AN: This story is now complete. I eventually plan to write a sequel covering the war with Aizen, but it won't happen for some time. Lately I've been concentrating on my sci-fi stories, primary Rogue Knight and its unlikely I'll begin writing the sequel of KoSS before I've completed RK.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or Star Wars, they belong to their respective creators and/or copyright owners. I make no money from this story. It is not for sale or rent.
Epilogue
=KoSS=
Captain Commander's office
Division One Barracks
Seireitei
Yamamoto leaned on his wood encased Zanpakuto near the windows overlooking Seireitei. His face was a stone mask as he starred through narrowed eyes at the devastation. There were still the odd fires to put down, whole districts that were little more than rubble.
Hundreds of casualties with at least half of them dead or expected to succumb to their wounds no matter what the overwhelmed Fourth Division could do.
It all happened because Yamamoto had been blind. Complacent.
Duped.
He respected Aizen. Trusted him to remain level headed when most other Captains were ruled by their emotions or vices. Now, the Thirteen Court Guard Divisions, the whole Soul Society were paying the price. The one thing Yamamoto knew for sure that he still didn't know everything. Didn't see the full extent of Aizen's corruption and was sure that the traitor had left agents behind to inform him of how the loyal Shinigami would go after him.
Then there were the Ryoka. A handful of mortal children infiltrated and proceeded to turn Seireitei into a mad house for days. While Yamamoto saw Aizen's fingerprints all over that debacle, he had to admit to himself that there were failures on all levels. Incompetence. Arrogance. Sheer bloody minded stupidity even from Captains.
Yamamoto's gaze drifted to the half-demolished barracks of the Fourth and two of the people being healed in there. One used to be a young promising Shinigami. The heiress of a noble clan at that. The other… A human granted Shinigami powers who was growing at a frightening speed, before things got weird even my the Captain-Commander's standards and he had seen a lot of strange things in his youth.
The old man was conflicted. His course of action as far as the Ryoka were concerned should be obvious, yet it was anything but. What to do with some of them was simple – heal, modify memories and dump them back home and hopefully they wouldn't be a problem until it was their time to join the afterlife.
Rukia Kuchiki was a thornier problem. Her brother, had a complete change of heart yesterday and in fact had been using all his power as both a Clan Leader and a Captain challenge any accusations and possible judgment that could be laid at his sister's feet after it become painfully clear that the orders for her execution were fake.
For the time being, Yamamoto was content to let that issue rest – at least until new government could be set up in place. It would have been simple if Rukia hadn't snapped and murdered multiple Shinigami using powers not based on spiritual power. As a consequence, the woman faced not only another trial but the unhealthy attention of the Science Division and its deranged Captain – something that had the potential to get ugly fast if the resident mad scientist went anywhere near the younger Kuchiki.
The last thing Yamamoto wanted to deal with was another clash between Captains.
Then there was the last Ryoka – the Kurosaki boy. He had displayed the same strange powers, defeated multiple Captains and had been a general nuisance before he ran afoul of Aizen. The accounts were conflicting, but it appeared that Ichigo hadn't actually killed a single Shinigami. Yet, the apparent affection between him and the Kuchiki heiress meant that the boy could turn into an enemy again if she was sentenced for what were undeniably her actions this time.
That could be a moot point – until Kurosaki awoke and could be interrogated it wouldn't be clear if the boy could prove at least neutralor a threat that had to be put down. A part of Yamamoto admired the determination needed for a youngster such as Ichigo to defy the Heavens themselves so he could save a friend. Yet, that fragile emotion clashed with the Captain Commander's duty and firm belief that the laws of Soul Society were absolute – no matter if some mitigating circumstances seldom existedwhen someone broke them.
A quiet knock sounded from the door. Yamamoto sighed.
"Enter." His voice rang out, betraying nothing of his feelings.
The door opened with barely a sound and two familiar sets of footsteps sounded from behind the Captain-Commander.
"Kyoraku, Ukitake." The old man greeted. He had mixed feelings as far as his students were concerned. While they did follow their convictions even if it meant to stand up against him, which made him proud, at the same time Yamamoto resented the fact that the two of them had no trouble standing against Seireitei's law.
"Old man." Kyoraku offered a greeting of his own – one that he knew irritated the Captain-Commander even if it wasn't anything but the truth.
Perhaps that's why it bothered Yamamoto so – it was a reminderthat despite all his power and experience, he was well past his prime, even if the younger Captain didn't meant it that way. The Captain-Commander turned around and examined his students.
Kyoraku wore one of his favorite pink kimonos and the only sign that he had fought a battle yesterday was a thin line on his left cheek – all that remained from an ugly scar that he got when the Arrancar he fought came close to shooting his head off before the Captain finally took things in a properly serious manner. Ukitake on the other hand stood tall and radiated energy – Yamamoto didn't remember seeing his pupil look this well in more than a thousand years.
"Is it true, Ukitake? Did the Ryoka heal you?" The Captain-Commander asked.
"Kurosaki did." A small smile appeared on the white haired Captain's face. "I have forgotten how it felt to be hale."
"This complicates things a bit." Yamamoto grated. He owed the Ryoka one for that service if nothing else. Soul Society was stronger with Ukitake no longer crippled by his sickness – something that was proven without a shadow of a doubt during the invasion; no it was nothing more than a raid, a distraction to allow Aizen and the other traitor to get away clean and it worked. Now Yamamoto had to pick up the pieces.
"Does it? All Kurosaki did was open our eyes. Even if he did know about Aizen's treachery and with Yoruichi hanging around the kid I won't rule it out, we wouldn't have believed it if he came to us and told us everything." Kyoraku looked Yamamoto in the eyes and there was no sight of the easy going and sometimes lazy Captain that most of Soul Society thought they knew. "After what he did, we might as well offer him a place in Gotei 13. We do have vacancies and the kid kill a Captain turned that betrayed us, not a loyal one like Kenpachi did."
"I considered it." Yamamoto looked at Ukitake. "You've met this Kurosaki boy. What will he do if the government decides to prosecute Rukia for the deaths of the Shinigami we know she murdered during her escape?"
"I would like to say that he would let proper justice be served – no sham trials this time. However…" Ukitake trailed off and looked thoughtful. "I've spoken with Byakuya. When Kurosaki met Rukia after she escaped..." The Captain shrugged. "I have theories at best. About both Ichigo's skills and how Rukia suddenly changed. Either Aizen messed with their minds – which isn't out of the question now that we know the abilities of his Zanpakuto, or they're reincarnationswho knew each other in a past life. The way they acted on the scene of Tosen's execution leads me to believe that the second theory has more merit."
"It's almost as concerning as the first." Yamamoto stated.
"It's also true." A new voice announced.
The Captain-Commander didn't show his surprise at someone successfully infiltrating his office. He simply inclined his head towards the far wall, which was covered in shadows.
Kurosaki stepped out of the twilight and his form shimmered before it could be clearly seen. Whatever the boy did to conceal himself was no longer in place, because now Yamamoto had no trouble sensing his Reiatsu and it was average for a Captain – an impressive feat, because the Captain-Commander was sure the Ryoka hadn't yet recovered from his wounds. While Kurosaki appeared fine on a curious inspection, Yamamoto knew better. He had been dealing with wounds and wounded for millennia and it was obvious that the boy was simply ignoring the pain he felt.
"Ichigo, you should be at the Fourth. Retsu won't be pleased when she finds out you're missing." Ukitake scolded.
"I'll live." The Ryoka shrugged and Yamamoto almost missed the momentary stiffening of his shoulders as the gesture caused him pain. "We have thing to discuss before I return to the hospital." The Ryoka had the gall to smile. "We both have some big problems. Problems that can solve each other."
"Do tell." Kyoraku smiled.
"You're unlikely to take out Aizen without suffering unacceptable losses. All of Soul Society's relevant fighters had seen the release of his Shikai. Besides, there's Urahara's little trinket – if your problem child can unlock its potential, things will get even uglier."
"Not the way I would have put it, but essentially correct." Ukitake conceded.
"Me on the other hand? I want Rukia cleared from any responsibility over what she did ever since she came to the living world a few months ago." The Ryoka continued.
"You want us to disregard our own laws?" Yamamoto's eyes widened at the sheer gall, even if such sentiment coming from the boy wasn't unexpected.
"That's the price for my assistance against Aizen and his supporters. The alternative is we continue where we left before he showed his true colors." There was a note of finality in Kurosaki's voice.
"You can't take on us. Not in the state you're. Not even if you were healthy and well rested." Yamamoto stated the obvious.
"Probably not." The Ryoka conceded. "Will all of you fight me right now if I went to retrieve Rukia from the hospital and take us todisappear into the living world?"
Ukitake shook his head and his friend simply shrugged: "Not feeling like it. Perhaps tomorrow."
Yamamoto frowned in disapproval at his students, before narrowing his eyes at the Ryoka. "Even if I accept your terms, once Central 46 is restored, they can overrule me."
"Explain to them how suicidal such an idea would be." Kurosaki stated flatly.
"You expect me to defy our government for one girl's sake? When she murdered her comrades in arms in cold blood?" Yamamoto asked. "Do you have any idea what the consequences would be, even if Central 46 were to be in the wrong?"
"A coup. Been there, done that. Put someone more reasonable and competent in charge then continue running the military and leave the rest to them unless they screw up by the numbers." Kurosaki stated calmly.
Yamamoto frowned. So it was truly a reincarnation, complete with memories from a previous live. That or a madness that the boy believed without reservation. Perhaps there wasn't much of a difference between the two. Besides, it wasn't like there weren't madmen already working as Captains in Gotei 13.
No, it was the ease with which Kurosaki discussed the removal of the government if it proved to be inconvenient that was the issue. It went against everything that Yamamoto believed in. The Captain-Commander felt torn. Simply exiling Rukia and sending her with Kurosaki in the living world would be a solution, even it would cause trouble with the Kuchiki's. Yet, keeping a close eye on Kurosaki might be for the best and there would be no better way to do it if he offered the boy one of the vacant positions in Gotei 13. Giving Kurosaki such power and responsibility, then observing him was going to reveal the Ryoka's true nature. It would be the most dangerous course of action too – a potential another betrayal. Yet, that plan would offer the greatest long term benefit for Seireitei I the boy rose up to the task and didn't turn against them. On the other hand, pardoning Rukia and making sure everyone knew on whose insistence that happened and whose responsibility she was from now on… That had possibilities, yet it could very well backfire spectacularly.
"What is Kuchiki Rukia to you?" Yamamoto asked.
"Kuchiki? A Shinigami I met not long ago when she saved my family from a Hollow attack. She was wounded by it and had to give me her powers if we were to avoid becoming that things dinner. She is also the reincarnation of my dead wife and remember her previous life just as I do." Kurosaki answered.
"There's something you never told me, Ichigo. "Ukitake stated. "Who you were?"
"It's complicated. General Revan, formerly of the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire at your service."
Yamamoto didn't know what he expected as an answer, but this certainly wasn't it. Further, he could plainly see that the Ryoka was telling the truth as he knew it. The Captain-Commander wondered the same thing once again – was the boy mad, another of Aizen's victims or was the truth this strange?
One thing was for certain – if Kurosaki was telling the truth, there was no way in hell Yamamoto was going to leave him without supervision.
"Perhaps compromise is in order? Kyoraku suggested.
"My life's fate is not negotiable." Kurosaki stated.
"The fact that she murdered multiple guards doesn't bother you, does it?" Yamamoto asked.
"I've fought in multiple wars that set the galaxy on fire. Trillions died either by my hand or as consequences of orders I gave. While regrettable for multiple reasons, the fact that my wife killed her jailors while she escaped unlawful imprisonment is nothing more than tragedy that should be laid at Aizen's feet." Kurosaki stated grimly.
The utter conviction that rang in the Ryoka's voice took Yamamoto aback. The cold truth was that Gotei 13 might need Kurosaki against Aizen. While the Captain-Commander wasn't going to count on Kurosaki to take down the traitor and would be doing his best to ensure Sosuke was dealt with, having the Ryoka as a back-up plan would be prudent and might yet prove decisive.
"We may reach an accord we all can live with." Yamamoto spoke careful. "But first, tell me about General Revan and his wife." The Captain-Commander nodded at Kurosaki.
=KoSS=
Las Noches
Hueko Mundo
Aizen sat upon his throne and watched over the Espada who made it back from Soul Society. Most were back alive, if not intact. While a setback, it was nothing he couldn't solve now that he had Urahara's own device to combine with his own imperfect creation. A smile tugged his lips as the former Captain stare at the purple haired woman that Grimmjow brought in front of him.
A short explanation and a demonstration of her abilities proved that the feral Espada had stumbled over something precious. The Kuchiki girl and Kurosaki could wait. Aizen already had a research object to study. The thought that he could be uncovering the secrets of a new power made him almost giddy. He had already achieved the pinnacle of what someone could become as a Shinigami. Once combined and mastered the devices in his possessions would achieve the same as far as Hollow powers were concerned and allow him to transcendent.
Aizen could only imagine what he could achieve, what he could become if he added this strange new power to the mix. It could very well raise him up to real godhood.
"You did well. All of you." Aizen congratulated his minions. "Rest and recover, we'll reconvene tomorrow evening. "You my dear," The former Captain looked at the purple haired girl, "please follow me. I have some questions for you."
=KoSS=
Rukia's room
Fourth Division's Barracks
Seireitei
The first thing she noticed after finally emerging from her long slumber, was the soothing presence of her husband. A fond smile tugged Rukia's lips as she examined him through the Force.
"Awake at last. And to think you used to be on my case for sleeping in. Tsk, tsk. You'll sleep through your youth, dear." Revan mick-chided, making Bastia chuckle
"You're in awfully chipper mood today. Good news?" Rukia opened her eyes and glanced around. She was in one of the familiar rooms of the Fourth. The Jedi turned Shinigami winced, when the memories of what happened to put her in the hospital rushed back to the forefront of her mind. "Kriff. That bantha poodo reject did a number on me."
"On me too. In hindsight, things could have gone better." Ichigo sighed. "Though we scrapped by like usual."
"How much trouble am I in?" Rukia asked. After being knocked out, the Dark Side influenced side of her personality wasn't to the forefront and she could think much more clearly. "Perhaps I shouldn't have killed the guards." Bastia groaned. "Even if the idea appealed at the time."
"That certainly made our situation more complicated." Revan nodded.
"Who are you anyway? One moment I'm sure Revan's talking, then you sound almost like Ichigo." Rukia asked.
"The same back to you. You're switching between sounding just like Bastia in one moment, then like a more mature and world worthy Rukia." Kurosaki shot back. "As far as I can figure it out, our memories are merging as well as our personalities. I'll probably be much less Ichigo when its all done – he was just a teenager, and I wasn't exactly young when our luck finally ran out."
"I'm actually older as Rukia, yet after everything I went through as Bastia..." The Kuchiki heiress shrugged. "Time will tell, I guess. Being awake already I guess you've been up to no good?" Bastia asked.
"You know me so well. Let me re-introduce myself: Captain Ichigo Kurosaki, in charge of Division Five." An infuriating smirk appeared on Revan's face.
"How did you talk the Captain-Commander into this?!" Bastia stood up and waved at her husband.
"It was a part of the bantha trade to keep you out of prison and us not on the run. You're getting to be my third seat too and now I'm responsible for your action for the next hundred year, so try not to kill any more Shinigami if you can, please?" Revan pleaded.
Rukia chuckled.
"Only you. What do we do now?" She asked and fell back in the bed with a groan. Her abrupt movement had sent pain lancing through her still healing wound.
"Now you get better, then we'll have our hands full with cleaning up house in the Fifth and a lot of training. The troubles with Aizen are far from over and I have the nagging feeling that he'll be after us because we can use the Force." Ichigo announced.
"Sounds like plan." Rukia thought about it and winced. "What bout my brother? I don't believe he'll approve of us."
"So far, I've been considerate and avoided skewering him no matter how tempting it is. You should talk with the man. He had a bigger stick stuck up his ass than master Vrook and the rest of the old Jedi Council combined."
"Hey! That's..." Rukia trailed off and thought about Byakuya. "Not really a wrong description." She deflated.
"Once you're up and running, I'll leave the Fifth temporarily to you and go back to the world of the living with the others so I can visit my family, explain things and have a little chat with Urahara." Revan stated.
"I'll have some things to say to that man!" Rukia growled.
"Uh… You're stuck in Soul Society for the foreseeable future. Yamamoto doesn't want you going Dark Lady of the Sith on the mortals if they irritate you." Revan explained and thus earned himself a glare.