DOUBLE UPDATE! Thanks in advance for the awesome reviews.

I've been writing nonstop for days now. The only reason why I've updated late is because I have no internet connection. I'm also on vacation with my grandparents and my aunt. They've been feeding me nonstop and I'm so full. I've been using all the spare energy I have to write.

I hope you'll leave a review for each chapter. It'd motivate me. Tell me what you think.

Chapter 12

The Exclusion

A hybrid – a vampire and a Changeling.

Aizen Ichigo had a hard time accepting the facts. There was a possibility that he could be a Changeling. He had been infected by the anti-venom and he thought he was going to die. But not before it was revealed to his very eyes that his bride was, in fact, a witch.

The suspicion was there and it was strong. When he woke up, he talked to Orihime and she confessed.

"Yes, Ichigo," Orihime had said, her eyes honest and wide. "I'm a Grand Red Witch."

The legend of the Grand Red Witch was what a story that Ichigo knew only too well. It was his duty to know about it, being one of the greatest secrets of his clan and the truth behind the origin of his kind. The first vampire was turned by the most powerful witch of the age.

A Grand Red Witch was a magical being who studied and perfected spells concerning life and its forces and forms. That was why witches of this kind are able to manipulate souls and bestow otherworldly powers to living beings. The first Aizen vampire sacrificed his humanity for extraordinary powers so that he and his family could live through the plague. He then needed to partake in human blood to sustain himself and fulfill his emptiness. The forsaken humanity turns him into a monster – the ultimate kind, both terrible and beautiful. Vampires were a picture of predatory perfection so that they could lure prey in like flies to a carnivorous plant.

Rosalind was the name of the Grand Red Witch, a woman that they called the Original Creator. She was the one who made the Lilith. Her magic broke the boundaries of everything that she had ever performed in her whole life. Her soul tore apart because of her deeds. She didn't know that there would be such lethal consequences in her actions, and that was why she cursed the Aizen line for convincing her to turn them into vampires. That was why they could not find their mates without her help. That was why they were still dependent on the Bloody Diamond Rose, an artifact which sealed away her heart. It remained alive because of the sacrificed souls of every vampire born as the generations pass.

Orihime told him another side of the story.

A story wherein Rosalind wasn't the only Grand Red Witch in existence. A reason which explained why Orihime could heal herself. An explanation behind him surviving despite being stung by a member of the Primary family. A tale about how she could create magical barriers that could stop Changelings. An answer as to why she was able to split the statue of the supposedly impenetrable Bloody Diamond Rose.

It was the story of the Grand Red Witch's twin sister, Rosemarie. She was the only witch who swore allegiance to a vampire, and above all vampires, the Kuchiki clan at that. Orihime told him that Rosemarie did it because she wanted to gain immortality and she discovered that it was through drinking the blood of original vampires could she attain that.

It was clear that Rosemarie had a good reason behind it – one that Orihime refused to tell even her own parents. It was that she had learned from her sister's mistakes that led to the tearing of her soul and ultimately, her death. Rosemarie learned that mixing vampire blood with witchcraft created the ultimate witch – someone whose life force and soul would not shatter in performing great amounts of magic. However, the transformation was not perfect as Rosemarie wasn't a vampire but, by biology, a human. That was why she was only endowed by near immortality but still was affected when she performed copious amounts of magic.

Orihime said that she saw the effects herself. When Rosemarie would contain her vampiric powers as an attempt to heal her, the woman would age considerably, resembling a rotting old hag. She would then drink Orihime's Lilith blood in exchange, a service that was granted permission by Kuchiki Byakuya and Yuriko. The Liltih's blood became an Elixir of Life for the witch and it was a ritual that she didn't like, since Orihime told him that Rosemarie nearly threw up every time she would drink blood. It was predictable since Rosemarie was still human.

Then there came a time when the Grand Red Witch became attached to Orihime and stopped using her as a tool to prolong her life. She discovered a way to create the perfect witch and at the same time, save a young girl that she had grown to care for. She turned Kuchiki Orihime into a witch by making the young girl eat her heart.

And that was why Orihime gained the many abilities of the Grand Red Witch. There were three basic magic types that she could do and these were the witch's ultimate ability. The first one was the Phenomenon Rejection. This allows her to reject any physical and spiritual phenomena that occur. Under Phenomenon Rejection were four spells – Santen Kesshun, Souten Kisshun, Koten Zanshun, and Shiten Koushun.

Santen Kesshun was the ability to create barriers between two objects. It is a spell that rejects the phenomenon occurring on the opposite side of the shield and it was the ability that Orihime used to protect Ichigo from Ulquiorra Schiffer's initial attack.

Souten Kisshun was the ability to reject a physical and spiritual event under its domain. It was the spell that Orihime used to heal herself, an example of rejecting the event that occurred. It is comparable to a space-time spell where one can reverse an event before it even happened. She also used the spell to reject the presence of the Changelings and removing them from the Aizen hall altogether.

Koten Zanshun was the ability to split objects apart, rejecting both sides of a physical or spiritual object. Orihime used this ability to break the statue of the Bloody Diamond Rose apart and break through the heart to get Ichigo's soul just in time to save his life.

Shiten Koushun was the ability that Orihime had never used before. She explained that it was very similar to the Santen Kesshun, it also being a shield. However, the difference was that when attacked, it rejects the antagonizing force and shoots the same amount of magical power back to the attacker.

The second ability that Orihime gained in becoming a Grand Red Witch was Counteraction. Counteraction was the power to create counter spells, potions, and any type of magic that can protect the caster from vampire magic, Changeling enchantments, or witchcraft. The most powerful skills that they had were the ones against the Grand Gray Witch. A gray witch is a being that created the Changelings. They pose as guardians of humans against attacks and it has always been that way.

His father told him that it was possible that a Grand Gray Witch was behind the attack of the Changelings. Witches didn't interfere with the rivalry of the vampires and Changelings since the first war but Sousuke was sure that there were traces of magic that belonged to a gray witch. And nobody was powerful enough to penetrate their family's magical wards unless one was a Grand Witch. Since the only red witch was with them, the only logical conclusion was that a gray witch could be behind it.

The third ability she had was Creationism. It was the magic that Rosalind used to create vampires. It was the power to make creatures out of any living being. The only lethal side of it was that when used repeatedly, they could diminish one's life force. What they didn't know back then was that when it's used to turn humans into vampires, it could ultimately corrupt your soul. That lack of information caused Rosalind's downfall. Orihime's powers exceeded Rosalind's. Since she was a mix of a vampire and a witch, she could sustain her life force even when turning humans. That's why she had the ultimate and unheard of ability to bestow and take away vampirism. She could practically turn anyone she wished back to humans.

It was a truly fearsome ability. Orihime could make vampires with Lilith-class supremacy. Unlike the corrupted attempts to turn humans by fellow vampires that failed and created the accursed Upir Likhyi, Orihime could restore the sanity and normalcy of the beasts. She wanted to use her powers for the greater good but her family objected. Ichigo could see their point. If Orihime was found out to have such amazing capabilities, who knows how many people of their kind would want her for themselves? She could also be ostracized for being an atrocity. That's why Ichigo was also grateful that she was under his family's protection now.

Ichigo recalled incidents where Orihime was discriminated upon by the other members of the Lilith, especially Jen. If his fiancée didn't have any sense of self-control, she could take away Jen's vampirism in a snap of her finger. Maybe that was the reason why there was something about Kuchiki Orihime that he couldn't place. She also revealed to him that the flash of magic that she used the first time he saw her was not vampire magic, but witchcraft.

"Why are you telling me all of this?" he asked her.

Orihime just smiled at him mysteriously. "We're about to get married, aren't we? I think we should be open and honest with each other."

He sighed. "Well, I certainly would want to know if I'm marrying a witch."

"At least I already know that I'm marrying a Changeling," Orihime joked.

Even though it was all in jest, she told him that there was indeed a possibility that he would be a Changeling. They just didn't know what kind of creature he would turn to. They didn't know if it was going to be a partial or a complete transformation. Changelings had two types of transformation. A partial transformation meant that there were some human parts retained upon change, just like Neliel, Luppi, and Ulquiorra. There were also complete transformations that allow a total change to a specific creature, just like Stark, Grimmjow and Nnoitra. There was no significant difference in the amount of power between complete and partial transformations. They all had one thing in common – all had lethal bodily weapons that could kill a vampire.

Orihime told him that they still wouldn't know for sure until he transformed. Ichigo didn't know whether or not he should be comforted by this. Being an anomaly to his kind bothered him to no end. His mother and father pretended that they were alright with it, but it wasn't true. His parents loved him to no end but they wouldn't be able to hide the fact that their son is able to turn into the vampires' mortal enemies of old.

He was now on his way back to Azulith Academy after a week's rest. The other students already returned from the long weekend the previous week and the only reason he wasn't allowed to go back was because the medics were still monitoring the signs. They were fully expecting him to turn into a Changeling within that period of time but he didn't. He was thankful that he wasn't a hybrid as Orihime thought he would become. He also missed her dearly. Being away from his mate was doing disturbing things to his psyche.

Ichigo closed the book that he was reading. He was learning all about Changelings. Apparently, their first transformation occurs when they're on the cusp of a great emotional outburst. It could occur when their life or the lives of their loved ones are threatened. It could also happen if they suddenly lash out in anger or experience extreme sadness. This worried him. Since he had not experienced any of these events in the previous week, he wouldn't be able to know for sure if he had the capacity to transform into any creature.

He certainly didn't feel different.

The only consolation about this whole ordeal was that the only ones who knew about this were his family and the Kuchiki clan. The Kuchikis swore an oath to secrecy and in exchange, the Aizens would keep theirs. No one could predict what anyone would do once they find out that Orihime was a hybrid.

The limousine halted to a stop.

"We have arrived, Aizen-sama," the chauffeur declared as he opened the door.

As predicted, scores of vampires were already waiting for their beloved leader. The girls were all screaming in delight, missing the glorious presence of Aizen Ichigo. The fact that he was already taken did not diminish his popularity among the female population. Waiting for him at the footsteps of the Gehenna dormitory were the members of the Lilith.

"I'm glad you're back, Ichigo-sama," Hinamori greeted him, a possessive Toushirou wrapping his arm around her waist.

"It's good to be back, Hinamori," Ichigo replied.

"Are you alright? Sousuke-sama said that you got hurt," Toushirou said.

"I'm fine," Ichigo assured his friend. "I haven't gotten used to my powers yet."

"That happens," Renji said. "I ended up hurting myself when I tried practicing mine."

"Only you could do that," Ishida commented. Renji stepped on his foot, effectively silencing him.

Ichigo noticed that Jen wasn't speaking. She wasn't like herself, welcoming him with all her jolly and loving behavior. She was just looking at him with a sad little smile on her face for the entire duration of his arrival. But he was truthfully thankful that all of that was gone now. At the very least, Xiao-Yu Jen was trying to move on. He could understand if she was disgraced by the events of last week.

The only one who wasn't there to welcome him was his very own mate, Kuchiki Orihime.

"Where is Orihime?" he asked.

"She's with her aunt," Renji replied.

"Kuchiki Rukia?"

"Yes," Hinamori said. "Apparently, her brother has decided to stop homeschooling her and decided to enroll her here in Azulith Academy."

"What?" Ichigo said, mildly surprised. "I didn't know that she was our age."

"I didn't know either," Renji said. "I always assumed that she was older."

"I did too," Ishida piped in.

"Well, she isn't," Toushirou stated. "She's now enrolled here and she has to be part of our circle now."

Ichigo smiled at that. He knew that the reason why Byakuya suddenly enrolled Rukia in Azulith Academy was because he needed her to keep an eye out for Orihime. Not just because of the attacks of the Changelings, but also to prevent Ichigo from doing anything to his beloved daughter. Ichigo knew that his future father-in-law had an overprotective streak when it came to his only daughter. Rukia's brash and upfront attitude towards him comforted Byakuya. The petite Lilith didn't fear Ichigo and wasn't afraid to speak out against him.

"We have to make her feel welcome, then," Ichigo said.

"Not again," he heard Jen murmur. It seemed that the dark-haired vampire had enough with the Kuchiki family.

"Aren't you sad that your wifey isn't part of the welcoming committee?" Renji teased.

"She's being quite inconsiderate given the fact that you just recovered," Jen said, finally speaking out her thoughts. He knew that she couldn't keep up the stoic façade for long.

"It's alright," Ichigo said. "Knowing Hime, she must have forgotten that I was arriving today."

Hinamori laughed. "That's just like her."

"I'm so excited!" Orihime exclaimed, throwing Rukia's clothes about. They had been unpacking for the better part of the morning and they still haven't managed to get halfway through. Rukia loved clothes so much that she spent a fortune on them. It wasn't a surprise that she came to Azulith Academy with a battalion of cars carrying her clothes alone.

Rukia grinned. "I'm sure you are. But I'm having a big problem here."

"What is it?"

The petite vampire was looking at the closets prepared for her. "I don't think my clothes will fit."

Orihime giggled. "That's because you brought too many!"

"Nonsense!" Rukia spat. "One can never have too many clothes."

"But you'll only get to wear the uniform most of the time. Where are you gonna use all of the evening gowns that you brought?" the auburn-haired heiress inquired, looking inside a trunk-full of formal outfits.

"Orihime," Rukia said in mock condescension. "I only brought half of my things. Nii-sama didn't allow me to bring all of them. And besides, I like to dress up. What am I going to wear after the evening class? You know I like strolling in the afternoons."

Orihime laughed at this. This was one of the things she and her aunt had in common. They liked taking walks even though the sun was up. It gave them a sense of seclusion and peace.

"You mean to say that all of your clothes fit in your room?" Rukia asked, looking very much problematic.

Her niece nodded. "I didn't bring too many."

"A shame," Rukia said. "I would have wanted to host a fashion show while I'm here. You know I like you modeling my clothes."

"I'm sure we could organize something like that!" Orihime happily declared. "You can get our other classmates to model!"

Rukia's eyes gleamed in excitement. "Of course! I haven't had these many vampires at my disposal. I could use them."

This caused her niece to open her mouth in protest. Rukia had a thing for designing and making clothes but she didn't get an opportunity to actually show them off to the world because their family had lived in isolation for so long. She also had little to no idea how to interact with the outside, apparent in Rukia's fondness for statements that were not considered proper to speak out.

"I'm sure we could pull a few favors," Orihime managed to choke out.

Rukia was still standing before a vast array of opened trunks. "I'm really having a problem. My room is too small. We don't even have that big of a walk-in closet."

"What do you plan to do? Your closet and all of the cabinets are full."

"Do you think I can request for another room. I think I'll turn that into my closet."

"I guess so. I mean, the room across yours is empty," Orihime suggested.

Rukia sighed. "Yeah, I saw. This dormitory is exclusively for the members of the Lilith but there's too many unused rooms. How many of us do you think they expect? Losers."

Orihime sweatdropped at that statement. "Well, you won't have any problem occupying the rooms. You just have to obtain permission from the Dorm Leader."

"Isn't that your fiancée?" Rukia asked teasingly. "I'm sure you can get permission for me. He'd be most willing to oblige."

Orihime blushed. She was still not quite used to the fact that she was already engaged to a man. "I-I…! I don't think - !"

"Sure you can!" Rukia interjected. "I'm sure he won't have the balls to say no to you! And of course, he can't say no to me! I'm your aunt. He needs to score some points if he wants to be married to you."

"But I will get married to him whether you like it or not," Orihime countered in exasperation.

Rukia snorted. "Irrelevant! He still needs to gain our approval."

"I would want some courtship," Orihime then said. "It all went too fast but I do know that he's my mate."

"Plus he knows everything there is to know about you," Rukia added. "I guess it's still too fast. Well, that's why I'm here! I can help you through the whole thing."

Orihime forced a smile. She knew why her aunt was here. It wasn't just to help her out as the woman so blatantly declared. It was to watch over her. Ever since the discovery of her powers by the Aizen clan, Byakuya thought that they should be cautious from now on. The man still couldn't completely trust her daughter's future in-laws. And given her father's overprotective side, Rukia was there to make sure that Ichigo wouldn't attempt to defile Orihime.

"I know what you're thinking," Rukia said teasingly. "And don't worry, if Ichigo comes around and decides to have sex with you, I won't stop it. Just make sure you cast the proper contraceptive spells."

Orihime blushed a brilliant scarlet. "Auntie! There's - ! We're not gonna - !"

"You can't say that once he traps you alone in his room, with his body pressed against yours…" Rukia said with a wink. "You can't really tell, Hime."

"But Ichigo-kun's not like that!"

"Ichigo-kun, huh?" Rukia teased. Orihime clapped her hand against her mouth.

"I don't know why I said that."

"I'm sure he's already given you permission to call him any way you like," Rukia continued. "You can even moan his name as he touches those big boobs of yours."

She mustered all of her strength not to faint at the lewdly graphic suggestions that her aunt was making. Ichigo wouldn't! He was an honorable man who would probably wait for their wedding night before touching her.

She shook her head and slapped her face to clear out all the weird thoughts infiltrating her mind as her aunt looked on in obvious hilarity. She then voiced out a question that had bothered her since she was a child. "Aunt Rukia, if I get married, who would be the next head of the Kuchiki clan?"

Rukia stopped laughing and smiled at her niece, "Technically, it would be me if you had no offspring, but that would be impossible now, wouldn't it?"

Orihime blushed once more. "But wouldn't he be the heir to the Aizen clan?"

"Your eldest would be," Rukia replied. "But your second offspring would be bestowed the title of being the Kuchiki head since you're the only child. So, you have to work extra hard to have more than one kid."

"Auntie!"

"I think you should just start calling me Rukia," the raven-haired vampire said. "I don't think I'd like it if our classmates heard you calling me 'auntie'. I'd feel old. In exchange, I could stop teasing you and Ichigo."

"Fine," Orihime said in frustration. "Rukia."

"Good," Rukia spoke smugly.

"Anyway," Orihime continued, "that would be odd, wouldn't it? And all of my kids would be male, in case."

"Kids huh? I think you should be prepared spouting out Aizen brats because I'm not sure he could wait that long given the looks he's been giving you," Rukia added, as if reading her mind.

"Hey! You promised!" Orihime pleaded, her face seemingly overheated. "Ichigo-kun won't do that to me."

With their argument, they didn't hear the door open.

"What won't I do to you?"

Orihime's head turned slowly to the door, feeling her heart jumping out of her throat. She barely heard Rukia's laughing response of, "I said 'I could stop teasing you'."

I forgot he's coming today!

And there was Aizen Ichigo, looking at Orihime with an amused and questioning expression on his handsome face.

One look in his eyes and it seemed that her aunt may be right.

And at that very moment when their eyes met, Kuchiki Orihime promptly fainted.

At the Aizen estate…

The heads of the Lilith were gathered together in an important meeting. Together with the Council of Five, they were together to discuss the recent assault and declaration of war by the Primary family of Changelings.

The Council of Five consisted of very ancient Lamia-class vampires who guarded the secrets and the citizens of the vampire race. But everyone knew that there were some secrets that they were not privy to, and that included the reality behind the creation of vampires.

The head of the Council was a man named Shigekuni Yamamoto Genryuusai. He was the oldest vampire in existence, outliving all of them by a thousand or so years. He was a bald old man with a floor-length beard that was tied together by two strings. He had an x-shaped scar on his forehead among many, evidence of the many fights that he had fought in. He was both an experienced fighter and a wise councilman.

His deputy was Kyouraku Shunsui, an inveterate womanizer and pathological drunkard. He often wore a floral-patterned, pink haori over sweeping white robes. His generally unkempt exterior made a lot of people not take him seriously. However, he was a very powerful man in his own right and eventually earned the respect of the entire population.

Then there was Shunsui's best friend, Ukitake Jyuushirou. His appointment was initially contested because of his lack of participation and presence in the vampire world. The main reason for this was because he had a frail composition. For a vampire, he was often riddled with some type of disease which was rumored to be caused by his mother's lack of care towards herself during pregnancy. He had a shock of long white hair and a kind, handsome face compared to Shunsui.

The fourth man was Hirako Shinji. He was the man in charge of the extermination and monitoring of the Upir Likhyi. He was the one often on his toes especially since the Kuchiki clan reintegrated themselves to the vampire society. His powers were legendary and he was not a man to cross. A Lamia with oddly-cut blonde hair and a constant lazy expression, he was often surprisingly sharp.

The last member of the council was the youngest, a woman named Shiba Kuukaku. Not much was known about her, but it was a fact that she was the most experienced fighter amongst the Council of Five aside from Yamamoto. Even though Shunsui was much older, the man spent almost all of his days learning rather than fighting. Jyuushirou was mostly ill and was not that suited for fighting. Shinji was almost her age and was in charge with keeping the Upir Likhyi in line but still didn't compare to the number of battles that Kuukaku participated in. In fact, the female Lamia had a mechanical right arm – her original one lost during one of her many battles. Parts of her ebony hair were also singed off and were covered by several bandages. The specifics weren't much known and she wasn't one to talk about it.

The Council of Five sat in a long rectangular table, facing their counterparts from the Lilith. Aizen Sousuke sat at the head, presiding over the entire proceedings.

"I have attempted to initiate talks with the head of the Premier family, Stark Coyote," Kyouraku Shunsui declared, as he was the one in charge with coordinating with the human faction leaders. "But they have shot down my invitation several times already."

"Has this ever happened before?" Knight Shuuhei asked.

"No," Shunsui replied. "They were always a very cordial bunch. Except for a few of their members, but Stark was always reasonable. You could even say that I've developed a close friendship with him."

"But they aren't cooperating now?" Highgate Ryuuken interjected.

"Unfortunately," Shunsui said, scratching his stubbled chin.

"Did the Intelligence Division find out any clues as to what's going on?" Sousuke inquired.

"No," Jyuushirou answered. "The spies that I've placed near their government building have not picked up any sign of movement. They're almost a hundred percent certain that the Changelings have moved headquarters."

"What?!" Xiao-Yu Shin thundered. "Where would they move?"

"They're certainly acting very suspiciously," Tunda Ichimaru said with his infamous grin. "Do you want my family to sniff them out, Sousuke-sama?"

Aizen nodded his head. "You have my permission, Ichimaru. Make sure to report back to me the moment you find their location."

The Tunda family members were the best trackers in the world and there was a guaranteed answer from them within a short period of time.

"I don't think that is necessary anymore, Sousuke-sama," Jyuushirou said. "We've already found their location."

"Where?" Adze Sajin spoke up.

"Three hundred miles east of Azulith Academy," the white-haired man answered, his eyes closed.

Sousuke's hands balled into fists. "I should inform Shinryuuji immediately to strengthen the wards. Have Empusa and Lamia-class vampires stationed at the borders of the academy. We are not going to let them harm our children."

Kuchiki Byakuya looked at the Aizen head with piercing eyes. "Why would they want our children in the first place? And why has your Council not done anything to exterminate the filth?"

Shiba Kuukaku glared at Byakuya. "If it were that easy, Kuchiki, I would have."

No one flinched at the informal way that Kuukaku addressed the Kuchiki patriarch. They were all used to the brash way of speaking she had. "My men and I have already surrounded the place and attempted several ambushes," she continued. "But the wards are impenetrable."

"Impenetrable wards?" Byakuya countered. "Of course it would be impenetrable to Lamia-class vampires. Send my family. We have expertise with barriers and concealment."

"Do not underestimate me, Kuchiki Byakuya," Kuukaku retorted. "We have researched the wards thoroughly. The hideout is underground and it's surrounded by Gray Witchcraft."

"Gray witchcraft?" Sajin repeated. "But that's impossible! Gray Witches are extinct!"

"It's not just any Gray witch," Kuukaku said. "It's a Grand Gray Witch."

Surprise covered the entire group. Byakuya could barely contain himself. He knew that the only way to penetrate the wards put up by a Grand Gray Witch was to use the spells of a Grand Red Witch. And there was only one witch in existence.

It was his own daughter, Orihime.

And no one knew about that fact except his family and the Aizens.

He could feel Aizen Sousuke's stare on him but he ignored it. He wouldn't let his daughter be risked for something like this. He had protected her secret for almost all his life and he didn't want her to be exploited for anything.

"How did a Grand Gray Witch even exist?" Ryuuken queried, his look severe. "The only witches in existence are second-generation spellcasters."

Second-generation spellcasters are witches who merely learned their craft through textbooks and ritual sacrifices. First generation witches or Grand Witches have their powers inherently passed on between mothers and daughters or if said witch gave her heart to someone. That was why they still had what they dubbed as Gray witches or Red witches – ones that learned a specific form of witchcraft from written records alone.

Grand witches had died out since the second generation of vampires. This was because they were exterminated by the Council of Five at that time, since the witches waged war against them. Ever since, there was no race able to completely match the power of the vampires, especially the Lilith.

Only the Changelings and the Primary family remained, with their paltry force of second-generation witches to create their punitive armies.

"We do not know," Genryuusai said. "But we are absolutely sure of the magic. I myself went and checked."

There was no doubt this time. Genryuusai was the only person to actually witness and encounter a Grand witch. As such, he was the only vampire who could identify the magic firsthand with no traces of misgivings.

"What about the reasoning behind the declaration of war?" Shuuhei said. "Has anyone looked into that?"

"Naturally," Hirako Shinji answered. "The accusations were false. The numbers of Upir Likhyi are the same, if not, dwindling. I have the list with me and my men are constantly on the prowl. They're just making up reasons to wage war."

"But we all know that Stark won't give us such false reasoning," Jyuushirou said. "Unless there's something or someone working in the shadows."

"That would certainly be the Grand Gray Witch that they're allied with," Byakuya declared. "There's no doubt that such anomalies are associated with her."

"What do you propose that we do?" Shuuhei asked all of them.

"It's too early to attack," Sousuke said. "Until we know the entire truth behind this matter, we cannot be the ones on the offensive. It will go against everything that we have established for centuries."

"I don't wish to be impertinent," Ichimaru said, "but I don't think now's the time to hesitate. Possibly an entire battalion of Changelings are lying in wait just outside the school of our sons and daughters. They intend to exterminate our kind and whatever reason they might have, it's moot at this point. They are going to attack any time whether we like it or not and I won't be pegged as a member of the losing side who did absolutely nothing but collect useless information."

"For once, I agree with Ichimaru," Kuukaku added. "We have all the information we can get. The simple facts are that they want to attack and that they don't need a reason to do so. They want an all-out war to kill all of us and we should respond with equal enthusiasm."

Sousuke sighed. "But we have to consider the fact that they have Grand Gray Witch on their side, one that can create Changelings of equal power as the Primary family."

"I don't think the witch will create more members for the Primary family," Byakuya stated. "The pride of that race doesn't allow them to have equals. And I think they would have transacted carefully with the witch."

"I think so too," Shunsui said. "Centuries with dealing with Changelings taught me that much. But it's true that the real problem is the Grand witch. We can't even break through their defenses."

"We can," Byakuya told them. "The Kuchiki clan can, even for just a while. I have the ability to break through the barrier for five minutes. It's enough time to send in troops to fight."

"That's more than enough time," Shinji said gleefully, cracking his knuckles.

"What's left right now is to think of a plan of attack," Genryuusai said.

"And of course one of priorities is to fortify the wards and security at Azulith Academy," Sajin reminded them.

"Of course," Sousuke said. "The future generation matters the most to us."

Kuchiki Byakuya glared at Aizen Sousuke as the latter's voice suddenly entered his thoughts.

Forgive me for suddenly speaking to you like this but this is about Orihime, Sousuke's voice resonated in Byakuya's head.

What about my daughter?

I have no intention of telling our peers about her powers and I am sure that you are more than capable of infiltrating the territory of the Changelings, but I am still concerned about something.

What is it?

What will you do when the last hope for our race is your daughter?

To that, Kuchiki Byakuya had no answer. He knew that his daughter was not the type to stand idly by as the world goes to hell. She would fight no matter what, at the risk of her life. He had witnessed it when her mate was attacked. It would be troublesome if Ichigo were to be assaulted once again. Orihime wouldn't be able to stop herself from unleashing her powers.

Do not worry about my boy. He has reached the full potential of his powers and has been training to master it ever since. He won't be a source of burden to Orihime.

Get the hell out of my head.

He saw Sousuke smirk at him as he fumed. The bastard didn't know when to stop.

"What is the plan?" Shuuhei asked.

At this, Aizen Sousuke spoke, "This mission requires stealth and quality of attackers rather than strength of numbers. We are dealing with the Primary family here, and the only ones who would be able to kill them are top-class fighters of the Empusa and Lamia. Also, the heads of the Lilith and those of age who are willing or allowed to participate."

The group murmured their agreement.

"We are going to exploit the skills and area of expertise of each family and each individual," Sousuke continued. "Three of Ichimaru's best trackers are to be sent out to verify the location. If what you're saying is true, it could be possible that they change locations whenever they feel the need to."

"Yeah," Kuukaku said, frowning slightly.

"When they verify the locations, the Xiao-Yu family's mind coordination techniques would be suitable in sending out intelligence and commands towards every individual in the field," Sousuke added. "They would send a signal to the Kuchiki family to begin weakening the barriers. They would each be protected by Kuukaku's reinforcements if in case someone sneaks in to stop them."

"Hai," Shin, Byakuya, and Kuukaku simultaneously responded.

"At the same time," Byakuya interjected, "I will cast protective barriers around each member of the assault team."

Sousuke nodded in agreement to that suggestion. "We will employ Soi Fong's help in planting the explosives around the location. She is the fastest amongst the Lilith in accomplishing these things."

Shin bristled, knowing that his wife had the tendency to overdo killing those who dared challenge them. However, he agreed to the plan.

"The Highgate family will be on standby outside the perimeter to aide the wounded," Sousuke said. "We will move in four-man teams for efficiency. There would be two Empusa-class fighters from Hirako's squad, one from the Tunda clan for detection, and one from the Highgate clan for emergency healing."

"Who would lead the assault squads?" Jyuushirou asked.

"Kuukaku-san, of course," Sousuke said, inclining his head in respect towards the grinning female.

It was uncommon that members of the Lilith and their private armies would participate directly in an attack but this was a special case. There was a declaration of war against the vampire society and they couldn't very well let it slide. The enemy threatened extermination and thus they would respond in kind.

"I trust the Adze family to assist my brother in strengthening the defenses of the Azulith Academy effective immediately," the Aizen head proclaimed. "We're not sure when and where they will strike but it's likely they will go to the school first. Holding hostages could be one of their plans."

Shinji swore loudly at the risks. This was a day that they never even saw coming. They spent the better part of the entire night rehashing and refortifying their plan. They could not afford to have any loopholes. There should be no mistakes this time. They would not be caught unawares. The Changelings were the ones who broke the pact first and for no valid reason.

"It's time for war."

"What happened, Ulquiorra?"

Shutara was sitting in her underground palace, fashioned by her and her apprentices a century earlier. They have been watching over the Academy since their establishment there, keeping a close eye on the movements of the often unpredictable youngsters of the vampire race. The younger they were, the unrulier they become as Shutara noted. She once had the gruesome task of having to dispose of any wandering creature. She grew tired of such a task and disposed of any loving feelings she had towards the human inhabitants of a nearby town. After succumbing to a 50-year sleep to recharge all of her decreased powers due to a war with the vampires that time, she was now back – stronger than ever.

"The Council of Five has been spying on us," Ulquiorra said in his stoic demeanor.

Shutara smiled. "How very predictable."

"They would of course. Since we attacked them," Nnoitra cut in.

"Stop being so snooty, Nnoitra-kun," Neliel said, gracefully loping into the room.

"Great, everyone's here," Grimmjow grumbled, sitting on the windowsill. "What's the party about?"

"No party," Nnoitra said. "And not everyone's here. Stark and Luppi aren't here."

"And so? I didn't peg you as the attendance type of guy," Grimmjow teased.

"Shut up," the eyepatched Changeling said.

"I'd advice the both of you to stop talking," Shutara said. "We actually have a predicament in our hands. They have discovered our hideout."

"Took them long enough," Grimmjow mumbled, rolling his eyes.

The others ignored him.

"We can't very well spy on their meetings," Nnoitra said. "They have a really good way of hiding their whereabouts when they have these councils."

"True," Neliel agreed. "But at least now we know that they'll be making a move."

"They would surely protect the Academy first," Shutara said. "They'd be worried that we would go for their children. I wouldn't think of that if I were them. What use would these pups have for me? They don't matter. All they're going to do for me is to die on their own and even that would be wishing for too much."

Neliel giggled. "But there's Orihime."

"Yes. The Grand Red Witch," Shutara said in a faraway voice. "Nostalgic. It's been a long time since I tested my mettle against a fellow Grand witch. We may be the only ones of our level, and opposites at that."

"I know you don't like being interrupted especially now that you're going down memory lane," Grimmjow said in annoyance, "but shouldn't you tell us why we're not attacking the Academy when we have the chance?"

"Because they have alerted the headmaster by now, Grimmjow," Shutara balefully replied. "Need I remind you that Aizen Shinryuuji is a Lilith, despite not being the head of his clan. There are also six fully-matured Lilith vampires with him, and an entire population of Empusa and Lamia-class creatures there. Even though they are the young, they're still formidable. What can seven of us do?"

"You're a Grand Gray Witch for heaven's sake!" the blue-haired Changeling growled.

"And they have another witch on their side," Shutara said. "And Kuchiki Orihime is not our goal. She is merely a bump in our plans that we did not expect. Let me deal with her since none of you are a match for her."

"What happens now?" Neliel said. "Stark-san is not here."

"He's being badgered by Kyouraku Shunsui's emissaries again," the witch concluded. "It's good if you guys don't disappear at the same time. We always have to have someone stationed at your headquarters. Luppi is there with him."

"Why are they so intent when they should have figured out by now that we would attack for any reason," Nnoitra laughingly said.

"That's the way vampires are. They would settle for any agreement as long as they don't have to dirty their hands," Shutara explained. "They have become so complacent that I wonder why they didn't become rocks. They are relics from the past – abominations that should be killed."

They saw the darkening in their leader's eyes. It was clear why she was like that. The murderous intent only appeared where vampires are concerned. Having the entire population of your loved ones and comrades slain senselessly under the Lilith's orders turned Senjumaru Shutara to a vessel of vengeance. And she planned everything well, from taking a potion of Everlasting Sleep to restoring her original powers.

She was back in this age and she never aged one bit. Witches did not have immortality or eternal youth like vampires. But they did have the ability to stop their aging for a while by drinking a potion that could make them sleep for prolonged periods of time. Shutara knew that the time she existed was not the time to move. She had to wait for an opportune moment. She had been waking and sleeping every ten years to see if that moment was the time to strike.

Senjumaru Shutara's tale was not just of pain, hatred, and vengeance. It was also a tale of love.

But you'd have to die first before you can find out.

"We have to call for our own little meeting," she said, standing up and leaving the room, effectively planting seeds of anticipation in her followers.

That's the 12th chapter for now. The 13th would be all about Shutara, I think. :D