A/N: Well, I'm trying to finish up this story fast while I'm getting motivation since originally this was just a side project for me, but no it turned into a full fledged story with ten chapters. Good thing I love writing. So, this is the 'battle portion' of the series. Which means it took about 8 years to complete the battle, so you'll be hearing on and off about the Aizen war. Isn't it sad when your spell check approves every name in bleach? Cause mine does from all the stories I've written everyone's name was introduced at least once.

i'm so glad i voted for this it's such a cool- idea to write a story like this much love to you neko-chan for writing this much love

-zeldagamefan

Chapter 8

8 years

"…It was February which meant harsh cold conditions for all. Lower shinigami controlled the front lines, it was there duty. Wiping out the first wave of invaders which mostly consisted of normal hollows. Dozens had died, leaving masses of flesh staining the battle field. The horrid sight was not for the faint of heart, as well as everyone else for this day was etched into everyone's brain for all eternity as the day everything that was ever good almost became a mere memory…"

The suspense was driving me insane, the orders to dive onto the battle field were taking longer than expected. I was being saved for the last line of defense, at least that was what I was told. Me being a vizzard made a great difference in my power level, it surpassed most captains if not all. So, that is why I stand in the captains quarters with every other head, waiting patiently while people were getting slaughtered.

"The time draws closer. Prepare to fight." Squad one captain called standing perfectly still in the front of me plus the ten other captains.

"What squad is out now?" He paused a second reminiscing about something.

"Squad thirteen"

That meant once they were down, it was lieutenants then us. I had to say though that this was the worst battle strategy in the world, at this rate everyone but the captains and lieutenants would be killed off. Byakuya, who was next to me looked to the floor gripping his fists tighter by his side. What got him in a bad mood?

"She'll be alright." Ukitake genuinely comforted Kuchiki.

What did he mean by she? I didn't know Byakuya had a secret love, in squad thirteen nonetheless.

"I'm surprised you're not taking this hard, I mean you've known Rukia for eight years, right?" This time Hitsugaya spoke.

"Rukia is in squad thirteen?" I shouted at him losing my cool.

My body began to tremble, shaking furiously. Rukia had been my girlfriend for seven years, of course no one knew about that besides the two of us.

"Ichigo are you alright?" Captain Unohana asked, most likely since my sight was set on the floor, my fist gripped so tight a trickle of blood actually formed down the side.

"No, I'm not alright. Rukia is my girlfriend and I can't even be by her side to protect her. How would you feel? Useless? Pointless?" oops, I probably said too much.

"How long has that been going on?" Byakuya turned toward me raising an eyebrow, his eyes told me if we weren't in the middle of a war then I'd be dead.

"seven years or so." I found it useless to try and hide it.

Most the captain's eyes grew, many looked very surprised like this was the weirdest thing they ever heard of.

"How could you possibly keep that secret so long?" Soi Fong asked taking a step forward.

"Lots of will power." I responded remembering the past incidents where numerous people almost found out.

"How did you stay together that long, I mean with both of your daily world war III?" This came from Kyouraku. (the one with the girly robe... just being helpful.)

I took a second to remember the daily fights that Rukia and I stumbled upon, "Actually that might have made our relationship stronger." it was true though, every time we argued we ended up making out in the end so it worked out fine for me.

"Want do you know a true shinigami relationship." Yamamoto whispered to himself more than me, but I heard it nonetheless.

"That wasn't wrestling practice behind the training hall?" Kenpachi interrupted, very much surprised.

I shook my head, remembering that make-out session, it was quite enjoyable.

"So that wasn't CPR either?" Unohana asked looking shocked by our apparent lie.

Oh boy half these people have bumped into us at different points there's no way I could get myself out of this one.

"I kind of figured that you weren't practicing pinning an opponent at midnight in the park." I forgot that one, Hitsugaya was visiting or patrolling as he would like to say when he stumbled upon us.

I ignored his comment, my attitude toward him had changed increasingly since I caught him kissing my sister. It looked like Byakuya was going to add his comment but-.

"Sir, squad thirteen is down." One of the lower chain shinigami busted into the room, his clothes were blood stained and there was a line of bruises originating from the peek of his neck. No! Rukia!

"Were there any survivors?" Byakuya beat me to the chaise asking before I had a chance.

"The scene is too horrid for us to scrimmage through, we'd be devoured ourselves if we casually waltz out there." I grunted feeling my inner hollow laugh from the depths of my mind. Oh how it pissed me that he had such pleasure out of this; Rukia's demise.

"Then let me go." I shouted at basically everyone, not knowing precisely who to voice my concern to.

"It's not our turn yet." The lead captain calmly spoke to me.

" I don't give a fuck. I'm going and I could care less about what you have to say." Before anyone could attempt to stop me I flashed out of the room, practically flying to the known battlefield…

"…The houses were charred and the citizens were no where to be found. It was an utter ghost town, littered with bodies all wearing black clothing. Swords lined the battle sight, some stuck in the ground while others missing a half. It seemed as though the enemy had gotten tired of watching motionless, lifeless beings. Our heroin Rukia was no where to be found, not even a corpse…"

"Rukia!" I shouted madly skimming the dozens of slashed bodies on the ground.

None were Rukia, but nonetheless they were comrades and bravely gave their…afterlives? For the good of all. All the buildings were reduced to rubble, it would be impossible to find her in this bloody mess. Of course when did the impossible ever stop me before? "Rukia, where the hell are you?" I said more to myself than to well… there was only myself.

"Mister, mister!" A little kids voice disturbed the silence.

About I'd say a six year old came running towards me, rubble staining his clothes and blood down his arm.

"This isn't a place for kids." I was frantic and confused as to why a small kid was in the middle of a war zone.

"Come quick, I need to show you something." Even though my search was still in progress, I couldn't refuse a kid when my reasoning for being here was quite possibly already a lost cause, besides he reminded me too much of one of my own little sisters.

He led me to the corner of the small village, the one small hut left in the entire place. "In here!" I followed, walking into the small, yet homey house. Inside everything was torn and shattered the only thing remaining were the walls.

"This girl, she saved me, but she's not waking up." The boy cried pointing to a small petite shinigami in the corner; my Rukia.

I watched as her chest rise and sink, she was alive and now I could breath easy.

"Rukia!" I whispered dropping to my knees in agony.

"Oh god you're alright." My arms engulfed her small form, picking her up bridal style.

She was bleeding in various spots that also were home to deep wounds. Bruises formed in various spots on her body. In general she wasn't it good shape, but that didn't matter as long as living was her future.

"Hop on." I motioned for the little boy to climb onto my back so I could bring both of them to a medical facility.

He did as he was told and we were out within seconds.

The battle had started up again, meaning dodging and attacking were my main focus, though it wasn't very easy with two passengers aboard. Me of course being me was able to make it back to the medical treatment center with minimal damage. Rukia was swiftly taken away from me, while I was being wrapped in bandages. Seriously there was no need, but they insisted.

"…This worried our hero, but as luck would have it they at last were brought together once again. The shape of the girl wasn't too blissful, but she was alive nonetheless. Ichigo vowed to avenge every drop of blood that was shed from her soiled being. He beat down many of creatures climbing his way to the top, eventually facing the devil himself…"

"Aizen. Remember this moment," Painstakingly Ichigo pulled Aizen's zanpactou out of his side using the force to jump backwards, "for this is the last time you shall draw blood from any being." The ex captain just laughed wiping his sword clean of crimson liquid.

"Don't get cocky boy." I spat in his direction, the liquid lined with blood.

"You're a small crumb compared to the cake, Ichigo. What makes you think you have the power to defeat one such as me. The one who has come to control all of the spirit world." I smiled remembering my trump card that I knew was about to come into play.

"I think you have it backwards, for I am the one with ultimate power."

My image started to blur. Black starting to consume my eyes and soul. It was coming, the ultimate power that even Aizen had not successfully controlled.

"What the hell?" Aizen's worried panic was music to my ears, it made me laugh sinisterly.

"This is when you come to an end." He took a step away from me his Zanpactou in the ready stance.

"How are you emitting such strong reiatsu? You're only a mere human that gained powers from a third rate shinigami!" The crack towards Rukia was the last straw, I was going to take this nice and slow, savoring every last scream for mercy.

Oh god the hollow possession was starting to overcome me; I had to remain calm during the fragile transfer stage. Over the years I have figured out how to amplify the hollows power, but it was risky towards me since I had to remain in complete and absolute control for about a minute.

"I have done what you dreamed of." His eyes gave sign of jealousy, after all I was admitting a hollow like energy.

"I have overcome the blurred boundaries." He shifted one foot to the next like a provoked bull readying to charge blindly from rage.

"I have created the ultimate weapon." He now charged at me, waving his sword wildly, I closed my eyes hoping the hollow was ready and it was.

The second impact came I opened my eyes, them now bleached with black, yellow pupils warning of danger.

"I accomplished the goal which was yours; I became a vizzard. A master at controlling the inner hollow." I laughed pushing him away raising my hand to my face calling fourth my mask representing the mark of destruction and fear. (A/N: I'm pretty sure that's wrong just go with me, if that turns out to be right then I'm one hell of a psychic!)

"Impossible!" he barked as he eyed the completely formed mask covering my face.

His eyes filled with anger and fright. I knew he could see his death coming and he knew I could too.

"You're just a mere human. How? I've strived for this, all my efforts, plans, skills. They all focused on this." The menacing grimace escaped my mouth, even though he couldn't see it.

His executioner had arrived and the steel axe was just about to fall.

"Times up, hope you had fun." With that I dove forward easily slicing and dicing leaving him gasping for breath on the cool hard ground.

I bent down to his ear allowing my mask to disappear, "Do you want to know what, my mask was an accident, I never wished nor strived for it." I whispered.

"Bastard." He got out with his last gasp, his hand hanging mid-air slowly dropped as if in slow motion. Aizen was dead and I was the one who killed him.

"…The epic battle hadn't lasted very long, Ichigo prevailing slaying the devil at last. Eight years of torture and war now seemed like an event from the past. Ichigo returned to the seiratei telling of the fortunate event, not mentioning the hollow within himself. They would never be ready for the truth of his type. Once again they drank and were marry, congratulating the end of the war.

Soon after soul society came up with an anonymous decision to install Ichigo into the thirteen court guard squads as the first captain of squad fourteen special defense…"

"So is there a reason I was dragged from my house in the middle of the night?" I questioned yawning still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

The last thing I remembered was suddenly getting jolted awake by Renji telling me to get the lead out of my pants.

"Yes, we've come to a very important decision. We'd like you to become squad fourteens new captain." I was in shock for a few seconds, staring open mouthed at the old man.

"But I have a job and wouldn't it conspicuous if I suddenly up and left." Avoiding a clear answer seemed the best method.

"And besides I thought there was only thirteen squads." The man actually laughed, well chuckled slightly, but that was the first time I ever saw him do that type of action.

"Very true, but we feel that a special attack squad was necessary and you're the only one we could think of that has the skills to take on such a task." I think he was attempting to lure me in with using my ego and damn it worked.

"Well, yeah, but are you sure." He nodded.

My first answer was of course to say no, but then I remembered how lifeless Rukia looked in my arms one month ago from today. That alone was enough reason in itself to accept the job. I nodded signaling I would hold the duty of becoming a captain.

Just then the room flooded with captains and lieutenants, them lining the sides of the hall. Byakuya just starred with a curious look written across his face.

"I assume everyone wonders why I have called you out here in the middle of the night?" A mess of half nods filled the room, most too sleepy to complete the motion.

"You should remember today as a wondrous day." Now I was blushing not wanting to stand in the middle of the on lookers peering at me with curious eyes.

Renji was a pair of those eyes and they told me he pretty much put two and two together unlike his captain who was probably in denial.

"For today is the day that squad fourteen, our special defense squad officially is to be known." Maybe if I snuck back slowly I could make it out the door before my name is mentioned. "Everyone congratulate our new captain, Ichigo Kurosaki." Damn too late I only got about three steps.

Eyes turned toward me, it pretty much mimicked the time I was last with these people in this room during the war.

"Good job Ichigo, your dad will be proud of you caring the name Kurosaki through soul society as immense power such as he did long ago." Ukitake exclaimed patting my back with a smile across his mouth.

"And so starts the excruciating work, are you up to running a whole squad by yourself?" I think Byakuya was attempting to scare me off with his cold expression.

"What I don't get a lieutenant?" I asked, but then turned around to Yamamoto.

"Your lieutenant has been prearranged already," Well, I wonder how much I could dread that sentence in the near future? "Rukia Kuchiki."

That was a shocker, who would have thought my girlfriend would end up being my underling. An evil smirk crossed my face, I could use that against her.

"Whatever ill thoughts you are thinking about my sister, I suggest you stop." Byakuya growled about ready to pounce on his prey.

I gulped nodding my head.

"Now no hanky panky in the office until after-" Kyouraku half way stated before getting slammed in the head by his lieutenant.

" Thanks Nanao."

I silently sighed thankful that instead of taking that statement way too literal Byakuya just sulked to the far end of the room.

"Congratulations carrot top." Renji said slapping my back with much force.

I turned to him, the evil glare back, "You do realize that you are now lower than me on the ranking scale?"

He grunted, "Damn it I forgot about that." He sulked off joining his captain in the corner mumbling something along the lines of, 'new comer out ranks me on first freaking day'

"Wait, I thought Rukia was still in the hospital?" Rukia had been in Unohana's capable hands for about a month. Her injuries were taking quite some time to recover.

"She's ready to go." Unohana smiled.

"Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner?" I yelled annoyed that I could have been visiting my girlfriend this whole time instead of returning home, coming every few weeks or so.

"Byakuya said it would have been better if you stayed home with your family for a while." Yeah, I'm sure of that. He just wanted to hog his sister for himself, that greedy bastard.

One day I'll marry her just in spite of him.

"…He honorably accepted the role pleased that none other than Rukia Kuchiki would be his lieutenant. But more than that he wanted to always be by her, protecting her like he had failed to do in the war time situation. Now, he could stay by her side no matter what, it was his job he was pleased to take on.

For years Ichigo always had to struggle to remain by her side since their two worlds were separate. They had come to accept the fact that a painstakingly long distance relationship was the only option, but since their love lied soul deep they both realized it was worth it…"

Today Masaki was the first one out of the room scurrying home as it was the last period. Her facial expression was filled with a remarkable amount of joy.

"Today is the day. Today is the day." Kept filling her head every three seconds.

She had to get home soon, for what she has been striving for, for the last month was finally here. The man she had come to love.

to be continued…

A/N: One more chapter down even to go! People be honest do you like this story, if not I'll avert my attention elsewhere. A review should suffice, so unless you want this story to go back into the depths of my mind I suggest reviewing. Also, i know in the beginning part that everyone should have been a little more depressed, but i like putting a little humor into my writing. -Your Neko Writer

Question: How is my writing style? Great, good, or extremely crappy?