The Nueva Espada

Chapter 21:Preserved Roses

Isane Kotetsu's breath nearly matched the sound of her footsteps

She dashed through the Seireitei, holding the mangled body of her Captain

Her captain's body and face were mangled by the one she called her brother

But kind of sick individual would do this to their sibling?

She would never lay her hands on Kiyone this way...even if she was her enemy

Using whatever reiatsu she had left, she began to shunpo

Only to be halted as a familiar face appeared infront of her

"H-Hanataro?"

The Primera Nueva Espada maintained his footing as he deflected yet another blast of Ukitake's zanpakuto

Everytime he fired off a Cero, it would be returned no matter what

Hearing a few faint cries from the injured Cuatro Nelliel, who was trying to explain what his Zanpakuto did but the Arrancar had already long figured it out

"Reiatsu attacks are useless, I should avoid Cero's and resort to physical attacks"

Taking his own advice, the bat arrancar charged forward, lance in hand

Ukitake, noting the Espada's new strategy, quickly raised his blades to defend himself

Intercepting and parrying his opponents lance with one blade, he quickly raised his other to strike but Ulquiorra quickly hopped to the side, taking yet an other swing with his lance that was once again parried

Attempting to stab Ulquiorra with his one free blade, Ukitake lunged forward and jabbed his blade towards the arrancar but a quick Sonido meant that he hit nothing but air

The arrancar appeared behind the Captain, his lance angled as if to straight through the Shinigami's chest but Ukitake, repeating the Arrancar's actions, shunpo'ed far out of the way

"I'm impressed" Ulquiorra stated as the captain appeared a good 20 ft in front of him "You are much stronger than I anticipated"

Ukitake chose to not respond to that statement

"But make no mistake, I did not underestimate you" The arrancar stated "I am aware that you are one of the most senior captains of the Gotei 13, to hold that position for so long proves that you must have proficient in the art of war"

"I have fought my fare share of battles if that is what you're implying" Ukitake stated

"And the fact that you were pushing Nelliel to her limits and winning proves that you are a substantial threat" Ulquiorra stated as he lifted his lance "But that does not mean I am giving up by any means"

"Surrendering may save your life" Ukitake replied

"I have no means of surrending...or letting you win, Resurreccion: Segunda Etapa"

"Damn it" Grimmjow panted as he used the wall to support himself

He was still badly injured from his battle with the captain of squad 11, he could barely stand, every breath he took was filled with copper-like taste of blood, his joints and muscles ached like he had been stabbed by millions of needles

"Shit" he weakly muttered as he fell to his knees

"Come on..." he growled at himself "I'm not done yet...it's gonna take more than one fight to put me down, I'm the king damnit"

The blue haired arrancar gritted his teeth as he painfully willed his body back to his feet, more blood dripped out of the corners of his mouth

He began to pull himself forward once more before he heard the faint sound of footsteps