Shattered Realms

by MJLCoyoteStarrk

Aizen's defeat has left a tense peace between Arrancars and Soul Reapers. The resulting isolation has lasted for 200 years, only to be broken by a covert expedition from the Soul Society that has vanished. A small group is sent out to find out what happened only to find themselves facing the affects of the past while old heroes struggle w/their own pasts. Prologue has been updated

3. Chapter 2: Unfamiliar Seas

Shattered Realms

By Eduard Kassel and MJLCoyoteStarrk

Chapter 2: Unfamiliar Seas

The lone man walked across the desert. The footsteps in his wake were erased by the howling wind. He paused at the crest of a dune to look at his surroundings. Las Noches stood deceptively distant behind him, the focal point of navigation under the starless sky of Hueco Mundo.

He had no need to use Las Noches to find his way. His destination was in sight, partially concealed by a pair of crystalline trees that stood in front of him. He remembered the majestic trees that these mere branches were a part of that formed the Menos Forest far below. It was believed that the roots reached to the very center of the world and were the paths that first Hollows used to travel upwards to the surface.

The mere sight of the branches breaking the surface was a marvelous sight in a landscape of tedious repetition. Yet he was among the few foreigners that could find any charm in it. He looked down and saw a Hollow lizard crawl its way out of the sand and sniff at his worn brown boots. The single brown eye not concealed by his thick dark hair watched the creature until it was satisfied and burrowed back into the sand.

He used his Reiatsu to slide down the dune. The hood of his grey jacket flew back, revealing his full head of dark brown hair. There was a grace to his movement that some would consider stylish, but he merely viewed it as practical. He knew that he could go faster if he wanted to, but manners and common sense dictated a steady approach.

He suddenly came to a stop. His eyes shifted over to a nearby dune as it erupted. A large, bull-headed Hollow emerged in a cloud of sand. It unleashed a victorious roar as it spotted him. It rushed forward, but the man did not move. When the creature got close, the man swung his arm in a back-handed slap. The impact sent the creature flying backwards. It crashed into the sands, raising a cloud of dust. As the cloud settled, the creature moaned in rage and tried to get up. The man approached it.

"It's strange to see one of you here. Well, I guess it will make up for forgetting to bring a peach," Yasutora "Chad" Sado said in his slow, deep voice.

The years had caused him to become taller than most tall men. He had the same build that he did in his younger days. Despite having lived for a little over 200 years he looked like a man in his late twenties to early thirties. A closely cropped beard covered his face. To any who looked, they would see that he did not have a brute's face, but a handsome face with eyes filled with the quiet, sorrowful knowledge of the years they had seen.

"It's been a while since someone like you attacked me. I suppose that means I'm getting better at hiding it."

The Hollow picked itself up and roared at him as it clawed at the sandy ground. It was right to let it get up, even though it wouldn't change the outcome. However, it was important to hold oneself to some code of standards when one had any kind of power.

"I'm sorry," he whispered as the Hollow rushed towards him. "You're not going to leave me with any other choice. Are you?"

The Hollow roared in rage. It was almost as though the creature understood what he said. Chad looked at his left hand and closed his eyes. He hoped that the Hollow would just walk away, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. He hated having to kill anything, but he would do it if he had to.

"Brazo Izquierda del Diablo," he said.

His left arm changed just as the Hollow launched a large fist at him. Chad moved slightly and grabbed the Hollow's wrist. The creature roared in pain and rage as Chad tore its arm off with casual ease. Blood splattered across the sand. The pain only caused the creature to become more enraged. Chad sighed as he casually tossed the limb aside.

"I'm sorry that I have to do this."

In a quick and smooth motion Chad thrust his left hand into the Hollow's Hierro chest as though it was mere paper. The creature did not have time to scream or struggle. Chad seized its beating heart and crushed it with ease.

The eyes behind the mask widened in shock before growing dim as its life was extinguished like a flickering flame in a strong wind. He could feel the body become lax as his arm supported nothing but dead weight.

He sighed as he loosened his hold on the ruined heart and withdrew his arm. He lifted the creature over his shoulder and continued on his way.

He felt sorry for the poor creature. Regardless of what the Soul Society dictated, Hollows were in and of themselves not evil. Most of them were little more than wild beasts that only acted out of their survival instincts.

It was a mercy, he thought sadly. I have freed it of an existence of agony to itself and others.

He thought about the first encounter he had with the world that Ichigo was meant for. The Hollow Shrieker was the first time he ever encountered true evil. This creature was not the same for there was no malicious purpose behind the attack, only the instinct to survive.

Good and evil cannot exist without free will, he thought.

As he walked, the creature's black blood oozed from the gaping wound, drenching his back. The feeling was all-too familiar for him. He remembered times when he carried the wounded, either comrade or enemy, on his broad shoulders. There were times that he carried their corpses like this as well. However, those days were in the past and now his shoulders were used to carry trophies like the one he now possessed.

He paused for a moment and looked at the crescent moon high above him. He found it rather odd that the moon was always the same here, bathing the sands with its silvery light. For him, the moon symbolized purity, untouched by the triumphs and tragedies it witnessed below. Though, in this land, purity was synonymous with sterility and the corruption of the natural order of where life was allowed to thrive.

Don't think such things, he chided. You're starting to think like an old man.

It was true that he was old in years, but he wondered how much his outlook had changed since the old days in Karakura Town. He allowed his mind to drift to those days with him and Ichigo watching each other's back. He wished that he could have those days again.

It's no good to dwell on the past. Those days are gone. There is only "Now."

He continued forward, adjusting his burden a little to get a better grip on the carcass. He ascended a high dune until the structure came into view.

It was one of the most magnificent structures in all of Hueco Mundo. He had seen the tribal cities and this structure, in his opinion, surpassed them. Only the great city of Las Noches surpassed The Shrine.

The Shrine was like a ziggurat, and was most likely modeled after the ancient temple of Ur. It rose from the desert sands, reaching high into the black heavens with great sandstone steps. At the top, a dome of quartz gleamed in the moonlight. The glow of lunar crystals set at the corners and at regular intervals bathed the structure in a soothing white light. He saw clusters of the upper branches of the Crystalline Trees protruding through the surface around the structure. He could make out the outlines of the murals of geometric shapes carved on the stones. He saw a group of Arrancars at work on one of the upper levels, most likely either repairing such a mural or making a new one.

He knew that anyone from the Soul Society who saw this would wonder why Arrancars would build such a magnificent structure. Of course, they would be more baffled with how Arrancars could build such a structure.

Chad knew that, despite its appearance, it wasn't a single structure. It was an entire compound of structures that the ziggurat had been built over, absorbing them into its stepped armor. The defense of this place was a great concern since at its very heart was one of the most sacred sites in all of Hueco Mundo.

Suddenly, he heard the deep and steady sounds of hide-covered drums mixed with the sorrowful songs of flutes filling the night. He turned and saw a small band of Arrancars making their way in a slow procession to the main entrance. He could barely make out other such bands making their way to the great structure.

They must be pilgrims. This is not exactly my best timing, but I suppose there's no turning back.

He shifted the Hollow's carcass on his shoulder and he slid down the dune. He made his way to the base of the natural ledge of sandstone that The Shrine rested on. He walked along the outside until he came to a flight of steps, hidden among the rocks, that was used as a back entrance. He walked up the steps and smiled when he saw that the Guardians who were concealed among the rocks bow to him and did not hinder him.

She's expecting me.

He stopped when he reached the top. An Acolyte dressed in a hide skirt and white silk bandages wrapped around her chest stepped forward. The thin silver chain that held her veil in place marked her as a high-ranking Acolyte and the crimson serpent tattoo that wound around her left arm marked her as a member of the Anaconda Sisterhood.

"I come bearing a gift for the Chief Acolyte."

Chad laid the corpse onto the ground in front of him. He could feel the Acolyte's eyes rest on the medallion that his grandfather gave him.

"It is a good gift. The Chief Acolyte waits for you in the Great Mother's Shrine and has granted you free passage, Emissary Sado."

"Thank you," Chad said and gave a polite bow.

He passed through one of the archways and into one of the passageways that led to the inner regions of The Shrine.

The wide and tall passageway to the sacred site was grand but it was bare. This was to make sure that the glorious trappings of the Inner Chamber were all the more poignant to those who beheld them. While he found it a pleasant sight, it was also a foreign one. It was the heart of a creed that he respected, but did not adhere to.

Keeping count of the columns made it easier to find the right stone to press in. However, he found it a little too easily. The Reiatsu-created sandstone was, unlike its neighbors, worn from use. He knew that he would have to inform her. He pressed on the stone and there was a slight clicking sound. A section of the wall swung out a little. With the practice motion of years, Chad opened it enough to slip through before pulling on the iron rung on the other side to slide the door into place. He pulled until he heard another clicking sound that meant that the locking mechanism was activated.

He turned and knew that he was in the area with the Acolytes' living quarters, the ceremonial chambers for the Sisterhoods, and the birthing pits. Even though each of these areas was massive, they hardly filled the Shrine. He knew that the storehouses, Acolyte housings, and other necessities were hidden away amongst the grandeur.

Chad relaxed a bit more now and began to make his way through the labyrinth of corridors with the ease of familiarity. He noticed that the halls were more deserted than usual. He had a feeling that they were busy tending to the pilgrims he had seen.

He passed one girl who was sitting in one of the alcoves that dotted the hallway. Her eyes were narrowed and her lips were pressed together as she read a thin stone tablet. She had flaming red hair and pale skin. She looked as though she was in her late teens by human standards, but that indicated that she was closer to twelve years in Arrancar development. She wore the hide skirt and chest wrappings of an Acolyte. However, she lacked a tattoo on her arm. The veil she wore was held by a simple cloth string.

She's an Initiate, Chad thought. She looks kind of like Ichigo whenever he tried to concentrate on his studies.

He found the thought to be rather amusing. He gave a small chuckle that humans would miss. However, Arrancar ears were sharper than human ears. The girl's head went up in a sharp movement. She nearly dropped the tablet, but was able to regain her grip on it. She glared at Chad and looked as though she was about to yell at him before stopping. Even though the face below her large green eyes was hidden by the veil, Chad could tell that she was confused.

She's wondering why I'm here and why I don't have a mask.

"Sorry," Chad said.

He resumed his trek through the unmarked corridors. If an intruder did infiltrate this far they would get lost quickly. A faint trace of amusement came over him when he realized that the Initiate was following after him as stealthily as she could. He knew that she probably did it as much to get away from her studies as to inspect an intruder.

The occasional doors were made of slabs of sandstone on hinges. He originally thought that the Arrancars' fondness for rock had something to do with strength. However, it was merely from practicality. There were no real trees outside of Las Noches, except for probably in Octavia. However, any decently powerful Arrancar could harden sand into sandstone to some degree. And sand was something that Hueco Mundo did not lack.

He saw a tapestry of a three-horned doe blocking his path. Chad thought that it looked fresher than he remembered. It was either a new hanging or some poor Initiate had been ordered to clean it. He did not break his stride as he pulled it aside and stepped through.

He felt his tail's unease increase and he frowned. He didn't want to leave someone in such a state. But words had never been his strong suit. That was one thing he admired about the last Quincy. Uryu may have talked too much, but as a result he was good at talking when it counted.

"That's enough," a relatively husky voice called out from somewhere ahead. "I'm expecting him."

Chad could hear the girl stumble and then make a hasty retreat. He shook his head and put his hands in his pockets. He walked down the hall and made the last turn that revealed an open door. He recognized the invitation and stepped into the room.

"Was it necessary to scare her?" he asked the figure stretched out on a hide-covered bed of sandstone.

"Yes. Consider it a lesson in obedience and growing a spine; two for the price of one." The woman gave a slight chuckle.

"Why does motivation and intimidation have to be one and the same for you Apacci?"

The veteran Arrancar sat up. Despite the veil, he could tell that she was smiling. He smiled and knew that she appreciated the expression.

The loud and high-strung Arrancar had come a long way from the badly burned survivor Harribel carried from the Fake Karakura Town. However, the scars remained. Even though the veil hid the destroyed part of her face, her nearly bare upper body revealed most of the scarred flesh.

Even though Orihime offered to heal her Apacci had only allowed her left arm to be restored. She had never tried to conceal the scars after her mistress's death. Yet despite those things, Apacci was bothered by the idea of being hideous. Chad felt as though Apacci kept the scars to remind her of what she lost.

Chad had seen her face without the veil and did not flinch at it. This caused Apacci to understand how loyal he was willing to be with her. Arrancars viewed loyalty as solemn and binding and once someone did something to earn loyalty, it was nearly impossible to break. It was one reason that Chad had come to respect the Arrancars. Although there were times that their mindless loyalty annoyed him.

And then there was the matter of their aggression. On average, Arrancars were more aggressive than humans and as a result most Arrancars only reached their thirties in terms of human years either from their tribal wars or from duels.

"Well…where's my fruit?" she asked as she sniffed the air.

"I…uh…I forgot."

"IDIOT!" Apacci screamed and threw a sandal at him.

The sandal struck his forehead, to very little effect, and fell to the floor. Chad looked at it and then at Apacci who now standing on top of the bed, glaring at him.

"How could you possibly forget? You know how much that stuff costs."

"I forgot by…not remembering?" he answered lamely.

Apacci's eyes opened wide. Incredulity filled them. Chad scratched his beard, wondering how he should handle this. He saw her eyes narrow and saw the faint hints of a smile. Chad's eyes widened as she launched herself from the bed. She struck him in the stomach, elbows first. Chad gave a small grunt, more from surprise than pain, as he toppled to the floor. He looked at Apacci who was now straddling his chest.

"I…I did bring a kill."

"Tch…it's probably nothing that I couldn't catch myself. Honestly, you seem to be only good for two things. Since you failed at one," she said as she began to unwind the crimson silk bandages from her chest, "let's get to the other. I need some fucking stress-release."

As soon as she bared her upper body, she unfastened the belt of Hollow skin that she wore around her waist and began to take off the pelt skirt. However, she did not loosen her hold so that he could stand up.

Chad began to wonder if he could force his way to his feet. The answer used to be obvious. However, she had become immensely strong over the centuries. He began to think that they should spar again soon, his armor against her Resurrección.

The last time they sparred, he saw first-hand that she had become far more powerful than she had been in the Winter War. He thought that she would have been ranked somewhere in the lower five of the Espada, if they still existed.

He brought his attention on her again. She was working at his pants and was completely naked except for the veil. The only time she was willing to take the veil off was when she entered her Resurrección, which was not scarred for some reason he did not understand. Even though he found her beautiful regardless of what form she was in, he hoped that she wouldn't try to get him to have sex with her while she was in that form. He found that idea to be a bit too uncomfortable for his taste.

However, he could tell that she was more stressed than usual. Something was bothering her.

"Is it the Sons?" he asked.

Apacci stopped her effort and looked at him.

"I wish," she whispered and lowered her gaze.

"Tell me."

She sighed put her head against his chest.

"It's not the Sons, even though they're still a pain in the ass. It's the Heresy."

"What?"

"There are Arrancars that are talking about that…that murderer being a hero. The thing is that it's not the usual assholes either. They think he did it out of love. They believe that by killing her, he set her free to be a goddess, unbound by flesh!"

As she spoke, Chad saw angry tears forming in her eyes. This stunned him. He had never seen her get like this before.

"The terrible thing is that it's not just Adherents, but some of the Acolytes are buying it and are preaching it behind my back! Do you have any idea what that's like?"

Chad was conflicted. He never liked the Great Mother religion's hateful tone. History made the consequences of hatred clear. However, Apacci clearly saw this as a betrayal by followers that were practically a clan to her. There was no doubt that it opened old wounds.

No, he thought. Those wounds never truly healed.

"I could handle the Queen questioning my authority, but this…this is an attack on the Great Mother herself. I can't do anything, but…"

Apacci looked at him. She looked as though she was lost and afraid. He knew that she couldn't let it go, but the thought of persecuting her own people frightened her.

"Are you sure that it's a good idea for us to meet if you're under attack? I mean secrets are bad enough for people in your position, but…"

He was cut off by an elbow jab. Chad closed his mouth and looked at Apacci. Her eyes were playful again and her tears had run their course. She put a finger over his lips.

"Don't be stupid. We both know that won't do much to help me. Besides…" she teased. "I'm not the only one keeping secrets."

Apacci ran her finger tips through his beard. Chad smiled at the familiarity of her fingertips.

I guess a long life comes with complications, Chad thought.

She placed a hand on the sides of his face and leaned forward to kiss him through her veil.

Karakura Town

I am a stranger in a strange land, Ichigo thought.

So much had changed in the land where he once lived. The place he would always know as Karakura Town had grown into a thriving metropolis. Gilded buildings of glass and metal rose high into the sky as though trying to break through the heavens. Foreign names graced the façades as though the European banks and businesses were marking their territory. He could make out the sky gardens in their glass enclosures further up the buildings, areas reserved for the elite. A network of energy parks, filled with great solar panels and wind funnels, fed energy to the city.

The sky was filled with holographic giants peddling their wares. The streets had smaller versions of the holographic projectors set outside individual shops. He looked at one showing a young teen in an extremely skimpy bikini and showing off her too-large breasts winking and gesturing.

"Come on in," the false model purred. "Live out your fantasies. Become who you want to become. Indulge in your desires."

Ichigo shook his head as he walked past the Entertainment House where people were lining up to live a few hours in a false world to live out their darkest desires. He was glad that his final destination was not in the midst of this glamour, as fake as the worlds in the virtual pods within the Entertainment Houses.

He knew that the illusion of prosperity did not reach as far as it appeared. His destination was in the place where society's true face reared its Gorgon's head. He made his way into the areas that the European and Asian tourists and businessmen did not travel, at least not unless they had less-reputable business to conduct. The Entertainment Houses, shops, and restaurants gave way to places of ill-repute and homes for the less well-off.

Crimson light from the brothels flooded the dirty streets and the smell of decay filled his nostrils. Puddles of stagnant water filled the broken pavement, reflecting the advertisements from the ritzier area as if they were phantoms sent to torment the inhabitants with the promises that would never be theirs. Despite the decay, Ichigo felt as though this was closer to being home than the gleaming streets he had left.

He knew that he could have just had a Senkaimon open in front of his destination, but he didn't want that. Whenever he came here, he felt the need to know what the place he knew had become and to remind himself of the true cost of victory. The last time he saw his hometown the way he remembered it was when it was reduced to a pile of ashes and charred ruins during the Second Aizen War, another victim of Aizen's vengeance.

He looked down one of the alleyways and saw a group of those on the lowest end of society's ladder. Two of them were taking on one of the many disease-ridden prostitutes while the others sat around shooting up Soma or Lotus or any of the other drugs that was floating around the world. He sighed at these pitiful creatures, killing their sorrows by killing themselves.

If this is what the living have become then it would have been better if Aizen won.

He shook his head at the thought. He could feel rage building inside him for even thinking that.

The Arrancars had been proof that Aizen was nothing but a hypocrite. He could have easily gained their undying loyalty as their Maker. He could have used them to help him build the new world he claimed to dream about. Instead, he neglected them and used them merely as pawns. He did not even spare a look when his followers who had freed him burned, calling out his name for him to save them. There had been others, so many others, who were sacrificed for the sake of his ambition and pettiness.

He could still remember that voice calling out in desperation and terror. That voice had called for him. And he had failed. In the end he could not save everyone. All victory came at a price. Most of the time that price was too high but it had to be paid for the sake of the greater good.

There would be no forgiveness. There would be no regret. Even if Aizen had been a messiah, he would not regret the part he played to bring him down for the last time.

He stopped when he realized that he had reached the shop. The words "Urahara Shoten" were barely visible on the shop's crumbling façade. He felt a storm of emotions rise at the sight. However, the emotion he felt the most was nostalgia. He smiled.

An island of memories in an unfamiliar sea, he thought.

It was as close to the original shop that Kisuke could get to with all of the renovations done over 200 years on top with having the upper structure rebuilt. The overlooked candy store was used as something like Noah's Ark. He remembered how humans were flash-stepped into the large cavern far below to save them from Aizen's wrath. Over a hundred of the innocent were saved thanks to the shop. However, thousands died that day when Karakura Town burned like a funeral pyre.

It was comforting, but it was also disturbing to see. It was a piece of his hometown amidst the stranger city that had risen from the ashes.

A familiar girl with black pigtails and a pink dress opened the door. She had her usual woeful expression and was holding a broom in her small hands. He raised his hand and was about to call a greeting but stopped when another girl who was wearing a bright red shirt and a denim jacket walked out. She had the same black hair and the same big eyes as Ururu, and they were roughly the same height. However, while Ururu's eyes always down-cast, the other girl's eyes always shone with confidence.

The more things change…

"ICHIGO!" the other girl called out.

He barely had time to brace himself before she planted a small fist in his gut. He doubled-over from the impact.

"Jerk," she said, planting her fists on her thin hips.

"Uh…Yura, Mr. Urahara told us not to hit customers."

"Does he ever buy anything? Besides, he had it coming for not playing a nice friendly game of soccer with me the last time he was here."

"But…you were in the bathroom," Ururu said and then cringed a little.

Ichigo frowned a little. He knew the gesture all too well.

Yura crossed her arms and began grumbling under her breath. Then a large hand grabbed her head. She let out a cry of surprise as she was lifted off the ground.

"He may not be a customer, but you reserve that kind of behavior for moochers. Young ladies do not punch people in the gut for no reason," Tessai said.

"It's no problem. She's a light-weight compared to most of the women who hit me."

"Ah, good evening Mr. Kurosaki, the boss is meeting someone, but they haven't arrived yet," Tessai said as he let the girl drop into her sister's arms.

"Oh…who is it?" Ichigo asked, not really interested.

"I'm afraid that's the boss's business," Tessai answered sternly, folding his arms across his chest. "However, I'm sure he would like to talk to you," he said in a friendlier tone.

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impede him."

And considering that I'm here to ask for a favor…

"He won't mind. I'll take you right to him. Ururu, Yura, you two get back to work."

"Yeah, yeah," Yura said and snapped a sarcastic salute before grabbing her sister's hand. "Come on Ururu, the War on Dust is just heating up."

"Alright Jinta…I mean…alright Yura," the mellow girl said as she was tugged gently along.

Ichigo looked at Ururu and sighed.

"She's still not used to not having Jinta around."

"No. She still has nightmares and she still wakes up crying. It's been better with Yura sharing a bunk. But…even new people don't fill the holes left behind."

Ichigo nodded. It was true, especially when those holes had been savagely ripped to begin with. The Second Aizen War had been devastating on everyone, especially on those who helped to defeat Aizen during the Winter War. The fucking bastard had been thinking about what to do when he was liberated from that pit, and he put all of his power and cunning to make it happen.

He noticed that Tessai still walked with a very heavy limp. However, he was glad to see that Tessai had finally decided to get an arm replacement. His left arm had been reduced to nothing more than a lump of mangled flesh filled with broken bone when he tried to defend his comrades from Aizen's wrath. For some reason he had politely waved off Orihime's offer to heal it and then Uryu's offer of a prosthetic limb.

He probably couldn't stand the pain anymore.

"BOSS, ICHIGO'S HERE," Tessai called out as they entered the store.

Ichigo saw that very little had changed. There were some new items, of course. And it looked as though Tessai was trying out a new decorating scheme, this time involving pink curtains with yellow polka dots.

"JUST SEND HIM ON BACK," Kisuke called out.

"Go right ahead. I'll get some tea."

"Natural or is it that artificial shit?" Ichigo asked and wrinkled his nose.

"Natural, of course," Tessai said, feigning offense.

Ichigo nodded. Natural tea was always the best tea.

He went to the living area that was just behind the shop. He was glad that Kisuke decided to keep the same layout as the old shop. He frowned when he saw that some of the decorations had black cats on them. Even though it was Yoruichi's handiwork, it still made him uncomfortable. He opened the sliding door that led to the dining area, noticing the dancing chibi black cats dancing on the bottom wooden frame with wide "soulless" eyes.

He saw that Kisuke was already sitting at the table. He was wearing his usual hat and clogs. His face was hidden behind the fan he held in his left hand. Ichigo knew what he was concealing. He noticed that the shopkeeper was doing a better job hiding his scarred hand with a white-and-green striped glove. He smiled as he sat down across from the exiled Captain.

"Ah, welcome back, Ichigo."

"You know you don't need to hide your face around me. If it bothers you too much you can always get it repaired."

"I know," Kisuke said and lowered the fan.

The right side of his face was completely covered in burn scars. Ichigo noticed that he tried to brush what hair could grow on the right side of his head down to conceal the hole where an ear had been. The right side of his mouth had been burned so badly scarred that he could no longer close that side of his mouth completely. As a result, he always looked as if he was sneering.

"Then why don't you get it repaired? Medicine has come a long way."

"I don't know. Miss Inoue offers to heal me whenever we meet. She says that it would only take a minute to set me right. But I still can't bring myself to accept these reasonable offers. Maybe it's just my pride or it could be that I just don't want to hurt Yoruichi by reminding her of what I used to look like."

"I'm sure Yoruichi wouldn't mind. In fact, I'm sure that she would prefer you with your old face."

"Funny, but she always tells me that the scars are a vast improvement. So, what brings you here Captain Ichigo Kurosaki?" he asked, allowing a hint of his pride for his former pupil's title show.

Before Ichigo could respond, Tessai entered with their tea. He placed the small tray before them. He picked up the pot and poured the tea into the cups. The towering Kido master glanced at each of them.

"Is there anything else you want?"

Ichigo shook his head while Urahara only muttered something that he couldn't hear, but was probably something along the lines of "nothing." Tessai gave a bow and left them.

Ichigo picked up his cup and took a small sip. He smiled at the soothing taste of natural tea, as promised.

"Now then, back to my original question: why are you here, Captain Kuchiki?"

"I need to speak to Orihime, but I don't know where she is."

Urahara kept his poker face. Ichigo knew that it was not a good sign.

"Well…that is quite a request. It's been…what a hundred years since you last saw her?"

It couldn't have been that long, Ichigo thought. Then again, when was the last time I got news about her that wasn't either from him or Chad?

The guilt soured the tea in his mouth.

"Don't worry, Kisuke. This isn't Central 46 business. I'm looking for her as a friend…a lousy friend, but a friend."

Urahara opened his fan again, leaving his tea untouched.

"Ichigo, Orihime left me as her contact instead of her old friends for a reason. She wants distance and privacy, especially after the tragedy in North America blew her old life into pieces, literally.

"She trusts me to be the gatekeeper when it comes to her past trying to catch up. I'll need something other than lapsed friendship," the exiled Captain said coldly, if not a little cruelly.

Ichigo met his eyes. Even though he still respected the man, Ichigo was no longer the clueless rookie who had been dropped into the shattered shaft. Kisuke saw that and gave a smirk as he shut his fan.

"It's so nice to see them grow."

"This…this isn't about me, Urahara."

Kisuke's eyes narrowed. Ichigo could feel the tension build.

Damn it. I'm really putting this badly.

"It's not about me. It's not about the Gotei. It's not about Central 46. IT'S ABOUT RUKIA!" Ichigo shouted.

The tension broke. Kisuke looked at Ichigo in surprise.

Damn it. I meant to say that it was about Tatsuki. I really am an idiot.

"Chibi Kuchiki? I…I'm not following."

"Well…I…I popped the question. She said 'yes,'" Ichigo said.

It was the only thing he could think of. It was true, to an extent. He just didn't tell Kisuke when he asked her.

Kisuke looked at Ichigo in surprise. For a moment, Ichigo thought he had made a mistake. However, the thumping sound of a bottle of sake being placed on the wooden table told him otherwise. Ichigo saw Urahara grinning as he popped the cork.

"WELL WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO? Come on, we need something stronger for the occasion. So, you're gathering the old crew to mend the bonds of friendship while getting hitched, eh?"

Kisuke lifted the bottle to his lips and drank deeply.

"You could say that."

I can't believe it worked. Either I'm getting better at this or old "Hat-and-Clogs" is getting even more senile.

Kisuke held the bottle out to Ichigo. Saliva gleamed around the bottle's mouth. He took the bottle reluctantly and sniffed at the contents briefly.

"Well, it's not exactly tactful to invite her to the wedding, but it would be rude not to. Alright, I'll do it! But for now, I need you out of the way. I have a client of the VIP variety coming and I need to get my good hat," Urahara said.

"I take it that being a Captain doesn't mean I'm a VIP then."

The next thing Ichigo knew, he was being pushed out of the room. He didn't even have time to protest as Kisuke shoved him out of the room with one hand while the other held the fan over his mouth.

"Titles don't make men important. Men make titles important. Now, run along, Little Ichigo."

He turned to ask Kisuke what the deal and only faced a closed door.

Did he just insult me?

He sighed and looked at the bottle. He wiped the lip clean as best he could and took one drink from the bottle so as not to be rude and set it on one of the shelves. He hoped that a responsible adult, namely Tessai, would find it before Yura did. But then again, Kisuke probably had the Karmic retribution of a tipsy Yura coming anyway.

Well, I better get out of "Hat-and-Clogs'" hair for a while.

He knew that he could leave, but he wasn't anxious to go through the city that seemed to mock his halcyon days.

I could see the underground training facility. He's probably put in some upgrades. If not, I could do some training. Yeah, I'll do that. It'll help pass the time.

He knew which way to go. As he walked down the hall, he felt as though he was coming home.

He came to the trap door and pulled on the iron ring. When he got it opened he looked down the ladder and smiled. He remembered all of the times he had to climb up and down the damn thing. He sighed as he put one leg over the edge and searched for a rung. He held on to the wooden bench as he hoisted himself over to begin the descent. This was one case where change would be welcomed; so, naturally, Kisuke left it just the way it always was.

His descent was as it had always been: one rung at a time. Memories came to him unbidden but not unwelcomed. He remembered how Urahara helped him to regain his Soul Reaper abilities after Byakuya took the first ones away. He remembered how his Inner Hollow awakened for the first time as a result of that act. Those memories brought a shiver down his spine. If he had known what that awakening would have led to, he might have never gone through with it. But then again, he wouldn't have been able to save Rukia without that ordeal.

Power is nothing but a double-edged sword, he thought. It can help you achieve your goals and it can hurt you and the ones you hold dear. And once you have it you seem to have very little, or perhaps you don't have any control over it.

When Ichigo reached the bottom he looked around. The place was as it had been the last time he saw it. When he looked up, he realized that he could not see any of the damage in the false sky that Aizen dealt on it when he destroyed the shop and battled Tessai and Urahara.

Tessai and the others must have had quite a time repairing it. But then again, hard work is a good way to come to terms with tragedy.

He tried to think of what he could do first but then something caught his undivided attention. He turned and looked in surprise at the familiar area between two cliffs with wooden beams protruding from them. He looked directly into the gaping black mouth hanging in the air.

"What the…? That's…that's a…" he stuttered as he looked into the Garganta.

He reached for his Zanpakuto as Arrancar Reiatsu poured out.

"Itsygo?" a female voice called out from the darkness.

Ichigo froze. His eyes became wide. There was only one person who said his name like that.

"ITSYGO!" Nel shouted and jumped out of the darkness and landed on him. "It's so good to see you again!"

"Y-yeah, it's…it's good to see you too Nel."

Ichigo blushed at the feel of her body against him. He tried to focus away from the weight of her breasts pressing against him. And her hips were pressing against his crotch.

Yeah, this isn't awkward at all.

"Uh…would you please get off me before you start squeezing me to death?" he asked as she was starting to squeeze him in her death grip hug.

"Oh…sorry," Nel said and let go.

She smiled and calmed herself down. Ichigo felt his stomach stir at the more mature and serene look she took on. He couldn't help but return her smile.

"It's good to see you," she continued. "It's been a while."

"It's only been about…140 years."

Ichigo found himself surprised at the number of years it had been since they last saw each other. And from the way that Nel's eyes widened, she was just as surprised.

"Has it really been that long?"

"Yeah, yeah it has," he said a bit more firmly than he wanted.

Nel looked at Ichigo and sighed. She understood the hidden implication.

"I suppose it has been that long. I'm sorry. It's just that with your Central 46 shutting down the Ambassador's Compound in the Seireitei, and…" she trailed off.

"If I recall, you closed down your Ambassador's Compound in Las Noches."

"No, no, I remember that the Seireitei closed down the Ambassador's Compound first. We closed ours in retaliation."

"Are you sure that it was just in retaliation?"

"Yes. It was politics." Nel quickly shifted her eyes away from him. "Please, let's not get into this debate again."

"What's there to debate? I mean we were…you know…Ambassadors for our teams."

"We were more than just Ambassadors."

"Yeah…we were," Ichigo said and looked away.

"Are you ashamed?" she asked softly.

"Only because I never told Rukia," he admitted.

"That's right. How is Rukia these days?" she asked, forcing a smile.

"She's…great. We're going to get married soon," he replied with his own false smile.

Nel looked at him, stunned. She smiled slightly as what he said sunk in.

"I suppose I should say something like 'Congratulations,'" she said calmly as she wiped at one cheek. "I suppose if I was a Soul Reaper, I would be jealous or angry or…or hurt by this. However, I'm an Arrancar. We have our own views about sex and we don't exactly 'get married,' although some do mate for life. I suppose all I can do is hope that you two will be happy."

"Well, I'm…uh…I don't really know what to say to that Nel."

Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't know how Nel would react. Actually, he hadn't really thought that much about her for a while and so the thought of telling Nel had never crossed his mind.

"Then don't say anything. Look, I…"

"What we had was…a mistake. So don't even ask. The last thing I want is to hurt Rukia more."

"You don't seem to realize that you're still hurting Rukia by not telling her about us. Do you think that she's not thinking about the times you stayed longer on your Ambassador visits? She's probably thinking about whether or not we were…"

"She wouldn't have said 'Yes' if she was. Look, what we had was fun, but that's all it was."

Nel smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Fun but not intimate, is that about right?"

"Yeah, that's right. So…why are you here?" Ichigo asked in order to change the subject.

"I suppose I should ask you the same question. But you'll probably only tell me that it was to get the word out to your friends about you and Rukia."

"And you would probably tell me that it was just to see if you received any messages to relay back to Starrk and Harribel."

Nel looked at him and sighed.

"I suppose, in some way, we would know that the other was lying." She reached out and grabbed his arm. Ichigo looked at her and saw that her eyes were filled with sorrow and loneliness. "I've missed you."

"Nel," he whispered.

He didn't know what to say. He didn't even know what he was thinking about. Seeing Nel brought back many of the old feelings. The times they spent with each other had been fun, but it seemed as though a different Nel was standing before him.

She's feeling what I'm feeling. We both have things that we can't tell each other.

"Nel, I…"

He didn't want to hurt her. However, if she wanted what he thought…

"I thought I told you 'only one sip,'" Urahara snapped.

They turned and saw Kisuke coming towards them. He was holding Yura in his arms. The girl was fast asleep and cradling the sake bottle that Ichigo had left on a shelf. For some reason the area around Kisuke's left eye was black and blue and starting to swell.

"Is she alright?" Ichigo asked.

"Huh…oh…yeah, she's just asleep…well…actually she's a little tipsy," Kisuke said, irritation slipping away. "Although, shouldn't you be asking me that? I'm the one with the black eye. Oh…you're early," he said when he noticed Nel. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

"Oh…not at all, I only got here a couple of minutes ago. I was just catching up on old times with Itsygo. He told me that he and Rukia are getting married."

"I KNOW!" Kisuke shouted with excitement. "It's wonderful news. Anyways, he wants to spread the news to the rest of his pals. I would suggest that he starts with Chad in Mexico."

"Damn it, Kisuke. I wanted to tell Orihime first. So why don't you just tell me where she is already?"

"Come on. When have I ever given you a straight answer?" Urahara chuckled.

"Tch…you'll never change." Ichigo shook his head and turned his attention back to Nel. "Nel, we can finish our conversation later. Uh…how long do you think you will be here?"

"Not long. However, I'll come back in about three days or so." She leaned a bit closer and whispered, "Don't forget your dancing shoes. I could use some fun."

Ichigo's face went a little red. He began to stammer as he searched for what he wanted to say. Kisuke began to chuckle a little.

"Are you joking?" he asked frantically. "I'm getting married."

"I didn't mean that kind of fun. I just meant some time with a friend. I…I could use a friend."

Ichigo looked at her. He didn't understand what she meant. He saw that he wasn't looking at her.

"What about Pesche and Dondochakka? Aren't they your friends?"

Nel didn't say anything. He could tell that she was struggling with something. However, she got over whatever it was and looked at Ichigo.

"They're my fraccion," she said simply.

Kisuke Urahara

He watched Ichigo climb up the ladder, grumbling under his breath. Nel was close behind and, judging from the grin on her face, she was enjoying the view. She had offered to go up first, offering a pleasant view of her own ass. Ichigo, ever the ungrateful prude, had politely refused.

Ah, youngsters, they're always entertaining.

The thudding noise of the trapdoor slamming shut told him that he was alone. He lowered his hat, darkening his eyes under its shadow. He frowned. He could tell that Ichigo wasn't lying. He saw the truth about him and Rukia on his former pupil's face. He had sent Ichigo out of the room in order to give him some time to think about whether or not to send him to Chad.

But he hadn't survived so long by being stupid. He was not as blind and deaf about matters in the Soul Society as Ichigo thought. His informers kept him reasonably informed and very well-informed in certain areas.

And they had not seen any trace of Rukia in the Soul Society over the past couple of years. He knew that Ichigo hated politics, and yet he had played the political game with him. That was not like him. And if one included Rukia's apparent disappearance…

Something's going on.

He began to make his ascent. He knew that Nel would be waiting in the living area to discuss whatever she came to discuss and he had a feeling that it wasn't about the latest hat fashions.

He sighed. He had hoped that he would be able to stay out of Seireitei politics, but it seemed as though he would have to at least find out what was going on. His contacts would take care of that, or at least as much as they could, but he knew that he would need help on this.

Maybe it's time that I call Shinji.

Hueco Mundo, The Shrine

"Where are you running off to?" Apacci asked.

Chad looked around and saw Apacci sitting upright, straightening her veil to conceal her lower face.

"I have to get going. But I'll come back when I have the chance," he replied as he pulled on his shirt.

"Just don't forget to bring some fruit with you next time."

Chad put on his hoodie and gave a slight chuckle. He went over to her and stroked her soft hair.

"What if I forget?"

"Then I'll probably have to eat you. After all, your lips taste a little like mango and your 'sugar cane'…" she licked her lips.

"Did you have to put it that way?"

Chad could feel heat rising. Apacci gave a little chuckle at his embarrassment.

"Aw, did I make my pet tiger blush?" she teased leaning forward to poke his chin with the horn on her mask fragment.

"You really are cruel," he whispered.

He brushed the horn aside and kissed her on the forehead.

"I know," she said getting off the bed. "Now, I need to get ready. It's almost time for the Prayers. Plus, there's a new group of Novice Acolytes that I need to see to and there are some pilgrims ready to be initiated into the Creed. I'm sure you know the way out."

Chad finished getting dressed. As he was tying his boots he watched as she started to rewrap the long, thick strips of cloth around her torso.

"I can help with that," he offered.

"I think I can manage. You better get going."

She waved him out with a handful of red cloth. Chad nodded and made his way to the tapestry that concealed the entrance. He had left the Acolyte quarters for the main ceremonial areas when he stopped. He suppressed more of his Reiatsu and snuck down the hallway to peer around a corner. He could feel the spiritual energy coming from a group of pilgrims being led by two of the Silver Acolytes, named for the silver chains that held their veils in place, for their first Prayers as official believers in the Creed.

There was a vaguely familiar spiritual energy coming from the group. They were most likely Triples by the way their apparent leader looked. He looked at them and thought of following them. Then he shrugged off the idea. It would not do to be found sneaking around.

It's just your imagination, he thought as he returned to his own route.

He sighed as he made his way cautiously to the secret door to the outside. He left The Shrine for the desert. From there, he could return to the sunlit lands of the World of the Living.

Mexico

Ichigo was beginning to understand more-and-more why spirits preferred the older parts of town for their haunts. The march of History sometimes seemed mocking with the rapidity it moved in the World of the Living.

The last time he had visited the new focal point, replacing the destroyed Karakura Town, it had been a prosperous town in southern Mexico. Unlike his old thoughts of a dusty, run-down place, like in a Western film, it was a green land against highlands. The town had a mixed population of native Mexicans and American refugees; a disproportionate number of them were spiritually aware.

Both the groups of refugee descendants and the old townies were being shoved aside as the town boomed into a small city. New money, new business, and new people streamed into the town, a blessing and a curse for the town chosen to be the spiritual focal point. The west side remained true to the older roots. There were the petty divides between the various groups of inhabitants, but they had declared peace with each other since the bad old days when the streets flowed with blood.

He gladly put the lights and fast pace of New Town behind him for the slower pace of Old Town. He noticed that people could actually see him here. However, it was not a majority, but along the lines of one in every twenty he passed. There was an old woman who looked as though she belonged on a post card. She was sitting on her porch when she saw him and bowed her head slightly in respect. There was a young man with a shaved head and a pentagram tattoo who emerged from an alley to look him over. When his curiosity was satisfied, he sank back into the shadows, but began to tail him.

Doesn't he know that his Reiatsu is way too obvious? He should really take lessons from Sui-Feng if he wants to trail a Captain without them even noticing.

There were others. Most took a look at him and continued on their way, looking relieved or troubled. Some of these wore jackets with a rose on the back. He saw graffiti showing a red rose with a golden center on various walls. His tail continued to follow until Ichigo reached his destination. The young man then turned around and made his way back the way he came.

Ichigo looked at the Taberna de la Rosa. He always imagined it as some kind of typical, slightly run-down, Mexican watering hole. Then again, Ichigo had no idea what a typical Mexican watering hole was supposed to look like. The place looked clean and in relatively good shape and looked like most of the other buildings around it. He knew that Chad wasn't trying to attract attention. An old-fashioned neon sign glowed next to the door showing the name surrounding a rose, much like those he saw on the jackets and walls. He knew that Chad also used this place as a training facility for his students.

He pulled the door open and felt the spiritual pressure increase suddenly. He could feel his legs starting to wobble and a wave of nausea come upon him. Fortunately, he knew how to adjust and only had to pause and prop himself against the door frame and count in his head until his body had readjusted. Each time he did this, the count had decreased until now it only took him to the count of four in order to handle it.

When he got his body to adjust to the large amounts of Reiatsu, he looked around.

It was a very pleasant place. The smell of cooking meat and onions and peppers drifted from the kitchen and mingled with the smell of the sharp tang of alcohol. It had the feel of a place that honored the past. Photos, most likely taken by Chad, of the town as it must have appeared when Chad first moved here and old advertisement posters for various brands of alcohol and food decorated the wall.

"It may not be fine dining, but it smells like good dining and there's plenty of booze. I like it."

"Well, I don't like your fashion sense," someone drawled.

Ichigo turned and saw a man leaning against the wall near the door. His darker skin showed him most likely to be American-Mexican. His accent was a blend of Deep South and Mexican. His sleeveless shirt showed off well-muscled arms, a red rose tattooed on the right bicep. His stance indicated a good bit of training.

His students are bouncers? Man, talk about overkill.

Ichigo gave a small smile, which only seemed to piss off the guy even more.

"Forget it Rick. This guy's off the charts and he's wearing the white. Plus he has orange hair," an irritated woman said.

Ichigo turned and saw that the bartender was leaning over the bar counter. He tried to control his composure. She was a Goth. She was tastefully and strangely dressed in a black, Lolita dress with a low-cut neckline that showed off a bit of cleavage and the usual trappings. However, what got his attention was her spiritual pressure. Most of these people felt like they had Quincy or Soul Reaper spiritual pressure mixed with the regular human spiritual pressure. However, the bartender's felt more like a Hollow's.

"The boss said you people can wait in the training closet unless you're gonna buy something," the bartender deadpanned.

He nodded, but he was still unnerved by her spiritual pressure.

Has she developed an Inner Hollow?

She rolled her eyes at him, probably misinterpreting his expression or something, and threw the wash rag onto the counter. She came out from behind the counter and gestured for him to follow. Two doors and a short hallway later they were in a custodian closet. She moved a janitor's bucket and mop and a large package of toilet paper rolls aside to reveal a trapped door. She pulled the trap door and Ichigo felt his heart sink.

"Oh…no…no way," he moaned as he looked at the ladder leading downward.

"I know. The boss only says he knows a guy whenever we ask him," she said as she stepped onto the ladder.

Ichigo waited a bit longer at the opening.

Damn you, Kisuke. Why couldn't you just use stairs or…I don't know…an elevator for people to get to the training ground? Do you have some kind of vendetta we don't know about?

Ichigo sighed. Kisuke probably liked to subject people to annoying ladders for his personal amusement. However, he knew that the sooner he began, the sooner he would get to the bottom. There was only one time he tried to skip the ladder by jumping down while in his Soul Reaper state. He never tried it again.

It was also a good thing that no one had been around to see.

He was not surprised that Kisuke had used the same design for this underground training facility. However, this one included cacti and the occasional tumbleweed, and it was more rugged.

What is with Kisuke and deserts?

"Hey! Are ya coming or not?" the bartender called up to him.

"Oh…sorry," he called down and resumed his descent.

"Whatever," she dismissed.

Ichigo jumped down with about two meters to spare. She rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed, and turned away from him.

She led him through the dusty training ground until they reached a clearing in the rocks. There was a patio with couches and tables. He knew that this was some kind of resting area and there was only one person in the area at the moment. Ichigo smiled a little when he saw Chad sitting on one of the couches with a mug of steaming coffee in one hand.

"Sir, you have a guest," the Lolita said as she gave a slight bow, giving a respectful tone for the first time.

That, more than Chad's mark littering the town, showed how far he had come.

"Oh…thank you, Ophelia," Chad said as he set the mug on the table in front of him. "Please get him some…" He stopped when he saw Ichigo. Surprise flashed across his face for a moment and then he regained his composure, "…some tea."

"Right away, sir," she said and turned to leave.

Ichigo noticed that there was a tattoo on the back of her neck. He couldn't see much of it since her hair covered most of it, but he thought that it was another rose. He turned his attention back to Chad and smiled as he took a seat across the table.

"Hey, Chad, it's been a while."

"Yeah…what are you doing here, Ichigo?"

"Well, Kisuke sent me."

"I see. How is he?"

"He's…about the same. How are you doing?" he asked lamely.

"Busy. As you can see, I've become sort of like the Urahara of this place."

"Yeah, I suppose you have. But unlike the other Urahara, you're actually doing business."

"Ichigo…you still haven't answered my question."

"Oh…right…well…the thing is that…" Ichigo found himself straining to find the right words.

They were interrupted when Ophelia came from behind one of the boulders, carrying a tray with a cup of tea on it. She set the cup on the table in front of Ichigo, giving him a good view of her bosom. She saw that he was looking and her eyes narrowed as her Reiatsu spiked in annoyance.

"My eyes are up here," she said and gestured to her brown eyes with two fingers.

"Sorry," Ichigo coughed and looked to the side.

"Tch…I bet you're not. Is there anything else, Master Sado?" she asked.

Ichigo found the speed that she was able to shift from a growling tigress ready to bite his head off to a proper young lady slightly alarming.

"There is one thing. Would you please make sure that no one disturbs us? I think that I should talk to my guest in private."

"Alright, sir, I'll make sure that no one comes down."

"Thanks."

Ophelia bowed and turned to walk away. Ichigo watched her, frowning. He was completely sure that she was definitely producing Hollow Reiatsu. That troubled him. He could feel that Chad's eyes were on and so he turned to face his old friend.

"So, why did you come to see me, Ichigo?"

"Well, it's something of a social call, if you can believe it."

Ichigo smiled at Chad and was not surprised to see that he only looked as expressionless as usual.

"Sorry, but I can't really believe that. You only think to visit when Rukia is involved."

Ichigo's eye started twitching.

Why is he thinking that my visit is more like a visit from the tax man? I mean…sure…I'm not exactly being honest with him. But why do they assume that I have ulterior motives?

"Well…okay, you got me. I wanted to talk to Orihime first, but Kisuke sent me here. No offense."

"None taken," Chad said as he took a sip of coffee. "Don't be mad at him for sending you here first. He doesn't know where she is."

"WHAT?" Ichigo cried out. "But…but…but…everyone knows that he's Orihime's contact."

"Yeah."

Ichigo stared at his old friend for a moment. Then he understood. He glared off to the side.

"That bastard thinks he's so clever."

"That's only because he is." Chad took another sip from his mug and looked at Ichigo. "Why are you suddenly interested in visiting Orihime? You're not the type to intrude on a whim."

"You seem to have forgotten some things from the past."

"I haven't. I said that last part as an attempt at a joke. However, that does not mean that the question was intended as a joke."

Ichigo sighed.

"No, I guess it doesn't. Well, it is about Rukia. We're engaged."

Chad looked at him in surprise that lasted for only about two seconds. The two sat in silence for a while. Ichigo began to feel a little uncomfortable.

"So…aren't you going to say anything?"

"It only makes sense. After Orihime left, Rukia was the only likely candidate. Congratulations."

"And here I was about ready to ask you to be my best man."

"I could host the party down here. But, you'll have to pay the rental fee."

"Agh, we can talk about that later. Won't you please tell me where Orihime is?"

Chad sat in silent contemplation. He looked at Ichigo and sighed.

"Ichigo, I know that something happened in Karakura Town that day. I was in the Soul Society fighting the Captains with Captain-Commander Yamamoto. It…pushed me into places that I wished I never had to go. You've never pressed me on that, and I'm grateful for that. So, it goes without saying that I respect the silence between you three on what happened when Karakura Town burned.

"But I know that it tore something in Orihime. The Downfall ripped those scars open again. I don't know what happened or why it had the effects that it did, but I do know something of the pain that you three must have endured. So, I'll tell you. But only because you were there with her that day and you wouldn't be asking unless you thought it was worth it. I…I just hope that I'm doing the right thing."

Chad swallowed hard. Ichigo saw his free hand curl into a fist that he brought up to his chest. He found it odd and disturbing seeing his friend displaying such passion.

"She's in Denver. The place is called the Sacred Grotto. The directions are in the envelope."

He took out a thin envelope from his pocket and handed it to Ichigo.

Kisuke told him I was coming. But, did he decide before before-hand that he would tell me or did he decide to just now?

"Thanks man," Ichigo said and put a hand on his friend's knee. "And, I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. I know you. If you could have given your life to stop it, you would have."

Ichigo nodded as he drained his cup.

"Well, I better head out."

"Sure thing, but please stop by when you can. I would like for you to meet some of my other students and share a drink too."

"I'd like that."

"There's…one more thing before you go."

"What is it?"

"Orihime, she's…she's not the same."

"I figured as much. After all that she's been through…how could she be the same?"

Chad shook his head and sighed.

"You'll see when you see her."

"Well, whatever you say, Chad."

Ichigo got to his feet and turned to walk away. However, he stopped a few paces as something entered his mind. He turned and looked at the bearded giant.

"One more question. You're still alive and you haven't aged past your prime." Chad looked confused at Ichigo's obvious statement. "How do people in town not notice?"

"They notice, but it hasn't been a problem. I think they remember to forget, except for the ones who don't."

Ichigo looked at Chad. He was certain that he was on the receiving end of some joke. But if he was, he couldn't see it. Finally he threw up a hand as though in surrender before making his exit.

Chad smiled as he watched him go. He wondered if Ichigo would become more like his dad as soon as children entered the equation. They would probably turn his training ground into a playground away from home. He found the thought to be rather pleasant and smiled.

Hueco Mundo

The endless night was filled with the thunder of beating drums and the roars of chanting echoing over the sands.

A Hollow lifted its head from sniffing the sands and looked in the direction of the discord. However, none of the inhabitants of the walled city that rested at the base of one of the great mountains of Hueco Mundo were coming forth. Understanding that it was in no danger, the Hollow went back to seeking prey in the dunes.

In the city, a masked lizard about the size of a terrier skittered on top of the 30-foot tall wall of sandstone rocks that encircled the city. It stopped as it came to the sole entryway that broke the protective barrier. It paused and then began to ascend the magnificent stone sculpture that was on top of its side of the Panther's Gate, rising another 12 feet into the sky.

The sculptures that were on either side of each other on top of the wall at the Panther's Gate were of two stone panthers facing each other in combat. Stone claws scratched at each other and fang-filled mouths opened in silent roars. However, the roars were no longer silent for they had been given life with the roars of the occupants.

The main street ran in a straight line to a wide plaza that divided the city from the base of the mountain. The Arrancars, dressed in the hides of dead Hollows or clothing taken as loot long ago or baring their bodies adorned only by painted patterns and tattoos, reveled about the pit that was at the foot of a sandstone dais on which stood a great quartz statue of a panther roaring at the night sky in defiance.

At the foot of the pedestal, strapped to a frame of stone, was a completely nude female. She was large and was unable to move because of the overwhelming girth that hid her legs from sight. She languished before a steep slope that led down to the pit's sandy floor, her belly almost reaching the edge. The spawn within could be seen moving around inside like a great host of parasites straining against her Hierro. She howled in a combination of pain and defiance of that pain. Her eyes were wide and unseeing. Her mind was numb as life churned violently within her, near to overflowing.

"THE GREAT PANTHER ROARS!" the drummers chanted from their platforms above the crowd.

Male and female, they wore a white kilt and nothing else. Their skins glistened with sweat from the hours they spent beating the drums and shouting their prayers.

"RISE UP WARRIORS OF THE TRUE KING! RISE UP WARRIORS OF THE PANTHER KING! LET THE BROOD BE STRONG! LET THE BROOD BE STRONG! ARISE FOR THE ROARING PANTHER! THE PANTHER SHALL MOUNT THE WORLD!"

The other Arrancars were in an unrestrained frenzy. They were responding to the ever more feverish beat of the drums. They roared and they chanted along. Feet stomped the ground as they danced in joy, drunk on the primal Reiatsu filling the night sky with songs of passionate orgies mixed with the Breeder's howls.

Fights broke out among the crowd, sending them into further fits of ecstasy. Many in the crowd were now naked, completely unashamed at showing their sex and painted forms. Men grabbed women. Women grabbed men. Members of the same sex grabbed each other. They fought, they fucked, and sometimes they did both at the same time. No objections were raised in the revelry. Anything was permitted among the Panterans, the People of the Panther, during a birth.

Only the lowest of the low, the Thralls, were not permitted to take part in the celebrations. Instead they waited for the Birthing to occur. They hovered fearfully at the periphery. Some stood by bronze basins filled with hot embers and the irons that were ready for those that would be condemned to wear the same brand that they wore on their foreheads. For those of the brood that were the strongest, they would be raised to become the Panther's Warriors.

A feral female pulled a Thrall from the edges into a passionate embrace. The other Thralls muttered prayers as his Reiatsu was overwhelmed and the weak Hierro rendered as much by accident as by design as she sought to love and fight him in tandem. She rejoined the throng carrying the dying Thrall, either uncaring or oblivious to her actions.

Watching over this festivity of birth, the Steward watched from his place near the base of the mountain and across from the Breeder. The great stairs that led to the Panther's Den near the mountain's peak were directly behind his seat of power. Gotran Solanssen's dark grey eyes watched as his wards enjoyed themselves. All was as it should be, but enough time had passed. He raised a hand and shot a brilliant turquoise Bala into the night sky and increased his Reiatsu output to hum through the air.

It was enough to get the other Panterans' attention.

He rose from his seat and walked to the edge of the drop that led to the pit's floor.

"CHILDREN OF THE PANTHER," he shouted. "REJOICE! A NEW BROOD SHALL COME AMONG US AS A GIFT FROM THE PANTHER KING UNTIL HE COMES AGAIN!"

"WE WAIT AND WE WATCH!" many cried out while others still fought and fornicated.

"IT IS LAW FOR THE BROOD'S FIRST MEAL TO BE THE FLESH OF A THANE AND FOR A THANE TO CUT THEM FREE!"

"WHO SHALL HAVE THESE HONORS?" the crowd demanded.

The Steward signaled with a hand and two of the male Panteran Warriors came forward to stand flanking his throne. Their naked bodies were painted with blue paint made from crushed minerals mixed with Hollow blood. They had similar ceremonial knives that were made from the fangs of a dead Hollow with strips of hide wrapped around the lower end to serve as a grip. Like all Panterans, they wore a medallion that was hung from their necks by a leather cord with the likeness of their True King on it.

Their eyes were clearer than those below. Lust was absent except for the fires of blood-lust. They glanced at their opponents as they passed the Steward and stood on the rim.

They were followed by two females, also naked except for the painted markings on their bodies. They carried their swords with reverence. They knelt behind their respective warrior. The Steward turned and grabbed the hilts of both swords. He turned to face the crowd, many of whom were now descending the steps on either side that led to the pit's floor. He raised both swords into the sky.

"THESE BRAVE THANES SHALL HAVE THE HONORS! FROM DEATH COMES LIFE! FROM THE VANQUISHED THE GLORIOUS RISE!"

"THE GLORIOUS RISE!" the Panterans shouted.

The two warriors raised their knives in a salute. They then leaped from the dais to the sandy surface about 18 below the street level and 36 feet below the dais. The Steward held both swords over the edge with the blades down and dropped them. The two blades stuck upright in the sand, the hilts quivered slightly before remaining still. The signal for the fight to begin had been given.

The two fighters stood across from each other. There was silence for a second and then they roared as they charged at each other. Steel clashed against steel. The warriors roared as they came in and out of Sonído. Sparks flew as the high-speed strikes met. They flashed in and out of sight. Fury contorted their features. Fists struck flesh as blades locked. The warriors bit into each other, drawing blood despite their Hierro skin. The crowd degenerated into wordless cheers.

Their swords remained planted in the ground at the base of the platform where the Steward sat, beckoning with their power for their masters to use them. However, it was forbidden. This was not a test of skill or power. It was a test of the Panteran savage will. It was brutal, savage, ugly, and a dictated tradition believed to help strengthen the brood and please the True King.

The stalemate ended in a single moment. One warrior grabbed hold of the other's knife arm and snapped it. The breaker roared in triumph and his supporters roared their approval. The other warrior roared back in defiance as he broke free and his supporters roared their defiance in return. The breaker rushed forward, knife prepared to plunge into the other's chest. However, the other grabbed the wrist and in a single motion, with his broken arm, swiped the knife's sharpened edge across his adversary's throat. The Hierro parted like paper and blood gushed forth.

The victor stepped back, baring his teeth. The victim stumbled and yet managed to strengthen. He even raised his blade level as though defying death itself. Eyes glinting with approval, the victor struck again. He severed the head from the neck in a smooth motion. His opponent had died on his feet with honor like a true Panteran Warrior. With his broken arm, the victor grabbed the head before it hit the ground. He roared as he raised it, offering the blood, the victory, and his own pain to Pantera. The crowd roared its approval. The roars climaxed as the drumbeats accelerated in an indiscernible fluxing note.

Gotran Solanssen threw back his head as he bit on his tongue to drink the blood. A Gran Rey Cero split the dark heavens with blue majesty. All was silent except for the exerted panting that quickly died down. All eyes fell on the victor below.

He allowed the head to drop. The moment had passed and it was no longer worthy of respect. Sand crunched under his heavy footsteps as he approached the swords. His opponent's came first, the power leaving it as it knew that its master was dead. It was now no more than a mere trophy. He drew his own sword and raised it and roared with pride. He had won without it, but now he was whole again.

He went into Sonído and appeared standing before the Breeder, whose moans broke the silence. He extended two fingers from the hilt of his sword and he stroked the sweat-covered blazing skin. He could feel the creatures inside hasten their convulsions at his power. His fingers traced the swelling belly, following the brood's flow, until he found what he was searching for. The focal point was just above the navel. He stood up and closed his hand around the hilt again. He raised the blade high. His eyes were alight with a fierce glow, but he remained silent. In one swift and fluid motion, he cut the Breeder's pregnant belly at the focal point.

They came out in an instant. The small cut became a great gash as the large number in the brood burst forth. A great mass of black flecked with white burst forth spewed forth causing the Breeder to scream in pain, relief, and ecstasy that was lost in the high-pitched squealing sounds the brood made as they plunged down the slope and onto the sands below. Even then, some would never reach the bottom as they were devoured by their siblings. They burst outward when they reached the sands only to be hemmed in by the 3-foot drop that separated the arena floor from the steps that the Panterans stood on as they watched in reverence.

By this time, the surviving spawn had each become as large as a garter snake. Red eyes glared out of the white masks on their heads. The high-pitched cries filled the night. They were tearing into each other with needle teeth. They devoured as they themselves were being devoured. Some stopped their slaughter for the privilege to survive as they swarmed the fallen warrior's corpse. But that lump was soon gone as every scrap was claimed by a screaming belly.

Before the assembly's eyes, the spawn swelled with each bite of flesh they devoured. Soon the bloodied sands could be seen again as gaps between the fighting spawn opened. Eventually, clear clumps of life and death could be seen.

The spawn were nearly the size of seals now. They were now fighting in pairs, each circling the other, and snapping their fang-filled mouths. Then the first flare began. One of these fighters suddenly stopped, Reiatsu flared up from it as it cried out in a high wail. Its opponent stared at it and then the same thing happened to it. Eventually, all of the 18 remaining spawn were shrieking as Reiatsu flared from them. The masks began to crack and the black bodies began to ripple. The rest happened quickly.

The masks exploded, the dust twisting around the spawn as though trying to reconnect with them, but failing. Hands and feet, covered in blood, burst from the black bodies. The Reiatsu flares combined with the spiraling bone dust and the pools of blood. There was a larger flare as the process was complete. When things settled, 18 human-like figures were on the sands and next to each one, some kind of weapon that housed their Resurrección.

The spawn had become Arrancars.

They lay on the blood-drenched sand, wearing bits of the black hide to hide their blood-soaked bodies. Meek manes of every color covered their heads and they each had mask fragments of all shapes. To humans they would look no more than eight years of age. A door at the base of the slope opened, revealing the Breeder and the sire of this brood. The loose flesh had been ripped away and the new Hierro shone with moisture, taut against her cleansed body. She wore a pristine white cloak on her shoulders that were thrown back to allow her newly enhanced body to be displayed. Her hair hung limp and strands were plastered to her face with sweat. Her face showed exhaustion even through the determination.

Solanssen stood and bowed his head to her. All of the other Panterans gathered fell to one knee. Hierarchy was altered in the face of the great boon she had given Pantera. Her mate held back as she stepped onto the sands. Her eyes scanned the remaining fruits of her womb. She paused by one bleary-eyed offspring only to swiftly move on. She paused at another who was weakly chewing at the discarded hide. However, her attention soon went to a crimson-haired male who was trying to rise to his hands and knees.

In a moment she was standing beside him, studying this one with great intensity. He looked up with purple eyes. She smiled and reached down. With one hand, she picked up the boy's Zanpakuto and tucked it carefully into a loop cut in the cloak. Then she lifted the boy into her trembling, but strong arms. Head cushioned against one breast, the boy's eyes fluttered shut. With a twist of her shoulders, the cloak fell forward. She turned back the way she had come, body and son concealed by a shroud of white.

The sire came next and he swiftly headed towards an orange-haired girl who was chewing on the black hide. He tucked the girl's Zanpakuto into his belt and lifted her up. Her tender teeth bit down on his hand and she let out a yelp of surprise at the hard Hierro. He laughed and held her close as he followed the Breeder.

The Steward raised his hand and a small crowd stepped down the steps and into the arena with a silent grace. This was quicker, more frantic but not violent. Violence was not permitted for this moment. The crowd looked at the remaining 16 children, deciding on which one to choose. When it was done, only four of the children remained. They glanced around, not understanding why they were left behind.

"14 THANES! 14 THANES!" Solanssen cried out.

The crowd roared in approval and took up the chant of "14 Thanes." Balas streaked into the sky. It was an exceptional brood. More than half of the spawn had been chosen. The drums were beat in a final rhythmic thunder before falling silent. The more exhausted Arrancars made their way back to their homes, some supporting others and a few were even carried.

The parents would be off to the Bonding Rituals, but that was private and intimate. For the rest of the Thanes and nobles there remained only senseless revelry before routine would reassert itself at the great horn's sounding.

The Steward remained and watched as the Thralls descended to the arena floor. It was always the eldest with the brands and coals, not a law but a tradition he had established since he had seized the title. He looked at the four remaining children. They would soon know what fate awaited them.

The Thralls gathered up the four weaklings and brought them to the elders. Solanssen closed his eyes, drinking in the sounds of the children screaming in pain as the brands of the Fe rune touched their brows. He wondered what sound they would make when they learned what that mark meant.

He wondered if they would weep with sorrow when they found out that they were not Panterans. As soon as the Fe rune was branded on their heads they were marked as property for their betters. They were marked to show that they were only fit for the least of tasks or to serve at the amusement of their superiors.

An elder Thrall, either shaking from his load or from the Steward's roused state, fell to his knees before him. The Thrall laid out the children's swords before him and scampered away. Solanssen looked at the four blades before him and smiled. The four weakling children would never touch them.

At the sound of the great horn, the 14 new Thanes would receive their weapons as well as their names from their parents. But these wretches did not need or deserve either. The weapons that were made from their shattered masks, their Reiatsu, and their blood would be stored until they died. Then, the useless metal would be melted down and turned into something useful.

He tucked the four swords under his arm and grabbed a young, pretty Thrall with messily shorn golden hair who was scrubbing blood off one of the arena's walls. He would indulge himself for a while and used his Sonído to go someplace more private with his little toy.

The moon shone down on the city of Pantera and Hollows howled in the desert.

Department of Research and Development

Tatsuki shook her head as Hanataro was sent flying across the room, again. His Gigai's Hierro kept him from getting hurt too badly.

"Tch…it's a good thing that you're not expected to do any fighting," Ikkaku said as he shouldered the quarterstaff he was practicing with.

The sad thing was that she could tell that the bald man had been holding back.

"I know," Hanataro muttered.

He rubbed at his mask, which was like an eye socket situated around his left eye and extending up to cover the lower quarter of his brow.

Tatsuki could see that Hanataro was trying to make an effort. Unfortunately, people like Hanataro were not made for fighting. That was why had been sent to the Fourth where the areas he was talented in could be cultivated. It was just one of those things that she had very little control over. She tried not to look down on the Fourth. After all, one doesn't try to hammer nails with a wrench. And they couldn't help it that they were wrenches.

"Alright," Tatsuki sighed. "Go on break. Hanataro, I want you to get something to eat. You look like you need it."

"Y-yes Lieutenant Arisawa," Hanataro stammered and gave a bow.

He winced a little and rotated his shoulder, trying to work out what the problem was. A pale finger jabbed the region in quick succession. Hanataro gave a cry and stumbled away from the contact as Nemu straightened up.

"Better?" she asked.

He blinked in confusion before looking at his arm in surprise. Apparently her little jabs did the trick. He stammered his thanks.

"Hanataro, since your arm's better, go down to the archery range and work on your speed after you've finished eating. You're still too slow. Ikkaku, how does the quarterstaff feel?"

"It feels alright, but I don't know why I have to learn it when I have my Zanpakuto."

"Nemu's storage unit will allow us to take our Zanpakuto, but we will mostly be using imitations like the last expedition had.

"Besides, we know next to nothing about Arrancar ways. It might be expected for us to participate in some kind of ceremonial fight. I want all team members to become familiar with something other than the Zanpakuto. When dealing with the unknown, it's better to over-prepare."

"Tch…it feels like a lot of work for nothing," Ikkaku grumbled.

He scratched the area just above where the mask that covered his forehead and temples met his scalp. The red markings that ran from the corners of his eyes to the temples and the two small protruding horns made him look a little bit like a demon or an ogre in a play.

"I know. That's why I'm in charge and you're not," Tatsuki said grinning.

Ikkaku muttered something under his breath and she could only shake her head.

She remembered the meeting she had with some of the other Captains before she was inserted into her Gigai. It had been Captain Saijin who suggested that they all learn another weapon aside from the Zanpakuto. Even before the meeting, she thought it was a good idea, but his endorsement gave it more weight.

She had taken up hand-to-hand combat again and Sui-Feng was all too eager to help resume her advancement in that style.

Nemu was a natural at any and every weapon she picked up, which was somewhat unnerving.

Ikkaku proved to be good with the quarterstaff. That was no great surprise since he mostly used his Shikai as a naginata, even though it was actually a Sansetsukon.

Hanataro, on the other hand, was pretty much hopeless with other weapons, except for the bow as it turned out. When she watched him on the archery range she had been surprised at how well his aim was. He would need to work on his speed, however. But the talent was clearly there.

Tap-tap-tap

She stiffened when she heard the cane and a series of footsteps coming her way. She let out a sigh and faced her visitors. Two of the Faceless flanked the Central 46 Representative, as if they were expecting an attack here. He walked with a heavy limp and was clearly putting weight on his cane. His brown eyes had a cold and a predatory look to them. She had never thought that brown eyes could ever be so cold or so frightening. But then again she had no memories of her last encounter with Aizen.

"I thought I would find you here," the Representative said with measured clarity.

"Councilor Katsu, what brings you here?" she said with the cold civility her Captain had taught her.

"Is that anyway to speak to your betters?" Sora Katsu asked as he ran his free hand over his pointed, grey-streaked chin beard. I would advise that you watch your tone, Miss Arisawa."

"I…apologize," she said, doing her best to keep her tone even as he ignored her rank.

Katsu looked at her as though measuring her merit and then turned to his guards.

"Leave us. I wish to speak with Lieutenant Arisawa in private."

The two Protectors did not argue. They merely bowed and marched far enough to where they would hear what was being discussed, but still able to keep an eye on them. Katsu looked at Tatsuki, eyes lingering on the lower half of her face.

She knew that he was looking at "The Fragment." While her skin, at her insistence, was merely pale rather than Nemu's paper white, her mask fragment was the most menacing of the lot. Her cheeks held the bottom of a jaw full of a carnivore's sharp teeth, joined under her mouth by a thin strip of white bone.

Unlike the boys, she didn't find it itchy. Nemu didn't find her mask fragment itchy either. But then again, she was probably programed not to scratch itches.

"I suppose I should congratulate you on your success with getting Officer Madarame involved," he said as he finally turned his attention away from her disguise.

"Spare me. You're just mad that I went over Central 46's collective heads."

She was getting irritated by the disapproving look he was giving her. It was as though he thought that going around looking like an Arrancar and wearing a white uniform had been her idea.

"You should learn your place. We all know that you're Sui-Feng's favorite little pet. That's why you got the command on this. And she got her way because she minds her betters," he declared with condescending patience.

"I'm nobody's pet," Tatsuki said coldly.

"Oh…aren't you?" He smiled at her as though he was humoring a child.

"Is this why you came here? Did you come just to insult me because none of your masters' puppets are on this mission?"

"There's no need to be defensive. I merely came here to see how things were progressing and pick-up your report for Central 46 on how the preparations are coming along."

"Things are progressing just fine."

"That's not what I've seen…especially with Mr. Yamada. A mild boy, well-suited for the Fourth, but he hardly seems fit for this sort of work. Wouldn't it be nice to be in charge of an elite team? I can make sure that you get it. You won't have to bother with that poor excuse of an Officer. After all, the Fourth is not the only source of capable healers."

Tatsuki felt heat building up inside her. She glared at the Representative who looked at her with equal sternness.

"So, you came here to see if I would replace my team. It's a little late for that. We're only about a week away from leaving, as you very well know, honorable Councilor," she nearly growled.

"I could have the mission postponed for a bit longer. It would only take a few words to the 46. That way you can replace the…dead weight," he offered, feigning concern.

"I am quite satisfied with the team I have. Besides, I'm sure that your employers are anxious to get the report that I've already sent to them."

Katsu gave a start at that. The corner of his mouth quirked a little. Tatsuki knew that he would use the report as an excuse to see her. However, what he really wanted was to get her to replace her team members with people whom she knew were in any of the pro-Vanguard groups or in the Protectors.

He cleared his throat and looked at her. His eyes were slightly narrowed.

"Well, it's good to know that Captain Sui-Feng picked someone responsible to be in charge. But then again, you two are quite…close."

"Councilor Katsu, we both know that you didn't come here for my report. I think that it's time to stop beating around the bush and just come out with it. You're not asking me to replace my team. You're demanding that I do it," she deadpanned. Her cold demeanor had returned without the veil of politeness.

"Well, I was hoping that you would see reason. I was hoping that you would understand that half of your team is a liability. One is a pathetic excuse for a seated Officer who can't even perform the simplest Kido properly without his Captain holding his hand. The other has demonstrated that he doesn't care for following orders and he got a fellow Officer killed for his insubordination," he said, abandoning all pretense of respect.

"And I trust both them to do what needs to be done. Whether you will ever believe this or not is none of my concern, but I am very well-aware of their short-comings."

"Are you seriously calling their deficiencies mere 'short-comings'?" He chuckled and then glared at her. "They're absolutely incompetent."

"What does it concern you? I thought that you were one of those who want something to happen in order to justify genocide."

"How…DARE YOU? I do what is best for the Soul Society. And I reject…" His eyes narrowed and his knuckles whitened as his grip on the cane tightened.

"STOP WITH THE PRETENSE! I know that you don't give a fuck about what happens to me or my team. All that you care about is getting the war that Central 46, The Vanguard, and just about every war-hungry xenophobe lunatic in the Soul Society want. Are you afraid that because I don't have any of your pets on my team that I might be successful?" she demanded letting her own anger loose.

"Are you suggesting that…?"

"I'm not suggesting anything. I'm merely stating a fact. All of the Gotei expeditions that had members of the…Protectors on it always seemed to go wrong. It didn't matter whether they were in the World of the Living or the Soul Society. Don't you think that's a little suspicious?"

"I do not, and I resent…"

"Look, you're not the one in charge of this mission. I am."

"I would advise that you watch what you say. I represent Central 46."

"And Central 46 gave me the Seal of Authority on this mission and everything regarding it thanks to the strings that Captain-Commander Kuchiki pulled. In this regard, I am your superior, little Errand-Boy." She smiled as she got her composure back.

"I see. I was hoping that you would see reason considering your patroness, but it's clear that I shouldn't have held my breath. Captain Sui-Feng has been too lenient on you. However, that shouldn't have come as a surprise seeing as how you're her favorite toy." He was calm now as well and that made the words sting even more.

There was silence. Tatsuki felt annoyed that the accusation came up again. But she knew that he was merely trying to get her to lose control again. No, he was daring her to lose control.

"Leave," she commanded.

Katsu blinked in surprise. His eyes narrowed and a cold fire burned in them.

"What? What did you say?"

"Are you deaf, Representative Katsu?" she asked, dropping the formal title for anyone working for Central 46. "I'm ordering you to leave. I've had enough of listening to your insults. And you've seen what you came to see. Our business is done."

"Ah, the Dragon makes its appearance. However, the Dragon would be wise not to do something that would arouse the Knight's rage," he stated as he looked at the fragment again.

Tatsuki wanted to say that she was not a Dragon, but rather a Porcupine. However, she only smiled.

"And the Knight would do well to beware the Dragon's breath or else he might get burned. Now you be a good little Errand-Boy and run along," she commanded with a shooing gesture of her hand.

"You do not give me orders, Little Bitch. I give you orders." All pretense of civility vanished from his voice. "I represent Central 46."

"And I have Central 46's Authority with regards to this mission, Errand-Boy. That means that on matters concerning this mission, I outrank you. You are obligated to follow my orders and I ordered you to leave. Consider yourself fortunate that the Dragon is giving the Knight the opportunity to retreat before it decides to bite his fucking head off." She smiled and showed her teeth in addition to the ones on her face.

Sora Katsu's face contorted with rage, but she could tell that the sight unnerved him. She knew that she had him and it felt satisfying. Not for the first time was she glad to have Central 46's Seal of Authority. It not only gave her security, but it also gave her an opportunity to have some real fun with the lapdogs.

However, she knew that once the mission was over, the Seal of Authority would become void. And she knew that Katsu would tell Central 46 that she was abusing her authority and that would prevent her from ever getting another Seal of Authority from them. Tatsuki knew that many of those with Central 46's Seal of Authority on them were abusing their positions in more heinous ways, but they were such good ass-kissers that Central 46 allowed them to continue.

When she heard the story of how Aizen killed the old Central 46 she felt that Aizen was right in that if nothing else. There was no need for Central 46 that she could see. They were all corrupt and hypocritical for all of their claims of wisdom and fatherly concern. If there was one thing that Tatsuki hated above everything, except for seeing her friends hurt, it was hypocrisy.

"I see that there is no reasoning with you, truly regrettable." Katsu turned his back to her and called out to his guards. "We're leaving."

Tatsuki watched as they left. She knew that she had just made a very powerful enemy. However, she found that she didn't care. She sighed and leaned against the rail. She hoped that she would never have to deal with him again.

Sora Katsu

Outside of the Squad 12 Barracks, Sora Katsu took a deep breath to calm his rage and smiled. He glanced back. His guards saw the cruel mirth lurking in those eyes.

Let her think she's won, he thought. She doesn't know that she's already lost.

Denver, Zone 2, Restored America

Ichigo had no scale to measure the present Denver with the old one, but he knew that it was a great city. It didn't have the word "New" in front of it like too many of the American cities after the Downfall. That was a major plus. Skyscrapers and the skywalks that the Americans had become known for when the Pax Americana Party was in control, obscured the sky.

One of the nearby Holo-screens announced that the annual March of Patriots concert for Zone 2, 5th District would take place at the Red Rock Amphitheater. Another showed a line of men and women being executed for the attempted assassination of the District Commander at the Denver Capitol building. He shivered as he watched as the men and women dropped through the trapdoors in the scaffold to do the air dance. He turned away and looked at the posters that adorned the wall across from him.

One of them showed three sour-looking men trudging away from some kind of light source and into darkness. The first was an intellectual-looking man with a tattered red flag resting on his shoulder. The second was a scowling man dressed in white robes and a turban. The third was a fat Asian man in a business suit with a statue of Buddha tucked under his arm. Standing behind and above them, like some kind of Colossus, was a stern-faced man with short graying hair and a slightly-hooked nose and dressed in full military uniform. Ichigo knew that this was the head of the relatively new National Unification Party, the General. Or at least it was someone's glorification of him. He was pointing the way out for the three men. He looked at the message printed under the image and frowned. "AMERICA! LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!" it declared.

He looked at the other poster and grimaced. It showed the General staring straight ahead. Ichigo felt as though those predatory grey eyes were staring right at him and the pointing gesture the General was making only seemed to confirm it. "ARE YOU A TRUE AMERICAN?" the poster read.

If the Hawks saw this they would want to recruit him to be their Poster Boy, Ichigo thought.

He was tempted to rip both posters down. However, he resisted. He already had enough problems without having to add the problems in the World of the Living on top of it. Instead, he continued to walk through the streets of Denver.

For some reason, it seemed worse that the people weren't clearly suffering under a fascist dictator. The rich weren't confining themselves to the skywalks and the streets were cleaner than any American city he had seen since the Downfall. It seemed as though that as long as you didn't think or act or believe the wrong way, then the General's new regime did improve lives when compared to the Pax Americana predecessors.

Well, speak of the devil, Ichigo thought.

He entered a large plaza where a giant holographic projection of the General addressing a rally.

"Thou shalt be strong was the Command," the giant General roared. "This nation had strength, and greater still, it had the will to use that strength. Did the Americans of old win their Independence and sit upon the shores of the Atlantic? Did they fight again in 1812 in order to keep what was rightfully theirs, only to stay put? NO! They went into the Unknown in order to take what Divine Providence decreed was rightfully theirs. In the great Purchases did they dicker and moan at the expenses or fear the tax payers? NO! They seized the chance for greatness with both hands and poured their will and strength into forging an Empire that would stretch from sea to shining sea and beyond!

"It was an exceptional nation! Its foundation was on the strengths of innovation and the belief that man's will, merit, and faithfulness to God and Country were the foundations of greatness. Let us not forget the role that women played as well in forging the greatest nation that the world had seen since the glorious days of the Roman Empire. America has a long list of Patriots, regardless of their gender and color.

"And no one could strike it down, except for the nation itself. The will was sapped by baseless regrets and second guessing. We allowed ourselves to become enslaved to those we had overcome and turned our backs on the heroes who spilled their blood in order to build our greatness.

"And so we paid for our sins against ourselves and our mighty and noble heritage. Divided and weakened…"

Ichigo had enough. He flash-stepped away from the plaza and followed the directions that he got. He reached the street where the Sacred Grotto was. He saw a small Holo-screen at the corner, blaring.

"We stand upon the ruins of that vile city, Las Vegas. But now it has become a new shining capital for a new era. Americus, pure shining phoenix rising from the ashes of shame and weakness and rising to light the heavens to…"

"Oh shut up, Big Brother," Ichigo growled as he fired a low-level Kido that caused the screen to explode. "I have enough problems as it is."

He could tell that this was not a nice part of town. The streets and sidewalks were still pristine, most likely from a city ordinance handed down by the supreme leader. The buildings, however, were old and worn down if not in ruins. He understood that as long as the poor kept quiet the regime left them alone and gave handouts when they try to live up to their image.

His destination was the best-looking building on the street. He thought that it looked like an old theater. He looked at the large sign that hung in front the building.

"THE MIRACLE IS REAL COME AND BE HEALED BY THE LIGHT" the sign read.

He wasn't sure that it was the right place, until he saw the mural. It showed an idealistic pasture setting and a group of people having a picnic under the sun. It was the painted people that gave it away. He easily recognized each of them. They were the old gang. He always thought that Faith Healers would use Bible characters for their advertisements, but Orihime had decided to use the ideas of peace and happiness and friendship in hers. It seemed to fit her.

Well, it looks like she's still playing Faith Healer, he thought.

He looked at the mural again and he frowned when he saw that the only one missing from the group was Orihime. He shrugged it off. She most likely forgot to include herself or she had probably drawn herself as Robohime again and covered up the mistake. He decided that it didn't matter.

He made his way to the door and saw that it was locked. Even though he knew that he could just go through it, there were still old habits that were hard to break and opening a door was one of them. He used a quick flare of Reiatsu to break the lock. He walked inside and locked around the old lobby. The carpets had long since been removed, leaving only the concrete floor visible. He looked around and he saw that the walls were not covered with old wheel chairs or crutches or anything else that the people who were healed once, but no longer, needed. It was as though Orihime thought that the idea of bragging about her success was somehow degrading. Either that or she decided that word-of-mouth was the best way to show-off.

He felt a small flare of Reiatsu appear and recognized it as Orihime's. She was showing him the way to her.

Well, it's long overdue, he reminded himself.

He walked through the lobby and turned onto one of the halls that branched off from either side of what must have been some kind of concession stand. The hall was lined with doors that led into the old auditoriums. He ignored these and walked towards a door that was propped open from which the Reiatsu was pouring. He looked inside and saw a set of stairs leading up to the areas that had the main offices and the projectors.

He walked upstairs and made his way down the dusty hall. Some of the light fixtures flickered while others glowed as if they were brand new. There were gaps in the ceiling, revealing wiring and parts of the networks of piping and air ducts.

He stopped in front of one of the doors and stepped inside. He looked around the modified projection booth. It had been converted into something of a living room. The walls were covered old manga and anime art. At least they were old by his standards, and he wondered what they would be to the people these days. He looked at a poster for Spirited Away and another for Sailor Moon. His eyes stopped when he saw the photo on a small side-table next to a couch.

He picked it up and looked at it. He found that he couldn't breathe as he looked at the smiling faces, most long gone and never seen again. He had searched the Soul Society for some of his old friends, but had never found them. He closed his eyes as the memory of that day came upon him like a crushing wave.

Karakura Town, 2 Years After the Winter War

"Say 'Cheese'."

"CHEESE," the group called out as the digital camera sitting on the tripod snapped the photo.

"Come on, let's see how it turned out," Mizuiro said.

"Yeah, I wanna see how cute Rukia looks," Keigo agreed.

"You do realize she's right here, right?" Uryu sighed as he straightened his glasses.

"Ooh, I bet Orihime looks really cute, but not as cute as she is in person."

"That's enough, Chizuru," Tatsuki said as she held the spectacled girl back. "We don't want you making a scene."

"Well, how does it look, Chad?" Ichigo asked.

"Looks fine," Chad replied and handed the camera to Ichigo. "Thanks for getting this for me."

"Ah, it's no big deal. I figured that you needed some kind of hobby. Just be sure to send each of us a copy of that picture, Big Guy, OK?"

"OK."

Ichigo sighed as the others gathered around his dad who was busy making hamburgers. He could not believe that this would be one of the last times that all of his friends who survived the Winter War would be together before they scattered to the four winds as adulthood came upon them.

He watched as Orihime and Rukia were talking to each other and then burst out laughing. It was good seeing Rukia laughing again. Renji wouldn't have wanted her mourning for him. He would have wanted her to live her life again.

Uryu was busy looking over the literature he gathered from the various colleges before being interrupted by a soccer ball bouncing on the table, sending Uryu flying backwards in surprise.

"HEY! WATCH IT!" he cried out as he sat up from the ground.

"Oops, sorry about that," Karin said as she grabbed the ball. "Hey, Toshiro, get back to your position, pronto."

"Ugh…that's Captain Hitsugaya."

"Well at least she stopped calling you 'kid'," Rangiku replied smiling.

"Tch…whatever."

Ichigo watched them. He wished that things could stay like this forever.

But nothing, not even halcyon days, lasts forever. He knew that, but he didn't have to like it. However, he didn't know that a few days after that reunion, those days would come crashing down, never to be restored.

Denver, 204 Years After the Winter War

"Hello Ichigo, it's been a while."

Ichigo nearly dropped the photo showing them in front of Urahara's shop as he was brought out of the memory. He turned and blinked in surprise at who he saw.

The girl looked to be about 12 years old. She had black hair and pale skin and wore plaid pajamas. He could make out two flower-shaped pins in her hair. She was holding a stuffed bear that looked like Orihime's bear, Enraku, to her chest. Ichigo saw that she was also wearing sunglasses for some reason.

"Uh…I'm sorry, but…who are you?"

"Oh…sorry…I guess I forgot," the girl said and chuckled.

She lifted a hand and three points of light flared around her and bathed her in a pyramid of light. The sudden increase of Reiatsu caused him to feel nauseated. He was able to stay on his feet, but he felt an unpleasant sliminess trying to climb up his throat. He gasped for air and began to count. Then, as quickly as the sensation came, it was gone. He looked up and saw the pyramid shatter and the points of the light return to the hairpins.

"Is this better?"

"Orihime, is that you?"

"Yeah, unfortunately my vision of Robohime didn't come true."

Ichigo shook his head. She looked very much as she did in high school, except that the hair was still black. The sunglasses and pajamas, which were now being strained by her breasts, remained. She looked untouched by time.

Or so I wish, he thought and looked at the sunglasses.

"So uh…why the disguise?" he asked, trying to get his thoughts together.

"A small girl of European descent is the not how people remember Orihime Inoue. And people are less likely to fear children with these powers. Plus…" She leaned forward to Ichigo and whispered like some conspirator in an old film noir movie. "I get to play and watch cartoons as much as I want when I'm not doing my job."

Ichigo laughed. It was a relief to see some of the old Orihime shining through. She smiled and began to giggle as well.

"It's a nice place you got here."

"Thanks, I had it remodeled a while ago to make it more habitable. I have everything I need. I've got a kitchen and a pantry full of red bean paste. I even have this huge bathtub that I swear must have been used as a hot tub. Or at least that's how it seems. And I even have an entertainment area where we can hang out with all of the others and…" she stopped.

The moment of joy had passed and they were only looking at each other in awkward silence.

"The white really does suit you, Ichigo. I knew all the way back in school that you would become someone of consequence."

She smiled at him, but there was sadness to it that Ichigo didn't like. It was like seeing the sun begin to fade.

"Don't…don't sell yourself short. Most people would try something big or selfish with your power. But here you are. You're using it to…"

"Why are you here?"

Ichigo could tell that she was averting her eyes. He wished that she wouldn't cover her eyes like that. He was sick of trying to see through the darkened glasses.

We're friends, damn it, he thought, anger filling him. So look at me eye-to-eye.

In a swift motion that Yoruichi would be proud of, he swiped the glasses off her face and leapt back. Orihime turned her head towards him and opened her eyes. Ichigo's eyes widened in surprise and he reached for his Zanpakuto and stopped.

What are you doing? It's Orihime.

He looked back into the emerald-green eyes with the cat-like pupils. He could not believe that for a moment he actually thought that he was looking at Ulquiorra. However, the moment of realizing Orihime's eyes were too much like Ulquiorra's did more to him than the decades she spent running from him. He let out a moan of despair.

"Why? Why did you…?"

"I have my reasons," Orihime answered and plucked the sunglasses from his hand. "Why did you come here?" she asked again.

"Why did you stay? You could have run like all of the other times, so why did you stay?"

"I'll give you an answer as soon as you give me one."

Ichigo sighed.

"I told Kisuke and Chad that I'm here to let you know that Rukia and I are engaged."

She stiffened and turned her back on him. Ichigo felt relieved that he didn't have to look into those eyes anymore and hated himself for the thought.

"That's wonderful. I'm sure that you two will be very happy together," she said, her voice void of any emotion.

"I would like for you to be there. And I want for as many of our friends to be there. Well, at least…"

"What good are friends?" Orihime asked in that same monotonous voice. "In the end, they always let you down."

"Wait, what are you talking about?"

"You wanted to know why I kept on running from you." She turned around and Ichigo saw her eyes filled with the same emptiness that Ulquiorra's had. "I kept running because I didn't want to face you; not after what happened."

"Then why did you keep the photos of us and Sora? Why does the mural outside have your friends, including me, but not you?"

"To remind me," Orihime answered. "They're to remind me that in the end, no matter how many people I help, I'm nothing but a con."

Ichigo looked at her in surprise. He suddenly realized what Chad had tried to tell him, but couldn't. He tried to speak, but Orihime cut him off.

"I'm a con because I offer to heal them, but I can't. Sure, I can heal their physical ailments. But that's not true healing. True healing is impossible because there are wounds and ailments that are just too deep. I can't heal that part of them. I can't even heal my own scars.

"That's why I painted that mural of those who I was closest to. It's to remind me that no matter how hard I try, I can't get that back. Nostalgia is a curse because you know you can never get what you long for back. Hoping for something can only bring you suffering and despair. He understood that," she said, gesturing to her eyes. "He understood that and he tried to prepare me. He was a better friend than you ever were and you…YOU KILLED HIM! YOU KILLED HIM YOU FUCKING BASTARD!

"Do you know how long I've wanted to say that to you? The only reason why I didn't run was because Chad wouldn't have sent you unless he thought it was for a good reason. I wanted to hear you out and now, I have. And I find that you only wanted to tell me something that would only make the pain worse."

"Orihime, I had no idea…"

Did I really hurt you this much? Orihime, I had no idea just how much you were hurting. I should have been there for you. But…Tatsuki…Tatsuki could very well not come back from her mission, and if you don't see her… I have to do this. I have to tell you what I can.

"Just…just go, Ichigo. Say 'Hi' to Rukia for me and let her know that I won't be able to come. But I wish…"

"Rukia and I getting married is not the real reason why I came to see you."

Orihime turned and looked at him. The green eyes betrayed surprise.

"What?"

"I'm here because it's about Tatsuki."

"WHAT? WHAT HAPPENED?" Orihime screamed and grabbed Ichigo. "Tell me. Did something happen?"

"She's going on a mission, a dangerous mission. It's possibly her most dangerous one so far. We've probably lost some good people on a previous mission and she's going to find that out for us."

Orihime let go of Ichigo and smiled.

"Yeah…yeah, she will. She's Tatsuki. She doesn't know how to fail."

"She regrets failing you. At least, that's how Tatsuki views it. She thinks that it was her fault that you left us."

Orihime frowned at that. She put her sunglasses back on and bit her lower lip.

"Please talk to her," Ichigo pleaded. "After all, you two were so close that for a time I thought that you two were…you know…like Chizuru. Please, talk to her before she leaves. It would mean so much to her."

Orihime bit on her lip harder, drawing blood. He could tell that she was thinking about it. He wanted her to agree. Hope rose in him as he saw her waver and then died when he saw her fists tighten. She turned her back on him and took a step away.

"I can't," she whispered. "I can't face her, Ichigo. After what I did, how can I? I…I wish her good luck," she said, obviously fighting back tears.

"Orihime, it's not…" he began as he reached for her.

However, he was blocked by a golden shield.

"It was my fault. I'm not like you, Ichigo. It's hard enough just to live. Goodbye and…congratulations," she whispered as the shield twisted around her and she began to change into her child's form in front of him.

I should have told her. I should have told her that Tatsuki's going to Hueco Mundo. That would have probably done something, but…but I gave my word to tell no one of the mission.

He placed the photo back onto the small table and moved towards the door leading to the hall. He looked around and saw Orihime in her child form with her back towards him. Seeing her like that hurt him because he felt as though he drove her into this.

I failed you, he thought. I went to Hueco Mundo to save you, but I only succeeded in hurting you. I wasn't there when you really needed me to help you with your grief after Aizen's wrath destroyed your world as well as mine. I wasn't there for you as a friend. I only cared about my own scars and I never thought about yours. Orihime, is it too late? Have I driven you so far away that you can't return to the way you were?

The thought brought tears to his eyes. He began to regret that he ever came, but at the same time he knew that he needed to. He knew that he could not heal the past. Like Orihime found out so long ago, there were some things that even the powers of a god could never mend. All that he could do was try to restore at least some piece of what they once had. However, he didn't know how to put such a thing into words. Instead, he said the first thing that came into his mind.

"The door is always open," he whispered. "All that you have to do is come in."

Ichigo walked out of the room and into the hall, not knowing whether or not he had said the right thing. He felt as though he was drifting helplessly on unfamiliar seas, seeking some speck of land of familiarity that he could swim to and finding nothing. He felt as though the sun had completely darkened and would never shine again.

Orihime Inoue

Orihime sat in her secret place, alone. An ocean breeze struck her face and the salty smell filled her nostrils. The sun was high above her. The green grass waved in the breeze.

Shortly after Ichigo left she knew that she had to come here. She had to think things over. She looked out over the ocean and smiled.

Oh Ulquiorra, she thought. If only you could have seen this.

She sighed and stood up. It felt good to come here and put her thoughts together. She knew that Ichigo was probably right. She owed it to Tatsuki, but the thought of facing her fears only caused her to fear even more. She walked over to the edge of the cliff as she had done so many times before and looked down at the waves crashing against the rocks below.

"Can I fly?" she asked herself and looked up at the vast ocean. "What would be the point?"

She turned and went back through the fold that her Shun-Shun-Rikka had made. She had learned of this technique after the Second Aizen War and had used it to help her avoid detection until she was practiced at changing her physical appearance.

She stopped and took another look at the cliff's edge.

"Are you afraid, Little Girl?" she whispered in a monotonous voice.

"I'm not afraid."

"Why does living have to be so hard?" she sighed and stepped through the fold. When she had stepped through, the fold vanished, leaving only the wind to blow through the grass as the waves beat on the rocks below.

Hueco Mundo, The Shrine

Isra tugged at the veil that now concealed most of her face. Even though she had looked forward to wearing the veil, it felt odd if not a little uncomfortable. Whenever she breathed it moved, and its weight was on her ears.

"It takes some getting used to," a tall light brown Arrancar female with bright blonde hair said as she leaned over to ruffle her hair. "Don't worry so much. I remember when my rite was done and I got my first veil. I wondered how the other women could stand it. But now I feel naked without it."

"Stop it, Persephone," Isra squawked.

She tried to push the taller woman away. However, Persephone only rubbed her hair even harder, light blue eyes sparkled with amusement. Isra's face reddened as the others in the party laughed at her vain efforts. Except for the three men, they all wore veils.

Isra smiled at the knowledge that all of those who were deemed Daughters of the Sacred Mother had this one thing in common.

And this place, she thought as she looked at the plain but wide corridor they walked down to the central chamber. I belong with them now. What's a little discomfort next to that?

She knew that she would need a mirror as she straightened her white hair. She wanted to make sure that the black streak was well-displayed.

After all, it is my best physical feature, she sighed to herself eyeing Persephone and the other beautiful women.

"Here we are," Persephone whispered as she leaned down to the shorter woman. "Don't get too nervous now. A Daughter's first Prayers are never as bad as they're made out to be. Just follow the High Acolyte's lead. You'll be fine."

Isra looked up at the great doors that led to one of the most sacred places for the Triples and all those who worshiped the Great Mother. The sound of slow, rhythmic drumbeats filled the air. She heard the Ceros signaling the beginning of the prayers being fired from the pinnacle. The gates opened and she stood in awe at the great statue of the Mother standing at the far end of the large chamber.

The statue was of Harribel herself in her Resurrección form. It stood as though in defiance of the past and hope of the future. The left hand clutched her great blade and was raised high in the air. The right hand was cupped just below the womb.

Three alcoves were carved in the base of the statue's tall pedestal. Two were already filled with statues of Mila Rose, with her blade held over her head, and Sung-Sun, with a stone tablet in her left hand while her right covered her mouth. The third was empty.

Isra looked at the friezes adorning the walls. The wall on the statue's right showed the vast desert with a crescent moon hanging high above the dome of Las Noches far in the background. A great band of Arrancars were on their knees, facing the direction of the statue. The frieze on the other side showed the legendary sun over a great city with rivers and trees carved into the stone. Carved Soul Reapers were falling in terror or struck down by divine judgment.

"It's so beautiful," Isra whispered tenderly.

"I know," Persephone replied, smiling.

Soon, a few other groups of pilgrims came into the chamber behind them and moved forward. Some fell to their knees and began to whisper prayers to the Great Mother.

Isra could hear the drumbeats' pace quicken, and glass flutes began to sound somewhere out of sight, adding their delicate harmony to the steady strength of the drums. The time for the Prayers was about to begin. She focused her attention on the area she suspected that the High Acolyte would enter, which was the vacant alcove. The drums ceased and the flutes were silenced.

There was silence for a few seconds and then a loud voice filled the chamber.

"THE BLESSINGS OF THE MOTHER COME UPON YOU."

"LET HER LIGHT SHINE UPON US," a chorus of voices responded.

"THE TRUTHS OF THE MOTHER COME UPON YOU."

"LET HER LIGHT SHINE UPON US."

"THE VISIONS OF THE MOTHER COME UPON YOU."

"LET HER LIGHT SHINE UPON US."

Isra looked and saw the High Acolyte, Apacci, walking from behind a curtain that she had mistaken for the back wall of the alcove. Lady Apacci was dressed in a plain pelt skirt and crimson bandages were wrapped around her chest, but her veil was held in place by thin gold chains with bits of quartz hanging at the ends. She wore a long, thin, semi-translucent robe of silk over it all. She spread her arms out the crowd, receiving them.

"Her light shall fall upon you," Apacci said. She was followed by a line of the Silver Acolytes. Three held banners displaying the crests of their Sisterhoods: the roaring lion of Leonisra, the serpent of Anaconda, and the three-horned doe of Cierva. "You are the children of the Holy Mother. Her vision lives in you. Her vision is of Paradise. The Children of Sorrow shall run in the Green Fields of Joy."

"The Children of the Moon-Lit Sands shall run in the Sun-Lit Fields," the Silver Acolytes responded in unison.

Isra listened to the Prayers and the Responses as the pilgrims joined in. She felt the unity here. Their visions were becoming her vision. Their dreams were becoming her dreams.

"Let us never forget," Apacci said.

"Let us never forget," the assembled responded.

"Let us never forgive," Apacci said.

"Let us never forgive," Isra said with the rest of the assembled.

When the Prayers were over, Apacci and the Silver Acolytes departed walking past the pilgrims. Only the three banner bearers remained before their respective alcoves.

"Alright," Persephone whispered. "Now we go up to the tomb and pay our respects. Come on."

She grabbed Isra's arm and led her to the foot of the statue. Isra looked through the long quartz panel and gasped. Staring back at her was a skull; the mask fragment that was laid gently in front of it was like a shark's mouth. She didn't know what to say to this sight.

Instead, she looked around at the other pilgrims, desperate for some hint. Some knelt and kissed the quartz slab. Others merely placed a hand on it. Others pressed their foreheads to it and muttered a quick prayer. She could tell that each act was a genuine moment of intimacy.

Isra knelt and touched the slab. She looked at Persephone who only nodded. Planting both hands she shakily lowered herself to kiss the slab. They stood and made their way to the doors.

Her off-white lips were tingling and her hands were tingling as well. She resisted the urge to brush her lips with the back of her hand. This feeling was strange, but it wasn't bad.

Was it the Goddess?

"Look up," Persephone whispered.

Isra did and saw that another frieze was carved over the doorway. She froze. It showed the moment when everything in Hueco Mundo changed. It was the moment of the Betrayal that brought about the Great Schism, trapped in stone.

"Do you know what it is?" Persephone demanded gently.

Isra nodded her head. The emotions building up in her head streamed out through warm tears that crested only to stain her veil. Her eyes took in the image of Harribel being run through by the blade of the one she had loved the most.

"We must never forget and we must never forgive," Isra said, letting the words out along with the tears.

Persephone nodded and looked at the frieze.

"Cursed be the name of Starrk," she recited grimly. "Cursed be the Great Mother's Betrayer."

Isra nodded. She repeated the words in her head. However, she thought she heard Persephone whisper something else as she tried to engrave the sacred image into her memory. It was something that contradicted with what she said only moments before.

She couldn't be sure, but she thought that that Persephone had whispered, "Blessed is his love…"

Isra pulled her gaze back down and looked at the Arrancar with shock and confusion.

Surely she hadn't…

Before Isra could finish the thought, Persephone tilted her head back down and looked at her, smiling.

"Come on. We better get going. We don't want to miss out on all of the good food. These banquets are like they say," Persephone whispered eagerly.

Isra nodded her head. She had already dismissed what she thought she heard and now that was being forgotten. Her violet eyes glittered with excitement.

End of Chapter 2

A.N.: Much has occurred over the course of 204 years since Aizen was defeated in the Winter War. Don't worry, the Second Aizen War, the Great Schism, and the Downfall will be explored as the story progresses.

In case anyone is wondering: yes, Sora Katsu is the same Central 46 Representative who appeared in the Prologue. The odd thing was that when I was choosing his name, I didn't realize that he shared the same first name as Orihime's brother, but I will say that he is NOT Orihime's brother.

I want to thank everyone who has added this story to their Favorites and Alerts and to those who have reviewed.

I also want to thank Eduard Kassel for sharing his vision of this story with me and asking me to help him bring it to life. I am deeply honored.

Thank you for reading, and please review.