Over 100 Years Ago
Urahara entered the captain's chambers where meetings always took place. He suddenly realized to his shock and amazement that he was the last one to show.
"Looks like, I'm the last one to show," Urahara realized.
"He looks like a few cans short of a six-pack," Shinji, 5th Division Captain commented.
"It does appear that way," Vice-Captain Aizen considered.
"Nice to meet you all," Urahara greeted awkwardly.
"Say what?" Shinji wondered.
"So, is it okay to continue?" Urahara asked reluctantly.
"You're already a captain. Why don't you stand tall?" Yoruichi, 2nd Division Captain, berated him.
"It seems everyone has arrived," Commander Yamamoto determined. "Let us begin with the promotion ceremony," he ordered.
"The former 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division, Urahara Kisuke, who stands before us, you are now the newly appointed captain of the 12th Division," Commander Yamamoto declared.
Captain Urahara approached his new office. The old captain was working on packing her stuff. Her vice-captain was assisting her and then gave Urahara a dirty look.
"Hello, Kirio Hikifune," Urahara greeted warmly.
"I will be gone soon and then you can have it to yourself," Kirio assured him.
"No hurry really," Urahara allowed.
"This is my lieutenant, Hiyori," Kirio introduced.
Urahara bowed respectfully to the small vice-captain but was given a sneer in return. Kirio finished her packing and walked over to Urahara. "She'll get over it eventually," she smirked.
"So, you will be a part of Division 0, the Royal Guard?' Urahara asked curiously.
"Yes, it's really exciting," Kirio smiled.
"What is the King like?" Urahara continued.
"It's so hard to describe. There is power, wisdom, and…love," Kirio answered.
Urahara brought forth a former prisoner of the depths, Mayuri, to be his vice-president of the Technological Development Branch and effectively the Third Seat of the 12th Division. An anti-social individual, Mayuri didn't fit in with most of the other Shinigami officers.
Urahara created a laboratory within the 12th Division. It was the first of its kind in Soul Society. While he was gone, Hiyori and Mayuri would often fight over who had the greater seniority. The arguments were usually over trivial and mundane issues on tasks to be done.
Kirio entered Urahara's laboratory and looked around. Hiyori was stunned to see her again.
"Captain Kirio," Hiyori stood at attention.
"I am no longer your captain. I am just here to look around," Kirio told her.
Mayuri gave Kirio a glance and then continued with his work. Her power and status were of no importance to him. Urahara entered the lab and gave a look of surprise to see the former captain inspecting his equipment.
"What an unexpected pleasure," Urahara greeted.
"You have been busy," Kirio commented on his work.
"It will revolutionize how we will fight Hollows. I may even be able to create a way to end the war between Hollows and Shinigami," Urahara said excitedly.
"You're ambitious. Good luck with that," Kirio complimented.
"Are you not to be a Royal Guard?" Urahara asked confused.
"Yes, but I have been given my rest before my duties are to begin," Kirio explained.
"I see. Well, you're welcome to come anytime you want," Urahara offered.
"Thank you, I will keep that in mind," Kirio smiled and left the room.
"What the hell was that all about?" Hiyori demanded of Urahara.
"What do you mean?" Urahara asked defensively.
"You know what," Hiyori accused.
Kirio and Urahara drank tea in the captain's quarters. "You have done a good job with the redecoration. I never had time for that," Kirio noted.
"Lately, I have been working non-stop," Urahara admitted.
Kirio could see Urahara's fatigued face. "You should get some rest. Take a vacation," Kirio suggested.
"I can't. I am the new captain and I have to make a good impression," Urahara replied.
"I'll give a good word to the commander for you," Kirio smiled.
"You would do that?' Urahara gave her a stunned look.
"Most captains don't care about their subordinates or protecting Soul Society. You're different," Kirio explained.
"You really think so? I never thought about it like that," Urahara considered.
"What you did for Mayuri was not only kind but smart. He's much more valuable in the 12th Division than in that cell," Kirori noted.
"He is an excellent worker," Urahara agreed.
"So, what are you working on in that lab?" Kirori asked curiously.
"Imagine, if Shinigami could have children. Those children would have the spiritual makeup of their parents. Their spiritual pressure would be off the scale. We could have a community of captain-class Shinigami," Urahara revealed.
"Shinigami….having kids? How is this possible?" Kiroi asked.
"Since Shinigami aren't biological, it doesn't work the same way living humans do," Urahara began.
Kirori blushed. "I would think not," she agreed.
"But the process is the same. Spiritual material or particles from one Shinigami mix with the particles of the other Shinigami. It creates an entirely new soul," Urahara explained.
Kirori realized what Urahara was talking about as it was beginning to sink in. "You could create new souls. You could have the power of God," Kirori said.
Urahara shook his head. "It would be no different than what humans do. It's just a different process," Urahara explained.
"The only problem I have is that I don't have any test subjects. Hiyori won't do it. She made that very clear," Urahara sighed.
Flashback
"Hiyori, I need a test subject," Urahara told her.
"So, get your own test subject, you freak," Hiyori replied.
"No, I need a female test subject. I want you to be my first test subject. You can become the first pregnant Shinigami," Urahara pitched her.
"Hell, no!" Hiyori protested.
"You will be making history," Urahara tried to persuade her.
"Get away from me!" Hiyori ran off.
End Flashback
Kirori smiled. "That would be her reaction," she agreed.
"Hiyori said you were like a mother figure for her," Urahara recalled.
Kirori nodded. "I found her and introduced her to the life of a Shinigami. She's quite capable even with that attitude of hers," Kirori said.
Urahara nodded and took some nervous sips from his tea. "Why don't I help you out with this?" Kirori offered.
Urahara nearly choked on his tea. "But what about the Royal Guard?" Urahara asked.
"This seems more important. Don't worry about anything. We'll be careful," Kirori assured him.
Kirori was placed on a lab table. She was dressed in pure white. Mayuri was present in the lab and was working on the technical gadgetry. A nervous Urahara circled the lab to make sure everything was perfect.
"Everything is set," Mayuri reported.
Urahara carefully used spiritual ink to create a seal on Kirori's abdomen. The seal began to glow and then created a blinding light. Urahara cautiously entered Kirori's abdomen with his right hand. His hand met no resistance as it sank inside her abdomen.
Urahara suddenly glowed a faint blue as his spiritual pressure began to rise. Mayuri immediately worked to create a force field around Urahara and Kirori to prevent the lab from exploding.
Kirori felt a rush as Urahara's spiritual energy flowed into her. The spiritual particles collected inside Kirori and created a sphere of pure spiritual energy. "It's working," Urahara realized.
Urahara's hand felt a burning sensation. After a few moments, he could no longer bear the pain and then pulled out of her abdomen. Without an energy source, Urahara was not certain the pregnancy would survive.
To his amazement, the sphere absorbed the spiritual particles of the mother and was growing. "Amazing," a stunned Urahara expressed.
"Is it done?" Kirori asked.
"Yes, everything is working perfectly," Urahara declared.
A Few Days Later
Kirori entered the laboratory for a check-up after the conception. Kirori was noticeably stressed from the pregnancy.
"I have spiritual fluctuations. Sometimes I want to destroy things," Kirori said.
"That's normal," Urahara replied.
"I am having trouble controlling my reiatsu. We'll soon be discovered," Kirori said fearfully.
"The soul is growing at an accelerated rate. It won't be too long for us to see the results," Urahara consoled her.
"Urahara Kisuke, you do realize we are parents now," Kirori reminded him.
The depth of what she said struck Urahara with a powerful weight. She was right. "Once the child is born, we will give it over to a community outside Seireitei, and then we will both do our separate thing," Urahara assured her.
"Is that the right thing to do?" Kirori wondered.
"There are no other options," Urahara replied.
Urahara then considered an idea. "I am in the process of a breakthrough that will solve our problem," Urahara revealed.
"What is it?" Kirori asked impatiently.
"It has the power to reduce a Shinigami's reiatsu. The pregnancy will be undetectable," Urahara said.
"How long will it take to make it?" Kirori asked.
"I will spend all night working on it," Urahara promised.
Later that day, Urahara was busy working on his new project. Finally, the creation was ready. It was a small orb, a perfect sphere: the Hogyoku.
"Good work, Mayuri. We have done it," Urahara said pleased.
"You are treading in dangerous territory. captain," Mayuri warned.
"I know. Once it has completed its task, I will destroy it," Urahara promised.
Suddenly, two Shinigami barged into Urahara's lab. "There is an urgent captain's meeting!" they informed him.
An Hour Later
Urahara and Tessai were placed on trial for the Hollowification of several captains and vice-captains. Urahara was accused of using his laboratory to create these abominations while Tessai was accused of using forbidden techniques while assisting Urahara.
The Shinigami with the Hollowification were to be sentenced to death as they were a danger to Soul Society. Urahara attempted to convince the Council of 46 that he was not responsible for the Hollowification and that it was Aizen's fault.
The Council refused to listen and sentence Urahara and Tessai to prison. Before the two could be subdued, Yoruichi jumped in and helped them to escape. Yoruichi flash-stepped into a courtyard with Urahara and Tessai with her.
Still, despite her speed, the three became surrounded by Shinigami squads. Commander Yamamoto walked towards the three with his cane.
"I'm very disappointed in the three of you," he said displeased.
"I can explain," Yoruichi pleaded.
"No, your crimes are unforgivable," Yamamoto objected
"Can we escape?" Urahara asked Yoruichi.
Kirori suddenly appeared next to the three. "Kirori?" Urahara gasped.
"I'll handle this. Prepare to escape," she told Urahara.
"But I haven't made the proper preparations," Urahara protested.
"It will be alright," Kirori assured him.
"What is the meaning of this? Are you assisting them?" Yamamoto demanded.
"Urahara Kisuke is the father of my child. I do not believe he has committed the crimes he has been accused of. For my sake, I request pardon," Kirori said.
"With child? Impossible," Yamamoto doubted.
"I tell you the truth," Kirori said as her aura began to spike upward.
Urahara watched in fascination as Kirori's frame became a bright blue. The ground shook underneath them and the Shinigami around them scattered. An intense wind pulsed around her forcing the Shinigami to the ground.
"Let's go," Yoruichi said to the two.
Yoruichi picked up Urahara and Tessai and sped off. Yamamoto phased away and sped toward Yoruichi to stop them but was abruptly stopped by Kirori. Yamamoto's fist was held firmly in place and then pushed back by Kirori.
"Your sentence will be the same as theirs," Yamamoto said angrily.
"Back off or I will add another scar to your body," Kirori said fiercely.
Yamamoto jumped back creating distance between the two. He then took off his robes revealing his muscular torso and collection of scars. He stripped the wood off his cane revealing his powerful Zanpakuto.
"You should be ashamed of yourself for this abomination," Yamamoto told her.
"You will be made low for your injustices and your pride," Kirori accused.
Yoruichi found a small cave to hide for the time being. The other newly made Vizards were with them. "We have to give her the Hogyoku or she'll die," Urahara warned.
"What is a Hogyoku?" Yoruichi asked.
"There is nothing we can do," Tessai interjected.
"If we go back, we're all dead," Yoruichi told Urahara.
"Then, just let me go back," Urahara offered,
"Don't be stupid," Yoruichi said holding him back.
Tessai suddenly smacked Urahara hard to the head knocking him out. "Let's go," he advised.
Kirori and Yamamoto clashed with their swords; a fiery wind storm encircled the two of them. The explosion of spiritual energy kept the other Shinigami at bay.
"It's been a long time since I have seen anything like this," Captain Shunsui observed to Ukitake.
"I can't see anything," Ukitake said with a stunned expression.
Kirori leaped up and clashed with Yamamoto's sword forcing his feet into the ground. Flames flowed around them but none of them were able to touch Kirori. Yamamoto opened his eyes in surprise as Kirori managed to stay close to him.
Kirori's frame suddenly became unstable. Her reiatsu was leaking out onto the courtyard making it difficult for Yamamoto to control the situation. Kirori sliced hard slightly cutting into Yamamoto's chest. A surprised Yamamoto pushed her back with a powerful swing of his own.
Kirori panted in effort as fire raged around her. The intense heat and crushing spiritual pressure made it difficult to stand or fight. With only one last chance left, Kirori formed a cero blast in her hand.
Yamamoto tensed up as she released it on him. There was an intense explosion that rattled the court. Shinigami were thrown in all directions from the explosion of light and fire. Buildings began to topple as the ground shook violently.
Captain Shunsui and Ukitake struggled to keep standing. "What is this power?" Ukitake wondered.
When the smoke cleared, Yamamoto didn't seem harmed in the least although his hand was slightly burned by blocking the attack. Kirori panted as she tried to regain her strength.
"That little display proves my point. You are reckless and dangerous," Yamamoto pointed out.
Kirori glared at Yamamoto and then fell to her knees. Yamamoto opened his eyes in surprise as her body suddenly became pure spiritual energy. "I can't stop it," Kirori cried out as she continued to release extreme amounts of reiatsu.
Yamamoto approached Kirori as her body became unstable. A glow formed in her abdomen and then exploded outward blinding Yamamoto. Kirori cried out in pain as her insides became incinerated.
"I can't hold it any longer," Kirori told Yamamoto.
"Only now do you understand," Yamamoto sighed.
Kirori's eyes became pure white and then her skin began to crack all over. Yamamoto created a circle of fire in an attempt to shield the rest of Soul Society from the blast. Kirori's fingers began to dissolve into pure spiritual energy and then her human form broke apart into thousands of pieces.
The spiritual pressure suddenly became pulled into a singularity and then exploded as it collapsed in on itself. Yoruichi and Tessai watched with awe as the explosion lit up the sky. A giant plume of fire soared into the sky and then eventually faded.
Commander Yamamoto emerged from the firestorm. There were wounds and cuts on his body, but he was not overly injured. He approached Captain Shunsui and Ukitake. "Call the 4th Division for the injured," he ordered.
Shunsui and Ukitake nodded in agreement. The commander looked over the ruined structures and destruction. Fires were erupting all over Soul Society from the discharges of their fight.
"Let there be no doubt. This shall never happen again," Yamamoto promised.
Present Day
Urahara ended his story and considered Rukia's expression. "Thank you for telling me that story. It must have been hard to talk about it," Rukia said finally.
"I will train you, but I believe you have already surpassed me. I don't know what more I can do," Urahara admitted.
"You think so?" Rukia asked amazed.
Urahara took out a ring from his pocket. "Put this on," he instructed.
"What does it do?" Rukia asked curiously as she took the ring.
"It will seal some of your power," Urahara explained.
"Like the eye patch of Captain Kenpachi?" Rukia questioned.
"It is the same concept. If you feel you are in danger, simply remove it and the seal will be released," Urahara told her.
"Thank you," Rukia said and gave Urahara a bow in respect.
As Rukia left, Tessai approached. "Do you believe the ring will work?" he asked.
"I don't know. Her reiatsu is nothing I have ever come across," Urahara admitted.
Rukia visited the house and found Ichigo ready to leave. "Where are you going?' Rukia asked.
"I have some people to see," Ichigo said vaguely.
"Who?" Rukia wondered.
Ichigo sighed. "There are others like me that I think can help me control the Hollow inside me," Ichigo revealed.
"Others?" Rukia wondered.
"I can't say how long this will take, but I am going to ask them to train me," Ichigo told her.
Rukia nodded in understanding. "I'm glad you told me before running off," she said.
"I just don't want to worry about me. That's all," Ichigo replied.
"What do I tell your father and sisters?" Rukia asked.
Ichigo sighed. "Tell them…make something up," Ichigo told her.
"Why do I have to make it up? It's your family," Rukia pointed out.
"I don't have time for this," Ichigo argued.
"I am assuming you won't need your body for this?" Rukia considered.
"I guess not," Ichigo figured.
"I will have Kon take your place," Rukia suggested.
"No way!" Ichigo protested.
"I will not be put on the spot when people ask where you are," Rukia said with a peeved expression.
"Alright, but just until this is over," Ichigo relented.
A Few Days Later
Ichigo found himself amongst blue skyscrapers. He was standing on the side of a building as before. There was no gravity to pull him down to the ground. Another Ichigo appeared a short distance away, watching him. He was dressed in pure white instead of black and his eyes glowed yellow. He was paler than Ichigo and his voice was inhuman.
"Where is Zangetsu?" Ichigo demanded.
"I am Zangetsu," the 2nd Ichigo told him.
"I don't have time for this. Tell me where the old man is," Ichigo said angrily.
"You just don't get it. I am Zangetsu. I was a part of Zangetsu but now things have changed and now I am in control," Zangetsu told him.
"So, if I defeat you, old man Zangetsu will come back?" Ichigo concluded.
"If you defeat me," Zangetsu doubted.
Ichigo and Zangetsu circled each other with their swords at their sides, neither making the first move. "So, you have a kid on the way," Zangetsu smirked.
"How do you know about that?' Ichigo asked.
"I know whatever you know," Zangetsu explained.
"What of it?" Ichigo asked his Hollow self.
"It was my idea," Zangetsu grinned.
"What?" Ichigo wondered.
"I saw an opportunity and I took it. It was pure instinct, I wanted to replicate myself. I couldn't allow you to reproduce with some human girl and end my existence," Zangetsu recalled.
"You…how?" Ichigo asked angrily.
"It was simple to do. She opened herself to it. I can't believe you let us almost get killed back there. You were so weak, I needed to take action," Zangetsu replied.
"Did you ever think what it would mean to Rukia?" Ichigo accused.
"Who cares?" Zangetsu spat.
"I care. She's not your pawn," Ichigo shouted and struck at him.
The two clashed with their swords causing sparks to fly. Ichigo advanced on Zangetsu forcing him back. "That's the spirit, Ichigo!" Zangetsu laughed.
"This isn't funny!" Ichigo yelled and then backed away from Zangetsu.
"Bankai!" Ichigo shouted.
"Bankai!" Zangetsu added at the same time.
There was an explosion of energy as the two formed their Bankais at the same time. "When did you learn Bankai?" Ichigo asked.
"At the same time you did," Zangetsu answered.
Zangetsu whirled his sword demonstrating the ease he had with the powerful weapon. "I have waited a long time for this Ichigo. It is time for me to be King and for you to be the horse," Zangetsu said.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked him.
"There is one that dominates and the other lends his power. Up until now, I have lent you my power to you. You have squandered the power I have given you. I won't let us both get killed by your weakness," Zangetsu explained.
"You're just a killer," Ichigo told him.
"Exactly. I am pure instinct!" Zangetsu shouted.
Ichigo and Zangetsu clashed with their swords. Ichigo could barely follow Zangetsu's moves and was suddenly pushed into the floor. Ichigo whirled his sword and pointed it at Zangetsu. "Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo shouted sending a black beam toward Zangetsu.
Zangetsu blocked the beam with his sword causing the structure behind him to explode. "You copy cat. I invented that move. It's mine," Zangetsu hissed.
Zangetsu suddenly appeared above Ichigo. The two clashed with their swords. "I'll show you how it's done," Zangetsu said as he charged his blade.
There was a reddish explosion as Ichigo was overwhelmed by the blast. The side of the building was uplifted by the force of the beam. Zangetsu smirked as he waited for the smoke to clear. Ichigo panted in exhaustion and pain as he survived the blast, his clothes were torn.
"See how weak you are, Ichigo. How do you hope to protect Rukia without me?" Zangetsu said disgustedly.
"There's more to it than strength. You don't have heart," Ichigo told him.
"Ichigo, you're pathetic. Heart, love, hope, they mean nothing. Strength is everything!" Zangetsu chided.
"It's not how many people you hurt or kill that matters, but what you can endure protecting others," Ichigo argued.
Zangetsu frowned at the remark. "Let's see if your ideals keep you alive, Ichigo!" Zangetsu shouted.
Zangetsu sped towards Ichigo at a fast speed for the kill. Ichigo closed his eyes and waited for Zangetsu to strike him. Zangetsu sliced through Ichigo's gut causing Ichigo to spasm in pain. "You see?" Zangetsu grinned.
Ichigo didn't move for a few seconds as Zangetsu waited for a response. Ichigo then took a hold of Zangetsu's blade; it immediately turned black instead of white.
"What's this?" Zangetsu cried out as his hand turned black. He released himself from his own sword. Ichigo gave a cry of effort and took Zangetsu's sword out of his body and then held the two blades.
"Impossible!" Zangetsu doubted.
Ichigo glared at Zangetsu and then suddenly tore Zangetsu's chest open with his two swords. Zangetsu cried out in pain and then held onto Ichigo as his life force drained away.
"You win, your majesty. Watch your back. If you ever become weak, I will trample you and crush your skull," Zangetsu said as he began to fade away. Ichigo watched as his Hollow self faded away and became no more.
A large organic television screen was set up in Orihime's living room so as to communicate with Commander Yamamoto. Captain Hitsugaya had spent most of the morning working on the invention. A picture of Yamamoto appeared on the screen.
"You've finished the job quickly, as expected of you, Captain Hitsugaya," Yamamoto praised.
"Thank you, commander," Hitsugaya said appreciatively.
"What progress has been made on returning Kuchiki Rukia to us?" Yamamoto asked.
"She has escaped our detection," Hitsugaya lied.
"Her reiatsu was detected in Karakura Town during your fight with the Arrancar. She is nearby. Find her," Yamamoto ordered sternly.
"I will do my best. My sense for her reiatsu has been clouded by the Arrancar's attack," Hitsugaya admitted.
"If the child inside of her becomes unstable, it could destroy the entire town and all souls within it. One life must be sacrificed for the sake of tens of thousands. Do you understand this?" Yamamoto explained.
"Yes, commander," Hitsugaya replied.
"Proceed with caution. In her unstable condition, Kuchiki Rukia is very dangerous. Rely on your squad," the commander advised.
"I will apprehend her," Hitsugaya promised.
With the soul television off, Hitsugaya turned to Rangiku and Orihime standing by. "I am in a difficult situation," he admitted.
"Rukia is pregnant," Orihime wondered.
Hitsugaya nodded. "I would never support the killing of innocent life but if what the commander says is true, perhaps it must be done," Hitsugaya thought aloud.
"Captain, we don't know if the child will become unstable," Rangiku objected.
"We don't know it won't. Can we really risk it?" Hitsugaya considered.
"What if we don't kill it? Just make it disappear," Orihime suggested.
"What do you mean?" Hitsugaya asked becoming interested.
"I could…reverse the process so the pregnancy never happened," Orihime said helpfully.
"It's not really killing it if it never existed," Rangiku said supportively.
Hitsugaya considered the suggestion. "Rukia would likely resist. I don't know about the others," he said to himself.
He turned to Rangiku and Orihime. "Keep this to yourself," he ordered.
Orihime walked down the steps into the basement level of the Vizards. Ichigo stopped his training to greet her as she descended the steps. The other Vizards were alarmed at first that a human girl could get past their barrier. Orihime then explained to Ichigo the Royal Key and Aizen's purpose for it. Ichigo nodded in understanding as she related the message.
"Don't worry. I'll stop Aizen," Ichigo said confidently.
Orihime smiled at his confidence but frowned as she considered another detail. "What is it?" Ichigo asked.
"Rukia's pregnant. I didn't know," she revealed.
Ichigo simply stared at her wondering if she knew more. "Yeah, she told me," Ichigo admitted.
"It's so strange to think about it," Orihime said.
"Yeah, but we have seen a lot of strange things," Ichigo pointed out.
Orihime smiled and nodded in the affirmative. "The commander says Rukia is in danger," Orihime continued.
"You saw him? How?" Ichigo wondered with some alarm.
"He was on the television screen with Captain Hitsugaya," Orihime explained.
"The commander is just as bad as Aizen," Ichigo said sternly.
"Ichigo," Orihime wondered.
"I have to continue with my training. Say hello to everyone for me and tell them I am alright," Ichigo requested.
"Of course," Orihime nodded.
A Month Later
Rangiku, Ikaku, and Yumichika gathered together and discussed the captain's dilemma. They were all present in their human gigai. They were in the middle of a park gossiping and arguing.
"The captain has a lot of stress over this," Rangiku observed.
"That's why I never became a captain," Ikaku said dismissively.
"But you should have some sympathy for him," Rangiku argued.
"I have sympathy for no one and no one has sympathy for me," Ikaku replied.
"That's not true, baldy," Rangiku rubbed Ikaku's head affectionately.
"It's a hard choice to make, but I have already come to my conclusion," Yumichika said as Ikaku and Rangiku began fighting.
"What's that?" Rangiku asked curiously as she kept Ikaku at bay.
"The child, if allowed to live, may become a beautiful addition to the 11th Division," Yumchika explained.
"As if? The child will be a member of the 10th Division," Rangiku declared defensively.
"I don't care what division the child is in as long as I get to fight it. It better not disappoint," Ikaku grinned dangerously.
"Is that all you think about? How cruel," Rangiku scolded.
Hitsugaya sat by himself but was listening to the conversation. "What do you think the child would be like?" Rangiku wondered.
"Most likely an ice type like her mother," Yumichiki predicted.
"We don't know if such a thing is inherited," Rangiku rejected.
"Guys, end the speculation. The more you think about it, the harder our mission will be," Hitsugaya interrupted.
"But captain, how can we not talk about it?" Rangiku protested.
"There is nothing to talk about. We don't know anything about what will happen," Hitsugaya replied.
Ikaku considered the movements of the clothes. "The clouds are moving fast," he thought to himself.
Thirty Minutes Later
Rukia appeared at the last minute and froze Grimmjow's hand before it could fire a cero blast at Ichigo. Ice also traveled up Grimjow's legs keeping him in place. Grimmjow looked up and glared at Rukia as she held up her sword.
"Hakuren," Rukia summoned a block of ice that encased all of Grimmjow's body.
She then settled next to Ichigo and helped take Grimjow's sword out of his hand. "That's some crazy power," Ichigo commented as Rukia worked on his hand.
"When did you?" Ichigo wondered.
"Don't speak. This is hard enough to take out as it is. Talking will just make it take longer," Rukia advised as she tried to pull the sword out.
"Seems like you were using a pretty reckless power back there, yourself," Rukia commented. "You're all beat up," she added.
"Shut up," Ichigo said wearily
Rukia shook her head in amusement as Ichigo's familiar attitude returned. "It's been some time, Ichigo," she said.
"Yeah," Ichigo admitted as he got his bearings.
Suddenly, the ice cracked open. Grimmjow grabbed for Rukia's head. "Don't underestimate me, Shinigami. You think you can kill me by freezing the top layer of my skin. That's naïve," Grimmjow spat as he held Rukia's head firmly in his grip.
Grimmjow powered up a cero blast in his palm to blast Rukia's head off. Ichigo struggled to get his sword and separate the two but was too beat up to make it. Suddenly, an explosion blasted the two away from each other.
"I hate to get involved in Shinigami battles. Oh well, I guess it can't be helped," Hirako said from the roof of a house. Rukia and Ichigo watched as the Arrancar and Vizard dueled. Hirako pulled his mask over his face dramatically increasing his power. Grimmjow quickly became overwhelmed by Hirako's strength.
"So, this is the power you were training to achieve," Rukia wondered amazed.
"Rukia, are you alright?" Ichigo asked concerned.
"Yes, it was stupid of me. I should have watched myself," Rukia scolded herself.
The fight between the Arrancar and Vizard continued for a few moments causing explosions in the neighborhood. Finally, Ulquiorra appeared and stopped Grimmjow from continuing the fight.
"Mission accomplished," Ulquiorra told him.
Ichigo and Rukia watched as Ulquiorra ascended into the sky. "That reiatsu suggests you have gained a new power but is this the extent of it?" Ulquiorra wondered and then disappeared into Hueco Mundo.
Rukia delivered Ichigo to the Vizard hang out and approached one of the Vizards. Hachi considered Ichigo's wounds as he was laid down.
"My powers aren't really healing. They're more a type of time-space regression. In order to invoke those powers, the target state of regression must be precisely indicated. As of now, the Arrancar's reiatsu and Ichigo's own reiatsu are mixed together in his wounds. In that condition, this is the limit of what I can do," Hachi told Rukia.
"In order to help him get out of this a little faster, keep him away from people like us who have Hollow reiatsu. Please take him home and have him rest," Hachi added.
"I understand," Rukia agreed.
Hachi considered Rukia for a moment as she was about to pick Ichigo up. "I sense two presences within you," Hachi detected.
Rukia simply stared at Hachi. "Yes, I can sense it clearly. There is a powerful reiatsu coming from you," Hachi confirmed.
"I'm pregnant," Rukia admitted.
Hachi was taken aback by this. "How extraordinary. I have never heard of such a thing among Shinigami," Hachi said surprised.
"Soul Society believes the unborn child could pose a danger," Rukia said.
Hachi nodded in understanding. "If its reiatsu is this strong, then its growth is limitless," Hachi considered.
Hachi considered Ichigo on the ground. "No wonder he trained so hard. He was fighting for not just himself or his friends but also for that of his unborn child," Hachi realized.
Rukia placed Ichigo on his bed and let him rest. His injuries as a Shinigami also created wounds on his own human body. Rukia touched his forehead hoping she could heal him as before but nothing happened. As expected, Yuzu, and to a lesser extent, Karin were concerned with Ichigo. Rukia came up with an explanation that he had gotten into a fight with a half dozen bullies at school. The gullible family of Ichigo accepted it without much questioning. Kon also showed his concern for Ichigo's well being.
"Will he recover?" Kon asked.
"I believe so. He has been through worse," Rukia said softly.
"Can you heal him?' Kon wondered.
"Sometimes. It doesn't always work," Rukia admitted.
"He's a lucky guy to have you around," Kon told her.
"I don't know about that. All I seem to do is give him grief and pain," Rukia said somberly.
Yuzu entered the room and addressed Rukia. "There's someone at the door for you," she announced.
Rukia went outside and saw Ishida at the door. "There is no need for me to come inside. I want to speak to you, alone," Ishida said in his usual cold tone.
"What is it?" Rukia asked after she was certain they were alone.
"I have regained my Quincy powers," he revealed.
"How?" Rukia wondered.
"That's not important but what is important is that I have sworn to never ally with the Shinigami ever again," Ishida told her.
"What do you mean?" Rukia questioned.
"Your pregnancy is a thorn in the side of Soul Society and since there is a warrant for your arrest, you are technically no longer a Shinigami. I offer to protect you and your future offspring," Ishida explained.
Rukia gave Ishida a grateful look. "However, if the spawn of Kurosaki Ichigo ever becomes a Shinigami, we will be enemies, once more," Ishida added.
"Understood," Rukia allowed.
Ishida walked off leaving Rukia with her thoughts. She could sense that there was something different with Ishida. His reiatsu was stronger and much more mature than before.
Once Rukia went back up the stairs, she discovered Orihime with Ichigo. She was using her regression technique to heal him. Rukia watched in amazement as Orihime's technique rapidly healed all of Ichigo's wounds.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude," Orihime backed away.
Rukia looked over Ichigo who was still asleep. "All of his wounds are healed," Rukia observed.
"It's just something I wanted to give him before I have to go," a panicked Orihime said.
"Where are you going?" Rukia asked with concern.
"I am not supposed to even be here," Orihime told her.
"Stop, what's going on?" Rukia demanded.
Orihime gave Rukia a tearful look and then collapsed in sobbing. Rukia knelt down next to Orihime. "Tell me everything."
When Orihime was finished, Rukia simply stared at her in shock. "You can't go through with it," Rukia told her.
"I don't know what to do," Orihime confessed.
"Orihime, we're your friends. We won't let anything happen to you," Rukia assured her.
"I feel so useless," Orihime said.
"Look at Ichigo. Not even Hachi could heal his wounds but you could. You have a powerful gift, Orihime," Rukia objected.
"Really?" Orihime doubted.
"I know so. If we stick together we will be victorious," Rukia said.
"I just don't want anyone to get hurt," Orihime replied.
Rukia smiled at Orihime. "It won't end with you being taken away. Ichigo would fight with his last breath to get you back."
"That's the kind of man he is," Rukia said.
Ulquiorra stepped onto the worldly plane and waited for Orihime to come to him as planned. Sure enough, Orihime appeared a short distance away. Ulquiorra waited patiently as Orihime came to him.
"Have you finished saying your goodbyes?" Ulquiorra asked.
Orihime simply nodded. "Come with me," Ulquiorra ordered and then opened a dimension to Hueco Mundo.
Orihime obediently followed Ulquiorra to Hueco Mundo, the dimension closed behind them. Once inside, Ulquiorra presented Orihime to Aizen. "Welcome to Hueco Mundo," Aizen said from his throne.
Aizen then turned to Ulquiorra. "Your plan worked perfectly," Aizen complimented.
Ulquiorra bowed appreciatively. Aizen stepped down from his throne and gave Orihime a good look. Aizen frowned as he looked over Orihime. "She is a fake. A gigai," Aizen realized.
Ulquiorra looked up at Orihime in shock. "A gigai?" he wondered.
Aizen swiped his hand at the gigai causing it to explode into dust on the spot. "You have been tricked," Aizen said of Ulquiorra.
"I will find the real one," Ulquiorra promised. He knelt down before Aizen with his head low.
Aizen frowned in displeasure at Ulquiorra but then softened his expression. "Of all the Arrancar, you have been the most loyal. Your mistake was not out of incompetence or disloyalty but due to a lack of experience," Aizen allowed.
"Find the woman and bring her to me," Aizen ordered.
Ichigo woke up the next morning and looked around. He saw Orihime sleeping in a chair beside him. Ichigo checked his face and body for bodily wounds. They were all gone.
"Orihime?' Ichigo wondered.
Orihime suddenly woke up and gave Ichigo a groggy look. "Oh, hi," she said cheerfully.
"What are you doing here?" Ichigo asked.
"Uhmm…I just figured I would stop by and I guess I fell asleep," Orihime said vaguely.
"Is anything wrong?' Ichigo asked.
"No, nothing is wrong. I should get going. Nice to see you again, Ichigo," Orihime stuttered and started walking out.
Ichigo was about to protest her leaving, but she was already gone. "Strange girl," Kon commented.
"You said it," Ichigo agreed.
Meanwhile, Rukia was at Urahara's shop. "That gigai impression seemed to have worked," Rukia said.
"I knew it would. The Arrancar are not familiar with my merchandise. Any Shinigami would have been able to see through it," Urahara said.
"I wonder what Aizen will do next," Rukia considered.
"It was a mistake to take Orihime off the front lines. She must be valuable to Aizen for him to go to so much trouble," Urahara figured.
Rukia shuddered as she felt another explosion in the distance. Renji and Chad were still training in the basement level of Urahara's shop. "Is he getting stronger?" Rukia asked referring to Chad.
"His power is unusual, but I am pleased he is able to hold his own against Renji," Urahara replied.
"What do we do now?" Rukia asked.
"That's a complicated question. The Shinigami are too busy with the Arrancar threat that they can't arrest you. I have no intention of letting them arrest you," Urahara said.
"I appreciate that," Rukia said thankfully.
"Think nothing of it. When your first gigai was destroyed, I should have seen this coming," Urahara admitted.
Renji blasted Chad with his Bankai crushing Chad into a pile of rocks. "Maybe you should take a break," Urahara suggested to Chad.
"I can still fight," Chad insisted and got back to his feet.
"Let's see what you can do?" Renji challenged as he recoiled his Bankai into attack position.
"You are not alone, Rukia. Everyone's fighting for you," Urahara told her.
Rukia watched as Chad clashed with Renji's Bankai creating an explosion of spiritual energy.
"Tell me how I can become stronger, too," Rukia requested.
"Hmmm...," Urahara considered.