I'd like to say thanks to Kain101 and "Guest" for their reviews of the last chapter. I've decided to try and stick to getting a new chapter posted on the site every other week (barring any real life nonsense that might happen). One of the reasons for doing this is because I'm trying to stay well ahead of my current releases- ideally, at least ten chapters ahead, though more would be better.

I'm not sure if there's any "crossing of the streams" as far the different fandoms that I write for goes, but I also try and post new chapters of my non-Bleach fanfics- ex. Mass Effect, and (hopefully, soon) my Naruto series. Heck, I've even got a couple of Mega Man fics in the works. And as for my other Bleach fics, I'm gonna make a concerted effort to return to "These Peaceful Days", and with luck, "Immortals".

One more thing: I decided to intersperse some special bonus scenes/chapters into this series (sort of like Omakes, but longer in some cases). And the first of one of these "Interludes" (as I'm calling them) will follow the chapter after this one. I go into more detail about them in the opening remarks of that.

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter XVI:
"Business as Usual, Part 2"

Soul Society...

Szayel Grantz was on his way back to the Twelfth Division, when he happened to cross paths with none other than his Lieutenant (and bed companion), Nemu. The Espada flashed the attractive woman one of his usual smiles, which earned a polite nod from the violet-haired Shinigami.

"Nemu my dear, how fortuitous that our paths should cross." He declared with a smile, quickly sliding a hand around her waist, prompting her to walk in step with him. Where he a Shinigami, such a blatant and public display of affection would have been frowned on. But then, the new Captain of the Twelfth was not a Shinigami. And while he was outwardly as human as they were- save for his permanently affixed 'spectacles'- he was still an Arrancar, and prone to behaving like one to some degree.

Just as the Shinigami serving under him would openly admit to preferring the obvious affection that the Arrancar exuded toward their Lieutenant, compared to the countless years of physical and verbal abuse she'd been dealt by their previous Captain. The beaten-down and fearful members of the 12th had been nearly as shocked by the transformation in Nemu as they were by the fact that they no longer had live in fear of being used as test subjects in experiments.

"I really must say, the Captains meeting was most productive." He began. "I'm finally starting to get a real idea of the various dynamics between them." Szayel continued. "For instance, Captain Ukitake is almost too positive for a man in his position, while Captain Kyoraku does his best to convince the rest of us that he's too drunk to care. And as for Lady Unohana... Well, I can't shake the feeling that there's something fierce underneath that serene exterior of hers."

Nemu nodded. "Captain Unohana was one of the few people that Mayuri openly feared. As I recall, it's said that her 'glare was enough to send him cowering'." She recounted. "In retrospect, I believe that my former Captain may have in fact felt emasculated by her, given his continued efforts to perfect a toxin that she could not create a counter-agent for." She related emotionlessly as they entered the Twelfth.

The pink-haired Arrancar cackled at this. "Indeed, and that's why I've made it a point to remain in her good graces." Szayel admitted. "As for that Kuchiki fellow... He's made no qualms about speaking his mind, in regard to his view of me." He remarked. "Still, I can't help but wonder if he's harboring some other agenda, especially given his considerable familial obligations."

"Though, at least, it seems that they've more or less accepted me as one them." The Espada Scientist remarked coolly as they arrived at an elevator. "Interestingly, one of the main topics of discussion was finding ways to win the confidence of the civilians that make up the larger population." He explained to her as the sleek metal doors opened and the two stepped inside. The doors swiftly closed behind them as he turned to key in the desired floor.

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

The Living Realm...

"He's unconscious for two months," Tatsuki recounted in frustration. "Then, he finally comes out of it, and he acts like nothing's happened to him." The dark-haired tomboy fumed.

Once again, Orihime and her friends (along with a silent Ulquiorra) were gathered on the rooftop of the school, over lunch, to discuss things. Ishida stood by, not far from Tatsuki. Chad was hunkered down, listening quietly as he ate the pre-made sandwich that he'd bought from the cafeteria.

Orihime was similarly focused on the bowl of udon noodles in her hand, as she intently listened to her longtime friend. Aside from Ichigo, the topic of their discussion, Keigo was back in their home room, sulking over Ichigo's shift in persona, while Chizuro was despairing over the fact that 'her beloved Hime-chan had been stolen by a useless man'.

"It's creepy," Tatsuki fumed. "We keep trying to talk to him... But he just smiles and goes about his day, doing all the things that are expected of him."

"And what is he supposed to say, Arisawa-san?" Ishida asked calmly. "Think about it, Kurosaki has lost a crucial part of himself, and he's having a hard time coming to grips with it."

Tatsuki's eyes snapped shut for an instant, rubbing the space between her eyes, before she turned to the bespectacled teen. "How about that he's upset?!" She snapped. "That he's depressed and frustrated, and he's pissed off because we can't understand how he's feeling?!"

Ishida's eyes widened slightly at the girl's tone. "I'm not downplaying what he's going through..."

Chad nodded, his dark eyes partial visible under his thick bangs. "She's right..." He began, lowering the half-eaten sandwich. "Ichigo is upset, the same as when he couldn't see Rukia." The towering, swarthy-looking teen explained to them. "Except, this time, he's putting on a brave face... Because that's what he thinks is expected of him, it's what he expects of himself."

Orihime lowered the bowl of noodles and chopsticks in her hands. "I'm worried about Ichigo, it's not good for him to keep everything bottled up like this." She remarked. "If only... if only Rukia was here, she'd get through to him." She sighed. "Dammit, why hasn't she come back?!"

Ulquiorra shook his head. "Isn't it obvious?" He asked, drawing their attention. "The Shinigami woman realizes the truth, that there's no future for the two of them." The Cuatro Espada explained clinically, as the others listened to him. "She's cutting the ties and forcing herself to adapt to the loss... Except that in her case, she has the life she's known for decades to go back to."

"...While Kurosaki-san is alone." Ishida interject with a rueful expression, earning a small nod from the gigai-clad Hollow standing amidst them.

"In less than a year, he was introduced to their world. His father, the Shopkeeper and his cohorts, and your Shinigami friends nurtured his powers." Ulquiorra continued. "And with the help of the Vizard, he was able to manifest his inner Hollow... to devastating effect." He paused. "And just as his eyes were opened to a life-changing new reality, for good and for ill, he looses those abilities... And so now he's blind again, and he feels powerless and small in the face of everything that's happened."

While the Quincy still wasn't entirely comfortable with having the Hollow as a permanent fixture in his friend's life, he was learning to live with it... Further, he noted, that such biting observations might have seemed smug or cruel coming from someone else. Instead, coming from Ulquiorra, they came across as nothing more than clinical, dispassionate observations. He wasn't sure how to feel about that.

"What gives?" Tatsuki asked dourly. "You hardly ever say anything to us, hell, you only really tolerate us for Orihime's sake... But now, you're more than happy to chip in, as if you have some kind of insight into what Ichigo is going through." She finished with a glare.

Ulquiorra's expression remained neutral as he took a step toward Tatsuki. "Woman, I have a keen eye for observation, and it's clear that Orihime thinks of you as more than just her 'best friend'... In fact, I'd say that in her mind, you are closer to family than her own relations." The Arrancar revealed coolly as he stopped to look into the young woman's eyes.

"And yet, like the others, you don't give her enough credit..." He paused. "Her abilities, her Negation, is a power that trespasses into the domain of God." Ulquiorra continued. "The power to bypass the laws that govern the universe, to turn back and rewrite time and space itself." The Espada remarked in a low tone as he turned to Orihime. "Reality bends to your will... And I'm certain, had you been presented the opportunity, that you could have unmade the Hyogaku and toppled Aizen."

Orihime paled at the insinuation. "B-but how? The combined power of all of Soul Society, even with the Vizard, and everyone else, wasn't enough to stop him." She exclaimed.

"If I understand him correctly," Ishida began. "If the circumstances had played out differently, if you had been on the front lines of the battle..." He paused. "Than theoretically, you might have been able to 'Negate' the Orb, and deprive Aizen of the power it imbued in him." He reasoned.

"Exactly, Aizen fancied himself a God- an all-powerful supreme being- unbound by the shackles of mortal flesh or by morality." Ulquiorra responded. "I won't apologize for carrying out the orders given to me, nor do I seek your forgiveness. What I was, the creature that took her, was killed by the Hollow that resides within Ichigo Kurosaki, just as I killed him." Ulquiorra elaborated darkly, holding up the hand that he'd driven through the teen's throat during their first battle.

"What are you talking about?" Tatsuki asked, annoyed. "You say that you 'killed' Ichigo, and yet, you just said that it was Ichigo who killed you. ...How the hell is that supposed to make sense?"

"The woman's powers," he replied calmly. "I pierced his heart, and he would have died, had the Sexta Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjacquez not intervened and bought time for her to cast Sōten Kisshun. Just as she used the same power to restore me from certain death after Kurosaki had returned the favor."

"Death... Well, that's one way to gain perspective, I suppose." Ishida quipped, while silently noting the proximity the Human and the Hollow maintained with each other. "Except, that you came out of the ordeal for the better, yet what does he have to show for it?" He asked, arms crossed.

"Precisely," Ulquiorra replied, effortlessly continuing. "I presently work for Kisuke Urahara, along with the motley crew that passes for employees." He elaborated. "Overlooking the rather questionable labor practices of that man, I have overheard some rumors from the staff in regards to the goings on at the Kurosaki household." The dark-haired Espada explained. "That is, at least, when Jinta isn't in the grips of his pre-adolescent fixation with the more outgoing of Kurosaki's two younger sisters."

Orihime covered her mouth to muffle a quick burst of laughter, while Tatsuki shook her head.

"Oh, Yuzu-chan is going to have such troubles with boys in a few years." Tatsuki lamented, recalling the more demure half of the twins. "Speaking of the Kurosaki sisters... From what little I've heard, it seems that Karin-chan is starting to manifest spirit powers."

"Figures, like Kurosaki-san, she clearly takes after their father." Ishida remarked. "I can only wonder what that must be like for Ichigo..." The Quincy added.

"It can't be good." Chad remarked. "Just another reminder of what he's lost."

Orihime finished off the last of the udon in the plastic bowl, as she moved to link arms with Ulquiorra. "If... if Rukia-san and the others aren't going to come check up on Ichigo themselves... then we should make a point of paying him a visit- to see how he's doing."

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

Division Twelve HQ...

There was a chime as the elevator arrived at the top floor of the Twelfth.

The metallic doors opened and Szayel and Nemu exited. "...Given the rather grim circumstances of the people in the numerous impoverished districts, it was concluded that it was high time that Soul Society invested in building some much-needed infrastructure and encouraging the establishment of a Tuntian system of farming as a means of sustaining the dietary needs of the people." The Arrancar explained.

"They tasked me with setting up a means of mass-producing farming tools for the people to use, which is simplicity itself." He continued. "The people of the Living Realm have been tending to the lands and harvesting the yields of their efforts." The Espada went on. "Using tools and techniques that have been in common use since the bronze age, It's really rather impressive how much can be built upon simple grains and rice and other essentials." The Octavio added with a smile.

They continued to a set of doors, which opened into a lab that Szayel had adapted for use in the various pet-projects he had in the development stage. He took his seat in the chair before the computer situated in the center of the laboratory, then swiveled in to face Nemu once more.

"Well, now that we have some time... Today is the first official monthly Captains' meeting, I am curious as to how things went for you in your first proper monthly Lieutenants' meeting."

"Szayel-sama," she began. "I have attended these meeting for many years."

He gave a knowing smile. "Oh yes, but at the time, you were Nemu Kurotsuchi- the docile construct of the egomaniacal Captain, trotted around with a Lieutenant's badge for show." He replied pointedly, his golden eyes looking over the bone-mold frames of his mask, into her dark green ones. "Where as now... You are Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi, a highly skilled scientist and the second-in-command of the Twelfth Division." He offered, giving her a gentle smile.

"Szayel-sama, I..." The female Lieutenant started to say, as a faint pink blush colored her cheeks.

"I don't know about you, but I'd say that's a pretty significant difference." Szayel remarked, shifting his weight to rest his elbow against the arm of the chair. "My dear." His tone was inviting, as he extended a gloved hand toward the woman standing before him.

She nodded, taking his hand and allowing him to draw her to him, so that she found herself nestled in the Espada's lap, one hand on her knee and the other at the small of her back. Her slender frame was cradled in his arms, she pressed a delicate hand against his and gazed into his eyes.

"Now," he began, the hand on her knee moving to capture hers. "I imagine, given those in attendance, that your meeting must have been a very lively one."

She nodded. "Indeed, Lieutenant Matsumoto was quite emphatic about learning the intimate details of Lieutenant Abarai's relationship with the Arrancar Arachne." Nemu revealed. "She seemed to find some element of entertainment in discerning the proclivities of the Lieutenant and his lover."

"Really now?" Szayel asked cheerfully. "How interesting, and what of the others- I can't imagine that the buxom Lieutenant of the Tenth was the only one?"

She gave a nod, relaxing in his lap. "From my vantage point, I observed what I perceived as disguised curiosity on the part of a number of the other Officers," Nemu explained. "As well as what I would characterize as sympathetic embarrassment from some."

Szayel appeared to consider something. "Tell me, Nemu," he began. "Were there any similar questions postulated regarding the two of us?" The Espada asked, prompting the woman in his lap to shake her in in a brief negative. "They show curiosity regarding what they must perceive as some form of novelty in the relationship between the tattooed Shinigami and his chosen bed-partner..."

He rubbed his chin with a gloved hand as he continued. "And yet, they are content merely with what they are able to observe with us." Szayel remarked. "I can understand their hesitancy with the Captain of the Second Division and her relationship with the late Second's former Fraccion..."

"Both myself and Captain Soifon are female, while Lieutenant Abarai is the only male Shinigami, so far, to be involved with a female of your species, Szayel-sama." Nemu pointed out.

Gold eyes narrowed as a broad smile dominated his face. "Exactly. And just as with Inoue-san and Ulquiorra, there is nothing new to be gleaned..." Szayel paused. "Where as the idea of a man with one of the females of my kind is unknown territory in their minds... There must be so many questions- is she the aggressor, is he in any danger of harm from the union, and so on." He finished with a chuckle.

"Do you foresee any complications arising?" Nemu asked, a small hint of curiosity in her voice.

The Arrancar chuckled and adjusted his glasses. "Oh no, he's in no serious danger... While our women can be a bit... overzealous, you might say, when it comes to their partners... At worst, I'd expect that he'll become adept in coping with minor cuts, scratches, and bruises... Really, it's hardly anything that a strong, fit individual like himself can't handle."

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

Captain Ukitake spotted his target, and waved to Unohana, drawing the attention of his fellow Captain as he made his way over to her. The serene leader of the Fourth Division watched silently as the white-haired Shinigami diverted from his original path to meet up with her.

"Retsu-san," he addressed with a friendly smile. "What good fortune that we should happen to meet, as I was looking for you." Ukitake went on. "If you have a moment, there is a matter of some importance that I need to speak to you, somewhere more private if possible." He elaborated, an expectant look.

Unohana was silent at first, unsure as to how to respond, though the tone and eagerness of the request was enough to peek her curiosity. She nodded, and with that, they navigated their way to an nice little out-of-the-way tea house, with a quiet atmosphere. Ukitake didn't waist any time in selecting a table for the two of them, and the woman promptly found herself seated across from him.

The 'booth' they were seated at, was one of many, with decorative rice-paper partitions dividing one from the other and offering a degree of privacy. "Firstly, I should probably point out that this isn't any thing all that dire." He assured her, before gesturing to a server to place their orders for tea. With that taken care of, he continued. "However, it's a matter that involves Lillynette, and both Stark-san and I agreed that you would be best suited to addressing the issue."

If she was curious before, this new bit of information only fueled her desire to know what exactly it was that he wished to speak with her about, especially now that Unohana had learned that the female half of the Primera was involved. "Well, Jushiro, you've certainly earned my undivided attention."

Their tea was soon delivered, and Ukitake set about filling the two ceramic cups from the fresh kettle of tea as he began to relate what Stark had mentioned to him- as well as his own realizations on, upon reflection. "In the months following Aizen's attempted coup, I've come to gain a great deal of respect for Stark-san... Especially when considering the magnitude of his power, and how it's tempered by a near-infinite reserve of patience, as well as a surprising degree of humanity."

The dark-haired woman smiled, watching as the man across from her smiled to himself, pausing in his narrative in order to take a sip from the cup in his hands. "However, given his origins as a Hollow, it's understandable that there are certain matters in which he is woefully ill-equipped to handle."

"One of them being the rearing of a frustrated girl on the cusp of adolescence." Ukitake continued as he set the cup back down, his earnest brown eyes meeting hers. "I grew up with sisters, so I recognized some of her behaviors... Lilly-chan is in the middle of a change, emotionally and physically. However, I'm no more equipped to provide Lillynette with any kind of meaningful guidance in dealing with the issues that she's currently facing than Stark is." He paused.

"And this is where you come in," the Captain resumed. "Like Stark-san, and the other Arrancar, she's evolved to a point that she's surprisingly human in a number of ways... Unsurprisingly, it's obvious that the girl greatly admires and respects you." The white-haired man explained. "I believe that she would be receptive to whatever input you might be able to offer her."

Unohana set the tea cup down and nodded in understanding. "Yes, you raise a valid point. And I can't say I'm totally surprised by this development." She replied evenly. "And from a biological standpoint, she's rather unique... Given that Stark-san 'created' her from a part of his vast reiki that he'd separated from himself, I would be inclined to liken her background to being closer to a naturally born creature, rather than simply being just another manifested Hollow." The Captain and medic remarked.

"Like you, I've also come to greatly respect Stark..." Unohana added. "Just as I'd like to believe that, regardless of Aizen's influence on his development as an Arrancar, that much of what defines him was always a part of his character." She reasoned with a smile. "However, as you remarked upon, he is not particularly well-suited for handling such a delicate issue." She explained as she took another sip from the cup of tea she gently gripped in her hands.

"For all her posturing and boasting, Lillynette has a strong desire- perhaps unconsciously- to be part of something more, to be accepted." The female Captain spoke. "She's at a difficult point in her life, it's a confusing time for young women. Right now, what she desperately needs is a strong female presence in her life, someone to confide in, whom she feels would understand her."

Unohana set her cup down. "What Lillynette needs, is a female parental figure- a surrogate for what she never had during her existence in Huecco Mundo." She paused. "I'll set aside some time for the two of to speak privately, I doubt she'll object to the chance."

Ukitake smiled at her. "Thank you so much, Retsu, as always, you're a life-saver."

She returned the smile. "Not at all," Unohana replied. "I'm simply helping someone, the same way that I would render medical help to a wounded person." The woman added. "Though, since you've brought up Lillynette... There's a similar case that I expect I might need your intervention in in the near future."

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

Byakuya Kuchiki turned to address Marenoshin Omaeda: the retired Shinigami has once served as the Captain of the Second Division, as well as serving as the patriarch of the Omaeda Clan and CEO of the extremely profitable chain of businesses that had made the Omaeda one of the wealthiest families all of the Soul Realm. Much like his late son (Marechiyo), the man was of a stocky and heavily built, with round features, common to the member of the family.

...save for his youngest daughter, Mareyo, who was small, elegant, and slender. In fact, the young girl stood in such start contrast with the rest of the notoriously heavy-set family, that it was not uncommon amongst those who had happened to meet young Mareyo to secretly wonder amongst themselves as to whether or not the cheerful girl was truly related to the rest of her family.

"Kuchiki-san." The older man began, prompting the other man to turn to him.

Byakuya was standing on the footbridge that overlooked the stream in the back garden- the prized Koi fish gliding effortlessly through the running water below. "Omaeda-san." The Kuchiki nobleman acknowledged with a polite nod as the other man crossed the gentle slope of the bridge to stand beside him.

"The letter you sent, it said that you wished to speak with me." Byakuya began.

Marenoshin nodded, the two men turning to look onto the running stream. "Kuchiki-san, I must say, that you've surprised quite a lot of people with your outspokenness in your support for the formation of this new Division- comprised of both Shinigami and Arrancar." He remarked. "Considering our violent past with the Hollows, and recent events, I must admit that I was surprised when you sent me word that you were lending your voice to supporting the peace talks... Though, it was perhaps more shocking that you asked for the support of my family as well, in spite of the death of my son."

Byakuya only nodded in response to the man's grim tone. "The Hollows weren't behind the invasion, it was Sosuke Aizen who transformed them into an army to lead against us, just as it was his ambition that lead to the death of your son- along with countless others- and the devastation of Soul Society."

Byakuya paused. "As much as we might wish it were so, the Arrancar are not mindless beasts, and we cannot afford to be picky when it comes to our allies." He continued. "Right now, we need peace, and to achieve that, we need the Arrancar on our side... If we can win their confidence, then they may yet become a valuable asset, rather than a dangerous liability." The raven-haired man offered.

Marenoshin clasped the wooden rail with his hand and turned his gaze toward the stream, then nodded after a moment of thought. "You've placed yourself in a vulnerable position, Kuchiki-san, as an advocate of change." He remarked. "And yet, you may be right..."

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

Soifon had finally made her way back to the grounds of the Second Division, when she suddenly felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck as she sensed a familiar presence.

"I was starting to wonder when you would finally show up."

The familiar voice caused the petite woman to turn around, where upon she was met by the sight of a decidedly familiar-looking black cat, which was gazing knowingly down at her from its vantage on the wall, with its uncanny yellow feline eyes.

"Yuroichi-sama?" Soifon murmured in amazement, eyes wide. "W-what are you doing in Soul Society, and why are you in disguise?!" She managed, eventually composing herself enough to speak.

The black cat just chuckled in response to the woman's bewildered question. "Everyone's been so busy on this end, what with the rebuilding and everything else, that I decided it was high time that I dropped in to check in on my former subordinate." Yuroichi explained, pausing momentarily in order to lick at one of her paws. "As to your other question... Well, I find it easier to come and go like this, it's far less flashy, and tends to draw a lot less attention this way."

Soifon would have posed further question, but the cat beat her to punch. "More importantly," Yuroichi began in a an all-to-familiar tone. "What's this I've heard about my cute little Hornet having finally gone and landed herself a boyfriend?" The shapeshifter asked with a devious smile.

Soifon stiffened, then felt her face burn as she flushed crimson. The black cat watched as the Captain shifted between awkward stammering and attempting to explain herself. And yet Yuroichi couldn't help but smile, noting that the lithe woman didn't deny the claim either- in spite of how flustered she was. A thoughtful (for a cat) expression graced her features.

"I'm truly happy for you, Soifon." Yuroichi began, halting the woman's fit as she rose up to her feet and gracefully touched down on the grass of the inner courtyard. "It was hard, leaving you behind, when I fled with Kisuke-san all those years ago..." She continued. "I knew that I had... hurt you when I left, but it wasn't until later on that I realized the extent of how I truly wounded you..." She admitted. "And I can see that it was my fault that you closed yourself to those around you, because I betrayed the trust you gave me."

The inky-black cat sat down and looked up at the woman. "But for all the pain I caused you, I'm at least happy to see that you're finally able to open up and trust someone." Yuroichi offered, her tone softening as she addressed small, dark-haired Captain standing before her.

After a moment, Soifon managed a genuine smile, and moved to kneel down in the soft grass, hands on her knees as she met her former Commander's gaze. "Yuroichi-sama," she began. "When you... left me, you did hurt me." The slender Shinigami paused, closing her eyes. "But I understand now, why you had to do it, and I... I forgive you." Her eyes opened. "It's been over a hundred and ten years now, and we're both different people- you're you, and I want to know who I am, the real me."

Yuroichi regarded her for a moment, not saying a word. "Th- thank you, Soifon," she began with a nod as she looked into the woman's eyes. "To hear you say that... I- it means more to me that you could ever possibly imagine." She went on. "You've taken a great weight off my shoulders." The disguised Flash Goddess confessed, emotion seeping into her tone as she spoke.

"Soifon, I brought lunch!" A chipper voice called out.

Yuroichi's gaze turned to the side, in time to see Ggio appear- a pair of plastic boxes, stacked on top of each other, held in his arms- in a flash of sonido. At the same time, Soifon stiffened, face paling slightly as the Arrancar approached her. The cat-like Hollow's bright smile radiated a mix of genuine affection and playful enthusiasm for the woman he'd called out to.

"No, why now..." Soifon inwardly cursed herself, yet unwilling to make eye-contact with Ggio as he eagerly scurried over to the spot in the grass she was presently inhabiting. The ex-Fraccion's expression became quizzical as he registered that she appeared to have been- up until he arrived- engaged in some sort of exchange with what looked to be a rather standard-looking cat.

"Um, Soifon," Ggio began, crouching beside her. "Why are you talking to a cat?"

And just like that, Soifon was trying to explain the situation to Ggio, only for the 'cat' to be engulfed in a blossoming cloud of smoke. The Captain of the 2nd Division was on the verge of grabbing hold of Ggio and launching them both into an improvised shunpo, but stalled when the smoke fully cleared.

To both her shock and relief, Yuroichi was clad in her usual attire- black spandex, a light brown padded jacket, windscarf around her neck, cloth boots and arm-guards, with her mane of silky black hair pulled into a ponytail in the back and held with a purple scrunchy. As if sensing Soifon's confusion over her state of dress (rather than the usual lack there of), she spoke up.

"Oh, you must be wondering about this..." Yuroichi remarked, gesturing to herself. "I'm not really sure about the technical details of it, but it's something Kisuke came up with..." She paused. "Hmm, something about using 'kido compression and specially made variable fibers'- so when I shape-shift, the clothing morphs into that cute bell collar I was wearing while I was masquerading as a cat." She explained.

"But enough but that!" Yuroichi exclaimed, before clapping a hand on Ggio's shoulder and leaning and looking him over, as if she were appraising an antique vase. After a moment, the dusky-skinned woman smiled broadly, golden eyes twinkling, and turned to Soifon.

"I really must hand it to you, Soifon," Yuroichi began, sounding pleased. "On having landed yourself such a cute boyfriend." She finished, her other hand coming to land on the Captain's slender shoulder, as both Soifon and Ggio suddenly found themselves blushing...

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

Huecco Mundo, Undisclosed Location...

A cloaked figure stood before a large circle- drawn in chalk, about six feet in diameter- with a series of arcane symbols surrounding it. They brought their arms up, wide sleeves sliding back to reveal a pair of slender arms- wrapped up entirely in cloth bindings- to pull back their hood...

The cowl fell away to reveal the head of reddish-brown hair- forelocks, pulled into thin braids, framing the sides of the face, with the rest of the long locks combed back. A layer of makeup turned the flesh of the face a pale whitish hue. A second layer of black coloring was applied: the corners of the face- below the cheekbones and along the curve of the jawline. Dark eyebrows were concealed under black circles around the eyes, with the sides of the long slender bridge of the nose similarly adorned. The same black was applied over the full lips- past the corners of the mouth- almost like a rictus grin. The overall effect caused the face to appear skeletal and sunken in.

The ash black and chalky white makeup vanished under a layer of cloth wrappings, and multiple hoops of beads, covering the elegant neck. A pair of dark brown eyes snapped open and she rappidly turned to the side. "Grimmjow-sama," she began, before looking back to the circle. "Shall I begin the ritual?"

The tall Arrancar, with his cobalt blue hair and eyes, nodded, his arms folded across his broad chest. "No point in wasting any more time..." He began evenly. "Go ahead, Ellsingar, do your thing." The former Sexta Espada instructed.

The tall, well-built Hollow- the embodiment of Death by Destruction- wore a neutral expression as he stood off to the side. Grimmjow was dressed in a long, battered dark gray duster coat, frayed along the edges and at the ends of the sleeves. The old scar on his chest was mostly visible, partially obscured by the unbuttoned black vest he wore beneath coat. The end of the scarification vanishing under the cloth binding wrapped tightly around his lower midsection. He also wore a pair of dark gray pants, tucked into a dusty pair of heavy black leather boots.

His distinctive hair, having grown out over the months following the war, was pulled loosely into a ponytail in the back, though a number of shorter strands still hung down loose in front and on the sides. His moved his hands, covered by black fingerless gloves- to rest on his hips as he watched the painted female begin her ritual. His wide Zanpakuto, Pantera, hung at his left side, from the heavy leather strap of a shoulder holster- fixed in place by the strap over the right shoulder.

Ellsingar stepped into the circle and knelt down, then placed her hands- palms down- on the stone floor and tilted her head back, her eyes closed as the circle and the symbols began to glow a light green color that tinted the hall with the same dull green glow.

Onigiri watched, the mouthpiece of his pipe between his lips, interest in his vibrant blue eyes as she began chanting to herself under her breath. The crimson-haired warrior, decked out with his multitude of swords, remained silent as the ritual played out before them. He noted that the other Arrancar were just as silent, not uttering a word the entire time...

Among the assembled onlookers gathered was one of Grimmjow's surviving Fraccions, Ylforte Grantz. The swaggering Arrancar wore a long white garment, resembling a trench-coat- adorned with images of serpentine dragons- positioned vertically at either side of the lapels in front, and forming a symmetrical pattern over the back- and decorating the sleeves. Beneath, he wore his old Las Noches uniform. His sandy hair was braided nearly in the back, while his long bangs hung loose in the front.

At the ritual progressed, it was as if the same green light was moving up her arms, resulting in a faint glow becoming discernible from under the cloth bindings that covered her the limbs- from the tips of her fingers, and all the way up, until vanishing under the sleeves of her dark bluish-gray cloak.

"Darkness..." Ellsingar began, her head lurching forward, her eyes snapping open and glowing with the same green color. "Darkness... A plague of darkness... on the horizon."

It was as if there was a second voice, one pitched deeper than Ellsingar's, like an accompaniment as she spoke to the assembly. "Consume all light... Only darkness." She continued. "The Darkness... it waits, it bides its time... Time! Time is... coming." She continued, her voice strained.

Grimmjow took a step forward. "This 'Darkness'... What is it?"

Her head dipped down for a moment, then came back up. "Very old... Before time... Emptiness. Only the Darkness and the Old Light... Conflict. Again... Danger, a great danger... coming! Aghhh!" With a cry, Ellsingar's eyes fell shut, her body dropping limply to the floor as the light that had 'filled' her and the lit up the circle receded from her and vanished as suddenly as it began.

At this, Grimmjow shared a glance with Ylforte, and the blonde Fraccion rushed forward. Onigiri was quick to join him, the two of them picking up Ellsingar and withdrawing her from of the circle, moving the prone Arrancar to a spot off to the side, where they could safely sit her down. Ylforte then stood up and took a step back, a nervous look on his face, while Onigiri knelt before her.

With his hands on her shoulders, he steadied her. "This usually happens to Ellsingar after she uses her 'Second Sight' to view the Skjein." The swordsman explained. "It's usually just a matter of waiting for her to come around... Though, she's never reacted quite like that in the past."

"But what was she talking about?" Ylforte questioned casually, while a hand came up to brush a stray strand of dirty blonde hair away from his eyes.

Onigiri turned to him and Grimmjow. "I wouldn't know, it's for her to say... But I'd advise that you not get your hopes up, expecting a definitive answer."

"What do you mean?" Grimmjow asked.

"That my divining is far from a precise art." Everyone turned back to Ellsingar, her eyes open and her shoulders drooping slightly. "The Skjein... The 'Threads of Time', if you will, is far beyond our ability to truly comprehend." She continued. "It's impossible to know the context of the 'pattern', when you're only seeing individual strands in an infinite tapestry... And these 'threads' are very, very old."

"Past, present, future, existence as we know it. That is the Skjein. The point you would consider as the 'beginning' is beyond our understanding..." She explained. "Beyond any consciousness, even that of the gaze of the Celestial King." Ellsingar took a breath, then exhaled. "Something, some ancient menace, is coming... And like the Humans and the Shinigami, we too will be swept up in the conflict between the two forces I spoke of- the 'Darkness' and the other one, the 'Old Light'." She continued wearily.

"Grimmjow-sama," she went on. "this calamity is beyond any one single race... We must seek out the Shinigami, and speak with them... Only together, is there ang chance."

"I see." Grimmjow replied. "It looks like we're gonna need all the help we can get... I guess, we better contact Nakeem and find out what happened to the Privarons." The Espada remarked. "I figure with a little arm-twisting, we can get those three to the table, along with a few others..."

"Well, I imagine it'll certainly be interesting to see Dordoni, Cirucci, and Mosqueda again in the same place after all that's happened." Onigiri remarked with a chuckle. "Plus, Arachne went chasing after the Shinigami with the red hear and the tattoos about month ago- by their time scale- so it'll be good to see what the hell she's been up to since she disappeared."

"Hah!" Grimmjow exclaimed. "Then it looks like you're going to get the chance to have a little reunion with your dear 'brother', Ylforte." The Sexta Espada announced with a laugh.

The dirty-blonde Arrancar laughed haughtily. "Goodness, it'll be marvelous to see what my dear little brother has been up to since last we spoke." He remarked.

"All right then, time to go speak with the rest of the Unaligned and see about getting this little get-together off and rolling." He instructed the others in a confident tone.

"Never imagined I'd end up having to play nice with those Reapers." Grimmjow remarked dismissively as Onigiri and the others quickly departed to rally their allies.

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

The Living Realm...

Ichigo paused, standing right in front of his home- which doubled as the Family Clinic- to collect his thoughts. It was at this time that a small black form in his peripheral vision caught his eye. The orange-haired teen turned around, and was met by the sight of a black cat. It was seated atop a high wall that divided the lawns of his family's home from the neighbor's.

The black cat regarded him, it's keen yellow eyes meeting his brown ones. More out of instinct, or out of habit, he moved to greet the cat. "Hey, Yuroichi, what the heck are you doing here?" He asked, only to then feel only mildly annoyed with himself. However, what struck him right away- more so than the fact that that the feline didn't respond- was the way it remained stark-still, looking pointed at him as if there was some kind of intent within its animal gaze.

Ichigo suddenly felt uneasy, and cocked his head slightly as he took a step forward, still looking at the cat as he silently mouthed his inner confusion. He was fast getting the feeling there was something was off about this whole encounter, as it were, when he was distracted.

"Ni-saaan, hurry up, I need your help in the kitchen!" Yuzu's voice called out, instinctively prompting him to turn his gaze back to his house. The teen quickly looked back, only to discover that the cat was no longer perched atop the high dividing wall...

A second call from his younger sister was enough to squash the unease he felt for the moment. Ichigo shook his head and moved to enter the house house through the front door.

(- End of Chapter XVI -)

As I previously remarked in my notes, the last chapter ended up running short while this chapter was clearly going to end up being way too long. Even after I moved a major scene to the last installment to improve the balance, this chapter still ended up running over a thousand words longer than expected. So rather than cut anything from this, I decided to let this chapter overrun.

I tried to add a bit more UlquiHime content. But if it wasn't enough, please rest assured that there'll be more in the coming chapters. It was fun to finally have both Grimmjow and Ylforte back (after a long absence), plus I was able to tease the return of at least four more Arrancar. For Grimm's new outfit, I chose one that emphasizes his ruggedness (that showed off a fair bit of his chest and abs, as well as giving him a ponytail). I was glad to finally be able to introduce more characters, including Ellsingar, who you haven't seen the last of.

Anyway, please let me know what you guys thought of this chapter. Your reviews and feedback are always appreciated, and helps me to make the story better, so feel free to let me know what I'm doing right and what I could be doing better.