Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo and Shueisha Inc. I merely own my original characters. No copyright infringement or financial gain intended. I write for the love of the Bleach-verse and its characters.

Feedback: Reviews are welcome and encouraged, flames are not. Thank you to everyone who reads. Your support is very much appreciated.

Bleachpower: Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. For Aizen's Bankai, I was inspired by how the brain is affected by hypnotism. I wanted to take it up to the next level. Aizen is very much all about playing with people's emotions and weakening them mentally.

NoOneImportantI appreciate your comment. I'm glad you found my fic again. Most of your questions will be answered in this chapter. Your question about Aizen was answered within chapter 36. Maybe if you read it again, you will see when Ichigo fell for Aizen's ability.

This chapter was supposed to have come out in December 2020, but I still needed more tweaks and I got really busy. Sorry for the delay, but this chapter is a long one.

Ichigo stared at Kisuke, awaiting his explanation. He thrust his sword into the ground, preventing his exhausted body from falling. Rivulets of blood dripped from his lacerated arms, torso, and legs. He could feel the adrenaline surging through his body begin to elevate.

"In truth, it would be more accurate to say the essence of deceased Souls."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ichigo's eyebrows dipped downward.

Kisuke motioned for Tessai to halt and the taller man refrained from crossing over to where Aizen lay.

"I imagine you've been curious as to how the Hōgyoku came to be all this time. Telling you about it is the least I could do after all the trouble I put you through." Kisuke paused for a moment, closing his eyes. "In my desire to find a way to strengthen Souls, I studied Souls assassinated by the Onmitsukidō, the stealth force of the Soul Society, which oversees the neutralization of internal threats to the Seireitei. I was once a part of it under Yoruichi-san and even when I took on the role of the Twelfth Division taichō, I had access to the corpses of those killed.

"Through my research, I realized that all Souls with Reiryoku possessed a strong essence of the Soul King within them. Every Soul is essentially linked to the Soul King due to the life and death cycle via their Chain of Fate, but as I mentioned before Shinigami, well specifically, noble born Souls originated from the Soul King. Shinigami that have hailed from Rukongai on the other hand have always been considered an anomaly. I had always figured it was a natural mutation that arose with time within some Rukongai Souls and my research certainly showed this. Anyhow, by gathering this essence and fusing it I was able to create a unique substance whose power was beyond Reiryoku. Its power was godlike."

"I realized it could enhance a Soul and that it even had the potential to erase and recreate any boundaries in nature including those between Hollows and Shinigami. Hollowfication had always been considered taboo since it went against the nature of what a Shinigami was. It was something that didn't happen naturally and was thought to disrupt the balance. Essentially, the Hōgyoku had the potential to destroy the balance which would mean the destruction of the Soul King if it were to be used. The Soul King could only exist as along as the balance existed.

"As I mentioned earlier, the Soul King's purpose was to regulate the flow of Souls. The Soul King basically gave up its life to do so, using all its power to keep the World of the Living separate from the spiritual dimensions of Hueco Mundo, Hell, and Soul Society. Before Soul Society existed, deceased spirits would wander in the World of the Living alongside corrupted Souls. There was no afterlife. As you can imagine, Humans and Pluses were in constant danger from the corrupted Souls who in their grief consumed their hearts and became monsters.

"The Soul King who originated from this dimension formed the Soul Society and created separate dimensions to keep corrupted and normal spirits apart, so that the World of the Living wouldn't be overrun with fallen spirits. This separation meant spirits needed to be balanced between the World of the Living and Soul Society to avoid the dimensions from colliding and causing great destruction. The Soul King created the Shinigami and stayed with them until it was ready to go to its own dimension to become a lynchpin for the worlds it had created."

"I inadvertently created a natural replacement for the Soul King when I created the Hōgyoku. It was the only thing that could replace the Soul King and keep the world intact since its power stemmed from the Soul King itself and even had the potential to absorb it. I knew if anyone found out about it, it could possibly put the universe at risk. Through my work with the Onmitsukid0ō, I knew there were Shinigami that given the chance would rebel."

"So, that's why you tried to get rid of it and why Aizen wanted it. Without it, he would've just destroyed the world by unleashing that virus," Ichigo said quietly, his head tilted downward.

"Correct. He needed the Hōgyoku to act as the cornerstone to keep Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the World of the Living intact though he could've survived just fine in this dimension, which exists apart from them. The Souls he killed helped awaken and strengthen the Hōgyoku. They also disrupted the balance and by default debilitated the Soul King. By fusing the Hōgyoku with the weakened Soul King, he solidified it as the new Soul King. The Hōgyoku by itself is a catalyst for change but combined with the Soul King it also became a conduit for the flow of Souls."

Ichigo allowed the information to sink into his brain for a moment. Aizen had been right in saying the Hōgyoku had been made from dead Souls and that Urahara-san had probably murdered them. He never would've thought Urahara-san had been part of the Onmitsukidō; Yoruichi-san hadn't mentioned it. There really was more to him than he knew.

One thing that was apparent was that Urahara-san had a thing for limiting the information he gave. Urahara-san had clearly left out the Hōgyoku's ability to become the Soul King when he had sent his father to report about the virus and the Hōgyoku and the Hollows. He supposed this particular detail didn't change the fact that the Gotei 13 needed to prevent as much death as possible. He probably hadn't wanted it to come down to this, but it turned out to be a welcome surprise.

Aizen's other words haunted him. He needed to know if there was any more truth to what Aizen had said.

"Urahara-san, thanks for telling us the truth about the Hōgyoku. There's something I'd like to ask, that I probably should've asked before. You created the Hōgyoku a long time ago. Why didn't you put it in someone else all this time? Why did you decide to put in Rukia?"

"The seal I had placed on the Hōgyoku was meant to last for about a century. Truth be told, I never considered putting it in a Human Soul because it would not be able to hold it indefinitely. I could not allow a Hollow to get a hold of it. I created Ururu a few years ago as a living artificial Soul to temporarily house it though she wasn't aware. I created Jinta as her companion."

"Figures, they weren't human," Ichigo muttered, looking surprised.

Kisuke smiled slightly. "Of course, they weren't, Kurosaki-san. You didn't even realize when they weren't in their Gigai or Soul form."

Ichigo looked annoyed. "Whatever. If you had them, why'd you put it in Rukia?"

Kisuke dipped his head, his hat shadowed his eyes. "Honestly, I was surprised you didn't ask questions back then…The same with Kuchiki-san when she stopped by during the arrival of the Arrancar and I apologized. I knew Aizen-san had held back revealing everything to force me to tell you everything, but I couldn't…at the time…Now the time has come for you to know it.

"It's not something I planned; it's just something that happened. When I felt the Hollow attack at your house, Kurosaki-san, I tried to rush over but by the time I got there, Kuchiki-san had transferred your powers to you. It seemed like fate had given me the answer I was seeking about how to act.

"You see, I knew Aizen-san would be on the lookout for the Hōgyoku due to its seal breaking this year. I was fairly certain he had read my research journals. Aizen-san was the reason behind my exile. He framed Tessai-san and me for conducting Hollowfication experiments on Hirako Shinji and the others. He knew I understood what Hollowfication was; he didn't seem surprised by this fact. He seemed to know about me for some reason. The lengths he went to conduct and hide his experiments proved to me that he would find the means to get access to my research journals. I believed he suspected I had conducted Hollowfication experiments of my own. What happened to your father confirmed that he was plotting to overthrow Seireitei and would need the Hōgyoku in order to act.

"Aizen-san has always acted in the shadows and I decided to seize the situation with Kuchiki-san to draw him out. I placed the Hōgyoku in Kuchiki-san and gave her an untraceable Gigai. He knew I was capable of creating untraceable Gigai; it's how I've evaded capture all these years. I knew he would deduce I was behind her disappearance and would try to take the Hōgyoku from her once she was taken to Soul Society."

"So, you placed it in her, so she could be captured?" Ichigo growled, his eyes flashing. "You're the one who attracted the Menos Grande, right? It's not normal for a huge Hollow like that to show up, isn't it?"

Rukia looked upset.

Orihime looked troubled.

Uryū's eyes flashed with grim understanding.

Ganju looked bewildered.

"I'm afraid so," Kisuke said solemnly.

"You bastard. Why the hell didn't you just tell the Gotei 13?"

"Without evidence, there's no way they would've believed me, Kurosaki-san. Not that I would've been given a chance to talk to them. I'm a wanted criminal, remember? I would've been arrested by the Punishment Force and taken to Central 46 so that they could finish their sentencing. My powers were supposed to have been stripped before my banishment to the World of the Living. Spiritual beings aren't allowed to reside in the World of the Living with Reiryoku. Yoruichi-san secretly helped me escape from the Seireitei before I was banished properly.

"Yoruichi-san tried to get evidence during her time in the Seireitei before she exiled herself to join me and Tessai-san in the World of the Living, but she was unable to. Aizen-san was too thorough in masquerading his antics. I suspected he probably thought she was keeping an eye on him if he believed that she helped me to escape; she stayed in Soul Society for about a year to avoid this suspicion from everyone since people were aware of our close relationship.

"Even after she left, she kept on eye on things in Soul Society from time to time for me since she was the only one that was able to pass through the Senkaimon as she was the only person that was not officially exiled by the Soul Society. She wanted to assassinate Aizen-san, but that wasn't a viable plan as it would make her nothing but a criminal. She'd already given up her career and family, I couldn't allow her to risk herself.

"There really was no other option, but to lure Aizen-san out. I believed the Gotei 13 would be successful in stopping Aizen-san and retrieving the Hōgyoku, but I never anticipated that he would join with the Menos and escape."

"So, in other words, you never cared about saving Rukia. All you cared about was revealing Aizen as a traitor."

"I meant what I said before, I am truly sorry for involving you in this situation," Kisuke said, lifting his head and staring at Ichigo and then Rukia and the others, his expression contrite. "Kurosaki-san, I did have confidence that you would be able to save Kuchiki-san. I did train you after all."

"I'll always be grateful for that, but you used me to stop an execution that shouldn't have happened in the first place. You told me I shouldn't be suicidal rushing into Soul Society, but you were reckless in luring Aizen out with Rukia as bait. This whole war could've been avoided."

Kisuke's face grew somber. "Kurosaki-san, it was a calculated risk though I never imagined things would get to the point they are now due to Aizen-san's unexpected escape. I believed the Gotei 13 would manage to stop Aizen-san in the artificial Karakura. I figured he had changed his mind about the virus he had used on your father and his clan and instead was focused on attacking with his Arrancar army. I didn't think he would find a way to perfect it for his needs and would act as he did. Aizen-san proved far more cunning than I anticipated. I only suspected this after he had fled from the artificial Karakura. It was then I realized how thorough Aizen was being.

"I regret that this war escalated to this level, but I'm not entirely sure this war could've been avoided since Aizen-san had allied with the Hollows even before he had the Hōgyoku. He might've used them to draw me out. By drawing him out, I felt that the chances of his success would be minimal. Unfortunately, my gamble didn't pay off the way I wanted.

"Kurosaki-san, you're wrong in thinking that Kuchiki-san wasn't going to be executed. Her crime wouldn't have merited the Sōkyoku, that was Aizen-san's doing, but she would have been executed all the same as well as you. Giving a Human Shinigami powers is a serious offense.

"By giving her an untraceable Gigai, I delayed her capture and gave you time to get used to being a Shinigami. I even helped you unlock your own hidden power when you faced off against the Menos Grande. Only then did I allow her to be noticed. In doing so, I prepared you to be able to rescue her. Or would you have preferred to let her die?"

Ichigo scowled, narrowing his eyes.

He could tell Urahara knew that answer would be no.

It was unnerving how he had predicted perfectly he would help Rukia. How could he have been so certain he would do so? Had his father told him about how he liked to protect? Or was it simply through observations that he had learned this? He had always found it weird that Urahara had always appeared whenever he went…. After learning about the Hōgyoku from Aizen, Ichigo had figured it had been to keep tabs on Rukia. He couldn't believe the truth was that Urahara had been grooming him for his plan since he met Rukia.

"Kurosaki-san, its standard practice for the Punishment Force to be sent out to apprehend any Shinigami that have failed to adhere to the laws. They would have been seen out to capture or kill her within hours of her failure to return to the Soul Society on time. You were actually lucky Kuchiki-taichō and Abarai-fukutaichō were sent in place of the Punishment Force. They would have made sure you were dead, Kurosaki-san."

"As if that would've made a difference," Ichigo said with a scoff. "It would've just made things easier instead of you pretending you had saved me from death."

Kisuke stared at him. "I see. So, you've realized…"

Ichigo nodded.

"It was my choice, but it doesn't change the fact you used me as well as Rukia due to the circumstances. You would've had to find a different way if Rukia hadn't given me her powers, so don't act like it was your only choice."

"What are you talking about?" Ganju blurted out.

Ichigo glanced at Ganju. His gaze flitted to Uryū, who seemed grave, and Orihime who was solemn faced yet anxious and then to Rukia. Her angry violet eyes shone with a flicker of understanding as they met his.

Ichigo gazed at his friends and he closed his eyes for a moment as he braced himself.

"T-This isn't easy for me to say…When I became a Shinigami, I gave up my life. I've been dead since then. I've been using a Gigai."

Ganju looked shocked.

Uryū closed his eyes for a moment as he pushed up his glasses. "I can't say I'm surprised. I suspected you might be dead and that you were using an artificial body. Before we left to rescue Kuchiki-san, Urahara-san did mention that you didn't need to worry about your Chain of Fate being cut unlike us. I never understood how you could become a substitute for Kuchiki-san if you were still living, but it made sense you would have to die to obtain Shinigami powers of your own. And, well, there's the fact that you even have a Hollow within you. A Human couldn't possibly have a Hollow within them."

"Kurosaki-kun," Orihime murmured, her eyes glimmering with sadness. "I-I found out recently…The Shun Shun Rikka told me…when I talked to them to learn about my powers… The reason I couldn't revive you when Ulquiorra-kun seemed to have killed you was because you were already d-dead. I-I can only revive people within five minutes…I-I didn't to want to believe it, but it's true, isn't it?"

"Inoue," Ichigo said softly, looking at her with a mixture of surprise and consideration. "It is true. You didn't fail to revive me; I was already dead. I'm sorry I put you through that."

He had previously apologized when she and Ishida had recounted his full Hollow transformation. He had known that she had been upset she hadn't been able to reject his grievous injury that had led to his unexpected transformation. She had expressed her intent to getting stronger, but he had never really considered how much guilt she was carrying for failing to heal him. He had never blamed her for anything. On the contrary, he had felt terrible he had put her in danger when all he had wanted was to rescue her. Her feelings of guilt had essentially been for nothing. Her power could not reverse his death.

Ichigo's gaze returned to Kisuke.

"Kurosaki-san, I would've found a different way if Kuchiki-san hadn't given you her powers, but the fact of the matter is she did. The monitoring of Reiryoku is crucial to maintain the spiritual balance in the world. Be it Souls or Humans, Central 46 has decreed that those with a considerable amount of Reiryoku must be monitored. In Soul Society, anyone deemed a threat to Soul Society gets arrested or killed depending on the threat level. I was once the Commander of the Detention Unit. I was in charge of dealing with those individuals. In the World of the Living, Humans with excess Reiryoku either get their power sealed or they're killed in the most extreme circumstances.

"Due to your unique heritage, I've been keeping track of your Reiryoku development since you were a child for this reason. Fortunately, its progress was steady up until you reached puberty. It has increased considerably since then, but even so, I wasn't as concerned as when Kuchiki-san gave her powers to you. I knew it would have an effect on your own powers and would attract the attention of the Soul Society.

"By helping you become a Shinigami, I gave you the chance to rescue Kuchiki-san but also a chance to prove to the Gotei 13 that you weren't a threat due to your aid in unveiling Aizen-san's rebellion. This is the underlying reason I had no choice but to place the Hōgyoku in Kuchiki-san. I felt this was the best plan to hit two birds with one stone.

"I recruited Inoue-san and Sado-san to help when I realized they had been affected by your leaking Reiryoku, so they could also benefit from my plan. I also had Yoruichi-san extend this invitation to Ishida-san to help protect him."

Ichigo couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had thought it was weird that Inoue and Sado wanted to join him to rescue Rukia as well as Ishida when Urahara had mentioned it to him, but he never would've thought that this was Urahara-san's twisted way of protecting them even though he had been sending them into enemy territory. If they had died, it would've actually solved the problem for the Soul Society. No, truth be told, either way, Urahara-san would've solved the problem for Soul Society. They were just fortunate they had survived.

Death didn't seem to be a big deal to him if it justified the end.

It was scary how well he had planned this scenario. Out of the corner of his eye, Ichigo eyed Aizen's corpse. Aizen had read through Urahara's plans. He could see now that Aizen hadn't lied; he'd just played around with the facts. These two men were so similar…

Aizen had been right. He had unknowingly been Urahara-san's puppet.

He had hated that he'd been jerked around by Aizen, but he'd been nothing but a pawn in the chess match between them.

"You didn't do this plan for us, you chose it for yourself to clear your name and get your revenge against Aizen," Ichigo declared. "You didn't really expect us to survive, did you? You said it yourself, you expected the Gotei 13 to stop Aizen. Even if we'd died, the Soul Society would've been happy with you. You're the one who drew Aizen out and even handed them the Ryoka. It's the reason the old man was willing to work with you, isn't it?"

"Quite frankly, you all exceeded my expectations considering you ended up meeting up with some taichō. I certainly can't say I foresaw such a scenario let alone you playing a pivotal role in Aizen-san's defeat due to my underestimation of his Zanpakutō.

"With that being said, I am glad you exceeded my expectations. Contrary to what you may believe, I didn't do it for myself. I did it for the sake of the universe. Nothing is more important for a Shinigami than to preserve the balance. Every Shinigami must be prepared to die for it. Death is merely the entryway to the next life as long as the life and death cycle exists. Not having the possibility of rebirth is truly the worst possible fate. I wanted nothing more than to prevent the destruction of the universe with the least amount of lives taken. I obviously failed."

Kisuke closed his eyes and took off his hat.

"You have every right to be angry with me. I know my apology can never be enough to atone for my actions, so I won't ask any of you to forgive me. But for what's it's worth, if I could've, I wouldn't have involved you.

"Inoue-san, I must apologize for the comments I made before. I was wrong in saying you couldn't be of use in battle. My hesitation to tell you the truth behind my words facilitated your capture which I had been trying to prevent. I should have been direct with you. I knew Aizen-san would be interested in your powers. I thought perhaps he might've wanted to reject the dormant state of the Hōgyoku. Little did I realize he had already accounted for how he would awaken it since he never realized a Human with your abilities could exist. I heard from Yamamoto-sōtaichō that Aizen had revealed to the taichō who'd gone to Hueco Mundo that he had captured you to divide the Gotei 13 forces."

"I-I don't know if you telling me that would've changed anything. I mean, it seems like if he really wanted my power, he would've tried to get it…He's done so many things to get what he wants…At least by going willingly, my friends weren't harmed. He never asked me to reject the Hōgyoku's dormant state, but I did use my power to repair the cracks in it for him," Orihime admitted quietly, surprising her friends. "I'm not sure if he lied about needing my power, or if he lied about not needing me…"

"I see. The cracks could've been repaired with the Souls he was gathering," Kisuke said grimly. "I think he just wanted you to believe you were of value to him. I think more than anything, he really wanted to take the time to evaluate Kurosaki-san due to his unique nature. Your abilities were certainly the perfect excuse to abduct you and unsettle the Soul Society as well as Kurosaki-san while his hid his true plans."

"Well, he clearly made a mistake overlooking how dangerous Inoue-san could be to him. She was the only who could reject his immortal state," Uryū said.

"I see, so he used the Hōgyoku on himself. It seems to me from that point on he didn't think anyone would be a threat to him, so he underestimated all of you, which is why you were able to defeat him."

Kisuke glanced at Uryū. "Ishida-san, my apologies for involving you with the Shinigami. I know your father was not happy about it."

Uryū looked slightly surprised.

Kisuke then turned to Ganju. "Ganju-san, I'm sorry for involving you and your sister in this war. I did not mean to cause you trouble though I know your sister would say it's your family's duty to be involved."

Ganju said nothing.

"I will apologize to Sado-san when I see him."

"Chado didn't participate in battle because he got sick," Ichigo said solemnly.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully he's feeling better."

"Inoue, do you have any idea of how he's doing?" Ichigo asked.

Orihime's tired gaze glimmered with sadness.

She closed her eyes for a moment as her lips trembled slightly.

"S-Sado-kun…will be okay now that Aizen-san has been defeated…" she murmured, fidgeting with her hands. "I-I wasn't able to treat him when he came in…I'm so sorry…Kurosaki-kun…"—her eyes filled with tears—"Sado-kun…he's…dead…just like you…"

Ichigo blanched for a moment before anguish swept over his features.

"It can't be…" he murmured disbelievingly, his distressed gaze dropping to the ground.

He began to shake.

His trembling knees touched down on the ground.

Tensa Zangetsu's dangling chain—what he learned in his training were the remnants of his Chain of Fate that allowed him to be linked with his Zanpakutō while in his Hollow form—shook, filling his ears with its metallic melody.

He was the only one that was supposed to be dead.

He had never allowed himself the thought that Chad would be killed by the virus that had infected him, though he had braced himself for the possibility that Chado would face a long recovery. Chado had always seemed invincible even before he had developed spiritual abilities. It seemed surreal that his friend had met his end by Aizen's virus after he had survived so many deadly situations…He was supposed to return to the World of the Living and continue living his Human life…

Chado would be alive…if he hadn't ever developed spiritual abilities…because of him…

He knew Urahara didn't have to do much to convince him to join Rukia's rescue operation.

He knew because he would've done the same if it had been Chado in need of assistance.

They had promised to have each other's backs…

Ichigo grimaced, feeling guilt and pain wash over him.

"I-I'm so sorry, Kurosaki-kun," Orihime said, a sob escaping her lips.

Ichigo merely stared at the floor.

His sword suddenly transformed into its Shikai form. He let it clatter to the ground as he stared mindlessly into the ground.

"I-I w-wanted to save him, b-but it was too late…the virus attacked his Chain of Fate and I couldn't do anything to revive him…" Orihime continued, tears springing forth from her eyes.

"I-It's not…your fault, Inoue," Ichigo managed to find his voice.

"Kurosaki's right, Inoue-san," Uryū said gently, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. "We know you would've helped him if you could've. You did help him…you helped stop Aizen."

"I'm sorry, Ishida-kun…I didn't tell you the truth…about Sado-kun, but I couldn't…"

"Don't worry about it, Inoue-san. I understand why you did it."

"I'm sorry about, Sado-kun," Kisuke said somberly. "I will apologize to him once I see him. Thanks to all of you he will be able to have an afterlife. He might even make a fine addition to the Gotei 13. Humans with special abilities lose them upon death, but they do retain their Reiryoku, so perhaps, he has the potential to be a Shinigami. The Gotei 13 could certainly use someone like him given the current situation."

There was a beat.

Kisuke took a deep bow. "Once again, I'm profoundly sorry. If I had the power to change things, I would," he said earnestly.

He rose, plopped his hat on his head, and glanced at Tessai. "Tessai-san, let's move Aizen-san. As soon as we take care of him, Tessai-san will teleport us back to the Seireitei."

No one spoke as Tessai picked up Aizen's corpse and followed Kisuke.

Ichigo's eyes were on the ground the entire time.

Rukia edged toward him.

World of the Living- Karakura Town

It was the end of the world.

It was the only way to explain the tremors that had kept rattling Karakura.

They were gone for now…but Tatsuki wasn't too sure they wouldn't start up again. Not that it mattered. She was dead along with her parents.

She had woken up to find her face splattered with blood from the wooden slab that had struck her. She didn't understand at first how she could be staring at herself sprawled on the floor of her wrecked bedroom. She had thought she was in a nightmare when she noticed the chain protruding from her chest. It was then that it hit her that she was staring at her dead body and that she was now a spirit.

She had found her parents in the same state.

They left their ruined home and rushed over to the Kurosaki Clinic and found it partly damaged but with no sign of its inhabitants. Though her mind had been fuzzy, she had had a feeling Ichigo wouldn't be there, but she was surprised that the rest of his family hadn't been there.

She didn't understand where they could be…She could only hope they had survived.

As she and her parents walked through their street and noticed more dead residents wandering about horror struck, she recalled her fight with Ichigo over Orihime. Orihime had been missing. Even now she couldn't sense her. Ichigo's presence was also gone.

She didn't really understand anything, but somehow, she knew this situation was related to Orihime's disappearance and Ichigo being involved in something dangerous. She remembered those strange people that had attacked her and that Ichigo had fought against them.

Her suspicions were confirmed when she had started sensing dangerous auras emerging from the sky. She had noticed monsters descending upon Karakura. These creatures were the true danger now and not the quaking ground. The latter had merely been the sign that an apocalypse was occurring.

However, the quaking had made it difficult to run and hide among the buildings still standing and the rubble as she and her parents tried to avoid being hunted down.

It really was a relief that for now the ground remained still.

Hidden behind a wall, Tatsuki peered out, stretching her spiritual senses. Her right hand held a wooden stick she had found. Feeling it was safe, she waved her free hand at her anxious parents and they hurried behind her as she burst into a run. They had had no choice but to trust her instincts.

They were heading towards a section of Karakura that seemed intact.

They kept scurrying in between buildings and then she heard it, the distinct roar of a creature. The hair at the back of her neck stiffened.

She whirled around as she heard her father yell.

A monster that looked like a bulky bull with three horns protruding from its mask charged towards her father.

"Otou-san!" she yelled, as she watched him get swept up by the Hollow as it lowered its head and tossed him up. Her father yelled as a horn ripped through his midsection.

Her mother shrieked in horror.

Pumping her legs as fast as she could, Tatsuki charged towards the Hollow and smacked her stick against its legs. It snapped.

Desperately, Tatsuki pummeled her fists into the Hollow's legs.

Tears of frustration and pain welled up in her eyes.

She flew back as the Hollow kicked her. She caught sight of flecks of Reishi glittering in the air. The monster gulped them down hungrily.

She rolled several times before she hastily pulled herself off the ground.

She couldn't allow that monster to take her mother too.

She shakily stumbled onto her feet. Her heart was pumping furiously as she realized she would not be able to make it in time. The creature was seconds away from ramming her defenseless mother who was kneeling on the ground, distraught.

Tatsuki began to run towards the Hollow when she thought she saw a flash of something red and black. She stopped short.

There was a pained roar and then the monster was gone.

Glowing particles dotted the air.

Tatsuki stared at the crimson haired figure clothed in a black kimono that looked like the one that she had seen Ichigo wear. His sleeve was torn off exposing his shoulder and part of his tattooed chest.

He has to be one of Ichigo's comrades…

He turned towards her mother, his sword in hand.

As he approached her, he raised the pommel towards her mother's forehead.

She watched as he raised it towards her mother, who was staring at him confused with tears streaking down her face.

"Oi, what are you doing?" Tatsuki demanded, as she sprinted towards him.

A bright light burst around the area where her mother had been.

Tatsuki stared helplessly at the butterfly flying in the air.

She reached out and pulled on the back of his kimono.

"W-What the?" Renji whirled around, forcing Tatsuki to release her hold on his kimono.

"What the hell did you do my mother?" she demanded, her hardened gaze glistening with unshed tears, her hands curled into fists. "I thought you came to help—"

"I helped her pass on," he explained tersely. "I'm a Shinigami. My job is to help the dead pass on to the afterlife."

"A Shinigami?" Tatsuki echoed, looking surprised.

"Look, I don't have time to explain. All you need to know is that you're going to the afterlife. I gotta go help other Souls."

"Oi! Wait a minute…" Tatsuki protested as Renji brought up his sword and pointed the end towards her.

She quickly thrust her forearm up, halting Renji from lowering his sword.

"What are you doin'?" Renji stared at her, surprised.

"I can't pass on just yet. I have a question."

"I told you, there's no time for your questions."

He began to lower his forearm and she resisted his pressure slightly before she lashed out with a kick that sent him stumbling back.

"I said, I'm not ready."

Renji glared at her, annoyed. He couldn't believe this Plus had caught him off-guard twice. He really needed to get this job over with. He'd never heard of a Plus putting up a fight. Most were too freaked out or confused about their situation. She seemed to be accepting it yet she was willing to resist against him. He could tell she had been a fighter in life. She even had Reiryoku.

"Do you know Kurosaki Ichigo?" Tatsuki demanded. "I know he's one of you…"

Renji looked surprised for a moment.

"I know him all right. You his friend?"

Tatsuki hesitated for a moment, her mind drifting to their last encounter. Were they still friends? He had pushed her away…They'd been drifting apart since fifth grade, but she never imagined he would turn his back on her. She had accepted that their friendship could never be as close as it was, but she had figured they would remain friends. Or at least that's what had she hoped. Now she wasn't sure she'd ever seen him again.

"I-I'm an old friend…where is he? Where's Orihime?"

Renji stared at the martial artist, noticing the concern in her sharp gaze.

He wished he knew everything himself. Hell, he wished he'd been able to participate in the battle in the Royal Dimension, but he'd been ordered to come here after he had been healed by Unohana-taichō. Kisuke Urahara had healed himself, Yoruichi, and Tessai before going to get Orihime on the other side of the Sōkyoku Hill to restore Unohana-taichō's arm, so that she could take over the healing. Renji had heard a loud cannon blast and Ichigo's presence vanish during this. Kisuke had explained Ichigo was headed to the Royal Dimension thanks to the Shiba Cannon; it had been his contingency plan in case Aizen escaped to the Royal Dimension.

Renji had told him he wanted to help when Kisuke asked Orihime and Ishida to accompany him along with Tessai, but the former Twelfth Division taichō had said he would be needed to restore the balance along with everyone else.

He had felt Rukia leave the Seireitei as well as a third presence sometime after Ichigo and before Kisuke and the others had left. He had hated lying there and imagining the worst. He simply couldn't envision how Aizen could be defeated.

"The world hasn't ended, so they…should be fine," he said, hoping his words were true.

"But, where are they?"

"They're in Soul Society where you're headed."

"The Soul Society?"

"That's right. You can see Ichigo and Inoue there someday," Renji said. "Listen, I'm only telling you this because your Kurosaki Ichigo's old friend and I owe him for saving mine. Things are bad in Soul Society right now. Once you get over there, you better stay away from sick people and survive. You should head to the Seireitei, that'll be your chance of seeing them. You have Reiryoku, so you might have a chance of becoming a Shinigami."

He added after a beat, "That's all I can say. I really need to get going."

"Okay…thanks. Wait a minute, why didn't you tell my mother any of this? How could you just let her go off like that?"

"Calm down. I didn't say anything because the virus wouldn't do anything to her. She doesn't have Reiryoku. She'll be fine. If you want to be with her, I have to hurry up and send you over so you can get tickets together, otherwise you'll be separated."

"What's your name?"

"Arisawa Tatsuki. What's yours?"

"Abarai Renji."

"Right, Arisawa, I'll let Ichigo know that you'll be looking for him."

"Thanks," she said, smiling slightly. "Now I'm ready, Abarai."

"Alright then."

He pressed the butt of Zabimaru to her forehead and she vanished in a flash of light.

One minute, she felt a strange warm glow infuse her being…and then she felt light and weightless, as though she was flying…And the next thing she knew she was surrounded by people. She blinked, surprised at the men, women, and children before her. They seemed to be standing in a line formation, or at the very least trying to. The number of people bunched in groups with likely family members or friends disrupted the formation. She recognized some faces that she had seen around town. She could hear voices behind her as well.

Was this the afterlife? How strange…she mused.

As she glanced down at her chest, she noticed the chain that had been there was gone. She had the impression that this meant she was truly dead since the chain that had tethered her to life was now absent. Her stomach squirmed uncomfortably.

She tried to peer around for her mother, but it was hard to see her among the tangle of heads and limbs filling the place. Her heart fell as she realized it really would be difficult to search for her mother if she wanted to be with her…

"Arisawa, you're here too!" exclaimed a familiar voice.

Startled, Tatsuki whirled around to see Keigo darting around people to get to her along with another familiar face. She could hear people shouting curses at them.

"Asano, Kojima, you're dead too!" She gaped at them as they stopped in front of her, breathless.

"Yes! It seems like a lot of people died in the freaky, end of the world earthquake!" Keigo said, horrified. "My sister is okay…I think…She just seems to have gotten a bit banged up. I couldn't really talk to her…Well, she couldn't see me…I kinda didn't realize I was dead until Madarame-san showed up. I was just so freaked out about the earthquake and my sister…"

"Who's that?"

"He's a Shinigami that Keigo apparently knows," Mizuiro explained.

Surprise flashed across Tatsuki's face. "You know a Shinigami? How in the world do you know a Shinigami? Do you know that Ichigo is a Shinigami?" Her eyes narrowed. "Did he tell you?"

Keigo squirmed uncomfortably under Tatsuki's angry gaze. "W-Well, you see I met Madarame-san a while back…He actually showed up to our school to talk to Ichigo. He saved me… and he needed a place to stay…Ichigo never said anything but I saw him…fighting…"

"I see."

"Did he tell you, Arisawa? Was it supposed to be a secret?" Mizuiro asked.

Tatsuki's face fell for an instant. "He didn't tell me anything…just like he didn't tell me about what's going on with Orihime…I saw him fighting too…Have you seen him fighting too, Kojima?"

Mizuiro shook his head. "Never saw him at all, but I guess that explains why he's been acting weird. It wasn't like Ichigo to give us the cold shoulder. I guess, you're right Arisawa it might have something to do with why Inoue-san is missing."

"Wait a minute, Mizuiro, aren't you weirded out by the fact Ichigo is a Shinigami?"

He shrugged. "I don't think that's as weird getting killed in a weird earthquake. Ichigo has been acting weird for a while…now I know why. I wonder why he didn't show up to help us pass on."

"I'm not sure…but I know he's in Soul Society," Tatsuki said, looking thoughtful.

Standing on a walkway in the Kuchiki manor, Rukia stared at the night sky, wrinkling her nose. "The smoke still hasn't cleared from the air," she said to herself.

From the smoky haze encircling the Seireitei to the rubble scattered across it, the vestiges of war would take time to erase. The fact that she was able to breathe was miraculous. She couldn't take it for granted.

The Soul Society, World of the Living, and Hueco Mundo had been on the brink of destruction.

They had barely defeated Aizen.

Lives had needed to be sacrificed for the sake of the balance.

She had never given Ichigo the specifics on the destruction of all worlds. It wasn't something that occurred all at once. The natural defense mechanism for the loss of Souls in the Soul Society was for natural disasters to occur in the World of the Living to help rectify the imbalance.

She hadn't realized that the Jūreichi was the initial site where the natural disaster would occur in the World of the Living if such a situation arose. Of course, it would be. It was the site in the World of the Living with the richest concentration of spiritual forces. She had felt horrified when she had learned of this. Despite their efforts to halt Aizen, he had set into motion the destruction of Karakura.

When they had arrived in the Seireitei and noticed that the presence of most Hollows and Shinigami was absent, Urahara Kisuke grimly informed them the Gotei 13 had gone to Karakura to realign the balance. He told them to rest, reminding them that their work had permitted the world to exist before he and Tessai left to check on things.

Her heart broke when she had witnessed Ichigo's reaction upon learning Karakura's fate.

She had never seen him looked so devastated. It was a crushing blow after the death of his best friend and Urahara's truth. Isshin's revelation that Yuzu and Karin were at Shiba Kūkaku's house had briefly generated relief in his gaze before it was overtaken by desolation.

His expression remained unchanged for quite some time. He remained mostly silent. He had barely seemed cognizant of his surroundings as Isshin took them to the Kuchiki Manor via Sentan Hakuja before he left to go find and heal Shinigami scattered amongst the Seireitei's ruins. She had invited Uryū, Orihime, Ganju, Ichigo and Isshin to her home, but only Ichigo had ended up accompanying her due to his father's order that he needed to take Masaki so she could rest somewhere safe. Uryū had said he was going to search for his father. Despite her sorrow, Orihime had wanted to help Isshin heal any injured Shinigami, so he replenished her Reiryoku so she could do so. Ganju had also wanted to help his uncle gather the injured. She did tell them to come afterwards though.

She and Ichigo barely spoke as he took Masaki to a room where they could all stay. She hadn't wanted to needlessly disturb her brother by staying in her personal quarters. Ichigo had blankly stepped out of the room while she and a servant cleaned up Masaki and dressed her in a clean yukata. He didn't bother cleaning himself up and he merely reentered the room and sat there for hours beside an unconscious Masaki for hours, silent.

When it was well past dawn, she had had no choice but to force him to speak.

"Ichigo, you have to eat." She was standing beside the food that had been placed on a low table. Her expression somber.

Ichigo didn't say anything. His lost eyes cast upon something she could not see.

"Ichigo…are you listening? You have to eat."

She started towards him. Her shadow fell across him.

He shook his head slightly.

Her frown deepened.

"Ichigo, I know you're hurting…but you can't just sit here," Rukia said gently. "You need to eat, so you can restore your Reiryoku otherwise you're going to collapse just like Masaki…I only healed your wounds; I didn't fully restore your Reiryoku."

Ichigo's furrowed eyebrows contracted. He pursed his lips.

"I-I couldn't help her…S-She almost died…" he murmured, his throat catching.

"It's okay, Ichigo. She didn't die, that's what matters."

"Aizen nearly killed you…He nearly killed me…The world….and future were nearly destroyed…All because I couldn't stop him…"

"Ichigo," Rukia started, but he continued.

"I should've been able to stop him…before…I could've…back in that fake town…if I had embraced my Hollow sooner"—he clenched his fists—"Karakura and everyone would be fine…I failed to protect them…because of my fear and stupidity…"

"Don't do this to yourself, Ichigo. Don't torture yourself with what could've been, you can't undo what's happened. What matters is that you were able to overcome your fears…and that you were able to stop Aizen—"

"I wasn't the one who stopped him…It was Inoue…Without her power, we would all be dead." He tightened his jaw. "I'm the one who let Aizen do all of this…Damn it…I should've stopped him then…I-It's my fault Karakura has been destroyed…" He squeezed his eyes shut as he slammed his fists onto the ground. "M-My friends are…probably…dead…because of…me…" His voice broke.

He bowed his head and slammed his fists into the ground once more. The sound resounded loudly in the quietness of the room, but Masaki slumbered, unperturbed. His shoulders trembled. His breath hitched, and Rukia heard a slight sob.

Rukia watched as Ichigo let out another sob.

"Ichigo, the burden to protect Karakura was never solely on your shoulders," Rukia said softly, as she reached out and placed a hand on his quaking shoulder. "The Gotei 13 did everything they could to prevent Karakura's destruction, but Aizen made it almost impossible to prevent it…It wasn't your fault at all…and neither was Aizen escaping…He has certainly proven he's quite difficult to capture…You did the best you could then…You were lucky he didn't try to kill you…Otherwise, you'd never have been able to regain control over your Hollow."

"Ichigo, I wish things could've been different for Karakura…but your friends are not dead because of you. It's thanks to you that they'll be able to live. The Soul Society is still standing because of your efforts. You didn't give up fighting Aizen even when it was impossible to defeat him. You gave it your all. You even used the only Kidō I taught you. Without you, Inoue couldn't have reverted Aizen back to his mortal state and Ishida couldn't have rendered him powerless. We would all be dead. No, worse than that, we would have probably been wiped from existence.

"If your friends are indeed dead…their deaths were not meaningless…Without them, we would not be here…Death isn't the end, but the beginning of a new life…You aren't alive yourself, remember? The possibility to see your friends again someday exists…It won't be easy, but we can search for your friends in Rukongai if you'd like…

"Many Souls retain their memories from their Human lives though the possibility that they might forget exists. It's believed some Souls lose them due to shock of dying and others it's due to the type of death. Regardless of whether they remember or not, you can reforge your bond with them.

"It might take years to find them since Rukongai is vast, but I will help you search for them as long as it takes. Without you, I would've never been reunited with Renji. I'm afraid Shinigami don't have control of where Souls are sent. They're usually sent to whatever district needs Souls to balance that district out, which is why families unless they've died together usually aren't together."

"I…I didn't want them to die…I pushed Tatsuki and the others away…. because I didn't want to put them in danger like Chado and Inoue…and I still put them in danger…"

"Ichigo, you didn't put them in danger, Aizen did."

"Damn it, I know, but I still feel like it's my fault for not being strong enough to defeat him sooner. The taichō had been counting on me to end the war then."

"Ichigo, blaming yourself is pointless. Strength and power were never the means to destroy Aizen. If that were the case, he would've been defeated a long time ago. As much as I dislike that Urahara used me as bait, his reasoning was sound. The Gotei 13 should've been the ones to defeat Aizen in Soul Society but they failed because he outsmarted them. This war is due to the Gotei 13's failure to stop him. It was never your responsibility. I'm sorry, Ichigo."

Rukia was silent for a moment.

"I know you didn't mind lending your power to stop Aizen. I know you wanted to do everything you could to protect your family and friends and Karakura, but I'm afraid you can't always protect everyone. Despite how you feel, you did protect everyone, but if you allow your grief and guilt to keep you seated here, wasting away, then you are allowing Aizen to kill you."

She felt Ichigo's shoulder stiffen under her hand. He slowly lifted his head and turned to look at her. Amber eyes glistened with tears and anger and sorrow. His brows were knitted tightly. "Fine…I'll eat…"

Ichigo was still not much for talking, and she didn't blame him. She didn't have much to say either. Renji had shown up in the evening of that day and though Ichigo had been pained to hear the confirmation of Tatsuki's passing, he had been relieved with Renji's news that he had instructed Tatsuki to come to the Seireitei. However, she knew he was still worried for her safety and was still upset about the whole situation. He had expressed discontent at the mention of Urahara Kisuke when Renji had mentioned him, but he had refrained from telling him the truth about him. Renji quickly realized Ichigo wasn't in the mood to relay much about what had happened in the Royal Dimension and had left soon after.

Rukia understood Ichigo's feelings. She was upset with Urahara Kisuke as well. She suspected he blamed Urahara Kisuke for this war more so than the Gotei 13, but as Urahara had noted this war had likely been unavoidable. It was a terrible thought to think that perhaps Hollows could've attacked the World of Living in order to force Urahara Kisuke to come out of hiding. Or, perhaps, Aizen would have simply made his move when the Hōgyoku would have been detected by the Shinigami Research and Development Institute once the seal faded and revealed the Hōgyoku's location. Even if Urahara would've resealed it, Shinigami would've been sent to investigate.

Perhaps, things wouldn't have turned out any better for Karakura.

It was something that Ichigo could not even entertain now. Karakura's reality and Urahara's actions were all he was considering. His grief and anger were going to take time to subside. She wasn't sure he could ever forgive that shady shopkeeper.

She wasn't sure she could do it herself either now that she knew the whole truth.

She had been suspicious of Urahara Kisuke appearing that night and offering her a Gigai. She had been aware of who he was. She knew he had been the founder of the Research Institute and had committed the crime of creating an untraceable Gigai among other things before fleeing to the World of the Living. She didn't understand why he would want to help her. He had had acted as though he couldn't resist helping a fellow criminal Shinigami. He claimed he didn't want to see her get sentenced unfairly since she had gone the extra mile to protect Ichigo from that Hollow by giving him her Shinigami powers. Though she had brought a Gigai since her mission was for a month, she had had no choice but to accept his help in order to hide her crime since Urahara Kisuke pointed out that Ichigo had nearly drained all her power and would take some time for her to regain it. Urahara had disposed of her Gigai and whipped up a new Gigai for her within hours while she slept. She had fallen asleep after drinking tea. It wasn't until Aizen had revealed Urahara's motivation for giving her a Gigai that she had realized Urahara had probably used the device to insert objects within a Soul while she had slept.

She had been foolish to accept his help though she had had little choice. She knew he had been risking himself by coming to her aid, though she knew he had only done so because she couldn't oust him as a criminal herself.

It was upsetting to think that he had not only treated her like a receptable but had also used her as a lure. Urahara Kisuke was even more of a manipulative bastard than she had realized. She had thought it was strange how he had stopped her from interfering with Ichigo's fight against the Menos Grande, but she had never imagined it was because he had drawn it out on purpose. In retrospect, she now understood the meaning of his words that day. It was infuriating how he had acted as though he had wanted to prevent her capture when it had been his doing.

The apology he had given her during the initial Arrancar invasion meant very little to her now.

She had never treated him with proper respect because of his criminal past, but now she felt even less respect towards him.

She had been upset enough as it was to learn Ichigo had been killed and Hollowfied because of him, but the fact that it was truly premeditated infuriated her even more. Not to mention, he wouldn't have minded if Inoue, Ishida, and Chado would've died.

It had been a miracle that even though they were Human they hadn't perished when they had come to her rescue. They had been lucky they had been spared from death when they had faced off against the taichō. If they hadn't been forgiving due to Aizen's unforeseen murder, she knew from what Inoue had said that Ishida and Chado would be dead. As much as she hated it, it really had been inevitable that one of them would die, if not all. She just never imagined it would be a virus that would fell one of her Human comrades.

Begrudgingly, she had to admit Urahara Kisuke had a point that their deaths would have been a preferable death toll to the current one. Nevertheless, it didn't make her feel any less angry towards him.

"Rukia." She turned around at the sound of a familiar stoic voice.

"Nii-sama," she greeted, startled to see her brother a few feet away.

She had been relieved to see that he had survived Aizen's attack as well as Renji. She knew he had been relieved as well because he had expressed pride that she had maintained the Gotei 13 and Kuchiki Clan's pride by assisting in Aizen's defeat.

She felt undeserving of his praise, but she was pleased that he recognized her role in the final battle against Aizen. It was the highest level of approval ever expressed by him and it meant a lot to her. Never in her wildest dreams would she have ever expected him to compliment her so highly. She had thought it was enough that he had acknowledged her abilities and was willing to allow her to obtain a seated position, but this was truly a testament to how his behavior towards her had changed.

She truly was grateful he had survived. She simply couldn't fathom him not being alive. The thought of losing the last connection to the sister that she essentially never knew pained her….

She welcomed the opportunity to get to know him more in the future.

Her eyes swept over her brother. His countenance bore traces of fatigue. His hair and overall appearance were shockingly unkempt by his usual standards, reflecting the unusual current situation afflicting the Seireitei. He had been spending most of his time at his division.

Her own appearance wasn't that much better.

"Are you all right?" she inquired.

He merely nodded.

"Are you all right?" he asked after a moment.

"Yes, Nii-sama."

Silence.

"Has she awoken?"

She shook her head. "Not yet."

"I see."

More silence.

"You needn't worry, Rukia."

There was a pause before Byakuya added, "She will awaken. The daughter of the saviors of Soul Society could not possibly die here."

Violet eyes widened slightly.

Rukia couldn't quite believe that her brother had acknowledged Masaki's heritage without seeming upset. Granted his voice was stoic was usual, but this was as close as a blessing coming from him.

Ukitake-taichō had been the first person she'd heard dub Ichigo as the savior of Soul Society. If her brother also regarded him as such, then did that mean his view of Kurosaki Ichigo had changed? Did he hold him in higher regard than before? Did he think it would be acceptable for her to marry Ichigo whenever the time came because of what he had done for the Soul Society?

"Rukia," he said, a few minutes later. "There is something I would like to discuss with you…Not now, but at a later time once things have…settled."

Rukia nodded, wondering if she had correctly seen the slight dip in her brother's eyebrows. Was he worried about something? Did it have to do with Ichigo and her?

She watched as her brother departed.

She slowly turned and slid open the Shōji doors and slipped into the room. She closed it softly behind her and she glanced around to the right.

Sitting cross-legged with the knuckles of both hands pressed together under his chin, Ichigo solemnly gazed down upon Masaki, who lay on a futon a few feet away from him. Her unbound hair flowed freely around her face. Her countenance had slowly reverted to its normal coloring. The thin bangs that normally drifted over her eyes were slightly askew. Masaki's sheathed Zanpakutō rested near Ichigo's knee and on top of it lay her fukutaichō badge. Zangetsu, wrapped in its bandage casing, lay on the floor behind Ichigo.

Rukia padded toward the two orange-haired Shinigami and settled herself on Masaki's left-hand side.

Candlelight flickered gently.

Ichigo's eyes met hers briefly.

Dark circles lined his eyes.

She knew she was sporting them herself. She'd hardly slept. The only one who'd had any kind of rest was Masaki. Rukia felt comforted by the thought that Masaki was at least resting peacefully, even if was a forced rest. Rukia knew it was likely this was the longest time she'd slept without any kind of nightmares. She suspected Masaki had not slept well since arriving in the past.

The restoration of her complexion had also made her feel better. It no longer felt as though she was looking at a corpse.

"You should take a break. I'll stay with her," she said softly.

Ichigo shook his head.

Ichigo had remained in the manor while she reported to her division. He hadn't shown the slightest interest in the outside world. Though there was nothing he could do for Masaki, he was determined to offer her the only he could: his presence. She supposed it was a good thing he was free to keep Masaki company though she was concerned for him. He wasn't sleeping and he was only eating when prompted. She had forced him to clean up shortly after he had eaten his first meal. He was wearing the blue kimono he had been given before since his uniform had been torn up in the battle against Aizen.

His sole concern seemed to be whether Masaki would regain consciousness.

Rukia knew he feared her not waking…. He felt a strong sense of failure and guilt at failing to arrive in time to assist Masaki…Her mind could not entertain the idea of what would happen if Masaki failed to awaken. Ichigo would be beyond devastated…He would feel as though he had contributed to her death even though it wasn't his fault.

She had to believe fate couldn't be that cruel….

Ichigo had already suffered enough.

They sat in silence, watching over Masaki's prone form.

Rukia wasn't sure how long they had been keeping vigil when she thought she heard a faint rustling. Her eyes spotted surprise shining in amber eyes. Her gaze immediately flickered downward.

Violet irises surfaced under half-lidded eyelids.

"T-Tou-san…K-Kaa-san…" Masaki murmured, her forehead wrinkling.

"Masaki," Ichigo greeted softly, as he dropped his hands away from his chin and leaned slightly forward.

"W-What are you doing here?" Her voice sounded raspy. She gazed at him blearily.

"W-Where am I?" Masaki wondered, as she blinked away the last remnants of her sleep.

"The Kuchiki Manor."

Masaki wrinkled her brow as her gaze drifted over to Rukia. "Why?"

"Here, Masaki, have some water," Rukia said, reaching for the water jug near Masaki's futon.

Masaki sat up, letting her quilt fall back and revealing the simple white kimono she was clothed in. She took the proffered cup and took a long sip before handing it back to Rukia.

"Masaki, you've been unconscious since you fought Grimmjow," Rukia explained.

Masaki's eyes widened. "G-Grimmjow?"

"That's right," Ichigo said, frowning slightly as he looked at her with concern. "Oyaji treated you. He said you were physically worn out and needed rest, but it's been two days…Today was the third…"

Masaki's eyes fluttered closed.

She raised her hand to her chest and rested a curled fist there. Her eyebrows contracted and her lips contorted into a pained grimace.

"Masaki, are you all right?" Ichigo wondered. "Maybe we should call Oyaji…"

"No, don't," she said.

"But, Masaki…"

"It's unnecessary, Kurosaki-san," Masaki said softly, opening her eyes and dropping her hand so that it rested on her futon cover. "I'm fine…Jii-san was right…I needed to rest…It's nothing to be worried about…I overexerted myself…Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez was a difficult opponent and I had already exerted too much of my Reiryoku…My abilities can take quite a physical toll on me if I'm pushed to my limit…My body must have been more worn out than I realized." Her gaze lowered to her quilt.

"I see."

There was a beat.

"I'm sorry if you worried…"

"We're just glad you're okay," Rukia said. "Isn't that right, Ichigo?"

Ichigo nodded.

"Kurosaki-san, you defeated Grimmjow, right?" Masaki asked, furrowing her brow.

"That's right," Ichigo said grimly. "I'm sorry I couldn't get there sooner to help you. It seemed like you had killed him…but—"

"Nearly killing him wasn't good enough," she said quietly, frowning. "I would've been dead if you hadn't arrived…Thank you."

Ichigo shook his head. "I-I didn't do anything…It was Oyaji…"

Masaki stared at him for a moment, noticing the guilt within Ichigo's eyes. "I would've died if you hadn't fought Grimmjow. Jii-san couldn't have healed me otherwise."

Her gaze drifted once more to her quilt. Her eyebrows twitched downward as did the corners of her lips.

"Can…can…you tell me who died of the Gotei 13 taichō and fukutaichō?" Masaki asked, her shoulders stiffening.

"Masaki, we can talk about that later," Rukia said.

"I'd rather know now," Masaki said.

"But, Masaki—"

"Please," she insisted, her hands grasping the fabric of her quilt tightly.

"Well…there were several casualties," Rukia said grimly. "Yamamoto-sōtaichō, Kurotsuchi-taichō, Komamura-taichō, Zaraki-taichō, Sui-Feng-taichō, Sasakibe-fukutaichō, and Matsumoto-fukutaichō."

Rukia noticed the tension leave Masaki's shoulders as she released her hold on her quilt.

"You knew…they would die," Rukia said, realization shining in her eyes.

"Yes," Masaki said after a beat, closing her eyes.

Ichigo looked startled.

"Is this what you were afraid of that you had accidentally said the other day?" Rukia asked. "Were you afraid you told Matsumoto-fukutaichō would know she would die?"

Masaki opened her eyes and stared at Rukia solemnly. "I-In part yes…"

"Well, even if you did tell her, Rangiku-san wasn't able to survive anyway," Ichigo noted quietly. "You shouldn't have run away because of whatever you might have said, Masaki. You really don't know what kind of impact it might have on the future or not. You should've been more concerned with yourself. I don't understand why you thought it would be a good idea to leave. You knew it was dangerous…"

"Kurosaki-san, I've known from the beginning this time period was dangerous. I knew it would be difficult to survive…no matter where I stayed. I was prepared to do my best to survive…I did give it my all…But the reality is my safety has never been as important as maintaining my present."

"H-How can you say that? What about your parents? Haven't you thought about how they would feel if…something happened to you?"

Masaki froze for an instant and then inclined her head, her eyes closing briefly.

"O-Of course, I have," she began, several moments later. "I wanted to spare them if I could…but…the fact of the matter is my death here wouldn't matter if…I wasn't even born to begin with…It's my parents' lives that matter most," Masaki pointed out. "I've been trying to protect my present for their sake…and everyone else."

"I made the mistake of coming here but I never wanted to risk somehow destroying what I knew because of my stupidity…. I wanted to return to my time before I used the device, so that my parents would never know I was gone and so that my time would not be affected. I had figured it was best not to say too much in case I couldn't return prior to when I arrived here.

"I left because I wanted to avoid accidentally revealing more information that could affect my time. I hadn't realized Aizen would attack…I had been headed to the First Division in order to request permission to leave for the World of the Living. And now…I have truly endangered my present…I-" Her voice caught for a moment. She swallowed and said, "I can't go back. Grimmjow broke the time travel device."

Rukia and Ichigo looked thunderstruck.

"W-What?" Ichigo stuttered.

"He broke it during our battle."

"So that's why you didn't have the necklace with you," Rukia said quietly, recalling how she had noticed that Masaki didn't have the necklace around her neck when she had cleaned her up.

"I thought you had taken it off," Ichigo muttered.

"No…I had it with me…and now it's gone…" she whispered. "So, you see…even though I'm alive, my present could still be destroyed…if I remain here…"

There was silence.

Rukia reached out to place a hand on Masaki's shoulder.

"Masaki, there has to be a way for you to go back."

"Urahara," Ichigo said curtly. "He's the one who made it, and he will make it again so you can go back."

Masaki glanced up at last. "But with the current state of things, he has other priorities—"

"Yeah, well, I'm sure he can find some time for it. He owes me," Ichigo said, his expression severe.

"He cannot refuse us," Rukia corrected, sharing a look with Ichigo. "He owes me as well. It might take a while, but Urahara will create the device for you, Masaki," Rukia said reassuringly.

Masaki gazed at Ichigo and Rukia with a flicker of hope. "As long as he doesn't take too long…then my time can be preserved…"

"For now, you should worry about yourself, Masaki. You need to eat something so you can continue with your recovery. I'll be back with some food." Rukia rose to her feet.

Masaki watched Rukia until she slid the paper screen door closed.

Violet eyes found their way to solemn amber ones.

Neither spoke for a moment.

"So, you wanted to go to the Living World, huh?" Ichigo asked, his tone low. "Where would you have gone?"

"The location didn't matter."

"You know what happened to Karakura, don't you?" He balled his hands into fists on top of his thighs. His eyes flashed with pain.

Masaki dropped her gaze. "I'm sorry…about Karakura."

Silence.

"If it's any consolation, Karakura will be rebuilt and will grow. Or at least that's what's supposed to happen."

Ichigo closed his eyes.

"It is some consolation," he conceded, opening his eyes and gazing at the floor. "I just wish I had been able to prevent Karakura from being struck by an earthquake so it could be a sacrificial site for the alignment of the balance. I had no idea that's what was gonna happen to it…even if Aizen didn't use it to create the Ōken. "

"It was out of your hands, Kurosaki-san. There's nothing you could've done."

Ichigo sighed. "I know, but it doesn't make me feel any better. This could've all been prevented…" His eyes grew dark.

"I'm sorry but I couldn't have—"

"That's not what I meant," he said, his gaze softening. "I just mean…Aizen should have been stopped beforehand. I…I think understand now why Urahara created that time travel device. I think he wanted to undo his mistakes."

"Even so, he shouldn't have," Masaki said, after a beat. "He shouldn't risk the present I know for his own sake. I know this war cost too many lives…but things will get better eventually for Karakura and the Soul Society."

"Maybe it's a good thing you came here instead," Ichigo said, after a long moment.

Surprise glimmered in violet eyes.

"I don't think so. No one should travel through time. It's too risky."

"I guess not," Ichigo agreed quietly. "I get why you don't want to change things. It's dangerous. There's no telling what can happen if something gets changed, if things will be better or worse. Some things probably can't be changed even if you wanted to…I don't know if that's fate or whatever…."

He paused, creasing his brows. "There are things I wish I could change…but I guess I have no choice but to accept them…as does Urahara. I'm glad that he didn't come and risk the time you know. I never imagined things would get this bad…but I'm glad to know things will get better. I'm also glad you didn't die even if the time travel device got broken. I know what you said is true, but it isn't right for you to die here. There's no way I—your parents would be okay with it. You need to die way after they die."

"I know they wouldn't be okay with it, but I'm afraid there's no guarantee that I'll die after they die. Death is an occupational hazard. I have to keep getting stronger to increase my chances of outliving them."

He stared at her for a moment, frowning. "Then you better train harder."

"You will get back, so you can spar with your father and defeat him," Ichigo added after a moment.

And apologize to him… he added silently.

In the heat of moment, he'd forgotten about his suspicions that perhaps she was upset at her father, but he'd come to realize that this was yet another clue that she hadn't been Aizen's creation. Her apology must've been for her father and not because she'd been apologizing for her betrayal. At least that's what he had figured as he mulled over her last words while he had watched over her.

Masaki lowered her eyelids, hiding her eyes from his.

"Defeating him in sparring would mean my Zanjutsu is finally good enough against his. Training to do such a thing has made me stronger, but…I should probably train again with him so I can fully master my Shikai…if he's willing."

"I'm sure he'd be willing. I'm certain he wants you to be as strong as you possibly can be, so you can outlive him. Once you master your Shikai, you can probably defeat him with it."

"I-I could never defeat him with it. I just need to refine my control of my Shikai on those with taichō class Reiryoku."

"Nothing's impossible. You just need to keep getting stronger."

"I am going to keep training but defeating him with my Shikai stopped being a goal of mine a long time ago."

"Why would you give up?" Ichigo demanded, puzzled.

Masaki's eyebrows knitted tightly.

"It would be the sure-fire way to kill myself," she said solemnly.

Ichigo looked startled.

"You saw what happened to me because I overexerted myself…I was tired but even at my best, defeating someone like my father would be too much for me."

"B-But there's gotta be a way for you to be strong enough so that you can handle your power."

"I-If I could…it would mean…his death…"

"W-What do you mean? Why would…that happen?" Ichigo asked, perplexed.

"I'd rather not say…You will find out when it's time…if the timeline remains…"

"I see…I-I want to believe that it's a good thing you're here and that the timeline won't get ruined," he said, returning to their original topic.

"I'm here because of a mistake," Masaki said firmly.

"Maybe…but you helped give me hope."

"What?" Masaki raised her gaze to meet his.

"Before you came, it seemed like Aizen would be impossible to stop but…you made me realize he could be defeated. The last time I fought him I couldn't do much against him, and this time I knew I could because I had accepted my Hollow. But even then, it wasn't enough because he had made himself immortal. He tried to break me down by making me believe Rukia had died. I didn't give up though because I knew I couldn't let her or everyone else down.

"Aizen ended up using his Bankai and he made it seem like you had betrayed me. He wanted me to believe that you or the future had never been real, that it had been his own doing, but in the end, I figured out his lies."

"You could've lost because of me…if you had believed him. How come you didn't believe what he was saying was the truth? You thought at first I was working for him."

"Aizen did use my own thoughts against me to try and convince me of his lies. His Bankai allowed him to see my mind…It made me doubt everything…made me think that the memories you had shown me were illusions he created, but deep down, I knew what you had shown me with your sword couldn't have been faked by his Zanpakutō."

"Why didn't you believe it wasn't real?" Masaki asked, surprised.

"I almost believed it wasn't, but I couldn't trust what he was saying or what I was seeing. I had to trust my instincts."

"Sometimes…instincts can be wrong."

"Maybe…but your Reiatsu wasn't something that he could fake. He wanted to destroy my hope, but I didn't lose it because of you. I knew I had to keep trying even if it seemed impossible…"

Masaki stared at him for an extended moment. "He would've been defeated regardless."

There was a moment of silence.

"I don't know the details…My parents have never really spoken about it…or the war…but somehow they did it…"

The door slid open and Rukia stepped into the room, behind her servants carrying food followed her.

Rukia recounted what she knew of the current situation of the Seireitei and the World of the Living while Masaki ate. Both locations were in a state of turmoil. Rukia hadn't really bothered to fill him with this information. Ichigo hadn't wanted to know any more than what he'd heard from Urahara, Renji, and Orihime. The latter had shown up yesterday to rest a bit from her healing and to explain that Ishida had parted from the Soul Society with his father.

Ichigo knew there had been a lot of death and pain.

What he hadn't wanted was for Masaki to be counted amongst the dead.

His father had said that Masaki seemed to be extremely physically exhausted and would take time to awaken despite the restoration of her Reiryoku, but while he had found it reassuring, a part of him had feared she wouldn't awaken. People didn't always awaken from comas.

He simply couldn't believe she was okay until she was conscious.

It was painful to know he'd lost friends, but he didn't think he could bear knowing he'd lost his future child as well.

Though he didn't know her fully, he found himself feeling overwhelmed by the guilt and pain at the thought of her death. He knew his future self would be devastated. A part of him understood why his mother had been willing to give up her life for his. She couldn't have lived with herself if she hadn't tried to protect him just like he knew he couldn't live with himself thinking he had failed to save his future child.

He was extremely grateful she had awoken.

It gave him a small sense of relief from the guilt bearing down on him.

Despite knowing he had done all he could to protect everyone, he still felt like he had let them down….

He hadn't wanted things to turn out the way they did.

As painful as it was to admit, he recognized that things had to be this way, whether he liked them or not. It was strange to think that things would get better with time, but Masaki was proof of this. She had to return to her time, so that everything would be okay.

Somewhere in the horizon, lurked hope…and happiness….

Sometime after Masaki finished eating, Rukia pulled out a futon for Ichigo and another for herself. She was adamant that he get proper rest now that Masaki had awoken.

"I'm fine, I don't need to sleep. I slept earlier."

"Don't give me that, Ichigo. You need to sleep at least a couple of hours. I don't want to drag your body into the Gotei 13."

"Pft. I can handle going there."

"Don't be ridiculous. Just lie down and take a nap," Rukia ordered, as she pointed at the futon she had laid out for Ichigo.

"But, I don't feel like it…" Ichigo protested.

"Kurosaki-san, you need to try and get some rest just like Kuchiki-san," Masaki joined their conversation. She was seated in her own futon. "It's obvious neither of you have been getting enough rest."

"Fine, I'll try to sleep." Ichigo reluctantly plopped down onto his futon.

Masaki's eyes flitted over to her Zanpakutō. She reached for it. Her eyes swept down from the pommel to the guard and to the polished white surface of its sheath. "Who cleaned it?"

"I did," Rukia admitted, as she settled herself into her futon.

Unable to stand seeing it coated in dried blood and feeling compelled to keep busy, Rukia had cleaned it as well as her own blade.

Masaki gave her thanks.

"Oi, where are you going?" Ichigo raised a brow as Masaki rose to her feet with her Zanpakutō in hand.

Masaki stilled. "I'm just going to see how Hyōketsu Kiri is…"

"Shouldn't you rest some more before you do that?"

Masaki's lips upturned into a slight smile. "I've rested enough, Kurosaki-san. I'm afraid I'm not the best patient. I suppose it was a good thing that my body decided to rest for me. Don't worry, I won't be long."

Ichigo and Rukia remained seated in their futons as they watched Masaki open the door and slip out of the room.

"Rukia, do you know where Urahara is?" Ichigo spoke after several moments watching Masaki's silhouette settle down into Jinzen. His expression was serious.

Violet eyes regarded him for a moment.

"I'm not sure. I think he's somewhere in the Seireitei. I could ask Nii-sama or Ukitake-taichō. They probably know."

"We need to see him as soon as possible. He needs to know about Masaki's situation."

Rukia nodded in agreement.

"Ichigo, I haven't told Ukitake-taichō any details about what happened in the Royal Dimension since he's just been trying to deal with the immediate concerns. He will eventually ask me as well as you…"

Ichigo closed his eyes for a moment. "I know…He needs to write up a report just like he did when I came the first time…"

"Yes." There was a beat. "I-I haven't told him about your situation. You should be the one to tell him."

Ichigo sighed. "I'm not sure I need to…"

Rukia wrinkled her brows slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I never really thought about it…but he along with the other taichō must've already realized it on their own…they just never said anything…. In the meeting that I was invited to after Aizen left the fake Karakura, the old man questioned me about my Hollow…He wanted to know how I got it.

"I knew based on what Aizen said it was illegal, so I thought he was going to be pissed at me…and Urahara…I told him I wasn't really sure how, that they seemed to have been born the moment I activated my Shinigami powers…I didn't really give specifics to avoid getting the bastard in trouble, but the old man just heard me out and didn't say anything. He just moved on to the next topic. I think the old man must've thought he had somehow done something to me. I had never seen it that way. I thought it was just something that happened to me…It was…"

Ichigo looked momentarily pensive. "I think all the taichō must've had their suspicions from the beginning…I mean, I kinda did think it was weird that they would let me a Human, or so I thought, be a substitute Shinigami…They never even questioned how I could even have powers as Human…"

"I think it was because they knew Urahara was behind it. They knew he could do unusual things. I wanted to believe this too. I wanted to believe he had somehow activated Shinigami powers in a Human…had even made him have Hollow powers…" Rukia glanced at the ground, her expression sad. "I was a fool…"

"I was a fool too," he reminded her, his lips upturning for an instant. "Perhaps, the taichō did think that too, but I got the vibe the old man probably saw right through what I told him. He was just focused on defeating Aizen that he didn't bother asking me anything. He probably had figured out who my father was. He wasn't even surprised when he showed up. Anyway, we'll see what Ukitake-san says."

"I think I understand why they let me carry on as Shinigami now though. It wasn't just that they were grateful I helped uncover Aizen. From what Urahara said, it seems like Shinigami just can't be free to do whatever they want. Ukitake-san never said what would happen if I refused to be a substitute Shinigami…or what would happen if I stopped…I guess I didn't really want to think about it, but the answer was obvious. I would be killed if I posed a threat."

Rukia stared at him. "Or arrested…" she added quietly. "What are you going to do, Ichigo?"

"Do about what?"

"Now that this war is over…do you really want to continue being a Shinigami? Do you really want to become a Shinigami fulltime?"

"What kind of question is that? You know, I made my choice."

"There's actually a way for you to undo it," Rukia stated in a quiet voice.

He looked at her, surprised. "What?"

"I hadn't thought about this before…but you actually have the option to step down. Ukitake-taichō mentioned you are the Soul Society's savior—"

Ichigo made a self-deprecating noise. "I'm no savior…"

"Whether you think so or not doesn't change the fact that you helped save the Soul Society. I think the Soul Society would be willing to let you restore your clan's status and live freely in the Seireitei because of this. Nobility are the only ones allowed to live within the Seireitei."

"That would be changing the future," Ichigo pointed out.

"Do you only want to be a Shinigami because of what you know about the future?"

Ichigo gazed at Rukia for a moment. "Why are you asking that? Are you saying that you want to change the future?"

"All I'm saying is that you don't have to be a Shinigami for the future to come to pass. You shouldn't be a Shinigami solely because of what you know. You shouldn't join the Gotei 13 if you aren't committed to working as a Shinigami. This war was an unprecedented situation, but I'm afraid Hollows have always been a formidable foe for the Shinigami. Are you sure you want to spend the rest of your life putting yourself in danger? You won't always be able to protect everyone. Do you really think you can stand living like that?"

Ichigo absorbed her words.

Perhaps, the future could essentially remain the same, but it bothered him that she was even saying such a thing. It was changing the future and she knew damn well that that's exactly what Masaki wanted to avoid. Did she think he wouldn't be able to handle being a Shinigami anymore? Or was it something else?

"Are you saying that it's my chance to live a normal life?" he wondered, as he arrived at what he thought was her issue. "Don't tell me you still feel guilty for my choice. You shouldn't. I told you to forget it. I think I got lucky you found me instead of some other Shinigami. No other Shinigami would've been willing to risk their life the way you did. I'm grateful you lent me your power, so I could protect my family."

He paused. "Do you regret saving me?"

"O-Of course not…" Rukia stammered, looking startled.

"Then, why are you even suggesting I should stop being a Shinigami? I've already told you I stand by my decision. I don't regret giving up my life to save yours."

Rukia looked apologetic.

"I've never been normal though I tried to be. Turns out it's because I've never been fully Human. Future or not, I've never been the type of guy that likes to sit around when I could help protect. I've got no interest in sitting idly when I've got this power. All I've ever wanted to do since I was a child was to protect people, and that's what I'm going to do for as long as I can. I may not be able to save everyone, but I'll be damned if I don't at least try. I don't want others to go through what I did if I can help it."

"Ichigo…if that's how you truly feel, then you should continue being a Shinigami."

Acceptance and pride shone in Rukia's eyes.

There was silence.

"Rukia…why…why'd you save me that night? Why'd you risk yourself?"

He'd never spoken to her directly about this. The closest he'd ever done so was with him acknowledging she had forsaken her duty to protect him when she had tried to impress upon him the importance of duty. He'd always known she had done more than she should've, but he'd never considered why she had even done such a thing.

Rukia looked away from him.

"I-I…didn't want to fail…again…" she spoke after a long moment.

Ichigo furrowed his brows. "Again?"

Even before she responded, he found himself knowing the answer.

"I-I've always considered…Kaien-dono's death my greatest failure…I-I didn't want to repeat that…even if it meant my death," Rukia admitted quietly.

Amber eyes glimmered with understanding.

His mind flashed with Byakuya saying that Rukia didn't seem to care about her extending her prison sentence because Ichigo resembled "him." He now understood who he had been referring to.

He could see now why she had been willing to risk her life…she had felt the need to atone for what she had deemed her failure…He understood this need well…. No wonder she had been resigned to being executed…. He never understood why she hadn't cared for her own safety, but now it made sense.

It made him ill to think she hadn't minded dying due to her guilt. She would've lost her life for something that wasn't her fault…

Aizen's elaborate illusion of Rukia's dead body popped into his mind.

He had no interest in ever seeing that happen. He was relieved to know she wouldn't be dying any time soon. He didn't have to ask to know her outlook on life had changed.

"You never failed, Rukia. You saved us both," he said quietly.

"You've never failed either, Ichigo," she said gently, a faint smile on her lips.

A light mist shrouded the dark, smooth, glassy surface of the water.

Masaki sat cross-legged with a pensive expression upon a floating white diamond shaped formation in the middle of the still water. The outline of lifeless trees bordering the water was visible in the distance. Masaki's orange hair stood out sharply against the dark palette of her surroundings. Mist began to thicken around her, blanketing the water with white.

"You've awoken," noted a cold voice that echoed throughout the silent landscape. "It would have been better if you had perished. This meaningless existence would finally be over."

"I thought I had died," Masaki whispered, after a moment passed.

"I-I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to defeat him, Hyōketsu Kiri," she said, her gaze dropping. "I should have been able to…I failed…" Her forehead creased.

"Indeed, you should have been able to," Hyōketsu Kiri said flatly. "You only have yourself to blame for your weakness. You know full well if you use up all your strength, you cannot afford to allow your victim even an instant to break your hold over them. Otherwise, it will mean your death. Does it please you that Zangetsu was the one who killed him after all?"

Masaki's eyebrows furrowed. "I-I wasn't expecting my father to arrive anymore…Something obviously changed…He should've arrived sooner. It was wrong for me to hesitate to kill him just because I knew my father was supposed to be the one to kill him. I should've gone for the kill instead of wasting my energy holding him off. If my father hadn't arrived, the others would've died because of my failure. I'm glad he made it for their sake."

"Hmph. It's a shame they didn't die, especially him though I would've preferred to do it myself. The only reason I lent you my power was so you could kill that insufferable Arrancar bastard, but even then, his death wouldn't have satisfied me. He has sentenced us to a fate worse than death."

Masaki's brows contracted and her mouth became a thin line. "If it makes you feel any better, I might die...No—that's not it…I might not even exist…If Urahara Kisuke is unable to make the device before I'm supposed to be born…I'm not sure how things will play out between my parents—"

"If we cease to exist, then so be it. I told you before, worrying about what will change is pointless. If you had listened to me, we wouldn't be in this situation. Your fear and mortification were all for naught. You didn't even say as much as you thought you had. I suppose you're happy."

Masaki frowned. "If you're suggesting I left because of my emotions, you're wrong. I made my choice based on logic. I didn't want to risk my present any more than I thought I had in case I couldn't return to when I originally left."

She paused for a moment. "I can't say I'm happy. I am relieved I didn't reveal as much as I thought, but I still put my present at risk with what I did say. I think I fixed it though."

A brooding expression swept over her features and she closed her eyes.

"There's …a part of me that wishes her fate could've been changed…I really thought I had mentioned it…I thought if—"

"You're a fool. Even if you had, Death likely had a claim on her fate. In such a scenario, death cannot be avoided."

Masaki was silent as she contemplated her words. "We'll never know if that was really the case," she said after some time. "I saved those Shinigami by fighting that Arrancar that I shouldn't have fought…that should've probably been defeated by Kira Izuru…"

"You have no idea if they actually survived. At best, you merely prolonged their lives a little longer. If they were meant die, then you didn't change their fate. You didn't even change that Arrancar's fate either. His death still occurred even if it was by your hand."

Masaki remained quiet, her eyebrows wrinkling slightly.

"Why would you care that her fate could've been changed? If you truly wanted to change things, you wouldn't have wasted the opportunities you had to—"

"That was never an option, Kiri," Masaki said firmly, her eyes opening and glaring at the mist.

"Tch."

"I didn't want to change things. It's just that…I figured that that would be some good that came out of my foolishness if I were unable to undo any changes."

"Anyway, I guess, you're right, it doesn't really matter," Masaki added after a moment. "All I've ever wanted is to go back…and move forward…"

"You're an idiot for wasting this chance."

"I am an idiot, "Masaki agreed. "That is why I must endure the pain of my mistakes. I've been through worst things…so have my parents. I will move forward provided Urahara Kisuke is able to help me. My fate rests in his hands. I suppose that hasn't changed.

"If and when I do get back, I will fix things with my parents…and everyone…I will focus on getting stronger…I will train with my father again…to continue increasing my stamina and endurance."

"Is that so?" Hyōketsu Kiri said, sounding slightly amused. "Training with him won't change anything."

"I wasn't talking about improving my swordsmanship against stronger blades. I meant, improving my control of Teishi against taichō class opponents…"

"I stand by what I said. There's no way you can overcome your limits even if you push yourself training with someone like him."

"Pushing myself is how I've reached this level. I know I can still improve. It doesn't matter what you think."

"It doesn't matter who you train with. You would think you've noticed by now; you've reached your limit at controlling your power at this level."

"This level? Wait a minute, are you saying I need to go beyond it?"

"If you're truly serious about wanting to control it, then you have no other choice."

"T-That's not true. You're just trying to goad me into facing you."

"See it however you like. Nothing has ever changed. You either embrace death yourself or let her embrace you."

A hand materialized from the mist around Masaki's neck. "There is no room for fear." Purple nails dug into Masaki's neck. "Why are you still letting it hold you back?"

Pinpricks of blood formed beneath the nails.

"Fear has never held me back; it's only strengthened me," Masaki countered quietly. "You're just angry I'm not killing all those that cross my path with your power. I will prove to you that I can get stronger…to further master Teishi if you give me a chance."

There was a heavy sigh.

"Your stubbornness never ceases to disappoint me. Do as you like. You will have to be at your best if you truly want to master my power."

Sitting cross-legged atop the Eighth Division office, Kyōraku stared out into the distance, his face solemn. Black shadows framed his morose gaze. White bandages covered his abdomen.

He'd known the Soul Society would face great devastation the moment Kurosaki Masaki had admitted she didn't recognize many of the faces within the Seventh Division, but he had hoped it wouldn't be too terrible. Especially since Ukitake had decided to investigate Kurosaki Isshin's case because he'd seen the Kurosaki Clan emblem on Masaki's scabbard. Upon discovering the truth behind Kurosaki Isshin's crime, Ukitake had immediately checked with the Fourth Division to see if there had been any patients with unusual symptoms.

There hadn't been anyone that they deemed with unusual symptoms per se, but they did have recently admitted Shinigami with a strong bout of flu that had been stationed by the real Karakura on the outskirts of Rukongai as well as Shinigami who had been in contact with them. Ukitake had quickly alerted the sōtaichō of his suspicions and requested that Unohana verify them and thus they discovered Aizen's threat.

Kyōraku had believed deaths due to the virus would be minimized due to Ukitake's intervention. A part of him had been optimistic that this would mean Aizen would be forced to show himself sooner than he'd planned and that there would be less Shinigami sent out to Rukongai and less deaths overall.

Of course, he soon realized that had been a foolish notion.

No matter what Aizen had put them in a position where he would be the victor.

He'd been meticulous with his planning.

It's a shame that not even Ukitake's attempt to get ahead of him had yielded much results.

Would things have changed if Ukitake had acted sooner? If Urahara had alerted them of this possibility instead of waiting for Yoruichi's evidence…. Or were things supposed to play out like this no matter what?

Aizen had had a large Hollow army while the Gotei 13 had had about three thousand soldiers.

Aizen had never truly needed the Espada.

The fact that he had been willing to cut down the Third Espada had been a huge clue that they had been misguided in believing they were the sole threat to the Gotei 13.

The endless numbers of Hollows had always been a problem for Shinigami.

Strength or experience couldn't always help a Shinigami escape death when faced with a horde of Hollows. Even working with a team couldn't guarantee safety. Some Hollows were just too wily.

How many Shinigami had he known that had fallen in the line of duty since he became a Shinigami? Too many to count.

He'd been fortunate to have survived as a taichō for so long…. Taichō and fukutaichō had a higher death rate than the rest of the division due to their tendency to deal with the strongest Hollows. The taichō class had always constantly changed in comparison to the overall composition of a division.

It wasn't a surprising outcome that Aizen had easily demolished the Gotei 13's ranks with his Hollow army.

Sasakibe-fukutaichō's Bankai had helped lessen their numbers, but even so, the remaining creatures had been too much for the Gotei 13.

He wasn't sure how they could've ever mitigated the damage by such a grand scale Hollow attack.

Aizen had never even needed to attempt destroying the Shakonmaku if he had relied on the Menos Grande using the Negación to penetrate it and unleash their brethren. Yet Aizen had opted for overwhelming the Shakonmaku with such dense Reiryoku that it had no choice but to break.

He almost found it surreal that he had managed to survive when so many had perished, including his beloved sensei. Yama-jii should've never died…but Aizen had likely bested him with the virus…and his illusions…It was the only thing he could think of that could explain why his mentor had been turned into a key.

He supposed Aizen hadn't been wrong in thinking that it was fitting for Yama-jii to be turned into a Soul Society relic. He knew he wouldn't have minded his body being sacrificed for the sake of the protection of Karakura. He had wanted to avoid its destruction at all costs. The artificial Karakura had been kept active in order to swap it out with the real town should Aizen seek to attack it despite the risk of keeping it and their barriers up in the World of the Living. However, Aizen had rendered their efforts pointless with his planning.

He had done everything to ensure his success. Was there anything they could've done to change the way things played out?

"Kyōraku-taichō," what are you doing here? You should be resting," Nanao said, drawing him away from his thoughts as she appeared behind him, bearing a fatigued expression.

Grey eyes flickered over to her. "Nanao-chan, I thought you went to bed ages ago. Don't tell me you've been reading reports."

"I wasn't, Kyōraku-taichō. You know that the reports have been kept to a minimum since everyone is trying to treat their injured. I managed to doze for a bit, but then I woke up and realized you were still up. Why aren't you resting?"

"I am resting. I'm not really doing much of anything, am I?"

"You should be asleep in bed."

"I thought I might take a nap here, but I can't be bothered to sleep. Seems like you can't either, Nanao-chan. I don't think anyone's really getting much shuteye these days. It'll be a while before we can sleep easy. Aizen really did a number on us. Lack of sleep ain't so bad compared to the alternative," Shunsui added, a grim smile touching his lips.

"True," Nanao agreed solemnly.

She stared at the damaged skyline visible from their perch on the roof.

"Every time I sleep a bit, I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and realize this was all just a nightmare," she said quietly.

"It does seem like a nightmare, doesn't it? I'm afraid we're very fortunate to be living this reality. Otherwise, I think we'd probably be wishing we were dead if we were living under Aizen's reality. All the taichō seem to think that Aizen didn't kill us all because he wanted to humiliate us further. I don't doubt that was the case. He killed Kenpachi Zaraki to make an example out of him. Ukitake would've met the same fate if it weren't for Hirako Shinji and his group."

"Yadōmaru-fukutaichō is gone because of Aizen as are most of the people from Hirako Shinji's group," Nanao pointed out, her expression pained. "I had been hoping to get a chance to talk to her…since I found out she was alive. Ukitake-taichō explained to me the real reason behind her disappearance since we were discussing their appearance in the fake Karakura."

"I'm sorry I never told you, Nanao-chan. I know you were very fond of Lisa-chan."

"It's okay, I know you couldn't. In a sense, things are back to what I always knew them to be: she died during a mission."

"I had been happy to see her alive and well…I think she might've been willing to meet you given the chance…It's unfortunate Aizen finished the job he had started all those years ago," Kyōraku said, his tone bitter.

There was a moment of silence.

"Central 46 covered up her Hollowfied status as well as the others because they couldn't bear to publicly pin the entire blame on Urahara Kisuke for the so-called deaths of eight taichō class Shinigami. It was shameful for the Central 46 to openly admit so many high-ranking Shinigami were lost due to a single Shinigami, especially one that was formerly a member of the Onmitsukidō. The Onmitsukidō should have been able to prevent such a threat from arising. They acted as though their "deaths" happened to occur on a dangerous mission that coincided with the discovery of Urahara Kisuke's dangerous experiments on other Shinigami and Rukongai residents. As you know, Urahara Kisuke and Tessai were the only ones considered alive and on the run with untraceable Gigai in the World of the Living. Those were some difficult times…but they don't compare to now.

"The Soul Society is facing the worst period in its entire history due to the real perpetrator behind those Hollowfication experiments. Central 46 has always been afraid of Shinigami revolting, especially those from Rukongai, but I don't think anyone actually believed the Soul Society would ever be facing the situation it is now."

"It certainly is inconceivable a threat to the Seireitei of this magnitude wouldn't have been detected, but Aizen's intelligence and aptitude for planning certainly helped him pull it off along with his Zanpakutō."

"Indeed. I knew back then Urahara Kisuke couldn't have been the one behind those experiments, but I never imagined it was Aizen behind them. If I had to guess, I would've pegged any of the questionable people he brought into his division to help him with the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. I figured they'd be the ones most likely to be able to pull off such an experiment and pin it on him to get rid of him."

Nanao looked thoughtful for a moment. "By questionable people, are you saying you suspected it might've been… Kurotsuchi Mayuri? He was one of the people he brought in, right?"

"He was at the top of my list; he never seemed to be happy to be around Urahara Kisuke whenever I ran into them. He was somebody that had formerly been classified as dangerous by Central 46 but was allowed to roam the Seireitei due to Urahara Kisuke's influence. He thought Kurotsuchi Mayuri could do some good putting his mind to use. Urahara Kisuke wasn't wrong about that. He did many useful things for the Seireitei though he wasn't much of a team player. Hope he's finally resting in peace. He always seemed to be working. Don't know how he managed it."

"Yes, hopefully he finally is at peace," Nanao agreed, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I can understand why you would've suspected him…He was…an eccentric man."

"Nothing came out of my suspicions. Neither he nor anyone else from the Twelfth Division were ever suspected by the Onmitsukidō though they were questioned about potentially helping him escape. Despite his eccentricities, he always managed to behave. Mostly, anyway. The incident with his subordinates that were killed during the Ryoka Invasion was the most serious incident in ages…He would've been tried by Central 46 if Aizen hadn't killed them." He furrowed his brows.

"Aizen was not someone I would've considered to be a sinister person. I knew he was scholarly, but I never imagined he had a scientific mind. He certainly was not someone I would've suspected. I saw him that night…. Apparently, I had been looking at an illusion."

"But how was that even possible? If he wasn't even there…how could his Shikai affect you?"

"The only explanation is that his Shikai wasn't limited to a range or even time."

"T-That's incredible…No wonder no one ever detected him of wrongdoing. I didn't think his Zanpakutō helped him to that degree. To be able to do such a thing means…"

"That he had a lot more power than we realized and that he was pretty skilled at wielding his Zanpakutō," Kyōraku finished for her. "Unohana-taichō realized this after Aizen revealed to her his powers since she been examining what she had thought was a corpse doll. She had been surprised too that he had maintained the illusion for quite some time. All the taichō were concerned about his abilities, which is why we considered Kurosaki Ichigo, whom we believed hadn't seen his Shikai, our trump card and had to rescue him and his friends from Hueco Mundo. Truth be told, Yama-jii was hoping things would be settled in Hueco Mundo, if possible, though he at least expected to deal Aizen some damage to his army. But, Aizen pulled a fast one and you know the rest.

"Anyway, Unohana-taichō figured that once subjected to his hypnosis, our brains would always be affected unless its effects were reversed, which is why she had Inoue Orihime reverse the effect on her and others with her abilities. However, that wasn't enough to stop Aizen since he had the Hōgyoku."

"He could've taken over Central 46 ages ago. He didn't have to do all of this…if all he wanted was to rule…"

"He didn't want to control from behind the scenes, he wanted to become the Soul King. He wanted to demolish the world as we knew it to prove his godliness. The Hōgyoku was going to help him get rid of the balance rendering Shinigami obsolete."

"In other words, he wanted absolute control over everything," Nanao noted grimly.

"That's right. I imagine if he'd never discovered the Hōgyoku existed, he might've just settled for controlling Central 46. Reaching the position of a taichō is the highest position someone from Rukongai can achieve which sets their status on par with nobility except they don't have the full benefits. They technically aren't allowed to retire, and they can never resign either. Appointment to the Royal Guard is the closest they can get to retirement. I'm certain Aizen must've found this out. He was pretty thorough in his research and planning. I doubt he took this well.

"He made it clear to Byakuya he would've made a big show out of killing all the nobility in the Seireitei if he'd won. That this would've been his final act of destroying the old world. I don't condone his actions, but I can understand how resentment against the nobility must've fueled Aizen and the others' actions."

"It doesn't seem right that a taichō despite their contributions would never be granted the same rights as another taichō of noble rank. That no matter what they would always be considered second class citizens even though they have power above most true blooded Shinigami, that is on par with the Great Noble Families."

"It is unfair, but they proved Central 46's reservations correct," Nanao pointed out.

Kyōraku sighed heavily. "It's a real shame. No Shinigami should ever consider themselves above their duty. Aizen claimed that they were seeking justice for the world, but it was only justice for themselves and no one else. Whether they liked it or not, their power was meant to help maintain the balance, not to rule.

"I know many from Rukongai have the impression that we Shinigami are unjust and cruel because we live behind these walls and they do not. They fail to realize that it wasn't always like this and why it's even necessary. Aizen, on the other hand, understood it perfectly. Without these walls and the Shakonmaku we would be in constant danger of getting wiped out by Hollows due to our Reiryoku and thus the balance would be in peril. The Seireitei, the court of pure Souls, was built to house descendants of the Soul King so they could preserve the balance for all eternity, not to rule over the Souls in the afterlife. He's the one that misunderstood his role and squandered his privilege of being admitted to the Seireitei.

"Without Yama-jii, he never would've been admitted to the Seireitei to be trained as a Shinigami. Back in the day, Rukongai Souls were initially killed as decreed by the Great Noble Families, but then the lower ranked clans started to adopt Rukongai Souls with Reiryoku to replace lost members and to potentially improve their lineage. Only Rukongai Souls with a high enough Reiryoku could have children. There were no such things as divisions in those days. Clans were the divisions and they fended for themselves. Smaller clans couldn't really form alliances with larger clans due to their weaker lineage.

"The Yamamoto Clan because of its low ranking took in Yama-jii. He revolutionized their standing in the Soul Society. Despite being from Rukongai, he grew to be stronger than the Shinigami from the Seireitei. He changed things for Rukongai Souls and the whole of the Seireitei when he formed a school so that everyone could have the same instruction. The Great Noble Families were not pleased with his power or his ideas, but Yama-jii was firm in his vision of the future of the Shinigami and eventually he was able to form the Gotei 13 with approval from Central 46, which had been formed to take power from the Great Noble Families and to distribute it amongst the other clans.

"In the end, Yama-jii's changes benefited all the clans because eventually they stopped worrying about having nearly all their kin becoming Shinigami. All the clans were able to flourish and thus they began to grow prosperous by conducting business in Rukongai, which improved living conditions there. Aizen trampled on all the progress that has been made in the Soul Society with his self-centered actions. This world is not perfect and never will be, but it seems he has reminded us that perhaps the Soul Society had become complacent. We failed to see the true danger in our midst and almost let the balance fall."

He paused for a moment.

"Yama-jii knew something was amiss in the Soul Society as did I and Ukitake and Unohana-taichō. The signs were there…but we were powerless to uncover what it was."

"Kyōraku-taichō…is this why you were willing to stop Kuchiki Rukia's execution?"

"Rukia-chan's case was the only situation I actually had the power to stop an injustice and I couldn't let it pass me by. I did have a feeling what had been going on in the Soul Society would finally come to light."

"You were right, Kyōraku-taichō. I know you wish the truth could've been uncovered sooner, but with the way Aizen hid it the only way it could've been uncovered is if he slipped up. All we can do is move forward now that his threat has been stopped."

"You're right, Nanao-chan. Yama-jii would've probably said there's no point in wallowing and that not everything is lost…which is true. That man endured many things during his lifetime…He witnessed the Gotei 13 undergo many losses and he even lost his own family and clan yet never stopped moving forward. He lived for his duty. He was the ideal Shinigami."

Nanao nodded in agreement. "He was."

"I'm not sure the new recruits will be half as dedicated, but we can only hope. I think most clans will be upset that they'll have no choice but to enlist their family members to replace the lost soldiers."

Nanao sighed. "You're probably right, but they can't afford to be resentful. It's their ancestral duty. I knew from a young age that I was supposed to become a Shinigami and I accepted it."

"I can relate to them. I never wanted the job, but I had no choice in the matter. I had to do it for my family's sake. I struggled to take training seriously."

"But you came around and accepted your duty. The new recruits will have no choice but to come around too."

"Say, Nanao-chan, did you ever want to be something besides a Shinigami?" Kyōraku wondered.

"I never considered anything else besides the duty I was supposed to carry out."

"Really? So, you never considered perhaps becoming a librarian for the Daireishokairō, or maybe opening your own library if you had had a choice? Or perhaps joining the ranks of the Central 46?"

Nanao pushed her glasses up her nose, her brows wrinkling.

"No," she said firmly. "Do you believe those roles would've suited me better than being a Shinigami? Is that why you prefer to delegate administrative tasks to me rather than missions?" There was a slight edge to her voice. Blue eyes were narrowed.

"N-Not at all, Nanao-chan. I think you make a fine Shinigami though your love of reading and attention to detail could've made you a fine asset for Central 46. You know, I just don't like to risk you unnecessarily on the battlefield."

Nanao hesitated. "Is it because of what happened to Yadōmaru-fukutaichō?"

Shunsui froze for a second, then lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry, Nanao-chan, if I've seemed a tad overprotective to you, but I've always trusted your abilities. I wouldn't have made you a fukutaichō if I didn't. I've told you before, haven't I? The division would fall apart without you. You make sure all the paperwork is kept in order and you even make sure our division survival rate is high due to constantly improving our battle tactics and squad organization. You've always had such a keen eye for detail. The Eighth Division has never been in better hands.

"That is why I couldn't risk your life when I went to the fake Karakura, and I suggested that you be appointed as the head of the Seireitei's second line of defense in case we failed to protect Karakura from Aizen. I never wanted you to experience war. Your life is certainly much more valuable than mine. I wouldn't have minded losing mine if it meant your survival. I knew the division would've been able to carry on."

"That's nonsense, Kyōraku-taichō, your life is much more valuable than mine."

"Don't say that, Nanao-chan! I'd be a mess right now if you weren't around. I'm very much relieved you were spared death and that Orihime-chan healed you. I'm truly indebted to her."

"I am glad to be alive, but my death wouldn't have made an impact on the division as much as yours. You've been a taichō for a long time, you would've gone on without me as you've done before."

"Losing soldiers is a normal part of the job. It's the worst part of it, really. I got acquainted with loss very well during the Quincy Extermination before I was made taichō. It was terrible. I nearly wanted to quit but Yama-jii didn't let me. Ukitake and I ended up getting promoted because of the taichō that were lost. We were the first ones from the Academy. Before us, the positions had been handed down within the high-ranking clans."

"The losses then weren't as big as now, which makes the loss of any high-ranking officer all the more painful. With that being said, I never said I couldn't bear to lose you as my fukutaichō."

"Then, what are you saying?" Nanao said, raising an eyebrow.

"If I ever get to retire, I'd still want you by my side," Kyōraku said quietly, after a beat.

Nanao stared at him, eyes wide. "K-Kyōraku-taichō…" she stammered, her cheeks flushing.

"Forgive me, Nanao-chan. You don't have to say anything. I know it's inappropriate and I won't act on my feelings, but in the light of all that's happened, I thought you should know your life means a great deal to me."

Shinigami bustled about around the Ninth Division as Kensei strode in, his piercing gaze surveilling the scene. Debris was being pushed off to the side away from a collapsed building by some Shinigami while others directed them. Several feet away from the commotion stood several Shinigami in front of a spiky, dark-haired Shinigami in a sleeveless Shihakushō whose back was turned to him. Kensei could feel the curious gazes of the Shinigami.

Mashiro seemed oblivious to them as she peered around, her demeanor uncharacteristically subdued. "Hmm. The damage doesn't seem to be too bad around this part of the barracks." Her voice was muted.

Kensei kept his mouth shut as he took a step forward, letting Mashiro trail behind him.

He was only here because he couldn't stand seeing Mashiro look like a wilted flower; it made his foul mood even worse. When he had forced her to go on a walk through the damaged Seireitei, he'd never imagined she'd want to visit their former division. He didn't think that would brighten her spirits, but for some reason, she felt inclined to visit. Perhaps, she was hoping to see some familiar faces…that were still alive…

She'd been devastated that she, he, and Shinji were the only survivors of the Visored. He and Mashiro had only survived due to Inoue Orihime's arrival. It had been cutting it close….

He clenched his jaw as he thought of how he had helplessly watched Mashiro bleed out from her cut leg and various injuries as crimson poured from his own slashed shoulders and abdomen. Ichimaru had made sure to render them immobile just like he had done to Hiyori.

"K-Kensei, w-we failed…we couldn't avenge Hiyori or…get revenge against Aizen…He won…" Mashiro had said, hazel eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Tch. He hasn't won yet…" he muttered, attempting to move his arm but his cut tendons made it essentially impossible. He could only glare at his fingers.

He could sense the Shinigami that had left them here near Ukitake Jūshirō engaged in battle with Ichimaru. He could also sense another familiar presence near Aizen.

"H-He did…He took our friends…our lives…"

Kensei gritted his teeth. "We aren't dead yet…We can still avenge them…"

"I-It's too late…" she murmured, looking faint as blood gushed from her torn limb. Ichimaru had sliced her through her left leg just above her knee.

"Damn it, Mashiro. You can't give up! I told you we're fighting until we can't anymore. You must still fight...for your life!"

"I'm tired…Kensei…"

"You can't be tired," he declared authoritatively.

"But…I am…tired…" Her eyelids were drooping, and the pallor of her skin had worsened, making her hair contrast horribly against it.

"Suck it up. You need to hang on…it's an order."

"S-Stupid Kensei…you know I don't always follow orders…" she said weakly.

"Damn it, Mashiro. this is an order that you must obey! Who the hell am I'm going to yell at if you die?"

Mashiro smiled faintly.

"Why the hell are you smiling?" he snapped.

Kensei attempted to drag his body towards her. His eyes glistened with determination and anger as though he was going to force her to stop bleeding.

"I-I wish I could…follow it…" she whispered, as her eyes fluttered closed.

"Wake up, Mashiro!" he growled, looking angry and stricken as she failed to stir.

He let out a string of profanities as he yelled in frustration. Hachi hadn't had time to fully replenish their Reiryoku and they had used their masks, which had drained them…but he had never imagined they'd be in this situation…

A minute later orange surrounded the area and to Kensei's surprise he could feel his injuries fading away. He could also see Mashiro stirring.

He never would've imagined that the strange Human girl that had sneaked into their hideout would've proved essential to their survival.

Neither he nor Mashiro had been thrilled about her appearance, but now they were indebted to her.

Not even Hachi could've saved them if he had been alive.

They had been extremely fortunate.

However, he wasn't entirely sure that Mashiro was relieved to be alive. He understood the pain she was feeling at the loss of their family and understood the survivor's guilt she was feeling, but it irked him to think she would've preferred to die.

She had always been a fighter.

In the early days of their exile, she had moped for what they had lost, but her gaze did not look as somber as now. Hiyori's death had affected her but even then, she had been determined to battle…Now he hated to say it, it seemed as though the fight had gone out of her.

He couldn't help but wonder if her words had also been a reflection of her mental state and not just her physical one. Was she tired of fighting because it hadn't yielded what they had been hoping for all this time and had only resulted in their comrades' deaths?

He doubted she would feel this way if their comrades had survived…

He wasn't sure how he would get Mashiro to be herself again…. He'd always been annoyed by her childish antics, but he had to say seeing her downtrodden was far more irritating than anything. He felt powerless to help her….and he hated it….

"Y-You're…Muguruma Kensei…the former Ninth Division taichō," a voice cut through his thoughts.

Kensei stared at the spiky haired young man before him.

He reminded Kensei of a wannabe punk rocker from the World of the Living. Wrapped around the man's arm was the fukutaichō armband. The poor kid looked exhausted and banged up. It was obvious his wounds still needed more time to heal properly.

"Tch. So, the old geezers filled you in about me, huh? Did they give you a picture or something? I doubt Tōsen ever bothered to even mention me." Kensei said, as he stared at Shūhei. He pursed his lips as his eyes spotted a familiar tattoo inked on the man's left cheek.

"Actually, Tōsen did talk about you."

"Is that so?"

Mashiro suddenly sidled up beside Kensei and stared at Shūhei. "Who are you? Oh, you're the Ninth Division fukutaichō. Wait a minute, you have a tattoo just like Kensei's! I can't believe he copied your design, Kensei! What a copycat! How dare you!" She glared at Shūhei. "You need to get rid of it! Only Kensei can have that tattoo!"

"Pipe down, Mashiro," Kensei said in a mildly gruff tone. He was inwardly relieved to see Mashiro becoming animated again. "Where'd you get the design from, kid?" Kensei wondered, his eyes narrowed.

"I-I wasn't trying to copy it…I got it in your honor, Sir."

"Honor? What d'ya mean?"

"You probably don't remember, but you saved me from a Hollow back when I was a kid…about a century ago."

"I did?" Kensei said, looking thoughtful.

"You told me not to smile…"

"Oh, you were that crybaby kid," Kensei said, after a few moments.

Shūhei looked embarrassed.

"Crybaby kid? I don't remember him."

"That's because you ran off, Mashiro. It's when you found the Shihakushō of the advanced party. We left him after that, so it's no wonder you don't even remember him."

"Oh. I can't believe you even remember him…"

"Tch. Not everyone has a terrible memory…"

"I can't believe you're that kid. I never would've thought someone like that would've been cut out to be a Shinigami. What's your name?"

"Hisagi Shūhei."

"That is a good name."

"Um, thanks, Sir."

"So, you got the tattoo in my honor because I saved you, eh? You got some nerve kid to put it on your face, especially when you didn't even know what it meant. The six represents my last name and the nine represents the Ninth Division."

"Tōsen-tai—I mean, Tōsen told me about it. I asked him about it when he visited the academy during my fifth year. He'd come to observe the advanced students and I wanted to express my interest in joining the Ninth Division. I couldn't help but ask about you since I knew you had been in that division."

"I see. So, he really did talk about me," Kensei noted, his expression stony. "I always thought he would've acted like I never existed."

"Of course not. He said he respected your commitment to uphold the peace of the Seireitei."

"What a liar!" Mashiro twisted her lips into a frown.

"What do you mean?" Shūhei asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.

His heart began to race, as a sense of foreboding swept through him. He'd been surprised to see that Muguruma Kensei had been alive rather than dead as he believed him to be when he caught sight of him in Fake Karakura. Though he didn't know what the full story was, he'd understood that Aizen must've played a role in it, which is why he along with his companions had arrived. He hadn't dwelled on the possibility that his former taichō could've had any role in Aizen's plans because as far he was concerned, Tōsen's alliance with the man had been recent.

Before they could answer, a voice cut in. "Muguruma-taichō! Kuna-fukutaichō!"

"Hey, it's…Kano!" Mashiro exclaimed, surprised.

Shūhei followed Kensei's line of sight and spotted the red-haired young man heading towards them.

Ashido was no longer wearing the shaggy coat with Hollow masks (it had suffered considerable damage from Grimmjow's Cero). He was dressed in a spare Shihakushō from the Ninth Division's uniform storehouse that had only been partially damaged.

When he'd heard from Ashido that he'd served under Muguruma-taichō, Shūhei had wondered if this had been something Tōsen-taichō had told him to say to make his story believable. It was certainly difficult to believe that Ashido had survived a century in Hollow territory. The likelihood of survival in such a situation seemed nonexistent. From what he'd seen he was an adept and versatile fighter, and his Zanpakutō, Mirokumaru, was an apt weapon for dealing with groups of Hollows. He could see why the man could've endured living in Hueco Mundo, but he hadn't allowed himself to trust what the man had told him.

He hadn't had time to question Kano about his past now that he knew he wasn't a traitor.

Things had been chaotic the moment he'd come to.

Iba and Kano had left his side shortly thereafter to assist Kira who had left them in the barrier he'd been healing them in to stop the Hollows that had arrived and threatened Kurosaki Isshin and his future granddaughter. Ignoring his weakened state, he had forced himself to get up and join them towards the end of their battle.

It was then that they'd heard the message from the Twelfth Division that they were supposed to report to Karakura Town. Kira hadn't allowed him to go since he had sustained the most damage from Grimmjow's attack and wasn't healed enough to engage in battle. Kano had gone in his stead since he was in better shape though he was still far from being fighting fit.

He had hated not being able to go, but he had focused on doing what he could to help the Shinigami he encountered in the Seireitei despite his worn-out state, He didn't see Kano until hours later and since then they've been preoccupied with the repercussions of the war. He knew Kano's assistance had proven beneficial in correcting the balance. Kano had shown nothing but determination to help his fellow Shinigami.

It was reassuring to know his actions were genuine and that he really had been part of the Ninth Division in the past.

"Kano, you're still around, huh?" Kensei remarked.

"Yes, I'm still alive," Ashido replied, as he came to stand a few feet away from Shūhei. "I've only recently gotten back to the Soul Society due to Aizen's invasion. I've been in Hueco Mundo for a little over a century. My unit and I ended up chasing the Hollows we were fighting in Rukongai into Hueco Mundo. I became the only survivor. Hisagi-fukutaichō mentioned that you had been declared dead when I asked about you…but judging by that clothing it seems you've actually been away from the Soul Society as well."

"Yeah, you could say that. Can't believe you survived so long in Hueco Mundo. I don't remember getting a report about your unit not returning. You must've disappeared around the same time we were dealing with the disappearing Souls in Rukongai, or afterwards. The reason we were declared dead is thanks to Aizen."

"Aizen?" Ashido repeated, creasing his brow slightly. "What does he have to do with it? I thought you were declared dead during a mission."

Mashiro grew somber.

"There's a lot more to the story than that. That's just what Central 46 said."

Kensei proceeded to fill in the men on what had happened.

"I can't believe Fifth Seat Tōsen betrayed you," Ashido said, his eyebrows furrowed in disapproval.

Shūhei looked stunned.

"You're telling me. The bastard put up a good show of acting like he was all about peace and justice, but he never actually gave a damn about being a Shinigami. He told me he only joined to destroy the Shinigami from within when I fought him in the fake Karakura. He claimed that was true justice. I ended up killing him."

"Y-You did?" Shūhei stammered.

He knew Tōsen had been declared dead but as far as he knew it hadn't been confirmed who had killed him. Iba had believed it was probably one of the former Shinigami with Hollow abilities. He'd never imagined it was the man whom he had idolized since his childhood that had killed the man who had mentored him.

"The bastard had it comin.' He murdered too many Shinigami. He nearly killed Mashiro and me thanks to the Hollowfication Aizen gifted him with the Hōgyoku."

"He totally deserved it," Mashiro agreed, her face unusually solemn. "No…he probably deserved worse…Our friends' lives were taken…"

"E-Everything you've said…it…doesn't sound like the Tōsen-taichō I knew…He fought to preserve the peace with the least amount of bloodshed… It doesn't make sense why he would ally himself with Aizen…why he would betray the Shinigami…when he became a Shinigami to carry out his friend's dream…"

"I didn't get it either, kid. Thought Aizen brainwashed him," Kensei admitted. "But Tōsen seemed to truly believe justice was destroying the Seireitei and the Shinigami because they were the source of injustice in the world. Got the sense he hated everything pertaining to the Gotei 13 and Seireitei."

He paused for a moment. "I can understand that…to an extent. Because he helped Aizen infect us with that Hollowfication pathogen, we ended up being tried by Central 46 as Hollows and we were slated to be killed. Central 46 didn't even try to see if there was a way the Hollowfication could be undone. We were just gonna be executed just like that. Our service meant shit to them.

"Maybe if we'd been nobility they would've given a damn…I would've thought they would've wanted to kill the man that dared Hollowfy Shinigami, but Urahara Kisuke ended up being merely sentenced to being exiled in the World of the Living with his powers sealed. If I'd been conscious at the time of the trial, I would've given those bastards a piece of my mind about their shitty sense of justice.

Kensei cracked his knuckles.

"I was pissed at them for the longest time, but the only real grudge I held onto was against Aizen, Tōsen, and Ichimaru. Judging by what he said, I think we all misunderstood Tōsen's sense of justice. I think the hatred I sensed from him was the real force behind his so-called justice."

"H-Hatred?" Shūhei repeated, looking disconcerted. "Are you saying he allied himself with Aizen out of revenge?"

"Why else would he have been all gung-ho about genocide?"

Shūhei's face became solemn as he looked pensive.

"Who was it that killed his friend?"

"Her husband…a Shinigami…I-I don't think he was given a heavy sentence. I think he might've been a nobleman…"

"Tch. Well, there you go…His saintly guise was just an act. All he really cared was revenge against Central 46 and the Shinigami. Genocide was his twisted way of fulfilling it and his friend's dream."

"H-He lied…about his beliefs…" Shūhei murmured, looking troubled. "E-Everything he taught me…was just a farce…"

"So, what if he did? He may not have taken his own advice, but you should learn from the path he chose. His need for revenge blinded him and led to his own destruction. I killed him because I had no choice, but I wouldn't have minded handing his beaten ass to Central 46 to give him a taste of justice. All my friends and I ever wanted was for him and the others to pay for what they did to us. We were waiting for this all this time… I would've rather had my friends survive than finishing him off myself."

Shūhei merely looked at him, pondering his words.

"Revenge is a foolish endeavor. He punished the world instead of getting justice for his friend," said Ashido quietly. "I cannot say I do not understand his sentiments. When I lost my comrades in Hueco Mundo I wanted to slay Hollows to avenge them. My desire for revenge nearly killed me…I realized I would be throwing away my life if I allowed myself to be consumed by it. My comrade who fell last did so while protecting my life…The only way to repay my debt to him was to live. That is what I've held onto all this time to survive."

"Living is the best revenge," Kensei agreed, his expression grim. "I won't allow Tōsen and Aizen to take any more than what they've taken from me. I will restore the reputation of my friends' that they took. I won't let their deaths be in vain."

Mashiro glanced at Kensei, looking touched.

Sunlight streamed through the office window. Izuru stared at it, his expression despondent and lifeless.

His skin felt the warmth radiating from the solar beam, but inside he felt the terrible coldness of sorrow and pain. Anger and loathing lurked within the abyss of his congealed heart.

He had lived to see another sunrise. He should be happy and grateful when so many countless others had perished, but instead he felt unworthy.

What he had feared had been confirmed to be the truth: Matsumoto Rangiku had been killed by his former taichō.

It made him sick to think that the man he had once trusted wholeheartedly had murdered the woman who had been his childhood friend.

She had probably been the only person apart from him that had genuinely enjoyed being around Ichimaru Gin.

He knew most Shinigami hadn't really cared much for him as he was rather off-putting with his sarcastic jokes and love of pranking. His sense of humor never quite fit in with everyone's though he had always seen it as unique to his taichō's goofball nature.

His appearance had seemed to only heighten people's discomfort around him. Some people had likened his face to that of a sly fox due to his constant grin and slitted eyes while others had felt he gave off the vibe of a serpent. The Shinigami Women's Association had been scheduled to print a photo collection of him entitled "White Snake."

Izuru hadn't been pleased that they had chosen to label him as a snake since he felt it had a negative connotation rather than a cool one. He had always considered his taichō to be a mischievous fox and would've liked for it to be called "White Fox," but Ichimaru Gin had reveled in the fact he had been dubbed a snake.

He had said he preferred it over being called a fox.

He'd been very aware of the names he'd been called, but he had never seemed to care about what anyone said about him. He had claimed Rukongai had made him develop a thick skin just like a snake's.

He had always been something of a loner and thus never cared to get anyone's approval.

Matsumoto Rangiku, his only friend, had accepted him for who he was, faults and all.

Izuru couldn't fathom how Ichimaru Gin could've turned his back on her.

Had his friendship with her meant so little to him?

His stomach churned as he thought back to how he had followed his orders to distract Matsumoto Rangiku and her taichō...He had technically defied his order by nudging Hitsugaya-taichō towards protecting Hinamori-kun…, but he had followed through with keeping Matsumoto-san occupied by drawing his blade against her.

He had told Matsumoto-san that he would kill her, but he hadn't seriously intended to kill her. He had done it to intimidate her. Would Ichimaru have ordered him to kill her if he had been able to defeat her?

Back then, he wouldn't have thought so, but perhaps, he would have…

Ichimaru hadn't cared for his bond with Hinamori-kun or Matsumoto-san. Friendship had seemed to matter little to him…

He had always likened Ichimaru Gin to a misunderstood genius, but he had never considered that his understanding of the man had been truly off.

Matsumoto-san, on the other hand, had been willing to question his actions.

She had questioned the task Ichimaru had given him to stall her, but he had believed in Ichimaru's words. Ichimaru had wanted time to continue his investigation of Aizen's murder. He was going to follow the lead presented to them by Hinamori's letter and needed Izuru to keep them from interfering since they believed him to be the culprit. Ichimaru had said this was the best way to protect Hinamori-kun since if Hitsugaya-taichō engaged in a fight with him she would get caught up again and he didn't want to harm her.

Izuru had felt so much guilt over attacking Hinamori that he'd hurt himself to the point he had to be restrained. He had committed an unforgiveable act and he wanted to do what he could to avoid her getting harmed because she knew her determination to avenge Aizen was very strong…

He'd allowed himself to be manipulated…but he couldn't even blame him…

He blamed himself…

He should've been the one to die by Ichimaru Gin's hand.

He deserved it. Not Matsumoto-san.

He had wanted to confront Ichimaru Gin to make up for his past transgressions, but alas, fate denied him the opportunity.

He knew she must've confronted him about his actions…She'd been really upset about his betrayal…just like he'd been…

How he wished could've been able to help her…

Matsumoto-san had been so vivacious, so full of life…

It was hard to believe she was dead.

She had wanted to know what the future held for her, but the truth was she had no future.

He'd painfully came to this conclusion as he thought about the last time he saw her…

Kurosaki Masaki had never said she'd die, but unbeknownst to them she had implied it when she had proclaimed Hitsugaya's daughter had been named after Matsumoto-san…

They had assumed he'd done it in her honor, not in her memory…

He had considered knowing the future was a dangerous thing, but a part of him, couldn't help but wish he'd been able to change it if he'd known this was going to happen…

Of course, he knew even if he'd known, the circumstances might've made it difficult to act…The Seireitei had been a warzone…

It barely comforted him…

The moment Ichimaru Gin had fled the Soul Society, it was inevitable that he would have to face his former comrades. Why couldn't things have turned out differently? Why wasn't Matsumoto-san able to reach him?

"Kira." A cool voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hitsugaya-taichō, what are you doing here?" Izuru wondered, startled.

The Tenth Division taichō looked terrible. His eyes were bloodshot and dark bags protruded beneath his solemn eyes. He had never seen him look so unrested. Not that he could blame him. He hadn't been able to sleep either.

The young taichō didn't say anything, merely eyed him.

His gaze looked broken.

"Hitsugaya-taichō, is something the matter?" Izuru asked, creasing his brows in concern.

Tōshirō's lips tightened for a moment before he closed his eyes.

"How are you holding up, Kira?"

Izuru stared at him, surprised. "Um, I-I'm getting by…"

"Me too," Tōshirō said after a beat. "You heard about what happened to…her, didn't you?"

"Y-Yes…" His cobalt gaze dropped to the floor. "My condolences…Hitsugaya-taichō."

Tōshirō gave a tight nod.

"She died because of me."

Disbelief clouded Izuru's face. "W-What?"

"I mean, she died to protect me," he amended, his teal gaze glimmering with pain and regret.

"That bastard killed her because she was in his way. I-I couldn't do anything…I was injured…She was giving me a chance to heal myself, but I was too slow…" He curled his hands into fists, averting his gaze and closing his eyes for a moment.

"I-I know what it feels like…to want answers…I thought you should know…the truth…about Ichimaru," Tōshirō said, his voice dripping with hatred. "He never cared about Matsumoto or you…or anyone…but himself…and I guess Aizen…I heard him say this to Matsumoto when she asked for an explanation for his actions."

He paused. "He never cared about being a Shinigami. He wanted to be free of Central 46 and the nobility. He didn't want to be controlled. He just wanted to be free to do whatever he pleased. That's why he joined Aizen a long time ago."

"I see." Izuru's frown deepened.

"He played you just like he played Matsumoto and everyone. It's not your fault you didn't notice. He was a tough guy to read. He was good at faking his allegiance until the time was right for him to strike. Aizen taught him well." His lips curled in disgust. "Or I guess, he must've honed the skills he already had…He lied to Matsumoto ever since they met.

"He never cared about her…He just used her to survive. In some Rukongai districts, survival is tied to companions. Those with Reiryoku aren't exactly respected, so it's easier for those with Reiryoku to form groups with those with Reiryoku, if they find them." His furrowed eyebrows wrinkled further.

"I never understood how someone like her could be friends with someone like him…" he admitted, after a moment. "She always claimed there was more to him than met the eye. She wasn't wrong. He's always been a traitor, not just a strange guy. I should've killed him back when we fought in the Third Division…"

Silence filled the room.

"T-Thank you…Hitsugaya-taichō for telling me this…" Izuru said quietly, after a few minutes.

"Kira, you must stay strong for your division. You must be the real leader the Third Division never had."

Izuru stared at him for a long moment and nodded slowly.

He'd given up his own ambitions to serve his taichō with all his might, but it seems he had served a traitor, a man who had probably despised him for his pure-blooded Shinigami status.

He knew that many from Rukongai tended to be uncomfortable around from nobility even if they were from lower ranking houses like he was.

He had always believed his taichō had been above such prejudices and only cared about the Gotei 13's mission. He'd never shown otherwise.

He had never cared about his taichō's origins. He had always believed that what mattered was the Gotei 13's mission and it didn't matter whether a Soul was Seireitei born or from the Human World. He knew other noblemen especially those from higher stations didn't feel this way, but he had always believed that any soldier that was willing to do the job was needed.

It was a shame that his taichō hadn't believed in it and had resorted to destroying the world they had fought to protect. Had resentment and despair at the way Soul Society worked had driven him all this time? He would never understand why he went to such lengths to be free…

It was unforgiveable.

Destruction had touched his hometown. He had been hoping it would've been spared such a fate, but he supposed that had been wishful thinking. He had known the situation was dire, but he had had wanted to believe that as long as Aizen was defeated Karakura would be safe. He had figured the World of the Living would be feeling the effects of the loss of life in the Soul Society, but he hadn't expected Karakura to carry the brunt of it.

Truth be told, it could've been far worse, but it was painful all the same to see many parts of Karakura damaged and ruined. It was nearly unbelievable that something like this had happened to it…that many lives had been died for the sake of the balance…including people he had been familiar with….

He felt uneasy knowing things on the other side were in a terrible state as well.

His father chalked it up to Shinigami incompetence. He was very adamant about it.

He technically wasn't wrong.

If Aizen had been stopped years ago none of this would've happened. Unfortunately, that hadn't been the case. He knew despite his father's anger at the Shinigami, he didn't fully blame them. He understood Aizen had placed the Shinigami in an impossible situation.

He probably would be more upset if he had known what Urahara Kisuke had done, but he hadn't dared to let him know. He didn't need any more stress. He was exhausted and overworked from tending to survivors at the hospital.

He wasn't happy about Urahara Kisuke's revelations himself.

He had known there was more to what had been revealed by Aizen. He just hadn't imagined that it had been Urahara Kisuke himself who had set a trap for Aizen. That man was just as opportunistic as Aizen had been.

He felt ashamed that he hadn't picked up on it.

He couldn't say he ever trusted him, but he couldn't say he ever bothered to understand his motivations. He had just known him as the Shinigami in an artificial body that had healed him after the attack and had given him the chance to go to Soul Society. He had willingly let himself be used so that he could prove the pride of the Quincy. He hadn't cared about whether that man had any ulterior motives with providing his assistance to Kurosaki. He knew Kurosaki hadn't either.

When it came to Inoue-san's rescue, he had willingly gone to Hueco Mundo for her sake. He hadn't blamed Urahara Kisuke for her abduction though he did agree that he should've been forthright about Aizen's potential interest in Inoue-san. Her capture could've been avoided if she had had adequate protection and if she had known she was a potential target. Hiding this truth from her had been a mistake by such an incredibly intelligent man.

He truly had a brilliant mind to formulate such an elaborate plan to get Aizen to reveal himself based on the situations that had occurred.

As much as he hated that Urahara Kisuke didn't mind endangering lives for the sake of his plan, he couldn't deny that if his plan had worked as originally planned, it would've been the best option for all worlds.

He, of course, would've preferred a much less risky alternative.

For better or worse, what was done was done.

He was relieved that the world hadn't collapsed and that his father was alive.

He had the inkling that Urahara Kisuke had involved him in the war. It turned out to be the best option and for that he was grateful to the exiled Shinigami.

He couldn't believe his eyes when he had found his father tending to injured Shinigami within the Seireitei. He watched in silent disbelief before his father addressed him after he was finished and the Shinigami parted.

"Did you show him the pride of the Quincy?" his father had asked, his back turned to him.

"I did. My arrows pierced his Saketsu and Hakusui which resulted in his death when Kurosaki attacked him."

Ryūken made a noncommittal noise.

"I don't understand. Why are you helping the Shinigami when you told me not to get involved with them?" Uryū asked after a moment.

"Unlike you, I'm not here to get involved with them. I'm only here because letting the Shinigami perish would mean the destruction of the world. That is not something that I can let happen. Quincies are supposed to protect Humans after all."

"I told you, I'm not involved with the Shinigami. Didn't you read my letter? I assisted Kurosaki Ichigo, a Substitute Shinigami on an unofficial mission to rescue Inoue Orihime, a Human girl. After we rescued her, I only stuck around because I wanted to protect Karakura."

"Spare me your excuses. I know the real reason why you've been interacting with that Shinigami since you went to the Soul Society."

"W-What are you talking about? I never did ask you how you found out about that trip…Was it Urahara Kisuke that told you?"

"There's no point in hiding it, Uryū. Didn't you ally yourself with that Shinigami to fulfill your grandfather's dream?

His father looked over his shoulder to stare at Uryū.

Surprise colored Uryū's face. "W-What?"

"Why else would you have bothered to assist that Shinigami? The whole matter was none of your concern."

"Truth is…I just wanted to prove my strength to the Shinigami…I wasn't even thinking about my grandfather's dream." Uryū lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment.

"How shameful. Your grandfather would've been ashamed that you went and lost your powers for such a foolish reason. You're lucky I was able to restore them."

Uryū snapped his head up. "Y-You're right…he would be ashamed…that I only went because of that reason…that I lost my powers so soon…but I did it for his sake."

"What are you talking about?" Ryūken wondered, as he turned around to face his son.

Uryū hesitated. "I did it to avenge him."

"Avenge him? You said your grandfather died because of Hollows."

"He did die because of Hollows, but in Soul Society I found out the real reason why the Shinigami arrived late. It was because of a Shinigami named Kurotsuchi Mayuri…a mad scientist that wanted to study him…"

"Study him?" Ryūken narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Yes…that Shinigami was interested in studying Quincies. If it weren't for him, Ojii-san, wouldn't have died."

"I see," he said, his expression stoic. "That Shinigami must've devised a method to prolong his abilities as a Soul…I heard a Quincy loses their abilities within hours after they die…. It's the reason why the Shinigami resorted to exterminating the Quincy…You went all out, but you failed to kill him, didn't you?"

Uryu's lips thinned. "I nearly did…but he retreated…"

"You're truly a fool for doing such a thing."

"What?" Uryū's eyes flashed.

"Your grandfather never held a grudge against the Shinigami in spite of everything. He wanted to die as a Quincy and that's how he died…He wouldn't have wanted you to waste your powers on avenging him. If you had killed him, the Shinigami would've killed you. You would've disgraced his dream. You would've been another Quincy casualty."

Uryū frowned, eyes glimmering with guilt.

"You're fortunate your failure spared you such a fate." He paused. "Now you've shown those Shinigami that they would've been destroyed without the help of the Quincy. I suppose it's a step closer to your grandfather's foolish dream…" Disdain coated his words.

"I never intended to fulfill his dream. I gave up on it the moment the Shinigami failed to save him. All I've ever wanted to do was prove the strength of the Quincy to the Shinigami whom I saw as the enemy. Did you tell me not to associate with the Shinigami because you didn't want me to accomplish his dream? Then, why'd you even bother to restore my powers?"

"The only reason I bothered to restore your powers was because I knew this war was coming. I didn't want you to be powerless in case Karakura was attacked. Kurosaki Isshin was the one who informed me about it and your trip to Soul Society."

"K-Kurosaki Isshin? But that's…"

"Kurosaki Ichigo's father," Ryūken finished for him. "You technically violated your oath the moment you associated with his son. That boy is part Shinigami."

"You knew his father was a Shinigami?" Uryū asked, amazed.

Ryūken pushed back his glasses. "Tch. Don't tell me you haven't heard why I know him…"

"I'm afraid I haven't."

"I would've thought you would've heard about it by now…That loudmouth was finally ready to reveal the truth…considering the situation…"

"I only know about what Aizen did to his family and him, but apart from that, I didn't realize you knew what he really was."

"I've known about it from the beginning," Ryūken said, his glasses becoming opaque. "He would've been dead without me."

"What're you talking about? It was Urahara-san that cured him."

"Urahara wouldn't have pulled it off without my help. He needed the know-how of a Quincy to create a cure that would maintain the Reishi bonds of a Soul."

"Why'd you decide to help them? They're Shinigami…not Humans…"

"I did it per your grandfather's request to repay our family's debt."

"Our family's debt?"

"Uryū, haven't you always wondered why your grandfather was so adamant about fighting alongside the Shinigami despite what they did to the Quincy? Why he didn't want neither Shinigami nor Quincy to suffer? Most Quincy who fled from the war preferred to hide from fear of being targeted by the Shinigami. They had no interest in working with those that had murdered their families and friends. Your grandfather never believed in shedding his heritage or hating the Shinigami because he wouldn't have survived the Quincy Extermination if it weren't for a Shinigami that healed and spared him."

"A Shinigami…spared him?"

"That's right. Your grandfather was a lot older than you ever imagined. A Quincy's longevity exceeds that of a normal Human due to our Reiryoku. He never bothered to tell you the truth behind our family's survival out of respect for that Shinigami. As fate would have it, Kurosaki Isshin was the Shinigami that spared him, though as you can imagine he would've wanted to help any Shinigami. He didn't want you to know that Kurosaki Isshin wasn't actually Human in case you ever ran into him.

"Personally, I've never cared to hide this fact at the hospital. I've always liked to refer to him as a Shinigami. People would think I was being sarcastic."

"If you've known this all along…why is it that you don't believe in working alongside the Shinigami? Why didn't you try to help Sensei with his dream if he taught you everything he knew?"

"Who says I didn't try? I tried for years…But the Shinigami always turned a deaf ear…always looked down on us… They never cared about any of the methods we devised to help them…To them we were nothing but a nuisance that was meddling with their duty.

"I grew to believe it was the case, too. Quincies are an abnormality. Humans were never supposed to develop spiritual abilities…Our power destroys rather than purifies. It isn't necessary at all…Our forebears were too stubborn to believe in their necessity that they nearly destroyed the world…The world has gone on without the Quincies and will continue to do so…I saw no point in insisting to work with the Shinigami for such a pointless profession."

"I don't understand why you would give up when Sensei never did. The Quincy power is useful. You clearly know methods that Sensei devised to fight defensively against Hollows that he never got to teach me. You know the Shinigami can't handle all the Hollows themselves…"

"The Shinigami are undeniably ineffectual but it's their duty, not mine. I prefer to save the living over the dead."

"But, Ryūken, Quincies save the living as well. Why would you give up helping them too? You say Quincies are abnormal Humans, which is true, but that's precisely why we must protect the normal Humans."

"Uryū, would you have preferred to be raised as an orphan? That is what life as a Quincy leads to. Forgive me for having no desire to throwing my life away for a lost cause like your grandfather."

"Death can happen when you least expect it. Okaa-san didn't die because of her Quincy work."

Ryuken's glasses flashed opaque, and he clenched his jaw.

"She might as well have been killed by it."

"Why would you say that? She died because of a car accident."

"I was supposed to be on shift that night, but I called it off because your grandfather insisted he needed my help. He'd come across a particular Hollow that'd been giving the Shinigami trouble for years. It was a two-person job. He needed me to set up the barrier to capture it since in his old age it cost him too much energy and effort. He acted as the decoy while I set out to capture it. The doctors that treated your mother were inept. If I had been there instead of doing Quincy work that the Shinigami weren't even grateful for, I would've been able to save her."

Uryū stared at Ryūken.

"I decided I would give up being a Quincy after that night and would instead focus on saving the living."

He'd never seen eye to eye with his father due to his hatred of his Quincy lineage. He'd never understood it…never imagined…that it was because he simply wanted to protect him.

Ishida Ryūken had never demonstrated much affection towards him. His father had always been closed off and standoffish from what he could remember. The few memories he had of him when his mother had still been alive were few and between. They almost seemed like a dream because his father had been kinder. Or at least he thought he had been.

He had never been too sure. He had been four when his mother had died.

His father had done his best to raise him with the help of a nanny and his parents. His father hadn't really liked relying on his father, especially when he had demonstrated interest in his Quincy heritage and wanting to train as one.

Even though his father attempted him to break off contact with his grandfather, he would still sneak visits to his grandfather and train.

He continued training on his own after his grandfather's death with the help of the books he'd been given by him. He hadn't bothered to ever ask his father for any advice because he knew his father wouldn't have given him any.

He had long assumed his father had discarded the powers he detested.

When Ryūken had revealed he still had them, he'd been shocked. He hadn't bothered to question why he would even want to restore his powers because he knew he shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Ishida Ryūken was not one to bestow his help so freely, least of all with Quincy matters, and sure enough he had a price for it.

If Inoue-san hadn't been captured, he wouldn't have minded paying it.

He didn't care much for involving himself with the Shinigami.

His encounter with Kurotsuchi Mayuri had fortified his dislike of the Shinigami.

He couldn't help but question how such a horrible man could be hired by the Shinigami. He'd known the Shinigami were regarded as terrible by the Quincy, but he'd known as told by his grandfather that they were not monsters, that the Quincy could've avoided the war if they had listened to the Shinigami.

He'd never imagined such a sinister Shinigami could exist. He couldn't believe he had killed his own subordinates and had even convinced Shinigami to let Quincies die for his own interests. His experiments clearly hadn't been sanctioned by the Gotei 13 yet he had managed to do them without any obvious penalty. He had been like Aizen committing illegal acts without detection.

However, he didn't doubt that he had committed atrocious experiments with approval since his scientific mind was likely the reason the Shinigami had kept him.

During the week following Aizen's defection, he along with the others had been questioned about their activities in the Soul Society by Ukitake-taichō, who was gathering this information for documentation purposes. This was after they had a general discussion with the sōtaichō who had predominantly questioned Ichigo about their entrance into Soul Society.

Uryū had been quick to point out that it had been Kurotsuchi Mayuri who had killed his own subordinates and not he who had killed them. He knew he had been fortunate that Inoue-san and Aramaki Makizō had been his witnesses. Otherwise, he was certain the madman would've blamed him. Ukitake-taichō had seemed appalled and disturbed by the news and noted that Mayuri had committed a violation and would have to answer for it when the Central 46 reconvened.

He knew his father was not wrong in thinking he would've been killed if he'd killed Kurotsuchi Mayuri. Would it have been made a difference that he had indirectly helped unveil Aizen? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that if Aizen hadn't made his move, it would've been difficult for them to leave Soul Society. They had been spared solely for that reason.

Uryū had had reservations that the Shinigami could easily turn on them in the future. This thought had been strengthened by the explanation Ichigo had given him regarding his badge. He had found it curious that Ukitake mentioned there had been other substitutes in the past. It seemed like such an unlikely scenario. How could there have been others like Ichigo? He didn't think most Shinigami would be willing to turn Humans into Shinigami though he supposed someone had done so in the past to set the precedent that Shinigami should not give their powers to Humans. He had figured Ichigo would be killed if he proved to be a problem to the Soul Society since Ukitake hadn't specifically mentioned any consequences.

These facts had made him wary of the Soul Society.

In Hueco Mundo, he had no choice but to accept Kurotsuchi Mayuri's help. He was begrudgingly grateful that thanks to him he was able to help protect Inoue-san. He had suspected the Soul Society had only acted because of strategic reasons, not because they cared about their lives. Kurosaki proved his hunch correct when he explained what he'd learned about Kyōka Suigetsu.

He understood perfectly that Aizen had driven the Gotei 13 to seek all the help they could get.

However, he'd never truly allowed himself to believe that an alliance with the Shinigami past this war was possible. He'd seen their alliance as temporary.

With the way this war turned out, he supposed his father was right that this could potentially lead to an agreement, if he dared to broach the subject.

His father, of course, wouldn't be happy.

He would prefer that he didn't walk this path.

He understood his father's reasoning.

He would inherently be putting his life at risk…for a duty that technically should only belong to the Shinigami.

He'd always known that being a Quincy was a dangerous, thankless job without compensation that could cut his life short. As logical as it was for Quincies to assimilate to life as normal Humans in order to avoid such a fate after what had befallen their ancestors, he always saw himself as someone that would continue his heritage's legacy.

He had promised his grandfather that he wouldn't let the Quincy way die…

He had called himself the last Quincy because as far as he had known he was the only active Quincy in the area. He knew there were others like his father who had given up their heritage.

He knew the modern world demanded Quincies to actually have an actual profession and that Hollow hunting was a side job, but he had always believed he could handle both.

His father had shown that despite his feelings he knew the choice was up to him. He had shown faith in him by letting him go against Aizen.

He couldn't help but feel tempted to fulfill his grandfather's dream despite his misgivings about the Shinigami.

Would the Shinigami be dishonorable and turn their backs on those that prevented their destruction?

He didn't know…but he could say he at least trusted Kurosaki and Kuchiki-san…to keep their word…

The Shinigami would need all the help they could get until they replenished their ranks.

Aizen was no longer a threat, but Hollows would always be there.

Notes:

Urahara is the most mysterious character in Bleach. Back in the day, I figured Kubo would eventually explain his reasoning for his actions in early Bleach which, as mentioned before, imply he set Rukia to be captured on purpose. Unfortunately, that never happened.

Urahara's moral ambiguity has always made him an interesting character. TBTP arc showed he is ultimately a good guy but still he's all about results, regardless of the cost. His creation of the Hōgyoku certainly implied he let his curiosity get the best of him. Due to Benihime being called Crimson Princess and having what seemed like blood related attacks, and Urahara calling her not nice, it inspired me for the Hōgyoku to be fashioned in a similar way to FMA's Philosopher's Stone. It just seemed natural. I was glad that Kubo was also thinking this when he showed Gin's flashback in Ch 411. However, he disappointed me with the direction he took the Hōgyoku. I'll give him points for originality (I know what his mythological basis was), but I see it as a big retcon that ruined the series for me. This is the point where Bleach's central narrative fell apart. The series doesn't make sense beyond this point if you pay close attention.

Per chapter -98, Urahara told Tessai Hollowfication was one of the solutions he arrived at to strengthen a Shinigami's Soul. It was never actually said he did it.

I had stated before that Central 46 had publicly stated that Urahara's crime was to create untraceable Gigai in order to justify what Aizen said what had said in chapter 186. I elaborated more in this chapter on why he did this. I realized that Rukia should have had a Gigai if she was staying for a month in the WOL and she needed a reason to accept Urahara's rather than just use her own. Interesting to note that in chapter 9 Rukia cursed the Shinigami Research Development Institute for not making her Gigai have muscle and flight capabilities rather than Urahara. Seems like a mistake on Kubo's part since Rukia mentioned she was going to berate the SRD when she returned to SS.

It has always bothered me that Aizen in chapter 186 had said, "by the time I had realized this, you had already left" because it implied that Urahara had implanted the Hōgyoku in Rukia before. Although I was aware that chapter 0 Side B The Rotator provided a potential explanation with Rukia possibly getting the Hōgyoku implanted her during her first time in the WOL, I realized that Rukia never actually confirmed that she didn't remember the mission Kiyone spoke of. Kiyone and Sentarō were too busy insulting each other. It just didn't make sense that Urahara would put the Hōgyoku in Rukia before the start of the story. It would have been a foolish move by Urahara. Given what Kubo wrote in chapters 44-48, it just made sense that Urahara implanted it in chapter 1, so that's why I stuck to this.

Per Chapter 249, Aizen tells Orihime that due to repeated awakenings the Hōgyoku has deteriorated slightly and tells her he needs her power. Although it is not shown in Orihime's flashback that she used her power, Aizen is smiling at the end of the chapter. The Hōgyoku is later shown without cracks, implying it was fixed. I must admit I overlooked this in both the anime and manga. Like many other fans, I just focused on Aizen's words that he used her as a lure (ultimately it does come across as the main reason). Some might've seen this as speculation since it was never confirmed. I personally side with people who believe Orihime did use her power for this even if Kubo didn't confirm it. Credit to a reddit poster who made this observation.

Please note Urahara never said why Aizen wanted her powers. It was Uryū in Chapter 314 that said he believed Aizen was going to awaken the Hōgyoku with her powers.

Per Chapter 25.2, which is found in the Bleach Souls data book, Tatsuki recognizes that Ichigo has become distant from her. It began in fifth grade when he stopped calling her Tatsuki-chan. She understands their relationship is changing. Ichigo distances himself further before leaving to Hueco Mundo. I feel like this changing childhood friendship dynamic paralleled Rukia and Renji's distancing when they joined the Academy. I know a lot of people were thinking that Kubo was setting Tatsuki up to join the cast, but if you take a look at 25.2 and what Ichigo did later, it seems like it was more of a set up for distancing.

Per chapter 73, Souls are given a ticket depending on the time they died. Family members only stay together if they receive a ticket at the same time.

I find Kubo's choice of making Yamamoto the founder of the Academy and Gotei 13 odd. The timeline is messed up. The academy was founded about 2,100 years ago and there isn't a captain that graduated from the Academy until Jūshirō and Shunsui which is roughly about 200 years or so. They were captains for at least a century during the TBTP arc. I tried my best to come up with the history of how the Academy and Gotei 13 came about taking inspiration from Japan's history.

Kubo in the Bleach Color Bootleg actually credits Yamamoto as the creator of the Shihakushō. The data books in case you don't know provide supplemental info. There are sometimes obvious mistakes in them e.g. Renji was not Ikkkau's mentor, but they're supposed to be canon. This was, of course, discarded or forgotten for the manga to accommodate his new ideas. I've done my best to include most facts.

Per the Color Bootleg Omake chapters, Kyōraku does admit to loving Nanao (he daydreams about this and Kubo makes references to this fact). I found it amazing how Kubo in his canon actually had Nanao essentially admit feelings for him. Never saw that coming. Kubo also mentioned in Kyōraku's profile about how he seems to have a thing for protecting her.

Bleach derives a lot of concepts from Buddhism. The afterlife as depicted in Bleach is not meant to be heaven. Neither Buddhism or Shinto have the belief that the afterlife is heaven or hell. I based my version of the Soul King's origins on some Shinto beliefs such as ancestral spirits remaining in places.

By the way, I'm not sure if you noticed the plot hole with Mayuri destroying Rukongai Souls in chapter 489. Quincies destroying Hollows would mean those Hollows never get reincarnated into the Soul Society. It would mean Souls increase in the WOL thus affecting the balance. Strangely enough, Kubo rehashes this in 492 so I don't understand why he had Mayuri do this. It should've been Humans that died in the WOL. Kubo was trying to be dark in the last arc yet was hesitant to really do it. I felt like Kubo forgot throughout the series what the point of a Shinigami was.

I had to make a correction to chapter 5 in my story because I made a mistake writing that Masaki should have powers above average if she had been born in the Soul Society when Rukia is talking to Orihime (I deleted this line). I realized that since it's rare that Shinigami are from Rukongai, it means most Shinigami are noble born and have average abilities. Yoruichi and Byakuya, who are from the highest-ranking families, are actually considered the strongest born in their respective clans in generations. It is in line with Byakuya's statement to Ichigo that even amongst the Great Noble families it's rare for them to attain Bankai. I'm respecting this because truth be told it doesn't make sense for Shinigami to have exaggerated power when their job is to deal with Hollows. I feel like this is often forgotten by fans and it has been forgotten by Kubo. Hollows have always been the Shinigami's enemies and they're the reason they've been killed, leading the way for newer Shinigami to take over. I know fans since long ago stopped considering Hollows as threats, but they technically are. It just makes sense that only a few Shinigami obtain a lot of power.

Rukia in chapter 5 focused on discussing Rukongai Shinigami. I will admit I'm treating Rukia as an unreliable narrator like Kubo. I have my reasons for it. I'm chalking it up to her not being truly informed.

I always considered Urahara apologizing to Rukia a missing scene. That is why I had it mentioned that he did make an apology when she initially returned during the Arrancar invasion.

Glossary:

Reiryoku- spiritual power/ spirit energy

Reiatsu-spiritual pressure

Tou-san- dad

Kaa-san- mom

Oyaji- informal way of saying dad/old man

Shihakushō- Shinigami uniform

Teishi- Deadlock

Daireishokairō- Great Archive found in Central 46

Saketsu- Binding Chain, boosts a Shinigami's power

Hakusui- Soul Sleep- Source of Shinigami Power

Ojii-san- grandfather