Part 7: Arrancars Vs. Soul Reapers, 2-1

*Pant* Hah!

Too slow!

Such a nice sword. But it's a real shame that it only looks sharp.

I shouldn't have bothered dodging it.

Grh...

Ah... Hrr...

Ichi...

Are you...Nel?

*Gasp*

I thought it was you. That scar gives you away.

Boy, you've really let yourself become all shabby, huh?

Tell me. Does your mask throb after it's been cracked? Haha.

Hrr... *Whimper*

What's going on here, you bastard? How the hell do you know who Nel is?

I wonder...

What possible reason would you have for coming back here again? Did you bring her here, Soul Reaper?

Don't bother. I can tell from your expression that's a "yes." Funny you've been dragging her around without ever knowing who she is, huh?

What? What do you mean?

Well, if you don't know, I'll tell you.

You only know her as Nel. But her full name is Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck.

She's a...former Espada.

!!!

Surprised, huh? So all this time you thought she was a helpless orphan.

Such ignorance! You've all been tricked by that little witch.

It's a lie. Nel could never be an Espada.

It's not even possible.

Oh?

Stop all this joking around and start telling the truth.

Don't try to tell me you've completely forgotten your past.

Nel knows it. Nel knows all her past. Nel didn't forget. Nel could never be an Espada.

Heh.

You know I haven't seen you in quite a while, but to me it's obvious that you're as devious as ever.

You've got them all tricked into believing you really need help. So why did you come back here? You must have a reason.

Did you come here, looking like you do, to finally settle things between us?

No. Nel doesn't have a purpose. Everything's been...

It's all been fun for Nel until now. Really! Nel remembers it all as fun!

Nel still wanted to be with Ichigo and everyone else too! It's just Nel didn't want to say goodbye to them.

Quit with your heartfelt story. This little kid thing you're trying isn't working. I've blown your cover. Your lying is over.

I've heard enough.

Nel...

Ichigo...

Nel never lied to you! Never! Ichigo, please believe Nel. Nel would never lie to you.

We know you, Nel.

Of course you wouldn't lie to us. No need for crying.

Hah!

Perhaps you really have lost your memory of the old days. I mean, it's possible.

After all, I did split your head pretty well back then. Maybe you couldn't avoid losing your memory after that.

Hold it. You said you split her...head?

I did. I'm the one who did it to her. I'm the one who cracked her skull.

She always annoyed me. You're becoming almost as annoying as she is.

That's why I threw her out of Las Noches after I was able to sneak up behind her and split her skull open.

Don't you even touch her!

You shut your mouth!

Grh... Ah...

I hate your kind. You just keep attacking even though you know you don't have a chance to win.

Now let's end this, Soul Reaper.

Gahh!

Ichigo...

Ichigooo!!!

Are you sensing this, P-Pesche?

Yes.

I remember this. This Spiritual Pressure I sense...

That's definitely it. This Spiritual Pressure, it belongs to Master Nel.