The Brotherhood Space.
"So, you plan to spend the next hundred thousand years in the Seventh Parallel Universe?" Ninja Ren asked.
"What else can I do? I'm not exactly keen on staying in the First Parallel Universe to play with apes," Super Ultra Ren shrugged, looking helpless.
The other Rens nodded in understanding. Compared to the chaotic nature of the other universes, the Seventh Parallel Universe was a veritable paradise.
Ninja Ren mused, "I wonder if it'll be like last time—one year for me, a hundred thousand for you."
Super Ultra Ren laughed. "Who knows? Honestly, I suspect this space exists beyond time and space entirely. I might see you in a few decades next time I enter, or it could be tomorrow."
"That's a bold and likely accurate guess," Scientist Ren nodded. "This space doesn't just allow our intersection; it lets us share our powers and knowledge without conflict between systems. 'Beyond time and space' barely covers it."
Scientist Ren added dismissively, "Don't overthink it. What's our rank right now? Our strongest is only at 4.5 Black Holes. We've got a long way to go before we uncover the truth of this place."
The reminder sobered the group. They weren't exactly cosmic deities yet, so there was no point in wasting energy on puzzles they couldn't solve.
Super Ultra Ren smiled. "Then let's skip the space-time physics. I'm going to spend the next hundred thousand years eating, drinking, and having fun. Unless I hit a massive breakthrough, I probably won't be visiting much!"
"Envious."
"Plus one."
"Hahaha! These are the fruits of my labor! A hundred thousand years of work for a lifetime of leisure!"
With Super Ultra Ren's boisterous laughter, the brief meeting concluded.
Hueco Mundo.
A crescent moon hung in the night sky, draping the desert in silver. Ren and Lilynette were huddled together, fast asleep, completely unaware of a green-haired antelope approaching.
The antelope-centaur crept up to them, a mischievous smirk on her beautiful face. She inhaled deeply and shrieked at the top of her lungs: "WAKE UP!!!"
"GAH!!"
Ren and Lilynette nearly leaped out of their skins. They instinctively retreated a dozen meters before they could even focus their eyes on the intruder.
Green hair, horns, and a centaur body. Ren recognized her immediately.
"Who the hell are you?!" Lilynette roared, her temper flaring. "How dare you wake me up! I'm going to kill you!"
Click!
She cocked her pistols and aimed them straight at Neliel. "Cero Metralleta—!"
Before Lilynette could fire, Ren caught her arm. "Ulquiorra is resting over there; don't catch him in the crossfire."
Lilynette calmed down slightly, though she still looked miffed. "Sorry... lost my cool for a second."
Ren turned to Neliel, his annoyance palpable. "Hey! You looking for a fight?"
He was genuinely irritated. They had never met Neliel before, and she had snuck up on them just to scream in their ears. If they were any older, she might have triggered a heart attack.
Anime nostalgia or not, Ren decided she needed a lesson. In a flash, he appeared behind Neliel and delivered a sharp smack to her horse-like backside.
SLAP!
"Kyaa!!"
Neliel's face turned bright red as she let out a startled yelp. "You pervert! I'll bite you to death!"
She manifested her lance and lunged at Ren. He noticed, with a cold sweat, that she was aiming specifically for his "lower regions." Even with high-speed regeneration, that was a pain no man ever wanted to experience.
Whoosh!
Ren blurred into a remnant image, making Neliel's thrust hit nothing but sand. He appeared behind her again.
SLAP!
Another solid hit to the rump.
"Raaagh! I'm going to fight you to the end!" Neliel was fuming, her eyes practically shooting fire as she charged again.
To Ren, however, her speed was far too slow. Every time she lunged, he simply stepped into her blind spot.
SLAP!
SLAP!
After a dozen repetitions, Neliel realized she couldn't touch a single hair on his head. She threw her weapon into the sand and burst into loud, wailing sobs.
"You're a bully! Waaaaah!"
Ren was floored. He hadn't expected her to just give up and throw a tantrum. "Wait, you're the one who started this prank! Why are you acting like the victim? Stop crying, or I'll eat you!"
Threatening her only made it worse. She started kicking her four legs in the sand like a spoiled child. Ren sighed and tried to pacify her.
"Stop crying. Crying doesn't solve anything."
"Waaaaah!"
"If you keep crying, I'll slap you again!"
"Go ahead! Kill me! I've lost my maidenly honor anyway, I might as well be dead!"
"That's a bit extreme!"
"Waaaaah!"
"Alright, alright! What do you want so you'll quiet down?"
Hearing that, the tears vanished instantly. A cunning glint flashed in Neliel's eyes as she smirked. "You said it! No take-backs!"
She sprang up, laughing. "And it's too late to regret it now!"
Ren sighed. "Fine, tell me. What do you want?"
Neliel beamed. "I want to join your group and be all cuddly!"
"Huh?" Ren was utterly confused. He thought she'd ask him to hunt for her or share his power.
Seeing him hesitate, Neliel pouted. "You're not going back on your word, are you?"
"No way!" Lilynette interjected, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "He's probably thrilled. After all, he went straight for the butt the moment he saw her. Who's going to believe he doesn't have 'ideas'?"
Ren coughed awkwardly, but before he could defend himself, Neliel moved. She leaped forward and pulled Ren into a crushing hug, her face pressed against his.
"I knew it! We both like each other! Let's just get married!"
"HAAAH???"
Ren froze, and even Lilynette's jaw hit the sand. The young Arrancar pointed a trembling finger at Neliel. "You... you... you shameless hussy!"