Ichigo held his right shoulder, blood oozing between his pale fingers. As they'd approached Aizen's fortress, some low level Arrancars had intercepted them, and it had taken all of their strength to beat them. Ichigo had released his bankai to finish off the last one, and the entire group stood ragged and bleeding. The orange headed teen swore beneath his breath. If they were faring so badly already, how were they supposed to fight the Espada?

Tightening his grip on his zanpakuto, Ichigo turned to the others to assess their condition when something flashed in the corner of his eye. He raised his sword just in time to block a blindingly fast attack. His opponent grinned down at him. It was an Arrancar. He was tall and skinny, his mask covering the right side of his face and curving up into wild spikes that protruded all around his skull. He had four arms, each holding a wickedly curved blade, like scythes. He opened his mouth in a demonic grin and his tongue lolled out, dark and pointed.

"Too slow, Shinigami."

His voice was a dark growl that sent a chill down Ichigo's spine, though the teen was quick enough to jump back just as the Arrancar swung one of his swords towards his stomach.

Renji rushed to Ichigo's side, holding his sword before him and collecting himself.

"Bastard." Ichigo hissed, drawing back his zanpakuto and leaping at the Arrancar who laughed wildly and easily blocked both his and Renji's attack.

"Is that all you have?"

The creature mocked them, that hideous tongue lolling out obscenely, his unnaturally long fingers flexing on his weapons. Renji and Ichigo both jumped back, panting, and assessed the situation. Uryu, Chad, and Rukia readied themselves to assist when a shadow loomed behind the Arrancar. He had just begun to turn when a flash of intense spiritual pressure blew up the sand around them, the wind howling wildly. The Arrancar's mask split before their eyes and he dissolved with a hysterical cry of rage and pain.

Blinking, stunned, the group looked up into the unsmiling face of captain Kenpachi Zaraki.

"Huh." He snorted dismissively. "No fun at all."

His one eye rested on Ichigo's face for a second and then he turned, swinging his sword over his shoulder, and walked past them towards Aizen's fortress, his vice-captain bouncing along beside him as if they were on holiday, not heading to face a powerful enemy.

Now that Zaraki had left, the group realised he was not alone. Captain Byakuya Kuchiki stood silently before them, his long black hair waving delicately in the breeze. Rukia's eyes widened and Renji bowed his head, guilt surging through him. Byakuya gazed at his vice-captain impassively.

"Abarai, this is not the first time you have disappointed me."

Renji scowled but had the sense to remain silent.

Byakuya stepped forward. "I'm sure it won't be the last." His eyes turned to Rukia, who was too surprised to speak.

Ichigo turned to the familiar captain, his expression surprised but pleased.

"Byakuya, what the hell are you doing here?"

Gazing at the unruly teen, the older captain seemed able to express his displeasure at such an impolite greeting with just a simple look, his face relatively impassive.

"It was not difficult for a captain of the Gotei 13 to persuade General Yamamato that a direct attack on Aizen might be beneficial. And he was perturbed to hear that officers had recklessly run into danger." His eyes turned to Rukia once more and she flushed slightly.

Ichigo grinned.

"And Zaraki?"

"He's here for the fun of it."

A new voice spoke up, and everyone turned to see Yumichika and a scowling Ikakku walk towards them. Yumichika nodded at them.

"Renji, Rukia. Sir." He bowed his head briefly to Byakuya and then walked past them, waving back at them over his shoulder.

"If you'll excuse us, we're off to watch our captain create some trouble."

Renji shook his head, grinning now that it was clear his captain wasn't about to punish him.

"Good timing. We should get moving, too."

Byakuya nodded, seeming as unruffled as always.

"Indeed. Aizen has already started his attack on Karakura Town."

The group exclaimed in shock, and Ichigo and Uryu both stepped forwards, expressions intense.

"What's happening?" Ichigo's thoughts turned to his family and his heart clenched with fear and anger.

Byakuya glanced at him.

"Do not concern yourself. We have powerful protection in place, and they have not yet breached our defences. Nevertheless, we should move swiftly from now on."

Everyone nodded, following behind the tall, elegant form of the Captain of the 6th squad, turning their minds to the coming battle.