Road to Redemption Chapter 28, a bleach fanfic

A/N: Happy second anniversary! Technically the anniversary was back on Monday but I couldn't finish this chapter in time 😅 My apologies. Anyway, I'm so glad to have all of you still reading this story for so long. It means the world to me, and I appreciate the support. I hope to be finished with the fic at 44 chapters. So yeah we're close to the end my dearies! As always, I hope you enjoy the chapter and thanks for reading! 😜

Chapter 28: The Shift

"Can't believe you're going back just to bake treats."

Ulquiorra rolled his eyes as he finished packing his suitcase. "Not all of us want to spend the rest of our lives fighting, Nnoitra."

The fifth Arrancar shrugged. "A pity, but still, I didn't take you for the cooking type."

"Neither did I, To be honest with you, there's a lot of things I never thought I would do, or even grow to like. Now I can't imagine my life without them."

"Geez, you sound like your woman."

Ulquiorra smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Of course ya will." Nnoitra scoffed. "You and Tesla are so lovestruck it's infuriating."

"Call it what you like Quinta, but after centuries of emptiness, I've finally found happiness."

"Well then, I'm happy for you."

Ulquiorra raised an eyebrow. "Who are you and what have you done with Nnoitra?"

"I killed him and am now wearing his skin, satisfied?"

"Not quite, you could've chosen a more handsome skin."

"Hey! Not all of us are pretty boys like you!"

"Okay, pretty boys stop fighting! We have everything ready in the kitchen, so get moving." Jeanne came through the door gesturing for them to follow.

"I really don't understand your princess and her ideas but I'd be lying if I said this arrangement it's better than what we had before."

"I hate winter. It's cold, we have to go back to school and girls are bundled up in big coats."

"Keigo, you don't get dates even when the girls are wearing bikinis." Mizuiro pointed out.

"You don't have to say it like that!"Keigo pouted and leaned onto Chad's shoulder. He gently patted his friend's head.

"Instead of crying about your nonexistent dates, you should be focusing on school. We're going back in three days and your grades haven't improved."

"C'mon Tatsuki, you know we're not nerds! Ichigo, Chad, Orihime and Uryu are!"

"Which is why I'll be able to get into the university of my choice, so I do suggest you start reviewing before classes start."

Keigo rolled his eyes and obeyed his Quincy friend. Chad smiled, seeing most of his friend group talking and having fun together was something he'd wanted for a while.

"Where are the others? I thought they'd get home from Hueco Mundo today." Ichigo asked.

"They'll be back in the evening, as for Shizuka and Nemu, they're on a mission."

"That explains it. I just need us all to talk later."

"About what?" Chad asked him.

"Something important."

"I can't believe you'd do such a thing for me." Loly looked like she was about to cry.

Orihime had looked through the reports Jeanne kept on each Arrancar. They all showed the date they were brought in to Aizen's army. Loly and Menoly's date was January 27 and as such, Orihime decided to throw them a 'birthday party'

The blonde Arrancar was also smiling, and a little misty-eyed. "Thanks, everyone. This is the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for us."

"Menoly is right. We used to go unnoticed before, and well, we didn't expect a celebration like this. Thanks, Orihime."

"You're welcome, but don't thank only me, everyone else helped a great deal."

"We know, but you're the one who made the cake." Loly smiled.

"How'd you know?"

"The kitchen is still intact."

That made them all laugh. Orihime wasted no time in cutting the cake. She was nervous the rest of the Arrancars wouldn't like it, but to her surprise they did.

"I'm strongly considering moving to the human world just to be a regular at your bakery," Mila told her.

"Thanks. I'm still uncertain about what awaits us now that we'll be the ones in charge, but if we have as half as the support you guys are giving us, there's not much to worry about."

The party kept going after lunch, Orihime was surprised to see Menoly sit beside her.

"I'm really grateful you did this for us. We were horrible to you before and yet you are still kind."

"That's all in the past, besides, many good friendship start with the phrase. 'I used to hate you' I prefer to look at us that way."

"That's fair. I'll look at us that way too."

Orihime let the young girl rest by her side. Just like the time she spent at the beach with Loly, she felt like she was spending time with a younger sister.

"Orihime."

"Yes?"

"Will the shinigami come again?"

The way the Menoly's voice broke at the question made her heart sink. She pulled the girl into a hug, which she returned.

"No. They won't."

"How can we be sure? We had a deal, but after the battle, they took Loly and Jeanne, and even Lady Halibel! I'm worried sick they'll try to blame us for the next attack too."

"That won't happen Menoly. If they dare break the accord then they'll lose funding from their richest noble family. Plus, Nnoitra-san seemed ready to tear Soul Society apart for breaking their promise. No one wants to deal with that."

Menoly giggled. "I suppose not. It's just... I'm the weakest person here. There are Espadas and fracción but the only números are Jeanne, Loly And me. And at least they have a strong resureccion, mine couldn't even measure up to an injured Yammy. I feel so useless."

Orihime remembered seeing the young girl quickly lose to Yammy in a fight. While she was able to heal her, the injuries were gruesome. Another confrontation like that could kill her.

She gently ran her hand through Menoly's hair. "I know just how you feel. Believe it or not, when I came here I was doubting my power, especially when compared to my friends. I was sad and afraid and very worried.

Then they came to rescue me, and in the battle with Ulquiorra, they were put in danger. You know how Ulquiorra was, right?"

Menoly nodded. "He's changed a lot."

"Yes, but before that, he was dead set on ending my friend's life, and I was the only one left to stop him. So, I did. I used every last bit of my strength to fight.

I didn't win, at least not by force. But it was enough to buy my friends' time to recuperate. The battle ended, and I thought I would lose Ulquiorra forever.

However, there was something I could do, that no one else could. I could heal, and that's what I did.

Ulquiorra was the one who pushed me to develop these abilities and the one who believed in truly training me. It is thanks to him I've acquired strength and confidence, but it was my own choice that led to this outcome."

Orihime glanced at Menoly, who was patiently listening. "You must choose to become strong, to rise up, even if seems like you're not made for it at first. Likewise, you must also look for your other talents. Talents that may not relate to fighting, but also make you unique. Finally, you need a support system, friends who love you unconditionally and push you to be better. Only then, will you become strong."

"That's good advice. Thank you. I feel better after talking to you."

"I'm always down for a pep talk. You'll do great, I believe in you."

"Thanks, Orihime."

After the party was over and the bags were packed it was time to go back home. Orihime bid everyone farewell, promising to visit when the next holiday arrived.

"I'm going to miss those guys. They were fun to be around." Riruka told her.

Orihime smiled. "I'm happy to hear you got along with them all. It was hard for me to befriended them, although that must've been because of our bad history."

"Maybe. I just like making new friends, it's... something I hadn't done in a while. I didn't think I'd need it."

"Well, now you have new friends. Halibel liked having you around too, so be sure to visit her often. You don't need us to come around. They liked you on your own merits."

"I'll keep it in mind."

Orihime looked at her boyfriend. Ulquiorra hadn't said anything so far, but he seemed content. 'I wonder what he's thinking about.'

At last, the crossed the garganta and ended up in Karakura. Soon enough, both Shizuka and Nemu came to greet them.

"Hey guys, how was your vacation?"

"Really fun, Shizuka-san, but we're glad to be back."

"That's good to hear. When you are able to settle down, please come to my house. Ichigo-kun says we have to talk. It's urgent."

"Sure."

Orihime felt uneasy. Ichigo wasn't one to call for important meetings. Something must've happened while they were away.

Riruka left with Shizuka, after giving them both a hug. The puppies were happy to have gotten back home at last. They both sprinted for the couch.

"They have the right idea. I'll fix us up a snack before we go to Shizuka's."

She'd missed her little kitchen. 'I'll be spending a lot of time here now.' The bakery still needed to be remodeled, and Azuka would still act as manager for the time being, but when the time to take over finally came, she wanted to be ready.

"Okay. These are perfect!"

She carried the tray of cupcakes to the living room and gave some to Ulquiorra.

"These are great. You seem to be in a cooking streak today."

She giggled. "Thanks, Ulquiorra. I guess I feel really energetic today."

"That's good. Any idea on what Kurosaki wants to discuss?"

"I'm not sure. Ichigo is not the type of person to hold meetings. It must be something serious."

They finished their food and headed over to Shizuka's with the puppies.

Orihime was surprised to see everyone already there, including the Karakuraizer team. Chizuru lunged towards her for a hug.

"The goddess has returned! We've missed you!"

"I missed you too Chizuru." She returned the hug before sitting down.

"Ok, everyone's here now. What was so important you needed us all presence, Ichigo-kun?"

Ichigo took a breath before speaking. "I'm officially turning away from the Soul Society."

The silence was heavy in the room. Eventually, Uryu broke it. "You're telling us...you're done?"

"Not just done, but rather against."

"Is this because of the whole dream business?" Shizuka asked.

"I used to think so, but it's not. Everything that's been happening so far is enough to convince me. My sole duty is to protect Karakura Town, nothing else.

At first, it seemed like a lie. I didn't want to believe anything he, or anyone else said, because I trusted the Soul Society.

But I was proven wrong. Inoue and Ulquiorra followed the rules and yet they almost lost their lives. The Arrancar have been on their best behavior and almost got killed. All of us have fought on their side for quite a while but we've been left forgotten. They've made no apologies for the past or the present. Until such apologies are made, I'm not going to stand for them any longer.

That doesn't mean I agree with what Aizen and Ginjo did, but I fully realize now that they were right about change. It needs to happen or more blood will spill. I don't want to be complicit in another tragedy.

I called you all because you deserve to know and to make your choice as well. Will you support me in this new fight?"

She was holding onto Ulquiorra's hand, he looked at her. No words were needed to understand.

"We're on your side. I was already considering turning against the Soul Society, but now I'm certain. We were almost scapegoated by the people we helped. I think that warrants a separation."

"I agree with Orihime. If they won't keep their word, we don't have to either. Let them solve this 'problem' on their own."

She smiled upon seeing Shizuka stand up as well. "I'm in too. For millennia people have put through what I'm expecting right now, and it never occurred to them to change those laws. If they won't protect me, I won't protect them."

Nemu cleared her throat. "I may not be able to provide much support, as Master Mayuri would immediately snuff out any plan you ever make, should he discover my true alliance. Yet, I do promise to do what I can, to help you change things."

"I will too. Luck was on my side, as I was born one year after the fullbringer purge, but I saw the scars it leaves on people, even good people. This can't happen again. I won't let it happen again." Riruka also agreed with the group.

"The Karakuraizer team never pledged their alliance to the Soul Society, our sole goal is as you said, to protect Karakura, as such we'll stand with you. As long as you allow it."

Don Kannonji's response surprised them all, but the team unanimously agreed.

"I've never been in league with the Soul Society. The damage they've dealt to my people and the rest of spiritually aware species is unforgivable. I'll fight by your side Kurosaki." Uryu had a calm expression, even pushed up his glasses up, but Orihime could see the glimmer of pride in his eyes. 'He fully stands with Ichigo.'

"We made a pact years ago to fight only for each other's sake. I'll keep that pact until my dying day. You have my support Ichigo. I won't let you, anyone else here, get hurt. Not again."

After Chad spoke, that only left Tatsuki. She grinned. "You'd really think I'll let you have all the fun yourself, whether it is as a Karakuraizer member or a normal human, I'll support you."

It was settled. Their alliance had shifted for good.

Now, if they only had a clue where to start.

The computer's light turned green the moment he picked it up.

"See Jackie, I'm psychic!"

"Sure thing Ginjo." she chuckled. "Shukuro, you there?"

The video feed was perfect, they could both see their son back at the mansion. "Yes. I am."

"It's good to see you're safe and sound. How's everything back in Karakura?"

"Shishigawara had a scuffle with them, but he's recuperating. I hate to say it but I think those kids are more powerful than we give em credit for. How should I proceed?"

"Lord Aizen said we should not interfere further in regards to them. I say leave em be, they won't bother you unless you strike first." He noticed the bitterness in Tsukishima's face. It told him everything. "There is something I else I must ask of you. It's not a mission, however."

"Sure, I'll do anything you ask."

"Makeup with Riruka already. You look like a wreck."

Ginjo felt Jackie gently snacking him on the shoulder. "Have a little tact!"

"I appreciate your concern father but I'm fine."

"He's lying, the wine cellar is missing a few bottles!"

Moe's voice could be heard in the video feed. Ginjo chuckled when he saw Tsukishima glaring at him.

"You're supposed to be in your room."

"I came down for a snack. Listen to Ginjo-san, we all want her back."

"I'm telling you both to drop the issue. Riruka went over to their side, messed with our plans and refused the offer to return. I won't be the one to grovel."

"I'm not too happy with Riruka either, but I do plan to contact her when the battle's over. Be sure to sort out what you feel by then."

Shukuro sighed. "Very well. I shall consider it."

"Good. Now both of you get some rest. And keep out of the wine cellar. There's whiskey in the minibar if you need to get drunk."

Jackie rolled her eyes. "Father of the year, darling."

"What? Shukuro is 24, he's an adult and can get blackout drunk if he wants."

"I can hear you both through the screen! Just calm down. I'm going to be fine."

The group all went silent after hearing a loud crash coming from the other room.

"What was that?" Shukuro asked.

"Nothing. Just Bankai training." Jackie answered.

Ginjo instinctively smiled. Soon, they would finally get revenge.

"I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight," Ulquiorra confessed. "Just... knowing the way things are going."

"I know. I feel the same way." He felt Orihime cuddling up beside him.

After the meeting ended they went back home. Choco and Kukkapuro were asleep in their beds, but Orihime has asked to stay with him in his room. Ulquiorra didn't refuse.

He ran his fingers through her hair. Orihime was so close to him that he could feel her racing heartbeat, she didn't pull away either.

"I wonder if this was Anna's plan all along. That we uncover the truth by ourselves and unbelievably shift to their side."

"Makes sense. I mean, I'm still angry over what happened, and what Aizen did to us, but regardless, I can't stay on the Soul Society's side either."

He kissed her forehead. "I know, my dear. It's not an easy choice."

Orihime turned red immediately. "D-Did you just call me dear?"

"Yes. Do you not like it?"

She wrapped her arms around him tightly. "I love it! It sounds so cute when you say it. Can I call you dear too?"

"Absolutely."

The slightly tense mood from before evaporated. Orihime was smiling widely, the pink blush on her cheeks made her look even cuter. Ulquiorra just stared at her, amazed.

"I must use nicknames for you more often," he told her.

Orihime giggled. "I would melt. Just call me by whatever feels right to you. Even when you just say 'woman' in that lovely voice of yours, I'm filled with happiness."

"You think my voice is lovely?" that made him feel warm and fuzzy inside. The very thought that Orihime considered such a simple aspect of him attractive.

"Yeah. I mean, you could even be a singer! Your voice is so soft and comforting, yet it has a deep edge."

"Does it now? I never considered it."

"Yes, it does! You're always so confident, but not in a boastful way. I know I should've been scared but you just went all 'Woman' with that voice of yours and my mind just shut down."

Her imitation of his voice made him laugh, but still, this newfound information was valuable to him.

"If that's how you feel, I'll try to seduce you with my voice more often," he whispered in her ear, Orihime shivered in his arms.

"One of these days. I'm going to show you just how much your seducing affects me."

He chuckled. Yes, one of these days, after this whole mess was sorted out and they finally had peace. One of these days, when he finally told her.

But that day, wasn't today. Today they would just speak to each other until sleep claimed them. Tomorrow they'd wake up, still in a tight embrace. The rest was a mystery.

"First day of school!" Orihime couldn't contain her excitement as she ran downstairs in her uniform.

Ulquiorra smiled. "I think you're the only person in the world who is excited about school."

"I can't help it! It's been a while since I've attended. The girls are back from vacation, I'm ahead on my study guide and we don't have to worry about Aizen for the time being! The only problem is that I'm going to miss you, and our puppies."

"I will miss you as well, but your education is important. I'll be overseeing the remodeling of ABCookie. The little ones will be alright on their own. They have food and water."

"That's true. I'll be off then. See you at dinner!"

She gave Ulquiorra a kiss on the cheek and the puppies as well. They all waved her goodbye as she walked out the door.

Before heading out, she noticed Nemu getting out Shizuka's house. The shinigami had a school uniform, and her hair was untied and she was carrying a book bag.

"Nemu-san!" Orihime ran over to her. "Do you want to walk to school together?"

"Yes."

The pair made their way to the school grounds. Nemu was quiet, so it was up to her to initiate conversation.

"Are you excited? This is your first time in a human school, right?"

"Yes. I'm not in need of schooling, but according to my 'human' age, I am required to go to school.

I'll take this as an opportunity to study human behavior and socializing."

"I see. Well, you can find a little bit of anything in high school. If you want, you can come sit with me and my friends during lunch. That could be good social data."

"Thank you. I appreciate the offer."

Just as they were about to get to school the girls heard a growl in the distance.

It was a hollow.

"Is it a big one?"

"Yes. It's not an artificial hollow, but rather a natural Grand Fisher."

She'd heard that name before, but where? 'Ichigo! That's the type of hollow that took out his mother!'

"Let's go, I'll back you up!" she told Nemu.

The shinigami nodded and ran off with her in the direction of the hollow.

'So much for a peaceful school year.'