Depths of Hell: The Demon Rebellion Arc

by Evhron

After the final battle with Aizen, Ichigo has been losing his powers faster than expected and he's been unable to find a way to get them back. Meanwhile, Hueco Mundo has been invaded by a new race that should not have a reason to attack, which forces some old Hollow friends and foes to look for help outside their World. Rated M for gore and limes. Art by Elietzero from DeviantArt.

45. Dark Matter

In the aftermath of the battle, the Arrancar and the Shinigami were practically all in the area of the 4th Division.

"G... Grimmjow..." Harribel muttered as she regained consciousness.

"Tier!" The Espada embraced her, and as soon as his face was on top of hers, the two feeling the warmth of the other's breath, their lips collided wildly.

Grimmjow softly caressed her cheek as he did so, which was something he clearly wouldn't do to anyone else, and maybe not even to her if it wasn't for her weak state.

But he didn't care about being soft for once. He was glad she was alive, and that was all he needed.

"How... How is everyone?" She inquired, a bit of saliva falling from her lip. "Did we... Did we do it...?"

"Yeah. We had a couple deaths though... Bryssling and Nageki aren't among us anymore"

"Oh... I see" She thought of the lost comrades, taking a moment of her time for that.

They had definitely changed. Ever since their new rulers had shown them what it meant to have friends and partners to trust in battle, and in life, the idea of losing people, even if they weren't particularly related to her, wasn't meaningless like it was before.

"The two seem to have done their best though. Bryssling protected that kid, Satya, and Nageki was the key to defeating Yama so... They did their part, I'll acknowledge that" Even Grimmjow had to admit that dying while fighting these enemies wasn't a sign of weakness at all.

"That makes me feel more at tease with their passing" She paid her respects. "Then... What about Ichigo and... Nel-sama...?" She wanted to know, especially of her best friend. "Is she...?"

"*sigh* Yeah, she's back. I guess Ichigo did his magic after all" He smirked at her uncomfortably, not entirely accepting Nelliel after what her Dark counterpart had done to Harribel. "But I still... Have trouble seeing her. Like, can we be completely sure that she's the same? Cause that smartass Shinigami said there wasn't any guarantee of that" He said, recalling Urahara's words.

"Grimmjow... I understand your worry, but she's my best friend. I want to see her" Her emerald eyes begged. "Please..."

"Urgh..." Grimmjow groaned. "I'll tell her to come see you..." He finally decided. "But please... Be on g-"

"Grimmjow..." Harribel gave him a look as if asking 'Seriously?'.

"Alright... I'm sorry. She'll be here in a moment" He left her side and went to Ichigo's room, knowing that she would be there since she didn't leave his side.

As he walked through the Barracks, he noticed Ichimaru, wearing his broken mask again.

"Going somewhere?" Grimmjow asked.

"Just to take a bit of fresh air and some of the sun's heat. My cold blood needs it after experiencing a night like that one" He replied with his typical smirk.

"You don't plan on staying with us, do you?"

"Maybe... Maybe not..." He shrugged. "Only time will tell"

"Whatever... Do as you will. It's not like I care about you anyways" The blue-haired Espada concluded.

"I know. I don't care about you or any of the other ones, so it's a more than mutual feeling, believe me" He chuckled, opening his eyes maliciously, only for an instant, and only one of them truly showing through the mask.

"Tch... Get lost" Grimmjow pushed him to the side as he returned to his previous job.

"Bye bye!" Gin continued mocking him, waving his hand.

And then, he saw her.

Just going around the corner, apparently healed from any wound she obtained during the fierce battle.

As her eyes met him, she got that strange feeling. That feeling of familiarity.

Her brain told her she didn't know this man, but her heart knew otherwise. And as she passed by him, flashes of memories went through her.

In that instant, Gin used Hakufuku on her, knocking her out and catching her body tenderly.

"We need to talk..." He softly whispered, although she was already passed out.

Grimmjow had now arrived at the room where Ichigo was resting. It was full of Shinigami, but quite some Arrancar were present as well (Satya, Lilynette, Ulquiorra, Orihime and Nel).

"Nelliel" He called her.

"What's wrong?" She asked back, not shifting her look from her beloved as she held his hand.

"It's Tier... She... She wants to see you" He told her the truth. "She just woke up a minute ago"

"Oh..." She looked at him in that moment. "If that's the case... I guess I must comply without delay" She replied, letting go of her Whole's hand as she whispered: "I'll be back soon, dear"

Before exiting the room, she approached the Primera.

"Ulquiorra... I've heard some complex stuff about the Shinigami. Most of them are Ichigo's friends but... Some of the other ones can be quite dangerous, and seeing how we are outnumbered... Please, don't take your eyes off him or them" She requested.

"I understand, my Queen" He made her blush as he said that. "I will do everything I can"

"Th-Thank you... And, please... Just call me by my name" She requested with a nervous giggle, feeling awkward with that formality. "You're even my superior in terms of rank"

"I know" He smiled a bit. "It was a joke"

"Oh..." She was amused to hear that.

"Did it work?" He frowned, disappointed. "Apparently not"

"No, no... It's just... I never imagined you'd try something like that"

"I have a long way to go... But Orihime says it's good to make people laugh, especially when they've gone through a difficult experience" He explained. "It's good to have you back on our side, Nelliel"

"You don't know how glad I am about that fact as well" She smiled at him sincerely. "Let's keep doing our best. For Ichigo, and Hueco Mundo"

"You don't need to ask" He assured her that he would do so. "Protecting him... Is synonymous with protecting Las Noches"

~~~~X~~~~

Rangiku opened her eyes in a small old house, in the Rukongai.

It was easy for her to recognize what that place was, and even more... What it meant.

"My, I see you've woken up" His voice said, his serpent tongue moving like always, yet speaking in a tone that was slightly different, only dedicated to her.

Matsumoto's eyes filled with tears like a deep blue ocean, thinking it was all a dream. But it didn't matter, as long as she could be with him.

In fact, maybe it was better than a dream. Maybe she had lost her life during her fight with the Reigai.

Maybe, just maybe... She was in the afterlife, with him, although that didn't make any sense if she thought about it...

"G... Gin...!" She called his name.

"It's been a while... Hasn't it, Rangiku?" He ate a dried persimmon. "Would you like one?"

The Lieutenant wrapped her arms around him, scared that if she took a second longer, he would vanish, disappear into thin air, as if he was just an illusion.

But contrary to her ominous feeling, the silver-haired man did not disappear, in fact he chuckled.

"Woah, easy there... There's enough for the two of us" He continued talking about the persimmons.

"Gin... Am I... Dead?" She wondered, trying to confirm her suspicions.

"Yes... You are" He replied with a smile. "Isn't that great?" He teased.

"Oh... I guess that was all an illusion" She thought of how Kitsune had saved her.

"I've been waiting for you here... So that we could start again" He continued playing with her.

"Start again...? You mean go to the afterlife... Together?"

The Ex-Captain couldn't help but shake his head as he laughed.

"Tss... ~Hehehehe~ Oh, Rangiku, how many times will you fall into my trap?" He opened his eyes and stared right into hers. "Do you really think I'd let you die?"

"No way... Then... I am...? No... You...? You are...?!" She muttered in astonishment.

"Yes..." He opened the white jacket, revealing the hole in his chest. "I am alive... Somehow"

Rangiku gasped at that sight, never imagining such was the case.

"How in the world...?"

"We don't know for sure, but Urahara-san had the theory that this was the Hougyoku's doing" He revealed. "When I put Aizen in such a peril that time, the Hougyoku recognized my strength, and thus... It gave me a chance to fulfill my greatest desire..." He put his pale hand on her cheek. "Seeing you again, Rangiku"

Rangiku sobbed as she heard those words, breaking into tears.

"Idiot...!" She spouted as she held him tightly. "Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!" She rubbed her face agaisnt his shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? Why didn't you come for me?"

"Cause I thought I didn't deserve you, and that was even before I failed..." He confessed. "I could never get back that part of your soul... That part Aizen took away from you" He said with sorrow.

"Gin...!" She held his head between her hands. "I never asked for that" She shook her head as she smiled at him, the tears crashing around him. "I never wanted that..."

"But I-"

"I know. You made the unthinkable. You went beyond any known limits, be it strength or intelligence... You even outsmarted Aizen and you almost saved the world" She sobbed, yet the smile would not disappear. "But in the end... All I ever wanted was to be with you. I never needed anything else... And... If this is real... If this isn't a dream or an illusion... It is all I desire, now"

"Rangiku..." He was shocked to hear that absolute truth, realizing that, just like Nel had said, his only real failure would've been denying to face her.

He swiftly passed his fingers through her lips, caressing them, gently.

"I... I..." She panted, heat raising inside her body. "I...!"

"If you were to turn into a snake tomorrow... And began devouring humans, and from the same mouth you devoured humans you cried out to me, 'I Love You!', would I still be able to say 'I Love You', the same way I do today?" He wondered as their eyes were locked in a sapphire gaze.

"What?" Rangiku didn't understand his words.

"Back then... As I saw you desperately coming to my side... I made myself that question" He revealed. "What I tried to do... Was putting myself in your place, Rangiku"

She widened her eyes at that mention, knowing that, as much as she loved him, he was and would always be a sociopath. In fact, it was possible that his love for her had merely been an obsession from the very start. If anything... Gin's Hollow Hole simply showed a physical manifestation now, as his heart had always been hollow.

That said, the words she was hearing right now were a complete antithesis of this belief. Trying to be in her shoes. Trying to understand her...

Trying to try.

"And the thing is... My answer was... No" He sadly admitted. "How would I be able to love someone who lied, killed and hurt those around her?" He shook his head. "When I decided to face Aizen, regardless of the result, I couldn't possibly look at you in the face again. The fact that I failed, only adds up to great pile of reasons you have for despising me... So following that train of thought... After all I did... How could you ever love me...?"

"I see..." She understood his point. "So you did come to a conclusion, and a pretty rational one at that" She complimented. "However... Love is, and will always be, the most irrational feeling inside of us" She told him sweetly.

"Huh?" He widened his eyes now, seeing how her arms wouldn't let him go, and that she was drawing closer to him.

"And yes: You are a cold-blooded snake. You are a murderer. You are a traitor... And you're a fucking liar" She whispered the last part in his ear. "But none of that changes the fact that...

I love you, Gin"

Gin gagged for a single instant as he listened to her confession, as the next moment, his breath had been stolen by the voluptuous Lieutenant.

As his mouth converged with hers, he could finally understand what his job was from the start.

All he had to do was be there for her.

All he had to do was touch her, embrace her, kiss her...

All he had to do...

Was make her happy.

Matsumoto's sweet tongue was embraced its reptilian partner, tenderly caught by the bifid tip.

It was strange, but since it was him, that sensation only raised the heat inside of her.

Gin, as cold as he could be, couldn't deny that his childhood friend had a body any man would lust over as long as he wasn't completely in love with someone else, and he was no different. In fact, he was starting to believe... Somehow... He was completely in love with her, in spite of his coldness.

His hand entered the massive cleavage, massaging the round goods inside as Rangiku moaned inside his mouth.

When they broke the kiss, the two embracing the other with both their arms and their breaths, Rangiku told him:

"This time... I won't let you go" She slowly opened her Shihakusho. "You're going to pay for everything you did, Gin..."

"Hmhm... I understand" He also started undressing his upper clothing. "I won't be allowed to stop until you pass out. Is that it?"

"I won't forgive you otherwise" She giggled. "I love you, Gin..."

"I..." He stuttered for a moment, but in the end, he could feel inside that it was the right thing to say. It was the only thing he knew clearly about his feelings, in fact. "I love you, Rangiku"

And with a new kiss, the two decided to merge and leave their misery behind once and for all.

The wait was finally over.

He was back. And she would never let go...

Ever again.

~~~~X~~~~

Ichigo woke up in a bed, surrounded by many of the people that had accompanied him, as well as almost every Captain and Lieutenant in the Seireitei, since Byakuya and Kenpachi weren't there, along with their subordinates.

"Good morning, Kurosaki-sama" Urahara teased.

"Urahara...?" He said, a bit disoriented, sitting on the bed. "What are you guys...?"

"Seeing how you're holding on, of course" Rukia told him seriously. "Or did you forget? You defeated the King of Hell, Ichigo!"

"The King of Hell... Damn, it sounds so unreal when you say it" He recognized.

"Tell ME about it" Shinji grinned. "Even I found myself in quite the predicament up there... One of those assholes could absorb our Zanpakutou's spirits, can you believe that?"

"Yes... The Four Horsemen were indeed on a different scale of power" Ulquiorra agreed. "It might've been a different story if Dark N-"

Orihime put her hand in his mouth.

"Anyways, how are you feeling, Kurosaki-kun?" She asked her friend.

"Good, I think. A bit tired still, but I think it's to be expected after all the power I used..." He could remember the dark eternal night. "It was crazy... By the way, where is Nel?" He inquired, wanting to see her more than anything.

"Oh, she was here only minutes ago" Lilynette told him.

"Aum" Satya nodded. "But since you took so long, she decided to go talk to Harribel-san, who already woke up"

"Ah, I see" He smiled, feeling calm as he knew she was alright. "Thank God... It wasn't like last time..."

"Kurosaki Ichigo" The most authoritarian voice in the Seireitei said his name.

"Huh? Jii-san!" He was happy to see him. "It's been so long, how have you been?"

"Um, Ichigo..." Kyouraku spoke. "I understand that you're feeling well and all after saving the Seireitei once more... But Yama-jii has something serious to discuss with you"

"Oh... I guess you guys might be somewhat shocked to see me this time" He changed his tone.

"We are" Yamamoto agreed. "And as grateful as the 13 Court Guard Squads can be for your and your allies' help, I must warn you that Central 46 will not omit the fact that you have become an Arrancar" He clarified. "In their eyes... You are dangerous. And I, having felt your Reiatsu, can confirm that"

"Oi, but Ichig-" Hiyori was about to spat.

"Shh... Let him finish" Shinji told her.

"I understand..." Ichigo nodded. "So, what is going to happen?"

"Knowing them, they are probably going to order your capture and, possibly, execution" The Captain Commander said. "Although, that last part might be nearly impossible to achieve given your new powers, which is why they would probably decide to seal you and isolate you in a similar way to Aizen Sousuke"

"Tsk..." Ichigo shook his head. "And you think I'm just gonna stand here and let that happen?"

"Kurosaki-san" Unohana spoke. "We understand the unfairness of this situation, but in this moment you represent an even greater threat than Aizen in the past. You are an Arrancar with total control over your Shinigami powers, and you fight alongside an army of Espada that is on a whole different level in comparison to his"

"Yeah, but these Espada are not interested in attacking Soul Society or any other place" He refuted. "All they want is to protect Las Noches and Hueco Mundo in general"

"I get what you're trying to say, Ichigo" Kensei told him. "But Central 46 is absolutely terrified about this. They'd rather label you a criminal than trust your word"

"It's not fair or just... But it's how things are, Kurosaki Ichigo" Komamura added.

"Unless..." Mayuri grinned. "You were willing to become a test subject"

"Or just go back at being a Shinigami..." Urahara clarified.

"What?" He blinked quickly. "Are you saying that...?"

"I proposed that" The hatted man revealed. "It's still under revision, but I am willing to create a new Hougyoku, one limited enough so that it can revert you into a Shinigami and cease to exist"

"Would that mean...?"

"No, it can't erase your Hollow powers completely, cause that's part of your very soul... But you'll go back to how things used to be before you were completely Hollowfied"

"But then Nel-san...!"

Ulquiorra put his hand in Orihime's shoulder, indicating her to remain silent.

"I see..." He digressed. "What would I have to do in the meantime, though? It's not like the Hougyoku will be ready any time soon" Ichigo frowned.

He knew there was something shady about the situation, so he decided to play along. In reality, the sole idea of breaking his Whole Link with Nel was so painful he would rather die along with her before permitting such a fate to occur ever again.

"You will be put in special confinement, inside the Maggot's Nest, AND if you cooperate that is" Soi-Fon coldly replied, reluctant to believe an Arrancar's word, even if it was Ichigo.

"*sigh* I know" He accepted. "But what guarantees do my friends have?" That's where he wanted to get.

"What do you mean?" Toushirou raised a brow.

"I understand that you consider me a danger because of my great power. But what about the Espada? You think I'm so stupid I don't know they will be seen as threats as well?" Ichigo asked back.

All Captains remained silent, muted by Ichigo's retort.

He wasn't the same he was before, that was a given. The old Ichigo wouldn't have realized the dark intent behind that request, but he had become sharper and way more anlytical.

"Kurosaki Ichigo..." Yamamoto spoke loud and clear. "Are you willing to go against all these high-ranked Shinigami you known and, I believe, trust... For the sake of the Arrancar? Or are you possibly implying something even more outrageous?" Yamamoto's powerful glare was locked with his.

Ichigo chuckled at that comment.

"Heheh... You guys didn't tell them right?" He asked the Espada in the room.

Lilynette and Satya shook their head.

Ulquiorra shut his eyes as he calmly replied.

"No... We didn't tell them about that"

All the Shinigami that didn't know the truth were as confused as they could be.

"I'm sorry, Jii-san... But just like you have the Soul Society to protect... I have Hueco Mundo" He stood up, defiantly, drawing the white blade at them.

"It can't be...!" Soi-Fon muttered in disbelief.

"Ichigo!" Rukia exclaimed, worried.

"So that's how it is..." Yamamoto shut his eyes for a moment, sighing as a weight fell on top his shoulders. "Kurosaki Ichigo... From this moment, you are deemed a menace and a traitor to the Soul Society!" The Captain Commander declared, immediately making making everyone in the room widen their eyes in shock.

"Don't get me wrong. I have no intention of harming you. But I'll be forced to if you don't change your mind" Ichigo threatened, seriously. "Yes. I am the King of Hueco Mundo, but that doesn't mean we have to be enemies!"

"I'm sorry, but even if what you say is true, the foundation of our Soul Society is the very cleansing of Hollows. It is the way of the world, and neither you nor I have the power or the ability to change that"

"Is that so...?" Ichigo menacingly looked at them for one last time. "Lilynette, Satya" He looked at his 5th and 6th Espadas. "Go find Ashido, Harribel's Fracciones and the other two girls, then go back home" He ordered, having seen or felt the Reiatsu of all the mentioned Arrancar upon his arrival. "Ulquiorra, I need you to find Nel, Harribel and Grimmjow. Same orders. Take Inoue with you"

Ulquiorra simply nodded, trusting that he would be able to return on his own.

"You don't possibly think we're gonna let you go just like that, do you?" Soi-Fon was on guard.

All the Captains, with the exception of the Vizards, held their Zanpakutous tightly.

"Inoue, block their way" He ordered.

"I'm sorry, everyone" Orihime said as she did as Ichigo told her.

The golden-yellow barriers manifested around the Captains and Lieutenants in cubicles, blocking their path.

All the Espadas entered Resurrección, with the exception of Orihime, who was carried by Ulquiorra in bridal style as he flew towards Harribel and Nel.

"Just for the reckon, I don't want to harm any of you... So please, stay out of my way" Ichigo requested in an authoritarian way.

He had decided to leave clear that he would not tolerate any hostile action directed at his new domain, and what better way that that to do it.

"Farewell" He wished the members of the Gotei. "And Rukia, tell everyone we'll meet again... Soon" He smiled at her.

"Ichigo..." She felt sad upon hearing that, but had hope that she would see him again sometime. "G-Good luck! And don't do anything reckless!"

"Sure..." His smile shifted into a serious look, directed at the place where the highest authority inside the Seireitei operated.

Finally, he disappeared, using Velocidad.

Yamamoto raised his Reiatsu to easily break Orihime's barrier, which had weakened a lot since she had left the area almost completely.

"Oi... That was pretty impressive" Shunsui said. "Looks like that girl increased her powers to another level now that she's an Arrancar"

"Except that you could have easily escaped that if you really wanted" Ukitake refuted.

"Hah, but I could say the same about you" The lazy Captain retorted. "Or Yama-jii..."

"What?" Soi-Fon seemed to get it.

"*sigh* I'll be going back to my Squad's barracks" Yamamoto declared.

"It can't be...!" Toushirou was shocked as well, not believing how their more than strict Captain Commander was turning a blind eye on Ichigo this time.

Of course, it was the logical thing to do, but the Gotei and its rules were anything but reasonable most of the time.

"Did the Captain Commander... Let him go...?" Soi-Fon thought in disbelief.

Komamura seemed to grin as he got what the old man had truly decided.

"Ichigo is a hero... He knows he won't do anything of evil nature" The beast-man thought calmly. "It is... Justice"

"Before I take my leave... I'll leave the formalities regarding Central 46 to the following Captains: Outoribashi. Hirako... And Muguruma" Yamamoto ordered. "You called yourselves his friends if I'm not mistaken... So you might as well take responsibility for the mess he's about to unleash. The rest, dismissed!"

The Captains quickly left with their respective Lieutenants, having a lot to do after the siege that had taken place.

"Oh... I just wanted to go play guitar for a while..." Rose sighed.

"You and your tongue, Shinji... If you hadn't said that back at Karakura we might've been free as well" Kensei facepalmed. "There's lots of things to do, and the last thing I wanted was a scene with those geezers"

"Oh, don't be so dramatic" Shinji shrugged. "He's probably gonna break into the place, smash a bit of the structure and knock out some members with his Reiatsu. We'll just apologize saying it was beyond us given the current situation. Piece of cake" He grinned.

"Sounds like a terrific plan, Captain Hirako" Urahara teased him again.

"Hey, Kisuke..." Shinji inquired slyly. "Don't tell me you knew this would happen?"

"What? Oh please... You're giving me way too much credit" He chuckled, smirking. "But now... Central 46 will have no choice but to accept that..."

"Whatever... I'm outta here" Hiyori shrugged. "Hachi is still recovering"

"True..." Love sighed. "It's just strange not saying goodbye. Who knows when we'll see him again"

"In any case, we already spent a lot of time with Ichigo, and all things considered, he must have a lot on his mind right now. He'll be fine without some awkward farewell"

"Speak for yourselves... We still gotta go check on the mess he's about to make" Kensei grinded his teeth.

"You worry too much, Kensei, you'll age more quickly. Just look at yourself, your hair's already that of an old man!" Mashiro teased him.

"My hair has always been grey and you know it" He retorted, bothered.

"Let's get going. The sooner we go, the sooner we'll be free again" Rose proposed.

"Yeah. Shuuhei!" Kensei called his Lieutenant.

"Yes, Captain Muguruma?" He asked back.

"You and Mashiro go back to the barracks. This situation is more of a reason to attend our duties"

"I understand" Shuuhei accepted.

"Aw... You're no fun, Kensei!" The green haired Vizard stuck her tongue out in sign of disrespect.

"You go back as well, Momo" Shinji ordered.

"Yes, Captain!" She nodded.

"Kira..." Rose only muttered his name, as the Lieutenant was quick enough to understand.

"I thought as much. See you later, Captain" The blonde went on his way back to the barracks. "I wonder where Rangiku is though..."

~~~~X~~~~

Harribel gasped as she saw her entering her room, quickly seeing how her hazel irises had returned, and with them, her soft friendly look, almost maternal.

"N... Nel-sama...!" She smiled, and tears appeared in her eyes once again.

"Harri...!" Nel cried as well, although her friend had already been fully healed. "I'm so so sorry!" She embraced the blonde.

"No... I was stupid to do that... I knew what had happened... But I let my emotions take control" She apologized. "I just... Wanted to prove myself... Prove that you weren't gone... That you were still my friend... My best friend..." Harribel muttered, still feeling awkward saying those sweet words.

"Aw, Harri... I swear, I never wanted to hurt you... And, I don't know why that happened exactly... But I've never been jealous of you, and I know that you would never attempt to take Ichigo away from me..." She held her friend's hand, and noticed how the trace of a lightblue marking could be seen just above her skirt. "You... You did it?!" She smiled amazed.

"Eh?" She looked at her puzzled, realizing what she meant in the next second. "Oh... You mean that..." She blushed. "Yes... Grimmjow and I... We..."

"Yes? Yes?" Nel insisted, wanting to hear it from her own mouth.

"We did it... We became Wholes" She grinned and chuckled out of pure embarrassment.

Grimmjow sneezed outside the room, as he had followed Nelliel just in case, although he knew deep within, that nothing would happen, not due to Nelliel at least.

"Congratulations!!!" She hugged her tightly. "So, how do you feel? And..." She got close to her ear, so that only she would hear. "How was he...?"

"Ahahah..." Harribel chuckled nervously, turning bright red. "G-Great I'd say... To both questions"

"But c'mon, give me more details, Harri" She insisted.

Harribel blushed as she whispered a summarized version of her passionate encounter with her man.

When she concluded, flustered beyond any help, Nel giggled and congratulated her.

"That's amazing... I'm so happy for you" She said sincerely.

"I bet... But not nearly as happy to see you're back, Nel-sama..." Tier embraced her.

"Oh, just drop that thing already. We're best friends, aren't we?" Nelliel giggled nervously.

"Yes, but... I don't know..." She sighed.

"It's okay..." Nel tilted her head in a friendly way. "Just call me whatever you feel like then"

"Nel...sama..." The blonde repeated as she felt her friend's warmth.

In that instant, Grimmjow widened an eye as he felt a sudden explosion of power.

"Hm?"

Harribel and Nel also felt the odd atmosphere.

"What was that...?" Harribel inquired.

"Possibly... The Gotei's betrayal" Nelliel knew how shady they could be thanks to Urahara and Yoruichi mainly, but also to Ichigo.

In a flash, the answer came in the form of the head of the Espada (after its King, of course), carrying his beloved orange-haired girl.

"You three, it's time we take our leave" The Primera told them.

"But where's Ichigo?" Nel asked, obviously worried.

"It's okay, Nel-san" Orihime assured her. "He just had to do one last thing before going back to Hueco Mundo"

"I'll go with him"

"No" Ulquiorra shook his head. "He told me that we were all to return, and with or without honorific, you are our Queen, Nelliel. It is my job to protect you and Ichigo in order to protect Las Noches"

"But he's alone, tired... Like, he just defeated the Demon Lord!" Nel insisted.

"Nel-san" Orihime spoke to her softly. "You know him better than anyone else now. You know he's gonna be alright"

"Yes, but... After everything we've been through... I don't wanna.. I don't wanna lose him!" She cried.

"Nelliel... Ichigo made it this far, because he wanted to get you back" Ulquiorra said terminantly, trying to reason with her. "All he wants is for you to be safe, and that nothing happens this time. So please..."

She grinded her teeth a bit, but in the end, she couldn't refute what her fellow Espada was saying.

"Okay... Sorry, for being so stubborn" She apologized.

"Don't feel bad about it. It just proves how much you care about him" Orihime told her.

"Thank you, Inoue-san" She smiled in return.

"Well, if we're done with that, let's get going" Grimmjow said, using Descorrer."Yeah. It's time we go back home" Harribel said with a slight smile. It was a comforting feeling.

"It's sad that it had to end like this... But at the very least, the whole war with the Demons is finally over" Orihime commented as she walked into the Garganta.

"It is disappointing to see that Ichigo's efforts weren't enough to establish an alliance in this opportunity. But in spite of that, I'm sure we'll be able to keep growing and developing swiftly in the future by ourselves" Ulquiorra added.

"Please, come back safely... Ichi" Nel begged, touching the mark on her Hollow Hole.

~~~~X~~~~

"Aum, you two" A once again young Satya called Loly and Menoly who were hanging out in the streets of the Citadel.

"Huh? Who the Hell are you?" Loly scoffed.

"Loly, I believe he's one of the Espada" Menoly said, trying to show her she had to be respectful.

"This brat?! Are you kidding me?!" Loly couldn't believe it.

"Aum. Sexta Espada, for your information" He said, a bit bothered. "But whatever, I'm here cause things have gotten complicated. Kurosaki-dono ordered me to find you and take you back to Hueco Mundo"

"Oh... I see" Menoly nodded. "We have no choice then"

"Aum. It's good to see someone has got at least a speck of sense" Satya said insidiously.

"What does that mean, huh?! Wanna start something?!" Loly threatened.

"Aum. I'll gladly show you what an insect you are, but only after we've left this place" He said, opening the portal and crossing.

"OOOHHH, YOU'RE SO, SO DEAD!" Loly screeched as she ran after him through the Garganta.

Menoly sighed as she followed them.

"It seems we're damned to have conflict with Sextas, aren't we?" She said to herself as she remembered how Grimmjow had almost killed them at that time. "Or maybe... It's just Loly's fault..." She tilted her head for a moment. "Nah... I'm also to blame"

Somewhere else, Lilynette found Ashido and his girls spending some "quality time" under a tree outside the walls of the Citadel.

"Um... *cough* *cough*" Lilynette coughed on purpose.

Ashido looked towards her, just before receiving a bite from an apple by the hands of Sung-Sun, all as he rested on top of Mila Rose's breasts and Apacci caressed his chest, adoringly.

"Lilynette... I... I wasn't expecting you... Or anyone, really" He blushed as he admitted.

"Hey, Ashido, I'm your friend and all... But shouldn't you leave this kind of stuff for a more, I don't know... Private location?" The green haired Espada told him.

"We were alone before you interrupted us, okay?!" Apacci spouted.

"Yes, what the Hell's goin' on?" Mila Rose snorted with a hint of anger and frustration.

"Sorry to be the one to inform you, but we have to go, as of, right now" She retorted, crossing her arms.

"Why?" Sung-Sun inquired. "Did something happen?"

"Apparently, we're still on complicated terms with the Shinigami" She answered disappointed.

"Even after everything we did? Give me a break..." Apacci shook her head.

"It is a pity... But it was to be expected" Ashido noted with a sigh as he stood up. "As an Ex-Shinigami myself, I know how they think, and especially, how the authorities react to the mere presence of Hollows in the Seireitei, so I perfectly understand where they come from"

"There's not much we can do about it then" Mila Rose agreed. "Well, I'm gonna take up your advice, Lilynette" She said as she eagerly grabbed Ashido by the arm. "Hey, let's go home"

"I hope you're counting us on that as well" Sung-Sun commented.

"Yeah, we agreed to SHARE him, remember?" Apacci crossed her arms.

Ashido simply shook his head as he opened the Garganta.

"Those girls are gonna end up killing him one of these days..." Lilynette thought, following them.

~~~~X~~~~

The sound of an explosion as loud as a thunder resonated through the whole Central 46, giving almost a heart-attack to many of its members, due to their age and even more to the lack of experience in the battlefield, contrary to the members of the Gotei Ichigo was used to dealing with.

"Aaarrghhh!"

"No! We're under attack!"

"W-W-What in the world is going on?!" An especially old member spouted.

Ichigo had torn the building's roof apart, falling from the sky to the floor in the center of the bureaucratic organism, cracking it with the mere strength of his feet reducing the impact.

The Shinigami guards inside should've acted. It was their duty, their job... But no one dared move as the black gaze of Kurosaki Ichigo stared deep into their nightmares, freezing them with pure fear.

"Yo" He greeted them all informally, knowing that it was an insult to them, since most were nobles and as such, felt that not only did they have the authority, but the duty to look down on the rest of society.

Such was the truth behind Central 46, probably the most corrupt and toxic part of the Seireitei, and Ichigo could feel that just by being there.

He had no idea about the uncountable injustices that had taken place in such a deplorable place, but the very stench of hipocrisy reeked through the whole court.

Standing where Urahara Kisuke once stood as the accused, Ichigo decided to declare his new reign once and for all, so that finally, Hueco Mundo could begin to grasp some peace.

"A-A... A Hollow?" One of them was in shock.

"N-No... It's even worse... I think he's-"

"Yes" He calmly nodded. "I am a Hollow, but one that has teared his mask, I am an Arrancar. And again, not any Arrancar. I am Kurosaki Ichigo, Cero Espada and..."

The ancient faces of the Souls in the room were eaten by despair as he revealed his position.

"...King, of Hueco Mundo"

He rejoiced in the fact that each and every one of his words was able to mute the whole audience, as not even gasps were produced by those decrepit mouths.

"But wasn't Kurosaki Ichigo...?" A man seemed to be especially confused.

"Yeah, I was a Substitute Shinigami" He heard the comment and replied accordingly. "But things have changed, and I'm not afraid to say, for the better" He proudly stated.

"Did you come here to kill us? To destroy Soul Society?!" Another one spouted back.

"Kensei was right about you idiots..." He facepalmed. "No. I'm here to offer you a deal"

"A... Deal...?"

"Yes, as you heard" He nodded. "I won't do any harm. Not to you... Not to Soul Society... And especially not to the many friends I have here, who I hope remain safe and sound during my time away..." He implicitly threatened. "Same goes with my family. If I ever find out something has happened to any of them because of you... The deal is over, and I will come back myself to punish you all and believe me... Death will be the least of your concerns if that ever happens"

"How outrageous! We don't, and won't ever negotiate with the enemy! Where is the Captain Commander?!"

"I don't want to be your enemy" Ichigo retorted, and rose his Reiatsu level just a bit. "And quite frankly, you aren't worthy of calling yourself that" He grinned as the nobleman fell to the ground, completely knocked out.

The King could feel how the Souls that surrounded him trembled in fear after witnessing such an entrance and power, and it was perfect that way.

"Then...? What do you wish for, exactly?" Another one asked, in a more humble way.

"Simple. Leave Hueco Mundo and the Arrancar alone" He replied stoically. "I won't ask you not to take care of Menos and such in the Human World, cause I know it's impossible for you to overlook that. But all Arrancar are under my command, and as such, I will be responsible if any of them breaks this pact of peace, and I will punish them accordingly in said case"

"I-I... Understand" He replied, looking back at the other members. "Shall we sign a form to establish that? Normally it would take a long time but... Given the circumstances..."

The others nodded their heads quickly, willing to sign the treaty.

They all quickly made the form, and gave it to Ichigo for him to sign it.

There was a lot of paperwork needed to back this document up, but given Ichigo's performance, it was most likely that said paperwork would not attempt to change the conditions of the pact.

"Perfect. As such... I will declare Hueco Mundo, reign of Kurosaki Ichigo: Cero Espada and King of all Hollows" He said as he signed the treaty. "And all of Las Noches and its close surroundings will come to be known as: Hollow Society"

All the members of Central 46 widened their eyes in shock, and some even gasped at that mention.

"Is there any problem with that?" He looked at them seriously as he formulated that question.

They all waved their hands in a nervous manner, muttering incoherent defensive speech.

"N-No! No, Kurosaki-sama!" The one who had first become humble told him. "There is no problem! I'm sure the members of our committee are just amused at such a declaration. I wish both of our societies remain under good terms from now on" He bowed.

"I see... Very well then. And please, stand up, you haven't done anything wrong, not to me at least" He was still unused to such demonstrations of respect and fear. "And one last thing... If you're ever in peril... You can count on me for your support"

"Huh?" They were all even more surprised.

"As I said, this place is home to many friends I have. I would never let something happen to them, so... I cannot promise to take my army with me if such a dreadful event comes to appear... But at the very least, I will come and take care of things, alright?"

"Y-Yes!" The diplomatic one said, and they all bowed their head for a moment. "Thank you for such consideration"

"With all that clear, I'll take my leave. Don't make me do something I don't wanna do, okay? See ya" He bid farewell to them informally, and walked out of the building in a casual manner.

As he exited the place, he found his Vizard friends at the entrance.

"You didn't kill anyone, right?" Shinji asked him.

"No. I just left one unconscious with my Spiritual Pressure" The Arrancar chuckled.

"See? Just like I told ya" The blonde Captain grinned.

"I know, I know..." Kensei accepted. "So... What's going to happen now, Ichigo?"

"Right now, I'm gonna go to the Human World one last time... I haven't said farewell to Chad and Ishida, and it wouldn't kill me seeing my family too. And then I guess... It's time for a new chapter to begin" He answered, still unsure about how his life would continue.

After all, the Heart of Tsukoyomi had been destroyed, Nageki and Bryssling had perished, and he still had a long way in the whole King business.

There was a lot to think about, a lot to learn, and a lot to sort out. But at the very least, he had gotten Nel back, and that alone was enough reason to be more than happy now.

"Will you come visit every now and then?" Rose inquired.

"I don't know if any time soon... But I made them sign a treaty of peace between my reign and the Seireitei so, we're on good on paper, I guess... I don't know if that's still gonna stop them from looking at me and the others with animosity, but even if that happens, you're all welcome in Las Noches" He assured them with a beam.

"That's great to hear" Shinji grinned. "See ya, Ichigo"

"Sure. You guys too!" He started opening a Garganta.

"Oh, and... If by any chance you find a cute Arrancar girl that... You know... Y-You can always give me a call and I'll be ready to meet her in a flash!"

"I don't know about that, Hirako... But I'll see what I can do"

"Hey, say it more convinced! It's not fair that you have that goddess, your pals those babes and here I stay lonely and empty-handed!" Shinji demanded.

"Enough" Kensei hit the blonde in the head. "Good luck, Ichigo!"

"Yeah. Take care" Rose wished him.

The Arrancar used Descorrer, quickly appearing in the world of the living.

He was surprised to feel Renji's and Byakuya's presence nearby, as he didn't know about the situation with the Togabito.

He followed their Reiatsu, and of course, he ended up at the only possible place.

Inside the Candy Shop, he was surprised to find a rather odd group.

Renji, Byakuya, Yoruichi, Tessai, Chad, Ishida, Ryuuken, Ishhin and his two sisters all in one place.

"Ichigo?" Renji was the first to mutter.

His two sisters gasped.

"Ichi-nii!"

"Ichigo..." Ishhin muttered in shock as well.

"Renji! Byakuya! Yuzu, Karin... Old man...! W-What... What happened here?" He was dumbfounded.

"Kurosaki Ichigo..." Byakuya said with his typical aura of nobility. "I thank you on behalf of the 6th Division, and as head of the Kuchiki Family, for saving the Soul Society"

"You guys know already...?" He wondered.

"News spread fast, Kurosaki" Ishida chuckled. "Although I still don't know why you're alone"

"Yeah, you saved Nel, didn't you?" Yoruichi asked him, as Urahara had told her the truth.

"Nel... Yeah" He smiled warmly. "She and the others are back in Hueco Mundo. We had some... Complications regarding our stay in the Seireitei"

"So they gave you trouble even after you saved their asses..." Isshin concluded bitterly. "*sigh* Some things will never change, but that also makes me relieved that I don't have to deal with that anymore"

"Are you alright, Ichigo? You just defeated the King of Hell..." Chad needed to know.

"Yeah... Somehow" He agreed that it was an ourstanding feat. "But I didn't do it alone. Jii-san, Arikado and Nageki held him while I arrived. Then, after my reunion with Nel... She and Nageki helped me during the first part of the combat" He said it in a way that concealed the fact that Nelliel had fought him in her evil self. "In fact... Nageki died in that process, but he gave us the key to defeating Yama, and we will be eternally grateful for that"

"I see..." Ishida nodded as he heard.

"What happened here, actually?" Ichigo was curious.

They all explained to him the deal with the Togabito, which hadn't been so devastating, but had made then worried at the very least.

"Oh, I see... And Arikado is now back in Jigoku, sealing the Togabito" He concluded.

"Yes. Although an Arrancar slipped through our hands" Renji revealed.

"What do you mean?"

"Szayelaporro Granz" Ishida retorted. "Old 8th Espada. He somehow brought a copy of himself into the world of the living by using a special ability in one of his past Fracciones"

"How's that?" Ichigo seemed more confused.

"There was an Arrancar girl with strange abilities that convinced the copy of ceasing to fight. I imagine they went back to Hueco Mundo" Renji added. "And the girl... She even copied an attack that... Kinda reminded us of you"

"Hm?" He seemed interested.

"Do you know an attack called... Mugetsu?" Ishida inquired.

Ichigo widened his eyes at that.

"You gotta be kidding me. What's the meaning of this?" He became really worried.

"So you know it" Renji saw.

"That was my most powerful ability while using the Saigo no Getsuga Tenshou. It is the one that allowed Urahara to activate that seal on Aizen after I damaged him beyond any expectation of the Hougyoku"

Everyone that understood the meaning of that was left in shock.

"And now there's an Arrancar capable of copying that" Byakuya frowned. "This seems like a serious deal"

"*sigh* I know what you're thinking, Byakuya" Ichigo said, regaining composure. "But I already sorted that out with Soul Society. Las Noches, is an official dominion of mine, recognized from this point on as the Hollow Society"

Once again, that made them all astonished.

"I see... Who would've thought that your kid would become the sovereign ruler of Hueco Mundo, Kurosaki?" Ryuuken spoke for the first time in that conversation.

"Then Ichigo... You have decided to...?" Isshin inquired.

"Yes. I will rule Las Noches, and become responsible of any situation that involves my reign. For starters... This would include this newfound Arrancar and the Copy-Szayel"

"Ichi-nii is a... King?" Karin was still dumbfounded.

"And Neru-nee is the Queen?" Yuzu added.

"Hahah... Yeah. Both statements are correct. It is a long explanation, but I've been in charge of Las Noches and the Espada for a while now. Believe it or not, Arrancar can be very helpful and hard-working. As long as they have good guidance, I'm sure we can make Hueco Mundo as peaceful as it is here"

Isshin sniffed as he heard that.

"Oh, not this again..." Ryuuken facepalmed with grace.

"My son... My son not only became a man, Masaki..." He told his deceased wife by putting his hand on his heart. "He became a leader, a King... A man above all men, that struggles to make the world around him a better place...!" He cleaned his snots with a tissue. "Saying I'm proud...! Is not nearly enough, Ichigo! I'm not worthy of being your father!!!" He wrapped his arms around him as he continued crying.

"C'mon dad, try to keep yourself together for once dammit!" Ichigo spat as his father embraced him even tighter.

"Ahahahaha! This was to be expected" Yoruichi laughed. "I must say... When I found out it was also shocking. Such a sudden turn of events... Kisuke was ecstatic as he told me in fact"

"The Boss is always fascinated to see how far Ichigo gets, and I must admit, I'm amazed too" Tessai replied.

Ichigo soent another while with them before going back to his palace.

In the end, all he was worried about was that the world he was leaving behind would remain safe and sound, along with the people that lived in it.

"Anyways... I'll be heading back now" Ichigo concluded. "Chad... You'll always be my best friend, alright? And now that I'll be gone, you can always use your fists to protect anyone weaker than you if they need it"

"I feel the same way, Ichigo. Good luck with everything" He gave his friend a strong handshake and a couple pats in the back.

"Ishida, Ishida-san..." He addressed the two. "I trust that you will continue my sister's training in the best way possible, and I thank you in advance for that"

"She's going to be safe, Kurosaki, don't worry about that" Uryuu assured him.

"Yeah. I haven't learned much, but I'll do my best, Ichi-nii!" Yuzu added.

"And actually... I've decided to teach Karin the ways of the Shinigami as well. Who knows when we find ourselves in a situation like this? So the best is to be as prepared as we possibly can"

"You have the badge, right?" He asked.

"Yeah. Kon has it. He's down in the Training Grounds with that green-haired girl"

"I see... I wish you two the best for that task" He told them. "Oh and, Yoruichi, Tessai... Tell Urahara I need to see him when he arrives"

"No prob, Ichigo!" She smiled broadly, showing her feline teeth as she put her arm around him to whisper: "I bet you wanna go back asap to catch up with Nel, if you know what I mean..." She smirked.

"Tch... And you say I'M the pervert..." He shook his head as he got her off him. "Anyways, take care, you too, Tessai. Say goodbye to Jinta and Ururu from me"

"Thanks, Ichigo, I'll sure do" The Kidou Master replied.

"Anything to say here?" Renji grinned as he believed he'd see his friend for the last time in a long while.

"You just take good care of Rukia. I already bid her farewell" He gave him the same handshake he gave to Chad.

"As her brother, I believe I can do that job just as well" Byakuya noted.

"Maybe, but that just means she has more people watching over her. I feel more at ease thinking that"

"Fair enough..." Byakuya bowed a bit to show his respect. "Until we meet again, Kurosaki Ichigo"

"Yeah, I hope we see each other soon!"

Ichigo gave his two sisters one last hug before returning to Hueco Mundo.

~~~~X~~~~

"His majesty is here!" Rudbornn yelled. "All hail Kurosaki Ichigo!"

Each if the Tres Bestias played a horn, just like the one that sounded before his battle with Harribel for the throne.

"What in the Hell...?"

He was instantly greeted with ovations from his people the very second he arrived in Las Noches.

"He's alright! Thank God..." Orihime cheerfully exclaimed.

"Ichigo-sama is back!!!" Pesche and Dondochakka jumped happily, and Yomi jumped along.

"Was there another possible outcome?" Ulquiorra wondered with a smirk. "After all... He's the one who as a Vasto Lorde obliterated my Segunda Etapa. The man who defeated Aizen. The reincarnation of Gran Rey Cero... There was simply no other possibility" The Primera concluded triumphantly.

"Good to see you back..." Grimmjow greeted him. "But don't think this is over. I'm still aiming for the throne... My King" He teased, clearly stating that he hadn't given up.

"My King..." Harribel said, kneeling and calling him that way, despite never having done so before. "I have no words to express my gratitude. You defeated the King of Hell, and above it, you brought my best friend back. I will forever be indebted to you"

"Please, Harribel... It's nothing, really" He shook his head. "No need to treat me that way and please... Stand up. You're making me really uncomfortable"

"I'm sorry!" She did as he told her but still bowed to him. "But... I still can't thank you enough for it...!"

"And I told you. There's nothing to thank me for" He retorted. "Bringing her back was a must. As her man... As her Whole... It is simply a fact that I can't live without..."

"Ichigo..."

As he heard her voice, the world around him seemed to freeze, just like the first time they had kissed.

After all they had gone through, seeing her beautiful face, with that red line across it, with those hazel eyes beholding him, with those lush lightly coloured lips... Was a mirage, to say the least.

"Nel..." He muttered, Harribel's figure disappearing along with the rest as he and his beloved were reunited for once and for all.

"Ichigo!" She jumped and threw her arms around him, Ichigo catching her in the air and spinning as he held her in his arms.

She was wearing a full-body Espada uniform, just like the one she had in the past. While it concealed her flesh way more than her current design, it was still alluring to leave more to the imagination, although he already knew almost every corner of her being really well, so this choice was more to hide her tattoos from the rest, which still made her uncomfortable given the fact that she wasn't exactly herself when she carved those on her skin.

When they finally stopped, they stared at each other with an anxious loving gaze, one that seemed to be perpetual in that moment of suspended animation.

Then, still holding her, Ichigo's lips softly caressed hers for a single instant, not finishing the deed, as he was still conscious enough to realize they were in plain sight.

However, this didn't mean Nelliel was turned off by this. On the contrary, the feeling of having been neglected right when they were so close was more of a reason to crave for him even more.

She loosened the grip of her legs on his hips and her feet returned to earth.

"Nel... Now that everything's over..." He whispered in her ear. "...I think we could use some time for ourselves. What do you think?"

"That..." She gasped. "That would be wonderful..." She blushed as she smiled anxiously.

Ichigo simply smiled at his people as he blushed alike her, wishing to end with the formalities as soon as possible to finally get what the two desired.

"Hey, Rudbornn, can you...?"

The leader of the Exequias played a horn himself to silence the masses.

"The King is about to speak!"

"Thanks, I guess..." Ichigo didn't expect him to do such thing. "Well... I'm really glad to be able to communicate our victory over the Demon King, along with the end of this conflict. However, we must not forget the lives that were lost, and the fact that war is always going to bring loss to both sides. That is why, I have negotiated with the Seireitei, and we have both agreed on a pact of peace"

"In addition to that, I have established my reign here, not as an Empire interested in expanding its dominion towards the other realms, cause the last thing I want is start another war. I have named this state, the 'Hollow Society', and make no mistake...

By choosing this name, I do not intend to copy the ways of the Soul Society, but instead, show them through peaceful means what a 'Society' is truly like, and I believe, we have more than enough potential to prove that fact.

So let's keep working together. We will continue reconstructing Las Noches. We will build a monument to remember the fallen... And of course, we will continue training and getting stronger to both defend what is ours, and protect others if our help is needed.

We are not Bloodthirsty Beasts. We are Just Warriors..." He stared at Nel straight in the eye as he pronounced those words, making her blush. "...And we'll prove that both to ourselves and to anyone who knows about the Hollow Society that resides in Las Noches. Thank you"

As soon as he concluded, endless rounds of applause followed.

As much as some Arrancar were still not used to this more peaceful lifestyle, they couldn't deny that his words were true, and the idea of being warriors instead of beasts really hit them. They needed to be better than their predecessors. They needed to strive for a better future. They needed to become worthy of the title Ichigo was bestowing upon them.

Ulquiorra and a slightly dizzy Grimmjow got close to him as he finished.

"We'll take it from here, Ichigo" The Primera said. "You should have some good rest"

"As much as I hate to be in agreement with him... He's right" The Cuarta added, drinking from a bottle Ichigo quickly recognized. "You gotta rest and be in top condition to fight me! I need to keep pushing my abilities even further...!"

"Oh, thanks... Wait. Is that Sake...?"

"Is that what it's called? I just took this from a basket at the palace. It appears to be a greeting from Ichimaru or something..."

"Really...? I kinda knew he wouldn't be coming back but, I wasn't expecting that either" Ichigo was surprised. "And sure... We'll go back to training as soon as I catch up with- I mean, as I get some rest...!" He replied, his thoughts clearly on something. No. someone else... "Damn you, Yoruichi...that thought won't get out of my head" He shook his head as he heard Nel softly moaning his name.

"Hmhm..." Ulquiorra chuckled, showing his smile to Ichigo, probably for the first time.

"Woah..." He widened his eyes.

"Is there something wrong?" The bleach-skinned Arrancar asked back.

"No... It's just... I never saw you smile... Or laugh sincerely... In fact I never thought I'd see that" He admitted.

"What can I say...? I owe it all to Orihime" He looked at his Whole and she returned a beam.

"It fits you well. You should do it more and... I gotta say she looks happy with you too, so please, take good care of her" He requested.

"That is something I'd give my life and more without you telling me to, although I already vowed to that some time ago" Ulquiorra assured him. "And besides, I think even a troglodyte like Grimmjow has someone like that nowadays"

"Hey, I heard that! What's a troglodyte anyways?" He looked up as he wondered. "Beats me, but I don't like the tone you used alrite? You... You... ~Naughty Vampire~" He mocked Orihime's tone. "Like, what does that shit even mean?"

"Where in the world did you hear that...?!" Ulquiorra became even more pale (if that's even possible).

"I just overheard it from your girl as I was passing by the other day" Grimmjow shrugged. "Did you bite her neck as you had sex or something?"

"Shut up...!" Ulquiorra's dread look was priceless.

Ichigo couldn't help but burst in laughter as heard two Arrancar having such a conversation. He simply couldn't believe they had gone from ruthless killing machines to, what...? Office partners? Nah, they were still more violent than that... But it was part of their nature, and that much was fine.

"Well, I'll leave you guys in charge... There is plenty to discuss later, but with a drunk Grimmjow and a flustered Ulquiorra, I don't think it's worth the try" Ichigo concluded, while messing with them a little. "Oh, and be sure to warn Harribel to stop him if he goes further with it. Otherwise he'll be puking Ceros all over the place"

"I understand... I'll tell her"

Ichigo took Nel by the hand as he went back at her, feeling her soft and delicate skin between his fingers as if it was the first time.

"Shall we go?"

"Y-Yeah!" She nodded, receiving his hand, but then, embracing his arm as she clung to him. "Sorry, but I like it more like this..."

"Ahaha... Don't worry. I know you do"

However, just as they arrived outside their room, the weight of her sins couldn't leave her be.

"Ichigo... I'm sorry..." She hid her face on his chest.

"Nel... We already went through that, alright?" He passed his hands through her sea-green hair, gently pulling it. "So now... I don't want you to cry... To suffer... To despair... Nor to lament... I want you to be happy" He cupped her chin and moved his hand towards her cheek afterwards.

"But... I'm not the same person you knew..." She clarified. "The me you know now, is my complete self. My sadism, my bloodlust... It all exists within me, Ichigo. I just know how to deal with it"

"And that's more than enough. At least for me" He assured her, and placed a short tender kiss on her lips. "We all have darkness inside our beings. There's nothing we can do about it. What matters is... That we know how to keep it under control" He remembered the way he lost himself to his Hollow in the past.

"Then... Are you okay with me, even like this?"

"Please..." He chuckled. "I'm not 'okay' being with you. I'm the happiest man there could ever be because of that" The look in his eyes didn't lie. "And the fact that you're your true self now... Only makes me happier"

"Oh, Ichigo... ~Mmmphhh~" She was silenced as he devoured her mouth without notice, making her body sweaty and full of a lustful scent as her caramel tongue embraced his.

"I love you, Nel..." He repeated that fact once again. "All of you"

He proceeded to open the door to their bedroom, closing and locking it immediately afterwards.

Then, he bent her over the bed and slowly unzipped her jacket as he kissed her neck multiple times.

"The mark is there... Right?" He asked her, placing his hand between her breasts.

"Always" She answered. "Even after I became that monster... It was still there. Even after I stopped feeling you, the mark still reminded me of that invariable fact: I'm yours" She showed her the black Double-edged Scythe surrounding her Hollow Hole. "And I'll always be... Ichigo"

"Nel..."

"And that's not the only mark you've left me. Your thoughts, your ideals, your feelings... All that is a part of me as well" She said sweetly, and then she smirked in a more lewd way. "And well... If you want to get physical... You marked me, you claimed me... You owned me... From the moment you kissed me that night" She revealed.

"Nelliel..." He said her full name, getting a tad serious. "I'm flattered to hear all that... But I don't want you to ever forget, or doubt... That you own me as well" He clarified as he caressed her face. "Dark Nel was so... Possessive... So afraid of the possibility that I didn't love her... And to be fair, I felt that was the case at first... But after everything we've shared and been through, I would never break that vow I once made you..." He leaned over her. "I would never, and WILL never hurt you in any way, Nel"

"Aw, Ichigo..." She was moved to tears of happiness by those words.

The two kissed, snuggling on their bed as the heat rose.

Nel wildly opened his jacket, and he didn't waste any time in unzipping the rest of hers either.

But for a very unexpected reason, as soon as he had all her naked chest in plain view, his face became bright red, like a strawberry.

"Oh..."

"What's wrong...?" She asked back, and then she remembered.

She had forgotten that in the heat of the moment, getting even redder than her mate as she stuttered.

"I-I-Ichigo... I c-can explain...!"

"I mean... You're free to do anything you want to your body, but..." Ichigo chuckled nervously. "I never expected this... Never..."

On the pink center of each breast, Nelliel had a piercing across. Nothing much, the typical horizontal type, in black colour. But it was definitely not something one would expect from her.

"That deranged sadomasochistic slut..." Nelliel muttered as she looked away in embarrassment.

"It was Dark Nel's doing I presume...?" He smirked.

"Yeah... Although now that I mentioned it... I realized that I'm still something of a sadomasochist..."

"Hahaha... Don't worry. I'm sure Inoue can help you remove those and the tattoos" He said looking at her arm. "Although, your skin looks damn fine inked... In fact, I think this all gives you some kind of bad girl aura, you know?"

"Stop! I know you're just teasing me..." She pouted.

"Maybe. After all, you always tease me so... I thought I could have a little payback" He replied as he bit one of her pierced teats. "But I'm not lying. You look pretty damn sexy like this"

"Ahhh... Ichi..." She moaned.

"How's that?" He asked her rhetorically as he tried the other one. After all, he knew the answer.

"Ngh... Ah...!" She couldn't mutter a single word as she tried not to scream with pleasure.

"It's no use, Nel... I know how much you love when I play with your tits..." He gave her a little slap in her left one. "And I love it as well..." He bent over her and kissed her until their breath was out.

Her wet tongue couldn't get enough of his, and the fact that he was stimulating her mountains with one hand and reaching lower areas with the other didn't help.

"Mnnph... Mnnhhh..." She moaned inside his mouth, a flame of lust and love consuming her. "Aaahhh!" She screamed as she was freed from his mouth, due to the addicting pleasure.

"That's more like it..." He complimented her. "I missed hearing that so much..."

"Ichi..." She muttered as she held his head tightly and swallowed his mouth wildly.

Ichigo bit her lip, with enough strength to let a single drop of blood fall from her mouth. By now, he knew she loved this painful action, and it was possibly the thing that aroused her the most regarding her mouth.

"Ah! You remembered..." She told him sweetly.

"Yeah... I don't really like the idea of making you bleed, but you said that any pain I give you in bed..."

"...Doesn't count" She completed with a giggle. "Yes. Don't be afraid to use me and abuse me to your heart's content... Okay?" She lustfully licked her lips. "Although now... I want to taste yours as well" She confessed, revealing the sadist side of her that was hidden until Dark Nel came to exist.

If she ever bit his lip that way in the past, it was merely to show him he could do that to her as well, and not because the blood aroused her.

Now, it was a different story. The taste of Ichigo's blood was probably the most delicious fluid she could taste, and receiving it from him willingly held a meaning of trust and love that transcended even the most intimate kinks they had enjoyed until now.

Ichigo offered her his lips one more time, feeling how her fangs were carved into them.

It hurt... But it was also amusing.

The two could share each other's blood as they continued kissing the other, and the way in which Nel's saliva healed him after each bite was a most bewildering thing.

As soon as the two had completely discarded their clothes, Ichigo embraced her nude body as they stood in front of the bed, and went inside her as he kissed her neck, cheek, and finally... Wrapped his tongue around hers outside their mouths, getting the most alluring sounds of pleasure from his beloved as she closed her eyes, immersed in a completely different dimension as she felt her being leaving its solitude behind.

His thrusts were rough, just like she liked them. Both the pain and pleasure made her feel alive after all, but the way in which Ichigo connected with her transcended all physical sensation.

She was happy. She was loved. She was complete. She was Whole.

And said feeling was the same Ichigo attained as their bodies danced as one.

Her body was completely subdued to him, but at the same time, it wasn't some kind of enslavement or submission. It was a feeling of symbiosis if anything.

They needed each other, and they couldn't withstand being torn apart.

After the agony they experienced when their link was blocked by the darkness, this union was one meant to heal their souls.

"A single tear

When you rock me, we fall

You are defeat

When I'm weak, I will call

Simple completion

When it hurts, we belong

You are the key, and...

You take me apart

Above, a dark star

When you're up, I feel lost

Ride like a pale horse

You lead me where I can't walk

A crooked kingdom

Promising golden love

My mouth is dry

I've only known your cold touch

I hold myself down

Just to let you go

I hold myself down

Just to let you go

I hold myself down

Just to let you go

I hold myself down

Just to let you go

You hold the beams and,

You take down the walls

You are my feet when,

I'm weak I will crawl

Simple deletion

When it hurts, we are one

You are the key, and...

You take me apart

I hold myself down

Just to let you go

I hold myself down

Just to let…"

The two moaned uncontrollably as they came for the first time, Ichigo's seed filling her to the brim as she held to the border of the bed.

"Oh, fuck...!" Ichigo swore as he couldn't resist her tightness any longer.

"IchigoooOooOooOooOOooOoO!" She exclaimed as her body let go.

Her eyes were full of tears of pure joy as she felt that. The exquisite sensation of his juices inside her was something her whole being ached to receive for so long...

"O' how I needed that" She purred at him, turning around to kiss him over and over to reward him.

"You don't say..." He felt the same way, completely aroused by her.

"Oh... It seems you're not done yet..." She noted, with a tone that almost indicated it was her fault as she went down.

"Huh?" Ichigo wondered what she was about to do.

Until that moment, all their encounters had been through the traditional form of sex, probably because it was what their instincts lead them into, but now... She seemed to want to try a different approach.

"No way... Paizuri?" He wondered in his mind, only seeing that in a porn mag once.

Pressing his shaft between her huge melons, she continued stimulating him, and herself as well, his hot rod threatening to melt her breasts.

"Oh, God...!" Ichigo closed his eyes as he moaned.

"Does it feel good?" She inquired, although she knew the answer.

"Fucking amazing..." He couldn't lie.

"That's good to hear..." She smiled, just as a couple drops of his liquid fell on her face. "Ah...!"

"S-Sorry...!" Ichigo apologized.

Nel however, seemed to be more curious than anything, wondering what those hot drops would taste like.

As soon as she tried it with her tongue, a switch was flipped inside of her. Not another second was wasted as she decided to taste his manhood.

"N-Nel?!" He seemed shocked to find that she ended up doing that herself.

Ichigo had been a teenager, so he perfectly knew what that was, but he never really felt inclined to ask her to try it or something of sorts.

When they had sex, they just went with the flow, and only tried new things as the opportunity presented itself or the ideas rose up in their heads.

As a result, it had never come to this, but now that it did, he would most likely want to repeat said experience.

Nelliel moaned as she shut her eyes, enjoying the taste of his sweet sperm as her tongue went around his stick.

She never saw herself as the wild lustful type, neither did Ichigo, but it seemed that being apart for so long made the two especially wild. Unknown to them, they had experienced both sexual and emotional frustration, so it was no wonder that they ended up going farther than any previous time.

As Ichigo came, Nelliel let out a most beautiful moan.

"~MMMhhhhfffff~" Her eyes opened and looked up, out of orbit as she swallowed all she could.

"N-Nel, are you...? Alright?" He shyly asked.

As a mix of saliva and jizz fell from her mouth, she smiled broadly at him.

"Itadakimasu!" She joked, giggling.

"Holy..." He shook his head with a grin. "I never thought you'd be so into this"

"If it's you... I'm willing to try everything and anything" She stood up, and licked from his neck to his face, stopping at his mouth to go into a kissing frenzy once again, one that only ended with a thick string of drool that slowly disconnected her mouth from his. "I'm yours, Ichi... I will gladly fulfill your wildest dreams and your naughtiest desires..."

"And what about you...?" He felt egoist being the only one fulfilled in that sense. "I want to give you that too... I want to make you as happy as I possibly can, Nel"

"Like always... You're so sweet..." She tempted him with her agape mouth close to his lips, but instead of kissing him, she moved her head towards his shoulder and bit it until a trail of blood came out.

"Argh... I see..." He remembered her dark fetish, but grinned in spite of the pain.

"You don't mind, do you?" She asked, a tad worried as she eased up a bit on the bite.

"As long as you take responsibility... I'll let you have as much as you desire" He replied, trusting that she would understand what he meant. "I kinda need to heal a deeper wound though..."

"Of course..." She licked the bite she had just made, sensually, easing the pain and restoring it to full health. However, she perfectly understood what he meant with that last phrase. "Let me heal... Your broken heart"

The two knew how hard it had been.

The suffering.

The desolation.

The emptiness.

The solitude.

The misery...

It was obvious that their hearts needed this to repair that damage, and the two were more than happy to share the pain and sorrow once more...

Cause even as difficult as it was, they were not alone anymore... And that was enough for them to feel a sense of realization greater than anything they had experienced before.

They rolled over the bed, kissing each other and tasting the other's body. Their sweat, their curves and muscles, their intimate parts and fluids... They tried it all in an attempt to know each other to the greatest possible extent.

He forced her body into submission, on all fours, deciding to try a more kinky approach as well.

"Oh...! Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuuuck! What the...?" Nel screamed uncontrollably.

"I thought you'd like it" He whispered in her ear as he pounded her ass, and gave her a slap. "Is it painful enough?"

"No... Keep doing it...!" She begged. "Harder and harder... Until no more tears can leave my eyes!" She squealed, her mind completely in blank from the ecstasy.

Her face showed the most fantastic ahegao expressions he had seen to date, her tongue scattering drool all over the place as her back, ass and thighs burned a hot red, with her tears crashing around them.

He knew those tears however... So he knew how much she enjoyed it.

"~AAARRRGGH~"

When the two finally came, her ass more than content with that new kind of stimulation, Nel grinned as her tongue fell off from her mouth, rejoicing in her ascension to Cloud Nine.

"Oh fuck, yesss!!!" She exclaimed delighted, turning around, and pulling him by the horn to kiss him. "I love you, Ichigo. I loved you before, I love you now, and I'll love you for the rest of eternity..." She declared, pinning him down to the bed as she mounted him.

"I know, Nel. Cause I love you in the same way..." He replied, holding her by her hips as she started dancing on top of him, her waist and boobs hypnotizing him as she went back and forth, inward and outward.

Their Whole Link had started shining from time to time, Nel's spear and shield incandescent with pink light in Ichigo's chest, and his Scythe alternating between a black and red shine in between her jugs.

He massaged her breasts as she continued swinging her hips around, her soft ass caressing his lower body.

As she came one more time, Ichigo pulled her closer to him, kissing her as she panted his name over and over in an incoherent loop that resonated in his ears in a vicious manner.

They were at their limit, so no wonder that was happening, but even so, Ichigo wanted to have her until the two were simply knocked out due to both the exhaustion and the bliss, and she desired that conclusion as well.

"Ichi... Do you love me?" She asked him as their faces were against the other.

He chuckled at that question.

After all the times they had repeated it now. After all they had gone through. After all the feelings they had experienced together... It was certainly a dumb question.

But he knew it wasn't about that. Nel was anything but stupid.

She just liked hearing the same answer over and over, and to be honest, he also enjoyed giving it to her.

It was the need for repetition.

"I love you, Nel" He kissed her tenderly. "I love you, I love you, I love you"

She giggled in an utterly cute way.

"It makes me happy hearing that" She confirmed his previous thoughts.

"I know. And I'm gonna answer you that as many times as you ask" He held her sweaty hand and her cheek with the other as he entangled his horn around one of hers, kissing her passionately. "Even though... We both know the answer..."

"~Hmm~" She moaned as a positive reply as she kissed him. "Let's go, Ichigo" She requested. "I want to get off in your arms. I want to lose my mind while feeling you inside me... I want everything to go black as we are still one!"

"Then I'll give it my all to fulfill that wish" He assured her, kissing her again as he entered for the last time.

Like always, her nails were carved onto his back as he held her in a tight embrace, holding her by both horns as he pulled her as close as physically possible towards him.

Their bodies burned like a blazing pyre, the light in their Hollow Hole shining more vividly than ever, as their lips and tongues refused to come undone.

"I'm so happy... So damn happy..." She thought as she continued kissing him, the adrenaline at its peak. "You're my world, Ichigo... And I promise we'll never be apart again"

The way in which he played with her horns as he kissed her was more than enthralling, and it was the key to trigger the greatest orgasm she had ever experienced.

The amount of hormones that activated during such a moment is not enough to describe the happy, complete and exhilarating feeling overall born of their most wild yet meaningful moment together.

"~MMhhh~ ~Mnnffff~" She moaned as her mouth was still under his control. "AAAhhh! I'm coming...! I'm coming...! IIIIICHIIIIGOOOOOO!!!"

"Aaaaahhhh...! Aaaah...! Oh damn...! Oh fuck...! I LOVE YOU, NELLIEL!!!"

The ultimate climax was reached between the lovers at the same time, the two sealing their lips upon the other's, and falling asleep just like that.

They knew all...

The pain, the joy, the everything that composed their other half.

There was no separation, and no force to break them apart again.

Ever again...

NEVER again...

For they were one entirely and eternally.

Their souls would be hollow for nevermore...

But whole for evermore...

And if they were to suffer, they would do so together, as one. And just like they shared their most negative and complicated emotions, they also shared all the marvelous sensations they experienced, and their Hollow Holes became filled with the other's warm and soothing Reiryoku, beating just like a heart...

Reminding them, of what it means to be alive...

What it means to feel...

What it means...

To love.

And to be loved.

That emotion wasn't tangible, or simple to put into words.

It was like...

Dark Matter

Something they couldn't prove that existed by seeing it, but by the effect it caused.

And that "Dark Matter" of a feeling was attainable by every Hollow, and they had proved so now.

At the same time, the white sheath was just by the side of the green one...

"It's been a long time..." Mugetsu said as he entered a forest. In fact, it looked just like the Hidden Gardens. "But I see you've finally returned to your true self... Yukari"

Illuminated by a pink moonlight, the great Chamois transformed into a beautiful green haired woman, who looked almost the same as Nelliel, and wore the same uniform as her master.

"Mugetsu?" She inquired. "How...?"

"Cause it's the first time they establish this bond as it should be. The first time Nelliel is truly herself" He explained. "Although, I didn't know this was possible either"

"It's been Eons..." She sobbed. "But now... Finally...!" She approached him slowly, afraid that he would vanish into thin air.

"I know, my love" The white haired Hollow smiled at her, and moved forward as well.

As they finally reached the other, they wrapped their arms around tightly, never wanting to let go.

Their lips merged just like their masters', celebrating their reunion after all those eras.

If for Ichigo and Nel that week had been torture, it was merely impossible to try to comprehend what Mugetsu and Yukari felt right now.

Inside the Whole Link, the ancient spirits of the first King and Queen of Hueco Mundo found themselves again, and without another moment to waste... They decided to make love as their masters rested as one.

"~Nngghhh~ Mugetsu... I missed you so much..." She purred in his ear after she came for a first time.

"And so did I, Yukari... So did I..." He assured her, caressing her beautiful face and passing his fingers through the 'X' shaped scar above her nose. "My wild green-haired antelope..."

"Then, after a couple more times... Would you like... To go for a ride...?" She cutely asked blushing, although it was clearly more of a request.

"But I rode you just now, didn't I?" He smirked and chuckled, teasing her on purpose. "Heheheh"

"Idiot. You know I don't mean it that way..." She pouted, slightly annoyed at the dirty joke.

"Yeah, I know..." He passed his fingers through her wavy hair. "And I would love to"

She smiled broadly at his reply, as it was one of her favorite activities with her husband.

"~I love you~" She sang, declared and praised as her breath reached his.

謳え

愛してる

"I love you too..." He answered, the void inside of him being filled once more as well. "And now... We won't ever be hollow again"

"No... After all... What example would we be? We were the first, weren't we?" She asked back.

"Yeah... And we will always be..." He assured her, ending it all in an unbreakable kiss between the first Wholes to ever exist.

"Always..."

As from now on... A dogma was shaped...

Past, present and future, became one invariable truth.

As in their previous, present and afterlife...

They would somewhere...

Somehow...

Be...

W H O L E

---

Holy... God...

First of all, I know, I took long, and I apologize, but I decided to take a "break" in April to write a story dedicated to Nel's birthday ("April 24", in case you haven't read it).

Second of all, I'm also sorry, for I have lied. Lemons grew on me, hahah... So now, my only rule is no PWP, no matter what.

Still, I hope I compensated you all with a very long Chapter, and this being the ending of this Arc, I wouldn't want it any other way, especially cause it has 17k words, and 17 is my favourite number!

I'll give a proper conclusion in an extra Chapter meant only for additional content regarding the story and writing-process, as well as main sources of inspiration for names, titles, attacks and more.

Also in that part I will reveal info on the next projects I have in schedule.

Reviews:

Antex-The Legendary Zoroark: Whoohoo, yea! Great work! So...the rift of power that was created when Ichick and Yama fought impacted the dimension of the Wandenreich? Interesting...

And what else is interesting, is how underneath Squad 1, Aizen could feel the amazing power from up above!

Reply: Thanks! in the final part of this Chapter you'll see exactly what the rift caused in that Dimension, fufufufu...

And of course, Aizen had a little cameo as well lol. We'll see more of him in the future, don't worry.

---

Some weeks later...

"And... It's all good, Nel-san! Although, you guys should be more careful... I understand that you're young, but you should be a role model for all the other Wholes, and Arrancar in general" Urahara said as he concluded examining her.

"Y-Yes..." Nelliel nodded in shame, unwilling to refute in spite of her ignorance in the area.

Of course by now, Orihime had helped her return her arm to the state it had before the tattoos and the very special piercings, so she was way more comfortable with her body just like it was before.

"No, Nel. I should be the one to apologize" Ichigo clarified. "Mugetsu told me this could happen once we solved the whole Demon Rebellion... But I forgot about it completely"

"It's not like I'm not interested in seeing the product of a union between Arrancar, don't get me wrong..." Urahara chuckled. "But I understand that you still have a lot of things to deal with, especially since Ichigo's decision..."

"Yeah..." He agreed, looking at the small tesseract he had in a chain necklace.

After the destruction of the Heart of Tsukoyomi, he still needed a way to turn Adjuchas and Vasto Lordes into Arrancar. He discussed the topic with Urahara and Mugetsu, and they got to the conclusion that they could seal the portion of Tsukoyomi's power in an object, and it would work just like the Heart used to, the only major difference being the amount of Reiatsu inside of it, which was still colossal, but not as dangerous as the original source.

This meant, Ichigo couldn't use Segunda Etapa and beyond anymore, which wasn't so dramatic given the fact that his Primera Etapa was still as powerful as an Etapa Final from his Espadas, and besides, he still had other sources of power yet to explore...

But anyways, into the physical, this meant that his eyes weren't surrounded by black sclera anymore, and the mark in Nel's Hollow Hole had turned red and blue, and changed form into two Zanpakutou, most likely a representation of Las Noches and Zangetsu.

"Well, with the pills I designed, you and the others won't have to worry about getting kids yet... Although it seems to be too late for Ashido-san, hehehe" He chuckled.

"Too damn late..." Ichigo sighed, feeling that it was his fault.

"Anyways, is there any date for a wedding yet?" The shop owner inquired, interested. "Royal Weddings are always stunning events, so even being Hueco Mundo, I'm sure many are interested to attend"

"The wedding... I had forgotten about that" Nel remembered, as she wanted to do it still.

"Yeah... And the fact that we only recently solved the mystery of the disappearances wasn't of much help" Ichigo noted, giving insight about their most recent problem.

Cien had been getting Arrancar to experiment on during the past weeks, but was recently confronted and defeated by Ichigo's Espadas.

"The good thing is... Ulquiorra and Grimmjow already took care of that Arrancar... Cien was his name, right?"

"I think so" She nodded thoughtful. "He's really similar to Szayelaporro, but definitely not the same, or at least for what I remember..."

"What are you going to do with him?" Urahara wondered. "I heard he is a pretty good scientist... And given the fact that I must lay low since I'm hiding Ichimaru-san as I develop a new Hougyoku... I can't really help you as much as you or I would like"

"And his Fracción is a really good healer as well, which could come in handy, since I and Inoue-san are technically the only ones with useful abilities in that matter" Nel added.

"I'm still thinking about that to be honest... Cause I've heard about the original Szayelaporro, and I find it difficult to trust him" Ichigo admitted. "And we've also got to deal with the fact that Cien is even more powerful than him... So It's a difficult choice. Maybe, if there was a way to limit his abilities, or to have some sort of control over his actions... I could work with him"

"What kind of control are you talking about?" Urahara grinned.

"Hmph, I know what you mean, but nothing serious. Just, a way to make sure he doesn't do anything traitorous or illegal while conducting his research"

"Illegal? Oh, that's right! You are writing laws and composing a constitution for your reign, aren't you?" Kisuke wanted more detail.

"Yes, although I'm not the main person in charge. I just check that everything's in order, but Harribel and Nel are the ones who have designed most of it, while I asked Byakuya to help us define its structure in a proper manner. Since he's from one of the Noble Families and so over the top, well, I thought he'd be perfect for this task, and I wasn't wrong in my judgement"

"I see, I see..." He held his chin. "There's so much change lately... After Jigoku lost its original ruler and all"

"But Arikado said he would raise Yomi to take that place in the future, and that he was left in charge in the meantime, so everything should go well for them, and as a result, for us as well..."

"That is true" He agreed. "Well, I guess I'll be leaving now, so that you can think about all this stuff calmly. A pleasure seeing you two, and above all, it's great to see you're happy"

"Thank you, Urahara-san. Please give our best wishes to Ichi's family, Yoruichi-san, Ishida-san, Chad-san and Rangiku-san if you see her, alright?" Nelliel said. "We'll give invitations to you all for the wedding"

"I'm counting on that, and I'll do my best with your greetings, Nel-san. I see that being a Queen hasn't made you any less caring or worried about others"

"Of course not. It is part of Nel's being, and I love that about her, just like all the rest" He gave his fiancée an inuit nose kiss to show his appreciation.

"Yeah, I definitely have to go now. Don't wanna interfere in the sexual encounter between Arrancar of your level, especially now that I gave you those pills..."

"Hey, it's not like we're animals, Urahara-san, that's mean!" Nel pouted.

"Yeah, what are ya trying to say?" Ichigo inquired with a menacing aura.

"Oh, just fooling around a little bit. Anyways, I wish you lots of luck and I'll try to deliver those messages, Nel-san! Byeee!" Urahara waved his hand and disappeared.

"Oi...!" Ichigo was gonna go after him, but Nel caught him by the arm.

"He was just joking, and besides, we know we're anything but beasts, right?" She said in a conciliatory manner. "Going after him would be finding at least a speck of truth in those words"

"*sigh* Yeah... I guess you're right" He concluded. "So... Would you like to go to the human world today?"

"With all our duties...? Are you sure?" She asked surprised. "I mean, not that it bothers me, but..."

"It's just for today, and since Urahara got us Gigai it will be easy" He assured her. "Good thing that Kon had his hair cut. That way, it won't appear like there are two Ichigos or something awkward like that"

"Well, if you put it that way... Yes!" She agreed cheerfully. "What do you want to do...?"

"I don't know. I thought we could have a day for ourselves. We've never really had an actual date, so I thought it'd be a nice change of pace"

"Oh, really? I'd love to know what a date is like!" She clapped her hands anxiously.

"And I want to show you that as well" He replied with a smile, blushing a bit. "Not that I really know what it is to go on a date with a girl... But I know the theory, so I'm sure we'll work something out"

"And if not, we can always come back and, you know... Just lock that door..." She insinuated with a lewd smirk.

"Hahaha, I know... But let's try something different for today, shall we?" He offered her his hand.

"Sure! I'll go with you wherever you want" She accepted it and grabbed his arm as she leaned on his shoulder.

"Let's pick some nicer clothes then... You know, it's a date and all" He wouldn't go so casual, or worse, in an Espada uniform.

"Yeah! I know the perfect attire!" She remembered a beautiful green dress that Pesche and Dondochakka had given her.

"Great. I'll go look for something. I'll be right back"

"~Okay~" She cutely said in reply.

Ichigo smirked with determination as he went to fetch a special gift.

"You might not know about these things... But if we're doing this, I might as well do everything properly" He said inside his head as he thought of a very special piece of jewelry he had gotten her. One to ask her hand as they dined on a fine restaurant by the night.

Would everything be as he expected?

Like always.

Only Time, will tell...

~~~~X~~~~

At the same time, in a white city...

A green haired Sternritter had just finished preparing an apple pie.

"Well... I hope Lil likes this one" She said to herself. "It's a good thing that cooking doesn't involve messing my hair up, and what can I say... I bake some pretty damn good pies" She smirked as she thought that.

A dark brown-haired one in a more conservative uniform entered the kitchen.

"Hey Candi, have you seen Gigi?" She asked with a rather pissed aura.

"No, Bambi, not in a while" She denied. "Did something happen?"

"You know, the usual stuff" She sighed. "It's her turn to patrol the area to be on the look in case the intruder shows himself, but she's nowhere to be found" She crossed her arms as she thought about the irresponsible Trap.

"I see... But it's no wonder given that this isn't precisely part of the routine. In fact, it is pretty silly to think that someone could break into this dimension, and what's more, Silbern, ain't it?" Candice inquired.

"I think so as well, but the scarce data we have says he's really dangerous. No one knows where he comes from, much less what he wants. All we know, is that he's a white-haired male who just... Appeared in the periphery and defeated a whole reconnaissance unit on his own" Bambietta explained.

"Seems pretty odd that not even his Majesty knows exactly... But well, guess that's why we're on guard" Candice frowned as she thought about the whole situation. "But whatever... It's not my turn now, so you go find Gigi and I'll be here guarding my apple pie. I promised Lil I'd make one for her today, so I tried my best. Last time she criticized my pastries saying someone else had done better, so I'll prove her wrong today. Candi is not just some random nickname you know? I gotta live up to it"

"By baking delicious sweet tarts?" Bambi wondered.

"Exactly" She stuck her tongue out.

"Hmph... I guess some people have too much free time on their hands..." Bambi commented insidiously as she left the room.

"Oi, got a problem?! At least I know a healthy way of relieving stress!" She yelled at her fellow Femritter, yet the other one didn't care as she had better things to do. "That psychopathic skank..."

Candice decided to sit on the couch and read a magazine as she waited for the pie to be ready.

She didn't like reading that much, but there were always a couple articles that gave tips about beauty and especially, her favourite section: "Hair Care".

About fifteen minutes into that, she became sleepy, so seeing as the pie had still a while left before being ready, she carefully leaned a bit more on the sofa to catch some Zs.

When she woke up, it was because of the sound of the oven's timer finishing.

"Hm? Is it ready...? *yawn*" She stood up and gave a look at the kitchen. "What the fuck?!"

With a fork in hand and a slice of pie in a plate, a white-haired man covered his full mouth to speak.

"Srry!" He engulfed the piece inside his mouth quickly. "Did you make this? It's delicious!" He complimented. "I do think the dough would be better with a little saltier touch though, but you can add more butter next time"

He wore a somber black hoodie and dark jeans, with a gray T-shirt beneath that was splattered with red ink, as if it was stained with blood.

His hair was white, long and messy, and it covered the left side of his face, only one of his deep purple eyes being in sight.

Overall it was a pretty common outfit, neat, but nothing so out of the ordinary for a human being.

However, what was really alarming was the fact that he was a male, clearly not a Sternritter, and had white hair.

He had to be the intruder.

Candice wasted no time as she pushed him into the wall as fast as a lightning, holding him by the v-neck of his t-shirt.

"Hey, no need to get so upset, I just wanted a little piece, haha" He smiled in a childish and harmless way.

"He doesn't seem fazed by my speed or strength, much less animosity. Who is this person?!" She thought in shock. "Who are you, and what the Hell are ya doing 'ere?!

"Oh, my manners..." He shut his eye in disappointment for a moment. "The name's Atticus. As for what am I doing? Pretty simple. I have a terrific sense of smell when it comes to delicious food, and I was taking a stroll around here when the sweet mouth-watering scent of your pie guided me to this place, so I decided to enter and try it by myself" He seemed to answer with honesty.

"Well, Atticus... I have no idea of how you got here and I don't care, but you're very suspicious, so I'll have to zap you and take you to his Majesty" She told him.

"Oh, electricity? Just the prescription I need!" He teased her. "Go ahead!"

"What the- Is he a masochist? Or maybe he's expecting me to attack and it's a trap...? No, he must be trying to scare me or confuse me, that must be it. Well, that's not happening against Candice Catnipp, no, sir" She thought proudly as she charged electricity in her other hand. "Lights out"

She slapped him with that hand, with a power that would've easily wounded badly even a low-class Quincy Soldier.

"Ahhh... That hurt, girl!" He complained.

"What in the world...?"

"Ahahaha... You really thought I would've gotten this far being so easy to catch?" He mocked her.

"So it is you...!"

"Of course it's me! Who else would I be...?" He wondered, teasing her more.

"No! I mean...! Grrrr!" She became pissed at him, charging her fist with electricity.

She punched him a couple times, although the only thing that seemed to give him was a nosebleed.

"You can try all you want, but this leads nowhere..."

"Oh really? Then why are you bleeding?" She grinned triumphantly.

"Um... I... I have no idea... Hahahaha" He laughed as he stopped staring at her boobs.

Candice realized this, every fiber of her body becoming enraged.

"You're so DEAD!" She spouted as she charged more electricity and dealt a deadly punch at him.

Unfortunately for her, Atticus was done turning the other cheek.

Her punch was stopped by his hand, which not only was powerful enough to stop that, but was also charged with dark purple electricity with an equal intensity as hers.

"No way...!" She was shocked by that development.

"Look, if you keep doing this, at the very least you're gonna have to bake me a pie. Using me as a punching ball is not for free, you know?" He retorted, a tad bothered.

"What... Are you...?" She muttered as her lip trembled and she stepped back.

He smiled once again, and simply replied:

"I'm Atticus Arctopus. A man who knows nothing about everything. Nice to meet you!"