History
Piraeus, 804 years ago
The Duke was anxious. He was waiting to find out what happened. Duke was not any duke, but the ruler of mighty Duchy of Athens. He came to Piraeus when he heard that his sister began to gave birth. His sister was married to his best friend Count of Piraeus, and she was giving birth for the first time. So of course he jumped on the horseback and rushed to the Piraeus. He wanted to know whether the heir will be born. You see, duke was no ordinary man. He was a member of Holy Archers (known also as Quincy),and even though he lost his powers, he was still one of the most influential people in organization.
However, he needed his sister to give birth to a son, as that would result in very powerful Archer, because the child will be of joint blood of both great Archer families. The child would inherit powers from both families, and be very, very powerful. With these thoughts, he arrived into a castle courtyard. Servants took his horse, and duke went straight up into the main keep of the castle. He knew that it is the place where he would find the Count. So he went up into a main corridor where Count´s quarters were, hoping he will find him there. But he didn´t, and servant that was passing by told him that the Count is in the eastern tower, where the Countess was giving birth. Duke went there without hesitation.
There he was. The Count. Jean Lagross, one of the most respected members of Holy Archers, one of the less significant leaders in Fourth Crusade, so he didn´t receive his own land to rule, but Duke gave land to him for. After all he could not let his best friend without land. The count himself was tall, strong man, who took pride in the fact he never touched any weapon but a bow in his entire life, as opposed to Duke, who has taken up the sword after loosing his powers.
"Hugo, my friend! I´m glad you made it. I want you to be here, to witness the birth of a child that will be the most powerful Archer ever!", said Count. Duke laughed. His friend haven´t changed at all. But those word were far to serious, so he replied: "We´ll celebrate after the child is born, and and confirmed to be a son." "Whatever. You´ll see, it will be a son.", Count replied. This argument could last forever, but old woman, a nanny of the Countess, came out of the room. She said: "God blessed you sire! You have a son! You may come in, bot you can´t stay for too long. She needs a rest."
Both Count and Duke went straight in, eager to see the boy. Countess was laying down on the bed, but in her hands was a baby. Perfectly healthy, strong baby. Countess said: "Come, Jean. Take your son." Count came and took the boy into his arms. But his face immediately became frustrated. He returned the boy to his mother, and said to the Duke: "He is a failure! He has no powers!"
"Perhaps. But he has some big inner strength, I can feel it from here.", said Duke. This was not what anybody expected, but now they could only play along. but then, before anything could think what to do, Countess spoke. "He is not a failure! He is my son! And from now on, he will be known as Arhellai Lagross, son of Jean Lagross."
Piraeus, 796 years ago
Arhellai was a lucky boy. He spent years of his early childhood exploring the city and playing in the castle. he listened stories about far lands from old sea dogs in taverns and stories of glory and warfare from old veterans in castle barracks. These were his first education, thanks to being pretty much free from his father´s control, he learned Greek too, as his mother taught him French.
As for his father, he never cared for Arhellai. Arhellai has already given up on searching for a reason of fathers coldness, and accepted that this is just the way God made things. So he spent his early childhood in both playing and enjoying his freedom, as father neither started his education nor ever even asked about Arhellai.
But one day, a summon came. From his father. Arhellai was wondering what did he messed up, so father wants to see him, but he didn´t have too much time for thinking, as he needed to appear in the main hall immediately. So he changed his clothes and went straight there. Arhellai actually liked that old main hall, as he always felt humble when he entered it, because that old main hall was somehow monumental, epic, or at least Arhellai thought so. He has been there on quite a few occasions, but never while his father was here.
But now, his father was sitting on his chair on small pedestal, where he would usually be sitting while judging, thinking, or whatever the Count does. Now, his father was looking at him, carefully following every Arhellai´s move, as Arhellai approached him. Then he spoke out: "Young man, you have been acting inappropriately. Don´t think that I am a fool, and that I don´t know about your wandering around the city, mixing yourself with those barbarians."
"They are not barbarians.", the worlds slipped past Arhellai´s mouth. Damn it! I should keep my mouth shut, thought Arhellai. But before he could say anything to fix the situation, his father spoke out again: "You SHALL NOT interrupt me while I speak. You seriously lack some education, young man. That is the reason why I am sending you to Athens, to Duke´s court. He will accept you, and hopefully, you will get some proper manners and education there. You leave today. Oh, I almost forgot. Your mother is pregnant. You shall soon have a brother. Leave now!"
So that´s it. I´m gone now. Why?, asked Arhellai himself while his nanny was packing his thing, as he had to leave today. Later that day, he was already riding his pony, slowly traveling to the Athens. The future was unsure, at best.
Athens, 788 years ago
Attack. Block. Parry. Then all again.
Arhellai was panting. He couldn´t even hold his sword properly. His mentor though, was very pleased. After all, Arhellai even had more talent than he had. "Impressive. You lasted six hours without fainting. Do not be disappointed. After all, you are only sixteen."
"Still, it is not good enough, Duke. I am still unable to defeat you. being able to fight for six hours means nothing.", said Arhellai. Duke then started to laugh. "You´ll soon understand just how important it is to be durable. Even more after the Normans arrive.", said Duke while sheathing his sword. "Normans? Why would they come here?", asked Arhellai.
"It´s plain and simple. I called them. Greeks will attack us now that they fought off the Saracens. And even though I did everything I could to strengthen us, we still lack strength. And Byzantine forces are already gathering for a new war. Against us.", said Duke. "Don´t worry. We will win. remove that sad look from your face. You should be pleased. You will have the opportunity to train with, and perhaps fight side by side with finest warriors from all Europe."
"Well, that would be good, Duke. After all, I still got much to learn.", replied Arhellai.
"You? Much to learn? Don´t make me laugh, boy. I taught everything I know. The only thing you lack is experience, and you can get that from Normans. Add a few battles, and you will be a complete warrior. The finest one around here.", said Duke angrily. "Now go, and rest. No training tomorrow, as Normans should be here by then. Leave now!"
Athens, 784 years ago
Arhellai was riding into the courtyard. He finally returned. After four years of struggle, Byzantine forces were pushed back. Forces of Duchy have won. But the price was too high. Of sixteen thousand people that were sent to fight off invaders, only three thousand were alive, and roughly half of them were uninjured. Normans also suffered serious losses. They lost six hundred warriors of two thousands that they had. But Arhellai had no time to think too much about the war and the fallen warriors. He came to Athens to tell the Duke news personally. Duke has been informed of victory of course, but he knew nothing about total losses.
So Arhellai calmly, walked into throne room, where Duke could be found during afternoon. Arhellai slightly bowed, in respect for Duke´s age, and then spoke: "You heard about our victory in the war, that I am sure of. But, do you know about anything else?"
"You mean about our terrible losses? Or our burned villages? You might be referring to deaths of my generals? Forget it, young man, for I know everything.", said Duke. "But, we have other things to discuss. First of all, you are now probably the most skilled warrior in my ranks, as you are trained to unbelievable extent, and you have gained lots of experience. Most of old veterans haven´t seen what you have. Second, you became nightmare for all fathers in this country. Don´t try to play stupid. I know about all of your night visits to various young ladies. But go now, and rest. Tonight we will talk about more pressing matters."
As Arhellai entered the room prepared for him, he was falling to understand the thing Duke said. More pressing matters. What can be more pressing than terrible state of Duchy? What did he mean by that? Arhellai just couldn´t understand.
Later, just after sunset, Arhellai went down for a feast. He sat on the chair prepared to him, on Duke´s right. Duke smile when Arhellai sat, and spoke to him: "Eat and drink boy. After this is over, and all are either drunk or asleep, we will talk." Duke has no need to tell it twice. Arhellai enjoyed to drink. After all, he spent last four years with Normans, and they were rarely sober, not even while fighting. So he started to drink, occasionally stopping to eat a piece of venison. It was already well past midnight when Duke left room, and Arhellai immediately followed him.
Duke went onto a highest tower. He was watching the stars when Arhellai approached him. Duke turned towards Arhellai,and started to speak, with noticeable concern in his voice: "Tell me, Arhellai, have you been seeing demons lately? You know what I mean. The creatures with skeletal masks on their faces, and holes in their chest." Arhellai was shocked. He thought he was the only one who could see those monsters. "Yes, I have been seeing them. Not only lately. Ever since I was a kid, i could see them.", he replied, with his voice shaking. Duke then slowly said:"Then I have much explaining to do. Listen carefully, for I shall say this only once."
* * *
Arhellai was shocked. Demons, Monks of Destruction (note: Quincy means Monk of Destruction), and their counterparts among nobility, Holy Archers. Everything was so confusing. But Arhellai wanted to ask one thing. "You say that I do not posses power, but only inner strength. Is that the reason why my father is so cold towards me?" "Yes,that is the only reason.", Duke replied, with a dash of sadness in his voice. Then he turned, and walked away from the tower.
Early in the morning Arhellai rode out through the southern gate, headed toward Piraeus. He wanted to clear thing up with his father. After a half-hour ride, he arrived at the gates of his father´s castle. He hasn´t been here for twelve years. The guard at the gate did not recognize him. But when Arhellai said his name, guard bowed, and started to beg for young lord´s pardon, as he left as a child, and returned as a man.
Arhellai simply said: "Never mind that. Just open me the gate." Guard immediately complied. Moments later, Arhellai walked into a main hall. His father was of course there, talking with few of his councilors. He raised his head to see who is bold enough to disturb his morning consultations. he was obviously shocked when he saw Arhellai, as he dropped papers that he has been holding on the floor. Arhellai smiled, and greeted his father: "Hi, Dad, I´m back."
Arhellai´s father only said: "You?!", with fear obvious on his face. Could this mighty warrior be the brat that possessed no power? Yes, he could sense it. There was no power, but Arhellai´s inner strength was overwhelming. Plus, his warfare experience and skills probably surpasses his own. Count was thinking fast. What if he came to remove mo, to repay me from sending him away? What should I do? What?
"Do not be afraid father. I am not here to make revenge against you." After a brief pause, Arhellai continued: "I am here to hear you apology. from your mouth. After that, will probably never see each other again. Oh, yes, I´ve heard about your plan to leave everything to your second son. You can do that if you want. Duke has already granted me the land greater than yours, and 13 villages on top of that, with a castle. So, your land does not interests me. Only thing I want is an apology."
"I am sorry, my son. So sorry.", said Arhellai´s father, as tears started to slide down his face. "Please forgive me. For I made a terrible mistake. I should never let you out of my sight." "Never mind, Father. Goodbye. Next time we see each other, one of us will be dead, and other will be mourning him." With those words, Arhellai left the hall. Soon he left his father´s castle, fully free of the burden he carried for his entire life, of the burden that increase last night, when Duke explained everything to him. Free, Arhellai rode out to his new destiny. After all, he had his land, and was one of the Duke´s vassals. He could pretty much do whatever he wants now.
Derkheliios Castle, 780 years ago
The things were going smoothly for Arhellai during the last four years. He married a local nobleman´s daughter, and settled down. His wife was pregnant, and Arhellai hoped that he would get a son. Everything was perfect. Almost too perfect. One day Arhellai went out to hunt. He hunted for a two days,and then he decided it is about time to return back to the castle. He wanted to see his wife. Ariana was the center oh Arhellai´s life. He could not imagine his life without her anymore. That is why he refused to become Marshall of the Duchy, which would make him supreme military commander, when Duke offered it a year ago. That is why he gave up on his soldier life. Because of her.
It was not long before he entered his castle. He had a bad feeling. He could not explain why, but it was there. So Arhellai hurried. He run into the main hall, but Ariana wasn´t there. So he ran to the bedroom, but she wasn´t there either. So Arhellai yelled: "ARIANA!!!!" But no response came. Arhellai was running around the castle like mad. Eventually he ran into a maid. "Where is she? Where is Ariana!?" The maid was scared. A lot. It was clera sign that something happened. "The lady had a premature. Nor she nor the baby survived."
The Arhellai was hit with those words as if they were sword. He fell to the ground, his body twisted in pain. It was over. His life was over.
Mountains in Epirus, 778 years ago
It was no good. The army was lost. They had no idea where to go. It was going to be winter high in the mountains, as they had no way of finding a path towards their territory, and they could not descend down in enemy territory. Arhellai was among them. After Ariana died, he decided to die. But it was sin to take his own life. So he decided to die in battle. For that reason only he became Marshal. When Byzantines declared war on them, everybody was afraid. Except for Arhellai. He actually wanted it to happen. And after some battles, mostly defeats, he ended up here. But Arhellai did not plan to let the Byzantines butcher up his people. So he decided to do one thing. Arhellai rallied his men, and spoke out to them: "Men! We have two choices. we can sit here and let them butcher our families, or we can attack them, and erase their army from the existence. I say we strike at them, and don´t let them make a single step on our land." Two hours later, they were moving out. It was time to show those annoying Byzantines their place.
* * *
The battle was bloody. The Byzantines did not expect attack on their own territory. But, unprepared as they were, they gave strong resistance. Arhellai was wounded three times, and was severely bleeding, but he had no intention of giving up. His horse was already killed, so Arhellai fought on foot. But he could not keep on going forever like that. Suddenly, he fell to his knees. So this is my limit? , asked Arhellai himself, as he fell to the ground. He felt that his life was leaving his body. Arhellai only whispered: "Ariana...", and then the dark fell.
Soul Society, 638 years ago
Arhellai was dead for 140 years now. He was not any kind of Zombie though. He went to the Soul Society. And there he spent the last 140 years. Arhellai´s appearance has been changed, as he looked just like any other Rukongai resident. But there was one strange detail. Arhellai always wore a katana with him. It was with brown handle and golden hilt, with black blade and silver edge. What was more strange is that he found it with himself when he woke up after appearing in Soul Society. Arhellai sensed that this katana, somehow, belongs to him.
His life in Soul Society was not that interesting so far. He spent his days drinking and gambling, quickly getting into fights, and not caring for the tomorrow. After all, time was the only thing he had left. It was only his to spend. So when one day Arhellai entered his favorite inn, he never imagined that his life will be drastically changed. Arhellai sat on his usual place, and the usual company gathered to gamble a bit. Since they were one man short, they had other one join them. That guy was a Shinigami, and most people felt uncomfortable in his presence. But not Arhellai. he was guy like any other. There was nothing special about him. He had katana. So did Arhellai. They gambled for a long time, getting very drunk in the process. But, when Arhellai got sober relatively quickly, even though he continued to drink, Shinigami was dead drunk. So, after loosing a good amount of Ryo, Shinigami stood up, and accused Arhellai for cheating. Arhellai kept his cool: "Sit down and play if you want to, and leave if you don´t. But don´t you dare insulting me or anybody here, or you will suffer the consequences, regardless of your Shinigami status."
But it was too late to salvage the situation. The Shinigami was already enraged. He drew his Zanpakutou, and yelled: "Scorch, Ikigasi!" Everybody fell on the floor from the effects of this guy´s Reiatsu. Except for Arhellai. He was just relaxed as he was before. But now he stood up. Arhellai unsheathed his katana. He knew how to use a sword, so it was not a problem for him. Those lessons from the Duke are precious. , thought Arhellai. Bu there was no more time for thinking. The Shinigami slashed at him, hoping to kill Arhellai instantly. But Arhellai dodged it, and easily blocked another one, and then counterattacked, making a big cut over Shinigami´s torso. The Shinigami certainly became sober after a few more clashes, as he realized that this guy was not some thug, but a skilled swordsman. So he used his Shikai power, shrouding his katana in green flames. But even that gave no Effect. Shinigami was shocked. Who the fuck that guy was?
On the other hand, Arhellai was growing tired of this battle. So he decided to end it. He slashed at his opponent, and instantly in the middle of it, changed the direction of the blade. Shinigami had no chance. Arhellai just killed him. Arhellai then left the inn, just to find himself surrounded by a group of Shinigami. Shit. He could not hope to fight them all at once. But he had no other choice. Before anything occurred, one of the Shinigami stepped in front of the others. He said: "Leave him to me." Arhellai took his stance, but then suddenly, a burst of Reiatsu erupted, and darkness fell on Arhellai´s consciousness.
* * *
When Arhellai woke up, he was in the cell. Two other Shinigami were nearby, talking. Arhellai listened to their conversation. "Hell, this guy is strong." "What, him? Gotta be kidding me!" "No, I´m serious. He took down 3rd Seat with no trouble. They are trialing him now." "How, when he is here?" "I don´t know, but the Captain personally left for the trial." Arhellai was shocked. Not by the fact that he has been trialed, but with the fact that he killed 3rd Seat. Well, that means one of two thing. Either I´m strong, or he was weakling. I hope that it is the first one. But he didn´t have much more time to think about that, as the Shinigami that he saw back then approached the cell. He said: "Well, you´re lucky. Father, who is this squad´s Captain has saved your life." Arhellai asked:"How is that?" The response came after a few moments: "The jury wanted to execute you, but they left you a chance to live. If any Captain of Gotei 13 would be willing to vouch for you, and keep an eye on you, you could live. And Father vouched for you. Anyway, that is why I am here. He wants to see you."
Few moments later, he was in a big office, and serious man sitting at the desk was looking at him. Then he said: "What´s your name, young one? You must have some. and hurry. I need it to fill out the paperwork. Replacing 3rd Seat takes a lots of it." Replacing third seat? Arhellai could not believe it. But he kept his dignity and said: "Arhellai Lagross, Duke of Derkheliios, son of Jean Lagross, Count of Piraeus." Arhellai used his titles form Human life, hoping to impress this man. "Hmm. Noble. And not just that. Human noble. But that doesn´t matter here, young man. Because you are not part of Soul Society´s nobility like me, or my son. Let me introduce myself: Ueno Wang, Head of Ueno House."
Arhellai was shocked. He tried to toy with the Head of Ueno House. No wonder why he failed. It is obvious why this man was not impressed. He was high nobility, one of Four Families. Arhellai was thinking what to do, but was interrupted: "Since you killed my 3rd Seat, it is only natural that you take his place. So get around barracks, get to know squad members. As from tomorrow, you will start training to become a Shinigami. Oh, and you´ll need this." With those words, he threw Arhellai katana. Arhellai immediately recognized it, as it was his own. So he stepped out of that office, and went on the way of becoming a full fledged Shinigami.
Soul Society, 438 years ago
Arhellai was in a hurry. He wanted to get to the Captain´s office as fast as he could. Today, he was getting his first assignment in the Human World. After all, that is what he trained for during the last 200 years. As that is how he spent them. Captain and Vice Captain were training him together, and Arhellai turned out to be natural talent. He was already as strong as any Vice captain. He obtained Shikai before about 180 years. But he was never given assignment in the Human World. Sure, he went there on a few short missions, but he was never given assignment because he lacked proper experience. But Captain decided he has seen enough to be trusted with it, and Arhellai happily accepted assignment. It was a good opportunity.
When Arhellai entered office, both Captain and Vice Captain were in there. Captain said to him: "Well, it was about time you shown up. You gotta hurry,as you are going to miss the Senkaimon opening. Oh, and you are going to India. Go now, and hurry."
India, 432 years ago
Arhellai was panting. His training just ended. well, it was more like a battle, as he had to take one one hundred fully armed warriors alone, bare handed. It took him some time, but he succeeded in the end. His gurukkal was pleased. Arhellai reached level that would usually take a whole life to reach, in just six years.
Arhellai´s assignment in India was rather easy. He fought off Hollows, but since they were low in numbers and mostly low-level ones, he had a lots of free time. So he became one of the students of a local gurukkal (meaning: guru). Arhellai spent the last six years learning the local martial art Kalaripayattu. He actually mastered it. But it was time for Arhellai... To go home.
Soul Society, 338 years ago
Arhellai grew much over the last 100 years. He went on numerous missions and had a few more assignments. He used each one to improve himself, learning more. In India he learned Kalaripayattu, Wing Chun in China, and mastered Kendo, Kenjutsu, Battojutsu and Iaijutsu while in Japan on assignment. He advanced a lot. So he decided it was time. Meikai no Hanshu agreed with him. It was time for Arhellai to obtain Bankai. It was time for the try. Arhellai was already capable of materialization, so he only had to defeat Meikai no Hanshu. So one night, on the Squad´s training grounds, he decided to give it a go.
So Arhellai concentrated, and small, tiny guy with blonde hair, covered by white cloak and hood, appeared in front of him. He said: "Well, you gotta give your best, or you die. These are the rules, you must use that sword that you are holding, and defeat me with it. As for me..." With those, a sword materialized in his hands. It was the form of Shikai, thing that Arhellai also used. But this was different. His Zanpakutou said: "Orkizomai stin Styx, ego tha sas nikisoume."
Arhellai was terrified. The Styx, his strongest technique. And something frightened him even more. Maikai no Hanshu said: "But this time, there are no drawbacks or limitations." Of course, Arhellai immediately engaged, knowing that this will be tough fight. The fear left him, and he was confident that he could pull it off.
***
Arhellai was panting. It was hard. Hard to breathe, hard to move, hard to fight. But Meikai no Hanshu had no mercy. He attacked Arhellai immediately, and Arhellai barely managed to evade the slash. He was thinking how to defeat Meikai no Hanshu. The fight continued for some time, mostly because Arhellai wanted to buy himself some time. And then he realized it. He had to stop Meikai no Hanshu from swinging his sword around, so Arhellai could strike him. He immediately got down to making that plan work. He used Shunpo to get in front of him, and only a second later, he felt sword stabbing him. Meikai no Hanshu took the opening. But that moment it was over. Arhellai swung his blade once, ending it in single strike. Then the sphere of black energy surounded them both, and then imploded. When it imploded, Meikai no Hanshu was no longer there, just Arhellai. And thirteen big swords made of black energy. "Bankai. Meikai no Kan´nushi."
Soul Society, 210 years ago
Arhellai was sleeping, as he desperately needed the rest after he returned from the Human world. The last mission was really exhausting. They were chasing an Arrancar, but he was managing to get away for nearly two months now. So Captain ordered Arhellai´s group to return, and sent out another one, led by Vice Captain, to continue the hunt. But, Arhellai only slept for a two hours, when a member of his squad entered room, looking rather concerned: " Arhellai- dono! Captain wants to see you right away. Please, come with me." Arhellai wrinkled. There goes his sleep. But, even in bad-mood as he was, Arhellai realized that whatever this is, it must be important. So he dressed, and went with Shinigami to the Captain´s office. There, he me Captain in grim mood. What happened?
Captain raised his head, and spoke out, his voice shaking: "They disappeared. Their Reiatsu is nowhere to be found. Squad 13 is headed there now. I fear... the worst." Arhellai understood it, and was rather shocked. What in the name of God attacked them? But he kept his cool on the inside, and just said: "Calm down, Kapetánios. Our tracking sensors just got some interference, or they hid Reiatsu. You will see, they will be here in a minute." Arhellai was trying to calm Captain, but he didn´t believe in his own words. It seemed that things were really bad.
Half hour later, Arhellai was in front of Senkaimon, to meet the Squad 13. The Senkaimon opened, and then they stepped into Soul Society. They were wearing stretchers, and bodies on them, all covered by white fabric. Captain of Squad 13 approached Arhellai and said: "I am very sorry, but the news are not good. They are all killed. No... not killed, slaughtered. What could possibly do that?" Arhellai fell on his knees. All of them... Even Vice Captain.. Dead... He barely managed to get back on his feet with the help of Captain. Captain said: "Don´t say anything to Wang. Old Lightning will probably have Captain´s Meeting arranged, and tell him there. So please, keep your mouth shut." Arhellai complied, but made one request: "Reopen the Senkaimon. I am going to investigate a bit on my own." Squad 13 members looked at their Captain, but he just nodded and left, probably to see Old Lighting. Arhellai, on the other hand, decided to go and see what he can find in Human World.
As soon as he stepped out of Senkaimon, Arhellai could say one thing. They were ambushed. By one enemy. The Reiatsu leftovers were clear on that. But Arhellai could not determine whether they were attacked by Hollow, Vizard, or Arrancar. The Reiatsu was rather messy, making it impossible for Arhellai to clearly determine the species of owner. But, since a battle happened here, and this guy obviously didn´t care about masking or hiding it, Arhellai was able to follow the trail rather easily. It led him to a meadow. There, Arhellai met up with his culprit.
The culprit was a Hollow. Arhellai could sense it´s power. It was Adjuchas, if not even Vasto Lorde. It looked like a satyr, with goat legs and horns. Actually, his whole head was covered in a mask which looked like a skull of a goat. Arhellai drew his Zanpakutou, and released Shikai immediately. He knew that there was no way to fight this Hollow just like that. The Hollow stood up, and said: "If you wanna live, than you will leave. I already ate some Arrancar today, so I´m not interested in more food." That enraged Arhellai: "You are gonna die for such words, Hollow!" "I am not a simple Hollow, Shinigami. I am Magnus Wonderwizz." , Hollow responded. That response was the thing that probably saved Arhellai´s life. If Hollow said nothing, Arhellai would just slashed at Hollow, filled with rage, and would almost certainly lost his life. But Hollow´s responce gave Arhellai time to calm himself a bit, so he replied: "I am no ordinary Shinigami either. I am Arhellai Lagross, Third Seat of Squad 6. I am the man who is going to kill you." After that Arhellai slashed forward, knowing that this fight is going to be tough.
***
Arhellai was laying on the ground, panting. He was really tired. But he was still pleased. The bastard got away. Probably off to Hueco Mundo. But it doesn´t matter. He can´t survive those wounds. Then he got up. It was hard, as Arhellai was wounded, but he managed to do that. Arhellai had one spare Hell Butterfly. This was time to use it. There is no way he could wait for Squad 13 to get here and pick him up. So Arhellai opened Senkaimon, released his Hell Butterfly, and stepped inside. He hoped that he will make it in time for a funeral. After all, he respected his Vice Captain a lot, and was deeply grateful for his tutelage. He hoped that he would one day repay this debt, but now, it wasn´t happening. That is the reason Arhellai did this. Chasing and killing the culprit was the least that he could do.
***
The funeral was sad. No, not said, heartbreaking. Captain was obvously broken, and the Old Lightning was standing next to him, helping him to stand, as Captain Wang was barely able to. Arhellai was one of those who spoke. He held his speech, but he never finished it. He stopped in the middle of it. Arhellai was not able to continue, as he started to cry like a child. He knew that he once again lost a family member, a brother. Why? Why all of those that associate themselves with me die? Why my beloved ones always die? But those questions remained without an answers.
***
A few months after the ceremony, Vice Captain of Squad 9 approached Arhellai. He asked if Arhellai would take the vacated spot. Arhellai replied: "Why?" Vice Captain said: "Well, there are rumors that you reached Bankai, so taking that spot would ease you getting a Captain spot one day." "I have no intention of becoming one myself. I have sworn to die serving under Captain Ueno." And that ended the conversation.
Soul Society, 126 years ago
Arhellai was the first one to be notified. As Captain was nowhere to be found, and since Arhellai was acting Vice Captain, he was the one who would be notified. Squad 7 was currently busy somewhere else, taking care of a lots of Gillian, led by three Adjuchas, so Squad 6 was supposed to take care of this. Arhellai was reading a note, and then stood up, and commanded: "Be ready to move out in half hour. I will send you a message where, and when." The things were serious. Arrancar in Soul Society. That was emergency. So Arhellai moved out alone, but remained in contact with Seireitei. He could feel this Arrancar. He headed right there. When he got there, Arhellai easily spotted Arrancar. And he was shocked. He only managed to say: "Ariana?"
"Oh, so you are here at last, Arhellai. Long time no see, husband." Arhellai could not believe his eyes, nor his ears. It was impossible. Ariana... An Arrancar. That is some mistake. What shocked Arhellai even more more, is that she she drew out her Zanpakutou and attacked him. "You were not there with me when I died. I gathered all of this power for single purpose only: to make you pay for leaving me to die alone, and to give you as much suffering as I did. You are going to die here, Arhellai Lagross."
***
Arhellai was panting. Things weren´t going good. He was injured, and he was forced into using Bankai. On he other hand, Ariana used her Ressureccion, taking a form of a succubus. Arhellai was out of options. Plus, he didn´t really want to klll her, but he had no choice. So he made up his mind. Just like the oath... Until death separates us, and shadows fall in between us. Arhellai decided to end it now. He felt sorry for Ariana, as she was about to die again, but she won´t die alone this time.
Arhellai leaped forward, straight towards her. He reached her, and hugged her. Her claws were ripping off his flesh, but that was nothing. Arhellai planned to end it once and for all. All of thirteen Bankai blades flew in at terrifying speed, stabbing through both of them. Then Arhellai said: "Forgive me, Ariana. Apofasi tis Tartara!" A huge explosion blasted, consuming everything inside half a mile radius.
***
Arhellai woke up three months later, in Squad 4 compound. He was gruesome and sad. He couldn´t believe it. She died alone... Again. Arhellai could not decide what to do. He went through emotional turmoil, but he made up his mind at the end. Arhellai decided to serve in Gotei 13 as he has done by now. All, to honor her name.
Soul Society, 1 year ago
Arhellai remained 3rd Seat of Squad 6 for all this time. He was older and more powerful than any officer, easily being on Captain level. But he still refused to take on the higher rank. Arhellai was in Squad 4 Barracks, recovering. He got seriously injured when Arrancar invaded Soul Society. Even though the invaders were defeated, Tercera Espada, who was leading attack, took down many Shinigami before retreating on Primera`s orders. Suddenly, a member of Squad 4 ran into his room, and told him: "Lagross-sama, please. You have to come with me. Ueno-taichou is brought here. He is in heavy condition after fighting with Tercera Espada. He will not make it. He wants to see you." Arhellai jumped on his feet, and rushed towards the room where they placed Captain. On the door, he nearly bumped into Nakatomi Kamuyamato, current Captain-Commander. Kamuyamato only said him: "Hurry, boy. He doesn´t have much more time left."
Arhellai slowly, quietly entered the room. captain was laying on the bed, pale in face. It was obvious that he suffered terrible injuries. Before Arhellai said anything, Captain spoke: "Come closer, Arhellai. I want to share something with you. I am dying now, I know that very well. And I am leaving my family without a head. I want you to know that I never separated you from my son, and that I loved you both equally. But, since he is on the other side, and I will join him soon, I want you to inherit my honor,and my name. So from now on, you shall be known as Arhellai Ueno Lagross, son of Ueno Wang. Also, I arranged everything with Kamuyamato. You shall soon take the Captain Exam, and be promoted to the Captain. So you can take Squad 6, and prevent Ueno House from being headless."
Arhellai was shocked. He felt on his knees, his eyes filled with tears. But before he could said anything, Captain raised his voice: "Leave now. Allow me to die in peace." Arhellai left the room, knowing that it was the last time he was the Captain, man closer to him than a father.
***
Three days passed since the Captain Wang´s funeral. Arhellai was standing on his grave, mourning. But also, he hoped that he could somehow get advice from his Captain, despite the fact that he was "on another side". But, instead of Captain Wang, Arhellai heard a voice inside of his head. Meikai no Hanshu. "So, what are we doing now?" "I thought a lot about this. I am leaving Squad 6. Squad 8 is also Captainless. So I will take that opportunity. I am attending the Captain Exam tomorrow." "And what about Captain Wang´s request of you taking position as Squad 6 captain and the Ueno Head?" "Not happening. If I would claim those, then I would reveal that he adopted me. And then, it would cause inner fighting among Ueno Family. I highly doubt that they would just give a power to me, for I am just a stranger for all of them. So I will simply keep my real name for myself, and take position as Squad 8 Captain."
It was that simple. Arhellai already decided what to do next. Being a Captain was next challenge before him. So filled with energy, and yet calm, he turned and walked down the road... Towards new challenges.
