Um...yeah...I had this writen and ready to be posted a couple days ago...BUT I FELL ASLEEP! When I woke up, I thought I did it...and it was only until now that I realize I didn't! SORRY!!

Shinzo-YYYEEESSSSHHHH!! My own body!! PLEASE tell me I get to keep it!! PLEASE!!

Ichigo-.: complaining in a corner with a migraine:. He's worse now then when he was in my head!

Shinzo-.: seductive voice:. Aw, King, ya know ya lurve it!

Ichigo-.: stuttering:. Uh…well I….: backs off slowly, but soon dashes off:.

Shinzo-Wait! King! Come back!

Me-.: Watches the exchange with a grin on her face:. Oh, yeah, this chapter is a bit longer then my others. YAY! Anywho…continuing!

Last Chapter

"Hueco Mundo." Both their eyes widened at the new voice. Two blonds, a guy and a girl, step from the nearby trees, scowls on their faces to mask their worry.

"What the hell are you doing here?!"

"And how do you know about Ichigo?"

"That's what we've come here to say. We're going to need your help. In retrieving him." Grimmjow and Renji brace themselves, preparing for the worst.

Chapter 8

Shinji and Hiyori stopped a few feet away from Renji and Grimmjow. Renji kept quiet, as Grimmjow seemed to know more about these newcomers then he did.

"Why would you freaks go out of your way to save Ichigo?" Shinji looked offended.

"Why, you ask? He is one of us. Or had you forgotten?"

"One of you? What exactly are you?" Renji asked, obviously confused. Hiyori had enough of keeping quiet to last her a year.

"What we are is none of your concern, stupid Shinigami."

"Now, now Hiyori, be nice. We are asking for their help, after all." Hiyori glared at the taller man.

"I don't see why. We can do it by ourselves. Why would we need them?!"

"We don't know what we're up against. For all we know, someone could be holding dear Kurosaki-kun hostage. Then what would we do? Our group isn't enough to go up against something Kurosaki-kun couldn't beat."(1) Grimmjow had enough.

"I will ask you one more time. What would you possibly gain by rescuing Ichigo?!" Shinji looked back.

"Alright, alright. Kurosaki-kun, as I've said before is one of us. You know what that…comes with, do you not?"

"Yeah. I do."

"In Hueco Mundo, that thing will become more and more independent. If it isn't already separated from Ichigo, then it will be soon. We need to stop that from happening." Grimmjow nodded.

"Do you know anything about the attack earlier? They didn't seem like regular Hollow to me." Shinji grinned that all knowing grin of his. Renji shivered, thinking of how much it reminded him of ol' Hat-and-clogs. But, Hiyori spoke up instead.

"You're right, they weren't normal. They were either mutated offspring, otherwise known as clones, or they were a new species of Hollow." Shinji took up from there.

"And, seeing as clones need an original source, which we couldn't sense, that couldn't be the answer we're looking for."

"So they are a new branch. Weird I haven't heard of anything like that. I need to talk to a few people. Where do you want me to meet you?" Grimmjow stated, abruptly. Shinji and Hiyori looked at each other.

"We'll be leaving in three days. There's an old warehouse on the outskirts of town. We'll let a small amount of Reiatsu leak through our barrier on that time. Anyone whose coming will come, anyone who's not, won't. Understand?" Renji and Grimmjow nodded. "Good. We'll be off then." And they disappeared.

While Renji went to go take the newly gathered information to Rukia and the others, Grimmjow went straight into Hueco Mundo. The old Los Noches fortress, to be precise.

"YO! SZAYEL! WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"

"Calm down, Grimmjow-san. I'm right here." Grimmjow immediately turned and grabbed the scientist by the collar, lifting him up off the ground.

"I have a few questions, and I'm going to get my answers."

"My, my, so hasty. I'll give answers to questions I have answers to, but that's all I can offer." Grimmjow was getting tired of his cocky grin, and slammed him against a nearby wall.

"What the hell's up with the new Hollow-freaks?!" Szayel looked intrigued.

"A new Hollow species? Do tell, do tell. Did you manage to capture one? I could hold a proper dissection and—"

"You're saying you don't know?!"

"The only Hollow species I have knowledge of are the Minor Hollow, the Menos, Gillian, Adjuchas, Vasto Lorde, and Arrancar."

"Fuck."

"Why is it that you seek this knowledge, Grimmjow-san?" The panther growled and sent a glare toward the scientist.

"None of your fucking business. I have another question."

"Of course, ask away."

"Is there any un-charted regions of Hueco Mundo?"

"There is, there is. A little past the outskirts of where you were first found, Grimmjow-san. The territory is un-mapped because we didn't see any use to it. All we know about it is that when we did send our men there, they didn't come back. The area has no way to communicate with the outside areas because of the strange frequencies. Everything about the place is a mystery. That's the most likely place you will find your 'new species.'" Grimmjow looked thoughtful, mulling over the glimpses he caught of that place when he was an Adjuchas. It wasn't pretty.

"Fine. That's all I needed. I might bring you back a sample, if I can." The scientist looked absolutely ecstatic.

"So you do plan on going there! Oh good! Can you bring me back a couple of the surrounding architectural features and plants as well? I would absolutely love more specimens! We've been running quite dry."

"Yeah sure, whatever. As long as it doesn't weigh me down."

"LOVELY! I love having you around sometimes Grimmjow-san! Come back alive will you?" Grimmjow dropped the scientist.

"Whatever." And he was gone.

"So, in summary, we're allying with people we've never heard of, to go somewhere we now nothing about, and fighting against newly found enemies, also that we now nothing about, to save Ichigo from certain doom?"

"He did the same for you."

"True. Alright I agree. Everyone else?" Rukia and Renji looked toward the group they gathered.

"I'm in." Orihime and Chad said at the same time.

"I guess I don't have a choice do I?" Ishida reluctantly agreed.

"Oooo, rescuing our savior. Sounds beautiful! Ne, Ikkaku?" Yumichika said, overjoyed.

"As long as there are lots and lots of enemies to take out, it would be so much better then staying here. Why are we still posted in Karakura anyway?" Ikkaku's question went ignored.

"Someone still needs to be here to lead the Sou-Taichou off." Everyone turned wide-eyed at Hitsugaya. He just looked annoyed. "You rebels won't keep to the Soul Society rules even if we had you under watch every second of your lives. Go save Kurosaki and I'll stay here."

"And, I stay with my Captain. I have to be present for the reports we send in. And we can't say I have a hang-over every time." Matsumoto added a bit too cheerfully. Hitsugaya groaned and everyone else just kinda zoned her out on instinct.

"So we have a team of…seven Shinigami?"

"Wow Renji! You can count!" The red-head glared at Rukia.

"Of course I can count! You little—" Ikkaku cut him off.

"SO! When are we going again?"

"Well, subtracting the time it took to round you all together…a little less then two days now. Which….reminds…me…" Renji's voice trailed off as he fell asleep, falling back onto Inoue's floor. Ikkaku nudged him a couple times with his foot.

"Yeah, the guy's about as awake as a dead rock."

"What the hell is a dead rock?! Are rocks alive in the first place?!"

"…"

"Well?"

"Shut up."

"Seriously, stop that."

"But Kiiinnngg!" Shinzo pouted.

"I said no. And no is my final answer."

"But…ya look so cooomffy!!"

"I JUST WANT TO FUCKING SLEEP!? IS THAT SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND?!"

"Then let meh lay on yer lap. The sand's too hard, an' there ain't another rock like the one yer leanin' on fer miles and miles." Ichigo groaned.

"You're not going to let me sleep, are you?"

"I would if ya'd just let me use yer lap!"

"That's just…creepy! No way!"

"Prude."

"Name calling won't get you anywhere." Shinzo stuck his tongue out. Ichigo sighed and closed his eyes, trying once again to get some much needed sleep. Until he felt pressure on his lap.

"I SAID NO!!" Ichigo immediately stood up, dropping Shinzo unceremoniously onto the ground. But as soon as Ichigo was up, Shinzo crawled in as quickly as he could to take his place.

"Hehehe, now it's the other way around King. Ya gonna lay on the sand?" He said, smugly, as he got comfortable with his back up against a rather tall rock. Ichigo was turning red with anger.

"Shinzo. I. Just. Want. To. Get. Some. Sleep. Please. Move." The albino, once again, stuck out his tongue. He then spread his legs and tapped the sand between them.

"Come on King; just sit right 'ere. Ya can lean back against lil' ol' me. I won't do anythin'. Bet its way more comfy then sleepin' on a rock." Ichigo was quickly loosing the will to fight back. Which Shinzo easily took advantage of. "Come on, lean back against me and rest yer head on my shoulder. I'll keep ya safe while ya sleep King."

"I…don't need to be…protected." Ichigo said around yawns.

"But ya do need sleep. Pretty pwease King? I won' bite." At least not while King's asleep. Hehehe.

"Fine. I'm going to get you for this when my brain wakes up." Shinzo had that 'complete and utter joy' smirk on his face as Ichigo sat in front of him. He still seemed hesitant when it came to actually leaning back, though, so Shinzo decided to do him a favor. He wrapped his arms around his King's waist and pulled him back. Ichigo…squeaked…or something…but allowed himself to be pulled back.

"Mmm. Comfy King?" Ichigo shifted a little, before finally leaning his head back on Shinzo's shoulder.

"I guess. Now comes the actual sleep part. You're not going to do anything."

"I know, I know! Jeez King, have a little faith." Then Ichigo started to fall asleep.

"Uh-huh…sure…" Yawn. "Oi, keep it above the waist. Not doing anything means no molesting."

"But…" Ichigo sent him his death glare and Shinzo fell silent, pouting. Not soon after, Ichigo fell asleep.

Two days later (I got lazy)

Ishida and Rukia were the only two to notice the almost non-existent reiatsu Shinji let out. But they were all off at top speed in the next couple of seconds.

And arrived at the warehouse less then five minutes later. Shinji was outside waiting for them.

"No Grimmjow?" Renji shook his head.

"He hasn't contacted us yet."

"Ah." The portal opened up enough to let them all in, and only Ishida hesitated, but went in anyway. Shinji laughed as he held the door open for them. Renji and Ikkaku took offense.

"What's so funny?" They said, simultaneously.

"Sorry, this is just a first for us. Shinigami, humans, and Quincy all under our roof at the same time. Grimmjow gets here and we'll even have Hollow. It's a cause for celebration, don't you think?"

"Don't make them feel invited. They're just here because it's absolutely necessary."

"Hiyori, so mean." He just got a 'pshh' in response. The entering group looked around them to find no one else there.

"You two aren't the only ones, are you?" Both the blonds looked toward Rukia.

"Oh, heavens no. The others are all down in the training room. We thought it would be a little intimidating if we had them to greet you here. So, do you want to talk here, or down there? I'm sure you want to know more about us, correct?" He smiled. Everyone had to hold back shivers.

"How about we talk with the rest of your group." Yumichika said, helpfully. Shinji nodded and continued to lead them down the stairs to the desert-like training grounds.

"Perfect. Careful though, Love and Lisa might be in a bit of an—" He was cut off as a manga flew dangerously close to his head, accompanied by yelling. "Argument."

"YOU DON'T TOUCH MY STUFF WITHOUT ASKING!" Lisa shouted, venomously.

"I WOULDN'T HAVE TO IF YOU LET ME BORROW IT MORE OFTEN!" Love yelled, defensively, as he tried to dodge Lisa's wrath. The Shinigami and other newcomers were staring at the open display of violence wide-eyed. All but Orihime, who had come here once before. She ran straight up to Hachi.

"Orihime-chan! How nice it is to see you again!"

"I'm glad to see you too Hachigen-kun." She replied, as she gave him a hug.

"HOW DARE YOU EVEN THINK THAT! MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS ARE MINE AND MINE ONLY! I PAY FOR THEM WITH MY MONEY!"

"BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY!"

"THAT'S BECAUSE IT'S SO FREAKING HARD TO GET MONEY WHEN YOU'RE HERE! IF I COULD SO IT, THEN YOU CAN TOO! GET A JOB, LAZY!" Love continued to run away from a murderous Lisa. Shinji ran over to try and break them up.

"Now, now. Can we cut each other's heads off later? We have guests, and-"

"SHUT UP SHINJI! THIS IS OUR FIGHT!" He ducked away from the make-shift missiles thrown at him. (Another book and a rock.) That's when Kensei came up and knocked out Love.

"There. You can beat the guy up later, Lisa, he's not going anywhere. Can we please get this meeting over with now?"

"Of course, of course, thank you Kensei. Now then, Shinigami rebels and friends please come this way!"

"Why does everyone insist on calling us rebels?!" Ikkaku asked, as they walked toward the now sitting group.

"Oh, we are and you know it. Now shut up and sit down."

"Pushy much, Rukia?" Renji got a smack to the head.

"Now, now, calm down. We just stopped one fight. Anyway, as I was saying before we came down here. You must be eager to learn more about us, right?"

"Yeah, and I want to know how Ichigo fits in to all this." Rukia demanded, fingering the device in her pocket that she bought from Urahara.

"Of course, of course! He was your friend first, after all. Now then. I'll start by telling you that we all have once been Shinigami, just like yourselves."

"That's impossible! I would've heard your names!"

"Our data was erased from every record and file known to the Soul Society, and anyone who knew us was either forbidden to speak of us again, or had their memories of us forcefully removed. Now then, can I go on?" Rukia nodded. "Good."

"Now, as I was saying. We were Shinigami. We are not anymore. And neither is dear Ichigo-san." That got some argument, which Shinji silenced by holding up his hand. "Please, allow me to continue. Any further interruptions and I will be forced to leave you without information and to go even blinder into this battle than we are." That effectively shut everyone up.

"Good. Now then. Have any of you ever heard of a race called Vizard?" All the Shinigami looked around at each other, and apparently no one had. Ishida was another story.

(AN: This is where it gets WAY not like the original series. I've made my own theory as to how Vizard and Arrancar exist. Meh.)

"I've heard a little. They're apparently Shinigami that strayed too far toward non-existence, and came back with Hollow powers. Or…something like that…"

"You have the main picture…Ishida, right?"

"Yeah." Shinji nodded.

"Alright. The only part you have wrong in your summarization is how you said, 'they come back with Hollow powers.' That, my dear Quincy, is not true. Shinigami come back from that void with a Hollow inside them." Most of the group gasped, and others were a little confused.

"You mean, a Hollow that used to be its own being? How?" Rukia said, drawing blanks in Shinji's story.

"Yes, a Hollow that used to be its own being. But, a Hollow that has given up on its pathetic life. A Hollow that doesn't want to be subjected to eat souls the rest of its life. Hollow like that; go into a kind of hibernation state. Their bodies disappear and their minds, or souls, wander the void, as we've dubbed it.

"They wait there, until a Shinigami either is forced, or goes into the void willingly. The Hollow then merges with the Shinigami, and follows him or her back to the material realm, where it might continue to try and take over the Shinigami's body, if it had a lot of pride in its past life.

"Also, depending on how long the Hollow has lingered in the void, it would loose some, or all, of its memory, along with it's original form. Which is why most Inner Hollow look like it's host. Its relationship with its Shinigami will depend on if it gets them back or not. Any questions?" Shinji had to wait a few minutes, for the information to soak in, before Rukia, again, spoke up.

"What kind of relationship do they have to have for the Hollow to get its memory back?"

"Ah! I knew that would be asked! The relationship has to be one of love. Both inhabitants must have a lot of feelings for each other and be in an intimate relationship. And yes, Hollow can feel emotion." He said, as a few hands rose. "This relationship hasn't happened in our history yet, though, so we never found out how it is pulled off. Shame. Any more questions?" Orihime timidly spoke up.

"Um…then…how would the…uh…Arrancar be made?"

"Ah, unexpected, but I do have the answer to that! If a Shinigami is pulled into the void, but no Hollow merge with him or her, then they are left to linger there as well, and the exit closes. Then, a force can pull them from the void, and attach their souls to a Hollow. This process, unlike the one for a Vizard, cannot be done naturally. This was what the device Kisuke-kun made was for." Some of the Vizard's guest nodded in thought, finally starting to get it, and others just didn't really care. (Cough-Renji-Ikkaku-cough)

"Good, now that we're all caught up, time to begin our preparations."

(1) Ichigo gained a lot of power and stuff...you know...to defeat Aizen. His new abilities (that are completely made up) will come up later in the story.

Yeah…I think the next chapter will be mostly centered on Shinzo and Ichigo. I haven't got enough of them in here even though the story is about them. Grr.

Plus, I need them in some kind of dire situation that they might need to be rescued from. So…yeah…that's coming next chapter as well…

Didn't get much of the other Vizard in here either. Mashiro didn't show once! Ugh! Sorry if unsatisfied, and my eternal gratitude to those who are!

And THANK YOU TO ALL MY REVIEWERS!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!! Probably the only reason I didn't stop this story yet. Hehehe.

Oh, and feel free to tell me if anyone's out of character. Sometimes when I get to writing, I just write. No thought at all. I'll go back and make corrections as need be if anyone does find something.