Disclaimer: This man does not own Bleach.

Quincy Craft

His feet clapped aimlessly across the wooden floors of the deserted hallway. With each passing step, his shoulders shrugged lower and lower as the large door of his office approached. With tired eyes, he gazed upon his right hand woman, Nanao Ise, as she stood next to it, clearly waiting for him.

"Captain Kyoraku, the others are waiting. The meeting is on its way."

The Head-Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads nodded as the door was pushed open and he slowly stepped in. All eyes was on him as he marched past them to stand in front of all of the Captains.

"...This meeting shall now begin... If any of you have not heard the news yet... It appears that the Wandenreich has moved into Hueco Mundo within these past few weeks... The Queen, and many of her subjects, have been either killed or enslaved..."

The eyes of many of the Captains either widened in surprise or close in silent mourning. It had only been two years since the war with Aizen, but the Arrancars were no longer an enemy.

"...For the Quincy to invade full throttle so fast..."

Everyone turned to Jushiro Ukitake as the white-haired man shook his head in disbelief and continued, "...Is this because of Isshin's son? Was he a part of the invasion?"

"Impossible."

All eyes moved to Sui-Feng as her eyes narrowed in anger and humiliation. She still had not forgotten what he had done to her team.

"It's only been a few months since he fought with my Stealth Force... You believe that this child has the power to stand toe-to-toe with Captain-level foes in so little time?"

Before she could speak more, Shunsui silenced her and said, "He is the son of a Soul Reaper Captain and a Quincy. Regardless of how he managed to obtain such power in this short a time, he should not be taken lightly... And according to Urahara and Mrs. Kurosaki, Jushiro, he was apart of the invasion."

The large man standing in between the bald Captain and Jushiro, Zaraki Kenpachi, huffed grumbled, "Prioritizing this brat over the head? Ain't the leader one of the Old Man's rivals?"

"Sir!"

Shunsui and everyone else looked towards Nanao as she placed her fingers toward her ear. After a short while of speaking into her mic, she turned back to the Head-Captain and informed him, "Urahara's group is at the gate... Including some Humans...and an Arrancar. They're requesting permission to be allowed inside."

"...So this is the afterlife? It's definitely not what I thought it would be like..."

Ryo had to agree with Uryu's statement. The area leading up to the gate reminded her of the worn-down restaurant that Ichigo once called a "shack". The feudal-based area was pretty poor in appearance, but Kisuke and Yoruichi both reassured them that the Seireitei was a lot different.

"...I'd have to agree with them... I've only been here once before, and its amazing how drastically different this place is from the outside."

The large gatekeeper, whom they knew was Jidanbo, stepped aside and began to open it. The shadowy silhouettes of multiple people emerged from underneath it as the giant hefted the door up.

A man, very similar in appearance to the Soul Reaper that they met long ago, stood at the entrance. The only reason neither Ryo nor Tetsuo mistook him for Ekichiro was the white Haori that he wore.

As if meeting old friends, the man held his arms out and greeted, "Long time no see, Kisuke and Yoruichi...and to you as well, Mrs. Kurosaki."

The woman's expression heavily reminded her of Ichigo when she saw the Head-Captain. However, Ryo understood why.

'Her husband abandoned their family to rescue Soul Society, so she probably still harbors ill feelings towards the Soul Reapers.'

"And I would have to say good day to you human kids as well, huh? Not too often that Soul Society receives such esteemed guests as yourself. You all may step inside, and we'll continue this in my office."

An effeminate Arrancar with dark hair flinched slightly as he walked into the large office, following Urahara and the Head-Captain. He was still shaken from the invasion, though being in the world of Soul Reapers did nothing to ease his uncomfortable aura. It was well-known amongst the residents of Hueco Mundo that the treaty with Soul Society didn't ease the tension between Soul Reapers, and vice-versa.

The man in the hat motioned for him to sit down, and once he did, he realized how unfortunate his circumstances were. Out of the five Captains that resided in the room, two of them held gazes of contempt and one stared at him with complete indifference.

The shortest of the Captains, a woman, marched up to him as he sat and began immediately, "Now, Arrancar, I want you to-!"

"Captain Feng. This isn't an interrogation... Do not treat this as such."

The softly spoken, yet threatening words of the Head-Captain kept the woman at bay as she gritted her teeth and stayed in her position. The dark-haired man next to her looked to the leader and said, "He appears traumatized... What if he's not ready to speak about it...? If that's the case, we should begin prepari-"

"I'm right here! I can hear you both, and I can speak as well, damnit!"

The simple outburst caused all of the Captains to stop their little disagreement and turn to the Arrancar. The Head-Captain chuckled and said, "It seems he's spoken...Mr...?"

"...Luppi... Luppi Antenor... Privaron Espada..."

The gray-haired Captain with the dark mustache questioned, "Isn't that the demoted Espada?"

Luppi frowned and answered, "Yes, though its also a title for those who aren't at the level of an Espada yet..."

The Head-Captain nodded and turned to the sick and pale Captain on his left side before nodding his head. The man walked closer to him and began, "...I'm sure you know why you're here."

"...Not really... I just told Urahara and his group that Hueco Mundo's been invaded... But they decided to bring me here for further questioning..."

The elderly man sighed tiredly before explaining, "...There's a special target in the Wandenreich's camp that we're after... His name is Ichigo Kurosaki... He has spiky hair, orange in color, and-"

Luppi's eyes widened and he quickly interrupted, "Wait... I know that guy...!"

"The sun is fake. It seems someone here has good taste."

His head ached after the battle with the Stern Ritter known as Shaz Domino. He had only managed to eliminate a few of those Quincy before that man appeared.

The man whose shoulders he was sitting atop of gave a sigh of relief and mumbled,"...I think I'm going to start killing these creatures from now on... Risking everything to keep them alive isn't worth it."

'Who's...he talking to...?'

"Was this the only threat?"

His holder shrugged and said, "I'm sure I felt more of them, but for now, it seems to be."

Luppi heard the shuffling of feet as the other person said, "Do what Quilge ordered you all to do... See if anyone else is nearby."

"Sanrei-Four, Sanrei-Six, with me! Sanrei-Two, Three, and Five, you check the other direction! The remaining four will stay behind and tend to M-Unit!"

He felt himself being carried around. He struggled to open his eyes, though they were barely able to see the white sands of Hueco Mundo.

"Las Noches is completely locked down... During our expedition, an Arrancar must've escaped and informed the rest of them. The Espada and Privaron Espada have been secretly striking at us with guerrilla tactics and large squad invasions with the Fraccion and Hollows."

The voice of the other man asked, "Is that Arrancar in your arms...an Espada?"

"No. It was the leader of the squad... However, he could be a Privaron Espada..."

The other man then asked, "Have you come across an Espada yet?"

"No. Quilge contacted me and informed that he was being attack by Espada... Along with several other Stern Ritter... And from what I understand, Bambietta has been attacked by the squads as well..."

'...So the other one...is figuring it out, huh...?'

"Shit! All of you! Get out of the way!"

He could hear the rapid screaming and the gunfire as his Espada backup entered the fray. He could smell the sickening human blood as it splattered on the ground, and could even feel everyone's fear as Grimmjow did his job.

He cried out as he was dropped to the ground, holding in his breath as the pain resonated through his body.

"Crap! Kurosaki, where did he go!?"

Luppi rolled onto his stomach as he watched the gory explosion of Pantera slicing through the Stern Ritter. His last glimpse before unconsciousness was the orange-haired teenager glaring at the blade of Grimmjow.

"...Well, this doesn't look good."

Grimmjow's mouth curled into a furious snarl and he murmured, "You're damn right 'bout that one. What's with you Quincies bringing your fuckshit into Hueco Mundo?"

His half-way zipped hooded jacket and white hakama flowed in the wind as the Espada glared down at the teen. The wind pushed the hood off of his head, revealing a head filled with messy blue hair and an angry, feline-like jaw fragment on the man's face.

"...Well... That's a long story, Mr. Espada, sir... You see, the leader of the Quincy wants to kidnap you all and turn you into slaves... So maybe if you come quietly..."

Grimmjow reared back apprehensively and said, "So ya think you're being funny, don't cha? I ain't lettin' any of you bitches take me alive."

The Quincy closed his eyes and smirked. He mumbled, "I didn't think so... See, I didn't plan on taking you back to the Wandenreich..."

The man narrowed his eyes as the Quincy glared at him angrily and yelled, "Not after you killed all of these Quincies right in front of me...!"

Suddenly, the Quincy hand grabbed the blade and threw it away from his face as he slashed towards the Espada with his Spirit Weapon.

"Now I'm just gonna beat the shit outta you and hope I don't kill you!"

The Espada reacted quickly and used his other fist to clash with the sword, pushing them both away from the other. They both looked towards the other and locked eyes before dashing back to the center and clashing, creating an explosion of dust and rocks.

"...And who are you, Espada?"

The blue-haired Arrancar clicked his tongue and revealed, "Grimmjow Jeagerjaques...Privaron Espada."

"Ichigo Kurosaki."

"When that boy and Grimmjow took the fight to the inner sanctum of Las Noches, I was rescued by another Privaron... Last I heard, he defeated both Grimmjow and Neliel Tu Odelschwanck... The former Sexta and Tercera. The Queen fell soon after."

Out of everyone in the room, only Orihime and Ryo watched Masaki's expression. The heartbreaking, reluctant sigh that she let loose only served to disturb them more.

Shunsui groaned lowly and reluctantly explained, "...It is highly likely that he's within their most powerful forces... It's just as you've said, Urahara... He wasn't going after Soul Society until his weapon was complete..."

Shunsui backed up on his words when Masaki narrowed her eyes and corrected himself, "Not that your son's a weapon... I mean... I jus-"

The woman raised her hand up and said, "Save it," before turning to the Arrancar and asking, "Are the Quincy still there?"

Luppi nodded and replied, "Some of them still reside... But without our Queen, we don't really have a-"

Masaki quickly silenced and turned on her heels before exclaiming, "Chad! Orihime!"

The burly Hispanic and the auburn-haired girl jumped in shock as her voice resonated through the hall. Orihime raised her hand to her forehead in mock salute and exclaimed back, "Y-Yes, Mrs. Kurosaki!?"

"Both of you are coming with me!

Ryo and Tetsuo blinked in confusion, and the dark-haired man frowned and said, "That wouldn't be wise, Mrs. Kurosaki... If he is so important to this man, then it isn't likely that he will be there... There's a higher chance of him being a part of the invasion."

Tetsuo shook his head in disbelief and questioned, "Wait, what is he talking about? Where are you going, Mrs. Kurosaki!?"

Ryuken turned his eyes to the woman and asked, "Are you sure? I could come with you..."

Masaki raised her hand up to halt her cousin in place and sighed, "No... If the Soul Society gets invaded, you know their weaknesses... It's best you stay, Ryu."

"You're not going to Hueco Mundo alone."

Kisuke stepped past Ryuken up to Masaki and said, "I'll go with you... And we'll take Luppi with us as well, since he knows the area better than any of us. We'll find out where Ichigo and the Wandenreich are, then go rescue him ourselves..."

Masaki turned around and narrowed her eyes at the two people. After a five-second stare-off, she nodded and said, "I'm leaving now. Ryo, Tetsuo, you two will stay here with Uryu and Ryuken... I'm going to Hueco Mundo to find us some leads on the Wandenreich's next move."

As she and the group exited the office, Byakuya frowned and murmured, "Doesn't she understand that he isn't going to be there...? She would do better catching him during the invasion..."

Uryu, who stayed silent during the entire exchange, closed his eyes and sighed, "Did you not see her reaction? If Ichigo truly has fallen to the Wandenreich's ideals... Well, it'd break her heart to see him like that."

"So what happened, Big Brother? How did the meeting go?"

Byakuya Kuchiki stepped out of the office and traveled alongside his Lieutenant and younger sister, Rukia Kuchiki. He closed his eyes as he sighed to himself and said, "The boy's mother is going to Hueco Mundo to find something... According to the Head-Captain and Urahara, this Wandenreich might invade Soul Society soon..."

The woman's eyes bulged out as she said, "A war...? Already? It's only been two years since our last one... I can't believe this is happening so suddenly..."

"...It is... As high-ranking figures of the Seireitei, it is our job to defend it by any means we can. There isn't any point in continuously worrying about it."

Rukia nodded and fell back into place. Before the two could get too far, a voice called out, "So Mrs. Kurosaki's gone to the wild, has she? How dangerous..."

Byakuya paused in his steps, causing his Lieutenant to bump into him, as he turned and looked out of the corner of his eye. Followed by a raging Rangiku, Gin Ichimaru step out of the shadows and appeared in front of them. His eyes narrowed as he saw the grinning Soul Reaper and he quipped, "You were listening in?"

Rangiku placed her hands on her hips and groaned, "I tried to stop him, but he was too curious!"

The shorter girl sighed and corrected, "You mean halfheartedly, right? You were listening in just as much as I wa-"

Rukia raised her fist to her mouth and coughed into it, her faced flushed as red as Rangiku's as she was called out. Byakuya sighed, one that his younger sister interpreted as his 'angry' sigh, and closed his eyes while walking away. The short woman quickly apologized before speeding after him.

"...Are you going to Muken? That is something Aizen should know, isn't it?"

As if Toshiro Hitsugaya were present, the entire area chilled as Gin's killing intent was felt from his position, and vice versa with Byakuya.

"...You're pickin' at dangerous words, Cap'n Kuchiki... It sounds like you're accusin' me of somethin' bad..."

Byakuya frowned and said, "I am," before continuing his walk to exit the area. Gin glared at him from over his shoulder before turning back to Rangiku, whose hands were once again on her hips as she tapped her feet impatiently. He knew as soon as she opened her mouth to rage on him, he would have to find his happy place.

"Damnit, Gin! Can't you just learn to play nice and stop antagonizing everyone!? I'm trying to help you win everyone's favor and you just keep fighting me every step of the way!"

'Happy place...'

"Gin, are you listening to me!?"

Realizing that she would continue to scream if he didn't answer, the Captainsighed, "I'm trying to care...but I just can't..."

Rangiku's jaws dropped wide as Gin turned away and walked off with his hands in his pockets. She turned away and sighed before realizing that there was an audience present.

"...Oh! You guys are the Humans that visiting here, right?"

Ryo nodded as she watched the entire exchange. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Tetsuo hadn't taken his eyes away from her cleavage, constantly muttering, "...Is this waiting for me in the afterlife? Oh man, I hope so...!"

She rolled her eyes and said, "Don't mind him. He's an idiot."

Rangiku ignored him, as she was quite used to it. She stared at the two and said, "Are you... Are you that Ichigo-guy's friends? The same ones that Saido complained about constantly after he returned?"

"...The guy with the straw hat like the Head-Captains? I remember him... And yes, we are Ichigo's friends..."

She covered her mouth and said, "Man... I'd hate to tell this to you, but you better stay with a Captain... The woman in that room with you guys was Captain Sui-Feng."

When the two stared at her blankly, she elaborated, "She's the Captain of the Onmitsukido... The Stealth Force..."

"Shit... The Onmitsukido..."

Tetsuo looked at him confused and asked, "The Stealth Force? What, are these supposed to be Ninja or something? So what's with the fat one?"

Ichigo's brows furrowed as he responded, "...In the Soul Society, there exists a group of special trained Soul Reapers known as the Onmitsukido, or the Stealth Force... I never knew that Soul Reaper was a member..."

Tetsuo, who finally snapped out of his stupor, gaped and asked, "Wait, those three guys that Ichigo and the blonde guy killed...! Those were her...!?"

"...Subordinates... Her Lieutenant and her two highest-ranked members... Just between you and me, but some part of me believes she's not too keen on helping you guys..."

Ryo got the message clear as daylight: The woman might get her revenge for that humiliation through either them or Ichigo. That meant that they needed to keep an eye out for her.

Suddenly, the two was shocked as they were suddenly pulled away by Rangiku as she excitedly screamed, "Both of you guys should just come to my Division! I'll show you both how the Soul Reapers get down!"

Neither one of them sensed the silent Captain of the Second Division leaning against the wall around the corner from them.

"The guests have all turned in for the night, Captain Kyoraku..."

Shunsui nodded and said, "That's good..."

He stood out on his balcony watching the night sky as Nanao stacked a set papers. She placed them down before turning to her Captain.

"...Head-Captain, if I may..."

Shunsui frowned and interrupted, "You wish to know why we're doing this... Watching over Humans and Quincies..."

She grimaced as she was easily figured out and gazed down at her feet. The man turned on his heels and faced her.

"...There's no need to feel ashamed... I would've been an idiot if I didn't think my subordinates would easily accept them..."

Nanao glanced back at him and asked, "Then why?"

"...I owe a great debt to Isshin for what he did... It would bring great shame to Soul Society if we abandoned everything he stood for..."

She turned away from him as she again questioned, "So we're risking lives...for him? Three of the Second Division's top warriors were killed trying to save him, and its clear that he's a true Wandenreich now... Will we really sacrifice more lives just to save some kid who might not even want to come back?"

The Head-Captain's brows furrowed deeper than before as he mumbled, "...For whom do we fight for, Nanao?"

"...Wha...? I don't under-"

He frowned and repeated, "For whom do we protect?"

"...The...Humans...and ourselves, I guess... But wha-"

Shunsui turned back on his heel to gaze outside as he said, "Quincy fall under that Human category. We all just want a peaceful world... I have no intentions of exterminating the Quincy, but I have every intention on ensuring this war ends... Is that clear enough...?"

Nanao blinked in confusion as he concluded, "That man did everything he could to save Soul Society from Aizen's clutches...but his main goal from the very beginning was to protect his son... So it would dishonor us all if we too didn't kill two birds with a single st-"

He was cut off as a large explosion resonated behind him, and he and Nanao turned as a large, glowing spear embedded itself in the wall. Two Seated Officers were pinned to the wall together.

Directly in front of them, six masked individuals wearing robes of white stood nonchalantly, much to the Head-Captain's chagrin. The leader of them glanced to the side at the two corpses of the Soul Reapers before turning back to the Head-Captain.

"...Were you about to say something about killing two birds with one stone?"