A/N: Thank you to all my readers and reviewers on the past two chapters. I wanted to show the mental anguish and decisions that both Byakuya and Yoruichi had to make as godparents, or rather substitute parents of Rei and Raidon Kurosaki. Now, we are getting to the really good parts of the story, and I hope you all enjoy it.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN BLEACH OR THE CHARACTERS. THIS CRAZY STORY BELONGS TO ME!

ATTACK PLANS AND DEFENSE STRATEGIES

Ichigo and Rukia awakened to the thunderous sounds as a swarm of Arrancar raced through the hallways. Ichigo clutched his wife closer to his side as a form of protection – what little he could provide for her anyway. Although they wondered what was going on, they both had a feeling of dread that it was not going to bode well for the Soul Society.

"Ichigo, what is going on?" Rukia asked nervously.

"I don't know Rukia, but I think they are preparing to attack the Soul Society," Ichigo responded.

"You are indeed correct, Ichigo Kurosaki," Aizen's voice resounded, as he approached their confinement cell.

"Why, Aizen? I still don't understand your need to attack something you were once a part of yourself," Ichigo asked.

"I was never a part of the Soul Society, Ichigo; I believed that the Soutaicho and Central 46 were too full of themselves, and too stupid to see the plans I made."

"What plans are those, Aizen?" Rukia asked.

"I want to create a world where all Shinigami, Hollows, and humans can co-exist. I want to be the supreme ruler for that world. In order to achieve my goals, the Seireitei must fall, and I must conquer the Royal Dimension," Aizen explained.

Not understanding the complexity of Aizen's plan, Ichigo asked mindlessly, "What is the Royal Dimension"?

"You mean to tell me, Ichigo Kurosaki that you fought for Soul Society without knowing what the Royal Dimension is. Can you really be that simple-minded?" Aizen answered.

"The only thing I need to know is how to protect my friends and family, you traitorous bastard. I could care less about the Royal Dimension, or whatever the hell it's called. It has nothing to do with me," Ichigo irately stated.

"Oh, my poor misguided Shinigami. It has everything to do with you, your lovely wife, your friends and family, all of Soul Society, and my plans for world dominance. You see, Captain Commander Yamamoto is not in charge of Soul Society, nor is he in total control of the Seireitei and the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. The King of Soul Society and the Royal Dimension holds all that power. That is my ultimate goal, Ichigo Kurosaki: to overthrow the King, and rule all of Soul Society, the Living World, and Hueco Mundo. Now, do you understand, you pathetic teenager?"

Needless to say, the "world domination" plan did not provide a massive amount of shock value to Ichigo and Rukia, as Souske Aizen would have liked. Naturally, the pair stayed quiet as he explained his perfect plan to them, but he expected some response, and he received nothing. Aizen frowned slightly as he looked down on the two Shinigami. Something was off, but right now, he could not put a finger to it. As Rukia and Ichigo sat staring up at Aizen, they thought about what they could do to stop this maniacal genius, or at least slow him down in order to get word to the Soul Society. While Rukia feared it may be too late to send a warning, Ichigo wondered about the location of his zanpakuto. If only I had Zangetsu right now, Ichigo thought to himself.

"Aizen-sama, the attack can begin on your word," Ulquoirra announced over the loudspeaker.

"Ah, yes, it is time. Now, I must leave you, Ichigo and Rukia Kurosaki. After today, you will become permanent residents of Hueco Mundo. I suggest you get used to doing things my way, since you will not be able to return to your precious home," Aizen stated with a smirk.

"What are you talking about now, Aizen?" Rukia asked.

"Did I not tell you that my work is finished? Oh, how utterly cruel of me. I simply forgot about that little detail as I was talking about supreme conquest. Well, let me rectify that matter right now. You see, my dear Mrs. Kurosaki, I am no longer in need of your services. I am sending a lovely gift to the Seireitei and the rest of the Soul Society. After today, you and your dear husband will be considered enemy number one, and you will have no choice but to stay here as my guests, and possibly join me in my quest. We can discuss that at a later time, but now I must leave you in order to execute the first stage of my plan. I have dispatched several Hollows and Arrancar to do what they will in the Rukongai District."

"AIZEN! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! DAMN YOU!" Ichigo screamed, but was not paid any attention to as Souske gingerly strolled down the hallway.

"Ichigo, do you really think that Souske Aizen figured out how to clone our bodies? Is that what he meant by the Soul Society seeing us as enemies?" Rukia asked her husband.

"I don't know Rukia, but I don't trust Aizen as far as I can throw him. I do know that Byakuya, Toshiro, Renji, and others won't be fooled so easily by his tricks. They will see through his plans, and then we can all figure out how to defeat Aizen once and for all," Ichigo responded with an honest determination written across his face, but deep inside, he too, worried about his friends and family.

After the alert sounded, Captain Commander Yamamoto gathered all the captains together in the foyer of the Kuchiki Manor. He felt as though there may be another traitor in the Seireitei due to the fact that there is an invasion on the same day as all captains are away from their divisions. No, something did not feel right to him.

"Captain Komamura, you are to take the Third and Ninth Divisions along with your own and go help the residents of the Rukongai District. Use only kido spells or hell butterflies should you need more help to dispel the ryoka, who has decided to invade on this very special day."

"Hai, Captain Yamamoto," Captain Komamura responded. He turned around and bowed once to Captain Kuchiki, Yoruichi, and Isshin Kurosaki, before making his quick exit.

"As for the rest of you, return to your divisions and prepare your men. Stay there and await further orders. You are dismissed!"

"HAI!" All the captains responded.

Before Byakuya followed the orders of the Captain Commander, he turned and gave a silent nod to Yoruichi, in which she responded with a smile and a look that spoke volumes of the love she felt for him. Nodding his head, Byakuya whirled around and entered a quick flash step to rival hers. Yoruichi, in turn, gave orders for the nanny to take the children upstairs to their assigned protection room, and she will follow them soon to erect the barrier. The nanny hurriedly gathered the children, allowing them to hug their grandfather and aunts, and they sped up the winding staircase. Knowing that they cannot return to their home right now, Isshin motioned for Karin and Yuzu to follow the nanny.

"I hope you don't mind Yoruichi, but I would like the girls to stay in the protection room, too," Isshin remarked to his friend.

"Not at all, Isshin; I was about to send them that way myself," Yoruichi replied.

"I wonder if this has anything to do with my son and daughter-in-law."

"I'm almost positive that it has everything to do with Ichigo and Rukia Kurosaki," Captain Commander Yamamoto interrupted two of his former captains. Yoruichi and Isshin turned to face their ex-leader suddenly. They thought the old man had already left to sit upon his throne in the First Division.

"Isshin Kurosaki, since you are unable to return to the living world, I am restating you to your former position as Captain of the Fifth Division, as you promised. Your girls are here with you, and I am sure Yoruichi Kuchiki will protect them with her life. You do not have a defense to keep you from your position right now."

"Except the fact that I want to concentrate on saving Ichigo and Rukia first, Captain Commander," Isshin scathingly replied.

"Yes, besides that issue; you will report to the Fifth Division right now. That is an order Captain!" Captain Commander Yamamoto ordered.

Scowling at the bearded old man, Isshin was not a jovial person right now. "As you wish, Commander, but allow me to stress the point that this is a temporary assignment. I intend to return to my home with my daughters. I will watch them grow into very healthy, smart women who will have families of their own. Then, and only then, will I give up my gigai and return to take my place as Captain of the Fifth Division."

Not wanting to make this deal again, Captain Commander Yamamoto hoped that this preemptive strike would force Isshin Kurosaki's hand; he angrily sighed and nodded his head. "I agree to your proposal, Isshin. This is a temporary position, and you may return only after Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki has matured into young women with families of their own."

Turning towards Yoruichi, Captain Commander Yamamoto apologized for the inconvenience and disruptiveness of the party. "I am truly sorry that this invasion happened on the one year anniversary of Ichigo and Rukia Kurosaki's kidnapping, but also on the one year birthday celebration of their children. I will leave you now to take the necessary precautions to protect the children. Should you need help, do not hesitate to send a runner or a hell butterfly to me personally."

"Thank you very much, Captain Commander Yamamoto. I know Byakuya would appreciate your kind and generous offer of protection."

"Shall we go Captain Kurosaki?"

"Hai, Commander."