Author's Note: Hey there everyone, this is the long awaited Chapter 32 of Mutterliebe! Apologies for the very long wait, I've been super busy irl and also writing out my other stories, too. If you've been keeping up, I've been slowly uploading Arc Three Chapters as a separate story, titled - Mutterliebe - Welcome Home. Why? Because Arc Two is almost finished. I expect maybe 3-4 more chapters past this one, and... that's the Soul Society Arc ... this Chapter is the largest I've written for any of my stories. So hope you all enjoy. Comment your thoughts about all the developments after reading this.

Fated Clashes -The Execution, Part 1

"SNAP, TOBIUME!" The petite Lieutenant screamed, as she launched her signature fireball at the ones she had called 'comrades' now turned traitors! Her eyes had glazed over, her own rage and the final words of her lo-, her Captain, ringing in her head.

A few minutes prior…

"CAPTAIN AIZEN!"

A horrifying sight.

Blood everywhere. Chunks of… organs!? Torn flesh? And the smell… it almost made Momo want to vomit whatever she had the day before.

And at the centre of the carnage, was the one whom she admired above all others. Her Captain, Sōsuke Aizen. On the floor. His own blood pooling around him.

She ran to him. Her idol. Her everything.

His blood continued to pool around him.

"Mo….mo…" He weakly called out. She could tell the light was fading from his eyes.

Her body was shaking, as she approached him. Tears running hot and cold.

"I…hav…"

"N-No…Captain. Save your strength!"

She ran over to her Captain. The soles of her shoes getting drenched in his blood. She went down to her knees and examined him.

No… there's…nothing…

Her tears ran hot and cold.

"Mo…mo…" his voice was weak, but Momo focused on (what would likely be), his last words.

"Captain…?"

"Did…you…read…my letter?"

She nodded her affirmation.

"Then…you understand…that we…have traitors…among us…" He grabbed onto an overhanging sleeve of hers, his eyes pleading for her to understand.

Her lips trembled and the tears flowed.

"You…have to…stop…them…Momo," the dying man coughed up blood. She tried to keep him steady, but knew he was running out of time. His reiatsu and reiryōku were both dimming.

"Who…who did this?" She was scared to find out. If there were traitors among them, then she had likely worked closely with them. Stood by them as colleagues and comrades should.

"It was…"

White noise filled her very being. The shock and horror evident on her face. She was trembling with fear, disgust, horror and…rage – feelings she seldom felt.

No… I… I can't… believe it!

Cough, Cough.

"I… know… this is… a shock… to you… Mo..mo… but your duty… comes first."

Aizen's hand that clutched onto Momo's sleeve shook – before finally letting go…

"No…no! Captain…Captain!"

The last of his breath escaped his body, as he fell limp in her arms.

Her screams could be heard across the Seireitei.

I'll avenge you my Captain and save us all from their plans, and stop the invading Ryōka.

That is my Vow to you.

Meanwhile – far away from the Senzaikyū

"Thanks… Yoruichi for getting us out of there."

"Yeah, well… you were stupid for jumping off the bridge like that. Especially since your Quincy powers are still developing!" She promptly chopped Ichigo's head, which made the carrot top wince in pain.

"OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?"

The former Soul Reaper huffed in response, "that was for being an idiot! Besides, if your mother was here, I'm pretty sure she'd do far worse to you Ichigo."

The young hybrid paled at the thought of his mother, and what she'd do if she found out how reckless he was.

His cousin Ganju laughed at him, while Ichigo stared daggers at his senior.

"You're one to laugh Ganju! If you hadn't tried to fight Byakuya like you did, I never woulda needed to step in!"

The older man still laughed, raucous and joyous. It was so funny to him, that he had to brace his sides, because he was laughing too much!

That was until he felt immense spiritual pressure being directed at him!

Immediately his eyes looked up to see that a dark aura (and what looked to be a thunderstorm in the making) loomed over him. He realised it was Yoruichi!

"So... even when me and Masaki told you to take care of Ichigo, you up and did a reckless stunt of your own!?"

Her voice was both thunderous and cold.

"Eh...hehehe?"

Sparks of electricity.

"WELL!?"

A thunder clap.

"Ya see Yoruichi... we ... Er... I... eh...well..."

"SPIT IT OUT ALREADY, BOY!"

A thunderous crash.

The older Shiba was sweating buckets but steeled himself to comply.

"I... had no choice. We had Rukia and me and Hanatarō, were just about to get out of there, when Byakuya Kuchiki showed up."

Yoruichi's pupils dilated into slits.

"And I knew it was stupid and hopeless, yet..."

"Yet you couldn't run away like a coward, abandoning your mission." Yoruichi sighed. She figured as much. The Shiba's held onto their own sense of honour, far more tightly than even the Kuchiki. Likely fuelled by their sense of justice.

Ichigo was honestly just glad that Yoruichi's ire wasn't directed at him. He had enough of powerful spiritual pressures forcing him on the back foot.

You wound me King.

Indeed, Ichigo.

'Zangetsu? White?'

"Ichigo. Rest here for now. Chad and Orihime are currently training down here, but it won't be long before we have to get back out there."

The 'Cat Lady' trained her senses to above their compound. One that greatly resembled a certain training area in Kisuke's shop. She could almost feel...

"Yeah... just a quick rest though." Ichigo placed his arms as a makeshift headrest, lied back on the floor and rested. He needed it. His mind drifted off...

To his own inner world...

"We need a plan Yoruichi."

"We have one, it still hasn't changed. Just needs to be modified a little."

And wasn't that the truth. While Ichigo was sleeping quite soundly, the next eldest member of their group (Ganju) was having a deep discussion about their next moves.

According to him, Ichigo had actually defeated the Squad 11 Captain, Kenpachi Zaraki. He wasn't there, but figured as much from Ichigo being able to rescue him.

"Unbelievable...to think he'd defeat Zaraki."

"Yeah... and the fact he still had more than enough to go toe-to toe with Kuchiki, is insane."

Ichigo... you're...

Ichigo was able to get some much needed rest. He was told it was only a few hours, which was just enough for him to feel quite rejuvenated.

That's good Ichigo.

Yep, gotta keep well rested King.

Yeah, yeah you two. Thanks.

(It was strange talking to the two spirits within himself. Zangetsu and... White. And it seemed like the both of them were starting to talk to him more often.)

Eh, nothing to worry about.

Ichigo checked in on Chad and Orihime. His friends were going through some sparring sessions, together.

The solidly built Chad threw his energy punches at the dainty Orihime (he called them... El Directo), while she used her shield to block, dodge and then counter with a projectile attack (Koten Zanshun – her only offensive attack).

The two of them went back and forth, using new tactics he'd never seen before.

He was honestly impressed with their progress... considering it's only been a few days (roughly a week) since arriving in Soul Society.

"So, what do you think Ichigo? Not bad right?"

He nodded, "They're so much sharper Yoruichi. How'd this happen?"

Of course, the orange haired boy was curious about this new development.

"Well, they were motivated by the last battle they fought in. They went up against a Captain and Lieutenant."

"They did!?"

"Yes. Lucky for them it was Captain Kyōraku they fought against. He went quite easy on them both. It was his Lieutenant that was the real aggressor."

The name didn't ring a bell, but then again, his mind kinda blanked when his mom and Yoruichi explained who they were going up against. He was too focused on saving Rukia.

"But... they look alright to me."

Yoruichi sighed, "On the outside sure, but the experience had shaken them a little. Remember, they too were fighting for their own safety – made especially more difficult by Masaki killing Kurotsuchi."

Ichigo swallowed hard at that. Yes, he had heard the announcement and felt the intensity of his mom's reiatsu. He also remembered the name Kurotsuchi. At least a little.

"Kurotsuchi... he was Kisuke's replacement yeah?" Yoruichi nodded.

"Yes, but even I questioned Kisuke's choice. Kisuke made him third seat 110 years prior. And because of his own exile, plus other circumstances, the man ascended to Captain and Head of the Department of Research and Development."

She shook her head. Yes, her friend was a certifiable genius, but he must've known how unethical Kurotsuchi was. And knowing he likely knew about Masaki to some extent, this led her to believe that he knew a confrontation was imminent.

Did he... sacrifice Kurotsuchi? Or at least calculated Kurotsuchi's demise given...

Suddenly a crash was heard from above.

Above the compound that was nestled on the outskirts of the Seireitei, stood a certain red head. He had (mostly) recovered from his wounds and decided to follow the reiatsu traces left by his old, orange haired opponent.

Going after the man who defeated you, eh? Captain Kuchiki would be aghast at my shamelessness.

It took him a few hours to find the compound. While not the stealthiest guy, he was pretty sure he wasn't followed. He'd (after all) taken notes from both Lieutenant Omaeda (of Squad Two/Stealth Force) and even Captain Hitsugaya on how to hide one's presence well enough.

He spotted what looked to be the entrance and tried to open it like a... normal person.

Nope it's not even budging. Annoying.

Then he realised the door had a barrier on it, which (if his senses were correct) would keep out even third seats.

Too bad I'm not a Third Seat!

With that, Renji pulled out his zanpakutō and smashed it into the entrance.

Back inside the compound...

A large crash could be heard above. The entryway was covered with dust, as debris started to fall.

Then something dropped down, cloaked in a cloud of dust.

"Ah... I see this is where you guys are eh? Knew what I sensed was you kid!"

As the dust cleared a tuft of red hair, a face with tattoos and a cocky grin could be seen.

Of course Ichigo needed none of that to identify the man in front of them.

"Renji Abarai!"

"Yo! Good to see ya, Ichigo!"

Shock quickly turned into anger as Ichigo berated Renji for his stupidity, "Idiot! This was a secret training area! Now you've likely lead our enemies right to us!"

The red headed Lieutenant grinned, "but ain't I an enemy too, carrot top?"

"You're a defeated enemy Abarai. Not the same thing." The young hybrid huffed.

"I'm sooo flattered," the Lieutenant bemoaned, which clearly riled up his young friend.

The Former Soul Reaper sighed, "enough of this nonsense, what is it you want Abarai?"

Renji looked at Yoruichi (noting that the woman was one to be wary of), before giving his message.

"Central 46 has just announced they're executing Rukia less than two days."

"What!?"

Chad and Orihime had already stopped their own sparring, to arrive just in time to hear this shocking news.

"No..." Orihime whimpered.

She shed tears, realising that Rukia's time was almost up.

Chad clenched his fists, disappointed with his own failure. If he had negotiated better with Kyōraku... they might've made it to the Senzaikyū to help Ichigo and Ganju. Then they would've been halfway to the Human World by now.

It was Ganju however that took the news the worst (besides Ichigo). He knew he had failed, when he needed to succeed. Yes, there were mitigating circumstances (one Byakuya Kuchiki came to mind), but to him, that was little comfort. Now the hour was nigh.

Somewhere in a holding cell in the Seireitei...

Kenpachi Zaraki had been interrogated by a few officers regarding his battle with the greatest opponent he'd faced in centuries!

He kept mum about the finer details, but said the boy had tremendous power far surpassing most Captains. His statement was apparently supported by Captain Ukitake (a surprise, but not unwelcome), who was also being questioned for not detaining the Ryōka when he had the chance.

"I could've done so, but it would have been at great risk to my subordinate, Rukia Kuchiki, whom I vehemently believe has been mistreated for her supposed crimes!"

The officers were taken aback by how strongly the Captain felt on the subject. Many of whom, wished their own superiors would vouch for them, like Ukitake clearly did for Rukia.

What was a little odd about the whole thing, was that Ukitake seemed like he was lying (about what exactly, he wasn't sure). Then again, even Kenpachi Zaraki valued loyalty above all else (besides a good fight of course!) So he understood wanting to - at least - keep his subordinates out from under the thumb of bureaucrats.

The announcement of that Rukia girls execution was blared out across the Seireitei.

Apparently it was being moved up (again) to within the next two days.

It had been about a day since that announcement.

Okay... I have no real feelings either way, but... this would be a perfect opportunity to find that boy again.

"Hehe!" The man grinned ear to ear.

"What is it Kenny?" His very young Lieutenant enquired.

"Well... I just felt Abarai leaving his own confinement, and I thought to myself: maybe I should follow suit?"

The pink haired girl jumped up onto her Captains back, "Okay Kenny! Sounds like a plan."

"Indeed."

And with that Kenpachi blew open his holding cell and ran off. Knowing (for sure) that Ichigo Kurosaki would be headed off to Sōkyoku Hill, to save that Rukia girl.

Of course for the directionless Kenpachi Zaraki, that would be easier said then done!

End of Chapter Notes:

Here's a few insights into this chapter.

1. While Hinamori was tricked with the letter in canon, in this one Aizen is going several steps further. He's basically made her snap and he's loving every minute of it.

2. Renji is still... Renji. The red head has little subtlety and he was very lucky no one else found the compound. This has opened up opportunities for Kenpachi to also follow suit (the big guy doesn't need one, but he'll take it).

3. Tōshiro and Masaki, as well as Rangiku and Uryū are still having their battles. This will likely end next chapter (no promises).

4. Why are Chad and Orihime training again? They have the time to do so, and they know they need to ingrain their battle with Squad 8 into their very souls. Time might be limited, but patience is still a virtue.

Was this worth the wait? Excited about all the pieces lining up together? I appreciate the reviews. Expect more twists and turns, even during the last Chapter of this Arc (and no it's not what's currently happening in Arc Three).