Three Powers

by Relo

Yhwach knew of the future.He knew of his own potential demise, or his own potential e Emperor had a had chance to secure his future by bringing in the most dangerous enemy to his plans. Kurosaki Ichigo never once for a moment thought that the day would come when he chose to cross blades against the Shinigami. Chapters being re-written.[AU]

10. Chapter 10

So I read this story all over again and I loved it. It wasn't nearly as bad (with the obvious spelling mistakes def needs a rewrite) as I thought it would be. . So I'm going to finish this because why not.

---

He could barely recollect the previous ten minutes.

After around two hours of brutal fighting, the situation had finally calmed down. There were dead on both sides. Much grief and anger only plagued the area now once again. The bodies of Quincy, Hollow, and Shinigami all stain the white sand through there running red blood. Everyone was fighting for their race and freedom. Pure hatred for one another was responsible for this carnage. And not one person in the world could say what had been done is justifiable. This was not a war of greed. This was a war of vengeance.

After all, who could blame them?

He was able to finally stand and breathe the fresh air. It was as if he was drowning and he had only been recently pulled up for oxygen. Ichigo was able to rise up and stare at the night sky for a brief moment before looking back down. His uniform from his waste up had been entirely eradicated. He had small cuts, bruises, and even some burn marks all around his back and chest. Luckily however, his major wounds have been healed. The black sword which was in his hands when he had woken up suddenly had vanished into thin air. Its power could no long be felt by the Quincy. Everything was all silent around him. But that was only because all eyes have been directed onto him.

He couldn't have been more furious at his first sighting, "Ul..quiorra..." he trailed off. Ichigo was too weak to go on a yelling rampage. His body ached in agony and all he wanted was to just rest. But the presence of this old foe gave him much worry. The former 4th Espada gave him a cold empty stare. Words did not seem to interest him at the moment. His question seemed to have been answered the moment he saw the person standing next to the black-haired man.

Inoue Orhime held her hands to her heart. She was of course happy to see her her friend alive and well but was unsettled. "Kurosaki-kun..." her words were softer than ever. He could only frown at her tone. She had the same look on her face as when he had fought Grimmjow over two years ago. That sad and frightened face he could never forget.

He shook his head and focused back onto the very powerful Hollow. "Inoue...did you bring him here?" Ichigo spoke at a very serious and stern level. His eyes never left the Arrancar. Even so, he could still see the painful gaze of his human friend.

She quivered, "...Yes...but I onl-"

"It's okay Inoue. I'm not mad. I just want to know...why? Out of all the people..." He had a point. Inoue could have brought practically any other person in the entire world. He would have been a bit more satisfied to anyone else other than this particular Arracanr. Only Aizen Sosuke could compete in distaste.

She shook, "I...I..." Orihime didn't really know. The girl was fairly smart but it would not be wrong to assume she did not really see things the all the way through.

"That's not an answer. You don't just bring people back from the dead!"

Everyone watching had eyes on the Hollow and his companion. From Ichigo's claim, the girl had brought this person back from the dead. That alone was enough to gain the attention and surprise from the Quincy. Having such a power was unheard of. Many people can only dream of having such a ability so strong. It was next to immortality, which is also one of the world's most desperate desires.

Inoue was startled by his yelling, "Kurosaki-kun are you okay? We came here to save you!" Ichigo just could not believe it. He had never really yelled at her in the past. This was the first time in which he was truly angry with the girl. She was always too nice and soft to ever be yelled at by anyone. It hurt. She had felt a stinging sensation in her chest as the expression on his face gave it all away.

Ichigo forced a smile on his face, "Thank you Inoue. I know you were just looking out for me." he gulped, "Inoue." The teenager looked around and saw his Quincy comrades. Meninas was unconscious on the ground. She had a deep wound in her leg which was being pressed down by Liltotto. Candice was unconscious but suffered a brutal beating from the Shinigami. Bambietta sat with her eyes lowered at the orange-haired girl.

"Y-yes?"

"Heal them."

His friend flinched in surprise, "Huh?"

Ichigo sighed, "I want you to heal them."

Inoue nodded her head, "Soten Kisshun...I reject!"

Ichigo had his eyes lowered. She was not healing the person he had pointed to. The Quincy took a few steps and gripped a comrade by the arm. "AH!" Bazz-B yelled as his body was thrown into the sand. His legs had been crushed and every time he moved he could feel the pressure and pain from his shattered bones.

Orihime kept healing someone else. "Not him." She was healing Zaraki Kenpachi. The Captain proved to be a threat that was unwilling to listen to reason. Unfortunately for him, the man had died trying to fight Ichigo.

"Stop..."

She kept going

In the blink of an eye Orihime Inoue felt the mood of one of her closest friends come against her. Ichigo was able to shatter her Soten Kisshun with his bare hand. He could not have Zaraki alive. The man would kill him. He had no doubt about it. It hurt for Ichigo. It hurt to see Kenpachi dead. His mind had yet to fully comprehend even the events which had only recently occurred.

"Stop! He is not an ally."

She looked back at him with tears in her eyes, "Kurosaki-kun...what have you done with Kurosaki-kun!? He would never betray his friends. He would never hurt them." It stung like a wound for her to look at him like that. But Ichigo could not break down just yet. He had not forgotten the fact that he is in a very dangerous position.

"They are not our friends, remember!?"

She flinched back.

"When we invaded Soul Society they were not out friends. Zaraki almost killed me!" He had hoped his friend would just agree with him. In the past Inoue had always trusted his word. But now she was starting to doubt her friend. The way she looked at him also did not help. Ichigo wanted to leave but there were too many of his injured comrades to just go back. Bazz-B couldn't even walk. He also can see an unconscious Giselle on the ground nearby. She looked dead and was simply lying in a pool of her own blood. Ulquiorra was somehow able to get the upper hand and figure out how to overcome her power. He knew she was alive but was still worried.

Ulquiorra sighed, "Give the order women. I will kill all of them." Everyone was a bit startled by this comment. He gave a very eerie and cold presence which just freaked everyone out. The Arranar was already seemingly feared by Ichigo and had been able to outwit Giselle. He didn't even follow her usual psychological trick to get attacked. Somehow the Quincy were supposed to get out of this. And death would be the least preferred option.

"Inoue it's me. We go to school together! We went to Soul Society! I rescued you from him! I died fighting him, remember?" He couldn't believe the irony in the situation. When Ulquiorra had died the first time it was a sad moment. Ichigo had felt sorry and even wished to get on equal grounds in a code of honor. However, he was relieved when the man literally turned into nothing. Now that same person, who drove him into Hollow by putting his friends in danger, is now the one protecting her from him. The turn of events was painful.

"Zaraki-san saved your life."

That time against Nnoitra. He could recall getting brutally crushed and beaten. It was not a pleasant memory but it was one her could certainly remember.

Ichigo widened his eyes and snapped, "We are not Shinigami!"

Inoue couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was clearly not the same person who mysterious vanished that one day in Karakura Town. This was not the same Ichigo she grew up with. Orihime this one moment could not believe him. She could not trust what he was saying.

...

"Would you kill Kuchiki-san?"

His mind went blank. His heart had dropped. Such a thought never had gone into his mind. Ichigo never wanted to think about such a thing. Kuchiki Rukia was the person who had brought him into this fighting world. Without her he would be nowhere. The girl had lived with him in the same room. They even went to school together for a time. Rukia was the one person where Ichigo could not bring himself to even think about fighting. He went through hell for her. She had become the closest friend he had ever come to known. No different than a young a sister like Karin or Yuzu. It felt like an eternity as he thought about crossing blades with the female Shinigami. He wasn't sure if he could even have the heart to do it.

"Would you kill Kuchiki-san?" she asked again and Ichigo was forced to snap back into reality.

He lowered his head and refused to respond. Ichigo made a quick decision and began walking towards the two. She wondered if he would attack her. But Ulquiorra was a good bodyguard due to his quiet positioning. The Arrancar was still confused on the situation. From he could tell, the former Shinigami had killed some of their friends in his Hollow rage. But the Hollow also knew it was not Ichigo who was in control. 'Then why is she so upset? Kurosaki Ichigo was not the person fighting.' He could not see it just yet. But Orihime somehow knew what had happened. She can tell Ichigo had willingly battled everyone without a shred of consideration for his past comrades. The situation had been taken out of context. But it was fruitless to try and explain everything in detail.

Ichigo did not have any weapon in his hand. Inoue felt her heart skip a beat as he walked right past her. Everybody watched as the Quincy knelt down and had picked up Giselle Gewelle. He carried her bridal style back over to where majority of the incapacitated Sternritter lay. The "Zombie" had in reality been playing dead. It was one of her more skilled attributes since most people assumed she was unconscious. However, she did not bother alerting anyone of her true position as she clearly enjoyed being carried. It would be just a waste to simply throw away this opportunity.

Orihime knew Ichigo was walking away once again. Like the same moment he vanished with Bambietta. That was a huge memory of regret for the teenager. She wished she could have done more to call him out and to persuade from leaving. It was also one for the more painful moments in her life. Inoue refused for it to happen again, "Ichigo wait!" He turned his head around with wide eyes.

She called him by his first name

That never happens

"Just come with us!" Her smile gave full optimism. "We'll go back to Karakura Town with your sisters and dad. Urahara-san and Yoruichi-san were looking for you. Even Nel is there because she wanted to search for you!" Ichigo was now stopped in his tracks. She was right. He could just leave at this very moment and return to where he was most happy. Nothing would stop him. A free ride back to salvation and redemption. It sounded so good at this very moment of mixed emotions. A loophole, a gateway, a secure backup plan for him to get away from the Vandenreich.

"Wait, Nel? Nel's there?" Ichigo asked. Nel the child? Yea he remembers her. It's been over two years since he last saw her but he could recall the infant

Inoue smiled, "Yea...she became an Espada again." He thought back to when she transformed during that brief moment against Nnoitra.

Ichigo smiled, "Really? That's great. Why did she...come to my house?'

Inoue felt tears roll down her face

"...She said an army was going to attack Las Noches."

Not many situations could break Kurosaki Ichigo. He could lose a fight, feel bad about it, but still come back stronger than ever. He would scream if one of his friends would get cut down in battle but as long as they were alive he would be fine. Even when he lost his powers against Aizen he was able to contain it. During his incident with Ginjo he lost everything once more. That hurt, but he was still himself the next day. But now things were different. Ichigo did not utter a single world. He turned back around and grabbed Bazz by the arm. His comrade flinched in pain as his body was being dragged by Ichigo across the sand. The orange haired Quincy only hoped Inoue would simply leave him alone. Fighting Ulquiorra at this moment would not go well. He needed to escape this Hollow world.

Nel…

Ichigo struggled to take in the information. "Come with me Inoue." The girl gave a baffled expression. The thought of going with him was not something she didn't think about it. It was no surprise she had feeling for him. That was just how it was. "Ishida is with us." She gave a surprising gasp. Uryuu had only vanished just a few days prior to this one and had left no message behind. It wasn't wrong for the girl to assume they were most likely in the same position elsewhere.

"Kurosa-" She stopped, "No…Ichigo…" Inoue grabbed his attention, "Come with us…please…" crying was the second thing she was best at. "I love you Ichigo…so please come with me." The words did not have much of an effect on Ichigo. He had already seemingly lost it a while ago. His mind had practically shut out all emotions and now focused on a more logical outlook. He knew right now the best thing was to leave before anymore threats came. Ichigo turned around and walked away. The thought of him doing this was heartbreaking for her. She can no see that he had been taken and transformed by the enemy. Nothing more saddening than to see the person she loved switching sides and becoming an enemy.

"Cang...can you take Candice? I can hold these two."

The "Iron" was exhausted and in just as much pain as Ichigo was. "No." Ichigo gave him a frown, "I'll take Bazz. I'm not going to help that stupid bitch." The reasoning for him refusing to assist the "Thunderbolt" was because they all had blamed her for their own demise. She was on the one after all who brought the Shinigami to their position.

Ichigo never understood why the Vandenreich Quincy hated one another. They were all comrades fighting a war but they still kept bickering and would even refuse to help one another during a lifesaving situation. He sighed and tossed Bazz to the ground. Candice had one arm wrapped around his neck and was hung over his shoulder. Ichigo was lucky his body had been so well built. Carrying Giselle and Candice is just an extra 250 pounds.

"Can you stand?"

Bambietta Basterbine was resting her body on a nearby rock. She sat on the sand and had been watching the events unfold. From the moment Ichigo shielded himself to block Zaraki's blade she slowly crawled away from the intensive fighting. The "Explode" was furious about herself that she had been defeated by the Shinigami. Although, it was mainly because she was exhausted from her fight against Grimmjow. She prided herself on being at the top of the Sternritter power list. Everyone respected her abilities and it was difficult to say she had lost. Even if the circumstances were not entirely a fair fight. Bambietta looked at Ichigo with a cautious gaze. She had not forgotten the fact that he turned into a Hollow the moment she thought he had died. The look in his eyes was empty. He had developed a soft approaching when the two would make contact. It was just his own way of being friendly while she thought it was weird. Now he had completely lost that trait.

"I'm fine, idiot." The "Explode" rose and stared past her comrade. She saw the pitied look Inoue gave her. It was bit irritating and even caused Bambietta to become angry. As if she was somehow the bad influence which plagued Ichigo.

"Good because I can't carry another 200 pounds."

The nerve, the absolute nerve. "Did you just call me fat..." her eye was twitching. At least he still had a sense of humor. He figured she would be amused by the comment but instead it only made her upset.

"Here take Gigi." Ichigo handed the girl over, "You're the leader right...?" He was relieved to know Bambietta would take responsibility as leader of the female Quincy clique and take her friend. Giselle was practically the same size as the "Explode".

"Lili, take Meni." She had a blank expression on her face as she couldn't believe he would ask her to do such a thing.

...Right.

Ichigo of course was struggling to handle the "Power" and the "Thunderbolt". The two together weighed much more than he did. But of course his will power to keep them alive was strong. "What happened to Quilge?"

"You killed him, dumbass." Ichigo failed to show much expression when the news reached his ears. He wasn't that surprised. The group of Quincy tried limping away from the ruins of Las Noches.

Ulquiorra looked to towards Inoue. "There is nothing you wish to do? I do not really care that they attacked the other Arrancar." Orihime had the option to have mercilessly slaughter everyone or to let them go. She was a very pacifist person. Always choosing to heal her enemies as long as they promised to no longer fight. Many people respected her passion for helping others. Former enemies became very friendly after their wounds and comrades were able to saved. The entire Espada even vowed to protect her from any type of threats. She had helped all of them one way or another.

"Go…but don't kill him…" she whispered.

Ichigo widened his eyes as he felt a familiar buzzing sound behind his ear. He was forced to drop the two girls while looking above. Ulquiorra had his index finger placed down as a green light began charging at the tip. "Cero." He declared before blasting the energy at point blank. The former Cuatro felt his own eyes go wide as Ichigo had opened his palm and began countering it with his burst of energy. Reishi was pouring into his hands as he began absorbing the sand around him. The reiryoku in his own body was strong enough to successfully counter his Cero.

As if on instinct Ichigo was able to construct a sword which gave the resemblance of the first blade which crossed into his mind. He had somewhat copied Ulquiorra's design as it gave him the most inspiration for this intense moment. The two were able to connect blades but Ichigo knew he was in no shape to form.

"Get back!" yelled a voice from above. Ichigo used Hirenkyaku and flashed away. He watched with wide eyes as strings of reishi began firing down from above. These strings soon began to solify through the reishi around and it soon formed into large pillars.

"Quilge!?" yelled Cang. Sternritter "J" was in no way the same as earlier. His body was mangled and had strings controlling him from above. This was his infamous Ransotengai technique which very few Quincy knew how to use. These reishi strings were able to connect his body together despite nearly being bifurcated by Hollow Ichigo.

"Just go Kurosaki. You are somehow worth something to his Majesty. I will ensure he will receive you alive!" The "J" released his schrift with a grin. Ulquiorra sensed the trap but was too late as a reishi prison encased him above.

"A prison of pure reishi? Futile." The former forth tried releasing any of his powerful techniques but was surprised to see nothing would budge. "Enclose…" he uttered before releasing a massive torrent of reiatsu from his body.

"Go!

Ichigo looked at him one last time before quickly grabbing the two girls from the ground and running off into the distance. Everyone else was able to keep up as they knew their lives now depended on it. It wasn't cowardly to wish to live another way. Quilge Opie was willing to sacrifice himself for Ichigo to live and he appreciated it. But now the teen felt sorry such a thing had to occur. He would mourn for his now friend later on. But right now they had to make sure his sacrifice was not in vain.

The moment they had arrived near the Forest of Menos they knew they were in the clear. No Arrancar would be able to track them down as they wonder through the dense forest. Bambietta had made a clear pathway as everything in front of them was bombed.

The long walk was quiet. Ichigo was not in the mood to explain anything that had happened. Even if Bazz-B insisted on it. Bambietta wasn't in the mood either. She had seen what her fellow Quincy was thinking about. For a moment, Ichigo thought about running away. Leaving the Vandenreich and simply joining back to the Shinigami's side. He obviously did not considerate the idea but it had crossed his mind. It hurt a bit. It hurt to think he would just leave after everything they had done together. Fighting together brought them even closer. He had stood in front of her and took a deathblow from the second special war potential. He had done that to protect her. As if was an instantaneous reaction the one which was one his mind was her life.

Then why did he think about it?

---

He did not have much time to relax once returning back to Silbern. Ichigo was lucky to have ran into Sternritter "V" before seeing anyone else. Gremmy Thoumeaux seemed to have been waiting for the group to return. But once he had arrived he was disappointed to see he was in no mood to speak. However, they had stuck a deal for later on. Ichigo would speak to him if he would heal all the Sternritter. Gremmy happily accepted the deal and had done just that. Candice was the only one who was still unconscious as she suffered the most damage. Bazz-B had his legs fixed while Liltotto and Cang-Du had their deep wounds fixed.

Unfortunately for them, Yhwach was awake during their arrival and was upset to see that two Sternritter had died. That meant that so far that three in his army had perished. Sternritter "J", Sternritter "K", Sternritter "Y" Royd Llyod, and Sternritter "L" were all names which he would remember as stepping stones for peace. The Quincy Emperor had actually anticipated more casualties but was surprised to see the initial successes. This of course was a result of him him joining in multiple battles alongside Sternritter "B" to assist his subordinates.

This alarming surprise of death caused him to interrogate and ask everyone what went wrong on their assignments. The invasion had been a failure since they were unable to successfully occupy the fortress. Everybody was forced to wait outside the throne room since Yhwach wished to have a discussion with all of them individually rather than an entire group. This way he could gather every bit of information he could. Ichigo of course was the last person who was going to be interviewed. He was forced to wait in silence as Haschwalth guarded the door. He practically begged to go back to his room and sleep but the Grandmaster kept denying his request.

"There is something of great importance I must show you."

Ichigo stared into the soul grasping eyes of the Emperor. The man sat down in his chair but had his head leaned forward. His heads rested on his knees while his head hung low. The atmosphere in the throne room was nothing short of cold and dark. Ever since arriving Ichigo had to always be a bit wary at his ancestor. The man was not the friendliest looking leader. Due to his age and the way he spoke, Yhwach gave off a very strict and stern impression. To Ichigo it was as if he was trying to always be intimidating at all times. He never really raised his reiatsu levels or proved to everyone who the leaderwas. That was pure nonsense to the Yhwach. Every one of his children should respect him without the leader ever having to get involved to prove himself.

The suspense had been building up, "What is it?" Ichigo asked. The longer the wait the longer Ichigo was curious to know what he was talking about.

Yhwach closed his eyes, "But before that I wish something from you." He replied. "I want you to tell me your battle report from Hueco Mundo." Ichigo was surprised. He didn't believe he was qualified to give such a report. "I want you to explain everything to me. I've heard what the other Sternritter had to say. I want to hear it from your own perspective."

Ichigo nodded, "Everything? Includi-"

"Only the second invasion."

The second invasion of Hueco Mundo had gone unexpected. Results were much worse than the previous attack. The younger Quincy nodded once more, "Everything had gone smooth in the beginning. Sternritter "J" had led us to Las Noches where it practically laid in ruins. There were not many Arrancar left. Majority of their forces had been sent here during the first invasion."

"It wasn't until the Shinigami had ambushed us then did things get worse." Yhwach seemed at odds with the explanation.

"Forgive my interruption," he said, "But did you know how or why they came? There was no purpose for them to go there." The Emperor was a smart man. There had to have been a specific reason on why they would send such a reckoning force to Hueco Mundo. There was nothing of value there. Even if his forces had been recalled it was still counterproductive for a force to leave Soul Society even more defenseless than it already was.

Ichigo shrugged, "I…honestly don't know. They somehow knew I was there though. After all of us fought some Arrancar the Shinigami all attacked us. We were weakened from previous fights and could not keep up..."He had to take a break to breathe. The events which had occurred had sent him into a craze. The day gave some traumatic effect to the teenager.

"You knew these Shinigami. I can tell from your expression. How well did you know them?" Ywhach made sure to keep his eyes on the teen. He could tell Ichigo was struggling to talk about it. The air had become heated by the intense emotion he was emitting. The younger Quincy absolutely did not wish to speak about the previous events. His mental state was weakening by the minute. He was a timing bomb waiting to explode. Today was no doubt one the most intense psychological experiences he has ever had the dismay to experience.

"Hirako Shinji…they were part of the Visored before going back into Soul Society. Without him I would not be here today. I would have died a long time ago. I considered him a friend. We fought together against Aizen and the Arrancar before. He's...I...gone..." It was difficult to admit what crime he committed. It was against his own belief personal status and what he believed in.

"Hiyori Sarugaki is also a Visored and a somewhat friend. She is…dead." His tone had got soft from saying those words. It would not be wrong to say that Ichigo was guilty for her demise. Ichigo shouldered all the guilt since he knew what was going to happen the moment he reached out for his Hollow to come and save him.

"Lisa Yadomaru was a friend with the Visored as well. She is alive and is being controlled by Sternritter "Z". Gigi had been able to take some Shinigami with her during the interval moments. She was very sneaky and elusive when it came to battles. Many people underestimated what she was truly capable of.

"Ikkaku Madarame was a great friend. Third seat of the 11th Division…great guy…still alive and controlled by Giselle Gewelle." It was a bit relieving to know Ikkaku had made it. He was never someone who Ichigo disliked. If anything Ikkaku would have been willing to join him during his battle against the Shinigami if it hadn't been his wounds holding him back.

"Yumichika Ayasegawa was close as well. He…is gone."

"And Zaraki Kenpachi…"

Yhwach angrily gripped the corner of his chair. He could not believe the words he was hearing. Two captains, one a Special War potential, and multiple high-ranking Shinigami sent to Hueco Mundo!? Something was off with this situation. There wasn't anything in this world in which the Emperor of the Quincy could not figure out. He knew who ruled the world. He knew who could pull the strings. Yhwach stare at Ichigo and knew he was telling the truth. There was only one theory he could predict and it was something most people would not believe.

The younger Quincy was having a mental breakdown. His whole view on fighting had been to be the one to protect his friends. And just earlier this day, he had been the one to strike down those friends. His ideology had finally been twisted and thrown into face. He could have just chosen to side with the Shinigami and have killed all the Quincy in Hueco Mundo.

"But you didn't."

Yhwach stood up and faced Ichigo. "Do not think for a moment you did the wrong thing. I have something to show you. Haschwalth, bring it forward!" Ichigo looked to the side and saw the Grandmaster approach the two. He instructed them to look up towards the wall which soon projected a large screen. Ichigo was a bit surprised to see on what to be seen as a profile of himself. It listed all of his known powers, friends, people he has done battle with. It was a log on the former substitute-Shinigami.

"Sternritter "V" and Sternritter "L" had brought us information from the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. But unfortunately, PePe Waccabrada perished later." The events surrounding the "Love" were fairly unknown. No one had even seen him. It was the "Visionary" who had reported the death but had no knowledge of how. This left some suspicious but the "Balance" did not take interest the valuable computer information which was stolen was of great value.

There was information on here that even Ichigo didn't know about. And it was his own profile which they were observing. It had everything from meeting Urahara to fighting Ulquiorra in Las Noches. How they received that data is a mystery. Recorded battles against Ikkakue, Kenpachi, and Byakuya were all streaming side by side. There was no information however on the battle against Aizen. It was starting to annoy Ichigo a bit as all of his powers had been studied. He soon shrugged when almost every fight he was in had been carefully studied.

Then the anger came.

Kugo Ginjo staring him down while Shinigami in the background watch. They all had pitiful expressions. There was no sound but the three could tell they were remaining idle for a reason. As if ordered to somehow watch Ginjo nearly murder Ichigo in the middle of nowhere. It was hard to comprehend the emotions. First there had been guilt which led to sadness. Now it was ignorance which led to anger. He felt every right to be upset with the Shinigami now. Why would they do this? Is the question Ichigo would love to have answered.

"Kurosaki Masaki."

The name snapped his attention back into full reality. His eyes glued onto the screen as he tries to read the descriptive details.

Kurosaki Masaki –

Birth: June 9th- ? Sometime in 2001

Known Quincy living in Karakura Town, Japan, Human world.

Occupation status – Full time mother

Death – Hollow attack

Body – Too late to be taken and studied. Humans had buried quickly. Body extraction not an option

It took a while for him to comprehend what he was actually reading.

This had set of some fumes.

"Now do you see what I mean, Kurosaki-san!?" Ichigo recognized the familiar voice and looked off into a corner. He watched as his friend emerges from the shadow and faces him with lowered eyes. "Your mom died the same way my grandfather did…the Shinigami refusing to help. This is why I joined!"

Fool

He feels like a complete utter fool. Everything he has been doing up until this point had not been for him. Pure regret guided his weak conscious. How could he have been so blind and naïve? It was his innocence which explained everything. He could easily trust strangers even if they gave a remote sense of friendliness. It was his kind nature which led people to take advantage of him. It had been right in front of him this entire time. A sad story about such a good person who only helped those in need.

"Kurosaki-san, I don't know if you ever noticed. But that Shinigami badge which you carried everywhere wasn't just a sensor for Hollows. They monitored you and even restricted your power." Ishida seemed to have known it all along. "I mean, did you really think we could just invade them and everything would be alright?" It was embarrassing to be as strong as Ichigo and yet to be as narrow minded. It was not his intelligence which was challenged. He had been very smart within his high school. It was his sense of morality and weakness for believing one could be friends with a former enemy so easily.

Never heal your enemies

Everything was going blank around him. All those battles he had fought, all that pain and suffering. He practically died for them at certain times. Ichigo had given up everything only to be looked down upon in the end. He took on the toughest Captains and was able to destroy the ancient Sokyoku blade. It hurt to be pitied upon by those he had defeated in the past. It hurt to be looked down upon by people he knew was worlds weaker than he was.

Then again he lost his powers.

Now everyone Soul Society could be considered stronger than he was.

For fucks sake he barely was able to beat Dordonii.

Yhwach stepped in front of Ichigo and stared deep into his eyes.

"You...are broken. The Shinigami have crushed your spirit and will. I, will fix you."

---

Snow...it was peaceful. The sense of nostalgia filled his mind as he could remember playing as a child in the cold weather. It was a much simpler time. His father, his mother, his two sisters all came together to enjoy the outside world. He missed those times. He wishes he could go back to those times. Everything about those times seemed so great. No death, no pain, and no fighting. No nervous break downs, nothing at all. Ichigo craved to have such happiness once again. He believed that if his mother was alive today things could once go back to that. Sure everyone is a bit older but that doesn't mean they could not that loving family joy again. Nobody unified the family like Masaki. Her death did not separate anyone, but it ruined the closeness of each other. It was the reason Karin and Yuzu were always at odds while Ichigo went vanishing off into random situations only to come home whenever. Isshin had always tried to bring everyone back but he could never do the same as his wife.

The thought of her dying was always painful. He had obviously moved on from the death but it was always troubling to think about. The story had always been that a Hollow named Grand Fischer had killed her. That story was the one he preferred since it had conclusion. The Hollow was dead and was she avenged. Now everything had changed. Sure, the Hollow was still responsible. It pained Ichigo to think about how her death was still a topic worth discussing.

The Shinigami had purposely ordered the one in charge of Karakura Town to delay the support. This had been a common practice since many Shinigami wished to study the bodies of deceased Quincy. He remembers when Uryuu told him about how his grandfather had died. When he first heard about all those years ago he had simply shrugged it off as a misfortunate event. To think that it would come back to haunt him was nerve wracking.

He didn't know how to feel about it. Ichigo tried to see the light in it by saying how long ago it was and holding a grudge is not something he normally does. Yhwach however countered his statement by saying a mere 9 years is not a long time. He also surprised Ichigo by saying it is not the grudge to remember, but the incident and that it had happened. The fact that Soul Society had committed such an act was the most important thing.

Ichigo could agree on this. Yhwach knew he was very soft when it came to fighting the Shinigami and had tried his best to persuade Ichigo that he was fighting for a just cause. "Re-education" was a common tactic Yhwach would use to enforce his views on fellow Quincy who did not wish to fight. Ichigo had impressed the Emperor by being able to withstand everything he threw into his mind. He witnessed events during the first war which shocked him to no end.

The history of the Vandenreich had flashed before is eyes. It was strange to see. Through the eyes and memories of Yhwach he had developed a new pride for being part of the Quincy Empire. His mother was proud to be a Quincy and it made him feel better to know he could follow in her footsteps on way or another. He just wanted to talk to her one last time. One last conversation just so he could ask her on what to do. Right now he felt lost and alone. Ichigo needed some of that motherly advice which always gave him the motive on what to do in the past.

Ignore your gut, follow your heart

That was an odd one which he never really understood.

"Ichigo!"

He snapped back and turned around. Bambietta Basterbine had brought it upon herself to enter his room without really knocking. And while he did lock the door, it was just annoying at the thought of her breaking in whenever she felt like it. It is not as if he would ever do that to her. Sometimes he just felt like everyone walked all over him while he threw his heart out.

"I would never break into your room." he replied. She was a bit surprised to see him get up and traverse to the opposite side of the room. He rested on the couch and placed his hands behind his head. His room had sky lights in certain sections which allowed him to stare at the descending snow which seemed to never stop.

Bambietta shrugged, "I didn't breakin. Your door was unlocked."

Lie

He just about had it with everyone. Ichigo was not exactly in a healthy psychological state at the moment, "I alwayslock my door. You, Meninas, or Giselle always break the damn door. I've had more fucking doors replaced than days I've been here. What the hell!?" Something had happened during his meeting with Yhwach. She could tell from his heavy breathing that something was wrong with him. He placed his hands on top of his head and had been squeezing his head together., It was as if he was trying to hold his sanity together while it would try to leave him.

She rubbed her temples and sighed, "Ichigo...can I talk to you? I'm sorry for "intruding" on your privacy. I was just wor-"

He snapped, "Worried!? You were worried about me!? Forget about me! I'm worried about them! I just killed three of my friends for what? Three good...well two good people and another but he was still an honorable guy! They came to rescue me...rescue me from all of this! From Yhwach from everything and I killed them!" She wasn't really sure on how to react on this. It wasn't her fault to blame. It was really simply bad timing and lack of control which led to the deaths of the three Shinigami.

"I know what you said Bambietta. Don't trust the Shinigami. They lied, they manipulated, and they never trusted me I know! I know! You were right and I can never be mad about that. Even after beating Aizen!"

"They ignored my mom when she was attacked by Hollows. They never cared about defending the people of Karakura Town! They wanted to take her body the moment she perished to study! I know they are animals I know. They waited for me that day when Ginjo stole my powers! They stood by and watched as I got the living shit beaten out of me. They never wanted me to be strong again! I was a threat to them and always have been. They kept tabs on Yuzu and Karin without one shred of consideration for me!"

His heart twisted, "But I killed Shinji! Yumichika! Hiroyi and Zaraki! They were sent to get me out of here the same way I rescued Inoue or Rukia! They were good people who didn't deserve it."

"Oh god...Inoue...she was against me. They turned her against me and brought him back! Why!? She brought him there to kill me. All because of this. She's going to tell everyone now. Sado, Tatsuki, Keigo all of them! They will all think I'm an enemy now. It would be only a matter of time before Yuzu and Karin look at me differently. I invaded Las Noches with just two of my friends to bring out Inoue and just in the master of days Soul Society planned her against me!"

"Rukia...Rukia...oh God. What is she going to think? Byakuya, Yourichi, Urahara-san what is everyone going to think of me now that I am there enemy?"

Ichigo was finally expressing his thoughts onto someone. He had kept this guilt all vented up inside. It was unhealthy to be so bottled up. At least he had chosen someone he thought he could trust since then he knew the word would not get out. Ichigo could only hope she showed some compassion as he goes through this troubling time. Killing people was one thing, but killing friends had sent him into a spiraling craze.

She was confused at him. Ichigo had just been walking around the room with his hands squeezing his head. "Rukia...?" The female Quincy said. She recalled the name back in Hueco Mudo but never did she imagine she was that important. After all, the daten had reported only his human friends to be wary of. This "Rukia" was not someone the Vandenreich had prior knowledge of.

"Rukia! I...I fought every Shinigami I could for her. If it was not for her I wouldn't be here! I would probably be dead, killed by a Hollow! But she was there! Unlike Soul Society she was there for me when I needed it. She was different just like Shinji, Hiryori and Yumichika. Good people who didn't deserve to die!"

Nothing but absolute perturbation had consumed the Quincy. Bambietta did not know it right now but Ichigo was going through a massive mental breakdown right before her eyes. Anxiety, stress, and fearfulness had overcome his already shattered mind and was attacking everything he stood for. His own actions had caused him to now break as he could no longer handle the apprehension for his actions.

"...Why? Why did I bother to do such a thing? There was no reason for me to do what I did. But I still did it!" He began to shake from the emotions he could not handle. "I know it was to keep you all safe but WHY!?" Bambietta hung her head low from his words. It was finally starting to turn on the Quincy. "I barely know you all! I fought wars with those people! I wouldn't have cared if they were injured, but now they are dead. That wasn't honor. That wasn't how i wanted to win if we were going to fight."

He wasn't stopping. "Yes Bambietta! I'm a fucking Hollow! I'm a monster you can stop pretending like I'm some special war potential now. I am nothing but an animal. I saw you, I saw how everyone looked at me. That was me. When I lose everything I have to offer I become that creature which made things even worse. I shouldn't have done it. I should have accepted my fate and maybe everything would be alright. You'd be captured, but that's fine because I never wanted you to die for a stupid war anyways."

The "Explode" finally raised her head, "They were going to kill me. And you begged them not to. You threw away your life to keep them from executing me. And when they ignored you, you shielded me with your body. I came here to say thank you. And I apologize if you feel that your decision was not worth it. I'm sorry for you not choosing to abandon me." She did her best to contain herself from exploding in emotion. Bambietta knew Ichigo had a right to be upset. Even if she had hoped he was prepared to take action against the Vandenreich's enemies.

Only one thing caught his attention during that, "They...They were going to kill you?" Ichigo appears to have forgotten why he even died in the first place. It was not from battling one of them. It was because he threw his body in front of Bambietta and had hoped his Blut could stop Kenpachi's blade. The memory came back to him now. He fought everyone because they were going to kill Bambietta and all of the good people he had met. It was that moment he was forced to choose a side for once in his life. "Oh...well, are you alright?"

Are you all right?

You're wrong Kurosaki!

"The whole point of fighting is that you don't know want to die! That you'll be killed if you lose! If you throw your life away in battle, where's the point in winning!?"

He seemed to be amused by the comment.

"That you will still be alive?"

She had grown up with her own loneliness and self-abandonment issues as a child. Being in the Vandenreich and fighting at such a young age taught her many things. She was an orphan who learned to fend for herself. That losing any battle could mean losing it all. Never once did she believe losing a battle could end up as a win in its own way. She was not alone in this ideology. Many Quincy knew that fighting was essential and that everyone must learn how to cope and adapt to their future. For if it not, everything there past has been building up will lead up to nothing. She thought Ichigo was stupid when she first heard about him from Yhwach. Everybody thought he was just some blind kid who was in way over his head. A youthful, optimistic kid who thought he was an invincible.

The kid that invaded Soul Society to rescue a criminal.

They said it amusing.

The kid that beat Zaraki Kenpachi without a Bankai.

They said it was weak Shinigami.

The kid that learned Bankai in only three days.

They said it was impossible.

The kid that rescued his friend and had successfully brought the Gotei 13 into massive chaos.

They said anyone could do it.

Then it was that same exact kid who did the same thing all over again.

The kid who went to rescue another girl.

The kid who went through hell.

The same kid who foughtAizen Sasuke after he defeated every single Captain in the Gotei 13.

The kid who defeated Aizen Sosuke in a legendary battle.

That very same kid who was revealed all this time to be a Quincy.

That same Quincy kid who became the number one threat to the Vandenreich.

The same kid who joined the Vandenreich

Perhaps it was because she did not see it at first. Going through hell and fighting for another person's sake was just something Ichigo had no problem doing. He did with this girl Rukia, and had done it again with this girl Inoue. But then it happened to Bambietta. She could see it now what he had meant. Going through that hell. He had gripped Zaraki Kenpachi's blade to stop it from puncturing her skin. Death would be the least of his worries at that moment. She remembered the look on his face as he turned over his shoulder to give one concerned look on his face. He then became a monster Hollow and had slayed any threat that came her way. He was not sure of the outcome when he "died". The same way he had rescued the two previous girls he had done it yet again.

Are you all right?

The audacity for him to ask that after his mind had gone berserk. She was sitting on the bed while he stood before her. He still had that same fucking worried look on his face. The same one he gave her when a sword had ripped through his body. He was as good looking as ever. To Bambietta, the thought of being something worth dying for by someone like him was hard to comprehend. Her own belief had been completely turned around by the person in which she was in charge of making sure was in line.

"You said you barely knew me. That you barely knew us..." Her natural attitude meant she was trying to turn this situation around. It was embarrassing for her to be filled with positive emotions. Normally, negativity fit her persona more often than anything else. Going into this new territory was foreign and unwelcoming to her.

"I…know you. But I was worried for everyone. Meni, Gigi, Candi, they were all in danger." He sat next to her and sighed, "I don't know what to do. I can't think anymore…" She got up and slapped him. "HEY! I don't go around slap-" He was lucky she was in a somewhat calm mood. Explosion were far more dangerous than girl slaps.

"You chose to be with us, remember? You came with me when that cow tried getting you the first time. You're one us. The Vandenreich needs you." The Empire was something Bambietta cared deeply for. She knew how important Ichigo really was to its success and without him the chances of winning the war are much slim. "Remember? That stupid cat bitch and old man who tried to keep you away from me?

Oh yea…the days the two had first met.

Those were some fun days.

Ichigo felt a bit heated and awkwardly placed his hand behind his head, "Well I mean you're you I guess. You were different than like Bazz...I mean yea, you, I guess, err, uh. You always meant a lot to me." Ichigo was just a master with words. He knew how to sway anyone on his side. She laughed at his response. It was a sign that he was starting to come back.

The Sternritter smiled, "But...why? You could have just laid there and gone unconscious. Did you know that thing was coming out? I mean really? You thought I was scared? You just aren't that scary, Ichigo."

The question caused Ichigo to smile back, "No...I know now. I knew what was going to happen. I wanted it to come out because we weren't going to win a battle against Kenpachi. I was too weak."

"I did it because...because, you said you loved me."

"I never said that." Bambietta quickly replied. He had a very surprised expression on his face which baffled the "Explode". It wasn't difficult to focus on.

He frowned, "Oh..." Ichigo sat at the edge of bed, "I think Candice did then. I should go see her."

God damn it!

Bambietta panicked, "No, no, she has no makeup on. I don't think she'll even want to see you."

Ichigo looked towards the door, "They...hurt her pretty bad didn't they?" He remembered during the battle Candice had been defeated by Lisa and Hiyori. They only allowed her to live because they knew she would retreat towards the Quincy group.

The "Explode" gritted her teeth, "It's that dumb bitch's fault we got jumped anyways. If her weak ass would have just died we could have made it out in one piece." He did not seem to be convinced. If anything that made him feel even worse since he wasn't there to even fight while she was taken down. Ichigo now seemed to be a bit out of reality for the moment. He kept staring outside and the window as if he was searching for something. Without even uttering a word he quickly grabbed his coat and ran outside the room. "Wait you idiot! His Majesty is sleeping!" The warning was dire for Ichigo. He was unaware of how Silbern was when Yhwach was asleep. She cursed herself for letting himself escape so easily.

THUD

Bambietta stopped in her tracks and lowered her eyes. "You have five fucking seconds. Get the fuck out of there!" She stared onto the floor and watched as not one but two Sternritter crawled out from under bed. Bambietta could not believe these people had heard her entire conversation with Ichigo. She furiously gripped a large portion of black hair and ripped Giselle from the ground. The "Zombie" felt the intense pain of being slammed into the wall. The Quincy leader then grabbed a patch of blonde hair which tried resisting but was to no avail. Liltotto suffered the same fate as her friend. "What the fuck!?" she yelled out in surprise. The "Expode" got on her knees and extended her arm outward.

"No, No, No!" uttered a sudden third acquaintance. The figure tried heading towards more of the center of the bed but panicked the moment Bambietta had gripped his legs. She pulled him back and just like previous two attempts launched the man into the wall. All three made a considerable amount of damage before falling back to the ground.

"Gigi!" The furious Bambietta yelled.

The "Zombie" gave a frown and shrugged, "I wanted to watch you guys do it." Her leader could not have been more bored with her explanation. The two had a close relationship in the past. And that relationship often led to some very lewd tension. Needless to say, Bambietta had broken off and Giselle never really seemed to have lost her affection the same way her past lover had.

"Lili!" Now this was a surprise. Normally the "Glutton" never cared enough about Bambietta to pry and see what she did behind closed doors.

The smallest Quincy defended herself, "I came to check on him. Am I seriously the only-fucking one saw him turn into a Vasto Lorde right before eyes?" It was not paranoid for her to simply spy on him. She had no real intention of catching him in the act with Bambietta. That is if anything had actually happened. The three had just been into the intense conversation by the two.

She stared at the man. He obviously knew better but she wasn't all that surprised. "Askin!" she yelled.

Sternritter "D" was not one to go peeping into rooms. It was rather another reason he was here, "Hey, I missed out on what happened. I only came to see the aftermath. I heard it pretty damn cool from what everyone has been saying!" Askin Nakk Le Var felt a punch from his side.

Liltotto lowered her eyes, "That's not why you came."

He tilted his head, "Oh and I also...wanted to see you guys do it."

Bambietta Basterbine watched as the three panicked from a nearby explosion which shook the room. She was a bit red for being caught in such an intense and emotional mood. This of course only made her even more mad since it was Liltotto and Askin who participated in this. This of course is now going to lead to there being strong rumors between Ichigo and herself. Since such a conversation was on such a personal level she was never going t hear the end of it.

"Where did Ichigo go?" Liltotto asked as she hoped to sway the conversation.

Bambietta sighed, "I don't fucking know. Said something about Candice and how badly he wanted to see her." she spat on her friends incompetence. If the "Thunderbolt" was going to die in Hueco Mundo she didn't have to drag the rest of them into the same fat by bringing most of the Shinigami there to attack.

Askin shrugged, "He's going out this late? While his Majesty is sleeping? We better go quickly. She's in the infirmary."

---

Ichigo's body shivered as he sat down in a white chair. His coat had been showered in snow and ice. He tried taking it off but his body had already been soaked through the melted water. The Quincy made sure to close all the windows and to keep the door tight. He raised the room temperature but it eventually had its own limit. Sitting back into the chair he frowned as he stared at the patient.

Candice Catnipp had been beaten severely. Luckily her face was no longer swollen and left just a few cuts and minor bruises. It would be worse for her mental state if she had woken up to see some bloodied up bag of bones. Ichigo tilted his head grabbed a nearby rag from the sink.

He cautiously wiped away the dry stands of blood around her nose which the nurses seemed to of had ignored. In fact the nurses missed a lot of blood. It was as if they did not pay enough attention to her despite being the only patient in the entire infirmary.

"I...Ichi...go?" The orange-haired Quincy flinched as the women finally had woken up. She seemed to be in a lot of pain.

Ichigo frowned, "You're still hurt...I'm sorry for waking you."

Candice rubbed her eyes and sat up, "No, no...I hate sleeping for too long. My hair event-" Her eyes went wide open, "Wait Ichigo get out! I have no makeup and my hair is..." her words went silence as Ichigo continued to wipe the blood from her face. Bambietta had been right. She really did not want anyone to see her without make up.

"I'm the one who should be sorry. I let you get hu-"

Candice placed her finger on his lip, "Sweetie, you don't have to say that. I tried fighting and got fucked up. Keep your smile up, you're too pretty to be sad." The green-haired Sternritter placed her hand on his cheek and brought him close. The two shared one long and passionate kiss before Ichigo pulled away. She grinned at his mixed expression. He seemed to be heated with embarrassment while also filled with confusion. "We need to spend more time together."

He was still red, "Uh, yea, for sure...I mean we could right now Bambietta is mad at me for some reason."

She grinned when the name of her friend was mentioned. Candice moved her body to the side and guided Ichigo. The women gripped his arm and pulled him down to the bed. He was a bit confused but soon complied with her demand and was then now lying next to his fellow Quincy. 'All bloody like this...it's kind of hot.' The blood and pain was a turn on for Candice. She did not hold back when her hands intensely began gripping his face. The "Thunderbolt" thought it was cute that Ichigo was so pure and new at everything. "You really are a prude." Despite being heated and red, Ichigo continued to answer her calls for passionate kissing. She had rushed her hands through his hair while exploring his chest. Her eyes opened due to the lack of sensation she was feeling on her own part. Candice gripped his wrists which were just resting on the bed and began guiding them over her body. He felt her face and shoulders. Everything was smooth and cold. Compared to his rough and heated body. Her guidance started to get lower until Ichigo began pulling back.

"Sweetie, I'm going to ruin your innocence." the declaration left Ichigo now laying on the bed while she straddled him with intensive force. She began unzipping her jacket and came closer and closer to revealing her bare chest. He tried struggling but Candice kept his body still. She began sliding her body around his groin area which she could eventually feel a very happy Ichigo.

Suddenly, the room began to shake as if a small earthquake hit the world. It was so small Ichigo did not seem to care. Having Candice on top of him solidified his entire attention span. Candice however, lowered her eyes and sighed. She zipped up her top and got off Ichigo.

"W-What is it...are you mad?"

Candice gave a small laugh, "Sweetie, you have no idea how badly I want to make you mine. But Queen Bitch is throwing is creating a shit storm outside and I don't want to die today."

Ichigo tilted his head, "You want some food?" he asked, "I can make pretty good ramen." The teen soon widened his eyes and slammed both of his hands towards his head. "Oh shit! I have a job...but she fired me...but she also wants me to work. And school! Oh shit I'm going to miss my finals soon!" Candice watched with confusion as Ichigo began talking off about problems within his personal life. In fact she beings to realize that he has been acting a bit strange ever since he arrived. Something odd must have happened while she was unconscious.

"Ichi-"

"Ikumi's going to get pretty pissed...I wonder if she'll take me back. Her son is pretty annoying but she's really cute...then again her son is annoying..." Ichigo trailed off around the room. "And i swear to god if Tatsuki thinks she can hit me again I'll give her that left hook." Candice tried calling his name out but he wouldn't budge, "And then of course my dad is going to try and fucking harass me after he never even told me my mom was a Quincy!" He began to breathe heavily and soon sat back down in the chair.

"And Bambietta is still pissed off at me...for no reason! The Shinigami watched as I died! Again! And then Ishida was doing absolutely nothing. Where was he!? I've died more times than I've kissed girls. I only try and do my best only to be ended up as less than a tool. I only wanted to save Rukia back then but now it ended up dragging me into even more bullshit!"

Candice kept her eyes lowered as she began focusing reiryoku into her palm.

"And then Gingjo...that was a great fucking time. He kicked my ass for sure. Then I met Bambietta and she dragged me into here! Now I'm fighting for Yhwach and almost died again.I turned into a Hollow and killed some of my friends who never thought of me as a bad person. And then I met everyone here, just as creepy! They all call Candice a whore and I don't know wh-"

She had shocked him for a good minute before releasing her power. He didn't scream as loudly as she had hoped. Then again she had only wanted him to snap out of his little craze. Ichigo got back up and sighed, "Thanks Candice...I had a breakdown earlier and I'm still not..."

The "Thunderbolt" now realizes why he was acting so upfront and abnormal. He seemed to have suffered a mental breakdown while meeting with Yhwach after the second invasion of Hueco Mundo. She thought now trying to seduce him and actually succeeding made it even more hot. Seeing him so reliant and confused only added more excitement into the mix. He seemed to be normal once again and put back on his large coat. "One more." she ordered. Ichigo was a bit reluctant but he forced himself to comply. The last moment of bliss was greatly appreciated by Candice who now was just trying to get revenge at her Sternitter comrades.

"I'll see you later." he said. Before Candice could utter a word the two felt the violent shake once again.

She laughed, "Better get out quick, Queen bitch is coming for ya'."

---

It was cold, oh so terribly cold. Much colder than he had realized from before. He didn't know why it was so cold but that didn't really stop him from moving on. He headed even further downwards into Vandenreich City. Everyone at this time of night is in a warm room. Yhwach had been sleeping which meant Silbern did not gain the necessary light to counter out the freezing temperature. Ichigo stopped at the final gate and turned around. He didn't know why but he felt he just needed some fresh air. The rural areas outside the city were nothing but a barren wasteland.

Something is out there.

He didn't know what it was but something was outside the city. Whatever it was, it was not calling Ichigo but curiosity was getting the best of him. Unfortunately, his Blut currently could not protect against extreme temperatures. He endured the pain and continued on.

Escape is out there.

What Ichigo was really doing had been something hes never done before. He did not realize it but what his weak mind was telling him was to just run.

Run

Walk away from everything at this moment. All the problems could no longer be handled. His mind had been shattered into seemingly beyond repair. The stress and anxiety had built up and released all at once. Betrayal, regret, and despair all followed suit. These types of emotions had never really consumed in the past. Although, these brief feelings had consumed him the moment Ginjo left him with nothing. However one particular female Quincy had brought him out of that feeling very quickly.

This was worlds different

The thought of everything he trusted coming against him was overwhelming. The bonds were being shattered right before his eyes. All those people he considered friends was a lot to bare. He had pride and he thrived on that by building relationships with others.

Dordonii was right.

Never heal your enemies

The Gotei 13, the Espada, all former enemies. Ichigo tried his best to shake the stress and thoughts out of his mind. He only wanted to think about nothing. And that's what he was trying to do. The wasteland was absolutely vast which contained nothing but snow.

Snow is peaceful

He couldn't even feel the pain anymore. Finally, it was all gone. Blut Vene was able to block out burns and fire, but snow was a different story. If cold weather could slow down and freeze the constant flow of blood than Blut would not work. He could only rely on his natural human resistance which was practically nothing. The temperature was getting even colder as the night deepened.

Snow is so soft

The snow had risen to high levels and his legs could no longer push through. His body collapsed to the floor and his face had fell face first into the white ice. Finally, he could get some rest. His body began to sink into it the ground. Brown eyes finally close in what Ichigo hopes to be the last time. Right now he could literally feel the mind crushing regrets leave his mind. All now was just peace and silence. Ichigo wondered where he will go fast this. What type of existence remained after life like this. Maybe he will turn into a Hollow. That would suck, especially since then he would still be alive one way or another.

His couldn't even feel the cold on his face anymore. The blistering winter winds were getting lower and lower. His vision had become blurred and his mind began to shut down. Ichigo hadn't realize what was going on until it was already too late. 'Am I dying?' The question was self-answered. After everything he has been through it is strange to think he could die from snow of all things.

Every now and then he could feel the ground shake. His body would often be buried deeper into the ground from the pressure.

Something is out here.

There's a reason why he came out here. Ichigo could not remember but he could recall having to meet someone. That person is obviously not out here but Ichigo still decided to come.

A heavy pressure sunk into his back. His body feel deeper into the snow and along with it the extreme hypothermia. A tug on his neck caused his body to be ripped from the snow. He was lifted by a strong hand which almost launched him into the air. Not many things could compare to the thin white layers of winter. But something was definitely relatable. His body felt like it was being crushed. Such pain seemed to have sprung out from nowhere.

"Hey buddy…" Ichigo could finally hear.

His eyes could barely make out the image in front of him. "Aizen…you son of a bitch…" he uttered before attempting to throw a punch. The man laughed and soon threw Ichigo over his shoulder. The two walked back from the blistering snow towards the city. He could actually feel his blood somehow tolerate the intense temperature. Compared to before while his nervous system seemed to have been shut down.

Ichigo closed his eyes and could hear the footsteps trail onto the solid floor. He knew he was back in Vandenreich city but was too weak to actually move. His body was purposely being weakened just so he couldn't feel the need to suddenly run back into the snow and die. It was for his own safety. The person carrying him seemed to also have been chatting along the way but Ichigo could not respond.

Everything went black for Ichigo as he continued to simply rest. He heard a door open and was soon thrown into a familiar room. Now standing, his eyes scattered for a bed and was soon satisfied as his body collapsed onto something soft. He heard the door close and finally he had gotten what he wanted.

---

"What the hell!"

Gremmy Thoemoux watched with a projection screen with much disdain.

"What is it?"

Lloyd Loyd stood by and watched as the child angrily shut down the video.

"I told Kurosaki it was only a few miles away from the entrance. He was an idiot and didn't take that special coat I had given him." Gremmy was a bit annoyed by the Quincy's failure to meet him. Sternritter "V" had built himself a separate bunker outside of Silbern. He only resided within it during the night time as he did not trust many of his fellow Quincy. He was no doubt the most disliked Sternritter and had been demonized. This was a protective bunker that not even Yhwach knew about. This way he could easily delude everyone by placing a temporary clone to sleep in his quarters while in reality he hid out there.

Loyd sighed, "It is fine for now. I wouldn't be surprised if they are suspicious about us."

"Hmph. As if. Yhwach does not really care for us. Not to mention PePe didn't exactly have the best reputation here." It was Sternritter "V" who had killed the "Love". Only Lloyd knew of this since he had been there. It was difficult for them to hide the fact that there comrade had been murdered since

The two were had been silently rebelling against Yhwach ever since they invaded Soul Society. Gremmy knew what the Emperor was planning to do in the end once he was done using his Sternritter. And the "Visionary" was not going to take it. The child was no doubt the most arrogant among the Quincy and had even felt that he himself was the strongest among the Vandenreich.

Lloyd Loyd was a Sternritter who had decided to join the child. He had witnessed his brother Royd be unnecessarily killed by Yhwach as he took his powers. This sent outrage due to how much he cared for his twin brother. Even if he before he worshiped Yhwach like a God, his brother meant the absolute world to him. The two had caused some noticeable mischief by killing another Sternritter while at the same time destroying communications between the Quincy.

"We'll have another chance to get to Kurosaki."

"How was he again when he arrived back from Hueco Mundo?"

Gremmy cursed, "I don't really know. He seemed out of it. All I had to do for his attention was heal him before Yhwach took notice of there arrival. That was almost impossible since Haschwalth was up my ass about everything we did to obtain the information about Ichigo. I mean, fucks sake we risk our lives for the daten and he repays us by just harassing on how we obtained it?"

Lloyd spat, "Of course. The nerve of the Grandmaster is futile. He believes simply because he is somehow the "other-half" he has a right to guard everything as if he obtained it."

"Follow me. There is something I must show you." The "Yourself" watched with curiosity as the child began walking towards the door. The two were instantly hit with a painful gust of win which almost sharp enough to cut skin. Gremmy tried creating an environment more suitable for everyone but it could not sustain the wind for long. "Transform back into Kenpachi!"

His comrade nodded and performed his power. It didn't take long before an exact replica of Zaraki Kenpachi stood before the "Visionary". Lloyd now using his powerful reiatsu struck the ground with his recreated Zanpakuto which shook the area before them. The powerful reiatsu was strong enough to temporarily subdue the wind and create a more clear atmosphere for the two to work in.

The taller Quincy watched with shocked eyes as the area around him was nothing but a massive crater. Gremmy never actually walked from Silbern to his separate bunker but rather would simply teleport there. He had brought Lloyd since he was his partner in crime during these operations. Never before as the "Yourself" actually seen what lies outside the safe area. To think it was just below an enormous crater was last thing he would expect.

There was still large shards of rock which surrounding the area. "What happened here?" he asked. Curiosity plagued his mind like a virus as he tries to ascend up past the massive hole. What on Earth could have created such a significant devastating blast. 99% of the rural land was just flat snow terrain with an occasional hill. This was something much different., As if someone had performed such a blast. The only person he could think of with this type of power would be a Sternritter.

A very creative, Sternritter.

"Look, there is still a huge chunk of it over there." Gremmy pointed far out where the two could see a huge boulder stick from the ground. Snow had covered a large portion but the size of the rock was so great it was still noticeable. "I created this the moment we all left for Soul Society. It's something I'm planning to use for the second invasion. What do you think?"

"You created...a meteor?" The man was in disbelief. Then again, this was Gremmy we were talking about. "The amount of sheer destructive force would wipe a nation clean. You will kill so many Shinigami with this..." Lloyd wondered if he could try and turn into Gremmy on his own. The two have thought about in the past but knew it was fruitless. The "Visionary" had such a unique power that not even a copy could try and grasp it.

"And Quincy..." he replied with a ferocious grin on his face.

---

Soul Palace

Ichibe Hyosube stares down the world as he rests at his dojo. The man had been in constant thought ever since the Vandenreich had invaded Soul Society. The Shinigami was worried about the situation as his attempts to assist the Gotei 13 had not gone as planned. The man was responsible for the well-being of the Soul King and had the ultimate say in all decisions relating to the Shinigami. His power was even greater than that of Central 46 if in an emergency. This power however comes with much worry as he must be the one to survive until every single combatant has died. Their lives were all dedicated to the Soul King. The Gotei 13 still had a formidable force and still gave the Monk much hope for the future. His job now was to ensure Yhwach could not come close to arriving near the palace.

He did this by training specific Shinigami whom he was ordered to by their potential. The priest was able to teach Kuchiki Rukia and Abarai Reni before sending them back down to Soul Society. However, there was one another person which he was instructed to meet. Suddenly, his eyes went wide and his body straighten up.

"Y-Yes?" he spoke aloud.

'…'

"Zaraki Kenpachi is dead? That is unfortunate…forgive me."

'…'

"I trained him as quickly as I could. He was not able to achieve Bankai but his power was still incomprehensible. Not even my own Zanpakuto could successfully seal his own power."

'…'

"That…would not by wise, my liege."

"You're saying you wish to merge? That is just…crazy! Even when Aizen Sosuke posed a threat the thought never came to discussion. No. For your own safety I cannot oblige to that order."

'…'

"Your powers have…impossible…"

The man felt his body move without his control. His hand pulled down a string which rang a large bell. The sound was echoed across the entire soul realm. All Shinigami residing in their own cities were forced to answer to the sound. This bell had been the calling signal for every Royal Guard member to meet in the headquarters of the Soul Palace. Ichibei had second highest vantage point out of anyone in the royal guard. He watched as they all took their time coming from their own cities. It was annoying watching how they all seemed to not take the sound seriously as in reality it had been a direct call from the Soul King.

The leader of the guard watched with annoyed eyes as Oetsu and Kirinji suddenly stop in their tracks and begin starting a conversation. 'The nerve of these kids!' He waited for them to stop ignoring the sound but it seemed there conversation was just so important.

"What is the fuss about?" The Monk turned around and stared into the bored eyes of Senjumaru Shutara. Ichibei was a bit suspicious of her arrival. Normally she would be the last one to attend these meetings. They were so common that the Shinigami had become bored and disinterested in even coming most of the time. His suspicion was answered when he noticed that the female was not wearing her golden ornament. This odd attire was her signature attraction and went nowhere without.

The girl made a loud sound as her body was flicked away by a spirit hand. Seni Tsutensho was one of Ichibei's most convenient methods of punishment. "No clones!" he yelled as the fake Senjumaru descended downwards. He watched with cross arms and a smirk as the clone abruptly slammed onto the ground.

"Yoo-hoo!" Said a new voice from behind. Ichibei smiled as he felt the first member approach him. She was a large woman, much larger than him. Her hair was purple and had a swirl design on her cheeks. The woman was loved by all. Anyone who can cook great food is no doubt going to becoming a respect person in their lives.

"Make sure to poison all of their food later on." Ichibei was not kidding when he saw her laugh at his comment.

After a few more minutes an angry Ichibei was confronted with the three other members of the royal guard. They seemed bored but were quickly thrown into shape the moment the Monk was threatening to fight all of them. It had been a while since either of them received any punishment for their constant wrong doing and he felt as if the younger Shinigami were starting to act older than they actually were. Age of course gave this priest a better view on everyone.

"I have new orders." The four widened their eyes at his words. It was rare for him to receive direct orders from the Soul King.

"Senjumaru, I need you to obtain more engineers. We are going to construct more massive defensive fortresses. We need traps, pits, and deceptions. And, I wish you to create an entire wardrobe of Oken clothing." The woman raised an eyebrow but did not interrupt. The man was talking fast and would only get pissed if she her interrupted.

"Kirijnji, I want you to create multiple hot springs. Use Senjumaru's traps for boiling water. Your healing springs will be vital for training up the rest of the other Shinigami." The man tched in irritation. Creating hot springs wasn't some quick think he can do. It took him time and patience in order to create a masterpiece that could last.

"Kirio! I need you to create a grand feast for many!"

"Oh-etsu, bring your Zanpakuto you're going to be training a lot more people!"

The afro-man sighed, "Boss…the hell is going on? If Yhwach can even make it here, we'll just deal with it then."

The monk slammed his staff into the ground, "No! There has been a change of plans. We will not fortifying this area." The four tilted their heads in confusion. They could obviously leave the palace as they did in order to help Soul Society, but that was not for long a time. Never in history have they really been recalled outside the palace for long periods of times.

"We will be fighting Juhabach in Soul Society."

Everybody gasped at his words. Most of them despised being with the Gotei 13. Kirinji believed that they were all mere children compared to the Royal Guard. This obviously meant that the Soul King would be defenseless while they fought the Vandenreich down at Soul Society.

"Yhwach cannot just come to the Soul Palace. He first needs to arrive in Soul Society and then he is able to move on. Fighting there would give everyone an advantage since we can motivate the Shinigami Captains."

There was much doubt in this plan. Not everyone enjoyed leaving the palace unattended. It would be like having your door open while you go out and search for the enemy. Ichibei was the person who took words from the Soul King himself. He was the only person who took his word. The monk had the utmost power and ruling.

---

*KNOCK KNOCK*

The rough pounding on his door was just enough for Ichigo to slowly open his eyes. He had hoped if he waited long enough the sound would stop but whoever was at the door was very persistent. It could have been important, but then again it also could not have been. He rubs his eyes and looks at a nearby clock. He sighs as he realizes it's only been around four hours since he got back from Hueco Mundo. Still, having even just one hour of sleep seemed to have calmed him down a bit.

*KOCK KNOCK*

This time it was louder. So loud it startled him a bit. He walked half-way across the room before stopping, 'Wait, fuck that it can wait till morning.' Ichigo turns back around and slams his face into the bed once again. He hopes to god the sound just stops.

*BANG BANG* All right, it had to have been Haschwalth. Only he would care enough to be so damn persistent in the middle of the night. It happened before and he's pretty damn sure it would happen again. He didn't care what the consequences were. All Ichigo wanted was just one night of not being mentally harmed and that was what he was going to do. One night of sleep is all he could ask for.

He opened the door and yelled.

"Fuck off Jugo!" He had heard the nickname from Bazz. The "Heat" said it pissed him off and Ichigo had kept that in mind just in case the "Balance" ever got on his nerves. He didn't actually think he would use it but it certainly came in hand at this situation.

Ichigo looked down and froze in embarrassment, "Oh…" he awkwardly close the door a bit, "Bambietta what are you doing here? It's late." Never before has he seen such a blank expression on her face. Her dark blue eyes were completely void of any feeling and seemed even hollow at certain points. He noticed that her white jacket had been coated in snow and ice for whatever reason. The "Explode" even had her black hair damp.

There was a moment of awkward silence before he realizes what she was waiting for, "Oh right, your quarters are on the other side of Silbern. Sorry I was a bit confused." He wasn't intentionally trying to be dense. Ever since they had first met it was difficult to know what she was thinking about.

"Can I come in?"

He was taken a bit back, "Y-yea…" Ichigo closed the door and locked it as she came in. "What's up?"

She shook in a place, "C-Can I have your jacket? I'm freezing." Ichigo nodded his head and took of his larger Quincy attire. The "Explode" was relieved to know it had dried from when he was outside. After a few moments she was able to warm herself up as he sat at the nearby couch.

Déjà vu

Before she could speak again Ichigo left the area and went off into his bathroom. He came back with a large white towel which he then threw at her face. It was amusing but he would not dare to laugh. The petite female calmly took the towel of her head and stared at him, "Your hair is messed up." It was if she didn't know that or he just thought she would want one.

"…Ghhhhh…!" the girl was gritting her teeth while having an angry expression on her face. She forced herself to calm down as right now disturbing the sleep of other Sternritter would only bring more disturbances. He was lucky it was night.

Ichigo placed his hands up, "Whoa, whoa… just relax, all right?" He could only guess as to why she was in a bad mood. "I didn't even do anything wrong!"

Bambietta sighed, "I was looking for you. For about two hours. In this fucking night blizzard. Only to find out that Askin had already got you."

The teen blinked in surprise, "Wait what? Askin? Snow? I just remember waking up here after meeting with Yhwach. Then you woke me up by breaking my door."

The girl now realized what had happened with him. During his meeting with Yhwach, Ichigo had a somewhat nervous breakdown which caused him to lose control of himself. It explains why he was bursting out his problems and the random on and off mood swings. His mind had basically blacked out and had gone off into its own little world before he would finally pass out. It was the people surrounding him which had extended this little episode due to them constantly being an annoyance. She cursed at herself for being part of it. It is not as if she knew. Bambietta didn't expect him to be so out of it from one meeting.

"You didn't have to damage the door. Could have just walked in on your own I guess." She was only a little bit furious by hearing such words.

"Then why the hell did you…" she stopped in her words as she no he would have no remembrance of it.

He gave a sly smile, "But only you." That was enough for her to discard the previous thought. As long as she and she only had the right to sneak into his room on her own that would be good enough. Speaking of intrusions, the "Explode" went around the teen and searched under the bed. No one was hiding which was a relief. She quickly went to the bathroom and scattered all around the area before concluding no one was sneaking up on them. "What's wrong?" he asked with a curious tone.

She turned to him, "Nothing." The answered wasn't satisfying. "But there was a reason I came here." Her tone had become much more calm and normal.

Ichigo tilted his head, "What?" the teen could barely react to her sudden leap. He felt the pressure come from up front which soon cause him to fall on his back. Ichigo could see the sinister look in her eyes as she was able to grip both of his arms.

Her face lit up, "Hahaha! Are you serious Kurosaki!? I can still do this to you?" Bambietta had effortlessly pinned Ichigo to the ground and refused to give him up. He couldn't believe how strong she was for her size. Even if she was using Blut Arterie a simple pin should not be enough to actually pin down Kurosaki Ichigo of all people.

"Oi c'mon…someone might see us!"

'Oi stop, someone might see us!'

She could recall hearing those words. It had been the first day they met this exact same thing had happened. It was only a few weeks ago but it had felt as if it was years since she was able to talk to this Ichigo. As if he had somehow changed ever since there first day together. "Aw, what is it Kurosaki? I thought you liked it like this? I know damn well you liked it when Candice did!"

"I don't like this and what about Candice!?"

He thought it was odd that she was enjoying herself so much. Ichigo had believed that the two had moved past this stage in there time together. Then again it was the only time where she seemed to enjoy going absolutely wild and seeing him in distress. She placed her knees on his legs and was able to now completely stop him from struggling.

"No way…there has to be the reason for this. I know now you don't want me off!" Her grin was scaring him. The moment she tried unzipping her jacket was the moment he took advantage and was quickly able to switch the tides. It was now him on top while she was forced to look up. "Now there's no one here to interrupt us." Her tone was sly and seductive. Such a combination was very deadly around Ichigo. He quickly released his hold and leaned against the base of the bed. She crawled across the side and leaned at the base of the couch.

The two had their legs extended outwards and were able to evenly meet one another in the middle. "My god, what shoe size are you?" this question came from Ichigo who baffled to see how she compared to his own when they were placed facing each other.

She was a bit insulted, "I'm a six…" her reply was in disbelief. As if something was such a big deal apparently. The black haired girl was feeling a bit forgiving at the moment, "Yo, I got to ask you something." Ichigo nodded. "Today…you were breaking about feeling all guilty about the Shinigami. You were yelling at me, breaking stuff, cursing out Gigi it was a bit out of character for you. I need to know that you're feeling all good right now."

The teenager widened his eyes, "Wait what? I was yelling at you? Did you try to kill me or something?" Bambietta shook her head and formed a small smile from the amusement of his confusion. It was always funny to mess with him like this. "And what did I break?"

The "Explode" could barely contain herself as she pointed towards the wall where Ichigo was in disbelief at his apparent own action. There were three unique body-shaped holes in the wall which lined up side by side. There's no way he could have done this but since he had no memory he was forced to trust her word.

"How the hell did I do that?"

She crossed her arms, "You threw Gigi like three times after she tried kissing you." Bambietta Basterbine could not contain her laughter after she saw the despaired look on Ichigo's face. The humor was too compelling and she soon rolled over onto the ground. Something about messing with him like this just brought her much joy. "I'm kidding! Relax Kurosaki!" He sighed in relief to know she was just playing around.

"I threw her…and some others." Ichigo did not wish to pursue this topic any longer. He seemed a bit upset and now unwilling to contribute to the conversation. "Aw, I didn't know you and Gigi were so close."

"Gigi? I mean…she's pretty normal I guess." He replied.

'Only if you really knew, Kuroskai.'

Bambietta discarded the thought the moment she realized something was off with what he had said. Her eyes lowered, "Hey…why did you keep calling her that? You do the same with Meni, Candice and Lili but…"

"I don't know she wanted me to call her that." Ichigo was a bit confused at the point she was trying to make. Everything seemed to piss Bambietta off one way or another even if the intention was completely the opposite. "Why?"

She hung her head, "How come you don't call me like that?"

Ichigo shrugged, "I don't know? I had no idea you wanted me to call you something else."

The "Explode" flared up, "What!? Bambi! My name is Bambi! Everyone I know calls me that."

Her tone had shaken him, "Well I didn't know that!"

"I've been telling you since the first day we met!"

"No you haven't!"

She got up and stared him down, "Yes I did, idiot. I remember. I was at that little grass field by the river and had finally met you. I was kicking your ass until your girlfriend came and saw us. You said your wedding vows and then you and I left to go walk around. You got super hungry and dragged me to this weird S&M food place where I was forced to pay the bill. After the Shinigami began stalking us we called it a night. You said you wanted to see me again and I told you to call me Bambi."

Some of that…no, most of that, had been fabricated.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "Wait a minute…Inoue and I are not married!" Out of all the things wrong with Bambietta's story the one thing that was on his mind was that same girl who pissed off the Quincy female that day by the river. She would spit but she respected the ground too much. The "Explode" turned her back onto him and began walking towards the door.

"Whatever, Kurosaki."

He panicked, "Wait Bambiet-" The teen shook his head, "Stay Bambi…I don't want you to go upset." She smirked to know he could change the moment she would leave angry. The boy had become a bit traumatized by the fact that every time she left upset something bad would happen. The female accepted his request and sat down back next to him.

"Then you have to call me Ichigo. Not Ichi-chan, not Berry-chan, and definitely not slave!"

She giggled, "Yea like I would call you the same thing those whores use. Ichigo is good for me."

The two sat back in peaceful silence. This reminded Ichigo of some old nostalgia. He began to think about what Bambietta had just previously talked about. Being pinned down, the talk about eating food, and the last thing she mentioned about wanting to see her again. The day was the…troubling for him in the morning. He had remembered recalling the awful memories of being cut down by Ginjo. At the time, he was upset to have lived. Who would have thought that one of the most memorable days of his life happened just a few hours after wishing Ginjo had killed him?

"Wait…you remembered that whole day?" Ichigo asked.

She looked away, "Yea, obviously. Why you forget about it?" Bambietta looked back to see his reaction but was disappointed to see he was looking the same.

"No…just surprised. Didn't think it would be something worth remembering to you." Ichigo of course could recall that day since it led up to him joining the Vadenreich.

The Quincy was a bit offended, "It was part of my mission. It's important to remember the successes you have done. Since it will help you in the future for more advanced assignments."

"Oh…right…"

He stared at the ground with a flat frown on his face and was in deep thought. Ichigo had mixed feelings to her explanation. It didn't feel right to know the time they spent together was just a simple mission. It hurt a bit since he had a great time together. She was an outsider who had no real connection to his miserable personal life. This gave him an opportunity to create a special relationship with someone who had no idea with what he really us.

"Ichigo." He turned to face her, "You have to understand that I'm a bitch sometimes. Don't let it get you down. I had a fun time in your human town." She could be compassion if she really wanted to. And she was not really lying. Bambietta would often recall the memories of first meeting Ichigo as an important time as she started to question her own life once she made contact with the teenager. His smile was a confirmation that his worries were nothing to be concerned over. She had her reasons for being the person she was but Ichigo never really complained about her personality.

"Do you think…do you think we could do that again?" Her question surprised Ichigo. It was strange to think about why she would wish to go back to the human world. There wasn't any fighting or any real things a Sternritter could do. He knows she was basically raised in the Vandenreich.

"Whenever you want."

Whenever you want…

'Good answer.' She said to herself with a smirk. "I want to go again before…" her trailing had eventually ended. The Sternritter did not feel in the mood to discuss mucha bout the war. The time she was spending here was nice and peaceful. More thoughts of Hueco Mundo came to her mind. That thought of him dying was unsettling.

"Before what? Soul Society?" Ichigo could make out what she was going to say.

"Look, if you don't want to talk about it-"

"I'm going to fight them." She almost gasped at his declaration. "I should not feel bad about it. They were going to kill you despite me doing my absolute best to prevent them. They would not have even taken you as a prisoner. I find that despicable."

Bambietta was a taken a bit back, "But…you fought with them…" She wanted him to come to her. She wants him to become a full member of the Vandenreich. That is what Bambi has been aiming for ever since she got Ichigo to come with her. Of course there were going to be issues with his past connections towards the new enemies but that was something which was supposed to be planned to have worked out.

"They did not come with me when Aizen kidnapped Inoue. I begged them for assistance and they just shut me out. It wasn't until I was already deep within Las Noches did they even bother caring. They waited for me to go in, had tracked me to see if I was still alive. It wasn't until I defeated Grimmjow that they even bothered to send people to help."

"If Uryu, Sado, Rukia, Renji had died they would have sent nothing."

The "Explode" smirked at the mention of a certain Arrancar, "You fought that stupid cat too? Is that why he had a hard on for you?" She laughed while Ichigo told her the story of how the two had previously fought on multiple occasions. "Man, what is up with these crazy fucking cats. I hate em." The memories with Yoruichi had not been forgotten by Bambietta. She remembers when the Shinigami tried grabbing Ichigo right in front of her. Oh how badly the Sternritter wanted to fight her.

Rukia…

That name irritated her to no end. She remembered hearing about it in the past day and had only gotten curious about this special Shinigami. The Quincy was a bit spectacle on asking Ichigo but had to know, "Who is…Rukia?"

Ichigo sighed and gave her the full explanation. He explained how she was the first Shinigami he ever had encountered and was the reason he was able to attain powers in the first place. She was bit freaked out by the fact that she had been living his closet for quite some time. Ichigo scoffed it off as nothing since the two never had anything between them. The two had slain Hollows all across Karakura Town while at the same time attending normal school and attaining a normal life.

A normal life…

Normal Quincy do not get to have such a thing.

Ichigo was now at the part where he had met Rukia's older brother and his Vice-Captain. It was like a cliché love story with the two. Guy meets girl, girl gets kidnapped and set to prison. Guy comes in the neck of time during an execution and takes on the Gotei 13 as if it was noting. And then at the end the guy gets blasted with shame as the girl decides to remain with her brother.

"Rukia is like a sister to me."

Well that settled her thoughts.

Unless…

"Wait a minute, Ichigo. You have a lot of sisters. How close are with these "sisters?" She eyed him intensely. While he flinched and shook in shock.

"Who the hell do you think I am!?"

"I don't know, Mr. I rescue everyone for fun and then call them my sister."

The two eyed each other suspiciously. Bambietta wondered if he had some sort of sister complex while Ichigo thought she had some strange psychological issues. Either way the intensity died down as the tow laughed it off once again. She leaned from the side and rested her head on his shoulder.

"…Am I like a sister?"

He wondered for a moment on what to say. What did he feel around her? There were a lot of things he felt around Bambietta. One of the reasons why he had such a strong attraction to her was because she was such an outsider. He had grown up with humans and had the same personality as most of them. The Shinigami lived in such a strict order that he was disinterested in there matters and what they did. The last thing Ichigo would want to do is be part of the stern, boring, traditionally society. When he first met the Quincy she was already a unique being in his eyes. Her clothing, her style, the way she spoke and the way she acted were all things which had surprised Ichigo.

There was also something he saw in her. He could see the look in her eyes which he normally only could see against people he fought against. It was hard to decipher at first. But there was a strong sense of loneliness in her eyes. Ichigo had seen this in himself at some points in his life. The time when Rukia was taken back to Soul Society. The time when he lost his fight against Aizen. The time when he lost his fight against Grimmjow, twice. The time when he lost all of his powers. And the time when Kugo Ginjo nearly beat him to death in the middle of nowhere.

Bambietta always had this look.

Every now and then she would always have that emotion in her eyes. It would go away, but it would shortly come back. Ichigo could remember sometimes when it did vanish. They had spent a few days together and that seemed to have brought out a better mood in herself.

"The other four are your friends, right Bambi?"

The question caused her to tilt her head. "I mean, I guess. I don't really care but I suppose. Gigi is obsessed with me while Candi always asks me how to do my makeup. Lili hates me but she hates everyone. Meni is all right I guess."

'That wasn't really an answer...' Ichigo said to himself as he takes a sigh.

'C'mon Berry-chan this is funny!'

'What? Where are you taking me?'

Candice grinned, 'Just watch.'

Ichigo had been suddenly swept by two female Sternritter just as started walking with Bambietta. He did not have much control due to how strong Meninas was but he was assuming that the "Explode" was coming as well. Three girls watched with absolute amusement as there leader seemingly lost her mind in anger as she angrily expressed her distaste for having been left alone. She looked like a crazy witch, going around blowing buildings up.

That wasn't funny.

It was really all about appearances. When her friends excluded Bambietta from things such as dinner, social events, or even just hanging out it would hurt the leader in a surprisingly large way. She of course kept herself up by getting angry and forcing them to oblige to her demands to include her. This left some resentment and even furthered the distance in which her friends which to increase.

He was no psychologist but it is something he could have easily figured out on his own. Ichigo knows this feeling. When he lost his powers none of his Shinigami friends came to visit him. They excluded him from everything. Even his human friends have been nothing but distant for a large portion of the time. When he nearly died where they were? He would have been there to help them at any time.

Perhaps maybe it was because of the connection of the two.

But he had no doubt she had it much worse. It could explain why she is so committed to keeping him in line. Subconsciously, she wants him to be much closer to her than to anyone else because does not want to feel lonely any longer.

'Bambietta…have you never had anyone care for you in that way?'

She gave a blank expression, 'No thanks, I'm straight.'

He took the joke as a signal, 'Heh, don't worry. I care about you Bambietta.'

The disbelief look in her eyes the moment he said those words was troubling. He couldn't see it back then but it now it all made sense. Ichigo knew he could not just bring this up with her. She was too prideful in accepting what her own mental state has brought. But it is okay. He does not think of her as a sister.

"I'm really glad I fought them." His words were soft, "And I'm really happy you made it out today. It made everything worth it." Her question seemed to have been answered. But knowing her she would enjoy a much more direct answer.

She yawned and stood up. "I don't want to walk across the world to go to bed…can I just sleep on your floor?" Ichigo nodded and got up as well. The "Explode" came across a sudden pit in the wall and widened her eyes, "What the hell, you have a fire pit? Lucky son of a…" The teenager had no idea such a thing even worked. He watched as the girl flipped a switch which gave off a weird chemical near the pit. The Quincy then grabbed a nearby match and lit the pit.

"I didn't even know I had that." He replied.

Bambietta grabbed a nearby pillow and placed it on the carpet flooring. A set of blankets came together to form a more comfortable platform near the pit which was oozing with heat. "What are you doing?" he asked as she notices her descend towards the floor. Her blank stare was met with his surprise gaze, "Sleep on the bed I'll go on the floor."

"You're pretty funny, Ichigo. I don't want to go on the bed I like the heat."

The teenager grabbed another pillow and placed it next to her own. "All right, but when your back hurts don't complain to me."

The two now lay once again together. Bambietta of course was closer to the fire but had not been facing it. She gripped onto Ichigo who welcomed the affection. The two stared deep into each other before Ichigo took the courageous initiative to move even closer. They had kissed once before but it all felt so rushed to him. This experience was more real and was able to grasp the emotions from both her and Ichigo. She was happy to have this enjoyable moment with him. He had only known him for such a short time yet has gained such a trust and connection with him it was as if they were childhood friends.

Eventually the fire pit had been naturally put out on its own. Leaving the two to online strive to each other in their sleep. It was only natural of course that the two would unconsciously become intertwined in the middle of slumber. Never before has the experience of love felt these two. One would arrive relationships all together while the other felt her own connection with hers be killed right before her eyes.

This was it.

Nothing got better than this right now.

But they were only beginning there relationship.

---

So tell me what you think

I'm still going to finish Voix as well. NOTE: These two storys will have two entirely different out comes. Everything except for the pairings will be practically different. The fights, the powers, almost everything.

It was fun writing this and I wanted it to get out ASAP. I promise one day I will rewrite this with an entire beta just because I know how annoying it is. I will try to fix some chapters in the oncoming days but I need to get back to writing Voix.

Tell me how it was and if i should continue reviews and feedback help alot :)