me to repay my debt to you by becoming your fraccion." stated Sjach.
"Only on one condition Sjach......"
"No titles. Ichigo hates it!" my fraccion stated suddenly. I simply shook my head.
"Exactly!" I state as Sjach agreed to my terms. Now I had at least six fraccion and one former Espada who all allied themselves to me.