I'd just like to thank TheBretonBookDragon, Ie-maru, and RG-Guest for their feedback. The reason why this chapter didn't come out sooner is because I was determined to finish the latest chapter, so that I could maintain a decent "buffer".

This chapter is the start of the build up to the climactic grand finale. Honestly, my outline for the main story is finished, and I've just got to finish outlining the epilogue chapters. Because of how much is happening, he upcoming battle is several chapters long. But I'm aiming to either be done or have enough chapters by the time we get to that, I'll be able to start updating on a weekly basis.

Oh, and address a point in RG-Guest's review... Just because I said the epilogue chapters will be full of fluff and comedy, doesn't mean that you guys shouldn't be worrying over who might die. I won't go any deeper with this, so I'll just say that it's worth thinking about.

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter LXXXVII:
"The Final Countdown, Part 1"

Soul Society...
Gotei Council Facilities, Council Chamber...

"This is it, everyone," Shunsui spoke. "At long last, all of our handwork and planning... its success or failure, it'll be decided in these next few days." He continued. "And so, it's with all of that in mind, that I've called you here, in order to outline- once and for all- our strategy in the battle to come."

Along with Captain Shunsui Kyoraku who stood at the 'head', numerous people stood around a large circular table- standing waist-high and approximately ten feet in diameter, with the outer-most twelve inches forming a gray-white wring that encircled a massive holographic display grid.

In addition to the thirteen Captains of the active Court Guard Divisions, there were a number of other key individuals present- including the Primera and the current Tercera Espada. Kukaku Shiba was also in attendance, along with her brother Ganju. The Sexta Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez was also in the room, along with others from Huecco Mundo, plus Ryuken Ishida and some of the Sternritter.

"Now, before we get started," Shunsui started with a slight smile. "Lieutenant Shenkai is standing in for Captain Soifon, who- as we speak- is indisposed, at the Medical Center, in the Fourth." He went on to explain for the others. "So direct any relevant question to him."

Kukaku wordlessly looked to Yoruichi as the exotic-looking woman smiled knowingly.

Stark looked on at the multiple 'battlefields' arose from the grid. "Captain Shunsui," he started, looking to the other man. "Just roughly speaking... if pressed for some sort of figure, what would you estimate the total strength of Soul Society to be- I mean, in terms of manpower?"

"That's a very good question." The scruffy swordsman replied. "Let me see... If we count the Captains and the Lieutenants, then we have... roughly one hundred Officers with at least an active Shikai, if not a a Bankai." Shunsui recounted for the others. "Aside from that, including all the other Officers- both the Seated and the rest- from all of the Divisions, and the Kido Corp... Then I'd be comfortable in saying that we have, at most, somewhere around four hundred able-bodied warriors."

"We can't forget about the garrisoned City Guard," Kensei spoke up. "Plus, we also have the personal militias of the more powerful and wealthier families to consider."

"I think the City Guard should be withheld," Toshiro Hitsugaya interjected. "It's not as if they would make that much difference on the battlefield." The youthful Captain reasoned. "I believe they would be best utilized in defending the civilians- along with the Militias- should the need happen to arise."

"I agree." Byakuya spoke up. "The Kuchiki has long maintained a modest but skilled fighting force, trained by and loyal to our clan." The nobleman started. "Further, I believe that both the Ōmaeda and the Shihoin families have varying amounts of dedicated troops of their own."

"We should consider conscripting the private Militias only as a last resort, should the non-combatants be threatened in any way." Komamura interjected. "It would be best to regard them as reserves."

"God forbid that it come to that." Toshiro lamented aloud. "And, on top of all of that, we also need to think of the safety of all the young raw Cadets still in the Shinigami Academy."

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

Somewhere, in an Unknown Location...

"It won't be long now, my friend." Darkwood remarked to Dario. "Provided that everyone involved does their parts- you and myself included, of course." He added with a smile.

"Tell me something," the other man started. "How do you see all of this playing out?"

"What do you mean?" Darkwood responded, stopping in the hall. "Dario, my friend," the older man entreated with a smile. "By your tone, I sense you're troubled... Don't tell me that it's only now- of all times- that some measure of doubt has found its way into your thoughts?"

The man in question shook his head. "No, I haven't lost faith, not in you or in our cause." Dario was quick to answer emphatically. "No matter how events should play out, be it in success or in failure, you have my loyalty, regardless." He continued, unusually serious. "It's not doubt, but uncertainty."

"It's rare to hear you speak so candidly." The black-clad man countered. "You know me well enough, so speak your mind... And perhaps I might yet be able to offer you some clarity."

Dario nodded, before producing a pack of cigarettes from the pocket of his black hoodie and placing one between his lips, bringing the flame from a cheap lighter. He took a moment, took a drag and then let off a puff of smoke. "It's just... I can't help feeling uneasy at times, when I stop and try to wrap my head around everything we're doing, and how little of it I'm able to envision."

Darkwood nodded. "I understand, believe me." He replied. "We may not have known one another for long in the grand scheme of things, but I've been a witness to a lot of change, and in such moments, the future is almost always a frightening prospect, because it's the great unknown."

Dario regarded him for a moment. "Anyone with your intelligence would be sufficiently self-aware to appreciate just how much of an enigma you are." He reasoned. "I keep asking myself, what exactly is it about you that allows you to see so much more and so farther ahead of the rest of us?"

"With all of your incredible power and knowledge, it would be reasonable to assume that a lesser man would use it to set themselves up as some sort of god-like being." Dario offered, before taking a drag from his cigarette. "And yet, instead, you've chosen to use all that to improve the lot of others, to uplift and empower more people than can ever be counted- myself included."

"I'm no saint, and I'm far from a god, but I do have faith, and that's allowed me to remain dedicated." Darkwood began with a slight smile. "And more than just power or knowledge, I have something even more valuable..." He continued smoothly, with a charismatic look. "I have hope."

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

The swordsman and Captain of the Eighth adjusted the brim of his iconic straw hat. "Lady Halibell," he entreated, addressing the imposing figure of the buxom Arrancar. "Two of you're own personal Fraccions now currently live in the Female Dorms, correct?"

The golden-haired Espada nodded. "Cyan Sungsun and Francesca Mila Rose," Halibell recounted in her usual steady tone. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

"Given the present situation," he started, straightening his posture up. "To start off with, I'd like for Mila Rose to be stationed in the female dorms." Shunsui continued. "As for your other Fraccion, Cyan Sungsun, given her affiliation with the Division and her status as a trained Field Medic, I'd like her to be stationed at the Fourth... In order to help protect the complex- if necessary- alongside the other defenders."

"Of course, I understand." The buxom blonde Espada responded. "I'll relay your intentions to them."

"Yo, I work in that place as an instructor," Hiyori chimed in. "And I'm also familiar with that damned Amazon an' her fighting style, so you can count me in too, to watch that place."

"Of course, thank you, both of you." The Captain replied, giving them a nod. "And now, Shihoin-san, I believe you have something that you wanted to share with with the rest of this assembly?"

Yoruichi nodded, before then looking to Kukaku. "Tell him."

The busty woman responded with a nod of her own. "Ever since we were first alerted to the looming conflict, the Shiba clan has been working- tirelessly- in the production of weaponry for use in the battle to come- from explosives to incendiaries." Kukaku explained, her arms folded across her ample chest as she went on. "In particular, their large-scale use in Huecco Mundo."

She pointed the holographic display of the realm in question. "The openness of the terrain is ideal for utilizing traps," Kukaku gestured with her restored right arm. "It will allow us to heard their forces into designated kill zones- which, in turn, will then allow us to inflict maximum casualties!" The woman went on to explain to the assembly. "I expect the results will be devastating!"

"We have to control the movement of the fighting." Ganju spoke up. "And not just in Huecco Mundo, but in our own realm as well." The gruff-faced man added. "The explosives my sister mentioned, we've prepared large amounts of them, made to be set off by basic electronic systems- nothing complicated, just the push of a button or the flip of a switch... And BOOM!"

"Good," Komamura spoke up. "I can coordinate with Captain Muguruma, in order to bottleneck them into pre-prepared kill-zones, while also trying to minimize any collateral damage inflicted on both Soul Society and the surrounding districts." The wolfish man stated confidently.

"Captain Obberschank," Shunsui addressed the female Arrancar. "If you would, can you give us some idea of the scope and abilities of the forces you've been able to bring to bare?"

Nelliel nodded. "The head of the Unaligned Arrancar, Cyrus Vaux, recently met up with me and confirmed that he was able to secure the support of several of the larger and more influential factions within Huecco Mundo." The former Tercera Espada explained. "If he's correct, then we can expect about two hundred or so able-bodied Arrancar fighters for the coming battle."

Having until now remained silent, Grimmjow at last spoke up. "Aside from me and my remaining Fraccions," the blue-haired Arrancar started. "The surviving Privarons- both Cirucci Sanderwicci and Gantenbaine Mosqueda- after a bit of persuasion- have agreed to fight alongside us."

Szayel chuckled. "Quite a testament to your powers of persuasion, Sir Jaegerjaquez, that you would be able to convince even the stubborn Lady Sanderwicci to cooperate."

"Then, including the three of you," Jushiro began, folding his arms. "That means there's going be eight Espada or near equivalent level Arrancar fighting for us on the battlefield."

"Don't forget," Stark chimed in. "That four of them are Vasto Lordes."

"Four?" Grimmjow repeated, a look of annoyance and confusion. "How the hell's that even possible? Especially given the fact that that old bastard Barragon is dead!"

"A valid question." Szayel spoke up, adjusting his glasses. "Obviously, there's the Primera, as well as both Lady Halibell, and Lady Nelliel." Szayel offered, his lips curving up into a devious grin as he held up his gloved hand with the four fingers extended. "And then..."

"Fuck..." The Sexta Espada cursed, a look of realization falling over his face as the Octavio grinned like the Cheshire Cat, leaving it to him to fill in the rest...

"Of course, the fuckin' bat! It figures that he was gold-bricking the whole fucking time!" The blue-haired Espada continued. "And here I thought I was being so fucking clever, when I caught him with that Caja Negación, when he could have greased me the whole time!"

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

The Living Realm, Karakura City...

"So your father actually went to the Soul Realm?" Orihime inquired.

The younger Ishida nodded at this. "Apparently, he believed that the situation was important enough as to require that he attend the strategic planning meeting in-person." He went on, stirring his drink.

Presently, Orihime and Ulquiorra were seated across from Uryu Ishida and Tatsuki Arisawa at a table, the foursome gathered in the open-air section of a small cafe, situated inside the same municipal district that also contained the sizable Ishida estate and its surrounding land.

"What about the two of you?" Tatsuki started up, taking a sip from her drink. "I can't imagine that the Shinigami haven't payed you guys a visit by now?"

Ulquiorra smirked at this, reacting with a small nod. "It was obvious to me, the intentions of the Soul Reapers were more than apparent," the Arrancar spoke, imbibing his drink. "They were quite adamant that we help defend the Soul Realm, as they strongly believe that the presence of the Anomaly will all but ensure that the fighting will be the fiercest there."

"And you, Inoue-san," Uryu asked of her. "What exactly is your role going to be in all of this?"

Another brief moment passed between the for a them. "Truthfully, I was fairly reluctant to accept a supporting role." The curvaceous redhead began. "Even so, the more I've thought about it... The more I've realized that the best use of my abilities would be in the Fourth, and not on the battlefield."

Tatsuki was tempted to offer some sort of response, but quickly thought better of it, instead opting to remain silent as she awaited further comment- whether from her childhood friend or the inhuman figure seated beside her. "It isn't that I don't believe in Orihime's ability to defend herself..."

Ulquiorra was quick to continue. "Rather, it's more an issue that Orihime's powers can only serve to be a unique asset to us in the days to come, something that the enemy has no counter for- hence why she's won't be involved in the initial fighting."

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

Division Four HQ...
Medical Center- Labor & Delivery...

Ggio was sitting restlessly in one of the numerous low-set black leather and polished metal chairs that populated the waiting area, just outside of the ward...

He wasn't on his own, as Arachne was seated two chairs down from him. While the smallish Cat-like Fraccion was clad in the inverted white and black Shinigami-style robes that he'd adopted after taking up residence in the Seireitei, the female Arrancar was decked out in an outfit similar to the attire she'd worn back in Huecco Mundo- with the plunging neckline and the high-legged slits on the bottom.

Her garment was secured at the waist with a purple sash, with her scimitar-like Zanpakuto tucked into it, while flowing black cape, with it's feathered mantle, was hanging from nearby hook.

It wasn't long before Renji arrived, still in his uniform. "Sorry for keeping you guys waiting," he explained for the benefit of the father-to-be. "I would have been here sooner, but it took me longer than I expected to make the arrangements to get someone to cover for me."

"Thank god for Kimura-san!" The red-haired Shinigami added. "If he wasn't such a pro that he could handle my duties, then I don't know what I would have done."

"Regardless, it's nice to have the two of you here." Ggio replied. "As soon as Soifon went into labor and we rushed over here, I was dreading the idea of being stuck here alone."

"When did she go into labor?" Renji asked, taking his seat beside Arachne.

"Earlier today," the Fraccion replied. "It started happening around noon."

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

"Regardless," Halibell interjected. "All together... If we count the surviving Fraccions from Las Noches and the Unaligned Arrancar and the rest," she paused. "Then, all of that ads up to about a hundred and fifty or so Numeros-level Arrancar of varying power and ability."

Jushiro Ukitake cleared his throat. "There's also the matter of the Quincys to consider as well, and I'm speaking of all of them..." The older white-haired man went on. "Doctor Ishida, am I correct to assume you're in contact with your allies in the Living Realm?"

The silver-haired man nodded. "To be perfectly honest, in the past, such an alliance as we're presently undertaking would have been impossible." He paused, adjusted his glasses. "But I've recently spoken with my people, and using my personal network... The Quincy are prepared to fight the Shadows."

"What numbers can we expect?" Lieutenant Sasakibe inquired.

"Not as many as I'd like." The other man took a moment as he regarded the western-themed Shinigami now in the midst of addressing him. "Perhaps, thirty warriors... but less than fifty."

"We also can't forget that we have some particularly powerful Sternritter in our custody, to consider into all of this as well." Toshiro Hitsugaya reminded the others. "And at this moment, we are failing to fully utilize their capabilities- which is something that I think we should correct."

Kensei Muguruma took a breath. "Yes, they were useful in the previous encounter," the stern Vizard spoke up, looking over to the younger man. "But even with all of that said, we can't simply unleash all of them- on nothing more than their 'word of honor'- of their own recognizance."

The Captain of the Tenth nodded in agreement. "You're right," Toshiro spoke. "Unfortunately, some of them can never be allowed to walk free again." He added. "However, based on recent events, I believe that some of them might be more predisposed to working with us."

"Then," Shunsui resumed, adjusting the wide brim of his straw hat. "That means, all together, that we have... eight hundred, maybe a thousand troops at the most, to draw from?" The swordsman recounted before the others gathered around the table. "That said, it would be best for us to plan all our strategies around those figures, rather than gamble on the prospect of having more in the future."

"That now just leaves us with the matter of the pulses..." Byakuya spoke, looking to Szayel.

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

Division Twelve HQ...

En-rout to his own Division Headquarters, Szayel was met by the sight of Kisuke Urahara...

"I'm glad you were able to make it." The Espada remarked to the former Shinigami.

"Of course." The other man replied with a nod, falling in step with him. "I take it then, that the other members of the Gotei Council agreed to our plan?"

The pink-haired Arrancar nodded as they arrived at the main entrance. "Yes, though perhaps the main reason they finally gave their consent is likely because we've done so much- between you, myself, and the rest of the Twelfth- to convince them that this insane plan is actually feasible."

"Still, I can't help myself in wondering..." Urahara remarked. "I keep on thinking, and always, it comes back to the same question: why? Why did you request for me to be present for this?"

The Arrancar nodded, adjusting his glasses, as the two of them stepped into the elevator...

"Well, there is a simple enough answer to that," he replied as the doors closed. "You see, if experience has taught me anything, it's that I need someone capable of checking me."

Szayel was quick to enter the code into the nearby keypad, then pressed a button.

"You're most likely the only other person with the expertise, the knowledge, the experience and the will-power to be able to speak to me objectively." Szayel admitted. "Under different circumstance, I would likely place my trust in my dear Nemu, except..."

The scruffy man raised a brow. "Except?"

Looking to him, the Octavio Espada continued. "Except that she's a victim of her upbringing." The pink-haired man replied after a moment. "Even now, after more than three years, since I 'usurped' her creator and freed her from his clutches- the lingering affects of what he did to her leave me with some doubt over her ability to be able to observe and analyze a situation with an unbiased view."

"Yes, I'd heard the rumors," Kisuke Urahara started. "But even so, I never could have guessed the true extent of the depravity of that man." He offered. "It's hardly a matter I relish thinking about, especially when facing the idea that such a creature could have ever been called a man."

The Arrancar nodded. "Then you understand." He replied. "I've worked hard to rehabilitate the image of the Twelfth, and to earn the trust of its members, but," Szayel paused. "Even so, Mayuri Kurotsuchi still casts a very long shadow over this place, and his memory lingers- like a specter."

"So, you see now, don't you?" Szayel asked. "The reasons why you're the only one I can rely on?"

The ex-Shinigami took a moment, looking at the other man without comment. Then, with a nod, he removed his striped hat and ran a hand through his messy pale blonde hair. "It's flattering, really it is," Urahara started. "To know that you think so highly of me."

And with that, the chime sounded, alerting the duo that they'd arrived at their desired floor.

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

The trio of Ggio, Renji, and Arachne had found themselves stuck in a sort of limbo, the only breaks in the monotony being the occasional moments of idle chat...

Just then, the persistent monotony was finally broken by the arrival of Yoruichi Shihoin. As ever, she was clad in a her skin-tight black body suit and high-waist brown jacket, with her long dark purple hair pulled up into a ponytail by a scrunchy in the back. The exotic, dusky-skinned and golden-eyed woman gave a smile as she approached the trio sitting in the hospital lobby.

"I would've been here sooner," she began with a smile. "But the planning meeting only just ended."

"So then," she continued, sitting down. "What's the situation, how's Soifon doing?"

"Soifon went into labor around noon." Ggio answered. "Thankfully, it happened inside the grounds of the Second, so both me and Shenkai-san were present to help with things."

"Yes, of course." The exotic-looking woman began with a nod. "I encountered that Lieutenant of hers in the Meeting." Yoruichi replied. "And, he certainly strikes me the capable sort."

Just then, as they were talking, Hanataro Yamada appeared. "Please, everyone, i- if you'll all just listen for a moment," he began hesitantly. "I wanted to let you all know how things are going."

They all cast their gazes to the young Shinigami. "Sorry if my arrival worried any of you... But, I just thought it was important to let you all know that things are more or less going smoothly."

"More or less?" Ggio recounted. "What do you mean by that?"

"Captain Soifon isn't in any danger." The Third-Seat responded. "The only actual issue, is that she hasn't dilated enough in anticipation of giving birth." He revealed to them.

Yoruichi placed a hand on the Fraccion's shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "Relax, Ggio," she started with a confident smile. "All he's saying is just that my darling little pupil and your mate likely won't be able to give birth normally." The shape-shifting woman continued. "This is, to say, being the adorable little slip of thing that she is, it's likely your daughter will be born by way of Cæsarian Section."

"Cæsarian?" The cat-like Arrancar repeated. "But what does that-"

"Please." Hanataro interjected. "Shihoin-san is correct, there really is no need for concern."

"If this was hundreds of years ago, then it might be a problem." The young, dark-haired Soul Reaper explained to those now gathered together in the lobby. "However, with the benefit of modern medicine, I can confidently say that this is a completely safe, run of the mill procedure."

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

Just outside of the Gotei Council, a confrontation was brewing...

"What I want to know," Captain Kenpachi started, making a point of standing before Shunsui Kyoraku in such a way that his massive frame towered over him. "Is just why the hell you didn't mention me and my Division in your battle plans, and what role we're gonna play innit?"

"Captain." Byakuya spoke sternly in a cool but steely tone. "If you would temper your outrage for but a moment, then you will understand that everyone will have their roles to play."

"Don't try and bullshit me!" The massive man countered, fixing the nobleman briefly with a glare that would have shaken lesser men to the very core. "We all know the truth, that there's killing to be done in the fighting to come!" He exclaimed. "So then, why the hell are you trying to sideline me?!"

"Kenpachi-san!" Jushiro interceded as he approached the man. "Please, you really must calm down, and allow us the chance to explain our strategy to you."

"Bullshit!" Kenpachi fired back. "Don't try that tactic with me!"

The white-haired man's brown eyes narrowed as soon as his fellow Shinigami and Captain had shifted the focus of both his gaze and his ire upon him. At the same time, while Captain Retsu Ukitake watched as the standoff between her husband and the Commander of the Eleventh unfolded, the fracas just outside of the Central Council had drawn the attention of a number of individuals...

And so, with the massive man's blood riled up and his attention so singularly focused, it was hardly surprising that he had failed to register the proximity of multiple powerful individuals- including the Primera and the Tercera Espadas- likely with the intent of intervening if necessary.

"Captain." Retsu intoned calmly, stepping forward.

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

"This is modern warfare in every sense." Szayel stated coolly. "A new form of battle, one previously unknown in past years, a new means of waging war in the twenty-first Century."

"Yes, I can certainly see." Urahara commented, looking around at the sprawling banks of equipment that filled the room they now stood in. "So then, just what exactly is the plan?"

Szayel nodded. "It's a matter of moving in stages." He replied. "To begin with, in order to strike all the way to the heart of our enemies, we first need to target their systems in the Living Realm."

"To do that," the ex-Shinigami began. "Do we know their location?"

"No, well, not their physical location." Szayel replied, shaking his head. "But you of all people must know that it's impossible to be completely and truly anonymous in this day and age." The bespectacled man went on to comment. "Our undercover agents in the Living Realm have been working tirelessly in monitoring all possible lines of communications... and eventually identified an affiliated IP."

"And that's where this comes in." The pink-haired Arrancar continued, gesturing to a nearby computer as the former Captain watched. "Our boffins have devised a specialized program, designed to infiltrate their network." Szayel went on. "And that's where the most ingenious part comes in..."

Urahara stepped forward and looked at the screen. "What is this, what are you showing me?"

"In short, it's the key to everything." Szayel replied simply. "You see, it wasn't merely hyperbole when I referred to this as ingenious." He continued. "At first glance, this is merely a simple program, but the truth is that it's all about misdirection... Once we've set it loose, it will invariably be detected, though it won't be recognizance for what it truly is, because it's designed to act like a virus."

"Of course, it's all a feint..." The unkempt shopkeeper remarked. "A false lead, in order to keep them from focusing on what's really going on, at least until it's too late."

"As sharp as ever, Kisuke." Szayel replied with a smile. "It won't be long now... It's just a matter of convening the Greater Gotei Council for a final briefing." He revealed. "And once that's finished, then the only thing left is to confirm that all of our forces are fully deployed and battle-ready, and the final confirmation is issued..." The Captain paused. "And so, here we are, on the eve of battle."

Urahara nodded. "At least, this time, we'll be the ones firing the 'first shot'."

The Octavio Espada regarded him for a moment. "Except, our 'bullet' won't be fired from a gun or a cannon, but by the simple click of a mouse." Szayel remarked. "And with any luck, they'll initially be caught up in trying to analyze the program, that they won't realize what's really happening, and so we'll then be able to move directly to the next stage of the operation."

Urahara nodded. "And so, it all comes down to waiting."

Szayel smiled, before returning the nod in-kind. "Though for now, at least, while we still have some time on our hands, I'd like to spend that time with a drink in my hand."

"Sounds like a plan to me." The other man replied with a smile. "After all, as the saying goes, there's no time like the present." Urahara offered in a chipper tone. "I think the only thing for us to do now, is to go and properly enjoy ourselves- that is, while we still have the chance."

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

Ggio was seated neatly near the head of the hospital bead, situated beside the pillows that Soifon was resting her head on as she cradled their daughter in her arms...

"Looking at her, she really is amazing." The former Fraccion observed, gently brushing a hand against the newborn's cheek, as he looked on with a fond smile. "Even now, I can't help wondering if all of this is actually real, and not some sort of dream that I'll wake up from."

Soifon smiled warmly, nodding. "It's all still so strange..." The slender woman remarked, a dreamy expression on her face as she gazed lovingly at the small child nestled in her arms. "Just thinking about everything... Up until this moment, I never would've imaged myself as a mother."

"Just as I'm a father." Ggio interjected kindly. "I can't wait for the experience."

At the moment, the overhead lights were turned off, with only the illumination of lamps and leaving the duo in an ideally dimmed room as they reflected on the fact that they were now parents.

"Our beautiful Meiling." Ggio had commented.

"Meiling Vega..." Soifon added with a chuckle. "It has a nice ring o it."

"So," the Arrancar picked back up, his tone somewhat uneasy. "Um, how are you doing?" He asked the bedridden woman. "I mean, how are you feeling after your cesar-whatsit?"

"The word that you're looking for is 'cesarean-section'." The smallish woman corrected, giving a roll of her eyes as she spoke. "Well, to be honest, I wasn't sure as to how to feel about it at the time, except that I knew- somehow- that it wouldn't be that simple for me."

"The truth is, that it's not that uncommon." The Captain remarked. "Especially, given my body type."

"What do you mean?" The Arrancar asked.

"Honestly," the slender Shinigami countered. "There're times when you can be so adorably dense."

"Yeah, well, I- I never claimed to know all that much about body types." Ggio countered, even as he blushed in reaction to the compliment. "And, this isn't really my area of expertise."

"For one thing," Soifon continued, as she held their child against her bosom. "What I'm saying is that I didn't really have the hips for a so-called normal birth."

But before he could offer some response, the two were alerted to a tentative knock at the door...

"Soifon, should we be expecting anyone?"

"The staff didn't mention anything for around this time, so it must be something else?"

After a moment, the door opened, light spilling into the darkened from behind Yoruichi as she stood in the now open doorway. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding," the dark-skinned woman began. "But I just couldn't help myself in wanting to even just get a look at the little one."

"Again, I'm sorry if I'm just bullying my way into things," the shape-shifting Noblewoman offered the two parents as she stepped into the room, closing the door behind her.

"It's fine." Soifon responded with a small smile. "Just keep your voice down."

"I don't plan to stay long." Yoruichi went on. "I just wanted to check in with you two, so that I could give the others some kind of update on how everyone's doing right now."

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

"Captain."

That one simple word, uttered by any one else, and considering the present circumstances and the individuals involved, might likely have fallen on deaf ears. But, it had been spoken by none other the Captain of the Fourth Division and Head of the Medical Corp, Retsu Ukitake.

And the voice of said woman held weight, such that it was enough- with only a single word- to give pause to even the notorious Captain of the Eleventh Division!

"Captain Zaraki," she entreated, her expression serene as ever. "I think, that if you remain calm and take a moment to properly consider the situation," the dark-haired woman continued in a steady tone, smiling gently. "Then, I believe you will see the wisdom in the Council's agreed-upon strategy."

And so, unsurprisingly, given the well-known 'abilities' of the female Shinigami, the normally unruly and violent Captain offered no rebuttal, as if suddenly uncertain of his next move...

"Now then, Jushiro, Shunsui-san," she spoke, looking to the two men. "If the two of you are agreeable, then would you be so kind as to elucidate on the Captain's role in the coming conflict?"

The two men didn't respond immediately. "Well, you heard my wi- er, I mean, the Captain," Jushiro declared as he promptly looked to the man beside him. "Go on then, tell him."

Glaring briefly at his longtime friend, Shunsui nodded. "Captain, the fact is that we do fully intend to make use of both yourself and the members of your Division." He explained to the much larger man, as he reached up to adjust the brim of his straw hat. "But as for you yourself... well, to be perfectly honest, you're too valuable of an asset to be deployed right away."

"What the hell are you saying?" Kenpachi countered, his outrage tempered, but still audible.

"What we're saying," the white-haired Captain interceded. "Is that rather than just sending you out from the onset of the battle, that instead, your unique... talents would be best put to use by unleashing you against our enemies when it's most critical- during the height of the fighting."

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

"You know, by this point," Urahara remarked in a sly tone, while seated casually in the cushy leather armchair situated in one of the fully furnished rooms located in the upper levels of the Twelfth, before pausing to take a sip from his glass. "I'm starting to think that your just showing off."

Szayel merely smiled, while Nemu blushed, due to the fact that the latter happened to be seated in the lap of the former. "Oh, come now, my friend, all that I'm doing is making the very most of the fact that I've been so blessed in the fact that my utterly charming and oh-so devoted Lieutenant just happens to also be my brilliant and accomplished mate and partner."

"After all," the Arrancar went on. "If you're feeling so much like the odd man out, then perhaps in the future, you might do well to invite that lovely Shihoin woman to keep you company."

The scruffy ex-Shinigami- with his pale blonde hair and iconic monochromatic striped hat, arched a brow in response to the invitation. "I'll keep that in mind." Urahara replied, taking another drink of the smoky liqueur. "You know, I must say, this 'Bourbon' you're so fond of is really growing on me."

The bespectacled Arrancar smiled. "Well, what else can I say?" He asked. "Other, than that having a proper perspective on a wide variety of things is the one of the real benefits of life experience."

"Something tells me you're not just simply talking about booze?" Urahara replied.

The Espada took a moment, giving a thoughtful look before speaking up. "I've consistently found that life is strange, what with all of the experiences and insights that it affords us." Szayel mused, sharing a glance with the woman seated in his lap. "And the truth throughout all of this, is that the more that I've thought things over, the more that I've inevitably arrived at same conclusion..."

"As ever, I can't help but remain curious as to what you're talking about." Kisuke Urahara responded, before he finished off the liqueur in his own glass. "And yet, with all of that having been said, I'm still curious in regards to what else you could possible have to say."

Szayel nodded. "It's hardly groundbreaking..." He began in response, before then polishing off the contents of his glass. "Still, one of the many things that I've come to understand over the course of the last few years, is that- be it in this life, or in another time or in another place- perhaps the two us might have been friends, or perhaps that I might even have served under you."

"That's... a moving admission, on your part." Urahara replied smoothly, even as he retrieved the bottle with the intent of pouring himself another drink, as well as moving to top off the other man's glass.

"Regardless," the ex-Shinigami continued as he sat back. "My instincts tell me that- regardless of the circumstances- that the two of us were always bound to end up as friends, in one form or another."

The Octavio gave a thoughtful look, before leaning into Nemu. "Then, let me make a toast," he started as he held up his tumbler. "To you, Kisuke, to a true friend."

(- End of Chapter LXXXVII... -)

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. As always, any feedback is very much appreciated!