To start things off, I'd just like to take a moment and say thanks to everyone who's continued to stick with this story- in spite of the fact that (for a number of reasons) it's ended up going about two years longer than I'd originally planned. Still, with that being said, I'd also like to take a moment to express my eternal thanks to gorguts5, TheBretonBookDragon, darkmachines, Ie-maru, Mash-Potatoes1, Ami, and RG-Guest.

With that out of the way, I'm happy to reveal that I've written/plotted out enough that I'm pretty much a stone's throw from finishing this story. But, while the story is mostly written (aside from a handful of chapters), I've also plotted out a decent epilogue to this story (mostly fluff!).

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter LXXXIII:
"The Best is Yet To Come"

Soul Society...
Gotei Council, Central Chamber...

Byakuya looked at him. "I know the true scope of your understanding of tactics, and the grade of your proficiency rating upon the completion of your training as an officer."

"It's high time you stopped ducking your responsibilities," he continued. "And finally accept the truth of the man and the leader you're capable of being- who you are meant to be."

Everyone in attendance looked to the tall scruffy-faced swordsman... At the same time as this, Byakuya Kuchiki, for his part, merely looked on intently at the other man.

For a moment, there was only silence...

Shunsui closed his eyes, taking a long breath, before exhaling. "I see it now... You really are a shrewd one, Captain Kuchiki, and that's for certain." The Commander responded. "You've finally caught me, at long last after all this... And, so it seems you have me dead-to-rights."

He paused, rising to his feet. "Well then, what else is there for me to say in the face of everything that's transpired up until now...?" Shunsui spoke calmly. "Let's get things started."

The scruffy swordsman took a moment to collect himself. "We have to send out feelers, to coordinate with our allies, across all three realms." Shunsui stated. "At the moment, we don't have a proper idea of the extent of our enemy's power, so we have to gather as many troops as possible."

"That includes all the Unaligned Arrancar in Huecco Mundo, and the Quincy Remnants now gathered within Karakura City," the Captain continued. "And, it's also time we made good on our promises to set free the Sternritter POWs in order to figure out how to make the best use of their abilities."

Kensei nodded. "I'll speak with our people," the Vizard began coolly. "To make sure that they properly understand the seriousness of stakes involved in what we're doing."

"And I've seen to it that our troops are equipped with the portable fire cannons provided by the Shiba-clan," Captain Komamura began in a steady tone. "As well as making sure they are also familiarized in the proper use of this so-called indistinguishable fire they've spoken of."

"Good." The Captain of the Eight Division responded. "Then, we just have to make sure that all of the defenses and traps the Shiba-clan spoke of will be ready in the time we've talked about."

With that, the Captains then rose up from their chairs, taking their leave for the time being. As he was departing the room, Kensei exchanged a subtle glance with Szayel...

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

The Ukitake Residence...

"Stark, you're going to be a critical part in all of this." Jushiro remarked. "Along with Halibell-san, and Schiffer-san, you'll be extremely vital to the defense of this realm."

"Then, the Fourth is in fact on board with this plan?" The Espada asked the Shinigami Captain, from his seat in one of the countless rooms within the vast estate.

"Both he and Orihime Inoue agreed to assist us when the time comes." He responded, before taking a drink of tea as he looked across the table. "And while I've gained a great deal of insight into the broader strokes of the Arrancar mind, thanks to my friendship with yourself and Lilly-chan, I can hardly think of myself as any kind of expert on your kind, especially in regard to the nuances of individuals."

"If it were the Sexta, then you might have trouble directing him." Stark replied, himself taking a drink and then placing his cup down. "However, when it comes to Ulquiorra, I suspect that you'll find him to be more agreeable to cooperating with you on a larger strategy."

"Given that the spacial distortion is located here, we believe that the Soul Realm is the likely to be the heart of the conflict." The Captain explained. "And as such, we predict that the fighting is going be the most pitched here, more so than in Huecco Mundo or the Living Realm."

"Still," Jushiro went on with a slight chuckle. "I don't suppose you might happen to have any further insights that you could offer, eh?" He asked. "It's not a matter of trust... but, the success or failure of all our efforts depend on our ability to precisely control the ebb and flow of the fighting."

Stark nodded. "Well, I've learned that there are very few things capable of eliciting a strong emotional response from the Cuatro..." He paused. "Except, like any real true Arrancar, he's very passionate when it comes to the matter of his mate, and so wherever she goes, so too he will go."

"I expected as much." Jushiro responded. "Not that we'd try to coerce either of them, but I think your insights will serve to chasten anyone who might have considered manipulation."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Kukaku Shiba took a moment to compose herself, the head of the clan adjusting her cloak as her large breasts bounced slightly as she shifted, the small gathering of critical Shinigami looking on...

The dark-haired woman was standing before a rectangular black box, with the upward-facing side of the mechanism dominated by numerous controls. "I've been able to build this specialized control panel, with significant help from the big-heads at the Twelfth, which should allow us to remotely detonate the explosives we've set up in controlled manner- in stages."

"And while wireless detonation is more efficient, by removing the endless meters- if not kilometers- worth of cables and streamlining entire process, this also means the range is limited..." She went on to further explain. "So we had to limit ourselves to three stages, each represented by these three rows of corresponding switches- first A at the front, B in the center, and C along the core."

"Then we'll need to figure out a strategy in the coming conflict that can best make the optimum use of these lines, as you've put forth." Shinji remarked. "Perhaps tricking them into a mass-assault..."

"There's more you need to know about this system." Kukaku spoke up. "Even when this is turned on, the explosives are still inert." She stated calmly. "It's only by flipping all of the switches in a particular row, that the charges for the explosives are primed, and..." The buxom woman paused. "And after that, then you just have to press the button at the end of the row to trigger them."

"And then- Boom!" Kensei deadpanned.

She smiled, nodding. "And we're only getting started." Kukaku replied. "There's still quite a bit that we still need to go over." The woman explained, smiling. "We've made much more than just bombs."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

The Living Realm, Karakura City...

"I take it that this is more than just a simple social visit?" Ulquiorra asked, his tone steady and his the expression his face remaining unreadable as he regarded the visitor.

The Espada was presently disguised in his Gigai. However, the combination of his dark hair and his pale complexion, along with his his inhuman green eyes the teal "tear" lines on his face made it more than clear to anyone in the know as to what he really was.

"As someone who directly served Aizen," Hitsugaya began calmly. "I imagine that you were aware, at least to some degree, of his ultimate objective, correct?"

The adolescent Ice-Master was dressed in a pair of khaki slacks and a long-sleeved white dress-shirt, worn beneath a cardigan-style wool pullover vest.

The Arrancar nodded. "Of course." Ulquiorra went on to say. "He planned to harvest vast amounts of spiritual energy, in order to manifest the so-called 'Soul Key'- what you call the Oken- which he then in turn planned to use to forcibly open the Gates of Heaven and claim the Celestial Throne."

When the Shinigami had arrived at the apartment, Ulquiorra had been in the midst of delivering fresh feed and clean water for both of the bird cages. The Captain could also see that just prior to his arrival, that the Espada had just finished replacing the soiled lining of the cages with new clean newspaper...

It was the young Shinigami's turn to nod. "And while he may have failed in his objective, the truth is that his actions opened an entirely different sort of gateway." He revealed. "You spoke with the Eighth, so you must know something about the dimensional distortion we've been monitoring."

"Over the last three years, some form of intelligent power has been using that rift in reality as a means to send out energy pulses." The snowy-haired Captain went on. "I say 'intelligent', because the intervals between the pulses have been growing shorter- not static, but at an exponential growth rate."

With the water and seed restocked, he slid the trays back into the cages, before turning to address the Captain. "Then Soul Society believes that the progression of the pulses are part of a greater prelude to an attack by the forces residing on the other side of the Anomaly?" The Cuatro Espada asked.

The Captain nodded. "As soon as we became aware of the pulses, we were able to extrapolate that the duration of the interval following the first discharge was 30 days, with each subsequent one being two percent shorter than the previous one..." Toshiro took a breath. "But part-way through, the rate rose up to five percent, seemingly in reaction to our own efforts."

"As a result of this, the increasing frequency of the pulses and the sheer amount of energy being sent out means that we've passed the point of being able to stop it." The youth revealed, with a grave look of his icy blue eyes. "As of now, we have just over two weeks before our enemy can make their move."

"Then," the pale-skinned Arrancar started. "I expect that the core thrust of this discussion is that you want Orihime and myself to defend the Soul Realm?"

Again, Captain Hitsugaya nodded. "Based on the findings of the Octavio and the Twelfth, we believe that the dimensional Anomaly will be the conduit of the invasion." He answered. "And that, in turn, our realm is likely to experience the strongest and most concentrated attacks."

"I see..." Ulquiorra replied, mulling over everything he'd been told. "At last, after all this time, fate's caught up with us and war is coming." He remarked aloud. "Thank you, Captain, for being forthright in providing me with this information." The Arrancar went on. "And, as you can well imagine, Orihime will most certainly need to know about what you've told me today."

"I expect she will." Toshiro offered with a sly smile. "After all, we have to think about the welfare of multiple generations of your birds, so no doubt she'll be worried about the finches."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Huecco Mundo...

Kensei Muguruma squinted his eyes, as he cast his gaze towards the distant horizon...

The pierced, white-haired Vizard was wrapped up in a cloak, the wind rustling through the fabric as it swept across the seemingly unending white sloping dunes of the surrounding landscape.

The Captain of the Ninth Division was amongst a small group of individuals that had been dispatched to the domain of the Arrancar, in order to work with the members of the Fourteenth Division, to finalize coordination with the so-called "Unaligned" in the fighting to come.

It wasn't long after they'd arrived, touching down near the grounds of the Fourteenth, and then set out into the vast wilderness of the realm, that the true extent of what it was that they were stepping into had become clear to the Shinigami/Hollow hybrid. "So... This is it, then?"

"When I stop and take a moment to look at the white sand, and the silver crescent moon set against the night sky," Onigiri remarked. "I can't help but think there's a certain... beauty to it all."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Renji remarked. "I can't help but feel that there's something about this place... something calling to me, on a primal level." The Lieutenant commented. "When I stop and take stock of it all, my pulse races, and... it's almost like... like my blood's running hot."

"That's just because you've gone native." Apacci retorted, smirking. "Once you've spent enough time here, even a sheltered Shinigami like you can't help but feel the call of this realm."

Katsuro Onigiri nodded. "She's right, but it's more than that," the blue-eyed, crimson-haired Arrancar remarked, as he regarded the other man. "But you, well, we can't ignore the fact that you also happen to be bonded with a female of Huecco Mundo, so it's no surprise that this place resonates with you."

"You could only dream of being so fortunate." Renji countered pointedly, before adjusting the cloak that he was wearing. "You Arrancar might think I'm so black and white, but the fact of the matter is that I'm not ashamed of the fact that my partner happens to be an Arrancar."

For all he could have done or said, Onigiri only smiled. "I'm happy, for both of you."

"Look, ahead!" Apacci called out, gesturing to the distant horizon. "It's him, I can tell by the feel of his reiki, he's coming to meet with us." She explained. "Look alive, everyone!"

They spotted an imposing figure standing off in the distance, sporting a long light-gray coat, worn over frayed clothing, with his long cerulean hair pulled back into a loose ponytail.

"Grimmjow." Onigiri remarked, as he regarded the imposing figure of the Sexta Espada.

"Onigiri, you demon, good to see you!" The blue-haired Arrancar fired back in his usual raucous tone as he flashed a broad toothy smile. All the while, the moonlight was glinting off the sharp edges of the jawbone-like mask fragment that dominated the right side of his face.

"So then, since you're all here," he continued. "That must mean we're finally talking tactics?"

"Yes, it does." Kensei interjected, stepping forward to look him in the eyes. "And now, if you'll follow us the meeting point we agreed on, we can discuss our plans."

"Then you've already spoken to Cyrus?" Grimmjow asked.

"Yeah, he should be there around the same time as us." Renji answered.

Grimmjow looked to the tattooed Shinigami. "You, I remember you." He started slyly as he regarded the officer. "You're the right-hand-man of that pretty Captain- ah now- what's his name?"

"You are referring to Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, Head of the Sixth Division." Renji fired back. "And yes, I am his Lieutenant, Renji Abarai, and as such, I'm here as its representative- to serve as a voice and as a liaison for the Sixth Elite Court Guard, as well as its strategic interests."

The cyan-haired Espada looked to Onigiri for a moment, then smiled. "I think I'm gonna like you."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Back in one of the rooms of the Gotei Council Building...

"In addition to Stark, we would also ask that Lady Halibell remain in the Soul Realm, in order to help defend it against our enemies in the battle to come." Shunsui Kyoraku stated.

"In addition to that, we've also spoken with both Ulquiorra Schiffer and Orihime Inoue." Rose coolly announced to the others assembled in the room. "And as a result, both the Cuatro Espada and Inoue-san have agreed to help us defend the Seireitei." The Byronic Vizard offered.

"The First, Third, and the Fourth Espadas..." Sajin Komamura started. "All of them stationed here, that would mean we're concentrating some of our heaviest hitters in a single location."

"He does have a point." Lieutenant Shenkai commented. "I think that we should be willing to consider the possibility that we would- in effect- be leaving the other realms vulnerable to a mass-attack?"

Jushiro Ukitake nodded. "Normally, I'd agree that doing this would possibly be a tactical misstep," the white-haired Captain chimed in. "However, we have to remember that the Oken Anomaly- the source of the enemy's power- exhist in this realm, and its power is likely the most concentrated here."

"And as such, if we operate on the assumption that the power of the enemy forces is relative to their proximity to the distortion," Captain Ukitake went on to offer. "Then it's only logical that we fortify our defenses within this realm, given that this will be the center-point of all of their activity."

"That's also part of the reason why Toshiro-kun- I mean, Captain Hitsugaya," the white-haired man paused, correcting himself. "Why he and Lieutenant Matsumoto will be leading a task force to defend Karakura City, when the time comes." Jushiro went on to reveal. "Along with you."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Fourteenth Division HQ...

"Now that we're all here," Nelliel began. "I think we should cover the basics of our joint-strategy."

Everyone was gathered around a waist-high circular structure, topped by a sleek black surface which was projecting a three-dimensional holographic representation of the local terrain.

"To start off, it's been decided that I'll be leading a special detachment from the Sixth Division, which will be reinforcing the existing forces of the Fourteenth." Renji stated.

"What other commitments can we expect?" Cyrus asked.

"In addition to the material support that we've previously discussed," Kensei replied. "It has also been decided that Huecco Mundo will be further reinforced by detachments from the Third, the Seventh, and the Ninth Divisions- each under the command of a ranking officer."

"The forces from the Seventh," Grimmjow started. "Are they gonna be lead by the Wolf?"

Nelliel nodded. "I would prefer to work alongside Captain Komamura, and thankfully, it while a part of his forces are being sent to Karakura City in the Living Realm, it has been decided that he will be leading a force of his own in this Realm."

"And the other Divisions?" Lisa inquired. "How are they to be deployed?"

"If you're wondering about your former protege," Shuhei began. "Then I can tell you that the Eighth, along with Captain Kyoraku and Lieutenant Ise are defending the Seireitei, along with Captain Ukitake and the rest of the Thirteenth Division." He went on to say.

"And what about the troops led by Ggio Vega's mate?" Apacci piped up.

"Given that Captain Soifon is heavily pregnant, the Second Division is currently under the leadership of her second-in-command." Renji replied matter-of-factly. "I've been told that Lieutenant Shenkai will be leading a force in the Living Realm, to help bolster our allies there."

"That's good." Onigiri remarked. "As much as it might upset the good Captain, the simple truth is that the battlefield is no place for a mother who's carrying a cub."

"Now, as for Vega-san," Renji stated coolly. "He's been appointed to serve as Group Leaders for one of the teams tasked with running defense across the expanse of the Living realm."

"The forces being sent to the Living Realm," Grimmjow started. "They'll be fighting alongside that Shinigami in the ridiculous hat, as well as that dark-skinned partner of his, and the rest of their ilk." He commented wryly. "I damn sure wouldn't favor the odds of anyone unlucky enough to cross paths with either that Shop-keep or that vixen they call the 'Flash Goddess."

Onigiri instantly noted the piercing look that his own Captain shot the Sexta Espada as he mentioned the flamboyant woman known as Yoruichi Shihoin...

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

"Lady Inoue, I can only humbly ask that you forgive this outrageous breach of protocol."

Orihime had been more than taken aback as she'd heard such a forthright admission from the normally stoic and unflappable head of the illustrious Kuchiki family, and delivered by the man himself.

The buxom young woman could only begin to guess that this was his way of relaying to her just how serious the situation had become. After all, how often could it be said that someone of such high social standing as the handsome dark-haired nobleman would speak so candidly?

It had been quite an ordeal, starting with her making her way back to her and Ulquiorra's apartment, only to intercepted by a number of Shinigami Agents en-route!

While far from prostrating himself, even the simple bow of his head had taken her by surprise, enough that she'd blushed faintly in response. "Please, Kuchiki-san, there really is no need for this!"

The man in question then stepped back, as everyone- including the other Shinigami- looked on...

"You must understand, that under normal circumstances, the very idea of turning to an outsider, let alone asking them for help, would be unthinkable." Byakuya explained. "And yet, we Shinigami now find ourselves in a position where-in our own power is insufficient to achieving our goal."

"Given what we're going up against," Ulquiorra spoke. "I fail to see the disgrace in asking for help."

"No doubt, we must appear very arrogant." The Captain responded. "That until recently, we believed ourselves to be capable of taking on any threat, only to now be forced to seek the help of others."

"It's crucial that the two of you understand that the forces of the Fifth and the Sixth Divisions will be essential to the defense of this realm." Shunsui stated. "The Fourth Division is tasked with both caring for the large number of injured, as well as running the Medical Center... With the Sternritter POWs agreeing to help defend the healers that will be critical to our efforts."

No sooner had she arrived at her apartment, had the Shinigami whisked both Ulquiorra and herself off to their own Realm, right to the heart of their command center.

"And you trust them, to honor the agreement?" Ulquiorra asked.

"What matters is that I trust their desire to regain their freedom." The tall swordsman replied.

"I understand recruiting the Espadas," Orihime began. "Stark-san, Halibell-san, and Ulquiorra, they're all very powerful..." The redhead paused. "But... what do you think that I can bring to this?"

Szayel smiled in response to this. "Inoue-san, you're not just another ordinary girl." He countered as he looked to the young woman. "No, the truth is that you're a very special individual, and you have a very special gift- so special, in fact, that our enemies are very much at a loss to handle you."

"You're saying..." She started. "Wait, it sounds like you're saying they're scared... of me?"

"It only makes sense that they're frightened of your growing power." Ulquiorra offered.

"He's right." The Octavio replied. "No matter what else happens, the reality of the situation is that you are a wildcard in all that's happening, something that they can't account for." The pink-haired Arrancar continued calmly. "You've seen for yourself, first-hand, what you're capable of... Just take a moment to think about it: when the time comes, you may very well prove invaluable in stopping these Shadows."

The sunset-haired girl was rendered speechless by the statement, so much so that it took her a moment before she managed to compose her enough to offer a response...

"What about some of the others?" Orihime asked. "I can't imagine that Captain Kenpachi, or any of the others in the Eleventh would just meekly go along with your plans."

"It took a great deal of convincing," Jushiro started to say. "But we eventually managed to convince Zaraki Kenpachi that it's in all our best interest that he and his forces be held in reserve, rather than just unleashing them into the fray right from the git-go." He explained. "Again, it's all part of our plan to control the ebb and flow of the battle, of knowing when to let him off of his leash."

"There's one more thing." Szayel resumed, adjusting his glasses. "I've been in regular communication with Kisuke Urahara." The Arrancar explained to her. "The two of us have been continuously gathering information and comparing notes, and we believe that we're very close to being capable of tracking the encroaching darkness back to its native point of origin."

"If you can identify the point of origin," Ulquiorra spoke up. "Then, it might just be possible to send a force of our own, into their realm, and potentially end this entire conflict?"

"Well, that's the theory, at least." The bespectacled Espada responded. "The entirety of the Twelfth Division will be busy monitoring the situation as the battle unfolds, looking for the chance to trace the signal of the energy pulses back to where they're emanating from... but there's still a risk involved."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Tenth Division HQ, Officers Mess Hall...

"It's so great to finally get to see both of you!" Orihime spoke. "Rangiku, it seriously feels like forever since we've all just had the time to sit down and talk and talk!"

Rangiku Matsumoto smiled in response. "Yes, you're right, it's been too long." The busty Shinigami replied after a moment. "To be perfectly honest, I've really missed being able to just sit down and relax and have fun with you, I've missed our time together, Hime-chan."

The buxom redhead smiled similarly and nodded. "Everything's been crazy, it's been a difficult time for both me and for Ulquiorra." She stated, looking to her cup. "He doesn't want me to be placed in danger, and I understand his feelings, I really do!" Orihime added. "But, he also accepts that I won't just back down and run away, if danger should happen to show itself."

The Lieutenant smiled and nodded. "Then, I expect the plan is that Ulquiorra will be in the thick of the fighting, while you serving as a supporting role- as a Healer in the Fourth?"

The younger woman gave an affirmative nod. "Still, the truth is, regardless of how things play out, that I expect to eventually wind up being swept along into the fighting."

"And, of course, it's not as if you can't defend yourself." Rangiku replied with a smile.

"You got that right." Orihime fired back confidently.

(- End of Chapter LXXXIII... -)

I hope you guys managed not to freeze to death (here in Texas, the snow was pretty crazy) and found this chapter entertaining! Hopefully, I'll be back fairly soon with the next update! We're continuing the slow march to the finale of the story!