Bleach: The Afterlife Saga

*Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of its characters. All the characters mentioned in this story, with the exception of OCs, are the property of Kubo Tite.

*A/N: Thanks for all the reviews of the last chapter. I'm happy that interest in this story has picked up again. I'll endeavour to respond to as many reviews and comments as possible.


Chapter 44 The Great Escape

`The trial and subsequent imprisonment of the 5th division lieutenant Kurosaki Ichigo soon became common knowledge throughout the Gotei 13. Because of the climate of fear and suspicion created by the presence of the Royal Guard, few Shinigami were willing to speak openly about their opinions. However in private, many of the captains and lieutenants felt Ichigo's imprisonment was completely unjust, with his trial by the Central 46 being nothing more than a sham organized by the Royal Guard.

One captain who was particularly angered by the decision was Ichigo's captain Hirako Shinji. In the days after the decision Shinji paced around his office cursing to himself that he failed to prevent the judicial officers from taking Ichigo away. He desperately thought up ways to free Ichigo from his incarceration but all the plans Shinji came up with could not be done without breaking the law of Soul Society. Eventually, Shinji made up his mind to approach the Central 46 himself and request that Ichigo be pardoned or his sentence reduced. As he was about to leave his division office, Shinji was surprised to see the faces of Urahara, Yoruichi and Byakuya.

"Hello Shinji-san," said Urahara.

"What are you guys doing here?" asked Shinji.

"You've heard of Ichigo's imprisonment right?" said Yoruichi. Shinji nodded.

"We've come to discuss a way to free him," said Byakuya.

"Why did you guys come to my place?" asked Shinji.

"The 2nd, 6th and 12th divisions are being watched by members of the Royal Guard," said Urahara. "The three of us are already risking a great deal just by coming here. Your division is one of the least monitored by the Royal Guard so there should be little risk of our conversation being spied upon."

"I understand. Let's discuss matters inside." Shinji showed his guests to his office and ordered one of his division members to serve them with tea. Once tea was served, the four of them discussed the situation involving Ichigo's incarceration.

"So pleading clemency from the Central 46 is off limits?" asked Shinji. Yoruichi nodded.

"The Central 46 is firmly under the control of the Royal Guard now. Not even Yamamoto Sotaicho has the power to influence their decisions."

"Our only choice is to break Kurosaki-san out of the Underground Prison," said Urahara.

"That was my next idea too," said Shinji. "But they've surely intensified the security around and inside the prison after Aizen's escape. It would be impossible for anyone to infiltrate it without being spotted."

"Don't underestimate our connections Captain Hirako," said Byakuya. "Yoruichi, Urahara and I all have powerful links to officials within the Kido Corps, the Onimitsukidou and the Central 46. We should be able to obtain the necessary equipment to bypass the prison's security systems."

"Okay, we've got the tools we need. But who's going to do the breaking in? If any of us attempt to rescue Ichigo we will end up losing our ranks and probably be tried by the Central 46 too," said Shinji.

"We already considered that risk Hirako-san," said Urahara. "It would indeed be foolish if any of us personally took a hand in this operation. Which is why we have decided to let Kurosaki-san's nakama rescue him."

"Who?"

"There are two people amongst the Gotei 13 who are close to Kurosaki Ichigo," said Byakuya. "One of them is my sister Rukia, and the other is my lieutenant Abarai Renji. Abarai already knows of this plan; I briefed him about prior to coming here. I shall head to the 13th division to tell Rukia about it too."

"So, we're putting our faith in two lieutenants," said Shinji. "If they fail all of us will be sent to jail. Even if they succeed in freeing Ichigo, I doubt they could remain in Seireitei. Do you have any plans of them after Ichigo is freed?"

"I have no doubt in my mind that Kurosaki-san will go after his father at the first opportunity. Should he find his father he'll also track down Aizen as well. If he does, we'll be able to find out just why Isshin-san broke Aizen out of prison," said Urahara.

"We'll be killing two birds with one stone," said Yoruichi.

"Abarai and Rukia will follow Kurosaki Ichigo in mission. To assist them, we shall do our best to allow them to open a Senkaimon the real world. Once they've escaped there, the Royal Guard can do nothing to chase after them."

"Sounds like a good plan. So, when do we start this operation?" asked Shinji.

"We shall begin the operation tonight," said Byakuya.


Kurosaki Ichigo felt he had lost everything. As he languished in a cold and dank cell devoid of any light Ichigo recalled everything he had lost within the space of 24 hours. His status as Shinigami of the Gotei 13 and his rank as the 5th Division Lieutenant had been stripped from him. His Zanpakuto Zangetsu had been confiscated and placed into storage. His sentence of fifty years ensured that it would be an eternity before he could ever see his family or nakama again. But none of the things he had lost weighed as heavily in his mind as knowing that his father had betrayed him. Even as he was being carted off through the Underground Prison to his cell, Ichigo still clung on to the faint hope that his father was entirely innocent. This hope was shattered forever when, as he was about to be put into his cell, one of the Royal Guards, a man with flaming red hair, gave him a withering remark about his father.

"You don't know how much this pleases me boy. Your imprisonment will serve as revenge for what your father did."

"What the hell did my father do to justify my imprisonment?"

"Heh, heh, haven't you heard? Your father massacred the Royal Family."

As the doors of his cell shut upon him, Ichigo's heart was utterly crushed by the news. The insane laughter of the Royal Guard as it faded into the distance would forever mark the moment when Ichigo's hope was snuffed out.

As he sat against a wall, dressed in a white kimono that all prisoners of Soul Society whore, Ichigo couldn't help but think of what his father was doing at this very moment. He recalled the shock and surprise he had felt when his father appeared as a Shinigami at the climax of the Battle for Fake Karakura Town. Back then, Ichigo had refrained from asking his father about his past history. Now Ichigo wished he had, for Isshin had never told his son exactly how he ended up in the real world in the first place. The bits and pieces he had heard from Urahara and Kukaku gave Ichigo the impression that Isshin had been involved in some sort of incident in the King's Realm that somehow led to the banishment of the Shibas from Seireitei. But he still couldn't believe that the same royal family that Ichigo had fought his hardest to prevent Aizen from killing had already been killed by his own father. It made all the sacrifices Ichigo had made seem meaningless.

"You stupid old man. If I ever see you again I'm gonna so fucking kill you," Ichigo said to himself.


Isshin sneezed. He thought he was imagining things when he somehow heard his own son's voice echoing in the distance as he flash stepped across the roof tops of Karakura Town.

"Did you catch a cold?" asked Aizen. The former arch traitor had annoyed Isshin with his constant quips while they had travelled through the Dangai, something that made Isshin wish he hadn't freed him in the first place.

"One more smart comment from you and I'm going run you through with my Engetsu," said Isshin.

"Trying to kill me eh? You do know that the Hougyoku is still fused with me," said Aizen. Isshin was well aware of that fact. Killing Aizen was nigh on impossible. He turned his attention away from murderous thoughts when he spotted a familiar building down below.

"We're here." Isshin flew towards the ground. Aizen followed. The two former Shinigami landed on the streets below. Isshin walked up the steps to a sizeable three storey apartment that was located in the richest part of Karakura Town. He knocked upon the front door. A short while later he heard footsteps coming towards the door and a moment later the door opened. They were greeted by a middle-aged man with short silver hair, glasses, and a trimmed goatee.

"Hello there Ryuken-san," said Isshin.

"So you've come back Kurosaki," said Ryuken. He spotted Aizen standing behind Isshin. "And what's this, isn't that that infamous Shinigami Aizen Sousuke? I thought he was imprisoned by Soul Society."

"He was. I broke him out of prison." Ryuken was surprised and amused by Isshin's answer.

"This is quite a change Kurosaki. Weren't you his mortal enemy a mere seven years ago? You went to such lengths as to regain your Shinigami powers just to kill him."

"The circumstances have changed. I need Aizen's knowledge for an important task. One that you and I are familiar with." When Isshin mentioned the word 'task' Ryuken instantly knew what Isshin was talking about.

"Are you referring to our search for that mysterious 'Azrael' person throughout Europe?" asked Ryuken. Isshin nodded. "What relevance does Aizen have to our mission?"

"I believe Aizen knows where this 'Azrael' is. I came that conclusion when I was sifting through information regarding the activities of the shadow Quincies and the appearance of the Doomwalker in Soul Society four years ago. My hunch was confirmed when I visited Aizen in his cell. He basically admitted that some other entity had been controlling all of his actions."

"Please Kurosaki Isshin. I do not like the word 'controlled'," quipped Aizen. "It makes me sound like I was the mindless slave of another."

"All right, how about the word 'influencing'? This 'Lord Azrael' was influencing your thoughts," said Isshin. This time Aizen did not comment back. The former traitor tried desperately to hide his secret shame behind a fake smug smile.

"Are you two done with your side conversation?" asked Ryuken. "Let me get this straight. Aizen knows where this 'Azrael' is and he's going to direct you to him." Isshin nodded.

"You wanna come along? You might find out the secrets behind your race's dark history if you do." Ryuken was initially reluctant to accept Isshin's offer, since he vowed to himself to never involved in his clan's dreadful past. But then the promise of finally bringing closure on the shameful legacy of his ancestor Siegfried was too enticing for Ryuken to resist.

"I accept your offer Kurosaki. Let me get my possessions ready and I shall join you." Within hours, the three shadowy figures, Isshin, Aizen and Ryuken, embarked on a hunt for a shadowy figure that no one in Soul Society was aware of.


Rukia head a knock on the door of her dormitory. As with most days of the working week, the 13th division Lieutenant had chosen to stay in the private living quarters she had at the division barracks instead of returning to the Kuchiki Manor. Most of the time, she was rarely disturbed unless her captain Ukitake had an urgent matter for her.

"Who could it be at this time?" Rukia thought. She checked the clock on the wall and saw that it was already past eight o'clock. She went to the door and opened it. She was startled to see the figure of her brother standing at the doorway.

"Nii-sama! What are you doing here?" asked Rukia in exasperation. Byakuya begged Rukia to be quiet and motioned her to shut the door. Rukia noticed he was wearing a cloak covering his face.

"I need to speak to you about two urgent matters Rukia," said Byakuya.

"Does Ukitake Taicho know about it?" Byakuya nodded.

"Ukitake arranged for me to have this meeting with you."

"So what are the two matters you wanted to talk to me about?" asked Rukia. Her brother took a deep breath, as if he was unsure about how to begin.

"The first matter involves a matter relating to our clan. My grandfather has arrived here in Soul Society." Rukia's mouth gaped in surprise.

"You mean Kuchiki Ginrei-sama?" Byakuya nodded.

"There is more. Ojii-sama has requested the two of us should marry."

"What? He wants me to marry you Nii-sama? Why?"

"To produce a male offspring who will inherit the Kuchiki bloodline. My grandfather was greatly displeased at me not having sired a son in the sixty or so years since I became the clan head. With no potential suitors from the other noble families available he insisted that I marry you."

"And have you agreed to his request Nii-sama?" asked Rukia. Byakuya shook his head.

"I told him I needed time to make up my mind. But we can put aside my grandfather's request for the moment. There is another far more urgent matter we need to discuss. Kurosaki Ichigo has been imprisoned by the Central 46." The news rocked Rukia to the very core of her being. Her body started shaking and a sense of agitation and anxiety gripped her heart.

"Ichigo is in jail? How? When?" Rukia's fears were allayed somewhat when Byakuya briefed her on what had transpired.

"So Ichigo is now in a cell on the third level of the Underground Prison," said Rukia. Her brother nodded. Already Rukia's mind was racing as to the possible ways to get Ichigo out of the mess he gotten himself in. Her brother noticed the change in her facial expression,

"I see that you're already thinking of freeing Kurosaki Ichigo," said Byakuya. Rukia wasn't surprised that her brother had seen through her thoughts; she was more surprised at his rather indifferent reaction.

"I am. Do you have anything against me doing so Nii-sama?"

"Not at all. The true reason why I've come here is to provide you the means of rescuing him." Rukia was astounded by what her brother had said. She did not think it was possible for her brother to have such a change of heart.

"Why are you helping me Nii-sama? I thought you were staunchly against any breaking of the rules," said Rukia. "Back when I was sentenced for execution, you ready to kill Ichigo simply to stop him from rescuing me."

"I owe Kurosaki Ichigo a great debt," Byakuya admitted openly. "I told you before of the struggle I faced when I found out you had been sentenced to death. What I didn't tell you was how close I came to dying myself. I secretly swore a vow to myself that if you died either at the hands of Sokyoku or my own, I would kill myself out of shame of forever tarnishing Hisana's memory. Kurosaki Ichigo saved me from having to make such an awful decision. He also made me the see the error of trusting in Soul Society's laws. Since then I have come to regard any proclamation of the Central 46 questionable unless it came with the full backing of the Captain Commander."

"And Ichigo's arrest wasn't approved by Yamamoto Sotaicho?" asked Rukia. Byakuya shook his head.

"Ukitake told me that Yamamoto was ready to burn the Central 46 to the ground for having the audacity to punish Kurosaki Ichigo without his approval. He was only stopped because he faced the might of nine Royal Guards, and because he couldn't disobey an order of the Reioh. I and all of the other captains have felt Kurosaki Ichigo's punishment to be unjust and unacceptable. I know you must be feeling the same way. Which is why I have with me here the tools you need to infiltrate the underground prison and free him."

Byakuya handed Rukia a strange black cloak, a large bundle of prison keys, and a parchment. Rukia studied the items closely.

"What are these items Nii-sama?"

"The cloak is a special cloak designed by Urahara Kisuke himself. It completely masks all traces of your reiatsu and casts a powerful Kido spell around your body such that to the unsuspecting eye you will appear almost invisible. The set of keys belong to the Onimitsukidou's detention unit. They were given to me by Shihouin Yoruichi. These keys will allow you to open all of the Underground Prison's doors. The parchment contains the location of Kurosaki Ichigo's cell, the location of the storage cell for his Zanpakuto, and the designated keys required to open both those cell doors."

Rukia was initially overwhelmed by the incredible generosity and spirit that her brother had shown her. The depth of foresight and planning it must have taken to procure such items must have been astonishing.

"Thank you so much Nii-sama. Am I supposed to carry out the mission by myself?"

"No, Renji has also been briefed of the mission. He shall accompany you in freeing Kurosaki Ichigo. Once he is rescued, the three of you should head for the real world immediately."

"We must head for the real world? Why?"

"It is no longer safe to stay in Soul Society anymore. The Royal Guard is steadily tightening its control over Seireitei. Already many of the Gotei divisions, including my own, are being watched. Furthermore, I have no doubt that Kurosaki Ichigo will be heading for the real world at the first opportunity."

"Why is that Nii-sama?" Byakuya secretly whispered in Rukia's ear about the circumstances behind Aizen's escape from the Underground Prison.

"Huh, Ichigo's dad helped Aizen to escape from jail? Why would he do such a thing?"

"That is something I am hoping you and Kurosaki Ichigo can find out when you track down Aizen and Kurosaki Isshin. If you can bring them back to Soul Society, then all the better, but if you can't, finding out the truth from them will help us remove the slanderous accusations the Royal Guard have leveled against us captains."

As she considered the enormity of the task her brother had assigned to her, Rukia wondered if she was capable for the job.

"Nii-sama, do I really have the ability to accomplish this task?" asked Rukia. At this point Byakuya surprised Rukia by giving her an uncharacteristic hug and then a kiss on the cheek.

"Believe in yourself Rukia. You should know in your heart how much Kurosaki Ichigo means to you." Rukia blushed at her brother's words. "You are strong enough now to no longer need my protection, nor are you bound follow my commands. From now on, your destiny is in your hands alone."

"Thank you Nii-sama." Rukia gave her brother a hug in return and watched as Byakuya quietly left her room.

Rukia waited about half an hour after her brother's departure before deciding to make her move. She left a note on her captain's desk. Then, utmost secretly, she jumped over the walls of her division barracks.

"Hey Rukia," said a familiar voice nearby. Rukia turned to look and saw the face of her childhood friend Renji.

"Renji! You've been waiting for me?" asked Rukia.

"Been standing here for half an hour. I accompanied Kuchiki Taicho to your division's barracks," said Renji. "He instructed me to wait here for you to come out. I take it he gave you the things we need?" Rukia nodded.

"Did Nii-sama give you anything Renji?"

"Yep. He gave me two special Danreishinkis, and also these three small boxes." Renji showed Rukia one of the boxes. Inside the box was a small balloon like object and a gikongan.

"What are these Renji?" Rukia examined the balloon in her hands.

"These are portable gigais made by Urahara-san. They inflate like this." Renji blew into the balloon and within seconds it expanded into a life-sized gigai replica of Renji, complete with human clothing. "These gigais also have the special property of being untraceable."

"Like the gigai I once wore when I lost my powers?"

"Yep they have the same property. Urahara-san made gigais for all three of us, including Ichigo. Kuchiki Taicho instructed me that once we get to the real world we are to enter them."

"Alright I get everything now. Shall we begin the mission?"

After Renji put the gigai and everything else he had shown Rukia back inside his robes, the two of them put on the special cloaks that Byakuya had given them. With their reiatsu undetectable and their figures camouflaged in the shadows, Rukia and Renji were able to flash step across Seireitei at their maximum speed. Within minutes they had reached the entrance to the Underground Prison. As they perched on the roof a nearby building, they saw the entrance to the prison was guarded by over thirty guards from the Detention Unit.

"Looks like they really intensified the security after the first breakout," said Renji. Rukia nodded. Despite wearing the special cloaks, Rukia and Renji were taking no chances in their approach to the gate. They crept silently towards the guards, making sure not to accidentally bump into any of them. Then, when they were in a position to attack all of the guards at once, Rukia cast a Hakufuku spell at full power. A white flash of light momentarily blinded all of the guards. Before they had any idea what had happened, the guards started collapsing one after another. Soon all thirty guards were fast asleep on the floor.

"Do you have the keys?" asked Renji. Rukia nodded and took out the set of keys Byakuya had given her and handed them to Renji. She then took out a small parchment and unrolled it.

"Let me see, the key to the prison's front gate is…this one!" Rukia pointed to a wooden key with four sets of interconnected ridges. Renji put the key into the gate's lock and turned. The lock gave way, allowing the door to open. The two of them snuck inside, then Renji closed the gate, making to relock it properly.

"Okay, we're inside. Now what?" asked Renji. Rukia cast a small Soukatsui spell to provide herself some light. She then scanned the parchment again.

"Ichigo's on the third floor. In cell number 315," said Rukia.

"Let's go then." Renji and Rukia headed down the stairs of the Underground Prison as fast as they could. The prison was packed with more guards than usual due to the increased security presence. None of them noticed the presence of two unauthorized intruders in their midst. Furthermore whatever alarm systems that were in place to detect intruders failed to detect them, a sign that the special cloaks Byakuya had given them were working.

A short time later the pair of them had reached the third level.

"Alright, Ichigo's cell should be nearby," said Rukia.


Ichigo woke up from his slumber. He thought he was imagining things when he started hearing footsteps outside of his cell. But then the footsteps got louder and louder until it appeared to Ichigo that they were close by. Then the footsteps stopped. A few seconds later Ichigo heard the rattle of keys outside the door.

"What the hell?" Ichigo thought to himself. He wondered if it was the Detention Unit guards coming to give him some food. He listened closely as the keys were inserted into the lock upon the door. A click told Ichigo that whoever was outside had succeeded in unlocking the door. Ichigo watched intently as the door slowly opened. Then, a sudden bright light hit his face, momentarily blinding him. When Ichigo regained his eyesight he was astounded to see two faces staring at him. Two faces that were awfully familiar. He was lost for words.

"Rukia, Renji…why are you guys here?" asked Ichigo in astonishment.

"To free you of course," said Rukia with a smile on her face. "You risked your life to rescue me when I was imprisoned inside a cell like this one. I thought it was appropriate to return the favor." Rukia and Renji helped Ichigo to his feet. Renji provided Ichigo with a clean Shihakusho, which Ichigo hastily out on.

"We don't have much time before the guards figure out you've escaped. We've got to get out of here now," said Renji.

"Wait Renji, what about my Zanpakuto? They confiscated it from me," said Ichigo. His eyes widened in surprise when Rukia handed him a very familiar looking katana wrapped up in a white cloth-like scabbard.

"We made sure to get your Zanpakuto out before we came to rescue you," said Rukia.

"I owe you one Rukia. This time you really saved me from total despair," said Ichigo.

"You can thank me and Renji later. We've got to get out of here now." Ichigo nodded. He followed Rukia and Renji along the corridors of the prison until they reached the flight of stairs leading upwards. Unfortunately as they got to the stairs they saw a whole bunch of guards. The guards immediately spotted the three of them and yelled out.

"Oh fuck we screwed up badly!" swore Renji. "We should have put our cloaks back on."

"It would have made no difference. They would have spotted Ichigo regardless," said Rukia. Ichigo immediately unsheathed his Zanpakuto and brandished it in his hand.

"Heh, who cares about being spotted now. I'm itching to get back at these guards," said Ichigo with a grin. With incredible speed he charged at the guards and sliced through six of them in quick succession. Though the wounds Ichigo gave them were shallow, the guards were nevertheless injured enough to be knocked out instantly.

"Don't get too carried away Ichigo!" exclaimed Rukia.

"Forget it Rukia. Now's not the time for subtlety," said Renji. With a bellowing war cry he joined Ichigo in the fray, cutting down a few more guards. Rukia shook her head as she followed the two boisterous men up the stairs. As the three Shinigami advanced back up the prison levels, they proceeded to incapacitate any guards who stood in their way. Soon the guards realized they were completely outmatched against three lieutenant class Shinigami. Instead of fighting them head on, the guards decided to run outside of the prison and alert the Royal Guards. Ichigo, Rukia and Renji noticed the change in the guards' tactics.

"Shit they're calling for reinforcements," said Renji.

"We've got to escape the prison before they do!" shouted Ichigo. The three of them ran up the stairs as fast they could. Within minutes they reached the front gate. Seeing it locked, Rukia was about to get out the keys to unlock it but Ichigo decided to release his Zanpakuto and fired a Getsuga Tensho blast at the gate. The blast blew the gate wide open, allowing the trio to escape outside. They found themselves surrounded by more than thirty Detention Unit guards. Clearly the Hakufuku spell Rukia had cast upon them had worn off.

"We don't have time to deal with them Ichigo!" exclaimed Rukia.

"I know that!" Ichigo unsheathed his Zanpakuto and then fired a Shakkaho spell at the guards' feet. This move distracted the guards enough for the three Shinigami to jump onto a nearby roof top and flash step away.

"Where to now Ichigo?" asked Renji.

"Once we get clear of our pursuers we'll open a Senkaimon to Karakura Town. I'm going after my dad," said Ichigo.

"I knew you would do that," said Rukia with a smile.

"We should head for the White Way gate first before we open a Senkaimon," said Renji. Ichigo and Rukia both agreed. When they neared the White Way gate however, they found their escape route blocked by three figures with immense spiritual pressures. They were accompanied by more than a dozen Executive Militia forces. Rukia and Renji gasped in horror. Ichigo gnashed his teeth in frustration.

"Aren't those the Royal Guard?" asked Renji.

"Crap, they found us," said Ichigo.

"What do we do now?" asked Rukia.

"Apprehend them!" shouted one of the Royal Guards. Before the order could be executed, three figures suddenly appeared in between Ichigo, Rukia and Renji and the Royal Guards. The people on both sides gasped in astonishment when they saw who they were.

"Nii-sama!" yelled Rukia. Byakuya was accompanied by Yoruichi and Urahara.

"Go now Kurosaki-san. We'll hold them off," said Urahara. Ichigo tried to say something but Renji hastily dragged both him and Rukia off in another direction.

"This is our chance Ichigo! Open a Senkaimon!" yelled Renji. Ichigo promptly did so. The three of them rushed through the Senkaimon, before it closed upon them.


Comments:

*Ichigo's escape from prison: In planning Rukia and Renji's breakout of Ichigo from the underground prison, I took extra care to ensure that the escape did not sound contrived or unbelievable by having Urahara, Yoruichi and Byakuya plan and co-ordinate the overall mission. Both the invisible cloaks and the special Danreishinkis are variations of items that were featured in the original manga, while it wasn't a stretch to assume that Sui Feng would have access to the Underground Prison's keys, which she would have given to Yoruichi. Also, Byakuya as the Head of the Kuchiki House would have powerful ties with the Central 46, and so would be able to obtain information on Ichigo's trial and imprisonment.

*Lord Azrael: He is named after the Archangel of Death in Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions. You will be seeing more of this guy in upcoming chapters.