Hey, everyone! It has been a very long time since my last update and I'm genuinely sorry it took so long. Hopefully, everyone who reads this is having a great year so far and accomplishing all that they can and want to. Thanks for your patience and enjoy this action-packed chapter!


Chapter 8: The Trial of the Reaper


Drum, drum, drum. The soft sound of fingernails tapping against a metal wall was the only noise in Rukia's dark prison cell. For a time, she had grown used to the silence of it all and had almost taken solace in it. The quiet was peaceful despite her obviously unfavorable predicament. But that all changed when Soi Fon came to visit.

Drum, drum, drum. Her fingers beat against the wall behind her as she leaned against it and just stood, leering at her captive. To say the least, Rukia was not impressed. She sat upon a bench on the back wall of the cell looking with bemusement at the fiery captain. At last, Soi Fon stopped the drumming and her mouth twisted into a smile.

"I assume you know why I'm here?" she said.

"Couldn't tell you." Rukia replied. "Did Ichigo beat you so badly that you ran back here with your tail between your legs?"

Soi Fon smiled wider. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? Unfortunately for you, that was not the case. We have Kurosaki. He is here. His arms are bound. His friends are scattered. His girlfriend is broken. And you, his greatest ally, are also my prisoner."

"We've been up against the wall before."

"Yes, you have. And you had the backing of the Soul Society behind you. Now you have no one."

Rukia didn't reply. She just sat and stared at her captor with a passive look on her face. She didn't dare betray any emotion for doing that would cause Soi Fon pleasure which was the last thing Rukia wanted. Soi Fon for her part did not break eye contact. But behind the steel glass of her eyes, Rukia could see a slight twinge of frustration or perhaps even anger.

"Ironic how you have sat in this prison before. At least then you had hope of rescue."

"That's where you're wrong," Rukia replied. "There was no hope. Ichigo had barely stood against Renji and my brother had defeated him in seconds. How was I to know he would become so strong as to eventually achieve his Bankai and defeat my brother? There was no conceivable hope of my rescue. But I remained steadfast. And I will do so again. Because back then, Ichigo proved that he could conquer the impossible. Who is to say it could not happen again? You cannot frighten me, Soi Fon. You cannot intimidate me and you sure as hell can't dim my hope. Somehow, someway, you will lose."

Soi Fon glowered down at her. Her face was twisted in rage and she snarled with her fist clenched tightly.

"When Kurosaki's trial is complete and his sentence is put in stone, I will send for you. And before you can even say a word to each other I will torture him right in front of you. I will make you watch as I break his bones and cut him open. Then I will kill you so that he remembers what he took from us. So that he knows what his betrayal brought upon Soul Society."

Rukia said nothing and received a wad of Soi Fon's spit on her face for her insolence. The Captain then turned on her heel and left the cell leaving Rukia alone with her thoughts. Ichigo, she thought to herself. Someone will save us. Something will happen. We can't give up hope. We can't.


Korra shook her head to clear the cobwebs. Her vision was a bit blurry and her entire equilibrium felt off. She blinked multiple times and slowly her surroundings began to come into view. There was someone hitting her arm and struggling away from her grip. Someone yelling her name.

"Korra!" Asami cried. "Let go of my hand! You're crushing it!"

Korra jolted and her vice-like grip of Asami's hand loosed as the dark-haired girl whipped it away and held it in considerable pain. The Avatar winced as she looked at her friend.

"Sorry, Asami…"

"It's okay. Sometimes I forget how stupid strong you are."

Korra laughed. "Me too, to be honest."

"Quiet!" Uryu said.

"Would you two shut the hell up?!" Ikkaku whispered angrily.

Their group had arrived in a dimly lit alleyway with grey, stone walls covered by lightly blue-coloured roofs. The ground was a hard stone as well and the open air revealed a dark, starry sky. It was deathly quiet but the oppressive atmosphere was palpable in its ferocity. Ikkaku was peering around the edge of the alleyway into the broader street beyond it. Mako and Chad had joined him while Uryu and Rangiku helped the others to their feet.

"What's the plan here?" Bolin asked breathlessly. His excitement could be felt by all around him.

"We law low," Uryu answered. "Who knows how many spies are in this city?"

"Even our arrival could've tipped them off," agreed Rangiku.

"Do we know who's on our side here?" Chad asked.

She nodded. "I'll return to my Squad's headquarters and inform my captain."

"Get word to Byakuya as well," Ikkaku added. "I feel like we should keep this circle pretty small for now."

"What do we do in the meantime?" said Korra.

"I'm going to take you to the Rukongai District. It's where we've been holding our meetings to plan the rebellion. Whatever happens on the way there, you cannot make a scene, you hear me? I'm the most irresponsible lieutenant out there and I never run from fights but I'm telling you this time to not engage in combat anywhere unless we absolutely have to."

Mako nodded. "We understand. Lead the way."

Ikkaku beckoned and they fell into step behind him. He kept up a fast but quiet pace, his feet tapping the ground lightly as he ran. They kept to the side of the streets where the shadows were deepest. Beneath the light of the moon, the group made swift progress. Korra and the others could not tell the streets apart from each other, especially in the dark. Each straight road looked closely the same as the one they just left but Ikkaku's steady and confident running was their guide.

Every so often he would stop and hold up his hand for them to follow suit. He would close his eyes, clearly sensing for any nearby reiatsu. Then he would turn, confirm with Uryu that they sensed nothing and then move on. Eventually, the streets began to take on a bit more character. They lost some of their pristine cleanliness and began to look more disorderly and well-trodden. The carefully placed cobblestone gave way to hastily pounded dirt and the shadows grew shorter as the buildings lessened in size and height.

Ikkaku was just about to turn round a corner when Uryu gripped his shoulder. A troupe of five Soul Reapers landed just in front of them. Their leader, a snarky-looking fellow with a scar over his right eye grinned at them.

"What a catch," he said creepily. "Seven ryoka and a renegade lieutenant. I see the rumours are true. Squad 11 really do have traitors in their hierarchy. We've been tracking you for the past half hour. For someone of your power, that's a bit embarrassing, isn't it?"

"What do we do?" Bolin whispered.

"Let Ikkaku handle it," Korra ordered. "He'll call on us if he needs us."

"Now then," the man continued, "what shall we do with you? Bring you back to the Seireitei? No, no, no, I think not. That wouldn't be any fun, hey boys?"

His followers all voiced their collective agreement.

A savage grin spread across Ikkaku's face. "I stopped at several street corners but I never sensed your presence and neither did the Quincy. If it was just me who didn't sense you, then maybe I'd say you're powerful enough to hide yourselves. But since the Quincy didn't sense you either, I think it's because you're just too damn weak to have any."

He drew his sword out slowly, allowing the scrape of the metal against the scabbard to linger in the air while he kept his eyes fixed on the foes in front of him. The five Soul Reapers looked cowed but their leader steeled himself and pulled out his zanpakuto.

"Always wanted to kill one of you Squad 11 bastards." There was anger in his words but fear in his eyes as Ikkaku twirled his blade and began circling them.

"We don't have long, Ikkaku," Uryu said as a reminder.

The lieutenant suddenly dashed forward. There was no clash of blades, only the screams of the wounded. The five men stood stock still and then spurts of blood burst from their bodies as they crumpled to the ground. Asami covered her mouth in horror. Bolin turned to vomit in the dirt. Orihime looked away but she knew death more than the others. Chad said nothing.

"You- you killed them. Just like that," Mako stuttered breathlessly.

"If I hadn't they would've run back to the Seireitei and let everyone know we were here." Ikkaku replied coldly. "We would've been surrounded immediately and taken prisoner or worse." He wrung his sword and the blood splattered against the wall of a nearby building. "This is war. And war is bloody."

"We'll need to get rid of the bodies," Uryu stated. His face had not changed at all when the killings had happened.

Korra, who had remained silent, stepped towards them and with her bending, moved the earth beneath them to encompass their bodies and lowered them into the ground, closing the dirt overtop of them. Her eyes were heavy but determined.

"Go in peace," she said quietly.

Her eyes travelled upwards and met Ikkaku's who gave her a quick nod.

"Come on, kiddos," he said. "We have a ways to go yet. But we can move faster now. We've left the Seireitei."

Mako gave Bolin a light shove and Korra took Asami's hand who was still slightly in shock. They followed him as his speed increased. He led them to an abandoned house built of ugly stone. It's doors and windows were made of old wood and hinges that had long fell into rust.

"Rest," he said. "The others will come shortly."

Asami sat down on an old couch with Korra beside her. Orihime brought them some water and the three girls sat together in silence. Uryu joined Ikkaku in keeping watch for their allies and potential enemies while Mako, Bolin and Chad chatted quietly amongst themselves. Asami clenched her fists and blinked several times.

"Take a deep breath," Orihime advised her. "The shock will pass."

"How are you so calm?" Asami asked. "He just killed those men!"

"He killed them to protect us," Korra said.

"Even so-"

"I'm a healer," Orihime interrupted. "I've always been one. Seeing men killed like that makes me feel so sick inside that I can't explain it. It makes me feel that way because I can no longer help them. But even so, if I got broken up over every lost life I saw, I wouldn't be able to help the people close to me, the ones who need me the most to be strong. You both are going to see a lot of horrible things here. Don't let this first thing stop you before you even get going."

Asami looked and her and gave a small smile. "Thanks. I needed that."

Orihime beamed back. "You're welcome."

"They're here!" Ikkaku said. He opened the door and in stepped Byakuya, Renji, Toshiro, and Rangiku. The four of them greeted Team Avatar and introduced themselves solemnly. All their eyes were kept on Korra the entire time and she herself was wary of them too. She recognized some of them. They'd been there when she and Ichigo had fought in the Seireitei.

"So here we sit," Byakuya said darkly, "we few rebel Shinigami and a small group of ryoka against the might of the Soul Society and the Gotei 13."

"Aren't there more of you?" Mako asked.

"There are. But we decided it was best for us to meet with you first. It wouldn't do to have you all arrive and them a larger group of us leave the Seireitei to see you. We're risking a lot as it is."

"You're risking a lot?" Korra said in annoyance. "Ichigo is in prison right now. They're going to kill him and for nothing! So until you're in his position, don't talk to me about risk."

Toshiro's fierce eyes flashed onto her. "If this is how you speak with all your allies, it is little wonder why our world hates you. We did not ask for your help nor did we expect it. You came of your own accord which has created a further complication for us."

"We were expecting to bring only Chad and Orihime back with us," said Rangiku. "You can understand why we're stressed. Besides Ichigo himself, you are the most wanted person in the entire Soul Society."

"Ichigo isn't the only one who is in prison right now either," Renji added. "The Captain's sister, Rukia is stuck there too. There is a lot at risk, Avatar."

Korra swallowed and nodded. She looked to Uryu. "Well, it was your plan that got us here. What's next?"

"Can't we just storm the prison and break both out?" Bolin asked.

Ikkaku laughed. "I like this one. Spoken like a true dumbass. Squad 11 would love to have him."

"Everything is about timing," Byakuya said. "If we are to rescue both and minimize loss of life and also hopefully be in control of the Seireitei when it's over, it's going to take some very careful planning."

"Call a meeting." Chad said, his first words in a while. "If everyone knows their roles, any plan you make will go smoother."

"Our meetings haven't exactly gone that well in the past," Renji answered. "And there is the risk of discovery."

"Take the risk," Asami said. "The real risk is us screwing up on the actual day. That's what matters."

Byakuya nodded. "Try and sleep then. I'll call a meeting for the morning. Keep your energy levels down and do not leave this house. We'll reconvene later and hope that this next meeting will be our last. I have grown sick of this district."


Ichigo awoke to silence and blackness. Back on the hard floor of his cell, his eyes had now adjusted to the dim red light emanating from the corners of the room. His body ached from sleeping on such a rough surface and his mind was beset by thoughts of his impending trial and the fate of his friends should Yamamoto make good on his promise to invade their world.

He rubbed his face and his hands felt the brittle touch of stubble upon his chin. Sitting up, he crossed his legs and took three deep breaths to calm his mind. Whatever today brings, I will be strong. I will tell the truth to the best of my ability and place my fate upon the will of the jury. Maybe if my testimony is convincing enough, the captains who may still be friendly to me will make Yamamoto change his mind.

Ichigo clasped his hands together and bowed his head. No matter what happens, Rukia must be set free. And my friends must be allowed to live. For that I'll give anything. If my death will keep them safe and free… then I am willing to give them my life. He gritted his teeth. I choose my own destiny. I will do everything in my power to come out of this day a free man with my friends alongside me.

His eyes opened and there was a fierce fire within his pupils. I am strong and today I will show it. And I will save Rukia. I'll save Asami. I'll save all of them. I swear on my life. I swear it.


Asami blinked open her eyes and sat up on the couch where she'd taken a short nap. Her hair was a bit disheveled but she couldn't be bothered to fix it as she surveyed her surroundings. Korra, Mako and Uryu were deep in conversation at the sole table within the house. Bolin was chatting quietly with Orihime while Chad sat next to them in the corner silent as usual.

She didn't know what to make of Ichigo's friends. They were both nice people and were clearly their allies but it was hard to get a read on them. Chad never said much but he had a sturdy and calming presence about him. Orihime was so nice that it almost seemed fake and Asami sensed a small level of resentment from her. Perhaps she had had something with Ichigo at one point. No matter. Ichigo was hers now and hers alone.

Lips pursing as she thought of her captured boyfriend, Asami glanced down at her hand and imagined his coarse fingers intertwined with her own. It wouldn't be long, she told herself, until they would be together again. This challenge too would pass and they would return home… to a group of assassins wanting to kill Korra. That thought almost made Asami punch something.

They would go through all this pain, and fear and anguish to rescue Ichigo and if they succeeded, the battles would still not be over. Although, perhaps the assassins would take a long time to find them. And after fighting against these Soul Reapers, how much of a problem could a small group of benders be to them?

Asami stirred out of her thoughts as the door to the house opened with a creak and Byakuya stepped in followed by Renji, Toshiro and Rangiku. As the time passed, one by one, more Soul Reapers began to file into the room lit by the dull morning sun. There was a flamboyant one with a pink and flowery haori, his long hair tied in a bun with a straw hat atop his head. His lieutenant, a smart and uptight looking girl with glasses followed with a notepad clutched to her chest.

A swarthy man with sharp, blonde hair and an eerie grin was next. His eyes flashed dangerously and when he smiled, he bore his stark white teeth for all to see. A bundle of angry curses could be heard as a great large man bumped his head on the doorframe to the laughter of his tiny, pink-haired lieutenant. He himself was a fierce and terrifying creature with unnaturally spiky haired tipped with golden bells. A long, jagged scar ran down the side of his face and he also wore an eyepatch.

Several others followed of various shapes and sizes. They introduced themselves cordially enough but the tension in the air was so palpable that Asami felt like a great weight was hovering overhead. Those that could sit did and the others stood round the small dinner table. Byakuya allowed things to quiet down before he spoke. Despite his obvious leadership role, Asami noticed how still he was, and unobtrusive. It was almost like a leaf, allowing the wind to take it where it would go.

"Time is against us," he said. "I've asked you all here because we are now at full strength or as full as we can get in this present moment. The Avatar and her friends have made the journey from their world to rescue Kurosaki Ichigo. And now we must decide how we will do this."

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Kenpachi declared. "We storm the prison, break him out, kill everyone else and boom, we win. When do we leave?"

"It's a bit more delicate than that," Toshiro hissed through his teeth.

Before Kenpachi could reply, Kyoraku raised his voice. "I'm going to nip this in the bud, my friends. All our discussions before have just turned into pointless arguments. Apologies Avatar, but the only argument I see worth having here is whether or not you are trustworthy."

Korra felt the eyes of everyone in the room turn to her. Her eyebrows bristled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Shinji spread his hands. "Honey, we saw you and Ichigo destroying the Seireitei. You can't just expect us to trust you with our company. You killed thousands of people, Avatar."

"Don't 'Honey" me, creep," she snapped back. "You have no idea what really happened that day or what I was there to do. I was there to stop the dark spirit that had taken over Ichigo's body and bring him back to my world." Korra looked round at everyone and fixed her powerful gaze upon their unflinching eyes. "I saved you. And Rukia saved me. And for that, your people threw her in prison. Don't you dare ask whether I am trustworthy or not when it is your system and customs that are the reason for this meeting."

"Careful, girl," Lisa said. "You would do well not to insult the captains of the Gotei 13."

A sudden striking at the door caused everyone to jump. Many of the Soul Reapers placed their hands on the hilts of their zanpakuto. They opened the door and a young, fresh-faced Shinigami came through, panting heavily.

"It's today!" he cried breathlessly. "The trial is today! The Captain Commander demands the presence of all the captains for the trial of Kurosaki Ichigo."

There was a moment of silence. Then Uryu rose to his feet. "Then we must make haste. We have three targets. The trial itself, Rukia's cell, and the gate. All the captains, if you have to be present at Central 46 then you are in the perfect position to defend and rescue Ichigo. I will take some of the others to assault the gate. With no captains, it will not be heavily guarded. We need it to escape. Another group of us must go and rescue Rukia so that any loyalists cannot use her as a hostage."

"What should I do?" Korra asked.

"Go to the trial. Arrive late and make a big show of yourself. Say that you are there to confess. At this moment, you will cause chaos in the room. You captains must then enact your rebellion. Rescue Ichigo and if possible, slay the Captain Commander. Perhaps without his dogged leadership, this society can come out of this mostly intact."

A spark of pain flashed across the face of Kyoraku. "I have stood against Yamamoto before. I do not wish to do it again. For so many years he served as a father figure to Jushiro and myself. But justice calls. This battle must be swift and decisive. Minimize casualties. Kenpachi, I'll need your strength to take the old man."

Kenpachi grinned like a madman. "Finally."

"Who will save Rukia?" Toshiro asked.

"I will," answered Asami. "I feel like it's my duty."

"Chad and I will come with you," Orihime said.

"Me too," said Renji. "Rukia is my closest friend."

"In that case, Mako and Bolin will come with me," announced Uryu. "Ikkaku as well."

"You got it."

"Team Avatar will get the job done!" Bolin pumped his fist.

Byakuya nodded thoughtfully. "So, we have a plan. A hastily-made plan. But a plan."

"Good to know we can actually get along when the need arises," chuckled Shinji.

Asami looked round at all these mighty warriors filled with power and purpose. Her right hand twitched with anticipation. She had a purpose now too. And she had to trust that everyone else would fulfill theirs.


Kensei's strong presence pulsed like a beacon behind him. Even though he could not sense reiatsu because of his cuffs, Ichigo could feel the large man's anger. He wondered what it could be for. Obviously, he could be angry at him for what he thought he'd done. He could be angry at the proceedings. Or perhaps he was angry at Soul Society itself. Ichigo didn't really care.

He was once again blindfolded as Kensei and a few guards escorted him to his trial. As they turned a corner, the guards stopped walking. He heard quiet footsteps make their way towards them and the guards stepped back. Kensei remained where he was.

"So today is the day," came Soi Fon's voice.

Ichigo grimaced. He had hoped it wouldn't be her. "Yes, it is," he replied.

He felt her hand roughly pull the blindfold from his eyes. The guards didn't dare object. Ichigo was standing in a long, thin hallway that presumably went from the prison to the judicial courts, or somewhere close by at least. The dim light of the hallway illuminated Soi Fon's fierce face as she glowered up at her prisoner.

Her lips turned up into a smirk. "All that time pretending you were one of us, pretending you were a Shinigami has really paid off, huh? All those battles you won, convincing the sheep of this city that you were on their side." Her voice lowered to a whisper. "But the faithful saw through you. The diligent and loyal perceived your betrayal. It's a true pity there weren't more of us. We could've stopped your massacre before it ever happened."

"The faithful?" Ichigo responded. "The faithful to dogmatic ideals, so quick to jump to assumptions and hold to them, even if they go against all that has happened before. The faithful? No. The foolish. You'll see, Soi Fon. You'll see when I give my testimony what really happened."

"What does it matter?" she cackled hideously. "Whatever words come out of your mouth will do nothing to alter your fate, your destiny."

"If you're quite done gloating," Kensei jutted in," we need to get a move on."

Soi Fon looked at him with disdain. "Shut your mouth, Visored. Or should I call you what you really are: Hollow? Your kind will be the next to be purged. If you need to hurry so much then go."

The white-haired captain bristled with anger. "Your short stature belies your ludicrous ego, Soi Fon." He stormed off with his guards in tow, leaving Ichigo and Soi Fon alone together.

"You know, you were always an asshole," he said. "But it was never this bad."

"Oh, it can get so much worse." Soi Fon gripped the front of his shirt and pulled him down so their noses were almost touching. "You have no idea how much joy it brings me to make you suffer. When I slit your throat, the last thing you'll see is my smile. And the things just before that will be the dead bodies of those you call friends."

Ichigo stared into her frigid eyes. They burned with the blue flames of cold rage but beneath that were the dilating emotions of sorrow. It was as if behind her anger was an empty sense of grief. He shook his head in wonder. "Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?"

She swallowed deeply. "You don't deserve the answer to that question."


"Thank you," Orihime said.

"Hmm?" asked Asami.

The two of them had left the Rukongai district and were making their way towards Rukia's prison along the outskirts of the Seireitei. A contingent of Soul Reapers were behind them along with the ever-present Chad. His tall, large body was a bit awkward for stealth but they would need his power and his experience if they were to complete their mission.

"Thank you for being there for Ichigo," Orihime continued. "He must have felt so lonely… and desperate. Thank you for helping him."

Asami smiled softly. "He helped me too. More than he knows. He's the best thing to ever happen to me."

Orihime blinked. "I- I'm happy for you. He's an incredible person. Where did you meet him?"

"We all met at around the same time. I was dating Mako at the time and Ichigo was travelling everywhere with Korra. We met at a dinner party. Actually, it was a pretty rough meeting," she giggled. "He insulted my father and his business products."

"That sounds like Ichigo," Orihime laughed.

"Over time, we became friends. Then when the going got rough and my father was revealed as our enemy, he was there to strengthen and encourage me when no one else was. That was the moment when I first thought that here is someone who inspires me. Here is someone whom I could grow to love."

"That's beautiful," said Orihime wistfully.

Asami turned to her. "You love him, don't you?" she said quietly.

"I-I don't-" she stammered.

"It's okay. You can tell me."

Orihime looked down. "I'm not sure what I feel for him. I thought I loved him. For years I was convinced that I did."

"But now…?"

The shorter girl hesitated. "If things were different," she said carefully. "I think that I still would. But things aren't different. Things have happened that have changed him, changed me. I like to think everything that happens, happens for a reason. Ichigo was meant to go to your world and meet you and fall in love with you. I can't change that." She took Asami's hand. "But what I can do is help bring Ichigo back to you."

Asami smiled. "Thank you. For what it's worth, I'm really happy I met you. You've already encouraged me so much here. Ichigo is lucky to have someone like you in his life."


"Kurosaki Ichigo!" A powerful voice boomed out, echoing against the deep, dark walls of Central 46. The members, an eerily silent bunch cloaked in white robes with hoods that left their faces black all glared at him. Although he could not see their eyes, he felt their presence, their rage, their disgust.

As soon as he entered into the court room, all chance of a fair trial left his mind. The room was massive. It felt like entering the gaping, ravenous maw of some underwater monster. Apart from the light upon the members, the captains off to the right-hand side and defendant, prosecutor and witness stands, the entire place was pitch dark. The might and power of the Soul Society seemed to loom over him, judging him before he'd even said a word.

The captains, some of whom he once considered good friends, looked at him solemnly. Not a friendly face in sight. Well, he figured, at least they weren't glaring like everyone else. Except for Soi Fon of course. Her face was stuck in a permanent leer when she looked his way. Ichigo searched for anything, any notion of pity on the faces of his one-time friends. But there was nothing. It was to be expected. To express pity would be to stand against Central 46.

"Kurosaki Ichigo!"

His attention snapped back to the judge, the highest esteemed member of Central 46 who sat slightly elevated above the rest.

"You stand before us today accused of treason, murder and ultimately genocide. The countless witnesses of that dreadful day can already speak the truth enough to drown you but we shall follow due process and bring specific witnesses to the stand. Thus, your fate will be decided on the testimony of those closest to the destruction. Now, let the trial of Kurosaki Ichigo, one-time Substitute Shinigami of the Soul Society, commence!"

And for the next long, long while, witness after witness was brought to the stand, throwing insults at Ichigo, accusing him of everything under the sun, even stuff he genuinely didn't do while under Vaatu's control. What he immediately noticed was that amidst all the dark spaces in the room, there were seats filled to the brim with residents of the Soul Society. They had found their scapegoat.

With every testimony, boos and jeers rang around Central 46. Gasps of shock, cries of horror at his crimes were common as well. In all honestly, Ichigo was so fed up with how rigged the whole affair was that he was barely even listening anymore and simply waiting for his turn. They had judged him guilty the moment he stepped in the room.

Perhaps this had always been on the cards. He knew he wasn't really one of them. He was proud of that fact. It was part of his identity but in the back of his mind, he'd had a feeling that if things ever turned sour between himself and the Soul Society, it would be easy for them to point fingers at the outsider.

At that point, Ichigo realized that his name was being called. He shook his head to focus and saw that the long line of witnesses had ended. The judge looked down upon him and indicated for Ichigo to come forward. He could feel the angry gaze of the crowd zeroed in on his slow steps. Glancing to the right, he caught Byakuya's eyes with his own. The solemn captain's face was as stern as always but in his eyes there was a slight hint of pity… no, outrage. Then he blinked and the moment was gone.

"As these witnesses have testified, your accusations continue to multiply, Kurosaki Ichigo. Now, what do you have to say in your defense?"

Ichigo took a deep breath. "I'll start at the begi-"

Jeers. Jeers and boos. Deafeningly loud jeers and boos. He shut his mouth and waited for the judge to bring order. Only he didn't. He allowed the noise to linger before eventually slamming his gavel and calling for order in the court. Ichigo cleared his throat.

"I'll start at the beginning." A couple boos. "I was sent to the other world to-" More boos. Ichigo shook his head and spread his hands to the judge as if to say, are you going to stop this? Once again, the judge did nothing.

"You murderer!" A shrill voice pierced through the rest. "You murdered my child!"

Ichigo winced and pursed his lips. This hurt. Even though it wasn't him, even though he wasn't in control, people died. Men, women, children. They all died because he wasn't strong enough to defend himself against Vaatu's possession. The crowd at this point were almost out of control. He let his head droop slightly and the judge simply looked at him as abuse rained down from the stands.


Korra stood alone upon a tall rooftop that offered her a view of the Seireitei. To her right and left she could see the many hundreds of streets and buildings that populated the city. The closer they got to the mountain in the middle, the more destroyed they were. The mountain itself was still cleaved in two from Vaatu's opening attack.

Half of it still stood and some hastily-made columns had been placed against it to prevent it from falling. The other half had planted itself into the ground and much of it had crumbled. This area had seemingly not been touched other than to search for potential survivors below.

The place they called Central 46 had been pointed out to her: a large, imposing place devoid of any real beauty in her mind. But it kept along with the stoic architecture of many of the Soul Society's primary structures. With her hands placed on her hips she took a deep intake of air. The key to firebending was in the breath after all.

Then with energy radiating through her limbs, she raised her hands simultaneously and unleashed two massive plumes of flame into the sky. Adding to it with her breath, she began to swirl it till it became a veritable tornado, pulsing and scorching the air around her. Already she could see shocked Soul Reapers advancing with great speed towards her position.

In no time, she was surrounded. It seemed like the entire garrison of the Soul Society had their swords pointed her way. With a casual ease, she allowed the fire to dissipate and lowered her hands. The Soul Reapers all looked confused and very cautious.

"Hi," she said. "My name's Korra. I'm the Avatar." Ripples of surprise and horror spread through the army. "As you can see, I'm unarmed. I wish to stand trial."

One Soul Reaper stepped forward. "It is clear that your powers do not lie in weapons, Avatar. Why turn yourself in like this?"

"Look around you. Don't you think justice should be served?"

The blades round her shook with anger at that comment.

"How can we trust that you won't burn us all alive? You clearly don't value our lives from the last time you visited."

"For what it's worth, I give you my word. If you take me to Central 46 and present me before the court, I will not harm you."

"The words of Fukinko are a pack of lies," one Soul Reaper spat. "I would run my sword through your chest right now sooner than do anything you request."

"Good thing you're not in charge then." Korra turned to the first one who'd addressed her. "You, take your sword and stand behind me. Put the blade to my throat while you escort me. If I make any sudden moves, kill me. Is that enough of a guarantee?"

He swallowed and then nodded. "The justice of Central 46 will decide your fate."


Ichigo face twisted in anger as the crowd continued to throw insults and abuse down at him. They were a little quieter now. After all, it had been a few minutes of just solid hatred. His hands were clenched into tight fists and his whole body vibrated with tension. If his wrists had not been held by the handcuffs that totally dampened his powers, he would've torn through them ages ago.

And then what? What would he do? Would he let his anger win and attack them? Then it actually would be his fault if people died. No, he decided. He had to control himself. Even if this entire system was against him, he couldn't succumb to his own rage. He couldn't give them what they wanted. Ichigo took a deep breath and the trembling stopped.

The dense noise in the room was brought to an abrupt halt as the entrance to the court room was thrown open. Ichigo's mouth fell open as Korra strode proudly through the doors, her hands in cuffs and two guards trying furiously to hold her back but to no avail. Then for the first time in days, his face broke into a grin. He didn't think he'd ever been as happy to see someone in his life.

The two of them locked eyes and she beamed genuinely back at him before turning her stern gaze upon Central 46. The judge looked down at her with disdain and bemusement. One of the guards finally gave up holding her back and instead presented himself to the court.

"Your Honour," he started but Korra bumped him and sent him stumbling.

"My name is Korra," she declared. "And I'm the Avatar. But I've heard that you people call me Fukinko."

Gasps and cries of dismay were heard round the room. Many of the captains leapt to their feet with hands at their swords. The ones allied with Korra remained stone-faced apart from Kenpachi of course. His toothy smile couldn't have been wider. Soi Fon stepped forward enraged but the judge held up his hand.

"Fukinko," he said slowly. "Until recently, I had assumed you as nothing but a myth. And if you were real, I expected a grand, powerful being, with a countenance that could shake me to my very core. I expected a person fitting the description of the Soul Society's gravest enemy."

Korra's eyes flashed. "Be careful not to judge on appearances. I can be pretty grave and powerful when I want to."

"Threats are not responded to well in a court of law."

"A court of law? Is that a joke? I heard the noise from outside. I know how this so-called "trial" has gone. Very imbalanced, to say the least."

The term imbalanced caused a ripple to go across the crowd. They were now totally silent. Korra gestured to Ichigo. "I think the accused should get a chance to say his piece. In silence."

The judge swallowed and then slowly nodded. Ichigo gave Korra a small smile and she winked back. He cleared his throat and began.

"Explaining why I came to Soul Society and destroyed it is the easy part. It's the background that takes a little bit of time. Over a year ago, I was sent into the Avatar's world from the World of the Living. Some things happened and I lost my memory. Korra found me and we became friends. I spent the last year regaining my memory and helping my friends defeat the evils of that world. One of those evils is named Vaatu. He is a powerful dark spirit that tried to take over the world. When we tried to stop him, he bonded with my body and took total control over me. At this point, something known as Harmonic Convergence was happening and the two worlds were very close together. Vaatu, controlling my body tore a hole between them and came here to the Soul Society to destroy it. Korra was able to follow and force Vaatu back to her world where she was able to defeat him, save me and the entire universe. You see, my failure is that I couldn't stop Vaatu from taking control of me. And I cannot even begin to express how sorry I am for what he did in my body. Seeing all this destruction broke me inside. But what broke me more was how you all looked at me. I don't blame you. What happened that day was unspeakable. But I did not kill those people. Vaatu did."

There was silence in the room. The judge seemed at a loss for what to do. Ichigo glanced back at Korra who gave an assuring nod. The captains, those who were not allied with Korra looked puzzled and thoughtful. Ichigo thought that he could sense a change in their eyes now that the truth was revealed. Then his eyes met Soi Fon's. Hers were cold and calculating. She stepped forward.

"An easy lie," she said. "An easy lie. A very, very easy lie. A lie which removes responsibility and also paints him as the victim. Oh, he couldn't stop the dark spirit? Kurosaki Ichigo, the man who defeated Sosuke Aizen couldn't stop the dark spirit from taking over his body. And then the Avatar, the sworn enemy of this city was the one who came to save it? No. Not in a million years. No, I'll tell you what happened. Kurosaki Ichigo allied himself with Fukinko and committed genocide against our people. He was never one of us. Only a pretender. And when the chance came, he took it."

Korra scowled furiously. "You lying little bitch! Ichigo saved you and your people so many times over!"

Soi Fon pointed right at her. "See? Fukinko gets angry once the lie is revealed. Why did she come here? I'll tell you. She came to get her friend out of those cuffs so they can finish the job they started!" She turned to the crowd. "Are you going to let these ryoka, these enemies of your city, of your world spill their lies and get free just so they can kill more of you?!"

Cries of no was her answer. She whirled around again to Central 46. "Pass your judgement on these criminals and do what's right for your people!"

The roar that followed from the crowd was loud and vicious. They didn't want to listen to Ichigo, they definitely didn't want to listen to Korra. They had found someone to blame and they were sticking with it. Some of the captains had their hands on the hilts of their swords. The pressure and tension in the room was rising to boiling point.

With a crash, the judge thundered his gavel upon the wood and brought silence to the room. Korra stood side by side with Ichigo. Their jaws were set. "Where's Asami?" he whispered.

"Saving Rukia."

"What? They'd better get out of here as soon as possible."

"Silence!" cried the judge. "I have come to a verdict. Kurosaki Ichigo, I pronounce you guilty on all charges! The punishment for your crimes is death by execution."

The crowd bellowed their approval. Ichigo strained against his cuffs and looked pleadingly at some of the captains. But then, several things happened at once. Kenpachi drew out his chipped and jagged blade, the door to the court room was flung open yet again and Rukia and Renji came charging in with Asami, Orihime and Chad at their backs, and a whole contingent of the crowd shot down to surround Ichigo and Korra in a defensive circle with their blades at the ready.

Kenpachi's voice reverberated round Central 46. "Rebellion! Rebellion! Stand and fight, Squad 11!"

Komamura Saijin drew his blade and swung powerfully at Kenpachi but he was stopped mid strike by Byakuya. The other captains seemed to freeze but then their allies, Toshiro, Shinji, Kyoraku, Lisa all drew their blades. Yamamoto looked truly incensed and his spiritual pressure began to grow to astronomical levels. Soi Fon stood by his side, loyal as ever. Kensei was shocked and didn't seem to know what to do.

Renji slashed through Ichigo's bonds and embraced him tightly.

"Good to see you alive, brother," he said.

Ichigo smiled. "You too, man." He turned and Asami raced into his arms and they held each other close. He kissed her deeply. "You came," he said.

"Of course I did."

"I always knew there was hope. But you need to get out of here. This is already turning into an all-out battle. What's happening at the gate?"

"Uryu is leading an attack there with Mako and Bolin."

"Go to them. Rukia! Come here."

"What about you?"

"I'll be right behind you." Ichigo and Rukia hugged quickly. "Rukia, take Asami to the gate and get them all out of here."

"I will. We always leave it late to save each other, hey?"

"Yeah, it's stressful. Now both of you go. Now."

"Wait!" Asami said. She handed him his Combat Pass. "You'll need this."

Ichigo kissed her. "I love you."

"Love you more." Rukia took her hand and led her away from the building. Ichigo placed the pass on his chest and felt a rush of power. Chad and Orihime ran up to him. "Guys!" he said with a smile and hugged them both. "I can't believe everyone's here. Everyone's together."

"Not for long," said Chad. "The Captain Commander looks like he's gonna rip you in half."

"How can we help?" Orihime asked.

"Go home," Ichigo replied. "Tell Urahara, Yoruichi and my dad what's going on here. And protect my sisters."

"Where will you go?"

"Back to the Avatar's world, eventually. But I have to help win this battle right now. Hopefully, if we win Soul Society can move on in a good direction. Right now, it's an absolute shit show."

Orihime took his hand tightly. "Be careful," she said.

"I will. Get out of here, guys."

No sooner had they left than Ichigo felt a surge of reiatsu and the shield wall that Squad 11 had been forming around them collapsed to his left. Yamamoto had drawn his zanpakuto and his smoldering eyes were dead set on Ichigo. Soi Fon was nowhere to be seen. Ichigo barely pulled out Zangetsu in time as the old man flew forward and their blades clashed.

The power emanating from the Captain Commander was truly frightening. It was on a level perhaps only surpassed by Aizen at his peak who was far beyond Ichigo at this point. Ichigo felt his strength leave him as Yamamoto's blade crept closer and closer to his neck. The war raged around them like a cyclone but time stood still in that moment. Then a sudden gust of wind slammed into Yamamoto and sent him sprawling. Korra was there and grabbed Ichigo's shoulder, pulling him away from the battle.

"We're finished if we fight in this fish bowl. Come on!" The two of them turned to head out the door but the bull-rushing Yamamoto swung at Korra's exposed neck. In a flash, Ichigo was there to meet him but the impact of the strike sent him and Korra soaring through the outer wall, pursued recklessly by the incensed Captain Commander of the Gotei 13.


Uryu peered over the edge of a rooftop. His keen eyes surveyed their immediate surroundings, looking for a potential attack point on their target: Kurotsuchi Mayuri's Gate. Unlike the Senkaimon, it did not loom tall and proud, rather, the entrance was small and almost dull. As wide and tall as two doors, it shimmered between its rock sides and crossbeam.

The machine next to it which powered its functions was almost as big as the gate itself; pipes ran down underground, presumably to power stations deep below Squad 12. The gate may have almost looked hastily built but Uryu had no doubt about Mayuri's genius. It would work and thus, it was guarded.

A small squadron of Soul Reapers was posted round it, some around the gate and some round the machine. Others were posted at each street entrance to the city square. Squad 12's headquarters were only a short distance away. Cleverly, Mayuri had placed the gate right in the heart of the Seireitei, where aid against potential attackers would not be far.

The defenders had blocked literally every possible angle of attack. There would be no surprises this time. Uryu frowned and got down from the roof where Mako, Bolin and Ikkaku were waiting. He adjusted his glasses and paused.

"Well?" said Bolin. "What did you see?"

"Looks like it'll be a full-frontal assault from us," he replied.

Ikkaku grinned menacingly. "Just the way I like it."

"What's our objective?" Mako asked.

"Secure the gate." Uryu said. "That's number one. Then we need to hold it until all our friends have escaped through it back to your world. If the battle isn't going in our favour, we should destroy the machine on our way through. That will at least set them back a while."

"Is there a way we can draw them out?" said Mako. "If we take out these guys quietly, then maybe we won't have to worry about reinforcements."

Ikkaku nodded. "Good idea. You and Bolin create a diversion, hopefully some of them fall for it. Uryu can snipe them from this rooftop. I'll head down and pick off the stragglers."

Mako and Bolin leapt down to the street below.

"Drill number 5?" Bolin asked innocently.

"You know the one," his brother replied.

They crept towards the end of the street that opened out into the city square. Bolin earthbent the cobblestone right in the center of the square into a ten foot column that shocked the Soul Reapers and caused some of them to jump. Hearing some confused chatter the brothers waited as a few of the guards cautiously approached the column.

As soon as they were close enough, Mako whirled round and unleashed a wave of fire that circled round the group, totally surrounding them. Their cries of surprise were instantly silenced as Uryu's arrows hit them dead on. The other guards drew their blades and circled together, not daring to move further forward.

One of them began to dash off to get help but then Ikkaku dropped from above and cut him down. The rest of them turned in shock at one of their own. He hefted his sword onto his shoulder with a smirk.

"Try not to wet yourselves now."

Bolin lunged in and bashed the guards against a wall, incapacitating them.

Ikkaku scowled. "Bastard. They were mine."

"Sorry! I just don't like needless killing!"

"Huh?! Who says I won't kill you?"

Bolin yelped and raised his fists but Ikkaku only laughed at him. Uryu and Mako joined them at the ugly entrance to the gate. The rock edges were rough and badly hewn, showing the haste in which this structure was built. But it was sturdy all the same and wouldn't break easily. The machine right next to it was just as ugly. Pipes covered its surface and ran down below the ground and a constant hum sounded from deep within it.

"Now we defend this thing," Uryu said.

They didn't have to wait long. High spiritual presences began converging on their position. Ikkaku let loose a laugh but the grip on his sword grew tighter and he slammed the hilt into his scabbard.

"Grow, Hozukimaru!"

His zanpakuto merged with its scabbard into one long spear. He twirled it round a few times and took a deep breath. Mako and Bolin, unable to sense reiatsu looked at him quizzically. "If you're wondering why I released my Shikai, it's because those are captains that are coming."

"C-captains?" Bolin asked.

"Oh yeah. The strongest of us all. Just think of thirteen Ichigo's coming to kill ya."

"Thirteen?! I couldn't even handle one!"

"Don't scare him needlessly," Uryu said. "I only sense the presence of two captains. But that's more than enough. Get ready, everyone."

Leaping over the rooftops came Soi Fon with a look of pure fury in her eyes. Behind her was Omaeda and Nemu, the Squad 12 Lieutenant. Then with a similar look of rage came Kurotsuchi Mayuri, the creator of the gate and Captain of Squad 12.

"Get your filthy Quincy paws away from my creation!" he shrieked at them.

"Whoa!" Bolin said. "What's with that guy's makeup?"

"Don't let your guard down," Uryu replied. "This is no court jester. That man is extremely dangerous."

Soi Fon alighted atop a tiled roof overlooking them. "If you surrender now, Ikkaku, you could still retain your place as a member of Soul Society. If you don't, you'll suffer the same fate as all traitors."

"Don't lie to them," Mayuri interrupted. "They're interfering with my gate. I'm going to kill all of them starting with the bald one. Not hearing his grating voice will be a blessing beyond anything I could create."

"Wow, they really hate you, hey Ikkaku," said Bolin.

The lieutenant smirked. "That's thanks to a life spent doing whatever the hell I want. Give me Mayuri. I'll show that bastard who's bald."


Byakuya look round the court room and was suddenly struck by the gravity of the situation around him. The Captain Commander was somewhere outside, doing battle with Ichigo and the Avatar. Central 46 had all fled the room when the fighting began. Some captains looked lost and confused like Kensei and Ukitake while others like Kenpachi and Komamura were locked in a titanic struggle. The Soul Society was in absolute chaos.

How did it come to this, he thought to himself. Though truthfully, he would be lying if he said it hadn't been building. The rigid and dogged rules of the Soul Society had stretched its system like a rope between two objects going in opposite directions. Slowly the threads were coming undone, leaving a thinner and thinner rope to hold it all together. One swift cut and it would fall.

The debacle with Rukia being sentenced to death for giving her powers to Ichigo had exposed how outdated and out of touch their ways were. Ichigo himself was a direct affront to them. It was no wonder why so many of the Seireitei's true believers, so to speak, were ruffled or incensed by his existence.

A being coming that destroyed their home should've brought the Soul Society together but it only divided them. Byakuya glanced down at his unreleased sword and contemplated the acts he was about to commit. I will raise my sword against people whom I've called allies for decades. I may need to kill them. He shut his eyes. So be it. Like the flower of Senbonzakura, the spring brings new life after the winter, no matter how cold or how harsh. A new day will dawn upon this city.


Several blocks away from the court room, Asami, Rukia, Orihime, Chad and Renji were creeping along the back streets, staying low to the ground and away from the action. Their main goal was to reach the gate without causing unnecessary conflict due to their weaker members and hope that Uryu's plan had succeeded.

High above them, they could hear the booms and clashes of Ichigo and Korra fighting the enraged Yamamoto. Asami kept glancing up fearfully, worried for her boyfriend. Renji had quickly informed her of who exactly Ichigo was fighting: the most mighty Soul Reaper of them all. She shook her head and forced out the fear. It would do her no favours.

Rukia ushered them along round a corner. She was grateful to have Renji with them. If a captain or even a lieutenant found them, she would've been be hard pressed to protect those around her alone. Chad she knew could handle himself against most Soul Reapers except the higher seats. Orihime was always useful in a fight but not offensively and she had no idea about Asami's capabilities. She seemed competent but against a captain, Rukia doubted she could do anything.

Renji turned to her. "Ru-"

But she knew. Two powerful presences were waiting for them at the end of the street. Captain Retsu Unohana and now- Captain Izuru Kira. Asami's eyes flared when she saw Izuru. He had been there when Soi Fon had beaten her and used her as a hostage to get Ichigo to surrender. She held him just as responsible.

Rukia held up her hands. "We don't need to do this, Captains. I beg you, reconsider."

"Rukia, you don't even know what we're going to do," Unohana chastened.

"I know we he's planning on doing."

Izuru's sword was already drawn. As was Renji's. Chad was holding his right arm at the ready and Asami had pulled on her Equalist glove. They were ready to fight if needed.

"I am prepared to do whatever is needed to bring justice to this situation," Izuru threatened.

"Captain Unohana, we're both healers. We both want peace. Please. I know you want to stop the fighting. Let us go. If we leave then there is no conflict and you can begin to mend the damage that's already been done," said Orihime with a pleading look in her eyes.

Squad Four's Captain shook her head with a sad smile. "I wish it were that easy, Orihime, my dear. The last thing I wanted was to see you as my opponent. But Izuru is right. Justice will bring peace back to this city. I like Ichigo, I really do. And I want to believe him. But this is not the way to bring peace."

"If you believe him, then let us go," Asami said defiantly.

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

"Then we'll go through you. A healer and one Soul Reaper? You're outmatched."

Unohana's continual smile quivered imperceptivity.

"Careful," Renji cautioned. "You don't want to make her angry. She's still a Captain."

Suddenly, Izuru made his move, using Shunpo to get behind Renji and strike at Rukia but then Chad was there, his powered right arm taking the full brunt of Izuru's Shikai. Blood spurted from the wound and his arm instantly went limp from the effect of the zanpakuto increasing its weight.

Chad swung his left arm with all his considerable strength and plunged it into Izuru's side, making the blonde Soul Reaper gasp in pain. Then Renji was on him, hammering down with his sword and forcing Izuru to one knee.

Rukia leapt forward towards Unohana. "Hado number 31: Shakkaho!" A blast of energy came from her palm. She had aimed it at the ground beneath the Captain's feet which created a smoke screen from the explosion. Quickly grabbing Asami and Orihime, she got onto the roofs and was about to take off when Unohana shunpoed in front of them, her sword drawn.

"Don't make me do this, Rukia," she said.


Ichigo and Korra crashed down upon a rooftop. Korra hurriedly flung Ichigo aside with airbending and scooted herself out of the way as Yamamoto raked his sword through the spot where they landed, utterly destroying the building below. He turned his murderous gaze on Ichigo and shot forward with Ichigo barely bringing up Zangetsu to block in time.

"What the hell, man," he coughed in shock. "Speed is supposed to be my thing."

The old man didn't reply. Driving Ichigo back, he knocked aside Zangetsu and thrust in for the kill. Korra pulled a boulder from the ground and caused it to smash into Yamamoto's side, momentarily stunning him and allowing Ichigo to shunpo free. She pressed on, separating the boulder into little bits and firing them like bullets.

Yamamoto didn't even wince as some pierced his skin. With a sweep of his arm, a wave of reiatsu threw Korra into a wall. She grimaced and then Ichigo flashed past her, connecting with Yamamoto's blade again. They exchanged a few blows but the Captain Commander's superior strength made Ichigo give way. Korra spotted a burst pipe and pulled the water from within, encasing Yamamoto's lower half with ice and then pounding him with a dozen cobblestones.

Ichigo took a wild swing at his head but the old man met his blade with his own. His left leg got free of the ice and he bashed it into Ichigo's midriff, bending him over in pain. He swung again and drove the other side of Zangetsu down into Ichigo's shoulder. Yelping, he caught hold of Yamamoto's sword arm and squeezed as tightly as he could, dislodging his sword.

Then Korra slammed her shoulder into his gut, causing him to fully drop the zanpakuto. The two of them began going back and forth with martial arts, but with Yamamoto always with the upper hand. She was just not a match for his centuries of experience. They gripped hands in a test of strength and pressed against one another.

Korra, so used to being the physically strongest person in the room, found herself being pushed to her knees. She ignited flames on her hands and increased the heat with a yell. Yamamoto scowled horribly at her. The scar on his forehead pulsed from the effort of the fight and then he spoke his first words.

"You presume to use fire against me? Against me?!"

Korra roared and unleashed a plume of fire from her mouth right into his face. He coughed and let go of her hands. Ichigo whirled in, trying to take advantage of him not having a sword. But no matter how hard or fast he swung, Yamamoto would somehow avoid Zangetsu. It was as if he could see Ichigo's movements in slow motion.

Ichigo slashed down and missed then Yamamoto's elbow cracked against his jaw, knocking out a tooth. He spat blood then Korra threw Yamamoto against a wall with airbending. However, his sword had fallen at the foot of the wall and he picked it up before charging in again.

Zangetsu had also fallen to the ground and Korra quickly grabbed it, meeting Yamamoto in a clash of swords above Ichigo's head. She had no idea of the amount of force that came behind his strike and almost lost her footing entirely. Ichigo went low and focused his reiatsu onto his fist, powering a punch into the old man's sternum.

The gasp of air that followed rewarded his efforts but then he received a kick as well. Tearing forward, he took Zangetsu from Korra and went to work, going high then low, right to left with thrusts and swings all to expose an opening in Yamamoto's sword defense. But there seemingly was none. The Captain Commander was so accomplished a swordsman that the skill difference between them couldn't be quantified. This wasn't a duel. Not even close. Ichigo pulled back as Korra pelted Yamamoto with more bullets of earth but to no avail.

"Getsuga Tenshou!"

He fired his attack and Yamamoto caught it square with his own blade. There was a sign of struggle on his face. The power behind the attack couldn't be denied and it forced him back before he angled it upwards where it shot into the sky and split the heavy clouds overhead.

The three of them stopped for a moment to catch their breath. Ichigo studied Yamamoto and then swore under his breath. The old man was clearly still injured from when Vaatu came to the Soul Society. His right leg was utterly ruined, how he was able to stand on it was a marvel and his left shoulder had a deep cleft in it from the Vasto Lorde's attack. He wasn't even at 100% and he was still handling the two of them with ease.

"You didn't tell me people from your world were this powerful," Korra panted.

"He hasn't shown us anything yet," Ichigo replied darkly. "Hasn't even released his sword."

She swallowed. "You know that thing we believe, that the two of us can defeat anything together?"

"Yeah?"

"Now's the time to prove it."

"Hopefully it's not complete bullshit."

Korra slammed her fists together and entered into the Avatar State. The air around them seemed to ripple with her power, as if the very reishi that made up this world was reverberating with her energy. Ichigo took a deep breath and held his sword out in front of him before placing his left hand onto his outstretched arm. His reiatsu powered up and he yelled out as he transformed.

"Bankai!"

A shockwave emanated from where he was and his thin, tattered robes appeared matched by his black, sleek katana. The two of them stood side by side, the paragons of freedom from the Soul Society. The Substitute Shinigami and the Avatar. Yamamoto could only smirk.

"Children," he chided. "All just children."

He let loose his already ripped robes exposing his incredibly muscled physique and then his reiatsu began to increase. Flames burst to life upon his body and on the ground around him, surrounding him as if he was some sort of demon. The earth quaked and shook. Ichigo and Korra looked at each other in stunned silence. Even the level of his reiatsu brought fear. Yamamoto gripped his sword tightly.

"Reduce all creation to ash. Ryuujin Jakka!"

The flames exploded outwards, incinerating the ground and all buildings surrounding them. Unknowingly, Ichigo and Korra were holding onto each other. Never before had they felt such fear. Ichigo knew that even at his most powerful, he probably couldn't defeat Yamamoto. In this weakened state, there was no chance. With Korra beside him, perhaps they could do some damage. But he had no idea what her upper limits were and she hadn't shown anything that would make her stronger than the Captain Commander, Avatar State or no.

Unless she could return to her Spirit Form and he could use the full power of the Hollow within him, the two of them would lose. Inside, he felt a weird tug to try and use that power. It was enticing, so very, very enticing. But he stopped himself. He knew that he wouldn't be able to control the Vasto Lorde that Vaatu had activated within him. And if he couldn't control it, he wouldn't be able to come back. The tug faded, but he could almost hear a voice within himself calling his name and laughing.

Yamamoto's sword blade was now covered entirely in flames. The heat that emanated from it was incredible. It seemed to sink into their pores and invade their very being. Ichigo danced lightly on his feet and twirled Zangetsu. Then like lightning he struck, the added speed of his Bankai birthing new energy within him.

The two Soul Reapers clashed with Ichigo dashing around him with breathtaking quickness, striking here, there and everywhere. All the water in the area had totally evaporated and whatever firebending Korra used would be cancelled out by Yamamoto's much stronger flames leaving her with effectively half her arsenal at her disposal.

Her boost of power from the Avatar State made her bending much faster and she pummeled Yamamoto with earth and air attacks while also trying to catch his feet within earth to allow Ichigo to hit him. With a wave of his sword, Yamamoto sent a whirlwind of flames straight at her. Korra pushed them to one side while also dodging and they ended up totally engulfing a building, reducing it to ash in no time.

Ichigo's robes caught fire and while he was slightly distracted, the old man tossed him aside and waved his sword again. A wall of flames totally surrounded him. It's stifling heat nearly brought him to his knees. To break through, he'd have to use a heavy amount of reiatsu.

"Jokaku Enjo," said Yamamoto simply. Ichigo was imprisoned for the time being and he turned his full attention on Korra. His attacks came fast and precise. If she dodged to one side, the next wave of fire would be on its way. In the Avatar State, she didn't feel fatigue but by avoiding all his attacks, she couldn't send any of her own.

As the flames ate up the ground around her making it unstable to land on, she would bend it to make it flat again. Yamamoto drove forward, swinging Ryujin Jakka wildly. Korra managed to spin away but then finally, her foot got caught and she stumbled. He pressed his advantage, battering her with his sword as she desperately defended with earth.

Her body was moving on autopilot, at speeds she hadn't experienced before. To her right, she could feel Ichigo's reiatsu increasing. Yamamoto broke through her defense and his flaming blade zeroed in on her throat. Her eyes shut as if in a trace. Then they flew open and her spiritual pressure flared, forcing the Captain Commander back a dozen yards, his feet skidding against the ground.

Korra got to her feet. All around her, reishi poured into her body from the environment. Every substance, every surface pooled into her, increasing her power to levels unseen before. A ball of air surrounded her, followed by three rings of earth, fire and water. As fast as Yamamoto's flames destroyed the things around them as the fight progressed, her Avatar powers collected the reishi and consumed it. It was energy bending, but only possible on a plane like the Soul Society where anything and everything is made up solely of reishi.

"Getsuga Tenshou!" The prison of flames exploded outwards and Ichigo emerged, rage evident in his eyes. He and Korra attacked simultaneously, forcing Yamamoto to go on the defensive for once. But like everything else, his defense was immaculate. The three ginormous spiritual pressures flexed and pushed against each other. It was truly unreal how in his Shikai, Yamamoto was able to contend with a captain-level Shinigami in his Bankai and the Avatar at her most powerful.

But the effort was taxing him. He gave more ground and his attacks began to grow fewer and farther between. Korra stepped back and pulled the fire away from his body. It took an immense amount of strength but then an opening was formed. For a split second, it was just him and his sword as Ichigo powered up above them.

"Getsuga Tenshou!"

The black and red blast of energy at last struck true, beating through the remaining flames and hurtling Yamamoto back through three whole blocks worth of buildings. It was safe to say, the Seireitei had been razed to the ground, demolished and plowed from the effects of their battle.

As the smoke dissipated, Yamamoto heaved himself to his feet, leaning down on his sword. The left side of his body was black from the wounds of the Getsuga Tenshou and his arm hung uselessly at his side. His already injured right leg seemed to be worn to a thread. But the old man still somehow stood proud and tall, his eyes regarded his two young opponents with an air of admiration and perhaps even respect.

"To think you would push me this far," he said raggedly. "You truly are worthy of being enemies of the Captain Commander of the Gotei 13. To defend this city, I have made countless sacrifices. Now I must make one more. Those affected will not understand but their deaths will go towards the salvation of the Seireitei. I do this for their sake and for the sake of the history, and legacy of this great civilization… Bankai. Zanka no Tachi."

Immediately, the raging flames all around them rushed back into his blade. It had now taken the form of an ancient and broken down sword. The metal was black as if scorched by unending flames. There was a deathly quiet as if all the oxygen had been sucked dry from the air around them. The ball of air, ring of fire and ring of water circling Korra disappeared as well. Ichigo's sword drooped. It was over. He didn't know the abilities of Yamamoto's Bankai, but inside he understood that they could not defeat him.

He and Korra looked at each other. And in her eyes, he saw the same knowledge. They clasped hands and stood together in a last defiant effort to save themselves and their friends. The rage of the man before them could not be extinguished by force. Ichigo raised Zangetsu and Korra held up her hand as they saw the Captain Commander prepare to attack.

All of a sudden, several Shinigami shunpoed in to stand with them. Byakuya, Toshiro, Shinji, Kenpachi, Kyoraku, Ukitake, Lisa and Kensei. Eight of the thirteen captains had arrived. Yamamoto halted with confusion and trepidation written on his face. He gazed at each of them and saw a range of emotions: anger, fear, hope, pity, but in all of them, determination.

"Why have you come?" his deep voice rumbled.

Kyoraku stepped forward. "Yamaji," he said gravely, "our battle is over. The captains and lieutenants who faced us have been defeated and those who were undecided have accepted our terms and joined us. The rest will be dealt with as well. Please. Sheath your sword."

"Change has come to the Soul Society," Ukitake added. "We enter into a stage of transition: to modernize our ways and transform this city. It's clear from this debacle that the Soul Society no longer works the way it used to. You have led us for over two thousand years. Please. I beg of you. Surrender. Be part of our reformation."

The Captain Commander looked on the two of them. "You both know the fondness I have for you. And you're right. I have led the Gotei 13 for many, many years. I founded it. I had a part in the training and upbringing of each and every one of you. And just as well as you know that fondness, you know my resolve. There are criminals in your midst. Criminals and murderers who must be put down. Be careful not to count yourselves among them."

"If you unleash your Bankai, you could destroy this entire city!" Toshiro cried. "All the lives lost to the Vasto Lorde will pale in comparison to the ones lost to your attack. Please, sir, I am the youngest and least of all your Captains, but I know that you are a just and rational man."

"In either scenario, the Soul Society is destroyed. If I surrender, you will tear down our ways and customs until what is left does not resemble the beauty of what once was. If I unleash this Bankai of mine, yes, there will be destruction and death. But what comes after will rise from the ashes, stronger and more united than ever."

"Do you truly value our customs above our people?" Byakuya spat venomously.

Yamamoto turned a cold gaze on him. "Kuchiki, the Captain Commander of the Gotei 13 does not surrender when their culture is threatened."

Kyoraku shook his head. "I hoped we could reason with you, Yamaji. I've loved you like a father. When this is over, I'll raise a glass of sake to the man I remember, not whoever it is you've become."

"Careful, boy. I lived a thousand years before you even swung a sword."

Kenpachi laughed victoriously. "You don't know how much I've wanted this. All of you, stand back! He's mine."

The other captains ignored him and slowly drew their swords. Byakuya grabbed Ichigo and Korra by the arm.

"Go, you two. The gate is straight that way. Destroy it as you leave."

"We can't just leave you," Ichigo argued. "This is our fight."

"No. Not anymore. This has become bigger than anything I imagined. But we have a chance for true and meaningful change if we win today. We'll be fine."

Ichigo swore and shook his head. "I can't just… damn it. I'm sorry we couldn't do more."

Byakuya offered a small smile. "You've done more than enough. Now go. If you ever make it back, the Soul Society will be a different place.

Ichigo swallowed. "I'm holding you to that."

Yamamoto noticed their conversation and raised his blade. Then simultaneously, all eight captains attacked. Ichigo and Korra dashed away from the battle, the combined spiritual pressures causing earthquakes beneath their feet. Korra had dropped out of the Avatar State and was clearly exhausted.

"Want me to carry you?" Ichigo asked haggardly.

"I'm sure that was meant to sound heroic but no." She put her arm underneath his and he did the same. "We carry each other."

"I'm too tired to call you cringe. The gate is still far away. Hopefully Uryu and the others have been able to hold it."


Electricity crackled on Asami's Equalist glove. Rukia had tried negotiating with this woman but to no avail. It was time for action. She leapt forward, ignoring Rukia's cry to stop and attempted to catch hold of the ever-smiling Captain's arm to electrocute her. But then suddenly, it was as if she was petrified.

Collapsing to her knees, she shivered and shook violently and her arms hung limp at her sides. Asami looked up at the Captain slowly, past her still-remaining smile to her eyes which normally had a gentle twinkle to them but were for a moment wide open. The black rims of her pupils bored back into Asami's weak gaze. She realized that the Captain had only increased her power enough to paralyze her with fear.

"I will not hurt you if I can avoid it," Unohana cautioned.

"You don't have to do this at all," replied Rukia hurriedly. "I know you hate all this. I know you saw how Ichigo's trial was going. For some, I understand the thought that one death will bring peace. But you? I think you're different. You know all of this is wrong, Captain."

"Perhaps. Perhaps one life isn't worth peace. But if I let you all go and you escape back to the other world, you could cause a mass invasion of that world. If what Ichigo or whoever was controlling him did was called genocide, I cannot even define what the Soul Society could do to that world. This is the future I am trying to prevent."

"And if we go back with you," Asami interjected, having struggled her way back to her feet, "we'll all be executed or at least imprisoned. Either way we lose. But we're trusting in the other captains to win this battle for our side to bring true change to this system. You could be a part of that."

"Our system has many flaws," Unohana admitted. She glanced down at her sword with an expression of distaste. She sheathed it. "It appears you have won me over. My time to fight has not yet come. I will not fight for either side. But I will be there to heal what is left of both."

"Thank you," Rukia said.

Below them, Renji slashed away Izuru's sword and Chad connected a blazing left hook to the blonde captain's jaw, knocking him totally unconscious. Renji stepped over his body with annoyance.

"Imagine appointing a new captain who doesn't even have a Bankai," he muttered. "Must be the weakest captain in history." Looking up at the three women, he saw that they had appeared to reach some sort of agreement. Unohana glanced back down at him and he saluted her with his zanpakuto. "You always were one of my favorites, Captain!"

She shook her head. "Go, all of you. I must tend to this fallen Shinigami."

The group headed away. "See?" said Renji. "Even she doesn't see him as a Captain."

"I hate the division we're causing," Rukia monotoned. "Turning friends into foes and allies against each other. I wish none of this had happened."

"I mean you only have yourself to blame. It was you who gave your Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo, remember?"

She chuckled. "How could I forget? I was almost executed for it."

"Do you regret that act? Even now?"

"Not for a moment."


Uryu's fingers moved at lightning speed in order to fire his arrows at their target. He ducked and weaved around her attacks as the wild Shinigami struck with venom and fury. Soi Fon had not released her Shikai yet but her fighting style incorporated martial arts in such a way that her entire body was a weapon, not just her zanpakuto.

He knew that while his hand to hand combat was very, very good, he didn't stand a chance against her highly-trained taijutsu so he kept his distance. She was not only a great fighter but also incredibly fast, making it difficult for him to even see her, let alone hit her with an arrow. If you had been a spectator watching their fight, all you would've seen were various flashes and then impacts of attacks hitting the environment.

On the other side of the square, Ikkaku was doing some dodging of his own as Mayuri had unleashed his poisonous Shikai. Knowing the risk of being wounded by that weapon, the lieutenant twirled his zanpakuto spear like a baton, warding away the captain and occasionally cracking him across the face or stabbing him with the sharp end.

For all his scientific abilities, Mayuri was not the greatest swordsman in the world. He wasn't bad but Ikkaku was a highly-trained and practiced fighter, he'd dedicated his life to it. Despite knowing that all he had to do was hold Mayuri off, Ikkaku was getting lost in the joy of the dance. He laughed like a psychopath, so excited that he got to test his mettle against a captain, particularly one like Mayuri.

Bolin was flung past him through a wall by Omaeda. His zanpakuto was still reforming after Ichigo destroyed it in Zaofu so he was relying solely on his brute strength. Bolin shook his head to clear it and saw the Soul Reaper barreling towards him. Quickly, he handsprung out of the way and caught him in the back with some earth.

Mako was having a tough time with things as well. He kept up a barrage of firebending at his opponent Nemu but she sliced through them with ease with her bare hands. She seemed impervious to pain. Her passive, expressionless face was beginning to piss him off. It was like she didn't even care. Bolin went running past him with Omaeda right on his tail.

"Mako! A little help!"

Mako groaned and made some cover for himself before beginning to charge his lightning. As the two of them made another pass, he fired, blasting a torrent of energy right into Omaeda's side, electrocuting his whole body and flinging him across the square where he crash landed right at Mayuri's feet.

The scientist glowered down at him and snapped at his lieutenant. "Nemu! Stop playing around and finish those two! I want to dissect the firebender so take him to the lab."

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

Mako turned his attention back to her when suddenly the wind was knocked out of him and he realized that she had covered ground in an instant and slogged him in the gut. His feet left the earth from the impact and he passed out in midair, unable to even marvel at how easily she'd beaten him before crumpling to the dirt.

"Mako!" Bolin cried.

He charged forward at the Shinigami, flinging a huge boulder of earth at her with both hands. She caught it and threw it back. Shrieking, he dove into the ground as it passed overhead. "How are you so strong?" he cried.

Nemu didn't answer. "I made her that way," Mayuri said with a hint of pride. "Finish the job, Nemu."

With a flash, she appeared behind him and pounded him on the back of the head. Bolin collapsed next to his brother. As Nemu bent down to lift Mako, something tore past, grabbing the two brothers before she could touch them. She looked up in shock.

"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!" Came the cry and Nemu was encased in ice.

Rukia and Renji had arrived. Renji placed Mako and Bolin next to each other as Orihime ran to attend to them along with Asami. Ikkaku was now having a lot of trouble with Mayuri and Renji rushed to his aid. Rukia glanced around the square.

"All that's left is Ichigo and Korra." She grimaced and joined Uryu in defending against Soi Fon.

With both Renji and Ikkaku attacking him, Mayuri was getting frustrated. He was expecting to deal with some ryoka, not two powerful lieutenants. The two of them clashed against his sword together and forced it down towards the ground. He yelled angrily and started to raise his reiatsu.

Rukia took a punch to her forehead and rolled backward from the impact. She wasn't as fast as the other two but she had distracted Soi Fon long enough for Uryu to break free.

"Licht Reigen!" he cried as a deluge of arrows burst from his bow, some of them hitting their mark and pinning Soi Fon to a far wall. She screeched in rage and began pulling them out of herself. Uryu offered Rukia his hand and she took it.

"You alright?" he asked. "You're bleeding."

"Nothing I can't handle," she replied.

"Where's Kurosaki?"

"He and Korra were fighting the Captain Commander last time I saw them."

Uryu swore. "Well, that doesn't sound optimistic. We've been holding this gate expecting them to come soon."

"They'll be here. I trust them."

"I trust that old man a hell of a lot more. If they can't beat-"

"Wait, look!" she interrupted. "It's them!"

Ichigo and Korra were staggering into the square with their arms around each other's shoulders. Their clothes were torn and burned and they were bleeding from many wounds. But they were alive and they were here. At the sight of them, Soi Fon broke free and launched herself at the wounded duo but Uryu was there to intercept them and they began their dance again.

Rukia rushed up to them. "Ichigo! Korra! Are you guys alright?"

"Barely," Korra coughed.

"Ichigo!" Asami was right behind Rukia and embraced her boyfriend.

"What happened? How did you get away?"

"The other captains appeared and are fighting Yamamoto as we speak," answered Ichigo. "Korra and I… couldn't beat him."

"There's no shame in that," Rukia said. "Come on, you're all here now. We'll hold off the captains so you can get through the gate and then we'll destroy it."

"And you- you're coming with us, right? I can't leave you here, Rukia. Not again."

"My place is here, Ichigo. My future is here. If we win today, we can build a new culture here. A new Soul Society."

"Only if you actually win. There's no guarantee. The Captain Commander has unleashed his Bankai. I don't think he can be stopped."

"Well, his Bankai hasn't reached here yet. That means the other captains are still there fighting. We have the numbers, Ichigo, and more importantly, we have the moral high ground. Ultimately, we are in the right."

"Rukia, it was my mistake that led you to being thrown in prison again. I couldn't bear to leave you this time."

She took his hand and clasped it tightly, holding his gaze with her own. "You know I have to stay. I have to help rebuild this city and turn it into the place of justice and freedom that it should be. You've given us a chance. I never could've guessed what would happen when I gave you my powers all those years ago. But here we are. Let me go, Ichigo. Your place is in that other world. I see that now. I won't hold you back from where you're meant to be."

Ichigo swallowed and looked down. "I hate this. I don't want my two lives to be separate."

"Well, you're gonna have to live with it."

"I know."

Rukia smiled and patted him on the chest. "Come on, tough guy. You're not out of this yet."

"Bankai!"

The four of them whirled around to see Captain Mayuri grinning from ear to ear. Behind him was the grotesque monstrosity that was his Bankai. A massive, deformed, yellow baby creature with white bulbous eyes and wearing a red cape. It spewed poisonous gas from its mouth that began to slowly spread throughout the huge square.

"Shit." Ichigo said.

"Bankai!" Renji had answered with his own transformation. Ikkaku looked about to do the same but then seemed to opt against it. As the gas spread, the two of them doubled their attacks on Mayuri in order to bring him down and hopefully dissipate it.

"Come on!" Orihime cried. She had healed Mako and Bolin enough to stand and Chad was helping them towards the gate. Rukia urged them forward and she and Asami half carried Ichigo and Korra. Around them, Soul Reaper reinforcements were beginning to form. Uryu hurriedly landed a kick on Soi Fon and released another barrage of Licht Reigen into the sky, decimating many of the Soul Reapers but not all of them.

Stealth troops and standard soldiers alike began to converge on them. They were about to be overrun. Soi Fon drew her zanpakuto and bulleted towards Ichigo but Rukia was there to defend. Their respective spiritual pressures wrestled against each other as their swords clashed. Chad unceremoniously tossed Mako and Bolin through the gate and rushed off to attack the oncoming Soul Reapers, giving Ichigo a quick nod as he went.

"Chad, wait!" Ichigo yelled. "You and Orihime have to get to the Senkaimon! This gas will cover the whole square soon." He gripped Orihime's hand. "Thank you for everything. I can always count on you."

She smiled. "Yes, always."

"Tell my sisters I love them. I don't know when I'll see them again."

"I'll take care of them, Ichigo."

"Thank you." He gave her a quick hug. "Go, get out of here."

Chad and Orihime rushed off and a contingent of the Soul Reapers went after them but Yumichika had arrived with another group and now defended them as they ran. Ichigo pushed Asami towards the gate.

"I'll see you on the other side."

She nodded and was gone.

"Uryu!" cried Korra. "Come on!"

"Oh, no you don't!" Soi Fon yelled. "Shunko!" A burst of power ignited behind her and she flung Rukia to one side. Ichigo desperately held up Zangetsu as she boomed towards them but then Uryu was there, using his sword Seele Schneider against her zanpakuto. She screamed in his face and attacked furiously.

Ichigo shoved Korra through. "Uryu, come on!"

"You go, Kurosaki!" Uryu spat. "I'll hold her off!"

"No, there's no time! You're being overrun!"

"So go, you idiot! I didn't come all this way to watch you not escape on my account. Go!"

"Uryu… Ah damn it!" Ichigo swore and flung himself through the gate.

"No!" Soi Fon screeched and Uryu found himself on the back foot. He parried and countered but she was too fast. His sword was cast aside as she drove her zanpakuto deep into his chest. Blood spurted from his mouth and then his front as she withdrew her sword with a sneer. "Well done, Quincy. You have successfully delayed my revenge for a little while. Comfort yourself with that thought as you bleed out. Farewell."

She dashed past him as he fell to his knees. Uryu cursed loudly and forced himself to turn. As he contorted his body, his chest felt like it was on fire but he raised his arms to form a bow. Soi Fon disappeared through the gate. There was no point firing after her. But he could still make one shot. In an instant, he recalibrated and aimed towards the machine powering the gate.

Mayuri, as if sensing his creation was in danger twisted round with a yell and forced his Bankai towards Uryu. But there was no use. Uryu let fly and his arrow struck home. The machine exploded and the gate began to close in on itself. He had no idea what it might do to those inside, he could only hope that his friends had got through in time. At least now no one could follow them.

The Captain of Squad 12 went ballistic and charged towards Uryu, his gas almost reaching the Quincy. Then he gasped as Renji's zanpakuto was driven into his back. Both his Bankai and the gas began to disappear and the pure rage written on his face would've given anyone chills.

"That's the last time I'll ever hear your God-forsaken voice," Renji declared with a grunt.

Mayuri laughed. "Don't be so sure." With that, his body began to change form into that of a liquid. Renji looked down in shock as the defeated Captain almost seemed to slither off into a pipe leading down to Squad 12. He shook his head. "What a freak show."

Rukia knelt down next to Uryu. "I need a healer over here!"

"Rukia," he said. "Are they all gone?"

"Yes. Yes, you did it, Uryu. Now, don't speak. Help is on the way."

"Good. The last place I would want to die is Soul Society. At least they're safe."

"You're not going to die here. You're going to live."

A faint smile touched his lips. "What's the point of either one?"

"Don't say that, idiot."

"Oh, now I'm the idiot."

"You always were. Idiot Quincy."

"Hey," he said, "do you think they'll be alright? Kurosaki, he- he's not the same as he once was."

"It's out of our hands."

"Hmm. I suppose we'll have to trust him."

"Trust isn't something that comes easy to you."

"No. But I'm working on it."


Ichigo awoke in a pile of snow. He blinked and looked at the sky far above him. It was the middle of the day. Blinking more, he breathed in deeply through his nostrils and felt the cold air enter in. The snow felt good against his many wounds but he could tell that his ripped clothes were going to be a problem.

He felt two hands go beneath his armpits and he was dragged away from his landing spot. It was Bolin. The earth bender gave him a grin and then pulled him into the shadows of some trees. Asami was then next to him holding him close. Korra was propped up against a tree with Mako, gazing back out at the snow.

"What are we doing?" he croaked out finally.

"Hiding in the Spirit Forest in case anyone follows us through that gate," Mako answered.

Ichigo blinked again. "I don't sense any spiritual pressure. I think the gate is closed. Uryu must've destroyed it."

"He didn't come with you?" Korra exclaimed. "I thought he was right behind you!"

"He defended against Soi Fon to the very end. Shit. I hope they're alright."

"It all happened so fast," said Korra. "I should've done something. Then Uryu would've been here too."

"I thought you didn't like that guy?" Bolin asked.

"I didn't. But well, he grew on me, I guess."

"He grew on all of us," agreed Mako.

"I projected a lot of my fears and frustrations on him," Asami admitted. "I blamed him that Ichigo was being hunted by Soi Fon. Now, I realize that he was just trying to help us."

Ichigo shook his head. "He wouldn't get all this emotional stuff. His robot mind wouldn't compute it." The others laughed and Ichigo sat up. "Korra and I need healers. We'll have to make our way to the Southern Capital on foot. Jeez. That'll take days."

"Ichigo, we're not stupid."

"Huh?"

"We came here on snowmobiles when we went to rescue you. They're on the other side of this forest. We'll be just fine."

Ichigo breathed a sigh of relief. "You guys will have to tell me everything that happened since Soi Fon took me."

"Not now. Now, you rest."

"Yes, ma'am."

"We'll hold out here for a little while longer," Mako said, "make sure we aren't followed through the gate."

"Then what's next?" Bolin asked.

"What's next indeed. After all that, I don't want to do anything for a while."

"We still have a mission," Korra said. "We have a mission to restore the Air Nation to what it once was. Let's go back to Zaofu and rest up before setting out again. We need to let Tenzin and the others know that we're safe."

"Are we safe?" Bolin joked. "That Soul Society city might be the scariest place we've been to yet, and we've been to the Spirit World!"

"Will they be alright?" said Mako. "That place needs a lot of work and the battle was still going on when we left."

"You know," Ichigo said thoughtfully, "something tells me they'll be just fine."


Meanwhile, somewhere in the Earth Kingdom, a group of people sat round a fire beneath the shadow of a ten foot tall rock. Near them was their truck, a big, ugly thing that had presumably carried them a long way. There were four people. Zaheer sat off to one side, deep in meditation while his three companions: Ming-Hua, Ghazan and P'Li, deliberated.

"We should've grabbed one of those cops," Ming-Hua said. "Maybe they know something about where the Avatar is hiding."

"She could be anywhere," Ghazan admitted. "If Zaheer can't find her, and he hasn't been able to for the past day or so, then we're screwed. The guy's been meditating for days but discovered nothing."

"We'll find her. It's just a matter of time," said P'Li assuredly.

Zaheer opened his eyes. "You're right, Ghazan. Even in the Spirit World, she passed beyond my sight and out of the knowledge of anyone I spoke to. That's unusual."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Ming-Hua demanded.

"Patience is a virtue, my friend. She did pass beyond my sight. But that is no longer the case."

"You sensed the Avatar!" P'Li exclaimed excitedly. "Where is she?"

"I spoke with an informant in the Spirit World. After what she did during and after Harmonic Convergence, I have the pick of the litter of upset and bedraggled spirits who are willing to talk. The Avatar is at the South Pole but she won't be staying long. Get up. We have some distance to cover tonight."

"We're not driving to the South Pole." Ghazan said.

"Of course not. We're driving to Zaofu. It's time to pay a visit to the Metal Clan."


And that's the end! Tell me your thoughts! I can promise you that the next chapter will come out sooner than this one did lol. My goal is to finish Book 3 this year so we'll see what happens. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you all enjoyed.