Bleached Existence

by Tanya95t-bird

Another Bleach twisted version from me! Different story line and such, still YAOI with some hetro in there. Ichigo is hollow after he dies shortly after his mother. Follow his journey through the war between Shinigami and Aizen and his arrancar. Rated M for violence, language and sexual content but its not that detailed.

21. Reborn

!PLEASE READ!

So, the Zanpakuto Rebellion has won which suits me just fine.

Most of you are probably wondering what the hell is going to happen now, I hope I didn't make it too obvious what would happen but if I did… whoops sorry.

ALSO as with the rest of Bleach the Zanpakuto rebellion will NOT be the same as there are different happenings and such.

And it will be short, I apologise but well… you'll see why… in fact, this whole story is coming to an end as the next chapters all leading up will be the last. Sword rebellion will be just this longish chapter, Bounts two and the Fullbringers two as well. I will maybe add two more chapters with a special enemy if you all are up for it but this won't be much longer.

Someone asked that I clarify on everyone's ages.

I won't go into the Shinigami's ages cause they're all the same.

Karin, Yuzu, Chad, Uryuu, Keigo and all the rest of them are all 16

Tatsuki and Ichigo are 19

So basically everyone in Ichigo's class when he was in Bleach is now 16 apart from himself and Tatsuki. The rest of the ages are the same besides Ururu and Junta they are 16 as well.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 21: Reborn

All the Shinigami looked in shock as for the second time the royal guard was in Seireitei.

It was crazy. Shinji looked down at Ichigo who seemed to grow paler as the blood ran down like rivers over the sides of his body.

"Please help him! He can't be dead! What do you mean it won't be needed?" Shinji was near hysterical but no one felt what he was feeling, the searing pain in his chest.

Senjumaru cocked her head and with a wave of her hand Ichigo was in the same capsule like device Byakuya and the other captains were in. Her face softened as she regarded Shinji who was blinking owlishly at Ichigo from behind the glass like material of the capsule.

"He yet lives but he is hanging on a string so to speak, the Quincy king's attack had dealt a massive amount of damage but if Ichigo's soul wasn't injured before hand he would be fine now. However, after he ripped a part of his soul out, it was unstable and weak to high amounts of reiatsu that usually destroys what it hits but we… we will save him by order of the Soul King."

Mouths dropped and some even gasped as they all stared at the Royal guards.

"The Soul King had ordered this in person…um so to speak," Kirio spoke tilting her head to the side in what looked to be the embarrassment of not being able to explain to those how the Soul King communicated with them.

"You can save him?" Karin asked from behind Shinji, her eyes were tear filled but there was hope in them.

The purple haired woman nodded as she looked at Ichigo's sister.

"We can and plan on doing so." A man with a very odd hairstyle said as he reclined on what was once a wall. His hair was collected and made a spiral away from his head going slightly up and ending at a curled point. His jaw line was sharp and strong as were the rest of his facial features.

He looked very serious and also looked like he didn't take shit from anybody.

Yet when one looked closely he was staring hard at Ichigo with a look of concern.

"Please…"

All five of the Royal guard looked to Shinji who had risen to his feet to make a formal bow at the Zero squad.

"Please save him… I can't lose him… please."

They all gave curt nods but the looks in their eyes were all sympathetic.

And just like that…

Ichigo was taken to the realm of the Soul King.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

It took months to fix all the damage and revert Soul Society back to its former glory but it was decided to make it just a little more modern, they kept the old Japanese style but added more modern technology.

After Ichigo was taken to the Soul King's realm the Espada came in charging, literally but were quickly placated by a red-eyed Shinji who told them that the Soul King had requested that his Royal guard save Ichigo.

Karin and the rest of the humans were sent home after two days of helping out. The Shinigami said that they had human lives to live after all.

So it was the pain filled months were everything was rebuilt to a better and stronger Seireitei. Some believed that Ichigo was dead, that even the Royal Guards couldn't save their saviour and everyone was slowly mourning.

All but Shinji.

He could feel it in his heart that Ichigo was alive.

It was after these months that something happened.

Something no one thought would happen.

After all, why would the Shinigami ever think that their own blades would turn on their masters?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Holy…"

"Shit."

The Royal Guards looked on in shock.

They had taken Ichigo to the healing baths the moment they set foot in their home realm but after a whole month of lying submerged in the healing waters… well, when Ichigo got out they didn't expect it like this.

"Rrhaawww!" The seemingly enraged Ichigo roared and released a Cero at Nimaiya who cursed and ducked as the cero exploded behind him. The black male with smaller sided afros on his head wearing shades as well looked back to where Ichigo stood. The man was hissing his breath, it almost seemed like he was struggling to breathe and he would occasionally claw at his hole.

The other odd thing was that Ichigo wouldn't attack unless they got too close to him, other than that he would wander about and sniff the air. His masked face jagged and reptilian like made all of them uneasy.

That had been a month ago, the Soul King had been watching with a minuscule frown on his forehead.

It was the next day when something happened, the white mask and armour slowly began to gain small cracks. When those cracks met other ones they formed larger ones.

It took three weeks for the first pieces to fall off. Slowly but surely they all started to fall, all apart for the mask that remained heavily cracked.

Behind the white plates was the slightly pale skin of Ichigo when he was an Arrancar. It gave hope to the Royal Guards as Ichigo also seemed to slowly calm down as well as going slower as if he was growing tired.

Another month and news of Seireitei reached them.

The Shinigami's swords have rebelled against them.

Both Ichibe and Nimaiya were both confused and worried about this.

This wasn't normal at all but they were in no position to help as Ichigo was slowing down all the more before he finally just… fell face forward on the ground effectively breaking his mask into a thousand shards.

Ichigo remained motionless for a few moments before long strong toned arms slowly moved to push Ichigo onto his knees. He was breathing oddly like there was something stuck in his throat. Like he was chocking on something and it spurred the Royal Guards into rushing forward.

A massive couching fit made them hesitate before Kirio gently lowered to her knees with her hand on his back stroking but when she went over his upper back she froze. Her eyes went wide.

"Oh… his hole… is gone…" He said looking at the man's back with shock as the rest did.

Senjumaru looked at the heaving man with a critical eye.

The man had what appeared to be new tattoo-like marks on his body, the man had a circle shape where his hole used to be. That explained why they thought it was still there. The circle had four lines that went into different directions but was symmetrical. Two went over his shoulders while the other two went over his hips to connect with lines that would probably mirror the back.

Ichigo got his breath back under control and slowly got to his feet.

A hand went to his chest where his hole once was, on Ichigo's face was a look of pure amazement. He could feel a beating heart in his chest.

"That wasn't there before."

That got a few chuckles. He looked around to see people he didn't now but he could feel they were powerful. He blinked and cocked his head.

"Where the hell am I and who are you… and how the hell didn't I die?"

Senjumaru stepped forward and gestured to the world around her. "You are in the realm of the Soul King. Once your fight with Yhwach was over and the King saw that you were failing in health he ordered us to save you. That Orihime child was about to use her powers on you but her powers are not in fact healing, she restores all that she "heals" back to its previous state. If she were to heal you of all your damage… you would have gained back your Quincy part and seeing that you literally ripped that part of your soul out; we decided that it would be best if we were to just mend your soul and help the remaining power divide into the other two sides of you."

Ichigo was watching her as she spoke and he tilted his head in thought.

"I thank you then but where is El Fuego?"

Nimaiya blinked as Ichigo looked around almost frantically around for his sword. Slowly he turned and walked to his domain.

"Follow me."

As he led the group to his domain he thought back to when he first picked El Fuego up from the prone at the time Ichigo. The moment he picked the long nodachi up he was shocked to feel the heaviness of the spirit inside. What shocked him more was the aggressive greeting he got. The spirit all but roared at him to take him to Ichigo.

The love the Zanpakuto had for its master was inspiring and Nimaiya had never seen before with any other Zanpakuto. In fact, when he said he couldn't at the moment because they were taking Ichigo to get healed; the Zanpakuto was silent for a few moments before it asked for them to save Ichigo.

So with nowhere else to go Nimaiya took El Fuego to his domain. There the Zanpakuto was given the opportunity to materialise but the fire based Zanpakuto refused until he knew Ichigo was going to be alright.

He was still in his sword from when Ichigo entered the room. The red head's gaze snapped to the blade. The Royal Guards watched shocked as Ichigo all but ran to the long blade and gently lifted the blade.

A telepathic conversation went on. Ichigo ran his hand over the sheathed blade and gently placed it down. In a matter of moments, the blade glowed a fiery orange, the glow brightened and moved to a bigger form. Slowly but surely the glow grew in size.

The size slowed down till it reached about Ichigo's height and stopped. The glow dispersed and a man with similar facial features looked back at him. This man had long black hair, far longer than Ichigo's. His eyes were a fiery glow and more angular. The eyes of El Fuego while he was a dragon.

A slow lop sided smirk made its way onto Ichigo's mouth.

"So this is your real from eh?"

El Fuego gave a similar smirk. "Yes. I am… in my true form. I only had accesses to it recently. So now that I am able to materialise I am able to gain my true form. It is also a sign of a strong and true bond between Zanpakuto and wielder. After all, you never treated me as a mere sword."

Nimaiya was smiling. He was worried for a moment that Ichigo's hollow side would corrupt his bond with his Zanpakuto but it seemed like he worried for nothing as the bond between the two didn't even need to be tested. El Fuego made that cleared it by his words.

"Well, I guess I won't be needed," Nimaiya said with a grin as he removed his glasses to look at the two men who were looking at the group of Royal guards. They all seemed surprised that El Fuego was able to materialise, it spoke of the connection they shared.

"What's next?" Ichigo asked with a serious face.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Something is not right."

Byakuya arched a brow as he lifted his brush from the paper holding his orders for the other Shinigami troops in his squad.

Much had happened after the Royal guards left, repairs as well as improvements, Gin had disappeared to the human world, he would occasionally send reports about the happenings before popping up again for four months, only to be gone for two.

From the black ink stained paper up to his lieutenant, he looked the red head in the eyes as a way of telling the man he could continue.

Renji shifted in his seat and looked out the window.

"I don't know why but something in the air… it's like something is about to happen."

Just as the words left his mouth an alarm went off, it was the alarm that told all Gotei 13 captains and their lieutenants to go to the meeting hall indefinitely immediately. So they quickly left their paperwork and went to the first division.

Once inside all captains and lieutenants looked to their leader. Yamamoto took a deep breath and released it.

"Muramasa has returned."

The room was deathly silent.

"What?" Byakuya said looking at the oldest soul in the room with a shocked look in his eyes. Yamamoto nodded.

"He has been spotted on the outskirts of Rukongai. We need to be vigilant. We have strengthened the security around Kõga Kuchiki." Everyone nodded and there was a pause.

"Sir?"

Yamamoto closed his eyes in sadness and opened them to look at Shinji.

"There has been no contact from the Royal Guard, I am sorry but we know nothing more than we did when he was taken." Shinji deflated as he stepped back with a single nod. It had been a while and since then Shinji made an occasional trip back to Las Noches just to be close to where Ichigo called home. In fact, he was going again soon. The blond looked at the captain with a hesitant look in his eyes but Yamamoto clearly got the question.

"You may go to Las Noches as planned." A small smile made its home on Shinji's face.

It was enough for now. Somewhere in his heart, Shinji knew that Ichigo was alive. How he knew he didn't know but it was a feeling that allowed him to sleep at night.

The meeting was broken up and the captains and lieutenants were sent on their ways. Hyori looked at Shinji as the man walked in front of her. The man hardly spoke, the sarcastic remarks and even the playfulness of the man had all but vanished. It was clear that the man was missing Ichigo more and more each day and that a hollowness in his heart was slowly sucking away whatever was left of the man.

It saddened the smaller blonde but nothing she or the Visards did make an impact, not even the other Shinigami could get the usually snarky yet happy blonde back to his old self. Not even the ever loved Ukitake.

With a sigh herself, she left her captain to himself so he could pack for his four-day stay in Las Noches.

Shinji looked around his room when he stepped inside. He had opted for a room in the barracks as he had no need for anything more. He just needed a place to lay his head at night and the barracks supplied him with food so all was well in a sense.

Ignoring the gnawing feeling in his heart he packed the last bits he would need and left the fifth division to Hyori.

There was a large black arch in the fifth division that would lead him to Las Noches, Urahara had made it for him as a present so could easily access the world of hollows. With an added extra that just hollow reiatsu could activate it.

A safety precaution, Urahara had said.

With a small flair of his hollow reiatsu, he was now looking into the static area in the middle of the arch. He walked through the arch and made him a reiatsu path. He still couldn't believe how much faster this way of travelling was but stayed silent about it.

When his feet touched the white sands he looked in front of him to see the white walls of Las Noches and Sofia there to greet him with a solemn look on her face that seemed as permanent on her face as Ichigo's frown was on his.

"Welcome back, Shinji-sama." The woman bowed and Shinji smiled a small smile. The blonde woman led Shinji to Ichigo's room. Once Shinji was left alone with a promise of dinner brought to the room, he left his body moving him towards the bedroom. The smell of Ichigo had long since vanished and it broke Shinji a little.

Just enough to fall onto the bed and cry softly, he felt like a woman but he couldn't help it as his whole soul was crying out of Ichigo.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The day after Shinji left all hell broke loose as Muramasa made him move, he started by targeting lower Shinigami.

No one thought it would be possible but soon rouge Zanpakuto spirits were raging across the whole of Seireitei. Many innocents were killed in the fights and the seated officers were struggling in taking back districts.

All went wrong as soon even the lower seated officers fell prey to the rouge Zanpakuto spirit that caused the whole mess's power.

Back in the captain's meeting, all looked to their leader who was in his own thoughts.

"It seems he has taken it up as a tactic to put the Zanpakuto against the wielder, I suggest we use Shinigami who have a strong and close bond with their swords," Shunsui said stroking his jaw. He was still rather conscious of his lack of a right eye.

Yamamoto nodded, seemingly aware of the world around him.

"Agreed."

There was a long silence before Byakuya, Renji and Hitsugaya stepped forward. Even Kenpachi saw this as a fight he would not do good in if his Zanpakuto spirit was released. He figured that the sword would be pissed off as hell at him.

Just as Yamamoto was about to order the three men to take the sword spirit on the doors leading outside opened revelling the curious eyes of the humans lacking the Quincy. Karin blinked and looked around.

"Sorry but Rukia said we could help when we came to visit and couldn't find any captains…" she spoke; explaining why they had shown up at such an odd time.

Yamamoto nodded and started to fill the humans in, they all stared in shock.

"We'll help," Karin said getting nods all around her from the teens behind her.

"Alright. With you added to the group…" Yamamoto stopped by Ukitake.

"Take Rukia with you, she had shown large improvements and this may be the needed push she needs to get into lieutenant status."

Yamamoto nodded his agreement.

"You all will go and hunt down Muramasa before he reaches the walls. We need to keep him from Kõga. If they were to reunite, we will have a larger problem than we already have."

He got confirmation from all of the members and humans in the room before the meeting was dismissed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ichigo cocked his head.

"What on earth do they think they are doing?" Ichigo asked he was visibly tense, eyes narrowed and mouth in a snarl.

"She just wants to help, where is the harm in her being there?" El Fuego asked looking over to Ichigo who was frowning at the pool f liquid that the Soul King made so Ichigo could keep an eye on the others while his soul slowly but surely healed and shifted.

Growling Ichigo tore his gaze away from the pond.

"She isn't strong enough! She doesn't even have Bankai yet! Her bond with her Zanpakuto cannot be as strong as it needs to be. From what we saw all Shinigami who treat their Zanpakuto like a tool with no feelings gets killed by their own sword!" Ichigo yelled as he paced like a caged animal.

He was frustrated due to him being unable to leave, he couldn't because the Soul King was the one fixing his soul if he were to leave… well as he had been warned his soul will simply fall apart and one of the sides will come out on top. Being a hollow for longer gave way to which side would win.

Sighing Ichigo unsheathed his sword and gave El Fuego a look, a look that had both men sparing in no time.

The five guardians just shook their heads at the powerhouse duo.

The Soul King looked on as well, pupil-less eyes looked on at the enigma that shouldn't even be alive but was. He was nearly healed and could go back to those of his worlds but before that were to happen he had to talk to the hybrid.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shinji blinked his eyes open, the room dark yet oddly comforting greeted him. The emptiness inside his heart as well with a sharp pang as he remembered there was no warmth beside him.

Sighing into the sheets, he rose and went to the bathroom to take a shower. Today was the last day, ever. If Ichigo wasn't here there was no point for him to keep torturing himself with the memories the bed held.

Once he got dressed he ventured through the halls in search of the top three Espada to help him get home.

He found Starkk napping randomly in a nook of a hallway. Arching a brow the blonde haired male walked towards the slumbering brunette.

"Starkk-san." Shinji said poking the male with his foot. Starkk mumbled and shifted where he was before a hand came up and rubbed at sleepy eyes. Pale blue looked up at toffee brown in concern. "You need something, Shinji-sama?"

Shinji shifted on his feet and looked down at them.

"I would like to return please."

Starkk's worried frown deepened. "Why? It has only been two days; you stay four at least…"

"Ichigo's not here… it hurts too much." Was all Shinji said looking into the pale blue hues of Starkk. Said blue hues softened in understanding. The taller male groaned as he got up with some help from Shinji. "Alright, I'll take you. I have business with your leader anyway." Shinji arched a surprised brow but didn't ask.

The made their way back to Seireitei but were in utter shock when the came back to see Seireitei in total panic station. Yamamoto was handling as best he could, being the only real leader left at the moment. The Central 46 was still to be reformed. They quickly made their way to the first division. Some Shinigami gave Starkk wide-eyed looks, while others looked a little suspicious but calmed down once they saw Shinji.

There was luckily a status meeting being held so when the guards saw the captain and Espada coming closer, they just opened the doors without an order. The room went silent as they all looked in shock as Shinji came inside looking confused, Starkk just looked mildly curious as he looked around with sleepy eyes.

"What on earth is going on here?" Shinji asked with wide eyes as he looked at the head captain.

Yamamoto looked at Shinji. He was surprised to see the man here, he expected to have the captain back only a few days after but the added strength was always welcomed. He was however, even more surprised to see an Arrancar next to Shinji, who was looking around like the walls and surrounding area outside visible from the windows were more interesting.

"Muramasa has made his move, lesser seated officers and unseated officers have been targeted. Muramasa has an ability to release the Zanpakuto spirit from the sword and put the spirit against the Shinigami. We have contained it to the outer walls but more and more Shinigami are falling prey to the ability. We have sent Byakuya, Renji, Hitsugaya, Rukia and the humans to try and defeat Muramasa while we remain here to guard Kõga."

Shinji nodded and looked behind him at Starkk who was listening as well with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Well, it seems I have arrived at a bad time."

"Not at all-" Yamamoto was interrupted when a large explosion rocked the grounds.

"What in the…" Ukitake asked looking out the windows to see smoke billowing out from what looked like a crumbling building.

That was when an all too familiar reiatsu blasted the entire Seireitei with its heavy weight.

Shinji went stiff as a board before he vanished in a quick display of Shunpo.

The rest of the captains and lieutenants followed after, some not believing hat they were feeling.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Byakuya sweated as he blocked another blow from a Zanpakuto spirit. He was glad that Yamamoto had not ordered all of the lieutenants and captains to fight. Some captains didn't have good relations with their swords. Kenpachi might now know his sword's name but their relationship was still very new and fragile.

Even Karin had to fight her own sword but seemed to quickly appease the odd looking spirit.

He had to admit it was rather unsettling. The spirit's body was made out of what looked like a pale worn out fabric draped over fast moving the wind. The fabric formed a cloak of sorts and there were no legs or arms only a face that shifted between female and male.

What shocked him was that Hitsugaya had troubles with his own sword.

Senbonzakura intercepted an attack that was aimed at his flank.

He breathed a inner sigh of relief, he was glad that he had gained a proper bond with his sword when he went to the Royal realm to be healed. If he had not, he and Senbonzakura would not have fought so efficient.

But sadly they were being out numbered.

Muramasa was busy attacking Karin with a strength that was clearly too much for the girl. The girl was on her own sadly as her Zanpakuto was being kept busy, Rukia was fighting alongside Sode no Shihayuki beautifully, they showed the grace they both shared.

Renji was also holding up well enough with Zabimaru.

It was when Karin faltered when everything seemed to slow down. The teens who were busy fighting and too far away to help screamed her name as Muramasa's blade came closer to Karin who was in the process of falling backwards.

A sudden boom noise followed by a crash and a loud clang of metal against metal before smoke and rubble exploded into the air.

Karin blinked from where she was on the ground.

When the smoke and rubble cleared gasps filled the air.

Ichigo stood in front of Muramasa with his nodachi blade helped perfectly horizontal.

"I don't care for your reasons, I really don't. You might have a good reason for putting Shinigami against Zanpakuto but honestly I cannot think it can be worth all the death you caused." Ichigo said looking into the pale green-blue eyes.

Muramasa looked into the deep red eyes and shivered.

Taking a breath Muramasa used the same ability to release the man before him of his Zanpakuto spirit. Those surrounding them watched shocked as a man with long black hair and facial features similar to that of Ichigo's own materialised next to him. The man was wearing what looked like a white reptilian skin haori over black male kimono with a white yukata underneath, his feet were clad in traditional socks and sandals. In his hand was a blade that was the opposite in colour of Ichigo's.

The two men looked at each other.

It was this scene that the rest of the Shinigami came to see when they stopped at the 'crash' site.

Everyone gawked openly at Ichigo.

The man looked like the picture of health.

He wore a standard shihakusho, only it was ill fitting. Like Ichigo didn't have time to dress properly in his rush to get to Soul Society, which wouldn't shock many if it were the case.

"I think he expects us to fight one another." Said the unknown man in a bored tone. Ichigo smirked and chuckled deeply. "I think you might be right. Odd that you and a few other spirits didn't fall under his spell…" Ichigo tilted his head thinking back on what he was told before he left.

"Might as well get it over with." The man in reptilian skin said as his orange burning gaze flickered over to Muramasa.

Ichigo gave the brunette a once over before he looked back at the raven haired male.

"Have fun El Fuego." Ichigo said with a massive grin and disappeared only to reappear next to Yamamoto. "We need to talk."

The older soul nodded and they were gone.

All eyes snapped back to the man now know as Ichigo's Zanpakuto.

Jaws dropped as they finally took in the man more closely. There were traces of Ichigo in the man's face but enough to easily tell the two apart.

"So, you are the one causing all this chaos? Couldn't you at least give these poor souls a chance to rest? Yet, as I know how most people think you thought that Soul Society would be weak after the war with the Quincy, didn't you?" El Fuego cocked his head to the side allowing long black hair to spill to the side.

"How unsightly."

Without any kind of warning Muramasa was on the defensive with an obviously skilled El Fuego attacking him with moves that matched Ichigo to a 'T', it was obviously he who trained Ichigo in most of what he knew and the Shinigami saw this and felt a little bit shamed that a none Shinigami at the time learned to become so strong in ways they should have used a long time ago.

Karin was helped up by Chad. Orihime looked on by their side as El Fuego attacked the man without end, the man clearly had the massive amount of stamina his master had.

"So Muramasa-san, my master might not care but I for a fact, do care why you are doing this needless act."

Muramasa's face twisted into one of rage.

"I have a goal! I am here to free my master!" El Fuego paused and cocked his head.

He didn't know why precisely but something in the man's behaviour screamed neglected. With a shove El Fuego looked at Muramasa with empathetic eyes.

"Tell me… What did your master tell you, what did they say to break you so badly?" El Fuego watched as Muramasa blinked owlishly before his face twisted into a mixture of rage and anguish.

"I am merely a tool; I am just a sword. My master is the one who is in charge." The man said in a monotone voice, it was clear that the words were drilled into his head by an abusive master.

El Fuego narrowed his eyes as he saw the hidden sadness, pain and loneliness inside light blue green eyes. "Your master is a fool!" El Fuego roared as he charged at the man with the speed both he and his master shared. Muramasa was on the defensive almost immediately.

Muramasa had no time to even make any kind of comeback as he was brutally pushed to the edge of his strength.

"Feel this power! This is what it is like when a Zanpakuto and its master fights and trains as one! For we are one, not a master and a slave!" El Fuego yelled as he slashed Muramasa across the chest sending the male flying.

Just when Muramasa connected with the ground in a harsh crash, Ichigo and Yamamoto appeared with a dishevelled looking Kõga appeared. All those who remembered what the man did gasped when they saw the brunette looking far worse for wear. He had lost most of his hair and looked gaunt but the mad gleam in his eyes still remained.

"El Fuego." Ichigo said getting the raven haired spirit's attention. The man nodded and appeared next to Ichigo.

Ichigo looked over at Yamamoto, who simply nodded and stepped back himself while shoving Kõga in the vague direction of Muramasa.

"Come on, claim your blade and face me." Ichigo growled as El Fuego glowed and dematerialised. Kõga growled, his mind was still cracked due to all he had been through. After all being 'framed' then going berserk and killing many innocents.

'Yes, so 'tragic.' El Fuego drawled sarcastically out in his mind making Ichigo smirk.

"Indeed." Ichigo murmured softly before he used Sonído to appear before the mentally ill Shinigami.

"So you are the Ichigo I have been hearing about?" The lunatic brunette said with an unhinged smile. Ichigo arched a brow at the man, he was still wearing the tattered remains of his noble clothes. "You have heard of me?"

The brunette looked at the man with a mixture of respect and anger in his eyes. "I heard my guards talking about you and I have to say, you impress me. So much power all in one being. Tell me how did you gain such power!" Kõga roared.

People watched as Ichigo smirked before he snarled.

"I grew stronger with my Zanpakuto. I along with my sword grew stronger, together, as a team. Something I hear you are not accustomed to. You who had clearly broken your Zanpakuto's spirit if what El Fuego said is true." Ichigo said tilting his head.

"A Shinigami and his sword are after all one in the same, together they form a unity that not many know. I am actually saddened by the startling amount of Shinigami who do not believe that together they can become so strong. If only they would listen to their sword but alas it has always been this was, I am told." Ichigo looked off into the distance before he looked up at the sky that still held the circle clouds from when he came down.

Kõga snarled at Ichigo before he charged at the man with an impressive amount of force behind his swing… if you were a normal captain.

Ichigo was not.

He barely moved, his face showed he was unimpressed.

"I have no respect for those who believe themselves above others. I assume your guards talked about how I dealt with that bastard Aizen and the Quincy, hmm?" Ichigo asked as he grinned a somewhat unhinged grin at the mentally unstable Shinigami.

Kõga swallowed around the lump in his throat. Ichigo was looking at him with the eyes of a predator. One set out to kill whatever was before them.

Ichigo never gave him a chance to answer.

"I killed them all. Ever. Single. One. So guess what I am going to do to you?" Ichigo asked as his smile turned more feral.

"I am going to rip you to pieces, anyone who threatens all I hold dear will feel my wrath!" Ichigo roared and swung his sword in a large arch. "Arde!" The torrent of fire raged out of the long steel, stronger than anyone could remember. In fact, it looked like the fire was more concentrated and it hit Kõga full on. He screamed as his was set on fire. Ichigo just started as the man burned and started to roll around in a weak attempt to put out the flames, but everyone knew that Ichigo's flames could not be extinguished.

With a harsh swipe of his left hand, Ichigo dispelled the flames. Kõga was covered in third degree burns. Some places the skin was burnt off completely and other places were peeling badly while blood oozed out here and there.

A slow smirk formed on Ichigo's lips as he walked closer to the smoking burnt man. He kneeled beside the man.

"I can put anyone through hell, I have no intention of letting a bastard like you live. Your mind is broken and I can see it as clear as day. So like a broken animal I will put you out of your misery." Ichigo said loud enough for all around to hear. He rose and lifted El Fuego execution style, there was no hesitation as Ichigo looked into the eyes of the one proud and noble Kõga. They were filled with pain but the anger or resentment that Ichigo expected to see was not there. In fact, it looked like the man was begging with his eyes to just end him, to release him from his misery. Ichigo's eyes softened and made a small nod.

"May you find peace in death."

No one made a sound as El Fuego came down with precision, it was over in a matter of seconds as the brunette's head rolled away from his body.

All Zanpakuto spirits who were under the thrall of Muramasa stumbled as their minds became their own again.

Ichigo sheathed El Fuego as he looked at the body of the burnt man who no longer lived in his broken twisted mind. It was then when the damn broke as Ichigo was tackled to the ground by a near hysterical Karin. She was sobbing into his chest, crying about how she knew he wasn't dead and that he would come back to them as well as how much she missed him. Ichigo smiled as he patted Karin's back before he stroked her hair, all while smiling down at her.

After she got herself together she rose to her feet allowing Ichigo to do the same. It was there when Ichigo was tackled to the ground for the second time that day but a long haired blonde.

Ichigo blinked before looking down and seeing he had Shinji on his chest crying against his chest. A soft smile came to his face as he slowly sat up and manoeuvred them both till he was sitting upright with a lap full of Shinji who by then had calmed down and was gently running his fingers over the area where his hole use to be.

Looking up, Ichigo saw that they were surrounded by everyone who had been close by and a few who came when they felt all went calm again. Yamamoto was looking down and him and nodded his head in thanks. Ichigo gave a small smirk and nodded back.

"Your hole is gone." Shinji's voice broke the silence as all looked down and saw that indeed that Shinji's hand was touching skin where there should not have been. Ichigo grinned and chuckled, he then moved Shinji's head over the area of his heart and started silent allowing the blonde to hear an actual beating heart inside his chest.

Shinji gasped and pulled back, the rest watched confused till Shinji breathed out the words that made all eyes grow wide in shock.

"Your heart is beating."

A smile formed on his face. "When I regained consciousness I was in the realm of the soul king. I was then explained by the royal guards that the Soul king was personally repairing my soul after I ripped a part of it out and as a reward he altered me, made me better than I was. He healed my soul as well as improve me. He… in a sense balanced out my soul. I am now equal part hollow and equal part Shinigami. It is also why I no longer have a hole, I lost my mask fragment when I pulled it off." Ichigo explained while looking into Shinji's eyes.

Toffee brown eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"So you are back now right?" He asked Ichigo who cocked his head to the side.

"I don't really know what to do now to be honest."

Yamamoto cleared his throat gaining all attention.

"I may be able to answer that." With that said, all lieutenants and captains along with the humans and Ichigo as well as Starkk who had stood by silently but with a happy smile at seeing Ichigo alive and well, moved to the meeting hall. Once there all looked up at Yamamoto who was busy taking in Ichigo as he stood before him with a cocked head.

"A new squad will be made as of today, it will be known as squad fourteen and you Ichigo Shiba-Kurosaki will be its captain. You will be required to remain here as well as have a lieutenant with you here as well, that position will be filled by someone of your choosing. Squad fourteen will be that of the Arrancar, they will remain in Hueco Mundo to uphold the balance of that world."

A pin dropping onto the floor could be heard as everyone looked up in shock. Ichigo was first to recovered.

"You… would allow me to stay here and become a captain?" He asked completely shocked, as his red eyes looked into the dark eyes of Yamamoto. The man smiled faintly and nodded his head.

Ichigo looked down at his sandal clad feet.

He thought about who he could make his lieutenant but no one came to mind but Akira and he was head, his fist clenched subconsciously. He would not deny this, how stupid would he be of he did? This was a golden opportunity to be closer to his mate and have a more peaceful situation between the Arrancar and Shinigami. Nodding to himself Ichigo raised his head and looked back at Yamamoto who was looking at him with an unreadable look. Inside however he was somewhat nervous.

A smile made its home on his face.

"I gladly accept you offer." There was an eruption of cheers in the room as Shinji hugged Ichigo close, he could barely withhold his tears of joy.

Yamamoto and the rest watched with smiles as the man they all thought dead, being hugged by his mate. Ichigo gently pushed Shinji away and looked at the head captain. "I will go now and decide who my lieutenant is, the faster it is done, the faster I can get home." Ichigo heard the barely heard gasp from Shinji at the mentioning Soul Society as his home.

Starkk smirked from here he stood in the back.

Yamamoto nodded before he tapped his cane a few times against the ground. "Before you go, get some better fitting clothes." Ichigo looked down at himself and chuckled. "I guess I can quickly get better clothes. I suppose I will have to wear black now?" Ichigo asked with a tilt of the head. Yamamoto stroked his beard as he looked down at Ichigo who was looking at him in return.

He shook his head negative.

"White would suit your squad better. You will wear white with a black haori."

Ichigo smirked and nodded before he turned and was dragged out by Shinji, who was babbling about a clothing store that had something he knew Ichigo would love. The rest just watched amused as Stark slowly followed after them.

Once Ichigo was clad in a white male kimono, white hakama pants and dark orange obi he was off with Starkk. He looked down at Shinji who was looking slightly put off that Ichigo had to leave yet again. Starkk was looking at the pair with sleepily amused eyes.

"I will only be gone a few hours, you know, get a lieutenant and bring them back." Shinji saw the male behind Ichigo's face change into a smirk that screamed that he knew something Ichigo didn't.

Odd.

But Shinji reluctantly agreed only after Ichigo promised that he would be back by night.

And then they were gone.

Shinji stood n the fifth squad courtyard, he was looking at the arch used to commute back and forth. "Ya know, if he is gonna stay here… you'll need a bigger place." Hyori said leaning against a nearby building. Shinji went stiff as he realised that the small woman had a very good point. In a flash he was gone leaving a snickering fifth squad behind. They were happy the Shinji was his happier self once more.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All heads looked up when they felt the familiar power slamming down on them.

Szayel who was tinkering in his lab when he felt the massive reiatsu appear, he was so shocked that he dropped the vial he was working with to the ground causing an explosion.

Grimmjow and Nnoitra fell flat on their faces while they were in the mist of attacking one another in a friendly spar. All of them rushed towards the male who was standing on the white sands with a light frown on his face.

"Yo! Long time no see, glad to see you are amongst the living!" Grimmjow shouted while Nnoitra just gave a narrow eyed piano grin. Nel ran towards him, when she was closer she all but flung herself at him only to be caught but strong arms.

"Itsygo! You back!" She said with a smile.

Ichigo chuckled and patted her head.

"Yeah, I am back but not for long. You see The Shinigami have given us a golden opportunity." Ichigo said and watched as all faces turned curious while some had a little bit of suspicion in them.

Starkk ran his hand on the back of his neck and looked at the rest of the familiar faces. "Ichigo-sama has been give the position of the new fourteenth squad, that would be us. We all will remain here and Ichigo along with one other Arrancar of his choosing as his lieutenant will stay in Soul Society." As he explained Ichigo noticed Grimmjow and Nnoitra's faces grow into mischievous ones at the mention of lieutenant.

Instantly suspicious, Ichigo narrowed his eyes at the two and watched somewhat amused when they fidgeted like small school boys being given the eye by the school mistress.

"I hope you would consider me Ichigo-sama."

That voice. Ichigo went still before he whirled around and gawked at what he saw.

"A-Akira…"

There stood the blue haired male with a small smile on his face. He looked almost like he had, the only difference was his hair was shorter. "How?" Ichigo asked gently lowering Nel to the ground as he moved closer to the man he saw as a brother. Akira still wore his flowing sleeved vest with standard hakama pants and light teal obi.

"When you left I went searching for Akira's body so we could clean it and prepare it for burial but when I came across it I felt a small heartbeat, it was far too faint to be felt by someone who was in an emotional state but I felt it. With the help of my assistants we got Akira to my second lab and I was able to save his life, it was also a touch and go thing and we all decided to keep it from you for if the man did in fact die while we tried to revive him but he pulled though and here we are." Szayel said smirking as he cocked his hip. Ichigo looked into Akira's aqua blue eyes and suddenly grabbed the smaller male by the shoulders and hugged the very breath out of the Akira who just wrapped his arms around Ichigo.

"Of course you're going to be my lieutenant." Ichigo said and pulled back with a lopsided smirk. "There is no one else I'd rather have." There was a chorus of mock boo's and aww's that gained a chuckle from Ichigo.

Ichigo being a man of his word, told Akira he should get his things and they could be on their way. Akira just smirked and went to the room he had taken while everything was being rebuilt. Even after Ichigo's old rooms were fixed he didn't go in them. After all, it wasn't the same for him. When he woke up and was told what had happened he was shocked. Ichigo-sama had fought with the Quincy king and was so badly injured that he was then taken by the Royal guard.

He seemed to be fine now though, Akira thought as he packed his meagre belongings into a duffle like bag. Once all was packed he walked back to where Ichigo was discussing what would happen now that he would not be in Hueco Mundo. It was decided that Starkk would hold the fort down along with Harribel and Sofia.

With waves at their backs they two made their way back to the world of the living where then they went to the Kurosaki family to meet and greet.

Yuzu was the one to open the door, the girl smiled widely as she hugged her brother. Isshin who heard the squeal of happiness of his daughter came around the corner to see Ichigo looking like the picture of health. Ichigo looked up at him and grinned a boyish grin.

"They are making me a captain of a new squad." Ichigo said watching as Isshin's face go from happiness, shocked surprise to pure joy as he realised that Ichigo and Shinji could now be together.

"I am proud of you, son." Ichigo got to introduce his family to his adopted little brother, was Ichigo said getting a blush from Akira as he sheepishly waved at the two Kurosaki's. they took it in their stride and warmly welcomed him into the family. After drinking a cup of tea to explain what was now going to happen they two left to go to Urahara. The blonde male and his company were shocked when they saw Ichigo and Akira.

The man was all too happy to send Ichigo to Soul Society.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shinji shifted where he stood, Ichigo had been gone for about four hours now and he had by some miracle gotten a bigger house that was close to his division. Where Ichigo's office was going to be he didn't know but at least he would have a home.

The house was also furnished, it was a two-bedroom home, it had a bathroom and a large open plan main room that lead to a kitchen. It was all he could think they would need. With the help of some friends, they got his personal effects.

Just as the last piece of clothing was neatly folded, the warm reiatsu of Ichigo was felt along with someone who was more mellow, like water. He rushed towards the man and the added being. Ichigo was standing in the meeting hall when he finally caught up. Next to Ichigo was a male who was by all rights very pretty and Shinji felt intimidated from the moment he saw the blue eyed beauty.

Ichigo turned around and motioned for Shinji to come over. Once he was closer he felt a strong arm wrap around his waist. "Shinji, this is Akira. He is going to be my lieutenant." Shinji blinked as he took in the other male. A confused frown made itself known, he looked up at Ichigo. "Wasn't he killed?" he flinched when he realised how rude it sounded. Ichigo just smiled down at him. "I thought he was, in my emotional state I couldn't think clearly and I didn't feel his pulse. Szayel found him and saved his life and this I got my little brother back. Well he isn't my brother by blood but he is to me." Ichigo explained.

Shinji looked to Akira and smiled.

"He can take the spare room… well that is if you want to live with me." Shinji said and looked back up at Ichigo who gave a snort and an amused eyebrow raise. "And why would I not?" He simply said getting a snicker here and there from the filled room. The captains and lieutenants as well as humans all looked on as Shinji told Ichigo about the place he had gotten them. Akira just stood by with a smile on his face as he took in the lovey dovey act.

Yamamoto cleared his throat getting all the attention.

"Seeing as the Arrancar will be in Hueco Mundo, you will not have a division base but you will need an office." The man stroked his beard again as he looked at Ichigo who was now wearing all white. After an argument that flew of the two Arrancar's heads as to where Ichigo and Akira were to have their office went over two hours, the two decided to sit down right there on the ground. The meeting paused as they all looked at the two men, Shinji had moved to his captain spot long ago just to hold with the formality.

Ichigo blinked at the captains and lieutenants.

"You should probably know that neither I nor Akira know where any of these places are?"

Shinji, Renji, Shunsui, Ukitake and Kenpachi all laughed when they realised that it was true that Ichigo didn't even know much about Soul Society. Ichigo stroked his chin. "is it possible to make it somewhere I have been before?" The room went silent as they all thought of the places Ichigo had been.

"Well, the area Ichigo and I fought in is still bare…" Kenpachi mumbled as he scratched under his eye-patch. "The warehouses have been rebuilt long ago…" Hitsugaya said looking at Ichigo who gave a sheepish smile, that's smile got him some snickers from Kensei, Shinji, Renji, Kenpachi while Ukitake, Shunsui and some others laughed softly while the rest smirked.

"Heh… whoops…" Was all Ichigo said.

Yamamoto just shook his head at the antics of the room.

"The lot where the Central 46 was, is still empty…" Ise said as she shifted her book around a bit. The room went silent as they looked at Ichigo who had a look of contemplating over his face. A snarky smile made itself known.

"Mmm… I like that idea, never really felt bad about doing that, those bastards deserved it. I mean they were all so weak and close minded that they were unable to move Seireitei forward, in fact, they were only going back." Ichigo humphed and crossed his arms. It was still unknown that Gin had actually killed the men and women but Ichigo would never tell that.

That got some arched brows.

Ichigo looked straight at Yamamoto. "People who have not fucking clue about fighting hollows, the hardships the normal true Shinigami go through… those fucking assholes stood from afar, they had no idea what it is like to make a decision with a sword of rows of teeth at your neck. Those people had no right to say what was right and what was wrong." Ichigo hissed, his eyes dared Yamamoto or anyone to argue with him.

Slowly all captains and lieutenants' heads nodded in agreement. Byakuya was the first to nod his head.

"Then a new office and small training ground will be built where the Central 46 once stood." Smiles filled the room as Ichigo and Akira rose from the ground and bowed at Yamamoto. "From today on the Squad fourteen will now be known." The room erupted into cheers of different kinds.

When the meeting was ended and Ichigo was all but pushed into Shinji's arms by Hyori. She grinned and said with no inkling of shame. "Go and make your mate all happy now, he had been like a kicked puppy whining for its master." Shinji went blood red and yelled at the smaller blonde.

The two threw insults at one another like it was all too easy and it made everyone smile at seeing the blonde male back to his old snarky self.

Shinji then went to his office to get some papers signed by Ichigo, it was just to say that Ichigo was the other owner of the home they now lived in, Akira was more then welcome to sign as well but he said it didn't feel right.

Once the entered the new home, Ichigo looked around.

The house was made out of pale wood, painted over with a clear varnish to protect the wood. The floor was soft carpet, in the middle of the room was a slow table with pillows. On the one side of the room was a shifting wall that acted as a door was well to see a beautiful garden that was walled off to give some privacy as well as a small rock garden that caught Akira's attention as well as a small koi pond. The rest of the room was rather bare.

"I thought we could decorate it together…" Shinji said looking a little nervous as he played with his fingers. Ichigo smiled and him and nodded. The kitchen was also pale wood and rather bare for now, Akira was shown his room and said he would like to explore more around and walked away, as he looked back he winked at Ichigo who snorted at the male's cheek.

Turning around he looked down at his mate.

"And where is our room?" Ichigo asked with a lop sided smirk that was anything but innocent.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Right, smut scenes are next chapter. I apologise for the wait and the rushed feeling of this but well.. it was a small arch actually…

Anyway Bounts are and they will either be one or two chapters I do not know. This story will soon be wrapping up.

Thank you all for the amazing support!