The Finale

Chapter 9: The Rescue

The Wandenreich

Byakuya and Rukia wandered around the Wandenreich in search of its headquarters. He had to find her; and there was no way any Quincy would stand his way. Byakuya stopped to search the surroundings, when he spotted a weird shaped building; as he thought this could possibly be what he was looking for.

"Rukia, be on guard…come." Byakuya commanded.

"Yes, brother."

"You're not going in there alone are you, captain?" Renji interjected.

"Renji, why are you here?" Byakuya inquired.

"I'm here to protect my captain, sir."

"Very well; let's move."

Rukia waited for the conversation to be over between her brother and Renji. "Are you okay, Renji? You mustn't get carried away just because the enemy complimented you on your eyebrows, of all things."

"I am…I know, I was able to do some damage before I left…but you're right-I suppose." Renji replied looking away from Rukia.

Byakuya" head turned around and glared at Renji and Rukia, "Silence, we don't want to alert the enemy of our presence. I'm sure this place is well guarded.

They came upon the Silbern and were met by several foot soldiers. The soldiers were easily taken care of by Byakuya's Shikai. Furthering approaching the Silbern, a Sternritter appeared.

"Ah, I see that the enemy has become somewhat bold and foolish. I believe I shall show you how foolish it was for you to do so." The Sternritter taunted.

"It is not a matter of whether or not you will succeed in showing us anything. I will not allow you to further hinder my goal." Byakuya retorted.

"And what goal is that?"

"I've come for Yoruichi Shihoin."

"I see, well I am under strict orders that she is to remain where she is at."

"Why should you care about orders when your leader shows no concern for you?"

"See, that's the difference between our leader and your leader; or should I say your past leader. His Majesty has gone to rule over his children. I have no doubt about that."

"I see reasoning is beyond the scope of your ability and there's no need to talk any further to the likes of you. Like I said before; I am here to retrieve Yoruichi Shihoin." Byakuya said as he ritually closed his eyes while gripping the hilt of Senbonzakura.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura." Byakuya commanded. The array of pink blades scattered around the Sternritter. The Sternritter tried to deflect the blades, but was unsuccessful. However, the Sternritter was not without his own means of weaponry.

"Frozen Blast of Cold" The Sternritter commanded as he held his right arm up with icicles shooting from each finger towards Byakuya, Renji, and Rukia. "I am called the Cold; and there is nothing that can topple my power."

Byakuya barely made it out of the way of the cold blast, but continued using Shikai at the Sternritter. Rukia, on the other hand, was assessing the fight and thought it would be better to fight cold on cold. She knew not to interfere with her brother's fight, although she continued to watch from the sidelines. Renji did not always adhere to those sentiments; and thought he would have a better chance at attacking the Cold than his captain. Renji recently become overprotected of his captain since Byakuya's near death experience. He never thought that he could ever feel that way towards his captain. Sure, they had issues previously, but this was different-Byakuya had almost died for them; and Renji wasn't about to let anyone cause that to even come close of it happening again.

"Sōō Zabimaru, Zaga Teppō" Renji commanded as a blast of energy ripped through the Sternritter's chest. Byakuya glanced over at Renji as if he wanted to protest, but Renji quickly looked averted his eyes elsewhere. There was nothing else that needed to be said. However, strangely enough, the Sternritter used Blut Vein to recover from his gaping wound and transformed into his final holy form.

"Damn, wouldn't you know" Renji said out loud; more to himself than anything. Renji didn't understand how his attacked didn't outright kill the Sternritter.

"Uhm, see I can cure myself because the cold molecules in my body freezes the wound and allows Blut Vein to repair any damage" The Cold smirk with satisfaction. "Oh, and if you think that your Bankai will be able to do any damage to me, you are sadly mistaken."

"We shall see." Byakuya said. "Bankai, Senbonzakura; Kagyeoshi-Ikka Senpai" Byakuya's Bankai has also improved since his training in the Royal Realm. The thousands of blades still formed a black dome; however, he didn't have to hold out his hand to retrieve a blade. Instead, he could will any number of blades that he wanted to inflict on his enemy.

"I told you my Blunt Vein will counter that."

"Let's see if it can counter all the blades that I send into your body at once." Byakuya taunted; as he willed several hundred blades at one time. Sternritter Cold tried to use Blut Vein to recover but it could not keep up with the massive volume of blades piercing through his skin. [A/N: I never knew that this move by Byakuya would in fact, be his improved Bankai]

"Come, let's go." Byakuya said while making their way to the Silbern. More foot soldiers appeared; and with the wave of his hand, Byakuya used his Shikai to take them out. Getting inside was going to be an issue. Byakuya concluded that the basement was where Yoruichi was being held. As they made it to the rear of the Silbern, another round of Byakuya's Shikai was used to take out the soldiers guarding the entrance to the basement. Byakuya instructed Rukia to stand at the door while Byakuya and Renji went inside. As they entered the basement of the Silbern, Renji was also surprised to see Harribel tied up along with Yoruichi.

"Hurry and cut them down; I am sure our presence has been made known." Byakuya ordered as he walked over to free Yoruichi. Several foot soldiers entered the basement from a different entrance. Renji used his Shikai to take them down as they hurried outside. With both Harribel and Yoruichi rescued Byakuya, Renji, and Rukia quickly flash-stepped away.

Byakuya, Renji, and Rukia arrived at the 12th Division; it was then that Renji noticed several beams of light beaming towards the Royal Realm from the Wandenreich. There was one place of interest to Renji; the place where he had confronted Bazz-B. "Captain, I am going to go check out this beam, sir. I'll be right back."

"Go ahead." Byakuya replied as he went to speak to Captain Kurotsuchi.

"Renji! Where do you think you're going?" Rukia inquisitively asked; giving Renji a perplexed look.

"I'll be back…" Renji answered, flash-stepping away to investigate the strange light.

Elsewhere in the Wandenreich

Robert Accutrone, Sternritter N, stood in close proximity of Bazz-B. He was an older soldier and looked as though he had seen hard times all his life. Sternritter N had a saddened façade painted on his face while speaking with Bazz-B. "Did you know? His Majesty…has gone above."

"Huh? What do you mean gone above?" Bazz-B asked with a confused expression on his face.

"He…did not take us with him."

"You're right. We'll just stay here and fight until he comes back down. But so what?"

The reply from Bazz-B seemed to anger Sternritter N. "Don't you see? Do you not understand?! It's over for us!"

"What are you…"

"We…have been deemed unnecessary for the coming battle. You newcomers do not know! His Majesty's terror! The Sternritter exists for His Majesty! His Majesty despises lies! There are no lies in his existence! Sternritters deemed unnecessary…will be food for His Majesty's Auswählen (Concentration)!"

Bazz-B couldn't believe what he had just been told. Suddenly, he looked up towards the sky and watched in awe as a beam of light came towering over Sternritter N. There was no time to alert Sternritter N of the impending doom; as the light engulfed Sternritter's entire body. "Why…?! Your Majesty…what are we…?" Bazz-B screamed.

About this time Renji managed to appear to watch the whole scene unfold. All he could do was look on with horror etched on his face. "Arrrrrrggh!" Bazz-B painfully screamed.

"What the…? What's going on…?! Bazz-B." Renji anxiously asked.

"T…that's what I want to know…!" Bazz-B answered, cutting his eyes to Renji. "Your Majesty…is this your way of doing things?! I am not dying here!?"

"I know I shouldn't be asking this, but are you okay?" Renji asked Bazz-B. He didn't know why he was so concerned about an enemy of the Seireitei, but he felt empathy towards Bazz-B. Renji had once been where he was at; a stray dog that no one wanted.

"I'll be fine…"

"Well, I have to get back…later." Renji replied, flash-stepping back to the 12th Division.

Upon Renji's return, Byakuya questioned Renji about the light that was shooting out from the Wandenreich towards the heavens. "Some kind of power of light that takes the Sternritter's powers away from them…evening killing them in some instances." Renji sadly reported.

"Oh, I see…we have other pressing issues at hand; and your focus is required."

The 1st Division

"Nanao, Okikiba; may I leave the barracks?" Shunsui asked, not that he needed their permission but out of courtesy. "It's not the Seireitei that is in danger, it's the Soul King." Both Nanao and Okikiba stood speechless at what the Captain Commander had just informed them about.

The Wandenreich

Shunsui wandered through the Wandenreich without any apparent destination in mind. He observed all the destroyed buildings. "My, oh my…everything's been destroyed. Shunsui was thinking that the buildings belonged to the Seireitei. "Oh wait, these structures now belong to them, don't they? If we ever do drive the enemy out, will the structures from the Seireitei return again? If they do return…will the structures stay broken or will they go back to how they use to be? I hope they'll be how they use to be…wouldn't you agree…Ukitake?"

"I don't know…if they are broken, we'll just fix them." Ukitake replied, looking at his long- time friend with a grim look on his face.

"I knew you would say that."

"Seems you allowed infiltration into the Royal Realm."

"So, you knew…." Shunsui replied, holding his hat.

"The Kamikake was in anticipation of that."

"Well it certainly appears…that Kamikake was successful." Retorted Shunsui who observed the Kamikake's symbol replicating Ukitake's shadow. "I guess…you can push yourself to some degree now." Shunsui was happy that Ukitake had been healed of his illness and that Ukitake didn't have to worry about being sick during this war. However, it was bittersweet to know that since the Kamikake had work, the possibility of losing his best friend was imminent.

"Stop talking like a doctor…" Ukitake replied, as the rain dripped on his pale face. Even though he knew the outcome of the situation, he still managed to smile at Shunsui. "Well…take care of yourself."

"I'll see you later…" Shunsui replied with his back turned to his friend.

"Wait…where are you going, Kyoraku?"

"Oh, just to room 46." Shunsui replied. Shunsui didn't want to bother Ukitake with his plans on speaking with Aizen, even though Ukitake knew Shunsui's motive for doing so.

Central 46

Shunsui arrived at Central 46's door that led to the 40 judges and 6 mages that ruled over the Seireitei. Their final word was absolute without any chance of having an appeal process. Shunsui mused to himself that he would have preferred dealing with Aizen himself, instead of having to deal with a bunch of people who just sat in a chair all day dishing out orders. Shunsui entered the Central 46 complex and observed that everyone looked to dead. 'Not again.' Shunsui mused to himself; while turning his head to see the entire scene laid out before him.

'What's going on here?' Shunsui questioned, more to himself than anything. He began feeling apprehensive, thinking that perhaps Aizen had actually once again killed Central 46.

"Ughhh." A member of Central 46 let out a gargled a sound from across the room. "My head, my head."

"What happened here?"

"That damn Aizen, is what happened. Aizen managed to escape, but not before he attacked us." The Central 46 member said.

"I see." Shunsui stated, while ritually rubbing his chin and peering at the ceiling.

"Well, at least you're alive and not like your predecessors."

"What's that you said?" The member of Central 46 asked; attempting to rise off the floor.

"Oh nothing, forget about it." Shunsui answered while waving his hand goodbye; as he exited Central 46 complex. "This can't be a good thing. It sure makes things worse."

"Make what worse, Captain Kyoraku; or should I perhaps address you as Captain Commander?" The serene voice asked.

"Well, just the person I want to see. Now why is it that you're out here walking around instead of being imprisoned in Muken?" Shunsui asked; while crossing his arms.

"You can thank the enemy for that. Tell me, Captain Kyoraku have you made plans to travel to the Royal Realm?" Aizen answered as he noticed Shunsui's stance. "There's no need to be on the defensive Captain Kyoraku, I am merely asking a question."

"It's a funny thing, I was on my way to have a conversation with you on that very matter. Funny how things work out, wouldn't you say?" Shunsui responded with a chuckle in his voice.

"Indeed, it does, now let me guess; you want my assistance in fighting the enemy? Or is it, that you want my help in cleaning up your mess?"

"You know me too well, Aizen." Shunsui replied while pulling down his hat. "Well, what's your answer; are you going to help or not?"

Aizen thought about what Shunsui asked and pondered if even he wanted to be associated with the likes of them. He knew this day would come; he knew Yhwach would return and try to claim the throne; the same throne he had wanted for himself. Aizen also knew what the world would become if Yhwach was allowed to rule; and it wouldn't be how the world should be-but how the world would be ruled with an iron fist. 'No, he wasn't about to allow Yhwach to claim the throne, he wouldn't allow him to do as he saw fit.' Aizen contemplated these thoughts before giving Shunsui his answer. "Captain Kyoraku, now what would I get by helping you out of this mess?"

"Surely, you aren't asking me that?" Shunsui asked as he turned his head, peering at Aizen.

"Why… does that sound strange to you? I believe not. I believe if I remained here, I would be recaptured and bound to a chair forever. What use would I be tied to a bothersome chair? Therefore, I believe my question has some merit to it."

"Well, you did say you wanted to rule the world, didn't you?"

Aizen did not respond back to Shunsui but rather walked up beside him. "Let's go." Shunsui stated.

"And just where are we going?"

"So many questions, we're going to Kukaku Shiba's place. She will provide us transportation to the Royal Realm." Shunsui contact Mayuri to alert him and to tell the others to meet up at the Shiba residence.

Kukaku Shiba's Residence

"Sis, you know Ichigo and the others from the world of the living; along with Urahara are about to leave for the Royal Realm…what do we do now?" Ganju nervously asked his sister, scratching his head.

"I already know that, idiot. I want you to hurry and catch up with Ichigo and the others and go with them to the Royal Realm. Give them this map, they will need it, as I am sure Urahara doesn't have one. Before you leave, tell the others to prepare for lift off." Kukaku answered as she took a puff from her pipe. She always took a puff when she felt apprehensive and nervous, this time she sensed a presence she had not sensed in a long time. "Now, go!"

'Dang, when will she ever treat me with respect. I am her only brother now; and just because I am younger-doesn't mean she can treat me like a child.' Ganju mused to himself; as he went to carry out his sister's orders. 'Oh, how I wish I could tell her that to her face, but that would be asking for a pounding.'

Kukaku didn't know what to make of this unexpected visitor, though, she was happy that the Captain Commander had accompanied said person. "What do I owe the honor of such company today?"

"Sorry to bother you, ma'am…but we seek a means to the Royal Realm." Shunsui announced, tipping his hat towards Kukaku.

"Can you tell me, Captain Commander; why is Sosuke Aizen accompanying you?" Kukaku asked, keeping her eye vigilantly on Aizen.

"Is that any way to greet a guest, my dear Kukaku?" Aizen returned her question with a question.

"For you it is, now why are you with the Captain Commander? I won't ask again."

"As I stated before, we are here seeking means to the Royal Realm. I would like for you to let us travel by way of the Flower Crane Cannon." Shunsui interjected. "Aizen is here by my request; and sorry to say; that we need him to help us."

"Oh, I see…what makes you think that I will allow the two of you passage to the Royal Realm?"

"Well…it's not only us that are going, but the rest of the Gotei 13 as well. I would appreciate it if you did this voluntary versus involuntary. I would like to be on the same accord here; and not have to resort to unnecessary demands. I would rather think that doing it by choice would be the best for everyone." Shunsui replied.

"I do believe a favor is owed to me…" Aizen interrupted.

"How do I owe you a favor?" Kukaku asked. She couldn't believe the audacity of Aizen indicating to her that a favor was owed; as well as remembering any favor given by her.

"If it wasn't for me, your precious nephew would now be a pawn of the Wandenreich under Yhwach's control. Besides, who knows what might happen to him if I am not there." Aizen resounded with a smirk on his face.

Kukaku didn't want to admit that Aizen was right and that the Shiba's were indebted to him. "And besides…" Aizen continued, "It's not like Kyoraku was doing anything besides being held up in his office. Oh, he did have that one skirmish with one of the Sternritters. It even looks like he let his own soldiers fight his battle, some killed; while others were severely injured-but yet he, the Captain Commander, was held up in his office doing absolutely nothing."

Kukaku listened attentively to what Aizen had just said; and while she never liked Aizen-he did bring up some questionable points. However, she also knew that Shunsui was a clever man that always had things in place. "I will grant you permission to use the Flower Crane Cannon. I'll get the preparations started…make yourselves comfortable."

12th Division

Urahara and the others returned back to the 12th division. Upon their arrival, Urahara learned from Mayuri that he had finished with the project. Urahara entered the room with the others where "said project" was at, and at once Ichigo became confused.

"What is this?" Ichigo questioned.

"This is how we're going to travel to the Royal Realm." Urahara stated.

"Why can't we use Kukaku's?"

"We don't have time."

"That doesn't make sense; I just left Kukaku's place and her canon looked as though it was ready for lift off; I don't understand why we are using this one and not hers."

"By the time it would take to get there, the gates to the Royal Realm would be closed." Urahara couldn't tell Ichigo at the moment that the true reason why he didn't want to use Kukaku's Flower Crane canon; was due to the fact of Ichigo being a Shiba. Urahara not only felt that the others didn't need to know that at this moment, but didn't want to risk Kukaku mentioning her relationship with Ichigo in front of the other Gotei 13 members.

"Whatever." Ichigo replied; turning his scowled face away from Urahara. He was tired of all the round-about answers he was getting and no one was seemingly willing to come forth to provide answers. Suddenly, Ichigo remembered what Aizen had told him previously: "Kurosaki, Ichigo; surely you must know this is just a snippet of what's to come. The battle will not remain here; it will proceed to the Royal Realm." 'Was Aizen actually telling the truth? What does this mean? Why is it that Aizen always seems to be telling him the truth when he's involved?' Ichigo thought.

"However, we might need her on the way back down; since this is only a one-way trip. I don't have all the components to make one like hers." Urahara said in a matter-of-fact tone. "We can't leave just yet, there's a piece of equipment I need and I am waiting on someone to bring it."

"Really? Who is it? Everyone is here." Ichigo asked impatiently.

"Always in such a hurry, Mr. Kurosaki…just have some patience; they should be here momentarily." Urahara replied, although he was wondering where this person was himself. "Alright everyone, let's prepare for departure, we've waited long enough…3…2…"

A loud sudden noise like someone pounding on a door was heard. At first, Urahara thought it was the person he was waiting for; however, by the tone of the voice he heard next-proved that it wasn't.

"Stop! Stop! Stop right there!" shouted Ganju. "How dare you all forget about me!"

"Oh man…I thought I knew that voice. What do you want Ganju and why are you even here in the first place?" a scowled faced Ichigo asked.

"The question is…what are you doing here? I see you all ready to go but no means on knowing how to get there." Ganju boasted. "Who do you think launched Zero Squad's tenchuren? It was my sister, Kukaku. When my sister launched it, Zero Squad gave her this…the road map to the Royal Realm, you cannot get to the Royal Realm without it. Surely, Urahara knows this."

"Is this true?" Ichigo asked in an uncertain voice.

"Do you really think I haven't prepared for that?" Urahara replied with his fan over his mouth. Ichigo didn't know what to think or even who to believe.

"You sure you understand Ganju, where we are about to go doesn't even come close to what we been through-it's going to be a dangerous battle." Ichigo informed Ganju with a stern look.

"I know, you idiot! That is why I am here and going with you. And besides, Kukaku told me to go." Ganju replied.

Just then the doors to the 12th division opened and someone entered shouting, "Big Sister, Big Sister!" the unknown voice yelled out. Finally, the person who Urahara was waiting for finally arrived.

Urahara turned around, with his fan over his mouth; "I am sorry but Yoruichi isn't here, she's gone ahead."

"After being so long in hearing from her; and she's already left." The young man said with tears streaming down his face.

Urahara felt bad about the young man crying; especially since it was him that contacted him instead of his sister. He shuttered at the thought when he thought about what Yoruichi might do to him by involving her brother. "Come now Yuushirou, you'll see your sister soon."

"Kisuke, just who is this person? He looks a lot like Yoruichi." Ichigo curiously asked.

"I am Yuushirou Shihioin, 23rd leader of the Shihion Clan. Nice to meet everyone; and thank you so kindly for taking care of Big Sister." Yuushirou stated while bowing.

"Let's get in; Mayuri we are ready. I suggest when we are inside that no one moves." Urahara instructed. Mayuri closed the latch and began ignition. They finally were off to meet what fate had waiting for them. Life as they knew would never be same.

After the launch is when Byakuya walked in carrying Yoruichi; along with the others. Rukia was surprised and saddened that she still hadn't managed to speak to Ichigo. She wondered how he could just leave without saying anything to her; or even Byakuya.

Mayuri and Nemu started working on another project, but turned around to tell Byakuya to place Harribel and Yoruichi on two carts and that Isshin should be back soon. However, this didn't set well with Byakuya.

"She needs medical attention now." Byakuya said in a demanding voice.

"If you haven't realized by now, I am busy." Mayuri stated as he turned his attention back to his project. "Nemu, is everything ready?"

"Yes, Captain Kurotsuchi." Nemu answered.

"Now if you don't mind, I must get back to work."

"The thing is, I do mind; I want her treated now."

"Tell me captain of the 6th division; do you see anyone here that's capable of doing that?" Mayuri asked as he turned his attention to the screen monitor.

"Brother, I am sure Isshin will arrive as soon as he can." Rukia said; trying to reassure her brother.

Byakuya still wasn't satisfied even with Rukia's reassurance; as he kept his eyes on Yoruichi's still form. However, he had no other choice but to wait on Isshin. Byakuya turned around to notice that a Seikimon had appeared with Isshin walking out of it.

"I see you finally graced us with your presence." Byakuya remarked snidely.

"I didn't know I was on a time limit. I see you've found Harribel and Yoruichi. Unfortunately, I won't be able to take them to my clinic; as my clinic is being overrun with Shinigamis. However, I can take them to Ryuuken's hospital for treatment."

"Ryuuken; who is that?" Byakuya inquired.

"Brother, Ryuuken is Uryu's father. He owns a hospital in the world of the living." Rukia interjected.

"There is no way that I will allow a Quincy, our sworn enemy to treat Yoruichi." Byakuya said as he glared at Isshin.

"Well, Ryuuken is a good friend of mine; and no harm will come to her. However, know this, I cannot treat her at my clinic, but the decision is up to you." Isshin stated while shifting his eyes from Byakuya to Rukia.

"Have you seen Ichigo?" Isshin asked Rukia.

"Only for a brief second, I still haven't spoken to him since he returned from the Royal Realm."

"Where is he now?"

"He's gone back to the Royal Realm. Uryu left with Yhwach to the Royal Realm." Rukia somberly spoke.

"I see. Well, what is your decision Captain Kuchiki? I have to get back to the world of the living." Isshin asked. Isshin wasn't too happy about Ichigo returning to the Royal Realm. He had almost wished that he hadn't allowed Rukia and Urahara to restore his Shinigami powers back to him. Those words Urahara had spoken to him about him choosing to throw away his son's life; was beginning to haunt him now. It was beginning to look like Ichigo would never be able to live in the world of the living again. Perhaps, something else was going on besides the possibility of Ichigo not returning. Something was out of place and Isshin was determined to find out what it was, even if it killed him.