Disclaimer: This man does not own Bleach.
Trascender
"...Dad... you know these trespassing clowns?"
"...It's the Royal Guard... also known as Squad Zero."
Ichigo dead-panned as he stared at the ridiculous parade of people, wondering if this was really the famed division that had the power to wipe out the Gotei Thirteen.
'Then again... I never thought my dad, being the Soul Reaper he is, would act like that... and Urahara's silliness... and the fact that Aizen, my biggest enemy, is now my biggest fan... I'm glad I became a Arrancar... it seems that the more powerful a Soul Reaper you become, you also reach high levels of insanity...'
"Don't worry too much about it, Ryoka boy. My face was the same as yours."
"Didn't I tell you not to anything, criminal!"
Aizen blinked, "No."
"Oh... then shut the hell up!"
"Not while I'm here with my most favorite Ryoka in the whole entire world."
Ichigo face-palmed as Aizen and the funny-haired guy began arguing. While he was shaking his head into his hands, he felt a warm, motherly presence press at his cheeks. Soon, he realized that a very chubby female had grabbed him, squeezing his cheeks in a blowfish shape.
"My, you're so thin! I need to prepare you some food right away!"
"Uhhh... I'm an Arrancar... we don't need to eat..."
"Well, that's your problem! Wait till I make you a lunch! I'll stuff you fat!"
'...If you leave any extras, that is...'
"Isshin... Shiba... We finally found you..."
Isshin moved away as Shutara seemed to levitate closer to him. However, something she said, pertaining to 'Shiba' rung out in Ichigo's mind.
"...Wait... Dad, what did she just call you?"
"Uhmm... Nothing, don't listen to her! What did I teach you about listening to women in funny dresses!?"
"...Always pay them... and always use protection..."
Ichigo paused when he realized what he just said, along with everyone else. Tenjiro exploded into laughter as Shutara's face narrowed into thin, cat-like slits.
"Man, that's some classic Isshin shit right there!"
"Ichigo! The one time I needed you to not pay attention to anything said, you listened to me! Damn you, son!"
"Alright, stop it! She said 'Shiba', I'm sure of it!"
Isshin turned away, coughing into his hands as Kisuke finally appeared from the pillar.
"Kisuke! You and me gotta talk!"
"Wait... Isshin? What are you-"
Kisuke was suddenly grabbed and thrown over Isshin's shoulder. Ichigo watched his father run away before slouching downwards.
"... I can't be related to that dumbass..."
"You mean your father?"
"No... another dumbass I know."
Ichigo prepared to walk off before something caught his attention: the very same people behind him.
"Wait... why the hell are you all here!?"
A bald man with a very large beard and prayer beads slowly walked up to Ichigo, staring at him directly in his eyes.
"...You're too close."
"...You... look similar to that man. Anyway, we're here for Royal Family business. The mother of the Spirit King, Hoshiihime, was apparently killed here. We're looking for the body."
Ichigo scratched his head as he turned away from Osho, his eyes becoming downcast.
"I wish I could tell you. I saw her dying, then there was a flash of light. I never discovered what happened."
"Oh, she must have already became the Reishi of Hueco Mundo. She always wanted us to find her body and give her a proper funeral... she would've been ticked."
Pausing in his nervous scratching, Ichigo narrowed his eyes at Osho, who stroked his own beard while the other members sighed.
"...You guys are looking pretty suspicious now..."
"Oh yeah... we need to do our second mission!"
The others hopped quickly to their feet. Similar to his father, Ichigo backed away when he saw Shutara flash step directly into his vicinity. Her shaded lips nearly touched his cheek, and he could feel her demented smirk from her close proximity
"...You're too close!"
"...You must not get close to a lot of women, do you Ichigo Kurosaki? Are you... different?"
"Different? Are... Are you asking me if I'm gay!? Hell no! You were just... making me... uncomfortable!"
"... That's called being gay, Ryoka boy..."
"No, shut up, Aizen! I'm not gay!"
Before this could continue, Osho appeared in front of them.
"Enough! Place him in a bubble, Shutara!"
"...Wait, what..?"
Sure enough, Ichigo was soon placed in a crystal bubble. Ichigo struggled in an attempt to escape, but was unable to. Before he could injure himself, Shutara leaned over, allowing one of her shadow limbs to reach inside the bubble and caress Ichigo, whch frightened him more than comfort him.
"What the hell is this!?"
"The Spirit King requested to see you."
"This is kidnapping! You can't just kidnap me when you feel like it! I'm not under your jurisdiction!"
The Royal Guard members all stopped, thinking about it for a moment. The dark-skinned guard rubbed his chin and spoke out.
"He's right, yo. This is kidnapping. He's not a Soul Reaper."
"... Okay, then we're kidnapping him. I speak for everyone here... when I say that no one gives a shit. Any objections?"
Every Royal Guard shook their head as they walked off with their prize.
"Oi! Where the hell are my Espada when you need them!?"
"Waving at you."
Ichigo began to rage more when he noticed his father and Kisuke standing next to the Espada, waving at him as he left. He nearly popped a vein when he saw Grimmjow perform obscene body gestures as he raised his middle finger.
The less serious Espada continued to wave at him, along with Isshin and Kisuke, until Nel began to get worried.
"He's gonna be okay, right?"
"Man, fuck him... I'm outta here."
Grimmjow placed his hands in his pocket and walked off, followed by the other Espada. Kisuke turned to face Isshin as he watched the orb float away to the sky.
"It seems... the finishing touches to this war is preparing."
"You think so, Urahara?"
"Obviously. Even you should know... what the Spirit King wants him to do."
Kisuke and Isshin turned as the white haori and black sleeves of the Seventh Division captain appeared behind them. Aizen slowly steadied towards them, standing in front of them as he gazed into the sun.
"...Is that... what you've wanted this entire time... Aizen?"
"...Of course... to see my dear rival.. become my absolute equal. It's a situation I could have only dreamed of."
Isshin narrowed his eyes at the smug tone in Aizen's voice. Kisuke voiced his thoughts, jabbing at Aizen's apparent happy mood.
"...Are you the reason... no one can find Hoshiihime's body?"
"I told you... that we should have gone down there and stopped them, regardless of the fact it was an obvious ploy. You should have realized that I would have appeared."
"...Are we going to have to seal you away again?"
"...The Hogyoku won't allow that... It has already consumed her soul."
Aizen smirked when he heard the distinctive click of two Zanpakutos preparing to be released.
"I already told you... I have no interest in the Spirit King anymore... nor this world."
Isshin finished his unspoken thoughts.
"...Because you are interested in the boy who can potentially become the next Spirit King..."
"...I thought I could hide it better. Guess I was wrong."
"...I will kill you before I let you get your hands on Ichigo."
"I'm not interested in the Ryoka. I'm interested... in how he obtained his abilities. I did my best to become similar, but apparently, it didn't work."
"You didn't transcend all races. You thought you became a god, but you were nowhere close."
Aizen twisted on his heel to face the two Captain-level Soul Reapers, smiling as he did so.
"What truly defines a god, Isshin Shiba? Is it the many faithful subjects that praise his word... ?Is it the frightful being who destroys the solace of the wretched...? Is it the peaceful being that encourages the teachings of tranquility? Or maybe it is the lone soul... who brought down tyrannical beings that only weaker men could fear? What is your definition? I'll do my best... to make sure you appreciate the ideal ratification that such a being could give."
Kisuke and Isshin stayed silent as he walked past them, his hair and haori blowing in the wind.
"Every being... needs a counterpart. We Soul Reapers are claimed to have been once known as Balancers..." He stopped and stared at them over his shoulder,"...but what balance is there to be had when you all place such faith in a lone being?"
He turned away and walked off, presumably to harass more Arrancar. Kisuke raised an eyebrow when Isshin began chuckling.
"What's so funny?"
"...The fact that the man claims to desire being Ichigo's equal... but has just as much faith in him as the rest of them. Losing to Ichigo and being locked away must have given him a major life reflection."
"...Nothing about that seemed odd to you?"
"Nope... I used to question the very same thing. It's the reason I hopped at the chance to join Masaki in matrimony."
"...?" Isshin filled in when he saw Kisuke's questioning look.
"I thought... it was weird... that the supposed gods of Soul Society and Hueco Mundo... could have fucked up beyond all recognition to the point that they need a replacement to correct their mistakes... Who can we really believe in?"
"...You really aren't that different from Aizen, Isshin."
Isshin turned, mouth agape as he narrowed his eyes incredulously at Kisuke.
"Blasphemy! You shut your trap!"
"I'm serious... he wants to become a god... and you jumped at the chance to make one... In the end... aren't you just as manipulative?"
Isshin quieted down and turned away as he sat over the edge of the tower.
"I was... until Masaki died, that is... That's when I realized... that I didn't want to play god anymore..."
Isshin gazed up into the sun, embracing its false rays as he closed his eyes.
"...If Ichigo listens to the Spirit King... and he decides he wants that god-like power and responsibility... then that is his choice to make. I won't interfere. I'll have faith in my boy..."
Menoly gazed upwards from her book when she heard the frantic footsteps of the Master's faithful assistant rush inside her room. She noted the lack of usual pigtails, which she had let roll over her shoulders, along with her new biker shorts that she traded out her school girl skirt for.
"Did Master Ichigo already leave!? I just found heard the commotion!"
"...Yes, he did Loly..."
Loly's body slouched downwards as she dragged herself over to one of Menoly's couches. Menoly sighed and closed her book entitled "The Carnal Prayer Mat", a novel given to her by Lisa Yadomaru, and waved her hands through her slightly lengthened hair.
"...You're like... super obsessed with him."
"Am not! You shut your mouth!"
Menoly face-palmed and leaned back further into her seat.
"...Really, Loly? You are... You might be worse than we were with Aizen."
"Nuh-uh!"
"Real mature, Loly."
"You're real mature!"
Menoly sighed, placing her hands into her head.
"But seriously, Menoly. I'm not. I know now... Aizen was just using me... well... all of us... Master Ichigo isn't... and I'd rather listen to someone who actually pays attention rather than a sugar-coat like Aizen."
Menoly gazed up at her, wondering where this was coming from.
"Regardless of how young... or inexperienced he is... his words are laced with hidden protectiveness... and his actions speak more than a thousand words. Master Ichigo... is someone I could place my faith in."
Menoly stared at Loly, who for the first time, looked more sure than she has ever appeared for as long as she has known her.
In the tower of the Quince Espada, Tesla stood on the balcony that once belonged to his former master. In his hand was a white eyepatch trimmed with black.
There is not a single person in heaven or on earth that can break me. Don't forget that I am the strongest Espada.
Ain't no chance of salvation for us. Never has been. With or without Aizen, that's never gonna change. If there's one thing I'm grateful to that guy for, it's the fact that he gave me power. Thanks to that I've been able to savor greater battles than ever before. I'm gonna be strong. Stronger than anyone. If I'm gonna fight the ultimate enemy, then there can't be anyone else stronger than me. I'll take 'em all out. No matter what it takes.
Every fuckin' one of 'em, they have the gall to take pity on me. And they don't even know how much they're hurtin' me by doin' it. I don't do "mercy". Strong, weak, infant, monster. I just smash 'em all to pieces. I don't give 'em the chance to get up a second time.
"For the first time... Master Nnoitra... I... think you're wrong..."
He gripped the patch tighter, no longer embracing the solace it once provided.
"...The very same guy... that we diminished with our own thoughts not too long ago... offered the Arrancars greater salvation than anyone else could."
His new high-collared jacket and billowing, baggy hakama, tailor-made by the new spider mistress Hollow that arrived, rippled with the wind that whispered through Las Noches. His new black and white eyepatch covered the only eye that had not narrowed at the patch in his hand.
"I'm sorry to say, Master Nnoitra, but... I have my newly placed faith... in Ichigo Kurosaki now."
He dropped the patch from his hand, letting it flow away with the wind and into the desert of Las Noches.
"...What do you want, Asguiaro?"
Luders turned around when he sensed the Novena Espada's appearance behind him.
"Just strolling through the area, passing by you by mistake. Don't get so hostile."
Luders turned back to his aimless staring. In his hands, he held a slip of paper.
"You know, that makes you look suspicious, that random staring..."
"..."
"But anyway, it's not my concern..."
Asguiaro placed his hands his new Vandenreich robes, which had been recolored to match the white and red of the Espada, and turned away. He was stopped before he could get too far.
"...Have you ever wondered? If you would have stayed on the other side..."
"...The other side?"
"The Vandenreich... I always perform what the guards ask and I always respected their wishes... just so I could leave and become a part of the Vandereich. I thought... that there was no hope for the Arrancars and Hollows..."
"Basically, that we had lost a long time ago?"
"Yeah... so I was ready to drop everything and become a part of them... Now I always sit here and wonder... if I made the right decision... like... what would have happened... if I became a warrior of the Vandenreich?"
"You mean slave? That's exactly what happened to Nachteil... She thought when she became the Stern Ritter letter 'Z'... one of the big boys... she thought she had earned some favor. She was killed by Aizen, of all people, during the raid on Soul Society... and I'm pretty sure Juhabach didn't give a rat's ass 'bout her dying."
"..."
"That's why I went with Steiner and Ryuken... I believed... that even if they mistreated us... that I would have a better chance at being accepted than with Juhabach... Both plans turned to shit in the end, anyway."
"You think so?"
"Duh... we probably would got one-shotted by Juhabach before this war could even start."
Luders chuckled as Asguiaro sat next to him.
"I say the same thing every time I think to myself... that I'm glad I picked this option..."
"You can say that again."
Silence issued over the two Espada before Asguiaro noticed a small badge attached to Luders's sash.
"You know... that actually answers the question of why your outfit looked similar to the Vandenreich... but I always wondered what the badge meant."
Luders said nothing, but only held out the slip of paper that held the same design on it. It was a black circle trimmed with white. Inside the black circle, a red, crescent-shaped moon was placed against the background of white stippling marks.
"It was something I drew while I was in the cell with Loly... The red moon and the stipplings represent the eternal night of Hueco Mundo... The entire black circle is representative of our Hollow holes, with the drawing inside it representing that we are not the empty beings Soul Reapers and Quincy suggest of us because we embrace Hueco Mundo. The white trimming represents the skin of an Arrancar... our 'Hierro'... that shells us."
Asguiaro looked it over before handing back to Luders.
"You should have shown it to Kurosaki... This could be our insignia for the Espada..."
"You mean the Trascender? It's an army now... the Espada is just our rankings..."
"You know what I meant... why didn't you speak up at the meeting?"
Luders stayed silent for a few moments before answering.
"I didn't know... whether everyone in that room... had the same faith as I did.."
"Hell yes! King me!"
"You and your king obsession, Grimmjow..."
Gantenbainne placed the black checker piece onto Grimmjow's. Next to them, Nel sat and watched the game as she attempted to understand the game. Pesche and Dondochakka both sat behind her.
"Because I'm the HEIC in this bitch! King me again!"
Nel cocked her head as she tried to figured out what Grimmjow had said.
"What... does HEIC mean?"
Gantenbainne, leaning on his fist, answered back for her, "He means 'Head Espada in Charge', as far as I'm concern."
"...No you're not... that's Ichigo."
"Shut up, stupid! Don't say that name in my presence!"
"...What do you have against him?"
"What? I don't have anything against him. Yes, double jump!"
Grimmjow attempted to ignore the pointed stares as he threw two red pieces from the board.
"First of all, you better hope I don't get a king..."
"You're not... don't worry about that."
"Second of all, you do."
"No, I don't... I just don't like him, that's all."
Nel gaped like a fish as she pointed accusingly at Grimmjow.
"...That's like... the same thing!"
"Whatever... not till me and Kurosaki fight again, I'll never accept him as the king!"
His eye twitched as he was very aware of the amused smirks marking both Nel's and Gantenbainne face as they tried to hold in their laughter.
"Alright, fuck both of you guys. I will beat him... one day..."
Insert deriving snickers here.
"Alright, you both can go to hell... I'm sorry that I don't have the same respect for him as the rest of you asstwats!"
Gantenbainne paused as he stared at Grimmjow's choice of words.
"Asstwat? You can do better than that, Grimmjow."
"Quiet. I was on a short time span for making a snide comment of the hour and that was my last chance."
"..."
"But seriously... I never defeated him... and neither has he to me! I was knocked down by Nnoitra! I have faith in him to pull us through this bullshit with Juhabach, but I ain't respecting him till I get my rematch!"
The desert circle was merry with Arrancars and Hollows who had begun building a new life. Many groups were being formed as Hollows communicated and generally had fun. Outside of these circles, was the Septima Espada sitting on a rock, overlooking all of the groups. Rudbornn Chelute sat particularly quiet, not really thinking about anything until a ball tapped into his leg. Looking up, he stared into the eyes of a small Arrancar, almost the size of Nel's child form, with messy black hair. Beneath his throat lied both his Hollow hole and his mask fragment, which was a fanged necklace.
"...Umm... Mr. Espada, sir... can I...?"
Rudbornn said nothing as he politely kicked the ball back towards him and continued his aimless spacing.
"Th...Thank you, sir!"
He watched the small boy run away as he gazed down at his feet. His sandals and socks were frozen.
"...Was this... from the spiritual pressure of that boy...? A young age... but a power so great."
As he continued to stare at his feet, he realized the boy was in front of him again.
"...You're an Espada..."
"..."
"...Can... I join your Fraccion!?"
"...You're a little too young for that... Stay with your parents..."
"...They're gone... eaten... I can't... stay here..."
"Here...?"
"In this desert... I have to be... someone! I don't want to accept that! This world of survival... I have to be at the top of it!"
Rudbornn continued to stare at him as the boy's hair shadowed over his eyes.
"I... I wish to be able to change the world! I want to speak of the world the way it should be, not accept it for the way it is!"
For some reason, Rudbornn could have sworn someone he knew said those very same words.
"Instead of... depending on others... I wish... that I could have someone place their faith in me...!"
Halibel gazed down, from her own balcony, at the bustling crowds below. Next to her, sitting on the railing, was Sung-Sun.
"I never thought that I would see something like this ever happen..."
"Las Noches being like one of those human cities?"
"Exactly."
"But I mean, it was to be expected. Regardless of his uncharismatic charm, Lord Kurosaki doesn't go back on his word. When he placed his hand into ridding us of Juhabach, he never backed down from that statement."
Both of the Espada turned when they heard the voice of Mila Rose behind them.
"Really!? Have you jumped on the Team Ichigo Bandwagon, too, Mila Rose!?"
Inside the room, Apache, with her shoes kicked off, was relaxed into Halibel's couch as she screamed out to them.
"Team Ichigo Bandwagon?"
"I mean, shit! I've been walking around before I came here, and everybody's suddenly bustin' a nut over the Primera! I'm starting to think everybody's having secret midnight rendezvous with the guy!"
"You're just mad that you never got a midnight rendezvous."
Halibel, Mila Rose, and Apache, eyebrows raised, turned to Sung-Sun, who stared at them all with her sleeve covering her mouth.
"...Was I... the only one...?"
"..."
"Girls... I was just joking..."
"...Oh..."
"...I prefer Futanari and Yuri..."
Insert awkward silence... When everyone turned away from her, she clarified her statement.
"I was just kidding. Gosh, my poker face is too good."
The air was still as silent as ever.
"But anyway, the guy's going to speak to the Spirit King... If he becomes his successor, think about it..."
Halibel turned and continued to gaze upon the crowds.
"...If we can expand Las Noches into something as impressive as Soul Society... it would something we have all wanted for a long time. For us to lose the fighting that has plagued this hollowed land for eternity..."
Mila Rose noted the sad tone in her voice.
"Why do you sound so sad, Lady Halibel?"
"...Because I couldn't do it myself... I had to drag someone from his own life... and place the responsibility on him. I think... I believe he shouldn't have been brought to do this."
"You could have done this. I believe you could have."
"No... I was nothing more than a fake sun, bringing false light to Hueco Mundo... What was truly needed was the silent darkness."
"Lady Halibel..."
"I hope he is given a chance to defeat the Old One. To rule over these haunted grounds... I... believe that he is the silent shadow we need.
The Tres Bestias nodded as the room went silent... Until Sung-Sun broke it.
"And look on the bright side... if he becomes like royalty, he can have a harem... then we can all share a midnight rendezvous..."
"Oh my god, shut up, Sung-Sun!"
Halibel shook her head as her Fraccion continued to fight and argue.
"Are they attacking us here...!? Damnit! I thought we had more time!" Halibel panicked. She began to draw Tiburon from her sheathe to enter the battle before Ichigo grabbed her hand holding the Hogyoku. As she looked into his eyes, Ichigo pointed the Hogyoku at his Hollow hole.
"Do it now, Espada Lady." Halibel glared at him.
"The name is not Espada. It's Tia Halibel."
Yes... Of course... I knew from that day... you would never turn away from this... That no matter what you endured... that no matter how much the struggle pains you in the end... You would defeat Juhabach for us... From here on... I believe I speak for all of the Espada... when I say we place our faith in you... and if we had hearts... we'd thank you from the bottom of it.
"We have arrived... Ichigo Kurosaki... to the Palace of Souls..."
Ichigo stepped out of the Heavenly Pillar, gazing at the castle floating in the sky.
"..."
"Nervous?"
"No... I already know what he wants to talk me about. He already spoke to me."
Trivia
-I just felt like poking fun some things that are trademark as a part of fanfiction and manga (Yaoi, Yuri, Futanari, Harems). The story won't turn into either of those.
-The book Menoly was reading ("The Carnal Prayer Mat") is an erotic Asian-based novel(Considering she got it from Lisa).
-Isshin is a Shiba. (Which is what I think, since Kukaku says something about her uncle being disappointed.)
-Little boy is potential important character. He will become one of Rudbornn Fraccions, whether during story or epilogue.
-Luder's and Asguiaro's conversation reflects on the canon universe(Which was obvious enough).
-Aizen's plan consisted of basically wanting people to believe in him as a Spirit King, or as another god besides Ichigo. Not rule along side him, but be seen as the ultimate rival to the 'potential' Spirit King.
Since I did change some outfits, gonna do a repeat of everyone's appearance.
1
Ichigo- Normal Arrancar clothes(High-collared shirt and Hakama pants). In Hueco Mundo, has Gin's bell-sleeved robes over shoulder like Yamamoto. Has Final Bankai hair and his nose-piece guard from Fullbring.
Loly- Open Arrancar Jacket with white biker shorts with black trim and thigh-high black socks. Hair laid down straighter and it covers over her mask piece.
2
Halibel- Same.
Mila Rose- Outfit from Thousand Year Blood War.
Apache- Outfit from Thousand Year Blood War.
3
Nel- Orihime's Arrancar outfit.
Pesche- Flashback outfit, but without mask.
Dondochakka- Flashback outfit, but without mask.
4
Grimmjow- Same.
5
Tesra- Similar appearance to Nnoitra in flashback chapters, but with dirty-blonde hair.
6
Luders- Same outfit as Thousand Year Blood War Vandenreich outfit, but with red highlights, sash, and the badge.
Menoly- Same outfit, though hairstyle is similar to Resident Evil 6's Sherry Birkins.
7
Rudbornn- Same. May take mask off in private.
8
Sung-Sun- Outfit from Thousand Year Blood War, but without headdress.
9
Asquiaro- Same outfit as Thousand Year Blood War Vandenreich outfit, but with red belt, buttons, and trim.
10
Gantenbainne-Same.
Others
Uryu- White Suit from Lost Substitute Soul Reaper arc.
Soryu- Bambietta's outfit, cape, and hat, with Nanao's old hairstyle and glasses. No heart-shape belt buckle.
Isshin- Soul Reaper outfit.
Soul Society
Kisuke- Same appearance from Bleach: Fade to Black.
Sui Feng- Same as new appearance, but with eyepatch.
Rose-Same as new appearance.
Unohana-Same as new appearance.
Shinji- Hair's grown out longer than before, but not as long as TBTP arc. Front bangs still with asymmetrical cut. Mostly same as before.
Rukia- Byakuya's old Captain Dress style(Scarf) with Sojun Kuchiki's hair.
Aizen- Byakuya's new dress style, with no-sleeve haori and black sleeves. Collar has no gold trim and tassels like Byakuya's.
Shunsui- Same. Eyepatch and all.
Kensei- Same, though hair has grown out a little longer.
Toshiro- Same as new appearance.
Kenpachi-Same as new appearance.
Mayuri- Same as new appearance.
Jushiro- Same as new appearance.
Denego are dressed like Redcoats/Colonists. Hoshiihime's outfit could be compared to False King Allant's from Demon's Souls with a darker Orihime appearance. Kagura is designed as Orihime in like White Mage outfit from Final Fantasy or a Maiden outfit from Demon's Souls/Dark Souls. All Fullbringers are the same.
Vater is dressed in a white outfit like what you would imagine a Pope would wear.
Note: Next update might not be till Friday.