Kick About, Destroy, Bind

by MJLCoyoteStarrk

Aizen is set to take over the Gensei Provinces and three former Espada can stop him, but can they get anyone to believe them in time or will they be forced to stand alone? Official theme music: "The Ecstasy of Gold" and "The Trio" by Ennio Morricone

13. Chapter 13: Noche del Incendio

Kick About, Destroy, Bind

Chapter 13: Noche del Incendio

Hanging Dog, Eight Years Before

"Come on, Slow Poke," Rukia called back.

"I'm coming," Renji said, panting hard as he ran up the hill.

"Hurry up, or you'll miss it."

Renji ran up the hill until he reached the top. He fell backwards and sighed. Rukia flung herself next to him and imitated his sigh.

"I love coming up here," she said.

"Why?"

"Because, Dummy, we can see the stars. Look, there's Orion and there's the Little Dipper and there's…"

"…a bug in your hair," Renji said.

Rukia sat up, shrieking as she ran her hand through her hair. Renji began to laugh and Rukia hit him on the arm.

"NOT FUNNY!" she yelled.

"Yeah it was," Renji said and burst out laughing even harder.

Rukia tried to keep a straight face, but failed. She couldn't help but laugh when Renji laughed. They laughed and then allowed themselves to fall backwards.

"Rukia," Renji said. "Promise me something."

"What?"

"Promise me that no matter what happens we'll always be friends."

"Silly, you don't have to worry about that."

"I know, but…"

The Senkaimon Goods Station, Karakura Town

"…promise me," Renji mumbled.

"Hey, I think he's comin' around," someone said.

Renji's eyes fluttered opened and he looked at the pair of boots before him. He looked up and saw that he was looking at a grinning man he didn't recognize.

"Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey," the man said and burst out laughing.

"Shut up, will ya?" another cried out.

"Tch…you're no fun. So, what does the boss have planned with this one?"

"Don't know and don't care. Aaroniero told us to keep an eye on them while he went to fetch Zommari and call the Boss to let him know."

"Rukia…" Renji muttered. "What did you…do to…Rukia?"

"Oh…do you mean the slut? She's safe…for now," one of the men said and grinned.

Inoue Residence

"Orihime Inoue, the one who killed your brother was me," Ulquiorra said.

Orihime did not know what to say. Outside, the fireworks painted the sky with their blossoms. She looked into his eyes and could tell that he was not lying. She felt herself struggling for breath. She could not believe what Ulquiorra just told her. No, she would not believe it.

"No," she whispered. "No…that's…that's not true."

"It is," Ulquiorra said.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"You wished for me to tell you what I was keeping from you. Even Starrk told me to do that. Well, you asked for it and there it is. Well, why don't you say something? Could it be that you realized that you were deceiving yourself into believing that you could love someone like me? Did you honestly believe that I…that I would be able to love you in return after what I did? Well, say something. I want to hear you say that you were wrong about me. I told you because you wanted to see the real me. THIS IS THE REAL ME!" he shouted. "I am the cold, black-hearted soul that I portray to the world and I…I love it. The gun is my path. It is cold and hard and lethal. I am the gun and the gun is me," he said and withdrew his revolver.

Orihime looked at the Heart Box and closed it. She looked at the revolver and then at Ulquiorra. Her eyes were filled with sorrow. She walked towards him and Ulquiorra backed away. She reached out towards him and he flinched back.

"You're not," she whispered as tears ran down her cheeks. "You're not like that. If you were, then you wouldn't have called me 'Little Princess' that day."

"I was delirious. I had been shot and I did not know what I was saying," Ulquiorra said.

"You did," Orihime said and reached out to him again. She took a step closer and her fingers brushed on Ulquiorra's cheek. "You did and I know you meant it. When I was young, I dreamed of you and it was only in that cabin that I realized what it meant. Our souls were crying out to each other. They were trying to find each other and be united."

"That…that's ridiculous," Ulquiorra said.

"No it's not. Ulquiorra, I…I still love you," she said and she allowed her lips to connect with his.

Ulquiorra stepped back. He was surprised at this sudden turn, but he was not displeased by it. He began to think that maybe Starrk had been right. Confessing that darkest part of him had opened up a new gateway of possibilities. He broke away from Orihime and looked into her eyes. He allowed one hand to wipe away the tears spilling from her eyes. He felt her hand doing the same with his own tears.

This is the soul, he thought. This is the soul and I never even realized it until now.

"Do you love me?" Ulquiorra asked.

"I do," Orihime said and they kissed again.

He felt the mask that he wore for so many years finally shatter.

Karakura Town

Rangiku and Gin made their way to the back of the nearly empty restaurant. There were only a few other diners since most of the others were most likely eating the barbecued meat and grilled corn and roasted vegetables at the various stands set up throughout Karakura Town. The sound of the fireworks filled the night sky.

"Gin, you didn't have to do this for me," Rangiku said.

"Yes, I did," Gin said and smiled at her.

"Your private room, monsieur," the waiter said and opened a hidden panel that led into a private dining area. There was another door that led directly to the kitchen. They went to the table and the waiter pulled out a chair for Rangiku while Gin seated himself in his own chair. When the two were seated, the waiter stepped back. "This evening we have a truffle walnut salad with raspberry vinaigrette followed by a bowl of beef soup with roasted peppers and onions. Followed by the main course, which is apple-grilled pork lightly glazed with honey with steamed harvest vegetables. For desert, we have a caramel apple pie served with churned iced cream."

"That sounds wonderful," Rangiku said.

"Yes, that will be sufficient," Gin said.

"Very good, sir," the waiter said. He bowed before going into the kitchen to place the order.

"Gin, you really didn't have to do this."

"Yes, I do," Gin said. "I'm sorry for any…distress I put you in."

"Gin, do you realize how much you hurt me? I thought that we had something, but when I woke up and saw that you weren't beside me, I…how do you think I should have felt?"

"I can't say that I blame you. If I was in your position, I would probably hate me as well."

"Gin, did that night mean anything to you?"

"It meant everything to me," Gin said and put a hand over her own. "That's why I left."

"Why?"

"It was because I was afraid," Gin said. "I was afraid that maybe I would lose that connection. So, I did the only thing that I knew how to do whenever I was afraid. I ran. It's no excuse, but...it's the truth. I ran and I left you behind. That…I always hated myself for doing that."

Rangiku looked at him and smiled.

"But you came back. When you saw me, you could have just run away. Why didn't you?"

"I guess it's because I need you right now. I need you to remind me."

"Remind you of what?"

Before Gin replied, the door to the kitchen opened and the waiter returned with a bottle of wine in a silver bucket and two glasses while another carried in a tray with two bowls of the salad.

"Maybe later," Gin said. "But right now, let's eat."

The Visored "Warehouse"

"Okay, so how are we gonna do this?" Giriko asked.

The members of the Xcution and Visored Squads were meeting together. Jackie was happy since she was allowed to bring in her extremely filthy boots which she was admiring even now. Riruka and Hiyori looked at Jackie as though she was insane.

"First," Yukio said. "We need to decide on who's going and who's going to go to the rendezvous point. Then we need to agree on a time."

"I've been inside the Pinkerton Agency Offices before and I know where the cells are," Kensei said. "So I should go. Mashiro, you should go to the rendezvous point with Hiyori and Hachi. Lisa, you come with me since you're a better shot than I am."

"No problem," Lisa said.

"BULLSHIT!" Hiyori said. "I'M COMING TOO! Someone needs to look after that dumbass and make sure he doesn't get lost."

"No," Kensei said. "The fewer of us involved, the better off we'll be. Giriko, I want you and Yukio to head to the meeting place. Riruka, I want you and Jackie to go back to the Kurosaki residence and keep an eye on Yuzu and Karin."

"Wait a minute, who's there now?" Hachi asked.

They looked at each other and then at Riruka. Riruka looked at them and then she stood up.

"Shit, I thought you were, Hachi," she said.

"You didn't ask me," Hachi said.

"Oh shit," Jackie said. "Okay, Riruka, you and I will go to the Kurosaki residence and check up on the girls. The rest of you, do whatever. Come on."

"I'm sorry…I…I honestly thought…" Riruka began as she and Jackie rushed out of the warehouse.

"Damn it, Riruka. Now's not the time. We have to make sure that nothing's happened to the girls."

They ran to their horses. Riruka knew that there would be no way in Hell she would forgive herself if something happened to Yuzu, Karin, or Lilynette.

Karakura Town

Starrk and Harribel made their way along the streets. They were careful that nobody got a good look at their faces and that the masks that Orihime gave them before they left weren't attracting too much unwanted attention. However, they were glad that the first thing they saw when they came out were people in all matters of costumes and masks for the evening balls that were now just getting started.

"It looks like we picked the right night to do this," Starrk whispered.

"Yeah, and we have a couple of hours to spare before we have to meet up with Tatsuki," Harribel said.

They made their way through the streets. They saw sparkling pin-wheels shoot off their multicolored tails as they spun around. Bottle rockets flew up into the night sky and their small bursts added to the larger fireworks that were going off even now. They watched them and Starrk was amazed at how much the Gensei Provinces could afford to do these kinds of shows. Back in the Hueco Mundo Wastes, the idea of fireworks was appalling since they considered it a waste of gunpowder. If someone carrying fireworks ever entered the Wastes, they would be robbed immediately just for the gunpowder in each rocket.

"Starrk, they're so beautiful," Harribel said.

"They're a waste of ammunition," he replied.

"That may be. But Starrk, imagine what it would be like if the sole purpose of gunpowder was to make something like that," she said and pointed as a bottle rocket exploded in the sky and a small shower of green and gold sparks lit the night sky.

Starrk looked as the sparks faded and realized what she was saying. The beauty in fireworks wasn't just the colors they made in the night sky. It was also in the reactions he saw on the faces of those who watched. He watched as another firework erupted in the night sky and he smiled.

"I see it," he whispered and held Harribel's hand. "I can see what they see in such things."

Fort Seireitei

The Gotei band played and the crowds cheered as the Gotei forces marched through the streets of Fort Seireitei according to their units. The crowd waved tiny flags for each of the Provinces as well as the Gensei Provinces as a whole and the Gotei flag. The fireworks erupted high overhead.

Aizen, like the other Captains present, rode close to the front of the line with General Yamamoto at the head. He looked around and he nodded at the crowd. Every so often, the nod was received by someone to show that they understood and then that person would fade away into the crowd. He waved with his forefinger and middle finger crossed and someone would return it from the crowd.

Things were now being set into motion. The Mercenaries had their orders as well as those who were working within the Gotei. When the moon reached its zenith and the Burning Man was lit, the final signal would be given.

Nothing can stop me now, Aizen thought. At least, nothing here can stop me.

For the first time since he started plotting against the Gensei Provinces, he became worried that something or someone would ruin his plans. He tried to think of any and all scenarios where something could slip and he made sure to avoid them. However, he had crossed the Rubicon a long time ago and there was nothing he could do to stop it now.

Senkaimon Goods Station

Rukia opened her eyes and saw that she was lying on a floor. Her head swam and her vision was extremely blurry. Her body felt as though a pile of bricks had fallen on it and her muscles were weak. She tried to think of how she got here. But the last thing she remembered before she blacked out was Aaroniero grabbing her and putting a cloth over her nose and mouth. Everything after that was darkness.

She listened to the sounds of footsteps coming from the hall. She tried to move, but the ropes that bound her were tied tight. The door opened and she saw a pair of boots approaching her.

"Well, well, well…Little Bunny Kuchiki," the man mocked and leaned down. She felt a hand grab her jaw and raised her enough to see his badly scarred face. "Ain't you just the cutest little thing?" he asked and grinned. Rukia tried to scream, but her voice wouldn't come. Dorian Semental laughed and shook his head. "Don't worry. I can't hurt you like that…not since that bastard cut my balls. But, what I can do is keep an eye on you. Oh, and don't think that your little boyfriend can help ya either. We got him too."

Rukia listened as Dorian Semental laughed. She closed her eyes and began to wonder how they were found out. She knew that no matter which way she looked at it, they had failed.

Junrinan

"This is incredible," Szayel Aporro said as he looked at the mechanism that was assembling explosives four at a time.

He watched as the machine poured in the gunpowder into the tubes before sending them off to be capped. He saw that Ganju was busy loading the explosives into crates. Kukaku strode up and smiled as she looked at the machine.

"I call it 'Ole Betsy'. She was originally supposed to be used for scrap after an old factory went belly-up, but I was able to…persuade a few folks to let me keep her."

"That means that she threatened to aim one of her flower crane cannons at their houses and blow them sky-high," Ganju said.

"I DID NOT!" Kukaku said. "Well…maybe I did threaten them a little with a little display."

"YOU PRACTICALLY BLEW A HOLE IN THE FACTORY OWNER'S OFFICE!"

Szayel Aporro watched as the brother and sister got into an argument, which Kukaku effectively won by tossing Ganju to the floor and then pulling his arm back. He sighed and looked at the machine.

"Okay, enough lying about," Kukaku said. "Let's get to work. Mr. Granz, I suggest that you gather your things. Thanks to Ole Betsy here we can leave at dawn."

Szayel Aporro nodded in approval.

Fort Seireitei

General Yamamoto made his way to the platform where he would deliver his address when the time for the Burning Man Ceremony began. He looked at the parade grounds and then over at the Officers present.

"Shall we begin?" he asked.

"Yes sir," Aizen said as he took his position.

Aizen looked at the wicker man that was set up in mid-field surrounded by the straw men that had been made at dawn. He watched as the crowds began to fill the stands. He took out his pocket watch. The burning was to proceed at 10:30 PM and it was already 7:52 PM. It would just be a bunch of speeches and then the parade showing off the Gotei's might.

Aizen looked at the Wicker Man.

You will be the signal, he thought.

He watched from the corner of his eye as one of the other officers passed him and slipped a note into his pocket. He took it out and glanced on it. There were only two words on it, but those two words meant so much: ALL SET.

Inoue Residence

Orihime and Ulquiorra looked at each other. They were both surprised at how right their lips touching felt. He looked at her.

"Will you come with me?" he asked.

"Yes," Orihime said. "I'll go wherever you go."

Ulquiorra nodded.

"Grab whatever you can carry in a saddlebag. We have to leave as soon as possible. Karakura Town won't always be safe for us and we already made arrangements with the Captains. We're to join them at the Sergio Leone Ranch. We should be safe there, or at least safe enough for a time. We'll come up with a plan on how to deal with Aizen."

Orihime nodded and rushed to her room. Ulquiorra looked at the silver Heart Box and picked it up. She could hear him in her room gathering some clothes and then rushing to get other supplies they may need. He looked at the picture of Orihime with her brother in its frame.

"I promise," he whispered. "I will look after her."

Fort Seireitei, Five Years Before

"RENJI, OVER HERE!"

He barely heard Ichigo calling out for him. His mind was dizzy with what Kyoraku told him. He couldn't believe that his father was dead. His father promised him that he would come back alive and his father never broke a promise before. But now he had. His father would never return to him.

"Renji, are you alright?" Ichigo asked as he put a hand on his shoulder.

"KEEP AWAY!" Renji yelled as he pushed Ichigo's hand off his shoulder.

The other recruits in the dining hall looked at him. He saw Rukia rushing towards him. He backed away. He did not want her to see him like this.

"Renji, what's wrong?" Rukia asked. "Does it have something to do with what Captain Kyoraku wanted to tell you?"

"It's none of your business," Renji said.

"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked. "Of course it's part of our business. You're our friend."

"I…I just want to be left alone," Renji hissed.

"Then why did you come here?" Rukia asked. Renji looked at her. She looked back at him and placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "If you wanted to be left alone then why did you come here? You could have just gone to your room."

Renji didn't know how to respond. It was true. He could have just gone to his room, but instead he came here. He didn't understand it at first, but now he did. He lowered his head and beckoned them to follow. When they were away from the other recruits, Renji looked at them. Ichigo and Rukia were surprised to see that there were tears in his eyes.

"I…I…" he muttered and then broke down. He embraced them and his tears flowed. "My dad's dead," he moaned. "He's dead."

Rukia and Ichigo did not say anything. There was no need to. Their touch, their warmth, their presence was all that Renji needed.

Senkaimon Goods Station

Renji opened his eyes again. He saw Rukia in the holding cell across from his. He looked around, but did not see Ichigo or Isshin anywhere.

"Rukia, are you alright?" he asked.

She looked at him and shook her head.

Renji looked up as someone entered the hall. He immediately recognized the mask.

"Well now, ain't this a pretty sight," Aaroniero said in his raspy voice. He reached up and removed his mask to reveal his hideously mangled face. "Oh, I'm so gonna love watch you squirm," he said to Rukia. "Your brother made my face like this. By all rights I should just carve up your face and make you look just as pretty as me. But, Aizen has…other things in mind."

"WHERE'S ICHIGO?" Rukia yelled. "TELL ME WHERE HE IS!"

"Safe," Aaroniero said as he put his mask back on, "at least for now. We moved him and his dear old daddy somewhere else. As soon as Zommari gets here with the other guests, we'll get started."

Karakura Town

"GODDAMN IT, RIRUKA," Jackie shouted. "Why didn't you make sure that we had someone watching over them?"

"SHUT UP!" Riruka shouted.

Shit, if anything happens to them, I'll never forgive myself. Stupid, stupid, stupid, I'm just a stupid idiot.

They rode as hard as they could. They stopped when they saw someone running towards them. Riruka's heart sank. She looked at Jackie who stared wide-eyed at the figure running towards them.

"Oh shit," Jackie muttered.

Riruka didn't say anything. She rushed towards the girl.

"LILYNETTE!" she shouted. "What happened?"

"They took them," Lilynette panted. "They took them."

"Slow down," Jackie said. "What happened?"

"Men…came…saying they were from you, Riruka. Yuzu…she…she let them in and…and… I tried to save them, but I didn't have any explosives on me. I tried, but…but I…I couldn't. WE HAVE TO SAVE THEM!" Lilynette shouted. "THEY TOOK YUZU AND KARIN AND IF WE DON'T SAVE THEM SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN!"

Fort Seireitei

Patros looked at his watch. It wouldn't be long before they set the Wicker Man on fire.

"Uncle," Arturo said. "We're all set. I'm having Mordred secure us some of the Bala Shooters that we'll use."

"Excellent," Patros said. "I'll have Menis and his group taking care of the interior of the main barracks while Aldegor and his group will take out any who try to escape who aren't on our side."

"What if they surrender?"

"I gave the order to kill anyone who tries to escape," Patros said. "Anyone of them could have killed my brother."

"I see," Arturo said. "Then we'll follow a 'Take no prisoners' policy."

"That's right," Patros said.

"Yes," Arturo said. "For too long the Arrancars have suffered Gotei oppression. It's time for them to feel our bite. However, I will order that those who are unable to fight like the children are to be unharmed. I will not have the blood of children on my hands."

"Children grow up," Patros said.

Arturo looked at his uncle and then sighed. It was true. Children did grow up, but that did not make him uneasy about what his uncle was suggesting.

Senkaimon Goods Station

Ichigo sat and looked at his folded hands. They were already in the prison car and in one of the two cells it contained. He looked at the Pinkerton Agent who was sitting in the corner, smoking a cigar. Ichigo looked at his dad who was standing at the bars.

"Dad," he said.

"What is it?" Isshin asked.

"Why is this happening?" he asked.

"I don't know," Isshin said. "I can only tell you that they think they have a good reason to do this. I don't know if the agents here were all deceived or if they're part of whatever plan is being hatched."

"Do you really think that those Arrancars were telling the truth?"

"I do," Isshin said. "And I think that much blood is going to be spilled."

At that moment, the door to the prison car opened and the agent stood up. The two men spoke to each other and then the one who just entered pointed to Ichigo and Isshin. The man nodded and approached the cell.

"Well, looks like you're free to go," he said to Isshin.

"What do you mean?"

"It means the way it sounds. You're free to go. Apparently the evidence against you was faked. You have some very dedicated friends to thank for that."

"That's a relief," Ichigo said.

"Anyways, we had someone pick up your daughters for you," the other man said. "They're here to say 'Hello' and rejoice in your good fortune."

"Why would you do that?" Isshin asked.

"We had orders to bring them here," the other man said.

"From whom?" Isshin asked.

"From me," another voice said and Zommari Rureaux stepped into the car. "And I received my orders from the Lord's Anointed, Souske Aizen, whom you so irreverently labeled 'Shadow Lurker.'"

Karakura Town

"Did you have a nice dinner?" Gin asked.

"I did," Rangiku said. "It was very good."

"That's good," Gin said. "We can check out the festivities if you wish."

"I think maybe I should head back to the hotel. Toshiro probably wants me to help him with his paperwork."

"I thought Captain Hitsugaya gave you the night off."

Rangiku blushed.

"Yeah, he did."

"Were you thinking of something else when you mentioned the hotel?"

"Maybe I was and maybe I wasn't. Would you like to find out?"

"You know that I have no choice but to find out."

"Then come on. We can set the night on fire our own way," Rangiku said and grabbed Gin's hand.

They walked together towards the hotel.

Inoue Residence

Orihime looked at Enraku, the stuffed bear she had for as long as she could remember. She kissed his nose and put him on the bed.

"Keep an eye on the place while I'm gone," she said.

She closed the door behind her and made her way to where Ulquiorra waited.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes," Orihime said.

"Then we should get going."

They walked out of the apartment and Orihime locked the door behind her. They walked together down the stairs and out the front door. Ulquiorra made sure that no one was watching them and then gestured for her to follow him. The two walked into the darkness. Neither saw the figure move in the shadows. When the weasel-faced man stood in the middle of the street, he smiled.

"Looks like you was right, Tsukishima," he whispered. "She was hiding 'em."

Senkaimon Goods Station

Ichigo and Isshin were pushed to the ground and Zommari stood over them.

"This is a sight," he said. "Two men of the badge are kneeling before an Espada. I wonder what that says about who's truly in authority and who is subservient. Then again, the victors alone are worthy to have authority. What do you think?"

"I think you can just go fuck yourself," Ichigo said.

"Ah, such spirit," Zommari said. "I suppose you can answer my question. Who do you think deserves authority?"

"The Good Guys," Ichigo said.

"But…who are the so-called 'Good Guys'? Is it those who are the Gotei? Is it the Arrancars? No, neither side are the 'Good Guys', but I have an idea. As I have already said, the 'Good Guys' are those who win. History is written by the victors and as a result the victors always make themselves look 'good' in order to feel justified in their sins. And the victors are always the ones whom the Lord favors."

"Are you some kind of preacher?" Isshin asked. "Are you a holy man in the Wastes?"

"No, I am merely the humble servant of Aizen."

"LIAR!" Ichigo shouted. "AIZEN IS NOT SHADOW LURKER!"

"SILENCE BOY!" Zommari shouted. "You are a foolish boy. Fools refuse to believe what is right in front of them. In his divine wisdom, Aizen saw fit to test our faith in him. I passed that test and so I was entrusted to perform a particular errand on Aizen's behalf."

"What sort of errand?" Isshin asked.

"To make the Kurosaki family pay for their sins," Zommari said and glared at them. "I am Aizen's Sword of Retribution and I will show no mercy on his enemies. Bring them here," he ordered and snapped his fingers.

Isshin and Ichigo looked at Zommari and then followed the direction he was pointing. Their eyes widened as they saw a man and a woman dragging Yuzu and Karin towards them.

"We have them, sir," the woman said. "There was a third with them, but she got away."

"It was that fucking brat that hung around Starrk," the man said. "I recognized her."

"I see," Zommari said. "Reyval," he said to the man, "keep your revolver aimed on…"

"LET THEM GO!" Isshin shouted.

"SHUT UP!" their guard said and struck Isshin in the back of the head with the butt of his rifle. "Do not speak unless spoken to, Dog."

"That's enough," Zommari said and looked at Ichigo. "I suppose that a 'Thank you' is in order for you. It is because of your inability to believe Starrk's words that Aizen will be able to do what he has set out to do."

Ichigo looked at Zommari. He could not believe that this was happening. He refused to believe that his own prejudices led to this moment. Yet, Starrk's words that day came back to him even now:

"However, if you refuse, then know that whatever blood is spilt will be partially your fault. You will have to live with the regret and the shame for the rest of your life."

"Please, not them," Isshin said. "Take me but not them."

"Ah yes, a father's devotion," Zommari said. "Do not worry, Isshin. Your daughters are only here to get them out of harm's way. Tyanna, take them to the holding cells in the station offices. You see, unlike you, I am merciful to the young."

"What are you talking about?" Ichigo asked.

"I am talking about what happened at the ten reservations that the Gotei established for Arrancars who wished to live in the Gensei Provinces."

"There weren't any such things," Ichigo said.

"How do you know about them?" Isshin asked. Ichigo looked at his father in surprise and saw that his face was pale. "No one was ever supposed to know of them or remember them outside of those involved. So, how do you know?"

"That's easy," Zommari said as he unbuttoned his shirt and bared his chest. His chest was covered in burn scars. "There were survivors."

Karakura Town

Ulquiorra and Orihime walked to the stables. He couldn't help but feel as though they were being watched by someone. However, when he looked around, he couldn't see anyone.

"Is something wrong?" Orihime asked.

"I do not know," Ulquiorra said. "I suggest that we…"

That was when the tall thin figure stepped out of the shadows of the stable.

"My, my, my, this is a treat. Miss Inoue, Mr. Schiffer, I've heard so much about you. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Shukuro Tsukishima."

Visored "Warehouse"

Kensei listened as Lilynette told him everything. He frowned.

Shit, he thought, Shinji would know what to do.

"Hachi, change of plans," he said.

"What do you mean?" Hachi asked.

"I want you to find any of the Gotei officers who are currently in Karakura Town and let them know about this. Lilynette, I would like for you to go with Mashiro and Yukio to the Sergio Leone Ranch. I want to get you out of Karakura Town right away."

"But what about Starrk?" Lilynette cried. "I'm not leaving without Starrk."

"Don't worry," Mashiro said. "He'll be heading there himself once he's finished with whatever he's doing."

"Yes, I'm sure he'll be fine," Kensei said remembering how Starrk handled himself in the bar in Junrinan and four months ago when the Espada first attacked. "Love, Rose, I want you and Riruka and Jackie to find the Kurosaki twins. However, keep away from the Pinkerton Agency. I have a feeling that they're not there."

"Why wouldn't they be there?" Love asked.

"I see. They might not have even been real agents," Rose said. "From what Lilynette told us, they said that Riruka sent them, but she didn't send anyone."

"That means we must have been followed when we dropped Lilynette off," Jackie said. "I should have paid more attention, but I thought that we were cleared of any involvement."

"Don't be ridiculous," Yukio said. "Tsukishima is no fool. He would make sure to tail anyone who is involved in any way with Kurosaki or Kugo or Shinji. That's the way he is."

"We miscalculated what Tsukishima is capable of," Giriko said. "It would appear as though Tsukishima has that rare talent of knowing what moves are going to be made long before a person makes them."

"Are you saying he's psychic?" Riruka asked.

"No," Giriko replied. "I'm merely saying that he is able to reach conclusions of how a person is going to move long before a person makes those moves. He has the gift of foresight."

The Stables

"How did you find me?" Ulquiorra asked.

"Oh, I just stayed two moves ahead of you," Tsukishima said. "It's like chess. The victor is the one who can think the most moves ahead of their opponent and that takes skill. Miss Inoue, I suggest that you get away from him. He's a very dangerous man."

"No he's not," Orihime said.

"You do realize that he was the one responsible not only for your brother's death or the death of the men your brother rode with under Captain Abarai. He's also responsible for the annihilation of the entire Quincy forces at Dagger Creek. He's partially responsible for the imposed exile of Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin to Karakura Town," Tsukishima said and smiled at her.

Orihime looked at him in defiance.

"You're lying," she said.

"Ah, my dear, the eyes of love so often times blind us to the truth. Based on your reaction when I mentioned your brother, I take it that he told you that he was responsible for your brother's death and you forgave him because you think he's not a killer. But he is. He is a killer. We both received the same type of training and we have killed without hesitation."

"Why are you here?" Ulquiorra asked.

"I'm here…to tie up a loose end," Tsukishima said.

Ulquiorra's eyes widened and he pushed Orihime to the ground just as Tsukishima rushed forward, his knife drawn. Tsukishima stopped and looked at Ulquiorra in surprise. His eyes blazed and he smiled.

"Very good," Tsukishima said. "You may very well provide me with a bit of exercise. But make no mistake, one way or another, both of you will be eliminated."

"Orihime run. Go someplace safe."

"What about you?"

"I can take care of this. I will make sure that he will not lay a hand on you. Now, go."

"Alright," Orihime said and ran off.

"How very admirable," Tsukishima said. "You must be her knight in shining armor. I guess that makes me the big bad dragon. But, here's the thing. Unlike the fairy tales, the dragon always wins in real life," Tsukishima said and rushed forward.

Streets of Karakura Town

The crowd danced in frenzy as the music quickened. The time was drawing near for the Burning Man Ceremony to commence. Torches were passed around and those that weren't lit were lit. The fireworks were beginning to come at an even faster pace. Guns were being fired into the air.

Ukitake and Unohana ignored the turmoil of celebration around them. They only saw each other. They only felt each other's presence. Their lips touched and Ukitake allowed his hand to caress her cheek. When they parted, Unohana was breathing heavily.

"Perhaps," she said. "We should go somewhere private."

"But, shouldn't we head to the meeting place?"

"I'm sure they'll be fine," Unohana said. "Besides, we may not get another chance."

Ukitake looked at her. A part of him felt uneasy, but it was small and he could only look at her. He smiled and nodded. Unohana smiled back and they kissed again before she began to drag him away from the crowds.

Streets of Fort Seireitei

Mordred Plateado watched as the celebrants began to light the torches. The time was drawing near. He looked over at his men who nodded. He began to look among the crowds and saw some were already putting on the white armbands to mark them as on Aizen's side. They had received instructions that anyone wearing a white armband or having a piece of white cloth tied around their right bicep were not to be killed.

He looked at his men and gestured to his right bicep. They nodded as they also brought out white strips of cloth and tied them around their arms.

"Alright," he said smiling. "Let's get started."

All over Fort Seireitei, small groups were passing out white armbands or white pieces of cloth and identifying themselves as Aizen supporters. The groups in turn went out carrying explosives with them. The explosives were placed at various points throughout Fort Seireitei. Some were placed in factories and others in shops. Some were put in the Academy dorms and others in the main Gotei barracks and offices.

When they completed their assigned tasks they waited.

Outside the Pinkerton Offices

"So, this is it?" Starrk asked as he looked at the brick building.

"This is it," Tatsuki said. "Keigo, Mizuiro, I need you to make sure that both the front and back entrances are clear."

"They probably are," Mizuiro said. "Everyone's probably at the dance by now until the moon reaches its zenith when they'll light the Burning Man."

"Just do it," Tatsuki said. "We can't take any chances." She looked back to where Starrk and the others were waiting. "I hope you're still up for this. We're about to walk into the lions' den and we may not be as fortunate as Daniel."

"I'll take a chance," Mila Rose said. "I don't know about these two," she said and gestured to Apacci and Sung-Sun who just glared at her.

"Don't start that bullshit again, Mila Rose," Apacci growled.

"I can start any bullshit I want," Mila Rose said.

"But you really need to restrain yourself on when you do it," Sung-Sun said.

"What did you say?" Mila Rose growled.

"That's enough you three," Harribel said. "If you don't stop arguing then we'll alert the enemy to our position. Do you want to do that?"

"No ma'am," Mila Rose said.

"You're right," Apacci said.

Sung-Sun only nodded in agreement and looked at the building ahead. They watched as Keigo and Mizuiro walked to the building as though it was any ordinary day. Keigo opened the front door and walked inside while Mizuiro walked towards the back.

"I hope that everything goes smoothly," Tatsuki said as she looked at her pocket watch.

Streets of Karakura Town

Ulquiorra did what he did best when fleeing from enemy pursuers. He stayed in the shadows. He listened and he kept his nose open. His eyes were sharp and keen. Overhead, the fireworks began to burst in larger numbers in an attempt to chase away the darkness. He could only hope that Orihime managed to get someplace safe.

Is there any such place anymore?

He shook the thought out of his mind. Such thinking would cause him to lose his focus and he needed to focus if he was to triumph over Tsukishima. From what he had seen, Tsukishima would be a tough opponent. Tsukishima was not only intelligent, but he was quick, agile, and silent. Those things made him deadly and made him the ideal partner for Aizen's schemes.

Ulquiorra stopped and listened. There was no sound of pursuit. Had he lost him? No, Tsukishima was somewhere close by. There was no mistaking it. Tsukishima like himself was a "Night Bringer" and in some ways Ulquiorra was afraid that he might even be better.

He made his way towards a side-street. If he could hurry then he might be able to get into one of the crowds of revelers. After all, where better to hide a tree than a forest? He stopped. If that was the case, then he should have kept on a main road, but the sight of the Pinkerton Agents in the crowd made him feel that no matter which way he chose, he would have wound up having to go into the more deserted streets.

"Damn, that is what he wants," Ulquiorra muttered. "He made sure that his people were in places that would force my path to match his."

"That's right," Tsukishima said from behind him.

Ulquiorra dodged before Tsukishima's knife could find its target. Tsukishima straightened and laughed softly. Ulquiorra's green eyes met Tsukishima's dark eyes and the two stared at each other.

"Didn't I tell you this was like a game of chess?" Tsukishima said.

"You did."

"And yet you made the moves that I wanted you to. I guess that means that I'm the better player. Yoruichi saw that about me while I was at the Academy."

"I figured that you trained with her. She did mention a pupil who recently left to train with the Pinkerton Agency. Are you that pupil?"

"I am," Tsukishima said. "The Pinkerton Agency taught me something that they never taught at the Gotei Academy for some reason. That is choosing your opponent's steps for them. That requires knowing your opponent. And that means asking a lot of questions about them. What kind of movements do they favor? How are they likely to handle a certain scenario? What is their overall psyche like? Are they one who tends to panic or do they remain calm? Are they creative or more calculating? Those kinds of questions are vital to understanding an opponent, and I did my research."

"I see," Ulquiorra said. "Then what kind of person am I?"

"You're the type who believes that they are cold and rational in the face of everything. Unfortunately, people like you tend to make mistakes. And you made one crucial error."

"What might that be?"

"LET ME GO!"

Ulquiorra's eyes widened and he saw Orihime struggling against the weasel-faced man.

"You told Orihime to go someplace safe. You thought she would understand what you meant, but she only understood what she knew as a safe place. She went back home."

"You…" Ulquiorra began and reached for his gun.

"Oh no, you don't," Tsukishima said as he raised his own revolver. However, he wasn't aiming his revolver at Ulquiorra. He was aiming it at Orihime. "If you make another move like that, then Orihime will die."

"You wouldn't," Ulquiorra said.

"Yes, I would," Tsukishima said. "Killing Orihime will make you angry and angry people make all kinds of mistakes. Right now, you still pose a threat to Aizen. But one way or another, I'm taking you off the board. That means that the only ones left who are still on it are Starrk and Harribel…and Uryu I suppose, but that leg of his…" he shook his head. "If it wasn't for his leg, then I would be paying a visit to Uryu as well."

"That is a mistake," Ulquiorra said.

"Maybe," Tsukishima said. "If he does become a nuisance, then I'll have someone take care of it. Now, let's get back to the business at hand." Tsukishima walked towards Ulquiorra, and Ulquiorra noticed that he wore gloves. He watched as Tsukishima reached for Ulquiorra's holster, but then he stopped. "If he tries anything, shoot the girl," he said to the weasel-faced man. "Had to make sure you understand what's at stake," he said and grabbed Ulquiorra's revolver. He looked at it.

"I can only imagine what tales this gun could tell," Tsukishima said. "You shot your mother and father with this, didn't you?"

"Yes," Ulquiorra said.

"You shot Sora Inoue with this, too?"

"Yes."

"Now then, what order should I do this?"

"Oh come on and just shoot them," the weasel-faced man said. "I want the metal that you promised me if I helped you."

"That's right, I did promise you metal," Tsukishima said. "Don't worry. You'll get it."

"That's good," the man said and began to laugh. "So which is it? Gold? Silver?"

"Lead," Tsukishima said and shot the weasel-faced man in the forehead.

Ulquiorra saw an opportunity and he tried to use it. However, Tsukishima was too fast for him. Tsukishima had his own revolver ready and used it to shoot Ulquiorra in the knee. He then raised Ulquiorra's revolver.

"ULQUIORRA!" Orihime cried out as she ran towards him.

"NO! ORIHIME!" Ulquiorra cried out, but it was too late.

Tsukishima pulled the triggers on both guns and fired at the same time. The bullet from Ulquiorra's gun struck Orihime in the chest while the bullet from his own gun struck Ulquiorra in the gut. The two fell to the ground and Tsukishima looked at them. He looked at Ulquiorra's revolver and walked towards Ulquiorra. He holstered his own gun as he squatted and moved Ulquiorra's right arm out a bit. After he made sure he got the angle the way he wanted, he placed the revolver under Ulquiorra's hand. He got up and kicked it to make it look the way he wanted it to.

"Oh dear," he said, smiling. "What am I to do? I was too late to save poor, poor Orihime and my informant who was trying to keep her safe. But, at least I got Ulquiorra," he said and looked down. "That shot won't kill you for a while. I'll just take my time to get help, but with the celebrations…" he shrugged. "Aizen won't have to worry about you anymore, Ulquiorra," he said and walked away.

Ulquiorra remained motionless and then he struggled to get up. But the pain in his gut was unbearable. He looked to where Orihime laid.

"No," he whispered. "No…no…"

He tried to make his way to Orihime the best way he could. One hand gripped his stomach, trying to slow the flow of blood while he pulled himself towards her with the other. As he got closer, he saw that she was still alive, but only barely. He fought against the black blossoms that were blooming in his sight. He knew that he would black out soon, but he wanted to do this much at least. If he was going to die, then he would die with the one he loved. He reached out to her and he could see her trying to reach out for him. Their fingers touched briefly.

"Orihime," Ulquiorra whispered.

Outside Pinkerton Offices

Kensei watched the doors leading in through the back. So far no one had gone in or out since Mizuiro went inside. However, he was not going to just charge in with guns blazing. He looked at his pocket watch. It had been thirty minutes since Lisa went in and it was a simple matter of waiting for the signal that everything was clear.

"How much longer are we gonna have to wait?" Hiyori asked.

"We wait for as long as we must," Giriko said.

"There," Kensei said and saw Lisa looking out at them and giving them the signal. "Come on, let's go."

The group sent to break out Kugo and Shinji rushed toward the back door and made their way inside.

At the front of the building Tatsuki saw Keigo and Mizuiro give the all clear signal. She knew that agents would be inside, they almost always were, but none of them were keeping watch. She looked at Starrk and Harribel.

"Alright, this is what we're going to do. You two do whatever you have to and the rest of us will keep an eye on things. Do you know where you're going?"

"Can you take us to Tsukishima's office?" Starrk asked.

"Not a problem. I'll make sure that Keigo and Mizuiro patrol that hallway. You three...uh…" she began and trailed off when she noticed the glares the three Diamond Sisters gave her.

"We know," Sung-Sun said.

"Yeah, we ain't stupid," Apacci said.

"I wouldn't say that about you," Mila Rose said.

"What did you say?"

"What are you, deaf? I said that you're stupid, Stupid," Mila Rose said.

"Why you…"

"Would you two please shut up?" Sung-Sun asked. "Look, we know that we're to keep an eye on things and to alert the others if any Pinkerton agent who isn't either you or Keigo or Mizuiro spots us."

"Yeah," Tatsuki said and sighed. "You got it. Now, let's do this."

Fort Seireitei

"Nobody knows, the trouble I've seen," Gantenbainne sang. "Nobody knows, but Jesus…"

"That's very nice," Dordoni said as he lay back on his cot. "Don't you think Gantenbainne has a nice voice, Cirucci?"

"Why are you asking me for?"

"Well, I sure as Hell ain't The Soggy Bottom Boys," Gantenbainne said and then began to sing "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow".

"I don't know," Dordoni said. "Hey, when this is over we should start our own band. I could play guitar."

"I don't think so," Cirucci said. "I mean, what the Hell would we call ourselves?"

"The Privaron Espada," Dordoni suggested. "I mean, fighting was never really my favorite thing to do. But, put a guitar in my hands and…WHIRL GIRALDA...watch out."

"You're so full of it," Cirucci said.

At that moment the door to the cells opened. They saw two of the female mercenaries coming their way. One of them carried the keys to the cells while the other gestured for the group of men behind them to put the long crates they were carrying to the side.

"It's time," the mercenary said and put the key into the lock.

"Already?" Cirucci asked.

"That's the order I got. Aizen wants you three to help us secure the Senkaimon station. The Plateado brothers will take care of securing Fort Seireitei while Aizen and his group will deal with the Gotei here."

"Well, so long as we don't have to kill needlessly, I'm good," Gantenbainne said. "Do you have our weapons?"

"Sure do," the other woman said as she approached and handed them their gun belts and revolvers. "Now, let's get this show on the fucking road."

Karakura River

Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya watched as the torches made their way to where the Wicker Man stood in the clearing across the river from where he sat. He heard footsteps approaching and looked up to see Byakuya standing over him.

"Were you able to get into contact with Lieutenant Hinamori?" Byakuya asked.

"No, but she's probably helping Captain Aizen with overseeing the troops," Toshiro said and sighed. "Why do they still do it when not all of the Captains will be present?"

"It's just to show off," Byakuya said. "The Gotei's tradition of parading the army around during Día de los Muertos before the Burning Man Ceremony is somewhat of a must. The only officer who has to be present for it is the General."

"It's a silly tradition."

"And yet it's tradition." Byakuya paused as he looked out over the river. He sighed. "I'm worried. Rukia and Renji should have been finished by now. Yet, I haven't received word on them."

"I bet they're alright. They probably went to the meeting place."

Byakuya sighed and hoped that Toshiro was right.

Senkaimon Goods Station

"Wakey, wakey, Little Bunny Kuchiki," Dorian said and snickered.

Rukia opened her eyes and looked at him. Hatred filled her as she looked at him. Dorian looked at her and his face faltered a little before his grin became even wider.

"Aw, look at that," he said. "Little Bunny Kuchiki is so cute when she's angry. Now get up you slut," he said and pulled her up.

"DON'T TOUCH HER!" Renji yelled.

"SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH, DOG," Dorian shouted.

"What's all of the commotion?" Tyanna asked as she entered with Yuzu and Karin.

"Rukia…Renji…what are you doing here?" Yuzu asked.

Rukia didn't know how to answer. Renji looked shocked at seeing Ichigo's younger sisters here.

"What are you going to do with them?" Rukia asked.

"Aw, so cute…so adorable," Dorian said and grinned. "Can I have a little taste?"

"You have your own orders to carry out, scum," Tyanna said and grimaced. "I would advise that you carry them out. My orders are to make sure that these two are kept safe for the time being. Your orders are to march the prisoners to the yard."

"Fine, fine, but you don't have to be a bitch about it," Dorian said. "Let's go Little Bunny and you too, Pineapple. We're gonna have fun tonight."

Pinkerton Agency

Starrk and Harribel made their way down the hall. There were some noises of celebrations coming from some of the rooms. They were probably those on night duty having a few celebratory drinks. Tatsuki led the way for them. They were careful not to make their footsteps echo on the marble floor.

"We're here," Tatsuki said and gestured to the door. "I'll help the others keep an eye out for any agents," she said. "Oh, if it's locked, he keeps a spare key on top of the doorpost. Just reach up and it should be there."

"Thanks," Harribel said.

When Tatsuki was gone, Starrk looked over at Harribel.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"It could be rigged," she said. "But for some reason I don't think so."

"Why not?"

"Well, I don't really know. Just call it 'instinct,'" she said.

Starrk shrugged and tried the door. It was unlocked. He didn't like that. Something wasn't quite right or maybe Tsukishima didn't think he needed to lock his door. Then again, maybe Tsukishima wanted them to find something for some reason. Starrk sighed as he opened the door and they went inside.

Karakura Town, Four Months Before

Renji made his way down the street, Rukia right beside him. The Espadas were driven back thanks to Aizen, Gin and Kaname. He watched as the smoke began to be swept away by the wind.

"So, we've survived," he said.

"That's what it looks like," Rukia said.

Renji looked over at her and smiled.

"I was surprised that you were able to fight. I mean, after what happened at Las Noches."

"Orihime fixed me up real good. I only needed about three days in bed to recover. Looks like I made a full recovery just in time."

"Yeah," Renji said. "I heard they're going to hold a feast in Aizen's honor. Are you going?"

"No, not really," Rukia said. "Are you?"

"I don't know," Renji said and rubbed his head. "Rukia, I…uh…there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while."

"Oh, and what's that?" she asked.

"Well…it's…uh…"

"HEY RENJI, RUKIA, I'VE FINALLY FOUND YOU!" Ichigo called out as he ran towards them.

"Hey Ichigo," Rukia said. "So, what did you want to tell me?"

"Uh…good work," Renji said as Ichigo caught up to them.

Senkaimon Good's Station

"Come along now," Dorian said as he and two of the agents pushed Rukia and Renji forward.

"What's this all about?" Renji asked.

"You'll see," one of the agents said. "MASTER ZOMMARI, MASTER AARONIERO, WE HAVE THEM," he cried out.

They rounded the building and into the store yard. Planks of wood were piled up to one side of the building with a pile of bricks. Old rail cars sat empty. Piles of stone and gravel were everywhere and weeds grew tall. In the center of the flat area they saw Ichigo and Isshin kneeling.

"Excellent," Zommari said. "Bring the girl over here. Put the other next to the other prisoners. Aaroniero, she's yours to keep a hold of."

"Good," Aaroniero rasped. He grabbed hold of Rukia and pulled her against him. Rukia wanted to scream, but the cold metal of a revolver's muzzle pressed against her temple. "Now, now Little Rabbit don't make a noise. I want you to watch this."

Rukia watched as Renji was forced to his knees next to Ichigo.

"Bring the father here," he said.

One of the agents grabbed hold of Isshin and dragged him to his feet. He pushed him over to Zommari who took out his revolver. Zommari nodded and the agent kicked Isshin in the back of his leg. Isshin went down and the agent struck him in the back of the head with the butt of his riffle.

"Isshin Kurosaki, you are accused of the murder of the men, women, and children of Río Tranquilo. How do you plead?" Zommari asked.

"I was following orders," he said.

"ORDERS?" the agent said. "YOU WERE FOLLOWING ORDERS? My little sister died that day you monster. Please Zommari," he said and aimed his rifle at the back of Isshin's head. "Let me execute him here and now."

"He must stand trial," Zommari said.

"Why?" Aaroniero rasped. "We know he's guilty."

"Yes, but his son does not know that. He believes that this is something made up by Arrancars in order to justify any actions they take against the Gensei Provinces. Now, Isshin, I want to hear your confession. Confession is good for the soul and the Truth will set you free from the guilt of your past. Now tell me, are you or are you not guilty of the slaughter of innocent men, women, and children in Río Tranquilo?"

"I am guilty," Isshin said. "I am also guilty of the murder of Fisher Grand who killed my wife and Ichigo's mother."

"In that regard, you were justified for his murder," Zommari said. "However, the murder of innocent men, women, and children in one of the ten reserves established for Arrancars twenty-five years ago is not."

"I was given orders by my commanding officer," Isshin said. "I carried them out."

"AND YOU RELISHED IT! YOU WERE ALL LAUGHING AS YOU TIED CHILDREN TO THE ROPES HANGING OVER WELLS. YOU PLACED BETS TO SEE HOW LONG THEY WOULD LAST BEFORE THEY DIED! YOU RAPED OUR MOTHERS AND OUR SISTERS! YOU BEAT OLD MEN INTO THE DUST WITH YOUR BOOTS!" the agent shouted.

"I did not take part in any of that," Isshin said.

"But you stood by and watched," Zommari said. "You did nothing and your father was in charge. Therefore, you are just as guilty of those crimes."

Isshin lowered his head and looked at Ichigo. Ichigo could not believe what he was hearing. He was always taught that the Gotei was never wrong and that the Arrancars were nothing more than monsters. But now, he was finding out that everything he was taught about what it meant to be one of the 'Good Guys' was a lie. He was beginning to see the truth that there are no "Good Guys" and "Bad Guys" in the way he understood it. There were only monsters.

"Don't hate me," Isshin whispered to his son.

"He has every right to hate you," the agent snarled as he lowered his weapon. "You were one of those monsters that forced me to watch as they beat my sisters in every possible way they could and then they dragged her to a tree and hanged her. The only reason why I'm alive today is because one of them hit me over the head with a brick and left me for dead. But I'm not going to make that mistake."

"NO!" Ichigo yelled.

The agent raised his rifle and shot Isshin in the back. Ichigo watched in shock and horror as his father fell forward. He hoped that this was nothing but a dream. He was unable to

"When you fight monsters," Zommari said. "You become a monster as well. Aizen is willing to be our savior and end the cycle once and for all."

Fort Seireitei

Aizen watched as the last of the Gotei soldiers entered the stadium grounds. The Bala-Class Shooters on their carts gleamed in the firelight that lit the grounds. He looked over at the men close to the Shooters and saw that some of them wore the white armbands he had his men wear.

"Isn't it exciting, Captain Aizen?" Momo asked. "The new Bala-Class Shooters are said to be even better than the old ones since they're not as likely to jam."

"Yes," Aizen said and smiled.

So far, only Fort Seireitei had any of the newer models for the Shooters while the Arrancar Army had those that dated back as far as 45 or even 50 years and tended to either go off target while firing or jam and were extremely heavy and had to be carried on carts. The newer models, however, were lighter, weighing only thirty pounds as opposed to seventy-five. They also had sturdier platforms that wouldn't fall apart. The newer Bala-Class Shooters were an advantage he wanted to get and now he knew he would get them.

"Oh, it looks like it's about to start," Momo said as the trumpets began to blare and the drums began to beat.

"Oh yes," Aizen said and smiled as General Yamamoto rose.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began. "Citizens of the Gensei Provinces, I welcome you to tonight's Burning Man Ceremony. This year has been a year of trial and hardship. I wish for a moment of silence for the servants of Central 46 who were brutally murdered. It has come to my attention that the Arrancars known as Coyote Starrk and Tia Harribel were declared to be Enemies of the State by Central 46 and will have no place to run should they escape."

Aizen smiled a little bit. Central 46 issued no such orders of course, but it was a fall-back position to ensure that Starrk and Harribel would not be trusted if they escaped. As it turned out, Aizen's instincts were right. When he heard that the Arrancars escaped from prison, he was furious, but then he knew that his fall-back was a good idea.

"Let us all bow our heads in silence as we remember those who served the Gotei faithfully in Central 46."

The crowd fell silent. There were sounds of weeping and paying coming from the crowds. There were also mutters about how the Arrancars would pay. Aizen wanted to laugh. Tonight belonged to the Arrancars. They would finally get their victory against the Gotei.

"Now then, let us look ahead," Yamamoto said. "The time has come to look to the light of tomorrow as the spirits of our ancestors guide us. Let the Ceremony commence."

Those who were carrying torches made their way forward. The drums began to beat in a slow rhythm.

"Burn," Yamamoto said. "Burn. Burn. Burn. Burn…"

The chant was picked up and became louder. The torch bearers lit the smaller stuffed men around the larger Wicker Man in the middle. As the flames grew, the chant became louder until all of the torch bearers surrounded the Wicker Man.

"BURN" the crowds roared. The cry was picked up outside of the stadium by the crowds gathered in the streets. "BURN, BURN, BURN, BURN, BURN…"

Aizen reached for his revolver and turned to face Momo.

"Captain Aizen, what is it?" Momo asked.

"I'm sorry, Momo," he whispered and as the torches ignited the oil poured on the Wicker Man to create a roaring inferno, Aizen took out his revolver and shot Momo in the chest. Momo looked at Aizen, unable to comprehend what had just happened. "NOW!" Aizen roared.

The shouts of joy became screams of terror as the Bala-Class Shooters fired into the Gotei and then the crowds. Outside, explosions rang throughout Fort Seireitei. The city became one large inferno in a matter of minutes.

Holding Cells, Pinkerton Offices

Kugo sat on the bunk twiddling his thumbs.

"Well, this is a lovely way to spend our evening," Shinji said.

"I know. Shit, I don't even know why they even suspect me."

"Well, they did say that Ryo Utagawa's throat was slashed and his pet snake was cut in two. People know that you are really good with a blade and Tsukishima said he saw you running out of the alley," Shinji said. "Oh…and one of your revolvers was found at the Central 46 Rotunda."

"That's right," Kugo said and chuckled. "I guess that would make me kind of like the obvious villain in the matter. What about you?"

"Oh, I confirmed that I was with Ichigo and when they found evidence that Ichigo was Shadow Lurker, they took me into custody," Shinji said and yawned. "Essentially, we're both in here based on pure bull shit."

"Amen," Kugo said.

"HEY," the agent guarding them shouted. "KEEP IT DOWN!"

"Why?" Kugo said. "WE'RE BORED!"

"YEAH!" Shinji shouted. "You should at least let have some cards to play with."

"Oh yeah, and how do we know that you won't use 'em like that one guy did?"

"What guy?" Kugo asked.

"Your buddy from Kage no Tanken, the one who liked to use cards as weapons."

"Hmm, never met him," Kugo said. "What about you Shinji, do you know who he's talking about?"

"Nope," Shinji said.

The guard shook his head and went back to his desk. He picked up the paper he was reading when the door burst open. The three men looked at it. The guard stood up and made his way to the bottom of the stairs, his gun drawn.

"Who's there?" he asked.

In response, Lisa came leaping through the door. She struck the man square in the chest with one outstretched foot. Shinji and Kugo looked at her as she struck the man in the face with her other foot.

"Lisa, what are you doing here?" Shinji asked.

"What does it look like, idiot? I'm here to break you out."

Tsukishima's Office

"Man, this guy is a complete neat-freak," Harribel said.

"Yeah," Starrk said as he pulled open another cabinet drawer. "Hmm, there are a lot of files on known Arrancar outlaws. That's not surprising. Huh…he has one on you," he said and pulled it out.

"It's probably filled with things you already know about me," Harribel said as she took it from him. She opened it and took a quick glance. She closed the file and put it in her messenger bag. "I'll keep it. I hate the idea of someone knowing so much about me who I don't even know."

Starrk took out his own file and opened it. He looked at it and then gave it to Harribel.

"Take mine as well," he said. "I'll get the ones he has for the others. This guy…it's scary at how much info he has on me. Most of it…most of it I would rather forget."

"I know what you mean," Harribel said as she made her way to the desk. "The more I think about it, the more I think that he is the unknown conspirator."

"He is," Starrk said. "I never met the guy, but just from what I can see here, he's the type of guy Aizen would like to have with him. However, he's also the type of guy who likes to use people as if they were nothing more than pieces on a board."

"Well," Harribel said as she opened one of the drawers, "This guy likes to keep things organized. Huh..." she said as she opened another drawer.

"What is it?"

"This drawer," she said and pointed at the top drawer. "Look at it."

Starrk went over and looked at the drawer. He didn't see it at first, but then he saw that the shading didn't match. At the back the wood was light, but towards the front it was like a dark walnut shade. He looked at her and she looked at him. He reached inside and found what he was looking for.

"Well, how about that," he said and chuckled. "Mr. Tsukishima likes to read kid adventure stories I bet. Normally, you'd only find a false bottom in one of those things."

"Maybe that's why he did it. It's something that a child would do, and an adult would rarely think of such things."

Starrk nodded. He expected something like a wall safe since that was common and known, but a false bottom in a desk drawer was not what he expected. He pulled the silk ribbon a little and it was enough to free the false bottom. He looked inside and saw a thin stack of paper. At the very top was a list of names. He took it out and gave it to Harribel.

"Is this what I think it is?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said and grew pale as she looked at the names:

Ichigo Kurosaki (crossed out)

Isshin Kurosaki (crossed out)

Ryuken Ishida (crossed out)

Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto (crossed out)

Shinji Hirako (crossed out)

Kugo Ginjo (crossed out)

Coyote Starrk

Tia Harribel

Ulquiorra Schiffer

Szayel Aporro Granz

Yoruichi Shihoin

Kisuke Urahara (crossed out)

? (crossed out) Davis Murphy-Not a Potential Threat

Kaname Tosen (crossed out)

"It's a hit list," she said and handed the sheet of paper back to him. "What else is there?"

"There's another list in here," Starrk said. "It's…" he froze. "No, no this can't be."

"What is it?" Harribel asked and took the sheet from him. Her eyes widened as she read off the names on that list:

Río Tranquilo: Kurosaki- central

Campos Alegre: Iustitia: suicide (crossed out)-Brother in C46 present (crossed out)

Nuevo Sueño: Abarai: k. in ambush (crossed out)

Verde Llanuras: Hitsugaya d. of natural causes (crossed out)

Río Alegría: Sade (crossed out)

Nuevo Amanecer: Kuchiki- central

Campo de Oro: Ishida: k. at Dagger Creek (crossed out)

Corazón Reparado: destroyed by the Knights of Purity-forerunners to Kage no Tanken (crossed out)

Bosque de Gamuza: destroyed by the Knights of Purity (crossed out)

Esperanza: Yamamoto- central

"Starrk, these towns," Harribel said as tears came into her eyes.

"This is what it's about," he whispered. "These towns were the ten reserves established by the Gotei for those Arrancars who wished to live in the Gensei Provinces. I think I see what this is about," he said as he folded the pieces of paper. "This is to avenge the Betrayal."

"But, Aizen wasn't an Arrancar," Harribel said and then her eyes widened. "Unless…"

"I don't know," Starrk said.

They looked at each other when they heard gunshots being fired. There was yelling in the hall and they could hear footsteps. They could make out something about a breakout, but hardly anything else. However, the footsteps were running past them. They looked at each other and then at the window. They went over to it and saw the emergency escape. They looked at each other.

"We better get out before someone decides to check in," Starrk said.

Harribel nodded as Starrk opened the window. They climbed out and Harribel hoped that the others would be alright. She hoped they didn't get stuck in the middle of the stampede of Pinkerton Agents running through the building.

Pinkerton Offices Holding Cells

"What the fuck?" Kugo asked as they heard a gunshot.

"Shit," Lisa said. "We don't have much time. All of the agents will be scrambling to respond and someone will come here to make sure you haven't escaped."

"Yeah, but, what the Hell happened?" Shinji asked.

Hallway in Pinkerton Offices

There are things that one can say is governed by fate or bad luck or plain stupidity. The gunshot that alerted all of the Pinkerton agents was one of these things.

Hiyori grew impatient of waiting outside. So, she went inside. This turned out to be a good thing and a bad thing. As she walked in, she saw one of the Pinkerton agents making their way to the cells. However, when he saw her, he stopped.

"Hey…hey you, you're not supposed to be here," he said and began to pull out his revolver.

Hiyori, who was never one to think things through before acting pulled out her own revolver and fired. Unfortunately the bullet went wild and the man began to run away from her.

"INTRUDERS! THEY'RE BREAKING THE PRISONERS OUT!" he shouted.

"Oh shit," Hiyori muttered.

Senkaimon Goods Station

Ichigo watched in horror as the corpse of his father was dragged away. Zommari looked at Renji and Ichigo. He looked over at Rukia and pulled out a small, thin case from his jacket pocket.

"You bastard," Renji muttered. "HOW COULD YOU?" he shouted at the agent.

"He deserved it," the agent muttered as he walked away.

"Tch…he doesn't even want to stay for the main event," Dorian said and smiled as he aimed his revolver at Rukia.

"Master Zommari, can we play the little game now?" he asked. "I think you will be very pleased with it, Aaroniero."

Zommari looked at him and then nodded.

"Very well, Dorian," Zommari said. He looked at Rukia and smiled. "My dear, life is made of choices. Your friends' fathers both chose to participate in acts of cruelty against Arrancars whose only sin was thinking they could trust the Gotei. Likewise, I chose to follow Aizen since I believe that his path is the path to salvation for the Arrancar people as a whole. Now, I wonder if you can answer me this. What is the most difficult thing to choose?"

"I…I don't know," Rukia said.

"Come now, my dear," Aaroniero rasped as he stroked her cheek. "You know the answer. It's when you have two lives in your hand and you can only save one of them."

Rukia's eyes widened as she looked over at Renji and Ichigo. Dorian began to laugh as he began to tick his revolver back-and-forth.

"That's right," Dorian said. "Now, you've been with Renji and Ichigo a long, long time. Isn't that right? Well, I think that a little love triangle might have developed between the three of you. That may pose a problem for you, but the best way to solve that is…to remove one of the sides. Now, your side is out, but these two…"

Rukia's face became pale as she fully understood what was being asked of her.

"There are two here," Zommari said. "Both of them are very close to you and you think of them fondly. Now, you must answer this single question. Who do you want to live?"

Pinkerton Agency

"That's not good," Sung-Sun said as they heard the gunshot followed by someone screaming about a break out.

"Way to point out the obvious," Mila Rose said.

"Here they come," Apacci said as she drew her own revolver.

Mila Rose drew out her revolver while Sung-Sun only pulled out a small stick of dynamite and her lighter. They saw a group of agents rushing down the hall when one of them stopped and pointed.

"INTRUDERS!" he shouted.

"WAY TO STATE THE OBVIOUS, DUMBASS!" Apacci called out and raised her revolver.

However, before she could fire, Sung-Sun stepped in the way.

"I would suggest that you cover your ears," she said as she lit the fuse and threw the dynamite.

Fort Seireitei, Six Years Before

Renji walked into his father's office.

"You wished to see me?"

"I did," he said. "Please, have a seat, Renji," Carson Abarai said and gestured to the seat across from him.

"Did I do something wrong?" Renji asked.

"No, not at all," Carson said as he sat down. "Renji, I've noticed that you've been spending a lot of time around Rukia Kuchiki."

"Well, why shouldn't we? We've been friends since we were kids."

"Oh…and are you still 'just friends'?"

"Well..."

"Have you told her about how you feel?"

"WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME THIS?"

"It's because I'm your father and I was your age once. I fell in love with a girl and do you know what I did?"

"You…told her?"

"I chickened out. I was too scared to tell her. Then I met your mother and I knew that this was someone I didn't want to get away and yet I almost chickened out again. Then my dad told me, 'Son, if there's one thing I want you to know is this: Don't have any regrets. And son, if you don't tell this girl that you love her, then you'll regret it.' So, I went up to her and I told her. It was the most difficult thing I had to do since…well never mind that. Anyways, it was the most difficult thing I ever did and I never regretted it. Son, just tell Rukia that you love her and let the chips fall where they may."

Senkaimon Goods Station

"Who do you want to live?" Zommari asked.

Renji looked at Rukia who looked as though she wanted to die right then and there instead of causing either Renji or Ichigo to lose their lives.

"Tick-tock, sweet Little Bunny," Dorian said. "You're starting to get late for that very important date. Either you choose one, or they both die. Now, who do you want me to spare and who do you want me to kill?"

"I…I can't," Rukia said. "I can't decide."

"You better," Zommari said. "However, I understand. When the lives of two people you care about are in your hands and you can only save one…"

"I just…I just can't," Rukia said. "Please, kill me instead. Kill me and let them go."

"Ain't gonna happen," Dorian said.

"That's right," Aaroniero rasped. "Aizen has other plans for you. Now, choose."

"How do I know? How do I know that you won't just kill the one I want you to spare?"

"You don't" Dorian said. "But that's the risk you're going to have to take. Now, you must choose before both die."

Rukia looked at Ichigo and Renji. She didn't know what to do. The lives of the two who were closest to her were in her hands. She could not see a way to save them both. She closed her eyes. Her friendship with Renji meant so much to her and yet Ichigo meant so much to her as well. She looked at Renji who was looking at her and he nodded and shifted his eyes towards Ichigo. She knew that he was right and yet she knew what this would do to Ichigo.

"I…I choose…"

"Go on and say either of their names," Aaroniero whispered.

"I choose…oh God…I choose Ichigo," she said and lowered her head.

"There we go," Dorian said.

Renji closed his eyes. He knew that he should say what he always wanted to say. But would it be fair to do it now?

"Wait," Rukia said.

"Oh…changed your mind?" Aaroniero asked.

"Renji, what was it you've always wanted to tell me?" she asked.

"Rukia," Renji said.

"Just tell me now," she said as the tears began to fall.

"Rukia, I love…"

"Too late," Dorian said as he pulled the trigger.

Ichigo and Rukia watched as Renji's body fell forward. Their eyes widened. Neither could breathe and then Rukia began to wail as the anguish overwhelmed her.

"R-R-RENJIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" she yelled.

Fort Seireitei, Four Years Before

"Well, we did it," Ichigo said.

"Yeah, we finally graduated," Rukia said. "So what should we do now?"

"Well, for starters, let's get some ice cream," Renji said.

"That sounds great," Ichigo said. "I'm buying."

"No you don't," Rukia said. "I'm buying."

"Well, that's not right," Renji said. "A girl paying for a guy is kind of…wrong."

"Stop it, Renji," Ichigo said. "If we're going to just stand here arguing about who's paying, then we won't get anything done."

"Fine, what do you suggest, oh Fearless Leader?" Rukia asked, smiling at him.

"Renji and I will split the cost for your order," Ichigo said. "There, that settles it."

Rukia looked at Ichigo and then began to laugh. Ichigo and Renji looked at her in surprise and then they also burst out laughing.

"Promise me," Rukia said. "Promise me that no matter what happens, we'll always be together."

"No problem," Ichigo said. "We're a team, right?"

"That's right," Renji said. "We're a team and we'll always be a team."

"Good," Rukia said. "Now come on," she said and held out her hands to Ichigo and Rukia. "Let's get some ice cream."

Ichigo and Renji looked at each other and then grabbed her hands. Together, hand-in-hand, they raced down the street of Fort Seireitei.

Senkaimon Goods Station

"Renji," Ichigo whispered and closed his eyes. "This is my fault," he whispered. "I had a chance to…to stop this and…and I didn't. I didn't listen because…because I…I couldn't and now…"

"Enough of your whimpering," Dorian said and kicked Ichigo in the back. "What do you want to do with this one? Should we kill him anyways?"

"No," Zommari said. "That won't be necessary," he said and opened the thin case.

He brought out a syringe and a small bottle of a clear liquid that had the label of something like a sun. He unscrewed the top of the bottle and then screwed one of the needles onto the top of the syringe. He inserted the needle into a small hole in to top filled the syringe's chamber with the liquid.

"What is that?" Rukia asked.

"This…is the latest drug based on Brujería's properties. Lord Aizen wished for me to create a drug that would make whoever takes it eager to obey any command they receive. In essence, it works very much like hypnotism. It took a while, but this is the first batch of Brujería's most powerful drug, Euforia Absoluta. And you, are to be the first subject, Miss Kuchiki. It's such an honor."

"NO!" Ichigo yelled.

"You're not going to taint me," Rukia said as she tried to get as far away from the needle as she could. "I've heard about Brujería. I will not be tainted by it."

"There's the problem," Zommari said. "You will be forced to accept Euforia Absoluta. I have been given specific orders by Aizen. As soon as you accept this, you will no longer have a will of your own. You are ours to control. Now, accept my Euforia Absoluta."

"NO!" Rukia cried out as the needle pierced her skin.

The Dream Wilderness

"BURN!" the dark figure that belonged to the man he had known as "Father" for the first few years of his life shouted. Ulquiorra saw other dark figures surrounding him. All that he could make out of them were their blood-red eyes and their brilliant white teeth. "That's all you bastards are good for: burning in Hell. When you're nice and crispy, we'll eat you. We'll eat you and leave you nothing but your eyes."

Ulquiorra became afraid. He did not want to be eaten. He did not want to become nothing. He found someone who, for the first time, he felt a desire to live for. But she was gone. He had failed to protect her.

"You didn't fail."

"Mommy," he whispered and turned around.

The dark figures behind him began to scream. However, Ulquiorra ignored their rage and their cries for him to put the mask back on. They wanted him to believe that the only way to protect himself was to put the mask over his heart again and to become one of them. However, Ulquiorra now knew that he didn't want the mask back on ever again.

"You took the mask off," she said and smiled.

"That's right," Antonin Schiffer said. "That mask was blinding you to your path," he said and held out his hands. In one was the revolver and in the other was the Heart Box with Orihime's picture smiling out at him. "So, have you decided?"

"I have, Daddy," Ulquiorra said, his voice sounding like that of a child's. He knew that if he looked into a pool he would see the face he had as a young boy staring back. "I know who I am now."

"And who are you?" his mother asked.

"I was a scared little boy who had no real name. But now," he said, his voice becoming deeper. "Now, I am Ulquiorra Schiffer, and I have found my path," he said. "I choose the Heart."

"Good," Antonin said. "Now, you need to go back. She is still alive, but barely," he said and pointed to where he could see Orihime standing, looking around.

"Go to her," Sora said as he placed a hand on Ulquiorra's shoulder. "I can't protect her anymore. You can."

"I understand," Ulquiorra said. "But," he said and looked at his mother and father, "I'm still afraid. What if I'm too late?"

"You won't," his mother said again. "The wolves are howling and the wolf, wolf cub, and doe are getting anxious. The storm draws near and you are all that stands in its way. Remember, we'll always be looking after you, my beautiful and handsome boy. Mommy will always love you."

Ulquiorra nodded and turned his back on the past and walked towards his future.

Alley in Karakura Town

His eyes opened and pain filled his body. He looked to where Orihime laid. She was still breathing, but her breath was raspy. He tried to move, but his body was stiff. He knew that he would have to fight through the pain if there was going to be any chance of saving her.

"I'm coming," he whispered. "I'm coming."

He pulled himself the rest of the way to Orihime. His body was yelling for him to stop and just lie down. However, he refused to listen to that desire. He was not going to die without trying to save her. He reached her and looked at the wound. He sighed in relief. Judging from where Tsukishima shot her, he had missed the heart and lungs, but the bullet was lodged in there and she was losing blood.

"Hang on," he whispered. "I…I…" he broke out into a coughing fit.

"ISAAC, I FOUND THEM!"

Ulquiorra looked up. His vision was beginning to blur again. He could not believe that out of all of the people to come to his rescue it would be the two oddballs who Orihime was letting stay at her place.

"Good work, Miria my dear," Isaac said. "Man, they look pretty bad. We should get them to the hospital."

"No…" Ulquiorra whispered. He knew that Tsukishima would be informed of any gunshot victims brought into a hospital. "Sergio Leone Ranch…Unohana…"

"Hmm, I think he's wanting us to take him to this Unohana person at the Sergio Leone Ranch," Miria said.

"I think you're absolutely right, Miria my dear," Isaac said. "Alright, let's take them to this Sergio Leone Ranch place. Uh…where is it?"

"Map…inner pocket," Ulquiorra said and gestured to his jacket. "Hurry," he whispered before darkness took him.

Fort Seireitei

General Yamamoto stood in horror as the Bala-Class Shooters were being used against his against his own men. The Wicker Man's blaze was nothing compared to the fires that were spreading throughout Fort Seireitei. Where there had once been music and laughter and celebration, there was now only gunfire, screams, and explosions.

"What is this?" he asked.

"This," Aizen said, "is the wrath of the Arrancars."

"Aizen, what have you done?"

"I'm fulfilling a promise, you old fool."

Aizen aimed his revolver at Yamamoto.

"Go ahead and pull the trigger," he said.

"I will. But first, old fool, I want you to see me. I want you to know who destroyed everything you spent so many years protecting and empowering." The fire roared around them. Aizen lowered his revolver and put his other hand on Yamamoto's cheek. Then they were looking into each other's eyes. "Do you see me now for who I really am?"

"Yamamoto looked and his eyes widened."

"Those eyes," he whispered.

"That's right," Aizen said. "The last time you truly looked into them you were standing over a ten-year old boy and calling him 'Filth'. Do you remember now, old fool?"

"No…no that's…it can't be."

"You led a force of thirty men into the small town of Esperanza. Do you remember now? Do you remember how they begged? We only wanted to live in peace amongst you. We wanted for the Arrancars and the Gensei to live in harmony. Yet, you wanted none of it. You and the butchers with you that Día de los Muertos so long ago thought you killed every last man, woman, and child, from the oldest man to the babe inside its mother's womb. But you were wrong. I survived. I survived, but she…the only family I had left…she…she…" Aizen began and shut his eyes. "YOU MURDERED THEM ALL YOU FUCKER! Now, I'm going to do the same. Every last man, woman, and child in Fort Seireitei will suffer. They will know what I felt. The helplessness, the loneliness, the pain of seeing all that you loved taken away from you."

"Why make them suffer? Why not let me be the only one to suffer? I'm the one who deserves it."

"That's where you're wrong. You were the finger they used to pull the trigger. No, the true killer was the Gensei Provinces with their poison. They told you that Arrancars were nothing more than degenerate animals that needed to be wiped out and you found a way to do it. The Gensei Provinces deceived us and I know exactly who were responsible. Your beloved Central 46 issued a proclamation that would permit a limited number of Arrancars to return to the Gensei Provinces and live in regulated settlement areas."

"Yes and the banks gave Arrancars who answered the summons enough money to get started," Yamamoto said. "And the Gotei offered protection."

"We wanted it to be true," Aizen said. "The Hueco Mundo Wastes were no place to live and so many answered the call. We thought that maybe the cycle of violence would finally end. We thought that if the main Arrancar gangs could see that they could have a future in the Gensei Provinces, then they would stop the violence. But we were wrong. What you did that day showed me that the only way for the cycle to end is to eliminate the Gotei and make the Gensei Provinces mine. I swore revenge against you and against the families of those men involved and now, here it is," Aizen said and gestured to the blazing fires around them and the corpses scattered on the ground. "HERE IS THE FRUIT OF THEY LABOR!"

Aizen put the barrel of the revolver against Yamamoto's head.

"Death," Yamamoto whispered. "You're right. It's what I deserve for what I did. Please, forgive me."

"No," Aizen said and pulled the trigger. With Yamamoto and most of the Gotei officers dead, the Gotei would fall. Aizen turned and looked at Momo's body. He made his way towards her and knelt. She was bleeding, but she was still alive. "Oh Momo, if you only knew why I chose you as my Lieutenant," he said. "I'm sorry."

Pinkerton Offices

"HOLY SHIT!" Apacci yelled as the explosion went off.

Sung-Sun got another stick of dynamite ready and touched the fuse to the flame of her lighter. She threw it in the opposite direction where another group of agents were rushing forward.

"Mila Rose, cover us," Sung-Sun said as she brought out her revolver.

"Who are you to give me orders, Sung-Sun?" Mila Rose growled.

"Just do as I say," she said. "We need to get to Lady Harribel and Starrk and then get out of here."

They ran. They could hear the agents trying to make their way through the smoke and rubble that Sung-Sun's explosion created. They turned a corner and saw Tatsuki running towards them. Her revolver was also drawn.

"What happened?"

"We got pinned down," Mila Rose said. "Where are Starrk and Harribel?"

"I don't know," Tatsuki said. "They should be…"

"TATSUKI!" Keigo screamed as he and Mizuiro rushed from another hall. "THEY'RE TRYING TO KILL US!"

"Who's…?" Tatsuki started to ask and then she saw the agents rushing towards them. "SHIT, HOW DID THEY FIND OUT?"

"WHO CARES?" Apacci screamed and began to open fire.

"Let me take care of this," Sung-Sun said as she lit another stick of dynamite and threw it at the agents.

The agents scattered just before the stick of dynamite exploded. The walls down the hall collapsed and the floor above caved in.

"JESUS CHRIST, SUNG-SUN," Mila Rose shouted. "DO YOU WANT TO KILL US?"

"Hmm, I guess that one was a bit more powerful than I thought," she mused.

"Stop using explosives and just shoot them," Mizuiro suggested.

"I know that," Sung-Sun snarled and Mizuiro blinked and sighed.

"COME ON," Tatsuki said. "We can still get out this way," she said and pointed down the hall next to them.

They ran as some of the agents rounded the corner. Ahead they could see a pair of doors that led to the stairwell. They burst through the doors and ran to the ground level. They raced out and looked back. Smoke plumed out of the building.

"Oh God, Harribel," Apacci said. "Please, please let her be safe."

"What are you talking about?" someone asked. "Of course I would be safe. I have Starrk with me."

"LADY HARRIBEL!" the Diamond Sisters shouted and surrounded her.

"What happened?" Tatsuki asked.

"I don't know," Starrk said. "But from what I could gather there was a breakout."

"Oh God," Tatsuki said. "That's right. Shinji and Kugo were being held here. I…I didn't think they would try the breakout tonight."

"So that would explain why we were caught unaware like that," Keigo said. "They thought that Mizuiro and I were a part of it as well and just went nuts trying to shoot us."

"HURRY, THEY'RE GETTING AWAY!" someone shouted.

"Shit," Tatsuki hissed. "GET TO THE HORSES!"

Fort Seireitei

Gantenbainne watched as the city burned. Explosions came from various points in the city. He could see civilians running to the barge docks in a desperate attempt to get away. Carts filled with people and their belongings were making their way out of the city. It was a mass exodus without a Moses to lead them.

"Holy shit," Cirucci said. "He…he's gone too far."

"I know," Dordoni said and leaned back. "Maybe we shouldn't have helped him. Maybe, we're responsible for this…this tragedy. We led him to Rudobon who in turn helped to influence the Plateado brothers to join him."

Gantenbainne sighed and looked away from the sight, but he could not un-see the devastation being caused and he could not shut out the screams. They heard someone walking towards them and saw Arturo walking towards them, his head lowered.

"Damn it," Arturo said. "I only wanted to destroy the Gotei. I thought I made it clear that we would only target the Gotei."

"What happened?" Dordoni asked.

Arturo only shook his head. He leaned against the station wall and pulled out his cigarette making kit. As he made himself a cigarette, he laughed.

"Aizen allowed his cronies to take whatever they wanted and kill whoever they wanted. It's complete anarchy out there. If you want to see what his end goal is for the Gensei Provinces, well…" he said as he licked the cigarette paper and finished rolling it. He stuck it into his mouth and lit a match using the heel of his boot. He lit the cigarette and inhaled and then he laughed again. "Well…HERE IT IS!" he shouted and gestured to the burning city. "He wants to turn all of the Gensei Provinces in a place covered in nothing but ashes and corpses. And we…we're all party to it now. We have to go with him. I watched as his men gunned down five of my own men who refused to go any further with him. He's making sure that we all go with him to the end."

"What?" Cirucci asked, stunned. "He…he's not letting anyone out?"

"That's right," Arturo said. "He's not letting anyone back out now."

Rear of Pinkerton Agency

"HURRY, THEY'RE GETTING AWAY!" someone shouted.

"Shit," Kensei said.

"RUN!" Kugo yelled.

The group ran to where Kensei harnessed the horses. The Pinkerton Agents were running towards them while others were going around the front. Kensei wondered why they would be doing that when he heard someone who sounded like Tatsuki yell, "GET TO THE HORSES!"

Oh shit, they were here too, he thought.

"That's Miss Arisawa," Giriko said. "Do you think she changed sides?"

"Of course she didn't, Mr. Butler," Hiyori said. "I thought I saw Harribel, but I just shrugged it off. Shit, they were here."

"Never mind that," Shinji said. "LET'S RIDE!"

"Shit," Hiyori muttered. "Let's do this."

Shots rang out as they sped their horses away. They raced away from the Pinkerton Agency. None of them noticed the crouching figure on the rooftop.

"Oh no, you don't," Tsukishima whispered. He figured that someone would try to rescue the prisoners and he had an idea that they would try to escape by using the back alleys. He aimed his revolver at Shinji. He would make sure that at least either Shinji or Kugo would die tonight. He decided on Shinji just with the flip of a coin. "You're not going to get away."

However, as he was aiming his revolver, Hiyori happened to look up. She saw the figure aiming at Shinji. She got her horse to go faster.

"GET DOWN DUMBASS!" Hiyori cried as Tsukishima pulled the trigger.

Shinji turned to look at Hiyori as though she had gone insane and saw her arching backwards as the bullet struck. Her eyes went wide. Shinji looked up and saw Tsukishima looking at them, frowning.

"HIYORI!" Shinji cried out as he drew his revolver. He raced back and aimed at Tsukishima. "YOU BASTARD!" he roared as he fired, but the bullet hit nothing but air. Tsukishima had rushed away.

He turned his attention back to Hiyori. He jumped off his horse and rushed to where she laid. She was coughing up blood and her eyes were beginning to glaze over.

"Hiyori," he whispered. "Why? Why did you do something so stupid?"

"You're our boss," she said and coughed again. "G-g-get going before they catch up."

"Not without you. I'm leaving no one behind," he said and lifted her up. "Just hang in there and we'll get you some help."

"T-t-too late, Dumbass," she whispered.

"Don't you say that," he said as he rushed to his horse. "I'm not leaving anyone behind. I'm going to make sure that we all make it out of this alive."

Streets of Karakura Town

"Keigo, Mizuiro," Tatsuki said. "Go to the hospital and tell Kisuke and Yoruichi where we're going."

"Also, give him these," Starrk said and handed him the sheets of paper. "Tell them that Tsukishima is involved with Aizen."

"You got it," Mizuiro said.

They could hear the shouting coming closer.

"GO NOW!" Starrk shouted.

Keigo and Mizuiro turned their horses and raced in a different direction. Starrk turned to the others and nodded. They began their race out of Karakura Town. Behind them they could hear the thunder of hooves.

"THERE THEY ARE!" someone shouted.

"EVERYBODY KEEP DOWN AND RIDE HARD!" Starrk ordered as the gunshots began again.

They raced past a side street as Pinkerton agents tried to use it to cut them off. One of the men aimed his revolver and fired. However, the Arrancars escaped. The agent rushed to try to get off another shot but saw something wet on the ground. He knelt by the spot of wetness and lit a match. He smiled at what he saw.

"DAMN IT," one of the other agents said. "THEY GOT AWAY!"

"Yeah," the agent said as he shook the match out. "But one of them didn't get away unhurt."

Naruki Hotel

"Let's get her inside," Giriko said. "Put her on the table."

"What happened?" Riruka asked.

"Did you find the girls?" Kensei asked.

"No," Jackie said. "What's going on? Is someone hurt?"

"Jackie, Riruka," Kugo said. "Get the first aid kit, now."

"What happened?"

"Hiyori…it's Hiyori," Shinji said as he and Kugo put her down. "She…she…"

"She was shot when we were making our escape," Kugo said. He bent down and wiped Hiyori's forehead. "You're going to be alright. I promise we'll take good care of you."

Hiyori didn't say anything. She only coughed up more blood.

"Oh shit, she's losing a lot of blood," Lisa said. "HURRY UP!"

"Sh-Sh-Shinji," Hiyori said and beckoned for him to come closer.

Shinji leaned over.

"What is it?"

She slapped him as best she could across the face. Shinji put a hand to his face and kept her hand there.

"Why'd you do that for?" he asked.

"T-t-told you to leave me," she whispered. "I…I ain't gonna make it."

"Don't be ridiculous. Of course you'll make it."

"I won't," she whispered. She smiled as she saw Shinji's tears. "No…no…no tears," she said. "How many times I gotta tell you? Don't cry for me…Dumbass," she whispered and then her body went limp.

"Hiyori?" Shinji asked. "Hiyori, wake up. Wake up, Hiyori." However, Hiyori did not answer. "No," he gasped. "No…no, no, no, no, no…HIYORI!"

Outside Karakura Town

"WOO-HOO!" Apacci roared. "WE SHOWED THOSE PINKERTON BASTARDS NOT TO FUCK WITH US!"

They galloped as fast as they could. They would soon arrive at the Sergio Leone Ranch. Starrk hoped that Ulquiorra was already there as well as Rukia with Ichigo and Isshin in tow. He looked around and his eyes narrowed when he saw that there was something wrong.

"Mila Rose," Harribel said. "What's wrong? STARRK, SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH MILA ROSE!"

Starrk brought Okami to a stop. He looked at Mila Rose and saw that she was clutching her side. Apacci looked over at Mila Rose and her face fell.

"What's wrong Mila Rose? Does your tummy hurt?" Apacci asked and laughed. However, her laughter died when Mila Rose collapsed. "MILA ROSE!" Apacci screamed and she leapt off Cierva. "Hey…hey…this…this isn't funny."

"God…damn it…Apacci," Mila Rose moaned. "Would you please…shut up?"

"Harribel," Sung-Sun whispered and brought a hand to her mouth when she saw the gaping wound.

It was bad. Starrk noticed that the bleeding hadn't stopped and it didn't show any signs of stopping. He tried to think of when it could have happened and the only answer he could come up with was that it was one of the Pinkerton Agents. He looked over at Tatsuki who was rushing to her horse to retrieve the medical supplies.

"YOU DUMB BITCH!" Apacci roared. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US?"

"We…h-had to get away, didn't we?" Mila Rose asked. "I…I didn't w-want to be left behind."

"We wouldn't have left you behind," Apacci said. "You stupid, stupid, stupid bitch, you should have told us. We…we could have done something."

Mila Rose looked at Apacci and shook her head. Apacci looked at the others and they could only look away.

"Y-you mean you…you can't…" she stammered as her eyes began to fill with tears. "FUCK YOU! FUCK ALL OF YOU! I WON'T LET YOU DIE, MILA ROSE! I WON'T LET YOU DIE! NOT AFTER ALL THIS WAY!"

Mila Rose looked up at her fellow Diamond Sister and smiled.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "It looks like…I won't be riding with you the rest of the way after all."

"Mila Rose, just hang in there," Harribel said as she knelt beside her and grabbed her hand. "You'll pull through. You're strong. You made it this far. We're almost there and Captain Unohana or Orihime will be there to help patch you up."

Mila Rose looked at Harribel and shook her head.

"I…I'm sorry Lady Harribel. I…I failed you."

"You didn't fail me," Harribel said, tears flowing from her cheeks. "How could someone like you possibly fail me? You're like a sister to me. I could never ask for a better sister than you."

Mila Rose looked at Apacci and began to cough up blood, but she still smiled.

"You see…I told you I was Harribel's favorite."

"Oh…oh shut up…shut up," Apacci said as she began to cry. "We both know I'm her favorite, you stupid bitch."

"Y-yeah right," she said. "B-but keep in mind. Y-you have a duty to protect Lady Harribel. If you fail, I'll haunt your ass."

"Yeah, and even as a ghost you won't be able to beat me," Apacci said and smiled.

"You wish," Mila Rose whispered.

"Ha, that's just like you. Always cracking jokes at such moments. Ain't that right Mila Rose? Mila Rose?" Apacci asked as she looked at her. "Mila Rose?" she asked again, giving her a small shake, but there was no response. "No, no, no, stay with me," Apacci said. "STAY WITH ME YOU STUPID BITCH!" she cried.

They watched as Apacci wept, cradling the body of one of the only true friends she had in the world.

Gensei Provinces

The word spread like wild fire. Where once long ago, beacons would have been used to spread the message, now the telegraph and phones carried the message along lengths of wire and through the air. When they heard it, people were shocked and then fear took hold. Some wept while others went on a rampage killing anyone they suspected of being traitors and others committed suicide or fled. While the reactions differed, the message was always the same:

Fort Seireitei had fallen.

The fire dies leaving only ashes for the dawn to find.

End of Chapter 13

A.N.: This chapter is the darkest chapter thus far in this story. So many things have happened in this chapter and so many deaths as well. The part of Renji's death has been in my head ever since I wrote Chapter 7 and was one of the parts I dreaded writing because of how I imagined it coming about (with Rukia being forced to either choose to save Ichigo or Renji). I imagined Isshin's death since writing Chapter 12 and while writing this chapter I imagined that he would be killed in an abrupt manner done out of vengeance, but then that brought about the question of vengance for what? That was when the idea of a Gotei attack on a settlement of Arrancars who wished to live in the Gensei Provinces came into mind.

The next chapter will deal with the aftermath of the Gotei's fall.

That's all for now. Thank you for reading and please review.