The Cicada Sheds Its Carapace

Hisashi slowly made his way towards the corner of the room furthest from Harribel and the door.

He was relatively confident in his myriad abilities to keep himself hidden. He also wanted to do his best to protect Harribel, but with Szayelaporro already trying to take action the risk to Harribel was currently likely the lowest it would ever be. Deep down he was also worried that somehow Aizen might still be able to notice him.

A little while later Aizen calmly waltzed into the room. It didn't look like any of the other Espada were going to appear. Maybe some of them were out doing missions or busy with other things. Hisashi doubted many wouldn't show up if called upon by Aizen.

Aizen looked around the room while walking up to Harribel's cocoon. "Thank you all for coming to the awakening of another of our brethren," he said.

When he reached in front of her he must have done something, because a translucent square barrier appeared around her form.

Aizen took out a small pearl like object shimmering with blue and purple and placed it on a space on the barrier.

Hisashi looked at the Hōgyoku with desire, but knew he couldn't do anything at the moment. He wasn't even sure about taking on Aizen by himself right now. Let alone with multiple Espada backing him up. He hadn't fought any of the Espada for him to be sure, but ignoring the weakest ones he would struggle to deal with one of the stronger ones in a one-on-one let alone if they ganged up on him.

When Aizen let go the Hōgyoku it remained there floating mid-air.

He smiled. "Well. Let's get started then. Shall we?" He said.

He stretched his hand towards the Hōgyoku while letting loose his captain-level spirit power.

The Hōgyoku turned pitch black and small black tendrils stretched out towards Aizen's finger.

The moment they connected an even heavier pressure escaped the Hōgyoku causing a stir in the air.

The pressure seemed to redirect towards Harribel's cocooned form. After a few moments the barrier surrounding her shattered into pieces and her cocoon of bandages followed moments after revealing her new form. As soon as she escaped her bindings another wave of pressure passed over them this time originating from Harribel.

The bone like Hollow mask material that armoured her body and formed a large blade on her right arm had disappeared. The only part that remained were the parts covering the lower half of her face with a shark-like jaw, which had become even more detailed, and down her chest covering the upper part of her breasts. Her golden locks that only came down to her ears before now fell all the way down to the middle of her back.

The only things on here were a sheath and Zanpakuto in the form of a short sword held in each hand. The core of the Zanpakuto's blade was empty leaving only the sharp edge, guard and hilt which had a katana-style purple silk wrap on it.

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She stood up revealing her full form and looked at herself without saying anything. She finally settled on her sword. She nodded to herself seeming satisfied with what she saw. She carefully sheathed her Zanpakuto and looked around the room.

Hisashi couldn't help, but be a little mesmerised. Aside from the few pieces of mask remaining she was completely in the nude after the transformation. None of the others seemed to pay it mind, but he still had most of his human consciousness and was going on a three decade long dry spell. The stimulation was a little too strong for him.

In the end it only further stimulated his desire to regain his human form. Aizen had taken so much from him. His family. His friends. His happiness. His future. He was slowly clawing them back one by one and he would continue to do so.

Hisashi smirked noticing Nnoitra's trembling fist and intent glare at Harribel. It was clear he was barely able to contain his stirring emotions after it became obvious their plan had failed.

Grimmjow seemed equally agitated for entirely different reasons.

Aizen smiled at Harribel. "How do you feel new comrade?" he asked.

She clenched and released her fist. "Good," she said.

He nodded and turned to walk away. "Everything seems to be in order. Menoly is waiting outside. When you're ready she will take you to receive some clothing. You can put in an order for something more to your liking," he said.

Once he left the others started moving.

Ulquiorra left like he had arrived, without saying anything.

Aaroniero gave her a curious look, but also left without approaching her.

Grimmjow sneered, but didn't say anything as he left first.

Coyote gave her a respectful nod, but didn't approach her and left instead.

Cirucci went up with her with an excited smile. "Congratulations on finally becoming one of us. Got any plans for celebrating?" She asked. Her smile seemed somewhat wooden though.

Harribel shrugged lightly. "Probably spend it with the others," she said.

Hisashi could see Cirucci's smile grow more strained moment by moment.

She did her best to keep her expression positive. "Well let me know if you need anything," she eventually forced out before quickly leaving, likely to not blow up on Harribel on the spot and ruin what little chance she thought she had.

Nnoitra just stood there the whole time unable to decide what to do, but even he left eventually leaving Harribel alone.

Harribel looked around the empty room, but eventually shook her head and left. Even after leaving she wasn't able to notice Hisashi as he left the room following closely after her.

Menoly was indeed outside waiting for her. She gave a short polite bow to Harribel who was now ranked no lower than herself. "Follow me," she said. It seemed she didn't intend to say more as they passed through the halls of Las Noches once again to take care of Harribel's apparel.

They gave her a basic outfit that looked like an inverted white version of the Shinigami's Shihakushō. She did end up ordering an outfit very similar to what he was familiar with from the series.

Once he made sure she made it back to Nelliel's palace he sighed in relief. 'Now to actually go do my missions I'm supposed to be on,' he thought, walking out of Las Noches for a final time unseen by anyone.

-X-X-X-

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