A/N: Hello my dear readers! We're very close to the end, as this is the last chapter before the final battle. I'm sorry I couldn't post sooner but I'm taking my classes online and it's a bit of a hassle, also my 22nd Birthday took place on March 26 and despite the quarantine, I was celebrating at home. I hope you're all staying safe during these trying times and I shall do my best to get the next chapters out soon. I hope you like and thanks for reading!" 😋

© Bleach and its characters don't belong to me. They belong to Tite Kubo and Shounen Jump. Only Anna Maria, Cata, The Fujiwara family, Hibiki, and Mitsuru belong to me.

Chapter 35: The Final Countdown

"It feels good to be back! Shizuka sighed. "Any requests Tsukishima-san?"

Shukuro smiled. "Not at the moment Shizuka. There is something I must discuss with you."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Your sister delivered an artifact to me yesterday. She said to give to you."

Tsukishima handed her a white box. Shizuka opened it to find a blaster. It looked similar to the ones that appeared on the SciFi movies Orihime likes so much.

There was a note with the blaster. It had Anna's handwriting.

Hi Shizu! Here's a little present I like to call the portal gun. This can help get you across worlds. From Soul Society to Hueco Mundo to the human world.

We both know what the higher-ups will do in regards to your human friends. This is for them to chose what they want to do, on their own terms.

I'll be waiting for you all! ~❤️

Shizuka smiled and slightly shook her head. "That woman never changes. Even when she gives you a weapon she needs to be playful."

The first thing she would do tomorrow morning was call her friends. 'Guess it's all coming to a close soon.'


"Woman please calm down. I'm starting to worry."

Orihime hadn't noticed she was walking faster than usual, or that her cheeks were pink with rage.

Ulquiorra lovingly tried to soothe her with a hug, and Orihime leaned into his touch despite her worries.

The only thing the pair could find in Hueco Mundo that could be used for defence was a forcefield that could be activated from the laboratory. It looked to be sturdy enough, yet that didn't ease her mind in the slightest.

"I'm sorry Ulqui. I just can't stop thinking about the others. Grimmjow-san was already badly injured, who knows what might happen if there are more snares...or if they send soldiers."

"I'm afraid I cannot tell for sure, but what I do know is that our friends won't be taken down without a fight. We know they're prepared, now let's just put our trust in their abilities."

"You're right. I need to give them more credit. Thanks, sweetie, I love it when you put me at ease."

She gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek and Ulquiorra blushed. He adverted his gaze, slightly embarrassed. "You're welcome."

They arrived at Shizuka's home and quickly got settled. She noticed only Ichigo, Chad, Uryu, and Nemu were there.

"Awesome we're all here now. I have news, everyone. Seems like we'll all be able to go into battle after all."

Shizuka placed a gun-like artifact on the table. Orihime knew quickly what it was.

"Is that a portal gun?"

"Yes! How'd you know?"

"It looks like a compact version of the one from the videogame."

Orihime inspected it, it seemed to work in the same way as the fictional weapon.

"As Orihime-chan said, that is indeed a portal gun. This will allow us to get into the Soul Society without being detected. The question now is, are you willing to go against the shinigami? Because once we do this, we won't be able to repair the damage..."

Was she willing to do the same thing Sosuke had done? Could she turn her back on the shinigami friends she had? The very thought of Rangiku not speaking to her again, it was more than she could take.

But doing nothing would only make things worst. The Arrancar were the reason she agreed to the accord in the first place, and now they were in danger. 'They lied to me. They thought me a traitor when I barely knew anything about this world or about my powers. They were willing to use Ichigo as a weapon and then discarded him. Shizuka and Nemu have suffered much due to their negligence. The fullbringers and the Quincy are almost extinct... We must change things."

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make sure things change."

They were all surprised to hear Chad be the first to answer. Their usually silent friend sounded completely sure of his answer.

"I'm not going to let them out another purge into effect. Last time it was Kugo and his friends, this time it would be us. This is a matter of life or death. Besides, this whole matter and adherence to obsolete rules has led to much suffering across the centuries. It must end."

"I agree with Sado. Count me in, I'll fight for all of us, and for the fallen Quincy's."

"When I first met you all, I was nothing but an empty shell, merely going through the motions of living. But your bond with each other and your dedication to save Orihime, it made me long for that existence. Now that I have it, I understand it all. My loyalty lies with our group, not with the ones who tried to dispose of us. I shall fight as well." Ulquiorra's words were deeply touching to her. He had changed so much from the man Orihime has first met, but she loved him more each day.

She nuzzled closer to him. "I shall fight as well, for the future we all want and deserve. Plus Ulqui and I are a package deal!"

Ulquiorra kissed her forehead with a smile. And she could hear her friends chuckling.

"Oi, get a room you two." Shizuka joked.

"You're literally sitting on Sado-kun's lap." Orihime retorted.

That caused them all to laugh more.

"Alright, alright, we seriously need to sort this out. Nemu-san, what would you like to do?"

"I'm afraid I can't help you in combat. Master Mayuri would find a way to turn me against you or cause my involuntary destruction. That being said, I could help you by communicating what happens in the Soul Society. That way if something goes wrong you would be able to change your plans accordingly. I shall stand by your decision."

"Thanks, Nemu, that'll be of great help." Shizuka turned to Ichigo. "You're the last one Ichigo-kun, what shall you do?"

"I'll fight alongside you all. From the moment I broke away from the Soul Society, I was ready to fight. It pains me to do this, but otherwise, we'll all be puppets for the rest of our lives. We all need to get out, for good."

"Then it's settled. The moment the battle begins, we'll be going to the Soul Society."

Orihime knew what would happen and she was ready, but she also knew it might take them all more than one lifetime to earn their friends' forgiveness.


"All Squads will remain on lockdown until an intruder is detected. All Captains and lieutenants must be at the frontlines of their Squad. The four noble clans will also remain on lockdown, and should have a special guard on their vaults. It's likely Sosuke and his squad will come for the ancient artifacts.

That'll be all for now, meeting adjourned."

The head Captain's words didn't make him feel at ease. While Rose knew there was no easy way to handle this situation, he doubted that a lockdown would make things better.

"Hey Rose, could you come with me to Squad 13? Jyuushiro-san said he wanted to talk to you."

Kyoraku's request puzzled him. Why would Ukitake want to speak with him? Regardless he agreed.

The thirteenth Captain was in his bed when they arrived. For the past weeks, Ukitake hadn't been able to go to meetings, or even outside the lakehouse quarters. He was in horrible shape.

"Hey, Jyuu. I brought Rose like you asked."

"Thanks, Shunsui."

"No prob, I'll go cook us some lunch."

After they were left alone, Ukitake gestured for him to sit in a chair near the bed.

"I'm sorry for calling you in such short notice, Captain Otoribashi. I simply wanted to ask you about the time you worked with Kugo back at the human world."

So that was it. "I don't mind, what would you like to know?"

"Anything you can tell me."

"The truth is I only worked for him as a DJ from 83 until the 90's. Those seven years were fun, and at least as a boss he was very carefree, and understanding.

He never let hid true feelings towards the Soul Society show. Although I did notice older songs made him far more emotional, likely because he thought of his sister. I'm afraid that's all I know."

Ukitake nodded. "I see. He hasn't changed much from the Kugo I knew. Well, except for his desire for revenge."

Rose wasn't sure what to respond. He'd been in Kugo's position before, betrayed by the society they ardently protected. 'But we didn't choose the same path.' And so he doubted he could dissuade the fullbringer from doing this.

Even with their differences, he could still sympathize with the white-haired Captain. It probably wasn't easy for him to lose a sibling and an apprentice on the same day, much less having said apprentice come back seeking vengeance.

"If you say he still the same, perhaps there's still good in him."

"Of that, I have no doubt, my actions are the ones I'm questioning."

"What do you mean?"

"If I had done things differently back then, maybe he wouldn't have turned against us. Maybe his sister would be alive, Mitsuru too..."

"Ukitake, no one could have guessed things would turn out this way. You did what you could but the purge would've still been inevitable. We can't change the past, but now the future depends on us. Keep that in mind, and just try your best for now. Ok?"

Ukitake nodded. "Thank you, Rose. I needed to hear that."

"Glad I could help."

They heard a knock on the door from Kyoraku.

"Jyuushiro, you've got more visits."

The door opened to reveal Captain Unohana, Hitsugaya, and Momo.

"Hello, Ukitake. The Head Captain requested for you to have a check-up. If you don't mind that is."

"Not at all Retsu. Do as you must."

"We brought tea and sweets to help you feel better. You're always stuffing us, I figured it was time to return the favor."

"Thanks, Hitsugaya-kun, and thank you Hinamori-san. I'll be sure to eat them later."

"You still don't feel like eating?" Hinamori quickly became worried. "I'll go help Captain Kyoraku prepare the food, you need nutrition."

Ukitake chuckled at the girl's sudden concern. "Don't worry Hinamori-san. I shall eat, I'm just slightly sleepy, that is all."

"Perhaps it's best if we let you rest. We'll visit later. Have a good rest."

Everyone except Unohana left the room and closed the door.

"Jyuushiro is getting tired again, isn't he?"

"Yes. Is that bad?"

"Not necessarily. He usually needs lots of sleep when he's sick, but I think he's getting worst as if late. Might be because of the impending threat. Three people he cared about are coming here as enemies. That's not going to be easy on the poor man."

"Yes. I don't think it will be easy on any one of us." Rose commented. The last thing he wanted was a repeat of January's battle.

"Either way, we need to be ready. Captain Hitsugaya, What are you going to do regarding your lieutenant?"

"Since Rangiku is pregnant, Ichimaru will be an acting lieutenant. Can't say I'm too pleased but the man is a good fighter."

"Okay, as long as we all have our squads in order, things should be fine."

That was what he wanted to believe, yet Rose could tell there was something they weren't considering.

He returned to his squad after lunch, still uneasy. Thankfully Kira had taken care of all the paperwork.

"My muse, you're the best lieutenant ever!"

"Captain please stop hugging me, I am not a plush toy." Kira protested, slightly embarrassed.

"Right, sorry."

Kira seemed to notice he was worried, his lieutenant went to the kitchen and got him a cup of tea.

"Captain, did something happen?"

"No Izuru-kun. I'm just slightly worried. The upcoming battle will be taxing on everyone, but I'm growing particularly concerned for our friends at the world of the living."

"Why so? I find them to be very capable fighters."

"They are, yet I feel a strange darkness looming near them. I pray to be wrong."

It hurt to admit but for all the precautions they were taking, the Soul Society didn't understand why they were caught up in this situation, and worst off they had cut all alliances with their human allies. This was a guaranteed defeat, and he knew there was nothing he could say or do to stop it.

'My friends, I hope you know what you're doing...'


"Ichi-nii! Dinner is ready!"

"Coming!"

After the group's unanimous decision to use the portals, Ichigo had been feeling nervous. He tried to keep it hidden during the meal but Karin seemed to be noticing.

"The food was great. Thanks, Yuzu. I'm going back to my room."

The girls didn't protest but he could tell they were suspecting. He called Tatsuki the moment he got to his room.

"Hey, I was waiting for you to call. Everything ok?"

"A little tense, but otherwise ok. Why weren't you guys at the meeting today?"

"We all agreed not to go. Remember that the Karakuraizer squad is under Urahara's management. He could find out your plans through us, so we all agreed it was best to be left in the dark."

"I can tell why you did it, but...that was what tore us all apart before. Are you sure this is what you want."

"...Yes. We all fully trust you. Just promise me that you're coming back, that's all I need."

"I'm always going to come back to you. I promise."

"Good. I'll look after Yuzu and Karin while you're gone. Though I'm sure your old man will do a stellar job too."

His dad. What would he think of all this? 'I should tell him.'

Ichigo spent a few hours talking to Tatsuki, laughing all the while, still when the call ended and the room fell silent he knew it was time.

He noticed the girls had retreated to their rooms and no lights were on except for the living room. Isshin was there reading, it looked like had gotten home a while ago.

"Hey, Dad."

"You're still up Ichigo? I thought you'd all be sleeping by now."

"Dad it's a Saturday. Besides I needed to tell you something."

"Okay, what is it?"

"When the battle begins, I'm going to go to the Soul Society."

"I thought the Head Captain came to the human world and said you kids wouldn't go to battle."

"He did. We'll be going anyway."

He expected Isshin to be against the idea, but his father smiled and nodded. "If that's what you decided, I'll trust your judgment. Just come back in one piece."

Ichigo hugged him. "I will."

"Ichi-nii, you'll be going away again?"

Yuzu was leaning on the doorframe. For a moment she looked smaller than 11, and it broke his heart.

Ichigo walked over to her and kneeled so they would be at the same height. "Yes Yuzu, there is a fight I must take part in. There are plenty of people I must defend. But I promise that I'll return, and when I do, I want us all to spend more time together. As a family."

"Like a vacation?" Yuzu asked excitedly.

"Yes. I think a vacation it's long overdue."


"Sosuke, are you awake?"

He heard his soft wife voice echoing in the dark room. Sosuke turned around to face her. Anna's hair was still messy from their previous tryst, still, she didn't look tired.

"Yes darling, what is it? Are you unsatisfied?"

Anna chuckled. "Oh no, far from it. You never disappoint in that regard.

I just wanted to check, if you were ok."

"Why do you ask that?"

"Sosuke, I know your body by memory. There are new wounds there, too many to count. What happened in Muken?"

He closed his eyes, not wanting to see her hurt face as he spoke. "What I thought would never happen."

That was enough of an answer. He felt Anna slowly scooting closer and placing her hand over his heart. His heartbeat had risen again.

"I'm sorry. It should've been me in that cell."

"No Anna, don't say that. This, I can take, but having you caged in darkness and suffering would be a personal hell."

"Always so dramatic, but I love that about you."

Sosuke felt her lips over his, a soft kiss rather than the lustful ones they were sharing before.

"You're going to spoil me, my lady. I'm already addicted to your kisses."

"I have to make up for lost time." she joked as she kept running her fingers up and down his chest. "Sosuke, I can't lose you again. I don't think I'd be able to bear it."

"Me neither, Anna."

He took her hand and kissed it, in a silent promise. 'This time, we shall be victorious.'

They had to be. Unlike before, the possibility of death for Anna was high, along with his fullbringer companions. As for him, well, he would spend eternity in darkness mourning the loss, along with the torture.

His pulse rose as he remembered those endless days where the limits of his tolerance would be tested.

"Shh, it's okay. You're safe here, you're with me." Anna softly ran her fingers through his hair. "When we take the Sereitei, we'll make them all pay."

"Indeed. I shall make sure everyone gets their well-deserved revenge."

He would've discussed the matter further, but there was plenty of time to talk about the coming invasion and their plans for victory. Tonight he simply wanted to indulge.

"I've grown tired of talking." His voice deepened, as he towered over Anna. "I'd rather we use our voices in a different purpose."

Anna smiled, taking his face in her hands. "As you wish, my Lord."


Three months of radio silence were not something he considered a good sign. As much as he liked the tranquility.

Ulquiorra spent most of his weekdays working at the bakery. In the afternoon he would go pick Orihime up from school and they would go home together. While she studied, he would cook and keep everything tidy. During the weekends and some weekday nights, they'd watch TV with their pups and later sleep in.

Ulquiorra sometimes couldn't believe how different his life was. Still, he adored it. The peace, the company, the fun job, but most of all he loved Orihime.

"You're staring at me again." Orihime didn't even need to turn around to know his eyes were on her.

"I'm sorry woman, but you're all I will be staring at you until we sleep."

"And here I thought my polka dot pajama wouldn't be attractive to boys. Guess I was wrong."

"You'd look good in anything my dear."

Orihime chuckled. "As do you, darling. Those black pajamas suit you well."

He stood up and kissed her. "I'll be sure to model for you tomorrow then, as of now we must sleep."

"Alright. Sweet dreams my love."

"Sweet dreams darling."

Sleep was coming easily to him these past months. However, Ulquiorra didn't expect to find himself in darkness with Orihime by his side.

"Who is calling this time?" Orihime asked.

"I think I know."

He took her hand and they walked towards a distant light.

There was a meeting room similar to the one at Las Noches.

Halibel, Uryu, Ichigo, Ginjo and surprisingly Asami were all there. Along with a mod soul plushie, Sosuke and Anna.

"Finally we're all here. Ulquiorra, Orihime-chan, please sit down."

They both obeyed. He was curious as to why this particular group was summoned to this dream, but it quickly became clear. 'The leader of each group.' he thought, but that didn't explain his and Orihime's presence.

"You've all been gathered here as you are the highest authority on each field. I'm afraid there is no one to vouch for the bounts, given that as far as we know, they're extinct." Aizen began, everyone else decided to remain quiet for the time being. "We shall be going to the Soul Society, tomorrow."

'May 29th, tomorrow there will be a full blood moon, this is deliberate.'

"Why are you telling us? You know that we'll all be going." Ishida said.

"I am aware, that is why we must devise a plan for the operation to succeed. There is no room for error, we only have once chance"

He could feel the tension rise, as everyone else realized what those words meant. 'If we fail, we will die.'

"Asami-san, have you compiled the weapons we asked for?"

"Yes Aizen-sama, they're in the vault of the Fujiwara mansion."

"Excellent. We shall be heading there when the hunt is finished. Is lieutenant Kurotsuchi permanently stationed on Earth?"

"I have made the necessary arrangements for her to be away from the 12th Squad when you arrive."

"Thank you, that will be of most help."

Ulquiorra was puzzled as to why Asami was now helping them. A few months ago he was their biggest obstacle. 'Perhaps he feels guilty, or maybe he still considers Aizen and Anna his siblings.' He put the matter to rest, for now, it didn't concern him.

"Catalina, you'll be in charge of the Squad 12 lab files, after Anna is done taking care of our matters there."

"Yes, Aizen-sama!" The little plushie answered as she saluted.

"Halibel-san, while Hueco Mundo will not be included in our plans of attack it is very likely that the shinigami will activate the snares during said time. Their scapegoat scheme didn't work the first time, yet I have a suspicion they might try it again. Please make sure everyone is indoors and the shields are up."

"Understood, Anna-san. I shall oversee the procedures as soon as I awake tomorrow."

"Ichigo, Uryu. As Quincy and human representatives, you must decide who goes to the Soul Society and who stays in Karakura. We're not planning to invade the city, but some of you will be expected to stay behind."

"We've all decided what to do. That is taken care of, Anna-san. Although if I may ask, what shall you do in case Nemu is called as a reinforcement to the Soul Society?"

"I've calculated the time it will take us to carry out our plans in Soul Society before the Head Captain calls for reinforcements. It'll be okay, Nemu-san will be safe and not have to worry about time constraints Ishida-kun. Any other questions?"

Both of the boys shook their heads. This time Sosuke and Anna's attention was on Ginjo.

"The only one you want to seek out is Jyuushiro Ukitake?" Aizen asked.

"Yes. I know what I must do."

"Are you certain?" Anna looked sad. She was hoping her friend changed his mind, from whatever he was planning.

"I have never been more sure of anything in my entire life. I must do this for them, its the only way he'll finally understand."

"Very well. You know what to do."

Finally, all of the attention was on Ulquiorra and Orihime. He felt his girlfriend squeeze his hand in an effort to remain calm. They both needed that touch at the moment.

"Ulquiorra, Orihime, you two are here because you possess the same capability as Anna and I do. You have a soulbond that can grant you power.

For this reason, and for your great improvements in the field of combat, Anna and I have a proposition for the both of you. Something we expect you to do alongside us during this final battle."

"What might that be?" Orihime's eyes were wide and curious, she didn't know what Aizen was going to ask of them, but Ulquiorra did. And so he took a breath and waited for the proposal to be spoken.

"We want you to join us in our battle against the Soul King."


The words almost echoed in her ears. She couldn't believe it.

8 months ago she'd been asked to stay out of their battle against Aizen, 5 months ago the same request came for Anna's battle. But now she was hearing the opposite.

They were asking her to be part of the most difficult battle she could ever hope to face.

Orihime looked at Ulquiorra, his green eyes seemed like they were glowing, he gave a small nod as if to say 'I will follow you anywhere.'

She smiled and then looked at Aizen and Anna. "Yes. We will fight alongside you."

Both Aizen and Anna looked pleased with everyone's answers. "Then it is decided. Tomorrow at sundown, the final battle begins."