Hey, everyone! Hope you're all doing well. I'm happy to say that it's only been a month since my last chapter which is pretty good for me. This is one of the longest chapters yet and has a lot of different things that happen. I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys think and if you like some of the things in here haha. Hope you all enjoy!


Chapter 9: The Terror Within


Soi Fon's tired eyes struggled to open. Her body felt remarkably weak and frail. The lungs inside her chest somehow felt both waterlogged and on fire at the same time. Opening her mouth to cough, she instead got a mouthful of sand and hacked it up. Her eyes and nose were caked with the stuff, along with a copious amount of blood.

Desperately, she pushed herself up slightly and spat. Her mouth and lips were incredibly dry from the sand. She was struggling to breath. Her eyes widened with panic and she tried to pound on her chest but was too weak to do anything. Collapsing again, she began to convulse.

"Hey!" A voice called out to her and she heard the sound of sprinting footsteps. She felt herself being rolled over and a pair of hands pumping on her chest. Her dry mouth was soon soaked as an onslaught of water was expelled out of her. She coughed loudly and her head lay back in the sand. As she began to lose consciousness again, she caught a glimpse of the white hair of her rescuer.

Awakening what felt like days later, she found herself lying atop a small but comfortable bed with a rough blanket thrown over top of her. A bandage had been drawn around her forehead. Soi Fon still felt weak, but less than she'd been before. The door to the tiny room opened and an old man stepped through.

The weathered wrinkles in his face crinkled as he smiled. "Ah, you're awake. Fantastic news. Here, my dear, I have some water and some hot soup if you're ready for it."

Soi Fon didn't reply but accepted the water slowly. "Good job," he said kindly when she'd finished before turning to pull over a nearby stood. He sat down and placed the water on a bedside table. "It's a good thing I found you when I did. You were going to suffocate."

Her voice came out like the croak of a dying bird. "You- you saved me?"

He nodded. "Yes. I was just headed down to the beach to fetch my boat, I'm a fisherman, you see- and then I found you there."

"How… how did- how did I get there?"

"I have no idea, miss. Perhaps you got caught in that terrible storm last night. I can ask around the village if anyone's looking for a missing crewmate."

"No. No, that's alright. Th-thank you, sir, for saving my life."

He smiled again. "You're welcome. I'm just glad you're alive. Are you well enough for the soup?"

"Yes."

"Excellent. I'll bring it over."

He got up and went to his kitchen as Soi Fon sat back. Something must've happened to the gate, she thought. I was knocked off course and fell into the ocean in the midst of a storm. She glanced at the back of the old man as he hummed happily, stirring his soup. Ironic that I would be saved by someone in this accursed world.


The cold air of the South Pole was beginning to turn warm as the lone airship headed back north towards the Earth Kingdom. The clouds above them blocked out the sun so it was a dreary day on the open ocean. Team Avatar were huddled together in the cockpit, having turned it into a soft and comfortable space with pillows, mattresses and blankets galore.

Unlike their journey south, they flew slowly, content to just drift through the sky on their return trip to Zaofu where their problems would presumably resume. The airship had been on autopilot for some time now but Mako was sitting in the pilot's chair, absentmindedly staring out into the distance.

Ichigo, Korra and Asami sat together on the floor atop one of the mattresses. Bolin meanwhile was stretched out behind them on one of the couches that jutted out from the back wall, tossing up and catching a small ball like a kid. Ever since returning to this world, they had been rather quiet.

They had gotten a great reception in the Southern Capital. Senna had been thrilled to see them, embracing Ichigo like the surrogate son he is to her and treating them to a lavish dinner. Katara had healed everyone, taking special care with Korra and Ichigo because their wounds were numerous and more severe. And they had been released with ceremony, but cautioned to remain vigilant because Zaheer and his crew were still searching for them.

Despite all this, none of Team Avatar felt whole. The Soul Society had definitely taken its toll on them. Ichigo leaned his head back against his pillow. "This is not going to work," he said finally.

"What's not going to work?" Korra asked.

"This. Us. We're in no shape to help anyone right now, much less fight some bending criminals."

"I had almost forgotten about them," Asami groaned. "From one group of enemies to another."

"What makes them so special anyway?" Bolin said. "We keep hearing how dangerous they are but like, there's just four of them."

"You don't get to say that when I had to help your ass against the big Soul Reaper back by the gate," Mako joked.

"Uh, no, I should've been helping you. The other one beat you like a ragdoll. What was it? One hit? Silly Mako."

"She caught me off guard, bro. You know I always need a moment to recover after I use lightning."

"Yeah well, neither of you can brag because Ichigo and I fought the strongest Soul Reaper there is," Korra boasted.

"Yeah, and lost."

"We didn't- okay yes but that's beside the point. Ichigo's right, we need to pick ourselves up and get going again. Who's down for some training?" Korra began to sit up but Asami pulled her back down.

"Let's rest until Zaofu at least, Korra. Besides, there's no room to train on this airship; it's not like the Future Industries one."

"Aghh, I miss Opal!" Bolin exclaimed.

"Shut up, Bo!" said Mako indignantly. "Not everyone gets a new love interest wherever he goes. You're gonna see her soon anyway."

"It's not my fault I'm so desirable."

"What about Yumi?" Korra asked. "I thought I saw a spark between you two for sure."

"Dude, her dad murdered my parents," Mako deadpanned.

"R-right… sorry I forgot…"

"Dumbass," Ichigo murmured. Korra reached over Asami and slapped him on his stomach. "Ow." He sat up to retaliate and Asami was ready to stop him but then he smiled and managed a short laugh. "I just realized that I never even thanked you guys for coming to rescue me. I let you down that day in Zaofu and even more so when we were fighting Vaatu which started all this. But still, you all came to save me. I can't thank you enough. I don't say it often, but I truly love all of you. Thank you."

"Aww," Bolin said. "Ichigo, I'm touched. We were never gonna let those Shinigami kill you."

Korra smiled. "You don't have to apologize for anything. It's all in the past. All that matters is that you're okay and back here with us."

"Agreed," said Mako. "You're our brother. No mistake will change that."

"And we all love you too," Asami beamed. "I take back everything I thought or said about your friends over there. They were great. Even Ikkaku."

Ichigo laughed. "Yeah, that guy's a character. It's crazy that you all met my sisters too. If I get the chance, I want to bring them over here. I don't think they should be with my Dad for much longer."

"I would love that. I want to get to know them better."

"I for one never want to go back to the Soul Society again," Bolin announced.

"Yeah, me neither," Korra agreed. "I don't think I'm all that welcome there. Where did that legend of theirs even come from? The Avatar has never been evil."

"Maybe it's a case of people fearing what they don't understand?" Mako offered. "The truth passing between two different worlds will always get distorted anyway."

Ichigo gave a loud sigh. "Please, no more talk about the Soul Society. I think we're all sick of hearing about it. Maybe when things settle down, we can go back to the World of the Living and have some fun in my city. But that's a long way in the future."

Time passed and Team Avatar used it to rest and recuperate, often just staying in the cockpit and chatting with each other. They crossed over the ocean and entered Earth Kingdom territory, stopping for fuel as soon as they neared a sizable port. Zaofu now wasn't far away and they sped up slightly for the last part of the journey, keen to see the gleaming metal city and their friends within it.

Mako had radioed ahead that they were on their way back and the Beifongs had formed a small welcoming party for them. It was another brilliant day in Zaofu's picturesque valley, not a cloud in the sky. Team Avatar had woken up with a sense of great expectation. They were in better shape and better moods than at the beginning of their trip.

As their airship was hailed in to land, they could see Lin and Suyin with a detail of guards led by Kuvira and the ever-present Aiwei waiting to greet them. Suyin's family was also there, including Opal, much to Bolin's ecstatic joy. Ichigo put his arm around Asami and kissed her on the cheek.

"Happy to be back?" she asked.

"You know I am," he replied. "But I can't wait to get back to Republic City sometime soon."

"You finally ready to move into the Sato Estate?"

He chuckled. "Oh, I don't know about that. I like Air Temple Island but I do miss living with you in our house. Too bad the vines destroyed it."

"I mean I can always buy another one."

"Maybe you should buy one here. Like a summer home or something. And I'm sure property in the South Pole is pretty cheap. We could have a getaway there as well."

"Whoa, slow down, buddy," Asami crossed her arms. "If we're going to be buying all this property, you need to pull some weight too. Unless you want to change your nickname from Reaper to House Husband," she teased.

Ichigo pushed her lightly in response. "Financial jokes. Very funny. That's what I get for dating a tycoon."

"Tycoon?!"

"Alright, you two," Korra interrupted and shoved them slightly. "Let's get out of this tin box."

The soldiers clapped loudly but respectfully as they disembarked from the airship. Kuvira and Ichigo nodded to each other in greeting as she joined in with her soldiers. With a radiant smile, Suyin embraced all of them while Lin followed her awkwardly. She still wasn't a touchy-feely person after all.

"It's so wonderful to see you all again," Suyin exclaimed. "But where is Uryu? Is he alright?"

"Uryu protected us to the end," Korra answered. "We think that he destroyed the gate rather than follow us through it."

"He's a hero," Mako said. "I don't think we'll ever appreciate him enough and what he did for us."

"Well for one, my son Huan will miss him," Suyin chuckled. "They were somewhat kindred spirits those two. I enjoyed having Uryu in my household and I hope that if things change, he can come again. I think it would be great place for him to fulfill his artistic potential."

Lin cleared her throat. "This is all very nice but we have to remember that Zaheer and his partners are still on the loose."

"Agreed. We've plugged the gap that Soi Fon managed to get through and had a very stern word with our chef and the guards posted at that time. Zaofu will not be caught unawares again and we are all united in keeping it safe. In the meantime, Korra and Bolin, I'd love to continue your metalbending training. Obviously it was cut short, but you have nothing to fear now."

"I'm up for it," Korra replied. "You, Bolin?"

"Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, absolutely," he said lamely.

"Excellent," said Suyin. "Come on inside, everyone. Let's get you settled in."


Over the next few days, Soi Fon regained her strength. Indebted to her rescuer, the old man named Jin, she helped him out at his small shop. He lived in a tiny village at the southern end of the Earth Kingdom whose people were a kind, hard-working lot. They were initially suspicious of her and her zanpakuto, but she kept it hidden from prying eyes in Jin's house and the old man vouched for her case.

Her work ethic impressed them and her great strength was put to use in transporting boxes of his goods and carrying his loads of fish. He caught more than enough fish for the whole village but had always struggled to get it from his boat to his shop.

"How on earth are you so strong when you're so small?" Jin asked her at one point.

Soi Fon shrugged. "Good genes," she said nonchalantly.

"Well," he said, laughing, "it's a blessing for me. Carrying all those fish has not done my back any favours these past few years. You're very coy about yourself. A sword, incredible strength, stern countenance, if I wasn't a simple fisherman, I'd say you were a warrior of some sort!"

Her lips pursed into a small smile. "Something like that."

"I knew it. Can I make you an offer? This village, even though it's remote, has been raided by bandits a few times these past few weeks. I bring in all the fish I can but our other resources are running low. When they come, can you defend us?"

"I have to be moving on, Jin."

"But-"

"But in the time that I'm here, I will protect this village."

He nodded and bowed. "Thank you."

"You saved my life. I owe you that much while I'm still here."

The next day, Soi Fon found herself awoken by a commotion outside. She initially wanted to ignore it but then the door to the tiny house opened and Jin rushed to her bedside as fast as his old legs could go.

"Soi Fon! You should come outside."

"Is there trouble?" she asked.

"Potentially. Bring your sword."

Reluctantly, she obliged and slung her zanpakuto onto its positon on her lower back. The entire village, all few dozen of them had gathered protectively in front of their property. Before them, four people stood. There was a well-muscled and solemn looking man with a shaved head next to a wisp of a woman with no arms but a threatening look in her eye. Behind them were another man with long, black hair and tattooed arms, and an immensely tall woman with a third eye on her forehead.

Soi Fon realized that she recognized two of them. She'd ran into them in Republic City with Hanataro. Curious, she stood next to Jin at the back of the crowd to survey the situation. The man with the shaved head raised his hands for quiet and then he spoke in a calm, melodious tone.

"My friends, my friends, please do not be alarmed. My name is Zaheer and these are my friends, Ming-Hua, Ghazan and P'Li. We are not here to hurt you. But we are travelers on an important quest and we have run out of food. Please, share what you can with us and we will leave."

"We don't have any food!" someone yelled.

"You're just more bandits!"

"Leave us alone!"

Zaheer sighed. "I will ask one more time."

"Or what?"

"Ghazan. If you please."

"Right away," he replied and spread his hands. The air began to grow very hot and then all of a sudden, the ground beneath one of the homes opened up and lava spewed forth, totally destroying it. The people screamed in fright and leapt away from the lava but Ghazan caused it to harden. Despite this, a fire began to burn through the surrounding trees and would soon reach another home.

"Once again, none of you will be hurt," Zaheer said. "We can put out this fire if you will just give us your food. Then you will never see us again and you can rebuild what has already been lost."

Jin grabbed Soi Fon's shoulder. "Soi Fon! What are you doing? Stop them!"

She kept her sword sheathed as she moved slowly forward. The village people parted for her with looks of hope. Zaheer gazed upon her without feeling in his cold eyes. In truth, Soi Fon wasn't even sure what she was going to do. When she'd first encountered these people, they'd piqued her interest but her goals were her only priority.

But then P'Li stepped forward. "You. You're that pipsqueak from Republic City!"

"You know this woman?" Zaheer asked.

Ghazan laughed. "Do we ever. Little tyke took down P'Li like she weighed five pounds. Humiliated her, actually. She was so fast that I couldn't see her movements. Strong, too. One second she was standing, the next she had P'Li on the floor."

"She didn't humiliate me," P'Li said with gritted teeth.

Soi Fon didn't say anything. Behind her, the fire was spreading to the other houses. The villagers were getting anxious with her non-movement. Zaheer met her eyes with his own. It was like a mental battle, feeling each other out, seeing who would break first.

"Ghazan," he said, without breaking eye contact, "you say she's fast. Is she as fast as this Reaper we keep hearing about?"

"I'm not sure. What do you say, hun? Wanna help us out?"

Soi Fon's eyes had widened at the word Reaper. "What's your goal?"

"The Avatar," Ming-Hua hissed. "I sure hope you're not a fan."

Soi Fon hesitated. Throwing in with these strangers wasn't her style. However, the lavabender seemed far more powerful than any normal bender she'd seen. And who knew what the others could do, particularly their leader. And if they betrayed her, she could just kill them. "Sounds like we have a similar objective. I'll help you get the Avatar. But the Reaper is mine and mine alone."

Zaheer spread his hands. "Then we have an arrangement."

She stepped aside and let the four benders move in on the village. The crowd yelled in fear and horror. Jin, thrusting his way forward, grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

"Soi Fon! You said you'd protect us! What are you doing?"

She couldn't meet his eyes. On her honour, she knew this wasn't right. But Ichigo's death mattered far more to her than upholding any promises in this horrible world. When Jin saw that she was unresponsive he hurried back to his home, trying to ward away the benders who had started to loot the place.

The fires spread and soon the entire village was burning. People cried out to her but she gritted her teeth and stayed silent. I have a goal that has driven me across entire worlds. I cannot let some village prevent me from achieving it. I don't know this world and I don't have a guide. These people may be my best chance at finding Kurosaki again.

"Soi Fon, please!" Jin's voice jerked her from her thoughts. He was on his knees in front of his home as P'Li ransacked it, throwing a net of fish over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Please! I saved your life! Will you just stand there?! Will you do noth- oomph!" For good measure, P'Li had shoved his head into the dirt.

Soi Fon hesitated one final time and her hand crept to her sword. This went against her training, everything she had been taught as a Shinigami. Defend the innocent and those weaker than you, Yoruichi had once said. But at the thought of her beloved mentor, Soi Fon regained control and her hand returned to her side.

Zaheer strode past her. He had not taken part in the looting. His face almost looked pained at the sight of it but it was a fleeting moment and he beckoned her over to their truck where the other three were piling the goods into the back.

"Seems you have a stomach for the necessary evils of life," he said.

"I have no stomach for cruelty," she replied curtly.

"Neither do I. But what is cruel in the face of achieving one's ambitions?"

She met his eyes. "Depends on one's belief in that ambition."

"Yes. And how strong is your belief?"

"I guess you'll find out."

As they drove away, Soi Fon did not look back. She could not. But what her physical eyes did not see, her mental eyes had no problem visualizing. The pained and pleading face of Jin, the kind man who'd selflessly saved her life and nursed her back to health, staring up at her while his world burned.


After dinner that evening, Ichigo walked hand in hand with Asami along the grassy edges of the platform. The flower petal dome had yet to go up and so the two of them were greeted by the incredible sunset that sank gently behind the mountains of the valley. Ichigo laid down upon the grass with Asami next to him and simply gazed at the view in silence.

He massaged her hand gently. Her fingers were long and thin with exceptionally manicured nails but there was a slight roughness to her palm. She had after all been trained in martial arts since a young age. Stopping his massage, he simply held it and then pressed it to his lips.

Asami glanced up at him quizzically. "What's gotten into you?"

"I missed you," he replied quietly. "I thought about you every minute that I was captured. I thought about you in every fight, every swing of my sword."

Smiling, she rolled on top of him. "I felt the same way. I wanted to take responsibility for rescuing you. But in the end, I guess I didn't do much at all. Uryu made it all happen. I can't believe the way I felt about him when we first met. I was so angry, so frustrated that this situation was happening and I projected it onto him."

"Well, he's like a blank canvas sometimes. It's easy to project your feelings when he's involved."

"But it wasn't right. I wish he was here right now so I could apologize and tell him how thankful I am that he was there to save you. I just want him to know."

"He knows," Ichigo said softly. "He didn't much like you either at first. But over time, I think you earned his respect, more than the others did that's for sure."

"We should've been better to him."

He kissed her fingers again. "Don't worry about it. Trust me, he's not hung up on how you guys treated him."

"Okay. I'll just say it to you then. Thank you, Uryu," she whispered.

"What's that going to do?" Ichigo said with a laugh. "You know, I've been thinking about what you said earlier, about moving into your mansion?"

"Oh, yeah? Do you want to now?"

"Not yet. But when things are… finally peaceful, I want to bring my sisters there. They deserve a better life than the one they have; they deserve a better home life."

"Your home wasn't that bad. It was… cute."

"Gee, thanks, Prissy. But that's not what I mean. With everything that's happened with my Dad, I just think it would be better for them to be here with us. Like a- like a family."

Asami kissed his cheek. "A family, hey? I like the sound of that and I agree with you. Those two are far too adorable to leave in your boring world."

"Boring? Hey, you didn't go in my room while you were there, did you?"

"Damn it! I should've thought of that. Well, I was thinking about rescuing you, not your private space."

"Thank God," he breathed.

"What do you have to hide, babe?" she giggled.

"Nothing!"

"Oh, really?"

"Ah, young love," said a new voice.

Ichigo and Asami quickly sat up to see Varrick sitting on a bench slightly above them. He was staring wistfully out at the fading sunset as Zhu Li massaged his back, often looking like she was crunching his shoulder blades but he seemed to be in bliss.

"What the hell are you doing here, you voyeur?" Asami accused.

"Voyeur?" he cried. "On the contrary, I actively abstain from the viewing of consensual coitus. I'm merely enjoying an evening massage. But now that I'm here, and you're here, we can talk business!"

She crossed her arms. "What business do we have to talk about?"

"Duh! You went to the other world! What technology did you see, what treasures did you uncover?"

"Well, their Satomobiles were a lot better than ours."

"Brilliant! Let's talk invention."

"Right now?"

"Hang on. Zhu Li, do the thing."

With both hands, she grabbed hold of his neck and then jerked it to the side, causing it to crack loudly. Ichigo and Asami leapt to their feet with a shout.

"Varrick! Are you okay?"

"She just killed him..."

"Nonsense!" said Varrick. "It's a new phenomenon called chiropractic adjustments."

"Dude," Ichigo said, "she just snapped your neck. How can you trust that she won't kill you?"

"Zhu Li is as professional as they come, my dear Reaper. She couldn't kill me even if she tried."

"I don't know, man, I don't think you could stop her."

"Yeah, probably not. Anyways! Asami, if you would accompany me to my guest house, we can plan out the future of this great world, and how we can make a shit ton of money," he added with a loud whisper.

Asami sighed. "Alright. I'll indulge you." She kissed Ichigo and then got to her feet. "I'll see you in a bit, honey."

"Okay, babe." He laid back down and tried to tune out their conversation as they walked away. "I could stay here forever," he muttered to himself.

Someone kicked his leg. It was Kuvira. "Hey, dweeb," she said cockily.

"Dweeb? Are you 12?"

"No. Just figured it was something one of your friends would say."

"It's something Korra would say. But she grew up in a compound where her only friend was a polar bear dog so, not much social experience."

Kuvira gave a wry smile. "Then she and I are not so different then. I didn't have friends either."

"Oh. Sorry."

"It's alright. I knew from a young age that I was different. Maybe that knowledge and confidence intimidated people." She met his eyes coldly. "Do you find me intimidating?"

"I mean when you look at me like that, kind of."

"Just kind of?"

"Well, should I be intimidated?"

Kuvira offered a hand and helped Ichigo to his feet. "It's not on me to tell you how you should feel. Although, if you wanted I could."

"I think I'm alright. I'll stay at kind of intimidated then. I get the feeling you want me to be at least a little on edge around you."

"I want everyone to be on edge around me."

"Isn't that a rough way to live?"

"Depends on what you're after in life," she said with a shrug. "But don't worry. With those close to me, I would rather them be comfortable."

"Well, that's good to hear," he joked uneasily. "So am I one of these close individuals?"

She smirked. "Can't say I've made many friends besides you so, yes."

"Good thing I'm only kind of intimidated and not fully then, huh?"

Kuvira laughed. "I hope we get to a place where you know why you should be intimidated or on edge."

"Won't happen anytime soon unless you come with us. We won't be here long."

"I wish you would stay."

Ichigo smiled softly. "Sometimes I wish that too. But the world's out there, Kuvira. My life is out there."

"It sounds exciting."

"It is. It's always an adventure in Team Avatar. …You could come with us," he suggested. "Make some more friends. Do something meaningful."

She shook her head. "I have my duties here. I cannot abandon them just for some… adventuring, fun as it sounds."

"Duty, huh? Is it that important to you?"

"I'm a soldier, Ichigo. Duty is meaningful."

Ichigo nodded slowly. "I understand that. But surely you want more from life, don't you? Don't you want to accomplish something?"

"I want a great many things, Ichigo. But it's not my time yet. What about you? Any goals? A larger purpose? Or do you just take things day by day?"

He hesitated. "I- I don't know. For a while, my whole life I guess, I just wanted to protect my friends. It didn't matter who I was facing or what I was facing, that was my only goal. Even in huge battles that could determine the fate of things way bigger than me, I just fought to protect them. But since I've been in this world, I've become wrapped up in things that I don't fully understand. I had to rediscover who I was in an unfamiliar environment. And I think my goals and priorities have become confused. I still want to protect my friends… but for a long time, I wasn't as sure about that as I was in my old life."

Kuvira gave an almost comforting smile. "Well, protecting your friends is about as honourable as goals get. That's what your name means, doesn't it? One who protects?"

"Wow," he said in surprise. "I think you're the first person who figured that out and didn't just think it meant strawberry."

She laughed. "I thought about it. But I didn't want to insult you when we're still getting to know each other. That can come later. It's a good name, a very good name."

"Thanks. I appreciate that. So for you, what is it? Big goals or small personal ones?"

Kuvira retained her smile but her tone was serious. "Extremely big. But like I said, it's not my time. When it is… I'd love to have a running mate. You said you were confused about your goals and purpose. I could give you one."

"How can I trust the dreams of one metalbending guard?" he joked.

Her smile faded. "Wait and see, Ichigo. It's getting late. You shouldn't keep your girlfriend waiting. Come on, I'll escort you."

"I guess you're right. Thanks for the chat. But I can find my own way back."

She was already walking. Rolling his eyes, he followed her up the steps towards the mansion. Certainly tends to get what she wants, this woman, he thought to himself. Weird to think she's just captain of the guard and not a general or something like that. Though, she could just be full of shit like so many others.

They reached his guest house and she faced him finally. "Good night, Ichigo. Think on what I said." Then she turned on her heel and headed off.

"Good night to you too," he muttered under his breath. Definitely might be full of shit.


Soi Fon sat on a rock apart from the others who were gathered round a fire, eating some of the fish they'd taken from the village. Besides the crackling from the blaze and the chewing of their mouths, the only other sound was the scraping of her sword against its sharpening stone. She had never been a meditating sort of person but instead found solace in the maintenance of her weapons.

The night was a deep black abyss around them. Their journey deeper into the Earth Kingdom had been awkward and bumpy. Soi Fon had clearly upset the dynamic of the group and her stoic nature didn't lend much to conversation.

Footsteps caused her to glance up. It was Zaheer. He placed a platter of cooked fish next to her and lowered himself onto another rock. She didn't look at him. Or the fish. He watched as she continued to sharpen her zanpakuto with curious eyes.

"That's a beautiful weapon," he said at last.

Soi Fon didn't reply so he continued. "I have studied many forms of combat and seen many weapons but none as finely crafted as this one. Makes me wonder where you procured it." Once again, no reply. "You know, a great man once said to me: 'you could kill a thousand people with a blade but the sharpest sword is still the tongue'."

"This great man sounds like a weakling," she replied.

"Ah, she speaks. But she does not know of what she speaks of. I would not call him a great man were he weak."

"Then our opinions of great men are different."

"Most definitely." Zaheer clasped his hands together. "Tell me, how can your great strength and speed help us when you cannot bend? I also am a great fighter, but without my bending, I was still just a man."

"You tell me," she retorted. "It was you who offered me a chance to join your little posse."

"So it was. And I'll tell you why. I know what you are, Soi Fon. I know what you can offer me. I do not know what drives you but that doesn't really matter so long as you do your duty. Isn't that right, Soul Reaper?"

Soi Fon met his eyes. He smiled. "How do you know that term?" she said.

"Not everyone in this world is ignorant, you know. You said that the Reaper is yours to kill. We will respect that. You have the right to deal with your kind."

She scowled. "He is not my kind."

Zaheer held up his hands. "I stand corrected. You're angry with him. You're angry about something personal. I can feel it. What did he take from you?"

"What makes you think he took anything?"

"My friend, of course he took something from you. It's written in your eyes, it's expressed in your tone and mannerisms. Yes, the Reaper took something very precious from you."

Suddenly, she shot to her feet and the tip of her blade was at his neck. "Keep your prying voice out of my mind or I will slit your throat and put an end to it myself."

Zaheer pressed in slowly so that the sword cut through his skin slightly. A trickle of blood ran down his neck and chest. "Are you as finely tuned as your blade here? Is your anger directed solely at your target? Or is it dispersed among many things? Perhaps you should focus on pointing this weapon at the Reaper, rather than at me."

"And perhaps you should mind your own business, criminal."

He smiled again. "Criminal? You misunderstand me. You misunderstand many things. It is your fatal flaw." Getting up, he wiped off the blood with the edge of his robe and then ripped it off before letting it flutter to a landing on top of the fish. "You will do your duty. But the Avatar is mine."

Soi Fon sheathed her sword. "As you wish."


It was another stunning, sunny day in Zaofu and Korra was extremely focused. She stood opposite of Wei, one of Suyin's twin boys. At her waist was a small pouch filled with metal coil like what the police used in Republic City. Wei's confident smirk filled her with annoyance as he attacked.

Two meteorite rocks were flung her way which Korra dodged before slinging her coil like a whip back at him. Wei avoided it both times and then bent it himself, causing it to form into a circle and quickly wrap around Korra, tripping her as it went. She grunted as she landed in the dirt.

"I can't believe I'm sparring with the Avatar!" Wei exclaimed.

"I can't believe I'm stuck with her friend," his twin monotoned.

Korra and Wei kept sparring as Wing watched Bolin with crossed arms. The earthbender held another meteorite rock between his hands and was desperately trying to make it move.

"Hang on, I think I got it. Nggghhhh!" He strained and then dropped the rock. "Nope. Okay, maybe if I try- ow!" Wing had clocked him between two metal panels.

"Trial by fire! It's the best way to learn metalbending. That's how Grandma Toph created it after all."

Bolin winced and ducked as another attack went flying overhead. He bent a tiny earth stone from the ground and launched it straight into Wing's forehead. Mako, who had just turned up with Asami and Ichigo whistled in appreciation.

"Nice shot, Bolin! But I thought you were supposed to be practicing metalbending, not earthbending."

"Yeah. Cheater," agreed Wing.

"Mako," Bolin said, "metalbending is extremely difficult. No one gets it right way, if they can get it at all. It's not normal!"

As he said this, Korra sent Wei to the floor. "Woohoo! Metalbending champion." She flexed and gloated over the fallen twin.

"You wanna retract those words, Bolin?" Ichigo chuckled.

"N-no," he said defensively. "She's the Avatar!"

Asami clapped her hands. "Guys, time to clean up. You don't want to smell like sweat and dirt for Opal's farewell dinner, right?"

"Ugh! Now I gotta say goodbye to Opal? This is the worst day ever!" Bolin moped off to his room while the others laughed.

Korra punched Ichigo on the arm. "What do you think of that? Another element mastered by yours truly."

"Mastered? You won one spar," he replied.

"Shush, boy," she put her finger to his lips. "I don't wanna hear it."

Ichigo slapped her hand away. "Can you stop?"

"Mmm… no." She crossed her arms with a smirk. "Unless you spar me right now."

"Oh, I am always down to give the Avatar an ass whooping."

"Ha! That's never happened and never will, Strawberry."

Asami intervened and grabbed both of their hands, pulling them behind her. "Honestly sometimes I feel like a mother with you two," she muttered.


"We'll reach Zaofu this evening," P'Li said. It was her turn to drive the truck. Ghazan admittedly did most of it because Zaheer preferred to meditate, Soi Fon didn't know where to go and Ming-Hua of course had no hands. "Then we will infiltrate it and claim our prize."

"How do you plan to do that?" Soi Fon asked. "The way I got in will be plugged."

"No need to trouble yourself," answered Zaheer. "Your way was clever, to be sure, but we don't need such… underhanded tactics."

She turned to him. "Things would be a lot clearer if you just came out and said your plan."

"That's not how his mind works, miss," Ghazan drawled. "If Zaheer could get away with speaking only in riddles and poetry, he would." His voice lowered to a comically loud whisper. "But he has to dumb things down for P'Li, she's not the brightest."

P'Li's long arm reached around and gripped his throat. "Say that again, loser."

Ghazan came closer. "He has to dumb things down, you giant third-eyed freak."

Soi Fon looked between the two of them, expecting a fight but Zaheer and Ming-Hua were silent. Then P'Li gave his throat a playful squeeze and they both laughed. Soi Fon shook her head. Strange people, she thought.

"We have a man on the inside," Ghazan finally answered her question. "He'll let us in through a secret passageway."

"And you trust this man?" she asked.

"He's one of us."

"One of us. What does that mean exactly?"

Ghazan glanced at Zaheer who shook his head. "Criminals, honey, criminals," he replied.

Soi Fon scowled. "I'm beginning to grow sick of you."

"Join the club. I got sick of myself twenty years ago." Ghazan put his hands behind his head and sat back. "We'll be there soon. Then you are free to do what you like with the Reaper while we capture the Avatar. I hope you intend on grandstanding."

"If the occasion calls for it."

Zaheer chuckled at that. "Not much of a stealth mission then, is it?"

"I was stealthy in that place before and it didn't work out in the end. I have one goal and I will complete it. Whether that's tonight or another day, I will do it."

"That's the focus I'm looking for. As soon as the city goes to sleep, we will drug the Avatar and kidnap her. You are welcome to do whatever you want to the Reaper so long as you stay out of our way and draw their attention away from us."

She nodded and glanced at him with knowing eyes. "I will be the diversion that you need."

"A diversion in name only," he assured.

"I'd rather you be honest with me than not, Zaheer. I am a Captain of the Gotei 13, one of the highest ranks in the Soul Society. You claim to know what I am. If you do, then you know what being a Captain means. You do not lie to me. You do not attempt to deceive me or use me for your own gain."

Zaheer smiled. "Those of such high standing do not always inspire confidence. Achievement is the precursor of stagnation."

"And philosophical nothings are evidence of an addled mind."

"When can I kill her, my love?" P'Li said from the front. Soi Fon couldn't tell if she was joking or not.


Ichigo sat between Korra and Asami at the Beifong's long, spacious dinner table. In front of them was gathered an incredible assortment of dishes of various sizes, richness, flavours, heritage and presentation. He stared incredulously at them all as the chef placed his final dish in front of Opal with a proud smile.

"Thanks for making my favourite meal," she said.

"I'm really going to miss you, Opal," he replied. "No one appreciates my raw veggie wraps like you do."

Bolin looked at her mournfully. "Every time I eat raw kale, I'm going to think of you."

"So sweet," she teased.

"This sucks. We were just starting to get to know each other and now you're off to the Northern Air Temple."

"We'll be together soon. You guys are heading up after finding more airbenders, right?"

"Yeah, but that's… in the future. Ugh, I hate the future!" he groaned.

Opal held up a wrap to his mouth. "Until then, we'll always have kale." Bolin took a bite and chewed it loudly.

Ichigo picked gingerly at whatever was in front of him while Korra wolfed it all down. She slapped him on the back. "Eat up, Ichigo! If you want to grow up big and strong like me, you can't waste food."

"You're insufferable," he murmured.

"I'm serious, bro! You're skinny."

"I'm lean. Dude, I have super strength. I don't need to be jacked."

Korra crossed her arms. "Well, some of us had to work for our strength, Ichigo."

"Shut up, you're the Avatar. You're literally born to be powerful."

She paused. "Good point."

Asami leaned over. "Ichigo is perfect just the way he is and Korra, your muscles are very nice too. Please stop bickering."

"Impossible," Ichigo said. "Korra's too stupid to stop bickering like a kid."

"You're the kid," Korra retorted. "You fall for it every time."

"I do not."

"Sure do, kiddo."

"Okay. That's not gonna become a thing."

She smirked and poked his cheek. "Nah, it just might."

Asami laid her head on the table. "What can I even say?" she asked of no one.

Varrick tapped Bolin on the shoulder. "Kid! Can I give you some relationship advice?"

"Um. No," he replied.

"Well, your loss." He snapped his fingers. "Zhu Li! Bring the uh- thing!"

She came out of nowhere and handed him a box-shaped item. It was small, hand-size at most and came with a measuring dial and a few buttons. "Check out my latest invention. An airbender-finder!"

"Wait, that can find airbenders?" Korra exclaimed.

Asami took it and pointed it at her. Nothing happened. "Um, I think it's broken," she said.

"It's not broken; she needs to airbend into it! How else do you expect the thing to work?!" Varrick said in annoyance, grabbing back his toy.

Mako, from the other side of the table had ended up with no friends to sit with. "What's going on?" he called. "I can't hear anything. I hate sitting down here!" He glanced awkwardly at the man next to him: Aiwei. "N-not because of you."

"I can tell you're lying," the truth-seer said.

Suyin tapped a glass politely and stood up. "Everyone, if I could have your attention please. Tonight my beautiful little girl leaves for the Northern Air Temple. Opal, none of us could be more proud of you. You're an incredible daughter, sister, friend and soon to be, airbending master. Here's to Opal. May she help lead us into the new era." Everyone raised their glasses in a toast.

After everyone finished their dinners, they headed out to the airship platform and said their goodbyes to Opal. Bolin was crying which Mako teased him for and Opal's siblings were teary as well. Suyin, however, just looked proud with a twinge of sadness. Opal waved goodbye as her airship flew off into the sunset.

Behind them all, Kuvira ordered the city locked down for the night. Asami put her arm around Ichigo and rubbed his back affectionately. "I love their family," she said.

"I love this entire valley," replied Ichigo. "Look at it. It's just stunning."

Asami smiled. "Maybe I will buy that house here. A little getaway for us… and whoever else comes along. But the Sato Estate will be our home and that's final. I need to make peace with that place."

He kissed her cheek. "Sounds good to me, babe."

"How can we be sure this city is safe?" Mako was asking Suyin. "Soi Fon and her team were able to get in and out fairly easily."

"That was a lapse in concentration," Suyin answered. "They came in a delivery truck that got past our guard's checks because our chef was desperate for his ingredients. It happens. It's bad, but it happens. Kuvira, Aiwei and I have double checked every entrance and means of entering this city. We have doubled every guard and berated them for not doing their jobs. Trust me, Mako, no one can get in. This is still the safest city in the world."

"I do trust you, Suyin," Korra said, overhearing their conversation. "But it's a little hard to trust the security of Zaofu after what happened."

"Lin can vouch for us. She helped out with the checks as well."

Lin nodded. "As far as I can tell, it would take a miracle for anyone to get into this city now. I didn't trust it when we first came here and my distrust was warranted. But now, you have nothing to fear."

Asami gripped Ichigo's hand. "In that case… you're coming with me."

He allowed her to lead him away. "Yes, ma'am."

"Can I come with?" Bolin whined. "I'm sad now and want to hang out."

"Ew, no."

"It's not that kind of hang out, Bolin!" Mako snapped.

"Huh? Ohhh… sorry. I'll just go to my room then. And sulk."

Korra smirked. "How about I join you guys then? I'm just kidding. Don't take that seriously."

Ichigo sweatdropped. "Bro, what's gotten into you today?

"It's tempting," Asami said with her hand on her chin.

"It's what?"

"I'm joking, babe! Now, come on!" She pulled roughly on his arm again.

"Hey, why is it tempting for her but ew for me?" Bolin called after him.

Korra crossed her arms smugly. "Because I'm the Avatar. You just gotta deal with it."

He grimaced. "I hate you."


Ichigo and Asami hurriedly threw their house door open and rushed inside, Ichigo kicking it closed behind him. She was fighting to remove his clothes and kissing him like a crazy person. Hers then went to the floor and Ichigo carried her into the bedroom before setting her down and closing the curtains.

The wind was taken out of him as Asami tackled him onto the bed with a loud laugh. He laughed too and they wrestled for a few moments before Ichigo pinned her down.

"I can tell you've been waiting for this for a while," he said.

"What gave that away?" Asami replied sarcastically. She settled down and pulled him close. "When you were taken, I had to be strong even though all I wanted to do was break down and cry. When we were in the Soul Society, we were never safe; there were powerful enemies around every corner. But thinking of you got me through all that. Now that I have you again, I don't ever want to let you go."

He kissed her deeply. "I don't want you to either. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd meet someone like you in my old world."

"Not even Orihime?"

"I figured you'd bring her up eventually. But no, she never made me feel the way you do."

"You sure?" she baited. "Not even with those two huge-"

"Stopp! Stop, stop, stop, stop."

"You didn't even let me finish!" she giggled.

"I know what you were going to say and I won't let you. Honestly, you and Korra today are so annoying. Always making things awkward. Even just back there! Why did you say Korra's offer was tempting?"

"It is tempting! Isn't she hot?"

"Of course she- I mean, yeah. Actually, no. Actually, ugh, I guess…" he stuttered clumsily and she laughed again.

"You're cute when you're flustered and annoyed. But I really am just joking around. I know you two don't have that kind of relationship and I don't want to share what we have as a couple with anyone."

"Okay. I swear it's like you and her are conspiring together to make fun of me and make me uncomfortable."

"I don't know… you might be right. You tease us as well, don't pretend like you don't."

He sighed. "Fair enough, Prissy. Enough about Korra. We've talked about her long enough."

"Give me something else to talk about then."

"You are so subtle."

A few hours later, Ichigo awoke. He looked to the clock on the bedside table which read just past midnight. On the other side of him, Asami was sleeping peacefully. He smiled faintly and brushed her skin with his finger. These were some of his favourite moments, when he could just look at her and bask in her beauty. Though of course, he would never tell anyone that thought.

Shaking his head, he tried to go back to sleep, wondering why he had woken up so suddenly. Something was off. He wrinkled his nose, wanting to ignore the feeling. But it wouldn't go away. At last, he gave up and quietly got to his feet. Taking a last look at Asami he left the bedroom but then turned to grab his Combat Pass. Last time he left without it didn't go so well.

Leaving the house behind, he went out into the night. It was a bit chilly and he rubbed his arms absentmindedly. The artificial lights of the dome roof above him lit the platform in a dull glow, just enough to see where one was going. He spread his senses. The feeling was still there but he had no idea what it was or where it was coming from.

Ichigo walked away from the house down towards the gardens below the mansion. Curiously, he saw shadows moving in the backdrop of a slightly stronger light. He descended some steps, Combat Pass in hand. The light was coming from a lantern placed on the ground and the shadow was Kuvira.

She was moving, almost in a slow motioned dance but they were clearly martial arts exercises. He watched her go from form to form in an elegant and controlled manner. For once, she wasn't wearing any armour, just a shirt and loose pants and her hair was done in a ponytail. In the tricky light, she almost resembled Korra.

With a solemn bow, she finished her routine and turned her head to him. "Gonna say something? Or just stare?"

"Sorry," he replied. "Can't sleep?"

"Something like that. I don't get much time off from my job so nighttime is when I go through my exercises. What about you? Can't sleep either?"

"I was asleep. But something woke me up."

"What was it?"

"I don't know. Just a feeling."

"You sure it's not just the night changing your thoughts?"

"No. It's one of my powers. I can sense reiatsu or chi, as you call it. But it's never been my strongest suit."

"Sounds like a useful power if you know how to use it."

"I know how to use it but I just-"

"Focused on your swordplay?" she interrupted knowingly.

He smirked. "You got me."

"I don't blame you. What do you sense now?"

"The feeling is still there. But I can't discern it."

"And what about from me?"

"From you? …Power. I can tell that you're a stronger bender than most."

"Maybe your senses are better than you thought," she quipped. "Walk with me. Maybe we can find the source of this feeling of yours. And if it threatens the security of this city, we can take care of it."


As per Suyin's orders, guards now patrolled the streets of Zaofu during the night even though the gate was closed. Uryu discovering them sleeping, drinking and playing cards on the job had been reported and she had severely punished them for this. However, the guards did not notice four figures creeping through the shadows.

Zaheer held up a hand and they stopped. Soi Fon had already left their group to go find Ichigo and be their diversion so the four of them were solely focused on finding Korra. The guard routines were fairly easy for them to follow but they would benefit a lot more if Soi Fon caused a distraction.

"Are you sure bringing her and letting her loose was a good idea?" Ming-Hua hissed. "She could be warning the Reaper right now. They're the same kind, remember?"

"I felt her hatred," Zaheer answered. "It was written all over her every word and action. What better way to take out one of our problems than by using that hate?"

"It's a shame we don't know more about the Soul Reapers," said Ghazan.

"We know enough. Come on."

Bolin was fast asleep with Pabu curled on top of him, also asleep. Mako was in another bed next to them. The ferret stirred and then leapt to the windowsill where it glimpsed Zaheer and the others. Pabu screeched and clawed on the window loudly, waking Bolin.

"Huh? What? What's going on? Ugh, Pabu. Sleep!" He turned over.

Zaheer urged them forward and they ended up at Korra's window. Inside, they could see Naga sleeping peacefully on the floor. Ming-Hua silently cut a large hole into the window and then fired several darts at the polar bear-dog, who yelped and then collapsed, just like she did when Izuru cut her with his weight-increasing blade.

Korra woke up, glimpsed Zaheer through the window and instantly shot up with a ball of fire in her hands. But then another dart hit her leg and she fell to the floor, paralyzed. Her vision got fuzzy and the last thing she saw was Ghazan and P'Li reaching down to her.

Pabu, not about to be ignored, jumped onto Bolin's chest waking him again.

"Pabu, please! It's not playtime right now, I'm trying to sleep. I'm seriously going to have to have a talk with – what the hell?!" Outside his window, the four benders were racing away with the unconscious Korra over Ghazan's shoulder. "They've got Korra! They've got Korra!"

Mako was awake now and they went flying out the door, simultaneously attacking the criminals. P'Li and Ming-Hua dealt with their attacks easily and then countered, forcing the brothers to duck around a column.

"They've got Korra!" Mako cried redundantly.

All the commotion had alerted the guards and alarms began to sound. Spotlights fixed themselves upon the criminals and the sounds of running feet were fast approaching.

"So much for the element of surprise," Ming-Hua said. "What is that Soul Reaper doing? She should've drawn all the attention to herself!"

"Forget about her," Ghazan said. "Back up plan."

P'Li's nostrils flared and in two successive combustion hits, she took out the spotlights and the guards behind them. Mako and Bolin whirled around in confusion but then another blast destroyed the column they were hiding behind and sent them to the ground in coughing fits.

"We can't let them take her," Bolin groaned.

"They won't get far. Look!"

The guards had encircled them and pushed them into the main square of the platform. Lin and Suyin moved in and bent huge metal panels to totally encase them. In only a few short moments, Zaheer and the others were trapped. Suyin nodded to her sister. Since Soi Fon had come, they were far more prepared for any threat.

"We have you surrounded," Lin called. "Release the Avatar."

There was no response. Then suddenly, the temperature rose drastically. At the edges of the makeshift metal dome, lava spewed out slowly and began to eat up the ground. The metalbenders leapt back in shock while the metal panels melted into the molten rock, revealing Ghazan with his hands to the ground. He had formed a moat of lava so no one could get near but they couldn't escape either.

Bolin's jaw fell. "No way, that guy's lavabending! That's awesome… ly not good for us."


Ichigo and Kuvira had walked round the perimeter of the mansion but had not found anything. She continued to give him quizzical looks and ask if they were getting close but he kept shaking his head in confusion. Finally, Kuvira grabbed his shoulder and pulled him to a stop.

"Alright listen, this is going nowhere. Do you still sense something?"

"Yes!"

"Then why aren't we finding anything?"

"I don't know, this is your city. Are there any hiding spots, any secret entrances?"

"If there were, I would've told you. Now look, I'm down to keep walking around with you, but if we don't find something soon then I'm going to bed. You should too, Ichigo."

He nodded. "Okay. But I'm telling you, something is up."

"One more pass of the mansion. Let's go."

The two of them turned a few more corners and then Ichigo halted. Kuvira looked expectantly at him. The feeling was all of a sudden now overwhelming. She noticed his clenched fist as it began to shake and even she could tell his reiatsu was rising. His eyes were focused on something past her.

Beneath the shadow of the back of the mansion, Soi Fon strode calmly into view. Ichigo and her locked eyes but said nothing. Then from the other side of the platform, alarms began to sound. Ichigo slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out his Combat Pass. Kuvira watched him attentively, ignoring the calls of the alarms for now.

"Kuvira," he said coldly. "Go protect Asami. Don't let anything happen to her."

She nodded, a look of respect in her eyes. This was the warrior she had been waiting to see. "Take her down, Ichigo. Miss Sato will be safe with me." She dashed off towards the guest houses.

Ichigo pounded the Combat Pass against his chest and his robes appeared. He gripped Zangetsu tightly on his back. Soi Fon made no move towards her sword but only began to circle round the area like a panther ready to pounce on its prey. Ichigo followed her example and the two of them eyed each other up, pacing in a circle and doubling back, going back and forth.

"Are you alone?" he said at last.

She indicated with her head offhandedly at the alarm sounds. "They wanted me to be the distraction. Too bad."

"Who are they?"

"Useful people with useful connections."

"How did you even get in here again?"

She shrugged. "Got lucky."

"And the gate in Soul Society?"

"You're full of questions for someone about to die. That was a smart move there: sending her to protect your little girlfriend. My hand still twitches from the time it squeezed her pretty neck. I could've killed her, you know. You should thank me for my mercy."

Ichigo snarled. "You will not touch her again. She is beyond your reach."

"No one is beyond my reach. She and I can have some fun when you're dead."

"So you're here to kill me this time. Got a new mission, did you? Why am I not surprised? When are you going to stop being the old man's pawn? He's just using you. He's using your rage."

"The Captain Commander has nothing to do with this. Killing you is personal."

"Why?" he said icily.

She cocked her head to one side. "Do you remember what I said to you the last time you asked me that question?"

"You said I didn't deserve to know. Has that changed?"

"It has. Yoruichi came to visit me a little while ago. I hadn't seen her in months. We caught up and spent a few days just with each other. It was wonderful actually, felt like the old times were back. Then one day, there was a disturbance at the Seireitei. A Vasto Lorde came and sliced right through the Sogyoku mountain. I went at once to help defeat it and Yoruichi said she'd join me soon. I went to the fight. Hideously ugly beast it was, wreaking havoc wherever it went, all across the city, even to the residential areas of the great houses. Then the Avatar appeared and together, the two monsters destroyed the city I grew up in, reduced it to rubble. They murdered thousands. But Yoruichi never came. At first, I thought nothing of it. But as the dust settled I headed back home. When I got there, it was gone, totally flattened beneath a giant column set loose by the Vasto Lorde. I found her body there, Kurosaki, battered and broken beyond repair, barely recognizable. It looked like she had held up the column so that the other members of my household could escape. …They died too. My precious Yoruichi is dead, Kurosaki," she spat out painfully as tears ran down her cheeks. "And it's all your fault."

Ichigo was shaking uncontrollably. A thousand thoughts bashed their way into his mind all at once. Thoughts of denial, agony, shame, guilt, condemnation. His mouth trembled as he spoke. "You- you lie. You're lying. I know you are. You have to be lying!"

"Why would I lie?!" Soi Fon shouted furiously. "I never liked you, but I never had a reason to hate you. Tell me, Kurosaki, why would I have done the things I did to you, said the things I said, been so ruthless and vengeful? What would give me the reason to truly hate you? You know what. Because the woman that I loved more than anything in the world, my mentor, my friend, my idol was killed at your hands!"

Ichigo collapsed to his knees. His hands hung limply at his sides. He tried to deny it in his mind, but he could not. He tried to cry, but no tears would come. He simply sat there, a broken and defeated man. Soi Fon nodded as she watched him. Her lips were pursed together and slowly she drew her zanpakuto and began to walk towards him.

She stopped, her feet between his knees, his bowed head almost touching her stomach. Ichigo's eyes registered the heavy blade of her sword facing the ground next to him. Zangetsu was still on his back and he made no move to unsheathe it. Strangely, almost tenderly, Soi Fon caressed his cheek with her left hand.

"Yes," she said. "I know you feel my pain. For all your twistedness selfishness and all your incessant faults, I know you felt something for her too. Perhaps it was only disgusting perversion, but it was something. I'm going to kill you now. I'm going to cut off your head and bring it to her grave just so she can know that I avenged her death and upheld her honour."

Soi Fon let her hand linger on his cheek and then moved it to the back of his head where she took a firm grip of his orange locks before pushing it down to face her feet. Ichigo's inner mind was screaming at him to move, to do something as the cold metal of her zanpakuto touched the back of his neck.

Move! Move!

"Yoruichi, this is for you." Soi Fon raised her sword.

Then out of nowhere, a metal cord wrapped itself around her torso and she was torn off the ground and flung powerfully into a wall where metal cuffs latched around her wrists and ankles, pinning her there. Kuvira had arrived with Asami who raced to Ichigo's side.

"Ichigo! Ichigo, get up!" she cried but he made no response. His eyes were glazed over. "I think he's in shock!" she called to Kuvira.

"Wake him up or get him out of here," the metalbender answered. "I'll handle this bitch."

Asami shook him. "Ichigo, come on, baby, please. We need you!"

"She's dead…" his voice was almost imperceptible.

"Who? Who's dead?" He didn't say anything more.

The metal cuffs around Soi Fon's limbs burst open as she broke free and landed on the ground. Her sword went back into its sheath as Kuvira moved in, firing small spikes of metal while simultaneously trapped her feet in earth. Soi Fon dodged and parried the metal but they were still piercing her skin and causing many small wounds.

Kuvira handsprung out of the way as Soi Fon got free but could not avoid her again as the Soul Reaper spun with a kick that Kuvira blocked with her arm but was still knocked over. With a quick roll, she got back to her feet just in time to block three more punches. Even with all her training, she could only defend against Soi Fon's martial arts prowess.

She bent backwards in limbo to avoid a lethal kick and swung upwards with her arm causing a sudden stalagmite to connect violently with the bottom of Soi Fon's jaw and for a moment, her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell onto her backside. But just as quickly, she was back on her feet, gripping Kuvira's arm like a vice and hurling her into a wall.

"You're good. Better than most," Soi Fon admitted. "But not good enough."

Kuvira was winded and staggered about. She had just enough time to form a makeshift metal armour plate on her front side when Soi Fon kneed her in the gut. With a wheeze, her feet left the ground and then an elbow knocked her head back painfully. Soi Fon's fist bashed her against the wall once more, busting through the armour entirely. On her hands and knees, Kuvira tried to crawl away but only received a kick to the side that finally sent her into unconsciousness.

Soi Fon turned to deal with Asami but she wasn't there. Then from above her, Asami attacked, landing a mighty axe kick right on top of her head. Down to her knees she went and the businesswoman quickly pressed her advantage, gripping her smaller body in a tight hold and squeezing with all she had.

But the strength of Soi Fon could not be matched. She bucked Asami off like she weighed nothing and caught her by the neck in midair, slamming her up against the back of the mansion. Asami clawed desperately at her wrist and kicked out but it had no effect.

"Time to finish what I started," Soi Fon growled and began to apply more pressure.

Asami's eyes started bulging but she had one last trick up her sleeve. Grabbing Soi Fon's face hard, the Equalist glove on her hand pulsed with energy and then Soi Fon screamed as the electricity coursed into her stern visage and travelled down her body. Asami had engineered the glove to not be able to kill anyone, but it sure hurt like hell and knocked pretty much anyone unconscious.

Not so with Soi Fon. She gritted her teeth through the pain and withstood it until the glove ran out of charge. Asami's face fell when she saw that it had not had the effect she wanted and she let her hand drop back down to her side. Out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed Ichigo beginning to rise, a murderous aura surrounding him.

Soi Fon shook her head, the side her face already forming scars from where the glove had directly impacted. "You are going to pay painfully for that, little girl," she snarled venomously.

"I don't think so," Asami croaked in reply.

Then Soi Fon knew. But it was too late. Ichigo's left hand gripped her face and they rocketed off. He held her head and body against the ground in a blind rage as they flew and smashed through one of the wings of the mansion. The people inside cried out in terror as Ichigo pounded her face into the floor.

With an explosion of reiatsu, Soi Fon got free of him in time to draw her sword to block against the oncoming Zangetsu. The shockwave launched the onlookers against the surrounding walls. Ichigo wasn't even in his Bankai but he drove her back solidly.

"You will not touch her again," he warned furiously. "You will not hurt anyone else either."

Their swords clashed again and Soi Fon was rocked back by the blow. She lost her footing and Ichigo swung down like lightning but she was just fast enough to parry while on her back. The impact cracked the floor beneath them and Soi Fon kicked him in the gut which propelled him through a wall and back outside.

Blood was pouring from many wounds on her body and her face was heavily damaged from the electricity and being dragged against the stone ground at high speeds. Her breath came out raggedly and she leaned on her sword for support. A metalbender guard wrapped a cord round her but she pulled it fiercely and drove her sword through his armour and into his chest.

Ichigo strode back in clutching his sword with incredible strength. His eyes pained when he saw the guard's ruined body.

"What did you say exactly?" she taunted with a cough. "Because I just hurt someone. Or do you only get angry when the people you care about get hurt? Sounds like your forte. Oh wait. No it isn't. Unless you didn't care about Yoruichi."

"Shut up!" Ichigo flashed forward and their battle began again. Soi Fon was completely on the back foot, unable to use her specialty which was her martial arts and actually forced to defend with her zanpakuto. Somehow, despite not being in his Bankai, Ichigo's pure speed with his huge sword was enough to keep her on her toes.

She would break free and he would already be there. She would go low but he'd be flipping overhead to attack from behind. The back part of the platform behind the mansion was in ruins from their titanic fight. Asami had gotten the still unconscious Kuvira somewhat clear of the blast zone but with fighters of this speed, there were no guarantees they wouldn't be caught in the crossfire.

Ichigo slashed down and locked his blade with Soi Fon's horizontal block. They strained against one another and Ichigo began to roar as his reiatsu increased. Soi Fon's feet forced their way through the stone ground beneath her, cracking it but she held firm.

"Is this the rage you used that day?" she asked, her voice at breaking point from the strain. "I'm surprised to not see the Vasto Lorde make its appearance."

His face quivered with effort and anger as he replied. "If I lost control again, you would be dead."

"Then I would be with Yoruichi and nothing would be sweeter."

He bore his teeth but all she could see in his eyes was pain and anguish. A small smile touched her lips. In Ichigo's mind, it represented the smile of a psychopath. In hers, it was a moral victory. Her eyes flicked over to Asami and Kuvira. Ichigo noticed and shook his head.

"Don't try it."

"You took my loved one," Soi Fon said nonchalantly. "How would you like it if I took yours? Fair trade?"

"Never."

With a burst of speed, she shot away from him and he followed at an even quicker pace. He could see her in his mind's eye, sword aimed for Asami's throat and he swung preemptively at where her body would be. But Zangetsu passed through thin air, not flesh. Ichigo stood in front of Asami but Soi Fon was gone.

He looked around hurriedly. There was no sign of her and all trace of her spiritual pressure had disappeared as well. The rush of adrenaline and power that had fueled him to dominate the fight then left and he went down on one knee.

His hand clutched around Asami's arm in remorse. "I'm so sorry," he wheezed. "I- I almost lost you."

She got up and embraced him, tenderly stroking the back of his head. Ichigo let Zangetsu fall to the ground as he returned her embrace. "Oh my God." His breath came in ragged gasps. "If I had just stayed in that state, stayed shocked for a moment longer. Oh my God." He pressed their foreheads together.

"Shh. It's okay, Ichigo, it's okay." Asami's reassuring words were offset by her own unsteady breaths. She was clearly shaken up as well. "The others… they could be in trouble. But I don't want you to leave."

"No," he shook his head vehemently. "I'm staying right here with you. I won't leave you on your own. They have Korra. They- they don't need my help."

A bright smile touched her face. "Thank you."

Ichigo hugged her closer. Yoruichi… I'm so, so sorry.


The metalbenders held up the remaining panels as shields to protect themselves from P'Li's combustion attacks. The four benders should've been caught like sitting ducks behind their moat but their combined firepower was far greater than anything Team Avatar or the metalbenders could throw at them.

Their chemistry as fighters, the way they worked for each other, it was almost awe-inspiring to watch if they weren't trying to kill you. Behind them on the ground, Korra's eyes fluttered but the sedative in her bloodstream wouldn't allow her to wake up fully.

"I'm gonna create some cover," said Zaheer. "We're getting out of here."

He stood tall and began to twirl his airbending staff, pulling all the smoke towards himself and intending on spreading it across the area. One of the guards noticed how exposed he was and fired his metal cable, latching onto Zaheer's wrists and pulling him off the makeshift island towards them.

Mako, Bolin and Beifong were tucked behind an upright panel for cover, occasionally standing and firing shots at the benders. P'Li blasted a combustion attack that curled around their cover but Suyin bent another panel to block it and rushed to join them with Wing and Wei.

"How did they get in here?" Lin demanded. "We double checked every entrance, doubled the guards and plugged all possible holes."

"I don't know but we're not letting them escape," answered Suyin.

"This is two times in a week that people have broken in!" Mako said angrily.

"Are you going to complain or are you going to help think of a way to beat these guys?"

A couple guards formed a metal bridge that hung over the lava and began to sprint over. Ghazan simply caused the lava beneath it to shoot up, taking them out with ease.

"There's no way to cross that moat!" Bolin said.

Suyin glanced up at the roof of the dome thoughtfully. "We don't need to cross it. Lin and I can drop in from the dome on cables."

"That's a great idea," said Lin," except we'll get blown up the second that third-eyed freak sees us."

"She's a combustion bender. If one of you can stun her, her powers will be knocked out temporarily."

"Bolin can land a shot," Mako offered in confidence.

"I can?" Bolin said in not so much confidence.

"You'll have to take her out right before we drop down," Suyin said. "Come on, guys."

"I do?"

On the other side of the house, even in all the commotion, they could hear a fight going on.

"Those four didn't come alone," Mako observed. "That must be where Ichigo is."

Bolin shivered. "You don't think it's a Soul Reaper, right?"

"I sure as hell hope not. That would mean they've repaired that gate already and that the other captains lost the fight. You have to hit this shot, Bolin. If we take care of these benders, then we can go help Ichigo."

"Oh, great. Thanks, Mako. No pressure on Bolin, no sir."

"Come on, bro! You've done this a thousand times in pro-bending."

"Does this look like pro-bending to you?!"

Suyin, Lin, Wing and Wei grabbed a radio and made their way to the very top of the dome beneath the night sky while the battle raged below them. Opening a small hatch, they could look down on the chaos outside the mansion.

"If we get in trouble, metalbend us up," Suyin instructed her sons.

Wing nodded. "We're in position," he said on the radio.

"Copy that," Mako was on the other end. "It's Bolin time."

Bolin nodded and flexed his arms. "Alright. Bolin time. Bolin time."

He and Mako leapt to their feet and Bolin went to work, firing little rocks at P'Li's head. Her, Ghazan and Ming-Hua shifted their attention to the brothers and they slugged it out, Mako desperately trying to cover for Bolin as his attacks kept coming. But with the other two defending P'Li, the amount of elements in the air was blocking Bolin's view.

"I can't get a clean shot!" he cried.

He and Mako ducked back under cover. "You have to!"

Wing's voice came from the radio. "Are we a go?"

"No go."

"Copy that. We're a go."

"I said no! Wait!"

Lin and Suyin dropped down and P'Li spotted them instantly. "Take the shot, Bolin!" Mako yelled. P'Li prepared to fire then Bolin jumped back up and unleashed a precise hit straight to her third eye. The combustion blast knocked the three benders to the floor and Mako cheered as the sisters landed and grabbed Korra.

Still off the island, Zaheer took out the remaining guards and then glimpsed Korra being taken away on Lin's shoulder. "No!" He hurriedly switched his staff into a glider and rushed after them. Lin spun away, almost dropping Korra as he threw some air towards her. Zaheer returned for another pass but Suyin aimed carefully and sent four metal shards through his glider, puncturing it.

He landed awkwardly back down on the island, completely enraged. "We failed!" With a yell, he covered the whole area in smoke. Mako and Bolin shielded their eyes and when it had dissipated the benders were gone.

"Where did they go?" Lin said, back on the roof.

"They can't get far!" Suyin answered and grabbed the radio. "Guards, search the entire estate!"


Early the next morning, Team Avatar was sat inside the mansion in Suyin's office. Korra was lying on a couch with Lin and Suyin behind her as Aiwei checked her vitals. Ichigo, Asami, Mako and Bolin were on the opposite couch, eagerly awaiting his verdict. Aiwei held a bottle of medicine to her mouth.

"This should neutralize the toxins," he said. Korra drank deeply and slowly, her finger started to move.

"How could you let this happen?" Lin said to her sister. "You assured me this was one of the most secure places in the world! Now two horrible groups have broken in, captured one of us and wounded another, almost taking her too."

"It is secure." Suyin insisted. "You and I both made sure of that. I don't know how this happened. Obviously this was a well-planned operation so don't blame me! We found the way the Soul Reapers came in easily enough but this is different. These criminals… it's like they knew the city inside and out."

Ichigo watched as Korra slowly regained mobility and hung his head. "I'm sorry," he muttered. "I didn't know she'd been poisoned. If I'd been there, I could've-"

"Stop it, bro," Mako ordered. "You beat yourself up enough as it is. You did what you could and saved Asami and Kuvira from Soi Fon."

"We've seen the back of the platform," Bolin agreed. "That was one hell of a fight. No one blames you for not being there to help us."

"You need to trust us, Ichigo. Trust us as much as you trust in yourself."

Ichigo kept his eyes averted but nodded. "I don't trust myself sometimes. But I believe in you guys, I really do."

"We're in this fight together. We'll find Soi Fon and we'll find those criminals too."

Footsteps alerted them to Kuvira's presence. "We searched the entire estate," she announced. "But there's no sign of them."

"Well, keep looking!" Lin barked.

"It would seem they had some inside knowledge of Zaofu as you said, Suyin," mused Aiwei. "They must've been working with someone."

Korra exhaled and slowly sat up. "The guards," she said in a tired tone. "It had to be one of them."

"Question them all!" yelled Suyin. "Whoever betrayed my city will suffer the consequences!" She stormed off with Lin and Aiwei behind her.

Korra rubbed her head and Ichigo went to sit next to her. "Hey, buddy," she smiled weakly.

"You alright?" he asked.

"Mmhmm. Just pretty sore. Soi Fon's back, huh? Do you have any idea how?"

He shook his head.

"She must've got through the gate before Uryu destroyed it," Mako said.

"But she didn't follow us when we arrived at the South Pole," argued Asami. "Did Uryu even destroy the gate? She could've taken him out, as much as I hate to admit."

"I think he destroyed it," Ichigo said. "I trust him with that much. Soi Fon could've gone inside before he did and the explosion sent her off course. We know how finicky those things can be."

"So did she join up with those criminals then?" Bolin asked.

"Must have. They all disappeared together."

Korra slung her arm round Ichigo's shoulders. "Sooner we question those guards, sooner we find them. Let's go."

"Are you okay to walk?"

"Yeah! Aiwei's medicine did a number on me. I'm still tired but I'm good to go. Little toxin can't keep a girl like me down."


Suyin had quickly put out an announcement and every guard within Zaofu was required to report for questioning. They had set up a table in a small room in the barracks where the truth-seer Aiwei would interview each and every guard. Korra, Mako, Asami, Suyin and Lin stood behind him and watched the proceedings carefully.

"What is your full name? Where were you last night? Do you have any knowledge of the people who kidnapped the Avatar?" Were just some of the questions that he asked.

"My name is Ju Kuan."

"I was patrolling the south wall of the Beifong Estates."

"I have absolutely no knowledge of the people who tried to kidnap Korra." Were the answers they received. Over and over again, the same lines. After the questioning, Aiwei would shake his head no, this wasn't the traitor. At one point, they brought in Varrick, a likely suspect.

"What was I doing last night?" he pondered. "Same thing I always do! From 9:00 to 10:00 I checked my body for ticks. Lime disease is a serious killer. Then I did my nightly Varri-calisthenics followed by thirty minutes of breath holding. I filmed the whole thing if you wanna watch it."

"That won't be necessary," Aiwei dismissed him with visible annoyance while Mako and Korra shook their heads. Asami had facepalmed as soon as he started talking.

"Maybe it wasn't a guard after all," Lin posed. "Maybe it was someone a little higher up the food chain. Aiwei, why don't you question Su?"

"Lin, stop," Korra commanded. "Your sister wasn't involved."

"Chief, you're letting old grudges cloud your judgement," Mako said. "Let's be smart about this."

"No, I'll gladly be questioned," Suyin said and sat angrily down in the chair. "I have nothing to hide."

Aiwei cleared his throat awkwardly. "What is your full name?"

"Suyin Beifong. I'm the daughter of Toph and the only sister of Lin and I had nothing to do with the attack last night."

"She is telling the truth."

"Ugh!" Korra exclaimed. "This is a waste of time. Just bring in the next guard."

A young, fresh-faced metalbender was up next.

"Give me your name and tell me where you are from," Aiwei said.

"I'm Hong Lee. I was born and raised here in Zaofu."

"Do you have any knowledge of the people who tried to kidnap the Avatar?"

"No," the young man said hesitantly.

Aiwei leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "Did you help the attackers enter Zaofu last night?"

"No, of course not."

"You're lying."

"What? No, I'm not!"

In a fit of rage, Suyin slammed him up against the wall. "How did they get in and out?" she demanded loudly. "Where are they now?"

"I-I don't know! I'm telling you, I didn't help them!"

"You're a traitor to the entire clan."

"I suggest we search his place," said Aiwei.

Within the guard's house, he and Team Avatar minus Ichigo opened every cupboard and closet. They looked through drawers and unturned his bed. Beneath some books on his desk, Mako pulled out a slip of parchment.

"I got something," he announced. "It looks like it's from them. 'Team assembled. Ready to rendezvous'."

"And look at this," Asami said, handing Aiwei a book.

"These are the guards' logbooks," he observed. "All their schedules and routes are in here."

"That guard knows everything," Korra said. "We have to get him to talk."

Mako nodded. "Let's go confront him with this evidence right now."

"No," Aiwei disagreed. "Let's give him a little time to sweat it out. He will talk eventually."

The truth-seer left the house with the evidence and Mako watched him go with a suspicious look in his eyes.

"Uh oh," Bolin said. "I know that look. Detective Mako is on the case."

"You think something's up?" Asami asked.

"I'm not sure," he replied. "I'd rather go talk to that guard right now. It doesn't make sense to wait. The longer we delay, the faster Soi Fon and Zaheer get away. Where's Ichigo been all morning? He should be helping us. Soi Fon almost killed you last night, Asami."

She looked down. "When I found him, he was on his knees in shock and Soi Fon was about to execute him. He said that someone was dead but didn't say who. I think Soi Fon must've told him something, something bad."

"We should go look for him," said Korra.

"No, I'll go. You guys search around the lava moat. Maybe there's some evidence we missed."


Ichigo wrung his wrist forcefully, his eyes narrow and his lips pursed in concentration. His back ached slightly from the rough tree he sat against but he did not adjust himself for comfort of any sort. Ripping some grass up from beside him, he blew it into the wind and watched the little green plants flitter off down the small hill.

His knees were bunched up against his chest and he sank his chin to rest on them, hugging himself tightly. In all honesty, he didn't know what to feel. He had seen people die many times but the death of Yoruichi had hit him like only his mother's had before. After he had recovered from his shock, he'd tried so hard to avoid thinking about it. He had to be strong for his friends after all.

Ichigo bit his lip tightly until a dribble of blood came out. I'm sorry, he thought. Yoruichi. I'm sorry. You were one of the people who cared for me the most, who helped me the most… and I let you down. I lost to Vaatu. And because of that now you're dead. He put his head in his hands. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Every time I think I've moved on from that day, something else comes up.

He didn't react as he felt Asami's slender arm wrap around his shoulder and her gentle hand took both of his like a touch of flowers. She didn't say anything either but simply kissed his head and sat with him in tranquil silence.

"This isn't like me," he said at last, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't even know how to feel right now."

"You can tell me what happened if you want. I'm here for you either way."

"D-do you remember when we went into the Spirit World and that spirit who could impersonate people from our memories became that woman who helped us? Do you remember her name?"

"I do." Asami breathed. "Yoruichi."

"Yeah. Yoruichi. She was like an older sister to me, she'd tease me, push me around, but she was there for me like not many people have been. It's because of her training and influence that I was able to save Rukia. Soi Fon loved her deeply. She said that when Vaatu took control of my body, she found Yoruichi dead in her house, trying to save the people inside."

"Oh, Ichigo." Asami squeezed him tighter. "I'm so sorry."

"And now that I know, I just feel overwhelming guilt because I couldn't stop it from happening. But I can't even cry. I'm just… nothing."

"You're not nothing," she reassured. "You are everything to me and to a lot of people. You have saved so many lives and impacted so many others for good. What Vaatu did that day was not your fault."

"I know. That's what I tell myself every day."

"But you have to believe it, Ichigo. It's okay to mourn. I know how you feel. You feel empty. Yoruichi seems like she was a wonderful person. And you'll always remember her fondly. It's okay to let go sometimes."

Ichigo sighed deeply. "If I let go, then what will happen? Sometimes I feel like me becoming a more vulnerable person has weakened me. All this time I've spent in this world has changed me, Asami. I'm not the person I once was. When I think those things, then I realize that my vulnerability was because I didn't know who I was. I had to rebuild myself and when I wasn't honest with you and the others, I ended up becoming selfish and only hurting you all. There's a balance to it. If Yoruichi taught me anything, it's that I can train my physical body all I like, but my truth strength comes from within. It's mental strength, spiritual strength."

Asami smiled. "You have changed. But change is good. You are a stronger person now than you ever were before. If she were here, Yoruichi would see that too. And she would be proud."

"Yeah." Ichigo lifted his head from his knees and breathed in a slow draft of air. "It's okay to mourn," he repeated her words. At last, he felt his eyes go wet with tears and the feeling of guilt passed.


"I don't understand why we're not talking to that guard right now!" Mako said in annoyance. "Every minute we waste here, those guys get further away."

They had followed Asami's advice and were snooping around the moat which had hardened into a black and brittle rock surface. The metal panels that remained were charred and bent. Suyin's beautiful estate was quickly becoming ruined by successive fights.

"I mean, how does a random guard get involved with a bunch of super criminals anyway?"

"What do you mean?" Korra asked.

"That guard is only eighteen years old and has lived in Zaofu his entire life. Zaheer and his gang have been in prison for more than thirteen years. It genuinely makes no sense."

"I mean, we all saw the evidence. It's pretty overwhelming."

"Maybe a little too overwhelming," Varrick said, once again appearing out of nowhere.

"Hey, Varrick!" greeted Bolin. "What are you doing here?"

"Collecting these stones with Zhu Li! That lavabender did a lot of damage but he makes a nice exfoliating rock. And when you've got calluses like mine, you take all you can get your hands on. Or in my case, feet!" Zhu Li was already hard at work, scraping the bottom of his rather disgusting soles.

"Ugh!" They said in unison.

"What were you saying about the evidence?" Mako asked.

"I was saying that I can smell a conspiracy when I see one. Look, if I was trying to set someone up, I would tell everyone he's guilty and then plant the evidence in his apartment as proof."

Mako crossed his arms. "Oh. You mean exactly like what you did to me?"

"Yes! Just like that! Remember how great that worked? Well, not for you, heh."

"You're right. All the evidence points to this guard but maybe he's just the fall guy."

"For who?" asked Korra.

"For the only person who can truly keep a secret in this city: Aiwei."

Bolin gave a slow clap. "Yup. There's Detective Mako. Oh, looks like Asami found Ichigo. Hey, guys!"

"Did you guys find anything?" said Asami.

"Mako figured out that Aiwei may have framed that guard by planting the evidence."

Ichigo nodded. "Makes sense. In a city where only one person can lie, he's the prime suspect."

"Exactly," Mako agreed. "Let's go to his house and see if we can find anything. Thanks for your help, Varrick."

"Wow," the mogul said. "Gratitude from Mako. I knew we had a connection! Don't mind me, guys, I'll hold down the fort here while Zhu Li attacks my calluses!"

Team Avatar headed off and Korra nudged Ichigo. "Hey, you alright? Asami said Soi Fon told you something when you fought. She said someone died?"

"Yeah, I'll tell you guys another time after we figure this all out."

"Okay, don't hide anything from us."

"Never."

"Ichigo!" a voice called. They turned to see Kuvira striding up to them. "Apologies for disturbing you all. Ichigo and Miss Sato, could I speak with you alone?"

"Sure."

"We'll catch up with you guys," Asami added. "What is it, Kuvira?"

The soldier cast her eyes down. "I wanted to apologize to you both. Ichigo, I put Miss Sato in harms way by bringing her back to the fight. And I wasn't strong enough to protect either of you from that Soul Reaper. All my training, all my self-belief… it didn't matter. I couldn't do anything against someone like that. I failed you and I'm sorry."

Asami shook her head. "You have nothing to apologize to us for. You saved Ichigo's life back there and held off Soi Fon too."

"If anything, I should apologize to you," Ichigo admitted. "I was beaten and on my knees. It was like I wasn't in control of my body, it just shut down. And I barely woke up in time to help. That won't happen again. Soi Fon is powerful as hell, Kuvira. Don't be ashamed about losing to her."

Kuvira nodded slowly. "Like you said, it won't happen again. I will become stronger and I will be able to do my duty." She bowed slightly. "Thank you, Ichigo, Miss Sato."

"Thank you, Kuvira. For saving my life."

"And call me Asami," she laughed. "I hate formality."


At the very edge of the platform and below the Beifong Estate, Aiwei had a little, secluded house with a cute garden and an artistic metal fence. Team Avatar was crouched against the side wall beneath a long, rectangular window that showed the majority of the interior.

Bolin sneakily peeked over and then came back down. "He's not home. Or he's hiding in there. Or he's invisible!" Mako stared at him. "Probably just not home."

"Do you sense anything, Ichigo?" the firebender asked.

"No. And I don't think he's as talented at masking his spiritual pressure as Soi Fon is. He's not there."

"Good. We have to get in there and find some evidence that links Aiwei to Zaheer. Otherwise, Su won't believe us."

Mako opened the door and they headed inside. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. It was furnished similarly to Suyin's mansion but was perhaps a bit more minimalist. The cupboards and packed bookshelves were made of the ever-present metal. Deep red couches were the only signs of comfort in the room and a small wooden table was his eating place.

On the bookcase itself was an assortment of books, tomes, and manuscripts, next to vases and artifacts of different makes and origins. Asami flipped through the pages of a book on his coffee table but shook her head. Ichigo and Mako went through some drawers at his desk but also found nothing.

Bolin looked quizzically at one of the vases on the bookshelf. It was beige and brown and made of finely spun clay. He picked it up. "Huh, it's like a desert on a jar."

"Bolin, put that back," Mako ordered. "We don't want Aiwei to know we were here if we can't find anything."

"Uh…" Bolin said as he awkwardly stared at the shelf.

"You forgot where it goes, didn't you?" Mako took the jar and placed it down where he though it went. Something on the floor caught his eye and he bent down to study it. Next to the shelf, the floor had been damaged slightly in long, thin lines that ran horizontally away from the bookshelf. "Look at these scuff marks. I think this bookshelf slides open."

He tugged at it and half the shelf broke off easily. Behind it was a dimly lit staircase built into the earth beneath the house that led to a metal doorway. Korra, Ichigo and Asami jogged over.

"What do you think is down there?" Korra said.

"Could be a storage cellar," Bolin answered.

"Or a murder basement," Ichigo offered.

"That's just morbid."

"Or it could be how Soi Fon and Zaheer got in and out. We were right to suspect the old bastard."

"Aiwei's coming back!" Asami called.

They rushed out of the passage and shut the bookcase back up. Ichigo and Korra almost subconsciously moved protectively in front of the others as Aiwei walked in. To say the least, his shocked face was worth the intrusion.

"What are you doing in my house?" he smoldered. "You are trespassing on the property of one of the highest ranked officials in the city."

"Doesn't the Avatar outrank everyone?" Ichigo said.

"No, she most certainly does not. You'd better have a good explanation for this."

"We do, we do!" Bolin said. "We knocked on your door and we thought we heard you say 'come in! I'm in the bathroom!'." He grinned wide as the others facepalmed and then his arms drooped. "I don't even know I said that. You know I'm lying."

Korra stepped forward. "We came here because things weren't adding up and we thought you might have some answers."

He indicated his couches. "Sit. If you want to talk, let's talk cordially."

They sat down but he remained on his feet. "So, what is not 'adding up' exactly? Hong Lee was clearly lying and we found evidence in his apartment."

Ichigo crossed his arms. "Clearly lying? As far as I can tell, you decide who lies or not. The power is in your hands. Explain how you knew he was lying."

"You were not there, Reaper, but if you had been you would've seen it too. His mannerisms made his treachery obvious. His voice quivered and stuttered, his eyes were averted and he was fidgeting. These are all telltale signs of a liar. The evidence we uncovered only confirmed that."

"But don't you think it's weird how young he is?" asked Mako. "How did he ever get mixed up with this group?"

Aiwei began to made strides towards his bookcase. "Perhaps through a relative. Or maybe he was bribed. We will find out those answers in time. But if it wasn't him, who do you think it was?" His voice was getting lower and quieter.

"We don't know," Asami answered.

"You don't think I had something to do with this, do you?" Slowly, he moved the jar Bolin had picked up back to its original spot.

"We're just looking for answers," Korra said. Ichigo's hand was itching towards his Combat Pass.

"And you think you found something, don't you?" At his feet, it was clear that the bookshelf had not been closed properly. Finally, his voice dropped. "You have no idea what is coming for you, Avatar." With that, he whirled around and erected a wall of metal between him and them before anyone could even get up.

Korra rushed forward and attempted to bend the metal open with a grunt. It gave way a little bit.

"Come on, he's getting away!"

"I'm still a little new at this so back off!" she shot back.

"I thought you said you had it mastered," Ichigo pointed out.

"Not helping." She took a deep intake of air and went back to work, straining greatly to tear it open. All of them bounded down the staircase and opened the door. Inside, he had left a surprise. A drum of oil exploded in their faces. Korra and Ichigo shoved the others to the ground as fast as lightning and raised their spiritual pressures to deflect the explosion, Korra covering them in a bubble of airbending as she did so.

Flames and smoke clouded their vision but as they walked into the room, they could still see that everything, including any potential evidence had been destroyed.

Mako swore. "He's gone. Look, through there."

A small gap in the wall was at the end of the room. Korra and Bolin bent away the debris as Lin and Suyin dashed down to join them.

"What happened? We heard an explosion!" Lin cried.

Suyin looked around. "Where's Aiwei?"

"Your trusted advisor was the one who betrayed us," Korra declared. "He was lying about the guard."

"What? N-no, that's not possible."

"We confronted him and he fled through here."

Lin went over to the gap which opened out into a long passageway. Stomping on the floor, she was able to sense the vibrations through the earth. "He must've collapsed the tunnel behind him. I can't feel anyone in there."

"And he rigged that explosion to destroy any evidence that might've been here," said Mako. "This is how Zaheer got in and out. Aiwei was the traitor."

"Uryu warned me about him and about the dangers of this so-called utopia," Ichigo said. "It looks lovely on the outside. But when one person holds influence over the whole thing, that's the person you often can't trust."

"Just another reason why we should've done what Uryu said from the start," Asami agreed bitterly.

Suyin looked down in disbelief. "I… trusted him. He's been with us for years, I- I welcomed him into my household. He saw the birth of most of my children."

Kuvira ran down the steps. "Is everyone okay?"

"Aiwei is a fugitive. Get all available guards to search the mountainside and find out where this tunnel exits immediately," Lin commanded briskly. She put her hand on her despondent sister's shoulder and led them back into the mansion where they gathered in Suyin's office. For a while, they simply waited in silence, letting Suyin process the gravity of Aiwei's betrayal.

Kuvira came in to report their findings. "We located the end of the tunnel but there's no sign of him. Just some fresh tire tracks. It's fully understandable why we couldn't find it when we swept through Zaofu after the Soul Reapers came. It was camouflaged into the city wall itself. Aiwei must have only placed that vehicle there recently. He had an escape plan all ready to go."

"I trusted him with my life," Suyin muttered. "I thought we were family but it was all a lie."

"Whoever these guys are," Mako said, "they're more powerful than we thought. And more influential. They had an inside man who'd been in this city for years. If they've partnered with Soi Fon, that makes them an extremely dangerous threat not just to us, but any major location or organization in the world."

"That's why we have to find them," Korra announced. "We're going to hold off our search for airbenders and hunt down Aiwei. Naga can track his scent."

Ichigo nodded affirmatively. "We've been on the back foot for far too long. First to Soi Fon and now to Zaheer. But Aiwei is a loose end. For all his talents, he's still just one old man. He'll lead us to the ones that really matter."

"No!" interjected Lin. "We're not hunting this group. There could be other secret agents in other parts of the world looking for you right now. I'm taking you back to Republic City where I can protect you."

"That's a stupid idea," Ichigo retorted. "Republic City is the worst possible place to protect anyone. It's completely exposed and full of corrupt individuals. The President himself could be working with these criminals."

"If we weren't safe here, we're not safe anywhere," agreed Korra. "We have to stop them!"

"It's too dangerous," Lin protested. "You're not going!"

"Stop trying to protect me! I'm the Avatar; this is my job!"

"Don't lecture me about jobs!"

"You need a damn lecture," Ichigo said angrily. "Who do you think you are? You're one metalbender with a chip on her shoulder up against four of the most powerful benders we've ever seen and a Shinigami Captain. You're in no place to push Korra around and say you'll protect her when she is infinitely times more powerful than you'll ever be."

"You shut your mouth, Ichigo!"

"No, he's right," Korra said. "You let us go to the Soul Society where we all almost died but now you won't let us hunt these scum down? It's ridiculous!"

"Everyone, enough!" Suyin shouted, getting to her feet. "Lin's right. We let you go because Ichigo's life was on the line and he would've been executed if you hadn't gone. But we need to be smart about this. Like Lin said, these people could have other agents wherever you go. But I promise you, Aiwei and all of the rest of them will be brought to justice."

Korra huffed and shook her head. "I don't agree. But I'll respect your wishes."

"Thank you, Korra. Ichigo? Will you follow our lead?"

He grimaced. "There is no justice when Soi Fon is involved. We underestimated her once and I got captured. She got in here again and Asami almost died. That can't happen again. We need to act."

"We will," she promised.

Lin smiled. "Thank you, Su."

"Everyone should get some rest tonight. We can meet in the morning and discuss things."


That evening, Team Avatar was sitting in Korra's guest house. Ichigo was fidgeting with his Combat Pass with a frustrated look in his eyes and Asami simply rubbed his leg. Mako was also pissed off and had his arms crossed. Korra and Bolin just looked sad.

"They don't get it," Ichigo said.

"No, they don't," echoed Mako. "We had a chance to chase after him while the trail was warm. Now we'll just waste more time like sitting ducks in Zaofu."

"Why is Soi Fon working with those benders?" Bolin asked. "I thought she hated this world and everyone in it."

"She'll do whatever she needs to kill me," Ichigo replied. "But I don't think their relationship is exactly friendly."

Someone knocked at the door and Korra went to open it. "Su."

"You really think Naga could track Aiwei?" the matriarch asked.

"Definitely."

She handed Korra a key. "Then here. There's a jeep packed with supplies by the east gate. It's all gassed up and ready to go."

"What? Why?"

"Because I want you to hunt down Aiwei and bring him back to me."

"But you said-"

"I said what Lin wanted to hear and I bought you guys some time. Go. I'll deal with Lin in the morning."

Ichigo grinned. "You're the best. I knew I liked you."

"Let's get this guy," Mako said.

Korra stopped to give Suyin a quick hug. "Thanks." She went and got Naga while the others sprinted down to the gate. Asami leapt behind the wheel and Ichigo got in next to her. Mako and Bolin took the back seat.

"Finally we're being proactive," Ichigo said.

"Hey, buster," said Bolin, "coming to rescue you in another freaking world was pretty proactive too, alright."

Ichigo chuckled. "Fair point."

They heard Naga's heavy breathing as Korra rode past them. "Follow me!"

Asami revved the engine and they fired off into the night in hot pursuit.


"What were you thinking?" Zaheer growled.

Soi Fon's face was emotionless. "What do you mean?"

"You were supposed to divert everyone's attention so we could take the Avatar but instead you let them all converge on us."

"I did my part. I kept Kurosaki away from all of you. Judging by your performance, you wouldn't have lasted long if he was there."

"Can I strangle her?" Ming-Hua asked.

"You can't call us out when you didn't even complete that goal you were so passionate about," Ghazan spat. "The Reaper's still alive so what was the point of even joining up with you? Useless."

"You failed us, and you failed yourself," P'Li added.

"Keep driving you freak," Soi Fon shot back. "You lot couldn't capture the Avatar and that had nothing to do with me. And I didn't fail."

Ghazan clapped his hands in her face. "Hello? Ichigo Kurosaki is still alive? Did you not catch that part, dumbass?"

"I broke him. I broke him mentally, I broke him emotionally. The pain he is feeling right now is what I have wanted him to experience more than anything. When we meet again, then I'll break him physically and be done with it."

"When we meet again," Zaheer repeated. "How do you propose we do that? We had a plan, a good one. And it almost worked."

"You say you have members of your group across the world. If you're so resourceful, figure it out. I'm here for Kurosaki, not for whatever your grand plan is. It just so happens that Kurosaki and the Avatar are a package deal."

"Hmm. We need to regroup and meet with Aiwei, see if they've successfully taken the bait."

"We should draw them out."

"Oh, now you have a suggestion?"

"You lost because you were surrounded on all sides by many opponents. If we fight them out in the open, we can pick them off one by one until only our targets remain."

Zaheer scowled. "No, you lost because you can't beat Kurosaki in a fight. You're all talk but you won't admit it. Keep on spinning your lies and promises to us and to yourself. You've failed to kill him twice now. Why should we help you get that third chance?"

Soi Fon hesitated then steeled herself. "Because if you don't then Kurosaki and the Avatar will kill all of you. I've seen what happens when they fight together. We both have a chance to accomplish our goals. But it has to be together. I'm willing right now to set aside my pride for the sake of killing him."

Zaheer sat back and almost laughed. "You'll set aside your pride. You watched us torch and rob a village that saved your life. You abandoned them. One would think your pride left you a long time ago. You truly are diabolical, aren't you?"

Soi Fon didn't reply and finally, he nodded. "Alright. No more subterfuge, no more riddles. From now on, we work together."


Rukia nodded to one of the nurses as she made her way through the makeshift hospital on the streets of the Seireitei. Bed after bed was occupied with those injured from the Vasto Lorde's attack and from the recent rebellion which had both already become as infamous as anything to happen to the Soul Society.

She reached a bed that was hidden behind a shroud. Inside, Uryu lay reading a book, his glasses perched on the end of his nose. He didn't look up as she walked in, closing the curtain behind her and greeting him with a smirk.

"As self-important as always, I see," she mused. "Really? A curtain?"

"I like my privacy," he mumbled in response.

"Right. How are your wounds coming along?"

"They're healing."

"Can't wait to get out of here? Back to your boring university life?"

"You know me."

She sat down at his bedside. "Things are changing here. They're changing for the better. You could be a part of that, Uryu. We can never atone for the past and what happened to your people, but we can make steps towards a brighter future."

"That sounds beautiful," he replied sarcastically. "But it's not for me. My place is back home, doing my studies, fighting Hollows… not up here. No, my time in the spotlight is done for now. I did my part."

Rukia nodded. "I know, and you did it well. Just thought I'd ask."

His fingers brushed the hem of her robe. "How does that feel? Wearing that thing?"

"Heavy. It's something I never thought I'd have to do, or at least, I thought it was far in the future." She sighed sadly.

"Ukitake Jushiro's death was not in vain. None of the deaths were. They fought for something bigger than themselves. They fought for justice."

"Yeah. And hope. The hope that this place, this world, this entire system can change. I hated burying him. But he looked at peace, as if the things that plagued him were finally put to rest."

"Good. I'm glad you got closure with him. What is the Soul Society's plan for Kurosaki?"

She shrugged. "We don't know yet. We have no idea if Soi Fon got through the gate or not but Mayuri is in prison now so we can't really rely on him to make another one. I think for the time being, that world will be left alone and Ichigo will have to solve those issues by himself."

"That's probably for the best."

"I agree. But we'll see him again."

Uryu rolled over. "I'd be happy with not seeing his face again for a long time."

"You don't mean that," she said with a laugh.

"Only a little bit."

"I have a meeting now. First one of the new Gotei 13, actually. But I'll visit you again before you head home."

"Good luck, Rukia."

"Thanks."

Rukia exited the hospital quickly, trying to avoid looking in the direction of the graves. Of course, by not looking that way, she beheld all the rubble and debris that still had not been cleared. Fair to say, the Seireitei was a complete mess. But things were changing and that started today.

The old Gotei 13 meeting place had been done away with and replaced with an open air round table. Newly erected columns were in the midst of being built around the area. This was the start of a new architectural project that would transform the look of the Soul Society. Every marker, every symbol of the old way would be replaced but those that represented what the Soul Society had always strived to be would remain.

She was the last to arrive and took her seat with an awkward smile. It was a great start to their first meeting. There was no head of the table. Each Squad was meant to have equal say but to honour the memory of Yamamoto Genryusai, the title of Captain Commander had been kept and given to Kyoraku Shunsui who accepted it begrudgingly and now stood to address them.

"My friends," he began and was silent for a few moments. "Wow, I don't know how to do this, do I?"

"Get your Lieutenant to speak for you," Kenpachi jested.

"Very funny. My friends, this is it, I guess. This is the first meeting of the new Gotei 13. I don't know why but you all nominated me to become the new Captain Commander. Somewhere, that old man is laughing right now. I hope he's resting as well. He was a good person, when all is said and done. They were all good people, those who died and even those we have imprisoned. I firmly believe that. But they cannot be a part of this new culture we are building."

Byakuya then stood. "We must move on from everything that has happened, welcome those who wish to join us, and unfortunately lock away those who fought against us until they have a change of heart. Like Omaeda here, who in Soi Fon's continued absence, will serve as Substitute Captain of Squad 2."

The big man nodded humbly. "Thank you for having me."

"For Squad 3, the already makeshift captain Izuru is in prison. So we have welcomed back Sarugaki Hiyori to serve as Captain. …Where is she, by the way?"

"Asleep," Shinji replied. "She said she couldn't be asked to report to your shitty meeting. Her words, not mine. I honestly don't know why you appointed her Captain. She's about as unqualified as you can be."

"She wasn't our first choice," Kyoraku admitted. "But Isshin and Urahara didn't even reply to our summons. I would've made them captains in a heartbeat. Squad 7 will be captained by Ikkaku as it appears Tetsuzaemon Iba is no longer with us. He died apparently in the other world."

"Yeah, no one will miss that guy."

"You talk about Hiyori being a bad choice?" Toshiro said, "Ikkaku might be even worse."

"You might regret that," Shinji drawled. "Hiyori's first words when she got the news was that at least she could make fun of that white-haired shrimp-dicked squirt. Once again, her words not mine."

Toshiro's eyes smoldered. "I take back what I said, Ikkaku."

Ikkaku nodded nervously. "I-I'll do my best."

"Where'd your balls go?" Kenpachi roared. "Get a load of this guy now that he has some actual responsibility."

"Shut up. I'm a Captain now so we're equals."

"Bullshit. You'll always be my bald subordinate."

"It pains me to say this," Kyoraku continued, "but as you all know, Muguruma Kensei died from Yamaji's Bankai. He was a brave warrior and a great man. He will be missed. Hisagi Shuhei will take his place as Captain, maybe one of the only new ones who actually has a Bankai, not that he's revealed it yet."

Hisagi nodded. "Don't expect to see it anytime soon. But I will make Captain Kensei proud and honour his legacy."

"I'm sure you will. Nemu, so glad you could join us. Since we put away that crazy Mayuri, I'm very much looking forward to working with you. We'll need your help to rebuild this place."

Nemu bowed solemnly. "I will serve as best I can."

"We sure she's alright?" Ikkaku asked. "No lingering mental ties to the freak?"

"Mayuri will not be making contact with anybody, anytime soon," Byakuya assured. He smiled softly in Rukia's direction as Kyoraku made the last of his announcements.

"Finally, we come to the hardest part of this meeting. We've said goodbye to those that died many times over, but none of you need to be reminded of the great love I had for my friend Jushiro. He was like my brother. Careful when I was careless. Smart when I was rash. Kind when I was rude. And a truly wonderful person. Rest in peace, Jushiro." The other captains bowed their heads in memory. "But now we announce the captain that I'm the most excited about. I always had the feeling you'd end up as one, dear. You've truly earned this. Congratulations, Kuchiki Rukia."


And that is the end of a very long, dialogue-heavy chapter lol. It felt a little weird to write so much dialogue when the chapter before this was mostly action but I still enjoyed it. And I hope you all enjoyed reading, tell me your thoughts! I know some things in here might be controversial. Yoruichi is one of my favourite bleach characters and I wish I'd put her in this story earlier before she died but oh well. I'll see you with the next chapter soon fingers crossed!

Haven't done this is in a couple chapters so I'll reply to the reviews

Review from Ian ytalo: CONTINUE please!

Reply: Hope you liked this one!

Review from redsteel116: A part of me is hoping there twist when it comes to soi-fon because sure sometimes her character can be Petty and vindictive but this is a bit much. Like she secretly being possessed by vaatu or something.

Reply: Yeah, this chapter had the twist. I don't think there's anything that could make her that hateful besides something involving Yoruichi

Review from anoyak111: Man this chapter was worth the wait. An epic chapter. Cant wait for more.

Reply: Thanks man I appreciate it!

Review from Raximus: This was too OOC, it felt like everyone in Soul Society was putting on a show. Especialy Mayuri, no way they could have escapped him or beatten him especialy since he knows their capabilities.
Good thing is this part is now over and the LOK plot can re-start.

Reply: Fair enough man I understand your thinking, hope you liked this one more hahaha

Review from Timothy Burr: Holy shit. I gotta say, I'm really impressed by this story. Started reading it a couple days, and my first impressions was that is was average as most of Book 1 was exactly how it played out with just Ichigo's added presence but was still interested enough to continue reading. The moment where Ichigo fully regains his Shinigami powers at end of Book 1 is I feel is when the story really starts to take a life of its own, and is when I go form mildly interested, to hooked.

I really enjoyed reading Book 2, with the secrets behind Ichigo's presence in the Avatar world slowly starting to get reveal overtime, and the two worlds gradually colliding. It's also when the interactions between Ichigo and the Avatar characters, especially Korra and Asami. I absolutely loved the inner turmoil that Ichigo goes through between staying in the Avatar world and going back home, and the scenes where he had to push Korra and Asami away were really heartbreaking. Also loved how, unlike with the stereotypical 'pairing the male and female protagonist from two different shows' you go with a more sibling approach. I usually really hate OCs in fanfiction, but I think Yumi was handled really well as far OCs go, as her inclusion makes a lot of sense, and she actually contributes to the story and character arcs.
Book 3 so far is the best one (which is only fitting as Book 3 is my favorite LoK season). The way you write Bleach characters is absolutely flawless, especially Uryu and Sui-Feng. Oh man, you make it incredibly easy to hate Sui-Feng, and I mean that with the sincerest compliments, and Uryu is definitely giving the vibes of being a natural leader, even if some of them has a hard time accepting him (the truth hurts after all). Ikkaku is probably the funniest character in this, every scene with him has me chuckling. The fight between Ichigo, Korra, and Yamamoto had on the edge of my seat and I was worried that Ichigo and Korra weren't gonna make it, especially when Yama went Bankai.
Really looking forward to what comes next. I'm wondering if Aizen or the Vandenreich will ever get involved? I wonder how the Vandenreich feels about how Ichigo did half of their job for them.

Reply: Wow, this review honestly made me so happy, I love this from you man. I love how you mentioned things that I really enjoyed writing and putting into the story like the character interactions, Ichigo and Asami, the action scenes, Yumi as an OC, the bleach characters etc, and I felt like you really understood the things I was trying to do even tho this is just fanfiction haha so thank you honestly

I won't make any promises about Aizen or the vandenreich but I will say that one of those things is a lot more likely to show up than the other and I hope you liked this chapter too bro!

Review from Guest: Awesome story! Can't wait for the next update

Reply: Thank you Guest!

Review from JamesBlafking: Sin duda es una de mis historias favoritas, siempre que puedo la leeo , me emociona y encanta!
Me gusta la relación de ichigo y asami, son una linda pareja, espero y se queden juntos siempre, pero me enojare si se queda con korra, cómo en la serie, ichigo merece ser feliz con asami :3

Reply: Muchas gracias por este mensaje, fue genial recibir un mensaje en español y me hizo muy feliz. Tan genial que amas la historia e ichigo y asami también son una de mis partes favoritas. Estoy usando el traductor de google para responderte jajaja pero gracias de nuevo por tu mensaje y espero que te haya gustado este nuevo capítulo! :))

Review from Beteljosh: I'm really intrigued, I do believe there is a deference with Ichigo and his normal self, but I can't say where it exactly lies. It feels like even if he has his memories back he is still conflicted by his identity or something but it could be a nice way to give him his true zanpakuto. Also, I'm eager to know why Soi Fong is being this hostile, I mean, she was a bitch in the anime but now she's being a sociopath.
Good job man, can't wait to read the next chapter!

Reply: Love your username haha re zero is awesome at least I think that's what it's referencing. And you're right, Ichigo is different here and that was addressed a bit in this chapter. While getting his memories back, he experienced so much and met new people, got a girlfriend so these things all changed him in little ways. He's still the same old Ichigo but for example his small moments of gentleness in bleach are magnified by his relationship with Asami and he's more open to talking about how he feels etc etc. And I hope you were satisfied by the answer to your soi fon question in this chapter lol