Yoruichi exhaled a deep breath while curling her fingers as if beckoning the devil closer. In a sense she may as well be. Kenpachi's vacant eyes seemed to zero in on the illusion of his wife. With a low growl Kenpachi stalked forward, his free hand lifting to swipe at the gore covering his chiseled face.

This was dangerous. Yoruichi knew that at any moment the illusion was going to fade, leaving her to the mercy of a beast. As the seconds ticked by the two moved together, time seemed to slow down as if trapped within some type of paradox. Yoruichi felt like she was living the moment inside of a dream surrounded by haze and the metallic stench of blood.

Daring to take her gaze away for a split second, Yoruichi turned her head to gauge the distance. She was only feet from the head captain now, but she didn't dare call out; fearing that her voice would give her up. Yoruichi snapped her head back to Kenpachi, her stomach seized, golden eyes going wide as the very large red hand swung forward.

"Shit!" Was the only thought crossing her mind as Kenpachi's fingertips managed to graze her jaw before she flash stepped out of range.

Reappearing next to the head captain Yoruichi lifted her left hand to her bleeding mouth. Kenpachi's reflexes were impressive, it seemed.

"Head Captain!" Yoruichi called out while keeping her body facing the now fuming red beast that stood only a few feet from her, his whole body bathed in blood, dripping crimson while harsh pants escaped his chest. His vacant eyes stared her down, the accusation written across his menacing face. How dare you pretend to be her! Who the fuck do you think you are?

"I'm sorry, Zaraki." Yoruichi called out to him, still feeling as if stuck inside a dream. The air around them thick and humid, the stink of death filling her nose. Kenpachi charged toward her, his howl causing her skin to prickle. Yoruichi braced herself, flash stepping behind him in time to realize she hadn't been his target at all. Yoruichi sighed before her bleeding lips lifted into a small sad smile.

Kenpachi pushed Ichigo Kurosaki down onto the blood-soaked ground and palmed Munashi's face, pushing the leader of the primordial alien race backwards in the sludge. The large alien planted his feet but still slid anyway. Kenpachi gripped harder, denting the crude metal armor the creature wore managing to pierce the thick scaly skin. Twin growls echoed throughout the battlefield as the reptile lifted his right arm, stabbing thick black claws through Kenpachi's chest forcing the soul reaper to take a step back before pivoting his feet and swinging his blade wildly.

Lord Munashi smirked. The armor he wore was made form a precious alloy on his home planet. It prevented the blade from breaking through cleanly and was thicker here than the helm he wore. Munashi locked eyes with the vacant demon in front of him. It seemed he might actually have a worthy opponent. One who wasn't afraid to meet head on and clash. No more games among the shadows, no more hits from a distance. This was the battle he craved; someone was finally strong enough to fight him hand to hand.

"Let the battle commence, Demon!" Munashi taunted, his thick lips lifting over sharp teeth.

The only reply was the swish and sting of metal crunching metal, what the primordial didn't understand was that there wasn't any substance on any planet that Kenpachi Zaraki could not cut.

Grimmjow skidded to an abrupt stop, his instincts kicking in making his hackles rise. There was something near him, a power of some sort that was making him uneasy and he had the sneaking suspicion that was what he was currently looking for. Karina let out a grunt as her front slammed against his hard back.

"Bloody hell, Grimmjow, a warning would be nice!" Karina huffed.

"Shut up. I sense something ahead." Grimmjow snapped back.

Karina slid her hands up higher wrapping her fingers around the bonelike skin of his neck wishing in that moment that strangling the male was an option. As it was her stomach was still queasy from earlier and he was using Sonido. The battlefield was long gone now, replaced with thick underbrush and trees. Like a normal every day forest.

"Do you think it's Godai?" Karina asked, slipping her hands back down to lay flat against his chest.

Grimmjow didn't reply an answer, instead he walked forward, lifting one hand from her thigh to move branches from his view. As he came into a smaller clearing of trees, he could pick up the scents. Linake, Yumichika and Ikkaku. This was the place, it had to be.

"I don't get it. I smell Yumichika and Ikkaku but the trail is old. It's like they decided to leave Linake here." Grimmjow sighed.

"I don't know what would make them leave her." Karina replied, her voice coming out in a hushed whisper, as if she was starting to sense just how off this situation was becoming.

"Grimmjow…" Karina whispered his name in his ear. Lifting his head, Grimmjow came to a full stop. There in front of them was a small cocoon of braided tree branches the size of a…body.

"Oh, god." Karina panted, letting her arms fall from Grimmjow's neck, she slid down his frame her feet making a soft thudding sound on the packed earth.

"Who approaches!?"

Karina stopped walking. Her body seeming to freeze at the ethereal voice speaking. Karina jerked her head in every direction, slipping her tongue from her lips to get a sense of her surroundings.

"M-my name is Karina. I-I am a friend."

"No one enters!" The voiced hissed back.

"Could you show yourself, please? Come out and speak with me face to face? I-I need to ask something of you, if you are who I think you are." Karina babbled, unable to help the sudden rise in nerves after hearing the being speak. Karina was beginning to wonder if maybe Linake was more than just a Soul Reaper.

"Karina…" Grimmjow warned her as he came up behind her.

Karina lifted a staying hand to him, her diamond shaped pupils enlarging as she met his gaze. Grimmjow let out a sigh. Karina turned her head back in the direction of the cocoon just as the scenery around them started to change as if it were water and someone had touched it, making the reflection of trees and limbs ripple along the surface.

Karina held her breath. The trees in front of her beginning to take a human-like shape. A wave of water spirted from the ground, hovering there, the tree like legs perched as if surfing a small wave. Karina's eyes widened.

"What the hell…" Grimmjow whispered behind her.

Karina was awestruck. Not only by the sheer power before her, but by the beauty of the elements. The tree like being stared back at her with silver eyes, the bright green light emitting from its chest throbbed as if telling her it was the source of all life, bright electric blue flames danced high above its head, like hair.

"Bloody hell…" Karina breathed before taking a tentative step forward, her palms outstretched in a pleading gesture.

"We need your help, Godai. The battle is taking too many lives. Captain Kurotsuchi is going to release my venom into the air and Kenpachi has been lost in his Bankai state. We need to get him to safety, or he may be poisoned." Karina began.

"I will not leave my young one." Godai replied, half of its form beginning to disappear again.

"Please! Don't go. Hear me out, I-I know that Linake is wounded. I know that she doesn't have much time left and everything you are doing is to help her. But, Godai, Kenpachi is everything to Linake. You know that as well as I do. If something were to happen to him, she would never be the same!" Karina pleaded, her voice rising with her own conviction.

"He allowed this." Godai countered.

Karina shivered involuntarily, the sound of the ethereal voice seeming to penetrate every cell in her body, like a match thrown onto the fire.

"Like hell he did!" Karina spat back, her anger overriding her ability to see things logically.

"You know that is bollocks! Kenpachi would do anything for her and has had! Why do you think he is stuck like he his?" Karina pressed.

"He ain't fighting for pleasure right now. He's stuck because he thinks she's gone. I think you know how Linake would react to that." Grimmjow added, keeping his gaze forward, his bright blue eyes meeting sliver orbs.

"I will not leave my young one." Godai repeated.

"Damnit! We don't have much time! Kenpachi might be killed!" Karina stomped her foot into the earth at her feet, her frustration making her feel like a child in the action, but she couldn't really kick at a being like this.

"Step back, Grimmjow."

Karina spun on her heal, her breath catching in her throat, tears springing to her eyes.

"Oh, Thank god!" Karina sobbed, her hands coming to close over her mouth.

Grimmjow sidestepped, letting Sosuke Aizen come forward, his gaze seeming to be stuck on the trickling drops of blood oozing from the wound on Linake Zaraki's chest.

"Bring her to me, Immortal!" Godai demanded, the wind whipping furiously around. One by one braided twigs snapped apart and slinked backwards like…snakes.

Aizen didn't argue, didn't even speak a word. Lifting Linake as if some kind of strange sacrifice, Godai's treelike limbs secured her human shell in its arms, cradling her as if Linake was its child. Young one; that's what the spirit had called her. Maybe to Godai, a child is exactly what Linake was.

Aizen stepped back, his arms falling to his sides, but is honey brown gaze was intense. Karina could see the fascination on his face as he watched the Zanpakuto Spirit place Linake's human body directly into her soul. The green orb upon its chest flashed like lightning in succession. Once, Twice, Thrice. Slowly, the oozing wound began to close.

Karina felt Grimmjow's hand land on her shoulder and she couldn't help but sag against him in relief. Linake was going to live!

"I came across Ikkaku and Yumichika. I couldn't carry all three of them back to you." Aizen stated.

It took Karina a moment to understand he was talking to Godai. The spirit lifted its flame covered head and met his gaze, it's silver orbs seeming to grow dim as if saddened.

"My young one is safe in your hands?" Godai asked him.

"She is." Aizen answered.

"I will trust the two of you as well." Godai stated, pointing a twig like finger at Karina and Grimmjow.

"Does that mean you will help Kenpachi too?" Karina couldn't help but ask.

"I will help all those my young one holds dear, now that she is safe again. Do not disturb her. Let her rest." Godai demanded.

Karina nodded her head and turned to watch as the cocoon braided itself back over Linake's regenerating body. The sight was like something straight out of a science fiction film, but Karina was grateful for whatever magic she had just witnessed. It had saved her friend's life. Linake was the first real friend Karina could even remember having in so long it stung like mad.

Grimmjow lifted his hand, catching her tears on his black claws. Karina sniffled allowing herself to smile up at him.

"I'll never get use to how fearless you are." Grimmjow spoke low, not wanting Aizen to overhear, but Karina already knew the immortal was most likely trying to talk with his own wife through their mental link.

"Me? I'm the farthest thing from it. I just get pissed when I feel like something is important and I feel like whoever I am speaking to is ignoring me." Karina half-laughed.

"Nah. That ain't just anger. That's nerves of steel, Karina. You've shown me how strong you are more times than I can count." Grimmjow sighed, lifting his clawed hand and running it through his long blue hair.

"Grimmjow, does giving me a compliment make you…nervous?" Karina asked, her smile turning impish.

"Shut up, Karina." Grimmjow frowned, letting his hand fall to his side.

Karina turned her body into his, taking in the way he looked in his released form. How animalistic he was and yet, she didn't feel an ounce of fear. He was magnificent, even like this and because of that, she understood what her heart must have already known the moment they met on that miserable day. She was in love with him, but he was wrong about one thing, she wasn't brave at all, a brave woman wouldn't fear admitting that she loved him, a brave woman wouldn't fear their future so much that she'd allowed a madman to implant a device that prevented pregnancy.

"You okay?" Grimmjow asked her, caressing her back with one clawed hand and she instantly forced the dread back down. Her smile didn't reach her eyes when she tried to placate him with a nod.

"We're gonna have a talk when this is all over. I don't care if we have to be separated behind plated glass in Kurotsuchi's lab, but we really need to talk." Grimmjow announced, catching her off guard.

"That sounds a bit extreme…" Karina whispered up at him, meeting his intense gaze.

"That might be the only way we actually talk with our mouths instead of trying to through sex." Grimmjow countered.

Karina hesitated, pulling her bottom lip between her fangs. Was that what they had been doing? Trying to tell each other with their bodies what neither of them could say aloud? Grimmjow had told her she was his, that she belonged to him and the sound of it made her heart fill so full she could burst from it, but there were so many questions. The most important being how does a human and an espada live happily ever after when their worlds are so far apart? I'm not sure if I'll actually get my happy ending…

Ikkaku's eyes squinted open at the sound of trees rustling. Pain exploded from his lower back and right thigh. He couldn't get up and he couldn't fight anymore. How long had be been laying here? Where was Yumichika? Had that thing killed his friend? Damnit! First Linake and now this? Was his Captain doomed to lose everyone?

"It seems I have found you."

Ikkaku tried to force his eyes opened wider against the dim light. He thought he recognized that voice, but he couldn't place it. He'd lost too much blood to hear everything, even the sound of his own heartbeat was starting to fade. Beet, beet. Beet, beet. It was still there though, guess that was a plus, he wasn't dead yet.

"This might hurt one such as you." The voice continued.

Ikkaku grimaced a little as his vision filled with bright green light. Pain shot up his spine making him grit his teeth and grimace.

"Shit!" He panted between harsh breathing. Fuck, it felt like he was being bathed with fire, hell, maybe he was, maybe this was hell. Maybe hell was his punishment for failing to keep Linake safe.

"It will be okay, Ikkaku."

"Yumichika?" Ikkaku gasped his best friend's name.

"Yes. It's me. I know it hurts. Godai found me first but the worst is almost over." Yumichika explained.

Godai? That thing that wouldn't let him near Linake was saving his ass? What the hell happened to Linake? Is she safe?

"Linake…" Ikkaku panted, his vision seeming to clear of the pulsing green light leaving him blind for a couple horrifying seconds.

"Young one's soul is back within her human body and I have healed her. Just as I have healed you. Young one would have wanted it this way."' Godai explained.

"Thanks?" Ikkaku grunted, not sure how to respond to the admission he had been saved only because Linake would have wanted him to be.

"Don't try to sit up. It's going to take a few minutes for you to get your bearings back." Yumichika halted him with a staying hand to his chest.

Ikkaku allowed himself to fall back against the grass. The damn creatures had ambushed them. Ikkaku had so many questions running through his head. All of them coming together and wrapping up in some sort of twisted ball inside him. Ikkaku clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

"Where are you going?" Yumichika called out bringing Ikkaku's attention back to his surroundings.

"I still have one more to help for my young one." Godai answered before melting back into the elements surrounding the area.

"Linake's spirit is a pain in the ass." Ikkaku huffed.

Yumichika laughed.

"Yeah, an ass we owe big time." He countered.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi stepped out onto the soggy grass, his sandals sticking to the muck as he walked forward. His golden gaze looked towards the massive boulder in the backdrop where his wife now stood perched up behind Orihime Kurosaki's shield. With an inward sigh the scientist stalked out toward the carnage.

Kenpachi Zaraki growled low in his throat, slashing his blade against the heavy metal armor. Munashi's acid yellow eyes went to slits as the blade dug deep, imbedding into the metal itself. Kenpachi pulled, forcing all of his tendons and muscles to stretch, his raw power coming to the surface.

With a howl he lurched back, bracing his feet. Just like the sound of leather ripping apart, the skin connecting the leader's arm to his shoulder gave way, the heavy metal plating he wore as protection acting as a counter weight.

Mayuri studied Kenpachi closely, knowing very well the squad 11 captain could have been done with this battle long ago. So why was he so keen on prolonging this? Was Kenpachi in fact enjoying this battle like the others before?

Munashi let out a primal scream as his right arm was severed. Mayuri watched in fascination as Zaraki pulled his blade free from the severed limb.

"You dare to defile me! I will just regenerate! You fool!"

Mayuri sighed, thinking this whole thing was rather pointless, indeed.

Kenpachi bared his teeth screaming in the leaders face before swinging his blade once more, this time putting much more effort into the attack. With quick strikes the leader began to pant heavily as he went for death blow upon death blow. The more Zaraki bled from his own body, the more frenzied he appeared to become, as if the pain someone made him even stronger. Hmm, maybe that was what made a Kenpachi so much stronger.

With a flick of the wrist, Kenpachi's giant blade swung at a downward angle, the momentum behind the strike filled with intent. Ah. No. He is not fighting this monster for the thrill after all. Zaraki intends to kill. Mayuri crossed his arms over his chest, deciding he would allow it. The Alien was responsible for fatally wounding Linake, it was only fitting that Zaraki be able to have that vengeance.

Kenpachi spun on his heal, avoiding a punishing blow from the remaining arm of the leader. Kenpachi's strike hit true to its aim, cutting through the thick scales and dark green flesh. A gurgled cry of outrage could be heard for the briefest of seconds before dark blood spurted across Kenpachi's face. The main artery of the neck having been severed. With a roar of not only triumph but pure pain, Kenpachi took the head of his enemy.

Mayuri watched as the severed head bounced to the ground and settled in a pool of mushy slop. No doubt the flesh of another that had been trampled upon many times over. Acid yellow eyes blinked back at him, reminding Mayuri that just because the head was no longer in tact did not in fact bring death. Mayuri walked forward and with one sandal clad foot he rolled the creatures head towards him.

"I am utterly fascinated. How does it feel to comprehend that once I have eradicated all of you, you will become my new test subjects? I wonder, should I keep you alive and in pieces for an eternity? I quite like the idea of running daily tests on you. If you think what Zaraki is going to you is as bad as it can be, I can assure you, I am far, far worse." Mayuri grinned.

"I think I've had quite enough of this folly." Mayuri announced, turning to stand next to the head captain.

Shunsui turned his head, meeting Mayuri's gaze with his one uncovered grey eye. The primordial hadn't stood a chance against Zaraki. Especially with the squad 11 captain not even being in his right mind. Ichigo and Uryu turned at Mayuri's announcement. The two men stood at the front of the battle, keeping the remaining able-bodied Aliens at bay while their leader was literally being ripped apart, limb from limb. Even now the sickening sound of bone cracking and skin ripping could be heard. The leader hadn't even been able to scream.

"I second that statement." Shunsui agreed.

"We still can't get Zaraki to see reason." Yoruichi pressed.

"That is neither here nor there. I have already given him more time than I would have liked. It is now or never while they all horde around in an ill attempt to help their leader." Mayuri countered.

"Evacuate." Shunsui demanded.

"But..." Yoruichi started.

"That's an order, Lady Yoruichi."

"Very well."

Shunsui sighed as the woman flash stepped out of sight. It wasn't like Shunsui wanted to risk Kenpachi, but if he couldn't be reasoned with, he might not even be able to be saved after this. How the hell am I gonna reel him in? Shunsui braced himself before flash stepping and appearing next to Ichigo.

"We've given him all the time we can, Kid." Shunsui sighed.

"There has to be a way to get through to him!" Ichigo yelled, turning back to face Kenpachi once more.

"Ichigo…I know that you want to save him. We all do, but unless Linake comes walking through those trees in the next four minutes…" Shunsui began but paused just as the scenery around them began to ripple like the surface of water.

"What is that?" Uryu demanded taking his eyes away from the crowd of primordial trying to get to their leader.

Silence fell as the air seemed to shift and clear blue water spurted from the ground. A medium sized tree seemed to be taking root and growing right before their eyes, but then split in half, as if they were…legs? A flash of green light caused them all to squint as the tree took on a humanoid shape. Shunsui held his breath, his one good eye going wide as the green light centered into the middle of the wooden torso. Erie silver eyes met his gaze as bright blue flames caught fire from the air illuminating the tree creatures head.

"Oh…my…" Mayuri could be heard from his position as he watched with increased interest.

Godai turned its attention to the red skinned Demon that was the young one's mate. Without hesitation the wave carrying its weight surged forward, surfing across the sludge, cleaning a pathway as it went.

"Linake's alive!" Orihime's feint scream could be heard, even from so far away, almost causing Shunsui's knees to buckle. Damn, it felt good to hear that!

"Wait…I wouldn't try to touch him." Uryu called out a warning to Godai, not fully understanding what it was.

Godai didn't feel the need to reply, instead it raised it's twig like hand and swatted Kenpachi in the face to get his attention. Uryu groaned as he put his outstretched hand down. Kenpachi's vacant eyes lifted, meeting orbs of brilliant silver.

"Do I have your attention, Demon?" Godai asked.

Kenpachi just snarled, lowering his head and continuing to cut apart the remains he hunched over.

"She lives. My young one." Godai leaned in closer to whisper.

Still, Kenpachi pulled bones from flesh, seeming to revel in the pain he was causing the enemy.

"He is trapped in his Bankai form. When Linake was hurt it took over." Shunsui tried to explain.

"His Bankai, you say…" Godai replied, turning its silver orbs to meet his gaze.

"We've all been trying to get through to him." Ichigo explained, taking a few steps forward.

"You're Linake's Zanpakuto Spirit, aren't you?" He asked.

Shunsui's brow lifted and Mayuri snorted, his wide smile saying he'd already concluded as much.

"I am Godai."

Ichigo seemed to relax fully, walking the rest of the way to stand at Godai's side. Godai met his gaze fully and gave what looked like a barky smile.

"You share in the same abilities as my young one. Both human." Godai stated.

Ichigo smiled back nodding his head in agreement.

"Do you think with your powers you can try to get him off the battlefield? Maybe, knock him out or something?" Ichigo asked.

Godai turned back to Kenpachi and lifted its twig fingers once more. This time Godai didn't reach out for Kenpachi himself, but the blade of his Zanpakuto.

"I cannot. But the child can." Godai replied.

"Child?" Ichigo repeated before a flash of pure white light surrounded Kenpachi's Zanpakuto.

Ichigo's breath caught in his throat. Shunsui sucked in air. And Mayuri made a tsk sound.

"Hey there, Ichi!"

"Y-Yachiru?"

Authors Note: I'M BACK! While it really did pain me not being able to write for over a year, I am happy to announce that I am no longer working two jobs and I will have more free time to actually live a life. Seriously, it was bad and not something I wish for anyone to have to do. On another note, I do hope that at least a few of you who enjoyed this story will be happy to see an update. I'll be working on the next one too. I promise it won't take another year. I always say I WILL finish these, and this is proof of that. Doesn't matter how long it takes. Thanks to those who support my writing and enjoy! L.J.